
Mackay Cutters have confirmed Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months, strengthening the club’s youth education, wellbeing and leadership programs across the Mackay and Isaac regions. The partnership was launched last Friday at Moranbah State School, where Cutters Wellbeing and Education Manager Jack, alongside club staff and Stanmore leadership representatives, delivered a Cutters Care session to Year 5/6 Sports Boost students. “We’re proud to welcome Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months,” the club said. The program will continue to focus on helping young people build confidence, resilience and positive connections through sport and education-based initiatives. “Together, we'll continue delivering education, wellbeing and leadership programs to young people throughout the Mackay and Isaac regions, helping them build confidence, resilience and positive connections.” The Cutters said they look forward to continuing meaningful community impact and providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive through the partnership. Photo source: Mackay Cutters (Facebook)
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The Whitsunday Sea Eagles made the trip to Bakers Creek on the weekend to take on the North Mackay Saints and the Bakers Creek Tigers, with all teams showcasing plenty of determination and competitive spirit throughout the day. The Under 13s were first into action against the Saints and produced a strong performance. After a hard-fought opening three quarters, the Sea Eagles trailed by just two points heading into the final term, keeping themselves firmly in the contest. Despite their efforts, the Saints managed to pull away late, with the match finishing 20-39. The Under 15s continued their impressive season with another dominant victory over the Saints. Controlling the game from start to finish, the Sea Eagles piled on 12 goals and 15 behinds while keeping their opponents to just two goals. Their teamwork, skill, and relentless pressure were on full display as they secured another convincing win 72-12 and further strengthened their position as one of the competition's top teams. The women's side faced a tough challenge against the Bakers Creek Tigers. The Sea Eagles fought hard and matched the Tigers aggression and determination, keeping the margin within three goals throughout the game. The players fought hard at every contest and never stopped competing. However, fatigue began to take its toll in the final quarter, allowing the Tigers to kick four late goals and extend the final margin to 0-43. The senior men's match provided plenty of excitement for supporters. The Sea Eagles burst out the gates in the opening quarter, dominating early play to establish a 15-0 lead at the first break. Carrying that momentum throughout the day, the men continued to work hard around the ground and were rewarded with a strong 52-25 victory over the Tigers. It was a complete team performance and a fitting way to finish a successful day for the club. Get down to The Nest this Saturday 27th June for Sponsor Appreciation Day and cheer on your Whitsunday Sea Eagles as they take on the Moranbah Bulldogs, Swagpies, and Magpies in a huge day of footy action. The junior fixtures kick off from 10:40am, showcasing the club's rising stars, before the senior teams take centre stage in what promises to be an exciting evening of football, with the Senior Women starting at 3:20pm and the Senior Men finishing under lights. Bring the family, wear your Sea Eagles colours, and get behind your local teams as they battle it out on home turf. We can't wait to see you at The Nest! Contributed by the Whitsunday Sea Eagles: Georgia Whitton
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The Mackay Softball Association has reflected on another competitive CQ Darby against Softball Rockhampton, with strong performances and continued rivalry highlighted across the weekend. Rockhampton arrived ready to play, producing a dominant display at the plate and taking victory in both games of the series. “The Rocky boys came ready to play, swinging the bats well and taking the win in both games,” the association said. Despite the results, Mackay praised the standard of competition and the spirit in which the games were played, with both clubs continuing to build on a long-standing regional rivalry. The association also acknowledged the contribution of Murray, thanking him “for all his help, guidance and support in coaching both teams throughout the weekend”. Off the field, community and hospitality remained a key feature of the event, with Jodie recognised for preparing meals for the visiting side. “Thank you to our own Jodie for feeding our the Rocky boys delicious pulled pork rolls,” the association said. The CQ Darby continues to be a highlight on the calendar for both regions, with Mackay Softball noting the blend of rivalry and mateship that defines the fixture. “These weekends are always a highlight on the calendar, and we love the rivalry, mateship and quality softball that comes with them.” The team is now looking ahead to the next meeting between the two clubs, with both sides eager for another competitive weekend of softball in Central Queensland. Photo source: Mackay Softball Association Incorporated (Facebook)
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Twenty-six Pairs competed in the Qualifying Championship Club Pairs on Saturday morning, with the top fourteen pairs then progressing to the Club Championship Pairs after lunch. Congratulations to Janine Rodgers and Nancy Martin who were the outright winners with 61.86 percent. Although Janine and Nancy are both very experienced players, however, this current partnership is a relatively new one. Well done ladies! Many hands of cards were played on the day and lots of delicious food eaten. Mackay Bridge Club is a very social and friendly club. Weekly Results Monday 15th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 3rd Monica Darley / Joy Block 3rd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins Evening 15th June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Janelle Conroy / Andrew Canavan 2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore Wednesday 17th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 1st Terry Sheedy / Mick King 2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 2nd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson 3rd Faith Hutchinson / John Hunt 3rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown Thursday 18th June 2026 – Show Day - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy 3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft Friday 19th June 2026 –- Week 12 of 26 NWP - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor 2nd Geoff Cowan / Mick King 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson Saturday 20th June 2026 – Club Championship Qualifying - 13 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin 3rd Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok 4th Susan Ross / Geoff Cowan 4th Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 5th Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris 5th Ann Whitmore / Joy Block Saturday 20th June 2026 Club Championship Pairs Final – 7 Table Howe 1st Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin 2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless Contributed by Joy Block Nancy and Janine. Photo supplied
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Another great day for our October Monthly Medal with 30 players turning out for the day. While it was a bit windy the temperature was good and the conditions made for some good golf.
The ladies’ winner was Tiina Badenhorst on a c/b with 70 points, second on c/b was Jacqui Wall (70), and in the rundown were Robyn Whitham (70), Moya Bradley (70), and Jenny Hounsell (73).
The men’s winner was John Roser with 70 points, second was Barry Mortimer (72 c/b), and in the rundown were Albert Pini (72), Phil Luckett (73), and Vic Feldman (73).
Winners of the pin shots for the men were Albert Pini (B grade on 2nd), Barry (A grade on 9th), Gerald Lovell (B grade on 9th), and Peter Browning (B grade on 16th).
The ladies’ pin shot winners were Leanne Alexander (A grade on 2nd), Beryl Nosworthy (B grade on 2nd), Tina Badenhorst (A grade on 9th and 16th), Tiina Randmae (B grade on 9th), and Heather Luvis (B grade on 16th).
Chip ins were Jacqui Wall (had 2), Tessa Aitken, Elaine Philpott, Trevor Paroz, Nick Apruzzese, and John.
Least putts were Jacqui Wall (26 putts), Phil Luckett (27 putts), and John Roser (27 putts).
There will be no golf next Tuesday as the course is undergoing some maintenance.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Jacqui Wall and John Roser

The mixed foursomes trophy event was held on Sunday, October 9, with the winning team newcomer Elise Hodgsen and Gerald Lovell.
Runners up on the day were Jackie Wall and Clay Coles, while The Bradmans award went to Pam Casey and Mark McDougall.
Longest Drives went to Linda Wardroper and Penny Wardroper. Pin shots were claimed by Karen Rix, Dean Kercher. Next Sunday will be a single stableford event.
Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan
L- R Pam Casey, Gerald Lovell, Elise Hodgsen and Mark McDougall

On Saturday the Allenbuild stableford and the fifth round of the Handiskins were run in conjunction. The top player to play the local Handiskins final is Lew Tuck, who finished with a best three round total of 118.
Brendon Spann 115, Allen Roberts 114 and Wayne Fitzgerald 111 were the others to make the final. This will be played on Sunday November 13, for a prize pool of $1200. The overall winner was David O’Connor with 41 points on a count back from Fraser Simpson. In third place was Lew Tuck on 40. The ladies’ winners were Tina Badenhorst, 39, on a count back from Trish McNeill, followed by Ann Gardel and Heather Luvis 35.
Nearest the pins went to Noelene Spurway and Craig Smith on two, Tiina Randmae and Rob Stanley, nine, Kelvin Stephens 13 and Dean Kercher 16. On Wednesday the ladies played their monthly medal in conjunction with a single stableford for the men.
The Medal winner was Viv Demartini with 65 nett, from Jan Shuwalow on 70. The place getters were Ann Gardel, 71, followed by Vickie Wallace and Diane Chard on 72. The stableford winners were Trevor Paroz and Aaron Prosser, 33, and Rees May 30. On Thursday the ladies’ winner was Diane Chard with 66 nett, equally the best score of the day. The division one winners were Barry Mortimer and Aaron Watts, 70 and John Grosskreutz 72.
Division two winners were Rees May and Greg Walker, 66 and Steve Mitchell 68 on a count back. Next Saturday, the event is a single stroke.
Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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