Sport
14 February, 2026
Josh Barry crowned 2025 Wimmera Sports Star of the Year
30 years after he was first nominated, Warracknabeal’s Josh Barry was named the 2025 Wimmera Sports Star of the Year on Friday night. Tune in to Tuesday's edition of the Mail Times to hear more about the Awards night.
The Sports Star of the Year Awards, held at Horsham Town Hall, saw Barry earn the top honour following another extraordinary year of performances in lawn bowls.
The Australian Para Bowls representative's year was highlighted by claiming gold and bronze at the Bowls Australia Para Nationals.
Having been a contender several times, 2025 is the first time Barry has taken the top award.
“It’s been 30 years since I was first nominated, back when I was 14,” Barry said.
“I’ve played five different sports since then, and bowls has been the best, played for Australia.
Barry was thankful for the opportunities given to him through All Abilities sports, with the lawn bowler hopeful of future Australian representation.
“I want to thank the Wimmera Sports Assembly, all the sponsors, my family, and all the sporting teams I’ve been a part of; the Wimemra Whippets, the Giants, the all-ability sports,” Barry said.
“I am playing in Warracknabeal tomorrow and I have a few other events coming up; I might be going to Scotland in April and then the Commonwealth Games trials, where hopefully I make the team.”
Award Winners
Valued Volunteer of the Year: Stacey Drage (Run the Beal & Wimmera Roller Derby)
Grassroots Award: Wayne Schultz
Youth Sports Star of the Year - Female: Georgia Foster (Athletics)
Youth Sports Star of the Year - Male: Remi Bailey (Gymnastics)
Ian Niblett Scholarship Award: Jac Ivess (Powerlifting)
Indigenous Sports Star of the Year: Mason Kennedy
All Abilities Sports Star of the Year - Local: Robbie Turmine
All Abilities Sports Star of the Year - National: Rachael Werner
Veteran of the Year: Ray Funcke
Women in Sport Award: Lilly Weir
School of the Year: St Brigid’s College
Team of the Year: Grampians Giants Football Netball Club
Unsung Hero Award: Erin Muller (Pimpinio Football Netball Club)
Administrator of the Year: Casey Plazzer (Horsham Little Athletics)
Coach of the Year: Ravi Araujo (Horsham CrossFit)
Spirit of Community Award: Robbie Miller (Laharum Football Netball Club)
Club of the Year: Minyip Murtoa Football Netball Club