Kiama siblings Miller (16) and Ginger Siasat (14) have been named among 12 South Coast recipients of the Albanese Labor Government’s Local Sporting Champions (LSC) grants program.

The program provides financial support for young athletes to attend national and international championships. Both Miller and Ginger received funding earlier this year to compete at separate national events.

Miller competed in sprint events at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Perth in April, while Ginger represented New South Wales at the Australian Schools and Juniors Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast in July.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips congratulated the pair, calling them an inspiration to the local community.

“The grants help young sportspeople and their families attend big events and represent our region, the state, or the country in their chosen field,” she said.

“I’m so happy to support Miller and Ginger. They’re great kids who dedicate so much time and work extremely hard towards their sporting goals.”

Although they competed in different sports, both siblings are talented all-rounders.

Ginger and Miller regularly train and compete in the 80, 100, 200 and 400 metre track events. Both also play rugby and are active members of the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club. 

Miller is a dual Australian Champion in both beach sprint and flags, while Ginger is a State Champion beach sprinter.

When asked which sport she prefers, Ginger said she enjoys the team spirit of rugby.

“With track, you’re on your own and just trying to beat your own times, so it can be isolating,” she said.

“Rugby, being a team sport, is really social and you make great friends for life.”

Miller added that he believes each sport he plays helps him improve in the others.

“Athletics builds up the fundamentals for rugby,” he said. “Running has definitely helped me - to be good at rugby, you’ve got to be fast.”

The LSC program provides grants of $500 to $750 to help cover travel, accommodation, uniforms and other competition-related expenses.

Ms Phillips encouraged more local athletes, coaches and officials to apply for the next round of grants.

“The Federal Labor Government doesn’t want financial barriers stopping local champions from representing their state or country,” she said.

“I’d encourage anyone who has competed, or plans to compete, at a state, national or international level to apply before the next round closes on October 31.”

Apply here: Local Sporting Champions | Australian Sports Commission

Full list of South Coast recipients:

Aleah Farrugia - Australian Gymnastics Championships

Coby Sheppeard - 2025 School Sport Australia Bowls Championship

Airlie Stevens - Australian Junior Athletics Championship

Oskar Driscoll - 2025 School Sport 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

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