Our club has conducted another successful challenge to welcome new paddlers to the sport.

Each Saturday morning for four weeks new paddlers have been taught the basic techniques for outrigger paddling with each session focusing on the traditions, parts of a six person outrigger canoe, water safety, paddle technique and overall fitness.

Outrigger Whitsunday have six coaches who, along with club members, welcomed new paddlers to the sport.

Being part of a sporting club, irrespective of your skill level, provides a common purpose for socialising and connectedness as well as an opportunity to engage in some healthy physical activity.

So, if you haven’t considered participating previously, come along and have a try. The club is located at Shingley Beach and new members are always welcome.

Our club is looking forward to its first regatta of the season which will be conducted at Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands later this month.

Contributed with thanks to Paul Tobias.

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Outrigger Whitsunday are always open to new members

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Whitsunday Running Club has begun preparations for three unique events with aims to motivate people of all fitness abilities to see the region and get fit while they do it – including a brand-new cross-country style run.

The Whitsunday Running Club Cross Country, Marathon, and Bush Trail events, each held in The Whitsundays on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and iconic Whitehaven Beach, are fast approaching, with the first just a week away.

Whitsunday Running Club will hold its newest event, the North Queensland Cross Country Championships, on March 19, with a complement of seven races for entrants from ages six and up.

The event will run on a new course developed by Whitsunday Running Club President Tim McQuoid-Mason in the public parkland in Galbraith Park and promises to “provide a challenge for runners of all abilities.”

Mr McQuoid-Mason said the addition of a cross-country event is exciting for the club with it being a long time since the last North Queensland Championships.

“We have held the Marathon Festival and Whitsunday Trail Run events for many years now and have entrants from all over Australia and the world travel to run in the picturesque Whitsundays,” he said,

“Being able to offer a third event is huge for our club and gives cross country competitors the opportunity to travel to The Whitsundays and experience the magnificent area while also competing.”

The Tassal Marathon Festival – a World Athletics certified event - will run again from July 15-16, celebrating its 10th year and organisers expect to see significant entrant numbers similar to 2019.

For trail runners, the Accom Whitsunday Trail Festival will challenge even the most experienced with its trail that follows the Great Whitsunday Walk, a 32-kilometre track along the ridge of Conway National Park on Sunday, September 10.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said the variety of events offered by Whitsunday Running Club promotes “another version of The Whitsundays.”

“The Whitsundays is the holiday destination that caters for all activity levels and budgets,” he said.

“it’s fantastic to see that this variety has been applied to events that attract competitors from all over the country and world.”

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Whitsunday Running Club has added a Cross Country event to its annual run sheet of competitions

What a difference a week makes.  Last week it was raining and uncomfortable, but this Wednesday just passed provided a 12 knot easterly breeze, flat seas, and a stunning Whitsunday sunset.  It couldn’t get any better for the 105 sailors, on 19 yachts, who participated in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s twilight race.

A very close start saw QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) leading the fleet away with Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) right on their tail.  A poor start by Wide Load (Shannan Hart) saw them first to tack in toward the shore, a move that didn’t work, leaving them trailing the fleet for the whole race.  At the first mark of the course, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) snuck through to take a slender lead over QMS Ponyo, gradually increasing the gap as the race progressed, finishing just 1 minute ahead, with Smooth Criminal a further 11 seconds back.  On corrected time, Twister (Kevin Fogarty) took the honours over Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) and Houdini (Robert Meizer).

For the second week in a row, Lighthorse (Di Forster) led the fleet away, but it was Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) and Matchless (Terrence Stevens) neck and neck after the first lap, with Aquatarius (Tom Parker) running third. Behind them, Rossgo (Greg Hammon) was ahead of Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic), Shiraz (John Cable) and Lighthorse.  On the next lap, things changed at the front, with Aquatarius passing both of the boats in front to take the lead by 1 minute over Matchless who overtook Wobbly Boot just before the finish.  On corrected time, Aquatarius took the honours by 21 seconds over Shiraz, with Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini) 20 seconds further back in third.

A delayed start by Malice (Graham & Clayton Matthews) allowed G’nome (Terry Archer) to lead the multihulls for much of the race before Malice took the lead.  The 30 odd seconds delay at the start was probably the difference as, on corrected time, G’nome won by 31 seconds.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Reignition under full power

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A total of 23 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Townsville over the weekend to compete at the NQ Championships. All the swimmers enjoyed being part of relays teams and most of the Cannonvale Cannons’ teams came home with silver and bronze medals.  

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson for winning just about all his individual events and awarded Age Champion. Jax Clayworth was presented with his NQ Record certificate for 100m Butterfly.  

Star Performers based on PBs were Matilda Nicholes, Jacob Bell, Declan Dichieria, Addie Sanders, Levi Smith, Alex Trefz, Zach Trefz, Ehsan Helou and Lukas Trevaskis.  

Highlights include: Jacob Bell aged 16 years won his 800m Freestyle in a time of 9.06.27 (a 13.13 second PB). Thomas Ganter and Remy Hedges swam excellent times in their 400m Freestyle to earn a silver medal.  

One of Jack Ganter’s best swims was his 100m Butterfly which he did a 12.57 second PB to earn a silver medal. Jax Clayworth, aged 9 years won all his 50m events. One of his best swims was his 100m Freestyle in 1.18.44 (a 2.15 second PB).  

Ehsan Helou swam top placings in most of his events. One of his best swims was his 200m Freestyle which he swam in a 2.22.47 (a 10.39 second PB). Anisa Helou’s best swim earnt her a bronze medal.  She swam a fantastic 50m Butterfly in 32.48 seconds.  

Holly Perrin swam 4 personal best times and won gold medals for all her Backstroke events. Isaac and Isabella Pisanello swam super times all weekend. Both swam awesome PBs in their 100m Freestyle and 50 Breaststroke. Isaac swam a massive 18.75 second PB in his 100m Breaststroke.  

Tiana Bell, Indi Smith, Celeste Orenshaw, Don Algie, and Charlotte Trevaskis had a fantastic weekend. They all swam extremely well and achieved some personal best times.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to the parents and coaches for supporting the swimmers.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons preparing for the March past at NQ Champs. Photo supplied

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Footy for Fun

WTA is set to launch an exciting initiative, Footy for Fun, which is a new program for girls and boys 4 to 8years of age.

It starts Monday March 13 at Whitsunday Sports Park from 5 to 5.40 pm.

The program runs for 6 weeks and costs$60.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Touch Footy.

Round Four Results

Mixed A

Trusty (8)                                 Inthe Crear (5)

Vipers (13)                                Raiders A (4)

WhitmondayEagles  9               Concrete Feet  8

Mixed B

Full Boar   1                             Slippery Salmons  10

Ray White Mudcrabs    12         TheGuinea Fowls  3

Mixed C

Stingers 4                                  Flame Tree Flames  11

Fumble This   4                        TouchIt  2

Raiders C 5                               On Time 9

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables     4                     RaidersFamily  10

Escapees (6)                             MissFits/Hamo Rent (6)

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Round 1 of the Premier League got underway on Sunday at the Airlie Bowls Club with four matches taking place, two of which featured two new club members.

There were a reversal of fortunes for both debutants however, with Hawkeye Rick suffering a 7/1 defeat at the hands of the more experienced Seumas Rose, who this year was entering into his fourth league season.

Arthur McMinn had a better time of it in his first Premier League match, putting a valuable two points on the board after recording a 7/3 win over Jayden Lloyd.

Jamie Maher also had an opening day win by beating Kameron Reason 7/1, and the 2019 Champion Andy Peel got off to a perfect start with a 7/1 win over Gary Robbie.

The members draw jackpot wasn’t won this week and will be $160 next week.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsundays, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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J Maher, K Reason, A McMinn, A Peel, H Rick, J Lloyd, S Rose and G Robbie

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Last week at Airlie Bowls Club, the matches were filled with victories and upsets.

On Tuesday afternoon, there was a big turnout for Ladies social day, where Di Jackson played outstanding bowls with the help of John Brown and skipper Elaine Kippen, winning against Pam Collins, Mark Mawson, and Lane Telford 17-9.

Sandra Argo, Jill Spencer, Tina Schubert, and skipper Joan McGrath defeated the odds-on favourite team to become the winners of the Ladies Fours.

Wednesday's Social Jackpot Bowls was brilliantly run by Rick Galea, with Tony Whitehorn's team winning against Warren Mills at Skip. Saturday morning's Scroungers saw Ash Warland as the big winner of the round, while Andy McDougall took home the B Grade final.

On Sunday afternoon, Tony Whitehorn's team won with the lowest winning margin and Tony received the prestigious Health Hub award. Bobby McMahon beat Stephen Lawrie 25-13, and the Ladies pairs had a tough match with Di Jackson and Betty Whitehorn losing to Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie.

The results of Wednesday night's Business House Bowls were not available at the time of the report but will be updated next week.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Bowling season is in full swing, with games played throughout the week at the club.

Wednesday saw a game of triples between Philip Brown, Noel Hale, and Heather Brown against Philip, Bruce Uhe, and Warren Wilson.

John Anderson and Mary Hedgelong also played a game of pairs, with John and Mary winning against Alen Sanderson and Barry Zillmann.

On Sunday, Heather organised a game of Consistency Singles, with Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe playing an exciting game that ended with Bruce winning 105-100.

There was also a game of Cut Throat Singles, which Heather won in the end. In another game of triples, Jim Quod, Ken Watts, and Philip Brown won against Alen Sanderson, Kendall Watts, and Peter Lawton. Bruce Uhe is currently in the lead for Social Participation scores with 21 points.

On March 11, Club Selected teams' games will be played in the afternoon, featuring a combination of Competitive Social Bowls, a BBQ, and the presentation of 2022 prizes.

This will be the final opportunity for teams to enter the club competitions for 2023 before the draw is made on Saturday night.

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Kendall Watts putting down another great bowl on Sunday afternoon

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Tuesday winning rinks were Gavin Charles, Steve Roome and Geoff Danvers defeated Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt and Kennedy Whitton.

Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Denise Wallace and Penny Warren defeated Deb Retchless, Isobel Wheeler, Linda Smith.

Irene Laird and Greg Colquhoun defeated Sue Shearing and Graeme Read. The jackpot didn’t go off.

On Sunday Wangaratta hosted the first round of the Men’s local pennant against BBC.

After three games of great bowls Wangaratta were the winners with 2 match wins 5 rinks plus 23. Congratulations to the men.

In the afternoon for social play the club welcomed 8 eight South Townsville ladies.

Winners came out on Rink 7. They were Bron Tolcher, Denise Wallace, Sandy Prince and Kevin Jewell who defeated Heather Rogers, Teresa Willshire, Wanda Goodwin and Penny Warren.

Other games were Merle Elphinstone, Lyn Danvers and Graeme Read defeated Irene Laird, Linda Scells and Donna Ware.

Jocelyn Defranciscis and Jodie Kay O’Sullivan defeated Deb Rethcless and Linda Ann Polkinghorn. The jackpot didn’t go off.                                                                

‍Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners of the 1st Round Men's Local Pennant

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the March midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Ruth Dunn 65 nett, runner up Penny Stewart 69 nett. Men’s winner was Hayden Williams 65 nett, runner up on a countback John Martin 66 nett.

Saturday’s competition was the official start of the golfing season with a 4BBB stableford event sponsored by Bowen Small Motors. Well done to Robyn Slade and Owen Land who won a countback with 45 points , runners-up Dwayne and Rikki Bartlett 45 points.  

Leanne Swan and Brendan Nott won the accuracy drives. Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Julie May, Lorraine McArthur, Joy Hose, Liam Hillery, Rodney Miller, Graeme Baker, David Martin. Daniel Borgh won the Car wash voucher with an OBP. Joy Hose, Ryley Malone, Elona Lynch, Kevin Cross and Dylan Nott also had OBP's.

Coming Up

This weekend’s competition is a stroke event for the March monthly medals and qualifying round of single matchplay for both men and ladies. Men will play on Saturday and ladies on Sunday.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Golf club committee and sponsors

Opening Day Winners

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Tuesday Competition

Tuesday’s Stableford saw 17 competitors vying for top position. Steven Johnston was the winner on 38 points, 4 points ahead of Nick Apruzzese on 34 points and Ash Law on 33 points. Trish McNeill was the only NTP winner.

Wednesday Competition

The PD Law Monthly Medal was played in very heavy conditions, with Trish McNeill the winner on a countback from Lyn Muller, Anna Winterbourn secured 3rd place. Diane Chard was the putting champion of the day with 29 putts, and Toni Clauss, Rehab Hull, Trish McNeill and Pauline Redpath were the winners of the pin shots.

Thursday Competition

57 players were out for the Venue Smart Thursday Monthly Medal. Winner of Division 1, with 68 nett was Trish McNeill, closely followed by Steve Stewart on 69 and Michael Ward on 70 nett.

Adam Tester’s return to golf is proving very successful, with a win in Division 2, narrowly defeating Steve Mitchell on a countback with 71 nett. Rees May and Ken Todd were in 3rd and 4th place respectively. NTP’s: Jon Miller, Mark McDougal, Andrew Albergo, Michael Ward.

Saturday Competition

The RGH Monthly Medal brought 85 players out onto the course. Sherri Meade was victorious in the Women’s Competition, edging out Trish McNeill on a countback, both on 71 nett. Heather Luvis claimed 3rd place on 72 nett. NTP’s Trish McNeill x 2, and Anna Winterbourn shot a very nice 2 on Hole 13 to win in the 2 shot Club.

Scott Lee was the overall winner, and winner of A Grade for the RGH Men’s Monthly Medal with a very nice 67 nett, Levi Holmes was close behind with 68 nett and David O’Connor 3rd in A Grade with 70 nett.

B Grade Monthly Medal was won by Owen Clarke on 68 nett on a countback from Andrew Albergo and Paul Bullock was close behind in 3rd place with 69 nett. Cameron Mutch shot a nice 69 nett to win the C Grade Monthly Medal ahead of Sam Marschke and Marcus Heathcote both on 72 nett.

NTP’s: Levi Holes, Scott Lee, Kelvin Stephens and Scott Grigg.

Sunday Competition

Great to see Nathan Holmes back from injury and on the podium with a very tidy 68 nett on Sunday, winning from Jake Murray and Ryan Wilkes on 69 and 70 nett. New member Jordyn Albergo shot a below handicap 71 nett to win the ladies from Peta Thomas and Pauline Redpath on 74 and 76 nett.

NTP’s: Ryan Wilkes, Lewis Tuck, Simon Della Santa, David O’Connor and Jordyn Albergo.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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The Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday March monthly medal was held on Sunday, March 5.

It started with a few spots of rain but that did not deter the 22 players for a chance at this month’s medal.

Winner for Men’s A grade was Jason Burke with R/U George Meharry.

Men’s B grade winner was Don Cameron with R/U Ron Jamieson.

Ladies’ A grade winner went to Pauline Redpath R/U Anna Winterbourn and Ladies B Grade was claimed by Joanne Moynihan with R/U Pam Casey.

Longest Drives went to Anna Winterbourn, Karen Rix, Lew Tuck and Dean Kercher.

Nearest the pins were won by Don Cameron, Clay Coles, Pauline Redpath, Tiina Randmae and Joanne Moynihan.

Thank you to our sponsors including The Reef Gateway Hotel and congratulations to the winners. Next Sunday March 12 will be a single Stableford event.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

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Don Cameron, Pam Casey, Anna Winterbourn and Rom Jamieson

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A very good day for Louis Neethling with a score of 34 on a countback from Nic Appruzese 34 and Len Booroff 33.  

The ladies struggled a bit in the conditions with Jenny Hounsell 26, Tiina Randmae 25 and Lyn Muller 23.

Pin shots went to Len and Louis on 2, Vic Feldman and John Oates on 13 and Barry Mortimer and Louis Neethling on 16.  

The ladies, Jenny Hounsell on the hole on 2, Lyn Muller on 13 and 16.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Louis Neethling and Jenny Hounsell

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The Mackay Tennis Association (MTA) is a community-based tennis club located in the heart of Mackay. The club, which celebrates its centenary this year, provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play tennis and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

MTA is renowned for its high-quality playing surfaces and friendly community of players. The club offers various levels of tennis coaching and fixtures, including pickleball, making it a great option for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, MTA has something for everyone.

In addition to its many tennis programs, MTA also offers a fully air-conditioned clubhouse that is available for hire by local businesses, which can accommodate groups of up to 100 people. With ample parking available on site, the Mackay Tennis clubhouse is the perfect location for your next business meeting, seminar or training session. To book the clubhouse, please contact us on 0435 524 985.

As the MTA celebrates its 100-year anniversary, there has never been a better time to become part of this welcoming and inclusive community.  To celebrate 100 years of tennis in Mackay, MTA is hosting a centenary dinner on Sat 9th September.  Please contact the club if you are interested in attending.

The club is passionate about promoting an active and healthy lifestyle and is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all members.  Whether you are looking to play tennis, pickleball or hire the clubhouse for your next business function, the Mackay Tennis Association is the perfect choice. With its excellent facilities, convenient location, and friendly community of players, the MTA is the ideal place to get active and make new friends.

To become a member or find out more about the Mackay Tennis Association, please visit our website www.mackaytennis.com or contact 0435 524 985. We look forward to welcoming you to our tennis-loving community!

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Tennis in Mackay in 1920

Official opening of Mackay Tennis Association in 1923

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On Thursday at Mackay Bowls Club, Scroungers were played with Kees Stuick def Steve Cassidy  in the final. Good close bowls were played throughout the arvo.

Tuesday Social Play was cancelled due to rain.

Friday Social Play Winners

Janice Nelson, Val Edwards, Col Stevens

Runners Up

Leanne Jenner Barry Jenner, Robyn Schatkowski

Sunday Barefoot Social Bowls

Arthur Nayler, Col Marks, def Janice Nelson, Squiggles

Competition Results

E Wynd, A Shepherd, D Wootton, B Bridger def G Collum R Mroz, R Blanchard, P Taaffe 23/8

Players are reminded that the West Tiger Challenge is on Saturday March 11 starting at 1:00pm.

Nominations form is on the notice board in the clubhouse.

This weekend Club Championships Continue with games being played from Friday afternoon with the Ladies Championships Fours.

Saturday: Ladies Championships Triples, Men’s Open Fours, Men’s Open Pairs.

Sunday: Men’s Open Pairs, Men’s Open Singles.

Players are reminded to support Monthly Raffle

NRL Footy Tipping begins this weekend.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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