A Team of Mackay Rowing Club (MRC) rowers competed at the Queensland Masters State Championships over the May Day long weekend at Lake Yyaralong.

The nine rowers brought home an impressive haul of 18 medals (1 Gold, 10 silvers and 7 Bronze). Highlights of the weekend rowing included the long-established doubles crew of Tony Lloyd (MRC) and Jim Stafford (Wide Bay Rowing Club WBRC) to take out the gold in their age group, to once again be crowned Queensland champions. The Wohlfhart and Jamieson crew rowed strongly for 3rd place in their first competitive event together.

First time medallist at this level of competition Richard McGrath came away with three silver and one bronze, while Mick Wohlfhart came home with two bronze medals. Ann Jensen raced a program of six events where she rowed in both MRC crews and composite boats with WBRC.

Interclub rivalry in the championship’s mixed Masters GJ doubles saw three Mackay crews line up alongside each other at the starting line.  After giving the older half of the crews in the field a 9 second head start, the race was on for club honours.  Tony and Sabina Lloyd led out strongly with Jane Deguara and Terry Jamieson in pursuit.  Marie Simmonds and Mick Wohlfhart crabbed at the start.  At the business end of the course the Mackay crews had overtaken one of the older crews for Deguara and Jamieson to take out club bragging rights with a bronze medal.  The Lloyds were next over the line, promptly followed by Simmonds and Wohlfhart.

Jane Deguara and Therese Clancy continued their form in their respective single events with both claiming a bronze medal each.  Jane and Therese’s combined event in a double scull saw the duo bring home another silver.

The mixed quad of Deguara, Jamieson, McGrath and Clancy were impressive for their silver behind the dominant Townsville Riverway crew - Australian champion rowers.  Their training efforts were reflected in their results.

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Magpies Sporting Club has awarded $7,900 of cash grants to 18 local sportspeople and charities as part of the club’s new initiative Magpies Community Grants.

Recipients included local athletes shining at the local, state, and national level as well as local charities and organisations to fund projects, programs, and initiatives that directly benefit the Mackay Community.

This is the second quarter of Magpies Community Grants, an initiative that was introduced in November 2021 with the grants providing financial assistance of up to $30,000 annually.

Grants are to be awarded four times a year to winning applicants within three grant categories: Local Sporting Champions Grant, Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant, and Thriving Communities Grant.

Magpies Sporting Club General Manager Darren Smith says sport and community have always been and always will be at Magpies’ core.

“Magpies Local Sporting Champions Grant and the Women in Sport Grant will help excelling sportsmen and women at a grassroots level – to help fund their sporting endeavours,” he said.

“The Thriving Communities Grant can provide up to $1,000 in financial assistance to organisations with a charitable purpose whose project, program or initiative will directly benefit the Mackay Community.”

Quarter 3 applications are now open.

More information on Magpies Community Grants, including what grants are available, eligibility requirements and notable dates, can be found at www.magpiesmackay.com.au/community-grants and eligible applicants can easily apply online.

Local Sporting Champions Grant Winners

Cody McCall – Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships - $200 Grant

Darcy Cabassi – National Youth Touch Championships - $400 Grant

Toby Rule – Little Athletics Queensland State Championships - $200 Grant

Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant Winners

Peyton Barrow – Under 16’s State Softball Championships - $200 Grant

Jade Bounden – Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships - $200 Grant

Georgia Rye – U15 Queensland Hockey State Program - $200 Grant

Adele Ginns – Gold Stars Satellite Squad - $200 Grant

Indiana Brough – Gold Coast Suns AFL U18 Academy - $200 Grant

Gorga Randell – QLD School Sport U13-U19 State Cricket Championships - $200 Grant

Thriving Communities Grant Winners

Crossroad Arts – Auslan Interpreters - $787 Grant

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival – Travel Subsidy for travelling participants - $1,000 Grant

Phoenix Place – Defibrillator - $1,000 Grant

Mackay Kennel Club – Office Equipment - $500 Grant

YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc – Assist with weekly lunches - $500 Grant

Kalyan Youth Services – First Aid Kits - $500 Grant

Mackay PCYC – Bikes for Bike Education - $500 Grant

Pioneer Potters – Garden Equipment - $500 Grant

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – iPad & Case for Training - $613 Grant

Local Sporting Champions Grant Winner Cody McCall

Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant Winner Indiana Brough. Photos: supplied

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Veterans Golf Report

Bowen Golf News

Tennis Whitsunday

Pickleball Whitsunday

Airlie Beach Parkrun

Wangaratta Bowls

Airlie Bowls Report

Sea Eagles Show Skills in the Wet

Undefeated United Weekend

Gymnastics Spring Boarding To The Very Top In The Whitsundays

Elite Athlete Represents Region In Brisbane

Kids Having A Ball!

VMR News Capsizes and swamping

On the Water

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A new era for basketball in the Whitsundays kicked off last week with the launch of Friday Nights Under Lights.

The three-team competition for children aged 8 to 16 consists of the Proserpine Pirates, Cannonvale Crocs and Airlie Beach Ballers.

Part of the steadily growing Whitsunday Basketball, the competition is the brainchild of the sporting club’s Tim Oberg.

“Our 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,” Tim said.

“I know how frustrating and challenging this can be for families, so we're trying to create something truly local that everyone in the community can enjoy.”

Tim said that those with a love for basketball are more than welcome to come spectate on Friday nights at Cannonvale State School, regardless of if they have kids or not.

“It's shaping up to be a great social occasion, Tim said.

The debut games of the evening pitted the Ballers up against the Crocs in a seesawing game with the lead changing on multiple occasions.

In the end it was the Ballers who got up by just three points.

The second game saw the Crocs take on the Pirates in a bit of a more one-sided affair, with a comfortable victory for the Crocs.

The final debut games of the evening saw the Ballers take on the Pirates in another tight fixture with the points ultimately going to the Ballers who ended the night undefeated.

Feedback from both parents and players was overwhelmingly positive and everyone is looking forward to round two this Friday night from 5:00pm at Cannonvale State School.  

The club are hoping to get a food truck down this Friday night.

Any interested food truck venders please reach out to info@whitsundaybasketball.com

Contributed with thanks to Tim ObergThanks to the dedication of Whitsunday Basketball, kids have finally got their chance to play a Whitsunday based competition

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Council extended their congratulations to a swimming stalwart earlier this month, presenting him with a memento for his achievements in representing the region.

The young Bowen athlete, Kayden Muir, was financially supported by council under their Junior Elite Athletes initiative.

The promising swimmer was presented with a watch by Acting Mayor Mike Brunker and Division 4 Councillor Michelle Wright during the April 29 ordinary Council meeting in Bowen.

The Bowen athlete had been selected to represent North Queensland in swimming at the Under 18 State Championships that were held in Brisbane earlier this year before seeking financial assistance from council.

In his trip down to the River City, Kayden competed in a string of events, representing the region in each.

His first competitive outing was in the 50 metre butterfly before heading into the 50 metre freestyle, 200 metre medley relay and 200 metre freestyle relay.

Kayden’s best form came when he swam personal best times in both relay events.

He said the highlight of the championships was getting to compete against people his own age from across Queensland and getting valuable big meet experience.

In previous year’s, Kayden – a Bowen State High School student - has claimed wins at the local Bowen Swimming Club like Club Champion winner.

He was joined by a fellow state high school classmate Remi Hedges.

Council’s Financial Support for Junior Elite Athletes is available for all residents who are 18 years or younger at the time of competition, and who have been residing within the Whitsunday Regional Council Local Government Area for at least 12 months or more.

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The Whitsunday PCYC has worked its way up from zero gymnasts after the devastation of Cyclone Debbie all the way up to 180 this year as it continues to expand.

Starting out with just a single coach, the local branch now has four dedicated staff members taking the lead across the diverse gymnastics’ curriculum.

“We’re building towards even greater variety of classes at the moment, even bringing back our adult classes in the next few weeks,” Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li said.

Tara Brady, Dominic Di Benedeto, Amelie Marshall, and Jessica Ferguson are the gymnastics coaches at the PCYC.

Tara has a background in gymnastics as a competitor, as well as Amelie, while Dominic began his gymnastics at the local PCYC in years past as a student.

Jessica on the other hand started her own gymnastics journey alongside her daughter.

“I had done no gymnastics before my daughter started it – she was three and a half at the time and started here and I always found myself here,” Jessica said.

“It just progressed from there and I absolutely love it.”

The group each take individual classes – with at least one class every day of the week - which includes variations like Under 5s KinderGym, BabyPlay, Ninja and regular gymnastics.

The club is growing exponentially in terms of numbers but also with the capability of their coaches who are now able to train at higher levels, going from gym three up to gym six.

“That means we’re growing with our gymnasts, giving us the ability to coach at a higher level,” Jessica said.

One of the favourites for kids at the moment is Ninja, which sees its participants take part in obstacle courses set up by Dominic, who leads the class.

“He’s extremely talented on the gym floor and has been such a boon for us,” Jessica said.

“The kids in particular really look up to him; the young ones aspire to do the things he can do and I think that’s so important for our region.”

On a competitive level, the local PCYC branch is hoping to send some of its gymnasts to events and allow them to grow as young athletes.

“We’re excited to be able to give them the opportunities and that comes from the local community supporting us and helping us expand this gymnastics program,” Sergeant Li said.

Representatives from the gymnastics team

The excellent facilities make gymnastic easy at Whitsunday PCYC

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What a weekend for the Whitsunday United Football club with success against top level opponents across all age groups.

The juniors started the ball rolling with the U14 Div playing Rangers at home. A little rusty after six weeks without a game, they were still dominant against Rangers with Reef Hansen-Harden and Billy Hinton scoring great goals to give the team a 2-1 victory and keeping them undefeated and tied top of the table.

U14 Premiers were on fire – tearing apart the Lions team who are also one of the top three in the comp. From the opening exchanges, the Whitsunday team looked sharp and hungry and after a tight first half, dominated the second to win 6-3, only conceding a couple of late goals through concentration lapses. Jacob Logan was the star of the show with a hat trick of goals to his credit.

The U16 Premier side faced a huge task against the undefeated and in form Lions U16's – especially fielding a patched together team due to injury and illness. They brought their A game and despite conceding a goal in the first half looked the equal of Lions. In what is becoming a bit of a trademark, the Whitsunday youth through sheer determination and grit wore down the Lions and were dominant in the second half, narrowly missing a few opportunities. Tyler Jankowski brought the house down scoring a lofted long distance goal to equalise in the final 30 seconds.

The senior teams travelled to Mackay to take on City Brothers with equally solid results. The Premier Women were lucky to put together a side with many of the girls attending representative comps, however the players available were keen to keep the side in the top three and took an early lead with a cracker from Keely Salter. From there it was a tussle with the Whitsunday side on top, however a late equaliser from City Brothers snatched the win from their grasp to end it 1-1.

The Men's teams were dominant against the City Brother's sides with the U23/Reserve side running in a solid 3-2 win. Stefan Tarne scoring a double, the team now sits mid table.

The Men's Premier side dispatched their opponents with a flurry of goals form Harry Hodgen. Hodgen scored a hat trick in a dominant display from the wing, turning his marker inside and out. 4-0 was the final score, but doesn’t paint the full picture in a possession filled game for the travelling team. It could have likely been more, having previously beaten Brothers 10-2 at home.

The defensive pairing of Declan Durrant and Sam Blake was a sight for sore eyes, with this the first time the starting centre backs have been able to combine. Martyn Goody put in one of his standard excellent performances, although the backline wasn’t particularly tested on the weekend. The quartet – which included Kurt Ashley – was able to keep Brothers to no shots on target.

The win takes the Whitsunday team to third on the ladder but with a few games in hand.

Luca Miller menacing the defence for the U14 Prems. Photo Penny Grossi

The Premier Women finished their game up 1-1 in a fantastic effort

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles headed to Mackay Magpies Sporting Club on Saturday with some great games being played and Sea Eagles talent on show.

Senior Men were keen to keep the winning momentum going against Mackay Magpies starting well in the first quarter.

Midfielders Ryan Lee and Mitchell Healey took control of the game in the second, seeing Sea Eagles lead at half time. Knowing Magpies would come out hard in the second half, Sea Eagles absorbed the extra pressure and outscored Magpies in both terms.

The backline of Alex Rodgers, Jake Turner and Tyne Chick worked hard all day shutting down opportunities for the Magpies and providing a comfortable 82 – 44 win for the Sea Eagles with eight different goal scorers on the board.

Unfortunately, Mackay Magpies forfeited Senior Women so Sea Eagles Women will be eager to take the field this week at home.

Sea Eagles Under 17s saw a hard-fought game early until Sea Eagles combined through the centre to crack the game open to a 116 – 34 win.

A solid Prosser defence throughout the game saw Sea Eagles take a strong lead with Allen-Fancke, Zacher, Daniels and Mansfield feeding the ball into the forward line. Cornwall and Singleton were dynamic up forward taking 11 goals between them.

Set to be anyone’s game Sea Eagles Under 14s combined to get a good start in the wet and continued this trend throughout the game. A heavy clash in the last quarter saw a premature end to the game with Sea Eagles coming out 46 – 7 winners.

Sea Eagles Under 12s have learnt from their first two games in wet conditions to take a convincing win 116 – 0 against the Magpies. Under 12s are commended for sportsmanship with 7 of them taking the field for the Magpies to make a game.

Sea Eagles have all grades at home this coming Saturday 14th May celebrating Family Day at Whitsunday Sportspark from 9am including bounce castle and face painting activities.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

Sea Eagles scrapping it out as Magpies scramble for the ball in the Men’s division

It was a wet and wild day all around for the Sea Eagles

Contested footy is the best kind

Cody Fowler

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A jammed packed week for Airlie Beach Bowls Club starting on Tuesday afternoon with a fantastic win from Margo Stanley’s team of lead Robin Brown and second Stacey Hadlow.

Ladies’ B Grade pairs final between Bev Taylor and Jill Mazlin-Peterson against Di Dobbins and Lane Telford, 21-20.

Wednesday afternoon, over 20 bowlers played for the winners cheque and the jackpot prize.

Neil Moore, Col Morris and Russell Jackson won both prizes on offer with Betty Whitehorn winning the Health Hub award.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had four great games with Woolies Allsorts team of Cathy Russell as skipper alongside Maureen Barnard, and Amy Hart with Eric Barnard also putting in a solid performance in their win over the Health Hub team.

Both teams won 5 ends each in the 19-6 win.

PRD defeated Tuk Tuks 9-8 with seven year old Mayson McDowall starring. While Kitties defeating Whitsunday Gold Coffee B team 11 to 6 and Hadlow Racing Team and Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team drew .

Thursday afternoon the St Catherine’s boys trained, and Friday, 16 children arrived for school sport with the best two bowlers set to represent North Queensland in Brisbane later this year.

Mother’s Day equal winners were Andrew Butler’s team of lead Lu Rogan, and Margo Stanley’s talented team.

A special mention to vice chairperson Karen Jensen, and Elaine Kippen. Both are wonder women for the club and are greatly appreciated by all members

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Tuesday, May 3, Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, Greg Colquhoun, and Mark Drummond defeated Irene Laird, Lyn Danvers, Kevin Baxter, and Geoff Danvers to start the week off.

Mother’s Day saw some visitors arrive at the club to play, with thanks to Pat who organised a chrysanthemum corsage for the ladies and potted plants for the winners of the afternoon.

Winners were Irene Laird, Sue Shearing, and Linda Smith who won more ends in their drew with Keith Armstrong, Greg Colquhoun, and Alan Rolfe.

Other wins went to Robyn Stitt, Mark Drummond, and Alan Almond who defeated Bill Myers, Kennedy Whitton, and Pat Tracey.

Laurie Land, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers dispatched the team of Kate Almond, Isobel Wheeler, and Jeff Tierney.

The Club Competition Ladies Open Pairs saw senior bowlers Merle Elphinstone and Isobel Wheeler play exceptionally on Tuesday morning to defeat Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan in the quarter final.

Men’s results are in with Open Pairs Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers defeating Ted Evans and Peter Hinschen.

Open Singles Sunday morning was played between brothers Mitch Wright and Jason Wright, with the match finishing 25 to 24.

In another singles result Geoff Danvers defeated Steve Roome.  

Congratulations to the North Qld Ladies District who were Runners Up in Division 2 of the State District Championships with 20 Districts playing last week at the Gold Coast, only losing first place on aggregate to Bundaberg. Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Margaret Wilson played well for four days in their respective teams to help secure the placing.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Sunday Mother's Day Winner Sue Shearing with President Mark Drummond

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The rain didn’t stop the 65 people who ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom seven were first timers.

The cooler weather helped 17 participants to record new personal bests: Simon, Trent, Nyrie, Kadon, Kerrin, Nick, Carly, Gus, Dean, Emily, Kirsty, Sally, Josiah, Shane, Kathryn, Kylie and Joanne.

Nathalie Bloom also had a special weekend, celebrating her 100th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 15 drenched and devoted volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver (Run Director) Kirsty Daniels, Alison Scoles, Madison (Photographer), Laura Oates, Christopher Harvey, Louise Cox, Annette Turner, Lynne Oates, Caitlin James, Joanne Ahern, Brad Sabott, Jack and Thomas Lee.

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Results Page.

Two volunteer marshals are needed for this Saturday, anyone available is encouraged to contact airliebeach@parkrun.com

The next Whitsunday Running Club pacer event is on the 19th of May. 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.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

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The Thursday afternoon Picklers were bursting at the seams with excitement when they made it back on court after three wet Thursdays in a row.

Murray and Gay Speden from the Gold Coast joined in with the cheerful band.

There were some tremendous matches: one between husband and wife teams, Murray and Gay, and Stuart and Kate.

Other Picklers delighted to be on court were Sheridan, Yoko, Robyn, Amity and Michael.

Unfortunately, drizzly weather made Saturday morning a washout.

Lookout for Kids' Pickleball hitting off on Monday afternoon, May 16 at 3pm to 4pm.

Pickleball Terms of the week:

Grip: the way you hold the paddle OR the material that is wrapped around the paddle handle to protect it and provide cushioning.

Midcourt: the middle area on the pickleball court between the non-volley zone (kitchen) and the baseline.

OPA: sometimes shouted out after the third shot has been hit when open volleying has begun.

Till next week: Paddles Up.

Bats at the ready for Pickleball Whitsunday sessions if the rain stays away next week

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This week’s focus is on Wednesday afternoon with the first up on court Lacey, who was honing her serving skills.

On the adjoining court, Cannonvale primary school captain Jasper and brother Asher were practicing rallying.

It was then time for Jai, who gave it his all.

At 4pm, squads with Coach Jenny and Jett, and Kaine with Coach Jamie, joined at 4.30pm by Sophie.

5pm squads took to the two front courts, working on match play.

On the back court, Lachlan worked to take part in the school tennis trials and - fantastic news - made the team. A shoutout to Karl who also made the school team.

Good news: social tennis made it out on court on Tuesday and Thursday night and welcomed Wayne, a new member of the community.

Saturday afternoon social tennis kept an eye on the heavens, the rain held off and they were able to have a great afternoon on court.

Please note Saturday morning social tennis is commencing at 7am and Saturday afternoon social tennis at 2pm.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

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Bowen Golf’s Wednesday competition was a single stroke event for the May midweek monthly medals.  

Men’s winner Benny Bon 64 nett, runner up Perry Davis 65 nett.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback Carol O’Connell 69 nett, runner up Claire Garrod 69 nett.

Over the weekend, the Bowen Golf club hosted the Men’s A, A1, B, and C grade opens: Saturday was B and C grades.  

B Grade Gross winner Craig Newell, Gross runner up Brenden Wells, Nett winner Liam Hillery, Nett runner up Leny Heron.  

C Grade Gross winner Colin Shaw, Gross runner up John Courtney, Nett winner Peter Dale, Nett runner up Don Williams.  

Longest drives to Aaron Watts and Len Phillips.  Nearest the Pins to Brenden Wells and John Courtney.

Sunday saw the A and A1 grades take to the course, with A Grade Gross winner Kyle Dowde, Gross Runner up Martin Evans, Nett winner Joshua Scullie, Nett runner up Isaac Fellows.

A1 Gross winner Marcus Yasso, Gross runner up Mitchell Greenbank, Nett winner Tim Miller, Nett runner up Ian Dunn.  

Longest drives to Chris Dunn and Adam Shaw, with Nearest the pins to Doug Power and Jeff Day.

This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

A and A1 Gross winners Kyle Dowde, Martin Evans, Marcus Yasso, Mitchell Greenbank

A and A1 Nett runners up Isaac Fellows and Ian Dunn

B and C Gross winner Craig Newell and runner up Brenden Wells

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The course was finally opened last week for our competition and surprisingly 25 players braved the heavy conditions. It was very tough going out there.

The men’s winner on the day was Peter Fox again, having a good run with 40 followed by Nick Apruzzese with 37 and Ken Granger 34.  

The ladies’ winner was our new member Moya Bradley on 30 (well done to her) followed by Leanne Alexander on 29 on a countback from Tiina Randmae on 29.

Nearest the pins went to Ken Granger, Nick Apruzzese and Larry Muller.

John Roser and Colin Hounsell both in the hole.

The ladies went to Leanne Alexander, Beryl Nosworthy with an Eagle on 2, Lyn Muller, Rehab Hull, Leanne again and Tiina Randmae.

Chip ins went to Phillip Luckett, Peter Fox, Barry Mortimer, Leanne Alexander and Tiina Randmae.

Next week is Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Tuesday winners

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