It was history in the making for Mackay “Pickleballers” after taking the huge step to compete in the first Pickleball Tournament at the North Qld Games held in Townsville recently. The Games consist of 43 varying codes of sport, catering to 4,500 competitors. The Pickleball players travelled from The Burdekin, Charters Towers, Malanda, Mooloolaba, Tully, Mission Beach, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay.

It was the first away competition for the Mackay team, so to come home with an impressive four gold and two silver medals was beyond anyone's expectation. It was a fantastic effort for these Mackayites who were considered “newbies” to the game.  

Among the medallists were Toni Woolcock and Heather Hayes who won gold in the women’s doubles, Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella who won gold in the mixed doubles, and Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta who won silver in the men’s doubles division.  

Also, big congratulations go to Gigi Brake, Liz Parrotta, Michelle Sheehan, and Greg Wilson who made it into the finals and put on a great display of Pickleball.

We are so proud of our winners and everyone who made the effort of support by making the trip.

Pickleball can be a low-impact sport that is easy to learn and play at almost any age—it is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis; this sport for life is regularly described as the fastest growing sport worldwide. The game was first introduced to Australia in 2015 by a small group of NSW enthusiasts, consequently, playing groups have formed in every state and territory in Australia with links to Pickleball communities in the U.S. and Canada. Tournaments are held frequently throughout the country bringing together fierce competition between state champions.

If you are looking for a new social and fun activity and have a bit of a giggle, Pickleball is definitely it. Locally, you will find Pickleball being played at Mackay PCYC’s indoor basketball stadium twice a week, Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm and Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm. It is being offered free of charge for your first trial and we will provide a ‘paddle’ to get you going.

A word of warning though, for those willing to give this sport a bit of a whack: it’s totally addictive!  

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

Pickleball Gold medallists Heather Hayes and Toni Woolcock at the North Queensland Games. Photos supplied

Silver medallists Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta

Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella won gold in the mixed doubles

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Local Rugby League side The QCCS Mackay Cutters will partner with Mackay State High School in 2023 to link the high school’s Rugby League Academy with the Mackay Cutters Pathways Program and centralised-coaching system.

The parties believe the formal partnership will see “mutual benefit for both the Mackay Cutters and Mackay SHS”.

It will involve the sharing of facilities and resources, making Mackay SHS a training base for the Cutter’s Junior Representative programs.

“This will increase the opportunities for players and staff in the Mackay region to pursue their rugby league goals,” a Mackay Cutters spokesperson said.

“The partnership is aimed at developing local talent through a streamlined junior pathways program into the Mackay Cutters.”

The new partnership hopes that the hub established at Mackay State High School will be the first of three, with satellite programs also planned for two other areas as the Cutters look to broaden their pathways footprint.

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Netball is a way of life for the gifted young athletes at Mercy College and St Patrick’s College Mackay.

With a proud tradition and first-class Netball Excellence program, both schools have proved a thriving nursery for the region’s emerging netballers.

St Patrick’s College and Mercy College will parade their pool of talent when they co-host the upcoming CQUniversity Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnivals in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

Just like their rugby league cohorts, the Mercy and St Patrick’s College netball outfits are gearing up for strong showings on court against the best schoolgirl and schoolboy netballers in Queensland.

When it comes to on-court chemistry, they don’t come better than Mercy College’s fresh-faced Open team that will compete in the QISSN Division 5 Opens category.

Comprised of Year 9 and Year 10 students, the Mercy girls are ready to step up a class and entertain crowds with their exciting brand of netball under the coaching of experienced mentor Di Bailey.

“The girls enjoy playing together and have built an impressive record at schools’ level through their camaraderie, natural skills, versatility and sheer love of the game,” says Mrs Bailey.

“There is a real chemistry amongst the team and the quality court craft is shown in their development” she said.

Ably skippered by outstanding Capricornia representative goalkeeper Kacee Ziegeler, the Mercy squad are tipped to shine at this year’s QISSN tournament.

The inspirational Ziegeler is a player to watch in defence and shapes as a trump card with her leadership qualities, organising skills and valuable experience.

Talented goal attack and team vice-captain Camryn Zeller is currently honing her shooting skills with DAS in the Mackay Netball Premier League.

A prolific goal scorer for the Mercy team, the promising 15-year-old will play a key role in the points stakes with her unerring accuracy and cool temperament under pressure.

Testimony of Mercy College’s winning formula is the team’s versatility on the court, high fitness levels and ability to produce quality netball with a variety of combinations.

“The girls show an uncanny understanding on court and have a depth of skills that make them very competitive in tournament play,” says team manager Christine Newland.

“With our Netball Excellence Class the girls can hone those skills and build their strength and fitness during our gym visits to Athletica and Integrated Bodies” she added.

The intensive training has certainly helped reap the benefits for this outstanding young Mercy netball outfit that boasts seven Mackay representatives in leaders Ziegeler and Zeller, Pershouse, Cotter, Dinsdale, McPherson and Uriarte.

Coach Bailey proudly stated that the Mercy Netball Excellence Program had unearthed a wealth of local talent over the years.

“We also select a Year 8 Development Squad and a Year 9 Junior Vicki Wilson Shield squad that is part of the school’s Health & Physical Education (HPE) program where the students undergo intensive skills work, strength conditioning and fitness plus learn about court tactics,” she said.

Last year Mercy College captured the Mackay region’s Vicki Wilson Shield trophy for Year 7 to Year 9 players with the classy Ziegeler, Zeller, Harris, Uriarte and Dinsdale all making an impact to help the school qualify for the Vicki Wilson State Championships in Brisbane.

Mercy College will compete in the Senior Open Division 5 category at this year’s CQUniversity Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival with St Patrick’s College to show their wares in the Division One section.

Contributed by Chris Karas

St Patrick’s and Mercy College netballers will represent Mackay at this month’s QISSN Carnival

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More than 30 professional and amateur golfers took to the scenic Sarina Golf Club last week as part of the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am Tournament.

Recent wet weather didn’t deter players from all over Queensland and New South Wales, but it did require a change of course as five holes were taken out of play.

“All the priorities changed and got thrown around because, obviously, the rain, off and on, and how wet things have been,” said Sarina Golf Club Greenkeeper Wade Cranston.

“It’s been pretty hard work to juggle it around, but we’ve managed to pull together a composite course for the guys.”

Lismore’s Sam Brazel finished day one with a two-shot lead, however a stunning second round of nine-under 62 saw Jay Mackenzie storm home with a two-stroke victory on day two.

The 22-year-old from Lennox Head finished with a two-round total of 15-under par, two clear of playing partner Brett Rankin (64) with William Bruyeres finishing third on 66.

“It was great playing with Rankin today, he really helped push me along as he had seven-under par for his day,” Mr Mackenzie told PGA Australia.

“I didn’t make many mistakes and it just kept seeming to go in the right direction.”

PGA Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner says the Pro-Am Series offers a unique opportunity for locals and club members to play with more experienced players.

“It’s a great opportunity for the members and amateurs and sponsors to get on board and get a couple of tips, have a great day, learn something new, and see some fabulous golf,” he said.

Sarina Golf Club Clubhouse Manager Kylee Fowler says the tournament received a good turnout considering it was held during the week.

“A lot of them still have jobs, a lot of them are on the circuit full-time,” she said.

“This is a good event in the fact that you get the pros and you get the amateurs in together.

“Then we’ll do it all again next year on the weekend which will be much better for us, better for our amateurs, better for our members so everyone can get a chance to play.”

Next year’s Sarina Pro-Am Tournament has been locked in for May 20-21, 2023.

Sarina was the third leg of the Hidden Valley Whitsundays North Queensland Series, with other legs being held in Mackay, Pioneer Valley and Bowen.

AMATEUR RESULTS

Day one Results:

Winner: Rodney Allen 40

2nd: Daniel Allen 37 C/B

3rd: Ting Li 37

4th: Brodie Saltmarsh 37.

Pin Shots

9: Luke Lauder 270cm

6: Ting LI

16: Mark Pearl – Hole in one!

LADIES – Sue Farrell 40cm

Day Two Results:

Winner: Doug Miles 40

2nd: Ting Li 38 C/B

3rd: Trent Budby 38

4th: Ian Dunn 36

Pin Shots

6: Declan Mulherin 168cm  

9: Colin Dunn 46cm

16: Skinner

Ladies: 2nd Shot 16:  Chris Chapman 117cm

OVERALL

Over All Winner: Ting Li 75

Men’s Division 1 Winner: Trent Budby 71

Men’s Division 1 r/up: Declan Mulherin 69

Men’s Division 2 Winner: Doug Miles 68

Men’s Division 2 r/up: Brodie Saltmarsh 65

Ladies Winner: Barbara Chrzanowski 59

Ladies r/up: Sue Farrell 55

tournament. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Winner: Winner Jay Mackenzie with Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner

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This week, in cool conditions, 61 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 9 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.

Well done to Ryker, Aaron, Jodie, Michael, Toni, Jane, Wendy and Shane, and Laura was recognised for reaching the 25 weeks as a volunteer milestone.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 3,819 participants have completed 20,747 parkruns covering a total distance of 103,735 km, including 2,451 new Personal Bests. A total of 334 individuals have volunteered 2,848 times.

On the 28th of May Airlie Beach parkrun is cancelled as the Cruisin Whitsunday Show and Shine 2022 will be setting up vehicles on the grass area of Coral Sea Marina.

Parkrunners are encouraged to go to Bowen parkrun, Hamilton Island parkrun or Mackay parkrun instead.

On the 4th of June Airlie Beach parkrun invite the community to join them for parkrun and then a post parkrun picnic at Shingley Beach.

Food can be brought from home or purchase counter food from My Rainbow Bakery. To make it a picnic event to remember, participants are encouraged to wear their favourite event T-Shirt.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Laura has volunteered for 25 weeks

Running through scenic Shingley Beach

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The weeks roll on at Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with Tuesday seeing 18 bowlers going hammer and tong.

Ladies A and B Grade singles contested through Stacey Hadlow’s winning team with Juanita Matterson at lead and Lyn Graham collecting the prize money.

Ladies B Grade semi-final will now be played between Bev Taylor and Jill Mazlin-Peterson.

The Ladies A Grade singles semi-final score was 23 all on the penultimate end between Betty Nicole and Ladda Purdie.

Ladda claimed the win 25-23.

In the Grand Final she faced Henny Tattam, who won comfortably in the end.

Wednesday afternoon welcomed the Little Rock Bowls Club’s Ian Boulter and 22 players contesting the prize.

Shane Spann, Col Morris, and Elaine Kippen claimed victory on the day.

Wednesday night saw Business House Bowls in full swing, with PRD beating Whitsunday Gold Coffee’s B team 11-6.

Hadlow Racing beat out Woolies Allsorts team 10-5, while Whitsunday Coffee’s Gold A team won 13-9.

Saturday Men’s Pennants teams Divisions 4, 5, and 6 all played at home. Division 4 lost to North Mackay team 4-1.

Division 5 played Mackay Northern Beaches team had games like the 55-17 win, leading them to claim the overall prize.

Division 6 played a very strong Southern Suburbs team, with the overall score favouring the suburbs teams 4 points to 1.

Sunday, three teams travelled to Mackay with Divisions 4 and 6 playing RSL.

Division 4 salvaged a draw but overall score was 4.5 to 5, and Division 6 played well in patches but ultimately lost 5 points to nil.

Division 5 played against Mackay City in two games which finished 40 all, and came home even on 2.5 points.

Division 1 had an outstanding win against Proserpine with 5.5 points to .5 win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Hanny Tattam, winner of the A Grade Singles

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Last Wednesday, there was a game of Club Championship Pairs played between Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel defeating Martin Corr and David Ling to start off the week.

The day also hosted three games of social bowls with four bowlers from Airlie Beach getting in some practice on the grass.

Jim Bownds, Arthur Griffith, and Andrew Butler defeated Heather McKinnon, Bruce Uhe and John Fielding 22-21.

Ken Watts, John Lahney, and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Bryce McKinnon 23 – 15.

Russell Jackson and Sandy Daffara defeated Allan Pershouse and Garry Alexander 35 - 16.

Pennants was played on the weekend.

Division 1 had two home games, narrowly losing to Airlie Beach 51-57 and scoring 0.5 points for a draw on one rink.

On Sunday the team backed up for the game against Northern Beaches winning 70 - 57.

On Sunday afternoon Social bowls, John Anderson played double lead.  

John, Alen Sanderson, Kendall Watts and Sandy Daffara drew with John, Ken Watts, John Lahney and Arthur Griffith 21 all.

During the week, Scott Kinnear has been playing in the Vision Impaired competition in Brisbane and currently leads in both singles and pairs with a few more games still to be played.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Division 1 game on Sunday with Toby Craig taking instruction from skip Gavin Milne

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Last Tuesday saw winners for the afternoon Hugh Sutton and Penny Warren defeat John Hayson and Rose Wright, as well as Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, and Kev Baxter defeat Deb Retchless, Marg Wilson, and Mark Drummond.

Tuesday was a huge day as Chris Reddick, Irene Laird, and Wayne Reddick rounded out the day with a win over Deb Beel, Merle Elphinstone, and Larry Wright.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were George Tartaglea, Isobel Wheeler, and Chris Healey defeating Eileen Dunn, Sue Shearing, and Denis Madeley.

Others Toni Bowen, Chris Frew, and Hugh Sutton defeated Deb Beel, John Hayson, and Bob Dykstra, with Marcia Arthur, Merle Elphinstone, and Pat Tracey defeating Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight, and Margaret Wilson.

Irene Laird, Penny Warren, and Keith Armstrong defeated Chris Reddick, Ken Coad, and Robyn Stitt, while Denise Wallace, Lyn Danvers, and Larry Wright defeated Rose Wright, Jen Healey, and Wayne Reddick.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men who won the Country Cup at Brandon on Sunday.

Club Competition Final of Ladies Fours was played on Saturday morning.

A close game resulted in Robyn Stitt, Tracey Roach, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeating Denise Wallace, Sue Shearing, Val Hadley, and Penny Warren.

Good luck to the Men representing Wangaratta playing in the Red Pennant in the Burdekin at the end of this week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Club 4's 2022

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Wednesday’s competition was an eclectic one for the ladies’ and a single stableford for the men.  

Ladies’ winner Grace Nott, 34 1/8, runner up Michelle Campbell, 34 3/8.  

Pin shots to Raewyn Glover, Lisa Raisbeck, Marg Need and Gayle Bynes, and Men’s winner Doug Power 37 points, runner up Noel Schultz 36 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Tropix Refrigeration.

Men’s winner Malcolm Martin 40 points, runner up Toss Eisemann 39 points, with pin shots to Tim Miller, Ernie Parker, Michael Strickett, Kurt Bidgood.  

Ladies’ winner Paulette Barrett 42 points, runner up Julie Martin 39 points. Pin shots to Julie Martin, Robyn Slade, Judi Morris, Lorraine McArthur.  

Accuracy drives to Julie May and Perry Layton. Greg Fairs won the carwash voucher

This weekend begins with a single stableford on Saturday sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.  

On Sunday, the Bowen Golf club welcomed back professionals for the annual Pro-Am sponsored by Abbot Point Operations.  

There will be a shoot-out after the competition on Sunday, with spectators welcome all day.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Place scores for the weekly 9-hole stableford were Tyson Flavel on 22, Rob Lodders on 20 and Mick Bond on 19 points.  

Friday's 9-hole stableford was won this week by David Wallace on 19 points. Lorri Thynne and Tyson Flavel both came in with 18 points however it was Lorri that won the count back to take second.

Sundays 4 ball better ball was won by Wayne and Adam Singleton on 41 nett, followed by Dave Wallace and Alan Clinch on 44.5.

Nearest to pins were Rhys Bartholomew and Adam Singleton.

Cory Belke is the first to complete his Kids coaching clinic with Glenn Rees and the interest from ladies commencing the clinics is growing.

The final Monthly Medal for the year will be held this Sunday with the Medal of Medallist scheduled for 5 June.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Sunshine and pickleball paddles made for rainbows and smiles on Thursday afternoon.

There were four courts featuring games like ladies doubles featuring Amity and Demelza against Robyn and Gay.

Lorraine and Yoko played against Gerry and Murray, as well as Michael and Kate pitting themselves against Stu and Frank.

First time players Bob and Lyn joined in for a wonderful afternoon.

On Saturday the sun let the rain take over and no Pickleball played.

Paddles Up till next week! 4pm Thursday Afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Bob and Lyn

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Saturday morning pupils arrived in wet weather and chilly conditions but this inspired brilliant footwork from the Saturday Morning Squad.

Coach Sienna brought out the ladder and it was Sophie who set the pace for the rest of the Squad to follow.

Saturday morning had a special visit from Lily, who took the opportunity to do a private lesson, then followed this up by coaching young William

Unfortunately due to the ratty conditions Saturday morning Social tennis did not make it on court, however Saturday arvo social tennis played the odds, and Marlene and Norm kept everyone on their toes.

Earlier in the week Fit, fun tennis the original and best cardio workout on a tennis court made it back, and the girls were elated to be exercising while having fun.

All squads were busily involved working on their singles play. Well done to Sienna, Karl, Tan, Lacey, Lucas and Jack.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

The agility ladder was the big feature in the rainy week at Whitsunday Tennis

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After rain cancellations the previous weekend the weather gods were kind and a festival of football began at the Whitsunday Sports Park.

All eight Whitsunday United teams took to the field in the same location for the first time this year.

The day started with a rampant U14 Premiers continuing their great form and literally tearing apart the visiting Magpies 8-0.

Jacob Logan bagged a couple of goals, but six other players contributed to the score line showing the quality of this side. The win cements them top of the ladder.

The U16 Premiers were slow out the blocks, looking lethargic and disjointed against a much improved Magpies unit.

They came in at half time tied 4-4.

An animated half time chat from coach Luke Swift did the trick and the team fired up in the second half running in 5 unanswered goals.

Jazz Knezevic, Kobi Miller, and Tyler Jankowski all ran in two goals, with Rale Mudford and Zane Hill contributing a couple as well. The side now sits in second place on the ladder.

The U14 Div1 team also continued its winning form against Sarina with a 7-0 victory on the back of some great teamwork and spectacular football. Jacob Godden scored a hat trick with Kai Draper backing him up with 2 goals. The win will put them in a clear second place on the ladder.

The Women had a great round with the Div 1 side recording a strong win against Sarina 2-0. Highlights included Francesca Norbury Trueman and Mabel Gudes scoring their first goals of their careers.

The Premier Women's Squad faced off against top of the table and title favourites Mackay Lions in a game that flowed from one end to the other.

Coach Peter Farrell was impressed with the speed and quality of the game and felt that his side was unlucky not to at least come away with a draw.

The Whitsunday Men faced an uphill battle in the lower divisions with upwards of 10 regular players missing. Div 1 put up a strong fight against the Mackay Lions going down 5-1.

Reserves were defeated with many Div 1 players having to back up for a second game.

The Premier men played a nail biter against the strong Mackay Lions. After missing an early penalty, the home side worked hard playing into the wind to Keep Lions to 1-0 at half time, with the midfielders Scott Ferries and James McEvoy-Bowe working hard to create opportunities for Ben Seago and Harry Hodgen up front.

The second half was all Whitsunday – dominating possession and field position but despite hitting the goal posts three times, they were unable to score and against the run of play, Lions scored a second goal – winning 2-0.

A very encouraging display against the top team in the competition considering three of our top players were unavailable.

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The Mama Africa Raiders travelled to Bowen on Saturday to take on the old rivals Bowen Mudcrabs at their home grounds.

The coaching staff were prepared for the traditional hard slog and close scoring that has played out between the sides for decades.

Raiders had to travel with a few less reserves than normal, but this has never been an excuse not to perform at their best.

With a stiff breeze behind them Bowen brought it rom the start. The first 35 minutes was a tussle between both forwards and backs and was played between the 22mtr lines of both sides. Until Bowens forwards went over the line through a strong pick and drive play.

Half time came around and the raiders were behind 5 nil.

With the penalty count climbing for the home side, Raiders crept ahead through the boot of Hone Casey-Bloomer and Connor Spence to see them lead at the 65th minute mark 12 -5.

The game wasn’t over by any means, with a large and vocal group of local supporters, Bowen was never out of it.

All until young gun Jack Briskey scooted through the defensive line, again, and scored Raiders only try of the game at the 77th minute mark, leading now 17 – 5.

Bowen managed to turn the ball over after the kick off and a couple of phases later had a 20-metre line break, only to be shut down by the hard-working Raiders defence.

The Raiders boys then advanced up field for a few more phases until the final whistle went.

Raiders win 17-5.

With the whistle blown and the crowd cheering both teams, the mighty Raiders managed to complete round one of three undefeated and currently holding the number one spot on the ladder.

This does not mean the remaining rounds are going to be easy, in fact the direct opposite; they expect tough games from all the MRU clubs.

This game was not only the completion of round 1, but it was also the first of a three-game series to see who can win the inaugural Eclipse Financial Service Cup.

This series has been proudly started by ex-Muddies player and Eclipse Financial Services managing director Justin Butler and will be played out on the Raiders home game, June 18 and finally at Bowen on the August 6.

Mama Africa Raiders players of the day went to our #10 Dylan Hoffmann 1 pt, lock and big brother Joel Hoffmann 2pts and to young gun winger Jack Briskey 3 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Juniors hit the road to Mackay and Sarina on Saturday in less-than-ideal conditions, with Seniors having the bye and a postponed round for the Women against the Swans due to ground suitability and safety.

Sea Eagles Under 17s took on Bakers Creek to consolidate after an amazing win against Moranbah last week in a comfortable 73 – 13 win.

Bailey Wishart and Jack Jeffries continued to excel through the middle with Wishart’s mark play of the day.

Sea Eagles forward line saw Cody Love, Huntah Miall and Max Baker working under the guidance of Jacob Dewis and Brodan Cornwall to make an impact on the scoreboard. The ever reliable midfield Aidan Allen-Fancke, Kain Zacher, Foxx LaMonica, Jordan Daniels and Jacob Dewis continue to improve and deliver the ball with precision to the forward line.

In what was always set to be an even contest Sea Eagles Under 14s faced Bakers Creek. The first half saw both teams work hard to finish with only one goal apart at half time.

Special efforts from Cody Love and Molly Bennett in the third saw Sea Eagles stretch the lead out to 9 points with Sea Eagles using the breeze in the final term to finish up 46 – 23.

Sea Eagles Under 12s had a wet match down at Brewers Park against Sarina Demons improving their now experienced wet weather skills.

Maintaining possession in the Sea Eagles forward line for the almost the entire game saw Sea Eagles take it out 46 – 0.

All Sea Eagles teams play in Mackay this coming Saturday May 28 for the final Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous round at Harrup Park against the Mackay City Hawks and Swarks.

Juniors start from 9:35am, Senior Women 3:30pm and Senior Men at 5:00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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