This past weekend, Mackay put on a show and proudly hosted the 2024 North Aussie Surf Life Saving Championships. From the pool to the surf, we saw nothing but sunny skies and perfect conditions that set the stage for 3 fantastic days of competition.

A huge special mention to Emu Park SLSC who just took our their 3rd consecutive championship win. Also massive congratulations to Tannum Sands SLSC in 2nd, and Cairns SLSC making it to the podium in 3rd place. Emu Park’s Team Manager Michelle McRae made a note that “even though we had a smaller team this year, they did fantastically well in all of their age groups, we we’re really proud of the team winning a 3rd straight overall club title.”

As for results in the pool, congratulations to Tannum Sands SLSC taking it out, followed by Emu Park SLSC in 2nd, and Elliot Heads SLSC taking out the bronze.

Our first ever North Aussies Adaptive events were showcased at this years competition. It was truly inspiring to see the talent we have in those events. This will be the first of many years we see these athletes take on the surf. One of our Adaptive Open Female Competitors and Australian Paralympians, Rhiannon ‘Mini’ Smith spoke on the event and mentioned “although we may have had 4 of us competing, that’s 4 more than we’ve ever had. So hopefully we can build on that.” This will definitely be the first of many years that we get to witness such amazing athletes in the Adaptive events.

Also want to make special mention to our athletes who competed as hard as they could to be named on the QLD Country 2024 team. Athletes from all clubs will go on to represent QLD Country at our 2025 Interbranch competition on the Sunshine Coast.

While there was such a healthy spirit of competition, our SLSQ Sport Manager Stuart Hogben says that these championships are more than that. “The skills that they learn here in the pool and in the ocean could play a huge part in them rescuing one of their mates or saving one of their family’s lives if they do get into trouble.” As exciting as competition is, Surf Life Saving is such an important and valuable skill to have, especially at a young age.

A massive thankyou to our officials and water safety, spectators, parents, and of course the athletes who all helped in making this weekend happen! And a special thanks to Mackay SLSC for yet again hosting this great event.

See you Next Year!

For full published results – click here.