The South West Academy of Sport have once again celebrated the incredible achievements of athletes at the Old Lyric Theatre, Bunbury, for its 2024/2025 Awards Night, an event designed to spotlight the region’s rising sporting talent. The night was a tribute to the persistence, grit and commitment of local athletes, coaches and volunteers. In the highlight of the evening, cycling phenomenon Connor Wright was crowned Sports Star of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Connor’s victory was a testament to a stellar season on two wheels where he took a commanding victory at the Gran Premio Liberazione Juniors in Italy, a dominant win at the Heubach MTB Festival at UCI XCO Junior Series in Germany, before shifting to Nové Město, Czech Republic, for the Junior World Cup where he delivered a high‑profile second place in the race held alongside the elite men’s event. Connor rounded out his season with an impressive 6th place at the Junior World Championships, donning the green and gold of Australia.
Image: Awards Winners: Heidi Ireland, Kalen Bennet, James Duncan, Connor Wright & Ruby Berry (Missing – Taj Allan & Cooper Bidesi)
Beyond Wright’s triumph, the evening saw a range of emerging and established athletes, coaches and community contributors step into the limelight. Some of the other award winners included:
- Emerging Star of the Year – Taj Allen (AFL)
- Team Male Athlete of the Year – Cooper Bidesi (Hockey)
- Team Female Athlete of the Year – Heidi Ireland (AFLW)
- Individual Male Athlete of the Year – Connor Wright (Cycling)
- Individual Female Athlete of the Year – Ruby Berry (Surfing)
- Connor Lambert Community Achiever – Kalen Bennet (Running)
- Wally Foreman Coach of the Year – James Duncan (Surf Life Saving)
These accolades acknowledge not just athletic success, but also leadership, perseverance and service to community, core values SWAS seeks to nurture across its programs.
SWAS Executive Officer Rachel Norman remarked that the Awards Night is more than just trophies, it is a celebration of journeys, the challenges faced, and the successes earned along the way.
For many young athletes of the South West, nights like these provide both affirmation and fuel, the validation of hard work, and a reminder that the region embraces their ambitions.
The South West Academy of Sport extends a heartfelt thank you to the award night sponsors for their support and providing SWAS with the opportunity to showcase the achievements of regional sporting excellence.
GOLD SPONSOR
- Get Careers
SILVER SPONSORS
- RCR Mining Technologies
- Outdoor World
PRIZE SPONSORS
- Intersport
- Southern Lock & Security