The Maclean & District Pipe Band has returned a winner after travelling to Ipswich to compete in the Queensland Pipe Band Championships. The band broke a 16-year drought to win the Grade 4 competition, which the band’s president, Ian McLennan, said was due to the band’s commitment and hard work. “That led to the band being successful in all elements of the competition, winning both the piping and drumming,” Mr McLennan said. “Another pleasing aspect of the band’s performance came from individual competitors competing in solo events. “Two of the learner drummers, who have been playing for less than a year, achieved outstanding results. “Danielle Brady won first prize, playing D Grade Bass Drum, Cedar Starling McLennan was placed second, playing D Grade Tenor Drum, and Bethany Wallace got a third place in the C Grade Snare Drum section. “Much credit for this success not only goes to these three players, but to the dedicated drums tutors who have shown outstanding commitment to the success of the band.” Mr McLennan said the “the poise and confidence shown by the band members in this event” augured well for the next major competition, the Australian championships in Sydney on October 1. “We enter that competition with some degree of optimism following our victory in Queensland,” he said. The Maclean & District Pipe Band was formed in 1898 and is the second oldest band still playing in Australia.