A Night That Raised the Bar: 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards

ABOUT SPORTS STAR AWARDS

The goal of the awards is to recognise and promote the outstanding sports On Saturday evening, more than 500 athletes, coaches, volunteers, partners and business leaders gathered at The Star Gold Coast for the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards — a celebration of sporting excellence that once again elevated the standard for our city.

Now in its 57th year, the Awards continue to honour the individuals and organisations shaping the sporting identity of the Gold Coast — from grassroots to the world stage.

This year’s event was one of the most powerful and historic in the Awards’ history. 

 

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2025 Award Winners 

The 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards celebrated the individuals, clubs and events that define sporting excellence in our city. These awards recognise not only elite performance, but resilience, leadership, innovation and the spirit of community that continues to shape the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s premier sporting destinations. 

  • Athlete of the Year – Matt Rowell -Gold Coast SUNS 
  • Para-Sport Athlete of The Year – Alexa Leary – Swimming 
  • Daphne Pirie, AO MBE Spirit of Sport Medalists – Daryl & Jo Kelly 
  • Gold Coast Bulletin Junior Athlete of the Year – Arisa Trew – Skateboarding 
  • Eximm Junior Sports Volunteer – Noah Flaherty – Gold Coast Touch Association 
  • City Of Gold Coast Mayor’s Sports Award – Kai Sakakibara – Para-Cycling 
  • Sporting Event of the Year – ASICS Gold Coast Marathon
  • Use of Sport Technology or Innovation Award – Pitch Up 
  • Sports Photographs of the Year – Bailey Sands – Sandsy Creativz
  • Triple M Club of the Year Award – Southport Sharks 

Gold Coast Hall of Fame Induction

One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the induction of Mat Rogers into the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame.


A dual-code international and one of the Coast’s most recognisable sporting figures, Rogers’ career is defined by versatility, resilience and elite performance at the highest level. Representing Australia in both rugby league and rugby union, he achieved what very few athletes ever have — success across two professional codes, on some of the biggest stages in world sport.

Beyond his achievements on the field, Mat’s connection to the Gold Coast runs deep. He has long been a proud ambassador for the region, inspiring young athletes and contributing to the sporting culture that continues to shape our city.

Hall of Fame induction is reserved for those whose impact extends far beyond statistics. It recognises legacy — the lasting influence an individual has on their sport, their community and future generations.

His induction cements his place not only in sporting history, but in the ongoing story of excellence that defines the Gold Coast.

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