A junior star from the 90s was named Mackay Table Tennis Player of the Year at the association’s annual presentation dinner on Saturday.

Anne Sheridan won her first Mackay Closed women’s title in 1997 and has won five in total.

This year she represented the association at the Queensland Veterans championships in Mackay and the Australian titles at Darwin, and was runner-up to Emma Widdup for the Mackay Closed women’s title.

Emma, who won four medals at the Australian veterans titles, was presented with the President’s Award by association president Janice Kent.

Janice told the gathering there had been a sharp rise in membership in 2022, a trend which the committee aimed to repeat next year.

Janice said Tuesday morning and night fixtures, juniors on Wednesdays and senior social play on Friday mornings had attracted strong interest, and coaching sessions with Brisbane coach Bruno Levis and former Mackay junior Rebekah Stanley would continue in 2023.

By Charlie Payne

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Nearly forty runners and walkers met with Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford for the very popular weekly offseason program, Shawn’s Summer Social Series.  

Jim was in perfect form once again, setting an interesting timed four leaf clover shaped 5km and 10km circuit, although there were options for runners to reduce their distances due to their current level of fitness.  

The City Centre’s beautiful Bluewater Quay was the start point and also the check in point as each leaf of the clover was completed.  

Jim was very proud of his Sunday afternoon cohort for their diligence in adapting the course to suit the time trial style, although he was a little doubtful at the race briefing.

Congratulations to a multitude of local athletes who took part in the Hamilton Island Triathlon which had to be altered to an Aquathon due to the weather conditions.  

It was once again an outstanding success on the Island’s infamous waterways and hilly terrain as well as at the post race presentation and various hydration sessions.

A stand out performance came from local junior Cameron Wonnocott who was fourth overall and 1st in his age category.

His successful racing is due to Cameron’s amazing commitment to the sport as well as major support from his family and coach.

Sam Sticklan took to the podium with a 3rd place in the open women’s category ahead of fourth placed Alyce Garth.

Megan Moa was the tenth female across the line and 2nd in her age category ahead of other successful locals including Mel Harris, Murray Wonnocott, Luke Goodale, Ryan Corry, Jenny Smith and Jose Short who also backed up to do the Shawn’s Summer Series 10km event.

This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Social Series moves onto the next stage of the around the City program as we cross the Bridge to meet at the Gooseponds Dog Park carpark, Willis Street, North Mackay.  

The start time will be the usual 5:30pm with runners and walkers arriving at least 10 minutes prior to sign on and race briefing instructions.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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An early netball derby is headed Mackay’s way, with the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup taking place at the Mackay Multisport Stadium on Saturday, November 26.

The Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning will tussle it out for pre-season honours, but in celebration of bringing the event to Mackay, some special community events are taking place before the highly anticipated game.

The “Night with the Firebirds” event on Friday, November 25 will feature a behind-the-scenes panel discussion with the entire team. This is a rare opportunity as the only other time the squad will be completely together like this at a public event is the team’s annual gala dinner.

Hosted at Souths Leagues Club, this unique opportunity to mix and mingle with the entire Queensland Firebirds team over dinner and drinks will also include a live panel discussion featuring inside gossip from the entire team and Head Coach Bec Bulley from their preparations for the 2023 season.

The event runs from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and a ticket includes access to the event, main course and a drink on arrival. More info and bookings available at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/971916.

SATURDAY – Tickets are still available for the regional clinic at Mackay Netball Association from 8am to 10am on Saturday, November 26. The clinic involves a meet and greet with the Firebirds followed by skills and drills led by the Netball Queensland team and is open for boys and girls aged 7 and up.

There are also tickets available for a coaching and umpiring workshop called “In the Nest” which is being guided by Firebirds head coach Bec Bulley and leading umpire Caroline Stevens. It’s being held from 5.30pm to 9pm at the Mackay Basketball Stadium as well as the workshop, a booking for this also includes a courtside seat for the Suncorp Spirit Cup.

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Leading the way for Mercy College at this year’s 75th annual Mackay Eisteddfod was gifted 15-year-old dancer and vocalist Sophie Reilly.

The talented prospect was one of hundreds of performing arts students in the region that participated in the milestone event – relishing an opportunity to hone their skills and perform in front of an appreciative audience.      

Students showed their wares in the Dance, Music, Speech and Drama categories which highlighted the incredible creative talent at this year’s event.

Keen judges predict a bright future for the accomplished Reilly, who received the Mackay Discount Drug Store $200 Bursary for the Most Promising Performer 18 Years & Under in the Eisteddfod’s Vocal Section.

Sophie capped a memorable Eisteddfod by also winning the 14 Years Girls Vocal Solo as well as the 13-and 14-Years Song and Dance Solo categories.

It has been a year to savour for the dedicated Reilly, who does vocal training with the experienced Rhonda Bates.

A student of the Roby Rogers School of Dancing since the age of three, Sophie was the winner of Miss GTB Entertainment at this year’s Get the Beat Competition in Mackay.

Sophie also attended the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge in June this year and was a finalist in the Musical Theatre Scholarships.

She is also a member of the Mackay Musical Comedy Players and was an Ensemble Cast Member in their productions of Shrek and Chicago this year.

At the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition held recently in Brisbane, Sophie was part of the Mercy/St Patrick’s College team that were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also brought home the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy.

By Chris Karas

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Mercy College Mackay have saluted their five elite State sporting representatives after superb performances in 2022 on the rugby league, touch football and hockey fields, squash court and athletics track.

The College honoured outstanding athletes Kayce Hoani-Vincent, Harper Shields, Cohen Jackson, Matthew Davies and Mikayla Webb on their selection in Queensland representative sporting teams this year at a recent Sports Assembly.

All five students proved tremendous ambassadors for the College while on tour and enhanced their reputations with top displays in their chosen sports.

15-year-old squash sensation Hoani-Vincent capped a memorable 2022 after receiving Mercy’s prestigious Sportswoman of the Year Award.

Kayce represented Queensland and Australia at the annual Trans-Tasman Schools Squash Tri Series Challenge in Brisbane where she remained undefeated in singles matches.

A product of Mackay’s Squash 52 club, Kayce lined up for her beloved Maroons against the best junior squash players from NSW and New Zealand at the Daisy Hill Squash and Racquet Club complex and lived up to her mantle as the number one ranked female squash junior in Queensland with 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.

Versatile Kayce later swapped her squash racquet for a pole vault in field athletics and came away with a gold medal at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

She will now focus on representing Queensland in the Pole Vault at the Australian All Schools Track and Field Championships in Adelaide from Friday December 9 to Sunday December 11.

Harper Shields survived the ‘big wet’ in Wagga to bring home a silver medal from the SchoolSport Australia Under 12 Touch Football Championships.

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.

Both sides had earlier cemented the top two spots after completing the five preliminary rounds undefeated with four wins and a draw.

Queensland recorded thumping wins over ACT (5-3), Western Australia (11-2), Victoria (15-1) and South Australia (18-1) and drew 4-all with the Blues in a second-round fixture.

It capped a fruitful 2022 touch football campaign for Harper, who earlier captained Capricornia schoolboys to a second consecutive State Championship; Mercy College to the inaugural Fast Four Mackay All Schools Under 13s title and helping the Under 13 Mercy Boys reach the last 16 at the Titans All Schools Championships on the Gold Coast.

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.

After scorching the field to win gold with personal best times at this year’s Capricornia Schools meet, the 15-year-old Mackay flash boosted her State ranking to number two with dashing displays against the finest sprinters in Queensland.

Fleet footed Mikayla gets another opportunity to compete at elite level when she lines up in both her pet events at the Australian All Schools Track & Field Championships in Adelaide from December 9 to December 11.

Webb, a bright prospect with Mackay Athletics Club, acknowledged the influence of her sprint coaches Tina and Luke Morse from ASSET (All Sports Speed Endurance Training) who have added speed to her running technique.  

Cohen Jackson performed strongly for Queensland at this year’s National Secondary Schools Rugby League Under 15 Championships staged in Redcliffe.

The strapping forward, who signed a three-year development contract with the Brisbane Broncos earlier this season, helped the Maroons to a top four finish before returning to club side Souths Sharks and inspiring team mates to the Under 15 finals series in the Mackay and District Junior League competition.

He also steered Mercy College to a Cowboys Challenge Grand Final showdown with Townsville’s Kirwan State High School.

Jackson is one of eight talented schoolboys signed by the Broncos that will participate in an Elite U/15s and U/16s Pathways Development Program over the next two seasons in preparation for a career in the NRL.  

Hockey whiz kid Matthew Davies stamped himself one of the State’s brightest prospects with superb performances for Queensland at the National SchoolSport Australia 10-12 yrs Carnival in Canberra and Junior Under 13 Hockey Australia Championships in Hobart.

The midfield ace was at his dynamic best during the National SchoolSport 10-12 yrs tournament in Canberra where the undefeated Maroons finished runners up to NSW.

At the Hockey Australia National Under 13 Championship Carnival in Hobart, 12-year-old Davies turned in classy performances to help the Queensland Cutters secure a top four finish.

Earlier this year Matthew showed his leadership qualities during the Under 10-12yrs Schools State titles in Ipswich by skippering Capricornia to a second placed finish behind joint winners Metropolitan North and Wide Bay.  

By Chris Karas

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Mercy College Mackay’s Queensland State sporting representatives for 2022 from left Cohen Jackson, Harper Shields, Matthew Davies, Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Mikayla Webb with School Principal Janelle Agius

The Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre was the venue for the Annual Hibiscus Coast District (HCD) Scouting Aquatastics Carnival on Sunday November 6, 2022.

44 youth members and around 15 leaders enjoyed the fantastic facilities in a sun safe environment.  

Youth Members and leaders attended from Sarina, Banksia and Mackay City Central Groups to contest the Golden Snorkel Team Spirit Award.

Several fun activities were on the program for all to enjoy.

Teams were formed for many of the events with a mixture of age groups, from the Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venturer Scouts, all encouraging one another and supporting the younger members.

The array of fun activities on offer included Sponge Pass, Rubber Duck Race, Ping Pong Challenge, Freestyle Races, Noodle Relay and Lolly Frog Relay.

The Joey Scout Challenge saw teams of youth members line up across the pool with the Joey Scouts on the edge of the pool tasked with passing across the pool without getting wet or being dropped.

There was a hotly contested freestyle race pitting Venturer Scouts against Leaders, with many of them touching the wall within a few seconds of one another.

This year, the Golden Snorkel Team Spirit Award was presented to the HCD youth members as they all supported one another, not just their own groups.

The Trophy will be displayed at each of the dens throughout the coming year.

Congratulations to the Leaders for providing the fun event and the youth members for the spirit in which they conducted themselves.

BRAVO!

Contributed by Mary Wallace

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Scouts Youth Members and leaders from Sarina, Banksia and Mackay City Central Groups participated in the Hibiscus Coast District Scouting Aquatastics Carnival contest the Golden Snorkel Team Spirit Award. Photos supplied

Six keen Pickellers from PCYC Mackay Pickleball travelled to Gold Coast for the Pan Pacific Masters Games, then Currumbin for the Pickleball events where 440 Pickleball participants fought hard and furious from November 5 to 8.

Mackay came home with bronze medals in the Women’s Doubles; 19-64 yrs at 2.5 category.  

A truly amazing feat considering the two ladies are very new to the game of Pickleball.

Approximately six weeks ago, both Tanya and Kim became “hooked” on the game then, determined to show their prowess, they registered for the Games.

The ladies did Mackay proud, as did other PCYC players Toni, Gigi, Colleen and Heather.

Although not returning laden with medals, they certainly made the most of the distance travelled by calling in on friends, family and fellow Pickellers at Bargara, Bundaberg and Tallebudgera on the return trip.

One of the major benefits of attending a Tournament of this magnitude is the opportunity to experience the best of the best, retired National and World-renowned champions still playing their game of choice.

What a tournament for those who attended, with some 42 codes of sport spread across more than 40 fields, courts and swimming pools from Coomera, Carrara, Jacobs Well, Woongoolba and Gold Coast.

A total of 18,000 medals were awarded to 13,500 participants from every corner of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, USA, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka and Guam.  

Back home, PCYC Pickleball are super excited to welcome five ‘Newbies’ to Pickleball; Niel, Pauline, Cathy, Shaun B and Jason.

The ‘newbies’ have commented that they are surprised “how easy the game is to play”.

So, come on, PCYC Pickleball welcomes any age to come ‘have a go’.

PCYC Pickleball play at PCYC Mackay, 33 Norris Road North Mackay 5:30pm to 7pm Tuesdays, 12pm to 2pm Thursdays and 9am to 11am Sunday Mornings.

Phone 07 4942 3296 for more information.

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PCYC Mackay Pickleball contestants Toni, Colleen, Tanya, Kim, Heather and Gigi at the Pan Pacific Masters Games

L-R Kim, Gigi, Heather, Tanya, Sharon (Townsville) and Colleen. Photos supplied

Pioneer Swim Club swimmers travelled to Townsville for the Gardens Open Long Course Preparation Meet on the weekend of November 5 and 6, 2022.  

A great weekend of competitive swimming was enjoyed by the team, the host team having put on a cracking event.

The Gardens Carnival is a favourite on the swim calendar for many clubs, all travelling from near and far with a total of over 300 swimmers swimming at this meet.

Many of the Dolphins achieved huge personal bests and qualified for the upcoming State competitions in December and February at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane.

A highlight at Gardens Carnival are the relays held on the Saturday afternoon.  

Pioneer entered various relay teams with 2 of our teams bringing home the gold – the Female 11 years and over team comprising of Kylie Smith, Stevie Brand, Jade Bounden and Ella Bounden as well as the Female 8–10 years team comprising of Annaliese Miles, Joleigh Strydom, Makenna Malagueno and Madison Malagueno.

Well done to all our swimmers for your individual and team successes!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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The gold medal winning female 8–10 years relay team

The gold medal winning female 11 years and over relay team

Pioneer Swim Club swimmers enjoyed a fun and competitive weekend of swimming in Townsville. Photos supplied

Mackay Road Runners informal off-season running program, Shawn’s Summer Social Series continued from Iluka Park, Town Beach last weekend.

Over thirty-five runners took part in the out and back course from the Sandfly Creek Trail entrance towards the Bluewater Quay for the 5km turnaround and beyond to the Big Banana for the 10km turnaround.

The very tropical spring weather, which could be mistaken for steamy summer conditions, had runners battling the heat and humidity which abated slightly in the latter half of each event.

Many thanks to Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford setting runners the challenge of pacing out a negative split result on the homeward trek.  

Many runners successfully conquered their individual goals whilst enjoying friendly supportive camaraderie and rivalry at the same time as building their speed, stamina and endurance.  

The social off season training sessions are open to the general public, with a $2 donation towards post run refreshments while the coaching is free.

The off season is hardly off for some runners including Paul Mackenzie, Glynis Forse, Leon Ryan, Martin Lambert, Craig McGahey, Jo Skinner and many other trail and road running enthusiasts tackling ultra marathon events across Queensland and New South Wales.

A reminder that the Wednesday 5.30pm sixty minute track training at the Aquatic and Recreational Complex (ARC) continues throughout the off season due to the generosity of Jim Ford who voluntarily plans and coaches a variety of track training techniques to assist athletes who wish to extend their fitness to another level.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Carolyn Mapes (left) and Tahnie Malagueno (right) relax after their excellent 10km efforts with their daughters at Iluka Park

Lauren Morgan and Bill Morgan easily tackle the Sand Fly Creek section of the 5/10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series course

John Couldrey leads the second wave of runners as they leave Iluka Park for the 5/10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series from Iluka Park

Jo welcomes new runner Natasha to her first Shawn’s Summer Social Series with Mackay Road Runners. Photos credit: Janelle Tilse

A burning desire to lift the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy has the St Patrick’s College girls rugby league team primed for success in 2023.

It is all systems go for the talented Mackay maidens who have targeted next year’s Confraternity Carnival in Brisbane and the NRL Schoolgirls Cup as top priorities.

With eight members back on deck next season along with Mercy College graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney, the St Patrick’s squad is shaping as a force to be reckoned with.

Inspirational hooker and team leader Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative players returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power running props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.

They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trinity Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field.

Johns, a product of the Norths Devils club, is a clever number nine who reads a game well and can make an impact with her silky passing skills and darting runs from dummy half.

St Patrick’s impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s inaugural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.

The girls produced courageous performances to advance to the Shield decider – only to succumb 18-10 to a well drilled Marymount College side from Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast at the final hurdle.

That taste of big match rugby league will spur this capable and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.

The girls commenced their pre-season campaign last month with extensive strength and conditioning and skills sessions with an aim to be supremely fit and ready for kick-off in Term 2.

All eyes will be on the Confraternity Shield and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 competitions with St Patrick’s determined to bring home both trophies.

The girls are keen to progress to the NRL Schoolgirls Cup championship rounds after an early exit this season at the hands of Kirwan State High.

Nucleus of the team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.  

New St Patrick’s women’s coach Jake Harney will be assisted by premiership-winning Wanderers’ U/18s mentor Imogin Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.

Harney, a clever half back, is a Gympie junior product who had stints with Wynnum Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hostplus Cup.

By Chris Karas

Pic caption: St Patrick’s College Mackay girls rugby league team are hungry for success in 2023. Pictured standing l to r Samantha Nutt (Girls Rugby League Co-ordinator), Abbey Doull, Gracie Watt, Trinity Grigg, Chelsea McLeod, Ciara Thomson, Lily-May Carige, Jake Harney (coach); front Eva Daly, Shaylee Hazledine and Paityne Johns

Mercy/St Patrick’s College elite performing artists are the toast of the school after outstanding displays at the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition in Brisbane.

A squad of 31 students from Years 7 to 12 covered themselves in glory across the three-day event – posting meritorious achievements in the four categories they competed in at the Morayfields Sport and Event Centre.

Thirty of the best club or school dancing ensembles in the nation participated in 236 routines of first-class standard and impressed judges with their high level of skill, endurance and composure.

Mercy/St Patrick’s were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also collected the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy – an incredible feat by students Holly Bates, Alyssa Battaia, Eva Bishop, Jacee Borg, Chelsey Butler, Alice Camilleri, Klancie Coben, Milly Mayfield, Bella McClarty, Charlotte O’Brien, Sophie Reilly, Adysen Ruddick, Gabriella Ruggeri, Katelyn Sturdy, Katelyn Vassallo and McKenzie Wotherspoon.

The College finished second in Senior Contemporary; third in Senior Hip Hop and a creditable fourth in the Cheer Level 2 category.

Mercy College Dance coach and choreographer Natalie Porter said she couldn’t be prouder of the touring team.

“The girls were outstanding ambassadors for the College and their behaviour was exemplary for the entire three days,” revealed Natalie, who doubled as the trip co-ordinator.

“Their commitment to the cause was exceptional - so many of the girls were involved in the Mackay Eisteddfod in the lead up to the competition but just stepped up and made us all proud,” she said.

Natalie also praised the efforts of Cheer Head Coach and choreographer Ashley Fergus and staff members Mel Camilleri and Molly Rossetto (administration) for their sterling contributions.

Rehearsals were held Mondays and Fridays before school with the group relishing the challenge.

“We were extremely delighted with the large number of students that expressed an interest in trying out for our dance squads,” Miss Porter said.

“More than 110 students auditioned for spots on both the Dance and Cheer teams respectively which augurs well for our Performing Arts program” she added.

Other participating students included: Shelby Campbell; Sana Campbell (St Patrick’s); Zoe Castelletto; Tasanee Chudee; Isabella Coe; Lucy Crust (St Patrick’s); Piper Euler; Jacinta Franettovich (St Patrick’s); Estella Martin (St Patrick’s); Mackenzie Maunder; Aidyn McSherry; Reese Morgan; Rori Paganoni (St Patrick’s); Amber Roscher (St Patrick’s) and Abigail Vickers (St Patrick’s).

By Chris Karas

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Mercy/St Patrick’s College Mackay performing artists that were crowned National Junior Lyrical champions at the 2022 Asia Pacific Grand Internationals National Dance & Cheer Competition in Brisbane

The AGM for both men and ladies is being held on Monday evening, 28th November. A good attendance would be appreciated.

RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs winners were Dave Evans and Eric. Runners up were Di and Frank. Brenda Trannore and Margaret Webb won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Sue Hazledine and Donna Gordon. In second place were Narelle Schmidtke, Doris Dodds and Debbie Mackenzie.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Barry and Francis Lehmann who also won last Thursday, followed by Mick and Delia Walsh. Greens vouchers went to Jess Haber and Chrissy Hall. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs best card and $75 each went to Val De Pinto and Tony Allsop. Winners’ lucky draw were the consistent Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Losers’ draw went to Jean Zamparutti and Debbie Mackenzie.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Alan Cooney and Peter Miller. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Morrie Pearson. The jackpot was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Saturday always attracts a good crowd of men

Brenda Trannore had a win last Monday

Indoor hockey is a game of great skill and speed and ten girls recently showed that when they represented Mackay in the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships.

Coming up against the best in the state, the girls came off only four training sessions between selection and the tournament, taking place in Brisbane from November 4-6, to make it all the way to the final.

“We were there to have a really good time and work as a team, and through doing that is generally when you play your best hockey and they proved that,” said Coach Emily Herrington.

“I certainly couldn’t have been more proud of them because they just ticked all the boxes from a coach’s perspective.”

Mackay finished on top of their pool with two wins and a loss before defeating Brisbane 3 in the semi with a resounding 6-0 win to make it into the final.

They were to come up against Ipswich in the final, ultimately going down 0-2.

“We wanted them to enjoy the moment and not let it overcome them,” said Manager Shelley Fisher.

“It’s a really nice thing to see them playing really good hockey but having fun while doing it and I think that’s really important for this age group,” added Emily.

“We’re so proud of them and they represented Mackay unbelievably well.”

Player Sunmer Vaughan said the team was “nervous but excited” leading into the final.

“It was upsetting that we lost but we came second overall so that’s good,” she said.

Selections for the U15 Queensland team were made following the tournament, with Mackay’s Tylah Andrews being selected and Laura Camilleri and Ebony Temple being selected in the shadow squad.

16-year-old Sam Riggs was also part of the coaching team as Assistant Coach.

“He did so well in terms of his coaching development, so I think that’s a really positive thing for indoor hockey,” said Emily.

“They are willing to support young kids coming through in all avenues.”

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Back L-R Shelley Fisher (Manager), Sunmer Vaughan, Amali Paganoni, Maddie Searle (GK), Georgia Rye, Jenna Scott, Emily Herrington (Coach), Sam Riggs (Assistant Coach). Front L-R Tylah Andrews, Ebony Temple, Laura Camilleri, Taylor Fisher, Isabel Miles

Mackay finished second at the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships. Photos supplied

When Tracy Falbo first got word that she had qualified for this year’s 2022 Gran Fondo World Championships in Italy, she did not take it seriously.

The Operational Services supervisor had only been riding competitively for four years.

“This wasn’t really on my radar; I didn’t know I’d qualified,” Tracy said.

“When I got the email, I actually thought it was spam at first and I wasn’t going to answer it.”

However, this ultimate quiet achiever is also fiercely determined, and she loves a challenge.

That is demonstrated daily in her role at Mackay Base Hospital, where she heads up a team of more than 120 operational services staff and interacts with every department from Infection Prevention to Theatre and Clinical.

Her team cover the hospital’s porterage, cleaning, waste, Mackay-based courier work, gardening and wards work.

“I do love my job; it’s very rewarding and we have a good rapport in our team,” she said.

“We take care of all the moving parts and provide the muscle for the hospital.

“For example, members of our team assist on the wards with transferring and discharging patients; we ensure the cleaning is done promptly ahead of another patient arriving.

“We are relied upon to do a lot of the important jobs at the grassroots level, to keep the hospital functioning smoothly.”

Tracy was encouraged by a girlfriend to enter the city’s River 2 Reef Ride in 2019, and she caught the cycling bug.

“Me being a little competitive and wanting a new challenge, I embraced it,” she said.

“I joined the Mackay Cycling Club and began competing in yearly club events – races, time trials.”

The next year Tracy competed in the ITT state championships in Brisbane and won gold in the individual time trial for her Masters age group.

“That definitely fuelled the passion.”

She defended the title a year later (in 2021) winning gold again.

She also took on the national championships, winning silver in the ITT time trial and gold in both the criterium and road race.  

That also meant she qualified for the Gran Fondo, hailed as ‘the world’s most prestigious amateur cycling event’.

Though she was initially unsure if she could do it, Tracy began the arduous task of preparing with a short lead time, spending approximately 13 hours a week training.

“I did general endurance, and I was climbing Eungella and Mt Blackwood,” she said.

“But nothing I could do here could really prepare me for the Gran Fondo.

“Adjusting to the climate and elevation, you’re in a different country and trying to navigate and translate – though I had my partner there to act as my ‘swannie’ (soigneur - pronounced swan-yer which means ‘one who provides care’).

“The enormity of it was another level again.”

Tracy competed in the individual time trial (M3 – 40-44 years) which is a 19.6km event and took on the 86km Mediofondo.

Though initially tracking well in the individual, she did not achieve the result she wanted, finishing 13th out of 30.

However, she relished the whole experience.

“I like a challenge; I like the hard work and benefit.

“It’s a good release, helps deal with stress, and I like to stay fit and healthy.”

But her main motivation is to be a good role model to her children (two daughters aged 20 and 19 and a 17-year-old son).

She already has her sights set on the next challenge – the Tour de Brisbane next year – and will definitely consider going to next year’s Gran Fondo in Glasgow, Scotland if she qualifies.

Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Tracy Falbo ready to compete in Italy

Tracy Falbo in her role at Mackay base Hospital

Mackay held the Central Queensland Swiss Teams Congress last weekend. Thirteen teams of four players per team entered the tournament. The overall winners were Team Bugeia consisting of Noel Bugeia , Val Holbrook, Terrence Sheedy and Errol Miller.

Mackay Congress Central Queensland Swiss Teams Event Saturday 12th November & 13th November.

Section A Section B Section C

1st Bugeia 1st Goodchild 1st Pickering

2nd Randal 2nd O’Neill 2nd Large

3rd Holewa 3rd Wright 3rd Saunders

4th Brown 4th Harris 4th Ross
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Weekly Results

Monday 7 November 22 – 7 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 3rd Noel Bugeia/ Robert (Bob) Ellis

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Tuesday Evening 8 November 22 – 3 Table One Winner

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

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Wednesday 9 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait 3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Thursday Evening 10 November 2022 – 5 Table One Winner

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

3rd Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell

Friday 11 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Joy Block / Janine Rodgers 2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

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