On Sunday at Wangaratta Bowls Club four games of triples were played – each quite close.

Winners for the afternoon on account of ends were Deb Retchless, Laurie Land, and Graeme Read who drew with Kevin Baxter, Robyn Stitt, and Barry Beel.

In other games Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Deb Beel, Kent Moriarty, and Kevin Jewell, while Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Mark Drummond defeated Gwenda Lydom, Linda Scells, and Greg Colquhoun.

The final game was won by the team of Merle Elphinstone, and Lyn and Geoff Danvers, who defeated Irene Laird, Sue Shearing, and  Pat Tracey.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the club, with Ladies’ winner on a countback Penny Stewart, 39 points.

Women’s runner up was Trish Sellen, also 39 points, while Men's winner was Jeremy Chrzanowski on 38, runner up on a countback Kevin Clark, 37.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by the Original North Australian Hotel.

Ladies’ winner was Carol O'Connell, 37 points, runner up Helen Fellows on 34.

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Carol O'Connell, Judy Atkins, and Julie Martin who also won the Car Wash voucher.

Men’s winner was Kevin Cross, 43 points, runner up Scott Pearce, 40.

Pin shots to Malcolm Martin, Rhyce Layton, Graeme Baker, and Ben Fellows, with Malcolm Martin and Craig Van Veen both with OBP's.

This weekend's competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Margaret Whyte. Don't forget to wear purple, Marg's favourite colour.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Ladies’ Saturday winners Carol O'Connell and Helen Fellows

Allen Roberts edged out Wilf Herweg on a countback in Tuesday’s Stabelford at Proserpine Golf Club.

Both men carded 39 points and were followed in third place by Jim Cochrane on 38 points, while NTPs were won by Allen Roberts and Len Booroff.

The ladies teed up for the Wednesday Stableford in fine numbers, with Trish McNeill the winner on 39 points ahead of 20 other competitors.

She was closely followed by Pauline Redpath on 37, and Beryl Nosworthy in good form on 34 points. Toni Clauss, Trish McNeill and Ann Gardel were the NTP winners.

Aaron Prosser and Adam Tester were back on the winner’s podium for Division One and Two, respectively, in the Thursday Stableford.

Nathan Holohan runner up in Division One on 39 points, and Brent Daniels in third place on 37 points.

Russell Reardon also played well with a handicap equalling 36 points, beating James Devery on a countback.

NTP winners: Steve Mitchell, Adam Maggs, Gavin Kerwand and Trish McNeill

George Steane shot a par round to win the 9-Hole Met Run on Friday afternoon, carding a very nice 22 points.

Troy Smith betting his handicap to shoot 20 points beating Billy O’Connor on a countback. Paul Gray and Tom O’Brien were the NTP winners.

Saturday’s event was a nett competition, Diane Chard led the ladies in with a very nice 71 nett, beating Mandy Patterson on a countback.

Tiina Randmae came third, only one shot back on 71 nett.

Sherri Meade and Pam Harrison won the two NTP’s up for grabs, while the men’s field was divided into two divisions, with Vincent Collins winning on 66 nett.

Jon Miller shot a one under par round to finish in second place on 67 nett, and Jason Bourke was in third place on 68 nett.

Division Two was won by Jack Paroz on 64 nett, followed by Billy Ruddell on 66 nett and Mark Cranston in third place also on 66 nett.

NTP winners: Pat Camm, Steve Kelly, George Steane, and Rod Wecker.

John Clark was on fire on Sunday to win the Club Stableford with a scorching 42 points, three ahead of second placed Nathan Holohan, and Ken Granger one back from second on 38 points.

Aaron Prosser was the NTP winner.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop

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The Mark Nicol memorial ambrose was held on Sunday for Whitsunday Social Golfers who arrived in force, with a field of 26 players vying for the trophy.

With a nett score of 60, the Trophy was claimed by Pam Casey and Lew Tuck, with runners up on 63.25 were Elise Hodgson and Chris Bartlett, and in the rundown Jason Bourke and Clay Coles came in on 64.5.

They were closely followed by Pauline Redpath and Dean Kercher on 64.75.

Nearest the Pins went to the teams of Caly and Jason, Lew and Pam, Dean and Pauline, Tiina Randmae and Jo Moynihan, and Mark Rutherford and Mark Callaghan.

Longest drives were claimed by George Meharry, Don Cameron, Penny Wardroper. and Linda Wardroper.

The Bradfords went to Scott and Linda Wardroper.

The Club extended thanks to the Reef Gateway Hotel for support each week of prizes and sustenance.  

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Social Golfers Pam Casey, Lew Tuck, and Elise Hodgson

Another warm one out there this week for Proserpine Veteran Golfers who continue to get good numbers despite the heat with ten ladies and 23 men out on the course.

On the full 18 holes, John Oates took out first place with a great score of 39 on a countback from Wilf Herweg, 39, and Jimmy Cochrane on 38.

Lyn Muller was the ladies’ winner with 35, Jan Shuwalow 34, and Paula McQuat 31.

Pin shots went to Ken Granger and Steve Mitchel on two, Wilf Herweg, and Steve again on eight, Gary Scotford and Phil Luckett on 13.

Lyn Muller and Jan Shuwalow on two, Lyn again and Tiina Randmae on eight, Elspeth Scotford, Jan Shuwalow, and Paula McQuat all in the hole on 13.

Next Tuesday there will be no competition at Proserpine Golf Course as the Club heads to Home Hill for the Whitsunday Veterans Competition.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Proserpine Veteran golfer Lyn Muller

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A young Proserpine State School Student has been selected to play Basketball for North Queensland and he is thrilled to see all his practice and training has paid off.

Jamie Henderson is 12 years old and began playing Basketball last year with the Next Stars Sports Academy in Cannonvale.

He participated in the Whitsunday Trials last year and since then he has used every spare moment to practice and fine-tune his skills.

“Everyone thought I should play basketball because I am so tall for my age,” said Jamie.

At 179 centimetres he is the tallest kid in his class, but his height was just the impetus to try the sport, it is his talent on court that got him noticed by the scouts.

Jamie’s dad, Nick Henderson, said that while other players are cocky on the court, his son is cool and calm.

“He always picks the most arrogant player who thinks he’s ‘all that’ and then he just hounds him and never lets up until he’s got him,” said Nick.

“He never loses his cool or reacts when other players having a go at him, he just ignores them!

“He can also slip into any team and play really well – I think these are the reasons he caught the judges eye.”

Jamie participated in the trials three weeks ago and was part of a team of 10 boys and 10 girls from Proserpine State High School who went to Townsville to vie for a place.

He was the only boy to be selected.

For his next event Jamie will head back in Townsville in May for a four-day tournament where 10 players will be selected to be play for Queensland and if he is successful, he will travel to a major competition in Perth.

Jamie was born in Shepperton Victoria and moved to the Whitsundays eight years ago.

A talented Power Forward, Jamie said he loved attending the trials and that it was awesome to compete in a bigger setting with four basketball courts playing at the same time.

Back in his local town, Jamie can be found at the Cannonvale Basketball Courts between three and four times a week, where he plays for two hours each session.

When asked what advice he has for other aspiring sports players he said to never give up.

“If you don’t make it the first time, just keep practicing, it’s about trial and error,” he said.

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Year 7 Proserpine State High School Student, Jamie Henderson, has been selected to play Basketball for North Queensland. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The inaugural Genesis Cup round for Airlie Beach Darts Club was held on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club after the Easter break.

Plenty of players went into the weekend in fine form, with Round 1 having valuable Premier League points on offer before the remainder of the competition -- a dog fight to the end with the eventual winner claiming the second trophy of the year.

It was a fantastic day of darting action from start to finish, with Jamie Woods hoisting aloft the Genesis Cup for the first time.

The Club extended thanks to its sponsors: Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Genesis Cup Results Round 1

J Maher def H Rick 7/2

G Robbie def A McMinn 7/5

J Wilson def S Rose 7/3

J Woods def A Peel 7/2

J Lloyd def K Reason 7/4 (Rd5)

Quarter Finals

J Maher def K Reason 4/2

J Wilson def G Robbie 4/0

J Woods def A McMinn 4/1

A Peel def J Lloyd 4/2

Semi Finals

J Maher def J Wilson 4/3

J Woods def A Peel 4/3

Final

J Woods def J Maher 4/0

180’s x 1 - J Woods

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jamie Woods claiming his second trophy of the season at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on Sunday

Outrigger Whitsunday has introduced a new session to its calendar where up to 18 new paddlers take to the water at each session – to enormous success already.

The new weekly Friday afternoon outrigger paddling is halfway through its first six-week social programme and is a great way for business owners, retirees, and visitors to explore the Whitsundays’ amazing back yard.

The friendly team environment is a fun way to exercise with no pressure to paddle at a competitive level, and it offers a unique way to experience the culture of an outrigger canoe.

“These new sessions are a terrific way for anyone to get out on to the water at a time when they may not ordinarily be able to,” Outrigger Whitsunday member Michelle Lynes said.

“It’s been extremely rewarding to watch new friendships being made as each member works together to get ready for the session and take our big canoes down to the water and then successfully learn how to paddle.

“Some sessions bring out the singer in the group, other times we watch the local wildlife or learn how to work with the different conditions that Mother Nature brings.”

The club also offers a social paddling time on Saturday mornings with bookings for either are essential.

Meet at Shingley Beach Fridays 4.30pm for 5pm on the water; Meet at Shingley Beach Saturdays 7am for 7.30am on the water.

Contact the club on their Facebook page or Michelle on 0421 159 852

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Outrigger Whitsundays has launched a six-week social programme for beginners to come and give the sport a go

Five Cannonvale Cannons’ swimmers had brilliant weeks at the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast.  

Coach Mark Erickson said he was proud of the Cannons and their outstanding achievements.

“It is not easy to qualify for the Australian Championships, let alone swim at the Australian championships,” he said.

“The five Cannons kept their nerves at bay and swam extremely well in this super competitive environment.”  

Jy Parkinson, 17-years-old, made the finals for all three of his Backstroke events.

Jy came ninth in Australia for his 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 27.51 seconds and for his 100-metre Backstroke in 59.01 seconds.  

He was placed 10th in the final for his 200-metre Backstroke with a time of 2.09.27.  

During the week, Jy also swam 100-metre Butterfly in a time of 58.87 seconds (23rd), 200-metre Freestyle in 1.57.10 (13th), 100-metre Freestyle in 54.12sec (30th) and 200m Butterfly in 2.14.91 (17th).  

Jacob Bell, aged 16, swam a 400-metre IM in a time of 5.01.25 which placed him 28th in Australia.

Ehsan Helou, 14, swam her 50-metre Breaststroke in 34.35 seconds, which placed him 50th in Australia.  

Ehsan’s sister, Anisa, aged 13, swam the 50-metre Butterfly in 31.44 seconds (with a 0.68 second personal best) and was placed 76th in the country.  

Holly Perrin, aged 15, swam the 50-metre Backstroke in 33.24 seconds and was placed 92nd in Australia.  

The Club extended its congratulations to Jy, Jacob, Ehsan, Anisa, and Holly on your fantastic achievements.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Anisa Jacob Holly Mark Jy and Ehsan on the Gold Coast

Cannons at the Australian Age Championships

Jy marshalling for the Backstroke final

The WTA’s Winter Competition resumed on Monday after a two week break for Easter holidays.

However, not all WTA members took a break. Two of our promising Junior Referees travelled to Townsville for the State Junior North Cup.

Lanie Hazeltine and Claudia Ansell took the opportunity to further their refereeing experience. In Townsville they were mentored by experienced referees. The girls commented that they learned a lot and really appreciated the supportive comments from the senior referees.

Claudia capped her efforts with selection to referee the U12 Girls Grand Final.

WTA is proud to support our Junior Referees.

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Round Eight Results

Mixed A

Raiders A (8) v Concrete Feet (2)

Vipers (6) v Trusty (3)

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles (11) v Ray White (4)

GET Touch (7) v Full Boar (2)

Touch It (6) v Slippery Salmons (3)

Mixed C

Raiders C (9) v On Time (5)

Fumble This (7) v Stingers (4)

Flametree Flames (11) v Whitsunday Warriors (2)

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (7) v Misfits (4)

Mainlanders (8) v Escapees (2)

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The North Queensland Cowboys have announced two star Mackay recruits in the lead up to their inaugural NRLW season.

After a strong start in the Mackay Cutters first BMD Premiership season, Emma Manzelmann was unveiled as the first signing for the Cowboys with Jasmine Peters being announced soon after.

Born and raised in Mackay, Manzelmann returns to North Queensland after a premiership winning NRLW campaign with the Newcastle Knights as an integral signing for Cowboys’ maiden season.

“Growing up, there was not much women’s footy,” Emma said.

“Then when Cowboys said they were putting in a team, it was a dream and now that dream’s becoming true.”

Cowboys Sign Mackay Talent Ahead Of First NRLW Season

The pathway between the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership and North Queensland Cowboys NRLW squads has made itself apparent, with two players from the inaugural Cutters campaign signing with the North Queensland outfit ahead of their first season.

Emma Manzelmann began her football journey with the Walkerston Wanderers under 7s and by 2019 she was a member of the Queensland under 18s and the inaugural Cowboys Women’s Academy.

The current Cutters’ number 9 announced herself to the senior rugby league world with a stunning two try performance in the North Queensland Gold Stars’ first ever game in Round 1 of the 2020 BMD Premiership.

Emma returned to the Gold Stars for the 2021 season and was named Player of the Year after a sensational campaign, earning herself a contract with the Newcastle Knights for the delayed 2021 NRLW season.

Returning to the Gold Stars in 2022, the dynamic dummy half helped the team to premiership success before appearing in all seven 2022 matches for Newcastle in their march to grand final glory, Emma’s second premiership of the year.

Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said Emma was earmarked early in the recruiting process.

“Emma was always one of our main targets,” he said.

“She is an elite talent who is homegrown and came through our pathways system, which made her signature a priority.”

Fellow Mackay product and try scorer in the Gold Stars’ 2022 grand final victory Jasmine Peters also announced a three-year deal with the Cowboys on Monday.

Peters played her junior football for the Norths Mackay Devils before graduating to the Cowboys Women’s Academy and playing two NRLW seasons with the Gold Coast Titans.

“It’s hard to believe ‘Jaz’ is still just 20 when you consider she’s a three-time Indigenous All-Star, who also brings Queensland under 19s and NRLW experience,” Mr Jeffries said.

“Jasmine will be a prominent figure in our backline, with her powerful carries and I know she is determined to test herself against the best within the NRLW space as she pushes for higher honours.”

The Cowboys also announced the signing of Cairns’ Tahlulah Tillett, another member of the 2022 premiership winning Gold Stars squad, as they build towards their first campaign in the NRLW.

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Mackay’s Emma Manzelmann was the first person to sign with the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of their inaugural NRLW season. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

Mackay Cutters captain Emma Manzelmann and backrower Jasmine Peters have signed with the North Queensland Cowboys. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The competition was hot when Sarina Bowls Club hosted the men's only 2023 Wilma Plane Creek Mill Shield.

One hundred and twenty bowlers from 12 clubs competed, playing three games on a reasonably hot day.

Lots of good bowling and friendship resulted between the 120 men fighting it out to see which club could take home the shield.

Northern Beaches and Souths Suburban led a close finish, both teams ending on 17 points each.

Northern Beaches won on overall margin of 67 and Souths Suburban second with 60.

Wilmar is the major sponsor of the day, and many spectators enjoyed watching some very competitive bowls.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Northern Beaches Bowls Club's winning team was Back L-R Kees Struik, Pete Petersen, Greg Kasper, Stevie Mau, Brodie Johnson, Jason McMullin, Steve Boyce, Bruce Wilson. Front L-R Mark Glew, Paul Foot, and selector Trevor Kelly. Also playing were Ricky Dunn, Barry Brown, Chris Gee and Stu Larkins. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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Prominent Mackay rugby league coach Pat Daly knows all about the importance of preparation for major sporting competitions or annual tournaments.

The respected mentor showed his value in the lead up to this year’s Confraternity Games Rugby League Championship in Brisbane by recently guiding St Patrick’s College Reds to a Mackay School Sports Division 2 Opens title.

A knowledgeable Daly – who is highly regarded at the Walkerston Wanderers JRLFC - demonstrated his coaching prowess by steering the emerging colts to a spirited 10-6 Grand Final victory over Sarina High School in the 2023 trophy decider at the Mackay & District Junior League Fields.  

The premiership triumph underlined the College’s depth of talent in the senior ranks with several of his charges pushing for spots in a star-studded top tier Open side, coached by former Italy World Cup international centre Ian Schifilliti, that is chasing honours in the Cutters Cup, Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions.

As a schoolboy, Daly himself tasted success in various rugby league carnivals that included winning the 2000 Confraternity Shield trophy in Bundaberg with a St Patrick’s unit that featured the likes of future NRL stars Grant Rovelli and Brett Seymour.

The St Patrick’s Class of 2000 was captained by half back Rovelli – who was named Player of the Carnival after they defeated St Mary’s Toowoomba 26-16 in the Shield decider.

There was no shortage of class in the St Mary’s team with a skinny and naturally gifted playmaker in Jonathon Thurston - an all-time great in waiting – lining up at five eighth.

Just like his recent triumph with the Reds, the astute Daly and former teammates put in the hard yards in preparation for Confro and reaped the dividends.

Sarina High jumped to an early 6-0 lead in the Grand Final before wily hooker Hudson Clark weaved through defenders to score on the cusp of half time.

Power running forward Javin Ramsamy nabbed the match-winning try for St Patrick’s after the interval when he burst through tackles from 40 metres out with Clark converting.

In a mighty team effort, the Reds were best served by fullback Lane Maunder, elusive backs Tura Larry, Fletcher Russell, Bailey Caruana, skilful halves Brad Manera and Jack Aslette and industrious forwards Ramsamy, Clark, Reece Morris, Saxon Crofts, Pat Shanks, Leo Gupwell and Campbell Grisan-Hodges.

Daly also praised the efforts of his nephew Darcy Daly, who missed the title decider with a hand injury after turning in strong performances during the campaign.

The Reds dominated the series and lost only one match when forced to forfeit a fixture against St Patrick’s Navy Blue side due to a spate of injuries and Mackay Cutters representative commitments.

There were double celebrations on Grand Final Day when St Patrick’s Navy toppled Mackay State High 24-12 to capture the Division 2 Year 7-8s premiership.

Promising fullback Nathan Simon, centre Sonny Doring, five eighth Matt Fenech, prop Nate Faulkner, back rowers Tayte Rowe and Angus Barns and lock Flynn Taylor produced strong games for St Patrick’s in a rousing team effort.  

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Jubilant St Patrick’s College Red players celebrate their Mackay Schools Rugby League Division 2 Opens premiership after toppling Sarina High in the Grand Final at the Mackay Junior League Fields

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night finals March 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske, Allan Edwards) d Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) 6-5. Allan d Barry 6, 0, -9, -17, 12.

Division 2:

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 9-5. Duncan d Graeme -3, -11, 11, 5, 15.

Division 3:

Nittaku (Steve Crocker, Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan) d Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. Simon d Steve 7, -10, 5, -4, 9.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Don Boettcher) 10-4. Tony d Michael -4, -11, 8, 8, 10.

Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight) 11-3. Charlie/Branko d George/Delma -11, 7, -7, 7, 9.

Division 2:

Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Louise 7, -3, -9, 9, 8.

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor)  7-5. Judi d Helen 9, 9, -4, -9, 9.

Division 3:

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Cheryl Pearson, Allison Day) 8-4. Frank d Madge 11, -9, 3, -12, 11.

Pigeons (Ian Dodds, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Hawks (Gloria Vella, Thelma Caruana) 7-5. Myles d Thelma -8, 9, -11, 7, 6.

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Marie Taylor in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Mackay Road Runners and Zambrero Mackay joined forces for a very social Easter Sunday afternoon 5km/10km run.  

Thanks to Zambrero owner Peter Quinn, his family and his wonderful staff for providing random draw prizes, super lovely service and yummy refreshments post-race.  

Approximately fifty runners and supporters and the Easter Bunny enjoyed the slightly cooler conditions although the Bunny was mildly uncomfortable with the humidity.  

Excellent running came from Lauren Connor who ran her longest ever event.

Congratulations also go to Jo Skinner who has just today completed the Run Down Under Australia 2023 course, running 14,080 kilometres to complete her journey.  

Great to see the return of Mick Vivian, apparently working too hard, although he still ran very fast.

Superb running by junior runners Luke Leven and Lily Leven who tackled the 10km event in perfect form despite the high temperatures.

Anthea Ford made a welcome return to the local running scene whilst home for the Easter Break.

Many thanks once again to Zambrero and their wonderful team, Helen Leven for bringing the highly popular Zooper Doopers, Andrew Short for his course description and Arthur Dick for ensuring everyone got home safely.

This Sunday’s handicap points event commences from Tim’s residence at 16 Ocean Avenue, Slade Point.  

The Chariots of Fire 5k/10k run will include some challenging undulations, as well as a bit of cross country trail running, sandy and bitumen surfaces.  

All members are welcome as well as non member casual day runners.  

Please meet at Tim’s by 6.15am at the latest so that all runners can be checked in with the timekeeper before race briefing.  

Club Captain Jim Ford’s Wednesday weekly track training continues every week commencing from 5.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreational Centre (ARC) Ooralea.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Approximately fifty runners and the Easter Bunny thank Zambrero for their awesome hospitality on Easter Sunday

L-R Jo Hughes, Andrew Short, Carmel Mahon, Andrew Wallace and Julie Whibley loving the Zambrero atmosphere after their run. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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