kabarsula Aussie Athlete Fund tops $1.08m as corporate Australia backs Brisbane 2032 hopefuls bandar SLOT INDONESIA

The Aussie Athlete Fund (AAF) has raised more than $1.08 million so far in 2026, up from $754,100 in 2025, as Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) hosted the launch of the summer Great Aussie Athlete BBQ at its Brisbane headquarters.

More than 100 guests, including a number of Australian athletes, attended the event on Monday. It was co-sponsored by FCTG’s SME travel brand Corporate Traveller and Stage and Screen.

The AAF was founded by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook OAM. Its research shows almost half of Australia’s best athletes earn less than $23,000 a year, with travel, coaching, equipment and recovery adding to the burden.

The fund provides direct financial support, fundraising education and pathways beyond sport.

“I’m the brainchild behind all of this because it’s my lived experience – 20 years, five Games. I’ve reverse engineered what it took to fundraise,” Cook said.

“We’ve been working with our athletes for the last three years, teaching them how to ask, who to ask, when to ask, how often to ask, and to never take no for an answer.”

FCTG founder and chief executive Graham “Skroo” Turner opened the night by urging the room to rally behind Australia’s athletes.

Corporate Traveller global managing director Tom Walley said backing athletes was a natural fit for a company that works with thousands of small and medium businesses.

“We work with thousands of small and medium businesses chasing big dreams, and we know what it takes to back someone willing to give everything. Athletes are no different.

“They’ve got the drive and the talent, and what they need is a community that believes in them. We’re proud to be an Aussie company that backs local dreams and ambition, whether that’s in business or in sport, and we hope this BBQ inspires other businesses to back the green and gold.”

Giving back to athletes

Stage and Screen, which works with Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia and Swimming Australia, said the evening was about giving something back to athletes.

“Every athlete in the room has a story, and behind it is a family, a support crew and a lot of early mornings,” said Stage and Screen general manager Australia Wonitta Atkins.

“When someone is willing to give that much for the green and gold, the least we can do is show up for them. It’s heartwarming to see so many people in one room ready to do exactly that.”

Beach volleyball’s Luke Ryan won the Biggest Fundraiser Award after raising $47,252. Deaf footballer Justeen Kruger was named the AAF’s All-rounder and fencer Daniel Iliffe took out the Rising Star Award.

With Brisbane 2032 less than six years away, the AAF is aiming to raise $500,000 and sell 500 Great Aussie BBQ kits this summer. Kits start at $99, and supporters can share their barbie on social media with #BackTheGreenAndGold.

2026 award winners

• Biggest Fundraiser Award: Luke Ryan, beach volleyball ($47,252 raised)
• All-rounder: Justeen Kruger, Deaf football
• Standout Event Award: Tenealle Fasala, water polo
• Creative Content Award: Sophie Jackson, sailing
• Media Excellence Award: Ryan Tyack and Lexie Feeney, archery
• Rising Star Award: Daniel Iliffe, fencing