After a administration career of over 16 years, the Operations Manager, Jim Minehane of Athletics North Queensland has announced his retirement.
Jim has long been regarded as a vital contributor to the growth and development of the sport of Athletics. He has dedicated his life to athletics, beginning in his youth as an exceptional athlete in sprints and jumps for Townsville Athletics Club and Townsville North Star. He has throughout his career applied the same diligence, persistence, and integrity to every matter. Jim’s knowledge and experience is unsurpassed.
Jim was a key founding member of Athletics North Queensland in 1996, recognising the importance of support the North. The association was formed to provide North Queensland region with a united voice and to address the needs of regional athletics clubs and their members which it continues to do today.
As an employee, Jim started working with Athletics North Queensland in 2006 during a time when moreservices and opportunities were being created for the North. Since then, he has led multiple projects and through his leadership has provided stronger opportunities for North Queenslanders. Some of these projects included the OZ Squad Camps, the Development Squads, officials’ education, coaching, establishing and strengthening the growth of competitions in the north and the strategic planning of Athletics North Queensland. He has been one of the key mentors in our sport sharing over 50 years of athletics knowledge to the wider athletics community.
Throughout Jim’s athletics career he has been the secretary of multiple clubs, later transitioning to serve on various boards including Athletics North Queensland, Queensland Athletics and acting as President of the Townsville Combined Athletics Clubs. With Jim’s incredible dedication and hard work has led to many athletics achievements inlcuding:
- Australian Blind Championships 1994 – Track Referee
- World Junior Championships 1996 – Jumps Referee
- Sydney Olympics 2000 – Jumps Referee
- Goodwill Games 2001 – Combined Events Referee
- IAAF World Grand Prix Final 2001 – Pole Vault Referee
- Commonwealth Games 2006 – Combined Events Referee
- Australian Walks Championships – Walks Referee
- Numerous Australian Track and Field Championships – Combined Events, Jumps Referee, Track Referee
- Numerous Arafura Games – Track and Field Referee
Like many administrators in the sport, he volunteered his time to the association and clubs to help them grow. This allowed him to build strong bonds and friendships within the athletics community that still exist today. Jim was awarded Life Membership of Athletics North Queensland in 2007, and is a Life member of Queensland Athletics, Athletics Australia and Ross River Athletics Club.
His dedication and work ethic in the office will be missed. His tireless contribution to athletics in North Queensland has laid a solid foundation for the association for years to come.
We wish Jim all the best in his retirement and look forward to working with him as a volunteer official, lecturer, and mentor for many years to come.
Jim completed his last day in the office on 5 July, celebrating his accomplishments with ANQ Board, Staff and fellow Life Members.
