2025 Queensland Sport Awards and Hall of Fame Induction

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Honourable Timothy Mander MP; Representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Aspley, Mr Bart Mellish MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor for Holland Park, Councillor Krista Adams; Member for Lockyer, Mr Jim McDonald MP; QSport Chairman, Mr Ben Callard and CEO Ms Shantel Netzler; partners and sponsors; award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

Thank you, Tribal Experiences, for the warm Welcome to Country. I also begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and paying my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here tonight. 

I am delighted to be with you for the much-anticipated 2025 Queensland Sport Awards, Hall of Fame Induction, and the elevation to “Legend” of a very famous name in Australian cricket—Mr Ian Healy AO.  

This evening’s special event gives us the opportunity to commend and celebrate the outstanding contributions of people who have dedicated their efforts to furthering organised sport in our state, across an amazing array of disciplines.  

I begin by congratulating all finalists for leading the way in each of their respective categories, in this, the 30th year of these awards.  

There is no doubt that 2025 has been a huge year for Queensland sport, with high profile successes including the dual wins for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals, the Brisbane Lions taking out a back-to-back National Premiership, and the women’s team due to play in the AFLW Grand Final on Saturday. We’re all cheering for them! 

In other glories, our state’s team took home gold and set a new championship record in the 2025 AusCycling Track National Championships; and in Softball, our over 35’s women’s team also won their national competition.   

In a victory for young athletes, Brisbane North’s players aged 10 to 12, in the 2025 Australian Little League Championship, were crowned Australian Region Champions, and went on to compete in the World Series. 

These successes are extremely exciting for our State, and demonstrate the power sport has to bring people together, and raise our spirits, while highlighting Queensland’s remarkable sporting prowess nationally and beyond. 

Tonight’s awards finalists represent the pinnacle of sports achievement across 13 different categories, encompassing the exceptional athletes, administrators, coaches, officials, teams, volunteers and organisations who are contributing so beneficially to the vibrancy of our state.  

While their specific roles in the sports landscape differ, they are each connected by tremendous sense of commitment and determination and have been prepared to put in the incredible exertion required to reach the top. 

Their positive impact, and the influence of all QSport members, reaches deeply into the hearts of communities right across our state, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved….and, when they do, they not only build their physical fitness, stamina and endurance, but strengthen feelings of belonging and purpose.  

I commend the Board, Executive and Staff for furthering organised sport’s quality and scope, and for driving active participation, and I take this moment to welcome the organisation’s new CEO, Ms Shantel Netzler, and wish her every success, in championing the sector and strengthening partnerships and collaborations, as we head towards Brisbane 2032. 

I also express my appreciation to the generous sponsors who have made this event possible. 

I once again congratulate all of tonight’s contenders, those being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and our newest Legend.  

Enjoy the celebrations.