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The Duathlon State Championships event was held on Sunday, 24 October at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. 200+ athletes participated in the EXSS Sprint Duathlon testing their endurance in the balmy conditions south of Perth.

Triathletes gave it their all, running and cycling their way to the finish line. Racing took place across three distances including Long Course (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Bolt Course (400m swim, 12km bike, 2.5km run) and Novice (100m swim, 6km bike, 1km run).

Just like the weather, the talent was flaming hot out on the course. With Triathlete of the Year (TOTY) points on the line, both Senior and Junior athletes put on an incredible show of skills.

UWA Triathlon Club athlete Nick Thompson took out top spot in the Male Open category, claiming his spot on the TOTY leaderboard after withdrawing from the State Standard Championships earlier in the season. Hot on his heels was Matt Burton (Oceanic Triathlon Club) who crossed the finish line a close second, followed by Zeke Tinley (Bunbury Triathlon Club) in third. Both Burton and Tinley added to their round 1 success, currently sitting equal first on the TOTY leaderboard.

Hot off a win in the LGM Industries Bunbury City Classic, young-gun Aleisha Wesley (North Coast Triathlon Club) seemed unaffected by the quick turnaround, taking out top spot in the Open Female category for the second week in a row. Right behind her was clubmate Madison Toovey (North Coast Triathlon Club) in second place, and Katherine Ryan (Stadium Triathlon Club) in third place. Athletes Indie Arbuckle (Team XTR) and Jessica Claxton (Team XTR) also added to their earlier success, gaining points on the TOTY leaderboard.

Reigning junior age-group TOTY winners, James Kjellgren-Lewis (Fremantle triathlon Club) and Joshua Neervoort (Fremantle Triathlon Club) had impressive performances in the Long Course race. Not afraid to keep up with the senior athletes, Kjellgren-Lewis and Neervoort finished first and second respectively in the 16-19 category, with Daniel Stewart (EFS Triathlon Club) coming in third.

Emily White (Exceed Triathlon Club) raced her way to first place in the 16-19 female category, claiming points to reach second place on the TOTY leaderboard. Abbie Crew (North Coast Triathlon Club) came in second, and the current TOTY leader, Eva Czislowski (Break Your Limits) placed third.  

The next major event on the Triathlon Western Australia calendar is this coming weekend, with the Rockingham Spring Triathlon happening on Sunday, 31 October as part of the Interclub Series.

Competition is heating up after our first race of the season, the LGM Industries Bunbury City Classic, last weekend! Hot on the heels of the Standard Distance Championships – we have our second State Championships event, the EXSS Sprint Duathlon.

The Duathlon State Championships will be held at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre this Sunday, 24 October 2021. More than 130 athletes will compete across three distances including Long Course (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Bolt Course (400m swim, 12km bike, 2.5km run) and Novice (100m swim, 6km bike, 1km run).

As Perth begins to thaw after a frosty winter, athletes will be put to the test in the warm weather at Champion Lakes. They’ll want to be well rested, hydrated and replenished ahead of what’s sure to be an incredible day of racing.

The Open Male field will be red-hot, with plenty of top local talent in the lineup. Athletes Zeke Tinley (Bunbury Triathlon Club), Matt Burton (Oceanic Triathlon Club), and Kurt Wesley (North Coast Triathlon Club) will be looking to increase their early lead State Series standings. Others vying for top points in the Open field will include Guy Crawford (Fremantle Triathlon Club), James Martin (Bunbury Triathlon Club), Reece Harris (Mandurah Triathlon Club), and Nick Thompson (UWA Triathlon Club).

Dennis Deveraux (Bunbury Triathlon Club) and Nige Young (Perth Triathlon Club) will battle it out for top spot in the para field, with Dennis taking an early lead in the State Series rankings after a great performance at Bunbury.

Reigning Open Female Triathlete of the Year, Felicity Sheedy-Ryan (UWA Triathlon Club) will make her season debut taking on hotshots Aleisha Wesley (North Coast Triathlon Club), Jessica Claxton (Team XTR), Madison Toovey (North Coast Triathlon Club) and Indie Arbuckle (Team XTR). Katherine Ryan (Stadium Triathlon Club) will bring experience to the table, having won Triathlete of the Year for her age group in 2020/21.

The junior field is shaping up to be an interesting competition with reigning 16-19 Male Triathlete of the Year James Kjellgren-Lewis (Fremantle Triathlon Club) competing against club mate and fellow age-group Triathlete of the Year Joshua Neervoort. Abbie Crew (North Coast Triathlon Club) will be contending in the long course, giving Eva Czislowski (Break Your Limits) a run for her money.

The EXSS Sprint Duathlon races will commence at 7:50am on Sunday, 24 October at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. With something for everyone from the novice to the experienced athlete, it is sure to be a great day of racing!

The LGM Bunbury City Classic took place on Sunday, 17 October. Near on 500 competitors took to Koombana Bay to take on events across the Enticer and Standard distances. Almost perfect conditions welcomed athletes from across WA to the Standard Distance Championships and Junior State Series.

The event saw a variety of competitors from first-timers and promising triathletes to elite professionals vying for the State Championship crown. Club alley was in full swing and it was fantastic to see the triathlon community spirit on show so early in the season.

Jonny Sammut (UWA) and Aleisha Wesley (North Coast) were crowned the TWA State Standard Champions. Bunbury Tri Club’s Zeke Tinley came in second and Oceanic’s Matt Burton came third in the males. Kate Bevilaqua (Fremantle) was second and Jessica Claxton (Team XTR) was third in the females.

Senior athletes also took the opportunity to secure some early season TOTY points and State Championship Status.

Our junior athletes also took home early season TOTY points across the Enticer and Sprint distance.

The event also kicked off the TWA Interclub Points scores with the following clubs topping their conference after round 1:

• North – North Coast
• South – Mandurah and Fremantle
• Regional – Bunbury

Congratulations to all who took part in the event, kicking off the new triathlon season in WA. We look forward to seeing the strong showing of competitors and atmosphere at events to come.

The event would not be possible without the dedication of the volunteers and Bunbury Triathlon Club. This event is quickly becoming a favourite on the season calendar and will be one not to miss in years to come.

Our attention now moves to the State Duathlon Championships held this coming Sunday at Champion Lakes, hosted by EXSS.

This Sunday, 17 October, will see Koombana play host to the Triathlon WA State Standard Distance Championships hosted by Bunbury Triathlon Club. Following its postponement from February this year, the event will be the season opener for triathlon in WA.

The LGM Industries Bunbury City Classic is a sold-out event, with over 500 participants taking to the start line in the protected waters of Koombana Bay. The State Standard Distance Championship for seniors is also a world qualifying event and a TWA Junior State Series race.

The Open field will see reigning Triathlete of the Year, Jonny Sammut (UWA) look to secure early season points. He will be put through his paces with a strong male field which includes club mate Nick Thompson (UWA), Kurt Wesley (North Coast), Reece Harris (Mandurah) and Zeke Tinley (Bunbury). Veterans of the sport, Guy Crawford (Fremantle), Blake Kappler (Stadium) and Matt Burton (Oceanic) will be looking to show their endurance and experience across the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. It is great to see former Age Group TOTY winner, James Martin (Bunbury) has made the move across to the open field.

The women’s event will see Ironman Champion, Kate Bevilaqua (Fremantle) take to the start line with young guns, Maddie Toovey (North Coast), Aleisha Wesley (North Coast) and Indie Arbuckle (XTR).

Senior age group racing will see close on 300 participants from across metro and regional WA take on the much-anticipated race. The top 3 members within each age group will be allocated State Championship medals from Triathlon WA.

Our Junior State Series commences this weekend with our 12 – 19 age athletes looking to secure points towards TOTY across the Enticer and Sprint distance.

The LGM Bunbury City Classic starts from 7:00am on Sunday, 17 October, at Koombanna Bay.   

Triathlon Western Australia is seeking nominations from interested and suitably qualified individuals to fill the following Board Positions.

• Appointed Director Position concluding at the TWA AGM in October 2023 and;
• Casual Vacancy Position concluding at the TWA AGM in October 2022.

One of the above appointed directors (based on skills and experience) will be provided with the Treasurer Portfolio. Additional requirements for this position include.

• Monthly financial report to TWA Board
• Assistance with end of year external audit process
• Signature to Triathlon WA Accounts
• Member of the Audit and Risk sub-committee

In addition to the Treasurer position we are seeking a suitably qualified person with experience and skills in Stakeholder and Media Engagement.

TWA is committed to gender diversity within all levels of the sport in Western Australia, including a balanced representation of gender within its leadership.  Females interested in a unique opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to TWA are strongly encouraged to nominate for the vacant Board positions.

Nominations for the position of Appointed Board Member need to be;

• In writing, on the attached nomination form and
• Delivered (in person or electronically) to Executive Director of Triathlon WA at the address below, before 12 noon Tuesday 19 October 2021.

By email to:
Executive Director
Email: ashleigh.apps@wa.triathlon.org.au

Or in Person to

Triathlon Western Australia
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Beatty Park, 220 Vincent Street, NORTH PERTH, WA, 6006

Ph: 08 9443 9778 Office hours 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday ONLY For more information, please contact Ashleigh Apps, Executive Director, TWA on 08 9443 9778 or ashleigh.apps@wa.triathlon.org.au

CANDIDATE SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Skill Set A: Finance, Accounting or Audit.

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Financial planning and budgeting                                                                                                    
• Preparing and interpreting financial reports                                                                                     
• Finance and investment                                                                                                                   
• Knowledge and experience with accounting practice and standards                                              
• Financial processes and controls                                                                                                    

This appointed director will be responsible for the Treasurer Portfolio.

Skill Set B: Stakeholder and Media engagement

Experience or skills include but not limited to;

• Media relations/influence                                                                                                                 
• Communication/ social media strategy                                                                                            
• Crisis communications                                                                                                                     
• Political relations/engagement                                                                                                         
• Member engagement                                                                                                                             

Skill Set C: Other desirable skills

• Director Qualification/ AICD Member
• Previous Board Experience
• Regional Sport Engagement
• Change Management
• Connection to Triathlon WA Community

Interested candidates are required to demonstrate experience in EITHER Skill Set A or B. Additional skills met in Skill Set C is highly desirable.  

Triathlon WA (TWA) is pleased to announce the election of two new directors to its Board, as well as the re-election of one director for another 2-year term.

The TWA AGM on Saturday 2 October 2021, saw the election of two new Board members, Morgan Marsh and John McCann.

Morgan Marsh is a senior executive in the State Public Sector with the responsibility for governance, risk and compliance. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations and Management. Morgan has been involved in the WA triathlon community since 2007 as an active participant across all forms of multisport events.

John McCann holds an engineering degree, an MBA and 29 years working in technical, management and leadership roles. Previously holding a position as General Manager for ExxonMobil’s Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) business in Australia and an Executive Director for the relevant ExxonMobil Australia affiliates, he brings a wealth of business experience and a passion for sound governance and continuous improvement. John has over 36 years of involvement in the sport of triathlon, as a competitor, coach and volunteer.

Brenden Koh was re-elected to the TWA Board.

Brenden joined the Triathlon WA Board in 2019 and has extensive experience in management roles across large corporate organisations responsible for Human Resources, Health & Safety, Risk Management and Operations Management. He holds qualifications inclusive of a Master of Business Administration, Postgraduate Diploma in Health & Safety, and a Bachelor of Health Science as well as completing the AICD Directors Course in Advanced Governance. Brenden has been a member of TWA since 2008 and previously held roles on UWA triathlon committee including President for 8 years.

On behalf of Steve Lyon, President of Triathlon WA we welcome our newest elected Board members and look forward to working together to continue to grow the sport here in WA.

NOTICE OF 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRIATHLON WESTERN AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2021 Annual General Meeting of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated will be conducted at 3:30pm (WST) on Saturday 2 October 2021. 
Members of the association will be able to attend the meeting in person at the nominated venue below OR online via Microsoft Teams (link provided below)

• UWA Water Sports Complex, Hackett Drive Crawley, 3.30pm start OR
• Microsoft Teams by clicking here

AGENDA: The agenda for the Annual General Meeting can be found HERE   

NOTICE: Pursuant to Rule 16.1(1) of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated September 2019, notice of the general meeting must be given to every Affiliated Club, Life Member and Individual Member at the address appearing in the Register kept by Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated. Notice will be given in the manner authorised under Rule 34.1 of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated September 2019. 

ATTENDANCE AND VOTING:  Pursuant to Rule 21.1 of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated September 2019, each Individual Member and Life Member over the age of 18 years at the time of the Annual General Meeting is entitled to one (1) vote at that Annual General Meeting.  No other Member will be entitled to vote. 

VOTING PROCEDURE: Voting at the Annual General Meeting will be as per 20.4 of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated September 2019: At any meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting will be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded:
(1)    by the Chair; or
(2)    by a simple majority of Individual Members. 

BOARD ELECTION: An election for the four vacant Board positions will be in accordance with Rule 25.2(5) of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated dated September 2019. 

If the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies to be filled, a secret ballot shall be taken in such a usual and proper manner as the chair directs. 

The secret ballot directed by the chair will take place via Elections Australia PTY LTD. Voting will open at 10:00am (WST) on Thursday 23rd September 2021 and close at 12:00pm (WST) Friday 1 October 2021. The outcome of the vote will be declared at the AGM. All members that are entitled to vote as per the constitution will be delivered the instructions for online voting via electronic email on Thursday 23 September 2021TWA IS COMMITTED TO GENDER DIVERSITY WITHIN ALL LEVELS OF THE SPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING A BALANCED REPRESENTATION OF GENDER WITHIN ITS LEADERSHIP. 

TWA IS COMMITTED TO GENDER DIVERSITY WITHIN ALL LEVELS OF THE SPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING A BALANCED REPRESENTATION OF GENDER WITHIN ITS LEADERSHIP. 

PLEASE SEE BELOW NOMINEE PROFILES FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION FOR TRIATHLON WA (TWA) BOARD MEMBERS.

Elections of the three vacant positions in accordance with Rule 25.2.5 of the Constitution of Triathlon Western Australia Incorporated.

If the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies to be filled, a secret ballot shall be taken in such a usual and proper manner as the chair directs.

The secret ballot directed by the chair will take place via Elections Australia PTY LTD. Voting will open at 10:00am (WST) on Thursday 23rd September 2021 and close at 12:00pm (WST) Friday 1 October 2021. The outcome of the vote will be declared at the AGM. All members that are entitled to vote as per the constitution will be delivered the instructions for online voting via electronic email on Thursday 23 September 2021

TWA IS COMMITTED TO GENDER DIVERSITY WITHIN ALL LEVELS OF THE SPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING A BALANCED REPRESENTATION OF GENDER WITHIN ITS LEADERSHIP.  

MS. MORGAN MARSH

Skills Met Category A: Human Resources, Governance, Risk Management, Business Management, Strategic Planning 

Skills Met Category B: Connection to TWA, Director Qualification

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I have been involved in triathlon since 2007 and it has provided me with so many opportunities to travel, to challenge myself and achieve things I would have previously said were impossible. Having recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course I would like the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of triathlon in Western Australia and be part of assisting other people to embrace all the benefits triathlon can bring.

MR. BRENDEN KOH

Skills Met Category A: Human Resources, Governance, Risk Management, Business Management, Strategic Planning

Skills Met Category B: Board Experience, Connection to TWA, Government Relations 

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I served TWA as an Elected Board member for the previous two years have an excellent understanding of the challenges and decisions facing the Association. During my time on the board, I feel I have made a solid contribution to the advancement and governance of TWA.
I have a strong connection with the Triathlon Community having been a Triathlete for over 14 years. 8 years as the President and 13 years on the committee of UWA Triathlon Club. I have raced for Australia in the ITU Age Group Sprint World Champs, completed 12 70.3 Distance Triathlons and 1 full Ironman in Busso. I have previously been a Race Organiser for the Champion Lakes Women’s Triathlon, so I understand and am passionate about the sport

MR. GARY ITZSTEIN

Skills Met Category A: Human Resources, Financial Management, Governance, Risk Management, Business Management, Strategic Planning

Skills Met Category B: Board Experience, Connection to TWA, Director Qualification, Government Relations 

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Triathlon has been a large part of my life since 1985 and I expect this to continue. I have recently retired from full time work and as a result have the time to give back to the sport. I am a logical, practical thinker who is used to working as a board member. I have no conflict of interest and only want what is best for the sport. As can be seen from the above, I have significant experience working with NFP organisations and given the current debate about the structure of TWA I believe the time is right to step up and help the sport that I love.

MR. JOHN MCCANN

Skills Met Category A: Human Resources, Financial Management, Governance, Risk Management, Business Management, Strategic Planning

Skills Met Category B: Director Qualification, Connection to TWA 

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Following many successful years participating in triathlon, I have been looking for opportunities to expand my contribution to the sport. I gained my coaching qualification in 2015 and have enjoyed helping others to achieve their health goals through triathlon and endurance sports. My prior employment prevented me from participating in external boards but gave me a strong foundation in management and the skills required to be an effective board member. Since retirement, I have been seeking board roles, like this one, that are aligned with my skills and interests. I am excited about the challenges that our sport faces in Australia now and feel I have the skills and experience to help steer Triathlon WA through these challenges and in the best direction for members and the sport

MR. SIMON MATTIACCIO

Skills Met Category A: Human Resources, Financial Management, Governance, Risk Management, Business Management, Strategic Planning

Skills Met Category B: Board Experience, Connection to TWA

PERSONAL STATEMENT: My nomination for TWA board membership is founded in the belief that this will provide me an opportunity to continue my involvement with community sport by offering value at the policy and governance level – enabling me to give something back to an industry which has been fundamental to my life since I was a grass-roots athlete in my youth.
I am passionate about the continual improvement of sport and recreation in the community. As a highly popular sport in WA, I believe TWA plays a significant role in this – which I would value the opportunity to contribute to.

The Triathlon WA Annual Awards ceremony will be held this Sunday, 30 May at Public House in Perth City. Kicking off at 2pm, our triathlon community will come together to celebrate the 2020/21 season and the accomplishments of some our members, as our Annual Awards function honours the state’s Triathletes of the Year along with a number of sport service awards.

For a summary of the awards to be presented, please see below.

Triathlete of the Year

The Senior and Junior Triathlete of the Year awards will be awarded, having been determined throughout the season based on the following;

Senior Triathletes of the Year: Awards are presented to the three highest point scoring male and female athletes in their nominated category. An athlete’s best seven (7) results from the State Series events will be considered.

Junior Triathletes of the Year: Awards are presented to the three highest point scoring male and female athletes in their nominated category. An athlete’s best four (4) results from the State Series events will be considered.

Development Program Athlete of the Year

This Award is presented annually to a TWA Development Program athlete that has shown outstanding commitment, improvement and performance throughout the season.

Steve Barrie Award

In recognition of the significant contribution life member Steve Barrie made to the sport, the Board renamed the Technical Official of the Year Award in his honour in 2007.

This Award recognises an individual’s valuable contribution to the technical program based on their regular participation in the field of play and their contribution to the progression of the program throughout the season.

Coach of the Year

This Award is presented to a coach who has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to coaching Western Australian triathletes. The winner is also recognised for having helped Australian triathletes to achieve significant competition success at both the age group and High-Performance level.

Community Coach of the Year

This Award is presented to a coach who has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to coaching Western Australian age group triathletes over the past season.

Service to Sport Award

This Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to the sport of triathlon over an extended period of time. The individual’s service may not have been directly associated with TWA but has provided significant benefit to the sport at a club, event or other association level.

Champion Club Award

This Award is presented to the club whose financial members accumulate the most points across the State Series. This includes both the Senior and Junior Series. Points are weighted on a per member basis.

Interclub Series Awards

Two sets of awards are presented following the Interclub Series; the Conference Champions and the Overall Champion Club. The Interclub Series Conference Champion Awards are presented to the clubs who accumulated the most points in their Conference throughout the Interclub Series. The Interclub Series Overall Champion Award is presented to the club who accumulated the most points overall throughout the Interclub Series. These Awards attract a $250 prize and a $500 prize respectively.

Chris Hewitt Memorial Award

The Chris Hewitt Memorial Award acknowledges the service and contribution of Chris Hewitt, past TWA and Triathlon Australia President and member of Stadium Triathlon Club. Originally known as the President’s Trophy, the Award was renamed in 2006.

The TWA President presents this Award to the person deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution to the sport of triathlon throughout the past season.

Technical Service Awards

These Awards are presented to Technical Officials who have completed a notable period of service as an official. This year, awards will be presented for 5, 10 and 15 years of service.

State Long Course Champions

Our State Long Course Champions will also receive their awards at the Annual Awards ceremony. These awards are presented to the three fastest male and female TWA athletes in each senior age group, as well as the Open category, in the State Long Course Championships. The Championship event was the 2021 SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton.

We look forward to welcoming our partners, supporters and members for this exciting culmination event for season 2020/21.