MEET AURA’S NEW SECRETARY, JULIA MACKAY-KOELEN

Kate Dzienis • May 28, 2020

Julia Mackay-Koelen, WA Secretary

Photo By: John Doe

Julia Mackay-Koelen started running long distance in 2018, and since then has gone on to race in nine other ultras. She very quickly caught the ultra bug, and has now decided to make a difference in the community she fell in love with by putting her hand up to be elected as Secretary of the new AURA Committee, having been selected at the last AGM on April 28.

“Reading the magazine Ultramag one month, there was a call out for members to put their hands up to join the new incoming committee, and I thought initially it sounded interested but didn’t follow through with it,” she said.

“It kept bothering me that I wasn’t doing about it, so I ended up writing to Rob Donkersloot (former president) to query what the best role for me would be given I’m still busy with everyday life but I desperately wanted to give back.

“I struggle to volunteer at events because I always want to run them, and joining the Committee seemed like a great way to contribute while still being able to run.

“I’ve met so many fantastic and inspiring people in the ultra community, so it seemed like the best way to put my hand up and make a contribution that I feel I can make a commitment to – so the idea of stepping in for Secretary came up with Rob, and the rest is history.”

Julia sees her role as Secretary coming on rather quickly, but she said she was extremely excited about the year ahead.

“I’m still learning about my position, but this will be about building on the work the previous Committee members have done with AURA, which has been amazing, and perhaps coming up with some new ideas,” she explains.

“Ultra running for me is a sport that pushes me; it puts me in a position where I have to draw on everything I have, so with each ultra I’ve done I’ve learned something new about myself as well as the person I might find myself running with.

“There are so many reasons why runners should consider joining AURA – I definitely love the fact that I joined; there’s comradery, the runs, the events, and just giving other people the confidence that they can do what they want to do.

“It’s all about supporting one another, isn’t it?

“Whether you’re a serious runner who chases podium finishes or international representation, or whether you’re someone who simply loves a good ultra and challenging yourself and having fun, joining AURA is one of the best things you can do.”

For those who are yet to experience Julia’s presence at an ultra event, she is well known in WA for dressing up in costumes for her runs, especially those that present the opportunity with a theme.

To reach out to Julia you can email her at secretary@aura.asn.au

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AUTRA News Report 11-09-2025

By Kate Dzienis • September 11, 2025

Run The River Half, Qld Murphys Creek Challenge, Qld Lighthorse Ultra, WA Kunanyi Trail Series, Rialannah, Tas Upcoming Events WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 12-09-2025 As always, we're continuously on the hunt for your stories and reports, so get those race reports and photographs in to ultramag@autra.asn.au with the following information: Word document, single spaced Include the name of the event, the date and the location anywhere in the report (just a bullet point at the top is great) Please attach photographs to the email – do not put images in the body of your Word doc. You’ll just get me emailing you back asking for the photos sent in the correct way! As many photos as possible. With our new website, it’s now easier than ever to include a nice gallery in each race report No PDFs please And remember, it doesn’t have to be about an AUTRA-listed event specifically! You just have to be an AUTRA member for the 2025 year. Also too, if you’ve run in a non-AUTRA listed event anywhere on home soil or internationally, we’d love to include your race results and experience in our Member Updates, so please do reach out to us via email to kate.dzienis@autra.asn.au If any corrections need to be made in any of the results listed below, please alert me via email.

Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • September 8, 2025

Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 17th September 2025 Thank you for your interest in supporting the Australian team for the 2025 IAU Asian 100k Championships. This role goes far beyond logistics. It’s about leadership, inclusion, and creating a positive, empowering environment for athletes competing on the world stage. AUTRA is committed to opening doors for those outside traditional pathways. We strongly encourage applications from coaches, former athletes, club leaders, volunteers, and passionate community members. You don’t need to have served on a board or managed a team before as we’re looking for people who genuinely care, are highly organised, and can proudly represent our athletes and country. Role Overview As Team Manager, you’ll work closely with AUTRA President Gary Mullins and Vice President Geoff Russell to prepare and support the national team before and during the championship. Pre-Departure Australia Act as the main contact for selected athletes and crew Assist with final entry forms and travel planning Prepare a Championships Agenda in alliance with the Team Managers Agreement Document Coordinate flights, uniforms, and team communications Help identify and organise crew support Attend online team planning meetings On the Ground in Thailand Be present and ready as athletes arrive Ensure all athlete needs are met so they can focus fully on their race Attend all technical meetings and represent the team professionally Coordinate team attendance at the opening and closing ceremonies Ensure the team and crew are prepared, organised, and calm Address any issues that arise with efficiency and discretion Provide hands on leadership and moral support throughout the race Support Provided Accommodation in Bangkok for 3 - 4 nights will be provided by AUTRA An official team uniform will be supplied A volunteer allowance of $1500 will be provided to acknowledge your time and service during the championship period. What You’ll Need Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Strong organisational ability under pressure A calm, inclusive, and athlete first mindset Commitment to AUTRA’s Code of Conduct Member of AUTRA Applying To apply for the role of Team Manager please CLICK HERE and fill out the Application Form. Applications Close at 5pm 17th September 2025. Selection Process Following the application deadline, the AUTRA Committee will review all submissions and select the most suitable candidate. All applicants will be contacted by Gary Mullins within 7 days of applications closing. Gary Mullins AUTRA President