The last two weekends saw an influx of the state’s best U13 indoor hockey players in Mackay, with the sugar city hosting the 2022 U13 Indoor State Championships Boys from November 18 to 20 and Girls from November 25-27.

The tournaments were hosted by Mackay Indoor Hockey Committee at Pioneer State High School and saw over 200 people come to Mackay each weekend.

“Both tournaments were really successful,” said indoor Hockey Mackay’s Shelley Fisher.

“It’s great to have those young kids coming through to support and encourage that generation of future indoor hockey players.”

The first weekend saw the Mackay Boys finish their pool stage in third with one win, one loss and a draw.

“They were actually pretty unlucky, they missed a chance for the final in a penalty shootout,” said Ms Fisher.

The Boys came up against Brisbane 2 in the third-place playoff, defeating the visitors 5-2 to claim third in the tournament behind Rockhampton in first place and Toowoomba in second.

Mackay’s Hunter Herrington and Aston Paganoni finished the tournament with six goals each with Hunter named Player of the Tournament.

It was the Girls’ turn the next weekend, with the hosts finishing fifth after five tough losses throughout the tournament.

Maggie Collins starred, scoring two goals over the weekend.

Toowoomba claimed first in the state in the Girls followed by Maryborough and Cairns.

“All the kids, they had a great time, it’s competitive, but they all have fun which at that age is probably what’s most important for us,” said Ms Fisher.

Ms Fisher said the tournament couldn’t go ahead without the work of the Mackay Indoor Hockey Committee.

“It’s all volunteer based, it’s a massive amount of work for both those weekends but it’s great for the town, it’s great for indoor hockey and we love hosting it,” she said.

Photo credit: BVM Visuals

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Image: Queensland Country Under 17 squad

Boom St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league colts Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue and Kai Simon were officially recognised in 2022 by earning Queensland Country Under 17 representative jumpers.  

The talented trio – who enjoyed tremendous success at schoolboy and Junior League level this season – produced strong performances to help Country topple Queensland City 38-20 in the annual Under 17s challenge at Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium.  

It was a fine achievement by the St Patrick’s students and North Queensland Cowboys scholarship recipients who captured the imagination of senior rugby league officials with their skill and durability during a hectic sporting calendar.  

Wily hooker Kerrisk scored one of Country’s six tries and dynamic centre Simon bagged a personal tally of 14 points after potting seven goals.  

The representative honours capped a big fortnight for the dynamic Simon and Kerrisk, who had earlier captained the Wanderers club to an Under 17s premiership win over Purdue’s Norths Devils in the Mackay & District Junior League competition.  

All three were key players for the St Patrick’s College first grade team that reached both the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup Schoolboy Grand Finals during a momentous 2022 campaign.

Emerging number nine Kerrisk and skilful half back Purdue will attend a special camp in Townsville during December as part of the Cowboys Young Bucks squad.

Other promising St Patrick’s rugby league colts invited include top forwards Liam Doherty, Matthew Watts, gun centre Kai Simon (Under 21 Young Guns) and lock forward Kayne Smith and classy utility back Will Shears (Young Bucks).

Simon is pictured back row second from right in this Queensland Country Under 17 representative team photo with Kerrisk and Purdue (seated second and far right).

The Cowboys will set up an Indentified Players Capricornia Academy to develop the skills and prepare emerging talent for the rigours of NRL football.  

Identified St Patrick’s players will receive specialised league tuition during clinics from Cowboys’ full time coaching staff at the Mackay school grounds throughout the year.  

The Cowboys would help develop these players’ core skills, game sense, techniques and physical ability to compete at a higher level.  

By Chris Karas

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Last Saturday was the annual Men’s Presidents Day. A big field of 48 players including past president and past patron Barry O’Neil took part in a most enjoyable afternoon. Prizes were presented by President Eric, with first prize going to Greg McLean and Vern Mietzel. A triples team of visitor Geoff Davis with Doug Dungavell and Ray McCarthy came second. Several raffles were drawn, and a great day was had by all members.

Monday mixed pairs draw was won by Doug Dungavell and Peter Miller. Second draw winners were Eric Galletly and Peter Cowling and the third draw was won by Greg McLean and Dave Evans.

Wednesday ladies’ winners were Lurline Ford and Cheryle Corbett, with Sue Roscoe, Doris Dodds and Lois Deguara in second place.

Thursday mixed pairs first draw was taken out by Helen Goldston, and Lyn Tennant. Second draw winners were Anne Bailey and Barry Mount. Greens vouchers were won by Mick Walsh, Graeme Hawke and Shane Trannore.  The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs best card winners were Lois Deguara and Isla Comelli who took home $75 each. Lucky draw winners were Debbie Mackenzie and Jean Zamparutti with Wayne Mietzel and Andrew Coates next. The kitty toucher was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Images: President Eric Galletly mans the box on Saturday

             President Eric Galletly is backed by many players on Presidents Day last Saturday

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Image 1: Dylan Secher finished 8th in the country in the 11-year boys at the Auscycling BMX National Championships

Image 2: A large contingent of Mackay BMX riders travelled to Launceston for the event. Photos supplied

Mackay BMX rider Dylan Secher has finished 8th in the country in the 11-year boys at the Auscycling BMX National Championships held in Launceston last week.

Dylan competed against 44 of the best 11-year boys from all over Australia.

He placed 2nd in his first moto and then went on to win his following 2 motos, to progress to the quarter finals, which he also won convincingly.

From there he progressed to the semi-finals, also placing first.

This earned his spot in the finals, where he placed 8th.

The Mackay and District BMX Club member is fairly new to the sport and has only been competing for 2 years.

Dylan’s brother Beau also competed at the National Championships along with Mackay riders Liam Wilson, Travis Chilton, Aidan Parish, Bailey Smith, Tyler Smith, Connor Parish, Brodie Wilson and Brock de Silva.

Contributed by Michelle Tickle

Final Results For Mackay and District BMX Club Riders

Superclass

27th (quarters) Brock de Silva

Junior Superclass

12th (semis) Connor Parish

25th (quarters) Brodie Wilson  

42nd Tyler Smith

9 Boys

21st (quarters) Liam Wilson

10 Boys

40th Beau Secher

11 Boys

8A Dylan Secher

11th (semis) Travis Chilton

14 Boys

15th (semis) Bailey Smith

23rd Aiden Parish

15 Boys

24th Tyler Smith

16 Boys

13th (semis) Connor Parish

29th Brodie Wilson  

17-24 Men

15th (semis)  Brock de Silva

8 - 10 Cruiser Boys

19th (quarters) Liam Wilson

23rd Beau Secher

10- 11 Cruiser Boys

30th Dylan Secher

13-14 Cruiser Boys

14th Aiden Parish

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Marking a decade of teaching the children of the Whitsundays how to swim, Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle has carved out a reputation for quality instruction and dedication to safety while nurturing the unique personalities of each child.

Taking home three national awards over the past few years, they were awarded Best Swim Safer Swim School in Australia for their advanced system which sees them run a Swim Safer Week each term instead of once a year.

“Living so close to the ocean and with swimming part of our everyday lives here in the Whitsundays, it is so important for all children to learn how to swim safely in the water,” said owner, Danielle Shea.

The PJ Masks National Swim Safer Week took place last week and students learnt how to pull themselves out of the water wearing clothes, what to do if they accidentally fell in and the importance of not jumping in to rescue a friend, among many other safety tips.

Having also won the Swim Australia Swim Teacher of the Year in 2021, Danielle has reached the pinnacle of her career and frequently travels the country giving informational talks for Swim Australia.

Celebrating 10 years in business, Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle is inviting everyone in the community to come down to their pool party on Saturday December 10 from 12pm – there will be the Rilo ice-cream van – bring your swimmers along for some fun in the pool.

You can also register for the school holiday five-day Intensive Week from December 12-16 and enrol for term 1, January 2023 on the day.

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Last week’s Swim Safer Week

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Image: The end of year festivities have begun for Pioneer Swim Club. Photo credit: Trevor Seedwell

The Festive Season has been welcomed with a bang by Pioneer Swim Club.  

The past week has seen our final Club Night for 2022 where our annual Christmas Party was enjoyed by all swimmers as well as our Club travelling to Bowen for the last carnival for 2022 and more Christmas fun.

The last Club Night for 2022 was held Thursday, November 24.  

All swimmers received a gift from the club and many swimmers acknowledged for results achieved at recent meets and those travelling to Queensland Championships in December.

Fun then transpired with the parents’ race (with a side of heckling), parents versus kids relays and an inflatable relay.

The Bowen Carnival holds a special status for our club – although a small meet, it is one that our club does not like to miss.

Over 40 swimmers travelled to enjoy not only a weekend full of swimming, sun, beach and exceptional results but also more Christmas festivities.  

Coach Igor took on the role of Santa handing out gifts to each of the children and a Christmas feast then followed.

The Club will now break for a few weeks, but will be back in the New Year, Club Nights recommencing on 5 January.

Pioneer Swimming Club wishes all its members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Bowen local Beau Willis competed in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Grand Finals held in Townsville last Friday night.

Having spent 15 years competing professionally in the sport, the 32-year-old Willis has achieved the rank of 106th in the world.

Knowing he wanted to be a bull-rider from the age of six, Willis participated in the high school rodeo and has since travelled the world, competing professionally and going up against the best in New Zealand, Mexico, America, and Malaysia.

Ranked within the top 18 in the country, Willis recently made the APRA (Australian Professional Rodeo Association) finals in Rockhampton earlier this year.

Last weekend, however, was the main event for the Bowen-born lad at the PBR Grand Finals.

Going into the event with a hand injury, Willis tried his best but unfortunately was thrown off the bronc each time.

Despite the setback, Beau is forging onwards and looking forward to the next event.

Determined to bring bull riding back to Bowen, he is currently raising funds to bring an annual rodeo to the famed mango town.

To do this he will need to re-build the arena at the Showgrounds, turning it into a multi-sport complex.

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Beau Willis competing

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Weekly Results

Monday saw the playing of a B4 Red Points event. Winners Janelle Conroy & Terrence Sheedy, followed by Helen Van Den Broek & Jan Harris. Sunday was the final Novice monthly Sunday for 2022, winners Faith Hutchinson & Griffin Bancroft, followed by Geoff Cowan & Sandy Patterson.

Monday 21 November 22 – 7 Table One Winner B4 – Red Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4th Ian Cruickshank / Maria Cruickshank

5th Robert (Bob) Ellis / Noel Bugeia

6th Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

Tuesday Evening 22 November 22 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

2nd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

3rd Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

4th Diane Morgan / Sandy Patterson

Wednesday 23 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor

3rd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole

E/W

1st Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

2nd Ian Cruickshank / Antonia Tarradas

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Evening 24 November 2022 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

3rd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

Friday 25 November 22 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft

2nd Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4th Marie McGuire / Diane Stokes

5th Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers

Saturday 26 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Broek

3rd Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris

4th Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

4th Julie O’Neill / Richard Wix

Sunday 27 November 22 – 4 Table One Winner Novice Play

1st Faith Hutchinson / Griffin Bancroft

2nd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

3rd Robert Carless / Diane Stokes

4th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

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This week 62 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 8 were first timers and 5 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Mikayla, Robert, Mark, Duanne and Lilliana. There were no new milestones to celebrate.

The event was made possible by 16 amazing volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maree (run director) Chris, Sylvie, Margaret, Greg, Nathalie (photographer), Shane, Michael, Jess, Lilliana, Laura, Ken, Lynne and Joanne.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 4,361 participants have completed 22,732 parkruns covering a total distance of 113,660 km, including 2,644 new Personal Bests. A total of 365 individuals have volunteered 3,231 times.

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.

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

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Parkrun fun!

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This week, Manny Isgro entered the finals at Pioneer Valley and Luke Kinnear and Warren Mills performed well in Mackay.

Tuesday afternoon bowls saw Lyn Graham and Ladda Purdie running away from all other players to win on the day.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls was also hotly contested and arranged evenly by Merve Stewart.

Skipper Tony Whitehorn, however, had other ideas and, teaming with Elaine Kippen, beat a star studded field for the prize money and Graham Cowling was delighted to win the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls is coming to an exciting conclusion with Airlie Splash of Colour (consisting of Brett Simpson, Matt Francis , Dan Grant and Ricky Parker) defeated for the first time by an amazing display of teamwork from skipper Glenn Frederiksen, Keith Dornoch and their team from Whitsunday Gold Coffee.

Wins to Blockheads, Hadlow Racing , Tuk Tuks and Woolies mean they can all win the coveted trophy.

Saturday morning Scroungers had its finale for the year with Graham Cowling winning the last spot for the semi-finals over Juanita Matterson and Steve Lawrie.

After the semi-finals, we were left with Andy McDougall, Nik Fernbach and Mark Mawson.

However, no one could stop Andy McDougall who ran away with the first prize.

Sunday afternoon saw Mario De Martini playing absolutely sensational bowls to run away with the prize and Lu Rogan winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Late last week we also welcomed our new club Manager Phil Compling, owner of the Malpas Hotel in Home Hill, who will be using his years in the industry to make the club bigger and brighter so stay tuned for some amazing news to come.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Finalists of Scroungers 2022: Mark Mawson, Andy McDougall and Nik Fernbach

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Wednesday Social Bowls winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Paula Welsted, Jane Gilbert, and Jeff Tierney, with the trio defeating David Moodie, Gavin Charles, and Allen Williams.

Peter Wilson, Lorraine McArthur, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle joined the winners’ circle, defeating Mary Ellen Pratten, Peter Thomson, Ross Scanlon, and Steve Roome.

Sunday Scroungers Winners were Jill Brabon, Peter Bruce, Daryl Tuttle, and Daryl O’Connell.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Sunday Scroungers Winners Jill Brabon, Peter Bruce, Daryl Tuttle, and Daryl O’Connell

On Tuesday, Bron Tolcher, Penny Warren, and Margaret Wilson defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Mark Drummond to begin the week at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

The final of Men’s Triples was played on Saturday, which was won by Laurie Land, Kevin Daniels, and Barry Beel after defeating Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers. This concluded club competition for the year.

On Sunday our bowls sections’ AGMs were conducted, with thanks  to club members who took on executive positions to continue the successful running of the club for 2023.

Congratulations to new Ladies President Margaret Wilson and Men’s President Mark Drummond.

After a High Tea and presentation, members enjoyed a game of bowls. Winners for the afternoon were Irene Laird and Geoff Danvers defeated Isobel Wheeler and Sugar Brunker.

Other winners were Deb Retchless, Penny Warren, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Bill Myers, Lyn Danvers, and Pat Tracey.

Laurie Land, Margaret Wilson, and Greg Colquhoun joined the winners’ circle too, defeating Sue Shearing, Robyn Stitt, and Allan Rolfe, Bron Tolcher, Linda Scells, and Mark Drummond claimed a victory as well, beating out Russell Tolcher, Peter Warren, and Ted Evans.

The club’s social bowls will continue as normal on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons, with names needing to be in by 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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2023 Ladies’ and Men’s Presidents Margaret Wilson and Mark Drummond

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford sponsored by the club.  

Ladies’ winner, Jo Goldup, finished with 38 points, followed by runner up Leanne Swan with 37. In the men’s it was a similar score: winner Kevin Cross topped the charts with 38, too, and runner up on a countback was Colin Stewart, 37.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Men's Winner was Chris Matheson, 41 points, with runner up Peter Randle on 39.  Meanwhile the Ladies' winner was Julie Martin with 36 points, followed by runner up on a countback, Leanne Swan, 35 points.

This weekend’s competition at Bowen Golf Club is a single stroke event for the men’s and ladies December Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Tuesday Competition

The Club’s Tuesday Stableford with 15 players was won by Chris Brett on 37 points ahead of Peter Lewis on 36 points, Brian Smith 35 points, Michael Ward 34 points and Paul Gray 34 points taking the rundown positions. NTP’s were won by Albert Pini and Paul Gray.

Wednesday Competition

A Versus Par competition for the ladies on Wednesday saw 15 players competing with Trish McNeill winning top spot with a +3 score, closely followed by Brenda Cowan on +2 and Heather Luvis on +1, Leanne Alexander and Mandy Patterson completed the run down with –1.

Mandy also featured in the Division 1 NTP’s on 1 and 5, with Ann Gardel winning 1 and 5 also in Division 2.

Thursday Competition

A nice 41 points by Josh Norris on Thursday helped him into 7th and 9th position in the 4BBB competition played by 56 golfers. Nathan Sothmann and Trish McNeill were the winners on 46 points narrowly beating Jalen Jarvis and Elliot Woo on 45 points. Wayne Temby and Ron Jamieson were in 3rd place with 43 points. NTP’s went to Nathan x 2, John Grosskreutz and Brendon Meharry.

Saturday Competition

74 players competed in the MBW Stableford this week. Jayden Lloyd shot a very nice 3 over par round for 42 points to take out the men’s competition. Closely followed by Sam Deicke on 41 points, and Jason Bourke and Ken Granger in the run down with 38 points each. Jayden also took home the only 2 shot of the day, nice little pick up! NTP’s went to Steve Kelly, Ryan Wilkes, Rod Wecker and Matthew Goldman. For the Ladies NTP Trish McNeill and Jill Farinelli were the closest. Trish McNeill also won the ladies competition with 36 points, just edging out Jill Farinelli and Sherri Meade, both on 35 points. Penny Wardroper was in the rundown with 32 points.

Sunday Competition

Aaron Prosser continues on his handicap destroying run handing in a great score of 42 points on Sunday. A single figure handicap is within reach, keep up the good work! Ken Granger claimed 2nd with 37 points, and Ryan Wilkes, now on a +1 shot an even par round to take out 3rd with 35 points. Renae Maxwell shone in the ladies, winning the Sunday comp with 30 points, closely followed by Tessa Aitken and Paula McQuat, 29 and 28 points respectively. NTP’s were won by Ken Granger, Paula x 2 and Michael Jarvis.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

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The Men’s and Ladies’ foursomes championships were held with 26 players competing.

Ron Jamieson and Don Cameron were the winning team for the men’s division followed by Danny York and Lew Tuck as runners up.

Penny Wardroper and Joanne Moynihan claimed the Ladies’ winning team with Pam Casey and Vicki Tuck taking the runners up.

Pin shots went to Danny York and Lew Tuck, Jason Bourke and Clay Coles, Geoff Harrison and Wayne Temby, Dean Kercher and Darren Reynolds.

Next Sunday will be Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

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