SUPPORT FOR WIDE BAY’S YOUNG SPORTING CHAMPIONS

March 22, 2024

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien congratulated local sporting stars who will receive grants to support their participation in state, national, and international competitions.

The young athletes will each receive a grant of between $500 to $850 through the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions Program, which assists sportsmen and women aged 12 to 24 with the cost of travel, accommodation, equipment, or uniforms, when competing at championship events.

“Wide Bay has a strong track record in producing skilled and successful athletes and these young champions deserved to be encouraged on their sporting journey,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The cost of representing Wide Bay at state, national, and international competitions can be quite high, especially when long distance travel and accommodation is required. These grants will help ease the pressure on local families and help our young athletes achieve their sporting goals.”

The following athletes have been successful in Round 3 of the Local Sporting Champions Program:

Name

Suburb

Sport

Competition

Phoenix Blanchette

Peregian Beach

Motorcycling

Australian Pro MX (Motocross) Championship

Paul Gower

Maryborough

Basketball

U18 Queensland Basketball State Championships

Ava McDonnell

Maryborough

Hockey

Hockey Australia Indoor Championships

Daniel Dighton

Widgee

Basketball

U18 Queensland Basketball State Championships

Saachi Stiefler

Veteran

Equestrian

2023 Australian Interschool Championships

Jackson Skinner

Peregian Beach

Futsal

2024 FA National Futsal Championships

Matthew Town

Oakhurst

Basketball

U18 Queensland Basketball State Championships

Dylan Wilson

Noosa Heads

Surf Life Saving

Interstate Life Saving Championship

Marlon Andrews

Peregian Beach

Athletics

2023 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships

Lola Gibbs-Beal

Noosaville

Swimming

2024 Australian Age and MC Age Championships

Cye Negus

Oakhurst

Basketball

U18  Queensland Basketball State Championships

Clancy Young

Ridgewood

Volleyball

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

Hunter Murdoch

Oakhurst

Basketball

U18 Queensland Basketball State Championships

Layden Shaw

St Helens

Basketball

U18 Queensland Basketball State Championships

Damian Small

Chatsworth

Basketball

U18 Queensland Basketball State Championships

Shanti Richards

Chatsworth

Sport Climbing

2024 Youth Bouldering Nationals

Myles Hartnett

Cooroy

Sport Climbing

2024 Youth Bouldering Nationals

Zachary Hutton

Peregian Beach

Water Polo

NZ U18 Championships

Mia Nugent

Tinana

Hockey

Australian U13 National Cup

Liam Cuthbertson

Tewantin

Cycling

2024 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships

“Unfortunately, the Local Champions Program receives more applications than can be supported with the limited grants available, but I’m very impressed by the depth of talent, the level of commitment, and the ambition and pursuit of excellence that Wide Bay’s applicants demonstrated,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is responsible for the management and coordination of the program.  For more information, please visit www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions

Applications for Round 4 of the Local Sporting Champions close on 30 April 2024.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.