Mackay endurance king Justin Rule has continued his medal-winning achievements on the Masters Athletics circuit.

The 48-year-old iron man was one of three Mackay Athletics Club competitors to stamp their mark at the recent Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney – bringing home gold in the 3000m Steeplechase and a bronze medal in the 8km Cross Country in the Mens 45-49yrs category.

Clubmates Maddy Simmons and Mel Esau also impressed in the Women’s 40-44yrs division by collecting a swag of medals in field and track events.

German-born Simmons, 41, clinched a silver medal in the 80m hurdles and bronze in both the triple jump and pole vault to add to her 80m hurdles gold and pole vault silver at the 2022 National Masters in Townsville.

40-year-old Esau – who only took up athletics earlier this year – grabbed silver medals for Queensland in the 4 x 100m (180+) and 4 x 400m (120+) Relay finals.

She also reached the finals of the 60m, 100m, 200m and long jump events and recorded a personal best time in the 400m for her age group.

But it was the super fit Rule – named Athletics North Queensland Masters Athlete of the Year in 2022 – who enhanced his reputation with standout performances in recent weeks.

At the World Masters Cross Country Championships last month in Bathurst, the lanky Mackay runner finished a creditable 13th in a strong international field in the 6km short course event.

A highlight for Justin was navigating the course alongside legendary Australian long distance running champion Steve Moneghetti, who claimed the 60-69yrs world title.

Rule also teamed up with Joanna Bailey (Northern Territory) to finish 11th in the Mixed Relay.

Since entering major Masters events in 2020, a rejuvenated Justin has collected a swag of medals including two gold (steeplechase and 5000m) and three silver (400m hurdles, 800m and 1500m) at the Oceania Championships in Mackay and the Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast where he captured two gold in the 1500m and 5000m); two silver (steeplechase and 800m) plus a bronze in the Beach Mile.

The former Brisbane Grammar student made a comeback to athletics when sons Oliver and Toby joined the Mackay Athletics Club.

Last Sunday at the Athletics North Queensland Cross Country Championships at Airlie Beach, Justin was upstaged by the duo when 18-year-old Oliver won gold in the 8km Under 20 event and Toby, 16, grabbed gold in the 6km Under 17 race.

Justin had to settle for silver in the 8km Masters event.

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Talented Mackay athletes Mel Esau, Justin Rule and Maddy Simmons collected a swag of medals at the recent Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney. Photo credit: Chris Karas

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The Mackay Cycling Club's inaugural race of the season was a triumph for riders of all ages and abilities. The individual time trial, held along the Walkerston Homebush Road, tested the mettle of competitors ranging in age from around 8 to 80. From a 4km challenge for the youngest cyclists to a gruelling 20km test against the clock for the seniors, every rider pushed themselves to make their mark on the beginning of the season.

A couple of punctures meant two favoured racers to take out their grades had to make way for others to claim the glory, showing anything can happen on the day.

With some notable big names missing the start of the season, it left the gate open for a strong ride from Tim Ffrost to take line honours as the fastest senior of the day, completing the 20km in around 29 minutes. Taking out the B-grade was Luke Schatkowski, who was only 2-seconds from cracking the sub-30-minute mark. C-grade was cleaned up by Noel Garciano in a time of 30:34 which would have seen him competitive in the B-grade, along with Tenille Galea who was the fastest woman home in 31:52. Winning the D-grade was Bradley Fraser, in a hot time of 32:29.

Juniors who won their respective grades were U9 Hamish Brennan, U11 Rowdy Brennan, U13 Matthew Schatkowski, U15 Peter Schatkowski and U17 Chrisse Neah Garciano.

The Mackay Cycling Club welcomes riders of all levels of experience to participate in their events, offering day race passes to anyone wanting to take on the challenge.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice rider, the Mackay Cycling Club is the place to be if you want to experience the thrill of the ride.

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The Mackay Cycling Club’s inaugural race of the 2023 season was a time trial. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Nearly sixty runners and supporters attended the very popular annual Whibley’s Wander held from the Secretary’s residence early Sunday morning.  

The wonderful Julie and Andrew were the perfect hosts with all runners appreciating their generosity and picture-perfect back yard.  

Paul Mackenzie and Alana Knesevic were the top male and female in the 12km with excellent performances by the 5km top duo of Terese Hackney and Darrin Pullen.  

The 100% humidity was extreme as runners braved the conditions and early morning high temperatures.

Meanwhile Mackay Road Runners’ competitors did very well at the Athletics North Queensland Cross Country Championships hosted by The Whitsunday Running Club in Cannonvale where several locals took out top podium places:

Liam Mumford - 1st Open 10km

Justin Rule - 2nd 45-49yrs 8km

Oliver Rule - 1st under 20yrs 8km

Damian Rutland - 3rd under 20yrs km

Toby Rule - 1st under 18/17 yrs 6km

Abigail Sweeney - 2nd under 18/17 yrs 4km

Lily Leven - 2nd under 16/15 yrs 4km

Congratulations to all, what an amazing effort against very talented athletes throughout the North Queensland region.

This Sunday’s local Mackay Road Runners Club event will be held at beautiful Cape Hillsborough National Park carpark near the Resort precincts commencing at 7am.

All casual non-member runners are most welcome to attend however, there will be a day runner fee of $5 for juniors and $10 for seniors to cover insurance costs, etc.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Leanne, Lauren and Jess enjoy a chat before the Whibley’s Wander 5km

(Far right standing) Julie Whibley is thanked by some of the Mackay Road Runners for her and Andrew Whibley’s exceptional post-run brekky. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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A total of nine children participated in the first of six ‘Footy For Fun’ training sessions at the Whitsunday Sportspark on Monday night.

The sessions are dedicated to teaching children aged four to eight years the basics of Touch Football in the hope that it will inspire them to progress further and join a team as they get older.

Over 200 people regularly play Touch Football in the Whitsundays and compete in a range of divisions which offer everything from a family grade, where kids can play with their parents, right through to young aspiring professionals in the sport.

During the first Footy For Fun session, the kids learnt the basics of how to catch the ball, dodge past each other and score a goal.

Next week they will play a real game.

Any parents who are interested in signing up their children for the next five weeks can still do so, just head to the Whitsunday Touch Facebook page for details.

Training sessions are from 5pm until 5.40pm every Monday at Whitsunday Sportspark.

This Week’s Results

A Grade

Won In the Crear 8 v Raiders A 5

Won Vipers 10 v Concrete Feet 7

Won Trusty 18 v Whitmonday Eagles 4  

B Grade

Won Full Boar v The Guinea Fowls Forfeit

Won Ray White Mudcrabs 5 v G.E.T. Touch  4

BYE Slippery Salmons

C Grade

Won Fumble This v Whitsunday Warriors Forfeit

Won Touch it 9 v Stingers 4

Won Flametree Flames 11 v Raiders C 1

BYE OnTime

Family Grade

Won Untouchables 7 v Mainlanders 3

Won Raiders Family 7 v Misfits HamoRent 5

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Nine youngsters joined the first Footy For Fun session

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The Cannonvale Cannons are eagerly awaiting their 2023 Club Championships next Saturday to mark the official end of the local swim season.

Over 40 swimmers prepared this week by participating at the Cannons’ Club Night, surprising coaches with new personal bests.

Club official Jane Delac presented Zach Trefz and Connor Lee with the Chocolate Awards for best personal bests.

Club Upgrades were presented to Bianca Anderson, Zane Clayworth, Miller Eaves, Harry Crisp, and Jax Clayworth, and the Swim Star Award presented to Piper Walker.  

Highlights from Club Night included: Top performers by personal best were Charlie Doherty, Levi Smith, and Jax Clayworth.  

Thomas Ganter swam an excellent time of 3.08.65 in his 200-metre IM which was a massive 23.83 second personal best.  

Andie Reynolds also swam a fabulous 200-metre IM, taking 7.71 seconds off her previous best time.  

Declan Dichiera and Matilda Nicholes performed well in their respective 100-metre IMs, finishing close together. Declan swam a 3.88 second personal best and Matilda swam a 4.13 second personal best.  

Ava Hudson swam fantastic times in her Backstroke and Breaststroke races, while Lucas Korosec, six, smashed his 25-metre Butterfly and 50-metre Backstroke times.  

Addie Sanders swam a brilliant 50-metre Backstroke in 59.34 second.  Max Smith swam a smooth 25-metre Butterfly in 35.06 seconds.  

One of Owen Maher’ best swims was his Butterfly - he improved his time by 2.15 seconds.

Trace Quick keeps getting quicker every week: he swam personal bests in his Butterfly and Breaststroke.

Sister pair Millah and Piper Walker both swam extremely well in their Breaststroke and achieved personal bests.

Well done to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night and special mention to swimmers who swam one or two personal bests:  Don Algie, Gracie Laguna, Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, Miller Eaves, Sophie Fletcher, Roxy Groom, Ty Hayes-Williams, Zane Clayworth, Harry Crisp, Harris Delac, Bianca Anderson, Clare Anderson, Harry Chegwidden, Indi Smith, Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, and Isaac Pisaniello.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannonvale Cannon Piper Walker was this week’s Swim Star Award recipient

Zane Clayworth holding his Club Upgrade certificate earnt at the Cannonvale Cannons’ weekly Club Night

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Whitsunday United Football Club teams began their respective seasons over the past two weeks with the majority of teams taking the field last Saturday, which acted as a “proper season kick off for the club.”

First up were the newly minted Division One and Two Men’s sides, with both teams travelling to Dolphin Park to face Magpies and Dolphins, respectively.

The Division Two Men struggled against Dolphins in the first match of the day, going down quickly in the initial 20 minutes, conceding four goals.

Soon they steadied the ship and mounted a counter offensive, rallying and gaining the upper hand while pressing for victory.

But it wasn’t to be so: the Division Two Men lost out 6-4, having hit the post four times in the second half. The side were understandably disappointed not to have come away with either the points shared or better, yet were proud to have fought back from such a large deficit.

The Division One Men managed to grab a well-earned draw against a much younger Mackay Magpies team – despite most of the team comprising of players backing up from the previous Division Two game.

On Saturday, Whitsunday United hit pitches across Mackay with most teams tasting success and showing they were in for title challenges this season.

The Under 13 Premier boys kicked off with that winning feeling, ending their first game with 2-1 against Mackay Wanderers.

They set the tone for the Under 15 Division One boys, who stole away with all three points in a 1-0 last minute win against Wanderers – an absolute thriller.

The Women started off in great form, too. Against City Brothers, the reserves team celebrated a draw a nil all draw, while the Premier girls were more than convincing.

The Women’s side were free scoring – ending their match with a 4-0 win – and considering it was the first time a lot of the ladies played together, both women’s results were truly impressive.

In the Men’s Reserve grade, United were bettered across the park, with the game closing out at 4-1 in Mackay Magpies favour.

To bring an end to the weekend’s fixtures, the Premier Men’s side started off the season with the same opening game result as last year – a draw against a solid Magpies outfit.

Although trailing 3-1, a quickfire double to Harry Hodgen saw the Whitsunday team steal the draw.

The season may have kicked off, but the local club is still able to accommodate players in the Senior age groups and even in U15.

If you have played before and are keen to join in, the club asks you to enquire at 0419 343 345 for more information.

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The Whitsunday United Under 13 Premier boys side celebrate a strong showing where they won 2-1 against Mackay Wanderers

The Women’s Premier side grin after their big win, 4-1 against Mackay Magpies

United’s Women Reserves team were happy after a shutout 0-0 draw

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A well-deserved 19th hole was appreciated Sunday after the members of Whitsunday Social Golf played a very hot 18 in a single stableford event.

Ladies’ A grade winner on the day was Anna Winterbourn and runner up Pauline Redpath, Ladies B Grade was claimed by Joanne Moynihan with roundup going to Pam Casey.

Men’s A Grade winner went to Darren Reynolds roundup Jason Bourke, while Men’s B grade winner was Mark Callaghan and roundup was Ron Jamieson.

Longest drives went to Ritchie Atkins, Mark Callaghan, Anna Winterbourne, and Pam Casey, while nearest the pins were Mark Callaghan, Jason Bourke, Anna Winterbourn, Pauline Redpath, and Joanne Moynihan.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Social Golf players Darren Reynolds, Joanne Moynihan, Anna Winterbourn, and Ron Jamieson

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This week’s Friday 9-hole stableford competition at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Michael Bond with a 21 point on a countback.

Michael was followed in second place by Dee Norman on 21 countback, and third went to Tim Harris with 21 points.

On Sunday it was the Club’s 18-hole skins competition -- and a very warm one at that.

Taking first place was Robert Lodders with seven Skins, second and third place was a tie between Michael Bond and Jake Day – both with six Skins.

Nearest the pin was Glenn Scott and Marc Belke.

And catching up readers on the Club’s 4 ball better ball on February 19: Cory Belke and Jack Hayes-Williams with a NET 41.5 against experienced adult players.

This Sunday will be 18-hole 4 ball better ball tee off at 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Cory Belke and Jack Hayes were the winners of the Whitsunday Green Golf Club’s recent 4 ball better ball

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Proserpine Veterans Golf Club hosted  27 players, 10 ladies and 17 men for its March Monthly Medal last weekend.

Winner for the men was Steve Mitchell with 71 points on a countback from Ken Granger, also 71, with John Roser 72 on a countback from Colin Hounsell, 72 too.  

The Ladies Monthly Medal winner was Lyn Muller, 73 points, followed by Leanne Alexander, 74, and Tiina Randmae, 75.

Pin Shots went to Wilf Herweg, 2nd and 18th, Phill Luckett, 13th, Lyn Muller and Tiina Randmae 2nd, Leanne Alexander and Paula McQuat, 13th, and Mandy Patterson on the 18th.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Proserpine Golf Club’s Tuesday Stableford was won by Heather Luvis on 71 nett, on a countback from Ken Granger and Ross Tong.

Diane Chard won the nearest the pin (NTP).

Wednesday Competition: 15 ladies played in the Wednesday Stableford, with Toni Clauss shooting a very impressive 40 points to win the Airllywood voucher.

Heather Luvis, on a score that would have won any other day, on 38 points was in second place, and Tiina Randmae with 36 points in third.

Lyn Muller, Trish McNeill, and Pauline Redpath (twice) were the winners of the pin shots.

Adam Maggs won the Wednesday Men’s Competition with 35 points and Ryan Wilkes in second place on 33 points.

Thursday Competition: Simon Della Santa was the winner of the Division One, Thursday Stableford with 39 points, followed by Michael Cragg on 36, and Brad Fleet on 35.

Harry Milne was the clear winner of Division Two also on 39 points, with Len Borooff in second place with 32 points and Trevor Paroz 3rd with 31 points.

NTP’s: James Devery, Yoko Fitton and Jacob Nightingale x 2

Saturday Competition: 78 players competed in the Allenbuild Stableford, and new club member Jordyn Albergo won the ladies with 45 points.

She was followed by Lyn Muller on 36 points and Diane Chard on 31 pts.

NTP’s Lyn Muller and Trish McNeill.

Adam Maggs was in form to win the Men’s competition with 37 points, ahead of Nathan Holmes and Jackson Gray, both on 36 points.

NTP’s: Ken Granger, Larry Muller, Brett Norris, and John Clark

Sunday Competition: Darren Reynolds was ahead of the field on Sunday with a very nice 41 points, closely followed by Thomas MacLean on 39 points. Aaron Prosser in third place with 36 points.

Anna Winterbourn narrowly defeated Peta Thomas on a countback with 33 points, and Pauline Redpath in third place on 31 points.

NTP’s: Aaron Prosser, Thomas MacLean, Jacob Nightingale, Karl Kirkwood, Pauline Redpath, Peta Thomas

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Bowls Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the Club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Lynelle Riley, 37 points, runner up Morag Parker, 37 also. Men’s winner on a countback was Kailan Batchelor, 37 points, with runner up John Courtney, who rounded out the 37-score quartet.

Saturday’s competition was the Men's monthly medal and qualifier for single match play.

Winner on a countback was Marcus Yasso, 66 nett, runner up Brett Richards, 66.  

Sunday was the ladies monthly medal and single match play qualifier.  Winner on a countback was Jo Kukura, 69 nett, runner up Sarnie Eisemann, 69 nett.

Pin shots to Pauline Martin twice, and Grace Nott and Julie Mawson once.

This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB stableford event for the Easter turkeys.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Ladies March monthly medal winner Jo Kukara and runner up Sarnie Esiemann

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Round Two of the Airlie Beach Darts Club 2023 season kicked off with the annual Champion of Champions fixture at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

This year the fixture featured two worthy champions: Dom Friend and Jamie Woods.

The standard was high for so early in the season, with both players hitting high checkouts and scoring heavily throughout. Dom managed to take an early lead, which he would never relinquish, running out a 7/3 winner.

Dom backed that win up with a second win of the day, this time a 7/0 win over Hawkeye Rick, which leaves Rick bottom of the ladder after two weeks.

Kameron Reason inflicted an impressive 7/4 win over Andy Peel, and Jamie Woods bounced back in style after that defeat to Dom with a 7/1 win over Arthur McMinn.

Finally, the round was finished off with Joe Wilson recording his first win of the year with a 7/3 win over Jamie Maher.

The members Jackpot wasn’t won, and will be $180 next week.

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

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Dom Friend in action at the Airlie Bowls Club for the Airlie Beach Darts Club Round Two fixture on Sunday morning

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Tuesday’s winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club were Lindy Suann and Michael Parra, who defeated Deb Retchless and Sugar Brunker.

Other winners were Stumpy Adams and Kevin Jewell against Bron Tolcher and Terry Feaks.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Team of Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, and Margaret Wilson in gaining fourth place at the Bowen Bowls Club Fours carnival last weekend.

Competition is now in full swing with games to be played Saturday and Sunday.

Ladies’ handicap consistency results: Bron Tolcher defeated Margaret Wilson, Teresa Willshire defeated Denise Wallace, Penny Warren defeated Irene Laird.

Round 1 of Club Fours results: Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan.

Round 1 of Men’s Club Fours: Bill Myers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers defeated Laurie Land, Kent Moriarty, Mark Drummond, and Allan Rolfe.

Sunday social bowls resulted in the winners coming out on Rink 3, with Merle Elpohinstone, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers winning against the team of Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler, and Sugar Brunker.

Other games saw Barry Beel and Mark Drummond defeat Terry Blair and Kevin Jewell, while Gary Goodwin and Laurie Land defeated Wanda Goodwin and Deb Retchless.

In the final game of the weekend, Rod Mumby, Linda Scells, and Allan Rolfe joined the winner’s circle, beating the team of Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Wangaratta Bowls Club Sunday winners Club President Mark Drummond, Geoff Danvers, and Penny Warren

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Proserpine Bowls Club had an eventful week on the rinks starting with pairs on the first rink with Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown defeating Warren Wilson and Sandy Daffara, 10-7 in the first half.  

Warren and Heather defeated Bruce and Sandy in the second half, 7-0, and on the other rink, Alen Sanderson and Noel Hale played Mary Hedgelong and Peter Lawton, then Mary and Noel played Alen and Peter.

On Saturday afternoon there was a good showing for a Men's Social bowls afternoon and Presentation Day.

The Club thanked its sponsors for last year's competition, Gardels Solar and Electrical and Anything Environmental.  

In very hot conditions there were four games of triples played.

On Sunday Proserpine Bowls Club hosted a game of Triples between Heather Brown, Sandy Daffara, and Jim Quod’s team and Mike Harrison, Peter Lawton, and Bruce Uhe. The game ended 28-8 in Ms Browns’ team’s favour.

Clubman Scott Kinnear is playing in the International Blind Bowlers Association team on the Gold Coast, and currently holds medal positions in both events entered.

Nominations have now closed for the Club Championship Singles, Pairs, and Fours and players will be advised soon on the draw and scheduled playing times.  

It is asked that players make themselves available to play when drawn, with weeks’ worth of notice to be given of drawn games.

Club selectors will begin selecting Pennants teams for the upcoming Pennants Season, and at present has nominated for Division 1 and Division 5.  

This will require 20 players over five weekends: April 15/16; April 22/23; May 13/14; May 20/21; and May 27/28.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Proserpine Bowls Club Bowler of the Year 2022Wayne Handley

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The Bowen Bowls Club held a successful Ladies Fours Carnival last week with the teams on the green displaying some beguiling bowls.

Fourth place went to the team of Margaret Wilson, Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Lyn Danvers, just shy behind third placed side of Wanda Goodwin, Linda Erickson, and Kay O’Sullivan.

In the final between the teams of Florence Keft, Gail Meng, Rhonda Meng, and Ahondi Ray, and Betty Nicolle, Margo Stanley, Ladda Purdie, and Betty Whitehorn, the latter came out the victors.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Bowen Bowls Club Ladies’ Fours Carnival winners Betty Nicolle, Margo Stanley, Ladda Purdie, and Betty Whitehorn with Lee from sponsors S&W Crane Hire

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