Sports

Harvest Triples Brings Friendly Competition to Marian Bowls Club

Harvest Triples Brings Friendly Competition to Marian Bowls Club

The annual Harvest Triples competition was held at the Marian Bowls Club on Monday, May 11th, welcoming sixteen teams from across the district. President Thelma Johnston greeted players as they arrived for the popular event, which saw bowlers enjoy a day of friendly rivalry despite continuous showers throughout the day. The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with plenty of laughter and camaraderie shared across the greens. A cent sale and raffles were well supported by the attending bowlers, while Joan Vickers donated a beautiful orchid for the lucky door prize. With only three points separating the top three teams, the competition proved to be closely contested. Results were as follows: 1st Place: C. McBride, Penny Roots, Rita Hughes 2nd Place: Lyn Tungate, Pauline Turchett, Margaret Egerton 3rd Place: Doris Fry, Judith Miller, Thelma Johnston Contributed by Judith Miller 6349 T. Johnston, R. Hughes, C. McBride, P. Roots. 6348 T. Johnston, L. Tungate, M. Edgerton, P. Turchett 6346 L. Hamilton, T. Johnston, D. Fry, J. Miller. Photos supplied

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Aquila Takes Top Honours At 21st QMRS Memorial Cup In Dysart

Aquila Takes Top Honours At 21st QMRS Memorial Cup In Dysart

Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026. Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector. Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August. QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness. “Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said. “The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.” Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila. Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork. "This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.” Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development. “Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said. “This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.” QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event. CAPTIONS: Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald. (Back Row L to R) - John Bourke, Guillermo (will) Pedrosa, Adam Barnes, Daneil Davies, and Tyronne Sullivan. Photo supplied Second Place - Oaky North (Front Row L to R) - Leslie Healy, Robert McShane (vice - captain), Samuel Lindley (captain), and Coleman Roberts. (Back Row L to R) - Sandie McGill, Dakotah Damsma Richardson, Ben Ormsby, Hudson Jeffrey, Corey Hoskins, and Sarah Ryan (3M). Photo supplied Third Place - Ironbark No.1 (Front Row L to R) - Kenneth Aveling, Thomas McPhail (captain), Shay Livermore (vice - captain), and Dean Betts. (Back Row L to R) - Charlie Stokes, Connor Thompson, Luke Davies, Paul Hansen, Danuel Bell, and Brett Spence (FRSA). Photo supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results and Mackay Open   12th May 2026

Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results and Mackay Open 12th May 2026

Over the weekend of 8th–10th May, Mackay Table Tennis Association was proud to host the Queensland Northern Veterans and Mackay Open Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players from across the State, who travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast to compete in the event. The weekend featured both Aged and Rated events and showcased an incredible range of competitors, from our youngest junior player at just 7 years old to our oldest veteran player at 85 years old. For the first time in several years, we crowned new Men’s and Women’s Open Singles Champions. Alan Walsh from Townsville defeated Paul Green from Mackay to claim the Men’s Open title, while Crismi Lovera fought back strongly against Andrea McDonnell, with both players representing Townsville, to secure the Women’s Open title. Mackay Table Tennis Association would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled, competed, umpired, and assisted throughout the weekend, along with the wonderful referees whose efforts helped make the tournament a success. A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors who generously donated prize money and raffle prizes to the Club — your continued support is greatly appreciated. Tuesday Night Fixtures Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) just got home against Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5. Barry won a very close battle with Graham B (-6,6,-13,10,9). What an exceptional 5 Sets! Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 6-5 over Geese (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), no 5 set matches but some very close games. Canaries (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Yilin Jiang) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Syed Hossain). Division 2: Doves (Daniel Warfield, John McGee, Will VanDeKaa) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) 6-5 with a good 5 set doubles match between John and Daniel coming home against Rod and Ricky to win (-3,7,-12,8,3). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) won 9-2 against Kites (Matt West, Tiffany Camilleri, Simon Hogan), Andrea found her groove in the 5 set to win over Matt (-8,3,4,-7,6). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan) beat Parrots (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross) 5-3, George got his monies worth with 2 big 5 set matches, he lost to Donna but came out and snuck home against Remy (-9,7,-8,7,12) Division 3 are still playing in there groups with the leader board changing often. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Orion Orbitors (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) defeated Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir), Peter overcome John in 5 sets (9,4,-9,-9,4). Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Darryl Ross) won 8-4 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Veronica Needham, Bryan Marshall), Kevin got the better of Veronica N (-9,11,-7,5,6). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) overcome Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins) 10-2, Helen outlasted Chris in 5 sets (-8,-8,1,10,7). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Coral Morgan, Robyn Bushell) 7-5, Kim overcome John in close 5 sets (16,-5,-9,11,10). Division 3: Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) won 7-5 Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders), Myles overcome Sharon in 5 sets (7,9,-8,-7,7). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Pam Kuene) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton, Thelma Caruana) 11-1, Pam outlasted Gerry in close battle (7,-8,8,-3,7). Contributed by Andrea Payne Barry Patterson. Photo supplied

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Mackay Contract Bridge Results May 22nd

Mackay Contract Bridge Results May 22nd

The 30th Barrier Reef Contract Bridge Congress was played in Townville last week. Players travelled from all over the state to compete. Five pairs of Mackay players received coveted Red points in the Walkins. Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce won the Novice Pairs (Gold points) with Team Morris – Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Jan Harris and Helen Van Den Broek placed second in the Restricted Team event, also Gold points. All Mackay players competed well and received a percentage of Red or Gold points. Weekly Results Monday 11 May 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell 1st Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Monica Darley / Joy Block 2nd Sandy Patterson / Karen Caldwell 3rd Faith Hutchinson / Mary Jane Marsh 3rd Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese Tuesday Evening 12 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ken Seaniger / Ann Whitmore 3rd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 4th Vicki Howard / Richard Wix Wednesday 13 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 1st Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell 2nd Bob Ellis / Susan Wright 2nd Andrew Canavan / Kath Poole 3rd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson 3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary 4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen Thursday Evening 14 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King 3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless Friday 8 May 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell 3rd Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson Saturday 9 May 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 4th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 5th Anne Lutz / Ian Vary Contributed by Joy Block

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Better Built Sheds

Bowen Golf News

August 24, 2023

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stroke for the October midweek Monthly medal sponsored by the club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, 65 nett, with runner up Lynelle Riley, 65 nett.  

Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Michelle Campbell, Anne McGowan, and Tanya Gaudry, while Men’s winner was Graham Seaborne, 67 nett, and runner up Cliff Querro, 68 nett.  

Saturday’s competition was the Men’s October monthly medal.

Winner Mitchell Greenbank, 67 nett, runner up on a countback Andrew Glossop 68 nett.  Sunday’s competition was the Ladies October Monthly medal.  Winner June Kirk 68 nett, runner up Pauline Martin 71 nett.  Pin shots to Robyn Slade, Grace Nott & Viv Clark, who also had an outer ball pool.  Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.

This weekend’s competition is an 18-hole, 2-person ambrose sponsored by Carlton United Brewing Company.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Midweek Monthly Medal ladies’ winners Grace Nott and runner up Lynelle Riley

Weekend Monthly Medal runner up Pauline Martin

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Airlie Beach ‘Parkwalk’

August 24, 2023

This week 95 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers and 7 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Steve, Chloe, Jay, Therese, Hoffie, Shane and Geoff. Louise completed her 50th parkrun and Kara completed her 100th week as a volunteer.

The event was made possible by 16 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Chris, Leigh, Greg, Sarah (photographer), Heather (run director), Kirsty, Susanne, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Braxton, Dennis, Joanne and Tina.

Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – there is even a ‘parkwalk’ volunteer to look after them.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

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.

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

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Airlie Beach firefighters were out to keep fit at parkrun last week

Kara has volunteered for 100 weeks at parkrun

The team of dedicated volunteers for Airlie Beach parkrun

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On The Water

August 24, 2023

Twilight Race: Another week, another enjoyable sail for the 20 yachts who took part in last week’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

A gentle 10 knot south easterly breeze and slight seas provided enjoyable sailing for skippers and crew alike.

The start for the first fleet saw some aggressive tactics by some boats, with a couple of boats baling out at the last moment.  This didn’t affect Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), who positioned the boat well for a clean get away.  By the first mark, QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) held a slight lead over Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez).  There was little to separate these three, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) ready to join the party, but gradually Bobby’s Girl eked out a gap, crossing the finish line 1 minute ahead of Smooth Criminal and QMS Ponyo.  Corrected time results went to Reignition from Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.

A strong start from Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) in Division 3 was short lived as Matchless (Terrence Stevens) and Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) soon took the lead, leaving Masquerade to battle with Alabaster (Kate Warren), Aquatarius (Tom Parker) and Shiraz (John Cable).  The mid fleet battle was fierce, with several boats competing for honours, with positions constantly changing.  Finally Matchless crossed the finish line 1 minute ahead of Alabaster, with Wobbly Boot a further 15 seconds back.  Corrected time results went to Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) from Masquerade and Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini).

G’nome (Terry Archer) had some competition this week in the form of Overdrive (Rupert King), with Overdrive taking the initial lead at the start, but G’nome soon taking control on the water. The lead spread out to 7 minutes at the finishin G’nome’s favour, while on corrected time, Overdrive came out on top by 2 minutes.  

Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.  Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

Close racing in Division 2 at the turning mark

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The Whitsunday Ironman

August 24, 2023

The first of Airlie Beach’s competitors representing the country at a series of World Championship Ironman events crossed the finish line last Sunday.

Whitsunday local Michael Kimpton, 68, took part in the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, one of the “most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.”

The iconic event saw some of the world’s very best triathletes embark on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finish with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.

Kimpton said the atmosphere was off the dial before the race.

“Plenty of nervous energy from all athletes, music pumping while we patiently waited for the announcement to enter the water,” he said.

“The ocean was kind to all with calm conditions but a little bit of swell running. Lovely warm water. The cycle course was unbelievable, the road surface is to die for: an undulating course with a tough climb halfway.

“[It was] very wise not to push too hard on the bike; it got very hot as the heat and high humidity from the barren lava fields made it challenging. A bonus we train in Airlie Beach in slightly similar conditions!”

Kimpton is a relative newbie to the sport but is making a late charge representing his country in his retirement from working life.

In Hawaii, he’s found himself alongside some of the greats, including fourth placed fellow countryman, Max Neumann, who broke the course record alongside four others.

Although he might not have been on the podium come the end, the experience for Kimpton was something he’ll never forget.

“Near the end, you could hear the music way up front. I just love the last couple of kilometres as the adrenaline kicks in,” he said.

“The final 500 metres is remarkable. Spectator support so exhilarating that all of a sudden the body feels invincible; I was pumped and ready to take my turn as being welcomed as an ‘Ironman’.

“I can safely say: I love my life, and I love Ironman.”

Michael Kimpton completed the World Championship course in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the first of two ironman distance events he’ll compete in this month

Kimpton, a newbie to the sport, experienced something few people in the world ever do: competing for his country on the world stage

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Cannons Go the Distance

August 24, 2023

The coaches named Harris Delac as the Swim Star of the week for his 100-metre IM.  Congratulations to Matilda Nicholes and Lucas Korosec for winning the Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests.  

Club Secretary Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Max Smith, Molly Smith, Lucas Korosec, Remy Hedges, Lily Maher, and Millie Groom.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson, were impressed by all the Cannons who took up the challenge to swim longer distances.

Highlights include Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell swimming 1500-metre Freestyle, which was 60 laps with lots of turns.  

Nelson Malady, aged 10, swam a huge 56.96 second personal in his 800-metre Freestyle (32 laps).   Jack Ganter, aged 13, swam his first 800-metre Freestyle in a time of 11.17.05.  

Don Algie, aged 8, swam extremely well, swimming 400-metre Freestyle in 6.22.86 and 400-metre IM in 7.32.07.  

Eloise Chegwidden, only seven-years-old, swam a cracking 100-metre Freestyle in 1.52.46 and 100-metre Breaststroke in 2.13.69.  

Remy Hedges, aged 14, was very excited with her 400-metre Freestyle in 5.01.56 with a 0.07 second personal best.  

Harris Delac, aged 8, swam two massive personal bests in his 100-metre Freestyle and 200-metre IM.  He swam a whooping 85.38 second personal best in his 200-metre IM.

Harris’s sister Tora swam a fantastic time for her 400-metre Freestyle which was just under 6 minutes.  

Lily Maher, aged 13, swam super times in her 200m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke, both swims had personal bests over 20 seconds.  Celeste Orenshaw, aged 9, swam an excellent time of 1.45.19 in her 100-metre Freestyle which was a 33.08 second personal best.

Well done to all the swimmers and big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Lucas K with Upgrade and Chocolate awards

Max Smith upgrade

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Colts Cricketers Take On Bowen In T20

August 24, 2023

The Whitsunday Colts team battled it out against a mixed senior’s side in Bowen in late September in a heavily anticipated trial match.

Senior players, supporters and sponsors of the squad were out in force, wondering if the young Colts side could hold their own in the up-and-coming season of the seniors 20/20 competition.

Adorned in new uniforms, the side didn’t let the club and its sponsors down.

Batting first, the young-guns sent in their most experienced to set the tone: M.Pettierford (6) and D.Milne (4), who both won premierships in the seniors competition last season.

But they had to face the fierce S.Mcintosh (0-15), who streamed in from the northern end with a 30-knot breeze behind him.

After a bit of chin music to unsettle the batsmen, L.Blundell (4-31) reaped the rewards when he got the ball talking, and batsman walking, picking up M.Pettierford (6), C.Woodhouse (10), and J.Pini (2) in consecutive overs.

When D.Milne (4) fell to the off spin of D.Williams shortly after, the Colts were in trouble at 4/33.

B.Valmadre (17) got a start but threw his wicket away five balls before drinks break. B.Altmann (4) was next to fall and a direct hit from the outfield by evergreen M.Hope had C.Stroud (10) short of his crease and fingernails were disappearing quickly in the crowd.

Knowing Big Tom was striding to the middle was calming the nerves of players and supporters but the nerves were redlining when he departed with a second ball duck.

Tom was the fifth batsman stumped in the innings, and Colts were now reeling at 8/99.

W.Homewood (41) made a day of it with his man of the match performance with the willow, guiding the Colts to a defendable 9/128 with the help of N.Kleinert (12no) and R.Blain (1no).

Full of confidence, the senior side were looking to make short work of the young’uns total.

M.Valmadre (1) was first to have an early shower, and D.Williams (11) popped one back to one of the comeback kids this season: R.Blain(1/30).

Followed by S.Mcintosh (16), the seniors were 3/46 in the ninth.

M.Coventry had the bat blazing with an unbeaten 67, but with tight bowling and a constant flow of wickets - with C.Woodhouse (2/9), M.Pettiford (1/29), D.Milne (1/5), and C.Stroud (1/36), and some great pressure building bowling from N.Kleinert (0/17) in the dying stages - the Colts were able to hold their nerves for a hard fought two run win, leaving the seniors 6/126 from their 20 overs.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

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Commonwealth Games Legend Barrie Lester Comes To Airlie

August 24, 2023

A group of 30 lucky participants enjoyed an intimate clinic session with ‘Face of Bowls Australia’ Barrie Lester at Airlie Beach Bowls Club last Friday.

The 40-year-old bowling sensation has represented Australia internationally countless times and now shares his wisdom, including his effective philosophy, to clubs all across Australia.

Local bowls club member, Shane Spann, is good friends with Barrie and took the time to organise the clinic which he said was very popular with the other members.

“I managed to sneak him in last year, but this year everyone wanted to meet him – we only had 30 places and they got booked real quick – we even had a waitlist!” said Shane.

During the two-and-a-half-hour clinic, the 30 avid bowlers learnt everything from the merits of regular exercise to enhance your bowling skills, through to how to maximise your concentration and focus.

Hanging around for the whole weekend, Barrie was available to meet everyone at the club and spent time discussing tips, tricks and all things bowls.

He also played in six games across the weekend.

“It was really good to see so many people from all demographics, the really young to the more experienced, come together,” said Barrie.

“I hold clinics whenever I can – I love to give back at the grassroots level, it’s great to see the reward players get out of it.”

In golf you often have access to a golf pro, but in bowls it is not as common.

“I like to get on the road a bit, get to the rural areas, upskill players who live, breathe and love the game!”

Barrie started lawn bowls 25 years ago, his dad was a keen bowler and he enjoyed heading down to the green with him.

He got his first sponsorship from Lakes Entrance Bowls Club 22 years ago and since then has made a career out of the sport he loves.

“It’s taken me all around the world and I’ve loved every second of it!” he said.

“The ‘Jackaroos’ are like a family, we all support each other and it is such a great environment – the team is the best part about it.

“It’s a very welcoming sport and anyone can give it a go!”

Next up, Barrie will be playing in the Australian Championships which are due to be held in the Gold Coast next week.

He will then participate in the Bowls Premier League which will be held in Brisbane in November and televised on FOX Sports.

Image: International bowling legend Barrie Lester teaches a clinic at Airlie Beach Bowls Club

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“It’s Not About Playing Rugby, It’s About Being A Dad”: Raider’s Lifechanging Injury

August 24, 2023

It is unlikely Will Crossley will ever move his left arm again.

The Mt Julian father of three no longer has muscle tone in the limb from the shoulder down – a sign doctors assure him is “very bad”. His left leg from above the knee to his foot is entirely numb, although it has some movement.

He can walk with difficulty and assistance – a better sign, doctors say.

On Saturday, August 13, in a late-season match-up against the Kuttabul Camelboks, Will Crossley pulled on the Whitsunday Raiders shirt for likely the last time as a player before suffering a life-altering injury.

During a ruck in what was a must-win game for the Raiders to qualify for finals, “someone came in to clear out”, collecting Will in the act, not hard or malicious, but from the side - an illegal move.

Their shoulder connected with the back of Will’s head, and he immediately felt the entire left side of his body from the ear down go numb, but he thought it was just a knock at first.

His teammates held his neck until the ambulance came. He thought feeling was coming back and he’d be okay but a scan alerted doctors that he needed to be flown immediately from Proserpine to Townsville’s University Hospital.

Will had broken the C5 vertebra and ruptured the C5-6 disks in his spine – both of which had prolapsed inwards. The fluid from inside those spinal disks – which are pressurised - erupted into his spinal cord, causing widespread damage.

He underwent major surgery two days after arriving at Townsville.

The once junior Whitsunday Raider, and colourful character whose family has “been around Proserpine for three generations”, is now facing the prospect that much of his life will be spent in a wheelchair.

In the aftermath of the injury, the Whitsunday Raiders Rugby Union Club began a GoFundMe page to support Will’s recovery and costs surrounding it by raising over $16,000.

Those funds have assisted Will in the short-term and he remains in hospital care, while more fundraising efforts are on the way.

Will said the rugby community’s support had been a light in dark times.

“You hear stories about the community and how good they are in situations like this and it’s truly humbling to experience it first-hand,” he said.

“It’s been extremely difficult mentally, to put it lightly, but this has been incredible.”

He’s received over 170 messages of support - from people he played two or three games of rugby with in years past, to Wallabies players like Dave Porecki and Tom Wright.

As well, he’d even been sent a video shoutout from Wallabies players on the pitch just before kick-off their Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand.

But it has had its more than difficult moments – six hours of physical therapy rehabilitation a day, six days a week – as well as major mental challenges.

“Realistically, I might not ever get use of my arm again; I might never get to throw the ball with my kids again. And it’s not about playing rugby, it’s about being a dad,” Will said.

“I was working as a security guard during the night and looking after the three kids during the day, and I’m really not sure what I’ll do now for work."

The 32-year-old single father will eventually move to Brisbane Spine Care Clinic as soon as a bed becomes available to continue his rehab as part of a “long journey” to a semblance of recovery.

His doctors have told him: “miracles can happen”.

For now, Will has two things on his mind: his children and his rugby. To be there for them, and to give back to the community that has given him so much.

“My long-term goal is to get back and give back. I want to get into junior coaching, through Australia Rugby I’ll use my Level Three Reffing and Coaching badges,” he said.

“The best thing for me to do is to take my 15 years of experience playing and help build the grass roots. I want to give back to my rugby family.”

You can donate to Will’s GoFundMe Page here: https://bit.ly/3ycnRUd

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Port Denison Gun Club Monthly Shoot Results

August 24, 2023

September at Port Denison Gun Club saw twenty-six shooters competing in very windy, sunny conditions which reflected in the scores on the day.  

Shooters travelled from Burdekin, Silkwood, and as far as Mackay and Sarina to join our local members for a wonderful day of competition.  

RESULTS:

Ev 1: 25T DB Graded Sweepstakes

AA: S Steele, J Rossato, R Gough 25/25

A: A Lord, M Zabala 25/25, B Gall, G Maltby 24/25

B: D Bartlett 22/25, M Rossato, J Cerqui 21/25

C: B Bonanno, R Zarb 21/25, R Ness 20/25

Ev 2: 25T DB Handicap

1st: G McHenry 24/25

2nd J Cerqui 23/25

3rd B Bonanno 28/31

Ev 3: 25T SB Continental – Port Denison Championship sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware

AA: R Gough 25/26

A: G McHenry 21/25

B: J Cerqui 22/27

C: R Zarb 23/25

Ev 4: 15 Pr D Rise Sweepstakes

AA: R Gough 28/30, M Zabala 22/30

A: J Rossato 26/30, A Lemphers 25/30, B Gall 24/30

B: G McHenry 27/30, A Lord 26/30, M Mackay 24/30

C: M Rossato 22/30, B Cox 20/30, D Bartlett 18/30  

Thank you to everyone who helped out at the working bee and on the day of the shoot. Our sponsors for the day Bowen Home Hardware. Our next shoot will be held on Sunday 23rd October.

Contributed with thanks to Cheryl Edgerton

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Airlie Beach Parkrun

August 24, 2023

This week 90 fantastic people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers. 11 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Caleb, Bec, Josh, Steve, Riley, Jennifer, Nadine, Chris, Barbara, Jai, and Geoff.

The event was made possible by 14 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Justin (photographer), Kara (run director), Rebecca, Greg, Christopher, Wendy, Ronald, Ashley, Shane, Michael, Ted, Laura and Lynne.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on December 5, 2015. Since then, 4,226 participants have completed 22,123 parkruns covering a total distance of 110,615 km, including 2,579 new Personal Bests. A total of 358 individuals have volunteered 3,120 times.

Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course.

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.

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

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Airlie Beach Darts Crowns Its Champion

August 24, 2023

It’s been a long, sometimes tough, but thoroughly enjoyable seven months of darts. The Airlie Beach Darts Club had three top matches to get through on its final day, with lots of friends and family coming down to Mika to enjoy all the action and show their support.

The third/fourth place match was between Joe Wilson and Andy Peel, with Joe sneaking the win 9/7 in the end.

Joe hit an impressive 160 checkout - his seventh ton checkout this year - and along with the third-place finish in 2022, he managed to claim the most ton checkouts, as well as the most 180s by a player this season.

In the Hetlock Cup match-up, the club had Ross Gallichan taking on Gary Robbie. Both players have shown improvement on last season’s campaigns for different reasons.

Ross deservedly won his first piece of silverware at the club, beating Gary 9/4 to claim the first Hetlock Cup.

To the “Big Dance”: Jamie Maher and Dom Friend both went into this grand final confident, and rightly so. Both have had stellar seasons, and all that was left to do was to finish it off.

The first session of the match was very even with Dom taking a slight three legs to two advantage over Jamie. The second session was more one sided with Jamie failing to claim a single leg to give Dom a massive 8/2 lead at the next break.

The trend continued into the next session, with Dom jumping out to an unassailable 9/2 lead and with the victory in sight.

Jamie rallied towards the end to claim three legs in a row to make it 9/5, showing there was life in this match still.

Dom was now struggling with his throw a little, and just as Jamie was believing a comeback was possible, both players on a double, Jamie missed but Dom didn’t. A two-leg momentum shift, instead of making it very interesting at 9/6, the wind was taken out of Jamie’s sails as Dom went 10/5 up and one away from victory.

Ultimately, Jamie was always chasing Dom, who never really looked like losing on the day, and Dom thoroughly deserved the 11/5 victory to become the 2022 Premier League champion.

Thanks also to our amazing sponsors Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing for looking after us this year. Back again for 2023.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contant: 0405411865 or find the group on Facebook.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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On The Whitsunday Green

August 24, 2023

This week it was Paula Wronski who won the weekly 9-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Course with 22 points.

Justyn Durbin was second with 18 and Andew Gomez was third with 17 points. On Friday it was Justyn Durbin’s turn to win with 20 points, a narrow count back win over Andrew Gomez also with 20 points.

Elise Hodgson was third with 19 points. Elise is in fine form also winning the Sunday 18-hole stableford with a staggering 42 points!

Tyson Flavel was second with 38, and Clive Burn up third with 37 points.

Marc Belke dominated the 17th with a ‘Hole in One’.

Next Sunday will be the SKINS, 9.30am registration for 10am tee off.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Proserpine Veteran’s Golf

August 24, 2023

Another great day hosting the Whitsunday Group.  It was a beautiful day for golf and there were 48 players out on the course representing Proserpine, Home Hill, Bowen, and Collinsville.  

Proserpine did very well, taking out the major prizes for both the men and women with some excellent scores.  

Jenny Hounsell won the ladies with a score of 39, and Paula McQuat was runner up with 37.

Other Proserpine ladies in the rundown were Tessa Aitken (36), Mandy Patterson (35 c/b), Robyn Whitham (35), Jacqui Wall (35), Jan Shuwalow (34 c/b), and Elspeth Scotford (32).  

The men’s winner was Gerald Lovell (40 c/b) and runner up was Steve Mitchell (40). In the rundown were Nick Apruzzese (37 c/b), Geoff Harrison (37), Warren Deighton (35), Vic Feldman (34), Garry Scotford (33 c/b), Peter Fox (31 c/b), and Wilf Herweg (31).  

Nearest the pins for Proserpine were Jenny Hounsell, holes 13 and 18, Jacqui Wall, holes 13 and 18, too, and Geoff Harrison on the 18th.  

Next week will be Proserpine Veteran’s Golf’s October Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Bowen Golf Report

August 24, 2023

Wednesday’s competition was a single bogie event for the men and a 4BBB event for the women sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winners on a countback were Janice Bates and Joy Hose, 49 points, and runners up were Viv Clark and Jo Goldup, 49.  

Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Bonnie Kohlhase, Lynelle Riley, and Judy Atkins, while Jo Goldup had an OBP.  

Men’s winner was John Courtney with plus five, and runner up Dave Lydom, plus three.  

On Saturday, the club played a single stableford sponsored by Axis Sport.  Ladies’ winner on a countback June Kirk 39 points, runner up Lorraine McArthur, 39.  

Men’s winner Carl Van Veen, 41points, and runner up on a countback Tim Miller, 39.

This weekend’s competitions are the Men’s and Ladies’ October monthly medals.  

Men on Saturday, ladies on Sunday.  

Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  Takeaways still available.  Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.  Joker draw is $4500 this week.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Wangaratta Bowls

August 24, 2023

Tuesday results: Winners for the afternoon at Wangaratta Bowls Club were Keith Aykens, Colleen Christine, and Joe Paynter defeating Deb Retchless. Gavin C, and Sugar Brunker.

Deb Beel, June Paynter, and Pearl Aykens round out the winners circle by defeating Judy Christie, Bill Parker, and Steve Roome.  

Sunday results: Winners for the afternoon were June Paynting, Sue Shearing, and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated Deb Retchless, Mark Drummond, and Joe Paynting. Other victors on the day were Penny Warren and Graeme Read, who defeated Anthony Cresswell and Brandon Higgins, while Laurie Land and Sugar Brunker defeated Linda Scells  and Pat Tracey.

Competition Results: On Sunday morning the Mixed Fours competition was a great match for spectators. The game was even all the way through with both teams on 18 all going into the last end.

The winners by two shots were Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers who defeated Tracey Roach, Lloyd White, Jason Wright, and Mitch Wright.

Ladies’ Two Bowl Triples results saw Sue Shearing, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren win against Linda Smith, Isobel Wheeler, and Pat Tracey.

Saturday: Wangaratta was the host club for the second round of Men’s Burdekin and Bowen Pennants. It was a great day of bowls, and the result was only decided in the last game.

Three clubs were on two wins, but Bowen Bowls Club came in as victors with a larger margin, with Wangaratta second, Ayr third, and Brandon Fourth.      

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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