With more than 35-years of high-level administrative and coaching experience, Sean Page has been appointed as the new General Manager of Mackay Basketball.

Page has spent the last 21-years coaching across multiple U.S college basketball programs including the last four seasons as Head Coach at Auburn University at Montgomery. He also completed ten years as Head Coach at Newberry College in South Carolina and two years leading Brescia University in Kentucky.

During his tenure as a college head coach, Page posted an outstanding career record of 242 wins and 208 losses, made four national tournament appearances and coached more than 30 all-conference / all-regional players. He has posted four 20-win seasons, coached six All-Americans and four Academic All-Americans.

Page is no stranger to hoops in Queensland, hailing from Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. Before departing Australian shores in 2001, he worked across various levels of basketball at the local association, state and national levels.

Page also played in the Queensland State League (now NBL1 North) in the competition’s inaugural season back in 1986.

Mackay Basketball President Tara Smyth was thrilled the association was able to secure somebody of Page’s pedigree for the role.

“After a thorough recruiting, screening and interview process, we're delighted to have Sean come on board as our new GM,” Smyth said.

“Sean brings so many different basketball experiences which will make him highly successful in the role.”

“One of the many great things about Sean is that while he’s been overseas, he still has a tremendous understanding of the business of basketball within Queensland and can bring international knowledge to Mackay. That diversity is something we saw as a massive value-add for the association,” Smyth added.

Page also was elated about accepting the new role and the challenges ahead.

“Mackay Basketball has a storied history from the grassroots to the elite levels and I’m very proud to be given this opportunity to take on the General Manager role of such a celebrated club.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Page arrives in Mackay with his family to commence in the General Manager role on Thursday, June 16.

Sean Page is the new General Manager of Mackay Basketball. Photo credit: aumathletics.com

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The callout was made, and the riders showed.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Mackay BMX track last Thursday, but this was more than the Mackay and District (MAD) BMX Club’s weekly race night.

Brothers Connor and Aiden Parish, aged 15 and 13, are heading to France in July to compete in the UCI BMX World Championships and all race and raffle proceeds from the night were donated to the Parish family to help fund the trip.

In a huge turnout, 97 riders from all over the region registered on the night to help the cause.

Connor and Aiden recently competed in the Oceania BMX Championships in Brisbane where they qualified to represent Australia at the World Championships.

Connor has been racing BMX since the age of six and Aiden since the age of five and the boys say they’re either training or competing all week to prepare.

“A lot of trackwork, a bit of gym, as often as possible,” said Connor.

“We train Monday and Tuesday, then we do gates usually on Wednesday, then we do racing on Thursdays and Fridays,” added Aiden.

“It consumes our week,” laughed their father, Kai.

Parents Kai and Tammie say they’re blown away by the support of the club and local riders.

“The club is hugely supportive of everyone here at the club,” said Tammy.

“Because we’ve been here such a long time, they’re as excited as we are.”

MAD BMX Publicity Officer Michelle Tickle says it’s everyone’s dream to compete on the world stage.

“They’ve been long-time members of our club, they’ve met so many people over the years, and it’s wonderful to see everyone turn out to support them,” she said.

The family of four will head to France in July where the boys will compete alongside 3000 other riders from all over the world and hope to rub shoulders with some of their idols.

“I’m excited and terrified and everything all rolled into one,” said Tammy.

“I’m just hoping to get experience, I don’t think I’m going to get anything big,” said Aiden

“It’s a big achievement.”

L-R Aiden and Connor Parish will represent Australia in the UCI BMX World Championships in France in July

L-R Aiden, father Kai, mother Tammie and Connor will travel to France in July

97 riders turned up to support the family last Thursday night

The boys in action. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Men’s Division 2 Pennants game on Saturday against Marian resulted in two wins and a draw, giving North Mackay 5.5 points, Marian half point. Sunday’s game against Mackay City at City club resulted in a loss for two of our teams and a win for the other. This meant only one point for North Mackay and five for City. Results for divisions three and four were not known at this time.

Social Bowls Results

Monday mixed pairs winners were Pat O’Neill and Jan Little followed by Ivan Bragg and Errol Simmons. Lucky draw winners were Mario Leotta and Glen Fahy.

Wednesday ladies game was won by Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Bev Woodward. Runners up were Pam Louis and Bev McDonald.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Barry Lehmann and Marg Fogg, with Laura Howland and Peter Nesbit in second place. Greens vouchers were won by Col Carey and Jan Little. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by Wayne Mietzel and Bill McCurry.

Friday mixed pairs re-commence on 10th June.

North Mackay Ladies Celebrate 74-Year Birthday

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club celebrated their 74-year birthday at their PAH on Tuesday May 24, Starting with a fun afternoon of bowls, followed by a rather delicious high tea.

Ladies President Lorraine Silman welcomed all those present, past presidents, and non-playing members and guests, and also thanked her hard-working committee before inviting Leanne Lewis (Jnr Vice MDLBA) to help with the cutting of the beautiful birthday cake.

Next came the rather large cent sale, with lots of lucky winners. Overall a lovely afternoon of bowls, friendship and celebrating milestones.

Winners of the bowls were: Lorna Coad, Narelle Schmidtke, Donna Gordon. Runners up were: Rose Condon, Lois Deguara, Sue Hazledine.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine.

Lance Edwards, a fairly new bowler, is bowling very well

Max Rose (bowling) along with Fred King runs the very popular Monday morning club

Winners of the bowls were: Lorna Coad, Narelle Schmidtke, Donna Gordon

Runners up were: Rose Condon, Lois Deguara, Sue Hazledine

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club celebrated their 74-year birthday

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It was history in the making for Mackay “Pickleballers” after taking the huge step to compete in the first Pickleball Tournament at the North Qld Games held in Townsville recently. The Games consist of 43 varying codes of sport, catering to 4,500 competitors. The Pickleball players travelled from The Burdekin, Charters Towers, Malanda, Mooloolaba, Tully, Mission Beach, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay.

It was the first away competition for the Mackay team, so to come home with an impressive four gold and two silver medals was beyond anyone's expectation. It was a fantastic effort for these Mackayites who were considered “newbies” to the game.  

Among the medallists were Toni Woolcock and Heather Hayes who won gold in the women’s doubles, Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella who won gold in the mixed doubles, and Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta who won silver in the men’s doubles division.  

Also, big congratulations go to Gigi Brake, Liz Parrotta, Michelle Sheehan, and Greg Wilson who made it into the finals and put on a great display of Pickleball.

We are so proud of our winners and everyone who made the effort of support by making the trip.

Pickleball can be a low-impact sport that is easy to learn and play at almost any age—it is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis; this sport for life is regularly described as the fastest growing sport worldwide. The game was first introduced to Australia in 2015 by a small group of NSW enthusiasts, consequently, playing groups have formed in every state and territory in Australia with links to Pickleball communities in the U.S. and Canada. Tournaments are held frequently throughout the country bringing together fierce competition between state champions.

If you are looking for a new social and fun activity and have a bit of a giggle, Pickleball is definitely it. Locally, you will find Pickleball being played at Mackay PCYC’s indoor basketball stadium twice a week, Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm and Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm. It is being offered free of charge for your first trial and we will provide a ‘paddle’ to get you going.

A word of warning though, for those willing to give this sport a bit of a whack: it’s totally addictive!  

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

Pickleball Gold medallists Heather Hayes and Toni Woolcock at the North Queensland Games. Photos supplied

Silver medallists Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta

Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella won gold in the mixed doubles

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Local Rugby League side The QCCS Mackay Cutters will partner with Mackay State High School in 2023 to link the high school’s Rugby League Academy with the Mackay Cutters Pathways Program and centralised-coaching system.

The parties believe the formal partnership will see “mutual benefit for both the Mackay Cutters and Mackay SHS”.

It will involve the sharing of facilities and resources, making Mackay SHS a training base for the Cutter’s Junior Representative programs.

“This will increase the opportunities for players and staff in the Mackay region to pursue their rugby league goals,” a Mackay Cutters spokesperson said.

“The partnership is aimed at developing local talent through a streamlined junior pathways program into the Mackay Cutters.”

The new partnership hopes that the hub established at Mackay State High School will be the first of three, with satellite programs also planned for two other areas as the Cutters look to broaden their pathways footprint.

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Netball is a way of life for the gifted young athletes at Mercy College and St Patrick’s College Mackay.

With a proud tradition and first-class Netball Excellence program, both schools have proved a thriving nursery for the region’s emerging netballers.

St Patrick’s College and Mercy College will parade their pool of talent when they co-host the upcoming CQUniversity Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnivals in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

Just like their rugby league cohorts, the Mercy and St Patrick’s College netball outfits are gearing up for strong showings on court against the best schoolgirl and schoolboy netballers in Queensland.

When it comes to on-court chemistry, they don’t come better than Mercy College’s fresh-faced Open team that will compete in the QISSN Division 5 Opens category.

Comprised of Year 9 and Year 10 students, the Mercy girls are ready to step up a class and entertain crowds with their exciting brand of netball under the coaching of experienced mentor Di Bailey.

“The girls enjoy playing together and have built an impressive record at schools’ level through their camaraderie, natural skills, versatility and sheer love of the game,” says Mrs Bailey.

“There is a real chemistry amongst the team and the quality court craft is shown in their development” she said.

Ably skippered by outstanding Capricornia representative goalkeeper Kacee Ziegeler, the Mercy squad are tipped to shine at this year’s QISSN tournament.

The inspirational Ziegeler is a player to watch in defence and shapes as a trump card with her leadership qualities, organising skills and valuable experience.

Talented goal attack and team vice-captain Camryn Zeller is currently honing her shooting skills with DAS in the Mackay Netball Premier League.

A prolific goal scorer for the Mercy team, the promising 15-year-old will play a key role in the points stakes with her unerring accuracy and cool temperament under pressure.

Testimony of Mercy College’s winning formula is the team’s versatility on the court, high fitness levels and ability to produce quality netball with a variety of combinations.

“The girls show an uncanny understanding on court and have a depth of skills that make them very competitive in tournament play,” says team manager Christine Newland.

“With our Netball Excellence Class the girls can hone those skills and build their strength and fitness during our gym visits to Athletica and Integrated Bodies” she added.

The intensive training has certainly helped reap the benefits for this outstanding young Mercy netball outfit that boasts seven Mackay representatives in leaders Ziegeler and Zeller, Pershouse, Cotter, Dinsdale, McPherson and Uriarte.

Coach Bailey proudly stated that the Mercy Netball Excellence Program had unearthed a wealth of local talent over the years.

“We also select a Year 8 Development Squad and a Year 9 Junior Vicki Wilson Shield squad that is part of the school’s Health & Physical Education (HPE) program where the students undergo intensive skills work, strength conditioning and fitness plus learn about court tactics,” she said.

Last year Mercy College captured the Mackay region’s Vicki Wilson Shield trophy for Year 7 to Year 9 players with the classy Ziegeler, Zeller, Harris, Uriarte and Dinsdale all making an impact to help the school qualify for the Vicki Wilson State Championships in Brisbane.

Mercy College will compete in the Senior Open Division 5 category at this year’s CQUniversity Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival with St Patrick’s College to show their wares in the Division One section.

Contributed by Chris Karas

St Patrick’s and Mercy College netballers will represent Mackay at this month’s QISSN Carnival

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More than 30 professional and amateur golfers took to the scenic Sarina Golf Club last week as part of the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am Tournament.

Recent wet weather didn’t deter players from all over Queensland and New South Wales, but it did require a change of course as five holes were taken out of play.

“All the priorities changed and got thrown around because, obviously, the rain, off and on, and how wet things have been,” said Sarina Golf Club Greenkeeper Wade Cranston.

“It’s been pretty hard work to juggle it around, but we’ve managed to pull together a composite course for the guys.”

Lismore’s Sam Brazel finished day one with a two-shot lead, however a stunning second round of nine-under 62 saw Jay Mackenzie storm home with a two-stroke victory on day two.

The 22-year-old from Lennox Head finished with a two-round total of 15-under par, two clear of playing partner Brett Rankin (64) with William Bruyeres finishing third on 66.

“It was great playing with Rankin today, he really helped push me along as he had seven-under par for his day,” Mr Mackenzie told PGA Australia.

“I didn’t make many mistakes and it just kept seeming to go in the right direction.”

PGA Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner says the Pro-Am Series offers a unique opportunity for locals and club members to play with more experienced players.

“It’s a great opportunity for the members and amateurs and sponsors to get on board and get a couple of tips, have a great day, learn something new, and see some fabulous golf,” he said.

Sarina Golf Club Clubhouse Manager Kylee Fowler says the tournament received a good turnout considering it was held during the week.

“A lot of them still have jobs, a lot of them are on the circuit full-time,” she said.

“This is a good event in the fact that you get the pros and you get the amateurs in together.

“Then we’ll do it all again next year on the weekend which will be much better for us, better for our amateurs, better for our members so everyone can get a chance to play.”

Next year’s Sarina Pro-Am Tournament has been locked in for May 20-21, 2023.

Sarina was the third leg of the Hidden Valley Whitsundays North Queensland Series, with other legs being held in Mackay, Pioneer Valley and Bowen.

AMATEUR RESULTS

Day one Results:

Winner: Rodney Allen 40

2nd: Daniel Allen 37 C/B

3rd: Ting Li 37

4th: Brodie Saltmarsh 37.

Pin Shots

9: Luke Lauder 270cm

6: Ting LI

16: Mark Pearl – Hole in one!

LADIES – Sue Farrell 40cm

Day Two Results:

Winner: Doug Miles 40

2nd: Ting Li 38 C/B

3rd: Trent Budby 38

4th: Ian Dunn 36

Pin Shots

6: Declan Mulherin 168cm  

9: Colin Dunn 46cm

16: Skinner

Ladies: 2nd Shot 16:  Chris Chapman 117cm

OVERALL

Over All Winner: Ting Li 75

Men’s Division 1 Winner: Trent Budby 71

Men’s Division 1 r/up: Declan Mulherin 69

Men’s Division 2 Winner: Doug Miles 68

Men’s Division 2 r/up: Brodie Saltmarsh 65

Ladies Winner: Barbara Chrzanowski 59

Ladies r/up: Sue Farrell 55

tournament. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Winner: Winner Jay Mackenzie with Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner

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This week, in cool conditions, 61 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 9 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.

Well done to Ryker, Aaron, Jodie, Michael, Toni, Jane, Wendy and Shane, and Laura was recognised for reaching the 25 weeks as a volunteer milestone.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 3,819 participants have completed 20,747 parkruns covering a total distance of 103,735 km, including 2,451 new Personal Bests. A total of 334 individuals have volunteered 2,848 times.

On the 28th of May Airlie Beach parkrun is cancelled as the Cruisin Whitsunday Show and Shine 2022 will be setting up vehicles on the grass area of Coral Sea Marina.

Parkrunners are encouraged to go to Bowen parkrun, Hamilton Island parkrun or Mackay parkrun instead.

On the 4th of June Airlie Beach parkrun invite the community to join them for parkrun and then a post parkrun picnic at Shingley Beach.

Food can be brought from home or purchase counter food from My Rainbow Bakery. To make it a picnic event to remember, participants are encouraged to wear their favourite event T-Shirt.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Laura has volunteered for 25 weeks

Running through scenic Shingley Beach

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The weeks roll on at Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with Tuesday seeing 18 bowlers going hammer and tong.

Ladies A and B Grade singles contested through Stacey Hadlow’s winning team with Juanita Matterson at lead and Lyn Graham collecting the prize money.

Ladies B Grade semi-final will now be played between Bev Taylor and Jill Mazlin-Peterson.

The Ladies A Grade singles semi-final score was 23 all on the penultimate end between Betty Nicole and Ladda Purdie.

Ladda claimed the win 25-23.

In the Grand Final she faced Henny Tattam, who won comfortably in the end.

Wednesday afternoon welcomed the Little Rock Bowls Club’s Ian Boulter and 22 players contesting the prize.

Shane Spann, Col Morris, and Elaine Kippen claimed victory on the day.

Wednesday night saw Business House Bowls in full swing, with PRD beating Whitsunday Gold Coffee’s B team 11-6.

Hadlow Racing beat out Woolies Allsorts team 10-5, while Whitsunday Coffee’s Gold A team won 13-9.

Saturday Men’s Pennants teams Divisions 4, 5, and 6 all played at home. Division 4 lost to North Mackay team 4-1.

Division 5 played Mackay Northern Beaches team had games like the 55-17 win, leading them to claim the overall prize.

Division 6 played a very strong Southern Suburbs team, with the overall score favouring the suburbs teams 4 points to 1.

Sunday, three teams travelled to Mackay with Divisions 4 and 6 playing RSL.

Division 4 salvaged a draw but overall score was 4.5 to 5, and Division 6 played well in patches but ultimately lost 5 points to nil.

Division 5 played against Mackay City in two games which finished 40 all, and came home even on 2.5 points.

Division 1 had an outstanding win against Proserpine with 5.5 points to .5 win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Hanny Tattam, winner of the A Grade Singles

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Last Wednesday, there was a game of Club Championship Pairs played between Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel defeating Martin Corr and David Ling to start off the week.

The day also hosted three games of social bowls with four bowlers from Airlie Beach getting in some practice on the grass.

Jim Bownds, Arthur Griffith, and Andrew Butler defeated Heather McKinnon, Bruce Uhe and John Fielding 22-21.

Ken Watts, John Lahney, and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Bryce McKinnon 23 – 15.

Russell Jackson and Sandy Daffara defeated Allan Pershouse and Garry Alexander 35 - 16.

Pennants was played on the weekend.

Division 1 had two home games, narrowly losing to Airlie Beach 51-57 and scoring 0.5 points for a draw on one rink.

On Sunday the team backed up for the game against Northern Beaches winning 70 - 57.

On Sunday afternoon Social bowls, John Anderson played double lead.  

John, Alen Sanderson, Kendall Watts and Sandy Daffara drew with John, Ken Watts, John Lahney and Arthur Griffith 21 all.

During the week, Scott Kinnear has been playing in the Vision Impaired competition in Brisbane and currently leads in both singles and pairs with a few more games still to be played.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Division 1 game on Sunday with Toby Craig taking instruction from skip Gavin Milne

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Last Tuesday saw winners for the afternoon Hugh Sutton and Penny Warren defeat John Hayson and Rose Wright, as well as Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, and Kev Baxter defeat Deb Retchless, Marg Wilson, and Mark Drummond.

Tuesday was a huge day as Chris Reddick, Irene Laird, and Wayne Reddick rounded out the day with a win over Deb Beel, Merle Elphinstone, and Larry Wright.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were George Tartaglea, Isobel Wheeler, and Chris Healey defeating Eileen Dunn, Sue Shearing, and Denis Madeley.

Others Toni Bowen, Chris Frew, and Hugh Sutton defeated Deb Beel, John Hayson, and Bob Dykstra, with Marcia Arthur, Merle Elphinstone, and Pat Tracey defeating Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight, and Margaret Wilson.

Irene Laird, Penny Warren, and Keith Armstrong defeated Chris Reddick, Ken Coad, and Robyn Stitt, while Denise Wallace, Lyn Danvers, and Larry Wright defeated Rose Wright, Jen Healey, and Wayne Reddick.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men who won the Country Cup at Brandon on Sunday.

Club Competition Final of Ladies Fours was played on Saturday morning.

A close game resulted in Robyn Stitt, Tracey Roach, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeating Denise Wallace, Sue Shearing, Val Hadley, and Penny Warren.

Good luck to the Men representing Wangaratta playing in the Red Pennant in the Burdekin at the end of this week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Club 4's 2022

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Wednesday’s competition was an eclectic one for the ladies’ and a single stableford for the men.  

Ladies’ winner Grace Nott, 34 1/8, runner up Michelle Campbell, 34 3/8.  

Pin shots to Raewyn Glover, Lisa Raisbeck, Marg Need and Gayle Bynes, and Men’s winner Doug Power 37 points, runner up Noel Schultz 36 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Tropix Refrigeration.

Men’s winner Malcolm Martin 40 points, runner up Toss Eisemann 39 points, with pin shots to Tim Miller, Ernie Parker, Michael Strickett, Kurt Bidgood.  

Ladies’ winner Paulette Barrett 42 points, runner up Julie Martin 39 points. Pin shots to Julie Martin, Robyn Slade, Judi Morris, Lorraine McArthur.  

Accuracy drives to Julie May and Perry Layton. Greg Fairs won the carwash voucher

This weekend begins with a single stableford on Saturday sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.  

On Sunday, the Bowen Golf club welcomed back professionals for the annual Pro-Am sponsored by Abbot Point Operations.  

There will be a shoot-out after the competition on Sunday, with spectators welcome all day.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Place scores for the weekly 9-hole stableford were Tyson Flavel on 22, Rob Lodders on 20 and Mick Bond on 19 points.  

Friday's 9-hole stableford was won this week by David Wallace on 19 points. Lorri Thynne and Tyson Flavel both came in with 18 points however it was Lorri that won the count back to take second.

Sundays 4 ball better ball was won by Wayne and Adam Singleton on 41 nett, followed by Dave Wallace and Alan Clinch on 44.5.

Nearest to pins were Rhys Bartholomew and Adam Singleton.

Cory Belke is the first to complete his Kids coaching clinic with Glenn Rees and the interest from ladies commencing the clinics is growing.

The final Monthly Medal for the year will be held this Sunday with the Medal of Medallist scheduled for 5 June.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Sunshine and pickleball paddles made for rainbows and smiles on Thursday afternoon.

There were four courts featuring games like ladies doubles featuring Amity and Demelza against Robyn and Gay.

Lorraine and Yoko played against Gerry and Murray, as well as Michael and Kate pitting themselves against Stu and Frank.

First time players Bob and Lyn joined in for a wonderful afternoon.

On Saturday the sun let the rain take over and no Pickleball played.

Paddles Up till next week! 4pm Thursday Afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Bob and Lyn

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Saturday morning pupils arrived in wet weather and chilly conditions but this inspired brilliant footwork from the Saturday Morning Squad.

Coach Sienna brought out the ladder and it was Sophie who set the pace for the rest of the Squad to follow.

Saturday morning had a special visit from Lily, who took the opportunity to do a private lesson, then followed this up by coaching young William

Unfortunately due to the ratty conditions Saturday morning Social tennis did not make it on court, however Saturday arvo social tennis played the odds, and Marlene and Norm kept everyone on their toes.

Earlier in the week Fit, fun tennis the original and best cardio workout on a tennis court made it back, and the girls were elated to be exercising while having fun.

All squads were busily involved working on their singles play. Well done to Sienna, Karl, Tan, Lacey, Lucas and Jack.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

The agility ladder was the big feature in the rainy week at Whitsunday Tennis

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