It is stated that 3.5 billion people are football fans.

Fans of The World Game, The Beautiful Game, what in Australia we call soccer -- the largest sport on the globe; in fact, we are floating on an enormous football itself. It is the “sport of sports”, the most popular pastime, our most enduring as a species.

It has everything: displays of tactical brilliance, astounding athleticism, and suspense. More than one could ask for in a viewing experience, and even greater from a playing perspective.

The Whitsundays is home to its own football team: the “Tangerines”, better known as Whitsunday United Football Club. A club going from strength to strength, fielding several senior men, women, and youth teams from under 13 to under 16.

The favourite sport for kids across the world for its ease that belies its depth, like an iceberg – “Football is simple, but it’s difficult to play simply” - the only objective is to score more than the opposition.

It is not a strange thing to say that most people, once they’ve tried football, fall in love with it.

At the local team, that is no different. You will find devotees of the sport that have fallen in love with both the team and the sport – whether they be new to it or returning.

And even better, Whitsunday United are the reigning Champions of the Region in their men’s division and is already on the recruitment drive for this year.

The men’s team training has already begun, as well as some of its junior teams, and they’ll be soon joined by the Senior Women.

Home games are played at the Whitsunday Sports Park on Saturdays throughout the day, with away matches in Mackay.

The men’s and women’s squads work over two teams, with one premier division team and reserve grade. For players of all levels, there’s a place at Whitsunday United, with coaches more than accommodating for those new or returning to the game.

Aside from the fitness, the competitive nature, and the fun of the sport, Whitsunday United have an exceptionally welcoming culture – one that encompasses each of their teams and the administration of the club.

There’s nothing like football, and there’s nothing like Whitsunday United.

Follow the Whitsunday United Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on training schedules, gamedays, and more.

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The Whitsunday Sports Expo kicks off this weekend at Whitsunday PCYC, inviting locals to come along and find out about junior and adult sporting opportunities in the region.

With over 30 team and individual sports on show at the Whitsunday Sportspark, there’s no better opportunity to find your passion, keep fit, or meet a community of likeminded people.

Sport can be a support system for life, providing friendship, competition, exercise, and drive. For kids, it presents them with a gamified version of skills development, of teamwork, and with the opportunity to make lifelong friends – or even potentially make a career of it!

For adults, sport holds the same opportunities: camaraderie, keying into your ambition, and the all-important exercise – which we might not always find the time for.

Australia, and Queensland in particular, are sport mad – and for good reason. Whether your sport of choice be one of individual development (karate, weightlifting, swimming), where your goal is to be the best you every day, or team oriented (football, rugby, netball, and more). There’s plenty to pick from and to start kicking goals.

Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark, Justin Butler, said that its time to get active and get healthy – “get amongst your community”.

“Find out more about the amazing local sports we have available here in this area. Joining a club is a positive step for any family and a great way to start the new year,” Justin said.

Sports from across the entire spectrum will be on display at the Whitsunday Sports Expo this weekend – come and have a kick, ride a trail bike, explore a sailing bit, or tee off!

WHAT: Whitsunday Sports Expo

WHEN: Saturday, February 4 from 9am to 1pm

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark

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The Cannonvale Cannons had 42 swimmers participate in last week’s Club Night, and a further 19 competing across the state at the Mirani LC Transition Meet and three others at Townsville Brothers’ carnival.  

Congratulations to swimmers who set 19 new Club Records, including Jacob Bell, Jy Parkinson, Remy Hedges, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, and Don Algie.  

Tora Delac was presented with the Swim Star Award and congratulations are extended to Sophie Fletcher and Charlie Doherty for winning the Chocolate Awards.

Upgrade certificates were presented to Andie Reynolds, Dylan Reynolds, Zach Trefz, Alex Trefz, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Billie Jamieson, and Murphy Jamieson.  

The three Harland sisters swam extremely well in Townsville over the weekend. Indigo Harland, aged six, performed excellently in her 25-metre Backstroke and 25-metre Freestyle.

Eight-year-old Koa was very excited with her three blue ribbons, claiming them for a first in her 50-metre Butterfly, 50-metre Breaststroke, and 50-metre Backstroke.

Ruby, aged 10, was impressive, too, swimming personal bests in all her races and finishing second in her 50-metre Breaststroke.

Club Coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson would like to commend all the swimmers who competed at Mirani on Saturday: “Birthday Boy” Don Algie, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Declan Dichiera, Maeve Dichiera, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Nelson Malady, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Adelaide Sanders, Indianna Smith, and Alex and Zach Trefz.  

A further congratulations to Jax Clayworth, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, and Tora Delac for swimming so well in their Skins event.  

The club extends its thanks to the wonderful parents and volunteers who assisted with officiating and managing the team.

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The Port Denison Gun Club had a fantastic turn out for its first shoot of the year with 39 competitors battling it out on the day.  

Shooters travelled from as far as Sarina, Mackay, Townsville, Silkwood, and Burdekin to join local members.

Event One: 10 Pr Double Rise AA: R Gough, J Rossato 19/20, A Zarb 15/20: A: M Zabala 19/20, K Zarb, C Edgerton 17/20; B: G McHenry 17/20, D Stitt 16/20, G Maltby 15/20; C: D Rossato, G Dalton 16/20, T Bartlett 15/20.

Event Two: 20T DB AA: S Steele, R Gough, J Furini, J Rossato, T Caruso, T Coco 20/20; A: a Vassalini, A Lord 20/20, M Populin, M Zabala, K Zarb, C Edgerton, G Maltby 19/20; B: R Zarb, J Schneider 19/20, G Dalton 18/20; C: B Bonanno, C Dent, N Kirkman, W Rossato.

Event Three: 20T SB AA: J Furini, T Caruso, L Dodd, R Gough 19/20; A: D Stitt 20/20, G McHenry, A Lord 19/20;B: J Kinnonmonth 19/20, R Zarb, G Dalton 17/20; B: N Kirkman 19/20, T Bartlett 18/20, D Dent 16/20.

Event Four: 20T Pointscore AA: T Coco 60/60, A Lemphers, L Dodd, R Gough, J Rossato 59/60; A: K Zarb 60/60, G McHenry, B Gall, D Stitt, C Edgerton 59/60; B: R Zarb 54/60, J Schneider 53/60, J Kinnonmonth 50/60; C: W Rossato, J Coleman 56/60, B Bonnano 55/60.

Event Five: 20T Handicap 1st M Zabala, 2nd A Lord, 3rd B Gall Overall in Each Grade – Bowen Engineering Trophy AA: J Rossato 134/140, A: A Lord 143/154, B: J Schneider, C: B Bonanno, Jun: D Rossato, Lad: A Vassalini, Vet: T Coco.

The club extended its thanks to all who helped at the working bee or on the day.  Kerry for a lovely morning tea and lunch.  

Port Denison Gun Club will be hosting a Practice Day on Saturday, January 28, and Saturday, February 11 at 2.00pm. Clay Target shooting. The club’s next shoot will be held on Sunday, February 26 at 9am.

Contributed with thanks to Cheryl Edgerton

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Images:

Port Denison Gun Club handicap winners B Gall, A Lord, and M Zabala

Overall winners T Coco, B Bonanno, J Schneider, A Love, J Rossato, and D Rossato

The Club’s ‘Shooter of the Year’, Greg Maltby

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This week 49 committed people ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course in the rain at Airlie Beach parkrun.

Special mentions from this week go to Michala and Angela, who completed their first parkruns. As well, Josh, Chris, and Isla recorded new personal bests.

The event was made possible by run director Dan and his team of 17 dedicated volunteers: Peter, Nick, Kara, Suzi, Wade, Paige (photographer), Charlie (photographer), Wendy, Ron, Susanne, Shane, Laura, Louise, Jarrod, Lynne, and Dennis.

Next week at Airlie Beach parkrun, the kids will be taking over. Under adult supervision youngsters will be the volunteers that make parkrun happen.

As well, Airlie Beach parkrun will be at the PCYC sports expo from 9-1pm next week, with volunteers on hand to answer questions.

On Saturday, February 18, Airlie Beach parkrun will be conducting a Pride-themed day, which will promote the inclusivity of all at parkrun, especially the LBQT+ community.

The date aligns with WorldPride day and will be supported by parkrun and Proud2Play. All participants and volunteers on the day are encouraged to participate by wearing rainbow themed sportswear.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 4,540 participants have completed 23,560 parkruns covering a total distance of 117,800 km, including 2,710 new Personal Bests. A total of 376 individuals have volunteered 3,410 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 lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at Bohemian Raw and Berry & Maple Patisserie.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Images:

Rain, hail, or sun, the Airlie Beach parkrun goes on!

Plenty of runners braved the conditions to enjoy the five-kilometre waterfront course in Airlie Beach

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The region’s T20 Premiers Colts took on Valleys while Canecutters faced off against Warriors in the cricket season’s 40-over A Side competition last weekend.

Valleys were off to a slow start having opted to bat first after winning the toss. Roy Blain (1/17) made the early breakthrough with Ricky Parslow (13) gloving legside delivery through to the keeper.

Jackson Riley (1/25) added his name to the wicket column shortly after to see Valleys looking somewhat shaky at 2/35 after 8 overs. Brad Wilkinson (30) steadied the ship with hard hitting Machlin Turner (46) to put Valleys back on the front foot.

The pair combined for a 57-run partnership before Michael Pettiford (4/48) caused all sorts of problems for Valleys middle order.

Mace Bennett (29) added some later order hitting before Nathaniel Kleinert (1/22), Ben Altmann (1/7) and Lachy Altmann (1/0) combined to mop up the lower order to see Valleys bowled out for 140.

The Colts struggled in their run chase as Machlin Turner (4/20), despite having 5 dropped catches off his bowling, combined with Ricky Parslow (3/20) to wreak havoc with Ricky at one stage having every fielder on the ground in the slips cordon.

Michael Pettiford (48) and Ben Valmadre (37) tried their best to see Colts over the line, however it wasn’t to be as Tony Hinschen (3/8) quickly ran through the tail to see Colts all out for 115.

In the other match, Warriors won the toss and elected to bat and never managed to get their innings going. Youngsters Darcy Milne (2/23) and Donny Pettiford (0/21) more than matched it with their older counterparts to start the bowling onslaught.

Not to be outshone by his son, Scott Milne (3/9) combined with fellow old timer Craig Brown (4/16) to send Warriors players back to the shed in quick succession. Josh Large (41) was the only player to show any form with the bat as Warriors were bundled out for 99 runs.

Liam Davies (39) and Darcy Milne (28) were out to make light work of the total, with the pair putting on 60 runs in the opening partnership before Craig Valmadre (2/14), rolling the arm over for the first time in a number of years, sent both opening batsman on their way.

Dan Leschke (1/6) managed to add his name to the wicket column before Canecutters got over the line with a comfortable seven wicket win.

This Saturday will see Warriors taking on The Colts and Valleys to meet Canecutters.

Games are set to get underway at 12.30pm. Any new or returning players can contact Dale Mengel (0410 895 191) or Craig Brown (4945 1983) for further information.

Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

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What better time is there to dip your toes in the water than when you’re a kid?

When you’re young, it is easier to learn something new – an irrefutable fact. When they're little, human beings are like sponges; there’s no better time than that of flowering youth to get in the water and soak it in.

The award-winning Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle is the place by the pool for bubs and kids to dive in and have their first experience with water.

The Whitsundays’ premier swimming school is host to a team of professionals - who provide some of the finest swimming classes in the region – to ensure anyone can enjoy the waters that the Whitsundays offers.

Owner and founder Danielle Shea leads the team with her ethos that every child and adult should know how to swim: “Not only is it an important skill, but it allows them to experience the region to its fullest.”

“Not every family has a pool, but every family will visit the lagoon or the beach and spend birthday parties in the water. And living in Australia, it’s surrounded by it – every child should learn to swim,” Danielle said.

But, The Swim Australia Teacher of the Year for 2020 said that it’s never too late to learn or to even just enjoy the benefits of swimming.

“It’s the number one survival skill that anyone should learn, especially living here in the Whitsundays when you’re surrounded by water,” she said.

“We have everything from mums and bub classes where we guide them through the journey of learning how to swim, as well as juniors and adults, including Aqua Fit and Hydrotherapy.”

The school takes the development of its students – no matter their age – seriously, giving them the confidence to spread their flippers and swim, especially when it comes to introducing first-timers to the wonders of the water.

The team of experts at Airlie Beach Swim School is there to guide you to becoming your best swimmer, with safety at the heart of all their training.

If you would like to learn how to swim, or join up for Aqua Fit or Hydrotherapy, check out https://airliebeachswimschool.com.au/

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Image: Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle teaches every age group from four months old the importance, and wonders, of swimming

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event with ladies’ winner Jo Kukura, 39 points, and runner up Lisa Raisbeck, 38.

Men’s winner was Brendan Nott, 39 points, runner up was Clifford Querro, 38 points.

On Australia Day, Bowen Golf Club hosted 100 players for its annual ‘Aussie Day ambrose’. With perfect weather, it was no wonder the golfers enjoyed the day.

The Club extended its congratulations to winners Joshua Laurie and Vince Hargraves, as well as runners-up Julie and Michael Mawson.

No competition was held at the club on Saturday due to rain.  

This weekend’s competition is a single stroke event for the February Monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Image: The Australia Day ambrose winners and runners-up at Bowen Golf Club

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A great afternoon of play last Tuesday at Wangaratta Bowls Club, with results heading Laurie Land and Greg Colquhoun’s way to start off the week.

The pair defeated Sue Shearing and Mark Drummond to win the afternoon, and the other games were full of the same intensity and excitement.

Rodney Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Graeme Read defeated Bron Tolcher, Deb Retchless, and Penny Warren, while Nadine Land, Irene Laird, and Linda Smith defeated Terry Blair, Margaret Wilson, and Mark Drummond.

The final game of Tuesday was between the team of Gwenda Lydom, Lyn Danvers, and Steve Roome against Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Geoff Danvers, with the former side winning.

Sunday’s winners came out on Rink 3: Therese Willshire, Sue Shearing, and Mark Drummond, who defeated Lindy Suann, Kent Moriarty, and Fely Duncan.

Other games comprised of the winning team Denise Wallace, Linda Scells, and Greg Colquhoun defeating Rod Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Sugar Brunker.

Bill Myers, Penny Warren, and Allan Rolfe defeated Jocelyn DeFrancise, Kevin Baxter, and Mark DeFrancise. While Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, amd Geoff Danvers defeated Gwenda Lydom, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey to round out the results.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Image: Sunday's Winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club, Therese Willshire, Mark Drummond, and Sue Shearing

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Sunday at Proserpine Bowls Club was a return to play with 13 players taking advantage of the green being open again – and there was some good bowls played, too.

Ken and Kendall Watts proved too strong, defeating Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown in an 18-10 win.

Following up that win was Bruce Uhe with his own, playing double lead in a game between the team of himself, Mary Hedgelong, and Peter Lawton and the side comprised of Bruce, Mike Harrison, and Philip Brown, 17 – 13.

Airlie Beach visitor Carol Crosbie and Barry Zillmann defeated the South Australian Mark Fuller and Sandy Daffara, 22 - 11.

Nominations are now open for all club Competitions at Proserpine, with nominations closing at the end of February. Competition to start early March.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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A jam-packed week at Airlie Beach Bowls with some extremely exciting news from the club’s resident historian and statistician, Neil Moore.

Club members Carol Crosbie and Betty Nicole are now ranked 153rd best pairs bowling team in Australia and the talented Manny Isgro, is the 200th best male bowler in Australia.

The club hosted 20 bowlers at last week’s Tuesday afternoon bowls, each striving for the winner’s cheque, yet only one team could claim it: skipper Betty Nicole alongside the diminutive Di Dobbins at lead.

Margo Stanley went home with the Health Hub Award.

Last Wednesday’s afternoon bowls was host to two big winners: Col Morris and Bill Gordon. Wednesday night continued the excitement, Business House Bowls hosted its welcome back party before the competition resumes next week.

Thursday morning was the club’s Australia Day party with over 40 people coming for “Aussie breakfast” and a flag raising ceremony. The bowls followed and was won by the team skippered by Andrew Butler with lead Juanita Matterson and Bill Gordon at second.

The Club extended its thanks to Margo Stanley for her preparation and fantastic organisation of the function.

No Scroungers on Saturday morning due to inclement weather.

Sunday saw 20 bowlers vie for the first prize cheque and it was Stevie Lawrie whom, with Mario De Martini at lead and visitor Colin Simpson at second, won against all comers quite comfortably.

The Men’s singles, triples and fours will all be staged this month.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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A new sport has arrived in the Whitsundays as a group of local enthusiasts hosted an open day on Sunday, inviting sailors and land lubbers alike to come and try their hand at racing a “blokart”.

A contingent of small, one-design carts scooting around the sands of Conway beach last weekend were the subject of raised eyebrows, as the Whitsunday Blokart Club held an open day.

So, what is Blokarting? The newest official Whitsunday sport is a form of cart racing where riders take a compact land yacht – or better explained, like a tiny boat with wheels – and race them on the beach.

These three-wheeled land yachts have a range of sails which are selected on the day to match the wind conditions and the weight and experience of the sailor.

It is a sport suitable for all ages – particularly for recreation -  and twelve attendees were out in force for the club’s open day on Sunday. Plenty of whom were experienced sailors.

These high-performance machines are built to a strict one design format in production form, with additional items allowed on the performance models.  

A short course was set up along the beach, ensuring that everyone kept a safe distance, and with the guidance of long term blokarter, David Moore, there were smiles all around.

Whitsunday Blokart Club is the latest club to register with the Australian Blokarting Association, joining other Queensland clubs at Mackay, Yeppoon, Bundaberg, and Brisbane.  There are several local beaches suitable for blokarts, including Conway, Bowen, and Cape Hillsborough, providing locals plenty of opportunity to play on the sand.

“The weather on Sunday made Conway Beach a perfect setting for the club’s open day,” Darren Archibald, president of the Whitsunday Blokart Club, said.

The club plans to run another open day soon at a venue to be decided, but members can usually be found at Cape Hillsborough or Conway Beach most weekends when the tide is low.  

A full program will be listed on the whitsundayblokarts.com.au website.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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Twilight Race: A south easterly greeted the 85 sailors in last week’s Wednesday twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

10 knots of breeze and flat waters made for a lovely experience on the water after a week’s break.

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) was first to cross the starting line, some 10 seconds late, and they were still well clear of the rest of the fleet.

It was the usual suspects at the front, with  Bobby’s Girl leading QMS Ponyo (John Galloway), while Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) battled against Reignition (Charles Wallis) for the minor placings.  Further back, Houdini (Rob Meizer) were delayed when a crew member missed his trapeze wire and ended up in the water.

Bobby’s Girl held on to score another line honours win, and on corrected time, QMS Ponyo took the honours from Reignition and Wide Load (Shannan Hart).

Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) led the fleet away in Division 3, with Seventh Heaven (Charlie Preen) and Aquatarius (Tom Parker) in pursuit.  A near collision between Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) and Lama (James Hayes) was averted at the last moment, while Shiraz (John Cable) suffered a torn sail, delaying their progress until a replacement was set.  

Once underway, Wobbly Boot built a comfortable lead, while Aquatarius closed in on Seventh Heaven, getting within 30 seconds by the time they reached the finish. On corrected time, Seventh Heaven took the honours by 2 seconds from Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini), with Rossgo (Greg Hammon) a distant third.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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Mackay’s junior national table tennis champion Rebekah Stanley is putting back into her sport.

Although Bek now lives in Brisbane, she was back in Mackay last weekend to conduct a training camp with Brisbane coach Bruno Levis, with four juniors among the 12 working on their skills at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Bek won the 2015 U15 national junior girls table tennis championship, showing plenty of ability early with the help of coaching from her father Jared and regular trips to South Korea for training camps.

The arrival in Mackay of South Korean coach Chanung Jung helped Bek’s rise, and she said her experiences as a junior competing at an elite level made her happy to see the keenness of the next generation of Mackay players.

“They enjoy it and they’re all showing great progress,” she said.

Although the Mackay club no longer has a full-time coach, the monthly training camps with Bruno and Bek are giving all players a chance to develop skills to a higher level.

They are available to all players from beginners and juniors to senior and advanced and one-on-one sessions are available with both coaches.

The next camp is scheduled for February 24-26. Contact Donna Abbott 0400 769 560 for more details.

By Charlie Payne

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MAIN Camp 1:

Taking a break from the weekend training camp are Misha Palod, Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott, Emma Widdup, Aarnav Reelh, Ann-Louise Stewart, Steven Whiting, Bruno Levis, Graeme Walker, Rebekah Stanley, Anne Sheridan, Nehmat Dhaliwal, Saisha Palod and Janice Kent

Camp 2

Rebekah Stanley explains technique to Nehmat Dhaliwal and Saisha Palod as Bruno Levis demonstrates a high-toss serve

Camp 3

Mackay’s Emma Widdup goes one-on-one with coach Bruno Levis

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A small but strong team of 20 Mackay Surf Lifesaving competitors recently took on the best of the best on their home turf, the beautiful Harbour Beach, for the North Barrier Branch Titles, the premier surf sports event for this region.  

With competitors vying to take out the championships from clubs as far North as Ingham and South to Sarina, the team performed exceptionally well taking out a total of 63 podium finishes with 21 gold, silver and bronze placings, plus a number of minor placings.

Mackay competitors from U8’s up to masters took part in a range of events, from beach flags, beach sprints, beach relays, endurance runs, wade races, surf swims, board races, ironman/woman events and swim / board / ski and Cameron and Taplin relays (which combines all water events).  

“Our club culture is that we are small in numbers but strong in determination and this certainly showed in the results at Branch Titles," said Josh Grant, the Mackay Director of Surf Sports.  

“The team events have really been a strong point for our club, where we can field teams, including having younger nippers step up, we dominate.  

“As a club we could not be prouder,” he added.

“Our Masters crew should also be commended for taking out both the open and masters Taplin Relay, one of the grand finales to the whole weekend of surf sports.”

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Images:

1. Mackay Nippers having some fun between events. Photo credits: Leah McLean Photography

2. Masters Team after smashing the board relay and taking out 1st place

3. U10 Harry Madden (centre / front) in action in beach flags finals, later taking out 1st place

4. U14 Junior Club Captains Molly Madden & Bodie Mau after taking out their board races

5. U9’s Jakob Djukic 1st & Tallon Close 2nd in beach flags

6. Mackay water safety volunteers enjoying what they do

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