They’re not bobsleds, they’re not bicycles, they’re Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) and students from all over the region raced them last weekend as the Whitsunday Festival of STEM launched last Friday.

Now in its fourth year, the Whitsunday Festival of STEM tests school children in STEM subjects with fun and engaging challenges.

“It really helps all of our local students to get involved,” said Secretary for the Whitsunday STEM Challenge and CQU Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams.

“The Festival of STEM really looks at science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design.”

Last Saturday, students participated in the Pedal Prix, an eight-hour hot lap race in which each student spends 30 minutes in an HPV before getting out and Covid cleaning the vehicle for the next driver to take over.

“With the Pedal Prix, the students get to race a vehicle but then they also need to fix that vehicle, make sure it’s scrutineered,” said Ms Williams.

Participating schools included St Patrick’s College, Mercy College, Calen District State College, Sarina State High School and Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, as well as schools from Townsville, Bundaberg, Emerald and Rockhampton.

Sarina State High School year 11 student Ryan Pietzner said he’s been participating in the Pedal Prix since year seven.

“A few mates were doing it and they said, ‘do you want to have a go?’ so I had a go and I’ve loved it ever since,” Ryan said.

“We had to do some maintenance to a few of these bikes because the tyres go flat after a while because we haven’t had a race in a while.”

The 2022 Festival of STEM also incorporated the F1 in Schools, Junior Robocup and Drones Competition which took place at the MECC on Wednesday alongside a mini careers expo showcasing STEM career opportunities available in the region.

“A lot of the students going through school are not really sure what the jobs are so we’ve got a mini careers expo there,” said Ms Williams.

Councillor Michelle Green said at the launch last week that over 25% of the Mackay region’s workforce is employed in sectors with strong STEM links.

“(Mackay Regional Council is) involved in the Whitsunday Festival of STEM to help foster these linkages between our schools and local businesses and industry,” said Ms Green.

“The Whitsunday Festival of STEM is a great way for a whole community to learn more about what STEM is and what it means for the future of our children so that we can provide better STEM education for them.”

Students, teachers and special guests got to test out the Human Powered Vehicles at the Whitsunday Festival of STEM launch last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

Round 11 on June 11 of the Hostplus Cup was a game where Mackay Cutters had it all to prove against a Redcliffe Dolphins side that had leapfrogged them on the ladder the week before.

The sugar city’s team were sitting in tenth ahead of the game at BB Print Stadium and were hoping to jump all the way up to eighth, should they best the traveling Dolphins and other results go their way.

It turned out to be a potential game of the season; a tight affair that could have gone either way in the end.

Cutters made their mark on the scorecard first, with Jack Paskins crossing in the seventeenth after crashing through the Dolphins’ wide players.

It wasn’t a long lead, as Dolphins equalised just six minutes later with their own thumping try. The travelling side scored again shortly after with another bang.

There wasn’t too much technical glory in the move as Dolphins’ centre Valynce Te Whare burst through the Cutters backline.

Redcliffe had all the momentum and scored again, capitalising on a fumble. The Dolphins had a halftime lead of two points.

Cutters came out the blocks raring to go, scoring off a fumble from the travelling team this time in the 47th, but Dolphins scored again shortly after, not to be outdone.

The 63rd minute, Dolphins crossed again and again three minutes later with Valynce Te Whare. The game looked over before Cutters came roaring back.

Cutters scored in the 71st, the 76th, and the 78th in one of the closest finishes this season, just losing out by 2.

Cutters 32-34 Dolphins.

The Mackay team head off to Tweed Heads this weekend for a 3.00pm fixture against Seagulls – who sit comfortably in 7th.

Dolphins now move on to a home game against Capras, which will be a tough ask for the Redcliffe side as Capras are placed in fine form. Cutters could capitalise on ladder position if they win and results again go their way.

Cutters were desperately close to a win in their matchup against Redcliffe Dolphins

There was plenty of try scoring but not much tackling

Cutters came away with a lesson on defensive lapses and concentration after losing by just two points

‍

The Crater will be rumbling tonight when the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes take on Townsville, with the Meteorettes taking the court first for a special cause.

Suiting up in pink, the Meteorettes will play in the annual Shelley Rutland Memorial Fundraising game.

Everybody in attendance will have the chance to bid on their very own McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes one-of-a-kind pink NBL1 singlets in the post-game jersey auction with funds raised going to the McGrath Foundation.

The Mackay teams will still be riding a high off the back of a successful triple-header campaign down south last weekend. The Meteorettes showed they are in final-winning form by claiming three from three wins.

In the first game they defeated the Ipswich Force 103-77. Miela Goodchild was cooking finishing the game with 32 points on 6/10 from downtown while Ellie Collins was also solid tallying 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

Monique Bobongie also added 13 points and 5 steals off the bench.

The Meteorettes then defeated RedCity Roar before claiming the hattrick, beating South West Metro Pirates 95-75. Alisia Jenkins finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Miela Goodchild also added 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the match against the Pirates.

The Men’s side wasn’t burning quite as brightly, dropping game one on their southern road-trip, losing to the Ipswich Force 80-72.

Kyrin Galloway was superb for the Meteors posting a match high 26 points along with 8 rebounds. He well supported by a 15-point, 10 rebound double-double from Malok Majak.

The Meteors bounced back to win their next two, defeating RedCity Roar 98-91. They then posted an emphatic 34-point win against the South West Metro Pirates 82-48.

Jaylin Galloway was sensational dropping 25 points in 20 mins including 5/8 from 3-point range. Malok Majak added 17 points and 6 rebounds while Kye Medhurst tallied 10 points off the bench.

The action tips off tonight at the Mackay Multisports Stadium at 6:30pm.

Action from JBS Arena from the Ipswich Force versus the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes on June 10. Photo credit: Jade Rochelle Photography

‍

Social Results

Monday morning mixed pairs 2-4-2 winners were Alan Brown and Kees Struik. Second were G. Fahry and Marshall Howland. Lucky draw winners were Pat O’Neill and Sandra Somerville.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Laura Howland, Neddy Thomsen and Doris Dodds. Runners up were Carol Boxall, Sue Roscoe and Ann Smith

Thursday mixed pairs 2-4-2 was taken out by Pat Elgey and Darryl Kane. Second came Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots next week. Green voucher was won by Cecilia Lee.

Friday mixed three bowl pairs resulted in a win for Tony Allsop and Ron Bowers who won $75 each. Lucky draw winners were Peter Grant and Neal Blucher, and Maryann Bartolo and Daphne Offield. Kitty toucher is $500.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Vic Gaudion and Col Carey with Brendan Ryan and Ian McDonald second.

Several games of championship senior singles and men’s pairs were played on the weekend.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Greg McLean bowling against Tony Allsop in the Senior Singles on Sunday. Greg won 25-21 after a very close game

Neil Blucher shows his style

‍

Mackay netball legend Kelly Beckingham will take a trip down memory lane when the CQ University Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival returns to the region this month.

It was more than two decades ago when the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student etched her name in the record books after receiving the official Player of the Carnival award at the second-ever QISSN event staged in Rockhampton back in 2001.

Then known as Kelly Park, the talented goal attack produced superb performances on court against the best schoolgirl netballers in the State to take out the coveted prize.

For 17-year-old Kelly it was a proud moment and to this day remains one of the highlights of her decorated netball career.

“We finished in the top five that year and stepped up against some very strong teams in the ultimate test for any young netballer,” recalled Kelly who still resides in East Mackay.

“To win the Player of the Carnival award that year was a huge thrill and honour and a moment that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” she revealed.

“I can remember lifting this big perpetual trophy and also receiving a jewellery voucher.”

Twelve months earlier, Kelly lined up for St Patrick’s College in the inaugural QISSN Carnival held in Bundaberg.

“They were good times and gave us girls lasting memories of an amazing sporting experience,” she added.

It was around that time that Kelly had gained her representative spurs with the North Queensland Under 18s Invitational team that competed at the National Indoor Netball Championships.

From the age of eight when she started her netball career on the Moranbah grass courts, the fledgling goal shooter was destined for bigger things.

Kelly hails from good sporting stock – her mother Lyn Prince (Park) was a State Netball League goal shooter while her father Bryan Park shone at AFL down in Victoria and later with the North Mackay Suns.

After linking with the Magpies from the age of 13, the former Mercy and St Patrick’s College ace proved a regular in the Mackay junior representative teams and later with the Whitsunday Sharks in the State League.

Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed her 30-year netball journey which also includes an eight year stint as president of the Cougars Netball Club in the Mackay Premier League and long association with North Queensland Invitational sides for National Indoor Netball events.

She still plays the odd social game for DAS Netball Club but devotes her time to family these days - raising sons Kodi,12, and six-year-old Lockie and pouring her energies into her Thrive Bookkeeping business in Mackay.

Does Kelly have any tips for the current wave of St Patrick’s netballers preparing for QISSN?

“Just enjoy the week and the exposure the girls and boys will get to top level netball – it is all worth it” she advised.

Kelly will be a special guest at the official opening of the 2022 CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball Carnivals on Sunday June 26 at the Mackay Showground.

By Chris Karas

Kelly Beckingham as a teenager, then known as Kelly Park

‍

Four former Mackay rugby league players took the game’s biggest stage last week, helping the Maroons to a State of Origin game one win in Sydney.

The Maroons defeated the Blues 16-10 and Daly Cherry-Evans, Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Reuben Cotter were instrumental in the strong display.

Former Cutter Tom Dearden was also called into camp but was omitted from the final 17.

Reuben Cotter was among four players debuting for the Maroons and the Sarina Crocs junior led the Maroons’ tackle count with 51 tackles in a huge 80-minute performance.

Origin veterans Dale Cherry-Evans and Dane Gagai both scored pivotal tries and Kalyn Ponga finished the game with a line break and a try assist.

The Blues enjoyed early field possession resulting in a 4-0 lead thanks to Jack Wighton, but the momentum swung the Maroons’ way with the injection of Patrick Carrigan debuting off the bench.

The Maroons were next to hit back in the 34th minute with Gagai the beneficiary of a miraculous kick from debutant Selwyn Cobbo.

With a halftime lead of 6-4 and the wind in their sails, the Maroons started the second half just as strong thanks to some electric play from Cameron Munster.

The Maroons were the next to score in the 48th with Cherry-Evans stepping off his right foot off a centre-field scrum to cross the line untouched.

Things were looking all but done in the 53rd minute when some nimble footwork and terrific ball play from Ponga put Valentine Holmes over in the corner.

Cameron Murray got the Blues back in the game in the 71st minute but they were unable to equalise, the staunch defence of the Maroons holding string until the very last play.

Man of the Match went to Rockhampton junior Cameron Munster after what has been described as a “masterclass”.

The focus now turns to game two in Perth on Sunday, June 26 with teams to be announced over the weekend.

Daly Cherry-Evans

Kalyn Ponga

Dane Gagai scored the first try of the game

Reuben

‍

They are valued rugby league ambassadors and exceptional role models that share a connection to one of the Mackay region’s finest sporting organisations.

Meet Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members Michael Comerford, Brandon Finnegan, Blake Paskins, Ethan Roberts, Patrick Hoare, Jake Riley and Chad Buckby who are fully entrenched in the Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club ranks.

All seven play a significant role in the development of rugby league at both secondary schools that will co-host this year’s annual CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball Carnivals in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

Finnegan is the Cutters’ half back maestro and chief playmaker and is joined in the first-grade line up by bustling centre Paskins and elusive winger Riley.

Comerford and Buckby are the respective Mercy College and St Patrick’s College Sports Co-ordinators and double up as Assistant Coaches of the Cutters’ top-grade squad.

Roberts, a utility hooker-cum-winger, and rangy prop Hoare are key members of the Cutters’ U/21 team with ties to the Brothers Leprechauns.

CONFRO convenor and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry said the seven staff members were assets to the school and highly regarded in the Mackay sporting community.

“As well as being top athletes and officials in their own right, they give so much back as mentors to the students by educating them on the finer points of the game,” said Mr McSherry.

Finnegan, Paskins and Riley starred in the Cutters’ 28-18 victory over the Townsville Blackhawks last Saturday in a QRL Hostplus Cup fixture at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville.

Paskins (2) and Riley scored three of the Cutters’ six tries with the skilful Finnegan booting two goals and marshalling his side to their fourth win of the season.

Comerford, a former Australian Universities representative centre, will coach a powerful St Patrick’s First XIII at this year’s CQUniversity Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival.

The well-drilled St Patrick’s outfit remains one of the main contenders for the 2022 title when the Carnival commences in Mackay from Sunday June 26.

With the knowledgeable Comerford at the helm, the team will pit their rugby league skills and durability against the best secondary schoolboy players throughout Queensland.

The Mercy College Sports Coordinator enjoyed a burgeoning league career in the north Queensland region before a damaged ACL forced him into retirement at the age of 24.

Comerford began his league career with Souths Sharks in U/13s as a promising centre before bursting into A Grade in 2006.

He played a prominent role when Souths defeated Moranbah to win the 2009 Mercury Cup Grand Final after earning a call up to the Mackay Cutters top grade side the previous year.

Comerford chalked up 51 appearances during his six-season playing stint with the Cutters but missed the club’s 2013 premiership triumph after tearing his ACL in the early rounds.

A highlight for Comerford was representing Australia at the 2008 World Universities Cup in Brisbane and touring South Africa (2009) as well as France and England (2010) with the national team.

Since hanging up his boots, Michael has turned his hand to coaching.

In 2015 he was appointed Souths A Grade coach at the age of 26 – guiding the side to a preliminary final where they were eliminated by minor premiers Sarina Crocodiles.

He joined the Cutters’ coaching panel in 2017 and has mentored the U/21s and Brothers A Grade last season before being named Mackay’s Assistant Coach for 2022.

From the golden beaches in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire to the tropical Mackay-Whitsunday region in Queensland – that has been the journey for skilful half back Finnegan.

A Cronulla junior product, Finnegan played ten seasons with De La Salle Caringbah before representing the Sharks in S.G Ball Cup (Under 18s) and the U/20s Holden Cup alongside NRL young guns Kyle Flanagan and hooker Blayke Brailey.

He later played for Mounties and Cabramatta in the NSWRL Jersey Flegg Cup and Ron Massey Cup competitions before a stint with Newtown in the NSW State Cup.

When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of lower grade competitions in 2020, Brandon spent a season with Southern Districts in NSW Shute Shield Rugby before making the move to Mackay last year.

Blake Paskins can be tagged a “late bloomer” after graduating from the Souths Sharks junior ranks.

A cousin of former Kangaroos international winger Brett Dallas, the towering centre played for Souths from the age of six where he blossomed into a capable colt by his mid-teens under the tutelage of legendary coach Doug Knight.

Paskins was only 16 when he helped the Sharks win the U/18s premiership with current South Sydney centre Isaiah Tass as a teammate.

Blake won two U/19 premierships with Brothers before linking with the Cutters and establishing himself in the top-grade last season.

Speedster Jake Riley played his junior football with the Western Lions in Townsville from the age of eight and was half back in the club’s U/15 premiership victory.

A fleet-footed utility, Riley played U/20s with the Townsville Blackhawks before joining the Cutters last season and leaving his mark as a centre, winger and fullback.

St Pat’s Open Payne Cup Campaign With Flyer

Meanwhile St Patrick’s College opened their 2022 Aaron Payne Cup campaign with a resounding 36-4 victory over Mackay State High at the Mackay Junior Rugby League Fields last week.

Powerful second rower Pat Vella capped an outstanding game with two tries and was ably supported by clever half back Jaxson Purdue, tireless lock Henry Thorpe and talented fullback Will Shears.

Mercy College Year 10s thumped Mackay State High 38-0 in the opening round of the Cowboys Challenge while Tom Gaviglio’s Year 8s outclassed Mackay State High 44-0 in a Division One final with strong games from fullback Calvin Ramos, half back Miles Kerrisk, lock Eli Cookson and centre Cooper Anderson.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members Blake Paskins, Brandon Finnegan, Jake Riley, Michael Comerford and Patrick Hoare are key personnel with the Mackay Cutters

‍The St Patrick's Open Boys squad trained with the Cowboys Challenge Year 10 squad from Mercy College at the Mercy College Open Day

‍

One thousand athletes, coaches, team managers, officials and administrators descended on Mackay last week for a history-making Oceania Athletics Championships after three years of hibernation due to COVID-19.

Not only did the competition include the inaugural Under-16 team challenge, in a world first for International Athletics Competitions, Para Athletes competed for Oceania Championships Medals at the same time at the same venue, and for the first time in the event’s history masters age groups were included in an invitational. Also, an Education Hub in partnership with the Oceania Athletics Coaches Association (OACA) was included for the first time.

The hub's purpose was to build the capacity and capabilities of all stakeholders so they could share their learnings when they return to their countries and local athletic clubs.

A highlight of both the Educational Hub and the competition in general was having Dame Valerie Adams, five-time Olympian and dual Gold Medallist, co-deliver the sessions and speak of her journey as an athlete.

She encouraged participants to think about who is on their "bus" and whether those people are enabling the bus to move forward. Dame Valerie also urged athletes to enjoy what they do and take responsibility for their motivation and performance on the field.

OACA event organisers and athletes also visited Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Centre to pick and donate 300 plants for the Mackay community.

The hundreds of plants will remain in the care of council’s Parks and Environment team until National Tree Day on July 31, when they will be planted along the Cathy Freeman Walk as part of the Bluewater Trail.

Over five days of competition, with 19 nations in attendance, the success stories were plentiful, with multiple records broken and a plethora of heartwarming stories emerging.

Mackenzie Little maintained her edge over javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber. Barber will be the defending champion at the World Athletics Championships next month and was also the bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Barber said in a post on Instagram “I feel a little like a broken record after my comps this season. The throw didn’t quite come together, the timing was just a little off, I know I have more metres in me. Well, I still believe it, and I will take the next opportunity to try and show it.”

New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs set an Oceanian 100m record in 11.09 seconds, smashing the record she set in Townsville in 2019 by nearly half a second.

One of the tales that brought a tear of joy to the eye was that of couple Maurice and Christiane Dauphinet, 96 and 91-years-old respectively and still competing in a multitude of events each. Christiane competed in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m while Maurice threw in the shot put, discus, hammer and javelin. Both Christiane and Maurice won four gold medals each.

There was also 72-year-old Wilma Perkins and 77-year-old David Anstiss who competed in the pole vault and 79-year-old Lorraine Birtwell who toughed it in the weight throw.

Local stars also shone, especially in the masters where a strong group of Mackay athletes put their best feet forward to run, jump and throw their way to victory.

Speedster Mikayla Webb representing Regional Australia made the final in both the 100m and 200m sprints. She came fifth in the U18 100m, qualifying fifth fastest in 12.18 seconds and then crossing fifth in the final in a time of 12.25. In the 200m she qualified fourth in 25.37m, then ran a blistering 25.04 in the final to come third.

Kayce Hoani-Vincent came fifth in the U18 pole vault, clearing 2.50m.

Dame Val: OACA event ambassadors including New Zealand’s Dame Valerie Adams chose 300 plants to be planted in July along the Cathy Freeman Walk. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

96-year-old Maurice and 91-year-old Christiane Dauphinet won four gold medals each in the masters division of the Oceania Championships. Photo credit: Oceania Athletics

Mackay masters athlete Justin Rule won gold in the steeplechase

Mackay athletes filled the podium in the W40 discus, with Amanda Wright winning gold, Cathryn Hoare taking silver and Kristie Brown claiming bronze

Fan favourite Kelsey-Lee Barber came third in the women’s javelin

‍

The Coral Sea Academy invites you to come on a journey as we dive beneath the waves to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Stretching more than 2,300km and home to a multitude of marine life, the world heritage Great Barrier Reef is one of the planet’s 7 natural wonders and the Coral Sea Academy is on a mission to share the reasons why through an immersive story-telling experience for the Whitsundays community and general public to enjoy.

On Saturday 25th June, from 10am – 12.30pm, this free event, “Exploring Our Natural Wonder”, will take place at The Lookout Lounge, Coral Sea Marina.

Locals and visitors will discover more about what lies beneath the surface and receive their very own Master Class from many of the Whitsunday’s very own Master Reef Guides.

“Guests can expect to be educated, entertained and inspired by this living treasure’s most ardent ambassadors, Master Reef Guides,” explains Crystal Lacey, local Master Reef Guide and “Little Fish Tourism” Director.

“With over 5 Master Reef Guides expected at the event, you can expect to learn more of the magic below including the master builders of the sea, Mega Fauna, and some unique characters who all call the reef home”.

Guests will benefit from the passion and knowledge of these reef ambassadors, as they impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference themselves.

In 2019, Coral Sea Marina launched Coral Sea Academy, an initiative designed to educate people on the natural environment, sustainable boating practices and preserving the Great Barrier Reef. It has also become the perfect platform in which to encourage guests and visitors to join the mission to affect positive change.

Discover more at coralseaacademy.com

‍

Local weightlifters have been smashing their own personal goals as well as national ones, with a young superstar claiming top spot in the country for his age group in Olympic Weightlifting.

Whitsunday Weightlifting clubs Under 15 superstar, Tyson Williams Allen claimed the Best Overall lifter in Australia for his age in the early June National Titles in Townsville, topping his weight class to boot.

The talented fourteen-year-old has been weightlifting for just over a year and a half.

In his final year in the U15 division before he heads to the U17 Youth category, Tyson competed in the weightlifting championships two manoeuvres: the snatch and the clean and jerk.

In his snatch, Tyson achieved a 71kg personal best, following it up with a clean and jerk of 90kg – another personal best.

Whitsunday Weightlifting coach Leanne Knox said Tyson had a fire in his belly to claim the best lifter win after coming close in state titles back in April.

“He was so excited to win it with this being his last year in that division,” Ms Knox said.

“The past months had been hard training for him with all of that in mind and he really proved to himself what hard work can achieve.”

Tyson’s win is the first junior best overall.

The Whitsunday Weightlifting club are keeping the momentum going with five club members heading to the National Powerlifting Titles on the Gold Coast this weekend.

Rod Wecker, Ellen Brown, Leanne Knox, Ruby Carwardine, and Adam Warnock will be vying for wins at the Australian level competition and even world records.

Rod Wecker will compete in the 65- to 69-year-olds category – a division he already holds the national record in – and one in which he hopes to claim a world record. He sits five kilos shy in both the deadlift and squat records.

Ellen Brown – 70-74-year-old division- needs to deadlift 103-kilograms for her world record. Her personal best is 97.5

20-year-old Ruby Carwardine is in the junior women’s and open women’s sections, where she currently holds the national deadlift record at 185kg. She aims to achieve the 200kg junior women’s world record, where her PB is 190.

Leanne has the potential to break the world record in her 45-49 Master’s Women’s Masters Division.

The squat record is currently 135 kilograms, while her personal best is 160.

The powerlifters are hoping to travel to the World Championships on the Gold Coast in October, if results go their way this weekend.

Weightlifting Best Overall lifter Tyson Williams Allen and Whitsunday Weightlifting coach Leanne Knox

‍

‍

Twilight Race: Another lovely afternoon on the water saw 17 boats and over 100 crew sailing on Pioneer Bay in last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race.

It was great to see two new boats in the fleet, Matchless (Terry Stevens) and Fordplay (Grant Ford).

First away was the faster boats in Division 2, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading the fleet away.  However, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) led by the time they reached the first mark and never looked back, finishing almost 2 minutes ahead of the rest.  

In the battle behind, Reignition briefly held off QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with a slow starting Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez / Iyas Shaheen) joining the battle.  Houdini (Robert Meizer) finished just seconds ahead of Wide Load (Shannan Hart) at the end.  On corrected time, Twister (Kevin Fogarty) took the honours.

Division 3 saw Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) lead the fleet away before being overtaken by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli), Matchless and Shiraz (John Cable).  On the longer legs Aquatarius also got into the action, the light winds not helping the larger yacht.  Ultimately Wobbly Boot and Matchless broke ahead of the fleet, with just 11 seconds separating them at the finish. On corrected time, Wobbly Boot took the honours.

Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 3:00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

Houdini with crew on Trapeze

Wobbly Boot just holding off Matchless

‍

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its annual Awards Night on Saturday night with over 120 people present.

Jy Parkinson had an outstanding season and took out many of the top awards including The Sportsperson Award, Swim of the Year Award, and The 55 and 60 Club Awards for 100-metre Freestyle.

Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden thanked the Committee and parents for all their support throughout the season.  

The coaches were astounded by the number of swimmers who achieved trophies this season.  

Level 1 Trophies: Tiana Bell, Matilda Dennison, Ella Harland, Lilli Bond, Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Daniel Saunders, Taj Murray, Ehsan Helou and Jai Dennison.  

Level 2 Trophies: Tora Delac, Scarlett Gascoyne, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Sophie Fletcher, Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Jacob Dewis, Oli Bond, Thomas Ganter, Austin Edwards-Bland, Charlie Doherty and Nelson Malady.  

Level 3 Trophies: Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.  

Top Senior and Junior Trainers: Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Jy Parkinson and Holly Perrin.  

The Mudie Family 70’s Club Awards (for swimming 100-metre under 70s):  Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Remy Hedges, Oli Bond, Mitchell Milostic, and Jacob Bell.  

The Club Medal was awarded to:  Eloise Chegwidden, Ruby Harland, Matilda Nicholes, Declan Dichiera, Rohan Gascoyne, Isabelle Pisaniello, Isaac Pisaniello, Nathan Saunders, Indi Smith, Abi Maher, Liam Filewood, Jack Ganter, and Lukas Trevaskis.  

SNQ President, Theresa Manning presented Don Algie with a SNQ Record for his 25m Butterfly as 8-year-old in a time of 18.74sec.

Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the parents and volunteers.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

‍

Another full week started with the Ladies’ Divisions 1 and 4 travelling to North Mackay.

Only winners on the day were Div 4 team ably led by Elaine Kippen, with Robin Brown, Maureen Barnard, and Bev Taylor playing fantastic bowls winning on the last end by one.

It was a different result on Wednesday in Marian with Division 1 winning in three rinks for maximum points.

Men’s team playing Division 1 for the first year ended their season by finishing second.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw John Askew’s team winning easily with Paul Tobias and Russell Jackson.

Bright Victoria, Michael and Janet Jacometti from Mornington Peninsula, Phil Hancox from

Woonona NSW , Mick Foord from Bendigo Bowls Club all had a wonderful afternoon.

Saturday and Sunday saw seven rounds of the club’s June carnival with 16 teams playing from all parts of Queensland.

Victorious on the day was Rodney Howard’s undefeated team with John Brown playing out of his skin, the ever-reliable Russell Jackson, and Andrew Butler.

The annual carnival could not have gone ahead without Jill Spencer, John Askew, Linda Leycham, and Carol Crosbie.

Thanks to chefs Lyn Graham, Bev Taylor, Ladda Purdie, and Carol Crosbie for the delicious, home cooked meals.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Winners Rodney Howard, John Brown, Russell Jackson, and Andrew Butler being presented their prize money by Airlie Beach Bowls Chairman Ash Warland

‍

‍

Self-Selected Triples on Mondays are now well underway, with winners from Monday, June 6 R Hayton, Keith Armstrong, and Bob Dykstra, who defeated K Wallace, Sandra Snow, and Chris Frew.

Runners Up John Hayson and Allan Rolfe defeated Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond/

Others Pam Breakwell, Jack Stamp, and J Breakwell defeated Eileen Dunn, Peter Nesbitt, and G Coleman. Robyn Stitt, Marg Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeated Denis Donovan, Louise S/Collins, and Keith S/Collins.

Sugar Greg Colquhoun and Kennedy Whitton defeated T Mackall, Huie Nation, and Ian Best. Marcia Arthur, Kevin Daniels, and Geoff were other big winners, as well as R Gould, Gavin, and G Monroe.

Tuesday 7 June: Winners for the afternoon Denis Baxter Simon Fitzgerald Denis Madeley defeated Deb Beel Leon Fox Graham Brownell, G Detrey Marie Nesbit Bob Dykstra defeated Deb Retchless Heidi Reif Al Defrey, Robyn Stitt Mark Drummond Marg Wilson John Hayson Anne Penny Warren.

Fun Friday afternoons have begun, now running each week from 1pm, with first winner’s Robyn Stitt, Marie Nesbitt, and Mark Drummond.

Sunday: winners for the afternoon were Bill Parker, Ken Coad, Heidi Reif, and Ron Hyde.

Runners Up were Bill Myers, Carol Bellingham, Peter Nesbitt, and Al Defrey, with other winners Bob Russo, Vic Parmer, and Barry Beel.

June Walsh and Sugar Greg Colquhoun defeated J Defrey, Chris Robinson, and Kennedy Whitton, with Eileen Dunn, John Hayson, and Donna Leeson winners on the day, too.

Laurie Land, Mureen Hyde, and Graeme Read defeated John Breakwell, Peter Howie, and Steve Farrell to round out the week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Ron Hyde, Heidi Reif, and Ken Coad

‍

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event, with ladies’ winner Maree Uren 39 points, runner up Jane Seaborne 36 points.  

Men’s winner on a countback was Jumbo Miller 39 points, runner up Brett Richards 39 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Rekenen Accountants, where Ladies’ winner Julie Martin finished with 36 points, followed closely by second place on a countback Penny Stewart 33 points, and third place Ruth Dunn 33.  

Pin shots to Claire Garrod, Joy Hose, Paulette Barrett.  

Lisa Raisbeck also had an IBP and won the Car wash voucher with her pin shot.

Men’s winner with a great score of 40 points was Graham Seaborne, followed on a countback by Alan Detrey 37, and Rodney Wells 37.

Pin shots to Rod Wells, Ross Peterson, Michael Heinrich, Marcus Yasso.  

This weekend’s event is a single stableford event sponsored by P&O Meehan Menswear for the men and Commonwealth Bank for the ladies.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

L-R ladies’ winner Julie Martin, Rekenen’s Julie Mawson, and Men’s winner Graham Seaborne

‍

‍