10+ NAMES: Burnett’s most influential sports personalities shaping the region
The South Burnett is home to some incredibly sporting talents and we have compiled a list of notable stars, including those from the grassroots levels and right up to those on the world stage. See the full list:
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The South Burnett has produced some incredible sporting talent over the years, with many alumni going onto to represent the state and even the country at the highest levels.
From local cricket stars to Olympic medallists, there’s plenty of locals keeping this tradition well and truly alive.
Take a look through our list of some of the most influential sporting identities in the region, in no particular order.
Matthew Hayden
This Kingaroy boy needs no introduction, with the cricketing legend a household name in Australia and in many parts of the world.
One of the stars of Australian Cricket in the 2000s, his prolific partnership as opener with Justin Langer provided the bedrock for the Aussie’s dominance of world cricket during the era.
Hayden still holds the record for highest test score by any Australian batsmen at 380, and is statistically the best opening batsmen Australia has ever produced.
Since his retirement a decade ago, Hayden has continued to be a force in the international game. He works with Cricket Australia to raise the profile of cricket in Indigenous communities and was appointed head coach of the Pakistan T20 team in September last year.
Holly Ferling
Becoming a cricket sensation at only 14 after securing a hat-trick in her first three balls of her men’s grade debut, Holly Ferling was always going to be a star.
She debuted for the Australian Women’s Cricket Team at 17 in ODI, T20, and test cricket, all while completing her schooling in Kingaroy.
Earlier this month, the 26-year-old left the Queensland Fire to take up a position with the ACT Meteors in the National Cricket League.
Despite her huge success, the homegrown hero has returned to the Burnett several times to host local training camps, aimed at encouraging more girls to get into the sport.
Selwyn Cobbo
Cherbourg’s homegrown talent Selwyn Cobbo burst onto the NRL scene with the stunning pace he’s become known for on the field.
Debuting for the Brisbane Broncos in May last year against the Dragons, the fullback would score his first try just a week later.
Maroons legend Corey Parker included the 19-year-old in his fantasy squad to win back the Origin shield later this year.
“Based on what we have seen from Cobbo this year and I’m not talking about the flashy stuff. I’m talking bout the stuff coming from your own back-field,” Parker said on NRL 360.
“That real aggression and mongrel-style run, which is 90 per cent of Origin for outside backs, is coming out of your own end. He does that terrific.”
Taliqua Clancy
Australia’s golden girl Cathy Freeman lit the fire inside Taliqua Clancy, who knew at just eight years old she too would one day be up on that podium representing her country at the Olympic Games.
Fast forward to 2021 and the star beach volleyball player was sporting a silver medal alongside Mariafe Artacho del Solar, after a fearless match against team USA.
Taliqua was raised in Kingaroy and quickly rose to stardom, reaching the quarterfinals at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, before going on to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2019 World Championships, and finally Tokyo.
At just 29 she is the first Indigenous Australian volleyball player to represent Australia at the Olympics, and is an inspiration for local youngster to pursue their dreams.
Berrick Barnes
Raised in Kingaroy, the rugby union fly half intitall started playing League and cricket, playing for the Kingaroy Red Ants and proving to be a start wicketkeeper.
He later secured a scholarship to Ipswich Grammar where he switched codes to union, and started his professional career with the Broncos – he quickly returned to union and signed with the Queensland Reds.
Barnes would make his Wallabies debut at age 21, and go on to make 51 appearances for the national team.
He has also played in the Super Rugby and Japanese Top League competitions.
Courtney Sippel
Another cricketing star on the list, Courtney Sippel is making her market on the WBBL and national teams at just 21.
The all-rounder plays for the Queensland Fire in the National Cricket league and last year played seven matches for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL.
After being named to the Australia A team for the series against England in January this year, she was named player of the match for her start performance in the Third one day match in Canberra.
Sippel took 4 wickets for 31 runs off 9.1 overs.
Terry Dunn
Going beyond her duties as the pool manager, ‘learn to swim’ coach and lifeguard, Terry Dunn invests a great deal of time and emotional energy into ensuring her athletes the best chance at success – while simultaneously making sessions an enjoyable social experience.
With 30 years of coaching under her belt, Ms Dunn can spot a rising star from a young age and will provide them with all the necessary resources and guidance to push them beyond their perceived limits.
Once an aspiring athlete herself, Ms Dunn’s dreams of becoming an elite golfer were struck down when she was hit by a car.
Rather than letting that defeat her, she harnessed her skills and knowledge for the benefit of others, and has taken several young swimmers off the nationals.
“I was doing some teaching part-time and I loved it. I got under the wing of a really good head coach and learned my craft,” she said.
“I’ve met some beautiful children, who I still know. I taught them to swim at four and took them to nationals at 13.”
Dylan Devitt
Kingaroy local Dylan Devitt and amassed quite the following on social media, posting videos and photos of his incredible talent on a BMX bike, as well as his adventures through the world.
The young gun has gone one to ride with JC Action Sports, putting on incredible shows.
But before he was shredding it across the state, Devitt was making a big impact locally, leading a campaign to upgrade the local skate park.
Devitt and his mates organised a petition to SBRC, asking the council to extend the landing of a number of half pipes.
“We want to make the park bigger and better for people using bikes and scooters,” he said.
The petition got the attention of then Mayor Keith Campbell, who went onto meet with Devitt to discuss the issues.
Fiona Albert
From Olympic athlete to ultra-marathon runner to solicitor, there isn’t much Fiona Albert doesn’t excel at.
Fiona both graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual degree in Arts and Law and was named Australian University Sport Female Athlete of the Year in 2014, all the while in training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
At the end of last year the 31-year-old all-rounder, who now works as a solicitor at JA Carroll in Kingaroy, was one in five Queenslanders to secure a coveted Jack Cranstoun Scholarship.
Jayde Novak
Local girl Jayde Novak is one of the best all rounders in the region, staring in multiple sports disciplines.
Novak has completed in dressage and equestrian competitions at both the state and national competitions.
The all star is also an accomplished swimmer and recently has become a star player for the South Burnett Saint’s women‘s AFL team.
She was recognised for her achievements at the Australia Day Awards this year with the South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Senior).
Scott Collier
Scott Collier is well known through out the region for his efforts as both a coach, competitor and parent.
Collier is heavily involved in pistol shooting, having represented the state a national competitions, and is heavily involved with the local pistol club.
He’s the club’s social media manager as well as a qualified range officer.
He also volunteers his time to coach and assist with Little Athletics and children’s touch football.
Collier was also recognised for his efforts at the Australia Day Awards, also claiming South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Senior).
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