Townsville City Council and Aussie Athlete Fund Launch ‘Team Townsville’

Townsville, Queensland – 20/05/2026 

Townsville City Council Deputy Mayor and three-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic today joined forces with the Aussie Athlete Fund (AAF) and North Queensland Sports Foundation to launch Team Townsville – a community initiative that channels direct financial support to elite athletes who call Townsville home.

Ten locally based athletes competing on the national and international stage have been selected as the inaugural Team Townsville squad. The program is part of the Aussie Athlete Fund’s $1 Million Challenge – a national initiative designed to raise $1 million for Australian athletes who are largely unsupported outside their own pockets.

Each of the ten athletes has been chosen based on their local connection to the Townsville region, the level at which they compete, and the impact that direct financial support would have on their athletic careers.

Townsville Deputy Mayor and 3xtime Olympian Suzy Batkovic:

“Townsville has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing elite athletes. 
As a former Olympian representing the green and gold, I appreciate the sacrifices involved, and the determination required on the pathway to becoming an elite athlete. 
It’s great to partner with Aussie Athlete Fund led by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook. We are proud to support our Townsville athletes on their journey to success.”

Nat Cook, five-time Olympian and Aussie Athlete Fund Founder:

“Team Townsville is the model we hope will be replicated across the country. When councils and businesses back their local athletes, the whole community wins. We’re proud to have the Townsville City Council as our founding Team partner and we cannot wait to introduce these ten remarkable athletes to the Townsville community.”

Alexander J. Fisher, Chief Executive Officer North Queensland Sports Foundation:

“We’re proud to collaborate with Townsville City Council and Olympic Gold Medallist Natalie Cook to design this initiative supporting North Queensland-based talent on their journey to Brisbane 2032.
We all know how many extra challenges athletes from Regional Queensland face, and I’m glad to lend our 40-years of community experience to this initiative.
This is a great crop of athletes; I’m very excited to watch them over the next 6 years.”

Townsville Businesses Step Up

Joining the Townsville City Council in backing Team Townsville is a growing group of local businesses who have already committed their support to the program. The founding business partners of Team Townsville are:

•    North Queensland Sports Foundation
•    FGH Group
•    Maidment Group
•    Magnetic Motors
•    Meridian Helicopters
•    Planet Fitness
•    Queensland Country Bank Stadium
•    The Ville
•    [MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED]

Each business partner is supporting Team Townsville athletes, creating a genuine partnership that connects local businesses with the inspiring stories of athletes competing on the national and international stage.

Meet the Team Townsville Athletes

The ten athletes selected for Team Townsville represent an extraordinary depth of talent across ten different sports:

Celeste Barr – BMX Racing

Celeste Barr is one of Australia’s most determined BMX racers. A two-time national championship podium finisher – 5th at the 2025 Nationals and 2nd in 2024 – Celeste embodies the values of resilience, hard work, and continuous improvement. She has been a formidable presence on the national circuit and continues to push boundaries both on and off the track. Competing with pride for her region, Celeste’s upward trajectory on the Australian BMX scene makes her one of Townsville’s most compelling athletic stories.

Bella Canning – Rugby Union

Bella Canning is a rugby union player from North Queensland whose combination of physical toughness, strategic awareness, and relentless work ethic has taken her all the way to the Emerging Reds U18 squad in 2025. Bella has competed at the Buildcorp Junior Rugby Championships and the Global Youth 7s, representing her region at the highest junior level the sport offers. She is an athlete who balances her commitments to sport, school, and personal growth with equal determination. With a clear passion for rugby and her eyes set firmly on the future, Bella Canning is building a career in the game on her own terms.

Zoe Chester – Athletics – Long Jump & Triple Jump

Zoe Chester is a 19-year-old long and triple jumper from Townsville who began her athletics journey at Townsville Central Little Athletics at just six years old. Now ranked #257 in the world and a Double National Champion in 2025, Zoe has developed into one of Australia’s most decorated young jumpers. Currently based in Brisbane where she studies nutrition and dietetics at QUT while training most days, Zoe balances a demanding schedule with remarkable maturity. Her story is one of determination, sacrifice, and a love for athletics that has never wavered since she was a six-year-old on the track in Townsville.

The challenge to me means that I can try to be the best athlete possible without as much financial stress. I look forward to learning how I can use my dream to achieve success not only on the track.
– Zoe Chester

Porter Gilbride – Swimming

Porter Gilbride is a Townsville swimmer whose commitment to his craft is absolute. With early morning sessions starting at 4:30am before school, followed by afternoon training sessions, Porter’s discipline defines who he is as much as his performances in the pool. A regular competitor at Queensland State Championships and more recently at Nationals, Porter has built his career from the bottom up – from regional competitions through to the national stage. “Each year teaches me something new,” he reflects, “not just about swimming, but about myself.” That kind of self-awareness, combined with genuine talent, is what makes Porter Gilbride a name to watch in Australian swimming.

Kayne Kellett – Para Athletics – Long Jump (T37)

Kayne Kellett is a 16-year-old para-long jumper from Townsville who is already making history. Competing in the T37 classification with right-side hemiplegia due to an in-utero stroke, Kayne holds multiple Australian records including U15, U17, and U20 long jump, as well as the U15 200m and U17 javelin. Currently ranked number one in the world in the U17 long jump, Kayne has also claimed a podium finish in the Open Men’s Long Jump at Nationals and been recognised as a finalist for Queensland Junior Para Athlete of the Year. He is a 2032 Paralympic contender in every sense – focused, driven, and just getting started.

“I’m still at the beginning of my journey and have so much to learn. I’m excited to keep growing, not just in training and competition, but also in learning how to promote myself and build meaningful connections. There’s so much more involved in this sport than what happens on the track, and I’m looking forward to working with an organisation that is dedicated to supporting future athletes.”
– Kayne Kellett

Uwezo Lubenda – Athletics – Sprinting

Uwezo Lubenda is one of North Queensland’s most exciting young sprinting talents. Currently ranked #624 in the world over 100m (with a 10.35m time as a 16 year old) and #1,193 over 200m, Uwezo is a Townsville-based athlete competing at the sharp end of Australian athletics. With global rankings that place him among the best sprinters in the country, Uwezo represents the next generation of Australian track and field – and he is doing it proudly from the regions. His trajectory is one of consistent improvement, and with the right support behind him, his ambitions of reaching the podium on the world stage are well within reach.

Alyssa Mathieu – Sailing

Alyssa Mathieu is a 15-year-old sailor from Townsville who has already etched her name into Australian sailing history. The first female sailor to win back-to-back Sabot National Championships, and the first sailor of any kind to achieve that feat since 1962, Alyssa’s talent on the water is extraordinary. Her love of sailing began at three years old on her father’s beach cat, and it has never left her. Most weekends you’ll find her racing her 29er, calling the club her second family, and dreaming of the 29er World Championships and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

“The best thing about sailing is that no two days on the water are ever the same. The wind and the current always keeps you guessing.”
– Alyssa Mathieu

Nathan Mboyo – Volleyball

Nathan Mboyo is an 18-year-old volleyball player from Townsville whose journey from local courts to the national stage is the kind of story that inspires a city. Having represented Queensland at U18 level and been selected for the U20 national squad, Nathan has now been invited to join the Volleyroos 2032 program at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra – Australia’s premier indoor volleyball development pathway. For a young man from Far North Queensland to earn his place at the AIS is a remarkable achievement, and it is a reflection of what dedication and community support can make possible.

“For me, the challenge is about chasing childhood dreams and fulfilling my passion, no matter the obstacles. I’m determined not to let my circumstances limit how far I’ll go in pursuing my goals.”
– Nathan Mboyo

Sienna Monteith – Cycling

Sienna Monteith is one of Australia’s most decorated young cyclists, with a journey in the sport that began at just four years of age on the velodrome right here in Townsville. A ten-time Australian Champion across track and road disciplines, Sienna has competed at the highest levels of Australian junior cycling, earning selection in the Australian Road Academy program in Belgium – one of the world’s most respected international cycling environments. Racing in Europe developed her tactical ability, resilience, and passion for elite competition. In 2026, Sienna reached a major new milestone, earning selection to represent Australia at the Junior World Championships. The world stage awaits.

“Wearing the green and gold for Australia is an incredible honour and a dream I have worked towards for many years. Representing my country on the world stage is something I am extremely proud of, but competing at this level also comes with significant financial costs, many of which are carried directly by athletes and their families. Being part of the $1 Million Challenge would be an amazing opportunity and would help ease the financial pressure that comes with pursuing elite cycling. This support would allow me to focus fully on my training, preparation, and proudly representing Australia at the Junior World Championships.”
– Sienna Monteith

Jack Olsen – Trampoline Gymnastics

Jack Olsen is a Townsville-based trampoline gymnast who has announced himself on the national stage in spectacular fashion. In 2025, Jack claimed both the Queensland State Championship and the Australian National Championship in the MAG Level 10 category – the pinnacle of his discipline in Australia. His outstanding performances earned him selection in the Australian national team, which will tour the United States in January 2026. It is a rare achievement for any athlete, let alone one hailing from North Queensland, and it is a testament to Jack’s exceptional dedication and talent. He is a gymnast of genuine international promise.

How Businesses Can Join Team Townsville

Team Townsville is still growing – and there is still an opportunity for Townsville businesses to come on board and be directly matched with a local athlete. The model is simple: businesses contribute directly to a locally based athlete and in return receive a meaningful partnership – including social media content, event appearances, personalised athlete updates, and brand association with a community-first sporting initiative.

A $10,000 and a $5,000 partnership option are both available.

To express interest, contact Bonnie Larkin at [email protected] or Alexander J. Fisher at [email protected]. 

About the Aussie Athlete Fund

The Aussie Athlete Fund is a national initiative connecting Australian athletes with businesses, councils and individuals who want to back their journey. Through the $1 Million Challenge, the AAF aims to raise $1 million to be distributed directly to athletes competing at the highest level.

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