SPORTS
AWARDS

The University of Newcastle 2026 Sports Awards were held on Friday 18 September, in the Great Hall, recognising the outstanding sporting achievements of students, teams, and clubs throughout 2025. The event brought together student-athletes, club representatives, staff, and supporters to celebrate a year of excellence, dedication, and success across the University's sporting community.

A University Blue was awarded to Oliver Robinson (Triathlon) in recognition of his exceptional sporting achievements at a high level of university sport.

University Colours were awarded to five deserving club administrators for their significant contribution to University sport:

• Oscar Brotherston (Football)
• Craig Carslake (Rugby League)
• Emily Porters (Hockey)
• Warren Watson (Rugby Union)
• Jesse Wills (Snow Sport).

The Club of the Year Award acknowledged the vital role student sporting clubs play in fostering participation, community, and competitive success. The award was presented to the University of Newcastle Cheer and Dance Club, selected from a strong field of finalists including the Rugby Union, Football, Men's Hockey, Mountaineering, and Jujutsu clubs.

The University's Indigenous Nationals Team was again awarded Team of the Year for their sportsmanship and outstanding success winning Indigenous Nationals in 2025.

The evening also celebrated scholarship recipients who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to balancing academic and sporting excellence. The following students were recognised:

Friends of the University Scholarship: Toby Collins (Hockey)
University Sports Scholarship: Trenton Jones (Swimming)
Andrew Brown Sports Scholarship: Cameron Whittall.

The evening ended with the presentation of the Sportsperson of the Year Award. Finalists Ashley Pernecker (Athletics) and Siarne Davis (Athletics) were recognised for their outstanding performances, with Yasmin Meakes (Rugby League) announced as the 2025 Sportsperson of the Year.

The 2026 Sports Awards showcased the depth of sporting talent across the University of Newcastle and provided an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and achievements of student-athletes, clubs, and teams. Congratulations to all award recipients, finalists, and scholarship holders for their contributions to another successful year of university sport.