Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (09:50):
The Hunter has produced a stack of professional and elite athletes, and I want to make sure that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent so that our next generation of superstars comes from the Hunter too. Unfortunately, talent and determination alone are not always enough to reach the top. Participating in high-level sport comes at a cost, and it's mostly parents who put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions.
The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport. I know firsthand how expensive your chosen sports can be, especially when you're competing on the state, national or international stage. These small grants make a lot of difference to the athletes and their parents. I want to congratulate our recent local sporting champions.
Allira Brennan, Lucy Bender, Isabelle Walters, Kiara Walters, Tayah Koeford, Charlotte Moore, Madison Fairlie, Lily Stewart, Molly Bailey, Matilda Bailey, Sienna Procter, Olivia Wearing and Gracie Brislane represented the Cessnock District Netball Association at the HART Junior State Titles. Sienna Downey participated in the Junior State Titles, representing Westlakes Netball Association. Jade Constable went to the state titles, representing Muswellbrook Netball Association. Scarlett Cox from Cessnock High School completed at a state level in diving. Carrie Phillips competed for the Hunter Hurricanes at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships. Keira Carlson from Wyee Point participated in the athletics at the Australian track and field championships. Kye McDermott from Mingara Aquatic Swim Club went to the Australian Age Championships for swimming. Zane Bourke went to the world championships for BMX. Bethany Klepzig represented NSWPSSA at the School Sport Australia swimming championships. Khai Leigh represented Australia at the 2024 World Aquatics Men's U16 Water Polo World Championships. Ben Frost represented New South Wales Country at the Australian Youth Championships for baseball. Cameron Gawn from NUSwim Swimming Club went to the Australian Age Championships for swimming. Drew Kremer competed in the ProMX Series for Motorcycling NSW. Lexie Phillips from Novocastrian Swim Club went to the Australian Age and MC Swimming Championships, and, finally, Jodin Bell from Star Club Equestrian program competed in the CPEDI Paralympic Qualifier at Willinga Park.
Congratulations to all of these local sporting champions. Sport has always been a massive part of the Hunter, and its amazing to see so many young people from our area still competing at a high level.
