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Knox Honours Local Sport and Leisure Legends

Knox honours local sport and leisure legends

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Thursday, 18 June 2026

Last night Council celebrated local sport and leisure club volunteers and clubs at our annual Sport and Leisure awards, recognising their outstanding contributions to the community.

Winners were awarded in the following categories:

Club of the Year

Ferntree Gully Tennis Club was awarded Club of the Year for its inclusive and community-focused approach, delivering innovative programs, strong partnerships and initiatives such as disability training, Auslan workshops, leadership development and free community sessions.

The club also recently received the Most Outstanding Club or Centre at the 2026 Victorian Community Tennis Awards, further highlighting its role in making tennis accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Best Club‑initiated Program

Eildon Park Cricket Club claimed the award for their impactful Smash Cricket Social Sixes for Women and Girls, a welcoming, low-pressure pathway to physical activity and social connection. The program strengthens inclusion and reinforces the club’s role as a community hub

Club Person of the Year (Adult)

Lee Thompson was honoured for his outstanding leadership at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, supporting both operations and community wellbeing. He champions player mental health while contributing through fundraising and strong governance.

Club Person of the Year (Junior)

Ayden Yusuf – Templeton Cricket Club
Ayden has created a fun and welcoming environment for young cricketers through his dedicated support of the Junior Blasters program.

Hannah Tucker – Ferntree Gully Netball Club
Hannah is an outstanding leader who supports player development through her coaching, umpiring and delivery of inclusive training sessions.

Jack Riddell – Golden Cobra Martial Arts
Jack’s dedication shines through his instructing, event support and encouragement of others to get involved and succeed.

Jackson Vassallo – Eastern Raptors Rugby League Club
Jackson leads by example, living the club’s values and contributing across games, training and fundraising.

Lucas Santilli – Mountain Gate Cricket Club
Lucas is a valued volunteer whose positivity and willingness to help keeps the club running smoothly behind the scenes.

Taylah Snell – Templeton Cricket Club
Taylah’s patience and leadership help young players feel supported, included and excited about cricket.

Women in Sport Leadership

Beccy Dawber – Bayswater Junior Football Club
A key leader at Bayswater Junior Football Club, Beccy has contributed across multiple roles and drives club development, leading inclusive initiatives, securing funding and strengthening opportunities for women and girls.

Years of Service Recognition

Peter Williams - Knox Baseball Club (30 years)
A long-standing contributor to Knox Baseball Club, Peter has over 15 years of playing service with over 200 games played and has volunteered on the committee and many events.

David Rice – Knox Baseball Club (50 years)
A fixture at Knox Baseball Club since it was founded in 1977, David has played over 600 games, led junior clinics, served as club coach, treasurer and president, and continues in the role of Secretary.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. We’re looking forward to continuing to nurture and grow sport, leadership and community across Knox in 2027.