Ian, Errol and Mick receive their Incentive Award for July 2026. Incentive awards are for players under 50MPs with consistent results and regular attendance. Photo supplied

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Monday 3rd August 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell - Green Points

North / South East / West

1st JANELLE CONROY - TEX SHEEDY 1st NOEL BUGEIA - JOY BLOCK

2nd MAX HOLEWA - DIANE HOLEWA                       2nd HELEN VAN DEN BROEK - JAN HARRIS

3rd DAVID TING - ERIC GOODCHILD 3rd GEOFF TAYLOR - NANCY MARTIN  

Tuesday 4th August 2026 – 7 ½  Table Howell - Green Points

North / South East / West

1st JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING                1st SANDRA MORRIS - DIANE MORGAN                

2nd PATRICIA GARNER - ADRIAN WESTCOTT   2nd TEX SHEEDY - HELEN VAN DEN BROEK                              

3rd JANELLE CONROY - GEOFF TAYLOR 3rd MARILIN ROBINS - ROSALYN STEVENS

4th  FRANCES BROWN - ANN WHITMORE

Wednesday 5th August 2026 –12 Table Mitchell - Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Week 1 of 3

North / South East / West

1st  JOHN HUNT - DAVID TING 1st JANELLE CONROY - MARTIN PEARCE

2nd PATRICK RASMUSSEN - DIANE MORGAN   =2nd NOEL BUGEIA - RODNEY MILES

3rd ANDREW CANAVAN - KATH POOLE =2nd LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD - JOY HOLD

4th IAN VARY - ALAN BROWN 4th DEBRA GOODCHILD - ANNETTE HOWE

5th DEBBIE LUDKIN - GEOFF TAYLOR 5th TEX SHEEDY - JOY BLOCK

6th SUE MAYER-MILLER - JAN HARRIS  

Thursday Evening 6th August 2026 –5 Table Mitchell -  Green Points

North / South East / West

1st SIMON BARNES - MARTIN PEARCE 1st KEN SEANIGER - ROBERT CARLESS

2nd TEX SHEEDY - NOEL BUGEIA 2nd JANINE RODGERS - JANELLE CONROY

Friday 7th August 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell - Green Points

North / South East / West

1st  MING TING - DAVID TING 1st ANDREW CANAVAN - IAN VARY

2nd JOY ROBINSON - GEOFF TAYLOR            2nd DEBRA GOODCHILD - LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD

3rd EDWARD KLIESE - NANCY WIX 3rd NANCY MARTIN - KATH POOLE    

4th SANDY PATTERSON - ERIC GOODCHILD ` 4th MARTIN PEARCE - GWEN LIDDELL    

5th TEX SHEEDY – HELEN BROEK VAN DEN     5th VICTOR MASON - JOSIE CROWLEY

Saturday 8th August 2026 – Nation Wide Pairs – 10 ½ Table Mitchell - Green Points

North / South East / West

1st  ERIC GOODCHILD - DEBRA GOODCHILD 1st MING TING - DAVID TING

2nd JAN HARRIS - ANDREW CANAVAN 2nd JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING

3rd FAYE WRIGHT - MARILIN ROBINS   3rd TEX SHEEDY - CHRISTINE NICE

4th GWEN LIDDELL - JULIE O'NEILL 4th SANDRA MORRIS - ANNIE LYNCH      

5th JOY ROBINSON - KEN SEANIGER     5th JANINE RODGERS - LAURA HOWLAND

Sunday 9th August 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell - Green Points (Beginners and Novice players only)

North / South East / West

1st  PAM CASSIDY - CHRISTINE FITZPATRICK 1st JENNIFER CAMERON - GLEN COCUP

2nd DIANNE COOK - KAY JONES 2nd HELEN MCKENZIE - RAELEEN WRIGHT

Contributed by Robert Carless

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Tuesday Evening Fixtures - 4th August 2026

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Division 1: Cheetahs (Goncalo Serra, Neil Brown, Janice Kent) defeated Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa) 8-3, Josh won close 5 sets against Janice (3,-7,1,-5,9).  Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) outlasted Leopards (Emma Widdup, Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott) 7-4, Mick and Emma had great battle to the end, with Mick winning (-4,9,2,-10,9).  Pumas (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) won 8-3 over Magpies (Barry Patterson, Abbas Irshad, Rod Mahumas), Abbas snuck home against Duncan             (-9,9,-5,5,10).  Tigers (Anne Sheridan, Remy Zahn, Ross DeBoer) won 6-5 over Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson), Remy played well to beat Robbie in 5 sets (5,-7,-8,8,9).

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Division 2: Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington) snuck home 6-5 against Cuttlefish (Ian McKay, Logan Brown, Noreen Fredericken), no 5 set matches but Noreen won close 4 sets over Jeff (7,7,-9,10).  Cod (Delma Knight, Darryl Ross, Steve Mathieson) defeated Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmad) 7-4, Steve outlasted Peter in close 5 setter (8,-3,-7,6,5).  Trevally (Tony Bowman, Liz Burton, Amanda Lui) won 6-5 over Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa), Liz came home strong against Ollie     (5,12,-7,-9,5).  Dolphins (Mark Stam, Ricky Zahn, Mark Bowerman) defeated Grunter (Simon Hogan, Rachel Fiesta, Jason Lee) 6-5, Rachel came back from 2 sets down against Ricky to win in 5 sets (-9,-7,7,7,9).

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Contributed by Andrea Payne

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The 71st running of the iconic Magnetic Island to Townsville swim proved to be another memorable event, marking the 17th year of the race as a cageless swim.

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The 8-kilometre course begins at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island and finishes on the Townsville shoreline directly in front of Strand Park. Swimmers are usually accompanied by a support kayaker, who provides guidance, encouragement and sustenance throughout the crossing.

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This year's event attracted 73 solo swimmers, 10 duo teams and eight teams of four.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club was represented by Pierre Craven and Jenny Smith, who both rose to the challenge.

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Pierre faced an unexpected hurdle before even entering the water when the kayak belonging to his support paddler, Geoff Hamilton, was delayed on a barge experiencing mechanical issues. Undeterred, Pierre received advice from Jane Eggins to push ahead without stopping for sustenance.

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The strategy paid off, with Pierre improving on last year's time by 30 minutes and finishing seventh in his age group. He credited much of that improvement to the guidance of coach Millie at the DMR Memorial Pool, home of the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club.

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Meanwhile, Geoff returned to Townsville by ferry to retrieve the kayak and, with the assistance of Theresa Hackney, caught up with Pierre about 1.5 kilometres into the swim.

For Jenny Smith, the event marked her first crossing, although she says it certainly won't be her last. Following months of training, dedication and discipline, she finished eighth in her age group, supported by a Townsville-based kayaker.

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Jenny Furini and Theresa Hackney formed the on-the-ground support crew, while many more supporters cheered from Mackay.

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Beyond competition, the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club prides itself on being an inclusive community, welcoming swimmers of all abilities, from experienced competitors to those returning to the pool after time away or recovering from injury.

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Contributed by Gerri Kissner

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U14 team. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe.  

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Whitsunday United Football Club enjoyed a successful weekend of football, with important wins and strong performances across several grades.

The Under 13 Division 1 side celebrated its first win since May, defeating the Dolphins 3-2 at home. Elaina Hanns starred early with two goals, while Deakin Craven created plenty of attacking opportunities with impressive runs down the wing. Harry Melville added the third, marking his first goal of the season. Charlie Monroe, Evan Stokes and Codie Bakker were outstanding in defence, shutting down numerous Dolphins attacks to secure the victory.

The Under 14/15 FQPL side returned to winning form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mackay Lions. Kobe Marjoram opened the scoring before Daly Gillett doubled the advantage five minutes later. Lions fought back in the second half, but tireless midfield efforts from Tyson Fenning, Gillett, Shannon Matthews and Bailey Burke helped WUFC hold on and remain at the top of the ladder.

Division 1 took an important step towards the league title with a 3-2 win over Rangers. Hayden Vanderdrift scored twice, with Caleb Vanderdrift also finding the net, leaving WUFC in control of the title race with two home fixtures remaining. Division 2 Men also secured a valuable victory, overcoming an early deficit through goals from Rale Mudford and Ivan Risteski to strengthen their finals hopes.

Premier Men capped off the weekend with an emphatic 6-1 win over Wanderers FC, while the Under 23s battled to a 2-2 draw, maintaining their position at the top of the ladder.

Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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Penny Warren and Denise Wallace winners of Zone 8 Champion of Champions Club Pairs.

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Wangaratta Bowls Club had plenty to celebrate this week, highlighted by a special day for Ladies President Deb Retchless and success for two of the club’s own at Zone level.

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Monday’s self-selected triples saw John Foskett and Greg Colquhoun defeat Ray Muir and Joe Paynting, while runners-up Bill Symmons, Bruce Knee and Sue Symmons defeated Jack Stamp, Geoff Coleman and Bob Dykstra.

Tuesday turned the attention to Deb Retchless, with a morning of bowls followed by lunch and presentations recognising the hard work of the Ladies President.

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Sponsored by Tropical Beach Caravan Park, the day brought together district clubs, North Queensland Ladies District officials, Wangaratta members and southern visitors.

Carolyn Huddy, Jill Parker and N Hands took the honours with the highest winning margin, while Carole Bellingham, Sue Shearing and Shirley Jones finished runners-up on a countback.

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Newly appointed Life Members Penny Warren and Maree Brunker were also presented with their Life Member badges, while Margaret Wilson was recognised for her contribution to Wangaratta despite being unable to attend.

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In the Men’s Club Fours final, Stuart Jeal, Laurie Land, Kevin Daniels and Ron Hyde claimed victory over N Chittenden, Kevin Baxter, Alby Vigar and Greg Colquhoun.

Sunday’s Pat and Neil Tracey Trophy went to Eileen Dunn, Heidi Reif, Steve Roome and Bob Dykstra.

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Denise Wallace and Penny Warren also flew the Wangaratta flag at Silkwood, winning the Zone 8 Champion of Champions Club Pairs and earning a place at the state finals in North Mackay this November.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren and Allan Wolfe.

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Photo supplied: Raylene Rasmussen.  

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The Cannonvale Cannons made their mark in Brisbane over the weekend, with 10 swimmers competing at the Queensland Short Course Championships.  

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Coach Ken Crittenden was extremely proud of the team, with every Cannon giving their best and achieving at least one personal best (PB). Several swimmers had also battled illness leading into the championships but still stepped up to race and surprised themselves with some fantastic performances.  

Eloise Chegwidden produced one of the standout swims, storming home in the 50m Breaststroke in 38.40 seconds – an impressive 2.28-second PB – to claim 3rd place in Queensland. Eloise also earned a Top 10 ribbon after placing 9th in the 100mIndividual Medley with a 2.73-second PB.  

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Tora Delac was in terrific form, achieving PBs in almost every event. She was thrilled to earn a Top 10 ribbon in the 100m Freestyle, clocking 58.82 seconds, and also celebrated achieving a National qualifying time in the 100m Individual Medley.  

Miller Eaves had an outstanding championship, recording PBs in every event, including an incredible 11.37-second improvement in the 200m Individual Medley to finish 14th and a 7.68-second PB in the 200m Freestyle.  

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Hamilton Anflous achieved PBs in the 50m Butterfly and Breaststroke, while Harris Delac raced the 50m Freestyle and produced a 1.17-second PB.  

Koa Harland’s best performance came in the 50m Breaststroke, while Ruby Harland achieved PBs in both the 50m Freestyle and Backstroke. Andie Reynolds also improved her 50m Backstroke time, touching in 34.73 seconds.  

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Alex Trefz achieved PBs in all his 50m events, highlighted by a 1.52-second improvement in the 50m Backstroke. Eleven-year-old Zavier Woolston also impressed, recording excellent PBs of 2.45 seconds in the 50m Butterfly and 2.77 seconds in the 50m Backstroke. Harris Delac swam in one event, 50m Freestyle and swam a PB of 1.17sec.    

Congratulations to all 10 Cannons on representing the club with pride and producing some fantastic results on the Queensland stage!  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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The two-day Vets’ Wintersun event took to the Proserpine Golf Club course last Monday and Tuesday, with local golfers Paula McQuat and John Roser coming away as the 36-hole champions.

Despite player numbers being down this year, the event was again a success, with McQuat winning the Ladies competition with an aggregate 72 points and Roser taking the Men’s with 71.

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Other overall winners included Proserpine’s Tina Badenhorst in Ladies Division A, Mackay’s Christine Lakin in Division B and McQuat in the 70+ category.

Mackay’s John Pain won Men’s Division A, while Proserpine’s Ken Granger took Division B and the 75+ category. Louis Neethling won Division C.

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A small group returned for Wednesday’s Ladies competition, where Anna Winterbourn won with 38 points ahead of Heather Luvis on 34.

Thursday’s Stableford saw Jason Bourke take A Grade with 37 points on a countback, while Vic Feldman won B Grade with 38.

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Kell Geard won Friday’s Metropole Hotel-sponsored nine-hole competition with 23 points, ahead of Wil Bernett on 19.

On Saturday, Jett Borghero recorded 43 points to win Men’s A Grade, with Chris Henderson taking B Grade on 39. Di Dobbins also scored 39 points to win the Ladies competition, one ahead of Toni Clauss.

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Sunday’s Mixed Stableford went to John Clark with 38 points, followed by Dean Barnard on 37 and Paula McQuat on 35.

The PGC will hold its AGM on Saturday, August 29, with the course closed during the meeting. A shotgun-start event will follow.

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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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Mascot ‘Sailee’ with some of the young reefies. Photo supplied: Ashley Matthew.

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club has held its AGM and committee elections for the next 12 months, with few changes to the team.

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Ash Matthews returns as President, alongside Vice President Justin Butler, Secretary Steve Obst, Treasurer Stacey Cranmer, Club Recorder and Tech Guru Dave Cramner and Weigh-Master Matt Bird.

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The General Committee consists of Gavin Smith, Gareth Trevz, Jodie Richardson, Jordon Lindley, Marleen Hicks and Jeff Baker, while Russell Hicks remains Weigh-Master on Hamilton Island and Jason at Tackle World Airlie Beach continues at the club’s go-to weigh station.

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Long-time Treasurer and Life Member Stacey Gerhart stood down after many years in the role, receiving a rousing round of applause in recognition of her dedication to the club.

The family-friendly club continues to grow, with rising membership, strong sponsor support, well-attended rallies and plenty of success from its Juniors and Small Fry.

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Its new junior section, REEFIES, is also set to expand with educational sessions covering fishing, tag and release, and respect for the ocean and environment, alongside plenty of activities for children under 16 and visits from mascot SAILEE.

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Attention now turns to the Billfish and Tuna Rally on September 19 and 20, with briefing and registration at the club in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, from 6pm on September 17.

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The rally will give teams a chance to fine-tune their tactics ahead of the club’s major Light Tackle Tournament, running from October 22 to 25.

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Contributed with thanks to Ashley Matthew.

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Andrea Nicholson. Photo supplied

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures

Division 1: Pirates Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) defeated Pharoah Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5, Andrea outlasted Tony in close 5 sets (-10,9,6,-11,8). Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Kevin Abbott) won against Celtic Smash (Pam Joyce, John McGee) 5-4, no 5 set matches but John and Kevin had a great 4 sets with John getting up (-5,5,10,4).  Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd) got home 7-5 against Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn), Doug fought back to win in 5 sets over Judy (-8,-4,3,9,14).  

Divison 2: Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Pam Kuene, Louise Gould) won 7-5 over Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis, Cheryl Pearson), Ken and Josie overcome Helen and Pam to win (-7,8,-9,6,8).  Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) defeated Dolphin Divers (Ian Dodds, John Hamelink, Frank Caruana) 8-4, Coral won the marathon with John in 5 sets (4,-7,14,6,8).  

Division 3: Amazon Guards (David Muir, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) outlasted Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) 9-3, Allison got home against Iris (7,7,-4,-2,7). Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Kim Challendar, Trish Zamparutti) defeated Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) 9-3, Trish got home over Glenda (9,3,-8,-8,3).

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Tuesday Night Fixtures

Division 1: Cheetahs (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Janice Kent) defeated Leopards (Emma Widdup, Dilini Ranasinghe, Geoff Cowan) 6-5, Janice fought her way back against Geoff to win in 5 sets (-9,-10, 5,7,7).  Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan) outlasted Magpies (Barry Patterson, Abbas Irshad, Rod Mahumas) 6-5, with no 5 set matches Remy and Rod had a great battle with Remy winning (5,7,-10,10). Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 over Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa), Josh won in close 5 sets against Graeme W (-9.8,8,-9,4).  Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) defeated Pumas (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) 9-2, Andrea snuck home against Duncan (6,-6,-4,13,9).  

Division 2: Dolphins (Mark Stam, Ricky Zhan, Mark Bowerman) won 6-5 against Trevally (Tony Bowman, Amanda Lui, Noreen Fredericksen), Mark S came back against Noreen to win in 5 sets (-8,-3,9,9,9).  Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) defeated Grunter (Rachel Fiesta, Simon Hogan, Jason Lee) 6-5, Rachel won close match against Ollie (-5,7,6,-9,9).  Cod (Donna Abbott, Darryl Ross, Steve Mathieson) got home against Cuttlefish (Logan Brown, Ian McKay, David Symons) 6-5, Steve outlasted David (-6,8,6,-6,7).  Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmed) defeated Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington) 6-5, George got home against Daniel (4,9,-6,-8,5).

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Contributed by Andrea Payne  

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Winning team - Lorna, Janelle, Terry and Noel. Photo supplied  

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Red, Gold & Green At The Bridge Club!

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Three competitions were played last week with the final of the GNOT (Gold Points), final round of the Teams (Red Points) and the Unders and Overs Pairs (Green Points). Ten teams competed for the GNOT Final and the Founders Teams. Janelle Conroy, Terry Sheedy, Lorna Shuttlewood & Noel Bugeia took out both GNOT Final and the Founders Teams. Twenty-four pairs played in the Unders and Overs pairs, with many beginners playing with overs they would not normally get the chance to play with. The Mackay Club has a wonderful program for beginners and experienced players give of their time to play and encourage these players along their journey.

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Weekly Results

Monday 27th July 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor

1^st

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2^nd

Monica Darley / Joy Block

2^nd

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3^rd

Margaret Geeham / Adrian Westcott

3^rd

Jaqui Morton / Robert Morton

4^th

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4^th

Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

Tuesday Evening 28th July 2026 –Unders and Overs Pairs 12 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st

Glen Cocup / Patricia Garner

1^st

Marilin Robins / Mick Robbins

2^nd

Lynne O’Neill / Frances Brown

2^nd

Helen Van Den Breok / Ian Vary

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Janine Rodgers / Susan Ross

4^th

Joy Block / Terry Sheedy

4^th

Ming Ting / Susan Gibson

4^th

Christina Brady / Alan Brown

5^th

Michelle Hall / Mick King

Wednesday 29th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 3 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

Team

Players

1^st

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Rasmussen

Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

4^th

Howard

Vicki Howard, Susan Ross, Janine Rodgers, Anette Howe

Wednesday 29th July 2026 – Final Founders Teams Red Points

Team

Players

1^st

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Morris

Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Frances Brown, Alan Brown

Thursday Evening 30th July 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3^rd

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 31 July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

2^nd

Lorna Shuttlewood/ Debra Goodchild

2^nd

Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor

3^rd

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4^th

Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 1st August 2026 –- Final GNOT Teams Gold Points

Team

Players

1^st

Bugeia

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Brown

Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Diane Morgan, Janet Hansen  

3^rd

Morris

Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Frances Brown, Alan Brown

4th

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

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Contributed by Joy Block

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Photo credit: Edie weiss

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Despite unpredictable weather, ten club members took part in the walks on offer on Sunday. They were able to choose between a challenging climb in the Homevale National Park and a more relaxed exploration of beach and bush areas between Bucasia and Shoal Point.

Ken Fihelly was the guide for the ascent of Sydney Heads, and progress was slowed initially by long and thick grass and then some slipping and sliding on the scree slope. However, once on top of the plateau, the views were stunning. From various positions Diamond Cliffs, The Bluff, Marling Spikes, Mt Britton and Mikes Peak were visible. Lichen gave the cliffs a green tinge, and the wattle was in full bloom with a rich colour.  Enduring some drizzle at times, and undergrowth thick with saplings and vines, the walkers reached the highest point (921 m), and after lunch, made their way to the eastern cliffs for more great views. 

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A smaller number of bushwalkers led by Carole Weekes braved threatening skies to set off from the Eimeo Creek estuary to enjoy a relaxing amble along Bucasia Beach before following a sandy track through the bush to climb a staircase to a lookout. By now, there were blue skies but earlier a few drops of rain and a rainbow had appeared.

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The rest of the morning involved morning tea on the deck overlooking the lake at Shoal Point Waters with a view across to some of mountains climbed regularly by the club members, and grazing cattle not often seen now in the area. This was followed by a return to the beach via Nautilus Park, but strong breezes soon forced participants to access the pathway through the parkland for the journey south back to the cars.

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Walks on our calendar in the next couple of months include Mt Jukes, Mt Ossa, the Rail Trail and St Helen’s Creek. Phone for more information by contacting the membership secretary on 0429 363 929.

Contributed by Carole Weekes

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U14 team. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe.  

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Whitsunday United enjoyed another busy weekend of football, with several standout junior performances highlighting mixed results across the club.

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The U13 Premier side produced a commanding 8–0 victory over Dolphins FC. Tommie Spratt and Calvin Murphy gave WUFC a two-goal halftime lead before Jack Reynolds completed a hat-trick in a dominant second half. Connor Miller scored twice, while Addie Sanders converted from the penalty spot. Jace Hickey, Oscar O'Sullivan and goalkeeper Kye Land anchored another clean sheet.

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The U14/15 Division 1 team continued its outstanding form with a 7–0 win over Mackay Lions. Kobe Marjoram scored four goals, while Mason McDowall, Alex Draper and Sam Crosby also found the net. The U14/15 FQPL side earned a 2–2 draw with MackayRangers, thanks to goals from Sam Hazleton and Austin Kelly.

The Whitsunday Women showed encouraging signs despite a 4–0 loss to Magpies, with goalkeeper Veneesha Robertson, Taigen Marks and Karlee Goodin among the standout performers.

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Senior men's results were mixed. Division 2 produced a much-improved second half in a 4–0 loss to Sarina. Division 1 cruised to a 22–1 victory over Magpies, while the Under 23 Men settled for a 0–0 draw with Mackay Rangers after controlling much of the match. The Premier Men pushed Mackay Rangers all the way, with Ethan Rose scoring in a spirited 2–1 defeat after a missed second-half penalty proved costly.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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Champion overall rider Payton Hills riding Winchester Royale. photo credit: Zoe Townsend, Pink Lady Photography.  

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Cannonvalley Pony Club hosted its Official Showjumping and Jump Equitation competition over the weekend, welcoming riders for two days of competition in beautiful winter weather. Strong displays of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and determination made for a successful event, with riders producing impressive performances across the weekend.

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The weekend concluded with Payton Hills aboard Winchester Royale (Mackay North Pony Club) claiming the Overall Champion Rider title, following a series of standout performances across the competition. Mia Formilan, riding Where's Wally (Ayr Pony Club), finished a strong second to be named Reserve Champion Overall Rider. Congratulations to both riders and to everyone who competed, capping off another successful weekend of competition.  

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The club extends its sincere thanks to the officials and the many volunteers who assisted with the countless tasks that ensured the event ran smoothly. Their time, dedication, and willingness to lend a hand made the weekend possible.

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The club also acknowledged the continued support of its sponsors, thanking Anaconda Airlie Beach for providing the Champion prizes, along with silver sponsors Warren Transport, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort and Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine for their ongoing backing.

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Contributed with thanks to Kate Van Dalen.

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The Proserpine Golf Club Open Championships were the headline event of another active week on the course, with members and visiting golfers battling it out across the grades.

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Saturday's Haymans Electrical-sponsored stroke event crowned Clay Coles Men's A Grade champion after a winning round of 65 nett, one shot clear of Tony Goss. Ken Lovett produced the best score of the day, claiming B Grade with an outstanding 64 nett, while Russell Lakes finished runner-up on 66.

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In the women's event, Paula McQuat claimed the title on a countback after carding 76 nett, narrowly edging Tropics Golf Club's Christine Barkle, with Robyn Whitham finishing third.

The club welcomed some of the region's rising golfers for Sunday's Junior Open. Pioneer Valley Golf Club's Jonty Laing stole the show with a brilliant 63 nett to win the event, while Chorus Andrews secured second on countback from Bowen Golf Club's Tamsyn Carus after both returned 70 nett.

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Earlier in the week, Tuesday's stroke competition saw Chris Gurdler finish with the best overall score of 66 nett, while Leanne Alexander won the ladies' event before adding the Veterans Closed Championship A Grade gross title to her week. Larry Muller claimed the men's A Grade gross honours.

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Thursday's Stableford produced matching winning scores of 41 points, with Josh Mansley taking out A Grade and Harvey Mason leading the way in B Grade. Briony Smith rounded out the week's competitions by winning Friday's Metropole Hotel-sponsored nine-hole event with 24 points.

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With the course in outstanding condition thanks to the work of the club's grounds crew, members are now preparing for another busy stretch of golf as the winter calendar continues.

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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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Sunday’s Swimming. Photo supplied: Raylene Rasmussen.

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club has plenty to celebrate, with an incredible 38 swimmers selected in the Swimming North Queensland Achievers' Squad following their outstanding performances last season.  

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The selected swimmers have earned invitations to attend a Swimming North Queensland Stroke Clinic, led by respected Swimming Queensland coach Barry Prime. Selection in the Achievers' Squad recognises dedication, consistent improvement, and strong performances throughout the season, making this a fantastic achievement for the club.  

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The Cannons congratulate the following swimmers:  

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Gold: Hamilton Anflous, Mackenzie Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Miller Eaves, Billie Jamieson, Lucas Korosec and Zach Trefz.  

Silver: Zane Clayworth, Thomas Ganter, Ruby Harland, Ruby Lawson, Nelson Malady, Celeste Orenshaw and Alex Trefz.  

Bronze: Harris Delac, Declan Dichiera, Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Roxy Groom, Matilda Nicholes, Koa Harland, Andie Reynolds, Indi Smith and Levi Smith.  

Blue: Evie Doherty, Wilson Hounsell, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Eric Mulliss, Leo Mulliss, Miranda Palmero, Addie Sanders, River Shields, Finn Temple, Caleb Woolston and Zavier Woolston.  

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The weekend also provided a wonderful reminder that swimming is a sport for life. Much-loved adult swimmer Kay Corskie celebrated her 80th birthday. Kay continues to inspire everyone by swimming two to three times each week, proving that staying active is the key to staying young at heart. To mark the special occasion, the adult squad completed an impressive 80 × 25-metre swim challenge in her honour.  

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Congratulations to all Achievers' Squad members and a very happy 80th birthday to Kay—your enthusiasm and commitment continue to inspire the entire Cannons family.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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