Local sport stars honoured at Ipswich Sports Awards 2025
Published on 30 October 2025
The dynamic athletics duo of Gout Gout and his coach Diane Sheppard have received accolades for their record-breaking year at the 2025 Ipswich Sports Awards.
Breakout Brisbane Broncos NRLW star Shalom Sauaso, swimming sensation Rob Chrzescijanski and dedicated sporting officials are also among those honoured in this year’s awards.
The awards, now in their 16th year, were presented on Wednesday 29 October at Ipswich Civic Centre.
Ipswich City Council Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said it was wonderful to acknowledge the range of sporting talent in the city and those who make local clubs successful.
“The Ipswich Sports Awards are about honouring not only our star athletes, but those who work tirelessly to keep sporting clubs at all levels running,” Cr Madsen said.
“The dedication and hard work at all levels in sport is incredible. Athletes, coaches, volunteers and administrators continue to proudly represent Ipswich on the state, national and world stage.”
The 2025 Ipswich Sports Awards winners are:
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Shalom Sauaso - Rugby League and Rugby Union
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Gout Gout – Athletics
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year: Rob Chrzescijanski – Swimming
- Sporting Organisation of the Year: Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club – Swimming
- Coach of the Year: Diane Sheppard – Athletics
- Volunteer of the Year: CJ Mulvogue – AFL
- Team of the Year: U14 Ipswich Force Girls – Basketball
- Official of the Year: Amanda Bedford – Swimming
“I’m blown away by the sporting talent we have in our city," Cr Madsen said.
“Shalom Sauaso’s debut year in the NRLW was nothing short of first-class, helping her team win the premiership and also being named NRLW Rookie of the Year.
“More and more young girls are choosing to take up rugby league and seeing Sauaso celebrating her team’s victory has been an inspiration to all our local athletes.
“Sauaso has a bright future ahead of her and I’m certain more premiership rings are in the cards for her throughout her career.
“I’m certain that everyone in Ipswich has heard the name Gout Gout, our Junior Sportsman of the Year. The athletics world watched in awe as he smashed the 200-metre Australian record earlier this year, eclipsing iconic track athlete Peter Norman’s time.
“Just last weekend, he wrapped up his high school career with Ipswich Grammar School in style, smashing the record for the 400-metre race and 4x100-metre relay.
“What a tremendous high school career he has had. He has shown our young athletes what is possible, becoming a global sprinting prodigy.
“Not only is Gout’s success credit to his hard work, but the hard work and dedication of his coach, Diane Sheppard. Sheppard has been a driving force behind many Ipswich Grammar School athletes, encouraging Gout and many other athletes on their paths.
“I’m happy that we could acknowledge her and celebrate her success as Coach of the Year and someone who has been instrumental in Gout’s career.
“Sheppard has helped shape the careers of many Ipswich Grammar School athletes and continues to support them on the track and beyond. She is deserving of all accolades she receives. I wish her every success.
“Our Masters Sportsperson of the Year Rob Chrzescijanski has shown that age is just a number. At 40, he returned to swimming and went on to hold three Australian records, multiple state, national and Pan Pacific medals. He even swims faster now than he did during his teenage national career.
“Many volunteers are behind the successful sporting scene we have here in Ipswich. I’m happy to see CJ Mulvogue honoured for her contribution to AFL. Mulvogue has worn many hats; team manager, umpire, canteen worker, coach and more. She goes above and beyond for Collingwood Park Power AFC and it’s wonderful to recognise her today.
“It is very exciting to see the calibre of sporting talent we have in our city. Each athlete brings something unique to the table, inspiring residents of all ages and backgrounds.
“On behalf of council and the Ipswich community, congratulations to all finalists and winners of the 2025 Ipswich Sports Awards.”