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PIGS DO FLY: Pigs Arsenal, driven by Chris Stevens, with observer Mark Boyer, flying along the Murray during practice for this weekend’s Southern 80 superclass challenge. Photo: Cath Grey
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PAGE 2—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 3
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2020 SEEE YOFEBRUARY U AT THE FINISH LIN U AT THE7–9, FI N VIC PARK ECHUCAISH LINE
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The Southern 80 goes global THIS year for the first time the Southern 80 will be livestreamed for those at home, across Australia and around the world so they can see the action, marvel at the starts, the different speeds out on course, see how under 10s to over 40s master the river and of course how fast the big boys go. There will be two sessions one for Saturday and one for Sunday, more details at southern80.com.au and on our social media platforms. The finish line is where all the atmosphere will be. Bring your chairs, rugs and watch world class ski racing. The big screen will show footage from the start and along the course. There are kids activities, merchandise, food and drinks will all be available. Of course the stars of ski racing, you will see them finish and marvel at their skills, determination and courage on the water. Friday morning is breakfast with the Stars at Kerrabee Sound Shell, Moa-
President ma, come and see boats and teams up close, plus interviews with the stars, a great way to start the weekend. On Saturday morning our static display is a great opportunity to view the teams and boats in Hare Street, Echuca. Where you can also wander the variety of shops in Echuca, listen to the outside radio broadcast. Saturday’s racing will be in three sessions with social starting from 5 mile from 8.30am, followed at midday by Veterans, Senior social, disabled and then at 2pm the top 40 boats will race for pole position on Sunday for the great race. Spectators on the river will see the boats counted 40 down to 1, and it won’t be until boat number one, Pigs Arsenal, reaches the finish line that pole for Sunday can be announced. But stay in your seats as the under 10s will follow rounding out the day.
Steve Shipp On Sunday start is 8.30am from Torrumbarry with Super Social, junior age classes and 60/70 mile per hour boats. Then at 12.30pm the big boys take off for the main event, followed by engine classes, will last years record be broken? We would not be able to hold this
Safety first — always THE Maritime Branch of Transport for NSW is pleased to support the 2020 Southern 80, the world’s biggest water ski race. Our officers will assist the Moama Water Sports Club by enacting the closure of the river as well as patrolling outside of racing times with partner agencies such as the NSW Police Force. If you’re competing, please remember any practice runs are subject to all normal NSW boating rules including noise regulations and the carriage of safety equipment. Please also consider residents by not practicing early in the morning. If you’re watching the race, please stay out of the river as any persons and associated floating apparatus on the race course will likely stop the event, ruining a great spectacle and denying competitors the chance to finish what they’ve
NSW Maritime been training and preparing for. The use of drones over and around the river is another significant activity that could see racing stop. If you’re heading out on the water outside of race times, please consider your safety and that of other waterway users. Remember that alcohol and other drug limits apply to vessel operators, observers and any people being towed who must stay under 0.05 (or zero if under 18). Finally, if you’re visiting from Victoria please remember that the NSW regulations apply for all boating activities on the Murray River and these rules are different to Victoria in several key areas, including: ■ when lifejackets must be worn; ■ who can be an observer
(observers must be at least 16 or hold a boat licence); and ■ use of personal water craft by young adults. Please take the time to check the NSW rules at rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime before you head out on the river. Enjoy the race and please help us to keep moving towards zero on the water. Darren Schott Principal Manager South, Operations and Compliance
Biggest Water Ski Race in the World without the support of all our sponsors. We are pleased to have Destinations NSW back on board for another three years, we again have support from both our councils, Campaspe and Murray and we have also received new support from the Victorian Government. Our other major sponsors are — American Hotel, Echuca Kia, Beechworth Bakery, Northern Hire Group, Edge FM, McDonalds Echuca, and the Riverine Herald. We also have many support sponsors, platinum and gold support sponsors and all our class sponsors. Our sweep boat is sponsored by Mercury Marine and Xtreme Marine, we thank them for our new Mercury 300 V8 engine. On behalf of everyone here for the weekend, our thanks go to all these sponsors. The assistance we receive from all our emergency services and other agencies is tremendous.
To all our community groups and other volunteers, thank you for your continued support, with some groups and volunteers helping for more than 20 years. Finally, a huge thanks to all our competitors who come, work extremely hard out on the water to give our spectators some fantastic water ski racing to watch throughout the two days. Vic Park is where you can get all the latest information, latest times, see the teams start live on the big screen and finish live on the water. Food and bar plus children’s entertainment. On behalf of the Moama Water Sports Club we wish everyone a great weekend with exceptional viewing, great times and safe racing. My tip for outright winner — Pigs Arsenal #see you all at the finish line Steve Shipp, President MWSC
Great race, great place THE Murray is one of Victoria’s major drawcards and Echuca is one of our great river towns. And the Southern 80 is an event like no other. With 400 entries and 700 competitors, it is the biggest water ski race in the world. The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be backing the 2020 edition of the Southern 80, which is a pillar of the Murray region’s tourism strength. Each year tourism along the Murray pumps more than $1 billion into local economies, and tourism directly and indirectly employs more than 13,000 people. As the closest Murray River destination to Melbourne, Echuca caters perfectly to day-trippers as well as longerstay visitors.
Victorian Government With so many wonderful natural attractions, a fascinating history, a strong and varied sporting scene and a terrific food and wine culture, its little wonder that Echuca is so popular. In the 1800s the town played a key role in opening up the Murray region, with paddle steamers ferrying wool and other produce to its port from where it could be sent to Melbourne and around the world. Times change and today the Port of Echuca is a powerhouse in a very different industry — tourism. As a government, we’re thrilled to be able to back
Echuca to continue to prosper and grow. To all the competitors this weekend, best of luck out on the water and to the spectators who will line the banks of the mighty Murray, I’m sure you will have an amazing time watching all the action. Martin Pakula Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
PAGE 4—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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Cooler proved to be red hot ISLAND COOLER HEADING into the 1990 race, Island Cooler was looking to make history. In the 20 races before, a number of boats had won twice, but only Suicide in 1978-79 had gone back-to-back. Island Cooler had set a new record for the course in ’89, finishing in 35.03, taking a minute and nine seconds off Rolco’s record set just a year earlier. And the team was near identical to what had set the record — Dennis Rowbottom was still in the driver’s seat, Leo Welch was again the observer, and Jamie Oliver had returned behind the boat. Just one change was made — Mark Pickering was gone and Damien Matthews was the new second skier. The battle to do what just one boat had done before them was on, as a favourite among local fans looked to write their names into the history books. Leo Welch still has fond memories of the race 30 years later. “We had a solid, consistent run in ’ 90,” he said. “Dennis was a solid operator, a great driver with a fantastic boat, so it was a near perfect operation. We had great skiers onboard, Dennis knew the river so well and it worked to our advantage. After the win in ’89, we went in confident of winning, and we got the job done.” Pickering was a champion skier, but the switch to Matthews saw two up and coming skiers who loved going
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS: Island Cooler still holds a special place in Southern 80 folklore. head-to-head instead of beside each other. “Damien and Jamie were probably the toughest competitors going around,” he said. “They were the same age group, and they loved going against one another. We used to tow Jamie in the lakes against Damien, they were two young bulls who drove each other. They were
Flying into the record books
RECORDS were still being re-written on a near yearly basis by the start of the new millennium. Yet a sub-32-minute race still seemed out of reach. God’s Gift got so very close in 1998 with a time of 32.02, but it began to look like a wall had been hit. Enter Top Shot. With driver Tony McLeod and observer Errol Thurger in the boat, and Jamie Graziano and Justin Cadden at the back, the team was ready to do what no one else could. Graziano holds the fondest of memories of his sole Southern 80 outright victory. “We’d made a late change in the lead-up,” he said. “Paul Robertson, who was our usual skier, couldn’t make it as his wife was due to give birth to their first child, so we added Justin Cadden about a month out from the race. “Justin had skied the race before and was incredibly talented, so we were excited for him to join. We’ve known each other for years but had never teamed up. “We went in feeling pretty confident about being able to finish in the top five, though you never really know with a race like the 80. ‘‘It’s a bit of a drivers’ race, if you get a couple of things wrong it becomes really difficult.” The team started the weekend in perfect form, breaking God’s Gift’s record with a 7.02 in the Bakers Blitz to earn first run on the water in Sunday’s main race.
good mates, but against each other they were super competitive, so putting them together was magic.” At the finish line, they would again be number one, and break their own record by close to a minute at 34.18 — a record that would stand until 1992 when broken by Thundernuts. “The times plummeted in those few years,” Welch said.
“Rolco ran the 36.12 and people said it would never be broken. I knew it would, the teams were getting better and the boats were getting better as well. We took minutes off that time, and then someone broke us a few years later.” But even 30 years down the track, with the team having had their share of success in different boats, Island
Cooler still holds a special place in local hearts. “But I think the reason people got on board was because it was a local boat. ‘‘For a long time, we didn’t have a local who was able to compete regularly and win. ‘‘It’s not that often a local team wins and that was very special for us to be one who did.”
TOP SHOT “We had a great run to pick up the record, which came as a bit of a surprise,” he said. “Everything clicked, the boat ran well, as skiers we made the most of the lines, it was perfect. But it gives you the pressure of leading off.” There was a belief within the team the 32-minute mark could be passed, even if they themselves weren’t the ones to do it. Though that had changed after the Blitz. “We did start to believe it,” he said. “Once we had the record in the Blitz, we started to wonder why we couldn’t get the record in the main event too.” And when the skiers crossed the line, the record was theirs — at a sizzling 31.23. “It was a hot day, but it was perfect conditions. No wind, perfect water so we had as good of a run as possible. Getting the double was a pretty big achievement.” Its a memory Graziano will never forget. “I’ve been back and won the Blitz behind Stinga a couple of times, but never won the main race since. We could never finish it off, we had issues with the boat at times. “But for a long time we held that record. It’s not something people hold for a long time, so to hold it nearly a decade was very special to our team.”
RAZOR’S EDGE: Hellrazor is looking to continue a long legacy in the Southern 80.
It’s been one Hell of a story WHEN talking about Southern 80 anniversaries, it’s only a matter of time before you run into Team Hell. Heading into 2010, they were already four-time champions. Hellrazor saluted in 2002, before Hellbent claimed wins in 2005-06 and 2008. For the start of the new decade, Hellrazor was back on the water, with Mark Cranny at the wheel, Damien Matthews in the observer chair, while Jason Walmsley and Peter Procter took up the ropes. But Cranny’s memory of the year is built around 2009, more so than the race itself. “I remember 2009 vividly because of the fires,” he said. A state of emergency due to the Black Saturday bushfires saw the race abandoned. With ambulances and emergency services deployed to help out at major fire battles across the state,
HELLRAZOR there was no choice but to call off the event. “It put a lot of things into perspective for everyone, people across the state were doing it really tough, so the race didn’t seem so important.” Team Hell continued racing throughout the year, having good success in preparation for the big race. “It was so much cooler when we arrived in 2010,” he said. “There was probably 10 degrees difference on the day, the weather was so much better and made the conditions on the water far easier to compete on. “We’d had a really good year in 2009, we went in really confident about what we were able to do on the river and what time we would be able to put down.”
But they wouldn’t start off first, with The Syndicate claiming the Bakers Blitz, finishing third. But in the main race, Team Hell would do what Team Hell does. Even with the race record of 30.43, they knew they could do better. “We always had a lot of faith in our team,” he said. “There was a belief going into every race that we could always get better, we could take time off our previous bests and make it better.” They would do exactly that. The team took 11 seconds off Hellbent’s record, finishing in 30.32 to claim an unprecedented fifth race. But Team Hell had a lot more work to do, adding a further four titles and being the first boat to ever finish in under 30 minutes in 2015. By the end of the decade, racing would be faster than ever, but it was Team Hell who set the benchmark.
Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 5
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PAGE 6—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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FEBRUARY 7–9, 2020
SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE
VIC PARK ECHUCA
COMEBACK TRAIL: After a disappointing 2019, Pigs Arsenal are hoping to make a triumphant return to the 2020 Southern 80.
Photo: Luke Hemer
They really can fly — and how PIGS Arsenal was flying on the Bakers Blitz in 2019. Going into the last few turns, they were on track to possibly take out pole position for the main race a day later. “We were setting a really good time without taking too many risks,” driver Chris Stevens said. “But it was a bit windy out there on the day, and one of the waves caught one of the boys. And that was it.” Pigs Arsenal did not finish the Blitz, and pulled out of the 80 itself following the incident, but they are back in 2020, looking to make a triumphant return to the water and to add their names to Southern 80 folklore. “We’ve been in Echuca for the better part of a week,’’ Stevens said. ‘‘We’ve been out on the water a few times since we arrived and have seen an im-
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PIGS ARSENAL provement in our time every run, so we are feeling pretty good about our preparation. “Hopefully we can put together a time over the weekend that is competitive. Ideally, we’d love to run under the 30-minute mark, but a lot is going to have to go right for that to happen. “It’s hard to get a read on training days as there is a lot of stop and start, but we will try and get our best run together and hopefully it will be good enough.” While the team was heading into the race in good condition, a late line-up change was possibly in the works after a minor injury to skier Jack Stevens during a training run on Wednesday. With last year’s incident still casting a shadow, Chris Stevens said it would be a huge
result for the team to get the win in the 2020 running. “It would mean a great deal to us,” he said. “We were leading with a couple of bends to go when we had the incident. It would have put us as boat one away, and I think we would have been a real chance of getting the win from there. “But it wasn’t to be, sometimes things just don’t go your way. But to come back from a horror year and then take the race out would be unbelievable for us. “The 80 is one of those races which is on our bucket list, we’d love to tick it off. We’ve been coming here for a long time as spectators and competitors and have always loved the race. “So, not only as a team, but as a family, it would be incredibly special to get the win.”
PETER WALSH MP MEMBER FOR MURRAY PLAINS
Well done to the committee and volunteers who make the Southern 80 the great race it is. Congratulations to the Hall of Fame nominees for their achievements through the years. Best of luck and safe racing to all competitors.
®
See you at the !nish line. Peter Walsh MP
peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au Facebook /PeterWalshMLA
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496 High Street, Echuca, 3564 Ph: 54822039 Local Call: 1300 467 906
Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 7
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TR now the race’s T Rex TITLE DEFENCE
DO THE ROAR: TR will be looking to steal the title — and a slice of Southern 80 history. Photo: Steve Huntley.
IN THE history of the Southern 80, only five teams have gone back-toback. When they hit the water for the 2020 race, TR will be looking to carve their names into history as the sixth. The boat’s initial observer Nathan Miller said the win would give his team confidence going into the race. “It definitely helps having the knowledge of what you can do,” he said. “The question really is whether you can replicate it, which is incredibly difficult. You never know your conditions, you don’t know the weather until you get yourself a bit closer to the day itself, so you can’t have an expectation. “What you have to do is go in with confidence, and having won a year before gives you that feeling because you know you are capable.” TR won’t be the same looking team in 2020, with Miller withdrawing in the lead-up, and a change in skiers with the departure of Reece Simmonds. But they have made one of the best possible adjustments, with Dylan
Stevenson now taking the ropes for the defending champions. Stevenson has as much championship pedigree as the rest of his team, having skied behind The Mistress in their 2016 victory. Miller said adding a skier with 80 experience was key for the team. “Reece is an incredible skier, but we’ve gained the same level of class by adding Dyl,” he said. “I think we are the only team in Superclass where every member has won the race. Dylan has been an asset for us with not only his ability, but with his knowledge of the course and how we can best perform at the race.” Miller said his team was feeling good and preparation had been going well. “Nothing changed in terms of our preparation,” he said. “We did things the same this year as last year, we’ve spent good time on the water, have had a few runs in the last few weeks. “We’ve got a fresh new motor in the boat so its in really good condition, the guys are all looking and feeling pretty fit, it’s been a really good build up for us.” Now comes an opportunity for the team to make history.
PAGE 8—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE
FEBRUARY 7–9, 2020 VIC PARK ECHUCA
Meet the next S80 generation While the main attraction at the Southern 80 is in the senior races, the younger generation is busy learning their trade in junior races. Here is a profile of some of the under 10 skiers who will compete in the 2020 Southern 80.
Huddi Spits (South Morang, VIC) Skiing behind Arkham 99 with Trent Souwer and Jason Davis in the boat Age: 9 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Arkham Asylum Favourite drink or food before racing: Gatorade
Henry Arnall (Yanco, NSW) Skiing behind Mistress F2 with Jade Pumpa and Paul Tannenberg in the boat Age: 9 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Dad Matt Arnall and his favourite team is Judgemental Favourite drink or food before racing: Mac and cheese.
Liam De Jong (Cardinia, VIC) Archer Gerrand (Longford, VIC) Skiing behind Boats & Hoes with Danny Pegorin and Andy Duran in the boat Age: 8 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Superman Favourite drink or food before racing: Bacon
Curtis Carne (Echuca, VIC) Skiing behind Viper F2 with Adam Carne and Bailey Henderson in the boat Age: 9 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Pigs Arsenal, Jack & Sean Stevens Favourite drink or food before racing: Mentos and Milo
Libby Evans (Maxwell, NSW) Skiing behind Kidz Boat with Ricky Evans and Jacinta Evans in the boat Age: 7 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Jasmin Payne Favourite drink or food before racing: Lollies
Skiing behind Cheezed Off with Andrew De Jong and Jason Barry in the boat Age: 9 (turns 10 on the Southern 80 Sunday) Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Cheezed Off and he thinks his family are pretty great skiers, dad Andrew, sister Isabella and brother Tyler. Favourite drink or food before racing: Bacon and juice before the race and bacon and water after the race.
Zac Rizzoli (Point Cook, VIC) Skiing behind Gro Up F2 with Adrian Nix and Lachlan Nix in the boat Age: 10 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Lachlan Nix (Current world F2 champion) Favourite drink or food before racing: Pig dog from Moama Bakery
Sharmayn Fox (Echuca, VIC) Skiing behind Daredevil with Tony Fox and Anthony Giddens in the boat Age: 9 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: TR Favourite drink or food before racing: Coke and tacos
Caleb Oliver (Castle Hill, NSW) Skiing behind Coldys with Jack Coaldrake and Russell Cicognani in the boat Age: 10 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Arkum Asylum Favourite drink or food before racing: Sausage McMuffin
Hayley Dominquez (Kew, VIC) Skiing behind Thundernuts 300 with Cameron Cox and Brett Dominquez in the boat Age group: Under 10s Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Definitely Thundernuts Favourite drink or food before racing: This is my first race but I think fruit salad.
Abbey Kate Evans (Maxwell, NSW) Skiing behind Against the Grain with Jenny Grech and Courtney Grech in the boat Age: 9 Favourite Ski Race Team or Skier: Kris Knight Favourite drink or food before racing: Lollies
Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 9
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You’d be crazy to write them off ARKHAM ASYLUM AS ONE of the local teams in this year’s Southern 80, Arkham Asylum could be forgiven for feeling as if they are feeling the weight of the twin towns on their shoulders. The team owned by Brett Spits is one of the favourites for the race, after finishing second behind TR last year. There will be a different look to the 2019 cast, with skier Reece Simmonds crossing from the reigning champs to replace Jake Ellery. Meanwhile, Troy Barens will step into the observer’s seat for Daniel McMahon. And Arkham will enter the race in devastating form, having won all its events in the lead-up to the sport’s pinnacle competition. “It’s been an incredible start to the season,” Simmonds said. “We’ve been lucky to be very consistent with our performances but the 80 is a completely different ball game. “We’ll need to be at the top of our game if we’re going to be challenging to win the overall race. “Last year with TR is something I’ll never forget but they’re a rival team now and I want to beat them just like everyone else.” Despite being full of confidence heading into the race, Simmonds and his teammates are all too well aware of the unique challenges the track along the Murray River throws at competitors.
OUT OF THE CAVE: Arkham Asylum is one of the favourites for this year. “If we’re going to win the race, it’s going to take a total team effort,” he said. “No one can afford to rely on someone else to get the job done, each role is as important as the next. “Getting time out on the river before
the race has certainly helped in the past and I think it will be a very familiar story again this year.” In last year’s race, TR and Arkham both broke the 30-minute barrier in times of 29:22 (a new race record) and 29:56 respectively and Simmonds
believes spectators could be set to see more records broken. “Teams breaking 30 minutes could definitely happen again but there are a few different things that would need to happen,” he said. “We would need the water and
Photo: Steve Huntley. weather conditions to be favourable, so fingers crossed that does happen. “And if we can be one of the first boats away on Sunday, by doing well in the (President’s) Dash we will definitely give ourselves a chance. “Records are made to be broken after all.”
A boat? A plane? No, it’s Superman SUPERMAN SUPERMAN is in a race to make up for lost time at this year’s Southern 80. The team withdrew from the 2019 event just days before the boat was meant to hit the water. Owner and driver Darren McGuire would take part in the event in a different class. McGuire’s involvement came following a late-night drive from Mildura to help mates Southern 80 Hall of Famer Jamie Oliver, fellow skier Rhys Duggan and observer Ryan Wridgway after their boat The Judge experienced a mechanical fault. “We’re all definitely keen to get back out there as a team,” McGuire said. “We love racing in the Southern 80 because it is one of the best events in the country.” McGuire will be joined by familiar faces in Superman’s quest for a maiden Southern 80 success with skiing partners, the two Daniels Cotton and Graziano set to take part in the race. Graziano missed last year’s race through the birth of his child, while Cotton switched sides to the Mistress for the weekend in a bid to stay involved in the event.
OFF AND FLYING: Superman will be making up for lost time. “There are some things bigger than ski racing,” McGuire said. “Dan (Graziano) is super excited to get back out on the water, he’s been jumping up the wall the past few weeks as the race has got closer. “And its nice to have Daniel (Cotton) back because he was obviously very successful behind Mistress
last year (winning the unlimited inboard expert class). “I think we’re all just excited to be back out there together.” Last years Southern 80 was one for the history books as TR and Arkham Asylum both broke the 30-minute barrier, as the former smashed the race record.
Photo: Steve Huntley. And McGuire said it would be a big call to say Superman could do it as well. “Those two teams have put a lot of work into their boat to be able to do that,” he said. “On our run we would need a lot to go right and hardly put a foot wrong. I’d like to think that we are able to
compete strongly against those teams despite what they did last year. “The key for us will be to get a consistent and clean run. Going up against some of the boats who live in the area is always difficult because they are so familiar with the track. “But it’s going to be an exciting race as usual.”
PAGE 12—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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PAGE 14—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE
FEBRUARY 7–9, 2020 VIC PARK ECHUCA
YES WE CAN(TECH): Scott Collins and The Wedge team are getting ready for a busy weekend.
Preparing for racing success
IT’S nothing new for Scott Collins to be preparing at this time of the year. The Kyabram local is once again getting ready to take on the waters of the Murray behind — and in — his beloved boat The Wedge. He will find himself sitting in the observer chair on Saturday morning for the 60mph social class, and will take the skis for the first time in the veterans over 40 class just hours later. He will follow this up with a ski Sunday morning in the 70mph expert class, and then again Sunday afternoon in the F2 expert for good measure. All with teammate, and fellow
Kyabram resident, David Atley at the wheel. As Collins will happily tell you, this is how the season works for him and his team. “We’re getting ready for our 20th Southern 80 now,” he said. “It’s such a great atmosphere every year. ‘‘We’re mostly from Kyabram and the area, though we have some guys come up from Melbourne. ‘‘We rotate through the four skiers over the weekend, and that brings us all back together. “It’s like this compulsory get together that we have every year. We
THE WEDGE love the sport, we love the social aspect of it as well.’’ The love for their local race is evident in how many years they have been running, though there may not be as much time spent on the water in the lead-up as there was in the past. “We’re all getting a bit older, so we don’t put too much into preparation,” he said. “Our main class is the 70mph expert. We’ve been second the past three years, and we’ve won every other classic in Australia except for the
Beehag. So at this point we are always just hoping to have a good year and a good clean run.” But of course, the spoils of victory would mean a lot to everyone at The Wedge. “The 80 is the one to win,” he said. “It’s the greatest race in Australia, it has the most challenges for the whole team, so you naturally want to test yourself against the best challenges. “To get to the top and get the win would be fantastic. ‘‘All we can do is go out there with the intention to do our absolute best and hopefully that will be able to get us over the line.”
Living the 80 dream
‘
It’s like this compulsory get together that we have every year. We love the sport, we love the social aspect of it as well.
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ELM STREET THIS year’s Southern 80 will see the Elm Street team enter unknown waters. For the first time, Elm Street will compete in the Sportsman Expert class with skier Cooper McAuley now too old to compete in the under 16s boys expert. But driver Wes Davison said his team aren’t afraid of the challenge awaiting them. “In the past our times have compared quite well to those boats which are always in the category,” he said. “There have actually been a few times where we would have been in the top three at various events. “The class is 5mph quicker than the 16s so we’re confident Kody (Davidson) and Cooper will be able to handle it quite easily. “I think if everything goes well, there is no reason why we can’t be right up there at the end of the weekend.” While they may be stepping up into
FAR FROM A NIGHTMARE: Elm Street will still compete in the under 16 class. a higher class, Elm Street will still compete in the under 16 boys expert class, after finishing second last year. But with McAuley stepping aside, Liam Forde will pull on the skis alongside Kody as the team looks to go one better.
And they’ll enter the race in strong form having set category records in the Murray Darling 110 and Barrie Beehag in November. “I think we might struggle to break the record (a time of 32:43 set by
Brimstone F1 in 2015),” Davison said. “But I’m confident we can perform just as strongly as last year, if not better. Kody and Liam are developing a really strong partnership which has been great to watch.”
Photo: Steve Huntley. Elm Street F2 will also be on the water, competing in the under 12 boys and girls division. The team will include Carlie Davison (observer), Charlette Davison (skier), Indiana Kennedy (skier) and Nathan Perkins (driver).
Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 15
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How quickly it changes I WIN, THEN, I DO: Maddison Boyer and Chelsea Blight celebrate beating the Open Women's record during the 2018 Southern 80, above, and below, Chelsea Blight and Jack Stevens tying the knot in EchucaMoama. Pictures: Luke Hemer and Cath Grey.
A LOT can change in a year. Twelve months ago, Chelsea Blight was lining up alongside teammate Maddison Boyer behind Merc Force, as they attempted to repeat their record-breaking win in the Open Women’s Expert category from a year prior. The team would again claim the honours, but would finish a second slower than their record. A year later, Chelsea Stevens won’t be back to defend her title. Instead she’ll be on the sidelines with her new baby Mia, who arrived last month. They’ll hopefully be watching Jack who Stevens married in March - go for a Superclass title, as well as her former teammate Boyer going for a hat-trick in the division they have dominated. And while Stevens couldn’t be happier, she admits being back in town not racing is a strange feeling. “Its funny, Jack asked me a few days ago how I was feeling about it all,” she said. “He’s been out doing his training runs and constantly on the river. And I told him it’s amazing because we have Mia, but at the same time it’s a huge change. “I’ve skied the 80 basically every year for the past 25 years, minus when I broke my neck. So it’s a really different feeling. “It’s hard being a spectator when you’re a past competitor, especially with a husband skiing as well.” As well as keeping an eye over the Pigs Arsenal team in Superclass, she will also be closely watching Boyer and new teammate Ellen Jones in their
STILL A FORCE competition. “I’m so excited for them,” she said. “Maddi is one of my best mates, and Ellen is a good friend too. They’re incredible skiers, they have a great new crew and have moved to behind the second Pigs Arsenal boat, so we will be cheering them on for sure.” But while she will miss being on the water, she is buoyed by taking the light of her life to her first Southern 80. “She’s definitely brought a lot of love into our lives,” she said. “We’re still taking it all in with our first child, still learning how to be the best parents we can be. But she’s absolutely perfect and we love her so much.” And she will be there with her mum, in a custom Pigs Arsenal jumpsuit, hopefully seeing success from her new ski racing family.
BUB: Baby Mia in her Pigs Arsenal jumpsuit.
The Mistress still calls the tune on its river THE MISTRESS’ 2019 run of 30.11:93 would have won the Southern 80 in almost any year of its history. With Zac Welch at the wheel for the first time, the team eclipsed their 2016 race winning time by close to 12 seconds. It was a triumphant return for the locals, just a year after they looked to sell the boat and move on. Instead, they set a new unlimited inboard record, and saw the team sit on the third step of the Southern 80 podium. Even facing the disadvantage of a speed cap below the Superclass boats, The Mistress was near perfect, and came close to causing a boilover on race day. A year on, that run leaves Leo Welch with the feeling there is more than a chance a team outside of Superclass could claim outright honours. If they were close to perfect on the water. “Zac laid down a really good time,” he said. “Everyone gelled together well last year, so we know what we are capable of. ‘‘You go into every stage be it the Dash or the Blitz and the main race feeling good and looking to lay down a good time. “Our belief remains that if we can push up a few spots, go into Sunday in the top four or five then we genuinely believe we are a chance. ‘‘It all depends on producing your
THE MISTRESS absolute best when you are out on the water.” Welch held high praise for son Zac, who is looking to produce another great run on the river. “He’s improved in his driving even from last year,” Welch said. “He’s been giving really good lines, he’s handling the river really well, if he can continue that he will give our skiers the best possible chance.” Now as the race draws near, the feeling of the 80 is coming back to Welch. “We’re getting excited to be back on the water,” he said. “When you come down to Vic Park and start to see the tents and marquees popping up, it starts to feel real again. We love this race, its very special to us, so getting back on the water will be great. “The boat is in great condition, a lot of good work has been done preparing it and getting this team ready, so we’re feeling pretty good as we approach the race.” The one major change will be the skiing crew, with Aiden Cuff and Craig Gordon coming on board. “It’s pretty hard work out there for them,” he said. “It’s a question of being able to maintain the intensity, but we are feeling good after our runs on the river and will go in with a lot of confidence.”
BLITZED IT: The Mistress during the Southern 80 Bakers Blitz in previous years. Photo: Luke Hemer
PAGE 16—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE
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FEBRUARY 7–9, 2020 VIC PARK ECHUCA
When you account for up to 4000 gathered at the finish line, and all those people watching along the river, it drives the crowd figures through the roof.
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— Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn McKenzie
Race is on to top $14m ONE OF the biggest events in EchucaMoama is finally here and almost $14 million is expected to be injected into the local economy over the next three days. This year’s Southern 80 will again make its mark on the region with competitors coming from across the country and around the world to participate. Despite the Christmas holidays having just ended, Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn McKenzie said she expected to see a large influx of visitors in the coming days. “The event is much bigger than people think,” she said. “When you account for up to 4000 gathered at the finish line, and all those people watching along the river, it drives the crowd figures through the roof. “One of the best factors about the 80 is that people don’t just stay for the weekend, they might come a few days before or stay for an extended period once the race is over. “We’re very lucky in EchucaMoama to have the Murray River because it offers a unique difference to
TOURISM other destinations in NSW and Victoria. “From our point of view, its a great weekend because despite everyone going back to school and work it continues to attract families back to the region. “We’re looking forward to seeing the race get underway.” The Southern 80 will kick start a massive February for the twin towns, with the Riverboats Music Festival set to take place next week starting on Friday night. And McKenzie believes it is a great opportunity for local businesses to make their mark in the tourism sector. “We have a good chance to build a strong base for the rest of the year,” she said. “While other places are quiet our business will still be booming, and we need to do everything we can to draw people back. “Our goal is for people to keep wanting to come back to EchucaMoama.”
HEY NOW, HEY NOW: Both the shoreline and the twin towns will be a Crowded House. Photo: Luke Hemer.
Many hands make the 80 light work
USE THE FORCE: Brute Force team members Jake Rowe, Kris Pogerelec and Corrine Donald. Photo: Cath Grey.
See you all at the finish line WHILE Moama’s Kris Pogerelec is determined for a successful 2020 Southern 80 as Brute Force’s driver, there is a much bigger picture at stake. As one of the longest ski racing events in the world, the race along the Murray River provides several singularly Australian challenges along the way. During the race there are obvious dangers which competitors must navigate and that is a key reason why Pogerelec wants to see everyone at the finish line. “Our goal is to be competitive with
BRUTE FORCE all of the boats who are in a similar position to us,” he said. “But like a lot of the other teams we just want to run a safe race and get across the finish line. “One of the best parts of the sport is everyone being able to come together at the end of an event and having a cold drink together. “The camaraderie is an element which keeps on drawing people back.” Pogerelec has developed a strong connection to the Southern 80, hav-
ing first competed in the race for Shattered in 2004, although the team was forced to retire. Now back for his second race with the team at Brute Force, Pogerelec said it was always a weekend he had circled on the calendar. “Having lived here since 1990 you quickly realise just how big the event is,” he said. “It’s always an exciting time of year for the twin towns and we can’t wait to get out on the water again.” Pogerelec will drive in the sportsman expert and super social classes.
WITHOUT volunteers the Southern 80 wouldn’t be possible. While the athletes may be the stars of the show, every year local community groups give up their weekends to help bring the event together. Whether it be a week out from the race or the days following, individuals come together to do their part. Echuca Football Netball Club president Ash Byrne said they would be taking care of soft drink sales, traffic control, trailer parking and watering at Vic Park. “Southern 80 weekend is a massive event for the twin towns, and we love getting involved every year,” he said. “It always takes a massive team effort to pull it together so we’re happy to do our part. “We can’t wait for all the action to get started.” Echuca United president Ian Johnson said the club were looking to fulfill several roles across the weekend. “We will be involved by helping to install the fencing at Vic Park, supplying bar supervisors, catering drinks for all the volunteers and helping with the event clean up,” he said. “Everyone at the club always looks forward to getting involved. Its great to see our players from football and netball get involved in giving back to the community. “Our roster is broken down into three-and-a-half hour shifts, but that time goes so quickly because of how busy we are.”
COMMUNITY GROUPS Echuca Lions Club member Jeff Crossman said he and the group were excited for their role selling programs and on the gate at Vic Park. “We’ve been involved with the Southern 80 for an extremely long time, doing all sorts of different jobs throughout the years,” Crossman said. “Programs will be available at the breakfast on Friday morning, the static display on Saturday morning and at the gate at Vic Park, so there are several opportunities to get your hands on one. “There will be about 30 of us involved so it will be a big combined effort from our team.” Community groups helping with running the Southern 80: ■ Echuca Lions Club ■ Bamawm Extension Pony Club ■ Tongala Fire Brigade ■ Echuca Football Netball Club ■ Echuca Moama Hockey Club ■ Moama Junior Football Club ■ Echuca United Football Netball Club ■ Lockington Bamawm United Football Netball Club ■ Gunbower Lions Club ■ Rochester Angling Club ■ Tongala Football Netball Club ■ Echuca Moama Men’s Shed ■ Echuca Moama Tri Club
Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 17
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2020 SEEE YOFEBRUARY U AT THE FINISH LIN U AT THE7–9, FI N VIC PARK ECHUCAISH LINE
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D’oh, we need to be doin’ better FOR ECHUCA’S Paul Collard and the team at Doindough, the 2020 Southern 80 presents another chance to get back to their best. After finishing 11th overall last year — alongside an eighth-place finish in the unlimited inboard expert division — Collard said he was determined to see his team move up the leaderboard. “Our goal is to finish inside the top 10 on Sunday,” Collard, who is the teams owner and driver, said. “The Southern 80 is one of the hardest races in the world so it is always difficult to get a result. “Everyone wants to finish the race and its always a bonus if you are able to get the target you set yourself.” And if Doindough is to break into the top 10, the key to success is simple according to Collard. “It’s going to take a total team effort,” he said. “In these types of events, you can’t afford to have anyone slip up because the smallest mistake can make a big
DOINDOUGH difference in where your team does finish.” Doindough won’t be the only chance Collard and his team has of success at this year’s event with Wastindough also set to take to the water. And there will be a strong local flavour with Tongala’s Jake and Lance Muus set to fill the roles of skier and driver respectively in the 60mph expert class. “We’ve won our last two races so were pretty confident of giving it a good shake,” Collard said. “Last year was disappointing from our point of view so we want to get out there and make up for lost time. “Hopefully we can come away with a win.” Doindough will also feature in the unlimited inboard social and veterans class.
DOUGHN’T KNOCK IT ‘TIL YOU TRY IT: Doindough team members Jess Spencer, front, Mark Spencer, Paul Collard, Maiyah Hinck and Ciana Hinck. Photo: Cath Grey.
First responders are keeping a sharp eye out EMERGENCY SERVICES EMERGENCY services will be on alert as the annual Southern 80 kicks off today. Police and firefighters on both sides of the river, as well as Parks Victoria rangers, Ambulance Victoria and Echuca hospital staff will be ready for any type of emergency over the three-day event. Echuca and Moama police have been preparing for the event for months, with hundreds of officers from across both states rostered on to meet demand. Murray River Police District Inspector Paul Huggett said as well as local police, about 40 staff from across the state, including Marine Area Command, trail bikes, operations support group, traffic and highway patrol command will work hand in glove with Victoria Police and Parks Victoria. Planning has been ongoing throughout the year, attending monthly planning meetings with the committee and emergency services, he said. Insp. Huggett said, as with previous years, the biggest issues were traffic, intoxication, campers, fires and tree limbs falling. There is also a small spike in assaults and thefts, he said. Insp. Huggett urged people to use commonsense this weekend. Please be aware that if you enter the water, you may put the running of the event at risk. What behaviour you don’t report (neighbouring campsites etc) you are condoning, be patient on the roads, consider fatigue and drive to the road conditions. Its incumbent on every occupant to ensure the driver is doing the right thing. Over the river, police will be just as busy, if not more. It is a different type of event in the respect that its a NSW event, but most of the policing issues occur in Victoria due to the location of the late night venues, Echuca's Acting Senior Sergeant Justin McAuley said. We plan for the worst but our expectations are that the visitors to the twin towns behave in a responsible and respectful manner. Most offences we deal with over
FIVE-O: Emergency services will be out both sides of the river for the Eighty. the weekend are unfortunately alcohol related and we would be asking spectators drink responsibly and have a good time, but also be respectful of other people and not to drink to excess. Snr Sgt McAuley said if people swam in the river during the race, it would be stopped for safety reasons. A lot of teams spend a great deal of time and money to attend this race and to have it stopped and miss out on their run because of someone swimming in the river would be a disappointment for all concerned, he said. Also, if camping, be aware of your surroundings in the bush and be vigilant when it comes to campfires as it is very dry in the bush and the dead grass is abundant. If a fire were to get going along the river, it will be very difficult for the people fighting a fire to pull up. Victoria and NSW Police will conduct regular joint patrols with Parks Victoria rangers to ensure visitors and campers are staying safe, enjoying the park and doing the right thing in relation to campfires, litter and behaviour. CFA District 20 Commander Mi-
chael Masters said it also worked with Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria and the S80 organising committee to assess and address the risk of fire. The greatest risk of fire is to the large numbers of public who camp along the Victorian side of the river between Echuca and Torrumbarry, he said. There is not so much risk about fire in the forest due to the low levels of ground fuels but more from a fire in the adjoining grass lands running into the forest and causing panic. There is some risk of forest fire in Victoria Park and to address this we have a first attack capability on standby at Vic Park on Saturday and Sunday. The forecast weather is not likely to cause us too much concern in regard to bushfire, but the rise in travelling public always increases the likelihood of something going wrong and the need for emergency services to respond. With most campers on public land along the river, they must comply with the requirements in the Can I Can’t I brochure during the fire danger period.
Use fire as intended, for cooking or warmth but understand you are responsible for it, so ensure it is extinguished and cool to touch when you leave, Mr Masters said. If you go into the forest, know where you are, download and use the Emergency + app to locate an emergency if it occurs and know what you’re going to do in the event of a fire approaching. Moama and Womboota brigades will also be on standby over the weekend. NSW RFS Mid Murray Zone Inspector Doug Adamson said both brigades would have three tankers and 10 to 20 firefighters available. We do not expect to be very busy this year with low fuel loads and fairly mild conditions but we never know, he said. There is a solid fuel ban in all NSW National Parks and State Forests over summer (during the bush fire danger period) so this means no campfires. A gas barbecue is okay, but on a day of Total Fire Ban there are no fires allowed in the open and heavy fines apply. Echuca Regional Health is also expected to be busy, rostering on
extra nursing, medical, clerical, volunteers and security staff from this afternoon until Sunday night to help meet increased demand. We expect to see an increase in the number of presentations over the weekend but we are very well prepared and work in very closely with Ambulance Victoria and police as required, emergency department manager Craig Frew said. During last years event, about 230 patients attended the ED for fractures, burns, drug and alcohol-related issues and dehydration. A large number of our presentations are generally from the spectators. We have certain peak times over the year where the number of presentations to ED can double, especially over the Christmas/New Year period so we are very prepared for an increase in people requiring our services, Mr Frew said. Be safe, respect the event and listen to all of the safety warnings around not putting the competitors at risk. Working alongside hospital staff will be our paramedics, and for them, its business as usual. The Southern 80 is an event we prepare for each year and this year is no different, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said. We know many people will be in Echuca and surrounding districts for the Southern 80 event. We’ve been engaging with the organisers in the lead up to it, and we want all participants and spectators to have a safe event. Parks Victoria area chief ranger Leeza Wishart said the area between Wharparilla Drive and Campaspe Esplanade would be open to pedestrians, but no vehicles and there was no camping at this location. Its the middle of summer so if its hot or windy, use common sense and don’t light a campfire, she said. If you do have a campfire, it must be fully extinguished with water, not soil, and must be cool to touch before being safe to leave. Please leave our beautiful parks the way you found them by taking your rubbish with you or deposit it at the temporary transfer station at O’Dwyer Rd, Wharparilla, or at Echuca Environment Centre, 510 McKenzie Rd, Echuca.
PAGE 18—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
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Safe boating on NSW waterways
When it comes to the Murray River, which borders Victoria and New South Wales, the laws of NSW apply. Wear a lifejacket Lifejackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any recreational vessel. An approved lifejacket must be carried for each person on board most vessels. It must be the correct size for the wearer, in good condition and worn in a range of situations, for example: • Children under 12 years are required to wear a lifejacket at all times in a vessel under 4.8m, and when in an open area of a vessel less than 8m that is underway
WE A R A LIFEJACK ET
• On vessels less than 4.8m, everyone must wear a lifejacket when boating at night or when boating alone • On canoes and kayaks, everyone must wear a lifejacket at most times, including at night or when boating alone. These are only some examples of the lifejacket wearing requirements on NSW waterways. If using inflatable lifejackets, these must be serviced at least every 12 months or at longer intervals in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. For more information visit roads-maritime.transport.nsw.gov.au.
Alcohol and drug offences
When towing or wake surfing
Breath testing, including random breath testing (RBT), can be conducted on the operator of a vessel while it is underway, including drifting. Permissible concentration of alcohol limits are as follows:
You must have an observer onboard who is responsible for observing the towed people and reporting all matters affecting them to the master, including vessels approaching from behind. The observer must be at least 16 years of age or hold a boat driving licence, must not be under the influence of alcohol or a drug, and should be familiar with the standard hand signals.
0.00 for recreational vessel operators aged under 18 years
Consider the impact of your vessel’s wash on other people and the environment, ensuring your wash does not have a dangerous, damaging or unreasonable impact.
Less than 0.02 for commercial vessel operators over 18 years Less than 0.05 for recreational vessel operators over 18 years The operator of a vessel includes anyone steering or exercising control over its course or direction, and includes the observer in a ski boat or PWC and anyone being towed.
Safety on houseboats When you hire a houseboat you will be advised how many people are legally allowed on the vessel at any one time, whether underway or moored. The maximum number on any houseboat is 12, but this could be less depending on the size of the vessel. If you exceed the maximum number of people you may affect the buoyancy of the vessel and cause it to capsize. Never jump from houseboats. It is an offence and you could hit unseen snags in the water, or slip and hit the edge of the boat.
For more information contact Transport for NSW !13 12 36!
!roads-maritime.transport.nsw.gov.au
For more rules relating to towing activities, visit the Transport for NSW website.
Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020—PAGE 19
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SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE
FEBRUARY 7–9, 2020 VIC PARK ECHUCA
IT’S NO CANAL: Pigs Arsenal team members Pontzeele Gerrit and Frank Mersmen have made the trip from Belgium to support the team.
Photo: Cath Grey.
C’est super, ce sont les Belges SPORT has a wonderful way of introducing you to people, just ask Belgian ski racers Frank Mersmen and Pontzeele Gerrit. Despite living on the other side of the world, the pair will enter this weekends Southern 80 with a strong Australian connection Pigs Arsenal. “Pigs Arsenal have become very
good friends of ours in the past few years,” Mersmen said. “Chelsea and Jack were skiing behind me in Austria and then we met again at the World Championships in New Zealand and it was the start of a great relationship. “We always love the opportunity to
BELGIANS team up with everyone at Pigs Arsenal.” Both competitors are scheduled to complete two runs over the weekend. For Pigs Arsenal F2, Gerrit will fill
the role of skier while Mersmen is the observer in the veterans division. Meanwhile, the pair will also be onboard Meltdown F2 in the F2 experts class, with Gerrit again skiing while Mersmen will drive. “For us, it is the biggest event we are able to compete in,” Gerrit said. “We aren’t able to compete in river
races like this in Belgium, a lot of the racing is done on canals. “The canal racing is tough and tight so getting out on the Murray River is always a nice change. “And we like the idea of racing from point A to B which is something we don’t have back in Europe.”
Race’s international roll call keeps getting longer
OTHER INTERNATIONALS THERE won’t just be competitors flocking from across Australia to compete in this year’s Southern 80, but from all corners of the globe. Seven skiers will make the trip from across the ditch to compete in several different categories as they look to spoil the party for our local competitors. They include Gareth Jolly, Mitchell Horan, Jake Alloway, Shaun Morris, Shelby Morris, Perry Jamieson and Kane Carter. The race will also have a European flavour with two Belgians, Frank Mersmen and Pontzeele Gerrit, set to compete for Meltdown F2 and Pigs Arsenal. There will also be a range of Australians who have had success on the world stage at junior and senior level. The junior competitors include Carter Robinson, Zac McEwin, Nellie McMillian, Riley Jarvis and Haylee Gibson. Meanwhile the senior’s list includes Lucy Savona, Ellen Jones, Madison Boyer, Lachlan Nix, Jack Stevens and Ben Gulley. Jones is the only woman to have won World Titles in Junior Girls, F2 Women and F1 Women. And Gulley is the only person to have won four world titles in a row (two in F2 Men and two in F1 Men).
TOP CLASS: International skiers and world champions such as Maddison Boyer (pictured right with Chelsea Blight) will compete in this year’s Southern 80. Photo: Luke Hemer.
PAGE 20—Riverine Herald, Friday, February 7, 2020
m - 11a m a 7 rday 80 Satu uthern y o S ispla D c i t Sta
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