Mackay Community Youth Event: A Day on the Track with Craig Burns
On Saturday 4 October, I had the privilege of implementing and delivering a community youth athletics event at the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex. Through the Pacific Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA), and with support from the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, I brought this initiative to life to give local young people the opportunity to train, learn and connect with Australian sprinter Craig Burns, who grew up just a couple of hours away in Eungella.
Starting Strong
We kicked off at 9am with an 800m jog followed by an extensive warm-up session led by Josiah McCarthy. From hip rotations and lunges to “drinking birds” and “cat cows,” the session reinforced that performance on the track begins with discipline, mobility and technique.
Some of the balance exercises challenged participants, but the encouragement and energy on the track created an environment where everyone felt supported. That sense of camaraderie is something I intentionally prioritise when designing youth events.
Learning the Basics of Speed
Once warmed up, we moved into core sprint drills including high knees, ankling, skips and kangaroo jumps. Our coaching team broke down the mechanics behind each movement, explaining how small technical adjustments can significantly improve speed and efficiency.
Seeing young athletes begin to understand the “why” behind the drills was one of the most rewarding parts of the morning.
Relays and Energy
After a short break, the session progressed into plyometrics, bend running and a 4x100m relay. The relay brought a surge of excitement and competitive spirit, closing out the physical training component on a high note.
Lunch and Real Conversations
Over lunch, we facilitated a Q&A session with Craig Burns, giving participants the chance to hear directly from someone who has represented Australia on the world stage.
Craig shared his journey openly:
Running 11.11 for the 100m in 2010, then reducing it to 10.67 just two years later
Dropping his 400m time by more than a second within a season
Representing Australia in green and gold at three World Relay Championships
Competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
Winning the 400m National Championships in 2015
Beyond the results, he spoke about balancing training with studies, navigating setbacks and building resilience. His message to Mackay’s young athletes was clear, consistent effort, patience and belief in yourself compound over time.
Why This Event Mattered
When I designed this event, my goal was simple. I wanted young people in Mackay to see that elite pathways are possible from regional beginnings. I wanted them to train alongside someone who once stood exactly where they stand.
Events like this are a reminder that leadership is about creating tangible opportunities, bringing the right people into the room and building platforms for young people to grow.
For everyone who participated, it was a day of hard training, honest conversations and practical inspiration. For me, it was another step in PAYA’s mission to equip young people across Queensland and the Pacific with the confidence and connections to lead.
