
Mackay Basketball’s Holiday Hoops Camp has recorded its biggest turnout yet, with more than 140 young participants taking part across two days of basketball during the school holidays. The program, the second Holiday Hoops Camp held this year, proved a standout success and set a new participation record for the organisation’s holiday camp series. It was said that across the two days, the courts were filled with activity, with plenty of smiles, new friendships forming and a strong sense of enjoyment evident among participants. Mackay Basketball also acknowledged its coaching group, who volunteered their time to run the sessions. Coaches were recognised for their efforts in teaching, encouraging and supporting players throughout the camp, helping deliver a positive experience for all involved. The Holiday Hoops Camp continues to be a popular feature on Mackay Basketball’s calendar, providing young players with the opportunity to spend time on court during the school holidays in a structured and supportive environment. This latest edition has now set a new benchmark for participation, with organisers describing the two-day event as an “unbelievable couple of days of hoops.” With record numbers achieved, the program has again highlighted the strong level of engagement with basketball across the Mackay region, as local families continue to support opportunities for young players to get involved in the sport. The camp concluded after two full days of activity, marking another successful instalment of Mackay Basketball’s ongoing holiday program. Photo source: Mackay basketball (Facebook)
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Mackay's Sinkers have continued to make waves in the pool, celebrating strong performances at both the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Perth and the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler. Peter T delivered an outstanding result at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships, returning to competition for the first time in 12 months to finish second overall in the 45–60 years age group. Competing across the three-day championships, Peter claimed an impressive medal tally of one gold and four silver medals, marking a successful return after an extended break from competition. Fellow Sinkers Nigel Dalton and Dan Stampa also impressed at the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler, producing a series of strong swims against a competitive field of 194 registered athletes. Nigel finished third in his age group, while Dan also secured third place in his respective age group. The pair briefly celebrated holding the Small Club Trophy before competition rules required the award to be presented to another club, with a minimum of three swimmers needed to qualify. With only two Sinkers competing, the trophy was officially handed to the Belgravia team during the Face-to-Face branch meeting. Both Nigel and Dan enjoyed some extra success away from the pool, each winning prizes in the event's multi-draw. The club congratulated all swimmers on their performances and thanked Brisbane Southside Meet organisers for hosting another successful competition. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
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Seven days of Bridge were played at the Mackay Bridge Club last week. This included two evenings, Saturday, and Sunday for Novice (beginners) and Mentors. Mackay Bridge club ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for working people who want to learn bridge to participate after their bridge lessons. Four members played in the Townsville Congress, with Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy winning the A Section pairs. Diane and Max Holewa joined Terry and Janelle to win the Teams event. Members of the club are travelling to Bowen to participate in the Bowen Pairs Congress this weekend. Bridge is a social game, which encourages friendship, partnerships, fun and sometimes travel. Don’t wait until you retire, join next year when lessons begin. For more information, watch this space or contact the club. Weekly Results Monday 22 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Nancy Martin / Susan Ross 2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins 3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 3rd Janice Mansfield / Debra Goodchild 4th Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 4th Sue Mayer-Miller / Karen Caldwell Tuesday Evening 23 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Frances Brown / Rodney Miles 3rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger 4th Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Block / Diane Stokes 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt 3rd Terry Sheedy / Mick King 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz Thursday 25 June 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan 4th Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott Friday 26 June 2026 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Cowan / Mick King 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting 3rd Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole Saturday 27 June 2026 –- 13 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson 2nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 3rd Nancy Wix / Richard Wix 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 5th Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok Sunday 28 June 2026 – 7 Tables Green Points Novices and Mentors N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Rodney Miles 1st Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor 2nd Susan Ross / Joy Hold 2nd Colleen Riddel / Sue Mayer-Miller 3rd Christine Fitzpatrick / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Gillian McCallum / Ming Ting 4th Neila Quintero / Martin Pearce 4th Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin Contributed by Joy Block
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More than 20 runners turned out in challenging conditions at Eimeo Surf Club on the weekend, including the dedicated Mackay Tri Club members who, after completing their run, took to the ocean for a "little" 2km swim. The 5km and 10km courses featured plenty of challenging hills through the Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads and Eimeo suburbs, providing an ideal hit-out for athletes preparing to taper ahead of the upcoming Gold Coast Running Festival and various Ironman events. Those who took shelter from the rain beneath the Surf Life Saving Control Watch Tower also enjoyed learning a few tricks of the trade about the delicate nature of the tummy, including checking that the milk is lactose free. A big thank you goes to Andrew Short for once again setting up a spectacular course. A legendary stalwart of the club, his ongoing contribution continues to be greatly appreciated. With a significant number of athletes away competing at out-of-town events, including the Gold Coast, Mackay Road Runners will instead host a social 5km and 10km run from Casu Jacks at Mackay Harbour this Sunday, starting at 7am. Participants are encouraged to bring along card or cash for breakfast, a cuppa and a chat, while celebrating the first run of the new financial year following 30 June 2026. All members and non-members are welcome to attend for a $2 race day fee. Please arrive by 6.50am for registration, the course briefing and club notices. Contributed by Janelle Tilse 6939 – John, Mon and Stef enjoy the early morning training session from the Eimeo Surf Club. 6942 – Bharick, Brij and Jo were ecstatic with their efforts in the 5k/10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6943 – Clinton, Gail and Jose enjoy a taper run before their Gold Coast Marathon events next weekend. 6944 – Kate loved the wet running conditions at the Eimeo Surf Club event. 6936 – Ella made light work of the 10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6931 – Damp unforgiving rains did not take the fun out of a social Mackay Road Runners event from Eimeo Surf Club. 6921 – Big smiles from all runners at the Eimeo Surf Club 5k/10km social Mackay Road Runners event. Photos supplied
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Results for social play on Tuesday. The jackpot was won in the game between Merle Elphinstone Isobel Wheeler Denise Wallace Linda Smith who defeated Irene Laird Maureen Hyde Albert Bison Penny Warren. Other games Deb Retchless Gail Bison Lyn Danvers Greg Colquhoun drew with Stumpy Adams Sue Shearing Ron Hyde Geoff Danvers.
Competition results: Ladies Triples Robyn Stitt Tiarna Winter Fely Duncan defeated Merle Elphinstone Isobel Wheeler Linda Smith. The final will be played on Saturday 4 May. A Pairs Denise Wallace Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone Isobel Wheeler with the final being played on Sunday morning resulting in Denise Wallace Penny Warren defeating Robyn Stitt Fely Duncan.
Sunday afternoon winners were Toni Bowen Deb Retchless Ron Hyde defeated Bill Myers Maureen Hyde Alby Vigar, Robyn Stitt Trevor Elton Pat Tracey defeated Judy Elton Merle Elphinstone Penny Warren and Jim Quod Kennedy Whitton defeated Irene Laird Kevin Jewel. The jackpot didn’t go off.
Our Winter Bingo is starting this Friday 3 May at the club at 9.30am sharp and Barefoot bowls is on again on Friday night. Hope to see you there.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.
Caption: Ladies A Pairs winners: Penny Warren and Denise Wallace. Photo supplied

A week of April showers didn’t prevent some exciting bowls being played.
Starting on Tuesday with Ladda Purdie’s team of Dawn Dowel and Rhonda Lloyd the biggest winners of the day.
Wednesday Jackpot Bowls arranged by Rick Galea and Merve Stewart saw Shane Spann’s team of Billy Gordon picking up his stick like a seasoned performer after losing a leg and terrible injuries but showed just what a champion man he is and with Ladda Purdie they were the biggest winners of the day.
Wednesday night Business House Bowls continued and Friday afternoon 30 Christian College students to see whom will represent their school for the Queensland school championships and have a month of games to decide.
Saturday and Sunday saw the three bowls Men’s triples being played with Manny Isgro’s team of Peter Barrett and Andrew Butler far too superior for the rest of the teams with Manny showing all and sundry why he’s one of the very best bowlers in Queensland with an effortless and awesome display never missing with a fantastic performance for all comers to see.
Sunday afternoon social bowls had a great roll up with Jill Spencer welcoming Chris and Peter Lawson from Broadbeach with new bowlers Greg and Mel Fennell as well as Rob Turner visiting and Josh Sinclair all having an excellent day.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
Peter Barrett , Manny Isgro and Andrew Butler winning the Men’s 3 bowl triples. Photo supplied

A singles: Tracey Roach defeated Mary Ellen Pratten.
B singles: Wendy Coles defeated Mary Ellen Pratten.
Fours: Andrew Peebles, Gavin Charles, Tiarna Winters and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt, Daryl Tuttle, Kevin Jewell and Faely Duncan. Gordo, Mark, Crowy and Kev defeated Lee, Andy, Mitch and Jason.
Sunday Social: R.Rodda and Tracey Roach defeated Keith Kirk and Jane Gilbert. Marion Tuttle, Ron Gould and Gus Munro defeated A.Higgins, Wendy Coles and Lloyd White.
There was one game of Scroungers: Ray Muir defeated Tracey Roach and Paula Welsted.
Wednesday Social: Ian Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle and Steve Roome defeated B.Neil, Jane Gilbert and D. McDonald. Joan Edwards/ Eddy Neylon, Helen Jacobsen and Gus Munro defeated Gail Bison, Ray Muir and Gavin Charles. P.Bison, Bev Smith/ Lloyd White and Ron Gould defeated Marion Tuttle, Gordo and A. Higgins.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.
Photo supplied

On Wednesday we had 13 players enjoy games of bowls. Jim Bownds and Heather Brown defeated John Anderson and Mike Harrison 31 -17 in a game of 3 Bowl Pairs.
Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated Pat Bownds and Sandy Daffaran 30 - 15 in a game of 2-4-2 Pairs.
Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann and Bruce Uhe defeated Mary Hedgelong, Barry Zillmann and Philip Brown 28 - 19 in a game of Triples.
On Saturday Morning there was a game of 2 Bowl Triples played.
Sunday's Social bowls was cancelled due to intermittent showers.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Over 2000 sports-lovers are expected to gather at the Whitsunday Sportspark next weekend when the Mackay Cutters play a home game against the Burleigh Bears.
Gates are set to open at 4.00pm and the game will kick-off at 6pm, bar closing at 9pm.
There will be General Admission tickets available for those wishing to find a spot on the grass, or for those looking to maximise their viewing experience, they can purchase a limited amount of VIP tickets. These will provide exclusive access to the airconditioned club, terrace and grandstand along with a starter pack for food and drinks and numbers are limited.
Full bar and food service is available throughout the event with everyone welcome to come in and enjoy the exciting sporting atmosphere.
A treat for the whole family, there will also be bouncy castles and face-painting for the children, plus food trucks.
Tickets and further info available from www.mackaycutters.com.au or the Mackay Cutters or Whitsunday Sportspark Facebook pages.
WHAT: Mackay Cutters Vs Burleigh Bears
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday 11th May from 4.00pm

We start off this week’s Premier League action with the match between Kameron Reason and Naomi Mitchell.
Although the 7-1 score line in favour of Kam would suggest total dominance in the tie, there were encouraging signs for Naomi who smashed her highest match average this season by almost 10 points, encouraging signs for the remainder of the year.
That win for Kameron, in which he also scored his highest match average of the season, takes him in to second place on the premier league table.
It was a good day for Dom Friend who had back to back wins, a 7-2 over Art McMinn, which dropped Art down a place to third, and a 7-4 over win over Josh Fraser, which leapfrogged Dom a place above Josh on the table in alphabetical order only, both men’s stats are identical.
Arthur McMinn had the highest checkout of the day with a 94 peg, and that was closely followed by Joe Wilson’s 92 checkout in his 7 nil demolition of Hawkeye Rick. That loss leaving Rick firmly rooted at the foot of the table, but the win keeping Joe aloft at the top.
Last of all Jamie Maher defeated Jayden Lloyd by 7 legs to nil. That win is Jamie’s 3rd in a row now, which sees him steady the ship after a rocky start to the year which seen him lose his first 3 matches.
Jayden has work to do to pick up his first win of the year, and the assignments are not getting any easier with Joe Wilson coming to town next.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher
2024 Premier League players, L/R, J Fraser, J Lloyd, J Maher, J Wilson, D Friend, A McMinn, K Reason, N Mitchell and H Rick.
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Craig McLean had 40 points to win Tuesday's stableford competition by four shots from Ryan Wilkes with a sub-par round. Elspeth Scotford had 35 points to beat Jacqueline Wall by a shot in the ladies' division. Jacqueline Wall won one pin shot and Ryan Wilkes won two.
Wednesday's ladies' stableford went to Heather Luvis with 33 points; one ahead of Vickie Wallace.
Anzac Day's ambrose event saw Jon Miller and Ryan Wilkes combine to shoot 11 under par for a 59.5 nett to win by half a shot from Fraser Simpson and Lachlan Howard. Over one hundred players competed.
Brad Fleet had 18 points to win Friday's Met run by a shot from Jason Whitney while Brendan Spann won both pin shots.
Luke Nightingale had 41 points to win Saturday's MBW stableford by two shots from his B division runner up Kristian Mulholland and the leading two A division players in Brad Fleet and Rod Wecker. The leading ladies were Tiina Randmae with 35 points and Paula McQuat with 33.
Ryan Wilkes, off a handicap of plus one, shot two under par to cap off a great week of golf and win Sunday's stroke event by a shot from Aaron Prosser with a nett 70. Elise Hodgson had a nett 74 to beat Anna Winterbourn by three shots.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop

This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Cory Belke take first place with 22 points, second with 20 points c/b was Scott Macleod and third place with 20 points was Melinda Macleod.
Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Tony Spurway first place with 20 c/b, second place with 20 points was Justyn Durbin and third place with 19 points was Glenn Rees.
Sunday’s 18-hole monthly medal was a great turn out which saw Wayne Singleton take first place with a 47 nett, second place with a 40 nett was Dean Barnard and third place was Brock Brindle with a 49 nett.
Nearest the pin was Wayne Singleton and Jayden Parata.
This Sunday 5th May with be Par Svs 18-hole competition, tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
Wayne Singleton. Photo supplied

The whole course was very wet, obviously, particularly, the back 9, and made for a wide variety of scores.
The number of competitors was disappointing but the weather discouraged many of the regular competitors and the intermittent showers didn’t lessen during the day.
However it did make for some spectacularly bright rainbows to please the players and the April MM was completed.
LADIES A GRADE :
Winner : Elise Hodgson with 74 nett
Runner-up : Anna Winterbourn with 77
Longest Drive : Anna Winterbourn
LADIES B GRADE :
Winner : Joanne Moynihan
Longest Drive : Joanne Moynihan
MEN’S A GRADE :
Winner : Andrew Albergo with 76 nett
Runner-up : Wayne Temby with 77
Longest Drive : Andrew Albergo
MEN’S B GRADE
Winner : Ron Jamieson with 76 nett
Runner-up : Leigh Jones with 83
Longest Drive : Paul Nicol
NTPs :
For the ladies : Elise Hodgson, Joanne Moynihan and Anna Winterbourn
For the men : Nobody got near the pins in the required number of strokes
LEAST PUTTS : Anna Winterbourn for the ladies with 33 putts, a draw for the men with Ron Jamieson and Wayne Temby both having 29 putts.
NAGAs : The honours went to Tiina Randmae and Paul Nicol, a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts, proprietors of RADS Whitsunday who provide respite accommodation and disability support services.
NEXT WEEK : The May MM and least putts. Although this will mean 3 consecutive stroke competitions, it will bring WGC back in line with the PGC Sunday fixtures.
Don’t forget to get your names on the timesheet promptly so we can play in a block.
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
Elsie Hodgson, Ron Jamieson, Joanne Moynihan, Anna Winterbourn and Wayne Temby. Photo supplied

The Whitsunday Brahmans hosted their first home game for the 2024 Season against Wests Tigers. A game which doubled as the Annual Sponsors Day which gave the community the chance to thank the clubs sponsors for their generosity and support.
Unders 20's
After a nervous and rough start in their Round 1 game against South's, the 20's were ready to turn the tables and put on a performance in front of a home crowd for their first home game of the season.
Starting the game a little nervous again, giving away early penalties, their defence from the get-go set the tone all game that they were not going to give up without a fight!
With an early opportunity and some slick ball work through the hands put veteran Luke Handley over for the first try of the day. But with some errors gave Wests an opportunity to put points on as well.
The second half showed errors again on both sides but the "never give in" attitude and their steel in defence, saw them hold Wests scoreless in the second half.
With young debutant, Darcy Milne and his goal kicking ability, on a such a pressure moment in a home crowd, he never let it get to him and slotted from out wide to put Brahmans in front 16-12.
The match ended 16-12 to the Brahmans.
Reserve Grade
With the help of some old players, reserve grade got a team on the paddock this week.
The boys started well with some great defence by all, going into the break 4-4.
They knew what they had to do to control the game.
The second half started with a lot of poor ball security which let Wests get a bit of wind in their sails. The Brahmans still showed some great defence, but the lack of training showed, and the boys lungs blew up.
We definitely have a competitive side and with a bit of fitness we’ll turn the scores around.
The match ended Whitsunday 4 Wests 34.

Exciting news for new players and those wanting to refine their skills.
Skills Sessions started this Monday and will continue for another three weeks under the direction of Bernard Woods.
These sessions will highlight the important skills that will suit C Graders, Family Graders and those new to Touch.
Juniors start at 4.45pm, Seniors – 5.15pm at the Sports Park.
And it is FREE.
Round Nine Results - Monday April 22
Mixed A
Raiders A 3 d G.E.T. Touch 2
Vipers won on forfeit In The Crear
Mixed B
Ray White 7 d Stingers 3
Raiders B 12 d Full Boar 2
Flame Tree Flames 6 drew Whitmonday Eagles 6
Mixed C
Mighty Mustangs 9 d Untouchables 8
Shed N Homes 3 d Bulls 2
Mixed Juniors
Hamo Rent 7 d Raiders Green 5
Raiders Purple TBC Raiders Blue

Tuesday afternoon saw the annual Alison Holmes Day, which was a huge success .
Third place went to Wendy Pomeroy’s team of Lyn Graham and Bev Taylor, second place went to Joan McGrath with Maureen Barnard and Elaine Kippen .
The winners of the day went to Margo Stanley’s team of Lane Telford and Alison Holmes, whilst Dawn Dowel took home the lucky door prize.
Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw Andrew Butler’s team of Lu Rogan and Christine Lawson win.
Wednesday night Corporate Bowls competition commenced with big winners Rock Plumbing beating K Build 17-4.
Other winners were PRD, Battery Warehouse, Hadlow Racing and the Burrows Girls.
Saturday and Sunday saw the men’s B Pairs being played with the final between Noel Crosbie and Andy MCDougall against Mark Mawson with Arthur MCManus. Mark and Arthur were the winners 20-16 in a close game.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

In the Club Pairs Gus and Ray defeated Kevin and Gordo.
During the Sunday Social: A. Delic, R. Gould, G. Charles defeated B. Neal, J. Gilbert, J. Wright.
K. Kirk, W. Coles, L. White defeated A. Williams, H. Jacobsen, M. Wright.
R. Scanlon, Glen. R, A. Peebles had a drawn game with I. Thatcher, Gordo, L. Welsted.
At the Wednesday Social: D. Tuttle, R. Stitt, G. Charles defeated ME. Pratten, R. Scanlon, K. Jewell.
E. Neylon, H. Jacobsen, S. Roome had a drawn game with P. Wilson, W. Coles, J. Gilbert.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.
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On Saturday morning two Club Championship Singles games were played. Andrew Bell defeated Bryan Davy 25 - 14 and Scott Hamilton defeated Wayne Handley 25 - 22.
On Saturday afternoon two short games of Social Bowls were played. Patricia Bownds and Andrew Bell defeated Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown 11 - 9; Jim Bownds, Philip Brown and Gavin Milne defeated Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann and Gavin Noonan 11 - 7.
On Sunday afternoon Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison 19 - 18; Stanley Lawton, Peter Lawton and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 21 - 9.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.
Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley following their very close Club Championship Singles game. Photo supplied

Results for social play on Tuesday: Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, Geoff Danvers defeated Merle Elphinstone, Irene laird, Greg Colquhoun and Bron Tolcher, Gavin Charles, Lyn Danvers defeated Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt, Penny Warren.
Barefoot bowls: We had a few new players and also a visit from the Capricornia Tourers who were visiting Bowen for the week and took time out to visit and play at the club.
Sunday afternoon, winners were Denise Wallace, Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren defeated Jim Quod, Maureen Hyde, Graeme Read. Teresa Willshire, Kennedy Whitton defeated Alby Vigar, Marg Wilson. Bill Myers, Deb Retchless, Pat Tracey defeated Stumpy Adams, Laurie Land, Ron Hyde.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
The Capricornia Tourers at Barefoot Bowls on Friday Night. Photo supplied