
Runners get ready for the start of Jo’s 61 steps in very cool but sunny conditions. Photo supplied Local runners took on the Mackay Road Runners Jo's 61 Steps event on Sunday morning, tackling challenging 5km and 10km courses through the steep streets of Mt Pleasant. Despite the event's name, organisers joked it had since been confirmed there were actually 70 steps, with good-natured blame placed on the absent club president for the earlier miscount. The course wound through Annie Wood Avenue, Pollock and High streets, and Norris Road, starting from Gordon White Library. Fresh from the Gold Coast Marathon, Alana Knezevic was the first runner across the finish line after opting for the 5km course as she prepares for the Sydney Marathon in five weeks' time. Congratulations were also extended to local athletes who competed in the Airlie Running Festival, where ideal conditions greeted runners in the Whitsundays. Sunday 26th July Make this your must-do event next weekend, with all participants welcome—there's no need to be a member of the Mackay Road Runners or Mackay Cycling Club. Events include the M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain (6.4km), the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Under 18 Junior King & Queen of the Mountain (3km), and the Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle Race(6.4km). All events begin at 7am, following a one-minute silence in memory of talented triathlete Laura Pettifer, who tragically passed away in 2008 following a downhill cycling training ride. The course starts at Netherdale and finishes at the Eungella Chalet. Runners must register online by 6pm on Saturday 25th July, while cyclists should refer to the registration link for contact details. Organisers look forward to welcoming participants to the challenging but rewarding annual event, with post-race celebrations at the Eungella Chalet, where breakfast will be available for purchase. A special thank you was also extended to Tess and the team for their hospitality. Contributed by Janelle Tilse
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The all-day Novice X Imp Pairs Competition was played last Saturday with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Airlie Beach, with 16 pairs competing. Outright winners were local partnership and lifelong friends Susan Ross and Vicki Howard. Susan and Vicki have known each other for over 40 years and began their Bridge life together six years ago. This was a popular win, which was celebrated by President Frances Brown, Convener Anne Lutz and all in attendance. Susan and Vicki are great contributors to the club and also bring laughter and joy along with their wonderful culinary skills. Congratulations Susan and Vicki, Well Done! Weekly Results Monday 13th July 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP N/S E/W 1st Ming Ting / David Ting 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen 2nd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 2nd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles 3rd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 3rd Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller Tuesday Evening 14th July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup 2nd Mick King / John McGee 3rd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown 4th Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell Wednesday 15th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points Team Players 1st Sheedy Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Poole Kath Poole, Josie Crowley, Monica Darley, Barbara Taite 3rd Rasmussen Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa 4th Ting Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild Thursday Evening 16th July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Julie O’Neill / Jan Harris 3rd Martin Pearce / Adrian Westcott Friday 17th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Helen Van Den Breok / Christine Nice 1st Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd John McGee / Mick King 3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild 4th Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell Saturday 18th July 2026 – Novice X Imps Pairs 8 Tables 16 Pairs Red Points 1st Vicki Howard / Susan Ross 2nd Glen Cocup / Ian Vary 3rd Rod Miles / Joy Hold 4th Toni Barrel / Mary Overall 5th Linda Priday / Jill Brabon 6th Christine Fitzpatrick / Colleen Riddel Saturday 18th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Patrick Rasmussen 3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 3rd Ken Seaniger / Diane Morgan 4th Barbara Tait / Patricia Garner 4th Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood Contributed by Joy Block Anne with Winners Vicki, Susan and President Frances. Photo supplied
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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton visited Mackay Pony Club on Monday 20th July, to highlight the upcoming second round of the Queensland Government’s Play On vouchers, which provide financial support to help children aged five to 17 participate in sport and recreational activities. The $200 vouchers can help families cover costs such as registration and membership fees, uniforms, equipment and personal sporting gear. According to Mr Dalton, more than 9,300 children across the Mackay and Whitsunday region have already benefited from the program, with the next round opening on Monday, 27th July. The initiative aims to make sport more accessible for families facing rising costs, while encouraging children to step away from screens, get active, socialise and build friendships. “It’s a really great opportunity,” Mr Dalton said, encouraging parents to get involved in the next round as soon as possible. He said the program could help children access a wide range of activities, from pony club and golf to cadets and football. “We want to be able to give every child as much support as possible – especially in sport - because we know how beneficial it can be,” he said. Play On! Sports Vouchers have also made an impact across Queensland, with more than 293,800 children supported through the program in its first year. More than 3,750 sporting clubs across the state now accept the vouchers, with almost 2,500 also offering disability programs. Soccer, rugby league and netball were the most popular sports among participating children, while 13,917 vouchers were provided to children and young people with a disability, representing a 33 per cent increase compared with the previous voucher program. Girls also accounted for 129,050 vouchers, which has seen an increase of 30 per cent. For Mackay Pony Club Chief Instructor Tracey Camilleri, the vouchers can make a significant difference, particularly for families with more than one child involved in sport. “Sometimes it can be the difference between kids participating or not,” she said. Ms Camilleri said equestrian sport provides children with lessons in responsibility, as caring for a horse requires daily commitment and care. “There’s a deeper level of responsibility when kids are looking after an animal, and from what we’ve seen – that connection to the horse – can be really great for them,” she said. She said the benefits extended beyond competition, with children able to enjoy the outdoors, develop partnerships with their horses and find an outlet from the pressures of school and everyday life. Ms Camilleri, who has been passionate about horse-riding since she was a young girl, said: “Just being out in the fresh air, and dealing with an animal and getting a great response to learning how to build a partnership is something quite special.” The vouchers can also help young riders progress further, allowing families to put funding towards coaching, equipment and competition opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. “Without these vouchers, some parents are sort of limited to how much they can do for their child in a sport, especially amongst the cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Camilleri said. For families interested in taking advantage of the next round, Play On vouchers offer an opportunity to help children get involved, stay active and discover a sport they can enjoy and grow with. Play On! Sports Vouchers are helping Mackay and Whitsunday children overcome cost barriers, get active and discover the benefits of sport, with the next round opening July 27th. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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Last Sunday saw six bushwalkers driving about 80 km north of Mackay to access the Cathu State Forest, and then to climb to the prominent feature known as Castle Rock. The leader of the group was Ken Fihelly, who spends half of each year participating in the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club activities before escaping south to avoid the summer heat. The walk started steadily, but soon large rocks and thick vegetation on a moderately steep slope made progress difficult. Once the ridge was reached the climb became less steep and the vegetation changed to open forest. Attractive cycads were plentiful, and the morning tea spot afforded great views looking westwards towards the top of the range. On this walk, lunch is usually enjoyed on an impressive sloping slab close to the big ‘thumb’, and this tradition was continued, with great views across the valley being presented. The descent chosen offered some steep rocky terrain, but was easier than the alternative, and after emerging from the bush the hikers had a short easy walk back to the cars. Phone 0429 363 929 for information about how to join the organisation, and upcoming walks which include Sydney Heads, Red Cliff Island and St Helen’s Creek. Contributed with thanks by Carole Weekes
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The AGM for both men and ladies is being held on Monday evening, 28th November. A good attendance would be appreciated.
RESULTS
Monday mixed pairs winners were Dave Evans and Eric. Runners up were Di and Frank. Brenda Trannore and Margaret Webb won the lucky draw.
Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Sue Hazledine and Donna Gordon. In second place were Narelle Schmidtke, Doris Dodds and Debbie Mackenzie.
Thursday mixed pairs winners were Barry and Francis Lehmann who also won last Thursday, followed by Mick and Delia Walsh. Greens vouchers went to Jess Haber and Chrissy Hall. The kitty toucher jackpots.
Friday mixed pairs best card and $75 each went to Val De Pinto and Tony Allsop. Winners’ lucky draw were the consistent Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Losers’ draw went to Jean Zamparutti and Debbie Mackenzie.
Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Alan Cooney and Peter Miller. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Morrie Pearson. The jackpot was not won.
Contributed by Tony Allsop
Saturday always attracts a good crowd of men
Brenda Trannore had a win last Monday

Indoor hockey is a game of great skill and speed and ten girls recently showed that when they represented Mackay in the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships.
Coming up against the best in the state, the girls came off only four training sessions between selection and the tournament, taking place in Brisbane from November 4-6, to make it all the way to the final.
“We were there to have a really good time and work as a team, and through doing that is generally when you play your best hockey and they proved that,” said Coach Emily Herrington.
“I certainly couldn’t have been more proud of them because they just ticked all the boxes from a coach’s perspective.”
Mackay finished on top of their pool with two wins and a loss before defeating Brisbane 3 in the semi with a resounding 6-0 win to make it into the final.
They were to come up against Ipswich in the final, ultimately going down 0-2.
“We wanted them to enjoy the moment and not let it overcome them,” said Manager Shelley Fisher.
“It’s a really nice thing to see them playing really good hockey but having fun while doing it and I think that’s really important for this age group,” added Emily.
“We’re so proud of them and they represented Mackay unbelievably well.”
Player Sunmer Vaughan said the team was “nervous but excited” leading into the final.
“It was upsetting that we lost but we came second overall so that’s good,” she said.
Selections for the U15 Queensland team were made following the tournament, with Mackay’s Tylah Andrews being selected and Laura Camilleri and Ebony Temple being selected in the shadow squad.
16-year-old Sam Riggs was also part of the coaching team as Assistant Coach.
“He did so well in terms of his coaching development, so I think that’s a really positive thing for indoor hockey,” said Emily.
“They are willing to support young kids coming through in all avenues.”
Back L-R Shelley Fisher (Manager), Sunmer Vaughan, Amali Paganoni, Maddie Searle (GK), Georgia Rye, Jenna Scott, Emily Herrington (Coach), Sam Riggs (Assistant Coach). Front L-R Tylah Andrews, Ebony Temple, Laura Camilleri, Taylor Fisher, Isabel Miles
Mackay finished second at the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships. Photos supplied

When Tracy Falbo first got word that she had qualified for this year’s 2022 Gran Fondo World Championships in Italy, she did not take it seriously.
The Operational Services supervisor had only been riding competitively for four years.
“This wasn’t really on my radar; I didn’t know I’d qualified,” Tracy said.
“When I got the email, I actually thought it was spam at first and I wasn’t going to answer it.”
However, this ultimate quiet achiever is also fiercely determined, and she loves a challenge.
That is demonstrated daily in her role at Mackay Base Hospital, where she heads up a team of more than 120 operational services staff and interacts with every department from Infection Prevention to Theatre and Clinical.
Her team cover the hospital’s porterage, cleaning, waste, Mackay-based courier work, gardening and wards work.
“I do love my job; it’s very rewarding and we have a good rapport in our team,” she said.
“We take care of all the moving parts and provide the muscle for the hospital.
“For example, members of our team assist on the wards with transferring and discharging patients; we ensure the cleaning is done promptly ahead of another patient arriving.
“We are relied upon to do a lot of the important jobs at the grassroots level, to keep the hospital functioning smoothly.”
Tracy was encouraged by a girlfriend to enter the city’s River 2 Reef Ride in 2019, and she caught the cycling bug.
“Me being a little competitive and wanting a new challenge, I embraced it,” she said.
“I joined the Mackay Cycling Club and began competing in yearly club events – races, time trials.”
The next year Tracy competed in the ITT state championships in Brisbane and won gold in the individual time trial for her Masters age group.
“That definitely fuelled the passion.”
She defended the title a year later (in 2021) winning gold again.
She also took on the national championships, winning silver in the ITT time trial and gold in both the criterium and road race.
That also meant she qualified for the Gran Fondo, hailed as ‘the world’s most prestigious amateur cycling event’.
Though she was initially unsure if she could do it, Tracy began the arduous task of preparing with a short lead time, spending approximately 13 hours a week training.
“I did general endurance, and I was climbing Eungella and Mt Blackwood,” she said.
“But nothing I could do here could really prepare me for the Gran Fondo.
“Adjusting to the climate and elevation, you’re in a different country and trying to navigate and translate – though I had my partner there to act as my ‘swannie’ (soigneur - pronounced swan-yer which means ‘one who provides care’).
“The enormity of it was another level again.”
Tracy competed in the individual time trial (M3 – 40-44 years) which is a 19.6km event and took on the 86km Mediofondo.
Though initially tracking well in the individual, she did not achieve the result she wanted, finishing 13th out of 30.
However, she relished the whole experience.
“I like a challenge; I like the hard work and benefit.
“It’s a good release, helps deal with stress, and I like to stay fit and healthy.”
But her main motivation is to be a good role model to her children (two daughters aged 20 and 19 and a 17-year-old son).
She already has her sights set on the next challenge – the Tour de Brisbane next year – and will definitely consider going to next year’s Gran Fondo in Glasgow, Scotland if she qualifies.
Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service
Tracy Falbo ready to compete in Italy
Tracy Falbo in her role at Mackay base Hospital

Mackay held the Central Queensland Swiss Teams Congress last weekend. Thirteen teams of four players per team entered the tournament. The overall winners were Team Bugeia consisting of Noel Bugeia , Val Holbrook, Terrence Sheedy and Errol Miller.
Mackay Congress Central Queensland Swiss Teams Event Saturday 12th November & 13th November.
Section A Section B Section C
1st Bugeia 1st Goodchild 1st Pickering
2nd Randal 2nd O’Neill 2nd Large
3rd Holewa 3rd Wright 3rd Saunders
4th Brown 4th Harris 4th Ross
Weekly Results
Monday 7 November 22 – 7 Table Mitchell
N/S E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown
3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 3rd Noel Bugeia/ Robert (Bob) Ellis
Tuesday Evening 8 November 22 – 3 Table One Winner
N/S
1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
3rd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 9 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell
N/S E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown
3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait 3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
Thursday Evening 10 November 2022 – 5 Table One Winner
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson
3rd Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell
Friday 11 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
2nd Joy Block / Janine Rodgers 2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders
2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

The Mackay Cycling Club finished its 2022 road season with a Club Championship Individual Time Trial earlier this month.
The event gives younger riders an opportunity to race on the road, as they are prohibited from racing in mass start events.
Despite the challenging windy conditions, riders recorded excellent times across multiple grades of racing.
Photos supplied: Mackay Cycling Club

The Whitsunday Colts twenty-twenty cricket side have held their nerves against last year’s division premiers to record their second victory.
The young guns, fresh off last week’s win against a slick Warriors outfit who were undefeated in the first four rounds, headed into the game without a captain, a coach, or a mentor.
Stand in Captain M.Pettiford won the toss and elected to bat sending in an unchanged opening pair of N.Wylie and J.Pini to negotiate the Warriors after their 50 run partnership last week.
Disaster struck early for the Colts with a mix up between the batsmen on the third ball and J.Pini became proud owner of the first diamond duck of the season and was on his way without facing a ball.
N.Wylie(3) followed shortly afterwards and the Colts were 2/13 halfway through the 4th. C.Stroud fresh from his 62 from 72 balls for the Pitbulls game earlier in the day, went out to partner M.Pettiford with the side in a spot of bother.
This is where these two batsmen put on a masterclass display of batting and running between the wickets taking full advantage of a couple of drop catches from the fielding side early in their innings.
Captain Marvellous Mike finished on an unbeaten 72 from 53 balls and Corey, unselfishly, runout on the last delivery for 60 off 54 balls.
All of which had the Colts with a very handy total of 3-153 of their 20 overs.
Full of enthusiasm and confidence saw the young guns take to the field with the runs on the board.
Could they close out the game against their more fancied rivals?
R.Blain (2-24) picked up R.Knight for a golden duck to get the Colts high fiving, and he was well supported by B.Altmann (0-19) and C.Stroud (0-14).
Soon the side had built up a considerable tally, and N.Kleinert(1-5) bowled well with a great catch by J.Pini in the deep removing Luke Valmadre for 1, had the Warriors in trouble 7-121.
M.Pettiford (0-12), C.Woodhouse (0-21) bowled at the death and R.Blain picked up the ever dangerous C.Wren (3) in his last over to contain the Warriors to 8-129 after 20, leaving Shane Knight stranded at the other end on a shaky but unbeaten 25 from 32.
With the win the Colts have catapulted into second spot with two wins, two losses, and a draw.
The inaugural Whitsunday Colts T20 side are having excellent success in their debut season

A young Whitsunday athlete is reaching for the stars following a series of successes at local, regional and now state level.
Nine-year-old Shailee Mewha, who attends Cannonvale State School, only discovered she had a talent for running when she won the 800 metres at her school’s Athletics Day last year.
Waiting until she turned nine and could compete at a higher level, this year has seen several incredible achievements for the young sports star.
Winning the 800 metres for the second time at Athletics Day this year, Shailee progressed to the Proserpine Schools Competition which saw the top two athletes move on to the Whitsunday Region Competition.
Shailee won both of these events and went on to compete in Townsville where she trialled the 1500 metres as well as 800 metres, coming first in both.
In October Shailee attended the State Championships in Brisbane and came 7th in both the 1500 and 800 metres.
In addition, she took part in the Cross Country, coming 16th in the whole state out of 66.
“I love racing new people and trying something new,” said Shailee.
“I’ve made friends that I see at all the events, and I love competing – I would love to go to the Olympics one day!”
Eager to continue her winning streak, Shailee is competing in the Aquathon which is due to take place in Hervey Bay in February.
This sporting event incorporates a one-kilometre run followed by a 200-metre swim and then another one-kilometre run.
Shailee will be first in her age-group when she goes to compete at state level.
She would like to thank her three coaches, including her sports teacher, Mr Westley, for all their encouragement, as well as her parents.
Shailee Mewha at the athletics stadium in Brisbane
Holding her ribbons after the race
Running always puts a smile on her face

On Saturday, November 5, eight mini-Pitties from Proserpine’s Junior Cricket association made their debut in the Master Blaster U10s grade of the Proserpine-Bowen intertown competition.
Taking on the Bowen Barracudas, Captain Blake W made sure to win the bat toss and chose to put Bowen on the pitch first, seeing it was a bit of a green top and the ball might move around a bit early on.
Cydnee (2-10) opened up and didn’t let her skipper down, picking up two baby Barracudas in her first over.
Captain Blake W (1-8) was the next to put barracuda on the menu in his second over, and following him was Arista (0-19), who was unlucky not to get a fillet of fish from her overs.
Jayden (3-10), Ryan (2-5) had the ball on a string and got the line wet with good length bowling. Harry (1-8), Thomas (1-7), Georgia (1-11) all added to the esky and closed the lid on the Barracudas innings at 11-78.
With 55 runs on the board (five runs per wicket) from those they took, the Pitbull puppies pounced out into a bubbling Barracuda swell.
Harry and Georgia (3-14) found it tough going in their first bat. Thomas and Ryan (1-15) batted well and set sail with the wind and the ball over the boundary with their time at the crease.
Then Jayden and Arista (3-16) did the same until the wind dropped out and lost a couple of quick wickets. This had the Baby Barracudas in a feeding frenzy and Pitbull Puppies in trouble on 100 runs, 13 runs behind with two batting pairs to go.
Cydnee and Blake W (1-12) turned the tide in a great knock with the skipper finding boundary rope on several occasions and the Puppies clawing back to six runs behind with one pair to play.
This was given to Harry and Georgia (2-19) who threw caution to the wind. They ran on everything in a nail biter with the Puppies winning in a tight one by three runs.
A match well played by both teams. Players’ players went to Harry and Georgia for their amazing teamwork as batting partners, being brave and getting those runs.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre
The young Proserpine Pitbulls side managed a close fought victory over the Bowen Barracudas

Airlie Beach Darts hosted three of the four scheduled qualifying finals on Sunday morning at Mika Live BBQ & Bar.
The first match of the day was the latest instalment between Andy Peel and Ross Gallichan. Both players are familiar with each other’s games; regular matches between the pair go back to the club’s formation.
Andy took the first set by three legs to one, and the second set by three legs to two, claiming the match by two sets to nil.
In the second match, Lorraine Woods defeated Dick O’Hara by two sets to one.
Lorraine advances to next week’s quarter finals where interestingly there’s a slight chance she could be drawn out to play her husband Jamie, who also happens to be the defending Champion.
In the final match of the day, Kameron Reason defeated Gary Robbie by two sets to nil with a scoreline of 3/2, 3/2. It was a good effort by Gary on the day, who unfortunately came up short.
Unlucky to the defeated players on the day, and the club thanks them for taking part. They hope to see all players grand final on Sunday, December 4.
Well done to the winners who now March on to the Quarter Finals next weekend.
The Xmas Open is sponsored by Dyson Automotive, thank you for your support.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher
Kameron Reason winning the meat raffle on Sunday at Mika and advancing to the Quarter Finals

This week, 66 people ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course, with 12 first timers and seven new Personal Bests from: Sebastian, Robert, Michael, Daisy, Jess, Kelly, Nicole.
As well, Laura celebrated her 50th time volunteering.
The event was made possible by 16 other wonderful volunteers: Peter, Nick, Daniel, Kara, Maree, Nathalie (photographer), Christopher H (run director), Lucy, Susanne, Ronald, Michael, Lilliana, Louise, Lynne, Dennis and Diane.
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.
The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.
There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun
Plenty of people pushed off for parkrun at Airlie Beach on the weekend
Caption 2:The event celebrated its 336th iteration, as well as Laura’s 50th time volunteering
Parkrun is only made possible by the work of dedicated volunteers each week

Over 40 swimmers participated at the Cannons’ Club Night on Wednesday.
The Cannons commended Max Smith and Eloise Chegwidden for winning the Chocolate Awards and Piper Walker for winning the Swim Star Award.
The club also congratulated Lucas Korosec, Billie Jamieson, and Koa Harland on their Upgrade Certificates.
The coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, were impressed with the effort the swimmers put into their races.
Highlights included: Biggest personal bests (PBs) from Don Algie, aged nine years, who swam a 13.07 second personal best (PB) in his 200-metre Freestyle.
Jax Clayworth, also aged nine, swam a 12.61 second PB in his 100-metre Butterfly. While Abi Maher, aged 11, swam an 11.46 second PB in her 100-metre Backstroke.
Celeste Orenshaw and Koa Harland both swam big PBs in their 100-metre IM.
Top Performers: Celeste Orenshaw, Addie Sanders, Charlie Doherty, Sophie Fletcher, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Abi Maher, and Indi Smith, who swam personal best times in the majority of the events.
Harry Chegwidden, aged five, swam very well in his Breaststroke race and took 3.6 seconds off his previous time. And Jake Clark’s best swim was his Butterfly, taking over 1.5 seconds off his previous best.
Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam PBs: Zane Clayworth, James Davies, Lily Maher, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Evie Doherty, Indi Harland, Billie Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Levi Smith, Max Smith, Molly Smith, Jax Swannell, and Charlotte Trevaskis.
Well done to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday. Swimmers are now preparing for the Whitsunday Swimming Carnival and Hamilton Island Ocean Swim which are on the weekend.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
Cannonvale Cannon Max Smith won the chocolate award
Piper Walker claimed the Swim Star Award

Airlie Beach Bowls Club was awarded the Fields Pty Ltd Club Premiership Cup for 2022 last week.
Each year, points are awarded to bowling clubs in the region to determine the overall winner, with the honour governed by the Mackay District Bowls Association.
Congratulations to all players who contributed.
At Pines River Bowls Club for the Australian Championships final of the BPL, the club had more success: Luke Kinnear, Warren Mills, and Manny Isgro finished a very credible fifth with only a point separating them to progress to the last four.
The club also won the Men’s Mackay District Bowls Association Gilbey Cup for overall bowler of the year which went to Manny Isgro for the second time.
Tuesday afternoon bowls saw a big win to skipper Margo Stanley with lead Mark Mawson overall winners of the day.
Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw a great win to Col Morris and Rick Galea.
Wednesday night Business House Bowls also had some outstanding results with PRD losing their first game of the season.
New bowlers Keith Dornoch and Glenn Frederiksen, and the team of Whitsunday Gold Coffee, showed that they can give the competition a shake, and other team winners were The Blockheads and Tuk Tuks.
Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners of Margo Stanley, John Brown, Nik Fernbach, Peter Barratt, Andrew Butler, and Eric Barnard.
The final was played between Men’s President Peter Barratt and Eric Barnard from the Woolies team of Business House Bowls, who came out the winner.
Sunday social Bowls also had a great win to Graham Cowling’s team.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Airlie Beach Bowls Club Manny Isgro holding up the Bowler of the Year awarded to the best judged player of the season

Sunday’s Scroungers winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Lloyd White, and Paula and Lee Welsted, who followed up the stellar round of the club’s Wednesday Social Bowls.
There was plenty out and about for the games, with Peter Thomson, Lorraine McCarther, and Doc Fordham defeating Mary Ellen Pratten, Paula Swift, and Allan Williams.
Ron Gould, Jane Gilbert, and Steve Roome won their match against Tracey Roach, Jill Brabon, and Jeff Tierney. While Bev Smith, Robyn Stitt, and Lou Fordham beat out Joan Edwards, Mark Rogers, and Ross Scanlon.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Wednesday Social Bowls winners Robyn Stitt, Lou Fordham, Bev Smith
Sunday’s Scroungers winners Lloyd White, and Paula and Lee Welsted

On Tuesday, Irene Laird, Lyn Danvers, and Margaret Wilson defeated Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Penny Warren.
In the other game, Greg Colquhoun and Robyn Stitt defeated Geoff Danvers and Deb Retchless.
The winners for Sunday afternoon were Lyn Danvers, Sue Shearing, and Geoff Danvers who defeated Lindy Suann, Robyn Stitt, and Pat Tracey.
Others: Toni Bowen, Penny Warren, and Sugar Brunker defeating Deb Retchless, Kevin Daniels, and Mark Drummond. While Bill Myers, Greg Colquhoun, and Allan Rolfe defeated Bron Tolcher, Linda Scells, and Kennedy Whitton.
The final of the Club Mixed Pairs was played on Thursday.
A closely fought match between Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe and Lyn and Geoff Danvers resulted in Penny and Allan taking the win.
The final of the Mixed Fours will be played on Monday, with results coming next Friday.
Good luck to the men’s teams playing Collinsville this Saturday in the last round of the local pennant at Wangaratta.
If you would like to see some good play, come down have a drink and cheer the teams on.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
Mixed Pairs winners Allan Rolfe and Penny Warren
Sunday's winners were Lyn Danvers, Goeff Danvers, Sue Shearing, and President Mark Drummond

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club incorporating the ladies’ Medal of Medals.
Single stableford Ladies’ winner was Carol O’Connell, 37 points, who also won the midweek Medal of Medals, while runner up on a countback was Ruth Dunn, 36.
Men’s winner was Cliff Querro, 40 points, runner up Mitchell Greenbank, 39. Congratulations to Lynelle Riley who won the midweek Ladies Golfer of the Year.
Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Vets, incorporating the Medal of Medals sponsored by LJ Hooker.
Men's Winner Ryley Malone, 43 points, runner up Greg Daniel, 38. Pin shots to Garry Kukura, Ryley Malone, Michael Brunker, Matthew Yasso, and Brian Martin. Brian also earned himself the Carwash voucher and an OBP.
Ladies' winner was Joy Hose, 37 points, runner up Jo Kukura, 33.
Pin Shots to Claire Garrod, Lynelle Riley, and Michelle Campbell. Congratulations to Kurt Bidgood and Joy Hose on winning the weekend Medal of Medals, as well as to Ruth Dunn on winning the Ladies’ Golfer of the Year.
This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg from Proserpine Golf shop, with presentation night tonight.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
Bowen Golf Club’s Saturday winners and runners-up