Shiralee McCracken, Wayne Smith and Yvonne Vogel. Credit: Amy Towers
Four of Albany’s greatest sporting talents have been recognised for their achievements after becoming the first inductees into the city’s Sporting Walk of Fame.
About 90 people gathered at Retravision Stadium on October 15 for the official inauguration, celebrating the careers and contributions of four athletes who competed at the highest levels of their respective sports.
The inaugural inductees were hockey star Tricia Heberle, golfing sensation Wayne Smith, Australian netballer Diane Martin (nee Jackson) and surfing icon Jodie Cooper.
Before the ceremony, inductees gathered beside the newly installed plaques to take photographs and celebrate the milestone with family, friends and fellow sporting figures.
Hosted by MC Mark Readings, the evening gave each athlete the opportunity to reflect on their sporting journey through a live question and answer session in front of the crowd.
The conversations offered guests an insight into the athletes’ experiences, achievements and the journeys that took them to the highest level of their sports.
The event celebrated not only the individual accomplishments of the four inductees but also their place in Albany’s sporting history.
Mark Readings and Simon Sandison. Credit: Amy TowersGreg Stocks walks into the function. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyKelli Smith and Eric Norman. Credit: Amy Towers
Narelle Rule and Steven Creek. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyBarry and Debbie Panizza, Sarah and Tom Moir. Credit: Amy TowersWayne Smith on stage to accept the honour from mayor Greg Stocks. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyElanor Stocks and Rebecca Stephens. Credit: Amy TowersJodie Cooper shares a moment with her dad Peter. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyBob Marks, Paul Higginson and George Doubikin. Credit: Amy TowersThe inaugural Sporting Walk of Fame presentation. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyJodie Cooper and Robyn Norman. Credit: Amy Towers
Tricia Heberle speaking on stage. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyMelissa Sheil, Tricia Heberle and Claire Middleton. Credit: Amy TowersTasha Burnside, Kelly Martin and Weston Jackson speak about Diane Martin. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyLynn MacLaren and Lester Coyne. Credit: Amy TowersThe City's Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre team. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyCarmen Kinsella, Kyla Addis and Jess Prideaux. Credit: Amy TowersRobert Sutton, Tim and Kathelen Mier. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyTricia Heberle and Shirley Favas. Credit: Amy TowersGraham Macaulay and Mitch Green. Credit: Amy TowersJodie Cooper and Adrian Shepherd. Credit: Jenny Feast PhotographyTricia Heberle and Alice Rule. Credit: Amy Towers
