Sports grants ease load for top regional athletes

SEVEN young local athletes have been awarded grants ranging between $600 and $950 from Round 1 of the 2025-26 Local Sporting Champions Grants and Local Para Champions Grants programs.

The successful applicants are Ella Kirby (football/soccer), Harriet Caldwell (wheelchair sports), Matthew Skewes and Zarah Reynolds (swimming), Tobias Sexton and Maya Murphy (canoeing), and Aria Marwood (volleyball).

The endowments can be used for travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating in state, national and international championships, with awarded amounts varying slightly according to each competition’s location.

At a recent meetup at the Bendigo Rowing Club with the recipients, Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the grants are about helping talented young men and women pursue their sporting dreams.

“Playing sport at competition level takes passion, dedication and hard work,” she said.

“It also involves extensive travel, training, specialist equipment and clothing, and as many parents have told me, all those costs add up.

“For the families behind our young sporting champs it can be very expensive, especially for those living in regional areas like Bendigo.

“I’m delighted to be able to assist a number of local sporting stars; many of them have bright futures ahead.

“Bendigo has a rich and varied sporting history and it’s great to see so many different sports represented today.”

Applications for the grants can be made at any time throughout the year, either by visiting the Smarty Grants website or by contacting Ms Chesters’ office directly on 5443 9055.