This week’s 9-hole Stableford was won by Chris Bartlett at Whitsunday Green Golf Club, with a great score of 18 points.

Running in second was Andrew Gomez on 17 points and coming in third was Glenn Rees with 16.

Fridays 9-hole Stableford was very close with all three on 19 points, but first place went to Ryan Kenny, second to Scott Morrisey, and third for Justyn Durbin.

Terry Kimpton played Adam Singleton with Adam taking the one-up win, while Brad Low played Scott Morrissey in which Scott won one-up after the 19th hole.

David Wallace played Deeray Fo’ou with David taking the win with an astounding 13-up win.

This Sunday’ Competition is an 18-hole Skins with a tee off at 10am, while December 18 will be the final monthly medal for 2022 with a Christmas celebration to follow.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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The Proserpine Junior Cricket Association’s under 13 Pitbulls side took on the Magpies White on the weekend in the sugar city with rain threatening.

The Pitbulls won the toss and elected to bat, with the U13’s batting objective to bat for the entire 25 overs but move the scoring along without losing unnecessary wickets.

With a strong south-easterly and occasional light rain, the team executed well with the first 5 batsmen retiring not out after their initial 20 balls.

O. Seamer 10, J. Rock 23, K. McLoughlin 13, M. Logan 18, and W. Logan 18.

The first wicket fell with the score on 108 (A.Geisel 5), however the team continued to push the score along with J. Lawn retiring 17, J. Geisler 14 and B. Childs 6.

In line with the tournaments time rule, the Pitbulls innings ended after 22 overs at 1- 159.

The Magpies innings started with the light rain clearing and the outfield now drying out.

The Pitbulls bowlers started extremely well, with the opening pair K.McLoughlin and M.Logan both taking early wickets.

The Pitbulls bowlers continued to apply bowling pressure and the introduction of O.Seamer into the attack provided a match winning blow.

O. Seamer securing three wicket hattrick in his first over and ending with figures of 3–8 off his two overs.

It was a very good all-round team bowling effort with the remaining wickets being shared amongst the other bowlers.

The Magpies innings ended all out for 54 runs and the Pitbulls winning the game by 105 runs.

The player of the match could only be O. Seamer, with a bowling hattrick in his first over and ending with the bowling figures 3-8.

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Logan

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Ollie Seamer, the Proserpine Pitbull’s U13s Player of the Match against Mackay Magpies

The Airlie Beach Darts Christmas Open Final saw Jamie Woods and Dom Friend battle it out in a best of nine sets for the Christmas crown.

First up, though, was the third and fourth place match up, a best of seven sets between Andy Peel and Seumas Rose.

Andy took the first set 3/2, but Seumas bounced back to take the second set 3/1. And so the story went in the second and third sets with Andy claiming the third 3/1 before Seumas replied in kind in the fourth with the same scoreline of 3/1.

But it was in the fifth and sixth where Andy made his move, claiming both 3/1 3/1, and with it, the match by four sets to two.

Then it was onto the final: Jamie Woods claimed the first two sets and was looking strong early doors.

Dom replied in devastating fashion however, winning the next three sets on the bounce to make it three to two to Dom.

Jamie struck back in the sixth to level the match at three all, and everyone was sensing that this one was going down the wire.

Dom stuck to his task and wasn’t fazed, winning the seventh set to again put Jamie under pressure to win the next set to stay in the match and this year’s Open.

Class players always find a way, and Woodsy mustered every ounce of his skill to level the match again at 4 sets all to take it into the deciding set much to the joy of everyone watching.

But a dogged Dom Friend was not going to be denied his second Xmas Open title -- he found a way.

It was an incredible turn of events, and an incredible win by Dom. Congratulations to both men on a great afternoon’s entertainment, and a great note to end a huge season on.

Thanks to participants, Mika Airlie Beach for hosting us this year, and this year’s sponsor, Dyson Automotive.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Dom Friend lifting the Xmas Open for the second time at Mika Airlie Beach

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On Wednesday night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club presented the Queensland LC team with their state shirts.

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Jacob Dewis, Remy Hedges, and coach Mark Erickson for making the Cannons 2022 State Team.  

They will head to the Queensland LC Championships held in Brisbane from December 10 to 16.

At the start of club night, Giselle Burton presented Don Algie and Piper Walker with Chocolate Awards for their new best personal bests (PBs).  

Upgrade Certificates were presented to Piper Walker and Max Smith, and extra congratulations go to Jy Parkinson, Ehsan Helou, and Jax Clayworth for their new Club Records.  

Club Night highlights included: Top performer of the night Maeve Dichieria, aged seven, smashing out three personal best times.

Isabella Pisaniello swam a super 100-metre Breaststroke in 1.51.90 which was a 13.06 second personal best.

Tora Delac swam a fantastic time of 1.11.42 in her 100-metre Freestyle taking 4.86 seconds off her previous best.  While her brother, Harris, also swam an excellent time of 1.38.35 in his 100-metre Freestyle and swam a 1.21 second personal best in his 50-metre Backstroke.  

Alessa Penglasse- Fortunato swam extremely well in her 50-metre Freestyle and 100-metre IM, setting personal best times.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who achieved PBs:  Abi Maher, Lily Maher, Celeste Orenshaw, Holly Perrin, Piper Walker, James Davies, Ehsan Helou, Jasper Korosec, Molly Smith, Lukas Trevaskis, Millah Walker, Don Algie, Harry Chegwidden, and Billie Jamieson.  

Swimmers are looking forward to next week’s Christmas themed Club Night. A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who assisted, and continue to assist, with the running of Club Nights over the year.

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Max Smith with his upgrades at Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club

The Cannonvale Cannons’ Queensland LC Team

Tora Delac coming through the Cannons' tunnel

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Image: The Queensland Firebirds defeated the Sunshine Coast Lightning to claim the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup in Mackay. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Queensland Firebirds finally took to the court at Mackay Multisport Stadium last Saturday, taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup.

It’s been almost a year since the Firebirds announced their intentions of visiting the sugar city and Mackay netball fans were hungry, turning out in force to cheer their team home.

The match started in a physical, end-to-end fashion, with both shooters rarely missing.

The first of five ten-minute periods finished with the Firebirds down 13-14.

The second period played out in a similar affair, finishing with the Lightning on 24 to the Firebirds’ 22.

It wasn’t until the third period that the Firebirds took the lead for the first time, starting the period with four quick goals.

The Lightning finished the period with a Super Shot on the buzzer, bringing the Firebirds’ lead back to 38-32.

The Firebirds started to find their groove in the fourth period, stretching their lead out to 47-38.

The Lightning started the fifth period strongly, but the Firebirds refused to relent, cranking up the heat to finish the game 56-46 victors.

It was Firebirds Coach Bec Bulley’s first game in the role, saying she found the Mackay crowd “incredible”.

“I was a little bit nervous before the game, but I’m so stoked with the win and how everyone played,” she said.

“I think these opportunities would mean so much to these country people.

“I hope everyone enjoyed it because we certainly enjoyed playing in front of the local crowd.”

The Firebirds hosted a Night With The Firebirds dinner the previous night and coaching clinics the morning of the match with Firebirds defender Remi Kamo describing her time in Mackay as “wonderful”.

“How good’s Mackay?” she exclaimed.

“It was wonderful getting to see so many different young athletes at the clinic, catching up with Mackay Netball Association and seeing what they’re all about, it was really hot but it was worth it for all the smiling faces.”

View gallery: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/firebirds-bring-the-heat-to-mackay

Image: Jasmine Peters, Marco Peters and Emma Manzelmann. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Mackay Cutters have announced their sixth team in the statewide Queensland Cup competitions with the inclusion of the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership team.

The announcement comes following the North Queensland Cowboys entry into the NRLW and provides a direct pathway to the game’s top league, with players from the North Queensland Gold Stars (Townsville) and Northern Pride (Cairns) systems to be involved in the Cutters squad.

“We’re really excited and proud to have the team represented out of Mackay and it’s going to be great for our pathway here for women’s footy,” said Cutters CEO Mitch Cook.

“To include a senior women’s team is the future of our game and in Mackay, we produce so much talent in the male and female game.”

It is hoped that the BMD Premiership season will transition into the NRLW season, allowing players to be eligible for both competitions.

“It provides a direct pathway for our local girls to progress from junior rugby league to the NRLW competition within our own region,” said Cutters Head of Football Kim Williams.

“It is an extremely exciting time for women’s rugby league in Mackay, and we look forward to working closely with the North Queensland Cowboys as they prepare for their first season in the NRLW competition.”

New BMD Premiership Cutters Coach Marco Peters has long been a coach, mentor and advocate in the women’s game and with training already underway, he said he has high hopes for the Cutters’ inaugural season.

“We’ve got a really good squad so we just want to build off that … we should go really well, we should be very competitive,” he said.

“We’re a genuine pathway to the Cowboys … and that’s our job, to get them ready for that.”

Former North Queensland Gold Stars Emma Manzelmann and Jasmine Peters both made their NRLW debuts earlier this year for the Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans respectively and are excited to play in front of their home crowd with the Cutters next season.

“Playing for your hometown means more,” said Ms Manzelmann.

“Showing the younger generation what pathway there is to follow from U13s right through and with the Cowboys coming in next year, there’s literally the whole pathway right up to NRLW.”

“I’m really excited to see what will happen next year,” added Ms Peters.

“I started my journey with football in Mackay so to bring it back to local is just amazing.

“I’m just hoping to guide (teammates) and show them what it takes at this level … and make the next step to NRLW.”

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The season finale of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia came down to the wire in the Championship Round with Singleton’s Cody Heffernan claiming both the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals event title and the 2022 PBR Australia National title.

Starting the event 72.5 points behind reigning champion Aaron Kleier of Clermont, Heffernan dominated night two covering all three of his bulls in front of a sold-out crowd at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

The 33-year-old put on a bull riding masterclass that kept the entire arena on their feet and asserted his dominance on the sport’s biggest night.

The Townsville crowd were on the edge of their seats after Kleier posted a 90-point ride on Mystery.

The 2021 YETI Bull of the Year was tamed by Heffernan, garnering him 92 points, the highest score of the event.

Heffernan then earned the highest score of the night with 92, launching him into first place on the event leaderboard.

The Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre held its collective breath when finding out whether Kleier, the 24-year-old from Clermont, would claim a fifth consecutive national title or if Heffernan would earn his second golden buckle.

Ultimately just 2.5 points separated the two riders, with Heffernan reigning supreme and taking home the title and the $68,500 pay-day.

“I can’t really remember it, I was just hanging on,” Heffernan said of his ride on Cattle King Boogers Beach.

“I knew I had to ride him and do anything after Aaron rode that bull (Mystery).

“I just knew I had to ride him if I wanted to have a shot at winning it.”

In the bull pen, Bloomsbury’s Dittmann Bucking Bulls capped off a dominant year, taking home the YETI Grand Finals Bulls Team, Contractor of the Year and Roid Rage taking out the YETI Finals High Point Bull of the Event as well as Bucking Bull of the Year.

“He’s been an outstanding bull,” team owner Jason Dittmann said of Roid Rage.

“He’s become pretty special to us.

“I can’t ask any more of that bull, we love him.

“The whole team’s been good all year.

“I can’t ask any more of the bulls and even my team here, my family, everyone who helps out, I can’t ask for more.

“Everyone gives 100 percent, I’m so happy.”

Koumala’s Qynn Andersen was also crowned Rookie Rider of the Year, finishing fourth on the national standings on 645 points.

PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals

Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre – Townsville, Queensland

Event Leaders (Round 1-Round 2-Round 3-Round 4-Round 5-Event Aggregate-Event Points)

1. Cody Heffernan, 0-0-86.5-87.5-92-266.00-160 Points.

2. Lachlan Richardson, 84-84.25-85.75-0-0-254.00-116 Points.

3. Aaron Kleier, 82-0-0-0-90-172.00-85 Points.

4. Jake Curr, 80.75-86-0-0-0-166.75-67 Points.

5. Brock Radford, 0-87.5-0-0-0-87.50-60 Points.

6. Qynn Andersen, 0-87-0-0-0-87.00-45 Points.

7. Lachlan Slade, 0-86-0-0-86.00-29 Points.

8. Kurt Shephard, 0-0-0-85-0-85.00-22.5 Points.

8. Nick Tetz, 85-0-0-0-0-85.00-27.5 Points.

10. Michael Smith, 0-0-83.5-0-83.50-12 Points.

11. Clint Glass, 0-0-0-83-83.00-10 Points.

12. Braith Nock, 0-0-82.75-0-0-82.75-8 Points.

13. Kelsey Pavlou, 0-0-82-0-0-82.00-6 Points.

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Image 1: Cody Heffernen andPBR Australia General Manager Glen Young

Image 2: Cody Heffernan onboard 'Cattle King Boogers Beach' for 92pts

Image 3: Aaron Kleier and'Russian Roulette' for 82pts in the first go-round

Image 4: Jason Dittmann ofDittmann Bucking Bulls and his sons. Photos supplied

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Six of Mackay’s sporting best – that aptly sums up the St Patrick’s College Queensland Honour Roll for 2022.

Tokyo Olympic Games swimming triallist Tom Henderson heads an impressive list of St Patrick’s students that left their mark in the sporting arena this year with outstanding performances at national level.

Backstroke sensation Henderson was joined by Mackay Meteorettes basketball forward Charli Bliss, State hockey aces Haiden Mellifont and Kaleb Mayfield, Queensland Schoolgirls cricket all-rounder Meghan McCartney and softball young gun James Allen.

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17-year-old HENDERSON – a product of the Mackay Swimming Academy – represented Queensland with distinction at the 2022 National Swimming Championships and Australian Age Swimming Championships in Adelaide and National Short Course Swimming titles in Sydney.

At this year’s National Schools Swimming Championships in Brisbane, Tom collected bronze medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke events and was part of the crack Queensland Open relay teams that won gold and broke two Australian records.

Tom also clinched gold in the 17yrs Boys 200m backstroke at the Australian Age Championships.

Under the tutelage of legendary coach Pat Wright – who has trained Olympians including Linda Mackenzie, Justin James, Nick Ffrost and Geoff Huegill – the emerging Henderson is somewhat of a late bloomer in the sport of swimming.

He showed promise in rugby league and Surf Lifesaving before taking his swimming seriously at the age of 12.

Last season at the age of 16 the exciting backstroke prospect participated in the Tokyo Olympic trials in Adelaide, gaining valuable experience and competing against his swimming idol Mitch Larkin, one of the current Australian Olympic golden boys.

If Tom continues his rapid development in the pool then the sky’s the limit for the Mackay schoolboy who is now well on the radar for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

CHARLI BLISS is touted as one of the best basketball forward prospects in Queensland and showed her credentials at the National Under 18 Championships in Ballarat earlier this year and with Mackay Meteorettes in the NBL1 competition.

A local product, Bliss has represented the Meteorettes since the age of 12 and was also named in this year’s Queensland North State Under 18 team and the Basketball Queensland 2022/23 Under 18 State Performance Program (SPP).

The SPP is Basketball Queensland’s second tier high-performance program for players aged under 16 and under 18, which has seen identified athletes go on to represent Queensland and Australia, play in both the NBL and WNBL and secure college scholarships in the United States.

To prepare herself for elite basketball, the fast-developing Charli participated in a six-week intensive training program before returning to her club side Renegades and making an impact in the Mackay Basketball Association.

JAMES ALLEN has made every post a winner in the sport of softball this season.

The outstanding catcher was co-captain of the Queensland Under 16 representative team that finished runners up to NSW during this year’s National Softball Junior Championships staged in Blacktown, Sydney.

A powerful batter, James caught superbly and hit several home runs to help the Maroons down the Blues in three entertaining tussles throughout the tournament – only to watch his Queensland team stumble at the final hurdle for the Arthur Allsopp Shield.  

As a reward for his polished displays, young Allen was named the Most Valuable Player of the championships.  

QUEENSLAND Schoolgirls representative cricket captain Meghan McCartney is a young all-rounder in a big hurry.

The 17-year-old Brothers Cricket Club product continues to shine in both the junior and senior grade mens ranks and has just linked with the Valley Cricket Club in the Brisbane Womens Premier League first grade competition.

Meghan, a stylish top order bat and prolific pace bowler, skippered the Maroons schoolgirls in the annual interstate challenge fixtures with NSW and racked up some big scores and took a bulk of wickets during the drawn series earlier this year on the Sunshine Coast.

The Capricornia representative captain piloted St Patrick’s/Mercy College to a Queensland State Twenty20 Schools Challenge championship title last October and is freely tipped to earn selection in the Queensland Country womens team for the upcoming National Country Cricket Championships to be staged in Canberra during January.

DYNAMIC hockey duo Haiden Mellifont and Kaleb Mayfield are firmly established in the current Hockey Queensland Under 18 State squad for 2022-23.

The 16-year-old Capricornia schoolboy reps hail from the strong Mackay Hockey Association and turned in consistent displays at an elite level this season.

Young gun Haiden was named in the Queensland Representative School Sport 19yrs Hockey Merit Team and claimed the Best & Fairest trophy for his superb performances in this year’s Mackay Hockey A2 Mens competition.

Mellifont and Mayfield impressed keen judges with classy displays for Queensland Gold at the Hockey Australia Under 18 Championships in Cairns earlier this year.

By Chris Karas

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The last two weekends saw an influx of the state’s best U13 indoor hockey players in Mackay, with the sugar city hosting the 2022 U13 Indoor State Championships Boys from November 18 to 20 and Girls from November 25-27.

The tournaments were hosted by Mackay Indoor Hockey Committee at Pioneer State High School and saw over 200 people come to Mackay each weekend.

“Both tournaments were really successful,” said indoor Hockey Mackay’s Shelley Fisher.

“It’s great to have those young kids coming through to support and encourage that generation of future indoor hockey players.”

The first weekend saw the Mackay Boys finish their pool stage in third with one win, one loss and a draw.

“They were actually pretty unlucky, they missed a chance for the final in a penalty shootout,” said Ms Fisher.

The Boys came up against Brisbane 2 in the third-place playoff, defeating the visitors 5-2 to claim third in the tournament behind Rockhampton in first place and Toowoomba in second.

Mackay’s Hunter Herrington and Aston Paganoni finished the tournament with six goals each with Hunter named Player of the Tournament.

It was the Girls’ turn the next weekend, with the hosts finishing fifth after five tough losses throughout the tournament.

Maggie Collins starred, scoring two goals over the weekend.

Toowoomba claimed first in the state in the Girls followed by Maryborough and Cairns.

“All the kids, they had a great time, it’s competitive, but they all have fun which at that age is probably what’s most important for us,” said Ms Fisher.

Ms Fisher said the tournament couldn’t go ahead without the work of the Mackay Indoor Hockey Committee.

“It’s all volunteer based, it’s a massive amount of work for both those weekends but it’s great for the town, it’s great for indoor hockey and we love hosting it,” she said.

Photo credit: BVM Visuals

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Image: Queensland Country Under 17 squad

Boom St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league colts Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue and Kai Simon were officially recognised in 2022 by earning Queensland Country Under 17 representative jumpers.  

The talented trio – who enjoyed tremendous success at schoolboy and Junior League level this season – produced strong performances to help Country topple Queensland City 38-20 in the annual Under 17s challenge at Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium.  

It was a fine achievement by the St Patrick’s students and North Queensland Cowboys scholarship recipients who captured the imagination of senior rugby league officials with their skill and durability during a hectic sporting calendar.  

Wily hooker Kerrisk scored one of Country’s six tries and dynamic centre Simon bagged a personal tally of 14 points after potting seven goals.  

The representative honours capped a big fortnight for the dynamic Simon and Kerrisk, who had earlier captained the Wanderers club to an Under 17s premiership win over Purdue’s Norths Devils in the Mackay & District Junior League competition.  

All three were key players for the St Patrick’s College first grade team that reached both the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup Schoolboy Grand Finals during a momentous 2022 campaign.

Emerging number nine Kerrisk and skilful half back Purdue will attend a special camp in Townsville during December as part of the Cowboys Young Bucks squad.

Other promising St Patrick’s rugby league colts invited include top forwards Liam Doherty, Matthew Watts, gun centre Kai Simon (Under 21 Young Guns) and lock forward Kayne Smith and classy utility back Will Shears (Young Bucks).

Simon is pictured back row second from right in this Queensland Country Under 17 representative team photo with Kerrisk and Purdue (seated second and far right).

The Cowboys will set up an Indentified Players Capricornia Academy to develop the skills and prepare emerging talent for the rigours of NRL football.  

Identified St Patrick’s players will receive specialised league tuition during clinics from Cowboys’ full time coaching staff at the Mackay school grounds throughout the year.  

The Cowboys would help develop these players’ core skills, game sense, techniques and physical ability to compete at a higher level.  

By Chris Karas

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Last Saturday was the annual Men’s Presidents Day. A big field of 48 players including past president and past patron Barry O’Neil took part in a most enjoyable afternoon. Prizes were presented by President Eric, with first prize going to Greg McLean and Vern Mietzel. A triples team of visitor Geoff Davis with Doug Dungavell and Ray McCarthy came second. Several raffles were drawn, and a great day was had by all members.

Monday mixed pairs draw was won by Doug Dungavell and Peter Miller. Second draw winners were Eric Galletly and Peter Cowling and the third draw was won by Greg McLean and Dave Evans.

Wednesday ladies’ winners were Lurline Ford and Cheryle Corbett, with Sue Roscoe, Doris Dodds and Lois Deguara in second place.

Thursday mixed pairs first draw was taken out by Helen Goldston, and Lyn Tennant. Second draw winners were Anne Bailey and Barry Mount. Greens vouchers were won by Mick Walsh, Graeme Hawke and Shane Trannore.  The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs best card winners were Lois Deguara and Isla Comelli who took home $75 each. Lucky draw winners were Debbie Mackenzie and Jean Zamparutti with Wayne Mietzel and Andrew Coates next. The kitty toucher was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Images: President Eric Galletly mans the box on Saturday

             President Eric Galletly is backed by many players on Presidents Day last Saturday

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Image 1: Dylan Secher finished 8th in the country in the 11-year boys at the Auscycling BMX National Championships

Image 2: A large contingent of Mackay BMX riders travelled to Launceston for the event. Photos supplied

Mackay BMX rider Dylan Secher has finished 8th in the country in the 11-year boys at the Auscycling BMX National Championships held in Launceston last week.

Dylan competed against 44 of the best 11-year boys from all over Australia.

He placed 2nd in his first moto and then went on to win his following 2 motos, to progress to the quarter finals, which he also won convincingly.

From there he progressed to the semi-finals, also placing first.

This earned his spot in the finals, where he placed 8th.

The Mackay and District BMX Club member is fairly new to the sport and has only been competing for 2 years.

Dylan’s brother Beau also competed at the National Championships along with Mackay riders Liam Wilson, Travis Chilton, Aidan Parish, Bailey Smith, Tyler Smith, Connor Parish, Brodie Wilson and Brock de Silva.

Contributed by Michelle Tickle

Final Results For Mackay and District BMX Club Riders

Superclass

27th (quarters) Brock de Silva

Junior Superclass

12th (semis) Connor Parish

25th (quarters) Brodie Wilson  

42nd Tyler Smith

9 Boys

21st (quarters) Liam Wilson

10 Boys

40th Beau Secher

11 Boys

8A Dylan Secher

11th (semis) Travis Chilton

14 Boys

15th (semis) Bailey Smith

23rd Aiden Parish

15 Boys

24th Tyler Smith

16 Boys

13th (semis) Connor Parish

29th Brodie Wilson  

17-24 Men

15th (semis)  Brock de Silva

8 - 10 Cruiser Boys

19th (quarters) Liam Wilson

23rd Beau Secher

10- 11 Cruiser Boys

30th Dylan Secher

13-14 Cruiser Boys

14th Aiden Parish

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Marking a decade of teaching the children of the Whitsundays how to swim, Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle has carved out a reputation for quality instruction and dedication to safety while nurturing the unique personalities of each child.

Taking home three national awards over the past few years, they were awarded Best Swim Safer Swim School in Australia for their advanced system which sees them run a Swim Safer Week each term instead of once a year.

“Living so close to the ocean and with swimming part of our everyday lives here in the Whitsundays, it is so important for all children to learn how to swim safely in the water,” said owner, Danielle Shea.

The PJ Masks National Swim Safer Week took place last week and students learnt how to pull themselves out of the water wearing clothes, what to do if they accidentally fell in and the importance of not jumping in to rescue a friend, among many other safety tips.

Having also won the Swim Australia Swim Teacher of the Year in 2021, Danielle has reached the pinnacle of her career and frequently travels the country giving informational talks for Swim Australia.

Celebrating 10 years in business, Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle is inviting everyone in the community to come down to their pool party on Saturday December 10 from 12pm – there will be the Rilo ice-cream van – bring your swimmers along for some fun in the pool.

You can also register for the school holiday five-day Intensive Week from December 12-16 and enrol for term 1, January 2023 on the day.

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Last week’s Swim Safer Week

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Image: The end of year festivities have begun for Pioneer Swim Club. Photo credit: Trevor Seedwell

The Festive Season has been welcomed with a bang by Pioneer Swim Club.  

The past week has seen our final Club Night for 2022 where our annual Christmas Party was enjoyed by all swimmers as well as our Club travelling to Bowen for the last carnival for 2022 and more Christmas fun.

The last Club Night for 2022 was held Thursday, November 24.  

All swimmers received a gift from the club and many swimmers acknowledged for results achieved at recent meets and those travelling to Queensland Championships in December.

Fun then transpired with the parents’ race (with a side of heckling), parents versus kids relays and an inflatable relay.

The Bowen Carnival holds a special status for our club – although a small meet, it is one that our club does not like to miss.

Over 40 swimmers travelled to enjoy not only a weekend full of swimming, sun, beach and exceptional results but also more Christmas festivities.  

Coach Igor took on the role of Santa handing out gifts to each of the children and a Christmas feast then followed.

The Club will now break for a few weeks, but will be back in the New Year, Club Nights recommencing on 5 January.

Pioneer Swimming Club wishes all its members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Bowen local Beau Willis competed in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Grand Finals held in Townsville last Friday night.

Having spent 15 years competing professionally in the sport, the 32-year-old Willis has achieved the rank of 106th in the world.

Knowing he wanted to be a bull-rider from the age of six, Willis participated in the high school rodeo and has since travelled the world, competing professionally and going up against the best in New Zealand, Mexico, America, and Malaysia.

Ranked within the top 18 in the country, Willis recently made the APRA (Australian Professional Rodeo Association) finals in Rockhampton earlier this year.

Last weekend, however, was the main event for the Bowen-born lad at the PBR Grand Finals.

Going into the event with a hand injury, Willis tried his best but unfortunately was thrown off the bronc each time.

Despite the setback, Beau is forging onwards and looking forward to the next event.

Determined to bring bull riding back to Bowen, he is currently raising funds to bring an annual rodeo to the famed mango town.

To do this he will need to re-build the arena at the Showgrounds, turning it into a multi-sport complex.

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Beau Willis competing

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