If you live in the Lane Cove Local Government Area, you have the opportunity to be involved with so many different sporting clubs. Lane Cove’s Sports clubs are run by dedicated volunteers who spend hours on admin, training, uniform requirements, equipment upkeep, junior development, game day tasks, functions, fundraising, grant writing and much more.
Having covered local sports for over 12 years, In the Cove has seen and met some amazing local volunteers. You may have recently met some of those volunteers at the Lane Cove Rotary Fair. We know every local sports club has them — the quiet achievers who turn up no matter what.
You now have a chance to shine a light on those unsung heroes.
Nominate a Lane Cove Unsung Sporting Hero
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame, in partnership with Sportscover and CODE Sports, has launched the brand-new Unsung Heroes Award — a national initiative to recognise the everyday people who make sport possible across Australia.
Whether it’s the long-serving club volunteer, the coach who inspires kids to believe in themselves, or the volunteer who is always behind the BBQ on game day (or at Bunnings) this award shines a light on the passion and perseverance that keep communities like Lane Cove connected through sport. Some of our local volunteers continue to assist with clubs even when they no longer play or their children are too old for a local junior club.
The winner will receive a $10,000 prize, and will be honoured on stage alongside Hamish McLachlan at The Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Melbourne on 17 November 2025.
Hall of Fame Chair John Bertrand AO said the award aims to uncover the people who quietly make an extraordinary difference.
“The power of sport brings different cultures together. We want to search the country to unearth people doing extraordinary things that bring communities together,” Bertrand said.
What the Judges Are Looking For
Nominees should embody the heart and soul of community sport, demonstrating:
- Community Impact – making a real difference through sport
• Inclusivity & Accessibility – ensuring everyone feels welcome
• Resilience & Innovation – finding creative ways to keep sport thriving
• Leadership & Inspiration – motivating others through action
• Passion & Dedication – giving their all, year after year
A distinguished judging panel of sporting legends — including Dawn Fraser AC, MBE, Louise Sauvage OAM, Robert de Castella AO, MBE, Nova Peris OAM, Kevin Sheedy AO, David Boon AM, Ric Charlesworth AO, and Anna Meares OAM — will select the winner.
How to Nominate
If someone in your Lane Cove sporting club fits the bill, now’s the time to shine a light on their incredible work.
Submit a 100–200 word nomination with two references outlining their contribution, leadership, and community spirit.
Applications close October 31, 2025.
Enter online here.
Why It Matters
The Lane Cove sports community thrives because of volunteers who give their time freely. This is an opportunity for Lane Cove to show Australia what community sport really looks like — driven by people with heart.
So if there’s a quiet champion in your club — the one who never asks for thanks but deserves it — nominate them today. Let’s make sure Lane Cove’s unsung heroes get the recognition they deserve.
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