Maroochy River Paddle – An Event Success!
We are thrilled to share the exciting highlights of our recent paddling event. SCPC organised a remarkable paddling event that brought together a diverse range of paddle craft enthusiasts and had a resounding positive impact on our community. The event was a tremendous success, with a total of 109 craft and 170 paddlers participating!
Paddlers from various regions joined us, adding to the event’s vibrancy. We had participants from Rockhampton, Widgee, Noosa, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Sandgate, Brisbane, West End, Currumbin, and even Pambula in New South Wales. This diversity made our event truly special and added to the excitement and competitiveness of the competition.
I must make a special mention of support from Richard and Sharlene Leeson, Paddles (formerly The Paddle Shop) Warana. Not only did they donate an exceptional number of prizes, but Richard also did a fantastic job of MC.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s grant played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success. It covered essential elements such as the Welcome to Country ceremony and Medic Assist for first aid. We were honored to have Ted Hungerford, Division 7 Councilor from Sunshine Coast Council, in attendance, further showcasing Council’s unwavering support for our club.
During one memorable moment, Rob Millsom, one of our esteemed life members, presented a prize for the first home. Surprisingly, it turned out that the winning paddler had trained under Rob when he served as a coach many years ago—a testament to the enduring bonds within our paddling community.
We are grateful for the incredible support we received from local businesses. They contributed to the event’s success by providing inclusions in paddler bags and valuable prizes. Their commitment to our event and the community was evident. Sponsorship funds were allocated to important causes, including donations to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the Australian Water Craft Registry (AWCR), who provided safety boats.
Our hardworking committee and dedicated volunteers went the extra mile to raise funds, enabling us to make a meaningful donation to the Hear and Say Foundation, Sunshine Coast. This organisation does incredible work by empowering individuals with hearing impairments to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. We are proud that our event not only benefits participants but also contributes to this worthy cause in the community.
PQ Nominations – Celebrating Excellence
SCPC is proud to have several nominations in the finalists’ list for various categories:
- Paul Shipton, Volunteer
- Nicky Donaldson, Club Coach
- Matt Ramke-Meyer, Video
- Junior paddlers: Pierrick Cartier, Jada Baker, Elke Madlener, and Bryon Diekermann
- Senior paddlers: Alyce Wood and Zale Outram
- SCPC Club of the Year
- Maroochy River Paddle for Event of the Year
The presentations night for these awards is scheduled for 23 September at SYC Oxenford Watersports Centre, 33 Watersports Lane Oxenford. Please let us know if you wish to attend and support our nominees.
Paddle Queensland AGM
Paddle Queensland (PQ) will hold its Annual General Meeting on the morning of 23 September at the same venue as the awards. If you’d like to represent our club in person or join via video link, please advise us accordingly. See the PQ website for details and agenda.
Varsity Lakes Race
Don’t miss the next race in the Pacific Coast Marathon Series at Varsity Lakes this Sunday, 10 September. It promises to be a thrilling event filled with paddling excitement. Check out the race options and entry at
https://paddleqld.asn.au/pacific-coast-marathon-series/
Come and Try Starting
Our next “Come and Try” program begins this Saturday at 7 am. Limited spots are available, so advance notice of participation is a must. Feel free to share the attached flyer with anyone interested.
Nelo Container Coming – Gear Up!
For those interested in purchasing Nelo equipment, please contact Jason. He has information about an upcoming shipment, so you can gear up for your paddling adventures.
September Time Trial
Thank you to Graeme Hudson for timing. There were two paddlers who did the short course. Results were: Delia West 46:36; Lach Kent 44.03.
Thank you for being a part of the Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and programs!
Sincerely, Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Committee
Please support our MRP sponsors whom we warmly acknowledge below:
| Perren & Penny, Civil & Plumbing Contractors | Paddles (formerly the Paddle Shop), Warana | Alexandra Headland SLSC |
| North Coast Frozen Foods | Noosa Paddle Shop | Future Plus Environmental |
| Viking Trucks | Carruthers Contracting | More Smiles Dental Practice |
| Gara Paddles | Buderim Guardian Pharmacy | Clint Robinson Paddling Clinics |
| Pure Paddling | Caloundra Skin Cancer Centre | Heads in the Cloud Salon |
Our General Sponsors are:
| Sunshine Coast 4WD Centre | Office Works Maroochydore | Accurate Pest Management |
| Westaway Electrical | ||
| And thank you to the following government bodies for their support: | ||
| Sunshine Coast Council | Qld Government, Dept of Sport & Rec | Australian Government, Dept of Business & Industry |