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This article was published on Thursday, 29 May, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council endorses 2025 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

In Summary

Council has endorsed 11 new inductees for the 2025 Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame, with a ceremony to be held on Friday 8 August 2025.
The inductees span the Sports Hall of Fame, Honour Roll and Junior Honour Roll, celebrating outstanding local athletes, coaches, officials and administrators.
Recent updates to the Sports Hall of Fame Nominations Policy have strengthened nomination integrity, clarified eligibility, and improved administrative processes.
Since its launch in 2016, the Sports Hall of Fame has honoured over 70 individuals, recognising the region’s rich and diverse sporting legacy.

At its May Council Meeting, Council adopted and updated the Sports Hall of Fame Nominations Policy and endorsed 11 new inductees across the Hall of Fame, Honour Roll, and Junior Honour Roll categories. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday 8 August 2025.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame continues to play an important role in recognising and preserving the region’s proud sporting legacy.

“Sport is part of the fabric of Greater Shepparton. From grassroots to international competition, our community has produced outstanding athletes, coaches, officials and administrators,” he said.

“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 inductees and to acknowledge the vital role sport plays in connecting and inspiring our community.”

The 2025 inductees are:

Sports Hall of Fame

Garang Kuol – Soccer
Geoffrey Bloomfield – Show Jumping

Roll of Honour

Janice Dunlop – Golf
Valerie Barrass – Netball
Vince Lia – Soccer

Junior Sports Hall of Fame

Harriet Gall – Netball
Alexander Keath – Cricket
Liam Edwards – Cycling
James Nieuwenhuizen – Soccer
Alou Kuol – Soccer
Dakota North – Speedway Riding

Chair of the Sports Hall of Fame Advisory Committee, Councillor Anthony Brophy, said the induction process reflects the committee’s commitment to celebrating local achievements while maintaining high standards of integrity and fairness.

“The calibre of this year’s inductees is exceptional and reflects the strength and diversity of sporting talent in our region,” he said.

“It is a privilege to help honour individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen sports, but have also inspired others through their dedication and community spirit.”

The Sports Hall of Fame was established in 2016 to honour local sporting excellence and features three levels of recognition – the Hall of Fame, Honour Roll, and Junior Honour Roll. Since its inception, more than 70 individuals have been inducted across ceremonies in 2017, 2019, and 2022.

The revised Sports Hall of Fame Nominations Policy outlines the eligibility criteria and nomination process, with recent updates improving clarity and strengthening integrity measures. Key changes include a formal consent requirement for nominees, revised policy review timelines, and updated administrative processes.

Council thanks the Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame Advisory Committee for their commitment to preserving the region’s sporting history and celebrating its champions.

For further information about the Sports Hall of Fame and upcoming induction ceremony, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au