Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (10:06):
The Hunter has always punched above its weight when it comes to sport. We've produced a stack of professional and elite athletes, and I want to make sure we're backing the next crop of local sporting talent, so that the next generation of superstars also comes from the Hunter.
But talent and determination alone aren't always enough to reach the top. Competing a high level is a high cost, and too often it's the parents digging deep into their pockets to get their kids to competitions. That is where the Local Sporting Champions program steps in. It provides financial assistance to help young people compete in, coach or umpire at the chosen sport. I know firsthand how expensive it can be when you're competing on the state and national levels or even on the international level. These small grants really do make a big difference to the athletes themselves and the parents supporting them.
I want to congratulate our recent local sporting champions: Lexie Phillips, who competed at the 2025 Australian Age and MC Age Championships; Ben Frost, who played in the Australian youth baseball championships; Brandon Cox, who played in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup; Braydan Carlson, Jenice Hicks and Zach West, who competed at the Australian track and field championships; Brodee Sunerton, who played at the USA flag football Junior International Cup; Charlotte Campbell, Claire Godfrey, Olivia-Skye Sharp, Will Soden and Zoe Dent, who competed at the Australian junior athletics championships; Carrie Phillips and Kobi Hodges, who played at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships; Ryan Jones and Tyson Williams, who competed at the MX motorcycle GP; Caitlin Rose, who competed at the Australian national road racing cycling championships; Jed Louis who competed at the Oceania motorcycling junior cup; Drew Kremer and Lachlan Morris, who competed in the ProMX motocross championships; Julie Brummer, who played in the hockey Australia indoor under 18s championships; Mackenzie Wills, who played in the 2025 VIRTUS World Basketball Championships; Maddie Roberts, who rode in the 2025 Pony Club Australian National Championship; Mitchell Summers who competed in the School Sport Australia athletics championship; and, finally, Sybella Pike, who played in the Australian schoolgirls rugby league championships.
Congratulations to all those local sporting champions. Sport has always been the heart of Hunter, and it's incredible to see so many young people from our region competing at such a high level. These competitions are important stepping stones on your pathway to achieving your dreams. Stay committed, train hard and give it your best, because you never know how far you can go. When you do make it, always know you'll have the Hunter cheering you on. I wish you all good luck in the future.
