A huge word of thanks to Justin Butler and the team for organising the 2022 Sports Expo!

Thursday afternoon can only be described as colossal when state Queensland coach Brendan Lee was in attendance. Our local Pickleball players were all enthused by Brendan's instruction and couldn't wait to put it into practice.

Three pickleball courts were in action with much striking of the wiffle ball and plenty of laughing.

Pickleball hit Australian shores in 2015 - the most popular word to describe this sport is - fun.

If you are keen for this new sport that is taking Australia by storm - social pickleball is on every Thursday at 4.30pm and Saturday mornings at 7am. Pickleball court available for hire at your convenience. Equipment and wiffle balls supplied.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

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Firstly, JJK Tennis and Tennis Whitsunday would like to thank Justin Butler and team for the amazing effort they put into the Sports Expo, it is greatly appreciated.

Tuesday night social tennis had Norm and Daniel in a tight tussle, unfortunately Thursday night was a victim of the watery weather.

Fit, fun tennis the original and best cardio workout on a tennis court had the girls ecstatic to be on court on Thursday morning. If you are keen for fitness laughter and good company it hits off at 8.30am, equipment supplied.

Nathan Harriett was keen to give his brand-new racquet and tennis shoes a workout on Saturday morning and he looked in the zone. Lookout Coach Jamie when you next hit the courts together!

On Wednesday the 4pm squad and 5pm squad worked like demons. Footwork, fitness and rallying were all part of the hour-long squads.

Reminder Social tennis is on at 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturday morning 6.30am and Saturday afternoon 2.30pm. Court Hire available. Members and visitors most welcome.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

Nathan Harriett serving up a storm

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One of Bowen’s largest junior rugby league clubs has made the leap, taking the club’s vision to incorporate a senior grade side to grow the sport in the Whitsundays northernmost township.

Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League Club is no longer just for the kids, with the addition of a senior grade side in the Townsville and District Rugby League (TDRL) competition after discussions between the TDRL board and Seagulls President Darren Piggott.

The club has entered two teams, a reserve grade and women’s grade, into the Townsville based competition in a move that will hopefully grow the sport in Bowen.

It has been many years since a senior league team has represented Bowen in any form.

Representatives from the TDRL visited the Bowen Senior League team’s preseason training as part of their assessment of whether the rugby side would be confirmed a place in the Townsville comp.

They were joined by Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox and Councillor Michelle Wright, who were excited to see the return of a club side to represent the famed mango town.

“The work the Bowen Seagull committee have put in to date should be recognised and working to bring new future opportunities for our junior players,” Councillor Wright said.

The TDRL representatives were extremely impressed by the sheer number of potential players that came out on what was known as the “Senior League Meet and Greet Night.”

The very next day, the club received the news that they dreamed of, and now the group kick into gear for the preseason, and they “could not be more excited to bring senior league back to Bowen.”

Mayor Andrew Willcox was ecstatic about the opportunity for Bowen to add another sport into its retinue.

“Very exciting news for Bowen and surrounds, and a big congratulations must go to Darren Piggott and club for the long hours put towards making this come to fruition,” Mayor Willcox said.

“Train hard, play hard, make us proud!”

The senior sides will play home games at Denison Park, with preseason training taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm.

Their season fixtures are yet to be announced

Mayor Andrew Willcox, Townsville and Districts Rugby League representatives Roger and Andrew, Bowen Seagulls President Darren Piggott, and Councillor Michelle Wright

Some of Bowen’s contingent of new senior Rugby League players

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On Saturday 49 fantastic parkrunners took advantage of the cooler temperature as they ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.

Five were first timers and five recorded new personal bests - great work Cameron, Gus, Laura, Cathie and Tamika.

The event was made possible by 13 wonderful volunteers - Peter Hughes, Timothy McQuoid-Mason (Photographer), Kara Olver, Matthew Curr (Run Director), Nathalie Bloome, Braxton, Christopher Harvey, Madison Curr, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Ashley Gerrard, Laura Oates and Annette Turner.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 3,592 participants have completed 19,656 parkruns covering a total distance of 98,280 km, including 2,328 new Personal Bests. A total of 312 individuals have volunteered 2,602 times.

No volunteer will be turned away, so send a message to airliebeach@parkrun.com to join the volunteer team this Saturday or for another week. This Saturday the post parkrun catch-up will take place at Bohemian Raw Café.

Airlie Beach parkrun’s 300th event is on Saturday 26th February and the theme is troppo. We’ll be celebrating the milestone and our fantastic tropical climate - everyone is welcome to join the celebration.

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

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 5km course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

parkrunners making the most of the cooler conditions

The team of volunteers

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Surprisingly, 20 Club Records were broken at the Cannonvale Cannons recent swimming carnival.  Congratulations to Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Nelson Malady, Austin Edwards-Bland, Oliver Bond, Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.  

Jy broke 11 records during the carnival which is an outstanding achievement. Don Algie broke a long standing 25 metre Backstroke record of Brandon Mutch from 2003.  

Oliver Bond broke James Ray’s record from 2004 for the 100m Butterfly.  

The club would like commend these top results.  

At Wednesday nights club night, Club Coach, Mark Erickson presented Upgrades to Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Jai Dennison, Nelson Malady, Matilda Nicholes, Taj Murray, Scarlett Gascoyne, Thomas Ganter, Rohan Gascoyne, Evie Doherty, Austin Edwards-Bland, Jack Ganter, Liam Filewood, Elosie Chegwidden, Don Algie, Tiana Bell, Isabella Pisaniello, Nathan Saunders, Indi Smith and Levi Smith.  Mark also presented Eloise Chegwidden with the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.  

Highlights from Club Night include - Stevie Lee swimming a massive 20.92 second PB in her 50m Freestyle.  

Rohan Gascoyne was in fine form, swimming 3 personal best times. Rohan’s brother, Rory swam a super 100m IM in 2.02.10 which was a 3.53 second PB.

The youngest swimmer, Harry Chegwidden, who is only 4 years old swam a fantastic time in his 12m Freestyle. He swam it in 26.65 seconds which was a 3.32 second PB.

James Davies, aged 8 years, swam extremely well in his Breaststroke and Freestyle races swimming personal best times.

Abiageal and Lily Maher both swam excellent times in their 50m Breaststroke. Koa and Mason Harland also swam well in their Breaststroke races to set personal best times. Evie Doherty, aged 7 years, swam a fantastic time of 33.33 seconds in her 25m Butterfly.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday and a big thank you to all the parents and volunteers.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

All the boys with their Club Records

Elosie Chegwidden with Chocolate Award for the biggest PB

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The long road began for the Whitsunday’s favourite football team back in early January, as Whitsunday United men’s kicked off preseason to get back to fitness and form come the Football Queensland Premier League 3 season in late March.

A string of new players have found their way to the men’s side, bolstering the already strong squad who, in a frantic final series of games, managed to make it all the way to the semi-finals of last year’s competition.

The team, who suffered some extremely one-sided losses early in the season, won a frenetic series of final games, launching them from almost bottom place to fourth. On the way, they mounted a stellar comeback from 0-4 down to win 5-4 against Mackay Lions Soccer Club.

Those victories now in the past, the men’s team move ever onwards to the encroaching 2022 season.

They’ve welcomed new head coach, Nick Hodgen, who’s arrived with a spate of fresh ideas to turn the once quick, counter-attacking side into a metronomic, possession-based machine. With him, he brings his son Harry Hodgen, a lightning quick winger with a penchant for dribbling who is the end product to the team’s slow buildup.

A potential defensive signing of the year arrived early in preseason with the acquisition of Scott Boldy. A long-time player in the suburbs of Brisbane, Boldy joins the upper echelon of signings United have made in recent years. He sits alongside Thomas Torzsok, Sam Blake, and captain James McEvoy-Bowe as a class above the rest in terms of both technical ability and physical attributes.

Sam Blake is still out from injury and is sorely missed. Not only a defensive presence, Blake was top scorer from centre half, an achievement which led teammates to regularly sing his name at the end of matchdays, claiming “Sam Blake’s on fire, your defense is terrified.”

In recent weeks the side has taken to the pitch on the weekends, facing off in internal trials, and there’s an undoubted improvement in the quality of football. Whether that’s the new players themselves or the pressure of fresh faces vying for a spot in the first XI, that’s soon to be told.

On February 12 Whitsunday United’s men’s team will play a preseason friendly against Mackay Magpie Crusaders to test their mettle at the Whitsunday Sports Park.

Captain of Whitsunday United Football Club, James McEvoy-Bowe, is eager to get the season underway

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Last weekend saw the start of our club championships, with the first round of A grade singles and pairs being played. Results are on the notice board. Please check the board for details of further games.

Social Bowls Results Week Ending 6 February

Thursday 2x4x2 mixed pairs winners were Jan Little and Paul Goldston followed by Lyn Tennant and Helen Goldston. The kitty toucher did not go off, so jackpots next week.

Friday three bowl mixed pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Warren Corbett, who collected $200. In second place was Eric Galletly and Shirley Bartolo who picked up $100. Peter Shepherd missed the kitty toucher, so it stays at $500.

Saturday Men’s pairs field had good numbers, considering the men’s club championships were held. Winners were John Priest and Ray Walker with Darren Addie and Trevor Laurens in second spot. Darren and Trevor also won the jackpot.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Peter Cowling is developing into a good bowler

Ian Beveridge is a picture of concentration

Clive Wales in action on Sunday

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The Cutters have had another big week at the end of January, plying their trade at the preseason training, as well as receiving some good news from the North Queensland Cowboys.

The Cowboys announced the Mackay Cutters feeder club allocations for 2022, with the Cowboys focusing on “building combinations and player familiarity for top squad players.”

The Cowboys are eager to see the allocations develop under new Head Coach Dave Elliott.

“This decision will also allow [Cowboys] to align our players outside the weekly NRL squad in positional units to build continuity and ensure players become accustomed to playing alongside each other,” said a Cowboys spokesperson.

The Cutters Allocation is as follows:

Morgan McWhirter, Daejarn Asi, Laitia Moceidreke, Tom Dearden, Jason Taumalolo, Jake Granville, Mitch Dunn, Reuben Cotter, Murray Taulagi, Scott Drinkwater, Ben Condon, Valentine Holmes, Tom Gilbert, and Brendan Elliot

The rest of the squad are ripping back into training after a rest at the end of January, with less than 8 sessions until their first trial clash with the CQ Capras on February 19.

The Cutters snatched up Harry Freebairn for their Hostplus Cup Squad as well, grabbing the Halfback from Norths Devils. The 24-year-old made three appearances for the Devils in 2021, and is a solid prospect for the Cutters to have picked up ahead of the season.

As well, Cutters secured Andre Niko’s signature, a young gun who made his debut for the Burleigh Bears as a winger last season, making 13 appearances and 7 tries.

Coach Elliott was excited with how both signings would fit into the Hostplus squads come the first trial against Central Queensland Capras.

Last time out the Cutters v Capras game ended 20-18, with a stellar half from Jack Quinn rocketing the Cutters ahead, and a Brandon Finnegan penalty proving the difference. It’ll be a tough test for both sides, with hopefully as even an outing as the last.

The game will be hosted at Browne Park in Rockhampton on February 19, and the Cutters will back it up the week after, taking on the Cowboys Young Guns at BB Print on February 26.

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When North Mackay Athletics say come one, come all, they really mean it, with their come and try day at the Pioneer High School Oval on Sunday February 20 open for everyone in town.

You’re never too old to become a decathlete, all you need are closed-in shoes, a water bottle, hat, an athletic spirit and a smile.

There’s no better time to get involved in discus, high jump, hurdles or anything athletics than now for Mackay locals with the Oceania Athletics Championships heading to Mackay mid this year.

It coincides well with the North Mackay Athletic club’s own push to get as many members as they can this year, with their season running through March to September.

The club regularly trials athletes at Russel St, Mackay, and is excited once again to invite the local community to come out and find a passion in athletics. With so much to choose from, there’s sure to be one of athletic’s many disciplines that strikes your fancy.

If you’re looking for more information about the clubs free, come and try day on February 20, ring 0449 669 695, or email northmackaylittleath@gmail.com

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A new year of table tennis competition is under way with strong fields contesting Tuesday morning and night fixtures.

Former Melbourne player Steven Whiting showed he will be a force to reckon with in division 1 night fixtures with three wins over Barry Patterson, Robbie Richards and Mark Sleeman in the opening round.

Julie Vella and Duncan Treloar played out a competitive match, Julie up 11-9 in the 5th.

Morning fixtures are being played in a new format this season of four grades, and several new and returning players have been welcomed to the competition.

Steve Mathieson got home twice in five games, beating Pam Joyce 11-8 in the 5th and pulling out probably his best-ever forehand shot to take the last game 12-10 against George Camilleri.

However, George got revenge in night fixtures, beating Steve in another five-gamer.

Branko Vucurovic and Tony Bowman played themselves into the ground, Branko getting up 13-11 in the 5th.

Fixtures were not played on Tuesday 8 January due to a planned power outage in Bridge Rd.

A group of Mackay players will compete in Townville’s International Women’s Day event on March 5-6. Anyone women interested in playing should contact Donna Abbott on 0400 769 560.

Highlights of this year’s representative season will be the Mackay Open on April 15-17 and the Queensland Veterans Championship on July 20-24, both at the Bridge Rd centre.

The veterans is the most popular event on the calendar and is expected to attract players from all over the state.

By Charlie Payne

Branko Vucurovic and Tony Bowman opened the season with a tight battle in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photos: Charlie Payne

Doug Dungavell serves to Pam Joyce in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures

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AFL Queensland welcomed a new face last week, with the announcement of not a new player signing, but of Alex Brooks as the new Competition Manager in Mackay.

The appointment of Alex sees the replacement of current Competition Manager Josh Rhodes who has recently moved internally into the role of Competition Manager for the Queensland Football Association (QFA)

Alex’s expertise comes in his understanding of grass roots football, having been involved in the game at all levels for many years, inclusive as a player, coach and club volunteer.

Recently, he coached his club’s senior women’s team and undertook time as an umpire in the sport, and AFL Queensland believe Alex's experience at club level make him a great fit for the role.

He relocates from the AFL stronghold of Victoria, specifically Rutherglen, and arrives with his wife, Kaedi, and soon to be first child.

His commencement in the Mackay office on February 28 hopes to continue to increase the sport of AFL in the Sugar City, as well as across Queensland.

AFL has continued to grow across Queensland with a strong contingent of representatives for the game being born here in Mackay, although less popular than its rugby counterparts.

The Queensland AFL body also announced their congratulations to the U17 Mackay Male Academy Team selections, part of the Gold Coast Suns Academy, with their first game coming up against Townsville in Airlie Beach on March 5.

The group of youngsters are just under a month until their first game.

From the Sugar City, North Mackay AFC players Cohen Frith, Darby Coleman, Lachlan Nelson, Lachlan Morgan, Jake McDonald and Angus Wearmouth represent the side.

A strong contingent of Bakers Creek boys made the grade, as well as a few Eastern Swans and Mackay City Hawks youth stars.

The side play in the North Queensland Championships, which will see them take on Townsville, Cairns, and Capricornia.

Alex Brooks is the new Competition Manager for Mackay AFL

U17 Male’s squad for Mackay will head across the state to face off against Cairns and more

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Mackay has experienced its first taste of Suncorp Super Netball with the Queensland Firebirds and Collingwood Magpies playing a pre-season double-header. The second game is tonight (Friday 11 February), being played at the Mackay Basketball Stadium.

General Manager Queensland Firebirds and Elite Pathways, Demelza Fellowes, said the opportunity to take two pre-season matches to Mackay was a fantastic opportunity for all.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be in Mackay for these matches against the Magpies,” said Fellowes.

“Our Club proudly represents the entire state of Queensland, and we don’t get to play in front of the regional fans as much as we like, so to have this opportunity, thanks to Mackay Regional Council, is really fantastic.

“It will be our first major hit out for the pre-season, with the entire squad together, so the matches will be really important in setting up our season.  It would be wonderful to have the support of the region and hopefully put on a good show in front of a packed house at Mackay Basketball Stadium.”

Lyn Law, a life member and current competitions board member of Mackay Netball Association, said the announcement had Mackay buzzing with excitement.

“To be able to watch the Queensland Firebirds take the court in our hometown, on our home court, is just so special and something the Mackay netball community has waited a very long time to have come to fruition,” Law said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a fantastic opportunity for the region and especially for young netball enthusiasts.

“The Mackay region loves its sport and netball is definitely one that is embraced by our residents,” Williamson said.

“This is another example of how our world-class facilities enable us to attract and play host to the calibre of both of these teams.”

The decision to play the pre-season matches in Mackay is a further commitment of the Queensland Firebirds to continue to grow the game of netball across the state including regional areas.

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A fan favourite is heading back to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors, with 25-year-old Viliami Foketi signing a one-year deal to remain at the club for the 2022 NBL1 North season.

The athletic wing returns to the Sugar City following a solid 2021 campaign, where he averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1 steal per game, while shooting 50 per cent from the field and 80 per cent from the free throw line.

For his efforts, Foketi was named the Meteors Best Defensive Player in 2021. The fan favourite also took home the Mackay Pride Sponsors Award.

The NBL1 North Grand Final series provided the stage where the Tongan international really made his mark. He dropped 18 points in game one, before delivering 20 points in the game two decider, while defending the Cairns Marlins main scoring weapons.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu was thrilled about Foketi’s return.

“Vili is one of those guys that every coach wants to have on their team,” Khalu said.

“He’s outstanding defensively and really enjoys the challenge of guarding the other side’s best player, night after night.

“But it’s not just that (defensive) end. Vili is dynamic offensively, shoots the ball well and can also create off the bounce or in the post. He’s also an underrated rebounder too.”

“Best of all, Vili is a great person and teammate and that’s why it was critical that we brought him back.”

When reflecting on last year’s NBL1 North season, Foketi used the word, “hectic”.

“In the true sense of the word and not how it’s used colloquially,” he said.

“A season mired by uncertainty due to COVID, a new playing group learning how to play with each other, we had to adapt quite a lot. However, we stayed the course, worked hard and were extremely fortunate to make the grand final and win it all.”

There was no doubting Foketi’s goals leading into 2022.

“As a group we naturally want to defend our title and go for a NBL1 National Championship, especially given we didn’t have that opportunity last season due to COVID.

“Personally, I think last season’s grand final series showed that I can perform at a high level.

“This season I’ll be looking to replicate that standard on a more consistent basis.”

Coach Khalu said there could also be bigger things on the horizon for Foketi.

“He has aspirations of playing in the NBL and he’s already an elite level defender, probably better than many of the wings who are currently in the league. If he can grow his offensive skillset and become a more consistent scorer, there’s no doubting that he could play in the NBL one day soon.”

#18 Viliami Foketi drives to the basket against the Brisbane Capitals last season. Picture: Kieron Place

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Over thirty Mackay Road Runners enjoyed the penultimate Shawn Summer Social Series event on the off-season calendar.

Race day Director and Club President, Tim Magoffin, set the variable option course which made way for runners to select their own turnaround point and course distance.

Tim reminded runners that the last run on the Shawn Summer Social Series calendar will be February 6 at 5:30pm with celebrations post run at the Bluewater Quay to include random draw prizes and the usual Zooper Doopers.

Mackay Road Runners Club members and non-members are more than welcome to attend for a gold coin donation.

The Club's Annual General Meeting is rescheduled for Monday February 7 at Tim's Techserve Boardroom at 5:30pm.

All executive and committee positions will become vacant for re-election, therefore, all members are invited to consider a formal or informal role whether big or small, all contributions are greatly appreciated and gladly accepted.

Mackay Road Runners enjoying the 2nd last Shawn's Summer Social Series - Jo Hughes, Kim Saron, Jeanette Farrugia, Carmel Mahon, Glynis Forse, Jose Short and Janelle Tilse

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Damper, lamingtons, a sausage sizzle and a game of bowls – what more could an Aussie bowler want?

All dressed up in Aussie day gear, 60 bowlers gathered at Sarina Bowls Club for some Australia Day fun.  There was lots of great spirit, and the half time break featured a bit of Aussie trivia which had them all guessing.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

Girls just wanna have fun on Australia Day, and Leanne McGeough, Fran Lloyd and Ros Way were having plenty at Sarina Bowls Club. Photos: Rita Hughes

Bowlers gather for some Australia Day fun at Sarina Bowls Club

BB Smith and Tracey Moss dancing to the music at Sarina Bowls Club

Andy Moss and Greg Hughes get into the Aussie Day spirit

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