Federal Nationals Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, is making sure that young Australians across the regions are being recognised for their sporting achievements.
These local sporting champions will receive a certificate, as well as a $550 grant from the Local Sporting Champions program.
Mr Hogan has recognised 5 young Champions from the Coffs Northern Beaches, 13 from the Clarence Valley, and 29 from the Northern Rivers.
Mr Hogan would normally present these certificates at the regularly held Sporting Champs Morning Tea, but due to current restrictions these events are unable to be held.
“The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport,” Mr Hogan said.
“Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing their area on the national and state stage. The Northern Rivers, the Coffs Northern Beaches, and the Clarence Valley have produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.
“Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get children to competitions. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.
“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”
The Local Sporting Champions are:
Coffs Northern Beaches
• Bailey Gater, Woolgoolga, Basketball
• Bella Hawkins, Moonee Beach, Basketball
• Sia Wilson, Moonee Beach, Netball
• Sarah O’Connor, Nana Glen, Equestrian
• Tehani Badke, Bucca, Equestrian
Clarence Valley
• Hanna Tait, Whiteman Creek, Athletics
• Harriett Irving, Angourie, Athletics
• Savannah Cheney, Alumy Creek, Hockey
• Elijah Waite, Grafton, Hockey
• Samuel Palmer, South Grafton, Hockey
• Kobey Jackson, Grafton, Hockey
• Zayden Third, Grafton, Hockey
• Jack Cheney, Alumy Creek, Hockey
• Chase Callaghan, Grafton, Hockey
• Henry Jarman, Glenreagh, Hockey
• Nicholas Connolly, Taloumbi, Rugby League
• Andrea Thomson, Lanitza, Swimming
• Mahala Hitching, Yamba, Tennis
Northern Rivers
• Rue Heffernan, Dunoon, Athletics
• Damien Rojcevic, Woodburn, Basketball
• Darcy Heffernan, Dunoon, Soccer
• Eden Kelly, Goonellabah, Hockey
• Connor Makings, Goonellabah, Hockey
• Jacob Robinson, Goonellabah, Hockey
• George Mitchell, Lismore Heights, Hockey
• Lilly Sauer, Woodburn, Hockey
• Tarni Hughes, Goonellabah, Hockey
• Hayley Marshall, Richmond Hill, Hockey
• Shailyn Gooley, Goonellabah, Hockey
• Coco Zorzo, Goonellabah, Hockey
• Morgan Moran, Lismore Heights, Hockey
• Declan Enright, Coraki, Hockey
• Lachlan Marshall, Richmond Hill, Hockey
• Max Venables, Goonellabah, Hockey
• Madeline Mitchell, Rosebank, Netball
• Luka Butler, Goonellabah, Netball
• Amalia Anderson, Wardell, Netball
• Claudia Barnes, Alstonville, Netball
• Elley Smith, Wyrallah, Netball
• Clayton Roberts, Casino, Rugby League
• Connor Johnston, Casino, Rugby League
• Lachlan Coe, Casino, Softball
• Charles Ticknor, Evans Head, Surfing
• Sarah Green, Fairy Hill, Swimming
• McKinley Arnison, Evans Head, Swimming
• Joshua Harris, Kilgra, Hockey
• Sam Ticknor, Evans Head, Surfing
Any young Australians who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national, or international event can apply for a grant by contacting their Member of Parliament’s office or visiting the website: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions.
Applications for Round 3 of the program are open until December 31.
