Sports

Big Weekend Of Racing Wraps Up At Qld BMX State Championships

Big Weekend Of Racing Wraps Up At Qld BMX State Championships

For Mackay And District BMX

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Runners Conquer Inaugural Eungella Ace Trail Run

Runners Conquer Inaugural Eungella Ace Trail Run

Around 30 runners, including Mackay locals and visitors from interstate and overseas, gathered at 7am Sunday for the inaugural ACE (Australian Conveyor Engineering Fenner Dunlop) Eungella 6km and 19km Trail Run. Starting from the Eungella Chalet lawns under perfect conditions, participants enjoyed a scenic and adventurous course through Eungella National Park. Race Director Tim Magoffin set a light-hearted tone, joking about “drop bear” encounters and recommending Vegemite as protection, while

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Mackay Tennis Association Closed Tournament Results

Mackay Tennis Association Closed Tournament Results

TENNIS Day 1 Winners & Runners-Up • Open Women’s Singles – Winner: Lexi Tapp, Runner-Up: Sarah Chisholm • Division 1 Men’s Singles – Winner: Lincoln Gam Lim, Runner-Up: Chris Barbour • Open Men’s Doubles – Winners: Troy Debondi and Josh Wilson, Runners-Up: James Rogers and Barry Abbott • Open Women’s Doubles – Winners: Sarah Chisholm and Jess Brass, Runners-Up: Bree Chauntler and Ash Chauntler • Veterans Men's Doubles – Winners: Craig Bentley and Doug Boss, Runners-Up: Mike Just and Brett Walz

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Mackay Surf Club Excels At State Endurance Championships

Mackay Surf Club Excels At State Endurance Championships

SURF LIFESAVING Mackay SLSC just competed in the State Endurance Championships hosted at Alexandra Headlands SLSC on the Sunshine Coast. The team finished an impressive 8th out of 36 clubs from around Australia, out classing some of its rival super clubs like Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Northcliffe just to name a few. The team of 16 travelled to the Sunshine Coast as part of a NQBP sponsored Youth Development Camp hosted at Dicky Beach SLSC. Events ranged from a 2km swim, 4km beach run,

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Mackay Christian College

Players Shine In Week Of Competitive Bridge

October 2, 2025

At Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Results for week ending Sunday 28 September 2025

North/South East/West
1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Helen Van Den Broek- Jan Harris
2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Jayne Johnstone - Joy Hold
3rd Nancy Martin - Geoff Taylor 3rd Diane Stokes - Edward Kliese

Tuesday Evening 23 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

North/South East/West
1st Eric Goodchild - Noel Bugeia 1st Patricia Garner - Adrian Westcott
2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Tex Sheedy 2nd Janelle Conroy - Joy Hold
3rd Tere Wotherspoon – Frank Roach 3rd Sandra Morris - Diane Morgan

Wednesday 24 September 2025 – 7.5 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st David Ting - Eric Goodchild 1st Noel Bugeia - Janelle Conroy
2nd Sandra Morris - Jan Harris 2nd Tere Wotherspoon - Kathleen Clifford
3rd Susan Wright - Mick King 3rd Gwen Liddell - Anne Lutz
4th Debra Goodchild - Ming Ting

Thursday Evening 25 September2025 – 4 Table Howell (Green Points)

1st Frances Brown - Ann Whitmore 3rd Geoff Taylor - Thelma Caruana
2nd Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 4th Mick King - John Mcgee

Friday 26 September 2025 –6.5 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 1st Christine Nice - Diane Cox
2nd Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 2nd Martin Pearce - Gwen Liddell
3rd Kath Poole - Nancy Martin     3rd David Ting - Ming Ting

Saturday 27 September 2025 – 10.5 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st Janine Rodgers - Nancy Martin 1st Frances Brown - Alan Brown
2nd Ming Ting - David Ting   2nd Debra Goodchild - Eric Goodchild
3rd Joy Robinson - Ken Seaniger 3rd Janelle Conroy - Robert Carless
4th Geoff Taylor - Josie Crowley 4th Martin Pearce - Sandra Morris
5th Errol Morris - Adrian Westcott 5th Vicki Howard - Richard Wix

Sunday 28 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st Faith Hutchinson - Geoff Cowan   1st Lynne O'neill - Karen Caldwell
2nd Joy Hold - Anne Lutz   2nd Rodney Miles - Sandy Patterson
3rd Janine Rodgers - Jewel Schmidt 3rd John Mcgee - Adrian Westcott

Some of 2025 beginners who played in this years Novice Pairs Congress. Photo supplied

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Big Turnouts And Strong Performances For The Cannons

October 2, 2025

It has been a busy fortnight for the Cannonvale Cannons, with swimmers excelling both at home and at a special clinic in Mackay.

On Sunday, a group of National and State Development Squad swimmers took part in an advanced clinic at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Centre, hosted by Barry Prime from Swimming Queensland and Nicholas Smith from the Australian Institute of Sport. The session focused on starts, turns, performance skills and stroke technique, giving swimmers invaluable experience. Congratulations to Ella Bowden, Tora Delac, Andie Reynolds, Jax Clayworth, Thomas Ganter and Zachary Trefz (absent from photo) on being selected to participate.

Back in Cannonvale, Club Night 7 was the biggest yet this season, with more than 50 swimmers taking part. The night began with a team photo shoot in the new club shirts. A big thank you goes to Deb Savy from Tropix for her support and patience with the enthusiastic group of swimmers aged between 5 and 17.

There were plenty of achievements in the pool. Zane Clayworth, Finn Temple, Lennox Wild and Miranda Palmero all picked up upgrades. Liam Filewood claimed two blocks of chocolate—one for a “snap” in the 25m Breaststroke (hitting his time exactly) and another for the biggest PB in the 200m Backstroke. Alex also picked up a snap, while Zach Trefz continued his strong form, breaking his own 13-years 100m Individual Medley record with a time of 1:08.01.

This week’s LiveLife Pharmacy Cannonvale Club Night 8 kept the energy high during the school holidays with another strong turnout. Airlie Mladenovski and Ruby Harland earned upgrades, and while the chocolate award winners were absent, they can look forward to a sweet surprise next week.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

Liam Filewood with his Chocolate Award
National and State Development Squad
Zane Clayworth

Photos supplied

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Game On As Whitsunday Light Tackle Tournament Returns

October 2, 2025

Game On As Whitsunday Light Tackle Tournament Returns

Anglers are preparing to chase some of the ocean’s most exciting sport fish at the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Annual Light Tackle Tournament, running October 16–19 at the Marine Club, Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale.

Airlie Beach Tackle World and Daiwa have signed on as naming rights sponsors for the next three years, following nearly a decade of support from Ben Doolan Builders. The club thanked all three for their generosity.

Competitors must be financial members of a Game Fish Club affiliated with the GFAA. Teams of two to five anglers will fish with 10kg monofilament line only, vying for trophies and prizes in Men’s, Ladies, Junior (11–16 years) and Smallfry (5–11 years) categories.

Presentations will take place at the dinner on Sunday, October 19.

The action begins with a compulsory skipper’s briefing on Thursday, October 15 at 6pm, followed by the popular Calcutta auction.

Nominations are capped at 35 boats and are filling quickly via www.whitsundaygfc.com.au.

The tournament has earned a reputation as one of Queensland’s best. Last year, 172 game fish were tagged and released, including 69 sailfish, 66 tuna and five juvenile black marlin, alongside other species. Organisers are expecting another busy three days on the water.

The club continues to encourage families and juniors to take part, with women and kids achieving impressive results. A new juniors program will be announced soon.

With strong sponsorship and community support, the Whitsunday Light Tackle Tournament looks set for another successful year.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

Local Sailfish action. Photos supplied

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Record-Breaking Viking Cup 10s Carnival Set To Kick Off In The Whitsundays

October 2, 2025

Rugby Union

The Whitsundays will once again come alive with rugby spirit as the Viking Cup 10s Carnival returns in 2025, welcoming a record-breaking 52 teams from across Queensland. The two-day festival of rugby, taking place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 October at Whitsunday Sportspark, is set to be the region’s biggest celebration of junior rugby yet.

Hosted by Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, the Viking Cup 10s has grown into one of Queensland’s premier junior rugby carnivals, attracting boys and girls aged 4–17. The action-packed weekend will showcase fast, skilful and inclusive rugby, with players, coaches and families travelling from far and wide to be part of the experience.

Families and supporters will also enjoy the hospitality of the brand-new Club Whitsunday, where all profits are reinvested back into local sporting clubs, helping to strengthen the region’s community sporting landscape.

Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union President, Tim Oberg, said the carnival’s growth highlights the appetite for community-based sport.

“The Viking Cup has always been about more than just rugby. It’s about bringing people together, showcasing our region, and giving kids an unforgettable experience on and off the field. To see a record 52 teams entering this year is incredible. We’re excited for the future of the carnival and the role it plays in strengthening grassroots rugby.”

The Viking Cup is proudly supported by local businesses, volunteers, and the wider Whitsunday community, whose combined efforts ensure the event continues to thrive and inspire the next generation of players.

For more information, visit wjru.club or follow Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union on Facebook.

WHAT: Viking Cup 10s Rugby Carnival
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Friday 3 & Saturday 4 October 2025

The Viking Cup 10s Carnival last year. Photo supplied

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Weekly Highlights At Proserpine Golf Club

October 2, 2025

It was a week of strong performances and historic moments at Proserpine Golf Club, with competitions across all grades producing impressive results.

It was another busy week at Proserpine Golf Club, with plenty of impressive performances and a historic Hole-in-One.

On Tuesday, the PGC Vets hosted Pioneer Valley in the final Croker Shield game for 2025. Pioneer Valley claimed the trophy by 23 points, meaning a strong comeback is on the cards for PGC in 2026.
In ladies’ play, Heather Luvis made history with a Hole-in-One on the 9th hole and also won the day, while the PGC women took seven of the top nine spots. Herman Van Uitert led the men, with PGC players filling nine of the top 14 positions.

Wednesday’s stableford winners were Sidonie Fleet (ladies, 38 points) and Tommy Gallagher (men, 33 points), with notable NTPs including Toni Clauss and Anna Winterbourn.

Thursday saw Craig McLean (A Grade, 38 points) and Steve Mitchell (B Grade, 40 points) claim top honours, while Friday’s 9-hole run was won by Elise Hodgson, and Fay claimed $100 in the Putt for Cash competition.

Saturday’s stableford saw Peter Faust (A Grade) and John Roser (B Grade) victorious, with Toni Clauss winning the ladies’ event in a countback over Heather Luvis. Sunday’s stableford winners were Jason Bourke (men) and Paula McQuat (ladies), rounding off a week of strong performances across the club.

Full results are available on Golflink.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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B Grade Competitions Finalised

October 2, 2025

On Saturday morning, the final semi-final of the B Pairs saw Harry Craig and David Ling defeat Kendall Watts and Ken Watts 21-17. Sunday featured the Final of the B Triples, with Bruce Uhe, Mike Harrison, and David Ling overcoming Troy Campbell, Todd Leys, and Harry Craig. The B Pairs final on Sunday afternoon saw Harry Craig and David Ling secure a convincing 27-8 victory over Alen Sanderson and Trevor Parsons.

In Social Bowls on Wednesday, John Anderson, Phil Hughes, and Bazza defeated Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann, and Mike Harrison 18-14, while Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown overcame visitor Laura from Germany and Heather Brown 27-20. On Sunday, Wayne Melrose, Henny Tattam, Phil Hughes, and Heather Brown narrowly defeated John Anderson, Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Bazza 15-14.

Philip Brown represented the club in the Champion of Champions Senior Singles in Mackay on Saturday, winning his first game 25-24 against North Mackay before being eliminated in the quarter-final 25-17 by City.

Contribtued with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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A Week Of Wins At Airlie Beach Bowls Club

October 2, 2025

It’s been another fantastic week at our club, kicking off with the Ladies-only “Spring Fling” Carnival on Tuesday. Eleven teams from Airlie Beach, South Suburban, North Mackay, West Tigers, Mackay City, and Northern Beaches Bowls Clubs competed. Third place went to Joan McGrath’s ABBC team, second to North Mackay skippered by Helen Fleming, and the day’s big winners were Northern Beaches, led by Gail Pudney. Prizes were also awarded for the day’s biggest winners and two lucky door draws.

Wednesday Social Bowls saw 18 bowlers in action, with Ted Cullen’s team claiming the win, supported by Barry Wainwright at lead and Alan Pershouse at second.

Friday welcomed the Endeavour Foundation team for bowling lessons. Special mention to Michael, Jett, John, Kathy, Kiara, Dion, Alison, and Amy for their progress under Julie, Paola, and Betty Whitehorn’s guidance.

Saturday’s scroungers were won by Tony Whitehorn, with Kathryn Remmeswaal claiming the B Division championship for the second time. The B Grade Fours final saw Noel Crosbie’s team, including Rick Brunell, Arthur McManus, and Steve Lawrie, defeat defending champions Mervyn Stewart’s team.

Sunday Social Bowls featured 17 bowlers, with Tony Whitehorn’s team the biggest winners, and the lowest winning margin prize going to Michael Jacometti’s team, including Dawn Dowell and Mandy O’Brien.

This weekend, the Men’s Division Big Carnival, the Classic Fours, kicks off with $12,000 prize money and players from across Queensland, including legends Brett Wilkie, Nathan Rice, and Sean Ingham.

Congratulations also to Bob McMahon, who reached the final of the Champion of Champions Senior Singles in Mackay, narrowly losing 25-17 to last year’s winner. The club is very proud of his achievement.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Rhonda Lloyd, Betty Whitehorn, Kathryn Remmeswaal, Joan McGrath, Lyn, Pip Heddles, Mandy O'Brien, Sue Dakin, Tess Walker, Di Jackson, Di Dobbins, and Carol Crosbie. Photo supplied

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Cricket Meets Creativity

September 26, 2025

Kids Shine At Harrup Park Colouring Competition

Throughout August, children had their coloured pencils, textas and crayons out, creating masterpieces that combined a love of cricket with a flair for art. The response far exceeded expectations, with more than 60 entries received in each division, making the job of choosing winners incredibly tough for judges.

With all the international cricket action at Harrup Park during August, the club thought this competition would be a fun way to get kids involved — and they certainly delivered.

Harrup Park Sports Development Officer, Mel Dwyer, said she was blown away by the "effort, creativity and even the research some children put in, with a few entrants going as far as googling the exact colours of our logos to make their work as realistic as possible."

“If I could give everyone a prize, I would,” said Mel.

After much deliberation, the following division winners were selected — some by the narrowest of margins:

  • Upper Primary – Gabriella, Emmanuel Catholic College
  • Lower Primary – Zabina, Mackay West State School
  • Kindy Division – Lakey Love

"Congratulations to all our winners, and a huge thank you to everyone who entered. If you’re passing through Harrup Park, be sure to stop in and check out some of the amazing entries currently on display."

"We can’t wait to make this a highlight on the calendar and bring the Colouring In Competition back as an annual event."

Children combined their love of cricket and art in Harrup Park’s August Colouring In Competition, with over 60 entries per division and winners Gabriella, Zabina, and Lakey Love selected for their creativity and effort. Photos supplied

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A Winning Week For Mackay Contract Bridge Club

September 26, 2025

BRIDGE

Twenty one players went to Airlie Beach on Wednesday to compete in the Airlie Red Point pairs event. Six pairs all placed, including Patricia Garner and Martin Pearce, and Alan and Frances Brown winning first place. Nancy Wix and Julie O’Neill who have never played together before came in a respectable fourth place.

Weekly Results

Monday 15 September 2025 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Vicki Howard / Susan Ross
3rd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 3rd Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane

Tuesday Evening 16 September 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Geoff Taylor / Ian Cruickshank 1st Adrian Westcott / Janelle Conroy
2nd Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana 2nd Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild

Wednesday 17 September 2025 – Airlie Beach Congress – 11 Table Red Points
N/S E/W
1st Patricia Garner / Martin Pearce 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Betty Adison / Ellie Sheffield
3rd Renata Feige / Neil Cawthorne 3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
4th Elaine Hadlow / Jill Spencer 4th Nancy Wix / Julie O’Neill
5th Debbie Breeze / Susan McInnes 5th Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan

Wednesday 17 September 2025 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 2nd Geoff Taylor / Glen Cocup
3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 4th John McGee / Mick King
5th Griffin Bancroft / Nancy Martin 6th Sandra Morris / Errol Morris

Thursday Evening 18 September 2025 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
3rd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan 4th Patricia Garner / Griffin Bancroft

Friday 19 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Kath Poole / Nancy Martin 1st Christine Nice / Diane Cox
2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Thelma Caruana / Joy Block
3rd Diane Stokes / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 20 September 2025 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Martin Pearce 1st Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch
2nd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin 2nd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Susan Wright / Faye Wright
4th Ming Ting / David Ting 4th Geoff Cowan / Annette Howe
5th Erroll Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill

Contributed by Joy Block

Nancy Wix, Neil Cawthorn and Julie O’Neill


Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan

Patricia Garner and Betty Aidnson. Photos supplied

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At The Table Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results For 16th September 2025

September 26, 2025

TABLE TENNIS

Evening Fixture Results – Finals Night

Well Finals for Season 3 have arrived and they delivered with the top 2 teams in each Division battling it out. There has been some incredible matches throughout the season and congratulations to everyone on a great season.

Division 1: Fish (Goncalo Serra, Steven Whiting, Jacob Whelan) defeated Bears (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Lee Brake) 7-4 with no 5 set matches but we did have some close 4 setters Josh come out on top by the skin of his teeth against Steve 13-11 in 4th set.

Division 2: Tigers (Allan Edwards, Geoff Cowan, Allan Robins) won against Cats (Duncan Treloar, Will VanDaKaa) 9-0 with Allan R snuck through against Duncan 13-11 in 5th set.

Division 3: Nittaku (Noreen Frederickson, Samuel Whelan, Melanie Theodore) defeated Stiga (Simon Hogan, Val Austin) 7-4, Simon came out ahead against Noreen 11-6 in 5th set.

If you would like to play in our Fixtures or are interested in coming down for a hit.  Mackay Table Tennis is holding a Come ‘n’ Try Day on Saturday 27th September, during the School Holidays. Please see our Facebook Page for more details. Everyone is very welcome!

Contributed by Andrea Nicholson

Steve Whiting, Jacob Whelan, Goncalo Serra
Geoff Cowan, Allan Edwards
Melanie Theodore, Noreen Frederickson. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Allstars Shine At AASCF QLD State Championships

September 26, 2025

The Whitsunday Allstars delivered an outstanding performance at the AASCF Queensland State Championships, showcasing talent, teamwork, and dedication.

The Youth Snowflakes impressed with a strong routine, securing second place in their division. The Senior Heat put on a well-executed performance, narrowly missing a place, but showing spirit and determination throughout. The Junior Storm achieved an incredible third place finish, were crowned Grand Level 1 Champions, and also managed to hit zero – meaning no deductions were taken from their routine. This is an exceptional accomplishment that only a select few teams achieve, making it a particularly proud moment for the athletes.

Cheerleading is a true team sport built on trust and precision. Bases demonstrate strength and reliability while holding flyers high in the air, and every athlete relies on one another to perform safely and successfully. Alongside stunts, the athletes showcased impressive tumbling passes that added energy, difficulty, and flair to their routines. Beyond the technical skills, the Allstars continue to develop lasting friendships and strong bonds, creating a supportive environment that unites athletes of all ages.

Each athlete demonstrated commitment and resilience, with countless hours of training leading up to the competition. Coaches Tommy and Chez praised the athletes for their effort, teamwork, and passion both on and off the mat.

The Allstars’ season is set to continue, with their next competition being the Infinite Cheer Comp in Townsville in just over a month. Looking further ahead, the club has a potential national bid on the horizon for 2026, marking an exciting goal for the athletes to work towards.

A huge thank you goes out to the sponsors from the Whitsunday community, whose generous support and kind donations made this opportunity possible. The club also extends their gratitude to everyone who purchased chocolates and doughnuts during fundraising efforts, as every contribution helped the athletes get to the championship stage.

The Whitsunday Allstars continue to make their region proud, building momentum for future competitions and inspiring younger athletes in the community

Contributed with thanks to Vicky Grams.

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Records Broken At The Whitsunday Trail Festival

September 26, 2025

The Whitsunday Trail Festival, hosted by the Whitsunday Running Club on 14 September, saw a record number of entries with 250 runners registered across five races ranging from 700m to 58km through the Conway Ranges between Brandy Creek and the Airlie Beach foreshore.

Local athletes put in strong performances against tough competition from Townsville and Mackay.

Both course records in the Honeyeater Shokz Challenge 11km were broken, with Aimee Sulzberger (Whitsunday Running Club) and Brendan Maltby (Bowen) setting new bests. In the WTF28 Anaconda Whitsunday Trail, Liv Compton (Whitsunday Running Club) claimed second place, while Inaki Igibar (Hamilton Island) secured third.

Demi Caldwell (Mackay) bettered her own 2023 record in the WTF28, finishing in 2:27:19. The men’s division was taken out by Jeff Rubach (Townsville) in 2:23:09.

The marquee event, the WTF58 Accom Whitsundays Ultra, was won by Ruth Eagles (Annandale) and Abela Bertrand (Parramatta Park).

In the Bendigo Community Bank Kids Beach Bash, locals dominated with Shailee Mewha first, her sister Lilah second, and Willow Kenny third. In the boys’ division, Alex Wakerley crossed the line ahead of Kane Higgins and Calvin Murphy.

The Bendigo Community Bank Junior Kids Beach Bash over 700m saw Jack Turner claim victory ahead of Finlay Wood and Cooper Konopka, while Bella Germona edged out Freya Fowler and Ivy Rubach in the girls’ race.

Adding to the fun, the Mascot Race delivered plenty of laughs as Gavin the Frog (Big 4 Adventure Park) hopped to victory ahead of Piggy (Bendigo Community Bank), Blazer (Old Fire Dept Koala), Bungaroo (Cannonvale State School Turtle), Cruiser (Cruise Whitsundays Turtle), Hogster (Hog’s Breath Café), Turbine (Whitsunday Regional Council Disaster Management Octopus), and Paddy (SES Platypus).

Event Manager Andrea Farley said the weather was perfect on the day.

“It was a fabulous cool day for racing and there were some amazing achievements with three new records set," they said.

"A big thank you goes out to the SES for their assistance throughout the day, along with all the volunteers and Whitsunday Running Club members who helped make the event such a success.”

Contributed with thanks to Tim McQuoid-Mason

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Big Crowds At The Paul Bowman Cup 2025

September 26, 2025

The Paul Bowman Cup over the weekend was the biggest yet. 88 teams from across Queensland travelled to Proserpine to compete in the u8's competetion.

88 teams, 1200 kids, and families visited the region, many of which decided to kick start their school holidays by spending time in the region. A huge economic boost!

The Sam Faust relay had its biggest race to date and organisers look forward to seeing the event grow again.

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Airlie Darts Premier League Grand Final

September 29, 2025

Grand final day is always a special occasion at our club – one that every player aspires to be part of.

Its ability to draw not just a crowd, but also to bring family, friends and the wider community together, was evident on Sunday afternoon at Mulligans Airlie Beach. The room was alive with excitement and energy.

Three crucial matches were contested, each with plenty at stake.
The day began with the 3rd vs 4th playoff between Kam Reason and Joe Wilson. Joe held a commanding 6–2 lead, but Kam fought back bravely to level at 6–all. However, Joe delivered under pressure, hitting two timely 171s to close out the match 8–6.

Next up was the consolation final for 7th and 8th place, featuring Scott Edmonds and Naomi Mitchell. The pair traded legs early, locked at 3–all, before Scott pulled away to record a 6–3 victory – his first piece of silverware at the club.

The headline event was the Premier League Grand Final, a best-of-21-leg clash between league winner Jamie Maher and debutant Reef Peel.
Jamie took the opening leg, but Reef quickly seized control, storming to a 6–1 lead midway through the second interval. Showing trademark grit, Jamie fought back to level at 6–all and then edge ahead 7–6. Reef steadied, levelling at 7–all, before claiming the pivotal 15th leg to go into the final break 8–7 ahead. From there, he never looked back, reeling off the remaining legs to secure an 11–7 win and the Premier League Championship in his debut season.

It was a brave and determined effort from Jamie, but the day belonged to Reef, who thoroughly deserved his victory.

Congratulations to all involved, and a special thank you to the supporters who created such an incredible atmosphere. Gratitude also goes to our valued sponsors – Mika, Whitsunday Tattooing, Dyson Automotive, Shirtfront Solutions and Master Butchers – for their continued support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Reef Peel claiming his first Premier League title. Photo supplied

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Swimmers Set To Make A Splash At Whitehaven Beach

September 26, 2025

Swimmers from across the region will soon descend on one of the Whitsundays’ most famous locations, with the Whitehaven Open Water Swim set for Sunday 5 October.

Hosted by the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club, and Masters Swimming Queensland, the event takes place over the King’s Birthday long weekend and offers a unique opportunity to race in the pristine waters of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

The program caters to a variety of abilities, with three race distances on offer. For those new to the sport, the 500-metre swim provides a manageable introduction to open water racing, while the 1-kilometre and 2-kilometre events are designed for more experienced competitors.

Open to participants aged 18 years and older, the day promises not only exciting racing but also the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays in a relaxed social setting. Each entry includes a return ferry transfer from Shute Harbour and lunch on Whitehaven Beach. For family and friends, a limited number of guest tickets are also available, giving supporters the opportunity to enjoy the day alongside competitors.

The Whitehaven Open Water Swim has become a highlight on the North Mackay Sinkers’ calendar, drawing swimmers who value both the challenge of ocean racing and the spectacular setting of the Whitsundays.
Organisers are reminding interested swimmers that registrations close on September 28. Entries can be completed online via Race Results, ensuring a streamlined process for competitors.

Further details about the event can be found on the Masters Swimming Queensland website, or by contacting the North Mackay Sinkers directly at prs.nthmackaysinkers@gmail.com.

With its combination of sport, sunshine, and one of the world’s most photographed beaches, the Whitehaven Open Water Swim is set to deliver another memorable day in the Whitsundays.

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