Sports

Boost Your Team’s Health

Boost Your Team’s Health

With Fitness Cartel Corporate Memberships Mackay businesses now have a game-changing way to invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing with Fitness Cartel’s Corporate Membership Program. Designed for organisations looking to prioritise fitness, health, and workplace wellness, these memberships give staff access to ultramodern facilities, expert-led classes, and personalised training support — all tailored to the needs of a busy workforce. Whether your team wants to lift, stretch, spin, or recover, Fitness Cartel has it covered. Members enjoy 24/7 access to all clubs, over 500 pieces of strength and cardio equipment, and dedicated zones for Reformer Pilates, functional training, and cycling. The Mackay location also features a fully equipped Wellness Centre, including hot rock saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, Normatec compression boots, red light therapy, and a range of post-workout recovery options to suit every need. Group fitness is a highlight for corporate members, with unlimited access to more than 100 classes per week across 4 different training studios inside the Mackay Club. Options range from Les Mills’ Body Combat, Body Pump, Body Balance And RPM, to yoga, Mat Pilates, Zumba, and functional training sessions. Virtual classes are also available 24/7, offering flexibility for early birds or night owls. For businesses with families on the team, Kids Cartel provides a safe, engaging crèche and playground, ensuring parents can focus on their workout while children enjoy supervised play. Employees can also enjoy the Cartel Café, offering nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their workouts, or browse the on-site nutrition and pro shop. Corporate packages at Fitness Cartel are designed to elevate workplace wellness programs. Beyond improving fitness levels, they promote team bonding, boost morale, and create a positive, healthy work culture. Monthly body scans, personal training sessions, and precision programming help staff track progress and achieve their health goals, making corporate wellness a practical and measurable benefit for businesses. “The Fitness Cartel Corporate Membership Program is all about empowering teams to reach their health and fitness goals, while giving employers an easy way to support workplace wellbeing,” said Mackay Co-Franchisee Cliff Forster. With multiple locations and more planned nationwide, employees have seamless access to premium fitness facilities no matter where they are. For Mackay businesses looking to invest in their teams, Fitness Cartel’s Corporate Membership Program offers the ultimate combination of fitness, recovery, and community, all under one roof. For more information or to arrange a corporate membership, contact Fitness Cartel Mackay at mackay@fitnesscartel.com.au or call (07) 4881 0365

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Honours And Highlights

Honours And Highlights

At North Mackay Bowls Club North Mackay Bowls club Presentation night was held on Saturday 29/11/2025, with many of our bowlers and significant others attending. Following a lovely dinner prepared by the super chefs at Goosies, the Ladies section held their presentation first, with many excited winners receiving certificates and renumeration. Results: Champ Pairs : Deb Mackenzie and Chris Woo Champ Triples : Nug Pratt, Val De Pinto, Marie Bragg Champ Fours : Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Coral Francis, Donna Gordon B Pairs : Ann Smith ans Min Andrew Over 70’s : Lorna Bowers Graded 4’s Lorraine Silman, Doris Dodds, Helen Fleming, Min Andrew Graded 3 B Triples : Lois Deguara, Helen Fleming, Sue Roscoe Graded 2 B Triples : Donna Gordon, Carmel Bell, Hilary Jones-Rowan Consistency : Cheryl Corbett Division 1 Winning Pennant Team going on to play in Emerald ( Leichhardt District ) and then to Tweed Heads(Qld Division) Coming 4th in the State. Well done to all the ladies in the team. The Bowler of the Year award was presented to the player who claimed the Championship Singles, ‘B’ Singles and Under 70s Singles titles, with the honour bestowed on Brenda Trannore. Brenda graciously accepted the accolade, delivering a heartfelt speech in which she thanked those who had supported and guided her throughout her bowls journey, acknowledging the achievement as a significant milestone in both her life and her bowls career. Amazing and Well Done Brenda. The Mens Section had their 2025 Presentation next, with many of the bowlers happy with their performances on the green an in competitions, Pennant and away games. Results: Mixed Pairs : Neil Blucher and Lois Deguara Mixed Fours ; Pam Spencer, Ken Rix, Carmel Bell, Dave Mc Kendry B Singles : Eric Galletly, B Pairs : Eric Gallantly John Kennell Senior Singles : Geoff Ollett 2 B Triples : Andrew Coates, Clive Wales, Peter Blackburn. 3 B Triples : Shane Trannore, Wayne Trannore, Dave McKendry A Fours : Ben Crocker, Col Crocker, Ian Beveridge, Joe Crocker A Pairs : Mick Walsh and Steve Lane A Singles : Alan Cooney Club Person of the Year was voted in as a tie this year, and went to Wayne and Shane Trennore. It was a super evening for the Trannore name in bowls for our Club. Wayne Trannore responded on behalf of his brother Shane, also thanking those involved with the club and their fantastic award. Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Cards, Community And Connection

Cards, Community And Connection

At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results For Week Ending Saturday 13th December 2025 Monday 8th December 2025 – 6 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Jewel Schmidt - Janine Rodgers 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Shirley Worland - Janice Mansfield 3rd Geoffrey Patterson - Noel Bugeia 3rd Jayne Johnstone - Clare Wallace Tuesday 9th December 2025 – 3 ½ Table Howell Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild - Noel Bugeia 2nd Geoff Taylor - Janelle Conroy 3rd Richard Wix - Tex Sheedy Wednesday 10th December 2025 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Noel Bugeia 1st Martin Pearce - Sue Mayer-Miller 2nd Max Holewa - Diane Holewa 2nd Janet Hansen - Alan Brown 3rd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 3rd Gwen Liddell - Anne Lutz 4th Annette Howe - Diane Stokes 4th Mary Rose Ramsden - Patrick Rasmussen 5th Lorna Shuttlewood - Tex Sheedy 5th Sandy Patterson - Joy Hold Thursday Evening 11th December 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Joy Hold - Patricia Garner 1st Noel Bugeia - Tex Sheedy 2nd Geoff Taylor - Anne Lutz 2nd Martin Pearce - Simon Barnes Friday 12th December 2025 –7 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 1st David Ting - Ming Ting 2nd Janine Rodgers - Richard Wix 2nd Julie O'neill - Ann Whitmore 3rd Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 3rd Christine Nice - Diane Cox 3rd Martin Pearce - Gwen Liddell Saturday 13th December 2025 – Section A (Christmas Party )– 8 Table Mitchell - Green Points North/South East/West 1st Victor Mason - Ann Whitmore 1st Marilin Robins - Mick Robins 2nd Geoff Taylor - Margaret Lane 2nd Faye Wright - Tex Sheedy 3rd Monica Darley - David Hird 3rd Diane Stokes - Annie Lynch 4th Janelle Conroy - Robert Carless 4th Noel Bugeia - Pamela Finger Saturday 13th December 2025 – Section B (Christmas Party)– 9 Table Mitchell - Green Points North/South East/West 1st Max Holewa - Diane Holewa 1st Janet Hansen - Thelma Caruana 2nd Ming Ting - David Ting 2nd Janine Rodgers - Richard Wix 3rd Alan Brown - Frances Brown 3rd Susan Gibson - Karen Caldwell 4th Christopher Meyers - Sandy Patterson 4th Eric Goodchild - Debra Goodchild Contributed by Robert Carless

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Heat, Hustle And Holiday Spirit At Bluewater Quay

Heat, Hustle And Holiday Spirit At Bluewater Quay

With Mackay Road Runners With temperatures feeling closer to 35 degrees and no rain in sight, it was a very Mackay-style lead-up to Christmas at this week’s Bluewater Quay Social Run. Forget a white Christmas, runners were treated to hot, testing conditions during the afternoon’s 5km and 10km events. Race Director Andrew Short was thanked for delivering another successful run, despite the heat, with welcome relief provided by Zooper Doopers and Red Dog’s rehydration options, which were greatly appreciated by participants. The next Bluewater Quay social run, commencing at 4.30pm next Sunday, will be the final event before Christmas. Runners are encouraged to come along for a festive group photo and stay on for a Christmas drink afterwards. Some of the best photos may feature in this Mackay Life Newspaper and the Mackay Road Runners 2026 calendar, described humorously as a firefighter-style calendar, but with clothes. Congratulations were extended to all participants for their efforts in challenging conditions, with a reminder for runners to continue training and racing in such conditions to stay healthy and safe. “Thank you to Mackay & Whitsunday Life magazine for their awesome support of the Mackay Road Runners Club!”

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Cannonvale Cannons’ Club Night

August 24, 2023

Over 40 swimmers participated at the Cannons’ Club Night on Wednesday.

The Cannons commended Max Smith and Eloise Chegwidden for winning the Chocolate Awards and Piper Walker for winning the Swim Star Award.  

The club also congratulated Lucas Korosec, Billie Jamieson, and Koa Harland on their Upgrade Certificates.  

The coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, were impressed with the effort the swimmers put into their races.  

Highlights included: Biggest personal bests (PBs) from Don Algie, aged nine years, who swam a 13.07 second personal best (PB) in his 200-metre Freestyle.

Jax Clayworth, also aged nine, swam a 12.61 second PB in his 100-metre Butterfly. While Abi Maher, aged 11, swam an 11.46 second PB in her 100-metre Backstroke.  

Celeste Orenshaw and Koa Harland both swam big PBs in their 100-metre IM.  

Top Performers: Celeste Orenshaw, Addie Sanders, Charlie Doherty, Sophie Fletcher, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Abi Maher, and Indi Smith, who swam personal best times in the majority of the events.  

Harry Chegwidden, aged five, swam very well in his Breaststroke race and took 3.6 seconds off his previous time. And Jake Clark’s best swim was his Butterfly, taking over 1.5 seconds off his previous best.  

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam PBs: Zane Clayworth, James Davies, Lily Maher, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Evie Doherty, Indi Harland, Billie Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Levi Smith, Max Smith, Molly Smith, Jax Swannell, and Charlotte Trevaskis.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday. Swimmers are now preparing for the Whitsunday Swimming Carnival and Hamilton Island Ocean Swim which are on the weekend.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Cannonvale Cannon Max Smith won the chocolate award

Piper Walker claimed the Swim Star Award

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club Report

August 24, 2023

Airlie Beach Bowls Club was awarded the Fields Pty Ltd Club Premiership Cup for 2022 last week.

Each year, points are awarded to bowling clubs in the region to determine the overall winner, with the honour governed by the Mackay District Bowls Association.

Congratulations to all players who contributed.

At Pines River Bowls Club for the Australian Championships final of the BPL, the club had more success: Luke Kinnear, Warren Mills, and Manny Isgro finished a very credible fifth with only a point separating them to progress to the last four.

The club also won the Men’s Mackay District Bowls Association Gilbey Cup for overall bowler of the year which went to Manny Isgro for the second time.

Tuesday afternoon bowls saw a big win to skipper Margo Stanley with lead Mark Mawson overall winners of the day.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw a great win to Col Morris and Rick Galea.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls also had some outstanding results with PRD losing their first game of the season.

New bowlers Keith Dornoch and Glenn Frederiksen, and the team of Whitsunday Gold Coffee, showed that they can give the competition a shake, and other team winners were The Blockheads and Tuk Tuks.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners of Margo Stanley, John Brown, Nik Fernbach, Peter Barratt, Andrew Butler, and Eric Barnard.

The final was played between Men’s President Peter Barratt and Eric Barnard from the Woolies team of Business House Bowls, who came out the winner.

Sunday social Bowls also had a great win to Graham Cowling’s team.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Airlie Beach Bowls Club Manny Isgro holding up the Bowler of the Year awarded to the best judged player of the season

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Bowen Bowls Club

August 24, 2023

Sunday’s Scroungers winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Lloyd White, and Paula and Lee Welsted, who followed up the stellar round of the club’s Wednesday Social Bowls.

There was plenty out and about for the games, with Peter Thomson, Lorraine McCarther, and Doc Fordham defeating Mary Ellen Pratten, Paula Swift, and Allan Williams.

Ron Gould, Jane Gilbert, and Steve Roome won their match against Tracey Roach, Jill Brabon, and Jeff Tierney.  While Bev Smith, Robyn Stitt, and Lou Fordham beat out Joan Edwards, Mark Rogers, and Ross Scanlon.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Wednesday Social Bowls winners Robyn Stitt, Lou Fordham, Bev Smith

Sunday’s Scroungers winners Lloyd White, and Paula and Lee Welsted

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Wangaratta Bowls

August 24, 2023

On Tuesday, Irene Laird, Lyn Danvers, and Margaret Wilson defeated Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Penny Warren.

In the other game, Greg Colquhoun and Robyn Stitt defeated Geoff Danvers and Deb Retchless.

The winners for Sunday afternoon were Lyn Danvers, Sue Shearing, and Geoff Danvers who defeated Lindy Suann, Robyn Stitt, and Pat Tracey.

Others: Toni Bowen, Penny Warren, and Sugar Brunker defeating Deb Retchless, Kevin Daniels, and Mark Drummond. While Bill Myers, Greg Colquhoun, and Allan Rolfe defeated Bron Tolcher, Linda Scells, and Kennedy Whitton.

The final of the Club Mixed Pairs was played on Thursday.

A closely fought match between Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe and Lyn and Geoff Danvers resulted in Penny and Allan taking the win.

The final of the Mixed Fours will be played on Monday, with results coming next Friday.

Good luck to the men’s teams playing Collinsville this Saturday in the last round of the local pennant at Wangaratta.

If you would like to see some good play, come down have a drink and cheer the teams on.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Mixed Pairs winners Allan Rolfe and Penny Warren

Sunday's winners were Lyn Danvers, Goeff Danvers, Sue Shearing, and President Mark Drummond

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Bowen Golf News

August 24, 2023

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club incorporating the ladies’ Medal of Medals.  

Single stableford Ladies’ winner was Carol O’Connell, 37 points, who also won the midweek Medal of Medals, while runner up on a countback was Ruth Dunn, 36.  

Men’s winner was Cliff Querro, 40 points, runner up Mitchell Greenbank, 39. Congratulations to Lynelle Riley who won the midweek Ladies Golfer of the Year.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Vets, incorporating the Medal of Medals sponsored by LJ Hooker.  

Men's Winner Ryley Malone, 43 points, runner up Greg Daniel, 38. Pin shots to Garry Kukura, Ryley Malone, Michael Brunker, Matthew Yasso, and Brian Martin. Brian also earned himself the Carwash voucher and an OBP.  

Ladies' winner was Joy Hose, 37 points, runner up Jo Kukura, 33.  

Pin Shots to Claire Garrod, Lynelle Riley, and Michelle Campbell. Congratulations to Kurt Bidgood and Joy Hose on winning the weekend Medal of Medals, as well as to Ruth Dunn on winning the Ladies’ Golfer of the Year.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg from Proserpine Golf shop, with presentation night tonight.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Bowen Golf Club’s Saturday winners and runners-up

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Proserpine Golf Report

August 24, 2023

The men’s winner of the Allenbuild stableford on Saturday was Ben Bullock with 43 points, from John Wallace 42 and Dean Kercher 39.

The ladies’ winner was Penny Wardroper with 36, on a count back from Renae Maxwell.

Heather Luvis came in third with 34 and Tiina Randmae 33 points.

The place getters were Rod Wecker and Sam Marschke and Ryan Wilkes with 38, Marcus Heathcote, Vince Collins, Ben Raymant, Peter Lewis and Brian Allen on 37 completed the rundown.

The ladies pin shots went to Renae Maxwell on two and Heather Luvis on nine.

On Thursday, the division one winner was Andrew Albergo with 40 points from Sam Deicke, 39 and Nathan Sothmann 38.

The division two winner was Peter Lewis with 37 points from Peter Browning, 36 and Trevor Paroz 35.

In the run down were John Grosskreutz, 38, Luke Paroz and Jim Cochrane 37, Phil Luckett, Joe Taylor, Michael Ward and Ben Raymant 35, and Ryan Wilkes, 24.

The pin shots went to Ryan Wilkes, Sam Deicke, Nathan Sothmann and Barry Mortimer.

Tuesday’s stableford winner was Peter O’Toole with 42 points from Brian Smith on 36.

In the run down were Aaron Prosser, 35 and Michael Cragg and Ken Lovett 34.

Sunday’s stroke men’s winner was Ryan Wilkes with 65 nett, from Jason Bourke 67 and Jason Whitney 68.

The ladies’ winner was Anna Winterbourn with 68, from Karen Rix 69 and Peta Thomas 71.

In the run down were Paul Nicol and Aaron Prosser 69, Danny York, 70, and Wayne Temby and Gerald Lovell 72, followed by Jacqui Wall on 73.

Next Saturday is a stroke event.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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Whitsunday Social Golf

August 24, 2023

A stroke event was held by Whitsunday Golf Clubalong with the Medal of Medals challenge for 2022, with a total of 27 players competing from the Whitsunday Club.

Men’s A Grade winner was Jason Bourke with runner up Danny York, with Wayne Temby best gross. Men’s B Grade winner was Paul Nicol, runner up Gerald Lovell, and Scott Wardroper best gross.

Ladies’ A Grade winner was Anna Winterbiourn, runner up Jacquie Wall, and Penny Wardroper best gross.

Ladies’ B Grade winner went to Karen Rix and runner up Pam Casey, Elise Hiodgson best gross.

Longest drives were claimed by Jason Bourke, Paul Nicol, Penny Wardroper, and Elise Hodgson.

Pin shots were Penny Wardroper, Scott Wardroper, Elise Hodgson, Pauline Redpath, Aaron Watts, and Danny York.

The Bradmans award this week was won by Tina Cook and Wilf Herweg.

Medal of Medal winners will be announced at the presentation. Next Sunday will be a trophy event for 4BBB Stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

Anna Winterbourn, Paul Nicol, and Karen Rix

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Proserpine Veterans Golf

August 24, 2023

Proserpine Veteran Golf had 29 players for Tuesday with a few good scores posted.  

The ladies’ winner was Tiina Randmae with 38 points, second was Mandy Patterson, 35, and in the rundown were Leanne Alexander, 34, Elspeth Scotford, 31, Kathryn Borer, 31, Jacqui Wall, 31, and Tessa Aitken, 31.

The men’s winner was Steve Mitchell, 39, second Vic Feldman, 35, and in the rundown were Gary Scotford, 35, Neil Cawthorne, 32, Barry Shuwalow, 32, John Roser, 31, and Philip Luckett, 31.  

The nearest the pin winners were for the ladies Heather Luvis, two, Jan Shuwalow, two, Mandy Patterson, 13, Kathryn Borer, 13, Tiina Randmae, 16, and Jacqui Wall, 16.

Men's winners were John Roser, two, Peter Browning, two, Steve Mitchell, 13, and Barry Shuwalow, 16.  

Chip ins went to Paula McQuat, Jacqui Wall, Tiina Randmae, and Kathryn Borer.  

Next week will be a stroke event and count putts.This will be followed by the club’s Annual General Meeting.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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On The Whitsunday Green

August 24, 2023

Jacob Nightingale was a convincing winner of this week’s 9-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Club, with an impressing 25 points.

Chris Bartlett had a return to form to take second with 21 points and Kendall Nash took third with 18 points. For Friday’s competition, it was Jay Angel with 21 points to win, followed by Terry Kimpton just defeating Scott Morrissey on a count back. Both scored 19 points.

On Sunday it was SKINS over 18-holes and Tyson Flavel was the winner with 13 skins.

Rob Lodders, Tim Walton, and Billy O’Conner all came in with 6 skins each. Terry Kimpton made his first ‘Hole in One’ on the 9th and Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel were nearest the pin.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Terry Kimpton and Wayne Singleton at Whitsunday Green Golf Course

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Sun’s Out, Guns Out

August 24, 2023

Bodybuilder Becomes Pro In Second Season

Em Pianeda is out to prove that it’s never too late for women to achieve their goals.

Recently completing her second bodybuilding season, Em has achieved three pro cards, or professional athlete awards, and her journey has only just begun.

She entered her first bodybuilding season last year, after much consideration and a lifelong passion for sport, fitness and muscle.

“Last year I was turning 40, and I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to do it before I’m 40,’” she said.

“I always admired bodybuilding and I really do like muscle … because I know what it takes to get it.”

Inspiring Journey Of Bodybuilding Success

After receiving feedback from her first bodybuilding season, Em Pianeda went into an improvement period to grow her muscle and develop her posing.

Her goal was to finish her second season with a pro card.

“I learnt that I could do it and I could stick to the diet and the training,” she said.

In her second season, Em achieved three pro cards with natural federations I Compete Natural, Natural Bodybuilding Australia and Miss Fitness Australia.

“It blew my mind,” she said.

“I had three chances and got three from three, so I’m super excited for next year.”

Bodybuilding competitions are judged on aspects including figure, symmetry and muscle separation, which requires an intense preparation period and training regime.

Em allowed her body to recover between seasons before starting a growth season of strength training and structured eating.

“When you hit your prep season, that’s when you start to cut your calories and add your cardio and start to do the shred,” she said.

“You get yourself into good habits with eating and regular training and then just hit the ground running.”

Em trains five days a week and says this period can be strenuous on not only her body, but her personal life and the people around her.

“You don’t want to go out and catch up for drinks because you can’t drink and you’re hungry and you’re tired and you’re struggling, so you don’t want to be in those environments,” she said.

“You’ve got to stay on track.

“Coming out into recovery and improvement, not only do you have to recover and improve you and your body, but you need to do that with the relationships that you’ve put on the backburner.

“My family’s had to be on the ride too so now it’s about trying to put back into that part of your life.”

Em aspires to leave her mark on the Australian natural bodybuilding scene before taking on international competitions in future seasons.

“Once I’m done there, I wouldn’t mind doing the untested federations as a natural athlete and see where I stand against enhanced athletes,” she said.

“It gives you a goal; it gives you something to work towards.”

All the while, she hopes to inspire women to follow their dreams.

“If there’s something you want to do and you have goals and aspirations, it does not matter how old you are or how busy you are,” she said.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it.

“Get out there and make it happen; it’s so empowering when you do.”

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Cowboys Endorse New Partnership With St Patrick’s College

August 24, 2023

St Patrick’s College Mackay has rubber stamped its exciting new partnership with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Both parties recently signed a memorandum of understanding to promote clear pathways for aspiring rugby league players in the region to play in the NRL competition.

A Cowboys contingent led by Head of NRL Elite Pathways Glenn Hall visited Mercy College Mackay last Friday to officially endorse the new partnership.

Other Cowboys officials in attendance were Elite Pathways coach Steve Sheppard, Club Recruitment Manager Dane Campbell and Elite Pathways Strength and Conditioning Coach Liam Bartlett.

They were joined by boom St Patrick’s and Queensland Country Under 17 colts Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue, St Patrick’s and Mercy College Sports Co-ordinators Chad Buckby and Matthew Paul, newly appointed Mercy College Cowboys Challenge coach Tom Gaviglio and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry.

Emerging hooker Kerrisk and skilful half back Purdue will attend a special camp in Townsville during December as part of the Cowboys Young Bucks squad.

Other promising St Patrick’s rugby league colts invited include top forwards Liam Doherty, Matthew Watts, dynamic centre Kai Simon (Under 21 Young Guns) and lock forward Kayne Smith and classy utility back Will Shears (Young Bucks).

Both Mercy College and St Patrick’s College have proved a thriving nursery for NRL clubs over the past three decades and have tasted phenomenal success in the Confraternity Shield, Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge competitions.

Mr Hall said the Cowboys were looking forward to building on the back of the school’s success of the past few seasons.

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Rookie Rider Representing Australia In Canada

August 24, 2023

Rookie bull rider and Koumala local, Qynn Andersen is headed to Canada next week to compete at the PBR Canada national finals.

19-year-old Andersen took home an event win at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Rockhampton Invitational earlier this month, his third for 2022. His rookie season has been a resounding success, currently sitting in third position in the national standings, three weeks out from the Grand Finals in Townsville.

“It was good to ride both my bulls and get another win,” Mr Andersen says.

“I’m quite happy with how this season is panning out, having lots of fun and learning a lot along the way.”

If Mr Andersen can continue his good form, he has the potential to snatch the national title from the grips of four-time and current national champion, Aaron Kleier from Clermont.

Not that Mr Andersen is thinking about it too much.

“Nothing changes too much for me, I’ll continue to put the hard yards in during the week and look to ride all my bulls,” he says.

“Townsville will also be lots of fun! I’m just excited about getting my bulls rode and letting things pan out like they should.”

Having already represented Queensland at the Monster Energy PBR State of Origin series, where he was the event winner in Origin I and III, Mr Andersen will now represent Australia when he heads to Canada to ride in the 2022 PBR Canada National Finals.

“I’m very excited to head over to Canada. It’ll be my first time. I’m very keen to ride their bulls and experience their crowds.”

He’ll return to Australia just in time to ride for the Australian National Title at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals in Townsville.

Clermont’s Aaron Kleier currently holds onto the number one spot, but after sustaining an injury at the Mackay Invitational four weeks ago has been missing from the schedule.

He’ll be looking to make a return at the Grand Finals in Townsville to secure his fifth consecutive national title, a feat no other rider in PBR history has achieved.

PBR Australia presents the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th of November at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Tickets are still available at www.pbraustralia.com.au.

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300 parkruns And Counting

August 24, 2023

Mackay parkrun held their 300th event last Saturday, October 29, welcoming an impressive 317 participants to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens to celebrate.

The occasion also marked volunteer Colin Hardy’s 100th outing, with volunteers and participants surprising Colin by dressing up in his iconic Hawaiian shirt.

Mackay parkrun is held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens every Saturday from 7:00am.

It is a free timed 5km run/walk put on by the community for the community and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful natural surroundings of the gardens while getting active.

Make sure you register by 6pm on the Friday before at www.parkrun.com.au.

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Sonny The State Champion

August 24, 2023

A Mackay year 6 student recently competed at the All Schools Queensland Track and Field Championships, showing that he’s more than capable on the state stage.

Sonny Morse of Carlisle Adventist College is now the state Under 11 Boys 800m Champion and 1500m Champion.

He also set a new 1500m Queensland record on his way to being crowned Champion.

The next stop for Sonny is the Australian All Schools Championships to be held in Adelaide in December.

Sonny is no stranger to the National level, as he recently competed in the All Schools Australian Cross Country Championship in Adelaide, placing 2nd overall in the individual race and winning Gold in the relays with the fastest 1500m overall time in the relays.

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Pioneer Swim Club Welcomes Local Olympian

August 24, 2023

Linda Single nee Mackenzie, local Olympic-gold-medallist, attended Pioneer’s Club Night on Thursday, October 6.

Linda supports the club with an annual visit.

Over 50 swimmers were in attendance to meet Linda who discussed her journey to Olympic gold.

She spoke about her training, recovery methods, nutrition, her hurdles, and her successes.

She even posed for photos, let the kids hold her medal and signed swim caps and merchandise for memories.

Linda must have inspired the kids as many personal bests were achieved on the night.  

Pioneer Swim Club wishes to thank Linda for her continued support over the years and taking the time to come speak to our aspiring athletes again.

We appreciate you!  

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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