Locals honoured at NIAS awards

LOCAL sportspeople have been celebrated for excellence at the Northern Inland Academy of Sport’s (NIAS) annual awards celebration.

Held at Wests Entertainment Centre in Tamworth earlier this month, the NIAS awards ceremony brought together athletes, families, coaches, sponsors and community members to mark the conclusion of the academy’s 34th year of supporting talented young athletes across the Northern Inland region.

The awards capped another significant year for NIAS, highlighted by the successful delivery of the 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games in Tamworth.

Maddison Connole received the netball umpire encouragement award.

The ceremony was hosted by Dan Saunders from TMFM 95.5 and featured former Wallaby Ned Hanigan as guest speaker.

Among the recipients were Lucas Grosser and Sienna Swain, both of Gunnedah, and Maddison Connole, of Narrabri.

Lucas received the leadership award in golf.

In netball, Sienna was honoured with the most improved award while Maddison was recognised with the netball umpire encouragement award.

Major awards were also presented at the gathering with female athlete of the year presented to Isabella Henderson (Future Stars Rowing) and the male honour to Luke Schmude (hockey). Both winners are from Armidale.

Sienna Swain was awarded most improved in netball.

NIAS regional manager Sue Charles said the awards celebrated not only the achievements of the athletes, but also the collective effort required to provide high-performance opportunities across regional New South Wales.

“Our award recipients and nominees represent the very best of regional sport. Their talent is matched by their commitment, resilience and determination to continually improve,” Ms Charles said.

“We are incredibly proud of Isabella and Luke, as well as every athlete recognised at this year’s awards. Their achievements demonstrate the strength of the sporting pathway available to young people across the Northern Inland region.”