Mackay SLSC Nippers recently held their break up on Sunday March 13, in a culmination of their seven month season.  

The morning celebrated the development of young lifesavers which began with training in July, season start in September, attendance at Alma Bay, Townsville, Forrest Beach, Ingham, Sarina and Yeppoon surf carnivals, as well as the North Australian Titles and an interclub Tri-Series between Eimeo, Sarina and Mackay, both held at Mackay’s Harbour Beach.

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Director of Surf Sports Joshua Grant said the club was so proud of the achievements of their nippers this season, with success coming in many forms.  

Seeing how our young lifesavers develop from the start of the season, where some can be a little nervous about hitting the surf, to where they are now at the end of the season, where you can hardly get them out of the water, is very pleasing,” Mr Grant said.

“We have had nippers training hard and taking out big surf sports events, but on the other hand have nippers - particularly our ‘Green Caps’ U6/7’s - that just have a really fun time with their friends at our Sunday morning nippers’ program.”

Mr. Grant also made the point of thanking the Nipper Family, especially parents, for their contribution to the club throughout the season.  

“Whether that be helping with beach set up, repairing boards, running the canteen, helping with activities, cooking the BBQ and getting nippers to training and Sunday mornings, all of this time and effort does not go unnoticed,” he said.

“Before we started presentations of awards, the nippers all gave their mum, dad, grandma or granddad a big hug to say thank you!”

The Nippers will be joining the senior members for a ‘Back to the Beach’ afternoon on 14 May, which will see members take each other on in the club championships followed by formal presentations and social drinks.

Participation Awards for Consistent Nippers over the season:

Green Caps Bella Bradley, Esme Conroy, Harper Cowan, Hugh Johnson, Isabelle Linke,

Lincoln Amos, Tayla McGuiness, Evan Grant, Harry Cown, Lachlan Griffiths

U8’s Karas Faith, Finn Hudspith, Jakob Djukic, Milla Read, Talon Close, Evie McCarthy

U9’s Ash Smith, Harry Madden, Jake Hudspith, Johnathon Grant, Kellan McLean, Kody Amos

U10’s Ash Johnson, Felix Boeck, Jermaine Burley, Logan Ivory, Magenta Newland, Zavier Virgona

U11’s Isabella Grant, Joseph Madden, William McCarthy

U12’s Cooper Jayo, Meliana Craig, Xaver Boeck, Zac Johnson

U13’s Molly Madden, Bodie Mau

Contributed by Director of Surf Sports Josh Grant

Mackay SLSC Nippers showing how proud they are to participate in the “Fun, Friends & Family” atmosphere that comes with being a lifesaver

MSLSC little champions & future of our club – the “Green Caps” U6 & U7 nippers enjoy being at nippers

U13’s Molly Madden (Junior Club Captain) and Bodie Mau receiving their surf award certificates.  Next season they will be able to complete their Surf Rescue Certificate and start patrolling our beaches alongside experienced Lifesavers who will further mentor and train them.

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A season’s worth of hard work and hot afternoons in the sun culminated in grand finals last weekend for eight passionate cricket teams.

Mackay Cricket’s men’s one-day grand finals were played on Saturday afternoon across four grades.

FIRST GRADE

Norths took out the 1st Grade DBCT POOLE Cup final, narrowly defeating top-of-the-table Walkerston in a nail-biting finish on the main field at Harrup Park.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Norths were off to a shaky start at 3/45 before Lane Kohler and Wesley Dyer steadied the ship, creating a solid fourth wicket partnership and scoring 79 and 53 respectively.

Other contributions came from Chris Day with 22 and Joel Bruun with 19, helping Norths to a total of 204 all out after 44 overs.

The Walkerston bowling attack shared the accolades, with Nicholas Lotarski, Liam Newbery, Chris McEldowney, and Riley Jackson all taking two wickets each.

Walkerston were on their toes and quick in the field, with runouts accounting for the other two wickets.

With a target of 205 runs to win, Walkerston also made a slow start to the run chase, losing their first three wickets for 40 runs.

Another fourth-wicket partnership between Peter Blaik and Luke Jackson got things back on track, with the pair scoring 32 and 74 respectively.

Solid contributions further down the order came from Riley Jackson with 29 and Neil Gustavson with 22, but it wasn’t enough.

Walkerston batted out their 50 overs finishing on 8/200, frustratingly shy of the total set by Norths.

Kerrod Tortora was the pick of the bowlers for Norths finishing with 3/33 from 9 overs.

Mason Kohler and Joel Bruun took two wickets each and Michael Preston finished with one scalp.

“The win – bloody hell, that was pretty good,” said Norths’ captain Darryn Dyer.

“There was a core group of guys that kept showing up and putting in the hard yards.

“It was the first season for me as a captain, so it means a lot to me.”

SECOND GRADE

In another excitingly even match-up, the 2nd Grade DBCT Cup final between Pioneer Valley and Brothers ended in the most unlikely of draws.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Pioneer Valley were off to a flying start thanks to opener and captain Troy Thompson’s 67 runs off 93 balls.

Lachlan Altmann’s 46, Sam Casey’s 29, and Benjamin Schembri’s 24 all helped Pioneer Valley to their total of 6/207 from their allocated 40 overs.

Taylor Everson took two of the six wickets with Sam DiFrancesco, Matthew Tomerini, Adam Vanderlinde, and Nicholas Beardmore all pitching in with a wicket each for Brothers.

Brothers responded with consistent performances throughout their batting line-up, runs coming from Brett Simpson with 49, Taylor Everson with 41, Andrew Herbert with 27, Adam Vanderlinde with 24, and Matthew Tomerini and Luke Podosky each with 23.

Brothers finished their 40 overs also on 207 runs, losing nine wickets in the process.

Contributing with the ball for Pioneer Valley was Bennet Reginato with three wickets, Harry Kirkwood with two, and Benjamin Schembri, Lachlan Altmann, and Ranju Somanathan taking a wicket each.

In the event of a draw, the team that finished the season with the most ladder points are successful, meaning top-of-the-table Pioneer Valley walked away with the cup.

THIRD GRADE

In the 3rd Grade One Day Shield, Pioneer Valley Green came out as victors against Pinnacle in a close match coming down to the last few overs.

Pioneer Valley won the toss and sent Pinnacle in to bat, with 61 runs from Matthew Boyd, 28 from Joel Bennington, and 20 from Brodie Lyon helping Pinnacle to a total of 9/176 off their allocated 35 overs.

Many contributed with the ball for Pioneer Valley with Glen Maclean taking three wickets, Cody and Jade Filewood each taking two, and Dean Zeller and Karl Zarb taking one wicket each.

A rocky start from Pioneer Valley had them at 3/32 before grand final-winning knocks of 65 from Cody Filewood and 46 not out from Karl Zarb got them over the line with four wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.

Great bowling from Justin Teys with three wickets and James Cross, Matt Woodland, and Damien Russell with one wicket each gave Pinnacle a chance at defending their total, but it wasn’t quite enough.

FOURTH GRADE

Across the road at Abbott Park, Souths Sharks defeated Pinnacle Gold in the 4th Grade One Day Shield final.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Souths gradually built a solid total of 139 all out from 34.4 overs.

Contributions came from Kishan Bist with 35 runs not out, Sarajpal Singh with 29, and Gursimran Singh with 28.

Dhani Ram, Gurpreet Singh, Paramjeet Singh, and Tas So all took two wickets each for Pinnacle, with Ashley Fry taking one.

Pinnacle were off to a flying start with their top three Ashley Fry, Gurpreet Singh, and Jaswant Sandhu making 27, 31, and 19 runs respectively.

Souths then proceeded to tear through the rest of Pinnacle’s batting order, bowling them out for 106 in 32.1 overs.

Muhammad Wahab starred with the ball for Souths, finishing with figures of 4/15 off seven overs.

Kamal Giri took 3/19 off seven overs with Iqbal Singh, Ashish Rana, and Gursimran Singh taking one wicket each.

Congratulations to all teams on their successful 2021/22 seasons.

Norths defeated Walkerston in the 1st Grade final

Pioneer Valley and Brothers played out a draw in the 2nd grade final, with Pioneer Valley winning on ladder points. Photos: Kimberley Cahill

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Club night this week was a little quieter than normal with five Cannons representing North Queensland at the Queensland School Swimming Championships in Brisbane.  

Congratulations to Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, and Nelson Malady for being selected for the NQ team.

The Cannons would also like to commend Andrew Bell for being selected as an official for the championships.  

The Cannons presented Chocolate Awards to Don Algie and Koa Harland for their top PBs, and  congratulations to all the swimmers who were presented with Upgrade Certificates: Daniel Saunders, Celeste Orenshaw, Tiana Bell, Anisa and Ehsan Helou, Taj Murray, Jax Clayworth, and Lochlan Jamieson.  

Club Night Awards also extended its congratulations to Jax Clayworth on his latest Club Record.

Swimming highlights for the week were from star performers on Wednesday night Eloise Chegwidden, Ehsan Helou and Millah Walker.  

All three swam extremely well, swimming PBs in most of the events.

Millah Walker, 4, swam a massive 9.32 second PB in her 12 metre Butterfly, while Charlotte Trevaskis swam a super 50 metre Freestyle in a time of 48.69 seconds, a 2.75 second PB.  

Piper Walker swam an upgrade time for her 12 metre Butterfly in 15.99 seconds, and Matilda Dennison swam an excellent 50 metre Butterfly in 39.21 seconds.

Harris Delac and Maeve Dichiera swam really well in their backstroke events and achieved upgrade times.  

Declan Dichiera swam a super 50 metre Butterfly in a time of 57.41 seconds, a 3.62 second PB.  

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam personal best times on Wednesday, and well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night and big thank you to all the parents for their support - especially to the Algie family for the delicious curry!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Lochlan J Upgrade

Koa Harland Chocolate Award

Nelson Malady representing NQ

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On Saturday, in great conditions, 76 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.

Twelve of those were first timers and eight recorded new Personal Bests: Nyrie, Jaxson, Genevieve, Kirsty, Amanda, Geoff, Darelle, and Lynne.

The event was made possible by 16 dedicated volunteers: Kara Olver, Andrea Farley (Photographer), Chris Hands, Daniel Braddock, Leigh Donkers, Megan Drennan, Greg Olver, Suzi Bellert (Run Director), Christopher Harvey, Craig Boxer, Wendy McCall, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Aiden (Photographer), Laura Oates and Lynne Oates.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

The volunteer roster is already full for April 2, but no volunteer will be turned away, so send a message to airliebeach@parkrun.com if you’d like to join the team of volunteers.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment.

You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Parkrun

Photographer Andrea and Marshal Craig

Tailwalkers Chris and Lynne

The team of volunteers

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The Cowboys absolutely walloped the Raiders in their mid-March fixture in Townsville, but the game dominated by Valentine Holmes had a very special meaning for a few young Bowen rugby league fans.

Sixteen Bowen Seagulls Under 8 Junior players headed to Townsville to play on the professional level pitch in front of a massive crowd before the Cowboys did the very same.

They were facing up against the James Cook University Saints thanks to the Cowboys, who had given the club the opportunity to play pregame.

Kelly Telford, who attended on the night, said that the experience was one they would never forget.

The Seagulls, dressed in their red home kits, first met a special member of the team in the tunnel - the North Queensland side’s mascot, Bluey the Cattle Dog.

They streamed out on the field through a tiny Toyota banner and under the guidance of club volunteers, who were probably just as excited as the young ones to be in the centre of the pitch.

“The kids were nervous and excited and after they played, they thought they were very special,” Kelly Telford said.

“Some had never been to a cowboy’s game before.”

As they headed on their “lap of honour” the young Seagulls were met by Kyle Feldt, who was nice enough to stop mid warm-up and have a chat to some of the kids as they were leaving the grounds.

After the game a few of them were also able to get photos with Tom Reardon, Griffin Neme, and Tom Gilbert.

Following their pregame game, the Under 8s were treated to a tight first half and then a second half blowout in the Cowboys favour, which fans said was “the best [they’ve] seen for the last four years”.

It might just be coincidence, but the Seagulls may just be the Cowboys’ lucky charm, and there may very well be a future Cowboy in that Seagull line-up.

The Under 8s Bowen Seagulls who attended the Cowboys-Raiders game

The Seagulls were eager to head out on the field

The young ones faced up against James Cook University on the professional pitch

Seagulls meeting with Cowboys player Kyle Feldt

A brave Seagull crashing through the JCU offensive line in front of the Townsville crowd

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Living an island life has meant twin brothers Russell and Connor Harris have always been in or around boats, and the young pair’s hard yards on the waves are paying dividends as they head to the 2022 Queensland Open Skiff Championships this weekend.

They’ve been skiff sailing for just two years, but with their father a skipper and being a part of a sailing adventure as a family from Greece to Australia over a couple of years, the boys seemed destined to take up their own mast and hit the seas.

Proving to be the region’s emerging athletes, they have had recent success in the Under 13 division at the Open Skiff National Championships in January at Mannering Park Sailing Club, NSW - Russell placing 2nd and Connor 3rd.

The prodigal sons, who recently started high school at Whitsunday Christian College, split their training time between the Hamilton Island and Port Denison Sailing clubs.

This weekend, they will be competing at the 2022 Queensland Open Skiff Championships at Southport Yacht Club, and in mid-April in the Sail Airlie.

But it’s not just the weekend that these highly motivated twins have in their sights – their ultimate goal is competing at the ISAF Open Skiff World Championships in Carcans, France in July.

Their mum, Jeanette Harris, said that the French event represents an important regatta in their sporting development.

“They are excited and a little bit nervous - typical eleven-year-old boys so it’s a little bit hard to judge,” Jeanette laughed.

“I don’t know if it’s the twin factor that is the reason that they don’t over celebrate their wins, because you never know you if your twin brother will beat you next time!”

Alongside the Australian Sports Foundation, the family have launched funding campaigns to raise $5,600 each before the 1 May to cover regatta entry fees, boat charters and overseas travel and accommodation – they’ve raised $2,160 each so far.

You can donate to them each at the individual pages, with donations tax deductible: https://bit.ly/3DaqNC6 and https://bit.ly/3qwVCeT

Russell and Connor Harris on their Skiffs

(L-R) Russell and Connor at the Open Skiff National competition last year

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Tuesday Ladies Club singles, pairs and triples continue results to be published when concluded.

Mervyn Stewart’s Wednesday afternoon bowls is becoming very popular and the big winners this week were ably led by skipper Tony Whitehorn, with Mark Mawson at lead and Lu Rogan at second.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls penultimate round winners were Whitsunday Gold Coffees A team, Hadlow Racing, and Whitsunday Gold Coffees B team getting home on the last bowl of the night.

The big winners of the night coming from major club sponsors PRD with John Morris, Darryl Brewer and Matt Francis playing exceptionally well and donating their prize money back to the club – a wonderful gesture.

Saturday morning Scroungers first round winners were Margo Stanley, Neil Moore and John Askew with John Askew the major winner of the day.

Finally, Sunday afternoon Social Bowls big winners of the day were skippered again by in form Tony Whitehorn with lead Bill Gordon and Karen Jensen second over skipper Alan Pershouse, lead Lu Rogan and second Jill Spencer.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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On Wednesday Social Bowls Alen Sanderson, Jim Bownds, Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 27-15.

Men's competition is progressing well, with Club Championship Singles Scott Hamilton defeating Warren Wilson 25 – 17 and Garry Alexander defeating Philip Brown 25 - 9.  

In B Grade Singles Nathaniel Watts defeated Gavin Noonan 25 – 14 and Vince Olsen defeated Kendal Watts 25 – 6, and Bruce Uhe defeated Harry Craig 25 - 10.

On Sunday Social, Peter Lawton brought his grandson along to enjoy a game.  

Stanley played lead for both teams.  Stanley Lawton, Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown defeated Stanley, John Anderson, John Lahney, Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe 24 - 10.

Best Wishes to the Mackay District Men's Side who will be playing in the Challenge Cup at Atherton this weekend.  

B Singles Saturday April 2, 9.30am start

Vince Olsen v Bruce Uhe, markers to be advised

Club Championship Singles

Gavin Milne v Michael Kinnear. marker to be advised

2 Bowl Triples Saturday April 2, 1.30pm start

Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne v Harry Craig, Warren Wilson and Barry Saroglia

Club Championship Pairs

Nathan Dodds and Scott Hamilton v Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

L-R Sunday's Social players Bruce Uhe, John Lahney, Sandy Daffara, Peter Lawton and grandson Stanley, John Anderson, Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown and Arthur Griffith.

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This Sunday was the last opportunity for some to get their seasons up and running before we stopped for the first of our four scheduled breaks this year.

Saturday morning saw Jamie Maher take on Dom Friend in a rescheduled round three match.

The match was played online from home with the use of technology, Jamie taking the victory with a 7/4 scoreline, but Dom scored a nice 180 in that match.

On Sunday back at the club house, we had victories for Jamie Woods 7/0 over Aaron Paull, Jamie Maher 7/1 over Ross Gallichan, and Andy Peel 7/3 over Nathan O’Hara.

Kameron Reason hit his first 180 of the season in his 7/5 loss to Alan Green. Lorraine Woods had her best performance of the season so far, but it wasn’t enough to beat Seamus Rose, with Seamus winning it 7/4.

The last match was another rescheduled game from round three between Ross Gallichan and Seamus Rose.

Seamus was in fine form though, winning this one by a 7/3 scoreline. Seamus pocketing two impressive wins on the day.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika BBQ and Bar and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Ross Gallichan looking for a victory on Sunday

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club for the men and a 4BBB stableford for the ladies.

Ladies’ winners were Morag Parker and Elona Lynch 41 points each, runners-up Carol O’Connell and Kim Bennion on 40 points.

Men’s winner Gordon Brackley 38, with runner up Ray Sellen 37.

Split round started with the men’s 4BBB stroke event qualifying for doubles match play on Saturday, with winners Rodney and Xavier Miller 59, runners-up Liam Hillery and Gary Marks 61.

Sunday was the ladies’ 4BBB stroke event qualifying for doubles matchpla, with winners Robyn Slade and Lynelle Riley 62, runners -up Robyn Newell & Paulette Barrett 63.  

Turkeys’ nests Claire Garrod, Bonnie Kohlhase, and Janice Bates; nearest to pin Lynelle Riley with an OBP.

This weekend is another split round with Men’s and Ladies’ stroke event for the April monthly medals.  

Men play on Saturday, ladies on Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Ladies 4BBB winners Robyn Slade and Lynelle Riley

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The weather and the course both proved ideal for four ball best ball that were held Sunday 27, and attended by 28 WSY members.

Winners on the day for the team even were Wilf Herweg and Peter Fox on 44 points, Wayne Temby and Brendon Meharry on 43, Pam Casey and Mark MCDougall on 41 on a countback from Dean Kercher and Lew Tuck on 41.

Longest Drives went to Penny Wardroper, Joanne Moynihan, and Ron Jamieson.

Pin shots went to Tiina Randmae, Brendon Meharry, Anthony Gwalter & George Meharry.

Next week will be April monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Golf Club

Some of the players from last week’s Sunday Four Ball Best Ball

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Flick pest control and Justyn Durbin were the sponsors for the March Monthly Medal held on Saturday on a pleasantly cool day for a competition with a few cold ones.

Tyson Flavel took out top score with 48 nett,  Ryan Kenny was awarded the medal with 49 nett on the day and the newest player to join the list entrants for the 'Medal of Medallist', Danny York had a great round.

York came in four under the card at 50 nett with a zero handicap, and was the 'off the stick' winner for the day.

Nearest the Pin prizes were awarded to Glenn Rees, Deeray, and Adam Singleton.

Friday's 9-hole Stableford was won by Tim Walton on 22 points, followed by Andrew Gomex on 21 and Rhys on 20 points (count back win).

Sunday's stableford was won by Glenn Scott on 23 points, a count back win over Rob Lodders also on 23 and new player Renae Maxwell coming in third with 22 points.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Tuesday early evening tennis players were surprised when they arrived to find they were taking part in an impromptu tennis round robin.

Pairs were quickly established and headed out to play time-based rounds which encouraged quick play in between points.

Winners of the evening were Val and William.

Tuesday and Thursday night social tennis was a little slow this week, so the club is encouraging everyone to pick up the pace, lace up your shoes, grab your racquet or our racquet and get out on court to make a racket.

They will hold a Fun in the Sun Tennis Camp on Tuesday 5 April, 9am to 12.30pm.

The goal of the camp is to provide students the chance to enjoy and have a taste of tennis or brush upon skills over the holidays. Contact 0418 866 808 to register.

Thursday morning fit, fun tennis - the upbeat cardio workout on a tennis court was a hoot, with the girls on their toes.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Val and William with the Group and holding their Easter prize

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A light south easterly breeze greeted the 16 boats in last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race conducted on the waters of Pioneer Bay.

Flat water and a shifting breeze made for great racing for all competitors.

First away was Division Two, with eight boats participating, with plenty of action on the starting line as the boats jostled for the best starting position.  

QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) was deemed to have made the best start, taking the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.

With the shifting breeze, placings changed frequently as they approached the first buoy, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) around the buoy.  

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) made a slow start, as did Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), both playing catch up as the race progressed.  

Racing was close for much of the race, with Smooth Criminal first to cross the finishing line, also taking out the corrected time win over Reignition and Twister (Kevin Fogarty).

Division Three saw Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) leading the fleet away, however Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) soon took the lead from Shiraz (John Cable) and Rossgo (Greg Hammon).  

There was a gap back to Masquerade, sailing a lonely race, with Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) not far behind.  The corrected time results saw Shiraz taking the honours from Rossgo and Wobbly Boot.

Presentations at the club afterwards saw the Whitsunday Industrial Services SML prize going to Division 1 trimaran Overdrive (Rupert King), while the participant prize, sponsored by Soft Rigging Solutions, went to the race committee.

A fleet of seven took to the waters of Pioneer Bay on Sunday for the first two heats of the WSC Challengers Cup series.  

At the scheduled starting time, there was insufficient breeze to set the course, resulting in a delay to the start.  Eventually everyone got away at 11:55 in a light easterly breeze.  As the day progressed, so the wind changed, ranging from 6 to 18 knots.

As expected, Back in Black (Michael Van Der Zwaard) dominated on the water, finishing well clear of the fleet.  Back in the main fleet, however, Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez), after slow starts in both races, worked their way forward, hotly contested by Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), while Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) kept them all honest.

After two races, and taking corrected times into consideration, Wobbly Boot won the day with two wins, while a three-way tie for second saw Back in Black, Seventh Heaven (Charlie Preen) and Treasure VIII all on equal points.

There are just two weeks to go to the annual Easter regatta, and already over 40 entries have nominated for the four course areas on Pioneer Bay.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

‍Bobby’s Girl and QMS Ponyo

Treasure VIII

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While the entire tennis-loving world was in shock last week following the announcement that the Queensland born tennis superstar Ash Barty would be retiring at the top of her game, her dad Robert Barty arrived in Proserpine to share the news with a local crowd in a region he once called home.

On a mission to help motivate young children and families to achieve their dreams, Robert Barty, shared his daughter’s inspirational story and also managed to find time to answer the question on everyone’s lips – what will she do next?

Born in Bowen, Rob Barty spent much of his time in the region on the fairway of Proserpine Golf Course as a former amateur state golfer.

“It’s good to come home - I have a big soft spot for the region having grown up in Bowen as a kid,” Rob Barty said.

He moved away from Bowen in the early 80s, starting his family life in Brisbane and Ipswich, and raising his three daughters – one of them the future women’s tennis world number one.

His return to the region came after a discussion with his daughter Ash Barty about how hard it is “living in a little town like Bowen” to make Queensland and Australian teams.

“She said to me, why don’t we, and I mean you, jump in the car and travel around Queensland talking about my story,” Rob said.

“Tell parents, tell kids that anything is possible – you just have to work really hard.”

Rob has now been to over 70 clubs across the state, with only two of those metropolitan clubs.

In the interactive session in Proserpine, Rob told the story of Ash’s life, fielding questions on the star’s journey.

From the story of how she met her long-time junior coach, Jim Joyce, at the West Brisbane Tennis Centre at the age of four, right through to the scream she let out after her winning rally at last year’s Australian Open.

Ash came across as a mythologised sportswoman, destined to be the first Australian winner of the open in over 40 years – but most importantly, her dad reminded, she is a great person.

“When Ash was little, she had five rules from Jim, and they still apply today,” Rob said.

“Number one: have fun, two: be happy, three: be a nice person, four: show respect and be respected, and number five which was last on the list for a reason: if you can play tennis after those four, it’s an added bonus.”

Speculation around whether Barty will pick up another sport in the wake of her retirement at just 25 has been rife in the week since the shock announcement, and the questions flew in from the Proserpine players and parents.

A former Women’s Big Bash League player, cricket has been a forerunner, but it’s golf that seems to be the most obvious choice.

A scratch golfer herself, her swing having wowed even Tiger Woods, it would make sense coming from a golfing family that Ash would pick up the clubs if she does return to the sporting stage.

“She’s the best golfer in the house,” Rob said.

“I suspect she’ll play a bit of golf, but I don’t really know what she’ll do – I suspect she wants to have a family of her own.”

Most importantly, Rob said that Ash wanted to retire so she could spend more time inspiring and helping the young sportspeople of Australia to achieve their goals – especially those of Indigenous descent like herself.

The young Proserpine Tennis players were certainly inspired, and club officials asked Rob to extend an invite to Ash for a round of social.

Robert Barty, father of tennis royalty Ash Barty, arrived in Proserpine to inspire regional kids with his daughter’s story

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