Last Saturday twenty-four pairs competed for the Mackay Club Pairs Championship. This competition was over four sessions, with seven boards per session. This was a well-supported event with novices and experienced players playing the same cards. This 2025 Mackay Club Championship Pair was Noel Bugeia and Terry Sheedy, with Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen a close second. The club extends a heartfelt thanks to director Geoff Taylor. Weekly Results **Monday 9 June 2025 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Po
Read the full storyTABLE TENNIS Players from across Queensland brought fast-paced action and fierce competition to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre for the annual Mackay Open earlier this month. With medals on the line and talent on display, the event drew a strong crowd of spectators and players alike. Organisers from the Mackay Table Tennis Association thanked all participants as they look forward to welcoming them back in 2026.
Read the full storyTop Talent Recognised At Annual Presentations Mackay Basketball recently honoured its rising stars at the U16 Presentations, celebrating outstanding performances across several teams. Meteors: • MVP: Parker Coleman • Coaches Award: Will DiFilipo • Best Defensive: Jackson Pendleton Meteorettes: • MVP: Pyiper Redgard • Coaches Award: Riley Albert • Best Defensive: Lisa Lelliot Comets: • MVP: Jimmy Turner • Coaches Award: Jesse Coomber • Best Defensive: Winston Sutton Comettes: • MVP: Montana W
Read the full storyBudding BMX talent Ged Rafferty has been recognised with the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award, celebrating his consistent effort and determination on the track. Aged 7 and competing in the sprocket class, Ged has impressed with his commitment to racing and hard pedalling right to the finish line. As part of the award, Ged received a $50 bistro voucher to the Goosies Sports and Recreation Club – a gesture to reward his rising star power and encourage continued passion for the sport. We
Read the full storyAt Bowen Bowls Club’s Wednesday Social meet, Mary Ellen Pratten, Keith Kirk, and Lou Fordham defeated Paula Welsted, Tracy Roach, and Allen Williams to get the ball rolling.
As well, Peter Thomson and Tiarna Rogers defeated Dave Moodie and Herb Dalton, while Bev Smith, Mark Rogers, and Steve Roome beat Jill Brabon, Ross Scanlon, and Doc Fordham.
Sunday Scroungers Winners were Steve Roome, Gavin Charles, Shane Hornbuckle, and Ross Scanlon.
Sunday Scroungers Winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Steve Roome, Gavin Charles, Shane Hornbuckle, and Ross Scanlon
Twelve players enjoyed a game of Social Bowls on Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club, the last opportunity for the year before the greens were taken out for the annual renovations.
John Anderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith defeated Pat Bownds, Jim Quod, and Bruce Uhe, 23–21.
Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton, and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison, 20-15.
The club extended its thanks to all who offered help on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to assist with the greens’ renovations.
Proserpine Bowls has several functions booked for Christmas celebrations at the club, but there are still dates available if any are in need of a venue for their event.
Unfortunately, Barefoot Bowls is not an option at this time of year due to the greens being out. All enquiries to secretarypbcinc@gmail.com.
Reminder to all that Annual Membership is due at the end of this month.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown
Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men’s Bowls side which defeated Collinsville in the last round of the Local Pennant.
Although a good win, Wangaratta were beaten by Bowen Bowls Club, who claimed the overall winners for 2022.
On Tuesday, Deb Retchless Marg Wilson, and Bob Mason defeated Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, Irene Laird, and Robyn Stitt.
It was great to see Tracey and Julie back for a game on Sunday. Games played were close with only one point being the difference in both games.
Winners for the afternoon were Tracey Stanford, Robyn Stitt, and Fely Duncan defeated Julia Taas, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren.
Russell Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Mark Drummond defeated Deb Retchless, Bron Tolcher, and Pat Tracey.
The final of the Club Mixed Fours was played on Monday with Robyn Stitt, Isabel Wheeler, Margaret Wilson, and Mark Drummond defeating Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers.
Reminder: The club hopes to see members on Sunday at its Annual General Meeting at 9am followed by a ‘High Tea’ at 12pm followed by bowls at 1.30pm.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
Winners of the mixed fours from Wangaratta Bowls Club
Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.
Ladies’ winner, Claire Garrod, 36 points, and runner up on a countback, Leanne Swan, 35, while Men’s winner was Walter Maguire, 39 points, and runner up Brett Carlyon, 38 points.
Friday night, Bowen Golf Club members celebrated the end of the golf season. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Brian Martin and Ruth Dunn who were this year’s Golfers of the Year.
Congratulations also to new Club champions Akeam Power and Rhiannon Nott.
Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg from Proserpine Golf Shop.
Men's Winner, Kevin Clark, posted a respectable 43 points, followed by runner up Kevin Cross, 39, and third place to Ezra Miller, 37.
Pin shots to Malcolm Martin on two occasions, and Jumbo Miller and Peter May once each.
Ladies' winner was Leanne Swan, 40 points, runner up Linda Scells, 37, and third place to Robyn Slade, 36.
Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Pauline Martin, and Grace Nott. Noel Schultz won the Car wash voucher with an OBP.
This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf club. The joker draw is back this Friday night and the jackpot sits at $5100.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
Mens winner Kevin Clark, sponsor Roger Vandenberg, Ladies winner LeanneSwan, R-U Linda Scells, and third place Robyn Slade.
2022 Golfers of the year – Brian Martin and Ruth Dunn
Tuesday’s competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw 18 players in a PGC Tuesday Stableford.
Elliot Woo came out on top with a handicap adjusting 43 points, with Chris Brett hot on his heels with 42.
Rees May, John Dodds, and John Clark were in the rundown. NTPs were won by Rees May and Mick Cragg.
Wednesday competition: 18 players competed in the Airllywood Stableford on Wednesday. Trish McNeill was the winner with 41 points, closely followed by Penny Wardroper, 38.
Thursday competition: A stroke competition on Thursday was played by 52 golfers with Brendan Spann’s nett 61 the impressive, clear winner in Division Two.
Coming in second place was Ben Raymant on 68 nett and Peter Krause in the rundown with a 70 nett.
Division One was more closely contested with Steven Johnston, visiting from Moranbah, taking top spot with 67 nett, followed by Bill Woods and Adam Maggs 68 and 69 nett respectively.
NTP’s won by Steven Johnston, John Dodds, and Bill Woods.
Saturday Competition: Peta Thomas was the winner of the ladies’ Saturday competition with 70 nett.
Following Peta was Anna Winterbourn and Mandy Patterson, both on 71 nett, Wendy Gough and Paula McQuat in the rundown on 73 nett.
It was a tight contest in the men’s competition with six players on 67 nett.
Mick Kavanagh came out on top in a countback from John Wallace and Vic Feldman. In the rundown, also on 67 nett were Phil Batty, Rod Wecker, and Larry Muller.
Congratulations to Kelvin Stephens on his brilliant hole in one on 13!
Sunday Competition: Another sub-par round for Ryan Wilkes on Sunday, coming in with 41 pts, edging out Leigh Jones on a countback. Mark McDougal came in third on 39 points.
Pam Casey was on top of the ladies’ podium with a lovely 36 points, also winning on a countback.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team
A Stableford event was held along with the 4BBB Stableford trophy challenge for 2022.
A total of 28 players competed from the Whitsunday Club, with Men’s A Grade winner going to George Meharry and runner up Danny York.
Men’s B Grade winner was Leigh Jones and runner up Mark McDougall.
Ladies’ A Grade winner was Anna Winterbourn with runner-up Penny Wardroper. Ladies’ B Grade winner went to Pam Casey and runner up Linda Wardroper.
Longest drives were claimed by Ritchie Atkins, Dean Kercher, Anna Winterbourn, and Elise Hodgson.
Pin shots went to Pauline Redpath, Linda Wardroper, Geoff Harrison, Andrew Albergo, and Leigh Jones.
The 4BBB winning team will be announced at the presentation. Thank you to Andrew Colborne from BC Constructions for sponsoring the trophy.
Next Sunday will be the Men’s foursomes’ championship and Ladies’ foursomes’ championship.
Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan
George Meharry, Pam Casey, and Leigh Jones
There was a good field of 30 players at Sunday’s Proserpine Veteran’s Golf meet, and there were some great scores, too.
The ladies’ winner with a score of 73 on countback (c/b) was Jacqui Wall, with second going to Helen Deighton, 73, and in the rundown were Rehab Hull, 74 c/b, Tiina Randmae, 74, Lyn Muller, 74, Tina Badenhorst, 75, and Paula McQuat, 76.
The men’s winner, with a fantastic score of 65, was Barry Shuwalow. Second went to John Oates with another great score of 68, and in the rundown were Gary Scotford, 70, Ken Granger, 72 c/b, Barry Mortimer, 72, John Oates, 72, and Vic Feldman, 73.
Nearest the pin winners for the ladies were Elspeth Scotford (second), Jan Shuwalow (second), Lyn Muller (fifth and 13th), Rehab Hull (fifth), and Paula McQuat(13th).
For the men it was Vic Feldman (second), Wilf Herweg (second), Phil Lucket (fifth), Steve Mitchell (fifth), Peter Fox (13th), and Peter Browning (13th).
Next week's event will be Stableford and it is a team event with President Vs Captain.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Jacqui Wall and Barry Shuwalow
This week’s weekly competition was very close with all placings on 20 points at Whitsunday Green Golf Club.
The count back saw Terry Kimpton take first place, Isaac Bradley take second, and Jack Hayes Williams take third.
For the Friday competition it was Dave Thomas with 21 points to take the win, second was George Meharry with 20 points, and Richie Atkins third with 19 points.
On Sunday it was four ball better ball, and the winning team was James (Jimmy) Millar and Dave Thomas, followed by Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders, then Alan Clinch, and Deeray.
Nearest the Pins were Dave Thomas and Glenn Rees. This coming Sunday will be November’s Monthly Medal, arrival at 9.30 for a 10am tee off.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross
Dave Wallace at Whitsunday Green Golf Club
Mercy College rugby students etched their names in the record books last week after bringing home a Mackay Schools Rugby Cup championship double.
Competing for the final occasion in Mercy colours before the school’s amalgamation with St Patrick’s College in 2023, the Year 7/8 Boys and Year 9/10 Boys registered emphatic Grand Final triumphs at the Quarry Hills Rugby Grounds in North Mackay.
Mercy’s all conquering Year 7/8 Boys team capped an outstanding series by thumping Bowen State High 24-0 in the Cup Grand Final to remain undefeated.
Talented second rower Rory Lanigan produced a powerhouse display to earn the official Player of the Match award with strong performances from hooker Marik Srsen, back rower Cooper Elliott, half back Miles Kerrisk and forward Jesse Neale.
The Mercy outfit had too much power, skill and experience for their rivals in 2022 and didn’t concede a point for the entire competition – an incredible feat.
Squad comprised of Jesse Neale (captain), Marik Srsen, Rory Lanigan, Miles Kerrisk, Dominic Sorbello, Cooper Elliott, Eli Cookson, Treyce Ciantar, Lucas Aslette, Mason Mayer, Emmanuel Andrews, Sanguiani Chinula, Archie Townsend, Cooper Anderson, Raawi Tebao and Lucas Boshoff.
There was more joy for the Mercy Year 9/10 team as they toppled Holy Spirit College 22-7 to lift the senior premiership trophy.
Promising utility Toby Woodall turned in a superb performance with his strong running and no-nonsense defence a feature of the stirring triumph.
He was ably supported by talented flanker and stand-in skipper Declan Grady, clever half back Flynn Battaia and powerful colt Reuben Saron in a courageous team effort.
It was a huge turn around by the Mercy boys who lost their final preliminary round clash to Holy Spirit the previous week to finish second in their Pool.
Mercy eclipsed Mackay North State High 19-7 in a semi-final then backed up to avenge their loss to Holy Spirit with a convincing display in the trophy decider.
Trailing 7-0, the Mercy warriors hit their straps and overpowered their rivals with 22 unanswered points.
Mercy College Rugby co-ordinator Jo Ciantar-Schatkowski said the players were just starting to realise the significance of their premiership victories.
“They are the last athletes to win a sporting title under the Mercy College banner and will go down in the school’s history books,” revealed Jo.
“It was a fine achievement by both squads and a reward for all the hard work put in on the training paddock and during matches over the past month” she said.
Jo was supported by Mercy staff members Ashley Fergus, Nina Gaviglio and Bevan Little.
Convened by legendary forward and Holy Spirit College staff member Kyle Danns with the support of Mackay & District Junior Rugby Union, the four week competition is in its third year of operation featuring all Mackay schools as well as Bowen State High and Calen District State College.
Age divisions for Boys are Year 7/8 plus Year 9/10 which has two divisions of 15 a side rugby with Girls Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 playing a Rugby Sevens format.
By Chris Karas
Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC) ‘Guardians of the beach since 1950’ hosted the 32nd annual North Australian Titles from October 28 to 30, bringing huge success to the club and the lifesaving movement in general.
A contingent of over 530 competitors and over 150 officials and water safety personnel as well as a dedicated workforce descended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach over the weekend.
With light northerly winds and crystal-clear waters, the event was conducted in sensational conditions, something lifesavers really appreciate about the beautiful Mackay region.
“The club is very proud of our small but strong competition group, from the nippers in U11’s to our masters,” Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports Josh Grant said.
“To see our competitors take on the best of the best in the North and achieve some great results is a credit to the culture and commitment we have at our club.
“The feedback I have received from visiting clubs is that they love coming here and competing at one of the best beaches in Queensland.
“I would just like to thank all the clubs that made the effort and travelled to Mackay to the North Aussies, we hope to see you next year!”
Mackay SLSC welcomed clubs from as far north as Cairns and south as Noosa for the event and Club President Brendan Smith said the interest and participation has been very impressive.
“We are continuing to grow this event and I just want to thank all competitors, officials, patrolling members and volunteers for making this happen,” he said.
“We are now planning to make next year’s event bigger and better and would encourage the Mackay community to get involved in this iconic lifesaving event.”
Stand out achievements went to the club’s nippers including U11 Ash Johnson: 2nd Beach Flags and 3rd beach Sprint; U12 Jo Madden: 2nd Board race; and U14 Molly Madden: 2nd 2km Beach Run.
The Masters crew finished the carnival on 6th position with some great results from Steve Bird: 1st Surf Ski & Surf race; Chris Webb: 1st 1km Beach run and 2nd surf race; Ben Madden: 3rd Ironman; Matty Newland: 3rd Ski; and Luke Griffith: 3rd 2km beach run, surf race and board race.
The masters crew excelled in ski team events taking 1st in double ski and 3rd in the ski relay with the Box Bellies Surf Boat Crew 2nd in the open division.
“It’s a fantastic result to place with the best of the best of Northern Australia,” said Mr Grant.
Mackay SLSC has a busy summer ahead, with the Tri-Series between Mackay, Eimeo and Sarina taking place tomorrow, November 26 and the Branch Titles on December 10 to 11.
Photo: Chris Palazzi at the Australian Disc Golf Championships last weekend. Photo credit: Kingsley Flett
For Chris Palazzi, throwing a frisbee is a euphoric experience.
“I like watching plastic fly, I don’t know what it is,” he said.
“Something about the physics, I guess it’s tranquil watching it fly.”
Chris has been playing disc sports for years, even representing Queensland and South Australia in ultimate frisbee.
As he got older and more courses were constructed around Australia, Chris focused his skills on disc golf, travelling to the Sunshine Coast last weekend to compete in the Australian Disc Golf Championships.
The Australian Disc Golf Championships brought together some of the best in the world in a competitive yet social atmosphere.
“There was a lot of intensity … but at the same time, especially towards the end when we were following around the pro players, there was a really good atmosphere, and it was really cool to see some of the best in the world competing,” he said.
Chris placed 11th out of 30 in his division, reaching as high as fifth throughout the weekend.
“I know there’s some things in my game that I need to work on and there’s some things in my game that are quite good compared to the pros,” he said.
Disc sports have been rising in popularity over the last few years, and the weekend gave Chris an appreciation of the level of skill out there.
“With things like Covid which meant you couldn’t do team sports any more, people were looking for outdoor activities in small groups where you could stay isolated, and disc golf just ticked all the boxes so it’s basically exploded over the last three years,” he said.
“There’s more and more courses being put in … Mackay’s hopefully one of the next spots to get one.”
Chris and his wife Keri run Kingfisher Disc Golf, a local supplier for everything disc sports and the sponsor for Mackay Disc Sports aiming to bring disc sports to Mackay.
“We’re trying to get both ultimate and disc golf going,” he said.
“They’re targeted at similar crowds but at the same time ultimately different; ultimate’s a bit more athletic and disc golf is basically accessible to just about anyone.”
Mackay Disc Sports is holding their second league day this Sunday, November 27 from 2:30pm at John Breen Park in North Mackay.
For more information and to pre-register for the league day, visit Mackay Disc Sports on Facebook.
Image: Dual MDSS Sportsperson of the Year Harper Shields and MDSS 13-19yrs Sporting Encouragement Award recipient Kayce Hoani-Vincent display their latest trophies
Outstanding Mercy College athlete Harper Shields has been named the Mackay District School Sport Stuart Jackson Sportsperson of the Year for a second consecutive season.
12-year-old Harper was recognised for his superb feats on the touch football field and received the prestigious trophy from Australian touch football representative Katie Geiger at the recent Awards Ceremony at Magpies Sporting Club.
It was a proud moment for the gifted Shields, who helped Queensland claim a silver medal at the recent SchoolSport Australia Under 12 Touch Football Championships in Wagga.
The classy middle player helped Queensland qualify for the gold medal clash against NSW on a rain-sodden Jubilee Park – with the young Blues edging out the Maroons 4-3 in a thriller.
Receiving the Stuart Jackson Trophy as Mackay District School Sport’s top Sportsperson of the Year for a second time has capped a memorable 2022 for Harper, who is also a promising rugby league fullback with the Wanderers club and emerging all round cricketer for Mackay Brothers and the Mackay-Whitsundays representative team.
Shields earlier captained Capricornia schoolboys to a second successive State Touch Football Championship; Mercy College to the inaugural Fast Four Mackay All Schools Mixed Touch Football Under 13s title and helped the Under 13 Mercy Boys reach the last 16 at the Titans All Schools Championships on the Gold Coast.
Harper also collected the major award in the Touch Football (10-12yrs Boys) category plus a Queensland State representative gold plaque.
Mercy College Sportswoman of the Year Kayce Hoani-Vincent took out the Mackay District School Sport Encouragement Award trophy (13-19yrs) for her magnificent deeds on the squash court and athletics field.
15 year old Kayce represented Queensland and Australia at the annual Trans-Tasman Schools Squash Tri Series Challenge in Brisbane where she remained undefeated in singles matches.
Number one ranked Kayce lined up for her beloved Maroons against the best junior squash players from NSW and New Zealand at the Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club complex and posted impressive victories in both singles and doubles formats.
At the end of the Tri Series, the gifted Hoani-Vincent made her international debut in Australian colours as part of a combined Queensland-NSW team and won all her singles matches against the formidable Kiwis.
Kayce demonstrated her versatility by also winning the Pole Vault gold medal in the 16yrs age group at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.
She will now represent Queensland at the Australian All Schools Track & Field Championships in Adelaide from Friday December 9 to Sunday December 11.
Promising Holy Spirit College triathlete Cameron Wonnocott received the Amarlie Carroll Sportsperson of the Year trophy (13-19yrs) for his outstanding achievements in 2022.
Emerging hockey midfielder Matthew Davies claimed two major MDSS 10-12yrs Sports Awards for both hockey and tennis.
12-year-old Davies, a Year 7 student at Mercy College, also received a Queensland State representative gold plaque for his efforts with the Maroons at the 10-12yrs School Sport Australia and U/13 Boys National Hockey Championships.
Mercy College student Alexis Sorbello won the major 10-12yrs Netball prize while Cooper Newbery (Cricket), Jacob Durelli (Football) and Angus Barnes (Rugby League) were nominated in their respective sporting categories.
Talented Eimeo Road State School Year 5 athlete Ayla Moon was presented with the Col Webley Encouragement Award for top displays in 10-12yrs Track & Field events.
Queensland State representative gold plaques were awarded to the following St Patrick’s College and Mercy College students:
Charli Bliss (Basketball 16-18yrs); Meghan McCartney (Cricket 16-19yrs Girls); Haiden Mellifont (Hockey 13-19yrs); Kaleb Mayfield (Hockey 16yrs Boys); James Allen (Softball 13-19yrs Boys); Harper Shields (Touch Football 10-12yrs Boys); Matthew Davies (Hockey 10-12yrs Boys); Cohen Jackson (Rugby League 15yrs Boys); Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Squash 10-19yrs; Track & Field 13-19yrs) and Mikayla Webb (Track & Field 13-19yrs).
By Chris Karas
WEEKLY SOCIAL RESULTS
Monday mixed pairs draw winners were Jan Little and Robyn Rintoul, followed by Morrie Pearson and Greg Pembroke. The lucky draw winners were Jan Little and Peter Cowling.
Wednesday ladies’ day: Cecilia Lee, Bev McDonald and Debbie Mackenzie won the day, with Betty Mulhall and Marie Bragg in second place.
Thursday mixed pairs winners were Francis and Barry Lehmann with Shane Trannore and Andrew Coates coming second. Greens vouchers were won by Val De Pinto and Tony Allsop.
Vern Mietzel won the kitty toucher.
Friday mixed pairs best card winners were Ken McLean and R. Boulter. Lucky draw winners were Debbie Mackenzie and Jean Zamparutti. Runners up lucky draw was won by Ernie Sealy and Alex Cameron.
Saturday men’s day was won by Gary Simmons and Vic Gaudion. Welcome back to the winner’s circle Gary. Vic is also taming his new bowling arm very successfully. Runners up were Ken Lane and Greg Pembroke. We haven’t seen Greg for a while, welcome back Greg.
The jackpot was won by Ernie Sealy and Trevor Laurens.
Contributed by Tony Allsop.
Two emerging athletes from Mackay represented Queensland earlier this month at the 2022 School Sport Australia 10-12 Years Track & Field Championships held in Brisbane.
Learnie Scott set the medal-winning tone early, clutching silver in a count back in the 11 years long jump, with a leap of 4.63m.
Eimeo Road State School student Ayla Moon ran a strategic run in the 10 years 800m to advance to the final. She found second gear in the main race, pulling out a four-second personal best to win silver. She then joined the 10-year girls medley relay representing Queensland where the team won gold and broke the national record.
For her efforts in track and field, Ayla was recently awarded the Col Webley Encouragement Award at the Mackay District School Sport Awards.
Image: Athletics North Queensland award winners from the Mackay Athletics Club. L-R: Mikayla Webb, Justin Rule, James Grech, Kym Galea and Kevin Galea (on behalf of son James Galea)
While Mackay is full of outstanding athletes who can run fast, jump further than most and throw heavy objects a long way; the Mackay Athletics Club was recently recognised across all facets of its sport, recognising the valuable contribution of its top volunteers among its talented athletes.
At the Athletics North Queensland (ANQ) Awards earlier this month, Mackay and the Whitsundays took out around half of the awards, from an area spanning the Keppel Coast in the south to Cairns in the north, and inland encompassing the Tablelands, Mount Isa and Emerald.
Lee-Anne Hinschen from the Whitsundays club and James Grech from Mackay Athletics were both recognised for their long-standing dedication to the sport of athletics, by receiving life membership awards.
Other dedicated volunteers to be recognised were the mother-and-son duo of Kym and James Galea, awarded Official of the Year and Junior Official of the Year respectively. Kym’s contribution is huge behind the scenes, looking after a plethora of administration, as well as volunteering on the field as an official. Her son James is a talented athlete but also dedicates his time to being an official in-between his own events. Kym’s husband, Kevin, is also an exceptional masters athlete and coaches athletes in throwing events.
Mackay Athletics Club also took the gong for the best event for its annual Track and Field Carnival.
The athletes recognised for their exceptional talent were Mikayla Webb, winning the Emerging Athlete of the Year and Justin Rule, winning the Masters Athlete of the Year.
Record-breaking sprinter Mikayla Webb captured silver medals in the 100m and 200m dash at this year’s Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.
Only days before winning this award, Justin Rule had been competing at the Pan Pacific Masters Championships on the Gold Coast. Justin had an exceptional competition, producing personal-best times to win two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze, as well as coming fourth in four other events. He said his highlight of this competition was the 1500m race where he ran one of the best tactical races of his masters running career, winning by more than four seconds.
From the Whitsundays, Sylvie Thureau-Martin also won the Recreational Runner of the Year award.
𝗔𝗡𝗤 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 (Mackay and Whitsundays)
𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀
Lee-Anne Hinschen (Whitsundays)
James Grech (Mackay)
𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
Mikayla Webb - Emerging Athlete of the Year (Mackay)
Justin Rule - Masters Athlete of the Year (Mackay)
Sylvie Thureau-Martin- Recreational Runner of the Year (Whitsunday)
Kym Galea - Official of the Year (Mackay)
James Galea - Junior Official of the Year (Mackay)
Mackay Track and Field Carnival - Event of the Year