Lists for awards keep on growing

LISTS of nominations for all categories in the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year awards for 2024 keep on growing.

The night of nights for Bendigo region sport will be run on Friday 28 February at the All Seasons International in McIvor Road.

Sports Star began in 1965-66 and has celebrated outstanding performances across many sports.

Highlights include the presentation to monthly finalists and naming of the Sports Star of the Year for 2024, as well as the Maxine Crouch Trust Fund and Cyril Michelsen Trust Fund.

Scholarship recipients across the year from a wide range of sporting disciplines will be in the running for Trust Fund honours.

Football and basketball great Tony ‘Bluey’ Southcombe will be inducted to the Basil Ashman Hall of Fame and join an elite club that includes Faith Leech, Kristi Harrower, Ron Best, Caitlin Thwaites, Ron Masters, Sharelle McMahon and Greg Williams.

Other award categories are the McKern Steel Foundation John Forbes coach/manager; Fosterville Gold Mine Healthiest School; Bendigo Health Young Indigenous Athlete; and Bendigo Bank Community Minded award.

The Faith Leech Inspiration Award honours the 1956 Olympic Games gold medallist and one of the first inductees to the Sports Star Hall of Fame.

First presented in 2013-14 to Bendigo Spirit, the Faith Leech award recognises and celebrates an individual or group for their dedication and contribution.

Nominations for this year’s awards close on January 31 via the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year website.

Tickets for the presentation night will be on sale soon.