On Wednesday Social bowls, Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Philip Brown defeated Jim Bownds, Mike Harrison, and Barry Zillmann 24–16, while John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Sandy Daffara defeated Tom Jessop, John Lahney, and Peter Lawton 20–13.

Heather Brown also defeated Garry Alexander 25-21.

Saturday morning Semi Finals of the Club Championship Singles saw  Jonathan Bye defeat Garry Alexander and Gavin Milne defeat Scott Hamilton.

The second Semi Final of the B Singles had Brett Saroglia defeat Nathaniel Watts 25-20.

Saturday afternoon Final of the Club Championship Singles saw Jonathan Bye and Gavin battled it out before Jonathan finally won 25 - 21.  

Final of the B Singles saw Brett Saroglia defeat Bruce Uhe 25-13.

Champion of Champions are coming up with the Championship Singles being held at Souths Suburban on Saturday and Sunday August 20 and 21.  

Champion of Champion "B" Singles on Saturday and Sunday September 17 and 18 at Mackay City.

On Sunday Peter Lawton and Jim Quod defeated Philip Brown and Garry Alexander 31 - 15;  Alen Sanderson played double lead.  Alen, John Lahney and Barry Zillmann defeated Alen, Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown 19 - 18.

There is a working bee being held on Thursday June 23 at the club, starting at 9.30am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Club Championship Singles winner Jonathan Bye (right) and Runner Up Gavin Milne (left)

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Tuesday afternoon, 24 bowlers competed for the prizes on offer with an outstanding win coming from Nik Fernbach, Pam Collins, and Paul Tobias.

Wednesday afternoon bowls saw another 24 bowlers competing for the prizes and the outstanding winners of the day was the team of Russell Jackson, Lu Rogan at lead, and Glenys Pepyat at second.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls played its penultimate game with Hadlow Racing and PRD leading on 18 points, and Kitties and Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team on 16 points and last season’s winners on 15.

Saturday morning saw the return of John Askew’s Scroungers with the first-round winners Eric Barnard, Andy McDougall, Rick Galea, Margo Stanley, and Ladda Purdie and the final between Rick Galea and Ladda Purdie, who claimed a last end win.

The school’s competition is coming to an end with 12 players left from the three high schools involved.

Sunday after we had our boys travel again to Mackay city to compete in the district B grade fours with two teams skippered by Ray Edwards and Neil Moore representing the club.

Sunday afternoon saw 20 bowlers competing for the prize, won by skipper Steve Lawrie with Elaine Kippen at lead, and Paul Tobias.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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An Airlie Beach local and Hamilton Island fireman is making a name for himself as a serial podium finisher, claiming the second overall spot at the Ironman Cairns 70.3 earlier this month.

Ironman Dan McDonnell finished the gruelling 1.9km swim, 90km bike and a 21.1km run in 4:07:33, just 90 seconds behind winner and ex-professional Ironman Jamie Huggett

The 2022 Ironman was McDonnell’s second outing on the Cairns course, where just a year ago he competed in the sport for the first time, placing third in his age group of Male 18-24.

Coming off the back of another third-place finish for his age group at the 2021 Sunshine Coast 70.3 Ironman, McDonnell finally claimed a top spot finish with his performance in Cairns on June 9 – one he was “ecstatic to have achieved”.

“It feels like home turf because I grew up in Cairns, especially with all the family and friends there to support me,” McDonnell said.

“I think that was the major difference. I was so calm going into it – I spent the night before with family. It was that and another year of training, I think.”

McDonnell - who usually smashes through the running section of the ironman - spent the last year training up his swimming and biking.

As a youngster, he was a state-level cross country runner and revelled in the half-marathon distance presented by ironman.

“That was what the focus of the year of training was, and all three disciplines I did better: I swam better, I rode better and they set each other up,” McDonnell said.

“I stayed with the forward pack the entire time and when I got to the run, I got to work.”

McDonnell will move up into the 25 to 29 age group next year and hopes to attain a professional contract within the next six months.

Ironman athletes hit their prime in their late 20’s to early 30’s.

He’s now looking ahead to the Sunshine Coast 70.3 and a trip to the United States to compete in the Utah Ironman.

If he performs well, the chances are high the young Whitsunday star could make the grade.

He’ll be competing at the upcoming Airlie Beach Marathon as well, where he holds the first-place crown for the Half Marathon distance.

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There’s something in the water in Proserpine turning local high school students into exceptional volleyballers.

Two ex-Proserpine State High School students have this month made the grade to represent at state level: Cooper Goodwin in the U23 men, and Kasey Hogan in the U23 women.

Two current students have claimed a spot in the Queensland U19 men and women teams in the last week, respectively: Connor Turner and Breeana Mackay.

And the talented 20-year-old and ex-student Sam Flowerday has headed off to compete in Brazil at the Volleyball Nations League, representing the country as a Volleyroo.

Proserpine High School teacher and volleyball head coach Ben Smith laughingly calls the volleyball contingent the “Proserpine Cult”.

“They love it. I think that’s what it is – they play every single day and that’s just it,” Mr Smith said.

“We see an athletic kid at school and we push them: ‘Hey, come and try volleyball.’ If they’re good, they train, and they’re committed, they always turn good.”

The past Proserpine alumni Goodwin, 20, currently plays Brisbane Premier League volleyball, and Hogan is training as part of the Australian Institute of Sport.

Turner, a grade twelve student, will travel to Sydney in July to compete in nationals, while Mackay has been selected as a shadow for the female squad.

In the month Turner heads to the U19 level state competition, the school is expecting to have a number of students announced as making the U14 to U18 Queensland sides, too.

But all those players have an idol to look up to in Sam Flowerday.

Now a Thompson Rivers University volleyballer in Canada, having signed up as part of the college team known as ‘WolfPack’ where he faces top-tier, young American talent – some of the very best in the world - Flowerday has again been given the opportunity to pull on the green and gold Volleyroos kit and play for Australia.

But he’s no stranger to representing his country; Flowerday played at the Australian Volleyball Academy for two years, represented in both indoor and beach volleyball at the youth levels for Australia, and this Volleyball Nations League in Brazil will be his second.

He was part of the extended roster for last year’s summer iteration of the tournament, but unfortunately didn’t make an appearance.

At 20, the 6’4 Proserpine product and outside hitter played his first volleyball game in grade 9 and has been on an astronomical rise.

In this Volleyball Nations League – which began in early June - he’s played against Brazil, Slovenia, Iran, Netherlands, Canada, and Bulgaria so far, with his next fixture against Poland on June 25 tomorrow.

It’s an opportunity for the young starlet to continue to perfect his craft against the upper crust - Brazil chief among them; a team that finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics. He’ll also have the opportunity to play Germany, Japan, France, and Argentina.

"I’m extremely grateful and honoured to be wearing the green and gold again and representing my country," said Flowerday.

"I am looking forward to learning and growing even more, not only as a player but also as a person."

Proserpine, a small country-town of roughly 3,000, has a big, volleyball-shaped heart – and it’s beating strong.

Written by Declan Durrant

Sam Flowerday is the upper echelon of Proserpine State High School’s volleyball alumni, pictured here spiking for his Canadian college team

The young prodigy is becoming the northern star of the school’s volleyball “cult”, making his Australian debut

Flowerday (third from the left), is staking his claim for the outside hitter position in the Volleyball Nations League

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Bright blue skies and a strong headwind greeted competitors at the annual Whitehaven Beach Run as they disembarked the Cruise Whitsundays ferry and stepped onto the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach last Sunday.

A total of 281 athletes participated in the challenge, competing in a variety of events – the five- and 10-kilometre races, a half marathon and a junior run.

With the youngest just four years old and the oldest 71, the race was open to everyone and saw people from as far afield as Victoria, NSW, South Australia, West Australia and the ACT compete.

Part of the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, the next event will be the Hilly Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Roland Henderson Wins Half Marathon

A Jubilee Pocket local took home a win for the Whitsundays, coming first in the half marathon, an achievement he says took him by surprise.

“I was really quite chuffed – couldn’t believe it!” said Roland.

“It was wonderful to run on the beach in the beautiful Whitsundays – where would you rather be!”

Roland completed the 21 kilometres stretch (which is two laps of Whitehaven Beach) in one hour 26 minutes and 55 seconds.

Originally from Canberra and a self-confessed ‘athletics kid’, Roland moved to the Whitsundays 12 years ago.

A member of the Whitsunday Running Club, he has enjoyed competing in half marathons up and down the coast from Mackay to Townsville but says this is his first big win.

Rolland had his partner Allison with him to cheer him on.

Riana Wronski Wins The 5k

Coming first for the women in the five-kilometre beach run, Riana completed the course in just 22 minutes and 53 seconds.

Practicing regularly at the weekly Airlie Beach parkrun, Riana can often be seen wheeling her double buggy containing her children; three-year-old Harry and eight-month-old Grace.

Keen to get back into running after having her littlest child, Riana said she was excited to start off with the five kilometres and is looking forward to training more so she can compete in longer distances in the future.

“I led the ladies’ race the whole way which was incredible,” said Riana.

“I was waiting to be overtaken at the turnaround but we headed right into the southerly wind and I made it all the way in the lead.”

Making a day of it, Riana brought her family along to cheer her on and said that the whole day was incredibly well organised.

She also wanted to mention the achievement of local Aimee Sulzeerger who came second for the women in the half marathon and is currently in training for an Ultra Marathon.

1 and 1b – 281 athletes compete in the annual Great Whitehaven Beach Run

Rolland Henderson crosses the finishing line2b – Rolland accepting his award

Riana Wronski wins the 5km

Riana with her two children after the race

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Over 500 BMX riders from all over Queensland will travel to Mackay and Sarina this weekend to compete in the 2022 AusCycling BMX State Series.

Round 3 of the Series will take place at Sarina BMX Club on Saturday, June 25 and Round 4 at Mackay and District BMX Club on Sunday, June 26.

Riders from two years of age up to 60+ years will compete, vying for valuable points in the Queensland State Series following rounds 1 and 2 taking place in Cooloola and Nerang earlier in the year.

EMAC Superclass Men riders include Nerang riders Jesse and TJ Asmus, Caboolture’s Corey Frieswyk and crowd favourite Jayce Cunning up against local riders Brock de Silva, Tristyn Kronk, Peter Little and Jack Armstrong.

Werner Engineering Superclass Women riders include Townsville’s Ashleigh Gunn and Celeste Barr, Kiana Botfield of Pine Rivers, Teya Rufus of Maryborough and Elisha Nesbit of Cairns.

The Auto Air and Electrics Mackay Junior Superclass Men Class is stacked full of local talent including Tyler Morgan, brothers Bailey and Tyler Smith, Brodie Wilson and Connor Parish, all from Mackay and District BMX, along with Moranbah riders Oliver Rivers and Jackson Elliott.

The Balnagowan Diesel Repairs Junior Superclass Women include local rider Sarah Tickle up against Townsville’s Brooke Smith, Alara Nobelius of Atherton and Cheralee White of Nerang.

Racing commences at 12:00pm Saturday at Sarina BMX and 9:45am Sunday at Mackay and District BMX, Snow Wright Court Beaconsfield.

Photos supplied: Michelle Tickle

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They’re not bobsleds, they’re not bicycles, they’re Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) and students from all over the region raced them last weekend as the Whitsunday Festival of STEM launched last Friday.

Now in its fourth year, the Whitsunday Festival of STEM tests school children in STEM subjects with fun and engaging challenges.

“It really helps all of our local students to get involved,” said Secretary for the Whitsunday STEM Challenge and CQU Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams.

“The Festival of STEM really looks at science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design.”

Last Saturday, students participated in the Pedal Prix, an eight-hour hot lap race in which each student spends 30 minutes in an HPV before getting out and Covid cleaning the vehicle for the next driver to take over.

“With the Pedal Prix, the students get to race a vehicle but then they also need to fix that vehicle, make sure it’s scrutineered,” said Ms Williams.

Participating schools included St Patrick’s College, Mercy College, Calen District State College, Sarina State High School and Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, as well as schools from Townsville, Bundaberg, Emerald and Rockhampton.

Sarina State High School year 11 student Ryan Pietzner said he’s been participating in the Pedal Prix since year seven.

“A few mates were doing it and they said, ‘do you want to have a go?’ so I had a go and I’ve loved it ever since,” Ryan said.

“We had to do some maintenance to a few of these bikes because the tyres go flat after a while because we haven’t had a race in a while.”

The 2022 Festival of STEM also incorporated the F1 in Schools, Junior Robocup and Drones Competition which took place at the MECC on Wednesday alongside a mini careers expo showcasing STEM career opportunities available in the region.

“A lot of the students going through school are not really sure what the jobs are so we’ve got a mini careers expo there,” said Ms Williams.

Councillor Michelle Green said at the launch last week that over 25% of the Mackay region’s workforce is employed in sectors with strong STEM links.

“(Mackay Regional Council is) involved in the Whitsunday Festival of STEM to help foster these linkages between our schools and local businesses and industry,” said Ms Green.

“The Whitsunday Festival of STEM is a great way for a whole community to learn more about what STEM is and what it means for the future of our children so that we can provide better STEM education for them.”

Students, teachers and special guests got to test out the Human Powered Vehicles at the Whitsunday Festival of STEM launch last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Round 11 on June 11 of the Hostplus Cup was a game where Mackay Cutters had it all to prove against a Redcliffe Dolphins side that had leapfrogged them on the ladder the week before.

The sugar city’s team were sitting in tenth ahead of the game at BB Print Stadium and were hoping to jump all the way up to eighth, should they best the traveling Dolphins and other results go their way.

It turned out to be a potential game of the season; a tight affair that could have gone either way in the end.

Cutters made their mark on the scorecard first, with Jack Paskins crossing in the seventeenth after crashing through the Dolphins’ wide players.

It wasn’t a long lead, as Dolphins equalised just six minutes later with their own thumping try. The travelling side scored again shortly after with another bang.

There wasn’t too much technical glory in the move as Dolphins’ centre Valynce Te Whare burst through the Cutters backline.

Redcliffe had all the momentum and scored again, capitalising on a fumble. The Dolphins had a halftime lead of two points.

Cutters came out the blocks raring to go, scoring off a fumble from the travelling team this time in the 47th, but Dolphins scored again shortly after, not to be outdone.

The 63rd minute, Dolphins crossed again and again three minutes later with Valynce Te Whare. The game looked over before Cutters came roaring back.

Cutters scored in the 71st, the 76th, and the 78th in one of the closest finishes this season, just losing out by 2.

Cutters 32-34 Dolphins.

The Mackay team head off to Tweed Heads this weekend for a 3.00pm fixture against Seagulls – who sit comfortably in 7th.

Dolphins now move on to a home game against Capras, which will be a tough ask for the Redcliffe side as Capras are placed in fine form. Cutters could capitalise on ladder position if they win and results again go their way.

Cutters were desperately close to a win in their matchup against Redcliffe Dolphins

There was plenty of try scoring but not much tackling

Cutters came away with a lesson on defensive lapses and concentration after losing by just two points

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The Crater will be rumbling tonight when the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes take on Townsville, with the Meteorettes taking the court first for a special cause.

Suiting up in pink, the Meteorettes will play in the annual Shelley Rutland Memorial Fundraising game.

Everybody in attendance will have the chance to bid on their very own McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes one-of-a-kind pink NBL1 singlets in the post-game jersey auction with funds raised going to the McGrath Foundation.

The Mackay teams will still be riding a high off the back of a successful triple-header campaign down south last weekend. The Meteorettes showed they are in final-winning form by claiming three from three wins.

In the first game they defeated the Ipswich Force 103-77. Miela Goodchild was cooking finishing the game with 32 points on 6/10 from downtown while Ellie Collins was also solid tallying 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

Monique Bobongie also added 13 points and 5 steals off the bench.

The Meteorettes then defeated RedCity Roar before claiming the hattrick, beating South West Metro Pirates 95-75. Alisia Jenkins finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Miela Goodchild also added 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the match against the Pirates.

The Men’s side wasn’t burning quite as brightly, dropping game one on their southern road-trip, losing to the Ipswich Force 80-72.

Kyrin Galloway was superb for the Meteors posting a match high 26 points along with 8 rebounds. He well supported by a 15-point, 10 rebound double-double from Malok Majak.

The Meteors bounced back to win their next two, defeating RedCity Roar 98-91. They then posted an emphatic 34-point win against the South West Metro Pirates 82-48.

Jaylin Galloway was sensational dropping 25 points in 20 mins including 5/8 from 3-point range. Malok Majak added 17 points and 6 rebounds while Kye Medhurst tallied 10 points off the bench.

The action tips off tonight at the Mackay Multisports Stadium at 6:30pm.

Action from JBS Arena from the Ipswich Force versus the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes on June 10. Photo credit: Jade Rochelle Photography

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Social Results

Monday morning mixed pairs 2-4-2 winners were Alan Brown and Kees Struik. Second were G. Fahry and Marshall Howland. Lucky draw winners were Pat O’Neill and Sandra Somerville.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Laura Howland, Neddy Thomsen and Doris Dodds. Runners up were Carol Boxall, Sue Roscoe and Ann Smith

Thursday mixed pairs 2-4-2 was taken out by Pat Elgey and Darryl Kane. Second came Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots next week. Green voucher was won by Cecilia Lee.

Friday mixed three bowl pairs resulted in a win for Tony Allsop and Ron Bowers who won $75 each. Lucky draw winners were Peter Grant and Neal Blucher, and Maryann Bartolo and Daphne Offield. Kitty toucher is $500.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Vic Gaudion and Col Carey with Brendan Ryan and Ian McDonald second.

Several games of championship senior singles and men’s pairs were played on the weekend.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Greg McLean bowling against Tony Allsop in the Senior Singles on Sunday. Greg won 25-21 after a very close game

Neil Blucher shows his style

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Mackay netball legend Kelly Beckingham will take a trip down memory lane when the CQ University Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival returns to the region this month.

It was more than two decades ago when the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student etched her name in the record books after receiving the official Player of the Carnival award at the second-ever QISSN event staged in Rockhampton back in 2001.

Then known as Kelly Park, the talented goal attack produced superb performances on court against the best schoolgirl netballers in the State to take out the coveted prize.

For 17-year-old Kelly it was a proud moment and to this day remains one of the highlights of her decorated netball career.

“We finished in the top five that year and stepped up against some very strong teams in the ultimate test for any young netballer,” recalled Kelly who still resides in East Mackay.

“To win the Player of the Carnival award that year was a huge thrill and honour and a moment that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” she revealed.

“I can remember lifting this big perpetual trophy and also receiving a jewellery voucher.”

Twelve months earlier, Kelly lined up for St Patrick’s College in the inaugural QISSN Carnival held in Bundaberg.

“They were good times and gave us girls lasting memories of an amazing sporting experience,” she added.

It was around that time that Kelly had gained her representative spurs with the North Queensland Under 18s Invitational team that competed at the National Indoor Netball Championships.

From the age of eight when she started her netball career on the Moranbah grass courts, the fledgling goal shooter was destined for bigger things.

Kelly hails from good sporting stock – her mother Lyn Prince (Park) was a State Netball League goal shooter while her father Bryan Park shone at AFL down in Victoria and later with the North Mackay Suns.

After linking with the Magpies from the age of 13, the former Mercy and St Patrick’s College ace proved a regular in the Mackay junior representative teams and later with the Whitsunday Sharks in the State League.

Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed her 30-year netball journey which also includes an eight year stint as president of the Cougars Netball Club in the Mackay Premier League and long association with North Queensland Invitational sides for National Indoor Netball events.

She still plays the odd social game for DAS Netball Club but devotes her time to family these days - raising sons Kodi,12, and six-year-old Lockie and pouring her energies into her Thrive Bookkeeping business in Mackay.

Does Kelly have any tips for the current wave of St Patrick’s netballers preparing for QISSN?

“Just enjoy the week and the exposure the girls and boys will get to top level netball – it is all worth it” she advised.

Kelly will be a special guest at the official opening of the 2022 CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball Carnivals on Sunday June 26 at the Mackay Showground.

By Chris Karas

Kelly Beckingham as a teenager, then known as Kelly Park

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Four former Mackay rugby league players took the game’s biggest stage last week, helping the Maroons to a State of Origin game one win in Sydney.

The Maroons defeated the Blues 16-10 and Daly Cherry-Evans, Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Reuben Cotter were instrumental in the strong display.

Former Cutter Tom Dearden was also called into camp but was omitted from the final 17.

Reuben Cotter was among four players debuting for the Maroons and the Sarina Crocs junior led the Maroons’ tackle count with 51 tackles in a huge 80-minute performance.

Origin veterans Dale Cherry-Evans and Dane Gagai both scored pivotal tries and Kalyn Ponga finished the game with a line break and a try assist.

The Blues enjoyed early field possession resulting in a 4-0 lead thanks to Jack Wighton, but the momentum swung the Maroons’ way with the injection of Patrick Carrigan debuting off the bench.

The Maroons were next to hit back in the 34th minute with Gagai the beneficiary of a miraculous kick from debutant Selwyn Cobbo.

With a halftime lead of 6-4 and the wind in their sails, the Maroons started the second half just as strong thanks to some electric play from Cameron Munster.

The Maroons were the next to score in the 48th with Cherry-Evans stepping off his right foot off a centre-field scrum to cross the line untouched.

Things were looking all but done in the 53rd minute when some nimble footwork and terrific ball play from Ponga put Valentine Holmes over in the corner.

Cameron Murray got the Blues back in the game in the 71st minute but they were unable to equalise, the staunch defence of the Maroons holding string until the very last play.

Man of the Match went to Rockhampton junior Cameron Munster after what has been described as a “masterclass”.

The focus now turns to game two in Perth on Sunday, June 26 with teams to be announced over the weekend.

Daly Cherry-Evans

Kalyn Ponga

Dane Gagai scored the first try of the game

Reuben

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They are valued rugby league ambassadors and exceptional role models that share a connection to one of the Mackay region’s finest sporting organisations.

Meet Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members Michael Comerford, Brandon Finnegan, Blake Paskins, Ethan Roberts, Patrick Hoare, Jake Riley and Chad Buckby who are fully entrenched in the Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club ranks.

All seven play a significant role in the development of rugby league at both secondary schools that will co-host this year’s annual CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball Carnivals in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

Finnegan is the Cutters’ half back maestro and chief playmaker and is joined in the first-grade line up by bustling centre Paskins and elusive winger Riley.

Comerford and Buckby are the respective Mercy College and St Patrick’s College Sports Co-ordinators and double up as Assistant Coaches of the Cutters’ top-grade squad.

Roberts, a utility hooker-cum-winger, and rangy prop Hoare are key members of the Cutters’ U/21 team with ties to the Brothers Leprechauns.

CONFRO convenor and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry said the seven staff members were assets to the school and highly regarded in the Mackay sporting community.

“As well as being top athletes and officials in their own right, they give so much back as mentors to the students by educating them on the finer points of the game,” said Mr McSherry.

Finnegan, Paskins and Riley starred in the Cutters’ 28-18 victory over the Townsville Blackhawks last Saturday in a QRL Hostplus Cup fixture at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville.

Paskins (2) and Riley scored three of the Cutters’ six tries with the skilful Finnegan booting two goals and marshalling his side to their fourth win of the season.

Comerford, a former Australian Universities representative centre, will coach a powerful St Patrick’s First XIII at this year’s CQUniversity Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival.

The well-drilled St Patrick’s outfit remains one of the main contenders for the 2022 title when the Carnival commences in Mackay from Sunday June 26.

With the knowledgeable Comerford at the helm, the team will pit their rugby league skills and durability against the best secondary schoolboy players throughout Queensland.

The Mercy College Sports Coordinator enjoyed a burgeoning league career in the north Queensland region before a damaged ACL forced him into retirement at the age of 24.

Comerford began his league career with Souths Sharks in U/13s as a promising centre before bursting into A Grade in 2006.

He played a prominent role when Souths defeated Moranbah to win the 2009 Mercury Cup Grand Final after earning a call up to the Mackay Cutters top grade side the previous year.

Comerford chalked up 51 appearances during his six-season playing stint with the Cutters but missed the club’s 2013 premiership triumph after tearing his ACL in the early rounds.

A highlight for Comerford was representing Australia at the 2008 World Universities Cup in Brisbane and touring South Africa (2009) as well as France and England (2010) with the national team.

Since hanging up his boots, Michael has turned his hand to coaching.

In 2015 he was appointed Souths A Grade coach at the age of 26 – guiding the side to a preliminary final where they were eliminated by minor premiers Sarina Crocodiles.

He joined the Cutters’ coaching panel in 2017 and has mentored the U/21s and Brothers A Grade last season before being named Mackay’s Assistant Coach for 2022.

From the golden beaches in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire to the tropical Mackay-Whitsunday region in Queensland – that has been the journey for skilful half back Finnegan.

A Cronulla junior product, Finnegan played ten seasons with De La Salle Caringbah before representing the Sharks in S.G Ball Cup (Under 18s) and the U/20s Holden Cup alongside NRL young guns Kyle Flanagan and hooker Blayke Brailey.

He later played for Mounties and Cabramatta in the NSWRL Jersey Flegg Cup and Ron Massey Cup competitions before a stint with Newtown in the NSW State Cup.

When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of lower grade competitions in 2020, Brandon spent a season with Southern Districts in NSW Shute Shield Rugby before making the move to Mackay last year.

Blake Paskins can be tagged a “late bloomer” after graduating from the Souths Sharks junior ranks.

A cousin of former Kangaroos international winger Brett Dallas, the towering centre played for Souths from the age of six where he blossomed into a capable colt by his mid-teens under the tutelage of legendary coach Doug Knight.

Paskins was only 16 when he helped the Sharks win the U/18s premiership with current South Sydney centre Isaiah Tass as a teammate.

Blake won two U/19 premierships with Brothers before linking with the Cutters and establishing himself in the top-grade last season.

Speedster Jake Riley played his junior football with the Western Lions in Townsville from the age of eight and was half back in the club’s U/15 premiership victory.

A fleet-footed utility, Riley played U/20s with the Townsville Blackhawks before joining the Cutters last season and leaving his mark as a centre, winger and fullback.

St Pat’s Open Payne Cup Campaign With Flyer

Meanwhile St Patrick’s College opened their 2022 Aaron Payne Cup campaign with a resounding 36-4 victory over Mackay State High at the Mackay Junior Rugby League Fields last week.

Powerful second rower Pat Vella capped an outstanding game with two tries and was ably supported by clever half back Jaxson Purdue, tireless lock Henry Thorpe and talented fullback Will Shears.

Mercy College Year 10s thumped Mackay State High 38-0 in the opening round of the Cowboys Challenge while Tom Gaviglio’s Year 8s outclassed Mackay State High 44-0 in a Division One final with strong games from fullback Calvin Ramos, half back Miles Kerrisk, lock Eli Cookson and centre Cooper Anderson.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members Blake Paskins, Brandon Finnegan, Jake Riley, Michael Comerford and Patrick Hoare are key personnel with the Mackay Cutters

‍The St Patrick's Open Boys squad trained with the Cowboys Challenge Year 10 squad from Mercy College at the Mercy College Open Day

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One thousand athletes, coaches, team managers, officials and administrators descended on Mackay last week for a history-making Oceania Athletics Championships after three years of hibernation due to COVID-19.

Not only did the competition include the inaugural Under-16 team challenge, in a world first for International Athletics Competitions, Para Athletes competed for Oceania Championships Medals at the same time at the same venue, and for the first time in the event’s history masters age groups were included in an invitational. Also, an Education Hub in partnership with the Oceania Athletics Coaches Association (OACA) was included for the first time.

The hub's purpose was to build the capacity and capabilities of all stakeholders so they could share their learnings when they return to their countries and local athletic clubs.

A highlight of both the Educational Hub and the competition in general was having Dame Valerie Adams, five-time Olympian and dual Gold Medallist, co-deliver the sessions and speak of her journey as an athlete.

She encouraged participants to think about who is on their "bus" and whether those people are enabling the bus to move forward. Dame Valerie also urged athletes to enjoy what they do and take responsibility for their motivation and performance on the field.

OACA event organisers and athletes also visited Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Centre to pick and donate 300 plants for the Mackay community.

The hundreds of plants will remain in the care of council’s Parks and Environment team until National Tree Day on July 31, when they will be planted along the Cathy Freeman Walk as part of the Bluewater Trail.

Over five days of competition, with 19 nations in attendance, the success stories were plentiful, with multiple records broken and a plethora of heartwarming stories emerging.

Mackenzie Little maintained her edge over javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber. Barber will be the defending champion at the World Athletics Championships next month and was also the bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Barber said in a post on Instagram “I feel a little like a broken record after my comps this season. The throw didn’t quite come together, the timing was just a little off, I know I have more metres in me. Well, I still believe it, and I will take the next opportunity to try and show it.”

New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs set an Oceanian 100m record in 11.09 seconds, smashing the record she set in Townsville in 2019 by nearly half a second.

One of the tales that brought a tear of joy to the eye was that of couple Maurice and Christiane Dauphinet, 96 and 91-years-old respectively and still competing in a multitude of events each. Christiane competed in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m while Maurice threw in the shot put, discus, hammer and javelin. Both Christiane and Maurice won four gold medals each.

There was also 72-year-old Wilma Perkins and 77-year-old David Anstiss who competed in the pole vault and 79-year-old Lorraine Birtwell who toughed it in the weight throw.

Local stars also shone, especially in the masters where a strong group of Mackay athletes put their best feet forward to run, jump and throw their way to victory.

Speedster Mikayla Webb representing Regional Australia made the final in both the 100m and 200m sprints. She came fifth in the U18 100m, qualifying fifth fastest in 12.18 seconds and then crossing fifth in the final in a time of 12.25. In the 200m she qualified fourth in 25.37m, then ran a blistering 25.04 in the final to come third.

Kayce Hoani-Vincent came fifth in the U18 pole vault, clearing 2.50m.

Dame Val: OACA event ambassadors including New Zealand’s Dame Valerie Adams chose 300 plants to be planted in July along the Cathy Freeman Walk. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

96-year-old Maurice and 91-year-old Christiane Dauphinet won four gold medals each in the masters division of the Oceania Championships. Photo credit: Oceania Athletics

Mackay masters athlete Justin Rule won gold in the steeplechase

Mackay athletes filled the podium in the W40 discus, with Amanda Wright winning gold, Cathryn Hoare taking silver and Kristie Brown claiming bronze

Fan favourite Kelsey-Lee Barber came third in the women’s javelin

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The Coral Sea Academy invites you to come on a journey as we dive beneath the waves to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Stretching more than 2,300km and home to a multitude of marine life, the world heritage Great Barrier Reef is one of the planet’s 7 natural wonders and the Coral Sea Academy is on a mission to share the reasons why through an immersive story-telling experience for the Whitsundays community and general public to enjoy.

On Saturday 25th June, from 10am – 12.30pm, this free event, “Exploring Our Natural Wonder”, will take place at The Lookout Lounge, Coral Sea Marina.

Locals and visitors will discover more about what lies beneath the surface and receive their very own Master Class from many of the Whitsunday’s very own Master Reef Guides.

“Guests can expect to be educated, entertained and inspired by this living treasure’s most ardent ambassadors, Master Reef Guides,” explains Crystal Lacey, local Master Reef Guide and “Little Fish Tourism” Director.

“With over 5 Master Reef Guides expected at the event, you can expect to learn more of the magic below including the master builders of the sea, Mega Fauna, and some unique characters who all call the reef home”.

Guests will benefit from the passion and knowledge of these reef ambassadors, as they impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference themselves.

In 2019, Coral Sea Marina launched Coral Sea Academy, an initiative designed to educate people on the natural environment, sustainable boating practices and preserving the Great Barrier Reef. It has also become the perfect platform in which to encourage guests and visitors to join the mission to affect positive change.

Discover more at coralseaacademy.com

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