Last Saturdays Mackay Parkrun event was not only a celebration of personal achievements but also an appreciation to volunteers involved.

Allan Lorraway, achieved a remarkable new personal best by shredding off 1 minute and 36 seconds from his previous score in his 149th parkrun finish. His previous on-going participation and eagerness has finally paid off and members of the Mackay Parkrun couldn’t be prouder.

The success of Event #369 was made possible by the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers.  Each volunteer wore their distinctive vests and contributed their time and energy to ensure the event ran smoothly. All of the parkrun helpers who volunteer consistently receive a ‘Volunteer Milestone’ for their efforts, ensuring those involved in assisting don’t go unnoticed.

Club members who have participated in the events for up to an impressive number of 250 times have also received recognition and a ‘250 Club Milestone.’

Mackay parkrun is a free, all inclusive, 5-kilometre run or walk that is timed. Weekly parkruns commence at 7am every Saturday morning.

If you’d like to partake in the event, registration is required in advance.

To become a volunteer, details are provided via Facebook, (Mackay Parkrun) or online at mackayparkrun.com

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Photo Credit: Mackay Parkrun (Facebook)

Caption 1: Personal Best Wall of Fame

Caption 2: Mackay Parkrun Volunteers

Caption 3: Allan Lorraway (left), with the support of great mate Greg Dawes (right)

Caption 4: Participants kicking off their Saturday morning!

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Whitsundays’ own Michael Kimpton is continuing to show resilience and non-stop commitment, taking the top podium finish for his age group at the iconic Half Ironman even in Hobart, Tasmania in early February.

Following this huge success, he has now being invited to represent Australia at the World Half Ironman Championships in Taupo, New Zealand in December this year.

“I’ve already met my new year’s resolution,” Michael joked.

“I’ve had this event in Tasmania earmarked since November, and I geared all my training to ensuring a good finish time.”

On the winning day, Michael and his fellow competitors were greeted with unseemly conditions.

“It was treacherous,” Michael explained.

“It was raining all morning, and it made the cycling leg so much more difficult. I didn’t perform the absolute best, but still enough to take out the top spot.”

In fact, Michael’s time of just over six hours to complete the two-kilometre swim, 90-kilomtre cycle, and 21-kilomtre run was the best for his age group, securing him an invite to the World Half Ironman Championship.

“An invitation like this is as rare as a hen’s tooth, so I am absolutely over the moon.”

Michael started his triathlon journey back in 2017, when he relocated to the Whitsundays from Melbourne.

“Before that, I was a bit of a couch potato,” he described.

It took him 12 months to run the five-kilometre Parkrun, but he has since continued to represent Australia at international competitions.

“I just enjoy it,” he explained.

“If you like sport, you just do it. I find so much enjoyment from triathlons and ironmans, so I just keep doing them,” Michael explained.

In his age group for the World Half Ironman, Michael estimates he will be joined by about 80 other competitors from around the world.

Between now and World Championships, Michael will continue with the regime of conservative training, ensuring he is at his peak for December.

“I will do other events in between, but I won’t take them as seriously as Worlds,” he explained.

“I’m gearing up for this event, and I am so excited to head to New Zealand to represent Australia.”

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Sports training plays a pivotal role in nurturing resilience and kindness in children, instilling essential life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Through the challenges and triumphs experienced in sports, children learn invaluable lessons that shape their character and behavior.

Firstly, sports training teaches resilience by exposing children to adversity and setbacks in a controlled and supportive environment. Whether facing defeat in a game or struggling to master a new skill, young athletes learn to persevere through difficulties, developing resilience in the face of adversity. Overcoming obstacles fosters a sense of determination and mental toughness, empowering children to tackle challenges both on and off the field.

Moreover, participation in sports cultivates empathy and kindness towards teammates, opponents and coaches. Collaboration and teamwork are fundamental in sports, teaching children the importance of supporting and encouraging others. By celebrating teammates' successes and offering support during moments of defeat, athletes foster a sense of camaraderie and compassion, strengthening interpersonal relationships and building a positive team culture.

Furthermore, sports provide opportunities for children to develop leadership skills by leading by example, motivating teammates and resolving conflicts. By taking on leadership roles, athletes learn to communicate effectively, make decisions under pressure and inspire others, all of which contribute to their personal growth and development.

In essence, sports training serves as a powerful catalyst for building resilience and kindness in children. By navigating challenges, fostering teamwork and developing leadership skills, young athletes emerge with the strength, empathy, and integrity needed to thrive in all aspects of life.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg from Next Stars.

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What do you do in Airlie Beach when it rains?

Wish for a hard cover, and these thoughts were echoed last weekend by all our members as there was no action on Saturday or Sunday and we were all left lamenting.

Tuesday, we had a few hardened bowlers keen to play and several great games were played with Jill Spencer and Ladda Purdie convincing winners of the day but it must also be stated that Dawn Dowel playing lead with Margo Stanley played superb bowls and time after time, end upon end effectively putting their opponents into submission with a phenomenal performance of accurate bowling.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls had a small field but also had some effective and accurate bowling with Russell the Muscle Jackson teaming up with John Brown with an overwhelming victory, whilst Tony Whitehorn not only took home the prestigious Health Hub Award but also with Lu Rogan coming to terms with her stick, that would put a smile on Nick the stick Fernbach's face in heaven as it did, with Mark Mawson playing second.

We will have some fantastic announcements next week about the upcoming Schools program sponsored by PRD again and also Business House Bowls which is in full swing with new teams and a new concept.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our open days comprehensive winners: Tony Whitehorn with Robin Brown, Dawn Dowel and Betty Whitehorn. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday we were very lucky at Proserpine Bowls Club to have avoided the heavy showers of rain experienced elsewhere. We had six players enjoy a game of bowls. Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Peter Lawton defeated Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown 28 - 10.

There was no play on Sunday due to the heavy rains experienced during the week.

Games Director, Barry Saroglia, has advised that nominations for Club Championships - Singles, Pairs, Fours and for B Singles and B Pairs will close on Saturday, February 24. 

Nomination sheets are available inside the club and also a weather proof container beside the water cooler. If you are unable to put your nomination on the sheet in person, send an email or a text message to Barry or Wayne so that your nomination is recorded. Draws will be done following the closure of these nominations. Members must be financial in order to nominate in any competition.

Orders have been placed with our Uniform Suppliers. 

Thank you to all who have paid upfront for your new uniforms. The expected date of delivery is around March 28.  

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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Although it has been a bit hot, we still had one rinks game on Tuesday. Winners for the afternoon Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Penny Warren defeated Deb Retchless, Lyn Danvers, Irene Laird, Greg Colquhoun. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Congratulations to Life Member Neil Tracey on reaching a milestone in bowls, receiving his Super Veteran’s badge from Men’s President Mark Drummond on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were Bill Myers, Graeme Read, and Kevin Daniels defeated Lindy Suann, Dot Slater, Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget our night Barefoot Bowls and sausage sizzle at the club starting on Friday 23 February at 5.45pm. If it goes well, we will hold it every fortnight. Everyone is welcome. We have plenty of bowls.

Our Mixed Opening Day will be played this Sunday 25 February starting at 10.00am with other clubs visiting. A light lunch will follow. Come a bit earlier and you can have a scone for morning tea.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Mark Drummond presenting Neil Tracey his Super Veterans badge. Photo supplied

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Last weekend, February 10th and 11th, saw four swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, Alex Yuskan, Chloe Eldridge, and Axel Yuskan, from the Whitsunday Swimming Club, attend the 2024 Hancock Prospecting QLD State Sprints at Sleeman Aquatic Centre, Chandler, Brisbane.

Mae had seven swims, having qualified for all 50-meter strokes in her age group (Girls 15 years), and 50-meter Freestyle, 50-meter Breaststroke and 50-meter Butterfly in Open Women. Mae came home with some awesome PB’s and a massive smile for her achievements after swimming for her 6th year at State Sprints. Alex swam in the 16 years Boys Freestyle, finishing with a 0.17 second PB after a great swim, this being his 4th year attending. Chloe smashed her first ever swim at Chandler with a massive 1.63 second PB in the Girls 10-year-old 50-meter Freestyle. Axel attended for his second year and achieved his goal with an impressive 1.20 second PB in the Boys 11-year-old 50-meter Freestyle.

One big highlight of the weekend was catching up with Rilee Mackie from Collinsville Scottville Swimming Club. Rilee is in Brisbane currently undertaking treatment for Leukemia. Rilee, her sister Kodi and mum Wendy came and supported all swimmers on Saturday.

We also had the privilege of seeing Olympians Cate Campbell, Emily Seebohm, Zac Stubbelty Cook, Mitch Larkin and Lizzie Dekker racing in the open swims.

All swimmers enjoyed a great weekend away with their teammates, cheering them on and creating wonderful, new memories.

Now the training is starting again to prepare for NQ Championships in Mackay on the 1st ,2nd and 3rd of March 2024.

A massive thank you must go out to Coach Jenny Rush for helping these swimmers achieve their goals and pushing them to be the best they can be.

For anyone interested in joining the Whitsunday Swimming Club, please contact us at whitsundayfrogs@gmail.com or drop into the Proserpine Pool any afternoon from 4:15pm.

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Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

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Caption: Representatives from Whitsunday Swimming Club competed the 2024 Hancock Prospecting QLD State Sprints in Brisbane. Photos supplied

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A record number of children attended the two learn to sail groups in Bowen at Port Denison Sailing Club on Sunday morning.  Fourteen students in the Little Pirates group learned the parts of the boat and then played a game of ‘Sink the Boat’ on the water, followed by games on shore to learn terminology and all about the wind.  Seven students who completed Little Pirates last year have continued to the Big Pirates group which runs afterwards.  This week they went for a buddy sail with Green Fleeter Georgia, followed by a session on steering and using the waves for propulsion in the 15kt conditions.  

Since its inception three years ago, the Little Pirates and Big Pirates programs have shown how teaching the sport of sailing differently can make a big difference to a small club. Traditionally learn to sail begins around ages seven or eight, but when faced with a great demand among young siblings and younger children, then Commodore Gary Bruce tasked instructor Johanna Winstanley with creating a new approach for PDSC.  Since then, numerous children from ages four and five onwards and their families have attended lessons, graduated through Pirates and have become sailing members.  The families are a mix of those with sailing backgrounds and those completely fresh to the sport.  
Being totally reliant on volunteers to operate, family members assist on shore, on the water, and on the committee, and many sailing members have now qualified or requalified as instructors and assistant instructors, helping to maintain the longevity of the programs. Youth sailors are also encouraged to be on-hand role models during lessons.   PDSC keeps lesson fees at a minimum to allow students from all backgrounds the chance to participate.

Anyone interested in joining Pirates at Port Denison Sailing Club is encouraged to keep an eye on the Facebook site for information about future lesson availability.  Next Sunday the 25th will be off the beach racing.

Contributed with thanks to Port Denison Sailing Club.

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Caption: Little Pirates play ‘Sink the Boat’ with Captain Greybeard. Photo contributed

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On Wednesday night, the Cannonvale Cannons hosted their first Distance Club Night for 2024.  Swimmers had an opportunity to swim a longer distance in two events.  The Cannons would like to commend Matilda Nicholes and Millie Groom for being selected for the NQ team to compete in the Queensland Schools Aquathon/Triathlon Championships in Hervey Bay. Both girls backed up and on the same weekend competed in the Queensland Sprint Championships.  The Cannonvale Cannons are sorry that Matilda Nicholes didn’t appear in the team photo last week.  Congratulations to Eric Mulliss, Harris Delac, Charlie Leeder, Frankie Leeder, Aria Crawford, Jasper Korosec, and Jax Eaves for achieving Upgrades. Congratulations to Zach Trefz for winning the Chocolate Award for the best PB.  

Tora Delac and Jack Ganter swam a 1500-meter Freestyle for the first time, both making the 60 laps in under 21 minutes. Well done to Thomas Ganter, Ruby Harland, and Zachary Trefz who swam their first 800-meter freestyle! Even though Jacob Bell and Nelson Malady didn’t swim a PB, they swam the 800-meter freestyle very smoothly. Well done to Matilda Nicholes, Jacob Bell, Tora Delac and Ruby Harland for conquering one of the toughest swim challenges, the 400-meter IM.  

Other highlights include Harris Delac swimming a 36.54 second PB in his 200-meter freestyle.  Lily Maher and Tiana Bell both swam a fantastic 400-meter freestyle, achieving massive PBs.  Noah Maltby swam a cracking time of 2.47.25 in his 200-meter breaststroke, at a 30.66 second PB.  Leo Mullis, aged 7 years, swam an impressive 25-meter Backstroke in 34.48 seconds. Addie Sanders & Liam Filewood swam super times in their 100-meter freestyle, achieving huge PBs. Indi Smith swam two massive PBs in her 200-meter backstroke and 100-meter breaststroke. Indi’s brother, Levi swam a 14.32 second PB in his 200-meter IM.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at the Distance Club Night!

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Robert Meers had 33 stableford points to beat Scott Mason by a shot to win the Tuesday competition, while Jacqueline Wall had 17 points to beat Tiina Randmae by five shots in the ladies' division. Aaron Prosser won the pin shot.

A wet course prevented further play during the week.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Green.

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Photos supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Dee Norman take first place with 21 pts, second with 20 pts was Glenn Rees in third place with 19 pts was Michael Bond. 

Friday’s 9 hole stableford saw Tony Spurway in first place on 22 pts, second place with 21 pts was Kev Franke and third place with 20 pts c/b was Darren Lloyd. 

Sunday’s rain didn’t stop Justin Butler from taking first place in our 18 hole stableford with 40 pts, second place was Cooper Lane on 39 pts and third place was Jack Hayes Williams with 37 pts. Nearest the pin was Mark Thompson. 

This Sunday the 25th of Feb will be our 18 hole (stroke) monthly medal tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am, hope to see you all there. 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Dee Norman. Photo supplied

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This Saturday, test your skills with the Whitsunday Touch Juniors Youth and Ladies Development Skills Day.

Hosted by Queensland and North Queensland Touch, this development clinic will help prepare Whitsunday youth and ladies with their field skills and get them ready for the 2024 season.

Don’t miss the free sausage sizzle happening at the conclusion of the session.

Register by contacting Whitsunday Touch on Facebook today, ready for this Saturday!

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WHAT: Juniors Youth and Ladies Development Skills Day
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, from 8am

REGISTER: Contact Whitsunday Touch on Facebook

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By Amanda Wright

A massive weekend of footy is coming up for our QCCS Mackay Cutters, followed by an NRL clash of Queensland crowd favourites with the North Queensland Cowboys taking on the Brisbane Broncos at BB Print Stadium, Mackay.

The Cutters’ HPC and BMD squads will play in their first trial against the CQ Capras on Sunday before the NRL trial, and all Junior Reps will have their first home game of 2024 against the Northern Pride on Saturday.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten said it had been a long pre-season and the players were ready to play, however locals were disappointed to see the two co-captains, Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden, both originally from the Mackay region, were not named as part of the team for the trial.

Mackay Cutters captain Sean Mullany has been named to start at hooker for the Cowboys. Mullany is one of three feeder club players named in the squad alongside Kyle Schneider and Ewan Moore.

Emerging talent Jaxon Purdue will make his first Cowboys appearance in front of family and friends in his hometown. The electric half is in his first year in the Cowboys Young Guns program after starring for St Patrick’s Mackay in their march to Aaron Payne Cup glory in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are fielding a team with depth and experience, despite facing scrutiny over an incident involving two senior players. Patrick Carrigan and Adam Reynolds addressed media earlier this week to apologise for a public scuffle which unfolded last weekend. Playmakers in the backs like Reece Walsh and Corey Oats will likely create a challenge for the fresh Cowboys squad.

With the Broncos set to leave for the United States soon after the Mackay clash for Round 1 in Las Vegas, Walters will be looking to use this game as an opportunity to test the strengths and weaknesses of players both new and experienced.

Sunday 18th February Footy

BMD Kick-off: 11.00am

Hostplus Cup Kick-off: 12.30pm

NRL Trial Cowboys v Broncos Kick-off: 3:00pm

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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In a massive signing coup, Mackay Basketball are thrilled to announce that U.S import player Sam Haiby, will join the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes roster for the 2024 NBL1 season.

24-year-old Haiby will head to the Sugar City in March for her first professional playing contract, following a stellar basketball career at the University of Nebraska.

In 2021, the dynamic guard was named the Nebraska Most Valuable Player and earned All-Big Ten Second Team honours.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans was delighted with the addition of the 176cm playmaker.

“Signing Sam Haiby to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes is exciting and a credit to the program,” he said.

“Sam has a creative skill set and brings leadership to our group. Sam is also an outstanding all-round athlete, which suits our up-tempo and disruptive style. I can’t wait for her to get here and show what she can do.”

Haiby shared her eagerness about playing her first season abroad in Australia.

“I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get to Mackay, meet my teammates and coaches and interact with the community.

“I’m so excited to get this season going,” Haiby said.

Haiby finished with a Nebraska school-record of 139 games played, while ranking No. 12 in Husker history with 1,618 points, No. 6 in assists with 477 and No. 16 in career rebounds with 642. She is the only player in Husker history to achieve the combined career milestones of 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists.

Haiby closed her final college season in 2023, averaging 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals over 22 games.

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Caption: Welcoming Sam Haiby to the Mackay team for the NBL1 Season. Photo Credit: Mackay Basketball

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