
A small contingent of Mackay Athletics Club (MAC) athletes travelled to the CH Track & Field Carnival at Emerald Athletics Club over the weekend, enjoying a warm and sunny day of competition. The team delivered a strong performance across the event, with several athletes achieving personal bests and record-breaking results. Ruby claimed third place in the high jump, while Lily recorded three personal bests throughout the day. Matilda broke two carnival records and also achieved a personal best in the 800m. Bronte had an outstanding carnival with five personal bests, finishing second in the high jump and third in the 800m. Amberley also added three personal bests to her results. Cathryn and Kevin both impressed, each breaking four carnival records during their events. Adding to the team’s contribution, Kym took charge in the discus cage as chief official while also managing to fit in a couple of throws of their own. The MAC athletes enjoyed a successful day of competition, showcasing the dedication and talent within the club. Photo source: Mackay Athletics Club
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Mackay Sinkers swimmers have returned with impressive results from the National Open Water Championships, claiming two gold medals and two bronze medals across the competition. In the 1.5km event, Nigel Dalton claimed gold in the 60–64 age group with a time of 27:42.38, while Geoffrey Robinson also secured gold in the 85–89 age group, finishing in 49:36.28. The club also celebrated success in the 3km event, with Daniel Stampa earning bronze in the 65–69 age group in 58:25.52, and Pierre Craven taking bronze in the 55–59 age group with a time of 51:27.11. The club congratulated Nigel, Geoff, Dan and Pierre on their outstanding performances. Back on home shores, members also enjoyed a Social Saturday swim, with a post-session warm-up featuring homemade turmeric pumpkin soup. The club thanked Annamaree and Alison F for preparing the soup, which was served after Jim's backboard set as the perfect winter recovery meal. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
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Christine Fitzpatrick began her Bridge journey only three years ago. Christine understands how daunting, although fun, learning and progressing in the Bridge World can be. Christine has impemented a day of play once a month for players with less than 5 master points. This day gives inexperienced players an opportunity to reinforce what they have learnt in lessons, exclusively at their own level. President Frances supported Christine’s idea and Robert Carless has kindly volunteered to assist. The first day of the program saw sixteen players attend with President Frances supporting in Christine’s absence. Monday 6 July 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP N/S E/W 1st Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt 1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles Tuesday Evening 7 July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / John McGee 2nd Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 3rd Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup 4th Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Breok Wednesday 08 July 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson 4th Sandra Morris / Jan Harris 4th David Ting / Ming Ting Thursday Evening 09 July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Jan Harris / Anne Lutz 2nd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy Friday 10 July 2026 –- 7 Table Rover Switch One Winner Green Points 1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Mick King / Joy Block 4th Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 5th Jewel Schmidt / Annete Howe 6th Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy Saturday 11 July 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Mick King / John McGee 2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris 3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Sandy Patterson / Joy Hold 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 5th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 5th Sue Ross / Sue Mayer-Miller Sunday 12 July 2026 – Novice (Beginners) under 5 points. 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Jennifer Cameron / Glen Cocup 2nd Colleen Riddel / Pam Cassidy 3rd John Hunt / Patricia Wong 4th Mary-Jane Marsh / Louise Renton Contributed by Joy Block Christine Fitzpatrick pictured. Photo supplied
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Mackay Road Runners thanked TriActiV8's Nikki Giles for once again sponsoring the Bonson's Scrub Road 6km and 12km runs at The Leap. Runners were treated to spectacular scenic vistas, although low cloud and fog created an eerie start to the challenging event. Around 30 competitors took part, all hoping to win a Garmin Forerunner 265S sports watch donated by Nikki. To be eligible for the prize, participants had to nominate their finishing time before the event and run without using their timing device, or with their watch screen taped over so it wasn't visible. Natasha Joynson was the delighted winner, estimating her finishing time to within just four seconds. Her husband, Craig Joynson, finished a close second in the competition, missing his predicted time by six seconds, while Lily Leven claimed a very respectable third place, finishing 16 seconds from her nominated time. The club's next event, Jo's 61 Steps Social 5km and 10km, will be held on Sunday, commencing at 7am from the Gordon White Library car park. Members and non-members are welcome, with a $2 race-day fee applying to all competitors. Participants are asked to arrive by 6.50am for the course briefing and club notices. Jim Ford's weekly track training sessions continue every Wednesday from 5.30pm at the ARC (Aquatic & Recreational Complex). The free one-hour sessions cater for all ages and abilities, with a $5 facility entry fee payable at the pool kiosk. The M-Test Open King and Queen of the Mountain 6.4km and the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Junior King and Queen of the Mountain 3km foot races will be held on Sunday, July 26, from Netherdale to the Eungella Chalet, starting at 7am. Competitors must register online via the Mackay Road Runners website, with further information to be released closer to the event. The Torque Tyres and Trailers King and Queen of the Mountain 6.4km cycle race will also be held in conjunction with the event. Registration details are available through the Mackay Cycle Club by contacting Kiah on 0429 820 020. Contributed by Janelle Tilse 1st Pic - Ryan Murray taking out first place in the 12km TriActiV8 Bonson’s Scrub Rd challenging event up Ian Reddacliff Rd, The Leap. 2nd Pic - Approximately 30 runners vying for the coveted Garmin Forerunner 265S sports watch. 3rd pic - TriActiV8 athletes’ Jose, Kate, Nikki and Murray get ready to race the TriActiV8’s Bonson’s Scrub 6k & 12k hilly run. 4th Pic - TriActiV8’s Nikki Giles (right) presents Natasha Joynson with the Garmin Forerunner 265S Sports Watch for taking out the closest ‘guess your time’. Photos supplied
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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.

In an attempt to host the one-of-a-kind Australia Day Carnival at the Mackay Bowls Club, Tropical Cyclone Kirrily had other plans and caused the region to prepare for the worst, resulting in a hard decision to postpone the event. Despite the weather warning threats issued throughout the week, a group of determined players declared the weather to be fine on the Friday and continued to play a game of bowls.
A game of Scroungers played off in the afternoon with a full group of bowlers brightening up the field in their Australia Day attire. In the final, a game of 21 ends was played with Antony Shepherd def Col Marks.
The Australia Day Bowls event will now be held on Saturday the 3rd of March, starting at 1.00pm. Nomination forms will be on Noticeboard at the Club. Raffles continue on Friday night so come along and support the club.
WEEKLY RESULTS
Winners of Winners were: Col Stevens. Mick D'Alesso and Brian Williams.
Winners of Losers were: Karina Dunn, Carol Savage and Brad Robertson.
Tuesday Bowls will continue starting at 1pm, Scroungers on Thursday starting at 2pm and Friday Ladies Social begins at 1pm.
Contributed by Mike Irving
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was no match for these seasoned bowlers. Photo supplied