Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club racing into summer! with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Many Hawkesbury locals have spent time on the river whether in a boat, skiing, or simply swimming and for some, that passion has become a way of life. The Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club( UHPBC), originally formed in 1938 as the Upper Hawkesbury Motorboat Club, proudly holds the title of the oldest continually running power boat club in Australia.
I recently spoke with some of the club’ s active and passionate members who shared their stories and connection to the sport.
Anthony has been involved since the 80s. After buying his first boat, he kept chasing faster and faster machines. These days, he works as a scrutineer alongside Alex, who grew up water-skiing on the river. Alex joined the club in the late 80s
Matt Peck in Unlimited Outboard. Credit: UHPBC.
but didn’ t start racing until 2011. His first boat reached 70mph, but he quickly progressed to 95mph, then 105mph. Now a club director, Alex also serves as a scrutineer, helping ensure events run safely.
Commodore Sean took a different path. Starting out as a rescue diver, he has now served on the board for 16 years and as Commodore for the past eight. He jokes that his role involves‘ a lot of shaking hands and kissing babies,’ but in reality, he oversees everything from insurances and traffic management plans to liaising with council and guiding the executive committee. Though he once owned a 25-horsepower boat, it has since been downgraded to 15hp and repurposed for his kids.
Chris, a marine engineer, downplays his achievements but proudly placed second in the world speed boat championships in the 6L category. He began skiing at age 10, later competing in the iconic Bridge to Bridge race with his brother, before working in shipbuilding around the world. Eventually, Chris bought a circuit boat and began racing, dominating last season’ s Hawkesbury Spectacular. He says what he enjoys most is the technical side of the sport.
Alison, the club’ s Secretary and Media Coordinator, grew up around boats thanks to her dad. At 19, she bought her own a 25hp boat in Perth and she’ s never looked back. Today, she races in her class with two boats of her own.
Ricky, the club’ s Safety Coordinator, began racing at 16. His role on the committee is focused on keeping events safe and continually improving race day standards.
The club itself is a well-oiled machine. It is run by a board of 10 directors, supported by 20 regular volunteers, including a dedicated paramedic and two rescue boats. On race days, between 80 and 100 volunteers help bring the events to life. The club also has three patrons who support its ongoing growth.
The club’ s biggest event, the Windsor Spectacular, will take place from 12 – 14 September. This year it hosts Round 3 of the National Drivers Championship, alongside the Junior Nationals. With around 60 entries already confirmed for the Nationals, the competition promises to be fierce. Junior racing kicks off at 8.30am, followed by the seniors at around 11am.
Flynn Walker in Little Fugitive. Credit: UHPBC.
Friday’ s entry is free, while tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $ 25 per adult per day. Spectators can enjoy not only high-octane racing but also food trucks, merchandise stalls, and a display of vintage cars. Club race days are generally held on Sundays throughout the year, with the exception of October, January, and February.
Many racers from across the country regard the Windsor Spectacular as the best event on the Australian speed boat calendar. Last year’ s event was the biggest ever staged in the nation and this year promises to be even bigger.
So why not come down to the river, soak up the atmosphere, and see for yourself why the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club is racing into summer in 2025 with such energy and passion.
Riverstone Razorbacks Women’ s Rugby League
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
The Riverstone Razorbacks entered their first women’ s side into the Penrith District Junior Rugby League competition in 2024. It was a steep learning curve in a tough Division 1 competition, where the Razorbacks came up against seasoned teams such as St Mary’ s, St Clair and Cambridge Park.
Fast forward to 2025, and the story is very different. The Riverstone Razorbacks Women’ s team has emerged as a genuine force in the Barry Nicol Shield Open Women’ s Division 2, taking on strong outfits like Western City Tigers, Brothers Rugby League, St Clair, Penrith Waratahs
Big hit by the Razorbacks. Credit: Scott Morris Photography. and Glenmore Park.
Representing the proud rugby league traditions of Western Sydney, the Razorbacks have blended grit, community spirit, and athletic talent into a season that’ s turning heads. More than just a rugby league team, they’ re becoming a symbol of Riverstone’ s evolving sporting culture.
With a strong focus on grassroots development, the club has built a culture of inclusivity, resilience and pride. The women’ s squad reflects the surge in female participation in rugby league, featuring young talents who have come through the Razorbacks’ junior system.
Their training sessions at Basil Andrews Fields are renowned for their intensity, teamwork and camaraderie. It’ s been an impressive turnaround for a relatively young side competing against older, more experienced teams.
The 2025 squad is guided by head coach Stewart Graham, whose tactical nous and player-first philosophy have transformed the team’ s style. He stresses defensive discipline and structured attack but is equally committed to developing mental toughness and leadership within the squad.
Supporting him is a strong backroom team, including trainers Jarrod Allen and Trevor Graham, and team manager Bianca Boyd, all of whom bring experience from both regional and metropolitan competitions. Their collaborative approach has created a tight-knit unit that thrives under pressure.
The Razorbacks have plenty of strike weapons this season:
• Keely Stevens( Captain, Halfback): A sharp playmaker who leads with relentless energy and vocal direction. Stevens isn’ t afraid to“ get her hands dirty,” scoring 11 tries so far and steering the team around the park like a director running the show.
• Lauren Drady( Lock): A hard-running, tough defender whose ability to break the line or deliver a bone-rattling tackle has swung the momentum in key matches.
• Erin Graham( Fullback): A breakout star, Graham has scored an incredible 18 tries. With blistering pace, agility and strength, her line breaks and defensive reads have made her a fan favourite at Basil Andrews.
• Michaela Bru( Centre): With 13 tries to her name, Bru has been a constant headache for opposition defences, bringing consistency and attacking flair.
• Catherine Sawer( Prop): The Razorbacks’ enforcer up front, Sawer’ s physical dominance sets the tone early in every contest.
Razorbacks’ gang tackle. Credit: Scott Morris Photography.
After a shaky start losing their first three matches, the Razorbacks have stormed into contention. Their breakthrough came in Round 4 with a commanding 46-4 victory over Penrith Waratahs. The defining moment of their season was a crushing 62-0 win against Glenmore Park in Round 10, which sparked a seven-game unbeaten streak.
That momentum carried the Razorbacks to the Minor Premiership, a remarkable turnaround from their debut year in 2024.
With community support growing and confidence running high, the Riverstone Razorbacks Women’ s team are well positioned to push for glory in the finals. If their current form continues, the Barry Nicol Shield could well find its way to Riverstone in 2025.
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 184 // SEPTEMBER 2025 33