The Federal Government has expanded its AIS Para Athlete Barrier Fund, with 144 Paralympians and Para athletes from 22 sports sharing $427,000 in direct funding, Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells announced in Brisbane on Thursday.
The figure builds on $361,000 awarded to 122 athletes from 18 sports last year.
Wells made the announcement in a speech titled "From Playground to Podium – Maximising Success for the Green and Gold", delivered to a room of athletes and sporting officials.
"No matter who you are, it takes hard work, dedication and determination to wear the green and gold," Wells said. "But that is not always enough. Grit and guts don't pay the bills."
The fund helps athletes cover competition travel costs, carer support, childcare while training or competing, and technology or equipment. Grants of up to $4,000 will go to athletes across sports including table tennis, climbing and taekwondo.
"These investments aren't simply removing financial barriers, they are unlocking potential and helping more Australians achieve extraordinary things," Wells said. "To all the new recipients of this funding: congratulations, and good luck as your journey continues. I will be cheering you on all the way."
Paralympians Raissa Martin (goalball), Chris Bond (wheelchair rugby), Beau Vernon (wheelchair rugby) and Georgia Gunew (Para alpine skiing) attended the announcement, along with Para athletes Sidney Whipp (goalball) and Nathan Jason (Para athletics).
Australian Sports Commission chair Kate Jenkins, ASC chief executive Kieren Perkins, AIS director Matti Clements and Paralympics Australia board director Curtis McGrath were also present.
Among the recipients is Anu Francis, a triathlete who competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She said the fund had helped her manage barriers linked to disability, location and finances.
"The Para Athlete Barrier Fund has helped me overcome some of the barriers imposed by my disabilities, location and financial situation, and help me to hone my triathlon, cycling, and athletics abilities and race skills that will be essential in defending my world title and world ranking, and in chasing the podium at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games," Francis said.
Paralympic snowboard medallist Ben Tudhope said the grant reduced the stress of training and competing away from home.
"Knowing that I have the backing to train and compete properly helps reduce stress, improve confidence and boost motivation during long periods away from home," Tudhope said. "This grant helps provide the stability and tools I need to not only maintain my current level of performance but continue to grow, push boundaries, and represent Australia with pride."
Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray said the expanded fund reflected the Federal Government's broader Para System Uplift, which he said was delivering generational change for the nation's Para athletes.
"People with a disability often face many barriers to participation and progress in sport," Murray said. "Paralympics Australia simply could not deliver our vision to create the most successful era of Paralympic sport in Australia's history without the backing of the Federal Government."
Murray said the increase carried an obligation to perform. "The expansion of the Para Athlete Barrier Fund is further proof that the Government shares our belief in the power of Para sport and we move forward now with a deep sense of responsibility to repay this support with strong outcomes," he said.
The fund, originally launched as the Para Athlete Barrier Grant, was established by the Federal Government and the Australian Institute of Sport in early 2025 to help offset costs including travel, coaching and carer support for categorised Para athletes working to overcome barriers to progression or performance.