This year’s Marina Square Community Grants program has seen three talented young locals receive a prize of $2,000 to be spent on furthering their skills in art, sports and music.
The competition was held as part of Marina Square’s commitment to support innovation and education for young people.
The only criteria was that the entrants needed to be between the ages of 5-17 and attend school in Wentworth Point, Newington or Sydney Olympic Park
John Kinsella, MD of Structure Retail Management, which manages Marina Square, said they were excited to give the grant to the students.
“The talent that exists amongst the youngest members of our community was exceptional,” he said.
“We are thrilled to be able to award $2,000 to three students to help them pursue their passions.”
Among the winners was Isabelle Munn who, at just six, is already a talented young pianist. She plans to use the grant to upgrade her instrument from a digital piano to a standard one to further her training.
Wentworth Point Public School student Harrison Dunn is passionate about painting and drawing, as it provides him with an avenue for self-expression and personal growth outside of traditional learning.
With the support of this grant, the nine-year-old plans to access a professional group art class.
The final winner was nine-year-old Caleb Lau, a student at Newington Public School and part of Sydney’s Juventus Academy. An up-and-coming football player, Caleb will use the funds to purchase football equipment to practice.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.