Your 2024/2025 Committee
Craig Wright - President
Robert Hall
Julia Gobbert
Bill Lakic
David Buitendag
Fiona Longden
Nat Smallwood
Mandy Hulbert
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Craig Wright
President
My first triathlon – enticer distance - was at Bathers Beach Freo in 2001. The ocean ended up like a washing machine and it took me a couple of years to build up courage to try again, progressing through sprint and Olympic distances. In May of 2006, I completed my first Busso half ironman, and this remains my go-to race every year. In the off-season, I also enjoy mountain biking and trail running.
I have been a member of North Coast since 2007 and held various committee roles over the years. We have a great club that is open and welcoming to all levels and I enjoy being part of a team to support our members and organise fun and interesting events and activities.
Rob Hall
Treasurer
I’m a Chartered Accountant of over 25 years and take care of the NCTC finances.
I have been competing in triathlon since 2003, and have completed numerous sprint, standard and half ironman triathlons as well as off-road exterra triathlon events in Africa & Australia.
I have also enjoyed testing myself across other disciplines by completing many open water swims, mountain bike endurance events and ultra marathons, including the famed Comrades Marathon staged in South Africa.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge of endurance events with fellow club members and am always on hand to accompany new athletes to the sport on a ride or run and to provide advice, support and inspiration.
Julia Gobbert
Secretary
I'm originally from Sydney NSW and I love swimming. I was Junior Swimming Champion of my school. I learned to swim at Clovelly beach, being pulled along in motor bike inner tube. Despite this, my favourite leg of triathlons is swimming. (It all goes downhill fast after I exit the water). I did my first triathlon at age 59, then waited 3 years for my second attempt, during which I trained a bit more. I joined North Coast Triathlon Club when I retired from working life as a pharmacist in the year of pandemic lockdowns as a way to get fit, to get out of doing housework and to meet exciting energetic people.
Bill Lakic
Programs Coordinator, Merchandise
The role of Programs Coordinator is both a challenging role, and a truly rewarding role too. Implementing and overseeing triathlon beginner programs like Women In Triathlon, Men In Triathlon, Juniors and Trystars is of such great benefit to the individuals starting out in this sport and also to the club. It's a great bit of fun for me too!
My other role, Merchandise, is fun as well, as I get to let out my inner shop assistant and bedeck our athletes in stylish North Coast gear.
Being a committee member also gives a fascinating insight into the challenges and decisions required to run a triathlon club.
Fiona Longden
Events
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I have always participated in some form of sport mainly running and netball.
My Triathlon journey began in 2005 when I saw an ad in the local community paper for a ‘Women’s only triathlon course’.
So I pay the money and the triathlon journey with North coast begins! I then progressed into the half IM distance solo and then eventually the full Ironman.
I have represented Australia in London (Olympic distance) which was funny as I am from the UK, so had heaps of supporters.
I was fortunate to get a spot to Kona due to a few changes made by Ironman and have recently participated in Challenge Roth with my many friends from North Coast which was amazing.
I will also add here none of this would have been possible without my very supportive husband.
I have recently retired from work so time to give back to our great club and have jumped back onto the Committee, I hope I can be of some assistance.
Look forward to meeting those of you who don’t know me.
Nat Smallwood
Social Media
Back in 2022, I found myself recovering from a running injury and needed to change my fitness program and outlook. I found a new physio who happened to be apart of a NCTC club and invited me along to one of their open water swimming sessions, which was the most fun. I had no idea what I was doing, but everyone around me took great care of me.
Next thing I knew, I was doing the Whitfords node Tri event with the club and had signed up for the WIT (women in Triathlon) course & met a bunch of awesome women, and 3 years later, I’m still doing events with this awesome crew.
I have the most memorable moments during competitions as I often get lost on the courses and usually end up riding longer, or running longer distances than I’m supposed too, but I always have fun and have plans to do the big events like Busso100 and maybe a 70.3 in the future.
My favourite training sessions are the Sunday morning long runs which is more about chit chats and enjoying our coast than breaking any PBs. You will see my friendly face floating around at the training sessions & events, be sure to come and say hi 👋
David Buitendag
Coaching Liaison
With a lifelong love for endurance sport and community, I’m proud to serve as Coaching Coordinator and Coach at North Coast Tri Club. My journey began racing mountain bikes in the UK before triathlon took hold in 2013 when I lined up for my first Busselton Half Ironman—and I’ve been hooked ever since.
In my role as Coaching Coordinator, I focus on making sure our members and athletes get the most out of the club by supporting our coaches and ensuring they have what they need to deliver great sessions. I’m passionate about helping athletes at every stage of their journey, whether it’s completing their first triathlon or chasing a personal best.
Outside of the club, I spend time with my amazing wife Emma and our daughter Hannah, and when I’m not with them, I’ll usually be found on the trails, on the bike, running, swimming, or squeezing in just about any endurance activity I can. I also coach athletes more broadly, helping people train smarter and race stronger.
Mandy Hulbert
I.T. Spaces/WIX and Media
I've been involved with the club since 2012 and during this time I have been a Technical Official, committee member, volunteer and supporter. If you make the annual pilgrimage to Busso you'll always find me at athlete check-in & bike racking. Although I don't race, there's not much I don't know about the Ironman event so if you have any questions feel free to track me down at rego!
