2026 South West Sport Community Sports Awards

Celebrating the people, clubs and organisations who make community sport possible.

Nominations for the 2026 Awards now open.

South West Sport, together with Ace Radio presents the 2026 South West Community Sports Awards.

Celebrated through a range of categories, the awards recognise clubs and organisations driving positive community outcomes through sport and recreation as well as acknowledging individual contributions to grassroots community sport, through volunteerism and leadership.

Award Categories

Club of the Year
Community Sport and Recreation Event of the Year
Community Impact Initiative of the Year
Women's Participation Initiative of the Year
Youth Participation Initiative of the Year
Inclusive Participation Initiative of the Year
Community Sports Leader: Coach of the Year
Community Sports Leader: Women's Leader of the Year
Community Sports Leader: Emerging Leader of the Year
Community Sport Volunteer of the Year - Corangamite
Community Sport Volunteer of the Year - Glenelg
Community Sport Volunteer of the Year - Moyne
Community Sport Volunteer of the Year - Southern Grampians
Community Sport Volunteer of the Year - Warrnambool

Nominations Open Now!

Nominations close February 22nd 2026, at 11:59pm.

To nominate, fill in all fields in the form below. Detailed information on the individual award categories and criteria can be found below the form.

Applicants can nominate themselves or others and apply for more than one award category. Activities are to have occurred across the 2025 winter or summer seasons where applicable.

Email any supporting material or assets including photos, videos and media articles to sws@southwestsport.com.au

Nominees must meet one of the following criteria to apply:

Be an individual involved in a sport or recreation club in south west Victoria.

Be a sport or recreation club or organisation based in south west Victoria.

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Award Categories

Club Of The Year

Criteria: A club that is creating a welcoming, safe & Inclusive environment, that has demonstrated good governance, and growth in participation.

Sponsored by: Coast FM

Community Impact Initiative of the Year

Criteria: Recognises a sport or recreation club, organisation or individual who has made significant impact within diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing, whilst driving broader visibility and awareness for the wider community

Sponsored by: Deakin

Community Sport & Recreation Event Of The Year

Criteria: A community sport or recreation event that engages and activates the community.

Sponsored by: Deakin

Inclusive Participation Initiative of the Year

Criteria: A club or organisation that is creating participation opportunities for people with a disability

Sponsored by: Southern Stay

Youth Participation Initiative Of The Year

Criteria: A club or organisation that is creating participation opportunities for young people aged 0-25

Sponsored by: South West TAFE

Community Sport Leader: Women's Leader In Sport

Criteria: Recognises the leadership of a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to their club or sporting community.

Sponsored by: Womens Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West

Community Sport Leader: Emerging Leader In Sport

Criteria: Recognises an up-and-coming leader who has made an outstanding contribution to their club or sporting community.

Sponsored by: Beyond Bank

Community Sports Leader: Coach of the Year

Criteria: An individual coach who has gone above and beyond, to create a positive club culture and empowers participants.

Sponsored by: McLaren Hunt

Women's Participation Initiative Of The Year

Criteria: A club or organisation that is creating participation opportunities for women & girls to drive gender equity in sport.

Sponsored by: Respect 2040

Celebrating Diversity And Inclusion In Sport Award

Criteria: A club or organisation that is championing diversity and inclusion within their sport.

Sponsored by: Are-Able

Community Sport Volunteer Of The Year Award - Corangamite

Criteria: Recognises a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to community sport and recreation.

Sponsored by: Corangamite Shire

Community Sport Volunteer Of The Year Award - Glenelg

Criteria: Recognises a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to community sport and recreation.

Sponsored by: Glenelg Shire

Community Sport Volunteer Of The Year Award - Moyne

Criteria: Recognises a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to community sport and recreation.

Sponsored by: Moyne Shire

Community Sport Volunteer Of The Year Award - Southern Grampians

Criteria: Recognises a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to community sport and recreation.

Sponsored by: Southern Grampians Shire Council

Community Sport Volunteer Of The Year Award - Warrnambool

Criteria: Recognises a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to community sport and recreation.

Sponsored by: Warrnambool City Council