The sporting achievements of several Southern Riverina residents were showcased and celebrated as part of Australia Day activities on Monday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Sports awards were presented at each of the four ceremonies - at Barooga for Berrigan Shire, and Murrumbidgee Council awards events at Coleambally, Darlington Point and Jerilderie.
Some were credited with efforts across multiple disciplines, and others for a sole focus on one sporting endeavour.
The junior recipients were honoured for their achievements both in school and in community sports.
Winners by council area/town are as follows:
Berrigan Shire:
Sports Team of the Year – Berrigan Football Club fourths
Early in 2025, the club was facing the possibility of not fielding an under-14s team due to low numbers.
Thanks to the determination of local farmer and parent Rob Ryan, a group of young players — many brand new to football — were encouraged to give it a go.
The focus wasn’t just on winning games, but on belonging, mateship and community. That culture became the heart of the team.
Against all odds, the Berrigan fourths made it to the Picola & District grand final, taking on an undefeated and far more experienced Picola side.
In a remarkable display of resilience and teamwork, they won the 2025 premiership.
Along the way, the team celebrated outstanding individual achievements, including:
• Jordan Swann kicking more than 100 goals and being named joint Smith Medal winner for best under-14s player; and,
• William Batten being selected to represent Wanderers Australia on an international tour of Fiji.
The entire season was built on volunteer effort, from coaches and families who rallied together - car-pooling, volunteering in the canteen, helping with strapping, washing jumpers, and stepping in wherever assistance was needed.
The players themselves also regularly helped as boundary umpires and water runners for senior teams.
Coleambally:
Sub-junior Sportsperson - Willow Pound
Willow, a Year 4 student at Coleambally Central School, had an exceptional year across multiple sports.
She plays under-11s netball for the Coly Football Netball Club, under-11s league tag for the Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters, and is an active member of the Coleambally Swim Club.
Willow represented her school and the Riverina at the NSWPSSA State Athletics Championships in junior girls high jump, and competed at Griffith Zone in swimming and cross country.
She also represented the school in the Netball Schools Cup and the Trent Barrett Shield.
Her outstanding achievements were recognised with several awards, including 10 Years Girls Swimming Champion for the Coleambally Swimming Club, under-11s best and fairest for CFNC, and the coach’s award for League Tag.
Junior Sportsperson - Alex Pound
Alex, a Year 10 student at Coleambally Central School, has had an outstanding 2025, representing his school and region across multiple sports.
He competed at state for cross country, athletics, and swimming, and played in the Netball NSW Schools Cup.
At club level, Alex has been a key player for the CFNC, contributing to both the under-18s and first grade teams.
He played a pivotal role in the under-18s premiership win, and was runner-up best and fairest for both the CFNC and in the Farrer League.
Alex’s talent and dedication were further recognised with his selection in the AFL Giants Academy, including representing the under-16s in the national championships.
Senior Sportsperson - Hannah Pound
Hannah has just graduated Year 12 at CCS, where she served with distinction as school captain.
A talented and committed athlete, Hannah represented CCS and the Riverina across multiple sports, including long jump at state athletics, the Central Schools relay team at the state swimming championships, and cross country at Riverina.
She was also selected in the Open Riverina Netball Team, representing both CCS and the Riverina.
At club level, Hannah played A-grade netball for CFNC, where she was awarded best and fairest. She was also runner-up best and fairest for the Farrer League.
Team of the Year - CFNC U18 AFL team
The under-18s proudly re-formed for the 2025 Farrer League season.
Made up of players aged 14 to 18, the team overcame significant challenges, including the wide geographical spread of players, which made training and cohesion difficult.
Under the steady guidance of coach Tony Pound, the group developed into a resilient and unified side, winning 10 of their 12 games and their round two semi final to earn a place against North Wagga in a fiercely contested grand final.
Every player rose to the occasion on grand final day, delivering some of their strongest performances of the season.
“Their determination was rewarded with a thrilling two-point victory, securing the Farrer League Noel Driscoll Premiership Cup in a dramatic finish.
Darlington Point:
Sportsperson of the Year – Peter Jones
Peter is a member of the Darlington Point Bowls Club and is a talented all-round sportsperson.
He has earned many awards during his time as a bowls club member, which is close to 50 years.
He has represented the club on many occasions.
During 2025, Peter was singles champion and a member of the doubles, triples and fours championship teams.
Young Sportsperson of the Year – Mia Honeyman
Mia is an 11 year-old dancer with exceptional talent, dedication, and a passion for performance.
She has shown confidence and joy in every dance, inspiring those around her.
She is an active member of the junior committee for the Riverina Classic, contributing her time and energy to support a major community event, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to her local community.
Driven by a belief that dance is for everyone, Mia encourages inclusivity and confidence, showing that people of all backgrounds and abilities can express themselves through movement.
In 2025, she trained five to six days a week, competed in eight competitions across NSW and Victoria, and achieved 15 first-place awards, multiple other placings, and the title of Front and Centre Under-12 National Tap Champion.
She also attended the Australian Tap Festival in Melbourne, performing alongside top dancers and one of the youngest selected to perform at Chapel Off Chapel.
Sporting Team of the Year – DPCRLFC
The Darlington Point Coleambally Rugby League Football Club’s first grade team has been a consistent and successful side, winning the Group 20 first grade premiership in 2019, finishing runners-up in 2022 and 2023, and then premiership winners again in 2024 and 2025.
The side was successful in winning the Group 20 premiership against the Hay Magpies.
The team finished the normal season as minor premiers before an impressive finals campaign.
Jerilderie:
Sportsperson of the Year - Charlie Rorato
Charlie is an outstanding youth, whose dedication, sportsmanship and commitment to the Jerilderie community make him a highly deserving candidate for this award.
In 2025, his football achievements have been exceptional.
He was selected in the Riverina under-15s AFL team, the NSW Combined High Schools team and the NSW All Schools team.
At the Brisbane carnival he excelled, performing strongly against some of the best young players from across the country, many of whom are members of elite academy programs.
His progression is a remarkable achievement, one that very few students attain, and a testament to his talent, determination and commitment to excellence.
For his efforts, he has been deservedly nominated for a Riverina Blue in recognition of his outstanding sporting accomplishments.
All of this while maintaining a strong commitment to his local football team, where he is an active and valued member.
In 2025, he won the Jerilderie Football Netball Club’s under-17s best and fairest award.
He is supportive of his teammates and is always eager to improve himself. He is a natural leader and mentor.
Always willing to help with duties, he is a water boy and boundary umpire, does canteen duties, and assists with the under-14s team, always with a positive attitude.
“He is a hardworking, humble and respectful young man who sets an excellent example for his peers and younger players,” under-17s coach Trevor Eldridge said.
“He is an absolute pleasure to coach.”
A Year 9 student at Finley High, he demonstrates a positive attitude towards his learning.
He actively engages in class activities and works well with his peers.
He has represented the high school through participation in Riverina and Swan Shield AFL, as well as swimming and athletics.