Six keen Pickellers from PCYC Mackay Pickleball travelled to Gold Coast for the Pan Pacific Masters Games, then Currumbin for the Pickleball events where 440 Pickleball participants fought hard and furious from November 5 to 8.

Mackay came home with bronze medals in the Women’s Doubles; 19-64 yrs at 2.5 category.  

A truly amazing feat considering the two ladies are very new to the game of Pickleball.

Approximately six weeks ago, both Tanya and Kim became “hooked” on the game then, determined to show their prowess, they registered for the Games.

The ladies did Mackay proud, as did other PCYC players Toni, Gigi, Colleen and Heather.

Although not returning laden with medals, they certainly made the most of the distance travelled by calling in on friends, family and fellow Pickellers at Bargara, Bundaberg and Tallebudgera on the return trip.

One of the major benefits of attending a Tournament of this magnitude is the opportunity to experience the best of the best, retired National and World-renowned champions still playing their game of choice.

What a tournament for those who attended, with some 42 codes of sport spread across more than 40 fields, courts and swimming pools from Coomera, Carrara, Jacobs Well, Woongoolba and Gold Coast.

A total of 18,000 medals were awarded to 13,500 participants from every corner of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, USA, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka and Guam.  

Back home, PCYC Pickleball are super excited to welcome five ‘Newbies’ to Pickleball; Niel, Pauline, Cathy, Shaun B and Jason.

The ‘newbies’ have commented that they are surprised “how easy the game is to play”.

So, come on, PCYC Pickleball welcomes any age to come ‘have a go’.

PCYC Pickleball play at PCYC Mackay, 33 Norris Road North Mackay 5:30pm to 7pm Tuesdays, 12pm to 2pm Thursdays and 9am to 11am Sunday Mornings.

Phone 07 4942 3296 for more information.

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PCYC Mackay Pickleball contestants Toni, Colleen, Tanya, Kim, Heather and Gigi at the Pan Pacific Masters Games

L-R Kim, Gigi, Heather, Tanya, Sharon (Townsville) and Colleen. Photos supplied

Pioneer Swim Club swimmers travelled to Townsville for the Gardens Open Long Course Preparation Meet on the weekend of November 5 and 6, 2022.  

A great weekend of competitive swimming was enjoyed by the team, the host team having put on a cracking event.

The Gardens Carnival is a favourite on the swim calendar for many clubs, all travelling from near and far with a total of over 300 swimmers swimming at this meet.

Many of the Dolphins achieved huge personal bests and qualified for the upcoming State competitions in December and February at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane.

A highlight at Gardens Carnival are the relays held on the Saturday afternoon.  

Pioneer entered various relay teams with 2 of our teams bringing home the gold – the Female 11 years and over team comprising of Kylie Smith, Stevie Brand, Jade Bounden and Ella Bounden as well as the Female 8–10 years team comprising of Annaliese Miles, Joleigh Strydom, Makenna Malagueno and Madison Malagueno.

Well done to all our swimmers for your individual and team successes!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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The gold medal winning female 8–10 years relay team

The gold medal winning female 11 years and over relay team

Pioneer Swim Club swimmers enjoyed a fun and competitive weekend of swimming in Townsville. Photos supplied

Mackay Road Runners informal off-season running program, Shawn’s Summer Social Series continued from Iluka Park, Town Beach last weekend.

Over thirty-five runners took part in the out and back course from the Sandfly Creek Trail entrance towards the Bluewater Quay for the 5km turnaround and beyond to the Big Banana for the 10km turnaround.

The very tropical spring weather, which could be mistaken for steamy summer conditions, had runners battling the heat and humidity which abated slightly in the latter half of each event.

Many thanks to Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford setting runners the challenge of pacing out a negative split result on the homeward trek.  

Many runners successfully conquered their individual goals whilst enjoying friendly supportive camaraderie and rivalry at the same time as building their speed, stamina and endurance.  

The social off season training sessions are open to the general public, with a $2 donation towards post run refreshments while the coaching is free.

The off season is hardly off for some runners including Paul Mackenzie, Glynis Forse, Leon Ryan, Martin Lambert, Craig McGahey, Jo Skinner and many other trail and road running enthusiasts tackling ultra marathon events across Queensland and New South Wales.

A reminder that the Wednesday 5.30pm sixty minute track training at the Aquatic and Recreational Complex (ARC) continues throughout the off season due to the generosity of Jim Ford who voluntarily plans and coaches a variety of track training techniques to assist athletes who wish to extend their fitness to another level.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Carolyn Mapes (left) and Tahnie Malagueno (right) relax after their excellent 10km efforts with their daughters at Iluka Park

Lauren Morgan and Bill Morgan easily tackle the Sand Fly Creek section of the 5/10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series course

John Couldrey leads the second wave of runners as they leave Iluka Park for the 5/10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series from Iluka Park

Jo welcomes new runner Natasha to her first Shawn’s Summer Social Series with Mackay Road Runners. Photos credit: Janelle Tilse

A burning desire to lift the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy has the St Patrick’s College girls rugby league team primed for success in 2023.

It is all systems go for the talented Mackay maidens who have targeted next year’s Confraternity Carnival in Brisbane and the NRL Schoolgirls Cup as top priorities.

With eight members back on deck next season along with Mercy College graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney, the St Patrick’s squad is shaping as a force to be reckoned with.

Inspirational hooker and team leader Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative players returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power running props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.

They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trinity Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field.

Johns, a product of the Norths Devils club, is a clever number nine who reads a game well and can make an impact with her silky passing skills and darting runs from dummy half.

St Patrick’s impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s inaugural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.

The girls produced courageous performances to advance to the Shield decider – only to succumb 18-10 to a well drilled Marymount College side from Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast at the final hurdle.

That taste of big match rugby league will spur this capable and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.

The girls commenced their pre-season campaign last month with extensive strength and conditioning and skills sessions with an aim to be supremely fit and ready for kick-off in Term 2.

All eyes will be on the Confraternity Shield and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 competitions with St Patrick’s determined to bring home both trophies.

The girls are keen to progress to the NRL Schoolgirls Cup championship rounds after an early exit this season at the hands of Kirwan State High.

Nucleus of the team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.  

New St Patrick’s women’s coach Jake Harney will be assisted by premiership-winning Wanderers’ U/18s mentor Imogin Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.

Harney, a clever half back, is a Gympie junior product who had stints with Wynnum Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hostplus Cup.

By Chris Karas

Pic caption: St Patrick’s College Mackay girls rugby league team are hungry for success in 2023. Pictured standing l to r Samantha Nutt (Girls Rugby League Co-ordinator), Abbey Doull, Gracie Watt, Trinity Grigg, Chelsea McLeod, Ciara Thomson, Lily-May Carige, Jake Harney (coach); front Eva Daly, Shaylee Hazledine and Paityne Johns

Mercy/St Patrick’s College elite performing artists are the toast of the school after outstanding displays at the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition in Brisbane.

A squad of 31 students from Years 7 to 12 covered themselves in glory across the three-day event – posting meritorious achievements in the four categories they competed in at the Morayfields Sport and Event Centre.

Thirty of the best club or school dancing ensembles in the nation participated in 236 routines of first-class standard and impressed judges with their high level of skill, endurance and composure.

Mercy/St Patrick’s were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also collected the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy – an incredible feat by students Holly Bates, Alyssa Battaia, Eva Bishop, Jacee Borg, Chelsey Butler, Alice Camilleri, Klancie Coben, Milly Mayfield, Bella McClarty, Charlotte O’Brien, Sophie Reilly, Adysen Ruddick, Gabriella Ruggeri, Katelyn Sturdy, Katelyn Vassallo and McKenzie Wotherspoon.

The College finished second in Senior Contemporary; third in Senior Hip Hop and a creditable fourth in the Cheer Level 2 category.

Mercy College Dance coach and choreographer Natalie Porter said she couldn’t be prouder of the touring team.

“The girls were outstanding ambassadors for the College and their behaviour was exemplary for the entire three days,” revealed Natalie, who doubled as the trip co-ordinator.

“Their commitment to the cause was exceptional - so many of the girls were involved in the Mackay Eisteddfod in the lead up to the competition but just stepped up and made us all proud,” she said.

Natalie also praised the efforts of Cheer Head Coach and choreographer Ashley Fergus and staff members Mel Camilleri and Molly Rossetto (administration) for their sterling contributions.

Rehearsals were held Mondays and Fridays before school with the group relishing the challenge.

“We were extremely delighted with the large number of students that expressed an interest in trying out for our dance squads,” Miss Porter said.

“More than 110 students auditioned for spots on both the Dance and Cheer teams respectively which augurs well for our Performing Arts program” she added.

Other participating students included: Shelby Campbell; Sana Campbell (St Patrick’s); Zoe Castelletto; Tasanee Chudee; Isabella Coe; Lucy Crust (St Patrick’s); Piper Euler; Jacinta Franettovich (St Patrick’s); Estella Martin (St Patrick’s); Mackenzie Maunder; Aidyn McSherry; Reese Morgan; Rori Paganoni (St Patrick’s); Amber Roscher (St Patrick’s) and Abigail Vickers (St Patrick’s).

By Chris Karas

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Mercy/St Patrick’s College Mackay performing artists that were crowned National Junior Lyrical champions at the 2022 Asia Pacific Grand Internationals National Dance & Cheer Competition in Brisbane

The AGM for both men and ladies is being held on Monday evening, 28th November. A good attendance would be appreciated.

RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs winners were Dave Evans and Eric. Runners up were Di and Frank. Brenda Trannore and Margaret Webb won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Sue Hazledine and Donna Gordon. In second place were Narelle Schmidtke, Doris Dodds and Debbie Mackenzie.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Barry and Francis Lehmann who also won last Thursday, followed by Mick and Delia Walsh. Greens vouchers went to Jess Haber and Chrissy Hall. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs best card and $75 each went to Val De Pinto and Tony Allsop. Winners’ lucky draw were the consistent Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Losers’ draw went to Jean Zamparutti and Debbie Mackenzie.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Alan Cooney and Peter Miller. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Morrie Pearson. The jackpot was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Saturday always attracts a good crowd of men

Brenda Trannore had a win last Monday

Indoor hockey is a game of great skill and speed and ten girls recently showed that when they represented Mackay in the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships.

Coming up against the best in the state, the girls came off only four training sessions between selection and the tournament, taking place in Brisbane from November 4-6, to make it all the way to the final.

“We were there to have a really good time and work as a team, and through doing that is generally when you play your best hockey and they proved that,” said Coach Emily Herrington.

“I certainly couldn’t have been more proud of them because they just ticked all the boxes from a coach’s perspective.”

Mackay finished on top of their pool with two wins and a loss before defeating Brisbane 3 in the semi with a resounding 6-0 win to make it into the final.

They were to come up against Ipswich in the final, ultimately going down 0-2.

“We wanted them to enjoy the moment and not let it overcome them,” said Manager Shelley Fisher.

“It’s a really nice thing to see them playing really good hockey but having fun while doing it and I think that’s really important for this age group,” added Emily.

“We’re so proud of them and they represented Mackay unbelievably well.”

Player Sunmer Vaughan said the team was “nervous but excited” leading into the final.

“It was upsetting that we lost but we came second overall so that’s good,” she said.

Selections for the U15 Queensland team were made following the tournament, with Mackay’s Tylah Andrews being selected and Laura Camilleri and Ebony Temple being selected in the shadow squad.

16-year-old Sam Riggs was also part of the coaching team as Assistant Coach.

“He did so well in terms of his coaching development, so I think that’s a really positive thing for indoor hockey,” said Emily.

“They are willing to support young kids coming through in all avenues.”

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Back L-R Shelley Fisher (Manager), Sunmer Vaughan, Amali Paganoni, Maddie Searle (GK), Georgia Rye, Jenna Scott, Emily Herrington (Coach), Sam Riggs (Assistant Coach). Front L-R Tylah Andrews, Ebony Temple, Laura Camilleri, Taylor Fisher, Isabel Miles

Mackay finished second at the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships. Photos supplied

When Tracy Falbo first got word that she had qualified for this year’s 2022 Gran Fondo World Championships in Italy, she did not take it seriously.

The Operational Services supervisor had only been riding competitively for four years.

“This wasn’t really on my radar; I didn’t know I’d qualified,” Tracy said.

“When I got the email, I actually thought it was spam at first and I wasn’t going to answer it.”

However, this ultimate quiet achiever is also fiercely determined, and she loves a challenge.

That is demonstrated daily in her role at Mackay Base Hospital, where she heads up a team of more than 120 operational services staff and interacts with every department from Infection Prevention to Theatre and Clinical.

Her team cover the hospital’s porterage, cleaning, waste, Mackay-based courier work, gardening and wards work.

“I do love my job; it’s very rewarding and we have a good rapport in our team,” she said.

“We take care of all the moving parts and provide the muscle for the hospital.

“For example, members of our team assist on the wards with transferring and discharging patients; we ensure the cleaning is done promptly ahead of another patient arriving.

“We are relied upon to do a lot of the important jobs at the grassroots level, to keep the hospital functioning smoothly.”

Tracy was encouraged by a girlfriend to enter the city’s River 2 Reef Ride in 2019, and she caught the cycling bug.

“Me being a little competitive and wanting a new challenge, I embraced it,” she said.

“I joined the Mackay Cycling Club and began competing in yearly club events – races, time trials.”

The next year Tracy competed in the ITT state championships in Brisbane and won gold in the individual time trial for her Masters age group.

“That definitely fuelled the passion.”

She defended the title a year later (in 2021) winning gold again.

She also took on the national championships, winning silver in the ITT time trial and gold in both the criterium and road race.  

That also meant she qualified for the Gran Fondo, hailed as ‘the world’s most prestigious amateur cycling event’.

Though she was initially unsure if she could do it, Tracy began the arduous task of preparing with a short lead time, spending approximately 13 hours a week training.

“I did general endurance, and I was climbing Eungella and Mt Blackwood,” she said.

“But nothing I could do here could really prepare me for the Gran Fondo.

“Adjusting to the climate and elevation, you’re in a different country and trying to navigate and translate – though I had my partner there to act as my ‘swannie’ (soigneur - pronounced swan-yer which means ‘one who provides care’).

“The enormity of it was another level again.”

Tracy competed in the individual time trial (M3 – 40-44 years) which is a 19.6km event and took on the 86km Mediofondo.

Though initially tracking well in the individual, she did not achieve the result she wanted, finishing 13th out of 30.

However, she relished the whole experience.

“I like a challenge; I like the hard work and benefit.

“It’s a good release, helps deal with stress, and I like to stay fit and healthy.”

But her main motivation is to be a good role model to her children (two daughters aged 20 and 19 and a 17-year-old son).

She already has her sights set on the next challenge – the Tour de Brisbane next year – and will definitely consider going to next year’s Gran Fondo in Glasgow, Scotland if she qualifies.

Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Tracy Falbo ready to compete in Italy

Tracy Falbo in her role at Mackay base Hospital

Mackay held the Central Queensland Swiss Teams Congress last weekend. Thirteen teams of four players per team entered the tournament. The overall winners were Team Bugeia consisting of Noel Bugeia , Val Holbrook, Terrence Sheedy and Errol Miller.

Mackay Congress Central Queensland Swiss Teams Event Saturday 12th November & 13th November.

Section A Section B Section C

1st Bugeia 1st Goodchild 1st Pickering

2nd Randal 2nd O’Neill 2nd Large

3rd Holewa 3rd Wright 3rd Saunders

4th Brown 4th Harris 4th Ross
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Weekly Results

Monday 7 November 22 – 7 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 3rd Noel Bugeia/ Robert (Bob) Ellis

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Tuesday Evening 8 November 22 – 3 Table One Winner

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

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Wednesday 9 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait 3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Thursday Evening 10 November 2022 – 5 Table One Winner

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

3rd Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell

Friday 11 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Joy Block / Janine Rodgers 2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

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The Mackay Cycling Club finished its 2022 road season with a Club Championship Individual Time Trial earlier this month.

The event gives younger riders an opportunity to race on the road, as they are prohibited from racing in mass start events.

Despite the challenging windy conditions, riders recorded excellent times across multiple grades of racing.

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Photos supplied: Mackay Cycling Club

The Whitsunday Colts twenty-twenty cricket side have held their nerves against last year’s division premiers to record their second victory.

The young guns, fresh off last week’s win against a slick Warriors outfit who were undefeated in the first four rounds, headed into the game without a captain, a coach, or a mentor.

Stand in Captain M.Pettiford won the toss and elected to bat sending in an unchanged opening pair of N.Wylie and J.Pini to negotiate the Warriors after their 50 run partnership last week.

Disaster struck early for the Colts with a mix up between the batsmen on the third ball and J.Pini became proud owner of the first diamond duck of the season and was on his way without facing a ball.

N.Wylie(3) followed shortly afterwards and the Colts were 2/13 halfway through the 4th. C.Stroud fresh from his 62 from 72 balls for the Pitbulls game earlier in the day, went out to partner M.Pettiford with the side in a spot of bother.

This is where these two batsmen put on a masterclass display of batting and running between the wickets taking full advantage of a couple of drop catches from the fielding side early in their innings.

Captain Marvellous Mike finished on an unbeaten 72 from 53 balls and Corey, unselfishly, runout on the last delivery for 60 off 54 balls.

All of which had the Colts with a very handy total of 3-153 of their 20 overs.

Full of enthusiasm and confidence saw the young guns take to the field with the runs on the board.

Could they close out the game against their more fancied rivals?

R.Blain (2-24) picked up R.Knight for a golden duck to get the Colts high fiving, and he was well supported by B.Altmann (0-19) and C.Stroud (0-14).

Soon the side had built up a considerable tally, and N.Kleinert(1-5) bowled well with a great catch by J.Pini in the deep removing Luke Valmadre for 1, had the Warriors in trouble 7-121.

M.Pettiford (0-12), C.Woodhouse (0-21) bowled at the death and R.Blain picked up the ever dangerous C.Wren (3) in his last over to contain the Warriors to 8-129 after 20, leaving Shane Knight stranded at the other end on a shaky but unbeaten 25 from 32.

With the win the Colts have catapulted into second spot with two wins, two losses, and a draw.

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The inaugural Whitsunday Colts T20 side are having excellent success in their debut season

A young Whitsunday athlete is reaching for the stars following a series of successes at local, regional and now state level.

Nine-year-old Shailee Mewha, who attends Cannonvale State School, only discovered she had a talent for running when she won the 800 metres at her school’s Athletics Day last year.

Waiting until she turned nine and could compete at a higher level, this year has seen several incredible achievements for the young sports star.

Winning the 800 metres for the second time at Athletics Day this year, Shailee progressed to the Proserpine Schools Competition which saw the top two athletes move on to the Whitsunday Region Competition.

Shailee won both of these events and went on to compete in Townsville where she trialled the 1500 metres as well as 800 metres, coming first in both.

In October Shailee attended the State Championships in Brisbane and came 7th in both the 1500 and 800 metres.

In addition, she took part in the Cross Country, coming 16th in the whole state out of 66.

“I love racing new people and trying something new,” said Shailee.

“I’ve made friends that I see at all the events, and I love competing – I would love to go to the Olympics one day!”

Eager to continue her winning streak, Shailee is competing in the Aquathon which is due to take place in Hervey Bay in February.

This sporting event incorporates a one-kilometre run followed by a 200-metre swim and then another one-kilometre run.

Shailee will be first in her age-group when she goes to compete at state level.

She would like to thank her three coaches, including her sports teacher, Mr Westley, for all their encouragement, as well as her parents.

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Shailee Mewha at the athletics stadium in Brisbane

Holding her ribbons after the race

Running always puts a smile on her face

On Saturday, November 5, eight mini-Pitties from Proserpine’s Junior Cricket association made their debut in the Master Blaster U10s grade of the Proserpine-Bowen intertown competition.

Taking on the Bowen Barracudas, Captain Blake W made sure to win the bat toss and chose to put Bowen on the pitch first, seeing it was a bit of a green top and the ball might move around a bit early on.

Cydnee (2-10) opened up and didn’t let her skipper down, picking up two baby Barracudas in her first over.

Captain Blake W (1-8) was the next to put barracuda on the menu in his second over, and following him was Arista (0-19), who was unlucky not to get a fillet of fish from her overs.

Jayden (3-10), Ryan (2-5) had the ball on a string and got the line wet with good length bowling. Harry (1-8), Thomas (1-7), Georgia (1-11) all added to the esky and closed the lid on the Barracudas innings at 11-78.

With 55 runs on the board (five runs per wicket) from those they took, the Pitbull puppies pounced out into a bubbling Barracuda swell.

Harry and Georgia (3-14) found it tough going in their first bat. Thomas and Ryan (1-15) batted well and set sail with the wind and the ball over the boundary with their time at the crease.

Then Jayden and Arista (3-16) did the same until the wind dropped out and lost a couple of quick wickets. This had the Baby Barracudas in a feeding frenzy and Pitbull Puppies in trouble on 100 runs, 13 runs behind with two batting pairs to go.

Cydnee and Blake W  (1-12) turned the tide in a great knock with the skipper finding boundary rope on several occasions and the Puppies clawing back to six runs behind with one pair to play.

This was given to Harry and Georgia (2-19) who threw caution to the wind. They ran on everything in a nail biter with the Puppies winning in a tight one by three runs.

A match well played by both teams. Players’ players went to Harry and Georgia for their amazing teamwork as batting partners, being brave and getting those runs.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

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The young Proserpine Pitbulls side managed a close fought victory over the Bowen Barracudas

Airlie Beach Darts hosted three of the four scheduled qualifying finals on Sunday morning at Mika Live BBQ & Bar.

The first match of the day was the latest instalment between Andy Peel and Ross Gallichan. Both players are familiar with each other’s games; regular matches between the pair go back to the club’s formation.

Andy took the first set by three legs to one, and the second set by three legs to two, claiming the match by two sets to nil.

In the second match, Lorraine Woods defeated Dick O’Hara by two sets to one.

Lorraine advances to next week’s quarter finals where interestingly there’s a slight chance she could be drawn out to play her husband Jamie, who also happens to be the defending Champion.

In the final match of the day, Kameron Reason defeated Gary Robbie by two sets to nil with a scoreline of 3/2, 3/2. It was a good effort by Gary on the day, who unfortunately came up short.

Unlucky to the defeated players on the day, and the club thanks them for taking part. They hope to see all players grand final on Sunday, December 4.

Well done to the winners who now March on to the Quarter Finals next weekend.

The Xmas Open is sponsored by Dyson Automotive, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Kameron Reason winning the meat raffle on Sunday at Mika and advancing to the Quarter Finals

This week, 66 people ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course, with 12 first timers and seven new Personal Bests from: Sebastian, Robert, Michael, Daisy, Jess, Kelly, Nicole.

As well, Laura celebrated her 50th time volunteering.

The event was made possible by 16 other wonderful volunteers: Peter, Nick,  Daniel, Kara, Maree, Nathalie (photographer), Christopher H (run director), Lucy, Susanne, Ronald, Michael, Lilliana, Louise, Lynne, Dennis and Diane.

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 lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

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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Plenty of people pushed off for parkrun at Airlie Beach on the weekend

Caption 2:The event celebrated its 336th iteration, as well as Laura’s 50th time volunteering

Parkrun is only made possible by the work of dedicated volunteers each week