Evolution Mining – Northparkes Operations (Northparkes) and Parkes Shire Council are pleased to announce the successful applicants from the latest round of the Sports Grants Funding Program, which included the new Rising Star grants program. In this round a total of $31,102.36 was distributed to six sporting groups and $5,000 to five rising stars!
Northparkes Communication and Engagement Superintendent, Brooke Plunkett, expressed pride in the new program.
“We realised the need for the Rising Star Grant Program and are thrilled to support our first round of rising stars. We are excited to be able to assist local athletes by easing some of the financial aspects of their sporting commitments with these funds,” she said.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, was pleased to see the new Rising Star program well supported.
“What a wonderful opportunity the Rising Star grants provide to our emerging sports stars who can be hampered by the high cost of travelling to higher level training sessions and sporting events,” Mayor Westcott said.
The first group of Rising Stars included Ryker Moore and Toby Morgan. Both recently returned from the Australian Little Athletics championships in Adelaide with gold medals in the 400m and 800m events respectively! The other very impressive recipients were:
Rising Star | Sport | Amount | Location |
Ryker Moore | Athletics | $1,000 | Parkes |
Toby Morgan | Athletics, Soccer & Swimming | $1,000 | Trundle |
Aaryab Gautam | Football | $1,000 | Parkes |
Mason Wild | Motorcycle Racing – Dirt Track | $1,000 | Parkes |
Henry Kross | Squash | $1,000 | Parkes |
In the Sports Grants round, which closed on 31 March 2024, the Parkes PCYC was allocated $4,209 towards their project to purchase specialised equipment for a Parkour-style program targeted at young boys.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer a new Parkour program. This initiative is not just about gymnastics; it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a sense of community among young boys. By offering subsidies, we’re breaking down financial barriers, making it accessible for all. Our goal is to see more boys embracing the sport and the positive values it represents,” said Kim Sherrett, Parkes PCYC Manager.
The list of projects receiving grants are as follows:
Club | Project Title | Granted |
Parkes and District Kennel Club Inc | Purchase of an electric ride-on mower for regular maintenance of the club grounds. | $5,000.00 |
Parkes Jockey Club | Purchase industrial gazebos to better accommodate the growing number of patrons/community groups utilising our facility. | $4,428.00 |
Parkes Tennis Club | Purchase on-court bench seating for both casual court hire and competition/tournament players to put their gear or to rest between games. | $5,572.36 |
Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association | Purchase 2 sets of portable UPVC goalposts with nets and new compliant corner flags for 6 fields. | $2,393.00 |
Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League | Purchase the latest training equipment including training pads, mats and shields. | $9,500.00 |
Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW Parkes | Purchase of specialised gymnastics equipment to enhance the current gymnastics program with the introduction of a new freestyle gymnastics program specifically aimed at males aged 5-12 years. Funding will also support the memberships for socio-economically disadvantaged children so they can participate on an equal basis with others. | $4,209.00 |
The next round, which opens on 1 September 2024, includes $32,548 for sporting groups and $5,000 for Rising Stars. Application forms will be available from Parkes Shire Council’s website.
PHOTO (Sports Grants): Kim Sherrett (Parkes PCYC), Joel Cowling (Parkes Soccer), Chloe Allen (Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations) Lyn Madden (Parkes Kennel Club), Denise Gersbach, Alex Prout (Parkes Jockey Club), Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott and Curtis Arndell (Parkes Tennis Club) Absent – Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League.
