SHELLHARBOUR'S RISING SPORTS STARS HONOURED

Shellharbour’s 50 most promising young athletes were recognised at a special civic reception held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday 21 July.

Each of the athletes has been awarded a 2025 scholarship through the Illawarra Academy of Sport, representing a wide range of sports including cycling, basketball, hockey, netball and more.

Caption: 50 of Shellharbour’s brightest young athletes were honoured at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday 21 July. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council

Shellharbour City Council has proudly supported the Academy for many years, and in 2025 contributed $22,500 to its scholarship program.

The Illawarra Academy of Sport is known for its well-rounded approach to athlete development — helping young sportspeople sharpen their skills while preparing them for the wider demands of a professional sporting career.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the achievements of local athletes highlight the importance of Council’s continued investment in sport.

“Our community is incredibly proud of these young sportspeople and all they’ve achieved,” Mayor Homer said.

“Being accepted into the Academy is a significant milestone and speaks volumes about their talent, determination and work ethic. I’m pleased that Council’s investment in sporting infrastructure and programs continues to create real opportunities for our athletes to thrive,” he said.

The 2025 IAS scholarship recipients are:

Basketball: Nicola Holland, Reid Bradley

Cycling: Joseph Both-Morley, Alexander Jovanovski, Maison Benson, Isaac Baez, Grace Alcock, Charles Alcock, Hugo Alcock, Anabella Warrington, Linkin Davis, Ethan Aleckson, Byron Tynan

Future Stars: Allegra Fosteris (gymnastics), Baxter Roper (rugby union), Ella Power (athletics), Jake Witt (rugby union and league), Kalani Lucas (rugby union, league, and touch football), Lillian Wiecek (swimming), Lily Griggs (rugby union, league, Oztag, and touch football) Niamh Hicks (rugby union), Ruby Kerr (rugby union and athletics), Sianna Badger (athletics), Sidney Bartle (athletics), Sonny Cocksedge (swimming and athletics), Zali Milthorpe (rugby league refereeing and rugby league)

Golf: Jaidon Kyriacou

Hockey: Breanne Cresswell, Jayden Mare, Karly Jenkins, Sienna Mason

Netball: Aleena Carrion, Cate Mansbridge, Kiara Shelton

Netball Umpires: Abbey Whitchurch, Lily Martin, Manha Khan, Sienna Kaschubs

Para Sports: Dylan Brann (weightlifting), Jack Gibson (Triathlon), Jessica Rosser (swimming), Lachlan Mackay (swimming)
Surf Life Saving: Baxter Devine, Jayden Beaumont, Kobe Sims, Mack Elliott

Triathlon: Biance de Swardt, Harry Fraser, Will Mason

Volleyball: Lily Ison

KEY MESSAGES:
• 50 young athletes from Shellharbour were officially recognised at a civic reception after receiving 2025 scholarships from the Illawarra Academy of Sport, covering a wide range of sports.
• Council reinforced its commitment to youth sport by contributing $22,500 to this year’s Academy scholarship program.
• Mayor Chris Homer said the success of these athletes reflects the positive impact of Council’s continued investment in local sports facilities and programs.