Mariah Williams’ breakout year for the Hockeyroos has seen the former Parkes junior hockey player named Parkes Sportsperson of the Year at yesterday’s Australia Day awards ceremony.
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Mariah’s name was called out in front of a large appreciative crowd in Cooke Park.
Mariah has more than 20 caps for the national side and is on track to be selected in the Hockeyroos squad to compete at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this August.
Currently living in Perth at the Australian Institute of Sport Hockey Unit, Mariah has developed into one of the Hockeyroos’ key midfielders.
Although she was unable to attend due to the her Hockeyroos commitments in Singapore, Mariah was very honoured to receive her award.
“It is so wonderful to receive the award,” Mariah said.
“I am truly honoured.
“The coaching I received in Parkes put me on the road I am now travelling which will hopefully include representing Australia at the Rio Olympics.
“I really appreciate all the great support I receive from the Parkes community and I am proud to represent such a great town every time I go out on the field,” she said.
Billy Burns was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year for the second straight year after an excellent 2015 in rugby league.
Billy enjoyed numerous representative honours including Group XI , Western Rams, and NSW Country.
He was a member of the Red Bend Catholic College side who finished second in NSW and broke into the Parkes Spacemen first grade team.
The Team of the Year award went to the Parkes First XI cricket team after they finished NSW Country Cup champions.
They also won the Western Zone Premier League and successfully defended the Grinsted Cup on a number of occasions.
The Senior Sportsperson/Senior Team of the Year was awarded to the Parkes Masters womens hockey team after they claimed the Division 1 State Championships in Bathurst.
Gymnastics coach Kerry Hodges was crowned Coach of the Year after guiding her young charges to a very successful year.
Beau Newell won the Referee, Umpire or Official of the Year.
Beau is a Level 6 (international) touch football referee and officiated at the World Cup last year.
He is also the Regional Referee Coordinator and Trainer.
Parkes soccer’s Scott Lowe was awarded Administrator of the Year after an outstanding year.
The driving force behind Parkes successfully hosting the Under 15 Soccer State Championships and the new lights at Harrison Park.
He also fulfills the duties of a number of committee positions on the Parkes Soccer board.
Long-time Parkes Spacemen supporter Fred King won the Long Service and Dedication award.
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