Ken Fihelly. Photo supplied

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Last Sunday a small number of club members enjoyed an outing to St Helen’s Creek, situated about a 50 minute drive northwest of Mackay. This is a beautiful rain forest water course in a National Park, and within a few kms of Mt Dalrymple itself. 

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The creek has been visited many times over the decades by the Bushwalkers’ Club and offers several inviting swimming holes which are particularly popular during the summer months, but on this occasion the water was too cold for any of the participants to enjoy a dip.

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However, there were lots of other attractions to be found in the rich rain forest lining the banks, including butterflies and birds such as forest kingfishers and cormorants, and small black snakes, as well as the remnants of a pineapple patch, and lots of convenient slab rocks to facilitate progress along the creek.  

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The walkers covered several kilometres before reaching the first junction after numerous creek crossings approximately every 500 metres. The walk was led by local resident and long-term member of the club, Kate Brunner.

This Sunday, current members of the club will be able to choose between climbing Mt Jukes with club president Peter Bennett leading the troops, or walking the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail,  starting out from Gargett, under the leadership of Mandy Nimmo.

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Future outings on offer include Cascade Creek, a spectacular waterfall in the Finch Hatton Gorge area, and Mt Ossa. To become involved, phone 0429 363 929.

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

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Karla Pound, Ena Ladd, Fiona McTavish and Charlie Smith. Photo supplied by Fiona McTavish

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Four women whose friendship was forged in Airlie Beach are preparing to push themselves well beyond their comfort zones, taking on the mammoth challenge of rowing 4,800 kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean.  

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Fiona McTavish, Karla Pnd, Charlie Smith and Ena Ladd first met while living and working together in Airlie Beach more than a decade ago, before careers aboard superyachts, tank boats and expedition vessels eventually scattered the four across Australia and the world.  

Despite the distance, their shared love of the ocean remained, and a few years ago the four decided to reunite around a challenge unlike anything they had attempted before. Becoming the first woman to ever row across the Atlantic Ocean.  

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“I think it was just to push ourselves, you know, trying to get out of our comfort zones that we've all kind of fallen into,” Fiona said.

“And yeah, it seemed like a perfect way to do that.”

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However, with little to no rowing experience between the four, their boat currently stationed in the UK and Charlie and Ena living in Western Australia, there are plenty of challenges to overcome before they even reach the starting line.  

“Actually being able to come together has been pretty scarce,” Fiona said.  

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“None of us are rowers. None of us have ever done any rowing at all in any way, shape, or form.

“But we’re pretty confident that when we are together, we obviously just knuckle down and we all have the same mindset. We’re all working towards the same goals.”

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The four have done a few trips to the UK in an effort to build some team unity, including a practice row in the North Sea, even anchoring themselves overnight.  

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Back in Australia, training continues separately, with Charlie and Ena able to get out on boats in Western Australia, while Fiona’s preparation in Airlie largely consists of rowing machine sessions and strength training in the gym. Karla, meanwhile, balances her training with her work as an expedition leader, travelling to places including Antarctica, Greece and the Kimberley and gaining plenty of time at sea along the way.  

They will start the crossing come December and are expected to finish between six and eight weeks, with the women facing weeks at sea and conditions that could include waves reaching up to 6 metres tall.  

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Beyond the sheer distance and rough seas, the team will also have to contend with some less obvious dangers, including the possibility of marlin striking their boat.

“In the past, some teams have had some marlin strikes on the boat where it’s actually penetrated or gone through the hull,” Fiona said.

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“That’s definitely something that scares me.”

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Through all the obstacles, reaching the other side will be a moment in history, where the inexperienced rowers will become the first women in history to cross the 2nd largest ocean in the world.  

“The all-female aspect is something that we take pride in,” Fiona said.

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“It’s good to see that and give back some sort of inspiration and be kind of a role model to some other females, not just for rowing, but in other aspects of life.

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“Just giving something a try, getting out there and giving stuff a go.”

2026 NQ & CQ Swimming coaches conference. Photo supplied: Raylene Rasmussen.

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It wasn’t just the swimmers sharpening their skills on the weekend, with Cannonvale Cannons coaches hitting the learning lane at the NQ & CQ Coaching Conference in Mackay.

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The two-day conference brought together coaches from across North and Central Queensland to learn, share ideas and gain fresh inspiration to take back to their clubs.

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Cannons coaches Mark Erickson, Ken Crittenden, Kate Thomson, Giselle Burton and Raylene Rasmussen attended presentations on coaching philosophy, athlete development, Individual Medley coaching and the technical points of breaststroke, butterflyand backstroke. Practical pool sessions also gave coaches the chance to see specialist techniques in action.

But the coaches weren’t the only Cannons learning!  

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Six Cannonvale swimmers were invited by Swimming Queensland coach Barry Prime to take part in the Backstroke and Breaststroke Clinic held in conjunction with the conference.  

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Congratulations to Tora Delac, Roxy Groom, Levi Smith, Jax Clayworth, Hamilton Anflous and Charlie Doherty, who jumped at the opportunity to develop their skills and receive valuable feedback.  

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For the Cannons, having coaches and swimmers involved made the weekend valuable, with coaches returning to Cannonvale with fresh ideas, technical knowledge and practical strategies to share across the club.

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Opportunities such as the NQ & CQ Coaching Conference help ensure Cannons swimmers continue receiving quality coaching while developing their skills and love of swimming. The club thanked Swimming North Queensland and Barry Prime, Swimming Queensland, for organising the weekend.

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Anna Winterbourn and Vic Feldman. Photo supplied: John Roser.  

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Ideal golfing conditions brought out some strong scoring at Proserpine Golf Club, with a field of 44 players taking on the single Stableford event.

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The club welcomed new members Sue Collins, Kerrie Johannesen and Jim House, returning member Andrew Albergo and six visitors for the day.

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Anna Winterbourn led the ladies with an impressive 44 points, finishing ahead of runner-up Elspeth Scotford on 42. Jan Shuwalow followed with 39, ahead of Jenny Hounsell on 36 and Heather Luvis on 35.

In the men’s competition, Vic Feldman claimed the win with 40 points, while Steven Stewart finished runner-up on 38. Barry Mortimer was next with 37, followed by Michael Stewart on 36 and David Murdoch on 34.

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Pin shots for the ladies went to Leanne Alexander, Elspeth Scotford, Jenny Hounsell, Jan Shuwalow and Anna Winterbourn.

Men’s pin shot honours were shared by Gerald Lovell, Billy Brownlie, Barry Mortimer, Harro, Allen Roberts, Noel Busk, John Roser, Wilf Herweg and David Woods.

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John Roser and Peter Lindsay recorded chip-ins, while Beryl Nosworthy and John “let’s go fishing” Strelec collected the NAGAs and a ball each.

Leanne Alexander and Gary Scotford were also thanked for their work behind the scenes organising WINTERSUN and keeping the event going strong.PGC General Manager Lisa Rogers also introduced herself and drew the club’s Major Raffle.

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Coming up, golfers will contest the August Monthly Medal and count their putts on August 18, before the Whitsunday Group heads to Collinsville on August 25.

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Contributed with thanks to John Roser.

Winning team for Under 200s George MacDonald, Gavin Milne(NQAS Representative/ Sponsor), Peter Koloczy, Barry Jackson and Wally Kleidon from Marian.  

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This weekend in August is always a great one, with teams coming from far and near to compete and enjoy some great bowls.

This year’s major prize was taken out by Marian’s Barry Jackson, George MacDonald, Wally Kleidon and Peter Koloczy with five wins and a plus-75 margin.

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Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Wade Cranston and Nathan Harriott finished second with five wins and plus 44, while Dave Peet, Grahame Kinnear, Cooper Whitestyles and Peter Blackburn claimed third with four wins and plus 32. Mike Harrison, Gavin Noonan, Andy MacDougall and Harry Quod finished fourth with four wins and plus 26.

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Round winners were Michael Kinnear’s team, Wayne Handley’s team, Scott Hamilton’s team, Mitch Wright’s team and John Hamlyn’s team.

We were lucky with the weather and many thanks go to everyone who helped prepare the green, clubhouse and surrounds, organise food, work the bar and keep the weekend running smoothly.

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Thank you also to generous sponsors Metropole Hotel Proserpine, Cane Country Tyres and NQAS, and everyone whose contribution, smiles and enjoyment made it such a great weekend.

Good luck to David Ling and Heather Brown, who are competing in the Champion of Champion Singles at North Mackay.

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Proserpine will also host the Champion of Champion Ladies Fours, with the first games beginning at 9am Thursday before the final at 9am Friday.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls club.

Escape Jiu Jitsu showing off the hardware. Photo supplied: Danny Johns.

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Whitsundays-based Escape Jiu Jitsu returned from Melbourne with three Australian National Champions following a huge three days of competition at the 2026 Australian National Championships.

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More than 3,000 entries made it the biggest tournament in Australian Jiu Jitsu history, with Escape taking a squad of 20 competitors more than 2,000 kilometres to compete.

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Adult competitor Shay got the team off to a flying start on Day 1, claiming gold and the Australian National title in Adults No Gi before backing it up with silver in Gi the following day.

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The junior team kept the pressure on Sunday, with Summer and Paityn both crowned Australian National Champions. Summer achieved the feat just seven months after starting Jiu Jitsu, while Paityn is also still in her first year of training.

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Coach Bec Johns added silver after stepping down an age bracket and entering the Open Weight division, while Coach Zane Johns collected silver and bronze.

The Escapes Women’s talent stuck out amongst the heat of the competition, finishing 11th in the No Gi team standings, while the academy placed 29th overall among 94 teams to reach the podium on the final day.

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“For most of our team, this was their first major tournament,” Head Coach Danny Johns said.

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“The courage it takes just to step onto those mats is huge, and I couldn’t be more proud of the way every one of them represented Escape Jiu Jitsu and the Whitsundays.”

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Contributed with thanks to Coach Danny Johns.  

George Rush has enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the 2026 Queensland Short Course Championships, collecting seven top four finishes across a range of events.  

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George produced a standout performance in the pool, claiming gold in the 100m Backstroke to take the Queensland championship title for his age group.  

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He backed up his winning performance with a series of impressive results, finishing second in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m Breaststroke and 200m Freestyle. His consistency across different strokes and distances highlighted the strength and versatility of his swimming.  

George also secured third place in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, while adding a strong fourth-place finish in the 50m Freestyle.  

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His performances at the Queensland Short Course Championships demonstrate the hard work and dedication behind his swimming, as well as his ability to compete at a high level across multiple events.  

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George put together an impressive string of results across several disciplines, finding the podium six times across the meet.

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Their strongest performance came in the 100m Backstroke, where they claimed first place, before adding four second-place finishes in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m Breaststroke and 200m Freestyle.

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The medals continued with third-place finishes in both the 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, while they narrowly missed another podium with fourth place in the 50m Freestyle.

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The Whitsunday Swimming Club is extremely proud of Geroge and Coach Jenny and their achievements.  

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Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

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Ladies Triples champions Joan McGrath, Wendy Pomeroy and Vicki Spann following their fantastic performance at Sarina.

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The Champion of Champions success continued for Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with Joan McGrath, Wendy Pomeroy and Vicki Spann adding a Ladies Triples title to the club’s recent achievements.

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At Sarina Bowls Club, Joan skipped the side alongside Wendy, who was subbing for Ladda Purdie, and the in-form Vicki, with the trio reaching the final before overcoming a gallant Mackay Ladies team.

Their victory followed Manny Isgro and Luke Kinnear’s Champion of Champions triumph against West Tigers, giving Airlie Beach plenty to celebrate on the championship stage.

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Back home Tuesday, Steve Heddles, Else Van Soest and Wendy Lynn took the honours.

Wednesday welcomed 37 bowlers from across Australia and New Zealand, with Te Anau’s Ken McChlery teaming with Wendy Lynn for a comfortable 34-15 victory. David Dias and Keith Bates finished second, winning 26-11.

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Club coaches Mark Mawson and Betty Whitehorn also continued working with the young champions from the Christian College.

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Saturday morning Scroungers saw Pip Heddles win Round 4, while Russell Jackson claimed his second win in Round 5, leaving him at minus 10. Steve Heddles and Tony Whitehorn were runners-up.

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Sunday brought another 32 bowlers to the green, including visitors from Healesville, Rosebud and Moana Bowls Clubs.

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With the greatest winning margin drawn as three, Mandy O’Brien, Dawn Dowell and skipper Tony “take the money” Whitehorn claimed the prize with a 30-14 victory.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.  

U14-15 Team. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’keefe.

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Whitsunday United Football Club secured finals football and celebrated a minor premiership during an action-packed round, with teams delivering determined performances as the season approached an exciting finish.

WUFC Div 2 Men secured finals football with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Country United. Macka Moore led a strong defensive effort before Harry Paroz broke the deadlock with a late free kick. Div 2 now await other results to determine their final ladder position.

Premier Women were narrowly defeated 2-1 away to Mackay Rangers. Alexis Finlay opened the scoring on the counterattack, giving WUFC the lead into the second half. Rangers responded with two goals, but WUFC fought hard until the final whistle.

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U14/15 Premier capped off their final home game with a 5-1 victory over Magpies. Tyson Fenning, Daly Gillett and Nick Moranino controlled the midfield, while Tyrell McDowall created opportunities and goalkeeper Nick Philipson made crucial saves. They now face Mackay Rangers in a top-of-the-table clash for the minor premiership.

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U14/15 Div 1 secured the minor premiership with a 7-2 home victory over Magpies FC. With just one loss all season, they sealed top spot with goals from Kobe Marjoram, Issac Pisaniello and Shadrick Thorsby.

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Under 13 Div 1 battled ladder leaders Mackay Lions, going down 6-1. Deakin Craven scored from halfway and later impressed in goal, while Summah Gomes and Cody Bakker worked tirelessly in defence. WUFC now look ahead to their final home game against Wanderers.  

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

Clayton Chapman King of the river cars 2025. Photo credit: Tony Hodskiss

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The usually dry Don River is about to roar back to life, as hundreds of dirt bikes, buggies and trophy trucks prepare to tear through its riverbed for one of Bowen’s biggest weekends of the year.

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Returning from 4th–6th September, the Don River Dash will bring thousands of competitors and spectators to Bowen for its eighth year, with 300 kilometres of high-speed off-road racing set to take over the river.

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‘There's nothing else like ripping wide open through a dry riverbed with the crowd just metres away,’ said Burdekin Offroaders Inc. President Michael Marson.  

‘Every year we see the standard of competition get higher, from local legends to national champions, and the support from the Bowen community is incredible. It's that combination of world-class racing and genuine country hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year.’

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Motor vehicles of all kinds will come in droves, from dirt bikes and buggies to off-road trucks, as competitors take on a course known for being challenging without becoming intimidating, while the Don River Dash’s country hospitality keeps racers and their families coming back year after year.  

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“As it is held after our traditional grey nomad season and before the September school holidays, it attracts visitors during what was previously a much quieter period for local tourism operators,” said Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy.

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“Many competitors also bring their families, turning the event into a holiday.  

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“They take the opportunity to discover Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region, with many extending their stay for several days after the racing has finished.”

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What? Don River Dash

When? Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September  

Where? Along the dry bed of the Don River in Bowen

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Photo credits: Salty Dingo.  

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Hamilton Island Race Week has hit the Whitsunday waters in full force, with heavy winds and tight racing setting the tone across the opening days of the iconic regatta.

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Now in its 41st edition, the week-long event has welcomed more than 1,200 sailors across 194 boats from Australia and overseas, blowing last year's fleet of 145 boats out of the water.  

“With entries across a diverse range of classes, we're looking forward to welcoming competitors from around Australia and overseas for another outstanding Hamilton Island Race Week,” Race Director Denis Thompson said in a Hamilton Island Race Week article ahead of the event.

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Racing officially got underway on Sunday 16th August, beginning six days of competition around Hamilton Island and through the Whitsunday passages.

The action began on Sunday with the Around the Islands Race, as trade winds topping 25 knots and with less than steady conditions, crews were immediately tested with what the Whitsundays could throw at them.

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Skipper Steve Girdis led the field in the 22-boat Trailer Yacht fleet, while Mark Spring and his young crew aboard Highly Sprung fought back from a difficult start to claim the opening win in IRC Rating Division One. Viva La Vida took out Hamilton Island Blue, while John Whitbread’s Kerb topped Hamilton Island Pink.

“It was so much fun, and what made it especially special was having four Girdises on board, plus one honorary family member,” Girdis said.  

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The wind showed no signs of easing on Monday, with another demanding day on the water tightening the standings across several divisions.

Miyu took victory on both EHC and OMR handicaps to move into the Multihull Racing lead, while Wild Thing claimed line honours and a handicap win in Hamilton Island Blue, finishing just 25 seconds ahead of Caol Ila on corrected time.

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“From there, we had a spinnaker run into the finish with 22 knots blowing through the passage,” Team Hollywood tactician David Chapman said.

“The finish was probably the best part of the day.”

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Tuesday brought rougher conditions to waters, with fresh trade winds and passing rain squalls challenging sailors during the Nautilus Marine Insurance Classic, Race Week’s premier long and medium-distance race day.  

Wild Oats X claimed its first IRC win of the week in Rating Division One, while Highly Sprung continued its strong form with a third consecutive TPR victory.

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Wednesday gave crews a break from racing for the traditional lay day, with the Balter Lay Day Beach Party taking over Catseye Beach as the action shifted on shore.

It was one of several ways Race Week has stretched beyond the water, alongside a Whitehaven Beach cruise aboard superyacht Rascal, the Race Day Long Lunch overlooking Dent Passage and a sit-down with sailors Olivia Price and Cole Tapper.

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With Race Week heading into its final stretch, racing continues on Friday and Saturday, with the Presentation Dinner bringing the 41st edition of the regatta to a close on Saturday night.

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Photo source: Mackay Softball Association Incorporated 

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The Mackay Men travelled to Rockhampton for another weekend of CQ Derby softball, taking on Rocky across three games.

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After a hard-fought series, Mackay secured the win in the final game to cap off a successful weekend of competition.

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The derby featured quality softball and strong camaraderie between the two teams, with Mackay thanking Softball Rockhampton for hosting the event.

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The Dragons Abreast Mackay Inc. team. Photos supplied  

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24 Paddlers from Dragons Abreast Mackay (Dragon Boat Team) are heading to Aix-le-Bains in the French Alps to participate in the upcoming International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Festival alongside 4500 participants from all around the world.

Members of Dragons Abreast Mackay (Dragon Boat Team) recently met with Russell King (Treasurer) of RSL Mackay Sub Branch Inc. to collect beautiful commemorative pins that RSL donated for the team to wear on their hats in France to honour the connection between the Australian and French Troops during wartime.  

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After the festival some members will visit French Battlefields and Memorial Sites to pay their respects. Lest We Forget.

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Club representative said, “Dragons Abreast Mackay are very appreciative of our wonderful Uniform Sponsors, Joyce Mechanical Services, Rimex, The Creperie Restaurant, Blucher Family and Complete Parts and Equipment.  The team are fit andready to compete thanks to Evoke Fitness.

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“We are all proud to be representing the great Mackay community on the World Stage and will wear our kit with so much pride whilst promoting our beautiful part of the world.”

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Contributed by Janelle Moran

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Photo credit: Ken Fihelly

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The club’s destination on Sunday was Red Cliff Islands, both north and south, just offshore from Seaforth. The walk started around lunch time to take advantage of the low tide needed to access the causeway from the mainland, and this, plus the shorter drive and the somewhat easier nature of the walk resulted in fifteen members setting off across the first causeway to the South Island.

After a short lunch break in the shade, during which some attractively shaped and coloured rocks were admired, the causeway to North Red Cliff Island was now well clear of the water, and the track up to the lookout was negotiated. There are spectacular coastal views from here, Cape Hillsborough to the southeast, and Newry and Rabbit Islands to the northwest. There are some signs of the old WW2 observation site here also.

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Then the group moved back down to sea level, and below the cliffs to begin heading north around the base of the north island. The nice slab rocks here made for easier walking than scrambling over and around the boulders. After enjoying the views of the various rock features, and some exotic creatures exposed by the low tide, the participants, led by Ken Fihelly, arrived at the impressive arch on the southeast of the same island.

After plenty of photographs were taken, the group continued to the South Island, this time following the eastern shore, viewing further rock formations including an impressive tower and a colourful sea cave. The causeway was still above water when the participants walked back to the cars. This outing, while not long in kms was rich in the diversity of interesting features to explore.

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Upcoming walks include Mt Jukes, Mt Ossa, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail and Cascade Creek. Phone 0429 363 929 for details about how to become involved.

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

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Some of the beautiful Mackay Road Runners ladies prior to racing the Whibley’s Wander 5 & 10km annual event.

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Strong performances were recorded across the field at the annual Whibley’s Wander, with Clinton Mackie and Jose Short claiming overall gold in the 12km male and female categories.

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Jo Hughes and Craig Joynson were the first male and female finishers in the 5km event, navigating the meandering and slightly undulating course from Duncan Street, West Mackay, towards the Catherine Freeman Trail via Holland Street and Bridge Road before returning to the start.

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The club thanked Julie and Andrew Whibley for generously hosting the Whibley’s Wander 5km and 12km from their home, as well as providing a post-run sausage sizzle and refreshments for participants.

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Thanks were also extended to Andrew Short for setting up the course and collecting the signs, markers and water-stop equipment afterwards. Rohan Miles was again on hand to manage timekeeping and ensure members’ results were accurately recorded, while merchandising specialist Jo Hughes had a wide range of club merchandise available for purchase.

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The club’s next event will be the Mystery 5km and 10km social run this Sunday, starting from Farview Tavern at 4pm, with runners invited to stay for a post-run refreshment.

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Members are also reminded of the following Club Championship events this month:

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August 23 – North Qld Bulk Ports & Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile

August 30 – Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and 5km, incorporating the inaugural 3km Rules of Running event for under-12s.

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 Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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