Local Central Coast charity CoastAbility recently held its annual Volunteers and Scholarships Awards Night, with members and volunteers receiving recognition for their contributions and the winners of multiple academic and sporting scholarships announced.
Entirely volunteer-run since its establishment in 1932, CoastAbility offers academic and sporting scholarships to young people who are living with a physical disability and studying at a tertiary institution or competing in sport at a high level.
Each scholarship is for up to $5,000 and can be used to cover expenses for items such as equipment, transportation, accommodation, training and general education needs.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch was in attendance on the night to celebrate their outstanding efforts.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our wonderfully talented young people, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the amazing scholarship recipients,” Tesch said.
“Their achievements are a testament to their determination, talent, and the incredible potential within our diverse community.
“As Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion and a former ambassador for CoastAbility, I am thrilled that more tremendous young people living with a disability will be able to pursue their goals and excel at their passions.”
The 2025 Scholarship Recipients were successful across a number of fields.
Adam Deas received a Continuing Academic Scholarship for a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.
Riley Smith also received a Continuing Academic Scholarship for a Bachelor of Media and Communications.
Mikaela Magro was awarded both an Academic Scholarship and a Continuing Sporting Scholarship for a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and Women’s Football.
Aiden Knevett received a Sporting Scholarship for karate and Chloe Karsten was also awarded a Sporting Scholarship for equestrian.
Tesch spoke with Adam Deas, who received his scholarship to continue his studies in Environmental Science and Management at the University of Newcastle.
“Not just for me but for all recipients, this scholarship means we can either continue or start degrees that otherwise would be even more difficult to do, and it keeps everything manageable and affordable,” Deas said.
CoastAbility supports Central Coast young people with physical disabilities from birth to age 25 by providing financial assistance towards the costs of disability-related needs not covered by NDIS funding.
This may include mobility, access and therapeutic equipment, assistive technology, daily living aids and activities to empower the young people and promote wellbeing.
You can find more information about CoastAbility, its history and its support for young people at www.coastability.org.au.
Registration with CoastAbility is free, and registration forms can be found there.
