Our spotlight this week is on Tahlia McGilvray (10 yrs) from Mackay Athletics Club.

Tahlia is an up-and-coming athlete who regularly represents Mackay at carnivals across the state. Her last event was in Townsville a fortnight ago at their Summer Carnival. She is determined to break her own personal bests every time, impressing the coaches and officials.

Tahlia enjoys middle distance running, saying that the 800m is her favourite event.

“I feel really comfortable running. 800m is my favourite event because I’ve taken 8 seconds off my personal best so far this year.”

Tahlia makes her mark in a variety of events and is looking forward to the start of the athletics season which commenced today.

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The Mackay Cutters clambered aboard the squad bus last weekend for a five-hour trip down to Rockhampton, set for their first Hostplus Cup pre season friendly against CQ Capras on Saturday night.

Their first official outing was a tight affair, with Capras clinching it in the end 22-18 in what head coach David Elliott said was always going to be a “scrappy one.”

“We got what we needed out of the game and saw a lot of our players play that we hadn’t had the opportunity to,” Elliott said.

“The lads tried really hard; effort was what we were after and we got that, which is a good sign there with a couple blokes doing really well on the effort front.

“First game, guys are always just excited to play well and show what they can bring to the team.”

The traveling squad comprised Brenton Baira, Brett Kelly, Hayden Brownsey, Kyle Kennedy, Ewan Coutts, Jack Kavanagh, Harry Freebairn, Sean Mullany, Mitch Fogarty, Jayden Morgan, Brandon Finnegan, Blake Paskins, Sam Fa’apito, Zac Patch, Tyler Holmes, Hiale Roycroft, Jake Hawkins, Tom Sly, Tom Irelandes, Henri Stocks, Luke Ingram, Matt Vessey and Luke Webley.

Of those, the fresh faces of front rower Luke Ingram, Zach Patch, and Jack Kavanagh made their debuts in Cutters kits to a fantastic Rockhampton crowd at Browne Park.

Elliott said that their recent additions had been set to join up with the squad earlier in preseason, but were held back due to border closures, meaning they were unable to start until after Christmas.

“They’ve had it pretty well interrupted during that time, especially with a number of them who have had COVID after the border openings,” Elliott said.

“For those guys, it’s been interrupted and they’re still a bit under done, but we’re only just now playing trials, so we’re still in the thick of preseason.”

It’s been back to the grind for the Cutters over the week, with fitness a key talking point for coaching staff at the club. Elliott wasn’t too worried though, believing that nervous jitters can get the best of even the fittest of any squad.

“Some of them would have been nervous just because they want to play well and that nervous energy gets to you,” he said.

“We’re aiming for a much better performance this weekend with a big crowd.”

The next round for the Cutters is at BB Print, where local lads like Brenton Baira, a long-time servant of the club who’s made his way all the way to the very top are hoping to impress a home crowd. They’ll face off against the Cowboys Young Guns, “a good test” Elliott said.

“I’m still feeling good [about the upcoming match] - It’s not a competition game, but anytime we get to play at home, I know the boys are always keen for that,” he said.

“We are all keen to play at home, and the Young Guns will be out to impress again, having played a few games in a row now.

“It’ll be a good opportunity for us to show the Mackay Crowd what we’re about this year.”

The Cutters kick off at 5:30pm on Saturday 26 after the Cowboys V Broncos Pre-season trial.

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Mackay table tennis player Robbie Richards was in his element at the Tuesday night fixtures last week.

Robbie is a defensive player known for never giving up in his matches, which often extend into five-game marathons.

This was the case on Tuesday night when all three of his singles matches went to five – the closest a slug-fest against Graeme Walker in which Graeme got up 15-13 in the 5th.

He won in five against Graham Drury and Graham Brake, helping set up a 6-5 win for his team which includes Barry Patterson and Mark Sleeman.

Tuesday morning fixtures resumed this week after a scheduled power interruption caused last week’s play to be cancelled.

Kevin Abbott had a big morning’s play, beating Don Boettcher in five but just going down to long-time opponent Roy Murray in the 5th 11-9.

In division 3, Cheryl Pearson is getting back to her best and fought out a lengthy battle with Ian Dodds, winning 12-10 in the 5th.

Junior fixtures are also played on Tuesday afternoons and new players are welcome.

If you’d like to give table tennis a try, contact Iris Grasso for Tuesday mornings (0419 702 392) or Donna Abbott (0400 769 560) for Tuesday night and junior fixtures.

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Mackay squash club Squash 52 played host to the Northern Region Redbacks selection tournament last weekend.

As well as local players, participants flocked from Cairns, Ingham, and Townsville to take part in the two-day event.

Competitors ranged from beginners to advanced with everyone giving it their all.

Five divisions were played throughout the weekend, with local competitors placing in three of them.

Local star Preston Currie took out first place in Division 4.

Club coach Glenn Howarth was pleased with the tournament despite trying circumstances.

“(The tournament was) pretty good considering everything at the moment with Covid and people travelling,” Glenn said.

“We had 30 juniors playing from Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, and Ingham.

“It was a pretty good standard.

“On the whole, I think it was pretty successful. They had a good weekend, had fun, and had a few good matches.”

Glenn is excited to see what the future holds for Mackay’s next squash stars and urges kids to come and have a hit.

“Our kids are still learning and building their skills,” he said.

“Preston’s doing pretty well. He’s advancing. He won the division four.

“Everyone’s welcome,” Glenn prompts.

“It’s open and they can come down on a Monday or a Tuesday afternoon and give it a go.”

To be eligible for selection for the Northern Region Redbacks team, players must attend three of the four tournaments on the Northern Region calendar.

Following tournaments in Ingham and Mackay, the next tournament will take place in Cairns next month, with a compulsory tournament in Townsville to follow.

Following squad selection, the Northern Region Redbacks will compete at the Queensland Junior Championships, taking place on the Gold Coast later in the year.

Mackay will once again host the Northern Regions Redbacks tournament on March 4 and 5 in 2023.

Locals Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Sarah Brazier with visiting junior from Cairns Chloe Baxter

Mackay’s own Matt Brazier with Squash 52 owner Ben Courtice

Locals Angus and Rachel Strang

Mackay juniors Sophie Jackson and Harry Van Den Linden ready for a hit

Mackay juniors Charli and Harry Van Den Linden show off their certificates

Division 1 placeholders - 1st Josh Porter (Cairns), 2nd Matt Brazier (Mackay), and 3rd Lachlan Erba (Ingham)

Division 4 placeholders - 1st Preston Currie (Mackay), 2nd Toby Trewern (Cairns), and 3rd Angus Strang (Mackay)

Division 2 placeholders - 1st Liam Fascetti (Ingham), 2nd Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Mackay), and 3rd Hannah O’Toole (Townsville). Photos supplied: Kirsty Hoani

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Last weekend North Mackay Bowls Club played its major event for the year.

The Bushman’s Bakery ‘Under The Shed’ has $12,000 in prize money and is a tier three event, giving winning players higher points towards Bowls Australia rankings. This event was very popular, with the full 32 teams of four people participating, and selling out within two weeks of opening nominations, with a reserve list of five teams. Teams entered from as far away as Innisfail in the north to the Gold Coast south, west to Biloela and included teams from Brisbane, Townsville, Bundaberg, Yeppoon and of course, Mackay district.

The Friday evening Calcutta was very popular and was drawn just before the major presentation. Top prize went to Peter Grant, showing that what goes around indeed does come around.

Overall winner was the Bowen team of Allan Rolf, Mark Drummond, Margaret Wilson and Robin Stitt, who also won the CMR Goosies $10,000 last year.

Second came the team of Wayne Hadley, Jason Borg, Don and David Peet, and in third place was Rob Spence, Paul Foot, David Blackburn and Steven Mau.

Social Bowls Results

Monday winners were Alan Brown and Kees Struik. Second came Don Agnew, Len Schembri and Graham Moore.

Wednesday ladies winners Margaret Webb, Jan Comelli, Marg Goldston, and Carmel Bell. In second spot was Pam Louis, Helen Fleming, Donna Gordon and Jean Schmidtke.

Thursday winners were Paul Goldston and Jan Little with Helen Goldston and Lyn Tennant runners up. The kitty toucher was not won.

Friday winners were visitors Luke Day and Jeff Kee. In second place was Tony Allsop and Cheryle Corbett. The kitty toucher was not won.

Pictures and story contributed by Tony Allsop

The winning team from Bowen: Allan Rolfe, Mark Drummond, Margaret Wilson and Robyn Stitt

In second place was Wayne Hadley, Jason Borg, Don and David Peet

7Third place went to Steven Mau, David Blackburn, Paul Foot and Rob Spence

Bushman’s Bakery team of Paul Goldston, Peter Grant, the day’s sponsor, Ian Beveridge and Mick Walsh

Margaret Creese and Bev McDonald are the ladies who did all the work behind the desk

Rob Harris has attended every year of the Under the Shed competition

A happy group from Mackay City club

Pictured are Saturday umpires, Lorraine Silman and Felix Purcell. Sunday umpires were John Chester-Master and Ray McCarthy

Some of the crowd enjoying drinks after the game

Teams came from Innisfail south to the Gold Coast

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Unfortunately, the Ladies Day Bowls on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls and Business House Bowls were all cancelled due to weather.

Things brightened up for Friday’s barefoot bowl’s and Amando Isgro, our club’s forefather and champion bowler, donated his time to the new bowlers of the club in valuable tips and bowling procedures, leaving many players with a greater understanding of the game.

Saturday morning saw the sun shining and 21 players arrived for John Askew’s newly formatted Scroungers.

First round winners were Warren Mills, Russell Jackson, John Trembath, Merve Stewart, Ash Warland, Karen Jensen and Andy McDougal.

The semi-finalists were Warren ‘Millsie’ Mills and Russell Jackson with Millsie going on to claim the money.

Sunday afternoon saw 29 bowlers competing for the team’s prize and the afternoon tea was delicious.

The runaway winners of the day, led by Shane Spann with lead John Brown and Lu Rogan.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Warren ‘Millsie’ Mills

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Competition Games this week included - Singles Herb Dalton and Daryl Tuttle, Gus Munro and Steve Roome, Doc Fordham and Paula Welsted, Ron Gould and Shane Hornbuckle, Gus Munro and Mitch Wright, Lou Fordham and Lloyd White.

Pairs - Peter Bruce, Daryl Tuttle, S.Harvey and Jason Wright.

Triples - Jill Brabon, S.Harvey, Jason Wright and David Moodie, Tiahna Rogers, Daryl Tuttle. Eddy Neylon, Lou Fordham and Helen Jacobsen, MaryEllen Pratten, B.Johns(Kurri) and Mitch Wright.

Fours - Wayne Crowhurst, Shane Hornbuckle, Doc Fordham and Peter Bruce,  S.Harvey, B.Johns(Kurri), Jason Wright and Mitch Wright.

Wednesday Social: Dot Wilson, Jill Brabon, Helen Jacobsen and Robyn Stitt, Jane Gilbert, Steve Roome. Dave Moodie, Paula Welsted, Allen Williams and MaryEllen Pratten, Peter Wilson and Gavin Charles.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Sunday Scroungers Winners Gavin Charles and Jane Gilbert

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Some members travelled to Mackay on the weekend to contest the Goosies Under The Shed Carnival which saw 32 teams from all over Queensland play.

Wayne Handley teamed up with Dave Peet (Souths Suburban), Don Peet (North Mackay) and Jason Borg (Souths Suburban).

They had 4 wins and a draw for the weekend to finish Runners-ups.

No bowls were played on the green this week due to the rain we experienced - hopefully the rain will stay away this week so we can start our Club Competitions this weekend.

This weekend will see some members once again travel down to Mackay, this time to compete in the District Mixed Pairs.

Contributed with thanks to Wayne Handley.

Jason Borg, Don Peet, Dave Peet and Wayne Handley

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner Elona Lynch 34 points, runner-up Claire Garrod 33 points. Men’s winner on a countback Jeremy Chrzanowski 35 points, runner-up Jeff Day 35 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Bev Lowcock 36 points, runner up Claire Garrod 36 points. Turkey’s nests – Sarnie Eisemann, Trish Sellen and Lorraine McArthur. NTP Trish Sellen.  

Men’s winner Scott Raisbeck 44 points, runner up Dwayne Bartlett 42 points. Turkeys’ nests – Rhyce Layton, Brad Graham and Graham Baker. NTP Ezra Miller. David Insch won the car wash voucher with an OBP. Mark Russell and Marcus Yasso both had Eagles on number 11.  

This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf club. Don’t forget to check the club’s 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 $1400 this week.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Men’s runner up Dwayne Bartlett and winner Scott Raisbeck

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Friday's Prawn Run was super competitive this week with the winners only decided by count back - Sean Fogarty came out in front, followed by Andrew Gomez and Adam Singleton - all had a solid round with 21 points.

On Saturday, the regulars took to a competition round of 4 ball, better ball - father and son team Wayne and Adam Singleton took the win at 39.5.

Mates Tim Harris and Rhys Bartholomew came in second on 41 and just behind was Club Captain Glenn Rees and Competition regular Tyson Flavel who took third with 41.5. Tyson also won the Nearest the Pin for the day.

On Sunday, Kendal Nash won the stableford with a great score of 23 points, followed by Terry Kimpton and Rob Lodders both on 21 points with Terry taking the countback second placement.

Next Saturday is the Club's monthly medal, generously sponsored by Ballistic Brewery. Please book in and secure the beer.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Perri Simpson and Ross Clanachan

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Played every Thursday at 4.30pm and every Saturday morning at 7am, Pickleball is not just about playing the game it is about making new friends and this was the case on both sessions this week.

On Thursday afternoon new picklers Jocelyn and Darren joined in with our regular players Kate and Stuart for an avid game of mixed doubles. New man Darren was thumping the wiffle ball back.

On the adjoining court a ladies’ doubles with new picklers Sheridan and Demi and regulars Yoko and Robyn was exciting to watch.

Saturday morning Sienna took time out from coaching tennis to pick up a paddle and have a game with Sandy, Kaz and Paula.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Star picklers this week

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Tennis Whitsunday was chomping at the bit this week to be out on court and to do this we danced among the raindrops.

A special mention of Felix and his Nanna Lib, who worked together on Felix's racquet and catching skills. Tennis is such a unique sport for bringing family of different generations together and enjoying quality time.

Tuesday and Thursday afternoon training team and the Wednesday 4pm and 5pm squads are constantly working on their rallying skills.

Thursday night social tennis was a stunner with Val keeping the guys on their toes.

On Friday afternoon Helen, Tanja, Raylene and Tracy worked with determined energy on their tennis rallying.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

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On Saturday 72 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 15 were first timers in Airlie Beach and 4 recorded new Personal Bests - well done Annette, Tamika, Caitlin and Hamish.

Congratulations to Wade Whincop for completing his 100th parkrun and Maree Reardon on completing 25 volunteers as Run Director.

The event was made possible by 15 wonderful volunteers: Tim Oberg, Bob Barford, Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Maree Reardon (Run Director), Robyn Corrigan, Andrea Farley (Photographer), Rebecca Hadley, Nathalie Bloome, Darlene Reid, Susanne Willmott, Nyrie Atkin, Laura Oates, Aiden (Photographer) and Annette Turner.

This Saturday, 26th February, is the ‘Tropical 300’, a celebration of the 300th event at Airlie Beach parkrun. There’ll be a mocktail for all finishers and complimentary tropical juice at the post event celebrations at My Rainbow Bakery and Café. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Wanting to improve your fitness? On Saturday the 19th March the Whitsunday Running Club will offer pacing for 22:30, 25:00, 27:30, 30:00, 32:50, 35:00, 37:50 and 40:00 minutes. They aim to hold a pacing event every month over the cooler months. It’s a great chance to work towards a Personal Best.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Marshals Nyrie and Robyn

Wade completing his 100th parkrun

Parkrunners enjoying the downhill section

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Despite the wet weather and flooding, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted a successful distance Club Night on Wednesday. Club Coach, Mark Erickson presented Don Algie and Taj Murray with Chocolate Awards for the best PBs.  

Erickson also presented Upgrade Certificates to Jasper Korosec, Nelson Malady, Declan Dichiera and Liam Filewood. Nelson’s mother Natasha Daniels made an awesome birthday cake for Nelson and all swimmers and their families enjoyed celebrating Nelson’s 10th birthday.  

Highlights from Club Night include: Young gun, Eloise Chegwidden, who is only 6 years, setting a new Club Record for 100m Freestyle in 1.54.91. Birthday boy, Nelson Malady set a new record for the 800m Freestyle in 13.06.23. Jy Parkinson, aged 16 years set new records for the 400m Freestyle in 4.26.41 and 400m IM in 5.02.15.  

Thomas Ganter swam massive PBs of over 20 seconds in his 200m Freestyle and 200m Breaststroke.  

Lukas Trevaskis swam a fantastic 200m IM in 3.13.55 which was a 17.02 second PB. Don Algie, aged 8 years, swam a 12.62 second PB in his 200m Freestyle.

Jacob Bell, aged 15 years, swam extremely well in his 800m Freestyle to earn a 10.31 second PB.  Declan Dichiera swam super times in his 100m Freestyle (1.44.40) and 100m Backstroke (1.54.06), both were personal best times.  

Sophie Fletcher, aged 10 years, swam an excellent 200m Freestyle in 3.23.58 which was a 7.74 second PB.  

Well done to all the other swimmers who swam a PB time on Wednesday: Jax Clayworth (100m Butterfly), Zane Clayworth (25m Backstroke), Maeve Dichiera (25m Backstroke), Remy Hedges (200m Butterfly), Lochlan Jamieson (200m Breaststroke), Taj Murray (200m Backstroke and 200m IM), Jy Parkinson (400m IM), Addie Sanders (50m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke) and Charlotte Trevaskis (50m Backstroke).  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Declan Dichiera, receiving his Upgrade Certificate

Nelson Malady’s birthday

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The club championships are now well underway with the early rounds of men’s singles, pairs and fours over. This weekend 19th- 20th is the club’s major annual event, the Bushman’s Bakery ‘Under The Shed’ $12,000 competition, so there will be no social play. A Calcutta will be held tonight, Friday 18th.

Social Bowls Week Ending 13 February

Monday mixed pairs winners were Eric Galletly and Peter Cowling followed by Brenda Trannore and Narell Schmidtke. Dave Evans and Graham Moore won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Sue Hazledine, Lurline Ford and Carmel Bell followed by Therese Russell, Jean Zamparutti and Sheryl Cuttriss.

Thursday mixed pairs was taken out by Darren Addie and Darrell Kane. In second spot were Barry Lehmann and Marg Fogg. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs winners were visitor Bob Menzies and Wazza Corbett with Ron Bowers and Bert Hobbs runners up. The kitty toucher did not go off.

Saturday men’s day was won by A. Cooney and Wayne Mietzel with Maurie Pearson, Alex Cameron and Vern Mietzel coming second. The jackpot goes up as it was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Don and Anne Peet are popular bowlers at Goosies

Val DePinto is a regular Monday player

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