Two aspiring Kiama athletes are among 12 South Coast recipients of the Albanese Labor Government’s Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program to support their participation in sporting championships.
The Siasat siblings, Miller, 16, and Ginger, 14, received the grants to help with the cost of attending two different national sporting championships earlier this year.
Miller competed in track events at the Australian Track and Field Championships held in Perth in April, while Ginger was selected for the New South Wales girls rugby union team to play at the Australian School and Juniors Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast in July.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was pleased to provide grants to help the pair with travel costs.
“The grants help young sports people and their families attend big events and represent our region, the state or the country in their chosen field,” she said.
“I’m so happy to support Miller and Ginger. They are really great kids who dedicate so much time and work extremely hard towards their sporting goals.
“It’s inspiring to see young local athletes excelling and competing on the national and world stage.”
Mrs Phillips said the Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program and Local Para Champions (LPC) program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.
“The successful Gilmore applicants have received between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their championships,” she said.
After discovering their love of sport when they started out as tiny tots at Kiama Little Athletics Club, both Ginger and Miller now excel in the 80, 100, 200 and 400 metre track events.
The pair also play Rugby and are members of the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club. Miller is a dual Australian Champion in both the beach sprint and flags, while Ginger is a State Champion beach sprinter.
“These two work so hard and I can see how passionate they are about sport. They really are incredible ambassadors for Kiama,” Mrs Phillips said.
Ginger said she could not choose her favourite sport between rugby and athletics.
“With track, you’re on your own and just try to beat your own times, so it can be isolating. While rugby, being a team sport, is very social and you make great friends for life,” she said.
Miller agreed it was tough to choose, but said he was focussing on improving his track times with the goal of gaining a scholarship to the University of Sydney’s Elite Athletics Program.
“Athletics definitely builds up the fundamentals for rugby. I think running has helped me because, to be good at rugby, you’ve got to be fast.”
Mrs Phillips said the Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions programs were a fantastic way for young people to obtain financial assistance.
“The Federal Labor Government wants sports champions, coaches, and officials to not be held back from representing our regions, states, or nation because of financial barriers.
“I would encourage anyone in the community who has competed or is planning to compete at a state, national, or international championships to apply for the next round which closes on October 31.”
GILMORE RECIPIENTS:
Aleah Farrugia - Australian Gymnastics Championships
Coby Sheppeard - 2025 School Sport Australia Bowls Championship
Airlie Stevens - Australian Junior Athletics Championship
Oskar Driscoll - 2025 School Sports Australia 13-19 Years Swimming Championship
Alisha Britta Mustapic - Australian Track and Field Championships
Monty Lloyd Jones - School Sport Australia National Triathlon Championship
Christian Ireland - Asia Pacific Sprint Cup 2025 (Canoeing)
Miller Siasat - Australian Track and Field Championships
Ginger Siasat - Australian Schools and Juniors Rugby Championships (Rugby Union)
Lily Todd - 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships
Jack Nunn - American Motorcycling Association National Motocross Championship
Cameron Donaldson (Match official) - School Sport Australia Basketball Championship
Applications for Round 2 2025/26 will close on 31 October 2025.
Apply here: Local Sporting Champions | Australian Sports Commission
Photo: Fiona Phillips met up with Ginger and Miller Siasat to learn more about their sporting goals and achievements.
