18 May 2015

The chilly local temperatures did not stop 105 brave competitors from taking part in the third annual Kakadu Triathlon on the weekend.

Many participants said the water inside the pool for the 250 metre swim leg of the race was warmer than the outside temperature which registered a low of 17 degrees, and felt much cooler for tropically acclimatised Territorians.

Local competitors were joined by triathlon beginners and enthusiasts alike from across the Territory and also from Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia for the event which promotes healthy lifestyles and community participation.

Supported by Energy Resources of Australia and other local business, the Kakadu Triathlon is a highlight on the Jabiru social calendar and all proceeds from the event are donated to CareFlight.

Darwin triathlete Brett Verity volunteered his time for the third year in a row as Race Director, and was supported by other volunteers from the Darwin Triathlon Club.

"The Kakadu Triathlon is my favourite community event," he said.

"The whole community turns out and gets involved, and it creates a carnival atmosphere. I would encourage any budding triathlete to mark the event in their calendar and make the trip across to Jabiru for it next year, it is well worth it."

Congratulations go to Ivan Petrovic (Male Open), Justine Saunders (Female Open), Bryn Puckering (Male Junior), Charlotte Puckering (Female Junior) and Jabiru Fires (Team) who took out top honours in their categories. Mr Petrovic broke the previous year's record for the fastest time, setting a high benchmark for competitors keen to start training for next year's event.

Recognition also goes to Jabiru resident and Top End Health Service Jabiru Clinic Manager Richard Van De Veerdonk who soon after finishing the race was called away to assist in the evacuation of a critical cardiac patient.

"I had just finished the race and was waiting for the finish times to be announced, when I got a call about a heart attack patient at Cooinda," he explains.

"I was able to rush away, stabilise the person, and evacuate them to Darwin with CareFlight, all while still wearing my triathlon gear; it is a timely example of how crucial the CareFlight service is for the area.

"The Triathlon is one of the region's most significant community events, and not only brings the community together, but does so over a healthy action, providing a great example for the younger generations."

Energy Resources of Australia Chief Executive Andrea Sutton praised all involved in the organisation of the popular event.

"Yet again we have had a successful and safe Kakadu Triathlon, and I would like to thank the local individuals, businesses and the essential services whose time and support made this possible," she said.

"ERA is proud to be a major contributor to the Alligator Rivers Region through wonderful events such as this, and we are pleased to be able to support the valuable work CareFlight while promoting the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle."

Donations through the event for CareFlight will remains open until 1 June, and early estimations of funds raised are well over $7,000.

About Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA)

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd is one of the nation's largest uranium producers and Australia's longest continually operating uranium mine.

ERA has an excellent track record of reliably supplying customers. Uranium has been mined at Ranger for three decades. Ranger mine is one of only three mines in the world to produce in excess of 110,000 tonnes of uranium oxide.

ERA's Ranger mine is located eight kilometres east of Jabiru and 260 kilometres east of Darwin, located in Australia's Northern Territory.

ERA is a major employer in the Northern Territory and the Alligator Rivers Region.

Located on the 79 square kilometre Ranger Project Area, Ranger mine is surrounded by, but separate from, the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

Elena Leslie

Office: +61 (0) 8 8924 3514

Mobile: +61 (0) 447 710 108

Email: VA-Elena.Leslie@riotinto.com

Investor Relations

Rachel Storrs

Office: +61 (0) 3 9283 3628

Mobile: +61 (0) 417 401 018

Email:rachel.storrs@riotinto.com



Kakadu Triathlon hits its stride [PDF: 306 KB]

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