Meet Yoko, one of Pickleball Whitsundays passionate players who is on-court most Thursday afternoons.

Yoko has been at Pickleball since day one in our region and is always keen to lend a hand to new players as well as playing gutsy Pickleball herself.

Yoko has a tip for newcomers on what not to do in pickleball: do not miss your serve!

Unlike in tennis, there are no second chances or faults in Pickleball, and you can only score in Pickleball when you are serving.

So, it makes sense to develop a consistent reliable serve, rather than trying to absolutely smash it across the court.

Nobody has ever won a Pickleball point by serving insanely and hitting a rocket serve into the net!

She’s one of the faces you can meet at Pickleball Whitsundays on Thursday afternoons and Saturdays.

This Saturday morning past was a bumper for the sport, with even a down pour of rain not stop deterring the persistent pickleballers.

Those out making some noise with their paddles were Carol and Stewart and Frank and Kirsty, to name a few.

Till next week "Paddles Up" for 4.30pm Thursday Afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Yoko, a Pickleball afficionado

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Only two years ago Henry Snell took to the grid in the Dunlop Supersport 300 on Phillip Island for the first time, and last month the Bowen local conquered the event, setting him up for a potential professional career.

The 16-year-old is North Queensland’s only motorbike racer in the Australian Superbike Series competition, and after round 1 – which comprised three races, where Henry finished in 1st twice and 3rd once – he’s now sitting with a 20-point lead.

Quickly gaining national recognition for his raw talent and blistering pace in the 300cc Supersport Class, Henry has garnered himself a nickname, too – The Bowen Bullet.

The young gun competed against elites in Victoria in a far cry from the dirt tracks of Bowen and this recent achievement puts him in an excellent position to capitalise on a great 2022 season.

Henry started racing at nine and has the goal of racing professionally in Europe.

“There’s races like the Asian Talent Cup and the World Supersport 300 overseas and in Europe that I would like to get into,” he said.

“I really want to ride bikes for a living and if I can do well in the Australian [Supersport 300] I think I can get there.”

Henry is set to race in all eight rounds of The Australian Supersport 300, which feeds aspiring young racers into the senior scene.

It regularly develops riders as young as 16-years-old, with exemptions for exceptional racers meaning they can contest the series from as young as 13-years-old. Henry joined at 14.

Looking ahead to this weekend, The Bowen Bullet will take to Queensland Raceway for Round 2 of the Supersport 300.

“I’m not nervous; I know I have a lot of racers who can help me with getting used to the track,” Henry said.

“I just know I have to capitalise on being in the lead.”

He is also currently seeking a vehicle sponsorship, which would allow him to have a dedicated wet conditions bike which would also act as a backup.

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Lesley Nolan was this week made a life ember of the Club for her loyalty, outstanding service, and contribution to Tennis Whitsunday.

Lesley was President of the Club for many years and was active in all aspects of the Club - not just the running but playing social tennis, fundraising, and more.

For Lesley’s "Heads Up” on benefits of playing social tennis for both adults and youngsters, whether you play singles, doubles or are part of a squad, you are playing with another person.

It requires you to socialize with partners, opponents or members of your squad.

The social benefit for both the young and the young at heart can boost your self-esteem, improve your mood, and provide physical and mental benefits.

Not only is tennis one of the world’s most popular sports, you get to stay connected with others, meet new people, and make new friends.

It boosts confidence, not just for tennis but all areas of life, as well as its mental benefits like fighting off stress and anxiety. The exercise that you get from a game of tennis helps to release endorphins that make you happy.  

The extra benefit for children is that instead of staying glued to their screen and sitting down inside all day, they are outside playing with likeminded children.

Whether it be just a high five, a post-match handshakes and support from parents and coaches, social tennis is a fantastic choice to keep you happy and healthy.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Lesley Nolan, a new Life Member of Tennis Whitsunday

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Brothers Netball Club is looking for more players aged 11 - 14 to join its fun, family orientated club. The club can arrange $150 Government vouchers to help reduce costs of playing.

Training is Mondays 4pm - 5pm and the club can potentially arrange a lift from school if needed.

Games are on a Saturday.

If you know of anyone who would love to join the club, contact Mel on 0408 737 696.

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The Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) and the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) are excited to announce that the Oceania Athletics Championships, to be held in Mackay, will incorporate the Oceania Para Athletics Championships.

In a world first, for international athletics competitions, athletes of all abilities will compete for Oceania Championships medals at the same time at the same venue.

With the cancellation of the Para World Championships in 2022, there was limited International Competition for Para Athletes throughout Oceania. The need for quality competition for the Oceania para-athletes was recognised by both OAA and the OPC, culminating in this outstanding opportunity.

The Oceania Athletics Championships has offered para events at previous Area Championships, but this is the first time they will be formally recognised at the Oceania Championships.

Oceania Paralympic Committee President Paul Bird said, "The Oceania Paralympic Committee applauds the decision by the Oceania Athletics Association to recognise the forthcoming event in Mackay as well as future iterations, as the Oceania Para Athletics Championships.

“As we begin the journey to Brisbane 2032, this decision by OAA for our Para Athletes to have a recognised and enhanced opportunity for regular international competition within our region, representing their country in an integrated national team, is the perfect pathway for our para-athletes."

Oceania Athletics President Robin Sapong-Eugenio has said, “It’s fantastic that our organisations have been able to come together and offer our athletes throughout Oceania an opportunity for international Championships in 2022, it will create a pathway for our para-athletes in the lead up to Paris and beyond.”

With Oceania Athletics having the Mackay Regional Council as the Major Sponsor for the 2022 Oceania Athletics Championships, Sapong-Eugenio is looking forward to the Championships in Mackay.

“Mackay has proven itself to host major sporting events, including athletics competitions, over the past few years, and we are pleased to be working with the Mackay Regional Council as the major partner and sponsor of the Championships.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said having Mackay as the host city in 2022 was a fantastic opportunity and a testament to the world-class nature of the Mackay ARC (Aquatic and Recreation Complex).

Mackay Regional Council, through its Events Attraction Program, had worked hard to secure the event, which was expected to generate 11,725 bed nights and result in a $2.5 million dollar stimulus to the region.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes from across the Pacific and hope they take the time to enjoy some of our region’s must-do activities – like see a platypus at Eungella, meet the Cape Hillsborough wallabies on the beach at sunrise or simply enjoy a meal in our city centre.”

The Oceania Athletics and Para Athletics Championships will run from June 7th to 11th at the Mackay ARC.

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Eli, Alyssa, Eli, Emmy Lou and Matilda from the Sarina Demons Junior AFL Club – playing in Rockhampton in the Capricornia trials for the Mackay and District School Sports in AFL

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New Zealand Breakers big-man Kyrin Galloway has signed with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for the 2022 NBL1 season.

Standing at 203cm, Galloway helps boost the Meteors frontcourt, forming an exciting partnership with returning 2021 Most Valuable Player, Emmanuel Malou.

The 22-year-old is in his second NBL season with the New Zealand Breakers, averaging 4 points and 2 rebounds per contest, while shooting 47 per cent from the floor.

Galloway joined the Breakers after an impressive four-year college career at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In his senior year with the Spartans, Galloway averaged 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, while leading the Southern Conference in blocked shots, averaging 1.7 per game.

Galloway has also pulled on the green and gold, winning a bronze medal while representing Australia and at the 2019 World University Games in Italy.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu said Galloway was the “perfect piece” for this year’s roster.

“We were chasing a dynamic athlete that could do a lot of things really well and we’ve got that with Kyrin,” Khalu said.

“He’s an outstanding defender who can switch out on smaller guys, plus he’s an elite level shot blocker, so his rim protection adds another dimension to our overall team defence.

“On the offensive end he can score in a variety of ways, whether that’s stretching the floor as a shooter or bullying guys on the low block. He’s also a very underrated passer too.

“His skill-set is broad and I can’t wait to work with him here in Mackay and help continue his development.”

Galloway is also looking forward to the NBL1 season ahead.

“I’m excited to be playing in the NBL1 this season, especially coming to a great, winning program such as Mackay,” Galloway said.

“I’m looking forward to further establishing myself in my professional career and keeping the championship title in Mackay.”

Galloway will join his McDonald’s Mackay Meteors teammates at the conclusion of the NBL season.

New Zealand Breakers forward Kyrin Galloway has signed with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors. Picture: NBL Media

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Mackay Gymnastics has been successful with two of their senior athletes gaining selection to Senior State Team training.  These two athletes, Oriana Morgan and Siena Carney, both Level 8 gymnasts, were selected on their high level of commitment to the sport and their individual training.

The girls will travel to Brisbane twice this year to train with Queensland’s best coaches from the High-Performance Centre in the hopes of increasing their skill level. Both have the goal of being selected into the top 8 in the State to compete at the Australian Gymnastics Nationals in May.

The girls currently train 5 days per week with training sessions lasting 3 to 4 hours. Their competition season is already underway, and they will compete in the State Titles on 1-3 April.  The girls must travel to Townsville and Brisbane to compete as there are no high-level competition opportunities in Mackay.  

Coach Jenny Rowland is proud of their selection into the training team as it will give them greater opportunities to a higher level of competition and training that they can’t always get living in a regional town.

Fit And Fantastic For Life

Fit 1 and 2: Age is no deterrent to fitness fun at Mackay Gymnastics. Photos: Supplied

Boot camp in this weather – can you believe it?

Fitter for Life participants took part in their version of boot camp earlier this month with Mackay Gymnastics.

Tyre flips were done with hula hoops or bowls (not tyres), ball slams were performed with rhythmic balls (not medicine balls), hammer whacks were done with pool noodles rather than hammers.

Did we work up a sweat – yes and that was before we even started! Did we have fun? Yes, we did.

Fitter for Life classes are for over 50’s and are held at Mackay Gymnastics and retirement resorts Eaglemount and Breezes. We aim to keep people active and have fun at the same time. Members also enjoy socialising. Sometimes there is more socialising than action!

If you would like to join, your first class is free.

Contributed by Rosemary Haines, Mackay Gymnastics

Oriana Morgan and Sienna Carney

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It was a wet one at Denison Park in Bowen, with storm clouds rolling over the Whitsundays as well as the Mackay Cutters and Townsville Blackhawks during their warmups ahead of their third and final trial game.

The rainy weather was set to liven up the match on the field, with players slipping and sliding, as well as the occasional big hit, but it wasn’t the only storm brewing.

Now head coach of the Mackay Cutters, David Elliott has a history with the Hawks, previously having worked as assistant coach for the sides Intrust Super Cup team, and lending  a personal narrative to the match up.

For Bowen, who only recently secured a senior rugby league return with its own Townsville and District side, the clash had its extra elements, too.

A town that can sometimes see little in terms of high-level sport, a day of Rugby League courtesy of the Cutters was a victory in its own right, but the teams were also fighting for the coveted Mike McLean Shield.

McLean, a Bowen local who represented Queensland at the Origin and had a career across New South Wales sides Eastern Suburbs and Newcastle Knights, as well as back in the Gold Coast. The second rower now has Townsville and Mackay regularly compete for the shield named in his honour.

Ten North Queensland Toyota Cowboys were named for the line up in the Queensland Cup trial match as well, adding another dab of spice to the already volatile set up.

Outside back Brendan Elliot, half Daejarn Asi, second-rower Ben Condon and prop Morgan McWhirter were named for the Cutters, while fullback Tom Chester, centre Jordan Lipp, half Jake Bourke, props Emry Pere and Taniela Sadrugu and lock Riley Price all pulled on the Blackhawks kit.

It was all to play for in the Northern Derby, especially for Mackay – from 2017 in the Queensland Cup, it had been six wins out of eight for the Hawks, one win in the Cutters favour, and a draw to share between the pair.

With the stage set, the backstories brimming, the Cutters and Blackhawks game was always set to be a good outing, and it didn’t disappoint.

Slick conditions lent for a sloppy affair, but come the end of the 80 minutes, the Mick McLean shield remained in the Townsville side’s possession, 24-18.

With preseason now coming to a close, it’s been two losses for the Cutters side and a half victory with the Young Guns match being abandoned due to inclement weather. Elliott has taken a new squad and shown they can play intricate football at times – flashes in the pan particularly noted in the Young Guns match - with consistency still the northern star.

With an emphasis on culture, and particularly developing younger lads, Elliott may very well get the Cutters “back into the winners circle” come the season. A finals football return is almost certainly on his mind, and whether he can continue to build after a disrupted, Covid-plagued preseason will tell in time.

They now look ahead at their Saturday afternoon fixture at BB Print tomorrow, where they’ll face a challenging PNG Hunters, led by coach Matt Church. They wrapped up their preseason with an 18-14 win over the West Brisbane Panthers A-Grade Side, showing some defensive improvements and discipline.

Undoubtedly, this Cutters side has the ability and the squad depth to go far, and needs the Sugar City behind them to not only take it to the Hunters, but to the whole Queensland Cup.

The Mackay Cutters will kick-off their 2022 Hostplus Cup Competition Saturday, March 19 against the SP PNG Hunters at 4:30pm.

The Mackay Cutters alongside the Townsville Blackhawks

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Last Friday was a great day for Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh who teamed up for the pairs competition. Firstly, their card was drawn for the kitty toucher. Rob bowled first and sat on the kitty, giving them a win of $500 and that gave Peter a chance for another $500. His bowl also sat on the kitty, giving the boys $1,000; the first time at our club that two bowlers had touched the kitty.

As well, they had the best score of the day, giving them an extra $150. Congratulations go to Rob and Peter.

Tony’s Triples will be held this year for North Mackay bowlers only, on Tuesday 19th April, with $600 prize money. Watch the notice board for nomination sheets.

Social Bowls Results Week Ending 13th March

Monday mixed pairs winners were John Fry and David Evans with Lorraine Silman and Hilary Jones-Rowan in second spot. Peter Crawford won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies comp was taken out by Jenny Grech, Neddy Thomsen and Jean Comelli. In second place was the team of Fleur Warner, Gloria Sam and Lyndel Maguire.

Thursday mixed pairs was won by Pat Elgey and Vern Mietzel. Second place was taken by Jan Little and Paul Goldston. John and Doris Fry won green vouchers. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs was taken out by Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh who also both had kitty touchers and won $1,000.

Lucky draw winners were Wazza Corbett, Andrew Coates, and Helen Goldston and Cheryle Corbett.

Saturday men’s pairs winners were Kees Struik and Ian Nash with a triple of John Fry, Brendon Ryan and Rob Evans coming second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Peter Horsburgh won the kitty toucher last Friday

Rob Evans also won the kitty toucher last Friday

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In their Under & Overs Carnival, ladies young and young at heart, not only battled fellow bowlers but also the humid conditions under the roof at Mackay City Bowling Club on Monday 7th March.

The City Ladies host this annual event encouraging players of mixed ages.  

Sixteen teams of self-selected fours played two games of 18 ends.

Overall winners were Betty Nicole, Carol Crosby, Margo Stanley and Karen Jensen from Airlie Beach. Second place went to Lois Deguara, Jean Zampuretti, Donna Gordon and Isla Comelli from North Mackay and third went to BB Smith, Ethel Gaw, Gail Rissman and Robyn Large from Sarina.

Winners Karen Jensen, Carol Crosby, Betty Nicole, Margo Stanley with City Ladies President Marie Frederickson

Rose and Rita from St Helen’s enjoying the day

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Mackay’s Tri-Activ8 has been kicking goals already this year, coming in tenth for the highest number of triathletes across all Australian Tri Clubs participating in the Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance and Team Triathlon events at last weekend’s Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival 2022.

“Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is always a great event, we always have a lot of interest from our Tri-ActiV8 Tribe for this event,” Tri-Activ8 Coach and Director Nikki Giles said.

The March timing for the Mooloolaba Festival is key to some of the festival’s success each year.

“Our athletes love a New Year’s resolution,” Nikki said.

“They take their foot off the accelerator in the lead up to Christmas but when the New Year kicks in they are back with their first goal of the year: Mooloolaba Triathlon

"It's so exciting to have so many of our Club members together at Mooloolaba. The buzz and the atmosphere are electric.”

Tri-Activ8 had 35 athletes pull on the Tri-Suits and pink trucker caps on their behalf across the two Triathlon Distances: Sprint Distance on Saturday and Olympic Distance on Sunday.

Six achieved podium finishes, with two in the Sprint Distance, and four in the Olympic Distance, while Chrissy Webb was awarded Legend Status by Mooloolaba Triathlon for completing her 10th Mooloolaba Race.

RESULTS

Our Sprint Athletes times:

Angus - 1:15:38

Riggsy - 1:51:54

Coach JB: 1:39:21

Mengy: 1:50:24 (Podium: 3rd place)

Katie: 1:43:40

Back: Bec Baird, Carissa Mansfield, Linda Weatherill, Felicity McGregor, Megan Pettitt, Louise Stephenson, June Bradley, Jose Short, Christine Webb, Megan Moa

Front: Jenny Smith, Jody Walker, Deanne Woods

Back: Jenny Smith, Megan Pettitt, Carissa Mansfield, Felicity McGregor, Kristen Pinnington, Christine Webb, Rod Wood, Sandra Grant, Georgia Coombs, Jody Walker, Peter Benson, Nikki Giles, Murray Wonnocott

Bec Baird, Amelia Tatnell, Louise Stephenson, Linda Weatherill, Magan Moa, Deanne Woods

Jacq Bussey, Kristen Pinnington

Jose Short, June Bradley

Christine Webb, Kristen Pinnington, Linda Weatherill

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Mackay will play host to Australia’s most talented young cricketers at the Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships in April.

Initially postponed due to the ongoing pandemic, the competition will take place across the Harrup Park Complex and Magpies Sporting Club, with the final to be played on the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Thursday the 14th of April.

Mackay hosted the U17 National Championships in 2019 and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young says the tournament will bring visitors and economic uplift to the region like it did in 2019.

“It’s an unbelievable event,” Mr Young said.

“They were fantastic not only for the club but for the region as a whole.

“A significant number of visitors come to not only play in the tournament but come to watch the tournament.

“We saw a significant increase in business during that time but there was also a buzz around the town because there were so many people visiting to watch the games.”

This is the latest case of Mackay experiencing the pinnacle of sport as the arena has previously hosted many top-level state, national, and international cricket and AFL teams.

“It will also be the opportunity for Mackay locals to see the highest quality cricket that is available in that junior age bracket,” Mr Young said.

“Some of them have already played state cricket for their respective states, some of them will go on to play for Australia.

“It’s the elite level.”

John Stock, Arena and Facilities Manager at The Great Barrier Reef Arena, said “We are very fortunate to have one of the best regional cricket facilities in the country here at Harrup Park.”

“We successfully hosted the Commonwealth Bank International Women’s Series between India and Australia, as well as 9 Weber WBBL matches in the past few months.

“It’s very exciting to now also be hosting the National Male U19’s and we look forward to seeing the stars of tomorrow show their worth in Mackay.”

Organisers expect thousands of local spectators will attend the matches over the week, while the tournament will also provide a substantial boost to the Mackay economy from visiting teams and supporters.

“Harrup Park is an ideal venue to host a competition like this because we have five turf wicket ovals at the same location and two of these are under lights,” Mr Stock said.

“This complex is ideal for tournaments – a cricketer’s dream that a lot of major capital city grounds can’t match. Mackay is very lucky to also have a fantastic facility like the Nest at Magpies Sporting Club, which equally helps to attract content like this to Mackay.”

Great Barrier Reef Arena is currently undergoing a $20 million expansion in an exciting time for the venue.

The Championships will take place from the 7th to the 14th of April 2022.

They are played in a 50 over format and feature 10 teams from all over Australia.

‍The Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships will take place across the Harrup Park Complex and Magpies Sporting Club in April, with the final to be played on the Great Barrier Reef Arena

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Nearly 70 runners partook in the Mackay Road Runners’ second club championship race of the year on Sunday.

After a sweltering week, runners welcomed cooler temperatures thanks to a strong breeze and weekend rain.

Club President Tim Magoffin welcomed the keen crowd to Queens Park alongside representatives from major sponsor Construct Health Physiotherapy Thomas Wendt, Nick Rewald, and Sarah Schofield.

The 3km distance proved deceivingly difficult with contenders having to adjust to the short, flat, and, fast distance and battling strong headwinds as they entered the initial stages of the course.

Claiming gold in the male section was Angus Jacobs who broke ten minutes.

Talented teenager Damien Rutland wasn’t far behind claiming second, with Rodney Elworthy finishing third.

Demi Caldwell set a sizzling pace from the gun and clocked in sub 11 minutes for her gold performance in the female section.

Lily Leven, another gifted junior, followed closely, finishing in second position with Tahnee Malagueno claiming third place.

Other noteworthy performances came from new runners and more experienced runners alike including Nick Rewald, Judy Zahn, Ryan Evetts, Derek Woods, Stuart Sprott, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Glenys Forse, Marie Muscat, Luke Leven, Millie Bishop, Melissa Harris, Emma Johnson, and Carol Brown.

Prizes were given to the first two male and female finishers as well as random draw prizes, all donated by Construct Health.

Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short once again assisted with race day set up and pack down, Arthur Dick and Julie Dick assisted with timing and registration and Jo Hughes filled the role of merchandising coordinator on the day.

The Mackay Road Runners’ next run will take place in West Mackay on Sunday.

The 5km/12km run will commence at 6:30am, with runners being asked to arrive 15 minutes prior.

Carol Brown (left) models the new 2022 singlets with Mackay Road Runners Merchandising Coordinator, Jo Hughes

Centre #169 Angus Jacobs and Demi Caldwell lead the 3km Club championship from the gun

3km Club Championship major sponsor, Construct Health Physiotherapy are leaders in the field (left to right) Sarah Schofield, Thomas Wendt, and Nick Rewald. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse (Mackay Road Runner Publicity Officer)

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Mackay Basketball are excited to announce that rising star Biwali Bayles will join the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for the 2022 NBL1 season.

The 20-year-old is currently playing for the Sydney Kings in his maiden National Basketball League (NBL) campaign.

Across ten appearances, Bayles is averaging 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists and has been touted as a potential NBL ‘Rookie of the Year’ candidate. The 185cm point guard represented Australia at the 2021 FIBA Under 19 World Cup and in seven games donning the green and gold, averaged 6.7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per contest.

Bayles is also a graduate of the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence program and was one of just four Aussies to attend the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Chicago back in 2020. In addition, Bayles also spent a season playing college basketball for the University of Hawaii in the USA.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu was thrilled about inking Bayles.

“This is a huge signing for us,” Khalu said.

“There were many clubs chasing Biwali for the upcoming NBL1 season and we were fortunate to have won that super-competitive race.

“The reason why everybody wants Biwali in their program is because he’s an outstanding young man who plays with a real passion for the game. He’s tenacious defensively, which suits our culture perfectly and offensively, he’s aggressive, crafty and can create for both himself and others.

“Overall, I couldn’t be happier that he’ll be our leading floor general this season.”

Bayles was also pumped about suiting up in the Meteors red and black.

“I’ve heard great things about Mackay from many different people, especially on the professionalism and the way the club goes about things,” Bayles said.

“The team is also coming off winning the 2021 NBL1 North Championship, so I’m keen join a program that’s going to be competing for another title.

“I feel like Mackay provides the perfect situation for me to continue with my NBL off-season development and I’m looking forward to playing alongside those guys up there in the North.”

Bayles will join his McDonald’s Mackay Meteors teammates at the conclusion of the NBL season.

Sydney Kings guard Biwali Bayles is joining the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for NBL1 2022. Picture: NBL Media

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