Sports

Mackay Road Runners Hit The Trails

Mackay Road Runners Hit The Trails

Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse Thankyou Race Director Tim Magoffin for organising an excellent social 6k & 19km trail run at Eungella this morning with his very able assistant Andrew Short. Andrew then proceeded to notch another successful trail run under his already full belt. Eungella once again showed its spectacular weather with ALOT of early morning fog and low clouds, an excellent environment to run with some like-minded individuals and then finish off with an enjoyable post run brekky at the awesome Chalet (Thank you Tony & Tess and staff’s hospitality). Ryan Murray was scintillating over the technically difficult 19km, scorching over the course in spectacular form to claim first place. Ryan has shown exceptional talent over hilly terrain recently and today was no different. Second placed Levi Wallace was also in superb form despite the unexpected early start to collect his passengers upon leaving Mackay this morning. Craig McGahey's bronze medal performance showed what a class act he is and has been for several years. Brave efforts from Jo Skinner in the 19km displayed her toughness as a competitor after an unfortunate trip up on the track. Rhiann Massey's 6km trail run at this location was a first for her and thoroughly enjoyable experience after a successful marathon on the Sunny Coast recently. Fran March placed 2nd behind her in a super effort from the Chalet to Sky Window and return. Scott McIntosh's 6km golden performance was on show after the long trek from home to get to the start line by 7am. All runners and volunteers need to be congratulated for supporting each other including vital water aid station attendants, Paul Tilse, Jo Hughes, Alex Murray and Phoebe. See you at the final handicap run on the formal calendar next Sunday morning at the Bluewater Lagoon. The annual Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy & 5km is one of the most prestigious events on the Mackay Road Runners Calendar, honouring a four time Olympian and Mackay local girl, who was and still is a very humble and exceptional athlete. Members must start on their official handicap to be eligible for the chance to be in line for the coveted 10km perpetual trophy. All non members are always very welcome to participate for a casual day fee however, will not be eligible for the major 10km perpetual trophy prize as they have no formal club handicap. All participants and volunteers are invited to stay for a post run sausage sizzle and random draws donated by Spine Care Chiropractic. Enjoy this great event to close the 2026 running program with the major finale to be at the Presentation/Awards Night at the Southern Suburbs Bowls Club on 24th October. 8156 – Runners take to the trails from the Eungella Chalet towards Sky Window and Broken River and return. 8166 – First placed 19km competitor, Ryan Murray heading towards the hydration station at Broken River. 8191 – Runners and volunteers take in the view (left to right) Jo Hughes, Jo Skinner, Levi Wallace, Rhiann Massey, Franch March, Andrew Short and Phoebe (in front). 8199 – Craig McGahey is elated after completing the 19km Eungella social trail run. 8177 – Levi Wallace enjoys the spectacular Eungella trails on his way to 2nd place in the 19km.

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Mackay Contract Bridge Results

Mackay Contract Bridge Results

Contributed with thanks by Joy Block The Whitsunday Zone Team members from Mackay - Noel Bugeia, Janelle Conroy, Terry Sheedy and Lorna Shuttlewood performed well in the 2026 Grand National Open Teams qualifying and will represent the Whitsunday Zone in Brisbane competing in the non-metropolitan Grand final next week. Well done! The Del Ryan Walk In’s on Friday was won by Diane Morgan and Del’s daughter Janet Hansen. Diane and Janet have played together for many years and are a prolific pair at the bridge table. Weekly Results Monday 28th September 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Joy Hold / Rob Miles 2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson 3rd Jan Harris / Louise Renton Tuesday Evening 29th September 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Diane Stokes / Marin Pearce 1st Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 2nd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ian Afflix / Terry Sheedy 3rd John McGee / Mick King 3rd Janine Rodgers / Andrew Canavan Wednesday 30th September 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 1st Noel Bugeia / Janelle Conroy 2nd Monica Darley / Francie Brown 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Jan Harris / Geoff Taylor 3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller Thursday Evening 1st October 2026 –-9 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 3rd Ian Afflick / Terry Sheedy Friday 2nd October 2026 –- Del Ryan Walkins7 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robyn Nolan 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor 4th Monicia Darley / Griffin Bancroft 1 - Noel, Janelle, Terry & Lorna 2- Diane and Janet. Photos supplied

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Ladies’ Bowls: Under 73 and Over 73 Finals

Ladies’ Bowls: Under 73 and Over 73 Finals

Contributed with thanks by Sue Hazledine Recently we held the Under and Over 73’s Finals. The under 73 Final was between Brenda Trannore and Wendy Sonter. Great bowls by both ladies at every end, with determination and great positioning around the Jack. The eventual winner was Brenda Trannore for 2026. In the Over 73’s Ann Smith was up against Sue Hazledine. This game was also played end for end for most of the game and some lovely shots were played by both ladies. With Ann Smith the winner of today’s very close encounter. Well done to our winners and to all the ladies who competed in all the games leading up to today’s final. 1- (L) Wenday Sonter and winner Brenda Trannore 2- (L) Winner Ann Smith and Sue Hazledine. Photos supplied

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Blokarts Hit Bucasia Beach For Midweek Sailing

Blokarts Hit Bucasia Beach For Midweek Sailing

Three blokarts and a kite buggy from the Central Queensland Blokart Club made the most of ideal conditions at Bucasia Beach ffor a midweek sail. An east-southeasterly wind of around 18 knots and a suitable tide created plenty of action, with gusts strong enough to require some quick sheet rope releases. All three blokarts were running three-metre sails, reaching a top speed of 64km/h, with some exciting turns at the northern end of the beach. Sandy’s kite buggy also put on a show, manoeuvring up and down the beach while avoiding the three blokarts. Thankfully, there were no unexpected trips into the ocean to test the water temperature. The afternoon was a welcome change after the club’s previous Sunday outing was hampered by a lack of breeze, making for an enjoyable session on the sand. Photo source: Central Queensland Blokart Club

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KCs rec

Mackay Contract Bridge Results

June 5, 2026

Winners - Annette, Jewel, Joy & Janice

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The Mackay Novice players competed in the 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs Competition on Tuesday. Sixteen Mackay pairs competed against other players all over Australia. The Mackay Winners were Annette Howe & Jewel Schmidt N/S and Janice Mansfield & Joy Block E/W. Many new players who finished beginner’s lessons in March participated with excellent results. Well done to all it, was an extremely close finish.

Weekly Results  

Monday 25 May 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Ming Ting / Diane Stokes

2nd

Joy Hold / Rodney Miles

3rd

Lorna Shuttlewood / Geoff Taylor

3rd

Sandra Wallace / Pamela Armstrong

Tuesday 26 May 2026 – 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1st

Jewel Schmidt / Annette Howe

1st

Janice Mansfield / Joy Block

2nd

Jennifer Cameron / Errol Morris

2nd

Susan Ross / Laura Howland

3rd

Lynne O’Neill / Christine Fitzpatrick

3rd

Jean Penridge / Helen Goldston

Tuesday Evening 26 May 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points  

1st

Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

2nd

Faye Wright / Janine Rodgers

3rd

Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

4th

Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott

Wednesday 27 May 2026 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Monica Darley / Frances Brown

1st

Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd

Janine Rodgers /Schmidt

2nd

Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

3rd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

Thursday Evening 28 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Griffin Bancroft / Mick King

2nd

Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott

2nd

Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

Friday 29 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd

Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy

1st

Debbie Ludkin / Diane Cox

3rd

Patricia Garner / Christine Nice

3rd

Lynne O’Neill / Annette Howe

Saturday 30 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Alan Brown / Frances Brown

1st

Janet Hansen / Diane Stokes

2nd

Marilin Robins / Janine Rodgers

2nd

Vicki Howard / Geoffr Cowan

3rd

Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd

Patricia Garner / Martin Pearce

Sunday 31 May 2026 – Novice and Mentors 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Joy Hold / Terry Sheedy

1st

Martin Pearce / Jennifer Cameron

2nd

Griffin Bancroft / Debbie Ludkin

2nd

Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe

3rd

Faith Hutchinson / Geoff Cowan

3rd

Rodney Miles / Geoffrey Patterson


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Proserpine Golf Weekly Results

June 4, 2026

RESULTS : WEEK ENDING Sunday 31/5/26

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TUESDAY 26/5/26

PGC - Stableford

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MEN :

Winner : Joshua Norris 39 points  

R/Up : Ross Meade 38 points

NTPs : Gerald Lovell (9th), Allen Roberts (13th)

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LADIES :

Winner : Heather Luvis 37 points

R/Up : Anna Winterbourn 35 points  

NTPs :Elspeth Scotford (2nd)

VETS : Stableford

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LADIES :

Winner : Heather Luvis 37 points

R/Up : Anna Winterbourn 35 points  

3rd :  Jan Shuwalow 35 points

NTPs :  

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MEN :

Winner : Rex Waite (Waratah GC)  

R/Up : Barry Shuwalow 35 points (C/B)

3rd : Gerald Lovell

NTPs :  

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WEDNESDAY 27/5/26

PGC Stableford

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LADIES :

Winner : Elspeth Scotford 38 points  

R/Up : Paula McQuat 35 points (C/B)

3rd : Heather Luvis

NTPs : Rehab Hull (2nd), Di Chard (9th & 13th), Anna Winterbourn (16th)

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THURSDAY 28/5/26

PGC - Stableford

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MEN :

A Grade :

Winner : Joshua Mansley 41 points

R/Up : Rob Webb 40 points

3rd : Jayden Lloyd 36 points

B Grade :

Winner : Kell Geard 39 points

R/Up : Paul Nicol 37 points

3rd : Peter Elms 36  

NTPs : Len Booroff (2nd), Bernie Drake (9th), Brad Fleet (13th), Aaron Prosser (16th)

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FRIDAY 29/5/26

MIXED :

Winner : Kerrie Johannesen 23 points

R/Up : Brett Norris 21 points

3rd : Harry & Fay Milne, Sally Little all on 20 points

NTP : Steven Clare (2nd)

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SATURDAY 30/5/26

PGC - Stableford

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MEN :

A Grade :

Winner : Logan Devery 40 points

R/Up : Clay Coles 39 points (C/B)

3rd : Rob Smith  

B Grade :

Winner : Connor Devery 44 points

R/Up : Neville Bell(Pioneer Valley GC) 41 points (C/B)

3rd : Andrew Mau 41 points

NTPs : Craig Smith (2nd), Nathan Vergos (9th), Nathan Holmes (16th)  

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LADIES

Winner : Di Chard 40 points

R/Up : Christine Barkle (Tropics GC) 39 points (C/B)

3rd : Heather Luvis

NTPs : Di Chard (2nd), Peta Thomas (9th), Trish McNeill (13th)

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SUNDAY 31/5/26

MIXED :

Winner : Di Chard 39 points

R/Up : Jason Bourke  

3rd : Geoff Harrison 37 points

NTPs : Cooper Nissen & Sherri Meade (2nd), Andrew Mason (13th), Harvey Mason (16th)

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

SAVE THE DATE - Sun 7/6 : Ladies’ & Men’s 4somes Ch’ships

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PENNANTS HALF WAY MARK - BOWLS

June 18, 2026

On Saturday afternoon Division 1 played against Airlie Beach in round 5 of this year's pennants competition.  Proserpine was defeated 49 - 65 . Nathan Harriott's team had a 16 all draw; Gavin Milne's team had a 27- 20 win and Andrew Bell's team had a 16 - 29 loss. On Sunday it was a home game against North Mackay on the first of the second half of the draw. Proserpine defeated North Mackay 65 - 51 . Nathan Harriott's team drew 17 all; Andrew Bell's team won 24 - 18 and Gavin Milne's team won 24 - 16. 

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This has moved Proserpine into 4th place in Division 1 with 5 Match points and a minus 38 margin. Souths Suburban leads the Division on 12 Match points plus 113; Sarina is second on 7 Match points minus 8; Airlie Beach is third on 6 Match points plus 37; Northern Beaches is fifth on 4 Match points minus 49 and North Mackay is sixth on 2 Match points minus 55. 

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After a short break the Pennants season returns on June 20 with Proserpine having a home game against Northern Beaches followed by an away game against Sarina then the final weekend with two home games firstly against Souths Suburban and then Airlie Beach.

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Division 5 played a home game on Saturday against St Helens. Proserpine defeated St Helens 49- 23. Mark Holmes's team won 26 - 11; Dale Haack's team won 23 - 12. On Sunday it was an away game against North Mackay. North Mackay defeated Proserpine 48 - 35. Dale Haack's team were defeated 24 - 26; Mark Holmes' team 11 - 22.

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Proserpine currently leads Division 5 with 8 Match Points plus a margin of 141. St Helens holds second place with 8 Match points plus 53; Northern Beaches in third on 8 Match points plus 50; North Mackay is fourth on 6 Match points minus 54; Mackay City in fifth on 4 Match points minus 35 and Mackay is in sixth on 2 Match points minus 155.  

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The second half of the season could be very interesting. When we return after the break Proserpine plays a home game against Northern Beaches followed by away games against Mackay City, then Mackay and then St Helens.

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In Club Competition this weekend.  David Ling played Toby Craig in the Club Championship Singles on Sunday afternoon. David defeated Toby 25 - 19 after a solid game of 27 ends. From the scorecard it must have been a great game. David got the early start being 10-1 up at the seventh end.  Then Toby chipped away at the margin to be 14-10 up at the 14th end. David leveled it up at 14 all on the 16th end taking the lead for a couple of ends before Toby recaptured the lead for a couple of ends before it came back to 18 all .....all tied up at the 22nd end. From there on in, Toby won just the one end while Dave moved on to work towards completing the process of winning the game.  

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In Social Bowls on Wednesday, Trevor Parsons and Barry Zillmann defeated Graham Thrupp and Dale Haack 25 - 16; Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison defeated Alen Sanderson and Sandy Daffara 24 - 14.

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Due to Pennants commitments and members away there was no Social bowls on Sunday afternoon.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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Bowen Athletics Carnival Sets Record Pace

June 4, 2026

Joel and his local Bowen Athletics Jumps Coach Nigel Thicker. Photo supplied

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The annual Bowen Athletics Carnival was held on the 30th and 31st May with athletes representing clubs from far and wide.

After representing North Queensland at the last two school state championships in Long Jump, local athlete Joel Walker is going ahead in leaps and bounds in Triple Jump.  

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At the Mackay Athletics Carnival last May in his first Triple Jump official competition, Joel broke a long-standing carnival record for 12 year old boys with a hop skip and jump of 8.91 metres.

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Later that year in June at the Bowen Athletics Carnival he landed two jumps of 10.04 metres being just 1cm off the 12 year old boys Carnival Record in Bowen.  

This year, with his sights firmly set on the 13-year-old Men’s Triple Jump, Joel delivered in spades breaking the previous mark of 10.83 metres set in 2015 with an 11.11 metre landing.  

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He also took out the Long Jump event with 3 remarkably consistent jumps of 4.78m, 4.77m and 4.78m.  

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Joel now heads to the Festival of Athletics in Townsville on the June 13th weekend and then onto the Local School and Whitsunday trials with a goal of making the North Queensland side again this year for long jump and triple jump and possibly tetrathlon disciplines.

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A big thank you to the Muir and Thicker families and all the Bowen Athletics Club committee and volunteers for their time and tireless efforts making the carnival and local athletics such a success.    

Bowen Athletic Club day is held Saturdays from 2pm and training is Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.  New members are welcome with further details on the club facebook page.

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Contributed with thanks to Grant Walker.

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Airlie Bowls Club News

June 4, 2026

Tuesday morning was the final of the Ladies Singles between Joan McGrath a district champion and Vicki Spann, an up-and-coming champion to be.  

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Vicki turned on an accurate and powerful display and won 25-14 to become the 2026 Ladies Champion.

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Tuesday afternoon social bowls saw 14 bowlers vying for first prize with Tony Whitehorn and Lane Telford in first place and the lucky loser's prize went to skipper David Bradley second Laurie Hawking and lead Maureen Barnard.

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Friday afternoon the Christian college students came again and this time year 7 students James Feitz and Jack Hankin proved that the sky could be the limit and in time they could be champions of the game with a fantastic team performance.  

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2026 Ladies Champion Vicki Spann

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Determined Sea Eagles Shine Despite Mixed Results

June 4, 2026

The Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted another exciting day of football at The Nest on Saturday. In front of a passionate home crowd, every team battled hard, with several close contests keeping supporters engaged throughout the day.  

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The Under 13s were involved in a thriller on the weekend, with the score remaining within a point for most of the day. After being challenged to dig deep, the Sea Eagles responded with strong pressure and smart use of space. Their determination shone through in the final quarter as they held on for a memorable 21-20 victory.

The Under 15s were locked in a tight contest early before the Saints gained the upper hand in the second quarter. The Sea Eagles fought back strongly, lifting their intensity and closing the gap, but could not take the lead before halftime. The Saints pulled away in the second half, with the Sea Eagles going down 31-51 despite a determined effort.

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The Under 17s faced a strong Saints outfit and despite the challenge, never stopped competing. Their teamwork, determination, and effort were evident throughout the match. While they fell short 22-82, the Sea Eagles showed great resilience and commitment until the final siren.

Despite the loss to the opposition the Senior Women’s team celebrated being the only team in the competition to score against the Saints this year. The women fought hard all day and never gave up. Their physicality and determination shone bright, highlighting the team's potential for the rest of the year.  

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The Senior Men’s team fought hard against the Saints sitting in front by halftime. The men put the pressure on, played hard at the contest, and never dropped their heads. Unfortunately, during the second half, fatigue set in and the Saints got away from them. With a final score of 41-72 the Sea Eagles will regroup and fight hard again next week.  

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Contributed by Whitsunday Sea Eagles, Georgia Whitton

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Wangaratta Bowls Club News

June 4, 2026

Tuesday’s winners: Graham Smith Gavin Charles and Peter Nesbit. Photo supplied

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Tuesday’s winners were Graham Smith Gavin Charles and Peter Nesbit who defeated Neil Chittenden Kelly and Chris Frew. Others Lindy Shirley and Gus defeated Sharon Sue and Denis Ray Lorraine and Steve defeated Stumpy Ray and Jim and John Skinny and Laurie defeated Barry Maree and Dot. It is nice to see that a lot of our southern visitors have made the trip to Bowen for the winter this year.

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There was no social play on the weekend due to Wangaratta jointly hosting the North Qld District Division Two Open Pennant. Our club’s three teams competed and had some great matches. Wangaratta defeated South Townsville, Magnetic Island, Brandon, and Cutheringa to gain a creditable fourth place in the tournament. Congratulations to Bowen Bowls Club who won the Pennant.  

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Best wishes and good bowling to our Division Four Pennant players playing in Townsville this weekend.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren



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Cannons Recognise Season Milestones

June 4, 2026

The Cannonvale Cannons’ annual presentation evening continued with recognition of swimmers who achieved outstanding performance milestones throughout the 2025/26 season.

The club’s Level Awards program recognises swimmers who achieve benchmark times across a range of events, rewarding consistency, dedication and progression through the sport.

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At the highest level, the prestigious Level Three Award was presented to Tora Delac and Zach Trefz. This award is reserved for swimmers who achieve two qualifying times from the Level 3 table and represents the highest performance standard available within the club’s awards structure.

The Level Two Award was presented to Koa, Levi, Cooper, Wilson, Eloise, Celeste, Maeve, Harris, Jax E, Liam, Tommy, Zane, Jax C, Lucas, Harry, Eric, Caleb, Zavier, Tyler and Hamilton, with Miller and Mackenzie also achieving the award but not present for the photo. To earn this recognition, swimmers must achieve three qualifying times from the Level 2 table.

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The Level One Award, presented to swimmers who achieved five qualifying times from the Level 1 table, was awarded to Roxy, Ruby H, Ruby L, Matilda, Andie, Addie, Indi, Tiana, Declan, Alex, Nelson, Pippa and Gracie.

The Club Medal recognises swimmers who have achieved up to four qualifying times from the Level 1 table and was awarded to Lily, Isla, Jasper, Olive, Faithlyn, Dylan, Finn, Asher, Reid, Leo, Miranda, Jessica, Indiana, River, Lennox and Oliver.

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The club also recognised a group of swimmers whose enthusiasm, determination and positive attitude stood out throughout the season. The Airlie Smile Care Encouragement Awards were presented to Alfie, Sunny, Hazel, Blaire, Indigo, Stella, Airlie, Joshua and Sunday.

Congratulations to all award recipients on their achievements and the hard work they have put into their swimming throughout the season.

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Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec.

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Brahmans 20s Vying For Top 4 Following Weekend Win!

June 4, 2026

Brahmans Under 20s sitting comfortably at 5th place following a win against the Norths Devils on the weekend. Photo supplied

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In the Under 20s match, the Brahmans produced a brilliant display to defeat Norths Devils 26-0 in front of the home crowd. It was an entertaining game from start to finish, with the Tetley brothers and Klassen brothers putting on a show and playing key roles in the impressive victory. Their combination, skill and attacking flair kept the crowd engaged throughout and helped secure another strong result for the club.

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The under 20s men are now sitting pretty in 5th and ready to reset with a full comp bye this coming weekend. They then take on the West Tigers in Mackay on June 13, where a win there will secure the boys into 4th on the ladder. 

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Meanwhile Whitsunday Brahmans women’s side continued to show their growth and determination opening on Saturday at home against Brothers. Sadly, the scoreboard finished at 40-0 in favour of the Magpies, but the Brahmans can take plenty of positives from another spirited performance.

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Trailing 18-0 at halftime, the girls never stopped competing, showing tremendous resilience in defence and working hard for each other right until the final whistle. As the newest team in the competition, the improvement from week to week has been outstanding, with combinations continuing to build and confidence growing with every game.

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The effort and commitment shown across the park was a credit to the squad, who continue to embrace the challenge of competing against more established teams. Their attitude and willingness to learn has been one of the highlights of the season so far.

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The Whitsunday Brahmans women’s team is still welcoming new players to join the squad. With around 25 girls currently involved, the club is looking to add depth for the remainder of the season. No experience is necessary, and anyone aged 17 and over is encouraged to get involved. For more information, reach out via Facebook at Whitsunday Brahmans.

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Contributed with thanks to Many Bourke.

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Female Participation Surges at Whitsundays Jiu Jitsu Gym

June 3, 2026

Photo supplied

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Escape Jiu Jitsu has reported a strong rise in female participation since opening earlier this year. The Cannonvale-based gym has already attracted 14 women as adult members and 23 girls in its kids’ classes, a notable shift in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

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Head coach Bec Johns said seeing women and girls on the mats has been especially meaningful, reflecting a culture built on inclusion and support.

Led by coaches Danny Johns and Phil Hamblin alongside Bec Johns, the gym has focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment for all ages and experience levels. The presence of a female coach has also helped encourage more women to step onto the mats for the first time.

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This momentum was also reflected at the gym’s inaugural tournament in March, which drew 57 female entrants from across North Queensland. Of those, 45 were girls and 12 were women, competing for 45 medals and a $300 cash prize. One of the youngest competitors has already collected 56 medals since beginning competition.

Beyond competition, the growth of junior female participation is seen as an investment in the future of the sport in regional Queensland.

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At The Table MACKAY TABLE TENNIS FIXTURE RESULTS - 19TH MAY 2026

May 28, 2026

Gloria Vella. Photos supplied

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures

Division 1: Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall, Ross DeBoer) defeated Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) 7-5, Veronica came back in the 5th set to outlast Bryan (2,4,-11,-8,8). Astro Aces (George Camileri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) won against Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight) 7-5, the doubles was super close Branko and Delma came home strong defeating George and Peter (-14,3,-8,9,9).

Division 2: Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) won over Ninja Strikes (Frank Caruana, Pam Kuene, Chris Collins) 7-5, Coral only just came out on top against Pam (9,-10,6,-19,10).  Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) tied up 6-6 with Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware), Kim defeated Gloria (-8,7,6,5).

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Division 3: Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Glenda Brookes) defeated Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) 10-2, David got up against Janelle (3,-9,-7,4,5).  Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) came home strong against Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders)  

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8-4, Allison outlasted Gerry in close 5 sets (-7,4,-5,9,6).

Kim Daffy

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Tuesday Night Fixtures  

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Division 1: Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) took down Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang) 7-4, Yilin came back against Mark (6,-7,6,-11,8),  Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent) won 6-5 against Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan), Janice outlasted Anne with a close battle (-7,9,-5,6,4).  Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards) defeated Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake) 6-3, with no 5 set matches,  Emma defeated Trent in close 4 sets (-10,5,10,7).

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Division 2: Kites (Syed Hossain, Matt West, Simon Hogan) won against Owls (Ricky Zhan, Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson) 6-5, Simon beat Peter in close battle (-10,9,9,-7,5). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, John McGee) defeated Parrots (George Camilleri, Liz Burton, Delma Knight) 7-4, Will came back against George in the 5th set to win (6,-4,7,-7,9). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Mark Stam, Remy Zhan) overcome Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) 7-4, Andrea came from behind to win a very close battle with Mark (-4,-11,6,7,9).

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Division 3: This week Tiffany, Jeff, Craig, Abbas and Dylan all had very good wins to stay in the hunt for the top 4 positions.  

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Contributed by Andrea Payne

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Eimeo Beach Comes Alive For North Queensland Games Regatta

May 28, 2026

More than 140 paddlers hit the water at Eimeo Beach for the North Queensland Games regatta, with local crews, volunteers and supporters helping deliver a successful weekend of outrigger racing hosted by Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club. Photos supplied

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More than 140 outrigger paddlers converged on Eimeo Beach earlier this month as the North Queensland Games brought high-energy racing and strong community spirit to Mackay’s coastline.

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Hosted by Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club over the weekend of May 2-4, the regatta marked the club’s first major hosting role in eight years, with volunteers and members working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly.

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Despite uncertain weather leading into the weekend, conditions eased just in time, allowing all scheduled races to be completed with only minor course adjustments.

The headline event, the Eimeo Beach Challenge, launched the weekend in spectacular fashion, with 15 OC6 crews taking on the gruelling 22-kilometre course from North Wall Beach, around One Tree Island and back to Eimeo Beach.

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The Open Men’s crew from Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club claimed line honours in an unlimited canoe weighing 90 kilograms, crossing the finish line in an impressive one hour and 59 minutes.

Local crews also delivered standout performances on home waters. Sunset Bay’s Master Men secured fifth place overall in a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes, earning gold in the Master Men division.

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One of the biggest highlights of the race came from Sunset Bay’s Master Women crew, who powered home eighth overall in 2 hours and 30 minutes to become the first women’s crew across the line.

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Competitors and supporters gathered at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club following Saturday’s racing for presentations and dinner, with medals presented by North Queensland Games Chair Councillor Rhonda Coghlan. Sunday celebrations continued at Northern Beaches Bowls Club after another full day of competition.

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Organisers described the weekend as a major success, crediting generous sponsors, volunteers and supporters both on and off the water.

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Local photographer Kia Millen and family business PaddleLifeTV captured the action across the weekend, with race highlights available online.

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Following the successful regatta, Sunset Bay thanked volunteers with a community barbecue and is now turning its focus toward the internationally renowned Hamilton Island Cup in June.

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Mackay Contract Bridge Results May 29th

May 28, 2026

Martin & Noel Novice Winners Novice Pairs

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Week three of the Whitsunday Zone GNOT (Grand National Open Teams) event was played in Mackay last Saturday. Ten teams competed in the third round. Once the three weeks scores are collated, the top eight teams will play off in August to see who advances to the Final in Brisbane later in the year.

Sandra, Helen, Annie & Jan Restricted Team runners up. Photos supplied

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Weekly Results  

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Monday 18 May 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

1st Joy Hold / Ian Vary

2nd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

2nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

3rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers

Tuesday Evening 19 May 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

1st Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers

2nd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger

2nd Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

3rd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

3rd Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner

Wednesday 20 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

1st Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Sandy Patterson

3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary

3rd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

4th John Hunt / Simon Barnes

Thursday Evening 21 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Susan Gibson / Lynne O’Neill

3rd Mick Robins / Marilin Robins

Friday 22 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Mick King / Geoff Cowan

1st Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana

3rd Joy Robinson / Debbie Ludkin

3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

4th Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller

4th Ming Ting / David Ting

5th Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland

5th Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden

Saturday 23 May 2026 – Week 3 of GNOT - 10 Table Mitchell Gold Points

Team

Players

1st Conroy Janelle Conroy / Roland Taylor / Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Brown Alan Brown / Janet Hansen / Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

3rd Goodchild Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / Ming Ting / David Ting

4th Taylor Geoff Taylor / Ken Seaniger / Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane

5th Lynch Annie Lynch / Joy Brunette / Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

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Contributed by Joy Block

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MAGIC ROUND LOCKED IN UNTIL 2032 WITH TOURISM BOOST FOR REGIONAL QUEENSLAND

May 28, 2026

The Government has announced that NRL Magic Round in secured in Queensland until 2032, with Mackay expected to benefit from a major push to grow regional tourism and community engagement around the event.

The long-term agreement between the Queensland Government, the Australian Rugby League Commission and Brisbane City Council will expand Magic Round into a week-long festival of footy from 2027, featuring more matches, regional activations and tourism showcases across the state.

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As part of the new deal, a regional footy festival and junior carnival will be introduced, alongside live site activations in regional Queensland communities during Magic Round festivities.

Premier David Crisafulli said the agreement would ensure communities across Queensland shared in the benefits of the major sporting event.

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“Lock it in to 2032 - Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland – this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.”

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The Government said the expanded event would not only strengthen Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital but also encourage visitors to explore more regional destinations across the state.

Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the initiative aligned with the Government’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy.

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“The Government’s Destination 2045 strategy is about turning major events into longer stays that deliver more for local businesses and communities and NRL Magic Round delivers exactly that,” Minister Powell said.

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“We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State.”

Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V'landys said the expanded Magic Round concept would help showcase Queensland’s tourism destinations to national and international audiences.

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“Our focus is to expand on that impact by creating new experiences, showcasing some of the best tourism locations in the world, lifting visitation, creating regional junior football carnivals and building a calendar of industry, media and business events that add long-term value to the State,” he said.

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The expanded Magic Round festival is expected to begin from 2027.

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‘Friendly Competition’ On Full Display At 2 Bowl Triples Carnival

May 28, 2026

Winners: R. Schatkowski, C. Savage, R. Devereux with President Marie  

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Mackay Bowling Club’s Ladies Section recently welcomed players from various Mackay clubs for its popular 2 Bowl Triples Carnival, with a great atmosphere and plenty of friendly competition enjoyed throughout the day.

2nd place winners: M. Harrigan, E. Clemett, V. Pilcher with President Marie  

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Ladies Section President Marie welcomed competitors to the event, where laughter echoed across the greens as players called out familiar phrases including “that’s too wide” and “that’s short” during the matches.

3rd place winners: C. Francis, D. Gordon, D. MacKenzie. Photos supplied

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The club also thanked National Plant and Equipment from Nebo for its generous sponsorship of the Mackay Ladies’ 2 Bowl Triples Carnival, with organisers saying the support was sincerely appreciated and helped make the event a success.

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Winners: R. Schatkowski, C. Savage, R. Devereux

Second: M. Harrigan, E. Clemett, V. Pilcher

Third: C. Francis, D. Gordon, D. MacKenzie

Fourth: J. De La Rue, B. Petersen, G. Pudney

Fifth: M. Chappell, H. Jones, J. Whitfield

Round 1 Winners: H. Truscott, D Mezzen, J. Nelson

Round 2 Winners: D. Rolfe, R. Mannix, L. Owen

Round 3 Winners: L. Jenner, M. Mayfield, D. McNamara

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Contributed by Robyn Schatkowski

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