Our weekly 9-hole stableford comp saw Justyn Durbin in first place with 25 pts, second place with 21pts was Perri Simpson and third on 20 pts Scott Hayes-Williams.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Marc Belke on first place with 23 c/b, second place with 23 pts was Scott Hayes-Williams and third place Cy Taylor with 22 pts.

Great job Gentlemen.

Sundays 18-hole stableford was a terrific day for Tyson Flavel, not only taking first place with 40 pts he also scored a hole in one on the 8th hole.

Terrific job Tyson.

Second place saw David Wallace with 36 c/b and third place with 36 pts was Josh Quin.

This Sunday 23rd July will be our 4 ball better ball club championships tee off at 10am, to book in please call 07 49461190.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Course.

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After a couple of weeks of very light breeze, it was nice to see a 15 knot south-easterly wind blowing across Pioneer Bay for the start of last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race.  

These events, every Wednesday afternoon, attract up to 120 locals and visitors to have a go at sailing in an organised yacht race.

In the first start, a mistake by Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) saw them returning to restart, giving the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize to Wide Load (Shannan Hart).  

At the first rounding mark, QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) held a slender lead over Reignition (Charles Wallis), with Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) and Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) hot on their tale.

On the second lap, it all went wrong for Smooth Criminal, as they dropped to the back of the lead group, allowing QMS Ponyo an easy race to the finish.

Bobby’s Girl came home second, 30 seconds ahead of Reignition.  

On corrected time, QMS Ponyo took the honours over Wide Load and Reignition.

In the second start, Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) caught the competition napping, and led the fleet into the start.  

As usual, this did not last long as Matchless (Terry Stevens) soon took the lead, stretching out to over 4 minutes on Domino (Paul Dynes), with Shiraz (John Cable) a further 20 seconds back.  

While Masquerade kept the rest honest, Manteca (Frank Tennyson) sailed a great race to be right in the mix.  

Corrected time results, after handicaps were applied, saw Lama (Louie Tuck) take the win over Manteca and Masquerade.

In the third start, G’nome (Terry Archer) took the starting honours over Ullman Sails (Paul Mitchell), but that was the only time as Ullman Sails powered away to a convincing win both on the water and on corrected time.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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The weekend started on the Friday night with our Divisional Men coming away with two losses despite strong performances.

The div2 men put up a respectable fight but as has happened for most of the season, goals were elusive, and the good periods of possession went unrewarded.

The div2 men went down 4-0.

The div1 men started strong against the second placed Wanderers side, going into the half 1-1. Unfortunately, a goal to the Wanderers in the first minutes of the second half deflated the home side and compounding errors in the second half saw the div men walk away with a 6-1 loss.

Saturday started off with Under 13 div 1 putting on an impressive display against a determined Dolphins outfit.

Leading 2 nil at the break, the second half proved a lot more productive for the home side playing impressive football to add another 5 goals – a great 7-0 win for a side constantly improving.

U13 Premier had a harder slog against a well organised Dolphins side.

The second half was very even and added no score – a 3-0 loss but a great effort by the side.

U15 Div1 played Magpies with both sides putting up a hard fight.

Goals by Freddie Hazleton and Cohen Springbett put the home side up 2-0 at half time.

The U15 Prem side also secured a strong win against Dolphins which secures them a place in the finals. The 3-2 win was impressive against the team placed second in the comp.

The Premier Women also played out a competitive 1-1 draw against top placed Lions. Despite maintaining possession for much of the game, the ladies found themselves 1-0 down early in the first half when a deflection gifted Lions a goal against the run of play.

There were many strong performances, however special mention must be made to goal keeper Chloe who made outstanding saves in crucial moments and Violet who shut down countless Lions attacks and created many opportunities through her midfield runs.

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Whitsunday United taking on big competition across the region. Photo supplied

State of Origin series-winning captain Daly Cherry-Evans is the toast of Queensland after his inspirational deeds for the Maroons this season in the representative arena.

Like a good wine, the Mackay native and St Patrick’s College graduate gets better with age and has struck a purple patch of form in 2023 since returning from the United Kingdom with Australia’s all conquering World Cup-winning rugby league squad.

Now a new wave of local Mackay juniors are ready to stamp their mark in the Under 19 Origin interstate and Secondary Schools challenge fixtures.

Promising Mackay Cutters utility back Kai Simon was named 19th man for the Queensland Under 19s squad that locked horns with NSW this week at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium.

In the early game, talented Cutters five eighth Emily Bella lined up for the Maroons Under 19s team against the Blues along with rising Mackay and North Queensland Cowboys centre Libby Surha and 17-year-old middle forward Lily Peacock.

Simon and Bella are products of the famous St Patrick’s College rugby league nursery as are boom Maroons’ Emerging Origin trio Jaxon Purdue, Xavier Kerrisk and Paityne Johns who experienced mixed fortunes at last week’s Australian Secondary Schools Under 18 National Championships in Brisbane.

The crafty Johns played second fiddle to Australian Schoolgirls hooker Nadia Windleborn in the Queensland side that finished runners up to NSW Combined High Schools in the Girls Championship final.

An outstanding number nine with skill and vision, Paityne produced strong performances when used as an interchange player by the Maroons who lost their only match in the trophy decider.

She starred for her junior club Magpies and the Cutters’ Under 19s before joining the Mackay BMD Premiership squad as a development player during the 2023 finals series.

Her immediate goal is to secure an NRLW contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Purdue and Kerrisk are the hottest two prospects in the Cutter’s ranks and will spearhead St Patrick’s bid for the Aaron Payne Cup schoolboys championship.

Both are contracted to the Cowboys and were key members of the Queensland Schoolboys team that won the Under 18 Pool A second v Pool B second final at the Australian Secondary Schools National Boys Championships.

Kerrisk, one of the best young hookers to burst on the Queensland scene, managed to play a mere 20 minutes in a 30-6 opening round loss to NSW Combined Catholic Colleges before being heavily concussed and ruled out of the Carnival.

Purdue turned in skilful performances at five eighth and scored two tries in a 26-6 victory over Combined Affiliated States to earn the Player of the Match award.

He followed it up with a strong showing in the Maroons’ emphatic 46-4 triumph over ACT.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College rugby league stars Xavier Kerrisk, Paityne Johns and Jaxon Purdue represented Queensland at the Australian Secondary Schools Under 18 National Championships in Brisbane. Photos supplied

Queensland Secondary Schools five eighth Jaxon Purdue receives his Player of the Match award from Melbourne Storm official Tim Glasby

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The highly anticipated King and Queen of the Mountain event took place last weekend, putting the endurance and strength of both runners and cyclists to the ultimate test as they tackled the steep inclines of the Eungella Range. With gradients reaching approximately 12 per cent, the challenge proved to be gruelling for all participants.

The Eungella National Park, standing at an impressive 732 meters above sea level (2400 ft), provided a formidable backdrop for the combined running and cycling event. While the event itself has been running for several years, the running race has a longstanding history of approximately thirty years. Among the legendary runners, current male record holder Charlie Martel has reigned supreme, having won the race an astonishing 13 times. His record-setting time of 27 minutes and 51 seconds, established in 1991, remains unbroken and further solidifies his legendary status. Although unable to attend this year's event, Charlie continues to reside in the Mackay area.

In the Open 6.4km foot race, the male winner and reigning champion was Cristian Smith, successfully defending his title for another year. Jason Bourke finished in second place, trailing by less than a minute, followed closely by rising junior talents Luke Leven and Oliver Rule. Among the females, Alana Knesevic claimed the crown, finishing an impressive 8th overall. Jose Short, Carolyn Mapes, and Mel Esau also showcased their remarkable abilities. In the junior 3.2km category, Abi Sweeney secured the gold for the girls, with Lily Leven following closely behind. Toby Rule added another title to his extensive resume in the boys' division. Podiatry Mackay generously provided cash prizes for the junior winners, while Rebel vouchers, donated by Veronica Pettifer in memory of her daughter Laura, sponsored the event for the 16th consecutive year.

In the cycling segment of the event, visiting rider Tyler Tomkinson from the Balmoral Cycling Club claimed the prestigious title of King of the Mountain. Brendon Brauer and Ashley Brownsey from Mackay took second and third respectively. Tracy Borchardt dominated the women's category, securing the well-deserved crown of Queen of the Mountain with a remarkable time of 29 minutes and 18 seconds. Tenille Galea and Rebecca Baird, also from the Mackay Cycling Club, displayed their exceptional endurance and claimed the second and third positions.

The event showcased exceptional performances from first-time Eungella runners, including international athlete Graeme Lister, as well as local participants James Leonard, Madeleine Simmons, Lauren Connor, Crystal Hawkins, and Toni Enright. All participants, both runners and cyclists, were treated to delicious breakfasts at the Chalet, along with the chance to win fantastic random draw prizes donated by Eungella Chalet, Eungella Cabins, Bunnings, Mackay Cycling Club, and Mackay Road Runners.

For cyclists, maintaining momentum on the sharp pinches was crucial to avoid coming to a standstill. Competitors were seen stretching on the side of the road, battling cramps during the hour-long drive back to Mackay after the demanding race, while some decided to treat themselves to a world-famous Pinnacle Pie on their journey home.

Next Sunday, the Mackay Road Runners event will be a social 5/10km taking place at the Bluewater Quay due to the Airlie Beach running festival. Those who are staying in town can enjoy a relaxed and informal 4pm start for their Sunday run.

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Female open and junior Queens of the Mountain, Alana Knesevic and Abigail Sweeney with male junior and open King winners, Toby Rule and Cristian Smith

Scott McIntosh (left) and Andrew Wallace barely notice the amazing views as they enjoy the challenging 6.4km ascent from Netherdale to the Eungella Chalet

Mick Vivian with his signature grin going up Eungella Range

Luke Leven finished in third position

Shane Edwards takes a second to appreciate the view while ascending the range

Some riders enjoyed the social aspect of the event, taking time to pop a wheely in front of one of the many waterfalls

Cycling Queen of the Mountain podium: L-R: Rebecca Baird, Tracy Borchardt, Tenille Galea

Cycling King of the Mountain podium: L-R: Brendon Brauer, Tyler Tompkinson, Ashley Brownsey

Isabelle Cahill, Riley Green, Camden Brownsey and Caleb Caldwell are talented up-and-coming cyclists who completed the climb up the Eungella Range.

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Photos by Janelle Tilse and Amanda Wright

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Veteran Mackay Meteors basketball forward Bradley Rassmussen remains a vital cog in the club’s NBL1 North Conference finals charge.

The popular stalwart leader celebrated his 300-game milestone last Friday night by helping the Meteors register a vital 89-77 victory over the North Gold Coast Seahawks at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

It was a match to savour for the long serving Rassmussen – now in his 16th season with the Meteors – and just three days shy of his 39th birthday.

His court time was limited to five minutes where he picked up three rebounds with the crowd favourite receiving thunderous applause from diehard supporters waving Rassmussen placards.

The 12-point triumph improves Mackay’s record to 11-8 in their quest for the play-offs.

Leading the way was Meteors trump card Isaac White who produced 30 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and three steals in yet another superb performance.

The Mackay skipper was ably supported by talented guard Tyler Williams who contributed 20 points, three rebounds and three assists; forward Christian Maran (15 points, four boards and two assists); exciting guard Isaiah Lee (eight points and three rebounds) and DJ Baptiste (five points and 12 rebounds).

The tenacious Seahawks pushed the Meteors all the way and trailed by seven points at the first break; 48-37 at half time and by twelve points at the end of the third stanza.

Former Meteors guard Biwali Bayles turned in a strong display against his old club - posting 24 points, nine assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks for North Gold Coast with US import Wesley Harris contributing 16 points and 12 boards, Kody Stattmann 15 points and seven rebounds, Josh Duach 12 points and Majok Majok (10 points and 11 rebounds).

In the early game, North Gold Coast Seahawks stayed in finals contention with a thrilling 95-90 victory over the Mackay Meteorettes.

Classy guard Alexa Held proved the difference - registering 37 points, three assists and three steals in a top display for the Seahawks.

Mackay led by four points with 1:15 to play after a spectacular jumper from Denesha Bobongie but it was short-lived.

Carly Remmos hit a three-pointer for North Gold Coast soon after before then also scoring inside and Held stretched the lead to three with seconds to play.

Two free-throws from Bride Kennedy-Hopoate sealed a five-point victory for the visitors who improved to a 9-7 record to remain inside the top eight.

Erin Riley (21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three assists), Emma Gandini (16 points and five steals), Kennedy-Hopoate (eight points and two board) and Remmos (seven points and five rebound) also impressed for the Seahawks.

The Meteorettes were best served by Davida Dale (19 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals) with the gifted Bobongie adding 19 points, five blocks, four rebounds, four assists and three steals and Brittany Reeves (19 points, 17 boards and three assists).

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Brad Rassmussen notched up game number 300 last Friday

The Meteorettes fell short of the Gold Coast Seahawks in a high-scoring game at the Crater last Friday night. Photo credit: Keiron Place Photography

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By Sam Gillespie

Eli Thomsett entered the Twin Track Mud Racing Queensland Titles as an underdog.

The 12-year-old was one of five Sarina junior drivers to travel to Kabra near Rockhampton to compete in the titles.

After an unfortunate ending to his Mud Trials campaign in Sarina in May and mechanical hiccup after mechanical hiccup since, he had a point to prove.

“We were all shattered,” said Eli’s mother Nell Thomsett, reflecting on the moment Eli’s motor blew up in the first heat of Queensland Mud Trials in May.

With the Twin Track State Titles months away, the family hooked straight into building another car.

“We did countless late nights, so many people from the club came and helped,” said Ms Thomsett.

With only days until the Titles, the family discovered the car’s CV joints were too short and the car was undriveable.

Phone calls were made throughout the club looking for another car until the Gutschlag family offered one that had been sitting in their garage since last May.

“We literally pulled it out of the garage and got it to turn over Wednesday night,” Ms Thomsett said.

“It had no brakes, it needed a better roll cage … she was in pretty bad shape.

“It’s a manual and Eli hadn’t actually raced a manual car, he’d barely even driven a manual car.

“We got it on the trailer, took it down to Kabra and he learnt how to drive a manual in the pits on Friday night ready to race Saturday morning.”

With odds against him, Eli raced like he’d never raced before, finishing in third in the junior drag.

“He was absolutely over the moon, just beside himself excited,” said Ms Thomsett.

Ms Thomsett said Eli’s results can also be attributed to the culture amongst the racing community.

“There’s competition but everyone still wants everyone to race so they’ll help each other and get everyone’s cars together, it’s an amazing community,” she said.

Focus now turns to Twin Track races in Kabra in October and in Sarina in November, and Ms Thomsett hopes for a smoother preparation.

“It’s a really good spectator sport because it’s fast racing, there’s two cars on the track, so anyone who’s interested, definitely come down and check it out,” she said.

RESULTS

Drags Junior

1st - Mud Hunter-Hunter Weir- Mackay

2nd -  A Problem – Brydie Eames- Mackay

3rd – Tezza’s Jeep – Taeya Simonsen- Mackay

Drags Standard

1st – Falconstein – Paten Kees -Mackay

2nd – Swamp Donkey – Kelvin Schuh (Gracemere)

3rd – Abalong – Kyle Otto (Gracemere)

Drags Buggy

1st – Muddy Mad – Joe Gauci- Mackay

2nd – Mud Blaster – Mark Tomlinson- Mackay

3rd – Kamikaze – Nicholas Brownsey- Mackay

Drags Top Gun

1st Dolly – Tim Granshaw (Glenlee/Rton)

2nd – Awesome – Luke Gravino (Mackay)

3rd – Clone – Darren Ettles- Mackay

Twin Track Junior

1st – Son of a Devil – Hugo Vukovich (Goondiwindi)

2nd – Mud Hunter – Hunter Weir- Mackay

3rd – Spider Pig – Zoe Schuh (Gracemere) and Back Chat – Eli Thomsett - Mackay

Twin Track Standard

1st – Falconstein – Paten Kees- Mackay

2nd – Abalong – Kyle Otto (Gracemere)

3rd – Bush Pig – Jack Muscat- Mackay

Twin Track Buggy

1st Balls Deep – Adam Sweeney- Mackay

2nd Muddy Mad – Joe Gauci- Mackay

3rd Mud Blaster – Mark Tomlinson- Mackay

Twin Track Top Gun

1st Clone – Darren Ettles- Mackay

2nd Bad Company – Ash Janson- Mackay

3rd – Dolly – Tim Granshaw (Glenlee/Rton)

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Eli Thomsett

Eli and his dad, Russell Thomsett

Mackay racers featured heavily across all podiums at the Mud Racing State Titles in Kabra earlier this month

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Two Mackay athletes have returned from Germany proudly bearing bronze medals after a successful campaign at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Chloe Hosa and TJ Straw both represented Australia in basketball, playing in different teams but achieving the same amazing result.

The pair were selected in their teams following a series of local, state and national titles.

“It was really good to be picked,” said Ms Hosa.

“I felt really honoured and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone.”

After a quick sightseeing stop in Potsdam, the teams competed in the World Games from June 17 to 25.

“At the opening ceremony, it just hit me, like I’m actually playing against these other countries,” said Ms Hosa.

“The whole thing was incredible, I’m very lucky that I got picked to go.”

In her first World Games, Ms Hosa’s team played five matches, resulting in a bronze medal.

“We worked really hard to get that,” she said.

“To be able to beat those other teams and work together as a team was really good.

“We didn’t know each other and how we played, we had one camp for two days and that was it basically then we had to go and play as a team, and we did a really good job.

“We worked really well together and supported each other as we went.”

Ms Hosa had been fundraising for the trip since being selected, raising her funds both here in Mackay and in her hometown of Lithgow, NSW, while Mr Straw fundraised throughout the community.

With help from Special Olympics Mackay, Mr Straw fundraised through Wests Leagues Club, containers for change, Mackay Regional Council, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and his dad’s employer.

“I want to thank mum and dad for raising the money,” he said.

A humble basketballer his whole life, Mr Straw has a simple philosophy, but that didn’t stop him from getting excited about his bronze medal, adding to his collection of many medals.

“It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having fun,” he said.

“He came back to basketball on Saturday and his game, just from being part of Worlds, he was dropping threes like there was no tomorrow,” added Mentor Kimberly Doyle.

“We all know that being part of the Special Olympics does build people’s social capacity, literacy, numeracy.

“It’s great having the weekly training, but it’s all about the pathways.”

Fundraising efforts will now turn to state games late next year where Queensland teams will be selected.

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TJ Straw and Chloe Hosa. Photo supplied

The search is on for our sporting heroes, both on and off the field, with nominations now open for the North Queensland Sportstar Awards.

From athletes and coaches to administrators and club members, the awards recognise the achievements of those individuals and volunteers who symbolise the very best in sport.

North Queensland Sports Foundation director and Mackay Regional Council councillor, Laurence Bonaventura, said this year was the 40th anniversary since the foundation was established and the 32nd annual awards ceremony.

“The North Queensland Sportstar Awards are the longest running dedicated sporting awards in Queensland and Mackay Regional Council is very proud to be hosting this special celebration of the foundation at the awards this year,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local sporting heroes to be recognised in their hometown, so I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate Mackay region individuals and teams who have performed exceptionally at their sport,” he said.

There are 11 categories available for nomination:

• NQ Sportstar of the Year.

• NQ Rural and Remote Sportstar of the Year.

• Junior Sportstar of the Year.

• NQ Junior Rural and Remote Sportstar of the Year.

• Athlete with Disability Sportstar of the Year.

• Sports Team of the Year.

• Junior Sports Team of the Year.

• Masters Sportstar of the Year.

• Volunteer of the Year.

• NQ Service to Sport.

• Sporting Excellence Award.

The NQ Hall of Fame inductee for 2023 will also be announced on the night and added to the list that includes Cathy Freeman, Pat Rafter and Lawrie Lawrence.

This year the awards will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the MECC. Special guest keynote speaker is Olympic champion swimmer Brooke Hansen OAM.

Nominations for the awards close at midnight on Friday, September 1.

For more information and judging criteria, visit North Queensland Sports Foundation online.

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Local BMX star Connor Parish won the Sporting Excellence Award at last year’s NQ Sportstar Awards

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The Mackay Club will be hosting the Championship Men’s District Fours on the weekend of July 22. Spectators and club members are invited to watch some top games of bowls.

The ladies section contested the Johnson Shield at Sarina Club last weekend, winning games against Sarina and Northern Beaches to advance to the semifinals, only going down to City. Well done ladies.

CLUB RESULTS

Tuesday Social Play was washed out.

Thursday Scroungers with (15) players on the rinks playing some good close bowls.

Open Singles:  Steve Cassidy Def Chris Molloy 25-11

Open Fours: Justin Strong, Antony Shepherd, Doug Wootton, Bruce Bridger Def Dereck Currey, Mike Irving, Mick Coll, Steve Cassidy 25-15

B Pairs: Peter Nelson, Col Stevens Def L Dargin T om Casey 22-18

Ladies Snr Singles July 14

D McNamara v M Townsend

U/65 Singles: K Dunn v K Robinson.

All Men’s Competition Matches Are Now Play, Sub or Forfeit.

Ian Truscott, Barry Paskins v Doug Wootton, Bruce Bridger

Sunday 16: Men’S Open Singles: Winner Wallace / Carter v Ross Dunstan.

Men’s Open Pairs: Winner Taaffe/Roberts v W Herewini / R Blanchard.

Open Fours (final): E Wynd, R Fry (sub) D Wootton, B Bridger v K Tranberg, B Robertson, (sub) G Edmonds, N Wilson.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Pride Match This Saturday

By Bronte Hodge

Get ready for the upcoming Pride Round for Whitsunday Sea Eagles, with all five Sea Eagles team’s competing.

Celebrating the LGBTIQA+ community, the pride match has become a staple for regional AFL with the 2023 Pride Round being hosted at the Sea Eagle’s home ground, Whitsunday Sportspark.

The Senior Women’s Sea Eagles team celebrated the day by organising special pride guernseys.

The Mackay AFL Pride Round is coming up and the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles are marking the match with special pride guernseys and celebrations at their homeground.

The cause is close to the team’s heart, with some of the members identifying with the LGBTIQA+ community, and eager to wear the team pride guernseys with pride, advocating for acceptance and inclusion.

2023 will be the second year the Women’s Sea Eagles have donned the pride guernseys and is a memento to the message they wish to send out into the community.

“I think it's important to note that wearing these jerseys, being in the paper and things like that shows the community that this is a safe space,” said team president, Sheridan Callcott.

“This is no prejudice or anything like that and you're not going to be discriminated against. This is a place where you'll absolutely be accepted.”

"After centuries of social taboos that made people afraid to be who they are, it's not good enough to just give tacit acceptance to people of different sexual persuasions: we've got to make an overt statement that lets them know it is safe to be who they truly are, so they know we're a safe and welcoming club,” said team mate, Julia Bates.

“I play alongside my daughter for whom anything less than a clear commitment to welcoming and valuing the LGBTIQA+ community will no longer be acceptable.”

Georgie Carland was president for the team in 2022 and oversaw the first inclusion of the pride guernseys for the team.

“Last year, it was a great way to promote awareness within the community,” she explained.

“It's quite important. Even though we are progressing as a society, not enough is being done.

“There's still a lot of stigma around it and discomfort and that sort of thing, so, it's just trying to educate everyone.”

Over the season, the team has become a family for the players, where the older players coach and mentor the younger players and they each give a helping hand when they can.

“We're just here to have fun, be social and make friends, you know, and be around supportive people,” explained Sheridan.

In particular, due to the Whitsundays rural location, the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles team is made up of women aged 16 and upwards.

“We don’t have an under 17s team, so girls join our team.”

However, the Whitsunday Sea Eagles continue to support their 14- and 15-year-old players, including them in training and in the sport as much as they can.

Everyone is welcome to be in the grandstand at this weekend Pride Round, with the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles up against the North Mackay Saints, at the Whitsunday Sports Park AFL field, at 1.50pm.

Senior Men’s will play at 1.50pm as well, with the Junior teams competing at 9.15am.

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Julia Bates, Sheridan Callcott, Georgie Carland and Lana Rademeyer of the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles repping their pride guernseys ahead of this weekend’s Pride Match. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Lana Rademeyer, Julia Bates, Sheridan Callcott, and Georgie Carland are excited for the upcoming pride match, with their special guernseys to match

Sheridan Callcott, president of the Senior Women’s Sea Eagles team is eager to advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community with this speciality match

Being a part of the team, Julia Bates welcomes the advocacy and inclusion of diversity in the sport. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Recently I have seen a new "type" of depression which I found fascinating that it had a name - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a type of depression that can come and go with seasons.

In the Fitness Industry, it is well known that during Winter, motivation can wain, the bed seems warmer, and all of a sudden you are completely out of your exercising rhythm.

This can then be a "merry go round" of consequences and a decline in your mental and physical health.  

An example would be, “I`ll wait until the warmer months to get ‘fit’ again.”  

The consequences for many people during this period can have quite long-lasting effects, year on year. Like weight gain. Poor choices of "comfort food" or replacing exercise with lack of movement.  Following this, for many, it is then much, much harder to get back into your old routine, especially if you have put on weight and convinced yourself it's ok to stop exercising or moving daily.

Thankfully, there are many solutions in our area;

* Keep track of your steps daily as it`s beautiful to walk around this area

* Reassess your fitness goals where simply "moving" may be better for your mindset, than simply training to lose weight

* Find a group of health focused people like a group fitness facility, who is "constant" all year around, rain, hail, or shine.

* Turn to the natural solutions available like sunlight, drinking lots of water, breathing fresh air, good quality sleep, and eating wholesome foods

Remember.......Movement is Medicine.

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One of the world’s most renowned marathon runners is coming through the Whitsundays this week as part of his 14,000-kilometre, six-month solo expedition around Australia to raise awareness for The Voice.

Pat Farmer is former MP who is combining his skills for advocating for important causes with his ability to run for long distances.

“It’s about having purpose in my life, and I am committed to making my life matter,” said Pat.

“I’ve been given this God-given gift to run long distances faster than most other people in the world, so I want to use it for good.

“This is the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Pat left Tasmania in April and, after appearing at several locations, he flew to Western Australia where he embarked on a mammoth trek up the coast to Darwin, over to Townsville and down to the Whitsundays.

Along the way, he has interacted with everyone, including Indigenous people and many other curious individuals who want to understand more about The Voice.

The Voice is a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

It came about following a gathering in May 2017, where over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates came together in Mutitjulu in the shadow of Uluru and put their signatures on a historic statement.

Later this year, Australia will be asked to vote in a referendum to decide on whether to bring The Voice into the constitution.

So far, it has proven to be a contentious issue in politics, with the two many parties holding vastly different opinions about how successful it will be.

Pat believes The Voice will allow Indigenous people to be heard and express exactly what they need.

“The Voice will take on issues that are directly effecting indigenous people,” said Pat.

“It will allow them to control their own destiny and, if we get this through, it will become part of the constitution so politicians will be held accountable.”

With the Indigenous population representing just three per cent of the overall population, Pat believes that previously their needs were ignored.

“Australians so often support causes that are going on overseas, but they turn a blind eye to what’s happening here in their doorstep,” explained Pat.

Running through Bowen earlier this week, Pat is scheduled to arrive in Airlie Beach today with plans to join the Airlie Beach parkrun this Saturday morning before heading down to Mackay.

He will then continue down the coast, through Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide before fishing up in Alice Springs in time for The Voice referendum.

This is not the first time Pat has run for a cause, previously running across America three times and many parts of Asia, raising awareness for issues such as clean water, girls’ education, and cancer.

Pat says this is his most significant run yet, however, as “it’s important for everyone to help set up a future for Indigenous people.”

If you want to find out more about Pat and his cause, head down to Coral Sea Marina tomorrow morning at 7am, and he would love to have a chat.

You can even join him for a run!

Pat Farmer Stats:

Journey: 14,000 kilometres

Duration: 194 days

Time: 10 hours per day

Scale: Equivalent to two marathons per day

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Marathon runner, Pat Farmer, completes two marathons a day to raise awareness for The Voice. Photos supplied

Pat talks to Indigenous Elders about The Voice. Photo supplied

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Champion Australian triathlete Caleb Noble has given a ringing endorsement of the Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon, happening on July 29 and 30 saying, "If I could pick my dream location anywhere in the world to race and spend a week recovering it would have to be Airlie Beach, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef!"

Noble is a professional triathlete who races all around the world and has multiple top 10 finishes at ITU Triathlon World Cup races to his name and fittingly he will be defending his crown at this year's event.

But he will be facing stiff opposition in 2023 from two-time lronman winner Tim Berkel, last year's runner-up Sam Betten, and local star triathlete Dan McDonnell who finished third in 2022.

The female field is equally strong and includes Radka Kahlefeldt who placed second at the Cairns lronman recently, Kate Bevilaqua, Jasmine Brown, Cassie Healslip, Penny Slater, who placed third in Cairns lronman, Chloe Hartnett, and Kaitlyn lllingworth.

Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon race director Mick Kimpton said the 2023 event signalled a new era for the race with ambitious plans to expand it to be one of the feature races on the Australian triathlon calendar.

"There are not many places in the world where endurance meets the reef and our small committee is working hard to grow the race into a hallmark event for Whitsundays which would deliver a major boost for the regional economy benefitting local businesses," he said.

"l recently returned from Europe, after racing in several events and took time to meet with the European based Challenge Family who currently stage 35 races in 27 countries around the world.

"It is early days in talks, but the Challenge Family core values of vitality, passion and inclusiveness perfectly align with our club, so it is a match made in heaven.

"It is imperative we expand our local event, and our committee are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the race a premier event on the Australian circuit," Mr Kimpton said.

"This year we have introduced a new course which is safer and more scenic, and the weekend will culminate in our first Champions Dinner on Sunday night to recognise all the athletes and sponsors."

The Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival will kick off on Saturday July 29 with the junior events before moving to the corporate teams event, Enticer, Sprint and Olympic distance races on Sunday.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams headed for Harrup Park on Saturday to take on Mackay City Hawks and Swarks.

Sea Eagles Senior Men were back on the winners board defeating Mackay City Hawks 88 – 18 in a contest that was tight until half time. Inaccuracy in front of goal and turnovers kept Hawks in the game until Sea Eagles kicked into gear for the second half to run away with the win. Acting Captain Jake Turner led from the front in his 50th game for Sea Eagles while Hudson McGregor kicked a bag in the forward line to cap off some good work from the midfield.

Even with the return of Captain Sheridan Callcott from injury the Sea Eagles Senior Women lost 15 – 60 to the experience and skill of Mackay City Hawks at their home ground.

Sea Eagles Under 17s put on a clinic including controlled ball use and plenty of inside 50m pressure to win 77 – 17 (adj) against the Swarks and steal the top spot on the ladder. The second half put the finishing touch on the most complete game of football the team has put together all year with every player making meaningful contributions.

Sea Eagles Under 14s game was always promised to be a closely fought encounter with the Hawks eventually seeing Sea Eagles lose 46 – 59. The match was a battle of the midfield with Hawks unfortunately finishing stronger on the day.

This Saturday 15th July sees all five Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams celebrate Pride Round at home from 9:15am Juniors, 1:50pm Seniors.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Photo credit: Kylie Allen

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