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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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

The Airlie Beach parkrunners are away!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Shaylah Mixes It With Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Chris Karas

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

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

Mackay Match Point Pairs

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

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

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

Whitsunday Zone Pairs

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

Open - Noel Bugeia & Terrence Sheedy

Novice – Sandra Morris and Diane Cox

Mackay Club Championship Teams

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

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

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

GNOT Qualifying 2 Teams

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

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

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

Contributed by Joy Block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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

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

Supplied by Suzanne Hazeldine

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

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The annual Tilse Toddle was once again a great success with over fifty runners tackling the loop style 5km and 10km course.  

The flat, fast course scored a few personal best times including Natalie Lorraway and Peter Wright in the 5km.  

Club President Tim Magoffin thanked the hosts for the arranging perfect running conditions, ie no blazing sun and lower temperatures than has historically been the norm.

The light sprinkly rain and cooling breezes were a bonus and even though heavy storm clouds were threatening, they did not open as per the weather forecast.

Mackay Road Runners welcomed many returning members including the elusive Shane Barben who as always puts in 100% whenever he runs despite his training schedule.

Excellent performances also came from Justin, Oliver and Toby Rule, Lily and Luke Leven after very successful athletics competitions in Cannonvale.

Many thanks to volunteers and runners for assisting in set up and pack down of the Tilse Toddle including Walker Murray, Luke Leven, Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin and Paul Tilse.

Some light, pale ale refreshments were on sale post-race with all sale proceeds going to Pancare (Pancreatic Cancer) in the lead up to the 10km Club Championship Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in four weeks.  

This Sunday’s social 5km & 10km starts from Zambrero City Centre, corner of Gregory and Gordon Streets at 4:30pm.  

The social event will be very social due to the Easter long weekend and abundance of highly charged chocolate eating athletes looking for a Sunday running fix.  

Many thanks to Peter Quinn and his family and staff for allowing us to land on his doorstep on a very special day.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Crystal Hawkins, Susan Petersen and Emma Johnson enjoyed the much cooler Tilse Toddle conditions

Good mates Stuart Sprott, Jan Smith and Lisa Burns catch up after their Tilse Toddle events

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Four of our Dolphins travelled to the big smoke this past week for the Queensland Representative School Sport Swimming Championships held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. They represented their school district, Capricornia – the 10–12-year-old’s swimming Sunday to Tuesday, 26-28 March and the 13–19-year-old’s swimming Wednesday to Friday, 29-31 March.

Alex Moss and Madison Malagueno represented the 10–12-year-old bracket and Stevie Brand and Yasmin Seedwell represented the 13–19-year-old bracket. A number of other Pioneer Swimmers were also selected but were unable to attend – Ella Bounden and Viktor Lee.

Highlights of the week included:

1. Personal bests being achieved by our swimmers;

2. Many a friend being made – the event allowing swimmers to interact with other clubs in their district which ranges from Pindi Pindi in the North down to Miriam Vale in the South;

3. Madison’s U11 Medley Relay Team receiving a silver medal;

4. Madison was a finalist in the 100m freestyle event; and

5. Madison receiving a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle event.  

Madison will now travel to the National Representative School Swimming in Sydney in August. What a great result for our youngest travelling Dolphin.

Congratulations to all our swimmers who were selected and who travelled to Brisbane to compete – your club is truly proud of all your achievements.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Alex Moss and Madison Malagueno

Stevie Brand

Yasmin Seedwell

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Mackay NBL1 Basketball Triumphs Over Townsville

Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes confirmed their NBL1 North championship credentials with rollicking victories over the Townsville Flames and Heat last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Superb performances from star guards Denesha Bobongie and Davida Dale inspired the Meteorettes to a 90-69 triumph over the reigning champions while superstar recruit Isaac White produced another top class display to mastermind an 82-64 win over the Heat in the main game.

Jamiey Doevendans’ Meteorettes overcame a slow start to sink the Flames and notch their first win of the season with top games from Bobongie, Dale, Phoebe Holmes, Madison MacDonald, Hannah Jensen and Jaye Willis.

They led 19-11 at the first break; 46-28 at half time and 73-45 at the end of the third quarter with the dynamic Dale and skilful Bobongie stamping their mark.

Young gun Bobongie, a former Australian Sapphires junior representative, turned in a mighty showing with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks on 12/18 shooting with the flamboyant Dale just as impressive.

The 26 year old American guard finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven steals and proved instrumental in the 21-point victory.

17 year old guard Holmes contributed 14 points.

Mackay Meteors made it back-to-wins after taming a powerful and well drilled Heat side in humid conditions.

Meteors coach Joel Khalu praised his charges for their wholehearted effort and will to win – keeping the Heat at bay with bustling defence.

Leading the way was maestro guard White who followed up his opening round 40 points effort with another masterclass performance.

The off contract Tasmanian JackJumpers guard demonstrated his silky skills for Mackay by finishing with 34 points, eight steals, five rebounds and five assists to spearhead a rousing 18 point win over the Heat.

White was ably supported by Djery Jean Baptiste (12 points and eight rebounds), guard Isaiah Lee (11 points, two assists and two steals), guard Tyler Williams and shooter Kye Medhurst as the Meteors led 23-17, 52-33 and 63-55 after the three breaks.

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Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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Round Two of the Mackay Rugby Union competition got under way at the Whitsunday Sportspark last Saturday and saw the Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders take on southern neighbours the Kuttabul Camel Boks.

Last time the two teams met was last year’s semi-final.

Whitsunday Raiders took an early lead with a penalty goal from Jack Briskey in the fourth minute and then another penalty goal by Niall Clancy in the ninth minute.

Kuttabul has always had a big physical presence up front in the forwards and Saturday was no exemption. The Raiders tight five were not going to be intimidated by this physical presence and showed this at the breakdowns as well as the scrums.

It took 23 minutes before the Raiders showed some fast feet and great ball control which saw young Niall Clancy go over for the first five-pointer.  

Just before the half time break Raiders number 8 Waikato Nepia-Katipa crossed the line for the Raiders second five-pointer.

This gave the home team a 16 point half time lead in the hot humid conditions.

During the second half the Kuttabul men showed a bit of stamina and managed to break the Raiders line for a seven-pointer but with two minutes to go the Raiders long term work horse and captain Cameron Meurant crossed for his first try for the year to give the home team a 21-7 win.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders player Sam Crane on the run

Raiders forwards marauding the ball up field

Accredited Referees

The recent Level 1 Referee Accreditation Course has boosted the number of WTA’s accredited referees.

It shows that the association’s pathway for developing Junior referees is successful.

Full credit to our young members for taking on this responsible role.

Accredited refs are now wearing the NTA endorsed shirts and certainly make an impression on the field.

There will be no Touch for the next two weeks of school holidays.

The Competition and Touch for Fun will return on April 17.

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.

Round Seven Results

Mixed A

Trusty (14) d Concrete Feet (4)

In the Crear (10) d Vipers (5)

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles (10) d The Guinea Fowls (6)

Ray White Mudcrabs (8) d Full Boar (0)

Slippery Salmons (6) d GET Touch (2)

Mixed C

Fumble This (6) d Flame Tree Flames(3)

Touch It (4) drew Raiders (4)

Whitsunday Warriors (8) d On Time (3)

Mixed C (Family)

Escapees (4) d Raiders Family (3)

Mainlanders (4) drew MissFits (4)

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The newly qualified referees

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There were six matches scheduled in this week’s Airlie Beach Darts Premier League on Sunday morning.

Jamie Maher took on Jayden Lloyd, Hawkeye Ricking was against Arthur McMinn, Andy Peel against Joe Wilson, Jayden Lloyd played Seumas Rose, Arthur McMinn had another match this time against Andy Peel, and finally Jamie Woods against Gary Robbie.

Jayden Lloyd got out to a fantastic start against Jamie Maher taking a 4/1 lead before Jamie rallied to win four straight legs to take a narrow 5/4 advantage.

Jayden won the next leg to tie the game up at 5 all, before Jamie won the next two legs and the match in a close 7/5 encounter.

Arthur McMinn won his first match 7/2 over Hawkeye Rick, and then backed that up with an impressive 7/4 victory over Andy Peel. That was Andy’s second loss of the day suffering at the hands of Joe Wilson earlier by 7/1, Joe topping the league table going into the Easter break.

Jamie Woods went joint top with Joe after his fine 7/4 win over Gary Robbie, who continues to play well this season, hitting 4 x 140’s in that match against Jamie, indicating that some wins are only around the corner.

The round was closed out with yet another close encounter between Seumas Rose and Jayden Lloyd, Jayden’s second match of the day, with both the players taking a share of the spoils between them with the match finishing in a 6/6 draw.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Premier League Round 5

1. J Wilson 8 pts

2. J Woods 8 pts

3. D Friend 7 pts

4. A McMinn 7 pts

5. J Maher 5 pts

6. S Rose 4 pts

7. J Lloyd 3 pts

8. K Reason 3 pts

9. A Peel 3 pts

10. G Robbie 2 pts

11. H Rick 0 pts

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Arthur McMinn had a good day on Sunday at the Airlie Bowls Club in the Airlie Beach Darts Premier League with two victories

Tuesday afternoon at Airlie Beach Bowls Club was home to a big performance from winners Elaine Hadlow, Dawn Dowel, and John Brown, 27-13.

Wednesday Noel Crosbie and Alan Pershouse won easily with a dominant performance before Wednesday night Business House Bowls saw an amazing final between Hadlow Racing Team and the Tuk Tuks team, with Hadlow winning to put their name on the trophy.

Wednesday afternoon in Mackay saw Carol Crosbie and Lyn Graham runners up in the Northern Beaches pairs representing the club in a gallant display.

In the Ladies Masters titles at South Suburban Ladda Purdie and Joan McGrath won the coveted trophy, defeating the South Suburban champions by one shot.

Saturday and Sunday saw the Men’s two bowl triples Club Championship begin and the final between Manny Isgro’s team against Harry Quod’s team ended 25-15.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw the team of Tony Whitehorn with Mario De Martini at lead and Mark Mawson second easily beat the rest of the field with a great team performance.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club representatives Joan McGrath and Ladda Purdie at South Suburban after an amazing victory in the Ladies Master Pairs

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Summer's heat and humidity has made games this last week at Proserpine Bowls Club an exercise in maintaining grip and focus.

On Wednesday the Club had 11 players for games of social bowls: Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Mike Harrison defeated John Anderson, Heather Brown and Sandy Daffara 32-18;  Jim Bownds, Betty Whitehorn, and Philip Brown defeated Pat Bownds, Mary Hedgelong and Bruce Uhe 27-15.

Saturday was all about competition games as the club races to try to get as much competition played before Easter and the imminent start of the Pennants Season.

Saturday morning in the Club Championship Singles Michael Kinnear defeated Philip Brown 28-10; Shane Kinnear defeated Todd Leys 25-6.  In the "B" Singles Kendall Watts defeated Mike Harrison 25-9.  

Saturday afternoon a game of Club Championship Fours was played.

This was always going to be a battle royale when you look at the names on both sides of the scorecard.

Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne took the honours this time winning 23-14 against Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Jonathan Bye, and Wayne Handley.

Sunday afternoon, eight players played Pairs as a 2-4-2 format, and on Rink 12, Mike Harrison and Warren Wilson defeated Mary Hedgelong and Heather Brown 13-12 with thirteen ends played.  

On Rink 13, John Anderson and Philip Brown defeated Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann 17 - 8.

Social Bowls will be available on Sunday afternoon over Easter, weather permitting. Names in by 1pm ready for a 1.30pm start.

The Club attests that all draws have been put up on the windows of the bar to allow those wishing to organise to play their games at mutually agreed times, to know who their next opponent is.  

Those changing times please speak with Barry Saroglia, The Club’s Games Director.

Selectors will be working at the Club in coming days for possible Pennants teams combinations with the first two rounds being Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16.

Division 1 plays Airlie Beach on Saturday at the Beach and Souths Suburban at Proserpine on Sunday.

Division 5 play Airlie Beach at Proserpine on Saturday and St Helens at St Helens on Sunday.  

The Club extends congratulations to Wayne Handley and Grahame Kinnear who have been selected in the District Sides team to represent Mackay District at this year's District Sides in Coolum in May.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the Club with first up winner in the Ladies Margaret Need with 37 points.

Runner up was Grace Nott with 35 points, while the Men’s winner was Ben Jacobson, 41, and runner up Gordon Brackley, 39.

Saturday’s competition was the Ladies Monthly Medal with winner Robyn Slade, 70 nett, and runner up on a countback Kim Bennion 71 nett.  

Pin Shots to Penny Stewart, Carol O'Connell, Janice Bates, and Robyn Slade - who also claimed a hole in one on #9.

Sunday's competition was the Men's Monthly Medal, with Winner Hayden Menzies, 62 nett, runner up Dylan Nott, 66 nett.

This weekend, Bowen Golf Club’s competitions is sponsored by XXXX and Saturday’s stableford event will be members only.

Easter Sunday the Club will host a two-person ambrose open to all for a 12:30pm shotgun start. Grab a partner and book on 1golf or call the club on 47851206.  

Joker draw is on Thursday this week.  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 $2300.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s April monthly medal winner Robyn Slade

Ms Slade after her Hole in one