Sport
12 February, 2025
Caccaviello excited to lead 'prestigious' WRSA as new executive officer
Tony Caccaviello takes over from David Berry who had stepped down.
Horsham's Tony Caccaviello is the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly's new executive officer.
This comes after the board announced his appointment last week.
"I'm very excited, to part of and lead such a prestigious organisation is something I am very much looking forward to," Mr Caccaviello said.
"The most exciting part is working in an organisation that makes a positive impact in the community and [continues to make the] Wimmera such a great place to live."
Mr Caccaviello takes over from David Berry who announced he would be stepping down in December, 2024, after 15 years with the organisation.
"Dave has left very large shoes to fill, over a storied 15 year career he has led the organisation to growth and long term success, he leaves a very impressive legacy," he said.
"I hope I can continue down his path of success and hope that my passion for my region and my love of sport and recreation will hold me in good stead to do this.
Mr Caccaviello is not unfamiliar with sport from a professional perspective.
He has previously worked for Cricket Victoria, and in local government.
While Mr Caccaviello has held various roles in the cricket community which included being involved in the creation of the Wimmera Girls Cricket League.
"In the Wimmera we are blessed to have a region where sport and being active is embedded into everyday life," he said.
"People in the Wimmera are so passionate about sport and their clubs and I think this is the secret to our current success as a region and our locals passion also holds the secret to the future of our landscape."
Mr Caccaviello sees the retention of volunteers as key to the future success of community sport.
"There are challenges ahead for the region,the success of our sporting landscape is reliant on people power, and this usually comes in the form of volunteerism," he said.
It's not a Wimmera specific issue, but we know there is increasing challenges to attract and retain volunteers, who are the backbone of community-based sport.
Mr Caccaviellio is supported by staff members Matthew Jolly, Vedang Ovalker and Lydia Schneider.
While Jeff Pekin (chair), Jess Cannane, Gayle Leith, Paul Mackereth and Greg Schultz make up the board.
Sport star of the year
Meanwhile, the sports assembly is putting the finishing touches on the preparation for the 39th annual sports star of the year awards.
The event will will be held on Friday, February 14 at the Coughlin Park Community Centre, with guests to arrive from 6pm.
Elite triathlete and Paris 2024 Paralympian Liam Twomey will be a guest speaker.
Their are 17 award categories including the prestigious sports star of the year award.
The finalists for the award are:
Logan Young- Ten-pin bowling
Archie Elliott - Australian rules
Georgia Foster - Athletics
Peter Smith - Water skiing
Adele Joseph - Tennis
Kynan Stasinowsky - Athletics and Australian rules umpiring