This program provides pathways for young people to travel the state to represent their communities at regional and state level sporting competitions.

The Pathways Programs is SWINs priority program. It was created to further the sporting journeys of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through assistance with the costs of competing, which can often exempt families from being able to send their young people to competition.

Pathways Program currently services 19 Local Government areas across Queensland and is available to 60,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders that reside in those areas. The South East and South West Regions are producing more young athletes each year who have qualified for sporting championships and rely on the Pathways Program to compete. The increasing interest in this program is a testimony to the strong caliber of athletes from the southern corridor of Queensland. SWIN has also identified its desire to grow the Program into Central Queensland, if funding is made available.

Levels of funding

There are two levels of allocated individual funding for the following Local Government Areas;

1. Maximum grant for applicants that reside in Bulloo, Quilpie, Murweh, Balonne and Maranoa LGA’s are eligible for up to $1,000 per individual, per financial year.
2. Maximum grant for applicants that reside in Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs and Goondiwindi LGA’s are eligible for up to $750 per individual, per financial year.

Applications that provide all requested information will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funding is allocated.

For more details about the SWIN Pathways Program please contact SWINs Pathways Program Coordinator:

SWIN Pathways Coordinator
E pathways@swin.org.au
P 07 4637 9865

Individuals

• TIER 1: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants where the child, or their parent, carer or guardian holds a current Centrelink Healthcare Card or current Pensioner Concession Card with the applicants name on it are able to apply for 75% funding of the eligible costs as per section 8 in this application.
• TIER 2: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants that do not hold a current Centrelink Healthcare Card or current Pensioner Concession Card are able to apply for 50% funding of the eligible costs as per section 8 in this application.

Eligibility/allocation

• Applications that provide all requested information will be assessed on a first come, first served basis until funding is allocated. SWIN encourages all applicants to use the Documentation Tick Box to ensure the application is submitted to quality standard.
• Approval is dependent on funding availability
• Individual Applications will be favourably considered if the event is a Queensland School Sport or Regional/State Carnival facilitated by the State/National Sporting body or affiliates.
• Special Events Application will be favourably considered if the Organisation is incorporated and has strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait membership or sport and recreation as its primary objective.
• In relation to Individual Applications, SWIN will only accept applications from participants that are 18 years and younger. The Pathways Program has had to adjust its guidelines to align to the Programme around the Indigenous Advancement Strategy – Safety and Wellbeing.
• Approved Funds will be paid directly to relevant sporting organisation(s) and/or sporting bodies. For those seeking reimbursement, proof of payment is required. Estimates or budget predictions will not be accepted.
• Note: you may prefer to submit costs after paying for travel and accommodation. SWIN will consider reimbursement for fuel if Fuel Cards are purchased prior to the event and receipt is provided in the application.
• SWIN strongly encourages female participation in sport and recreation.
• Applications for Special Events will be favourably considered if the sporting event is an alcohol and drug free event.
• There are levels of funding for both Individual and Special Events. (see section 4 Level of funding)
• The SWIN Board does understand that some applications submitted will entail a possible conflict of interest around assessment. The board has measures in place to confirm that all conflict of interests will be declared and applications are assessed by a staff member that provides equality and fairness across the program.
• All applicants will be notified of the assessment outcome by mail, fax or email. In some cases, you may be notified by phone call from the Pathways Coordinator or SWIN board member.
• Final decision rests with the Chairperson or the South West Indigenous Network.

• Address: Pathways Program, South West Indigenous Network Inc. PO Box 2085 Toowoomba 4350 QLD
• Phone: 07 4637 9865
• Email: pathways@swin.org.au.