The weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw David Stevens in first place with 24 points, second with 23 points was Josh Frederikson and third place with 22 points was Billy O’Connor.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw David Stevens take first place with 21 points, second with 20 points countback was Matarae Tauroa and third place with 20 points was Fred Tammist. 

Sundays 18-hole PAR SVS competition saw Edwina Pettiford takeout the win with a +9, second with a +6 was Brad Low and with a +4 countback was Troy Pettiford.

Great job by all.

Sunday 14th April will be 4 ball better ball, tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am. Hope to see you all there. 

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
 

Edwina Pettiford. Photo supplied

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Blue skies and a 10-knot breeze greeted the 17 yachts and the 117 crew who participated in the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Wednesday afternoon.  

When the gun went for the first start, Black Jack (Richard Anthony) was already at full speed and ahead of their competitors, giving them the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize. 

Behind them, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) were never far away, while Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) had a race long battle against Reignition (Charles Wallis). 

The final pairing was between Twister (Kevin Fogarty) and Matchless (Terry Stevens).  With boats paired up and pushing each other to perform, the handicap results were close with QMS Ponyo taking the honours by 24 seconds from Black Jack, with Bobby’s Girl a further minute behind.

Division 3 saw a new boat into the fleet with Symbiosis (Anne Ross) entering for the first time. 

At the start, Lama (Jim Hayes) was well positioned at the pin end of the starting line, briefly leading the fleet before Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Shiraz (John Cable) took the lead.  These two boats swapped the lead a few times before Shiraz finally took control, crossing the finishing line 21 seconds ahead, while Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) settled for third place, a further 30 seconds back. 

On corrected time, Lama came out on top with Lighthorse second and Shiraz third.

Division 1 saw two trimarans paired up, with G’nome (David Chittleborough) taking the lead at the start and was never headed.  Frankie (Bill Trueman) managed to keep them honest but was unable to match the speed around the 6 mile course.

The SML prize, sponsored by Whitsunday Industrial Services, went to Symbiosis, while the Soft Rigging Solutions special Prize went to Lighthorse.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.
 
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

Photo supplied

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The Cannons would like to commend Noah Maltby, Tora Delac and Jy Parkinson for qualifying and nominating to compete at the Australian Age Swimming Championships. Noah, Tora, Jy and Coach Mark Erickson travelled to the Gold Coast this week and will compete with the best swimmers in the country.  

The Cannons hosted a Club Night on Wednesday even though it was the school holidays, and it was exciting to see 30 swimmers participate. Congratulations to Noah Maltby and Celeste Orenshaw for winning the Chocolate Awards for the best PBs. Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Penelope Shields and Celeste Orenshaw.  

Top performers on Wednesday night, River Shields and Alex Trefz swam extremely well achieving 3 personal best times.  Addie Sanders swam an impressive time in her 100m Backstroke, under 2 minute and achieved a massive 18.8 second PB.  Addie also swam a great time in her 100m Freestyle with a 4.82 second PB.

Stevie Lee swam a super 100m Breaststroke in 1.53.70 which was a 6.82 second PB.  Abiageal Maher swam an excellent 100m Freestyle in 1.25.27, a 4.83 second PB.  Matilda Nicholes swam a brilliant 200m Freestyle in 2.55.45 which was a 4.96 second PB.  Leo Mulliss swam a very smooth 25m Freestyle in 24.03sec and achieved a 3.43 second PB.  Don Algie’s best swims were his 200m IM in 2.54.30 and his 100m Breaststroke in a time of 1.40.84.  

The Cannons would like to commend Tiana Bell, Liam Filewood, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Jasper Korosec, Eric Mulliss, Celeste Orenshaw and Penelope Shields for achieving personal best times. The next Club Night will be on 17th April, 2024.

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Celeste Orensahw with Chocolate award
National Team
Photos supplied

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Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday (VMRW) is well known for its Marine Rescues and assists on the water, but in the background, VMRW also provide vital Marine Communications facilities for VHF radio, as well as vessel tracking facilities via AIS to Marine Traffic on the internet.

Every boatie should already be aware of the functionality of VHF radios as a safer and more reliable means of communication than a mobile phone while they are out on the water, but they may not be as familiar with AIS.

AIS is a system that you can fit on your boat that identifies your position and past track on the internet and to other AIS-equipped vessels, and can greatly assist if rescue services need to locate you in an emergency.

The number of boats fitted with AIS units is expanding rapidly, and it is a great addition to the safety equipment on your vessel.

VMRW has 3 AIS receiving stations, at Shute Harbour, on Whitsunday Island, and on Hayman Island -   although the latter two are temporarily offline, and the VMRW are looking at how they can best address that at both sites, which are helicopter access only.

The units each cover an area of over 2,000 to 3,000 sq. kms and get coverage to the outer reef, and there are now very few AIS black spots within the Whitsundays.

AIS coverage from the Mt Robison site, at an altitude of 400 metres on Whitsunday Island, varies from 2500 sq. kms to over 3500 sq. kms, depending upon atmospherics at the time. The Hayman site is at an altitude of 250 metres, and covers around 2,000 sq. kms. Shute Harbour covers about the same.

More and more recreational vessels are fitting AIS, and it is well worth considering as an additional safety feature on almost anything bigger than a tinny.
 

A VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online. at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ and your membership helps to keep us going in case you need us.

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VHF radio ; photo supplied

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Results for social play results on Tuesday saw Irene Laird, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeat Deb Retchless, Isobel Wheeler and Graeme Read. Robyn Stitt, Denise Wallace and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Lyn Danvers. The jackpot didn’t go off.

On Friday night the barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle was a success with plenty of smiles on and off the green. The next one is on the 19 April.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Denise Wallace, Isobel Wheeler and Barry Beel who narrowly defeated Bron Tolcher, Penny Warren and Mark Drummond. Others, Irene Laird, Alby Vigar and Kevin Jewell defeated Robyn Stitt, Jim Quod and Pat Tracey. Bill Myers, Laurie Land and Kennedy Whitton defeated Toni Bowen, Graeme Read and Allan Rolfe. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Fridays barefoot bowls. Photos supplied

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Tuesday afternoon social bowls saw great games the winner on the day was Tony Whitehorn with Mark Mawson second was Henny Tattam and Lyn Graham whilst Rhonda Lloyd’s team of Lizzie Turner and Jill Spencer played well. 

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw a great team display by Shane Spann with John Trembath outstanding winners on the day whilst Rick Galea’s team took home the Jackpot.

No play was possible Friday afternoon and Saturday, however, the final of the Men’s Open Fours will be decided by Shane Spanns team of Rick Galea , John Trembath and John Fielding against Manny Isgro’s team of Tim Taylor , Bob McMahon and Russell Jackson 

Sunday afternoon had a great roll up with Henny Tattam’s team of lead Regina Aquilina and Robin Brown outstanding winners of the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Henny Tattam, Regina Aquilina, Robin Brown with Bar Manager Fiona Greener and Vicki Spann and Lu Rogan ready for a beverage Sunday afternoon. Image supplied

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In the singles, Gus Munro defeated Gavin Charles.

In pairs, Rob Robba and Wendy Coles defeated Herb Dalton and Wayne Crowhurst. Daryl Tuttle and Fele Duncan defeated Zanders Peebles and Mitch Wright.

During Social Sunday, Ray Muir, Ross Scanlon and Jane Gilbert defeated Gordo, Helen Jacobsen and Glen R. Ian Thatcher and Gavin Charles, defeated B Neal and Steve Roome.  Sue Fox and Ron Gould defeated L Kruger and Gus Munro.

At the Wednesday Social, Ian Thatcher, Robyn Stitt and Doc Fordham defeated Eddy Neylon, G.Gordon and Steve Roome. Sue Fox and Rob Robba defeated Peter Wilson and Glen R. Maryellen Pratten, Denise Wallace and Jane Gilbert defeated A.Delic, Daryl Tuttle and Wendy Coles.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards. Photo supplied

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Dale Haack came out victorious defeating Harry Craig 25 – 24. In B Grade Singles Peter Lawton defeated Mike Harrison 25 - 7.

On Saturday lots of games of Club Championship Singles were played.  Michael Kinnear defeated David Ling 26 – 14. Scott Hamilton defeated Brett Saroglia 25 – 17. Barry Saroglia defeated Peter Lawton 25 – 21. Toby Craig defeated Kendall Watts 25 – 21. Andrew Bell defeated Marcus Craig 25 - 4.

Also on Saturday morning B Grade Singles Harry Craig defeated Steve Summers 26 -1.
Saturday afternoon Club Championship Pairs Toby Craig and Marcus Craig defeated Vince Olsen and Todd Leys 26 – 7. Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Geoff Hunter and Philip Brown 24 – 9.  Barry Saroglia and Gavin Milne defeated Harry Craig and Scott Hamilton 20 - 16.
  
On Sunday in the Club Championship Singles a game between Shane Kinnear and Toby Craig ended with Shane defeating Toby 25 - 18.

On Wednesday in Social Bowls Jim Bownds, Pat Bownds, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara had a very close game defeating Alen Sanderson, Geoff Hunter, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 14 - 13.  In Sunday's Social bowls Mary Hedgelong, Sandy Daffara and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown and Mike Harrison 23 - 15.

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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown. Photo supplied

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Excitement strikes as the upcoming CommBank Women’s T20I Series against New Zealand is announced to take place at the Harrup Park Great Barrier Reef Arena.

These two games of T20 between the Australian and New Zealand women will take place on September 19th and 22nd, marking a significant event, not only for cricket fans but also for the entire Mackay community.

After announcing the season line-up, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said, “This is one of the most highly anticipated summers of cricket in memory with the eyes of the cricket world focused on the extended Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series and the multiformat Women’s Ashes.”

For Mackay, hosting the T’20 women’s series holds immense importance as it showcases the region's growing prominence in the world of cricket.

CEO of Harrup Park, Adrian Young, speaks on the magnitude of this occasion, highlighting the arena's ability to host a top-tier international cricket venue since its opening last year.

The dedication and hard work invested in the venue intertwined with the pride of hosting the two matches will be an outstanding experience for both players and attendees.

“This is very significant, this is first top tier international cricket series we’ve had since the opening of the great barrier reef arena last year,” Mr Young said.

“It’s a combination of a lot of hard work that’s gone into the venue so we’re extremely excited to have the games here in September.”

The anticipation rises as cricket fans eagerly await, with the potential of driving in up to five to six thousand attendees, which is said to be a beneficial economic stimulus for the region.

Adrian highlights that these games are also beneficial for younger generations, offering young boys and specifically girls the chance to witness their heroes in action and aspire to reach similar heights in their future sporting endeavours.

“Having games like this allows young boys and girls to look up to their hero’s and put their minds to play sport at an elite level, and inspire them on an aspirational level.”

As the countdown to September begins, anticipation builds, promising two days of unforgettable cricketing action within the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Fans are encouraged to register on Cricket Australia's digital channels for access to priority pre-sale tickets, which will be available on June 4.

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CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match, Tayla Vlaeminck and Kim Garth. Image supplied

Great Barrier Reef Arena set to hold two astounding games for cricket fans in September

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The last match decided a closely-fought final of first-division Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures.

With the matches tied 5-all between Lexus and Jaguar, it came down to a decider between Andrew McHugh and Tim Sheehan, which Andrew won in four games.

Lexus got away to a good start, winning the first two matches in five-game marathons.

Andrew beat Vince Boeske 8, -4, -4, 10, 12 and Janice Kent got up over Tim Shehan 5, -8, 5, -6, 9.

Anne Sheridan opened Jaguar’s account with a win over Barry Patterson in the next match, but Lexus won the next three to take a stronghold 5-1 lead.

But Jaguar made a comeback from the dead to win the next four matches to level 5-all before Andrew finished off the 6-5 win with a hard-fought defeat of Tim -6, 8, 8, 8.

First division: Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson) d Jaguar (Vince Boeske, Tim Sheehan, Anne Sheridan) 6-5.

In division 2, the Nissan team of Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan and Will VanDeKaa scored a big 7-1 win over Isuzu (Mark Stam, George Camilleri and Steve Mathieson).

The season’s leading player George Camilleri scored Nissan’s only win over Simon Hogan.

Holden (Saisha Palod and Rohit Bansod) had a narrow 5-4 win over Fiat (Trent Day and YiLin Jiang) in division 3.

Standout matches were Saisha’s win over YiLin -6, 8, 7, -3, 7; and Trent’s defeat of Saisha 3, -9, 6, -5, 6.

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Mackay Table Tennis Division 1 night fixture winners were Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent and Barry Patterson. Photos: Supplied

Division 2 winners Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar and Simon Hogan

Division 3 winners Rohit Bansod and Saisha Palod

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Last month, ahead of Easter, teams journeyed to Gargett for the Marian Mill Shield, engaging in three matches throughout the day. Mackay Club advanced to the Final at Marian Club.

Facing Northern Beaches, the team exerted a commendable effort but narrowly missed securing victory. Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding dedication.

On Saturday, April 6th, three teams will compete in the Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill Shield at the Sarina Club.

Team 1 G.Luck, R.Bell, N.Hollt, R.Blanchard.
Team 2 T.Hollows, B.Paskins, E.Roberts, T.Mayfield
Team 3 A.Lovern, C.Marks, M.Coll, N.Wilson

Results:
Tuesday Triples;(22)
Winner of Winners:
Peter Nelson, Col Stevens

Winner of Losers:
A.Nayler, A.Lovern, N.Holt.
Thursday Scroungers (16)
Ric Dunn  def  Barry Paskins.
Ladies Championship Results:
K.Dunn,  R.Schatkowski  def  K.Catanzariti, V.Edwards
K.Catanzaritu won on Forfiet.

By Mike Irving

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Participants took part in three matches throughout the day and were advanced to the finals. Despite their loses, Mackay Bowls are ready to take on their next challenge. Image Supplied.

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The Mackay Contract Bridge Club Pairs has been played over the last three Wednesdays, with some interesting hands of cards being played. The winning Team – the Terrence Sheedy Team, consisted of Terrence Sheedy, Thelma Caruana, Max Holewa, Diane Holewa and Mick King.

Thelma, Terrence, Diane and Max (Mick absent)

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Weekly Results
Monday 25 March 2024 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Sandy Patterson / Geoff Cowan
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
4th
Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
5th
Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank
6th
Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
Tuesday Evening 26 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
4th
Shelley Lewis / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 27 March 2024 – Mackay Teams, Week 3 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points
1st
Terry Sheedy Team
2nd
Janet Hanson Team
3rd
Sandy Patterson Team
4th
Debra Goodchild Team
Wednesday 27 March 2024 – Mackay Teams – Final Results after 3 Weeks - Mitchell Red Points

Team
Players
1st
Terry Sheedy
Terrence Sheedy / Thelma Caruana / Max Holewa/ Diane Holewa / Mick King
2nd
Janet Hanson
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown / Frances Brown / Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Debra Goodchild
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / Ming Ting / David Ting / Antonia Tarradas / Mick King
4th
Sandy Patterson
Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson / Joy Brunette / Don Poole / Kath Poole
Thursday Evening 28 March 2024 – 3 Table One Winner
1st
Kean Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
4th
Mick King / Patricia Garner
Saturday 30 March 2024 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terrence Sheedy / Geoffrey Patterson
1st
Jan Harris / Mick King
2nd
Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank
2nd
Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd
Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch
4th
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill
5th
Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix
5th
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

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Mackay Road Runners hopped to it on the Easter Weekend for another Easter Sunday Burrito Bolt social 5k, 10km from Mackay’s Zambrero’s. 

Nearly thirty local runners plus Southern Queensland athletes including Anthea Ford, John Seartson and Stuart Maish joined locals in vying for the fun food-inspired prizes.
 
It was a heavy shower of rain that set runners off on their run.  Mick Scholer put his club Vice-Presidency hat to good use as the master of ceremonies giving runners course directions to follow the Cathy Freeman path alongside the Pioneer River towards the Botanic Gardens and return.  Beck Scholer was the photographer for the afternoon and Jack and Elsie Quinn were in total control of drawing the lucky random draw tickets as well as distributing the prizes to the lucky recipients.  Thanks to all other helpers on the day including Jo Hughes, Natasha Joynson and Andrew Short.
 
Alana Knezevic had a sensational 10km outing as did her fellow runners in their individual events including the Quinn family, Lisa Burns, Grant Holmstrom, Adam Knezevic, Anthea Ford,  Lauren Connor, Carmel Mahon, Simon Henderson, David Isbister, Todd Turner, Leanne Connor, Kim Saron, John Searston, Andrew Short, Michael Scholer, Greg Dawes, Natasha Joynson, Sacha Hoare, Jeff Hoare, Jo Hughes, Colin Hardy and Derek Woods.
 
This Sunday’s annual Tilse Toddle 5k, 10km will commence at 4.30pm from 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay.  The scratch start event will be a handicap points race. Non-members are most welcome to join in however, there will be a $10 casual race day fee. 

For more information, visit Mackay Road Runners online or on Facebook.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Sponsors Zambreros’ Deb, Elsie, Pete and Jack at far left + runners and supporters were dauntingly met with a drenching at the start of the Zambrero Easter Sunday Burrito Bolt social 5k, 10k, they forged on undeterred
Mick Scholer easily sprints the event due to some not so secret altitude training
Lisa Burns and Carmel Mahon easily stride out the final few metres in the social 10km
Zambrero sponsors Peter and Jack Quinn easily complete the 5km in their goal time

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The North Mackay Sinkers continue preparing for a major meet with the Masters Swimming Qld State Championships providing the main focus for April. As part of the preparation more sessions have been scheduled along with several club nights to assist race preparation. The most recent night held Friday 22nd March saw members swimming chosen events with 25, 50, 100 and 200/400m events available to improve starts, turns and race pace skills for the event.

Club Night: The start of the 25m event

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Coach Departs: The Sinkers also bid goodbye to club coach Igor Demin after some three years as the club's coach as he heads to a new horizon in the ACT with both a Swimming Australia and Masters Swimming Australia club coach position drawing him away from tropical climates. Coach Igor introduced members to a range of innovative and challenging sessions that were always diverse in structure to help members and the club reach goals. The Sinkers wish Igor and his family all the best in their new location and role.

The final session with coach Igor was Wednesday 27th with most of the night's squad present for the photo

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Laps For Life Draws To A Close: The seven members participating in the Laps for Life swim and fundraising challenge have now completed the month-long event. The swimmers completed some 5,860 laps (50m pool) to record a total of 294 km for this event. Importantly the funds raised by the Sinkers was even more impressive with a total of $5,404 committed to assist youth mental health and suicide prevention. Together with the other 2 Masters clubs in Qld the grand total settled at $8,110 has been raised for the ReachOut foundation.

Easter Eggs On The Swimmer’s Menu: The Easter weekend allowed swimmers to swim outside the pool with Good Friday pool closures. Three Sinkers visited a popular Sinkers open water swim (OWS) Balnagowan location to check conditions before we enter our northern OWS season. This location is used for training as well as our annual river swim (Nov 3rd 2024) with a few Townsville, Whitsunday and Keppel Island destinations on the list of must-do events.
Saturday saw a great gathering of Sinkers that may have been eyeing the traditional after-swim social supplies of Easter eggs, hot cross buns, cakes and biscuits to accompany the eggcellent coffee at the Memorial pool.

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Balnagowan Good Friday
Some input for the Saturday session content prior to starting
Masters is not all swimming with social activity key to the club's popularity

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 26, 2024:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Leopards (Charlie Payne, Cheryl Pearson, Judy Zahn) 7-5. Judy d Peter 9, 8, -10, -7, 3.

Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) d Tigers (Don Boettcher, John McGee) 7-2. Coral d John 8, -5, -5, 8, 7.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bran Marshall) d Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso, Val Austin) 10-2. Bryan d Val 5, -13, -10, 8, 5.

Division 2:

Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) 8-4. Kim Challender d Helen -9, 7, 9, -9, -7.

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Aqua (Judi Hicks, Gloria Vella, Josie Davis) 12-0. Louise d Gloria 5, -9. 13, 3.

Division 3:

Diamonds (Thelma Caruana, Myles Dutton) d Emeralds (Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 6-3. Myles d Glenda 6, -8, -9, 5, 8.

Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Glenda Dutton) d Sapphires (Carmel Cristaldi, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) 7-5. Sharon d Darryl 9, -6, -9, 7, 10.

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Glenda Brookes in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo: Charlie Payne

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