The Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) celebrated a double milestone on Wednesday, November 20th, with its prestigious Viatek Awards Night and the Academy’s 20th anniversary at Mingara Recreation Club. The evening brought together athletes, families coaches, volunteers and VIP’s to recognize outstanding achievements across the Academy’s programs and reflect on two decades of sporting excellence.
The pinnacle of the evening was the Athlete of the Year Awards, with Elley Hawkin from the Central Coast Granite Basketball program taking home the title of Athlete of the Year for her outstanding performances. Declan Budd was named Para Athlete of the Year for his achievements in swimming, while Jemma Wooden from the Greater Bank Netball program was awarded the UAA Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander Athlete of the Year.
In addition to these athletes, key contributors to the Academy were honoured. Ashton Patterson (Hockey) was awarded the Steadfast Athlete Leadership Chair’s award for his leadership on and off the field. Gavin Sutherland (Golf) received the Greater Bank Coach Leadership Award, recognizing his significant impact in coaching and mentoring young golfers. Abby Holloway (Netball Umpires) was awarded The Ray Sandell Dedication to Sporting Excellence Award, while Brent McMahon (Basketball) received the Greater Bank Volunteer Manager of the Year award for his dedicated service.
The evening also celebrated Ray Sandell, who was inducted as a Life Member of the Academy for his long-standing contribution and commitment to the organization.
Full List of Award Winners:
- Athlete of the Year: Elley Hawkin (Basketball)
- Para Athlete of the Year: Declan Budd (Swimming)
- UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year: Jemma Wooden (Netball)
- Steadfast Athlete Leadership Chair Award: Ashton Patterson (Hockey)
- Ray Sandell Dedication to Sporting Excellence Award: Abby Holloway (Netball Umpires)
- Greater Bank Volunteer Coach of the Year: Gavin Sutherland (Golf)
- Greater Bank Volunteer Manager of the Year: Brent McMahon (Basketball)
- Life Member Induction: Ray Sandell
Program Award Winners:
- AFL, supported by Gosford RSL
- Athlete of the Year: Addison Gale
- Rising Stars: Jedda Webb and Flynn Shakleton
- Athletics, supported by Mingara
- Athlete of the Year: Linkin Haddad
- Rising Star: Zahli Fisher
- Basketball, supported by Central Coast Granite, Basketball NSW & Central Coast Adventist School
- Athlete of the Year: Oscar McMahon and Elley Hawken
- Rising Stars: Logan Tupaea, Will Dooley, Malia Carpenter and Charlotte Rodden
- Future Stars, supported by Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
- Athlete of the Year: Lalie Conway
- Rising Star: Kai Field
- Golf, supported by Jack Newton Junior Golf, Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club & Callaway
- Athlete of the Year: Shaylan Bennett
- Rising Star: Ava Prince
- Hockey, supported by UAA, Hockey NSW & Central Coast Hockey
- Athlete of the Year: Ashton Patterson
- Rising Stars: Luke Chandler and Olivia Booth
- Indigenous Program, supported by UAA & Steadfast
- Rising Star: Taylah Lockley
- Sprint Kayak
- Athlete of the Year: Julian Glew
- Rising Star: Jasper Hunter
- Netball, supported by Greater Bank, Netball NSW & Central Coast Grammar School
- Athlete of the Year: Jemma Wooden
- Rising Stars: Tyla Channells and Addison Kowaliw
- Netball Umpires, supported by Greater Bank, Netball NSW & Central Coast Grammar School
- Athlete of the Year: Eloise Beckman
- Rising Stars: Anna Benazzi-Keir and Matilda Willis
- Para- Sports Program, supported by Paralympics Australia
- Athletes of the Year: Declan Budd and Jayden Jackson
- Rising Star: Aaliyah Currie
- Surf Life Saving, supported by Surf Life Saving NSW
- Rising Star: Tahlia Goy
- Swimming, supported by Mingara & The University of Newcastle
- Rising Star: Evangelina Karabaeva
- Tennis, supported by Tennis NSW
- Athlete of the Year: Aydin Hope
- Triathlon, supported by Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific & Triathlon NSW
- Athletes of the Year: Bryson Norris and Emily Rice
- Rising Stars: Jack Gray and Kayla Hart
A highlight of the celebration was a specialist panel featuring influential figures from the Academy’s rich history:
- Lawrie McKenna: Central Coast Mayor, former CCAS board member, and strong advocate for regional sport.
- Ian Robilliard OAM: Former CCAS CEO and current director, who has been instrumental in shaping the Academy’s success.
- Robyn Low-Hart: A dedicated former employee, parent, and current coach with deep ties to the Academy.
- Jess Morgan: A former athlete turned coach, exemplifying the Academy’s ability to nurture talent on and off the field.
This panel shared heartfelt insights and memories, celebrating the Academy’s growth and its impact on the Central Coast sporting community.
The 20-year milestone underscored the Academy’s dedication to nurturing the Central Coast’s sporting talent. Over the years, CCAS has supported countless athletes, coaches, and volunteers, becoming a pillar of the region’s sports community.
The CCAS extends its deepest gratitude to the families, volunteers, and partners who have supported its mission, as well as to Viatek, the event sponsor, and its Platinum Partners: Santos, Office of Sport, Steadfast, UAA, Greater Bank, The University of Newcastle, Coast Sport, Oddball Marketing, NBN Television, SCA, Central Coast Council, Mingara and Regional Academies of Sport.
