Rising stars in the spotlight

Two young rising sports stars from the Margaret River region were honoured at this year’s South West Academy of Sport’s awards last Friday night.

Surfers Emma Cattlin and Seth Vanhaeften each won awards, with Cattlin securing Individual Female Athlete and Vanhaeften earning Individual Male Athlete.

The wins came amid a flurry of awards for the South West’s young athletes, many of whom receive ongoing support from the region’s premier sports agency.

The gala ceremony saw promising young sports men and women as well as supporters converge inside Bunbury’s Cube Theatre.

Other award winners included footballer Jeremy Barraclough who was named Wally Foreman Coach of the Year, and netballer Brooke Repacholi who was announced Emerging Star.

Hockey young gun Indee Elphick picked up the Community Achiever and Team Male Athlete awards, while Busselton hockey talent Ella du Preez walked away as the Team Female Athlete of the Year.

Acclaimed netball sharpshooter Giselle Taylor beat out a field of outstanding junior athletes from around the region to take out the Sports Star of the Year prize.

SWAS chief executive officer Bernice Butlion, who was also honoured on the night for her service, congratulated all award winners.

“The quality of our award winners — and out athletes in general — is testament to the deep pool of talent in the South West, along with the high-level of support offered here in the region,” Butlion said. “The award winners have made us proud and we wish them well as they continue to pursue sporting careers.”

The glittering red carpet event also saw former SWAS athlete, now Kookaburra Jake Harvie take to the stage as the night’s best speaker.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray also addressed the audience.