Airie Beach Bowls club had their grand opening on Friday marking a new era, players are thrilled that weather is no longer a factor—no more rain delays or cancellations. Since then, it's been full steam ahead, with Rounds 7 and 8 played over the weekend. Only one more round of redemption remains, and all divisions are looking to finish strong.

In Division 1, Saturday saw matches played in Sarina, with Manny Isgro’s team—comprising Noel Crosbie, Jeff Tierney, and Andy McDougall—the only ones to notch a win. Teams led by Bob McMahon and Warren Mills fought hard but were narrowly defeated. Sunday’s matches at home against a strong Northern Beaches side ended in losses across the board.

Division 3 also struggled against a formidable South Suburban side on Saturday morning. Both Ted Cullen’s and Steve Laurie’s teams were outplayed. Sunday’s home match against Marian Bowls Club followed a similar pattern, with the local side suffering a sound defeat.

At Seaforth, Division 5 saw some positives. John Askew’s team—Dan Robinson, Duncan Smith, and Eric Barnard—secured a hard-fought draw. However, the second team, led by Stacey Hadlow, was outclassed, though Rick Brunell stood out with an exceptional performance. Sunday’s games at home against South Suburban were thrilling, with both matches decided on the final bowl—a credit to the team effort shown.

Division 6 played well on Saturday, just falling short, and travelled to Sarina on Sunday, with those results to come.

In lighter news, the club welcomed back Neil Moore, visiting from Victoria. Despite losing weight, he joked, “I know where it is.”

Coaching continues on Monday and Thursday afternoons, with updates soon on the schools program and the Endeavour Foundation initiative.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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The Pennants team playing under the new roof. Photo supplied

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What a MASSIVE weekend of football! Every senior teams posted a significant win and the junior played a double round with some sensational results!

On Friday night, the Divisional Men took on Wanderers despite being 20 players short. Div 2, boosted by Div 1 players, held composure for a 1–0 win, with Isaiah Chilton earning man of the match and Alistair Sawer netting the winner. Div 1 overcame a tough start to dominate 6–1, with Ralé Mudford’s equaliser sparking a second-half surge.

WUFC U13 Division 1 played Mackay Wanderers Roses in their first game, going down 5–3 after trailing 3–2 at half-time. Despite a determined second-half push, Wanderers sealed it with two more goals. Later, they faced a strong Magpies side and suffered an 8–1 defeat. WUFC showed resilience throughout both matches.

The U13 Prem team had an impressive 6–0 win over Dolphins. A red card reduced the opposition to eight, with Prabhpreet Singh converting the penalty. Goals from Jackson Paroz, Daly Gillett, and a hat-trick from Nelson Malady (man of the match) sealed the dominant win. In a show of sportsmanship, WUFC matched player numbers when Dolphins were reduced to seven.

In their second game, U13 Prems thumped Wanderers Rubies 14–2. Nelson M scored four, Sam C and Daly G hit hat-tricks, with Jackson P, Alex D, Remy S, and Isaac P also on the scoresheet. The team’s teamwork and finishing impressed, continuing their strong momentum.

WUFC U14s opened their weekend with a 6–2 win over Lions. Early goals from Eli W and Shannon gave Whitsunday a great start. An own goal and second-half strikes from Kobe, Charlie, and Eli W secured the result, with a late Lions penalty rounding out the scoreline.

In their second match, U14s faced Rangers Gold. After going behind, Eli W equalised before half-time. Playing into the wind proved challenging in the second half. Shannon scored again, but Rangers took the win 3–2 with a late goal, despite a strong WUFC effort.

The U16 FQPL side played Country and despite dominating early play, trailed 2–0 at halftime due to errors. A third goal early in the second half made the task harder, but a late penalty and pressure brought it back to 3–1. The team remains in top-four contention with a rematch coming this weekend.

FQPL Women delivered a confident 5–0 home win against City Brothers. Bre opened the scoring, followed by Sarah before halftime. In the second half, Karlee found the bottom corner, Rob Dog scored from a corner, and an own goal sealed it. A disciplined backline ensured a clean sheet.

The FQPL U23 Men dazzled in a 7–0 win over Wanderers. Anthony Gracieux led the way with two goals, supported by strikes from Oisin Sherlock, Luke Swift, Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker, Jazz Knezevic, and Pepe Perea.

The Premier Men made it a clean sweep for seniors with a 3–1 win. Cillian Crowe bagged a brace and assisted Sam Davies. Sam Thornton’s tireless play on the left earned him man of the match.

Most WUFC teams now sit in the top four, well placed ahead of August finals.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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U14 FQPL – happy after a strong 6-2 win against Lions. Photo supplied

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Football - Whitsunday United Football Club

Friday, June 27
6:00 PM: Div 2 Men vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Lions Field
8:00 PM: Div 1 Men vs Mackay Lionsat Mackay Lions Field

Saturday, June 28
9:30 AM: U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Football Park
9:30 AM: U14 vs Dolphins at Mackay Football Park
11:00 AM: U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers at Mackay Football Park
11:15 AM: U15/16 vs Country United at Mackay Football Park
5:00 PM: U23 Men vs Mackay Rangers at Whitsunday United FC
7:00 PM: Men vs Mackay Rangers at Whitsunday United FC

AFL - Whitsunday Sea Eagles
U13s vs Swans at Rogers Oval
U15s vs Swans at Rogers Oval
U17s vs Magpies at Magpies
Senior Women vs Magpies at Magpies
Senior Men vs Magpies at Magpies

Cricket – Airlie Beach Cricket Club
Contact airliebeachcc@yahoo.com.au for information about Airlie Beach Cricket Club

Netball – Whitsunday Netball Association
Contact netballwhitsunday@gmail.com for netball information

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Softballers Shine Despite Wild Weather

It was a tough day at the diamond with cold winds, scattered showers, and soggy conditions – but that didn’t stop some strong performances across all grades.

Under 14s
Get the Power 5 def. Northjacklin Choas 3
Dodging rain showers on and off the diamond, Get the Power made an early statement with five runs in the first dig. Boyd Baxter was the only player to cross home plate twice. Teammates Slenna Kitto, Lilly McKenzie, and Brenton Worth all picked up walks, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

For Choas, Darcy Dolgner crossed the plate twice—one run coming from a big hit. Siblings Harry and Maycee showed sharp discipline at the plate, both earning walks. Ashlynn Ireland delivered a top performance on the mound, recording five strikeouts.

B Grade Men
Devils 17 def. Ausgroup 8
The Devils came out swinging, with Chad Oldham, Dane Snell, and Ryan Richter each slamming two to three deep hits into the outfield—bringing runners home every time. Brandon Matthews worked the zone well, drawing walks to get on base.

Ausgroup’s Chris Mickle was named man of the match after two strong hits, including a home run. He also took a catch and assisted in two outs. Tim Monford contributed with a clean grab in the field, and young Tighe Moham stood out as the only player to cross the plate twice.

A Grade Ladies
PM Diesel Hawks 7 def. BCN Dragons 6
Ali Bekker made her lone hit count, rounding the bases to score. Walks from Evie Grace, Amy Goodwill, and Bodies Baxter proved crucial, with the trio helping to bring each other home. Peyton Baker and Jess Martin took key catches to support PM Diesel’s defence.

For the Dragons, Elvie dominated on the mound with a superb 10 strikeouts. Peyton Barrow was in hot form, crossing the plate three times—including a home run. Vicki Hudson had an outstanding batting average, going four from four at the plate.

A Grade Men
No match this week as the team travelled to Rockhampton to play rescheduled Derby Day games.

Additional Results:

Dunbar Angels  8 Tyre Power 9
Fireballs 14  Arch angels 11
Young guns 18  Dr flies 13
Golden oldies 4  slayers 2
Pink Hawks 16  storm 1
Heavy Iron Hawks 18  Custom angels 3
Xtreem Angels 7  BCN dragons  6

Contributed by Cheryl Martin

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UNDERWATER HOCKEY

It was a cracking Monday night for the Mackay Underwater Hockey Club, with 17 players diving in for a full-team showdown packed with rolling subs and non-stop action. With strong numbers in the pool, the energy was high, the water lively, and the competition fierce—but one side proved unstoppable.

In what could only be described as a clear violation of the club’s own unofficial league rulebook, Boyd, Elsie, and Macca somehow ended up on the same team. Individually, they’re forces of nature—fast, tactical, and technically gifted. But together? It was as if they were running a group chat through their snorkels. Their communication and positional synergy were exceptional, executing plays with near-telepathic precision. It set a new benchmark for skill and teamwork, and let’s just say... it won’t be allowed to happen again.

The blue team didn’t just ride the wave of that powerhouse trio—strong contributions came from Andrew, Isabelle, and the returning Todd, who looked sharp and confident after time away from the game. Their collective effort secured a well-earned victory.

On the other side of the pool, the white team refused to back down. With determination, hustle, and a steady stream of tactical insight from Sophie (shared mid-match between goals), they stayed competitive and kept the pressure on throughout.

Win or lose, the real highlight of the night was the atmosphere. Laughter echoed louder than splash-outs, and post-game smiles told the full story. With this kind of turnout and camaraderie, the future of the Mackay Underwater Hockey Club is looking bright—and buoyant.

Contributed by Joel Sadleir

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TABLE TENNIS

The Mackay Open table tennis championships brought out some of the best competition seen for years by players throughout the state.

Players from Cairns to the Gold Coast competed over three days at a packed Mackay Table Tennis Centre in what visitors and local players described as the best tournament of the season so far.

Shanith Jayamaha of Brisbane won the men’s open singles ahead of Townsville’s Olav Dahl, with Mackay’s Vimal Chilukuri and Goncalo Serra Gagiero runners-up.

In a youthful women’s final, Lin Zhu of South East Queensland took out the women’s open title from Townsville’s Taliesha Gaeta.

Vimal and Goncalo won the men’s open doubles, and Goncalo made it a double by teaming with Taleisha to win the mixed doubles.

Other Mackay medalists were:

• U1000 singles Trent Day bronze, U800 singles Trent Day gold, Yilin Jiang, Niro Premachandra bronze.
• U1200 doubles: Neil and Josh Brown gold, Anne Sheridan, Janice Kent silver, Steve Whiting (M) Marshall Muller (T); Sisca Fran (T) and Tony Bowman (M) bronze.
• O19 mixed singles: Vimal Chilukuri silver.
• O30 men’s singles: Zhan Yang bronze.
• O30 women’s singles: Andrea Nicholson bronze.
• 065 women’s singles: Janice Kent silver.
• O70 women’s singles: Val Austin silver.
• O75 women’s singles: Pam Joyce gold, Iris Grasso silver.
• O80 men’s singles: Graham Drury silver, Peter Goodson bronze.
• O80 women’s singles: Pam Joyce gold, Coral Morgan silver.
• U21 and 19 girls singles: Lily Boland silver.
• U17 girls singles: Lily Boland bronze.
• U15 boys singles: Yilin Jiang, Ollie Hamelink bronze.
• Junior development singles: Remy Zahn gold, Logan Brown silver.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures June 3, 2025 RESULTS:

Division 1:

Data Dashers (Josh Brown, Barry Patterson) d Code Crackers (Emma Widdup, Lee Brake) 5-4. Barry d Lee -12, 10, 13, 9.

Tech Titans (Ivan Perkins, Neil Brown, Geoff Denman) d Byte Bouncers (Anne Sheridan, Graham Brake, Daniel Warfield) 7-4. Graham d Neil 6, -5, -9, 11, 9.

Pixel Paddles (Goncalo Serra, Robbie Richards, Trent Day) d App Attackers (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Whiting, Janice Kent) 9-2. Goncalo/Trent d Steve/Andrea -11, 7, -16,10, 8.

Nano Nets (Andrew McHugh, YiLin Jiang) d Pixel Players (Lily Boland, Jacob Whelan) 5-4. YiLin d Jacob 5, 5, 13.

Division 2:

Cloud Chasers (Rod Hamelink, Syed Aminul Hossain) d Giga Gamers (Ross de Boer, Peter Goodson, Liz Burton) 7-4. Syed d Peter -5, 7, 3, 9.

Turbo Techs (Val Austin, Steve Mathieson, Jye Callander) d Quantum Quick (Mark Sleeman, Logan Brown, Ollie Hamelink) 6-5. Mark d Jye 8, -5, 10, -7, 4.

Mega Movers (Craig VanDaKaa, Duncan Treloar, Mark Stam) d Robo Rallies (Will VanDeKaa, Noreen Fredericksen, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. Duncan d Will 6, 7, -4, -14, 6.

Circuit Cyclers (Darryl Ross, Simon Hogan, David Symons) d Stream Strikers (Melanie Theodore,  George Camilleri) 6-2.

There were hard-fought matches in Tuesday morning fixtures last week. Division 2 had two 6-all matches, with Josie just edging out Madge -6, 4, 7, -6, 9.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning results June 3, 2025:

Division 1:

Ghost Spin (George Camilleri, Branko Vucurovic, Darryl Ross) d Cosmic Sourcerers (Delma Knight, Pam Joyce, Coral Morgan) 7-5. George/Darryl d Delma/Coral 10, -10, 10, -10, 4.

Phoenix Fire (Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson, Noreen Fredericksen) d Panther Prowlers (Doug Dungavell, John McGee, Kevin Abbott) 7-5.  Donna d Doug 7, 11, -9, -9, 9.

Star Lords (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Veronica Shepherd) d Ant Warriors (Geoff Denman, Judy Zahn, Don Boettcher) 7-5. Peter d Judy -4, 6, -9, 5, 3.

Division 2:

Eclipse Spin (Helen Ware, Ian Dodds, Virginia Clayton) d Nova Smashers (Marie Taylor, Gloria Vella, Frank Caruana) 9-3. Ian d Frank 7, -8, -9, 3, 11.

Orion Orbiters (Ross DeBoer, Kim Daffy, Robyn Bushell) d Astro Aces (Iris Grasso, John Hamelink, Chris Collins) 8-4. Chris d Kim -9, 7, -3, 6, 10.

Division 3:

Captain Spins (Josie Davis, Sharon Muller, Trish Zamparutti) drew Bat Serves (Kim Challender, Madge Saunders, Ron Johr) 6-all. Josie d Madge -6, 4, 7, -6, 9,

Spider Smashers (Gerry Synnott, Cheryl Pearson, Thelma Caruana) drew Iron Rallies (Sally Muir, Allison Day, Laurie Bradshaw) 6-all. Cheryl d Allison -5, 2, -6, 7, 6.

For more results, visit www.revolutionise.com.au/mackaytta/fixtures-results

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Vimal Chilukuri has his eyes on the ball as he serves in the Mackay Open table tennis championships.

Will VanDeKaa

Duncan Treloar. Photos supplied

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RUNNING

The annual Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon 10km Memorial Shield Club Championship was held last Sunday morning in damp but favourable running conditions, drawing nearly forty competitors and a supportive crowd. Despite the wet weather, spirits remained high with The Rolling Coffee Bean and da Sausage vendors providing refreshments and a lively atmosphere.

Now in its seventh year under Forsyths Accounting as major sponsor, the memorial event honours the late Shawn Claydon, a much-loved member of the Mackay Road Runners Club who passed away in August 2018 following a short illness. The race awards a perpetual shield to the first male and female to cross the line from a scratch start. Forsyths Partner Nicole White and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, who has opened the event every year since its inception, officially started the race in Shawn’s memory and in support of Pancreatic Cancer research (Pancare).

The 2025 Memorial Shield saw a strong field, with Toby Rule claiming the men’s title in a fast 35 minutes and 41 seconds, finishing ahead of Mick Vivian, who was less than two minutes behind. Alana Knezevic took out the women’s title for the second consecutive year, finishing third overall in 42 minutes and 18 seconds, ahead of Carolyn Mapes and Jose Short.

Other standout performers included Justin Rule, Shane Donnollan, Michael Feenaghty, Ashley Miles, Levi Wallace, Brad Kelleher, Clinton Mackie, Derek Woods, Max Miles, Carmel Mahon, Tahnie Malagueno, Robin Stinson, Andrew Short, Scott McIntosh, Judy Zahn, Jan Smith, and Ollie Gorrion.

In the 5km event, top honours went to Teresa Hackney and Ross Connor, followed by Leanne Connor, John Couldrey, David Isbister, Kayla Waugh, Fran March, and Stuart Sprott.

Special thanks were extended to Jim Ford, Life Member and Club Captain, for his heartfelt tribute to Shawn Claydon, reflecting on their close friendship and shared love of running.

The Claydon family, Jeff and Sharon, were also acknowledged for their ongoing support. All race day entry fees, raffle proceeds, and sponsorships will be donated to Pancare, with over $1,000 raised—continuing Shawn’s legacy with community spirit and purpose.

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Mackay Road Runners Club Championship Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield Club Championship special guests (left to right) Ms Sharon Stewart-Harris, Mr Jeff Stewart-Harris, Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Mr. Greg Williamson, Club Captain and Mackay Road Runners Life Member, Mr Jim Ford, Bonny Claydon (seated), Forsyths, Nicole White & Sarah Damen and Mr John Claydon.

Runners and supporters at the Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield & Club Championship annual event (left to right) – Fran March, Jo Hughes, Alleny Gorrion, Jan Smith, Ollie Gorrion, Stuart Sprott and Kayla Waugh.

Major sponsor Forsyths Accounting, Nicole White (centre) proudly congratulates winners of the 10km perpetual trophy as well as the 5km winners (left to right) Alana Knezevic (10km 1st), Toby Rule (10km 1st), Ross Connor (5km 1st), Sarah (Forsyths) accepting Teresa Hackney’s  5km 1st female trophy in her absence.

Scott McIntosh made a welcome return to racing the 10km Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield. Photos and words by Janelle Tilse

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Australian captain Alyssa Healy and vice-captain Tahlia McGrath will feature in the upcoming Australia A series to be played against India A across Queensland in August.

National selectors have named three separate squads for the series that will feature a trio of T20s in Mackay as well as three 50-over matches and a four-day clash in Brisbane.

Current and future stars of Australian and Indian cricket will go head-to-head across the multi-format series as part of an ongoing four-year agreement between the two nations.

Healy and McGrath will be joined by Australian fast-bowlers Kim Garth and Darcie Brown, with the quartet to use the series as preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be played in India in October, while Tess Flintoff, the latest addition to the national contract list, will be looking to impress selectors and push for a maiden call-up to the world-champion side.

Queenslander Charli Knott will further add to her leadership credentials by captaining the T20 and four-day sides, with McGrath to take the reins in the 50-over format.

Australian Women’s Team assistants Dan Marsh (T20 and 50-over) and Gavan Twining (four-day) have been named head coaches, with Scott Prestwidge their assistant.

National Selector, Shawn Flegler said the Australia A program has been instrumental in developing the next generation of Australian players.

“We have a similar agreement with England which allows us to provide opportunities for players the National selectors have identified as having the potential to play for Australia, to play against quality opposition and in variety of conditions.

“Given its timing, this series also provides those Australian players not involved in The Hundred valuable gametime ahead of the World Cup and the squads will no doubt benefit from their experience.

“Developing future leaders is also hugely important and we’re pleased that Charli will take the reins as she did last year, with support from senior players Nicole Faltum and Tahlia Wilson.”

Great Barrier Reef Arena Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Young said, “We’re extremely proud to welcome back Australia A and India A to the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

"Hosting these T20 matches is not only a testament to the quality of our venue but also to the strength of regional sport.

"These matches will inspire the next generation of female athletes and showcase our commitment to being a world-class home for elite and inclusive cricket in regional Australia.”

Women’s Australia A v India A Series

7 August: First T20, 6pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
9 August: Second T20, 6pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
10 August: Third T20, 6pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

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Tahlia McGrath and Alyssa Healy batting together during a practice match against a Mumbai in 2023. Photo source: Cricket Australia

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

Weekly Results

Monday 9 June 2025 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
2nd Ming Ting / Pamela Finger 2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
4th Gwen Liddell / Andrew Canavan 4th Eric Goodchild / David Ting
Tuesday Evening 10 June 2025 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st John McGee / Mick King 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terry Sheedy
3rd Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 4th Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
5th Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor 6th Joy Hold / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 11 June 2025 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W

1st Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown
2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris
3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
4th Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller 4th Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
5th David Ting / Eric Goodchild 5th Barbara Tait / Josie Crowley

Thursday Evening 12 June 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 1st Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
2nd Patricia Garner / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

Friday 13 June 2025 –9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting
3rd Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix 3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
4th Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 4th Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers

Saturday 14 June 2025 – Mackay Club Championship Pairs – 24 Pairs One Winner Red Points

1st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
3rd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 4th Alan Brown / Frances Brown
5th Gwen Liddell / Barbara Tait 6th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Contributed by Joy Block

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Club championship pairs Noel and Terry. Photo supplied

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TABLE TENNIS

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

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Top Talent Recognised At Annual Presentations

Mackay Basketball recently honoured its rising stars at the U16 Presentations, celebrating outstanding performances across several teams.

Meteors:
• MVP: Parker Coleman
• Coaches Award: Will DiFilipo
• Best Defensive: Jackson Pendleton

Meteorettes:
• MVP: Pyiper Redgard
• Coaches Award: Riley Albert
• Best Defensive: Lisa Lelliot

Comets:
• MVP: Jimmy Turner
• Coaches Award: Jesse Coomber
• Best Defensive: Winston Sutton

Comettes:
• MVP: Montana Wicks
• Coaches Award: Asha Sullivan
• Best Defensive: April Howell

Stars:
• MVP: Hudson Currie
• Coaches Award: Harrison Leigh
• Best Defensive: Harry Fatnowna

Starettes:
• MVP: Ellyana Pianeda
• Coaches Award: Heidi Randell
• Best Defensive: Patience Palframan

Astros:
• MVP: Hugo Scriven
• Coaches Award: Noah Ahwang
• Best Defensive: Barry Matchett

A special mention was also given to U16 Queensland North representatives Sam Osbourne, Zane Reid, and Harrison Bell, along with all U16 SPP (State Performance Program) athletes, for their dedication and achievements on and off the court.

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Mackay Basketball honoured its U16 standouts with team awards and special mentions for Queensland reps and SPP athletes. Photo source: Mackay Basketball

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Budding BMX talent Ged Rafferty has been recognised with the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award, celebrating his consistent effort and determination on the track. Aged 7 and competing in the sprocket class, Ged has impressed with his commitment to racing and hard pedalling right to the finish line.

As part of the award, Ged received a $50 bistro voucher to the Goosies Sports and Recreation Club – a gesture to reward his rising star power and encourage continued passion for the sport.

Well done, Ged!

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Seven-year-old BMX rider Ged Rafferty has earned the Mackay BMX Club’s President’s Award for his standout effort and determination on the track. Photo source: Mackay and BMX District Club

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The Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club braved icy conditions last weekend, hitting the water at Mackay Harbour despite a biting temperature of 5°C.

The dedicated crew proved that paddlers from Tropical North Queensland are made of tough stuff, trading warm beds for early morning training on the water.

The session showcased the team’s commitment and camaraderie, reinforcing their reputation for resilience and spirit. With calm seas and a golden sunrise over the harbour, the Stingers paddled in paradise, undaunted by the chill and united by a shared passion for the sport.

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Mackay Stingers swapped warm beds for icy paddles, proving even 5°C can’t cool their fiery tropical spirit. Photo source: Mackay Stingers Dragon Boat Club

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It was a busy week on the greens at Wangaratta Bowls Club, with strong turnouts and tightly contested matches across multiple days of competition.

On Monday, the self-selected triples event was taken out by the Irymple crew of Jenny Healey, France Wilmann, and Chris Healey, who defeated the trio of Aileen Dunn, John, and G. Coleman. Runners-up on the day were Denis Madeley, Dave Richardson, and R. Agg, who triumphed over Keron McKenzie, Mark McKenzie, and R. Barr-Kemp. The jackpot, however, remained elusive.

Tuesday saw six rinks in play, but it was rink 6 that produced the afternoon’s winners. Anne Fitzgerald, June Paynting, and Ron Hyde defeated Bron Tolcher, Greg McSwain, and David Madden in a strong showing. The jackpot—now a very tidy sum—still went unclaimed.

In club competition, the final of the Men’s A Pairs was held, with Mitch Wright and Wayne Crowhurst emerging victorious over Allan Rolfe and Mark Drummond in a well-fought match.

Sunday afternoon drew a full green of players. John Brakewell, Shirley Smith, and David Madden claimed the win over Karon McKenzie, Gavin Charles, and Mark Drummond. Runners-up were Ann Fitzgerald, Jan Dawson, Graeme Smith, and Joe Paynting, who defeated K. Halton, B. Downs, John Hayson, and Ron Symmons. Once again, the jackpot stayed intact.

The club has also been proudly hosting the North Queensland District Ladies Division Three Pennant this week. Our ladies have performed exceptionally well, and Monday’s match will determine the final winner. Results will be posted in next week’s report.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Winners from Monday France Wilmann, Jenny Healey, and Chris Healey. Photo supplied

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Seven Cannonvale Cannons swimmers were recently selected to attend the Swimming Queensland – North Queensland (SQ-NQ) Mobility, Movement and Strength Workshops held in Mackay and Townsville. Congratulations to Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Tora Delac, Ruby Harland, and Roxy Groome who took part in the Mackay session, and to Nelson Malady and Jacob Bell who represented the club at the Townsville clinic.

These workshops focused on enhancing athletes’ mobility, strength, and technical movement skills through a combination of dryland training and physiotherapy screening. Delivered by a team of leading athletic development specialists and physiotherapists, including Samantha Mathers and Dion Walmsley of Fitter Futures, and Geordie Koest of Movement Improvement Rockhampton, the sessions emphasised the importance of good technique across all aspects of performance.

A key takeaway from the weekend was that executing movements with control and precision is just as critical on land as it is in the pool. Athletes received ongoing feedback on posture, stance, limb positioning, and core control, resulting in visible improvements in just a few repetitions.

These sessions are part of Swimming Queensland’s commitment to Long Term Athlete Development, encouraging clubs to work closely with physiotherapists and development coaches to support young swimmers' growth and performance.

The Cannonvale Cannons are proud to see their swimmers involved in this high-performance pathway and thank Swimming Queensland for the opportunity. These valuable experiences not only support technical improvement but help build the foundation for future success in the sport.

Well done to all swimmers who attended — your focus and commitment to continuous development are to be commended.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

Swimming Queensland Workshop attendees in Mackay. Photo supplied

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