QLD Triathlon hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 16, 2023, marking a significant event in the organisation’s calendar.
The board welcomed the re-election of two Directors, President Cara Turnley and Director Drew Standish, underscoring their unwavering commitment to the sport.
Additionally, the board eagerly embraced new perspectives with the election of Sue Fairweather, a passionate triathlon enthusiast and long-serving Technical Official, as Director.
QLD Triathlon also shone a spotlight on outstanding individuals whose indelible marks on the sport warranted the highest accolade: Life Membership.
Rob Eley, a stalwart figure in triathlon development in Queensland, was honoured for his selfless dedication. While Wendy Downes was recognised for her transformative leadership.
Three Directors Elected
QLD Triathlon welcomes back two esteemed members to its board, reaffirming their trust in President Cara Turnley’s leadership and Director Drew Standish’s unwavering commitment to the triathlon community.
Additionally, QLD Triathlon is excited to welcome newly elected Director Sue Fairweather, a seasoned triathlon enthusiast, whose decade-long experience promises to infuse fresh insights and enthusiasm to the board.
QLD Triathlon extends gratitude and thanks to outgoing Board member Peter Black for his dedicated service on the Board.
Life Membership Honours Outstanding Contributions
Life membership is the highest honour that QLD Triathlon can bestow upon an individual. It is awarded in recognition of those who have made an outstanding contribution and a profoundly positive impact on the sport and our organisation.
At the 2023 AGM, QLD Triathlon celebrated two outstanding individuals Rob Eley and Wendy Downes, honouring their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to the sport with Life Membership.
Rob Eley
For over two decades, Rob has been an unwavering force in the development and governance of triathlon in Queensland.
He served as an unpaid volunteer technical official, chaired and was a member of the technical committee, and held a position on the QLD Triathlon Board.
Throughout this time, Rob dedicated his efforts to mentor, coach, and educate numerous officials, sharing his profound knowledge and experience. Rob also established a crucial link between officiating volunteers and the board, strengthening the officiating volunteer network.
His longstanding contributions saw him to be presented as a life member of Toowoomba Triathlon Club and now we are pleased to present Rob as a life member of QLD Triathlon.
Wendy Downes
Wendy Downes has made a remarkable contribution to triathlon in Queensland.
Having co-founded the Whitsunday Triathlon Club in 1999, leading it as Club President until 2006 and serving as Race Director for the Festival of Sport. Wendy also established the Whitsunday Running Club in 2000, with both clubs thriving over the years.
Wendy’s dedication led to an annual triathlon event attracting top Australian triathletes, including 17 professionals and over 230 participants in 2023.
She became a Technical Officer with QLD Triathlon in 2007 and officiated various triathlons, including the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in 2018.
Wendy’s contributions earned her the first-ever Life Membership at her club, and is now recognised as a Life Member of QLD Triathlon.
