Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Tuesday’s winners were Ray Muir, Maureen Hyde and Deb Retchless defeated Neale Chittenden, Joe Cukela and Bill Price. Gus Murray, Barry Donn and Dennis Madeley defeated John Hayson, Skin Querro and Laurie Land. Stumpy Adams, Sue Shearing and Shirley Jones defeated Bron Tolcher, Isabel Wheeler and Boof Querro. The jackpot didn’t go off. Club Competition for the week: Men’s Open Single Final was won by Allan Rolfe who defeated Ron Hyde. Men’s Open Pairs: Mark Drummond Allan Rolfe defeated Laurie Land and Kevin Daniels. Men’s B Singles Final: N Chittenden defeated Kevin Baxter. Ladies B Singles Deb Retchless defeated Lindy Suann. Sunday’s Mother Day afternoon winners were: John Hayson and Lorraine Knight who defeated Skin Querro and Laurie Land. Boof Qurerro and Wheeler K Jewell defeated Celly Jeal, Deb Retchless and Kennedy Whitton. Eileen Dunn, Maureen Hyde and Greg Colquhoun defeated Bill Myers, Gavin Charles and Allan Rolfe. Lindy Suann, Sue Shearing and Graeme Read defeated Alex Beaumont, Shirly Jones and Stuart Jeal who also won the Jackpot. Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren Winners John Hayson and Lorraine Knight with Men's President Graeme Read Photo supplied
Read the full story.jpeg)
The week started on Tuesday with the continuation of Women’s Pairs and social bowls, which saw skipper David Bradley with lead Regan Maher become the pairs winners of the day. Wednesday afternoon social bowls had 28 participants, and the highest score of the day went to the team of skipper Noel Crosbie with lead Mervyn Stewart, who won 32–19 over skipper Phil O'Brien and Desmond Ballance. Wednesday night Business House Bowls saw about 30 bowlers attend, run by Bob and Yvonne Spees, with results to be announced next week. Friday afternoon saw the arrival of 16 bowlers from the Christian College, and what a talented group they are. Mr Richardson, Aishmeen Sandhu, and Shaniah Saremo are an awesome pairs team and could become very successful future representative bowlers if they choose to pursue the sport. Cooper Wilde is also a very talented sportsman and a fantastic asset to the school. Special mention must also go to Ryan Clark and Elliana Langshore, who could develop into excellent bowlers if they continue to apply themselves and build their skills. This program will give all the students valuable lessons in teamwork and demonstrate what sport can do for classroom development and success in understanding subjects that may have previously seemed difficult. We look forward to continuing to work with the students. Saturday morning Scroungers saw the last spot for the afternoon finals up for grabs, and John Matterson, who has just returned to the club after major heart surgery, proved he is still a very good bowler by winning the final spot against Andy McDougall and Tony Whitehorn. The previous winners lined up for the final: Des Ballance, Maureen Barnard, David Cleary, Alan Pershouse, John Askew, Betty and Tony Whitehorn, Dennis Donadelli, and, to everyone’s surprise and delight, John Matterson. He continued his brilliant form, winning the coveted trophy in the final. Sunday afternoon’s social bowls saw two games of pairs and one game of triples. Liz and Arthur McManus teamed up with Des Ballance and won 26–15 over Stacey Hadlow’s team of Lou Rogan and Alma Rose Mawson. However, the winners of the day, with the lowest winning margin drawn out by Club Manager Fiona Greener, were the team of “Take the Money Tony” Whitehorn with Dawn Dowell, who won 21–20 over skipper Margo Stanley and Brett Simpson. The men’s singles in A Grade, B Grade, and Seniors have now reached the semi-finals, with results to be published soon. Men’s and Women’s Pennants also commence this weekend. Free lessons continue on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and all are welcome. John Askew presents John Matterson with his Scroungers Trophy after his well-deserved win. Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson John Matterson receiving the trophy after his well-deserved victory. Photo supplied
Read the full story
Whitsunday Weightlifting Club wrapped up a successful Parabench Development Competition last weekend as part of the 2026 North Queensland Games, with four athletes competing across the age and ability spectrum in what proved to be an inspiring day of sport at St Catherines Catholic College in Proserpine. Held on Saturday 2 May and run in partnership with Para Powerlifting Australia, the event drew competitors from across the region — from Townsville to Mackay — ranging in age from 21 to 64 years. The standard of lifting impressed all in attendance, with athletes at very different stages of their para-sport journey each delivering standout performances. Taking out first place in the women's division was Australian representative Trish Wallace from Townsville, who benched an impressive 64kg. Local para-athlete Di Jackson claimed second place with a 33kg lift, while first-time competitor Sigrid Eitler took third with 30kg — a remarkable debut on the competition platform. In the men's division, Mackay athlete Bryce Jackson took first place with a 62kg bench. Club founder, president and head coach Leanne Knox said the day exceeded expectations. "Although it was a small competition, it helped raise awareness of our club's capacity to train people with all kinds of disabilities," she said. "There is a place for everyone in our club." Knox is encouraging anyone living with movement limitations or other disabilities — as well as carers — to reach out and explore how strength training can benefit their physical, mental and social wellness. The club also celebrated a significant equipment milestone, with a specialist bench built thanks to local business Airlie Sail and Shade (Paul Mitchell) and club member Ian Cordell, alongside a bench received through the Para Uplift Program via the Australian Institute of Sport. With competitors eyeing national and international competition, the future looks bright for para-sport in the Whitsundays. To find out more, contact Whitsunday Weightlifting Club on 0411 199 427. Competition results: Female 1st: Trish Wallace - 64kg bench 2nd - Di Jackson - 33 kg bench 3rd Sigrid Eitler - 30 kg bench Male 1st Bryce Jackson - 62 kg bench. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Weightlifting Club Competitors and volunteers after a successful competition. Photo supplied
Read the full story
U13 Prem pushed Magpies FC in a physical contest, with Connor Miller scoring early before a late goal flurry saw Magpies claim a 4-1 win. Meanwhile, the U13 Div 1 side celebrated its first victory of the season, defeating Country United 5-1 behind a brace from Oakley Wilson and strong team performances throughout, particular in the back line. U14/15 Prem side dominated Mackay Lions with a clinical attacking display, highlighted by a Shannon Matthews goal and Eli Wallis double in a commanding 4-1 win. Meanwhile, U14/15 Div 1 suffered late heartbreak, with Wanderers Red snatching a 2-1 victory despite strong performances from Alex Draper and keeper Jackson Paroz. Men’s Div 2 ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win against Country United after Jared Leaman capitalised on a late goalkeeping error, while Division 1 stayed patient to secure a physical 2-0 victory, with Sam Reynolds and Ian Wilson on target against a stubborn Country United outfit. Whitsunday United’s Women’s Prem team battled hard against Wanderers FC, with Michelle Sothmann opening the scoring in a competitive clash before Wanderers FC secured a 3-1 win. Strong performances from Nicole Wilkinson, Keely Salter and Bre Campbell highlighted the team’s determination ahead of next week’s matchup against Country United. WUFC’s U23s delivered a dominant 11-0 win over Magpies FC, with Aaron Kinsella scoring four goals and two apiece for Finlay Farrell, Seb Shand and Pepe Perea. An impressive clean sheet for goalkeeper Josh Healey. The Premier Men followed with a commanding 4-1 victory against Magpies FC, highlighted by Ethan Rose’s penalty and a Reef Peel hat-trick in a fast, physical clash. Goal Keeper - Josh Healey Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe
Read the full story
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
The Pioneer Valley played host to the Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge on Saturday May 6, attracting over 100 adventure-seekers from across the country.
The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge celebrates the life of former Mackay Christian College student Zach Roberts, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident at the age of 18 and has become a beloved tradition in the Mackay community since its inception in 2013.
The challenge features four stages of intense adventure activity, including a 40km MTB, 10km kayak, 10km trail run and 30km road cycle.
Angus Wicks and Sam Palmer stole the show who, both aged 16, competed in their first full Challenge, taking out the Junior Pairs category.
The duo had been working their way up to this moment for many years, starting with the MINI MACH Adventure Challenge and setting their sights on the full ZACH MACH.
"We're incredibly proud of Angus and Sam's achievement," said Event Director Nikki Giles.
"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete ZACH MACH, and for them to do it at such a young age is truly impressive."
Angus and Sam's determination and teamwork was on display, crossing the finish line with a time of 5 hours and 51 minutes.
"We're so happy to have completed the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and to have won our category," said Angus.
"It's been a goal of ours for a long time, and it feels amazing to finally achieve it."
"We've been training for this moment for a while, and we're grateful for the support of our families, friends and coaches who helped us get here. It's an incredible feeling to know that all our hard work has paid off," agreed Sam.
1st Bridie Ruff 4:46:21
2nd Bec Wood 5:23:40
3rd Kelly Chappell 5:55:45
1st Mitch Nissen 4:11:33
2nd Kurt Brunker 4:47:14
3rd Allan Jefferson 4:50:22
L-R Angus and Sam on the podium
L-R Angus and Sam during the MTB course
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson opening this year’s Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge. Photos supplied
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 9, 2023:
Division 1:
Ferrari (Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) d Mercedes (Mark Sleeman, Geoff Denman, Daniel Warfield) 9-2. Andrew d Geoff -6, 6, -9, 10, 7.
BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan) 6-5. Barry d Ivan 2, -5, 6, -12, 6.
Lexus (Graham Brake, Mark Poplawski, Allan Edwards) d Audi (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar) 7-4. Allan d Janice -7, -5, 5, 7, 8.
Division 2:
Isuzu (Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott, Simon Hogan) d Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) 6-5. Rymer d Donna -7, -10, 5, 7, 5.
Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) d Honda (Ishan Rana, George Camilleri, Mark Stam) 9-2. Will d George -7, 8, -8, 8, 11.
Division 3:
Hyuandi (Ollie Hamelink, Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen) d Kia (Aarnav Reelh, Virginia Clayton, Craig VanDeKaa) 10-1. Aarnav d Ollie 11, -11, -9, 3, 9.
Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Ford (Alok Rana, Steve Crocker, Val Austin) 9-2. Trent d Steve -6, -9, 7, 10, 8.
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 9, 2023:
Division 1:
Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Charlie d Peter 9, -5, -5, 9, 8.
Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 7-5. Branko d George 5, -5, -8, 8, 6.
Division 2:
Orange (Helen Ware, Gloria Vella) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 7-3. Helen d Marie 9, 5, -8, -9, 9.
Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 8-4. John d Ken 6, 5, -9, -7, 8.
Division 3:
Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Tan (Thelma Caruana, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Madge d Sharon -9, 6, 8, -9, 7.
Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles) d Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Carmel Cristaldi) 7-5. Robyn d Frank -6, -7, 13, 9, 10.
Contributed by Charlie Payne
Aarnav Reelh is among juniors in action in Tuesday night table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne
Eight of Mackay’s best young cricketers have been drafted into the Brisbane Premier League’s prestigious Junior Twenty20 competition.
Exciting prospects Haiden Mellifont, Liam Zurvas, Nick Beardmore, Cameron Tomerini, Connor Muller and Jack Law will line up for the Northern Kings franchise at the three-day tournament to be staged during the school holidays from September 18-21 in Brisbane.
They will be joined by Magpies young guns Myles Cochrane, who will line up for the Kings in the Under 16s division and Jacob Whitby, who was drafted by the Kings for the Under 14s competition.
Mellifont is a prolific run scorer at the top of the order for the Pioneer Valley Cricket Club in the Mackay Cricket Association; 16 year old Zurvas is a talented leg-spinning all rounder with first grade champions Mackay Magpies and talented quartet of leg spinner Beardmore, off spinner Tomerini, Muller and emerging 14 year old all rounder Law are products of the Brothers Cricket Club.
Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine will lead new franchise the Great Barrier Reef Rays in this year’s Brisbane Premier League 100 Ball competition.
The international keeper, who announced his retirement from first class cricket at the conclusion of Tasmania’s final Sheffield Shield match of the season, was snapped up by the Rays at the recent BPL player auction.
Paine will skipper the inaugural Rays outfit – based in Mackay – during the intense three day competition from August 11 to August 13 in Brisbane.
With a combined 70 Test matches and one day internationals under his belt, Paine’s appearance in the team is an incredible opportunity for regional players to learn and develop their skills from one of the legends of Australian Cricket.
Paine, who played 154 first class matches, will be joined by Melbourne Stars hot shot batsman Nick Larkin, who has linked with the Rays as an inter-state recruit.
Great Barrier Reef Rays joined the competition with the aim of providing more opportunities and access to development for regional players from Central and North Queensland.
Promising 20-year-old Mackay Magpies off spinner Isaac Borg and Northern Suburbs all rounder Lane Kohler were named in the Rays’ 14-man Senior squad.
Great Barrier Reef Rays full team list: Tim Paine (captain); Nick Larkin; Angus Lovell; Blake Maher; Sam Lowry; Liam Smith; Mitch Doolan; Noah McFadyen; Raveesh Srivastava; Lane Kohler; Sam Yabsly; Lachlan Holmes; Reece Neyland and Isaac Borg.
Saturday saw the Mackay Brothers travel to the Whitsunday Sportspark to take on the PWRU Raiders at 3.30pm.
Prior to the big game there were a couple of games for the local girls and women’s teams as well, these were between a combined Mackay Whitsunday group and visiting Emerald and Rockhampton teams.
The girls kicked off with some U14 seven a side games leading up to U16 ten a side games then a combined girls/women’s fifteen a side game of modified rules took to the field.
It was great to see the girls/ladies back on the paddock for a run around.
Afterwards the senior men take to the field. As they always do, Brothers came to play and even though they were short on numbers they played hard and were not going to give territory away lightly.
Due to the strength in numbers this year with the raiders, a couple of up and coming young players were assigned to Brothers team for parts of the game.
The Raiders started to combine together and perform the plays that have had numerous hours of practice this season and at the end of the eighty minutes were 81 points in front.
This score does not do the players from Brothers justice, as their commitment to the game did not waiver and we wish them a better round 2 to the season.
Best on field for the Raiders were Niall Clancy 1 point, Shakane Costello 2 points and Joel Hoffmann 3 points.
The Raiders have a bye next weekend which will then lead into the end of Round 1 against a strong Mackay Cities redmen at home, kicking off at 3.30pm at Whitsunday Sportspark Saturday, May 27.
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.
Raiders came out on top over the weekend. Photo supplied
Monday 8 May 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild
3rd Geoff / Cowan / Sandy Patterson
4th Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
5th Susan Ross / Nancy Wix
6th Geoff Taylor / Frances Brown
Tuesday Evening 9 May 2023
5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd Diane Cox / Janice Mansfield
3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy
4th Geoff Cowan / Terrence Sheedy
Thursday Evening 11 May 2023
6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore
3rd Mick King /Patricia Garner
4th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
5th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 10 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
2nd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank
3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole
5th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell
E/W
1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait
3rd Annette Howe / Geoff Taylor
4th Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
5th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
Friday 12 May 2023 –8 Table Mitchell - Green Points
N/S
1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
2nd Julie O’Neill / Monica Darley
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Simon Barnes
4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
E/W
1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
2nd Geoff Cowan / Gwen Liddell
3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
Saturday 13 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore
2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor
3rd Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes
4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara
E/W
1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robertson
2nd Patricia Garner / Laura Howland
3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Frances Brown
4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
Sunday 14 May 2023
1st Joy Block / Ian Cruickshank
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Marilyn Wilson-Nichols
3rd Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
4th Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes
On Saturday night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its annual Awards Night at Mirage’s Whisper Restaurant. The Cannons would like to commend its hardworking committee for organising a very successful season of swimming and the coaching team lead by Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden.
Coach Mark Erickson thanked all the coaching team – Ken Crittenden, Jarrod Keys, Shay Wilmot, Giselle Burton, Kate Thomson, Giselle Burton, Rylee Erickson, Sofia Penglase-Fortunato, Sharanne Maclean, Raylene Rasmussen and Haylee Eaves.
Outstanding Achievements:
Swimmer of the Year Award was presented to Jy Parkinson for swimming in the finals at the Australian Age Swimming Championships. Jy was also named Senior Male Trainer of the season.
Sportsperson of the Year was presented to Holly Perrin. Holly was also named the Female Senior Trainer of the season.
Junior Trainers of the Year were presented to Harris Delac and Andie Reynolds.
Level 3 Trophies were presented to Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.
Mudie Family 70s Club: Ehsan Helou and Jasmine Gerlforsma (swimming 100m Freestyle in under 70s).
Level 2 Trophies: Eloise Chegwidden, Don Algie, Ruby Harland, Jax Clayworth, Celeste Orenshaw, Declan Dichiera, Holly Perrin, Thomas Ganter, Isabella Pisaniello, Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, and Matilda Nicholes.
Level 1 Trophies: Tiana Bell, Sophie Fletcher, Harris Delac, Remy Hedges, Charlie Doherty, Anisa Helou, Zach Trefz, Indi Smith, Ehsan Helou and Jasmine Gerlsforma.
Club Medals: Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Evelyn Doherty, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Alex Trefz, Jack Ganter, Levi Smith, Lukas Trevaskis, Lucas Korosec, Lochlan Jamieson, Murphy Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Millie Groom, Miller Eaves, Abi Maher, Stevie Lee, Billie Jamieson, and Koa Harland.
The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers who participated throughout the season and congratulate all the swimmers who achieved top times in the Cannonvale pool to win these special trophies and awards.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Club Medal awardees
Level 2 Trophy winners
Trainer Awards for 2023. Photos supplied
In the build-up to the ninth annual Airlie Beach Fight Night, Whitsunday Martial Arts (WMA) have released their three-month Experience Program.
Designed to train contestants like a fighter, the commitment to the course is huge but the rewards are great.
“It’s made for people who have never done combat sports or martial arts before,” said Dan Zealand from WMA.
“It’s a great way to kick-start a change in your lifestyle.”
Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of eight training sessions per week.
They will also receive mentoring and nutrition advice and receive the benefits of challenging themselves as part of the broader WMA community.
“This is one of the toughest and greatest challenges,” said Dan.
“You will eat, train and prepare like a fighter and you will even have the opportunity to step into the ring like a fighter at the end of the 12 weeks if you choose.”
Local fighter, Chris Smith, began competing this way – he entered the training program and lost 50kg before fighting professionally for WMA.
Airlie Beach Fight Night will be the culmination of the 12 weeks Experience Program and takes place at the Whitsunday PCYC on September 23.
The event is set to be another huge success with over 15 fighters already signed-up.
The large grandstand will take centre stage and there will be ring side seating and special VIP tables available.
The venue is also fully licenced, and it is set to be an exciting night for all involved.
The two WMA coaches, Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand, with a local fighter. Photo supplied
Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.
Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.
Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.
Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.
Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).
Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.
White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).
Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.
Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.
Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).
The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.
Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).
Another busy week starting on Tuesday with Carol Crosbie at lead with Tina Schubert second and the brilliant Ladda Purdie our Thai princess winning comfortably from the rest of the field.
This was the situation with Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls, run by Merve Stewart with Ladda Purdie again showing her red-hot form with a huge win with Nik Fernbach at lead and Helen Ward at second from 22 players with Mark Mawson on Tuesday and Tony Kelly on Wednesday winners of the prestigious Health Hub award.
The new format of Scroungers was a huge success at Business House Bowls with Ian Whittaker bowling beautifully.
The Mens Pennants continued with Division 1 too strong for North Mackay, collecting maximum points but were sadly unable to beat Proserpine on Sunday on their very heavy rink.
Division 4 lost by 3 points on Saturday but returned to best form on Sunday with Tony Whitehorn’s team bowling outstanding bowl’s winning 32-7 for a victory.
Division 5 had a team victory over North Mackay on Saturday with John Matterson’s team winning 32-10 ensuring a team victory and on Sunday Steve Lawrie’s team ensuring a team win getting maximum points with a 31-10 victory over Proserpine who were gallant in defeat and finally Division 6 on Saturday had a team win although John Askew’s team went down by 3 Merve Stewart’s team won by 11 to ensure a team victory.
Our victorious Penants team with members of the Division 4 and 5 teams happy with their efforts
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Wednesday Social:
Winning Skips were Peter Bruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles.
Wednesday overall winning team were Dot Slater, Ross Scanlon and Mary-Ellen Pratten (absent).
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Bowen Bowls winners PeterBruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
