Sport stars score Somerset Excellence Bursaries in July
Published on 31 August 2026
Sophie Lehmann received a $250 Somerset Excellence Bursary for competing with the Met West School Sport 10-19 years team at the Queensland Representative Cross Country State Championships at Highfields in July.
SOMERSET’S high achievers are encouraged to apply for funding support to help reach their goals through Council’s Excellence Bursaries program.
In July, Somerset Regional Council awarded funding to ten residents to support their athletic endeavours.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke congratulated the sporting recipients and encouraged more community members representing the region to apply for funding.
“The Excellence Bursaries program is not exclusive to athletes, with residents who are selected to compete in academic or cultural fields also encouraged to apply,” Cr Brieschke said.
“If you or your child have qualified to represent the region, state or country in any field Somerset Regional Council would love to be able to support you and your pursuits, whether it be for sport, music, performance, art, mathematics, robotics, agriculture or even the Rural Ambassador or Showgirl competitions.”
“If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for support, you can contact Council’s grants officers and find out more.
Cr Brieschke said the bursaries allowed residents and teams to represent Somerset at regional, state, national and international events.
“Council has updated the application process for Excellence Bursaries and Community Assistance Grants with a new online form, making it easier for the community to apply for support while also simplifying the acquittal process,” Cr Brieschke said.
Five soccer stars received $500 each for being selected to compete at a state level with the Queensland Christian Soccer Association.
The players will represent Somerset and Queensland at the Christian Soccer Association National Titles, to be held at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, Victoria, at the end of September
Alicija and Talija Sajkar will compete with the Women’s team, Maximillian Hoban will join the Men’s team, Princess Mae Mapilia Solamillo will join the Under 17 Girls team and Emmett Harrison will join the Under 15 Boys team.
Another soccer player, Lauren Allen, competed at a regional level with the Met West 10-12 years Girls Football team at the Queensland Representative Football State Championships at Wynnum Wolves Football Club in Tingalpa over 6-9 August.
Annette Dunstan was selected for the Queensland Ladies Singles team attending the Australian Indoor Bias Bowls Championships at Blacktown, New South Wales over 24-29 August.
Joshua Lehmann represented Somerset on the Queensland Athletics Under 20 Men’s team at the 2026 Australian Cross Country Championships at Victoria Park in Ballarat, Victoria.
Fellow runner Sophie Lehmann was selected as part of the Met West School Sport 10-19 years team which attended the Queensland Representative Cross Country State Championships at the Highfields Sport and Recreation Park over 18-20 July.
Softballer Fletcher Goff competed with the Sunshine Coast School Sport Regional 10-12 years Boys team at the Queensland School Representative Sport Softball State Championships at Redlands Softball Association in Ormiston over 19-22 August.
Excellence Bursaries are offered year-round. Completed applications must be received prior to the event or competition’s start date to be eligible.
To apply for Excellence Bursaries and other grant opportunities visit somerset.qld.gov.au/grants
For more information speak with Council’s grants officers at 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au