Ron Lane
Weightlifting
In a flyer just released we were informed that the Noosa Barbell Club’s weightlifting team, aptly named the Bush Turkeys, embarked on an inspiring journey to compete in the challenging Oly Outback tournament. This tournament which is held in what some team members described as the heart of the Australian outback, is held every two years.
With a total of 25 members competing, these dedicated athletes left what can only be described as a lasting impression: in the process of which they were garnering a remarkable haul of medals. Add to this there was also several personal best performances.
This has been, by our Noosa athletes, an outstanding contributor to fostering a supportive and inclusive weightlifting community. Again, they have shown their constant dedication to the sport. This trip to Miles spanning several hours on the road, demonstrates their resilience and willingness to seize the opportunity, regardless of the distance.
Competing against strong contenders from across the region the Bush Turkeys showcased their exceptional skills and determination on the competition platform. The teams hard work and preparation paid off as they delivered outstanding performances, leaving lasting impressions on both spectators and fellow athletes alike.
The clubs weightlifting prodigies managed to secure an impressive haul of medals across various categories and age divisions: in doing so set new records for the Noosa Barbell club.
For the Turkeys their final medal count was 12 gold medals, 1 silver and1 bronze. The significance of their accomplishments extended beyond mere victories. Personal bests set by the athletes, added to their already remarkable journey. The friendships that were forged, memories made, and the experience left everyone with a deeper appreciation for their shared love of weightlifting.
Coach Woogie Marsh, expressed his utmost pride in the teams collective efforts and achievements. “There athletes have shown immense dedication and it’s truly inspiring to witness their growth. They have flourished both as individuals and as a team: their medals are a testament to their hard work and passion for weightlifting.”
The Noosa Barbell club and its Bush Turkeys are grateful for the support that the club sponsors continue to provide: Chartists, Bendigo Banking Sunshine Coast and CrossFit 4568.
Rugby League.
With the festive season now out of the way it is time for those who choose to be serious about going in pleasant pursuit of the pill, be they be management staff or players, be moving at full speed ahead. Happy to relate that this is the situation from within the ranks of Noosa Pirates Rugby Club.
From Head Coach Michael Duff comes the word that pre-season, on field training will commence on the 23rd of this month at Pirates Park. He emphasises that all returning and new players are welcome: with social pages carrying the start times. The group of players that participated in strength and conditioning sessions the past couple of months are looking fantastic and ready to hit the ground running.
“We have a couple of trial games pencilled in at home against Fassifern from Ipswich and South Toowoomba, where I will be looking to test the large group of young talent in the top grade. Also, we will be entering men’s and women’s side into the Sunny Coasts 9s competition this year: this is aimed at having a lot of fun and blowing out the Christmas cobwebs”
The Pirates are looking forward to the start of training as they have been boosted in the coaching ranks this year. “Anthony Zipf who will be joining me as assistant coach brings a lot of experience to the team. Tim Payne, Phil Bergman and Les Waria are again back as assistance: they were great for the boys last season and they are looking forward to pushing them further in 2024.”
The Reserve grade will see Danny Riddle joined in the coaching ranks by club legend Russ Britten and assistant Ash Davis. “They did a great job last season,” said the Head Coach, “getting the side into the finals for the first time in several years. With the young talent coming through, I can see this side pushing the likes of Bribie and Stanley Rivers.”
Under 19’s will be coached by Dean Christensen who has previously coached Under 18’s and junior sides with great success: he will continue to be a great benefit for the young sides. The women this year will continue to be coached by Barry Goldthorpe, who has been very successful in the coaching ranks over the past few years. “I am very keen to see what Bazza can do with this side in 2024, as they have gained a few new talented players.”
Outriggers.
“Lost amongst the excitement of our recent river race was the blessing of our newest canoe,” said club spokesman Colin Jones. “Our paddling culture dictates that we respect the rituals, values and traditions surrounding the canoe. Our new canoe is an OC6 that is 13 meters long, 55 cm wide and weighs 120kg.
This one was built in Tahiti, so it was only natural that one of our paddlers, Hoani who is also Tahitian, conducted the blessing. It was a very special celebration for our club. We chose the name Akuna which means Flowing Water in our First Nation language.”
This tells us that the club is definitely continuing to uphold the age- old traditions of their sport. Conducting such ceremonies as the blessing of the new canoes, goes a long way towards keeping pride and tradition alive and well within the club. To continue traditions is always a big step toward building and consolidation great clubs and crews. We wish them all the very best for the year ahead.
Athletics.
From the world of our Noosa Athletics, it’s all good news. Head Coach Mick Hooper could not be happier. First of all, the Little Athletics club took an extra week off at Christmas, closed the track off for training, and the support group dug in hard on the raised funds to spend $10,000 on track restoration: restoration that was definitely needed.
Now after a four-week Christmas break, our Little Athletics will be back in competition mode, this Friday night 12 January.
Club squad training is now back in full swing, with our junior Little Athletics eyeing off the Sunshine Coast regional athletics championships, to be held in early February at the University of the Sunshine Coast. All athletes placing in the top four of each event, will qualify through to the Little Athletics Queensland State Championships. These titles will be held mid- March in Brisbane.
Our senior athletes will be heading to Canberra AIS track for the ACT Open and the U20 championships. These will be held over the Australia Day weekend. These championships will bring together some of the best athletes in the country, looking to gain Olympic and world U20 qualification: on what is regarded as the fastest track in Australia. This will also be great practice for the upcoming Australian Athletics, to be held in Adelaide in April 2024.
In the words of coach Mick Hooper, “We definitely have a very busy summer season ahead.” Good luck to all involved.
Surf Lifesaving.
This weekend will see Round 3 and 4 of the Nutri Grain Series. Former Noosa competitors Lana Rogers ( now competing for Northcliffe) and Electra Outram (Sunshine Beach) will be competing. With the families both still in Noosa, we wish both athletes the very best. At present, Electra has a rating of 4th overall; this is a result of a 3rd place in round 1 and 6th in Round 2. For Lana her start was 1st in round 1 and 3rd in round 2.
With the event being held at Maroubra and the weather conditions being so erratic, who knows what lies ahead for both girls. Also competing for Sunshine, in the Queensland Cyclones team will be Dylan Wilson, Niamh Arthur and Zac Heffernan. They will represent their state at this year’s Australian Interstate Challenge.
