In 2004 I competed in turning SA, won (equal first) and represented SA in Brisbane in 2005. (sponsored trip)
Was a great comp, bugger was though, my lathe stopped working on the last day with one part left to make (gudgen pin) and it tapered out of press-fit tolerance on final cut.
Lost marks and came 6th out of 16.

Great competition, highly recommended that you give it a go as you get to see how others work, and can swap tips etc.