Local sports stars recognised at City of Mandurah Sports Awards

Local sports stars have been recognised at the 10th annual City of Mandurah Sports Awards.

The gala dinner on Wednesday night celebrated the success stories of Mandurah’s local athletes, teams, clubs and volunteers, with close to 150 people enjoying the evening. 

Winners were announced across 11 categories including Sports Person of the Year, which was taken out by hockey superstar Hunter Banyard.  

Banyard was named Hockey WA Premier League’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023 and has enjoyed plenty of team success in representative levels over the past 12 months, including winning silver as part of Australia’s under 21 team at the Sultan of Johor Cup.

Since being nominated he was selected again in the 2024 Under 21 team, playing in the Sultan of Johor Cup once more, and returning with another silver medal. 

The Mandurah Magic men’s basketball team was also celebrated for winning their inaugural NBL1 West championship, taking out Team of the Year honours.

Along with the historic grand final victory, the Mandurah Basketball Association also saw a 33 percent increase in game attendance, earning them Club of the Year status.  

Mayor Rhys Williams congratulated everyone who was recognised on the night and highlighted the significance of the Sports Awards’ 10th anniversary. 

“Sport is synonymous with life in Mandurah, and each of these groups and individuals plays a huge role in shaping our city’s sporting scene into the thriving community it is today,” Mayor Williams said. 

“Every weekend our ovals, pitches, courts and pools are filled with people of all ages and abilities getting active, participating in sport and reaching great heights in their field. This includes our volunteers, who are the heartbeat of our sporting community. 

“The City is proud to have been celebrating these success stories for a decade now, and I look forward to seeing what heights our local sports stars can achieve in the next 10 years.” 

The 2024 Mandurah Sports Awards winners are: 
• Sports Person of the Year – Hunter Banyard, hockey 
• Club of the Year – Mandurah Basketball Association, basketball 
• Junior Sports Person of the Year – Ebony Stewart, netball 
• Team of the Year – Mandurah Magic NBL1 West men’s team, basketball 
• Junior Team of the Year – Mandurah City FC U18 Boys State League Division 1, soccer 
• Inclusion Program or Event – Rotary Sail into Life Program, sailing 
• Masters Sports Person of the Year – Katy Vipond, hockey 
• Sports Person of the Year with Disability – William Liitiaeinen, cross country athletics 
• Female Volunteer of the Year – Melanie Loreto, soccer 
• Ken Phillips Male Volunteer of the Year – Ben Dreckow, cricket 
• Junior Volunteer of the Year – Taylor Davies, swimming 

Cycling star Cooper Dunlop received a high commendation in the Junior Sports Person of the Year field.