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2018 Grant Recipients Newman’s Own Foundation acknowledged the important and influential role Australian sportspeople play within the nation’s charity sector. Seven sporting personalities were each given the opportunity to nominate an Australian charity to receive a $100,000 grant. This special program acknowledges Australia’s wonderful tradition of sporting heroes using their profiles to build awareness, fundraise, develop resources, effect change and make a difference. Along with the uplifting effect their individual talents have on sports-loving Aussies, their dedication in promoting awareness of the challenges affecting many in our community makes a huge impact, especially for those individuals who lack opportunities to achieve the same quality of life available to others. The following inspirational athletes were selected as representative of current and past sports stars who have used their profile to help make the world a better place:
Australia’s most recognised racing driver, including a record-breaking five Barry Sheen Medals as well as three Championships and seven Bathurst 1000 wins. Lowndes received an OAM for his motorsport career, as well as for his contribution to the Australian community and particularly through road safety education programs.
CHARITY – MATES4MATES
Mates4Mates supports current and ex-servicing Australian Defence Force members (and their families) who are wounded, injured or ill as a result of their service. GRANT: The STAIR Program (innovative peer led skills program aimed at assisting Mates to develop skills in emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning for recovery, to improve day to day living) and Social Connection Programs.
Aerial Skiing Winter Olympics Gold medallist. Camplin established Finnan’s Gift in 2011, raising funds for cutting edge technology and the advancement of paediatric cardiac care at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
CHARITY – THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION (THE RCH FOUNDATION)
The RCH Foundation is the fundraising arm of The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. They raise, manage and distribute money to enable the RCH to provide the best care to patients and their families. The grant was to fund hybrid infant warmers for critically ill infants in intensive care.
The three-time Paralympic Gold Medalist has won marathons worldwide, including New York, London and Chicago marathons multiple times. Fearnley is a passionate and effective disability advocate.
CHARITY – AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (APC)
APC helps Australians with disabilities participate in sport and compete at the Paralympic Games through partnerships with governments, business, sporting bodies and the community. GRANT: Para-Equipment Fund (new fund established by APC and Australian Sports Commission last year)
Netball World titles winner, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and National league titles winner, Ellis is acknowledged for her ongoing support and advocacy for young women.
CHARITY – THE CONFIDENT GIRLS FOUNDATION
The Confident Girls Foundation aims to provide opportunities for vulnerable Australian girls to thrive through netball. The Foundation helps girls achieve their dreams by highlighting and helping eliminate key drivers of gender bias including financial barriers, lack of leadership opportunities, isolation, gender stereotypes that negatively affect young women, and barriers to physical activity. GRANT: Empowerment programs for Aboriginal women and inclusion programs for refugees.
First ever four-time Dally M medallist and first ever three-time winner of the Golden Boot Award for the world’s best player. Thurston was awarded the Australian Human Rights Commission Medal for this work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
CHARITY – THE COWBOYS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Cowboys Community Foundation is a community-owned charity improving employment, health and social outcomes for young North Queenslanders through education-based programs. GRANT: Fundraising capacity building
The first cricketer for Australia, male or female, to play in 100 Twenty20 International matches and the first cricketer for Australia, male or female, to take 100 wickets in Twenty20 International matches. Perry also represented Australia in the national soccer team. She is highly engaged with a number of charitable organisations.
CHARITY – PARKINSON’S NSW
Parkinson’s NSW is an organisation striving to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Providing essential services such as counselling, support groups, InfoLine, Neurological Nurses and education while raising awareness and funds for research to improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s. GRANT: Specialist Parkinson’s Nurse for major regional areas
Brownlow medalist, Leigh Matthews Trophy winner, AFLCA Champion Player of the Year and dual Carji Greeves medallist and Malcolm Blight medallist. Dangerfield is recognised for his inspiring commitment to his local community.
CHARITY – COTTAGE BY THE SEA
Cottage By The Sea is a children’s charity that provides short-stay programs for children who are disadvantaged and at-risk for reasons including family breakdown, domestic violence, emotional or physical trauma, poverty, cultural disadvantage or lack of educational opportunities. Partnering with welfare agencies and schools, the young people are selected to attend based on their need to take-a-break from their home environment and have some fun. Grant: Building upgrades
