Six young talented athletes and eight sporting organisations will receive a share of over $30,000 in round one of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports grants Funding Program.

Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Northparkes Operations were pleased to announce the successful applicants.

A total of $5000 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 $5000 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.

In round one of the 2025 Rising Star Grant Program, the successful recipients were:

Annabelle Teague who represents in lawn bowls and Huxley Draper who plays soccer were both awarded $834 each.

Little Athletics super stars Emily Wild (high jump) and Emrys Cassidy (running) both received $834 each.

Rugby league player George Thomas and hockey player Jett Johnstone were both allocated $833.

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.

Successful sporting organisations in round one included:

Holy Family Parents and Family Association who were awarded $2470 to purchase sporting equipment, shade gazebos and a starter pistol.

Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association was allocated $5173.32 to purchase training equipment for the Peak Hill Pheonix team and $2778 to purchase a Veo sports camera for match recording and analysis.

Parkes and District Kennel Club received $505.44 to purchase ACC55 GALICAN Tunnel Huggers.

For training and coaching sessions with Currajong Disability Services, Parkes Croquet Club were awarded $1840.

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League Club received $9353.24 for the purchase of training and game day equipment.

Parkes Little Athletics Centre were successfully awarded $7500 to purchase new high jump mats and Parkes PCYC were allocated $380 for pickleball equipment for program introduction.

The next round of grant funding will open later this year. For more information, visit Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au