Sunshine Coast Sports Annual Awards 2026

For more than 56 years, the Sunshine Coast Sports Annual Awards have celebrated the people, teams and organisations who make our local sporting community so special. The 2026 Awards continue this proud tradition, bringing together athletes, coaches, clubs, officials, volunteers and supporters to recognise the incredible achievements of the past 12 months. Our finalists will join an impressive list of past Sunshine Coast Sports Award recipients, including Grant Kenny (Surf Life Saving), Liam Schluter (Swimming), Callum Simpson (Paralympic swimmer), Addison Houslip (Triathlon), Kelsey Cottrell (Lawn Bowls) and Lani Pallister (Swimming), just to name a few. After a fantastic night as our MC last year, we’re thrilled to welcome back Sunshine Coast Lightning player Ava Black to host the 2026 Awards. She'll be joined by keynote speaker Dr Bridie Kean (Paralympian and Deputy Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Paralympics), who will share her story and celebrate the people behind our region's sporting success. Awards will be presented across 11 categories, culminating with the announcement of the 2026 Senior and Junior Sport Stars of the Year. If you haven't nominated yet, please do so using the link here by 30 October 2026. Guests are invited to arrive from 5pm to enjoy complimentary food, with drinks available for purchase from the bar, while mingling with athletes, finalists, sponsors and fellow members of the sporting community. The event will be held at the UniSC Auditorium. The UniSC Auditorium is an accessible and inclusive venue, with wheelchair access and accessible bathrooms. When purchasing your ticket, please take the opportunity to let us know about any accessibility requirements you may have. Formal proceedings will commence at 5.45pm, when we come together to recognise the athletes, coaches, teams, clubs, volunteers, officials and sporting events that have made an impact over the past 12 months. We look forward to celebrating with you and sharing what promises to be a wonderful night for Sunshine Coast sport. We also sincerely thank our sponsors for their generous support and continued involvement in the Sunshine Coast Sports Annual Awards. Guest Arrival & Info Event Timing Guests are asked to arrive at the venue from 5pm. Formal proceedings commence at 5.45pm sharp. Parking There is plenty of parking available around the UniSC Innovation Centre. Please note that parking fees apply until 6pm. The rate is $0.75 per hour. Click on the link below to help you find the available car parks. Explore transport and parking and maps. Smoking/vaping Please note that UniSC is a smoke-free campus. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on UniSC grounds, including the Innovation Centre and surrounding car parks. If you wish to smoke or vape, you will need to go off-campus. Bar UniSC innovation Centre is a cashless venue and any purchases at the bar will be required via card facilities. All major cards payment methods are accepted.