Image L-R: Scott Westcott, Steven Valentine (father of Josh Valentine) Christie Dawes, Owen Beldam, Maddison Elliot
The Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame proudly welcomed five athletes into its prestigious ranks during the 33rd annual induction ceremony, held at the Broadmeadow Room, McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday, 20th August.
The Hall of Fame celebrates over 350 elite athletes who have represented Australia or competed internationally, all of whom have strong ties to the Hunter region – either by birth or through their sporting careers at junior or senior levels
This year’s inductees are:
- Scott Westcott – Athletics
- Christie Dawes – Wheelchair Racing
- Josh Valentine – Rugby Union
- Owen Beldham – Golf
- Maddison Elliott – Para-swimming
These five athletes joined an esteemed group of sporting icons, including Jenni Screen, Ray Baartz, Mark Richards, Andrew Johns, and Danny Buderus.
Brett O’Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Academies of Sport, shared his enthusiasm about the event:
“We are excited to once again host the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame induction. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of Hunter Region athletes with their loved ones, and to highlight the significant role that sport plays in our community.”
The evening was a heartfelt celebration of sporting excellence, community pride and the enduring legacy of Hunter athletes. As each inductee took their place among the region’s most celebrated sports figures, the ceremony served as a reminder of the Hunter’s rich sporting heritage and its ongoing contribution to Australia’s success on the world stage.
Meet the 2025 Inductees:
Owen Beldham – Golf
A lifelong Newcastle local and member of Newcastle Golf Club since 1962, Owen Beldham is the only member to have competed at junior, senior, masters, and super senior levels. His distinguished career includes representing Newcastle, NSW, and Australia, winning two interstate series (1973–76), competing in five NSW and Australian Opens, and claiming the 2002 Australian Senior Championship. He was named the 1973 NSWMA Top Amateur and runner-up Newcastle Sportsman of the Year.
Christie Dawes – Wheelchair Racing
Seven-time Paralympian Christie Dawes made her debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games and competed through to Tokyo 2020. Her medal haul includes silver in the 4x100m relay (Beijing 2008), bronze in the 5000m T54 (London 2012), and silver in the 4x400m relay (Rio 2016). A two-time World Champion and former world record holder, Christie is also a broadcaster, commentator, keynote speaker, and Chair of Wheelchair Sports Australia. She continues to compete on the Marathon Majors circuit while raising two children.
Josh Valentine – Rugby Union
Josh Valentine began his rugby journey with the Singleton Bulls and quickly rose through the ranks. He launched his professional career with the Queensland Reds and later played for the Waratahs, Force, and Brumbies. A Wallaby with six caps, Josh has also played in France since 2011. Known for his sharp game sense and leadership, he has proudly represented Australian rugby at every level.
Maddison Elliott – Para-swimming
Maddison Elliott made history at just 13 years old as Australia’s youngest Paralympic gold medalist at the London 2012 Games. She went on to win multiple medals at Rio 2016 and has earned gold at both the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Maddison is a world record holder and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Scott Westcott – Athletics
Scott Westcott has balanced elite competition with a career in education since 1998. His running career includes representing Australia at the 1998 Chiba International Relay, placing 4th in the 2006 Commonwealth Games Marathon, and competing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Marathon. Locally, he has contributed to athletics development through roles with Macquarie Hunter Athletics Club, Newcastle Runners Athletics Club, and the Hunter Academy of Sport. He currently manages the athletics program at Hunter Sports High School.
