She has been selected to represent Australia at the 2009 Arafura Games in Darwin.

Austin was told the good news at the closing ceremony of the Australian Senior Darts Championships at Geelong in Victoria last week.

"I didn't even realise there were selectors watching us for the Arafura Games," she said.

"I was so shocked when they announced it."

Austin was at the championships competing in the U-25s team event.

"I was happy with how I played but our team didn't get very far," she said.

"I am still in disbelief I am going to be representing at a national level.

"It really is going to be such a great experience.

"This is the highest I have ever achieved playing darts."

The Arafura Games is a leading international sporting competition for emerging champions of the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Since 1991 it has taken place every two years and 2009 is the first time it will include the sport of darts.

The event is on from May 9 to 17 and Austin will be part of an eight-person team.

"Another member of the NSW team, Michael Clegg, was also picked," she said.

"So it is good that I will be playing with him again."

By the time the Arafura Games come around, Austin will have finished year 12 at Inverell High School.

"Between now and then I will have completed school and I have a range of tournaments coming up to keep me busy," she said.

"These include the NSW senior and junior singles, mixed and doubles tournaments in Gosford and Moree in October.

"At the moment my biggest aim would be to make it on the team for the Olympics, World Cup or Pacific Masters."

Austin is a member of the Inverell Junior Darts and the Inverell District Darts Association.