Recognising Our Local Sporting Champions
By Jeff Gibbs
Young athletes from across the Northern Rivers have been recognised for their achievements and dedication to sport, with 34 local teenagers receiving the prestigious Local Sporting Champions Award.
At a special event today, Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, presented each recipient with a certificate of achievement and confirmed their grant funding through the Local Sporting Champions program.
Supporting the Next Generation of Sporting Stars
Mr. Hogan highlighted the importance of supporting young athletes as they strive for excellence in their chosen sports:
“Those who received the awards have excelled in representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage. 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.”
The Northern Rivers has long been home to some of Australia’s most accomplished athletes, and Mr. Hogan emphasised the need to nurture the next generation:
“The region has produced outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it’s vital that we continue to support our local sporting talent. Unfortunately, succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – it often requires significant financial support from families. I am pleased to assist these families with grants that help young athletes reach their full potential.”
The Value of Sport in Young Lives
Beyond competition, sport plays a critical role in shaping young Australians. Mr. Hogan reinforced its broader benefits:
“Sport is crucial in the development of young people, teaching life-long skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. It also keeps them fit and healthy while allowing them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”
He also encouraged other young athletes to explore the Local Sporting Champions grant program:
“I encourage any aspiring champions competing at a state, national, or international level to apply for a grant by contacting my office or visiting the website: ausport.gov.au.”
Meet the Northern Rivers Sporting Champions
The latest Local Sporting Champions Award recipients represent a diverse range of sports, from athletics and cricket to netball and water polo.
Athletics:
- Amber Bryant (Blakebrook)
- Crystal Gill (Casino)
- Skye Skillen (Corndale)
- Xavier Dann (Eltham)
- Willow Dann (Eltham)
- Tyler Packham (Goonellabah)
- Talis Walker (Jiggi)
- Tennille Owen (Kyogle)
- Pippa Kennedy (Kyogle)
- Morgan Selesele (Kyogle)
- Isabella McPherson (Lismore)
- Hadley Dowton (McLeans Ridges)
- Amity Dzendolet (Modanville)
- Shakyia Gambrill (North Woodburn)
Netball:
- Allora Gould (Casino)
- Matilda Austin (Chilcotts Grass)
- Ella Morgan-Spooner (East Lismore)
- Sophie Powell (Goonellabah)
- Maya McNamara (Goonellabah)
- Matilda Green (Green Pigeon)
Cricket:
- Lachlan Barnes (Alstonville)
- Jed Mulcahy (Kyogle)
Touch Football:
- Bryce Byrne (Casino)
- Jack Elphick (Goonellabah)
- Isabelle Slater (Wollongbar)
Cross Country:
- Padraig Heffernan (Dunoon)
Rugby Union:
- Macy Field (East Lismore)
Baseball:
- Connor McCarthy (Caniaba)
Hockey:
- Max Venables (Goonellabah)
- Caitlyn Halliday (Goonellabah)
Futsal:
- Max Alcorn (Goonellabah)
Water Polo:
- Zoe Silver (Lynwood)
Encouraging Future Sporting Champions
The Local Sporting Champions program, an initiative of the Australian Sports Commission, provides financial support to help young athletes cover costs associated with travel, accommodation, and competition fees at state, national, or international events.
For more information or to apply for a grant, visit ausport.gov.au or contact Kevin Hogan’s office for assistance.
By supporting young athletes, the Northern Rivers community continues to foster talent, sportsmanship, and a bright future for the region’s sporting stars.
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