
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
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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
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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
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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
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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Margaret Tilbrook 39 points, runner up on a countback Elona Lynch 36 points. Men's winner Kaleb Brunker 43 points, runner up Toss Eisemann 38 points.
On Friday, we hosted 82 ladies at the Ladies Bowen open. Congratulations to our own Claire Garrod who had a gross score of 75 to be our 2023 Open champion, 2 shots clear of runner up Sheree Hasson of Nudgee Golf club.
Other winners included Lynelle Riley A grade Nett winner, Julie Laslett A grade Nett runner up, Meg Garrod - B Grade gross winner, Toni Clauss B Grade gross runner up. Bev Lowcock B grade Nett winner, Janice Bates B grade Nett runner up, Donna Reid C Grade stableford winner 36 points, runner up on a countback Pamela Malone 34 points, Rhonda Martin 3rd with 34 points, Judi Morris 4th with 33 points. Pin shots to Joy Hose, Ann Gardel, Vicky Heath. Accuracy drives to Rhiannon Nott, Lee Rawlinson, Cheryl White.
Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB Aggregate Medley stableford event sponsored by Jeff Day Plumbing. Thank you for your continued support of the Bowen Golf club. Winners were Kaleb Bruner and Hayden Menzies 73, runners up Gary Marks and Andrew Glossop 72.
This weekend's competition is a split round for the May Monthly Medals, sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club. Men play on Saturday and ladies on Sunday.
Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.
Joker is worth $2700. Good luck to all our members playing in the Homehill opens on the weekend.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.
Ladies open Gross winners
Ladies open Nett winners
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A total of 68 players teed up for the Annual Anzac Day Stableford, Jim Cochrane and Jon Miller teamed up to be winners on the day. Matt Camm and Patrick Camm claimed 2nd place.
John Grosskreutz and Allen Roberts teamed up on Thursday to win the 4BBB Stableford with 42 points, followed by Brent Daniels and Jesse Street on 40 points, Gary Scotford and Steve Mitchell were in 3rd place with 39 points.
NTP winners: Adam Maggs, Fraser Simpson, Michael Cragg x 2.
Pauline Redpath took home the MBW voucher on Saturday, with 34 points, followed by Tiina Randmae and Heather Luvis on 30 points. Tiina and Di Chard were the NTP winners.
Kelvin Stephens won the Men’s MBW Division 1 Stableford on 39 points, followed by John Clark on 38 points, Patrick Conen took out 1st place in Division 2 with 38 points followed by Ray Johannesen on 36 points. Mata Brown was in 3rd place overall with 34 points.
NTP winners: Yoko Fitton, Larry Muller, Darren Draper, Matthew Faust.
The Sunday Ladies Competition was won by the ever consistent Tiina Randmae on 36 points, followed by Elise Hodgson on 32 and Penny Wardroper on 28 points. Jason Bourke was just ahead of Scott Vlismas on 39 and 36 respectively, and Mark McDougal was in 3rd position with 33 points.
NTP winners: Don Cameron and Pauline Redpath.
84 players were out and about on the course for the May Day 2 Ball Ambrose, the mixed division was won by Trish McNeill and Noelene Spurway on 63.75nett, followed by Renae Maxwell and Jason Bourke on 65.75.
Ryan Wilkes and Jon Miller were too good for the men’s field, coming in with 63 nett. They were closely followed by Larry Muller and Jackson Gray on 63.25 nett.
NTP winners: Trish McNeill, Jordie de Marmiel, John Bissell, Nick Shepherd, Brett Bauer
Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team.

Even with several players still away, Whitsunday Golf Club fielded 20 players on Sunday for a single Stableford competition.
Ladies’ A Grade
Winner: Tiina Randmae with 36 points
Runner-up: Penny Wardroper with 28 points
Ladies’ B Grade
Winner: Elise Hodgson with 32 points
Runner-up: Karen Rix with 26 points
Men’s A Grade:
Winner: Jason Bourke with 39 points
Runner-up: Clay Coles with 32 points
Men’s B Grade:
Winner: Scott Vlismas with 36 points
Runner-up: Mark McDougal with 33 points
NTPs:
Ladies: Pauline Redpath on the 2nd (all in), Penny Wardroper on the 9th and Elise Hodgson on the 16th.
Men: Ritchie Atkins on the 9th, Jason Bourke on the 13th (all in) and Leigh Jones on the 16th.
Longest Drives: Pauline Redpath and Karen Rix, Chris Bartlett and Mark McDougal.
NAGAs: Pam Casey and Wilf Herweg, sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts.
The next competition will be the May Monthly Medal, very kindly sponsored by Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday.
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
L to R: Tiina Randmae (Winner Ladies A), Mark McDougall (r/up Men’s B), Karen Rix (r/up Ladies B), Elise Hodgson (Winner Ladies B). Absent : Jason Bourke, Clay Coles, Scott Vlismas. Photo supplied

Our weekly Friday stableford 9-hole comp was won by Jay Angel with 21 points, second place on 19 points was Andrew Gomez and third place went to Kendal Nash on 18 c/b. Great effort by all.
Sunday was our Monthly Medal for April. Taking the win was Billy O’Connor with an amazing 50 net, second place went to Marc Belke on 46 net and third on 52 net c/b was Glenn Rees.
Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Dean Barnard. A great end to the month for all.
This Sunday, May 7 will be our 18 holes alternate shot foursome tee off at 10.00am.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.
A very happy monthly medal winner Billy O’Connor. Photo supplied

With six matches played at Whitsunday Sports Park there was plenty of Action.
The divisional Men travelled to Mackay on Friday night to play Lions U17 Squad and Sarina. Although a close tussle, the younger legs of the Mackay Squad proved telling with the end result 4-1 to Lions. In the Div1 game, the Whitsunday boys made Sarina work all the way to the end, losing 2-1 but with many players on their second game, it may have been a different outcome with some fresh legs on the bench.
Saturday at the Sportspark started with a great performance by the U13 Div1 team at their first home game. In hot conditions, their strong defence shut down many attacks from the Country United side earning a hard-won draw 0-0. This was a huge improvement from last round with goal keeper Jai outstanding in goals and Roy Milliken giving 100 per cent as always.
It was a different story for the U15 Premier squad against a rampant City Brothers side. Although holding them to a tight result last week, the Whitsunday side never hit their stride conceding 6 goals to 1 in a game that they will be disappointed in.
The Women continued their winning form in front of a big crowd. Unfortunately, Sarina travelled up to play with only 14 players between two squads. In a competitive Reserves game, Whitsunday proved too strong across the park, scoring a 5-0 win based on solid defence. The Sarina ladies ran out of legs and with all of them playing a second game, were no match for the Whitsunday Premier Women who ran away with the game. A brave effort by the visitors just to face the onslaught.
Our Premier Men’s Squads also returned to form, winning both games against the visiting Rangers Squads. Whitsunday Reserves started their game dominating the ball and looking to play from out the back. Whitsundays made the breakthrough with a fantastic long-range goal by Luke Swift. Rangers equalised minutes later. The second half was a similar story with Whitsundays having the majority of the ball scoring twice midway through the second half to come away with a 3-1 victory. Special mention to Jarrod Clarke whose energy and determination when coming on contributed massively to the team’s performance
The Premier Men got a very important win against Mackay Rangers to jump into the top 4 for the first time this season. It proved to be a topsy turvy game with both teams having positive spells in the game. Sam Reynolds made his first appearance for the season at centre back and put in a man of the match performance, which greatly helped the team going forward and defensively. Goals came from Tommy Torzsok, Harry Hodgen, Sam Blake and Axel Da Silva in a 4-3 win.
Another massive home round next week. Can’t wait!
Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.
U13 Div1 - great effort at their first home game. Photo supplied

The wild weather last week has been and gone, but for the Whitsunday Sailing Club sailors, it was a very reduced fleet who ventured on the water on Wednesday afternoon for the club’s twilight race.
Only eight boats accepted the challenge to compete in conditions which included violent rainstorms, minimal visibility and wind gusts in excess of 30 knots.
With only four boats on the starting line for the Division 2 start, there was plenty of space, with Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) leading the fleet away, maintaining that lead throughout the race.
At the windward mark, Bobby’s Girl held a comfortable lead over Reignition (Charles Wallis), with Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) behind. The gybe mark got interesting when the fleet arrived with zero visibility and a strong squall.
The first boats all chose to forego the gybe in favour of a granny turn, a new experience for many of the crew. Somehow the fleet managed to find the rounding marks and the finishing line, with Bobby’s Girl crossing the finish line almost six minutes ahead of Reignition, with Smooth Criminal a further two minutes back.
On corrected time this lead was reduced to two minutes over Reignition, with Wide Load a further 20 seconds back.
Division 3 also saw four boats on the starting line, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon) leading the fleet away, despite a halyard failure shortly before the start.
After a slow start, Matchless (Terry Stevens) took the lead on the water, gradually pulling away from Shiraz (John Cable) and Rossgo.
After surviving the first lap, Lighthorse (Di Forster) called time and headed ashore, leaving the others to battle the elements.
Matchless completed the course in 47 minutes, leading Shiraz home by five minutes with Rossgo a further two minutes back. On corrected time, Shiraz took the honours by 30 seconds over Matchless with Rossgo one minute off the pace.
The monthly prizes went to Bobby’s Girl and Matchless.
Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.
Bobby’s Girl looming out of the rain. Photo supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club would like to commend Holly Perrin, Jacob Dewis, Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson for being selected for the Northern Region Schools 13 – 19 years Water Polo teams.
Jy had to pull out of the team due to injury, however, Holly and the two Jacobs travelled down to Brisbane last week to compete in the Queensland Schools’ Championships.
All three said that the games were tough over four days, but thoroughly enjoyed championships.
The NQ male team achieved 2nd place in the Plate (B) division and the NQ girls team achieved 3rd place in the Plate (B) division. Congratulations, Cannons! Apparently, they all played extremely well and improved so much over the four days.
Meanwhile, back in Cannonvale, swimmers continue to train for a couple of winter carnivals and for the start of the triathlon and open water season. The Cannonvale Cannons will be hosting a Winter carnival this year in mid-June.
The Cannonvale Cannons are also looking forward to the Annual Presentation Night which will be held on May 13.
This month, the coaches congratulated Tora Delac, Addie Sanders, and Roxy Groom for their excellent logbooks.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who have successfully met the criteria to upgrade in training: Evie Doherty, Eloise Chegwidden, Billy Harris, and Maeve Dichieria.
Miller Eaves and Lucas Zhang will be trialing training in the Bullets’ squad.
The top swim trainers last week were Harris Delac, Coren Farquhar, Bodhi Farquhar, Declan Dichiera, Andie Reynolds, Zach Trefz and Jax Clayworth. Well done, swimmers!
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Jacob Dewis, Holly Perrin and Jacob Bell at the Qld School Water Polo Championships. Photo supplied
The Northern Region Water Polo Team. Photo supplied
It’s all action at QLD Water Polo Chamos. Photo supplied

Another Easter Celebration has come and gone but not for our Mackay Pickleballers; we celebrate every time we take the court. Such is the joy of playing this new code of sport for everyone.
How did Pickleball find its way to Mackay, you may well ask. From humble beginnings in 2018, by a small group of good friends, who discovered it being played on a southern holiday, had a go, and were immediately hooked. We thank you, Anne and Monica, for your insight, teachings and bringing this crazy, fun new code of sport to Mackay.
Pickleball is a “racquet and ball” sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules, and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups enjoyment and success on court.
The game is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy to learn strokes, which encourage an inclusive play environment with no need for modifications or adaptations to cater for gender, ability, or age differences. Pickleball is both fun and challenging with a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid-fire shots; where the best athlete must earn their points not purely by athleticism, power, and speed, but also through the use of positioning, patience, tactics, and touch.
Finally, pickleball provides connections, social, mental, and physical well-being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate.
Indoor Pickleball at PCYC Mackay is welcoming, accessible, and safe; while striving to be equitable, diverse and inclusive. It is guaranteed once you pick up that “Paddle” and hit the “wiffle” ball it will be difficult not to keep going. We have all you need to get started.
You can catch us for a low cost of $7 for two hours every Tuesday; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Thursday; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Sunday; 09:00am – 11:00am.
Contributed by Michelle Sheehan
Mackay Pickleball Easter celebrations. Photos supplied: Michelle Sheehan

If you love the adrenaline of motor racing and the purr of a well-maintained two stroke engine, Mackay and District Kart Club have the event for you.
The club is preparing for one of their three big events of 2023, with the Sugar City Titles happening on Saturday, May 6 at their track in Palmyra.
“This is one of our biggest events for the year,” said Matt Smith, who currently fills the roles of Junior Vice President and Groundskeeper at the club.
At least 80 competitors from across north Queensland are expected to participate, some as young as six.
Racers will rev it out on the purpose-built concrete track, located at 21 Grants Road, Palmyra, with cane knives on the line as prizes.
Entry for spectators is free, with food, drinks, and plenty of action on offer on the day.
Mackay and District Kart Club is a not-for-profit club looking to spread the word about the exciting world of karting.
“We’re a family orientated club,” said Matt.
“We often get parents helping on race days.
“It’s good camaraderie – if someone breaks something, other people get in and help or lend their spares.”
To find out more about the club, the Sugar City Titles or to nominate, visit mackaykartclub.com or find Mackay and District Kart Club on Facebook.
The event is sponsored by Mr Energy, J&B Pest Control, Mills Painting, Global Mining Support, Red Hot Couriers, Easy Internet Services, TECS Equipment Repairs, Global Mining Support, Global Mining Support, Dicko's Engineering and M&P Services.
WHAT: Mackay and District Kart Club Sugar City Titles
WHEN: Saturday, May 6
WHERE: 21 Grants Road, Palmyra
Photo credit: Daniel McLean Photography

Mackay’s own Cyclones swim team have been making waves, at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month.
The Australian Age Championships is one of the biggest events on the Swimming Australia calendar, with thousands of swimmers travelling to the Gold Coast to compete.
This 14-day event is a highlight on the Australian Swimming calendar, attracting some of Australia’s most elite Olympic and Paralympic swimmers, with young athletes who will become the next generation of swimming stars.
Being the highest level of competition domestically for athletes ages 18 years or under, the competition was engaging, each swimmer eager to perform to the best of their ability.
The Mackay swim team has a successful history of attending the Australian Age Championships, and 2023 is no different.
The Mackay swim team had six swimmers qualify for the competition, four of which had never attended a championship before, and were accompanied with their coach, Leigh-Anne Pokarier.
Izabella Wills and Mackenzie Neilsen attended the championships in 2022, with the National Team, and were joined for the 2023 competition with Vaughn Wyatt, Max Vernon, Audrey Bryan and Anneka O’Donnell, being newcomers to the mix.
Izabella competed first in a series of multi-class (MC) events.
Day one of the competition ended poorly, with Izabella’s 100 freestyle being delayed 30-minutes due to bad weather and lightening, however, she broke her previous personal best, with a 6.94 time, and taking 5th place.
Izabella also competed in the MC 400 freestyle, taking 32.05 seconds off her previous personal best and placing 4th overall.
In her final race, Izabella competed in the 50 freestyle, breaking her previous personal best and raking 7th place in Australia.
Second time National attendee, Mackenzie competed in the 14-year girls age group, for 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly.
She swam well and placed 7th overall in 200 butterfly and scrapped 3.50 seconds off her personal best time.
Mackenzie also qualified for the finals in 100 butterfly and placed 19th in Australia overall.
Newcomer Audrey qualified for three events, the 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle in the 13-year old girl’s class, and gaining two personal bests.
2023 was also Anneka’s first experience of the championships. She competed in 50 breaststroke and 50 backstroke and is excited to compete in 2024.
The boys, Max and Vaughan, swam well. Max competed in the 50 backstroke, and Vaughan in the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke.
Vaughan was successful in moving into the finals for 200 breaststroke and ranking 26th overall in Australia.
In a fierce competition, these swimmers performed excellently, with most new to the age championship competition and atmosphere.
The Mackay Cyclones take yet another team of accomplished youth swimmers to the Australian Age Championships. Photo supplied

Racing around the speedway at over 100km/h, Brett Hehir hopes to leave his mark on Australian wingless sprint car racing this weekend.
A fiend for the speedway, Brett made the transition from go karting to wingless racing around two years ago when a friend introduced it to him, giving him the “speedway bug”.
Two years and countless races later, Brett is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship at the Archerfield Speedway this weekend where he hopes to prove himself amongst the best in the country.
“Hopefully we have a good weekend, finish all our races and finish up the front,” Brett said.
“It’s going to be a lot of competition and a big ask to get to the final.”
The Australian Titles got underway yesterday, Thursday, April 27, with a practise day followed by scrutineering and Calcutta on Friday, heats Saturday and Sunday being the main race day.
Brett will be competing against over 70 other drivers from all over the country, but he’s come prepared; just four weeks earlier, Brett was part of the Easter Trail, including Queensland State Titles in Maryborough, where he placed 12th in the state, a race in Archerfield to prepare for the big dance and a race in Toowoomba.
He also won the Wingless class of “Thunder in Canefields” in Mareeba last year, setting the track lap record.
Brett loves the competitive nature of the race.
“It’s pretty close racing and everyone’s pretty much got the same car,” he said.
“It comes down to your car setup and your driving ability, because everyone’s engines are the same,” added his wife, Nicole.
“It’s probably a cheaper way to get into the speedway if you wanted to get into it,” said Brett.
Not one to overprepare, Brett said he’s nervous but excited for the big race this weekend.
“I just rock up and have a go,” he said.
“But there’s a lot of work on the car to get it right.
“If you do 99% of it in the shed at home, when you get to the track you can just relax.”
As the season comes to an end, Brett’s future races will depend on his work roster, but after ticking Australian Titles off the list, his wingless sprint car journey will be far from over.
Brett Hehir is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship in Archerfield this weekend. Photo supplied: Nicole Hehir

MACKAY native Ky Hamilton has registered the biggest win of his professional bull riding career after picking up $67,750 for claiming the prestigious RodeoHouston Bull Riding title in the United States.
The 23-year-old Hamilton – who grew up in the Sugar capital and attended Mercy College – capped an impressive performance with a 90.5-point ride on his bull Bad Memory in a special ride-off with Josh Frost and Creek Young to seal the top prize.
It was a double celebration for Ky with the Houston triumph rocketing him to the number one ranking in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – a position he last held during his rookie year in 2020.
The teak-tough Hamilton delivered one of the best rides of his career in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 75,000 in his second attempt at the major Rodeo in Texas.
“It is a huge event and one of the biggest paying rodeos we get to go to, so to win it is very special,” a proud Hamilton told Mackay and Whitsunday Life.
“I think the bigger the stage the more comfortable I feel. I don’t know why that is. Growing up that’s all I ever wanted to do, was ride a big event and win big events and win world titles.”
The Rodeo Houston win follows Ky’s superb victory this year at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona for a second time.
“Bad Memory was kind of steep and kind of moving forward, trying to get me back,” said Ky of his winning ride.
“Out of nowhere, her just started pushing back.”
Hamilton dominated throughout the rodeo by winning the Go-Round in all six performances he was entered in. It started with a clean sweep of his Super Series before he went onto clinch Semi Final 2 as well as both rounds on Championship Sunday.
Ky finished RodeoHouston 6-for7 with an average score of 87.3 points inside NRG Stadium.
The top 15 money earners qualify for the National Finals Rodeo with Hamilton finishing fourth, 8th and fourth in the past three finals held in Las Vegas.
A courageous Ky has certainly come a long way since moving to the United States on a Bull Riding scholarship back in 2018 and turning professional two years later, finishing fourth in the Bull Riding world standings in 2022.
This season Hamilton has amassed $101,842 in prizemoney and leads Josh Frost, who finished runner up in Houston, by about $12,000.
Top ranked professional bull rider Ky Hamilton demonstrates his winning ride on Bad Memory scoring 90.5 at the RodeoHouston

Wednesday 20/4/23 winners were Sue Roscoe, Pam Louis, Donna Gordon.
Runners up in a pairs game were Sue Hazledine and Daphne Offield.
Currently we are playing in our Championship Singles and B Singles both of which are very close to the finals. Our Goosepond Ladies 3 Bowl Triples was held at the club on Wednesday the 26/4 with teams from all around the district attending. Thanks to the many clubs who are participating in this exciting event, and good luck to all.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine

The Ladies section travelled to Northern Beaches last Tuesday for the Symons Shield and were just pipped by Sarina Club in the Semi-Final. No Tuesday Social at the Club due to rainy weather. Thursday Scroungers was played with 15 players with Whare Herewini def Karina Dunn in the final.
A weekend of Men’s Pennants was played with home and away games with wins to all our teams.
Saturday Division 2 v Marian away
Aggregate score Mackay 66 to Marians 37. Result 5 points to 1.
Division 4 v City at Home
Aggregate score Mackay 40 to City 41. Results 0.5 to 4.5.
Division 6 v Sarina
Mackay 48 to Sarina 36 Resuts 6 points to 0
Sunday Division 2 v Wests Tigers at Home
Aggregate Score Mackay 94 Wests Tigers 42 Results 6 points to 0
Division 4: v Seaforth away
Aggregate Score Mackay 46 to Seaforth 25 Results 5 POINTS TO 0
Division 6 at Home
Aggregate Score 48 to RSL 31 Results 4 points to 1.
This Weekend sees the playing of the Prestige Fours with 16 Teams competing over two days.
Come on down to the club and watch some exciting bowling from members all over the district.
Friday Social Day from 1pm. The ladies are hosting and inviting all members and visitors to join them in social Bowls.
Contributed by Mike Irving
Mackay & Wests pennants Div 2

Champion Mackay Meteors point guard Isaac White has secured a two year deal with the Brisbane Bullets for NBL24.
The prolific points-scoring maestro – who has lit up the NBL1 North Conference with superb performances on court in the early rounds – is a major gain for the Bullets who finished ninth and failed to qualify for the 2022-23 NBL Finals.
White was at his mercurial best during the Mackay team’s arduous triple header road trip last week – steering the undefeated Meteors to impressive wins over Brisbane Capitals (96-90), Northside Wizards (93-78) and Southern Districts Spartans (100-90) and top of the standings after five rounds.
The high energy guard posted 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Capitals last Friday night with support from Tyler Williams (22pts, five rebounds, four assists and two steals) and Christian Maran (10pts, five boards, five assists and three steals).
White backed it up with classy performances against the Wizards (26pts, eight rebounds, three assists and steals) and Spartans (40pts, eight rebounds and assists and one steal) over the weekend as the all-conquering Meteors zoomed into top spot.
Dynamic guard Williams capped three solid games with 17pts, five boards, four steals and two assists against the Wizards and 18pts, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against the Spartans.
Other Meteors to shine were forward Shane Temara (17pts, eight rebounds and three assists) and guard Isaiah Lee (16pts, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals).
Meanwhile, the Mackay Meteorettes struggled to produce their best in a gruelling schedule - crashing to 37 point losses to the Capitals (92-55) and Wizards (99-62) and Spartans (76-63).
Talented forward Ellie Collins turned in consistent performances with 10pts and two assists against the Capitals; 16pts, five rebounds and three steals against the Wizards and 15pts, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal against the Spartans with support from centre Charli Bliss and guards Phoebe Holmes and Davida Dale.