Julian Leeser – Federal Member for Berowra
Having a talented young athlete in the family is a privilege, but sporting costs, especially in higher level competitions, can put a strain on the family budget. The Local Sporting Champions program provides grants of up to $750 for young people competing at national or international events. It recognises talent and eases costs for families.
I recently hosted ceremonies to celebrate recipients of both the Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions programs, joined by Paralympian Ellie Cole and Olympian Ellen Roberts, both Berowra locals.
First, our para champions. In swimming, Abbey Gibbons, Elodie Sebire and Michael Williams have competed at national championships. In athletics, Cooper Robb-Jackson earned selection for the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships.
Alongside them, our sporting champions are shining. 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. Swimming: Emma Cherry, Lily Sumner and Alannah Sumner. Hockey: Georgie Davidson. Rowing: Curtis Pepper.
Team sports: Eva Zhang and Zak Morson (water polo); Ryan Chou Kobi McPherson, Christian Morrison, Kai Ueki and Kimi Soong (basketball). Logan Bubb and Ava Jones represented Australia at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Football Cup. Talent opens the door; discipline and courage do the rest. Our community stands behind these young people, and we’ll keep backing their ambitions on and off the field.
