Local sports stars recognised at City of Mandurah Sports Awards

The best sports people, clubs and teams from across Mandurah have been recognised at the City's Sports Awards.

Close to 150 people attended the Mandurah Sports Awards gala dinner on November 22 to celebrate the achievements of local sports 
role models, volunteers, teams and clubs who have achieved sporting success at an elite level or made a significant contribution to sport in Mandurah. 

Winners were announced across 11 categories, including Sports Person of the Year which was awarded to judo superstar Georgia Aiesi.

In an amazing feat, Georgia currently holds the title of Australian National Champion in her category despite only taking up the sport two years ago. 

Mayor Rhys Williams congratulated the night’s big winners, finalists and nominees, highlighting their outstanding contributions and achievements in sport and recreation in Mandurah. 

“Sport is a huge part of the fabric of our community, and there are so many incredible home-grown sports stars, clubs and hardworking volunteers who have made huge contributions and achievements over the past year,” Mayor Williams said. 

“There are many people in our community who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to making sport great in Mandurah, and ensuring sport is inclusive and accessible to all. 

“Sport and recreation activities make us feel part of something; it creates a sense of belonging, it connects our community, builds self-esteem and strengthens mental and physical health, and that’s something we want to nurture and celebrate. 

“Mandurah is proud to have a strong and successful sporting community from grass-roots players, teams and clubs to our elite sporting stars and teams who are achieving amazing things locally, nationally and internationally. A huge congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you for making the local sporting scene what it is today.” 

The 2023 Mandurah Sports Awards winners are: 

• Sports Person of the Year – Georgia Aiesi, judo 

• Masters Sports Person of the Year – David Berglund, paddling (surfski and kayak) 

• Junior Sports Person of the Year – Sean Alcorn, swimming 

• Sports Person of the Year with Disability – Jayne Parsons, tennis and lawn bowls 

• Team of the Year – Halls Head Cricket Club A Grade Team 

• Club of the Year – Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club Inc 

• Junior Team of the Year – Mandurah Magic U18 Boys Black WABL Team, basketball 

• Inclusion Program or Event of the Year – Tennis4All Program 

• Ken Phillips Male Volunteer of the Year – Ashley Wyborn, cricket 

• Female Volunteer of the Year – Mel Loreto, football (soccer) 

• Junior Volunteer of the Year – Riley Burns, basketball and cricket 

BMX rising star Amelie Reid and wave kitesurfing champion Amber Skinner were Highly Commended in the Junior Sports Person of the Year category. 

Team of the Year – Halls Head Cricket Club A Grade Team 

Club of the Year – Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club Inc