Talented and gifted Tasmanian children will have access to the Variety Heart Scholarships, with applications opening today.

The Scholarships provide financial support of up to $5,000 to help children excelling in sport, the arts and education take the next step in their development.

While talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. For families navigating disability, long-term illness or financial hardship, the cost of coaching, equipment, travel and training can place the next step just out of reach.

The Variety Heart Scholarships are designed to bridge that gap. It supports children who have already shown commitment and talent and are ready to take their next step.

Chief Executive Officer of Variety Tasmania, Mohammad Aldergham, said the launch marks an important moment for children and families across the state.

“We see so many young Tasmanians with incredible talent, but too often the pathway forward becomes harder as the costs increase,” he said.

“The Variety Heart Scholarships are about backing those children when it matters most. Whether it is funding for coaching, equipment or travel, this support helps remove barriers so that talented young people can keep developing to realise their full potential.”

“These scholarships are about making sure that skill and determination are what define a child’s future, not their circumstances.”

“Today’s scholarship recipients could be tomorrow’s Tasmanian athletes on the Olympic stage at Brisbane 2032. Our role is to make sure they have the support to get there.”

For 15-year-old Morgan, a dancer from Tasmania, that support has already made a life-changing difference.

After being accepted into a prestigious ballet program in Sydney, the cost of accommodation and program fees put the opportunity at risk. Variety stepped in to help, ensuring she could attend and continue developing her skills.

“This experience was not just about improving her technique. It was about building confidence, refining her skills and taking one step closer to her dream.”

The Variety Heart Scholarships aim to create more stories like Morgan’s by providing targeted support at the moment it matters most, when young people are ready to move into their professional pathways.

Nationally, the program has already helped shape future stars, including Australian Paralympian Rhiannon Clarke, who received a Variety Heart Scholarship early in her journey and has since gone on to compete on the world stage.

Variety Heart Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of The Grahame Mapp Family Foundation, in honour of the late Gillian Mapp.

Applications are open now to all Tasmanian children living with disability, chronic illness or financial hardship who can demonstrate a strong talent in their chosen field.

Variety Tasmania is reaching out to families, coaches, sports and arts peak bodies, teachers to encourage Tasmania’s next superstars to apply.

Applications will close on 31 May 2026 and anyone seeking more information can visit the Variety Tasmania website tas.variety.org.au.

“At Variety Tasmania, we believe every child with promise should have the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality.”

https://tas.variety.org.au/scholarships