Seventeen-year-old James Galea has taken home the Athletics North Queensland Junior Official of the Year Award for the third time, with a consistent contribution to officiating in North Queensland events.

James is a field specialist concentrating on throws, officiating events including discus, shot put, javelin, hammer throws and weight throws. His accomplishments dating back from October 2022 to October 2023 were highlighted during the award qualification process.

Recently, James was promoted to Field Chief for the recent championship, which is an amazing feat to accomplish at his age. James’ mother Kym Madden stated, “Being a younger official, and having almost to supervise people who are older than him becomes a bit of a challenge with the respect in age difference at times.

“I am extremely proud as a Mum of a seventeen-year-old boy, that he has been recognised for the work that he does and the contributions he makes to our community.”

James is passionate about the technological advancements that are developing and improving the accuracy in his field, using remote controlled buggies and electronic measurement systems to improve the precision of competition results.  

James is on the autism spectrum, allowing him a special ability to ‘see things in black and white’. Kym stated, “Because of that, [it] has enabled him to make quick decisions and to be very clear in his decision making. He knows what the rule is, and he's able to apply that.”

James is looking forward to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, where he is eager to compete as an athlete, however he would be happy to represent as an official as well.

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James Galea is awarded the Junior Official of the Year Award for 2023

This is the third time James has won the Athletics North Queensland Award

Photo credit: Mackay Athletics Club

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The Airlie Beach Bridge congress was held on 25th and 26th November, with seventeen Mackay Contract Bridge players competing in three different grades with much success.

A Category was won by Noel Bugeia and Terrence Sheedy, with Frances and Alan Brown finishing third in A Category.

B Category was won by Noel Saunders and Mary-Rose Ramsden. Faith Hutchinson and Dorethy Slater came third in the C Category.

It was great to see Karen Caldwell and Susan Gibson (first away congress) participating and having a great time.

Monday 20 November 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy

2nd Ming Ting and Pamela Finger

E/W

1st Barbara Tait and Margaret Lane

2nd Debra Goodchild and Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 21 November 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Janet Hansen and Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd - Janine Rodgers and Nancy Wix

E/W

1st - Janelle Conroy and Eric Lievesly

2nd - Noel Bugeia and Eric Goodchild

Wednesday 22 November 2023 – NWP 22 of 24 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - David Ting and Eric Goodchild

2nd - Janelle Conroy and Noel Bugeia

3rd - Max Holewa and Diane Holewa

4th - Mary Rose Ramsden and Noel Saunders

E/W

1st - Monica Darley and Kath Poole

2nd - Terrence Sheedy and Eric Leivesley

3rd - Janet Hansen and Alan Brown

4th - Joy Robinson and Robert Carless

Thursday 23 November 2023 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st - Ann Whitmore and Diane Stokes

2nd - Ken Seaniger and Robert Carless

3rd - Janine Rodgers and Janelle Conroy

4th - Mick King and Patricia Garner

Friday 24 November 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Terry Sheedy and Noel Bugeia

2nd - Diane Holewa and Max Holewa

3rd - Helen Van Den Broek and Don Poole

4th - Joyce Deguara and Tony Large

E/W

1st - Janelle Conroy and Pamela Finger

2nd - Christine Nice and Diane Cox

3rd - Susan Wright and Geoffrey Patterson

4th - Joy Robinson and Geoff Taylor

Saturday 25 November 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Julie O’Neill and Margaret Lane

2nd - Debra Goodchild and Eric Goodchild

3rd - Ann Whitmore and Diane Stokes

E/W

1st - Griffin Bancroft and Patricia Garner

2nd - Christine Nice and Faye Wright

3rd - Lorna Shuttlewood and Susan Wright

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Best Pair in B - Mary Rose Ramsden and Noel Saunders with Airlie President Neil (centre)

Overall Winners - Tex Sheedy and Noel Bugeia

3rd overall - Alan and Frances Brown

Encouragement Award- Faith Hutchinson and Dorothy Slater

Photos supplied

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A batch of promising cheer dancers from Mackay are bound for Hawaii next May to compete at the Global Cheer and Dance Games.

Young performers from the Adrenalin Cheer and Dance school based at North Mackay showed their wares at the recent Cheerbrandz Super Nationals Championships, staged at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena – securing many places and victories across the weekend.

It was the final event of the season for the Mackay club, with the Senior Hip Hop ‘Envy’ team receiving the greatest accolades after clinching all three major awards.

The ‘Envy’ combination were crowned Queensland Division champions and Hip-Hop Grand Champions, taking out the prestigious Super Grand Champions award for Hip Hop. This fact making them the highest scoring team across all three event locations in Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand.

Comprised of nine gifted senior dancers aged 14 to 17 years, the Envy team wowed the crowd and judges with their fierce and skilful performance, earning themselves a partially-paid bid to represent Australia at the Global Games in Hawaii in May 2024.

"To say the team were thrilled would be an understatement,” reflected Adrenalin Cheer and Dance club owner and Head Coach Kelly Munt.

“There were smiles from ear to ear and plenty of emotion after the event and we couldn't have hoped for a better end to the season.

“The Envy team are the 2022 AASCF National champions for the Senior Hip-Hop division but know with dance teams each season, you start back at the bottom,” Kelly quipped.

“We are proud of how far they have come to end their 2023 season on such a high.” she added.

If having one representative team selected wasn't enough, the Adrenalin club’s Dreamers Senior Level 4 cheer combination also impressed the judges and the crowd - winning their division and being awarded Level 4 runner-up Grand Champions.

The result earned Dreamers a wildcard bid to also represent Australia in their division for the Global Cheer and Dance Games. Dreamers’ 15 senior athletes, many lining up in their first season of Level 4, remain undefeated for the 2023 season.

Head Coach Kelly said the club as a whole was very supportive of not only the two bid-winning teams but each combination, from the first-season athletes up to the experienced All Stars.

“We put on some of our best work of the season at the Super Nationals event and are proud of all the teams, sensational coaches and the parents who make the club our family.” Kelly stated.

Adrenalin club’s Dreamers Senior Level 4 cheer team won their division and finished Level 4 runner-up Grand Champions at the recent Super Nationals Championships.

Contributed By Chris Karas

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Adrenalin Cheer and Dance club’s Envy combination took home the prestigious Super Grand Champions award for Hip-Hop at the recent Super Nationals Championships

Adrenalin club’s Dreamers Senior Level 4 cheer team won their division and finished Level 4 runner-up Grand Champions

Photo supplied

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Queensland Schoolgirls netball goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse and Redcliffe Dolphins-bound rugby league forward Sam Anderson are the St Patrick’s College Junior Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year recipients for 2023.

The talented duo were officially recognised for their superb achievements this season on the netball court and football field and accepted their awards at the College’s annual Sports Assembly.

Defensive dynamo Shaylah capped a stellar season in her chosen sport when she represented Queensland at the SchoolSport Australia 15 years and under National Netball Championships in Perth.

Donning the maroon uniform was a proud moment for the emerging goalkeeper, who helped her team mates achieve a fourth placed ranking behind tournament champions Victoria, NSW and South Australia.

In the lead up to the National Carnival, the outstanding Pershouse turned in skilful performances for St Patrick’s at the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Championships in Brisbane.

15-year-old Shaylah showed a maturity that far belied her years with inspirational defensive displays throughout the tournament to earn a spot in the 2023 QISSN Carnival Rising Stars Girls Team.

It was a deserved honour for the Mackay DAS product as she and her St Patrick’s team mates held their own against some of the best senior netball schoolgirl outfits in the State.

Shaylah also produced superb performances for the Capricornia representative side at the Queensland School Sport Netball Championships in Brisbane to earn her maiden State honours.

The teak-tough keeper was at her combative best when St Patrick’s won both the Cup (Seniors) and Shield (Junior) categories at the Capricornia Regional Trials at Mackay Multisports Stadium, to qualify for the prestigious Vicki Wilson State Netball Championships in Brisbane.

Sam Anderson is a promising rugby league forward destined for bigger things.

The powerhouse 15-year-old prop – who helped St Patrick’s claim the Queensland Regional Schoolboys championship and Cowboys Challenge trophies in 2023 - has secured his immediate future after signing a two-year contract with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Anderson proved a tower of strength this season in the schoolboy ranks, earning a Queensland Under 15 representative jumper following stand out performances for Capricornia at the State Secondary School Championships in Townsville.

The emerging forward also impressed for the Queensland White team that reached the semi finals of the Australian Secondary Schools National Under 15 Championships at Port Macquarie.

But it was in the Cowboys Challenge Shield series that strong-running Sam made a huge impact – inspiring the all-conquering St Patrick’s team to a 24-10 Grand Final victory over Ignatius Park College Townsville at the Mackay Junior League Fields with his punishing defence, hard running and skilful ball play.

It was a bitter-sweet experience for the rampaging prop, who damaged his knee early in the match and was forced to watch from the sidelines forlornly as the undefeated champions brought home the trophy.

Anderson missed St Patrick’s triumph over Dolphins Cup champions Emmaus College Rockhampton in the Queensland Regional Grand Final challenge the following week, but played a pivotal role in the championship double with his mentoring and motivational tips.

Sam’s immediate goals for 2024 are to force his way into the St Patrick’s College top grade squad, that will defend its Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy's premiership title under the astute coaching of Ian Schifilliti.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College 2023 Junior Sports Person of Year Award recipients Sam Anderson and Shaylah Pershouse.

Photo supplied

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The annual PCYC Whitsundays Gymnastics Showcase was held last week to the enjoyment of parents and family members in the packed crowd.

With over 70 children, aged from five to 14, taking to the course, displaying their newfound skills, talents and techniques, that have been perfected by the capable team of coaches at PCYC Whitsundays.

From Foundation gymnasts to Platinum level athletes, each and every child had the opportunity to showcase their skills to an eager crowd.

“We had a really great turnout,” explained Jessica Ferguson, PCYC gymnastics coach and Member Services Team Leader.

“Parents and family appreciated the event and being able to watch their child’s skills.”

“I am super proud of all the children, and I am very thankful for the team we have at PCYC Whitsundays. They’re hard work is appreciated.”

This showcase wraps up the official term of gymnastics at PCYC Whitsundays. For children wishing to join the sport, it is best to ring the club on 4948 1144 or email the club on whitsunday@pcyc.org.au.

The next term will begin in line with the 2024 Term 1 start, which is January 22.

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Home Hill Cricket Association hosted Bowen Cricket last Sunday, November 26 for an inter-town representative match with bragging rights coming down to the final wicket.

The match reignited a rivalry between the two towns, with excellent play on both sides.

The Sunday fixture between Home Hill and Bowen saw the visitors win the toss and elect to bat.

Bowen’s top order got the work done early with high scorers Dylan Pettingill scoring 33 runs, Michael Pettiford scoring 31, Lachlan Altmann scoring 18, Mark Coventry scoring 13 and Daniel Borgh scoring 11, helping the team to a total of 153 all out after 38 overs.

Some fine bowling from Home Hill’s Andrew Cardillo saw him take four wickets for 37 runs from seven overs, supported by Alex Stillhard’s 2/27 from five, Darcy Walters’ 1/15 from five, Ross Parker’s 1/16 from five and Simon Vickers’ 1/27 from eight, with a run out helping clean up the visiting batsmen.

Chasing 154 runs for victory, Home Hill were off to a shaky start at 4/29 before the middle order steadied the ship thanks to Hugh Smith’s 48 not out, Ross Parker’s 34, Ayden Marano’s 18 and Andrew Cardillo’s 11.

Home Hill lost their ninth wicket with just four runs to make, the winning runs coming from fortuitous byes in the 38th over.

Bowen bowlers Dylan Pettingill (4/24), Seth McIntosh (3/17), Mark Coventry (1/12) and Lachlan Altmann (1/25) took the game right down to the wire, with Home Hill ultimately winning by one wicket.

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Bowen versus Home Hill saw a lengthly game of wits, courage, and determination. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Cannons had a super weekend at the Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swims.  Congratulations to Don Algie, Harris Delac, River Shields, Penelope Shields, Lincoln Russell, Millie Groom, Lily Maher, and Alessa Penglase-Fortunato for outstanding efforts in Saturday’s Triathlon. On Sunday, Thomas Ganter, Don Algie, Harris Delac, Eloise Chegwidden, Tora Delac, Jacob Bell, and Harry Chegwidden participated in the Ocean Swims. All the swimmers did extremely well.

Congratulations to Thomas Ganter who won 1st place in the 350m swim in a time of 5min 26 sec.  Don Algie came 2nd in the 350m swim in a time of 6min 23sec. Harris Delac swam a great time of 7min 55sec.

Well done to Eloise, Harry, and Amy Chegwidden for completing their first Ocean Swim! Tora Delac swam a fantastic time of 11min 52 sec in the 750m event. Kate Thomson swam a super time of 13min 13sec in the 750m event. Jacob Bell was 4th out of the water in the 2km swim and was 1st in his age group. Jane Delac swam a terrific time of 35min 29sec and was 3rd in her age group.  

On Wednesday night, the Cannons hosted another enjoyable Club Night. Club Records were presented to Eloise Chegwidden (8yrs) for 25m and 50m Breaststroke and Remy Hedges (15yrs) for 800m Freestyle. Upgrade Certificates were presented to Noah Maltby, Billie Jamieson, Zane Clayworth, Alex Trefz, Gracie Laguna, Lucas Korosec, and Lincoln Russell. The Chocolate Awards (for best PBs) were presented to Eric Mulliss and Eloise Chegwidden. Well done, swimmers!  

The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers who participated at Club Night and at Hamilton Island! A big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their ongoing assistance and support!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Harry Eloise Thomas Don Harris Preparing for Ocean Swim

Eloise and Harry at the end of the 350m swim

Remy with new Club Record. Photos supplied

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Last week of spring and then into summer which could not come faster as the bowls this week have demonstrated.

Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls saw inexperienced Mark Mawson at skipper with Liz McManus at lead and Tess Walker at second playing brilliant bowls to run away with the money whilst newly joined player John Burnett take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls superbly run by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea, saw them team together with John Askew to take home the money whilst Marjorie Hughes took home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers has only one more week to go and had a great field in hot pursuit of the prizes on offer and first round winners were Andy McDougall, Eric Barnard and Rick Galea proceed to the final and it was Rick who proved too strong again to go home with his second victory of this season with a fabulous display, whilst Russell Jackson took home the B Division prize money. Next weekend will see the finals take place all welcome for the final round and then the finals will take place.

Sunday morning saw 14 new bowlers come to try out brilliantly organised by Margo Stanley. Our club super coach who has organised lessons for anyone interested on Monday's and Thursday's at 4pm till 5pm which is free all welcome.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls well organised by Jill Spencer another tireless worker at the club and it was the team ably led by Graham Cowling with Mario De Martini at lead and the much improved Arthur McManus whose competitive nature holds no bounds and they won a thrilling last end match against Tony Kelly's team with Paul Osborne at lead back to best form and Mark Mawson at second and the very popular winner of the Health Hub award was Jill Spencer herself.

It also must be mentioned that Fiona Greener has worked tirelessly this weekend keeping refreshments cold with wonderful thoughtful service and commitment.

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Wednesday afternoons winners John Askew, Merve Stewart, and Rick Galea. Photo supplied

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Mick's Computer Services had a great afternoon of bowls on Saturday when they had their Staff Christmas Party at the club. Enjoying a game of barefoot bowls along with a lot of fun in a social setting.

This week there has been a change of leader board in the Social Participation Trophy which has been sitting at just a one-point difference between first and second place for a number of weeks. In social bowls on Wednesday, Bruce Uhe, Sandy Daffara, and Philip Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Sandy Daffara and Barry Zillmann 31 - 13. Warren Wilson and Heather Brown had a tight contest with the score being 20 all after the 20th end but scored that extra point to defeat Alan Pershouse and John Fielding 22- 20. On Sunday John Burnett and Warren Wilson defeated Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison 19 - 15 in a game of pairs. Sandy Daffara, Peter Lawton, and Philip Brown defeated Bruce Uhe, Peter Lawton, and Heather Brown 17 - 13.

With the year drawing to a close, current standings in the Social Participation Trophy - are Philip Brown on 150 points, Heather Brown 149, Bruce Uhe 120, Alen Sanderson 113, Sandy Daffara 105, John Anderson 97, Mike Harrison 94, Arthur Griffith 66, John Burnett 62.

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Tuesday winners were Bron Tolcher and Irene Laird defeated Shirley Jones and Robyn Stitt.

Lyndi Suann and Evan Jones defeated Deb Retchless and Alby Vigar. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Competitions results: On Saturday the club mixed competition was completed. In the morning the final of the Mixed Triples was won by Laurie Land, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe who defeated Tracey Roach, Lloyd White and Jason Wright. In the afternoon the final of the Mixed Pairs could not have been any closer with an extra end being played and the last bowl deciding the game. The winners were Fely Duncan and Jason Wright who defeated Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe.  

On Sunday our Bowls Section AGM’s took place with new executives ready to take over the reins for another year. Congratulations to our members who took on new positions.

After a great lunch, 18 players were out on the green for social bowls. Winners for the afternoon were Laurie Land, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers defeated Toni Bowen, Peter Warren, and Pat Tracey. Sue Shearing, Shirley Jones, and Penny Warren defeated Teresa Willshire, Jim Quod, and Sugar Brunker. Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, and Alby Vigar defeated Gwenda Lydom, Irene Laird, and Graeme Read.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Club Mixed Fours winners: Wayne Crowhurst Lloyd Wilson Tracey Roach Kennedy Whitton

‍Club Mixed Triples winners: Allan Rolfe Penny Warren Laurie Land

Club Mixed Pairs winners: Jason Wright and Fely Duncan. Photos supplied

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On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Viv Clark 39pts, runner up on a countback Robyn Slade 36pts. Men’s winner on a countback was John Lawson 41pts, runner up Rodney Wells 41pts.

On Friday, members celebrated the end of their season with their presentation night. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Robyn Slade and Jeff Day who took out the Golfer of the year trophies for the weekend competitions. Thank you to Jim and Debbie Bullemor for their continued sponsorship of the Golfer of the year trophy.

Wednesday Golfers of the year were Jeremy Chrzanowski ajd David Roberts – joint winners for the men. Ladies winner Leanne Swan.

Men’s double Matchplay champions David Insch and Dylan Nott, runners up Geoff Fellows and Greg Carlyon. Men’s single Matchplay champion was Dylan Nott, runner up Marcus Yasso. Ladies double Matchplay champions Claire and Meg Garrod, runners up Bev Lowcock and Tanya Gaudry. Ladies single Matchplay champion Meg Garrod, runner up Bev Lowcock. Well done everyone.

On Saturday, we played a single stableford event for the Frank and Gloria Bidgood Memorial. 105 players took to the course, which was a great turnout. Thank you to the Bidgood family for continuing to sponsor this event and great to see Frank and Kurt Bidgood and Kyjel and Kade Spencer continuing the golfing legacy. Ladies’ winner was Julie Mawson 37pts, runner up on a countback Leanne Swan 34pts. Men’s winner Joshua Fraser 43pts, runner up Jeff Jackson 39pts.

This weekend is a single stroke event for the December monthly medals.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Matchplay champions – David Insch, Dylan Nott, Tanya Gaudry, Bev Lowcock, Claire and Meg Garrod

Golfers of the year – Jeff Day, Sponsors Jim & Debbie Bullemor, Robyn Slade

Frank and Gloria Bidgood winners – L-R Frank and Kurt Bidgood, Kyjel Spencer, Jeff Jackson, Joshua Fraser, Julie Mawson, Leanne Swan, Kade Spencer. Photos supplied

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The stableford held on November 21 was won by Len Booroff with 40 points from Brad Fleet on 38 with Lyn Muller the leading lady on 38 beating Leanne Alexander by 3. Pins went to Elise Hodgson, Brad Fleet and Chris Pham.

Lyn Muller edged out Vickie Wallace to take Wednesday's event with 39 points. Pins went to Lyn Muller, Pam Harrison x2, and Tiina Randmae.

Wayne Temby and Ron Jamieson had a great Thursday to win the pairs event on a count back from Nicola Apruzzese and Terry Handford on 46 points.

Pins went to Barry Shuwalow, Conrad Werner, Brad Fleet and Chris Pham.

Jack Pirlo won Friday's Met run with 22 points by two shots from Sam Deicke who took out the pin shot.

Steve Hickey won the MBW A division on Saturday with 41 points from Rob Stanley, while Phillip Luckett took out the B division with 41 points from Brett Bauer.

Pins went to Laurie Dakin, Jesse Leveque, Len Booroff and Anna Winterbourn. Toni Clauss won the ladies' MBW stableford with 39 points from Noelene Spurway who also won a ladies pin shot along with Anna Winterbourn.

Sunday's competition winner was Wilf Herweg on 40 points from Christopher Bartlett, with the leading ladies being Nicole Cooper and Jacqueline Wall. Pins went to Jon Miller,  Kev Cooper, Tiina Randmae, Sam Blake, Anna Winterbourn and Jacqueline Wall.

Contributed by Rod Wecker

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Conditions were steamy with the occasional nuisance shower, but play wasn’t interrupted at all. Although the field was smaller than usual with only 17 players, Christmas festivities and Handiskins kept a few of the regulars away, there was, as always, a very amicable competitive spirit in play.

LADIES All GRADES:

Winner: Jacqui Wall with 36 points

Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with 34

Longest Drive: Elise Hodgson (A) - just on the outer perimeter and Pam Casey (B).

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Chris Bartlett with 39 points

Runner-up: Darrren Reynolds with 33

Longest Drive: Darrren Reynolds

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Wilf Herweg with 40 points

Runner-up: Leigh Jones with 37

Longest Drive: Peter Fox

NTPs:

For the ladies: Penny Wardroper and Jacqui Wall

For the men: Jason Bourke, Leigh Jones, and Clay Coles

NAGAs: the honours went to Ron Jamieson and Elise Hodgson, Elise couldn’t make the presentation so it went to Pam Casey, a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts.

NEXT WEEK: will be the Dec MM/least putts in conjunction with the 2023 Medal of Medals, get your names in early for the last competition of the 2023, so we can play in a block between 7 and 8 am.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

‍Chris Bartlett, Pam Casey, Wilf Herweg and Jacqui Wall. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Running Club had an amazing season this year!

Local runners were able to test their skills against competitors from all over Australia and overseas in the three major events that the club organised, namely: the North Queensland Cross Championship in March, North Queensland Marathon Championship in July, and the Whitsunday Trail Festival in September.

Members of the club travelled extensively throughout Australia and the World to showcase their colours and market the Whitsundays. Six of the members took part in the Medoc Marathon in France, one in the half marathon in Lisbon, Portugal, one in the Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail through France, Italy and Switzerland and two in the Maybank Bali marathon. Several members also ran in parkruns in Wales, Scotland, and England.

In Australia they competed in the ‘last one standing’ Dead Cow Gully near Brisbane and the Coast to Mount Kosciusko, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and many more.

The highlight of the year was the Athletics North Queensland Awards night where the achievements of the club were recognised by Athletics North Queensland (Queensland Athletics representatives in the north).

Mark McConkey was given a ‘Merit Award’ in recognition of his outstanding services to the sport of athletics in North Queensland. Mark is a founding member of the Whitsunday Running Club and has continuously served on the committee and coached athletes over the past eleven years.

The Whitsunday Running Club (Club of the year), Aimee Sulzberger (Recreational Runner of the Year) and Liv Compton (Recreational Runner of the Year) were all finalists in their categories.

Aimee won the Recreational Runner of the Year trophy in recognition of her wins in the 10km and 6km North Queensland Cross Country Championships, gold in the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival 10km, gold in the Whitsunday Trail Festival 10.5km and gold in the Townsville Marathon Festival.

Tim McQuoid-Mason, President of the Whitsunday Running Club said: “The running talent in the Whitsundays has developed over the past few years into a formidable pool of runners capable of competing against the best in Queensland, Australia and the World, they are all fantastic ambassadors for the Whitsundays!”

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Whitsunday Running Club President Tim McQuoid-Mason, Aimee, Mark, Karen Maddock, Liv, Rebecca Hadley, Michael Hadley and Ella Maddock at the Athletics NQ Awards

Aimee, Tim and Mark at the Athletics NQ Awards

Aimee Award at the Athletics NQ Awards

Mark Award at the Athletics NQ Awards. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Touch has rounded off the 2023 season, with a massive celebration earlier this week.

The overall winning teams are:

A Grade - GET Touch

B Grade - Whitmonday Eagles

C Grade - Flametree Flames

Family Grade - Untouchables

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