The night honoured eleven outstanding athletes and contributors through their induction into the Junior Honour Roll, Honour Roll and Sports Hall of Fame, each recognised for their commitment, talent and impact in their respective sports.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the evening was an exciting showcase of local pride and achievement.
“We are incredibly lucky to have so many inspiring individuals, from young athletes breaking through, to legends who have made their mark nationally and internationally. These inductees embody the passion, dedication and community spirit that define sport in Greater Shepparton.”
The event was formally opened by Deputy Mayor, Cr Anthony Brophy, with Don Kilgour OAM hosting as Master of Ceremonies.
Council thanks the Sports Hall of Fame Advisory Committee, comprising of Cr Anthony Brophy, Don Kilgour, Tyler Maher, Margo Koskelainen, Peter Holland, Dennis Myers, Megan Carr and Tanya Phillips, for their continued leadership in preserving and recognising Greater Shepparton’s sporting legacy.
“This year’s eleven inductees represent a wide variety of sports, from netball to show jumping, cycling to speedway. Their achievements span local beginnings, national recognition and international success,” Cr Sali said.
Below is a summary of each inductee’s sporting journey.
2025 Inductees
Junior Honour Roll
Harriet Gall – Netball
A rising star in Australian netball, Harriet began with Shepparton Swans and earned a scholarship to the Victorian Institute of Sport. She represented Victoria in the Under 19 State Team and Australia at Under 19 and Under 21 levels. Harriet debuted internationally in Fiji and now plays with the Bendigo Strikers in the Victorian Netball League’s U23 and Championship divisions.
Alexander Keath – Cricket
Raised in Shepparton, Alex excelled in both cricket and AFL. He represented Australia at the U19 Cricket World Cup, played first-class cricket in Victoria and England, and later joined the AFL’s Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs, playing in the 2021 Grand Final and earning multiple accolades.
Liam Edwards – Cycling
Liam represented Victoria from 2015, winning multiple titles including the 2017 Victorian Hill Climb and Time Trial Championships. After a car accident and partial hand amputation, Liam transitioned to paracycling, becoming National Road Race Champion. His resilience makes him the seventh cyclist honoured in the Hall of Fame program.
James Nieuwenhuizen – Soccer
From St Brendan’s Under 6s to Australia’s U20 squad, James has risen through the ranks. His journey includes GV Suns, Melbourne City Youth Academy, and international appearances in Spain, Kuwait and Uzbekistan, all while pursuing Law and Commerce at Monash University.
Alou Kuol – Soccer
Alou rose from the GV Suns to the Central Coast Mariners, later joining Germany’s VfB Stuttgart. He returned to help the Mariners win the A-League Premiership, Championship and AFC Cup in 2023–24, scoring the winning goal in the final. He now plays for Western Sydney Wanderers.
Dakota North – Speedway
Dakota began racing at 12 in Undera, winning national titles by 15. He raced professionally across Europe with teams like Poole Pirates and King’s Lynn Stars, and appeared in the Speedway World Cup. Despite early retirement, his fearless riding made a global impact.
Honour Roll
Janice Dunlop – Golf
From Murchison, Jan’s athletic talents spanned golf, tennis and badminton. She won the 1965 Victorian Junior Championship, 7 Murchison and 23 Hill Top Golf Club titles, and was 1973 Goulburn Valley Sports Star of the Year. Jan’s leadership and sporting legacy remain unmatched in the region.
Valerie Barrass – Netball
Val gave 80 years of service to Goulburn Valley Netball. Starting at age 12, she transitioned from champion player to official, umpire and mentor. In 2018, Netball Victoria named her Volunteer of the Year and named the control box in her honour.
Vince Lia – Soccer
Beginning at Tatura Soccer Club, Vince represented Australia at two FIFA U20 World Cups and played in the A-League for Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix, Adelaide United and Perth Glory. With over 200 professional appearances, he remains a true Shepparton soccer export.
Hall of Fame
Garang Kuol – Soccer
Garang made his A-League debut at 17 with Central Coast Mariners before signing with Premier League club Newcastle United. A 2022 World Cup Socceroo, Garang became the youngest Australian to play in a knockout match since Pelé. He remains one of Australia’s most exciting football talents.
Geoffrey Bloomfield – Show Jumping
Geoff began riding with the Rochester Pony Club and became a show jumping icon. He represented Australia internationally, competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and completed over 100 World Cup rides. His career earned him a silver whip trophy and a place in equestrian history.
For more information about the Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame, visit our Sports Hall of Fame webpage, call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
