Inverell Shire’s most promising young athletes will keep their pathway to higher levels of sport, with Council renewing its partnership with the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) for another three years.
Inverell Shire Council resolved to agree to NIAS’s request for a partnership from 2026 to 2029, with an annual contribution of $2,500 plus GST.
NIAS is a community-based organisation that gives regional athletes and coaches access to specialised coaching, performance services, education, and development opportunities that can be hard to find outside metropolitan areas.
Seven athletes from the Inverell Local Government Area took part in NIAS programs in 2025–2026.
One local athlete was also recognised with the NIAS Most Improved Award for outstanding development during the year.
Under the renewed partnership, local participants will continue to benefit from regional sporting pathways and support services, including:
- sports psychology
- nutrition
- strength and conditioning
- media training
- access to higher levels of competition.
Where possible, NIAS will aim to run talent development activities at sporting facilities in the Inverell Shire.
The organisation will also keep supporting local athletes and coaches, advocate for the region within the wider NSW sporting network, and create opportunities to recognise their achievements.
Council’s support aligns with the Community Strategic Plan objective that the community is safe, healthy, and educated, encouraging people to take part in sport and contributing to positive health, wellbeing, and community outcomes.
The partnership also keeps Inverell connected to regional, state, and national sporting pathways. That includes development opportunities for athletes who may progress towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.