There were cheers, tears and high-fives all around as Upwey South Primary School’s sport aerobics team, The Diamond Lyrebirds, danced their way to gold at the 2025 FISAF Victoria State Championships in late June.
The state finals, held on Saturday, 28 June at Caulfield Grammar School in Wheelers Hill brought together schools from all over Victoria.
But it was the local’s Diamond Lyrebirds, a team of Grade 5 and 6 students who captured the judges’ attention with their skill, synchronicity and infectious energy.
For Harley Sedman whose daughter Maya is in Grade 5 and part of the team, watching the group win was a moment he’ll never forget.
“They really shone so brightly on the day, the pure joy and fun they brought to the stage, combined with the best choreography and execution, it just put them ahead of the rest,” he said.
“I was amazed. I’d never seen sport aerobics before and then I saw them perform and was immediately converted.
“You can’t help but smile when you watch them on stage. It’s just high energy, good vibes, and the kids are so happy to be there.”
Coach and teacher Hayley Oliver was just as thrilled by the result.
“It was amazing,” she said.
“We were so proud to see all the hard work that the team have put in over the past few months pay off.”
The Diamond Lyrebirds have been training multiple times a week since early in the year, even giving up their recesses to squeeze in extra rehearsals.
“Their energy has lifted, and their technique has improved through dedication and practice,” Ms Oliver said.
“They’ve taken on feedback, worked incredibly hard, and always kept a positive attitude.”
Sport aerobics is no easy feat, each team performs a choreographed routine to the same piece of music, including a set of compulsory moves, but the first and last 16 beats are a chance for teams to get creative – and that’s where the Lyrebirds truly stood out.
“We spend time observing how the team responds to the routine,” Ms Oliver said.
“Then we find a starting position and it sort of just falls into place from there.”
For the students, the pressure of performing in front of an audience is balanced by the strength of the team around them.
“They really enjoy spending time together,” Ms Oliver said.
“It’s a competitive sport, but it’s also a lot of fun. Hopefully our training sessions reflect that.”
And it’s not just the students and coaches who have made the program soar, the whole school and even wider community has gotten behind the team.
“We’ve been really lucky to be supported by the school leadership and other teachers,” Ms Oliver said.
“And we’ve also had a wonderful group of parents who’ve been behind us since day one. They’re always willing to help out to give the kids the best chance to succeed.”
Mr Sedman said his family, like many others, will be heading to Queensland later this month for the national championships.
“The whole family’s going up,” he said.
“Everyone’s excited, it’s going to be a bit of a holiday too. Most of the girls’ families are coming along, so there’ll be a little army of supporters.”
Reflecting on the journey so far, Mr Sedman said it’s been about much more than competition.
“It’s been great to see Maya so passionate about something so positive. It’s a real team environment, and it’s brought out the best in her,” he said.
As the Diamond Lyrebirds gear up for Nationals, the community stands proudly behind them, cheering them on.
