Awards, Grants & Funding

Sports Awards

Nominations Now Open for the 2025 Shire of Collie Sports Awards!

The Shire of Collie is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Sports Awards—a celebration of our town’s incredible sporting culture!

These awards shine a spotlight on the club champions, high achievers, dedicated volunteers, and inspiring teams that make sport in Collie so special. We encourage all local clubs to get involved and nominate those who deserve recognition for their hard work and achievements.

Whether it’s a standout athlete, a tireless volunteer, or a rising star, this is our chance to celebrate the people who make sport in Collie thrive.

Nominations close: October 19 2025

All Shire of Collie residents are eligible for nomination. We encourage nominations from all clubs, residents and players who wish to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

  • JL Mumme sportsperson of the year
  • Junior sportsperson of the year
  • Special achievement award
  • Robinson-Hannan volunteer of the year
  • Wall of Champions

 

PDF Forms:

Special Achievement Nomination 2025
Sportsperson of the Year Nomination 2025
Volunteer of the Year Nomination 2025
WOC Nomination Form 2025
Junior Sportsperson of the Year Nomination 2025

2024 RECIPIENTS

JL Mumme Sports Person of the Year Award – Neil Waywood

Neil “Drifty” Waywood is a seasoned and celebrated goalkeeper with a rich legacy in Australian Masters Hockey. A true veteran of the game, Neil plays for Collie Co-Op as a fill-in goalkeeper, competes in the Associates Veterans Hockey in Bunbury, and joins the Capel Hockey Club’s Pirates in the over-60s league. A dedicated sportsman, he has played across multiple age divisions, from over-45s to over-70s, and is a WA Country Hockey Life Member.

Over the past year, Neil has continued his journey with the Australian Masters Team, traveling extensively for competitions. He has just returned from representing Australia in the 2024 Masters Hockey World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the over-70s squad. In addition, he is preparing to compete in the prestigious Trans-Tasman Games in Queensland in 2025. Neil’s impressive career includes Bronze, Silver, and multiple Gold medals earned in various Masters competitions, with a particularly memorable victory in 2018 when he helped the Southern Cross team secure the European Cup.

A valued member of the Southern Cross Masters team, Neil has travelled the globe to represent Australia, with highlights including matches in Holland, London, Belgium, Barcelona, Scotland, Malaysia, Japan, and Hong Kong. Known for his skills in the goal, Neil has been a crucial player in international tournaments such as the Masters Hockey World Cup, as well as the European and Asian Cups. His achievements and dedication to the sport are a testament to his passion for hockey and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the game.

 

Junior Sports Person of the Year Award – Kya Digney

Kya Digney is a dedicated and accomplished underwater hockey player whose remarkable achievements over the past year have made her a standout athlete. Competing in both junior and senior divisions at the Collie Underwater Hockey Club, Kya consistently demonstrated her skill and commitment, earning the Fairest & Best Junior Female award, Runner-Up Fairest & Best in Open Juniors, and the title of Highest Goal Scorer in the senior competition. Known for her leadership, Kya arrives early to help set up equipment, showing her dedication to supporting her team and club.

Training in Bunbury, Kya competed in events like the “Brumble Competition” and the Collie Cup, in both junior and senior divisions. At the National Championships in Queensland, Kya won two silver medals, representing both the U19 and Elite Women’s teams. She was also selected as Vice-Captain for the U19 Women’s team at the Junior Age Group World Championships, where they achieved a historic gold medal. Her leadership extended internationally when she captained the U19 Women’s team at the Tri Nations Competition in New Zealand, where she was awarded Most Valuable Player.

Kya’s year culminated in competing in the prestigious Kings Cup in Queensland, where she continued to showcase her exceptional talent. Her dedication, leadership, and success make her an inspiring figure in the underwater hockey community.

Robinson Hannan Volunteer of the Year Award – Hayley Digney

Hayley Digneyis an outstanding volunteer whose dedication to the Collie Underwater Hockey Club has made a profound impact on the sport and the local community. Since joining the club committee in 2016, including a term as President, Hayley has worked tirelessly to develop the club, significantly increasing membership and even creating a new junior category to accommodate the growing interest among young players. Her commitment has helped transform the club into a certified Good Sports Club, ensuring it provides a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all members. In 2023, the club was honoured as the runner-up for WA’s Good Sports Club of the Year.

Hayley’s contributions include launching a Junior Collie Cup event as an extension of the successful Collie Cup for senior players, giving young athletes more opportunities to compete. She coaches, coordinates junior development, and often transports junior players to events in Bunbury, Margaret River, and Perth, making the sport accessible to those without transportation. Her efforts to secure sponsorships and grants have helped reduce the costs of National Championships, enabling more juniors to participate at the national level—a reflection of her dedication to the sport and its players.

Hayley’s years of service, countless volunteer hours, and commitment to youth development embody the true spirit of volunteerism. Her exceptional contributions make her a deserving nominee for the Robinson-Hannan Volunteer of the Year Award 2024.


Australia Day

Australia Day 2025

2025 Nominees for Citizen of the Year Award

  • Tony Briggs
  • Myfanwy (Tim) Elliot
  • Lyn Mitchell
  • Katherine Reardon
  • Mark Sanders

 Citizen of the Year Award – Lyn Mitchell

Lyn Mitchell, a lifelong resident of Collie, has dedicated decades to enriching her community through tireless service and volunteering. After working in various roles, Lyn pursued a career as a Teacher’s Assistant at Amaroo Primary School, where she made a lasting impact over 20 years.

Her passion for helping others shines through her nearly 40-year involvement with the Lions Club of Collie. Lyn has served multiple terms as President and remains a respected member of the board. She was instrumental in launching the Read, Write, Now program in Collie, providing confidential tutoring for adults to improve literacy, particularly those with English as a second language. As the program’s coordinator, Lyn has helped transform countless lives.

Lyn’s contributions to the Lions Club have been recognised with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship and her induction into the Lions Hall of Fame in 2017. She was also an inaugural member of the Collie Lioness Club, which merged with the Lions Club, and has continued to serve with passion and dedication.

Beyond Lions, Lyn has given her time and talents to the Collie Repertory Club, earning Life Membership for her contributions both on stage and behind the scenes. A sports enthusiast, she has served as President of the Collie Bowling Club and remains an active volunteer on its management committee.

While dedicating herself to community service, Lyn and her late husband, Bill, raised a supportive family. Lyn embodies the spirit of a quiet achiever, selflessly working to make Collie a better place.

Nominees for Community Group of the Year Award

  • Collie Cheerio Club
  • Retired Miners Association of Collie
  • The Rotary Club of Collie

Community Group of the Year – Collie Cheerio Club

The Collie Cheerio Club is a cornerstone of the community, renowned for its significant contribution through the Annual Pensioners Christmas Party. This cherished event, now in its 70th year, embodies connection, joy, and inclusivity for Collie’s senior residents. Held at the historic Miners’ Institute, the party offers attendees a free Christmas lunch and live entertainment in a warm, festive atmosphere.

For those unable to attend due to health reasons, the club goes above and beyond to ensure they feel included. Volunteers deliver meals directly to their homes, and the event is broadcast live on the local radio station, spreading the festive spirit across the community.

An essential aspect of the celebration is the involvement of local high school students who assist with decorating the hall and serving meals. Their participation fosters valuable intergenerational connections and demonstrates the strength of Collie’s community spirit.

Under the leadership of Steve Davies, the club relies on the generosity of local businesses and sponsors to continue this tradition free of charge for attendees. This year’s event, to be held on Thursday, 12th December 2024, from 12 noon to 4:00 PM, promises to be a spectacular celebration, featuring top-tier local entertainment as a tribute to the invaluable seniors of Collie.

Over the years, the Pensioners Christmas Party has gained regional, state, and even national recognition, with attendance numbers reaching as high as 500 people in the past. At its heart, the Collie Cheerio Club represents the community’s commitment to care, inclusion, and festive cheer, creating cherished memories for those who have given so much to the town throughout their lives.

 


Sporting Scholarships

Sporting Scholarship Request Form
Assistance can be provided as a sporting scholarship of $250 for an individual or up to $500 where 3 or more residents are selected in a Western Australian State or Australian National representative team.