SINCE it began in the mid 1960s, the Bendigo Advertiser Sports Star of the Year has paid tribute to the region's best in all sorts of sports.
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The list of Sports Star of the Year winners is a who's who of sport
There have been more than 600 monthly winners named throughout Sports Star history.
Bendigo Bank plays a key role as major sponsor of the Bendigo Advertiser-WIN Television Sports Star of the Year.
This Friday night some will receive a silver statue for the first time and others become multiple holders of the "Oscar".
A constant since the awards began in 1965-66 is the appearance of Basil Ashman on the Sports Star judging panel.
Basil's wealth of sporting knowledge and wise words have been part of hundreds of meetings.
A talented sportsman in his own right, Basil holds the record as the youngest coach of an Eaglehawk Football Club senior premiership team.
He excelled on the cricket field for the Borough and these days is on the greens in pennant bowls action for Bendigo East.
Basil was a key instigator in the establishment of the Sports Star Hall of Fame in 1993-94.
Just who the inductee/s are on the 20th birthday of the Hall of Fame will be eagerly awaited at Friday night's presentation at the All Seasons Hotel in Bendigo.
The list of Sports Star of the Year winners is a who's who of sport.
Bamawm's Sharelle McMahon achieved back-to-back Sports Star of the Year wins in 1998-99 and 1999-2000.
The brilliant goal attack shone for the Diamonds in world championship and Commonwealth Games campaigns.
Sharelle makes a welcome return to Sports Star as guest speaker this Friday night.
More previous yearly winners continue to star.
A four-time Olympian, Kristi Harrower has played a key role in Bendigo Bank Spirit's run to consecutive Women's National Basketball League grand finals.
Kristi and her Spirit team-mates will vie for the title on March 9 at Bendigo Stadium.
Yachtsman Glenn Ashby dominated in the A-class catamaran at his latest world titles regatta.
Another dual winner, Hannah Every-Hall, pictured, has earned selection in Australia's rowing team for this month's World Cup round in Sydney.
Eaglehawk cycling ace Glenn O'Shea achieved an historic third Sports Star of the Year win in 2012-13.
A silver medallist in the teams pursuit at the London Olympics, O'Shea chases more world titles glory later this week in Colombia.
Sports Star helps through awards such as the Cyril Michelsen Trust Fund, Maxine Crouch Trust Fund, and the unsung stalwars through Sports Focus Administrator of the Year.
Feats by our sport stars have and continue to inspire.
May the tradition roll on for many more years.
