A local weightlifting club has had some outrageous results in the second half of the year, most recently sending one of its top competitors to the World Championships in early November in the hopes they would claim a world record – instead, they came home with three!

Whitsunday Weightlifting club’s Rodney Wecker travelled to the Gold Coast to take part in the IPL (International Powerlifting League) World Championships on November 3.

Wecker, who competed in in the 65- to 69-year-olds category – a division he already held a national record in – claimed three world records at the Championships.

In the back squat and deadlift, Wecker finished with some incredible weights: 118 and 158-kilograms, respectively, which earned him two IPL world records.

“It’s incredible, considering he only weighs 68-kilograms,” Whitsunday Weightlifting coach Leanne Knox said.

His third record was the overall, a total of 348.5-kilograms. That score was calculated by adding the three, standerdised categories together: bench-press, deadlift, and squat.

As well, the club recorded some incredible results at its own internal competition, chief among them being member Ellen Brown’s world record lift in the 70-74-year-old division,

“At a local competition on Sunday, November 6, Ellen broke the world record by five kilograms in her age group in an unofficial competition, which she hopes to carry to World Championships next year,” Ms Knox said.

And the club’s Under 15 superstar, Tyson Williams Allen, broke the Queensland State record having only been weightlifting for just over a year and a half.

“We always tell them to aim as high as you can,” Ms Knox said.

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Rodney Wecker and Whitsunday Weightlifting club trainer Leanne Knox. Wecker claimed a world record at the recent World Championships

Airlie Beach Bowls Club has enjoyed success with their ladies’ and men’s teams in recent weeks, competing in the State Championship in both categories – with one exceptional win.

The club is hoping that, 1097 kilometres away at the Pine Rivers Bowling Club in Brisbane, the team of Luke Kinnear, Warren Mills, and Manny Isgro can continue that winning form at the finals of the Australian BPL on Sunday, November 6, and Monday, November 7.

Wednesday: A big roll up of players, with the team of David Meiklejohn at lead, Lyn Graham at second, and Tony Whitehorn at skipper the big winners of the day.

Business House Bowls: The Barbecue was supplied by Battery Warehouse, while PRD, the club’s Major sponsor, went home the big winners of the night, once again donating their prize money to the school children’s competition.

Saturday Scroungers: National Umpire John Askew watched on as first round winners Russell Jackson, Gary Kiff, Peter Barratt, and Nik Fernbach won the day. Mr Fernbach and new member Gary Kiff progressed to the final, with Gary Kiff taking home the prize money.

Sunday Social Bowls: Highly competitive bowls on all rinks with the crown claimers of the day, skippered by Chairman Ash Warland and lead Mark Mawson. They defeated the side of Ladda Purdie at skipper with Lyn Graham at lead. Nik Fernbach topped it off by taking home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Fiona Greener, the club Manager, also provided wonderful refreshments and a delicious afternoon tea.

All club Mixed pairs, triples, and fours should be completed soon, and club members are encouraged to renew their memberships.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Warren Mills, Manny Isgro and Luke Kinnear at Pine Rivers Bowls Club for the Australian finals of the BPL

On Wednesday, Proserpine Bowls Club hosted nine players, with Stephen Griffith, Bruce Uhe, Mike Harrison and Patricia Bownds defeating Jim Bownds, Arthur Griffith, Sandy Daffara and John Anderson, 28-16.

On Friday night, two games of B Triples were played. John Anderson, Vince Olsen, and Brett Saroglia were the first winners, defeating Alen Sanderson, Harry Craig, and Gavin Noonan, 40-7.

Stephen Summers, Kendall Watts, and Tod Leys rounded out the winner’s circle, defeating Arthur Griffith, Nathaniel Watts, and Bruce Uhe, 27-23.

On Saturday, the Final of the B Triples was played between the teams of John Anderson, Vince Olsen, and Brett Saroglia, and Stephen Summers, Kendall Watts, and Tod Leys. John Anderson’s side won 31-13.

On Sunday, nine players enjoyed Social Bowls.  In a game of triples John Anderson, Bruce Uhe, and Peter Lawton defeated Arthur Griffith, Jim Quod, and Barry Zillmann 26 - 13.  In a game of singles Sandy Daffara defeated Mike Harrison 25-11.  Following this Sandy, Mike and Heather had a game of Cutthroat with Heather being the victor in this challenge.

This weekend is the Memorial Day Carnival, played on Saturday with 14 teams over three games of 17 ends to determine this year's winners. Thanks to sponsors Wilmar Sugar and Anything Environmental.

The bowls season for this year is ending for Proserpine. Green renovations are beginning on Thursday, November 17, so the last day of play will be Social on Wednesday November 16.  Volunteers to help with the green renovations are being sought for the period between November 17 to 21.

Reminder that Membership Fees are now due.  Thank you to those who have attended to these already.  Numbers for 2023 are finalised with Bowls Queensland and Mackay District based on the number of Financial Members as of December 31.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Winners of B Triples: Vince Olsen, John Anderson, and Brett Saroglia

On Melbourne Cup Day, one game of rinks was played at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

The winners in the close game were Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt, Mark Drummond, and Greg Colquhoun who defeated Bill Myers, Sue Shearing, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers.

Sundays results: Winners for the afternoon were Bill Myers, Laurie Land, and Graeme Read defeating Cheryl Sexton, Irene Laird, and Kennedy Whitton.

Other winners were Deb Beel, Linda Scells, and Geoff Danvers who defeated Deb Retchless, Denise Wallace, and Pat Tracey. Sue Shearing, Penny Warren, and Barry Beel also won, defeating Toni Bowen, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun.

The last round of the Men’s local pennant between Wangaratta and Collinsville will be played at Wangaratta on Saturday 19 November.

If you are available to play, please put your name down on the board, as 12 players are required.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Sunday's winners: Bill Myers, Laurie Land, Barry Beel, and Graeme Read

Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the November midweek Monthly Medal at Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner was Donna Wright, 71 nett, with runner up on a countback Judi Morris, 72 nett.  

Men’s winner James Miller, 69 nett, and runner up on a countback John Brown, 70 nett.

Saturday’s competition was a stroke event for the November Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.  

Men's Winner Tom Wikander, 68 nett, runner up on a countback Ezra Miller, 69 nett.  

Pin shots to Jason Hopkins, David Insch, Graeme Baker, Mitchell Greenbank, while Tim Miller won the Car wash voucher.

Ladies' Winner on a countback, Linda Scells, 69 nett, runner up on a countback was Morag Parker, 69 nett. Pin Shots to Julie Martin, Carol O’Connell, Lorraine McArthur, and Janice Bates.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Vets, incorporating the Medal of Medals sponsored by LJ Hooker.  Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  Takeaways still available.  Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.  Joker draw is $5000 this week.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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The November Monthly Medal winners at Bowen Golf Club, James Miller and Donna Wright

Saturday’s overall monthly medal winner in the men’s competition was Brian Smith with 67 nett. Martins Kornis was the C grade runner up with 69.

The A grade winner was Jacob Nightingale on 68, with Lew Tuck runner up on 70.

In B grade Phil Batty, 70 edged out Brendon Spann on 71.

The place getters were Wayne Fitzgerald, 70, Ben Smith, Jason Bourke, John Bissell, Levi Holmes, and Wayne Temby 72.

They were followed by Thom Maclean, Ben Rayment, Gavin Kerwand and Rob Stanley on 73.

The pin shots went to Ryan Wilkes, Michael Cragg, Andrew Colborne and Benn Ryan. Six featured in the two-shot pot.

Sherri Meade took out the ladies’ medal with 68 nett from Trish McNeill, 72, Paula McQuat, 73 and Tina Badenhorst 74.

The pin shots went to Sherri Meade and Andrea Scharneck. The Wednesday ladies’ winner was Trish McNeill with nett 73, from Pam Casey, 75 and Lyn Muller 78.

The pin shots went to Ann Gardel on five, Pam Casey 16 and Leanne Alexander on five and 16.

Thursday’s division one winner was Vince Collins with 66 nett, from Andrew Albergo and Michael Cragg, 68 and a visitor from Mudgee Golf Club, Stephen Berridge, 69.

The division two winner was Peter Elms, also on 66, followed by James Devery, 68, Peter Scrivens 69 and Paul Nicol 70.

The place getters were Barry Mortimer, 69, Ritchie Atkins, Gavin Kerwand, and Matt Muller, 70, Scott Milne, Peter Lewis, Aiden Sverdloff and Vic Feldman finished the field on 71.

Aiden Sverdloff, Stephen Berridge, Allen Roberts and Chris Brett took the pin shots.

Next Saturday is the AllenBuild stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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The November monthly medal for Whitsunday Social Golf was held on Sunday to choose the final contenders for this year’s Medal of Medal Challenge.

Men’s A Grade winner was Ritchie Atkins, Mens B Grade winner was Dean Kercher, Ladies A Grade was Tiina Randmae, and Ladies B Grade went to Pam Casey.  

Runners up were Darren Reynolds, Gerald Lovell, Penny Wardroper, and Karen Rix. Longest Drives went to Ritchie, Dean, Penny and Pam.

Nearest the pins were Ritchie, Mark McDougall, Penny Wardroper, and Tiina Randmae.

Contributed with thanks to Joane Moynihan

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Dean Kercher, Tiina Randmae, Pam Casey, and Ritchie Atkins

It was a great Tuesday at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf on their first Monthly Medal, followed by our Melbourne Cup luncheon and sweeps.

Ladies’ winner with a very good score of 69 was Jacqui Wall, who sported a very functional hat for the Cup.

Second was Mandy Patterson (71) and in the rundown Elspeth Scotford (73), Paula McQuat (75), and Diane Chard (77 c/b).

The men’s winner was Gerald Lovell with a fantastic 66, second was Vic Feldman (71 c/b), and in the rundown John Roser (71), Gary Scotford (72), and Neil Cawthorne (74).

The pin shots for the ladies went to Leanne Alexander (9th), Jacqui (9th), Mandy Patterson (7th), Robyn Whitham(7th), Elspeth Scotford (16th), and Ann Gardel (16th).

The men’s pin shots went to Gerald Lovell (9th), John Oates (7th and 9th), Gary Scotford (7th), Vic Feldman(16th), and Neil Cawthorn (16th).

Winners of the least putts were Steve Mitchell and John Strelec with 28.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Gerald Lovell and Jacqui Wall

The weekly 9-hole competition this week was won by Andrew Gomez with 19 points at Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

Second was Elise Hodgson with 16 points and third was a countback in favour of Glenn Rees with 15 points.

Fridays 9-hole stableford was won by Scott Hayes Williams with 24 points, Cameron Mutch scored 22 points taking second from Jay Angel with a count back.

Sundays 18-hole Stableford was won by Dean Barnard with 36 points. Danny York and Dave Wallace both scored 35 points, but it was Danny York that took second with a count back.

Nearest the Pins were Danny York on the second and Marc Belke on the 9th.

This Sunday will be SKINS.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Justyn Durbin and Scott Hayes Williams

Twilight Race: Although the forecast showed a strong south easterly breeze, by the time the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s twilight races started competitors were faced with a light northerly wind.  A strong fleet of 19 boats faced the starter.

The start of the first division away, Division 2, saw Wide Load (Shannan Hart) clearing the fleet on port tack, a risky plan that occasionally works.  In this case it gave Wide Load a clear advantage as they headed to the first rounding mark.  The light winds were particularly advantageous to the lighter boats, with Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) leading Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Houdini (Rob Meizer). While they struggled on the upwind legs, Houdini used their spinnaker to advantage down wind, catching the bigger boats each time. In a dying wind, and with a course shortened at the last buoy, Houdini were hot on the tail of Smooth Criminal and catching fast, but fell short by just over a minute.  On corrected time, Houdini took the honours over Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.

The second start saw a combination of Divisions 1 and 3, with G’nome (Terry Archer) the lone Div 1 participant.  The start was clearly won by Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic), but once again it was Matchless (Terry Stevens) and Alabaster (Kate Warren) to battled at the front with Matchless winning the battle.  Further back, the battle was on between Rossgo (Greg Hammon), Masquerade and Shiraz (John Cable), with little to separate these at the finish.  Corrected time win went to Matchless over Rossgo and Masquerade.

The monthly prizes for October, sponsored by Whitsunday Welding & Fabrication, went to G’nome (Div 1), Smooth Criminal (Div 2) and Lighthorse (Di Forster) (Div 3)

Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.  Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
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Close racing with Treasure VIII and Wide Load

The Cannonvale Cannons had an extremely successful weekend at the Gardens Open LC Preparation Meet in Townsville.  

The Cannons’ junior male Freestyle relay team of Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Thomas Ganter, and Nelson Malady claimed a gold medal, while the senior mixed Medley relay team of Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges, and Jacob Dewis won the bronze.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers’ efforts as the 15 swimmers accumulated 63 personal bests.

Congratulations to Tora Delac (1) , Remy Hedges(3) and Jacob Bell (1) for achieving state qualifying times.  

Top performers based on personal bests: Evie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, and Jack Ganter, who swam personal bests (PBs) in all their events.

Harris Delac swam fantastic times in all his events, with his best the 50-metre Butterfly with a 10.96 second personal best (PB).

Celeste Orenshaw thoroughly enjoyed her 100-metre Freestyle and 100-metre Breaststroke races, earning PBs and bronze medals.

Charlie Doherty had a very successful meet, swimming five PBs. His best swim was his 100-metre Backstroke which he swam in 1.32.92, fourth place and a 7.35 second PB.  

Highlights include: Tiana Bell, Holly Perrin, and Tora Delac each swimming four or more PBs. Tiana’s best swim was her 100-metre Breaststroke and Tora’s best swim was her 100-metre Freestyle.

Even though Holly’s best swim was her 200-metre Backstroke, she earnt silver medals for her 100-metre Butterfly and 200-metre IM.  

Jacob Dewis came home with five bronzes and one silver medal.  Jax Clayworth and Don Algie swam brilliantly earning PBs and medals.

Nelson Malady swam a super 50-metre Butterfly with a 2.31 second PB. Remy Hedges won gold medals for all her Breaststroke events.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Jax Don Thomas and Nelson with coaches

Young Cannons enjoyed the Gardens Open LC Preparation Meet in Townsville

Under 11s: The Proserpine Pitbull youngsters were in to bat first at home against Magpies Black on Saturday in tough, windy conditions.

Kobi (11) and Jaxson (6) opened proceedings to get the side off to a great start before Sean (3), Aiden (7), and Matthew (5) kept the scoreboard moving.

Bradley (3) and Laura (1) got some tough bowling but held their own very well while Ellen (5) and Zahra (2) came in at the end and combined well to finish the innings with the side’s highest score yet of 9/73.

Change of innings and Captain Ellen led the troops out to field.

With three catches and four runouts, the fielding was exceptional, but a late flurry of runs from the Magpies got them past the Pitbulls total, ending it 11/83

Player of the day went to the captain, Ellen.

Proserpine Pitbulls Under 12s: The young Pitbulls also took on the Magpies at Proserpine with Captain Shannon Matthews winning the toss.

The fast bowling unit were together for the first time this season adding to the excitement. Big Brock Childs (1/6) took the new ball and ripped in to knock over the Maggie’s opener in his first over to set the tone.

Ben ‘Starky’ Hope (2/2) then added to the pain next over destroying the castles of the Pies number 3 and 4. Captain Shannon (1/1) then took the ball to clean bowl another Magpie, the locals on top.

The visitors were soon all out for 17 with some spectacular bowling from the Pitbull side.

Time for the locals to then don the pads, the message “forget the scoreboard, bat for 25 overs”.  

It was a good start, but in particular, Big Ben ‘Starky’ Hope (17no) and Noah P (29no) made a 45-run partnership to propel the locals to 4-106 at the end of their innings, and to a comprehensive victory.

Players Player - Noah Porter (2/1, 29no)

Contributed with thanks to Michael Hope and Mark Porter

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The 2022 North Queensland Sportstar Awards were held at a gala event in the Cloncurry Town Hall last Saturday, where a local BMXer was recognised in the Sporting Excellence category.

Connor Parish finished a sensational BMX season by being recognised with this prestigious award at the NQ Sportstar event, representing Mackay Regional Council.

The Sporting Excellence award is for an athlete who is dedicated and has gone above and beyond to excel in their chosen sport.

The award takes into consideration the athlete’s circumstances and potential to advance their sporting careers.

Connor attended the 2022 BMX World Championships in France and made it to the semi-finals of the 24” category before crashing in the semi-finals and unfortunately crashed in qualifying in the 20” category.

At the 2022 Oceania Championships, Connor finished 2nd in the 24” category and 4th in the 20” category. At the Australian Championships in December 2021, Connor finished 2nd in the 24” category and 4th in the 20” category.

At the 2021 Mackay and District BMX Club Presentation Day, Connor was awarded as the Rider of the Year.

Full list of 2022 North Queensland Sportstar winners:

Senior Sportstar of the Year - Sarah Cochrane (Townsville), Weightlifting

Junior Sportstar of the Year – Zoe Chester (Townsville), Athletics

Masters Sportstar of the Year - Allan Jefferson (Townsville) Ultra Cycling

Sportstar Team of the Year – AUS CROCS (Cairns) White Water Rafting

Sportstar Athlete with a Disability - Benjamin Wenzel (Cairns) Tennis

Sportstar Service to Sport - Michael Further (Etheridge)

Sportstar Sporting Excellence - Connor Parish (Mackay), BMX

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Nine Special Olympics Mackay athletes have done Mackay proud on the national stage, travelling to Launceston for the Special Olympics National Games in October.

Special Olympics Mackay was founded in 2012 and currently has 33 athletes competing across powerlifting, table tennis, basketball and ten pin bowling.

After hosting the Special Olympics State Titles CQ Games in Mackay in April 2021, nine of those 33 were selected in the Queensland team.

Annie, Chloe, TJ and Shane travelled to Launceston to compete in basketball and Corey, Donna, Frank, Paul and Tegan to compete in ten pin bowling.

Special Olympics On The National Stage

The aim of the Special Olympics is to empower people with intellectual disabilities to discover new strengths, abilities, skills and success through the power of sport.

Special Olympics Mackay Coach and Mentor Kimberly Doyle says the recent Special Olympics National Games in Launceston achieved that aim.

“It was just astonishing to see the impact and the athletes to come away with a greater resilience and greater independence and just a greater feeling of self-worth,” she said.

“They just feel they’ve achieved and just to be there is an achievement.”

All Mackay athletes achieved admirable results, with some finishing the games with gold, silver and bronze medals across both basketball and ten pin bowling.

“They have their own expectations as to how they want to succeed,” said Kimberly.

“We were very happy with their performances.

“They tried their best, that’s all we really focus on, as long as they try their best, they’re a success.”

There are over 3,000 athletes involved in Special Olympics across the country, with 973 of those competing at the National Games.

“Everyone belonged, everyone felt they were part of something so big,” said Kimberly.

“It’s the greatest inclusive games in the country.

“To have those different abilities, you don’t have to be elite athletes, you just have to do your best.

“The athlete's oath is, ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,’ and that’s all they have to do.”

Athletes now wait with bated breath to find out if they qualify for the World Games, held in June 2023 in Berlin.

Wests Leagues Club is also hosting a fundraising cent sale for the Special Olympics Mackay this Sunday, November 6 from 11:00am where you will be able to meet the athletes who have returned from Launceston with their medals.

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Emily Boyd is an Australian Great – she has represented Australia for diving at the FINA World Junior Championships, the Senior Titles in Barcelona and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

She attended the Pioneer Swim Club on Tuesday, 18 October 2022, to speak of her incredible journey as an elite athlete in the sport of diving.

Emily spoke of her battles with her health and injuries, weekly training, nutrition, her goals for the future and how she seeks to achieve them.  

Approximately 40 swimmers met Emily after squad training, posed for photos and had the opportunity to hold her Commonwealth Bronze medal.

Pioneer Swim Club wishes to thank Emily for her visit - we loved it!  

Our swimmers are so lucky to have the opportunity to meet encouraging and inspiring athletes like Emily.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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