Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Junior Triathlon Partners

with Mount Isa Rats 

New location- Mount Isa 

After 26 years – Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival 2020 announce the location change for the Julia Creek Junior Triathlon and a new partnership with Mount Isa Rats Triathlon Club. 

April 4, 2020 in Mount Isa at Kruttschnidtt Oval, Parkside, Mount Isa.

After counting costs and numerous discussions due to lack of volunteers, it is with a heavy heart that the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust committee announce that the Junior Triathlon can no longer be hosted in Julia Creek, however, the event will still go on thanks to the new partnership between Mount Isa Rats Triathlon Club and naming rights sponsor Mount Isa Mines. 

This will allow the parties to host the Junior Triathlon in Mount Isa 2 weeks prior to the DnD Festival. This location change will provide larger facilities, the opportunity for additional competitors and more volunteers along with a larger cohort hosting. Each of these factors will account for the event running proactively and possibly better than ever before. 

DnD Club president Steve Malone said “it was just one of the tough decisions this committee has to make, we had a call out for over 6 months for a Junior Tri Coordinator and no one put up their hand, in addition, we had to weigh up the cost with road closures, timing, purchase of race singlets and basically without a large sponsor coming to the table it was no longer financially sustainable” we see this as a big positive as it will be one of the satellite events to help promote the overall Festival. 

The Mount t Isa Rats and Dirt n Dust have maintained a sturdy relationship since 1994 when the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival first began. The Isa Rats lent bike racks and sent volunteers to Julia Creek ensuring the event would run smoothly the first time round. 26 years on the two neighbouring towns band together to give the juniors a Triathlon they won’t forget any time soon. 

With the move, came another lifeline with Mount Isa Mines stepping up to take on the naming rights to the Dirt n Dust Junior Tri, the event will now be called the Mount Isa Mines Dirt n Dust Junior Tri. 

Nadine Roberts, Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor said Mount Isa Mines was thrilled to come on board to ensure this valuable community event continues to be held in the north-west Queensland region. 

“The Junior Tri is an important part of the overall Dirt n Dust Festival and we’re excited to be the naming rights sponsor for this year’s event, which has a new approach and location this year,” said Nadine. 

“Our continued sponsorship for community events like the Mount Isa Mines Dirt n Dust Junior Tri injects confidence in the north-west Queensland region, helping to increase its liveability, build community vibrancy and attract visitors to the region,” said Nadine. 

Reports have proven that a high number of junior competitors travel from Mount Isa to Julia Creek to compete, this year however the event will be taken to them. The Isa Rats and Dirt n Dust committee members are corresponding in order to provide the correct branding and messages so that all changes are made clear to the public. 

Although all the kids will get a medal, race singlet and bag, the presentation for the Junior Tri trophies for those getting a place will still be held on the Friday night of the actual Dirt n Dust Festival in the centre of the arena. 

Quote from the mayor of Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch 

“The Mount Isa and Julia Creek communities have always enjoyed a close relationship and this new agreement is a great example of that. 

“I’m so pleased that the future of the iconic Dirt n Dust Festival’s Junior Triathlon event has been guaranteed with this arrangement, and thank the IsaRATS Running and Triathlon Club and Glencore Mount Isa Mines for ensuring it goes ahead. 

“I trust that all of the competitors will greatly enjoy their experience in our city.” 

Quote from Kim Alcorn, Isa Rats: 

The Isa Rats club has always held the Dirt n Dust Festival in high esteem; a great event at a home away from home. When we found out that the Junior tri wasn't going ahead for 2020, we looked at our capacity and capability to host it, and when we were confident, we sent the offer through to the DnD committee. 

As a mother of 3 and an avid triathlete myself, having the opportunity to share the sport with my kids is really important, and I want to make sure that is something other families can do too. The Isa Rats are proud to support the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust committee by hosting the Junior Triathlon this year, and we look forward to continuing to build prosperous relationships with our outback neighbours. 

The Junior Tri will now be held two weeks prior to the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival on the 4th of April in Mount Isa at Kruttschnidtt Oval, Parkside, Mount Isa.

Registrations will still be made on the Julia Creek website- www.dirtndust.com 

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival |0448 901 392 eventmanager@dirtndust.com 

The 2020 Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival will be held from 17-19 April 2020. For more information, and to register, go to www.dirtndust.com