Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Local Sporting Champions program provides grants of up to $750 for people competing in national or international competitions. It's a privilege to have a talented athlete in the family, but the associated costs can put pressure on the family budget. This program recognises that fact and helps to provide a little extra support. My community is filled with young athletes who've made remarkable contributions in their respective sporting codes. Recently, I was able to congratulate several of them who were successful in the Local Para Champions and Local Sporting Champions grant programs, hosting two very special ceremonies in their honour.

These occasions are always highlights of my calendar because they bring together the best of our community—talented young people, their supportive families, and the organisations that stand behind them. I want to first extend my sincere thanks to the Paralympian swimmer Ellie Cole and the Olympian softballer Ellen Roberts, who came to present the awards with me. They are both fantastic Berowra locals. They're an inspiration, demonstrating that, with dedication, young sportspeople don't have to stop competing in sport when they leave school.

Let me begin by acknowledging the para champions. In swimming, Abbey Gibbons, Elodie Sebire, Michael Williams have competed at national championships, setting benchmarks for others to follow. In athletics, Cooper Robb-Jackson has earned selection for the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships—an achievement that speaks volumes of his talent and discipline. In wheelchair sport, Evander Conroy and Hamish Muir have carried the banner of our community with distinction, while Zara Perry has represented Australia at the Goalball Clubs World Cup in Finland and the Malmo Lady Intercup in Sweden.

Alongside them, our local sporting champions are making their mark in a wide array of disciplines. In athletics, Issac Portelli, Mathias Hutchens, Sophia Cottrell, Aniela Knight, Zachary Leung, Cameron Leung, Jack Proudford, Ivy Yang, Amy Campbell, Thomas Scodellaro, Alexander Braendle, Justin Billingsley and Blake Billingsley have shone at a national level. In the pool, Emma Cherry, Lily Sumner and Alannah Sumner have tested themselves against the country's best at national age and open-water titles.

Georgie Davidson showcased her ability at the 2025 Hockey Australia U16 Championships, while Curtis Pepper proved his skill at the Australian Rowing Championships. In other team sports, Eva Zhang and Zak Morson competed at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships and Ryan Chou represented New South Wales at the School Sport Australia Basketball Championship in the 18 Years and Under category. Kobi McPherson, Christian Morrison, Kai Ueki and Kimi Soong featured in the national basketball league competitions. On the international stage, Logan Bubb and Ava Jones carried the green and gold, representing Australia at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Football Cup.

Each of these athletes has demonstrated that success comes not only from natural talent but from the discipline to train, the courage to compete and the humility to represent their community with pride. As a community we stand behind them. We'll continue to back their ambitions, recognise their achievements and celebrate their journeys both on and off the field.