Sports

Billfish And Tuna Rally Is Coming Up Soon

Billfish And Tuna Rally Is Coming Up Soon

The warm-up event to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s major light tackle tournament is the club’s Billfish and Tuna Rally, set for September 13 and 14. This rally offers teams a great chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of this year’s Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament, which runs from October 16 to 19. It’s an opportunity to try new tactics, get an idea of where the fish are holding, and score valuable club and QGFA points. The rally begins with registration and a brief

Read the full story
Michael Kimpton Will Be At The 2025 Ironman World Championships

Michael Kimpton Will Be At The 2025 Ironman World Championships

Michael Kimpton, President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Race Director of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, is privileged to be selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Ironman World Championships in Nice, France, on 14 September. This will be Michael’s seventh time representing Australia in international World Triathlon Championships, taking him to all corners of the globe, including St. George in Utah, Samorin in Slovakia, multiple times to Kona in Hawaii,

Read the full story
Whitsunday United Weekly Report 5 September

Whitsunday United Weekly Report 5 September

With the regular season wrapping up last weekend, Whitsunday United Football Club now turns its focus to finals, with an impressive nine out of ten teams finishing inside the top four. The club celebrated several standout achievements, with the U23 Men crowned Premiers, while the U13 FQPL and Division 1 Men secured second place — a remarkable reflection of the depth and commitment across the club, particularly given that half of their fixtures require travelling to Mackay. At home, the Divisio

Read the full story
Junior Cricket Set To Take Off In October

Junior Cricket Set To Take Off In October

Cricket season is just around the corner, with junior sign-ups taking place at the Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds on Friday, August 29 from 4pm. The popular Woolworths Junior Blaster program, aimed at boys and girls aged 5–7, will return this season, offering fun, skills-based activities and games. Also back is the ever-popular Master Blaster program for boys and girls aged 8–10. The juniors have been working hard in preparation, with several players set to feature in representative competi

Read the full story
Better Built Sheds

Wangaratta Bowls

October 5, 2023

On Tuesday, winners were Stumpy Adams, Jean Matfin, Kevin Jewel defeated Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren. Ian Colenso, Alby Vigar, Robyn Stitt defeated Jude Vigar, Deb Retchless, Greg Matfin. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our barefoot bowls on Friday Night were Wendy, Denise, Les defeated James, Dave and Hans. Helga, Wazza Ian defeated Lyn, Max and Max.

If you would like to try the game we are having our free Come and Try afternoon on Saturday 14 October 1.30 to 3.30pm. Be at the club by 1pm.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 6. They were Isobel Wheeler, Fely Duncan defeated Ian Colenso, Allan Rolfe. Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt and D Pinkard defeated Linda Scells, Jude Vigar and Kevin Jewell. Keith Aykens, Penny Warren and Graeme Read defeated Bill Myers, Jean Matfin and Pat Tracey. Lindy Suann, Pearl Aykens and Mark Drummond defeated Gwenda Lydom, Alby Vigar  andGreg Matfin. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition: Mixed Triples Laurie Land, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe defeated Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers. Ladies 2 bowls triples Debise Wallace, Linda Scells and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Pat Tracey. This Sunday 8 October the final of the Ladies Club Triples will be played commencing at 8.30am.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Read More

The Boxing Elvis In Bowen

October 5, 2023

A chance recommendation has changed the entire trajectory of Daniel Dowson’s life.

Better known as Elvis, Daniel was born with Down Syndrome and it was four years ago, when he was in his early thirties, that he was recommended to start boxing with Wes Bau Personal Training, in Bowen.

“He had no confidence when he first started,” Wes explained.

“It was hard to get a punch from him, and he had absolutely no enthusiasm in the ring.

“But his mum was consistent and encouraging him to keep going and to keep training.”

Elvis’s mum Joy was quick to see the results from the training.

“His confidence just grew,” Joy said.

“When he first started, Elvis had such low muscle tone. He couldn’t even stand on one leg.

“Now he can do that, no problem!”

Beginning with low muscle tone, balance and coordination, Elvis has continued to make strides in his fitness, seeing Wes twice a week to keep up with his training.

While having a form of consistent exercise was the main goal for Elvis and Joy, Wes’ training has culminated into one powerful mix.

“Over time, he just perked up, and all the hard work and training came together,” Wes said.

“And most importantly, his health has massively improved.”

However, Joy says that Elvis has improved in all aspects of his life.

“He is one happy boy. Wes has become a brother to him, and he has grown so much.”

Due to Wes’ training, Elvis’ health has improved leaps and bounds.

“His paediatrician and cardiologist were amazed at his health,” Wes said.

“His cardiovascular system has greatly improved, and all his doctors recommend he continue boxing.”

While continuing his training with Wes, Elvis is keeping busy, a regular face around Bowen and the wider Whitsundays.

“And don’t call him Daniel, he only goes by Elvis,” his mum explained.

“He’s currently taking cooking classes in Mackay, and his support staff have him out and about.

“He does his own thing, but its great to see his growth.”

Daniel ‘Elvis’ Dowson has been training with Wes Bau Personal Training for four years

With boxing, his health has improved so much, in all aspects

Elvis giving Wes his all. Photos supplied

Read More

Vets Golf Results

October 5, 2023

A total of 15 Proserpine Vets travelled to Home Hill for the last interclub comp for 2023.

The best of our group was Tessa Aitken with 34, Leanne Alexander 33 and Jacqui Wall 32.  

Warren Deighton was the best for the men with 32 on a countback from Louis Neethling 32 and Peter Browning 31.  

There will be no Vet’s comp, next week as the course is closed for course renovations. The following week will be our October Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Tessa Aitken and Warren Deighton. Photo supplied

Read More

On The Whitsunday Green

October 5, 2023

This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take first place with 23 points, second place was Fred Tammist on 21 points and third place on 20 points was Sam Hickey.

Friday’s 9-hole stableford saw Shane Bradly with 20 points c/b, second place with again a 20 points c/b Clint Paull and third place Dom Lipski with 20 c/b.

Sunday’s monthly medal saw James Millar take first place with 48 points, second place with 48 points Scott Hayes Williams and third with a 52 NETT Shane Bradley.

Nearest to pin was Paula Wronski, Marc Belke and Jack Hayes Williams.

This Sunday will be 18 hole stableford tee off anytime.

Notice to our valued members and guests our greens will be undergoing renovations Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th Oct.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Read More

Massive Weekend Of Fantastic Plays

October 5, 2023

Over 200 keen rugby union players surged into the Whitsunday Sportspark last weekend, for the coveted Viking Cup.

The annual rugby union carnival saw hundreds of players, aged from 5 to 16, with their families, from all across the state, for a massive weekend of sport.

President of Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, Tim Oberg, said “Our Committee made some small but significant changes to the Viking Cup this year such as reverting to the original 10s format, bringing it forward into the school holidays to encourage teams from outside our region to attend and moving our canteen into the stunning new Club House.

“All of these changes were validated with record attendances, much more efficient food and drink service and some absolutely wonderful Rugby being played by so many little legends.”

The U8 trophy was taken by the mixed Cap Coast Crocs from Yeppoon, and the U10 trophy by the mixed Nogoa Red Claws from Emerald.

U14 and U16 trophies were won by boys Nogoa Red Claws.

Head Coach of the Whitsundays Raiders Girls teams, Nathan Sainbury, said “It is fantastic to see the growth of the game for women and girls. “The Central Highlands Titans continue to produce excellent Rugby players and the development we have seen from Bowen in a short time is incredibly encouraging,” he said.

“The pathway to professional Rugby is growing for the girls and it is exciting to see former Raider, Seraphina Dufil, playing for the Queensland Country Orchids over the past week, as well as multiple girls from the Mackay District representing Central Queensland in 7s and the junior Orchids. 2024 is going to be another exciting year for girls Rugby Union in the Whitsundays!”

Read More

Cannonvale Cannons Update

September 28, 2023

Over the weekend 3 Cannons travelled to Mackay to participate in the Duel in the Pool. Remy Hedges, Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin with Coach Mark Erickson were selected for the NQ team which competed against a CQ team. Even though NQ lost to CQ, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. A big thank you to SNQ (Theresa Manning) for organizing the event and a big thank you to Andrew Bell for officiating.  

The Cannons hosted another successful Club Night on Wednesday Night. Congratulations to Leo Mulliss and Tora Delac for winning the Chocolate Awards. Congratulations to Dylan Reynolds, Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, and Charlie Doherty for achieving Upgrade times.  

The Cannons would like to welcome Bonnie and Gracie Crichton. They both swam extremely well at their first Club Night.  

Top performers of the night include Andie Reynolds who swam PBs in all four of her races. Charlie Doherty and Eric Mullis swam 3 PBs. Charlie swam huge PBs of over 9sec in his 200m Backstroke and 200m Breaststroke. Nelson Malady swam a fantastic time of 1.26.73 in his 100m Backstroke (which was a 9.18sec PB). Celeste Orenshaw swam an excellent 100m Freestyle in 1.27.47 (a 7.56sec PB). Abi Maher swam a super smooth 100m Breaststroke in under 2min, achieving a 7.22sec PB.  Roxy Groom, Millie Groom, Matilda Nicholes, Charlie Doherty, and Jack Ganter swam extremely well in their medleys. Trace Quick swam a brilliant 12m Freestyle in 13.7sec. Coaches were very impressed with Harry Chegwidden, Evie Doherty and Thomas Ganter’s Breaststroke and Backstroke times.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday! A big thank you to all the parents, volunteers, and coaches for all their support! 26 Cannons will be travelling to Mackay next weekend to compete at the Pioneer carnival.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannons Duel in the Pool Team - Coach MarK, Jacob, Holly and Remy

Cannons Club Night Sept 2023. Photos supplied

Read More

Port Denison Gun Club News

September 28, 2023

Sunday 24th September saw 28 shooters competing for the day.  

We had visitors from Silkwood, Burdekin, Mackay/Sarina, and Caboolture joining us for a great day of competition.

The day was extremely windy with a scattered shower in the afternoon.

The winners were:

Ev 1: 25T DB Sweepstakes AA: G Maltby, A Lemphers 25/25, T Coco 24/25

A: J Cerqui, R Zarb, D Stitt, B Gall, C Edgerton 23/25;

B: A Perna 24/25, N Kirkman, L Dalton, M Populin, A Aitchison 23/25;

C: M O'Reilly, P LeBlowitz 23/25, K Perna 22/25

Ev 2: 25T DB Handicap: 1st: A Perna, 2nd S Steele, 3rd N Kirkman

Ev 3: 25T SB Continental Port Denison Championship Sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware O/A & AA: T Coco 24/25

A: W Cislowski 24/28

B: A Thatcher 22/26

C: K Perna 20/25

Ev 4: 30T DB Continental Sweepstakes

AA: A Lemphers 30/30, A Zarb 29/30, G Maltby 28/30;

A: R Zarb 30/30, D Stitt, A Lord 28/30,

B: L Dalton 28/30, A Thatcher, A Aitchison 27/30;

C: K Perna 28/30, P LeBlowitz, S Jones 26/30

Thank you to our sponsor of the day, Bowen Home Hardware and to everyone who helped in any way over the weekend. Our next shoot will be held on Sunday 22 October commencing at 9.00am.

Read More

A Slam Dunk For Local Basketball Star

September 28, 2023

From the early days of playing basketball by himself to making the U18 Division 1 Mackay Meteor team, Liam Steen has come a long way.

Recently competing in the State Performance Program (SPP) trials, Liam is one of five youths selected from Mackay, and one of 10 selected from the trials, where a total of 45 youths were vying for a prestigious spot in the squad.

Undertaking the professional development and training through SPP, Liam is looking forward to a shot in the North Queensland U18 team.

“To make the program feels good,” Liam explained.

“I didn’t think I played the best at the trials, so I didn’t think I’d make the program.”

Liam will continue playing and competing with the Mackay Meteors, heading in to the North Queensland Junior Basketball competition over the next few months.

Likely to secure a few wins, Liam and the Mackay Meteors will travel to the Gold Coast for the U18 Division 1 State Championships.

In January, he will find out if he has been selected for the North Queensland U18 state team, however, Liam is looking forward to all opportunities.

“At this stage, I’ll just see where the sport takes me,” he said.

In his downtime before the competitions gets started, Liam is keen to share his best tips for up-and-coming players.

“For any aspiring basketball players, here’s my tips.

“Act keen and always ready for the ball.

“Be consistent with training and practicing.

“Train and practice by yourself. It’ll show that you’re committed.

“And join a club team. It really helps with techniques.”

Liam Steen’s future in professional basketball is shining bright. Photo supplied

Read More

Whitsunday Golf Report

September 28, 2023

This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Peter Bitz in first place with 24 pts and scoring a hole in one on hole 2, second place with a 21 c/b was Edwina Pettiford and third place with 21 pts Dennis Moss.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Scott Morrissey in first place with 21 pts, second Dee Norman with 20 pts and third place Dom Lipski with 19pts.

Sundays 4 ball better ball competition was a great turn out which saw Scott and Jack Williams-Hayes in first place with 50pts, second on 45 pts was David Wallace and Alan Clinch, third place with 44 pts was Billy Blacker and Dom Lipski. Great job by all.

Sunday also saw a few holes in one. Eric Gruszczynski on hole 11, Ryan Kenny hole 15 and David Thomas on hole 5. Great job gentlemen.

This Sunday 1st Oct 2023 will be our Monthly medal 18-hole stableford tee off at 10:00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.

Eric Gruszczynski. Photo supplied

Read More

Airlie Beach Veteran Golf Report

September 28, 2023

A few drops of rain frightened off a few this week.   It certainly wasn't as windy as it has been and fortunately the rain held off for most of the day.

Ladies were in short supply with only 1 A grade lady, Tiina Randmae a winner with 33 points while Helen Deighton took out B grade with 35 points on a countback from Paula McQuat, with Vickie Wallace in 3rd place with 29 points.

Men's A grade winner was Louis Neethling with a very commendable 40 points followed by Warren Deighton with 38 points. Third place went to Geoff Harrison with 35 points. Good scoring there.

Men's B grade winner was John Oates with 35 points, runner up was Peter Lewis with 33 points on a countback from Laurie Dakin.

Pin shots: for the ladies Helen Deighton got all 3 B grade pin shots while Tiina Randmae managed 2 for A grade.

Tiina had the only chip in.

For the men: pin shots went to John Oates. Gary Scotford, Wilf Herweg, Geoff Harrison, and Peter Lewis.

Next Tuesday we will be going to Home Hill for our last trip away for the year.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Read More

Proserpine Golf Report

September 28, 2023

Tim Deffner had a very nice round of 42pts to win the Tuesday Stableford, followed by Louis Neethling on 39pts and Ben Smith on 36 pts.

Rehab Hull was the generous sponsor for the Ladies 3 club and a putter day, Heather Luvis playing well with limited clubs to beat Tiina Randmae on a countback with 34pts and Trish McNeill in 3rd place with 33 pts.

Steve Stewart edged out Gavin Kerwand on Thursday by one point, winning Division 1 with 37 pts, Gavin in 2ndplace and Blake Lovelock in 3rd place with 35 pts. Division 2 winner was Ned Davies with 39 pts, on a countback from Ken Lovett, and Barry Shuwalow on 38pts.

The Met 9 hole competition on Friday was hotly contested with the top 3 all on 20 pts, Pat Camm beating Jack Hayes-Williams on a countback, and Paul Skelton won 3rd place. NTP winners: Paul Skelton and Pat Camm.

Heather Luvis was again playing well in the MBW Saturday Stableford to win the Ladies competition with 35 pts. Diane Chard in 2nd place and Anna Winterbourn 3rd.

Ross Meade scorched the men’s field with a blistering 43pts to win the MBW men’s Stableford, ahead of Jett Borghero on 36 pts and Karl Kirkwood on 35pts.

Peta Thomas also had a fantastic, handicap reducing round winning the Sunday Stableford with 42pts ahead of Gerald Lovell on 40 pts and Nicole Cooper on 38 pts. NTP’s were won by Karl Kirkwood, Mel Patullo and Gerald Lovell x 2.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Course Pro Shop Team.

Read More

Bowen Golf Report

September 28, 2023

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford for a club trophy.  Ladies’ winner on a countback Ruth Dunn 42pts, runner up Amanda Parter 42pts.  Men’s winner Scott Pearce 40pts, runner up on a countback Brett Richards 39pts.

On Saturday we played a 2-ball 18-hole footy themed ambrose. Winners were Jeff Jackson and Tom Wikander 61.5, 2nd Robyn Slade and Ron Edkins 62.75, 3rd David and Peter Martin 63.25.  Best dressed went to Grace Nott and Toss Eisemann.  NSW won the shield this year.  Qld will have to try harder next year.  Thank you to the sponsors for a great day!

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Footy themed ambrose winners with sponsors. Photo supplied

Read More

Wangaratta Bowls

September 28, 2023

On Tuesday, winners were Merle Elphinstone, Jude Vigar, Deb Retchless, and Sugar and Ian B, Bill, Ron, and Denis Walker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our barefoot bowls on Friday Night is still been keenly contested by our new up and coming bowlers. Winners for the night were Wendy, Ian, and Les.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 5. They were Deb Retchless, Ron Boskma, and Kennedy Whitton, others Linda Scells, Jim Chadwick, and Fely Duncan. The jackpot didn’t go off.

                                                                   

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Sunday’s winners. Photo supplied

Read More

Proserpine Bowls Report

September 28, 2023

Club Competition Coming Into Final Stages

On Sunday morning the Final of the Club's 2 Bowl Triples was held.  Last year's winners Shane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley proved too strong for their opponents Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne with a 37 - 9 win.   The Champion of Champions for the 2Bowl Triples will be played at Pioneer Valley on October 28 and 29.

Also on Sunday morning the second Semi Final of the B Pairs was played.  This game was close throughout, with it being 18 all at the end of the 21 ends.  In that extra end 3 of the first 4 bowls by Ken and Kendall were touchas.  This had Harry and Toby having to play shots to attempt a head conversion.  Ken Watts and Kendall Watts defeated Harry Craig and Toby Craig 22 - 18.

Reminder to all that our AGM is Saturday, October 7 at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

Read More

Airlie Beach Veteran Golf Report

September 28, 2023

As spring just about enters its second

month and warm week of

lawn bowls starting on Tuesday

afternoon with 3 great close games in play

and the highest winning score belonged

to Wendy Pomeroy whom combined with

Henny Tattam comfortably beat the rest of

the field,

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls capably

run by Merve Stewart saw the combination

of the knee Mens A Grade Champion

Alan Pershouse with the above-mentioned

Merve Stewart run away with the prize

money.

We have Mixed Triples and Pairs in full

swim and results will be published soon.

Saturday morning saw a contingent of

supporters with Rick Brunnell and newly

elected selector Bobby Spee , with John

Askew, Eric Barnard and Mark Mawson

head to St Helens bowls club to cheer on

Graham Cowling in the Senior Singles

Champion of Champions

and he did admirably, going down in

the quarterfinals but did our club proud

with some great bowls.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw again

a big roll up, and saw Stacey Hadlow take

out the prestigious Health Hub award and

the winning team of Margo Stanley, who is

in sparkling form with Andy McDougall.

Also Andrew Butler with Elaine Kippen

beat our little pocket rocket Carol Crosbie

playing with her husband Noel just go

down in the Mixed Pairs

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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.

Subscribe Free