Mackay Table Tennis stalwarts Donna and Kevin Abbott have put their money where their hearts are by donating a new honour board for the association.

The new honour board was installed late last year and stands beside the original, which holds the names of every president, secretary, treasurer, men’s and women’s champions, life members and patrons since the association was formed in 1937.

The original was installed at the new Mackay Table Tennis Centre in Bridge Rd when it was opened in 1972 and was donated by Jim Hardy and his son Peter, who formed the Kooyong Table Tennis Club in the 60s and raised funds at the hotel for the new centre.

Donna and Kev, and Donna’s late uncle Frank DeCampo, have a long association with the club.

Frank was treasurer for five years between 1961-64 and was among those fundraising for the new centre at a time when the association was playing competitions at the Church of England Hall in Shakespeare St.

Both Donna and Kev followed Frank’s footsteps and have been long-time players, supporters and fundraisers for the club.

Donna is now in a record 10th year as treasurer, and she, Kevin and Frank are all life members of the association.

By Charlie Payne

‍

Donna and Kevin Abbott stand beside the new honour board at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre. Photos: Charlie Payne

The original honour board with the new board in the background at the entrance to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre

‍

Lucky number thirteen of the Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series was enjoyed by over thirty runners who gathered at the Bucasia Shopping Centre car park for a Sunday afternoon stroll through the beautiful Bucasia suburb onto the pathways and beaches towards Shoal Point and return.  

The 12km loop course and 5km shorter distance option was made tougher by the humid conditions and the soft sand, however, all runners came through to the end with big smiles for their efforts.

Club Captain/Race Director Jim Ford as usual had a couple of optional courses for runners to enjoy at whatever speed or distance they chose.  

Excellent performances came from the longer distance athletes Mick Scholer, Paul McKenzie, George Hannaford, Luke Leven, Oliver Rule, Andrew Wallace, June Bradley, Carmel Mahon and Stephen Oberg.  

The 5km runners including Daniel Stampa, Julie Whibley, Jo Hughes, Mel Harris and Lily Leven had a great outing with Adam and Alana Knesevic hitting the paths with the double pram with Vivian and Harvey on board.

This Sunday’s penultimate Shawn’s Summer Social Series event will commence at 5:30pm for a snakes and ladders style event throughout the streets of the City Centre.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

‍

Image1: L-R George, Grant and Paul welcome the cold water and air con at George’s clinic, Northern Beaches Spine Care Chiropractor after their 10km efforts

Image 2: Mel Harris in great form in the 5km event

Image 3: Club Captain/Race Director Jim Ford (front right) presents George Hannaford with a trophy from the 2022 Mackay Road Runners Presentation night where George was unable to attend

Image 4: Mick Scholer (right) was definitely the thorn among the roses with Jo, Julie, Helen and Lily with Dulcie (foreground). Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

‍

When St Patrick’s College Open Boys rugby league team launches its 2023 Secondary Schools campaign in coming weeks, they will take the field brimming with confidence and parading a squad with an enviable depth of talent.

Under the tutelage of former international Test centre and Townsville legend Ian Schifilitti, the Mackay colts have been training the house down in preparation for another dominant season in the Capricornia region.

Just like their female counterparts, the St Patrick’s senior boys outfit are aiming to go one step better in 2023 and bring home the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup trophies.

After finishing runners up to archrivals Ignatius Park College Townsville in both competitions last season, the Mackay marauders are keen as ever to impress new coach Schifilitti and again taste championship success.

With the nucleus of the 2022 squad back on deck this season and bolstered by the inclusion of a batch of up-and-coming Year 10 rookies the sky's the limit for one of the region’s proudest sporting nurseries.

Boasting a spine that includes Queensland Country Under 17 representatives in classy hooker Xavier Kerrisk and skilful half back Jaxon Purdue plus dynamic fullback Will Shears, the St Patrick’s first grade line up shapes as a force to be reckoned with.

The much-vaunted trio along with promising lock forward Kayne Smith participated in a special pre-season camp in Townsville prior to Christmas as part of the North Queensland Cowboys Young Bucks squad.

They were joined by graduating St Patrick’s prospects in top forwards Liam Doherty and Matthew Watts and crack centre Kai Simon who attended the Cowboys’ Under 21 Young Guns camp.  

Other experienced senior players returning for St Patrick’s College this season include sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor and Bailey Caruana.

The decorated Schifilitti – who played three Test matches for Italy at the 2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament in England - will also get the opportunity to blood talented Year 10 recruits in Sportsman of the Year Reuben Saron, a powerful and tireless prop; Queensland Schoolboys Under 15 representative forward Cohen Jackson along with emerging colts Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, utility half Kooper Shears and centres Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy.

By Chris Karas

‍

Tickford Racing has announced Mackay’s Declan Fraser as the newest member of their Tradie Racing team.

The talented Fraser will be joining the team for the 2023 Supercars Championship season, where the 22-year-old will take the wheel of the Tradie Ford Mustang for his first full season at the top level of Australian motorsport.

Fraser said it was a pretty special feeling to get the news.

“At the end of the Super2 season we didn’t really know where we were heading for 2023, so to get the call from Tim and everyone was pretty exciting,” he said.

“Getting from Super2 to the main game is a really tough step to make, especially from a financial perspective, so to have Tim and the team at Tickford Racing offer me this drive on performance is really special.

“It shows that Super2 is a great platform to prepare young drivers for the main game, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.

“It’s awesome to be representing Tradie as well, I’ve actually done four years of apprenticeship and have my tradesman’s certificate as an electrician.

“It’s a funny coincidence, but really cool to partner up with such a fun brand in Tradie, I can’t wait to get started.”

The Mackay native, now based in southeast Queensland, joins Tickford after years in the Dunlop Super2 Series, having claimed the 2022 series crown on the back of four wins and four poles in the 11-race campaign.

Fraser also made his Supercars and Bathurst 1000 debut in 2022, driving a wildcard entry with Triple Eight Race Engineering to an impressive eighth-place finish in the Great Race, the best finish of any wildcard entrant.

Tickford Racing co-owner Rod Nash praised the team’s new arrival.

“We are delighted to welcome Declan to the team with Tradie Racing for the 2023 season,” Mr Nash said.

“Declan has come along well in Super2 over the last couple of seasons and has developed into a strong young driver, we’re very happy to have him join the team.”

‍

Image 1: Mackay native Declan Fraser has signed with Tickford Racing for the 2023 Supercars Championship season

Image 2: Fraser had a stellar 2022 including a Super2 Series crown and a Supercars debut. Photos supplied

‍

North Mackay Ladies Bowls welcomed back the 2023 season with an Open Day on Wednesday 18th January.  

President Lidia McCarthy welcomed life members, past presidents, players and guests to the game day.

After bowls a lovely afternoon tea was enjoyed, followed by a successful cent sale.

Thank you to all those who attended and the best of success in the coming year.

Winners of the Open Day game were Lurline Ford, Jean Zamparutti and Donna Gordon.

Runners up were Ann Smith, Neddy Thomsen and Hilary Jones Rowan.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine.

‍

Image: Ralph Traeger has broken records all over central and north Queensland. Photos supplied

What a year this superstar Dolphin has had!

Not just one record broken but two in the 2022-2023 season, and at the ripe young age of eight years old!

Ralph Traeger is a regular at swimming competitions for Pioneer Swim Club but his most memorable to date would have to be Caribeae Beef City Swimming Carnival held in Rockhampton on October 29, 2022 and the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Carnival held in Airlie Beach on January 21-22, 2023.

At each of these meets, Ralph broke records – a feat reserved for swimming royalty.

At Caribeae (a Central Queensland event), Ralph broke a Beef City Record for 50m backstroke – previously set at 47.99 seconds.

Ralph swam the event in 47.07 seconds.

Then on the weekend just gone, Ralph shocked the local swimming community again, breaking a Swimming North Queensland record for 25m backstroke – previously set at 20.60 seconds.

Ralph swam the event in 19.79 seconds.

Watch this space because Ralph will continue to be a hot topic for our Club and the Mackay Community.

We have no doubt his aspirations include a path to future Olympics.  

We congratulate Ralph on such amazing achievements.  

We are incredibly proud of Ralph’s swim journey and honoured to call him a Pioneer Dolphin.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

‍

Pioneer Swimming Club travelled to Cannonvale for a weekend of competition from January 21-22.

The club’s attendance was high, with 43 swimmers attending to challenge the local teams in a short course carnival hosted by Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club.

The Dolphins swam strong, swam confident and swam with pride!  

Many of our swimmers achieved personal bests with many bringing home quite the loot of medals.

Recently, a hot topic and focus for several swimmers has been to attain a qualifying time/s to attend the State Sprints to be held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on February 11-12.

More Dolphins met these qualifying times, swimming strong at the Cannonvale Carnival, and will now join the State Team.  

The highlight of this carnival, and one all swimmers look forward to in the swim calendar, is the “Skins” Events.  

The fastest 6 swimmers for each stroke (Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke and Freestyle) in the age groups 8-9 years, 10-12 years and 13+ years for both females and males are invited to swim in an elimination style process.

The races are 25m and the slowest swimmer is eliminated after each heat until there are 2 – the final being the decider.

Each of the 6 finalists are awarded cash, increasing for each heat, the winner receiving the most prize money.

The following Dolphins were finalists and some even taking out the win for their event: Kylie Smith, Jade Bounden and Viktor Lee for 13+ years; Georgie Brand, Madison Malagueno, Alex Moss and Henry Porter for 10-12 years; and Olivia Smith, Makenna Malagueno, Ava Corrigan, Ralph Traeger and Isaiah Espartinez for 8-9 years.

What a representation and dominance by Pioneer!

Pioneer Swimming Club wishes to thank Cannonvale Cannons for hosting such a successful and fun meet.

Our calendar continues to be busy with Mirani Swimming Club hosting a carnival this coming weekend.

If you have a child who is interested in giving swimming a go, please reach out by emailing our Club Secretary secretary@pioneerswimclub.com.au or via our socials (Facebook or Instagram).

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

‍

Image 1: Pioneer Swim Club dominated at a recent carnival at Cannonvale

Image 2: Kylie Smith and Jade Bounden taking off

Image 3: Alex Moss

Image 4: Dylan Mende, Viktor Lee and Kailu Bellear

Image 5: Coach Igor Demin chatting with the swimmers

Image 6: The mum’s of Pioneer

‍

Next weekend the eighth annual Whitsunday Sportspark Expo will transform the Whitsunday PCYC into a buzzing hub for sports enthusiasts of all kinds who will come together and discover new clubs and sign-up for exciting seasons ahead.

There will be a wide range of different sports represented and showcased by experts and coaches who each host interactive stalls where attendees can learn more about the sport, the commitment involved and whether it would suit their lifestyles.

This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions and discover new avenues for their child’s fitness, recreation and sporting futures.

Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark, Justin Butler, said that joining a sports club is a positive step for any family and a great way to start the new year.

“It’s time to get active and healthy – get away from your screens, get off your coach and get amongst your community,” he said.

“The Expo gives parents the opportunity to find out more about the amazing local sports we have available here in this area.”

The event promises to be an action-packed, fun occasion for all the family - try your hand at tennis, jump on the back of a stationary trail bike, explore a sailing boat, hit a golf ball and meet the team captains of some of Australia’s favourite sports.

There will be plenty of information and an opportunity to meet other families, grab some refreshments and plan a new year of sport.

WHAT: Whitsunday Sports Expo

WHERE: Whitsunday Sports Park

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

‍

A wide range of sporting groups will be giving out information at the upcoming Whitsunday Sports Expo

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

“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.

‍

The kind volunteers

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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

‍