There’s nothing quite like The World Game, The Beautiful Game, Futbol, Le Foot - the biggest sport in the world, known in Australia as soccer.

Here in the Whitsundays, the mighty orange and black of Whitsunday United Football Club are the representatives of the region, with senior men, women, and youth teams from under 13 to under 16 pulling on the shirt each week.

It’s the sport everyone knows whether you be a rugby devotee or an AFL aficionada, as the world’s most popular sport is, of course, its most enduring, with all ball sports born from its influence.

It’s a favourite for kids across the world, meaning almost everyone knows the rules, but for the uninitiated, football is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end – the objective to score more than the opposition.

Whitsunday United have already begun their registration drive this year, with the men’s team training since the beginning of January, they’ll be soon joined by the Senior Women and Youth teams starting February 8.

Home games are played at the Whitsunday Sportspark on Saturdays throughout the day, with their away matches in Mackay.

The men and women’s squads work over two teams, with one premier division team and reserve grade, and for players of all levels there’s a place at Whitsunday United, with coaches more than accommodating for those new or returning to the game.

For those in the competitive frame of mind, the Premier Men’s team have recruited an array of talent this year, building on their successful season last year, with the same for each team.

Aside from the fitness, the competitive nature, and the fun of the sport, Whitsunday United have an exceptionally welcoming culture.

A favourite past-time for player of the match performances is, to the tune of Freed from Desire, players sing out “so and so’s on fire, your defence is terrified” and other strangely welcoming traditions of camaraderie.

There’s nothing like football, and there’s nothing like Whitsunday United.

Follow the Whitsunday United Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on training schedules, gamedays and more.

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The whole community is invited to the seventh annual Whitsunday Sportspark Expo - an opportunity to learn about and discover new ways of keeping fit, participating in teams, and interacting with your community.

Due to be held on Saturday 5th February from 9am until 12pm, the Expo will feature a wide range of local sporting groups and clubs who look forward to meeting new team members and telling children of all ages about the sports they love.

An interactive experience, there will be opportunity to bat a tennis ball, jump on a motorbike, climb aboard a sailing dingy and shoot for goal in a number of ball sports.

Great fun for the whole family, the Expo brings together over 60 different local clubs so that your children can discover their next passion.

Chat with the stall hosts and find out how different sporting commitments can work alongside each other so you can maximise your children’s extra-curricular activities.

“This is an opportunity to see what’s out there, everything you need for a happy and healthy new year,” said Whitsunday Sportspark chairman Justin Butler.

Individual sport stalls will be on the left-hand side as you enter the PCYC and team sports will be on the right.

In the middle section, the PCYC canteen will be serving morning tea, coffee and cold drinks.

The 2021 Whitsunday Sportspark Expo

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Sometimes the best kind of competing is the internal battle, beating your own personal records and finding that your true strength lies within.

At Whitsunday Weightlifting, building your power, speed, coordination, balance, challenging yourself and your self-confidence all come hand in hand.

Each week at both Gravity Fitness in Airlie Beach and at Whitsunday Weightlifting in Mount Marlow, Whitsunday powerlifting and weightlifting coaches Tony Lisciandro and Leanne Knox help their group of committed weightlifters achieve personal bests.

With a loaded barbell, these athletes learn to lift their heaviest weights, pushing their own boundaries and showing themselves what they can achieve.

“It’s perfect for males, females, anyone any age, because it’s experience driven – you could be a beginner at 15 or a beginner at 50 and you’ll both be at the same level,” Leanne said.

“People think that’s not for me, but anyone can do weightlifting, and it is so good for you.”

Leanne said that the wide-ranging benefits of not only regular exercise, but increased muscle mass have shown improvements in people’s cognitive abilities too, making them happier and healthier.

They have a wide range of ages at the Weightlifting club, as well as a wide range of techniques from the highly technical Olympic Weightlifting moves such as the Snatch and clean and jerk to Powerlifting basics of Squat, deadlift, and bench press.

For those externally motivated, the club hosts its own regular, internal competitions which pit members against each other. Leanne also encourages her pupils to join into state and regional competitions.

“The best thing about powerlifting is that it’s empowering; it shows you what you can achieve,” Leanne said.

You can head to any of their sessions for a come and try day, where Leanne or Tony are more than accommodating.

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Described by many as a legend of the Mackay cricket community, a former great of the game lost a 4-month battle with pancreatic cancer last week.

Chic Leeder was a life member, past president, first-grade captain and stalwart of Magpies Cricket Club.

A Magpies spokesperson said Chic will be remembered for his commitment to cricket and the respect and friendship he showed to all that played with and against him on the cricket field.

“Our sincere condolences go to Chic’s family and friends,” the spokesperson said in a statement posted on the club’s Facebook page.

“Chic’s hope and passion for Magpies Cricket Club will continue to guide future generations for years to come.

“Rest in peace, Chic.

“The ‘Sound of Music’ in years gone by, will never be forgotten.”

Chic captained the Magpies to a first-grade premiership win as the captain of the 1983-4 team.

Chic Leeder captained the Magpies premiership winning cricket team in 1983-4. He lost his life to pancreatic cancer last week. Image: Magpies Cricket Club

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We have had several requests lately from people who would like to give bowls a try. If you would like someone to come down and show you the main points, or just try to roll a bowl, please contact the club on 4942 3393 or email

ladies@northmackaybowlsclub.com.au or mens@northmackaybowlsclub.com.au.

More men are needed for pennant teams. The sheet is on the board and will be closing shortly.

Social Results: Week Ending 23rd January

Monday winners were Don Agnew and Graham Moore with Vern Mietzel and Kev Davis runners up.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Bridgette Skinner, Marie Bragg and Margo Stanley with Margaret Creese, Isla Comelli and Carmel Bell coming second.

Thursday comp was taken out by visitor Ken Martin and Brian Perrin with Paul Goldston and Jan Little in second place.

Tony Allsop sat on the kitty to take out the money in the Kitty Toucher.

Friday winners were Lois Deguara and Isla Comelli. Morrie Pearson and Vern Mietzel were in second spot. Kitty toucher did not go off.

Saturday men’s day was won by Greg McLean and Mick Mackenzie with Wayne Trannore and Vic Gaudion coming second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

281 Pat Elgey shows her style

119 Tony Allsop won the money with his kitty toucher on Thursday

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The Mackay Cutters are on the recruitment drive, but not for players, of which they’ve signed and re-signed a slew of throughout December and January, but for members.

Ahead of the first gameday for its five-competition strong squad of teams, the Cutters eagerly eye their first trial in February, which will set them up for the big day against the PNG Hunters at BB Print Stadium on March 19.

The club have pulled out all the stops this year for members, signalling the time for Sugar City supporters to get in gear and grab a Platinum, Gold, or Rookie Membership for the 2022 season.

Along with entry to home games, Platinum and Gold members receive a merchandise voucher to redeem a supporter’s polo and cap from Intersport, while Rookie members get a very special incentive.

The exclusive Rookie Academy Training Session will have Rookie Cutter’s not only receiving QCCS Mackay Cutters home game access, but also an exclusive merchandise pack on the Rookie Cutter Academy Day.

The day invites youngsters to take part in a training session with the Cutters Coaches, as well as the Hostplus Cup players.

Head Coach Dave Elliott said that it was about getting the younger generation connected with the Cutters with an emphasis on fun.

“Looking at working on basics, catching, passing, but making it enjoyable for that younger crew,” Mr Elliott said.

“From our perspective, too, it gives us an opportunity to connect with the community further.”

The club is eager to bring in members from all demographics, “including the littlies.”

“We’d love it to get all these littlies to come and see these players that are at a really high level of football – the Jack Brocks and Ross Bellas,” Mr Elliott said.

“They’re all good fun at heart too, so they’ll be great with the kids, with quite a few of them schoolteachers.”

The club is planning to host the event at BB Print Stadium, with the date to be announced later in the month.

Looking ahead to the preseason fixtures, the Cutters take on the Capras in mid-February first, which Mr Elliott said would be a good hit out for the lads, especially the new signings, who he was eager to see fit into the squad.

“I’m a big believer in getting the right people and that’s what the club’s priority has been,” he said.

“We’re fostering the right culture here and keeping developing that character, because there’s always that broad range in the team.

“We’re always tracking ahead and for us and what we’re focusing on is improving from week to week [through preseason].”

Mr Elliott said that the opportunity the preseason set before them was one of continual tinkering and recalibration until they were just right for the PNG Hunters game.

“They’re all keen and all still on the hustle,” he said.

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North Mackay Ladies kicked off their season by honouring our past Presidents and life members with a festive afternoon tea, preceded by a game of bowls and followed by a cent sale.

Five other clubs joined in resulting in 62 participants. Winners of the bowling were Margo Stanley (Airlie Beach), Marie Bragg (Nth Mackay) and Brigette Skinner (St Helens).

Runners-up were all Nth Mackay players, Carmel Bell, Isla Comelli and Margaret Creese.

June Cousen, who is a life member, past President and umpire made the response on behalf of our guests. June commented on our new status as members of the North Mackay Bowls Club. June said of all the changes that have taken place over the past 73 years of our Club, this is the biggest. A new era has begun.

Report and photos contributed by Helen Fleming

Past Presidents and life members from left: Bev McDonald, Grace Deguara, Margaret Armitage, current and past President Lorraine Silman, Daphne Offield, June Cousen and Chris Hall

Watching the game: Margaret Armitage, Edith Sealy and Grace Deguara

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results

Monday 17th January Event: 7 Pair Howell

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting =3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana =3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

Wednesday 19th January Event: 7 Table Mitchell

N/S 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting 3rd Janelle Conroy / Alan brown

E/W 1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris 2nd Joy Robinson / Robert carless 3rd Diane Holewa  / Max Holewa

Thursday 20th January Event: 9 Pair Howell

1st Ian Afflick / Ian Cruickshank 2nd Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell 3rd Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 4th Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger

Friday 21st January Event Mackay Teams Under and Overs

1st Griffin Broncroff / David Ting / Diane Stokes / Ming Ting 2nd Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers / Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill / 3rd Terry Sheeedy / Vic Mason / Maria Setiyawan / Christine Nice

4th Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger / Robert Carless / Anne Lutz 5th Ted Cullinan / Josie Crowley / Gwenneth Liddell / Noel Saunders

Saturday 22nd January Event: 10 Table Mitchell

N/S 1st Alan Brown / Frances brown 2nd Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Burnette

E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 2nd Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson 3rd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

Mackay Contract Bridge Club members had a great time in Airlie Beach at the Swiss Pairs competition last month. Image: Supplied

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Mackay parkrun #260 was full of two’s, firstly it was run (pun intended) on 22 January, 2022 and also there were two significant milestones to celebrate; Scott Howell who brought up his 50th finish, and Aaron Greenwood becoming the first junior to reach the 25 Volunteering Milestone.

Cooler but wet conditions greeted the dedicated 107 parkrun participants, who made the most of the morning temperature achieving 11 personal best times. The group welcomed a first timer from Mackay as well as a visitor from Brisbane.

Top 5 Finishers

1 Angus Jacobs – 18:10

2 Brayden Manttan – 19:46

3 Liam Mumford – 21:13

4 Craig Robinson – 21:43

5 Michael Vella – 21:51

Scott Howell

Aaron Greenwood

All the rest: parkrunners enjoying the cool, damp conditions on the 22 January run. Photos: Mackay parkrun Facebook page

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The Mackay Road Runners Shawn's Summer Social Series kicked off again at Bluewater Quay with the usual speedy suspects of Paul Mackenzie and Rod Elworthy continuing their fine form.

Joining them were father and son duo, Justin and Toby Rule, who certainly know their way around a fast track or two.

The boys enjoyed an excellent comradery as they pushed each other through the 10km course.

The extreme humidity and tough headwind made for testing conditions however all the guys were up to the challenge.  

Carolyn Mapes' completed her 5km course with effortless ease despite the addition and extra pressure of the Race Director’s timepiece.  

A big welcome back to Alana, Adam, Vivian and Harvey Knesevic, who joined the runners for a short time before heading off to celebrate Adam's birthday.

It was great to see new and familiar faces treading the pavement including Craig Andrews, Shane and Trudi Barben, Ben Ransom, Stephen Oberg, Michelle and Shane Dodds, Simon Henderson, Gary Thomas, Mick Scholer, Andrew Short, Heli Talinurm, Jo Hughes and Carmel Mahon.

The Mackay Road Runners Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for 24th January has been postponed. Check the website/Facebook for updates.

The Wednesday informal track training sessions continue at 5:30pm from the Aquatic and Recreational Centre (ARC), Ooralea.

Runners taking a well-earned break after their 10km efforts - (left to right) Andrew Short, Toby Rule, Justin Rule, Rod Elworthy and Paul Mackenzie

Shane and Michelle Dodds easily complete their respective distances

CTrudi Barben (left) takes the lead (literally) with Stephen Oberg and Paul Mackenzie (centre) and Carolyn Mapes (right).

Alana and Adam Knesevic with Vivian and Harvey

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Mackay Cycling Club was well represented at Queensland’s first track carnival for 2022, the Rockhampton Cup on Wheels.

Four local riders rode in three different grades across a fast weekend of racing last weekend, with events going well into the evenings after three separate crashes resulted in two calls to the Ambulance service.

Thankfully all four Mackay riders remained unscathed, with one of the crashes happening on Friday night in the Men’s A Grade. Mackay’s Hamish Wright managed to ride around the riders who collided, where a Victorian rider had to be transported to hospital to treat severe grazes to the face.

Wright held his own amongst the elite riders in the top racing category, coming fourth in the feature race, the Rockhampton Cup on Wheels. He also won the division two keirin.

The Mackay riders proved their mettle in sprinting, with all four claiming podium positions in the keirin races. Tamlin Giles came second in the division four keirin, while in division five, Kiah Dumigan won and Greg Shaw wasn’t far behind in third.

Dumigan’s return to track racing after some time off the bike was rewarded with a bundle of results across the weekend, winning the 3-lap handicap, placing second in the elimination and third in the points race as well as in the 20-lap scratch.

Hamish Wright came fourth in the feature race, the Rockhampton Cup on Wheels

Greg Shaw (top) and Kiah Dumigan both had excellent results in the C Grade Men

(L-R) Greg Shaw, Kiah Dumigan, Hamish Wright and Tamlin Giles represented Mackay at the Rockhampton Cup on Wheels

Hamish Wright was among a class field of statewide, national and international riders in the Men’s A Grade

Tamlin Giles rode in a strong Men’s B Grade field. Photos: Amanda Wright

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Mackay Athletics Club held its second meet as part of its inaugural Summer Series last weekend, attracting athletes from as far afield as Ross River, the Whitsundays, Moranbah, Keppel Coast, Tablelands and Townsville. Athletes from 4 to roughly 84 could participate in a range of age-appropriate disciplines, including sprints, middle-distance running, long jump and throws. There was also a rare opportunity to compete in the pole vault with a training clinic held prior to the Summer Series competition.

Mackay Athletics Club volunteer Belinda Rule said the series purpose is to provide competitions for existing athletes, and to assist some with their preparations for the Athletics Australia Summer season, while also promoting the sport to those interested during the quiet period in North Queensland.

“It was also great to see the friendships and comradery displayed by all athletes during the series and the openness to help out new athletes trying our sport for the first time,” she said.

The third meet of the Summer Series will be held on Saturday, 12 February.

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Mackay Basketball’s annual Australia Day carnival always attracts a high calibre of teams vying for impressive pools of prize money. The 2022 edition was no different, with fun and friendship setting the tone as well as some fierce competition.

The carnival provided a heartwarming triumph for women with an intellectual disability everywhere.

Nine Mackay Fire female athletes began their basketball journey in the Australia Day carnival, the first time a women’s team with intellectual disability has fielded the competition.

The Mackay Fire men began their 7th year competing in the carnival.

CARNIVAL WINNERS

𝙈𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 1 - 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘻

𝙈𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 2 - 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘐𝘴𝘢 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴

𝙈𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 3 - 𝘉𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘖’𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬

𝙈𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 4 - 𝘗𝘊𝘠𝘊 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢’𝘴

𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 2 - 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘴

𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 - 𝘔𝘢𝘥-𝘗𝘪𝘦𝘴

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In Sydney’s Little Bay, a local Mackay cyclist joined up with a crew of thirteen spin class competitors, taking on 30 hours on the bike in the equivalent of 38 spin classes to log a new Guinness World Record.

The official World record is known as the Longest Continuous Spin Class, and Aram Drake joined up with the team comprised of Fab To Be Fit Foundation members in the strange attempt, which Aram said was his first ever spin class experience.

“I had never done a spin class, so the event was the first time on a spin bike - nothing like being prepared,” Aram said.

“Initially I was just thinking it was perfect timing for a good hit out leading up to the Indian Pacific Wheel Race in March, but after speaking to Kevin Moultrie, the Foundations Operations manager, I realised how great a cause it was.”

The Fab to Be Fit crew organised the event to not only break the record, but to raise funds to go towards fun, structured physical activity and nutrition programs for kids and teenagers suffering physical, mental and emotional disabilities in low socio-economic and disadvantaged communities.

Aram is a member of Mackay Cycling Club, and was asked by a friend from The Mater Smiling For Smiddy Foundation to assist in the World record breaking event, and said it was an experience he’ll never forget.

“The record attempt was amazing,” he said.

“We were running around, I was meeting most of the other riders and volunteers for the first time, helping with the final setup right up to the time to get on the bike, it was a bit of chaos and a mad scramble to get the shoes and chamois cream.

“A quick pep talk from our ride leader, James Lamb, and Kevin and we were off.

The first session was a 2-hour hit out and it was pure adrenalin.

Spin classes run on stationary bikes guided by an instructor who sets the speed and pace in varying bursts throughout the workout. The idea is the instructor visualises an outdoor workout, sometimes at break-neck speed, or even up hill. It’s a tough ask, even for a regular single outing which lasts about 50 minutes.

“I was pushing big watts and I wasn’t alone to the point that the volunteers had to find a mop and bucket to mop up the sweat from around the riders,” Aram said.

“The hardest part was seeing the pain some of the other riders were going through - knowing there was nothing I could do to help besides a few words of encouragement.

Aram said doctors were strapping knees while they were still pushing pedals, there were toenails ripped off, and saddle sores wept blood.

“They say records are won by blood sweat and tears. With this record it was literally the case.”

Come the end of the 30 hours on the bike, Aram had ridden 829kms at an average moving speed of 30.7km/h, burning 18,651 calories.

He said that the people who drove him on were Casey and Sarah, his two girls.

“I live by a mantra ‘never die wondering,’ anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard and commit to it.”

If you would like to support the Fab to be Fit foundation please visit https://www.fabtobefit.org.au or if you would like to get behind Aram’s IPWR for the Mater Smiling for Smiddy foundation please scan the QR code below.