2022 Bike Winner Hugo Connors with Zac Schwarzrock (Corry Cycles)

Photo credit: Deanne Woods Photography

Louis Connors with the family’s new Dirty Possum Rack

The final event in the 3-part Tri-ActiV8 Kids Tri-Series was held on the 11th of December at the MARC (Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Centre) with 76 kids completing either a triathlon or aquathlon.

Every year Tri-ActiV8 holds a 3-part triathlon and aquathlon event known as the Kids Tri-Series at the MARC.

This non-competitive series targets kids aged 5 to 12 years.

“Triathlon is a great sport for kids” says Nikki Giles, Tri-ActiV8 Founder and accredited Triathlon Performance Coach

“The non-competitive nature of the Tri-Series allows kids to grow in confidence, become more determined and feel satisfaction in their own abilities.”

The Kids Tri-Series is always delivered with an emphasis on safety and support for the kids.

“Our Tri-ActiV8 Triathlon Tribe are incredible,” says Nikki

“At every event our Tribe shows to support every child from the beginning to the end.”

Each year Corry Cycles owner Evan Corry gives away a Mountain Bike to one lucky participant at the final event of the series.

“Corry Cycles has been proudly supporting the Kids Tri-Series from the very beginning,” says Evan

“As a local Mackay business it is important to give back and support community events and families wherever we can.”

In 2022, Dirty Possum also got behind the Tri-ActiV8 Kids Tri-Series and gave away a 4-bike carrier to one lucky family.

“Our Tri-Series sponsors are a really important part of being able to run the series,” says Nikki

“Dirty Possum coming on board this year to provide a fantastic prize to one lucky family shows how much the series has grown in support.”

Although it was a random draw, both major prizes were won by the same family who had two children participating in the series: Hugo and Louis Connors.

“We couldn’t believe it,” says Hugo and Louis Connors’ Mum, Vanessa.

“Our boys are growing so fast so to have a new mountain bike for Hugo at the start of the school holidays and then to have a bike carrier for our car so that we can go places with our bikes is truly amazing.”

The Tri-ActiV8 Kids Tri-Series will be back in Term 4 in 2023. Dates are yet to be announced.

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Division 1 winners Geoff Denman, Emma Widdup and Vince Boeske. Photos by Andrea Nicholson

Division 1 runners-up Lee Brake, Barry Patterson and Steven Whiting

Division 2 winners Will VanDeKaa, Lily Boland and Duncan Treloar

Division 2 runners-up Simon Hogan, Noreen Fredericksen and Mark Sleeman with treasurer Donna Abbott

A mother and daughter tasted victory in Mackay Table Tennis night fixture finals this week.

Emma Widdup led her team Bream to a 6-1 win over Barra in division 1, while daughter Lily Boland scored wins over Noreen Fredericksen and Simon Hogan as her side Prawn got up 7-4 over Lobster in division 2.

Emma, Vince Boeske and Geoff Denman had a dream start, racing to a 5-0 lead over Barra (Lee Brake, Barry Patterson and Steven Whiting).

Steven kept his side in the match with a win over Emma -7, 9, 8, -3, 7 but Geoff closed it out for Bream with a win over Barry 9, 8, 9.

Lily is playing her first year of senior fixtures with several other juniors, who are all improving rapidly.

Prawn (Duncan Treloar, Will VanDeKaa and Lily Boland) got up 7-4 over Lobster (Mark Sleeman, Simon Hogan and Noreen Fredericksen) in division 2.

Will and Slee played the match of the night, Will up 9, 6, -10, -11, 10.

Emma lost only one match all season to be leading player in division 1, while comeback king Ian McKay lost just three to take the division 2 prize.

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This week 69 people ran, jogged, and walked the waterfront course at Airlie Beach parkrun, of whom 20 were first timers and eight recorded new personal bests.

Well done to Ulrika, Shailee, Calvin, Katie, Warren, Blake, Anne, and Jai.

The event was made possible by 14 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Rebecca, Bossie, Ronald, Ashley, Shane, Jess, Sebastian, Lilliana, Laura (Run Director), Ken, Lynne, Joanne, and Margaret.

One of the parkrun’s ‘Tail Walkers’ reached the milestones of 50 volunteers this week - Jo!

Upcoming special runs will see runners take part in a Christmas Eve parkrun, Christmas Day parkrun, New Year’s Eve parkrun, and a New Year’s Day parkrun – start those resolutions bright and early.

Every Saturday (and for the Christmas day/New Year’s Day special parkruns) 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 five-kilometre 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 – our amazing 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

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This week's amazing volunteers at the Airlie Beach parkrun

Jo, our Tail Walker, reached her 50th volunteer milestone this week, with Run Director Laura

Some Airlie Beach kids enjoying the parkrun

Just over two months ago, scores of Whitsunday locals signed up for an ‘Eight Week Challenge’ to pit themselves against themselves at F45 Airlie Beach.

What exactly is an eight-week challenge? It’s in the name: A two-month fitness program combining F45’s signature 45-minute circuit workout classes with a detailed meal plan - and a lot of motivation, extrinsic and intrinsic.

The group cut their daily calories in half or more, upped their gym-going, and tried to transform their bodies, and in turn, their mindsets over a little more than 60 days.

So, how did they go?  Well, you can change your life in just two months – take it from Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant.
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Team Training, Life Changing

With Declan Durrant

I like to think that there is often - and this is not a one-size-fits-all (pardon the pun) – a correlation between weight gain and contentedness.

Over the last three or so years, I fell in love with two things: My partner and food.

And I don’t think those two things are unrelated, and they certainly have a strong relationship to my happiness. We eat delicious things together which are usually (and unfortunately) bad for us, but we do it together.

But I think the major problem for me was moderation, not necessarily the cookie itself, it was the volume of cookies – and that’s plural.

Over those three years, I put on roughly nine kilograms. And I’m lucky enough to be the kind of person who seemingly carries their weight well – you wouldn’t necessarily see it, although I did.

I signed up, alongside my partner, for the F45 Eight-Week Challenge expecting results if I stuck to it – no one is immune to the laws of biology; you can’t take out more calories than you put in without it coming from somewhere else.

At the start I weighed in at 89.5 kilograms, with 22.1 per cent body fat.

The eight weeks had their extremely difficult moments, undoubtedly as it did for all the challengers, I’m sure (Plenty of Christmas parties spent eating apples and cashews in the corner while we watched others dig into dishes of chocolate mousse), but we stayed strong.

At the end, on Saturday of last week, they unveiled the winners - people with the biggest drop in body fat percentage compared to their starting weight: In the Female, Angela Blake won, losing 11.5 per cent.

And me: I ended up losing 9.5 per cent of my body fat (8.5 kilograms), going down to 81 and taking my percent body fat to 16.6.

I didn’t expect to win anything, let alone a ‘Golden Kettlebell’. All I wanted was to achieve my personal goals – I think I’m in line with every challenger there. For me, this challenge shifted my perspective on myself, my body, and my mind. And I can’t recommend it highly enough.

F45’s motto is “Team Training, Life Changing”. And I believe it.

F45 Airlie Beach will run its first six-week challenge in 2023 starting January 30.

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Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant won the male ‘Engine’ division of F45 Airlie Beach’s eight week challenge, winning a Golden Kettlebell for losing close to 9 kilograms

Female F45 ‘MVP’ Rene Campisi and F45 ‘Engine’ Winner Angela Blake

Seven Cannonvale Cannons participated at the 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships in Brisbane last week, representing the club and the region in the relays.  

Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges, and Tiana Bell swam an awesome time of 2.03.62 in the Girls 16 years and Under Freestyle relay, while Jacob Dewis, Jy Parkinson, Remy Hedges, and Holly Perrin swam in the Cannons’ Open Mixed Freestyle relay.  

The Open Mixed team completed an excellent time of 1.49.87.  

Jacob Dewis and Jy Parkinson were selected to compete in the NQ 15 years and Over Male Medley relay and were very excited with their silver medal.  

Coach Mark Erickson said he was very pleased and proud of all the Cannons and their achievements. During the first few days of the championships.

The star performer was 17-year-old Jy Parkinson who competed in six events and made four finals.  

Jy won a bronze medal for his 100-metre Backstroke in a time of 58.93, and a silver medal for his 200-metre Backstroke in a time of 2.08.78.

Jy made the final for 50-metre Backstroke and came fifth in Queensland, as well as making the finals for 100-metre Butterfly, where he placed sixth. Unfortunately, Jy had to pull out of his last few events due to a shoulder injury.  

Jacob Dewis, also aged 17, swam very well in his 50-metre and 100-metre Butterfly.  

Holly Perrin, 15, swam a super 50-metre Backstroke and 50-metre Butterfly.  She swam a 0.88 second personal best in her Backstroke.

Jacob Bell, aged 15 years, swam a big programme of six events. Even though he swam personal bests in his 50-metre events, his best swims placing third and fifth in Queensland were his 1500-metre Freestyle and 800-metre Freestyle. He was surprised with his bronze medal in the 1500-metre.  

Remy Hedges, aged 14, competed in four individual events: 200-metre IM, 50-metre, 100-metre, and 200-metre Breaststroke.

Her best swims were her 50-metre Breaststroke with a 0.1 second personal best and her 200-metre Breaststroke which placed her first reserve for the final.  

Tora Delac, aged 12, swam a terrific 50-metre Freestyle in 32.04 seconds.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannonvale Cannons State Team for 2022

Competitor Jacob Bell with his bronze medal

Jy Parkinson and coach, Mark Erickson

Breaking The Stigma Of Muscles In Endurance

“If I can inspire someone to get out of the door and run, then that’s pretty special.”

His goal was to run one marathon, but fate had a different set of plans for Kay Nyenuh.

This December, Kay completed his sixth marathon in six months, including the world’s largest marathon in New York City a month prior.

It all started with a desire to run the Gold Coast Marathon, but COVID-19 restrictions put a spanner in the works.

“My goal was only ever the one marathon, but one week before the event in 2021, it was cancelled because of COVID,” Kay said.

Not deterred, Kay ran the marathon anyway here in Mackay, but he hadn’t lost the hunger to pound the pavement on the Gold Coast. Setting the plan in motion for a re-do in 2022, he tackled the Hamilton Island Hilly Half in May and the Mackay Marina Run in June, to prepare for the big show.

“Just before the Gold Coast Marathon, I ran the Mackay Road Runners 30km championships and ran my best ever time over 30km. That gave me so much confidence heading towards the Gold Coast,” Kay said.

With more than 1,400km of training behind him, Kay entered the Gold Coast Marathon in the best running shape of his life. He ran his best-ever marathon time of 3:15:50, despite experiencing cramps during the race for the first time.

In the best shape of his life for long-distance running, Kay didn’t want to stop after the Gold Coast. Having experienced Christmas in New York with family the year before, Kay entered 2022 with a new perspective on life.

“Coming home at the start of the year it was a very different time in my life as my marriage had broken up,” Kay said.

“For the first time I had to deal with not having my kids there when I woke up every morning, not having them there every night. It was a challenging time. I’d come home from work and on the weeks that I didn’t have the kids, it was like, ‘what do I do now’?

“Running is one of those things that helped.

“After I completed the GC Marathon, I walked out of my counsellor’s office and he said, ‘this is your life now, you need to decide what you want to do’.

“And I thought, ‘this is my life, what do I want to do’?

“So, I decided I wanted to travel the world and run marathons. I set the goal to do a marathon every month. I did Townsville in August, then September was the Sydney Marathon, and in October I ran the Melbourne Marathon.”

Kay had his eye on an even bigger challenge.

“I made the decision to do the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which are the six most renowned marathons in the world; Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons,” he said.

“New York wasn’t meant to be first up, it’s nearly impossible to get in. I didn’t have the qualifying time needed to enter, the charity options were full, and the marathon tour groups were all booked.

“However, I received an email that a spot opened up with one of the tour groups, so New York was suddenly on the list for November.”

Kay said that experiencing the New York Marathon was almost impossible to put into words.

“It’s you and 50,000 other people. It’s the biggest marathon in the world, it’s like nothing else.

“I also had family cheering for me which made it really special.”

Kay ended a phenomenal year back on the Gold Coast in December to run the 50km event, 8km longer than a normal marathon.

“The Gold Coast Marathon is my favourite in Australia,” Kay said.

“It’s along the coast, with people cheering the entire way along the course. When you’re running you spend a lot of time in your head, so when you have people cheering to take your mind off the run, it’s beautiful.”

Kay plans to continue to conquer the Abbott Majors.

“Next year (2023) I’m aiming to run the London Marathon in April, and then Berlin later in the year.

“Berlin is the fastest marathon course in the world so it will be special to do that. London will be cold, but the colder the better.”

He is also hoping to run the Gold Coast Marathon again, which in 2023 falls on his birthday.

Kay says that running has helped him through a difficult year and is hoping to break the stigma that you need to be a certain body shape to run.

“Because I’m in the fitness industry I come into contact with people who say ‘I’m not a runner’, and I think nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

“My mantra is nobody was born a runner. When I do these events and people look at me like, wow, the big guy is running a marathon. It’s about changing people's perspective on what’s possible.

“If you say, ‘I can’t do that’, if you accept it, then that’s true, but if you say you can, it can be done.

“People have said ‘what are you running away from’ but running this year has represented freedom. I’m in this unique state of my life that I haven’t been in for a very long time, so it’s an expression of freedom.

“Make it a year you do something that’s crazy. Step outside your comfort zone and move yourself forward.”

Kay has recently announced that a fourth gym under his Muscle Garden brand will be opened in 2023 in the Northern Beaches.

“As well as those three marathons, my challenge in 2023 will be the growth of my business and raising my children so they know they are loved. It’s a new world for me as a single dad, that will be a challenge in itself.”

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Kay proving muscles can move long distances at the GC50 event earlier this month. Images supplied

Kay’s beaming smile after completing the New York Marathon, wearing a top featuring his three children for inspiration

Kay’s best ever marathon time at the Gold Coast Marathon earlier this year in July

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Tributes have flown following the passing of Mackay rugby league legend Mick ‘Wombat’ Aprile last month.

A tough second row forward who always made 50 tackles a game, Mick played first grade for Mackay Brothers from 1963 until he retired as a player in 1971, winning premierships with the club in 1967 and 1970.

“Mick was a Mackay Brothers man through and through,” said rugby league author and historian Tony Price.

“He might even have been a Leprechaun in another life.”

On the representative front, Mick played Foley Shield for Mackay from 1963 until 1966 and said his fondest memory was playing against the mighty St George club from Sydney in 1964 and 1966 which featured future icons of the game including John Raper and Norm Proven.

Coaching was a natural progression for Mick, taking charge of many junior, school and first grade rugby league teams and as well as serving as a selector, referee and administrator.

When approached by St Patrick’s College to coach their First XIII, he jumped at the challenge, leading the school to five straight Confraternity Shields from 1988 to 1992.

“Mick simply loved ‘Confro’,” said Mr Price.

“He felt his St Patrick’s players lifted as soon as they pulled on the jersey and his natural good humour and tactical mind would turn average players into superstars.

“The young players simply loved the guy.”

Along the way, Mick coached and mentored talented young players including Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Wendell Sailor, who all went on to play representative football for Queensland and Australia.

After over 50 years involved in the game, Mick was presented with Life Membership of the QRL Northern Division in 2017 and was also recognised as a Life Member of Brothers Junior Rugby League, Brothers Senior Rugby League and Mackay & District Rugby League.

He was awarded Rotary Awards for his services to junior and school sport.

Mick passed away on November 29, 2022 and will be remembered as a legend of the game.

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Mick Aprile (third from left) was presented with Life Membership of the QRL Northern Division in 2017

Mackay Cutters Hooker Kyle Schneider has re-signed with the club following a terrific 2022 season that led to his representative debut for Scotland in the Rugby League World Cup.

Eligible through the Scottish heritage of his grandparents, Kyle donned the dark blue jersey for the first time in October, making three appearances throughout the tournament and finishing the World Cup with an 80-minute performance against Fiji.

“It let me play my style of footy with myself generally being an 80-minute hooker and will definitely be something I can bring back to the Hostplus Cup this season and build on,” Kyle said.

Kyle said the highlight of the tournament came when Scotland came up against Australia.

“You grow up watching a few of these players for a number of years, but to be out there playing against them tops it for me,” he said.

The opportunity to play for his country allowed Kyle to grow on a professional and personal level.

“On a trip like this you tend to learn quite a bit about yourself, whether it’s how to make sure you can put your best foot forward in a different setting each week or what you need to do to continue to build and better yourself as a player,” he said.  

“It’s quite tough initially coming into a new setting with boys from all over, but all the players were open and inviting which made it easy for us all to be quite close off the field.

“The results didn’t pan out how we wanted them but for us to pull together and put in a solid effort against Fiji in the last game I think reflects that.

“We had a good bunch of blokes around camp, and it was an honour to be able to represent my heritage and my family on a world stage.”

Kyle is one on many players the Mackay Cutters have retained for the 2023 season including Ross Bella, Sean Mullany, Blake Paskins, Kyle Krasinski-Kennedy, Flynn Camilleri, Brandon Finnegan, Matthew Vessey, Henri Stocks, Jake Riley, Jack Hoffman and Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano with the club also announcing new recruits Logen Dillon and Jacob Schill.

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Cutters Hooker Kyle Schneider debuted for Scotland at the Rugby League World Cup in October

As the 2022 Oztag season came to a close last Wednesday, two of Mackay’s stalwarts were recognised for their contributions to the game by Oztag Queensland.

Referee Courtney Gordon was awarded 2022 Female Referee Of The Year and Head Referee Damien Horwell was nominated for his service to the game.

Courtney found out she’d won Female Referee Of The Year as she was making the announcement of Damien’s nomination at the end of season presentation.

“It’s a bit of a shock coming from a smaller venue against a lot of the bigger ones,” she said.

“For little old Mackay to be recognised, it’s pretty special.”

Courtney has been refereeing since she was 15 and has worked in both Queensland and New South Wales programs, saying she’s proud of the culture at Mackay Oztag.

“We have a pretty awesome gang; we’ve got plenty of good vibes happening through the venue at the moment and heaps of support,” she said.

“The game’s growing slowly but it’s definitely growing and we’re actually starting to become a little bit more competitive with the higher grades at the representative tournaments.”

Damien has been refereeing in Mackay for 18 months and said he was surprised to be nominated.

“I feel great for it, but a bit shocked,” he said.

Damien said he enjoys controlling the game and the respect from players.

“As I ref, I teach the people how to play, especially those that don’t know how to play the game, and that’s the part that I really enjoy,” he said.

“What we have here is very special.

“I really enjoy it and look forward to every Wednesday night.”

The Oztag season will start again in January.

Follow Mackay Oztag on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to get involved.

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Courtney Gordon, Maddison Reeves and Damien Horwell of Mackay Oztag

The crew that makes Tuesday morning table tennis such a success was thanked for their efforts at the fixture’s  annual presentation lunch at Harrup Park.

Iris Grasso, Pam Joyce and Donna Abbott run the fixtures, while Tony Bowman is in the background collating results, organizing the annual car raffle and helping run the annual championships.

Players Robyn Bushell and Gerry Synnott thanked the group on behalf of the players.

“As many of you would be aware, a lot of time, phone calls and stress goes into the many tasks they carry out to ensure our fixtures run smoothly,” Robyn said.

“It’s a thankless task and we really appreciate the work that you do.”

Iris announced winners of the final season of fixtures completed last week.

Division 1: George Camilleri, Doug Dungavell, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson. Leading player George Camilleri.

Division 2: Iris Grasso, Don Boettcher, Judi Hicks, Kim Challender. Don Boettcher leading player.

Division 3: Sharon Muller, Pam Keune, Allison Day. Kim Daffy leading player.

By Charlie Payne

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THANKS: Pam Joyce, Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso and Tony Bowman are thanked for running Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures by players Robyn Bushell, left, and Gerry Synnott, right

DIVISION 1

Division 1 winners Doug Dungavell, Peter Goodson, Steve Mathieson and George Camilleri with fixture organizer Iris Grasso

DIVISION 2

Iris Grasso, Judi Hicks and Don Boettcher won division 2 with Kim Challender

DIVISION 3

Iris Grasso with division 3 leading player Kim Daffy and winners Sharon Muller and Pam Keune, who won with Allison Day

MEDALS

Kim Daffy, Sharon Muller and Robyn Bushell with medals from the annual championships

The year 12 Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) girls volleyball team have claimed division 3 gold after a week of competition at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast last week.

Touted as the largest school-based sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere, the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup is the marquee junior participation event in the national events portfolio, bringing together hundreds of secondary school teams from across Australia and New Zealand.

Led by coaches Nigel McDuff and Nikki Palmer, the WAS girls finished the group stage in second place after four wins and two losses.

The girls came up against third placed Merici College from Canberra and competition leaders St Scholastica's College from Sydney in the semi-finals, defeating both teams 2-1.

The undefeated semi-finals run saw them face old foes Merici College in the gold medal match, defeating the southerners 2-1 in the final on Saturday.

The WAS year 12 boys also made Mackay proud, falling agonisingly short of finals in their division 3 campaign.

The boys, led by coaches Kade Palmer and Jamie Novosel, finished the tournament with five wins and four losses to place fifth overall.

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WAS year 12 girls have walked away from the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup with gold medals

WAS year 12 girls finished the tournament in fifth place. Photos supplied

Social Results

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Bill. McCurry and Peter Rintoul. Second draw winners were Paul Goldston and Doug. Dungavell and third draw winners were Lyn Maguire and Peter Crawford.

Wednesday - Ladies section Christmas Breakup social bowls (no winners or losers!) Great lunch supplied by Goosies and all enjoyed the day.

Thursday - mixed pairs first draw winners were Ian McDonald and Lance Edwards. Second draw winners were Jan Little and Paul Goldston. Third draw winners were Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots!

Friday - Winners were Phyllis and Bevan Cooper. Lucky draw winners were Lorna Bowers and Ken McLean. Runners up lucky draw winners were Ask. Helenius and Wayne Mietzel.

Saturday - Mens’ Pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Andrew Coates.

There are two more weeks of club bowling days finishing on Saturday 24 December for the holiday period. Visitors from other bowls clubs are very welcome to play in any bowling day.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

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Immediate Past President of the MDLBA, Hilary Jones Rowan at the Xmas Breakup

Lew Trott at the Men’s Saturday bowls

John Kennell delivering a cracking shot at Saturday bowls

When the St Patrick’s College Mackay boys and girls rugby league teams saddle up for their respective campaigns in 2023 they’ll both be motivated by a common desire.

Acquiring silverware has become second nature to this proud school with a rich sporting history, and after three runners up achievements this season the rugby league cohort will be athletes on a mission.

Bringing home the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophies, NRL Schoolgirls and Schoolboys Cups plus the Aaron Payne Cup are top priorities for the College that has spawned Kangaroos internationals in Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Under the guidance of newly appointed coaches Ian Schifilliti (Boys) and Jake Harney (Girls), the College will field powerful and exciting squads that should prove a force to be reckoned with in 2023.

Harney, a talented half back who had stints with Wynnum Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Hostplus Cup, has assembled a very strong girls combination – with eight members back on deck next season.

Outstanding hooker Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative players returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power running props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.

They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trinity Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field and Mercy College graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney.

The inspirational Johns is a product of the Norths Devils club and rated one of the best number nines on the Queensland schools and Junior League scene.

A wily hooker with silky passing skills, warrior Paityne has turned in consistent performances in recent seasons with her ability to read a game, no-nonsense defence and spring-heeled runs from dummy half.

Johns and her teammates are determined to lift the second annual Girls Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy at the 2023 Carnival in Brisbane.

It is all systems go for the mighty Mackay maidens who have next year’s Confraternity Games and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 trophies on the top of their wish lists.

St Patrick’s College impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s inaugural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.

Marymount College from Burleigh Waters defeated a courageous St Patrick’s side 18-10 in the Shield decider.

It is that taste of big match experience that will spur this impressive and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.

The girls are reaping the benefits of a tough pre-season campaign and remain in tip-top shape following extensive strength and conditioning and skills sessions.

Nucleus of the St Patrick’s team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.  

An appreciative Harney will be assisted by one of the region’s best young coaches in Wanderers JRLFC mentor Imogen Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.

The respected Healy guided the club to this year’s Mackay & District Junior League Under 16s Girls Grand Final where they were beaten 10-6 by Moranbah Miners.  

St Patrick’s College top grade rugby league coach Ian Schifilliti says he is “honoured and excited” to be taking over the reins from Michael Comerford, the newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach, in 2023.

“It is a privilege to step into the shoes of Michael who has shaped the St Patrick’s Rugby League Academy into a real force,” said Ian.

“Our current group is brimming with talent - we have the nucleus of this year’s champion squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor and Bailey Caruana.

“Add promising Mercy colts like Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, Kooper Shears, Cohen Jackson, Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy to the mix and you have the ingredients for a competitive outfit in 2023,” he declared.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay’s Rugby League Class of 2023 are hungry for success next season

Mackay Road Runners off-season informal 5km and 10km training events are held every Sunday afternoon at 5:30pm from a varying location around the city.  

The northside is currently the go, where nearly thirty runners tested themselves for a single 5km loop or two loops for 10 kilometres on Sunday.  

The course started from the very popular watering hole, The Grove on Andergrove Road with Race Director, Andrew Short in charge of the course description in lieu of the usual race director, Jim Ford.

With two weeks out from the big day, runners were still fully committed to their training regimes although sensibly reducing their distances and speeds to suit the dramatically and dangerously high temperatures at this time of year.

Speedsters Rodney Elworthy and Paul Mackenzie ran a leisurely 10km compared to their usual top pace efforts with Angus Jacobs, Mick Scholer and Joe Grech also taking a welcome reduction in pace to accommodate their current racing schedules.  

Carolyn Mapes sizzled in the 5km, relaxing easily into the festive season holiday mode as did Julie Whibley and Mel Esau.  

Jo Skinner, Carmel Mahon, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, David Isbister, Derek Woods, Andrew Short and Andrew Wallace also held great form to complete their respective events whilst Andrew Whibley cruised along with his best friend.

This Sunday’s last run before Christmas commences at the Mackay North High School end of Valley Street, North Mackay at 5:30pm.  

Participants are welcome to add a touch of tinsel or sparkle to their usual running attire as there will be a Christmas photo, however, this is optional.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Jo Skinner very excited about completing the 5km in the very tropical conditions

Emma Johnson and Martin Lambert co-ordinated their outfits

Natasha is enjoying her new found love for running

Mick Scholer and Joe Grech pair up in the 10km event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Another year draws to a close at the ever-evolving Airlie Beach Bowls Club with few games left on the green for 2022.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls saw the pairs team of Graham Cowling and Andrew Butler take home the prize, with Betty Nicole winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday night saw the final of Business House Bowls organised by Kate McDowall.

A draw between new team Airlie Splash of Colour and PRD - which went to a three bowl each team play off – was the surprise of the night, but the difference was PRD’s experience which proved the factor in their winning of another trophy.

New team KC s had their first win, showing off their major improvement.

Friday night was the club’s presentation night, with Manny Isgro’s outstanding achievements notably recognised.

Representing with the Men’s Division One team, whom we’re playing their first season in this division and were expected to come last, Manny led his side to a more than respectable second.

As well, other extraordinary feats were honoured, particularly those of Betty Nicole, whom was undergoing chemotherapy but still managed a performance that puts her amongst the club’s best bowlers.

Betty played well in driving her team to represent at the Australian titles – an achievement, even more so, taking into account that the “little pocket rocket” was not overawed by the team they faced, which featured bowlers with over 50 Australian caps to their names.

Club secretary Mark Mawson said the club is now the “Number one in North Queensland”, which shows the diligence from Chairman Ash Warland and our Vice Chairman Karen Jensen.

After the presentation, it was back to the green, with Sunday afternoon social bowls seeing Graham Cowling and Keith Bates comfortably winning the prize money.

The Club also drew a respectful remembrance to the players who passed on this year: Stewart Clanachan, Robert Lade, and Peter McGrath.

“They were all inspirational members and their contributions and memories will never be forgotten,” Mr Mawson said.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie with their runners up medals after coming a gallant second at the Australian titles