Brisbane Southside Masters (L-R) Michael Hill (BSM President), David Haley, Elaine Sng (BSM Club Captain), Stuart Collins, John Watson, Peter Duell, being thanked by MSQ President, Shane Knight.

Queensland Championships Thank You

Our Queensland Championships are finished for the year, and we hope you were all able to enjoy this great event, either by competing or by becoming involved in some way. Hosting a swim meet of this scale and importance takes many months of planning, and for this we have a wonderful team to thank.

Brisbane Southside Masters, based at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, was ably lead by President Michael Hill to host this year’s State Championships in conjunction with Masters Swimming Queensland. Michael is to be commended for his tireless work and attention to detail in the planning and organisation of this three day event.

Planning began early with MSQ President, Shane Knight, Susanne Milenkevich (VP South), David Findlay (Director of Recording), Christina Scolaro (MSQ Administrator) and Michael Hill (President, BSM) setting everything in motion.

Thank you to our Meet Directors, Michael Hill and Shane Knight for overseeing all throughout the meet. Thanks also to Stuart Collins (VP of BSM) for assisting Michael Hill in his role. Stuart was also kept busy distributing lunches for our workers in addition to timekeeping.

David Haley (BSM), Peter Duell (BSM) and Martin Banks (QUQ) assisted David with recording tasks, ensuring relays were entered correctly, and results were produced with accuracy. Cathy Flanders (BSM) was responsible for the amazing array of raffles on offer, assisted by Gill Mackenzie, Louann Baker and Joanne Rylance with ticket sales. We hope some of you were lucky!

Swimmers were warmly welcomed and given competitor bags and programs by Lawrie Baker (BSM) and Bill McElwaine. Thank you to Greg Flanders and Lorraine O’Reilly (BSM) for their excellent announcing over the three days.

I’m sure you’ll all agree that superb work was done in marshalling, with John Watson (BSM) as Chief Marshal, assisted by his wife Dianne, and Natalie Taylor. Susan Cross and Linda Maloney also helped with this important role. Check Starters were Tony Preece and Carolyn Collins, with support from Tina Hanley (QRB) and Bill McElwaine. This team certainly kept swimmers in order, entertained and often in fits of laughter.  

Thank you to our wonderful Volunteer Coordinators, Rose Milnes (QRB) and Linda Mansfield (QRB). These ladies ensured all our volunteers were looked after, provided with shirts, breaks and lunch. They also assisted in many other roles, from timekeeping to results stewards.

MSQ was extremely fortunate to be supported by Volunteering Queensland for the first time. These 10-15 volunteers each day alleviated the need to request extra timekeepers from the swimming community. Thank you very much Helga Ward, Bruce Trenerry, Princess Rull and Kate Coligan for presenting medals at the medal table, and thanks also to the many club members who assisted with timekeeping throughout the event. Your generosity in giving your time so generously to MSQ is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to our team of MSQ Officials, led by our Director of Technical Services, John Barrett. Thank you to Kaye Hill for assisting husband Michael, and also for ensuring the Aquatic Lounge was set up for our officials’ use each day.

Thanks also go to Geoff for engraving medals, Gary Brinkman for his wonderful photography, and the Brisbane Aquatic Centre team for working with us to ensure the event was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to Brendan (Snakey) Dyer (BSM) for his great entertainment at the conclusion of the event.

Finally, thank you to all swimmers and supporters who came along to share in the fitness, friendship and fun that is Masters Swimming Queensland. We hope you caught up with old friends, discovered some new ones, challenged yourselves, and made lots of great memories. See you all next time!