Sports

Twenty-Four Pairs Compete In Mackay Club Championship

Twenty-Four Pairs Compete In Mackay Club Championship

Last Saturday twenty-four pairs competed for the Mackay Club Pairs Championship. This competition was over four sessions, with seven boards per session. This was a well-supported event with novices and experienced players playing the same cards. This 2025 Mackay Club Championship Pair was Noel Bugeia and Terry Sheedy, with Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen a close second. The club extends a heartfelt thanks to director Geoff Taylor. Weekly Results **Monday 9 June 2025 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Po

Read the full story
Smashing Success At Mackay Open Table Tennis

Smashing Success At Mackay Open Table Tennis

TABLE TENNIS Players from across Queensland brought fast-paced action and fierce competition to the Mackay Table Tennis Centre for the annual Mackay Open earlier this month. With medals on the line and talent on display, the event drew a strong crowd of spectators and players alike. Organisers from the Mackay Table Tennis Association thanked all participants as they look forward to welcoming them back in 2026.

Read the full story
Mackay Basketball Celebrates U16 Standouts

Mackay Basketball Celebrates U16 Standouts

Top Talent Recognised At Annual Presentations Mackay Basketball recently honoured its rising stars at the U16 Presentations, celebrating outstanding performances across several teams. Meteors: • MVP: Parker Coleman • Coaches Award: Will DiFilipo • Best Defensive: Jackson Pendleton Meteorettes: • MVP: Pyiper Redgard • Coaches Award: Riley Albert • Best Defensive: Lisa Lelliot Comets: • MVP: Jimmy Turner • Coaches Award: Jesse Coomber • Best Defensive: Winston Sutton Comettes: • MVP: Montana W

Read the full story
Young Rider Pedals Away with President’s Award

Young Rider Pedals Away with President’s Award

Budding BMX talent Ged Rafferty has been recognised with the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award, celebrating his consistent effort and determination on the track. Aged 7 and competing in the sprocket class, Ged has impressed with his commitment to racing and hard pedalling right to the finish line. As part of the award, Ged received a $50 bistro voucher to the Goosies Sports and Recreation Club – a gesture to reward his rising star power and encourage continued passion for the sport. We

Read the full story
Better Built Sheds

Road Runners Run For Shawn

August 24, 2023

Mackay Road Runners hosted the 4th Annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in honour of Shawn Claydon, a member who passed away in 2018.

The event, sponsored by Forsyths Accounting Services, incorporated the club’s 10km Club Championship, a race that Shawn won many times throughout his illustrious running career.

Road Runners welcomed Shawn’s family Sharon, Jeff, John, Bonny, Donna, and Mikaela, as well as Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williams to speak of Shawn’s invaluable contribution and legacy in the Mackay community and to start the race.

Shawn’s friend Dr Rachel Bidgood also spoke, delivering insightful and professional advice on pancreatic cancer.

Over 80 runners participated in the 5km and 10km races, with Angus Jacobs and Tahnee Malagueno crossing the line first to be crowned champions of the Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and have their names immortalised on the trophy that hangs in the office of Forsyth Accounting Services.

Lily Levin and Nick Rewald ran the 5km race in blazing times and walked away 5km champions.

Nicole White of Forsyths Accounting Services presented trophies to the winners who took away replica photo frames of the perpetual trophy as their prize.

Random draw raffles were also held to raise money and funds raised from raffles, race nominations, and donations were 100% donated to Pancare Foundation, a charity committed to inspiring hope, raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research for upper gastrointestinal cancers.

L-R Shawn’s cousin Donna, sister Sharon, dad John, and mum Bonny thanked Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson for starting the 4th Annual Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and Mackay Road Runners Club Championship event

Special Guest Speaker Dr Rachel Bidgood with champion veteran runner Judy Zahn

Lily Leven and Nick Rewald claim gold in the Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 5km

The Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield is awarded to Tahnee Malaguena and Angus Jacobs by Forsyths

Read More

A Day On The Dam

August 24, 2023

Ray has fished me for a long time, but it had been a while since we’d last had the chance to fish together. Hailing from the waters of Tinaroo Dam it’s a big call to come to Peter Faust to fish, but Ray is very familiar with impoundment barra fishing and lives for it.

The fishing had been good in the leadup and the weather forecast for the day was fantastic. So all factors were aligned for a good day, but we didn’t anticipate just how good it was going to be!

The first spot we pulled up on produced a metre plus fish almost right away and Ray got dusted by another in the timber. Then things went a little bit quiet, so I decided to look at a different part of the dam.

Sounding around some likely areas, we started to find fish in good numbers. The sounder screen came alive with a big school so we pulled up and it was on! Double headers were frequent with the fish all quality models over 90 centimetres and the action never really let up.

We bounced around fishing spots in the general proximity for an action-packed afternoon on the water. We released well over 40 barramundi between us.

The recent rain has not had much effect on the water level at the dam with it only rising very slightly but it’s been good to see a return of blue skies and epic sunrises over the last few days.

While the water temperature has dropped slightly, the fishing remains constant and with the warm autumn days it should continue.

Last month the stocking society released close to 6000 sooty grunters in the dam so we’re looking forward to those fellas growing up and adding more variety into a day on the dam.

Contributed with thanks to:

Luke Fallon | Luke Fallon Sport & Game Fishing | www.fishingfaust.com.au

Photos –

Sunset on the dam over the weekend

Ray with a nice barra

Read More

What does that navigation mark mean?

August 24, 2023

A system of buoys, piles and lights, known as IALA Buoyage System ‘A’, is used to assist safe navi-gation. These are the equivalent of road signs on highways. Each type of mark has a unique combi-nation of colour, shape, topmark and light. You must be able to recognise these and pass them safely on the correct side. Some of the more common ones are listed below.

When going upstream (away from the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on the left hand side (to port), and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on the right-hand side (to starboard).

When going downstream (towards the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on your right-hand side (to starboard) and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on your left-hand side (to port).

Lateral marks

Port and starboard marks are referred to as lateral marks. They indicate the port-hand and star-board-hand sides of navigable waters (channels). When both a port and starboard mark are placed near to each other, travel directly between them. On a pile beacon, look for the shape and colour of the top mark.

Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs. The safe side to pass a lateral mark is generally deter-mined by the direction of travel to or from the sea, or a predetermined local direction of buoyage.

Cardinal marks

A cardinal mark indicates where the deepest and safest water can be found. It may also indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger and to draw attention to a feature in the channel such as a bend or junction.

NORTH Safe water to the north of the cardinal. Topmarks point ‘up’ toward the north for safest water. At night the frequency of the flashes are an uninterrupted quick flash.

SOUTH Safe water to the south of the cardinal. Topmarks both point ‘down’ towards the south for safe water. The frequency of flashes is 6 quick flashes in a group followed by a long flash.

EAST Safe water to the east of the cardinal. Topmarks are in the shape of an egg, so remember the e of egg is for safe water to the east. The frequency of the flashes is 3 quick flashes in a group.

WEST Safe water to the west of the cardinal. Topmarks make the shape of a wine glass so remem-ber the w of wine glass is for safe water to the west. The frequency of the flashes is 9 quick flashes in a group.

Low Rock Reef off Shute Harbour is one of just 2 places in Australia where all cardinal marks are together.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $80., you can join at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday from Whitsunday VMR.

Read More

Airlie Beach Darts

August 24, 2023

This week was round 7 of the 19-round Airlie Beach Premier League Darts season, and there were only four matches that took place on Sunday at Mika on Airlie Esplanade.

First up was Andy Peel taking on Seumas Rose.

Before a dart was thrown, both players were neck and neck on the league table, Andy with a slight one-point advantage over Seumas in the current standings.

Andy led the match from the front, winning it 7/1 which leapfrogged him into 3rd place on the ladder sitting nicely on 10pts.

Next up was Aaron Paull against Gary Robbie.

Much like the previous match, Aaron had full control of this game from the get-go, defeating Gary by the same score line 7/1. Aaron is now up into 6th place currently on 6pts.

Nathan O’Hara continued his fine winning streak with another victory over Lorraine Woods by a 7/3 score line. Nathan is now into the top 8 for the first time, and Lorraine is still searching for that first point of the season.

Up last was Joe Wilson against Kameron Reason.

Joe kept his 100 per cent win record intact; one of only three players this season to still have an undefeated record.

Joe dominated the proceedings with a 7/0 win over Kameron.

He hit a 180 in that win which takes him to 4th on the ladder with 8pts. Kameron sits just outside the top 8 currently occupying 10th place on the ladder with 4pts.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Bar and BBQ, and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Thanks for supporting the darts.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Read More

Ballers Unbeaten After Basketball’s Second Night

August 24, 2023

The Airlie Beach Ballers have continued their unbeaten run-in round 2 of the all-new Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition.

In the first match of the evening, The Cannonvale Crocs faced off against the Proserpine Pirates.

The Pirates team had been boosted by several new recruits however it wasn’t enough to get them home, with the Crocs prevailing 31-21.

The Pirates took on the Ballers for the second match of the evening. In a high scoring affair, the Ballers got their night off to a winning start with the final score of 40-25 not doing justice to what was a tight tussle for much of the match.

Coming into the final game of the evening, all the talk was around whether the Ballers could keep their unbeaten streak going against the Crocs.

This match was an absolute thriller with scores tied leading into the final minute. A clutch free throw in the closing seconds was all that separated the two teams, with the Ballers getting up 26-25. What a game!

"I'm so proud of the way all of the kids are playing,” Team Manager of the Airlie Beach Ballers, Kara Nahas said.

“They are really giving it there all but are not losing sight of the fact that this is all just for fun. The sportsmanship has been first class and of course I'm thrilled that the Ballers are 4 wins from 4 starts!"

This is the inaugural term of the Friday Nights Under Lights concept, brought to the community by Whitsunday Basketball.

Games are held at Cannonvale State School on Friday evenings from 5pm and are for children aged 8 to 16 years.

The goal is to create a basketball competition for children in the Whitsundays which doesn't require parents to have to take them to Mackay every second weekend.

It is hoped that the Bowen Breakers will join the competition in the coming weeks.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

The Airlie Beach Ballers are staking their claim as the top dogs in the new competition

Shooting for three

The entire set of teams at the Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition

Read More

Airlie Beach Bowls Report

August 24, 2023

The cost of living in paradise is the occasional wet weather in May, but Airlie Beach Bowls Club still saw its contingent of bowlers huddle together under a big umbrella on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon and night.

The wet weather kept the official bowls matches away in the week, but practice was possible and very popular on Friday before the weekend action.

The weekend of bowls started with Men’s pennants resuming.

Round 3 saw Divisions 4, 5, and 6 playing at home on Saturday morning with outstanding results.

The Division 4 side, under the leadership of Tim Taylor and Ray Edwards, defeated Proserpine 50-29.

Division 5 skippers Tony Whitehorn and Neil Moore defeated Northern Beaches 51-23. Division 6 -with the guile of skippers Nik Fernbach and little Stephen Lawrie - showed teamwork in defeating West Tigers 45-33. O

On Sunday the teams travelled, and Division 4 continued their superb form in a huge win over Mackay City 39-28.

Division 5 travelled to Seaforth and were gallant in defeat, one team going down by 1 point and the other going down 43-35 but still remain on top of the table after 4 rounds.

Division 6 travelled to Sarina and went down narrowly with Nik Fernbach’s team winning one game but losing by a close total margin.

Last season’s winner of Division 2 was promoted to Division 1 this season, playing against the best bowlers in the district. On Sunday the new Airlie Beach Division 1 team led by Manny Isgro travelled away to Sarina, and just losing out.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls was played and the club welcomed its newest member, Keith Bates.

Winners of the day were Ladda Purdie’s team of Karen Jensen and Jill Mazlin- Peterson.

The schools competition is in full swing with St Catherine’s school and the Christian College students all fighting it out to see who will represent North Queensland in Brisbane later in the year.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Sunday social winners Ladda Purdie, Karen Jensen, and Jill Mazlin- Peterson alongside their competition: Margo Stanley, Marjory Hughes, and Lu Rogan

Read More

Proserpine Bowls News

August 24, 2023

There were no social bowls played on Wednesday with wet weather having its say.

Friday's clearing weather was greatly appreciated, and Saturday morning was all go, with the first game of Club Championship Pairs played.

Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Marcus Craig and Andrew Bell 23-10.

Next was B Pairs with Duwaine Hiscox and Toby Craig defeating Stephen Summers and Vince Olsen 37-9.

Division 1 Pennants picked up 5 of the 6 points on offer on Saturday with their game against Mackay at home, winning 82-53.  

On Sunday, they played Sarina at Sarina picking up 1 point and losing 48 - 61.

Division 4 played Airlie Beach at Airlie on Saturday losing 29-40. On Sunday Proserpine played North Mackay at Proserpine gaining 4 points of the 5 on offer, winning 41-34.

Secretary of Proserpine Bowl’s Club, Heather Brown, said many thanks were to be handed out for a good weekend.

“I have to say thank you to Bruce, who spent the weekend doing the bar and catering duties during Pennants and for all who provided scores from the games that were held at other greens,” Ms Brown said.

Sunday afternoon social involved a spirited game of Triples. Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown took on Arthur Griffith, John Anderson, and Sandy Daffara.  

Kendall Watts came to the rescue when Heather needed to call it a day after 7 ends, Bruce going into skip and Kendall taking Bruce's spot.  Sandy's team won 33-10.

Clubman Scott Kinnear will this week be playing in the Vision Impaired Bowls down in Brisbane, and the club wishes him the best of luck.

Pennants this weekend for Division 1 will host two home games playing Airlie Beach on Saturday and Northern Beaches Sunday.  

Division 4 will have two away games playing Souths Suburban on Saturday and Mackay City on Sunday.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Read More

Wangaratta Bowls

August 24, 2023

With rain expected last Tuesday, Wangaratta Bowls got off to a slow start for the week, with no social bowls played.

Sunday was a different story, and club stalwart Penny Warren said, “it was good to see everyone out on the green.”

“We just managed to get the game in before a heavy shower came down,” Ms Warren said.

Winners for the rainy afternoon were Marcia Arthur, Sue Shearing, and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Toni Bowen, Merle Elphinstone, and Graeme Read.

Other wins went to Laurie Land and Geoff Danvers over Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan. Deb Beel, Lyn Danvers, and Penny Warren also defeated Irene Dunne, George Tataglia, and Pat Tracey.

Debbie Retchless, Kevin Daniels, and Keith Armstrong drew with Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Kent Moriarty.

In the Club Competition Men’s B Grade Singles, Kent Moriarty defeated Graeme Read.

“Good luck to the Men representing Wangaratta playing in the Country Cup in Brandon on the weekend,” Ms Warren said.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Read More

Airlie Beach Parkrun

August 24, 2023

On Saturday, 75 motivated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 14 were first timers. It was another great week for personal bests, with 15 in total. Well done to Liam, Jayden, Dave, Zane, Shay, Lydia, Jackie, Lily, Bridget, Emily, Peter, Wendy, Shane, Barbara, and Sandi.

All participants celebrating milestones had travelled to Airlie Beach to celebrate them. Graeme Eldridge and Peter Close completed their 50th parkrun and Liam Jones celebrated his 100th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 15 generous volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Stuart Bishop, Kara Olver, Mick Drennan, Megan Drennan, Joshua (co-run director), Riana Wronski, Darlene Reid (photographer), Christopher Harvey (co-run director), Craig Boxer, Laura Oates, Jasmine, Lynne Oates, Dennis Mundle, and Caitlin James.

This coming Saturday is the next Whitsunday Running Club pacer event. Pacers will be jogging at a variety of speeds. Combined with cooler weather, it is expected there will be many new personal best times set on the day. The volunteer roster is already full for the event.

On June 4, Airlie Beach parkrun invites the community to come along to parkrun and then join them for a post parkrun picnic at Shingley Beach.

An Airlie Beach parkrun spokesperson said to bring along food from home or buy some counter food from My Rainbow Bakery.

“To make it a picnic event to remember everyone is encouraged to wear their favourite event T-shirt,” the spokesperson said.

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

A sprint for the finish line

Liam and crew celebrating his 100th parkrun

The team of fantastic volunteers

Read More

The River Rodeo Return

August 24, 2023

The River Rodeo Return

One of the region’s longest running and more unique annual events is fast approaching for its return after a two-year hiatus: the annual Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports on June 10 to 12.

A tradition going back over 135 years, the event is once again set to bring people from across Australia to Collinsville with an expected turnout of over four thousand people.

Beginning on the Friday morning, the River Rodeo will go through the entire weekend, ending on Sunday afternoon.

The Rodeo Secretary, Kim Whalan, said the committee had made a slew of upgrades for the return, as well as additional shows.

“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,” she said.

“We haven’t had a night show for over 20 years.”

The night show is an entirely new one: Rope on the River, a breakaway roping showcase featuring some of Australia’s elite talent.

In breakaway roping, the essential ingredients are that a calf is followed by a mounted horse rider, with the calf given a head start coming out of a chute. The rider chases, attempting to lasso the neck of the calf as fast as possible.

There are an expected 50 plus competitors facing off for the potential to become the winner and claim the title of first Wrangler Xtreme Breakaway Roping Event Champion.

The regular rodeo portion of the event runs Saturday and Sunday, with the Bowen River Bush Sports for kids held on the same days.

There’ll be all the favourites of the rodeo and more: campdrafting, hot food and drinks and non-stop action.

The arena is at the Bowen River Rodeo Campdraft grounds on Mt Wyatt Road in Collinsville.

“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,”

The Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports are back in the region next month

Read More

On The Whitsunday Green

August 24, 2023

Whitsunday Green’s weekly competition was not scored this week due to low entry numbers.

The weather was not a golfer's friend unfortunately! By Friday, the sun finally showed itself and a solid 23 players entered the 9-hole competition for the club.

The winner was Nathan Nikolich with 22 points, followed by Glenn Rees and Bob Nikolich both on 20, the count back revealed Glenn in second and Bob in third.

Sunday was SKINS and the winner with 13 skins was Elise Hodgeson followed by Wayne Singleton with 8 skins and Alan Clinch with 6 skins.

Both nearest the pins went to Glenn Rees.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Cory Belke following through

Read More

Sea Eagles Family Day Success

August 24, 2023

Whitsunday Sea Eagles celebrated all AFL families with their annual Family Day as part of their first full fixture at home on Saturday.

Families had fun with a bounce castle, face painting and give-aways throughout the morning.

Sea Eagles Under 17s was match of the day against reigning Premiers Moranbah Bulldogs in a brilliant test for the talented young Sea Eagles team who won 68–47.

The strength of the midfield showed with Sea Eagles hitting the scoreboard first and taking it to Moranbah.

Daniels and Dewis fought hard in ruck being outsized all day, however with Allen-Fancke, Zacher and LaMonica working together through the centre, Sea Eagles were able to gain the upper hand.

The home sides depth was shown with nine individual goal scorers from a full team effort.

The Senior Men faced an undermanned Eastern Swans team to take a comfortable win 87–31 after evening up opposition numbers.

After a sluggish start the Sea Eagles were able to pull together to see seven goals on the board by half time.

Sea Eagles came out firing in the second half to play their style of footy with midfielders Max Mackay, Jacob Healey, and Brent Downie consistently winning contests.

Sea Eagles defence once again held strong all day led by Captain Alex Rodgers.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a close contest against Moranbah Bulldogs showing improvement with their game skills from last year in a 22–35 loss.

Sea Eagles Under 14s faced off against Moranbah in a game set to be the biggest challenge so far for the season eventually losing out 7–67.

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on the front runners of the competition Moranbah Bulldogs taking a 12–39 loss and seeing the closest contest to Moranbah for the 2022 Season.

Sea Eagles hit the road again Saturday May 21 with Under 12s at Sarina, Under 14s and Under 17s at Bakers Creek and Senior Women at Eastern Swans.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Read More

On the Green At Goosies

August 24, 2023

Results Week Ending 8 May

Monday pairs was won by Vern Mietzel and Kevin Dwyer, followed by Bev Woodward and Leslie Baumgarten. Lucky draws were won by Ray McCarthy and Ivan Bragg.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were J. Comelli and M. Bartolo. Runners up were B. Trannore and W. McGee

Thursday pairs greens vouchers were won by Chris Banney and C. Obst. $15 club vouchers were won by Paul Goldston, Jan Little, Vern Mietzel and Warren Corbett.

Friday winners, once again, were Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Mick Walsh and Vaughan McCall came second.

Saturday men’s bowls was taken out by Alan Cooney and Alex Cameron with Vic Gaudion and Col Carey in second place.

Ladies Club Championships Pairs semi-final with the final to be played on Thursday between Deb McKenzie and Carmel Bell playing Daphne Offield and Sheryl Cuttriss.  Eventual trophy winners were Debbie and Carmel.

Contributed by Tony Allsop and Sue Hazledine

Kees Struik is a regular Monday bowler

Chris Banney in action before the new uniforms arrived

Ladies Club Championship pairs winners Carmel Bell and Debbie McKenzie

Read More

Interclub Competition At North Mackay Athletics A Soaring Event

August 24, 2023

North Mackay Athletics club hosted an Interclub athletic competition on May 7 for all local and surrounding athletic clubs.

Welcoming the local clubs together for the first time this season, the North Mackay Athletics group were excited for an exceptional weekend.

Fingers were crossed as weather warnings dotted the horizon, but Mother Nature thankfully kept the rain away for the coming together on the twilight evening of track and field events.

There was an impressive showing from the several clubs which enjoyed the event, including Mackay Athletics Club, Sarina Athletics Club, and Moranbah Athletics Club who had representatives out on the day.  

There were over 120 athletes from the ages of three to 83 who took to the field and competed in a fun, but competitive, fixture.

The groups gathered at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreational Complex to compete in a multitude of events including sprints, throws and jumps.

There was plenty of action on the night as competitors hopped, skipped, and jumped their way to wins or close finishes, but all with a smile on their faces regardless of the result.

Aside from the action of competition, there was plenty of action off the field for athletes of all ages to enjoy.

Plenty of catching up with old friends and plenty of making new ones, but most importantly – aside from the athletics – there was a palpable enjoyment on an evening with families from each club.

The complex was filled with the sounds of pitter pattering feet as runners took to the course, but there was also music, a pizza dinner and a Mother’s Day raffle which brought even more cheer.

With the Interclub event now behind them, North Mackay Athletics Club is looking forward to the upcoming Mackay Track and Field Carnival.

Hosted by Mackay Athletics on May 21, the event will once again bring together the best of the best from the region to compete.

On the horizon there’s also plans for the club to head out and support the upcoming Oceania Championships being held in Mackay on June 7-11; The athletic community is alive and well in Mackay.

If you are interested in joining athletics, the club is welcoming anyone to come along to a $5 trial session at North Mackay Athletics, Sundays at 8:30am at Pioneer High school.

Contact can be made via Facebook or through visiting the website: www.northmackayathletics.com.au

Read More

Road Runners Celebrate Mother’s Day Early

August 24, 2023

With Mother’s Day one of the most important days of the year, the Mackay Road Runners held their annual Casu Jacks Pre-Mother’s Day run last Saturday, keeping the Sunday free for all mothers to enjoy their spoils.

The annual club handicap run saw approximately 40 runners take on 5km and 12km routes.

The course included a couple of ascents and descents of Mt Basset for the 12km and one for the 5km runners, with everyone racing to beat the threatening rain, making for a very challenging run.

Timekeeper and race starter Julie Whibley ran an extremely efficient race start with assistance from Tim Magoffin.  

Rodney Elworthy, Paul Mackenzie, Joe Grech, and Alex Couldrey all started with the heaviest handicap.

Rodney, the runner with the highest handicap, started his race after some of the 5km runners had already finished and still finished in front of other runners.

The quality field also included George Hannaford, Greg Dawes, Jose Short, Glynis Forse, Michael Feenaghty, Carmel Grech, Greame Harris, Lisa Burns, Vicki Vickers, Carole Dawes, Brenda Windsor, Judy Zahn, Emily Dalglish, and talented junior runners, Lily and Luke Leven.  

Tahnee Malageuno also had a sensational run in the female 12km event.

Runners and supporters enjoyed the magnificent post-race breakfast available from hosts Casu Jacks while the much-anticipated pre-Mother’s Day themed prizes were drawn.

Marie Muscat and Alex Anderson both won a random draw prize on the day coinciding exactly with their 10th wedding anniversary and Tim Magoffin also walked away with a prize.

This Sunday morning’s Forsyth Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield and 10km Club Championship event will commence at 7am sharp and runners are asked to be registered with the timekeeper 15 minutes prior to gun time for a scratch start.

The Memorial Shield is held in honour of the club’s past Treasurer and champion runner Shawn Claydon who passed away in 2018.

L-R Lisa Burns, Kim Saron, Stuart Sprott, and Leanne Connor bolt from their handicap start in the 5/12km Casu Jacks Pre-Mother’s Day 5/12km run

Michael Feenaghty sent off on his handicap start by Timekeeper, Julie Whibley (right)

Carmel Grech finishes mere seconds ahead of fast finishing Paul Mackenzie from their handicapped start in the 12km event

Judy Zahn and Daniel Stampa ease down in the final metres of the 12km race. Photos: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

Read More

Your FREE Voice In Print

SARINA -  WALKERSTON – MIRANI – MARIAN – PAGET – OORALEA – MACKAY CITY – MACKAY NORTH – SLADE POINT – ANDERGROVE – BEACONSFIELD – NORTHERN BEACHES – FARLEIGH – MT OSSA – SEAFORTH – KUTTABUL - CALEN – BLOOMSBURY – PROSERPINE – CANNONVALE – AIRLIE BEACH – BOWEN – COLLINSVILLE – NEBO – MORANBAH

Locally Owned. Community Loved.

Subscribe Free