
Two Mackay State High School netball teams have returned from an international competition in New Zealand with both sides recognised for their outstanding sportsmanship. The teams travelled across the school holidays to compete in the International Netball Festival, where both received the Sportsmanship Award, voted on by umpires after every game. A representative from Mackay State High School said both teams finished with an impressive 23 points, reflecting the way players conducted themselves both on and off the court. The representative said the players consistently demonstrated the school's values of Respect, Resilience and Pride, with umpires approaching coaches throughout the competition to commend the girls on their conduct. “The umpires kept coming up to coaches to tell us how much of a pleasure our girls were to umpire, how polite, fair, and kind they are and we couldn’t think of a better impact or legacy for our girls to have,” the representative said. Finals day saw the two Mackay teams face each other once again, with Purple narrowly taking the win over Pink. Purple went on to secure another hard-fought victory to finish fifth overall, while Pink narrowly lost its final match to finish seventh. The school also paid tribute to its departing Year 12 players, recognising their efforts throughout the tournament and their contribution to the academy. “To our departing Year 12s — what a way to finish! You gave absolutely everything on the court and played your hearts out. We could not have asked for a better group of girls to lead our academy this year,” the representative said. The school congratulated every player on their dedication, commitment, sportsmanship and positive attitude throughout the trip, with Miss Nixon, Miss Allen and Mr O’Brien expressing their pride in the way the students conducted themselves and represented the school. Photo source: Mackay SHS
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Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse RUNNING The annual Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy was run and won in warm conditions from Bluewater Lagoon on Sunday morning. Runners competed for the prestigious trophy based on their official handicap times, with the first male or female runner across the finish line taking home the title. Jared Mackie claimed the 2026 championship after producing an impressive run, overtaking the field despite starting from a relatively high handicap. Mackie, who was described as a deserving winner, had overcome a serious injury earlier this year and worked hard to return to running. He was also recognised for his support of fellow runners, particularly within his Rules of Running training group, where he stepped into the coaching role while the group's main coach was seriously ill for several months. Last year's winner, Max Miles, also put in a consistent performance to finish second behind Mackie. In the 5km event, Craig Malcolm took the win ahead of Natasha Joynson and Craig Joynson, with fellow club member Jo Hughes also delivering a strong performance. Other notable performances came from junior 10km runner Harry Sleeman, Chloe Malcolm, Phoebe Short, Scott Sleeman and Gem Wender. The event was sponsored by Spine Care Chiropractic, led by George Hannaford, who has supported the annual event for several years and continues to support the club and wider community. The Benita Willis event marked the final formal event on the Mackay Road Runners' 2026 calendar, with next Sunday's mystery run to be held as a social event ahead of the club's Awards and Presentation Night on October 24th. Meanwhile, the club's informal off-season program will begin on the first Sunday afternoon in November, with the Shawn's Splash and Dash Social Summer Series starting at 4.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC). The series will include 30 minutes on the track followed by 30 minutes in the pool. Entry to the facility is $5, payable at the pool kiosk before accessing the track. A gold coin donation towards post-run and swim Zooper Doopers would also be appreciated, with the social sessions open to everyone, including non-members. 8417 – 2026 Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy winner Jared Mackie with his parents Gail and Clinton Mackie 8419 – Over 60 competitors and supporters enjoying the event which had a post run sausage sizzle, cash & vouchers donated by Spine Care Chiropractic. 8210 – Alan Zamparutti and Tim Magoffin 8416 – Jared Mackie with last year’s winner, Max Miles (and was 2nd this year – very consistent) 8224 – Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy & 5km runners (left to right) Chloe Malcolm, Bec Malcolm, Craig Malcolm (5k winner) and Levi Wallace 8219 – David Isbister, Ollie Gorrion and Stuart Sprott catch up prior to racing the Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy + 5k 8413 – Timekeeper, Rohan Miles (left) with competitors, Max Miles (front) and Ashley Miles (rear) 8274 – Majella Sleeman and Lucas Sleeman cheering on family members Scott and Harry running in the 10km event. 8397 – Highest handicapped runner in the 10k, Justin Rule set a sizzling pace in the warm conditions. Photos supplied by Mackay Road Runners
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Seven Mackay pickleball players took to the courts at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast from September 29th to October 4th, joining more than 1,300 players from across Australia. Jess Brass, Bec Labbett, Brett Walz, Chris Barbour, Jamie Duncan, Rob Vella and Troy Debondi all competed across a range of singles and doubles divisions throughout the tournament. Brass had a standout week, claiming gold in the 19+ Women’s Singles 4.0+ division and silver in the 19+ and Open Women’s Skinny Singles 3.5 and above division. Labbett also secured a podium finish, winning bronze alongside doubles partner Carollyn Darby in the Split Age Women’s Doubles 4.5-4.99 division. Walz competed in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles, while Barbour contested Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Duncan competed in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with Vella taking part in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles. Debondi competed across Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The championships attracted 1,338 registered players and, according to Pickleball Australia, were the largest pickleball tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Pickleball Mackay President Brett Walz said it was great to see so many players from around Australia competing in the tournament. “It was a highlight to see players from Mackay winning medals at the event.” Seven Mackay pickleball players competed at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast, with Jess Brass and Bec Labbett bringing home three medals. Photo source: Pickleball Mackay
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Welcome to Season 4 and to our new players. Our Evening Fixtures has begun and if you are interested in coming for a hit our Centre is open for Social play on Thursday (5:30pm-8pm), Friday and Sunday (8:30am-12noon), please check our website for further details. Tuesday Evening Fixtures Division 1: Master Servers (Steve Whiting, Robbie Richards, Will VanDeKaa) snuck home 6-5 against Lords of the Pings (Neil Brown, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan), Steve came back to outlast Anne in close 5 sets (2,7,-6,-6,6). Return Ruters (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 Net Gains (Barry Patterson, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar), Janice won a marathon over Graham B (6,-9,-7,8,12). Smash Masters (Trent Day, Donna Abbott, Mark Sleeman) had a close win 6-5 over Lob Legends (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Tony Bowman), Josh came back in 5th set against Donna to win ((-4,4,8,-9,10). One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) defeated King Pong (Geoff Denman, Graeme Walker) 3-2, with both teams missing there top players, it was the battle the Geoff’s but Geoff D overcome Geoff C (-2,-6,10,10,9). Division 2: Better Call Pong (Dilini Ranasinghe, Liz Burton, Lachlan Loy) got home against Lobstoppers (Rod Mahumas, Logan Brown) 7-4, Logan came back after loosing first set against Liz to win in 4 sets (-9,9,7,9). Ping It On (George Camilleri, Jeff Binnington, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Miss Hits (Delma Knight, Tiffany Camilleri, Mark Bowerman) 7-4, Delma was lucky to get home against Rachel in 5 sets (6,-10,-7,6,9). The Soft Serves (David Symons, Noreen Fredericksen, Mark Stam) defeated Spin Masters (Ricky Zhan, Ollie Hamelink) 7-4, Ollie was to strong for Noreen winning in 5 sets (-6,-4,9,6,10). Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) won over Serve Squad (Simon Hogan, Daniel Warfield, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, with no 5 set matches Ian had a close match against Daniel (-8,8,8,13). Tuesday Morning Fixtures will be starting next week. Ollie Hamelink. Photo supplied
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We have great news to report.
The Wangaratta pairs team of Denise Wallace and Penny Warren played in the Nth Qld District Championships this past week.
After convincingly winning their section with three out of three wins and an aggregate of 25, they continued their good form during the week defeating teams in the quarter and semi-finals to reach the final on Saturday morning.
They continued on playing well to defeat the Thuringowa team of Jacinta Wallace and Bernadette Hay.
Winners for Monday afternoon triples were R Hayton, R Barr-Kemp, and K Armstrong who defeated J Steele, J Dawson, and G Wills.
On Tuesday winners were Dianne Hallis, Irene Laird, and Keith Armstrong who defeated Joe Verden, Keith S/Collins, and Lindsay Harris.
Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were L Knight, C Bellingham, and B Bellingham who defeated A Vigar, C Heinrich, and A Pearson.
Sunday winners to claim the Crab trophy came out on Rink 2.
They were P Breakwell, H Donoghue, I Wheeler, and P Donoghue who defeated T Crozier, M Harvey, M Chappel, and A Rolfe.
There will be no Barefoot bowls this Friday due to a private function.
This Saturday Wangaratta will host the annual Combined Shield so if you have time come down to watch some good bowls.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.
Winners Of NQ Ladies District Championship Pairs - Denise Wallace & Penny Warren. Photo supplied

Only 3 matches to report on this week, and just 1 match remaining between Dom Friend and Art McMinn before we finish off the league season, and kick into finals action.
Jamie Maher finished the league season strongly with a 7/2 victory over Andy Peel to end his campaign in 4th place.
It was an even game in the scoring department, but where Andy struggled finding his doubles, Jamie was clinical.
It’s been a tough season for Andy who finished the season in 8th place, but it’s a finals spot, and anything can happen in finals, especially when you are a previous champion.
Joe Wilson secured 2nd place in the league with a 7/2 win over Jayden Lloyd.
That will set up a mouth-watering clash with the defending Champion Dom Friend in the first week of finals, as Dom cannot improve on his current position of 3rd place.
Jayden will finish his season off by playing in the consolation finals series after finishing just outside the top 8, in 9th place.
Joining Jayden in the Hetlock Cup will be the debutant Hawkeye Rick after finishing his season with a 1 win and 18 loss record, one of which came at the hands of Jamie Woods this Sunday at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club by a scoreline of 7/1.
Rick showing steady improvement throughout the year and will be better for it going into next season.
That win over Rick means that Jamie Woods yet again claimed this year’s league title, but only by the finest of margins, courtesy of a better leg difference over Joe Wilson.
Unlucky to Joe, but a fantastic season regardless, and a big congratulations to Woodsy from everyone at the club, it’s a richly deserved league victory!
Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.
L/R Jamie Maher and Andy Peel just before locking horns in the Premier League on Sunday morning. Photo supplied
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Highlight of the week was the hole in one by Trevor Nosworthy on Hole 2. Great way to start the round!
Jan Shuwalow beat all players on Tuesday with 39 points, Elspeth Scotford was runner-up and also secured the NTP.
Karl Kirkwood won the Men's competition with 38 pts, ahead of Col Hounsell.
NTP winners: Paul Gray, Peter Krause, and Barry Mortimer.
Elspeth continued her good form on Wednesday to take out the Airllywood Stableford ahead of Ann Gardel and Jan Shuwalow.
NTP's went to Rehab Hull and Ann Gardel.
The Thursday Division 1 winner was Ash Morley-Hart on 37 pts, ahead of Brian Allen also on 37 and Jon Miller on 36pts in 3rd place.
Joe Taylor topped the podium in Division 2 with 37 pts, also a countback with Ben Doer in 2nd place.
David Telford claimed 3rd place with 35pts.
NTP winners: Trevor Nosworthy (hole in one) Jon Miller, Yoko Fitton, and Fraser Simpson.
Jack Pirlo edged out Karlene Lloyd on a countback to win the Friday Met Run, and David Lloyd was the only NTP winner.
After the Club's AGM players headed out for the Saturday Stableford, Paula McQuat leading the ladies in with 38 pts, followed by Penny Wardroper on 35, and Nicole Cooper claiming 3rd place.
Dean Barnard was the winner of the men's competition with 39pts, on a countback from Adam Hagy and John Bissell in 3rd place with 37 pts.
NTP winners: Dean Barnard, Trish McNeill x 2, Brad Vloedmans, Mel Patullo and Mandy Patterson.
Don Cameron played well on Sunday to win the men's competition with 39 pts, with Terry Kimpton securing 2nd place on 35 pts. Robyn Whitham won the ladies with a scorching 40 pts, and Elise Hodgson was in 2nd place with 36 pts.
NTP winners: Nathan Holohan, Chris Bartlett, Scott Vlismas, Ben Raymant, Pauline Redpath and Diane Chard.
Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Pro Shop Team.

In his address to the members at Saturday’s AGM President Phil Batty said that the Proserpine Golf Club has yielded remarkable achievements and successes throughout the 2022- 2023 financial year.
It has been filled with significant milestones and growth in player numbers, events, and online social media presence, but most importantly, significant financial stability.
Throughout the year the club’s consistent performance has exceeded all budget expectations.
“We have experienced a 51 per cent increase in revenue from $792,000 to $1.198 million, and a 645 per cent increase in Profit Increase from $27,000 to $205,000,” he said.
“In addition to the excellent financial result, we have paid out early all the outstanding equipment loans to clear the balance sheet of liabilities,” he continued.
The organisational benefit of a good result is that the club has tentatively secured financial support from our bankers to fund the purchase of equipment to take the course to another level.
The board is currently evaluating and investigating the purchase of a new fairway mower, rough areas mower and greens mower.
We have recently purchased a sand spreader which is already having a marked impact on the greens and course generally.
The Club has recently ordered ten new Yamaha buggies and traded six from our current fleet of buggies to increase the number of buggies from 20 to 23.
Membership and participation are the backbone of Proserpine Golf Club, and I am pleased to say that this financial year saw over 120 new members. That’s an increase in membership to over 400 members, many of whom came from the incentive program in December where new entrants to golf were introduced by current members with the three-month trial.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to build upon our accomplishments and continue to explore new avenues for growth, enhancing our digital presence and developing creative ways to engage our members and the community,” Mr. Batty concluded.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.
President of Proserpine Golf Club, Phil Batty. Photo supplied

This week’s stableford 9-hole competition saw Edwina Pettiford in first place with 22 pts c/b, second place was Jack Hayes Williams with 22 pts and third with 20 pts was Josh Quin.
Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Elise Hodgson in first place with 24 pts, second place on 19 pts was Andrew Gomez and third place with 18 pts was Craig Kennedy. Great job by all.
On Sunday we held our 18-hole skins competition which saw Billy Blacker take the win with 13 skins, second place with 12 skins was Brad Low and third place with 9 skins was Josh Barnard.
Nearest the pin were Craig Kennedy and Dean Barnard.
This Sunday 27th August will be our monthly medal tee off at 10.00am, hope to see you all there.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Golf Course.
Pictured: Andrew Gomez

The coveted Viking Cup 10s is back on the calendar for the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union club, with the competition already heating up.
Since its inception in 2012, the Viking Cup has welcomed many a player, and the club is expecting a massive increase in players and registrations for the 2023 carnival.
“It has evolved into what it is now, and it is regarded at the premier rugby event in our region,” explained Tim Oberg, the President of the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Club.
“We’ve extended our reach down to south Queensland, with hopes to expand the competition.”
This thrilling one day comp has been expanded for 2023, taking place Friday evening and into Saturday, for two huge days of eager and exciting rugby union.
With mixed teams for children under 6s to under 12s, and gendered teams from 13 to 18, the competition is great for any player eager to give the sport a go.
“Now is the time to test out the sport in a fun day of rugby,” Tim said.
While also being aligned with the school holidays, the club has advantageously positioned the Cup to entice out-of-towners for a unique rugby carnival opportunity, in the heart of holiday central.
“We’re welcoming teams from Mackay, Emerald, and Townsville and excited to see more teams from further south, and even from interstate in future years,” said Tim.
“And hot on the heels of the Matildas at the World Cup, we are keen to have more girls get into the sport and in the Cup.”
To register or find out more about the Viking Cup, visit www.wjru.club/viking-cup
WHAT: Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Viking Cup 10s
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Friday 29 September and Saturday 30 September
The Whitsunday Rugby Union teams training to take on the competition. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell for being selected for the Queensland School Team. Both boys will be travelling to Sydney this week to compete in the Australian School Sport Swimming Championships with Qld Team Manager, Kate Thomson.
The Cannons would also like to congratulate Jy for being named the Queensland Team Captain! Good Luck, Queensland!
On Wednesday, the Cannons hosted another successful Club Night.
All the swimmers were very excited with their new Club Shirt.
Congratulations to Jax Clayworth on receiving the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.
Jax was also awarded the Swim of The Night award for his 200m IM.
The Cannons also presented Isaac Pisaniello with a Chocolate Award for swimming closest to his best time.
The Cannons would like to welcome new swimmers and their families.
Gage Cotton, Anton Bakx, Mo Bakx, Noah Maltby, and Eric Mulliss all swam extremely well in their races.
Top Performers on Wednesday night were Isaac Pisaniello, Indi Smith, Tora Delac, and Harris Delac. They swam terrific times in all their events.
Highlights include Trace Quick swimming a 5sec PB in his Butterfly event.
Thomas Ganter swam excellent times in his 25m Freestyle and 25m Breaststroke.
Surprisingly, Jacob Bell swam just under 38sec (37.99s) in his 50m Breaststroke to earn a personal best time.
Levi Smith swam a very smooth 25m Butterfly in 21.36sec.
One of Celeste Orenshaw’s best swims was her 50m Butterfly which she swam in 47.25sec, over 2 sec PB.
Matilda Nicholes, Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Addie Sanders, and Charlie Doherty all swam brilliant Freestyle to earn personal best times.
Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night and a big thank you to the coaches and parents for all their support!
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Cannonvale Cannons Club Night Aug 2023
Jy and Jacob in Qld Shirts. Photos supplied

Division 1:
Joola (Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman, Janice Kent) d Andro (George Camilleri, Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson) 7-4. Andrew d Barry -6, -4, 5, 2, 11.
Tibhar (Vince Boeske, Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan) d Radak (Mick Ruhl, Graham Brake) 7-4. Steven/Vince d Graham/Mick -16, -10, 5, 8, 7.
Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 6-5. Neil d Ivan -20, 5, -9, 5, 10.
Division 2:
Stiga (Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert) d Yasaka (Noreen Fredericksen, Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson) 10-1. Peter d Donna -8, 7, -3, 12, 9.
Victas (Steve Crocker, Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson) d Nittaku (Will VanDeKaa, John McGee) 8-3. John d Steve 9, 8, -10, -9, 4.
Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Geow (Amanda Wright, Matthew West, Trent Day) 7-4. Duncan d Matthew -10, 4, 6, -9, 5.
Division 3:
Gamma (Mark Stam, Craig VanDeKaa) d Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) 5-4. Dave d Craig -6, 5, 3, 4.
Delta (Saisha Palod, Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin) d Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhalwal) 6-5. Kade d Val 8, -7, 7, -9, 3.
Alpha (Rymer Tabulo, Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) d Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Jye Callander, Virginia Clayton) 7-4. Ollie d Anaya 11, 6, -6, -9, 8.
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures August 8, 2023:
Division 1:
Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-5. George d Charlie -8, 9, 5, -11, 9.
Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. Donna d Branko 9, -9, -6, 10, 8.
Division 2:
Purple (Iris Grasso, Michael Ibbotson, Judi Hicks) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 7-5. Marie/Kim d Iris/Judi -7, 9, 7, -5, 11.
Orange (Helen Ware, Louise Gould, Gerry Synnott) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink) 8-4. John d Gerry -8, 9, 12, -14, 7.
Division 3:
Grey (John Pratt, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Lime (Cheryl Pearson, Carmel Cristaldi, Myles Dutton) 9-3. Ian d Cheryl 3, -3, -2, 5, 4.
Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Aqua (Pam Keune, Val Hazeldene, Glenda Dutton) 8-4. Pam/Glenda d Cheryl/Bill -8, -8, 9, 12, 6.
Contributed by Charlie Payne
Cheryl Pearson hits out in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

The Great Barrier Reef Rays, the premier cricket team representing Mackay and North Queensland, proudly celebrated a noteworthy weekend at the Century Cricket competition. In the Rays inaugural year, they made it all the way to the grand final, although were not able to come away with the championship. Despite not securing the win in the finale, the team achieved significant milestones and garnered popularity amongst fans.
Century Cricket Group is a privately owned cricket company co-founded by successful healthcare businessman Stuart Giles, Australian cricket great Ian Healy and world-renowned commentator Mark Nicholas, alongside cricket entrepreneurs and founders of the Australian Cricket Institute Nick Fitzpatrick and Joel Hamilton. The competition featured elite players such as NSW captain, Dan Hughes, Nick Larking of the Melbourne Stars, former Australian Fast Bowler Ben Laughlin and a host of other first-class players. The Rays' participation illuminates the vast potential and the promise of cricketing talent from the North.
With 7 players from Mackay and another three hailing from North Queensland there was considerable representation showing their ability at the competition.
A club representative said, “We were honoured to have the dynamism of former Australian Fast Bowler Ben Laughlin, the expertise of Melbourne Star Nick Larkin, and some emerging stars from Brisbane in our team, including the competition's leading run-scorer, Angus Lovell.
“The opportunity to play with these elite professionals was invaluable for our North QLD men.”
Their inclusion offered invaluable experiences for the Northern players, enhancing their exposure and learning.
“While we may not have clinched the win in the final, our Mackay and North QLD team went above and beyond, shattering expectations.
“The Rays have illuminated a genuine pathway for our boys from the North, giving them the chance to showcase their prowess alongside some of the best in the state and across Australia - and boy, did they rise to the occasion.”
The Rays owe a significant part of their success to their dedicated coach, Adam Knezevic. A local legend himself, Knezevic's guidance hints at a bright future for the Rays, cementing its reputation as a developmental pathway for emerging talent.
The Rays played six games over three days against the Gold Coast Waveriders, Northern Brisbane Kings, Southern QLD Rockets, Moreton Bay Magic and Darling Downs Dingos.
The Great Barrier Reef Rays made it to the grand final in their inaugural year playing in the Century Cricket competition

Up to 150 Mackay children now have access to a free netball program thanks to Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants.
Mackay Netball Association was one of 11 community netball clubs in Australia to receive grants from Woolworths in an initiative providing young netballers with improved facilities and encouraging healthy habits.
The $8,000 grant is being used to provide a six-week Woolworths NetSetGO program to up to 150 kids aged between five and ten.
Children will also be provided with fresh fruit, healthy snacks and customised equipment.
Mackay Netball Association Secretary Jenny Moohin said the program teaches netball basics including ball skills, gameplay and fine motor skills.
“A lot of kids come to the program, and they haven’t been playing with balls, so it’s really important that we provide them with these opportunities to develop those skills,” she said.
“Not everyone can afford it, so this is like a ‘come and try’ kind of thing to give those kids the opportunity to see if they like netball for free,” added Operations Manager Sharon Sutherland.
Ms Moohin and Ms Sutherland agreed on the strength of netball in the region and said grants, sponsorship and community support are integral in keeping the sport growing.
“We really need to be able to develop the association to be able to offer come and try days and that sort of thing for free,” said Ms Moohin.
“All of our coaches in the program will be volunteers, they’ll give up their time, but if you don’t have the young ones coming through, you’re not going to grow your association.
“Our NetSetGO program also gives us an opportunity to bring our junior coaches through and get them to help with the program, so it’s very important to teach kids to volunteer and they do, they love it.”
To find out more about Mackay Netball Association’s programs, visit mackaynetball.com or find Mackay Netball Association – MNA on Facebook.
Mackay Netball Association is providing a free netball program thanks to a grant from Woolworths. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Social bowls results for August 9th, the winning team consisted of Betty Mulhall, Wendy McGee, and Doris Dodds. The runners-up were Carmel O’Loughlin, Lesley Baumgarten, and Daphne Offield.
In the 'Champion of Champion' 4’s final, held last week, it was the ‘battle of the North’ with Northern Beaches facing off against North Mackay. The North Mackay Ladies from Goosies Sport and Recreation Club emerged as the victors in this year's competition. Congratulations to North Mackay for the win.
Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine
Happy winners from left: Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Nuggie Pratt, Marie Bragg

When Chris Breckell filled in for a touch football team over 20 years ago, he unknowingly embarked on a volunteer journey that saw him fill roles such as Player, Vice President, Canteen Assistant, Coach, and Referee with Mackay Touch.
The humble volunteer was named NRL Touch Football’s Volunteer of the Month and shared the story of his journey, starting all those years ago.
“Once I started to get involved in the club and people heard I was an accountant, I was approached to join the board, and I’m still involved now, 20 years later,” Chris said.
Chris shared kudos with his wife Annette who also invests a lot of time and effort into Mackay Touch, the couple personifying what Touch Football is about: inclusiveness, fun and friendship.
It’s the social element of touch that Chris loves best, as he gets to watch mums, dads and kids all join in.
“It’s wonderful to see the joy the sport can bring to a family and the memories they’ll have forever,” he said.
“It’s a testament to the inclusiveness and enjoyment the sport provides.
“I always remind the kids not to forget the 3-letter word ‘fun’.
“Whether they win or lose, it’s about having fun and making friendships with those you play with.”
Chris also has some impressive coaching accolades to his name, leading his team to the U9 North Queensland Junior championship before going back-to-back a year later with the same group of boys in the U10.
“It was great to see the boys stick together over the years and that happened through the bond and friendships they created,” he said.
“It’s worth all the time and effort when you see the kids having fun and creating new friendships.”
As Volunteer of the Month, Chris is now in the running for Volunteer of the Year, and he already has plans for the $5,000 paint project prize.
“The clubhouse needs a new facelift so I would put the paint towards that,” he said.
“It’s a great club and we’re fighting hard to keep it that way!”
Mackay Touch Volunteer Chris Breckell. Photo supplied: NRL Touch Football

Makenzie Weale is a young rugby league prop forward in a big hurry.
The Mackay Cutters powerhouse is making every post a winner in the early rounds of the NRLW premiership with the new North Queensland Cowboys franchise.
Weale produced a strong performance as the Cowboys snatched a 16-12 victory over the Wests Tigers last Saturday at Brisbane’s Totally Workwear Stadium.
The West Mitchelton Panthers junior ran for 161 metres, made two line-breaks and four tackle busts and scored a crucial try after the interval to keep the Cowboys in the hunt.
Leading the way with her bullocking runs and jarring defence, the tireless Weale was one of four Mackay recruits to help conjure up the Cowboys second win of the season after four rounds.
Weale was joined by Cutters’ colleagues in centre Jasmine Peters, utility ace China Polata and five eighth Tahlulah Tillett as the quartet combined to secure two valuable competition points.
Trailing 12-10, the Cowboys grabbed the lead in the dying seconds after Indigenous All Stars teammates Tillett and Peters combined for the match-winning try.
Wests Tigers set up a 10-4 half time lead with tries by skipper Kezie Apps and winger Josie Lenaz after the elusive Polata had earlier posted her maiden NRLW try.
A rampaging Weale helped level the scores with a determined try before Tigers fullback Pauline Piliae-Rasabale gave her side the lead with a penalty goal.
The Cowboys return to Townsville to host the Cronulla Sharks this Saturday.
Makenzie Weale

Mackay Cutters have bolstered their Hostplus Cup stocks for 2024 with the signing of former Tonga international centre Mahe Fonua.
The power-running outside back has secured a two-year deal with the Cutters after successful stints in the English Super League with Hull FC and the Castleford Tigers.
Fonua, who played six Tests with Tonga, made his NRL debut with the Melbourne Storm and spent two seasons with the Wests Tigers before carving out a decorated career in the United Kingdom.
He won back-to-back Challenge Cups with Hull FC in his first spell in Super League before returning to the club for a second stint after two years at Wests Tigers.
Fonua has chalked up 71 NRL games – including 21 matches with Wests Tigers - and made 131 Super League appearances during an impressive career to date.
His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Cutters’ young squad as they continue to build for the future.
In Hostplus Cup action last weekend the Cutters pushed the second placed Burleigh Bears all the way during a 24-10 loss at UAA Park on the Gold Coast.
The Bears jumped to an early 14-0 lead following tries by winger Dante Lusio, second rower Jacob Alick and centre Sami Sauiluma before utility forward Sean Mullaney nabbed a four pointer for the visitors.
Elusive back Flynn Camilleri kept Mackay in the hunt when he dashed over to score after the interval with Brandon Finnegan adding the extras.
Burleigh sealed victory with second half tries to Sauiluma and centre Kea Pere to stay one point behind competition leaders Souths Logan Magpies (34).
Mackay Colts played strongly to roll the Central Queensland Capras 30-22.

Emerging junior cricketers Jack Law and Ishaan Rana stole the show with extraordinary batting achievements at the Mackay 2023 Street Smarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge at Harrup Park.
Hot shot Law underlined his batting skills to help St Patrick’s College Mackay clean-sweep district titles in the Junior Male, Senior Male and Female categories.
The 14-year-old young gun smashed an unbeaten 113 off only 45 deliveries in St Patrick’s victory over Whitsunday Anglican School to confirm his status as one of the region’s most promising batsmen.
Law, an accomplished Mackay-Whitsunday junior representative and Brothers Mackay product, followed up his century with a whirlwind score of 40 against the St Patrick’s College No 2 X1.
He is one of eight Mackay juniors drafted for the Brisbane Premier League Junior Twenty20 series.
While top prospect Law was piling on the runs, the gifted Rana was emulating those deeds with a magnificent 109 off sixty balls against St Patrick’s and a quickfire 72 off only 27 deliveries against Holy Spirit College.
Rana’s stylish ton featured an incredible 15 sixes and two boundaries and entertained those lucky enough to witness the masterclass display before he was run out.
Law and Rana are undoubtedly two of the finest cricketers from the Mackay junior nursery with bright futures in the sport.
Other players to shine were Holy Spirit batsman Jacob Whitby, who cracked an impressive 58 off 48 balls against Whitsunday Anglican; St Patrick’s seamer Connor Muller (3-7) and spinners Nic Beardmore (3-22) and Cameron Tomerini (3-20 and 2-16); Darcy Sanderson (44); Hayden Melifont (35 not out); Etienne Pretorius (34 not out); Fletcher Russell (33 not out) and premiership-winning Magpies first grade all-rounder Liam Zurvas (25 & 15 not out) and Holy Spirit’s Bennett Reginato (29 and 23 not out).
By Chris Karas
Jack Law