Tri-ActiV8 Celebrates Double Honour At Queensland State Awards

Tri-ActiV8 has earned statewide recognition after taking home two major honours at the 2026 AusTriathlon Queensland State Awards on Saturday 27^th June, marking the first time the organisation has been recognised for its triathlon efforts within the Mackay and Isaac region.

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The local coaching organisation claimed the prestigious Coach of the Year award for Director and Head Coach Nikki Giles, while the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon was recognised as Club Event of the Year.

Nikki received the Coach of the Year honour in recognition of her outstanding commitment to building a positive, inclusive training culture where athletes at every level are empowered to develop skills and strive for personal bests.

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The award is open to accredited AusTriathlon coaches at affiliated clubs and squads who actively coach across all three disciplines: swim, cycle and run, and is determined through nominations from members, reflecting the impact coaches have on the athletes they support.

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The region's only female Performance Accredited AusTriathlon coach, Nikki has become a driving force behind the continued growth of triathlon across the Mackay and Isaac regions. Her passion for the sport extends beyond coaching, with a strong focus on creating a welcoming environment where athletes of all abilities feel encouraged to challenge themselves and achieve their goals.

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Under her leadership, Tri-ActiV8 has grown into a welcoming hub for triathletes of all abilities across the Mackay and Isaac regions.

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“This recognition means the world to me. Triathlon has given so much to our community in the Mackay and Isaac regions, and every single day I pour my heart into giving that back.  

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“Knowing that my athletes and our community felt moved to nominate me for this – that’s the real award.”

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“I am incredibly proud to represent this region and to be part of growing and strengthening the sport of triathlon here.  

“This belongs to every athlete who has trusted me with their journey,” Nikki said.

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Tri-ActiV8's celebrations continued with the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon receiving the Club Event of the Year award.

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The organisation has proudly event-managed the triathlon in partnership with Isaac Regional Council for the past three years, with the event becoming a signature fixture on the regional triathlon calendar.

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Held each January, the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon brings the community together while providing athletes across the Isaac region with a high-quality, professionally managed race experience. Tri-ActiV8 said its partnership with Isaac Regional Council has been central to the event's success and continued growth.

The organisation is proud of what the event represents, not only as a competition but as a celebration of community spirit and the power of sport to bring people together.

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Tri-ActiV8 said the two awards reflect the dedication, hard work and passion of everyone involved with the organisation, from its coaches and volunteers to its athletes and the communities it is privileged to serve, while also recognising the continued strength and growth of triathlon across the Mackay and Isaac regions.

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Tri-ActiV8 Director and Head Coach Nikki Giles was named Coach of the Year at the 2026 AusTriathlon Queensland State Awards. Photo supplied

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