Regional Australia Team

2020 Melanesian Championships
Date: TBA 2020
Location: Lautoka, Fiji

ANNOUNCEMENT of the Team

Athletics North Queensland, on 16th April 2020, announced the team to represent Regional Australia at the 2020 Oceania Melanesian Championships in Fiji.

The team of 42 athletes is the largest team competing overseas to represent Regional Australia in many years.

“It is very pleasing to see so many athletes qualify and selected, especially the younger members of the athletics community who will use this opportunity to compete against international athletes” said Head Coach Kate Colahan.

This team not only allows athletes to compete at an international event but gives athletes the opportunity to learn a range of developmental and competition-related knowledge that will help them grow in their athletics careers.

ANQ is proud to be able to provide these opportunities to regional and remote athletes in Australia which started back in the early 1990s. Many athletes started their international careers in teams managed by Athletics North Queensland, such as the likes of Jarrod Bannister, Megan Minehane, Robbie Crowther, Jake Doran and Tori West. We thank Oceania Athletics for their continued opportunity for allowing this team to compete at Oceania Athletics events.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the postponement of the Oceania Melanesian Championships until such a time that it is/may be feasible to conduct. With these uncertain times, Athletics North Queensland at the least still wanted to recognise the athletes selected into this year’s team.

“We will not let COVID-19 get in the way of recognising the great achievements of our Australian athletes. This team will utilise the extra time given to run a range of virtual education and team bonding programs to assist these athletes further their athletics career” ANQ’s Manager Strategic Development – Dayne O’Hara

Depending on the rescheduled championship date, nominations may be reopened to give more opportunity for additional athletes to compete, by filling in the vacant slots.

Congratulations to all athletes and their coaches and support team on selection into this year’s team. The full