Melbourne has always hosted a great championship and this one will be just as good if not better. Record numbers of entries have been received, with the host city having just on 400 plus entries themselves. NSW will also have a strong contingent going, and our club members will be among them.

Gianna Mogentale returns to the Australian titles, and after her impressive state titles, she has to be a strong force in all sprints from 60 metres up to the 400 metres. Competing in the 55 years age bracket she will also contest the popular pentathlon, an event she has contested previously with great success.

Her main opposition in the sprints will come from fellow NSW athlete Julie Forster. Mogentale and Forster have fought out many epic sprints and this year's will probably be no different. Rina Flynn will also contest the 55 age bracket and she too will take on the sprints, whilst Dianne O'Toole, defending champion from Perth last year, will be striving for the trifecta over 60 metres, 100 and 200 metres but will face strong opposition from Robyn Suttor who has just returned from the World Indoors.

Field Games exponent Mary Thomas believes she will be okay in Melbourne after her World Indoor event held recently, but after a previous operation, Thomas is still not back to her normal throwing and will put everything into it to try and maintain her impressive record at Australian Championships.

The youngest member of the IBS squad, Sara Guevara, has shown great improvement in the sprints and long jump. Competing in the 40 years age bracket, her long jump this season has improved so much, a top placing is well within this dedicated athlete's grasp.

All-rounder June Lowe will be an absentee from this year's events, but John Lamb, although competing for ACT Masters, will once again be a force in all his sprints and hurdles. Lamb, who is an IBS athlete, is also overcoming an injury but this determined sprinter will still be a strong contender in his age bracket. These championships will finalise the season for them and many will welcome the break.

IBS will be holding the annual awards and presentation evening on Saturday, May 4, and all athletes and supporters are urged to attend. People are asked to be there at 6.45pm for a 7pm start, with divisional point score awards, overall point score and all special awards to be presented.

A light supper will be served. All divisions and special awards are so close this season, giving selectors a tough time in making decisions. All athletes are eligible for awards, making it even more interesting. More information on the website.

Cross-country will again be held by IBS and it is hoped that the events will be patronised by new and old members. Our first event will be held on Sunday, April 28, at Fairy Meadow course. Athletes are asked to be at the Fairy Meadow Surf Club ready to start at 10am with the distances being a 3km and 6km run. This course is a good opening for the cross-country with fairly flat and fast terrain. A gold coin donation is asked of each athlete. This will be followed by the second round to be held on the popular Bulli course, with 2km and 4km events, and meeting opposite Bulli Soccer Ground. For more information see www.illawarrabluestars.com.