Council has awarded a Youth Development Grant of $250 each to Jack Miller, Christian Reis-Burke, and sisters Madelyn and Alexis Ford-Lillie to assist with costs associated with attending the NSWCHS State Swimming Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 29 April to 1 May 2026. The students will represent both their school and the Riverina region at state level.
Jack Miller has demonstrated outstanding success in the pool, earning Age Champion titles at both school and South West levels and progressing through to the NSW state carnival. He holds a number of local and Swimming NSW records and has been recognised with a NSW National Blue Award.
Christian Reis-Burke, a Year 7 student at Leeton High School and member of the Leeton Yanco Swimming Club, has been selected to represent Riverina Secondary Swimming in 2026. He was named 13 Years Boys Age Champion at the South West Zone Carnival and secured selection for three events at the Riverina Championships, including the 100m Butterfly and relay events.
Madelyn and Alexis Ford-Lillie have built an impressive swimming resume through years of training and competition at both club and school levels. Both have competed at NSW State Age, NSW CHS and All Schools Championships, with Madelyn previously holding a NSW multiclass record in the Under 13 50m Backstroke. As dedicated multiclass athletes, the sisters balance intensive training schedules while overcoming personal challenges, and will compete in multiple events at the state carnival.
Council wishes Jack, Christian, Madelyn and Alexis all the best and looks forward to receiving a report about their experience.
