Over the past decade, cheerleading as a competitive team sport has grown exponentially nationwide and worldwide, with the 2022 AASCF (Australian) National Championships having over 13,000 athletes for this single event.

It is not surprising that over the past 18 years, Adrenalin Cheer & Dance has played a role locally, educating students about the competitive sport and building a program that supports individual athlete development and excellence as well as team success.

If you weren't sure what this sport involves, a cheer team might consist of around 8 to 32 athletes executing a series of tumbling, dance, stunts, pyramid, and toss skills designed to be performed with a high level of precision to a fast-paced soundtrack. For this reason, you can imagine a well-rounded team requires athletes of all physiques and skill sets, making it an ideal and inclusive sport for all.

The local sporting club in Mackay trains everything from the casual first-time students up to the competitive athlete, a place for every student, accommodating to those looking to compete and build new, lifelong friendships.

Adrenalin Cheer and Dance hold recreational classes, building skills and confidence for new students and offering competitive programs opportunities for beginners up to level five cheer in addition to pom and hip hop teams.

The expert coaches come from backgrounds as competitive athletes, bringing their wealth of skills to the floor with them.

With a pedigree of past and present success, Adrenalin has claimed national titles, as well as placed and won international championships in both cheerleading and hip hop.

If you want to learn how to tumble, dance, or get started in cheerleading, you’ll find Adrenalin Cheer & Dance at the Mackay Sports Expo this weekend.

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Image: Local studio Adrenalin Cheer & Dance is here to teach one of the world's fastest-growing sports

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When a sold-out crowd packed out Mackay Multisports Stadium to watch the Queensland Firebirds take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning last November, Mackay’s love of netball was evident.

Mackay Netball Association makes everyone’s netball dreams come true, with programs and competitions available for all ages and abilities.

Starting from ages five and six, your child can learn the fundamentals of the sport in the skills and drills program before Mackay Netball Association transitions them into one of 13 clubs in the region to play competition netball.

“It’s the largest female sport in Mackay and we’re looking to have boys and mixed teams as well,” said Mackay Netball Association Operations Manager Sharon Sutherland.

Starting your child in a sport has innumerable benefits including increased fitness, healthy growth of bones and muscles and improved coordination and balance, as well as many social benefits.

“A lot of kids make new friends because they play with not so much their schoolmates but everyone from the region,” said Sharon.

Mackay Netball are currently in week 2 of a NetSetGO! program delivered to over 120 young netballers at no cost to them with the assistance of a BMA Community Grant.  

With the season starting in March and a five-week NetSetGO! program to start in term two, now is the perfect time to consider netball.

Not only is it a fun, social and skilful game, there are plenty of opportunities for development, with teams representing Mackay in competitions all over Australia including the region’s first representative boys’ team heading to the Sunshine Coast later this year.

You can find Sharon and the team from Mackay Netball Association at the Mackay Sports Expo happening on Sunday, February 12 from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the MECC.

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There’s nothing more Australian than footy - maybe a snag, but you can grab one of those at the Eastern Swans Australian Football Club while trying out the country’s favourite pastime on February 26.

You’d be hard-pressed to find an Aussie without knowledge of football: the sport on an oval field with central goal posts and outer posts where hard running, hard hits, and athleticism are king.

A sport linked so tightly with Australian culture, for youngsters Aussie Rules provides a great basis for creating technical skills, building fitness and friendship, and for adults, it is much the same.

With more than 1.5 million registered players, Aussie rules is the nation’s biggest sport and has a long history in Mackay – including with The Swans, a club with a rich past dating back to 1987 when it merged with East Mackay and Trend United.

The successful club is always on the lookout for talent, inviting locals to Come and Try AFL on February 26 from 11am to 1pm after this weekend’s Mackay Sports Expo, where those interested can find out more.

The club fields teams from under sixes to under 17s in the junior grades – with its full complement of experienced coaches guiding the next generation - and has sides for adults too, with men’s and women’s sides.

Looking for their eighth league title, the premier sides are eager to bring in fresh talent at every level of the club, building a strong foundation of players to take into the future.

Find them at the Mackay Sports Expo this weekend for more information.

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Image: Mackay’s Eastern Swans Aussie Rules side – one of the region’s most successful – wants you!

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The final Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series was held in appallingly humid conditions from the Memorial Pool car park last weekend.

The 5km and 10km course options were as usual adaptable for runners should they choose to reduce their distances.  

Many runners chose to take walk breaks and shorten their original distance intentions due to the extreme temperatures that were not helped by warm northerly breezes.  

Race Director Jim Ford is to be congratulated on great course options with varying twists and turns to make it interesting.  

The Mackay Road Runners Club are so grateful for Jim’s expertise along with Alana Knesevic’s support in making sure the Shawn’s Summer Social off season series is held every Sunday afternoon with awesome freezing Zooper Doopers, the favourite part after the race.  

Thank you to Jim and Alana, Adam, Vivian and Harvey for making this happen.

The gold coin donations from each run are put towards post run refreshments and end of year presentations.

Thanks to Jim and Alana as well as Andrew Short, Jo Hughes and Julie Whibley for assisting in a myriad of jobs including course selections, merchandise and reminder notices sent out each and every week.

This Sunday will be a very busy day with the Mackay Road Runners Club being present at the fantastic Mackay Sport Expo at the MECC from 9am to 1pm, then off to the first formal run on the 2023 Mackay Road Runners program in the afternoon.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Image 1: L-R Shawn Claydon’s parents John and Bonnie Claydon and sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Jeff Stewart-Harris were special guests at the final 2022/23 series event

Image 2: L-R Helen Leven, Jo Hughes, Tam Wanstall, Emma Johnson and Kim Saron always enjoy a chat, prerace, post race and anytime in between. Photos credit: Janelle Tilse

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THE JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on will return to the MECC this weekend for the first time since 2020.

More than 80 local clubs will be on display, creating a one-stop-shop of sport and recreation opportunities.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to be back at the MECC after COVID-19 caused the event to go online only for the past two years.

“The 2023 event will be action packed, with the crowd favourite mascot race, active zone demonstrations and all the usual prizes and competitions, such as nominate your favourite club and random draws,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The expo will include dozens of interactive booths, two active zone areas in the north foyer and south foyer and interactive activities outside,” he said.

“Some of the outdoor activities near the north foyer will include a scouts’ rope bridge and fastest-serve tennis.

“In an effort to make the event more inclusive and accessible, we'll also have a relaxed session, quiet-hour, from noon to 1pm.

“The relaxed session is for people who appreciate a quieter environment. The doors to the MECC will be opened, lights turned down and sound levels kept to a minimum.

“JET Maintenance Services is our naming rights sponsor for the first time this year and to celebrate they are giving away $1000 to one of the clubs.”

Those attending are encouraged to nominate their favourite club at the event for a chance to win.

One person who nominated their favourite club will also win an EvaKool Icebox esky, valued at $99, thanks to in-kind sponsor Brand Factor.

Harrup Park Country Club and its Great Barrier Reef Arena have come onboard again this year as sponsor of the active zone in the MECC plenary halls.

Other sponsors for the event include media partners 4MK, Star 101.9 and Channel 7 and in-kind sponsor Brand Factor.

The event will be held Sunday, February 12, from 9am to 1pm, with Star 101.9 broadcasting live.

For more information, visit the JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on page on council's website.

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Image: Active Zone demonstration by Queensland Taekwondo Academy at the 2022 Sports Expo

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There is a whole world out there that you are not aware of: the one of highland and Irish dancing available at Ceilidh Dance Studio Mackay.

Some might be familiar with the jig or stepdance where an Irish dancer, clothed in ornate, shimmering outfits, hops athletically to the fiddle with arms pinned to their sides, legs working.

But many will not know its variants or relatives, the Celtic forms distinct from each other like the Scottish highland dance where arms are raised, or the old style, or the reel, the slip jig, light jig.

At Ceilidh Dance Studio, students can learn the ways of these traditional dances, taking home with them the benefits of being taught the art of physical excellence, competitive spirit, stamina, and strength – forming lifelong friendships while they do it.

The Mackay studio is offering its first two lessons free. Come along to the Mackay Sports Expo this weekend to find out more about the world of Ceilidh.

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Image: What is a Ceilidh (pronounced ˈkeɪli)? There’s no place better to find that out than Ceilidh Dance Studio Mackay

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You wouldn’t expect parkrun records to be set in the warm Mackay summer heat, but that’s exactly what happened last weekend.

Jared Havemann joined his fellow runners for the weekly social run through Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, blitzing the course in 16:27, the fastest time in Mackay parkrun’s history.

He was only the third person to join the Sub 17 Men’s club, alongside Julian Picot and Jade Bidgood earlier in January, with a previous best time of 16:43.

He then surpassed Jade’s previous best time of 16:29 by two seconds, eclipsing his own personal best by 16 seconds to claim the new record of 16:27.

“Whilst parkrun isn’t a ‘race’, it is absolutely awe inspiring to see the drive that these individuals have,” Mackay parkrun wrote on Facebook.

“It also proves that your name needs to start with the letter ‘J’ to join this club . . . your move Justin Rule.”

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Image: Jared Havemann broke the Mackay parkrun course record

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Running onto Suncorp Stadium in a Brisbane Broncos jumper has always been a childhood dream for promising Mackay rugby league half back Adam McSherry.

The outstanding 14-year-old schoolboy prospect has taken a giant step towards realising that goal after securing a three-year contract with his beloved Broncos club.

Linking up with one of the highest profile sporting organisations in the country has given young McSherry a massive confidence boost in the lead up to this year’s Secondary Schools and Mackay & District Junior League competitions.

The future looks bright for the St Patrick’s College Year 10 student who is keen to push his claims for selection in the Capricornia and Queensland Under 15 representative rugby league teams this season.

He joins rising St Patrick’s College forward Cohen Jackson – a Maroons Under 15s rep in 2022 – on the Broncos books after also attracting interest from the North Queensland Cowboys.

Adam has unfinished business with St Patrick’s this campaign after a heart breaking Grand Final loss to Townsville’s Kirwan State High in the Cowboys Challenge Shield competition last season.

Having kicked a late penalty goal to give his Mercy College side the lead with 40 seconds left on the clock, Adam and teammates could only look on in horror as the Kirwan colts posted a try after the full-time bell to snatch an incredible victory.

“That loss still hurts and the team is determined to make amends and bring home the trophy this year,” revealed Adam, who will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s squad during the 2023 Shield series.

With some of the finest rugby league talent in the Mackay region jostling for spots in Tom Gaviglio’s Cowboys Challenge squad, the St Patrick’s young guns shape as one of the teams to beat for this year’s title.

As chief playmaker the classy McSherry will use his vision, turn of speed, strength and passing and kicking skills to inspire teammates and with the spring-heeled number seven calling the shots, you can expect some enterprising football from the much-vaunted junior St Patrick’s outfit.

A Brothers Bulldogs junior product, Adam will saddle up for his tenth season with the club in 2023 where he has enjoyed tremendous success.

He starred in the Bulldogs’ Under 9 Paul Bowman Cup and Under 11 Laurie Spina Shield and Under 13 Nate Myles Cup winning sides that defeated Centrals Townsville in the final and figured in a semi-final loss to Gladstone Wallabies in the Under 10 Gordon Tallis Cup.

Adam has also featured prominently in Brothers’ recent Under 13 and Under 15 premiership victories in the Mackay & District Junior League.  

The talented half turned in a best on ground performance in the 24-20 triumph over Wanderers in the Under 13s Grand Final and showed his maturity and skill last season to help engineer a 30-20 win over Wests Tigers in the Under 15s decider.

Adam described last year’s premiership success as “a very special moment.”  

“I decided to test myself and play a year above my age group and really enjoyed the challenge,” quipped Adam.

‘Lining up against older opponents can be a tough task but I just played my natural game and learnt so much from my teammates along the way,” he said.

A highlight was capturing both the Under 13 Nate Myles Cup and Mackay Junior League premiership in 2021 as well as finishing the region’s top try scorer with 32 tries.

When asked to name the people that had influenced his rugby league career to date, Adam praised the efforts of his parents Stacey and Paul.

“My dad coaches at Brothers and has taught me the finer points while mum offers encouragement and advice whenever I play,” said Adam.

“I really appreciate their support,” he added.

By Chris Karas

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Image: Rugby league playmaker Adam McSherry demonstrates his attacking skills for the Brothers Bulldogs against Wanderers in the Mackay & District Junior League

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It is stated that 3.5 billion people are football fans.

Fans of The World Game, The Beautiful Game, what in Australia we call soccer -- the largest sport on the globe; in fact, we are floating on an enormous football itself. It is the “sport of sports”, the most popular pastime, our most enduring as a species.

It has everything: displays of tactical brilliance, astounding athleticism, and suspense. More than one could ask for in a viewing experience, and even greater from a playing perspective.

The Whitsundays is home to its own football team: the “Tangerines”, better known as Whitsunday United Football Club. A club going from strength to strength, fielding several senior men, women, and youth teams from under 13 to under 16.

The favourite sport for kids across the world for its ease that belies its depth, like an iceberg – “Football is simple, but it’s difficult to play simply” - the only objective is to score more than the opposition.

It is not a strange thing to say that most people, once they’ve tried football, fall in love with it.

At the local team, that is no different. You will find devotees of the sport that have fallen in love with both the team and the sport – whether they be new to it or returning.

And even better, Whitsunday United are the reigning Champions of the Region in their men’s division and is already on the recruitment drive for this year.

The men’s team training has already begun, as well as some of its junior teams, and they’ll be soon joined by the Senior Women.

Home games are played at the Whitsunday Sports Park on Saturdays throughout the day, with away matches in Mackay.

The men’s and women’s squads work over two teams, with one premier division team and reserve grade. For players of all levels, there’s a place at Whitsunday United, with coaches more than accommodating for those new or returning to the game.

Aside from the fitness, the competitive nature, and the fun of the sport, Whitsunday United have an exceptionally welcoming culture – one that encompasses each of their teams and the administration of the club.

There’s nothing like football, and there’s nothing like Whitsunday United.

Follow the Whitsunday United Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on training schedules, gamedays, and more.

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The Whitsunday Sports Expo kicks off this weekend at Whitsunday PCYC, inviting locals to come along and find out about junior and adult sporting opportunities in the region.

With over 30 team and individual sports on show at the Whitsunday Sportspark, there’s no better opportunity to find your passion, keep fit, or meet a community of likeminded people.

Sport can be a support system for life, providing friendship, competition, exercise, and drive. For kids, it presents them with a gamified version of skills development, of teamwork, and with the opportunity to make lifelong friends – or even potentially make a career of it!

For adults, sport holds the same opportunities: camaraderie, keying into your ambition, and the all-important exercise – which we might not always find the time for.

Australia, and Queensland in particular, are sport mad – and for good reason. Whether your sport of choice be one of individual development (karate, weightlifting, swimming), where your goal is to be the best you every day, or team oriented (football, rugby, netball, and more). There’s plenty to pick from and to start kicking goals.

Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark, Justin Butler, said that its time to get active and get healthy – “get amongst your community”.

“Find out more about the amazing local sports we have available here in this area. Joining a club is a positive step for any family and a great way to start the new year,” Justin said.

Sports from across the entire spectrum will be on display at the Whitsunday Sports Expo this weekend – come and have a kick, ride a trail bike, explore a sailing bit, or tee off!

WHAT: Whitsunday Sports Expo

WHEN: Saturday, February 4 from 9am to 1pm

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark

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The Cannonvale Cannons had 42 swimmers participate in last week’s Club Night, and a further 19 competing across the state at the Mirani LC Transition Meet and three others at Townsville Brothers’ carnival.  

Congratulations to swimmers who set 19 new Club Records, including Jacob Bell, Jy Parkinson, Remy Hedges, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, and Don Algie.  

Tora Delac was presented with the Swim Star Award and congratulations are extended to Sophie Fletcher and Charlie Doherty for winning the Chocolate Awards.

Upgrade certificates were presented to Andie Reynolds, Dylan Reynolds, Zach Trefz, Alex Trefz, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Billie Jamieson, and Murphy Jamieson.  

The three Harland sisters swam extremely well in Townsville over the weekend. Indigo Harland, aged six, performed excellently in her 25-metre Backstroke and 25-metre Freestyle.

Eight-year-old Koa was very excited with her three blue ribbons, claiming them for a first in her 50-metre Butterfly, 50-metre Breaststroke, and 50-metre Backstroke.

Ruby, aged 10, was impressive, too, swimming personal bests in all her races and finishing second in her 50-metre Breaststroke.

Club Coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson would like to commend all the swimmers who competed at Mirani on Saturday: “Birthday Boy” Don Algie, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Declan Dichiera, Maeve Dichiera, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Nelson Malady, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Adelaide Sanders, Indianna Smith, and Alex and Zach Trefz.  

A further congratulations to Jax Clayworth, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, and Tora Delac for swimming so well in their Skins event.  

The club extends its thanks to the wonderful parents and volunteers who assisted with officiating and managing the team.

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The Port Denison Gun Club had a fantastic turn out for its first shoot of the year with 39 competitors battling it out on the day.  

Shooters travelled from as far as Sarina, Mackay, Townsville, Silkwood, and Burdekin to join local members.

Event One: 10 Pr Double Rise AA: R Gough, J Rossato 19/20, A Zarb 15/20: A: M Zabala 19/20, K Zarb, C Edgerton 17/20; B: G McHenry 17/20, D Stitt 16/20, G Maltby 15/20; C: D Rossato, G Dalton 16/20, T Bartlett 15/20.

Event Two: 20T DB AA: S Steele, R Gough, J Furini, J Rossato, T Caruso, T Coco 20/20; A: a Vassalini, A Lord 20/20, M Populin, M Zabala, K Zarb, C Edgerton, G Maltby 19/20; B: R Zarb, J Schneider 19/20, G Dalton 18/20; C: B Bonanno, C Dent, N Kirkman, W Rossato.

Event Three: 20T SB AA: J Furini, T Caruso, L Dodd, R Gough 19/20; A: D Stitt 20/20, G McHenry, A Lord 19/20;B: J Kinnonmonth 19/20, R Zarb, G Dalton 17/20; B: N Kirkman 19/20, T Bartlett 18/20, D Dent 16/20.

Event Four: 20T Pointscore AA: T Coco 60/60, A Lemphers, L Dodd, R Gough, J Rossato 59/60; A: K Zarb 60/60, G McHenry, B Gall, D Stitt, C Edgerton 59/60; B: R Zarb 54/60, J Schneider 53/60, J Kinnonmonth 50/60; C: W Rossato, J Coleman 56/60, B Bonnano 55/60.

Event Five: 20T Handicap 1st M Zabala, 2nd A Lord, 3rd B Gall Overall in Each Grade – Bowen Engineering Trophy AA: J Rossato 134/140, A: A Lord 143/154, B: J Schneider, C: B Bonanno, Jun: D Rossato, Lad: A Vassalini, Vet: T Coco.

The club extended its thanks to all who helped at the working bee or on the day.  Kerry for a lovely morning tea and lunch.  

Port Denison Gun Club will be hosting a Practice Day on Saturday, January 28, and Saturday, February 11 at 2.00pm. Clay Target shooting. The club’s next shoot will be held on Sunday, February 26 at 9am.

Contributed with thanks to Cheryl Edgerton

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Images:

Port Denison Gun Club handicap winners B Gall, A Lord, and M Zabala

Overall winners T Coco, B Bonanno, J Schneider, A Love, J Rossato, and D Rossato

The Club’s ‘Shooter of the Year’, Greg Maltby

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This week 49 committed people ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course in the rain at Airlie Beach parkrun.

Special mentions from this week go to Michala and Angela, who completed their first parkruns. As well, Josh, Chris, and Isla recorded new personal bests.

The event was made possible by run director Dan and his team of 17 dedicated volunteers: Peter, Nick, Kara, Suzi, Wade, Paige (photographer), Charlie (photographer), Wendy, Ron, Susanne, Shane, Laura, Louise, Jarrod, Lynne, and Dennis.

Next week at Airlie Beach parkrun, the kids will be taking over. Under adult supervision youngsters will be the volunteers that make parkrun happen.

As well, Airlie Beach parkrun will be at the PCYC sports expo from 9-1pm next week, with volunteers on hand to answer questions.

On Saturday, February 18, Airlie Beach parkrun will be conducting a Pride-themed day, which will promote the inclusivity of all at parkrun, especially the LBQT+ community.

The date aligns with WorldPride day and will be supported by parkrun and Proud2Play. All participants and volunteers on the day are encouraged to participate by wearing rainbow themed sportswear.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 4,540 participants have completed 23,560 parkruns covering a total distance of 117,800 km, including 2,710 new Personal Bests. A total of 376 individuals have volunteered 3,410 times.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at Bohemian Raw and Berry & Maple Patisserie.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Rain, hail, or sun, the Airlie Beach parkrun goes on!

Plenty of runners braved the conditions to enjoy the five-kilometre waterfront course in Airlie Beach

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The region’s T20 Premiers Colts took on Valleys while Canecutters faced off against Warriors in the cricket season’s 40-over A Side competition last weekend.

Valleys were off to a slow start having opted to bat first after winning the toss. Roy Blain (1/17) made the early breakthrough with Ricky Parslow (13) gloving legside delivery through to the keeper.

Jackson Riley (1/25) added his name to the wicket column shortly after to see Valleys looking somewhat shaky at 2/35 after 8 overs. Brad Wilkinson (30) steadied the ship with hard hitting Machlin Turner (46) to put Valleys back on the front foot.

The pair combined for a 57-run partnership before Michael Pettiford (4/48) caused all sorts of problems for Valleys middle order.

Mace Bennett (29) added some later order hitting before Nathaniel Kleinert (1/22), Ben Altmann (1/7) and Lachy Altmann (1/0) combined to mop up the lower order to see Valleys bowled out for 140.

The Colts struggled in their run chase as Machlin Turner (4/20), despite having 5 dropped catches off his bowling, combined with Ricky Parslow (3/20) to wreak havoc with Ricky at one stage having every fielder on the ground in the slips cordon.

Michael Pettiford (48) and Ben Valmadre (37) tried their best to see Colts over the line, however it wasn’t to be as Tony Hinschen (3/8) quickly ran through the tail to see Colts all out for 115.

In the other match, Warriors won the toss and elected to bat and never managed to get their innings going. Youngsters Darcy Milne (2/23) and Donny Pettiford (0/21) more than matched it with their older counterparts to start the bowling onslaught.

Not to be outshone by his son, Scott Milne (3/9) combined with fellow old timer Craig Brown (4/16) to send Warriors players back to the shed in quick succession. Josh Large (41) was the only player to show any form with the bat as Warriors were bundled out for 99 runs.

Liam Davies (39) and Darcy Milne (28) were out to make light work of the total, with the pair putting on 60 runs in the opening partnership before Craig Valmadre (2/14), rolling the arm over for the first time in a number of years, sent both opening batsman on their way.

Dan Leschke (1/6) managed to add his name to the wicket column before Canecutters got over the line with a comfortable seven wicket win.

This Saturday will see Warriors taking on The Colts and Valleys to meet Canecutters.

Games are set to get underway at 12.30pm. Any new or returning players can contact Dale Mengel (0410 895 191) or Craig Brown (4945 1983) for further information.

Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

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What better time is there to dip your toes in the water than when you’re a kid?

When you’re young, it is easier to learn something new – an irrefutable fact. When they're little, human beings are like sponges; there’s no better time than that of flowering youth to get in the water and soak it in.

The award-winning Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle is the place by the pool for bubs and kids to dive in and have their first experience with water.

The Whitsundays’ premier swimming school is host to a team of professionals - who provide some of the finest swimming classes in the region – to ensure anyone can enjoy the waters that the Whitsundays offers.

Owner and founder Danielle Shea leads the team with her ethos that every child and adult should know how to swim: “Not only is it an important skill, but it allows them to experience the region to its fullest.”

“Not every family has a pool, but every family will visit the lagoon or the beach and spend birthday parties in the water. And living in Australia, it’s surrounded by it – every child should learn to swim,” Danielle said.

But, The Swim Australia Teacher of the Year for 2020 said that it’s never too late to learn or to even just enjoy the benefits of swimming.

“It’s the number one survival skill that anyone should learn, especially living here in the Whitsundays when you’re surrounded by water,” she said.

“We have everything from mums and bub classes where we guide them through the journey of learning how to swim, as well as juniors and adults, including Aqua Fit and Hydrotherapy.”

The school takes the development of its students – no matter their age – seriously, giving them the confidence to spread their flippers and swim, especially when it comes to introducing first-timers to the wonders of the water.

The team of experts at Airlie Beach Swim School is there to guide you to becoming your best swimmer, with safety at the heart of all their training.

If you would like to learn how to swim, or join up for Aqua Fit or Hydrotherapy, check out https://airliebeachswimschool.com.au/

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Image: Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle teaches every age group from four months old the importance, and wonders, of swimming

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