Brooke Plunkett (NPM) and Mayor Neil Westcott pictured with the Rising Star RecipientsSienna Eve Taylor, Joselyne Folau, Malia Morrison, (Front): Emanual Townsend, Harlen Corney.
Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations are pleased to announce the successful applicants from Round 2 of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program.
In this round, a total of $30,000 in funding has been distributed to seven local sportingorganisations, and $5,000 has been awarded to seven outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program.
Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the important role these programs play in supporting the growth of sport and recreation across the Parkes Shire.
“Our community has such a strong sporting spirit, and these grants help keep that alive by supporting participation, improving facilities, and helping young athletes reach their potential,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.
“We’re proud to continue working alongside Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations to deliver programs that strengthen our clubs, encourage healthy lifestyles, and invest in the next generation of local talent.”
Round 2 – 2025 Sporting Organisation Grant Recipients were Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association Inc., Parkes & District Netball Association Inc., Parkes Australian Rules Football Club, Parkes District Cricket Association, Parkes Tennis Club and the Peak Hill Roosters Rugby League Football Club.
Round 2 – 2025 Rising Star Grant Recipients were Noah Jayet, Sienna Eve Taylor, Tori Bennett, Emanual Townsend, Joselyne Folau, Harlen Corney and Malia Morrison.
The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative between Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations and Parkes Shire Council, providing financial support to individual athletes who demonstrate potential and commitment in their chosen field. Each recipient is also automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will receive the Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.
The next round of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program will open up in early to mid2026. For more information, visit Council’s Grants Programs page on the Parkes Shire Council website.
Sports Grant Recipients – Brooke Plunkett (NPM), Mitch Cudden (Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association Inc), Ella McColl and Sam Rivett (Parkes Tennis Club), Graeme Bayliss (Parkes District Cricket Association), Mayor Neil Westcott.