The equipment valued at nearly $30k is reported to be one of only three of the latest units in Queensland specifically designed for Athletics track events. The camera is capable of up to 2000 frames per second and is accurate enough to be used for international events.

President Shayrn TeWani said the purchase was made possible with the assistance of a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.  “The grant didn’t cover the full price of the equipment so luckily the club was financial enough to make up the difference,” she said. 

 “We (the committee) looked at it as an investment in the future. Once we get up to speed with it and the track surface get up to scratch we could host pretty much any event we wanted”

Twelve club volunteers attended a course hosted by the Athletics North Queensland. 

Chief operator Barry Mullins said the club hoped they could get their head around the operation before the start of season.

“I think they should be fine, this is the latest equipment so things are becoming easier and more relatable with each new release.” Mr Mullins said.

“We had a few pick up the computer side of it really well and others that took a keen interest in the setup of the equipment which can be quite involved. Between them they should be all over it.” 

While modern day club athletics isn’t so much focused on placing’s but rather personal bests, the accuracy of photo finish takes results to the next level.

Internationally, handheld times (stopwatches) are rounded up to the next 10th of a second (one decimal place) which can sometimes turn a possible PB into an equal time.  Photo finish however is accurate to a 100th of a second which will now see club results posted to two decimal places.

“This new equipment will be a real asset to the club. but we are hoping the athletes and community will bear with us this season while we get our head around how to operate it in the most efficient manner.” Ms TeWani said.

“We are also hoping that we get a few more volunteers step up and help with our club day set-up as the precision needed for the camera set-up is quite time consuming.

“We are planning to have a few mock set-up and races in the weeks leading up to season start to get a bit of practice in”.

“Actually it’s about to get really busy for us, we need to practice the Photo Finish, get our new coaches up to speed, host a sign-on and kick off the season all in the next six odd weeks.” 

The clubs sign-on will be on between 9am and noon at Sunset Oval on the March 25.

First club day will be April 21.