The weather has not been particularly kind to golfers this week so watch the timesheets carefully so you know what is being played. And when. Just in case things change at the last minute.

AND NOW FOR THE RESULTS : WEEK ENDING 1/2/26

TUESDAY 3/2/26
PGC - Stroke

MEN :
Winner : Gerald Lovell - 67 nett
R/Up : Adam Nissen - 69 nett

NTPs : Brock Smith (9th), Adam Nissen (13th), Geoff Harrison (16th)

LADIES :
Winner : Di Chard - 71 nett
R/Up : Leanne Alexander - 72 nett

NTPs :Di Chard  (2nd)

VETS : Feb MM/Putts

LADIES :
Winner : Leanne Alexander - 72 nett (C/B)
R/Up : Lyn Muller
3rd : Elspeth Scotford - 73 nett

NTPs : Lyn Muller (x2), Elspethe Scotford, Rehab Hull (x2)

MEN :
Winner : Jim Sherrington - 64 nett
R/Up : Gerald Lovell - 67 nett
3rd : Colin Hounsell -72 nett

NTPs : Gerald Lovell, Gary Scotford, Ken Granger, Wilf Herweg

Least Putts : Tina Badenhorst 27
Peter Lindsay and Jim Sherrington- 26

WEDNESDAY 4/2/26
Single Stableford - no comp

THURSDAY 5/2/26 - COURSE CLOSED
Jan MM sponsored by Loot Pay - postponed to 12/2 - weather permitting

FRIDAY 6/2/26 - COURSE CLOSED
9 hole Run sponsored by the Metropole Hotel

SATURDAY 7/2/26 - COURSE CLOSED
Medal sponsored by the Metropole Hotel
Rescheduled to 14/2 - weather permitting

SUNDAY 8/2/26
PGC - STABLEFORD - Front 9 holes
MEN :
Winner : Shaun Brown - 20 points (C/B)
R/Up : Jason Bourke

NTPs : Ireneusz Gruszczynski (2nd)

LADIES :
Winner : Kerrie Johannesen - 20 points (C/B)
R/Up : Lyn Muller

NTPs : Edwina Pettiford (2nd), Sandra Goldsworthy (9th)

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Mackay Road Runners Club will mark a very special milestone in 2026, celebrating 50 years of “Your running fix since ’76.” The club’s 50th anniversary will be formally celebrated with a gala dinner on Saturday, April 11, at the Mantra Mackay Harbour. Updates on how to join the celebration will be shared soon. Numbers for the gala dinner will be limited, so interested participants are encouraged to stay informed and spread the word.

Upcoming events with Mackay Road Runners:

   • Sunday, 8 February – 4.30pm: Social 5k and 10k at Bluewater Quay, followed by a short post-run warm-down and hydration session at the Red Dog.
   • Sunday, 15 February – 9am to 1pm: Mackay Regional Council Annual Sports Expo. Volunteers are required to assist at the Mackay Road Runners table. Contact Janelle on 0400 99 7432.
   • Sunday, 22 February – 5pm: Start of the 2026 Mackay Road Runners season at 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay. New and existing members are invited to run, walk or volunteer. Online registration is encouraged to be eligible immediately for handicap club points. Post-run refreshments will be provided.
   • Every Wednesday – 5.30pm: Free track training at the ARC (Aquatic & Recreation Complex), Ooralea, led by Club Captain Jim Ford. A $5 entry fee applies at the pool kiosk.

The club welcomes everyone to join in, whether running, walking, volunteering, or enjoying the social aspects of Mackay Road Runners’ activities.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse

(left to right): Andrew Short, Jo Hughes, Len Howarth, David Isbister, Carmel Mahon welcome back Daniel Stampa (right) after a 7-month secret training overseas vigil. Photos supplied

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Welcome back to all our returning players for 2026 and a big Welcome to our New Fixture Players. It is wonderful to come and enjoy our beautiful Air-Conditioned Centre.  Season 1 of Tuesday Evening Fixtures began with some very close and entertaining matches.

Division 1: Paris (Steve Whiting, Anne Sheridan, Josh Brown) def. Athens (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker) 7-4. Anne won a tight 5 sets against Graeme (4,-4,-9,2,9).

St Louis (Emma Widdup, Lily Boland, Neil Brown) def. London (Barry Patterson, Trent Day, Syed Hossain) 7-4. Neil and Barry battled it out for the biggest 5 set match with Neil coming out on top
(-10,-15,6,10,12).

Division 2: Stockholm (Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott, Will VanDeKaa) def. Antwerp (YiLin Jiang, Andrea Nicholson, Robbie Richards) 9-2. YiLin beat Donna (-14,-7,10,5,6) in a great match.

Los Angeles (Allan Edwards, Mark Sleeman, Lee Brake) def. Amsterdam (Janice Kent, Graham Brake, Duncan Treloar) 6-5. Mark and Duncan had a massive battle to the end with Mark winning (-5,-9,12,8,10).

Division 3: Helsinki (George Camilleri, Dilini Ranasinghe, Darryl Ross) def. Berlin (Simon Hogan, Noreen Frederickson, Mark Stam) 8-3. Simon had a great battle with George (-10,-9,8,7,9).

Melbourne (Delma Knight, Rymer Tabulo, Ollie Hamelink) def. Rome (Ian McKay, Matt West, Peter Goodson) 7-4. Rymer won close 5 sets against Matt (7,9,-3,-9,9).

Division 4: Mexico City (Tiffany Camilleri, Dylan Ringwood, Archel Dela Cruz) def. Tokyo (Remy Zhan, Rachel Fiesta, Hollie Cleaver) 6-5. Dylan started well in his first night against Remy, by winning in 5 sets (9,-9,3,-3,5).

Montreal (Melanie Theodore, Craig VanDeKaa, Jeric Engay) def. Munich (Liz Burton, Amanda Liu, Eldan Japay) 7-4. Eldan had a great win against Craig (7.9.-4,-2,8).

Seoul (David Symons, Ricky Zhan, Daniel Warfield) def. Moscow (Jeff Bennington, Logan Brown, Mohmout Ahmad) 9-2. David had a close battle against Jeff, with David winning (10,9,-8,-5,10).
 
Contributed with thanks to Andrea Nicholson

Mark Sleeman
Duncan Treloar. Photos supplied

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The North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club kicked off its 2026 season with a Graded Fours Competition, welcoming 40 ladies to the green to compete for the first trophy of the year.

The winning team was Lesley Baumgarten, Daphne Offield, Jean Schmidtke and Ann Smith.

Second place went to Wendy McGee, Phyllis Cooper, Sue Hazledine and Chris Woo.

The club thanks all players for a great start to the year and looks forward to seeing everyone back next week for the Graded Triples Competition.

Contributed with thanks to Sue Hazledine.

Photos supplied

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Members of the Sinkers Masters Swim Club are a versatile lot and regularly join in other clubs’ events as well as hosting their own. 
On Australia Day 2026, the Mackay Triathlon Club hosted the Aquathon, with a number of Sinkers competing in the sprint, 2.5km run and 300m swim legs, with many even running and swimming the distances twice. 
A great team effort. 
FUN in FEB on Saturday 28th February is fast approaching and all are welcome. Entry is via Swim Central and closes on Feb 20th. https://mastersswimmingqld.org.au/event/sinkers-fun-in-feb-meet/ 
This is a local short course (25m) carnival at Mackay North State High School Pool (Valley Street) finishing with a fun after party.  
Swim 25m, 50m, 100m or 400m in any stroke and you can nominate up to 6 events.  
Save the Date: 2026 Whitehaven Open Water Swim – 4th October 2026. 
It’s the King’s Birthday long weekend, so stay the night and party into Monday. There’ll be crystal clear water, world famous white silica sand and an unforgettable swim experience! Whether you’re racing, challenging yourself or soaking up the atmosphere, it’s going to be an incredible weekend in Paradise. More details coming soon. 
Proudly supported by MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland.  
Sinkers Masters Swimming Club isn’t just for swimmers. It is inclusive of non-swimmers, those learning to swim again and a few using the water to recover from injury, as well as some serious competitors. The club holds regular social events with a morning tea held after each Saturday morning session at the DMR Memorial Pool. For information, please call Megan on 0439980103. 
Contributed by Gerri Kissner 

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Mackay players Max and Diane Holewa, Janelle Conroy and Terry Sheedy played in the Townsville Australia Day Congress. Max and Diane came second in the Walk-ins, Janelle and Terry second in the Swiss Pairs, and all combined to win the Division A Team event. Noel Bugeia came a respectable fourth in the Swiss pairs at the Festival of Bridge in Canberra earlier in the month.

Weekly Results

Tuesday Evening 27 January 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 1st Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner
2nd Mick King / John McGee 2nd Martin Pearce / Christopher Myers

Wednesday 28 January 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
2nd Monica Darley / Frances Brown 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris
3rd Faith Hutchinson / Geoff Cowan 3rd Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

Thursday Evening 29 January 2026 – 3 Tables One Winner – Green Points
1st Martin Pearce / Karen Caldwell 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Jan Harris / Diane Stokes

Friday 30 January 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson 1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
2nd Christine Fitzpatrick / Joy Block 2nd Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild 3rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox
4th Joy Robinson / Jewel Schmidt 4th Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 31 January 2025 – Section A - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright
2nd Frances Brown / Christopher Meyers 2nd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
3rd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 3rd Jan Harris / Griffin Bancroft

Saturday 31 January 2025 – Section B – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
2nd Sandy Patterson / Joy Hold 2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
3rd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt 3rd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

Contributed with thanks to Joy Block

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Max Holewa and Diane
Noel Bugeia. Photos supplied

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 & CPR skills and 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 youth who patrol our beaches for the community and make going to the beach safe & 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.” 
“The surf club’s lifesavers had some outstanding individual results with U17’s Nate McKinnon & Zara Richardson taking out 1st in Champion Lifesaver as well as 1st in First Aid.  U15’s females Cadence McKinnon finished 1st with Isabella Grant coming in 2nd in Champion lifesaver, and as a team placed 1st in the First Aid competition.  With U15 male Nate Espartinez taking out 1st place also” 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 & Stewart Richardson who will now lead the team heading into state championships on the Gold Coast this weekend, so we can hopefully retain our current positions as state champions in their age groups.” 
Contributed by Josh Grant.

Start of the surf race. 
U17’s Zara Richardson & Nate McKinnon undertaking  a scenario as part of the first Aid competition, which they placed 1st. 
Mackay SLSC Champion Lifesaver Team – competitors, officials, coaches and parents. 

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An innovative refit of Queensland’s flagship marine patrol vessel, Reef Ranger, is set to strengthen the protection of the Great Barrier Reef while supporting local jobs and advancing sustainable marine operations across the state.

Operated by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Reef Ranger has worked across the Reef for more than a decade, acting as a floating ranger base for multi-day field operations, scientific research, compliance patrols and Traditional Owner partnerships.

For Whitsundays residents, the Reef is not a distant icon but a living part of the region. The Whitsunday Islands sit within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with coral reefs beginning as little as 20 kilometres offshore and extending throughout the island group. These reefs underpin the region’s tourism industry, marine biodiversity and coastal lifestyle, making their protection critical to the local economy and environment.

Completed in 2025, the Reef Ranger refit introduces state-of-the-art technology designed to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The upgrades were carried out by specialist Queensland contractors, including Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, supporting skilled jobs and local industry.

Key improvements include new Euro V-compliant propulsion engines, significantly reducing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions and eliminating black smoke. The vessel can now operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel; a lower-emissions renewable fuel made from waste oils and sustainable feedstocks, subject to availability.
A new hybrid power system has also been installed, combining solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, engine-driven alternators, traditional generators and shore power while in port. This system reduces reliance on diesel generators and lowers overall fuel consumption and emissions.

The final stage of the refit will see the installation of an innovative hull vane foil system, one of the first operational uses of this technology on a government vessel in Australia. The system reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency, with estimated savings of around 50 tonnes of fuel per year — equivalent to the annual energy use of seven to ten average households. A silicone-based antifouling coating has already been applied to the hull, improving performance and making cleaning easier.

The 23.9-metre aluminium catamaran operates for approximately 240 days each year, travelling more than 12,000 nautical miles annually, a distance equivalent to more than six full circumnavigations of Australia since its launch in 2014. With accommodation for 16 crew and support for multiple smaller vessels, Reef Ranger plays a vital role in maintaining reef health across vast and often remote areas.

Among its most significant contributions is its support of major conservation initiatives such as crown-of-thorns starfish monitoring and control, and the Raine Island Recovery Project, delivered in partnership with Traditional Owners. These programs combine Traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to protect culturally and environmentally significant reef systems.

The Great Barrier Reef contributes an estimated $9 billion each year to Australia’s economy and supports around 77,000 full-time jobs, making it one of the nation’s most important natural assets. Tourism alone accounts for nearly 90 per cent of this economic value, a reality strongly felt in regions like the Whitsundays.

Queensland and Australian Government investment in vessels like Reef Ranger reflects a long-term commitment to reef protection, innovation and sustainability. For coastal communities, including those in the Whitsundays, the refit represents not only environmental stewardship but also reassurance that the Reef, central to local livelihoods and identity, is being actively safeguarded for future generations.

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The Reef Ranger after its 2025 refit, featuring low-emissions andhybrid technology to boost protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Airlie Beach Bowls enjoyed a huge Australia Day celebration with twelve club-selected teams vying for prizes. Winners were John Trembath, Cathy Russell and Don, who travelled from Bowen for the event. Second prize was won by Margo Stanley, Liz McManus and Dennis Donadelli. Each winner took home packets of delicious meat pies or traditional lamingtons.
Tuesday bowls had 17 competitors. The winning team was skipped by Joan McGrath who, with Robin and Mel, defeated Carol, Kath and Mel. Betty Nicolle’s team defeated Greg Fennell’s team. Margo Stanley’s team defeated the team skipped by Lyn Graham. The camaraderie of the day was a delight, with experienced bowlers sharing their experience and helping newcomers.
Wednesday bowls had 22 competitors. Andrew Butler kept up his winning streak, as he and Alan Pershouse defeated Andrew Smyth and Terry Clarke. Bob Spees and his team defeated Warren Mills with only a 5 shot difference. Glen O’Brien’s team defeated Bob McMahon’s, with a margin of 6 shots. The most exciting game of the day was Rick Brunell, Ted Cullen and Arthur McManus, who drew their game against Mandy O'Brien, Lu Rogan and Tony Kelly. All players wished Phil O’Brien a happy 70th birthday.
On Sunday, social bowlers made up two games of triples and two games of pairs. The winning team was Glen O’Brien, Liz McManus and Lu Rogan who defeated Mel Fennell, Dawn Dowell and John Anderson. The club members wished Greg and Mel Fennell happy travels as they head south for an extended holiday. 
The Scroungers final for this season will be played on Saturday 7th February. The winner last Saturday was Dennis Donadelli, with Merv Stewart taking the runner up prize.
Contributed with thanks to Betty Whitehorn

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Bob McMahon , Merv Stewart, GlenO'Brien , Dave Meiklejohn  and Keith Bates  

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The Proserpine Golf Club is into the swing of its main competition season, following erratic weather through January.
In Tuesday 27th January’s Stroke men’s event, Ryan Gault claimed victory with an impressive 61 nett, ahead of Gerald Lovell on 68 nett. Nearest the Pin prizes went to Nic Apruzzese (2nd) and Paul Gray (13th and 16th).
For the ladies’, Rehab Hull won with 67 nett, narrowly ahead of Heather Luvis on 68 nett, while Di Chard secured the NTP on the 9th.
The Vets Stroke saw Linda Wardroper take out the ladies’ section with 60 nett, followed by Rehab Hull with 67. In the men’s, Gerald Lovell again featured strongly, winning on 68 nett, with Gary Scotford runner-up. Least putts honours went to Linda Wardroper (28) and Trevor Paroz and Ken Granger (27).
On Wednesday 28th January members enjoyed the Ladies’ Single Stableford. A close contest saw Toni Clauss win on 37 points (countback), ahead of Heather Luvis, with Karen Oni third on 36 points. Trish McNeill claimed Nearest the Pin on the 9th.
On Thursday 29th January’s Stableford event, in A Grade, Chris Brett won on 39 points (countback) from Jason Bourke. B Grade honours went to James Devery on 37 points, edging out Luke Swift. NTPs were won by Trevor Paroz, Greg Walker, Brad Fleet and Len Booroff.
Friday 30th January saw the Metropole Hotel 9-Hole Stableford, in which Noelene Spurway topped the field with 21 points, followed by Nathan Sothmann on 20 points, with Loretta Puttick third. Chris Bartlett collected two NTPs.
During Saturday 31st January’s Stableford event, in the men’s A Grade, Tony Chapple won on 37 points (countback) from Gavin Kerwand, with Scott Clarke third. B Grade was won by James Unsworth with 38 points, ahead of Greg Puttick and Cooper Nissen.
The ladies’ event saw Di Chard winning on 42 points, followed by Edwina Pettiford (41)and Heather Luvis (39).
After Sunday 1st February’s Stroke Monthly Medals, Shaun Brown claimed the men’s title with 65 nett, just ahead of David Mason on 66 nett. In the ladies’ event, Hayley King (Pioneer Valley GC) posted an excellent 58 nett to win, with Edwina Pettifordrunner-up.
Upcoming fixtures include the Metropole Hotel 9-hole run on Friday 6th February, and Monthly Medals on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th.

Contributed with thanks to  Tiina Randmae

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The Cannonvale Cannons travelled north last weekend to compete at the Townsville Tourist Long Course Transition Meet, tackling challenging hot conditions across the entire weekend. With several swimmers still recovering from the Country Championships held in Rockhampton the previous weekend, the Cannons fielded a smaller-than-usual team. Despite this, the squad produced a series of impressive performances, personal bests, and podium finishes throughout the meet. 
Several swimmers stood out for significant personal best improvements, including Roxanne Groom, Lucas Korosec, Nelson Malady, and Zavier Woolston. A special mention goes to Andie Reynolds for carving an outstanding 32.82 seconds off her 200-metre Backstroke time — a remarkable improvement that reflects her hard work and commitment in training. Zavier Woolston competed in his first-ever 200-metre Butterfly, showing great determination and resilience to complete the demanding event. 
Lucas Korosec enjoyed an exceptional meet, producing a dominant performance by claiming gold medals in all nine of his events. His consistency across multiple strokes and distances was a highlight for the Cannons and a testament to his preparation and race execution. 
Newest Cannon, Joshua Ketchup, made his carnival debut and was warmly welcomed by teammates. He was well supported throughout the weekend, alongside Lily Woolston, by senior swimmer Dylan Reynolds, who ensured both younger athletes felt confident and encouraged in their first major meet experience. 
Cash prizes for podium placings in the 200m events were awarded to Lucas Korosec, Roxanne Groom, Ruby and Koa Harland, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, Adie Sanders, Nelson Malady, Maeve and Declan Dichiera, and Zavier Woolston, highlighting the depth of strong performances across the team. 
Declan Dichiera and Celeste Orenshaw also qualified for the IM Eliminator event, with Celeste powering through the rounds to finish second overall and secure $50 in prize money. 
Congratulations go to Nelson Malady, Roxanne Groom, and Maeve Dichiera on earning their A Grade Swimming North Queensland upgrade medals. 
The Cannons now turn their focus to a busy and exciting finish to the season, beginning with the Queensland Sprint Championships in Brisbane next weekend and concluding with Club Championships on March 29. 

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec 

The Mighty Cannonvale Cannons. Photo Supplied.  

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Eight swimmers from Whitsunday Swimming Club delivered an outstanding performance at the inaugural 2026 Queensland Country Championships, held in Rockhampton over the Australia Day long weekend.
Competing across three days of racing in hot conditions, the Whitsunday team went head-to-head with athletes from 42 clubs across Queensland, producing an impressive haul of personal bests, top 10 finishes and podium results.
Charlie was a standout performer, recording personal best times in all 10 events across the meet, including backing up PBs in finals. Charlie also secured bronze medals in both the 100-metre and 200-metre backstroke and finished inside the top 10 on three occasions.
Bella continued her strong form with a silver medal in the 50m butterfly and a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle, breaking the 29-second barrier. She also recorded four top 10 finishes and multiple personal bests throughout the championships.
George achieved remarkable consistency in the multiclass events, finishing third in six races: the 200m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m individual medley, and 50m backstroke.
Evie recorded two top 10 finishes and a personal best in the 100m breaststroke, while Hayden achieved one top 10 finish and personal bests in all swims. Leyton added another top 10 finish and recorded personal best times across the board.
Jayde produced one of the most impressive improvements of the meet, clocking a massive 7.69-second personal best in the 200m breaststroke. Isaac also enjoyed a breakthrough performance, recording personal bests in all events and breaking the 30-second mark in the 50-metre freestyle with a time of 29.57 seconds.
Coach Jenny was on deck to witness the swimmers shine, and the club continues to thank her for her coaching, support, and words of wisdom.
The 2026 Queensland Country Championships marked an extremely proud moment for the club and an excellent start to the new Queensland Country Championships era. If this meet is anything to go by, Whitsunday Swimming Club is in for an exciting 2026.
Next stop is the Queensland State Sprints in Brisbane, starting February 7.

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan

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Smiles as swimmers celebrate. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday United Football
Saturday 7th Feb
Kappa Cup Match Mens
6:30pm WUFC v FQPL
 
Whitsunday Touch Football
Monday 9th Feb 
Seniors Compulsory Grading

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On March 27, 2026, Bowen willhost an event at the Queens Beach Hotel, featuring prominentQueensland rugby league figures Wally Lewis, Gene Miles, and MattGillett. Running from 6pm to 9pm. The evening aims to raise funds forgrassroots Junior Rugby League, specifically supporting the BowenSeagulls, a local club.

The event will include a live Q&Aand panel discussion, offering attendees the opportunity to hear fromthe three former players about their careers, experiences, andinsights into the game. The evening will also feature a two-coursedinner, with beer, wine, and soft drinks included. In addition, therewill be a live auction where attendees can bid on memorabilia andexperience-based items, with proceeds going towards the BowenSeagulls.

All funds raised during the eventare designated to support local junior rugby league, providingessential equipment and resources for clubs in the Bowen area. TheBowen Seagulls, like many other junior rugby clubs in regionalQueensland, rely heavily on community support to continue theiroperations and offer opportunities for young players to develop theirskills.

This event is part of a broaderinitiative that has seen similar events in other regional Queenslandtowns, including a 2025 Gala Dinner in Rockhampton, where $40,000worth of rugby league equipment was donated to clubs in that region.

Tickets are available forindividual seats or tables, and the proceeds from all ticket saleswill contribute to supporting the Bowen Seagulls. Sales will close onMarch 13, 2026, and with limited seats available, those interestedare encouraged to book early.

The event presents an opportunityfor the community to come together to support the future of rugbyleague in Bowen, with the funds directly benefiting local players andclubs.

WHAT: Bowen: FOGsRegional Tours: Gala Dinner

WHEN: 27^thMarch, 6pm-9pm

WHERE: QueensBeach Hotel

Photosource: Shutterstock

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The Abell Point Yacht Club celebrated Australia Day in true Whitsundays style with a long weekend cruise through the islands, proving that a little wind and rain are no match for good company and a love of sailing.
Five boats carrying 12 club members departed Pioneer Bay on Saturday morning, bound for Stonehaven Bay.  With winds reaching up to 22 knots, the sail across provided some lively and challenging conditions, keeping skippers and crews on their toes.  Once safely anchored in Stonehaven, however, the weather settled and the bay lived up to its reputation, offering calm, serene waters.
As the sun dipped over the ocean, crews gathered on the beach for sundowners, enjoying a spectacular sunset and a relaxed evening shared between boats.  Overnight conditions took a turn, with strong wind gusts and bullets sweeping down over the hills, accompanied by rain showers that continued into the following day.
With the wet weather persisting, plans to visit Whitehaven Beach were shelved in favour of a shorter sail to the always-sheltered Cid Harbour.  By late afternoon the rain eased just enough for spirits to lift and at 4.30pm the group came ashore to fire up the barbee for an early Australia Day beach celebration.  Children played along the shoreline while adults enjoyed a classic Aussie BBQ, making the most of a welcome break in the weather.
Australia Day morning began with a true classic — a hearty eggs and bacon breakfast cooked on the beach by the club’s own Sailing Captain, Charlie.  A small group took on the walk up Whitsunday Peak, though thick fog at the summit meant the much-anticipated views remained hidden.  Back at the beach, the morning wrapped up with lamingtons, bubbles and juice, rounding out the celebrations perfectly.
Throughout the weekend, members embraced the Australia Day theme, donning flags, hats, thongs and shorts, adding to the relaxed and festive atmosphere.  By late morning it was time to part ways, with some boats continuing their Whitsundays adventure for a few more days while others headed back to Airlie Beach.
Despite the storms and showers, the weekend delivered exactly what the Abell Point Yacht Club is known for — great sailing, camaraderie, shared meals and plenty of laughs. The club thanks everyone who took part and helped make the Australia Day long weekend such a success.
Members and the wider community are encouraged to keep an eye on the Abell Point Yacht Club website and Facebook pages for details of upcoming cruises, including the popular Easter Cruise running from 3 to 6 April.
Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Ireland

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