
LOCAL Muay Thai fighter, Lachlan McGrotty, has achieved outstanding success in 2024.
His incredible results from six fights, inlcuding two world titles, made the judges decision final – Lachlan McGrotty is Canungra’s Sportsperson of the Year.
Mayor Tom Sharp presented Lachlan with his award, as well as presenting all of the monthly winners with their medallions and certificates.
In 2024, Lachlan had six fights for four wins and a draw.
His impressive results included: WMO world titles 60kg in Muay Thai, UBF Boxing world titles, undisputed fight of the night, and the Aggression Anzac champion title belt.
Lachlan accepted the award to the delight of his Canungra Muay Thai supporters and his parents, Angela and Paul.
Monthly winners
The Sportsperson of the Year is selected from nominees each month and judged by a panel.
This year, not only was the quality of the nominees very high, but they represented a range of sports and demographics – from golfers and bowlers through to young soccer players.
Monthly nominees were:
Canungra Ladies Golf Club – Interclub Pennant Matchplay Team: Last year, the Canungra Ladies team consisting of Kim Sami, Jo Windle, Sharon Faulks, Leigh Parsons, Kathy Darlington, Bella Stoneham, Pam McAllan and Michelle Day were successful in winning the series. The last time Canungra won the series was in 2009.
Denis Griffiths: Beechmont resident Denis recently represented Nobbys Beach SLSC at the 2024 Life Saving World Championships at Kurrawa where he came away with three gold medals in the Masters one kilometre Beach Run, Beach Flags and Beach Sprint. Denis has competed with distinction in surf life saving in Italy, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Australia.
Harry Barnes: Harry is the Canungra Area Golf Club’s Matchplay Men’s Matchplay Champion. To win this title, Harry had to first qualify and then beat his opposition in every round to become Matchplay Champion. This is an outstanding achievement as Harry and is over 80 years of age.
Pam McAllan: Pam is the Canungra Area Golf Club’s Ladies Matchplay Champions. To win this title, Pam had to first qualify and then beat her opponent in every round to become Matchplay Champion. This is an outstanding achievement, made even more notable as Pam is over 80 years of age.
Masyn Prosser: Masyn represented Feenix in the Gold Coast International Futsal Cup finishing third in their age group. He also played for Gold Coast Knights in the Football Qld Junior Cup, with the Knights finishing in second place out of 36 teams. As a member of the Gold Coast Academy team, Masyn was the winner of the Tier Two competition.
Ray and Peter Hickson: The Canungra Bowls Club members have competed in numerous tournaments, often as a mixed pair. Among their accolades are regional championship titles and several local club awards. “Lawn bowls is such an inclusive sport,” says Ray. “It keeps you moving, challenges your mind, and brings you into a wonderful community. Plus, it’s something Peter and I can enjoy together.”
Mollie Darvall-Wiggins: Mollie has been the Canungra State School age champion swimmer for the past two years, and age champion in athletics in 2023. She finished runner up for age champion in athletics this year. Mollie has represented Canungra State School in AFL, cricket, softball and swimming, and is an active member of the Canungra Swim Club. She also plays soccer for the Canungra Owls Under 10 team.
Wayne and Val Reiser: Husband and wife team Wayne and Val are the Canungra Bowls Club 2024 Mixed Pairs Champions. They are frequently in Club finals and have represented Canungra at the District Championships in the past. In addition to their playing prowess, they are fantastic volunteers in the club.
Trey Collas: Swimmer Trey trains four times a week at Canungra Pool with his coach Sue Harrison. He was Beaudesert State High School 12 Years Boys Age Champion, and represented his school in five events at the Pacific District carnival. Trey was the Senior Boys Club Champion for 2023/24 at Canungra Swim Club.
Canungra Owls Under 10 Yellow: The 2024 season was the Canungra Owls Under 10 Yellow team’s first year step up to a bigger field and they completed the season undefeated. The team also competed in a carnival in Nerang, where they were undefeated up to the grand final, which they lost in a penalty shoot out.
Daniel Jones: Daniel was part of the Canungra Muay Thai team that travelled to Thailand for WMO titles in March. Daniel, who trains hard under coach David Torrens, won silver in muaythai and gold in boxing in Thailand, an outstanding achievement.
New sponsor
The Canungra Times has stepped in to sponsor the 2024 and 2025 Awards.
Canungra Times Editor, Keer Moriarty, said the Awards have been an important part of Canungra’s sporting life for decades.
“We jumped at the opportunity to support these Awards,” she said.
“It is a great way to promote sport in the region for people of all ages. The Canungra Times has covered most of the Sportsperson Awards over the years and I’m very excited to increase our support over the next year.”
Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Sportsperson of the Year Awards are now open.
Nominations should provide a brief overview of the candidate’s achievements and a photograph and can be sent to Rickie Glocker 0406 825 520 or email moriartyparkhall@gmail.com