Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT has awarded $327,000 in Variety Heart Scholarships to 92 children across NSW and the ACT as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Variety in Australia.
The anniversary marks an incredible $2 million milestone for the program which has granted 525 scholarships valued at $2,164,921 since 2018.
The scholarships are awarded to talented and deserving young athletes and performing artists aged 6 to 18 years who are living with a disability or chronic illness, or whose families are experiencing financial hardship.
Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT, emphasised the program’s profound impact, extending beyond financial assistance.
“Variety Heart Scholarships are about more than just providing funds; they are about nurturing potential and fostering self-belief in these remarkable young individuals,” said Tony.
“We look for young people with genuine passion and proficiency in their chosen field, coupled with a strong commitment to achieving their long-term aspirations, across all areas of the arts and sport.”
The impact of the Variety Heart Scholarships is evident in the achievements of past recipients.
Cranebrook’s Layla Sharp, who lives with cerebral palsy and vision impairment, first received a scholarship in 2018 as an aspiring 10-year-old para-athlete with a big dream – to represent her country one day.
Now aged 17, and with over $30,000 in support from Variety NSW, Layla is the Australian T38 800m record holder and the 2024 NSW Para Women’s 400m champion.
In July, Layla finally achieved her childhood goal – qualifying for the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India where she will compete in the 200m and 400m events later this month.
Layla and her family are grateful for Variety’s role in her journey to the international stage.
“My Variety Heart Scholarships have always meant the world to me. The funding has enabled me to participate in so many competitions that I otherwise would not have been able to afford. It has funded expert coaching and the latest equipment so that I have every chance to compete with the very best,” Layla said.
“All of my national titles I have achieved, the records I have broken and the recent qualification to the World Para Athletics Championships would not have been possible without Variety. I am forever grateful to Variety for their support, the belief they have in young individuals and all that they do to help kids dreams come true.”
Tony explained the scholarships are key to Variety’s mission to unlock the potential of every child.
“Variety envisions a future where every child, regardless of their ability or background, is supported, included, and equal,” he stated.
Since 2018, Variety Heart Scholarships have been generously sponsored by presenting partner, the Grahame Mapp Family Foundation, in honour of the late Gillian Mapp.
Applications will open again for Variety Heart Scholarships in May 2026. For more information, visit https://nsw.variety.org.au/variety-heart-scholarships/
MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Van Doninck, Variety Communications Manager – 0402 851 475 or [email protected]
NSW Charity Number 13396
© 2026 Variety NSW/ACT. All rights reserved.
