Finalists announced for 2025 Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards

Finalists have been announced for the 2025 Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards being hosted by the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention(NSC).

The purpose of these awards is to recognise individuals, government, not-for-profits, the commercial sector, play sector, recreation and sports for their innovations to get more people active in the community.

With the largest ever number of submissions this year, the standards have been exceptionally high, and short-listing was very hard. Congratulations to all those who submitted as they showcase the excellent work that is being invested in communities across Australia. Award winners will be announced as part of the 2025 NSC Oration on the 25th June at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The award categories are:

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
The communication messages that innovatively activates the community for more people to be active, play, recreate and participate in community sport at a local level or through a major event.

INCLUSION PROGRAM/INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR in partnership with Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Alliance (DISA)
Recognises outstanding efforts by individuals or organisations in delivering programs/initiatives that champion inclusion and active participation across diverse communities. This could include initiatives that have advocated for gender equality, involved LGBTQIA+ communities, supported people with disabilities, empowered indigenous populations, reached out to culturally diverse and multicultural communities and encouraged participation among other underrepresented communities.

TECHNOLOGY
Innovations in technology that support Business to Business (B2B) improvements for the industry or Business to Consumer (B2C) experiences.

OUTDOOR SPORT & LEISURE FACILITY DESIGN
Innovative design, solutions and management that creates an environment where more people are active (outdoor environments, with natural, synthetic and built forms), whilst embracing the principles of sustainability.

INDOOR SPORT & LEISURE FACILITY DESIGN
Innovative design, solutions and management that creates an environment where more people are more active and can be excited by the design and built form, looking at how innovation can encourage and attract more visitors and participation, whilst embracing the principles of sustainability.

SPORT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Innovations that organisations have embraced to recognise the impact that sport can have on climate change and how they have focused on reducing their carbon footprint.

PLAYGROUND DESIGN
Designs and developments that allow and encourage more children to play, have fun and be active.

THE OVERALL SPORT, RECREATION AND PLAY INDUSTRY AWARD FOR INNOVATION
This award will provide the prize for the Overall Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Award. The winner will be chosen from one of the above 7 category winners.

Congratulations to the finalists who include:

Sutherland Shire Council – Hybrid Turf Pilot Program

Polytan – Poligras Paris GT Zero

Belgravia Leisure – Move IT CBR!

City of Swan – The Ballajura Intergenerational Playspace (Weitj Park)

Landscape Solutions – The Gables Sports Precinct

Penrith City Council – Gipps Street Recreation Precinct

Sporteng – St Joseph's School Sports Precinct

Clubland Australia – The Sports Club Web Platform

Olly Timing – Swimming Timing System

SportsGrid – ASF Club Donation Integration

City of Swan – Swan Active Midland Refurbishment

Peddle Thorp – Coonawarra Willam Aquatic Centre

Blacktown City Council – Blacktown Exercise, Sport and Technology Hub, BEST

Maribyrnong City Council & Football Victoria – GoFamily

Moriarty Foundation – John Moriarty Football Remote Indigenous Football Program

New Horizons Tasmania – Champions Program

WSYD Moving – WSYD Moving