Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Queensland Country Representative Team — a milestone that many athletes work towards all season. Their performances reflected not only their athletic ability, but also the dedication, teamwork and pride that define surf lifesaving in the North. Inclusion at the Heart of the Event This year’s Championships also continued to highlight one of the most inspiring parts of the program — the adaptive events. Five athletes took part across the wade, swim, flags and sprint, demonstrating skill, determination and the inclusive spirit that continues to drive surf lifesaving forward. The initiative continues to grow each year, breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to experience the challenge and camaraderie of surf sports. A Team Effort All Round An event of this scale is only possible thanks to the dedication of the many volunteers working behind the scenes. From officials and IRB crews to water safety personnel, their time and expertise ensured the Championships ran smoothly and safely across all three days. Among the many who contributed, special recognition goes to Emu Park SLSC’s Kurt Goodwin, who once again officiated across the entire carnival. Kurt’s commitment to the sport was recently recognised at a national level, having been named the SLSA Official of the Year — an achievement that reflects his outstanding service and passion for surf lifesaving. A big thank you also goes to the Mackay Surf Club for their ongoing hospitality and event delivery, and to the Mackay Regional Council for their continued support of surf lifesaving in the region. Appreciation is also extended to our event partners: Struddy’s Apparel, Body Armour, and Engine Swim, for their valued contribution to this year’s Championships. With North Aussies wrapped up for another year, attention shifts to the Queensland State Championships in February, where our North Queensland competitors will be ones to watch.
The 35th North Australian Championships brought together the best of North Queensland surf lifesaving for an amazing weekend of racing, teamwork and community spirit in Mackay. From the pool of the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex to the sand at Mackay Harbour Beach, athletes showcased their skill and determination in near-perfect conditions. With hundreds of competitors, many close finishes and a few standout performances, this year’s North Aussies proved why it remains one of the most respected and rewarding events on the Queensland surf sports calendar. Cairns SLSC Back on Top After a few seasons away from the top spot, Cairns SLSC reclaimed the overall club championship title, delivering consistent results across both the pool and beach to secure a well-earned victory. Tannum Sands SLSC followed closely in second place, with Elliott Heads SLSC rounding out the top three — a testament to the depth of competition and strong club spirit across North Queensland. Laura Baldwin’s Unstoppable Run One of the standout stories of the weekend came from Cairns’ very own Laura Baldwin, who pulled off a clean sweep by winning a medal in every single event she entered! From the sprint track to the black line, Laura’s name was everywhere on the results board. Her determination, versatility and relentless energy made her one of the stars of the Championships and a crowd favourite to cheer on. Congratulations, Laura! Showcasing North Queensland’s Depth of Talent This year’s racing highlighted the incredible depth of surf lifesaving talent across North Queensland, with athletes of all ages and experience levels stepping up to starting line at their best. From nippers experiencing their first taste of state-level competition to seasoned masters proving they’ve still got plenty of pace, the Championships captured the full range of surf lifesaving talent in the region. A special mention goes to this year’s Age Champions and to those selected for the
CAIRNS SLSC AUSSIES TAKES OUT THE 35 TH NORTH CHAMPIONSHIPS
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