If you’re looking for a sport that literally anyone can play, then touch footy is for you.

It’s fun, it’s social, requires little commitment and Whitsunday Touch Secretary Alita Debrincat wants everyone to give it a go.

“It’s such a great sport for everyone,” she said.

“We’ve got from eight-year-olds to 50-plus-year-olds playing in the competition, touch footy’s one of those sports that has a grade for everyone, including mixed grades and family grades.

“It’s a great game for the whole family to enjoy and the only sport in town that you can play as a whole family.

“Our mixed competition is growing fast and we are calling for more women to come give footy a go!”

The growing mixed competition provides a healthy and social atmosphere to play touch footy with friends old and new.

“Traditionally our mixed comp allows a maximum of four males on the field,” Alita said.

“The rest of the state plays with no more than three males on the field and we want to bring our touch competition to the same level as the rest of the state, so we need more women to come give touch a go.”

Nominated by Queensland Touch Football for Best Small to Medium Association in 2022, Whitsunday Touch has four Competition Grades including Open A Grade, Mixed A & B, Mixed C (Family Grade) and Kids Touch (5 to 8 years).

Kids Touch is only $50 each when you sign up at the Whitsunday Sports Expo.

With all games held at the Whitsunday Sports Park on a Monday night, starting between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, and no training or travel involved, touch footy is proving itself as the cheapest and most accessible sport in town.

Grading games start in early February with the season to start later in the month, followed by a second season halfway through the year.

“Just come down and have a go,” said Alita.

You can find Alita and the team from Whitsunday Touch at the Whitsunday Sports Expo happening on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00am until 1:00pm at Whitsunday PCYC, Jubilee Pocket.

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Whitsunday Touch Secretary Alita Debrincat says come give touch a go!

Netball is a fast-moving game that requires an element of teamwork seeing players meld with teammates in a way unlike any other sport.

With the new netball season starting in February, Whitsunday Netball Association are seeking new players.

“Anyone who enjoys a high energy team sport will love netball,” said Whitsunday Netball Association President Shannon Lorraway.

“Whether playing for fun or fitness, Whitsunday Netball Association can offer a netball program for all skills and abilities.”

While netball has long been a sport popular with girls and women, mixed netball is rising in popularity with more and more boys and men playing every year.

Netball is a team sport for all ages and abilities, with Whitsunday Netball Association welcoming girls and boys from age five and ladies and men from age 18 years.

Shannon said netball is also a terrific way to make friends, no matter your age.

“Friendships made on a netball court are friendships for life,” she said.

The netball season starts on Tuesday, February 7 for ages 5-10 years and Wednesday, February 8 for ages 11-16 years.

Training is held every Tuesday for ages 5-10 years and Wednesday for ages 11-16 years from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with carnivals held once a month.

While training is located locally at Whitsunday Sports Park, regional carnivals can be held once a month across north Queensland including in Bowen, Mackay, Townsville, Sarina and Burdekin.

Shannon says the upcoming Sports Expo is an opportunity for new families and community members to find out about the Whitsunday netball community and netball programs on offer.

“Sports Expo gives us the opportunity to talk to anyone who might be unsure about our sport and provide details on what they can expect,” she said.

“It also gives returning members a chance to say hi and ask any questions they may have about the upcoming season.”

You can find Shannon and the team from Whitsunday Netball Association at the Whitsunday Sports Expo happening on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00am until 1:00pm at Whitsunday PCYC, Jubilee Pocket.

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“Friendships made on a netball court are friendships for life.”

Another successful parkrun took place at the Airlie Beach waterfront on January 21st, with 104 participants running, jogging, and walking the 5km course.

Of those, 22 were first-time parkrunners and 8 completed their very first parkrun. Five participants even recorded new personal bests, with Jarrod, Craig, Jessie, Krystal, and Brett leading the way.

Aidan also celebrated his 25th parkrun, and Su was recognised for her 50 weeks of volunteering.

Every Saturday, parkrunners meet at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina, with free parking available in the lower carpark until 9:30am for those displaying a parkrun barcode on their dashboard. After the run, participants gather for coffee and conversation at Bohemian Raw and Berry and Maple Patisserie.

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The kind volunteers

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Building strength and building confidence, Whitsunday Weightlifting offer classes to anyone from the age of eight to 80, equipping them with the foundation needed to achieve any health goal.

Whether you are trying to improve your fitness to help excel in other sporting activities, want to shed a few holiday kilos or need some guided assistance with rehabilitation, owner Leanne Knox says she can tailor make a program to get you there.

“Weightlifting and our other classes are great for increasing body awareness, base strength and other key skills like focus,” said Leanne.

“Through regular practice you can be better at other sports, run faster, jump higher and avoid injury.”

With a variety of child-friendly equipment such as light, plastic dumbbells, young people can learn to lift safely and easily.

“We have had so many teenagers come through the club and find it gives them focus,” said Leanne.

“It’s all about technique and execution, it is a thinking sport and there is no ceiling to how much you can improve.

“Measuring your progress can be very rewarding”

Leanne Knox started Whitsunday Weightlifting from a shed next to her home 10 years ago.

Back then, she had just two members but now she has over 50, plus four trainers and a large ‘bush gym’ with extensive equipment.

She has also expanded to offer classes in strength and conditioning, power lifting and Olympic weightlifting.

Over the years there have been several national champions and Australian representatives come from the club and Leanne prides herself on being able to help people reach competitive levels if that’s what they want to do.

There are opportunities to compete in Townsville and Mackay four times a year and there is a state championship held in Brisbane annually.

Whitsunday Weightlifting, however, is about much more than competing, it is about challenging yourself and making new friends along the way.

“It’s an individual sport and it often attracts kids who like to be one-on-one, so we see a lot of close relationships form,” explains Leanne.

Whitsunday Weightlifting juniors train on a Monday and a Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5pm and adult classes are held regularly so call Leanne to enquire.

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Leanne Knox, owner and trainer at Whitsunday Weightlifting. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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After our recent weather event, members were keen to get back on the green. On Sunday four triples and a pairs game were played with great enthusiasm.

Winners came out on Rink 4 and they were Irene Laird, Denise Wallace and Greg Colquhoun who defeated Lindy Suann, Lyn Danvers and Barry Beel.

Other results were Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing and Fely Duncan defeated Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler and Sugar Brunker.

Mike Pace, Robyn Stitt and Allan Rolfe defeated Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Pat Trace.

Gwenda Lydom, Kev Daniels and Mark Drummond defeated Roger Mumby, Laurie Land and Kennedy Whitton.

Penny Warren and Geoff Danvers defeated Linda Scells and Graeme Read.

The elusive jackpot did not go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Mark Drummond and Sunday's Winner Greg Colquhoun

Graeme Read and Geoff Danvers out on the green looking at the tight head

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Wednesday Social Bowls: Gavin Charles, Peter Thomson, Tiarna Rogers and Dave Moodie, Lee Welsted, Ian Best. Daryl O’Connell, Brett Lampard, Geoff Tierney and Robin Stitt, Jane Gilbert, Daryl Tuttle. Tracey Roach, Andy Peebles, Mark Rogers, Steve Roome and Joan Edwards/Bev Smith, Carol O’Connell, Paula Welsted, Jill Brabon.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Sunday Scroungers Winners: Ross Scanlon, Ron Gould, Mark Rogers, Shane Hornbuckle, Peter Wilson, Gavin Charles and Helen Jacobson. Photo supplied

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The Men's A Grade Pairs tournament at the local bowls club got off to a slow start due to inclement weather, but eventually kicked off on Thursday with practices. The tournament concluded on Sunday with the semi-finals, leaving only two teams to compete in the final.

Last year's winners, Shane Spann and Manny Isgro, decided to team up with new, talented players for the competition. The final match-up will feature Isgro paired with Harry Quod and Spann paired with Luke Kinnear. The dates and times of the final match will be announced at a later date.

In addition to the A Grade Pairs tournament, the Men's A Grade Singles, B Grade Men's Singles, and Senior Singles are currently underway and results will be made available as they are known.

On Sunday, a Social bowls event was held with 20 participants competing. The winning team was led by Lynne Skeen with Mario De Martini at lead and John Brown at second. The second place team was skippered by Nik Fernbach with Mark Mawson at second.

The Mixed Pairs tournament, carried over from last season, held a thrilling final on Saturday in front of a sizable audience. The winning team was made up of Harry Quod and Karen Jensen, the Vice Chairperson of the club, who narrowly defeated Rick Galea and Ladda Purdie.

With the return of school and Wednesday Night Business House Bowls, as well as the Will Scroungers tournament on Saturday mornings, the club is gearing up for a busy season.

Information provided with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mixed Pairs Champions, Harry Quod and Karen Jensen. Photo supplied

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This week’s Friday 9 hole stableford was won by Justyn Durbin on a 21 point win, second place was Scotty Hayes – Williams on a nice 21 points and coming in third was Rob Lodders on 20 points.

Our Sunday Competition was won by Jake Day on a beautiful 40 points, second place on 36 points Saath Yolingumni and third Tyson Flavel on 35 points with a nice birdy on the last hole.

Nearest to pin Jake Day and Tyson Flavel.

This week’s Sunday Competition will be our Monthly Medal tee off at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
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Pictured: Jake Day

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The recent wet weather did not deter the keen golfers on Sunday who played a single stableford on the front nine.

Winners on the day were - A Grade Ladies’ Anna Winterbourn, runner-up Penny Wardroper.

B Grade Ladies’ was claimed by Karen Rix with runner-up going to Pam Casey.

Men’s A Grade winner went to Geoff Harrison and runner-up Darren Reynolds.

Men’s B grade winner was Gerald Lovell followed by runner-up Paul Nicol.

Longest Drives went to Darren Reynolds, Paul Nicol, Penny Wardroper and Pam Casey, while Darren Reynolds, Paul Nicol, Anna Winterbourn, Karen Rix and Tiina Randmae laid claim to nearest the pins.

Next week will be an early February MM.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

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Karen Rix, Geoff Harrison and Anna Winterbourn

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Saturday Competition

The course re-opened for a front nine twice Allenbuild Stableford on Saturday, the conditions suited George Steane who carded a very nice 39 points, 2 points ahead of Nick Watson and 4 points ahead of Scott Grigg in 3rd place on 35 points.

The ladies found the conditions tough, Anna Winterbourn on 25 points winning on a countback from Lyn Muller and Trish McNeill.

After hitting down the middle all day, Lenny Booroff made the 2-shot club, along with George Steane, Lew Tuck, Ben Smith and Nick Watson.

NTP’s went to: Lew Tuck, Brad Fleet, Mandy Patterson and Trish McNeill.

Sunday Competition

A total of 24 players ventured out for a Stableford round on Sunday, Conrad Werner winning the men’s competition with 38 points on a count back from Brian Allen, Geoff Harrison completed the podium placements with 34 points.

Karen Rix came home strong to take out the ladies’ competition with 31 points, Anna Winterbourn and Penny Wardroper coming second and third both on 28 points.

Conrad’s putter was on fire, holing the only two 2 shots of the day.

NTP’s went to Conrad, Anna Winterbourn x 2 and Dean Kercher.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

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Whitsunday Blokart Club will be holding a come and try and day for local residents and visitors to the Whitsunday region at Conway Beach Sunday 29 January 2023 from 10am .

This sports event is a local intuitive to bring local people both young and old together to enjoy and

showcase a unique sport not often experienced in the Whitsundays.

The Whitsunday Blokart Club will be holding “come and try days” throughout the year at Conway Beach and Cape Hillsborough with skilled members on hand to assist you to learn and try out our unique sport and experience just what gives people the blokart smile!

If you would like to have a crack at this unique sport, we ask you to please wear enclosed footwear on the day keep your dogs leashed, and watch your younger children while karts are moving on the beach.

If you would like to see more on just what BloKarting is all about, please go to www.blokart.com

We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Whitsunday Summer Blokart extravaganza.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted a very successful swimming carnival over the weekend with 200 competitors. Club Coaches, Mark Erickson, Ken Crittenden and Shay Wilmot were very impressed with all the Cannons and how they performed.  

According to Ken Crittenden, 49 Cannonvale Cannons swam in 434 events and achieved 271 PBs, 19 Club Records, State and National qualifying times. Congratulations to Eloise, Jy Parkinson, Remy Hedges, Jacob Bell, Don Algie and Jax Clayworth for setting new Club Records. Of course, the swimmers were very excited about their medals, ribbons and prize money from the Skins.  

Top Performers who swam PBs in all their races include: Jacob Bell, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Declan Dichiera, Maeve Dichiera, Jack Ganter, Ruby Harland, Billie Jamieson, Lily Maher, Isabella Pisaniello, Max Smith, Molly Smith and Lukas Trevaskis.  

Congratulations to new Cannons who swam extremely well over the weekend:  Miller Eaves, Murphy Jamieson, Alex Trefz, Zach Trefz, Indigo Harland, Dylan Reynolds and Andie Reynolds. Well done to Gracie and Pippa Laguna who did very well swimming in longer distances.  

Special mention to:  Taj Murray swam a massive 51.5 second PB in his 400 metre Freestyle in a time of 5.23.95. One of Matilda Nicholes best swims was her 100 metre Butterfly in a time of 1.54.85 which earnt her a silver medal.  

James Davies swam a super 50 metre Breaststroke in 1.04.73, a 7.86 second PB. Tora Delac won gold medals for her 25 metre, 50 metre Backstroke and 100 metre Backstroke and 100 metre IM.

One of Charlie Doherty’s best swims which earnt him a gold medal was his 200 metre IM in a time of 3.07.91, a 5.29 second PB. Thomas Ganter swam extremely well in his 100 metre Backstroke and 200 metre Freestyle, earning silver medals and big PBs.  

Millie Groom’s best events included her 100 metre and 200 metre Freestyle, with 5 second PBs. Koa Harland, aged 8 years swam a top 50 metre Breaststroke in 1.02.10. Ehsan Helou had a successful meet achieving 6 gold medals and 1 silver medal.  

One of Nelson Malady’s best swims was his 100 metre Butterfly which earnt him a gold medal with a 17.05s PB. Holly Perrin was very happy with her gold medal in the 200 metre Backstroke in a time of 2.32.72.

Congratulations to all the Cannons who participated on the weekend. A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who worked so hard on the weekend to make the carnival such a success.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons Team Photo. Photo Supplied

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Claiming a national sporting title or medal is the ultimate accolade for any aspiring athlete.

For Mackay sprint sensation Mikayla Webb, anchoring the triumphant Queensland 4 x 100m relay sprint team at last month's National All Schools Track and Field Championships in Adelaide proved an "early Christmas present."

The relay gold medal capped a stellar season on the track for the 15 year old St Patrick's College student, who returned home as an Australian champion and with a bronze medal after grabbing third place in the National 100m Girls Final.

Quicksilver Mikayla – who competes for Mackay Athletics Club - used her blistering speed to flash home in a time of 12.12 seconds and secure a thrilling podium finish.

In the major Adelaide meet she was also pipped for a medal in the 200m National final after finishing fourth in a hot field of promising sprinters.

Earlier Mikayla demonstrated her competitive edge by clinching silver medals in the 100m and 200m dash at last year's Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

Those stand out performances helped the record-breaking Webb earn recognition as one of the fastest young sprinters in the country after being named the Athletics North Queensland Emerging Athlete of the Year.

Her impressive results can be attributed to months of hard toil under renowned sprint coaches Tina and Luke Morse from ASSET (All Sports Speed Endurance Training) who have added speed and balance to her running technique.

Last year Mikayla smashed two long standing records when she won gold in both the 100m and 200m finals at the Oceania Schools Athletics Championships staged at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

She scorched her rivals in the Girls 15yrs 100m event – clocking an impressive 12:12 seconds to eclipse the previous mark of 12:30 seconds in superb style.

The sprint queen backed up that golden performance by also clinching the 200m title with a sizzling record time of 25:65 seconds, bettering the previous best of 25:70 seconds.

Both sprint records had stood for two decades.

By Chris Karas

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Mikayla Webb is one of the fastest teenagers in Australia. Photo credit: Athletics North Queensland

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So, who are the coaches of the Pioneer Swimming Club? Who turns our fish into Dolphins?

Our Club is led by Igor Demin, Russian-born Olympian turned Coach.

Undoubtedly, if you have been to the Pioneer Swim Centre, you will have seen Igor and heard his unique whistle blow!

He tells us his father joined him up for boxing at the age of 7 and after two months, he instructed his father he was becoming a swimmer.

He has swum in many international competitions, swimming in almost all continents around the world – his most memorable moment being medaling at the Universiade in Japan.

Before joining the Pioneer Swimming Club in 2020, he was a member in and trained the National Team in Russia and has since coached in New Zealand and then, eventually, Australia.

Igor’s qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Sports Medicine, but perhaps his best asset is his unique humor and spin on swimming.

We are fortunate to have Igor and we hope he never leaves us!

Kylie Smith wears many hats in our club – one being President of the Club, another being a competitive swimmer herself, still competing at State level competitions for our Club, and the last, and definitely not the least, Assistant Coach to Igor.

Kylie’s journey in swimming started when she was 7 years old – swimming a somewhat crooked resemblance of backstroke down the lane at her first school carnival.

She vied to learn to swim straight from that day forth.  

Her career has taken her to the 2000 Olympic Trials in Sydney and the 2006 Commonwealth Trials in Melbourne – believe or not, she made it for backstroke, although, by now, she had mastered swimming straight!

You will see Kylie on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons pacing the pool, assisting our mini-Dolphins with their stroke and focusing on their technique.  

If you are seeking to sign your child up for a squad, how do you get in touch with us?

Email the Club Secretary, Tahnie Malagueno, on secretary@pioneerswimclub.com.au.  

We look forward to meeting you poolside soon!  

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Pioneer Swimming Club Coach Igor Demin

Assistant Coach Kylie Smith

Local vocal ensemble Tutti is proud to present Summertime and All That... this February at the Conservatorium of Music Mackay.

But who is Tutti?

Tutti is an all-female vocal ensemble under the direction of Jan Whelan OAM. Jan is known around town not only for her work with the Mackay Choral Society and Mackay Musical Comedy Players but also her accompanying work with soloists, school choirs and music ministries. Jan started the ensemble back in 2002 as a small ensemble and trio and quartets. We were very proud when in 2022 Jan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Awards for services to music as an accompanist.

Over the years many vocalists have graced the stage all over North Queensland under the name Tutti. The ensemble has competed several times in competitions across Queensland and have been described by several leading adjudicators as “spectacular” and “glamorous”.

Current vocalists of the group include some well-known members of the community, performers, teachers and key members of other performing groups.  All the members of the group have some knowledge and expertise in different music styles and the delectable combination of these voices is purely stunning. The program is filled with luscious harmonies and different song genres including swing, ballads and folk.

Summertime and All That... also includes guest artist Belinda Rooney on flute. There is something for everyone.

Tutti is excited and thrilled to present Summertime and All That...  to Mackay audiences on February 4 and 5 at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Mackay, Building 21, 151 Boundary Road, Ooralea Qld 4740. Tickets can be purchased through trybooking:

www.trybooking.com/969096

Contributed by Isobel Gillman

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Group members in local vocalensemble Tutti:

Top Row: Anne Atkinson,Vanessa Dale, Caroline Galea

2nd Row: Lynn Gallant, Isobel Gillman, Cecilia Hyde,Chantal Kay

3rd Row: Danielle McCully, Lauren Menzies, JeanetteOberg, Annie Pratt

4th Row: Shona Rosser, Caitlyn Schurmann, NicoleThomson, Jan Whelan OAM

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