History

Our History

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame was first conceived in the mid 70’s by national Sports Administrator Garry Daly who through his passion for sport had the vision to establish a Hall of Fame across all sports to recognise and acknowledge our nation’s greatest sporting heroes. He set about researching Halls of Fame worldwide to develop a model for Australia. Garry’s vision was realised in 1985 when the Sport Australia Hall of Fame was established with him as its inaugural Chair.

On December 10, 1985, 120 Athlete Members, selected from over 400 nominated and researched athletes were officially inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at the inaugural function in the Long Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Cricket Legend, Sir Donald Bradman was named the first Inductee with Swimming Legend Dawn Fraser the first female Inductee.

From 1985 up to 1989 only new Athlete Members were selected and inducted, however in 1989, to recognise those that play a supportive role i.e. Coaches, Administrators, Sports Science and Sports Media a new category, Associate Members (now General Members) was introduced. Each year, thereafter our greatest athletes and supportive official’s achievements have been recognised with their induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Membership into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is limited exclusively to the top echelon of athletes and those that play a supportive role. Selection by their peers is the pinnacle of achievement for Australian sportspeople. They have all achieved excellence at the highest level within their sport.

Awards

In 1993, at the initiative of Garry Daly the Legend of Australian Sport category was introduced to more fully highlight and promote the achievements of our sporting champions. Legend status is conferred annually upon Members who have made a unique contribution to Australian sport and distinguished themselves at the highest level in sport. In doing so have offered inspiration and example to young Australians. The names of Members of this special group come to mind whenever the pinnacles of performance are discussed, leaving an indelible mark on the community and its history.

In 1998 The Don Award, named in honour of our first Inductee Sir Donald Bradman was introduced. Bradman’s legendary inspiration to Australia as the ultimate example of sportsmanship makes him the ideal patron of an annual award to an Australian athlete, who has, through his or her example in sport, has most inspired the nation (in 2006 team sports were added for consideration). Sir Donald’s son John and Granddaughter Greta presents this award each year.

In 2002 the Team Sport Australia Award was introduced to acknowledge teams which, by their achievements have contributed significantly to Australia’s reputation as a great sporting nation. Teams selected are not inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame but are recognised as part of our nations sporting history. In selecting Teams, it is not intended in determining eligibility that the whole of a national team (such as Olympic or Commonwealth Games) would be considered. Neither would the whole of a world championship team e.g. swimming, athletics, cycling etc. be considered.

In 2005 The Spirit of Sport Award was introduced to acknowledge sporting performances that capture the hearts of the nation. The award is not meant to be an annual award but is given at the discretion of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Board for a performance/event that is very special and destined to be part of Australian sporting history.

In 2006 the Board introduced the Scholarship and Mentoring Program seeking to inspire the next generation of young elite Australians to achieve their potential in both sport and life. This program aims to help young Australians to reach the highest level of their sport by providing financial funding and more importantly, unrivalled access to mentoring by Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members.

In 2007 Hall of Fame Moments was introduced acknowledging that throughout our nation’s history there are many outstanding sporting moments that have collectively contributed a significant thread to the Australian sporting tapestry. Moments selected are not inducted but are ‘Enshrined’ into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

In 2021 The Dawn Award, named in recognition of our first female Inductee and Legend Dawn Fraser was introduced. The Award honours an individual, team, or organisation – from this or a previous generation – who are courageous, brave, and have changed sport for the better. It was struck to recognise those who may sit below the nation’s consciousness but whose stories are inspiring when given the light of day. Above all, like Dawn, the Award winner has been a courageous ground breaker, who achieved against the odds and challenged the status quo.