The nominees for the 2016 Parkes Shire Sports Awards have been announced with an outstanding field of candidates. The annual awards recognise outstanding achievement in sport across the Parkes Shire. “From Olympians down to the grass roots level, the Parkes Shire is lucky to have such outstanding sporting athletes, officials and volunteers,” said Parkes Sports Council’s Secretary, Anthony McGrath. “It has been another amazing year of sporting achievements that wouldn’t have been possible without those members of our community,” Mr McGrath said.
The 2016 Awards are divided into eight categories. The winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards ceremony in Cooke Park on 26th January 2017.
The nominees are:
Sportsperson of the Year: Anthony Heraghty (Cricket), Kurt Lovett (Hockey), Mariah Williams (Hockey), Jack Elliot (Hockey), Scott Westcott (Marathon), Jacob Harvey (Cricket), Sam Dwyer (Rugby League), Claire Barber (League Tag), Ella-J Harris (League Tag)
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Victoria Simpson (Athletics), Billy Burns (Rugby League, Touch Football), Jake Magill (Tennis), Koby Johnstone (Hockey), Harrison Bayliss (Cricket), Nicholas Job (Hockey), Kane Nutley (Water Skiing), Kasey Faye-Rice (Golf)
Senior Sportsperson or Team: Denise Gersbach (Hockey), Matt Searl (Hockey), Maureen Massey (Hockey), Troy Dickson (Water Skiing)
Team of the Year: Parkes 1st XI (Cricket); Parkes Public School Boys (Hockey); Parkes Public School Boys (Cricket);
Parkes Spacecats (League Tag); Parkes Over 35s Women’s Masters (Hockey); Parkes 45 Mens Masters (Hockey) ; Railway Bowling Club – Blue Club Challenge team (Bowls)
Coach, Trainer or Manager of the Year: Sharon Dixon (Physiotherapy), Helen Magill (Tennis), Michael Dumesny (League Tag), Aaron Huppatz (Hockey) Long Service and Dedication: Paul Dunford (Cricket), Parkes Tennis Canteen Ladies: Pat Drabsch, Pauline Nicholson, Val Glasheen and Lyn Pengilly; Kevin Medlyn (Soccer), Craig Dumesny (Harness Racing)
Referee, Umpire or Official of the Year: Chris Reynolds (Touch Football), Amanda Draper (Touch Football), Taylor Draper (Touch Football), Trevor Chatman (Cricket), Stuart Peden (Soccer)
Administrator of the Year: Laurie Wakefield (Hockey), Peter Yelland (Cricket), Al Gersbach (Parkes Rugby), Sam Cox (Little Athletics), Graham Thomson (Railway Bowling Club).