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Wet Tropic Times | 21 Local motorcycle rider Mark Stephensen is preparing to tear up the racetracks

MARIA GIRGENTI

MARK Stephensen from South Johnstone, an avid motorcycle rider, has plans to rip up the racetracks on the competitive scene in 2022.

He plans to race in Townsville events including RRAT, Tourist Trophy, interclub meet, Lee Moses Memorial in Mareeba and the MotoStars Nationals later this year at Proserpine Raceway.

Stephensen, aged in his forties, is a full-time single parent of two boys aged 15 and 13 and two girls aged 8 and 10, who are all involved in bikes and provide excellent support.

In 2021, Stephensen bought a 250cc sports bike, as his children persuaded him that he needed something just for himself.

“After not being on a motorcycle for over 15 years, I took the plunge and did a couple of street and track riding courses before my friend persuaded me to try competitive racing.”

Since then, Stephensen purchased a competitive bike (2021 KTM Duke 390) and participated in a few more track days.

“It was at a track day in Proserpine where I surprised myself and discovered I was a lot faster than I first thought.”

“There is plenty of room for improvement, which I know will come with practice, dedication, effort and the right help.”

Stephensen is converting his Duke to a purposemade racetrack bike and looking for individuals and local businesses to assist with sponsorship.

Any support will also assist him with travel to events in North Queensland and general running, maintenance, and associated costs.

In return, businesses will receive constant and active advertising that will uniquely reach people.

Business names will feature on his race/show bike and sponsor/supporter T-shirts.

Sponsors’ business cards will be displayed at all practice days, events, bike shows and social rides.

It is a fantastic way for individuals and businesses to gain a sense of satisfaction in helping a local rider who is enthusiastic about his sport dedicated to putting in 110% for himself, his children, sponsors and the local community.

It is a limited timeframe for anyone wanting a yearly sponsorship, as the deadline is today, Friday, January 28.

Stephensen’s bike is going in next week to get a custom livery complete with all the sponsors’ names, with T-shirts soon to be done.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for a single round or event with a billboard displayed at all events and businesses actively promoted for the duration of the event.

For further information or to discuss sponsorship, please get in touch with Mark via email at Marcosis77@ icloud.com, or send a private message via his personal Facebook page.

Mark Stephensen in 2021 with his brand new KTM Duke 390 motorcycle on his first track day at Mako Track International, Mareeba.

Innisfail Coastguard volunteers acknowledged with awards

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with awards for dedicated service and skills.

Henry Rijke (Induction and Shipboard Safety Skills), years of service), Paul Sand (5 years of service), Garry Steve (15 years of service), whilst new member Peter Snodgrass took the pledge and received an Induction certificate.

AT the end of 2021, the Australian Volunteer Coastguard

Flotilla Commander Neville Duncan presented the awards, whilst Deputy Commander Garry Steve presented Duncan with his 45-year service certificate.

Innisfail’s flotilla always encourages more volunteers, especially younger members, to come on board and be part of a rewarding service.

The flotilla is part of a national marine rescue organisation run entirely by volunteers.

Coastguard volunteers participate in local and coastal waters patrol, marine radio services, search and rescue, and public boating education.

Anyone interested in signing up needs to be 18+, with volunteers required to complete three self-paced induction courses.

For those who do not wish to become a ‘boating member,’ there are a variety of other activities.

These include fundraising, administration, radio control work, and maintenance of the building and surrounding areas.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the varied volunteer roles with the Australian Coastguard, please get in touch with Innisfail Coast Guard on 4063 2396, Flotilla Commander on 0408 635 786, or Flotilla Administration Officer on 4063 2593.

Those interested in volunteering can also visit the headquarters at Mourilyan Harbour on Saturday or Sunday between 8.00 am - 5.00 pm.