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Two Mackay State High School netball teams have returned from an international competition in New Zealand with both sides recognised for their outstanding sportsmanship. The teams travelled across the school holidays to compete in the International Netball Festival, where both received the Sportsmanship Award, voted on by umpires after every game. A representative from Mackay State High School said both teams finished with an impressive 23 points, reflecting the way players conducted themselves both on and off the court. The representative said the players consistently demonstrated the school's values of Respect, Resilience and Pride, with umpires approaching coaches throughout the competition to commend the girls on their conduct. “The umpires kept coming up to coaches to tell us how much of a pleasure our girls were to umpire, how polite, fair, and kind they are and we couldn’t think of a better impact or legacy for our girls to have,” the representative said. Finals day saw the two Mackay teams face each other once again, with Purple narrowly taking the win over Pink. Purple went on to secure another hard-fought victory to finish fifth overall, while Pink narrowly lost its final match to finish seventh. The school also paid tribute to its departing Year 12 players, recognising their efforts throughout the tournament and their contribution to the academy. “To our departing Year 12s — what a way to finish! You gave absolutely everything on the court and played your hearts out. We could not have asked for a better group of girls to lead our academy this year,” the representative said. The school congratulated every player on their dedication, commitment, sportsmanship and positive attitude throughout the trip, with Miss Nixon, Miss Allen and Mr O’Brien expressing their pride in the way the students conducted themselves and represented the school. Photo source: Mackay SHS
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Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse RUNNING The annual Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy was run and won in warm conditions from Bluewater Lagoon on Sunday morning. Runners competed for the prestigious trophy based on their official handicap times, with the first male or female runner across the finish line taking home the title. Jared Mackie claimed the 2026 championship after producing an impressive run, overtaking the field despite starting from a relatively high handicap. Mackie, who was described as a deserving winner, had overcome a serious injury earlier this year and worked hard to return to running. He was also recognised for his support of fellow runners, particularly within his Rules of Running training group, where he stepped into the coaching role while the group's main coach was seriously ill for several months. Last year's winner, Max Miles, also put in a consistent performance to finish second behind Mackie. In the 5km event, Craig Malcolm took the win ahead of Natasha Joynson and Craig Joynson, with fellow club member Jo Hughes also delivering a strong performance. Other notable performances came from junior 10km runner Harry Sleeman, Chloe Malcolm, Phoebe Short, Scott Sleeman and Gem Wender. The event was sponsored by Spine Care Chiropractic, led by George Hannaford, who has supported the annual event for several years and continues to support the club and wider community. The Benita Willis event marked the final formal event on the Mackay Road Runners' 2026 calendar, with next Sunday's mystery run to be held as a social event ahead of the club's Awards and Presentation Night on October 24th. Meanwhile, the club's informal off-season program will begin on the first Sunday afternoon in November, with the Shawn's Splash and Dash Social Summer Series starting at 4.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC). The series will include 30 minutes on the track followed by 30 minutes in the pool. Entry to the facility is $5, payable at the pool kiosk before accessing the track. A gold coin donation towards post-run and swim Zooper Doopers would also be appreciated, with the social sessions open to everyone, including non-members. 8417 – 2026 Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy winner Jared Mackie with his parents Gail and Clinton Mackie 8419 – Over 60 competitors and supporters enjoying the event which had a post run sausage sizzle, cash & vouchers donated by Spine Care Chiropractic. 8210 – Alan Zamparutti and Tim Magoffin 8416 – Jared Mackie with last year’s winner, Max Miles (and was 2nd this year – very consistent) 8224 – Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy & 5km runners (left to right) Chloe Malcolm, Bec Malcolm, Craig Malcolm (5k winner) and Levi Wallace 8219 – David Isbister, Ollie Gorrion and Stuart Sprott catch up prior to racing the Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy + 5k 8413 – Timekeeper, Rohan Miles (left) with competitors, Max Miles (front) and Ashley Miles (rear) 8274 – Majella Sleeman and Lucas Sleeman cheering on family members Scott and Harry running in the 10km event. 8397 – Highest handicapped runner in the 10k, Justin Rule set a sizzling pace in the warm conditions. Photos supplied by Mackay Road Runners
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Seven Mackay pickleball players took to the courts at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast from September 29th to October 4th, joining more than 1,300 players from across Australia. Jess Brass, Bec Labbett, Brett Walz, Chris Barbour, Jamie Duncan, Rob Vella and Troy Debondi all competed across a range of singles and doubles divisions throughout the tournament. Brass had a standout week, claiming gold in the 19+ Women’s Singles 4.0+ division and silver in the 19+ and Open Women’s Skinny Singles 3.5 and above division. Labbett also secured a podium finish, winning bronze alongside doubles partner Carollyn Darby in the Split Age Women’s Doubles 4.5-4.99 division. Walz competed in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles, while Barbour contested Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Duncan competed in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with Vella taking part in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles. Debondi competed across Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The championships attracted 1,338 registered players and, according to Pickleball Australia, were the largest pickleball tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Pickleball Mackay President Brett Walz said it was great to see so many players from around Australia competing in the tournament. “It was a highlight to see players from Mackay winning medals at the event.” Seven Mackay pickleball players competed at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast, with Jess Brass and Bec Labbett bringing home three medals. Photo source: Pickleball Mackay
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Welcome to Season 4 and to our new players. Our Evening Fixtures has begun and if you are interested in coming for a hit our Centre is open for Social play on Thursday (5:30pm-8pm), Friday and Sunday (8:30am-12noon), please check our website for further details. Tuesday Evening Fixtures Division 1: Master Servers (Steve Whiting, Robbie Richards, Will VanDeKaa) snuck home 6-5 against Lords of the Pings (Neil Brown, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan), Steve came back to outlast Anne in close 5 sets (2,7,-6,-6,6). Return Ruters (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 Net Gains (Barry Patterson, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar), Janice won a marathon over Graham B (6,-9,-7,8,12). Smash Masters (Trent Day, Donna Abbott, Mark Sleeman) had a close win 6-5 over Lob Legends (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Tony Bowman), Josh came back in 5th set against Donna to win ((-4,4,8,-9,10). One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) defeated King Pong (Geoff Denman, Graeme Walker) 3-2, with both teams missing there top players, it was the battle the Geoff’s but Geoff D overcome Geoff C (-2,-6,10,10,9). Division 2: Better Call Pong (Dilini Ranasinghe, Liz Burton, Lachlan Loy) got home against Lobstoppers (Rod Mahumas, Logan Brown) 7-4, Logan came back after loosing first set against Liz to win in 4 sets (-9,9,7,9). Ping It On (George Camilleri, Jeff Binnington, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Miss Hits (Delma Knight, Tiffany Camilleri, Mark Bowerman) 7-4, Delma was lucky to get home against Rachel in 5 sets (6,-10,-7,6,9). The Soft Serves (David Symons, Noreen Fredericksen, Mark Stam) defeated Spin Masters (Ricky Zhan, Ollie Hamelink) 7-4, Ollie was to strong for Noreen winning in 5 sets (-6,-4,9,6,10). Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) won over Serve Squad (Simon Hogan, Daniel Warfield, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, with no 5 set matches Ian had a close match against Daniel (-8,8,8,13). Tuesday Morning Fixtures will be starting next week. Ollie Hamelink. Photo supplied
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Monday 8 May 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild
3rd Geoff / Cowan / Sandy Patterson
4th Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
5th Susan Ross / Nancy Wix
6th Geoff Taylor / Frances Brown
Tuesday Evening 9 May 2023
5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd Diane Cox / Janice Mansfield
3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy
4th Geoff Cowan / Terrence Sheedy
Thursday Evening 11 May 2023
6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore
3rd Mick King /Patricia Garner
4th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
5th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 10 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
2nd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank
3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole
5th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell
E/W
1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait
3rd Annette Howe / Geoff Taylor
4th Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
5th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
Friday 12 May 2023 –8 Table Mitchell - Green Points
N/S
1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
2nd Julie O’Neill / Monica Darley
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Simon Barnes
4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
E/W
1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
2nd Geoff Cowan / Gwen Liddell
3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
Saturday 13 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore
2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor
3rd Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes
4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara
E/W
1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robertson
2nd Patricia Garner / Laura Howland
3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Frances Brown
4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
Sunday 14 May 2023
1st Joy Block / Ian Cruickshank
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Marilyn Wilson-Nichols
3rd Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
4th Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes
On Saturday night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its annual Awards Night at Mirage’s Whisper Restaurant. The Cannons would like to commend its hardworking committee for organising a very successful season of swimming and the coaching team lead by Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden.
Coach Mark Erickson thanked all the coaching team – Ken Crittenden, Jarrod Keys, Shay Wilmot, Giselle Burton, Kate Thomson, Giselle Burton, Rylee Erickson, Sofia Penglase-Fortunato, Sharanne Maclean, Raylene Rasmussen and Haylee Eaves.
Outstanding Achievements:
Swimmer of the Year Award was presented to Jy Parkinson for swimming in the finals at the Australian Age Swimming Championships. Jy was also named Senior Male Trainer of the season.
Sportsperson of the Year was presented to Holly Perrin. Holly was also named the Female Senior Trainer of the season.
Junior Trainers of the Year were presented to Harris Delac and Andie Reynolds.
Level 3 Trophies were presented to Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.
Mudie Family 70s Club: Ehsan Helou and Jasmine Gerlforsma (swimming 100m Freestyle in under 70s).
Level 2 Trophies: Eloise Chegwidden, Don Algie, Ruby Harland, Jax Clayworth, Celeste Orenshaw, Declan Dichiera, Holly Perrin, Thomas Ganter, Isabella Pisaniello, Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, and Matilda Nicholes.
Level 1 Trophies: Tiana Bell, Sophie Fletcher, Harris Delac, Remy Hedges, Charlie Doherty, Anisa Helou, Zach Trefz, Indi Smith, Ehsan Helou and Jasmine Gerlsforma.
Club Medals: Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Evelyn Doherty, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Alex Trefz, Jack Ganter, Levi Smith, Lukas Trevaskis, Lucas Korosec, Lochlan Jamieson, Murphy Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Millie Groom, Miller Eaves, Abi Maher, Stevie Lee, Billie Jamieson, and Koa Harland.
The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers who participated throughout the season and congratulate all the swimmers who achieved top times in the Cannonvale pool to win these special trophies and awards.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Club Medal awardees
Level 2 Trophy winners
Trainer Awards for 2023. Photos supplied
In the build-up to the ninth annual Airlie Beach Fight Night, Whitsunday Martial Arts (WMA) have released their three-month Experience Program.
Designed to train contestants like a fighter, the commitment to the course is huge but the rewards are great.
“It’s made for people who have never done combat sports or martial arts before,” said Dan Zealand from WMA.
“It’s a great way to kick-start a change in your lifestyle.”
Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of eight training sessions per week.
They will also receive mentoring and nutrition advice and receive the benefits of challenging themselves as part of the broader WMA community.
“This is one of the toughest and greatest challenges,” said Dan.
“You will eat, train and prepare like a fighter and you will even have the opportunity to step into the ring like a fighter at the end of the 12 weeks if you choose.”
Local fighter, Chris Smith, began competing this way – he entered the training program and lost 50kg before fighting professionally for WMA.
Airlie Beach Fight Night will be the culmination of the 12 weeks Experience Program and takes place at the Whitsunday PCYC on September 23.
The event is set to be another huge success with over 15 fighters already signed-up.
The large grandstand will take centre stage and there will be ring side seating and special VIP tables available.
The venue is also fully licenced, and it is set to be an exciting night for all involved.
The two WMA coaches, Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand, with a local fighter. Photo supplied
Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.
Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.
Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.
Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.
Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).
Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.
White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).
Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.
Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.
Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).
The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.
Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).
Another busy week starting on Tuesday with Carol Crosbie at lead with Tina Schubert second and the brilliant Ladda Purdie our Thai princess winning comfortably from the rest of the field.
This was the situation with Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls, run by Merve Stewart with Ladda Purdie again showing her red-hot form with a huge win with Nik Fernbach at lead and Helen Ward at second from 22 players with Mark Mawson on Tuesday and Tony Kelly on Wednesday winners of the prestigious Health Hub award.
The new format of Scroungers was a huge success at Business House Bowls with Ian Whittaker bowling beautifully.
The Mens Pennants continued with Division 1 too strong for North Mackay, collecting maximum points but were sadly unable to beat Proserpine on Sunday on their very heavy rink.
Division 4 lost by 3 points on Saturday but returned to best form on Sunday with Tony Whitehorn’s team bowling outstanding bowl’s winning 32-7 for a victory.
Division 5 had a team victory over North Mackay on Saturday with John Matterson’s team winning 32-10 ensuring a team victory and on Sunday Steve Lawrie’s team ensuring a team win getting maximum points with a 31-10 victory over Proserpine who were gallant in defeat and finally Division 6 on Saturday had a team win although John Askew’s team went down by 3 Merve Stewart’s team won by 11 to ensure a team victory.
Our victorious Penants team with members of the Division 4 and 5 teams happy with their efforts
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Wednesday Social:
Winning Skips were Peter Bruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles.
Wednesday overall winning team were Dot Slater, Ross Scanlon and Mary-Ellen Pratten (absent).
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Bowen Bowls winners PeterBruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles. Photo supplied
On Wednesday for Social Bowls, we welcomed Russell Jackson, Alan Pershouse, and Andrew Butler from Airlie Beach who were taking the opportunity to have a game in preparation for this weekend's pennants.
Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Russell Jackson 27 - 15; Arthur Griffith, Alan Pershouse, and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Andrew Butler 24 - 17.
Sunday's Social bowls numbers were down due to the number of players playing in pennants.
Heather Brown played double third.
Margy Burnett, John Burnett, Heather Brown, and John Anderson defeated Lee King, Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith 20 - 16.
Division 1 Pennants had a great weekend defeating Northern Beaches on Saturday 63 - 45 having wins on all 3 rinks so taking 6 points plus a margin of 28.
On Sunday the teams were firing again defeating Airlie Beach 68 - 36 earning 6 points plus a margin of 32.
This should put Division 1 into 2nd place.
Division 5 didn't have quite as happy a weekend having two away games on fast synthetic greens and player unavailability due to Mother's Day.
They had a loss to Souths Suburban on Saturday and a loss to Airlie Beach on Sunday.
They will be looking forward to the comfort of grass next Saturday.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.
Close town rivalry with Proserpine playing Airlie Beach in Pennants. Photo supplied
WTA’s Footy for Fun Program for Juniors finished last Monday and a new season will kick-off in August. Some fifteen Juniors participated in the program having fun learning and practicing some of the important skills of Touch Football.
The Juniors showed they made real progress over the course of the six weeks with running in heaps of tries in their final game.
Round Ten Results
Mixed A
Concrete Feet defeated Vipers (on Forfeit)
In The Crear (11) defeated Raider A (3)
Mixed B
Slippery Salmons (10) defeated The Guinea Fowls (5)
Ray White defeated GET Touch (on Forfeit)
Touch It defeated Full Boar (on Forfeit)
Mixed C
Whitsunday Warriors (10) defeated Raiders C (3)
Stingers (10) defeated On Time (7)
Flametree Flames (5) defeated Fumble This (2)
Mixed C (Family)
Escapees/Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (3)
Mainlanders (6) drew against Untouchables (6)
Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.
Caption: The first Footy for Fun program was a great success. Photo supplied
Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Janice Bates 32 points, runner up on a countback Grace Nott 31 points. Men’s winner on a countback Brendan Nott 36 points, runner up Hayden Williams 36 points.
Saturday was the men’s B & C grade open. B grade gross winner Craig Newell, gross runner up Bradley Low, nett winner Donald Williams, nett runner up Gregg Aplin.
C Grade Gross winner John Storrie, gross runner up Andrew Need. Nett winner Ken Todd, Nett runner up Ian Rhodes. Pin shots to Robert Byles and Adam Hagy. Longest drive to Adam Eathorne.
Sunday was the men's A & A1 open. A Grade winner Joshua Reid, gross runner up Michael Neaton, Nett winner Chris Goulevitch, Nett runner up Craig O'Keefe.
A1 Grade winner after a 5 hole playoff was Greg Fairs, gross runner up Daniel Windridge. A1 nett winner Kurt Gaudry, nett runner up Graham Seaborne. Pin shots to Marsh Bott and Matt Allen. Longest drive to David Zillfleisch
This weekend's competition is a 4 ball aggregate medley stableford sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
A and A1 Grade winners. Photo supplied
Junior golfer, Jack Hayes-Williams has been selected in the North Queensland 10-12 year school team and will compete at the Sunshine Coast this week. Jack is heading to the competition in good form after winning the Club's Sunday Stableford with an impressive 42 points, great round and best of luck in the School State Titles! Karen Rix was the runner up with 35 points.
It was another big week of competitions at the Club, with Steve Mitchell victorious in the Tuesday Stableford and Michael Cragg in 2nd place.
The Ladies competed for the Airllywood Voucher on Wednesday with Tiina Randmae on 38 points the lucky winner, Pam Casey had another solid round to take 2nd place.
60 players were out on Thursday in tough damp and windy conditions, Adam Maggs came first in Division 1 with 35 points on a countback from Ryan Wilkes, and Peter Lindsay also on 35 points won Division 2, with Paul Nicol in 2nd place on 34 points.
Brent Franke edged out Rob Webb on a countback with 19 points to win the Metropole Friday 9 hole competition and Saturday saw Lyn Muller win the ladies Allenbuild Stableford, again in very tough conditions, Elspeth Scotford claimed 2nd place with 31 points.
Our new member Tracey Cousemaker scored an amazing eagle on 11, holing out in 2 shots, and Ann Gardel was our only NTP winner.
Shaun Tyrrell put together a great round 0f 39 points to win the Men’s Division 1 in the Allenbuild Stableford, with Dave O’Connor claiming 2nd place only one point behind.
Jim Sherrington also found the conditions favourable, carding 39 points to win Division 2, and Jesse Street close behind too, on 38 points.
Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.
Junior golfer Jack Hayes-Williams. Photo supplied
The Sunday Stableford saw only 13 players in the running. The weather again looked dubious on the drive in to the course, but players were lucky with only a couple of very light drops of rain. However, the wind kicked in again, as the scores indicate, and the more exposed greens caused a few wayward putts.
Ladies A Grade:
Winner: Anna Winterbourn with 31 points
Runner up: Tiina Randmae with 25 points
Ladies B Grade:
Winner: Karen Rix with 35 points
Runner up: Robyn Whitham with 27 points
Men’s A Grade:
Winner: Geoff Harrison with 27 points
Runner-up: Gerald Lovell with 24 points
Men’s B Grade:
Winner: Don Cameron with 33 points
Runner up: Ron Jamieson with 27 points
NTPs Ladies’: Karen Rix (9th) and Anna Winterbourn (13th)
Men: Don Cameron (9th) and Geoff Harrison (13th)
Longest Drives: Tiina Randmae and Linda Wardroper for the ladies, Gerald Lovell and Leigh Jones for the men
NAGAs: Sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts were Linda Wardroper and Mark McDougal, who will enjoy their free drinks.
Sunday 21/5 is the Ladies’ and Men’s foursomes Championships - trophy event.
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
Placegetters: L to R: Karen Rix (Ladies’ B winner), Don Cameron (Men’s B winner), Anna Winterbourn (Ladies’ A winner), Geoff Harrison (Men’s A winner). Photo supplied
This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Glenn Rees with a 23 point win, second place on 21 points was Tyson Flavel and third Peter Henderson with 18 points.
On our 9-hole Friday stableford competition we had Glenn Rees taking first place again with a 21 c/b, second place with 21 points Tyson Flavel and third on an 18 c/b Andrew Gomez.
On Sunday we had our 18-hole stableford with Donny Pettiford taking the win on 39 points, second place on 38 points Tyson Flavel and third Dean Barnard on 37 points.
Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Dean Barnard. A very good week for Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel, great job gentlemen.
This Sunday will be 18-hole skins tee off at 10.00am.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club
The 9-hole stableford competition winner Glenn Rees. Photo supplied
Volleyball runs in the veins of Proserpine State High School sport star, Lillian Kelly.
Lillian has recently qualified for the Under 16s Australian Women’s team, competing at the Asian Championships, and will head to China in the next school holidays, while also qualifying for the Queensland School Sport (QSS) team and will be travelling to Canberra in June.
Lillian began playing volleyball in Year 7, following in her mum’s sporting footsteps, and the teachers at Proserpine State High School urged her on.
“I guess the teachers at this school, they get you into it, because they like it too,” Lillian said.
“If there was no volleyball at this school, I would not be where I am today.”
Lillian will head to Canberra to stay at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to have some team training before travelling to China with the team.
She is one of eight Queenslanders, two from Victoria, one from South Australia, and one from New South Wales.
“Queensland’s pretty dominant in the sport.”
“Honestly, I was so stoked [to get this opportunity] - it’s crazy!
“I’m playing for Australia. And they said a while ago that my group is targeted for the Brisbane Olympics, which they’ve already started scouting for.”
“That’s good because I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics. And it never even started off as volleyball, I was going to play a different sport.”
If Lillian’s team were to win the Asia Championships, they will be invited to the compete in the World Championships in 2023.
Lillian Kelly never intended to become so prolific in competitive volleyball. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
It has been a mammoth start to the season for Whitsunday Athletics Club, as they come off the back of a successful Mackay Track and Field Carnival.
Whitsunday Athletics Club took seven athletes to the carnival on the May long weekend, with amazing results.
Just 12 years old, Oliver Dibben scored gold in four of his events, the 400 metre, 800 metre, 1500 metre and 3000 metre, breaking the previous records.
“He broke the previous records by between five and 20 seconds,” said club president Tracey Croucher.
“He trains in the off season and his dedication and determination shows.”
Lilli Carcus came 3rd in her 1500 metre race-walk event, and Korbin Dibben placed 2nd in discuss, with Seth Carcus placing 2nd in discuss, the 100 metre and 200 metre track events.
“All our athletes placed on the podium,” said Tracey.
“But we compete to work on our personal bests and our sportsmanship.”
The Whitsunday Athletics Club trains out of Proserpine State High School and is open to anyone in the community.
“At the moment, we have 65 members, which has grown significantly in the past few years.”
The club is also always looking for volunteer coaches and trainers.
The next competition on the calendar is Townsville’s Festival of Athletics in June, with the “massive carnival” in Bowen coming up in August.
“We’re likely to take 20-odd athletes to Bowen, because the carnival is so large,” Tracey said.
If you wish to become a member or volunteer your coaching skills, you can reach them on their Facebook, Whitsunday Athletics Club Inc.
Back row left to right. Annette Wilson, Oliver Dibben, Korbin Dibben. Front row left to right. Lilli Carus, Seth Carus, Penelope Shields and River Shields
Seven athletes, aged seven to 60, competed at the Mackay Track and Field Carnival. Photos supplied
This week 85 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 16 were first timers and 18 recorded new Personal Bests.
The event was made possible thanks to RD Dan and his wonderful team of 15 volunteers: Nick, Kara, Megan, Wade, Susanne, Ashley, Ken, Jarrod, Lynne, Dennis, Joanne, Anne, Justin and Chris R.
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 lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.
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.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun
Everyone is welcome at parkrun. Photos supplied
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