Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien congratulated local sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state, national, and international competitions.
Under the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions program, recipients aged 12 to 24 will receive between $500 and $750 to help cover costs such as travel, equipment, uniforms, and accommodation.
“Wide Bay continues to produce outstanding sporting talent, and these grants will help ease the financial pressures on families as athletes pursue their goals,” he said.
Among the Wide Bay athletes to receive grants were Noosa sport stars 2026 Australian Open Water Championships swimmers Imogen Midgley of Cooroy and Neela Carrel of Noosa Heads and SSA National Championships swimmer Sebastian Smith of Castaways Beach.
Mr O’Brien acknowledged the high calibre of applicants, noting the strong commitment and dedication shown by young people across the region.
The Australian Sports Commission administers the Local Sporting Champions program. Applications for the next round are open until 30 April 2026. Further information is available at: www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions
