It was another very successful trip for Proserpine Veteran Golfers on Saturday last week as they competed in the final round of the Whitsunday Veterans Competition.  

The association sends its thanks to all those that travelled from Proserpine for the event and over the past 12 months.

Proserpine Veterans were announced as the 2022 Whitsunday competition winners, winning a majority of the four rounds held throughout the year.

Nick Apruzzese was named the Whitsunday Veterans Player of the Year.

It has been a fantastic year for the Proserpine Veteran Golfers Association who are now the champions in both the Crocker Shield and the Whitsunday Veterans Competition.  

Next week, the club will be back at Proserpine to play a stroke event in warm up for the Monthly Medal round the following week.  

In addition to the Monthly Medal on Tuesday, November 1, the club will host its own Melbourne Cup Day luncheon afterwards.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
‍

Whitsunday Veteran’s Player of the Year, Nick Apruzzese

Whitsunday Golf Club’s October Monthly Medal and first round of club championships were held on Sunday.

A field of 28 players contested the medal and championship round with the winners for Men’s A Grade, Darren Reynolds with a Nett 66, runner up Don Cameron on 69, and Men’s B Grade winner was Wilf Herweg on Nett 71, followed by Ron Jamieson on 73.

Ladies’ A grade winner went to Penny Wardroper on 69 Nett, followed closely by Anna Winterbourn on Nett 70.

Ladies B grade winner was Elise Hodgson on a Nett 69, with Karen Rix runner up on a Nett 73.

Longest drives went to Don Cameron, Gerald Lovell, Penny Wardroper, and Karen Rix.

The pin shots were claimed by Penny Wardroper, Tiina Randmae, Darren Reynolds, Ron Jamison, and Elise Hodgson.

Next Sunday will be the second round of Club Championships with a stroke competition for the day.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan
‍

Darren Reynolds, Penny Wardroper, Wilf Herweg, and Elise Hodgson

On Saturday the club played a single stableford for the RV Golf trophies for the men and ladies.

The men’s winner was Gavin Kerwand with 43 points from Ross Meade, 41 and Jacob Nightingale, 40 on a count back.

The ladies’ winners were Sherri Meade, also with 43 points, from Wendy Gough 37 and Diane Chard with 35 on a count back.

The place getters were Adrian Sverdloff and Mick Kavanagh, 40, on 39 were Adam Maggs, Rob Stanley, Michael Cragg and Ryan Kenny, Barry Mortimer and Mat Bower, 38 and Aaron Prosser and Ryan Wilks 37 on a count back.

Scott Lee, Jacob Nightingale, Sean Gower, Andrew Colborne, Diane Chard and Mandy Patterson won a ball in the pin shots, while five featured in the two-shot pool. Thirty-six points and above “beat the Pro”.

Forecasts of rain and a thunderstorm reduced the field on Thursday to 16.

Peter Gibbons, a visitor from Heyward Golf Club took first place with 40 points from John Grosskreutz, 38 and John Strelec 37 on a count back.

Four featured in the run down while Ron Jamieson, Allen Roberts and John Grosskreutz, on nine and 16, took the pin shots.

Vickie Wallace, with 36 points won the Wednesday ladies, followed by Elspeth Scotford, Leanne Alexander, Mandy Patterson, Diane Chard and Heather Luvis, all on 35 points.

Phil Luckett took Tuesday’s stableford with 40 points from Michael Thompson, 38, Lyn Muller 37, and Jim Cochrane 35. Tina Badenhorst won the pin shot.

Sunday’s stroke event was won by Darren Reynolds on nett 66, from Adam Maggs 68.

The ladies’ winners were Elise Hodgson, 68, Penny Wardroper 69, Anna Winterbourn, 70 and Karen Rix 73.

Scott Grigg, Don Cameron, Aaron Prosser and Michael Thompson were the place getters.

The pin shots were won by Scott Grigg and Tiina Randmae, two, Anna Winterbourn, nine, Adam Maggs 13 and Geoff Harrison 16.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single Bogie for the men and a single stableford for the Ladies.

Ladies’ winner was Tanya Gaudry with 37 points, runner up on a countback was Viv Clark, 35 points. In the Men’s, the winner on a countback was Graham Easton +4, followed by runner up Peter May, also on +4.  

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event for the Margaret Watson Memorial sponsored by the Watson and Garrod families.  

Ladies’ winner Paulette Barrett, 37points, second went to Pauline Martin, 36, and third to Robyn Slade, 35.  Pin shots to Meg Garrod, Marg Tilbrook, Julie Mawson, Wendy Tracey, and twice to Claire Garrod.  

Longest drives to Rhiannon Nott and Tanya Gaudry, with accuracy drives to Grace Nott and Tanya Gaudry.  

Men’s winner Ben Fellows, 44 points, followed by second-placed Isaac Fellows, 39, and third place to Peter Theodossio, 38.  

Pin shots to Russell Smith, Ben Fellows, Isaac Fellows, Dave Lydom, Mick Mawson, and Andrew Glossop.

Longest drives to Isaac Fellows and Peter May, with accuracy drives to Ron Edkins and Gary Marks.  

Thanks were extended from the club to Greg Watson and family, as well as the Garrod family with both groups for putting on “a fabulous day”.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

‍

The Marg Watson Memorial winners with sponsors Ian Garrod and Sam and Greg Watson

Airlie Beach will be “safer for all waterway users” according to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) after the announcement of a new six-knot speed limit for the area.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the introduction of the reduced speed limit was an effort to improve safety, a decision which “received strong public support.”

"The waters around Airlie Beach are busy and often congested with recreational and commercial craft of many kinds, including tourism and live-aboard vessels, as well as swimmers and passive craft," Mr Dillon said.

"While a speed limit of six knots already applied in the two marinas and their lead entrances, there had been many minor collisions and near-miss incidents around the nearby mooring grids.

"MSQ had also received many complaints from owners of moored and anchored craft about motorised craft endangering their safety by passing too close at excessive speed.

"MSQ considered it was only a matter of time before a serious incident occurred.”

Mr Dillon said MSQ had conducted extensive public consultation over six months on options to improve safety.

He said this outcome provides clarity for the local and visiting boating communities.

“[This change is] easier to enforce and will reduce the potential for collisions between vessels and damage or injuries caused by vessel wash," he said.

MSQ estimates that extending the six-knot speed limit into the mooring zones will mean, at most, four minutes of extra time.

"An extra four minutes, when weighed against the likely safety benefits, is a compromise any responsible skipper would support,” Mr Dillon said.

‍

With Proserpine Cricket Club’s Juniors Pitbulls under 11 side having a bye last weekend, the club took the opportunity to blood some young guns in its under 12s.

Under 12s Proserpine versus Brothers: Noah was the captain this week and unfortunately lost the bat flip, which proved crucial in the outcome of the game.

The weather was hot and steamy with the new ball swinging and skidding-on, making batting difficult early, and Pitbulls put in a respectable 48, considering the conditions - which was always going to be a hard target to defend.

The grounds were drying out as the morning went on and it didn’t come out the young Pitbulls day in the end - but they should take a lot of lessons out of that game. Congratulations to Matty, who was the players player, retiring not out 5, 2 great overs and then kept wickets after drinks to give Alex a bowl.

Under 13s Proserpine versus Pioneer Valley: The Pitbulls, with J Rock as captain, lost the toss and were sent into bat with a wet outfield, but with the sun shining.

The Pitbulls put in an impressive 117 runs to defend, and their U13’s accurate bowling and good out fielding proved the difference: all out for 79 runs.

Bowling wise, it was a team effort, with the wickets being shared J Rock 2-13, B Hope 3 overs 1-5, J Lawn 1-9, O Seamer 1-4 and A Farley 1-12.

B. Hope was named man of the match with a great all-round effort with the ball.

Under 15s Proserpine vs Pioneer Valley: Captain Ben Valmadre saw promise in grabbing the willow to post a score and defend the total.

The side posted 8-137, falling short of the planned 150, but defendable, nonetheless.

After weathering the Pioneer Valley attack, the Pitbulls were keen to have their turn with the leather, and the eager side finished their 25 overs, toppling the strong Panthers side who fell short at 7-108.

Special thanks to the massive effort from Craig and Mark Valmadre who covered all the pitches before the rains to make sure the cricket was on.

Contributed with thanks to Troy Smith, Stephen Logan, and Craig Valmadre

‍

The Whitsunday iteration of parkrun in the coastal town of Airlie Beach welcomed runners, joggers, and walkers for its 333rd parkrun where tutus were optional but many were seen out on the waterfront course.

It was a glorious Saturday with 100 participants on the five-kilometre Marina run, which included 20 first timers.

12 participants recorded new Personal Bests: Kirsten, Josh, Annaliese, Peter, Robert, Daisy, Emma, Michael, Jeff, Geoff, Lilly, and Ben. Annaliese also ran her 10th parkrun as a junior and Carly completed her 25th parkrun.

The 333rd event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maree, Chris, Daniel (co-run director), Sarah (co-run director), Nathalie (photographer), Kirsty, Wade, Jess, Charlie, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Erica, Dennis, and Joanne.

Airlie Beach parkrun have joined parkruns across the world celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible.

New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – there are even ‘parkwalk’ volunteers to look after them.

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.

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

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

‍

25-year-old Carly at her 25th parkrun where she came 25th, in 25 minutes

Annaliese completing her 10th parkrun and notching up a new personal best

The generous volunteers for Airlie Beach parkrun, decked out in tutus for the 333rd event

Twilight Race: As the boats left the marina for last Wednesday’s weekly twilight race, they were greeted by a 15 knot north easterly breeze, which subsequently dropped to 10 knots by the time the race commenced.

A total of 22 boats and 124 crew faced the start boat for a few laps of the 1.5 nautical mile course.

Division Two saw seven boats in their fleet, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading, but the conditions ideally suited Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) as they powered to the front of the fleet by the time they reached the first rounding mark.  

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) worked their way into second place with Reignition relegated to third on line honours.  

Further back, QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) had an off day, while a close battle loomed between Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart).  Twister (Kevin Fogarty) also struggled in the light conditions.  On corrected time, Smooth Criminal took the win from Reignition and Bobby’s Girl.

In Division Three, Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) took the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, but were soon overtaken by Alabaster (Kate Warren), leading to a three-way battle at the front as Matchless (Terry Stevens) joined the action.  The light conditions suited Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) and Rossgo (Greg Hammon), while Manteca (Frank Tennison) matched the pace of Lighthorse, crossing the finishing line just two seconds ahead to take the corrected time win, with Alabaster second and Manteca third.

The multihull fleet of four boats saw Angus (Michel Van Der Zwaard) lead from start to finish with Malice (Graham Matthews) a distant second, while G’nome (Terry Archer) crossed the finishing line 23 seconds ahead, but 1 lap short of the leaders while Kay Cee (Will Richards), sailing solo, made up the balance of the fleet.  Angus took the corrected time win from Malice and G’nome.

Lady Skippers Race: Last weekend saw a fleet of six boats competing in the Whitsunday Sailing Club lady skippers’ series, condensed to two races on Sunday.  The fleet consisted of a mixture of boats from Overdrive, a 10.7 metre trimaran through to Norbert G, a 6.3 metre trailable yacht. Eligibility required a female helm on each boat as the person in charge.

Race One saw Smooth Criminal (Donnah Jordan) leading the fleet from Overdrive (Darlene King) and Alabaster (Kate Warren).  Further back, Kay Cee (Anne Miller) led Lighthorse (Kerry Aspland) and Norbert G (Karen Evans).  On corrected time, Lighthorse took the honours from Norbert G and Overdrive.

Race Two saw the boats finishing in the same order, however corrected time results were quite different.  This time Alabaster took the win from Norbert G and Overdrive.  

Overall results saw Norbert G (four poits) take the win from Alabaster (six), on a countback from Lighthorse (six) and Overdrive (six), Smooth Criminal (eight), and Kay Cee (12).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
‍

Side by Side with Lighthorse and Manteca

The rate of Volunteer Marine Rescue activations increase has slowed as the last week’s windy conditions restrict movement on the water, but the local organisation are still comfortably ahead of last year to date.

In light of fewer vessels in the water, Volunteer Marine Rescue are taking the opportunity to educate sailors on the use of distress signals, flares and emergency beacons.

If a vessel or individual finds itself in an emergency on the water and needs help, distress signals are the solution, according to the local group.

Signalling devices are compulsory for all boats operating between sunset and sunrise – whether they be a torch, fluorescent light, lantern or cyalume stick – all are suitable as long as they generate enough light to be seen by other boats and prevent a collision and attract attention.

Other distress signals – aside from compulsory radios on board all vessels - include marine radio broadcast, flares, signal mirror, V sheet and sound signal.

Vessels in the vicinity of a signalling boat must be vigilant – an eye on other vessels is always a bright idea - and they must respond to any emergency signals.

Volunteer Marine Rescue said they were aware of some incidents where vessels used emergency signals to indicate that they required assistance but passing vessels did not respond.

For the storage of flares, it is recommended they remain in a dry place where they will be readily accessible in an emergency. They have a lifespan of three years and must be replaced prior to the expiry date.

VMRW membership is “cheap insurance at just $80” and can be joined online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

‍

Testing your skills on court against the State’s leading schoolgirl basketballers can be a sometimes difficult and arduous task.

For a batch of athletic and determined Mercy College Mackay students it has proved a memorable experience with the nine hoopers bringing home a silver medal from the Molten Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament staged last week on the Gold Coast.

Promising juniors Mackenzie Brown, Hannah Jenson, Ruby Crouch, Jessica Harris, Mia Young, Olivia Smyth, Amelia Crouch, Jaimie McPhee and Mikayla Green flew the flag proudly for the Mackay region by reaching the Grand Final of the Junior Secondary Girls Division 2 championship.  

Under the expert guidance of renowned Queensland North State basketball coach Jamiey Doevendans and Rachel McKenzie, the girls turned in superb performances to qualify for the trophy decider where they were toppled 31-21 by an all-conquering Trinity College Beenleigh team.

It was a courageous effort by the Mackay warriors after producing skilful displays to win seven of their eight Pool A fixtures and finish second on 22 points behind the undefeated Beenleigh outfit (24 points).

Mercy College advanced to the championship decider after tipping out Sheldon College 33-21 in a semi-final with the Beenleigh girls downing Mount Alvernia College 31-16.

During the Pool rounds the Mercy girls chalked up an impressive tally of 311 points while conceding only 109 – posting an even better record than eventual champions Trinity College (305-113).

Mercy College fielded a youthful combination in the Junior Secondary Boys Division 3 championship – winning their opening two games before lining up against some of the finest schoolboy basketball talent in the State.

On the final day the boys defeated Redlands College to clinch the play-off for seventh spot.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Pic caption: Mercy College volunteer Head Basketball coach Jamiey Doevendans (left) and Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry with silver-medal winning hoopers standing L-R: Jessica Harris, Mia Young, Ruby Crouch, Mackenzie Brown; kneeling Jaimie McPhee, Olivia Smyth, Mikayla Green, Hannah Jenson and Amelia Crouch. Photo contributed

‍

A big weekend of Bridge has been played on the weekend.

Saturday was the first of three weeks of the Mackay President’s Shield and Sunday was the first of three weeks of the Mackay Novice Pairs (<100 pts).

The President’s Shield is played over three weeks, with three different partners. The Novice Pairs is played over three weeks, with the same partner.

Saturday 17 September – Presidents Shield Week 1 of 3

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4th Patricia Garner / Jan Harris

5th Frances Brown / Alan Brown

E/W

1st Diane Morgan / Cheryl Machen

2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Richard Wix

4th Mick King / Noel Saunders

5th Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

Sunday 17 October – Novice Pairs Week 1 of 3

N/S

1st Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris

2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

3rd Anne Lutz / Diane Stokes

E/W

1st Faith Hutchinson / Joy Block

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown

3rd Griffin Bancroft / Marylin Wilson-Nicholl

Weekly Results

Monday 10 October – 5 Table One Winner

1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Graham Smith

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

Wednesday 12 October – Nation Wide Pairs Week 20 of 22

1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

Thursday 13 October – 4 Table One Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

4th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 14 October – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Griffin Bancroft / Nancy Wix

3rd Anne Lutz / Toni Large

‍

E/W

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Monica Darley

2nd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

.

Contributed with thanks to Joy Block.

‍

‍

Our ‘Come and Try’ evening was quite successful, with several new members having applied to join our club. All of them showed promise; some coaching will bring out the best in them and hopefully they will enjoy their membership here.

North Mackay men won all three games against Sarina in the Dr. Williams Shield match on Saturday at Goosies. Our next opponents were Souths/Suburban, who won their games against Northern Beaches, but we lost to Souths on Sunday at Mackay City club.

Social Results

Monday pairs winners were G. Fahy and P. Crawford, followed by D. Layden and Wolfgang. Lucky draws were won by B. Woodward and S. Sommerfeld.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Jean Comelli and Pat O’Neill. Runners up: Chree Reseck, Wendy McGee and Shirley Bartolo.

Thursday pairs draws were won by Chriss Hall and Jess Haber, followed by Lance Edwards and Wayne Trannore. Greens vouchers winners were Margaret Fogg and Brian Perrin. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday pairs winners were Neil and Maureen Blucher, who have been playing very well lately. Lucky draws were won by Wayne and Vern Mietzel, and Andrew Coates and Margaret Creese.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Kevin Dwyer and Ron Bowers, followed by Peter Delaney and John Fry. The jackpot was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

‍

Sarina ladies bowlers joined in for a fun-filled day for the Tom and Naomi Graham Shield over the weekend.

Now in its sixth year, Tom and Naomi’s daughters Alison and Margaret started this event in honour of their parents after Naomi passed away.

Naomi’s father started the club’s Johnston Shield for the ladies, so this family has a long-standing association with the Sarina club.

Alison and Margaret honour the club by coming along to watch some great bowls and then provide a beautiful High Tea.

This event is club selected pairs of nine ends for a knock-out.

This year’s final between Ethel Gaw and Ann O`Shea against Doris Barnes and BB Smith was great to watch.

They went to the last end on level points but Doris and BB came up the winners.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

Consistency Final Game

Wednesday afternoon the final was played in our club consistency competition.

After a well fought out game Cheryle Corbett was the eventual winner and Lois Deguara was the runner up.

Congratulations ladies you both played very consistent bowls.

In our social games - a win for Jan Comelli and Pat O’Neill in a pairs game and the runners up were Chree Reseck, Wendy McGee and Shirley Bartolo

A very big Thankyou to everyone that competed in all of our club games this year and to the games committee.

Presentation night is on tonight.

Contributed with thanks to Sue Hazledine

On Saturday, 8 October 2022, the Pioneer Swim Club had a fantastic time participating in the MS Swimathon held at the Pioneer Swim Centre.  

The team swam in a continuous relay for 12 hours from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

The event is held to raise crucial funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.

The team raised over $1,200 in the lead-up to the event and swam a grand total of 860 laps over the 12-hour period – that is a whopping 43 kilometres!

We wish to thank everyone who sponsored the team, the other teams for the healthy competition, those who came to support us, those who came to help us swim some laps and all those team members who gave up their Saturday and participated.

Contributed with thanks by Tahnie Malagueno

‍

Mackay’s Kim Challender is believed to have set a martial arts record by becoming a karate black belt at the age of 83.

Kim recently went through a grueling test to advance to the sport’s high ranking, after training regularly at the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club’s hall at Bucasia for the past seven years under Sensi Helle Smith.

She is the oldest in her club and doesn’t know anyone in Queensland of her age who has been awarded a black belt.

Kim joined the club with her family when it first opened, and although the effort involved in training is intense, she says it’s all worthwhile.

The family connection includes her daughter Candy and her husband Taizo, who are both black belts, and their daughter Meeka, who has been doing karate since she was five.

“Meeka is 12 years old and going very well,” Kim said.

“She’s grading her way up.”

Candy and Taizo had moved north from Melbourne and were looking for somewhere to do karate when they received a flyer in the letterbox about a new club starting in the Northern Beaches, and the family was among the first to join up.

Kim’s training and bouts are all non-contact, although some contact is allowed by black belts, but with safety gear such as heavy gloves and protective clothing such as shin guards.

“If you want to get something you must practice and practice,” Kim said.

“Practice makes perfect, and you have to put in the effort as your body has to get fit.

“It’s really good for seniors as you can gradually work your way through the belts and build up the fitness.”

Kim’s other sport is table tennis, which she and her late husband John started playing at the Mackay centre in Bridge Road in the 1970s, and she is still a keen competitor in the Tuesday morning fixtures.

“It’s a sport I enjoy as it’s good for anyone of any age,” she said.

“You’re inside the hall out of the sun and don’t get sunburnt and it’s good for anyone to do from beginners to more advanced players.”

Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne

‍