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The annual Harvest Triples competition was held at the Marian Bowls Club on Monday, May 11th, welcoming sixteen teams from across the district. President Thelma Johnston greeted players as they arrived for the popular event, which saw bowlers enjoy a day of friendly rivalry despite continuous showers throughout the day. The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with plenty of laughter and camaraderie shared across the greens. A cent sale and raffles were well supported by the attending bowlers, while Joan Vickers donated a beautiful orchid for the lucky door prize. With only three points separating the top three teams, the competition proved to be closely contested. Results were as follows: 1st Place: C. McBride, Penny Roots, Rita Hughes 2nd Place: Lyn Tungate, Pauline Turchett, Margaret Egerton 3rd Place: Doris Fry, Judith Miller, Thelma Johnston Contributed by Judith Miller 6349 T. Johnston, R. Hughes, C. McBride, P. Roots. 6348 T. Johnston, L. Tungate, M. Edgerton, P. Turchett 6346 L. Hamilton, T. Johnston, D. Fry, J. Miller. Photos supplied
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Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026. Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector. Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August. QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness. “Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said. “The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.” Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila. Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork. "This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.” Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development. “Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said. “This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.” QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event. CAPTIONS: Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald. (Back Row L to R) - John Bourke, Guillermo (will) Pedrosa, Adam Barnes, Daneil Davies, and Tyronne Sullivan. Photo supplied Second Place - Oaky North (Front Row L to R) - Leslie Healy, Robert McShane (vice - captain), Samuel Lindley (captain), and Coleman Roberts. (Back Row L to R) - Sandie McGill, Dakotah Damsma Richardson, Ben Ormsby, Hudson Jeffrey, Corey Hoskins, and Sarah Ryan (3M). Photo supplied Third Place - Ironbark No.1 (Front Row L to R) - Kenneth Aveling, Thomas McPhail (captain), Shay Livermore (vice - captain), and Dean Betts. (Back Row L to R) - Charlie Stokes, Connor Thompson, Luke Davies, Paul Hansen, Danuel Bell, and Brett Spence (FRSA). Photo supplied
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Over the weekend of 8th–10th May, Mackay Table Tennis Association was proud to host the Queensland Northern Veterans and Mackay Open Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players from across the State, who travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast to compete in the event. The weekend featured both Aged and Rated events and showcased an incredible range of competitors, from our youngest junior player at just 7 years old to our oldest veteran player at 85 years old. For the first time in several years, we crowned new Men’s and Women’s Open Singles Champions. Alan Walsh from Townsville defeated Paul Green from Mackay to claim the Men’s Open title, while Crismi Lovera fought back strongly against Andrea McDonnell, with both players representing Townsville, to secure the Women’s Open title. Mackay Table Tennis Association would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled, competed, umpired, and assisted throughout the weekend, along with the wonderful referees whose efforts helped make the tournament a success. A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors who generously donated prize money and raffle prizes to the Club — your continued support is greatly appreciated. Tuesday Night Fixtures Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) just got home against Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5. Barry won a very close battle with Graham B (-6,6,-13,10,9). What an exceptional 5 Sets! Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 6-5 over Geese (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), no 5 set matches but some very close games. Canaries (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Yilin Jiang) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Syed Hossain). Division 2: Doves (Daniel Warfield, John McGee, Will VanDeKaa) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) 6-5 with a good 5 set doubles match between John and Daniel coming home against Rod and Ricky to win (-3,7,-12,8,3). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) won 9-2 against Kites (Matt West, Tiffany Camilleri, Simon Hogan), Andrea found her groove in the 5 set to win over Matt (-8,3,4,-7,6). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan) beat Parrots (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross) 5-3, George got his monies worth with 2 big 5 set matches, he lost to Donna but came out and snuck home against Remy (-9,7,-8,7,12) Division 3 are still playing in there groups with the leader board changing often. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Orion Orbitors (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) defeated Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir), Peter overcome John in 5 sets (9,4,-9,-9,4). Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Darryl Ross) won 8-4 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Veronica Needham, Bryan Marshall), Kevin got the better of Veronica N (-9,11,-7,5,6). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) overcome Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins) 10-2, Helen outlasted Chris in 5 sets (-8,-8,1,10,7). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Coral Morgan, Robyn Bushell) 7-5, Kim overcome John in close 5 sets (16,-5,-9,11,10). Division 3: Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) won 7-5 Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders), Myles overcome Sharon in 5 sets (7,9,-8,-7,7). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Pam Kuene) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton, Thelma Caruana) 11-1, Pam outlasted Gerry in close battle (7,-8,8,-3,7). Contributed by Andrea Payne Barry Patterson. Photo supplied
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The 30th Barrier Reef Contract Bridge Congress was played in Townville last week. Players travelled from all over the state to compete. Five pairs of Mackay players received coveted Red points in the Walkins. Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce won the Novice Pairs (Gold points) with Team Morris – Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Jan Harris and Helen Van Den Broek placed second in the Restricted Team event, also Gold points. All Mackay players competed well and received a percentage of Red or Gold points. Weekly Results Monday 11 May 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell 1st Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Monica Darley / Joy Block 2nd Sandy Patterson / Karen Caldwell 3rd Faith Hutchinson / Mary Jane Marsh 3rd Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese Tuesday Evening 12 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ken Seaniger / Ann Whitmore 3rd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 4th Vicki Howard / Richard Wix Wednesday 13 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 1st Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell 2nd Bob Ellis / Susan Wright 2nd Andrew Canavan / Kath Poole 3rd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson 3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary 4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen Thursday Evening 14 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King 3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless Friday 8 May 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell 3rd Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson Saturday 9 May 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 4th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 5th Anne Lutz / Ian Vary Contributed by Joy Block
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In the build-up to the ninth annual Airlie Beach Fight Night, Whitsunday Martial Arts (WMA) have released their three-month Experience Program.
Designed to train contestants like a fighter, the commitment to the course is huge but the rewards are great.
“It’s made for people who have never done combat sports or martial arts before,” said Dan Zealand from WMA.
“It’s a great way to kick-start a change in your lifestyle.”
Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of eight training sessions per week.
They will also receive mentoring and nutrition advice and receive the benefits of challenging themselves as part of the broader WMA community.
“This is one of the toughest and greatest challenges,” said Dan.
“You will eat, train and prepare like a fighter and you will even have the opportunity to step into the ring like a fighter at the end of the 12 weeks if you choose.”
Local fighter, Chris Smith, began competing this way – he entered the training program and lost 50kg before fighting professionally for WMA.
Airlie Beach Fight Night will be the culmination of the 12 weeks Experience Program and takes place at the Whitsunday PCYC on September 23.
The event is set to be another huge success with over 15 fighters already signed-up.
The large grandstand will take centre stage and there will be ring side seating and special VIP tables available.
The venue is also fully licenced, and it is set to be an exciting night for all involved.
The two WMA coaches, Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand, with a local fighter. Photo supplied
Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.
Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.
Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.
Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.
Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).
Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.
White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).
Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.
Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.
Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).
The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.
Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).
Another busy week starting on Tuesday with Carol Crosbie at lead with Tina Schubert second and the brilliant Ladda Purdie our Thai princess winning comfortably from the rest of the field.
This was the situation with Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls, run by Merve Stewart with Ladda Purdie again showing her red-hot form with a huge win with Nik Fernbach at lead and Helen Ward at second from 22 players with Mark Mawson on Tuesday and Tony Kelly on Wednesday winners of the prestigious Health Hub award.
The new format of Scroungers was a huge success at Business House Bowls with Ian Whittaker bowling beautifully.
The Mens Pennants continued with Division 1 too strong for North Mackay, collecting maximum points but were sadly unable to beat Proserpine on Sunday on their very heavy rink.
Division 4 lost by 3 points on Saturday but returned to best form on Sunday with Tony Whitehorn’s team bowling outstanding bowl’s winning 32-7 for a victory.
Division 5 had a team victory over North Mackay on Saturday with John Matterson’s team winning 32-10 ensuring a team victory and on Sunday Steve Lawrie’s team ensuring a team win getting maximum points with a 31-10 victory over Proserpine who were gallant in defeat and finally Division 6 on Saturday had a team win although John Askew’s team went down by 3 Merve Stewart’s team won by 11 to ensure a team victory.
Our victorious Penants team with members of the Division 4 and 5 teams happy with their efforts
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Wednesday Social:
Winning Skips were Peter Bruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles.
Wednesday overall winning team were Dot Slater, Ross Scanlon and Mary-Ellen Pratten (absent).
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Bowen Bowls winners PeterBruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles. Photo supplied
On Wednesday for Social Bowls, we welcomed Russell Jackson, Alan Pershouse, and Andrew Butler from Airlie Beach who were taking the opportunity to have a game in preparation for this weekend's pennants.
Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Russell Jackson 27 - 15; Arthur Griffith, Alan Pershouse, and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Andrew Butler 24 - 17.
Sunday's Social bowls numbers were down due to the number of players playing in pennants.
Heather Brown played double third.
Margy Burnett, John Burnett, Heather Brown, and John Anderson defeated Lee King, Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith 20 - 16.
Division 1 Pennants had a great weekend defeating Northern Beaches on Saturday 63 - 45 having wins on all 3 rinks so taking 6 points plus a margin of 28.
On Sunday the teams were firing again defeating Airlie Beach 68 - 36 earning 6 points plus a margin of 32.
This should put Division 1 into 2nd place.
Division 5 didn't have quite as happy a weekend having two away games on fast synthetic greens and player unavailability due to Mother's Day.
They had a loss to Souths Suburban on Saturday and a loss to Airlie Beach on Sunday.
They will be looking forward to the comfort of grass next Saturday.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.
Close town rivalry with Proserpine playing Airlie Beach in Pennants. Photo supplied
WTA’s Footy for Fun Program for Juniors finished last Monday and a new season will kick-off in August. Some fifteen Juniors participated in the program having fun learning and practicing some of the important skills of Touch Football.
The Juniors showed they made real progress over the course of the six weeks with running in heaps of tries in their final game.
Round Ten Results
Mixed A
Concrete Feet defeated Vipers (on Forfeit)
In The Crear (11) defeated Raider A (3)
Mixed B
Slippery Salmons (10) defeated The Guinea Fowls (5)
Ray White defeated GET Touch (on Forfeit)
Touch It defeated Full Boar (on Forfeit)
Mixed C
Whitsunday Warriors (10) defeated Raiders C (3)
Stingers (10) defeated On Time (7)
Flametree Flames (5) defeated Fumble This (2)
Mixed C (Family)
Escapees/Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (3)
Mainlanders (6) drew against Untouchables (6)
Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.
Caption: The first Footy for Fun program was a great success. Photo supplied
Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Janice Bates 32 points, runner up on a countback Grace Nott 31 points. Men’s winner on a countback Brendan Nott 36 points, runner up Hayden Williams 36 points.
Saturday was the men’s B & C grade open. B grade gross winner Craig Newell, gross runner up Bradley Low, nett winner Donald Williams, nett runner up Gregg Aplin.
C Grade Gross winner John Storrie, gross runner up Andrew Need. Nett winner Ken Todd, Nett runner up Ian Rhodes. Pin shots to Robert Byles and Adam Hagy. Longest drive to Adam Eathorne.
Sunday was the men's A & A1 open. A Grade winner Joshua Reid, gross runner up Michael Neaton, Nett winner Chris Goulevitch, Nett runner up Craig O'Keefe.
A1 Grade winner after a 5 hole playoff was Greg Fairs, gross runner up Daniel Windridge. A1 nett winner Kurt Gaudry, nett runner up Graham Seaborne. Pin shots to Marsh Bott and Matt Allen. Longest drive to David Zillfleisch
This weekend's competition is a 4 ball aggregate medley stableford sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
A and A1 Grade winners. Photo supplied
Junior golfer, Jack Hayes-Williams has been selected in the North Queensland 10-12 year school team and will compete at the Sunshine Coast this week. Jack is heading to the competition in good form after winning the Club's Sunday Stableford with an impressive 42 points, great round and best of luck in the School State Titles! Karen Rix was the runner up with 35 points.
It was another big week of competitions at the Club, with Steve Mitchell victorious in the Tuesday Stableford and Michael Cragg in 2nd place.
The Ladies competed for the Airllywood Voucher on Wednesday with Tiina Randmae on 38 points the lucky winner, Pam Casey had another solid round to take 2nd place.
60 players were out on Thursday in tough damp and windy conditions, Adam Maggs came first in Division 1 with 35 points on a countback from Ryan Wilkes, and Peter Lindsay also on 35 points won Division 2, with Paul Nicol in 2nd place on 34 points.
Brent Franke edged out Rob Webb on a countback with 19 points to win the Metropole Friday 9 hole competition and Saturday saw Lyn Muller win the ladies Allenbuild Stableford, again in very tough conditions, Elspeth Scotford claimed 2nd place with 31 points.
Our new member Tracey Cousemaker scored an amazing eagle on 11, holing out in 2 shots, and Ann Gardel was our only NTP winner.
Shaun Tyrrell put together a great round 0f 39 points to win the Men’s Division 1 in the Allenbuild Stableford, with Dave O’Connor claiming 2nd place only one point behind.
Jim Sherrington also found the conditions favourable, carding 39 points to win Division 2, and Jesse Street close behind too, on 38 points.
Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.
Junior golfer Jack Hayes-Williams. Photo supplied
The Sunday Stableford saw only 13 players in the running. The weather again looked dubious on the drive in to the course, but players were lucky with only a couple of very light drops of rain. However, the wind kicked in again, as the scores indicate, and the more exposed greens caused a few wayward putts.
Ladies A Grade:
Winner: Anna Winterbourn with 31 points
Runner up: Tiina Randmae with 25 points
Ladies B Grade:
Winner: Karen Rix with 35 points
Runner up: Robyn Whitham with 27 points
Men’s A Grade:
Winner: Geoff Harrison with 27 points
Runner-up: Gerald Lovell with 24 points
Men’s B Grade:
Winner: Don Cameron with 33 points
Runner up: Ron Jamieson with 27 points
NTPs Ladies’: Karen Rix (9th) and Anna Winterbourn (13th)
Men: Don Cameron (9th) and Geoff Harrison (13th)
Longest Drives: Tiina Randmae and Linda Wardroper for the ladies, Gerald Lovell and Leigh Jones for the men
NAGAs: Sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts were Linda Wardroper and Mark McDougal, who will enjoy their free drinks.
Sunday 21/5 is the Ladies’ and Men’s foursomes Championships - trophy event.
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
Placegetters: L to R: Karen Rix (Ladies’ B winner), Don Cameron (Men’s B winner), Anna Winterbourn (Ladies’ A winner), Geoff Harrison (Men’s A winner). Photo supplied
This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Glenn Rees with a 23 point win, second place on 21 points was Tyson Flavel and third Peter Henderson with 18 points.
On our 9-hole Friday stableford competition we had Glenn Rees taking first place again with a 21 c/b, second place with 21 points Tyson Flavel and third on an 18 c/b Andrew Gomez.
On Sunday we had our 18-hole stableford with Donny Pettiford taking the win on 39 points, second place on 38 points Tyson Flavel and third Dean Barnard on 37 points.
Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Dean Barnard. A very good week for Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel, great job gentlemen.
This Sunday will be 18-hole skins tee off at 10.00am.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club
The 9-hole stableford competition winner Glenn Rees. Photo supplied
Volleyball runs in the veins of Proserpine State High School sport star, Lillian Kelly.
Lillian has recently qualified for the Under 16s Australian Women’s team, competing at the Asian Championships, and will head to China in the next school holidays, while also qualifying for the Queensland School Sport (QSS) team and will be travelling to Canberra in June.
Lillian began playing volleyball in Year 7, following in her mum’s sporting footsteps, and the teachers at Proserpine State High School urged her on.
“I guess the teachers at this school, they get you into it, because they like it too,” Lillian said.
“If there was no volleyball at this school, I would not be where I am today.”
Lillian will head to Canberra to stay at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to have some team training before travelling to China with the team.
She is one of eight Queenslanders, two from Victoria, one from South Australia, and one from New South Wales.
“Queensland’s pretty dominant in the sport.”
“Honestly, I was so stoked [to get this opportunity] - it’s crazy!
“I’m playing for Australia. And they said a while ago that my group is targeted for the Brisbane Olympics, which they’ve already started scouting for.”
“That’s good because I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics. And it never even started off as volleyball, I was going to play a different sport.”
If Lillian’s team were to win the Asia Championships, they will be invited to the compete in the World Championships in 2023.
Lillian Kelly never intended to become so prolific in competitive volleyball. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
It has been a mammoth start to the season for Whitsunday Athletics Club, as they come off the back of a successful Mackay Track and Field Carnival.
Whitsunday Athletics Club took seven athletes to the carnival on the May long weekend, with amazing results.
Just 12 years old, Oliver Dibben scored gold in four of his events, the 400 metre, 800 metre, 1500 metre and 3000 metre, breaking the previous records.
“He broke the previous records by between five and 20 seconds,” said club president Tracey Croucher.
“He trains in the off season and his dedication and determination shows.”
Lilli Carcus came 3rd in her 1500 metre race-walk event, and Korbin Dibben placed 2nd in discuss, with Seth Carcus placing 2nd in discuss, the 100 metre and 200 metre track events.
“All our athletes placed on the podium,” said Tracey.
“But we compete to work on our personal bests and our sportsmanship.”
The Whitsunday Athletics Club trains out of Proserpine State High School and is open to anyone in the community.
“At the moment, we have 65 members, which has grown significantly in the past few years.”
The club is also always looking for volunteer coaches and trainers.
The next competition on the calendar is Townsville’s Festival of Athletics in June, with the “massive carnival” in Bowen coming up in August.
“We’re likely to take 20-odd athletes to Bowen, because the carnival is so large,” Tracey said.
If you wish to become a member or volunteer your coaching skills, you can reach them on their Facebook, Whitsunday Athletics Club Inc.
Back row left to right. Annette Wilson, Oliver Dibben, Korbin Dibben. Front row left to right. Lilli Carus, Seth Carus, Penelope Shields and River Shields
Seven athletes, aged seven to 60, competed at the Mackay Track and Field Carnival. Photos supplied
This week 85 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 16 were first timers and 18 recorded new Personal Bests.
The event was made possible thanks to RD Dan and his wonderful team of 15 volunteers: Nick, Kara, Megan, Wade, Susanne, Ashley, Ken, Jarrod, Lynne, Dennis, Joanne, Anne, Justin and Chris R.
Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark).
Parking is free in the lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.
You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun
Everyone is welcome at parkrun. Photos supplied
Even though the offshore winds were high, the 15 knot south easterly breeze on Pioneer Bay was perfect for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Wednesday.
A fleet of 16 boats and a combined crew list of over 100 participants made a spectacular sight from the Airlie Beach shoreline.
A change in wind direction just before the start threw a few challenges for the skippers, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) jumping the gun and having to return to restart.
This left Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) in the box seat to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.
Even though Reignition was last away, by the first rounding mark they were back in contention, catching and passing Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and hunting down QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) for dead heat for second place on the water.
After an uneventful race, Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) won on handicap corrected time, with Reignition second and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) third.
A combined start between the multihulls and Division 3 saw more chaos, as Matchless (Terrance Stevens) was squeezed out on the line, then having to avoid Shiraz (John Cable).
This allowed Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) an opportunity to break away from the fleet from the start, heading the race from start to finish.
Both Matchless and Shiraz made up sufficient ground to cross the finish line in second and third places, albeit almost 3 minutes adrift.
A strong performance by Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) saw them finishing in fourth place, sufficient to take the handicap win over Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) and The Point (Kyle Rose).
Back at the club, the vibe was high as results were announced, while Wobbly Boot took the weekly special prize awarded by Soft Rigging Solutions.
Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm.
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
The crew of Wobbly Boot. Photo supplied
The annual Mackay Athletics Club Track and Field Carnival attracts competitors of all ages and all classes from across Queensland, including Olympians and world ranking competitors.
The event took place over the May long weekend and included the likes of Olympic long jumper Henry Frayne, Australia and Oceania long jumper Henry Smith, and world champions in javelin throw Howard McDonald and Neil Janse.
Within the weekend, Mackay locals were a force to be reckoned with, breaking various records for the carnival.
Local records brokens:
Women 100 Metre Under 18 Years – Mikayla Webb – 12.61
Men 200 Metre 13 Years – Ethan Woods – 25.84
Men 200 Metre Under 20 Years – Ngakau Ufton – 23.83
Men 200 Metre Open – Damon Brown – 23.34
Men 45-46 200 Metre 30-49 Years – Chris Carney – 27.92
Girls 1500 Metre 11 Years – Ayla Moon – 5.22.83
Girls 300 Metre 12 Years – Alleah Fallon – 12.06.98
Men 3000 Metre Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 9.20.07
Boys 1500 Metre Race Walk 12 Years – Dante Brown – 10.54.69
Boys 60 Metre Hurdles 9 Years – Jack Goddard – 11.93
Boys 200 Metre Hurdles 12 Years – Noah Porter – 38.75
Men 2000 Metre Steeplecase Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 6.36.84
Men 3000 Metre Steeplecase Under 20 – Oliver Rule – 11.08.64
Boys Long Jump 12 Years – Justice Simpson – 4.65m
Men Long Jump Open – Damon Brown – 6.63m
Boys High Jump 10 Years – Elias Boatman – 1.25m
Girls Shot Put 2kg 10 Years – Vogue Miles – 7.77m
Men Shot Put 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 45.07m
Men Hammer 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 41.51m
Men Throw Pent Under 18 Years – James Galea – 3211
M70 60 Metre – Daniel Conroy – 10.73
W40 800 Metre – Mel Esau – 2.50.38
M45 800 Metre – Justin Rule – 2.23.99
W40 1500 Metre – Mel Esau – 6.00.30
M45 5000 Metre – Justin Rule – 18.35.70
W40 80 Short Hurdles – Madeline Simmons – 15.60
M45 3000 Metre Steeplecase – Justin Rule – 12.09.12
M35 Long Jump – Benjamin Ross – 5.26m
M70 Triple Jump – Daniel Conroy – 6.42m
M55 Discuss – Kevin Galea – 31.54m
M80 Javelin – Anthony Galea – 13.01m
W40 Throws Pent – Cathryn Hoare – 1770
W45 Throws Pent – Tammy Meyer - 1517
Competition from across Queensland, with many records broken
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