
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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Even though the offshore winds were high, the 15 knot south easterly breeze on Pioneer Bay was perfect for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Wednesday.
A fleet of 16 boats and a combined crew list of over 100 participants made a spectacular sight from the Airlie Beach shoreline.
A change in wind direction just before the start threw a few challenges for the skippers, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) jumping the gun and having to return to restart.
This left Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) in the box seat to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.
Even though Reignition was last away, by the first rounding mark they were back in contention, catching and passing Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and hunting down QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) for dead heat for second place on the water.
After an uneventful race, Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) won on handicap corrected time, with Reignition second and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) third.
A combined start between the multihulls and Division 3 saw more chaos, as Matchless (Terrance Stevens) was squeezed out on the line, then having to avoid Shiraz (John Cable).
This allowed Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) an opportunity to break away from the fleet from the start, heading the race from start to finish.
Both Matchless and Shiraz made up sufficient ground to cross the finish line in second and third places, albeit almost 3 minutes adrift.
A strong performance by Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) saw them finishing in fourth place, sufficient to take the handicap win over Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) and The Point (Kyle Rose).
Back at the club, the vibe was high as results were announced, while Wobbly Boot took the weekly special prize awarded by Soft Rigging Solutions.
Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm.
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
The crew of Wobbly Boot. Photo supplied

The annual Mackay Athletics Club Track and Field Carnival attracts competitors of all ages and all classes from across Queensland, including Olympians and world ranking competitors.
The event took place over the May long weekend and included the likes of Olympic long jumper Henry Frayne, Australia and Oceania long jumper Henry Smith, and world champions in javelin throw Howard McDonald and Neil Janse.
Within the weekend, Mackay locals were a force to be reckoned with, breaking various records for the carnival.
Local records brokens:
Women 100 Metre Under 18 Years – Mikayla Webb – 12.61
Men 200 Metre 13 Years – Ethan Woods – 25.84
Men 200 Metre Under 20 Years – Ngakau Ufton – 23.83
Men 200 Metre Open – Damon Brown – 23.34
Men 45-46 200 Metre 30-49 Years – Chris Carney – 27.92
Girls 1500 Metre 11 Years – Ayla Moon – 5.22.83
Girls 300 Metre 12 Years – Alleah Fallon – 12.06.98
Men 3000 Metre Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 9.20.07
Boys 1500 Metre Race Walk 12 Years – Dante Brown – 10.54.69
Boys 60 Metre Hurdles 9 Years – Jack Goddard – 11.93
Boys 200 Metre Hurdles 12 Years – Noah Porter – 38.75
Men 2000 Metre Steeplecase Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 6.36.84
Men 3000 Metre Steeplecase Under 20 – Oliver Rule – 11.08.64
Boys Long Jump 12 Years – Justice Simpson – 4.65m
Men Long Jump Open – Damon Brown – 6.63m
Boys High Jump 10 Years – Elias Boatman – 1.25m
Girls Shot Put 2kg 10 Years – Vogue Miles – 7.77m
Men Shot Put 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 45.07m
Men Hammer 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 41.51m
Men Throw Pent Under 18 Years – James Galea – 3211
M70 60 Metre – Daniel Conroy – 10.73
W40 800 Metre – Mel Esau – 2.50.38
M45 800 Metre – Justin Rule – 2.23.99
W40 1500 Metre – Mel Esau – 6.00.30
M45 5000 Metre – Justin Rule – 18.35.70
W40 80 Short Hurdles – Madeline Simmons – 15.60
M45 3000 Metre Steeplecase – Justin Rule – 12.09.12
M35 Long Jump – Benjamin Ross – 5.26m
M70 Triple Jump – Daniel Conroy – 6.42m
M55 Discuss – Kevin Galea – 31.54m
M80 Javelin – Anthony Galea – 13.01m
W40 Throws Pent – Cathryn Hoare – 1770
W45 Throws Pent – Tammy Meyer - 1517
Competition from across Queensland, with many records broken

One of the biggest events on the Mackay Cycling Club calendar, the annual Mackay Open was held over the May long weekend.
With about 40 competitors in total, the two-day event attracted competitors from Newcastle, Rockhampton, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, and one from Townsville.
“We were low on numbers this year, due to the long weekend,” said Luke Schatkowski, coordinator of the event.
2023 saw the introduction of a new classification of racing, called General Classification, which incorporates all individual racers’ times into one time, to better understand how the racer stands against competition.
“It’s in the interest of racers to finish as close as possible to the next person,” said Luke.
The three other races include the Open Race, the Rogers Family Shield, and the Individual Timed Trial, with four grades of competitors.
Luke said the 2023 event saw massive support from local businesses and organisations, including Caneland Central, ATOM, Smart State Rentals, Crane Hire Mackay, CMR Recycling, and Valenhold.
“I think we’ve got a full committee, with all eight positions full, that is able to branch out into the community.”
Results
A Grade:
1 Kyle Marwood
2 Cooper Sayers
3 Lawson Wotley
B Grade:
1 Wade Mitchel
2 Luke Schatkowski
3 Douglas Bennett
C Grade:
1 Hamish Wright
2 Tenille Galea
3 Mark Sheather
D Grade:
1 Jason Lund
2 John Platts
3 Brendan Hoban
2023 saw the introduction of Junior competitions
2023 Mackay Cycling Opens saw competition from NSW and QLD
The Rogers Family Shield has been fought since 1983, celebrating local legacy of cycling family of 12
Competition was fierce

Mackay Road Runners and Forsyth’s Accounting Services presented the 5th Annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in honour of one of the Club’s most revered members. Shawn passed away in 2018 from Pancreatic Cancer only six months after diagnosis. Well over eighty of Shawn’s family, friends, running mates and work buddies came together to support the event which raised much needed funds for Pancare (Pancreatic Cancer Research into treatment, care and support to sufferers and their families.) Shawn’s sister and brother-in-law Sharon & Jeff Stewart-Harris as well as the Mackay Road Runners Club and major sponsor, Forsyths Accounting Services were the driving force behind the very successful event.
Mackay Road Runners will donate the $10 race registration from sixty runners/walkers to Pancare plus funds raised from a number board raffle with prizes donated by Nanala Beauty, Harrup Park Country Club and Forsyth’s Accounting Services as well as the balance of Forsyth’s sponsorship funds and Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series 2022/2023 donations which should see the donation balance in the vicinity of $1,500.
The 2023 Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 10km champions are Tahnie Malagueno (personal best time) and Oliver Rule who took out the joint perpetual trophy ahead of some great running with second placegetters Lily Leven and Toby Rule only seconds off the pace. In the 5km event, Alana Knesevic had an amazing race, with a fast finishing Abigail Sweeney settling for silver. Darrin Pullen was in excellent form taking out the first male in the 5km Shawn Claydon Memorial Trophy.
This weekend’s Mackay Road Runners’ event will be on Saturday morning from Casu Jacks café at the Mackay Marina.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Shawn Claydon’s family supporting the Mackay Road Runners Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield
Tahnie Malagueno and Oliver Rule are joint winners of the Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield
Darrin Pullen (right) takes gold in the 5km Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield. (Female winner Alana Knesevic absent)
Mackay Mayor Cr Greg Williamson officially welcomed and started the 5th Forsyth’s Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield/Club Championship event

Gold Coast Rollers demonstrated their durability and class to register a double triumph over the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes in NBL1 North action last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
Top performances by American import Catherine Reese and guards Ariana Moorer, Jasmine Hooper and Carla Drennan piloted the Rollers to an emphatic 110-75 victory over the Meteorettes in the early fixture.
Both sides were locked 20-all at the end of the first quarter before Gold Coast gained the upper hand to lead 50-41 at the half time interval and 82-52 at the end of the third break.
The Meteorettes were hampered by illness but received value from flamboyant guard Davida Dale, who top scored with 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and assists; rising centre Charli Bliss (14 points and eight boards); promising guard Courtney Virgo (12 points, two rebounds and assists), forwards Nikita Van Wyk (10 points and three rebounds), Madison MacDonald (9 points and two rebounds) and Denesha Bobongie (9 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals).
Meanwhile, former Mackay basketball junior Todd Blanchfield enjoyed a successful return to his old stamping ground by helping the Rollers sink the Meteors 101-89 in the main game.
Blanchfield and fellow Gold Coast guards Jason Cadee and Tanner Krebs were instrumental in the victory, utilising their vast NBL experience to inflict a second consecutive loss on the home side.
It was a fourth successive win for the reigning champion Rollers, who trailed 28-22 at the end of the first quarter before rediscovering their mojo in a gripping tussle.
Mackay superstar guard Isaac White kept his side in the hunt with 35 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals with support from clever guard Tyler Williams (22 points, seven rebounds and four assists), forward Shane Temara (16 points, five boards and two assists) and guard Samson Haughton (10 points, two rebounds and four assists).
Meteors guard Isaac White. Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and Burleigh Bears will feature in the BMD Womens rugby league championship trophy decider after posting epic semi final victories at Davies Park Brisbane last Sunday.
The Seagulls edged out the previously undefeated Souths Logan Magpies 30-28 in the morning clash before the Bears sent Mackay Cutters tumbling out of premiership calculations with a nail-biting 22-18 triumph.
An impressive Burleigh staved off a determined Mackay challenge to book a berth in the decider.
The Bears dominated the opening stanza and opened up a commanding 22-4 lead at the interval following tries to Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Shaianne McGlone and Riley Jorgernson.
Elusive winger Katie Green scored the lone try for Mackay, who paid dearly for defensive lapses.
But in a tantalising twist, Marco Peters’ gallant Cutters outfit produced a stunning second half revival – keeping their rivals scoreless but to no avail.
Talented centre China Polata, interchange Vanique Malayta and second rower Romy Teitzel crossed for the Cutters to set up an enthralling finish.
Finishing with four tries each, goal kicking proved the difference with Mackay managing just a single conversion.
Northern Pride edged out Mackay 16-12 in an absorbing Hostplus Cup tussle last Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns.
It was the Cutters’ eighth loss from as many fixtures as the Pride came from behind to post their fourth win of the season.
After conceding an early try to prop Jayman Moore, the Cutters found their groove with centres Blake Paskins and Josh Smith and back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano all nabbing four pointers as Mackay led 12-6 at lemons.
Pride hooker Chris Oswald fooled the defence to score after 46 minutes with Will Partridge adding the extras to level the scores at 12-all.
Second rower Ewan Moore proved the match winner for Pride when he burst through tackles to grab his side’s third try with four minutes left on the clock.
MACKAY recorded their second victory in the Hastings Deering Colts competition after toppling Pride 32-28 in the curtain raiser.
The Cutters led 28-0 at the break after Henri Stocks, Tyrese Parter, Ethan Roberts, Levi Love and Kobe Bone notched tries with Stocks booting four goals. Toby Strecker posted the Cutters sixth try after the interval after a Pride revival.
Mackay host the second placed Burleigh Bears this Saturday in Hostplus Cup action at BB Print Stadium at 3pm with Colts fixture at 12.45pm.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted their first full round at home with all teams playing North Mackay Saints with mixed results.
After a fast start by the Sea Eagles Senior Men in the first quarter the reigning premiers North Mackay Saints were able to reel them back in the second term to run out winners 45 – 82 at the final siren. The effort was there all day for Sea Eagles but in the end, Saints had a bit too much polish. Mitch Healey continued his great form and was supported well by Ryan Lee, Alex Rodgers and Michael Pettiford.
Sea Eagles Senior Women had a tough day on field losing 2 – 55 when all was said and done.
Sea Eagles Under 17s had a cracking day out coming home winners against the organised Saints outfit 57 – 46. Sea Eagles Under 17s are eager to show their skills and go one better this season and had their eyes on the prize against the Saints.
Under 14s Saints were a strong team across the field and proved to be a tough challenge for the Sea Eagles who lost 33 – 51 after drawing within 6 points in the final term battle.
The youngest Under 12s Sea Eagles opened the day at home chalking a win up against the Saints 32 – 18. The hard work at training is coming together for this mixed experience Sea Eagles team starting out this season.
This weekend sees City vs Country Senior competition in Mackay meaning Sea Eagles will host their next game at Whitsunday Sportspark May 20 against the Swans from 9:15am Juniors and 1:50pm Seniors.

There was a little bit happening at the top end of the league this weekend with both Joe Wilson and Dom Friend in action.
While their rival at the top of the league Jamie Woods had the week off, it was an opportunity for both players to close the gap slightly on the current league leader.
We start with 2nd placed Joe Wilson and his match against Jayden Lloyd. Jayden currently sitting in 8th spot, was looking for his 3rd win of the year, which would leapfrog him over Kameron Reason into 7th on the ladder.
Joe, who suffered only his first loss of the year to Kameron last week, was looking to bounce back here with a win against Jayden.
The contest started out even enough with Joe winning the first 2 legs to nil. Jayden replied by winning the third leg to make it 2/1, but that was as close as he would get to Joe, who put the boot down and ran away with it, winning the match 7/1. Jayden would remain in 8th for now, and Joe closes the gap to Jamie Woods to 2 points.
Gary Robbie sealed his 3rd win of the year by defeating Hawkeye Rick 7/4. That win puts Gary into 6th place on the league table, Gary starting to show some good form. Rick too has shown signs of improvement in his first year at the club, with his first win, I’m sure, only around the corner.
The remaining results of the day saw Jamie Maher defeat Gary Robbie by 7/3 which keeps him within touching distance of the top 4, and Dom Friend beat Jayden Lloyd by 7/1, which keeps him to within 3 points of 2nd place Joe, both those matches were rescheduled matches from earlier in the season.
Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

Another huge home round provided plenty of Joy for Whitsunday fans.
U13 Div1 couldn’t quite hit their straps and despite trying really hard they went down 5-0 to Lions. It was a different story for U13 Prems who were on fire with two matches this weekend. On Saturday they dispatch Wanderers 3-0. After a tight and scoreless first half, Whitsunday came out strong in the second half with committed play in the mid-field leading to 3 goals – two for Matt Logan and one fir Kiarna Paterson.
On Sunday the U13 Prems faced City Brothers who beat them by 3 goals in round 1. An early blitz by Whitsunday shocked City with two early goals by Noah Hayman putting Whitsunday in front. City came out firing in the second half scoring a goal and a late penalty to them had everyone on edge. Goal Keeper Will Logan saved the day with a great save giving his team 2 from 2 on the weekend.
U15 Div1 did everything they could and generally had the better of play against Dolphins but just could convert the many opportunities they created, going down 2-0 at the finish. A disappointing result for a huge effort.
The Women continued their winning form with a hard-fought win against Magpies in Reserves. A well-deserved win and huge credit to the entire team.
The Premier Women demolished an understrength Magpies side 8-1 with a dominant performance that cemented second place on the ladder.
Division 1 and 2 Men had a great afternoon, securing their first wins of the season. Div2 men came out first and ran out 3-0 winners over County in a composed display.
Div1 Men came out next and were again facing Country, another strong start saw Kai Savy score two and Aaron Morgan score one in the first half. The second half saw Country work back into the game with a stronger midfield display and they managed to get one back, before the WUFC boys finished the game off with a nicely chipped goal by Josh Lowe to win 4-1
Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.
U13 Prems playing better each week and securing two wins on the weekend
A very happy Women’s Reserve team after a strong and well-deserved win. Photos supplied

Outrigger Whitsunday had a very successful three days of competition at CapRoc 2023 hosted by Capricorn Coast and Rocky Outrigger Canoe Clubs over the May Day long weekend held at Emu Park.
The clubs’ very experienced crew paddled strong in Saturdays’ 11.5km short course event to finish 1st in the master mixed division, 3rd over the line.
Sunday morning turned on some incredible weather for the start of the 45km change over event around Great Keppel Island. This water change race sees those paddlers leaving the canoe jump out of the canoe on the right side while the crews steerer manoeuvres to pick up the replacement paddlers. The 10-person crew were joined by seasoned paddlers from Port Douglas. The team placed 2nd in the Open Mixed category.
Monday’s 18km OC1 down winder from Emu Park to Farnborough Beach saw Maree Mullett place 2nd, Stephen Lynes 2nd and Kim and Tim Dodds 1st place OC2 in their respective divisions.
Contributed with thanks to Michelle Lynes
Outrigger Whitsunday 45km water changeover team
Stephen, Tim and Kim

This week, 92 dedicated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 22 were first timers and 19 recorded new Personal Bests.
Alihra reached the milestone of 10 parkruns as a junior.
The event was made possible thanks to RD Chris M and his team of 15 generous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Wade, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Jess, Lilliana, Rose, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Tina, Annie, and Margaret.
Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 4,847 participants have completed 24,858 parkruns covering a total distance of 124,290 km, including 2,875 new Personal Bests.
A total of 398 individuals have volunteered 3,656 times.
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.
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.
Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach
The Airlie Beach Parkrun volunteers joining the fun
Alihra has completed 10 parkruns. Photos supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club have received exciting news that their Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant application was successful.
The Cannons grant of $34,879 will enable the club to purchase new starting blocks, Backstroke start ledges, a BBQ, tents, timer watches, lane ropes and flood lights.
These items will benefit swimmers and the club running events such as club nights and carnivals. The Cannonvale Cannons would like to thank Tracy Edwards-Bland for all her work she put into writing and submitting the grant applications.
This week, the blankets went on the pool so the water could stay nice and warm for swimmers. Coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were pleasantly surprised at early morning training on Tuesday with 18 swimmers in attendance.
The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who have recently met the criteria to upgrade into the next squad level: Eloise Chegwidden, Maeve Dichieria and Lucas Korosec.
“Trainers of the Week” were Tora Delac, Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, and Eric Mulliss. Nelson Malady is keen to participate in a Townsville Strand 1km Ocean Swim in May, so he has decided to do a little bit of training in the open water each week. On Sunday morning, Nelson swam close to 2km in Airlie Beach’s New Beach.
On Friday afternoon, senior swimmers completed an hour of skill work and then played water polo. The seniors playing water polo at the deep end of the pool had a very close game. They all played extremely well. Special mention to Charlie Doherty who was the “stand out” player.
Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Maeve Dichieria, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Evie Doherty thoroughly enjoyed modified water polo down the shallow end of the pool.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Cannonvale Cannons training for next competitions. Photos Supplied

The May Day long weekend saw all teams have a bye in the Mackay Rugby competition.
The reason was so that teams could travel to Rockhampton to trial for the Central Queensland Bushrangers representative teams.
Players from Bowen, Whitsunday, and Mackay were selected in the Mackay Stingers teams in Senior Mens, Under 19 Mens and Open Women divisions.
A total of 25 senior men, 16 under 19 men and 16 Open women all travelled to Rockhampton to play against teams from Rockhampton Brahmans, Central highlands, and Wide Bay for positions in the CQ bushrangers rep teams that will compete in the Queensland Country Championships later in the year.
The Whitsunday raiders were well represented in all teams with 11 senior men, 4 Under 19 men and 8 Open women players representing the mighty Raiders.
The senior men’s team had a big weekend with a game each day.
Of these, the Stingers won 2 and lost the final game by 1 point, which gave them the CQ Championship again, for the 2nd year in a row.
Well done to the players and coach Andre Houston for their dedication and time.
The under 19’s unfortunately didn’t win a game but showed great improvement over the 2 games and showed great skill in playing together for the first time and improving all the time.
The open women were in a similar position to the U19’s, minimal training with small numbers, but again showed improvement in their two games.
We wish all players that have been selected in the CQ Bushranger teams, at time of printing these are U19 mens, Manaia Hauiti, Tristian Sainsbury, Josh Groenewald and Jack Briskey.
For the Open Women Bella Cain, Shakaya Costello and Deakoda Costello made the shadow players list. Congratulations to these PWRUC players
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence
Under 19s playing their best
Whitsunday Open Women’s showed massive improvements
Senior Mens winning 2 of 3 games

Huge week again this week for our little club, starting on Tuesday afternoon with an overwhelming victory for Ladda Purdie with lead Marjorie Hughes and Mark Mawson at second.
Also played was the Ladies B Grade finals between Bev Taylor and Maureen Barnard in an excellent game with Bev running away with an awesome performance and from next season she will be in A Grade.
Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls brilliantly organised by Merve Stewart saw a tie between Bob Spees with John Brown and Tony Whitehorn with Eric Barnard and Ted Cullen both teams finished plus 17 and the prize money was halved.
Saturday morning Scroungers last round saw Rick Galea the overall winner and the final was played with the final three in a great tussle with Andy McDougall in fantastic form winning with the last bowl over Warren Mills and Russell Jackson a gallant third, the next season will begin in June after Men’s Pennants has concluded.
Thursday saw 30 students from Whitsunday Christian College begin their competition which will conclude in about five weeks.
Sunday afternoon the Buddy Holmes day was played with 30 bowlers and we welcomed Patsy Black, Joan Frank, Olwyn Taylor, Ruth Healy and Melda Richardson from South Suburban and also Helen Ward returned.
A great day was had by all with Warren Mills’ team receiving the Cup.
Tickets for Luke Kinnear’s raffle will be on sale this week and details will be available next week.
The new Business House Bowls format will be advised in next week’s report.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
Bev Taylor with Maureen Barnard after her victory in the Ladies B Grade Final. Photo supplied

Results of Wednesday Social: Peter Wilson, Bev Smith and Allen Williams defeated Ross Scanlon, Peter Thompson and Ron Gould.
Competition Games:
Mixed Pairs: Eddy Neylon and Doc Fordham defeated Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst.
Sunday Social Winners: Eddy Neylon, Jane Gilbert and Lou Fordham defeated J. Allen, R.Muir and Daryl Tuttle. Jan Randell and Ron Gould defeated J.Benjamin and Lloyd White.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Winners Jane Gilbert, Eddy Neylon, Lou Fordham, Jan Randell and Ron Gould. Photo supplied