At the end of September, the Mackay Mustangs Roller Hockey Club Under 16’s team won gold in Perth, competing fiercely in Roller Hockey Australia’s National Australian Club Championships.

The National Australian Club Championships ran from 23rd to 30th September, this year taking place in Kwinana, with some of Australia’s most talented roller hockey teams competing.

Mackay Mustangs Roller Hockey Club was founded in 1985 as a branch of the Mackay Roller Sports Association. The club has had a number of homes over the years and suffered a major split during the early 2000's.

Over the preceding years, this led to a decline in attendees and ultimately, the collapse of the break-off club. In 2018, Mustangs was revived with ‘learn to skate’ lessons and has been growing ever since.

With current trainers Lyle Denham and Amanda Mulherin having both represented Australia at the World Roller Hockey Games, the Under 16’s have a wealth of knowledge about their beloved sport right at their fingertips.  

At the Championships, there were five other clubs represented alongside the Mustangs. The Mackay team of seven (six skaters and one goalkeeper) had their final game against Mordialloc, a club from East Melbourne.

During the competition, they played Mordialloc multiple times, all nail bitingly close games.

The result in the finals was 6-0 to the Mustangs, forming an epically-established rivalry between the two clubs.

The trip to Perth was one that the Under 16’s won’t forget, with trainer Lyle commenting, “The trip was amazing for the team, the kids will be lifelong friends after an experience like that.”

A big highlight besides bringing home the gold, was a chance to train with a legend in the roller hockey community, Pablo Cairo, Olympic gold medallist and World Champion for Argentina, both as a player and a coach.

Pablo was at the competition as an honoured guest, and the Mustangs having the opportunity to train under him is a privilege very few roller hockey players get to experience.

This may be a small club, but they have a BIG passion for their sport, and are always welcoming new members.

For those interested in roller hockey, ‘learn to skate’ lessons and training is from 4pm every Thursday, at the Mackay Leisure Centre during school term.

To get involved in roller hockey classes, email mrollerhockey@gmail.com for more information

‍

The Mackay Mustangs Under 16’s team take home the gold – Photo supplied

‍

Wednesday Social games for Wednesday, 11th October included winners: Min Andrew, Brenda Trannore and Cheryle Corbett.

Runner up was a pairs game, with Helen Fleming and Carmel Bell as the winners of the game.

The North Mackay Bowls Club will be set to host a fundraising event for the RACQ CQ Rescue crew, on 14th November.

Three Bowls Triples of any combination (men’s and women’s), with games starting at 1pm sharp.

Entry fee is $45 per team, with everyone welcome to attend.

Great prizes will be on offer to winners, and there will be chosen lucky cards and raffles. It is a mufti dress day, so get dressed in your brightest colours.

All proceeds will go to RACQ CQ Rescue, so please come along and join in.

Place your names on the sheets at the club or send an email to: ladies@northmackaybowlsclub.com.au if you are wishing to play in this wonderful event.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

‍

Rising all-rounder Etienne Pretorius underlined his value with another stand out performance for the Walkerston Roosters in Mackay Cricket Association action at Harrup Park’s George Gorrie Oval.

The sixteen-year-old Mackay-Whitsunday representative top scored with 49 off sixty balls and grabbed 3-17 off four overs with the ball in the Roosters’ five wicket loss to Pioneer Valley in the Under 17s division limited overs competition.

Pretorius – rated one of the region’s most promising young cricketers – cracked three boundaries and a six during his stylish knock in the 25 overs per side clash but was denied a half century when caught by Pioneer’s Darcy Sanderson off the bowling of gun all rounder Wes Homewood.

The talented Homewood top scored for the Valley with an unbeaten 31 off 24 balls.

In the other Under 17s fixture, Walkerston/Brothers proved too strong for Mackay Magpies in an 80-run victory at Cameron Oval.

Charles Lott (40 not out), Jack Muller (32), skipper Cameron Tomerini (17) and Marcus Sammut (17) made handy contributions with the bat while Sam Gordon (2-5) and Jamon Smith (2-12) impressed with the ball.

In Under 15A division action, Proserpine’s Kai McLoughlin snared 4-19 in his team’s 26-run triumph over Pioneer Valley/Norths at Proserpine Cricket Ground.

McLoughlin was ably supported by teammates Jack Valmadre (25), Oliver Seamer (18 not out), Matt Logan (2-5 off two overs) and Malaki Gabey (2-7) off three overs).

Mackay Magpies White edged out Brothers Under 14s at Magpies Sports Ground with Rohan Cherian (29 not out), Ishan Rana (21 and 2-15), Zac Pace (3-15 off five overs) and Brodie Graham (2-20 off three overs) sharing the spoils.

Number four Callum Strydom top scored for Brothers with an unbeaten 31 while Liam Anderson took 2-18.

‍

Outstanding Mackay cricket prospect Etienne Pretorius hit 49 and took 3-17 for Walkerston Roosters

‍

The annual Golding Kids Colour Ride, held at the picturesque Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, witnessed a triumphant day of family fun and community spirit on Saturday, 8 October 2023. Despite challenging windy conditions, children and families gathered to enjoy a memorable afternoon filled with colour, laughter, and unity.

This beloved event, which has become a highlight on Mackay's social calendar, brought together children of all ages to ride one or more laps on bikes or scooters around the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

The event serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of Mackay's community, fostering a sense of togetherness and promoting outdoor activities for our youngest members.

Graham Wicks, Principal Mining Engineer with Golding, expressed the vital role this event plays in strengthening community bonds.

He stated, "The Golding Kids Colour Ride is not just a colourful spectacle; it's a celebration of unity within our community.

“Golding is committed to fostering a spirit of togetherness, and this event is a symbol of our dedication to the people of Mackay. We are proud to support an event that brings families together and encourages children to stay active."

Despite the blustery winds, children of all ages, accompanied by their enthusiastic parents, embarked on their colourful journeys, proving that neither weather nor obstacles can dampen the spirit of Mackay's youth.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, who was present at the event, praised the Golding Kids Colour Ride for its ability to strengthen community bonds and promote the values of healthy, active living.

The success of the Golding Kids Colour Ride marks the exciting kick-off to Mackay's biggest charity ride, the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, an event that exemplifies the community's commitment to fitness, well-being, and charitable contributions.

All profits from the Golding Kids Colour Ride are distributed to two vital local not-for-profit organisations: RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

‍

Thirteen Mackay members played in the Queensland Festival of Bridge. 52 teams and Ninety-four pairs competed from all over the state. Well done to Anne Whitemore and Sandra Morris who won Best Novice Pair under 100 Masterpoints and the Brown team - Alan and Francie Brown, Diane Morgan, Janet Hansen and Geoff Taylor who won Best Regional team.

Weekly Results

Tuesday Evening 10 October 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix 4th Faith Hutchinson / Rohan Aturaliya

Wednesday 11 October 2023 – NWP 19 0f 23 - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Sandy Patterson

3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday Evening 12 October 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 2nd Patricia Garner / Sandy Patterson

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

Friday 13 October 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Geoffrey Patterson 2nd Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 14 October 2023 – Presidents Cup Week 1 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Christine Nice / Faye Wright

2nd Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane 2nd Max Holewa / Mick King

3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Sunday 15 October 2023 – Novice Pairs Week 1 of 3 – 7 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S E/W

1st Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 1st Diane Stokes / Joy Block

2nd Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Susan Ross / Vicki Howard

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Anne Lutz / Simon Barnes

‍

Best Novice Pair

Best Regional Team

‍

In a week dedicated to veterans' health, Mackay Veterans took to the greens at Mackay Bowls Club for a fun afternoon of bowls. Laughter with a few wayward biases filled the air as both seasoned and aspiring bowlers showcased their skills and enjoyed sharing stories, as they have done for many years.

The upcoming weekend at Proserpine Club holds significant events for Mick Coll and Steve Cassidy as they prepare to compete in the Men's B Pairs Champion of Champion Bowl. Additionally, the Champion of Champion 2 Bowl Triples event will feature K Tranberg, Jimmy Wallace, and Noel Wilson vying for top honours.

This Friday, the Ladies Section is gearing up for their annual carnival, promising exciting action across all rinks. Players, both male and female, are reminded of the upcoming Annual Meetings and the opportunity to make their mark on the club's future.

The end of this week marks the temporary closure of the greens, as a laser leveling project gets underway. The club anticipates reopening the greens around December 9, and members will come together for a weekend working bee to prepare the grounds for maintenance.

Results:

Tuesday Social Bowls: Winners - Alan Bartlett, Col Stevens, Brian Williams

Thursday Scroungers: With four rinks in action and 15 players competing, two thrilling semi-finals led to an exciting final. Kees Struik emerged as the victor after a closely contested match against Grant Edmonds.

‍

The Abell Point Yacht Club’s 2023 Coral Coast Rally was a resounding success with 12 yachts and 35 people sailing through the start line off Sorrento’s Restaurant and heading off for the first night’s anchorage outside Cape Gloucester Beach Resort.

The next morning the fleet was up early and headed further north to Cape Upstart.  A huge rain shower towering over Gloucester Island saw the fleet sailing through one of the best rainbows seen in years.  

With a perfect following sea and around 15 knots of wind, the fleet surfed all the way to the Cape to anchor up.

After two days relaxation, the fleet set sail to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island which was around a 10-hour day or 68 nautical miles.

By Thursday it was time to sail around to Nelly Bay marina and take up the last couple of days lazing about by the beautiful pools, or catch up on long-awaited hair washing or laundry.  

Friday was the last day of the rally and by 5pm it saw everyone running to the taxis for the short ride around to Arcadia and the Baked on Maggie Restaurant for our presentation evening.  

The winner of the 2023 Coral Coast Rally was Steve and Margie Larsson on Rhapsody, followed closely second by Bob and Shaz Colman on Red Knot then third Steve Allen on Bella Vita.  

John on Silverado very graciously accepted the Horse’s Arse trophy for not only losing his pink dinghy once, but twice during the course of the rally.

Steve on Bella Vita won the biggest fish catch, .

The Committee of the Abell Point Yacht Club would like to thank all the sponsors who donated to this year's Coral Coast Rally, those being Oceanic Marine Risks, our Gold Sponsors, Shirt Front Solutions, Cape Gloucester Beach Resort, Cumberland Charter Yachts, Magnetic Island Marina, Marlin Marine, Whitsunday Sailing Club and Airlie Sail and Shade Solutions.

Contributed with thanks to Abell Point Yacht Club.

‍

The Coral Coast Rally participants at Upstart Beach. Photo supplied

‍

On a perfect day for the races, the Bowen Turf Club welcomed over 3,500 people into the Bowen racecourse.

“It was a very successful day,” said Bowen Turf Club Secretary, Helen Daley.

“We had several buses come from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Proserpine, and even had one bus from Mackay.”

Bowen Cup is one of the major fundraisers for the Bowen Turf Club, with the monies going towards ongoing maintenance works and upgrading the facility.

“There are always improvements we could make; however, we’re looking at constructing a designated machinery shed, upgrading the watering system for the track, and building a new shed using an existing slab,” explained Helen.

“Overall, the day was great, with perfect weather, and we look forward to hosting our next event.”

Race 1

Benchmark 60 Handicap 1000m

Thamni

57.68 seconds

Race 2

QTIS Maiden Plate 1100m

Cody’s Boy

1m 04.66 seconds

Race 3

Benchmark 45 Handicap 1200m

Boom Ranga

1m 10.59 seconds

Race 4

Class 3 Plate 1280m

Always Written Off

1m 15.27 seconds

Race 5

Open Handicap 1470m

Such A Whit

1m 27.02 seconds

The Bowen Cup Race 6

Benchmark 65 Handicap 1810m

Higher Love

1m 50.09 seconds

‍

Fashion On The Field Winners

Cruise Whitsundays Contemporary Lady

Bianca Merrit

Triton Xtreme Classic Lady

Mandy Gattera

Lehmann Print Solutions Distinguished Gentleman

Graham Walter

Mitsubishi Motors Outlandish Couple

Belinda Oglive and Brendan Dunkley

Filby’s Motors Fabulous Millinery

Emily Baretta

‍

Saturday saw over 250 players and families attend Whitsunday United’s presentation day. With the Junior event held at lunch and the senior event at night, it was a celebration of award winners and a reflection back on the most successful season ever. With 6 of 10 teams in the finals and the club securing both the Premier Men and Women grand final win, on top of the Men’s Premiership double, 2023 was a landmark season for the club.

Junior Award winners:

U13 Div 1: Player’s Player: Tyson Fenning, Coach’s Player: Angus Lean, MVP: Lauren Wark

U13 Prem: Player’s Player: Shannon Matthews, Coach’s Player: Sam Hazleton, MVP: Luke Sunter

U15 Div 1: Player’s player: Adam Rusin, Coach’s Player: Austen Tellegen, MVP: Logan Burke

U15 Prem: Player’s Player: Jack Robertson, Coach’s Player: Hayden Milliken, MVP’s: Finlay Farrell/ Saxon Angel

Senior Award Winners:

Men’s Division 2: Player’s player: Eddie Kamman, Coach’s player: Sam Watson, MVP: Caleb Vanderdrift

Men’s Division 1: Player’ Player: Aaron Morgan, Coach’s Player: Kai Savy, MVP: Tate Butler

Men’s Divisional Rookie of the Year: Mitchell Milostic

Women’s U23/Reserves: Player’s Player: Karli Elder, Coach’s player: Keely Salter/ Robyn Dean, MVP: Fiona McTavish

Women’s FQ Premier League: Player’s Player: Willow Gaffney, Coach’s Player: Laura Wilson, MVP: Matalena Johnson, Grand Final MVP: Eva Foran

Men’s U23/Reserves: Player’s Player: Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker, Coach’s Player: Jarrod Clarke, MVP: Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker

Men’s FQ Premier League: Player’s Player: Tommy Torzsok, Coach’s Player: Ross Benfield, MVP: Harry Cooper

Men’s Premier Rookie of the Year: Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker

The Jade Taylor award for club MVP: Fiona McTavish

What an incredible year as the club goes from strength to strength! The Seam Survey’s Summer Sixes competition has also started and with nearly 300 players registered, it promises to be an great social event for the club with families playing together and mingling with club players. Fun and Fitness to finish off the year

‍

The most recent school holidays were a busy time for these St Catherine’s Catholic College boys, Logan Burke, Reef Peel, Adam Rusin, Noah Farrow, Feddie Hazelton, and Maxwell O’Keefe, heading to the National School Futsal Championships in the U14 Boys division.

While the boys narrowly missed a win in their first five games, they drew matched on day 3 of the competition, they dedicatedly played their hardest, demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship and compassion.

“All our games were pretty close,” explained Logan Burke.

“It felt pretty good to make the championships and play against other schools,” said Adam Rusin.

St Catherine’s Catholic College Principal Luke Thomson celebrated the boy’s achievements.

"We are very proud of the boy’s achievements working together as a team,” he said.

“Futsal has certainly grown as a sport in our region.”

While at the championships, three of the boys were scouted for the National Team, to compete in Fiji early next year.

These boys are Reef Peel, Logan Burke, and Freddie Hazelton, who have been playing together for two years now.

“We were picked from every team that played at the championships,” explained Logan.

“So out of 200 people there,” confirmed Freddie.

“But I only just started playing last year, so this has all been a surprise,” Freddie said.

Logan is now a seasoned pro at competing with the National Team, having competed in Europe last year.

“It was great, and I’m looking forward to competing again next year!” Logan said.

‍

Noah Farrow, Logan Burke, Freddie Hazelton, Maxwell O'Keefe, Adam Rusin, and Reef Peel. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

‍

On Sunday, 41 people participated in the Cannonvale Cannons annual Lapathon.  

The group swam a total of 4, 440 laps which totaled 111km. All money raised will go to the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club to help with club activities/functions. The following squad swimmers participated:  Levi Smith, Calvin Murphy, Harry Chegwidden, Maeve Dichiera, Don Algie, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Abi Maher, Andie Reynolds, Nelson Malady, Connor Lee, Declan Dichiera, Lucas Korosec, Harris Delac, Jasper Korosec, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Tiana Bell, Tora Delac, Lily Maher, Millie Groom, Addie Sanders, Stevie Lee, Indi Smith, and Eloise Chegwidden.  Well done, swimmers!  

A big thank you to all the parents who helped with tallying the laps, supporting swimmers, and participating in the Lapathon.

Congratulations to Millie Groom who swam the most laps, 150 laps and to Isabella Pisaniello who swam 148 laps! Congratulations to Kate Thomson, one of the adult swimmers who swam 136 laps, 3.5km in the hour and Jane Delac who swam 120 laps, 3.1km.  

On Wednesday, the Cannons hosted a super quick Club Night with only 12m and 25m events on offer.  Congratulations, Eric Mullis for receiving the Swim of the Night award. Club Records were awarded to Lucas Korosec and Jacob Bell. Lucas, 7 years set a new 100m Freestyle record and Jacob set a new 16-year male 1500m Freestyle record. Upgrade certificates were presented to Jax Clayworth and Matilda Nicholes.  Chocolate awards were presented to Celeste Orenshaw, Matilda Nicholes and Bonnie Crichton for the best PBs. Congratulations swimmers!  

Top performers at Club Night based on PBs include  Millie Groom, Anisa Helou, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Eric Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Isaac Pisaniello, Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Jack Ganter and Thomas Ganter.  

A big thank you to all the parents and volunteers who assist with Club Nights and the Lapathon!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

‍

Lapathon Finish 2023

Eric Mulliss Swim of the Night award. Photos supplied

‍

Can you believe that we are halfway into spring already and as the weather gets warmer so does the action on our greens because the bowls just gets better, and our little club gets stronger with great competition.

Starting on Tuesday only a few people turned up to bowls with 9 of our talented ladies went to Northern Beaches in Mackay and all players performed well.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls which is brilliantly run by Mervyn Stewart saw a brilliant bowling performance under the guile of skipper Andrew Butler, whom with 2nd Mervyn Stewart himself and a brilliant lead performance by Eric Barnard beat all comers by 17 points with the very popular Rob Turner taking home the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Saturday morning Scroungers is in its second round, and it was just like watching Ground Hog Day because exactly the same result as week one, with Russell the Muscle Jackson proving too strong for everyone and is now -5 after round one and now Minus 10 for next week, what a fantastic performance.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls also saw some wonderful bowls displayed with the Mens A division 2023 champion Alan Pershouse continuing his red-hot form with Marjorie Hughes at lead and the most improved Regina Aqualina at second won by 10 points with Janet Jacometti won the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Another excellent week of top-quality bowls and thanks to Fiona Greener for her brilliant bar managing

Caption: Champion Bowler Russell Jackson after an amazing performance at Scroungers. Photo supplied

‍

On Wednesday Social Bowls Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown and Philip Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Heather Brown, and Sandy Daffara 27 - 13; Mary Hedgelong, Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison defeated John Burnett, Barry Zillmann and Peter Lawton 24 - 10.  

In Sunday Social Bowls Philip Brown defeated Sandy Daffara in a game of Consistency Singles 106 - 104 with Mike Harrison marking that game. Then Mike Harrison defeated Philip Brown 102 - 98 with Philip to lose another 10 points deduction as a penalty for moving the jack more than one metre.  The other game was a game of pairs played in the 2 - 4 - 2 format.  Arthur Griffith and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett and Mary Hedgelong 23 - 11.

This coming weekend, Proserpine will be hosting the Mackay District Men's B Grade Pairs Champion of Champions.  Should be some great bowls played throughout the weekend.  Social bowls will also be available on Sunday afternoon.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

‍

Come and Try Day was held on Saturday. We had 18 new bowlers attend who had a great time. They started a bit slow but within an hour they were putting them down quite well.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 4 They were M Elphinstone, L Danvers K and Whitton defeated L Suann, B Myers and G Colquhoun. Others were N Adams, I Wheeler and P Tracey who defeated B Tolcher, D Retchless and A Rolfe. Meanwhile, S Shearing and M Drummond defeated L Land and R Brunker. R Stitt and G Danvers defeated K Baxter K Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe.

‍

Bowlers who attended Come and Try Day Saturday

Winners for Sunday Kennedy Whitton, and President Mark Drummond, absent Lyn Danvers, and Merle Elphinstone. Photos supplied

‍

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Lisa Raisbeck 37pts, runner up Penny Stewart 37pts. Men’s winner on a countback was Kevin Cross 40pts, runner up David Roberts 40pts.

On Saturday we played a single stableford event for a club trophy. Ladies’ winner was Penny Stewart 38pts, runner up Robyn Slade 36pts. Men’s winner Andrew Fitzgerald 39pts, runner up on a countback Peter Theodossio 38pts. Congratulations to Noel Schultz who had a hole in one on #12 during Saturday’s competition.

COMING UP

This Saturday is a single stableford event sponsored by Brent Stocker Electrical. Joker is worth $5100.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

‍

Noel Schultz – Hole in one. Photo supplied

‍