Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Bunbury Geographe Sports Awards, which recognise athletes, officials, volunteers and sporting events from across the Bunbury Geographe region. The Awards are supported by the City and Shires of Dardanup, Capel and Harvey.
The renowned Junior Sports Award and AJ (Tood) Buswell South Western Times Sports Star of the Year, coordinated by South Western Times, are also included and were presented at the annual ceremony.
A major annual awards night for the South West
The Bunbury Geographe Sports Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, July 11 2025, and hosted by Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel and the City of Bunbury. The awards recognise Bunbury Geographe’s finest and most talented contributors to sport in the region with awards across several categories.
In 2025, the award night aligns with NAIDOC Week and will seek to highlight the significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes to sports development across our region.
Who is eligible to be nominated for an Award?
Any Bunbury Geographe-based sport and recreation organisations, clubs or associations, schools and State and National sporting associations are eligible to lodge a submission. You are welcome to submit a nomination on behalf of your club or community group, a teammate or coach, or anyone who has made a positive difference to our South West community through active participation.
Bunbury Geographe Sports Award categories
- The Junior Sports Award
- Para-Athlete of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Official of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Service to Sport – Volunteering
- Event/Program of the Year
Award Winners
Event of the Year - WINNER: Taekwondo Central
Taekwondo Central celebrated its 25th year of operation in 2024 under the leadership of accomplished founder and head instructor Justin Warren and his wife Melissa Warren. The club continues to lead the way in demonstrating how sport-based initiatives can drive positive change. It is actively shaping a safer, more confident region through its programs throughout the south-west. Through sport, practical self-defence training and commitment to empowerment, Taekwondo Central is building the regional population’s ability and capacity to protect, uplift and inspire
Official of the Year - WINNER: Scott Jones
The experienced SWFL umpire, who has taken charge of more than 300 league matches including eight grand finals, now plays an important role as a mentor for a group of up-and-coming umpires which includes his sons.
Team of the Year - WINNER: South Bunbury Football Club
The Tigers' league side capped off an unbeaten season by claiming their 45th premiership with a win in the grand final, while the reserves outfit also finished the season as premiers.
Para-Athlete of the Year - WINNER: Morgan Hill
Morgan achieved outstanding results in 2024, winning multiple medals in athletics and swimming at local, state, and national levels. He holds 13 S19 National Records and competes as an able-bodied athlete, setting club records. Morgan also contributes through volunteer coaching, mentoring, and exemplary sportsmanship.
Coach of the Year - WINNER: Taarna Cam
The head coach at Australind Swimming Club and coach of the South West region team, Cam was also involved with WA’s State team at the National Championships on the Gold Coast in July.
Volunteer Service to Sport - WINNER: Marina Leatherbarrow
Leatherbarrow who has given more than 25 years of service to Bunbury United Soccer Club, manages a junior program which incorporates more than 400 players across 35 teams.
Junior Sports Star of the Year - WINNER: Connor Wright
A previous winner of the award, Wright continued his mountain biking dominance with a set of results which included being crowned the Oceania under-17 champion on the international stage and finishing fourth overall in the Cape to Cape race closer to home.
Sports Star of the Year - WINNER: Jack Robinson
| Award | Winner | Sponsor |
| Event of the Year | Taekwondo Central | Shire of Harvey |
| Official of the Year | Scott Jones | Outdoor World |
| Team of the Year | South Bunbury Football Club | Shire of Dardanup |
| Para-Athlete of the Year | Morgan Hill | Hon Don Punch MLA |
| Coach of the Year | Taarna Cam | Last Slice Sports Bar |
| Volunteer Service to Sport | Marina Leatherbarrow | Shire of Capel |
| Junior Sports Star of the Year | Connor Wright | Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) |
| Sports Star of the Year | Jack Robinson | A J 'Tood' Buswell/S W Times |
AJ (Tood) Buswell South Western Times Sports Star of the Year presented by:
