Bundaberg is set to welcome nearly 100 athletes from across the state this weekend as the 2026 Queensland Masters Weightlifting Championships come to town.
Supported through Bundaberg Regional Council’s Sport Championship Funding Program, the major event will be hosted by the Bundaberg Weightlifting Club at Shalom College.
The championships are a premier Olympic weightlifting competition for athletes aged 30 and over, officially sanctioned by the Queensland Weightlifting Association.
It serves as a pathway to the National Masters Championships in Adelaide this June.
Bundaberg Weightlifting Club Secretary Kaysie Florance said Council’s funding had been instrumental in bringing the event to life.
“We received $4,969.00 from the Bundaberg Regional Council Sport Championship Funding Program,” she said
“The funding is being used for venue hire, incidentals and for equipment such as barbells and weights required to run the competition.
“A handful of volunteers established the club just nine months ago, without the grant we would have struggled to host the event, most likely funding would have come from our own pockets.”
A total of 98 competitors are registered from across Queensland, with many expected to travel with coaches, family and supporters, providing a welcome boost for local businesses.
“We have encouraged everyone to explore our region while they are here especially while Bundaberg recovers from another major flooding event,” Kaysie said.
Building momentum for sport in Bundaberg
Following the success of the region’s first ever sanctioned Olympic weightlifting competition in January, the Bundaberg Weightlifting Club was invited to host the 2026 Queensland Masters Championships.
“We had nine weeks to bring it all together and we’re confident the 2026 Queensland Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships will be a huge success,” Kaysie said.
“Over the next six years we plan to create a weightlifting facility where we can develop our athletes and tap into the talent in the region in the hopes of producing Bundy’s first Olympic Weightlifter.
“We aim to be in a position to host international weightlifting teams for their preparations in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games.”
It’s big goals for such a new club which was only established last year.
“We are a not for profit, community-based club established in July 2025,” Kaysie said.
“Although the club is in its fledgling stage it has already been credited with some impressive achievements.
“Five members competed at state level and two went on to represent Queensland on the National stage competing at the Australian Weightlifting Federation National Championships last year.”
Event details:
When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April
Where: Shalom College in the Hangar.
Spectators are welcome to come along and support our local athletes and visitors alike.
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