Sport NSW announces 2025 Community Sports Awards winners

The winners of the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards, presented by Sport NSW, have been announced.

Presented at Sydney's CommBank Stadium on Monday night, the Awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year which is largely conducted by a volunteer workforce.

The 12 category recipients received their Awards at the ceremony hosted by Sport NSW and supported by the NSW Government with the NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper MP and Jodie Harrison, Minister responsible for volunteering in attendance.

Congratulating the Award winners and paying tribute to all finalists, Sport NSW Chairperson, Chris Hall stated "the NSW Community Sports Awards are the highest honours for community and grassroots sport in the state.

“Sport lays at the heart of communities across NSW. It is where life-long friendships are formed, team-work is developed, and successes are celebrated.

“It is fitting these Award recipients and finalists are recognised and honoured and we congratulate them for their extraordinary service to sport and to their communities.

“Without these hard-working, selfless volunteers, tens of thousands of sports participants would not be able to enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides.

“Unquestionably, these volunteers provide the backbone of sport for others to compete and enjoy.

“Their leadership, enthusiasm and inspiration will help motivate the next generation of volunteers.”

The Awards evening also celebrated 19 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards.

These Awards honoured individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades.

The 2025 NSW Community Award winners are:

NSW Communities and Justice Community Club of the Year
Collaroy Tennis Club, Cromer

Variety Community Club of the Year
Karley Banks, touch rugby - Ellermore Vale

ACPE Young Coach of the Year
Max Marsters, touch rugby - Manly

People + Culture Strategies Community Event of the Year
Your Local Club Academy Games - Tamworth

Valour Community Official of the Year
Murray Smith, swimming - Oak Flats

Revolutionise Sport Young Official of the Year
Luke Schmude Hockey Armidale

Sportscover Community Sport Administrator of the Year
Liam James - rowing

AICD Volunteer Director of the Year
Melinda Stewart - gymnastics

UNSW Community Team of the Year
Terrigal U17 Female Ski Relay Team - Surf Life Saving 

Multicultural NSW Inclusion Achievement of the Year
Chris Tucker - rowing 
Basketball NSW 

WT Sports & Recognition Innovation of the Year
Club Standards and Benchmarking Framework - Football NSW

NSW Office of Sport Local Council of the Year
Dubbo Regional Council

The Distinguished Long Service Awards recipients are:

Images: Winners at the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards, Basketball NSW (top) and Collaroy Tennis Club (below).