Registration for this event closes at Wed 23 Sep 2026 23:00.
NORTH QUEENSLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
COACH MENTOR PROGRAM
Are you a developing coach looking for a mentor or some advice?
Do you want to further advance your coaching knowledge by teaming up with an experienced coach?
If so, ANQ has an opportunity just for you!
During the upcoming North Queensland Championships, ANQ will be giving an opportunity to developing coaches to spend some quality time with an experienced coach. During the weekend, each participant will team up with a mentor coach who you will shadow around. You will have opportunities to speak to the coach about training, competition, nutrition etc and watch them coaching in action.
Participants will meet up with their coach at a specific time over the course of the weekend depending on the timetable of events. To be entitled to this exciting opportunity you must be actively coaching and be currently registered (2026 season) with Athletics Australia. Registrations close September 23rd, 2026.
PARTICIPATING MENTOR COACHES
Glen Cornford - Level 3 Performance Coach - Specialisation - High jump, long jump, triple jump, sprints
"I am a big believer in whatever sport you are playing, event you are competing in, or training you are doing, it has to be fun. It's not always easy but you have to enjoy it or you won't keep doing it. I coach and guide my athletes to keep learning, commit to the process, stay consistent, and treat every experience as an achievement. My main event is high jump followed by long and triple jump but I also work with all types of athletes on their strength, fitness and speed through running and sprints."
Paul Keating - Level 2 Development Coach - Specialisation - 400, 800, 1500, middle distance
"I have been involved in athletics as a coach and administrator for the last 14 years with Keppel Coast Athletics Club based in Yeppoon. My main area of expertise has been in developing 400m, 800m and 1500m athletes of all ages including masters, to all levels up to National Championships."
Gary Cairns - Level 4 High Performance Coach. Specialisation - 100, 200, long jump, triple jump, discus and javelin
"I have been coaching for 34 years and helped numerous athletes to State, National and International standards.
My preferred events to coach are 100m, 200m, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Javelin & Discus."
Dan Edwards - Level 3 Performance Coach. Specialisation - Shot, discus, hammer, javelin
"I am a Level 3 Coach based in Cairns. I have been coaching throws (Discus, Hammer and Shot Put) for over 10 years. I started coaching to support my daughter on her Athletics Journey and coached her up until she relocated to Brisbane. Along the journey I have seen her compete and succeed at regional, state, national and international competitions. I currently have a squad of about 10 throwers ranging in age from 10 to masters, who are nearly 50. I coach so I can help athletes develop their confidence in the throws and to help parents better understand the throws so they can support their athlete on their own journey."
Mel Woods - Level 2 Development Coach. Specialisation - 100, 200, 400, long jump and triple jump
"My name is Melanie Woods and I started my athletics journey over 30 years ago as an athlete. Over the years I was lucky enough to be coached and mentored by some of Australia's best coaches. I represented Australia 7x and won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100m relay at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. When my daughter decided she wanted to give athletics a go, I stepped into coaching due to the lack of coaches in the Rockhampton area. I help coach at 2 clubs and I also have my own squad of athletes. My main focus are sprints and horizontal jumps. I am passionate about helping young and developing athletes achieve their goals."
Belinda Rule - Level 3 Performance Coach - Specialisaion - Middle and Long Distance
"I am a Mackay-based middle-distance coach and the founder of Rules of Running. With a background in early childhood teaching and more than five years of coaching experience, I hold an Athletics Australia Level 3 Performance Coach accreditation specialising in middle-to long-distance running. I am also actively involved with Mackay Athletics, working within the local athletics community and supporting athletes across a range of events and development pathways, from developing juniors through to athletes competing at State and National level.
I am passionate about developing the whole athlete, not just their performance on the track. I believe good coaching is about building strong relationships, understanding the individual athlete, creating a positive team environment and continually learning and adapting as a coach. I enjoy working collaboratively with other coaches and specialists within the Mackay athletics community and am particularly passionate about sharing knowledge, supporting other coaches and helping athletes and coaches find their own pathway to progress."
