From indoor sports arenas in the Mackay region to exotic South America – that is the fascinating journey that lies ahead for Sarina’s Futsal soccer ace Ella Walz.

Scoring goals has become second nature to the St Patrick’s College student who has gained selection in the Under 19s All Stars Australian team for a tour of Chile next May.

Ella was named one of the country’s top eleven junior players after standout performances for Northern Queensland at this year’s National Schools Futsal Championships at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

The gun forward caught the eye of selectors with her goal-scoring prowess – bagging ten goals for the series and sparking the Queenslanders with her fleet footwork, smart positional play, mobility and radar boot.

It has been a meteoric rise for the 16-year-old schoolgirl who quickly adapted to indoor soccer when she burst onto the Futsal scene back in 2021.

Ella accepted an invitation from her cousin Ryan Desbois to play for a mixed team in the Mackay summer competition and proved a natural with her speed and flair up front.

Having now reached an elite level, she continues to develop her game and has shown a maturity in the indoor sport with intense training and coaching from local soccer experts.

An excited Walz looks forward to broadening her Futsal education when she embarks on her South American sojourn next year with the national squad.

Ella knows how tough the assignment will be but is keen to learn when she lines up against the skilful and flamboyant Chileans on their home court.

The emerging forward is just as adept in outdoor football and has shone for the Mackay Magpies FC since the age of eleven.

Last year she was blooded in the women’s ranks and helped the Magpies record a 2-0 Grand Final victory over the Lions in the Mackay Regional Football Zone.

By Chris Karas

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Mackay schoolgirl Ella Walz will represent the Under 19 All Stars Australia Futsal team on their tour of Chile in 2024

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DBCT Poole Cup Round 1 Wrap-Up

Reigning premiers Mackay Magpies launched their 2023-24 Poole Cup campaign on a winning note in the Mackay Cricket Association first grade competition last weekend.

Skipper Ben Zurvas and Andrew Borg steered the Magpies (5-152) to a first up victory over Walkerston with classy knocks at Harrup Park’s Roy Trevaskis Oval.

All-rounder Borg top scored with 45 off 34 balls and Zurvas (43) off thirty balls in a productive opening stand with number five Blake Ryan scoring 20.

Earlier Adam Zurvas (3-17 off five overs) and the versatile Borg (3-24 off eight) shared the bowling honours to restrict Walkerston to 9-150 in the 40 overs fixture.

Walkerston’s Tom Vandenberg (41), all-rounder Chris McEldowney (28) and 16-year-old St Patrick’s College schoolboy Etienne Pretorius (20 not out) made solid contributions with the bat and Liam Newbery (2-33) with the ball.

Brothers duo Lachlan Bilyj and skipper Mitch Wadsworth starred in a four wicket triumph over Souths at George Gorrie Oval.

The dashing Bilyj smashed an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls that included five sixes and six boundaries while Wadsworth cracked an impressive 64 with nine boundaries and a six to help Brothers amass 6-250.

Joseph Hackney (38) and schoolboy Cameron Tomerini (24 not out) chipped in with handy knocks while Mahesh Rajaratne snared 2-29.

In reply, Souths could only muster 174 with fine batting performances from Kellen Powell (63) off 56 balls with four sixes and five boundaries; Shaun Austin (41) and Rajaratne (20).

Floris Duvenhage (4-33 off seven) and Wadsworth (2-30 off eight) were the pick of the Brothers’ bowling attack.

Norths registered a comprehensive victory over Pioneer Valley at Jack Lancaster Oval.

Openers Chris Day and Darryn Dyer put on a century stand and gun all-rounder Lane Kohler thumped a whirlwind 78 as Norths posted an imposing total of 8-294.

Kohler was best on ground – top scoring with a knock that featured eight massive sixes and two boundaries before grabbing 3-26 off six overs to cap an outstanding performance.

Day hit 70 off 58 balls with eleven fours and two sixes and the dashing Dyer (64) with Cody Filewood (3-59), Zac Wilson (2-33) and Bailey Camilleri (2-55) the pick of the Valley bowlers.

In their run chase, Pioneer were bundled out for 160 with Lachlan Charnock (27), Camilleri (24) and rising bat Haiden Mellifont (23) leading the way.

Mackay & Whitsunday rep Kohler and Lachlan Brett (3-28) were the chief destroyers for Norths with the ball.

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Magpies A-Grade cricket team

Norths first grade debutants Sean Templeton, Kai Higham and Josh Andrew

Brothers take a 1-0 lead in the annual Ian Kelly Shield matches with a 76 win over Souths

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Record entries and action-packed fixtures were a highlight of Mackay Rangers’ 40th anniversary 8-a-side soccer carnival staged at Eric Homan Park.

The established Rangers club continued a proud tradition with the event this year - delivering its usual combination of festivity, high level competition, dazzling skills and great entertainment for both players and spectators.

With a final tally off 22 men’s teams and thirteen women’s sides, this year’s tournament proved the biggest yet since the Carnival’s inception back in 1983.

“Months of meticulous preparation went into ensuring the success of the carnival with a huge effort from our committee and volunteers,” reflected club stalwart Liam Hutcheon.

“We had team entries from all over Queensland, making the event highly anticipated and diverse” he said.

“This mix of experience and fresh talent promised a weekend full of excitement and high-quality football” Hutcheon added.

Kingy’s Diesel Industries showed they are a force to be reckoned with by winning back-to-back men’s titles.

Budoo FC secured a record 150 points in the group stage while Inter Zinger United improved from last year’s eleventh placing to third in 2023 with the Sea Dingoes rounding out the top four.

The Cheers team won the women’s competition, displaying resilience and skill and powering through to the finals to emerge victorious in a compelling Grand Final.

Magpies Ladies demonstrated exceptional form, leading the teams with 89 points and turning in standout performances to finish runners up.

Let's Get Messi also had a noteworthy run, finishing in second place and making it to the final while Rangers All United made their club proud by reaching the semi-finals.

Special mention to Classic Brexxy who won the Mens Plate Final and the Berserker Bears who not only fielded two mens and two womens teams but also brought a troupe of supporters who added atmosphere during the event.

Prizemoney was presented to the following teams: MENS: $2600 Kingy’s Diesel Industries; $1300 Budoo FC (runners up); $650 Multiple Score (third) and $500 Berserker Bears Green (fourth).

WOMENS: $1600 Cheers; $800 Magpies (runners up); $400 Lets Get Messi (third) and $400 Rangers All United (fourth).

Respective Players of the Carnival were Shuto Kuboyama (Men)

and Maddy McCracken (Women) while the Sea Dingoes (Men) and Berserker Bears Gold (Women) won the Penalty Shoot Out.

Hameed Ali received $1000 as the 50 Club winner.

An appreciative Hutcheon thanked all travelling teams, local clubs and newly formed sides for entering this year’s milestone carnival.

“Your presence and flair is what gives this carnival its unique style” he stated.

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Action from this year’s Mackay Rangers FC annual 8-a-side Carnival at Eric Homan Park. Photo credit: Mackay Rangers FC

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Cricket Australia presents the Marsh Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup – fun for the whole family!

The Great Barrier Reef Arena will be the battleground for an intense Marsh Sheffield Shield clash between the Queensland Bulls and Victoria men's teams.

From 14th to 17th October, witness top-notch cricketing talent and strategic battles unfold on the field, featuring the much-anticipated duel between Australian Test teammates, Usman Khawaja, and Scott Boland.

Building on the momentum of the Sheffield Shield, the Marsh Cup Doubleheader will take place on 19th October.

This event promises a range of activities for the whole family over the weekend period, including free kids face painting from 1-3 pm, all-day jumping castles and a variety of food vendors. Keep the kids entertained for hours during the test!

The Powers Perfect Catch Competition will take place on 14th October. Be the first of one hundred people to buy any two Powers cans and you’ll receive a free Power’s cap!

Better yet, catch a six during the game with your Power’s cap and a Powers in your hand and you could win $10,000 cash!

Tickets and VIP packages are available online and on the day of the event via a QR code.

VIP packages are limited in availability and include premium seating, exclusive access, and the chance to witness history unfold from a privileged vantage point.

Fans of all ages can enjoy this unforgettable chapter in Australian cricket history.

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Marsh Sheffield Shield – Photo supplied

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On Saturday 7 October, the Pioneer Swim Club had a fantastic time participating in the MS Swimathon held at the Memorial Pool, hosted by Millie and the team at DMR Leisure.  Pioneer swimmers and their parents swam in a continuous relay for 8 hours from 8am to 4pm.

The event is held to raise crucial funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. The team had a great time raising funds on the lead up to the event and swam a grand total of 650 laps over the 8-hour period – that is a whopping 32.5 kilometres! For those who love the statistics – we swam at an average rate of 4.062km/hour by swimmers of all ages (6 years – 46 years).

Well done to our Pioneers Swimmers: Zahli Herring, Luka Herring, Yasmin Seedwell, Marley Smith, Olivia Smith, Madison Malagueno, Makenna Malagueno, Ralph Traeger, Rex Traeger, Stevie Brand, Georgie Brand, Anna Miles, Isabelle Miles, Bethany Miles, Joleigh Stydom, Maxim Demin; and their parents, Trevor Seedwell, Ben Miles, Jodie Miles, Kylie Smith, Clinton Smith, Tahnie Malagueno and Ashlee Berridge.

We wish to thank everyone who sponsored the team, the other teams for the healthy competition, those who came to support us (and swim a few laps for us!), and all those team members who gave up their Saturday and participated.

Contributed by Pioneer Swim Club

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Magpies Football Club Mini Roos 2023

Not all teams could fit in this feature, apologies to the teams who were missed. Photo credit: Magpies Football Club

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On October 7th, the greens at North Mackay Bowls Club witnessed an exhilarating showdown during the mixed fours competition final. Eight skilled players rolled their bowls in a fiercely contested match. The final score of 18-17 eventually declared Isla Commeli, Chrissy Hall, Dave McKendry, and Ray Walker as the triumphant champions.

The runner-up team, consisting of Brenda Trannore, Ivy Giddings, Wayne Trannore, and Doug Giddings, displayed remarkable skill and sportsmanship throughout the match. Congratulations and well done to all participants in this thrilling competition.

No Ladies Social results were available for this week.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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L-R: Ivy Giddings, Doug Giddings, Brenda Trannore, Dave McKendry, Chrissy Hall, Isla Commeli, Wayne Trannore and Ray Walker

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The First National Mackay Congress 2023 was held over the previous long weekend in Mackay. Pairs and Teams travelled from Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Townsville, Bowen, Gold Coast, Toowoomba andAirlie Beach. It was great to see so many familiar faces from all over the state. Mackay members joined together and worked tirelessly to make this event a success. Local Team Morris won Section B. The team consisted of Ted Cullinan, Annie Lynch, (Noel Bugeia - President), Sandra Morris and Noel Saunders. Local Pair Diane Stokes and Ann Whitmore won Section B Pairs.

Weekly Results

Tuesday Evening 3 October 2023 – 3 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy 2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy 4th Sandra Morris / Simon Barnes

Wednesday 4 October 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

2nd Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole 4th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Thursday Evening 5 October 2023 – 4 Table Green Points

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Patricia Garner / Mick King

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 6 October 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Debra Goodchild / Joy Robinson 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Kath Poole / Nancy Martin 2nd Christine Nice / Diane Cox

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

4th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 4th Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 7 October 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette 2nd Mick King / Jan Harris

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 4th Roland Taylor / Jarek Taylor

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Mackay Congress 2023 Section B Teams Winners

Mackay Congress 2023 Section B Pairs Winners

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The annual Dr Williams Lawn Bowls Tournament took place last weekend at the North Mackay and City Bowls Club, bringing together enthusiastic teams from across the region. Here's a rundown of the results:

Mackay Club won their game on Saturday Afternoon against Wests but were beaten on Sunday Morning by North Mackay in the Semi-Final. North Mackay went on to play Northern Beaches in the Final with the latter being successful.

Congratulations to all three Mackay Club teams for their commendable efforts throughout the tournament.

Social Bowls Highlights:

• Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls saw a strong turnout, with players adjusting to the slightly heavier greens after morning showers.

• The winning team for the afternoon consisted of Alf Pagden, Albert Wicks, and Peter Carter.

• The winners of the losers category were Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, and Dot McMamara.

Thursday Scroungers:

• Fourteen bowlers participated in Thursday Scroungers across four rinks.

• In the Semi-Finals, Steve Cassidy faced Peter Carter, while Brian William played against Karina Dunn. Peter and Brian emerged as the winners, setting the stage for an exciting final.

Friday Social Bowls Results:

• Winners: L Jenner, M Mayfield, V Edwards

• Defeated: H Truscott, K Robinson, B Jenner, R Schatkowski

Competition Results - Ladies:

• Consistency Singles: E Clements defeated J Caban.

• 2 Bowl Triples: L Jenner, M Mayfield, and D McMamara defeated K Dunn, C Savage, and K Burns.

Competition Results - Men's:

• Open 2 Bowl Triples: A Naylor (sub), B Jenner, and C Stevens defeated P Carter, C Marks, and B Paskins.

• Open 2 Bowl Triples Final: K Tranberg, J Wallace, and N Wilson faced J Steindl, S McMillan, and R Dunstan.

• B Grade 2 Bowl Triples: L Dargin, A Sommerville, and R Bell took on J Smith, S Cassidy (sub), and R Casey.

• Mixed Fours: C Marks, M Mayfield, D McMamara, and T Mayfield competed against L Jenner, B Jenner, E Clemett, and P Molloy.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Local skateboard star Freddie Hazelton has been selected for the YouFor2032 program, a youth feeder program for alite athletes aspiring to compete in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics.

A Year 8 St Catherine’s Catholic College student, Freddie is a busy young man, having travelled Australia competing in skateboarding competitions, testing his skills and techniques against a wide variety of other skaters.

“I was scouted out at one of the competitions I was in a little while ago,” Freddie explained.

“Through the program, I am given coaching and, training and professional development, to promote for the 2032 Olympics.

“Every skate comp I go to, I have to keep going up in ranks, and I might even be picked for competitions overseas.”

A natural born talent, Freddie was skating almost as soon as he could walk.

Having travelled Australia, his all-time favourite skatepark is in Bondi Beach, overlooking the ocean.

And his favourite trick?

“I think it’d have to be the backside, where you go in the air and grab the board and then come back down.”

St Catherine’s Catholic College Principal Luke Thomson is confident in Freddie’s abilities and future accomplishments.

"I'm sure Freddie will make the most of this incredible opportunity to hone his skills in becoming an elite athlete,” he said.

“I have no doubt we will be cheering him on from the grandstands at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics."

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Freddie Hazelton, the one to look out for in the upcoming 2023 Olympics. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The North Queensland Zone Mission Beach Regatta was conducted at South Mission Beach on the weekend of 16th and 17th of September.

The conditions were challenging with a persistent strong wind and choppy seas.

The Outrigger Whitsunday team performed extremely well.

In the Ocean Canoe One or OC1 races, Maree Mullett, Tim Dodds, Stephen Lynes, and Rob O’Connor won their respective divisions with Rob backing up his 4klms win with another in the 14klms race.

In the OC2 class Kim Dodds, Maree Mullett, Stephen Lynes, and Tim Dodds all received placings in their respective divisions.

In the OC6 class, the women’s team outperformed their male counterparts by taking out third place in the 9.5klm race and backed up this performance with a first in the 14klms race on Sunday.

Congratulations to the entire team and a special thanks to Michelle Lynes and Glen Bray who safely steered the OC6s in challenging conditions.

Our team included a mix of experienced and relatively new paddlers and all benefited from the experience.

Contributed with thanks to Paul Tobias.

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The Men’s marathon team with the Women’s team. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday, the Cannons hosted the first Distance Club Night for the season.  

Swimmers had the opportunity to swim longer distances than normal.  

The coaches were pleased to see senior swimmers taking up the challenge of swimming 400m IM or 400m, 800m or 1500m Freestyle.  

Jacob Bell swam 1500m Freestyle in a time of 18.15.97.  

Millie Groom, Remy Hedges and Nelson Malady swam fantastic times in their 800m Freestyle.  Congratulations to Don Algie, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Noah Maltby swimming one of the toughest events of the night, 400m IM!  

Well done to Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Noah Maltby, and Matilda Nicholes for swimming super PBs in their 400m Freestyle.

Jack and Matilda took close to 60 sec off their previous best times.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday!  Well done to all the swimmers who achieved PBs including:  Eloise Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth, Bonnie Crichton, Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Lucas Korosec, Abi Maher, Owen Maher, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Trace Quick, Addie Sanders and Levi Smith.  

The Cannons commended Jack Ganter for taking out of the Swim of the Night award for his 100m Freestyle.  

Upgrade certificates were presented to Isaac Pisaniello, Mae Carter-Attwood, Noah Maltby and Harry Chegwidden.  Congratulations to Bonnie Crichton for winning the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.  The Cannons also presented Jy Parkinson with 4 new Club Record Certificates (2 for 100m Freestyle, 1 x 200m Butterfly and 1 x 50m Butterfly).  

On Sunday, Cannonvale Cannons who were 9 years and older thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Swimnastics workshop facilitated by Kirsten Norden.  This was an awesome opportunity for local swimmers to participate in a swimming specific athletic development without having to travel to Brisbane.  A big thank you to Kirsten Norden, Swimnastics and Swimming Queensland!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Swimnastics 8th Oct 2023

Jy Parkinson with 4 new club records Oct 2023

Jack Ganter Oct 2023. Photos supplied

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An exciting opportunity for the local sporting community, Base 51 played host to the Australian Kangaroos earlier this week ahead of their clash with Samoa in Townsville this weekend.

Joining them for Monday’s high intensity workout were a group of Under 17 Whitsunday Brahmans.

The special invitation was extended to boys, who had the chance to meet some of their idols and get tips and tricks on effective training and discipline.

Simon Lee, the owner and operator of Base 51, said he was honoured to host elite athletes at his gym.

“We just got the call one day, asking about the Kangaroos training here,” he explained.

“And who I am to turn that down!?”

A fully equipped gym with state-of-the-art facilities, it is no wonder that the Australian Rugby League Team chose Base 51 for their work out.

For Noah Connell, one of the boys on the U17 Brahmans, and who trains at Base 51, it was exciting to be able to watch his idols train on the same equipment he uses almost daily.

“These guys are my idols, so I’m going to get some pointers from them, he said.

Being able to see these sporting legends train was an amazing experience for these aspiring athletes.

Kaylem Douthwaite is also an U17 Brahman who was eager to learn from the best.

“It’s awesome that they came here, and that we can learn from them,” he said.

“My goal is to get some tips for training, improve my form, that sort of thing.”

For Murry Hinton, the experience was very exciting.

“Because not many big teams come through here, and we all watch them play.”

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Photo credit: Norina Jane

To round out the year, many fitness facilities (including mine - F45 Airlie Beach) run 6, 8 or 12 Week Challenges. With so many to choose from, how do you decide which one is right?

Firstly, Challenges can actually be fun! Gone are the days where starving yourself for 6 or 8 weeks puts you as a "contender" to win a challenge. Most fitness facilities have grown up a lot of late, so they should generally be very well rounded and include everything you need to set you up for short- and long-term success.

Challenges can also be a fantastic time to join in on a gym or studio where it might feel awkward as to when to actually join or start. Because many fitness facilities see plenty of new faces joining for a Challenge, then it certainly can help those of you nervous to start, break down that initial barrier and take that first step, knowing you`ll be joining with heaps of new people.

As mentioned above, Challenges nowadays should be very well rounded. Customisable fitness routines, customisable meal planning, accurate recording of results, and recovery methods and education to keep you feeling energised, moving well, and heading towards your goals week after week.

Lastly, challenges can be whatever interpretation of a challenge means to you. It can simply be to start exercising and stay on track. It could mean removing or reducing your alcohol consumption. It could be simply making healthy and sustainable decisions to put your health and wellness first. And it could mean to break a "rut" you have found yourself in either mentally or physically.

I love challenges, and highly encourage anyone to try, whether you have done one before or you don't even have a current gym membership. With the best decision that works for you, I am sure you`ll be feeling fantastic come December, and ready to share your results with your new gym buddies, family and friends.

Sonny Ivanovic, owner of F45 Airlie Beach.

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Pioneer Swimming Club held its annual Long Course Transition Meet at the Mackay Aquatic Centre on Saturday, 30 September and 1 October, proudly sponsored by Naming Rights and Gold Sponsor, BTP Group.

The popularity of this meet has grown again this year – having welcomed just under 200 swimmers and double that in supporters through the gates over the 2-day event.

Swimmers travelled from as far North as Cairns, Townsville, Ayr, Proserpine, Cannonvale and then to the South, Rockhampton, Emerald, Yeppoon and Gladstone.

The Pioneer Long Course Transition Meet is one of the first carnivals for the Long Course Season Calendar, as North Queensland swimmers seek to achieve qualifying times for the Hancock Prospecting Queensland Long Course Championships, set to be held in Brisbane in December.

A highlight of the meet was the “PB Challenge”, proudly sponsored by Move it Chiropractic this year.

Ten times are nominated for swimmers to seek to achieve as personal bests – if one of these times were achieved, the swimmer presented at the Awards Table to receive $50!

Four lucky swimmers achieved one of the PBs and were awarded their prize.

Another highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the 2023 Season Captains, Yasmin Seedwell and Zahli Herring – each being deserving and inspirational seniors to guide the junior swimmers of the Club.

The Club were also grateful to have welcomed Deputy Mayor, Karen May, to the Meet who officially opened racing on Sunday morning.

Karen was keen to learn what opportunities the sport of swimming, Mackay and Swimming North Queensland can present to budding athletes for the 2032 Olympics and what the facilities the Mackay Aquatic Centre has to offer.

With the carnival behind them, swimmers return to training at the Pioneer Swimming Centre this week, having trained the past month at the Memorial Swim Centre managed by DMR Leisure.

Millie and her team at the Memorial Pool have been wonderful to the Club whilst the Pioneer Pool received a deserved face-lift, having even joined as Bronze Sponsor for the 2023 Carnival.

The next meet on the swim calendar is the Whitsunday Swimming Club Carnival in just a few short weeks.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club.

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Pioneer Swimming Club's Captains Presentation

Swimmers dive in to the Long Course Carnival

Alex from Pioneer Swimming Club takes on butterfly stroke

Ella from PSC competing in backstroke

Henry from PSC

Team photo of the Pioneer Swimming Club

Rex from PSC

Xavier dives off his mark amongst his competitors (Photo Credit: TS Photography)

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