Aerobics team finish fourth in Australia

Rhana Awik, Jesse Cummings, Andrea Hunter, Tahlia Read, Libby Wilder, Zoe Dreverman, Heba Elniz, Layah Dixon and Ella Milne traveled to the Gold Coast where they competed against finalists from around Australia.

The girls competed in the Stage One Classic, Primary division at the Gold Coast Conventional and Exhibition Centre on Saturday morning, with a 1.49 minute routine all that determined their fate. 

Support teacher, Annette Alexander, said the students performed “brilliantly” in what was their first year in the sport. 

“For them to be on stage with this huge arena around them, people clapping and cheering, lights all around them, it was pretty nerve wracking for them,” she said.

But the opportunity didn’t come about easily, with a number of challenges arising in the lead-up to the big day.

Team coach Jess Temoananui, and team member Tarlia Syphers were both hospitalised only days out from the competition.

“Mrs Temoananui was in hospital the night before,” Annette said.

“She made the doctor write her a release to get out on the Friday morning we left.”

Sadly the news wasn’t so good for Tarlia, with last-minute changes made to the routine to accommodate her absence. 

“The girls really felt for her and tried to do their best for her knowing she wasn’t there,” Annette said.

“She helped get them to the end result and it’s a shame she couldn’t be there.”

Annette emphasised the role community support played in getting the girls to Nationals, saying it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of locals.

“The fundraising efforts and the town support allowed these girls to get an opportunity they never would have had,” she said.

A special thank you also goes to Mrs Temoananui, support person Lisa MacDonald and assistant co-coach Holly Cullen who put endless hours into the team throughout their journey to Nationals.