The Abell Point Yacht Club’s 2023 Coral Coast Rally was a resounding success with 12 yachts and 35 people sailing through the start line off Sorrento’s Restaurant and heading off for the first night’s anchorage outside Cape Gloucester Beach Resort.

The next morning the fleet was up early and headed further north to Cape Upstart.  A huge rain shower towering over Gloucester Island saw the fleet sailing through one of the best rainbows seen in years.  

With a perfect following sea and around 15 knots of wind, the fleet surfed all the way to the Cape to anchor up.

After two days relaxation, the fleet set sail to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island which was around a 10-hour day or 68 nautical miles.

By Thursday it was time to sail around to Nelly Bay marina and take up the last couple of days lazing about by the beautiful pools, or catch up on long-awaited hair washing or laundry.  

Friday was the last day of the rally and by 5pm it saw everyone running to the taxis for the short ride around to Arcadia and the Baked on Maggie Restaurant for our presentation evening.  

The winner of the 2023 Coral Coast Rally was Steve and Margie Larsson on Rhapsody, followed closely second by Bob and Shaz Colman on Red Knot then third Steve Allen on Bella Vita.  

John on Silverado very graciously accepted the Horse’s Arse trophy for not only losing his pink dinghy once, but twice during the course of the rally.

Steve on Bella Vita won the biggest fish catch, .

The Committee of the Abell Point Yacht Club would like to thank all the sponsors who donated to this year's Coral Coast Rally, those being Oceanic Marine Risks, our Gold Sponsors, Shirt Front Solutions, Cape Gloucester Beach Resort, Cumberland Charter Yachts, Magnetic Island Marina, Marlin Marine, Whitsunday Sailing Club and Airlie Sail and Shade Solutions.

Contributed with thanks to Abell Point Yacht Club.

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The Coral Coast Rally participants at Upstart Beach. Photo supplied

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On a perfect day for the races, the Bowen Turf Club welcomed over 3,500 people into the Bowen racecourse.

“It was a very successful day,” said Bowen Turf Club Secretary, Helen Daley.

“We had several buses come from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Proserpine, and even had one bus from Mackay.”

Bowen Cup is one of the major fundraisers for the Bowen Turf Club, with the monies going towards ongoing maintenance works and upgrading the facility.

“There are always improvements we could make; however, we’re looking at constructing a designated machinery shed, upgrading the watering system for the track, and building a new shed using an existing slab,” explained Helen.

“Overall, the day was great, with perfect weather, and we look forward to hosting our next event.”

Race 1

Benchmark 60 Handicap 1000m

Thamni

57.68 seconds

Race 2

QTIS Maiden Plate 1100m

Cody’s Boy

1m 04.66 seconds

Race 3

Benchmark 45 Handicap 1200m

Boom Ranga

1m 10.59 seconds

Race 4

Class 3 Plate 1280m

Always Written Off

1m 15.27 seconds

Race 5

Open Handicap 1470m

Such A Whit

1m 27.02 seconds

The Bowen Cup Race 6

Benchmark 65 Handicap 1810m

Higher Love

1m 50.09 seconds

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Fashion On The Field Winners

Cruise Whitsundays Contemporary Lady

Bianca Merrit

Triton Xtreme Classic Lady

Mandy Gattera

Lehmann Print Solutions Distinguished Gentleman

Graham Walter

Mitsubishi Motors Outlandish Couple

Belinda Oglive and Brendan Dunkley

Filby’s Motors Fabulous Millinery

Emily Baretta

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Saturday saw over 250 players and families attend Whitsunday United’s presentation day. With the Junior event held at lunch and the senior event at night, it was a celebration of award winners and a reflection back on the most successful season ever. With 6 of 10 teams in the finals and the club securing both the Premier Men and Women grand final win, on top of the Men’s Premiership double, 2023 was a landmark season for the club.

Junior Award winners:

U13 Div 1: Player’s Player: Tyson Fenning, Coach’s Player: Angus Lean, MVP: Lauren Wark

U13 Prem: Player’s Player: Shannon Matthews, Coach’s Player: Sam Hazleton, MVP: Luke Sunter

U15 Div 1: Player’s player: Adam Rusin, Coach’s Player: Austen Tellegen, MVP: Logan Burke

U15 Prem: Player’s Player: Jack Robertson, Coach’s Player: Hayden Milliken, MVP’s: Finlay Farrell/ Saxon Angel

Senior Award Winners:

Men’s Division 2: Player’s player: Eddie Kamman, Coach’s player: Sam Watson, MVP: Caleb Vanderdrift

Men’s Division 1: Player’ Player: Aaron Morgan, Coach’s Player: Kai Savy, MVP: Tate Butler

Men’s Divisional Rookie of the Year: Mitchell Milostic

Women’s U23/Reserves: Player’s Player: Karli Elder, Coach’s player: Keely Salter/ Robyn Dean, MVP: Fiona McTavish

Women’s FQ Premier League: Player’s Player: Willow Gaffney, Coach’s Player: Laura Wilson, MVP: Matalena Johnson, Grand Final MVP: Eva Foran

Men’s U23/Reserves: Player’s Player: Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker, Coach’s Player: Jarrod Clarke, MVP: Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker

Men’s FQ Premier League: Player’s Player: Tommy Torzsok, Coach’s Player: Ross Benfield, MVP: Harry Cooper

Men’s Premier Rookie of the Year: Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker

The Jade Taylor award for club MVP: Fiona McTavish

What an incredible year as the club goes from strength to strength! The Seam Survey’s Summer Sixes competition has also started and with nearly 300 players registered, it promises to be an great social event for the club with families playing together and mingling with club players. Fun and Fitness to finish off the year

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The most recent school holidays were a busy time for these St Catherine’s Catholic College boys, Logan Burke, Reef Peel, Adam Rusin, Noah Farrow, Feddie Hazelton, and Maxwell O’Keefe, heading to the National School Futsal Championships in the U14 Boys division.

While the boys narrowly missed a win in their first five games, they drew matched on day 3 of the competition, they dedicatedly played their hardest, demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship and compassion.

“All our games were pretty close,” explained Logan Burke.

“It felt pretty good to make the championships and play against other schools,” said Adam Rusin.

St Catherine’s Catholic College Principal Luke Thomson celebrated the boy’s achievements.

"We are very proud of the boy’s achievements working together as a team,” he said.

“Futsal has certainly grown as a sport in our region.”

While at the championships, three of the boys were scouted for the National Team, to compete in Fiji early next year.

These boys are Reef Peel, Logan Burke, and Freddie Hazelton, who have been playing together for two years now.

“We were picked from every team that played at the championships,” explained Logan.

“So out of 200 people there,” confirmed Freddie.

“But I only just started playing last year, so this has all been a surprise,” Freddie said.

Logan is now a seasoned pro at competing with the National Team, having competed in Europe last year.

“It was great, and I’m looking forward to competing again next year!” Logan said.

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Noah Farrow, Logan Burke, Freddie Hazelton, Maxwell O'Keefe, Adam Rusin, and Reef Peel. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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On Sunday, 41 people participated in the Cannonvale Cannons annual Lapathon.  

The group swam a total of 4, 440 laps which totaled 111km. All money raised will go to the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club to help with club activities/functions. The following squad swimmers participated:  Levi Smith, Calvin Murphy, Harry Chegwidden, Maeve Dichiera, Don Algie, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Abi Maher, Andie Reynolds, Nelson Malady, Connor Lee, Declan Dichiera, Lucas Korosec, Harris Delac, Jasper Korosec, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Tiana Bell, Tora Delac, Lily Maher, Millie Groom, Addie Sanders, Stevie Lee, Indi Smith, and Eloise Chegwidden.  Well done, swimmers!  

A big thank you to all the parents who helped with tallying the laps, supporting swimmers, and participating in the Lapathon.

Congratulations to Millie Groom who swam the most laps, 150 laps and to Isabella Pisaniello who swam 148 laps! Congratulations to Kate Thomson, one of the adult swimmers who swam 136 laps, 3.5km in the hour and Jane Delac who swam 120 laps, 3.1km.  

On Wednesday, the Cannons hosted a super quick Club Night with only 12m and 25m events on offer.  Congratulations, Eric Mullis for receiving the Swim of the Night award. Club Records were awarded to Lucas Korosec and Jacob Bell. Lucas, 7 years set a new 100m Freestyle record and Jacob set a new 16-year male 1500m Freestyle record. Upgrade certificates were presented to Jax Clayworth and Matilda Nicholes.  Chocolate awards were presented to Celeste Orenshaw, Matilda Nicholes and Bonnie Crichton for the best PBs. Congratulations swimmers!  

Top performers at Club Night based on PBs include  Millie Groom, Anisa Helou, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Eric Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Isaac Pisaniello, Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Jack Ganter and Thomas Ganter.  

A big thank you to all the parents and volunteers who assist with Club Nights and the Lapathon!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Lapathon Finish 2023

Eric Mulliss Swim of the Night award. Photos supplied

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Can you believe that we are halfway into spring already and as the weather gets warmer so does the action on our greens because the bowls just gets better, and our little club gets stronger with great competition.

Starting on Tuesday only a few people turned up to bowls with 9 of our talented ladies went to Northern Beaches in Mackay and all players performed well.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls which is brilliantly run by Mervyn Stewart saw a brilliant bowling performance under the guile of skipper Andrew Butler, whom with 2nd Mervyn Stewart himself and a brilliant lead performance by Eric Barnard beat all comers by 17 points with the very popular Rob Turner taking home the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Saturday morning Scroungers is in its second round, and it was just like watching Ground Hog Day because exactly the same result as week one, with Russell the Muscle Jackson proving too strong for everyone and is now -5 after round one and now Minus 10 for next week, what a fantastic performance.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls also saw some wonderful bowls displayed with the Mens A division 2023 champion Alan Pershouse continuing his red-hot form with Marjorie Hughes at lead and the most improved Regina Aqualina at second won by 10 points with Janet Jacometti won the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Another excellent week of top-quality bowls and thanks to Fiona Greener for her brilliant bar managing

Caption: Champion Bowler Russell Jackson after an amazing performance at Scroungers. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday Social Bowls Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown and Philip Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Heather Brown, and Sandy Daffara 27 - 13; Mary Hedgelong, Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison defeated John Burnett, Barry Zillmann and Peter Lawton 24 - 10.  

In Sunday Social Bowls Philip Brown defeated Sandy Daffara in a game of Consistency Singles 106 - 104 with Mike Harrison marking that game. Then Mike Harrison defeated Philip Brown 102 - 98 with Philip to lose another 10 points deduction as a penalty for moving the jack more than one metre.  The other game was a game of pairs played in the 2 - 4 - 2 format.  Arthur Griffith and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett and Mary Hedgelong 23 - 11.

This coming weekend, Proserpine will be hosting the Mackay District Men's B Grade Pairs Champion of Champions.  Should be some great bowls played throughout the weekend.  Social bowls will also be available on Sunday afternoon.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Come and Try Day was held on Saturday. We had 18 new bowlers attend who had a great time. They started a bit slow but within an hour they were putting them down quite well.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 4 They were M Elphinstone, L Danvers K and Whitton defeated L Suann, B Myers and G Colquhoun. Others were N Adams, I Wheeler and P Tracey who defeated B Tolcher, D Retchless and A Rolfe. Meanwhile, S Shearing and M Drummond defeated L Land and R Brunker. R Stitt and G Danvers defeated K Baxter K Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe.

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Bowlers who attended Come and Try Day Saturday

Winners for Sunday Kennedy Whitton, and President Mark Drummond, absent Lyn Danvers, and Merle Elphinstone. Photos supplied

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On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Lisa Raisbeck 37pts, runner up Penny Stewart 37pts. Men’s winner on a countback was Kevin Cross 40pts, runner up David Roberts 40pts.

On Saturday we played a single stableford event for a club trophy. Ladies’ winner was Penny Stewart 38pts, runner up Robyn Slade 36pts. Men’s winner Andrew Fitzgerald 39pts, runner up on a countback Peter Theodossio 38pts. Congratulations to Noel Schultz who had a hole in one on #12 during Saturday’s competition.

COMING UP

This Saturday is a single stableford event sponsored by Brent Stocker Electrical. Joker is worth $5100.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Noel Schultz – Hole in one. Photo supplied

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A close game in the ladies on Tuesday with amazing scores coming in! Elise Hodgson edged out Elspeth Scotford to win with a blistering 66 nett. Barry Shuwalow and Louis Neethling fought it out on Tuesday with Barry winning on a countback with 67nett.

NTP winners: Tiina Randmae x 2, Elspeth Scotford, Aaron Prosser, and Ken Granger.

More great scores in the Wednesday’s PD Law Monthly Medal, Leanne Alexander claiming the October win on a countback from Trish McNeill, both on 69 nett. NTP winners were Anna Winterbourn x 2, Heather Luvis and Paula McQuat. Least putts were won on a countback by Trish McNeill.

The low scores continued on Thursday with Scott Mason winning Division 1 with 66 nett ahead of Rob Stanley on 67 nett, Division 2 was won convincingly by Joe Taylor with 64 nett ahead of Louis Neethling on 67 nett. NTP winners: Aaron Prosser x 2, Alan Elsayed, Brad Freet.

Ray Johannesen also scored extremely well in the 9 Hole Met Run on Friday with 23pts, ahead of Scott Hayes Williams on 22 pts. NTP’s went to Karlene Lloyd and Chris Pirlo.

A small field of ladies competed for the Allenbuild trophy on Saturday, Noelene Spurway ahead of the field with a very nice 38 pts, with Tina Badenhorst in 2nd place. NTP winners were Noelene Spurway and Jill Farinelli. Division 1 Men’s Allenbuild Winner was Mick Kavanagh on 40 pts, with Tim Deffner close behind on 39 pts. Division 2 also hotly contested, Dean Kercher coming out the winner on 42 pts by 1 from Jack Hayes-Williams on 41pts. NTP winners: Steve Hickey, Phil Luckett, Shaun Tyrrell, Vincent Collins.

Sundays Stableford Competition saw Jacqui Wall win the ladies with 41pts ahead of Anna Winterbourn on 34 pts. Anna’s radar was working with 2 NTP’s to add to her prize pool of the day. Billy Ruddell also played some great golf to score 40 pts and Jon Miller, always consistent with 37pts in 2nd place. NTP winners: Josh de Hutton, Nick Watson, Ned Davies, and Danny York.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop Team.

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Conditions were hot, and a bit sticky, but a nice change from windy, when 17 players competed in a WGC single Stableford last Sunday. The recently treated greens didn’t affect all the scores with the winners presenting very well.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner: Jacqui Wall with 41 points - hard to beat that

Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with 34 points

Longest Drive: Jacqui Wall

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner: Elise Hodgson with a very respectable 34 points

Runner-up: Karen Rix with 32 points

Longest Drive: not a Ladies B grade ball on the fairway!!

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Gerald Lovell with 37 points

Runner-up: Wayne Temby with 35 points

Longest Drive: Jason Bourke

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Wilf Herweg with 36 points

Runner-up: David Hoy with 35 points

Longest Drive: David Hoy

NTPs:

For the ladies: Anna Winterbourn (x2) and Elise Hodgson, for the men: Chris Bartlett, Wilf Herweg and Gerald Lovell.

NAGAs: the honours went to Pam Casey and Paul Nicol, a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts.

NEXT WEEK: will be ambrose, we’ll have a few players away so get your names in early so we can play in a block.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green

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Photo: Jacqui Wall (Ladies A winner), Wilf Herweg (Men’s B winner) Elise Hodgson (Ladies B winner). Absent: Gerald Lovell. Photo supplied

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Well, what fabulous scoring we saw today, with a lot less wind than we’ve been used to and a stunning day to play the Oct MM, least putts and chip ins. The star player on the day was Elspeth Scotford, who won the ladies comp, least putts, an NTP and had 2 chip ins to boot.

Men:

Winner: Barry Shuwalow with nett 67 on a countback from

R/Up: Louis Neethling

Ladies:

Winner: Elspeth Scotford with a stunning score of 66

R/Up: Jacqui Wall also with an amazing score of 67

Least Putts: Peter Fox with 29 and, you’ll never guess, Elspeth Scotford with 28.

Pin shots:

Men: John Roser and Barry Shuwalow on the 2nd, Barry Mortimer and Phil Luckett on the 13th and Steve Mitchell and Nic Appruzzese on the 17th.

Ladies: Elspeth Scotford and Paula Mc Quat on the 2nd, Jenny Hounsell and Rehab Hull on the 13th, and Jenny again with Jacqui Wall on the 17th.

Chip Ins: Billy Jesser, Barry Shuwalow and Wilf Herweg for the men, Elspeth (x 2), Heather Luvis and Jenny Hounsell.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Jacqui Wall and Barry Shuwalow. Photo supplied

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This week 9-hole stableford weekly competition saw Josh Barnard take the win with 22 pts, second with 21 pts was Glenn Rees and third with 19 pts c/b Donna Henderson.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Paul Foster in first place with 25 pts, second place was Chris Bartlett on 22 pts c/b and third place Perri Simpson with 22 pts.

Sundays 2-person ambrose saw Wayne and Adam Singleton take the win.

Thursday 19th Oct will be our ladies play / brunch to book in call our lovely team on 07 4946 1190.

This Sunday 22nd Oct will be PAR SVS 18-hole competition tee off 8.30am – 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Pictured: Josh Barnard. Photo supplied

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Annual River 2 Reef Ride Sets A New Pace

By Amanda Wright

Mackay's annual BMA River 2 Reef Ride, now in its impressive 11th year, recently transformed the region into a hub of cycling excitement. Taking place on the weekend of October 7th and 8th, this event saw hundreds of cycling aficionados converge at the stunning Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens for a two-day cycling extravaganza.

Known for more than just its thrilling rides, the River 2 Reef Ride has earned its reputation as a charitable powerhouse, consistently raising funds for two essential local non-profit organizations: this year the charities of choice were RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

This cycling festival has become a fixture on Mackay's social calendar, drawing participants and supporters from across Queensland. Cyclists of all skill levels, hailing from various backgrounds, united for a common cause – raising funds for the less fortunate.

The weekend commenced with the Golding Kids Colour Ride on Saturday, where young pedal pushers aged 3 to 12 took on an exciting 1.5km course around Mackay Botanic Gardens, each vibrant splash of colour representing a charitable effort. Sunday was reserved for the adults, offering ride distances ranging from 30km to 100km, ensuring that cyclists of all abilities could take part and contribute to the noble causes supported by this remarkable event.

Spokes Of Charity Roll Through Mackay

Linda Murry, General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA is once again proud to sponsor this significant community event for the region.

“BMA employs so many people in the region and is part of the community,” she said.

“We recognise the importance of events such as this, which bring the community together, whilst also raising funds for local organisations who play a much-needed support role in the Mackay area.”

What sets this year's BMA River 2 Reef Ride apart is its ability to inspire new community groups to join in the mission of making Mackay a more inclusive and healthier place to live.

One such organisation that has enthusiastically embraced the event's spirit is Selectability, a not-for-profit charity committed to improving the mental wellbeing of people in regional Queensland and contributing to suicide prevention.

Carl Holland, Selectability’s Bike Shed Coordinator, shared his excitement for the event, saying, "We believe in the power of community and collaboration. The BMA River 2 Reef Ride has given us a unique opportunity to create a focused goal for Mackay's youth."

Carl Holland's dedication to empowering Mackay's youth saw his “Selectability Youth Team” come 8th in their first year participating in the ride.

Selectability is an example of how the BMA River 2 Reef Ride serves as a catalyst for positive change. By encouraging young people to develop valuable life skills and engage in physical activities, the event not only raises funds for worthy causes but also promotes the overall well-being of the community.

The winning cycling teams for 2023 for riding the most kilometres across the 3 distances: 30km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash, 60km City Fitness Epic and 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo were:

1. Tri-ActiV8: 38 Riders, 3118km

2. BMA: 37 Riders, 1737km

3. Muscle Garden: 12 Riders, 780km

4. Tied: Queensland Country Health Fund: 16 Riders, 480km and Marian Multisport: 8 Riders, 480km

5. Sugar Australia: 10 Riders, 450km

6. Uppaaahhh!!!: 4 Riders, 400km

7. Selectability Youth Team: 11 Riders, 330km

8. Rural View Dental: 5 Riders, 210km

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Photo supplied: River 2 Reef

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Sarina Bowls club hosted a two-day Springtime Carnival event in sunshine and rain over the long weekend. With 24 teams participating and some coming from as far as Townsville and Gladstone, there was certainly some great bowls played. It was a very close finish with the top 6 teams all finishing on 12 points and only a 10 ends difference between the winners and 6th place.

Laughter and a bit of background music and great competition always keeps a team in good spirits.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Bret Gee, Sue Hunter, Lexie Foot and Chris Gee were winners of the Springtime Carnival at Sarina Bowls Club

Bowlers enjoyed sun and rain during the Springtime Carnival

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