
With Fitness Cartel Corporate Memberships Mackay businesses now have a game-changing way to invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing with Fitness Cartel’s Corporate Membership Program. Designed for organisations looking to prioritise fitness, health, and workplace wellness, these memberships give staff access to ultramodern facilities, expert-led classes, and personalised training support — all tailored to the needs of a busy workforce. Whether your team wants to lift, stretch, spin, or recover, Fitness Cartel has it covered. Members enjoy 24/7 access to all clubs, over 500 pieces of strength and cardio equipment, and dedicated zones for Reformer Pilates, functional training, and cycling. The Mackay location also features a fully equipped Wellness Centre, including hot rock saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, Normatec compression boots, red light therapy, and a range of post-workout recovery options to suit every need. Group fitness is a highlight for corporate members, with unlimited access to more than 100 classes per week across 4 different training studios inside the Mackay Club. Options range from Les Mills’ Body Combat, Body Pump, Body Balance And RPM, to yoga, Mat Pilates, Zumba, and functional training sessions. Virtual classes are also available 24/7, offering flexibility for early birds or night owls. For businesses with families on the team, Kids Cartel provides a safe, engaging crèche and playground, ensuring parents can focus on their workout while children enjoy supervised play. Employees can also enjoy the Cartel Café, offering nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their workouts, or browse the on-site nutrition and pro shop. Corporate packages at Fitness Cartel are designed to elevate workplace wellness programs. Beyond improving fitness levels, they promote team bonding, boost morale, and create a positive, healthy work culture. Monthly body scans, personal training sessions, and precision programming help staff track progress and achieve their health goals, making corporate wellness a practical and measurable benefit for businesses. “The Fitness Cartel Corporate Membership Program is all about empowering teams to reach their health and fitness goals, while giving employers an easy way to support workplace wellbeing,” said Mackay Co-Franchisee Cliff Forster. With multiple locations and more planned nationwide, employees have seamless access to premium fitness facilities no matter where they are. For Mackay businesses looking to invest in their teams, Fitness Cartel’s Corporate Membership Program offers the ultimate combination of fitness, recovery, and community, all under one roof. For more information or to arrange a corporate membership, contact Fitness Cartel Mackay at mackay@fitnesscartel.com.au or call (07) 4881 0365
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At North Mackay Bowls Club North Mackay Bowls club Presentation night was held on Saturday 29/11/2025, with many of our bowlers and significant others attending. Following a lovely dinner prepared by the super chefs at Goosies, the Ladies section held their presentation first, with many excited winners receiving certificates and renumeration. Results: Champ Pairs : Deb Mackenzie and Chris Woo Champ Triples : Nug Pratt, Val De Pinto, Marie Bragg Champ Fours : Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Coral Francis, Donna Gordon B Pairs : Ann Smith ans Min Andrew Over 70’s : Lorna Bowers Graded 4’s Lorraine Silman, Doris Dodds, Helen Fleming, Min Andrew Graded 3 B Triples : Lois Deguara, Helen Fleming, Sue Roscoe Graded 2 B Triples : Donna Gordon, Carmel Bell, Hilary Jones-Rowan Consistency : Cheryl Corbett Division 1 Winning Pennant Team going on to play in Emerald ( Leichhardt District ) and then to Tweed Heads(Qld Division) Coming 4th in the State. Well done to all the ladies in the team. The Bowler of the Year award was presented to the player who claimed the Championship Singles, ‘B’ Singles and Under 70s Singles titles, with the honour bestowed on Brenda Trannore. Brenda graciously accepted the accolade, delivering a heartfelt speech in which she thanked those who had supported and guided her throughout her bowls journey, acknowledging the achievement as a significant milestone in both her life and her bowls career. Amazing and Well Done Brenda. The Mens Section had their 2025 Presentation next, with many of the bowlers happy with their performances on the green an in competitions, Pennant and away games. Results: Mixed Pairs : Neil Blucher and Lois Deguara Mixed Fours ; Pam Spencer, Ken Rix, Carmel Bell, Dave Mc Kendry B Singles : Eric Galletly, B Pairs : Eric Gallantly John Kennell Senior Singles : Geoff Ollett 2 B Triples : Andrew Coates, Clive Wales, Peter Blackburn. 3 B Triples : Shane Trannore, Wayne Trannore, Dave McKendry A Fours : Ben Crocker, Col Crocker, Ian Beveridge, Joe Crocker A Pairs : Mick Walsh and Steve Lane A Singles : Alan Cooney Club Person of the Year was voted in as a tie this year, and went to Wayne and Shane Trennore. It was a super evening for the Trannore name in bowls for our Club. Wayne Trannore responded on behalf of his brother Shane, also thanking those involved with the club and their fantastic award. Contributed by Sue Hazledine
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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results For Week Ending Saturday 13th December 2025 Monday 8th December 2025 – 6 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Jewel Schmidt - Janine Rodgers 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Shirley Worland - Janice Mansfield 3rd Geoffrey Patterson - Noel Bugeia 3rd Jayne Johnstone - Clare Wallace Tuesday 9th December 2025 – 3 ½ Table Howell Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild - Noel Bugeia 2nd Geoff Taylor - Janelle Conroy 3rd Richard Wix - Tex Sheedy Wednesday 10th December 2025 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Noel Bugeia 1st Martin Pearce - Sue Mayer-Miller 2nd Max Holewa - Diane Holewa 2nd Janet Hansen - Alan Brown 3rd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 3rd Gwen Liddell - Anne Lutz 4th Annette Howe - Diane Stokes 4th Mary Rose Ramsden - Patrick Rasmussen 5th Lorna Shuttlewood - Tex Sheedy 5th Sandy Patterson - Joy Hold Thursday Evening 11th December 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Joy Hold - Patricia Garner 1st Noel Bugeia - Tex Sheedy 2nd Geoff Taylor - Anne Lutz 2nd Martin Pearce - Simon Barnes Friday 12th December 2025 –7 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 1st David Ting - Ming Ting 2nd Janine Rodgers - Richard Wix 2nd Julie O'neill - Ann Whitmore 3rd Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 3rd Christine Nice - Diane Cox 3rd Martin Pearce - Gwen Liddell Saturday 13th December 2025 – Section A (Christmas Party )– 8 Table Mitchell - Green Points North/South East/West 1st Victor Mason - Ann Whitmore 1st Marilin Robins - Mick Robins 2nd Geoff Taylor - Margaret Lane 2nd Faye Wright - Tex Sheedy 3rd Monica Darley - David Hird 3rd Diane Stokes - Annie Lynch 4th Janelle Conroy - Robert Carless 4th Noel Bugeia - Pamela Finger Saturday 13th December 2025 – Section B (Christmas Party)– 9 Table Mitchell - Green Points North/South East/West 1st Max Holewa - Diane Holewa 1st Janet Hansen - Thelma Caruana 2nd Ming Ting - David Ting 2nd Janine Rodgers - Richard Wix 3rd Alan Brown - Frances Brown 3rd Susan Gibson - Karen Caldwell 4th Christopher Meyers - Sandy Patterson 4th Eric Goodchild - Debra Goodchild Contributed by Robert Carless
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With Mackay Road Runners With temperatures feeling closer to 35 degrees and no rain in sight, it was a very Mackay-style lead-up to Christmas at this week’s Bluewater Quay Social Run. Forget a white Christmas, runners were treated to hot, testing conditions during the afternoon’s 5km and 10km events. Race Director Andrew Short was thanked for delivering another successful run, despite the heat, with welcome relief provided by Zooper Doopers and Red Dog’s rehydration options, which were greatly appreciated by participants. The next Bluewater Quay social run, commencing at 4.30pm next Sunday, will be the final event before Christmas. Runners are encouraged to come along for a festive group photo and stay on for a Christmas drink afterwards. Some of the best photos may feature in this Mackay Life Newspaper and the Mackay Road Runners 2026 calendar, described humorously as a firefighter-style calendar, but with clothes. Congratulations were extended to all participants for their efforts in challenging conditions, with a reminder for runners to continue training and racing in such conditions to stay healthy and safe. “Thank you to Mackay & Whitsunday Life magazine for their awesome support of the Mackay Road Runners Club!”
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A well-deserved 19th hole was appreciated Sunday after the members of Whitsunday Social Golf played a very hot 18 in a single stableford event.
Ladies’ A grade winner on the day was Anna Winterbourn and runner up Pauline Redpath, Ladies B Grade was claimed by Joanne Moynihan with roundup going to Pam Casey.
Men’s A Grade winner went to Darren Reynolds roundup Jason Bourke, while Men’s B grade winner was Mark Callaghan and roundup was Ron Jamieson.
Longest drives went to Ritchie Atkins, Mark Callaghan, Anna Winterbourne, and Pam Casey, while nearest the pins were Mark Callaghan, Jason Bourke, Anna Winterbourn, Pauline Redpath, and Joanne Moynihan.
Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan
Whitsunday Social Golf players Darren Reynolds, Joanne Moynihan, Anna Winterbourn, and Ron Jamieson

This week’s Friday 9-hole stableford competition at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Michael Bond with a 21 point on a countback.
Michael was followed in second place by Dee Norman on 21 countback, and third went to Tim Harris with 21 points.
On Sunday it was the Club’s 18-hole skins competition -- and a very warm one at that.
Taking first place was Robert Lodders with seven Skins, second and third place was a tie between Michael Bond and Jake Day – both with six Skins.
Nearest the pin was Glenn Scott and Marc Belke.
And catching up readers on the Club’s 4 ball better ball on February 19: Cory Belke and Jack Hayes-Williams with a NET 41.5 against experienced adult players.
This Sunday will be 18-hole 4 ball better ball tee off at 10.00am.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club
Cory Belke and Jack Hayes were the winners of the Whitsunday Green Golf Club’s recent 4 ball better ball

Proserpine Veterans Golf Club hosted 27 players, 10 ladies and 17 men for its March Monthly Medal last weekend.
Winner for the men was Steve Mitchell with 71 points on a countback from Ken Granger, also 71, with John Roser 72 on a countback from Colin Hounsell, 72 too.
The Ladies Monthly Medal winner was Lyn Muller, 73 points, followed by Leanne Alexander, 74, and Tiina Randmae, 75.
Pin Shots went to Wilf Herweg, 2nd and 18th, Phill Luckett, 13th, Lyn Muller and Tiina Randmae 2nd, Leanne Alexander and Paula McQuat, 13th, and Mandy Patterson on the 18th.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
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Proserpine Golf Club’s Tuesday Stableford was won by Heather Luvis on 71 nett, on a countback from Ken Granger and Ross Tong.
Diane Chard won the nearest the pin (NTP).
Wednesday Competition: 15 ladies played in the Wednesday Stableford, with Toni Clauss shooting a very impressive 40 points to win the Airllywood voucher.
Heather Luvis, on a score that would have won any other day, on 38 points was in second place, and Tiina Randmae with 36 points in third.
Lyn Muller, Trish McNeill, and Pauline Redpath (twice) were the winners of the pin shots.
Adam Maggs won the Wednesday Men’s Competition with 35 points and Ryan Wilkes in second place on 33 points.
Thursday Competition: Simon Della Santa was the winner of the Division One, Thursday Stableford with 39 points, followed by Michael Cragg on 36, and Brad Fleet on 35.
Harry Milne was the clear winner of Division Two also on 39 points, with Len Borooff in second place with 32 points and Trevor Paroz 3rd with 31 points.
NTP’s: James Devery, Yoko Fitton and Jacob Nightingale x 2
Saturday Competition: 78 players competed in the Allenbuild Stableford, and new club member Jordyn Albergo won the ladies with 45 points.
She was followed by Lyn Muller on 36 points and Diane Chard on 31 pts.
NTP’s Lyn Muller and Trish McNeill.
Adam Maggs was in form to win the Men’s competition with 37 points, ahead of Nathan Holmes and Jackson Gray, both on 36 points.
NTP’s: Ken Granger, Larry Muller, Brett Norris, and John Clark
Sunday Competition: Darren Reynolds was ahead of the field on Sunday with a very nice 41 points, closely followed by Thomas MacLean on 39 points. Aaron Prosser in third place with 36 points.
Anna Winterbourn narrowly defeated Peta Thomas on a countback with 33 points, and Pauline Redpath in third place on 31 points.
NTP’s: Aaron Prosser, Thomas MacLean, Jacob Nightingale, Karl Kirkwood, Pauline Redpath, Peta Thomas
Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Bowls Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the Club.
Ladies’ winner on a countback was Lynelle Riley, 37 points, runner up Morag Parker, 37 also. Men’s winner on a countback was Kailan Batchelor, 37 points, with runner up John Courtney, who rounded out the 37-score quartet.
Saturday’s competition was the Men's monthly medal and qualifier for single match play.
Winner on a countback was Marcus Yasso, 66 nett, runner up Brett Richards, 66.
Sunday was the ladies monthly medal and single match play qualifier. Winner on a countback was Jo Kukura, 69 nett, runner up Sarnie Eisemann, 69 nett.
Pin shots to Pauline Martin twice, and Grace Nott and Julie Mawson once.
This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB stableford event for the Easter turkeys.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
Ladies March monthly medal winner Jo Kukara and runner up Sarnie Esiemann

Round Two of the Airlie Beach Darts Club 2023 season kicked off with the annual Champion of Champions fixture at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.
This year the fixture featured two worthy champions: Dom Friend and Jamie Woods.
The standard was high for so early in the season, with both players hitting high checkouts and scoring heavily throughout. Dom managed to take an early lead, which he would never relinquish, running out a 7/3 winner.
Dom backed that win up with a second win of the day, this time a 7/0 win over Hawkeye Rick, which leaves Rick bottom of the ladder after two weeks.
Kameron Reason inflicted an impressive 7/4 win over Andy Peel, and Jamie Woods bounced back in style after that defeat to Dom with a 7/1 win over Arthur McMinn.
Finally, the round was finished off with Joe Wilson recording his first win of the year with a 7/3 win over Jamie Maher.
The members Jackpot wasn’t won, and will be $180 next week.
The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing, and Master Butchers Whitsunday.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher
Dom Friend in action at the Airlie Bowls Club for the Airlie Beach Darts Club Round Two fixture on Sunday morning

Tuesday’s winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club were Lindy Suann and Michael Parra, who defeated Deb Retchless and Sugar Brunker.
Other winners were Stumpy Adams and Kevin Jewell against Bron Tolcher and Terry Feaks.
Congratulations to the Wangaratta Team of Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, and Margaret Wilson in gaining fourth place at the Bowen Bowls Club Fours carnival last weekend.
Competition is now in full swing with games to be played Saturday and Sunday.
Ladies’ handicap consistency results: Bron Tolcher defeated Margaret Wilson, Teresa Willshire defeated Denise Wallace, Penny Warren defeated Irene Laird.
Round 1 of Club Fours results: Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan.
Round 1 of Men’s Club Fours: Bill Myers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers defeated Laurie Land, Kent Moriarty, Mark Drummond, and Allan Rolfe.
Sunday social bowls resulted in the winners coming out on Rink 3, with Merle Elpohinstone, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers winning against the team of Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler, and Sugar Brunker.
Other games saw Barry Beel and Mark Drummond defeat Terry Blair and Kevin Jewell, while Gary Goodwin and Laurie Land defeated Wanda Goodwin and Deb Retchless.
In the final game of the weekend, Rod Mumby, Linda Scells, and Allan Rolfe joined the winner’s circle, beating the team of Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
Wangaratta Bowls Club Sunday winners Club President Mark Drummond, Geoff Danvers, and Penny Warren

Proserpine Bowls Club had an eventful week on the rinks starting with pairs on the first rink with Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown defeating Warren Wilson and Sandy Daffara, 10-7 in the first half.
Warren and Heather defeated Bruce and Sandy in the second half, 7-0, and on the other rink, Alen Sanderson and Noel Hale played Mary Hedgelong and Peter Lawton, then Mary and Noel played Alen and Peter.
On Saturday afternoon there was a good showing for a Men's Social bowls afternoon and Presentation Day.
The Club thanked its sponsors for last year's competition, Gardels Solar and Electrical and Anything Environmental.
In very hot conditions there were four games of triples played.
On Sunday Proserpine Bowls Club hosted a game of Triples between Heather Brown, Sandy Daffara, and Jim Quod’s team and Mike Harrison, Peter Lawton, and Bruce Uhe. The game ended 28-8 in Ms Browns’ team’s favour.
Clubman Scott Kinnear is playing in the International Blind Bowlers Association team on the Gold Coast, and currently holds medal positions in both events entered.
Nominations have now closed for the Club Championship Singles, Pairs, and Fours and players will be advised soon on the draw and scheduled playing times.
It is asked that players make themselves available to play when drawn, with weeks’ worth of notice to be given of drawn games.
Club selectors will begin selecting Pennants teams for the upcoming Pennants Season, and at present has nominated for Division 1 and Division 5.
This will require 20 players over five weekends: April 15/16; April 22/23; May 13/14; May 20/21; and May 27/28.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown
Proserpine Bowls Club Bowler of the Year 2022Wayne Handley

The Bowen Bowls Club held a successful Ladies Fours Carnival last week with the teams on the green displaying some beguiling bowls.
Fourth place went to the team of Margaret Wilson, Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Lyn Danvers, just shy behind third placed side of Wanda Goodwin, Linda Erickson, and Kay O’Sullivan.
In the final between the teams of Florence Keft, Gail Meng, Rhonda Meng, and Ahondi Ray, and Betty Nicolle, Margo Stanley, Ladda Purdie, and Betty Whitehorn, the latter came out the victors.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Bowen Bowls Club Ladies’ Fours Carnival winners Betty Nicolle, Margo Stanley, Ladda Purdie, and Betty Whitehorn with Lee from sponsors S&W Crane Hire

On Tuesday afternoon at Airlie Beach Bowls Club Col Morris was at his best alongside Di Dobbins, with the pair claiming the win against Tony Whitehorn and Dawn Dowell, 21-15.
Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls was witness to a runaway victory by Tony Kelly and Ladda Purdie – who showed everyone why she’s the fourth best ladies bowler in Queensland.
They defeated the visiting bowler Dale Henry who had teamed with Mark Mawson 28-9.
Wednesday night Business House Bowls had fantastic performances with Whitsunday Gold Coffee team defeating last season’s finalists PRD in a nail biting last end victory 9-8. Other victories to Lara Hadlow’s racing team and Tuk Tuks
Saturday morning saw the return of Scroungers and first round winners Margo Stanley, Andy McDougall, Russell Jackson, and John Askew go into the final with And McDougall playing superbly to beat Russell in the final to secure another victory, with Tony Whitehorn for the third time winning the B Grade prize money.
Sunday afternoon social bowls saw John Trembath, Lu Rogan, and Keith Bates at lead effortlessly win 22-13 over Lynne Skeen’s team of Paul Tobias and Elaine Hadlow.
Whilst this was going on in Mackay at South Suburban’s club the final of the area’s Mixed Pairs Championship was underway with Shane and Vicky Spann pulling off a wonderful last end victory 23-22 with three points on the last end to claim an astonishing victory.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Airlie Beach Bowls Club members Lu Rogan, John Trembath, and Keith Bates after their amazing victory on Sunday afternoon

Tuesday morning fixture results March 7, 2023
Division 1:
Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen) 10-4. John d Noreen 8, -9, 7, -9, 8.
Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Coral Morgan) 10-4. Don d Kevin 8, -2, 7, -11, 5.
Division 2:
Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor) d Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) 7-5. Helen d Marie 5, -3, 10, -2, 5.
Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best) 9-3. Ken d Louise -8, 5, 9, -13, 4.
Division 3:
Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Thelma Caruana, Allison Day) 8-4. Sharon d Thelma -8, 7, -6, 8, 3.
Hawks (Gloria Vella, Pam Keune) d Pigeons (Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) 7-3. Pam d Bill 6, -11, 5, 8.
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 7, 2023:
Division 1:
Donic (Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson, Graham Drury) d Victas (Daniel Warfield, Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting) 11-0. Graham d Steven -4, -3, 2, 9, 8.
Tibhar (Allan Edwards, Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske) d Joola (Emma Widdup, Robbie Richards) 7-4. Robbie d Allan 4, -8, -10, 9, 8.
Division 2:
Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Sheridan, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Stiga (Aanav Reelh, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Matthew West) 11-3. Peter d Aanav -5, 6, 4, -4, 9.
Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) d Radak (Ishan Rana, Andrea Nicholson, George Camilleri, Delma Knight) 10-4. Janice d George -4, 5, -11, 9, 9.
Division 3:
Butterfly (Val Austin, Trent Day, Virginia Clayton) d Xiom (Donna Abbott, Craig VanDeKaa, Ollie Hamelink) 10-1. Donna d Val 8, -7, 4, 8.
Gewo (Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee, Tiffany Camilleri) d Nittaku (Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan, Steve Crocker) 10-1. Noreen d Steve -15, 7, 8, -3, 9.
Pam Joyce and Don Boettcher in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo: Charlie Payne

A six-year bond between two of the finest rugby league prospects in Mackay has blossomed into an enterprising combination for St Patrick’s College whiz kids Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue.
Saddling up for their final season at the College, the dynamic duo are hungry for success in 2023 and eager to bring home more silverware.
It is shaping as a busy campaign for the Queensland Country Under 17 representatives who will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s College first grade outfit in the various schoolboys competitions this year.
Kerrisk, a skilful hooker in the Emerging Maroons Under 18s squad, and classy half back Purdue are both trump cards in new coach Ian Schifilliti’s top grade side that shapes as a force to be reckoned with.
Both 17-year-old colts have signed scholarship deals with the North Queensland Cowboys and remain an integral part of the club’s Development Program.
After impressing officials at a Cowboys pre-season camp before Christmas both players are eager to show their wares in top company.
Xavier and Jaxon were recently named in the Capricornia 18yrs representative squad to compete at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.
The pair will be joined by St Patrick’s teammates in lock Kayne Smith, fullback Will Shears, centre Tenzin Cantor and prop Tyler Shandiman.
Ever since they first teamed up at Mercy College as fresh-faced 13-year-olds the duo have shared an uncanny bond on the football field that has yielded plenty of success.
Purdue and Kerrisk quickly formed a lethal spine combination as playmaker and hooker with dashing fullback Shears to help the College lift the Cowboys Challenge Shield premiership trophy in 2021.
Last year they left their mark as St Patrick’s reached the final of the prestigious Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions – turning in clever performances to underline their enormous potential.
As a just reward the pair were selected in the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team along with centre Kai Simon and lock forward Henry Thorpe with St Patrick’s current Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul named Honorary Coach in recognition of his 20 years of sterling service to schoolboy rugby league.
Both Purdue and Kerrisk began their careers as six-year-olds with their respective Norths Devils and Walkerston Wanderers JRL clubs and after 12 consecutive seasons service will focus on their schoolboy commitments in 2023.
The pair have each appeared in three Mackay & District Junior League Grand Finals with Jaxon celebrating a premiership triumph in Under 16s and Xavier collecting two championship medals in Under 14s and Under 17s.
They are also key players for the Mackay Cutters Under 18s team in the Mal Meninga Cup series and have featured prominently in the team’s early round victories over Northern Pride (24-4) and Central Capras (36-24) and last Saturday’s narrow 24-20 loss to the Townsville Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval.
Ball playing skipper Purdue has sparked the attack while livewire Kerrisk has grabbed six tries in three games with his sharp bursts from dummy half.
By Chris Karas
Great mates Jaxon Purdue and Xavier Kerrisk will again form a crack combination for St Patrick's College on the rugby league field this season

Schoolboy swim sensations Ethan Banks, Kaiden Neilsen and Mia Bradford were in a record breaking mood at the recent St Patrick’s College Swimming Carnival staged at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex.
Seventeen-year-old Banks stole the show by smashing four existing records on the day to cap a memorable championship meet.
The outstanding prospect was crowned Year 12 Boys Champion after setting new records for the 50m freestyle (28.81 sec); 50m backstroke (34.63 sec); 50m breaststroke (38.78 sec) and 50m butterfly (32.06 sec).
Superfish Kaiden produced mighty performances in the pool to clinch the Year 7 Boys Champion trophy.
The versatile 12-year-old broke three records on the day after capturing the 50m freestyle (30.93 sec); 50m breaststroke (41.21 sec) and 50m butterfly (36.65 sec) titles.
There was also plenty of joy for Kaiden’s elder sister Mackenzie Neilsen, who was named Year 9 Girls champion after powerful performances in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly events.
Madam Butterfly Mia dominated her age group – scooping the pool with record-breaking victories in the 50m freestyle (29.5 sec); 50m backstroke (35.75 sec); 50m breaststroke (43.38 sec) and 50m butterfly (33.25 sec) to earn the tag of Year 11 Girls Champion.
It was Mia’s fourth successive record in the 50m freestyle event. Her leading times of 29.69 sec (Year 8 – 2020); 28.31 sec (Year 9 – 2021) and 28.13 sec (Year 10- 2022) still stand today in the College record books.
Promising 13-year-old swimmer Audrey Bryan made it back-to-back Age Champion titles when named Year 8 Girls champion following her initial success as a Year 7 student in 2022.
Last year Audrey dominated her age group – creating new Aquatic records for the 50m freestyle (28.25 sec); 50m backstroke (36.60sec); 50m breaststroke (39.38 sec) and 50m butterfly (32.60sec).
It was a proud moment for the Noon family when siblings Wyatt Noon (Year 8 Boys Champion); Zanthia Noon (Year 10 Girls Champion) and Amelia Noon (Year 12 Girls Champion) achieved a unique treble.
There was double reason for Amelia to celebrate when she posted new records for Year 12 girl swimmers in the 50m backstroke (44.31 sec) and 50m butterfly (43.35 sec).
Karli Davis, 17, set a new Year 12 Girls record for the 50m freestyle (36.69 sec) and 17 year old Lillian Keeble for the 50m Breaststroke (48.72 sec).
16-year-old Jack Henderson followed in the footsteps of his famous brother Tom by claiming the Year 11 Boys Champion crown after setting new records for the 50m freestyle (29.16 sec) and 50m breaststroke (39.93 sec).
Brodie Carlill, 15, also collected a record double in the Year 11 Boys 50m backstroke (35.22 sec) and 50m butterfly (34.68 sec).
Other Age champions included Isabelle Miles (Year 7 Girls); Rourke Bagley (Year 9 Boys) and Declan Grady (Year 10 Boys).
By Chris Karas
St Patrick's College Age Swimming champions pictured l to r: Matthew Paul (Sports Coordinator Mercy Campus; Year 7 Girls Isabelle Miles, Year 7 Boys Kaiden Neilsen, Year 8 Girls Audrey Bryan, Year 9 Girls Mackenzie Neilsen, Year 8 Boys Wyatt Noon; Year 9 Boys Rourke Bagley, Year 10 Girls Zanthia Noon and Year 10 Boys Declan Grady

Saturday afternoon saw the Mackay Bowling Club play Wests Tigers for the Tigers Head Challenge with 52 players competing In Triples and Fours with Mackay Club coming out eventual winners.
A good afternoon of bowls was had by all, and some friendships made.
This weekend the Marian Shield is played at Marian and Gargett. Teams to represent Mackay Club are Glen Luck, Greg Thompson, Jim Wallace and Barry Paskins; Kevin Tranberg, Mick Coll, Peter Molloy and Noel Wilson; Brian Williams, Colin Marks, Joe Crocker and Ross Dunstan; Chris Molloy, Tony Hollows, Trevor Mayfield and Bruce Bridger.
Tuesday Social Play (22)
Winners of Winners: Robyn Schatkowski, Eddie Roberts
Winners of Losers: Arthur Naylor, Col Stevens, Brian Williams
Thursday Scroungers (12)
Kees Struik def Katrina Robinson
Friday Social Play
Col Stevens, Denise Mezzen def Robyn Schatkowski, Liz McIntosh.
Carol Savage, Barry Jenner def Perer Carter, Karina Dunn
Ladies Championships Results
Leanne Jenner, Julie Caban def Dot McNamara, Marie Mayfield.
Contributed by Mike Irving

Wednesday March 8
Winners of our social games today were: Lesley Baumgarten, Narell Schmidtke and Lorraine Lemke.
Runners up were: Jan Comelli and Jean Zamparutti.
Wednesday was also the final in our B pairs competition with Lyn Tennant and Helen Goldston playing Pam Louis and Helen Fleming.
It was anyone’s game to the last end, it was a very exciting game to watch.
The ladies went end for end and showed some lovely shots.
Our eventual winners were Lyn Tennant and Helen Goldston.
Congrats ladies and you all played lovely bowls.
It also happened to be International Women’s Day, and a lovely raffle was conducted with lucky winners Narell Schmidtke and Neddy Thomsen taking home the spoils.
Championship Singles and B Singles competitions are now underway.
Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine
Helen Goldston and Lyn Tennant
Helen Fleming and Pam Louis
Narell Schmidtke and Neddy Thomsen