Boat Harbour’s Graeme Chamberlain – who picked up the Port Stephens Sportsperson of the Year award at the Australia Day celebrations – has completed 13 of them.

Chamberlain’s aim is to complete 20. He is 57 now, that means he will be well into his 60s when he fulfils his dream.

An ironman event comprises a 3.86 km swim, a 180km bicycle ride and a marathon 42km run. Chamberlain’s best time is 11.5 hours.

“I am in training for the Port Macquarie ironman event in May,” he said.

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It’s quite amazing how the proud but humble, semi-retired father-of-two finds the time to train, given his tremendously busy life as a volunteer with both the Birubi Surf Life Saving and Tomaree Tri clubs.

Chamberlain has devoted 15 years to the surf club, the past eight as club captain, a decade at the Tri club including as president, in addition to being a member of the Hash Harriers and this year was instrumental in helping out with the Sister City Hunter Valley marathon.

“I was honoured to be nominated for the council award, let alone win it. It is always nice to be recognised for your volunteer work but I don’t do this for the recognition. I do it to give back to the community,” he said.

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