Sean Reynolds (left), pictured with Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, was named the Sports Award winner for 2026. Photo: Contributed
Greater Shepparton boasts a proud sporting community, and several of its members were recognised in the region’s Australia Day Awards.
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Revival Aerobics Studio owner and coach Sean Reynolds continues to reach new heights in the professional realm, 15 years of dedication culminating in a gold medal at the Federation of International Sport Aerobics and Fitness World Championships in Prague.
But it’s also his dedication to his Revival pupils that saw him a deserved choice for the Greater Shepparton Sports Award.
“It was such an honour to be recognised,” Reynolds said.
“It’s a niche sport; it’s not something a lot of people know about so to be recognised for that is incredible.
“This will be my 16th year competing in the sport.
“My partner Daniel and I opened revival in 2019. This year will be our biggest yet; I think we have over 50 athletes now.
“We love introducing and growing the sport as much as we can, especially within our community.”
The Junior Sports Award winner for 2026 hailed from Tatura, with Tanner Miller’s “work ethic and positive attitude” netting him the coveted recognition.
The young Bulldog is one of the club’s rising stars on and off the field, breaking into Tatura’s senior side for nine games while also taking his opportunity to suit up for the Murray Bushrangers under-16s in two games.
Now named in the Bushies’ under-18 pre-season squad, Miller’s trajectory looks on the up on field.
But a propensity to give back at a young age has him well-placed off the field, noted as an active supporter of Tatura’s junior programs.
Add in a strong association with the Tatura Cricket Club as well, and Miller shapes up as one of the town’s more exciting up-and-coming juniors.
Tanner Miller was named the Junior Sports Award winner for 2026. Photo: Contributed
Meanwhile, a couple with more than 28 years to their name volunteering in Dookie was named the Senior Sports Award winners.
Des and Marie Thorp’s influence stretches back to 1997 and spans various organisations, including the local Fire Brigade, Memorial Hall, Primary School, Pre-School, and Lions Club, where Marie has been particularly influential.
Des, meanwhile, was a former footballer and Life Member of the Dookie United Football Netball Club, and has been one of Bowls Club’s biggest presences.
Des and Marie Thorp were named the Senior Sports Award winners for 2026. Photo: Contributed
Star athlete Lucy Potter scooped the Junior Sports Award for the Shepparton township following a year when she performed strongly in state and national track events.
Potter’s crowning achievement came when she produced a championship-clinching 400m run at the School Sport Victoria event.
Matt Rennie’s CFA sport, basketball, and football exploits saw him named Tatura’s Sports Award winner, while the half-century contribution of Dianne Downie to table tennis, badminton, and lawn bowls saw her recognised as the Senior Sports Award recipient.
Ballroom dancer Cassandra Bryant took out the Dookie Sports Award for a year that saw her perform well at the Bendigo and Nova Dance Sport Classics and the Australian Dance Sport Championships.
Esther Ewart’s dedication to the Murchison sporting scene was also recognised, named the town’s Junior Sports Award recipient.
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