Charlie returns triumphant to Thursday Island

Thursday Island local, Charlie Kris has returned from the Queensland Representative School Sport

13-19 Years Track & Field Championships in Townsville with not only a Multi-Class Shot Put gold medal, but also a new Australian record!

His arrival back on the Island was a fitting celebration for the local hero with Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat, Charlie’s family, friends, and wider community turning out to meet the ferry with signs and fanfare.

Charlie loved his arrival back home and the experience of competing in Townsville.

“It was really good to have everyone there to meet me at the ferry” he said.

“I had an awesome time, competing, and seeing other kids with disabilities competing at states, hanging out with the other competitors from here and the NPA and even exploring Townsville, which I hadn’t been to before.”

Charlie travelled for the competition with his brother Rentosh, and our Program Coordinator, Laura Shone, who was instrumental in helping Charlie to make the trip to compete.

“EMG Inclusive Supports are so proud to have been able to support Charlie to travel to Townsville for the carnival” she said.

“Charlie is a very important part of our local organisation, so when this opportunity arose and he was keen to compete, we got stuck into making it actually happen, helped him to register, order his uniforms and planning the travel and accommodation.

 “The trip was more than just a chance to compete though, it was an opportunity to experience more independent travel onto the mainland, and grow and extend some new skills in a completely new setting and event, and he rose to exceed even his own expectations in every part of the trip.”

Charlie doesn’t plan to wait for someone to come after his record either, he’s keen to find the next opportunity and maybe even compete Australia wide.

“I’d really like to go to another competition” he said.

“Maybe I can get to the nationals and see how I go against the best in the country!”

Whether this is possible or not, what he has already achieved is incredible and will be remembered and celebrated as one of the great moments in his journey with our supports Laura said.

“Charlie, your determination, effort, and positivity has inspired us all! You’ve made everyone around you so proud, and this incredible achievement will be remembered for years to come.” This story was published by the Torres News as "Charlie breaks Aussie record in Townsville" on 30 Oct 2025.