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Swimming North Coast Winter Championships

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THE Lismore Workers Swim Team

Swimming North Coast Winter Championships

By Tonia Dynan

THE Lismore Workers Swim Team

Paralympic hopeful Ben Auckram

THE Lismore Workers Swim Team is still bringing the heat despite the cooler weather.

Last weekend the team smashed some PBs and grabbed medals at the Swimming North Coast Winter Championships at Trinity Aquatic Centre.

“We had about 15 athletes compete, ranging in age from eight to 17,” coach Peter Harvey said.

“We had quite a few guys get medals. It’s not surprising this time of year because we’re still in heavy training, so there was no real expectations but they did exceptionally well so pretty happy with the way they are going at the moment.”

The team’s two Paralympic hopefuls, Ben Auckram and Mckinley Arnison, have been putting in the hard yards at the Southern Cross University pool, training for the Olympics trials this Friday.

“They’ll be spending six days down in Adelaide if it all goes ahead,” Peter said.

“So, we’re pretty excited about that. We’re looking at obviously trials, but we’re also looking three years down the track at Paris.”

McKinley was in last year’s Australian development team and recently brought home a gold medal, two silver medals and four bronze medals from the All School State Swimming event.

THE Lismore Workers Swim Team

Paralympic hopeful Mckinley Arnison

Ben, who has spina bifida, and Mckinley, who has cerebral palsy, also brought home great results in the 2021 National Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast in April.

Mckinley finished off the meet with a gold in the 200m freestyle and bronze in the 400m freestyle, while Ben finished fourth in the 400m freestyle.

“McKinley’s only just turned 16 so she’s very, very young to be in that sort of position,” Peter said.

“Most of Mckinley’s competitors are close to 30, so she competes exceptionally well against those guys.

“She’ll get a gig if she goes to Paris, she just has to dig deep and do the work.”

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From Racing Dreams to Mentoring Youth: The Unstoppable Journey of Drew De Boer

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Drew De Boer

From Racing Dreams to Mentoring Youth: The Unstoppable Journey of Drew De Boer

 

By Jeff Gibbs

In the high-stakes world of motorbike racing, where speed, talent, and determination separate champions from the rest, few stories rival the incredible journey of Drew De Boer. From promising young rider to test development guru, near-death survivor, and youth mentor, Drew’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now at 36, he’s on the brink of an unbelievable comeback in the 2026 MotoAmerica season.

But getting here was anything but easy.

A Rising Star Falls

At just 17, Drew seemed destined for stardom, securing a coveted spot in the 125cc World Championship with Honda. It was a dream few dared to imagine—a shot at MotoGP glory. But as quickly as the opportunity came, it slipped through his fingers. Distractions and immaturity led to poor decisions that resulted in his contract being terminated before he ever raced at that level.

“The loss was crushing,” Drew reflects. “I thought I had it all figured out, but I didn’t realise how precious those moments were.”

Far from giving up, Drew pivoted. He spent years as a test and development rider for Suzuki, working behind the scenes to help shape future championship-winning bikes. His expertise and resilience played a pivotal role in Suzuki’s 2020 MotoGP world title win.

“I wasn’t in the spotlight, but I still felt a sense of purpose,” Drew says. “I kept telling myself that the dream wasn’t over. I just had to find another way.”

Mentorship and a Life-Changing Crash

In addition to his work with Suzuki, Drew began mentoring young riders, teaching them about the mental strength required to succeed in motorsport. But just as his life seemed to find balance, disaster struck in 2023 at Japan’s iconic Suzuka Circuit.

In a catastrophic crash, Drew suffered spinal and neck damage, a shattered pelvis, and broken legs. Clinically dead at the scene, he was revived and airlifted to the hospital. Doctors warned that he might never walk again.

“After the crash, I didn’t know if I’d ever be the same,” he admits. “It was a battle I didn’t think I could win.”

Through sheer determination and months of agonising rehabilitation, Drew defied the odds. In just 10 months, he was walking—and training for a racing comeback.

Drew De Boer

Drew De Boer

A Second Chance

In November 2024, Yamaha USA offered Drew a three-year contract to race in the 2026 MotoAmerica season. It was the second chance he had dreamed of.

“It felt like everything I’d worked for was finally coming together,” Drew says. “This time, it wasn’t just about me. It was about showing that no matter how many setbacks you face, you can always bounce back.”

A Role Model Beyond Racing

Off the track, Drew is equally passionate about mentoring youth in the NSW Northern Rivers through his work with HYAP and WAYS. He helps young people facing tough circumstances, guiding them away from negative influences like crime and toward better opportunities.

“Kids today face pressures we never had to deal with,” Drew says. “Many come from broken families and don’t have the support they need. My goal is to give them the tools and confidence to make better choices.”

Unstoppable Spirit

Drew’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, mentorship, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether racing in MotoAmerica 2026 or inspiring the next generation, Drew De Boer proves that every setback can be a step toward an even greater comeback.

“Every day, I remind myself that the dream is still alive,” he says. “And I’m not done yet.”

 

For more local news, click here.

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Harwood juggernaut rolls over Tucabia

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Harwood opening bowler Troy Turner was devastating in Tucabia's first innings taking 5-21 as his team powered to outright victory. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Harwood juggernaut rolls over Tucabia

 

By Tim Howard

After threatening multiple times this season, Harwood has broken through for its first outright win in the Clarence River Cricket Association first grade completion at the expense of Tucabia Copmanhurst.

Harwood were bowled out for 179 on day one of the clash with Tucabia at Ulmarra Showground, but had the hosts reeling at 5-25 at stumps.

On Saturday they followed through, rolling them for 54, which would have been a lot less except for a freewheeling 24no from Brad Chard batting at number 9.

Coming in 7-27, Chard a six and three fours in 29 balls, while the other batters scored just three.

Ordered to follow on, Tucabia fared worse, succumbing for 40 scored in 29.4 overs with only Bohdi Henwood, 13, reaching double figures.

Harwood opening bowler Troy Turner did the damage in Tucabia’s first innings, taking 5-21 from 12 overs.

Corey Lewis gave a hint of what was to come taking 4-1 in eight overs to wrap up the tail.

In the second innings Lewis was unplayable taking 5-9 in 9.4 overs.

Ben McMahon was also in good form, snaring 3-16 from eight overs.

Souths/Westlawn opening bowler Nathan Blanch about to deliver the ball. He took 5-74 against GDSC Easts at Ellem Oval on Saturday. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Souths/Westlawn opening bowler Nathan Blanch about to deliver the ball. He took 5-74 against GDSC Easts at Ellem Oval on Saturday. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Harwood’s leading bowler for the season legspinner Jacob McMahon was only required to bowl six overs for the game and went wicketless.

In a remarkable feat at Ellem Oval South Services/Westlawn were able to withstand a punishing century from leading all rounder Shannon Connor, 102, to snare a win over GDSC Easts.

Defending a modest 156 Souths knew the wicket of Connor, who was 58no, was key to their chances of success.

But he was forced to play a lone hand and when he fell caught and bowled by Scott Avard the score was 6-133 with 24 more required to win.

But the Easts tail couldn’t get it done and the final four wickets fell for five runs.

Veteran seamer Nathan Blanch held his nerve during the Connor onslaught taking regular wickets with a stump to stump line.

His figures of 5-74 in 19 overs unchanged kept Souths/Westlawn in the game and stopped Connor from establishing a partnership that could have turned the game.

Avard picked up a couple of easier wickets to finish with 3-11 from 3.4 overs and skipper Dylan Cleaver bowled a long spell to take 2-51 from 13 overs.

Souths/Westlawn opening bowler Nathan Blanch about to deliver the ball. He took 5-74 against GDSC Easts at Ellem Oval on Saturday. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Souths/Westlawn opening bowler Nathan Blanch about to deliver the ball. He took 5-74 against GDSC Easts at Ellem Oval on Saturday. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Connor, who took seven wickets on day one, had a massive game, but did not get the support he  needed to get a vital win for his team.

Sent back in for a second innings Souths Westlawn reached stumps at 1-67 scored in 24 overs, with opener Brenden Cotten not out on 47 including four boundaries and a six.

Lawrence held off a tenacious bid from Coutts Crossing to chase down their first innings total of 161 at Lower Fisher Turf.

The difference between the two teams was Ben Shaw, who took 7-30 from 13.5 overs to help dismiss Coutts for 123.

Coutts first drop Lewis Chevalley, 41, and opening bat Tim Tilse, 32, threatened for a while, but Shaw had Chevalley caught by skipper Nathan Ensbey and then took six more wickets as the Coutts resistance fell away.

With two games to play before the semi-finals, the top three, Harwood, Souths/Westlawn and Lawrence look set, but Coutts is under threat in fourth spot, just a point ahead of Tucabia.

On Saturday leaders Harwood host Souths/Westlawn at Harwood Oval, Tucabia and Coutts Crossing tussle at Lower Fisher Turf, Grafton and Lawrence and Easts meet at Ellem Oval.

In representative cricket CRCA will need Coffs Harbour at Ellem Oval, Grafton, on Sunday in the grand final of the North Coast Cricket inter district competition.

Selectors have chosen a team of Matt Dougherty (c), Beau Sevil, Shannon Connor, Tim Tilse, Lewis Chevalley, Rohan Hackett, Dylan Cleaver, Jamie Firth, Nathan Anderson, Dylan Lucas, Nathan Blanch, Dave Duroux. The game begins at 10am.

 

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Chopping Locked In for 2025 at the Tweed Coast Tigers

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Mitch Chopping - Tweed Coast Tigers

Chopping Locked In for 2025 at the Tweed Coast Tigers

 

By Gavin McKean

Tweed Coast Tigers coach Dean Solomon is optimistic about key forward Mitch Chopping’s prospects for his second season with the club, as the forward looks set to continue making an impact in the competition.

Chopping, an experienced forward, played 16 games in his debut season for the Tigers, kicking 41 goals. Solomon is hoping for another consistent season from Chopping in the SUNS forward line.

“‘Chop,’ as he’s affectionately known, joined the club last year after the team went winless in 2023. Reaching the finals in 2024 was a significant step forward, and we’re only just getting started. We’ve been adding 16- and 17-year-olds who are now eligible and will continue to do so, forming the most exciting, dynamic team we’ve had in years.”

Solomon has encouraged Chopping to step up as a leader for the younger players during pre-season training at the newly named Beaumont Tiles Tweed Oval. Chopping, one of many new recruits last season, will play a key role in mentoring the youth as they enter their third season under Solomon’s leadership. With the season starting in less than eight weeks, the excitement within the playing group is palpable, and they’re eager to hit the field.

 

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Applications Now Open for AIS Athlete Education Scholarships

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Swimmer Grayson Bell received an AIS Athlete Education Scholarship

Applications Now Open for AIS Athlete Education Scholarships

 

By Ian Rogers

Athletes planning to pursue higher education in 2025 can now apply for financial support through the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Athlete Education Scholarship program.

Offered in partnership with the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, the program provides grants of up to $5,000 per athlete to assist with study-related expenses beyond their sporting commitments.

Aligned with Australian sport’s vision to “win well,” the scholarship helps ease the financial challenges of balancing education and high-performance sport. It also supports athletes in broadening their career opportunities and preparing for life beyond competition.

Since its launch in 2020, the AIS and the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation have awarded more than $473,000 in scholarships to over 160 student-athletes, including 47 recipients from 19 different sports last year alone.

Among them is Australian 50m breaststroke record holder Grayson Bell, who expressed his gratitude for the scholarship, which enabled him to pursue both his swimming career and his passion for software engineering.

“Balancing academics with the demands of training and competition as an athlete is challenging and the AIS scholarship has significantly eased that burden,” Bell said.

“It’s given me the freedom to focus on my athletic goals while ensuring I can continue to achieve my academic pursuits.

“It’s not just an investment in my education and athletic career, it’s an investment in my goals.”

Fellow 2024 Scholarship recipient and wheelchair rugby player Damien Mortaud is also thankful for the support that helped him finish a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting which he hopes will lead to a career making Australia more accessible for people living with a disability.

“I was absolutely honoured to receive the AIS Athlete Education Scholarship. It was instrumental to me finishing my studies and getting me ready to pursue my passion outside of my sport,” Mortaud said.

The AIS Athlete Education Scholarship is open to categorised athletes who are intending to enrol, currently enrolled, or part way through a course or unit of study from an educational institution that is part of the Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN).

For more information or to apply, visit the AIS Athlete Education Scholarship webpage.

Applications close at 2:00pm AEDT Friday 14 March 2025.

 

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HISTORIC AGP FEBRUARY 15 AT CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY

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KAIDON BROWN, 2024 AGP winner, February 3, 2024, Lismore Speedway

HISTORIC AGP FEBRUARY 15 AT CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY

 

By Dennis Newlyn

The seventy-second running of the prestigious Australian Speedcar Grand Prix will be the centre stage highlight of the Saturday night February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway.

There will also be racing for Wingless Sprintcars, AMCA Sedan Nationals, RSA Sedans Junior Sedans.

The world acclaimed Australian Speedcar GP, which this year pays $5,000 to win,  is a very special event steeped in magnificent history and tradition after it was first held in 1938 at the former Sydney Sports Ground venue.

For promoters Kim and Mick Sauer it’s a major coup to again host this annual race at the historic Lismore Showground Speedway venue which in more recent years has become the home of the AGP.

“It’s an absolute honour to have the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix here following on from 2023 and last year’s successful event,” Kim Sauer said.

“It’s what this race stands for in the history of Australian and world Speedcar racing. It really counts for something with its perpetual shield and the glory of winning one of oldest Speedcar races in the world.”

In addition to Australia’s all time greatest Speedcar drivers, competitors representing America, New Zealand and England have won.

The legendary four times Indianapolis 500 winner AJ Foyt is a two times AGP Champion (1975 and 1976), at Sydney’s Liverpool Speedway, while the ‘king’ of world Sprintcar racing 20 times World of Outlaws American Champion Steve Kinser has his name etched on the trophy after he won in 1986, also at the Liverpool circuit.  Englishman Bill  Reynolds was the 1956 winner at the Sydney Showground.

Ten times Australian Sprintcar Champion Garry Rush took out the event in 1977 (at Liverpool Speedway) and the Sydney Showground (1996) while Sydney’s late, great multi Australian Speedcar Champion and 1988 Australian Sprintcar titleholder George Tatnell won at the Sydney Showground in 1973.

In the decades of the fifties and ‘sixties the AGP was held in consecutive years at the world famous Sydney Showground venue.

Top drivers from New South Wales and Queensland dominate the 2025 Lismore entry list.

The defending AGP titleholder is Sydney’s Kaidon Brown who last weekend took out the Speedcar main event at the Perth Motorplex.

For more information on the February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway log on to www.lismorespeedway.com.au

AUSTRALIAN SPEEDCAR GRAND PRIX WINNERS: 1938-2024

AUSTRALIAN SPEEDCAR GRAND PRIX WINNERS: 1938-2024

*The Australian Speedcar GP was held twice in 1978. The first was part of the 1977-78 season and the other in the early stages of the 1978-79 season.

** New Zealand’s Frank Brewer late became an American citizen.

 

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