As the countdown begins for the much-anticipated start of the NBL1 competition, basketball fever is reaching its peak in Mackay. This Friday night marks the commencement of an electrifying journey for the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes as they kick off their NBL1 campaigns with a home advantage at the iconic Crater.
This season's opener holds an extra special significance, as Mackay welcomes back one of its own legends – Australian Boomer Todd Blanchfield.
Blanchfield's return to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors after his stellar stint with the Illawarra Hawks is a cause for celebration among fans. With 15 seasons and 385 games under his belt, Blanchfield's presence promises to inject unparalleled productivity and versatility into the Meteors' NBL1 North lineup.
But it's not just about the thrill of the game; it's also about making a difference off the court. For the Meteorettes, the evening holds a poignant touch as they participate in the annual 'night in pink'. Donning special pink singlets, the players aim to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation in support of breast cancer awareness.
The schedule for the evening is packed with excitement:
   • 6:30 PM: McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes take on the Townsville Flames
   • 8:30 PM: McDonald’s Mackay Meteors face off against the Townsville Heat
It's a showdown you won't want to miss! So, grab your tickets, rally your friends, and head to the Crater for an unforgettable night of basketball action.
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Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CQUVL

Meteor and Meteorette uniform presentations for the 2024 NBL1 Season Launch at Souths Suburban Bowls Club. Photos supplied: Mackay Basketball

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Nearly one hundred runners and supporters met Sunday afternoon for the running of the annual five and ten-kilometre, Tilse Toddle handicap start event. The five-kilometre loop course took runners through the West Mackay streets towards Archibald Street and return. The steamy conditions put ten-kilometre runners to the test as they headed out for their second lap.
 
The events had runners in clusters at the start line based on their formal club handicap.  This enables the faster runners to start their race from the back of the pack in a bid to chase down the lower handicapped runners.  The concept is a great way for all runners to experience a different position in the field as opposed to a scratch start.
 
Exceptional performances were showcased by talented sportsmen, Greg Coulsen and Ryan Evetts.  Alana Knezevic continued her excellent form to sprint to the finish line alongside Michael Feenaghty. Long-term member of the club, John Searston was a welcome visitor at the club’s last two events after a brief stopover in Mackay over the Easter break.  Paul MacKenzie’s high mileage training and racing sessions are continuing to be very beneficial for local, out of town and international events despite experiencing tough competition from fellow athletes, Grant Holmstrom, Jared Mackie, Luke Leven, Michael Scholer, Shane Donnollan, George Hannaford and the Rule brothers, Oliver and Toby. 
 
Tim’s Chariots of Fire, five and ten-kilometre event this Sunday will commence from 6.30am at 16 Ocean Avenue, Slade Point. It will be an awesome start to the day, taking in beautiful scenic views and a variety of tricky terrain. Runners must be checked in with the timekeeper by 6.20am.  Runners are welcome to stay for a post run dip in the pool and refreshments.  Casual day runners are invited to participate with a $10 race day fee.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Crystal and Mick observe Arthur and Beck (seated) who are on timekeeping duties.
Natasha Joynson sneaks across the 5km finish line via handicap start ahead of Len Haworth.
Some of Mackay Road Runners lovely ladies enjoy the post-race afternoon tea and chat (back) Millie, Jo, Jose, Bernie, Kim, Leanne and Jen. (front) Lauren, Sacha, Emily and Naomi.

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Images supplied

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Mackay’s table tennis juniors brought home four medals from the state junior championships in Brisbane.

Olie Hamelink, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Saisha and Misha Palod and Lily Boland competed in the state junior table tennis championships.

Lily Boland and Saisha Palod both brought home medals as part of a six-player Mackay squad, who competed against more than 100 from around the state.

Lily won silver and bronze in the U19 girls singles and doubles, while Saisha took out silver in the U15 girls’ teams and bronze in U13 girls doubles.

Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Olie Hamelink and Misha Palod also competed, accompanied by manager Donna Abbott and supporter Simon Hamelink.

All players compete in the Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night competitions and have progressed through the junior program held on Wednesday afternoons.

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Bronze medal winner Mackay’s Lily Boland, right, on the podium with U19 state girls singles champion Tiffany Lam of the Star club, Brisbane and runner-up Telesha Gaeta of Townsville, left. Photos supplied

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Saturday saw the playing of the second qualifying GNOT Gold Point Teams event. Twelve teams vyed for Gold Points which are only available to win in certain events or if players travel away to congresses. It was pleasing to see many novice players enter the competition. Once the basics of Bridge have been taught, then the more a person plays the better they get at the game and the more they learn and the better they play. It takes years to become match fit, but it is so much fun to play and learn and improve as you go!
Team Conroy took first place in the Mackay event, with members Janelle Conroy, Terrence Sheedy, Josie Cowley and Geoff Taylor narrowly beating team Brown members, Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Thelma Caruana and Janet Hansen.

The 28th Barrier Reef Congress is being held in Mackay, Friday, 3rd May to Monday, 6th May 2024

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Monday 1 April 2024 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
3rd
Mick King / Patricia Garner
4th
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
5th
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
6th
Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson
Tuesday Evening 2 April 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
2nd
Mick King / Richard Wic
3rd
Shelley Lewis / Geoff Taylor
4th
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
Wednesday 3 April 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
1st
Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Susan Ross / Karen Cadwell

3rd
Ian Cruickshank / Terrence Sheedy
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Mick King

4th
Annette Howe / Noel Saunders
4th
Diane Stokes / Joy Block

Thursday Evening 4 April 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Frances Brown / Israel Hall
1st
Terry Sheedy / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Patricia Garner / Mick King
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 5 April 2024 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Joy Block
2nd
Terrence Sheedy / Geoff Cowan
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
4th
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
5th
Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
6th
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
Saturday 6 April 2024 Second GNOT Qualifying 10 Table Mitchell Gold Points

Team
Team Members
1st
Conroy
Josie Crowley / Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor / Terrence Sheedy
2nd
Brown
Janet Hansen / Frances Brown / Alan Brown / Thelma Caruana
3rd
Darley
Monica Darley / Ken Seaniger / Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane
4th
Shuttlewood
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright / Christine Nice / Faye Wright
5th
Griffo
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill / Mick King / Patricia Garner

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C’mon Try Lawn Bowls is currently being run at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club and is an initiative supported by the Queensland Department of Sport and Recreation.

The first clinic commenced on the 2nd of April and the sessions will run until the 7th of May.

Taking place from 10am – 12pm, every Tuesday, the workshop times allow women with family commitments to fit in a bit of leisure time into their busy days.

The C’mon Try program is specifically for women and girls.

It is never too late to join in and everyone is encouraged to give it a go.

Lawn Bowls is fun, it is social and it can be very competitive.

Once the basic skills are learned players can improve at their own pace and level of interest.

On the first day of this clinic, six ladies were coached on the basic skills of bowling and by the end of their first session each had learned new skills and were ready for their cuppa and an after-training chat.

The Airlie Beach Bowls Club has bowls of various weights and sizes, including soft rubber bowls for children not yet big enough to manage a proper bowl.

There are no green fees charged for this program, but a gold coin donation is asked to help pay towards the morning tea.

The Airlie Beach Bowls Club is an open gender all-inclusive club. Lawn Bowls is adaptable for all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities.

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WHAT: C’mon Try Lawn Bowls
WHEN: Every Tuesday, 10am-12pm (noon)
WHERE: Airlie Beach Bowls Club
 

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13 competitors entered the 2024 The Genesis Cup on Sunday morning Plenty of regular faces, and one or two new ones too, which was great to see.

We had two groups of round robin darts. Group A, which was dubbed the group of death, had Mike Talley, Sean O’Bryan, Jack Todd, Joe Wilson, Dom Friend, Reef Peel, and Michael Kilkelly.

All the days 180’s came from this group, Mike Talley, Dom Friend, Jack Todd and Sean O’Bryan all getting in on the action with a 180 each. The highest checkout went to Reef Peel for an impressive 99 hit.

Sean O’Bryan topped group A by winning all 6 of his matches to go into the semi-finals. He would play and defeat the Australian Day champion Jack Todd by 5 legs to 3, after Jack dispatched of Joe Wilson, the Celtic Cup champion, in the playoff by 3 legs to 1.

Group B had Art McMinn, Hawkeye, Jamie Maher, Kam Reason, Andy Peel, and Naomi Mitchell. 

Kam Reason topped group B to reach the other semi-final, but he was thwarted there by Jamie Maher by 5 legs to 3, after Jamie had narrowly defeated Andy Peel in the playoff match by 3 legs to 2. 

The final was an enjoyable game, with both finalists contesting each leg to a high standard. Both players getting down to a single dart checkout in each and every leg until the end, which ultimately went the way of Sean O’Bryan. 

Sean played outstanding darts throughout the day and thoroughly deserved his 6/3 victory over Jamie, who’s long wait for a trophy continues. 

The next one day comp is the Anzac Plate, on Sunday April 28th, numbers are limited so get in fast. To get involved, find us on facebook or message Jamie on 0405411865.

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Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

Sean O’Bryan winning The Genesis Cup. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday, we played a single stroke event for the April midweek monthly medals.  

Men's Winner Tom Button 64 nett, runner up Ray Sellen 66 nett.   

Ladies' Winner on a countback Jo Kukura 68 nett, runner up on a countback Julie May 68 nett. 

Pin Shots to Gregg Aplin, Graeme Baker, Kevin Clark, Isaac Fellows, Bev Lowcock, Joy Hose, Tanya Gaudry, Judy Atkins. 

Allan Cooper claimed the Suntan Snack Bar voucher. Chocolate gobblers to Joy Hose, Carol O, Jo Goldup.
 
On Saturday, Men played a stroke event for the April Monthly medal. Winner Ross Peterson 62 nett, runner up Cliff Querro 66 nett. 

Pin shots to Michael Morgan, Craig Newell and Rob Riggall won the Car Wash voucher.

On Sunday ladies played a stroke event for their April Monthly medal. Winner Margie Tilbrook 70 nett, runner up Janice Bates 72 nett.

Pin Shots to Penny Stewart, Grace Nott, Margie Tilbrook, Lorraine McArthur.
 
This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Margaret Whyte.  Please show your support by wearing shades of purple. 
 
 
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott 

 
 Mens monthly medal winner – Ross Peterson
Ladies monthly medal winner – Margie Tilbrook and 3rd place Kim Bennion
 
Photos supplied

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

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

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

Great job by all.

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

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
 

Edwina Pettiford. Photo supplied

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo supplied

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

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

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

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

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

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Celeste Orensahw with Chocolate award
National Team
Photos supplied

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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VHF radio ; photo supplied

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

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

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

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Fridays barefoot bowls. Photos supplied

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

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

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

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

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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

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In the singles, Gus Munro defeated Gavin Charles.

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

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

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

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards. Photo supplied

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

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

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

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

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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown. Photo supplied

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