The Nowra Athletics Club Annual Award Presentation was held on Saturday 16th May 2026, directly following the AGM.
Congratulations to all of our award nominees and a huge congratulations to this year’s award winners. We are proud to celebrate the achievements, dedication and contributions of so many outstanding club members.
Here is the full list of our 2026 award winners:
High Achievement Award is for a club athlete who has achieved high results in state, national or international competition throughout the previous year.
We had so many National Representatives across Track & Field, Cross Country and Masters over the past 12 months who were all worthy nominees:
Emerson Boatswain, Will Dyball, Emily McLaren, Evie Binney, Flynn Kelly, Hamish McLaren, Isla Bailie, Kadance Naylor, Lana Crawford, Lily Sproule, Erin Smart, Loretta Norris, Matt Reid, Gavin Dyball, Matt Watson, Lauren Naylor, Sam Keogh, Finn Goddard, Hugh Thirwall, Oliver Baxter, Harrison Baxter
Winner: Will Dyball
At the 2025 Track & Field Championships, Will Dyball competed in the Open 800m, finishing 31st amongst an elite field. Following this, Will took the opportunity to nominate for selection in the Australian team to compete at the Oceania Cup, in which he was successful as an Under 23 representative for the 800m.
The Oceania Cup was held in Tonga in October last year. Will contested the 800m against a field of seven athletes where he won the silver medal in a tight contest. In hot and windy conditions, Will finished second in 1:54.12 to win the silver medal.
This award is a reflection of the hard work and commitment Will has shown all season long.
Club Performance Award recognizes consistent achievement at the club level. This award celebrates a member who performs well, which may include setting club records, demonstrates regular participation, shows personal improvement and actively supports the club’s activities and goals.
Nominees: Anne Boatswain, Tim Musson, Kadance Naylor
Winner: Anne Boatswain
Entering a new age category this season, Anne delivered an outstanding year of competition and achievement. She was in exceptional form across both track and field at club nights, setting an incredible 11 season records along the way. Anne claimed the Field Pointscore title and finished runner-up in the Track Pointscore, while also becoming the inaugural Masters Women’s Pentathlon winner.
Her success continued beyond club competition, contesting eight events at Country Championships and returning home with seven medals. Anne also represented strongly at the 2026 NSW Masters Championships, earning silver medals in the 50–54 years Long Jump and Shot Put, along with bronze in the Triple Jump.
Congratulations to Anne on an exceptional season and a truly well-deserved achievement.
The Harry Scouller Award – is awarded for talented and promising teenage track and field athletes.
Nominees: Kadance Naylor, Lily Sproule, Evie Binney
Winner: Evie Binney
At the 2026 Australian Athletics Junior (Under Age) Championships Evie enjoyed a fantastic competition, contesting two events in the under 17 category. In the 2000m steeplechase, Evie showed grit to finish 13th in a season best time of 7.56.52. Evie then went on to compete in the 400m hurdles, where she ran a 2 second PB of 1.06.33, storming home for 2nd place to qualify for the national final. Evie improved again in the final, placing 4th in 1.05.92; an impressive result in her first year of hurdles competition.
In addition, Evie won 5 medals at Country Champs and set a new Country Championships record in the 2000m steeplechase, slicing 4 seconds off the previous record.
Evie was a regular participant at Club track & field, placing 2nd in field and 3rd in track. Evie is a quiet achiever whose hard work and determination speak louder than words. Evie is recognised not just for her dedication to athletics and her efforts on the track (and field) but for her kindness, friendly nature and her humility.
The John Morris Junior Encouragement Award is awarded for a junior Club member 15 years of age or under competing in Cross country in the 2 or 3km distance. This award recognizes a Club member who consistently participates, puts in great effort, and shows noticeable improvement, even if they don’t always finish at the top. It’s about dedication, perseverance, and the drive to continually grow as an athlete.
Nominees: Lani Parmenter, Emerson Boatswain, Declan Bennett
Winner: Emerson Boatswain
The Committee recognises that Emerson also won this award in 2024, however felt that she deserved the award again for what she consistently brings to the Club each week. Emerson continues to exemplify everything this award stands for.
Competing in 12 of 14 rounds, she continues to show outstanding commitment, resilience and persistence throughout the season. Her steady participation and clear personal improvement reflect a strong work ethic and a genuine love of cross country. On top of this, Emerson is a polite, respectful and quietly determined competitor who approaches every event with a positive attitude. Emerson consistently shows good sportsmanship, treating others with respect, encouraging others and offering words of support. Her positive attitude and commitment to running, her kindness and compassion make her a perfect winner.
The Ian Henry Nowra Toyota Senior Encouragement Award is for senior members over 15 years of age competing in the medium or long distance events at cross country. This is for a Club member who competes regularly, tries hard, shows improvement but does not necessarily figure in the top results. It’s a celebration of commitment, improvement and the determination to push forward in every race.
Nominees: Scott Armstrong, Paige Connolly-Davies, Perry Strand
Winner: Scott Armstrong
Scott is a highly deserving recipient of this award. He is a quiet and dedicated Club member, he consistently gives 100% effort each time he competes and continues to strive for personal improvement. His persistence and positive attitude are evident in every event he runs. Scott competed in 13 of the 14 rounds last year.
Scott is also greatly valued for his respectful nature and sportsmanship. He always takes the time to thank the committee and volunteers, showing genuine appreciation for those who support the events. Beyond his individual efforts, he is a strong supporter of the Club and contributes positively to its culture both on and off the course.
Club Person/Volunteer of the Year award honours a member who exemplifies the true spirit of volunteering, giving their time, energy, and dedication to the club throughout the year. This member consistently goes above and beyond in their support of the club and their dedication, enthusiasm and efforts help drive the success and spirit of the club, making a positive impact on everyone around them.
Winner: Gavin Dyball
The Club Person Volunteer Award recognises the invaluable contribution of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the ongoing success of Nowra Athletics Club. Gavin is an incredibly deserving recipient of this award for his ongoing dedication, reliability and willingness to help wherever needed. As a member of the committee, he consistently lends a hand and shows great initiative in supporting the Club across many areas.
Throughout the season, Gavin has taken on the promotion and sales of Club uniforms, helping ensure members feel connected and proud to represent the Club. Whether it is setting up and packing away at track nights, assisting at working bees, or quietly stepping in to help behind the scenes, Gavin’s contribution never goes unnoticed. His commitment and support play an important role in the positive culture and smooth running of the Club.
The Good Sports Award was introduced in 2024 to reflect the core values of Nowra Athletics Club: respect, integrity and fair play. This award recognizes a member who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, gives their best effort, and actively supports and encourages fellow athletes. It celebrates those who embody the spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect, both on and off the track/field.
Winner: Lily Sproule
Lily is a wonderful example of what this award represents. She approaches every club event and competition with enthusiasm, kindness and respect for those around her. Whether competing herself or cheering on others, Lily always displays outstanding sportsmanship and encourages her fellow athletes to do their best. She often runs around the track with our youngest members, supporting and encouraging them.
Lily has demonstrated initiative to promote our Club though her workplace, leading to sponsorship for the club.
Her positive attitude, willingness to support others, and respectful nature make her a valued member of the Club. Lily embodies the true spirit of teamwork and fair play both on and off the track, making her a very deserving recipient of the Good Sports Award.
The Frank McCaffrey Award honours the memory and legacy of Frank McCaffrey, founder of the Nowra Athletics Club. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding achievement that reflects the spirit of determination, excellence, and pride that Frank embodied.
Nominees: Lauren Naylor, Erin Smart, Evie Binney, Will Dyball, Lily Sproule
Winner: Erin Smart
Erin Smart continues to excel and perform at the highest level. At the 2026 Australian Masters Athletics Championships, Erin won back-to-back titles in the 40-44 years 100 and 200 whilst in the 400m, she was just edged out for the gold, taking silver in a season best of 58.44. This was after claiming triple gold at the NSW State Championships.
Erin also competed at the 2026 Open State Championships, running the 400m against open age runners. Erin finished an impressive 18th overall.
At the 2025 Oceania Masters Athletics Championships held in Brisbane in September last year, Erin took gold in both the 200m and 400m, and the silver medal in the 100m.
Erin is a big supporter of our Club, always the loudest cheerer of others; full of positivity and encouragement while downplaying her own achievements. She exemplifies sportsmanship and representation of club values. Congratulations to Erin on an exceptional year representing Nowra Athletics Club with pride.
