Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 17, 2023:

Division 1:

Foxtrot (Tony Bowman, Tim Sheehan, Geoff Denman) d Echo (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Mark Sleeman) 8-3. Geoff d Steven -8, 3, 6, -10, 8.

Charlie (Anne Sheridan, Robbie Richards, Graeme Walker) d Delta (Ian McKay, Barry Patterson, Lee Brake) Graeme d Lee 6, 7, -7, -4, 12.

Bravo (Neil Brown, Emma Widdup, Vince Boeske) d Alpha (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Allan Edwards) 6-5. Neil d Janice -8, 6, 10, -14, 6.

Division 2:

November (Andrea Nicholson, Will VanDeKaa, Mark Stam) d Mike (Steve Mathieson, Matthew West, Val Austin) 7-6. Andrea d Steve -11, -10, 6, 8, 10.

Lima (Donna Abbott, Geoff Cowan, Ollie Hamelink, YiLin Jiang) d Kilo (Trent Day, Craig VanDeKaa) 11-2. Geoff d Trent -1, 9, 8, -6, 9.

India (Delma Knight, Rymer Tabulo, Amanda Wright) d Juliet (Lily Boland, Peter Goodson, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-6. Delma d Noreen -9, 8, 5, 8.

Golf (George Camilleri, David Symons, Jye Callander) d Hotel (Daniel Warfield, Simon Hogan) 8-3. Bulldog d Simon 8, -8, 10, 9.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures October 10, 2023:

Division 1:

Bream (Doug Dungavell, Pam Joyce, Iris Grasso) d Tuna (Tony Bowman, John McGee, Cheryl Pearson) 7-5. Iris d Cheryl -9, -13, 5, 7, 10.

Cod (George Camilleri, Val Austin, Kevin Abbott) drew Perch (Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson, Judi Hicks) 6-all. George d Andrea 7, -6, 6, -4, 8.

Trout (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Fredericksen, Bryan Marshall) drew Barra (Steve Mathieson, Delma Knight, Helen Ware) 6-all. Bryan d Helen -10, -10, 6, 7, 9.

Division 2:

Scallop (Gerry Synnott, Steve Blackshaw) d Squid (Louise Gould, Sharon Muller) 6-3. Gerry d Sharon -9, -9, 8, 4, 4.

Mussell (Kim Challender, Fred Saliba, Allison Day) d Pawn (Pam Keune, Cheryl Aprato, Marie Taylor) 8-4. Marie d Fred 8, -3, 8, -7, 6.

Lobster (Marie Taylor, Ian Dodds, Jodie Davis) d Crab (John Hamelink, Glenda Brookes, Bill Hey) 9-3. John d Ian -9, 9, -9, 6, 11.

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Mackay Table Tennis life member Coral Morgan made a return to Tuesday morning fixtures this week. Great to see a legend back in action. Photo: Charlie Payne

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The Mackay Bowls Club's Ladies Section recently hosted a thrilling 3 Bowl Triples Carnival, showcasing the skills and camaraderie that make lawn bowls a beloved sport. The event, which featured all rinks in play, was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Barry and Leanne Jenner of Sheds n Homes.

The competition was spirited, and the victory went to the team of Carol Savage, Sue Hunter, and Karina Dunn, who secured the championship title. Second place was claimed by Ros White, Rita Hughes, and Leanne McGough, with Anne Smith, Betty Petersen, and Jayne Johnstone taking third place.

Looking ahead, the club's Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 19th, at 10:30 am. Members are encouraged to participate in discussions and contribute to the club's activities.

In other club news, the B Pairs Champion of Champion event took place, featuring Mick Coll and Steve Cassidy, who reached the semi-finals before narrowly missing out. The South Suburban team emerged as victors.

The club is now gearing up for the Champion of Champion 2 Bowl Triples event at the Pioneer Valley Club, where K Tranberg, J Wallace, and N Wilson will represent Mackay Bowls Club.

Additionally, the Tuesday Social Bowls event brought together 24 participants, with Robin Schatkowski, Whare Herewini, and Barry Paskins securing the Winner of Winners title. Albert Wicks, Brian Martin, and Brian Williams were recognized as the Winner of Losers.

Thursday Scroungers saw Kees Struik face off against Grant Edmonds in a spirited contest.

Lastly, the Mackay Bowls Club thanked Bruce and his team for their efforts in preparing the green for the Laser Level, ensuring that the club's members can enjoy top-notch facilities. The green will be closed for approximately six weeks.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Carol Savage, Sue Hunter, Karina Dunn. Photo supplied

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This weekend will see Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club host over one thousand competitors and spectators from the Gold Coast up to Cairns, competing for the coveted title of Northern Australian Surf Lifesaving Champions for 2023.

Director of Surf Sports Josh Grant stated, “Our club is extremely proud to be the host of this prestigious surf lifesaving event that we have successfully hosted since 1991.

“This is a huge drawcard for lifesavers to take on the best of the best in the North. It is absolutely awesome to see the Harbour Beach action packed with surf sports over the whole weekend.

“This should provide some really good entertainment for those watching from the beach, so come along and get involved in the action.

“Mackay Surf Club has a really competitive contingent this year with nippers, youth and masters competing in a range of beach, surf, board, ski and surf boat events. The whole club is really looking forward to seeing how our surf sports squad and lifesavers go after hitting the surf for the last few months in preparation.”

Club President Brendan Smith said, “We are really excited to be hosting the North Aussie Championships again and want to thank our planning committee, dedicated workforce, water safety, patrol members and officials, sponsors, volunteers, parents and most importantly our competitors from across the state for making this great weekend possible.

“This is a true testament of what surf lifesaving is about in regional Queensland and would encourage members of the Mackay community to come and support the volunteers that keep your beaches safe.”

There will be a canteen running downstairs in the Beach Kiosk which will be open for anyone wanting a quick feed on the run. Find the Surf Club Bistro and Restaurant upstairs for a delicious meal and cold beverage, overlooking the best beach view in Mackay.

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club hope to see you on 28th and 29th October at Harbour Beach, Mackay.

Contributed by Josh Grant

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Competitors getting ready for events at last years' event

Lifesavers starting the 1km and 2km beach runs on Harbour Beach

Champion Club Emu Park celebrating taking out the North Aussie Championships for 2022. Photo credit: Carl Stanojevic – Mackay Seen

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‘Queensland State Champions’

Champion of Champions 4’s competition was conducted this past weekend on 21st and 22nd October at South’s Suburban Bowls Club.

Teams from Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Townsville and Mackay all vied for the coveted trophy in both the Men’s and Ladies Competition.

Knockout games were played on Saturday, with the semi-finals played on Sunday morning.

The two teams in first and second place played off in the afternoon, with North Mackay and Townsville vying for the honour of the trophy.

North Mackay were the eventual winners after a hard fought game, with all contestants playing amazing bowls in the best of weather conditions.

Even after four games of intense bowls over the weekend, the ladies were extremely excited and elated.

Congratulations to the winning ladies: Marie Bragg (Lead), Chrissy Hall (Second), Michele Stockton (Third) and Nuggy Pratt (Skip).

This week, the Social Wednesday Winners were Hilary Jones-Rowan, Gloria Sam, Donna Gordon and Debbie Mackenzie.

Runners up were Brenda Trannore, Marie Duck and Lois Deguara.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine.

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Champion winners Marie Bragg, Michele Stockton, Chrissy Hall and Nuggy Pratt

Photo supplied

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The Mackay Contract Bridge Club congratulated members rising through the Master Categories. Life Master Patricia Garner, Silver National Debra Goodchild, Bronze Local Sandy Patterson and Club Masters Joy Block and Vicky Howard.

WEEKLY RESULTS

Monday 16 October 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Edward Kleise / Diane Stokes

E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2nd Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 17 October 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Lynne O’Neill / Simon Barnes

3rd Diane Cox / Faye Wright

4th Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

Wednesday 18 October 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

4th Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix

E/W

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

3rd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

4th Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday Evening 19 October 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Patricia Garner / Mick King

3rd Griff Bancroft / Eric Leivesley

4th Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell

Friday 20 October 2023 – NWP 20 of 23 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Christine Nice

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

3rd Kath Poole / Nancy Martin

4th Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

E/W

1st Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

2nd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

3rd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Ted Cullinan

Saturday 21 October 2023 – Presidents Cup Week 2 of 3 - 11 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Christine Nice / Marilin Robins

2nd Diane Holewa / Mick King

3rd Eric Goodchild / Terrence Sheedy

4th Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders

5th Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes

E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Kath Poole

2nd Max Holewa / Jan Harris

3rd Frances Brown / Anne Lutz

4th Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

5th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Sunday 22 October 2023 – Novice Pairs Week 2 of 3 – 6 Table One Winner Red Points

1st Sandy Patterson / Geoff Cowan

2nd Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden

3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 4th Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders

5th Ann Whitmore / Annie Lynch 6th Joy Block / Diane Stokes

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Patrica Garner Debra Goodchild, Sandy Patterson and Joy Block

Geoff Taylor and Vicki Howard

Photos supplied

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Over sixty attendees enjoyed the 2023 Annual Mackay Road Runners Awards Evening at The Grove last week, with ecstatic recipients, friends and families celebrating in style and good humour alongside a presentation of awards and prizes.

Club Patron, Mr Col Meng was on-hand to present the awards, receiving several awards on behalf of his talented grandchildren, Luke and Lily who were unable to attend.

Club President, Tim Magoffin presented a cheque to Christine and Barry Comben of the Mackay Branch of Leukaemia Foundation Australia. A sensational donation of over $121,000 was received, from funds raised through the 2023 BMA Mackay Marina Run.

By far, the biggest annual amount raised since the inception of the event in 2008, with the event progressing very successfully ever since under the guidance of the committee, headed by Founders Sandy and Chris Strong. This brings the total amount raised for the Leukaemia Foundation to nearly $600,000 across the life span of the event.  

Another major highlight of the evening was Club Captain, Jim Ford receiving the honour of becoming the tenth Mackay Road Runners Life Member.

Since Jim arrived in the area nearly twenty years ago, he immediately joined the Club and began a life-long, dedicated relationship with the legendary local club that is nearing its fiftieth birthday.  

Jim does an amazing amount of work behind-the-scenes, also volunteering his time to liaise the Wednesday afternoon track sessions every week throughout the entire year. In addition, Jim also captains the off-season Shawn’s Summer Series from October to February.

These two events are not the only thing Jim’s contribution and leadership are known for, he is also available to assist at many functions where the club requires volunteers. He’s a very busy person outside of the club with work and family commitments, however amazingly still makes the time and effort to support the Mackay Road Runners.

Congratulations to Jim, a very well-deserved recipient of the Mackay Road Runners Life Membership Club.

Major highlights of the Awards evening, as well as age category awards for runners from ages 12 to over 70.

Junior Female Club Champion – Lily Leven (1st), Abigail Sweeney (2nd) and Millie Bishop (3rd)

Junior Male Club Champion – Luke Leven (1st), Toby Rule (2nd) and Jared Mackie (3rd)

Podiatry Mackay Junior Encourage Award – Walker Murray

Overall Open Female Club Champion –  Alana Knezevic (1st), Carolyn Mapes (2nd) and Teresa Hackney (3rd)

Overall Open Male Club Champion - Paul Mackenzie (1st), Oliver Rule (2nd) and Mick Vivian (3rd)

Overall Handicap Points Champion – Grant Holmstrom (1st), Joe Grech (2nd) and Luke Leven (3rd)

The Col & Rhonda Club Person of the Year – Julie Whibley

Life Membership Award – Jim Ford

Andergrove 10km Handicap Champion – Oliver Rule

Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Club Championship – Tahnie Malagueno (Female) and Oliver Rule (Male)

Benita Willis Handicap 10km – Oliver Rule

Most Supportive – Helen Leven

Most Committed – Carmel Mahon

Most Improved – Luke Leven

Encouragement – Natasha Joynson

Eungella King & Queen of the Mountain – Alana Knezevic (Female) and Cristian Smith (Male)

Lucky Door Prize – Paul Tilse

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The Mackay Branch of Leukaemia Foundation Australia's Christine Comben, and Barry Comben accept cheque from Mackay Road Runners President Tim Magoffin

Third place Female Junior Club Champion, Millie Bishop presented her award by Club Patron, Col Meng

Mackay Road Runners Over 70yrs Club Champions David Isbister and Stuart Sprott receive their age category awards from Club Patron, Mr Col Meng (centre).

Mr Jim Ford receives Life Membership congratulated by current Life Members (left to right) – Judy Zahn, Jim, Janelle Tilse, Paul Tilse, Wendy Shields and Merv Shields

Open Male Club Champion Paul Mackenzie (left) accepts major prize from Club Patron Col Meng and 2nd placegetter Oliver Rule (Toby Rule standing in for his brother Oliver)

Open Female Club Champion, Alana Knezevic’s 1st prize collected by her Dad, Jim Ford (left) with 2nd place Carolyn Mapes and 3rd place Teresa Hackney, presented by Vice President Brendan Bishop.

Encouragement Award recipient, Natasha Joynson received from Vice President, Brendan Bishop

Grant Holmstrom (left), winner of Overall Handicap Points Championship Trophy with second place Joe Grech (right) and Vice President, Brendan Bishop.

Photos supplied

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The regions Swimming clubs have met for the Whitsunday Swimming Club LC Carnival.

Jampacked with heats, fantastic swims, beaten personal bests, and a great community effort and dedication, the final carnival served as a great reminder of the community that gathers for such standout events.

Joined with Pioneer Swimming Club, Mirani Swimming Club, Lightning Swimming Club, and so many more, the day was only aided by clear weather and perfect temperatures.

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Photos Supplied

This weekend, the Mackay District Men's Champion of Champion B Pairs was played at Proserpine.  

The speed of the green surprised a few of the competitors.  

Many thanks to those who put so many hours and so much effort into its preparation.

Our representatives - Gavin Noonan and Todd Leys were defeated in the second round by the Northern Beaches team who were runners up in the event.  

Winner of this year's event were Bede Roebuck and Ron Horsfall from Souths Suburban.

Also many thanks to those who contributed to the functioning of the event at our club.  

All commented on the hospitality of our club and the services that we provided to make the event such a success.

On Wednesday Sandy Daffara, Philip Brown and John Burnett defeated Arthur Griffith, Peter Lawton, and Mike Harrison 24 - 18 in Social Bowls and on Sunday Bruce Uhe, Philip Brown and Mike Harrison defeated Sandy Daffara, Margie Burnett and John Burnett 24 - 12.

Best wishes for good games to our 2 Bowl Triples Representatives Shane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley who will be competing in Champion of Champions at Pioneer Valley next weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Sunday Social Bowls Seated left to right Bruce Uhe and Margie Burnett, Standing Philip Brown. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, winners were Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, and Robyn Stitt defeated Stumpy Adams, Isobel Wheeler, and Deb Retchless.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Last week we had our Come and Try afternoon.

How great it was to see 18 learners take to the green.

Members gave them a brief demonstration and then they were out on the green.

Within half an hour they were showing their style getting close to jack.

Then they played a game to test out their skills.

Thanks to those that came and members who helped.

We hope you enjoyed the afternoon and you are welcome back any time.

Club Competition is slowly progressing. We have competitions called on the board for mixed and Singles Sets.

It is only a month before presentation day so we hope they all finished before the big day. Our Monster Raffle to help send our Pennant Sides to Tweed Heads is still selling. If we could have tickets in by next Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Come and Try Day 2023

Winners Sunday 22 October 23. Photos supplied

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Tuesday consisted of a Mens and Ladies Stableford. Winners were Chris Pham – 37 Points and Rehab Hull with 35 Points. NTP’s Paul Gray, Aaron Prosser, and Kev Cooper.

Wednesday Competition was sponsored by Lyn and Viv. 17 Ladies came to play and some great scores were recorded by Pauline Redpath with a nett 66 and Tina Badenhorst with a 70 Nett. Pin Shots with to Karlene Lloyd, Elspeth Scotford and Pauline Redpath.

More Great scores were recorded in the Thursday Stableford. A grade was won by Paul Gray with 41 Points, followed by Steve Lucas 38 and Ryan Wilkes 37. B Grade was won by Dylan Holland on 43 Points, Russell Reardon taking second place with 41 and Phil Luckett 39. Pin Shots went to John Oates, Karl Kirkwood, Dylan Holland, and Ron Jamieson.

Friday Metropole Stableford 9 Hole Competition was won by Brendan Spann with 22 points followed by Andrew Volpato with 21. Pin Shots to Brendan Spann and Jack Pirlo.

Saturday competition continued with some great scores; Brendan Span continued his great form by winning A Grade with a 66 Nett from Scott Clarke on 67. Ross Hammond won B Grade with a 65 Nett on count back from Chris Pham. Peta Thomas won the Ladies with a 69 Nett followed by Helen Deighton on 70. Pin Shots went to Helen Deighton, Ann Gardel, Jason Bourke, Kelvin Stephens, Rob Stanley and Michael Ward.

Great Scores did not finish there. Brad Vloedmans won the Sunday Stroke competition with a 65 Nett from Darren Reynolds on 67. Ladies winner was Pamela Casey on 69 Nett on countback from Anna Winterbourn.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Course Pro Shop.

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A GLORIOUS DAY OF GOLF

Numbers may have been down slightly for the Whitsunday Golf Club stroke competition last Sunday, but the scoring was hot to trot. Sixteen players contested the single stroke competition with some very close scoring in perfect conditions, just enough breeze to keep the players cool without interfering with the flight of the ball. Darren Reynolds was the star of the day with an outstanding 79 off the stick.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner: Anna Winterbourn with nett 69

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 70

Longest Drive Elise Hodgson

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner: Pam Casey with nett 69

Runner-up: Joanne Moynihan with 77

Longest Drive: Joanne Moynihan

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Darren Reynolds with an excellent nett 67

Runner-up: George Meharry with a close to winning 68

Longest Drive: Darren Reynolds

MEN’S B GRADE

Winner: Mark McDougal with nett 69

Runner-up: Brendon Meharry with 71

Longest Drive: David Hoy

NTPs:

LADIES: Penny Wardroper (Ladies A and All In)

MEN: Darren Reynolds (A grade), Ron Jamieson (B grade)

NEXT WEEK: is a Single Stableford. A reminder to log into the time sheet as early as possibly so that we are able to play as a block. Our time of play is between 7 and 8 am.

Remember: Save these dates:

November 12th and 19th for the WGC Club Championships

December 9th for the WGC Christmas Party at the RGH.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Mark McDougal (B grade winner Men), Anna Winterbourn (A grade winner Ladies) Pam Casey (B grade winner Ladies), Darren Reynolds (A grade winner Men). Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Fred Tammist come first with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts Donovan Pettiford and third on 20 pts Michael Bond.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Mark Thompson take the win with 25 pts, second place with 22 pts Louie Archer and third place with 21 pts Andrew Gomez. Great job by all.

Sundays PAR svs 18-hole competition was a very warm yet great day on the green which saw Morgan Vanderwyk take first place with a +3.

This Sunday 29th Oct with be our Monthly Medal tee off at 9am – 10am. Hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Pictured: Michael Bond. Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons had a fantastic week of swimming with 30 swimmers participating at Club Night and 40 swimmers competing at the Whitsunday Family Meet on Saturday.  

On Saturday in Proserpine, the Cannons were in full force supported by coaches, Ken Crittenden, Rylee Erickson, Jarrod Keys and Shay Wilmot and a team of wonderful parents.  

The coaches were super impressed with all the swimmers and their outstanding achievements.  

Top performers who achieved PBs for the majority of their events:  Liam Filewood, Millie Groom, Ehsan Helou, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Nelson Malady, Noah Maltby, Eric Mulliss, Celeste Orenshaw, Dylan Reynolds, Addie Sanders, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.

Congratulations to Eloise Chegwidden, Jacob Bell, Jax Clayworth and Lucas Korosec who won the majority of their events.

The coaches would like to commend Don Algie, Harry Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Maeve Dichieria, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Thomas Ganter, Ehsan Helou, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Isabella Pisaniello and Andie Reynolds for their top age group placings.  

The coaches would like commend the following on their awesome 200m IM swim: Tiana Bell, Declan Dichieria, Remy Hedges, Anisa Helou, Matilda Nicholes and Levi Smith. Declan swam a massive 33.46 sec PB in 200m IM to earn 1st place.  

Special mentions: Leo Mulliss swam a fantastic 25m Backstroke with a 8.62sec PB. saac Pisaniello swam a 1st class 50m Backstroke to achieve a 1.04sec PB.  Indi Smith’s best swim was her 100m Breaststroke which she swam a 5.58sec PB. Mae Carter-Attwood’s best swim was her 50m Breaststroke in a time of 40.99sec. Jack Ganter swam an excellent time of 5.14.38 in his 400m Freestyle to earn 2nd place.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers on their top efforts!  A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and officials for all their assistance and support!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannons at Whitsunday Meet Oct 2023. Photo supplied

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The Gold Coast SUNS will host Essendon under Friday night lights at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena in its final match of the 2023 AFLW home and away season.

Gold Coast’s Round 10 fixture has today been confirmed with the SUNS to host its fourth match at the venue on Friday, November 3, first bounce 6.45pm AEST.

Gold Coast SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago says the club is excited to bring AFLW football to Mackay once again in Round 10.

“Our match in Mackay is always an exciting fixture on our calendar and it’s a fantastic opportunity to be hosting Essendon under lights on a Friday night,” Sessarago said.

“Great Barrier Reef Arena is a home away from home for our AFLW side and we also love the chance to engage with the local communities off the field in Mackay.

“We hope to see plenty of local football fans in red and gold cheering on the SUNS.”

Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May said Mackay was pleased to again welcome the SUNS back to our region.

“As a feeder region for the SUNS AFLW team we are always excited to have them play as our home team,” Cr May said.

“Council is happy to support games like this one through the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program, which aims to attract visitors, generate positive economic results and foster community pride,” she said.

It’s the third consecutive season in which the SUNS have hosted an AFLW match in Mackay, a region which has produced four players currently on the club’s list.

Sarina Demons junior and SUNS Academy graduate Lauren Bella can’t wait to return to her home region.

“It’s always special having the opportunity to play in front of friends and family in Mackay,” Bella said.

“We got the win in our last match at Great Barrier Reef Arena and hopefully we can do the same again against the Bombers.”

Entry to Great Barrier Reef Arena for the Round 10 fixture is FREE. Stay tuned to official SUNS channels for further match day information.

What: AFLW Round 10

Gold Coast SUNS v Essendon

When: Friday, November 3

6.45pm AEST

Where: Great Barrier Reef Arena

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Multiple Sclerosis Swimathon, a statewide series in eight locations across Queensland, held its Mackay event on Saturday, 7th October at the DMR Leisure Memorial pool.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club have supported the MS Swimathon in Mackay for eight events over nine years, with a combined fundraising total of over $52,000 raised.

This year, six teams with some 90 plus participants managed to raise a combined total of $14,496 for Multiple Sclerosis Queensland.

The teams participating in this event included The North Mackay Sinkers, Masters Swimming Club, DMR Leisure, International Polar Bears, Pioneer Swimming Club, LifeInMotion Exercise Physiology Clinic and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club.

Teams swam a continuous relay for 8 hours with one swimmer in the water at all times.

The more competitive “Hour of Power” pitted up to 8 swimmers from each team in the relay style event.

The honours fell to the PSC Dolphins for another year, with 102 laps. Followed by the North Mackay Sinkers on 100 and the Polar Bears with 98. Team PSC also took the gold medal for most laps swum during the 8 hours.

Swimmers were entertained throughout the day with various games such as trivia, guess the song and movie, a floatie race and an air guitar competition with prizes on offer.

A delicious BBQ breakfast and sausage sizzle helped keep swimmers fuelled and satisfied.

The Sinkers swim on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:45 to 6:45pm, and Saturdays 8 to 9am. If you are interested in swimming, contact 0413 805 156 or prs.nthmkysinkers@gmail.com for details.

Growing this community event is high on the priority list for DMR Leisure, who kindly sponsored the day to maximise fundraising efforts.

For more information or to register your interest in the October 2024 event, please call 1300 090 923 or email events@msqld.org.au.

Donations remain open for another month and can be made at msswimathon.com.au

Contributed by North Mackay Sinkers

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QNS Team

Teams in the water

Mascot ‘Ratty’ and MS Swimathon trophy

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