Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results March 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Allan Edwards, Vince Boeske) 6-5. Andrew d Mick 8, 5, -3, -8, 4.

Joola (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown, Robbie Richards) d Victas (Geoff Denman, Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting) 6-5. Rob d Geoff -7, 9, -2, 9, 8.

Division 2:

Radak (Lee Brake, George Camilleri, Rhymer Tabulo, Andrea Nicholson) drew Stiga (Graham Brake, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Matthew West) 7-all. Lee d Graham 12, -8, 7, -8, 8.

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 10-4. Lily d Graeme 3, -8, 12, -3, 9.

Division 3:

Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri, Craig VanDeKaa) d Butterfly (Virginia Clayton, Val Austin, Trent Day) 6-2. Simon d Trent -9, 7, -8, 9, 10. Simon d Trent -9, 7, -8, 9, 10.

Nittaku (Noreen Fredericksen, Duncan Sheridan, Steve Crocker) d Xiom (Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert, Ollie Hamelink) 8-3. Leo d Noreen 6, -7, 8, -8, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Keioskie) 8-6. Tony d Branko -10, -5, 9, 4, 11.

Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Judy Zahn, Noreen Fredericksen) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Coral Morgan) 10-4. Pam d Delma -2, 9, 7, -10, 7.

Division 2:

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) 8-4. Iris d Robyn -9, 13, 10, 9.

Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Judi 12, -6, -10, 9, 10.

Division 3:

Hawks (Pam Keune, Gloria Vella) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Allison Day) 7-3. Gloria d Madge -9, 4, 8, -10, 9.

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Pigeons (Thelma Caruana, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) 10-2. Sharon d Bill 8, 7, -9, -8, 9.

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Mackay bowls club launched into full competition last week with rinks holding social or competition bowls. This Saturday, teams will be competing in Wilma Plane Creek Shield. Teams: C Molloy, G Luck, P Molloy, B Bridger B Williams, T Crocker, C Marks, R Dunstan K Tranberg, J Crocker, G Edmonds, N Wilson.

The Mackay Club (Ladies Section) PAH will be conducted on Friday April 14.

All ladies wishing to attend register your name on nomination form in the Clubhouse.

Members wishing to play in the 8-a-Side Champion of Champion competition: this has to run as a CH of CH Competition and played on Easter Monday April 10. The district Competition will be played on June 24 and 25. Make sure you are available for all events.

WEEKS RESULTS

Tuesday Social Play(24)

Winner of Winners

Alan Bartlett, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins.

Winner of Losers

Peter Nelson, Col Stevens, Brian Williams Thursday Scroungers (15) Karina Dunn def Peter Carter

Friday Social Play

Leanne Jenner, Peter Carter, Whare Herewini, def Liz McIntosh, Barry Jenner, R Schatkowski.\

Club Championships were played in Triples, Singles, Pairs, for Women and Mens Competition with some very close games played.

This Friday Ladies Championships Singles will be played Saturday Afternoon. Ladies Championships Pairs with Mens B Pairs, Open Singles and Senior Singles and Sunday Mens Open Triples.

Good close games should be witnessed - spectators welcome to come and enjoy the weekend, the bowls and friendly atmosphere.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men and Women kicked off their 2023 Season campaigns on Saturday with openers against Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval.

The first match of 2023 for the Sea Eagles Senior Women saw a different looking team with nine new players coming into the team - some moving up from Juniors and others new recruits.

After a relatively successful Preseason Carnival saw some wins on the board, the Sea Eagles Women showed what they are capable of this year, smashing the Eastern Swans 44–8 and opening their campaign for the cup in style.

Putting in some hard yards at preseason training is showing early rewards for the team coming together to work the ball forward and hit the scoreboard.

Sea Eagles Senior Men debuted eight players after a number of players moved in the off season.

The side’s first match up began in sluggish fashion with Eastern Swans getting the jump early putting a number of goals on the scoreboard.

Sea Eagles were able to work their way back into the game by the end of the second quarter leading to the Swans coming out again hard after half time to increase their lead.

Sea Eagles continued to gel and were able to reduce Swans lead to only 2 goals however were unable to make it over the line in the end losing 53–66.

With this weekend a bye and Easter to follow, Sea Eagles Seniors will resume their competition on April 15, with Senior Men travelling to the Hawks at Harrup Park and Senior Women heading out to Moranbah with Sea Eagles Under 17s to match the Bulldogs.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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The Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women won their first game in a comfortable 44-8 against Eastern Swans

Image: Lucia Bates

Tuesday’s Winners were Stumpy Adams, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewel against Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

Tracey Stanford, Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, and Marg Wilson joined the winner’s circle for the Tuesday competition, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Isobel Wheeler.

Club Competition Ladies handicapped consistency results went to Jocelyn Defranciscis, who defeated Robyn Stitt.

Ladies A Pairs: Denise Wallace and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone and Isobel Wheeler. And in the Men’s A Singles, Greg Colquhoun defeated Jason Wright.

Sunday social bowls resulted in the winners coming out on Rink 5: Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren, and Kevin Jewell defeated Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Kennedy Whitton.

Other results saw Robyn Stitt, Teresa Willshire, and Geoff Danvers defeat Irene Laird, Linda Scells, and Allan Rolfe. Roger Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Mark Drummond defeated Bill Myers, Lyn Danvers, and Kevin Daniels. Bron Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Lindy Suann, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey.

On Saturday Bowen Bowling Board of Control second round of Men’s local pennant resulted in Bowen Bowls Club defeating Collinsville with three match wins eight rinks plus 90.

The final round will be played against Wangaratta in Collinsville in June.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Tuesday’s Winners were Stumpy Adams, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewel against Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren at Wangaratta Bowls Club.Tracey Stanford, Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, and Marg Wilson joined the winner’s circle for the Tuesday competition, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Isobel Wheeler.

Returning to BB Print Stadium for the second week in a row, the Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters were once again unable to capitalise on a close match, finishing off a huge day of local rugby league last Saturday.

The Townsville Blackhawks were off and racing early, with fullback Jodeci Baker-Tiraha scoring in the second minute.

The Cutters were quick to hit back after second rower Luke Webley crossed to even things up in the first 10 minutes.

It was to be the only first-half try for the home side, with Mckenzie Baker scoring in the 15th and Baker-Tiraha scoring his second in the 23rd, giving the visitors a 6-18 lead at half time.  

The Blackhawks started their second half in a similar fashion, with tries in the 44th and 61st minutes to Mitchell Dunn and Robert Derby all but sealing the deal.

At 6-28, the seemingly insurmountable lead narrowed in the 67th minute as winger Jake Riley crossed for the home side’s second try.

Inspiring a late comeback, tries to Logen Dillon in the 71st minute and Hiale Roycroft in the 77th got the Cutters within striking distance but it was too little too late.  

The Blackhawks hung on to win 22-28, handing the Cutters their third loss of the season, losing by six points or less two weeks in a row.

Meanwhile, the BMD Cutters travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on the Burleigh Bears, suffering the first loss of their inaugural season.

The Bears showed their intent early, scoring twice in the first 11 minutes before Sareka Mooka scored for the Cutters in the 25th.

Tazmin Gray scored her second try for the Bears late in the first half, with the visitors hitting the sheds with a 4-16 lead.

The Bears piled on the tries in the second half, with a Caitlyn Ah Fook hat-trick helping them to a 34-4 lead with five minutes to go.

Two late consolation tries came to the Cutters thanks to Shannon Mato and Tahlulah Tillett, resulting in the Cutters going down 14-34.

Earlier in the day at BB Print Stadium, the Hastings Deering Colts Cutters went down to the Blackhawks 18-40, the Harvey Norman U19s went down 16-20, the Mal Meninga Cup squad went down 16-50 and the Cyril Connell Cup Cutters went down 4-24.

The Cutters return to BB Print Stadium this Saturday, with all six teams taking the field in a massive day of rugby league; gates open at 9:15am.

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Last week was a winless one, with all six Cutters squads experiencing losses. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Proserpine Bowls Club bowlers attended the annual Northern Challenge played at Northern Beaches in Mackay last weekend.

North Queensland came out overall winners with Mackay taking second and third place, with five Proserpine players taking roles in the Mackay teams.

Proserpine players Wayne Handley and Grahame Kinnear were selected to participate in District Sides at Coolum in May after their excellent performances.

On Wednesday, there were ten players for social bowls and Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe defeated Pat Bownds and Philip Brown 42-11; while John Anderson, Jim Bownds, and Warren Wilson defeated Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison, and Barry Zillmann 29-10.

On Sunday, the club welcomed visitors from Capricorn Tourers Caravan Club for a game of Social Bowls – thanks to Bruce and Barbara Uhe for the work done in preparing food.

The participants had an absolutely fabulous day and will go away from our District with their game of bowls a highlight of their week in town.

Jenny Cox, George Baxter, and Jim Quod defeated Christine Hansen, Alen Sanderson, and Heather Brown, 19–15.

Michael Hong, Bev Burton and Philip Brown defeated Donny Wandery, Colleen McDonald and Yvonne Wilson 24-11.

Sonny Cox, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Gary Benney, Kay Hong, and Warren Wilson 24-8; and Marion Maxter, Mike Harrison, and Bruce Uhe defeated Mary Benney, Mike Harrison, and Mary Hedgelong, 23-10.

Pennants Season will begin soon. Available players may sign their name on the noticeboard sheet on at the club, or speak with Barry Saroglia.

The Singles game of Mike Harrison v Kendall Watts will be played on Wednesday starting at 4.00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Capricornia Caravan Touring Club with Proserpine member Jim Quod at the Bowls Club on Social Bowls Sunday

In Girls Rugby League Trophy Decider

Mackay State High School are the Mackay School Sport Girls Year 7/8 Rugby League champions for 2023.

The Milton Street school staved off a spirited challenge from St Patrick’s College in wet conditions to claim the title with a 20-6 Grand Final victory at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Bolstered by the recruitment of ace playmaker Vitea Parter from St Patrick’s in recent weeks, the Mackay State High girls showed their class and power to bring home the trophy.

Under the coaching of talented Mackay Cutters utility Harry Thorpe, the St Patrick’s outfit finished the season on a strong note.

“The girls improved with each match and recorded some impressive victories during the competition,” revealed a proud Thorpe post-match.

“Highlight was the recent win over Mackay State High where the girls played smart football in a top team effort,” he said.

“Unfortunately, they couldn’t reproduce their best in the Grand Final but the girls tried valiantly in abysmal conditions against a very strong MSH side” Thorpe added.

The loss of Magpies rugby league star Parter, an outstanding all round sportswoman, on the eve of the finals was a savage blow to the St Patrick’s camp.

Coach Thorpe and manager Nicole Martin praised the efforts of promising hooker Jade Williams, hard working second rower Jess McLennan, fullback Jacqueline ‘Gee Gee” Walsh, centre Stella Cullen, winger Indy Jorgensen, centre and utility forward Chelsea Webb and strong running forward Brianna Renehan.

“They led the way with strong performances each week and showed that determination and a never-say-die attitude can take you a long way,” said Nicole.

“Our girls were brave against a powerful MSH team and thoroughly deserved a crack at the title” she added.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Girls Year 7/8 team Standing L-R Cleo Daly, Chloe Townsend, Chelsea Webb, Jess McLennan, Isla Linwood, Asher Grigg, Mia Pullen, Lilah Lewis, Rose Bradley; front Hannah Ness, Mia Hill, Indy Jorgensen, Brianna Renehan, Jade Williams, Layla Bungay, Zakayah Day, Stella Cullen, Jacqueline Walsh. Absent: Rihanna Andrew. Photo supplied

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Tuesday afternoon Ladies Day at Airlie Beach Bowls Club hosted a spectacular display of bowls by Regina Aqualina, and Robin and John Brown in an impressive victory.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls had a huge winner in John Askew’s team of Tony Kelly and Eric Barnard.

The side were at their ultimate best time after time and commanding a 32-15 win for the prize mone, whilst Mario De Martini took home the Health Hub Award.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls: Hadlow Racing and Tuk Tuks finish on top and will play each other this week for their name on the trophy.

Thursday afternoon will see the final of the school’s three bowls triples with a sausage sizzle and prize giving to end the term.

Saturday morning was the return of Scroungers, and the first round winners Tony Whitehorn, Russell Jackson, Betty Whitehorn, and John Askew.

The semi-finals were between Tony and Betty Whitehorn, which Tony won. The second semi-final was between John and Russell, with Russell winning that contest, but the final belonged to Tony with a fantastic win. Margo Stanley won Group B.

Sunday afternoon had a big roll up and it was again the Tony Whitehorn show with an impressive victory with his talented team of Dawn Dowel and Lu Rogan.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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In Capricornia Rugby League Squads

Six of Mackay’s best young rugby league prospects will showcase their skills in coming weeks at one of the State’s best showpiece schoolboy tournaments.

Emerging St Patrick’s College colts in halfback Jaxon Purdue, hooker Xavier Kerrisk, fullback Will Shears, lock forward Kayne Smith, centre Tenzin Cantor and prop Tyler Shandiman are players to watch when they line up for the Capricornia 18yrs team at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

The tournament is the breeding ground for future NRL, State of Origin and Kangaroos stars and a stepping stone into the code’s highly competitive professional ranks.

Queensland Country Under 17s playmaker Purdue and classy number nine Kerrisk along with dashing custodian Shears and ball playing lock Smith are already contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys and have bright futures in the game.

Shears and Smith impressed Cowboys officials during a Young Guns pre-season camp in Townsville while Cantor and Shandiman add size and strength to a powerful and well drilled Capricornia representative squad that is tipped to figure in the State Championship play-offs.

All six are key players for Ian Schifilliti’s much vaunted St Patrick’s College Open Boys team that are strong contenders for this year’s Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup titles.

The super six are also trump cards for the Mackay Cutters Under 18s side that are currently entrenched in the top six of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup competition after five rounds.

Meanwhile five St Patrick’s College students feature in the Capricornia 14-15yrs rugby league representative squad that will also compete at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

Young guns Adam McSherry, George Gofton, Sam Anderson, Norm Campbell and Eli Cookson were selected after strong performances at schoolboy and Junior League level.

McSherry, a premiership winning five eighth with the Brothers Bulldogs, will skipper the Capricornia team.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league stars l to r Xavier Kerrisk, Tyler Shandiman, Kayne Smith, Jaxon Purdue, Will Shears and Tenzin Cantor will represent Capricornia at the Queensland School Sport Rugby League State Championships in Townsville from May 22-23. Photo supplied

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The first round of the three-round-three-person ambrose sponsored by Whitsunday Concrete Constructions and Proserpine Golf Club was played last weekend with 30 players forming teams to compete.

The winning team at Whitsunday Social Golf for round one on 61.5 nett was Darren Reyolds, Vicki Tuckm and Scott Vlismas.

Second place on 62.3 went to Jason Bourke, Pam Casey, and Clay Coles, and third place  on 62.5 was Roger Vandenberg, Karen Rix, and Don Cameron.

Longest drivers were claimed by Darren Reynolds, Mark McDougall, Penny Wardroper, and Karen Rix.

Nearest the pins were Jason, Pam, Clay, Dave Hoy, Anna Winterbourn, Ron Jamieson, Karen, Roger, Don, Scott, Vicki, and Darren.

NAGA award went to Paul Nicol, Pauline Redpath, and Tiina Randmae.

Next Sunday will be the Club’s April monthly medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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The weather was the winner last week at Proserpine Golf Club, defeating everyone on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Club managed to head back on the course on Friday for the 9-hole social competition where Paul Gray led the way, winning the Metropole Hotel Voucher on 20 points, and narrowly defeating Harry Milne on a countback.

Michael Cragg came in third with 19 points and the Club’s new member Karlene Lloyd carded an impressive 18 for fourth position.

Paul Gray and John Roser were the Nearest The Pin winners.

Kenny Todd and Conrad Werner edged out their nearest competitors by just one point on Saturday with 45 to take out the 4BBB stableford competition ahead of Mark Richards and Jill Farinelli on 44 pts.

Kelvin Stephens and Lewis Tuck in third position with close 43.

There were only 2x2 shots for the day - Brian Allen and Andrew Colborne - and the NTP winners were John Wallace, Tina Badenhorst, Paul Joice, and Trish McNeill.

Contributed with thanks to The Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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Ella Bounden is a name to watch in the world of swimming. At the young age of 13 years, she is already piquing interest and achieving goals one can only dream about.

Ella started swimming at six years old, always having swam with the Pioneer Swimming Club.  Ella’s growth as an athlete and focus to her goals in the sport of swimming is phenomenal at such a young age.  

She tells us her favourite coach to date is “Igor of course” – he has fostered this love and mentored a strong and formidable athlete. Ella tells us she loves how Igor can tailor training for each of the swimmers in the squad to ensure they are each being challenged every session.

Ella’s “pet” stroke is Backstroke – the 50 or 100 metre events. The 2022-2023 season has seen Ella break an extraordinary number of personal bests but also achieve qualifying times for State and National events! Ella swam at the December 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships, the February 2023 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Sprint Championships and now has qualified and will attend the 2023 Australian Age Championships in April. Ella’s next goal is to join the Junior World Championship Trials – watch out!

She tells us she looks up to Australian Swimmer, Isaac Cooper. He also loves Backstroke but she loves his determination to keep trying despite what gets thrown at him.

Ella is excited for Nationals in April – not just because it is Nationals, but because it is something different, exciting, and new to experience. The Pioneer Swimming Club has not had a swimmer qualify for nationals in a long time and she is excited to represent the club on this stage. The Club is certainly proud of her!

Ella is such a delight in our club – she is always happy, always smiling and always focused and eager to swim. She tells us she loves her club – “it is fun, inclusive and a great environment” but she also loves how the club is always doing something, be it training, club nights, carnivals, dinners and barbeques.  

The Club looks forward to hearing Ella’s experience at Nationals and wish her the best of luck!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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The moment Ella Bounden knew she made a national time

Ella at NQ Champs. Photos supplied

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single par event sponsored by the Club, with Ladies’ winner Kim Bennion on a comfortable +3.

Runner up for the women was Bonnie Kohlhase, 0, and Men’s winner on a countback was Paul Martin +2, followed by Kurt Bidgood, also +2.

Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB stroke event for the Men's double Matchplay qualifier with winners on 61 nett in the men’s Craig Newell and Michael Mawson.

Runners-up were Greg Fairs and Tom Wikander 62 nett.

Sunday was the ladies double Matchplay qualifier and winners with 63 nett were Jo Kukura and Julie Martin, while runners up were Meg and Claire Garrod, 64 nett.

Pin shots to Leanne Swan, Grace Nott, Annie Mason, and Julie May.

The Club will host another split round again this weekend: Men and Ladies will play a stroke event for the April Monthly medals; Ladies play on Saturday and Men on Sunday.  

Both competitions are sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s Ladies’ 4BBB winners

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The Cannonvale Cannons hosted their last weekly Club Night for the swim season last Wednesday, beginning the occasion with a presentation to its National Team representatives.

Swimmers Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson, Ehsan and Anisa Helou, and coach Mark Erickson will represent the region in attending the Australian Age Championships and were presented with a special pack and shirt by the local swimming club.

The Cannons also extended their best wishes to Isabella Pisaniello, Ruby Harland, Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Anis and Ehsan Helou, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jacob Bell, and Jy Parkinson in their selection for the North Queensland School Swim teams at the Queensland championships this week in Brisbane.  

At the Club Night, Club Official Jane Delac presented Jax Clayworth and Ehsan Helou with Club Records.  

Jax set records for 50-metre Butterfly - in 38.6 seconds - and the 100-metre IM in 1.29.55, while Ehsan set a record for 50-metre Breaststroke in a time of 34.06 seconds.

The Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests were presented to Bianca Anderson, Millie Groom, and Harris Delac.  

Upgrade Certificates were presented to Evie Doherty, Roxy Groom, Declan Dichiera, Isaac Pisaniello, Stevie Lee, Jasper Korosec, Isabella Pisaniello, Zach Trefz, Zane Clayworth, Harry Crisp, Millie Groom, Abi Maher, and Anisa Helou.

Highlights from Club Night include - top performers achieving the most personal bestss:  Bianca Anderson, Clare Anderson, Liam Filewood, Indi Smith, Isabella Pisaniello, Isaac Pisaniello, Connor Lee, Jack Ganter, Roxy Groom, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Celeste Orenshaw, and Charlie Doherty.  

Jax Clayworth swimming an excellent 200-metre IM in a time of 3.16.71 which was a 14.82 second personal best.  Addie Sanders swam an awesome 25-metre Butterfly in a time of 25.62 seconds.  

Roxy Groom swam an impressive time of 2.01.17 in her 100-metre Breaststroke and Connor Lee swam a 7.70 second personal best in his 50-metre Butterfly.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club swimmers Mark Ehsan, Holly Anisa, and Jacob will represent the region at the Australian Age Championships

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This week 82 participants ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course with new personal bests achieved by Lotte, Hudson, Kendell, Ian, Stephanie, Leighann, Melissa, Rosalyn, Emma, Michelle, Grant, and Elizabeth.

Jack and Kaitlyn completed their first parkrun and visitors Bethan, Ewan, Claire, Patrick, Ben, Michael, Leah, Zoe, Colleen, Juanita, and Michele.

Several milestones were celebrated; 25 parkruns as a volunteer for Sarah; 50 volunteers and 50 parkruns for Tail Walker Lynne; 100 parkruns for Stuart; 100 parkruns for Michael; and 100 parkruns for Sue.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Kara and her team of 14 fabulous volunteers: Nick, Kathryn, Andrea, Nathalie, Toma, Darlene, Ashley, Jolie, Aiden, Gus, Lynne, Dennis, Joanne and Emma.

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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Most of the wonderful Airlie Beach parkrun volunteer team

Stuart completed his 100th parkrun last weekend

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