Sporting stars and community heroes honoured at 2025 Queensland Sport Awards

• Queensland athletes, teams, officials and volunteers honoured at the 2025 Queensland Sports Awards.
• Reigning Olympic Champion Kaylee McKeown named Queensland Athlete of the year, while Paralympian Callum Simpson won Queensland Para Athlete of the Year.
• Ash Barty, Ian Healy and Gout Gout among those recognised for their sporting achievements.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future. 

The Crisafulli Government has congratulated the winners of the 2025 Queensland Sport Awards with all-time greats, rising stars and grassroots heroes recognised for their outstanding contributions to Queensland sport. 

The 2025 Queensland Sport Awards, held in Brisbane last night, honoured athletes, teams, officials and volunteers from across the state and a range of sporting codes. 

Record-smashing Olympic swimmer Kaylee McKeown was named Queensland Athlete of the Year, while Paralympic swimmer Callum Simpson took the award for Queensland Para Athlete of the Year. 

Sprint sensation Gout Gout claimed Queensland Junior Athlete of the Year, wheelchair tennis rising star Ben Wenzel was named Junior Para Athlete of the Year and back-to-back AFL Premiers the Brisbane Lions are Queensland Sport Team of the Year. 

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander congratulated all the winners and nominees. 

“It’s been a historic year in Queensland sport, with our local athletes and teams giving us plenty to cheer about,” Minister Mander said.  

“There have been so many sporting moments this year that made us proud to be Queenslanders while cementing Queensland’s place as the capital of Australian sport. 

“Many of us will recognise the big names honoured this year, but these awards are also a chance for us to acknowledge the dedicated people working behind the scenes, like Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year, Christopher Sarquis from Kingaroy Golf Club. 

“It’s also important to honour our Hall of Fame inductees, Ash Barty, Daniel Herbert, Des Morris, Rod Morris and Michael Kasprowicz, as well as Ian Healy who is elevated to Legend Status. Our past champions inspire young Queenslanders to be our future champions. 

“Congratulations to everyone nominated and thank you for your dedication to excellence, to your communities and to Queensland sport.” 

Chief Executive Officer of QSport Shantel Netzler said this year’s celebration was especially meaningful.  

“This year, we mark 30 years of the Queensland Sport Awards - three decades of honouring excellence, dedication and the people who make our sporting community so strong. These awards reflect the incredible depth of talent across our state and the passion that drives Queensland sport forward,” Ms Netzler said.  

“Queensland has long been the home of sport in Australia, and the athletes, teams, volunteers and officials recognised represent the very best of the 1.2 million Queenslanders who participate in sport every year.  

“Their achievements inspire communities across the state, and QSport is proud to celebrate those who wear the maroon spirit so proudly on and off the field.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Meg Sydes 0448 114 869 

Full list of winners: