After 26 years, the Julia Creek Dirt N Dust Festival has changed the location and date for the junior triathlon.
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Due to costs and lack of volunteers the Dirt N Dust committee have announced they partnering with the Mount Isa Rats Triathlon Club to relocate the triathlon to Mount Isa, two week prior to the festival on April 4.
The Dirt N Dust committee said the location change would provide larger facilities, opportunities for additional competitors and more volunteers along with a larger cohort hosting.
Dirt N Dust Club president Steve Malone said each of these factors would account for the event running proactively and possibly better than ever before.
"It was just one of the tough decisions this committee has to make," Mr Malone said.
"We had a call out for over six months for a Junior Tri Coordinator and no one put up their hand, in addition we had to weigh up the cost with road closures, timing, purchase of race singlets and basically without a large sponsor coming to the table it was no longer financially sustainable. We see this as a big positive as it will be one of the satellite events to help promote the overall Festival."
The Mount t Isa Rats and Dirt N Dust have maintained a sturdy relationship since 1994 when the Julia Creek Dirt N Dust Festival first began. The Isa Rats lent bike racks and sent volunteers to Julia Creek ensuring the event would run smoothly the first time round.
After 26 years the two neighbouring towns have banded together to give the juniors a triathlon they won't forget any time soon.
With the move, came another lifeline with Mount Isa Mines stepping up to take on the naming rights to the Dirt N Dust junior triathlon.
Mount Isa Mines senior communications and engagement advisor Nadine Roberts, said Mount Isa Mines was thrilled to come on board to ensure this valuable community event continued to be held in the North West region.
"The junior tri is an important part of the overall Dirt N Dust Festival and we're excited to be the naming rights sponsor for this year's event, which has a new approach and location this year," said Ms Roberts.
"Our continued sponsorship for community events like the Mount Isa Mines Dirt N Dust Junior Tri injects confidence in the North West Queensland region, helping to increase its liveability, build community vibrancy and attract visitors to the region."
Competitor nominations have proven that a high number of junior competitors travel from Mount Isa to Julia Creek to compete, this year however the event will be taken to them.
The Isa Rats and Dirt n Dust committee members are corresponding in order to provide the correct branding and messages so that all changes are made clear to the public.
The junior competitors will still receive a medal, race singlet and bag but the presentation for the junior tri trophies for those getting a place will still be held on the Friday night of the actual Dirt n Dust Festival in the centre of the arena.
Registrations will still be made on the Julia Creek website www.dirtndust.com
The Dirt N Dust Festival will be held from 17-19 April 2020.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
