It’s helped humble kids reach the heights of national competitions and has helped more than one Goulburnian don national colours in their chosen sport.

It’s seen the likes of Jarrod Croker and Todd Carney scale the NRL, it’s seen former Hockeyroo Bianca Netzler proudly represent her country at the 2004 Olympics and it’s helped Luke Humphries achieve his dream of becoming a pro-golfer.

Now, 30 years after it was first decided to give the city’s rising sports men and women a helping hand, another 12 recipients have been presented with financial grants at Council Chambers last Thursday.

The 12 athletes, between the ages of 12 and 18, shared a grant of $3500 which is hoped will help them in their in travels and sports expenditure.

For young Joe Roberts, the grant means he has some big shoes to fill.

The Junior Stockman rugby league player, who has been selected for numerous Canberra Raiders junior squads, has the honour of joining the likes of future Raiders captain Jarrod Croker, NRL Daly M medal winner Todd Carney and Raiders great Jason Croker as a recipient of a Ray Harvey grant.

“It’s a good feeling following their footsteps, hopefully I can do the same,” the youngster told the Post after receiving his grant.

For schoolgirl Mikayla Evans, the talented hockey player has already put last year’s grant to excellent use.

The grant helped Mikayla fund a trip to South Africa to play with the Australian Schoolgirls touring hockey side.

For Toni Shawyer, mother of hockey duo Hayden and Hanna Shawyer, the grants will help in covering the costs of travel.

“With two children travelling all over the state almost every weekend, petrol costs alone are tough,” she said.

“It helps immensely.”

Shirley Harvey, the wife of the late Ray Harvey was emotional as she spoke of the legacy of the foundation.

“To get something to help achieve what they want to do is just fantastic,” she said.

“And to see it being continued, he (Ray) would have loved it. He would be just thrilled.”

Councillor Margaret O’Neill, who was one of the founding members of the Foundation in 1984, said that in three decades the foundation had given $120,000 to young Goulburn sports men and women.

“It does help,” she insisted.

“Because it is hard for parents. The travelling and the participations the parents put into their children, just remember to never forget them because they’re the ones who have made it for you.”

Mayor Geoff Kettle was also on hand to inspire the young athletes. He spoke of his excitement of seeing them excel.

“You young people are our future, whether it be our sports future, or our political future, or our leadership future,” he told the crowd.

“We will continue this as long as we are able to, and I look forward to seeing your success in sports in the future.”

Recipients of a Ray Harvey sports grant included:

Mikayla Evans, Hannah James, Lachlan Norberg, Aleisha Price and brother sister duo - Hayden and Hanna Shawyer for their pursuits in hockey.

Jasmine Stanberg and Paul Zucchetto for their athletic ambitions.

Breanna Reid once again picked up a grant for her achievements in canoe sprints and marathon racing that has already seen her traverse Australia.

Basketball saw Abbey George continue her funding and Manessah Humphries for soccer pursuits.

Joe Roberts received a grant for rugby league.