Annual Academy Awards 2024
Gippsland Sports Academy Annual Awards Night 2024
On Friday 2nd of May 2025, over 170 guests attended the 28th Annual Gippsland Sports Academy Awards Night at the Italian Australian Club in Morwell to recognise and celebrate the graduation and achievements of athletes in 9 sports over the preceding 12 months. 72 young Gippsland athletes were in attendance and received graduation certificates on the night from their respective program’s coaches.
This year we were delighted to welcome our guest speaker Emily Beecroft OAM, Paralympian swimmer, who although now residing in Queensland, is originally from Traralgon and is a past GSA athlete and Gippstar Award winner. Emily talked about her journey leading up to and attending three Olympics Games culminating in her relay gold in Paris in 2024. An inspiring talk for our athletes and guests
There were four major awards presented this year.
The winner of the Phil Shelley Award is Kelly Godfrey of Churchill. Awarded to a person who has gone beyond their normal duties to assist in the development of the sport and the athletes involved, Kelly is a worthy winner of the 2023 Phil Shelley Award for Hockey. Since 2021, Kelly has significantly supported Latrobe Valley’s hockey community through leadership, coordination, and development work. Her management of regional teams and initiatives has enhanced local talent pathways and strengthened the Academy’s impact on hockey in Gippsland. Her time volunteering with the GSA Hockey Program since its establishment in 2023 has been invaluable to the coaches. Kelly has dedicated four years to transforming hockey in Gippsland, serving as President of the Latrobe Valley Hockey Association (2021–2024). Her visionary leadership, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships have revitalised local sport, expanded athlete pathways, and strengthened regional–metro connections across Victorian hockey, earning her state-wide recognition and awards.
The David Drane Award was won by Campbell Scott (15) of Bairnsdale. Campbell is a very deserving winner of the David Drane Award.
Campbell had shown exceptional growth during the program last year through his dedication, resilience, and eagerness to learn. Always coachable and committed, he’s embraced both the technical and mental aspects of the game, resulting in clear progress. Though not always the top performer, his consistency and drive have stood out. Campbell represented GSA at the Inter-Academy Challenge in Ballarat, reflecting both personal development and team spirit. His journey embodies the values of this award, making him a deserving winner and a role model for others in the program.
The Darrell White Award is awarded to Ruby Shieffelbein (12) of Bairnsdale. Ruby is a very deserving and highly regarded winner of the Darrell White Award.
Ruby has demonstrated significant growth in her confidence, particularly in her role as goalkeeper. She has notably improved her ability to use her voice to direct and support her defenders, showcasing strong leadership qualities. Ruby consistently displays attentiveness during training sessions and shows a genuine willingness to listen to and apply feedback. Her dedication is further highlighted by her perfect attendance throughout the 2024–2025 Gippsland Sports Academy program, underlining her commitment to personal and team development. Ruby is a deserving recipient of this award due to her remarkable development and unwavering dedication throughout the year. Her increased confidence and vocal leadership as a goalkeeper have been instrumental in her performance, earning her a well-deserved selection in the SSV Under-12 squad. Ruby’s consistent effort, attentiveness, and full commitment to the program—including 100% attendance—reflect her outstanding attitude and strong work ethic. She exemplifies the personal and athletic qualities celebrated by this award.
The Tim Forsyth Award – this award was won by Jack Bateson (17) of Traralgon. Jack has had an outstanding year and is very worthy winner.
Jack won the Australian National 20 Gauge Skeet Championship which is a huge effort for a 16yr old. Jack recently had a very successful competition in Perth at Nationals. Jack shot a 98/100 in the National 20 gauge 100 target Championship. This put him in a shoot off with 4 other competitors who also shot 98/100. Jack managed to win that shoot off and is the 2025 Australian Skeet 20 gauge open champion. He is also the Junior Champion for the same event. He will also be awarded 20 hall of fame points for his win. He also took home a bronze medal in the 28 gauge 100 target event shooting 92/100 in juniors, a bronze medal in the Commonwealth 100 target event shooting 94/100 in the junior category and a silver medal in the Champion of Champions 100 target event junior category with 96/100.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Overall Award Winners Photos:
Phil Shelley Award: Kelly Godfrey pictured with Guest speaker Emily Beecroft OAM
David Drane Award: Campbell Scott pictured with Tim Matthews
Darrell White Award: Ruby Shieffelbein pictured with Darrell White
Tim Forsyth Award: Jack Bateson pictured with GSA Chair, Sandra Timmer-Arends
Photo credit – Doug Pell
