Last Tuesday Proserpine hosted the Whitsunday Veterans Golf competition. Eighty Vets attended with visitors from New South Wales and Victoria - a great field.

Fortunately, the weather was kind to us and the course was looking in excellent condition.  

Robyn Whitham won the ladies comp with an impressive score of 39, continuing on her success from Gladstone, with Lyn  Muller 36 and Jenny Hounsell  on 35.  

Gerald Lovell won the men's with 39 also, Robert Thompson from the Penguin Golf Club on 36 and Geoff Harrison on 35.

On 27th June will be our Veterans Open, very generously sponsored by Fishi Island Seafood.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Robyn Whitham and Gerald Lovell

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A fleet of 14 yachts, with a total crew of 88 locals and visitors took part in last Wednesday’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

A 12 to 15 knot south easterly breeze and flat water made for a wonderful afternoon on the water.

The start of Division 2 was close, with 4 boats crossing the starting line together, with just a small margin allowing QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, with Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Bobby’s Girl (Simon Brain) close behind.  

By the first rounding mark, Bobby’s Girl held a slender lead over QMS Ponyo, Reignition and Treasure VIII while Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and Twister (Kevin Fogarty) were playing catch-up after a slow start.

The racing at the front remained close, with Bobby’s Girl controlling from the front, crossing the finishing line 30 seconds clear of QMS Ponyo, while Smooth Criminal just got ahead of Reignition for third and fourth places.  

After handicaps were applied, Smooth Criminal took the honours by 2 seconds to Twister, with QMS Ponyo third.  

If the start of Division 2 was close, Division 3 was similar, with newcomer, Domino (Paul Dynes) just centimetres ahead of 4 other boats.

Once again it was Matchless (Terry Stevens) who led around the windward mark, never to be headed.  

This left some very close racing behind, with Shiraz (John Cable) and Domino constantly swapping places, while Rossgo (Greg Hammon) and Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) keeping watch.  

In the battle for second, Shiraz took the honours by 20 seconds over Domino.  

On corrected time, Riff Raff (Dan White) headed Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) and Rossgo, with less than a minute separating 3rd to 7th places on corrected time.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Twilight racing every Wednesday afternoon. Photo supplied

Whitsunday Sea Eagles hit the road to take on North Mackay Saints at Zeolla Park on Saturday with some close clashes in the higher grades.

Sea Eagles Senior Men worked hard in what was an epic battle with reigning premiers North Mackay Saints ending the day 39 – 44 down. Sea Eagles had their chances right until the final few seconds of the game and can take many positives away from the narrow loss. Billy Galpin continues his run of form in the midfield backed by Jake Turner and Brent Downie, while Ryan Lee and Mitchell Healey stood out in the backline. Sea Eagles will look to get back on the winners list this week against Bakers Creek at home.

Sea Eagles Under 17s also took on reigning premiers North Mackay Saints losing 33 – 40 in a match where Sea Eagles saw their share of the ball but could not convert in front of goal. The final term saw Sea Eagles almost 4 goals down however they stuck to the task and pegged it back to a solitary point. Saints managed to kick a late goal to seal the 7 point win in a close one.

Under 14 Sea Eagles met a strong and confident Saints who outplayed with connecting football while Sea Eagles tried hard in the contest playing out the game with a loss 2 – 62.

Sea Eagles Under 12s hit the road for the first time this Season coming up against a full strength Saints side and fighting as hard as they could losing 1 – 30.

This Saturday 17th June sees all five Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams at home to celebrate Family Day with face painting and bounce castle from 10am and water slide from 12pm. Juniors from 9:15am, Seniors from 1:50pm. Come down and enjoy the family fun!

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Senior Men’s Team. Photo credit: Cody Fowler

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Congratulations to Stephen and Sheryn Barr who were both recently awarded the 2022 Motorcycling Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Barr family (including their sons) have been involved with the Whitsunday Moto Sports Club (WMSC) right from its beginnings in 2009.  

Sheryn has been the club secretary for six years and membership officer for 10 years with Stephen holding the president position for five years.  

They attend the monthly committee meetings, are involved in building the club facilities and maintaining them, attend bike practice and race events, and also run our canteen at these events.

Nothing is too much effort for the Barr family, they run a tight ship and they do it with a smile.  The bike events would not happen without them and they are always willing to help out.  

This lifetime achievement award is well deserved by the Barr family and to recognise their commitment and dedication to our facility and sport.

Our committee and all users of the facility congratulate the Barr’s on receiving the award.  

Contributed with thanks to Tracey Stroud.

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Stephen and Sheryn Barr were both recently awarded the 2022 Motorcycling Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo supplied

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By Chris Karas

Emerging netball goalkeeper Shayla Pershouse will realise a childhood sporting dream when she dons her beloved Queensland attire at this year’s School Sport Australia Netball Championships.

The defensive dynamo produced superb performances for the Capricornia representative side at the recent Queensland School Sport Netball Championships in Brisbane to earn her maiden State honours.

Shayla will now line up for the Maroons at the School Sport Australia Netball 15yrs and under National Championships in Perth from July 29 to August 4.

It is a huge achievement for the 15-year-old DAS product who was at her combative best when St Patrick’s College won both the Cup (Seniors) and Shield (Junior) categories at the Capricornia Regional Trials last week at Mackay Multisports Stadium to qualify for the prestigious Vicki Wilson State Netball Championships in Brisbane later this year.

All conquering St Patrick’s College will represent the region in the Vicki Wilson Cup after toppling Holy Spirit College Dovetails 19-12 in the final.

“All of the players trusted each other with positive talk on court and team support a major highlight” revealed coach Newland.

Unbeaten St Patrick’s defeated Holy Spirit College Dovetails 14-9 in the Shield decider with strong performances from shooter Tahlia Anderson, centre Tayla Lucas and goal defence Kate O’Brien.

In the lead up to the final the girls eclipsed Moranbah Rhinos, Mackay North State High, Mackay State High and St Patrick’s Junior Development team in a semi-final.

St Catherine’s College Proserpine won the Boys Round Robin series with Mackay State High finishing runners up and St Patrick’s third.

Co-captains and goal defenders George Mann and Joshua Williamson led a new-look St Patrick’s team that improved throughout the series after tossing Moranbah 9-7 in their opening game and suffered narrow losses to St Catherine’s and Mackay State High.

Coach Nina Gaviglio praised the efforts of her developing squad which also included goal attacks Braithan Vickers and Jacob Elbourne, wing defenders Oscar Bishop and Lance Allan, centre Trae Cora, wing attack Toby Falconer and goal shooter Josh Venz.

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St Patrick’s College Mackay’s triumphant Vicki Wilson Cup and Shield netball squads that won the regional trials to qualify for the State Championship in Brisbane during August. Standing l to r Lilly Newland, Tayla Lucas, Mia Pastega, Kate O’Brien, Jala Brown, Mackenzie Maunder, Tahlia Anderson, Libby Zurvas, Jayda Earl, Ella McGill, Ainsley Carey, Kiana Dunn; front Skye Mole, Lacie Clarke, Tenille Cotter, Bethany McPherson, Sophie Durelli, Shaylah Pershouse, Francesca Vella and Rebecca Symons

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Logan Thunder have confirmed their status as championship favourites in the NBL 1 North Basketball Conference.

The competition front runners demonstrated their title credentials when they rolled a courageous Mackay Meteors outfit 96-83 last Saturday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

It was the Thunder team’s twelfth win from 13 fixtures with former star Meteors guard Shaun Bruce playing a pivotal role for the visitors.

The outstanding number seven produced a classy display to finish with 14 points, four rebounds and 13 assists to help keep the Logan side entrenched at the top of the ladder.

Bruce was supported by Sydney Kings NBL Championship-winning forward Majok Deng, who capped a top game with 23 points, eleven rebounds and four assists and talented guard Boston Mazlin (21 points, four rebounds and four assists).

The fifth placed Meteors applied defensive pressure on the Thunder for most of the match and trailed 24-16, 57-36 and 84-58 at the end of each break.

But they failed to pounce on several rebound opportunities which proved costly for the home side in the end.

Logan kept close tabs on champion Mackay guard Isaac White – restricting the pocket dynamo to 22 points, four rebounds and three assists on the night.

Stalwart Meteors forward Brad Rasmussen turned in a wholehearted display with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists while sharp shooting guard Tyler Williams contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists and forward Shane Temara (14 points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist).

Logan Thunder women kept their nerve to edge out the Mackay Meteorettes 69-61 in the early game.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes both sides produced some exhilarating basketball with the Logan side staving off a fierce Mackay challenge.

Leading Thunder guard Mikaela Ruef proved the difference with a superb game – posting 24 points, 24 rebounds and three assists to mastermind a Logan victory.

She was supported by guard Mikhaela Cann (15 points, two rebounds and seven assists) and forwards Chevannah Paalvast (11 points, four rebounds, three assists) and Ula Motuga (11 points and four rebounds).

The Meteors and Meteorettes play host to the Ipswich Force this Saturday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium with tip offs at 6pm and 8pm respectively.

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The Whitsunday Raiders held a night of rugby on Friday 2nd June, this saw the start of the 2nd round for the MRU senior men against Bowen, as well as a long-awaited game for the senior women’s team.

It also incorporated the 2nd round of the annual Eclipse Financial Services Cup and the very loyal Raiders sponsors night.

With a growing crowd the senior women kicked off the night with a game of 10’s against a newly formed Bowen women’s team, this was a bit of a tussle between the women, with the Whitsunday team finally coming away with a close 12-5 victory.

With the grandstand full and plenty of voices heard across the field, the main game kicked off to start what turned out to be a hard task for both sides.

Dylan Hoffmann got a small break in the defence and scooted through after 7 minutes to plant the ball under the posts, 7-nil raiders.

Nearly half an hour had passed when the Bowen forwards made their mark across the white line, 7-5 Raiders.

Neither team were going to make it easy to get points and at half time the score was still 7-5.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw the score move to 14-12 Raiders, with great defence and the Raiders backs attacking the Bowen defensive line, the ball was intercepted and saw Bowen run the length of the field to put them in front 19 -14.

This seemed to get the Raiders back into their game plan and bring their energy levels up a notch and saw them run in another 3 tries before the final whistle, score Raiders 35, Bowen 19.

Best on field for the Raiders were Connor Spence 1pt, Manaia Ngakaunui-Hauiti 2pts, Aden Spence 3pts.

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A fantastic start to Round 2

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures May 30, 2023:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan) d Mercedes (Geoff Denman, Graham Drury, Mark Sleeman) 7-4. Graham d Barry 5, -9, 4, -7, 10.

BMW (Ivan Perkins, Emma Widdup, Ian McKay) d Lexus (Steven Whiting, Vince Boeske, Graham Brake) 7-4. Graham d Ian 7, -12, -4, 8, 5.

Ferrari (Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards, Tony Bowman) d Audi (Neil Brown, Janice Kent) 9-2. Andrew d Neil 8, 9, -7, -7, 10.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Steve Mathieson, Wayne Womald, Donna Abbott) d Mazda (Peter Goodson, Rymer Tabulo) 9-2. Peter d Donna -9, 7, 9, -9, 5.

Honda (George Camilleri, Mark Stam, Ishan Rana) d Nissan (Daniel Warfield, Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa) 6-5. Ishan d Graeme -10, 6, -5, 9, 12.

Division 3:

Hyundai (Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen, Ollie Hamelink) d Kia (Craig VanDeKaa, Aarnav Reelh, Virginia Clayton) 9-2. Noreen d Aarnav 9, -5, -16, 6, 8.

Holden (John McGee, Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day) d Ford (Steve Crocker, Val Austin, Saisha Palod) 10-1. Trent d Val 8, 5, -10, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 30, 2023:

Division 1:

Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) Bryan d Pam 10, 7, -7, -5, 9.

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. George d Branko -9, 10, -7, 8, 8.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Louise Gould, Wayne Wormald) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 5-all. Marie d Louise 4, 6, -10, -6, 6.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 9-3. Iris d John -11, 7, -6, 8, 7.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds) d Tan (Charyl Aprato, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) 7-5. Sharon d Bill 8, -9, -7, 12, 3.

Aqua (Charles Hamlett, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) d Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Myles Dutton) 8-4. Charles d Frank 6, -9, -13, 6, 9.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Noreen Fredericksen. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted the Mackay Magpies at home on Saturday for a great day of AFL.

Sea Eagles Senior Men made it three on the trot defeating Mackay Magpies 79 – 49 in what was a high pressure and skilful game.

Sea Eagles engine room were dominant with Billy Galpin leading the way through the centre and the good work finished off by Daniel Berry kicking four goals up forward.

Sea Eagles hope to continue their good form next week against reigning premiers North Mackay Saints down in Mackay.

Sea Eagles Senior Women hit the blocks running with Mia Trinder scoring an early goal to lead at the first break.

The second term saw Sea Eagles unable to keep the Magpies out trailing at half time. Magpies were too strong in the remainder with Sea Eagles going down 10 – 32.

Although Sea Eagles Under 14s kicked straight for the day they could not hold out the strong Magpies opposition running out with a loss 24 – 84.

Sea Eagles Under 12s out played Mackay Magpies to notch up a convincing win 64 – 19.

The wind had a major impact on the game with both teams struggling in defensive kick outs. Sea Eagles were able to use the wind advantage to hit the scoreboard through the game where Magpies were unable to.

Saturday 10th June sees Whitsunday Sea Eagles hit the road to take on North Mackay Saints at Zeolla Park with Juniors from 9:15am and Seniors from 1:50pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Sea Eagles Senior Men Will McCullagh. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

Premier Men hit their straps and defeat early competition favourites with a double victory.

After a lot of narrow defeats this season, the Premier Men side delivered a much-needed gritty win getting up 2-1 against a very organised and competitive Wanderers side.

Wanderers didn’t go away and equalised in the 45th minute.

The second half saw Whitsundays dominate play creating chance after chance Ben Smith.

After two consecutive quality games, confidence is high.

The Premier Reserves have been the quiet achievers being within 1 point of second place and having games in hand.

The team started fast against with Benny Seago slotting away the first goal.

A change in tactics after half time was rewarded with a goal to Cy Taylor off a Luke Swift assist. Wanderers capitalised on a defensive lapse and the game ended 2-1 to Whitsunday.

On Friday night the Divisional Men were low in numbers but stretched the Rangers sides all the way to the end.

A poor start by Div2 saw them conceded but they rallied in the second half to play much better football but unable to take the chances they created, going down 3-0.

Div1 saw the Whitsunday team field only two fresh players but despite this, the Whitsunday boys took it to the quality young Rangers side and made them work hard.

An early defensive mix up saw them down 1-0 but Mike Downing equalised shortly afterward off a quality corner by Rich Draper.

Rangers scored a looping long range goal right on half time to take the lead 2-1.

The second half saw chances both ways, with Mitchell Milostic strong in goals, but the lack of fresh legs took its toll with Rangers taking the game 3-1.

The U13 Div1 side went down 3-0 to Country United falling victims to fatigue.

The U13 Prem’s took on City and with one win a piece it was going to be tight.

Whitsundays took the lead in the first half and early in the second doubled their advantage with Cohen Springbett's second of the game.

The match finishing 2-2

U15 Div1 drew 3-3 against City.

After being 3 nil down at half time, the boys dug deep to finish with a well-deserved draw.

They secured a draw in the final minutes of the game with a well-placed free kick.

The U15 Prem played top of the table City Brothers and were off their game in the first half going in 4-0 down at half time.

Their performance improved in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to come back against a very strong Brothers side.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Known for its stunning waterfront views and vibrant atmosphere, the Mackay Marina Run attracts participants from all over the region and beyond, with the 2023 edition being no different.

Runners from across the region, with some coming from far-flung corners of Australia and at least one from New Zealand, participated in last Sunday’s 15th annual Mackay Marina Run.

More than 3,100 runners of all ages from every state in Australia lined up at Mackay Harbour to compete in the Half Marathon, 8km Run, IMF Raw Run, 3km Junior Dash, 5km Fun Run and Corporate Challenge categories.

The field included many staff members nationwide from the event’s major sponsors BMA Mitsubishi Alliance across all categories to mark the 15th anniversary of the Run’s major sponsorship.

In attendance were Race ambassadors Benita Willis – Australia’s first – and only – world cross country champion and former world champion marathon runner Rob de Castella along with Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson.

RESULTS

North Queensland Bulk Ports Half Marathon

Men

1 Jordan MCLENNAN

2 Ben MELVILLE

3 Rhys ATTERTON

Women

1 Ella MCCARTNEY

2 Bridget WEBBER

3 Anne BRIEGER

8km Run

Men

1 Tim VINCENT

2 Oliver RULE

3 Jared HAVEMANN

Women

1 Meagan BROWN

2 Abigail SWEENEY

3 Heidi MELVILLE

City Fitness 5km

Male

1 Ewan MCFADZEN

2 Finn MCDUFF

3 Sam RIGGS

Female

1 Kiara JOHNSON

2 Lauren MORGAN

3 Chloe RALPH

Isuzu Ute 5km Corporate

Male

1 Toby RULE

2 Angus JACOBS

3 Cameron WONNOCOTT

Female

1 Rebecca GOODALE

2 Ella CHAPPELL

3 Louise MCGRATH

MM Electrical 3km Dash

Male

1 Sonny MORSE

2 Hudson MAYFIELD

3 Zane SAYE

Female

1 Katie NOONAN

2 Alleah FALLON

3 Lillah RALPH

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Photo credit: Chris Karas

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Seven Whitsunday pickleball players joined 80 players in the Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT) event in Townsville over the weekend.

With most playing in a tournament situation for the first time, the Whitsunday team were ecstatic to win silver in the men’s doubles 30 and under, women’s over 60’s doubles event and over 60’s mixed doubles.

They also received bronze in the 35 + mens doubles and 30 and under mixed doubles.

Competition was strong with players coming from Cairns, Tully, Townsville, Bowen, Whitsundays, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

The Queensland Pickleball Tour holds a series of tournaments throughout the state and this year they were held in Mooloolaba, Townsville, Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast.

Thirteen courts were marked off at Townsville Tennis with its stunning backdrop of Castle Hill.

Pickleball is currently being played at Pickleball Whitsundays in Cannonvale and Montes Resort near Hydeaway Bay.

Watch this space for more venues in the near future.

Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Christiansen.

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Lorraine, Dave, Sheridan, Yoko and Frank enjoy play in Townsville. Photo supplied

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By the time the fleet headed out on the water for the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s twilight race on Pioneer Bay, the strong winds had abated and the 15 knot south easterly was ideal for racing.  

A fleet of 18 boats were complemented by a crew list of 116 sailors, which ensured that this is one of the most popular midweek sporting events in the Whitsundays.  

Added that there was a lady skippers race within the racing made it even more interesting.

The first start for the day was Divisions 1 & 2 combined, and while G’nome (David Chittlelborough) sprinted away, the best start went to Treasure VIII (Rob Davis).  

A misunderstanding on board Ullman Sails (Dale Mitchell) meant that they missed the start but had fun catching up before finally retiring from the race.  

At the front, QMS Ponyo held a slim lead over Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale), with Smooth Criminal (Karina Wood) and Reignition (Megan Wallis) close behind.

As the race progressed, Bobby’s Girl took control on the water, with QMS Ponyo dropping out of contention, while Houdini (Rob Meizer) and Twister (Tania Jarvis) made progress toward the mid fleet.

On water results were Bobby’s Girl one minute ahead of Smooth Criminal and Reignition.  After handicaps were applied, Treasure VIII came out on top with Twister and Smooth Criminal picking up the minor placings.

Division 3 start saw Rossgo (Laura Oates) and Lama (Caroline Dale) recalled after starting early, leaving Lighthorse (Kerry Aspland) leading the fleet away.  

As usual, Matchless (Lisa McCubbin) led the fleet, with Shiraz (Karen Cable) mixing the action with Riff Raff (Dan White) close behind.  Manteca (Frank Tennyson) sailed well, holding off Lighthorse, Lama and Norbert G (Phillippa Hall).  

Combining the results for the third heat of the lady skippers’ race saw Lighthorse take the honours over Shiraz and Twister, with little to separate second to seventh positions.  

It was great to see a strong representation of ladies participating.  

The next race of the Lady Skippers will be held on Sunday.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Great fun at the weekly Whitsunday Sailing Club Twilight Races

Raising funds for their Boys and Girls Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball (QISSN) teams, St Catherine’s Catholic College are welcoming members of the community to a round of bingo.

With a $500 major cash prize, and other cash prizes and raffles worth more than $1,200, the afternoon is set to leave everyone a winner.

Event organiser Emma Hiscox said the St Catherine’s students were very grateful to have the opportunity to play in the QISSN competition.

“The QISSN competition provides our students with the opportunity to play and watch some of the best Netball players in the State,” she said.

“Coming from a regional area, students don’t get these opportunities often.”

The four teams, two girls and two boys teams, will travel to Brisbane in the June-July holidays to compete in the state wide competition.

Community members are able to book a table of six or eight, by ringing 4945 1414, however the door will be open from 1.30pm, with the bingo started from 2pm.

On the afternoon, there will be light refreshments available and a bar open for patrons.

There will also be book packs and bingo pens for sale for the bingo.

WHAT: St Catherine’s Catholic College, Bingo Fundraiser

WHERE: St Catherine’s Catholic College

WHEN: Sunday June 11, from 1.30pm

TICKETS: $5 Entry at door

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WTA’s Preliminary Finals have delivered the final four teams to contest the Grand Finals next Monday.

There were four exciting games last Monday night all but one decided by the slimmest of margins.  Two games required extra time to decide on a winner.

Preliminary Finals Results:

Mixed A

Trusty (5) defeated Raiders A (3)

Mixed B

G.E.T. Touch (4) defeated Slippery Salmons (3)

Mixed C

Stingers (4) defeated Flame Tree Flames (3)

Mixed C (Family)

Escapees Misfits (8) defeated Untouchables (7)

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