Tributes have flown following the passing of Mackay rugby league legend Mick ‘Wombat’ Aprile last month.

A tough second row forward who always made 50 tackles a game, Mick played first grade for Mackay Brothers from 1963 until he retired as a player in 1971, winning premierships with the club in 1967 and 1970.

“Mick was a Mackay Brothers man through and through,” said rugby league author and historian Tony Price.

“He might even have been a Leprechaun in another life.”

On the representative front, Mick played Foley Shield for Mackay from 1963 until 1966 and said his fondest memory was playing against the mighty St George club from Sydney in 1964 and 1966 which featured future icons of the game including John Raper and Norm Proven.

Coaching was a natural progression for Mick, taking charge of many junior, school and first grade rugby league teams and as well as serving as a selector, referee and administrator.

When approached by St Patrick’s College to coach their First XIII, he jumped at the challenge, leading the school to five straight Confraternity Shields from 1988 to 1992.

“Mick simply loved ‘Confro’,” said Mr Price.

“He felt his St Patrick’s players lifted as soon as they pulled on the jersey and his natural good humour and tactical mind would turn average players into superstars.

“The young players simply loved the guy.”

Along the way, Mick coached and mentored talented young players including Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Wendell Sailor, who all went on to play representative football for Queensland and Australia.

After over 50 years involved in the game, Mick was presented with Life Membership of the QRL Northern Division in 2017 and was also recognised as a Life Member of Brothers Junior Rugby League, Brothers Senior Rugby League and Mackay & District Rugby League.

He was awarded Rotary Awards for his services to junior and school sport.

Mick passed away on November 29, 2022 and will be remembered as a legend of the game.

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Mick Aprile (third from left) was presented with Life Membership of the QRL Northern Division in 2017

Mackay Cutters Hooker Kyle Schneider has re-signed with the club following a terrific 2022 season that led to his representative debut for Scotland in the Rugby League World Cup.

Eligible through the Scottish heritage of his grandparents, Kyle donned the dark blue jersey for the first time in October, making three appearances throughout the tournament and finishing the World Cup with an 80-minute performance against Fiji.

“It let me play my style of footy with myself generally being an 80-minute hooker and will definitely be something I can bring back to the Hostplus Cup this season and build on,” Kyle said.

Kyle said the highlight of the tournament came when Scotland came up against Australia.

“You grow up watching a few of these players for a number of years, but to be out there playing against them tops it for me,” he said.

The opportunity to play for his country allowed Kyle to grow on a professional and personal level.

“On a trip like this you tend to learn quite a bit about yourself, whether it’s how to make sure you can put your best foot forward in a different setting each week or what you need to do to continue to build and better yourself as a player,” he said.  

“It’s quite tough initially coming into a new setting with boys from all over, but all the players were open and inviting which made it easy for us all to be quite close off the field.

“The results didn’t pan out how we wanted them but for us to pull together and put in a solid effort against Fiji in the last game I think reflects that.

“We had a good bunch of blokes around camp, and it was an honour to be able to represent my heritage and my family on a world stage.”

Kyle is one on many players the Mackay Cutters have retained for the 2023 season including Ross Bella, Sean Mullany, Blake Paskins, Kyle Krasinski-Kennedy, Flynn Camilleri, Brandon Finnegan, Matthew Vessey, Henri Stocks, Jake Riley, Jack Hoffman and Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano with the club also announcing new recruits Logen Dillon and Jacob Schill.

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Cutters Hooker Kyle Schneider debuted for Scotland at the Rugby League World Cup in October

As the 2022 Oztag season came to a close last Wednesday, two of Mackay’s stalwarts were recognised for their contributions to the game by Oztag Queensland.

Referee Courtney Gordon was awarded 2022 Female Referee Of The Year and Head Referee Damien Horwell was nominated for his service to the game.

Courtney found out she’d won Female Referee Of The Year as she was making the announcement of Damien’s nomination at the end of season presentation.

“It’s a bit of a shock coming from a smaller venue against a lot of the bigger ones,” she said.

“For little old Mackay to be recognised, it’s pretty special.”

Courtney has been refereeing since she was 15 and has worked in both Queensland and New South Wales programs, saying she’s proud of the culture at Mackay Oztag.

“We have a pretty awesome gang; we’ve got plenty of good vibes happening through the venue at the moment and heaps of support,” she said.

“The game’s growing slowly but it’s definitely growing and we’re actually starting to become a little bit more competitive with the higher grades at the representative tournaments.”

Damien has been refereeing in Mackay for 18 months and said he was surprised to be nominated.

“I feel great for it, but a bit shocked,” he said.

Damien said he enjoys controlling the game and the respect from players.

“As I ref, I teach the people how to play, especially those that don’t know how to play the game, and that’s the part that I really enjoy,” he said.

“What we have here is very special.

“I really enjoy it and look forward to every Wednesday night.”

The Oztag season will start again in January.

Follow Mackay Oztag on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to get involved.

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Courtney Gordon, Maddison Reeves and Damien Horwell of Mackay Oztag

The crew that makes Tuesday morning table tennis such a success was thanked for their efforts at the fixture’s  annual presentation lunch at Harrup Park.

Iris Grasso, Pam Joyce and Donna Abbott run the fixtures, while Tony Bowman is in the background collating results, organizing the annual car raffle and helping run the annual championships.

Players Robyn Bushell and Gerry Synnott thanked the group on behalf of the players.

“As many of you would be aware, a lot of time, phone calls and stress goes into the many tasks they carry out to ensure our fixtures run smoothly,” Robyn said.

“It’s a thankless task and we really appreciate the work that you do.”

Iris announced winners of the final season of fixtures completed last week.

Division 1: George Camilleri, Doug Dungavell, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson. Leading player George Camilleri.

Division 2: Iris Grasso, Don Boettcher, Judi Hicks, Kim Challender. Don Boettcher leading player.

Division 3: Sharon Muller, Pam Keune, Allison Day. Kim Daffy leading player.

By Charlie Payne

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THANKS: Pam Joyce, Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso and Tony Bowman are thanked for running Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures by players Robyn Bushell, left, and Gerry Synnott, right

DIVISION 1

Division 1 winners Doug Dungavell, Peter Goodson, Steve Mathieson and George Camilleri with fixture organizer Iris Grasso

DIVISION 2

Iris Grasso, Judi Hicks and Don Boettcher won division 2 with Kim Challender

DIVISION 3

Iris Grasso with division 3 leading player Kim Daffy and winners Sharon Muller and Pam Keune, who won with Allison Day

MEDALS

Kim Daffy, Sharon Muller and Robyn Bushell with medals from the annual championships

The year 12 Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) girls volleyball team have claimed division 3 gold after a week of competition at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast last week.

Touted as the largest school-based sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere, the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup is the marquee junior participation event in the national events portfolio, bringing together hundreds of secondary school teams from across Australia and New Zealand.

Led by coaches Nigel McDuff and Nikki Palmer, the WAS girls finished the group stage in second place after four wins and two losses.

The girls came up against third placed Merici College from Canberra and competition leaders St Scholastica's College from Sydney in the semi-finals, defeating both teams 2-1.

The undefeated semi-finals run saw them face old foes Merici College in the gold medal match, defeating the southerners 2-1 in the final on Saturday.

The WAS year 12 boys also made Mackay proud, falling agonisingly short of finals in their division 3 campaign.

The boys, led by coaches Kade Palmer and Jamie Novosel, finished the tournament with five wins and four losses to place fifth overall.

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WAS year 12 girls have walked away from the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup with gold medals

WAS year 12 girls finished the tournament in fifth place. Photos supplied

Social Results

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Bill. McCurry and Peter Rintoul. Second draw winners were Paul Goldston and Doug. Dungavell and third draw winners were Lyn Maguire and Peter Crawford.

Wednesday - Ladies section Christmas Breakup social bowls (no winners or losers!) Great lunch supplied by Goosies and all enjoyed the day.

Thursday - mixed pairs first draw winners were Ian McDonald and Lance Edwards. Second draw winners were Jan Little and Paul Goldston. Third draw winners were Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots!

Friday - Winners were Phyllis and Bevan Cooper. Lucky draw winners were Lorna Bowers and Ken McLean. Runners up lucky draw winners were Ask. Helenius and Wayne Mietzel.

Saturday - Mens’ Pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Andrew Coates.

There are two more weeks of club bowling days finishing on Saturday 24 December for the holiday period. Visitors from other bowls clubs are very welcome to play in any bowling day.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

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Immediate Past President of the MDLBA, Hilary Jones Rowan at the Xmas Breakup

Lew Trott at the Men’s Saturday bowls

John Kennell delivering a cracking shot at Saturday bowls

When the St Patrick’s College Mackay boys and girls rugby league teams saddle up for their respective campaigns in 2023 they’ll both be motivated by a common desire.

Acquiring silverware has become second nature to this proud school with a rich sporting history, and after three runners up achievements this season the rugby league cohort will be athletes on a mission.

Bringing home the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophies, NRL Schoolgirls and Schoolboys Cups plus the Aaron Payne Cup are top priorities for the College that has spawned Kangaroos internationals in Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Under the guidance of newly appointed coaches Ian Schifilliti (Boys) and Jake Harney (Girls), the College will field powerful and exciting squads that should prove a force to be reckoned with in 2023.

Harney, a talented half back who had stints with Wynnum Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Hostplus Cup, has assembled a very strong girls combination – with eight members back on deck next season.

Outstanding hooker Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative players returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power running props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.

They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trinity Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field and Mercy College graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney.

The inspirational Johns is a product of the Norths Devils club and rated one of the best number nines on the Queensland schools and Junior League scene.

A wily hooker with silky passing skills, warrior Paityne has turned in consistent performances in recent seasons with her ability to read a game, no-nonsense defence and spring-heeled runs from dummy half.

Johns and her teammates are determined to lift the second annual Girls Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy at the 2023 Carnival in Brisbane.

It is all systems go for the mighty Mackay maidens who have next year’s Confraternity Games and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 trophies on the top of their wish lists.

St Patrick’s College impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s inaugural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.

Marymount College from Burleigh Waters defeated a courageous St Patrick’s side 18-10 in the Shield decider.

It is that taste of big match experience that will spur this impressive and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.

The girls are reaping the benefits of a tough pre-season campaign and remain in tip-top shape following extensive strength and conditioning and skills sessions.

Nucleus of the St Patrick’s team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.  

An appreciative Harney will be assisted by one of the region’s best young coaches in Wanderers JRLFC mentor Imogen Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.

The respected Healy guided the club to this year’s Mackay & District Junior League Under 16s Girls Grand Final where they were beaten 10-6 by Moranbah Miners.  

St Patrick’s College top grade rugby league coach Ian Schifilliti says he is “honoured and excited” to be taking over the reins from Michael Comerford, the newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach, in 2023.

“It is a privilege to step into the shoes of Michael who has shaped the St Patrick’s Rugby League Academy into a real force,” said Ian.

“Our current group is brimming with talent - we have the nucleus of this year’s champion squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor and Bailey Caruana.

“Add promising Mercy colts like Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, Kooper Shears, Cohen Jackson, Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy to the mix and you have the ingredients for a competitive outfit in 2023,” he declared.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay’s Rugby League Class of 2023 are hungry for success next season

Mackay Road Runners off-season informal 5km and 10km training events are held every Sunday afternoon at 5:30pm from a varying location around the city.  

The northside is currently the go, where nearly thirty runners tested themselves for a single 5km loop or two loops for 10 kilometres on Sunday.  

The course started from the very popular watering hole, The Grove on Andergrove Road with Race Director, Andrew Short in charge of the course description in lieu of the usual race director, Jim Ford.

With two weeks out from the big day, runners were still fully committed to their training regimes although sensibly reducing their distances and speeds to suit the dramatically and dangerously high temperatures at this time of year.

Speedsters Rodney Elworthy and Paul Mackenzie ran a leisurely 10km compared to their usual top pace efforts with Angus Jacobs, Mick Scholer and Joe Grech also taking a welcome reduction in pace to accommodate their current racing schedules.  

Carolyn Mapes sizzled in the 5km, relaxing easily into the festive season holiday mode as did Julie Whibley and Mel Esau.  

Jo Skinner, Carmel Mahon, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, David Isbister, Derek Woods, Andrew Short and Andrew Wallace also held great form to complete their respective events whilst Andrew Whibley cruised along with his best friend.

This Sunday’s last run before Christmas commences at the Mackay North High School end of Valley Street, North Mackay at 5:30pm.  

Participants are welcome to add a touch of tinsel or sparkle to their usual running attire as there will be a Christmas photo, however, this is optional.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Jo Skinner very excited about completing the 5km in the very tropical conditions

Emma Johnson and Martin Lambert co-ordinated their outfits

Natasha is enjoying her new found love for running

Mick Scholer and Joe Grech pair up in the 10km event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Another year draws to a close at the ever-evolving Airlie Beach Bowls Club with few games left on the green for 2022.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls saw the pairs team of Graham Cowling and Andrew Butler take home the prize, with Betty Nicole winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday night saw the final of Business House Bowls organised by Kate McDowall.

A draw between new team Airlie Splash of Colour and PRD - which went to a three bowl each team play off – was the surprise of the night, but the difference was PRD’s experience which proved the factor in their winning of another trophy.

New team KC s had their first win, showing off their major improvement.

Friday night was the club’s presentation night, with Manny Isgro’s outstanding achievements notably recognised.

Representing with the Men’s Division One team, whom we’re playing their first season in this division and were expected to come last, Manny led his side to a more than respectable second.

As well, other extraordinary feats were honoured, particularly those of Betty Nicole, whom was undergoing chemotherapy but still managed a performance that puts her amongst the club’s best bowlers.

Betty played well in driving her team to represent at the Australian titles – an achievement, even more so, taking into account that the “little pocket rocket” was not overawed by the team they faced, which featured bowlers with over 50 Australian caps to their names.

Club secretary Mark Mawson said the club is now the “Number one in North Queensland”, which shows the diligence from Chairman Ash Warland and our Vice Chairman Karen Jensen.

After the presentation, it was back to the green, with Sunday afternoon social bowls seeing Graham Cowling and Keith Bates comfortably winning the prize money.

The Club also drew a respectful remembrance to the players who passed on this year: Stewart Clanachan, Robert Lade, and Peter McGrath.

“They were all inspirational members and their contributions and memories will never be forgotten,” Mr Mawson said.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie with their runners up medals after coming a gallant second at the Australian titles

Bowen Bowls Club was host to an excellent contingent of bowlers this week, starting with its Wednesday Social Bowls.

Mary Ellen Pratten, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle were first to join the winners’ circle, defeating the side of Peter Thomson, Allen Williams, and Doc Fordham.

Jill Brabon, Tracey Roach, and Jane Gilbert were up next, claiming a victory over Brett Lampard, Paula Welsted, Lou Fordham.

For Sunday Scroungers, the winners comprised a few familiar names: Peter Thomson, Jill Brabon, Brett Lampard, and Tracey Roach.

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Bowen Bowls Club’s Sunday Scroungers Winners Peter Thomson, Jill Brabon, Brett Lampard, and Tracey Roach

Tuesday’s game at Wangaratta Bowls Club resulted in a win for Penny Warren and Bron Tolcher who defeated Robyn Stitt and Irene Laird.

On Sunday afternoon, two triples and one pairs were played with winners for the afternoon Deb Retchless, Linda Scells, and John Turner who defeated Gary Kelly, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey.  

Other games saw Toni Bowen, Marg Wilson, and Kennedy Whitton defeat Irene Laird, Robyn Stitt, and Sugar Brunker. While Denise Wallace and Fely Duncan defeated Greg Colquhoun and Allan Rolfe.

The Club’s Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday, with Chairperson of the Board for 2023 being Barry Beel.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
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Sunday’s winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club, John Turner, Deb Retchless, and Linda Scells

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was the single stroke event for the December midweek monthly medal.

Ladies’ winner on a countback with a score of 71 nett was Gayle, followed by runner up Julie Martin, 71 nett.

Men’s winner was Kurt Gaudry with a 64 nett, and runner up was David Carus, 69 nett.

Saturday’s competition was an American Foursomes event for Peries IGA Christmas Hams -- Thank you to Peries IGA for their continued support.

Winners were Colin Shaw and Michael Brunker, 65.375 nett, runners up Clifford Querro and Doug Power 65.5.

Pin shots to Joshua Laurie and Grace Nott, with Dave Lydom and Dylan Nott both achieving OBP’s, and Dylan also winning the Car wash voucher.

This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB event for Christmas Seafood sponsored by Rynns Seafood.  The joker draw is back this Friday night and the jackpot sits at $1000.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Mike Brunker, half of Saturday’s winning team at Bowen Golf Club

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Tuesday’s Competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw a small field of seven players topped by Brian Smith on 70 nett in the PGC Tuesday nett competition, followed by John Dodds on 74, and Michael Cragg on 75 nett.

Wednesday Competition: 14 players competed in the Wednesday Medal of Medals competition, won by Trish McNeill on a nett 67, followed by Tiina Randmae and Lyn Muller on 70 and 71 nett, respectively.

NTPs were wone by Trish McNeill, Viv Demartini, Tiina Randmae, and Sue Smith.

Thursday Competition: Of the 55 players on Thursday, 14 players were shooting it out for the Thursday Medal of Medals competition.

Division One MOM was won by Ritchie Atkins on a 69 nett, and Rees May was the winner of Division Two MOM on 72 nett.

In the daily stroke event, visitor Ben Rosenthal came in with a very tidy 67 nett, closely followed by Lew Tuck on 69 nett. The Division Two winner, also on 67 nett, was Jalen Jarvis, followed by Ben Raymant on 69 nett.

NTPs went to Sam Deicke, Conrad Werner, Trish McNeill and Paul Gray

Saturday Competition: 91 players played in the combined Saturday competition of Medal of Medals and a stroke event.

A handicap altering 62 nett saw Renae Maxwell not only break 100 for the first time, but also take home the 2022 Medal of Medal championship by a margin of five shots from her nearest competitor, Di Chard on 67 nett.

Some great scores by the ladies, not to mention the 68 netts by Elspeth Scotford, Reh Hull, and Penny Wardroper.

NTPs were won by Pauline Redpath and Di Chard.

The men’s competition was won by Marcus Heathcote on a nice 67 nett, edging out Ben Raymant on a countback.

Ben, however, was competing in the Men’s Medal of Medal Championships and managed to secure two honour board events in one day.

Ben also won his Graded Matchplay final against Dave Telford.

Sam Deicke continued his good form to take out third place also on a 67 nett, and the NTPs went to Mark Richards, Jon Miller, Sam Marschke, and Brian Allen.

All Honour Board trophies will be awarded on Turkey Day this Saturday.

Sunday Competition: A quiet Sunday after the Whitsunday Club’s Christmas party with eight players playing a Stableford event with Daniel O’Donnell winning with 39 pts ahead of Brian Allen on 36pts, and Darren Reynolds on 34pts.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Turkey Day this Saturday for a 3 ball ambrose followed by the Annual Awards Presentation.

Contributed with thanks to The Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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This weekly competition at Whitsunday Green was won by Tyson Flavel with a whopping 21 points.

Coming in second place was Glenn Rees on a very close 20 points, and wrapping up the week in third place was Terry Kimpton, taking home 19 points.

The Club’s Friday competition this week was won by Chris Bartlett with a 19-point win. Second place went to Glenn Rees, 18, and third this Friday was Kev Francke on 17.

On Sunday, Whitsunday Green’s 18-hole SKINS Competition was a tie between Jimmy Miller and Elise Hodgson, both on 10 points.

They had a playoff with Jimmy Miller taking the win with 10 skins -- third place was Tyson Flavel on nine.

Nearest to the pin on Sunday was Terry Kimpton with two points.

This Sunday is monthly medal 18-hole (Stroke) tee off at 10.00am.

To bring in the Christmas cheer, the Club will be having a Christmas celebration to follow this week’s final monthly medal.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Chris Bartlett was this week’s 19-point winner in the Friday Club competition at Whitsunday Green

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This week 93 people ran, jogged, and walked the course, of whom 18 were first timers and nine recorded new personal bests.

Well done to Ben, Robert, Van, Nadine, Declan, Warren, Jai, and Jessica on achieving new record runs, as well as Cassie for completing her 50th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 15 wonderful volunteers: Joanne, Nick, Nathalie, Daniel, Ken, Ronald, Wendy, Dennis, Laura, Lynne, Greg, Kara, Lilliana, Michael, and Susanne.

Upcoming special runs will see runners take part in a Christmas Eve parkrun, Christmas Day parkrun, New Year’s Eve parkrun, and a New Year’s Day parkrun – start those resolutions bright and early.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6.50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Airlie Beach park runners heading off on the run’s seventh anniversary

Plenty of park runners were out in force for the weekly event

The Airlie Beach parkrun travels across the coastal town’s boardwalks in a five-kilometre loop