Local ballerina Ruby Elson has set herself apart from the rest and earned a place at the prestigious Australian School of Ballet.

After just two years of pursuing the genre, the 10-year-old rising star who seems to float on stage and trained alongside the renowned Claudia Dean – a Royal Ballet alumni with years of expertise in the craft – achieved her dream of heading to the national centre for elite classical dance next year.

Ruby received her successful application letter in September, and the hours of extra-curricular training, passion, and extraordinary drive were finally rewarded.

“We had prepared her that she might not make it – that she was competing against all these others from across Australia who wanted to be ballerinas – and at her age, too,” her mother, Mei Elson said.

“When we read the letter that she’d been accepted, I cried, she cried, and my husband cried – I’ve never seen him do that.”

Ruby will head to the Melbourne-based school – Australia’s premier training facility for the genre  to train part-time until the age of 13, being re-assessed each year to remain at the famed institution, when she will graduate to a full-time curriculum.

Her mother said the true thing that separates her is her work ethic and her perseverance.

“I’m so proud of her,” Mei said.

“I’m so inspired by how incredible she is; she’s so driven to train, to be better and it’s just unbelievable to watch.”

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The under 11s brand new Pitbull pups side – the Proserpine Cricket Clubs first time fielding this age group - had their first taste of the Mackay Cricket competition by taking on Brothers in Mackay last Saturday.

After losing the bat flip and being sent into the field, Captain Kobi led his troops with some great bowling (1-10 off four overs) and a spectacular run out assisted by wicket keeper Aiden.

Bradley had the ball on a string (2-15 off 4 overs), and Aiden was looking dangerous (2-8 off 2 overs) who also got a direct hit for a run-out!

Good tight bowling from Jaxson (0-15 off 4 overs) and Matthew (0-7 off 2 overs) kept the Brothers at bay.

Sean (1-21 off 4 overs) came up with a peach to take out the middle stump!

Some quick running between the wickets at the back end of the innings got Brothers to a defendable 9-79 off the 20 overs.

Now it was the Pitbull pups turn to don the pads and swing the willow.

With Aiden (six) and Sean (one) getting off to a steady start, Matthew (five) was next, swinging the bat hard but picking out the fielders. Jaxson eight top scored with some great hitting and running between the wickets. Bradley (seven) was next and played some classy shots.

The required run rate was going up with some tight bowling from Brothers throughout the innings.

Kobi (four) did his best to get the Pitbull pups over the line, but it was a tough ask with the best bowlers coming back on at the end. 10-62 off the 20 overs was the result, 17 runs short.

Player of the day went to Bradley.

The Pitbulls Under 12’s side travelled to Walkerston, facing off at Vigaro Field for round one of their competition, fairer better against the south side.

The Whitsunday young guns faced a formidable task on the road up against a strong Walkerston ‘Scrubbies’ Roosters club.

To add to the challenge, the local team were a player short, had several on debut in the Mackay Saturday competition, and were also fielding a young, inexperienced side which included two 10-year-old tyro’s.

Pitbull Captain Ollie Dibben lost the toss and the gun Walkerston team elected to bowl.

The ever-reliable Shannon Matthews and Captain Dibben strode to the crease to open the season.

After a 9-run opening stand, the captain played a shot across the line and lost his middle stump, out for two.

Alex Valmadre then joined Shannon at the crease and settled the ship before retiring with Noah Porter, the first of the young tyro’s, making his debut straight after.

The youngster too elected to play across the line and was quickly on his way back to the sheds for five.

Lily Smith then strode to the crease to face some hostile Scrubbie bowling. She and Alex V defied the attack until Lily copped a good one and was on her way. Alex V then retired after his 20 balls to see the underdogs at 3-64.

The second of the young tyro’s, Korbin Dibben, made his way to the middle with Benny Hope, aka ‘Starky’.

Starky and Korbin pushed the score along against some tight bowling, with Korbin retiring after his 20 deliveries.

All-rounder Reg Davies then made his way to the middle. Under attack, he fought hard but was ultimately the victim of a sharp caught and bowled chance, out for two.

Big Starky soon followed for three leaving the two retirees together to push the score along.

Alex V was then dismissed for 10 which saw young Korbin return; he and Shannon then took the score to 89 before he was given out lbw for 10, closing the innings and leaving the brave youngster unbeaten on 1 after facing 23 balls.

It was a competitive score at 89, but the Pitbulls knew it would be tough against a strong Scrubbies batting unit.

Starky Hope began the bowling, destroying the Scrubby openers castle with his fourth delivery.

Despite some tight bowling, it was 3-67 at the break and on-track for a regulation victory for Walkerston.

Alex V with ever-reliable Shanon M bowled great spells with Valmadre taking two key wickets and Shannon one, including a spectacular low catch in the covers by Starky.

It 7-75.

Starky proceeded to bowl a ripper maiden over to keep things tight before handing over to young Noah P, who stormed in.

With the pressure on, he bowled a couple of tight ones before going full which enticed the gun Rooster opener into a lofted drive which headed to Davies.

Under immense pressure Reggie moved forward and cupped the chance with a great catch to win the game for the underdogs against all odds.

Players player - Alex Valmadre (10 runs, 2 wickets and a run-out)

The children were excited to run out onto the Great Barrier Reef Arena in front of hundreds of spectators, and it was made even better when an Adelaide Striker player greeted them with smiles, words of encouragement, and an autographed cap.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Porter, Stephen Logan, and Michael Hope

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The Proserpine Pitbulls U12 side managed a spectacular win against Walkerston

Some of the young Proserpine Pitbulls were on field at Great Barrier Reef Arena for the Women’s Big Bash League game

For the first time ever, the club has an Under 11s side

This week 97 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers. Despite the hot weather, there were 16 new Personal Bests. Well done to Ben, Josh, Ryan, Phil, Robert, Stephen, Michael, Emma, Andrew, Tom, Leone, Julie, Shane, Libby, Bolinda and Carolyn. There were 4 milestones achieved; Ben and Josiah completed their 25th parkrun, Tom and Lachlan completed their 50th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Matthew, Joshua (co-run director), Sarah, Nathalie (photographer), Kirsty, Darlene, Bossie, Craig, Laura (co-run director), Louise, Lynne, Braxton, Dennis, Joanne and Diane.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 4,286 participants have completed 22,315 parkruns covering a total distance of 111,575 km, including 2,602 new Personal Bests. A total of 360 individuals have volunteered 3,153 times.

Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – we even have a ‘parkwalk’ volunteer to look after them!

Next week is Airlie Beach parkrun’s ‘122333’ event. Every ‘1’ is welcome on ‘22’nd of October for the ‘333’rd event. Tutus (22s) are encouraged but optional. New participants are encouraged to join in.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Bossie and Nick volunteered to scan barcodes and scan tokens after their run

This week’s wonderful volunteers at Airlie Beach parkrun

Carolyn and Bolinda park walked and achieved personal bests

It has been an exciting start to the season for the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club, with eight new Club Records set at the club’s first Distance Club Night.  

Congratulations to Don Algie, Eloise Chegwidden, Remy Hedges, Nelson Malady, and Jy Parkinson for setting new records.  

Don, aged nine, set new records for 400-metre Freestyle and 400m IM.  Seven-year-old Eloise set two records: 100-metre Freestyle and 100-metre Breaststroke.  

Nelson, aged 10, set a new record for the 800-metre Freestyle in a time of 12.09.27. Remy set a record for 400-metre Freestyle.

Jy, aged 17, set new records for the 1500-metre Freestyle and 400-metre IM.

The Cannons acknowledged and thanked all the swimmers and parents who participated in the annual Swimathon.

Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Chocolate Awards to Alessa Penglasse-Fortunato, Harris Delac, and Harry Chegwidden.

Upgrade certificates were presented to Jasmine and Robert Gerlofsma, Ryan Clark, Jax Swannell, and Tora Delac.

The Cannons wished Jacob Bell all the best in his five-kilometre swim at the Queensland OWS Championships.  

Top performers at Club Night on Wednesday were Jasmine and Robert Gerlofsma, while Millie Groom and Sophie Fletcher swam extremely well and setting personal bests in just about all their events.  

Special welcome to Billie Jamieson who did very well in his first Club Night.

Congratulations to swimmers who achieved personal bests: Lucas Korosec, Pippa Laguna, Lily Maher, Owen Maher, Nelson Malady, Matilda Nicholes, Alessa Penglasse Fortunato, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Addie Sanders, Max Smith, Molly Smith, Ryan Clark, Jax Clayworth, and Zane Clayworth.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who assist with officiating, catering, and fundraising.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Don, Eloise, Nelson and Jy with Club Records

Jacob Bell preparing for the Queensland Open Water Swim Champs

Bowlers at Airlie Beach Bowls Club have been enjoying the longer and warmer days, starting with Tuesday when skipper Betty Nicole led her team to a big win.

Combining with Pam Collins at lead and Lyn Graham at second, as well as Rhonda Lloyd at third, the side ran away with the two-bowl fours. Pam Collins managed to add to her day’s prizes with a stunning win of the prestigious Health Hub award, too.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls ably run by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea saw Henny Tattam with club stalwart Tony Whitehorn combine to beat all comers. Merve Stewart claimed the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday night saw the introduction of the club’s newest team in Business House Bowls: Flexihire. The new side showed they’ll soon be a force to reckon with.

New bowlers Glenn Frederiksen and Keith Dornoch put on a great display for Whitsunday Gold Coffee team, but it was the fabulous team of PRD - the biggest winners of the night.

The PRD team gave their prize money to the School Children’s fund for their prize giving night.

Saturday morning saw Round Three of Scroungers competition in full swing with first round winners Margo Stanley, Tony Whitehorn, Betty Whitehorn, Di Jackson, and Alan Pershouse.

The final was played between Margo and Tony, with Tony Whitehorn continuing his brilliant form with a runaway victory.

Nik Fernbach took out the winners cheque for Group B , in what was a great day for all participants.

Sunday morning and afternoon saw the club’s mixed pairs, triples and fours progressing with Manny Isgro’s team of Russell Jackson and John Fielding winners of the Two Bowl Mens triples for the year.

Peter Barratt’s team in the Mixed fours – which included Russell Jackson, John Fielding, and Henny Tattam - progressed to the semi-finals in a nail-biting victory.

Lu Rogan, Rhonda Lloyd, and John Trembath were the Sunday social bowl victors.

The club was deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Lade and Shirley Muller, both of whom will never be forgotten. Shirley was a foundation member of Airlie Beach Bowls club.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Skipper Peter Barratt with Russell Jackson, John Fielding and Henny Tattam after their victory in the mixed fours on Sunday afternoon

Bowls in Bowen saw a great week of social sporting as well as a weekend game of Sunday Scroungers.

Wednesday Social Bowls: Brian Jones, Lorraine McArthur, and Tracey Roach defeated Mary-Ellen Pratten, Allen Williams, and Peter Thomson.

The game was tied up until the last end before a shock winner.

Bev Smith, Jill Brabon, Paula Welsted, and Gus Munro rounded out the Wednesday night with a win, defeating David Moodie, Robyn Stitt, Ron Gould, and Steve Roome.

Sunday Scroungers Winners: Gavin Charles and Brett Lampard.

The club will host its presentation dinner this Saturday at the Central Hotel at 6pm.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Sunday Scroungers winners Gavin Charles and Brett Lampard

At Wednesday Social bowls last week at Proserpine Bowls Club, Jim Bownds, Mary Hedgelong, and Peter Lawton defeated Philip Brown, Pat Bownds, and Sandy Daffara, 20-14, to get the ball rolling.

Mike Harrison and David Ling defeated Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown, 34-8.

On Sunday after the club’s annual general meeting, Jim Quod, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown defeated Mike Harrison, Bruce Uhe, and Peter Lawton 29-19.

Brett Saroglia and Gavin Noonan, club members, will play in the Champion of Champion B Pairs at Airlie Beach this coming weekend.

Members were welcomed to the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday, pre-bowls, by Deputy Chairperson Geoff Hunter before the business of the meeting was conducted.  

Much of the Board were standing again for election and were re-elected.

Martin Corr (Chairman), Geoff Hunter (Deputy Chairman), Heather Brown (Secretary), Jonathan Bye (Treasurer), Scott Hamilton (President Men's Section), Heather Brown (President Ladies’ Section), Barry Saroglia (Games Director), Dale Haack (Providore Bar), Bruce Uhe (Providore Kitchen).

David Ling indicated that he would not be re-standing as Green's Director and Andrew Bell was welcomed to the role.

A decision was made by the meeting that there would be three Selectors: Todd Leys, Barry Saroglia, and Wayne Handley.

Membership fees will be remaining the same, green fees remain at $10, with Nominations for club Competitions being raised to $5 per competition nominated for.  

The attendance of all at the meeting was greatly appreciated as were those members who sent their apologies for non-attendance along.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Wangaratta Bowls Club’s Come and Try afternoon held last Saturday was a huge success for the Bowen-based club.

Massive numbers turned up for the day – 37 in total, an increase of twelve from last year - each taking advantage of club member’s expertise, gaining valuable knowledge and skills to hopefully continue on playing bowls in the future.

After an introductory message from the Club Coach, the new bowlers and members were out on the green putting the information into practice.

After an enjoyable afternoon of bowling, everyone congregated into the club house for afternoon tea and a chat on how their game went. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Tuesday Social Bowls: David Kilpatrick and Penny Warren defeated Linda Smith and Margaret Wilson, while Bron Tolcher, Deb Retchless, and Mark Drummond defeated Deb Beel, Isobel Wheeler, and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday Results: Winners were Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, and Mark Drummond defeating Deb Retchless, Graeme Read, and Kennedy Whitton.

Toni Bowen, Penny Warren, and Sugar Brunker defeated Anthony Cresswell, Bill Myers, and Feley Duncan, while Laurie Land and Wayne Redskin defeated Linda Scell and Pat Tracey to round out the week. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Come and Try afternoon at Wangaratta Bowls Club was a major success

Alex and friends at Come and Try afternoon

Rink number five at the Come and Try Day

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford for Men and Ladies.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Elona Lynch, 38 points, with runner up Claire Garrod, 38p as well.  

Men’s winner on a countback was Ray Campbell, 41 points, with runner up Rodney Wells, 41.  

Saturday’s competition was an 18-hole, two-person ambrose sponsored by Carlton United Brewing Company.  

Winners were Jacquie and Rodney Miller, 61.25 nett, with runners-up Ernie Parker and Brian Martin, 61.5 nett. Ladies’ winners Kim Bennion and Sarnie Eisemann, 66.5 nett.  

Pin shots to Sarnie Eisemann, M Yasso, Xanthe and Temone Power, Owen Land, and Robert Byles.  Greg Fairs won the Car wash voucher and Peter Morrison and Gary Thompson won the Bradmans.

This weekend’s competition at Bowen Golf Club is a single stableford event for the Margaret Watson Memorial sponsored by the Watson and Garrod families.  

Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  Takeaways still available.  

Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.  Joker draw is $4700 this week.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Ambrose runners up Ernie and Brian, Ladies winners Sarnie and Kim

Saturday’s stroke event for the men saw Anthony Clinton come home with a great 60 nett. He was followed by Cooper Cremor, 65 and Lloyd Kingston 66.

The place getters went down to 68 and included Phil Batty, Craig Smith, Daniel O’Connor, Lance Lloyd, Nic Apruzzese, Trevor Paroz, David O’Connor and Mick Kavanagh.

The pin shots went to Matt Goldman, Mick Kavanagh and David O’Connor. Eight shared the two-shot.

The ladies played a catch-up Monthly Medal on Saturday.

The winner was Renae Maxwell with 69 nett, from Elspeth Scotford and Jill Farinelli both with 70.

The place getters were Pauline Redpath, 71 and Tiina Randmae 73 on a count back.

The pin shots went to Penny Wardroper, Paula McQuat and Anna Winterbourn, while Penny and Elspeth Scotford shared the two-shot pool.

With the Vets in Pioneer Valley on Thursday the field was reduced somewhat for the stableford.

Division one winner was Aaron Prosser with 38 points on a count back from John Grosskreutz. Michael Ward came in third with 36.

Division two was won by James Devery with 41 points from Elliot Woo and Tim McBride both on 38.

Elspeth Scotford was the winner of Wednesday’s ladies stableford with a score of 38 points.

Runner up was Jan Shuwalow, 36 and Jenny Hansell 33. In the rundown were Tiina Randmae, 32 and Leanne Alexander 31 on a count back.

The pin shots went to Jenny Hounsell and Paula McQuat on nine and Jan Shuwalow on 13.

Next Saturday is the RV Golf Stableford with over $500 worth of prizes to be won. It will be a shotgun start at 11.30 am.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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The week saw a fabulous culmination to the efforts from Proserpine’s Veteran Golfers during their participation in the Croker Shield Competition throughout the last 12 months.  

The club returned home with the trophy once again and sent its thanks to all those who played throughout the year and contributed to the win.

Helen Deighton was the winner of the Ladies’ Comp with a good score of 36, and second was Paula McQuat 34, followed by Jenny Hounsell 33.

Tessa Aitken also claimed a 33 and Leanne Alexander a 32.

In the men’s comp , Geoff Harrison had the club’s best result with 35 on countback, followed by Wilf Herweg, 35, Warren Deighton, 35 as well, Barry Mortimer, 33, and Larry Muller with a 33 too.

Leanne Alexander on 3rd and Jenny Hounsell on 17th were the club’s only pin shot winners on the day.  

Next Tuesday Proserpine Veteran Golfers will be heading to Bowen for the final round of the Whitsunday Veterans comp.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Proserpine’s Veteran Golfers had another successful outing at the Croker Shield, claiming the trophy once again

The weekly nine-hole at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won this week by Terry Kimpton with 23 points.

Elise Hodgson was second on 22 with a countback win over Justyn Durbin. Elise took the win on Friday with 23 points followed by Andrew Gomez on 21 and Joel McBride taking third on a countback, 20 points.

Sunday, it was four ball better ball and the winning team was James (Jimmy Millar) and Scott Hayes Williams with a score of 40.5.

Tyson and Terry were second with a countback placing ahead of Billy O’Conner and Tim Walton. Tyson and Terry were best ‘off the stick’ coming in 9 under.

Nearest the Pins winners were Rob Lodders and Paul Foster.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Sunday four ball betterball winner Scott Hayes Williams

A total of 46 BMX riders from Mackay and District BMX Club recently travelled to Cairns to compete in the Auscycling BMX Queensland State Championships, where they walked away with a haul of Q plates.

The following Mackay and District BMX riders were the top of their class.

1Q Connor Parish 16 Boys

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2Q  Connor Parish Junior Superclass

2Q  Brendan Knights 35-39 Cruiser Men

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3Q Lily Bolger 8 Girls

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4Q Liam Wilson 9 Boys

4Q Paige Knights 10 Girls

4Q Travis Chilton 11 Boys

4Q Brendan Knights 35-39 Men

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5Q Dylan Secher 11 Boys

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6Q Sarah Tickle Junior Superclass Women

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7Q Jackson Kay 9 Boys

7Q Sarah Tickle 15 Girls

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8Q Brodie Wilson Junior Superclass Men

8Q Kai Mustapha 8 Boys

8Q Tyler Smith 15 Boys

8Q Brett Wilson 45-49 Cruiser Men

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The Championships were held on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September at Cairns BMX Club.

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Tickle

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A mother and daughter are among a team of nine from Mackay competing in the Australian Veterans Table Tennis Championships in Darwin this week.

Delma Knight and her mother Coral Morgan are competing for Queensland after gaining selection for the titles at the State Veterans Championships in Mackay recently.

Delma is competing in the over 50 women’s teams and Coral in over 75s.

Also competing from Mackay are Emma Widdup, Andrea Nicholson, Anne Sheridan, Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Peter Goodson and Noreen Fredericksen.

The championships hit off on October 8 in Darwin with teams matches and will run until October 15, with nearly 350 players from all eight states and territories and New Zealand competing.

It is the first National Veterans Championships since 2019 after COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2020 and 2021.

Players will compete in events ranging from over 30s through to over 85s, which is being played for the first time.

Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne

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Pioneer Swimming Club celebrated 45 years on Sunday October, 2, welcoming back founding coach Judy Lockhart.

The current members of the club arranged for the exhibition race consisting of previous swimmers  

'Judy’s Geriatrics' Ben Miles, Kylie Smith (nee Brand) and Lisa Bottcher (nee Miles) and not so Geriatric, Tom Henderson.  

Pioneer’s current swimmers Jade Bounden, Yasmin Seedwell, Stevie Brand and Ella Bounden not only took on the Geriatrics and master's Relay team (also coached by Igor Denim) but went head-to-head with fellow teammates Viktor Lee, Junior Makamure, Kailu Bellear and William McGrath.

The All-Male Pioneer team coached by Igor took home the gold.

The exhibition relay took place at the home pool of the Dolphins in front of all new and old members of Pioneer.

Founding coach Judy travelled up from Brisbane along with founding Secretary Loraine  

Boyd.  

As such, it was a semi reunion and a little sample of what the 50-year celebration could look like.

Past members spoke and shared their fond memories of Pioneer Swimming Club.

"The thing about swimming clubs is they consist of like-minded people who come together and want to create a place and atmosphere,” said Judy.

“A place everyone can go, and everyone is equal.  

“This is Pioneer."

Past swim dad Tim Henderson added "how wonderful it is to see Pioneer Swim Club still Mackay's family-friendly club, with a culture that many are envious of."

Contributed with thanks by Tahnie Malagueno

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