Get ready to swing into action as Mackay Tennis Association (located at Kippen St, right next to Harrup Park Country Club) invites you to embrace the thrill of tennis and pickleball in the upcoming 2024 fixture season. Whether you're an experienced player or just picking up a racket for the first time, there's something for everyone at the Mackay Tennis Association.

Tennis and Pickleball Come and Try Day:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 27th January at 4 pm, as we kick off the season with a "Come and Try" day.  Join us for an afternoon of fun, camaraderie, and the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic sports of tennis and pickleball.

Wednesday Night Fixtures:
For those seeking a mid-week hit of tennis, our Wednesday night fixtures are set to begin on 31st January. Sign-on dates are scheduled for 17th and 24th January at 6 pm.  Current and new players are welcome to join this teams-based weekly competition.

Tuesday Ladies Fixtures:
Ladies, lace up your tennis shoes! Our Tuesday Ladies Fixtures commence on 13th February, with sign-on dates on 23rd, 30th January and 6th February, all at 9 am. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills, make new friends, and enjoy the competitive spirit of women's tennis.

Pickleball Social Sessions:
Join us every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and on Saturday afternoons from 4:30pm to 6:30pm for our lively Pickleball social sessions on our 6 marked pickleball courts. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, these sessions offer a perfect blend of friendly competition and socializing.  Combining elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, come along and experience Pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

The Mackay Tennis Association is committed to providing a vibrant and inclusive sporting community for players of all ages and skill levels. Our upcoming fixture season promises to be filled with thrilling matches, new friendships and a whole lot of fun.  Don't miss out on the action – join us and be part of the tennis and pickleball excitement. It's time to hit the courts, make memories and serve up some unforgettable moments! See you there!

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Jamie Duncan

Brett Walz and Gerard

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On Sunday the greens at Mackay Bowls Club reopened to a great afternoon of Cut
Throat pairs Bowls.

The greens were full, with teams playing three games of eight ends. As teams
dropped out, two games of four ends were played.

Winners for the afternoon were:

Division 1 runners up: Lucky and Karina Dunn
Winners: Col Marks and Dot McNamara
Division 2 Runners up: Arthur Naylor, Toni Blucher, Brian Williams
Winners: Richard Bell, Julie Caban

Games will continue during the week.
Tuesday: Mixed social 3 bowl
Thursday: Scroungers
Friday: Social Mixed Bowls.

Australia Day: 26th January is afternoon Triples Social Bowls. A special day of bowls is with thanks to an Australia Day Grant from the Mackay Regional Council and More Air Mackay donating sponsorship. Bowlers and non-bowlers are invited to come along and celebrate Australia Day with us.

The day will start at 1.00pm.

Enjoy an afternoon of bowls and Aussie tucker.

Ladies graded pairs will be played on Saturday 27th starting 12.30pm. Names
in by Wednesday 24th.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Happy New to all from the Mackay Contract Bridge Club. We start the year with our Australia Day come and try day, with a free BBQ and a visit from the Major. February sees us welcome a new batch of beginners, information can be found on our Facebook page. We are very excited, this year the Mackay Bridge Club is hosting the Great Barrier Reef Congress on the long weekend in May, where we will be welcoming players from all over Queensland and Australia, so it’s a great year to get involved.

Weekly Results

Monday 8 January 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2nd

Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

4th

Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

Tuesday Evening 9 January 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd

Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

3rd

Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

4th

Richard Wix / Mick King

Wednesday 10 January 2024 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

1st

Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd

Frances Brown / Terrence Sheedy

3rd

Joy Brunette / Don Poole

3rd

Susan Wright / Bob Ellis

4th

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th

Patrick Rasmussen / Carmel Brown

Thursday 11 January 2024 9 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2nd

Eric Lievesley / Griffin Bancroft

3rd

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

4th

Mick King / Patricia Garner

Friday 12 January 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Alan Brown / Frances Brown

1st

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd

Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

2nd

Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3rd

Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

3rd

Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

4th

Christine Nice / Diane Cox

Saturday 13 January 2024 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

1st

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd

Terry Sheedy / Frances Brown

3rd

Mick King / Jan Harris

3rd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th

Joy Brunette / Helen Van De Breok

4th

Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

5th

Geoff Taylor / Toni Large

5th

Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz

5th

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

6th

Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

Contributed by Joy Block

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Patricia Garner Life Master

Gail Gibbs, Shelly Lewis and Lynne O’Neill

Peter Cowling and Annette Howe

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Whitsunday Regional Council has been awarded funding to host six fitness programs across the region for free.

As part of the North Queensland Sports Foundation, Move It NQ is aimed to support healthier and active lifestyles.

The six programs are:
1. Next Starts Sports Academy, hosting Ninja Squad out of Cannonvale.

2. Survivor Physiology, hosting a range of classes including body weight, boxercise, core, and cardio training out of Bowen.

3. Mindful Moves, with a zen and mediation sessions in Bowen.

4. 4 Element Fitness, holding a core session in Bowen.

5. Spark Life hosting ‘Healthy Bones Healthy Body’ session in Proserpine, and

6. Feet First, with two youth sessions in Proserpine.

Visit Whitsunday Regional Council website to find further information and for booking information.

Whitsunday Regional Council have undertaken works to reseal and repaint lines on the Whitsunday Sportspark netball courts, just in time for the impending season.
The courts, in the Whitsunday Sportspark, see consistent use, particularly during the winter netball season.

Significant rainfall events during 2022 and 2023 caused the courts to fall into disrepair and hindered players.

In conjunction with the reseal, Council also completed minor drainage works, to improvement water movement, so as to keep the courts safe for netballs players during the season.

Whitsunday Netball Association is currently accepting registrations for the 2024 season, for all players, including Seniors, Juniors and Net Set Go, with Net Set Go set to return to the courts first in early February.

Register at: https://netballwhitsunday.wixsite.com/wna1/register

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Photo: WRC

Sunday Social Bowls:  P.Delic, W.Coles, Brett Lampard d B.Neal, R.Rodda, Steve Roome.

Keith Kirk, Gavin Charles d Sue Fox, Lee Welsted.  Ross Scanlon, Jane Gilbert, Wayne Crowhurst d P.Morrison, Ray Muir, S.Fuller.

Ryan’s Seafood held their Christmas party in January at the BBC.

Wednesday Social: A.Melic, Peter Bruce, Mark Drummond d Jake Melic, Ray Muir, Steve Roome.

Scroungers: Jane Gilbert, Tracey Roach, Gavin Charles, Mary Ellen Pratten.

Jane Gilbert was the winner.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Ryan’s Seafood Christmas Party. Photo supplied

We are going through our monsoonal weather so because our bowls green can't be covered we have to say our prayers so we can play but obviously we have heathens in our club because there was no play on Wednesday, I will have to help them find the way and the truth because today the sun shone all day and we had a strong field today for the winner’s prize which was super close.

Two winning teams won by eleven points with Warren Mills who has been back to his scintillating form with outstanding performance as skipper with Mario De Martini at lead and Mark Mawson at second that most times could just stand and applaud of his dominance.

However, Ladda Purdie with John Fielding continuing on his last year performances to win on a count back on ends won.

Whilst John Anderson won the Health Hub Award for the second time in 2 weeks.

Fiona Greener our bar manager does a fabulous performance as usual.

Men's A Division heats are progressing, and results will be published as the games are played

We are only a tiny club compared to all the other Mackay clubs, but the talent on display weekly is outstanding as this week's photo shows.

Our pocket rocket Carol Crosbie a Queensland champion, Margo Stanley our club coach, John Fielding Division 1 player, Shane Spann Division One skipper and another Queensland champion, Alan Pershouse, Division 1 player last year's A Grade Champion and Club Champion, and Betty Nicole one of the finest bowlers in our proud state.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Photo supplied

Paul Gray won the Tuesday monthly medal with a nett 65. Michael Cragg was runner up, with pin shots going to Scott Mason, Elspeth Scotford, and two to Ben Smith.

Jalen Jarvis had 40 stableford points to win Thursday's B division ahead of Mark Thompson on 39. Ryan Wilkes had 36 points to take out the A division from Craig McLean on 35. Pins went to John Roser and Jack Paroz.

Friday's Met run winner was Jack Pirlo with 21 points, from Chris Pirlo on 20.  The pins went to Michael Jarvis and Aaron Prosser.

Jackson Gray won the Allenbuild stableford competition on Saturday with 43 points; six points clear of the the B division runner up in Mason Johnson.  

Daniel O'Donnell edged out Warren Deighton on 38 points for the A division prize, while Pam Harrison won the ladies division with 33 points from Jill Farinelli on 28.  Pins went to Lance Lloyd, John Clark, Jill Farinelli and Tiina Randmae.

Darren Reynolds edged out Levi Holmes with 69 nett to win the Sunday stroke competition while Linda Wardroper edged out Anna Winterbourn on 77 nett for the ladies division. Pins went to Ned Davies, Paula McQuat, Darren Reynolds and Peta Thomas.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

Last minute changes to the competition format in order to accommodate the Jan MM reduced the field somewhat for the normal MM numbers with only 14 players competing. Conditions were hot and steamy, as were the players, but the front 9 (played twice) was in remarkably good condition, in spite of the recent rain.

Presentation was at the Reef Gateway Hotel as usual, and it was good to see all the players turn up. The prizes for the winners and placegetters, (ie. the balls) will be distributed next week. NTPs were presented on the day.

Please remember that the AGM will be held after the presentation next week, this is where the decisions will be made on the direction of the club for 2024. So, input is required from our members, election of officers for 2024 is also part of the AGM, all nominations can be made from the floor on the day.

LADIES ALL IN:

Winner: Linda Wardroper with 76 nett

Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with 77

Longest Drives: Anna Winterbourn and Linda Wardroper

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Darren Reynolds with 69 nett

Runner-up: Andrew Albergo with 70

Longest Drive: Darren Reynolds

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Paul Nicol with 71 nett

Runner-up: Ron Jamieson with 72

Longest Drive: Paul Nicol

NTPs:

For the ladies: Anna Winterbourn

For the men:  Darren Reynolds and Wilf Herweg ( x2)

LEAST PUTTS: Ron Jamieson with 27 putts

NAGAs: the honours went to Tina Cook and Wilf Herweg.           

NEXT WEEK: will be a Stableford format, get your names in as early as possible between 7 and 8 am so we can play in a block and  the presentation will follow at the RGH. The AGM will follow shortly after the presentation.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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PHOTO: Paul Nicol, Linda Wardroper and Dean Reynolds. Photo supplied

This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Cooper Lane in first place with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts c/b was John Shannon and third place with 21 pts c/b was Alan Clinch.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw John Shannon in first place with 24 pts, second place with 22 pts was Michael Pettiford and third place with 21 pts c/b was Peter Bitz.

Sundays 2P Ambrose 18-hole competition saw Robert Lodders and Glenn Rees take first place with a 46.25 NETT, second with a 47.75 NETT was Michael Bond and Tyson Flavel and third place with a 48.00 NETT was Tony Chappel and Scott Dwyer. Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Justyn Durbin.

This Sunday 21st Jan will be PAR SVS 18 holes tee off 8.30am-9.30am, hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.

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Pictured: Glenn Rees, Robert Lodders and Rhys Bartholomew. Photo supplied

The fervour of basketball in Mackay is set to ascend to new heights as five talented athletes from the Crater secure their spots in the Basketball Queensland U20 men’s and women’s state teams. These athletes, set to compete in the forthcoming 2024 Basketball Australia National Junior Championships in Victoria next month, are poised to make their mark on the national stage.

The players who will don the maroon and gold at the championships include Charli Bliss, Monique Bobongie, Phoebe Holmes, Amarcio Doyle, and Max Cain. These gifted players, products of Mackay Basketball’s nurturing grounds, have exhibited exemplary skills and commitment, earning them coveted positions in the state teams.

Amidst the elation of their selection, local stars Phoebe Holmes, Max Cain and Amarcio Doyle have confirmed their re-signing with the Meteorettes and Meteors, for the upcoming 2024 season. Holmes, after a remarkable 2023 season where she exhibited prowess by averaging 8 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds per game, is primed to amplify her impact on the court this year.

Meanwhile, the seasoned Max Cain, at just 18 years of age, gears up for his fourth NBL1 season with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors. His experience and contribution to the team have been invaluable, marking his journey as a promising talent in the league.

Joining Cain is the promising 18-year-old Amarcio Doyle, set for his second NBL1 season with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors. His stellar performance in the 2023 campaign has solidified his position as a rising star, aiming for an expanded role within the team in the upcoming season.

The basketball community also celebrated Monique Bobongie being honoured as the Basketball Queensland 2023 Female Player of the Year. Her dedication and exceptional performances across various competitions have brought her recognition and accolades at both state and national levels.

These accomplished athletes represent the future of Mackay’s basketball legacy, showcasing the region’s potential in fostering top-tier sporting talent on the national basketball stage.

Mark your calendars for an exhilarating showcase of athleticism as Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena unveil the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift, slated to electrify Mackay on March 23, 2024. This eagerly awaited event promises a dynamic spectacle, spotlighting Australia's top running talents across nine thrilling races. It’s a celebration that embraces athletic prowess and community unity in a grand display.

Set on the newly completed Great Barrier Reef Arena grass track, the event upholds the long-standing tradition of Gift races across Australia.

The running event has now announced that they will hold the largest prize pool in Queensland, a grand total of $28,200 will be given away across different race categories. Declaring the GBRA Gift as the wealthiest gift in Queensland! Registrations are now open for both junior and senior runners, providing a golden opportunity to compete for the massive $28,200 prize pool. The event welcomes seasoned athletes and aspiring runners alike to participate in the races, which will commence in the midafternoon. The Gift Finals, promising electrifying moments, will unfold under the vibrant lights of the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Adrian Young, CEO of GBRA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This inaugural event not only highlights the exceptional skills of Australia's top runners, but also offers the chance to claim the largest prize pool in Queensland, supporting aspiring athletes on their path to success in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.”

The event guarantees more than just riveting races. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with kids' activities, a mini eat street, and an exhilarating chili-eating contest. Families and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to be part of this historic event, ensuring an unforgettable night of sporting excitement. Moreover, entry is free for all spectators, ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift offers an inclusive experience for the entire community.

Athlete registrations are now open. For registration details and forms, visit GBRA GIFT - Great Barrier Reef Arena online.

Junior events include:

   • 120m 10-12 years for both girls and boys.

   • 120m 13-14 years for both girls and boys.

   • 120m 15-16 years for both girls and boys.

   • 120m 17-18 years for both girls and boys.

Gift events include:

   • 120m Open Men’s & Women’s Gift

   • GBRA Mile – Men’s & Women’s

   • 70m Open Men’s & Women’s

   • 70m Masters (30+) Men’s (Restricted) & Women’s (Restricted)

   • 1000m Open Combined (Men/Women/Masters)

   • 300m Open Combined (Men/Women/Masters).

Junior registrations are accepted at any time, up to and including the event day, but no later than 10 am on the day. Open and masters’ registrations close on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Photos supplied: Mackay parkrun

The Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions are gearing up for an exciting artistic endeavour that promises to elevate the profile of local graphic artists while offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent.

This remarkable initiative provides an opportunity for a Youth Artist from the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regions to design the artwork that will be featured on the 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride cycling jersey and proudly worn by approximately 1,000 participants on Sunday 1 September and beyond.

Linda Murry, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are excited to raise the profile of graphic artists within our region, giving them the opportunity to have their artwork featured on about 1,000 cycling jerseys in 2024. This challenge is the perfect platform for young artists to kick-start their portfolio for a future career. There is so much talent in our region, and to showcase this on a larger scale with prize money is something we are very proud to be a part of."

The River 2 Reef Ride jersey has been a highly coveted item by event participants since its inception back in 2011.

Nikki Giles, BMA River 2 Reef Ride’s Event Director, says “every week we see past River 2 Reef Ride jerseys on cyclists not just in Mackay but all over the state. Our event participants wear these jerseys years after the event has taken place.”

“The 2024 jersey design will be captured by the BMA River 2 Reef Ride event photographers, literally thousands of photos will be taken and distributed across multiple social media and marketing platforms with the winning artists’ design front and centre.”

Nikki says, “the talented youth artist who wins this competition can expect to see their design pop up randomly on riders for years to come, what a great way to get your name out there into the public arena.”

The Youth Design Challenge is open to all high school students born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2012, within the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regions. Submissions are now being accepted and will close on March 3, 2024.

Once the submission period ends, a panel of judges will shortlist the entries down to three designs, which will be presented for public voting. The winning design will be announced on April 3, 2024, and the selected artist will receive a cash prize of $500 for 1st Prize. The 2nd Prize winner will be awarded $250, and the 3rd Prize winner will receive $100.

This challenge not only offers budding artists the opportunity to leave their creative mark on the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival but also empowers them to receive recognition for their skills and creativity within the local community and beyond. Don't miss this chance to be part of a unique artistic endeavour that will showcase the remarkable talent of our region!

For more information about the Youth Design Challenge and the submission process, please visit https://www.river2reefride.com.au.

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Participants wearing the 2023 River 2 Reef Ride cycling jerseys

With more than thirty eager runners joining the 11th leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social 2023/2024 Series, the weather brought a mix of overcast skies and breezes, offering respite from the heat. Despite the humidity, participants tackled 5km, 10km, and various distances in between, starting from the Magpies Sporting Club carpark and winding through Glenella's back streets towards the Gooseponds. Notably, pram pushers like Adam Knesevic and Ryan, and Bec Evetts manoeuvered their double prams expertly, making the run an enjoyable family affair!

This upcoming Sunday's leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series is set to kick off at 5:15 pm, starting from the Blacks Beach Tavern carpark. Anticipate an array of challenging terrains, ensuring an exciting experience for all, with special consideration for runners with prams. As tradition holds, the event promises the ever-refreshing Zooper Doopers awaiting participants at the finish line. Join in for an evening of invigorating runs and family-friendly fun!"

Story and photos contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Road Runners regulars welcome new runner Leanne to the off-season social series (left to right) – Natasha, Leanne, Stephen, Carmel, Andrew, Glynis and Emily

Paul MacKenzie (purple singlet) bolts from the gun with nearly thirty other keen runners

Grant Holmstrom easily skims over the 10km meandering course

Jose Short continues her training in the off season ready for the 2024 formal running program commencing in 4 weeks

Families including big kids and little kids are always welcome to Mackay Road Runners events – see the Knesevic, Evetts and Sant families