A SUCCESSFUL jockey on the Darling Downs who loved the chance to ride in Warwick, Kristy Banks suffered spinal injuries in a fall at Clifford Park, Toowoomba, on New Year's Eve, 2011 and has since been paralysed from the waist down.

But that hasn't stopped her from following a sporting dream.

Less than 10 months after her accident, she was being helped on to the back of her horse Bob and riding in a special saddle to compete in the barrel race at the most famous rodeo in Australia at Warwick.

Kristy has gone on to compete in Queensland Barrel Racing Association events and recorded some placings.

"It is a great feeling just to compete," she said.

"I am getting better and better at barrel race which is all I can hope for."

Kristy and husband Dale Groves have an 18-month-old son Nash which has restricted her appearances at the Warwick Rodeo but the dream remains to return.

In 15 years as a jockey, she enjoyed plenty of success in Warwick and won three successive Toowoomba awards for the top apprentice of the day.

She is never far from racehorses as her father Graham Banks is a racehorse trainer at Oakey.

Graham is originally from Warwick and Kristy heads to the Southern Downs regularly where her uncle and aunt Neil and June Banks and their family live.

As for speaking to the juniors at the March 30 dinner, her message will be simple. "Try to be as positive as you can and take the good with the bad," she said in reference to the sticky spots in life.

Tickets for the March 30 dinner will go on sale at the Daily News front counter on Friday.

The night will start at 6pm and a presentation will be made to each monthly winner.

Volunteer award

THE second annual Condamine Sports Club Volunteer of the Year awards will be held in conjunction with the junior sports award dinner.

As already announced in the Southern Downs Weekly, organisers are seeking nominations for the volunteer of the year award.

Judging will be half on volunteer work last year and half on volunteer contributions in all sports down the years.

The winner will receive $500 for their club from Condamine Sports Club. As with the junior awards, a presentation will be made to each nominee.

The inaugural award last year attracted six nominees with long-term hockey volunteer Darryl Gillam the overall winner.

Nominations with details of work in all sports in 2014 and previously to the Condamine Sports Club in Palmerin St.

Information on the volunteer awards from co-ordinator Garry Hanson on 0419 502804 or Gerard Walsh on 4660 1313

Junior monthly winners

Mitchell Bourke - Cricket/Rugby Union

Harriet Hudson - Rowing

Nikki Burraston - Pony Club

Jacob Wyllie - Boxing

Tom Hardy - Powerlifting

Sarah Ogden - Netball

Bailey Rutledge - Hockey/Multi Sports

Harry Sullivan - Rugby League

Simeon Burrill - Orienteering

Jackson McMahon - Boxing

Zac Caterson - Athletics