The Stephen Michael Foundation is incredibly proud to announce that our Patron, Stephen Michael, has been named the winner of the 2026 Channel 7 Sport Award at the Western Australian of the Year Awards.
The award recognises Stephen’s outstanding contribution to sport and the lasting impact he continues to make in communities across Western Australia. A proud Noongar man from Wagin and Kojonup, Stephen is one of Western Australia’s most celebrated footballers. During his remarkable career, he played 243 games for South Fremantle Football Club, won two Sandover Medals, captained the All-Australian team and was selected in the Indigenous Team of the Century. He has also been inducted into both the Australian Football Hall of Fame and the West Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Stephen’s influence extends well beyond his achievements on the football field. As Patron of the Stephen Michael Foundation, he continues to inspire and mentor young people, sharing his story and encouraging them to believe in themselves, embrace education and pursue their goals. His humility, leadership and strong connection to community remain at the heart of the Foundation’s work. Through sport, education and wellbeing programs, we proudly carry forward Stephen’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people throughout Western Australia.
This award is a fitting recognition of Stephen’s extraordinary contribution to Western Australian sport and his enduring dedication to young people and community. On behalf of everyone at the Stephen Michael Foundation, congratulations, Stephen. We are enormously proud of you and grateful for the example you continue to set for us all.
Learn more about Stephen and the 2026 Western Australian of the Year Awards through the Celebrate WA website: https://www.celebratewa.com.au/2026-winners/
Photo credit: The Western Australian
