The racetrack came alive with thoroughbred competition and good-natured rivalry over the weekend with the annual Ben Bolt Cup.

Over 450 people came along for a fabulous day out, which featured five horse races.

Entertainment was as exciting on the track as it was off the track, with a host of activities that brought attendees together.

Many of the men participated in the tomato cart races while the women competed in the pumpkin races and the children enjoyed the hobby horse racing.

The next event on the Bowen Turf Club Calendar is the TAB Race Meet on Thursday, September 14, followed by the biggest showcase of the year – the Bowen Cup – which is due to take place on Saturday, October 14.

Results from the Ben Bolt Cup:

Race 1 - Maiden Plate 1000 metres

Lesotho Diamond

Time: 59.10 seconds

Margins: 3 lengths x 3/4 length

Race 2 - Filby's Motors

QTIS Benchmark 55 Handicap 1000m

Cudyado

Time: 58.54 seconds

Margins: neck x 1 length

Race 3 - Pilcher's Concrete

Benchmark 45 Handicap 1280m

Lightheadedness

Time: 1 minute 17.83 seconds

Margins: 1 1/4 lengths x 3/4 length

Race 4 - Hillery Group

Open Handicap 1280m

Valley of Dreams

Time: 1 minute 15.75 seconds

Margins: 1/2 neck x 1 length

Race 5 - Burdekin Vet Services

Ben Bolt Cup

Benchmark 65 Handicap 1470m

Higher Love

Time: 1 minute 28.60 seconds

Margins: neck x nose

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Winner of the Ben Bolt Cup

Winner of Race 4

Winner of Race 3

Winner of Race 2

Photo credit: Saskia Photography

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The annual Stonka Fishing Challenge 2023 was a huge success over the weekend, with hard competition and fantastic community spirit on show.

Featuring competitors across the region, and of any age and ability, the catches were impressive and triumphant for all.

Aside from the on-water comp, the event saw a wide variety of food stalls, bars, and live music at host venue Cape Gloucester Resort, as well as the tug-o-war and many other activities.

During the event, $12,000 in donations were gathered for the Leukaemia House in Townsville.

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Fierce competition at the annual Stonka Fishing Challenge. Photo credit: Facebook

As the days get longer and warmer and another spring is approaching our little club has had some amazing success and some wonderful events.

Last Tuesday we celebrated the life of our club patron Thelma Porter who died at the ripe old age of 105.

Thelma loved her bowls and played up to when she reached 100 years old and could've played on, and on Tuesday we all celebrated her long and full life with an event a wonderful turnout and her daughter Lane Telford put up the prize money for the first three winning teams.

Third place went to the team of Betty Whitehorn at skipper, with Eva McMahon whom returned to visit the club again and played brilliantly at second with Mark Mawson at lead.

Second best team on the day was ably led by skipper Tony Kelly whom with recently returned from her overseas tour and Maureen Barnard with Di Jackson.

Whilst the winners of the tournament were Tony Whitehorn at skipper with Lane Telford at second making her mother proud and the most impressive performance of the cheeky Dawn Dowell at lead, whilst Mark Mawson took home the prestigious Health Hub award. A great day was had by all.

The final of the Mens A Open singles was also played and it was Alan Pershouse with a fantastic exhibition of draw bowls beat a gallant Harry Quad in a nail biter and thus a new king was crowned, well done Alan.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners Betty Whitehorn, Karen Jensen, Ted Cullen and John Matterson, with Betty and John playing for the Round 7 prize in a close match it was John Matterson who took home the prize, with Mark Mawson the Group B winner.

Next Sunday afternoon will be the inaugural Memorial Day to celebrate the life of recently departed Nik Fernbach

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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The winning team from Tuesdays Thelma Porter day Tony Whitehorn with Dawn Dowel and Lane Telford. Photo supplied

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Triples Finalised

This weekend Michael Kinnear competed in the Champion of Champion Singles at North Mackay.  

Michael, a previous winner of this event, was defeated by Graeme Blackburn from Wests Tigers.  

Peter Blackburn from Souths Suburban went on to win the event with Bruce Archer from Sarina being the runner up.

On Sunday the Men's Club Championship Triples were finalised.  

In the Semi Finals Harry Craig, Scott Hamilton (subbing for Isaac Elliott), and Jonathan Bye defeated Philip Brown (subbing for Warren Wilson), Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann 32 – 5.

Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley defeated Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Luchie Gardel 23 - 16.  

Sunday afternoon the Finals were played.  

Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley defeated Harry Craig, Scott Hamilton, and Jonathan Bye 27 - 17.  

Wayne's team will now play Champion of Champions at Souths Suburban on September 9 and 10.

In Social bowls.  

On Wednesday we had visitors from Victoria join us for a game of bowls.  

Alen Sanderson, Christina B and Philip Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, John Anderson, and Pat Bownds 27 – 19.

Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, and Barry Zillmann defeated Lee King, Jim Chedwick, and Sandy Daffara 22 - 16.  

On Sunday we had a visitor from Port Pirie South Australia.  

John Anderson and Peter Lawton defeated John Burnett and Arthur Griffith 27 - 18;  Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara defeated Lee King, Hugh Paterson and Kendall Watts 22 - 12.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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We have great news to report.

The Wangaratta pairs team of Denise Wallace and Penny Warren played in the Nth Qld District Championships this past week.

After convincingly winning their section with three out of three wins and an aggregate of 25, they continued their good form during the week defeating teams in the quarter and semi-finals to reach the final on Saturday morning.

They continued on playing well to defeat the Thuringowa team of Jacinta Wallace and Bernadette Hay.

Winners for Monday afternoon triples were R Hayton, R Barr-Kemp, and K Armstrong who defeated J Steele, J Dawson, and G Wills.

On Tuesday winners were Dianne Hallis, Irene Laird, and Keith Armstrong who defeated Joe Verden, Keith S/Collins, and Lindsay Harris.

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were L Knight, C Bellingham, and B Bellingham who defeated A Vigar, C Heinrich, and A Pearson.

Sunday winners to claim the Crab trophy came out on Rink 2.

They were P Breakwell, H Donoghue, I Wheeler, and P Donoghue who defeated T Crozier, M Harvey, M Chappel, and A Rolfe.

There will be no Barefoot bowls this Friday due to a private function.

This Saturday Wangaratta will host the annual Combined Shield so if you have time come down to watch some good bowls.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners Of NQ Ladies District Championship Pairs - Denise Wallace & Penny Warren. Photo supplied

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Only 3 matches to report on this week, and just 1 match remaining between Dom Friend and Art McMinn before we finish off the league season, and kick into finals action.

Jamie Maher finished the league season strongly with a 7/2 victory over Andy Peel to end his campaign in 4th place.

It was an even game in the scoring department, but where Andy struggled finding his doubles, Jamie was clinical.

It’s been a tough season for Andy who finished the season in 8th place, but it’s a finals spot, and anything can happen in finals, especially when you are a previous champion.

Joe Wilson secured 2nd place in the league with a 7/2 win over Jayden Lloyd.

That will set up a mouth-watering clash with the defending Champion Dom Friend in the first week of finals, as Dom cannot improve on his current position of 3rd place.

Jayden will finish his season off by playing in the consolation finals series after finishing just outside the top 8, in 9th place.

Joining Jayden in the Hetlock Cup will be the debutant Hawkeye Rick after finishing his season with a 1 win and 18 loss record, one of which came at the hands of Jamie Woods this Sunday at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club by a scoreline of 7/1.

Rick showing steady improvement throughout the year and will be better for it going into next season.

That win over Rick means that Jamie Woods yet again claimed this year’s league title, but only by the finest of margins, courtesy of a better leg difference over Joe Wilson.

Unlucky to Joe, but a fantastic season regardless, and a big congratulations to Woodsy from everyone at the club, it’s a richly deserved league victory!

Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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L/R Jamie Maher and Andy Peel just before locking horns in the Premier League on Sunday morning. Photo supplied

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Highlight of the week was the hole in one by Trevor Nosworthy on Hole 2. Great way to start the round!

Jan Shuwalow beat all players on Tuesday with 39 points, Elspeth Scotford was runner-up and also secured the NTP.

Karl Kirkwood won the Men's competition with 38 pts, ahead of Col Hounsell.

NTP winners: Paul Gray, Peter Krause, and Barry Mortimer.

Elspeth continued her good form on Wednesday to take out the Airllywood Stableford ahead of Ann Gardel and Jan Shuwalow.

NTP's went to Rehab Hull and Ann Gardel.

The Thursday Division 1 winner was Ash Morley-Hart on 37 pts, ahead of Brian Allen also on 37 and Jon Miller on 36pts in 3rd place.

Joe Taylor topped the podium in Division 2 with 37 pts, also a countback with Ben Doer in 2nd place.

David Telford claimed 3rd place with 35pts.

NTP winners: Trevor Nosworthy (hole in one) Jon Miller, Yoko Fitton, and Fraser Simpson.

Jack Pirlo edged out Karlene Lloyd on a countback to win the Friday Met Run, and David Lloyd was the only NTP winner.

After the Club's AGM players headed out for the Saturday Stableford, Paula McQuat leading the ladies in with 38 pts, followed by Penny Wardroper on 35, and Nicole Cooper claiming 3rd place.

Dean Barnard was the winner of the men's competition with 39pts, on a countback from Adam Hagy and John Bissell in 3rd place with 37 pts.

NTP winners: Dean Barnard, Trish McNeill x 2, Brad Vloedmans, Mel Patullo and Mandy Patterson.

Don Cameron played well on Sunday to win the men's competition with 39 pts, with Terry Kimpton securing 2nd place on 35 pts. Robyn Whitham won the ladies with a scorching 40 pts, and Elise Hodgson was in 2nd place with 36 pts.

NTP winners: Nathan Holohan, Chris Bartlett, Scott Vlismas, Ben Raymant, Pauline Redpath and Diane Chard.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Pro Shop Team.

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In his address to the members at Saturday’s AGM President Phil Batty said that the Proserpine Golf Club has yielded remarkable achievements and successes throughout the 2022- 2023 financial year.

It has been filled with significant milestones and growth in player numbers, events, and online social media presence, but most importantly, significant financial stability.  

Throughout the year the club’s consistent performance has exceeded all budget expectations.

“We have experienced a 51 per cent increase in revenue from $792,000 to $1.198 million, and a 645 per cent increase in Profit Increase from $27,000 to $205,000,” he said.

“In addition to the excellent financial result, we have paid out early all the outstanding equipment loans to clear the balance sheet of liabilities,” he continued.

The organisational benefit of a good result is that the club has tentatively secured financial support from our bankers to fund the purchase of equipment to take the course to another level.

The board is currently evaluating and investigating the purchase of a new fairway mower, rough areas mower and greens mower.

We have recently purchased a sand spreader which is already having a marked impact on the greens and course generally.

The Club has recently ordered ten new Yamaha buggies and traded six from our current fleet of buggies to increase the number of buggies from 20 to 23.

Membership and participation are the backbone of Proserpine Golf Club, and I am pleased to say that this financial year saw over 120 new members. That’s an increase in membership to over 400 members, many of whom came from the incentive program in December where new entrants to golf were introduced by current members with the three-month trial.

“Looking ahead, we are excited to build upon our accomplishments and continue to explore new avenues for growth, enhancing our digital presence and developing creative ways to engage our members and the community,” Mr. Batty concluded.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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President of Proserpine Golf Club, Phil Batty. Photo supplied

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This week’s stableford 9-hole competition saw Edwina Pettiford in first place with 22 pts c/b, second place was Jack Hayes Williams with 22 pts and third with 20 pts was Josh Quin.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Elise Hodgson in first place with 24 pts, second place on 19 pts was Andrew Gomez and third place with 18 pts was Craig Kennedy. Great job by all.

On Sunday we held our 18-hole skins competition which saw Billy Blacker take the win with 13 skins, second place with 12 skins was Brad Low and third place with 9 skins was Josh Barnard.

Nearest the pin were Craig Kennedy and Dean Barnard.

This Sunday 27th August will be our monthly medal tee off at 10.00am, hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Golf Course.

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Pictured: Andrew Gomez

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Junior Rugby Union Comp Of The Year

The coveted Viking Cup 10s is back on the calendar for the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union club, with the competition already heating up.

Since its inception in 2012, the Viking Cup has welcomed many a player, and the club is expecting a massive increase in players and registrations for the 2023 carnival.

“It has evolved into what it is now, and it is regarded at the premier rugby event in our region,” explained Tim Oberg, the President of the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Club.

“We’ve extended our reach down to south Queensland, with hopes to expand the competition.”

This thrilling one day comp has been expanded for 2023, taking place Friday evening and into Saturday, for two huge days of eager and exciting rugby union.  

With mixed teams for children under 6s to under 12s, and gendered teams from 13 to 18, the competition is great for any player eager to give the sport a go.

“Now is the time to test out the sport in a fun day of rugby,” Tim said.

While also being aligned with the school holidays, the club has advantageously positioned the Cup to entice out-of-towners for a unique rugby carnival opportunity, in the heart of holiday central.

“We’re welcoming teams from Mackay, Emerald, and Townsville and excited to see more teams from further south, and even from interstate in future years,” said Tim.

“And hot on the heels of the Matildas at the World Cup, we are keen to have more girls get into the sport and in the Cup.”

To register or find out more about the Viking Cup, visit www.wjru.club/viking-cup

WHAT: Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Viking Cup 10s

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark

WHEN: Friday 29 September and Saturday 30 September

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The Whitsunday Rugby Union teams training to take on the competition. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell for being selected for the Queensland School Team.   Both boys will be travelling to Sydney this week to compete in the Australian School Sport Swimming Championships with Qld Team Manager, Kate Thomson.  

The Cannons would also like to congratulate Jy for being named the Queensland Team Captain!  Good Luck, Queensland!  

On Wednesday, the Cannons hosted another successful Club Night.  

All the swimmers were very excited with their new Club Shirt.  

Congratulations to Jax Clayworth on receiving the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.  

Jax was also awarded the Swim of The Night award for his 200m IM.  

The Cannons also presented Isaac Pisaniello with a Chocolate Award for swimming closest to his best time.  

The Cannons would like to welcome new swimmers and their families.

Gage Cotton, Anton Bakx, Mo Bakx, Noah Maltby, and Eric Mulliss all swam extremely well in their races.  

Top Performers on Wednesday night were Isaac Pisaniello, Indi Smith, Tora Delac, and Harris Delac.  They swam terrific times in all their events.  

Highlights include Trace Quick swimming a 5sec PB in his Butterfly event.  

Thomas Ganter swam excellent times in his 25m Freestyle and 25m Breaststroke.  

Surprisingly, Jacob Bell swam just under 38sec (37.99s) in his 50m Breaststroke to earn a personal best time.  

Levi Smith swam a very smooth 25m Butterfly in 21.36sec.  

One of Celeste Orenshaw’s best swims was her 50m Butterfly which she swam in 47.25sec, over 2 sec PB.  

Matilda Nicholes, Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Addie Sanders, and Charlie Doherty all swam brilliant Freestyle to earn personal best times.

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night and a big thank you to the coaches and parents for all their support!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons Club Night Aug 2023

Jy and Jacob in Qld Shirts. Photos supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures August 8, 2023:

Division 1:

Joola (Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman, Janice Kent) d Andro (George Camilleri, Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson) 7-4. Andrew d Barry -6, -4, 5, 2, 11.

Tibhar (Vince Boeske, Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan) d Radak (Mick Ruhl, Graham Brake) 7-4. Steven/Vince d Graham/Mick -16, -10, 5, 8, 7.

Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 6-5. Neil d Ivan -20, 5, -9, 5, 10.

Division 2:

Stiga (Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert) d Yasaka (Noreen Fredericksen, Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson) 10-1. Peter d Donna -8, 7, -3, 12, 9.

Victas (Steve Crocker, Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson) d Nittaku (Will VanDeKaa, John McGee) 8-3. John d Steve 9, 8, -10,  -9, 4.

Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Geow (Amanda Wright, Matthew West, Trent Day) 7-4. Duncan d Matthew -10, 4, 6, -9, 5.

Division 3:

Gamma (Mark Stam, Craig VanDeKaa) d Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) 5-4. Dave d Craig -6, 5, 3, 4.

Delta (Saisha Palod, Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin) d Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhalwal) 6-5. Kade d Val 8, -7, 7, -9, 3.

Alpha (Rymer Tabulo, Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) d Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Jye Callander, Virginia Clayton) 7-4. Ollie d Anaya 11, 6, -6, -9, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures August 8, 2023:

Division 1:

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-5. George d Charlie -8, 9, 5, -11, 9.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. Donna d Branko 9, -9, -6, 10, 8.

Division 2:

Purple (Iris Grasso, Michael Ibbotson, Judi Hicks) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 7-5. Marie/Kim d Iris/Judi -7, 9, 7, -5, 11.

Orange (Helen Ware, Louise Gould, Gerry Synnott) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink) 8-4. John d Gerry -8, 9, 12, -14, 7.

Division 3:

Grey (John Pratt, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Lime (Cheryl Pearson, Carmel Cristaldi, Myles Dutton) 9-3. Ian d Cheryl 3, -3, -2, 5, 4.

Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Aqua (Pam Keune, Val Hazeldene, Glenda Dutton) 8-4. Pam/Glenda d Cheryl/Bill -8, -8, 9, 12, 6.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Cheryl Pearson hits out in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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The Great Barrier Reef Rays, the premier cricket team representing Mackay and North Queensland, proudly celebrated a noteworthy weekend at the Century Cricket competition. In the Rays inaugural year, they made it all the way to the grand final, although were not able to come away with the championship. Despite not securing the win in the finale, the team achieved significant milestones and garnered popularity amongst fans.

Century Cricket Group is a privately owned cricket company co-founded by successful healthcare businessman Stuart Giles, Australian cricket great Ian Healy and world-renowned commentator Mark Nicholas, alongside cricket entrepreneurs and founders of the Australian Cricket Institute Nick Fitzpatrick and Joel Hamilton. The competition featured elite players such as NSW captain, Dan Hughes, Nick Larking of the Melbourne Stars, former Australian Fast Bowler Ben Laughlin and a host of other first-class players. The Rays' participation illuminates the vast potential and the promise of cricketing talent from the North.

With 7 players from Mackay and another three hailing from North Queensland there was considerable representation showing their ability at the competition.

A club representative said, “We were honoured to have the dynamism of former Australian Fast Bowler Ben Laughlin, the expertise of Melbourne Star Nick Larkin, and some emerging stars from Brisbane in our team, including the competition's leading run-scorer, Angus Lovell.

“The opportunity to play with these elite professionals was invaluable for our North QLD men.”

Their inclusion offered invaluable experiences for the Northern players, enhancing their exposure and learning.

“While we may not have clinched the win in the final, our Mackay and North QLD team went above and beyond, shattering expectations.

“The Rays have illuminated a genuine pathway for our boys from the North, giving them the chance to showcase their prowess alongside some of the best in the state and across Australia - and boy, did they rise to the occasion.”

The Rays owe a significant part of their success to their dedicated coach, Adam Knezevic. A local legend himself, Knezevic's guidance hints at a bright future for the Rays, cementing its reputation as a developmental pathway for emerging talent.

The Rays played six games over three days against the Gold Coast Waveriders, Northern Brisbane Kings, Southern QLD Rockets, Moreton Bay Magic and Darling Downs Dingos.

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The Great Barrier Reef Rays made it to the grand final in their inaugural year playing in the Century Cricket competition

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Up to 150 Mackay children now have access to a free netball program thanks to Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants.

Mackay Netball Association was one of 11 community netball clubs in Australia to receive grants from Woolworths in an initiative providing young netballers with improved facilities and encouraging healthy habits.

The $8,000 grant is being used to provide a six-week Woolworths NetSetGO program to up to 150 kids aged between five and ten.

Children will also be provided with fresh fruit, healthy snacks and customised equipment.

Mackay Netball Association Secretary Jenny Moohin said the program teaches netball basics including ball skills, gameplay and fine motor skills.

“A lot of kids come to the program, and they haven’t been playing with balls, so it’s really important that we provide them with these opportunities to develop those skills,” she said.

“Not everyone can afford it, so this is like a ‘come and try’ kind of thing to give those kids the opportunity to see if they like netball for free,” added Operations Manager Sharon Sutherland.

Ms Moohin and Ms Sutherland agreed on the strength of netball in the region and said grants, sponsorship and community support are integral in keeping the sport growing.

“We really need to be able to develop the association to be able to offer come and try days and that sort of thing for free,” said Ms Moohin.

“All of our coaches in the program will be volunteers, they’ll give up their time, but if you don’t have the young ones coming through, you’re not going to grow your association.

“Our NetSetGO program also gives us an opportunity to bring our junior coaches through and get them to help with the program, so it’s very important to teach kids to volunteer and they do, they love it.”

To find out more about Mackay Netball Association’s programs, visit mackaynetball.com or find Mackay Netball Association – MNA on Facebook.

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Mackay Netball Association is providing a free netball program thanks to a grant from Woolworths. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Social bowls results for August 9th, the winning team consisted of Betty Mulhall, Wendy McGee, and Doris Dodds. The runners-up were Carmel O’Loughlin, Lesley Baumgarten, and Daphne Offield.

In the 'Champion of Champion' 4’s final, held last week, it was the ‘battle of the North’ with Northern Beaches facing off against North Mackay. The North Mackay Ladies from Goosies Sport and Recreation Club emerged as the victors in this year's competition. Congratulations to North Mackay for the win.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Happy winners from left:  Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Nuggie Pratt, Marie Bragg

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