About the awards
Established in 2016, the Knox Sport and Leisure Awards aim to create sustainable sporting and leisure groups through the retention of volunteers and promotion of award-winning club initiatives to the wider Knox community.
2026 Award winners
The 2026 Knox Sport and Leisure Awards were held at the Knox Civic Centre on 17 June 2026.
The winners of each category are below.
Council congratulates all nominees and winners for their achievements and their contribution to sport in Knox.
Club of the Year
Awarded to Ferntree Gully Tennis Club.
This award goes to a Knox-based sport and leisure club who:
- Who has implemented good governance structures
- Has attended Council’s Club Development Workshops
- Is inclusive and supportive to volunteers
Best Club Initiated Program
Awarded to Eildon Park Cricket Club.
This award goes to a Knox based sport and leisure club that supports an inclusive program that aligns with the goals outlined within the Knox Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025 - 2029.
Club Person of the Year (Adult)
Awarded to Lee Thompson - Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.
This award goes to volunteers who are 18 years of age and over, who have made a significant contribution to their club.
Club Person of the Year (Junior)
Awarded to volunteers who are 17 years of age and under, who have made a significant contribution to their club:
- Ayden Yusuf - Templeton Cricket Club
- Hannah Tucker - Ferntree Gully Netball Club
- Jack Riddell - Golden Cobra Martial Arts
- Jackson Vassallo - Eastern Raptors Rugby League Club
- Lucas Santilli - Mountain Gate Cricket Club
- Taylah Snell - Templeton Cricket Club
Women in Sport Leadership Award
Awarded to Beccy Dawber – Bayswater Junior Football Club
This award goes to female volunteers who have made a significant contribution to their club whilst holding a position(s) of leadership such as a President, Coach or Official.
Years of Service Recognition
Recognition for Years of Service is given to long-standing volunteers within local sport and leisure clubs. This recognition starts at 20 years of service and goes up in increments of 10 years (for example 20, 30).
All volunteers nominated under this category were recognised at the Awards evening:
- Peter Williams - Knox Baseball Club (30 years)
- David Rice – Knox Baseball Club (50 years)
Previous Knox Sports and Leisure Award winners
Knox City Council would like to congratulate all winners and nominees for their outstanding efforts to the local sporting community and say thank you to the Award sponsors.
