July 2025
Walker backs Aussie Athlete Fund to Grow For Gold on the Sunshine Coast
With just under seven years to go until the 2032 Olympics, Walker Corporation has today been announced as a Foundation Partner of Grow for Gold on the Sunshine Coast, which helps local athletes overcome financial barriers to participation in elite-level competition.
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Walker’s $250,000 Foundation Partnership will help to establish Grow For Gold on the Sunshine Coast, which began on the Gold Coast with Sport Gold Coast and the Gold Coast City Council, to drive fundraising activities and opportunities to assist the region’s brightest Green and Gold hopefuls.
Aussie Athlete Fund Founder and Olympic Gold Medallist Beach Volleyballer Natalie Cook OAM OLY says Walker’s partnership is a major investment which will help her team to identify talented Aussie athletes and provide them with funding opportunities, networks and fundraising education so they can realise their dreams.
“Walker Corporation’s commitment to back our Grow for Gold campaign sends a powerful message to every young athlete out there on the Sunshine Coast that your sporting dreams can come true.”
Natalie Cook OAM OLY - Five-time Olympian
“This kind of sustained community grassroots support will help shape the destiny of young athletes who have the talent and desire to reach the very top of their sport, but don’t have the family funding to get there.
“The Aussie Athlete Fund’s mission is to build a sustainable athlete economy, and the Walker Corporation partnership is the first building block in our seven-year masterplan for 2032.”
“The kind of legacy we want to leave behind is one where there are no talented teenagers restricted from the opportunity to compete at an Olympic or Paralympic Games because they can’t cover the costs to establish themselves amongst the world’s best.
Paris 2024 Olympian Haylie Powell (Skate) said: “My parents have funded my skateboarding career. So far they have spent over $70,000. Only my dad came to Paris, to watch me because they couldn’t afford for my mum to come too. I hope she (and I) make it to LA and Brisbane….at least that is just a drive down the road!”
Caitlyn Bowell (Canoe) said: “This is my 2nd year as part of the Aussie Athlete Fund. I feel like I have a shot now, because I feel like Nat and her team have my back, always providing opportunities, learning and connection. It is hard enough on the water to try and be the best, but even harder to find the funds to pay for it all. Without the Aussie Athlete Fund, I may not be on the water.”
Millan Power (Triathlete, Athletics, Swimming): “Trying to balance school, injuries and training is so challenging. I am grateful mum and dad support my sport. We do miss some events though because we can’t afford to go.”
Walker Managing Director & CEO David Gallant said the company is proud to be an Aussie Athlete Fund - Grow for Gold Foundation Partner, backing a program that turns Games dreams into real opportunities.
“We have joined forces with Natalie Cook and the Aussie Athlete Fund to ensure young people on the Sunshine Coast can Grow for Gold, on and off the sporting fields, and have a platform to take care of their financial wellbeing and be inspired to achieve their Green and Gold dreams,” Mr Gallant said.
“Grow For Gold will deliver a powerful legacy here on the Sunshine Coast which aligns with our long-term vision for the Maroochydore City Centre, and ensures community is at the heart of everything we do.”
David Gallant - Walker Managing Director & CEO
Walker is currently working collaboratively with Sunshine Coast Council and State Government to deliver the $1 billion Sunshine Coast Athletes Village and Arena, in Maroochydore City Centre. This key part of the Sunshine Coast’s Olympic infrastructure, announced in the State Government’s 100-day review, will feature a world-class arena, athlete accommodation, significant public realm and destination retail experiences and a premium hotel.
