This was the association’s 82nd annual meet and more than 400 competitors participated in a variety of championship and handicap races.

Of the nine Bellingen swimmers who nominated for the championship events, eight were successful in either making the cut for the final or were listed as first reserves.

Best for Bellingen in age championship events were Sonja Beukers [third] in the ladies 45/49 50m freestyle, Mary Malouf [third] in the ladies 50/54 yrs 50m freestyle and Jill Williams [fourth] in the ladies 60/64 yrs  50m freestyle.

But it was in the handicap relays where Bellingen really shone.

In the Ray Weekes memorial  4 x 50m freestyle Paul, Jill, Mary and Sonja swam less than 2 seconds over their nominated time to finish tenth.

In the Tobruk shield  4 x 50m freestyle Peter, the Vockler sisters [Amanda and Cassie] together with Bill, swam within one third of a second of their nominated time to be placed first.

In the carnival finale, the Ivo Wyatt memorial trophy [being the 10 x 50m freestyle relay], Bellingen was once again awarded first place with a time differential of 0.22 seconds.

The team comprised Sonja, Liz, Bill and Jill, plus the Vockler sisters duo with Peter, Paul and Mary and a guest appearance by Melissa.

Bellingen finished second in the overall handicap point score and a great time was had by all.  Thanks goes to Michael Navin for his time keeping efforts, those who provided transport and the committee for their organisation.

Next year the carnival is to be held in Melbourne.