Colin Boyce (Flynn, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Successful applicants for round 1 of the federal government's Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions programs have been announced. The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18 participating in state, national or international championships. Successful applicants will receive $500 to $750 towards the cost of attending their championships. The Local Para Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 24 participating in state, national or international championships for athletes with a disability. Successful applicants will receive $750 to $1,000 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Forty-five local champions and two local para champions were successful all over the Flynn electorate, including in Emerald, Gracemere, Gladstone, Benaraby, Dixalea, Avondale, Gooburrum, the Gemfields, Gindie, Eidsvold, Welcome Creek, Biloela, Gayndah, Sharon and Comet. Events included the state basketball championships, the Queensland country championships, the state age championships and the Special Olympics Australia national games. I recently held an afternoon tea in Emerald to congratulate some of these athletes and hear their excitement about competing in the big smoke, representing their region. Congratulations to all successful applicants. I am sure you will do Flynn proud.