The 61st AIF Western Districts Swimming Carnival played out on the wind-swept waters of Dubbo Aquatic Centre on Sunday, February 11, with the team from Cobar declared overall winner on the day.

More than 80 swimmers converged from Cobar (Yabbies), Nyngan (Dolphins/Splashers), Wellington (Platypi), Dubbo (Ducks), and the Condobolin Diggers, for an event that has been running since 1963.

“The first carnival was held in Parkes and included Forbes and Warren, but the changing demographic has seen those towns drop out,” Western Districts President, Bill Fugar said.

“Hopefully, it will only be temporary for Forbes, especially with next year’s event just down the road at Condobolin,” he added.

The first events, he revealed, were largely of swimmers who had served their country in its time of need.

“Initially, there were a majority of ex-Servicemen and then women joined in but, as the original swimmers have aged, there are less and less of the RSL competitors.

“Actually, we only had half a dozen or so this year, but we will maybe try and look outside the square and invite those currently or recently serving in the Navy, Airforce, and Army to join us for future events.”

All clubs agreed it was a terrific vibe on Sunday with plenty of “friendly fire” across the bows.

“Especially between Dubbo and Wellington and Nyngan/Cobar,” Bill laughed.

Results:

50-metre President’s Handicap (Ian and Margaret Settree Memorial Trophy) – Ron Lovett (Nyngan) from John Caswell (Cobar) and Henry Willcockson (Dubbo Ducks);

30-metre RSL Handicap – Tom Gray and David Mexted (Cobar) – both ex-Navy;

30-metre Open – Col Sheridan (Wellington);

50-metre RSL Handicap – Bill Greenwood;

50-metre U/50 RSL Champion – Dave Mexted;

50-metre RSL 50–64 years – David Gibbons (Nyngan);

50-metre RSL 65 years plus – Tom Gray, from Dave Sparkes and Bill Greenwood;

50-metre Open Sprint – Mark Scullard, Jack Allen, and Conor Gibbons (Nyngan);

50-metre Ladies Champion – Katrina Thomas (Condobolin);

100-metre Open Handicap – Judy Walsh (Ducks), Ben Plush (Cobar), and Katrina Thomas.

The relays were shared between the Ducks (4 x 50-metre RSL Scratch and Open events), Nyngan (4 x 50-metre 200+ years), and Cobar, who grabbed the 6 x 50-metre, as well as the 10-person title)

The fun and friendship continued at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, where handicap times and “past glories” were discussed, and plans made for next year’s event to be hosted by Condobolin Diggers.

Cobar Yabbies “with a few ring-ins” are now preparing for the National AIF Championships at the Commonwealth Games Pool at Southport in Qld.