A RECORD number of nominations have been received for this year’s Redlands Coast Hall of Fame and Sports Awards, highlighting the growing depth of sporting talent emerging from the region.
Awards organiser Pat Carroll said 64 nominations had been received across all categories – a 35 per cent increase on last year.
“It’s important to recognise the Redlands as a place where you can become the best athlete in your chosen sport,” Mr Carroll said.
“It shows that you can achieve your goals here in the Redlands.”
One of the strongest increases has been in the Emerging Athlete Award, with 12 nominations received this year compared with just two in 2025.
Mr Carroll said the category recognised young athletes starting to make their mark on the national and international stage.
“That in itself is a testament to where you can achieve your goals through the Redlands,” he said.
The awards also received nominations from a growing number of local sporting clubs, broadening participation across the community.
“It is not just the same clubs involved each year,” Mr Carroll said.
“We have quite a lot of new sporting clubs who have nominated, and that is really important.”
The Hall of Fame induction is regarded as the awards’ highest honour, recognising both an individual’s sporting achievements and their enduring connection to the Redlands.
A maximum of two people can be inducted each year, although Mr Carroll said the selection panel could choose to induct one person – or none – depending on the nominations received.
“I can tell you there are some very strong applicants this year,” he said.
The awards will again be held at Sheldon College, with organisers hoping to welcome at least 250 guests.
Queensland Minister for Sport Tim Mander is expected to attend and discuss the opportunities the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could bring to Redlands sporting clubs.
Sydney 2000 Olympic beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook will be the guest speaker.
Mr Carroll said the event also helped strengthen links between sporting clubs, businesses and community organisations.
“We are all working to a similar goal,” he said.
“We are all here to promote and champion the Redlands.”
Local Redland Bayside News is proud to be the Major Event Sponsor as part of its commitment to strengthening and celebrating local communities.
Get tickets through the event website at rcshof.com.au.
