An open-water swimming champion, an historic lawn bowls season, and an inclusive basketball program were among the big winners and outstanding achievements recognised at the annual City of Mandurah Sports Awards last night.
The Mandurah Sports Awards gala dinner celebrated champions on and off the field, with more than 120 people enjoying the evening including local athletes, sporting stars, volunteers, and representatives from teams and clubs.
Winners were announced across nine categories including Sports Person of the Year, which was won by open-water swimming star Rebekah Weller, who has represented Mandurah at national and international levels.
Weller has achieved remarkable success over the past year including at the World Aquatics Championships where she came second place in the Women’s 3km open water race in her age group, multiple WA State Championship titles, and overall victory in the WA Open Water Series for 2024/25. She also claimed first place in the Cottesloe Classic Mile, the Rockingham 5km, the Mullaloo 10km, and the Busselton 7.5km.
Weller’s win is a testament to her commitment to her sport, training, and early mornings, all while working full time in healthcare and overcoming injuries. She also supports her community by mentoring young swimmers, coaching at the beach and pool, and offering swimmers of all ages and abilities her guidance, expertise and encouragement.
The Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club won the Club of the Year award, celebrating one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history. In 2024/25, the club dominated the Murray Districts Pennant Competition, winning three premierships, multiple promotions, plus top finishes in both men’s and women’s leagues.
The club won the Bignell Perpetual Shield for the most outstanding men’s club at Country Week and finished runner-up in the women’s category plus hosted several major state and national tournaments, showcasing Mandurah as a premier destination for elite bowls events.
Mandurah Basketball Association’s BAM and Junior BAM programs took out the Inclusion Program or Event category, recognised for a creating a safe and welcoming environment for people of all abilities to enjoy basketball by playing, umpiring, scoring and coaching. The program was recently expanded to support younger people aged nine -16 years.
Mayor Amber Kearns congratulated the night’s big winners and the overall efforts of Mandurah’s local sporting community.
“Sport is one of the great connectors in our community. Across Mandurah, every week, people are learning, growing, showing up for each other, and creating a sense of belonging, whether they’re elite athletes, beginners, families, or volunteers,” Mayor Kearns said.
“The winners and finalists represent the heart of what makes sport in Mandurah so special. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment inspire us all, and I’m incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements. To every volunteer, coach, parent and supporter - thank you. You’re the backbone of our sporting community, and we wouldn’t be the city we are without you.”
The 2025 Mandurah Sports Awards winners are:
- Sports Person of the Year - Rebekah Weller (open-water swimming)
- Masters Sports Person of the Year - Symonne Kennedy (wakeboarding)
- Junior Sports Person of the Year – Joint winners Cooper Dunlop (cycling) and Amelie Reid (BMX). Highly Commended Aria Gupta (tennis)
- Sports Person of the Year with a Disability – David Goddard (lawn bowls)
- Team of the Year - Mandurah Belt Up Country Pennants Team 2025, Mandurah Swimming Club
- Club of the Year - Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club Inc
- Ken Phillips Volunteer of the Year – Clive Choate
- Junior Volunteer of the Year – Sienna Eade (basketball)
- Inclusion Program or Event - BAM and Junior BAM (Mandurah Basketball Association)
