The Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame is returning with its latest list of inductees, as 11 athletes from the region are set be to be celebrated at a ceremony in August.
After the group was recently endorsed by Greater Shepparton City Council, the newly-anointed stars will join some of the Goulburn Valley’s finest sports men and women in the Hall of Fame, Honour Roll and Junior Honour Roll categories.
Mayor Shane Sali said the Greater Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame continued to play an important role in recognising and preserving the region’s proud sporting legacy.
“Sport is part of the fabric of Greater Shepparton. From grassroots to international competition, our community has produced outstanding athletes, coaches, officials and administrators,” Sali said.
“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 inductees and to acknowledge the vital role sport plays in connecting and inspiring our community.”
New to the Sports Hall of Fame is soccer sensation Garang Kuol and showjumping Olympian Geoffrey Bloomfield, while the Roll of Honour inductees include Jan Dunlop (golf), Val Barrass (netball) and Vince Lia (soccer).
Meanwhile, the Junior Sports Hall of Fame will have fresh entrants in the form of Harriet Gall (netball), Alex Keath (cricket), Liam Edwards (cycling), James Nieuwenhuizen (soccer), Alou Kuol (soccer) and Dakota North (speedway).
Since its founding in 2016, the Hall of Fame has grown into more than a ceremonial gesture.
It’s become a lens; a way of seeing Shepparton not just as a town, but as a cradle of sporting potential.
More than 70 names have been enshrined in previous ceremonies, held in 2017, 2019, and 2022.
This fourth class builds upon that lineage — and sets a bar for what’s next.
GSSHOF advisory committee chair Anthony Brophy said the induction process reflected the committee’s commitment to celebrating local achievements while maintaining high standards of integrity and fairness.
“The calibre of this year’s inductees is exceptional and reflects the strength and diversity of sporting talent in our region,” Brophy said.
“It is a privilege to help honour individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen sports, but have also inspired others through their dedication and community spirit.”