President's Report: June 2024

Simone Hayes • June 28, 2024

june, 2024

Hello to all our members, I can’t believe I am writing the June President’s Report! Where is this year going? Every time I write I feel like I say “it’s been a whirlwind month” and this month has been no different.

As you are well aware we have just had our 2024 AGM and I extend a warm welcome to the new Committee members on our team and welcome back the returning officers. I am looking forward to doing more big things for our newly named AUTRA! Thank you to all the members that supported us with your votes and have entrusted us for another term. We won’t let you down.

And what about AUTRA! It is so good to finally officially recognise trail running, and to now also be able to support events of all distances and all terrains. We have always thought of trail and ultra together as there as so many trail ultras – but the little guys were missing here at AURA, and these shorter distance races are generally the bread and butter of our bigger picture. We all have to start somewhere before we can run an ultra and we see these grass root events as feeders into ultra running. These events are the ones that gets the juices flowing for the next step. Many of the ultra-events also offer shorter distances too. So it Just. Makes. Sense.

With AUTRA now a reality, we have also brought in a subcommittee for trail running and we welcome this new team to the table. They have a big job ahead and I know they are well and truly up to the task with Chair John Claridge leading the way after he has spent many years trying make this happen.

We announced our new State Rep team this month as well and we have an awesome team that are really enthusiastic to build their state communities, engage with you all, build relationships with race directors and athletes, and support you and AUTRA wherever they can. Please reach out to them in your state and say Hi. We are all working on bringing in new partners to work with us to continue to grow the member benefit offering, so keep your eyes on that page and our socials as there are some great brands coming on board – don’t miss out on these discounts!

We also announced our new Selection Committee this month (so many announcements!) and have a very experienced team in place, including two new selectors from the trail side. We are hoping to send our first AUTRA trail team to an event this October. Applications for members to submit an EOI to represent Australia at the APTRCs (Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships) opened yesterday so check out the website or our Facebook page for the announcement.

The last applications yet to be announced is for the hosting of the 2025 National Championships as we have extended the deadline until 19 July. More news on that next month.

Don’t miss all the upcoming events for July here https://www.aura.asn.au/upcoming-events

And that’s a wrap for June! Halfway through the year and still so much to do!

See you next month,

Simone Hayes - President

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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