Two Ulladulla ocean paddlers are among 12 South Coast recipients of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program to support their participation in sporting championships.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was pleased to provide grants to Christian Ireland and Lily Todd who will compete in the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban South Africa.
The Ulladulla High School students will take part in the under 18s individual and pairs events during the event to be held from October 17 – 19.
The duo paddles for Makai Paddlers and Mollymook Surf Club in kayaks, surf skis and ocean skis, and can often be seen training from Ulladulla Harbour, Mollymook or on Burrill Lake.
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.
“I’m really happy to support these young people who dedicated so much time and work extremely hard towards their sporting goals.
“It’s inspiring to see so many local athletes, like Lily and Christian, excelling in their chosen field and competing on the national and world stage.”
Lily said: "I'm really excited about this event as South Africa is meant to have some of the best ocean paddling conditions (called downwinds) in the world. I think it will be an amazing experience.”
Christian added: "I'm excited to compete at a World Championship event, and to test myself over 30 kilometres rather than the canoe sprint I normally do."
Christian also competed in the canoeing 2025 Asia Pacific Sprint Cup in Japan in May.
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 RECEIPIENTS:
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: Lily and Christian in action at last year’s National Marathon Kayak Championships. (Supplied.)
