Nominations are now open for Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association (MAFSA) Inc’s premier fundraising event at Eungella Dam, where both Junior and Senior anglers compete for the title of World Champion Angler in their respective divisions.

The event, the INDT 2023 World Sooty Championship will be held over two days on the 29th and 30th April, and is expected to attract more than 100 anglers to experience the wonderful Sooty Grunter fishing in Eungella Dam.

The dam is regularly stocked by MAFSA with funds generated by the Queensland Stocked Impoundment Permit ( SIP) scheme. MAFSA also raises funds locally to supplement stocking of native sooty grunter in the dam.

2023 will be the 18th time the tournament has been held. It attracts local anglers as well as from centres such as Mt Isa, Townsville, Dalby, Brisbane and anglers from interstate have also fished the tournament. Many anglers make it a family weekend at the dam and campers not in the event are always interested in seeing the quality of the fish caught in the tournament.

All scoring fish (minimum 300mm) are returned to the control area in on board tanks and after measuring for scoring purposes the fish are held in an above ground shaded swimming pool and released back into the dam at the end of each of the three sessions. Poor condition fish are disqualified and MAFSA emphasises the proper handling of the fish to ensure the tournament has a minimum impact on the fish numbers in the dam.

MAFSA Inc. holds the event in partnership with Sunwater and is supported by many local sponsors including INDT whose MD Craig Birkett is a regular competitor and often features among the top placings.

“MAFSA has created awesome freshwater fisheries in the Mackay area which regularly attract anglers from all over Australia and several anglers from Japan and the USA have enjoyed these fisheries,” Mr Birkett said.

“I am  proud to be associated with the volunteers of MAFSA  who work tirelessly to bring world class fishing experiences to Mackay’s dams for the benefit of locals and tourists alike.

“My Company has for several years supported the event as naming rights sponsor in recognition of the importance of MAFSA’s efforts” Mr Birkett said.

Long-time sponsors like Tackleworld Mackay, Reef Marine and Mackay Regional Council continue to support the tournament recognising it as a valuable fundraiser which enables MAFSA to enhance the “liveability” of the region and attract visitors to our area.

MAFSA Chairman Tim Swann said, “This is our major fundraiser for the year and during the tournament we will also be releasing more sooty grunter fingerlings into Eungella dam.

“The dam is already the premier Sooty Grunter fishery in Queensland and we will continue to enhance its reputation as a high quality Sooty Grunter fishery capable of attracting anglers from far and wide.

“I urge anglers to nominate early to avoid missing out as numbers are capped at 120 to compete for the quality prizes and trophies on offer,” he said.

Nominations and catering packages can be booked online at TryBooking and search “MAFSA” in the buy section.

“We look forward to another successful INDT 2023 World Sooty Championship tournament and welcoming regular and new competitors to the event,” Mr Swann concluded.

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Cowboys Young Guns And Mackay Cutters Clash In Airlie Beach This Weekend

In a preseason exhibition match for the ages the Mackay Cutters will face off against the North Queensland Cowboys’ Young Guns at the Whitsunday Sportspark in a Saturday night main event of what organisers are calling “a festival of footy”.

Starting from 1.00pm, the Whitsundays will be witness to “top-quality, prestige” football at the Sportspark in an event the likes of which have not been seen for more than a decade – what is being described as major coup for the region.

Cutters will take on the Cowboys in women’s and men’s divisions, Colts will battle the Brahmans, and it all kicks off on Saturday.

Cutters And Cowboys Young Guns Face Off At Sporstpark On Saturday

The Whitsundays will play host to an exhibition of high-calibre rugby league for the first time in ten years as the Mackay Cutters face the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns this weekend.

The redeveloped Whitsunday Sportspark was chosen as the venue for the two travelling side’s preseason battle which will act as the main event for a “Festival of Footy”.

Three games of high-tier football will be played this Saturday from 2.30pm, starting with the Mackay Cutters women’s side taking on the Cowboys Academy Squad followed by the Cutters Colts against the Brahmans, and finally the big finale: Young Guns facing the Cutters A-Grade.

And before the matches, the Whitsundays’ aspiring young footballers are being given the opportunity to take part in a NRL Development Skills Clinic hosted by all three attending clubs.

Whitsunday Sportspark spokesperson Justin Butler said there had not been a game of this calibre in the Whitsundays since 2013 when the Sportspark hosted a QRL Country Round between the Cutters and Norths Devils.

“We want to host more and more of this style of sporting event,” Mr Butler said.

“For the youngsters, this is an opportunity that they often don’t have. To see this quality of football and to be able to take part in a Skills Development Clinic, that’s gold for our region. As well, this is a great chance to show off the new airconditioned Sportspark before general trade opens in a few months."

Additional scaffold grandstand seating has already begun being placed at the Sportspark to accommodate tomorrow’s event, which Mr Butler said could see more than a thousand spectators.

On the footballing front, the Cowboys Young Guns will be bringing a strong team, according to coach Steve Sheppard – who has been lucky enough to field five Queensland Under 19 players in recent fixtures. They come into the game off the back of a 24-16 loss to Cairns’ Northern Pride team, a game Sheppard said was “full of learning experiences”.

“It was a decent effort [against Northern Pride] and we held our gloves up,” Sheppard said.

“We’ve worked on ball control this week and defence is something we’re always working on. This game will be about giving these boys an opportunity to play against men at a higher level, which is good for their development.

“Hopefully we can hold our gloves up again.”

The Cutters on the other hand are the opposite, coming in hot off the heels of a 24-10 win against Central Queensland Capras and are hoping to keep the momentum going – especially against a quality opponent.

Cutters head coach Michael Comerford – who replaced outgoing coach Dave Elliott at the beginning of this preseason – is eager to prove his mettle in his side's second fixture with him at the helm.

“We want to reach the potential we know we have, and games like last week’s show that potential,” Comerford said.

“We've made a point of challenging the players mentally. There are only so many ways you can run up and down a footy field and get fit so we've tried to add that element of challenging them mentally. We reflected on that being an area that let us down in big games last year. That is key to this preseason. If every player and member of the coaching staff are trying to be better every day, it should result in improved performance.”

Both sides – and the fans - will benefit from the game being played in quarters due to the heat, which should provide a fast, open day of rugby league. The action will begin at 2.30pm, with the Cutters Women's side and North Queensland Cowboys Academy Squad facing off, as well as a game between local representatives in the Whitsunday Brahman colours coming up against the Cutters' junior side, the Colts.

Food and beverages will be available across the day, and spectators are urged to bring chairs and picnic rugs for seating, as the grandstands will fill quickly.

Whitsunday Sportspark spokesperson Justin Butler said a show of excellent support will enable the club to leverage for further events of even bigger significance.

“This will act as a pilot event,” Mr Butler said.

“We could end up with some even bigger and better games in the future.”

Whitsunday Sportspark “Festival of Footy” Schedule:

1.00pm: Cowboys / Cutters / Proserpine Jnrs. / NRL Development Skills Clinic

2.30pm: BMD Women’s Mackay Cutters versus North Queensland Cowboys Academy Squad

4.00pm: Mackay Cutters Colts versus Whitsunday Brahmans

5:30pm: North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns versus Mackay Cutters A-Grade

Bar opens 2.00pm to 8.00pm, with no BYO alcohol.

Pricing: $10 entry for 13 and over, free for 12 and under.

Limited parking, additional bus services running from major stops.

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The Mackay Cutters will play against the North Queensland Cowboys’ Young Guns team at the Whitsunday Sportspark this Saturday at 7.00pm

The Mackay Cutters will take on the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns tomorrow at the Whitsunday Sportspark, part of a huge weekend of football for the small town

The Whitsunday Sportspark will be witness to a high-level rugby league game for the first time in ten years

Crowds are expected to be out in force for the matchup which is the second preseason fixture for both teams

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A year 11 student from Bowen has made his way onto the podium of the 45th Australian Windsurfing Titles on the Sunshine Coast at Lake Cootharaba in early February, claiming a third place medal in his upward trajectory in the sport.

Sam Belyea from Bowen State High School placed an overall third in his youth division of 16- to 19-years at the national competition, beating out 141 other Australian windsurfers across three disciplines: course racing, slalom racing and the marathon event over 4 days.

The youngster has been windsurfing since 2018, having picked up the sport from his father and uncle, who have been windsurfing proponents since the 1980s.

His mother, Adelaide Belyea, said Sam had “jumped onboard with his dad and his uncle, as well as Whitsunday legend Dennis Winstanley.”

“Dennis has taken Sam under his wing and taught him over the past few years,” Adelaide said.

“Safe to say that’s very helpful when you have a multiple national champion in your corner to help you out.”

Sam’s third place finish at the National Titles is not his first accolade in the sport either, at last year’s iteration of the competition he brought home a Junior Australian Title last year.

He said both this year’s top three finish and the previous years were just more incentive to keep going strong with training and passion.

“When you see results, you get such a spark – you just want to get out on the water again,” Sam said.

“I think my grin was ear to ear when I was given the medal. I love this sport; it’s great on and off the water, competitive racing but it’s not something you take to heart. It’s a community where you’re there racing against some Olympic class sailors and learning.”

The young athlete has lofty ambitions as he already begins training for the World Windsurfing Titles in Perth at the end of this year and will be looking for sponsorship.

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Bowen State High School student Sam Belyea (R) placed third at the recent Australian Windsurfing Titles

Sam (L) competing in the Titles on the Sunshine Coast at Lake Cootharaba

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This week 101 fantastic people ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course of Airlie Beach parkrun, of whom 21 were first timers and 13 recorded new Personal Bests.

The local running event extended its congratulations to Donna and Ron who both completed their 100th parkrun today.

The event was made possible by 18 devoted volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver, Chris Hands, Sebastian Vinci, Rebecca Radley, Corrine Hendrikse, Sarah Voigt, Nathalie Blomme, Steve Athey, Christopher Harvey, Susanne Willmott, Calvin, Jess Van Ek, Sebastian, Laura Oates, Jarrod Keys, Dennis Mundle, and Anne Law.

On Saturday, February 18, Airlie Beach parkrun will be conducting a Pride-themed day; a day that is safe and promotes the inclusivity of all at parkrun, especially the LBQT+ community amd aligns with WorldPride day.

All participants and volunteers on the day are encouraged to participate with rainbow themed sportswear.

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 Bohemian Raw and Berry & Maple Patisserie.

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 five-kilometre 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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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This week’s 9-hole stableford weekly comp at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Richard Clark on 20 points, second place went to Ron Thynne on 18, and third was Kendall Nash with a 17 countback win.

Friday’s 9-hole stableford prawn run was won by David Wallace on 25 points, second place was Neil Boland on 22, and coming in third this week was Kendall Nash on 21.

Sunday’s 18-hole stableford was won by Mitchell Ireland on an astounding 42 points, second place went to Brad Low on 39, and third was James Low on 36 pts. Nearest the pin were Mitchell Ireland and Tyson Flavel.

This Sunday at the club will be 18 holes 4 ball better ball tee off at 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Whitsunday Social Golf Club hosted a Single stableford in somewhat warm conditions last wekekend with 24 players taking up the challenge.

Winners in the A Grade Men was Peter Fox with 38 points, followed by George Meharry on 35. B Grade winner was David Hoy, 42, followed by Wilf Herwew on 29.

A Grade Ladies’ winner Tiina Randmae with 24 points followed by Pauline Redapth on 21, while B Grade winner was Pam Casey on 26 runner up Karen Rix, 24.

Nearest the pins went to  Arron Watts, Mark Callaghan, Tiina Randmae, and Karen Rix. Longest drives Darren Reynolds, David Hoy, Tiina Randmae, and Pam Casey.

This Sunday the club will host a 4 Ball Best Ball Stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Social Golf players David Hoy, Pam Casey, Tiina Randmae, and Peter Fox

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Proserpine Golf Club’s Saturday Competition hosted 68 players for the Allenbuild Stableford competition with Ben Moran edging out Shaun Tyrell on a countback, both on 38 points, to win it.

Ben and Shaun were followed by Paul Gray and George Meharry, both on 37, while Peta Thomas was the winner of the ladies’ competition with 32 points, followed by Pauline Redpath and Trish McNeill both on 29.

NTP’s were won by Lyn Muller, Pauline Redpath, Kelvin Stephens, and Merv Hinton

Sunday’s Stableford was won by Mackay Golf Club visitor Russell Gardner with 35 points on a countback from Mark Callaghan, and George Meharry also on 35 points close behind.

Renae Maxwell was ahead of the ladies’ with 29 points followed by Pam Casey on 26 points and Tiina Randmae and Karen Rix on 24..

NTP’s went to: Russell Gardner twice, and Peta Thomas and Tiina Randmae.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event where the Ladies’ winner was Elona Lynch with a great score of 41 points.

Runner up was Ruth Dunn with 24 points, while the Men’s winner was Allan Cooper, 39, and runner up on a countback Graeme Baker, 37.

Saturday’s competition at the club was a stroke event for the February Monthly Medals, sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply & Bowen Golf club.

Ladies’ winner was Rhiannon Nott 70 nett, runner up Sarnie Eisemann, 71. Pin shots to Claire Garrod, Morag Parker, Donna Wright, and Meg Garrod who also won the Car wash voucher with an OBP.  

Men’s winner was Greg Carlyon 63 nett.  Congratulations to Cooper Cremor from Proserpine who topped the men's competition with 63 nett on a countback. Pin shots to Cooper Cremor, Chris Matheson, Rob Ebzery, and Daniel O'Donnell.

This weekend’s competition is a stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf club.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club Monthly Medal Men’s winner Greg Carlyon and Ladies’ runner up Sarnie Eisemann

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Six of Wangaratta Bowls Club’s representative men played in various teams in the Bowen Bowls Club Classic, while three ladies attended the Airlie Beach Opening Day, leaving few members for the field on Sunday.

Roger Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Geoff Danvers defeated Theresa Willshire and Deb Retchless. And Kennedy Whitton in the first Sunday match, while Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey defeated Bill Myers, Irene Laird, and Greg Colquhoun.

Ladies’ nominations have been called for the Wangaratta Bowls Club competition – an opportunity to gain valuable experience in higher grade bowling - and will close Tuesday, February 21.

The club will be holding Opening Day on Sunday, February 26, and games will start at 10.00am on that day and concluding at 12.30pm followed by a light lunch and presentations.

Wangaratta expects visitors from other Bowls clubs across the region. A sign-in sheet will be available at the door.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Wangaratta Bowls Club Ladies’ Denise Wallace, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren attended the Airlie Beach Opening Day

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Proserpine Bowls Club’s Sunday bowls had some exceptional bowls in both games of triples.

John Anderson played double lead in the games between the winning team of John, Heather Brown, and Bruce Uhe, and John, Mike Harrison, and Barry Zillmann, 21-20.  

Alen Sanderson, Jim Quod, and Philip Brown defeated Jim Bownds, Pat Bownds, and Sandy Daffara, 22-14, in the other game.

Social Participation Trophy points have started to add up now with Alen Sanderson and Bruce Uhe currently joint leaders on nine, Mike Harrison, Heather Brown, and Barry Zillmann with seven.

The club wishes to remind potential players that nominations are open for all club competitions, closing at the end of this month before the March start.

Summertime hours for bowls continue a few more weeks starting.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Bowen Bowls Club hosted a successful iteration of its Classic Weekend last week with 16 teams participating.

First place was taken by the tram of P. Martin, A. Hay, F. Watson, and C. Paine, while second went to Wayne Crowhurst, S. Hamilton, Mitch Wright, and Gus Munro.

G. Delaney, T. Serra, A. Peno, M. Defranciscis were the final place getters in third.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Bowen Bowls Club Classic Weekend winners P. Martin, A. Hay, F. Watson, and C. Paine with Abbott Point Operations’ Allen Brown

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Saturday morning Scroungers’ first round at Airlie Beach Bowls was won by John Brown, Nik Fernbach, Rick Galea, and Warren Mills.

Tony Whitehorn again won Group B for the second consecutive week, playing some excellent bowls while he did so.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls Open Day proudly sponsored by PRD welcomed close to 50 players, including from as far as Wangaratta and Proserpine.

Third place went to the team of Lynn Skeen, Lu Rogan, and Keith Bates at lead performing admirably, losing out to second place getters Betty Whitehorn, Sandra Argo, and Lane Telford.

The big winners were Elaine Kippen’s team of Demika Cuip, Jill Spencer, and Mark Mawson, all with an astonishing performance.

Airlie Beach Bowls Club reminds its members that the School Competition with participation from Proserpine High School, St Catherine’s High School, and Whitsunday Christian College begins this week.

The Men’s A , B and Senior Singles is progressing well, too, with results to be published soon.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Whitsunday Touch Football Association’s new season kicked off on Monday night with 25 teams nominating across its four divisions of Open A, Mixed A, Mixed B and Mixed C Family.

The season will run through to the Grand Finals in June, with the Association committed to encouraging participation and development of women, juniors, and referees.

Limiting teams to maximum of three on field males is hoped to give women, girls, and juniors greater opportunity to develop their skills and promote their enjoyment of the sport.

Players interested in refereeing accreditation should take the opportunity of the Level One Referees Course this Saturday, February 18, at 8.00am – 12.00pm at the Whitsunday Touch Fields.

Round One Results:

Open A

Trusty d Raiders Union

Vipers d Sea Eagles AFL

Mixed A

Ray White Mudcrabs (8) d The Guinea Fowls (6)

In the Crear (12) d G.E.T. Touch (2)

Raiders A (6) d Full Boar (2)

Slippery Salmons (6) d Concrete Feet (5)

Mixed B

Fumble This (8) d Raiders B (1)

Whitsunday Warriors (8) d Stingers (7)

Flametree Flames (12) d On Time (4)

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (7) d Escapees (2)

Mainlanders (6) d Raiders Family (4)

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat

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Ten Cannonvale Cannons swimmers travelled to Brisbane to compete in the 2023 Queensland Sprint Championships last weekend.  

Club coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were very impressed with the swimmers and their outstanding efforts, with this being the first state competition for many of the attending Cannons.  

The Whitsunday team achieved a total of 30 personal bests (PB) out of 35 swims.  

Tora Delac, Ruby Harland, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Isaac Pisanello, Isabella Pisaniello, and Andie Reynolds swam extremely well, achieving personal best times in all their events.  

Ehsan Helou swam a super 50-metre Breaststroke in 34.05 seconds and came eighth in Queensland, qualifying him for the Australian Age Championships for Breaststroke.

Ehsan’s sister, Anisa swam fabulous times: two of her best swims were her 50-metre Freestyle (under 30 sec) and 50-metre Butterfly in 33.29 seconds.  

Don Algie swam two personal bests, as well as finishing in an exceptional time for the 50-metre Breaststroke, 49.52 seconds.  

Charlie Doherty swam a fantastic time of 34.70 seconds in his 50-metre Freestyle, and Thomas Ganter swam two PBs, with one of his best swims being the 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 42.09 seconds.

Isaac Pisaniello, Ruby Harland, and Andie Reynolds swam a “cracking” 50-metre Freestyle, taking over 2.3 seconds off their previous best times.  

Isaac’s sister, Isabella, had a very successful Sunday of racing, shaving close to two seconds off her Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.

One of Tora Delac’s best swims was her 50-metre Breaststroke which she swam in 41.31 seconds, a 1.68 second PB.  

The club extended its congratulations to all the Cannons who competed at the Qld Sprint Championships.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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The Cannonvale Cannons team which competed at the Queensland Sprint Championships last weekend

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With last week a washout in the Proserpine Cricket Association calendar, four eager teams took to the grounds on Saturday on a damp outfield where scoring was hard to come by.

Batting first, the Whitsunday Colts were off to a shaky start as Ben Davis (1/24) and Scott Milne (2/31) made the early breakthroughs.

Michael Pettiford (73 not out) continued his run of good form, holding his bat through the entire innings. He found assistance in Wes Homewood (36) and Charlie Woodhouse (50 not out) as the Colts piled on the runs late in the innings.

Luke Thompson (1/40) was the only other Proserpine Canecutters bowler to add his name to the wickets column as Colts finished on 4/181 after 35 overs.

Canecutters never looked comfortable in response, as the youngsters piled on the pressure with the ball in their hands. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Roy Blain (1/24), Kohan Mau (2/17), Noah Wylie (3/23), Jackson Riley (2/13) and Michael Pettiford (1/16) shared the wickets between them.  

Nine different bowlers were utilised for Colts with the youngsters sharing the workload together to ensure everyone felt part of the game. Liam Davies (66) was the only Canecutters batsman to show any resistance, whilst Ben Davis (12 not out) was the second highest scoring player for Canecutters.

The regular fall of wickets significantly affected the runrate, with Canecutters finishing on 9/130 after 35 overs to hand a convincing 51 run win to the Colts.

In the other game, Warriors batted first against Valleys and as with other match, the runs were hard to come by early. Ricky Parslow had the ball on a string and quickly sent three Warriors batsman back to the sheds. Randal ‘Red’ Porter (33) and Dan Leschke (22) steadied the ship to combine for a 45 run partnership, whilst Josh Large (24) provided some middle order impetus. Youngster Jacob Williams (3/29) was very handy with his off spin.

Machlin Turner (1/10) and Tony Hinschen (1/19) also assisted with the ball, however Ricky led the way returning the ridiculous figures of 5/6 in his 8 overs. Warriors were bundled out for 107, which was still somewhat competitive given the slow outfields.

Despite losing the two early wickets, Valleys were never under any real pressure chasing down the modest total.

Chris Wren grew another leg and bowled with pace that he hasn’t bowled for many seasons, however didn’t get the wickets we deserved returning figures of 1/40. He was assisted by Luke Valmadre (1/23) who was the only other Warriors bowler to add their name to the wickets column.

Fresh off his five wicket haul, Ricky (46 not out) continued his form with the bat despite only being on one leg with a quad injury he picked up bowling. Machlin Turner (47 not out) was the perfect foil to team up with Ricky, with the pair taking down the target at the end of the 17th over. Valleys remain undefeated so far in the 40 over competition.

This Saturday will see all teams receiving a bye as Pink Stumps Day taking centre stage in Bowen.

The Proserpine fixtures will resume on Saturday, February 25.

Any new or returning players can contact Dale Mengel (0410 895 191) or Craig Brown (4945 1983) for further information.

Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

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