Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations are pleased to announce the successful applicants from Round 1 of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports Grants Funding Program.[CA1]
In this round, a total of $30,000 in funding has been distributed to eight sporting organisations, and $5,000 has been awarded to six outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program.
Cr Louise O'Leary congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the vital role the grants play in fostering local talent and supporting community sporting groups.
"Our Shire has a proud sporting tradition, and these grants help to build on that by supporting grassroots initiatives, upgrading facilities, and assisting our rising stars to achieve their goals," Cr O'Leary said.
"These grants will make a real difference by helping sporting groups improve their venues and enhance the quality of their sport or events. They also provide vital support to our Rising Stars, young athletes competing above the local level, and their families, who often travel thousands of kilometres to help them pursue their sporting dreams," she added.
The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative of Evolution Mining and Parkes Shire Council, with both organisations contributing $5,000 per year to fund two rounds annually. The program provides financial assistance to individual sportspersons, particularly juniors, who demonstrate potential and a need for support to develop their sporting careers.
Each recipient of a Rising Star Grant is automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will be selected to receive the perpetual Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.
Round 1 - 2025 Rising Star Grant Program Recipients:
Recipient |
Sport |
Amount Received |
George Thomas |
Rugby League |
$833.00 |
Annabelle Teague (represented by Sue & Shane Hodge) |
Lawn Bowls |
$834.00 |
Huxley Draper |
Soccer |
$834.00 |
Emily Wild |
Athletics - High Jump |
$834.00 |
Emrys Cassidy |
Athletics - Running |
$834.00 |
Jett Johnstone |
Hockey |
$833.00 |
In the Sporting Grants Program, Evolution Mining and Parkes Shire Council each contribute $30,000 per year to deliver two rounds of funding. These grants support local sporting clubs and organisations to grow participation and enhance sporting infrastructure across the Shire.
Round 1 - 2025 Sporting Organisation Recipients:
Organisation |
Project Title |
Representative |
Amount Received |
Holy Family P&F Association |
Purchase sporting equipment, shade gazebos, and starter pistol |
Denise Gersbach |
$2,470.00 |
Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Assoc. |
Purchase training equipment for Peak Hill Phoenix team |
Tiarni Cohen |
$5,173.32 |
Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Assoc. |
Purchase a Veo sports camera for match recording and analysis |
David Parker |
$2,778.00 |
Parkes & District Kennel Club |
Purchase ACC55 GALICAN Tunnel Huggers |
Denise Gersbach |
$505.44 |
Parkes Croquet Club |
Training and coaching sessions with Currajong Disability Services |
Graeme Hunter |
$1,840.00 |
Parkes Little Athletics Centre Inc. |
Purchase new high jump mats |
Chris Higgins |
$7,500.00 |
Parkes Spacemen Rugby League Club |
Purchase of training and game day equipment |
Kate Thomas |
$9,353.24 |
Parkes PCYC |
Pickleball equipment for program introduction |
Torin Hando |
$380.00 |
