Vicsport award winners crowned

The Vicsport Award winners were announced last night at a packed-out MCG event. The awards celebrated the contribution of the recipients and finalists, ranging from a community to elite level.

Guest of honour, Mel Jones OAM stole the show, receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport Award. An original Change Our Game ambassador, Jones has played an integral role in shaping cricket and broadcast in Australia and internationally. A former Australian cricketer, Jones was the first woman broadcast lead on the Big Bash League and the first woman player to hold a director role on the board of Cricket Australia.

Jones wasn’t the only one recognised at the awards, with an additional 7 women walking away with some new silverware. Cyclist Grace Brown OAM took home the prestigious Kitty McEwan Award, for her efforts on the international stage, coming home with a gold medal in the Women’s Road Individual Time Trial at the Paris Olympics.

Cynthia Tam was awarded the Official of the Year, recognised for her tireless commitment, mentoring and engagement with both national and international badminton umpires. She is also the first Australian since 2014 to achieve Badminton World Federation Umpire status.

Madelaine Breakspear received the Community Coach of the Year for creating an inclusive and encouraging environment for women of all ages, while the Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year Award went to Meaghan Densley. Nadene Gole took home the Masters Athlete of the Year after imposing herself as a golfing powerhouse, winning 7 of 9 world-ranking events.

Women award winners:

Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport Award – Mel Jones OAM

Community Coach of the Year: Madelaine Breakspear – Football (soccer)

Official of the Year: Cynthia Tam - Badminton

Team of the Year: Victorian ISSF State Team - Target Pistol Shooting

Community Sporting Event of the Year: Statewide Senior Football & Netball Carnival - VACSAL

Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year Award: Meaghan Densley – Sailing

Masters Athlete of the Year: Nadene Gole – Golf

Kitty McEwan Award: Grace Brown OAM– Cycling

See the full list of winners on the Vicsport website.