DAWSON’S SPORTING CHAMPIONS SECURE FUNDING BOOST

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 third place in Australia in the Champion Lifesaver event with the backing of a Local Sporting Champions grant.

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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.

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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.

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Competing in the demanding Champion Lifesaver event, Isabella placed third in Australia, following her impressive second-place finish at the State Titles. A highlight of her national campaign was taking out first place in the beach sprint.

Isabella shared the national stage with fellow Mackay Surf Life Saving Club member Cadence McKinnon, who claimed second place in the same event, capping off a remarkable result for the local club.

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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.

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"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.

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"Seeing Isabella deliver such outstanding results on the national stage shows the depth of talent we have right here in Mackay.” Mr Willcox said.  

"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."

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"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."

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Applications Open for Next Round

• Standard Grants: Young athletes, coaches and officials have until 31^st August 2026 to apply for the new round.

• Para Champions: Round 1 of the Local Para Champions program is also open until 31^st August, offering between $750 and $1,000 for competitors with a disability.

• How to Apply: Visit ausport.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions.

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