From athletes to those who train in Zumba studios and the pool, Dubbo Regional Council, the local Member Jamie Chaffee and Dubbo Photo News acknowledged the amazing achievements of local sportspeople.

More than 120 individuals and teams efforts were rewarded with Certificates of Achievement at the event with former Central Coast Mariners Youth League captain, Jamie Lobb guest speaker for the event.

Jamie led Manly to their first NSW Premier League (NPL 1) title in 2018 and, in three years with Macquarie United (MUFC), has taken them to their first Western Premier League premiership.

“I am incredibly humbled to be amongst so many high-achievers,” Jamie said.

“There are people in this room at the fledgling stage of their sporting journey, and others like legendary cyclist, Darrel Wheeler, who has chalked up 47 National Masters titles,” Jamie commented.

He encouraged the large contingent of parents, coaches and supporters in the room.

“My parents fostered my lifelong love of sport; they would get up early to drive me to training and went to every trial, game and practice sessions.

They were always positive and allowed me to have opportunities to improve and grow as a person,” Jamie revealed.

Jamie has put away his boots now after MUFC’s remarkable 3-2 win over two-time champions Bathurst 75s, but will remain heavily involved as Technical Director for the Central West League teams which compete in the NSW Youth Premier League.

Other winners on the night included for the Community Contribution Award, went to Inland Petroleum, through their continued sponsorship community sports. This has included Dubbo Turf Club, Dubbo Kangaroos rugby. Dubbo CYMS, St Johns Junior Rugby League, The Googars club, West Dubbo Bowling Club, Dubbo Motorcycle and Driver’s Club, Dubbo Dirt Bike, Dubbo Bulls Soccer, Narromine Jets junior and senior rugby league, Narromine Golf Club, Narromine Clay Target Club, and Narromine Swimming Club.

Their award testimonial stated that: “Inland Petroleum is deeply committed to supporting regional sporting communities, recognising the vital role that clubs, competition, and sporting facilities play in strengthening communities.

“Each year, Inland Petroleum invests more than a quarter of a million dollars into sporting initiatives across Dubbo and the wider region.”

The Dubbo Region Good Sport Award, went to the Wellington Warriors Football Club in recognition of their continuous support for Dubbo region sports.

The Community Contribution Award, went to Dubbo Junior Rugby Club, for their contribution to hosting the NSW Junior Rugby State Championships.

Their testimonial stated that: “Dubbo Junior Rugby Club has successfully hosted the NSW Junior Rugby Union State Championship over the June Long Weekend for the past five years… bringing 3000 people and injecting $3 million into the local economy.”

The award for Individual Contribution to Touch Football, went to Nic Grose, from the Touch Association. His testimonial said that: Nic coaches junior and senior representative teams as well as referees in our junior and senior competitions. Nic is also the country board member on our NSW Touch Association board.”

The Award for Exceptional Contribution and service to Dubbo and District PSSA Sport, went to Jemma Hall.

Her testimonial stated that: “Jemma has been on many committees for various sports… giving a general hand whenever she can see it is needed. She has been the secretary of DDPSSA for 11 years and her involvement with the Dubbo District PSSA extends over 25 years. She coordinates 3000 students every Friday in terms Two and Four to experience a range of sports across Dubbo.”

The award for Individual Contribution to Dubbo went to Joanne Fee, whose testimonial stated: “Joanne recently handed-over the reins of the SASS Strikers Football Club after serving as president for over 10 years with outstanding dedication, leadership, and vision. Her tireless efforts have not only advanced the sport on the field, but also enriched the sense of community off it.”

The Individual Contribution to Football award went to Ainsleigh Bates, whose testimonial read: “She has been central to building pathways sch as the Western Youth League and supporting the Dubbo Devils Football Academy, while ensuring referees, coaches, and volunteers feel valued and supported. Ainsleigh’s steady leadership, tireless, service, and passion for the game have made her a constant driving force for football and the winder Dubbo region.”

The Individual Contribution to Cricket award went to Hannah Carmen, whose testimonial stated: “Hannah has been a huge contributor to Macquarie Cricket Club over the past few seasons, regularly volunteering to assist with the executive requirements of the club an, in particular, their fundraising efforts. Hannah has had a huge involvement outside the club as well in the Pink Angels fundraiser and has done a mountain of work for the Ryan O’Connor fundraiser.”