Lions Club Sportstar Of The Year Awards

Last Tuesday the 2nd of September, the Lions Club of Ingham held the Annual Sportstar of the Year Awards.

The Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL in Ingham hosted the Annual Event, with over 130 people in attendance, including Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto and guest speaker 3-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic.

This year, judges Cr. Donna Marbelli, Maurie Soars and Stephen Farrell, former CEO of NQ Sports Foundation, were overwhelmed with the quality of the nominees. The Guest Speaker, Suzy Batkovic, one of Australia’s most decorated Basketball Players, gave an inspiring presentation on her sporting journey and to never give up. The guests were treated to the privilege of holding her 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Olympic Medals. She gave the athletes the hope that with persistence and hard work, making it to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics might not just be a dream.

An event like this is not possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Townsville Lime and Gypsum, Hip Pocket Work Wear, Wilmar Sugar and Carey Group.

Lions Club of Ingham Chairperson Sharon Fighera also congratulated all nominees and encouraged the athletes to continue to shine. Not everyone can be a winner tonight, but you already are just for being nominated.

The winners of this year’s Awards will be nominated by the Lions Club of Ingham for the NQ Sports Foundation Sportstar of the Year Awards, which will be held on 25th October 2025.

PDG Des Rooker – Recognition of Service Award – Awarded to a volunteer
Winner: Lenny Chiesa - Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club & Crushers Rugby League
Runner Up: Maureen Lahtinen - Ingham Squash Racquets Assoc.

Team of the Year
Winner: FBSLSC U/19 Beach Relay Team
2nd: GSMC U/13 Boys Futsal Team
3rd: GSMC U/13 Junior Mixed Touch Football Team

Sports Innovation Team of the Year: GSMC Velocity Raptors - Hydrogen Powered Grand Prix

Junior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Julian Cohen: Winner
Brax Roveda: Runner Up
Ty O’Halloran: Runner Up
Millie Bartolini: Encouragement Award
Joshua Gurnick-Stagnitta: Encouragement Award
Mikinley Blewitt: Encouragement Award
Mia Carr
Aurora Blewitt

Senior Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Liam Fascetti: Winner
Jess Furber: Runner Up
Spencer Riys: Encouragement Award
Evandah Bann
Brandon Hamilton-Kaurila

Masters Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Kelli Carbone: Winner

Para-Athlete Sportstar of the Year Nominees
Carla Pizzi: Winner
Luke Rosadi: Runner Up

Story and Photos contributed with thanks by Sharon Fighera

Find more pics here: https://tinyurl.com/26qqy462