Ballina Shire’s reputation as one of the North Coast’s sporting powerhouses has been reinforced, with local athletes, coaches and volunteers taking home a string of major honours at the 2026 North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) Awards.

Leading the celebrations was teenage athletics sensation Ayla Kowalczyk, who capped off a remarkable year by being named the Academy’s overall Darrel Chapman Athlete of the Year.

The Wollongbar teenager also collected three other major awards – NCAS Athlete of the Year with a Disability, Most Outstanding Future Star, and the Athletics Leadership Award – in recognition of an extraordinary 12 months on the track and field.

Ayla’s achievements include winning four medals at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, setting new Australian Under-17 T38 records in both the javelin and long jump, before making an unforgettable international debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. At just 15 years of age, she claimed bronze in the Women’s T38 Long Jump to become Australia’s youngest medallist of the Games.

Unable to attend the awards ceremony because she was still travelling home from Scotland, Ayla nevertheless remained the standout performer of the night. Her father and coach, Zenon Kowalczyk, has played a key role in her rapid rise through the sport.

The awards also highlighted the depth of sporting talent across Ballina Shire, with six other locals recognised for their achievements and contributions.

Jeannie Kuwert was named NCAS Volunteer of the Year for her commitment as a netball team manager, while fellow netball representative Evelyn Stocks received the Greater Bank Community Values Award.

In basketball, Macey Walker was named Most Outstanding Athlete, while golfer Cooper Gerada received the same honour in his sport.

Netballer Zali Raudonikis was recognised with a Leadership Award, and skateboarder Everly Leard was also named Most Outstanding Athlete.

North Coast Academy of Sport Regional Manager Sue Charles said Ballina Shire had been exceptionally well represented at this year’s awards.

“These achievements demonstrate the remarkable depth of sporting talent and community commitment within Ballina Shire,” she said.

Above: Commonwealth Games medalist and Darrel Chapman Athlete of the Year, Ayla Kowalczyk.

Main photo: NCAS Volunteer of the Year Jeannie Kuwert  with Mayor Cadwallader at the presentation in Coffs Harbour.

“Each recipient is an outstanding ambassador for their sport, their community and the wider North Coast region.”

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the evening celebrated much more than sporting success.

“It was wonderful to be there to celebrate these young athletes and to recognise the incredible commitment they and their families make to their chosen sports,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“What stood out to me was the incredible depth of talent we have right across the North Coast. These young people are not only achieving wonderful results, but they are representing their communities with great pride.

“A particular highlight was seeing Ayla Kowalczyk recognised with the Darrel Chapman Athlete of the Year Award after her outstanding Commonwealth Games performance. Although she was unable to attend because she was still travelling home from Glasgow, it was a fitting recognition of an extraordinary year.

“Ayla is a wonderful example of what determination, hard work and belief can achieve.

“I was equally delighted to see Ballina’s Jeannie Kuwert recognised as Volunteer of the Year. Volunteers like Jeannie are the quiet achievers of community sport. They give countless hours behind the scenes, often without recognition, making sure young athletes have every opportunity to succeed. Our sporting clubs simply couldn’t function without people like her.

“Behind every one of these young athletes is a team of people who encourage them, transport them, coach them, support them and help them keep going when things get difficult.

“We should be incredibly proud of these young people. They are wonderful ambassadors for their communities and a great inspiration for the next generation of athletes.”

The North Coast Academy of Sport provides talented young athletes across the region with access to elite coaching, sports science, education and development opportunities while allowing them to continue living and training close to home.

Ms Charles said support from local councils and community organisations was vital in ensuring those opportunities remained accessible and affordable for regional families.