Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around.

Run and organised by North Queensland Netball Academy, netballers of Bowen are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching.

There are two distinct squads.

The 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with specialty coaching and resources for the different age groups.

Beginning February 17, these squads include weekly sessions, expert elite coaching, mindset and goal setting resources, nutrition and recovery resources, and training singlet, with specialty strength and conditioning classes and sports science and fitness testing offered separately.

These squads to all strengths of netball players, with the opportunity to learn and grow with players at a similar skill level, with a focus on fundamental skill development, teamwork, and building a strong foundation for players futures in netball.

To register, visit nqna.com.au

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Test your skills with these development squads. Image: Shutterstock

Vibrant memories from the Hawaiian-themed horse racing day at Mackay Turf Club. Relive the tropical flair and racing excitement that graced the tracks on this colourful day. Photos supplied, Mackay Turf Club

Sarina's Bull Riding Extravaganza

Saddle up, Sarina!

This New Year's Eve, prepare for a thrilling, heart-pounding experience unlike any other as the town welcomes a groundbreaking event to ring in 2024 - a bull riding competition with a twist.

Organised by Borghero Mini Buckers, this isn't your typical rodeo; it's an entertainment spectacle set to ignite the Sarina Showgrounds with pulsating beats, adrenaline-pumping action, and family fun under the stars.

Danny Borghero, a seasoned bull rider with over two decades of experience, is spearheading this revolutionary bull riding series, aiming to support and boost grassroots bull riding in North Queensland. With his three sons Jay, Jared and Ky, making waves in the bull riding world with multiple championship wins, the Borghero family knows the sport inside out.

Eldest son Jared has been a champion bullrider and is now a bullfighter or protection athlete. Jay is also a champion bullrider and youngest son, Ky, has been a junior champion and is stepping up to the open category.

On NYE, Ky will headline the action alongside other top riders set to be announced this week.

"This New Year's Eve bullride will be a high-action spectacle with non-stop riding and fighting," Danny Borghero shared. "But instead of only being open to professional bull riders, this event is open to all classes, providing an inclusive platform for riders of varied skill levels."

It's not just about the thrill of riding - this event serves as a catalyst for nurturing budding talent. From novices to juniors, steer to mini bull riders, and even the poddie category, riders of all ages and abilities will have their shot at the spotlight. Danny is focused on encouraging younger kids to join the sport.

"It's a great opportunity to develop the sport from the ground up and give our kids more riding and competition opportunities," Danny affirms.

The icing on the cake? For under-18 riders, the series offers a shot at competing in the United States, a dream opportunity that could shape their riding careers. The top two riders in the Under 18’s in the finals will have the opportunity to travel to the US to compete in the World Finals.

It’s full-on entertainment throughout the evening with a DJ, fog machine, flame torches, children’s entertainment including a jumping castle and face painting, a bar and specialty food vans – not to forget the fireworks at 9pm and again at midnight.

Beyond the riveting action, this event proudly stands behind the charitable organisation LIVIN, advocating the message that "It ain't weak to speak," supporting mental health awareness and resilience.

Tickets at the gate will be limited, so securing them online is advised to guarantee entry to this adrenaline-fueled extravaganza.

Special recognition goes to Tandy Concrete, Mackay’s only Queensland-owned concrete plant, for their support, making this unforgettable event possible.

Get ready to witness the thunderous hooves, the bravado of riders, and the electrifying energy that'll set Sarina's NYE on fire!

Event Details:

● When: NYE, 31st December

● Gates Open: 3 pm | Show Starts: 5 pm

● Where: Sarina Showgrounds

● Cost: Adults $25, Students $15, Under 5 FREE, Families (2 adults, 2 kids) $60

● Tickets: Available online via trybooking.com

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Ky Borghero will be competing at Sarina’s New Year’s Eve bull riding extravaganza. Photos supplied

A REJUVENATED Magpies first grade X1 are back in the hunt for the Mackay Cricket Association Twenty20 Division One Shootout title.

The reigning Poole Cup champions zoomed into trophy calculations after posting twin victories last weekend to grab a share of the competition lead with Pioneer Valley.

Both the Magpies and Valley are the current Shootout pacesetters on 24 points with four victories each after five rounds.

In a timely return to form the Magpies edged out the Valley at Great Barrier Reef Arena last Friday before rolling Walkerston the following day to climb their way back to the top.

Blake Ryan (32), Adam Zurvas (25 not out), Ben Zurvas (28) and Andrew Borg (24) steered the Magpies (3-124) to a win over Pioneer (3-123) – despite the batting heroics of in-form all-rounder Cody Filewood who smashed an unbeaten 71 off 67 balls.

Adam Zurvas clouted a stylish 59 and Ryan (25) and paceman Todd Dixon grabbed 3-33 as the Magpies (4-126) toppled Walkerston (5-125) after top knocks from Luke Jackson (50 not out) and Neil Gustavson (35).

A superb display by Masters representative all-rounder Chris Mceldowney piloted the Walkerston club to an impressive victory over Souths at George Gorrie Oval.

The Roosters skipper grabbed 3-11 off 24 deliveries to restrict Souths to 5-138, trapping hot shot Shaun Austin leg before wicket after a swashbuckling 96 off 60 balls that included thirteen boundaries and a six.

Mceldowney then hammered 59 off 31 balls with five sixes and three boundaries to guide Walkerston (6-140) to their second win of the series with support from Sam Vassallo (28) and Etienne Pretorius (27).

Norths (2-102) cruised to victory over Brothers (8-100) with classy knocks from Chris Day (48 not out) and Lane Kohler (42) who faced 19 balls and hit five boundaries and two sixes.

Pace duo Mason Kohler (3-31) and Kerrod Tortora (2-19) shone with the ball with the speed merchants also making an impact in Norths’ narrow loss to the Valley.

Skipper Tim Cridland (43 not out) and the prolific Filewood (26) helped the Valley register 9-126 despite a magic spell of pace bowling by Tortora, who snared 6-14 off four overs.

Mason Kohler took 2-31 then compiled an unbeaten 34 and Darryn Dyer (33) as the Devils (8-113) fell short in their run chase.

Brothers (1-98) notched a second triumph in the competition after skittling Souths for 94.

Joseph Hackney (41 not out) and Michael Dunn (29) set up the victory with an opening stand of 56 after Floris Duvenhage (4-22) and Mitch Wadsworth (2-23) had starred with the ball.

In what looms as the biggest NBL1 off-season signing to date, Mackay Basketball announced the return of local hero and Australian Boomer Todd Blanchfield to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for 2024.

The 15-season, 385-game NBL veteran will journey home to Mackay following his current campaign with the Illawarra Hawks, adding outstanding productivity and versatility to the Meteors NBL1 North line-up.

The 32-year-old is coming off arguably his best NBL1 season to date, where he averaged 25 points (5th overall- NBL1 North) and 12 rebounds (1st overall-NBL1 North) for the Gold Coast Rollers, enroute to earning All-League First Team honours. He posted three 40+ point scoring outbursts in 2023 and had four games where he collected 15+ rebounds.

Blanchfield last suited up for Mackay in 2018, where he was named Most Valuable Player of the Queensland Basketball League. The 198cm swingman shared his excitement about a return to where it all started.

“Mackay will always be home and my family and I are so excited to be coming back,” Blanchfield said.

“I’m looking forward to representing the city and giving back to the place that gave me so much as a junior, all while competing with the boys for an NBL1 North championship.”

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 Head Coach Joel Khalu was also elated about the signature of Blanchfield.

“This is certainly a huge day for our club,” Khalu said.

“Having a player of Todd’s calibre returning home to play NBL1 is massive news.”

“Not only is it enormous from a roster standpoint, considering that Todd is undoubtedly top player in our league, but more importantly for the community, that our young players will have someone of his pedigree in the stadium every day for them to aspire to.”

“I think playing-wise he takes our team to another level. What he brings to our group at both ends to the floor is probably something we really missed last season.”

“Offensively, he can space the floor with his perimeter game but can also get feet in the paint and create for himself, or for others.”

“Defensively he can guard multiple guys, but for me it's also his vocal leadership and communication that separates him as an elite player too.”

“I know our fans here in Mackay will be pumped to have Todd back next year and we’re going to have a full house in the Crater for every home game,” Khalu added.

More Mackay Basketball NBL1 player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Bowen’s own high-speed racer, Henry Snell, has been fast tracked to the industry of his dreams, being accepted into the Affinity Sports Academy, as Rokit Rookies.

Racing alongside professional racers, Henry will join the new Superteen Championship, on the newly released Kawasaki in the British Superbike Championships, as a pathway into World Superbikes and MotoGP.

17-year-old Henry championed 2023 across Australia and was close to securing first place at the Australian Championships, but secured podium finishes across the season. He raced through the ranks rapidly, with three round wins, four race wins and 17 podium finishes of 2023.

He concludes the Supersport 200 Championship in 5th place, and 3rd in the R3 Cup.

“I am really happy to announce that next year I will be riding for “Affinity Sports Academy”,” Henry explained.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be racing for such a great team and really looking forward to learning new skills. It gives me a good boost of confidence having already had some experience riding the new ZX4RR here in Australia and I am looking forward to heading over to Spain in early March to begin testing with the team. Just like to say thank you to everyone that has made this possible including all my sponsors and my Dad.”

Henry’s Dad, Rodger Snell, looks forward to seeing Henry progress internationally.

“I want to thank all of Henry's Sponsors and Supporters who have made his Championship run possible. Without you, Henry would not be able to compete at this level,” Rodger explained.

“The Racing was extremely close all season and came down to the last three races. The top five riders in the Championship are heading overseas to various Championships and so is Henry and his teammate Brodie Gawith who have both signed contracts with Leon Haslam's Affinity Sports Academy in the UK. Henry and Brodie will be racing in the new Superteen Championship.

“Henry will head to Spain for testing in March next year then onto England where he will base with the team and race in the Championship. We have already built a ZX400RR for Henry here in Australia and he has already been testing the bike at Phillip Island and The Bend. He has adapted to the bike extremely quickly and has put down some seriously fast laps,” he said.

“We are confident Henry will be running at the front from the outset of the Championship. Thank you again to all his sponsors and we would love to have you all onboard with him as he takes the next step in his career.”

Henry will be joined with fellow young Australian racer, Brodie Gawith, who have already bonded over their shared love of the sport, and their excitement to hit the track.

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Henry Snell, a bullet on the track. Images supplied

Would you name your son Jasper?

Many people in North Queensland certainly wouldn't name their son Jasper their dog or their frog Jasper after the damage the cyclone did way up north to Ingham, Cairns and above and although we had rains and winds here in Paradise, it was nothing that our brothers and sisters received further north, and we all pray for their safety and quick return to normality for Christmas.

We had no bowls played on Wednesday because of Jasper, and on Sunday we had a decent roll up and managed to have some competitive games.

It was the guile of skipper Alan Pershouse with lead Mark Mawson who accounted for the Margo Stanley led team with the vastly improved Liz McManus at lead 24-18 whilst Rob Turner continued his great form in the unusual role as skipper whom with new member and highly talented Eyvonne Wilson defeated Warren Wilson at skipper with Arthur MCManus at lead into second place.

Well played to everyone and thanks must go to Jill Spencer for arranging such a successful day whilst Fiona Greener whom has been run off her feet with Christmas parties and ably assisted by Vice Chair lady Karen Jensen.

Sunday will be our last matches before Christmas and we wish all our members and guests a wonderful Christmas full of joy and happiness and wonderful memories.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mens Vice President Bob Fenney presenting Mark Mawson with the Mens Open fours Champion Award. Photo supplied

Results of Social Games Sunday: Keith Kirk, Lee Welsted, and Steve Roome defeated Ron Gould, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle.

Andrew Peebles, Jason Wright, and Mitch Wright defeated Ray Muir, Lloyd White, and Wayne Crowhurst. There were two games of Scroungers played: Lloyd White defeated Andrew Peebles and Steve Roome. Jane Gilbert defeated Sue Fox and Gavin Charles.

Wednesday Social: W.Coles, and Steve Roome defeated R.Roda, and Jane Gilbert. Anna Delic, and Steve Roome defeated MaryEllen Pratten, and Daryl Tuttle. Ray Muir, and Kevin Jewell defeated Tracey Roach, and Gavin Charles.

Bowen Bowls Club wishes all our members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

On Tuesday just in time for Christmas the joker came out and the jackpot went off in the game between Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone and Penny Warren who drew with Gwenda Lydom, Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe.

Winners for Sunday afternoon bowls were Laurie Land, and Allan Rolfe who defeated Jim Quod, and Barry Beel, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey defeated Bill Myers, and Kevin Jewell, Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Toni Bowen, Irene Laird and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Well this is the last roundup for the year.

Wangaratta Club has had a great year. Both our ladies and mens players have had some great wins in the district and further afield. We welcomed our southern visitors for the winter months and had lots of potential bowlers trying the game.

On behalf of the club we wish our members and you our supporters a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the green soon. Our last social game for the year will be New Years Eve afternoon at 1.30pm start.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Sunday winners. Image supplied

This week 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take the win with 23 pts, second place with 21 pts was Fred Tammist and third place with 19 pts Michael Bond.

Fridays 9-hole stableford competition saw Tim Walton in first place with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts was James Millar and third on 21 pts Morgan Vanderwyk.

On Sunday, we held our members Christmas party and 18-hole ambrose and wow, what a turnout.

First place with a 45 NETT was Michael Norman and Glenn Rees, second place with a 46.75 NETT was Cooper Lane and Co, third place with a 48 NETT was Adam Singleton and Brad Low. Great job by all this week. There will be no competition this Sunday.  

From all the staff at Whitsunday Green we would like to wish all our valued members and guests a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Special thanks to our Club Captain Glenn Rees and handicapper Rob Lodders for all their help this year.

Please see our Christmas trading hours below:

Christmas Eve: 8am-12pm

Christmas Day: CLOSED

Boxing Day: 12pm-6pm

New Years Eve: 8am-12pm

New Year’s Day: 12pm-6pm

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Glenn Rees. Image supplied

Rob Stanley won last Thursday's stableford competition on a count back on 37 points from Brad Fleet, with Rob Stanley, Joe Taylor and Larry Muller taking the pin shots.

With 22 points, Jon Miller won Friday's Met run by a shot from Bailey Hayward while Darcy Milne took the pin shot.

Sunday's winner was Ray Johannesen on a count back from Aaron Prosser with Brian Allen taking the pin shot.

On Saturday a packed clubhouse enjoyed a tasty lunch in air-conditioned comfort to congratulate Ryan Kenny, Mark Thompson and Danny Goody on clearly winning the three-person ambrose ahead of Connor and James Devery and Tai Roberts.

Trish McNeil and Brian Allen were then declared Golfers of the Year and a host of other awards were also announced to end the major events of a very successful year on the golf course.

Ladies' Medal of Medallist Lyn Muller

Men's Medal of Medallist Michael Ward

Ladies' Matchplay Champion Diane Chard

Men's Matchplay Champion Lloyd Kingston

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - A Grade Jon Miller

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - B Grade Jason Whitney

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - C Grade Louis Neethling

Ladies' Order of Merit Trish McNeill

Men's Order of Merit Barry Mortimer

Ladies' Golfer of the Year Trish McNeill

Men's Golfer of the Year Brian Allen

Contributed with thanks to Rod Wecker.

On Wednesday men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by the Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies winner Lynelle Riley 41pts, runner up Leanne Swan 33pts.  

Mens winner Kailan Batchelor 41pts, runner up Ryley Malone 39pts.

On Saturday, we played a 4BBB stableford event sponsored by Rynns Seafood.  

Winners were Jeff Jackson and Nathan Donaldson 46pts, runners up Chris Fellows and Joshua Fraser 45pts.  

Thank you to Rynns Seafood for their continued support of our club.

Joker draw is back this week.  This will be the last draw for the year and there is $5900 up for grabs.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Rynns Seafood winners – runners up Chris Fellows & Joshua Fraser, winners Nathan Donaldson and Jeff Jackson. Image supplied

Pioneer Valley Cricket Club have staked an early claim for the Mackay Cricket Association Division One Twenty20 Shootout championship title.

The undefeated Valley X1 launched their series campaign last week with three impressive victories in the 20 overs format and lead the competition on 18 points.

Norths Devils and the Magpies are in second and third spots respectively on 12 points after each registering two wins from three fixtures completed.

Gun all-rounder Cody Filewood is the Valley’s cricketer of the moment – smashing 200 runs from his three appearances with the bat at an impressive average of 100.

A highlight was Filewood’s unbeaten knock of 111 in Pioneer’s comprehensive win over Brothers last Saturday at Mirani State High School grounds.

The talented number three faced only 58 balls and cracked five massive sixes and twelve boundaries in a cavalier knock to help the Valley post 1-190.

Filewood shared an unbroken second wicket partnership of 176 with opener Dion Krisanski-Kennedy (61 not out) – then grabbed 3-23 with his off-spin bowling to help restrict Brothers to 8-137.

In the Valley’s opening round win over Walkerston, the dashing Filewood hammered 69 and also hit a quick 20 runs in his team’s resounding victory over Souths.

Another highlight was a superb century from Walkerston’s legendary representative batsman Jakob Frerichs in a gripping loss to Norths at Roy Trevaskis Oval.

The left-handed opener and team vice-captain clouted an unbeaten 122 off only 59 balls to help Walkerston register 6-197 with support from Luke Jackson (21).

Frerichs smashed an incredible eleven sixes and ten boundaries during his epic knock – but to no avail as the Devils (5-198) reached the target with five balls to spare.

Norths were best served by Lane Kohler who cracked a power-laden 84 off 39 balls with seven boundaries and seven sixes, Darryn Dyer (46), Jason Butterworth (25), Chris Day (19 not out), Kai Higham (2-29) and Mason Kohler (2-39).

Mason peeled off an unbeaten 49 to guide the Devils (2-98) to a first round triumph over Souths (97) with Jarryd Kallio (4-20) and Lane Kohler (3-18) the chief destroyers with the ball.

Souths skipper Shaun Austin played a lone hand with 48.

Magpies (9-129) edged out Norths (9-126) with Rhys McBride (42), Adam Zurvas (25) and Todd Dixon (3-19) leading the way and rolled Souths for 77 – posting their second win after top knocks from McBride (37), Adam Zurvas (23 not out) and fine bowling from leg spinner Liam Zurvas (2-9), Tim Heard (2-13), Dixon (2-19) and Conor Bryant (2-21).

Brothers (2-47) skittled the Magpies (46) with Michael Dunn (4-13), Chris Dunn (2-10), Floris Douvenhage (2-10) and Mitch Wadsworth (2-13) impressive with the ball.

Mackay-Whitsunday representative skipper Sam Vassallo starred for Walkerston with knocks of 40 and 68 not out with support from Neil Gustavson (33 and 30) and swing merchant Adam Knezevic (4-31).

By Chris Karas

Life is rewarding for Mackay’s emerging rugby league playmaker Adam McSherry.

The fifteen-year-old St Patrick’s College student capped a memorable 2023 when he received the Caleb Woodland Memorial Award for the dedication and courage shown during an eventful campaign this season.

McSherry accepted the trophy at the Junior Sports Award ceremony staged at the College’s Mercy campus from graduating St Patrick’s student and Queensland Schoolboys hooker Xavier Kerrisk.

It has been a year to savour for the outstanding utility half who was one of the shooting stars in Tom Gaviglio’s all-conquering Year 10 St Patrick’s team that captured both the Cowboys Challenge Shield premiership and State Regional Championship trophies at BB Print Stadium.

McSherry played a key role in the 24-10 Cowboys Challenge Grand Final triumph over Ignatius Park Townsville and was a standout when St Patrick’s thumped Rockhampton’s Emmaus College 44-0 in the State Regional Championship decider seven days later to preserve their undefeated record.

The classy colt menaced the Rockhampton defence with his tricky footwork and clever ball skills, nabbed a superb solo try and booted three goals in a stellar performance.

Adam was just as impressive for the Mackay Brothers club – steering the Bulldogs to an Under 15s premiership in the Mackay Junior League competition.

Creating havoc with his ball play in the number six jumper, McSherry engineered a 34-26 Grand Final victory over the Moranbah Miners at BB Print Stadium - turning in a best on ground performance with two tries and five goals.

The Brisbane Broncos identified Adam as a top prospect from an early age.

He was named in their Academy squad at the age of thirteen and secured his immediate future earlier this year when he signed a contract with the prominent NRL club.

A dedicated McSherry was thrilled to receive the Award that perpetuates the memory of 14-year-old Caleb Woodland, a Year 8 student at Mercy College Mackay, who had his life tragically cut short when he was involved in a road accident in Sarina back in 2011 on his way to catching the school bus.

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Outstanding rugby league prospect Adam McSherry receives the Caleb Woodland Memorial Trophy from St Patrick’s graduate and Queensland Schoolboys hooker Xavier Kerrisk, who joins the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club recently travelled to Alva Beach, Ayr to compete in the North Barrier Branch Champion Lifesaver Carnival. The event involves lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills, as well as a detailed theory paper.

Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said, “This competition is extremely important in developing the skills of our lifesavers.

“These are the people who patrol our beaches and are there for the community to make going to the beach safe and enjoyable.

“It is a very challenging multi-disciplined event that tests competitors in a number of different scenarios that could one day save someone’s life,” he added.

“The surf club’s lifesavers had some outstanding individual results with Under 15’s Nate McKinnon and Zara Richardson taking out first, Under 14’s Meliana Craig taking out second and in the Under 13’s Cadence McKinnon finished first with Isabella Grant missing out on second by half a point to finish third,” said Mr Grant.

“The club is extremely proud to see our lifesavers excel at such an important event. This was all thanks to the coaching of Cathy McKinnon who will now lead the team heading into state and national titles for this important lifesaving competition.”

If members of the community are looking at joining the surf club, or give back to the community by becoming a Champion Lifesaver, contact admin@mackayslsc.com.au for details on up-and-coming training courses.

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Mackay SLSC Champion Lifesaver Team at Alva Beach, Ayr

First Place Under 15 Champion Lifesavers Nate McKinnon and Zara Richardson

Under 15 Zara Richardson in action during the tube race, placing first out of all competitors

Competitors taking to the water at Alva Beach in the Under 15 surf race

Under 13 Champion Lifesavers Cadence McKinnon and Isabella Grant

Photos supplied