
What a fantastic day out on the water for the second running of the Abell Point Yacht Club’s iconic Warri Cup Yacht Race in Airlie Beach last Sunday. The day broke bright and sunny with a perfect forecast top of 24 degrees and unlike the first attempt back in April, Sunday’s conditions were absolutely glorious. SSE winds of around 13–17 knots throughout the day created ideal racing conditions and the fleet certainly made the most of it. The boats got away cleanly through the start line in their 3 divisions before flying across towards Langford Reef, rounding the island and making their way back home in some spectacular sailing conditions. Division 1 Multihulls - First over the line was Fangarang, followed closely by Barefoot and G’Nome. On corrected time however, Trojan claimed the win, followed by G’Nome and Fangarang. Division 2 Mono’s with Spinnakers - Reignition came flying over the line with Smooth Criminal hot on their tail, followed by Treasure VIII. Corrected time honours went to Dragonfly, Treasure VIII and Keep on Running. Division 3 Monohulls non spinnakers - Major sponsor Peter Harrison of Quadrant Marine aboard his Fast 42 Awesome, was first back in with Fordplay right behind and Team Matchless following, but on corrected time the winners were Alwyn, Fordplay and Awesome. With blue skies, steady breeze and an outstanding fleet on the water, the Warri Cup well and truly delivered on its second attempt, showcasing not only some fantastic racing but also the wonderful camaraderie and spirit of the local sailing community. The Abell Point Yacht Club now looks forward to building on the success of this year’s event and welcoming everyone back again in 2027. Contributed with thanks to Abell Point Yatch Club Photo supplied
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TUESDAY 18/5/26 PGC - Stableford MEN : Winner : Simon Briley 36 points R/Up : Gary Scotford 35 points NTPs : Aaron Prosser (2nd), Luke Wayth (13th) LADIES : Winner : Rehab Hull 37 points R/Up : Robyn Whitham 30 points VETS : Stableford LADIES : Winner : Rehab Hull 37 points R/Up : Robyn Whitham 30 points 3rd : Linda Wardroper 29 points NTPs : Elspeth Scotford (x2), Linda Wardroper (x2), Rehab Hull MEN : Winner : Gary Scotford 35 points R/Up : Warren Deighton 34 points 3rd : Bill Brownlie 32 points (C/B) from Vic Feldman NTPs : Warren Deighton, Allen Roberts, John Roser, David Woods (x2), John Oates WEDNESDAY 20/5/26 PGC - Stableford LADIES : Winner : Toni Clauss 34 points R/Up : Tina Badenhorst 30 points (C/B) 3rd : Elspeth Scotford NTPs : Ann Gardel (9th), Elspeth Scotford (13th) THURSDAY 21/5/26 PGC - Stableford MEN : A Grade : Winner : Brent Daniels 40 points R/Up : Perri Simpson 36 points (C/B) 3rd : Mark Astley (Ballina GC) B Grade : Winner : John Roser 36 points R/Up : John Dodds 34 points (C/B) 3rd : Wilf Herweg NTPs : Gary Scotford (2nd & 9th), Ben Harrison (13th), Adam Hosie (16th) FRIDAY 22/5/26 Stableford 9 hole Run kindly sponsored by the Metropole Hotel : Back 9 Winner : Shirley Larsen 21 points R/up : Elise Hodgson 19 points 3rd Brent Franke (16th) NTPs : Brent Franke 18 points SATURDAY 23/5/26 Stableford : kindly sponsored by Haymans MEN : A Grade : Winner : Adam Hosie 39 points R/Up : Brent Franke 36 points (C/B) 3rd : Cory O’Shea B Grade : Winner : Kech Williams 38 points R/Up : Luke Andrews 37 points (C/B) 3rd : Steven Hall NTPs : Daniel O’Donnell (2nd), Rob Stanley (9th & 16th), Glenn Lee (13th) LADIES : Winner : Elspeth Scotford 41 points R/Up : Chorus Andrews 39 points 3rd : Rehab Hull 37 points NTPs : Sara Hagy (2nd), Peta Thomas (9th) SUNDAY 24/5/26 May MM kindly sponsored by KJC MEN : Winner : Logan Snow 64 nett R/Up : Aaron Prosser 69 nett NTPs :Brent Franke (9th) Aaron Prosser (13th), Jake Murray (16th) LADIES : Winner : Penny Wardroper 68 nett NTPs : Elise Hodgson (9th) * * * Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae
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Another huge week in paradise at our little bowls club, with Tuesday afternoon bowls seeing much excitement as Ladies’, Men’s A, B and Senior Singles moved into the last four, and all pairs, triples and fours nearing completion. Wednesday afternoon saw 20 bowlers vying for the winner’s prize, with two games of triples and two games of pairs. The biggest winning margin went to skipper Arthur McManus, with second Glen O’Brien and lead, new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, all playing like a team with outstanding results and an 11-point winning margin. Great effort. Wednesday night saw Business House bowls, brilliantly run by Bobby Spees and his wife Yvonne, a very special couple. Ten teams occupied five rinks, and once again, although in a new team, Cathy Russell leading Clearwater Catering achieved a brilliant win and remains unbeaten. All games were close, and everyone enjoyed the chicken burgers at the finish. Friday afternoon saw Christian College students thoroughly enjoying and improving their bowling skills, especially Elliana Langshore and Miranda Jackson. Although only in Year 8, they are showing fantastic potential. We will have exciting playoffs to determine who will represent the Whitsundays in the upcoming Queensland Schools Tournament. Division 1 and Division 4 played at home on Saturday, with Manny Isgro’s team winning 21–13, Joan McGrath’s team winning 21–13 also, and John Fielding’s team winning 29–17, giving Airlie a 71–43 victory against a very strong side and last season’s champions, Northern Beaches. Luke Kinnear, Andrew Butler, and Alan Pershouse all deserve special mention. The Division 4 team, led by skipper Des Ballance, with superb teamwork, won 25–16. However, David Dias and his team lost 9–30 to North Mackay. Division 2 lost to Mackay City, with Carol Crosbie’s team winning 24–20. Sunday pennants saw Division 1 away at Sarina Bowls Club, with John Fielding’s 21–20 win being the only winning rink. Division 2 against West Tigers lost, with only Ladda Purdie’s team drawing 17 all. West Tigers also played Division 4, and once again Des Ballance and his team were convincing winners 30–13, while David Dias’s team went down 20–19 in a last-bowl thriller. Division 4 is still leading the overall standings. This week’s photo shows the victorious Division 4 team, pictured from left: Tony Kelly, Sue Dakin, selector Warren Mills, Alma Rose Mawson, Mark Mawson, and David Dias proudly displaying the scoreboard. Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
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Twenty nine players (9 ladies and 20 men) experienced a foggy start which then cleared to ideal golfing conditions. Congratulations to the ladies winner Rehab Hull and Gary Scotford for the men in the single Stableford event. We wish Heather a speedy recovery from her injury. A reminder that Wintersun entries are now open. RESULTS LADIES Winner: Rehab Hull with 37 points R/Up: Robyn Whitham with 30 points Rundown: Linda Wardroper (29), Elspeth Scotford (28) and Helen Deighton (26) MEN Winner: Gary Scotford with 35 points R/Up: Warren Deighton with 34 points Rundown: William Brownlie (32), Vic Feldman (32), John Oates, Louis Neethling and Peter Lindsay all on 31 points, Allen Roberts (30), David Woods (30) and Ken Granger (29) PIN SHOTS Ladies: A Grade - Elspeth Scotford (x2) B Grade - Linda Wardroper (x2) and Rehab Hull Men: A Grade - Warren Deighton, Allen Roberts and John Roser B Grade - David Woods (x2) and John Oates CHIP INS Linda Wardroper and Peter Lindsay NAGAs for a ball each Kath Borer and Neil Cawthorne DRAWS: MEMBERSHIP draw to Helen Deighton WEEKLY RAFFLE won by Kath Borer UPCOMING EVENTS: 26/5/26 - STABLEFORD 2/6/26 - JUNE 2026 Monthly Medal and count your putt Contributed with thanks to John Roser
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The slightly cooler weather bought out more players with 19 WGC competitors in the single Stableford competition.
LADIES A GRADE :
Winner: Tiina Randmae with 37 points
Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn
LADIES B GRADE :
Winner: Jo Moynihan with 26 points
Runner-up: Pam Casey
MEN’S A GRADE :
Winner: Jason Bourke with 35 points
Runner-up: Darren Reynolds
MEN’S B GRADE :
Winner: Paul Nicol with 39 points
Runner-up: Scotty Vlismas
LONGEST DRIVES :
Ladies’ A: Tiina Randmae
Ladies’ B: Sally Little
Men’s A: No-one on the fairway
Men’s B: Gerald Lovell
NEXT WEEK : a 4BBB is currently scheduled, this may change due to the Charity Day on Saturday, we’ll keep you informed.
In any case, get your names in early, so we can play in a block.
PHOTO : L > R : Paul Nicol, Anna Winterbourn, Jo Moynihan, Tiina Randmae, Darren Reynolds. Photo supplied

The weekly 9-hole stableford saw Matt Baines take first place with 23 pts, second with 21 pts c/b was Tim Walton and third place with 21 pts was Matt Burke.
Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Jimmy Millar take first place with 23 pts, second with 22 pts was Billy O’Connor and third place with 21 pts was Tim Walton.
Sundays 18-hole stroke competition was a great turnout, coming in first c/b was Brad Low, second place was Glenn Rees, and third place was Tyson Flavel.
Nearest the pin this Sunday was Glenn Rees.
This Sunday 18th February will be 4 ball better ball tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am.
Pictured: ‘Funky shirt Fridays’ Andrew Gomez and Kendal Nash. Photo supplied

Nominations are open for all Proserpine Bowls Club competitions. Get your names in as soon as possible to allow plenty of time in order for us to get our draws out and games progressing.
On Wednesday, we had 11 players enjoying games of Social bowls. Jim Bownds, Barry Zillmann and Peter Lawton defeated Alen Sanderson, Pat Bownds and Bryan Davy 21 - 11.
John Anderson, Heather Brown and Philip Brown defeated Mary Hedgelong, Heather Brown and Mike Harrison 20 - 12.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

The district bowls Aussie Day Carnival was once again organised and celebrated in style at Mackay City Bowls Club on Shakespeare Street.
Most of the district’s top bowlers were there to enjoy spirited games and sharpen their skills leading into a packed bowls calendar of 2024.
For the fifteenth year in succession, Jetson Salvage and Scrap Metal, PBC Compliance and R&T Pumps once again sponsored the event. These three businesses were acknowledged and thanked for their continuous ongoing support.
Congratulations goes to the winning team of Rob Menzies, Les McDermott, David Maskell and Trevor Kelly, who dedicated their win to the late Ashlee Knight of City Bowls.
Contributed by Warren Sturgeon.
Winning Team with Sponsors. Sean Dolan (Sponsor Jetson Salvage and Scrap Metal), Trevor Kelly, Les McDermott, Bob Menzies, David Maskell and Tony Warne (Sponsor R&T Pumps)
Colourful shirts aplenty on the green for S.Spann’s Airlie Beach team and J.Neeve’s City team

The bowls community and wider Mackay community was saddened to hear of the passing of Ashlee Knight last month. Ashlee was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma and intercranial hypotension on 27th July, 2020.
Chemotherapy for Ashlee included completing twelve cycles over roughly what was an arduous eleven months of treatment.
During this period, Ashlee was on track to completing and graduating from her final days of Year 12, even finishing her English assessment hours after treatment, against her doctors’ advice.
Ashlee went on to graduate with flying colours at the top of her class, even continuing to play lawn bowls for the district, where she was selected for the Queensland Junior Squad.
Ashlee represented the QLD U25 Team in 2022 and 2023 versus NSW, won the QLD Secondary Schools Cup in 2019, was runner up in the QLD U18 Girls Singles in 2021 and was an inaugural member of the 2023 QLD High Performance Academy.
Condolences to Ashlee’s family and close friends.
Ashlee Knight

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures January 30, 2024:
Division 1:
BMW (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Ian McKay) d Lexus (Barry Patterson, Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent) 9-2. Andrew d Emma -7, -13, 7, 12, 8.
Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Robbie Richards) d Audi (Lee Brake, Lily Boland) 9-2. Lee d Robbie 7, 9, -7, -8, 5.
Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) d Mercedes (Graeme Walker, Steven Whiting, Graham Brake) 6-5. Steven d Anne 7, 9, -3, -13, 5.
Division 2:
Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Kia (Matt West, Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson) 6-5. Geoff d Steve -10, 11, 3, -6, 11.
Nissan (Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan, Will VanDeKaa) d Hyundai (Marie Taylor, Donna Abbott, Delma Knight) Donna d Simon -6, -10, 8, 7, 9.
Honda (Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson, Jye Callander) d Mazda (Duncan Sheridan, Mark Sleeman, Niro) 7-4. Andrea d Duncan 14, -6, 8, -8, 9.
Division 3:
Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa), Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) d Ford (Misha Palod, Tiffany Camilleri, Ollie Hamelink) 6-5. Nehmat d Tiffany 6, -7, 18, -6, 4.
Fiat (Tim Montford, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang) d Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) 6-5. Anaya d Tim -6, 9, -5, 8, 8.
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures January 30, 2024:
Division 1:
Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Val Austin) drew Leopards (Charlie Payne, Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 6-all. Doug d Charlie 7, 8, -5, -9, 10.
Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) drew Pumas (George Camilleri, Rhonda Payne, Coral Morgan) 6-all. George d Peter -8, 10, 4, -6, 6.
Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) d Tigers (Delma Knight, Iris Grasso, John McGee) 7-5. Delma d Bryan -6, 7, 13, -13, 8.
Division 2:
Cyran (Charles Hamlett, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Cheryl Pearson) 10-2. Ken d Louise 7, -6, -7, 8, 6.
Aqua (Judi Hicks, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) drew Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) 6-all. Fred d Gloria 5, -7, 9, -5, 12.
Division 3:
Sapphires (Pam Keune, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Glenda/Trish d Madge/Darryl -8, 8, 8, -8, 7.
Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Thelma Caruana, Glenda Dutton) 8-4. Sharon/Thelma d Frank/Bill -5, 10, 8, 12.
Steven Whiting in action in Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures. Photo: Charlie Payne

Ten Mackay teams played in the GNOT (Gold National Open Teams) 1st qualifying event on Saturday 3 February. Gold points are sought after by players as there are limited events that award Gold Points. Team Bugeia is currently in the lead, also congratulations to the novice players who entered this event. Good luck to all for the next round.
Weekly Results
Monday 29 January 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
1st
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson
2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
3rd
Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane
4th
Susan Ross / Vicki Howard
4th
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
Tuesday Evening 30 January 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
1st
Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers
3rd
Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood
3rd
Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell
Wednesday 31 January 2024 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Terry Sheedy / Eric Lievesley
1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
2nd
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan
3rd
Joy Brunette / Don Poole
3rd
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
4th
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
4th
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
Thursday Evening 1 February 2024 – 6 Table One Winner
1st
Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers
2nd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
3rd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
4th
Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch
5th
Mick King / Patricia Garner
6th
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
Friday 2 February 2024 - 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
1st
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Antonia Taradas / Graham Smith
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Richard Wix / Edward Kliese
4th
Ming Ting / David Ting
4th
Jewel Schmidt / Annette Howe
Saturday 3 February 2024 – GNOT (Gold National Open Teams) Gold Points
Teams
Players
1st
Bugeia
Noel Bugeia - Terry Sheedy - Janelle Conroy - Geoff Taylor
2nd
Brown
Alan Brown - Frances Brown - Janet Hansen - Diane Morgan
3rd
Goodchild
Eric Goodchild - David Ting - Debra Goodchild - Ming Ting
4th
Shuttlewood
Lorna Shuttlewood - Susan Wright - Faye Wright - Christine Nice
5th
King
Mick King – Patricia Garner – Julie O’Neill – Griffin Bancroft
6th
Darley
Monica Darley – Ken Seaniger - Nancy Martin – Margaret Lane
7th
Saunders
Noel Saunders – Ted Cullinan – Sandra Morris – Annie Lynch
8th
Schmidt
Jewel Schmidt – Diane Stokes – Annette Howe – Ann Whitmore
9th
Gaskell
Ian Gaskell – Carol Gaskell – Geoff Cowan – Sandy Patterson
10th
Lutz
Anne Lutz – Karen Caldwell – Susan Ross – Vicki Howard
Contributed by Joy Block.
(L to R) Noel, Terry, Janelle, and Geoff. Photo supplied

Walkerston Roosters Cricket Club are Mackay Cricket Association’s newly crowned Twenty20 First Division Shootout champions for the 2023-24 season.
The resurgent Roosters powered their way to a deserved title with a thrilling 14-run Grand Final victory over Pioneer Valley last Saturday night at Great Barrier Reef Arena to cap a memorable campaign.
Experienced stalwarts Sam Vassallo, skipper Chris Mceldowney, pace ace Adam Knezevic and quick Nick Lotarski featured prominently in the Roosters’ charge to the championship with top performances throughout the series.
Walkerston elected to bat first after winning the toss and posted a competitive 6-126 with valuable contributions from Masters representative skipper Vassallo (36 runs off 32 balls including five boundaries), Mceldowney (26 not out off 29 balls) and Neil Gustavson (20).
Pioneer bowling trump cards Dion Krisanski-Kennedy (3-26 off four overs) and Bailey Camilleri (3-29 off four) kept the Roosters in check with wholehearted performances.
Krisanski-Kennedy was close to best on field – nearly pulling off a sensational victory for the Valley with a dashing knock of 48 before he was stumped by Walkerston keeper Vassallo off the bowling of spinner Adrian Young.
The talented all-rounder cracked six boundaries during his 42-ball stint at the crease and shared a vital third wicket partnership of 76 with opening batsman Mitch English (39 off 47 balls) after the Valley lost two early wickets with only nine runs on the board.
At 2-85 the Pioneer outfit seemed on track to reach their target before the accomplished trio of the lethal Lotarski (3-22 off four), Mceldowney (2-20 off four) and cagey Knezevic (2-24 off four) masterminded an epic Walkerston victory after restricting the Valley X1 to 8-112.
The previous day the Roosters advanced to the trophy decider with a 22-run semi final triumph over Norths Devils at Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Vassallo (43 runs off 38 balls with four boundaries and a six), vice captain Jakob Frerichs (34 off 23 balls), Knezevic (27 off 14 balls with three boundaries and a six) and Luke Jackson (23 not out off 20 balls) helped the Roosters amass 6-143 with Kerrod Tortora (3-19 off four) the pick of the Devils’ bowling attack.
Norths (7-121) fell short in their run chase with opener Darryn Dyer (41 runs off 37 balls) looming as a potential batting hero before he was run out with the Devils well placed at 2-87.
Captains and Umpires for the Twenty20 First Division final played at Harrup Park last weekend. Photo credit: Mackay Cricket

Hundreds of people flocked into the Whitsunday Sportspark on Saturday to enjoy the ninth annual Whitsunday Sports Expo.
Dozens of stalls were hosted by enthusiastic sports coaches, players and other volunteers who were all keen to impart their knowledge and meet potential new club members.
Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Elise Hodgson won Tuesday's stableford with 39 points, with Lyn Muller the second lady on 33 points. Scott Mason had 35 points to edge out Phil Luckett in the men's field. Pins went to Tiina Randmae, Larry Muller, Gerard Lovell, and Craig McLean.
Joshua Norris edged out Tom O'Brien on 38 points to win Thursday's competition. John Roser and Brad Fleet had 37 points to lead the A division. Pins went to Aaron Prosser and Joshua Norris.
Brendan Spann won Friday's Met run with 21 points, with Larry Muller two shots adrift. Peter Faust won both pin shots.
Joshua Norris continued his great week by winning the RGH monthly medal with an impressive net 62; and his 80 off the stick secured the C grade gross prize. A-grader Tony Goss turned back the clock with a winning 64 net, while Rob Stanley parred the course for the gross win. Ritchie Atkins wasn't far away with a 65 net to win the B grade medal. Steve Westley won the gross with 79. Jordyn Albergo had a fine 69 net to win the ladies' division. Runners up were Fraser Simpson, Craig Smith, John Dodds and TiinaRandmae. Pins went to Trevor Paroz, Levi Holmes and two to Elspeth Scotford.
Jon Miller shot five under par to win the KJC Diesel Sunday monthly medal by two shots from Scott Lee on 67 net. Nicole Cooper had a great 66 net, ten shots ahead of Peta Thomas in the ladies' division. Pins went to Paula McQuat, Jon Miller, Nicole Cooper, and Sean Fogarty.
Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop team at Proserpine Golf Club.
Photos supplied

Airlie Beach local Dennis Winstanley has shown the high calibre of NQ sailing talent in the Windsurfer World Championships held over the New Year at the South of Perth Yacht Club in Western Australia, winning gold in the heavy weight Course Racing and silver in the Marathon.
The 2023 Worlds were held in Australia, following the successful reboot of Windsurfer World Competitions in Italy in 2022. Taking the opportunity to attend a rare ‘home’ Worlds, Dennis, former 2001 World Champion and multiple national champion travelled with his family to WA in the hope of using the windy west coast as a good training ground in the lead up to the event as he hadn’t competed nationally for 5 years.
The spectacular Marathon had 250 competitors start on a near kilometre-long starting line. Dennis and Australian Olympic medalist windsurfer Lars Kleppich broke away from the fleet early on and battled it out for first and second the entire two laps of the river with the lead changing multiple times. Dennis finished second place by only a few metres in an awe-inspiring race between long term friends and on water rivals.
Fellow Port Denison Sailing Club member and Bowen local Sam Belyea (aged 16 at the time) joined the medium weights and was awarded the Western Australian Junior Champion at the WA States prior to the Worlds. He also positioned 12th overall in the medium weight course racing in his very first World Competition and gained invaluable large fleet experience.
Dennis credits his time sailing over the years from Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach, and Bowen for his ability to adjust to all wind, wave, and tide conditions on the water, and looks forward to the racing season beginning on February 11th at Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen.
Port Denison Sailing Club will also host the Qld Windsurfer State Championships mid-year, with dates TBA, and it is hoped that interstate competitors will travel to pit themselves against the hot Qld contingent in preparation for the Worlds in September.
Dennis Winstanley practising on the Swan River just prior to the main event. Photo credit: Windsurfer Class Association of Australia

23 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Townsville to compete at the Townsville Tourists LC Meet.
The Cannons had an excellent weekend with swimmers achieving State and National qualifying times, accumulating 70 PBs, earning A Grade times, ribbons, medals, and the Skins. Jy Parkinson qualified for the Australian Age Championships for his 100m Backstroke and won all his events. Jacob Bell won the Medley Skins event and was thrilled with the prize money. Addie Sanders, Andie Reynolds, and Indi Smith were excited to achieve an extra state qualifying time over the weekend.
Special mentions: Eloise Chegwidden won all her events. Koa Harland achieved 2 A Grade times and won her 100m Breaststroke with a 15.18sec PB. Tiana Bell, Levi Smith, and Zach Trefz swam awesome times in their 200m IM, with huge PBs. Levi and Zach swam PBs in just about all their events. Zach won his 50m Breaststroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke. Declan Dichiera and Nelson Malady had a fantastic carnival. One of Declan’s best swims was his 100m Butterfly which he swam in a time of 1.37.13 to earn 1st place and a 19.25sec PB. Nelson swam brilliant Backstroke, earning 1st place in his 50m and 100m races. Isabella Pisaniello won three of her events. Her best swim was her 50m Breaststroke in a time of 41.53, a 2.28sec PB. Dylan Reynolds swam 5PBs and won her 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle.
Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, Alex Trefz, Ruby Harland, Maeve Dichiera, Harry Chegwidden, and Isaac Pisaniello swam extremely well, achieving top placings in the age group.
Congratulations to all the swimmers! A big thank you to the coaches and parents for all their support!
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

The Hibiscus Coast District Scouts are on the lookout for passionate leaders ready to embark on an exciting journey of guiding and inspiring our local youth - the leaders of tomorrow. With the demand for scouting groups soaring, they urgently need energetic adult volunteer leaders to join in the thrill of the adventure.
Whether you're a parent eager to contribute or an individual with a zeal for volunteering, this is your chance to play a crucial role in supporting local youth on a thrilling path of learning and growth. Exciting details about this incredible opportunity can be discovered at the Mackay Regional Council's Sports Expo.
Becoming a scout leader isn't just about outdoor escapades and scouting principles; it's a dynamic, fulfilling experience that lets you reconnect with the vibrancy of youth. Plus, you'll have the fantastic opportunity to impart essential life skills to the children in our community. Get ready to join the excitement, shape the future, and be part of an adventure that's as thrilling as it is rewarding!
Try The Five
Participants are required to wear enclosed shoes (no crocs or sandals), a hat, bring a water bottle, and wear activity-appropriate clothing. The schedule includes paddling on February 3rd (book at https://www.trybooking.com/COFXS), a rope bridge on February 11th (no booking needed at the Sports Expo), archery on February 17th (book at https://www.trybooking.com/COGNJ), abseiling on February 18th (book at https://www.trybooking.com/COGNI), and mountain biking on February 24th (book at https://www.trybooking.com/COGNK). The activities are open to individuals aged 5 years and older, both youth and adults are welcome. It's four weeks of thrilling experiences. Please note that this is a volunteer activity, and youth participants cannot be dropped off without proper supervision.
It’s time to turn off the device and get outdoors. The Adventure awaits!

You don’t need to be a seasoned player to give netball a try. The Mackay Netball Association has teams for all players, from those who can simply just play for fun, to more competitive teams!
Ranging from children’s games to junior teams right through to senior competitions, this all-inclusive netball association gives those who are keen on joining a variety of options to make sure the players get the best out of their time on the courts.
“Last year we had 1700 members and we’re always looking for more,” said Mackay Netball’s Operations Manager, Sharon Sutherland.
Catering to those who are unsure about signing up, some Clubs offer an option to come and try to see if you like it before paying to register into a team. That way, you or your child gets the opportunity to attend a training session to see what it’s all about before making the big decision to join.
Small children’s games from 7 to 10 years are played in a modified manner, with no score and no winner or loser. This ensures the emphasis is on fun and skills development in a nurturing environment.
There are plenty of teams looking for new players for all ages.
“We start our competition junior grading at the end of February, we’ve got 13 clubs looking for players for teams located in Moranbah and throughout the Whitsundays, including 11 clubs in Mackay,” Ms Sutherland explains.
The Mackay Netball Association is aiming to have a demonstration at Mackay Regional Council’s Sports Expo at the demo zone for those interested in seeing netball skills in action. There will be club members and players at the Expo to answer questions and hand out information about the season ahead.
For more information, email operations@mackaynetball.com or visit Mackay Netball Association’s website, mackaynetball.com.

Mackay's biggest sport and recreation sign-on event is just over a week away.
The JET Group Mackay Sport and Rec Expo will have more than 100 clubs on display, creating a one-stop-shop of sport and recreation opportunities.
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to be back at the MECC for the second year in a row, after COVID-19 caused the event to go online-only for 2021 and 2022.
“This year’s event will be action packed, with a range of active zone demonstrations and all the usual prizes and competitions, such as nominate your favourite club and random draws,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The expo will include dozens of interactive booths, two active zone areas in the south foyer and interactive activities outside,” he said.
“The outdoor activities will include a Scouts’ rope bridge, dragonboat paddling, woodchopping and lawn bowls.
“In an effort to make the event more inclusive and accessible, we'll also have a relaxed session at the start of the event.
“We included the relaxed session at last year’s event, but it has been brought forward this year to an earlier time, 9am to 10am, to make it more accessible.
“The relaxed session is for people who appreciate a quieter environment. The doors to the MECC will be opened, lights turned down and sound levels kept to a minimum.
“JET Group Mackay have really picked up the ball and run with it, taking on the naming rights sponsorship for the second year in a row.
“To celebrate they are giving away $1000 to one of the clubs on display.
“Those attending are encouraged to nominate their favourite club at the event for a chance to win.”
One person who nominates their favourite club will also win a large trolley cooler bag, valued at $99, thanks to in-kind sponsor Brand Factor.
Harrup Park Country Club and its Great Barrier Reef Arena have come onboard again this year as a bronze sponsor.
Other sponsors for the event include media partners Star 101.9, 4MK and Channel 7.
The event will be held Sunday, February 11, from 9am to 1pm, with Star 101.9 broadcasting live.
For more information, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/sportexpo
What: JET Group Mackay Sport and Rec Expo
When: Sunday, February 11, from 9am to 1pm
Where: The MECC
Tickets: Free entry
JET Group Mackay is the proud naming rights sponsor for the 2024 event once again, and to celebrate they are giving away $2000 to local clubs!
1. SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO COMPETITION - sport and recreation clubs
Local sport and recreation clubs who have registered for the JET Group Mackay Sport and Rec Expo can enter to win a $1000 cheque for their club!
> How to enter:
Create a short video to show how excited your club would be if you win, what you would spend the $1000 on and share it on social media. When sharing your video remember to include the hashtag in your social media post #mackaysportexpo. It’s recommended to email communications@mackay.qld.gov.au to let them know, so they can find your entry. Feel free to be as creative as you like and use the video to showcase your club, members and facilities.