
Mackay Basketball’s Holiday Hoops Camp has recorded its biggest turnout yet, with more than 140 young participants taking part across two days of basketball during the school holidays. The program, the second Holiday Hoops Camp held this year, proved a standout success and set a new participation record for the organisation’s holiday camp series. It was said that across the two days, the courts were filled with activity, with plenty of smiles, new friendships forming and a strong sense of enjoyment evident among participants. Mackay Basketball also acknowledged its coaching group, who volunteered their time to run the sessions. Coaches were recognised for their efforts in teaching, encouraging and supporting players throughout the camp, helping deliver a positive experience for all involved. The Holiday Hoops Camp continues to be a popular feature on Mackay Basketball’s calendar, providing young players with the opportunity to spend time on court during the school holidays in a structured and supportive environment. This latest edition has now set a new benchmark for participation, with organisers describing the two-day event as an “unbelievable couple of days of hoops.” With record numbers achieved, the program has again highlighted the strong level of engagement with basketball across the Mackay region, as local families continue to support opportunities for young players to get involved in the sport. The camp concluded after two full days of activity, marking another successful instalment of Mackay Basketball’s ongoing holiday program. Photo source: Mackay basketball (Facebook)
Read the full story
Mackay's Sinkers have continued to make waves in the pool, celebrating strong performances at both the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Perth and the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler. Peter T delivered an outstanding result at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships, returning to competition for the first time in 12 months to finish second overall in the 45–60 years age group. Competing across the three-day championships, Peter claimed an impressive medal tally of one gold and four silver medals, marking a successful return after an extended break from competition. Fellow Sinkers Nigel Dalton and Dan Stampa also impressed at the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler, producing a series of strong swims against a competitive field of 194 registered athletes. Nigel finished third in his age group, while Dan also secured third place in his respective age group. The pair briefly celebrated holding the Small Club Trophy before competition rules required the award to be presented to another club, with a minimum of three swimmers needed to qualify. With only two Sinkers competing, the trophy was officially handed to the Belgravia team during the Face-to-Face branch meeting. Both Nigel and Dan enjoyed some extra success away from the pool, each winning prizes in the event's multi-draw. The club congratulated all swimmers on their performances and thanked Brisbane Southside Meet organisers for hosting another successful competition. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
Read the full story
Seven days of Bridge were played at the Mackay Bridge Club last week. This included two evenings, Saturday, and Sunday for Novice (beginners) and Mentors. Mackay Bridge club ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for working people who want to learn bridge to participate after their bridge lessons. Four members played in the Townsville Congress, with Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy winning the A Section pairs. Diane and Max Holewa joined Terry and Janelle to win the Teams event. Members of the club are travelling to Bowen to participate in the Bowen Pairs Congress this weekend. Bridge is a social game, which encourages friendship, partnerships, fun and sometimes travel. Don’t wait until you retire, join next year when lessons begin. For more information, watch this space or contact the club. Weekly Results Monday 22 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Nancy Martin / Susan Ross 2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins 3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 3rd Janice Mansfield / Debra Goodchild 4th Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 4th Sue Mayer-Miller / Karen Caldwell Tuesday Evening 23 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Frances Brown / Rodney Miles 3rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger 4th Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Block / Diane Stokes 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt 3rd Terry Sheedy / Mick King 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz Thursday 25 June 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan 4th Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott Friday 26 June 2026 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Cowan / Mick King 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting 3rd Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole Saturday 27 June 2026 –- 13 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson 2nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 3rd Nancy Wix / Richard Wix 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 5th Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok Sunday 28 June 2026 – 7 Tables Green Points Novices and Mentors N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Rodney Miles 1st Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor 2nd Susan Ross / Joy Hold 2nd Colleen Riddel / Sue Mayer-Miller 3rd Christine Fitzpatrick / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Gillian McCallum / Ming Ting 4th Neila Quintero / Martin Pearce 4th Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin Contributed by Joy Block
Read the full story
More than 20 runners turned out in challenging conditions at Eimeo Surf Club on the weekend, including the dedicated Mackay Tri Club members who, after completing their run, took to the ocean for a "little" 2km swim. The 5km and 10km courses featured plenty of challenging hills through the Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads and Eimeo suburbs, providing an ideal hit-out for athletes preparing to taper ahead of the upcoming Gold Coast Running Festival and various Ironman events. Those who took shelter from the rain beneath the Surf Life Saving Control Watch Tower also enjoyed learning a few tricks of the trade about the delicate nature of the tummy, including checking that the milk is lactose free. A big thank you goes to Andrew Short for once again setting up a spectacular course. A legendary stalwart of the club, his ongoing contribution continues to be greatly appreciated. With a significant number of athletes away competing at out-of-town events, including the Gold Coast, Mackay Road Runners will instead host a social 5km and 10km run from Casu Jacks at Mackay Harbour this Sunday, starting at 7am. Participants are encouraged to bring along card or cash for breakfast, a cuppa and a chat, while celebrating the first run of the new financial year following 30 June 2026. All members and non-members are welcome to attend for a $2 race day fee. Please arrive by 6.50am for registration, the course briefing and club notices. Contributed by Janelle Tilse 6939 – John, Mon and Stef enjoy the early morning training session from the Eimeo Surf Club. 6942 – Bharick, Brij and Jo were ecstatic with their efforts in the 5k/10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6943 – Clinton, Gail and Jose enjoy a taper run before their Gold Coast Marathon events next weekend. 6944 – Kate loved the wet running conditions at the Eimeo Surf Club event. 6936 – Ella made light work of the 10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6931 – Damp unforgiving rains did not take the fun out of a social Mackay Road Runners event from Eimeo Surf Club. 6921 – Big smiles from all runners at the Eimeo Surf Club 5k/10km social Mackay Road Runners event. Photos supplied
Read the full story
Weekly Results
Monday saw the playing of a B4 Red Points event. Winners Janelle Conroy & Terrence Sheedy, followed by Helen Van Den Broek & Jan Harris. Sunday was the final Novice monthly Sunday for 2022, winners Faith Hutchinson & Griffin Bancroft, followed by Geoff Cowan & Sandy Patterson.
Monday 21 November 22 – 7 Table One Winner B4 – Red Points
1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
4th Ian Cruickshank / Maria Cruickshank
5th Robert (Bob) Ellis / Noel Bugeia
6th Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
Tuesday Evening 22 November 22 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
2nd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
3rd Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
4th Diane Morgan / Sandy Patterson
Wednesday 23 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor
3rd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell
4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole
E/W
1st Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait
2nd Ian Cruickshank / Antonia Tarradas
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
Thursday Evening 24 November 2022 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Ken Seaniger / Terrence Sheedy
2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
3rd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson
4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
Friday 25 November 22 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft
2nd Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
4th Marie McGuire / Diane Stokes
5th Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers
Saturday 26 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Broek
3rd Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris
4th Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes
1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown
4th Julie O’Neill / Richard Wix
Sunday 27 November 22 – 4 Table One Winner Novice Play
1st Faith Hutchinson / Griffin Bancroft
2nd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson
3rd Robert Carless / Diane Stokes
4th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

This week 62 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 8 were first timers and 5 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Mikayla, Robert, Mark, Duanne and Lilliana. There were no new milestones to celebrate.
The event was made possible by 16 amazing volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maree (run director) Chris, Sylvie, Margaret, Greg, Nathalie (photographer), Shane, Michael, Jess, Lilliana, Laura, Ken, Lynne and Joanne.
Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 4,361 participants have completed 22,732 parkruns covering a total distance of 113,660 km, including 2,644 new Personal Bests. A total of 365 individuals have volunteered 3,231 times.
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. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.
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.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun
Parkrun fun!

This week, Manny Isgro entered the finals at Pioneer Valley and Luke Kinnear and Warren Mills performed well in Mackay.
Tuesday afternoon bowls saw Lyn Graham and Ladda Purdie running away from all other players to win on the day.
Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls was also hotly contested and arranged evenly by Merve Stewart.
Skipper Tony Whitehorn, however, had other ideas and, teaming with Elaine Kippen, beat a star studded field for the prize money and Graham Cowling was delighted to win the prestigious Health Hub Award.
Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls is coming to an exciting conclusion with Airlie Splash of Colour (consisting of Brett Simpson, Matt Francis , Dan Grant and Ricky Parker) defeated for the first time by an amazing display of teamwork from skipper Glenn Frederiksen, Keith Dornoch and their team from Whitsunday Gold Coffee.
Wins to Blockheads, Hadlow Racing , Tuk Tuks and Woolies mean they can all win the coveted trophy.
Saturday morning Scroungers had its finale for the year with Graham Cowling winning the last spot for the semi-finals over Juanita Matterson and Steve Lawrie.
After the semi-finals, we were left with Andy McDougall, Nik Fernbach and Mark Mawson.
However, no one could stop Andy McDougall who ran away with the first prize.
Sunday afternoon saw Mario De Martini playing absolutely sensational bowls to run away with the prize and Lu Rogan winning the prestigious Health Hub award.
Late last week we also welcomed our new club Manager Phil Compling, owner of the Malpas Hotel in Home Hill, who will be using his years in the industry to make the club bigger and brighter so stay tuned for some amazing news to come.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
Finalists of Scroungers 2022: Mark Mawson, Andy McDougall and Nik Fernbach

Wednesday Social Bowls winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Paula Welsted, Jane Gilbert, and Jeff Tierney, with the trio defeating David Moodie, Gavin Charles, and Allen Williams.
Peter Wilson, Lorraine McArthur, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle joined the winners’ circle, defeating Mary Ellen Pratten, Peter Thomson, Ross Scanlon, and Steve Roome.
Sunday Scroungers Winners were Jill Brabon, Peter Bruce, Daryl Tuttle, and Daryl O’Connell.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Sunday Scroungers Winners Jill Brabon, Peter Bruce, Daryl Tuttle, and Daryl O’Connell

On Tuesday, Bron Tolcher, Penny Warren, and Margaret Wilson defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Mark Drummond to begin the week at Wangaratta Bowls Club.
The final of Men’s Triples was played on Saturday, which was won by Laurie Land, Kevin Daniels, and Barry Beel after defeating Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers. This concluded club competition for the year.
On Sunday our bowls sections’ AGMs were conducted, with thanks to club members who took on executive positions to continue the successful running of the club for 2023.
Congratulations to new Ladies President Margaret Wilson and Men’s President Mark Drummond.
After a High Tea and presentation, members enjoyed a game of bowls. Winners for the afternoon were Irene Laird and Geoff Danvers defeated Isobel Wheeler and Sugar Brunker.
Other winners were Deb Retchless, Penny Warren, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Bill Myers, Lyn Danvers, and Pat Tracey.
Laurie Land, Margaret Wilson, and Greg Colquhoun joined the winners’ circle too, defeating Sue Shearing, Robyn Stitt, and Allan Rolfe, Bron Tolcher, Linda Scells, and Mark Drummond claimed a victory as well, beating out Russell Tolcher, Peter Warren, and Ted Evans.
The club’s social bowls will continue as normal on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons, with names needing to be in by 1pm for a 1.30pm start.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
2023 Ladies’ and Men’s Presidents Margaret Wilson and Mark Drummond

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford sponsored by the club.
Ladies’ winner, Jo Goldup, finished with 38 points, followed by runner up Leanne Swan with 37. In the men’s it was a similar score: winner Kevin Cross topped the charts with 38, too, and runner up on a countback was Colin Stewart, 37.
Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.
Men's Winner was Chris Matheson, 41 points, with runner up Peter Randle on 39. Meanwhile the Ladies' winner was Julie Martin with 36 points, followed by runner up on a countback, Leanne Swan, 35 points.
This weekend’s competition at Bowen Golf Club is a single stroke event for the men’s and ladies December Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Tuesday Competition
The Club’s Tuesday Stableford with 15 players was won by Chris Brett on 37 points ahead of Peter Lewis on 36 points, Brian Smith 35 points, Michael Ward 34 points and Paul Gray 34 points taking the rundown positions. NTP’s were won by Albert Pini and Paul Gray.
Wednesday Competition
A Versus Par competition for the ladies on Wednesday saw 15 players competing with Trish McNeill winning top spot with a +3 score, closely followed by Brenda Cowan on +2 and Heather Luvis on +1, Leanne Alexander and Mandy Patterson completed the run down with –1.
Mandy also featured in the Division 1 NTP’s on 1 and 5, with Ann Gardel winning 1 and 5 also in Division 2.
Thursday Competition
A nice 41 points by Josh Norris on Thursday helped him into 7th and 9th position in the 4BBB competition played by 56 golfers. Nathan Sothmann and Trish McNeill were the winners on 46 points narrowly beating Jalen Jarvis and Elliot Woo on 45 points. Wayne Temby and Ron Jamieson were in 3rd place with 43 points. NTP’s went to Nathan x 2, John Grosskreutz and Brendon Meharry.
Saturday Competition
74 players competed in the MBW Stableford this week. Jayden Lloyd shot a very nice 3 over par round for 42 points to take out the men’s competition. Closely followed by Sam Deicke on 41 points, and Jason Bourke and Ken Granger in the run down with 38 points each. Jayden also took home the only 2 shot of the day, nice little pick up! NTP’s went to Steve Kelly, Ryan Wilkes, Rod Wecker and Matthew Goldman. For the Ladies NTP Trish McNeill and Jill Farinelli were the closest. Trish McNeill also won the ladies competition with 36 points, just edging out Jill Farinelli and Sherri Meade, both on 35 points. Penny Wardroper was in the rundown with 32 points.
Sunday Competition
Aaron Prosser continues on his handicap destroying run handing in a great score of 42 points on Sunday. A single figure handicap is within reach, keep up the good work! Ken Granger claimed 2nd with 37 points, and Ryan Wilkes, now on a +1 shot an even par round to take out 3rd with 35 points. Renae Maxwell shone in the ladies, winning the Sunday comp with 30 points, closely followed by Tessa Aitken and Paula McQuat, 29 and 28 points respectively. NTP’s were won by Ken Granger, Paula x 2 and Michael Jarvis.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

The Men’s and Ladies’ foursomes championships were held with 26 players competing.
Ron Jamieson and Don Cameron were the winning team for the men’s division followed by Danny York and Lew Tuck as runners up.
Penny Wardroper and Joanne Moynihan claimed the Ladies’ winning team with Pam Casey and Vicki Tuck taking the runners up.
Pin shots went to Danny York and Lew Tuck, Jason Bourke and Clay Coles, Geoff Harrison and Wayne Temby, Dean Kercher and Darren Reynolds.
Next Sunday will be Monthly Medal.
Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

Another great day of golf at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf on Sunday with 27 players out on the course.
It was President's team taking on the captain’s team, with the former taking the win the day with 402 points to the captain’s 387.
All the President's men and ladies received a free ball and now have bragging rights until next year when we will do the same again.
The major Stableford winners on the day for the ladies were Rehab Hull with 37 points, followed in second by Leanne Alexander with 35.
For the men, Billy Jesser topped the charts with 39 points and second was John Roser with 38.
Nearest the pins for the ladies went to Leanne Alexander, Mandy Patterson, in the hole, Jacqui Wall, Rehab Hull, and Paula McQuat on 9th, also in the hole. As well, Lyn Muller and Paula McQuat came nearest on 2nd and Mandy Patterson and Rehab Hull on 16th.
The men nearest the pin winners were Ken Granger and John Strelec on 9th, Trevor Paroz and John Strelec on 2nd, and John Oates and John Roser on 13th. Peter Browning and Leanne Alexander had chip-ins.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

This week’s 9-hole competition at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Joel McBride with 20 points, second on 18 was Justyn Durbin, and third was Andrew Gomez on 17.
The Friday stableford 9-hole was won by Chris Bartlett with a win of 20 points, second place was Glenn Rees with a nice 19, and third place went to Cameron Mutch with 18.
Sunday’s Monthly Medal competition was won by Asher Ventham with nett points of 45, followed by second-placed Tyson Flavel with a nett 54, and third went to Scotty Hayes Williams on nett 55.
We held two match plays on the Sunday’s Monthly Medal first team was between Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel with Tyson taking the win.
The second between Marc Belke and Tim Walton saw Marc take the win.
Nearest to the pin on Sunday’s monthly medal was Tyson Flavel and James Millar. This Sunday will be 18-hole stableford, play anytime.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club
Winner of Sunday’s Monthly Medal first team at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was Tyson Flavel

Friday December 2 sees riders contest the Under-21 Queensland 500cc State Title while on the following night the Open Championship will be decided.
Current Under-21 Champion, Flynn Nicol will be out to defend his title against the likes of up-and-coming-young guns Tate Zischke and Bradley Page.
Queenslander, Zischke has just become the NSW Under-21 Champion and will want desperately to add another title to his name.
Zischke won the NSW event at Kurri Kurri from local favourite, James Pearson and is in the line-up for the 2022 Aussie Title to be held at Adelaide’s Gillman Speedway on December 10.
The following night, 16 of the nation’s best riders will contest the Open Championship.
Current champ, Nick Morris is still overseas and won’t be on hand to defend his Title, however, Ryan Douglas, Jacob Hook, Jake Allan, Zaine and Declan Kennedy and Zane Keleher have all just returned from racing the European season and are all in red-hot form.
Declan took the honours in the recent meeting at Pioneer Park and again at North Brisbane, winning the Kennedy Cup.
Local and former International rider, Kozza Smith joins the line-up and after his performance at Pioneer Park, he is bound to give the young guns a shake-up.
The format for the Title will consist of five rounds of four heats. The top three points scorers will move straight into the Championship Final. The next four placegetters will contest a B-Final from which the winner will join the others in the Final.
A huge crowd is expected to attend what will undoubtedly be the biggest Speedway meeting in North Queensland this year.
Contributed with thanks to Sue Tapp.
Kennedy Douglas
Kozza Smith. Photo credit: Taylor Photographics
Zaine Kennedy. Photo credit: Taylor Photographics

The under 11s Proserpine Pitbulls had their second away game for the season, this time against the Mackay Magpies White on Saturday.
Captain Matthew tossed the bat which went to Magpies, who had no hesitation to pad up and set the total of 10/86.
With nine players, the Pitbulls would only have 13 balls each to play with. It was just enough, however, and the side finished with a respectable 8/92; their first win in the competition.
Under 13s Proserpine Pitbulls versus Pioneer Valley: The Proserpine side won the toss and elected to bat, with the team goal of batting all 25 overs to ensure that, with only seven players, they had a high enough score to defend.
Although the team did not bat for their 25 overs, they ended their innings with a solid total of 136 runs.
With a drying outfield and bowling into a moderate sea breeze, the Pitbulls set about defending their score, and put in the hard yards to bowl out all eight Pioneer Valley batsman for 85 in the 15th over.
The side remains undefeated.
Under 12s Proserpine Pitbulls versus Mackay Brothers: The Pitbulls arrived at Vigaro keen to make amends for an earlier round loss to Brothers.
Captain Lily Smith won the toss and elected to bowl. Her side knocked off all the Brothers’ batsmen with a score of 63.
Prossie’s turn with the bat, the game plan simple: 20 balls, 25 overs. And that’s just what they did.
Pitbulls finished at 3-107. A great team effort, following the game plan to a tee.
Under 15 Proserpine versus Pioneer Valley: This weekend’s round seven clash saw the first placed U15 Pitbulls face the second place Pioneer Valley.
The Proserpine boys took up the bat first, racking up an excellent total of 135.
Pioneer Valley were then sent out to bat with 136 required for victory. Despite Proserpine’s efforts, the home team won the game comfortably at 3-136 after 21 overs and ended the Pitbulls undefeated start to the season.
Contributed with thanks to Mike Hope, Mark Porter, Jack Valmadre, and Stephen Logan
Proserpine Cricket Association Under 11 first-time winners! Sean Green, Jaxson Farley, Matthew Hope, Jeandre Joubert, Bradley Hetherington, Kobi Whitty, Zahra Cale, Laura Bailey, and Ellen Smith

The final two players have been decided for this year’s edition of the Xmas Open.
Earlier in the week we had the first semi-final between the two-time champion and current defending champion, Jamie Woods taking on Andy Peel who was coming off a fine win over Jason Rockstroh in the quarter finals.
Jamie jumped out to a two-set lead hitting a lovely 130 check out along the way. Andy responded well by taking a set, but he never looked likely against Jamie who looked comfortable throughout winning the match by 4 sets to 1.
Playing in the other semi was Dom Friend who is the only other player to win this competition, taking on the challenge from Seumas Rose who has been playing very well all year to date.
The match looked dead and buried at 3 sets to nil in favour of Dom only for Seumas to rally in the fourth and fifth sets to claw it back to 3/2.
In the sixth set, both payers leg averages were high, well into the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, but with both players on checkouts in each of those legs in the set, it was Dom who was able to hit his doubles. Dom getting across the line in the end winning the match by 4 sets to 2 - 3/0 3/1 3/0 1/3 1/3 3/0.
That means there won’t be a new name on the trophy this year. All that’s left to decide is whether or not Jamie goes back-to-back to makes it 3 Open titles, or if Dom levels it up to make it 2 titles apiece, and round off a nice season after earlier claiming his 1st Premier League title.
The Xmas Open is proudly sponsored by Dyson Automotive, thanks for your support.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.
Seumas Rose
Dom Friend wins the 2nd semi-final at Mika on Sunday. Photo contributed

The 19 Cannonvale Cannons who competed at the Bowen Family LC Transition Meet over the weekend had a fantastic time. Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden said the Cannons started a bit slow on Saturday, but really improved on Sunday. The swimmers achieved a total of 32 Personal Bests (PBs) which was great.
Top performer was Ehsan Helou, aged 14 years. He swam extremely well achieving 7 PBs and bringing home 6 gold and 2 silver medals. Ehsan also achieved 4 state qualifying times.
Ruby Harland, aged 10 years also had a successful weekend, achieving 3 PBs and 2 state qualifying times. She was very proud of all her blue ribbons. Ruby’s sister, Koa aged 8 years performed very well, achieving 3 PBs and a 3rd place ribbon for her 50 metre Butterfly.
Celeste Orenshaw and Isabella Pisaniello both swam 4 PBs. Both girls were very excited with their bronze medals for their 50 metre Breaststroke. Eloise Chegwidden, aged 7 years swam an excellent 25 metre Butterfly and 25 metre Backstroke, achieving PBs and 1st place. Eloise’s brother, Harry aged 5 years swam a super 25 metre Breaststroke in 48.51 seconds. One of James Davies’ best swims was his 50 metre Breaststroke which he swam in a fabulous time of 1.06.05, a 8 second PB.
Don Algie, Jax Clayworth and Thomas Ganter were very competitive swimming 2 personal best times and bringing home a swag of medals. Zane Clayworth’s best swim was his 25 metre Freestyle which he swam in 28.25 seconds.
Jack Ganter and Remy Hedges had a great weekend winning most of their events. Harris Delac, aged 8 years, was very happy with his bronze medal for the 50 metre Backstroke. Jacob and Tiana Bell swam extremely well in all their events, surprisingly both of them won their Backstroke races.
Congratulations to all the Cannons on their outstanding achievements.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Cannonvale Cannons compete at the Bowen Family LC Transition Meet

Are you ready for Good Vibrations flowing from the speakers at ‘The Pub’? Because audiences are getting “the excitations” as Australia’s biggest and best Beach Boys experience is set to surf into Airlie Beach in a weeks’ time.
‘Do You Wanna Dance?’ Because your chance is coming up for an afternoon in the North Queensland sun with ‘Your Summer Dream’, cruising down Airlie Esplanade to The Airlie Beach Hotel where The Australian Beach Boys Show will rock the Bar-top Stage in early December.
The California pop group were just kids when they formed in 1962 and now, 60 years down the road, their legendary music is still the iconic sound of sun-drenched days. And there’s nowhere more attuned to what it means to be a Beach Boy than Airlie where one of the country’s best tribute shows is headed on December 3.
The Australian Beach Boys Show boasts an amazing stage production that not only features Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys’ songs, but also recreates the magical “wall of sound” experience that Wilson so famously and successfully crafted.
God Only Knows what we’d be without the Beach Boys, and this two-hour live show delivers as close to the real experience as audiences can get six decades on.
From the striped blue and white shirts to Hawaiian flowers and replica instruments, this Beach Boys tribute will put a Smiley Smile on your dial. And what a perfect time for it with ‘Little Saint Nick’ less than a month away!
It’ll be a Surfin’ Safari when this tribute tribe run the Beach Boys’ gamut of tunes: Songs like ‘Surfin USA’, ‘Little Deuce Coupe’, ‘Barbara-Ann’, and ‘Help Me Rhonda’.
Oh ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ to hear ‘Kokomo’, ‘Then I Kissed Her’, and ‘California Girls’ while watching the twinkling sun on the Airlie Beach foreshore? In this fully costumed show featuring stage props, a huge video display, costume changes, and more – you can heart it. In fact, one better: You can live it.
For ‘Auld Lang Syne’, head down to The Airlie Beach Hotel to see one of the very best tribute performances the country has to offer. There’s no better year than the 60th anniversary of one of pop and rocks best groups ever to relive the glory days. Grab a meal, ‘Darlin’’, ‘Let The Wind Blow’.
And hey, it’s entirely free. ‘Aren’t You Glad’?
WHAT: The Australian Beach Boys Show
WHEN: 2.00pm to 5.30pm on Saturday, December 3
WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel
The Australian Beach Boys Show is coming to Airlie Beach next week to keep the good times rolling
The band has been to The Airlie Beach Hotel before, but never coinciding with such a momentous occasion: The Beach Boys 60th anniversary
The group is bringing their very best ‘Vibrations’ to locals’ favourite local on December 3