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Darren Chester urges young Gippsland athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants before 31 October 2025

Federal MP Darren Chester urges young Gippsland athletes to apply for grants supporting elite-level sporting travel. Applications close October 31. Grants range from $500 to $750.

By news@gippsland - 1st August 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging eligible young sportspeople in the region to submit their applications for Round Two of the 2025-26 Local Sporting Champions grant program. Mr Chester said the Local Sporting Champions program provides financial support to assist junior athletes, aged between 12 and 18, with the cost of travelling to compete at an elite level.

Jack Bateson (pictured) is a 2024 Local Sporting Champions grant recipient

Supporting young athletes

Mr Chester said, "Competing at a state, national or international level requires enormous dedication by young athletes and support from their families, but one barrier to them achieving their dreams is the cost of attending high-level events. The Local Sporting Champions program is designed to help support their sporting endeavours and help them realise their potential as a sportsperson."

"This is a fantastic program which provides grants of $500 up to $750 to attend official state, national and international championship events, and I encourage all eligible young Gippslanders to apply and receive some additional support to continue pursuing their sporting dreams," Mr Chester said.

Applications for Round Two of the 2025-26 Local Sporting Champions grant program close at midnight on Friday, October 31. To learn more about the Local Sporting Champions Grants Program, or to apply, go to Australian Sports Commission website.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com