Gunnedah’s annual Australia Day celebrations were marked by a record-breaking day of sport and community spirit, with five records set across a variety of events.

Hosted by local identities John and Donna Hickey, AussieFest has been a fixture in the town’s sporting calendar since 1983.

What started as a humble triathlon has grown into a full-day festival of athletics, with the 2025 edition proving to be one of its most successful yet.

Josh Spinks was the star of the day, breaking two records. He placed second in the men’s triathlon before smashing the junior triathlon record and then setting a new standard in the 12 & Under 50m Splash for Cash event with an impressive time of 30.08 seconds.

Kelly Watson broke her own record in the women’s triathlon and further solidified her status as an inspiration for young athletes in the town, particularly junior girls who take up the sport.

Another exciting moment came when Pippa Wark broke the junior girls triathlon record, and made her mark as one of Gunnedah’s brightest young triathletes.

Meanwhile, Pete Loveridge placed first in the men’s triathlon.

The Dash for Cash also had some fierce competition, with Allie Neilsen breaking Macy Carlyon’s 100m sprint record in the junior category and finishing in a time of 13.61 seconds.

In the Men’s Dash for Cash, Luke Jeffery set a record with a blistering 11.78 seconds, narrowly outpacing the previous record of 11.80 held by Jasper Thomas.

The record-breaking performances were a testament to the exceptional coaching in Gunnedah, with John Hickey’s triathlon expertise and Andrew Frend’s coaching in running producing athletes who continue to raise the bar year after year.

Meanwhile the Wayne Griffith/Donna Hickey Touch Cup remained a fan favourite as it offered a unique opportunity to honour the traditional owners of the land.

The Gunnedah women’s indigenous team secured its sixth consecutive victory, while the men’s ‘Rest’ team also clinched its sixth win in succession.

The indigenous side also triumphed in the mixed game.

Additionally, the touch shootout featured thrilling contests in the men’s and women’s divisions.

Lisa and Tahnee Steele won the women’s competition, with Lisa continuing her reign as the most successful player in Australia Day history.

James Perrett and Cameron Mitchell achieved victory in the men’s, while Jackie Jones and Callan Woodhouse triumphed in the mixed event.

AussieFest not only marked an outstanding day of sport, but also reflected the enduring community spirit in Gunnedah.

Thanks go to everyone who helps make the event a reality each year.

Women’s touch football winners. Piper Rankmore, Dakota Durrant, Carys Griffiths, Tara Wilkinson (back), Nautica Eather, Jackie Jones, Zoe Fleming, Maddy Finlay, Deneka Jones (front).

Cley Durrant prepares to play the ball.

Lara Torrens tries to get through a gap.

Lisa Steele, Allie Neilsen and Katie Spinks in a sprint race.

Isla Sheridan in action, while Donna Hickey looks on.

Sponsors Pete Loveridge (far left) and Kelly Watson (far right) with boys junior triathlon winners Flynn McIntosh, Cooper Galton and Josh Spinks.

Tommy Wark in the triathlon.

The Rest team captain Craig Louis and indigenous team captain Jonathan Crowe.

Sponsor Donna Hickey (far left) with Dakota Durrant, Nautica Eather, Tahnee and Lisa Steele.

To order photos from this page click here