Reid Martin has already represented Australia internationally in Thailand and Turkey and will soon compete at the 2026 IODA Asian and Oceania Championships in Sri Lanka. Photo supplied

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He's 12. He's represented Australia three times. Is he our next home grown Olympic champion?

Whitsundays sailing sensation Reid Martin is taking on the world's best after earning selection in the Australian Optimist Sailing Team for a third consecutive year.  

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His inspiring journey launches The Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign, a new monthly series proudly presented by Whitsunday Regional Council in partnership with by Whitsunday Life Newspaper.  

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Let’s celebrate the incredible local athletes proving you don't have to grow up in a capital city to compete on the world stage!

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Home Grown: Future Olympians – Reid Martin

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For most young athletes, getting to training might mean a short drive across town.

For Reid Martin, it often means travelling thousands of kilometres.

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At just 12 years old, the talented Whitsunday sailor has already represented Australia internationally in Thailand and Turkey and will next compete at the 2026 IODA Asian and Oceania Championships in Sri Lanka after earning selection in the Australian Optimist Sailing Team for a third consecutive year.

It is a remarkable achievement for any young athlete, but even more impressive given the challenges of pursuing elite sailing from regional Queensland.

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While many of Australia's top junior sailors live close to major sailing clubs and training centres in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, Reid and his family regularly travel vast distances to access the same opportunities. From state championships and national regattas to training camps and development programs, competing at the highest level requires significant commitment, sacrifice and determination.

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Since stepping into a boat at just seven years old, Reid has established himself as one of Australia's leading young sailors, collecting podium finishes at state and national events across the country.

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Alongside him every step of the way has been his younger brother Rory, who shares the same passion for sailing and is rapidly making a name for himself on the water. Together, the brothers proudly represent not just their clubs, but the entire Whitsunday region.

This year alone, Reid's schedule includes NSW and Queensland State Championships, Youth Week events, Sail Airlie, Sail Brisbane, national training camps and the Australian Championships in Melbourne, adding thousands more kilometres to an already impressive sailing journey.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Reid and Rory embodied everything that was special about regional sport.

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"What Reid and Rory are achieving is nothing short of remarkable. These young men are competing against athletes who often have world-class facilities and coaching on their doorstep, yet they continue to prove that talent, determination and hard work can come from anywhere — including the Whitsundays," Mayor Collins said.

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As the Whitsundays continues its push to become the home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032, Mayor Collins said stories like Reid and Rory's highlighted why investment in regional sporting infrastructure matters.

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"The Whitsundays has already produced athletes capable of competing on the world stage. Imagine what our young people could achieve with the right legacy infrastructure and training opportunities delivered through the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Reid and Rory are exactly why we're fighting so hard to secure that legacy for future generations."

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For Reid, the focus remains simple — keep learning, keep improving and keep chasing the next challenge.

For the Whitsundays, his journey is a reminder that Olympic and Paralympic dreams don't start in major cities or on international podiums.

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They start at local sailing clubs, with supportive families, dedicated communities and young people willing to dream big.

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And right now, two of those dreams are being pursued by Reid and Rory Martin, right here in the Whitsundays.

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Photo source: Mackay Cutters (Facebook)  

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Mackay Cutters have confirmed Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months, strengthening the club’s youth education, wellbeing and leadership programs across the Mackay and Isaac regions.

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The partnership was launched last Friday at Moranbah State School, where Cutters Wellbeing and Education Manager Jack, alongside club staff and Stanmore leadership representatives, delivered a Cutters Care session to Year 5/6 Sports Boost students.

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“We’re proud to welcome Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months,” the club said.

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The program will continue to focus on helping young people build confidence, resilience and positive connections through sport and education-based initiatives.

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“Together, we'll continue delivering education, wellbeing and leadership programs to young people throughout the Mackay and Isaac regions, helping them build confidence, resilience and positive connections.”

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The Cutters said they look forward to continuing meaningful community impact and providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive through the partnership.

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The Whitsunday Sea Eagles made the trip to Bakers Creek on the weekend to take on the North Mackay Saints and the Bakers Creek Tigers, with all teams showcasing plenty of determination and competitive spirit throughout the day.

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The Under 13s were first into action against the Saints and produced a strong performance. After a hard-fought opening three quarters, the Sea Eagles trailed by just two points heading into the final term, keeping themselves firmly in the contest. Despite their efforts, the Saints managed to pull away late, with the match finishing 20-39.  

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The Under 15s continued their impressive season with another dominant victory over the Saints. Controlling the game from start to finish, the Sea Eagles piled on 12 goals and 15 behinds while keeping their opponents to just two goals. Their teamwork, skill, and relentless pressure were on full display as they secured another convincing win 72-12 and further strengthened their position as one of the competition's top teams.

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The women's side faced a tough challenge against the Bakers Creek Tigers. The Sea Eagles fought hard and matched the Tigers aggression and determination, keeping the margin within three goals throughout the game. The players fought hard at every contest and never stopped competing. However, fatigue began to take its toll in the final quarter, allowing the Tigers to kick four late goals and extend the final margin to 0-43.

The senior men's match provided plenty of excitement for supporters. The Sea Eagles burst out the gates in the opening quarter, dominating early play to establish a 15-0 lead at the first break. Carrying that momentum throughout the day, the men continued to work hard around the ground and were rewarded with a strong 52-25 victory over the Tigers. It was a complete team performance and a fitting way to finish a successful day for the club.

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Get down to The Nest this Saturday 27th June for Sponsor Appreciation Day and cheer on your Whitsunday Sea Eagles as they take on the Moranbah Bulldogs, Swagpies, and Magpies in a huge day of footy action.

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The junior fixtures kick off from 10:40am, showcasing the club's rising stars, before the senior teams take centre stage in what promises to be an exciting evening of football, with the Senior Women starting at 3:20pm and the Senior Men finishing under lights.

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Bring the family, wear your Sea Eagles colours, and get behind your local teams as they battle it out on home turf. We can't wait to see you at The Nest!

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Contributed by the Whitsunday Sea Eagles: Georgia Whitton

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Photo source: Mackay Softball Association Incorporated (Facebook)

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The Mackay Softball Association has reflected on another competitive CQ Darby against Softball Rockhampton, with strong performances and continued rivalry highlighted across the weekend.

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Rockhampton arrived ready to play, producing a dominant display at the plate and taking victory in both games of the series.

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“The Rocky boys came ready to play, swinging the bats well and taking the win in both games,” the association said.

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Despite the results, Mackay praised the standard of competition and the spirit in which the games were played, with both clubs continuing to build on a long-standing regional rivalry.

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The association also acknowledged the contribution of Murray, thanking him “for all his help, guidance and support in coaching both teams throughout the weekend”.

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Off the field, community and hospitality remained a key feature of the event, with Jodie recognised for preparing meals for the visiting side.

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“Thank you to our own Jodie for feeding our the Rocky boys delicious pulled pork rolls,” the association said.

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The CQ Darby continues to be a highlight on the calendar for both regions, with Mackay Softball noting the blend of rivalry and mateship that defines the fixture.

“These weekends are always a highlight on the calendar, and we love the rivalry, mateship and quality softball that comes with them.”

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The team is now looking ahead to the next meeting between the two clubs, with both sides eager for another competitive weekend of softball in Central Queensland.

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Nancy and Janine. Photo supplied

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Twenty-six Pairs competed in the Qualifying Championship Club Pairs on Saturday morning, with the top fourteen pairs then progressing to the Club Championship Pairs after lunch.  

Congratulations to Janine Rodgers and Nancy Martin who were the outright winners with 61.86 percent. Although Janine and Nancy are both very experienced players, however, this current partnership is a relatively new one.  

Well done ladies! Many hands of cards were played on the day and lots of delicious food eaten. Mackay Bridge Club is a very social and friendly club.

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Weekly Results

Monday 15^th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1^st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

2^nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

3^rd Monica Darley / Joy Block

3^rd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

Evening 15^th June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

1^st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Andrew Canavan

2^nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

Wednesday 17^th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1^st Terry Sheedy / Mick King

2^nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

2^nd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson

3^rd Faith Hutchinson / John Hunt

3^rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

Thursday 18^th June 2026 – Show Day - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Alan Brown / Frances Brown

1^st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

2^nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

3^rd Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft

Friday 19^th June 2026 –- Week 12 of 26 NWP - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

1^st Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor

2^nd Geoff Cowan / Mick King

2^nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3^rd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait

3^rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 20^th June 2026 – Club Championship Qualifying - 13 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

1^st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy

2^nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2^nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3^rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin

3^rd Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok

4^th Susan Ross / Geoff Cowan

4^th Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott

5^th Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris

5^th Ann Whitmore / Joy Block

Saturday 20^th June 2026 Club Championship Pairs Final – 7 Table Howe

1^st Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin

2^nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3^rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4^th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Contributed by Joy Block

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More than 100 riders will contest Queensland state titles across three days of time trial, road race and criterium action from 3–5 July, as the Mackay region hosts the 2026 Queensland Road State Championships.

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Presented by AusCycling Queensland and delivered locally by Mackay Cycling Club volunteers, the championships will bring together Queensland’s leading junior, elite, masters and para-cyclists to compete across Mirani, Sarina and Mackay Kart Club at Palmyra.

A total of 109 riders are currently entered across the weekend, spanning categories from under-9 through to elite, masters and para divisions. Entries remain open until 11:59pm on Monday 29 June, with final start lists and event timings to be confirmed after closure.

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Riders will contest three disciplines: an individual time trial in Mirani, road races in Sarina and at the Mackay Kart Club, and a criterium held at the Mackay Kart Club circuit, which will also provide the most accessible viewing experience for spectators.

The action begins Friday 3 July with the individual time trial at Mirani, with sign-on from 8.00am and the first rider off at 9.01am. Riders will compete against the clock over distances ranging from 4km for U9 and U11 categories through to 32km for U23 and elite competitors.

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On Saturday 4 July, road racing continues in Sarina for senior, junior and masters categories from 7.30am, with events expected to conclude in the afternoon. U9, U11 and U13 riders will also compete at the Mackay Kart Club from 7.00am.

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The weekend concludes Sunday 5 July with the criterium at Mackay Kart Club, 21 Grants Road, Palmyra. Racing begins at 7.30am, with the elite and U19 men’s race scheduled for 2.50pm.

The championship field includes a strong mix of emerging talent and experienced competitors.

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Former professional road cyclist and Beijing 2008 Olympian Glen Chadwick will line up in the field, bringing international experience to the event.

Rockhampton’s George Tucker, a national track title holder and Queensland representative, will compete in the Under 19 category as one of Central Queensland’s most promising riders.

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Mackay’s Max Teague enters the U15 Men’s division following a standout season, having claimed the 2026 Australian U15 Men’s XCC title, gold in the Junior Team Relay at the Australian Mountain Bike Championships, and bronze in the 2025 Queensland U15 road race.

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Local representation also includes Elite riders Zac Schwarzrock and Brittany Roberts, Mackay junior Matthew Schatkowski, Cairns U19 rider Chloe Buckley, Townsville’s Nicholas Dixon-Grover, and a strong contingent of developing cyclists from across regional Queensland.

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Mackay Cycling Club committee member Kyle Marwood said the event was a proud moment for the local cycling community.

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“Hosting a Queensland state championship is a huge opportunity for Mackay and the wider region. We have riders coming from across the state, but it is also a chance for our local juniors to race on home ground and see what a championship-level event looks like.

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“To have riders such as Glen Chadwick, George Tucker and Max Teague on the start list makes it a special weekend, but the event is just as much about the volunteers, families, clubs and local businesses who have helped make it happen.”

Spectators are welcome across all three days, with the Mackay Kart Club offering the best viewing opportunities on Saturday’s junior races and throughout Sunday’s criterium program.  

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Motorists in Mirani and Sarina are advised to allow extra travel time, follow signage and comply with traffic controller directions, with full traffic management details to be released ahead of race weekend.

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The event is expected to draw riders, support crews, officials and families from across Queensland, delivering a major boost for regional sport while showcasing Mackay as a key cycling destination.

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Photo source: Mackay Basketball  

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Mackay Basketball has celebrated its U16 representative players and teams following the conclusion of the season, recognising individual achievements across the Meteors, Meteorettes, Comets, Comettes, Stars and Starettes squads.

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Award recipients included:

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Meteors

MVP: Jimmy Turner

Best Defensive: Winston Sutton

Coach's Award: Finley Philbin

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Meteorettes

MVP: Harvey Geeves

Best Defensive: Pyiper Redgard

Coach's Award: Indy Jorgensen

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Comets

MVP: Hudson Currie

Best Defensive: Tom Balingall

Coach's Award: Eddie Hardwick

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Comettes

MVP: Magenta Newland

Best Defensive: Summer Jo Young

Coach's Award: Sibella Mayer

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Stars

MVP: Beau Slaughter

Best Defensive: Barry Matchett

Coach's Award: Tyler O'Neill

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Starettes

MVP: Tanatsa Kuveya

Best Defensive: Abi Hobbs

Coach's Award: Emma Russell

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Congratulations were also extended to the U16 athletes selected to represent Queensland North at the upcoming National Championships: Winston Sutton, Jimmy Turner, Hayden Bone, Finley Philbin, Indy Jorgensen, Pyiper Redgard, Harvey Geeves, MarliReid, Mercy Osborne, Ellie Marsh and Sammy Simpson.

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A special thank you was also given to NBL1 player Khobie De Haan for presenting the awards.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/u16-representative-players-celebrated-at-season-presentations

A field of more than 150 players helped make Friday's Show Day 3-Ball Ambrose a tremendous success, seeing some impressive scoring and plenty of laughs despite the afternoon drizzle.  

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The local Show Day public holiday, sponsored by BC contribution’s Andrew Colborne, attracted a strong field of competition. Winners Chris Elms, Andrew Scotford & Simon Dobbins claimed victory with a remarkable 53.167. They narrowly edged out Runner-ups Ben Synak, Nicky Ryan & Caitlyn Daly, who weren’t too far behind with a modest 53.333. Sid and Brad Fleet joined Jon Miller in third place, while Jacob Dewis, Bryce Fraser and Brendon Russell rounded out the top four.  

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Away from the Show Day festivities, there was no shortage of strong performances across the PCG’s regular competitions.

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Visiting golfer Raymond Foster from Gladstone Golf Club set the tone early in the week, winning Tuesday's men's Stableford with 37 points ahead of John Grosskreutz, who also claimed the nearest-the-pin prize on the 9th hole. John was able to bring it back on Wednesday though, scoring first with 33 points over a very close second by Nic Apruzzese with 32.  

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In the ladies and veterans competitions, Lyn Muller enjoyed a particularly successful week, winning Tuesday's Vets Stableford on a countback from Tina Badenhorst before backing it up with victory in Wednesday's ladies competition ahead of Di Dobbins.  

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Thursday's Stableford saw Clay Coles edge out Ash Law in A Grade, while William Brownlie took B Grade honours from Tyson Griffiths. Andrew Albergo produced one of the standout individual performances of the week, claiming three nearest-the-pin prizes on the 2nd, 9th and 13th holes.  

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Saturday's Stableford sponsored by Master Butchers Whitsundays produced more strong performances, with Michael Ward edging out John Bissell to win A Grade, while Barry Mortimer's 38 points secured B Grade honours ahead of Bradley Wilkinson. In the ladiescompetition, Tiina Randmae finished one shot clear of Di Chard to claim victory.

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The week concluded with Sunday's Stableford competition, where Andrew Mason produced an unbelievable 40-point round to claim the men's title ahead of Sam Keating and Nissen Cooper. Sara Hagy won the ladies event with 36 points over Paula McQuat to cap off another busy and successful week of golf at Proserpine Golf Club.  

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Contributed with thanks by Tiina Randmae

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Penny Warren and Denise Wallace. Photo Supplied: Penny Warren

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Monday self-selected triple winners were Mark BJ Barry Donn and Kerry Pedlar defeating Sandra Snow, Ken Wallis and Chris Frew. Runners-up C. Murray, R. Agg, and Denis Madeley defeated B. Sims, M. Hyde, and Ron Hyde. It didn’t take long for the jackpot to go off. This was won in the game between France Willman Jenny Healey and Chris Healey, who defeated Max Ritchie, Peter Howie, and Peter Nesbitt.

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On Tuesday, Greg McSwain and Graham Smith won the afternoon against Lauine Davies and Laurie Land. The jackpot didn’t go off.

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In club competition, Saturday's mixed pairs quarterfinal winners were Skinny Querro and Pat Tracey, Greg Colquhoun and Fely Duncan, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe, and Robyn Stitt and Kevin Daniels. On Sunday, Stuart Jeal and Ron Hyde won the men's A pairs final over Mark Drummond and Allan Rolfe, while Denise Wallace and Penny Warren claimed the ladies' A pairs title against Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan.

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On Sunday afternoon the winners came out on Rink 3. They were Maree Nesbitt, Jeff Dan, and Jim Steele defeating June Lauine Davies and France Willman. Runners-up Neale Chittenden, Heide Reiff, and Max Ritchie defeated Angela Y. Alby, Vigar, and Ron S. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Best wishes to our Men’s Dunn Cup Team of Laurie Land, Graham Read, Ron Hyde, and Allan Rolfe, who are playing at Suburban Townsville this week!

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Entries in the Rating Passage division at Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) are on the rise, so the competition the 38th running of the regatta, to be held from 6-13 August is looking stronger than it has for years.

So far 14 owners are locked in for the Rating Passage division at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) annual event.

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Six days of racing, where the competition ratches up a notch on some of the most scenic waters in the world, will be complemented by seven nights of entertainment organised by Whitsunday Sailing Club. There will be food stalls and live music every night, starting on opening night following registration – so come and join the party!

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Returning from 7 to 10 August, come and enjoy a free coffee at the Ronstan Coffee Cart and a chance to try an Orbit Winch. Another popular return is Friday Night Movies in the Park for the whole family, starting at 5pm.

Lay Day offers many options. Join the Thomsons from Ocean Crusaders for their annual Clean Up to help keep local waters pristine. Those taking part will go out on Ocean Rafting’s high speed big RIB and will be dropped off along shore line around Double Cones and Armitarea of islands.

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“The rubbish - we collected over 380 kilos last year - gets put on Ocean Crusaders’ barge. We go pretty much from 8am to1pm, then it’s back to the Club (WSC) for a barbecue,” says Ian Thomson, who has long organised such events at major races and events he and Annika compete in.

Those who would like to take part in this worthwhile Lay Day clean up, sponsored by www.boatnames.com.au, can book at:  www.oceancrusaders.org/events 

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Or join in the 74 Islands Distillery Long Lunch at Elementa Whitsundays. It is an exclusive three-hour extravaganza with canapés and beverages, live entertainment amid stunning Coral Sea views. See the official website to book and look at other fun things to do on Lay Day.

On the final night is the Presentation Dinner (a ticketed event with bookings online) followed by fireworks and music from Viva Band to close out another memorable year.

Contributed with thanks to Di Pearson.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Race Week

WHEN: 6-13 August

www.abrw.com.au  

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From left Wendy Pomeroy, Mandy O'Brien, Rene Thommen, Arthur McManus, Alma Rose and Mark Mawson and Tony Kelly.

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The winter solstice has arrived, bringing an extra minute of sunlight each day, and Airlie Beach Bowling Club were quick to make the most of it.  

The week got underway with a President at Home Day, along with an All Ladies Day expertly organised by Carol Crosbie and her executive committee. A special congratulations goes to the winning team from South Suburban, consisting of Di Dobbins, Margo Stanley, Wendy Pomeroy and Joan McGrath.  

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Wednesday was a busy day at the club, with John Fielding's team claiming first prize and Alan Pershouse's team finishing second in the afternoon social bowls. That evening, members came together for a special fundraiser organised by Yvonne and Bobby Spees in support of Gail Simms' granddaughter, helping raise some money and showing the club's strong community spirit.

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Following the Show Whitsundays public holiday, the club turned its attention to pennant action, with Divisions 1, 2 and 4 all taking to the greens.  

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Thanks to the efforts of head selector Warren Mills, each side was well represented. Division 1 recorded a draw against North Mackay before falling to Northern Beaches, while Division 2 hosted Northern Beaches and North Mackay across the weekend.  

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Division 4 narrowly lost to Mackay City before producing an impressive 47-26 victory over North Mackay, leaving the side in a strong position with one game remaining before the bye.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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A strong home crowd packed into Les Stagg Oval on Sunday afternoon as the Whitsunday Brahmans welcomed one of the competition's toughest opponents, the Mackay Magpies, for a challenging day of rugby league.

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Despite the results not falling their way, the Brahmans showed plenty of grit and determination against a Magpies outfit that demonstrated why they remain among the benchmark teams in the competition.

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The Under 20s kicked off the day and came up against a polished Magpies side. The young Brahmans never stopped competing, with their efforts rewarded with fan favourite Braith Tetley scoring the only try to finish the game off 4-54. While the scoreboard was tough reading, the squad continued to battle until the final whistle and gained valuable experience against quality opposition.

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Reserve Grade followed and produced one of the contests of the day. In a physical encounter, the Brahmans held the magpies down but the birds managed to edge ahead late, handing the home side a narrow 14-10 defeat. The effort and resilience shown by the Brahmans was a testament to the group's growing confidence and commitment.

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A Grade closed out the afternoon in front of an enthusiastic crowd eager to see their side take on one of the competition heavyweights. The Brahmans threw everything at the visitors and were rewarded with three tries, with New Zealand imports Caleb Savelio - Thompson, Hawaiiki Annandale and English import Ryan Taylor all crossing for the home side, but the experienced Magpies outfit capitalised on key opportunities to secure a 24-12 victory. While the result didn't go the home side's way, the Brahmans showed plenty of courage and determination against one of the strongest teams in the league.

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Although the scoreboard reflected a tough afternoon against quality opposition, there were plenty of positives to take away. Across all grades, the Brahmans displayed resilience, effort and club pride, never backing down from the challenge.

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The club would also like to thank the loyal supporters who turned out in numbers to create a fantastic atmosphere at Les Stagg Oval. The energy from the sidelines was felt throughout the day and continues to be a driving force behind the teams each week.

The Brahmans now turn their focus to the next round as all four sides take on Mackay Brothers in Mackay on the 5th of July, determined to build on the lessons learned from Sunday's clashes and continue improving as the season progresses. 

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Contributed with thanks to Many Bourke.

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Ian Brookes. Photo credit: Julie Ward 

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Recently, members of the Mackay Bushwalkers' Club were offered two very different walks on successive Sundays, both under the guidance of Ken Fihelly in the broad Cape Hillsborough area.

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Members were taken to places not usually frequented by visitors to the National Park, who often prefer to follow the popular walking tracks to the well-known lookouts. The first of these bushwalks traversed the western section of the park from Smalley's Beach nearly up to the plateau, passing under cliffs to a cave with a large overhang.

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Some steep rock scrambling was undertaken, but was rewarded with great views including that of the Native Pink Hibiscus patch, mostly still only buds.

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The journey back to the cars revealed gullies, dry creek beds and sections of rain forest. Towering palms, beautiful basket ferns, grass trees and lush grasslands, as well as a close encounter with a Ulysses butterfly were highlights of the day.

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A week later, Paradise Falls was reached after a journey offering large boulders, impressive rain forest and rugged cliffs, as well as thousands of Crow and Blue Tiger butterflies.

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Both walks showcased spectacular scenery to be admired whilst making the most of the outdoors in very sunny weather.

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The club's full program for the next month includes a variety of walks ranging from Mt Dalrymple to Homevale and Cathu, with some easier options available on the days of more challenging outings.

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For further information about the range of walks on offer to members over the next month and for information on how to become involved, phone 0429363929.

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Frances and Jan. Photo supplied

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BRIDGE

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The club is pleased to announce that Jan Harris, is the newly appointed Country Director. In the context of the card game bridge, a Country Director is an accredited official qualified to oversee and manage small regional or "country" bridge congresses. Jan received her Queensland Bridge Association Director’s Certificate from President Frances Brown. Bridge cannot be played without directors and is commendable that Club members like Jan step forward to fill these roles. Thank you, Jan!

Frances and Jan

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Weekly Results  

Monday 8 June 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st Monica Darley / Joy Block

2^nd Vicki Howard / Susan Ross

3^rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers

4^th Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

Evening 9 June 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger

1^st Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup

2^nd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

3^rd Ian Stephenson /Ann Whitmore

3^rd Errol Morris / Mick Robins

Wednesday 10 June 2026 – NWP Week 11 of 26 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

1^st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2^nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2^nd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson

3^rd Debbie Ludkin / Mick King

3^rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

4^th Monica Darley / Helen Goldston

4^th Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

5^th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

5^th Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell

Thursday Evening 11 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner – Green Points

1^st Terry Sheedy / Adrian Westcott

2^nd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan

3^rd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

4^th Simon Barnes / Martin Pearce

Friday 12 June 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

1^st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2^nd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

3^rd Diane Cox / Christine Nice

3^rd Mick King / Geoff Cowan

4^th Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

4^th Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

5^th Ming Ting / David Ting

5^th Gillian McCallum / Rodney Miles

Saturday 13 June 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Faye Wright / Janine Rodgers

1^st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

2^nd Joy Robinson / Terry Sheedy

2^nd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner

3^rd Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

4^th Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris

4^th Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch

5^th Helen Van Den Breok / Joy Brunette

5^th John Ludkin / Max Holewa

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‍Photo supplied

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Tuesday Night Fixtures

Division 1: Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, YiLin Jiang) won 7-4 over Geese (Steve Whiting, Janice Kent, Lee Brake) with Lily come home strong against Steve (-9,7,-7,8,11).  Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) were to strong for Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake), Graeme won against Mark (-9,4,12,-4,3). Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Duncan Treloar, Allan Edwards), Anne and Geoff just edged out Trent and Duncan (-8,7,-10,8,8).  

Division 2: Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) 6-5, with Ollie coming back from 2 sets down to win close 5 sets against Darryl (=8,-11,8,7,7).  Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, Noreen Fredericksen) won 8-3 against Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West), Ian got the better of Daniel (-4,5,7,-9,9).  Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan, Mark Stem) edged out Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 6-5, Peter snuck home over Mark (8,8,-8,-14,8).  

Division 3: Some great matches while the battle for the top positions in Division 3 continues. Logan, Dylan, Mark and Jeff all had great wins.

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures

Division 1: Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall) edged out (Orion Orbiters) John McGee, Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd), Doug and Andrea had a great battle with Doug winning                (-3,7,-7,3,9).  Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) tied 6-6 against Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross), Darryl got home over Sally (-7,-12,3,13,5).

Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Helen Ware, Veronica Needham) got home to win Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Marie Taylor), Veronica and Helen won close doubles match against Louise and Marie          (8,-7,6,-6,9).  Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Pam Joyce, Coral Morgan) defeated Ninja Strikes (Pam Keune, Frank Caruana, Ken Best) 10-2, Coral made an epic come back to beat Frank in 5 sets (-10,-5,11,1,6).

Division 3: Mongol Power (Cheryl Pearson, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) tied up 6-6 with Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Madge Saunders, Sharon Muller), Laurie had a great win over Sharon (0,-7,-3,2,5).  Aztec Warriors (Iris Grasso, Janelle Keune, Thelma Caruana) won 7-5 over Celtic Smash (David Muir, Myles Dutton, Trish Zamparutti), David and Myles had a great battle against Iris and Thelma (7,-5,-7,7,5).

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Contributed by Andrea Payne

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