Part 2: Fun and fitness combined in Hervey Bay triathlon project

The Hervey Bay Triathlon Club met a need in its local community and, with help from the Queensland Government, helped more Fraser Coast women get physically active.

The participants were the big winners, but the club, members and local community also benefited from the project.
How did the club identify the need for the project?
How did the club promote the projects to the community?
How was the clinic structured?
What were the main benefits of the project for the club?
How did the club become aware of the Club Development Program?
How did the club go about putting together an application?
What advice does the club have for other clubs undertaking similar projects?
Want more information?


How did the club identify the need for the project?

Early in 2003, club president Ann Manttari noticed she was the only woman training on the Hervey Bay Esplanade.  After speaking with the club's development officer, Mrs Mantarri decided something needed to be done about the general lack of female participation in triathlon in the local area (particularly in the 12-15 years and open age groups). This discussion led to the idea of holding a training clinic with a fun, non-competitive triathlon event afterwards as a way of encouraging more women into the sport.  The idea was to show women not currently involved in the sport that it could be an enjoyable way to get fit and active.

How did the club promote the projects to the community?

The clinic was promoted in the Fraser Coast Chronicle and entry forms were distributed to sport stores, gyms, local pools and club members.  The resulting word-of-mouth also helped to make local women aware of the project.

How was the clinic structured?

Every Saturday morning the women met for a two-hour training session.  Each session comprised running, swimming and cycling.  For the first three weeks, the sessions were based at the Maryborough pool and, during the final three weeks, the sessions were held on the beach at Hervey Bay.

What were the main benefits of the project for the club?

Although the club's primary aim was to encourage more women into triathlons, as a result of the project it received a welcome boost to its membership.  Thirty of the participants signed up as members, 10 of whom successfully encouraged additional family members to join.

How did the club become aware of the Club Development Program?

Mrs Manttari and members of the club's executive committee attended a Department of Communities funding workshop in Hervey Bay. They received a copy of the Department's funding guide during the workshop and used it to consider the funding options that might be available for their planned project.


How did the club go about putting together an application?

The club held a meeting to discuss its options and outline benefits of the possible funding to its members.  Mrs Manttari and the executive committee completed the Club Development Program application form they received at the funding workshop. They then met with an adviser at the Maryborough office who provided additional advice and assistance.

What advice does the club have for other clubs undertaking similar projects?

Mrs Manttari believes that initiatives encouraging participation are very important to clubs at the local level.  She also believes that the projects should promote fun and a non-competitive environment. The project was far more successful than the club had imagined, and it looks forward to holding more training clinics in the future.

Want more information?

For more information about the Hervey Bay Triathlon Club project, phone Ann Manttari, Club President on (07) 4125 2703. For details about the Club Development Program click here or contact the Department of Communities.

Part 2: Fun and fitness combined in Hervey Bay triathlon project

The Hervey Bay Triathlon Club met a need in its local community and, with help from the Queensland Government, helped more Fraser Coast women get physically active.

The participants were the big winners, but the club, members and local community also benefited from the project.
How did the club identify the need for the project?
How did the club promote the projects to the community?
How was the clinic structured?
What were the main benefits of the project for the club?
How did the club become aware of the Club Development Program?
How did the club go about putting together an application?
What advice does the club have for other clubs undertaking similar projects?
Want more information?


How did the club identify the need for the project?

Early in 2003, club president Ann Manttari noticed she was the only woman training on the Hervey Bay Esplanade.  After speaking with the club's development officer, Mrs Mantarri decided something needed to be done about the general lack of female participation in triathlon in the local area (particularly in the 12-15 years and open age groups). This discussion led to the idea of holding a training clinic with a fun, non-competitive triathlon event afterwards as a way of encouraging more women into the sport.  The idea was to show women not currently involved in the sport that it could be an enjoyable way to get fit and active.

How did the club promote the projects to the community?

The clinic was promoted in the Fraser Coast Chronicle and entry forms were distributed to sport stores, gyms, local pools and club members.  The resulting word-of-mouth also helped to make local women aware of the project.

How was the clinic structured?

Every Saturday morning the women met for a two-hour training session.  Each session comprised running, swimming and cycling.  For the first three weeks, the sessions were based at the Maryborough pool and, during the final three weeks, the sessions were held on the beach at Hervey Bay.

What were the main benefits of the project for the club?

Although the club's primary aim was to encourage more women into triathlons, as a result of the project it received a welcome boost to its membership.  Thirty of the participants signed up as members, 10 of whom successfully encouraged additional family members to join.

How did the club become aware of the Club Development Program?

Mrs Manttari and members of the club's executive committee attended a Department of Communities funding workshop in Hervey Bay. They received a copy of the Department's funding guide during the workshop and used it to consider the funding options that might be available for their planned project.


How did the club go about putting together an application?

The club held a meeting to discuss its options and outline benefits of the possible funding to its members.  Mrs Manttari and the executive committee completed the Club Development Program application form they received at the funding workshop. They then met with an adviser at the Maryborough office who provided additional advice and assistance.

What advice does the club have for other clubs undertaking similar projects?

Mrs Manttari believes that initiatives encouraging participation are very important to clubs at the local level.  She also believes that the projects should promote fun and a non-competitive environment. The project was far more successful than the club had imagined, and it looks forward to holding more training clinics in the future.

Want more information?

For more information about the Hervey Bay Triathlon Club project, phone Ann Manttari, Club President on (07) 4125 2703. For details about the Club Development Program click here or contact the Department of Communities.