The Mackay region’s annual sports expo is ushering in a new era in 2023.

Restricted to an online event since COVID-19 threw us a curve ball in 2020, 2023 will see this amazing event return to the MECC with a new naming rights sponsor – JET Maintenance Services.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on would feature more than 100 interactive sport and recreation booths.

“We are also bringing back all the crowd-favourite events – the mascot race, live active zone demonstrations and all the prizes, like ‘nominate your favourite club’ and random draws,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Applications for a free booth at the event are currently open and we encourage local clubs, groups and organisations to get in quick to secure their spot,” he said.

“The JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on will run from 9am to 1pm, Sunday, February 12, 2023. In an effort to make this event more inclusive and accessible, we'll also have a low-sensory quiet hour from noon to 1pm.”

Booth registrations close midnight, December 11.

JET Group General Manager Shayne Ritchings said they were excited to partner with council to bring this important event to the community.

“Jet Group is a very proud local business, with a long history of sponsoring local sporting clubs,” Mr Ritchings said.

“Supporting the Sports Expo is a great opportunity for us to broaden our support of grass roots sports in the Mackay region,” he said.

“The benefits of playing sport and belonging to a club or team are extensive – not only is it great for fitness and mental health, but the social benefits and personal-development outcomes are huge.

“The JET Maintenance Services team are looking forward to coming along on the day and having a crack at as many different sports as we can.”

Other sponsors for the event include returning silver sponsor Harrup Park Country Club and media partners 4MK, Star 101.9 and Channel 7. For more information and to register your club or group for the expo, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/sportexpo

Image – Active Zone demonstration by Adrenalin Cheer and Dance at the 2022 Sports Expo

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Image: The parents of Pioneer Swim Club

Pioneer Swim Club is proud to be an all-age inclusive club.  

The parents of our swimmers are often found in the pool swimming laps whilst the kids train or even in the squad itself.

Recently at the last Club Night for the 2022 year, a number of our Pioneer Parents swam in a 50m freestyle hit out – Kylie Smith, Ben Miles, Trevor Seedwell, Ashlee Berridge, Tahnie Malagueno, Jodie Miles, Donna McIerney and Nadine Bee made their kids proud to see who would have bragging rights for the next 12 months.  

Ben Miles was crowned King of the Pioneer Pool, closely followed by Kylie Smith.  

Both Kylie and Ben were Dolphins as kids and are still seen swimming in the squad to this day.  

We are proud to boast that quite a few of our parents have a history with the club.

A parents versus kids relay was also enjoyed by the parents, kids and spectators at our last Club Night – it was a right hoot.

The trophy was claimed by Ben Miles, Donna McIerney, Trevor Seedwell and Ashlee Berridge.  

Another 2 parents’ teams were formed – Tahnie Malagueno, Jade Bounden, Jodie Miles and Kylie Smith being one team and Bianca Baker, Nadine Bee, Sarah Wardlaw and Sonja Smith the third.  

Many other parents are planning to take on the challenge next season after seeing the fun that transpired.  

All parents of the Pioneer Swim Club/ Squad are welcome to join a session – Igor will welcome you all.  

The kids enjoy seeing their parents give it a go - monkey see, monkey do right?

Any enquiries about our great club can be made to secretary@pioneerswimclub.com.au.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Image: Members of the Marian Ladies Bowls Club created and donated 23 bags of essential items to Share the Dignity. Photo supplied

When they’re not gracing the greens, the ladies of the Marian Bowls Club have been busy collecting essential items for women in need.

Last week during their final day of bowls for the year, the group collectively filled bags for the Share the Dignity campaign.

Share the Dignity is a women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. The organisation distributes period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.

The Marian ladies contributed 23 bags, matching the 23 bags they also donated last year.

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Images:

Mackay's rising cricket all-rounder Meg McCartney, 17, captained the Queensland Schoolgirls representative team in 2022. Photos supplied

Batting: Meg McCartney shows her style at the batting crease

She started in Mackay & District Cricket Association’s Under 10 Boys competition and by the age of 13 was donning the pads and sharing the new ball for the Mackay/Whitsunday junior representative teams.

She can mix it with the finest male cricketers in the Mackay region, isn’t phased when facing extreme pace bowling and has even upstaged her father at the batting crease.

Meet talented 17-year-old all-rounder Meg McCartney – the Queensland Schoolgirls representative cricket captain with the poise, technique and potential to leave her mark on the women’s sporting scene.

Keen cricket judges have tipped a bright future for the teen sensation, who has turned in standout performances this season in both male and female competitions – showing her wares in the junior and senior ranks.

Meg, who has just completed her Higher School Certificate examinations at St Patrick’s College Mackay, recently linked with the Valleys Cricket Club in the Brisbane Women’s Premier League Cricket first grade competition where she will play alongside Australia’s World Cup-winning off spinner Jess Jonassen.

A product of the Mackay Brothers Cricket Club, young Meg picked up her first bat and cricket ball at the age of nine while participating in the Master Blaster events at Harrup Park for aspiring junior cricketers.

She started in Mackay & District Cricket Association’s Under 10 Boys competition and by the age of 13 was donning the pads and sharing the new ball for the Mackay/Whitsunday junior representative teams.

A prolific wicket taker with her sharp pace bowling and top order batter, Meg has progressed through to the senior men’s ranks and is now a permanent fixture in the Brothers second grade X1 where she plays alongside her experienced father Dean, a seasoned campaigner and club stalwart who is the current Girls Cricket Co-ordinator.

Both have enjoyed batting together in key moments with quicksilver Meg peeling off some big scores and keeping her dad on his toes while navigating quick singles or twos with her sharp running between the wickets.

Boasting a top score of 88 not out, the gun all-rounder led the Capricornia Schoolgirl representative teams from the age of 13 and last year captained the St Patrick’s/Mercy College senior women’s team to a Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 State Challenge title with superb batting and bowling displays.

Meg named Brothers Mackay Cricket Junior Development Co-ordinator Kim Evetts as being a huge influence on her career along with Club President Bradley Beardmore and school mentors Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn.

Her leadership skills came to the fore this season when she captained the Queensland Schoolgirls cricket team in the annual Challenge series with NSW on the Sunshine Coast – leading the way with her tenacious batting and bulk wickets.

Meg will line up for North Queensland against South Queensland in a selection trial for the Queensland Country squad to compete at the National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra and was appointed vice captain of Brisbane Premier Cricket League franchise Western Power for the recent Twenty20 series where she gained valuable experience.

An opportunity to learn from international all-rounder Jess Jonassen inspired Meg to join the Valleys club for this summer’s Brisbane Premier Cricket League Women’s first grade competition.

It is another giant step towards realising her childhood dream of playing for the Queensland Fire one day in the Women’s National Cricket League limited overs series.

By Chris Karas

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The men’s and ladies’ bowls AGMs were held on Monday 28th November, resulting in an unchanged men’s executive. Duly elected were President Eric Galletly, Vice-president Wayne Trannore, Secretary Andrew Coates. The Games Director for the coming year is Ken Lane and Selectors are Alex Cameron, Mick Mackenzie and Clive Wales.

Tony Allsop, after serving for several years as the club’s Publicity Officer did not nominate this year. As there were no nominations, Ian Rowan will fill in for a short time.  This will be Tony’s last report.

RESULTS

Monday winners were Sheryl Cuttriss and Helen Fleming with Ann Smith and Isla Comelli next. Lucky draw winners were Jean Zamparutti and Michele Stockton.

Wednesday ladies’ day comp resulted in a win for Lorraine Silman and Hilary Jones-Rowan. Runners-up were C. Wallman and Ann Smith.

Thursday winners once again were Barry and Francis Lehmann, with Carmel Bell and Greg McLean in second spot. Greens Vouchers went to D. Wootton, Rick Dunn and Andrew Coates.

Friday’s big winners were Wayne Mietzel and Maryann Bartolo who took home $75 each. Winner’s card draw went to Lois Deguara and Robbo Hobbs, with Shirley Bartolo and Eric Galletly taking the loser’s prize.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by Eric Galletly and Kevin Dwyer with Ken Martin and Clive Wales runners-up. Shane Trannore and visitor Todd Hansen won the jackpot.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Images: Tony began contributing North Mackay bowls news to newspapers in 2016, and later to Qld Bowler

The executive committee for this year is Andrew Coates, Secretary, Eric Galletly President and Games controller, Ken Lane. Absent is vice-president Wayne Trannore

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Image: Mackay-Whitsunday representative cricket stars Sam Vassallo, Mason Kohler and Lane Kohler shape up as key players for Queensland Country at the 2023 National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra next month

Star Mackay-Whitsunday representative all-rounders Sam Vassallo, Mason Kohler and Lane Kohler will line up for the Queensland Country X1 at the upcoming National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra.

The talented trio (pictured) were chosen after top performances for North Queensland in the XXXX Cup 50 overs selection trial against South Queensland Country Cricket staged in Mackay.

Vassallo, a prolific opening batsman and classy wicket keeper from the Walkerston Cricket Club, has shone with the bat and behind the stumps this season and will make his debut in the Queensland Country side, along with the versatile Lane Kohler, a young quick and dashing batsman from the Norths club in the Mackay & District Cricket Association.

Lane will be joined by brother Mason Kohler – another Norths product – who returns to the State team as an opening tearaway bowler and capable batsman for the National titles that commence in early January.

Three of Mackay-Whitsunday’s most promising junior cricketers – Zane Newton, Jackson Evetts and Nick Beardmore – have gained selection in the North Queensland Cricket Association Under 18 representative squad to contest the Ron Bushby Shield in April 2023.

The team will be skippered by outstanding colt Matthew Wilkins, recipient of the Kev Maher Award for Player of the Under 18 Championships and one of four Cricket Far North players named in the team along with Gareth Thomas, Kobi Johnston and Seth McGinty.

Other squad members include Joshua Welsh (Central Queensland) and North Queensland reps Adam Camer, keeper John McLean, Ben Ramsbotham and Kai Adami.

By Chris Karas

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Image: Happy 90th birthday to Nancy Wix

Terrence Sheedy and Janelle Conroy were our winners for the B4 Red Points competition played over the last two Mondays.

November saw consistent wins to Eric Goodchild, David Ting and Noel Bugeia.

Happy Birthday to Nancy Wix, Celebrating her 90th Birthday

RESULTS

Monday 28 November 22 – 6 Table One Winner B4 – Red Points

1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

4th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

5th Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

B4 Results Red Points – Two weeks play

1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

Tuesday Evening 29 November 22 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

3rd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

Eclectic Winners for Tuesdays November

1st Noel Bugeia

2nd Eric Goodchild

3rd Helen Van Den Broek

4th Terrence Sheedy

5th Janet Hansen

Wednesday 30 November 22 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

2nd Antonia Tarradas/ Ian Cruickshank

3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole

4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

5th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Wednesday Eclectic Winners for November 2022

1st David Ting

1st Eric Goodchild

3rd Janelle Conroy

3rd Alan Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy

6th Eric Leivesley

7th Kath Poole

Thursday Evening 1 December 2022 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

Friday 2 December 22 – Nation Wide Pairs 6 Table One Winner Green Points

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft

4th Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd Susan Wright / Janet Hansen

3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

Saturday 3 December 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoff Taylor / Diane Morgan

2nd Mick King / Jan Harris

3rd Griffin Bancroft / Anne Lutz

4th Faye Wright / Christine Nice

5th Susan Wright / Annie Lynch

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

4th Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

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ISAAC WHITE JOINS METEORS FOR NBL1 NORTH TITLE CHARGE

Image: #4 Isaac White in action for the Tasmania JackJumpers during the 2022-23 NBL season. Picture: Tasmania JackJumpers

The McDonald’s Mackay Meteors have completed a major NBL1 North off-season move, signing dynamic Tasmania JackJumpers guard Isaac White for 2023.

White joins the Meteors after two successful NBL1 North campaigns with the Ipswich Force, where he averaged 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists across 25 games.

Following his stellar 2022 NBL1 season, the 24-year-old signed with the Tasmania JackJumpers in August as a nominated NBL replacement player. White agreed to extend his stay on the Apple Isle for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBL season, after converting his deal into a development player position.

Prior to joining Tasmania, White spent two NBL seasons with the Illawarra Hawks after graduating from Stanford University in 2020. He also represented Australia at the 2019 World University Games in Italy.

Across his career White has developed sharpshooting status and a reputation as a high-energy hooper.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said the recruitment of Isaac White was a massive coup for the club.

“Isaac is certainly a person who fits perfectly within our Meteors culture,” Khalu said.

“He’s a competitor who works exceptionally hard at both ends of the floor. He’s shown an ability to score at both the NBL and NBL1 levels and can defend multiple spots too.

“Most importantly though, he’s a team-first guy who has a desire to win a championship.

“While he’s still young, we’ll be looking to Isaac to bring some leadership to our group as well. He’s been involved in some elite programs and those locker-room experiences will also add tremendous value to our team.”

While Khalu was aware of White from his consistent performances across the 2022 NBL1 season, it was his efforts for Ipswich in an 80-72 win against Mackay in Round 7 that stuck with the Meteors head coach.

“The game which Ipswich beat us at their place last season, Isaac finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 8 steals and 4 assists. To do that against the best defensive team in the league was certainly impressive,” Khalu added.

“It was the type of display that resonates with you as a coach and helped my reasoning to recruit him.”

White shared his excitement about the move north.

“I’m really looking forward to making the move up to Mackay for the upcoming season.

“From the outside looking in, I’ve always had respect for the professionalism and competitiveness of Mackay Basketball, and I think the fit is perfect,” White said.

“I also love the way in which the Mackay community rallies around their basketball teams, and I can’t wait to play in front of them. I’m excited to bring my shooting and defence to this group and chase a championship with this team.”

White will arrive in the Sugar City at the end of the NBL season in February next year.

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club has hosted plenty of Christmas Parties in the past weeks, but bowls was the real winner of this merry season.

Tuesday afternoon’s social bowls saw Lyn Skein as skipper with Tess Walker at lead and Elaine Kippen at second just manage to beat all comers for the prize money.

Wednesday afternoon was a completely different story: Merve Stewart assured of evenly balanced contests, but to everyone’s surprise Gary Smith showed all his guile alongside skipper Bob Spees as the pair absolutely trounced the rest.

Due to a severe storm, Wednesday night Business House Bowls was cancelled and will complete in two weeks’ time.

Scroungers will resume on the January 28 of next year.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls again saw well matched teams but the leadership of Ladda Purdie was too much as she took her side of Mark Mawson at lead and Col Morris at second to the winners’ circle.

And the club witnessed an entertaining game from some of Hamilton Island Airport’s local firefighters, who showed they could do it with the best.

The firies bowled a great game and the club was glad to host the gallant group of Bob Dewhurst, Dylan Sanderson, Al Elkins, and Luke Wayth – they could even be great additions for the club’s pennants sides next year

Airlie Beach Bowls Club’s Christmas party is today, where the school children the club hosted earlier in the year will receive their awards.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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The gallant firemen from Hamilton Island airport, showing their skills on the Airlie Beach Bowls rink

Bowen Bowls Club was host to an excellent contingent of bowlers this week, starting with its Wednesday Social Bowls.

Paula Welsted and Jeff Tierney were first in the winners’ circle, beating Jill Brabon and Brett Lampard.

Mary Ellen Pratten, Jane Gilbert, and Steve Roome were up next in winning against Peter Thomson, Peter Bruce, and Doc Fordham.

Joan Edwards and Helen Jacobsen, as well as Lou Fordham, and Daryl Tuttle defeated Bev Smith, Ross Scanlon, and D.Pickard to end the Wednesday Bowls.

Sunday Scroungers was won by Lee Welsted and Peter Thomson.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
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Bowen Bowls Club’s Sunday Scroungers winners Lee Welsted and Peter Thomson

On Sunday afternoon, two pairs and one triple game was played at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

Winners for the afternoon were Gary Kelly and Penny Warren, who defeated Irene Laird and Geoff Danvers.

Other winners on the day were Deb Beel, Linda Scells, and Barry Beel in a narrow victory over Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Sugar Brunker.

Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan defeated Bill Myers and Pat Tracey for the final game of Sunday.

The North Queensland Ladies District Side was announced on Friday, with congratulations to Penny Warren and Denise Wallace in being selected.

They will play against all the districts in the State at the Sunshine Coast in May.  

The Club Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday at 9am.

Contributed with thanks Penny Warren

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Sunday winners were Gary Kelly and Penny Warren

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Saturday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stroke event for the December Monthly Medals for both men and ladies.  

Men’s winner was Noel Schultz with a 68 nett, followed by runner up Mick Mawson, 70 nett. Pin shots to Rodney Miller, Glenn Wright, Toss Eisemann, and Brendan Wells.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Morag Parker, 70 nett, with runner up Sarnie Eisemann, 70 nett. Pin shots to Rhiannon Nott, Tanya Gaudry, Paulette Barrett, and Jo Kukura.  

Chris Matheson won the carwash voucher and both competitions were sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

This weekend’s competition at the Club is an American Foursomes event for Peries IGA Christmas Hams.  

NO Joker draw or dinner this week due to a private function.  Congratulations to Vicki who picked the Joker on Friday night.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s joker draw winners for December

The club’s December Monthly Medal winners

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Tuesday’s Competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw 15 players compete in a stroke event.

A very nice 63 nett by Aaron Prosser was too good for Brendan Spann’s 66 nett and John Dodds 69nett. Adam Maggs and Brendan Spann took out the NTP’s.

Thursday Competition: Wet conditions on Thursday limited the field to 23 for the Venue Smart Monthly Medal.

The heavy track didn’t stop Sam Deicke from shooting a nett 68, with Brendan Spann continuing his good golf with a 68nett.

Gavin Kerwand and Michael Leo completed the Division One rundown with 69 and 71, respectively.

Greg Walker was the winner of Division Two, edging out Michael Jarvis on a countback with 69 nett.

Brendon Meharry and Rees May were in the run down with 71 and 72nett. The NTP’s went to Rob Webb, Matt Muller twice, and Mick Leo.

Saturday Competition: The Medal of Medallists list is now complete with the addition of Jacqui Wall winning the Saturday ladies with 72 nett, narrowly defeating Jill Farinelli on a countback.

NTP’s went to Jill Farinelli and Peta Thomas.

70 men competed for the last spots in the men’s Medal of Medals competition. Sam Deicke, in great form, finished ahead of all A Grade players with a 66 nett, booking himself a start in next week's Honour Board MOM competition, along with Terry Handford for B Grade and Ben Raymant in C Grade.

Runner up in each grade were Lew Tuck, 69 nett in A Grade, Matt Camm, 70nett in B Grade, and Merv Hinton, 71nett in C Grade

NTP winners were Anthony Clinton, Ben Raymant and Sam Deicke.

Sunday Competition: Congratulations to Daniel O’Donnell with a great round of 65 nett to win the Sunday Competition, beating Jacob Nightingale on 68 nett.

Congratulations to Don Cameron winning the Medal of Medals prize with a 72 nett.

Peta Thomas won the Ladies, and also won the Medal of Medals prize with 71 nett, a clear winner from the field, with Anna Winterbourn in second place on 74 nett and Di Chard on 79 nett.

NTP’s went to: Don Cameron, Jason Bourke, Anna Winterbourn, Dean Kercher, Di Chard, and Jacqui Wall.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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In the heat and humidity Proserpine’s Veteran Golfers tallied up some great scores with 33 players out on the course.

The ladies’ winner with a good score of 70 (c/b) was Tina Badenhorst, with second Lyn Muller (70), and in the rundown Jenny Hounsell (71), Beryl Nosworthy (72), Tessa Aitken (74), Jacqui Wall (76), and Leanne Alexander (77).  

For the men, if you didn't get under 70 you weren't in the running. The winner with a fantastic score of 66 was Frank Moloney, followed in second by Warren Deighton (67 c/b), and in the rundown were Wilf Herweg (67), Peter Browning, (68), John Roser (68), John Oates (68), and Barry Mortimer (69).  

The pin shots for the ladies were won by Lyn Muller (9th and 13th), Jacqui Wall (9th), Helen Deighton (13th), Leanne Alexander (16th), and Paula McQuat (16th).  

The men’s pin shots went to Barry Mortimer (2nd and 16th), John Oates (2nd), John Roser (13th), John Strelec (13th), and Peter Browning (16th).

Those with the least putts were Helen Deighton (28 putts), and Trevor Peroz and Wilf Herweg with 26 Putts.  

Chip-ins were Jacqui Wall, Tina Badenhorst, Geoff Harrison, and John Roser. Best of all, there was an eagle made on the day, Gary Scotford on the 18th.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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The December Monthly Medal for Whitsunday Social Golf was held Sunday in great conditions for a round of golf.

A contingent of 21 players took part, with the medal for December went to Ladies A Grade Anna Winterbourn, with runner up Jacqueline Wall.

Ladies B Grade went to Sally Little, with runner-up Karen Rix.

Men’s A grade Darren Reynolds and in runner up Clay Coles and Mens B Grade Ron Jamieson, runner up Mark McDougall.

Longest drives went to George Meharry, Mark MCDougall, Pauline Redpath, and Robyn Witham.

Pins shots were claimed by Clay Coles, Ron Jamieson, Jacqueline Wall, and Anna Winterbourn

The was the last competition game for Whitsunday Golf for 2022.

The Club extends its thanks to its Monthly Medal sponsors for the year: Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

Also thank you to the Reef Gateway Hotel for their support with Pin Shot prizes. Presentations will be held Saturday, December 10, from 5pm.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Golf Club’s Darren Reynolds, Sally Little Anna Winterbourn, and Ron Jamieson

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