
Two Mackay State High School netball teams have returned from an international competition in New Zealand with both sides recognised for their outstanding sportsmanship. The teams travelled across the school holidays to compete in the International Netball Festival, where both received the Sportsmanship Award, voted on by umpires after every game. A representative from Mackay State High School said both teams finished with an impressive 23 points, reflecting the way players conducted themselves both on and off the court. The representative said the players consistently demonstrated the school's values of Respect, Resilience and Pride, with umpires approaching coaches throughout the competition to commend the girls on their conduct. “The umpires kept coming up to coaches to tell us how much of a pleasure our girls were to umpire, how polite, fair, and kind they are and we couldn’t think of a better impact or legacy for our girls to have,” the representative said. Finals day saw the two Mackay teams face each other once again, with Purple narrowly taking the win over Pink. Purple went on to secure another hard-fought victory to finish fifth overall, while Pink narrowly lost its final match to finish seventh. The school also paid tribute to its departing Year 12 players, recognising their efforts throughout the tournament and their contribution to the academy. “To our departing Year 12s — what a way to finish! You gave absolutely everything on the court and played your hearts out. We could not have asked for a better group of girls to lead our academy this year,” the representative said. The school congratulated every player on their dedication, commitment, sportsmanship and positive attitude throughout the trip, with Miss Nixon, Miss Allen and Mr O’Brien expressing their pride in the way the students conducted themselves and represented the school. Photo source: Mackay SHS
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Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse RUNNING The annual Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy was run and won in warm conditions from Bluewater Lagoon on Sunday morning. Runners competed for the prestigious trophy based on their official handicap times, with the first male or female runner across the finish line taking home the title. Jared Mackie claimed the 2026 championship after producing an impressive run, overtaking the field despite starting from a relatively high handicap. Mackie, who was described as a deserving winner, had overcome a serious injury earlier this year and worked hard to return to running. He was also recognised for his support of fellow runners, particularly within his Rules of Running training group, where he stepped into the coaching role while the group's main coach was seriously ill for several months. Last year's winner, Max Miles, also put in a consistent performance to finish second behind Mackie. In the 5km event, Craig Malcolm took the win ahead of Natasha Joynson and Craig Joynson, with fellow club member Jo Hughes also delivering a strong performance. Other notable performances came from junior 10km runner Harry Sleeman, Chloe Malcolm, Phoebe Short, Scott Sleeman and Gem Wender. The event was sponsored by Spine Care Chiropractic, led by George Hannaford, who has supported the annual event for several years and continues to support the club and wider community. The Benita Willis event marked the final formal event on the Mackay Road Runners' 2026 calendar, with next Sunday's mystery run to be held as a social event ahead of the club's Awards and Presentation Night on October 24th. Meanwhile, the club's informal off-season program will begin on the first Sunday afternoon in November, with the Shawn's Splash and Dash Social Summer Series starting at 4.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC). The series will include 30 minutes on the track followed by 30 minutes in the pool. Entry to the facility is $5, payable at the pool kiosk before accessing the track. A gold coin donation towards post-run and swim Zooper Doopers would also be appreciated, with the social sessions open to everyone, including non-members. 8417 – 2026 Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy winner Jared Mackie with his parents Gail and Clinton Mackie 8419 – Over 60 competitors and supporters enjoying the event which had a post run sausage sizzle, cash & vouchers donated by Spine Care Chiropractic. 8210 – Alan Zamparutti and Tim Magoffin 8416 – Jared Mackie with last year’s winner, Max Miles (and was 2nd this year – very consistent) 8224 – Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy & 5km runners (left to right) Chloe Malcolm, Bec Malcolm, Craig Malcolm (5k winner) and Levi Wallace 8219 – David Isbister, Ollie Gorrion and Stuart Sprott catch up prior to racing the Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy + 5k 8413 – Timekeeper, Rohan Miles (left) with competitors, Max Miles (front) and Ashley Miles (rear) 8274 – Majella Sleeman and Lucas Sleeman cheering on family members Scott and Harry running in the 10km event. 8397 – Highest handicapped runner in the 10k, Justin Rule set a sizzling pace in the warm conditions. Photos supplied by Mackay Road Runners
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Seven Mackay pickleball players took to the courts at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast from September 29th to October 4th, joining more than 1,300 players from across Australia. Jess Brass, Bec Labbett, Brett Walz, Chris Barbour, Jamie Duncan, Rob Vella and Troy Debondi all competed across a range of singles and doubles divisions throughout the tournament. Brass had a standout week, claiming gold in the 19+ Women’s Singles 4.0+ division and silver in the 19+ and Open Women’s Skinny Singles 3.5 and above division. Labbett also secured a podium finish, winning bronze alongside doubles partner Carollyn Darby in the Split Age Women’s Doubles 4.5-4.99 division. Walz competed in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles, while Barbour contested Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Duncan competed in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with Vella taking part in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles. Debondi competed across Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The championships attracted 1,338 registered players and, according to Pickleball Australia, were the largest pickleball tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Pickleball Mackay President Brett Walz said it was great to see so many players from around Australia competing in the tournament. “It was a highlight to see players from Mackay winning medals at the event.” Seven Mackay pickleball players competed at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast, with Jess Brass and Bec Labbett bringing home three medals. Photo source: Pickleball Mackay
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Welcome to Season 4 and to our new players. Our Evening Fixtures has begun and if you are interested in coming for a hit our Centre is open for Social play on Thursday (5:30pm-8pm), Friday and Sunday (8:30am-12noon), please check our website for further details. Tuesday Evening Fixtures Division 1: Master Servers (Steve Whiting, Robbie Richards, Will VanDeKaa) snuck home 6-5 against Lords of the Pings (Neil Brown, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan), Steve came back to outlast Anne in close 5 sets (2,7,-6,-6,6). Return Ruters (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 Net Gains (Barry Patterson, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar), Janice won a marathon over Graham B (6,-9,-7,8,12). Smash Masters (Trent Day, Donna Abbott, Mark Sleeman) had a close win 6-5 over Lob Legends (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Tony Bowman), Josh came back in 5th set against Donna to win ((-4,4,8,-9,10). One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) defeated King Pong (Geoff Denman, Graeme Walker) 3-2, with both teams missing there top players, it was the battle the Geoff’s but Geoff D overcome Geoff C (-2,-6,10,10,9). Division 2: Better Call Pong (Dilini Ranasinghe, Liz Burton, Lachlan Loy) got home against Lobstoppers (Rod Mahumas, Logan Brown) 7-4, Logan came back after loosing first set against Liz to win in 4 sets (-9,9,7,9). Ping It On (George Camilleri, Jeff Binnington, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Miss Hits (Delma Knight, Tiffany Camilleri, Mark Bowerman) 7-4, Delma was lucky to get home against Rachel in 5 sets (6,-10,-7,6,9). The Soft Serves (David Symons, Noreen Fredericksen, Mark Stam) defeated Spin Masters (Ricky Zhan, Ollie Hamelink) 7-4, Ollie was to strong for Noreen winning in 5 sets (-6,-4,9,6,10). Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) won over Serve Squad (Simon Hogan, Daniel Warfield, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, with no 5 set matches Ian had a close match against Daniel (-8,8,8,13). Tuesday Morning Fixtures will be starting next week. Ollie Hamelink. Photo supplied
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The mixed foursomes trophy event was held on Sunday, October 9, with the winning team newcomer Elise Hodgsen and Gerald Lovell.
Runners up on the day were Jackie Wall and Clay Coles, while The Bradmans award went to Pam Casey and Mark McDougall.
Longest Drives went to Linda Wardroper and Penny Wardroper. Pin shots were claimed by Karen Rix, Dean Kercher. Next Sunday will be a single stableford event.
Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan
L- R Pam Casey, Gerald Lovell, Elise Hodgsen and Mark McDougall

On Saturday the Allenbuild stableford and the fifth round of the Handiskins were run in conjunction. The top player to play the local Handiskins final is Lew Tuck, who finished with a best three round total of 118.
Brendon Spann 115, Allen Roberts 114 and Wayne Fitzgerald 111 were the others to make the final. This will be played on Sunday November 13, for a prize pool of $1200. The overall winner was David O’Connor with 41 points on a count back from Fraser Simpson. In third place was Lew Tuck on 40. The ladies’ winners were Tina Badenhorst, 39, on a count back from Trish McNeill, followed by Ann Gardel and Heather Luvis 35.
Nearest the pins went to Noelene Spurway and Craig Smith on two, Tiina Randmae and Rob Stanley, nine, Kelvin Stephens 13 and Dean Kercher 16. On Wednesday the ladies played their monthly medal in conjunction with a single stableford for the men.
The Medal winner was Viv Demartini with 65 nett, from Jan Shuwalow on 70. The place getters were Ann Gardel, 71, followed by Vickie Wallace and Diane Chard on 72. The stableford winners were Trevor Paroz and Aaron Prosser, 33, and Rees May 30. On Thursday the ladies’ winner was Diane Chard with 66 nett, equally the best score of the day. The division one winners were Barry Mortimer and Aaron Watts, 70 and John Grosskreutz 72.
Division two winners were Rees May and Greg Walker, 66 and Steve Mitchell 68 on a count back. Next Saturday, the event is a single stroke.
Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stroke for the October midweek Monthly medal sponsored by the club.
Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, 65 nett, with runner up Lynelle Riley, 65 nett.
Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Michelle Campbell, Anne McGowan, and Tanya Gaudry, while Men’s winner was Graham Seaborne, 67 nett, and runner up Cliff Querro, 68 nett.
Saturday’s competition was the Men’s October monthly medal.
Winner Mitchell Greenbank, 67 nett, runner up on a countback Andrew Glossop 68 nett. Sunday’s competition was the Ladies October Monthly medal. Winner June Kirk 68 nett, runner up Pauline Martin 71 nett. Pin shots to Robyn Slade, Grace Nott & Viv Clark, who also had an outer ball pool. Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.
This weekend’s competition is an 18-hole, 2-person ambrose sponsored by Carlton United Brewing Company.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
Midweek Monthly Medal ladies’ winners Grace Nott and runner up Lynelle Riley
Weekend Monthly Medal runner up Pauline Martin

This week 95 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers and 7 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Steve, Chloe, Jay, Therese, Hoffie, Shane and Geoff. Louise completed her 50th parkrun and Kara completed her 100th week as a volunteer.
The event was made possible by 16 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Chris, Leigh, Greg, Sarah (photographer), Heather (run director), Kirsty, Susanne, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Braxton, Dennis, Joanne and Tina.
Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – there is even a ‘parkwalk’ volunteer to look after them.
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. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.
The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k 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.
The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/
Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun
Airlie Beach firefighters were out to keep fit at parkrun last week
Kara has volunteered for 100 weeks at parkrun
The team of dedicated volunteers for Airlie Beach parkrun

Twilight Race: Another week, another enjoyable sail for the 20 yachts who took part in last week’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club.
A gentle 10 knot south easterly breeze and slight seas provided enjoyable sailing for skippers and crew alike.
The start for the first fleet saw some aggressive tactics by some boats, with a couple of boats baling out at the last moment. This didn’t affect Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), who positioned the boat well for a clean get away. By the first mark, QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) held a slight lead over Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez). There was little to separate these three, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) ready to join the party, but gradually Bobby’s Girl eked out a gap, crossing the finish line 1 minute ahead of Smooth Criminal and QMS Ponyo. Corrected time results went to Reignition from Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.
A strong start from Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) in Division 3 was short lived as Matchless (Terrence Stevens) and Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) soon took the lead, leaving Masquerade to battle with Alabaster (Kate Warren), Aquatarius (Tom Parker) and Shiraz (John Cable). The mid fleet battle was fierce, with several boats competing for honours, with positions constantly changing. Finally Matchless crossed the finish line 1 minute ahead of Alabaster, with Wobbly Boot a further 15 seconds back. Corrected time results went to Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) from Masquerade and Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini).
G’nome (Terry Archer) had some competition this week in the form of Overdrive (Rupert King), with Overdrive taking the initial lead at the start, but G’nome soon taking control on the water. The lead spread out to 7 minutes at the finishin G’nome’s favour, while on corrected time, Overdrive came out on top by 2 minutes.
Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results. Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
Close racing in Division 2 at the turning mark

The first of Airlie Beach’s competitors representing the country at a series of World Championship Ironman events crossed the finish line last Sunday.
Whitsunday local Michael Kimpton, 68, took part in the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, one of the “most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.”
The iconic event saw some of the world’s very best triathletes embark on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finish with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.
Kimpton said the atmosphere was off the dial before the race.
“Plenty of nervous energy from all athletes, music pumping while we patiently waited for the announcement to enter the water,” he said.
“The ocean was kind to all with calm conditions but a little bit of swell running. Lovely warm water. The cycle course was unbelievable, the road surface is to die for: an undulating course with a tough climb halfway.
“[It was] very wise not to push too hard on the bike; it got very hot as the heat and high humidity from the barren lava fields made it challenging. A bonus we train in Airlie Beach in slightly similar conditions!”
Kimpton is a relative newbie to the sport but is making a late charge representing his country in his retirement from working life.
In Hawaii, he’s found himself alongside some of the greats, including fourth placed fellow countryman, Max Neumann, who broke the course record alongside four others.
Although he might not have been on the podium come the end, the experience for Kimpton was something he’ll never forget.
“Near the end, you could hear the music way up front. I just love the last couple of kilometres as the adrenaline kicks in,” he said.
“The final 500 metres is remarkable. Spectator support so exhilarating that all of a sudden the body feels invincible; I was pumped and ready to take my turn as being welcomed as an ‘Ironman’.
“I can safely say: I love my life, and I love Ironman.”
Michael Kimpton completed the World Championship course in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the first of two ironman distance events he’ll compete in this month
Kimpton, a newbie to the sport, experienced something few people in the world ever do: competing for his country on the world stage

The coaches named Harris Delac as the Swim Star of the week for his 100-metre IM. Congratulations to Matilda Nicholes and Lucas Korosec for winning the Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests.
Club Secretary Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Max Smith, Molly Smith, Lucas Korosec, Remy Hedges, Lily Maher, and Millie Groom.
The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson, were impressed by all the Cannons who took up the challenge to swim longer distances.
Highlights include Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell swimming 1500-metre Freestyle, which was 60 laps with lots of turns.
Nelson Malady, aged 10, swam a huge 56.96 second personal in his 800-metre Freestyle (32 laps). Jack Ganter, aged 13, swam his first 800-metre Freestyle in a time of 11.17.05.
Don Algie, aged 8, swam extremely well, swimming 400-metre Freestyle in 6.22.86 and 400-metre IM in 7.32.07.
Eloise Chegwidden, only seven-years-old, swam a cracking 100-metre Freestyle in 1.52.46 and 100-metre Breaststroke in 2.13.69.
Remy Hedges, aged 14, was very excited with her 400-metre Freestyle in 5.01.56 with a 0.07 second personal best.
Harris Delac, aged 8, swam two massive personal bests in his 100-metre Freestyle and 200-metre IM. He swam a whooping 85.38 second personal best in his 200-metre IM.
Harris’s sister Tora swam a fantastic time for her 400-metre Freestyle which was just under 6 minutes.
Lily Maher, aged 13, swam super times in her 200m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke, both swims had personal bests over 20 seconds. Celeste Orenshaw, aged 9, swam an excellent time of 1.45.19 in her 100-metre Freestyle which was a 33.08 second personal best.
Well done to all the swimmers and big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support!
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
Lucas K with Upgrade and Chocolate awards
Max Smith upgrade

The Whitsunday Colts team battled it out against a mixed senior’s side in Bowen in late September in a heavily anticipated trial match.
Senior players, supporters and sponsors of the squad were out in force, wondering if the young Colts side could hold their own in the up-and-coming season of the seniors 20/20 competition.
Adorned in new uniforms, the side didn’t let the club and its sponsors down.
Batting first, the young-guns sent in their most experienced to set the tone: M.Pettierford (6) and D.Milne (4), who both won premierships in the seniors competition last season.
But they had to face the fierce S.Mcintosh (0-15), who streamed in from the northern end with a 30-knot breeze behind him.
After a bit of chin music to unsettle the batsmen, L.Blundell (4-31) reaped the rewards when he got the ball talking, and batsman walking, picking up M.Pettierford (6), C.Woodhouse (10), and J.Pini (2) in consecutive overs.
When D.Milne (4) fell to the off spin of D.Williams shortly after, the Colts were in trouble at 4/33.
B.Valmadre (17) got a start but threw his wicket away five balls before drinks break. B.Altmann (4) was next to fall and a direct hit from the outfield by evergreen M.Hope had C.Stroud (10) short of his crease and fingernails were disappearing quickly in the crowd.
Knowing Big Tom was striding to the middle was calming the nerves of players and supporters but the nerves were redlining when he departed with a second ball duck.
Tom was the fifth batsman stumped in the innings, and Colts were now reeling at 8/99.
W.Homewood (41) made a day of it with his man of the match performance with the willow, guiding the Colts to a defendable 9/128 with the help of N.Kleinert (12no) and R.Blain (1no).
Full of confidence, the senior side were looking to make short work of the young’uns total.
M.Valmadre (1) was first to have an early shower, and D.Williams (11) popped one back to one of the comeback kids this season: R.Blain(1/30).
Followed by S.Mcintosh (16), the seniors were 3/46 in the ninth.
M.Coventry had the bat blazing with an unbeaten 67, but with tight bowling and a constant flow of wickets - with C.Woodhouse (2/9), M.Pettiford (1/29), D.Milne (1/5), and C.Stroud (1/36), and some great pressure building bowling from N.Kleinert (0/17) in the dying stages - the Colts were able to hold their nerves for a hard fought two run win, leaving the seniors 6/126 from their 20 overs.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

A group of 30 lucky participants enjoyed an intimate clinic session with ‘Face of Bowls Australia’ Barrie Lester at Airlie Beach Bowls Club last Friday.
The 40-year-old bowling sensation has represented Australia internationally countless times and now shares his wisdom, including his effective philosophy, to clubs all across Australia.
Local bowls club member, Shane Spann, is good friends with Barrie and took the time to organise the clinic which he said was very popular with the other members.
“I managed to sneak him in last year, but this year everyone wanted to meet him – we only had 30 places and they got booked real quick – we even had a waitlist!” said Shane.
During the two-and-a-half-hour clinic, the 30 avid bowlers learnt everything from the merits of regular exercise to enhance your bowling skills, through to how to maximise your concentration and focus.
Hanging around for the whole weekend, Barrie was available to meet everyone at the club and spent time discussing tips, tricks and all things bowls.
He also played in six games across the weekend.
“It was really good to see so many people from all demographics, the really young to the more experienced, come together,” said Barrie.
“I hold clinics whenever I can – I love to give back at the grassroots level, it’s great to see the reward players get out of it.”
In golf you often have access to a golf pro, but in bowls it is not as common.
“I like to get on the road a bit, get to the rural areas, upskill players who live, breathe and love the game!”
Barrie started lawn bowls 25 years ago, his dad was a keen bowler and he enjoyed heading down to the green with him.
He got his first sponsorship from Lakes Entrance Bowls Club 22 years ago and since then has made a career out of the sport he loves.
“It’s taken me all around the world and I’ve loved every second of it!” he said.
“The ‘Jackaroos’ are like a family, we all support each other and it is such a great environment – the team is the best part about it.
“It’s a very welcoming sport and anyone can give it a go!”
Next up, Barrie will be playing in the Australian Championships which are due to be held in the Gold Coast next week.
He will then participate in the Bowls Premier League which will be held in Brisbane in November and televised on FOX Sports.
Image: International bowling legend Barrie Lester teaches a clinic at Airlie Beach Bowls Club

It is unlikely Will Crossley will ever move his left arm again.
The Mt Julian father of three no longer has muscle tone in the limb from the shoulder down – a sign doctors assure him is “very bad”. His left leg from above the knee to his foot is entirely numb, although it has some movement.
He can walk with difficulty and assistance – a better sign, doctors say.
On Saturday, August 13, in a late-season match-up against the Kuttabul Camelboks, Will Crossley pulled on the Whitsunday Raiders shirt for likely the last time as a player before suffering a life-altering injury.
During a ruck in what was a must-win game for the Raiders to qualify for finals, “someone came in to clear out”, collecting Will in the act, not hard or malicious, but from the side - an illegal move.
Their shoulder connected with the back of Will’s head, and he immediately felt the entire left side of his body from the ear down go numb, but he thought it was just a knock at first.
His teammates held his neck until the ambulance came. He thought feeling was coming back and he’d be okay but a scan alerted doctors that he needed to be flown immediately from Proserpine to Townsville’s University Hospital.
Will had broken the C5 vertebra and ruptured the C5-6 disks in his spine – both of which had prolapsed inwards. The fluid from inside those spinal disks – which are pressurised - erupted into his spinal cord, causing widespread damage.
He underwent major surgery two days after arriving at Townsville.
The once junior Whitsunday Raider, and colourful character whose family has “been around Proserpine for three generations”, is now facing the prospect that much of his life will be spent in a wheelchair.
In the aftermath of the injury, the Whitsunday Raiders Rugby Union Club began a GoFundMe page to support Will’s recovery and costs surrounding it by raising over $16,000.
Those funds have assisted Will in the short-term and he remains in hospital care, while more fundraising efforts are on the way.
Will said the rugby community’s support had been a light in dark times.
“You hear stories about the community and how good they are in situations like this and it’s truly humbling to experience it first-hand,” he said.
“It’s been extremely difficult mentally, to put it lightly, but this has been incredible.”
He’s received over 170 messages of support - from people he played two or three games of rugby with in years past, to Wallabies players like Dave Porecki and Tom Wright.
As well, he’d even been sent a video shoutout from Wallabies players on the pitch just before kick-off their Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand.
But it has had its more than difficult moments – six hours of physical therapy rehabilitation a day, six days a week – as well as major mental challenges.
“Realistically, I might not ever get use of my arm again; I might never get to throw the ball with my kids again. And it’s not about playing rugby, it’s about being a dad,” Will said.
“I was working as a security guard during the night and looking after the three kids during the day, and I’m really not sure what I’ll do now for work."
The 32-year-old single father will eventually move to Brisbane Spine Care Clinic as soon as a bed becomes available to continue his rehab as part of a “long journey” to a semblance of recovery.
His doctors have told him: “miracles can happen”.
For now, Will has two things on his mind: his children and his rugby. To be there for them, and to give back to the community that has given him so much.
“My long-term goal is to get back and give back. I want to get into junior coaching, through Australia Rugby I’ll use my Level Three Reffing and Coaching badges,” he said.
“The best thing for me to do is to take my 15 years of experience playing and help build the grass roots. I want to give back to my rugby family.”
You can donate to Will’s GoFundMe Page here: https://bit.ly/3ycnRUd

September at Port Denison Gun Club saw twenty-six shooters competing in very windy, sunny conditions which reflected in the scores on the day.
Shooters travelled from Burdekin, Silkwood, and as far as Mackay and Sarina to join our local members for a wonderful day of competition.
RESULTS:
Ev 1: 25T DB Graded Sweepstakes
AA: S Steele, J Rossato, R Gough 25/25
A: A Lord, M Zabala 25/25, B Gall, G Maltby 24/25
B: D Bartlett 22/25, M Rossato, J Cerqui 21/25
C: B Bonanno, R Zarb 21/25, R Ness 20/25
Ev 2: 25T DB Handicap
1st: G McHenry 24/25
2nd J Cerqui 23/25
3rd B Bonanno 28/31
Ev 3: 25T SB Continental – Port Denison Championship sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware
AA: R Gough 25/26
A: G McHenry 21/25
B: J Cerqui 22/27
C: R Zarb 23/25
Ev 4: 15 Pr D Rise Sweepstakes
AA: R Gough 28/30, M Zabala 22/30
A: J Rossato 26/30, A Lemphers 25/30, B Gall 24/30
B: G McHenry 27/30, A Lord 26/30, M Mackay 24/30
C: M Rossato 22/30, B Cox 20/30, D Bartlett 18/30
Thank you to everyone who helped out at the working bee and on the day of the shoot. Our sponsors for the day Bowen Home Hardware. Our next shoot will be held on Sunday 23rd October.
Contributed with thanks to Cheryl Edgerton

This week 90 fantastic people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers. 11 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Caleb, Bec, Josh, Steve, Riley, Jennifer, Nadine, Chris, Barbara, Jai, and Geoff.
The event was made possible by 14 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Justin (photographer), Kara (run director), Rebecca, Greg, Christopher, Wendy, Ronald, Ashley, Shane, Michael, Ted, Laura and Lynne.
Airlie Beach parkrun started on December 5, 2015. Since then, 4,226 participants have completed 22,123 parkruns covering a total distance of 110,615 km, including 2,579 new Personal Bests. A total of 358 individuals have volunteered 3,120 times.
Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course.
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. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.
The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k 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.
The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/
Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

It’s been a long, sometimes tough, but thoroughly enjoyable seven months of darts. The Airlie Beach Darts Club had three top matches to get through on its final day, with lots of friends and family coming down to Mika to enjoy all the action and show their support.
The third/fourth place match was between Joe Wilson and Andy Peel, with Joe sneaking the win 9/7 in the end.
Joe hit an impressive 160 checkout - his seventh ton checkout this year - and along with the third-place finish in 2022, he managed to claim the most ton checkouts, as well as the most 180s by a player this season.
In the Hetlock Cup match-up, the club had Ross Gallichan taking on Gary Robbie. Both players have shown improvement on last season’s campaigns for different reasons.
Ross deservedly won his first piece of silverware at the club, beating Gary 9/4 to claim the first Hetlock Cup.
To the “Big Dance”: Jamie Maher and Dom Friend both went into this grand final confident, and rightly so. Both have had stellar seasons, and all that was left to do was to finish it off.
The first session of the match was very even with Dom taking a slight three legs to two advantage over Jamie. The second session was more one sided with Jamie failing to claim a single leg to give Dom a massive 8/2 lead at the next break.
The trend continued into the next session, with Dom jumping out to an unassailable 9/2 lead and with the victory in sight.
Jamie rallied towards the end to claim three legs in a row to make it 9/5, showing there was life in this match still.
Dom was now struggling with his throw a little, and just as Jamie was believing a comeback was possible, both players on a double, Jamie missed but Dom didn’t. A two-leg momentum shift, instead of making it very interesting at 9/6, the wind was taken out of Jamie’s sails as Dom went 10/5 up and one away from victory.
Ultimately, Jamie was always chasing Dom, who never really looked like losing on the day, and Dom thoroughly deserved the 11/5 victory to become the 2022 Premier League champion.
Thanks also to our amazing sponsors Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing for looking after us this year. Back again for 2023.
Anyone interested in joining the club can contant: 0405411865 or find the group on Facebook.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

This week it was Paula Wronski who won the weekly 9-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Course with 22 points.
Justyn Durbin was second with 18 and Andew Gomez was third with 17 points. On Friday it was Justyn Durbin’s turn to win with 20 points, a narrow count back win over Andrew Gomez also with 20 points.
Elise Hodgson was third with 19 points. Elise is in fine form also winning the Sunday 18-hole stableford with a staggering 42 points!
Tyson Flavel was second with 38, and Clive Burn up third with 37 points.
Marc Belke dominated the 17th with a ‘Hole in One’.
Next Sunday will be the SKINS, 9.30am registration for 10am tee off.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Another great day hosting the Whitsunday Group. It was a beautiful day for golf and there were 48 players out on the course representing Proserpine, Home Hill, Bowen, and Collinsville.
Proserpine did very well, taking out the major prizes for both the men and women with some excellent scores.
Jenny Hounsell won the ladies with a score of 39, and Paula McQuat was runner up with 37.
Other Proserpine ladies in the rundown were Tessa Aitken (36), Mandy Patterson (35 c/b), Robyn Whitham (35), Jacqui Wall (35), Jan Shuwalow (34 c/b), and Elspeth Scotford (32).
The men’s winner was Gerald Lovell (40 c/b) and runner up was Steve Mitchell (40). In the rundown were Nick Apruzzese (37 c/b), Geoff Harrison (37), Warren Deighton (35), Vic Feldman (34), Garry Scotford (33 c/b), Peter Fox (31 c/b), and Wilf Herweg (31).
Nearest the pins for Proserpine were Jenny Hounsell, holes 13 and 18, Jacqui Wall, holes 13 and 18, too, and Geoff Harrison on the 18th.
Next week will be Proserpine Veteran’s Golf’s October Monthly Medal.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat