Queensland Rugby League’s girl of the moment Emily Bella is still the same athlete from Mackay with dreams of playing in the NRLW series.

The talented playmaker captured the imagination of the sporting public earlier this month when she figured prominently in the Maroons’ Under 19 Girls Origin triumph over NSW at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium.

A cousin of former Queensland and Kangaroos Test prop Martin Bella, young Emily is already following in the steps of her famous relative who was renowned for his punishing defence and bulldozing runs.

Blooded in her debut Origin clash as an interchange hooker, the versatile Bella played a key role in Queensland’s spirited 20-14 victory over the Under 19 Blues – nabbing a vital solo try and booting two goals to cap a superb display.

With the Maroons trailing 10-4 at the break, Queensland coach Deanna Turner introduced the crafty Bella into the match at the 36th minute mark.

And the Mackay Cutters product made a huge impact after quicksilver fullback Destiny Mino-Sinapati dashed over to score for the Maroons and bridge the gap to two points.

It was Emily’s explosive running from dummy half that turned the match for Queensland – bursting through tackles to post the Maroons third try and convert for a 14-10 lead before instigating another for centre and Cutters’ club mate Libby Surha soon after.

Coach Turner was full of praise for her charges, claiming “they just kept on turning up for each other and delivered in the second half.”

The victory over NSW is a career highlight and she experienced the feat with her Mackay colleagues Libby Surha and Lily Peacock.

19-year-old Emily, a graduate of St Patrick’s College Mackay, has always shown enormous potential as a half back or five eighth with organisational skills.

She played her junior rugby league with the Sarina Crocodiles and Walkerston Wanderers and tuned up for the Under 19s Origin with some A Grade matches for the Brothers club.

During her rise through the Cutters’ junior ranks, Bella has always been a strong defender with a sound kicking game and the ability to steer her team around the park.

She represented Queensland Country Under 17s before forcing her way into the Cutters’ Harvey Norman Under 19s squad these past three seasons.

Growing up, Emily was always inspired by her cousin Martin’s achievements that include 21 State of Origins, nine tests and 235 first grade games.

A broken finger prevented Emily from featuring in Mackay’s BMD Women’s premiership campaign earlier this year but the classy half has an immediate goal – to earn an NRLW contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

As a devoted Cowboys supporter, she would love nothing more than to pull on a navy, grey, yellow and white jumper and mix it with the best players in the Queensland women’s ranks.

By Chris Karas

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Talented Mackay Cutters trio Libby Surha, Emily Bella and Lily Peacock hold the Under 19s Women’s Origin shield aloft after helping Queensland defeat NSW at Kayo Stadium

Emily Bella celebrates her U/19s Origin triumph with her mother Shaunagh and members of the Bella family clan

Mackay Tennis Association's Centenary Celebrations Serve Up Thrilling Success

The Mackay Tennis Association recently concluded a successful season one of tennis fixtures, showcasing increased player participation in both Division 1 and Division 2. Season one saw some excellent tennis played across the divisions, with team ‘Wanderers’ (Ranjan, Chris, Naveen, Kunal, and Hayden) emerging as Division 2 champions, narrowly defeating the ‘Invincibles’ (John, Auston, Demi, and Brian) to claim outright victory. In Division 1, team ‘Djokovic’ (Brett, Darryl, Justin, Jess, and Lexie) claimed the title, with team ‘Kyrgios’ (Jamie, Adam, Barry, Jenny, and Bree) a close runner-up.

Tennis action continues at the Mackay Tennis Association, with season two kicking off this week. MTA encourages new players eager to participate in the competition to contact the club and get involved.

An upcoming highlight for the club is the Centenary Dinner, to be held on Saturday, 9th September. The event will take place on ‘centre court,’ providing a unique and memorable experience for attendees. Tickets for the centenary dinner are available for purchase at the club or through the association's Facebook page. The dinner promises to be a memorable night, with special guests including local tennis legend Nicole Pratt and Rob Barty (father of Aussie former world number one Ash Barty), adding a touch of star power to the festivities.

Adding to the excitement of the centenary dinner, an auction of exclusive tennis memorabilia will be held. Collectors and fans alike will have the chance to bid on rackets used by legendary players such as Rod Laver, Nicole Pratt, Sam Stosur, and Daria Saville.

Additionally, a signed and framed playing shirt from Ash Barty’s successful 2022 Australian Open campaign will be among the items up for auction.

As the association embarks on its centenary celebrations, it invites the community to join in the festivities. Secure your tickets for the centenary dinner and immerse yourself in a century of tennis excellence. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be a part of Mackay Tennis Association's remarkable journey. For more information, please contact mackaytennis@hotmail.com.

Contributed by Wes Rose

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Division 1 winners

Division 2 winners

Division 1 runners-up

Division 2 runners-up

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Meteors superstar Isaac White has experienced a bittersweet week in the world of basketball.

Just days after being named in the NBL1 All-League First Team and one of three finalists for the Most Valuable Player award, a disappointed White could only watch in despair from the sidelines as the Meteors crashed out of the North Conference title race after a 94-72 quarter final loss to South West Metro Pirates in Brisbane.

White – still recovering from a torn quad – missed the sudden-death fixture against the Pirates who now square off with reigning premiers Gold Coast Rollers in a semifinal this weekend.

The Meteors were robbed of their biggest weapon when champion guard White was ruled out, making it a tough assignment for his Mackay teammates.

White was a standout in 2023 and led the League in points per game (32.7) and steals per game (2.72) – producing stellar performances each week to pilot his team to a top eight berth.

Mackay trailed by four points at quarter-time and led 39-37 at the main break before the Pirates staged a second half revival.

Christian Maran top-scored for Mackay with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists with Tyler Williams contributing 15 points, five boards and five assists, Amarco Doyle (11 points and eight rebounds) and DJ Baptiste (10 points and seven boards).

White praised the efforts of Head Coach Joel Khalu, his teammates and the Meteors program, describing it as “super professional.”

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Isaac White (left) was named in the NBL1 All-League First Team at the Basketball Queensland NBL1 presentation event and led the League in points per game (32.7) and steals per game (2.72)

Mackay's Talented Trio Impresses At QISSN Carnival

Netball and natural talent go hand in hand for talented Mackay prospects Shaylah Pershouse, Rebecca Symons and Jayden Samson.

The emerging trio underlined their potential with top performances for St Patrick’s College at the recent CQ University Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Championships in Brisbane.

Goal shooter Symons was named St Patrick’s Most Valuable Player after helping her school finish 16th overall from 48 teams across six divisions.

Outstanding 15-year-old goalkeeper Pershouse showed a maturity that far belied her years with inspirational defensive displays throughout the tournament to earn a spot in the 2023 QISSN Carnival Rising Stars Girls Team.

It was a deserved honour for young Shaylah who will represent Queensland Schoolgirls at the SchoolSport Australia 15 years and under National Netball Championships in Jolimont, Western Australia from July 29 to August 4.

With coaches Di Bailey and Sally Redfern at the helm, the St Patrick’s combination held their own against some of the best senior netball schoolgirl outfits in the State.

Just as impressive in the Boys Division 2 ranks was the spring-heeled Samson, who spearheaded the St Patrick’s attack with his crisp passing and vision and turn of speed in mid court.

With the athletic Jayden leading the way, St Patrick’s finished a creditable fifth in their second Carnival appearance under the guidance of Nina Gaviglio and Phil Dreghorn.

As a just reward, Samson was later named in the QISSN Carnival Rising Stars Boys Team at the conclusion of the championships.

By Chris Karas

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Netball trump cards Rebecca Symons, Jayden Samson and Shaylah Pershouse shone at this year’s QISSN Carnival in Brisbane. Rebecca was named St Patrick’s College MVP while Jayden and Shaylah were named in the Rising Stars Boys and Girls Merit teams

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As Meteors Bow Out Of NBL1 North Championship Race

Meteors superstar Isaac White has experienced a bittersweet week in the world of basketball.

Just days after being named in the NBL1 All-League First Team and one of three finalists for the Most Valuable Player award, a disappointed White could only watch in despair from the sidelines as the Meteors crashed out of the North Conference title race after a 94-72 quarter final loss to South West Metro Pirates in Brisbane.

White – still recovering from a torn quad – missed the sudden-death fixture against the Pirates who now square off with reigning premiers Gold Coast Rollers in a semifinal this weekend.

The Meteors were robbed of their biggest weapon when champion guard White was ruled out, making it a tough assignment for his Mackay teammates.

White was a standout in 2023 and led the League in points per game (32.7) and steals per game (2.72) – producing stellar performances each week to pilot his team to a top eight berth.

Mackay trailed by four points at quarter-time and led 39-37 at the main break before the Pirates staged a second half revival.

Christian Maran top-scored for Mackay with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists with Tyler Williams contributing 15 points, five boards and five assists, Amarco Doyle (11 points and eight rebounds) and DJ Baptiste (10 points and seven boards).

White praised the efforts of Head Coach Joel Khalu, his teammates and the Meteors program, describing it as “super professional.”

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Isaac White (left) was named in the NBL1 All-League First Team at the Basketball Queensland NBL1 presentation event and led the League in points per game (32.7) and steals per game (2.72)

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Mackay Table Tennis players are looking good in the club’s new uniform.

Newly designed shirts and coats came into use this year, and the club is encouraging players to switch to the new look.

The shirts must be worn for representative matches, and players are encouraged to wear them during fixture play.

They can be ordered at the canteen.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Kim Daffy and Marie Taylor have their eyes on the ball during a doubles match in Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Mackay Cutters’ inspirational rugby league leader Emma Manzelmann grabbed a slice of history on her debut with North Queensland Cowboys in the 2023 NRLW premiership.

Lining up for the new Cowboys franchise, the dynamic hooker nabbed the club’s first ever try during a 16-6 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in last weekend’s NRLW season opener at Cbus Super Stadium.

It took Manzelmann only six minutes to give the Cowboys an early 6-0 lead when she burst through the middle to dash over and score in an absorbing tussle with skipper Kirra Dibb adding the extras.

The talented number nine was one of five Cutters players to take the field in NRLW action along with classy utility back China Polata, centre Jasmine Peters and hard-working prop Makenzie Weale.

A sixth player – skilful five eighth Tahlulah Tillett – was ruled out of the clash with a hand injury.

Powerful Cutters’ lock Shannon Mato proved a standout for the Gold Coast side – running strongly at prop with an impressive 15 hit ups for 156 metres in a non-stop display.

Spearheaded by emerging fullback Evania Pelite, the Titans produced a gritty second half showing to claim a deserved first up victory over the Cowboys.

The dashing Pelite ran for 248 metres, made 15 tackle breaks, scored a vital second half try and pulled off a try saving tackle on Cowboys forward Shania Power in a rollicking best on ground performance.

Gold Coast winger Mino-Sinapati responded with a try on debut after a Stephanie Hancock offload as the Cowboys led 6-4 at the half time interval.

Despite the loss of Queensland Origin five eighth Fuimaono with a suspected ankle injury, the Titans rose to the challenge with back rower Zara Canfield sealing victory for the home side with a late try under the posts.

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In the unfortunate absence of the Beach to Gardens fundraising running event on the Mackay Road Runners program, the club slotted in a social 5km and 10km from the Bluewater Quay.  

Race Director, Julie Whibley confirmed the race course directions which included the Rotary Lookout at the pinnacle of High Street, North Mackay for the 10km with a one minute plank before descending.  

Jared Mackie was first to the top, completing his plank without complaint, although some later runners did have little but not a lot to say after reaching the Rotary Lookout.  

The youngster led a quality field from start to finish, churning out an excellent 10km whilst his Mum rode the course, although not up High Street!  

His Dad was also a major support back at the start line or close enough to it.  

Abigail Sweeney was the first 10km female across the line in a scorching time, also well supported by her dad who was hanging with Jared’s Dad.  

Excellent performances also came from Daniel Stampa, Andrew Short, Stephen Oberg, Grant Holmstrom, Jose Short, Martin Lambert, Teresa Hackney, Carmel Mahon, June Bradley, Stuart Sprott, Shane Barben and David Isbister.

This Sunday’s club run will revert to the morning for the running of the annual Eimeo Pacific Hotel 5km and 14km commencing 7am from a handicap start.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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June Bradley relieved to reach the pinnacle of High Street Rotary lookout

Michael Feenaghty easily completed the 10km despite a nagging knee issue

Some of the eager runners and supporters at the social Bluewater Quay 5/10km event (left to right) – Steve Oberg, Jo Hughes, Jose Short, Carmel Mahon, Julie Whibley, Teresa Hackney, June Bradley and Andrew Wallace. Photo credit1: Janelle Tilse

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Weekly Results

For the last three Wednesdays the club has held the Founders’ Teams. Players had to play with a different partner each week. Eight teams competed and the Winners for 2023 were the Hansen team, Janet Hansen, Janelle Conroy, Alan & Frances Brown.

Monday 17 July 2023 – 6 Table One Winner Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Margaret Jennings / Marilin Robins 2nd Bob Ranson / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Edward Kleise / Diane Stokes 3rd Eric Goodchild / Joy Block

Tuesday 18 July 2023 Evening - 5 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

2nd Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

Wednesday 19 July 2023

8 Table Mitchell Green Pts Founders Teams - Week 3 of 3 Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy Team Sheedy – Terrence Sheedy, Eric Leivesley, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

2nd Janet Hansen Team Hansen – Janet Hansen, Frances Brown, Janelle Conroy, Alan Brown

3rd Janine Rodgers Team Rodgers – Janine Rodgers, Jan Harris, Eric Goodchild, Debra Goodchild

Wednesday 19 July 2023 Winners of the Founders Team Final

1st Janet Hansen Team Hansen – Janet Hansen, Alan Brown, Frances Brown, Janelle Conroy

2nd Terrence Sheedy Team Sheedy – Terrence Sheedy, Eric Leivesley, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

3rd Monica Darley Team Darley - Monica Darley, Richard Wix, Edward Kliese, Nancy Wix, Marie McGuire, Norma Cameron

Thursday Evening 20 July 2023 - 4½ Table One Winner

1st Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janine Rodgers

3rd Frances Brown / Janet Hansen

Friday 21 July 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Marie McGuire / Diane Stokes 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Terence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd Clare Wallace / Susan Wright 3rd Gwen Liddell / Geoff Cowan

Saturday 22 July 2023 – 10½ Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Annie Lynch / Astrid Borchardt

Contributed by Vic Mason

Founders Team Champions the Hansen team. Photo supplied

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Plenty of competition was played over the Weekend with Champion of Championship Fours being played at Mackay Bowls Club.

Games started on Saturday morning and, unfortunately, Mackay Bowls Club team were beaten in a close game.

Souths Suburban played Proserpine in the final on Sunday afternoon with Souths coming out victors in a close game.

A good weekend of Bowls was witnessed over the two days.

Tuesday Social Play continued with 24 players.

Winners of Winners:

Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, Dot McNamara

Winners of Losers:

Tom Casey, Alf Pagden, Mick D'Alessio

19 players turned up to have a roll for Thursday Afternoon Scroungers.

Doc Currey and Ross Blanchard won their semi-final and played off in the final with Doc defeating Ross.

Friday Social Play saw a good roll up with winners Peter Nelson, Dot McNamara and losers Janice Nelson, Marie Mayfield.

Congratulations to Karina Dunn (Open Club Singles Champion) and Janice Nelson (B Grade Singles Champion) at St Helens Club for the District Championship event.

Competition Results:

Open Pairs Doug Wootton, Bruce Bridger def Joe Crocker, Brian Williams 20-17

Justin Strong (sub), Ross Blanchard def Josh Smith, Ryan Casey

Competition will be played over this weekend.

Ladies Senior Singles:

Carol Savage v Dot McNamara

Ladies Competition Final 3 Bowl Triples:

E Clements, J Nielsen, R Schatkowski v D Mizzen, M Mayfield, D McNamara.

Consistency Singles:

C Savage v K Burns

L Jenner v K Dunn

Men's Competition Open Singles:

N Wilson v R Dunstan

B pairs:

D Wootton, B Paskins v B Jenner, P Carter.

Sunday Open Pairs Final:

S Cassidy v winner Wilson/Dunstan

Open Pairs Final:

D Wootton, B Bridger v J Strong (sub), R Blanchard.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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The Souths Suburban winning Championship Fours team. Photo supplied: Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted their annual Sponsor and Volunteer Appreciation on Saturday playing Bakers Creek and Mackay Magpies in their last round at home for the Season.

Sea Eagles Senior Men gave the crowd plenty to cheer about kicking 21 goals against Bakers Creek running out comfortable winners 153 – 46.

Daniel Berry kicked 9 and Hudson McGregor 4 as they got on the end of dominant work from the midfield.

Sea Eagles midfielder Billy Galpin took out best on ground for the fourth week running.

Sea Eagles Senior Women lost 0 – 51 to Bakers Creek Tigers but were able to keep Tigers to one goal until half time when the score crept away.

Sea Eagles Under 17s came up against a Bakers Creek team who turned in a performance not equivalent to their bottom ladder position.

It was a tight and scrappy affair with the lead never getting out to more than 3 goals.

The final siren for the second week running showed Sea Eagles victorious by a single point 55 – 54.

Sea Eagles Under 14s had a full team against Bakers Creek and came together to play sensational footy resulting in a 9-goal opening quarter and 72 – 12 (adj) win.

Sea Eagles Under 12s were excited to take on Mackay Magpies coming out firing to win 50 – 15.

This Saturday 29th July sees Sea Eagles hit the road again travelling down to North Mackay Magpies with games from 10:40am.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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U12s Best on Ground Tyson Fowler takes Magpies

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By Paul Gellatly

The fun was on for young and old as Merinda State School, several kilometres north of Bowen, celebrated 125 years of service to its tight-knit community.

The centrepiece of celebrations on Saturday July 22 was the cutting of a 'birthday cake', with school principal Rebecca Bowyer overseeing both the school's oldest surviving former student, 97-year-old Irene Mellon (now Irene Millier) and the school's youngest student, five-year old Maddis Allan, as they made the first cut in the large cake.

Mrs Millier attended the school from 1936, walking in from Euri Creek, several kilometres north of the Hamlet, every day.

Meanwhile Maddis, has found a welcoming environment at the school, which has a total enrolment of about 50 prep and primary students.

Despite the small student body, Merinda State School is well-resourced, with each class having a highly skilled teacher aide.

The maths, language, science, and arts resources are extensive, and a library was built via the Building Education Revolution program.

The school's large grounds include a junior playground, a soccer oval, a cricket oval, a volleyball court, and tennis courts.

At the 125 year celebrations, hundreds of people including past and present students crowded the school, aided by a morning of perfect weather.

Other attractions included a classic cars display, a market and a selection of showground rides.

One of the school's classrooms was given over to providing a historical display that featured student art and craft works, including some examples of the waning art of embroidery.

The day’s celebrations began with a Welcome to Country and a performance by the Juru dancers, with speeches and the cutting of the cake.

Some welcome attendees included a small contingent of US troops from Joint Task Force 7, who seemed to enjoy the special Australian experience and entertained the crowd with some US-style physical exercise moves, including co-opting principal Bowyer who the troops put through her paces, to a chorus of cheers.

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Merinda State School principal Rebecca Bowyer oversees the cutting of the school's 125th anniversary cake by its oldest student, 97-year-old Irene Mellon, and its youngest, Maddis Allan, 5, Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Staff from Merinda State School spend time with the US troops from Joint Task Force 7. Photo supplied

A special stall celebrated the region’s abundance of fresh food and veg. Photo supplied

A line of classic cars proved popular with the US Forces at the anniversary celebrations. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Face painting and other fun activities kept the children entertained. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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This week, 99 wonderful people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 18 were first timers and 25 recorded new Personal Bests.

Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Raiders travelled to Quarry Hill, home of Mackay Cities for the last competition round for 2023.

With the overcast skies and no wind, for a change, it was going to be a tough mental game as well as a physical one.

The Raiders started the game, kicking off to Cities, and managed to turn the ball over and scrum half, Brodie Stillman, managed to sneak across the line and add the first 5 points of the game after just 2 minutes.

Cities were not giving an inch and scrummaging was a tight tussle, that the Raiders seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

It took the raiders another 20 minutes of determined defence and skilful running rugby to post another 7 points on the scoreboard to take a 12-point lead.

The Cities forwards started to get some momentum and managed to pick up a five-pointer close to half time.

The score remained 12-5 in favour of the raiders going into the half time break.

The second half was another arm wrestle with both teams getting a share of the ball.

Big hits, strong defence, great line outs, and successful mauling, showed why the Raiders are at the top of the MRU table.

They kept the big Cities men out of the game and ran in another four converted tries, a double to fullback Aden Spence, a try to winger Jack Briskey, and then finally an intercept try from impact player, Enelaki Faataape, right on full time, saw the Raiders finish the competition in first place with a 40-5 win, to become 2023 Minor Premiers.

Semi-finals at home next Saturday 29th July.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Ratu Jone Tovata hitting the line with support by Rhys Ward

Connor Spence taking the ball to ground, Chad Stocking in support. Photo credit: Hanny Spence

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Living in Paradise gives you many reasons to smile but this week began with an extremely special event.

Tuesday afternoon saw 2 fantastic finalists playing in the A and B Grade Pairs.

Meanwhile in the rink next to them in the B Pairs Tess Walker and Rhonda Lloyd got to a commanding 13-4 lead against Bev Taylor and Di Jackson however the latter team refused to give in and went on to win 25-19.

Tuesday afternoon Social bowls also saw Peter Smith a visitor from Stanthorpe Bowls club in Queensland with our own Robin Brown and Pam Collins in scintillating form.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw 42 bowlers playing for the prize with many interstate and travelling Queenslanders playing and it was the team of Barry Hirth with John Walsh and our own Graham Cowling against Aileen Jacob visiting bowler with our own John Brown with skipper Greg Pepyat convincing winners of the day with a fantastic afternoon tea provided.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Andy McDougall one of the most improved bowlers in the club win Scroungers again, he's going from strength to strength.

Whilst in Mackay Bowling Club the Champion of Champions fours was being played and although beaten in the quarterfinals John Trembath's team of lead Mark Mawson, second John Askew, third Tony Whitehorn were gallant in defeat and represented our little club admirably.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Bev Taylor with Di Jackson who showed there is no such thing as a handicap if you believe in your abilities. Photo supplied

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