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Matty Hempstalk ‘Live the Dream’ Scholarship

Transplant Australia is proud to announce the opening of the Matty Hempstalk ‘Live the Dream’ Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a young transplant recipient (aged 12 to 25) to participate in the sporting event of their choice. 

This scholarship honours the memory of the late Matty Hempstalk, Transplant Australia’s much-loved Sports Coordinator, who tragically passed away in December 2022. Matty was deeply passionate about helping young transplant recipients, particularly teens and young adults, embrace physical activity and build confidence through sport and fitness as part of their recovery journey. 

The ‘Live the Dream’ Scholarship supports participation in the sporting event of your choice – whether it’s a national swimming championship, basketball tournament, dance competition, or another sport that inspires you. 

The scholarship will be awarded on merit, based on a short application that includes a summary of how the event will support your transplant journey and personal development. 

Applications close on Wednesday 4 June 2025. 

Apply here:

Requirements:

Eligibility:

To be eligible, applicants must be: 

  • Aged between 12-25 years of age in the same year as the nominated competition.  
  • Solid organ, bone marrow or stem cell recipient.  
  • A minimum of 1 year post transplant with stable graft function.  
  • Be medically fit and have the permission of their own doctor.  
  • An Australian citizen or permanent resident.  
  • A current financial member of Transplant Australia.  
  • Currently training for the sport / physical activity they wish to compete in.  
  • Have competed in at least one recognised event / competition / performance in the previous 6 months, if relevant.   
  • Show a commitment to their sport / physical activity, and their own development in that sport / physical activity.  

Competitions / events eligible:

  • An official state championship endorsed by the relevant Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognised national sporting organisation (NSO), national sporting organisation for people with disability (NSOD) or a School Sport Australia member body; or   
  • An official national championship endorsed by the relevant ASC recognised NSO, NSOD or School Sport Australia; or  
  • An international competition as a member of an official Australian team, representing an ASC recognised NSO, NSOD or School Sport Australia.  
  • A national or international event recognised by Transplant Australia.   
  • Other competitions / events may be considered upon application.   

What is funded?

If successful, you can use the grant on any associated cost for you to attend the nominated championship up to the value of $5000 AU. Examples of expenses which are eligible include, but are not limited to:   

  • competition registration/entry fees/levies   
  • transport costs (e.g. airfares, petrol) *   
  • accommodation*   
  • transport and accommodation costs for parents/guardians can be accepted where the parent/guardian must attend the championship*    
  • uniform   
  • sporting equipment  

*Transport and accommodation costs will only be covered when the athlete lives greater than 100km from the event applied for.  

What will not be funded?

Examples of expenses which are ineligible include, but are not limited to:   

  • costs to attend any selection trial for the approved competition or event.  
  • costs to attend training for the approved competition or event.  
  • costs not associated with the attendance of the approved competition or event.  

Grant Amount:

If successful, applicants will receive between $500 and $5000 towards the cost of attending their nominated competition or event.  Applicants can request a specific amount, but the amount granted is at the discretion Transplant Australia’s CEO, Transplant Australia’s Manager Sport and Physical Activity and the Chair of the Sports Advisory Group.  This will be based on:   

  • The level of the competition/event.   
  • The distance travelled to attend the competition/event.   
  • The commitment the applicant has shown to their sport / physical activity.  

Application Timeframe:

Applications close Wednesday 4 June 2025. 

Transplant Australia will endeavour to advise all applicants by Friday 4 July 2025.  

Requests must be received at least two (2) calendar months prior to the commencement of the competition or event.  

How to apply?

To apply, you must submit an online application form and provide all requested information to ensure your application can be assessed.   

If you are under 18 years of age you must obtain the agreement of your parent or guardian to submit an application, these Program Guidelines and the terms and conditions prior to submitting an application.    

To complete an application, you will need:   

  • your personal/contact details   
  • details of the competition and event you are attending   
  • details of your school (if relevant) and local relevant sport or physical activity club  
  • evidence of commitment to the sport and /or physical activity and previous training or competition.  This could include:  
  • results from previous competitions / events   
  • letter of support from coach / instructor   
  • A written statement from the applicant of no more than 500 words about what involvement in the activity and/or competition means to the applicant.  
  • Estimated cost breakdown  
  • Contact details of your parent(s)/guardian(s)   

Applicants who are deemed successful will be required to submit a medical form completed by their treating physician to confirm their medical fitness to compete.  

Please ensure your application is complete and the information is accurate prior to submitting it. If you require further guidance with the application process, are unable to submit an online application or wish to withdraw a submitted application, please contact sports@transplant.org.au  

Scholarship Guidelines