Sinkers Welcome 2026 With A Social Splash

SWIMMING

North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club has dived into 2026, ready to churn up the water with a year packed full of laps, laughter and good times.

The club kicked off the year with its regular Saturday morning swim, followed by a relaxed social morning tea featuring delicious food, great coffee and plenty of chatter as members caught up after the break.

Saturday morning sessions offer two lanes for those keen to chat, socialise and enjoy some gentle exercise, plus a lane for swimmers who prefer to take things slowly — because the water isn’t just for serious swimmers.

Monday night is coaching night with Millie at the Memorial Pool, with a 5.15pm sign-in for a 5.30pm start. Informal early morning swims for the serious, the keen and the brave also take place throughout the week.

The first meet on the 2026 calendar is FUN in FEB, planned for Saturday the 28th of February. This local short-course (25m) carnival will be held at the Mackay North State High School Pool on Valley Street and will finish with a fun after-party.

Swimmers can choose to race 25m, 50m, 100m or 400m in any stroke, with up to six events available to nominate. Last year, a crocodile was spotted on the starting blocks — organisers aren’t quite sure if it has been relocated or will be making a return appearance as a starter this year.

In 2025, Sinkers took on the challenge of 50 laps x 50m x 50 weeks, with a number of members achieving the goal. For 2026, two new challenges are on offer.

The Endurance 1000 is designed for swimmers who enjoy longer distances, with a program of distances and strokes starting at 400m. The second challenge, 26 x 26 x 26, encourages swimmers to complete a total of 2.6km in any stroke or combination of strokes and distances within each fortnight, for a minimum of 26 completions across 2026.

Sinkers will also continue their strong focus on community fundraising. In 2025, fundraising efforts reached an all-time high of almost $27,000, supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation, youth mental health initiatives, breast cancer, Mackay Women’s Services, Chances House and MS. Over 11 years, the club has raised just over $102,000 for various charities and foundations.

Support didn’t stop at fundraising. In 2025, 27 Sinkers members made a combined 115 blood donations. Out of 79 clubs in their category, Sinkers placed second, and sixth overall out of 251 clubs Australia-wide.

These efforts were recognised with the club receiving the Community Group Award at the 2025 Mackay City Council Australia Day Awards.

Sinkers Masters Swimming Club is about far more than swimming. The club is inclusive and welcoming, catering for non-swimmers, those returning to the water, members recovering from injury and competitive swimmers alike. Regular social events are held, including a morning tea after each Saturday session at the DMR Memorial Pool.

For more information, contact Megan on 0439 980 103.

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