The list of nominations for the 2025 TBWA Staff Awards reflected the incredible contributions of our members whose dedication, skill and passion drive the WA industry forward.

Held at Ascot on Platinum Day, the four Staff Award winners were;  Leadership Award – Marge Ojapold (Ridgeport Farm), Dedication to Breeding Award – Elizabeth Rogers (Mogumber Park), Administration & Ancillary Services Award – Bernadette Hamill (Yarradale Stud) and Newcomer Award –Imogen Freeman (Forestview Farm).

The winners are eligible for nomination in the Australian Stud & Stable Staff Awards.  Previous WA winners who have also won the prestigious National Awards include Bernie Hamill and Davy Hanratty (Yarradale Stud) and Ngyrie Gonzales (Alwyn Park).

Bernie Hamill requires no introduction to the West Australian Thoroughbred industry. Having some 40 plus years in all facets, including internationally in the UK & USA, in an era that saw the opportunity to travel very limited. Bernie was appointed Stud Manager of Yarradale, by the Sayers family in 2004 and excelled in her role, with a contribution that has seen Yarradale become one of the leading thoroughbred nurseries of Western Australia. This culminated into National recognition when in 2015 ,Bernie was the winner of the prestigious Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Award, in the Dedication To Breeding category.

In recent years with a change of business structure Bernie has stepped into a mentoring and administration role at Yarradale, and in true Bernie style she has ensured no stone has been left unturned in each task she completes on a daily basis. She is a stickler for getting the job done “properly,” and we couldn’t love her more for it.

Bernie’s relationships with some of our long standing clients is just what the building blocks of our industry thrive on. Whether its Perth Racing, The Stud Book, RWWA, or long standing clients of the farm, Bernie is always available and ready to advise on any query whether it be financial, billing related, motors and machines, horse handing & husbandry, parks & gardens, you name it,  Bernie is the person you want on the end of the phone.

Closer to home, Bernie continues to share her infinite wealth of knowledge to all budding staff members, ensuring they are capable of gaining employment anywhere they should choose to in the industry. This award has not only highlighted Bernie’s dedication to the thoroughbred industry, but has acknowledged a lifetime of experience that we all continue to reap the rewards from. Yarradale would not be what it is today without the backbone of Bernie’s contribution.

Bernie Hamill (left) and the rest of the Yarradale ream at the TBWA Awards / Western Racepix