
Bowen-born sports administrator Jeff Reibel has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Rugby League, marking another major milestone in a career spanning more than two decades. Reibel will begin the role in November, succeeding Ben Ikin, after spending seven years as Chief Executive Officer of the North Queensland Cowboys. He looks to carry that success through to the QRL, looking to build on an already strong foundation. “It's an incredible honour to join the Queensland Rugby League and contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in the fabric of our state,” Jeff said. “Rugby league in Queensland has a proud history and a vibrant future, and I’m excited to work alongside our clubs, participants, volunteers, partners and communities to help strengthen the game at every level.” Born and raised in Bowen, Reibel studied at James Cook University, completing a Master of Business Administration before launching his rugby league career as Team Manager of the Cowboys' under-17 side in 1997. He worked his way through the football ranks, starting by driving the team bus, washing jerseys and doing whatever was needed as manager of the Cowboys' under-17 side. After progressing through several football operations roles, he moved into the commercial side of the game with stints at the Gold Coast Titans and Stone Brothers Racing before returning to the Cowboys in 2015. Four years later, he was appointed the club's chief executive officer. During his most recent tenure, Reibel helped oversee some of the club's biggest milestones, including the move to Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the development of new high-performance facilities, the launch of the Cowboys' NRLW team and guiding the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also played a key role in strengthening the club's commercial position, with the Cowboys emerging as one of the NRL's strongest off-field organisations. “Jeff is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of success in rugby league, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Queensland Rugby League," said QRL Chair Brian Canavan. “His experience leading one of the NRL's premier clubs, combined with his deep understanding of the game and strong commitment to community outcomes, makes him exceptionally well placed to guide the QRL into its next phase of growth." “Rugby league in Queensland is in an incredibly strong position, and we are confident Jeff's leadership, strategic vision and passion for the game will help us continue to build on that momentum for the benefit of our clubs, participants, volunteers and fans across the state.” Photo caption: Jeff Reidel with Federal member of Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP. Photo sourced: Andrew Willcox Facebook.
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A small contingent of Mackay Athletics Club (MAC) athletes travelled to the CH Track & Field Carnival at Emerald Athletics Club over the weekend, enjoying a warm and sunny day of competition. The team delivered a strong performance across the event, with several athletes achieving personal bests and record-breaking results. Ruby claimed third place in the high jump, while Lily recorded three personal bests throughout the day. Matilda broke two carnival records and also achieved a personal best in the 800m. Bronte had an outstanding carnival with five personal bests, finishing second in the high jump and third in the 800m. Amberley also added three personal bests to her results. Cathryn and Kevin both impressed, each breaking four carnival records during their events. Adding to the team’s contribution, Kym took charge in the discus cage as chief official while also managing to fit in a couple of throws of their own. The MAC athletes enjoyed a successful day of competition, showcasing the dedication and talent within the club. Photo source: Mackay Athletics Club
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Mackay Sinkers swimmers have returned with impressive results from the National Open Water Championships, claiming two gold medals and two bronze medals across the competition. In the 1.5km event, Nigel Dalton claimed gold in the 60–64 age group with a time of 27:42.38, while Geoffrey Robinson also secured gold in the 85–89 age group, finishing in 49:36.28. The club also celebrated success in the 3km event, with Daniel Stampa earning bronze in the 65–69 age group in 58:25.52, and Pierre Craven taking bronze in the 55–59 age group with a time of 51:27.11. The club congratulated Nigel, Geoff, Dan and Pierre on their outstanding performances. Back on home shores, members also enjoyed a Social Saturday swim, with a post-session warm-up featuring homemade turmeric pumpkin soup. The club thanked Annamaree and Alison F for preparing the soup, which was served after Jim's backboard set as the perfect winter recovery meal. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
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Christine Fitzpatrick began her Bridge journey only three years ago. Christine understands how daunting, although fun, learning and progressing in the Bridge World can be. Christine has impemented a day of play once a month for players with less than 5 master points. This day gives inexperienced players an opportunity to reinforce what they have learnt in lessons, exclusively at their own level. President Frances supported Christine’s idea and Robert Carless has kindly volunteered to assist. The first day of the program saw sixteen players attend with President Frances supporting in Christine’s absence. Monday 6 July 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP N/S E/W 1st Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt 1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles Tuesday Evening 7 July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / John McGee 2nd Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 3rd Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup 4th Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Breok Wednesday 08 July 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson 4th Sandra Morris / Jan Harris 4th David Ting / Ming Ting Thursday Evening 09 July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Jan Harris / Anne Lutz 2nd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy Friday 10 July 2026 –- 7 Table Rover Switch One Winner Green Points 1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Mick King / Joy Block 4th Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 5th Jewel Schmidt / Annete Howe 6th Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy Saturday 11 July 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Mick King / John McGee 2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris 3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Sandy Patterson / Joy Hold 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 5th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 5th Sue Ross / Sue Mayer-Miller Sunday 12 July 2026 – Novice (Beginners) under 5 points. 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Jennifer Cameron / Glen Cocup 2nd Colleen Riddel / Pam Cassidy 3rd John Hunt / Patricia Wong 4th Mary-Jane Marsh / Louise Renton Contributed by Joy Block Christine Fitzpatrick pictured. Photo supplied
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Australian Indigenous centre court sensation Ainsley Carey heads a strong St Patrick’s College netball contingent that will represent Mackay at next Monday’s Capricornia trials to be staged at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
The gifted 17-year-old centre/wing attack, who shone for Queensland at the recent National Indigenous Netball Championships on the Gold Coast, is one of the brightest prospects in the State and a product of the Mackay Magpies Netball Club.
Ainsley is one of five St Patrick’s College players in the Mackay District School Sport Netball Senior 16 - 19yrs squad that will push their claims for Capricornia representative selection.
Other St Patrick’s whiz kids to watch include outstanding defenders Mischa Dinsdale and goalkeeper Kacee Ziegeler, centre Lillian Newland and shooter Rebecca Symons.
They’ll be joined by promising Holy Spirit College defenders Elizabeth Lee and Stella Brooks; Whitsunday Anglican College shooters Eden Bagley and Isabel Milful and Mackay State High School shooter Christa Nissen.
The squad will be coached by experienced and respected St Patrick’s College mentor Diana Bailey.
During the trials Mackay will compete against teams from Port Curtis, Central Highlands and Rockhampton.
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ST PATRICK’S players also dominate selections in the Mackay District School Sport Netball 13 - 15yrs Junior squad which includes emerging goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse and centre court ace Tenille Cotter.
Talented shooters/goal attacks Kiana Dunn and Tahlia Anderson and goal attack/wing attack Lacie Clark will also fly the St Patrick’s flag along with leading coach Christine Newland.
Other players featured include rising Holy Spirit College trio Ava Symons (goal attack/shooter); Mia Slater (wing attack/centre/wing defender) and Alysse Atherton (goal defender/wing defence) and Mackay State High School’s sharp centre court/shooter Rhyanna Ape and impressive goalkeeper Addison Dee.
Exciting prospects Ziegeler, Pershouse and Cotter have been chosen to participate on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in 2024 where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.
The trio helped Mercy College capture the Division 6 Trophy at last year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) tournament after edging out rivals Marist College Emerald 16-15 in a thrilling Grand Final contest.
Dinsdale was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player after classy performances during the series and caught the eye of Australian Diamonds great Vicki Wilson, who labelled the Mercy school girl “an exceptional talent.”
The skilful Rebecca Symons was named St Patrick’s Most Valuable Player at the 2022 QISSN event.
By Chris Karas
St Patrick's College senior netballers Lillian Newland, Mischa Dinsdale, Rebecca Symons, Kacee Ziegeler and Ainsley Carey will represent Mackay Schools at next Monday's Capricornia 16 - 19yrs netball trials

On the weekend of 11-12 February 2023, Pioneer Dolphins travelled to the big smoke, Brisbane, for an action-packed weekend of competition at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
The fastest in the state battled it out for absolute supremacy in the “sprint” distance of 50m over the four strokes.
Pioneer Swimming Club celebrated a whopping 32 Dolphins having qualified for the event with 16 travelling to compete – Kylie Smith, Jade Bounden, Kailu Bellear, Kingston Baker, Yasmin Seedwell, Ella Bounden, Zahli Herring, Georgie Brand, Alex Moss, Ariah Corrigan, Isabelle Miles, August Baker, Madison Malagueno, Joleigh Strydom, Annaliese Miles and Yvonne Bellear.
Special mentions for highlights over the weekend include Jade Bounden placing 2nd in 18-year Freestyle, 3rd in Breaststroke and 4th in Butterfly; Kylie Smith placing 5th in Open Backstroke and 9th in Butterfly; Madison Malagueno placing 3rd in 10-year freestyle; Alex Moss placing 7th in 11-year breaststroke; and personal bests being achieved by most of our state team.
Igor joined the team on the trip to Brisbane and was one very proud Coach!
Our Dolphins celebrated their phenomenal weekend of swimming at the Brisbane Eat Street before returning to Mackay to start preparation for our next exciting event, NQ Championships to be held in Townsville on 4-5 March.
Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno
Pioneer Dolphins travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland Sprint Championships over the weekend
Jade Bounden received medals in breaststroke and freestyle and finalist in fly
Kylie Smith finalist in Butterfly and Backstroke Finals
Madison Malagueno receiving her bronze medal for freestyle
Alex Moss received a finalist ribbon for breaststroke. Photos supplied

From the warm tropics of northern Queensland to the frosty southern temperatures of the Australian Capital Territory, at the northern tip of the Australian Alps.
That is the future lifestyle for promising St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow after securing a three-year NRL contract with the Canberra Raiders.
The power running forward is bound for the nation’s capital when he completes his schooling in Mackay and has already impressed Raiders officials with his natural athletic prowess, work ethic and skill set while attending a pre-season camp at the club’s headquarters in Braddon.
As the 2023 season moves into full swing, the 15-year-old Morrow is determined to make every post a winner when he trots onto the field for St Patrick’s in the region’s schoolboys competition ranks; club side Mackay Wests Tigers in the Mackay & District Junior League or the Mackay Cutters in the Under 16 Cyril Connell Cup series.
It is undeniably a heavy match schedule but one the super fit Morrow will definitely relish when the first ball is officially kicked off for the new season.
A delighted Mark described his trip to the ACT as “a memorable experience” and a valuable introduction and education on NRL operations.
“I met the Raiders NRL squad at the camp and was over the moon when Kangaroos World Cup star Jack Wighton came over and made me feel welcome,” beamed Mark.
“We had a talk about my rugby league journey to date and Jack passed on tips on how to improve my game,” he added.
The impact forward was part of a squad of 24 top juniors aged between 15 and 18 from across Queensland and NSW invited to trial with the Raiders down south.
Morrow chalks up a 10-year service milestone with his beloved Tigers this season when he lines up for the Under 16 black and golds.
He remembers playing in his first trophy decider for the Tigers back in 2017.
“We lost to the Townsville Western Lions by three tries to one (12-4) in the final of the Gorden Tallis Cup,” Mark recalled.
Mark participated in the Broncos Rugby League Academy from the age of 12 and the Cowboys Academy since turning 14 before linking with the Raiders.
He represented Capricornia at the Queensland School Sports Rugby League State Championships in Under 11s, Under 12s and Under 15s and last year also lined up at the State AFL titles as a defender.
Mark is one of the big guns in a powerful and hungry St Patrick’s Year 10 team that is on the prowl for another Cowboys Challenge Shield title.
Having tasted defeat after the bell in last year’s Challenge Grand Final this Raider in waiting is determined to get his hands on the trophy in 2023.
By Chris Karas
Emerging St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow will swap the sun and tropics for chilly winters when he takes up a three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Lidia McCarthy and Ray McCarthy. Second draw winners were Vic Gaudian and Peter Miller, and the lucky prize draw was won by Marie Duck and D Evans.
Wednesday - NMBC Ladies Section winners were Lyn Tennant and Isla Comelli. Runners up were Debbie Mackenzie, Gloria Sam and Doris Dodds.
Wednesday was also the semi-final of the ladies club championship 4’s with the final played on Thursday morning. The final winning team players are Marie Bragg, Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Dorothy (Nuggie) Pratt. Valiant runners up were Donna Gordon, Coral Francis, Deb Mackenzie, Lorna Bowers.
Thursday – Goosies first prize was taken out by Andrew Coates and Shayne Trannore. Second draw winners were Vern Mietzel and Pat Elgey.
Kitty Toucher was not won!
Friday - Mixed pairs best card winners were Col Crocker and Tom Crocker. Winners of the lucky draw were Vern Mietzel and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Eric Galletly and Shirley Bartolo.
Saturday - NMBC Men’s section winners were Kenny Dwyer, Shayne Trannore and Ernie Sealy. Runners up Eric Galletly, Asko Helenius and Kenny Lane.
Contributed by Ian Rowan and Suzanne Hazledine
“A” Grade Fours and NMBC Singles
Club Championship 4’s winners Chris Hall, Marie Bragg, Nuggie Pratt and Michele Stockton
Runners up Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Donna Gordon, Coral Francis

While the Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field on Saturday, a few key players were absent after being called into the Cowboys squad for their first Pre-season Challenge match against the Dolphins.
Hooker Kyle Scheider and halfback Adam Cook took to the field in Cairns on Sunday as the Cowboys played out a 22 all draw against the NRL’s freshest franchise.
Winger Laitia Moceidreke and centre Gehamat Shibasaki also played for their contracted club after appearing for the Cutters 18 and five times respectively in 2022.
Moceidreke, who played one NRL game for the Cowboys in 2021 and was the top try scorer for the Cutters in 2022, starred with two tries, including a clutch final-minute four-pointer to guarantee the draw.
The Dolphins were the first to score in the seventh minute followed by Moceidreke opening the Cowboys’ account just four minutes later.
The Cowboys led 18-4 after 32 minutes before the Dolphins made their way back into the game, leading 18-22 with eight minutes to play.
Moceidreke crossed untouched in the final minute to even things up at 22-22.
Schnieder’s consistency in attack and defence was on display, including a pinpoint kick in the 62nd to set up a try that was ultimately disallowed, and Townsville junior Cook got his first taste of the big time, donning the Cowboys jersey for the first time and taking the field with about 30 minutes to go.
“It’s obviously something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Cook said after the game.
“When I got on there, I was just trying to do my role and make sure we completed the sets and I thought we did that.”
Looking to the 2023 Cutters season, Cook said he’s looking forward to a good year.
“We’re looking really good,” he said.
“Commo’s (Coach Michael Comerford) got a good group of boys there ready to go so I'm looking forward to a good season.”
Cutters’ halfback Adam Cook donned the Cowboys jersey for the first time on Sunday. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

Over seventy runners braved the heat wave conditions as they competed in a one, two or three loop course around the beautiful, mostly shaded Gooseponds from the Willis Street dog park carpark.
The social event was a great start to the formal 2023 season with the first handicap points run on next Sunday morning at Wallmans Rd cul-de-sac, Rural View.
All runners must register online so that they are immediately eligible for club championship and handicap points towards end of year trophies.
Also check out the 2023 calendar on the website www.mackayroadrunners.com for weekly events, times and locations.
Please check regularly in case of any updates or changes to the program.
Many thanks to Mr Colin Meng who has once again generously accepted to be the Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, bringing his reign to over 15 years.
Col also formally announced the first race of the season with a welcome speech before cutting the ribbon to open the 2023 season.
Thanks to Col and his family for also providing Zooper Doopers for a much needed boost of hydration post-race.
The continuing temperatures can be fatal; therefore, all runners must ensure they seriously maintain their hydration levels throughout the week as well as on training and race days.
Thanks to Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short for setting up the course for the event, merchandiser Jo Hughes, registrar Julie Whibley and timekeeper Arthur Dick as well as the many helpers assisting in pack-up afterwards.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Over seventy Mackay Road Runners joined Patron Col Meng (standing far left) as he opened the first official run of the 2023 formal program
Jordan Miller enjoyed a lap of the Gooseponds with his kids
L-R Tim Magoffin, Therese Hackney and Alan Zamparutti share a laugh
Birthday boy Stuart Sprott turned 79 on the first run of the season and is going strong too
Toby Rule leads over seventy runners out of the starting chute. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

Footy returned to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, giving punters a look at what they can expect from the Mackay Cutters in 2023 with four teams playing their first trials of the season.
The Cutters hosted the Central Queensland Capras with Cyril Connell Challenge, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 Girls and Hostplus Cup teams all facing off.
The Cyril Connell Challenge sides were the first to take the field, with the under-16 boys kicking off in the heat of the early afternoon.
The arm wrestle of the first half finished with the Cutters and the Capras tied at 8-8, but the home team kicked into gear in the second half, finishing strongly with a 20-8 win.
It was the under 18 boys to run out next, with the Mal Meninga Cup sides facing off in an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
It was looking dire for the Cutters, as the visitors went into half time with a 0-16 lead, but an inspired second half effort saw the Cutters score 20 unanswered points to finish 20-16 victors.
The difference couldn’t be split between the Harvey Norman U19 Girls squads, with an 8-8 half time score resulting in an epic 16-16 draw at full time.
Finally, the Hostplus Cup squad showed positive signs under new coach Michael Comerford, defeating their central Queensland rivals 24-10.
The Cutters travel to Airlie Beach this weekend with the Hastings Deering Colts, BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup sides all taking the field at Whitsundays Sports Park on Saturday.

Congratulations to the Mackay team on winning the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville held 28th and 29th January 2023. This is a fabulous win, as it was a very competitive event. Team - Max, Diane, Janelle and Terry.
Big Congratulations to Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award 2022 and Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award.
Weekly Results
Monday 6 February 2023 – Week 3 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
4th Monica Darley / Robert Carless
E/W
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
2nd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
3rd Maria Setiyawan / Geoff Taylor
4th Angela Wilk / Ming Ting
Tuesday Evening 7 February 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell One Winner
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy
2nd Janine Rodgers / Jan Harris
3rd Ken Seaniger / Maria Setiyawan
4th Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
Wednesday 8 February 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Janet Hansen / Del Ryan
3rd Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown
4th Monica Darley / Kath Poole
E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown
2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
Thursday 9 February 2023 –5 Table One Winner
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd Geoff Taylor / Faye Wright
3rd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner
4th Mick Robins / Ann Whitmore
Friday 10 February 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole
2nd Monica Darley / Victor Mason
3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders
4th Joyce Deguara / Toni Large
E/W
1st Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan
2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
4th Anne Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
Saturday 11 February 2023 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
2nd Antonia Tarradas / Christine Nice
3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
4th Vicki Taylor / Toni Large
E/W
1st Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders
2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
3rd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy
4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette
Di, Max, Janelle and Terry won the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville
Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award
Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award

Proserpine Golf Club hosted 22 competitors in the Club’s Tuesday Stableford competition with Michael Jarvis the winner on 39 points, followed by Gary Scotford on 37, and Karl Kirkwood on 36, with Brad Fleet winning the NT.,
On Wednesday the ladies competed for the PD Law Monthly Medal, with Lyn Muller too good for the rest of the field with a very nice 70 nett, closely followed by Diane Chard on 71, and Trish McNeill on 72 nett.
NTP’s: Trish McNeill, Marlene Gray, Toni Clauss, and Pam Harrison.
Thursday’s Venue Smart Division One Monthly Medal was won by Gary Scotford on 71 nett, followed by club patron Billy Woods on 71. The Division Two Monthly Medal clear winner was Peter Elms on 64 nett, followed by Adam Tester on 67.
NTP’s: Nick Apruzzese, Mark Davidson, Gary Scotford, and Adam Tester.
Unfortunately, Saturday and Sunday’s competitions were a wash out.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Pro Shop

On Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann defeated John Anderson and Warren Wilson, 19-12, in a game of Three Bowl Pairs.
Alen Sanderson played double lead in a game of Triples which saw himself, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison draw against, Heather Brown and Mary Hedgelong – with Allen too - 13 all.
On Sunday, Carol Crosbie played double lead in the game between her team of Mike Harrison, and Philip Brown against Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown, with the former side coming out the victor 24-11.
The final match of the week was tightly contested but Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson and Sandy Daffara, 18–15, in the end.
Proserpine Bowls Club extended its thanks to those the diligent workers keeping the club in tip-top shape during the holidays which meant a smooth transition back to the season.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Airlie Beach Bowls Club has seen a surge of high-class action over the past week with the summer heat bringing out the best in the members.
Tuesday afternoon's bowls games proved to be scintillating, with the guile of club skipper Margo Stanley and her partner Betty Whitehorn, who is currently in a purple patch, proving to be too much for their opponents Neil Moore and Karen Jensen.
Wednesday's Jackpot Bowls was equally impressive with Graham Cowling and Mark Mawson emerging as the big winners of the day.
The Wednesday night Business House Bowls also saw some exciting games, but they were cut short due to a tropical storm.
The Saturday morning Scroungers event had three first round winners in Betty Whitehorn, Andy McDougall, and Warren Mills.
Betty's husband, Tony Whitehorn, won the B division, continuing his success from last season.
The Saturday afternoon Men's Division tryouts for Pennants were well-organized by John Brown and John Fielding, showcasing the amazing talent in the division.
Sunday afternoon's Social Bowls, excellently organized by Lyn Graham, saw Craig Coleman as skipper with exciting new bowler Dawn Dowel at lead and reliable Neil Moore at second winning the event.
Article written with information from Mark Mawson

Tips on navigating safely
• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.
• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.
• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.
• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.
• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat this year with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!
Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.
Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard or right-hand side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.
Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.
Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
Overtaking: If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.
However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .
Activations keep on rolling on, and we are running at the same record level as last year at this stage.
Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday.
1: Don’t be a fool, follow the rules and avoid costly errors

The youngest parkrunners took over the weekly event last Sunday, overseeing 79 people run, jog and walk the five-kilometre waterfront course.
Six visitors and a few first timers - Leighann, Rosalyn, Justin, and Connor - were welcomed, and seven recorded new personal bests: Jayden, Shay, Steve, Warren, Ian, Michala, and Leigh.
Airlie Beach parkrun also extended its congratulations to Max, who completed his tenth parkrun as a junior.
The event was made possible by Joshua and his team of 26 dedicated volunteers: Nick, Timothy, Kara, Kirsty, Kelly, Corrine, Nicole, Molly (photographer), Chloe, Lucy, Wendy, Mace, Calvin, Max, Carys, Rhiannon, Jess, Sebastian, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Dennis, Addison, Hudson, and Isla.
On Saturday, February 18, Airlie Beach parkrun will be conducting a Pride-themed day, celebrating the inclusivity of all at parkrun, especially the LBQT+ community.
The date aligns with WorldPride day and is supported by parkrun and Proud2Play. All participants and volunteers are encouraged to participate in rainbow sportswear.
Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at Bohemian Raw cafe.
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
Caption 1: Airlie Beach parkrun was taken over by the kids last week, who filled the volunteering roles of the successful weekly event
Caption 2: The youngsters took on every role at Airlie Beach parkrun
Caption 3: The Jones Family who travelled from Bowen to celebrate Shay's birthday with a parkrun

Proserpine Veteran’s Golfers turned out in force on Sunday as 31 players arrived to take on the full course and posting some respectable scores.
The course’s back nine was still heavy due to rain, yet it didn’t put a dampener on Peter Fox who made a remarkable comeback from last week to take out first place with 38 points.
He was followed by Colin Hounsell on a countback from John Strelec also on a countback from Gary Scotford.
Jenny Hounsell has found herself on a winning streak, claiming the ladies crown last weekend with 33 from Lyn Muller, 32, on a countback from Tiina Randmae.
Pin shots went to Warren Deighton twice, Colin Hounsell, Nic Apruzzese , Gary Scotford, Billy Jesser, Lyn Muller and Helen Deighton, and Jenny Hounsell with two also.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

On Tuesday, January 31, at Wangaratta Bowls Club, two pairs and one triples were played.
Robyn Stitt and Mark Defranciscis defeated Denise Wallace and Mark Drummond, while Rodney Mumby and Graeme Read defeated Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe.
Gwenda Lyson, Isobel Wheeler, and Penny Warrend were the final side to join the winner’s circle, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Linda Smith.
Sunday’s winners came out on Rink Three: Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Greg Colquhoun defeating Rodney Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Allan Rolfe.
Other winners were Laurie Land and Pat Tracey in the match against Linda Scelle and Sugar Brunker. Meanwhile, Deb Retchless, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers defeated Bill Myers, Denise Wallace, and Graeme Read.
The final game saw Kent Moriarty and Kennedy Whitton defeat Lyn Danvers and Mark Defranciscis.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren