• North Queensland Sports Foundation
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The north queensland Sportstar awards

coming to TANKS ART CENTRE, cairns in 2026

 

Since 1991 the North Queensland Sports Foundation has been recognising elite talent from the region.

In 2026, we’re excited to be taking the awards to Cairns Regional Council for the very first time.

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Join us for a night of celebrations!
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Who will be crowned North Queensland’s best?

Nominations are now closed for this year’s North Queensland Sportstar Awards and the excitement is building!

With finalists soon to be revealed across nine award categories, who will take home the honours?

⭐ Senior Sportstar of the Year
⭐ Junior Sportstar of the Year
⭐ Para Athlete of the Year
⭐ Rural & Remote Sportstar Award
⭐ The Alan Ticehurst Memorial Service to Sport Award
⭐ Sports Excellence Award
⭐ Sports Impact Award
⭐ Team of the Year
⭐ Masters of Sport

Be there to celebrate North Queensland’s incredible sporting talent, achievements and contributions.

🎟️ Don’t miss the action – Buy your tickets now

EVENT & VENUE DETAILS

VENUE: Tanks Art Centre

DATE: Saturday 17th October 2026

NOMINATIONS OPEN: Saturday 1st August 2026

NOMINATIONS CLOSE: Tuesday 1st September 2026

2025 Award Winners

Senior Sportstar
Winner – Alexander Ferlazzo – Luge (Townsville)
Runner up – Liam Paro – Boxing (Mackay)
Junior Sportstar
Winner – Uwezo Lubenda – Sprinting (Townsville)
Runner up – Dylan Wright – Waterskiing (Cairns)
Rural & Remote Sportstar 
Winner – Cade Furguson – Rodeo (Cloncurry)
Runner up –Jack Larsen – Go Karting (Hinchinbrook)
Para Athlete of the Year
Winner – Dale Potter – Bowling & Bocce (Mackay)
Runner up – Sidney Whipp – Goalball (Cairns)
Team of the Year 
Winner – U18 Mackay Meteorettes – Basketball (Mackay)
Runner up – F/TR Team – Shooting (Burdekin)
Masters
Winner – John McKaig  – Swimming (Townsville)
Runner up –Roscoe McDonnell – Athletics (Mackay)
Service to Sport
Winner – Lenny Chiesa – Surf Life Saving & Rugby League (Hinchinbrook)
Runner Up – Beverley Knowles – Special Olympics – (Townsville)
Sporting Impact 
Winner – Lewis Fuller  – Dragon Boating (Townsville)
Runner up – Kimberley Doyle – Special Olympics (Mackay)
Sporting Excellence
Winner – Karin Thorburn– Celebrating her 500th Marathon (Burdekin)

2025 Recap Video

The Longest Running Awards Celebrating Sporting Excellence in North Queensland

NQ Sportstar Awards Partners

As a not-for-profit organisation with a reach over 700,000 people and across 25+ Local Government Council Areas across North Queensland, we rely on the generous support of sponsors and partners to deliver our prestigious Sportstar Awards. Your contribution helps us continue recognising outstanding athletes, coaches, and support staff and strengthens grassroots sport across the region.

Contact us to learn how you can partner with us and make a lasting impact into your community.