Sports

Mackay Contract Bridge Results 2026 WHITSUNDAY ZONE TEAMS WIN WITHOUT LOSS!

Mackay Contract Bridge Results 2026 WHITSUNDAY ZONE TEAMS WIN WITHOUT LOSS!

The 2026 Whitsunday Zone Teams was held on Saturday and Sunday with 12 teams competing. Team Sheedy finished in top place, without losing a game all weekend. Team members Terry Sheedy, Max Holewa, Diane Holewa and Noel Bugeia. Well done to all who competed! The last week of 3 Fridays Remembrance Pairs was played on Friday. This event is to remember and reflect on our members who are no longer with us for one reason or another. The outright winner was Terry Sheedy, followed by Janelle Conroy. Weekly Results Monday 1 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Vicki Howard / Laura Howland 3rd Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt 3rd Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor Tuesday Evening 2 June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor 1st Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy 2nd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger 2nd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix Wednesday 3 June 2026 –9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Susan Wright / Bob Ellis Thursday Evening 4 June 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger 2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy 3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Griffin Bancroft / Mick King Friday 5 June 2026 –- Week 3 of the Remembrance Pairs - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole 1st Griffin Bancroft / Ann Whitmore 2nd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 2nd Janet Hansen / Thelma / Caruana 3rd Karen Caldwell / Gwen Liddell 3rd Ming Ting / Helen Van Den Breok Final Results of Remembrance Pairs after 3 Weeks with 3 different Partners, One Winner – Red Points 1st Terry Sheedy 2nd Janelle Conroy Saturday 6 June 2026 – Whitsunday Zone Teams 2026 – 12 Team Red Points Team Players 1st Sheedy Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia / Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Conroy Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Harris Jan Harris / Julie O’Neill / Faye Wright / Marilin Robins Whits. Zone Team Winners – Noel Bugeia, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa and Terry Sheedy 2- Remembrance Pairs 1st Terry, 2nd Janelle

Read the full story
Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results

Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results

Tuesday Night Fixtures Division 1: Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, YiLin Jiang) won 6-5 over Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan), with YiLin just overcoming Anne in a very close five-set match (6, -11, 10, -5, 8). Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) defeated Geese (Steve Whiting, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott) 6-5, with Donna coming home strongly against Graham B (9, -6, -8, 9, 7). Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) were too strong for Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Graham Drury), winning 8-3. Allan snuck home against Mark in an extremely close battle (-9, 3, -9, 8, 9). Division 2: Galahs (Remy Zhan, Mark Stam) were too strong for Doves (Daniel Warfield, Noreen Fredrickson), winning 4-1. Remy played extremely well to defeat Daniel in five sets (-10, 4, -8, 7, 9). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 8-3. Rachel came back from two sets down against Peter to win a close match (-10, -10, 6, 6, 9). Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Liz Burton) won a close battle 6-5 against Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West, Darryl Ross), with Matt getting the better of Delma (-7, 10, -6, 8, 6). Division 3: Some great matches were played as the battle for the top positions in Division 3 continues. Jason, Dylan, Tiffany and Jeff all recorded impressive wins. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) just got home 7-5 over Orion Orbiters (John McGee, Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd). George edged out Andrea in a thrilling five-set battle (-9, 5, -9, 11, 13). Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) won 7-5 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall), with Branko securing a good win over Doug in a close five-set contest (-5, 8, -6, 9, 9). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Helen Ware, Veronica Needham) got home to defeat Ninja Strikes (Pam Keune, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins). Helen won a close battle against Chris (12, 6, -9, -7, 10). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) 7-5. Louise fought back against Robyn to win in five sets (-8, -7, 7, 7, 8). Division 3: Aztec Warriors (Kim Challender, Janelle Keune, Glenda Brookes) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Thelma Caruana) 9-3. Janelle recorded a strong five-set win over Laurie (-7, 6, 4, -3, 8). Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Iris Grasso, Sharon Muller) tied 6-6 with Celtic Smash (Marie Taylor, Cheryl Pearson, Trish Zamparutti). Allison had a good win against Trish in five sets (-13, 9, 4, -9, 7). 1. Remy Zhan 2. Daniel Warfield

Read the full story
Mackay Cyclones Duo Qualify For Australian Trials

Mackay Cyclones Duo Qualify For Australian Trials

Two talented swimmers from the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club are set to represent Mackay on the national stage after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials in Sydney from June 8th–13th. Ehsan Helou and Audrey Bryan have both achieved qualifying times in the highly competitive 50-metre breaststroke event and will take to the pool on Day Three of the meet, June 10th, against many of Australia’s top swimmers. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the pair and reflects years of dedication, perseverance and hard work in the pool. Cyclones coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier praised the swimmers for the resilience they have shown throughout their journeys to reach the elite level. “These athletes understand better than most the highs and lows that come with elite sport — the setbacks, challenges and moments of disappointment,” she said. “But their qualification is proof that persistence, resilience and hard work do pay off when everything finally comes together.” The success of Helou and Bryan also reflects the commitment of Pokarier, whose passion for developing young swimmers has helped build a strong culture of resilience, discipline and belief within the Cyclones squad. The club described the qualification as a significant milestone and said the entire Cyclones community was proud of both athletes. The Australian Swimming Trials are among the country’s premier events, with swimmers competing for national selection and representative honours. For Helou and Bryan, qualifying alone places them among the nation’s best breaststroke swimmers and caps off a strong long-course season for the Mackay Cyclones squad. Their success is also proving an inspiration for younger swimmers within the club, demonstrating what can be achieved through resilience, commitment and belief. As the countdown to Sydney begins, the Mackay swimming community will be proudly cheering on two of its own.

Read the full story
Mackay Road Runners’ North Mackay Adventure

Mackay Road Runners’ North Mackay Adventure

Thank you Race Director Andrew Short for co-ordinating a great social North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10k run from the Bluewater Quay this afternoon for over 30 runners/walkers/spectators. Excellent performances came from runners across both events including Alana Knezevic, Shane Donnollan, David Isbister, Steve Oberg, Carmel Mahon, Jo Hughes, Fran March, Bianca Miles, Craig Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Jess Evetts, John Couldrey, Stuart Sprott, David Isbister and Andrew Short. June 7th saw a spectacular BMA Mackay Marina Run, with best wishes to everyone involved from the Sponsors, athletes, volunteers and supporters. A big thank you to every single person for being part of this magnificent must do event hosted by the awesome Mackay Marina Run committee and wider community. 6604 – Shane Donnollan (centre)bolts from the gun at the Bluewater Quay North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10km social run event. 6606 –Stephen Oberg (centre) sets a steady pace early in the 10km after running 4km to get to the start line. 6618 – David Isbister’s all smiles as he nears the 5km finish line. 6621 – Bianca Miles (left) and Fran March run in sync in the final 400 metres of the 5km to the finish line. 6648 – Alana Knezevic (left) and Jess Evetts ecstatic with their 10km efforts. 6658 – Some of the Mackay Road Runners who completed the North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10km run from the Bluewater Quay :- Back row (left to right) Carmel Mahon, Jess Evetts, Alana Knezevic, Jo Hughes and (front row left to right) Stuart Sprott, Steve Oberg, John Couldrey. Contributed with thanks to Mackay Road Runners.

Read the full story
Whitsunday Green

Sea Eagles Showcase In AFL Indigenous Round

May 23, 2024

The first of two AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds were played on Saturday which celebrates, recognises and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, peoples and their cultures. 

Whitsunday Sea Eagles travelled to Harrup Park and Sarina this round to put on a mighty display against Mackay City Hawks in Seniors and Under 17s whilst Under 12s romped it home against Sarina Demons.
 
In one of the most special rounds of the year Sea Eagles Senior Men scraped it home 48– 37 in a tight match against the Hawks. It was another high-pressure, high intensity game with co-captain Alex Rodgers named best on ground for his hard work in the back line. Xander Hall was strong in the ruck whilst Billy Gardner and Jake Turner played well through the midfield. Sea Eagles now look to next week’s massive game against the Swans at home with Swans sitting just above Sea Eagles on the ladder.
 
Sea Eagles Senior Women played against the higher placed Hawks. It was always going to be a tough hit out. Sea Eagles came out with the right attitude and some great set plays allowed Sea Eagles to slow the game and play their own brand of footy taking the hard-earned win 36 - 18.
 
Sea Eagles Under 17s turned in another terrific team performance against the Hawks with a good result 87 – 27. Sea Eagles Under 17s are ones to watch in their competition with some top of the table clashes coming up against Moranbah and Saints in the next few rounds.
 
Sea Eagles Under 12s made the trek to Sarina coming home with a comfortable win against the Demons 46 – 1.
 
This week Whitsunday Sea Eagles will run onto Ngaro and Gia country in the second Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round taking on the Eastern Swans at
home. Juniors start from 10:40am Seniors from 1:50pm.
 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Photo Credit: Cody Fowle

Read More

Big Weekend Of Pennants At Proserpine Bowls Club

May 23, 2024

The days are starting to cool which is producing some fabulous bowls both in the pennant competition and in social bowls.

On Wednesday Social Bowls Arthur Griffith, Dale Haack and Mike Harrison defeated Bruce Uhe, Dale Haack and Barry Zillmann 27 – 10. Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson and Philip Brown 22 - 19.  In Sunday Social Bowls Alen Sanderson, Mary Hedgelong and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, John Anderson and Philip Brown 23 - 19.

On Saturday both divisions had away games.  In Pennants Division 1 Kendall Watts, Grahame Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne won 18-15. Michael Kinnear, Bryan Davy, Barry Saroglia and Nathan Harriott drew 19 all. Shane Kinnear, David Ling, Andrew Bell and Wayne Handley won 18-12.  Proserpine 55 - Northern Beaches 46....Winning 5.5 points plus 9 margin. Also on Saturday, Division 5 had a win against Mackay club at Mackay.

On Sunday both divisions had home games.  In Division 1 Gavin Milne's team won 24 – 20. Wayne Handley's team won 25-11 and Nathan Harriott's team went down 12 - 18.  Proserpine won the match 61 - 49 against Sarina winning 5 points plus a Margin of 12.  

In Division 5 Mike Harrison, Bruce Uhe, Todd Leys and John Matterson were defeated 22- 17. Gavin Noonan, Ken Watts, Peter Lawton and Dale Haack were defeated 7 - 18.  Proserpine went down 29-45 to RSL Memorial earning 0 Match points and a Margin of negative 16.

Proserpine Golf Club thank all who went and gave assistance at the club to make this possible. Thanks to Pat Bownds and Lee King who represented the club with Heather at North Mackay's PAH on Wednesday.


Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

Read More

Wangaratta Bowls

May 23, 2024

Tuesday social bowls winners were Lyn Danvers, Ron Hyde, Mark Drummond and Geoff Danvers who defeated Sue Shearing, Greg, Keith Armstrong and Greg Colquhoun. Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, Marg Wilson and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight and Maureen Hyde. The jackpot didn’t go off.

The Crooked Kitty final was won by Penny Warren who defeated Robyn Stitt. A Singles semifinal Fely Duncan defeated Denise Wallace. The final of the A singles was played Sunday morning in a very close match. Both players were on 23 with Penny Warren scoring the next two shots to defeat Fely Duncan. Men’s A Pairs Mark Drummond and Allan Rolfe defeated Alby Vigar and Ron Hyde.

On Sunday the Wangaratta Men played Country Pennant in Brandon. Social bowls carried on at the club with some great matches. Winners for the afternoon Robyn Stitt, Terrie Crozier and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Lorraine Knight and Keith Armstrong. Runners Up Toni Bowen, Michael Loughhead and Maureen Hyde defeated Jim Quad, Isobel Wheeler and Pat Tracey. Bill Myer, John Hayston, Sue Shearing and Denis Madeley defeated Alby Vigar, Lyn Danvers and Jim Steele. The jackpot didn’t go off.


Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winner A Singles final Penny Warren
Sunday Winners Penny Warren, Terrie Crozier, Robyn Stitt and Lyn Danvers
Photos supplied

Read More

Hole In One!!! At Bowen Golf Club

May 23, 2024

On Saturday a single stableford competition was played and was sponsored by Sportspower Bowen, thanks to Marg and Andrew for their support. 

Ladies' Winner was Linda Scells 40 points, Runner up on a countback was Pauline Martin 39 points, and 3rd Place was Linda Vincent with 39 points.  

Men's winner on a countback was Jack McEniery 39 points, Runner up Danny Borgh had 39 points, and 3rd Place Mike Strickett 38 points. Shoutout to John Lawson who had a Hole in One on Number 7.  

Pin shots to Denise Bianco, Robyn Slade, Marg Need, Judy Atkins, John Lawson, Ross Lineham, Reg Goldup and Vince Hargraves who also won the Car Wash voucher. 

Choccy Chip-ins to Robyn Slade x 2, Jo Goldup, Kim Bennion, Morag Parker.  
 
This Saturday is a single stableford event sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.
 
The Joker draw is $2600 this Friday night.  If you are dining in, please ensure you call the club to book your table, so you don’t miss out - 47851206.  Everyone is welcome to attend the Joker draw. 


Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Photos supplied

Read More

Weekly Golf Results At Proserpine Club

May 23, 2024

Aaron Prosser edged out Brendan Spann with a nett 70 in Tuesday's competition, with Tina Badenhorst on nett 71 and Rehab Hull on 74 leading the ladies. Pins went to Aaron Prosser, Brendan Spann and John Bissell.

Wednesday's PDLAW monthly medal went to Lyn Muller on 73 nett ahead of Tiina Randmae on 77 nett. Two pins went to Tina Badenhorst and the other to Pauline Redpath.

Chris Brett won Thursday's stableford competition with 38 points; one more than Jason Bourke in the A division, while Tom O'Brien had 36 points to beat Kev Gosney by a shot in the B division. Aaron Watts won two pin shots and Tom O'Brien and James Devery one each.

Friday's Met run winner was Rob Smith with 20 points ahead of Tom O'Brien on 19. The pin shot was won by Shane Van Poelgeest.

Mick Kavanagh had a 66 nett to win Saturday's Hayman Electrical stroke competition by a shot from Chris Brett. The B division top two were David Telford and Kristian Mulholland 68 and 69 nett. Penny Wardroper had a nett 71 to beat Elspeth Scotford by a shot in the ladies' division. Pins went to Scott Dwyer, James Kean, Allen Roberts, Vincent Collins, Penny Wardroper and Tiina Randmae.

Sunday's competition was won by Aaron Watts on 42 points with Brent Franke three shots adrift. Pins went to Leigh Jones, Ryan Wilkes and Ryan Kenny.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop

Local Proserpine golfing ladies. Photo supplied

Read More

On The Whitsunday Green

May 23, 2024

This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Michael Bond in first place with 21 points, second place with 20 points c/b was James Mathews and third place with 20 points was Justyn Durbin.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Peter Bitz take the win with 23 points, second with 20 points was Glenn Rees and third place with 19 points c/b was Gary Goddard. 

This Sunday 26th May will be the monthly medal tee off at 8.30am -9.30am.
 

Michael Bond, Photo supplied

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Read More

Final Series Coming Soon!

May 23, 2024

Excitement Builds as Finals are about to start!

The twelve rounds of WTA’s Season have been completed and final positions decided in all 4 Divisions.

Teams positioned 1, 2, 3 and 4 will contest the Final Series.

Next week 1 v 2 will see the winner go straight to the Grand Final Friday 7 June.

Round Twelve Results:

Mixed A
In the Crear 6 d Vipers 3
Raiders A 7 d G.E.T. Touch 3

Mixed B
Flametree Flames 7 d Raiders B 6
Ray White d Full Boar (forfeit)
Whitmonday Eagles 12 d Stingers 3

Mixed C
ShedNHomes 8 d Bulls 1
Untouchables 9 drew Mighty Mustangs 9

Mixed Juniors
Hammorent 10 d Raiders Green 7
Raiders Blue 9 d Raiders Purple 0

Contributed with thanks to Alita De Brincat.

Read More

Trailable Yachts and Sports Boats Set To Ignite New Class Airlie Beach Race Week

May 23, 2024

Entries for Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 continue to flow in and competition is set to ignite in the Trailable Yachts and Sports Boat class, while new support sponsors sign up for the popular Queensland regatta. 
 
Akin to the other classes taking part in the 36th running of Airlie Beach Race Week, numbers are growing in the Trailable and Sports Boats, which has attracted new blood. 
 
Expresso Martini is making her ABRW debut, but her co-owner, Judi Marshall, is not. She explains: “We bought Expresso Martini a couple of years ago from the Gold Coast, but excluding the last two years, I’ve done the last six or seven Race Weeks as crew on other people’s yachts.” 
 
Marshall says of the Ross 780e she owns with husband, Steve Brierley, “We’re working directly with Greg Hammon at the Club (WSC) to get a group 780s to make a separate division. That’s the hope.”
 
Marshall and Brierley are representing Tasmania and Queensland. “I’m a FIFO (fly in fly out) who spends time in both places, but the boat is based at Townsville Sailing Club and at least one of our crew is from Townsville,” she says of Helena May’s co-owner/skipper Lyndy Sawbridge, a regular on the podium at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week.
 
“We have a highly skilled crew. My husband Steve is sailing master on Mayfair, a Sydney Hobart competitor and we have a sailmaker and others. Our only problem is we have four skippers and only one foredeckie! 
 
“We love Airlie Beach,” Marshall continued, “as you have a lot of options of things to do compared to other northern races and regattas. There’s a variety of places to go and a lot of different people to mix with and it’s not just all the top end boats. 
  
Other serious contenders in the class include Thompson 7 and 8 designs. In the ‘8’s are the likes of Andrew Jones’ Cutting Edge (Tas) and Dave Eickmeyer’s Rush (Vic). Hard to beat too, will be Andrew York’s Reo 8.5, Like Oxygen (NSW). 
 
Jan and Peter Claxton’s approach to the event is different to the competitors. Their company, Ocean Rafting, is a new support sponsor of ABRW. 
 
“We’ve been here (Airlie Beach) 23 years and have three generations of family involved now. So many of our team have done their training at Whitsunday Sailing Club; 50 percent joined us as crew and then went to the Club to obtain Coxswain and Skipper’s certification, so we’ve enjoyed grass roots involvement with the Club over the years,” Jan Claxton says.  
 
“Our involvement with Airlie Beach Race Week is supporting Whitsunday Sailing Club because of our involvement with them. It’s also because we have the maritime connection in common and it’s about supporting local events,” she said. 
   
To enter ABRW and for all information, visit the new official website at: www.abrw.com.au
 
For all information on Mobile Power Trailers, visit: https://mobilepowertrailers.com.au/
 
Contributed with thanks to Di Pearson.

Expresso Martini and crew are ready to face their foes. Photo credit: Judi Marshall

Read More

30 Picklers Head To Townsville

May 23, 2024

Hard-fought matches under perfect skies resulted in medals for some of the 30 Whitsunday picklers who competed in the Qld Pickleball Tour series of events in Townsville last weekend.

This relatively new sport in Australia, which is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has grown so quickly in the past few years.

It now has 4,000 registered players in Queensland alone and many more social players.

Bowen, Cannonvale and Mackay all contributed strong teams that didn’t exist a few years ago.

Kudos go out to the PAQ for developing the QPT series of competitive events played in the regional Qld towns of Townsville, Yeppoon, Hervey Bay and Redcliffe.

With over 100 competitors it was a great way of catching up with picklers from around the state and challenging one’s pickleball skills.

Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Christiansen.

Photos contributed

Read More

Twilight Racing

May 23, 2024

Sailing conditions on Pioneer Bay are now at their premium, as seen at last Wednesday’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club. A fleet of 18 boat carrying a total of 133 crew sailed in a 12 – 15 knot south easterly breeze as they competed for bragging rights at the aprez-sail event back at the club.
In the first race of the day, Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) timed the run to the starting line to perfection, initially leading the fleet away, but Black Jack (Blair Mitchell) soon took the lead and were never headed.  
While Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) held on for a while, they were unable to keep up and settled instead for second place, finishing 3 minutes after the leader. There was a similar gap back to Smooth Criminal, Reignition (Charles Wallis) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway), while it was a lonely race for Wide Load (Shannan Hart), followed by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli), Twister (Kevin Fogarty) and Matchless (Terry Stevens). On corrected time, Black Jack held on to the win, with Wide Load second and Bobby’s Girl third.
In the Division 3 fleet, Rossgo (Greg Hammon) felt that he had won the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, but a fast-starting Good Vibes (Robert Holm) took the honours, before sailing away to a start to finish lead. Rossgo managed to sit comfortably in second place on the water, with a clear gap back to the trio of Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic), Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Shiraz (Nicholas Lee), and a similar gap to another trio of Riff Raff (Dan White), Lama (Maz Weatherburn) and Symbiosis (Anne Ross).  After handicaps were applied to each boat, Rossgo came out on top, with Lighthorse and Lama filling the minor placings.
The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:3 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

Read More

Cannons Cool in the Pool

May 23, 2024

On Sunday, 25 swimmers travelled to Mackay to compete at the Pioneer Swim Carnival while two Cannons competed in the first Townsville open water swim for the season. The Cannons swam very well on Sunday despite the very chilly conditions in Mackay. The pool water was warmer than the air temperature. The Cannonvale Cannons would like to thank Coach Ken Crittenden and his Apprentice Coach, Tiana Bell.  A big thank you to Kristin Pisaniello and Theresa Manning for officiating.  
7 years and Under: Harry Chegwidden, Miranda Palmero and Jax Eaves achieved top placings for all their swims. Indigo Harland’s best swim was her 25m Breaststroke which she did a 3.53 seconds PB and came 2nd.  Leo Mulliss’s best swim was his 25m Backstroke which he swam in 29.73 seconds ( 0.4 second  PB).  
Top performers: Miller Eaves, Zach Trefz and Celeste Orenshaw all swam extremely well, achieving PBs for most of their swims. Miller swam a massive 26.88 second PB in his 100m Backstroke. Celeste Orenshaw came 1st in her 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle. Zach achieved top placings for the majority of his swims and achieved 5PBs.
Don Algie and Alex Trefz loved the 50m events. They came 1st in all their 50m swims. Eloise Chegwidden and Maeve Dichiera swam super times in their 100m Freestyle achieving PBs. Charlie Doherty, Jack Ganter, and Thomas Ganter swam top placings in many of their events. Evie Doherty’s best swims include her silver medals in 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle. Koa Harland’s best swims included her 50m Breaststroke (2nd) and 50m Butterfly(3rd).  Ruby Harland, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds swam fantastic times in their 100m IM and 100m Freestyle. Eric Mulliss swam his best times in 50m Breaststroke and 100m Freestyle.  Sophie Palmero, Isabella Pisaniello, and Millie Groom all swam impressive Breaststroke.  
Meanwhile in Townsville, Jacob Bell came 2nd in the 2km TOWSA swim in a time of 29.44 and Nelson Malady completed the 1km ocean swim in a time of 26.12 and came third in his age group.  
Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannonvale Cannons at Pioneer Carnival May 2024
Evie and Eloise rugged up in Mackay
Isaac, Zach and Thomas on the podium at the Pioneer Carnival

Read More

Cutters Win BMD Women’s Minor Premiership

May 16, 2024

Mackay Cutters women’s rugby league team have taken a giant step towards claiming the 2024 BMD Women's Premiership.

The well-drilled Cutters are the competition’s newly crowned minor premiers after toppling second-placed Norths Devils 26-22 in a cracking contest last Sunday at Brisbane’s Bishop Park.

Marco Peters’ Mackay warriors went into the match with the minor title in the bag, but tuned up for the finals series with an impressive victory over the depleted Devils in an absorbing tussle.

The Cutters are expected to play host to the fourth-placed Western Clydesdales in finals action this weekend while the Devils will square off with third-ranked Burleigh Bears.

Mackay jumped to an early 10-0 lead following tries by hooker Alisha Foord and star centre Jasmine Peters plus a Kayla Shepherd conversion before the Devils hit back with tries to five-eighth Georgia Hannaway and centre Rebecca Davidson and an Emily Vievers goal to lock the scores 10-all at the interval.

The Cutters drew first blood after the break when interchange prop and North Queensland product Sareka Mooka crashed over to nab a converted try and give the minor premiers a six-point advantage.

When prop Lyrech Mara and number nine Foord crossed for further tries in the space of nine minutes, the Mackay girls had established a handy 26-14 lead.
Norths rallied in the second half with flying winger Denyce Perham scooting over for a try double before Davidson claimed a second with two minutes left on the clock.
Mackay staved off the late challenge and got into the finals series brimming with confidence.

A delighted Peters quipped post-match, “That was really important to get a win and a bit of momentum for the finals.”

“We want to hold the momentum as long as we can” he declared.

MEANWHILE there was no joy for the Cutters in Hostplus Cup action after suffering a 28-12 loss to the Burleigh Bears at Whitsundays Sports Park at Airlie Beach.
The table-topping Bears proved they are a genuine force by securing their seventh win from nine fixtures with a powerhouse second-half performance.

Burleigh led 8-6 at the break after a gripping first stanza.

They stunned Mackay with early tries to wingers Mitch Watson and Josiah Karapani after seven minutes before Cutters winger Josh Smith crossed on the brink of halftime with five-eighth Riley Dean adding the extras.

Karapani nabbed a second try straight after lemons that was converted by half-back Guy Hamilton for a 14-6 lead – only for Cutters’ livewire fullback Raydan Burns to bridge the gap with a fine try soon after.

Burleigh centre Kea Pere posted four-pointers in the 54th and 75th minutes and forward Nick O’Meley in the dying moments to seal a resounding victory.

The sixth-ranked Cutters face another tough test this Saturday when they host fourth-placed Northern Pride at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

The Mackay Cutters lost to the Burleigh Bears 28-12 in the Hostplus Cup. Photo source: Mackay Cutters

Read More

Promising Parter Shines For Leprechauns

May 16, 2024

Mackay Brothers have preserved their unbeaten status in the 2024 Northern Region Mackay & District Rugby League A Grade competition.

The high-flying Leprechauns recorded their fourth successive victory in as many rounds after edging out the tenacious Souths Sharks 18-10 last Saturday at Shark Park.

Dashing fullback Tyrese Parter, clever halfback Brad Campbell and wily hooker Daniel Kelly posted tries for Brothers with centre Rydge Smith potting three conversions in a hard-fought contest.

Sharks prop Tyler O’Brien and talented number seven Henri Stocks kept their side in the mix with determined tries.

Parter, a gifted custodian who is a development player in Michael Comerford’s extended Mackay Cutters first-grade squad, sparked the Leprechauns with his sharp running and tricky step.

Brothers remain the only undefeated side on eight points in front of Mackay Magpies and Moranbah Miners, both on six points ahead of Souths, Sarina Crocodiles and Wests Tigers on four points.

MACKAY Magpies trounced Whitsunday Brahmans 50-12 last Saturday at Sologinkin Oval with fullback Andrew Borg and crack centre Maika Tudravu the standouts.

Borg compiled a personal tally of 14 points with two tries and three goals while the power running Tudravu crossed for three of the Magpies’ eleven tries with his pace and strength.

Smart hooker Kyle Barnwell (2), winger Sebastyan Jack, five-eighth Corey Shepherd and centre Joshua Kilpatrick also nabbed four-pointers in the Magpies rout.
Moranbah Miners skittled Wests Tigers 36-12 last Sunday at Darryl Bourke Oval to move into a share of second spot on the competition table.

The Miners’ gun centre pairing of Mark Rosendale and Steven Stafford engineered the victory with strong games, both collecting crucial tries along with prop Raiden Fonoti and winger Dylan Womal.

Sarina Crocodiles thumped the Carltons Devils 66-10 last Sunday in a try fest at Ray Edwards Oval.

The Crocodiles overpowered the Devils – running in thirteen tries with Quintel Wailu (3) and fullback Zane McKellar (2) scoring five between themselves in a dazzling display.

Twenty-four-year-old Wailu is a talented hooker in the Cutters Development system with the guile and passing skills to play Hostplus Cup.

Read More

May Day Fours Carnival Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club

May 16, 2024

Another fantastic weekend of bowls was had at Mackay City Bowls Club on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May. The ladies’ club once again made both days highly enjoyable starting with Cath’s scones and finishing with an array of sweet tastes. All teams ‘laboured’ on the green in great camaraderie with the following teams being successful.

First place winners on day 1: Pauline Turchet, Jean Campbell, Janette Dark, Cath Davis
First place winners on day 2: Monique Pershouse, Bruce Eaton, Anna Knight, Pauline Turchet. Images supplied

Read More

Mackay Contract Bridge

May 16, 2024

Things are now back to normal at the club, after the Barrier Reef Congress last weekend.
We would like to thank all our sponsors who supported us to put on the Barrier Reef Congress - Mackay Regional Council, Dalrymple Bay, TBIB, Paul Lavings, North Marine, SH Tait & Co, Officeworks, Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper and Mackay Tourism.
Friend of the club, Maria Setiyawan headed back to Brisbane after lots of bridge, laughter and catching up with old friends at the bridge table on her trip.
Despite adversaries at the table, many great friendships can be made playing bridge. The club is friendly and encouraging of players new to the game and the Mackay area.

Weekly Results
Tuesday Evening 7 May 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Faith Hutchinson / Shirley Casey
1st
Terrence Sheedy / Maria Setiyawan

2nd
Mick King / Richard Wix
2nd
Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

3rd
Annette Howe / Vicki Howard
3rd
Errol Morris / Lyn O’Neill

Wednesday 8 May 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
1st
David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd
Peter Karol / Joanne Crockford
2nd
Diane Stokes / Geoff Cowan

3rd
Joy Brunette / Don Poole
3rd
Terrence Sheedy / Griffin Bancroft

4th
Frances Brown / Maria Setiyawan
4th
Shelley Lewis / Karen Cadwell

Thursday 9 May 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Mick King / Patricia Garner
3rd
Marilyn Wilson-Nicol / Griffin Bancroft
4th
Ann Whitmore / Richard Wix
Friday 10 May 2024 – Week 9 of 24 Nation Wide Pairs – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Brunette / Don Poole
1st
Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers

2nd
Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan

3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
3rd
Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

4th
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
4th
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

Saturday 11 May 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd
Mick King / Julie O’Neill

3rd
Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore
3rd
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz

4th
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
4th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Mackay Bridge players relaxing after a competitive day of bridge. Image supplied

Read More

Your FREE Voice In Print

SARINA -  WALKERSTON – MIRANI – MARIAN – PAGET – OORALEA – MACKAY CITY – MACKAY NORTH – SLADE POINT – ANDERGROVE – BEACONSFIELD – NORTHERN BEACHES – FARLEIGH – MT OSSA – SEAFORTH – KUTTABUL - CALEN – BLOOMSBURY – PROSERPINE – CANNONVALE – AIRLIE BEACH – BOWEN – COLLINSVILLE – NEBO – MORANBAH

Locally Owned. Community Loved.