
Whitsunday Dirt Riders will host the 2026 Queensland Dirt Track & Track Championships from May 2–4 Photo credit: Nick Bird The Whitsundays are set to come alive with the sound of engines this May long weekend, as Whitsunday Dirt Riders host the 2026 Queensland Dirt Track & Track Championships from May 2–4. With more than 100 riders expected to compete across three action-packed days, the event promises high-quality racing and fierce competition, drawing some of the state’s top talent to the region. A number of past championship contenders are set to line up, creating a stacked field and ensuring spectators can expect thrilling battles on track. Dray’s Park, located on Lascelles Drive on the road to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, will transform into a hub of activity as riders, families, and motorsport fans gather for one of North Queensland’s premier dirt track events. “Whitsunday Dirt Riders, known for delivering well-run and welcoming events, are excited to bring a championship of this calibre back to the region,” said club president Ben Moran. “The club’s dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the track and facilities, ensuring an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike” The event will feature both junior and senior classes, highlighting the depth of talent in the sport and providing a fantastic opportunity for local riders to compete against some of the best in Queensland. Spectators are encouraged to come along and be part of the action, with a $10 per car entry fee covering the entire weekend. WHAT: 2026 Queensland Dirt Track & Track Championships WHEN: May Long Weekend (May 2nd - May 4th) WHERE: Dray’s Park, Gunyarra
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Mark the calendar. On July 25th and 26th the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival will return to the region, and this year the stakes are higher than ever. For 25 years, athletes have been pushing their limits against a backdrop that most people only see on postcards: The Whitsunday Islands. Clear water, warm air and a finish line that makes the long distances worth it. This is what destination racing looks like. After claiming runner-up status among Australia's premier triathlon events in 2025, this year Airlie Beach Triathlon will be vying for the top spot. Following last year’s recognition came a milestone 25 years in the making: this year, for the first time, the event is proudly supported by the Queensland State Government, and by Tourism and Events Queensland. That backing signals what the region already knows. This event is serious, and so is its impact on the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, hire companies, local operators — the ripple effect of hundreds of athletes and their supporters showing up in the Whitsundays is significant. The 2026 edition also carries new weight on the national stage. AusTriathlon, the governing body for triathlon in Australia, has included the Airlie Beach Triathlon as one of Australia's official World Qualifying events — meaning age group athletes competing here have a direct pathway to represent Australia on the world stage. That's a game-changer for competitors and for the event's profile. The professional field is shaping up to match the occasion. Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games representatives have already entered, raising the bar for what promises to be a standout weekend of racing. Race registration is now open. If you've been thinking about it, don't wait. Visit airliebeachtriathlon.com.au to register Volunteers are the backbone of this event, and the team is looking for good people to be part of it. Contact Val Kimpton on 0438 717 819. A small number of sponsorship partnerships are still available for businesses wanting a seat at the table. Reach out to Michael Kimpton on 0417 717 818. Contributed with thanks to the Airlie Beach Triathlon team.
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Sunday’s winners: Penny Warren, Whitton, Billy Myers with President Graeme Read
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24 players in the Tuesday Stableford, with Laurie Dakin in form to wins the Men’s competition, with Gary Scotford a close 2nd and Trish McNeill winning the Ladies.
Tiina Randmae secured 2nd place. Elspeth Scotford cleaned up on the NTP’s.
Jenny Hounsell was the winner of Marlene Gray’s Wednesday Stableford with 43 pts, Trish McNeill in 2nd place on 37 pts, Anna Winterbourn claimed 3rd place with 34 pts.
Noelene Spurway, Robyn Whitham and Di Chard were the NTP winners.
Thursday Men’s Competition Division 1 winner with an excellent 66 nett was Ross Tong, followed by Troy Smith on 68 nett and Ritchie Atkins in 3rd place on 69 nett.
Division 2 winner was Chris Pham on 66 nett also, followed by Ken Lovett and Barry Shuwalow both on 71 nett.
The Ladies Competition was won by Janelle Ernst of Tropics Golf Club followed by Lyn Muller.
NTP winners: Phil Luckett, Chris Brett, Brian Smith, Allen Roberts, and Trish McNeill.
The Met 9 Hole Run on Friday was won by Brent Franke with 21 pts, Karlene Lloyd played well for 19 pts beating Ross Tong on a countback for 2nd place.
Cameron Mutch and Ryan Kenny were the NTP winners.
Ross Tong continued his good form to win the Division 1 men’s competition with 67 nett, beating Brent Franke on a countback.
Andrew Colborne won 3rd place with 69 nett. Division 2 was won by Vic Feldman on 65 nett, with Ned Davies on 71 nett and Barry Mortimer on 72 nett.
Tina Badenhorst played well to win the Ladies with 69 nett, closely followed by Trish McNeill on 70 nett and 3rd place went to Pauline Redpath on 74 nett.
NTP winners were: Tiina Randmae, Di Chard, Rob Stanley, Scott Milne, Andrew Colborne, and Vic Feldman.
Sunday’s competition was won by Lenny Booroff with a very nice 40 pts, followed by Renae Maxwell on 38 pts and in 3rd place was Peta Thomas on 36 pts.
No one managed to hit the greens to win a pin shot.
Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team at the Proserpine Golf Club

37 players took to the course last Tuesday.
Good to see a great turnout on a such a beautiful day.
There were some terrific scores, Trevor Paroz taking out the men's with 39, followed by Laurie Dakin on 38 and Gary Scotford on 36.
Mandy Patterson was the ladies winner with 36, Tiina Randmae on 32 and Leanne Alexander on 31.
Pin shots went to Barry Mortimer and 3 B graders who had it in the hole - Barry Shuwalow, Wilf Herweg and Harry Milne on the 2nd.
Vic Feldman (also in the hole) and Laurie Dakin on the 13th, and Geoff Harrison and Barry Shuwalow on the 16th.
The ladies, Lyn Muller and Tiina Randmae on the 2nd, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat, both in the hole for a birdie, on the 13th.
Mandy Patterson and Tiina Randmae on the 16th.
There will be no Vets competition next Tuesday.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Trevor Paroz and Mandy Patterson

This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Terry Kimpton on 23 pts, second was Glenn Rees with 22 pts and third place going to Dee Norman with 20 pts.
A terrific job by all.
On Friday our 9-hole stableford prawn run was our newest member Donovan Pettiford taking the win with 23 pts, second Tim Walton on 20 pts and third Glenn Rees with 19 pts.
Our Sunday skins 18 holes competition Jake Day taking the win on 39 pts, second was Deeray Fo’ou on a 36 c/b and third Donovan Pettiford with 36 pts.
Nearest the pin was Adam Singleton and Perri Simpson.
This Sunday 28th May will be our 18 hole (Stroke) Monthly Medal tee off at 10:00am, hope to see you all there.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Club
Jake Day wining the Sunday Skins competition. Photo supplied

Sunday 21st of May saw the Whitsunday Golf Club playing their Club 4some Trophy Event.
It was a chilly 10 degrees but quickly warmed up to a beautiful 25, unfortunately it was a very depleted field due to many members away.
Congratulations to Ron Jamison and Mark McDougal for their win in the Mens Competition and Karen Rix and Pauline Redpath for the Ladies competition.
Runner up for the Mens were Scott Vlismas and Darren Renoylds and Linda Wardroper and Anna Winterbourn for the Ladies.
Contributed with thanks to Pauline Redpath

This week, in stunning conditions, 74 people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course. 22 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.
Several milestones were achieved; Claire completed her 25th parkrun, Josiah completed his 50th, Josh his 100th, Andrew his 200th and Tim his 250th.
Tim is the first 'local' parkrunner to complete 250 parkruns.
The event was made possible thanks to RD Maree and her team of fabulous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maverick, Bossie, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Debbie, Wendy, Laura, Louise, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Chris, Alicia, Chris, and Rachael.
Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015.
Since then, 4,885 participants have completed 25,017 parkruns covering a total distance of 125,085 km, including 2,901 new Personal Bests.
A total of 404 individuals have volunteered 3,691 times.
This Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun will use course 'B', which will meet at 6:50am for a briefing near the Garden Bar and Bohemian Raw, Coral Sea Marina. Parking is free in the lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.
The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social, and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.
There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.
Everyone is welcome.
Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach
Andrew finishing his 200th park run, and Tim with his 250th

Just the best weather for our social paddling afternoon!
Such a great outlet from our jam-packed weeks for everyone-experienced paddlers or brand new to our fantastic sport.
Favourable winds allowed us to make our leisurely way over to Town Beach where a little further paddling technique was given-and time for a photo of this week’s team.
Outrigger Whitsunday have 5 OC6 that are paddled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The clubs’ social team take advantage of an OC6 that only weighs 65kgs- with its highly advanced design and strong yet light hull, it requires much less effort for paddlers to accelerate and to catch any bumps out on the bay.
If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852
Left-Kerrie, Robyn, Bolinda, Joanne, and Andrew in Outrigger Whitsunday’s lightweight OC6

22 Cannonvale Cannons braved the cool conditions to compete at the Pioneer Short Course Transition Meet held in Mackay on Sunday.
Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were very proud of all the young swimmers and would like to thank all the wonderful parents who assisted with officiating and managing the team. Highlights include:
8 Years and Under: Eloise Chegwidden swam PBs in all her races.
She was very pleased with her 2 silver medals and gold medal.
Zane Clayworth swam a super 25m Butterfly in 30.04sec (3.22sec PB) to earn 3rd place.
One of Evelyn Doherty’s best swims was her 50m Backstroke (with a 1.88sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.
Indigo Harland aged 6 years smashed her 25m Butterfly time swimming a 14.35sec PB.
Indigo’s sister, Koa swam an impressive 50m Breaststroke in a time of 1.00.65 (a 1.45sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.
Lucas Korosec had a very successful carnival, coming home with three gold medals and 1 bronze medal.
8 – 10 Year Olds: Ruby Harland, Harris Delac, Indianna Smith, Celeste Orenshaw, Adelaide Sanders, and Matilda Nicholes swam extremely well, swimming 5 or 6 PBs and all swam an excellent time in their 100m IM.
Isaac Pisaniello also swam a super 100m IM and won his 50m Freestyle.
Jax Clayworth had an awesome carnival, swimming PBs in just about all his events and winning four of his events.
Don Algie came home with gold medals for his 50m Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Backstroke. Jasper Korosec enjoyed all his races.
11 Years and Over: Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello and Charlie Doherty swam extremely, achieving PBs in most of their events.
Tora did a massive 20.66sec PB in her 200m IM (2nd) and Charlie swam a 39.48sec PB in his 200m Backstroke (3rd place).
Isabella’s best swims include her 50m Breaststroke (3rd) and 50m Butterfly (3rd).
One of Dylan Reynolds best swims was her 100m IM which she swam a 11.14sec PB.
Congratulations to all the Cannons!
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
Cannonvale Canons taking out big wins at swimming competition

WTA was happy to welcome NQTA Referees Director Joe Lo Grande to our last round of Touch on Monday.
Joe was able to assess three of our referees and we are proud to announce that Tim, Callan and Claudia are our new Level 2 Referees.
Congratulations, your untiring efforts have been rewarded.
Next Monday WTA’s Finals Series begins:
First Week
1 v 2 Winner goes straight to Grand Final
3 v 4 Loser eliminated
Second Week
Loser of 1v 2 plays winner of 3 v 4
Winner goes to Grand Final
Third Week
Grand Final
Round Twelve Results
Mixed A
Trusty (12) defeated Concrete Feet (2)
Vipers (8) defeated In the Crear (6)
Mixed B
Ray White (7) defeated Slippery Salmons (5)
Touch It defeated Guinea Fowls – on forfeit
Whitmonday Eagles (4 ) defeated Full Boar (1 )
Mixed C
Fumble This (8) defeated On Time (2)
Whitsunday Warriors (9) defeated Stingers (6)
Flametree Flames defeated Raiders C
Mixed C (Family)
Untouchables (5) drew Mainlanders (5)
Escapees /Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (5)
Ladder Results
A Grade
1st Trusty
2nd In The Crear
3rd Vipers
4th Raiders A
5th Concrete Feet
B Grade
1st Ray White Mudcrabs
2nd Slippery Salmons
3rd Touch it
4th G.E.T. Touch
5th Whitmonday Eagles
6th Full Boar
7th The Guinea Fowls
C Grade
Fumble This
Flametree Flames
Whitsunday Warriors
Stingers
OnTime
Raiders C
Family Grade
Untouchables
Mainlanders
Escapees Misfits
Raiders Family

Meet the promising St Patrick’s College Red rookies that captured the NRL Gala Day Trophy last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.
Under the guidance of Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul, the Mackay colts underlined their depth of talent with impressive victories in the preliminary rounds before toppling Bowen State High School 8-4 in the Year 7/8 trophy decider.
It is a second championship title for the young St Patrick’s warriors who won the Mackay Secondary Schools Year 7/8 rugby league premiership last month.
St Patrick’s Red defeated Pioneer State High, Moranbah State High White and Mackay State High in the lead up to the Final.
Led by rampaging props Nate Faulkner and Tom Mulherin, the Reds forwards laid the foundations for victory with powerful performances with lock Flynn Taylor, hooker Mason Muscat and back rowers Seth Collins, Angus Barns, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Blake Battaia, Tayt Rowe, Connor Peno and back up hooker Zac Johnson turning in strong displays.
Elusive centres Harper Shields and Jaden Chimes posted the Reds’ two tries in the Grand Final.
Talented halves Darcy Cabassi and Matt Fenech provided slick service to a St Patrick’s backline loaded with talent and featuring top fullback prospect Nathan Simon, wingers Sonny Doring and Kooper Tomlinson and the versatile Kade Coburn.
David Casale’s St Patrick’s Blue and Blake Paskins’ St Patrick’s White sides also chalked up victories in the Pool fixtures.
Other schools to enter teams in the NRL Gala Trophy included Moranbah State High, Sarina State High, Mackay Northern Beaches State High, Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Mirani State High and Mackay Christian College.
Contributed by Chris Karas
St Patrick’s College Red standing L-R: Angus Barns, Jaden Chimes, Darcy Cabassi. Flynn Taylor, Nate Faulkner, Tom Mulherin, Connor Peno, Kade Coburn, Zac Johnson, Blake Battaia, Matt Fenech, Matthew Paul (coach), Harper Shields; front Tayt Rowe, Mason Muscat, Kooper Tomlinson, Sonny Doring, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Seth Collins and Nathan Simon

Sarina Bowls Club celebrated and remembered all the fallen soldiers on Anzac Day. After a minute’s silence, 64 bowlers all in great spirit enjoyed an afternoon of two games of bowls, good music, many laughs and afternoon tea.
Contributed by Charlie Payne
The winning team was from left Brian Adams, Greg Hughes, sponsor Les Smith, Ken Blinco and Andrew Adams with the Anzac shield
Tom Flanagan and Bill Roots in the Anzac spirit at Sarina Bowls Club. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

Four Mackay Cutters have been named in the Queensland Maroons squad ahead of the opening game of the women’s State of Origin series in Sydney.
Emma Manzelmann, Shannon Mato, Romy Teitzel, and China Polata have all been named in the extended squad after leading the Cutters to the BMD Premiership semi-finals in the club’s debut season in the competition.
“We’ve picked in-form players on the back of a really strong BMD Premiership competition,” Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris said.
"This year’s competition has gone from strength to strength and we’ve seen a number of players force their way into the squad following consistent performances over the past few months.”
The Maroons will enter camp on Friday, May 26 to prepare for the opening game of the State of Origin series at CommBank Stadium on Thursday, June 1.

3/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Marie Duck. Runners up are Carmel O’Lauchlan, Donna Gordon and Lidia McCarthy.
10/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Shirley Bartolo, Jean Schmidtke, Anne Smith and Joyce Camilleri. Runners up are Betty Mulhall, Helen Goldston, Pat O’Neill and Daphne Offield.
17/5/23: We celebrated our 75 anniversary with our PAH at Gooseponds Sport and Recreation Club. With players from all of our district clubs invited to this special event.
18/5/23: We commenced Ladies District Pennant games, good luck to all players who are playing in Division 1,2,3 and 4 this year.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine

Mackay Cutters first grade team may be searching for its first victory in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club’s heavy investment in youth is reaping dividends.
After four rounds, the all-conquering Cutters share top spot in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition and shape as an early contender for this year’s title.
The Mackay colts chalked up their third win of the 2023 series after toppling the Burleigh Bears 22-14 in blustery conditions at BB Print Stadium last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten record.
The Bears drew first blood after three minutes when winger Jeremiah Tamepo crossed before Mackay five eighth Henri Stocks and hooker Ethan Roberts posted tries in the space of eight minutes with goalkicker Stocks adding the extras for a 12-4 lead at the break.
Mackay extended their lead after the interval when interchange William Gething crashed over for his team’s third try of the afternoon.
Burleigh responded with tries by second rower Adam Christensen and a second for flyer Tamepo to bridge the gap before the Cutters sealed victory when winger Braydon Dunbar skirted the defence to nab a crucial late try.
Despite the Colts loss, the Bears capped a memorable day with the club clinching an historic seventh BMD Womens premiership and the first grade team roaring to the top of the Hostplus Cup table after trouncing the Cutters 42-6 in the main game.
Burleigh had too many big guns for the Cutters, producing a five-try second half blitz to grab the outright competition lead.
The Cutters matched the visitors for the opening 30 minutes until Bears skipper Sami Sauiluma scored the first of his two tries.
The Bears led 16-6 at the interval but punished the Cutters after the break with their powerful forwards strolling through tackles to lay on tries for Matthew Koellner, Jacob Alick, Ken Maumalo, Tom Steadman and Sauiluma.
Mackay square off with Redcliffe this Saturday in a curtain raiser to the Dolphins v Melbourne Storm NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium from 5pm.
Mackay Cutters Colts continue to impress. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

Full name: Corben John Becker
Club: Mackay Brothers Under 20s/Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts
Height: 181cm
Date of birth: 14/07/2004 (18 years)
Birthplace: Mackay
Position: Halfback/Fullback
Nickname: Corbs
Favourite NRL Clubs: Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys
Favourite Player: Johnathan Thurston
Occupation: Apprentice electrician
When Corben Becker received a call from a former coach late last year, he was ecstatic to receive the news.
It was a coach he’d played for at Walkerston Wanderers, who also assistant coaches the Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters, giving him the call up to join the squad.
Corben has been training with the Mackay Cutters Under 21s squad and played one trial game, working hard to ensure a debut.
“I’m just taking it all in,” Corben said.
“I’m the younger half of the team so I’ve just been training and getting more experience for the years to come.”
Corben’s rugby league journey started at just five years old when he joined Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.
His family relocated to the Sunshine Coast where he continued to develop his skills at Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates before returning to Mackay and Brothers.
Finishing his junior career at Wanderers, Corben returned to Brothers to play U20s before joining the Cutters system.
The dynamic and fleet-footed backrower is honoured to be a part of the team, taking every opportunity to learn from those around him.
“Everyone just helps you out; the culture here’s amazing,” he said.
“Your teammates are always boosting you up and you’re always trying to work yourself up to be as good as or better than the other people in your position.
“I’m just trying to play my best footy, not let my team down and play for my family.”
As a local who is following his rugby league dreams in his hometown, Corben’s advice to other young players is to keep learning.
“Always ask questions,” he said.
“Make sure you take in what the coaches tell you and put in 100% effort at training.”
Looking forward to his Colts debut, Corben is excitedly watching his team start their 2023 season with an undefeated run after three rounds.
“We haven’t lost yet,” he said.
“We’ve just got to keep up the grind and make sure we play more than a half of football.”

The annual Queensland Mud Trials held in Sarina thrilled audiences once again, with competitors travelling across Queensland, as far west as Mount Isa, and New South Wales, as far south as Boomi, to participate.
It was truly a grudge match, with New South Wales versing Queensland in the matches, tensions running high, and audiences eager for the smoke of engines working.
Separated into five categories – Junior, Standard, Buggy, Bombs, and Top Gun – the competitors took the track of mud, spraying the audience, and testing their vehicles’ engines.
In one case, Junior competitor Eli Thomsett’s car erupted into smoke and fire on the last lap of his first heat.
His car, Backchat, has since been repaired, but Eli is already working towards the 2024 competition, where his sister, Millie, will join him with her car Mudicorn.
“It was a really successful day,” said Nell Thomsett, in charge of Sarina Mud Trials communications and Eli’s mum.
“We support Variety, and this year we donated $6,000 to Variety.
“We also support the local Scouts, who came in and collected all the cans from the event for their fundraising and had the Mackay Girls Basketball team on the gates.”
The Sarina Mud team also sold commemorative 35-year anniversary memorabilia, celebrating the massive milestone.
And everyone gets involves.
“The parents start racing, then the kids start,” said Nell.
“I would start but next year I’ll have two kids racing, and we can’t tow a third car!”
Engines tested, and expectations exceeded, the 2023 Queensland Mud Trials was a massive success. Photos by Nell