The spotlight is not just on the top performers of the past year, but those who shone or continue to shine in all sorts of sports.

Since it began in the mid 1960s the Sports Star family has grown dramatically.

There have been some constants in what is a proud tradition.

When it was formed in March, 1965, the Sports Star committee included Basil Ashman.

A renowned sportsman for Eaglehawk in football and cricket, Basil teamed with the late Cyril Michelsen, Alan Jenkins and Harold Griffiths as founding members of the Sports Star judging panel.

Over the years the Bendigo Advertiser has joined forces with BCV8, now known as Southern Cross 10; WIN Television, and now Prime TV to continue the Sports Star tradition.

Support from many and varied sponsors is crucial to Sports Star being the longest running of its kind in the country.

So many champions have been recognised as yearly and monthly winners in the run to the golden anniversary.

Criteria for selection as a monthly recipient is based on performances on a sliding scale - Olympic, world championship, national, state and regional level.

The Sports Star honour board is graced with the names of Olympians and world champions.

It's a who's who of sporting stars from central Victoria who have earned the gold statue as the overall winner.

Four-time Olympian Kristi Harrower, pictured being chaired off after her final game for Bendigo Spirit, was Sports Star on two occasions.

A brilliant guard for the Australian Opals, Kristi was Sports Star of the Year in 1993-94 and 2004-05 and is a Hall of Fame member alongside the likes of Olympic swimming champion Faith Leech, AFL great Greg Williams, waterskiiing ace Kaye Thurlow, and cycling legends such as Jack Trickey, Colin Fitzgerald, Frank McCaig and Robert Burns.

What's great about the awards is the success in so many pursuits being recognised.

There are few sports that do not feature on the list of monthly winners.

Feats in equestrian, gymnastics, race walking, powerlifting, table tennis, fire brigade sports, gridiron, water polo, softball, wheelchair rugby and croquet have been in the Sports Star spotlight.

The outstanding performers from those on the footy or cricket field, basketball and netball court, judo mat, bowls green, athletics and cycling track have inspired generation after generation.

Friday night is not just about gold and silver, but recognising the hardworking administrators, coaches, the rising stars and more.