Image: Finley Smith

A memorial cricket cup and all-day event is on at Harrup Park this Saturday, honouring the memory of a talented young man taken too soon.

Finley Smith was known as an ‘ambassador’ and ‘future leader’ within the Mackay Community.

Finley had a successful career working in real estate with his father at Gardian. However, on 15th February 2022, at age 25, Finley unexpectedly passed away due to an epileptic seizure, leaving a big void in the lives of his family and friends.

Many described Finley as a compassionate and spirited young man who lit up any room he walked into. Friends described him as a man with quick wit, a cheeky laugh, sense of humour and loveable nature.

With the fast-approaching first anniversary of Finley’s passing, the people closest to him found a special way to remember him. And so was born the Finley Smith Memorial Cup. The event is an all-day cricket tournament that celebrates Finley’s life and love for cricket, while bringing the community together to help raise awareness for epilepsy.

The inaugural Finley Smith Memorial Cup will be held at Harrup Park on Saturday the 14th of January 2023. The day will see six teams competing in a round robin style competition, raffles, and an awards presentation.

All funds raised from this event will go to Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) and honour the beloved Finley Smith. The event has brought friends, family, and even strangers unaware of Finley’s story closer together. So far, the Finley Smith Memorial Cup has helped raise an outstanding $24,640 as at January 10 for EAA and has no intention of stopping there.

To purchase a ticket to The Finley Smith Memorial Cup, donate $30 and show your donation receipt at the door on the day. Donate online, https://bit.ly/3B7xTGA

For more information on the event, visit http://bit.ly/3vNUIgl

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Images: The Mackay Contract Bridge Club enjoyed Christmas party festivities before enjoying a break. The 2023 season has now commenced

Happy New Year to everyone and welcome back to Contract Bridge for 2023

Monday 2 January 2023 – 5 Table One Winner – Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

4th Griffin Bancroft / Anne Lutz

Wednesday 4 January 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Janet Hansen / Del Ryan

2nd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

3rd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy

4th Debbie Ludkin / Cath Willis

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

2nd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

3rd Gwen Liddle / Anne Lutz

4th Sandra Morris / Diane Stokes

Thursday Evening 5 January 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

4th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Friday 6 January 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Robert Carless

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4th Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

E/W

1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 7 January 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

3rd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

4th Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

4th Monica Darley / Kath Poole

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Images:
L-R: Riley Matsen, Peter Ford and Andrew Short well pleased with their running efforts in the 10km

Alana Ford (left) and Jose Short congratulate each other on their 10km efforts

L-R: Jo Hughes, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Emma Johnson warmup before their 5km event

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More than thirty competitors ran head-on into humid conditions last Sunday afternoon for the 11th race in the Shawn’s Summer Social Series with Mackay Road Runners.  

Race Director, Jim Ford, arranged a flat fast course through Glenella from the Magpies Sporting Complex with various race distance options. Oliver Rule, Joe Grech, Rodney Elworthy and Paul Mackenzie made the 12km distance look easy as they sprinted from the gun through the meandering course to the finish line. Birthday girl, Tahnie Malagueno, had a superb run over the longer distance especially after being spoilt all day by her family.  Excellent performances also came from Alana Knesevic, Carolyn Malagueno, Alan Zamparutti, Jose Short, Carmel Mahon, June Bradley, Andrew Wallace, Andrew Short, Peter Ford and newcomer Riley Matsen.

Five-kilometre athletes, Daniel Stampa, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Emily Dalglish, Emma Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Adam Knesevic, Jim Ford, Vivien and Harvey Knesevic found the shorter distance more to their liking with temperature soaring into the thirties with 87 per cent humidity.  Light winds and shaded pathways did alleviate the blazing sun to a small degree, however, all runners were looking for the zooper doopers by the finish line.

This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Series Social event commences at the usual time of 5:30pm with arrival at the Blacks Beach Tavern by 5:20pm at the latest for course description and Mackay Road Runners Club notices. The Blacks Beach annual event includes the infamous stairs and distances will be catered to varying levels of fitness.  

There will only be four more of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series before the formal Mackay Road Runner Season starts on 12th February.

Upcoming events for the Mackay Road Runners Club:

The Annual General Meeting on January 23 at Techserve office, Tennyson Street, Mackay at 5:30pm.

Mackay Road Runners hosting Parkrun January 28 at 7am.

Jet Maintenance Sports Expo and Sign-on at the MECC from 9am to 1pm on February 12.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club will be hosting their first Club Night for 2023 on Wednesday, 11 January, 2023.  

Many swimmers have been training over the school holidays preparing for the carnival season ahead.  

The first carnival for the season will be held in Ayr on 14 January and the club has 17 swimmers participating.  

The club is also preparing to host its own Cannonvale Cannons carnival on 21 and 22 January.

Last week, 30 swimmers participated in a goal setting workshop. Swimmers reflected on 2022 and set realistic goals for the next 10 weeks.  

Some of the swimmers set competitive goals and others set fitness or stroke goals.  

Last Thursday, 12 junior squad swimmers participated in a dive workshop. The coaches, Ken Crittenden, Shay Wilmot and Mark Erickson say it was very successful and it was rewarding to see swimmers feeling more confident with their dives and starts.  

On Friday afternoon, swimmers thoroughly enjoyed a couple of games of water polo and “flipperball”.  

The Cannonvale Cannons would like to welcome new swimmers and their families to come along to Club Night.  New members are always welcome.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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With the upcoming season starting in a matter of weeks, the local Whitsunday Touch Football sporting group are looking for a new name so they can increase their profile within the broader competition community.

Their counterparts, Mackay Thunder and Townsville Frogs, have a mascot or theme and it is now time for Whitsunday Touch to welcome a new identity too.

A Facebook post was launched to get player feedback and, with 227 registered players for Whitsunday Touch, there have been a lot of comments and recommendations.

So far, two front runners have come out ahead – the Whitsunday Wallabies and the Whitsunday Mudskippers.

“We want to keep it local and identified with something local,” said committee member Alita DeBrincat.

“I think the Wallabies would be a great play on that!”

Her husband and fellow committee member, however, thinks that the Mudskippers are more synonymous with the club.

“There are mudskippers right here on our home ground,” said Azza DeBrincat.

“Half the field is surrounded by mudskippers and their evolution – they are fish that walk on land – is what I like!”

Anyone can comment on the club’s Facebook page, but the ultimate decision will be made by the committee.

Touch Football is hugely popular in the Whitsundays with over 200 players meeting and competing against each other every Monday night.

It is one of the only local sports that requires no travel and can be played together as a family.

“It’s economical, it’s community based, there is no travel, no training – the commitment is only joy!” said player Demelza Ansell.

“We are all working parents – but we all get here as a family – and we love it”

“I’m a single mother and I like that we can bring in the male role models to connect with kids”

Alita agrees, saying the sport has been a source of great times with her children.

“We get to play as a family together in this sport – mums and dads get to play together with their kids,” she said.

“Every age-group can play because of the different levels of skillsets.”

Touch Football is a form of Rugby League but instead of physically tackling your opponent, you simply need to ‘touch’ them in order to win the play.

This means the sport is not only family-friendly, affordable and low-commitment, it is also non-contact and safe for everyone to participate.

This makes it great for girls and also people who are getting older but still wish to compete and have fun.

Do not be fooled by the all-inclusive aspect however, the competition is split into grades and there is a competitive side to the sport which is highly-skilled and loved by many youngsters at their peak of fitness.

Perfect for all ages, genders and abilities, there is something for everyone in Touch Footy.

If you would like to get involved head to the Whitsunday Touch Facebook page or simply come and check out a game from 5.30pm every Monday at Whitsundays Sports Park.

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Demelza Ansell, Claudia Ansell, Jay DeBrincat, Alita DeBrincat, Stella Ansell and Azza DeBrincat. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The year has started with a bang and it was so great to see everyone ready and eager to improve and focus for our little club to go one step further than last season.

Due to rain Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls was cancelled but everything had dried up quickly so Rick Galea and Merve Stewart organised a very competitive set of pairs games for all participants.

Ladda Purdie and Keith Bates showed Betty Nicole and Rick Galea that their hot form would continue with some scintillating bowls that ran away with the prize money.

Lu Rogan won the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw 30 bowlers competing for the prize money.

Bruce Uhe and John Anderson joined us from Proserpine Bowls Club and five games of competitive three bowls triples saw some amazing action with third place getters Margo Stanley with Keith Bates at lead and Alan Pershouse at second play great bowls.

Second place went to skipper Neil Moore who’s been in fabulous form and guided lead Mark Mawson and second Betty Whitehorn, who is also going through a purple patch with a comfortable victory.

On Sunday Carol Crosbie, Andy McDougall and Col Morris came from behind to beat Nik Fernbach’s team of Mario De Martini and John Brown, 22-9, running away with the prize money.

Congratulations to all players and new bowler Dawn Dowel who won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Andy McDougall, Carol Crosbie and Col Morris after their stunning victory on Sunday afternoon.

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On Tuesday, 34 players competed and John Oates was victorious in the men’s competition with 37 points, beating Ben Rosenthal on a countback, Wayne Fitzgerald came in 3rd on 36 points. Mandy Patterson was too good for the ladies on 31 points ahead of Beryl Nosworthy and Tiina Randmae 30 & 28 points respectively.

NTP’s went to Beryl Nosworthy, Rob Riggall, Wilf Herweg, Wayne Fitzgerald and Mandy Patterson

Marcus Heathcote and Renae Maxwell were the winners of the Wednesday Medley with 39 and 36 points. Donna Cutts and Jill Farinelli 2nd and 3rd in the ladies, with Adam Hagy and Ross McNeill claiming podium places for the men.

NTP’s was won by Beryl Nosworthy, Lyn Muller, Donna Cutts, Ben Raymant and Adam Hagy

On Thursday the overall winner and winner of Division 2 was Ross McNeill with 45 points, ahead of Paul Joice on a countback, and Trevor Paroz on 39 points. Division 1 was won by Roger Vandenberg on 39 points, Sean Gower and Aaron Watts claiming 2nd and 3rd with 39 and 38 points.

NTP’s went to Justin Butler, Aaron Watts, Trevor Paroz and Mark McDougal.

A total of 102 players competed for the RGH Monthly Medal on Saturday. Mandy Patterson, with a very tidy 69 nett, won the ladies, followed by Helen Deighton on 72 and Renae Maxwell on 74 nett. Mandy also scooped the pool with a 2 shot and won both the Nearest the Pins – nice golf!

Jake Murray took home the RGH voucher with 65 nett and winning the January Monthly Medal for C Grade, followed by Len Booroff and Mark Schubert on 67 and 68 nett.

A Grade was won by Brad Fleet with a tidy 2 over par round resulting in a 68 nett. Jayden Lloyd and Jason Whitney coming in 2nd and 3rd with 69 and 70 nett.

B Grade winner was Ritchie Atkins, also on 65 nett, followed by Rod Wecker on 67 nett and John Bissell on 68 nett.

NTP’s - Mick Kavanagh, Ash Law, Merv Hinton and Jason Whitney

On Sunday, Vicki Tuck’s little break from golf didn’t detract from her lovely 73 nett winning the ladies competition 2 shots ahead of Tiina Randmae and Pamela Casey. Vicki also won a NTP along with Linda Wardroper.

A very nice 2 over par round for Lew Tuck saw him take out the Men’s competition with 66 nett, followed by Jason Whitney and Geoff Harrison on 68 nett.

NTP’s was won by George Meharry, Aaron Prosser and Lew Tuck x 2.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

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The start of the new year of golf rounds saw 28 Whitsunday Members attend in hot conditions to play for the January Monthly Medal.

A Grade Men’s winner went to Lew Tuck followed by Jason Whitney on countback from Geoff Harrison, Men’s B Grade went to Ron Jamieson with Wilf Herweg runner-up.

Ladies’ A grade winner was Tiina Randmae followed by Pauline Redpath, Ladies’ B Grade winner was claimed by Vicki Tuck with Karen Rix runner-up.

Nearest the pins went to Lew Tuck, Dean Kercher, Pauline Redpath, Penny Wardroper, Jason Bourke and Vicki Tuck.

Longest drives were Ritchie Atkins, Dean Kercher, Tiina Randmae and Karen Rix.

Congratulations to all and thanks to our sponsors Airlie Panel & Paint, Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Next Sunday will be a single stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

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The Mackay Cutters will kick-off their 2023 Hostplus Cup season in only two months, with the first game lined up against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on March 11.

The Cutters managed to secure three out of four home games in the opening four rounds of the competition, with rounds two, three and four being played at BB Print Stadium.

The Cutters women in the all-new BMD Premiership will follow the same format as the men for the first six rounds, with round seven to be confirmed.

The Hastings Deering Colts U21 competition will start more than a month later, with round one a home game for the young Cutters side on April 22 against the Devils. However, the Harvey Norman U19 side will start their campaign first, with three away games, commencing on February 25 against the Pride.

The QCCS Mackay Cutters are optimistic for a stellar season, with exciting signings already announced last year.

Scotland Rugby League World Cup representative Kyle Schneider has re-signed with the QCCS Mackay Cutters. Schneider made three appearances for Scotland, finishing the World Cup with an 80-minute game against Fiji.

Kim Williams, Head of Football was contacted by Nathan Graham, Scotland’s Head Coach a couple of months before the World Cup.

“Any time we can help a player to play for his country, play for his heritage, that’s something, as a club, we need to be really proud of and keep supporting in the future,” Kim said.

Two more major re-signings for the season are Hiale Roycroft and Luke Webley, who will again turn out for the Cutters in 2023 after agreeing to terms last year.

Both players were priority signings for new Head Coach Michael Comerford after impressive performances throughout season 2022.

Coach Comerford said Hiale’s value to the squad goes well beyond his on-field contributions as he is a genuine leader within the club and a mentor to many of our young forwards.

“His commitment to self-improvement is an inspiration to our playing group and he is also a tireless worker within the community.”

Coach Comerford also said that Luke had a breakout season in 2022 where he cemented a spot in the 2nd row for the HostPlus Cup side, despite still being eligible for the Under 21s.

“He is a local Junior who has progressed rapidly through our pathways system to stamp himself as a genuine 1st Grade player in the HostPlus Cup.

“Luke’s signature for 2023 was a high priority for the Cutters as we believe he is a player who can progress to the next level with another season of Cup under his belt.”

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Heat, humidity, blustery breezes, lots of soft sand, snakes and hills all provided unique challenges for more than twenty runners who took part in a New Year’s Day run with the Mackay Road Runners.

Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford designed a loop course optional event with plenty of tough challenges where runners could choose from one to four loops. The day was made interesting by runners being confused about left and right turns at crucial sections of the course. Those who went astray made it back to the finish line clocking up the right number of kilometres for their chosen distance.

Paul Mackenzie made light work of the challenging steps and abundance of soft sand as well as supporting other runners when a snake came out to investigate.  Well done to Lily Leven who got a bit spooked by the wildlife, however, bravely finished the run in her usual commendable time. Luke Leven, who also put in a good solid 10km effort, needed Santa to have delivered a compass for Christmas. However, in all fairness, the trails were very tricky and when you go at his speed, it can be tough to see the markers.

Great to see new runners as well as the usual committed suspects having a great start to the year including Andrew Short, Jose Short, Adam Knesevic, Alana Knesevic, Natasha Joynson, Carmel Mahon, Peter Ford, David Isbister, Brownie, Alexa and Krystal.

This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Series commences from Magpies Sporting Complex Club carpark, Glenella.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Road Runners Club Secretary, Julie Whibley (left) with Helen Leven and Dulcie the cattle dog

Jose Short takes in the views after the gruelling upward steps section

Paul Mackenzie making the soft sand and the challenging steps section look easy

Alana Knesevic takes an early lead on husband, Adam Knesevic in the first 3km loop

Happy New Year to everyone that lives here in paradise, and what wonderful news we have from our board, whom are set on making our bowls club a great place for patronage.

Starting with $5 per year membership for all non-dedicated bowlers and some great new food offerings to be announced shortly. If you want to come and get discounted drinks etc all you pay is $5 for 12 months membership.

We also hope to announce shortly a major sponsorship for our school children’s program currently being finalised by our own workaholic Margo Stanley which will involve Cannonvale state school, Proserpine state school, last year’s winners St Catherine’s school and of course the Christian College school.

Last year our Men’s Team finished 20 points in front of every other Bowls Club in our district including the big clubs from Mackay, so if you’re keen to learn, free lessons are available at the club from resident coaches Margo Stanley and Mark Mawson.

Don’t hesitate to contact the club where Bar Manager Fiona Greener, is ready to take on all comers.

Manny Isgro, Nik Fernbach and John Fielding all had an amazing year for the boys, whilst Betty Nicole, Carol Crosbie, Lyn Graham, Betty Whitehorn and Helen Hunt had amazing performances for the girls.

Tony Whitehorn, Rick Galea and Col Morris also did amazing work around the club.

Some very sad news came with the passing of Bob Ward just before Christmas, he will be very sadly missed and not having him around will be hard for all members.

Bobby Ward is probably already arranging bowls games in heaven.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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The victorious Men’s team whom performed admirably. Photo supplied

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Adam Maggs played well last Wednesday in very heavy conditions to score 36 points, with John Clark and Brian Allen coming in 2nd and 3rd with 33 and 31 points respectively.

Adam and Brian also won the nearest the pins on the day.

On Thursday, 62 players played with visitor Ben Rosenthal coming in first place in Division One with 40 points, closely followed by Darren Reynolds on 39 points and Brett Norris on 36 points.

Jalen Jarvis, also on 40 points won Division Two with Scott Milne edging out Logan Devery on a countback with 39 points.

NTP’s were won by: Brendon Meharry, Brendan Spann, Paul Nicol and Ben Rosenthal.

Saturday results: Tiina Randmae was the best of the ladies on Saturday with 34 points, followed by Sherri Meade on 32 and Peta Thomas on 28 points. Sherri won 2 NTP’s and Tiina also won a NTP

Ben Raymant enjoyed the heavy conditions posting 40 points to win the men’s competition, ahead of Andrew Colborne and John Dodds, both on 35 points.

NTP’s – Brad Fleet, Sam Marschke and Shaun Tyrell. Only two people managed to score in the two shot club, Rob Stanley and Shaun Tyrell.

On Sunday, 10 players were in good enough condition on New Year’s morning to play a competition! Well done!

Michael Jarvis was the winner with 38 points, followed by Karl Kirkwood and John Clark on 36 points.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

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While many of the Cannonvale Cannons had a break from swim training over Christmas, there was a dedicated crew who have kept up their swim fitness. Every afternoon, swimmers enjoyed a blend of fitness and fun during training sessions.  

The coaches would like to commend Koa Harland, Ruby Harland, Tate Harland, Mason Harland, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Declan Dichieria and Maeve Dichieria, Isaac Pisaniello and Isabella Pisaniello, Zane Clayworth and Jax Clayworth for consistently attending swim training and trying their best.  

Zach Trefz has been one of the top trainers over the past few weeks. He puts in a mighty effort in every set. On Friday afternoon, swimmers enjoyed a game of water polo. Senior ‘stand out’ players were Lucas O’ Toole, Tora Delac, Connor Lee, Austin Edwards-Bland, Mason Harland and Jax Clayworth. Not to be out done, the junior top performers were Declan Dichiera, Ruby Harland, Koa Harland and Andie Reynolds.  

This week, swimmers kickstart 2023. The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson are very excited that 20 swimmers have signed up to do a goal setting workshop and junior swimmers have signed up to participate in a dive workshop.  

The coaches are also impressed that so many swimmers are keen to improve their cardiovascular fitness and build their endurance and muscle strength. Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water.  It tones muscles and builds strength. Some swimmers train for fitness and fun and others train for competition.  

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club resumes Club Nights from January 11 and the first carnival of the season will be held in Ayr on January 14. New swimmers and their families are welcome to come and try club swimming.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Dive practice during the last week of December

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The Whitsunday’s premier triathlon club had an enormous December, being represented at two amazing events to end 2022.

Greg Martin completed the full Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia, representing the Whitsunday Triathlon Club (WTF), while Mark McConkey and Karen Maddock completed the Taupo 70.3 half Ironman in New Zealand.

Mr Martin – or ‘Marto’ to his friends - turned 60 this year and completed his fifth Ironman since he turned 20, roughly one each decade.

His triathlon career has taken him to competitions at home in Australia, and abroad to France and Switzerland.

Locals Mark McConkey and Karen Madden trained hard with the aim of conquering the 70.3 in New Zealand in December.

Mr McConkey had completed many half Ironman distance events but this was Ms Madden’s first endeavour at this distance as an individual.

The pair travelled all the way to Lake Taupo in New Zealand for this iconic event, which they both completed totally spent but thrilled.

They were confronted with a cold, freshwater swim unlike the warm Whitsunday waters.

Mr McConkey said he “looked up at one stage to see a Maori War canoe fully crewed keeping an eye on swimmers!”

The 500-metre run uphill to transition was daunting with the cold and rainy conditions. Trying to change into cycle gear was a real challenge.

The bike course on open roads also had challenging head winds, cross winds and steady drizzle. Both entered the run course with heavy legs and sodden gear when halfway through, the sun came out and both came home with severe wind and sun burn.

“Overall, a very picturesque course with some tough conditions and challenging sections but well worth the experience of completing a Half Ironman,” Mr McConkey said.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael Kimpton said they were extremely proud of the efforts its members.

“They train hard, focus on achieving and enjoy the friendship of the sport of Triathlon,” Mr Kimpton said.

“Everyone is now looking forward to our home event the Airlie Beach Triathlon on July 30. Looking forward to as many locals as possible to give it a go, and to the rest of the community for support and encouragement.”

Mr Kimpton said volunteers were still being sought and are an essential part of making this event happen.

“Feel free to visit our website and check out the benefits of helping to keep this Iconic annual race going,” he said.

“Well done, Marto, Karen, and Mark. Looking forward to bigger and better challenges in the future as our club blossoms with new exciting talent.”

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Locals Mark McConkey and Karen Madden competing in New Zealand in December

Greg Martin completed the full Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia. Photos supplied

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Images:

1: Andrew Wallace (left) is happy to support the very wet Shawn’s Summer Social Series from Valley Street, North Mackay with (background) Emma Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Jo Hughes

2: L-R Back - Andrew Wallace, Carmel Mahon, Andrew short and Alan Zamparutti. Front - Janelle Tilse, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Mel Esau and Paul McKenzie

3: Carmel Mahon has an excellent 10km over the very hilly course in rainy conditions

4: Ricky Parker enjoying one of his final runs with Mackay Road Runners before leaving for Brisbane next year

5: Alan Zamparutti enjoying the cooler conditions on reaching the pinnacle of Rotary lookout from Pollock Street

6: Tracey Brown enjoying the steady warm up before taking on the testing High Street section of the course

7: Derek Woods easily scales the 70 steps from High Street to the Rotary Lookout summit

8: Kim Saron happy with the final downhill section of the 5km. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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The final Shawn’s Summer Social Series 5/10km run before Christmas was held in very damp and cool conditions as compared with the previous weeks’ hot and humid temperatures.

Over twenty runners enjoyed the cool spell as Race Director and Club Captain Jim Ford announced the testing course which left from the Mackay North High School end of Valley Street.  

The run started with a slight uphill section before taking on the very steep unforgiving High Street ascent.  

The slippery surfaces made for serious footwork concentration especially on the descents with rain tumbling down throughout the entire event.

Excellent running came from Paul Mackenzie who took the lead early maintaining a great pace to cross the line first marginally ahead of the talented committed field of runners including Derek Woods, Ricky Parker, Andrew Short, Mel Esau, Carmel Mahon, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Wallace, Steve Brown, Tracey Brown, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes and Emma Johnson.

There will be no Shawn’s Summer Social Series event this Sunday due to the very special Christmas Day occasion, however the informal training sessions will continue on Wednesdays at the Aquatic & Recreational Complex at 5.30pm weather permitting.  

The following Sunday run for the Shawn’s Summer series will re-commence 5:30pm from the Seabreeze Tavern, Lamberts Beach on New Year’s Day – what a great way to start the year!

Mackay Road Runners look forward to another successful association within the community by bringing weekly running events to suit everyone, including the BMA Mackay Marina Run on 4th June.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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