The diving community gathered together to celebrate the successes of the past 12 months at the Diving Victoria Annual Awards Night at the Bentleigh Club on Saturday 5th September. 

Over what proved to be a busy and exciting year for Victorian diving, the state was crowned State of the Year at both Age Nationals and Elite Junior Nationals.

Whilst the Awards Night was heavily focused on divers and their respective achievements, it also recognized the significant contribution made by clubs, coaches, administrators and countless volunteers.

Award winners:

Grand Prix Awards - Divers

Awarded to the top 20 divers receiving points from a minimum of 3 Pennants, the Pullar Family Championships and the State Championships.

Madison Arnold, Shiori Bak, Billie Bennett, Corey Bruno, Kiara Field, Naomi Fitzgerald, Anna Hachmann, Nathan Hatton, Sophie James, Luca Jarvis, Marc Jencik, Amy Kenny, Elise Marcun, Christophe Michael, Ethan Newnham, Cooper Read, Abby Rowley, Jordan Thein, Hanna Vlamis, Caitlin Wescott.

Grand Prix Awards - Officials

To encourage and thank volunteers and officials – the backbone of our sport.

Ross Bennett, Rohan Blake, Fiona Carter, Olivia Carter, Jen Delmastro, Kelly Fitzgerald, Naomi Fitzgerald, Monica Fly, Andrew Henry, John Hillard, Clive Morton, Jane Newnham, Shirely Panayi, Peter Panayi, Avril Nel Pearson, Bryn Pearson, Wendy Pullar, Ann Sissons, Helen Sist, Mary Veal.

Official of the Year

Awarded by Diving Victoria for the most outstanding contribution by an official/volunteer over the season.

Peter Panayi

Pennant Awards

The Pennant series encourages divers of all levels to participate. The Pennants are awarded to clubs based on the points the divers achieve throughout the season through participation and Pennant achievement.

F Grade (Pennant 1+2)

Boys – Whitehorse Diving Club

Girls – Whitehorse Diving Club

E Grade (Pennant 3+4)

Boys – St. Kevin’s Aquatic Club

Girls – PLC Aquatics

D Grade (Pennant 5+6)

Boys – St. Kevin’s Aquatic Club

Girls – Ringwood Diving Club

C Grade (Pennant 7+8)

Boys – Ringwood Diving Club

Girls – Ringwood Diving Club

B Grade (Pennant 9+10)

Boys – Slipstream Diving Club

Girls – Ringwood Diving Club

A Grade (Pennant open)

Girls – Ringwood Diving Club

Top Female Club for 2014/15 (Anne Palmer Shield)

• Melbourne Elite Diving Academy

Top Male Club for 2014/15 (Streamline Award)

• Ringwood Diving Club

Most Improved Female Diver of the Year (L.G. Warner Trophy)

• Ruby Neave (Melbourne Elite Diving Academy)

Most Improved Male Diver of the Year (Shaun Panayi Trophy)

• Ethan Newnham (Ringwood Diving Club)

Female Age Diver of the Year (Shirely Panayi Trophy)

• Morgan Sholakis (Slipstream Diving Club)

Male Age Diver of the Year (Peter Panayi Trophy)

• Marc Jencik (St Kevin's Aquatic Club)

Female Masters Diver of the Year

• Pamela Downing (Whitehorse Diving Club)

Male Masters Diver of the Year

• Rohan Blake (PLC Aquatics)

Female Elite Junior Diver of the Year (Tom Donnet Memorial Trophy)

• AnnaRose Keating (VIS/Melbourne Elite Diving Academy)

Male Elite Junior Diver of the Year (Noel Walton Trophy)

• Ethan Newnham (Ringwood Diving Club)

Coach of the Year

• Ming Gong (VIS)

Most Outstanding Female Diver of the Year (Chantelle Michell Newbery Trophy)

• Anabelle Smith (VIS)

Most Outstanding Male Diver of the Year (Russell Butler Trophy)

• Grant Nel (VIS/Ringwood Diving Club)

Congratulations to all involved for a very successful 2014/2015 season!!

Awards info:

Anne Palmer Shield

Awarded to the top female club from State Titles. Anne Palmer was a member of the Women’s Olympic Swimming Club when the trophy was donated.

Streamline Award

Awarded to the top male club from State Titles. The Streamline Club was established by Marty Galea who at the time was Victorian Development Officer and a senior coach.

L.G. Warner Trophy

Awarded to the Most Improved Female Diver. Len Warner was a past diver and for many years was the Australian Chief Referee and a judge.

Chantelle Michell Newbery Trophy

Awarded to the most outstanding female diver of the year. Chantelle Michell Newbery is a former Olympic gold medalist and has medaled at all major international competitions. Chantelle has been a proud and loyal Victorian state and club member throughout her diving career.

Russell Butler Trophy

Awarded to the most outstanding male diver of the year. Russell Butler is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Australian representative at all international levels. The Butler Family was involved in diving for many years.