Great facilities and a large prize pool is attracting strong numbers for the Rocky City Amateur Swimming Club Inc's Twilight Meet this weekend.
Held at the 2nd World War Memorial Aquatic Centre on Saturday and Sunday 9-10 November, Rockhampton Regional Council is supporting the event by contributing $4,813 through the Community Assistance Program (CAP).
Deputy Mayor and Communities, Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the popular program is continually helping non-profit community-based groups, clubs and organisations with holding local events to enhance the region's well-being.
"It's really rewarding to see how CAP funding supports clubs like Rocky City Amateur Swimming Club with their Twilight Meet," Cr Wickerson said.
"The club is one of seven groups who received a share of $31,000 in funding from the first round of the 2024/25 program."
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the two-day event, now in its second year, will be an enjoyable meet for all the competitors.
"It's unique and fun which makes it worthwhile for everyone taking part," Cr Rutherford said.
"It also puts Rockhampton on the map in terms of swimming talent and cements our reputation of having great facilities within the swimming fraternity."
Vice president Dr Danya Hodgetts said the Twilight Meet had been specifically scheduled so the finals would start at dusk and run into the night.
"Regional kids don't get the chance to compete under the lights so this is for them, so they get to experience those conditions," Dr Hodgetts said.
"The heats will run in the morning and the finals at night which is the usual format for State Championships or higher levels of competition."
This year, the meet will boast the biggest prize pool of any regional meet in Australia with a total of $17,000 in prize money to be won.
"Winning ribbons and trophies are a nice reward, but I know the kids come away happy knowing they are going home with a bit of prize money for their efforts," Dr Hodgetts said.
"We are expecting about 240 entries with competitors travelling from Mackay, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Emerald and Gladstone.
"Our competitors will range in age, from 12 years and older."
Dr Hodgetts said the CAP funding covers the costs of hiring the pool facilities, which helps the club to focus the rest of their budget on creating a fun meet with a large prize pool.
