Recognising Excellence in Sport at CMCB

On Monday 24 November, the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) community gathered in the Marian Theatre for the annual Sports Awards Night, which celebrated individual achievements and fostered a sense of community and pride amongst the students. This annual event brought together athletes, coaches, families and friends for an evening dedicated to excellence, inspiration and mutual admiration.

The formalities began with the presentation of the Sports Star of the Year Awards to two students at each year level. Students were recognised for their contributions to the CMCB Sports Program and for promoting a culture of excellence in sport within the College. The students represented the College at multiple sport days, showcasing talent, dedication and commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship. They inspired their peers through their hard work and enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of competition while fostering a supportive environment for others.

Sports Stars of the Year

• Year 7 Girls: Macaila Bannan
• Year 7 Boys: Jensen Sawyer
• Year 8 Girls: Mila Childs
• Year 8 Boys: Jimi Read
• Year 9 Girls: Molly Beasley
• Year 9 Boys: Quinlan Cody
• Year 10 Girls: Lexie Fennell
• Year 10 Boys: Cash Caldis
• Year 11 Girls: Charlize Pinder
• Year 11 Boys: Max Thompson
• Year 12 Girls: Jaida Raco
• Year 12 Boys: Hugh Behrens

Many Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented. 2025 has been a hugely successful year of competitive sport for CMCB teams and individuals, with many reaching state finals. These awards celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of students who have shown exceptional talent in achieving the prestigious distinction of winning a State Title, either as an individual or as a member of a team. All of these recipients demonstrated incredible resilience, hard work, commitment and team spirit, inspiring others with their passion and achievements.

INDIVIDUAL

• Zarah Reynolds - SSV State Swimming Champion - 16 Year Female 50m Freestyle & SSV State Swimming Champion - 16 Year Female 50m Backstroke
• Mila Childs - SSV State Athletics Champion - 14yrs Female Long Jump

TEAMS

• SSV State Swimming Champions - 16 Year Female 4x50m Freestyle Relay
• SSV State Champions - Premier League Football
• SSV State Champions - Senior Boys Cricket
• SSV State Netball Champions - Intermediate Girls
• Victorian School Netball Champions - Intermediate Girls
• Schools in Action National All Schools Netball Challenge Champions - Intermediate Girls
• SSV State Netball Champions - Year 8 Girls
• SSV State Basketball Champions - Year 8 Girls

A highlight of the night was the traditional Tim Ledwidge Memorial Medal Vote Count. This award is presented in honour of past staff member, Tim Ledwidge, whose legacy is synonymous with the College. Medals were awarded to the best netballer in the Senior Netball Team and the best footballer in the Premier League Football Team. Votes were given across all games played in each sport, with the winners being the players who accrued the most votes from all games and competitions played.

Following thrilling vote counts, the winners were announced; congratulations to Harriett Whiteacre, the Netball Medal winner, and Charlie King, who won the Football Medal. They were honoured to receive their medals from Simone and Liam Ledwidge. The winners had inspiring journeys, and their dedication will leave a lasting impact on their peers and teammates, as well as the broader community.

A recent addition to the College’s sport opportunities is the new Sports Development Program, commencing in 2026. Through participation in this program, students will gain skills and knowledge to develop their overall ability to play their selected sport and contribute to their local community. The program runs for the full year for Years 7 and 8 students and is timetabled during the school day just like other classes.

The night concluded with a slideshow that highlighted a plethora of the College’s sporting successes in individual and team competitive sport throughout 2025. These photos of achievement emphasised the importance of teamwork, perseverance and the values that participation in sport builds in young athletes.