Katie Kelly was among several Australian gold medallists at the Oceania Paratriathlon Championships in Devonport ©Delly Carr/Triathlon Australia

Australia's Bill Chaffey was the first to cross the line at the Oceania Paratriathlon Championships in Devonport today as the top performers prepared for the sport's debut on the Paralympic programme in Rio de Janeiro later this year. 

Chaffey and Katie Kelly are almost certain to be on the start-line at Rio 2016, barring any unfortunate mishaps.

They were among the winners today in the PT1 and PT5 categories.

Both are expected to be among the gold medal contenders at Rio 2016, especially Chaffey, a five-time world champion. 

Australia's Bill Chaffey added the Oceania Paratriathlon Championships title to his collection in Devonport today ©Delly Carr/Triathlon Australia
Australia's Bill Chaffey added the Oceania Paratriathlon Championships title to his collection in Devonport today ©Delly Carr/Triathlon Australia

Chaffey and Kelly were joined on the podium by fellow Australians Brant Garvey and Kate Doughty, winners of the PT2 and PT4 categories. 

Other Australian winners today included Jonathan Goerlach in the PT5 men’s division. 

Josh Kassulke, who with second-placed Jack Swift, are making a two-pronged attack to make the PT4 team for Rio 2016, was another home winner.

Australia is due to make the first nominations for its Paralympic team for Rio 2016 after the International Triathlon Union Paratriathlon event at Penrith on April 23 and 24.