Our Sinkers Soar!

Congratulations to our North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club for receiving the Community Group Award at the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day awards!

The North Mackay Sinkers were nominated in the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Awards in the community group category. The award recognises an organisation, group or sporting association for its outstanding contribution and dedication towards improving, promoting and/or protecting the lives of residents in the Mackay Regional Council area.

More than 115 nominations were received for 102 amazing Mackay region residents and groups for the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Awards.

Attending the Gala awards night on Saturday 25^th the members present were very content with the club’s community efforts in 2024. From 16 other dedicated groups the Sinkers were elated to hear the clubs name being called as the category winners and the recognition of what an impactful year 2024 had been.

In addition to the benefits of the club sessions and three great events in 2024 the category was based on work mostly unrelated to the pool. (Although swimming was key!) The club has worked to be more than swimming focussed and has excelled in a number of community areas.

Swim Programs for Culturally Diverse Groups
The club was one of only 15 Masters Swimming Australia clubs selected to participate in the Allianz Masters Swimming Club initiative. This program, which ran in 2023-24, was designed to introduce culturally diverse adults to swimming. It was a resounding success, with many participants continuing their swimming journey with the club.

World Drowning Prevention Day
In both 2023 and 2024, the club supported World Drowning Prevention Day, a global campaign that raises awareness about drowning prevention strategies. Through social media and local media outreach, the Sinkers educated the public about water safety, ensuring that the message reached a wide audience.

Lifeblood Team
The club formed a Lifeblood team in 2022 to support the Red Cross Blood Bank. By 2024, the team had grown to 21 members, and club members had donated a total of 98 times, enough blood to assist 294 lives. The club is one of the highest-ranked donor groups in Mackay, 2^nd in Qld and 6^th in Australia in sporting clubs with 1-99 members. Continued support ensures that essential blood products are available for those in need.

Fundraising for a Cause: Giving Back to the Community

One of the club’s most impressive achievements is its dedication to fundraising for various charitable causes. Through initiatives like the Multiple Sclerosis Super Splash, Laps for Life, and the Starlight Super Swim, the Sinkers have raised over $20,000 in the past year alone for mental health, youth well-being, and neurological research.

In addition to these major fundraising events, the club members also support local causes such as suicide prevention, CQ Rescue, and domestic violence support services. Their ongoing involvement in community events like the Run for Mi Life and the River to Reef is a testament to the club’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

With 2025 well underway the club sessions are busy and planning is well underway for swimming, social and community events that resonate with club pursuits. We are excited as our club grows and considers new endeavours to benefit members, swimmers and community aspects.

 

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