The grand final triumphs of some of Gawler’s sporting clubs have been honoured in State Parliament on Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, highlighted the remarkable success across various sports, celebrating the dedication and hard work of athletes, coaches, supporters, and volunteers within the Gawler region.

“A winning culture has certainly swept through the Gawler region this year, starting with my beloved Willaston Donnybrooks,” said Mr. Piccolo.

“As a member of the club, I was pleased with the extraordinary performances by both the A Grade and Reserves (footy) on the weekend to bring home both premierships in tightly contested matches, each decided by a mere three points.”

Mr. Piccolo extended his commiserations to Angaston in the A-grade and Gawler Centrals in the reserves, but expressed his delight in seeing other Gawler clubs also tasting success on Grand Final day in the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football and Netball Associations.

“Centrals triumphed in the Under 17.5 and Under 13 grand finals, while South Gawler emerged victorious in the Under 15s,” said Mr Piccolo.

“The community’s winning streak extended beyond football, with South and Centrals showcasing their dominance in the netball.

“South won five of the seven senior premierships on offer, while was Centrals who took home the ultimate prize with the Senior 1 premiership, along with victories in Senior 4, Intermediate 2, and Junior 2 divisions.”

The tone for winning premierships was set the previous weekend with the Gawler Hockey Club securing premierships in the A Grade Women’s and Mixed Under 14s in the Barossa Valley Hockey Association.

The club’s Mixed Under 12s were declared winners as well after finishing atop the ladder in their division, while Trinity Old Scholars Hockey Club also took out the B Grade Women’s premiership.

While Gawler’s C Grade Men and Under 16s, and Trinity’s B-grade men weren’t as lucky on Grand Final day, Mr Piccolo said the community was still proud of what each team accomplished.

Mr Piccolo said the level of community spirit and support on display across the town’s sporting facilities throughout the season, and the wealth of numbers on show on the biggest stages, has been heartwarming.

“The achievements of each club reflect the dedication and hard work of our athletes, coaches, supporters, and all the volunteers – not just on grand final day, but throughout the year, and I congratulate them all,” said Mr Piccolo.

“The Gawler Strikers A Grade Women’s team have now won an astonishing 11 consecutive premierships, but even with the three premierships secured this season, the club have many things to celebrate this season - including fielding an A Grade men’s team for the first time in five years.

“While victory is sweet, clubs are also like a second family to many players and families involved and it’s the comradery and social events which builds such strong cultures which drive success.

“The successes these clubs have experienced not only bring us immense pride but also highlight the importance of fostering a strong and vibrant community.”

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