The Narrandera Annual Sportsperson Awards were presented as part of the Narrandera Shire Australia Day 2026 Ceremony.

The presentations began with the team awards which saw the President’s Award go to the Barellan Rams Women’s Rugby League Team.

The Barellan Rams who play in the Proten Community Cup was established just three years ago and have become the benchmark for excellence and inclusion in our region.

The team has had only one loss in three years. However, they don’t only excel on the field but also off the field as they mentor other clubs, participate in the development of junior females and demonstrate the value of their community by giving so much back.

The 2025 annual team award went to the Narrandera Under 17 years boys AFL team.

The boys played well all season and deservingly took out many major awards. They were named minor and major premiers in the Riverina Football League.

A major feat but the boys did not stop there. In October the boys travelled to Canberra to play in the Champions of Champions Competition. During the two day carnival the boys competed against other grand finalists from leagues across Southern NSW.

The Eagles were crowned Champion of Champions after defeating East Lakes in the Grand Final. This was an outstanding effort because they virtually had the whole of Narrandera wishing them well.

The 2025 Junior Annual Sportsperson Award went to last year’s winner Braxton Ivanoff.

Braxton had another outstanding year on the golf course demonstrating exceptional dedication and sportsmanship. Some of his many achievements are:

• Winner of Riverina School Sports Association Secondary Golf Championship

• Gold Medal recipient at the 2025 Regional Academy Games Tamworth

• Winner of the Riverina District Golf Association Junior Championship

• Fifth in 13 year boys Jack Newton Junior Golf NSW Junior Championship

• Qualified for the Jack Newton “Fare Golf” Junior Match Play (under 13 year boys)

Three other juniors Sonny Jess, Judd Powell and Ross Durnan were award certificates for their performances throughout the year.

Sonny is a student at Narrandera East Infant School and has excelled in swimming, when he came fifth in the NSW State eight years 50m freestyle.

Both Judd and Ross played an important role in the celebrated Under 17 years AFL Team as well as being selected to play in the AFL state team.

In the 2025 Senior Sportsperson of the Year category Tanza Paterson was award the Veterans award.

Tanza is a powerhouse who has conquered the 50km ultra trail marathon in the rugged terrain of Katoomba.

Not only did she finish the gruelling race but came first in her age category and won herself a coveted entry into the Ultra Trail Mont-Blanc 2026 in France.

Tanza is a dedicated and trains hard. She puts in countless hours and is an inspiration to those around her.

The senior sportsperson for 2025 is shared. The judges were not able to distinguish between two outstanding athletes.

The 2025 Senior Award went to Erin Anderson and Jasmin Gilmour.

Erin has given so much to her sport at every level. She is passionate about horse riding and in 2025 obtained 15 first places and 11 second place positions.

What an outcome especially when you realise that not only Erin has to be in top form on the day but she also has to have her horse in top form.

Probably one of her highest achievements for the year was the Horse Club Association of Victoria Awards Night in Melbourne when she came Level 2 Champion Rider for 2025.

A great Achievement as she competed against over a 1000 riders for this honour.

Joining Erin is the senior award is Jasman Gilmour. Jasman’s talent is on the netball court.

For the last two years Jasman has been selected to play with the Sutherland Stingrays in the NSW Netball Premier League. She is the first netball in Narrandera Shire to reach this level which has been achieved through her hard work, dedication and commitment.

Beyond netball Jasman has been an exceptional all round sportsperson representing NHS and the Riverina at a variety of sports.