A few drops of rain frightened off a few this week.   It certainly wasn't as windy as it has been and fortunately the rain held off for most of the day.

Ladies were in short supply with only 1 A grade lady, Tiina Randmae a winner with 33 points while Helen Deighton took out B grade with 35 points on a countback from Paula McQuat, with Vickie Wallace in 3rd place with 29 points.

Men's A grade winner was Louis Neethling with a very commendable 40 points followed by Warren Deighton with 38 points. Third place went to Geoff Harrison with 35 points. Good scoring there.

Men's B grade winner was John Oates with 35 points, runner up was Peter Lewis with 33 points on a countback from Laurie Dakin.

Pin shots: for the ladies Helen Deighton got all 3 B grade pin shots while Tiina Randmae managed 2 for A grade.

Tiina had the only chip in.

For the men: pin shots went to John Oates. Gary Scotford, Wilf Herweg, Geoff Harrison, and Peter Lewis.

Next Tuesday we will be going to Home Hill for our last trip away for the year.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Tim Deffner had a very nice round of 42pts to win the Tuesday Stableford, followed by Louis Neethling on 39pts and Ben Smith on 36 pts.

Rehab Hull was the generous sponsor for the Ladies 3 club and a putter day, Heather Luvis playing well with limited clubs to beat Tiina Randmae on a countback with 34pts and Trish McNeill in 3rd place with 33 pts.

Steve Stewart edged out Gavin Kerwand on Thursday by one point, winning Division 1 with 37 pts, Gavin in 2ndplace and Blake Lovelock in 3rd place with 35 pts. Division 2 winner was Ned Davies with 39 pts, on a countback from Ken Lovett, and Barry Shuwalow on 38pts.

The Met 9 hole competition on Friday was hotly contested with the top 3 all on 20 pts, Pat Camm beating Jack Hayes-Williams on a countback, and Paul Skelton won 3rd place. NTP winners: Paul Skelton and Pat Camm.

Heather Luvis was again playing well in the MBW Saturday Stableford to win the Ladies competition with 35 pts. Diane Chard in 2nd place and Anna Winterbourn 3rd.

Ross Meade scorched the men’s field with a blistering 43pts to win the MBW men’s Stableford, ahead of Jett Borghero on 36 pts and Karl Kirkwood on 35pts.

Peta Thomas also had a fantastic, handicap reducing round winning the Sunday Stableford with 42pts ahead of Gerald Lovell on 40 pts and Nicole Cooper on 38 pts. NTP’s were won by Karl Kirkwood, Mel Patullo and Gerald Lovell x 2.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Course Pro Shop Team.

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On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford for a club trophy.  Ladies’ winner on a countback Ruth Dunn 42pts, runner up Amanda Parter 42pts.  Men’s winner Scott Pearce 40pts, runner up on a countback Brett Richards 39pts.

On Saturday we played a 2-ball 18-hole footy themed ambrose. Winners were Jeff Jackson and Tom Wikander 61.5, 2nd Robyn Slade and Ron Edkins 62.75, 3rd David and Peter Martin 63.25.  Best dressed went to Grace Nott and Toss Eisemann.  NSW won the shield this year.  Qld will have to try harder next year.  Thank you to the sponsors for a great day!

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Footy themed ambrose winners with sponsors. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, winners were Merle Elphinstone, Jude Vigar, Deb Retchless, and Sugar and Ian B, Bill, Ron, and Denis Walker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our barefoot bowls on Friday Night is still been keenly contested by our new up and coming bowlers. Winners for the night were Wendy, Ian, and Les.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 5. They were Deb Retchless, Ron Boskma, and Kennedy Whitton, others Linda Scells, Jim Chadwick, and Fely Duncan. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Sunday’s winners. Photo supplied

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Club Competition Coming Into Final Stages

On Sunday morning the Final of the Club's 2 Bowl Triples was held.  Last year's winners Shane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley proved too strong for their opponents Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne with a 37 - 9 win.   The Champion of Champions for the 2Bowl Triples will be played at Pioneer Valley on October 28 and 29.

Also on Sunday morning the second Semi Final of the B Pairs was played.  This game was close throughout, with it being 18 all at the end of the 21 ends.  In that extra end 3 of the first 4 bowls by Ken and Kendall were touchas.  This had Harry and Toby having to play shots to attempt a head conversion.  Ken Watts and Kendall Watts defeated Harry Craig and Toby Craig 22 - 18.

Reminder to all that our AGM is Saturday, October 7 at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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As spring just about enters its second

month and warm week of

lawn bowls starting on Tuesday

afternoon with 3 great close games in play

and the highest winning score belonged

to Wendy Pomeroy whom combined with

Henny Tattam comfortably beat the rest of

the field,

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls capably

run by Merve Stewart saw the combination

of the knee Mens A Grade Champion

Alan Pershouse with the above-mentioned

Merve Stewart run away with the prize

money.

We have Mixed Triples and Pairs in full

swim and results will be published soon.

Saturday morning saw a contingent of

supporters with Rick Brunnell and newly

elected selector Bobby Spee , with John

Askew, Eric Barnard and Mark Mawson

head to St Helens bowls club to cheer on

Graham Cowling in the Senior Singles

Champion of Champions

and he did admirably, going down in

the quarterfinals but did our club proud

with some great bowls.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw again

a big roll up, and saw Stacey Hadlow take

out the prestigious Health Hub award and

the winning team of Margo Stanley, who is

in sparkling form with Andy McDougall.

Also Andrew Butler with Elaine Kippen

beat our little pocket rocket Carol Crosbie

playing with her husband Noel just go

down in the Mixed Pairs

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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In a gallant gathering of bowlers from across the district, the Annual Challenge Cup, formerly known as the Past Presidents Cup, took centre stage at the North Mackay Bowls Club. Twenty-two teams converged to mark the inaugural edition of this exciting event, and the day was filled with camaraderie and fierce competition.

The men's team emerged triumphant, led by the skilled hand of skipper Mick Walsh from the Mackay Club. On the ladies' front, it was Lidia McCarthy from the North Mackay Club who guided her team to a hard-fought second place.

The Marian Ladies team had lady luck on their side, earning the title of the day's lucky card.

After the intense matches came to a close, all participants were treated to afternoon tea, adding a sweet touch to the day's festivities. The Annual Challenge Cup will return next September, promising another round of thrilling bowls action.

The day also raised $500 for the Pink Bus initiative.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Social Bowls enthusiasts took to the greens on the 20th of September. The winning trio for the day consisted of Helen Fleming, Brenda Trannore, and Deb Mackenzie, while Cecelia Lee, Carmel Bell, and Lorraine Lemke secured the runners-up position, adding their names to the annals of bowler excellence.

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North Mackay Saints have etched their names in the local AFL record books after securing a fifth consecutive Senior Men’s premiership.

The well drilled Saints stamped themselves the most successful club in the 2023 AFL Mackay competition after toppling the Eastern Swans 9-9 (58) to 5-4 (34) to lift the Allied Cup at Etwell Park in Bakers Creek.

It was a Grand Final Day to savour for the proud North Mackay organisation who also clinched the Senior Women and Under 14 premierships to come away with a deserved trifecta.

Saints ace Alec Townsend was named Best on Ground after a powerhouse display with support from Luke Slater, Jackson Perkins, Patrick Ryan, Cody Filewood, Brad Smith and Steven Pugh, this year’s Mick Miller Medal recipient for the competition’s Best & Fairest Player.

The Saints led 20-8 at the half time break and 40-9 at the end of the third quarter before the Swans staged a late revival.

Filewood booted four goals for the match with Ryan, Townsend, Cameron Hill, Cal McLeod and Cohen Frith all adding six pointers.

The Saints’ latest triumph was the club’s 14th title in the Senior Mens ranks following earlier trophy wins in 1974, 1976, 1983, 1987, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Joseph Hackney, Jack Mentha, Mark Svaikauskas, Joshua Moyle, Ryan Haynes and Mitchell Cook tried hard for the Swans.

………………………………

North Mackay claimed the Triple M Cup Senior Women’s title after blitzing Mackay City Hawks 5-8 (38) to 1.

Saints dynamo Alysha Nunn was Best on Ground after a superb performance with Lyneeka Hollows (4 goals), skipper Rahnee Vaccaneo, Siobhan Carlton, Kirra Swanson, Emily Upton, Teresa Jenkins and Miya Scott also turning in strong games.

There was double reason for the Saints to celebrate after avenging last year’s Grand Final loss to the Hawks.

………………………….

Mackay Magpies collected the Mackay Cup Reserve Grade trophy with an impressive 11-5 (71) to 7-4 (46) victory over North Mackay Saints.

Magpies star Harry Thompson was Best on Ground with support from Tim Moon, Tom Roney, Matt Bowerman and Noah Gauci.

…………………………….

Moranbah Bulldogs were crowned Under 17 Boys champions after tossing Whitsunday Sea Eagles by 9-5 (59) to 5-3 (33).

The Bulldogs led 15-14 at the half time interval and 29-27 at the third break before finishing strongly with five goals to clinch the Isuzu UTE Cup.

Outstanding Bulldogs prospect Taylor Edie was named Best on Ground and was ably supported by Andrew Dyer (five goals), skipper Blake Thompson, Harrison Rogers, Lincoln Nicholas and Riley King.

The Sea Eagles were best served by Ryan Mansfield, Foxx LaMonica, Jacob Dewis, Jack Jeffries and Nash McIntosh.

…………………………

North Mackay unveiled their depth of junior talent to capture the Under 14 Boys premiership with a 7-7 (49) to 3-6 (24) triumph over the Mackay Magpies.

Spearheaded by a best on ground performance from Elias Goss, the Saints peaked in the most important match of the season – leading all the way to sink the minor premiers and claim the Isuzu UTE Shield.

Other Saints’ players to shine were Jack Kirwan, Zahn Bugeja, Michael Bronsema and skipper Lincoln Morgan while Callum Strydom, Xavier Wayman, skipper Kyle Roberts and Hunter Wood impressed for the Magpies.

…………………………..

Eastern Swans lifted the Under 12 Boys Isuzu UTE premiership trophy after trouncing Whitsunday Sea Eagles 6-8 (44) to 2-2 (14).

The Swans – who lost only one match all season - had too many big guns for the Sea Eagles with emerging colt Winston Sutton named Best on Ground with support from Beau McPherson, Zaide Cornell, Corey Mills and Kai Percy.

Whitsunday were best served by Connor Marks, Hunter Cornwall, Stirling Rogan-Hamilton, Tyson Fowler and Jack Smith.

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Men’s Grand Final, Saints v Eastern Swans

Women’s Grand Final, Saints v Hawks

Reserve’s Grand Final, Magpies v Saints

U17 Grand Final, Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

U14 Grand Final, Saints v Magpies

U12 Grand Final, Swans v Sea Eagles

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Mackay Magpies trump cards Jaxn Sign and Ben Zurvas stole the show as the CiteCon Kingfishers captured the inaugural Porters Mitre 10 Twenty20 Smash title last weekend at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The 20-year-old young guns showed nerves of steel to help engineer a Grand Final victory over the BTB Electrical Breakers with their batting heroics.

Sign – who was named Player of the Final - top scored with 71 runs off 42 balls in an innings that featured four sixes and six boundaries while Zurvas hammered an unbeaten 62 off 44 balls with eight boundaries and a six and skipper Sam Vassallo (25) as the Kingfishers posted 4-191 from their allotted twenty overs.

A highlight was the crucial third wicket stand of 131 shared by Sign and Zurvas to place their side in the box seat.

The Electrical Breakers – who edged out the Gibbs Air Crocs for a Grand Final spot – were restricted to 7-167 with Brothers star Matthew Wicks cracking a superb 88 off 45 balls and St Patrick’s College schoolboy Haiden Mellifont (Pioneer Valley) compiling an unbeaten 33.

Wicks’ power knock included three sixes and six boundaries with Walkerston spinner Chris McEldowney (2-30) and Pioneer Valley quick Bailey Camilleri (2-32) the pick of the Kingfishers bowlers.

Brothers quick Floris Duvenhage (2-35), Magpies paceman Todd Dixon (2-40) and Walkerston seamer Nick Lotarski (1-29) spearheaded the Electrical Breakers attack.

In the lead up to the Grand Final, the Kingfishers won five of their six matches to grab top spot with impressive performances from all rounder McEldowney, Camilleri, Vassallo, Darryn Dyer and Scott Randles.

An opening stand of 152 between Norths batsman Dyer (84) and Walkerston ace Vassallo (61) proved a highlight.

Pioneer Valley’s Mitch English smashed an unbeaten 115 off 49 balls for the Electrical Breakers in the early rounds – sharing a 175 run union with Chris Day (88) plus a belligerent 46.

The prolific scoring Wicks was a stand out – also amassing scores of 92, 82 and 49 with Brothers bat Mitch Wadsworth posting 66 and Mellifont a valuable 53.

Norths run machine Lane Kohler blasted 114 off 45 balls for the Gibbs Air Crocs that included 13 massive sixes and three boundaries while all rounders Mason Kohler (Norths), Conor Bryant (Magpies) and Jason Butterworth (65) shone for the Custom Fluidpower Mudcrabs.

The championship-winning Kingfishers squad included Sam Vassallo (Walkerston) captain; Darryn Dyer (Norths), Ben Zurvas (Magpies), Jaxn Sign (Magpies), Chris McEldowney (Walkerston), Bailey Camilleri (Pioneer Valley), Nick Lotarski (Walkerston), Liam Newbery (Walkerston), Scott Randles (Walkerston), Cooper Spencer (Pioneer Valley) and Cameron Tomerini (Brothers).

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Swimming enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling spectacle last weekend as Central Queensland emerged victorious in an action-packed swimming event held at the ARC. This two-day extravaganza, presented by Swimming North Queensland and Central Queensland Swimming, brought together the finest swimmers from both regions, creating a swimming showdown reminiscent of a State of Origin clash.

The event lived up to its promise of showcasing power, strength, and stamina as swimmers from Central Queensland demonstrated their prowess in the pool. The energy was contagious, and the team spirit was nothing short of electrifying as families gathered to cheer on their loved ones.

The fast-paced format kept spectators entertained throughout the competition, with mixed relays featuring a variety of swimming strokes one after the other.

Reigning champions, Central Queensland's victory marked a memorable weekend of swimming action, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future showdowns in the pool.

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Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Basketball is thriving in the Mackay region after St Patrick’s College brought home the Boys and Girls trophies from the Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament on the Gold Coast.

With Mackay coaching guru Jamiey Douvendans at the helm, the College showcased its current crop of emerging talent with skilful performances at the prestigious event at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre.

Regarded as the premier school basketball tournament in Queensland, St Patrick’s trophy double in the Senior Secondary Schools Division Two categories is a huge fillip for the sport in the Mackay area and major boost for the Meteors and Meteorettes franchises.

Douvendans and assistant Rachel McKenzie praised the efforts of the gold medal-winning St Patrick’s Boys and Girls squads who produced top-class displays to finish the tournament undefeated.

In the Senior Boys final, St Patrick’s toppled Cleveland District State High School 66-61 with Meteors’ NBL1 North rookies Amarco Doyle (29 points) and Max Cain (18) leading the way.

St Patrick’s won all seven preliminary fixtures including victories over Palm Beach-Currumbin State High (104-27), Saint Stephens College (98-63) and Varsity College (75-70) in the finals series to top their Pool.

Other players to shine were Archie Howell, Baxter Nosworthy, Ben Devitt, Brock Crocker, Brody Robinson, Joshua Saunders and Seb Stehbens.

Emerging 14 year old guard Maggie Thorburn stamped herself a future star with a mercurial performance for St Patrick’s in the Senior Girls trophy decider.

Thorburn top scored with 18 points in the Mackay school’s decisive 56-43 victory over St James College with Meteorettes centre Charli Bliss contributing eleven points.

It was a mature showing by Thorburn, a Queensland North Under 16s representative, who will also line up for St Patrick’s at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Junior tournament next month.

Promising Meteorettes guards Hannah Jensen (11 points) and Mackensie Brown also demonstrated their skills along with Amelia Crouch, Jessica Harris, Mia Young and Ruby Crouch.

St Patrick’s topped their Pool on 21 points from seven victories with Matthew Flinders Anglican School, Trinity College Beenleigh and St James College finishing on 19 points each.

In the finals series the Mackay hoopers eclipsed Somerset College (69-22), St Columban’s College (65-33) and Mansfield State High School (59-37).

By Chris Karas

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Mackay became the epicenter of Queensland's athletic excellence as the Athletics North Queensland 2023 Championships unfolded at the ARC, drawing athletes from far and wide. The event saw a dazzling display of talent, with Mackay athletes well represented across the podiums of the special trophy races.

The Jeff Buchanan Memorial 100m event delivered one of the standout moments of the championship. Julie Brims, a World Champion Masters Athlete, took the spotlight with an electrifying performance. It is thought that she may have even broken her own age group world record on the Mackay track. Aurelia Boyd secured silver and Aviva Damjanovic proudly claimed bronze.

The men's Jeff Buchanan Memorial 100m event saw Sam McArthur sprinting his way to victory, leaving the crowd in awe. Taige Hooper clinched silver, while Damon Brown showcased his speed to earn the bronze.

The John Campbell Miles 100 Yards & QLD Championship added to the local triumph. Kiera McGregor emerged as the champion, while Mikayla Webb, a representative of the region, secured a commendable second place, and Kaitlin Bitossi captured bronze.

In the Hector Hogan 100 Yards & QLD Championship, Sam McArthur continued his dominance, securing the gold. Abeli Mukamba claimed the silver, and Damon Brown's tenacity earned him the bronze.

Mackay's Oliver Rule showcased remarkable endurance as he claimed the inaugural Benita Willis 10000m Shield. The gold medal was a testament to his dedication and training. Jared Mackie secured the silver, while Murray Wonnocott won bronze.

The Queensland Mile Championships witnessed another Rule family triumph. Toby Rule, the younger sibling, clinched the gold, demonstrating the family's athletic prowess. Nicholas Fogale secured the silver, and Liam Mumford, yet another Mackay athlete, claimed the bronze, capping off a stellar performance for the region.

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Jeff Buchanan Memorial 100m

John Campbell Miles 100 Yards

Benita Willis 10000m Shield won by Oliver Rule

Toby Rule won the Queensland Mile Championships, with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox presenting the sash. Photo credit: Athletics North Queensland

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Mackay’s Harbour Beach is making way for redefined coastal living with exclusive, upscale beachfront townhomes under construction in response to market demand for low-maintenance living by the sea.

‘The Beach Collective’ features seven luxury townhomes by national developer Urbex, in collaboration with Bold Architecture that pays homage to the coastal surrounds and is a first for the Mackay region.

“We are seeing a shift in lifestyle demand across Queensland, as an increasing number of buyers prioritise low maintenance living and convenience in their home search. Consequently, there has been a surge in the popularity of townhomes, duplexes, and apartments,” Urbex Realty General Manager, Craig Covacich, said.

The Beach Collective will form part of the Sol Precinct, Urbex’s Dunes Harbour Beach development, and will offer freehold two-level architecturally designed homes with convenience, functionality and comfort front of mind.

“We are introducing a distinctive dimension of coastal living in the Mackay region; revisiting a two-storey build, expanding the living spaces to suit low maintenance living whilst enhancing the comfort and relaxed luxury that is expected of a beachfront home. This innovative approach caters to meet the demand of buyers who desire a luxurious home without the associated maintenance.

“The added bonus that was a non-negotiable for the development is the connectivity to open space. We have really emphasised the recreational nodes featured within these homes and they truly highlight the beach as the backyard playground buyers want.

“The chance to acquire beachfront property is extremely rare due to limited land availability along the South East coastline, and with the added benefit of being beachside and within 7km of Mackay’s CBD with established amenities, this presents a very rare opportunity for beachside living.”

Each of the seven homes is absolute beachfront and features ocean view lines of the Coral Sea, with unique high-level finishes, luxury appointments, state-of-the-art appliances, with a four- bedroom, three-bathroom configuration, indoor and outdoor living on both levels with alfresco spaces, low maintenance landscaped areas and a plunge pool for maximum comfort.

Construction of two out of the seven townhomes is underway, with Urbex delivering the project.

“We know consumer confidence in new builds is low, and as a result, Urbex will manage the build for each buyer to mitigate any potential risk in increasing construction and supply costs.”

Located 7 kilometres from Mackay’s CBD, Dunes Harbour Beach boasts kilometres of

beachfront with spacious homesites blended within areas of native bushland. Over 30 per cent of the development is committed to open space, conservation and parkland to ensure Dunes remains a pristine destination.

With uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea, exclusive beach access, and close integration to the upcoming tourism, dining and retail hub, The Beach Collective is currently under construction and interested  buyers  are  encouraged  to  register  their  interest  by  visiting

https://dunesharbourbeach.com.au/  for more information.

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Results for week ending 24 September 2023

Tuesday Evening 19 September 2023 – 3 Table Howell One Winner Green Points

1st FRANCES BROWN - SANDRA MORRIS 2nd HELEN VAN DEN BROEK - TEX SHEEDY

3rd DIANE MORGAN - ERIC LEIVESLEY

Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 10 Table Teams Under State/Over State Green Points

E/W

1st JOY BRIUNETTE / DON POOLE/ IAN CRUICKSHANK / MARY CRUICKSHANK 2nd SUSAN ROSS / RICHARD WIX / VICKI HOWARD / JANINE RODGERS

3rd   IAN GASKELL / KATH POOLE / MONICA DARLEY / CAROL GASKELL 4th NOEL SAUNDERS / DAVID TING / MING TING / TED CULLINAN

Thursday Evening 21 September 2023 – 3 Table Howell One Winner Green Points

1st FRANCES BROWN - ANN WHITMORE 2nd KEN SEANIGER - ROBERT CARLESS

3rd RICHARD WIX - TEX SHEEDY

Friday 22 September 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S                                                     E/W

1st EDWARD KLIESE - NANCY WIX 1st NANCY MARTIN - KATH POOLE

2nd TEX SHEEDY - JANELLE CONROY 2nd GEOFF TAYLOR - JOY ROBINSON

3rd MONICA DARLEY - GWEN LIDDELL 3rd ERIC GOODCHILD - SANDY PATTERSON

4th DIANE STOKES - MARIE MCGUIRE

Saturday 23 September 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st JOY ROBINSON - KEN SEANIGER 1st JANET HANSEN - DIANE MORGAN

2nd GEOFF TAYLOR - NANCY WIX 2nd TEX SHEEDY - ERIC LEIVESLEY

3rd ERIC GOODCHILD - DEBRA GOODCHILD 3rd CHRISTINE NICE - FAYE WRIGHT

4th FRANCES BROWN - ALAN BROWN 4th HELEN VAN DEN BROEK - JOY BRUNETTE

5th ROBERT CARLESS - JANELLE CONROY 5th TED CULLINAN - NOEL SAUNDERS

Sunday 24 September 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell for Novice players Green Points

N/S E/W

1st JAIDEN TAYLOR - ROLAND TAYLOR 1st TEX SHEEDY - LYNNE O'NEILL

2nd ANN WHITMORE - SANDY PATTERSON 2nd MARY ROSE RAMSDEN - TED CULLINAN

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Faye Wright and Chris Nice with Director Geoff Taylor. Faye and Chris were first in Category B

Barometer Pairs

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The Mackay Tennis Association celebrated its centenary in style earlier this month, hosting a grand dinner with over 160 attendees, including the evening's keynote speaker, Mr Rob Barty, proud father of former World Number One and multiple grand slam champion, Ashleigh Barty.

Gathering for a night of nostalgia, celebration and appreciation for 100 years of Tennis in Mackay, the event brought together tennis enthusiasts, local dignitaries and special guests, including current club Patron Mayor Greg Williamson, State Member for Mackay Mrs Julieanne Gilbert and Tennis Qld CEO Mr Kim Kachel.

Attendees enjoyed dinner on ‘centre court’, which provided a novel and unique setting for the evening. Several past players and long-standing members of the association shared their fond memories and experiences of playing tennis in Mackay.

One of the highlights of the evening was the tennis memorabilia auction, arranged by the club alongside the efforts of the Barty family and Tennis Qld. This impressive display included rackets and signed pieces from past and current Australian players, as well as items from Ash Barty’s 2022 Australian Open win and a signed Rod Laver racket.

A unique event was the fashion show, where members paraded varying tennis fashions from the last century, illustrating not only how the game has evolved but also how fashion trends have influenced the sport. The runway showcased tennis equipment and attire from modest, ankle-length dresses, long trousers and wooden rackets of the early 1900s to the colourful and contemporary outfits of today's players.

Mayor Williamson also took the opportunity to commend the MTA for its remarkable contribution to the community.  

“This association is, and always has been, completely volunteer run, which in itself is a remarkable achievement,” Mayor Williamson said.

“They’ve still got a strong membership and have players young and old on the courts – it really is one of those sports that caters to all ages.”

Mr Barty, shared his perspective on the journey of his daughter Ash. He shared invaluable lessons that Ash learned during her childhood and career, which helped foster a mindset that not only shaped her as a tennis player, but as a role model both on and off the court.

The centenary dinner served as a fitting tribute to a century of tennis excellence, camaraderie and community spirit in the Mackay region.

Contributed by Wes Rose

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Current MTA committee members: Ben, Ann, Sue, Joyce, Brett and Ken

Dinner on centre court

Mr and Mrs Wallace, Rob Barty, Maxine Richardson (Auctioneer), Kim Kachel (TQ CEO) with a signed Ash Barty shirt. Photos supplied

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