There were great numbers across the board despite some less-than-perfect weather on Friday. From stableford events to the Centenary Opens, there was something for everyone—and even a hole-in-one to cap it all off!

Tuesday 29 July
The week began with a Stableford round. Ryan Wilkes took out the Men’s comp with 39 points, just ahead of Aaron Prosser on 38. Trish McNeill was in top form to win the Ladies with 42 points, while Heather Luvis followed with 36. Notable NTPs included Ryan Wilkes (9th) and Sherri Meade (2nd).

Veterans travelled to Home Hill, where Proserpine’s Robyn Whitham won the Ladies event with 38 points, and Barry Mortimer was runner-up in the Men’s on countback.

Wednesday 30 July
Karen Oni claimed the Ladies win with 38 points, narrowly ahead of Anna Winterbourn (37), while Brad Fleet took the Men’s with 37 points from Jon Miller (36).

Thursday 31 July
A Medley Stableford saw John Grosskreutz win A Grade with 40 points. Peter Fox led B Grade with an impressive 42 points. Visiting NTPs included Homer Koster (Glenelg GC) and Anastasis Papatolis.

Friday 1 August – Ladies’ Centenary Open
Sara Hagy was crowned Open Champion with a 74 gross. Trish McNeill (66 nett) and Jacqui Wall (68 nett) took the top nett honours in A and B Grades, while Robyn Whitham won C Grade (39 points).

Saturday 2 August – Mixed Centenary Foursomes
Rhiannon and Brendan Nott claimed the gross win with 78, while Wendy Grendon and Theo Poelstra won the nett with 68.

Sunday 3 August – Men’s Centenary Open (27 Holes)
Congratulations to Boyd Vickers for a spectacular hole-in-one on the 13th!
Levi Holmes was crowned Open Champion with a 103 gross in A Grade, while Ben Harrison won the A Grade nett (107).

B Grade honours went to Brent Franke (122 gross) and Chris Brett (104 nett), both on countback. In C Grade, Kale Malone (136 gross) and Chris Pirlo (106 nett) topped the field.

A fantastic week of golf and camaraderie—well done to all involved!

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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It was an early start for the Proserpine Veterans Golfers who travelled by bus to Home Hill for the latest round of the Whitsunday Veterans competition.

The Home Hill volunteers provided a warm welcome, with a well-prepared course and delicious morning tea and lunch. The greens, as always, proved tricky for some, but spirits remained high throughout the day.

A total of 69 players took part, including 22 ladies and 47 men. Proserpine was strongly represented with eight ladies and ten men. The Proserpine women performed particularly well, with Robyn Whitham taking out the win on 38 points—an excellent result that some attributed to her recent lesson with Nathan. Four other Proserpine women featured in the ball run-down, including Jenny Hounsell (31), Beryl Nosworthy (30), Leanne Alexander (30), and Paula McQuat (29).

In the men’s division, Les Gordon of Bowen took the win with 34 points, just ahead of Proserpine’s Barry Mortimer, who was runner-up on countback. Proserpine men also featured in the ball run-down with Peter Fox (32), Laurie Dakin (30), Ken Granger (30), John Roser (30), and Gary Scotford (28).

Pin shots were won by Robyn Whitham and Jenny Hounsell (in the hole) for the ladies, and by Neale Mahoney, Rob Byles (in the hole), Guy LeBlowitz (in the hole), and Doug Boss for the men.

Thanks to Ken, our bus driver, for a safe and smooth trip. Good luck to all heading to Wintersun next week!

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Barry Mortimer and Robyn Whitham. Photo supplied

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Close to 100 people attended the Heart Kids Charity Golf on Dent Island on Saturday 19 July.

An impressive $110,000 was raised for HeartKids, a national organisation supporting children with congenital and acquired heart conditions.

Now in its 11th year, the annual event is organised by Kerri and Troy Martin and has grown significantly since its beginnings.

“Last year we raised $80,000, and this year we have certainly surpassed that,” said Kerry.

The event has now become the biggest community event in Queensland.

“We never expected it to become the biggest community fundraiser for HeartKids in Queensland, but it’s thanks to the generosity and support of the community that it has.”

This year’s event featured a four-ball Ambrose golf tournament with 25 teams teeing off at 9.30am. The day included games on selected holes, barbecues, raffles, and both silent and live auctions.

The fun continued into the afternoon with presentations and prize announcements, recognising the winning teams and raffle draws.

Though not officially affiliated with HeartKids, the Martins began supporting the cause after a close friend’s daughter was born with a heart condition.

“Our first fundraiser years ago was for the McGrath Foundation, and then we moved to supporting HeartKids and have continued ever since,” Kerri said.

“HeartKids is the only national not-for-profit organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by Congenital/Childhood Heart Disease, one of the largest causes of infant death in Australia. Every day in Australia eight babies are born with Congenital Heart Disease.

“They seek to give every child, teenager and adult in Australia with congenital or childhood acquired heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.

“Their support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges for their entire life.”

With limited golf buggies available on Dent Island, expansion is tricky but the couple hopes to continue growing the event in coming years.

“It’s mind-blowing to think how far it’s come,” Kerri said.

“But we couldn’t do it without the incredible support from the community. That’s what really makes it special.”

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North Mackay Ladies Crowned Runners-Up

North Mackay ladies played in the District Final of the Championship of Championship Fours against the ladies team from Airlie Beach . The game was held at Northern Beaches Bowls Club on Saturday 2nd of August.

The Mackay Ladies played a valiant game but the Airlie ladies ran out winners in the end. Congratulations go to Donna Gordon (lead) Coral Francis(second), Deb Mackenzie (third), and Lorna Bowers (skip).

Well done and your efforts are appreciated by your club and our members.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Runners up (L) Donna Gordon,  Coral Francis , Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie. photo supplied

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Mackay's finest veterans took Brisbane by storm at the Queensland Veterans Table Tennis Championships, held at the Southpine Sports Complex from the 16th to the 19th of July.

Over four fiercely competitive days, our talented team of nine players proudly flew the Mackay flag and delivered brilliant performances across a range of age divisions. Congratulations and thanks to Vince Boeske, Anne Sheridan, Allan Edwards, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott, Daniel Warfield, Andrea Nicholson, and Noreen Frederickson for representing our region with such heart and determination.

A huge round of applause goes to Anne Sheridan, who was named President's Shield Women’s Player of the Tournament. Anne stunned the field with a string of spectacular wins, including triumphs over several seeded players, and finished third in the Order of Merit – an incredible achievement on such a big stage.

Anne also teamed up with Janice Kent to claim bronze in both the Over 60 Ladies Teams and Over 60 Ladies Doubles. Janice went on to earn silver in the Over 65 Mixed Doubles, pairing with Paul Green, while Donna Abbott and Marianne Orman (Townsville) battled hard to bring home bronze in the Over 60 Ladies Doubles.

Mackay was well represented in the prestigious Order of Merit, with several of our players punching well above their weight:
• Anne Sheridan – 3rd (Over 60 Ladies)
• Andrea Nicholson – 6th (Over 40 Ladies)
• Janice Kent – 8th (Over 60 Ladies)
• Donna Abbott – 10th (Over 60 Ladies)

This year’s Queensland Veterans Championships saw Mackay’s veterans dominate the court, showcasing not only skill and teamwork, but also a true passion for the sport. Well done to all players!

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Graham Walker, Allan Edwards, Daniel Warfield, Vince Boeske, Andrea Nicholson, Noreen Frederickson, Donna Abbott, Janice Kent and Anne Sheridan. Photos Supplied
Donna Abbott, Anne Sheridan and Janice Kent

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RUNNING

A dedicated group of Mackay Road Runners took part in the weekly social Bluewater Quay run under ideal conditions — cool, breezy, and sunny — while many others travelled north to Townsville for the annual McDonald's Running Festival. Events ranged from marathon and half marathon to 10km, 5km, 2.5km, and team races.

Race Director Andrew Short missed his usual local duties to compete in the Townsville Half Marathon, finishing in a solid 2:02, while his wife Jose claimed family bragging rights with an impressive 1:48. Local standout Skye Perkins took second place in the half marathon, finishing in a blistering 1:24. Other strong performances came from Rebecca Baird (1:59), Julia Monckton (1:50), Hamish Donnollan (1:32), Luke Leven (1:35), Max Miles (1:44), and Aidan Donnollan (2:01).

In the full marathon, Mick Vivian capped off a strong season with a 3rd-place finish in 2:53. Paul MacKenzie came 12th in 3:07, followed by Chris Brodie (3:14), Shane Donnollan (3:30), and James Wortley (4:02).

Locally, the BMA CQ Rescue 5km and 10km Fun Run showcased more Mackay Road Runners talent. Lily Leven won the 5km in 22:36, and Alana Knezevic blitzed the 10km female field in 39:43 — both backing up from recent Queen of the Mountain wins. Notable 5km efforts included Jo Hughes (1st in age category), Kayla Waugh, Greg Dawes, and Carole Dawes. In the men’s 10km, Jared Mackie led the pack in 37:26 ahead of around 300 runners.

Next up is the club’s Signature and Championship event on Sunday 10 August — the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open Magic Mile and Podiatry Mackay Junior U13/U18 Magic Mile, kicking off at 7am from the Breakwater entrance at Mackay Marina. Thanks to NQBP, Breakwater Road will be closed to the public for one hour during the event.

Juniors will race first, followed by the Open division. The fast, flat 1-mile course heads out 800 metres along the Breakwater before turning for a high-speed sprint to the finish. Long-time supporter Donald Orr and NQBP’s ongoing sponsorship continue to foster community and athletic spirit.

Online registrations are now open and will close at 6pm Friday 8 August. Everyone’s welcome — no membership required!

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Darrin Pullen (2nd right) leads out in the Bluewater Quay 5k and 10k social
Len Howarth ran well in the 5km Bluewater Quay social event after his 10km run at the BMA CQ Rescue Charity Fun Run in Mackay in the morning
The Joynson Family, Natasha, Craig and Alex enjoy running together
Brad Fraser ran an impressive 10km at the Bluewater Quay social run

Post run jubilation by Jo Hughes (3rd right) with fellow runners. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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The young U12 Rookieball players are showing great improvement in their pitching and catching, while their batting and fielding have reached new levels. Some are already preparing to transition into the U14s next year, with several emerging as impressive young softballers. Lucas Weinart and Nevaeh Smith were recognised for their hard work and dedication, each receiving club awards for their efforts.

The Joeyball littlies are also stepping up and starting to show off their skills, with several preparing to join the Rookieball squad next season. For now, they're still having a great time on the diamond each week.

Dragons 10 def. Dunbar Angels 9
It was a nail-biter between the young U14 teams.
Sienna Kitto picked up two walks for the Dragons, Boyd Baxter smashed a two-bagger to centrefield, and Levi Counsell slammed a home run over centrefield. Boyd also had a strong outing on the mound, finishing with three strikeouts. Dunbar, Zac Hargraves struck out two while pitching. Amanda Martyn-Jones, Mackenzie Rumpf, and Payton Roderigue each picked up walks, while Eli Neilson had a solid hit to leftfield.

Dragonflies 12 def. Pink Hawks 5
With ten catches throughout the game, the Dragonflies led the charge.
Toni Houton had a standout performance, crossing home plate three times and taking two catches. Noah Baxter also got on base three times, though was called out for leaving early, resulting in two runs. The Pink Hawks couldn’t catch a break at bat. Angela Baker and Chelsie Goodwin took a catch each, while Angela also contributed with four assisted outs.

Young Guns 13 def. Fireballs Angels 1
Hats off to Kim Elsworthy, who scored the only run for the Fireballs. The team showed patience at the plate, picking up several walks, but runners were left stranded. Kirsty Corbett managed a catch in the field. Eli Neilson slammed a home run, bringing home two runners. Boyd Baxter and Jett Parker each crossed the plate twice. Darcy Dolgner and Peyton Baker took a catch each to help secure the Young Guns' dominant win.

Results:

North jacklin choas  Angels  1  Dragons trye power 8
Dunbar Angels 9 Dragons Get the power 10
Pink Hawks 5  Dragon flies 12
Dragons Slayers 13 Storm 3
Angels fireballs 1 young guns 13
Golden oldies 3  Arch Angels 8
PM Deisel 7  Dragons BCN 8
Devils 15  Custom Angels 4
Heavy Iron Hawks 7  Augroup  0
Dr A men 7 Hells Angels 0
Dr A men 10  Allstars 0

Contributed by Cheryl Martin

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Young softballers are stepping up across all levels, with Rookieball and Joeyball players showing major improvement, and standout performances lighting up the diamond in a weekend of close games and big wins. Photos supplied

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Students Set To Sprint Alongside Cathy Freeman At Reef Arena

Mackay students will soon have the chance to lace up their runners and follow in the footsteps of one of Australia’s most beloved sporting icons — Cathy Freeman — in a landmark event celebrating the 25th anniversary of her unforgettable Olympic gold.

The Run With Cathy – Schools Challenge will take over the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday, October 24 at 3.30pm, honouring the moment Freeman captivated the world with her 400m victory at the Sydney 2000 Games, and celebrating the legacy she continues to build right here in North Queensland.

The community event invites primary and secondary students from across the region to take part in 400m races and 4x100m relay challenges, with one boy and one girl selected from each school for the solo sprint, and a mixed team of four for the relays. Cathy Freeman will personally present trophies to the winners, making it a memory that’s sure to stick with students for life.

The Great Barrier Reef Arena — recently upgraded and quickly becoming one of the state’s premier sporting venues — will play host to the community celebration, showcasing the incredible grassroots talent that calls Mackay home.

Freeman, a proud Kuku Yalanji woman with strong ties to North Queensland, has always carried her roots with pride, and her ongoing commitment to supporting youth, Indigenous communities, and environmental causes makes her visit even more meaningful.

Schools are encouraged to register their interest by August 29 by contacting nancy@harruppark.com.au.

From the red dirt to the reef, from Sydney 2000 to Brisbane 2032 — the next generation is getting ready to run.

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Mackay students will soon take part in the Run With Cathy – Schools Challenge, racing alongside Cathy Freeman at the Great Barrier Reef Arena to mark 25 years since her iconic Olympic gold. Photo source: Harrup Park

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The 71st Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, and the 17th year it has been held as a cageless event, once again attracted open water swimmers from across the region. The iconic 8km swim starts at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island and finishes on Townsville’s shoreline in front of Strand Park.

Swimmers typically complete the course with support from a kayaker who provides direction and sustenance throughout the swim. This year saw 73 solo swimmers, 10 duo teams, and 8 full teams of four take part.

Representing the Sinkers Masters Swim Club were Pierre Craven and Jenny Smith.

Pierre faced a challenging start when his support kayaker, Geoff Hamilton, was stranded on a delayed barge. Undeterred, Pierre set off solo after receiving sound advice from Jane Eggins, to “bolt out” and skip any stops for sustenance. The strategy paid off, with Pierre improving on his previous years’ time by a remarkable 30 minutes and finishing 7th in his age group. He credits the improvement to the patience and efficient freestyle coaching from Millie at the DMR Memorial Pool, home of the Sinkers.

Geoff eventually ferried back to Townsville, collected the kayak, and, with the help of Theresa Hackney, was able to rendezvous with Pierre 1.5km into the swim, providing much-needed direction and nutrition for the remainder of the journey.

It was Jenny Smith’s debut in the event, and her dedication was evident. After countless hours of training, she delivered a strong performance, finishing 8th in her age group. A local Townsville kayaker supported her on the water, while Jenny Furini and Theresa Hackney formed part of the on-ground cheer squad, with more support coming from back home in Mackay.

It’s not all swimming either, with many members not swimming but enjoying the social events and aspect of the club.

For more information, visit North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club on Facebook.

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The 71st Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim saw open water swimmers from across the region take on the iconic 8km challenge, with Sinkers Masters athletes Pierre Craven and Jenny Smith delivering standout performances in the cageless event. Photos supplied

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With Dragons Abreast Mackay

Dragons Abreast Mackay Celebrated it’s 20th Birthday on 26th July at the Mackay Harbour Marina.

Breast cancer survivors and supporters were joined by Townsville and Blue Mountains Dragons Abreast Clubs for a wonderful weekend of fun, friendship and celebration.  A fun paddle on the Marina was followed by a scrumptious morning tea in Mulherin Park.

“We all felt the groove with a Drum Circle by Rhythm Business, proving to be popular and enjoyed by all,” said club president, Janelle Moran.

“After an enjoyable Dinner at the Mackay Surf Club we sang and danced to the fantastic sounds of “Mango Junction” as we danced the night away.

“We were also treated to a wonderful performance from our paddling sisters from Townsville and Blue Mountain Clubs.”

The weekend was finished off with a BBQ on Sunday morning with a final catchup and farewell to the visiting clubs.

If you are a Breast Cancer Survivor, newly diagnosed, in treatment, or it is a distant memory – there is a seat in our boat for you. No experience needed, equipment and instruction are provided by the amazing crew.  Dragon boating gives breast cancer survivors more than a paddle in our hands, it gives us connection, confidence and community.

Are you ready to connect, move, and live?  Feel the power of paddling with a supportive team of survivors and Supporters.

If interested please contact Dragons Abreast Mackay on their Facebook Page.

Contributed by Janelle Moran

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A talented contingent of six from the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club, led by Sensei Helle Smith, has returned from Singapore with an impressive seven medals – 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze.

Gold and Silver went to Tim Spratling, Silver and Bronze to Nathanial Smith, and Bronze medals were awarded to Helle Smith, Axsel Smith, and 9-year-old Phoenix Spratling – whose mum, Nicky Kupfer, also competed.

Two members achieved a major milestone by grading for their Shodan (1st level Black Belt) following a gruelling 2.5-hour examination before an elite international panel of Shihan. The awards were well deserved after 14 years of training for Tim and 10 years for Nathanial.

The 14th Shito Ryu International Championships were held in Singapore and brought together Shihan and practitioners from around the globe to train, compete, and learn. With 270 participants from 23 dojos across 13 countries, the level of competition was exceptionally high.

The Northern Beaches team made the most of their time abroad, training in a local park under 33-degree heat and 78% humidity, as well as indoors at their hotel and even in the pool.

A welcome dinner offered the opportunity for international dojos to share messages of appreciation and encouragement, further building camaraderie among participants.

The four-day event also featured training seminars conducted by high-ranking Shihan and the Head Instructor. The week concluded with a guided tour of Singapore's cultural highlights, including Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Arab Street, and the iconic Merlion statue – a perfect way to cement the friendships made during the championships.

The next major event on the horizon is in Osaka in July 2027.

Tim, Nicky, and daughter Phoenix have since returned to Mackay, proudly sharing their experiences – and their very heavy medals – with the local karate community. Meanwhile, Helle, Nathanial, and Axsel travelled on to Denmark for a family reunion.

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Six members of Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club brought home seven medals and two black belts from the international championships in Singapore. Photos supplied

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More than just a race, the 2025 BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run brought heart, hustle, and a whole lot of community spirit to the Mackay Marina on Sunday morning.

Hundreds turned out to run, walk, volunteer or cheer, raising vital funds to keep our community-funded rescue helicopter in the sky. With crisp winter air and clear blue skies, it was the perfect morning for a good cause.

In the 10km race, proudly presented by Ampcontrol, Jared Mackie claimed first place with a lightning-fast time of 37:26, followed by Hudson Mayfield (38:56) and Adam De Brabander (39:20).

The 5km sprint, sponsored by G-Mech, saw Corey Bryant take out top honours in 20:05, ahead of Ryan Borg (20:56) and Dylan Pearce (21:40).

Hosted by BMA CQ Rescue with support from Thiess, the event delivered an energetic and uplifting atmosphere from start to finish. From warming up to celebrating personal bests at the finish line, the community turned out in force to show their support.

Full race results are available at: https://my.raceresult.com/314628/

Every step made a difference — helping ensure the rescue chopper continues to save lives across our region.

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Runners take off at the 2025 BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run, raising vital funds to keep our region’s rescue helicopter in the sky. Photo credit: Coffee + Hops

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Mackay Surf Club Lifesavers celebrate a season of success

From national and state champions to podium finishes at North Aussies, branch age champions, and ensuring the safety of Harbour Beach, Mackay Surf Life Saving Club recently held its annual awards presentation night to honour the contributions of its dedicated volunteers.

Club President Brendan Smith opened the evening by reflecting on the club’s 75 years of “Vigilance and Service” to the Mackay community, proudly referring to its members as the “Guardians of Harbour Beach.” He acknowledged the challenges of the past season and the pride the club takes in its ongoing commitment.

“Being a volunteer organisation, there are many people who make personal sacrifices to contribute to the running of various aspects of the club, this ensures that we can keep our beach safe for the Mackay Community and this makes our club very proud,” Mr. Smith said.

The awards evening recognised both junior and senior members who make a difference, from the volunteer workforce behind major carnivals such as the North Australian Titles, Nippers and Youth development programs, to surf sports competitors, sponsors, and, most importantly, the Club Captain, Patrol teams and patrolling members who help protect our beaches.

All of Mackay SLSC’s volunteer members are local heroes.

Award recipients:

• Junior Club Champion – Will Henry
• John Patti Most Improved Nipper – Lachlan Griffith
• Flo Payne Club Nipper Culture – Isabella Grant
• George Moody Quiet Achiever – Hayden Tobin
• Junior Coaches Award – Cadence McKinnon
• Junior Club Captain – Ash Johnson / Hayden Tobin
• President’s award for ‘Service and Vigilance – Joshua Grant
• Volunteer of the year – Peter “Legs” Marshall
• Patrol captains 2025 : Stan Ridland , Alex DeSousa, Stewart Richardson , Brendan Smith , Stephen Bird ,Tony Caris
• Reg & Helen Butlers Patrol Captain of the year – Stewart Richardson
• Patrol of the Year – Patrol 3: Ryan Lee, Matt Newlands, Stewart Richardson, Zara Richardson, Nate McKinnon, Melania Craig, Cadence McKinnon
• Coach of the year – Cathy McKinnon - Champion Lifesaver Team
• Senior Competitor of the Year: Zara Richardson
• Masters competitor of the Year: Ben Madden
• Team of the Year: Champion Lifesavers: Nate McKinnon, Cadence McKinnon, Isabella Grant & Zara Richardson
• Surf Boatie of the Year: Anthony White
• Best New Bronze Medallion Club Member – Dan Stampa
• Life Member : Lexi Schiffer – long term Junior Activities contributions

Contributed By Josh Grant

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PlayOn! Vouchers Now Available

Families across the Mackay region have a new reason to get excited as the Crisafulli Government’s PlayOn! sports voucher program officially opened for applications at 9am on Sunday, 4 August. Designed to support grassroots sport and ease cost-of-living pressures, the program offers eligible families up to $200 per child to assist with registration, equipment, and uniforms.

Local Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the launch, calling it “a win for families and grassroots sport.”

“From the 4th of August, everybody can get online and apply for the vouchers, where youngsters will be able to receive $200 to help with their winter or summer sports, covering sporting equipment, uniforms, boots, shoes,” Mr Dalton said.

“It’s a wonderful initiative that we’ll be carrying on for a couple of years.”

The benefits of encouraging children to participate in sport extend beyond the financial relief the vouchers provide.

“Once kids are out and about playing sport, they socialise better, learn how to win, how to lose, and how to deal with issues and problems. They think quickly, have better health outcomes from being active, and overall, their mental health improves significantly,” Mr Dalton explained.

According to the Australian Sports Commission, nearly 60% of children aged 5 to 14 participate in organised sport or physical activities, highlighting the critical role sport plays in young Australians’ lives.

The PlayOn! program aims to boost these numbers further, with a particular focus on regional communities.

“Whether it’s netball in North Mackay, footy near the Airport, or swimming in the Memorial Pool – this program is about giving every child in our region the opportunity to stay active and engaged,” said Mr Dalton.

The program also aligns with longer-term ambitions, including nurturing future sporting stars.

“It’s great to get youngsters active, and the LNP government is helping by providing these vouchers. This is also about preparing kids for the Olympics in the lead-up to 2032,” Mr Dalton added.

Highlighting local success, he said, “Someone from Mackay has hit the big stage just within the last 24 hours in Singapore. It’s all possible for regional youngsters as well as kids in the city, and it’s all available through these $200 vouchers.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasised the program’s broader impact.

“The Play On! Sports Vouchers program means more kids will be able to be part of a sporting team, joining their friends on the field, rather than watching from the sidelines,” he said.

“This new program is about better health and fitness but also for discipline and ensuring kids can be part of their community.”

Key details of the program include:

• One voucher per child, per year (applicable to either summer or winter sports rounds)
• Regional allocations to ensure rural and regional areas like Mackay receive support
• Dedicated funding pool available for children living with a disability
• Medicare card required to apply

All eligible families are encouraged to apply early and not miss out on this valuable support.

Applications can be made online via the Queensland Government Sport and Recreation website:
www.sport.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/play-on

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton is encouraging Mackay families to apply for PlayOn! vouchers, getting up to $200 per child to support sport participation and ease costs. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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With Mackay Contract Bridge Club

BRIDGE

It was a busy week with the playing of the Unders & Overs Tuesday night, the final week of the Founders Teams, and the final two days of the 2025 Whitsunday GNOT.

Weekly Results

Monday 28 July 2025 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Andrew Canavan / Geoffrey Patterson
2nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martín 2nd Terry Sheedy / Griff Bancroft
3rd Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
4th Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane 4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 29 July 2025 – Unders and Overs 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Sue Meyer-Miller / Geoff Taylor 1st Janelle Conroy / Martin Pearce
2nd Karen Caldwell / Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Diane Morgan / Christine Morrison
3rd Annette Howe / Debra Goodchild 3rd Frances Brown / Jewel Schmidt
4th Christopher Meyers / Noel Bugeia 4th Richard Wix / Vicki Howard

Wednesday 30 July 2025 – Round 3 of 3 Founders Team event Green Points
Team Players
1st Josie Crowley Josie Crowley/Anne Lutz/Gwen Liddell/Barbara Tait
2nd Janet Hansen Janet Hansen/Diane/Morgan/Frances Brown/Alan Brown
3rd Ming Ting Ming Ting/David Ting/Mick King/Errol Morris
4th Roland Taylor Roland Taylor/Janelle Conroy/Noel Bugeia / Lorna Shuttlewood

Founders Team Final after 3 weeks
Team Players
1st Roland Taylor Terry Sheedy/Roland Taylor/Janelle Conroy/Lorna Shuttlewood/Noel Bugeia
2nd Janet Hansen Janet Hansen/Diane/Morgan/Frances Brown/Alan Brown
3rd Josie Crowley Josie Crowley/Anne Lutz/Gwen Liddell/Barbara Tait
4th Ming Ting Ming Ting/David Ting/Mick King/Errol Morris

Thursday Evening 31 July 2025 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott
3rd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix 4th Janet Hansen / Patricia Wong

Friday 1 August 2025 – Week 15 of 25 NWP 9 Table Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st Frances Brown / Annette Howe
2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 2nd Diane Stokes / Griff Bancroft
3rd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 3rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox
4th Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix 4th Jewel Schmidt / Richard Wix

Whitsunday Zone GNOT Final 2025 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
Team Players
1st Morgan Diane Morgan/Marilin Robins/Frances Brown/Alan Brown
2nd Bugeia Noel Bugeia/Terry Sheedy/Janelle Conroy/Geoff Taylor/Roland Taylor
3rd Goodchild Eric Goodchild/Debra Goodchild/Ming Ting/David Ting
4th Garner Patricia Garner/Adrian Westcott/Mary Cruickshank/Ian Cruickshank

Contributed by Joy Block

GNOT winners Marilin, Alan, Frances and Diane

Noel, Terry and Lorna - winners of Founders Team. Photos supplied.

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