The first 3 days of March 2024 saw 8 swimmers head to Mackay for the Swimming North Queensland Championships.

First up on Friday night were team relays. Our swimmers swam in an impressive 9 relays and had loads of fun. This was a great team building exercise for all swimmers, with mixed and same gender relays being swum.

First up on Day 2, was the traditional team March Past. A huge thank you to Emma Alexander for her creative organising and making of costumes for our swimmers. We had a great little coral reef system marching.

Day 2 was the biggest day in the pool with Hayden Alexander achieving a whooping PB of 4.35sec in the 12 years 50m Fly and 4.82sec PB in 100m Breaststroke. Leyton Alexander smashed his 11years Backstroke time with 43.31 (1.19sec PB). Sister Jayde Alexander absolutely blitzed the 100m 10 years Breaststroke with an 8.76sec PB, showing us why Breaststroke is her favourite stroke.

Chloe Eldridge swam her heart out in the 100m 10 years Freestyle and rewarded herself with an impressive 8.51sec PB. Maddison Watson had her biggest PB of the weekend in the 13 years 100m Freestyle, taking 10.30sec off her time. Despite having an injured knee, Maddie kept pushing herself all the way. Axel Yuskan achieved PB’s in all 5 of his swims over the weekend, his biggest being 3.39 sec in 11years 50m Backstroke.

This year saw 13 years and over 50m & 100m races have Final heats at the end of the sessions. Our 2 senior swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Alex Yuskan both had podium finishes throughout the weekend.

Alex - 3rd, 16-years boys 50m backstroke

3rd, 16-years boys 50m butterfly

2nd,16-years boys 100m breaststroke

1st, 16-years boys 50m breaststroke – Nth Queensland 50m Breaststroke Champion Men’s 16-year-old

2nd, 16-years boys 100m breaststroke

Mae - 3rd, 16-years girls 50m backstroke

2nd, 16-years girls 50m breaststroke

2nd, 16 years girls 50m freestyle

This weekend was a weekend of fast racing, amazing swimming, numerous, incredible PB’s by every, single swimmer & sensational new memories being made.

The Whitsunday Swimming Club would like to thank all the parents who make these weekends happen by supporting our swimmers every step of the way. Thank you also goes to, Swimming North Queensland, for organising a terrific championship event for 2024.

Our biggest thanks must go to Coach Jenny Rush for all her efforts, patience, and training with our swimmers. Our swimmers are going places and achieving big because of Jenny & her brilliant coaching and dedication.  

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Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

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All photos – Photos supplied

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Ahead of the upcoming season for the regions’ rugby league, the Whitsunday Sportspark are eager to host a titular preseason match of the stalwart sides of the Townsville Rugby League.

This one off game perfectly coincides with a bye for the Whitsundays Brahams, so why not fill in that time with witnessing this match not to be missed!

Between the likely competitors of the Burdekin Rooster and the Townsville Brothers, this A grade Men’s trial match is set to set the field on fire with great plays, fast foot work and unbelievable rugby league.

Kick off is 5.30pm, with gates open from 4.30pm. With a full bar available, with some of the best roast rolls and chips in the area, check it out next weekend.

WHAT: TRL Preseason Rugby League

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday March 16, from 4.30pm
TICKETS: $5 entry for adults at the gate. Under 18 and pension card holder free entry 

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Saturday was the first round of the Men’s Local Pennants with BBC v Wangaratta B.C. with Wangaratta winning the first round.

Friday night bowls are still going strong.

Monday and Tuesday it is the Ladies Four Competition with 64 ladies from different towns participating. A busy week for our club.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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With the weather being unkind to us this past week, we weren't able to play Social Bowls on either Wednesday or Sunday. Weather permitting we will be back this week.

Draw for Men's Competition Singles, Pairs, Fours and B Singles has been released. There will be an amendment to the Singles Draw as a couple of players who had nominated, were on another sheet of paper. Their games have been drawn against some of the players who had been allocated a bye in the original draw.

Competition begins on Saturday March 9 and 10.

Saturday 9th March at 9.30am

Club Championship Singles:

Todd Leys vs Wayne Handley                      Marker: Steve Summers

Brett Saroglia vs Scott Hamilton                 Marker: Harry Craig

Barry Saroglia vs Vince Olsen                      Marker: David Ling

Gavin Noonan vs Peter Lawton                  Marker Michael Kinnear

Luchie Gardel vs Jonathan Bye                   Marker: Gavin Milne

Saturday Afternoon at 12.30 to 1.00pm

Club Championship Fours

Dale Haack, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann, Bruce Uhe (Brett Saroglia will be subbing for Bruce)  vs Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, Gavin Milne (Gavin will be getting a sub for Shane Kinnear in this game)

Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Graeme Kinnear, Barry Saroglia vs Harry Craig, Toby Craig, Marcus Craig, Nathan Harriott

Club Championship Pairs

Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley vs Geoff Hunter and Phil Brown

Sunday Morning 10th March at 9.30am

Club Championship Singles

Andrew Bell vs Marcus Craig                        Marker: TBA

Phil Brown vs Dave Ling                                 Marker: TBA ( this game will be played by mutual consent at a later date)

Gavin Milne vs Michael Kinnear                 Marker: TBA

Sunday afternoon 1.00pm

Club Championship Pairs

Toby Craig and Marcus Craig vs Vince Olsen and Todd Leys

Friday Night there was a Barefoot Bowls Event held at the club.  Sounds like everyone had a fabulous time.   Thank you to all who helped on the night.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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There was some really great plays and close games on Tuesday afternoon.

Winners were Bron Tolcher, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers. Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle is again on this Friday so if you can be at the club by 5.30-5.45pm. Everyone is welcome.

Congratulations to our men’s local pennant teams who played at BBC on Saturday. Our boys showed their style and came up with three match wins. Next match is against Collinsville next Saturday at Wangaratta.

The heat is still sticking around so there were a few less playing on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey defeated Jim Quod, Albi Vigar, and Allan Rolfe

Lindy Suann, Fely Duncan, and Penny Warren defeated Gwenda Lydom, Jocelyn Defranciscis, and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Ladie’s and Men’s Competition games have been called for the next few weeks. So please make yourself familiar when you are playing. Good luck to all.

Zonta will be hosting International Women’s Day afternoon tea at the club on Sunday 10th therefore the hall will be utilised all afternoon. However, normal social bowls is still on. Entry via the side gate.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners on Sunday, Sue Shearing, Deb Retchless, and Pat Tracey. Photo supplied

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This week saw very little golf. Fortunately, the sun shone for Saturday and Sunday morning meaning we could hold our March Monthly Medals.

78 players contested Saturday event, Clay Coles with the overall and B Grade win with a very tidy 67 Nett. Jason Bourke won A grade with a 67 Nett, closely followed by Fraser Simpson on 68. John Clark was the Runner up of B Grade on 72 Nett. C grade winner was Louis Leo on 71, getting the win from Adam Brewster on 73 Nett. Pin Shots went to John Clarke and Marcus Heathcote, with 4 players contesting the 2 shot club.

Renae Maxwell won the Ladies Monthly Medal with a 75 nett, from Penny Wardroper and Noelene Spurway on 76. Pin Shots went to Tiina Randmae and Penny Wardroper.

The biggest news from the weekend comes from our Sunday Monthly Medal. Jon Miller holing out for a Hole in One on hole number 2. Congratulations! 

Jon had a 1 under round to get into the run down.

Winners from Sunday were Jake Murray, who beat Scott Mason and Jon Miller on Countback with a 70 Nett.

Peta Thomas took home the Ladies Monthly Medal. Pin Shots went to Tiina Randmae and Jon Miller.

Fingers crossed for some sunshine this week and more golf to follow.

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

   1. John Miller. Photo supplied

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This week 9-hole stabelford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 23 pts c/b, second place with 23 pts was Dee Norman and third place with 22 pts was Riley Merciera. 

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Scott Macleod take first place with 25 pts, second place with 24 pts was Wayne Singleton and third place with 23 pts was Andrew Gomez. 

Sundays 18-hole stableford was a great turnout, taking first place with 42 pts was Wayne Singleton, second place with 40 pts c/b was Glenn Rees and third place with 40 pts was Tyson Flavel. Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Troy Pettiford. 

This Sunday 10th March will be our stroke 18 holes tee off between 8.30am and 9.30am. 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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There was a constant flow of parents and students on and off the water at Port Denison Sailing Club in Bowen on Sunday with a full schedule of activities.  

First up ten Little Pirates went for a fun buddy sail on the Qubes with Green Fleeter Georgia and Laser sailor Luke Austin to get used to sailing further from shore and use their boat terminology.  Luke, who grew out of the Optimists and has now taken up Laser sailing, is always full of good conversation and often assists the Pirates lessons.  

Although sailing in a tiny Qube not suited to his size, 16-year-old Luke brought his sense of fun to the activity and had to sail with his legs over the side, much to the amusement of onlookers and his Little Pirate crew!  

Following them, seven Big Pirates met an amazing milestone today with each taking the helm and demonstrating sailing unassisted between points.  

Parents and volunteering club members acted as human marker buoys to which to sail, giving encouragement and assistance with tacking or gybing if necessary.  

The sense of achievement was felt by all, and Instructor Gary was very pleased with the progress of the entire group.    

Due to the location and sandy beachfront, PDSC has the unique ability to nurture young sailors to confidence in the warm and clear shallow waters and allow parents and guardians to be as up and close to the action as they like with the opportunity to assist with lessons and learn about sailing at the same time as the children.  

The activities for youth members didn’t end with the Pirates programmes however, with a big thank you to Instructor Faraday Rosenburg and her son Reid Martin for taking Green Fleeter sailors Felix and Georgia out to sharpen their tacking skills and play a game of follow the leader complete with colourful balloons tied to their sterns!  Dennis Winstanley gave lessons to Alice and Liam on the windsurfer, making the most of the calm conditions to make good progress, and the Club’s three teen sailors in Lasers, Luke, Zanda and Cooper, also had an extended session with Coach Gary in the more open waters of the bay to finish up the day’s sailing.  

The canteen did a roaring trade on sausage rolls, hot Airlie Pies and icy poles all day.  The many activities on and off the water work seamlessly together at PDSC due to the unwavering assistance of the Club volunteers, instructors, parents and the super Committee members.  Thank you to all for making another wonderful Club day at Port Denison Sailing Club.

Next Sunday is Off Beach Racing for all classes of dinghy so sailors are encouraged to revise their starting sequences and rules and be ready for some racing action!  Please see the PDSC Facebook page for further information.

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Get ready to roll this Saturday, as the Mackay Bowls Club hosts the long-awaited Australia Day Bowls event, kicking off at 1pm, March 2nd.

Come along bowlers, and enjoy an afternoon of bowls and some Aussie tucker… be sure to wear your best Aussie attire!

Sponsored by Mackay Regional Council and Karyn Shepherd from More Air, this event promises a day of fun-filled bowling action, offering two divisions, one for Bowlers and the other for non-bowlers. You’ve got to be in it to win it! There will be prize money for both divisions.

Last Friday launched the first afternoon of Cut throat bowls, where 24 bowlers enjoyed the afternoon after a blind draw.

The final came down to a very close finish with umpire Hazel making the call on the winners. Eddie Roberts and Leanne Jenner won the afternoon from Carol Savage and Janice Nelson with a winning shot on the last bowl.

Results

Tuesday Men's Triples - Winner of Winners:

A. Summerville, K. Dunn, E. Roberts

Winner of Losers:

L. Jenner, B. Jenner, P. Taffee

Thursday Scroungers:

A. Shepherd def W. Herewini  in a close game, winning by one.

Club Competition Sunday 3rd March 1.00pm start.

B Singles: S. Green  vs  T. Casey

Open Pairs: S. McMillian, R. Dunstan vs  S. Makin, C. Molloy

G. Thomsen, T. Mayfield  vs  A. Lovern, N. Holt

Open Fours: T. Gibson, K. Tranberg, G. Edmonds, N. Wilson   vs   E. Wynd,  A. Shepherd,

D. Wootton, B. Bridger.

A mixed Four's and Pairs Carnival will be played over the Weekend of the 9th and on the 10th March, $1070 is up for grabs in prize money!

Saturday 9th March, mixed Four's start 1.00pm with 21 ends.

Sunday  10th March, two games of Pairs (men's and women's pairs and mixed

pairs) each game 11 ends starting 11.00am.

Selectors have picked teams for Marian Mill Shield on Saturday March

23rd, with the final on Sunday 24th.

Team 1.  P. Molloy, S. Cassidy, R. Fry, B. Bridger.

Team 2. G. Luck. A. Gibson, M. Coll, R. Blanchard.

Team 4.  K. Tranberg, C. Marks, G. Edmonds, N. Wilson.

Team 4. B. Jenner, C. Stevens, B. Robertson, B. Paskins.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, don't miss out on the opportunity to join in on the excitement at the Mackay Bowls Club's upcoming events.

To check out future events, draws and results, visit the Mackay Bowls Club online.

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Contributed by Mike Irving

‍Caption: Seasoned players, enjoying a game of Bowls

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There were plenty of tight scores in the northern derby clashes between the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters.

The Mackay campaign started on a strong note with the Harvey Norman U17s coming away with a convincing 20-10 win over the Blackhawks. It was a day of impressive footy at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday, with the Harvey Norman Under 17s holding the biggest score difference, with just 10 points.

Unfortunately for Mackay, that was the first and last win for the sides against a tough northern rival.

In the Harvey Norman Under 19s, it was the home team who triumphed with another tight, low-scoring match.

Blackhawks winger Zaleah Mosby-Nona was the only player to cross in the opening stanza, scoring in the 14th minute to give her side a 4-0 lead at the break.

Mackay finally responded in the 46th minute, with halfback Mersades Lawson equalling the scores.

But the Blackhawks were not going to settle with a draw.

Backrower Hannah De Daunton stepped up with a big final 10 minutes, scoring in the 50th minute, before adding the two points and then converting a penalty goal on the buzzer to seal the deal.

The Blackhawks finished with a 12-4 victory and three out of four wins over Mackay.

In the Cyril Connell Cup, the Blackhawks finished 12-6 at full time, Mackay were unlucky in the Mal Meninga Cup, finishing 12-8 in a game that had looked at times to go either way, and it was also a close tussle in the Hostplus Cup trial, with the Blackhawks taking the win, 18-12.

Shaniah Power Joins QCCS Mackay Cutters

The QCCS Mackay Cutters proudly unveiled their latest signing last week, Shaniah Power, recipient of the prestigious 2023 BMD Player of the Year award.

With an impressive track record, Shaniah adds invaluable experience to the Mackay squad, boasting four appearances for Queensland and contributing to multiple NRLW teams. Currently under contract with the Cowboys, Shaniah's arrival promises to bolster the team's strength and competitiveness.

Cutters Care: Strengthening Minds And Bodies

The Cutters Care program made a meaningful visit to St Brendans Catholic Primary School last week, made possible by the generous support of Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and Mackay Regional Council.

During the session, students engaged in activities aimed at fostering both physical and mental well-being, learning valuable lessons on building strong brains and bodies. Following the educational component, the students enjoyed a series of entertaining and footy-related games.

To book your School in for a Cutters Care session, visit the Cutters’ website.

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Emerging all-rounder Jack Law produced another masterclass to propel
Walkerston/Brothers to a premiership title in the Mackay Junior Cricket
Association Under 17s Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena last weekend.

The fifteen-year-old schoolboy sensation  a regular in the Brothers first
grade X1 this summer snared 2-12 in a fiery five over spell to help his
side topple minor premiers Magpies White in the trophy decider.

It capped a successful campaign for the Mackay-Whitsunday junior
representative ace who was named Player of the North Queensland Cricket
Alliance Under 15 Carnival.

At the State Regional Championships in December, the talented colt
represented Central Queensland Infernos along with Brothers teammates
Lachie Ipson and Connor Muller.

Walkerston/Brothers (1-101) posted a resounding victory over the Magpies
(5-100) with Cameron Tomerini (31 not out), Marcus Sammut (27 not out) and
Ben Garner (18) impressing with the bat.

Magpies opener Benjamin Meng (32 off 78 balls) and skipper Myles Cochrane
(28 not out off 34 balls) led the way for the minor premiers.

The Magpies were 2-77 at one stage before Law claimed the key wicket of top
scorer Meng, who was caught by Cael Landt, with Muller and Will Sammut also
grabbing scalps.

Proserpine Cricket Club registered a comprehensive victory over Magpies
White in the Under 15A Grand Final at George Gorrie Oval.

Will Logan (25 off 31 balls), Donovan Pettiford (19 not out) and Jack
Valmadre (14 not out) produced top knocks as the Pitbulls (1-67) eclipsed
the Magpies (66) in a nine-wicket romp.

Proserpine¹s promising quartet of Joshua Geisler (3-2 off ten balls), Kai
McLoughlin (3-13 off four overs), Oliver Seamer (2-5 off four) and Lachlan
Riley (2-6 off two) made an impact with the ball.

Magpies Under 14 Black were crowned champions after rolling minor premiers
Walkerston Under 14s in the Under 15B Grand Final at Jack Lancaster Oval.
The Magpies compiled 5-128 from their 25 overs with valuable knocks from
Xander Ness (42 runs off 63) with five boundaries, Max Hughes (16), skipper
Jacob Whitby (13) and Chaise Johnston (12 not out).

Ness combined with Hughes for an opening stand of 45 and second wicket union
of 56 with Aarnov Reelh (10) with Cooper Gray-Knight (2-14) the pick of the
Roosters’ attack.

Walkerston were restricted to 6-101 with Logan Simpkin (30), skipper Tyler
Peters (29) and Ayden Loader (14) carving out spirited displays with the bat
and Magpies duo Johnston (3-20 off five) and Jack Nugent (1-18) the stand
outs with the ball.

The Roosters also collected the Under 13 premiership trophy with a
hard-fought Grand Final win over Proserpine at Park Vigoro.

Flynn Ryan (31 not out off 23 balls with five boundaries) top scored for
Walkerston (6-93) with solid contributions from Clancy Sammut (14) and Isaac
Grech (11 retired) as they eclipsed the Pitbulls tally of 7-91.

James Finn (17 not out), Oliver Dibben (17) and Emerson Baker (11) and Brock
Childs (2-7) shone for Proserpine with Roosters all-rounder Grech snaring
3-17 off four.

Souths captured the Under 12s premiership trophy with a victory over
Proserpine at Park Vigoro.

Spencer Faulkner was best on ground for the Sharks who racked up 7-108
clouting an unbeaten 24 with a boundary and six and grabbing 1-7 off three
tidy overs.

He was supported by Beau McPherson (19), Hunter Towner (18) and Leopold
Murphy (11 not out) with promising all-rounder Aiden Farley snaring 2-13 off
four.

The Pitbulls were restricted to 8-85 with fine efforts from siblings Jaxson
Farley (12) and Aiden (10 not out) and Kobi Whitty (11).

Souths trio Connor Stephens, Jack Harriott and Harry Mulherin also picked up
crucial wickets in a strong bowling display.

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Mackay Regional Council announced that more than half the trails at Finch Hatton MTB were made available to ride last weekend, with many riders across the region taking the opportunity to shred the twists and turns.

This is an opportunity for riders to get some tyres on the trails and help pack them down after recent delays due to wet weather. A mix of easy, intermediate, and expert trails are ready to ride.

These initial trails are the first to be accessible in stage one, with the remaining trails and the trailhead to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Visitors are advised to observe signage at the site and stay off closed trails.

While it’s exciting to welcome the first riders to the trails, unpredictable weather could lead to closure of the trails at short notice. News of any closures will be made via the Finch Hatton MTB social channels.

Off Camber, the official shuttle service, is now available. Shuttle bookings can be made online via https://offcamber.com.au/.

Carparking, toilets and the pump track are available. Please bring plenty of water for a day out.

A grand opening of Finch Hatton MTB stage one is scheduled for mid-April. Keep an eye out for more details at www.facebook.com/finchhattonmtb.

Be the first to know the news by signing up for the official FHMTB newsletter, Trail Tales, at finchhattonmtb.com.au.

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TRAILS

G’Day G’Day (easy) – A family friendly climbing trail departing the main trailhead.

Your Shout (intermediate) – Designed for progressive fun, this intermediate trail provides three distinct sections along different parts of the hill.

Green Whistle (easy) – A fun easy flow trail offering amazing views of the Pioneer Valley.

No Wuckas (easy) – A wide easy-flowing return trail back to the main trailhead.

Lost Loco (intermediate) – The trail features stacked climbing switchbacks, stunning views, and a rapid descent down to Salubrious.

Tasty Fig (intermediate) - This fast, intermediate trail features large berms, massive rollers, and optional jump lines.

Chuck A Sickie (difficult) – Challenge yourself on one of the highest black diamond trails in the Stage 1 network.

Nope Rope (easy) – A relaxed, mid-valley trail through a unique and picturesque environment.

Salubrious (easy) - A tasty contouring trail with clusters of fast, hard-packed berms and large reverse grades.

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Over eighty Mackay Road Runners pounded the pavement at 6.30am from the Queen’s Park Rotunda for the annual Club Championship event competing for valuable open and age category points.  MAD Fitness Mackay’s support added to the prestige and success of the event as runners took to the East Mackay streets despite the overcast skies after an initial loop of Queen’s Park before returning for a final loop to cross the finish line. 

There were many special performances amongst the field, particularly from new runners who finished ahead of their more experienced peers.

Thank you to Andrew Short, Arthur Dick, Julie Whibley, Jo Hughes, Brendan, Millie and Hughie Bishop and Tim Magoffin for helping out on the day.

Lace up your shoes for a jam-packed weekend of running with the Mackay Airport City Twilight run commencing Friday Night at 6pm from the Bluewater Quay whalebones. All funds raised for the event will be donated directly to the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation.  

This Sunday’s club run will commence at 6.30am from Bucasia to Shoal Point at the Seaview Park, Cnr Bucasia Esplanade and Walters Avenue (near the big red car playground). Runners are reminded to wear their member bib number facing frontwards for timekeeping purposes.  All new comers are welcome; however, you will need to register and pay a $10 casual race day fee. There will be no formal time recorded. Members pay a $2 race day fee.

Check out previous results, as well as the full list of upcoming programs, races and merchandise all on the Mackay Road Runners website.

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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Caption 4572 – (left to right) Andrew and Erin from MAD Fitness with female podium finishers – Ashlee Scott, Alana Knezevic and Lily Leven (obscured)

Caption 4419 – Second placed Male Jarod Mackie holds off a fast-finishing Luke Leven by only seconds

Caption 4496 – Carolyn Mapes (left) and Tahnie Malagueno united in the final 50 metres. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Eight Blokarters from Mackay ventured South to Mulambin, near Yeppoon, to compete in the Australian Blokart Championships.

The Smith family were well represented from grandparents to grandchild.

Most fleet classes were contested with the Mackay team performing well in their respected classes.

The Francis family did well, Kate Francis achieving a 3rd overall in Lightweight Production, Tony achieving 1st overall in Medium Weight Performance.

Other results included Trevor Smith 3rd overall in the Lightweight Performance, Eric Smith a 1st overall in the Super Heavy Performance, George Camilleri a 3rd overall in the Heavy Performance, and Gary Smith achieving a 2nd overall in the Medium Weight division.

Club sailing resumes on Sunday March 3 in the afternoon (weather permitting) at Bucasia Beach.

Captions

Blokarters Brian Farley, Tony and Kate Francis, Coen Smith Jung, Trevor Smith, Eric Smith, George Camilleri and Gary Smith with some of their trophies, which were made and presented by Central Queensland Blokart Club president David Moore

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Blokarts lined up for the Australian championships at Mulambin

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The Wilson Kinchant Team Championship was held last weekend with Mackay Tournament Anglers facing challenging weather conditions. Despite the initial bout of pouring rain and gusting winds, the skies cleared up in the final hour, allowing anglers to vie for top honours.

Brad Hocking secured the title for the biggest Barra, reeling in an impressive catch measuring 108cm and earning a prize of $100. In the overall standings, Mullet Mayhem, comprising Keegan Hayden and Brendon King, clinched the top spot, claiming the coveted $1000 prize. Burnt Thumbs Fishing, represented by Jason Crofts and Trevor Crofts, secured second place with a cash prize of $550, also boasting the highest Barra total with 12 catches across both sessions.

The McFarlane Boys, Darcy McFarlane and Isaac McFarlane, secured third place, earning themselves a $300 prize. Zerek, represented by Liam Robinson and Benn Durkin, and Gee Force, composed of Finn Gee and Geoff Newby, rounded out the top five, each receiving a Wilson Prize Pack.

Despite the smaller field, the camaraderie among the anglers was high, reflecting the sportsmanship within the Mackay Tournament Anglers community. The organisers extend their gratitude to all participants and express anticipation for the next round scheduled for March 23rd and 24th—the Fishtec Solutions Peter Faust Team Championship.

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Captions

1: Mullet Mayhem, Keegan Hayden and Brendon King

2: Burnt Thumbs Fishing, Jason Crofts and Trevor Crofts who also caught the most Barra

3: Darcy McFarlane and Isaac McFarlane

4: Zerek, Liam Robinson and Benn Durkin

5: Gee Force, Finn Gee and Geoff Newby

6: Slock Assassins, Brad Hocking and Jack Rutherford

7: Off The Scales, Liam Sohier and Paul McFarlane

8: Brad Hocking secured the title for the biggest Barra

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