Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Member for Kennedy! Talent and determination alone are not always enough. Competing at a high level comes with real financial pressures, and too often it's families who are left to carry that burden, travelling across the country, paying fees and supporting their young athletes in every way possible. That is where the Local Sporting Champions program makes such a meaningful difference. It provides financial assistance to help young people compete, receive coaching and represent their communities at state, national and international levels. I know firsthand just how expensive that journey can be. These grants may be modest, but their impact is significant for both the athlete and the families behind them.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the latest grant recipients. Alexander Campbell from Toronto, a member of the Westlakes Athletics Club, will compete in javelin at the Australian Athletics Junior Championships in Queensland this April. Good luck, Alexander. Alexander Lalewicz from Singleton Heights represented Northern NSW Football at the FA National Futsal Championships in Queensland, helping his under-13 team get to the shield semifinal. Austin Young from North Rothbury also competed at the FA National Futsal Championships, representing the Northern NSW Football under-16 mens team and likewise reaching the shield semifinal. Beau Doyle from Bonnells Bay will compete at the GWM BMX Racing National Championships in Shepparton in April. We wish you the best of luck, Beau. Keira Carlson from Wyee Point competed at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Victoria, placing sixth in the under-17 womens 400 metres—an outstanding achievement. Well done. Liam Gardner from Cameron Park represented the NSW Country under-18 team at the baseball Australian Youth Championships in Victoria, with his team finishing sixth nationally.

These young athletes exemplify the dedication, resilience and community spirit that define the Hunter. Sport has always been at the heart of our region, and it is inspiring to see so many young people striving for excellence on the national stage. These competitions are more than just events. They are stepping stones towards bigger opportunities and lifelong achievements. To all those athletes: stay committed, train hard and keep pushing yourselves. You never know just where your efforts may take you. When you're trying to succeed, as we know you can, remember that the whole Hunter community is behind you, cheering you on every step of the way. I say good luck to all the athletes in the Hunter, and I look forward to seeing what you can all achieve in time.

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