Athletics Club Finds Its Stride After Years Of Flood Challenges

After years of battling devastating floods, the Herbert River Athletics Club has finally celebrated a season defined by growth instead of recovery.

For the first time in recent memory, the club escaped major flooding — a huge relief after countless seasons spent rescuing gear from rising waters at George Day Oval. Volunteers once worked through Christmas and Easter to move fridges, canteen supplies, and even the tractor to higher ground.

“It felt strange not having to check how high the water was getting this year,” a club representative said. “We could finally focus on the athletics instead of the weather.”

Although the old clubhouse still recorded over 2.4 metres of floodwater, the club’s new grounds remained dry. After quietly relaunching last year with 17 athletes, 2025 saw numbers more than double to 40 thanks to community support and the efforts of Media Officer Renee Poppi.

The club used the stable season to improve its facilities. Funding was secured to replace the sand in the long jump pits with plans for new covers, shade structures, and future field levelling.

A successful Come and Try Day in March kicked off the year, and despite wet weather, sessions continued indoors. From Term 2, training was split into two time slots, giving families more flexibility. The addition of Coach Shannon Reynolds brought structured sprint training for athletes aged 10 and over, adding professional guidance to the program.

Community partnerships also played a big role. Jason Brown and the Ingham State High School agriculture class returned with the GPS line-marking robot, ensuring perfectly marked fields. Volunteers were again the heart of the club, many helping in the canteen despite not having children involved.

Several athletes also achieved regional success, with Molly-Rose Gaggiano, Joshua Stagnitta-Gurnick, and Tilly Poppi qualifying to represent North Queensland at the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships in Townsville.

As the club looks ahead, optimism is high. “After everything this community has been through, to see the club thriving again is something really special,” a spokesperson said. “It feels like we’re finally back on track — in every sense.”

Herbert River Athletic Club - ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Awarded to: JOSHUA GURNICK-STAGNITTA
Josh broke the 13 yrs Long Jump and 13 yrs 100m record. Both records were from 1993 and the previous record holder was Graham Pether.

Herbert River Athletic Club – New Record Holders 2025
Ellyse Chiesa – 7 Years Girls High Jump – 90cm
Liam Ambrose – 7 Years Boys High Jump – 70cm
Joshua Gurnick-Stagnitta – 13 Years Boys 100m & Long Jump
Shannon Reynolds – Open Long Jump – 4.47m

MASKELL & BURNETT - CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR
Awarded to: RINA ZATTA

DOT HODGETT ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: KURT ACCORNERO & SULLIVAN BLANCH

DEBORAH STRID - COURAGE & DEDICATION AWARD
Awarded to: TILLY POPPI

RON REID MEMORIAL SHIELD - QUIET ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to: LILY CHITTENDEN

GILLIAN MARANO ENCOURAGEMENT TROPHY
Awarded to: EVIE SPINA