Sporting Excellence Fund 2026/2027

This program is designed to support athletes from the Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA) who have been selected to represent their sport at national or international levels. The grant aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with high-level competition, enabling athletes to focus on achieving excellence in their sporting endeavours.

Applications accepted from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 or until funds are exhausted

Fund amounts allocated in recognition of individual representation and participation at a national orinternational level are as follows:

• $300 for individuals selected to compete on behalf of Australia at an international competition or equivalent.
• $500 for individuals competing at the Commonwealth Games.
• $800 for individuals competing at the Olympic Games.

There is a total of $4,000 available for the financial year or until funds are exhausted.

• Applications must be supported by written confirmation from a recognised peak body or incorporated body. This must confirm participation at the highest national or international levels. An invitation alone, to represent sport at a high profile national or international event will not be eligible for support.
• Funding must only be used for the purpose for which the application was made.
• A maximum of one grant per individual may be awarded in any single Community Funding program year.
• If successful, a bank transfer will be made to the individual’s account once recipient has set up their account details with Port Stephens Council.
• It is a condition of funding that Council can share details of the support for the athlete in Council’s public communication networks.
• Port Stephens Council should be publicly acknowledged as a supporter in any social and media releases
• Applicants must apply prior to attending the sporting event.
• Funds are not granted retrospectively.
• Previous grant recipients are required to acquit previous grants before submitting a new application.

The following eligibility criteria applies to the Sporting Excellence Fund:
• The athlete’s permanent residence must be in Port Stephens LGA
• Be selected in competitive sports
• Be selected at national or international levels.

Applicants must be participating as an individual in:
• An official national championship endorsed by the relevant Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) recognised national sporting organisation (NSO), national sporting organisation for people with disability (NSOD) or a School Sport Australia member body.
• An international competition as a member of an official Australian team, representing an
ASC recognised NSO, NSOD or School Sport Australia.
• The Commonwealth or Olympic Games.

The event must be a competition (this does not include tours, coaching, academies, training or friendship games). The event must occur within six (6) months of the application submission date.

If you are competing on behalf of Australia at an International level, you will need to align with one of the following categories.

Please view the links below. 

Recognised National sporting organisation (NSO) or National sporting organisation for people with disability (NSOD)
www.sportaus.gov.au/australian_sports_directory
School Sport Australia Member Body
www.schoolsportaustralia.edu.au/sports/

Please read the Funding Guidelines prior to completing this form on our website.

If you still have any questions please contact the Vibrant Places team on 02 4988 0255 or email pscgrants@portstephens.nsw.gov.au