A significant initiative to support young talent in the Bega Valley has emerged, as the local turf club recently donated $11,500 to help aspiring athletes, musicians, and creatives overcome the high costs associated with travel. This donation was made during the 2025 Bega Cup carnival and represents the largest single contribution to the fund since its establishment in 2016.
Rob Tweedie, CEO of the turf club, emphasized the importance of this support for the community. “We thought it was a really worthy cause to donate to,” he stated. The funds will aid young individuals who may struggle to afford travel expenses for events in larger cities, such as Canberra. The initiative specifically targets talented youth who have the potential to represent their community but face financial barriers.
The fund was founded by Ron Finneran OAM, an Australian Paralympic athlete and prominent sports administrator. Recognized for his contributions to sports for individuals with disabilities, Finneran’s accolades include the Australian Sports Medal and induction into both the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame. His inspiration for creating the fund stemmed from witnessing one of his daughters struggle to gather enough resources for travel to competitions.
“We don’t want to restrict the young athletes and their families due to funding, because it’s the cost from this area to and from the major cities that draws heavily on their pockets,” Finneran explained. Since July 2024, the non-profit has provided 43 grants to support local youth, impacting over 500 individuals across various artistic and sporting endeavors.
Supporting Diverse Talents
The grants have financed a range of activities, including netball, music tuition, AFL, dance, snow sports, basketball, and touch football. Finneran noted, “What has become abundantly clear is that the fund plays a massive part in helping parents afford the increasing costs of getting their children to events, trials, and competitions outside the shire.”
Among the beneficiaries is Floki Jory, an 11-year-old basketball player with the Merimbula Sharks. His mother, Delia, shared how the fund has positively impacted Floki’s journey towards his basketball aspirations. “Floki has made a point of playing his best in every game so that all the people who have been supporting him would be proud of his efforts,” she stated.
Another recipient of the funding is Laura Pouliot, who has been recognized in the SESA Future Champions Athlete Program. Her mother, Melissa, expressed pride in Laura’s achievements, noting that the funds have facilitated travel for her participation in multiple elite athlete programs. “She is the highest-ranked basketball referee to ever come out of the Merimbula Basketball Association,” Melissa remarked, highlighting Laura’s exceptional progress at just 16 years old.
A Lasting Impact on the Community
The initiative has also provided support to other talented youth, including snowboarder Xavier Lehoczky, freestyle mogul skier Cooper Woods, guitar builder Jamie Parker-Barnes, gymnast Chloe Bretherton, rugby league player Alanna Dummett, surfer Arabella Tarpey, and singer-songwriter Felicity Dowd.
Finneran’s commitment to nurturing young talent has made a substantial difference in the Bega Valley. “Our role is to simply assist and support those youth who have the commitment and potential to reach greater heights in their chosen fields,” he concluded. This initiative not only provides financial support but also fosters a sense of community and encouragement for the future leaders in sports and the arts.
