Casey Chandler is Berrigan Shire's Sportsperson of the Year.
When it comes to high achieving sports people, Berrigan Shire is spoiled for choice.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Just some of them were recognised on Australia Day, with the presentation of Australia Day Awards.
In front of a home crowd at the Berrigan ceremony on Friday, the Berrigan Netball Club’s under-17s side collected the Sports Team of the Year award for 2024.
It was another teen who received the Sportsperson of the Year award, with Casey Chandler recognised for her achievements across a number of disciplines.
Following is why each received their award.
Casey Chandler:
Casey Chandler is an exceptional young person who excels in all sports.
At only 14, she is competing at the highest level in golf, AFL women’s and in dance.
Her golfing ability, in particular, is second to none, often outclassing and out-driving people more than twice her age.
Casey is an extraordinary role model for young people and her relaxed nature and carefree attitude is a testament to her upbringing and education.
All of Casey’s work and sporting achievements are voluntary.
As a 14 year-old she relies heavily on parents to fund her sporting activities and travel expenses.
Casey also volunteers to wash golf carts at the Cobram-Barooga Golf Club in her spare time, and also actively encourages other juniors, especially females, to participate in golf.
Berrigan Netball Club's under-17s side (back, from left) coach Bec Ware, Miley Driscoll, Charlie Magil, Amelia Packer and team manager Chantelle Henderson; (front) Lucy Pyle, Layla Towler and Gracie Rice. Absent were Abigail Walsh, Erica Hammond, Mia Cameron and Rhylie De Rijcke.
Berrigan Netball Club Under 17’s Team:
The dedication and teamwork shown by the Berrigan under-17s netball team is truly commendable.
Their commitment to both playing and supporting the club reflects the spirit of community and sportsmanship.
At one point it looked as though the club might not have been able to put forward an under-17s team.
Girls from the under-15s team stepped up and committed themselves to the season, playing against older, more experienced teams.
For a group of girls who have been primarily playing together since NetSetGo, it was amazing to see them come together and excel every single week.
They worked hard and trained hard to make sure they kept near the top and made their way to the grand final.
The girls not only worked hard playing multiple grades of netball each week, but supported their club by helping setup and pack up the courts, volunteering to help in the canteen and offering to umpire, score and time keep other games.
Small sporting clubs don’t survive long without amazing support, and these girls are definitely the future of our club.
With Berrigan Netball Club in the hands of these girls, the future is looking bright.