The regions Swimming clubs have met for the Whitsunday Swimming Club LC Carnival.

Jampacked with heats, fantastic swims, beaten personal bests, and a great community effort and dedication, the final carnival served as a great reminder of the community that gathers for such standout events.

Joined with Pioneer Swimming Club, Mirani Swimming Club, Lightning Swimming Club, and so many more, the day was only aided by clear weather and perfect temperatures.

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Photos Supplied

This weekend, the Mackay District Men's Champion of Champion B Pairs was played at Proserpine.  

The speed of the green surprised a few of the competitors.  

Many thanks to those who put so many hours and so much effort into its preparation.

Our representatives - Gavin Noonan and Todd Leys were defeated in the second round by the Northern Beaches team who were runners up in the event.  

Winner of this year's event were Bede Roebuck and Ron Horsfall from Souths Suburban.

Also many thanks to those who contributed to the functioning of the event at our club.  

All commented on the hospitality of our club and the services that we provided to make the event such a success.

On Wednesday Sandy Daffara, Philip Brown and John Burnett defeated Arthur Griffith, Peter Lawton, and Mike Harrison 24 - 18 in Social Bowls and on Sunday Bruce Uhe, Philip Brown and Mike Harrison defeated Sandy Daffara, Margie Burnett and John Burnett 24 - 12.

Best wishes for good games to our 2 Bowl Triples Representatives Shane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley who will be competing in Champion of Champions at Pioneer Valley next weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Sunday Social Bowls Seated left to right Bruce Uhe and Margie Burnett, Standing Philip Brown. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, winners were Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, and Robyn Stitt defeated Stumpy Adams, Isobel Wheeler, and Deb Retchless.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Last week we had our Come and Try afternoon.

How great it was to see 18 learners take to the green.

Members gave them a brief demonstration and then they were out on the green.

Within half an hour they were showing their style getting close to jack.

Then they played a game to test out their skills.

Thanks to those that came and members who helped.

We hope you enjoyed the afternoon and you are welcome back any time.

Club Competition is slowly progressing. We have competitions called on the board for mixed and Singles Sets.

It is only a month before presentation day so we hope they all finished before the big day. Our Monster Raffle to help send our Pennant Sides to Tweed Heads is still selling. If we could have tickets in by next Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Come and Try Day 2023

Winners Sunday 22 October 23. Photos supplied

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Tuesday consisted of a Mens and Ladies Stableford. Winners were Chris Pham – 37 Points and Rehab Hull with 35 Points. NTP’s Paul Gray, Aaron Prosser, and Kev Cooper.

Wednesday Competition was sponsored by Lyn and Viv. 17 Ladies came to play and some great scores were recorded by Pauline Redpath with a nett 66 and Tina Badenhorst with a 70 Nett. Pin Shots with to Karlene Lloyd, Elspeth Scotford and Pauline Redpath.

More Great scores were recorded in the Thursday Stableford. A grade was won by Paul Gray with 41 Points, followed by Steve Lucas 38 and Ryan Wilkes 37. B Grade was won by Dylan Holland on 43 Points, Russell Reardon taking second place with 41 and Phil Luckett 39. Pin Shots went to John Oates, Karl Kirkwood, Dylan Holland, and Ron Jamieson.

Friday Metropole Stableford 9 Hole Competition was won by Brendan Spann with 22 points followed by Andrew Volpato with 21. Pin Shots to Brendan Spann and Jack Pirlo.

Saturday competition continued with some great scores; Brendan Span continued his great form by winning A Grade with a 66 Nett from Scott Clarke on 67. Ross Hammond won B Grade with a 65 Nett on count back from Chris Pham. Peta Thomas won the Ladies with a 69 Nett followed by Helen Deighton on 70. Pin Shots went to Helen Deighton, Ann Gardel, Jason Bourke, Kelvin Stephens, Rob Stanley and Michael Ward.

Great Scores did not finish there. Brad Vloedmans won the Sunday Stroke competition with a 65 Nett from Darren Reynolds on 67. Ladies winner was Pamela Casey on 69 Nett on countback from Anna Winterbourn.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Course Pro Shop.

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A GLORIOUS DAY OF GOLF

Numbers may have been down slightly for the Whitsunday Golf Club stroke competition last Sunday, but the scoring was hot to trot. Sixteen players contested the single stroke competition with some very close scoring in perfect conditions, just enough breeze to keep the players cool without interfering with the flight of the ball. Darren Reynolds was the star of the day with an outstanding 79 off the stick.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner: Anna Winterbourn with nett 69

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 70

Longest Drive Elise Hodgson

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner: Pam Casey with nett 69

Runner-up: Joanne Moynihan with 77

Longest Drive: Joanne Moynihan

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Darren Reynolds with an excellent nett 67

Runner-up: George Meharry with a close to winning 68

Longest Drive: Darren Reynolds

MEN’S B GRADE

Winner: Mark McDougal with nett 69

Runner-up: Brendon Meharry with 71

Longest Drive: David Hoy

NTPs:

LADIES: Penny Wardroper (Ladies A and All In)

MEN: Darren Reynolds (A grade), Ron Jamieson (B grade)

NEXT WEEK: is a Single Stableford. A reminder to log into the time sheet as early as possibly so that we are able to play as a block. Our time of play is between 7 and 8 am.

Remember: Save these dates:

November 12th and 19th for the WGC Club Championships

December 9th for the WGC Christmas Party at the RGH.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Mark McDougal (B grade winner Men), Anna Winterbourn (A grade winner Ladies) Pam Casey (B grade winner Ladies), Darren Reynolds (A grade winner Men). Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Fred Tammist come first with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts Donovan Pettiford and third on 20 pts Michael Bond.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Mark Thompson take the win with 25 pts, second place with 22 pts Louie Archer and third place with 21 pts Andrew Gomez. Great job by all.

Sundays PAR svs 18-hole competition was a very warm yet great day on the green which saw Morgan Vanderwyk take first place with a +3.

This Sunday 29th Oct with be our Monthly Medal tee off at 9am – 10am. Hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Pictured: Michael Bond. Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons had a fantastic week of swimming with 30 swimmers participating at Club Night and 40 swimmers competing at the Whitsunday Family Meet on Saturday.  

On Saturday in Proserpine, the Cannons were in full force supported by coaches, Ken Crittenden, Rylee Erickson, Jarrod Keys and Shay Wilmot and a team of wonderful parents.  

The coaches were super impressed with all the swimmers and their outstanding achievements.  

Top performers who achieved PBs for the majority of their events:  Liam Filewood, Millie Groom, Ehsan Helou, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Nelson Malady, Noah Maltby, Eric Mulliss, Celeste Orenshaw, Dylan Reynolds, Addie Sanders, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.

Congratulations to Eloise Chegwidden, Jacob Bell, Jax Clayworth and Lucas Korosec who won the majority of their events.

The coaches would like to commend Don Algie, Harry Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Maeve Dichieria, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Thomas Ganter, Ehsan Helou, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Isabella Pisaniello and Andie Reynolds for their top age group placings.  

The coaches would like commend the following on their awesome 200m IM swim: Tiana Bell, Declan Dichieria, Remy Hedges, Anisa Helou, Matilda Nicholes and Levi Smith. Declan swam a massive 33.46 sec PB in 200m IM to earn 1st place.  

Special mentions: Leo Mulliss swam a fantastic 25m Backstroke with a 8.62sec PB. saac Pisaniello swam a 1st class 50m Backstroke to achieve a 1.04sec PB.  Indi Smith’s best swim was her 100m Breaststroke which she swam a 5.58sec PB. Mae Carter-Attwood’s best swim was her 50m Breaststroke in a time of 40.99sec. Jack Ganter swam an excellent time of 5.14.38 in his 400m Freestyle to earn 2nd place.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers on their top efforts!  A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and officials for all their assistance and support!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannons at Whitsunday Meet Oct 2023. Photo supplied

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The Gold Coast SUNS will host Essendon under Friday night lights at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena in its final match of the 2023 AFLW home and away season.

Gold Coast’s Round 10 fixture has today been confirmed with the SUNS to host its fourth match at the venue on Friday, November 3, first bounce 6.45pm AEST.

Gold Coast SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago says the club is excited to bring AFLW football to Mackay once again in Round 10.

“Our match in Mackay is always an exciting fixture on our calendar and it’s a fantastic opportunity to be hosting Essendon under lights on a Friday night,” Sessarago said.

“Great Barrier Reef Arena is a home away from home for our AFLW side and we also love the chance to engage with the local communities off the field in Mackay.

“We hope to see plenty of local football fans in red and gold cheering on the SUNS.”

Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May said Mackay was pleased to again welcome the SUNS back to our region.

“As a feeder region for the SUNS AFLW team we are always excited to have them play as our home team,” Cr May said.

“Council is happy to support games like this one through the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program, which aims to attract visitors, generate positive economic results and foster community pride,” she said.

It’s the third consecutive season in which the SUNS have hosted an AFLW match in Mackay, a region which has produced four players currently on the club’s list.

Sarina Demons junior and SUNS Academy graduate Lauren Bella can’t wait to return to her home region.

“It’s always special having the opportunity to play in front of friends and family in Mackay,” Bella said.

“We got the win in our last match at Great Barrier Reef Arena and hopefully we can do the same again against the Bombers.”

Entry to Great Barrier Reef Arena for the Round 10 fixture is FREE. Stay tuned to official SUNS channels for further match day information.

What: AFLW Round 10

Gold Coast SUNS v Essendon

When: Friday, November 3

6.45pm AEST

Where: Great Barrier Reef Arena

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Multiple Sclerosis Swimathon, a statewide series in eight locations across Queensland, held its Mackay event on Saturday, 7th October at the DMR Leisure Memorial pool.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club have supported the MS Swimathon in Mackay for eight events over nine years, with a combined fundraising total of over $52,000 raised.

This year, six teams with some 90 plus participants managed to raise a combined total of $14,496 for Multiple Sclerosis Queensland.

The teams participating in this event included The North Mackay Sinkers, Masters Swimming Club, DMR Leisure, International Polar Bears, Pioneer Swimming Club, LifeInMotion Exercise Physiology Clinic and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club.

Teams swam a continuous relay for 8 hours with one swimmer in the water at all times.

The more competitive “Hour of Power” pitted up to 8 swimmers from each team in the relay style event.

The honours fell to the PSC Dolphins for another year, with 102 laps. Followed by the North Mackay Sinkers on 100 and the Polar Bears with 98. Team PSC also took the gold medal for most laps swum during the 8 hours.

Swimmers were entertained throughout the day with various games such as trivia, guess the song and movie, a floatie race and an air guitar competition with prizes on offer.

A delicious BBQ breakfast and sausage sizzle helped keep swimmers fuelled and satisfied.

The Sinkers swim on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:45 to 6:45pm, and Saturdays 8 to 9am. If you are interested in swimming, contact 0413 805 156 or prs.nthmkysinkers@gmail.com for details.

Growing this community event is high on the priority list for DMR Leisure, who kindly sponsored the day to maximise fundraising efforts.

For more information or to register your interest in the October 2024 event, please call 1300 090 923 or email events@msqld.org.au.

Donations remain open for another month and can be made at msswimathon.com.au

Contributed by North Mackay Sinkers

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QNS Team

Teams in the water

Mascot ‘Ratty’ and MS Swimathon trophy

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At the end of September, the Mackay Mustangs Roller Hockey Club Under 16’s team won gold in Perth, competing fiercely in Roller Hockey Australia’s National Australian Club Championships.

The National Australian Club Championships ran from 23rd to 30th September, this year taking place in Kwinana, with some of Australia’s most talented roller hockey teams competing.

Mackay Mustangs Roller Hockey Club was founded in 1985 as a branch of the Mackay Roller Sports Association. The club has had a number of homes over the years and suffered a major split during the early 2000's.

Over the preceding years, this led to a decline in attendees and ultimately, the collapse of the break-off club. In 2018, Mustangs was revived with ‘learn to skate’ lessons and has been growing ever since.

With current trainers Lyle Denham and Amanda Mulherin having both represented Australia at the World Roller Hockey Games, the Under 16’s have a wealth of knowledge about their beloved sport right at their fingertips.  

At the Championships, there were five other clubs represented alongside the Mustangs. The Mackay team of seven (six skaters and one goalkeeper) had their final game against Mordialloc, a club from East Melbourne.

During the competition, they played Mordialloc multiple times, all nail bitingly close games.

The result in the finals was 6-0 to the Mustangs, forming an epically-established rivalry between the two clubs.

The trip to Perth was one that the Under 16’s won’t forget, with trainer Lyle commenting, “The trip was amazing for the team, the kids will be lifelong friends after an experience like that.”

A big highlight besides bringing home the gold, was a chance to train with a legend in the roller hockey community, Pablo Cairo, Olympic gold medallist and World Champion for Argentina, both as a player and a coach.

Pablo was at the competition as an honoured guest, and the Mustangs having the opportunity to train under him is a privilege very few roller hockey players get to experience.

This may be a small club, but they have a BIG passion for their sport, and are always welcoming new members.

For those interested in roller hockey, ‘learn to skate’ lessons and training is from 4pm every Thursday, at the Mackay Leisure Centre during school term.

To get involved in roller hockey classes, email mrollerhockey@gmail.com for more information

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The Mackay Mustangs Under 16’s team take home the gold – Photo supplied

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Wednesday Social games for Wednesday, 11th October included winners: Min Andrew, Brenda Trannore and Cheryle Corbett.

Runner up was a pairs game, with Helen Fleming and Carmel Bell as the winners of the game.

The North Mackay Bowls Club will be set to host a fundraising event for the RACQ CQ Rescue crew, on 14th November.

Three Bowls Triples of any combination (men’s and women’s), with games starting at 1pm sharp.

Entry fee is $45 per team, with everyone welcome to attend.

Great prizes will be on offer to winners, and there will be chosen lucky cards and raffles. It is a mufti dress day, so get dressed in your brightest colours.

All proceeds will go to RACQ CQ Rescue, so please come along and join in.

Place your names on the sheets at the club or send an email to: ladies@northmackaybowlsclub.com.au if you are wishing to play in this wonderful event.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Rising all-rounder Etienne Pretorius underlined his value with another stand out performance for the Walkerston Roosters in Mackay Cricket Association action at Harrup Park’s George Gorrie Oval.

The sixteen-year-old Mackay-Whitsunday representative top scored with 49 off sixty balls and grabbed 3-17 off four overs with the ball in the Roosters’ five wicket loss to Pioneer Valley in the Under 17s division limited overs competition.

Pretorius – rated one of the region’s most promising young cricketers – cracked three boundaries and a six during his stylish knock in the 25 overs per side clash but was denied a half century when caught by Pioneer’s Darcy Sanderson off the bowling of gun all rounder Wes Homewood.

The talented Homewood top scored for the Valley with an unbeaten 31 off 24 balls.

In the other Under 17s fixture, Walkerston/Brothers proved too strong for Mackay Magpies in an 80-run victory at Cameron Oval.

Charles Lott (40 not out), Jack Muller (32), skipper Cameron Tomerini (17) and Marcus Sammut (17) made handy contributions with the bat while Sam Gordon (2-5) and Jamon Smith (2-12) impressed with the ball.

In Under 15A division action, Proserpine’s Kai McLoughlin snared 4-19 in his team’s 26-run triumph over Pioneer Valley/Norths at Proserpine Cricket Ground.

McLoughlin was ably supported by teammates Jack Valmadre (25), Oliver Seamer (18 not out), Matt Logan (2-5 off two overs) and Malaki Gabey (2-7) off three overs).

Mackay Magpies White edged out Brothers Under 14s at Magpies Sports Ground with Rohan Cherian (29 not out), Ishan Rana (21 and 2-15), Zac Pace (3-15 off five overs) and Brodie Graham (2-20 off three overs) sharing the spoils.

Number four Callum Strydom top scored for Brothers with an unbeaten 31 while Liam Anderson took 2-18.

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Outstanding Mackay cricket prospect Etienne Pretorius hit 49 and took 3-17 for Walkerston Roosters

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The annual Golding Kids Colour Ride, held at the picturesque Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, witnessed a triumphant day of family fun and community spirit on Saturday, 8 October 2023. Despite challenging windy conditions, children and families gathered to enjoy a memorable afternoon filled with colour, laughter, and unity.

This beloved event, which has become a highlight on Mackay's social calendar, brought together children of all ages to ride one or more laps on bikes or scooters around the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

The event serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of Mackay's community, fostering a sense of togetherness and promoting outdoor activities for our youngest members.

Graham Wicks, Principal Mining Engineer with Golding, expressed the vital role this event plays in strengthening community bonds.

He stated, "The Golding Kids Colour Ride is not just a colourful spectacle; it's a celebration of unity within our community.

“Golding is committed to fostering a spirit of togetherness, and this event is a symbol of our dedication to the people of Mackay. We are proud to support an event that brings families together and encourages children to stay active."

Despite the blustery winds, children of all ages, accompanied by their enthusiastic parents, embarked on their colourful journeys, proving that neither weather nor obstacles can dampen the spirit of Mackay's youth.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, who was present at the event, praised the Golding Kids Colour Ride for its ability to strengthen community bonds and promote the values of healthy, active living.

The success of the Golding Kids Colour Ride marks the exciting kick-off to Mackay's biggest charity ride, the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, an event that exemplifies the community's commitment to fitness, well-being, and charitable contributions.

All profits from the Golding Kids Colour Ride are distributed to two vital local not-for-profit organisations: RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

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Thirteen Mackay members played in the Queensland Festival of Bridge. 52 teams and Ninety-four pairs competed from all over the state. Well done to Anne Whitemore and Sandra Morris who won Best Novice Pair under 100 Masterpoints and the Brown team - Alan and Francie Brown, Diane Morgan, Janet Hansen and Geoff Taylor who won Best Regional team.

Weekly Results

Tuesday Evening 10 October 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix 4th Faith Hutchinson / Rohan Aturaliya

Wednesday 11 October 2023 – NWP 19 0f 23 - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Sandy Patterson

3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday Evening 12 October 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 2nd Patricia Garner / Sandy Patterson

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

Friday 13 October 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Geoffrey Patterson 2nd Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 14 October 2023 – Presidents Cup Week 1 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Christine Nice / Faye Wright

2nd Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane 2nd Max Holewa / Mick King

3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Sunday 15 October 2023 – Novice Pairs Week 1 of 3 – 7 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S E/W

1st Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 1st Diane Stokes / Joy Block

2nd Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Susan Ross / Vicki Howard

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Anne Lutz / Simon Barnes

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Best Novice Pair

Best Regional Team

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In a week dedicated to veterans' health, Mackay Veterans took to the greens at Mackay Bowls Club for a fun afternoon of bowls. Laughter with a few wayward biases filled the air as both seasoned and aspiring bowlers showcased their skills and enjoyed sharing stories, as they have done for many years.

The upcoming weekend at Proserpine Club holds significant events for Mick Coll and Steve Cassidy as they prepare to compete in the Men's B Pairs Champion of Champion Bowl. Additionally, the Champion of Champion 2 Bowl Triples event will feature K Tranberg, Jimmy Wallace, and Noel Wilson vying for top honours.

This Friday, the Ladies Section is gearing up for their annual carnival, promising exciting action across all rinks. Players, both male and female, are reminded of the upcoming Annual Meetings and the opportunity to make their mark on the club's future.

The end of this week marks the temporary closure of the greens, as a laser leveling project gets underway. The club anticipates reopening the greens around December 9, and members will come together for a weekend working bee to prepare the grounds for maintenance.

Results:

Tuesday Social Bowls: Winners - Alan Bartlett, Col Stevens, Brian Williams

Thursday Scroungers: With four rinks in action and 15 players competing, two thrilling semi-finals led to an exciting final. Kees Struik emerged as the victor after a closely contested match against Grant Edmonds.

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