Fresh off the bounce of being crowned this season’s regional champions in several of the junior cricket divisions, the Proserpine Pitbulls were celebrating again as Club President Mark Valmadre was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Mr Valmadre was awarded Queensland Cricket Volunteer of the Year for the Mackay-Whitsunday region, as well as the Mackay Cricket Association Volunteer of the Year in a clean-sweep for the Pitbull President.

At Queensland Cricket’s celebration of a number of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to making the game “Queensland’s favourite sport,” Mr Valmadre was awarded for his outstanding contribution.

He and twelve others were cited as the building blocks which contribute to the success of cricket in Queensland at the grassroots level across the state.

At the Queensland Cricket Awards Gala his remarkable “passion for cricket and drive for creating opportunities for kids” was recognised.

Mr Valmadre, when he isn't involved in training sessions or umpiring games, is always out and about maintaining the grounds, lining pitches, liaising with other clubs in the region, and designing programs and more possibilities for kids to get involved in our great game.

He created a junior team of 15- to 20-year-olds, who play in the Proserpine Senior Cricket competition as there was historically no opportunity for kids older than 15 to play in the local region. This allowed players who normally would not have continued to play cricket to stay and or come back and participate.

There’s a common saying at the club: If you call Mark at 7pm on any night, he’ll be out at the club mowing, or fixing something, or covering pitches just in case of rain.

The change Mark has brought to the club goes beyond the increase in participation numbers. Volunteer involvement has also significantly improved, and the club environment is friendlier, livelier, and overall, a welcoming club to be a part of.

Proserpine Junior Cricket Association is extremely lucky to have him.

“We are extremely lucky as a club and community to have you a part of it,” Proserpine Junior Cricket Association Secretary Danni Green said.

“The dedication and hours of work you put in everyday is amazing. Can you imagine what we could achieve as a club if we all had just a drop of Mark’s passion?”

Mr Valmadre thanked the club-members and his fellow committee members for everyone for their kind words.

“There are many others out there that deserve recognition just as much for the work that they do, behind the scenes not just in cricket,” he said, “but in all junior sporting clubs and events.”

“With a great team of committee members and coaching staff behind us, working tirelessly, pointing me in the right direction and our awesome Pitbull players, parents and sponsors, it’s me that feels lucky.”

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Proserpine Cricket Association President Mark Valmadre was honoured as Mackay Cricket Association and Queensland Cricket Mackay-Whitsunday Volunteer of the Year

Over Easter, five Cannonvale Cannons travelled to the Gold Coast to prepare for the Australian Age Swimming Championships.  

The Cannons commended Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Ehsan Helou and Anisa Helou for successfully qualifying for the Australian Championships.  

Jy and Jacob have competed at this level before but for Holly, Ehsan, and Anisa this is the first national meet.  The swimmers are supported with coach Mark Erickson and team manager Tony Parkinson.  Over the weekend, the team have collected their kits and accreditations and completed a couple of swim sessions.  

This week’s programme:  Monday, April 10:  

Jy and Holly  -   50m Backstroke    

Tuesday 11th April: Ehsan -    50m Breaststroke    

Wednesday 12th April: Jy -  100m Butterfly  & 200m Backstroke & Anisa  -  50m Butterfly          

Thursday 14th April:  Jy    -  100m Backstroke  &   200m Freestyle

Friday, 15th April : Jacob   -  400m IM  & Jy -   100m Freestyle  & 200m Butterfly  

The Cannonvale Cannons would like to wish the National team all the best!  

Meanwhile, coach Ken Crittenden is ensuring the swimmers back at home in Cannonvale are keeping up their fitness over the school holidays.

Just before Easter, there were some swim training sessions with a touch of Easter fun.  

A big thank you to Tiana Bell, Jacob Bell, Ruby Watson, and Jarrod Keys for their assistance with the fun activities on Thursday.  School holiday swim training will continue next week.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Tony, Jy, Jacob, Holly, and Mark at Australian Age Swimming Championships

Cannonvale Cannons Swimming with Easter bunny ears

Airlie Beach Bowling Club celebrated a special event last Tuesday, with over seventy ladies from the district welcoming visitors from Bowen, Mackay, and Sarina. The occasion marked the 36th anniversary of ladies bowling, and it was a fabulous event with all rinks being utilised.

John Askew volunteered his time as the umpire for the event. Joan McGrath's team emerged as the big winners of the day, with Eddy Naylan, Bertha Archer, and Marie Fredrickson, congratulating the team on a wonderful display. Sandra Argo from ABC Distillery also made an excellent donation of beautiful spirits.

On Wednesday afternoon, Merve Stewart brilliantly ran the Jackpot Bowls, which saw a huge win to Merve as skipper with Russell Jackson at lead and Eric Barnard at second overwhelming the rest of the field. Mario De Martini was awarded the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning saw the return of Scroungers, with Terry Clarke, Merve Stewart, Betty Whitehorn, Russell Jackson, and Peter Barratt emerging as first-round winners.

The final was played between Peter Barratt and Russell Jackson, with Peter winning Round 7, while Shane Spann won the B Division prize.

Sunday afternoon bowls saw Margo Stanley's team of Dawn Dowell playing wonderful bowls at lead with Lyn Graham at second run away with the prize money. Our Chairman, Ash Warland, won the prestigious Health Hub award.

The club is also organising a mega raffle for Luke Kinnear, with details of the prizes set to be revealed next week.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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On Wednesday Proserpine Bowls Club had two games of triples played in Social Bowls.

John Anderson, Warren Wilson, and Trevor Herd defeated Nick Fernbach, Pat Bownds, and Mike Harrison, 19-11.  

Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown defeated Jim Bownds, Philip Brown, and Tony Whitehorn, 23-19.  

In the Club Championship Singles game played on Wednesday afternoon, Brett Saroglia defeated Dale Haack 25-15.

On Friday, a postponed game of Club Championship Pairs was played with Scott Kinnear and Shane Kinnear defeating Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear, 22-10.  

On Sunday, there were six players for a game of Triples: Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Philip Brown against Ashley Phillips, Barry Zillmann, and Heather Brown, which finished 22-19.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Wangaratta Bowls Club member Lyn Danvers reached a significant milestone in bowls on Tuesday, being presented with her Veterans badge by President Margaret Wilson.

Across the region, Wangaratta Players represented the club at Airlie Beach Ladies President’s Day and a team of four players played in the Suburban Centenary Fours two day Carnival in Townsville.

Congratulations to Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Penny Warren, and Fely Duncan in coming third place in the tournament.

With so many players away, the crowd was small on Tuesday but the enthusiasm was there with Greg Colquhoun and Kevin Jewell defeating Graeme Read and Geoff Danvers.

Bron Tolcher, Roger Mumby, and Linda Smith defeated Stumpy Adams, Sue Shearing, and Lyn Danvers.

Club Competition: Ladies A Singles Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, while in the Men’s Fours final played on Sunday Morning, Lloyd White, Steve Roome, and Jason and Mitch Wright narrowly defeated Bill Myers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers.  

Winners on Sunday social bowls were Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren, and Mark Drummond, who defeated Bron Tolcher, Pat Tracey, and Kevin Jewel. Irene Laird, Denise Wallace, and Geoff Danvers defeated Debbie Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Greg Colquhoun.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Lyn Danvers Veteran 2023

Third Place Centenary Fours Suburban 2023

Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the April Midweek Monthly medal sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner was Sue Heisswolf 69 nett, runner up Julie May 71 nett, while Men's winner was Wesley Smith 64 nett, Marcus Yasso 65 nett.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event with Ladies’ winner Donna Wright on 40 points, runner up Grace Nott, 39.

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Grace Nott, Michelle Campbell, and Donna Wright. Pauline Martin had an OBP.

Men’s winner was Chris Fellows, 43 points, runner up Ian Garrod 40 points. Pin shots to Brian Martin, Ryley Malone, and Mark Robinson.

Benny Bon won the car wash voucher and also had an eagle on number five, while Eagles went to Matthew Yasso and Daniel Borg.  

Dylan Nott had an OBP and Brett Richards had a hole in one on 12.

Sunday's competition was a 2 person Ambrose: Winners were Chris Fitch and Ryan Watters, second place to Brendan and Grace Nott, third place Donald Williams and Gregg Aplin. Pin shot to Jeremy Britton.

This weekend's competition is a single stableford event sponsored by the North Australian Hotel.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s Easter Saturday winners

Bowen Golf Club’s Easter Sunday winners

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Louis Neethling shot a brilliant 65 nett to win the Club's Tuesday Men's Monthly Medal and Peta Thomas was in form with a very nice 68 nett to win the ladies Tuesday Monthly Medal.

John Grosskreutz was in 2nd place with 69 nett and Len Boofoff in 3rd with 70 nett for the men, Tiina Randmae and Di Chard claiming 2nd and 3rd for the ladies both on 75 nett. John Grosskreutz won the only NTP for the day.

Wednesday saw Noelene Spurway shoot a very impressive 63 nett to win the PD Law Monthly Medal, streets ahead of Trish McNeill and Pauline Redpath on 73 nett, winning 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Trish McNeill won both the Division 1 NTP's.

The Venue Smart Thursday Monthly Medal was hotly contested, with Matt Camm the eventual winner of Division 1 on 69 nett, Paul Joice in 2nd Place on 72 nett. Jim Cochrane was the winner of Division 2 monthly medal also with 69 nett and Rob Webb securing 2nd place in Division 2 with 70 nett. Overall 3rd place was won by Peter Elms on 71 nett.

NTP winners: John Grosskreutz, Matthew Muller, Ken Lovett and Levi Holmes.

Friday's Easter Stableford was won by Rod Wecker on 37 points, closely followed by Shaun Tyrell and John Clark both on 36 points.

Saturday's Easter Stableford was won by Middlemount Golf Club's Ewan Wilson with a very tidy 45 points, followed by Steve Hickey and Aaron Prosser on 38 points each. Heather Luvis on 29 points was too good for the ladies edging out Di Chard on 28 points.

NTP winners: Michael Cragg, Penny Wardroper, Theunis Venter and Heather Luvis.

Easter Sunday competition was won by Carl Goss on 39 points, closely followed by Clay Coles on 38 and Kason Bourke on 35 points. Anna Winterbourn won the ladies competition on 32 points ahead of Tiina Randmae and Sherri Meade on 27 points.

NTP winners: Tiina Randmae, Rod Wecker, Anna Winterbourn and Jason Bourke

Highlight of Easter Monday competition was the hole in one by Ross Meade on Hole 2, congratulations!

Scott Dwyer was the winner of the men's stableford with a handicap reducing 42 points, followed by Brendan Spann and Darren Reynolds on 34 points. Heather Luvis and Di Chard both carded very tidy rounds of 38 points, Heather winning on a countback and Lyn Muller won 3rd place with 35 points.

NTP Winners: Ross Meade, Anna Winterbourn, Brendan Spann, Di Chard.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Course Pro Shop

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Proserpine Veteran’s Golfers arrived in great number for the April Monthly Medal – including two new members.

Weather forced the Club to play the front nine twice but the conditions didn't seem to worry Louis Neethling, who finished with a fabulous score of 65.

Louis was followed by Billy Jesser on 69, and new member Laurie Dakin came in third on 70.  

Tiina Randmae was the ladies winner on 75, followed by Heather Luvis on 77 and Helen Deighton on 80.  

Pin shots went to Gerald Lovell and Frank Maloney on two, John Roser and Colin Hounsell on five, and Lee Shaw - another new member – with Nic Apruzzese on nine.  

On Thursday, May 29, players travelled to Pioneer Valley for the first round of the Croker Shield with Billy Jesser the men's winner and Mandy Patterson the ladies. Proserpine now leads Pioneer Valley by a close margin of six points.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Monthly medal winners at Proserpine Veterans Golf Club Tiina Randmae and Louis Neethling

This past week with the cooler weather and school holidays was a great one at Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

The weekly competition winner was Jack Hayes – Williams with 23 points, this was a narrow count back win over Zac Flynn also on 23 points. Kody Ribaux was third with a hearty 22 points.

For Good Friday we hosted a 4 Ball Ambrose, the winning team consisted of Justyn Durbin, James (Jimmy) Millar, Scott Morrissey, and Guy Wilmont.

The team in second was Danny York, Dean Barnard, Josh Barnard and Deeray. Third place was Rhys Bartholomew, Tyson Flavel, Glenn Scott, and Michael Bond. Nearest the Pins were won by Glenn Scott and Justyn Durbin.

For Sundays stableford, Nathan Nikolich was first with 42 points, second was Bob Nikolich and 3rd Andrew Farrrow both with 38 points, Bob taking the second on a count back.

Nearest the Pin wins were both Nathan Nikolich, Good Job Nathan!

Another big shout out for Jack Hayes -Williams who has been selected to represent the Northern Region School team (10–12 yrs) in a 54-hole event at Palmer golf resort in Coolum and, Mick Bond for his ‘Hole in One’ on the 7th.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Whitsunday Green Golf Club player Joshua Barnard taking a swing

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Despite humid conditions last week, 107 inspirational people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.

Participants that completed their first ever parkrun included Chloe, Steven, Jason, Julie, Samantha, Sean, and Jennifer.

Visitors to Airlie Beach parkrun included Christopher, Angus, Tom, Aiden, Luke, Tim, Harrison, Cheryl, Christine, Henry, Cameron, Samantha, Matthew, Tracey, Jarrod, and Michelle.

Personal Bests were achieved by Kendell, Timothy, Tanya, Anne, Stephanie, Leigh, Tony, Grant, and Elizabeth. Thanks for coming and safe travels.

Sarah completed her 25th parkrun and Nathalie completed her 50th volunteer.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Maree and her team of 20 wonderful volunteers: Jet, Nick, Michelle, Kara, Wendy, Maree, Kirsty, Nathalie, Chris, Wade, Christopher, Erin, Susanne, Carys, Seren, Ashley, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, and Diane.

There were many Easter treats with thanks to Shane, Maree, Kara and Bara.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 4,714 participants have completed 24,452 parkruns covering a total distance of 122,260 km, including 2,813 new Personal Bests. A total of 395 individuals have volunteered 3,592 times.

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 lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

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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Some of Airlie Beach parkrun’s fantastic volunteers decked out in Easter gear

The Airlie Beach parkrunners are away!

North Mackay Athletics sent its team of 19 athletes up the highway to take on the Little Athletics State Championships in Townsville on the March 27 weekend.

The local club came home with a series of spectacular results, not only as a number of its athletes achieved personal bests in their chosen events, but also as a number of the young stars made it through to the finals.  

Many of the club’s athletes competed for the first time in an eye opening and valuable experience for them to carry into the future.

North Mackay Athletics spokesperson Kayla Porter congratulated the athletes for making the selection to attend the event.

“Three of our athletes Hayley Colless, Toby Rule and Ayla Moon were success in winning several medals,” Ms Porter said.

“And we are particularly proud of them, alongside our other amazing representatives.”

Hayley, in the under 14s, competed in the 200-metre sprint, coming 10th, and competed in the 90-metre hurdles and the 200-metre hurdles, winning the Gold in each of these events, while also achieving personal bests.

In the under 16s, Toby competed in the 1500-metre won a Gold and breaking a nine-year-old record, this also being the third year in a row being State Champion for this event. In the 800m silver and a massive personal best of three seconds.

Ayla, in the under 11s, won a Bronze in the 1500-metre together with a 10 second personal best. She also competed in the 200-metre, making the finals after a personal best and closely coming in fifth before running in the 400-metre and coming fourth, just missing out on third by a fraction of a second.

Ayla finished the weekend claiming a silver in the 800-metre.

Additionally, Liana Herrington claimed Gold in the U14 girls Pole Vault at Queensland Athletics State Championships in Brisbane. She is currently ranked third in Australia.

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Shaylah Mixes It With Best

Tougher the challenge the stronger the response – that is the inspiring life motto for Mackay’s outstanding netball prospect Shaylah Pershouse.

Netball is a way of life for dedicated Shaylah, who is one of the rising young stars at St Patrick’s College and the Mackay Netball Association.

Shaylah will represent the Capricornia region at this month’s Queensland Secondary Schools 13-15yrs Netball State Championships from April 27-30 at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

As a just reward for recent stand out performances, the athletic Shaylah has also been promoted to the St Patrick’s senior squad for the 2023 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival that will also be staged in Brisbane from June 25-30.

The State Secondary Schools tournament is the perfect lead-in event for this year’s QISSN Championships with Shaylah to be joined by St Patrick’s colleague and talented centre Tenille Cotter in the Capricornia 13-15yrs team.

To test herself against the best, young Shaylah will line up in three competitions in the Mackay Netball Association this season – Under 16A, Division One and Premier League.

“Playing against older and more experienced netballers brings out the best in my game,” revealed Shayla.

“I really enjoy the challenge as a goalkeeper to make life difficult for the shooters and to restrict their scoring by maintaining our defensive pressure,” she said.

Since stepping up into the senior ranks, the lanky Pershouse has made every post a winner.

“It can get feisty on court but I just focus on my role, listen and learn and simply soak up the experience,” Shaylah added.

Like all aspiring netballers in Queensland, an ambitious Shaylah dreams of one day playing for the Firebirds and Australian Diamonds.

The star goalkeeper will get a taste of the big time when she participates on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in early 2024.

Shaylah and good friends Tenille Cotter and goal defender Kacee Ziegeler will tour with an Australian side where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.  

By Chris Karas

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Rising 15-year-old goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse shows her defensive capabilities for DAS in the Mackay Division 1 Netball competition

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March was a very busy month for the Mackay Bridge Club.

Mackay Match Point Pairs

Section A 1st - Diane & Max Holewa, 2nd- Noel Bugeia & Terry Sheedy, 3rd- Monica Darley & Nancy Wicks.

Section B 1st- Patricia Garner & Helen Van Den Broek, 2nd- Annie Lynch & Diane Stokes.

Section C Sandy Patterson & Geoff Cowan.  Encouragement Award – Susan Ross & Vicki Howard.

Whitsunday Zone Pairs

Winners of the Whitsunday Zone pairs will compete in the State Zone Titles at QCBC in Brisbane in October.

Open - Noel Bugeia & Terrence Sheedy

Novice – Sandra Morris and Diane Cox

Mackay Club Championship Teams

1st Team Goodchild – Debra & Eric Goodchild / David & Ming Ting

2nd Team Holewa – Diane & Max Holewa / Terrence Sheedy & Eric Leivesley

3rd Team Darley – Monica Darley & Kath Poole / Janet Hansen & Del Ryan

GNOT Qualifying 2 Teams

1st Team Holewa – Diane & Max Holewa / Terrence Sheedy & Noel Bugeia

2nd Team Shuttlewood – Lorna Shuttlewood & Anne Lutz / Faye Wright & Marilin Robins

3rd Team Taylor – Geoff Taylor & Janelle Conroy / Monica Darley & Nancy Martin

Contributed by Joy Block

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Section C Winners Geoff Cowan & Sandy Patterson with President Noel Bugeia (centre)

Encouragement Award Winners Susan Ross & Vicki Howard with President Noel Bugeia (centre)

Whitsunday Zone Open Winners Noel Bugeia & Terry Sheedy with PP Lorna Shuttlewood

Whitsunday Zone Novice Winners Sandra Morris & Di Cox. Photos supplied

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Mackay Cutters’ early season woes continued in the QRL Hostplus Cup after a disappointing 38-26 loss to the top-of-the-table Central Queensland Capras at BB Print Stadium last Saturday night.

It was a fourth successive defeat for Michael Comerford’s gallant Cutters who have struggled to produce their best form in the opening month of the competition.

The Cutters opened the scoring after eight minutes with a smart try by centre Flynn Camilleri.

Three quick tries by Capras winger Brandon Roberts, lock Aaron Teroi and the crafty Kurt Donoghoe gave the visitors a handy 18-6 lead before the Cutters rallied with a four pointer by winger Jake Riley and a second try for the quick-stepping Camilleri off a pinpoint Cook kick.

Experienced NRL winger Edrick Lee dashed over for the Capras fourth try of the match soon after to give his side a 24-16 lead at the interval.

In an absorbing second stanza, the Capras staved off a determined Cutters challenge – extending their lead with tries by Samuel Yegip and Donoghoe after winger Logan Dillon and utility forward Sean Mullany had kept the home side in the hunt with crucial four pointers.

The Cutters suffered a huge blow in the lead up to the clash after key playmaker Brandon Finnegan was ruled out indefinitely with a fractured knee.

His replacement Bayley Gill combined well with Cook and the elusive Camilleri with prop Hiale Roycroft and back rower Asher O’Donnell working tirelessly in the forwards.

There was better news for the Cutters in the BMD Premiership when the women posted a hard-fought 24-16 triumph over the Capras.

Dynamic fullback China Polata was the best on ground with her power running a feature as the Cutters registered their third win of the season.

Other Mackay players to impress were lock Shannon Mato, centre Libby Surha, prop Essay Banu, second rower Mackenzie Weale, hooker Emma Manzelmann and five eighth Alisha Foord.

The Cutters sealed second spot in the Harvey Norman Under 19s Womens series after toppling the Capras 24-8 while Mackay bowed out of the Under 16 Cyril Connell Challenge and Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup despite recording emphatic victories over the Capras.

The Under 16s chalked up a 28-6 win and the Under 18s a thumping 46-16 triumph in the Mal Meninga Cup.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Ladies social bowls winners this week were: Bev McDonald, Lesley Baumgarten and Daphne Offield. Runners up were: Min Andrew, Sue Roscoe, Wendy McGee and Anne Smith.

Saturday morning we had the semi-finals of the District Pairs Championship between 3 North Mackay teams and Airlie Beach team. Going through into the afternoon’s final were from Airlie Beach club, Joan McGrath and Ladda Purdie and from North Mackay club, Lorraine Silman and Lorraine Lemke. We were all treated to the final of all finals. It was neck and neck, end for end, and some amazing bowls being played by both teams. The winners of the District Pairs were Airlie Beach. A huge congratulations to the winners and to everyone that played in this wonderful event.

Supplied by Suzanne Hazeldine

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Joan McGrath and Ladda Purdie from Airlie Beach and Lorraine Silman and Lorraine Lemke from North Mackay. Photo supplied

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