Sports

Mackay Runners Shine At Gold Coast Festival

Mackay Runners Shine At Gold Coast Festival

With a feast of events on offer over the weekend, many Mackay Road Runners turned their focus to the prestigious Asics Gold Coast Running Festival, featuring a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, and 2km kids’ races across two days of competition. The Gold Coast was bustling with thousands of runners of all ages and experience levels, many chasing personal bests while others proudly completed their first races. Several Mackay athletes tackled extraordinary challenges, wi

Read the full story
Brenda Trannore Joins Club Legends With Double Championship Victory

Brenda Trannore Joins Club Legends With Double Championship Victory

The club watched another amazing game of competition bowls between two of its best players, Ann Smith and Brenda Trannore, both competing in the Club B Grade Singles Final. The game had everything going for it: skill, patience, and great nerves to say the least. Both ladies had the same score going into the last couple of ends. Brenda took the honours and once again was very gracious in her win. This win made her one of the club’s most decorated bowlers for 2025, for her wins in both the Club

Read the full story
Sunset Bay Outriggers Shine At Townsville Grand Prix

Sunset Bay Outriggers Shine At Townsville Grand Prix

OUTRIGGING Sunset Bay paddlers made the journey to Townsville over the weekend of June 19–20 to compete in Round 3 of the North Queensland Zone Grand Prix, tackling events ranging from 500m sprints and 8km marathons to a gruelling 41km changeover marathon. To say the club returned on cloud nine is an understatement — they came home with a carload of medals and even bigger smiles. Coaches Scotty Macgroaty and Justin Davies made the most of the weekend’s event line-up, giving all 24+ paddlers t

Read the full story
Mackerels Heat Up The ARC

Mackerels Heat Up The ARC

This week’s underwater hockey session at the ARC was a bittersweet one, highlighted by the return of Cameron Kerr from a well-deserved holiday. While his comeback was welcomed by all, the spotlight was stolen by rising star Molly, who netted three goals—edging out her father, who managed just one. The game unfolded in an exciting 6 v 5 format, delivering high-level play despite the absence of around 80% of the club’s regular stalwarts due to work and family commitments. The strong showing from

Read the full story
Mika rec

Declan Dominates Super2 In Townsville

August 24, 2023

Mackay motorsport rising star Declan Fraser claimed his first ever Super2 win in Townsville last weekend.

Fraser led from pole to victory in a shortened race at Reid Park, winning the 18-lap thriller to claim a series points lead.

The race started in a dramatic fashion with Saturday winner Tyler Everingham clashing with Matt Payne.

“It was pretty crazy, I got probably one of the worst starts in history but everyone else got a worse one around me, so it made mine look really good,” Fraser laughed.

“We got off the line relatively okay eventually and then it ended up being chaos behind me.

“All I saw in my rear-view mirror was a cloud of dust and I ended up keeping my head down and just kept driving and we ended up getting in front before the safety car came out.”

Being the closest race to Mackay, Fraser claims it as his home race and couldn’t have picked a better race to claim his first win.

“I’ve been trying to get this win for a long time and to do it at my home race, it’s a very cool feeling,” he said.

“I knew a lot of people on the grandstands, especially the last two turns, and after I had the win I was cruising around and could see everyone from Mackay that was there.

“It was a very special moment for me … I had a lot of people come down to my pits and say g’day that were from Mackay so that was very special to me.”

Fraser’s focus now turns to the next round of Super2 in Sandown, Victoria in August before taking on Mount Panorama alongside Craig Lowndes in October.

Mackay’s Declan Fraser has claimed his first Super2 win after a dramatic race in Townsville. Photos supplied

Read More

Trip Down Memory Lane For St Patrick’s Netballers

August 24, 2023

When Mackay netball legend Kelly Beckingham travelled to Bundaberg as a fresh faced 16-year-old back in 2000 for the inaugural Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival, little did she realise the influence she would have on the new wave of St Patrick’s College netballers.

The goal shooting whiz underlined her potential during the first-ever QISSN event, producing skillful performances against more seasoned rivals to help guide St Patrick’s to the top division finals series.

Fast forward 12 months and a mature Kelly was representing her school and region at the second annual QISSN Carnival in Rockhampton – inspiring St Patrick’s to a top five ranking in Division One and being named the official Player of the Carnival.

In the ensuing years she carved out an illustrious career as a goal attack in the State League and representative scene and proved a role model to all aspiring netballers in the Mackay Netball Association.

Beckingham rekindled her love of netball when Mercy College and St Patrick’s College recently co-hosted the 2022 QISSN tournament staged in Mackay.

She was a keen spectator at the prestigious five-day event that attracted the best schoolgirl and schoolboy netballers from across Queensland and watched her former schools taste success in their various categories.

Both St Patrick’s and Mercy College were a force to be reckoned with throughout the Carnival with Kelly most impressed by the depth of netball talent bubbling through the local ranks.

“I was so proud of the girls who stood up to be counted against some very strong combinations,” quipped Kelly, who still plays the game at a social level with the DAS club in the Mackay Netball Association.

“The Netball Excellence program at both schools continues to unearth plenty of talent which is a testament of the first class coaching by the likes of Tracey McLeod, Nadine Becker, Dianna Bailey and Christine Newland,” she said.

Just like their pioneering QISSN colleagues of 2000 and 2001, the St Patrick’s Netball Class of 2022 also claimed a top five finish in one of the strongest fields ever assembled.

Despite being drawn against the top two Gold Coast schools in eventual winners Canterbury College and runners up Somerset College and third placed Matthew Flinders Anglican College Sunshine Coast in the virtual “Pool of Death”, the St Patrick’s girls battled like trojans to qualify for the finals.

“Their competitive spirit, silky teamwork and never-say-die attitude was evident from the outset of the tournament and helped the girls achieve their pre-Carnival goal of reaching the last eight,” Kelly revealed.

“It certainly revived memories for myself as they rallied to defeat St Columban's College Caboolture on the final day to clinch fifth spot,” she said.

“When the young Mercy girls came out and won their Grand Final it capped a magic five days for the Mackay community” Kelly added.

By Chris Karas

The first QISSN carnival team uniform for St Patrick’s netball

St Patrick’s College Mackay Netball Class of 2000 that competed in the inaugural Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival in Bundaberg. Pictured standing L-R: Kylie Isbister (coach), Edie Weiss (manager), Jayde Archer, Kelly Park, Janine Bella (captain), Jocelyn Boyd (vice-captain), Bernadette Guthrie (umpire); front Antoniette Ricciardi, April Eva, Jody Smith, Zoe Perry, Amanda Donaldson, Danielle Sells.

Read More

Confraternity Merit Team Honours For St Pat’s Young Guns And Official

August 24, 2023

They didn’t come away with the top prize but St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league mainstays Xavier Kerrisk, Henry Thorpe, Kai Simon and Jaxon Purdue were officially recognised for their sterling efforts at the recent CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League Shield Carnival.

Having tasted defeat at the hands of Townsville’s mighty Ignatius Park College in the trophy decider, the talented quartet gained solace by earning selection in the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team.

It was a deserved honour for the emerging St Patrick’s colts after standout performances for the proud Mackay school throughout the five-day event.

Michael Comerford’s courageous warriors may have stumbled at the final hurdle but the tremendous efforts of boom hooker Kerrisk, lock forward Thorpe, goalkicking centre Simon and clever half Purdue and their high achieving teammates will forever be etched in the memories of local sporting pundits.

All four played key roles in St Patrick’s charge to the Grand Final – proving instrumental in victories over St Peter Claver College Ipswich (34-10); Rockhampton Grammar (20-6); Iona College Wynnum (10-6); St Augustine’s College Cairns (28-0) in a quarter final and The Cathedral College Rockhampton (16-6) in a semifinal before locking horns with the powerful Ignatius Park side.

Mercy College Head of HPE Matthew Paul was named Honorary Coach of the 2022 Confraternity Merit Team in recognition of his 20 years of distinguished service to Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League.

It was a fine achievement by the tireless Paul, who is highly regarded in the Mackay sporting community.

He is a Brothers junior product and former back rower who represented St Patrick’s College in the Confraternity Shield in 1995-96 before linking with the Western Reds Colts and Norths Devils clubs in the ARL and Brisbane Rugby League competitions.

Since returning to Mackay, Paul has given St Patrick’s and Mercy College yeoman service as a coach, manager, trainer and administrator.  

Rising hooker Kerrisk, dynamic centre Simon and playmaker Purdue are contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys while inspirational skipper Henry Thorpe is on an NRL scholarship scheme with the Canberra Raiders.

After an arduous QISSRL Confraternity Shield campaign, the St Patrick’s rugby league team will now pour its energies into the Aaron Payne Cup schoolboys competition.

By Chris Karas

St Patrick's College Mackay rugby league stars Henry Thorpe, Jaxon Purdue, Kai Simon and Xavier Kerrisk were named in the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit team

Mercy College Mackay Head of HPE Matthew Paul (standing far right) was named Honorary Coach of the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team. Also pictured are St Patrick's College centre Kai Simon, hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue and lock forward Henry Thorpe

Read More

Eungella Mountain Range Kings And Queens Crowned

August 24, 2023

In the words of local fitness legend Kay Nyenuh “It didn’t tickle.”

Fresh from running the Gold Coast Marathon the week prior, Kay laced up his shoes along with around 40 other runners to tackle one of the most challenging running and cycling events on the local calendar, the Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain.

The chilly morning saw around 70 competitors rugged up in winter woolies, but once the meandering pace started up the Eungella Range, the layers were quickly discarded. It’s only a distance of 6.4km, but the constant gradient is what makes this challenge iconic.

The cyclists were the first to depart with a 1-minute lead over the runners, but this doesn’t mean all cyclists finished in front of the runners! That’s what makes this race great, some runners can cover the 6.4km faster than some cyclists.

Ethan Weiss was the first cyclist to cross the line in a time of 22.26.27 minutes, only fractions of a second ahead of Brendon Brauer in second place, 22.27.10. Rebecca Baird was the first woman cyclist across the line, in 16th place overall, in a time of 35.42 minutes.

Runners Demi Caldwell and Cristian Smith conquered the mountain once again with Cristian taking the crown for the second year in a row and Demi’s superb performance just eleven seconds outside the female race record of 34.55 minutes set in 1991. Second placed runner Tahnie Malagueno was very pleased with her efforts crossing the line ahead of Glynis Forse and Heli Talinurm. Paul Mackenzie continued his regular podium form by scorching up the summit for second ahead of junior runner, Luke Leven in third and fourth placed Justin Rule.

Lily Leven and Damien Rutland took out the Laura Pettifer/Podiatry Mackay Junior 3.2km King of the Mountain whilst Millie Bishop took home silver. Oliver Rule also took home silver with his younger brother Toby collecting bronze.

Marathon runners Brenda Windsor and Kay Nyenuh both received praise for backing up only a week after completing the Gold Coast Marathon.

Torque Tyre & Trailer Spares Perpetual Trophy winners for the 2022 Eungella King of the Mountain male and female cyclists and runners (left to right) Ethan Weiss, Rebeca Baird, Demi Caldwell and Cristian Smith

Mackay Road Runners Signature Event and Club Championship event, the M-Test Mackay Open female and male winners of the 2022 Eungella King of the Mountain, Demi Caldwell and Cristian Smith

Laura Pettifer Memorial Trophy and Podiatry Mackay Junior 3.2km Eungella King of the Mountain won by (centre) Lily Leven and Damian Rutland with second placed Millie Bishop (left), third placed Toby Rule (right) and second placed Oliver Rule (far right)

Birthday Boy, Arthur Dick (seated) gets a very cool happy birthday at Netherdale’s minimum of 3 degrees at 7am at the start line by Paul Mackenzie, Tahnie Malagueno, Hamish Donnollan, Julie Bishop and Jo Hughes. Photos supplied: Mackay Road Runners

Runners and cyclists embarked on the Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain last weekend. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

Read More

Mackay Basketball Celebrates First Nations Round

August 24, 2023

Mackay Basketball celebrated NBL1 First Nations Round last Friday, hosting Southern Districts Spartans at the Crater.

Both the Meteorettes and Meteors players sported unique First Nations Round uniforms inspired by the artwork of Meteorettes player and talented Indigenous artist Charli Bliss.

The Meteorettes tipped off first, hoping to continue a winning streak that saw them win their last five games.

The home side started slowly with the Spartans taking an early lead in the first quarter.

The momentum stayed with the visitors and the Meteorettes struggled to get back in the game, ultimately going down 58-88.

The Meteors then took to the court, also hoping to continue their winning streak of four games by defeating a winless Spartans outfit featuring former Meteors captain Chris Cedar.

The two teams went toe-to-toe in a closely fought battle of basketball that went right down to the final minute.

The visitors led by 10 points with 12 minutes to go and, despite a late comeback from the Meteors, were able to hold on to win 85-86, claiming their first win of the season.

Both teams remain comfortably placed on the ladder, with the Meteors sitting second and the Meteorettes fifth, and will look to return to the winner’s circles against the Northside Wizards at the Crater on Saturday.

Mackay Basketball celebrated the First Nations Round at the Crater last Friday. Photo supplied: Mackay Basketball

Meteorettes player and Indigenous artist Charli Bliss created the artwork that inspired the uniforms. Photo supplied: Mackay Basketball

Shaneice Swain. Photo credit: Keiron Place Art & Photography

Emmanuel Malou. Photo credit: Keiron Place Art & Photography

Read More

On The Greens At Goosies

August 24, 2023

Men’s Results

The final of the Senior Singles was played last Saturday morning between Bert Hobbs and Greg McLean. In a close and exciting game Bert came out winner and is the club Senior Singles champion for 2022. He will represent our club at the inter-club Champion of Champions event this year.

In the semi-final of the B grade singles, also played on Saturday, Peter Cowling won his game over John Stronach.

Social bowls results

Monday mixed pairs first draw was won by Carmel Bell and Greg McLean. Second draw winners were Errol Simmons and Ian Rowan. Welcome to the world of retirement Ian. The lucky draw was won by Trevor Laurens and Errol Simmons.

Thursday mixed pairs event winner's draw was taken out by L and B. McDonald. Second draw winners were Bevan Cooper and Darren Addie. The kitty toucher jackpots. Greens vouchers were won by Peter Cowling and B. Hall.

Friday mixed pairs best score was won by Tony Allsop and Val De Pinto who won $75 each. Winner’s lucky draw winners were Lorraine Lemke and Marie Bragg. Losers’ draw was won by Daphne Offield and Alan Brown.

Saturday Men’s Pairs results were not available.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Ladies Results

Our Club Championship Final was held on Sunday July 3. What an exciting match between Donna Gordon and Debbie Mackenzie. Donna was eventually crowned as winner for this year’s contest. Congratulations go to our winner and valiant runner up. Our B Singles final was also played this week on Wednesday July 6 between Helen Goldston and Lydia McCarthy. Lydia was our eventual winner. Congratulations go to both ladies for a well-played game.

Social Bowls - Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Bev Woodward, Lee Robertson and Isla Comelli. Second place was taken out by Ann Smith, Sue Roscoe and Gloria Sam.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

Greg McLean (on left) and Bert Hobbs fought out the Senior Singles final which Bert Hobbs won

Peter Cowling won his semi-final B singles game against John Stronach

Club Championships final: Runner-up Deb Mackenzie and winner Donna Gordon2

B Singles final: Runner-up Helen Goldston and winner Lydia McCarthy

Read More

King Of The Beach

August 24, 2023

What’s one thing the Mackay region loves more than its beaches?

Racing stuff on its beaches.

The revs could be heard from blocks away as motorbikes sped from one end of Grasstree Beach to the other.

Marketed as the only legal beach races of its kind in Australia, The Motorcycle Beach Races promises a unique and fun day out for the whole family every year, bringing motorsport to a tropical paradise.

The races brought plenty of sand-flying action to Grasstree Beach near Sarina last Saturday, with a huge day of races and entertainment filling the schedule.

Thousands of rev-heads of all ages lined the shore to watch riders from all over the country reach outrageous speeds up and down the beach.

Townsville’s Kayden Downing was crowned King of the Beach for 2022 after a big day of races, winning 250cc 4 stroke, 300cc 2 stroke and 450 class races

Townsville’s Kayden Downing took out his first King of the Beach title. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Kayden Downing, Josh Grajczonek, Peter Jerkic and Damien Koppe taking on the corner at Grasstree Beach. Photo credit: Dave Lovi Photography

Andrew Mcliesh and Daniel O’Brien went toe to toe in the final street bike, with Mcliesh getting the win. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Greg Brooks dominated on the quads. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Brayden Bradford won the first Junior Lites 250m race. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Read More

Young Sea Eagles Fly High For Cody

August 24, 2023

Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams tackled Mackay City Hawks and Junior Swarks at Harrup Park on the weekend, wearing black armbands to pay tribute to young Cody Gibbs who lost his battle with cancer this week.

Sea Eagles Under 14s started their game in an inspired fashion setting out to do Cody proud and were able to kick four goals to the Swarks nil whilst kicking into the strong breeze.

The trend continued with Sea Eagles combining to display some of their best football yet this season. Under 14s finished the game strong with a blowout win 67–7.

Sea Eagles Under 17s took on an undermanned Swarks side with the young team taking off to continue their winning streak 60–0.

With opportunity available to change it up through the midfield, Michael Pettiford, Ryan Mansfield, and Mason Andrews successfully combined under the guidance of ever reliable Aidan Allen-Fancke.

Foxx LaMonica played a great game around the ground as did Brodankye Cornwall and Jacob Dewis up forward, both showing how to score and set up goals.

Bailey Wishart showed his ability to play any position successfully stepping into the forward line.

Sea Eagles now look forward to the top of the table clash with the Saints at home this week in the game to watch at 11:40am.

Senior Men took on the Mackay City Hawks where another slow start saw them completely out played in the first half.

Showing more enthusiasm in the second half Sea Eagles prevented the Hawks from scoring a goal, however, were unable to capitalise on opportunities to score themselves losing the game 12 – 42.

Sea Eagles Senior Women were outgunned this week but battled hard all day against a talented Mackay City Hawks side losing 2 – 122.

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on the Swarks playing a phenomenal game and showing improvement against tough opposition eventually losing out 19 – 47.

Sea Eagles play at home this weekend in Pride Round taking on the ever-tough opposition of North Mackay Saints.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles wore black armbands for their games over the weekend as tribute to local boy Cody Gibbs

Read More

Brahmans Tough Day Against Maggies

August 24, 2023

It was a dour weekend of results as Whitsunday Brahmans faced off against Mackay Magpies at Les Stagg oval for their NAIDOC Week round on Saturday, taking on the travelling side in three games across three grades.

The Under 20s were the first to fall in a series of three losses at Les Stag, losing out to 12-30 against the Magpies.

Under 20’s coach Trevor Nosworthy said they were “out enthused by a strong Magpies side in the first half.”

“We worked our way back into the game well in the second, but unfortunately weren’t able to turn opportunities into score board points.”

Jack Dwyer was strong through the middle with Jett Hiscox showing great versatility again this week.

The reserve side didn’t fair much better against the Sugar City travellers, losing out 20-46 in a second-half blowout.

Reserve Grade Coach Matt Court said it was much of the same story as the U20s.

“We can’t compete for the full 80mins; we can match it with any team in the comp but we always end up self-destructing and going away from doing the simple one percenters,” he said.

“When we play smart footy we play good footy and put points on with ease.”

He said fatigue was entering the sides game every week, which leads to those silly decisions.

Finally, the A Grade clash was upon the home fans, and it produced the closest of the three matches.

As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, the A Grade Brahmans pulled on an Indigenous Jersey streaked with red footprints representing those passed on from massacre, and blue circles to represent the Proserpine River and Cedar Creek Falls.

It was designed by local artist, Leo Gabey.

The kangaroo paws in black represent the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, and hands with a boomerang signified hunting of that very same species of marsupial, and six dots across the jersey represented the Gabey family and elders.

All seventeen jerseys were auctioned off after the game.

It was a more tense affair than the previous games, with a final score of 12-26 as Magpies came out the victors three from three.

Brahmans face off against Brothers in Mackay this weekend to reignite their fighting spirit against an old rival.

Brahmans suffered at the hands of three travelling Magpies’ teams last Saturday

Read More

Airlie Beach Darts

August 24, 2023

With the weeks counting down, every single point matters as finals rapidly approach.

In mid-week Kameron Reason bolstered his top eight finals chances by beating Lorraine Woods 7/1 to get within a point of Alan Green currently occupying the last finals place in eighth and Aaron Paull in seventh.

Alan Green had a mixed day on Sunday losing his first match to Joe Wilson 7/4, but quickly bounced back beating Gary Robbie 7/5 in a tight, final match of the day.

That win for Joe Wilson over Alan Green keeps him in top spot for another week, and the only player with a 100 per cent record intact.

Elsewhere Jamie Woods suffered his first loss of the season with a 7/4 defeat to Jamie Maher.

Jamie Maher backed that win up with a 7/0 win over Ross Gallichan, which means Jamie Maher leapfrogs Jamie Woods into 2nd place on the ladder.

Another trophy is up for grabs next weekend, as well as valuable league points, with The Players Club Captain on the line for the first time.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

As It Stands

1. J Wilson 22pts 2. J Maher 20pts 3. J Woods 18pts 4. A Peel 18pts 5. D Friend 16pts 6. S Rose 11pts 7. A Paull 10pts 8. A Green 10pts 9. K Reason 9pts 10. G Robbie 7pts 11. N O’ Hara 5pts 12. J Lloyd 4pts 13. L Woods 2pts 14. R Gallichan 2pts

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Jamie Maher who dished out a first defeat of the season to Jamie Woods at Mika on Sunday

Read More

Brahmans And Bulls Face Off In Nate Myles Cup Final

August 24, 2023

The Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans U13 Boys team has shown the rest of the region what they’re made of, making it all the way to the grand final of the Nate Myles Cup in Cairns.

It’s the first time a Proserpine Whitsundays Junior Rugby League Club has made it that far in the competition.

The Brahmans took 19 players to Cairns for the tournament over the June 25-26 weekend, ultimately going down in the grand final 8-16 to Townsville club Souths Bulls.

The grand final loss brought the team’s six-match tournament winning streak to an end, with the Brahmans finishing the pool stage on top of the table with 96 points for and only 8 points scored against them.

They then faced Innisfail Brothers in the semi-final, keeping their opponents scoreless and winning 8-0 before going down in the grand final in a competitive contest.

“I’m very proud of them,” said coach Justin Follett.

“Our preparation was good; the boys were focused – they love going to tournaments.”

“Everyone was happy to put their shoulder to the wheel, help their mate out and help the team out.

“We had to play a few kids in different positions, but they stepped up and did the right thing and played for one another.”

29 teams from Rockhampton to Cairns participated in the carnival.

“We matched them,” said Mr Follett.

“From Cairns to Rockhampton and every team in between, we took them on and we did really well.”

Team captain Koby Johnson-Follett used his “footy brain” to direct his team around the park and lead them to the grand final, supported by standout performances from Ashton McDermid, Ryver Court, Riley Snow and Evan Beale.

“I could mention all of them,” said Mr Follett.

“I’m very proud. But I’m proud of everyone involved in the boys’ success; thank you to the support staff and Kim Bates especially.

“She just organised the whole thing, it was awesome.”

This U13 Brahmans Boys are the first ever Whitsunday side to make it to the grand finals of the Nate Myles Cup

The young guns were on an unbeaten run of six matches before the final

Coach Justin Follett said he was proud of his group of little warriors

Read More

Footy Pride Round This Weekend

August 24, 2023

This coming Saturday is a special round of footy for a local team, with the home game at Whitsunday Sports Park in AFL Mackay’s Pride Round.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles’ Women’s team will be the feature game of the day as they face off against Mackay Saints, kicking off at 1.15pm on July 16.

In solidarity with the United States’ celebration of Pride Month over the course of June, the local football side will wear special Pride Round guernseys.

Between Captain of Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women’s Team, Georgie Carland, and another player, Sam Todd, sponsorship for the special guernseys was sought and granted by Ray White and Shirtfront Solutions.

“They look absolutely fantastic,” Ms Carland said.

The guernseys are a twist on the regular Sea Eagles kits, with these featuring a rainbow pattern. As a certificate of appreciation, both sets of sponsors were gifted with their own guernseys.

Women’s Captain Georgie Carland said this was an “extremely important round of footy” for the local team; both in terms of competitive spirit, as well as for LGBTQI+.

“Not only does it showcase women’s sport in the Whitsundays but also promotes the importance of LGBTQI+ awareness in our community,” Ms Carland said.

“This round is particularly significant to a number of girls on my team, as well as myself, not to mention the importance to our families and friends.”

The Sea Eagles are inviting locals to come down and support the team as they take it to the Saints tomorrow afternoon in their brand-new kits.

Read More

Airlie Beach Bowls

August 24, 2023

Ladies’ pennants finished with both First division and Fourth Division a credible five with special mention going to Carol Crosbie and Elaine Kippen, Jill Mazlin-Peterson, and Robin Brown.

Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls welcomed all the interstate sun seekers, Bev Wilson with husband Leon, Bev Hetherington, Paul and Jane Sproson, and Cheryl and Ken Warner amongst the 30 bowlers competing for the prize.

John Askew leading his team of Lyn Graham and Graham Cowling obliterated all comers with Elaine Mawson winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers round two resumed with a big roll up and first round winners were Peter Barratt, Margo Stanley, Alan Pershouse, John Brown, Nik Fernbach, and Betty Whitehorn,

The final was played by Peter Barratt and Alan Pershouse, with Alan returning to previous great form with a commanding victory.

The club was represented at the Sarina eight-a-side Champion of Champions with skipper Warren Mills with Andy McDougall, Maureen Barnard, and Helen Ward in mixed fours.

Elaine Kippen and Jill Mazlin-Peterson played Ladies’ pairs and Col Morris and Mark Mawson played Men’s pairs, coming fifth overall.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw 34 bowler’s competing welcoming from Belmont Park Bowls Club in Auckland NZ the lovely couple Karin and Mike Leyden , with Henny Tattam’s team taking home the chocolates and Jody Kraguljac travelling with Peter Hallion and Frank Gibbons from Goolwa South Australia winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

The A grade Fours Final was a hard fought contest with skipper Shane Spann, Tim Taylor, John Matterson, and John Fielding overcoming Manny Isgro’s team of Bob McMahon, Russell Jackso, and Terry Clarke.

Well done to all players.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Col Morris, Andy McDougall, Elaine Kippen, Maureen Barnard, Mark Mawson, Jill Mazlin-Peterson, Helen Ward, and Warren Mills at Sarina for the Champion of Champions weekend

Read More

Proserpine Bowls Report

August 24, 2023

Last week's wet weather meant that social bowls on Wednesday was not played.

On Saturday morning two games of Senior Singles were played: Garry Alexander defeated Vince Olsen 25-15; Bryan Davy defeated Jim Quod 26-18.  

The other scheduled game between Sandy Daffara and Arthur Griffith has been postponed until Wednesday this week.

In the Club Championship Fours there was a mix-up and Stephen Summers stepped in to play the first few ends in place of Warren Wilson.  

Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Harry Craig, Duwaine Hiscox, Toby Craig. and Marcus Craigh 24-15.  

Wayne's team will be playing in the Champion of Champion Fours at Souths Suburban on July 23 and 24.

Club Championship Pairs Final was played: Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear defeated Gavin Milne and Barry Saroglia 28-17.

Michael and Grahame will play in the Champion of Champion Pairs at Souths Suburban on August 6 and 7.

On Sunday we had a great roll up for Social Bowls:  Gavin Noonan, Arthur Griffith and Lino Michallef defeated Kendall Watts, Grahame Stewart, and Peter Lawton 21-15.  

Ken Watts, Bob Preston and Jim Quod defeated Alen Sanderson, John Lahney and Philip Brown 26-13.  Velia Stewart, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown defeated Tom Jessop, Mary Hedgelong, and Barry Zillmann 26-18.

All bowlers need to be aware that the green will be closed Monday and Tuesday this week for spraying. Social bowls will be available Wednesday.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Club Championship Fours Winners Martin Corr, Warren Wilson, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley

Read More

Wangaratta Bowls

August 24, 2023

The rain dampened the bowls early in the week but soon picked up on Fun Friday with eight rinks playing.

Fun Friday, July 8: Winners for the afternoon France Wilmann Allen Connelly Donna Leeson d Linda Atkinson Colin Taylor Lindsay Harris. Runners Up Darrell Brian Heidi d Lorraine Judy Ros. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Barefoot Bowls started again on Friday Nights. Next week, a sausage sizzle before the game which starts a 6pm to 8pm – all welcome.

Winners for the night Roger, Neville, and Leigh defeated Sandra, May, Jean, and Joan, with others winners Louise, Deb, and Jenny beating out Rob, Brian, and Alec, as well as Peter, James, and Denise winning against Maree, Anita, and Wendy.

Sunday, July 10: With another good roll-up the winners were Colin June and Paul Barry defeating Anne Lindsay and Heidi Lawrie, runners Up for the ever-popular mango were Allan Gillies, Maureen Hyde, Peter Howie, and Joe Paynting defeating S Pearson, Marie Nesbitt, S Lockold, and Alan Rolfe.

Next Sunday is Skirts versus Shirts which will make an interesting afternoon.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Fun Friday left to right: President Mark Drummond, France Wilmann, Donna Lesson, Allen Connelly

Read More

Your FREE Voice In Print

SARINA -  WALKERSTON – MIRANI – MARIAN – PAGET – OORALEA – MACKAY CITY – MACKAY NORTH – SLADE POINT – ANDERGROVE – BEACONSFIELD – NORTHERN BEACHES – FARLEIGH – MT OSSA – SEAFORTH – KUTTABUL - CALEN – BLOOMSBURY – PROSERPINE – CANNONVALE – AIRLIE BEACH – BOWEN – COLLINSVILLE – NEBO – MORANBAH

Locally Owned. Community Loved.

Subscribe Free