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The Mike Stidwell Medal is an annual award that acknowledges exceptional volunteer service in sport administration across the Great Southern. It honours the memory of Albany’s former regional manager at the Department of Sport and Recreation Mike Stidwell, and his selfless, long-term contribution to sport and recreation in the region.

First awarded in 2000, the medal celebrates volunteers who have made a significant impact through leadership and administration roles such as president, vice president, secretary or treasurer within their sporting clubs and organisations.

This year’s presentation marked the 26th anniversary of the award, with Mr Berry recognised at a presentation evening held at the Albany Entertainment Centre last night.

Mr Berry has been a transformative asset in Lower Great Southern basketball, strengthening governance, deepening partnerships and providing operational stability that has established the Association as one of Western Australia’s most respected regional sporting bodies.

Mr Berry’s legacy is defined by his deep dedication and unwavering commitment to strengthening community basketball, all while elevating the Albany region’s sporting profile and ensuring sustainable and community-focused growth.

The Great Southern Service to Sport Award was also presented to volunteer Ray Squibb from the Tambellup Hockey Club, in recognition of his long-standing dedication to community hockey across the region.

Mr Squibb has been a driving force in the region for decades, supporting local clubs and helping strengthen participation and opportunities across the region, all while taking the field himself with trademark enthusiasm.

The presentation event was held at the start of National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities’, highlights the vital role volunteers play in bringing people together, strengthening wellbeing and building more connected communities.