Jeff Wilkinson

Jeff Wilkinson Gregory River 2009

Jeff Wilkinson Gregory River 2010

Jeff joined the North West Canoe club in 1984.  Jeff attended the 1984 Australian Titles held in Maroochydore and was placed 2^nd in the open TC2 with partner Lindsay Becks. Beaten by another North West Canoe Club side of Jim Wright and Ron Snow. The tables were turned in the 1984 Gregory where Jeff and Lindsay placed first and Jim and Ron second. Jeff and Lindsay also won the TC2 category of the Katherine race in the same year. Not a bad start to what will become a long and accomplished canoeing career.

In 1985 Jeff teamed up with Gary Pickering in a K2 and placed third in the Queensland Marathon titles, Won the Katherine in a TK2 with Ron Snow, won the men’s open TK1 Australian Titles in Perth and won the Men’s open TK1 Murray River Marathon.

With the North West Canoe Club Jeff has competed in 29* Gregory River Marathons, 6* Katherine, 1* Murray, 4* Queensland Titles and 3* Australian Titles.

Jeff and wife Julie owned JW Signs in Mount Isa. JW Signs has been a sponsor of the Gregory canoe race for many years. This sponsorship is still ongoing even after Jeff and Julie sold the business.

Jeff and Julie organised many social events for the club. Their house was always welcome to all party goes for the annual NWCC Christmas party.

Jeff is still an active paddler and comes back to the Gregory River Canoe race every year. This is a great time to catch up with old NWCC friends in one of the most unique river systems in Australia.

Jeff was made a Life Member in 2002.