DAWSON’S SPORTING CHAMPIONS SECURE FUNDING BOOST TO COMPETE ON STATE AND NATIONAL STAGES
The next generation of regional sporting legends is locked, loaded, and ready to take on the best in the business, with 59 young athletes from across the Dawson electorate securing crucial financial backing to support their dreams.
Under Round 4 of the Federal Government’s Local Sporting Champions program, these dedicated competitors have each received grants of between $650 and $750 to assist with the skyrocketing costs of competing at elite levels.
Among this round’s standout recipients is Mackay North State High School student Isabella Grant, a dedicated lifesaver from the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club who recently brought home a bronze medal from the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.
Competing in the demanding Champion Lifesaver event, which combines rigorous beach and surf challenges with a theory exam, patient assessment, and timed CPR, Isabella placed 3rd in Australia, following her impressive 2nd place finish at the State Titles. A highlight of her national campaign was taking out 1st place in the beach sprint.
Isabella shared the national stage with fellow Mackay Surf Life Saving Club member Cadence McKinnon, who claimed 2nd place in the same event, capping off a remarkable result for the local club.
Isabella said the grant provided vital support for regional families making the long journey to elite competitions.
"The grant has certainly helped us from a regional area travel, participate, and get some great results on a national level on the Gold Coast," Isabella said.
Her father, Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, emphasised the impact this financial backing has on local families.
"For regional athletes, travelling interstate or down to the Gold Coast involves substantial costs for transport, equipment, and accommodation," Mr Grant said.
"Programs like the Local Sporting Champions scheme help lighten that financial burden so our athletes can focus entirely on performing at their best."
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said he was incredibly proud to back local champions like Isabella, who prove that regional athletes can match it with the best in the country.
"Living in regional Queensland means our young champions and their families have to travel massive distances just to compete at a state or national level, these costs add up very quickly," Mr Willcox said.
"Seeing Isabella deliver such outstanding results on the national stage shows the depth of talent we have right here in Mackay.
“Whether it is driving down to the Gold Coast or flying interstate, the cost of accommodation, fuel, registration, and uniforms is a massive hurdle. With current cost-of-living pressures hitting household budgets hard, mums and dads are doing it tough, so I am thrilled to deliver this well-deserved financial relief to keep our kids competing."
The latest round of funding highlights the extraordinary diversity and high calibre of sporting talent thriving across the Dawson community. Grants have been awarded to local competitors representing our region across a broad range of codes: netball, basketball, touch football, rugby union, and cricket are all well represented. In the water, our elite swimmers and surf lifesavers continue to make waves, alongside high-octane athletes in BMX and mountain biking. The funding also backs representative players in indoor and field hockey, as well as emerging soccer stars aiming for national pathways.
Mr Willcox noted that investing in regional youth today paves the way for a bright sporting future, particularly on the runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
"Our community sporting clubs are the starting blocks where regional Queensland’s champions are built," Mr Willcox said.
"These grants are about giving our hard-working local kids a fair go, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of a future podium finish or gold medal. I wish all of our Dawson champions the absolute best of luck, you have your whole community cheering you on."
Applications Open for Next Round
Applications for Round 1 of the 2026/27 program are open now:
Standard Grants: Young athletes, coaches, and officials have until 31 August 2026 to apply for the new round, with regional travel bonuses bringing total funding up to $750.
Para Champions: Round 1 of the Local Para Champions program is also open until 31 August, offering between $750 and $1,000 for competitors with a disability.
How to Apply: For eligibility criteria or to submit an application, visit ausport.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions.
ENDS
Caption: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox catches up with Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s Isabella Grant at Harbour Beach, after the Year 9 student secured 3rd in Australia in the Champion Lifesaver event with the backing of a Local Sporting Champions grant.
Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662 M | 0455 456 705 E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au