Sport
25 March, 2025
Jillaroos’ chop to the top
KILCOY woodchopper, Renee Retschlag travelled across the ditch to Waimate, New Zealand with the Australian Woodchopping team, the Jillaroos, to face off against the home team, and won by a clean 3-0.
The Bushtown Steam Up and Woodchopping event was held on March 8-9, and was the third time Ms Retschlag was selected for the squad.
It was an intense two-day schedule for both teams, with disciplines including underhand, Jack and Jill and single saw.
The Australian Axeman’s Association Inc congratulated the Jillaroos for their tough contest against the Axeferns.
“It has been over 20 years since our women’s team have competed in New Zealand,” they said online.
“Thank you to the NZAA Women’s sub committee for bringing it all together, the invaluable sponsors and the volunteers that worked tirelessly over the weekend.
“Congratulations to both teams for the great competition.
“Fierce rivalry on the field, camaraderie and a lifetime of friendships.”
In a previous interview with The Sentinel News, Renee said it was always a huge honour to be selected at a national level.
“I’ve always been excited when I’ve been selected, I was very happy,” Renee said.
“It’s a good feeling to see that all your hard work is being recognised.
“Representing your country is the pinnacle.”
Renee also said she was confident that Australia would come out on top against New Zealand after beating them in September last year.
“Australia won last year and it was the best of three, it was a team relay and we did it over three days and we won all three races which was awesome,” she said.
“So hopefully we can do it again in New Zealand.
“New Zealand are a good team, but I think Australia will still beat them, we’ve got a very strong team.”
The Kilcoy woodchopper has been a trailblazer in the sport for 13 years, with no signs of slowing down.
