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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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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