Holman Barnes Group Celebrates 62 Years of the Magpie Sports Awards

The Magpie Sports Awards, a respected tradition celebrating its 62nd year, culminated in a grand ceremony recently at the Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.

The occasion not only honoured exceptional and devoted athletes and volunteers, but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in fostering sporting excellence. 

“Events like these truly inspire us at Holman Barnes Group,” said Simon Cook, CEO of Holman Barnes Group.

“We are thrilled to provide a platform that celebrates athletes within our community and acknowledges the many people who make participation in various sports possible, from coaches and trainers to volunteers.” 

The group's diverse portfolio, including Wests Ashfield, Croydon Sports, Markets Club and the future Balmain Leagues Club, exemplifies its commitment to nurturing sports at various levels.

Holman Barnes Group’s representation in Wests Magpies and shareholding at Wests Tigers further solidifies its dedication to sporting excellence. 

This year’s winners of the awards represent the pinnacle of commitment and achievement in their respective fields: 

• Magpie Award: Timothy Hodge, Swimming NSW 
• Magpie Junior Award: Claudia Meaker, Balmain Touch Association 
• Magpie Volunteer Award: Dan Waterworth, Petersham Juniors Rugby Club & Dave Cooper, Swimming NSW 
• Magpie Team Award (Senior):UNSW Wests Magpies AWL Team, UNSW Wests Water Polo Club 
• Magpie Team Award (Junior):U12 Junior Rep Team, Canterbury & Western Suburbs Cricket Association 
• Directors’ Encouragement Award: Athena Feng, UTS Fencing 

Each recipient and their respective sporting organisations received a share of $21,000 in prize money, along with an exclusive one-year gym membership at CSP Athletes Factory, providing them with further support and resources to continue their athletic endeavours. 

The black-tie evening hosted a captivating panel discussion featuring esteemed sports personalities, including Paralympian Champion Ellie Cole, Botille Vette-Welsh from Wests Tigers NRLW and Tallyn Da Silva, the talented hooker from Wests Tigers.

Their insights and experience served to inspire and motivate the attendees, further emphasising the transformative power of sports in our communities. 

The 2024 Magpie Sports Awards not only celebrated past achievements but also laid the groundwork for a future generation of athletes, volunteers and sports enthusiasts, with generous support of Holman Barnes Group which provided funding of more than $2.5 million to 36 sporting organisations for the 2024 season to date, to embody the spirit of excellence and community engagement.