Brisbane, Australia, 28 October 2026 – More than 100 guests, including some of Australia’s most promising athletes, gathered at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) HQ on Monday evening to launch the Great Aussie Athlete BBQ. Co-sponsored by Corporate Traveller and Stage and Screen, the evening marked a key milestone for the Aussie Athlete Fund (AAF), which has surpassed $1.08 million in fundraising so far in 2026, up from $754,100 in 2025.

The AAF is the brainchild of five-time Olympian Natalie Cook OAM, who knows first-hand what it costs to chase the green and gold. Travel, coaching, equipment and recovery add up fast, and AAF research shows almost half of Australia’s best athletes earn less than $23,000 a year.

The fund steps in with direct financial support, fundraising education and pathways beyond sport, so no athlete has to walk away from their dream because the money ran out first.

“I'm the brainchild behind all of this because it's my lived experience – 20 years, five Games. I've reverse engineered what it took to fundraise,” said Nat Cook OAM, five-time Olympian and Founder and Director of the Aussie Athlete Fund.

“We've been working with our athletes for the last three years, teaching them how to ask, who to ask, when to ask, how often to ask, and to never take no for an answer.”

The evening kicked off with a welcome from FCTG founder and CEO Graham “Skroo” Turner, who reflected on the dedication it takes to represent one's country, and urged the room to rally behind Australia’s athletes.

Tom Walley, Global Managing Director of Corporate Traveller (FCTG’s SME travel specialist), said backing athletes was a natural fit for an Aussie company that backs ambition in every form.

“We work with thousands of small and medium businesses chasing big dreams, and we know what it takes to back someone willing to give everything. Athletes are no different.

“They’ve got the drive and the talent, and what they need is a community that believes in them. We’re proud to be an Aussie company that backs local dreams and ambition, whether that’s in business or in sport, and we hope this BBQ inspires other businesses to back the green and gold.”

The athletes themselves were the stars of the evening. Beach volleyball’s Luke Ryan took home the Biggest Fundraiser Award after raising $47,252, Deaf football’s Justeen Kruger was crowned the AAF’s All-rounder, and fencer Daniel Iliffe was named Rising Star.

Stage and Screen, which works with sporting bodies including Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia and Swimming Australia, said the night was about giving something back to the people it sees giving so much.

“Every athlete in the room has a story, and behind it is a family, a support crew and a lot of early mornings,” said Wonitta Atkins, General Manager – Australia of Stage and Screen.

“When someone is willing to give that much for the green and gold, the least we can do is show up for them. It’s heartwarming to see so many people in one room ready to do exactly that.”

With Brisbane 2032 less than six years away, the next generation of champions is training, travelling and fundraising right now. The Great Aussie BBQ is a simple way for anyone to get behind them, with kits starting at $99. The AAF is aiming to raise $500,000 and sell 500 kits this summer. Supporters can share their barbie on social with #BackTheGreenAndGold.

2026 award winners

• Biggest Fundraiser Award: Luke Ryan, beach volleyball ($47,252 raised)

• All-rounder: Justeen Kruger, Deaf football

• Standout Event Award: Tenealle Fasala, water polo

• Creative Content Award: Sophie Jackson, sailing

• Media Excellence Award: Ryan Tyack and Lexie Feeney, archery

• Rising Star Award: Daniel Iliffe, fencing

About the Aussie Athlete Fund

The Aussie Athlete Fund provides education, connection and financial support so that no Australian athlete is forced to give up their dream. Founded by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook OAM, it invites businesses, communities and everyday Australians to invest funding, time and resources in athletes on their journey from emerging to elite, and into life beyond sport. The AAF is not affiliated with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia or the Olympic or Paralympic Movement.