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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Move It NQ, a North Queensland Sports Foundation project, is aimed at supporting healthier and active lifestyles in the north Queensland regions and now you can access their health and fitness content on any device, anywhere, anytime.

Move It NQ On Demand offers over 1,000 fitness and wellbeing sessions from reputable fitness providers around the world including anything from meditation and mindfulness to full body conditioning programs and bootcamps, with most sessions requiring little to no equipment.

“There’s fitness sessions for all abilities and skill levels,” North Queensland Sports Foundation Senior Program Coordinator Megan Taylor said.

“It’s there, it’s on demand, you can access whatever kind of workout suits your ability at the touch of a button, especially for people who are in regional and remote areas who don’t always have access to the same facilities as people in the major centres.”

Participants will receive 30 days free access when they sign up and, from there, subscription is $3.99 a month or $39.99 for 12 months with proceeds going back into delivering health and wellbeing programs throughout the community.

There are also 10 x 12-month free vouchers to Move It NQ On Demand on offer to those who sign up at the Mackay Sports Expo.

Move It NQ, alongside Mackay Regional Council’s Active in the Regions program, also deliver 6-8 health and wellbeing sessions a week throughout the Mackay region.

For more information on those sessions and Move It NQ On Demand, jump on moveitnq.com.au.

You can find Megan and the team from North Queensland Sports Foundation at the Mackay Sports Expo happening on Sunday, February 12 from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the MECC.

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There are many benefits to your child learning to swim at a young age.

Swimming lessons develop unique motor-skills, build a foundation for physical activity and, most importantly, equip children with the tools to survive and thrive in the water.

“Swimming isn't just a skill where people can grow up and go to the Olympics,” said Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Centre (ARC) Aquatic School Coordinator Sam Westcott.

“With the amount of water that we have around not only Mackay but Queensland, swimming is that life saving skill that everyone should have.”

With that in mind, ARC offers a program of swimming lessons for children as young as six months old, teaching the foundations of swimming and water safety.

A weekly fee provides access to one swimming lesson a week, with the possibility of more, as well as unlimited access to the pool facilities for the child.

Along with Splish Splash Aqua Playgroup, for babies aged six months and under, and squad training, ARC offers everything for your child’s swimming development, no matter their age or ability.

You can find Sam and the team from ARC at the Mackay Sports Expo happening on Sunday, February 12 from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the MECC.

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Images: GOswim swimming and water safety programs are equipping children to swim for life

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Joleigh Strydom, 10-year-old swimmer from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, joined the Pioneer Dolphins in September 2022 and has been turning heads ever since.

She trained under Rita Townsend in South Africa and her love for swimming was cemented thereon. Swimming competitions are only held via the schools in South Africa, so the regular competitions locally in North Queensland are a welcome treat for our girl.

Joleigh’s family relocated to Australia from South Africa to escape the high crime/ job shortages experienced in 2021. Her family sought out a similar lifestyle to their beloved South Africa choosing the gorgeous Mackay to call their new home.  

Under the guidance of Igor Demin (Pioneer Coach) Joleigh’s swimming has kicked up a gear. She has qualified for all four strokes (freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke) for the upcoming Queensland Championships in Brisbane on 11-12 February 2023.  Her favourite stroke is breaststroke, continuing to podium place in this event at most carnivals.

Joleigh has described her love for swimming is made easy whilst spending time with her friends in the squad.  She says Pioneer Swimming Club plays a big part of her life.

We are truly proud of you Joleigh and are equally excited for you and what your future holds.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Image: 10-year-old Joleigh Strydom joined the Pioneer Swimming Club after moving to Mackay from South Africa

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Mackay rugby league twins Henry Thorpe and Harry Thorpe have always achieved success in pairs.

Since pulling on their first football boots at the age of five, the talented siblings have chalked up a long list of accomplishments together and dream of one day playing alongside each other in the National Rugby League competition.

Fresh from their heroic deeds with St Patrick's College in the Capricornia schoolboy ranks, the brothers Thorpe are keen to impress NRL talent scouts and earn a crack at the big league.

They'll both step up a class this season when they pit their skills for the Mackay Cutters Under 18s in the Mal Meninga Cup series and for the Mackay Magpies Under 20s team in the Mackay & District Junior League.

The Magpies junior products played pivotal roles during St Patrick's unwavering success in the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy competitions in recent seasons with standout performances at lock and five eighth.

Inspirational Henry proved a revelation in the forwards - skippering the first-grade team to Grand Final appearances in both competitions last season where they finished runners up to arch rivals Ignatius Park College Townsville.

The tough tackling lock showed his wares in Queensland's most prestigious schoolboy rugby league showpiece tournament and was rewarded for consistent displays with selection in the 2022 Confraternity Shield Merit Team.

Having overcome niggling injuries, the twins have now set their sights on making an impression in the Mackay senior ranks and hopefully securing their futures with an NRL club down the track.

Both Henry and Harry are entering their 14th season with the Mackay Magpies club where they have given yeoman service since being introduced to the code in the Under 6 Junior League division.

Under the coaching of their father Scott Thorpe – a legendary hooker from the Darling Downs in his heyday - the twins were part of a crack Magpies outfit that captured the Laurie Spina Shield (Under 11s); Jason Hetherington Cup (Under 12s) in Gladstone plus the Nate Myles Cup (Under 13s) trophies as well as lifting the Mackay & District Junior League Under 13s premiership during a golden three-year period.

A highlight for the twins was also gaining selection in the Queensland Under 12 Schoolboys representative team as second row forwards back in 2017 following strong performances for Capricornia in the State trials.

Both Henry and Harry left their mark as the young Maroons defeated a powerful NSW combination to clinch the National Primary Schools Rugby League championship title in Melbourne.

The twins spent their early high school days at Mackay State High School and were recognised for their developing skills by the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders.

Henry showed promise as a five eighth and Harry at lock in the Broncos Rugby League Academy at ages 13 and 14 before switching positions in the Cowboys Academy as 15- and 16-year-olds.

2022 proved a breakout year for the versatile siblings who featured in St Patrick's rugby league success with tireless performances across all competitions.

They were also part of the Mackay Cutters' Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup side that finished runners up to the Townsville Blackhawks and will spearhead the 2023 squad alongside school colleagues Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue, Liam Doherty, Kai Simon and Matthew Watts.

The twins will saddle up again with their beloved Mackay Magpies in the Under 20 Junior League series and juggle work commitments with a view to forcing their way into the senior ranks.

A determined Henry has commenced studies for a Sports/Science degree at CQUniversity and is a valuable employee at the Integrated Bodies Athlete Development Centre while 18-year-old Harry is studying to become a school teacher and has acquired work as a Teacher Assistant at the St Patrick's College Mercy campus.

By Chris Karas

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Images

1: Harry Thorpe

2: Henry Thorpe

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Joyce Camilleri and Marie Bragg. Second draw winners were Graham Moore with Don Agnew, and the lucky prize draw was won by Darren Laurens and Robert Evans.

Wednesday - NMBC Ladies Section winners were Leslie Baumgarten, Bev McDonald and Debbie Mackenzie. Runners up were Robyn Rintoul, Wendy McGee and Chris Hall.

Thursday – Australia Day Event at Goosies first prize was taken out by Eric Galletly, Asco Helenius and Shane Trannore. Second draw winners were Chris Banney and Bert Hobbs. Best "Aussie" fancy dress prizes won by Dorothy Wise and Shane Trannore!

Friday - mixed pairs best card winners were Bob Kinname and Peter Horsburgh. Winners of the lucky draw were Lidia McCarthy and Ray McCarthy. Runners up were Coral Francis and Donna Gordon.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

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Images:

1 "A" Grade Fours holding 3 shots

2 North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies come out in force to play every Wednesday

3  Umpire measuring for match point

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Sarina Bowls Club celebrated Australia Day in good old Aussie style.  About 60 locals joined in the celebrations with a game of bowls, damper, lamingtons and a sausage sizzle. A fun crowd enjoyed the afternoon and each other’s company.

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Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Image: Doris Wray, Be Be Smith and Bertha Archer at Sarina Bowls Club’ Australia Day celebrations

Image: Showing their Aussie spirt are John Large, Brian Adams, Ivy Henshaw and Greg Hughes

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The Australia Day Mackay Contract Bridge Club “Come and Try Bridge Day”, sponsored by Mackay Regional Council was a fantastic success. Many prospective Bridge players came to watch and learn about playing Bridge. Major Greg Williamson dropped in and congratulated all on a great day. Members and guests enjoyed cards and a sausage sizzle for Australia Day.

Club Vice President Lorna Shuttlewood said, “the day was a huge success and we were pleased with the many potential players in attendance.”

WEEKLY RESULTS

Monday 23 January 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright

2nd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

3rd Margaret Jennings / Marilin Robins

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3rd Monica Darley / Geoff Taylor

Tuesday Evening 24 January 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Mick Robins / Diane Cox

2nd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Jan Harris

2nd Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

Wednesday 25 January 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Joyce Deguara / Mary Cruickshank

E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

Thursday 26 January 2023 – Australia Day 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Vic Mason

3rd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Patricia Garner

2nd Roland Taylor / Jaiden Taylor

3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Friday 27 January 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

2nd Frances Brown / Geoff Taylor

3rd Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

Saturday 28 January 2023 – 10 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan

2nd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

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Image: Diane Morgan and Mayor Greg Williamson at Mackay Contract Bridge Club’s Australia Day event

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Image: Jamiey Doevendans will lead the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes charge in the NBL1 North competition

A well-known local coach has accepted the top coaching role with Mackay’s premier ladies basketball squad, saying he is looking forward to creating a culture based around pride and passion.

Mackay Basketball announced the appointment of Jamiey Doevendans as Head Coach of the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes for the next two NBL1 seasons.

Doevendans has a long history of involvement with the Mackay Basketball NBL1 program, having served in various coaching roles over the past decade. He was an assistant coach with the Meteors men’s team for three years, during which he was a part of two QBL championship-winning campaigns. He then transitioned to the Meteorettes program as an assistant coach for seven seasons, during which he won another QBL title and helped guide the team to two more grand final appearances. Additionally, the local Mackay mentor spent seven years on the sidelines as an assistant coach with the Queensland North under 16 and under 18 girls state representative teams.

Mackay Basketball President Tara Smyth stated that the club is excited about Doevendans' transition into the Meteorettes NBL1 Head Coach position.

“Jamiey has been heavily invested in our Mackay Basketball QBL and NBL1 programs for a long period of time, so it’s great to see his commitment, dedication and efforts be rewarded with this opportunity to take the reins of our women’s squad,” said Smyth.

“While it’s his first season as a head coach at this level, he brings extensive experience to the role.”

Doevendans expressed pride in the opportunity to step into the top job.

“Being a prestigious position and the program having a rich history of success, I am honored in leading the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes for the next two seasons,” he said.

“My focus is to continue to create a culture and style of play built around working hard and competing with pride and passion. A team the local basketball community can be excited about coming to support.”

With Doevendans now locked in as coach, the club plans to announce Meteorettes player signings in the coming weeks.

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Weekly Results

Monday mixed pairs draw was won by Lance Edwards and Lesley Baumgarten. Second draw winners were Trevor Laurens and Robert Masso and the lucky prize draw was won by Lesley Baumgarten and Greg Pembroke.

Wednesday NMBC Ladies Section had their Past Presidents, Life Members and Opening Day for 2023.

Thursday mixed pairs first draw was taken out by Lidia McCarthy and Ray McCarthy. Second draw winners were Hilary Jones Rowan and Ian Rowan. Greens vouchers were won by Robert Evans and Peter Cowling. Andrew Coates won the raffle. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs best card winners were Jean Zamparutti and Debbie Mackenzie. The kitty toucher was not won.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

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Mackay Table Tennis stalwarts Donna and Kevin Abbott have put their money where their hearts are by donating a new honour board for the association.

The new honour board was installed late last year and stands beside the original, which holds the names of every president, secretary, treasurer, men’s and women’s champions, life members and patrons since the association was formed in 1937.

The original was installed at the new Mackay Table Tennis Centre in Bridge Rd when it was opened in 1972 and was donated by Jim Hardy and his son Peter, who formed the Kooyong Table Tennis Club in the 60s and raised funds at the hotel for the new centre.

Donna and Kev, and Donna’s late uncle Frank DeCampo, have a long association with the club.

Frank was treasurer for five years between 1961-64 and was among those fundraising for the new centre at a time when the association was playing competitions at the Church of England Hall in Shakespeare St.

Both Donna and Kev followed Frank’s footsteps and have been long-time players, supporters and fundraisers for the club.

Donna is now in a record 10th year as treasurer, and she, Kevin and Frank are all life members of the association.

By Charlie Payne

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Donna and Kevin Abbott stand beside the new honour board at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre. Photos: Charlie Payne

The original honour board with the new board in the background at the entrance to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre

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Lucky number thirteen of the Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series was enjoyed by over thirty runners who gathered at the Bucasia Shopping Centre car park for a Sunday afternoon stroll through the beautiful Bucasia suburb onto the pathways and beaches towards Shoal Point and return.  

The 12km loop course and 5km shorter distance option was made tougher by the humid conditions and the soft sand, however, all runners came through to the end with big smiles for their efforts.

Club Captain/Race Director Jim Ford as usual had a couple of optional courses for runners to enjoy at whatever speed or distance they chose.  

Excellent performances came from the longer distance athletes Mick Scholer, Paul McKenzie, George Hannaford, Luke Leven, Oliver Rule, Andrew Wallace, June Bradley, Carmel Mahon and Stephen Oberg.  

The 5km runners including Daniel Stampa, Julie Whibley, Jo Hughes, Mel Harris and Lily Leven had a great outing with Adam and Alana Knesevic hitting the paths with the double pram with Vivian and Harvey on board.

This Sunday’s penultimate Shawn’s Summer Social Series event will commence at 5:30pm for a snakes and ladders style event throughout the streets of the City Centre.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Image1: L-R George, Grant and Paul welcome the cold water and air con at George’s clinic, Northern Beaches Spine Care Chiropractor after their 10km efforts

Image 2: Mel Harris in great form in the 5km event

Image 3: Club Captain/Race Director Jim Ford (front right) presents George Hannaford with a trophy from the 2022 Mackay Road Runners Presentation night where George was unable to attend

Image 4: Mick Scholer (right) was definitely the thorn among the roses with Jo, Julie, Helen and Lily with Dulcie (foreground). Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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