Sports

Sunset Bay Paddlers Propel To Podium At Mooloolaba Nationals

Sunset Bay Paddlers Propel To Podium At Mooloolaba Nationals

Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club has returned from a strong showing at the Australian National Long Distance Titles, held in Mooloolaba from May 23–25, 2025. With just nine senior paddlers attending, the team still managed to bring home a haul of medals and proud performances. Friday brought cool conditions, but it didn’t take long for Bryan Wilkinson and Steph Lomas to find their rhythm, earning a silver medal in the 16km Senior Master OC2. New club member Peter Drew made a bold debut in a fiel

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Kick Like A Girl, Hit Like A Hero

Kick Like A Girl, Hit Like A Hero

Local Women Pack Power At Weekend Self-Defence Workshop Over the course of a weekend, a diverse group of women and girls, spanning various ages and physical abilities, came together to learn practical self-defence techniques aimed at increasing personal safety both at home and in the community. The sessions were led by Helle Smith, who also runs the Northern Beaches Karate Club (Shyto-Ryu), and supported by Sergeant Steve Smith from the Crime Prevention Unit, along with Volunteer in Policing, G

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Triple The Talent On The Green

Triple The Talent On The Green

The ladies at the club have been busy contesting the Championship Triples, which commenced on Tuesday, 21st May, with the final played on Thursday, 29th May. As expected, the competition was fierce, with many closely fought ends and the head often tightly packed with both teams’ bowls. After a strong display of skill and teamwork, the eventual winners were Marie Bragg (Lead), Val DePinto (Second), and Nuggie Pratt (Skip). The runners-up were Daphne Offield (Lead), Jean Schmidtke (Second), and

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Junior Ballers Shine As Season Progresses

Junior Ballers Shine As Season Progresses

Young rookie ballers are progressing nicely, showing improved skills each week. They’re playing harder, stronger, and with growing confidence – all while keeping the fun alive. A special highlight came when Asher Rootes was ecstatic after hitting a live pitched ball from Zac Hargraves for the first time. Ollie Baxter also impressed, showing great form behind the plate with confident catching. The Joey Ball troupers are also having a great time, with plenty of enthusiasm on the field. A big than

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Key Solutions Group

On The Greens At Goosies

August 24, 2023

North Mackay Bowls Results 6th March

Monday mixed pairs winners were Len Schembri, N. Stafford and Max Rose. Runner up was the team of Judy Smith and Marg Goldston. Lucky draw winners were Tony Allsop, Vic Gaudion and Lance Edwards.

Wednesday ladies winners were Fay Carson, Jan Little and Lorraine Lemke, with Lyndel Maguire, Bev McDonald and Francis Lehmann in second spot.

Thursday mixed pairs was won by Carmel Bell and Greg McLean with Fred King and Lance Edwards coming second. Margaret Fogg missed the kitty toucher, while Mick Walsh and Brian Dennien won green vouchers.

Friday mixed pairs winners were Michelle Stockton and Daphne Offield while Cheryle Corbett and Helen Goldston ran second. The kitty toucher was missed.

Saturday men’s day winners were Bob Martin and Rob Evans with Ken Lane and Trevor Laurens a close second.

New bottle-green uniform shorts and long pants are now available to order from the bar. We are hoping the shirts will arrive in April.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Betty Mulhall shows her style

Ernie Sealy is very proud of his new colourful shoes

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It’s An Athletics Kind Of Year

August 24, 2023

The oldest operating athletics club in the region is excited for an enormous opportunity for its youngest athletes as talent scouts will soon be heading to Mackay and surrounds to identify potential future Olympians.

Mackay North Athletics have been eagerly following developments of the 2032 Brisbane-Queensland Olympics, as announcements of Queensland Academy of Sport scouts will be looking for athletes who have the natural athletic ability, determination, and willpower to compete in the Games.

The club has become a cornerstone of junior athletic pathways for the region since its inception in 1984, and if it were to find itself, post-2032, with a resident Olympian, it would be an exceptional achievement for a grassroots club like itself.

The Queensland Academy of Sport is calling the program the ‘YouFor2032.’

“The ‘Youfor32 program’ is Australia’s largest athlete talent ID program, identifying future Olympian and Paralympians,” Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local young sportspeople.”

For prospective juniors, the first phase of testing will measure their basic physical, physiological and cognitive capabilities including speed, power, agility, endurance and spatial awareness.

Those exceptional junior athletes from the club’s current crop – like recent North Mackay Athletics “Hurdling Superstar” Hayley, who headed to the Queensland State Championships and ending with an impressive time of 13.43 seconds – are likely members of the club to stand out to the scouts.

For younger athletes, it may be that they fall under the second phase.

Once scouted, the second phase takes them on a more sport-specific route, aiming to match athlete profiles to specific sports based on their previous testing.

Queensland Academy of Sports scouts will then select around 20,000 potential stars for talent testing.

Eligibility is for those aged 13 to 23 (born between 1999 to 2009) for Olympic sports and 13 to 30 (born between 1992 and 2009 inclusive) for Paralympic sports.

North Mackay Athletics will be keeping tabs on little stars, or even older members that should apply when the applications open on 12 April 2022.

It is expected that the potential future Olympians first testing sessions in North and Central Queensland will start in either June or July, with more details to come.

Not only are Mackay athletes in the spotlight, but its coaches are also potential picks, as QAS will be seeking to scout exceptional coaches in every region across Queensland.

North Mackay Athletics have been in full swing with the beginning of its season, and it’s no surprise that some of its young athletes have found a goal in the form of Olympic representation.

The club, despite the hot and humid conditions during this past two week’s heat wave, have stuck to a training regimen for its tiny tots.

Its come and try day held in late February was a great success, with plenty of new faces along for a run, jump and throw, along with existing members out in force ahead of the season start.

Their first two club days afterwards were roaring successes, and the club will be hosting its next Club Day this weekend at Pioneer.

Mackay athletes are also looking forward to the 2022 Oceania Athletics in June at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex as part of the exciting year for Mackay’s athletes.

Athletes will compete in sports including hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, javelin and more.

It is expected to generate 11,725 bed nights and result in a $2.5 million dollar stimulus to the region.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert greeted athletes with some exceptional news in early March

North Mackay Athletics has had a busy February and March

Hayley is just one of North Mackay Athletics’ up and coming stars

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North Mackay Ladies Bowls Results

August 24, 2023

Club Championship Final Fours: Winners L. McCarthy, J. Schmidtke, M. Bartolo and Anne Peet.

Congratulations to all the players who competed, and especially to our winners.

Wednesday Social winners were: L. Lemke, J. Little, F.Carson. Cash Jackpot delighted winners were: P. Louis, D. Offield, S. Thomsen.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

L. McCarthy, J. Schmidtke, M. Bartolo and A. Peet

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club News

August 24, 2023

Wednesday afternoon bowls saw Andrew Butler and Tony Whitehorn defeat Russell Jackson and Bobby Spees.

Mark Mawson and Col Morris defeated Bill Gordon and Martin Corr 26-13, and Merv Stewart and Nik Fernbach defeated Lu Rogan and Noel Crosbie 26-13.

Big winners on Wednesday night business house bowls were Hadlow Racing under the guidance of Lara Hadlow, and the Kitties, alongside Aaron DeBrincatt team, were huge winners over PRD, who introduced eight-year-old Mayson McDowall to the world of bowls – he’s one to watch.

Friday night was a huge turnout to say goodbye to recently departed Stewart Clanachan, wutg his daughter and son doing him proud with fantastic speeches in a great farewell.

He will be forever in our hearts.

Saturday morning Scroungers first round winners were John Askew, Ladda Purdie, Gary Smith and Nik Fernbach.

Round 4 winner was Nik Fernbach, whose amazing recovery from ill health is remarkable.

Sunday afternoon winners were Bill Gordon, Mark Mawson, skippered by John Trembath who proved too strong for the rest of the field.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Sunday afternoon winners Bill Gordon, Mark Mawson, and John Trembath

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Pickleball Whitsunday

August 24, 2023

Pickleball in the region is soaring in popularity and this week was no different with new players on both Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

It is in the pipeline that a twilight evening session paddle off will occur in the next few weeks.

Thursday afternoon it was a refreshing sight to see young teenagers Sophie and Alex join in with the adults.

Saturday morning featured match was a mixed doubles between husband-and-wife combos Darrell and Paula, and Jocelyn and Darren, with intensity high until the extreme humid conditions kicked in.

It was encouraging to see the guys - Frank and Stuart - have a hit together too.

A fair reason to play Pickleball; it allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body.

If you have physical limitations such as hip, shoulder, knee or other joint problems, Pickleball is the sport for you.

Pickleball is played at 4.30pm Thursday afternoon and 7am Saturday morning.

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Cannons Club Night Results

August 24, 2023

The Cannonvale Cannons hosted another hot and humid night of club racing which began with Jax Clayworth claiming the Chocolate Award for his PBs.  

Shailee Mewha, Koa Harland, Holly Perrin, Nelson Malady, Charlie Doherty, and Jax were presented with Club Upgrade certificates too.

Coach Mark Erickson presented Jy Parkinson with two more Club Records for his ever growing tally, and SNQ President, Theresa Manning, officially announced that Jy would also be the 2022- 2023 Male Regional Captain.  

Wednesday night saw the coaches note almost every swimmer improved times in Butterfly over the week; from the 32 personal bests achieved, 17 were for Butterfly.

Lukas Trevaskis swam PBs in 3 out of his 4 races, Jack Ganter swam extremely well in his 100m Butterfly to take over 10 seconds off his previous time.

Matilda Nicholes swimming 50m Butterfly in 59.24 seconds, a 2 second PB, and Daniel Saunders, aged 12 years, swam a super 100m IM in 1.31.44 which was a 7.5 second PB.

Indi Smith, 8, swam a 50m Butterfly in 1.07.37 which was a 1 second PB, while Jasper Korosec and Liam Filewood both swam personal best times in their 25m Butterfly and 25 Backstroke.  

Lily Maher, 12, swam a super 50m Butterfly in 55.14 seconds, and Millie Groom, aged 11, also swam a fantastic time in her 50m Butterfly with 53.99 seconds.

Lilli Bond swam a 50m Butterfly in 35.99 seconds which was a 1.68sec PB, and Evie Doherty, achieved 7 years swam an excellent 50m Backstroke in 1.04.43.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who swam personal best times.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Holly Perrin

Nelson Malady and Charlie Doherty

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Bowen Golf

August 24, 2023

The Wednesday competition was a single stroke event for the March midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner on the day was Carol O’Connell 70 nett, runner-up Kim Bennion 71 nett, and Men’s winner Jeff Day 66 nett, with runner up on a countback Mitchell Greenbank 69 nett.

Saturday saw the opening of the Bowen golfing season with a 4BBB Medley Stableford sponsored by Bowen Small Motors.  

Winners Ian and Meg Garrod 45pts, and runners-up on a countback Craig Newell and Jason Bartlett 44pts.  

Pin shots/Turkeys nests Pauline Martin, Leanne Swan, Michelle Campbell, Ben Fellows, John Martin, David Carus, Brendan Nott.  

Accuracy drives won by Debbie Breeze and Rod Wells.  Penny Stewart and Jumbo Miller both had OBP’s and Jumbo also claimed the Car wash voucher.  

Thank you to Lisa and Scott Raisbeck from Bowen Small Motors for their continued support.

This weekend is the March monthly medals and qualifying round for single Matchplay.  

Ladies will play on Saturday and Men play on Sunday.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

The opening day winners at Bowen Golf

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Veterans Golf

August 24, 2023

It was too wet underfoot for the Monthly Medal, but 20 players braved the course and played a round of Stableford.

Conditions were tough as the scores will show and it was a very humid day.  

The ladie’s winner was Mandy Patterson, 30, second Jenny Hounsell, 29, while the men’s winner was Peter Fox, 32, second Ken Granger 29.  

Nearest the pins for the ladies were Mandy taking out the trifecta of 9th, 13th and 16th, and Leanne and Elspeth, together with Mandy, all being in the hole on the 13th.

Chip Ins for the day were John Oates, Beryl Nosworthy, Jenny Hounsell and Ken Granger.

Next week, weather and course permitting, will be the March Monthly Medal so get your names down on Golf Link or through the Pro Shop.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Weekly winners Mandy Patterson and Peter Fox

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Whitsunday Green Golf Report

August 24, 2023

This week Tyson Flavel continued his winning streak to take home the Friday Prawn Run, his win was a count back over Cameron Mutch.

Both players had a great round with scores of 24 points.

New member Brad Low came in third with a very reasonable 21 points.

The Saturday 18-hole stableford was won by Glenn Rees on 43, just beating the youngster Adam Singleton, with both scoring 43 points with Glenn succeeding the countback.

New competition entrant Clint Paull came in third, while Alan Clinch took the 'Nearest the Pin'.

The Sunday 9-hole again belonged to Adam Singleton, but new play Nathan Nikolich kept him honest with both scoring 23 points.

Glenn Rees coming in third on 22 points. This coming Saturday the team play SKINS. Set time tee-off 10am, please bring the entry fee in cash $10.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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A Different Kind Of Speed At Palmyra

August 24, 2023

The Mackay Cycling Club held its first road racing event for the 2022 season, with the Inaugural Mackay Cycles Criterium Series held at Palmyra Raceway.

Race one saw an enthusiastic blend of seniors and juniors take to the fast track, with race two on this weekend.

RESULTS

Junior Boys:

1st: Peter Schatkowski

2nd: Scott Bennett, 3rd: Oaklan Marwood

Junior Girls:

1st: Ariel Burke

2nd: Nataya Fewquaden

Women:

1st: Tenille Galea

2nd: Tracey Marwood

C Grade:

1st: Luke Schatkowski

2nd: Mark Burke, 3rd: Mark Sheather

B Grade:

1st: Ben Russell

2nd: Shaun Brennan, 3rd: Shane Edwards

A Grade

1st: Kyle Marwood

2nd: Craig Larsen, 3rd: Ethan Weiss

Kyle Marwood and Craig Larsen

Scott Bennett, Peter Schatkowski, Oaklan Marwood

Shaun Brennan, Ben Russell, Shane Edwards

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On A Roll At North Mackay

August 24, 2023

North Mackay Ladies Bowls returned to the green in February with Graded 3 Bowl Triples. 64 ladies competed on a very hot and humid day. The winners for the day were: Lois Deguara, Francis Lehmann, Margaret Webb. Runners up on a count back were: Deb Mackenzie, Bev Woodward, Anne Peet.

On the 9th of February, North Mackay Ladies competed in a Graded 2 Bowl Triples game.   Winners were: Carmel Bell, Lurline Ford, Sue Hazledine. Runners up were: Sheryl Cutress, Jean Zamparutti, Therese Russell.

On the 16th of February was the last of the Graded games with a 2 Bowl Fours competition. The competition was a close one with winners being: Carmel Bell, Jan Comelli, Margaret Goldston, Margaret Webb. Runners up were: Jean Schmidtke, Helen Fleming, Donna Gordon and Pam Louis.

Club Championship 4’s are now underway.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

Jean Zamparutti in full concentration

Gloria Sam showing how it’s done

Shirley Bartolo showing her style

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The Long Game

August 24, 2023

Table tennis games aren’t played to 21 anymore, but don’t tell that to Don Boettcher and John McGee.

Don and opponent John McGee had the rare experience of playing out a 21-19 result in the 5th game of their match in Tuesday morning Mackay table tennis fixtures.

The result gave the match to Don and the overall win for the day 7-5 against the Dalia team, which included Val Austin and Kim Challender.

Matches used to be played to 21, but a rule change in 2001 reduced that to 11, with a player having to get two points ahead to take the win if it got to 10-all. Previously if games got to 20-all, it was play on until someone got two points ahead.

It was a morning of close matches, with John also just being edged out by Roy Murray 11-9 in the 5th game.

In other close fifth-game results Iris Grasso beat Bryan Marshall 16-14 and Fred Saliba edged out Noreen Fredericksen 15-13.

By Charlie Payne

Don Boettcher knows what it’s like to play table tennis matches to 21. Photo: Charlie Payne

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Carving Up Water

August 24, 2023

Pristine conditions in Sarina a fortnight ago resulted in high scores for water skiers who competed in a local round of slalom and tricks.

A stand-our performer was Hope Englebretsen who won the Slalom Division two competition with a score of 2@13m. Hope also took out the Division 5 trick with a score of 650, elevating her into Division 4 for the next competition.

Jackson Cross also competed in the Division 2 Slalom, taking out second place behind Hope. He also came second in the Division 5 trick and is on notice with a great score of 570.

Locals who took to the Slalom in Division 3 were Ben Ohl who placed third, and Evan Mackenzie. Macca Douce rounded out the local competitors with a second place in Division 4 and is on notice after an impressive run.

LOCAL SKI RESULTS

SLALOM DIV 2: 1st Hope Englebretsen 2@13m, 2nd Jackson Cross 5@16m

SLALOM DIV 3: 3rd Benjamin Ohl 3@55 SLALOM

SLALOM DIV 5: 2nd Macca Douce 2@49 (ON NOTICE)

TRICK DIV 5: 1st Hope Englebretsen 650 (GONE to Div 4), 2nd Jackson Cross 570 (ON NOTICE)

Image credits: Dave Walters and Jackson Cross

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Cutters Claim Win Over Young Guns In Half A Match

August 24, 2023

Inclement weather called off the Mackay Cutters trial match against the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns at half time over the weekend.

An unfortunate bout of rain brought an end to the game at half time, which saw the Sugar City’s Cutters take on a Young Guns side comprised mainly of 18-year-olds.

The Cutters were looking to build on their last month of preseason, with Cutters’ coach David Elliott eager to show Mackay what “the club was all about this season.”

The Young Guns took kick-off to get the game going, and Cutters’ Ryan Bella was first to dive into the white and blue pack.

Five North Queensland Toyota Cowboys were named for the Cutters ahead of the clash, with outside backs Laitia Moceidreke, Brendan Elliot, half Daejarn Asi, prop Morgan McWhirter and second-rower Ben Condon will all line up in the curtain raiser to the Cowboys and Broncos trial.

The seniority of the Cutters was evident in the half, more in terms of their slow mounting of pressure compared with the Young Guns energetic approach to the game.

An exchange of possession early in the half demonstrated the dichotomy between the sides; the Cutters were calm and composed in their build up the field, while the Young Guns were eager to step, twist and attempt to break the lines each in turn.

Cutters held positionally strong in the opening plays, acquitting themselves well against what are some of North Queensland’s up and coming prospects.

Energy came from the bounding Young Gun Herbie Farnworth, who seemed to come alive whenever he was passed the ball, but it was Cutters that opened the scoring with an exceptionally worked move.

Flynn Camilleri, last season’s Hastings Deering Colts players’ player crossed first in the seventh minute – the winger was well wide when he received the ball with only the easy part left to do.

The hard work had been done by Andre Niko and Blake Paskins, with Niko in particular making a backward pass just before a crunching tackle from two Young Guns.

It was a back-and-forth affair for the next six minutes before Paskins converted after darting through two of the Young Guns’ wide players.

Brandon Finnegan was unable to convert on the Cutters first two tries, dragging them wide on both occasions.

After the Young Guns took kick-off again, Sam Faapito ran the length of the pitch in a spectacular effort that would have been the try of pre-season had he not been tackled just before crossing and subsequently rolled out of the by-line.

It was tense on both ends, with Cutters' strong defence proving the difference between the sides for the remainder of the half – there were chances aplenty, though, and Cutters were often lucky not to concede.

The game was still in the Cutters’ favour when Jayden Morgan made a straight line run into the Young Guns pack, clattering Reece Foley who had come on during a substitution. Foley was sadly unable to continue and was substituted due to injury concerns.

Cutters capitalised on the deflated Young Guns, with Paskins again crossing at the end of the half, with Finnegan once again dragging the kick wide. The half finished 18-0, and subsequently the game when lightning was fast approaching on the horizon.

With a half-win on their sides, the Cutters will be looking ahead to their next trial in Bowen against the Townsville Blackhawks, a team which head coach David Elliott was well acquainted with, having coached the Blackhawks Deering Colts side.

That game takes place on Saturday, March 12.

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Malou Surprises With Signing For Meteors

August 24, 2023

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Malou’s hot form is making a welcome return this year for the Mackay Meteors, with the 6’9 versatile forward staying in Mackay for another season. In 2021 he was the Mackay Meteors’ MVP, NBL1 All Star Five and NBL1 North Champion.

Born in Kenya, Malou grew up in Victoria and was a rising star from a young age. He found his way to the United States for junior college experience before enhancing his career trajectory while playing for the South Sudanese national team at various international tournaments.

Malou’s form has been impressive in the NBL1 North for Mackay, with the Meteors holding a 10-3 win/loss record as he led the playing roster across several categories.

He averaged 19.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, and the efficiency with which he is doing it is elite - shooting 54% from the field, 40.7% from the three-point line, and a handy 87% clip from the free-throw line.

Manny is a gifted player who works extremely hard on his game and his body, he’s a pro and the Meteors are excited to have him for the 2022 season.

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Malou is returning to the Mackay Meteors for the 2022 NBL1 season

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