Mackay native Ky Hamilton has established himself as the world’s best bull rider.

The teak-tough Queenslander created history before Christmas when he captured the 2023 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Bull Riding World Championship.

Hamilton showed tremendous courage and skill during the United States National Finals Rodeo in the hallowed Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas to become the first ever Australian to claim a bull riding world title.

The former Mercy College student overcame a concussion, a broken rib and a night in hospital to win the premier event – passing several milestones along the way.

In clinching the world title, 23-year-old Ky set a new prize money record by winning $515,414 in a single year.

As well as taking home the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle, the Aussie hero was named overall Average Champion and Top Gun Winner for dominating the Wrangler NFR event.

It was the perfect Christmas present for Ky with his Mackay connection - parents Sharelle and Michael Hamilton and grandparents Yvonne and Bill Stevens – in Las Vegas to witness and celebrate this remarkable career moment.

Since arriving in Texas as a rookie 18 year old the determined Hamilton has stamped his mark on the professional bull riding circuit.

He attended Odessa College and Sul Ross University on a Bull Riding scholarship and is now on a Sport Visa, competing against the world’s best riders.

Hamilton joins ProRodeo Hall of Famers Dave Appleton (all-around, 1988) and Glen O'Neill (saddle bronc riding, 2002) as the only native Australians to win PRCA World Championships.

Ky is also the first Australian to claim the NFR Average title since fellow Queenslander Greg Potter of Ridgelands accomplished the feat with 502.5 points on six head in 2003.

Hamilton has won plenty of admirers for his sheer courage and tenacity in riding some of the fiercest and most powerful bulls on the ultra-competitive circuit.

That toughness was evident when he returned to the yellow bucking chutes - just 16 hours after being knocked out during his ride aboard MAGA during Round 5.

Ky was flung violently after he smacked heads with the bull and taken away in a stretcher to Nevada’s UMC Trauma Centre to be treated for concussion, a broken rib and bruising to the lung.

Written off as a title contender, he returned the next day in sensational circumstances to secure his inaugural world championship.

Bull riding pundits have described Hamilton’s feat as one of “the greatest in rodeo history.”

Australian Professional Rodeo Association president Shane Iker said the achievement was “a dream come true, not just for Ky but for Australians.

“He’s an icon for Australia and the sport, Ky speaks so well and represents us so well. It’s amazing” he added.

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Mackay’s new world bull riding champion Ky Hamilton demonstrates his skill and courage during the United States National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas before Christmas

Enjoy the thrills and test your mountain bike skills at the Finch Hatton pump track, which officially opened a few days before Christmas.

The new pump track features more than 400 linear metres of specially designed track, offering a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

Visitors can access the pump track via the car park at the Finch Hatton Trailhead site, or they can walk their bikes through the pathway from Bagley Street. Toilets will be made available on site.

Visitors are encouraged to take plenty of water for a trip to the pump track and remove all rubbish when they leave.

The opening of the pump track is an exciting milestone in the Finch Hatton MTB project. The trails are still too fresh to ride, and recent rains on the newly formed trail networks need more time to dry out and cure.

Council looks forward to opening the trails and the remainder of the trailhead facilities in January, weather permitting. Stay up to date via the Finch Hatton MTB Facebook page.

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The Finch Hatton MTB pump track is open to the public

After the New Year’s Eve storm passed, eager runners laced up their sneakers for a special New Year’s Day parkrun through the Botanic Gardens.

Event number 362 for Mackay parkrun saw seven personal milestones achieved for runners and presented the perfect opportunity to look back on what was a record-breaking year for the running group.

2023 Statistics:

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Annual Attendance - 13,438

(Previous best - 10,239 in 2019)

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Average Event Attendance - 258.42

(Previous best - 254.35 in 2020)

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Total Volunteers - 792

(Previous best - 718 in 2022)

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Course Record - Toby Rule 16:24 (17/06/2023)

(Previous best - Jared Havemann 16:27 in 2023)

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Individual Facebook post reach - Mark Chant PB streak - 218,000+

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8 out of the 12 months had their attendance records eclipsed

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Individual No. of Volunteer weeks in a year - Christine Davies (44)

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Photo credit: Mackay parkrun (Facebook)

We had our last Wednesday jackpot bowls with John Brown again taking the prestigious Health Hub award, he may as well apply for a job there.

The jackpot never went off, but Shane Spann did with some extremely accurate bowls and within form David Meiklejohn wielding his stick which would make Nik so proud and Gary Smith back for a short spell before back to his yacht and sailing Europe, they proved to be the best team over a strong field and convincingly won 31-10 in an outstanding victory.

Friday at 3pm saw the final of the Men's and Ladies 2023 singles champions challenge between Betty Nicole, and Alan Pershouse after 1 set all it went to a tense playoff with Alan Pershouse winning with his last bowl which concluded a wonderful season for him.

ABBC would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Alan Pershouse, Marker Stephen Lawrie, Presenter Mae Secomb and runner up Betty Nicole. Photo supplied

John Roser edged out Blake Alty with 35 points to win the last Tuesday competition for 2023 while Barry Mortimer and Larry Muller had the pin shots.

Wednesday's winner was Aaron Prosser from Diane Chard; both on 32 points. Tiina Randmae and Diane Chard took out the pins.

Four under par was just enough for Rob Stanley to take out the Thursday competition from B division leaders James Devery and Adam Brewster on 41 points. Kelvin Stephens was runner up in the A division. Chatz Norna, Stuart Nightingale, Ron Jamieson and Steve Westley took the pins.

George Steen edged out Kerr Claxton to win the Friday Met run and Scott Dwyer won both pin shots.

Hayman Electrical's Saturday winner was Scott Mason with 39 points from Ken Granger in the A division, while 38 points was enough for Adam Hagy to win the B division by three shots from Ross Hammond. Pauline Redpath was the leading lady with 37 points from Tiina Randmae on 35. Pins went to Aaron Prosser, Darcy Milne, Ben Smith, Levi Holmes, Diane Chard, and Penny Wardroper.

Danny Goody ended the year with 46 points to win the Sunday competition from Terry Handford by 7 shots, while Paula McQuat and Tiina Randmae were the leading ladies. Pins went to Ken Granger, Brendan Spann, Daniel Stickley, Clay Coles, Paula McQuat and Tiina Randmae.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Riley Mercieca and Adam Brewster on the green. Image supplied

This weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Andrew Gomez in first place with 20 pts, second with 19 pts was Dom Lipski and third place with 17 pts was Nathan Nikolich with 17 pts.

Sunday’s 18-hole stableford was a warm one but didn’t stop Scott Hayes – Williams for taking first place with 40 pts, second place with 38 pts was Adam Singleton and third place with 35 pts was Brad Low.

Also, this week we had a new course record, Tyson Flavel smashed it with 7 under par including a hole in one and 5 birdies. Congratulations Tyson.

Our team at Whitsunday Green hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s.

This Sunday 7th Jan competition will be our monthly medal 18 holes tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am.

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Tyson Flavel. Photo supplied

Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around.

Run and organised by North Queensland Netball Academy, netballers of Bowen are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching.

There are two distinct squads.

The 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with specialty coaching and resources for the different age groups.

Beginning February 17, these squads include weekly sessions, expert elite coaching, mindset and goal setting resources, nutrition and recovery resources, and training singlet, with specialty strength and conditioning classes and sports science and fitness testing offered separately.

These squads to all strengths of netball players, with the opportunity to learn and grow with players at a similar skill level, with a focus on fundamental skill development, teamwork, and building a strong foundation for players futures in netball.

To register, visit nqna.com.au

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Test your skills with these development squads. Image: Shutterstock

Vibrant memories from the Hawaiian-themed horse racing day at Mackay Turf Club. Relive the tropical flair and racing excitement that graced the tracks on this colourful day. Photos supplied, Mackay Turf Club

Sarina's Bull Riding Extravaganza

Saddle up, Sarina!

This New Year's Eve, prepare for a thrilling, heart-pounding experience unlike any other as the town welcomes a groundbreaking event to ring in 2024 - a bull riding competition with a twist.

Organised by Borghero Mini Buckers, this isn't your typical rodeo; it's an entertainment spectacle set to ignite the Sarina Showgrounds with pulsating beats, adrenaline-pumping action, and family fun under the stars.

Danny Borghero, a seasoned bull rider with over two decades of experience, is spearheading this revolutionary bull riding series, aiming to support and boost grassroots bull riding in North Queensland. With his three sons Jay, Jared and Ky, making waves in the bull riding world with multiple championship wins, the Borghero family knows the sport inside out.

Eldest son Jared has been a champion bullrider and is now a bullfighter or protection athlete. Jay is also a champion bullrider and youngest son, Ky, has been a junior champion and is stepping up to the open category.

On NYE, Ky will headline the action alongside other top riders set to be announced this week.

"This New Year's Eve bullride will be a high-action spectacle with non-stop riding and fighting," Danny Borghero shared. "But instead of only being open to professional bull riders, this event is open to all classes, providing an inclusive platform for riders of varied skill levels."

It's not just about the thrill of riding - this event serves as a catalyst for nurturing budding talent. From novices to juniors, steer to mini bull riders, and even the poddie category, riders of all ages and abilities will have their shot at the spotlight. Danny is focused on encouraging younger kids to join the sport.

"It's a great opportunity to develop the sport from the ground up and give our kids more riding and competition opportunities," Danny affirms.

The icing on the cake? For under-18 riders, the series offers a shot at competing in the United States, a dream opportunity that could shape their riding careers. The top two riders in the Under 18’s in the finals will have the opportunity to travel to the US to compete in the World Finals.

It’s full-on entertainment throughout the evening with a DJ, fog machine, flame torches, children’s entertainment including a jumping castle and face painting, a bar and specialty food vans – not to forget the fireworks at 9pm and again at midnight.

Beyond the riveting action, this event proudly stands behind the charitable organisation LIVIN, advocating the message that "It ain't weak to speak," supporting mental health awareness and resilience.

Tickets at the gate will be limited, so securing them online is advised to guarantee entry to this adrenaline-fueled extravaganza.

Special recognition goes to Tandy Concrete, Mackay’s only Queensland-owned concrete plant, for their support, making this unforgettable event possible.

Get ready to witness the thunderous hooves, the bravado of riders, and the electrifying energy that'll set Sarina's NYE on fire!

Event Details:

● When: NYE, 31st December

● Gates Open: 3 pm | Show Starts: 5 pm

● Where: Sarina Showgrounds

● Cost: Adults $25, Students $15, Under 5 FREE, Families (2 adults, 2 kids) $60

● Tickets: Available online via trybooking.com

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Ky Borghero will be competing at Sarina’s New Year’s Eve bull riding extravaganza. Photos supplied

A REJUVENATED Magpies first grade X1 are back in the hunt for the Mackay Cricket Association Twenty20 Division One Shootout title.

The reigning Poole Cup champions zoomed into trophy calculations after posting twin victories last weekend to grab a share of the competition lead with Pioneer Valley.

Both the Magpies and Valley are the current Shootout pacesetters on 24 points with four victories each after five rounds.

In a timely return to form the Magpies edged out the Valley at Great Barrier Reef Arena last Friday before rolling Walkerston the following day to climb their way back to the top.

Blake Ryan (32), Adam Zurvas (25 not out), Ben Zurvas (28) and Andrew Borg (24) steered the Magpies (3-124) to a win over Pioneer (3-123) – despite the batting heroics of in-form all-rounder Cody Filewood who smashed an unbeaten 71 off 67 balls.

Adam Zurvas clouted a stylish 59 and Ryan (25) and paceman Todd Dixon grabbed 3-33 as the Magpies (4-126) toppled Walkerston (5-125) after top knocks from Luke Jackson (50 not out) and Neil Gustavson (35).

A superb display by Masters representative all-rounder Chris Mceldowney piloted the Walkerston club to an impressive victory over Souths at George Gorrie Oval.

The Roosters skipper grabbed 3-11 off 24 deliveries to restrict Souths to 5-138, trapping hot shot Shaun Austin leg before wicket after a swashbuckling 96 off 60 balls that included thirteen boundaries and a six.

Mceldowney then hammered 59 off 31 balls with five sixes and three boundaries to guide Walkerston (6-140) to their second win of the series with support from Sam Vassallo (28) and Etienne Pretorius (27).

Norths (2-102) cruised to victory over Brothers (8-100) with classy knocks from Chris Day (48 not out) and Lane Kohler (42) who faced 19 balls and hit five boundaries and two sixes.

Pace duo Mason Kohler (3-31) and Kerrod Tortora (2-19) shone with the ball with the speed merchants also making an impact in Norths’ narrow loss to the Valley.

Skipper Tim Cridland (43 not out) and the prolific Filewood (26) helped the Valley register 9-126 despite a magic spell of pace bowling by Tortora, who snared 6-14 off four overs.

Mason Kohler took 2-31 then compiled an unbeaten 34 and Darryn Dyer (33) as the Devils (8-113) fell short in their run chase.

Brothers (1-98) notched a second triumph in the competition after skittling Souths for 94.

Joseph Hackney (41 not out) and Michael Dunn (29) set up the victory with an opening stand of 56 after Floris Duvenhage (4-22) and Mitch Wadsworth (2-23) had starred with the ball.

In what looms as the biggest NBL1 off-season signing to date, Mackay Basketball announced the return of local hero and Australian Boomer Todd Blanchfield to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for 2024.

The 15-season, 385-game NBL veteran will journey home to Mackay following his current campaign with the Illawarra Hawks, adding outstanding productivity and versatility to the Meteors NBL1 North line-up.

The 32-year-old is coming off arguably his best NBL1 season to date, where he averaged 25 points (5th overall- NBL1 North) and 12 rebounds (1st overall-NBL1 North) for the Gold Coast Rollers, enroute to earning All-League First Team honours. He posted three 40+ point scoring outbursts in 2023 and had four games where he collected 15+ rebounds.

Blanchfield last suited up for Mackay in 2018, where he was named Most Valuable Player of the Queensland Basketball League. The 198cm swingman shared his excitement about a return to where it all started.

“Mackay will always be home and my family and I are so excited to be coming back,” Blanchfield said.

“I’m looking forward to representing the city and giving back to the place that gave me so much as a junior, all while competing with the boys for an NBL1 North championship.”

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 Head Coach Joel Khalu was also elated about the signature of Blanchfield.

“This is certainly a huge day for our club,” Khalu said.

“Having a player of Todd’s calibre returning home to play NBL1 is massive news.”

“Not only is it enormous from a roster standpoint, considering that Todd is undoubtedly top player in our league, but more importantly for the community, that our young players will have someone of his pedigree in the stadium every day for them to aspire to.”

“I think playing-wise he takes our team to another level. What he brings to our group at both ends to the floor is probably something we really missed last season.”

“Offensively, he can space the floor with his perimeter game but can also get feet in the paint and create for himself, or for others.”

“Defensively he can guard multiple guys, but for me it's also his vocal leadership and communication that separates him as an elite player too.”

“I know our fans here in Mackay will be pumped to have Todd back next year and we’re going to have a full house in the Crater for every home game,” Khalu added.

More Mackay Basketball NBL1 player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Bowen’s own high-speed racer, Henry Snell, has been fast tracked to the industry of his dreams, being accepted into the Affinity Sports Academy, as Rokit Rookies.

Racing alongside professional racers, Henry will join the new Superteen Championship, on the newly released Kawasaki in the British Superbike Championships, as a pathway into World Superbikes and MotoGP.

17-year-old Henry championed 2023 across Australia and was close to securing first place at the Australian Championships, but secured podium finishes across the season. He raced through the ranks rapidly, with three round wins, four race wins and 17 podium finishes of 2023.

He concludes the Supersport 200 Championship in 5th place, and 3rd in the R3 Cup.

“I am really happy to announce that next year I will be riding for “Affinity Sports Academy”,” Henry explained.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be racing for such a great team and really looking forward to learning new skills. It gives me a good boost of confidence having already had some experience riding the new ZX4RR here in Australia and I am looking forward to heading over to Spain in early March to begin testing with the team. Just like to say thank you to everyone that has made this possible including all my sponsors and my Dad.”

Henry’s Dad, Rodger Snell, looks forward to seeing Henry progress internationally.

“I want to thank all of Henry's Sponsors and Supporters who have made his Championship run possible. Without you, Henry would not be able to compete at this level,” Rodger explained.

“The Racing was extremely close all season and came down to the last three races. The top five riders in the Championship are heading overseas to various Championships and so is Henry and his teammate Brodie Gawith who have both signed contracts with Leon Haslam's Affinity Sports Academy in the UK. Henry and Brodie will be racing in the new Superteen Championship.

“Henry will head to Spain for testing in March next year then onto England where he will base with the team and race in the Championship. We have already built a ZX400RR for Henry here in Australia and he has already been testing the bike at Phillip Island and The Bend. He has adapted to the bike extremely quickly and has put down some seriously fast laps,” he said.

“We are confident Henry will be running at the front from the outset of the Championship. Thank you again to all his sponsors and we would love to have you all onboard with him as he takes the next step in his career.”

Henry will be joined with fellow young Australian racer, Brodie Gawith, who have already bonded over their shared love of the sport, and their excitement to hit the track.

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Henry Snell, a bullet on the track. Images supplied

Would you name your son Jasper?

Many people in North Queensland certainly wouldn't name their son Jasper their dog or their frog Jasper after the damage the cyclone did way up north to Ingham, Cairns and above and although we had rains and winds here in Paradise, it was nothing that our brothers and sisters received further north, and we all pray for their safety and quick return to normality for Christmas.

We had no bowls played on Wednesday because of Jasper, and on Sunday we had a decent roll up and managed to have some competitive games.

It was the guile of skipper Alan Pershouse with lead Mark Mawson who accounted for the Margo Stanley led team with the vastly improved Liz McManus at lead 24-18 whilst Rob Turner continued his great form in the unusual role as skipper whom with new member and highly talented Eyvonne Wilson defeated Warren Wilson at skipper with Arthur MCManus at lead into second place.

Well played to everyone and thanks must go to Jill Spencer for arranging such a successful day whilst Fiona Greener whom has been run off her feet with Christmas parties and ably assisted by Vice Chair lady Karen Jensen.

Sunday will be our last matches before Christmas and we wish all our members and guests a wonderful Christmas full of joy and happiness and wonderful memories.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mens Vice President Bob Fenney presenting Mark Mawson with the Mens Open fours Champion Award. Photo supplied

Results of Social Games Sunday: Keith Kirk, Lee Welsted, and Steve Roome defeated Ron Gould, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle.

Andrew Peebles, Jason Wright, and Mitch Wright defeated Ray Muir, Lloyd White, and Wayne Crowhurst. There were two games of Scroungers played: Lloyd White defeated Andrew Peebles and Steve Roome. Jane Gilbert defeated Sue Fox and Gavin Charles.

Wednesday Social: W.Coles, and Steve Roome defeated R.Roda, and Jane Gilbert. Anna Delic, and Steve Roome defeated MaryEllen Pratten, and Daryl Tuttle. Ray Muir, and Kevin Jewell defeated Tracey Roach, and Gavin Charles.

Bowen Bowls Club wishes all our members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

On Tuesday just in time for Christmas the joker came out and the jackpot went off in the game between Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone and Penny Warren who drew with Gwenda Lydom, Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe.

Winners for Sunday afternoon bowls were Laurie Land, and Allan Rolfe who defeated Jim Quod, and Barry Beel, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey defeated Bill Myers, and Kevin Jewell, Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Toni Bowen, Irene Laird and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Well this is the last roundup for the year.

Wangaratta Club has had a great year. Both our ladies and mens players have had some great wins in the district and further afield. We welcomed our southern visitors for the winter months and had lots of potential bowlers trying the game.

On behalf of the club we wish our members and you our supporters a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the green soon. Our last social game for the year will be New Years Eve afternoon at 1.30pm start.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Sunday winners. Image supplied