
Mackay Basketball’s Holiday Hoops Camp has recorded its biggest turnout yet, with more than 140 young participants taking part across two days of basketball during the school holidays. The program, the second Holiday Hoops Camp held this year, proved a standout success and set a new participation record for the organisation’s holiday camp series. It was said that across the two days, the courts were filled with activity, with plenty of smiles, new friendships forming and a strong sense of enjoyment evident among participants. Mackay Basketball also acknowledged its coaching group, who volunteered their time to run the sessions. Coaches were recognised for their efforts in teaching, encouraging and supporting players throughout the camp, helping deliver a positive experience for all involved. The Holiday Hoops Camp continues to be a popular feature on Mackay Basketball’s calendar, providing young players with the opportunity to spend time on court during the school holidays in a structured and supportive environment. This latest edition has now set a new benchmark for participation, with organisers describing the two-day event as an “unbelievable couple of days of hoops.” With record numbers achieved, the program has again highlighted the strong level of engagement with basketball across the Mackay region, as local families continue to support opportunities for young players to get involved in the sport. The camp concluded after two full days of activity, marking another successful instalment of Mackay Basketball’s ongoing holiday program. Photo source: Mackay basketball (Facebook)
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Mackay's Sinkers have continued to make waves in the pool, celebrating strong performances at both the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Perth and the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler. Peter T delivered an outstanding result at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships, returning to competition for the first time in 12 months to finish second overall in the 45–60 years age group. Competing across the three-day championships, Peter claimed an impressive medal tally of one gold and four silver medals, marking a successful return after an extended break from competition. Fellow Sinkers Nigel Dalton and Dan Stampa also impressed at the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler, producing a series of strong swims against a competitive field of 194 registered athletes. Nigel finished third in his age group, while Dan also secured third place in his respective age group. The pair briefly celebrated holding the Small Club Trophy before competition rules required the award to be presented to another club, with a minimum of three swimmers needed to qualify. With only two Sinkers competing, the trophy was officially handed to the Belgravia team during the Face-to-Face branch meeting. Both Nigel and Dan enjoyed some extra success away from the pool, each winning prizes in the event's multi-draw. The club congratulated all swimmers on their performances and thanked Brisbane Southside Meet organisers for hosting another successful competition. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
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Seven days of Bridge were played at the Mackay Bridge Club last week. This included two evenings, Saturday, and Sunday for Novice (beginners) and Mentors. Mackay Bridge club ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for working people who want to learn bridge to participate after their bridge lessons. Four members played in the Townsville Congress, with Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy winning the A Section pairs. Diane and Max Holewa joined Terry and Janelle to win the Teams event. Members of the club are travelling to Bowen to participate in the Bowen Pairs Congress this weekend. Bridge is a social game, which encourages friendship, partnerships, fun and sometimes travel. Don’t wait until you retire, join next year when lessons begin. For more information, watch this space or contact the club. Weekly Results Monday 22 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Nancy Martin / Susan Ross 2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins 3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 3rd Janice Mansfield / Debra Goodchild 4th Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 4th Sue Mayer-Miller / Karen Caldwell Tuesday Evening 23 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Frances Brown / Rodney Miles 3rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger 4th Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Block / Diane Stokes 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt 3rd Terry Sheedy / Mick King 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz Thursday 25 June 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan 4th Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott Friday 26 June 2026 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Cowan / Mick King 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting 3rd Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole Saturday 27 June 2026 –- 13 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson 2nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 3rd Nancy Wix / Richard Wix 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 5th Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok Sunday 28 June 2026 – 7 Tables Green Points Novices and Mentors N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Rodney Miles 1st Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor 2nd Susan Ross / Joy Hold 2nd Colleen Riddel / Sue Mayer-Miller 3rd Christine Fitzpatrick / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Gillian McCallum / Ming Ting 4th Neila Quintero / Martin Pearce 4th Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin Contributed by Joy Block
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More than 20 runners turned out in challenging conditions at Eimeo Surf Club on the weekend, including the dedicated Mackay Tri Club members who, after completing their run, took to the ocean for a "little" 2km swim. The 5km and 10km courses featured plenty of challenging hills through the Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads and Eimeo suburbs, providing an ideal hit-out for athletes preparing to taper ahead of the upcoming Gold Coast Running Festival and various Ironman events. Those who took shelter from the rain beneath the Surf Life Saving Control Watch Tower also enjoyed learning a few tricks of the trade about the delicate nature of the tummy, including checking that the milk is lactose free. A big thank you goes to Andrew Short for once again setting up a spectacular course. A legendary stalwart of the club, his ongoing contribution continues to be greatly appreciated. With a significant number of athletes away competing at out-of-town events, including the Gold Coast, Mackay Road Runners will instead host a social 5km and 10km run from Casu Jacks at Mackay Harbour this Sunday, starting at 7am. Participants are encouraged to bring along card or cash for breakfast, a cuppa and a chat, while celebrating the first run of the new financial year following 30 June 2026. All members and non-members are welcome to attend for a $2 race day fee. Please arrive by 6.50am for registration, the course briefing and club notices. Contributed by Janelle Tilse 6939 – John, Mon and Stef enjoy the early morning training session from the Eimeo Surf Club. 6942 – Bharick, Brij and Jo were ecstatic with their efforts in the 5k/10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6943 – Clinton, Gail and Jose enjoy a taper run before their Gold Coast Marathon events next weekend. 6944 – Kate loved the wet running conditions at the Eimeo Surf Club event. 6936 – Ella made light work of the 10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6931 – Damp unforgiving rains did not take the fun out of a social Mackay Road Runners event from Eimeo Surf Club. 6921 – Big smiles from all runners at the Eimeo Surf Club 5k/10km social Mackay Road Runners event. Photos 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

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
QNS Team
Teams in the water
Mascot ‘Ratty’ and MS Swimathon trophy

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

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

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

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.

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
Best Novice Pair
Best Regional Team

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.
The Coral Coast Rally participants at Upstart Beach. Photo supplied

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
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

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

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

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.
Lapathon Finish 2023
Eric Mulliss Swim of the Night award. Photos supplied

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

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.