Ararat's Cortney Williamson and Mininera's Callum Baker each received $500 through the Federal Government's Local Sporting Champions program to assist with travel and expenses to compete at national competitions.

Cortney recently represented Victoria in the Under 18 National Basketball Championships in Gawler, South Australia, while Callum represented Team Victoria in Athletics at the Pacific School Games in Canberra.

Federal Member for Wannon, David Hawker, presented Cortney and Callum with their grants, congratulating the talented youngsters on their sporting successes.

''We often find that cost is the biggest barrier for youth wanting to compete at major sporting competitions,'' he said.

''The Local Sporting Champions program helps get young Australians, particularly from regional areas, to national and state sporting competitions.

''We want our youth to be active in sport, and distance or a lack of financial means should not be a barrier to participation.''

Mr Hawker said the Local Sporting Champions program is available for individuals and teams throughout the region.

Young sportsmen and women in Western Victoria can now apply for their share of the $1.6 million in Australian Government grants dedicated to help them to participate in sporting competitions.

''Individuals and teams are eligible to apply for grants of $500 and $3000 respectively. Grants can contribute towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment to support participation in an official state or national sporting competition or a national school sport competition,'' Mr Hawker said.

''Recipients must be between 12 and 18 years of age (inclusive) and be travelling more than 250 kilometres return to compete at these competitions.''

The Australian Sports Commission manages the Local Sporting Champions program on behalf of the Australian Government.

The Local Sporting Champions grant program is now open. To apply or for more information visit www.ausport.gov.au/champions.