Some of the boats from last year’s Regatta. Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini.  

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The wait is over for one Australia's premier sailing regattas, with Airlie Beach Race Week set to welcome hundreds of sailors to the Whitsundays for six days of racing across Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passages.  

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Now in its 38th year, the iconic event combines sailing with a packed program of onshore entertainment, while delivering what organisers describe as the biggest trading week of the year for Airlie Beach.

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“So for Airlie Beach, it really means all the accommodation is full, all of the restaurants and cafes are full, all the shops,” said Terry Archer, President of the Whitsundays Sailing Club and Chairman of the Regatta Committee

“It is the biggest economic boom for this place.”  

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The event's success today is a far cry from its humble beginnings more than three decades ago. Airlie Beach Race Week traces its roots back to 1990, when businessman and sailor Don Algie established the Hog's Breath Cruising Classic after being inspired by Hamilton Island Race Week. Originally designed to attract visiting cruising yachts, the regatta soon evolved into a full Race Week, with a mix of bay racing and passage races through the Whitsunday Islands.

Since then, the event has grown into one of Australia's premier sailing regattas, attracting competitors from around the country while remaining a highlight of the Whitsundays calendar.

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The regatta caters for a wide range of sailing vessels, from larger offshore yachts moored in local marinas to smaller off-the-beach classes launched by hand.

This year, around 130 boats will compete across 10 to 13 divisions, with each class racing against similar boats throughout the week.

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The opening day of Race Week promises one of the regatta's most memorable spectacles, with every boat lining up for a dramatic mass start off Airlie Beach before setting sail through the Whitsundays.

"It's absolutely spectacular, with all the 130 boats starting together out the front of Airlie Beach," said Terry.

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From there, the fleet will split, with larger, faster yachts sailing around Gumbrell or Armit Island, while smaller boats round the Double Cone Islands before returning to shore.  

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Throughout the week, race officials will select from almost 30 different courses depending on the wind and tide, sending competitors through Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passages. The regatta will conclude on Thursday with the traditional "Big Bay Triangle", bringing the entire fleet back into Pioneer Bay for a fitting finale ahead of the presentation dinner.

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Photo credit: Di Rutland  

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Christmas in July was celebrated last weekend with fifteen participants involved in a range of activities in perfect weather at Ball Bay.

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Saturday morning commenced with nine walkers heading up the track to McBrides Lookout, and then the more adventurous majority followed Peter Bennett to drop down off track to the next hill and down onto the rocks. A scrubby walk with a steep descent was followed by boulder hopping which led eventually to the shoreline near Pauley’s Beach. Earlier, a long morning tea had been enjoyed on a rocky top where there was plenty of conversation but no view.

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A less challenging option was chosen by a small group who, after attaining the summit at McBrides Lookout, stayed on track and followed Penny McMahon to Halliday Bay, where morning tea on a log did come with a view. It was then back to the campsite for a BBQ lunch organised by Coral Morgan who had also been responsible for arranging the overnight camp which attracted six participants. They remained to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, dining together and then taking breakfast after watching the sunrise from the beach, or in some cases following their meal with a stroll along the sand and over the rocks.

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Future outings are planned to Red Cliff Island, the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, Mt Ossa, Mt Jukes and St Helen’s Creek. For further information the number to phone is 0429 363 929.  

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

A very special award was presented to Diane and Max Holewa by President Frances. Diane and Max have reached Gold Life ABF ranking. Diane and Max are very experienced players and have been playing bridge for a long time together. Dian and Max taught Bridge at Moranbah back in the day. Great achievement guys!

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Weekly Results

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Monday 20th July 2026 – Week 14 of 26 NWP - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

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E/W

1^st

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

1^st

Joy Block / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

3^rd

Monica Darley / Janice Mansfield

3^rd

Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell

Tuesday Evening 21st July 2026 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points  

1^st

Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2^nd

Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

3^rd

Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

4^th

Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 2 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

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Team

Players

1^st

S. Morris

Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Francis Brown, Alan Brown

2^nd

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

4^th

Rasmussen

Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

Thursday Evening 23rd July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Geoff Taylor / Anne Lutz

Friday 24 July 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1^st

Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

2^nd

Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright

2^nd

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Lorna Shuttlewood/ Debra Goodchild

3^rd

Diane Cox / Christine Nice

4^th

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Saturday 25th July 2026 –- 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

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E/W

1^st

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

1^st

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

2^nd

Ming Ting / David Ting  

2^nd

Geoff Taylor / Andrew Canavan

3^rd

Alan Brown / Frances Brown

3^rd

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

4^th

Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4^th

Julie O’Neill / Gwen Liddell

Sunday 26th July 2026 –- Noice and Mentors -6 Table One Winer Green Points

1^st

Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Jennifer Camerson / Martin Pearce

3^rd

Lynne O’Neill / Susan Gibson

4^th

Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe

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Diane and Max – ABF -Gold Life. Photo supplied

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Contributed by Joy Block

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A very successful Eungella King & Queen of the Mountain outing for the Hayles family – Oscar (4^th Junior male), Isabelle (3^rd Junior female) , Emily (2^nd Open female), Lissy and Stephen Hayles.

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Congratulations to the runners and cyclists who took part in the annual Historical King and Queen of the Mountain last weekend.

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Perfectly cool conditions provided an ideal setting for quality racing, with nearly 100 athletes making their way from the small township of Netherdale to the beautiful Eungella Chalet, with spectacular scenic vistas along the route.

The event would not be where it is today without the valuable support of its loyal sponsors: Eungella Chalet’s Tess and team; M-Test’s Merv and Wendy Shields; Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr; Veronica Pettifer, who sponsors The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy; Torque Tyres & Trailers; and Cloudbreak Lowline Eungella Beef’s Kel and Mandy.

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Several volunteers from Mackay Cycle Club and Mackay Road Runners are also to be congratulated for their involvement in staging this magnificent event and helping make the annual race a success.

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Results:-

Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle King & Queen of the Mountain:-

Naomi Ballard - 1st Female

Max Teague - 1st Male

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M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain:-

1st Kate Gibbs; 2nd Emily Hayles; 3rd Jose Short; 4th Bec Malcolm

1st Paul Mackenzie; 2nd Ryan Murray; 3rd Samuel Parrish; 4th Liam Mumford

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Podiatry Mackay/Lauren Pettifer Inspirational Junior King & Queen of the Mountain:-

Female - 1st Lily Leven; 2nd Isla Gibbs; 3rd Isabelle Hayles; 4th Sienna Gibbs

Male - 1st Tyler Lewandowski; 2nd Fletcher Hegerty; 3rd Max Miles; 4th Oscar Hayles

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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Welcome back everyone to Season 3 and trust you all had a wonderful break. Congratulations to the Players who took part in the Queensland Veterans Championships in Brisbane on 14th-19th July. Mackay did very well winning a suitcase full of medals in every colour. Well done!

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EVENING FIXTURES - Season 3

Division 1: Cheetahs (Goncalo Serra, Janice Kent, Allan Edwards) defeated Jaguars (Neil Brown, Syed Hossain) 9-2 with Neil coming home strong against Allan (4,9,-10,-9,4).  

Leopards (Emma Widdup, Donna Abbott) snuck home against Lions (Graham Brake, Josh Brown, Will VanDaKaa) 6-5, Donna come back from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Graham (-6,-10,3,9,4). Pumas (Trent Day, Yilin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) won 6-5 over Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan). Anne came back against Duncan to win (-6,-9,10,6,6).  

Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) defeated Magpies (Barry Patterson, Rod Mahumas) 6-5, Robbie and Rod had a close battle with Robbie winning in 5 sets (12,-7,-11,4,8).

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Division 2: Cod (Delma Knight, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) won 8-3 against Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington), Daniel and Steve had a massive 4 sets, Daniel won (20,-10,9,5).

Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmed) got home 8-3 over Cuttlefish (Ian McKay, Noreen Frederickson, David Symons), Peter beat Ian in close 5 sets (7,-7,7,-8,10).

Dolphins (Mark Stam, Mark Bowerman, Ricky Zhan) defeated Mackeral (Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, Ricky come home strong against Ollie (-8,9,-9,10,5).

Trout (Tony Bowman, Liz Burton, Amanda Lui) overcome Grunter (Simon Hogan, Rachel Fiesta, Jason Lee) 6-5, Simon won close battle with Liz (-9,5,7,-5,8).

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MORNING FIXTURES  

Division 1: Celtic Smash (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, John McGee defeated Pirate Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) 8-4, with no 5 set matches Pam won against Steve (-9,7,4,5).

Pharaoh Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) outlasted Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Noreen Frederickson) 9-3, Bryan beat Judy in close 5 sets (-7,4,-6,6,6).

Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Ross DeBoer, Kevin Abbott) tied 6-6 with Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd), Branko outlasted Ross (-8,-7,8,9,4)

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Division 2: Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) defeated Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Pam Kuene, Louise Gould) 8-4, Kim won in close 5 sets against Pam (-7,-7,8,7,9).

Dolphin Divers (Frank Caruana, John Hamelink) got home 6-3 over Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis), Frank got the better of Ken (-7,6,-7,6,10).

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Division 3: Amazon Guards (David Muir, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) won 9-3 against Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Thelma Caruana, Glenda Dutton), Thelma was to strong for Allison (8,-8,-8,8,7).

Gladiator Grip (Kim Challendar, Sharon Muller, Trish Zamparutti) defeated Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) 8-4, Sharon got home in close battle with Iris (-8,-8,8,9,8).

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Contributed with thanks to Andrea Payne

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Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club

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Congratulations to North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club open water swimmers, who achieved outstanding results at last week's MSQ State Championships Ship to Shore Swim.  

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While medal presentations were delayed as most competitors travelled back to Mackay after the event, the well-earned medals have now been presented, recognising the swimmers' impressive performances.

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There was plenty to celebrate at Mackay parkrun on 25^th July, with a new age category record and several participant milestones highlighting another successful community event.

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Lorna Allen set a new VW80–84 age category record, completing the free, timed 5km course in an impressive 41:11.

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The event also recognised five milestone achievements. Greg Dawes celebrated his 250th parkrun finish, while Rowan Stratford and Michelle McCulloch each reached their 100th finish milestones. Clinton Mackie completed his 50th parkrun, and Tanya Tomerini celebrated her 25th finish.

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A familiar face at Mackay parkrun, Greg Dawes’ milestone reflects not only his commitment as a participant but also his outstanding service as a volunteer. Since joining the event team in September 2022, he has served as Run Director on 32 occasions and has volunteered an impressive 125 times. Fittingly, Greg marked his 250th finish while volunteering as the 27:30 pacer, encouraging and supporting fellow participants throughout the course.

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Held every Saturday from 7am at the Mackay Botanic Gardens on Lagoon Street, Mackay parkrun is a free, community-run 5km walk or run that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Participation is free, although first-time participants are encouraged to register beforehand and bring a scannable parkrun barcode to receive an official time.  

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox catches up with Mackay Surf Life Saving Club's Isabella Grant at Harbour Beach after the Year 9 student secured third place in Australia in the Champion Lifesaver event with the backing of a Local Sporting Champions grant.

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The next generation of regional sporting legends is locked, loaded, and ready to take on the best in the business, with 59 young athletes from across the Dawson electorate securing crucial financial backing to support their dreams.

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Under Round 4 of the Federal Government's Local Sporting Champions program, these dedicated competitors have each received grants of between $650 and $750 to assist with the skyrocketing costs of competing at elite levels.

Among this round's standout recipients is Mackay North State High School student Isabella Grant, a dedicated lifesaver from the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club who recently brought home a bronze medal from the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.

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Competing in the demanding Champion Lifesaver event, Isabella placed third in Australia, following her impressive second-place finish at the State Titles. A highlight of her national campaign was taking out first place in the beach sprint.

Isabella shared the national stage with fellow Mackay Surf Life Saving Club member Cadence McKinnon, who claimed second place in the same event, capping off a remarkable result for the local club.

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Her father, Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, emphasised the impact this financial backing has on local families.

"For regional athletes, travelling interstate or down to the Gold Coast involves substantial costs for transport, equipment, and accommodation," Mr Grant said.

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"Programs like the Local Sporting Champions scheme help lighten that financial burden so our athletes can focus entirely on performing at their best."

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said he was incredibly proud to back local champions like Isabella, who prove that regional athletes can match it with the best in the country.

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"Seeing Isabella deliver such outstanding results on the national stage shows the depth of talent we have right here in Mackay.” Mr Willcox said.  

"Whether it is driving down to the Gold Coast or flying interstate, the cost of accommodation, fuel, registration, and uniforms is a massive hurdle. With current cost-of-living pressures hitting household budgets hard, mums and dads are doing it tough, so I am thrilled to deliver this well-deserved financial relief to keep our kids competing."

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"Our community sporting clubs are the starting blocks where regional Queensland's champions are built," Mr Willcox said.

"These grants are about giving our hard-working local kids a fair go, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of a future podium finish or gold medal. I wish all of our Dawson champions the absolute best of luck – you have your whole community cheering you on."

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Applications Open for Next Round

• Standard Grants: Young athletes, coaches and officials have until 31^st August 2026 to apply for the new round.

• Para Champions: Round 1 of the Local Para Champions program is also open until 31^st August, offering between $750 and $1,000 for competitors with a disability.

• How to Apply: Visit ausport.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions.

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Fishing enthusiasts, families and adventure seekers are set to descend on Cape Gloucester Resort next weekend as the highly anticipated STONKA Fishing Challenge returns from 6^th–9^th  August for four days of epic fishing, entertainment and fundraising.

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More than just a fishing competition, the STONKA Fishing Challenge has become one of the region's most popular community events, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the best of the Whitsunday coast while supporting an important cause. Proceeds from the event help raise funds for Leukaemia House in Townsville, which provides accommodation and support for regional North Queensland families who must travel away from home for life-saving cancer treatment.

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Set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Gloucester Resort at Hydeaway Bay, the event promises plenty of "old-school Aussie fun" both on and off the water.

Festivities begin on Thursday afternoon with competitor registrations, raffles, live music and a chance to catch up with fellow anglers over dinner and drinks. From Friday through to Sunday, the program is packed with live weigh-ins, fishing demonstrations, family-friendly activities, children's events, mud crab races and auctions, food vendors, live entertainment and major prize draws.

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One of the highlights will be the Battle of the Bays tug-of-war on Saturday, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and live music into the evening. Sunday's grand finale will see competitors in the running to win two fully equipped Quintrex and Yamaha boat packages, along with a host of other prizes.

The competition itself caters for a wide range of anglers, with categories for reef fish, estuary species, pelagic fish, mud crabs and crayfish, along with spearfishing divisions for both senior and junior competitors. Junior anglers can compete for the Prince or Princess of the Cape title, while senior fishers will battle it out to become King or Queen of the Cape.

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Adding even more excitement is the popular "Tag a Trout" challenge. A tagged coral trout has been released somewhere within the competition area, and the lucky registered competitor who catches it during the event will take home a $10,000 cash prize.

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Whether you're chasing trophy fish, hoping to win a new boat, or simply looking for a fantastic family weekend by the water, the STONKA Fishing Challenge offers something for everyone.

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Most importantly, every entry, raffle ticket and dollar raised helps support Leukaemia House Townsville in continuing its vital work for regional families facing some of life's toughest challenges.  

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512 runners, cyclists and swimmers turned out last weekend to smash the Airlie Beach Triathlon.  

From elite champions and first-time finishers to junior competitors and athletes overcoming incredible personal challenges, the 26th annual event delivered memorable moments from start to finish.  

Race Directors Michael and Val Kimpton thanked participants for another successful year, made possible by the support of volunteers, sponsors and the wider community.

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Read more here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/airlie-triathlon-thrives-in-26th-year

Whitsunday United continued its strong run of form across the club with another successful weekend of football, recording important wins, a determined draw and valuable competition points.

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The U14/15 Premier side produced a remarkable turnaround against Dolphins FC, recovering from a 2–0 halftime deficit. Eli Wallis sparked the comeback before Shannon Matthews completed a hat-trick. Goalkeeper Nick Philipson's penalty save proved the turning point, while Daly Gillett sealed the 5–2 victory with a deflected strike.

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The U14/15 Division 1 side defeated Mackay Rangers 5–1, with Kobe Marjoram scoring a hat-trick. Rio Burkitt and Alex Draper also found the net, while Isaac Pisaniello made several crucial saves behind a strong defensive effort.

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The U13 Premiers claimed a dominant 6–0 win over Lions, with Jack Reynolds scoring twice. The U13 Division 1 side showed resilience in a 1–1 draw with third-placed City Brothers FC. Reduced to 10 players after a red card, Whitsunday conceded a late penalty before Charlie Purvis equalised in the final minute to earn a deserved point.

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The Premier Women fell 6–0 to Country despite several key saves from Robyn Dean and also farewelled Sarah Chilton after her contribution to the senior squad.

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Division 2 Men claimed a forfeit win, while Division 1 defeated Wanderers FC 4–2 through goals from Kristian Mulholland, Hayden Vanderdrift, Darren Reynolds and Rale Mudford to remain top of the ladder.

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The U23 Men defeated City Brothers FC 2–1, while the Premier Men edged out their opponents 1–0, with Alan O'Donnell's header lifting Whitsunday into second place.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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CLOSED CLUB CHAMPION’s, Larry Muller of A Grade Mens Gross and Anna Winterbourn of B Grade Ladies Winner. Photo supplied: Josh Roser.  

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Weather conditions provided a stern test for competitors as 38 golfers contested the 2026 Proserpine Golf Club Vets Closed Club Championship, with 15 ladies and 23 men battling it out in the club's major stroke event.

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Despite the challenging weather, both grades were able to post impressive scores.

Leanne Alexander successfully defended her Ladies A Grade Gross title with a round of 83, while Jenny Hounsell finished runner-up on 88. Elspeth Scotford claimed the A Grade Nett honours with 69, edging out Heather Luvis on 70.

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In Ladies B Grade, Anna Winterbourn took out the Gross title with 101, while Vickie Wallace was runner-up. Paula McQuat also made it back-to-back Nett titles, finishing on 76 ahead of Allison McCarthy.

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The men's competitions were equally competitive. Larry Muller claimed the A Grade Gross championship with 79, with Allen Roberts runner-up on 85. Gary Scotford produced the best nett score in A Grade with 69, ahead of Warren Deighton on 72.

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John Strelec led the way in Men's B Grade, winning the Gross title with 92. Jim Sherrington added the Nett championship with a round of 69, while Louis Neethling and Barry Shuwalow finished as the respective runners-up.  

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Attention now turns to next week's Whitsunday Group event at Home Hill before members return home for the popular Wintersun tournament on August 3 and 4.

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Contributed with thanks to John Roser.

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Riley Snow with his parents after receiving his A Grade debut jersey at just 17 years old. Photo supplied: Mandy Bateup.

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The Whitsunday Brahmans are continuing to strengthen their future, with pathways from junior rugby league through to representative football growing stronger than ever.

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While the club has celebrated exciting opportunities for senior players to progress into the Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership systems, the Brahmans remain committed to developing local junior talent.

That commitment is already producing results.

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Last weekend, local junior Riley Snow earned his A Grade debut in the starting side against a highly competitive Moranbah outfit. Far from looking out of place, Snow produced an outstanding performance, dominating defensively while showing composure, skill and flair with the ball in hand. His debut was a clear example of the rewards available for young players willing to work hard through the Brahmans system.

The club has also made significant strides in creating opportunities for young female players, with junior women now able to progress into A Grade football without leaving Proserpine. Those pathways are already paying dividends, with Isabella Debrincat and Amber Standerwick both making their A Grade debuts this season.

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Senior players are also reaping the rewards of stronger representative links. Hawaiike Annandale made her Hostplus Cup debut for the Mackay Cutters, while Moana Cook debuted in the BMD Premiership and has since earned the role of vice-captain in most of her appearances.

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With selections now complete for the 2027 Brahmans Summer Academy, the club continues to invest in the next generation, ensuring local players have every opportunity to pursue their rugby league ambitions while proudly representing the green and purple.

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Contributed with thanks to Mandy Bateup.

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Alice Winstanley riding Green Fleet proud. Photo supplied: Johanna Winstanley.  

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Three Airlie Beach families representing the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Port Denison Sailing Club travelled to Yeppoon early this month to compete in the 2026 Windsurfer Class Association of Australia National Titles.

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The event attracted 123 competitors aged between 10 and 78, with local sailors producing several impressive performances across the week.

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Multiple former national and world champion Dennis Winstanley topped his weight division after another outstanding regatta. His wife, Johanna, competed in her first Nationals, reaching the Cruiser Division slalom finals and placing 10th in the marathon, while 10-year-old daughter Alice finished second in the Green Fleet and completed an adult course race in her first windsurfing competition.

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The Martin family also celebrated strong results. Fifteen-year-old Kurt Martin claimed third overall in the youth division and third in the Cruiser Division slalom, while 12-year-old Kirra placed third in the Green Fleet. Both siblings, who learned to sail locally before taking up windsurfing, are now working towards Olympic windsurfing.

Jason Maddock, who recently returned to the sport alongside his wife Kirsty, completed the full racing schedule and placed 11th in the Cruiser Division marathon.

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Away from the racing, Kurt and Kirra gained accreditation as Assistant Windsurfing Instructors, while Dennis and Johanna began working towards instructor and coaching qualifications, helping strengthen opportunities for the sport across North Queensland.

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Johanna Winstanley said one of the biggest attractions of the Windsurfer Class is its welcoming atmosphere, where beginners can compete alongside world champions and Olympic medallists.

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The local group is now preparing for the Queensland Championships in November before the 50th Anniversary National Titles in Melbourne next January, hoping to grow windsurfing participation across the Whitsundays.

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Team competing in Mackay District Champion of Champions. Marcus Craig, Nathan Harriott, Toby Craig and Harry Craig. Phot supplied: Proserpine Bowls Club

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Proserpine Bowls Club will be represented on the regional stage this weekend, with Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Toby Craig and Nathan Harriott heading to North Mackay for the Champion of Champions Fours.

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The talented rink has earned a first-round bye and will begin its campaign against RSL Memorial in Round 2, with play set to get underway from 1pm. Club members have wished the team every success as they take on some of the district's top bowlers.

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Back on the home greens, members enjoyed another week of social bowls, with the shortened-format games producing several close contests.

Wednesday's opening match saw Arthur Griffith, Bob Ross and Heather Brown edge Steve Griffith, Barry Zillmann and Mark Holmes 10-9. Another game finished 9-4, while the second round concluded with an entertaining 12-all draw.

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Sunday afternoon continued the close competition. Arthur Griffith and Heather Brown combined to defeat Alen Sanderson and Nev Smith 14-11, while Bob Ross, Henny Tattam and Sandy Daffara held on for a thrilling 14-13 victory over John Anderson, Trevor Parsonsand Carol Smith.

The final games saw Bob Ross, Carol Smith and Nev Smith record a 9-7 win, while Alen Sanderson and Sandy Daffara rounded out the afternoon with a convincing 17-5 victory.

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With representative honours on the line this weekend, the club will be hoping its Champion of Champions rink can continue its strong form and do Proserpine proud.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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