Suspended Mackay Triathlon Club’s desperate appeal for committee members

The future of Mackay Triathlon Club is in jeopardy. Go inside the club’s struggles and find out how you can help.

The Mackay triathlon family was all smiles at the club's recent come-n-tri event. Picture: Mackay Triathlon Club Facebook

The future of Mackay Triathlon Club is in jeopardy.

More than two months have elapsed since the club’s annual general meeting in September, yet a number of key committee roles remain vacant.

The issue came to a head on Wednesday night, when the club announced on its Facebook page it would be suspending all operations until the key roles were filled.

“It is with much regret that, effective immediately, all activities of the Mackay Triathlon Club will be suspended until such time as members step forward to take up the vacant roles,” the Facebook post read.

“The current serving committee cannot continue without a full committee nor can they continue to do all the work alone.

“The burden of organising races for 2024 cannot simply fall upon a few and many hands are required to ease the workload as well as it being unconstitutional to continue without full committee representation.

“We sincerely hope that members step up to assist in the running of the club and do not let it collapse.”

Mackay Triathlon Club's come-n-tri event would be one of many lost if the club can't fill its committee. Picture: Mackay Triathlon Club Facebook

The club is in urgent need of a vice-president and a secretary.

MTC treasurer and former vice-president Stephanie Allen revealed what else was required from the additional committee roles.

“We’re still looking for someone to take over the social media, someone to do grants and sponsorships, and someone to keep our website updated,” said Allen.

“They’re the main things we’re looking for.

“Those positions in themselves, you’re only talking less than a couple of hours each month, but when that falls on the president and me it’s just too much.

While at least two general committee members are required as well as a vice-president and secretary, it’s possible for people to simply help out by becoming a social club member, which only costs $20.

Allen lamented the effects of Covid as one of the reasons for the club’s shortfall in membership.

Swimmers embracing the pool for Mackay Triathlon Club. Picture: Mackay Triathlon Club Facebook

“Numbers have been less than 50% of what they used to be,” she said.

“Our women’s triathlon used to attract over 300 people, we only got 100 this year.”

“It’s not just us, we go to other events and their numbers are really low as well … the cycling club is struggling.”

It’s not all doom and gloom however, as several people have already expressed interest in lending a helping hand since the club’s Facebook post.

A full committee would make the task of gaining sponsorships and grants for the club much easier, which in turn would mean the club had money to fall back on when race numbers were low and they weren’t making enough from entry fees.

MTC hosts and competes in a total of 16 events throughout each calendar year.

“The entire triathlon calendar in Mackay is at risk,” Allen said.

“There are a lot of diehard triathletes out there who absolutely love it and come to every single race, to not have something locally would be a big dint,” Allen said.

“The club has been going for 45 years now, it would be a big shame if the members didn’t step up and do it.”

If you’d like to fill a committee position or lend a hand to the club moving forward, email [e-mail]