This week, 92 dedicated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 22 were first timers and 19 recorded new Personal Bests.

Alihra reached the milestone of 10 parkruns as a junior.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Chris M and his team of 15 generous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Wade, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Jess, Lilliana, Rose, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Tina, Annie, and Margaret.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 4,847 participants have completed 24,858 parkruns covering a total distance of 124,290 km, including 2,875 new Personal Bests.

A total of 398 individuals have volunteered 3,656 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.

Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach

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The Airlie Beach Parkrun volunteers joining the fun

Alihra has completed 10 parkruns. Photos supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club have received exciting news that their Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant application was successful.

The Cannons grant of $34,879 will enable the club to purchase new starting blocks, Backstroke start ledges, a BBQ, tents, timer watches, lane ropes and flood lights.

These items will benefit swimmers and the club running events such as club nights and carnivals.  The Cannonvale Cannons would like to thank Tracy Edwards-Bland for all her work she put into writing and submitting the grant applications.  

This week, the blankets went on the pool so the water could stay nice and warm for swimmers.  Coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were pleasantly surprised at early morning training on Tuesday with 18 swimmers in attendance.

The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who have recently met the criteria to upgrade into the next squad level: Eloise Chegwidden, Maeve Dichieria and Lucas Korosec.

“Trainers of the Week” were Tora Delac, Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, and Eric Mulliss. Nelson Malady is keen to participate in a Townsville Strand 1km Ocean Swim in May, so he has decided to do a little bit of training in the open water each week. On Sunday morning, Nelson swam close to 2km in Airlie Beach’s New Beach.  

On Friday afternoon, senior swimmers completed an hour of skill work and then played water polo.  The seniors playing water polo at the deep end of the pool had a very close game. They all played extremely well.  Special mention to Charlie Doherty who was the “stand out” player.

Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Maeve Dichieria, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Evie Doherty thoroughly enjoyed modified water polo down the shallow end of the pool.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons training for next competitions. Photos Supplied

The May Day long weekend saw all teams have a bye in the Mackay Rugby competition.

The reason was so that teams could travel to Rockhampton to trial for the Central Queensland Bushrangers representative teams.

Players from Bowen, Whitsunday, and Mackay were selected in the Mackay Stingers teams in Senior Mens, Under 19 Mens and Open Women divisions.

A total of 25 senior men, 16 under 19 men and 16 Open women all travelled to Rockhampton to play against teams from Rockhampton Brahmans, Central highlands, and Wide Bay for positions in the CQ bushrangers rep teams that will compete in the Queensland Country Championships later in the year.

The Whitsunday raiders were well represented in all teams with 11 senior men, 4 Under 19 men and 8 Open women players representing the mighty Raiders.

The senior men’s team had a big weekend with a game each day.

Of these, the Stingers won 2 and lost the final game by 1 point, which gave them the CQ Championship again, for the 2nd year in a row.

Well done to the players and coach Andre Houston for their dedication and time.

The under 19’s unfortunately didn’t win a game but showed great improvement over the 2 games and showed great skill in playing together for the first time and improving all the time.

The open women were in a similar position to the U19’s, minimal training with small numbers, but again showed improvement in their two games.

We wish all players that have been selected in the CQ Bushranger teams, at time of printing these are U19 mens, Manaia Hauiti, Tristian Sainsbury, Josh Groenewald and Jack Briskey.

For the Open Women Bella Cain, Shakaya Costello and Deakoda Costello made the shadow players list. Congratulations to these PWRUC players

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Under 19s playing their best

Whitsunday Open Women’s showed massive improvements

Senior Mens winning 2 of 3 games

Huge week again this week for our little club, starting on Tuesday afternoon with an overwhelming victory for Ladda Purdie with lead Marjorie Hughes and Mark Mawson at second.

Also played was the Ladies B Grade finals between Bev Taylor and Maureen Barnard in an excellent game with Bev running away with an awesome performance and from next season she will be in A Grade.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls brilliantly organised by Merve Stewart saw a tie between Bob Spees with John Brown and Tony Whitehorn with Eric Barnard and Ted Cullen both teams finished plus 17 and the prize money was halved.

Saturday morning Scroungers last round saw Rick Galea the overall winner and the final was played with the final three in a great tussle with Andy McDougall in fantastic form winning with the last bowl over Warren Mills and Russell Jackson a gallant third, the next season will begin in June after Men’s Pennants has concluded.

Thursday saw 30 students from Whitsunday Christian College begin their competition which will conclude in about five weeks.

Sunday afternoon the Buddy Holmes day was played with 30 bowlers and we welcomed Patsy Black, Joan Frank, Olwyn Taylor, Ruth Healy and Melda Richardson from South Suburban and also Helen Ward returned.

A great day was had by all with Warren Mills’ team receiving the Cup.

Tickets for Luke Kinnear’s raffle will be on sale this week and details will be available next week.

The new Business House Bowls format will be advised in next week’s report.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Bev Taylor with Maureen Barnard after her victory in the Ladies B Grade Final. Photo supplied

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Results of Wednesday Social: Peter Wilson, Bev Smith and Allen Williams defeated Ross Scanlon, Peter Thompson and Ron Gould.

Competition Games:

Mixed Pairs: Eddy Neylon and Doc Fordham defeated Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst.

Sunday Social Winners: Eddy Neylon, Jane Gilbert and Lou Fordham defeated J. Allen, R.Muir and Daryl Tuttle. Jan Randell and Ron Gould defeated J.Benjamin and Lloyd White.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Winners Jane Gilbert, Eddy Neylon, Lou Fordham, Jan Randell and Ron Gould. Photo supplied

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It was a huge week of bowls this past week. Martin Corr as Manager of the District Sides, Wayne Handley and Grahame Kinnear as members of the Mackay team came home from a strong week of District Sides play with the Win in Division 3. Congratulations to all involved.

In Club Championship Singles Gavin Milne defeated Luchie Gardel 25 - 17; Michael Kinnear defeated Brett Saroglia 28 - 21; Andrew Bell defeated Jonathan Bye 25 - 23

In Club Championship Pairs Gavin Noonan and Brett Saroglia defeated Todd Leys and Ross Reville 26 - 14; Toby Craig and Marcus Craig defeated Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe 27 - 6; Scott Kinnear and Shane Kinnear defeated Harry Craig and Scott Hamilton 22 - 19.

In Club Championship Fours Kendall Watts, Bruce Uhe (sub for Ken Watts); Gavin Noonan and Brett Saroglia defeated Jim Quod, Barry Zillmann (sub for Dale Haack), Ross Reville and Andrew Bell 30- 17.

We've also had some wonderful bowls played during Social play this week on Wednesday Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison and Heather Brown defeated Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe and Andrew Bell 20 - 17;  John Anderson and Barry Zillmann defeated Pat Bownds and Philip Brown 19 - 16.  

On Sunday John Anderson, Jim Quod and Philip Brown drew 23 all with Alen Sanderson, Isaac Elliott and Mike Harrison. Margy Burnett and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett and Nathan Lee 27 - 16.

The top 10 leader board in the Social Participation Competition is Heather Brown 60; Bruce Uhe 48; Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown 44;  Mike Harrison 41;  John Anderson 37;  Sandy Daffara 24, Warren Wilson 23; Mary Hedgelong and Jim Quod 22.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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The Club Championship Pairs game between Toby Craig and Sandy Daffara. Photo suppled

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Tuesday’s results: Winners for the afternoon: Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeated Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler and Steve Roome. Merle Elphinstone, W Coonan and Greg Colquhoun defeated Irene Laird, Tracy Stanford and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Ladies Competition: The Final of the B singles was played on Saturday. Congratulations to Teresa Willshire who defeated Pat Tracey in a very close game. Then on Sunday, Teresa defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis in the Consistency Final.

Sundays results: Winners for the afternoon were Bron Tolcher, Toni Bowen, Linda Scells and Linda Smith who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis, Deb Beel, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey. Bill Myers and Doug Messence defeated Irene Laird, Kevin Baxter. Kerry Messence and Fely Duncan defeated Deb Retchless and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot did not go off.

Congratulations to our men gaining runners up in the Country Pennant held at Brandon on Sunday. Ayr came in winners followed by Wangaratta, Brandon and BBC.

Denise and Penny played well in the North Qld Ladies District Sides competition last week at the Sunshine Coast. North Qld was placed 6th out of 20 districts in the first three days to be relegated to Division 2 in the play offs on Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Waren.

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North Qld Ladies District Side at Maroochydore.

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the May midweek monthly medals, sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Bev Lowcock 68 nett, runner up on a countback 70 nett. Men’s winner with a great score of 67 nett was Jeremy Chrzanowski, runner up Peter Swan 68 nett.

Saturday’s competition was the men's Monthly Medal. Winner was Brian Martin 68 nett, runner up on a countback Dave Lydom 71 nett. Sunday was the ladies Monthly Medal. Winner was Judy Atkins 65 nett, runner up Penny Stewart 67 nett. Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Bev Lowcock, Donna Wright, and Judy Atkins. Both competitions are sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

Congratulations to Tanya Gaudry winning Gross runner up in B1 grade at the Home Hill ladies open on Saturday. She also picked up a pin shot. Congratulations to two of our juniors on picking up prizes in the Home Hill Men’s open on Sunday - Marcus Yasso was Nett winner in A grade and Ryley Malone winning Nett runner up in A1 grade.

COMING UP

This weekend, the Bowen Golf club is hosting the A, A1, B & C grades Men’s opens sponsored by Green Energy. Good luck to all those competing over the weekend. 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 $2800.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s May monthly medal winner, Judy Atkins

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Tuesday

It was John Roser's excellent play that helped him win the Tuesday Monthly Medal with 71 nett, narrowly defeating playing partner Michael Cragg on a countback, Allen Roberts won 3rd place with 72 nett. NTP winners were Gohn Grosskreutz and Tina Badenhorst.

Wednesday

Pauline Redpath was the winner of the PD Law Monthly Medal on Wednesday winning on a countback from Di Chard and Lyn Muller, all on 73 nett. NTP winners were Trish McNeill x 2, Jacqui Wall and Ann Gardel.

Thursday

The Venue Smart Monthly Medal was hotly contested on Thursday, Allen Roberts was too good in Division 1, with 69 nett, closely followed by Sean Fogerty and Trevor Nosworthy both on 70 nett. Division 2 was also close, with Trevor Paroz beating Chris Brett by one shot on 70 nett and Chris on 71 nett. Jim Cochrane was in 3rd place with 72 nett.

NTP winners: Sean Fogerty, John Roser, Dave O’Connor, and Leigh Jones

Friday

Adam Hagy's new clubs did the trick in the Met 9 Hole Run on Friday, coming in with an unbeaten 23 points. Karlene Lloyd was closest to the winning score with 21 points and Fraser Simpson edged out 4 others on a count back with 19 points. Sean Gower and Ryan Wilkes were the NTP winners.

Saturday

The RGH Monthly Medal was contested by 89 players on Saturday. Ash Law led the way to win overall with an outstanding 65 nett, Ash was also the winner of the B Grade RGH Medal. Rod Wecker and Blake Lovelock came in 2nd & 3rd in B Grade with 71 and 72 respectively.

A Grade winner was Dave O’Connor with a 69 nett beating Jon Miller on a count back. Levi Holmes claimed 3rd position on 70 nett.

More great scores in C Grade with Bailey Hayward winning with 69 nett, Mark McDougal and Vic Feldman both on 70 nett.

NTP winners: Gavin Kerwand, Bailey Hayward and Dave O'Connor.

The ladies’ winner, Peta Thomas also posted an excellent score on Saturday to win the RGH Monthly Medal, on 67 nett, 2nd place was Ann Gardel also with an outstanding score on 69 nett and Jill Farinelli in 3rd place with 74 nett.

NTP winners: Lyn Muller and Peta Thomas x 2

Sunday

Karen Rix claimed 1st place in the Ladies Monthly Medal on Sunday with a very nice 71 nett, followed by the inform Peta Thomas on 74 nett. Jason Bourke had a scorching 66 nett to win the Men's Monthly Medal, closely followed by Ryan Wilkes with a sub-par 67 nett, and Mark McDougal also on 67 nett winning 3rd place.

NTP winners: Jason Bourke, Ryan Wilkes, Clay Coles, Levi Holmes, Peta Thomas and Penny Wardroper.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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A beautiful day out on Sunday, with some suffering from Coronation sleep deprivation, the scores tell the full story. Whitsunday golfers fielded 18 players on a course in much improved condition that is finally drying out after seven nights without rain. Some players didn’t do the course justice, but it’s about all the fun on the day. Numbers are still down with some players overseas enjoying the UK spring weather, the rest of us revelling in the first cool days of the Whitsundays “winter”.

LADIES :  

A GRADE :  

WINNER :  Tiina Randmae with nett 79 on a countback from

R/UP : Penny Wardroper

B GRADE

WINNER : Karen Rix with nett 71  

R/UP : Pam Casey with 76

BEST GROSS : Tina Cook

MEN :  

A GRADE :

WINNER : Jason Bourke with nett 66

R/UP : Darren Reynolds with 70

BEST GROSS : Jason Whitney  

MENS' B GRADE :  

WINNER : Mark McDougal with net 67

R/UP : Paul Nicol with 73

BEST GROSS : Don Cameron

NTPs :  

Ladies : Karen Rix  (12th), Tiina Randmae (16th) and Penny Wardroper (18th)  

Men : Ritchie Atkins (4th), Don Cameron (9th) and Clay Coles (13th).

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Longest Drives :

Men : Darren Reynolds and Don Cameron for the men, Ladies A did not make the fairway, unlike Karen Rix who did it for Ladies B.

Least Putts : Tiina Randmae with 31 and Geoff Harrison with 30.

NAGAs : Tina Cook and Wilf Herweg , drinks kindly sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts.

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The Guzzler’s Cup was won by Ladies A winner, so Tiina has a month of drinks, courtesy of the lady players.

Next week is a Stableford game, log in early - with social player numbers increasing and match plays in progress, let’s try to stay together as a group. So, fill in at least the 7 - 7.30am slots first and then move into the 7.30+ if required.

See you out there.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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PHOTO DETAILS, L to R : Pam Casey (R/up Ladies B), Mark McDougal (Winner Men’s B), Karen Rix (Winner Ladies B) , Paul Nicol (R/up Men’s B), Tiina Randmae (Winner Ladies A). Absent : Jason Bourke, Darren Reynolds, Penny Wardroper

NAGAs : Tina Cook and Wilf Herweg

34 players competed for our May Monthly Medal.  12 women and 22 men.

The course was still proving to be a challenge for some.

Hopefully no more rain.  

Trevor Paroz was the men's Monthly Medal winner with 69 followed by John Roser 71 on a countback from our newest member Michael Cragg.

Jenny Hounsell was the ladies’ winner with 73, Lyn Muller 76 and Paula McQuat 77.  

Pin shots went to Trevor Paroz and Wilf Herweg on 2, Vic Feldman and Wilf on 9.  

Tina Badenhorst and Beryl Nosworthy on 2, Tina again and Paula McQuat on 9 and Paula on 13.  

Next Tuesday we are off to Collinsville.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Trevor Paroz, the men’s Monthly Medal winner

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This week’s stableford 9-hole weekly competition was won by Michael Bond on 18 points, second place went to Glenn Rees with 17 points and third Dennis Moss on 15 c/b.

Our Friday 9-hole stableford prawn run was a great turnout with Glenn Rees taking first place with a 23-point win, second place was Jay Angel on 22 c/b and third we had Scott Morrissey on 22 points.

On Sunday we held the 18-hole Alternate shot foursome with a 50 net coming in first place was Glenn Rees & Robert Lodders, second on a 55 net Tyson Flavel and Rhys Bartholomew and third place Ben Doer & James Kontis on a 61 net.

Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Rhys Bartholomew.

This Sunday will be our 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Mackay Cutters have thrown down the gauntlet to BMD Womens Rugby League premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies after a classic top-of-the-table clash in Townsville last weekend.

A last gasp try by centre Sera Koroi helped the undefeated Magpies snatch a 28-26 victory and open up a four point cushion on the competition ladder.

It was a cruel twist for the spirited Cutters who led 26-24 after talented winger Alicia Martin had crossed for a vital try with nine minutes remaining.

Just as Mackay looked set to inflict the first loss on Souths Logan this season, the strong running Koroi broke their hearts by bursting through to nab her second four pointer inside the final 60 seconds of play.

Led by enforcer prop Frieda Sue and Jillaroo forwards Brittany Breayley-Nati and Stephanie Hancock, the competition leaders justified their number one ranking.

Earlier the elusive Martin opened the scoring when she dashed over for her first try after six minutes with back rower Romy Teitzel potting the extras.

Strong running second rower Tyesha Mikaio responded for the Magpies with a 13th minute try before Teitzel extended the Cutters lead to eight points after grabbing her team’s second try with a powerful surge.

Souths Logan winger Kalisi Longopoa crossed nine minutes later as Mackay went to the break with a 12-8 advantage.

Three quick tries after the interval by talented fullback Evania Pelite, second rower Jasmine Fogavini and match winner Koroi turned the match for the Magpies.

They jumped to a 24-12 lead before the Cutters hit back in style with five eighth Alisha Foord, winger Lauren Moss and Martin all notching crucial tries to set up a thrilling finale.

Meanwhile, the Hunters recorded a hard fought 18-10 victory over Mackay Cutters in their Hostplus Cup fixture last Saturday at PNG Stadium in Port Moresby.

Hunters fullback Morea Morea and centre Benji Kot nabbed early tries to set up a 10-0 lead before quick stepping number four Josh Smith posted Mackay’s lone first half try after 27 minutes with Brandon Finnegan adding the conversion.

Back rower Julius Yakopa crashed over for the Hunters third try soon after to give the home side a 14-6 lead at the interval.

Dashing winger Flynn Camilleri kept the visitors in the hunt when he sliced through to score after 53 minutes before centre Rodrick Tai sealed victory for the Hunters with a determined late try.

Michael Comerford’s winless Cutters meet ninth placed Northern Pride this Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns at 5.30pm.

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Accomplished Mackay Magpies cricketer Adam Zurvas is reaping the dividends of a golden summer.

The 23 year old premiership winner is basking in the success of a memorable 2022-2023 campaign in the Mackay Cricket Association after chalking up a long list of meritorious achievements.

All rounder Adam scooped the pool at the Association’s recent Senior Awards Night at Harrup Park – picking up a swag of trophies to cap his finest season in the top grade.

The stylish batsman claimed three major honours when he took out Mackay Cricket’s A Grade Player of the Year award and Batting Aggregate and Average trophies for his 776 runs across all formats at 52.60.

Zurvas is only the third Magpies player to receive the prestigious Player of the Year award – replicating the deeds of former Australian Test paceman Ross Duncan and life member Dale Fortescue.

It certainly was a season to savour for the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student who described the honours as “the proudest moment of my life.”

“Taking the field each week with my brothers Ben and Liam and close mates was an absolute joy,” reflected Adam, who achieved his maiden A Grade century at the start of the season.

“Our recipe for success was simple – just go out and enjoy your cricket and appreciate your teammate’s contributions” he said.

Boasting a top score of 120 not out against Pioneer Valley, Adam was at his prolific best throughout the summer with a string of half centuries and chimed in with 17 wickets as a seam bowler.

But the classy run-maker nearly sat out the season and was coaxed into playing by leg-spinning team mate Finlay Wilson.

“Finlay convinced me to play after I seriously considered having another break from the game,” revealed Adam, who made limited appearances for the Magpies while completing his Civil Engineering degree at Townsville’s James Cook University – including a Twenty20 Shootout triumph.

Younger brother Ben, 20, is one of the competition’s best young keeper batsmen and finest leaders while 16 year old Liam is a batting all rounder on the rise.

Proudest couple at the Awards Night were Adam’s parents Brad and Julie – two of Magpies Cricket’s greatest stalwarts.

“Dad is my role model and coach and batting inspiration – I can’t thank him enough” said Adam.

Other major trophy winners for the Magpies were Ethan Morris (Mackay Second Grade Player of Year); John Magann (Mackay Second Grade Twenty20 Player of Year) and Brendan Whitby (Mackay Third Grade Player of Year & Batting Award).

By Chris Karas

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Mackay Cricketer of the Year Adam Zurvas displays his impressive trophy haul for season 2022-23

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Based in Brisbane, Circa, is a visionary contemporary acrobatic and circus show, that tests the limits of human movement and powerful performance.

On by Circa is the newest performance to the company’s repertoire, illuminating the haunting tale of a chance encounter, a single touch, an impossible connection, with eight strangers.

Set in the backdrop of an apartment block’s courtyard, the audience is swayed through the performance, following love, loss, and enchanting beauty.

Since 2004, Circa has established itself as a global leader in circus performing arts.

Circa performances have been hosted all over the globe, in over 40 different countries, to over 1.5 million people, with a many sell-out shows.

Productions offer a range of performances, including large scale opera, extreme choreographic sights, and intimate instrumentals.

A creation of Yaron Lifschitz, On by Circa speaks to natural circus artistry, with accompaniments from composition from Melbourne’s Jethro Woodward and lighting design from Paul Jackson.

In a bare performance, the extreme skill of acrobatics is put on full display, the performers becoming art themselves, establishing a striking intimacy that leave audiences feeling that they, alone, experienced the show.

“On by Circa explores the gift of weight that lies at the heart of acrobatics. The simple act of giving and accepting another’s mass is transformed into a profound mediation about beauty, loss, and trust,” Yaron Lifschitz said.

WHAT: On By Circa

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre

WHEN: Wednesday May 31, from 6.30pm

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

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Experience the acrobatic show of the year

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