Judo Western Australia held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 12 September at the Ibis Hotel, immediately prior to the Gala & Awards Night.

This year’s AGM was a significant milestone for the organisation, as we farewelled two valued directors — Celeste Knoester and Peter Woollons. Celeste concluded six years of dedicated service on the Judo WA Board, the maximum term permitted under the constitution, during which she also briefly served as Chair. Both Celeste and Peter have made outstanding contributions to the Board and to the WA judo community, and Judo WA extends its sincere thanks to them for their commitment and leadership.

One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s AGM was the strong interest shown in Board service. Judo WA received seven nominations for three vacant elected director positions, all from highly qualified candidates with a shared passion for advancing judo in Western Australia.

Following the election process, Judo WA congratulates Melissa Dennehy on her re-election to the Board, Giulioantonio Gerace on his election, and Andras Berta on his transition from an appointed to an elected position. After the AGM, the newly formed Board met to elect the Chair and appoint to the remaining vacant appointed position. The Board unanimously re-elected Melissa Dennehy as Chair and appointed Nikky Juras as an Appointed Director.

The new Board now comprises: Melissa Dennehy (Chair), Giulioantonio Gerace, Andras Berta, Nikky Juras, Marlee Mickle, Luc Tournier, and Gerrit Engelbrecht.

Welcoming New Directors

Giulioantonio (Giulio) Gerace brings over 15 years of experience in WA judo as a competitor, assistant coach, and volunteer. A Ni Dan (Judo Australia and Kodokan), Giulio combines his deep practical knowledge of the sport with professional skills as a teacher. He emphasises strong organisation, communication, and critical thinking, underpinned by a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from UWA. His nomination reflects a long-standing commitment to giving back to the judo community.

Nikky Juras has been part of the judo community since childhood and is now heavily involved through her family at Kano Judo Schools. Professionally, she is a national Digital Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in brand building, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive sport communications. She leads national partnerships in the disability sector with organisations such as Paralympics Australia and Disability Sports Australia, and is passionate about supporting women and girls in judo. Nikky brings both professional expertise and a deep personal connection to the sport.

Judo WA congratulates all the new and continuing directors and looks forward to working together to build on the foundations of our sport in Western Australia.