While the entire tennis-loving world was in shock last week following the announcement that the Queensland born tennis superstar Ash Barty would be retiring at the top of her game, her dad Robert Barty arrived in Proserpine to share the news with a local crowd in a region he once called home.

On a mission to help motivate young children and families to achieve their dreams, Robert Barty, shared his daughter’s inspirational story and also managed to find time to answer the question on everyone’s lips – what will she do next?

Born in Bowen, Rob Barty spent much of his time in the region on the fairway of Proserpine Golf Course as a former amateur state golfer.

“It’s good to come home - I have a big soft spot for the region having grown up in Bowen as a kid,” Rob Barty said.

He moved away from Bowen in the early 80s, starting his family life in Brisbane and Ipswich, and raising his three daughters – one of them the future women’s tennis world number one.

His return to the region came after a discussion with his daughter Ash Barty about how hard it is “living in a little town like Bowen” to make Queensland and Australian teams.

“She said to me, why don’t we, and I mean you, jump in the car and travel around Queensland talking about my story,” Rob said.

“Tell parents, tell kids that anything is possible – you just have to work really hard.”

Rob has now been to over 70 clubs across the state, with only two of those metropolitan clubs.

In the interactive session in Proserpine, Rob told the story of Ash’s life, fielding questions on the star’s journey.

From the story of how she met her long-time junior coach, Jim Joyce, at the West Brisbane Tennis Centre at the age of four, right through to the scream she let out after her winning rally at last year’s Australian Open.

Ash came across as a mythologised sportswoman, destined to be the first Australian winner of the open in over 40 years – but most importantly, her dad reminded, she is a great person.

“When Ash was little, she had five rules from Jim, and they still apply today,” Rob said.

“Number one: have fun, two: be happy, three: be a nice person, four: show respect and be respected, and number five which was last on the list for a reason: if you can play tennis after those four, it’s an added bonus.”

Speculation around whether Barty will pick up another sport in the wake of her retirement at just 25 has been rife in the week since the shock announcement, and the questions flew in from the Proserpine players and parents.

A former Women’s Big Bash League player, cricket has been a forerunner, but it’s golf that seems to be the most obvious choice.

A scratch golfer herself, her swing having wowed even Tiger Woods, it would make sense coming from a golfing family that Ash would pick up the clubs if she does return to the sporting stage.

“She’s the best golfer in the house,” Rob said.

“I suspect she’ll play a bit of golf, but I don’t really know what she’ll do – I suspect she wants to have a family of her own.”

Most importantly, Rob said that Ash wanted to retire so she could spend more time inspiring and helping the young sportspeople of Australia to achieve their goals – especially those of Indigenous descent like herself.

The young Proserpine Tennis players were certainly inspired, and club officials asked Rob to extend an invite to Ash for a round of social.

Robert Barty, father of tennis royalty Ash Barty, arrived in Proserpine to inspire regional kids with his daughter’s story

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Goosies Results Week Ending 20th March

Monday mixed pairs was won by Kevin Davis and Vern Mietzel. Second place was taken out by Elaine Buckton and Sandra Somerfield. Cheryle Corbett won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ competition was won by Sue Roscoe and Narell Schmidtke, with Lee Robertson, Merinda Andrew and Lidia McCarthy in second place.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Pat Elgey and Vern Mietzel. Brenda and Wayne Trannore were in second place, with Brian Perrin and Rob Evans winning green vouchers. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs was taken out by Mick Walsh and Graham Hawke. Lucky draw winners were Brian Dennien and Vern Mietzel and Maryann and John Bartolo.

Saturday men’s winner was the team of Peter Cowling, Mick Mackenzie and Peter Delaney with Greg McLean and visitor, Andre Engel, in second spot. The jackpot was won by Andrew Coates’ team.

Nomination sheets for “Tony’s Triples” fun day, featuring $600 in prize money being held on Tuesday 19th April should be up this week.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Marshall and Laura Howland with Alan Brown play regularly on Monday

Sandra Somerfield was a winner last Monday

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Round One witnessed a tight contest between the Mackay Cutters and the Papua New Guinea Hunters at BB Print Stadium last weekend in the Hostplus Cup.

In what was the competition’s “Harmony Round” the displaced Hunters – who will still be unable to play their home fixtures in PNG – came in no holds barred after a strong preseason. Cutters looked tentative at times, and they had it all to prove.

Ahead of the match, Cutters announced Ross Bella as 2022 Captain for the Hostplus Cup season.

It was a Cutters’ kick to start the game, caught deftly by the Hunter’s backs and a hard first hit would foreshadow the physicality of the competition.

Hunters managed to open the scoring at BB Print after an intricate play down the right flank.

Strong contact in defence had forced the Cutters into an error with their first possession, and starting props for Hunters, Casey Dickson and Sylvester Namo, were consistently bending the line with their carries, causing havoc for Mackay’s defence.

From an attacking scrum, Hunters’ right-centre Rodrick Tai completed a smart move to put the Hunter’s Solo Wane over for the opening try in the seventh minute.

Hunters again capitalised in the 19th minute for four points, as the Hunters’ Dilbert Isaac crashed over.

Cutters brought down the deficit when, finding some space for themselves around the ruck, they raced 70 metres up field, only to be stopped by Hunters’ Wane who completed a superb chasing cover tackle.

Wane’s effort was in vain though, as Cutters searched wide for points with back Flynn Camilleri crossing, but sadly the Sugar City side were unable to close the gap further, missing the ensuing conversion.

The Hunters’ lead was at 8 going into the break, 14-4.

The Cutters started the second half in ferocious form, mounting a stack of pressure late in the game to have five consecutive sets attacking the Hunters line, finally scoring off a cross-field bomb in the 66th minute.

Andrea Niko collected a late offload which resulted from the cross-field kick, bringing it to within four for the Cutters in the final score of the game.

The Hunters held on in the dying embers of the game, with Judah Rimbu kicking the lead out to six from a penalty with just minutes remaining, leaving the Cutters down 16-10.

Cutters now look ahead to their match against the Jets down in Ipswich, with the southern side looking to avenge their previous outing where they went down to Cutters 36-26.

As well, Cutters announced last week three more new recruits, Jake Hawkins, Hayden Pace, and Tyler Holmes – Holmes and Pace both local lads. It will be interesting to see how the new blood fits into the lineup

New signing Tyler Holmes

Local Hayden Pace joined the Hostplus Cup squad for this season

Jake Hawkins is another fresh signing to bolster the side

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Social bowls last week was a pairs game with winners S. Roscoe and N. Schmidtke. Runners up were L. McCarthy, M. Andrew, and L. Robertson.

Club Championship 3 Bowl Triples we’re played last week between four of our teams with two going on to the final on Thursday morning. Thursday’s game was one to watch with six ladies showing us how to play amazing bowls. With a well fought out win were L. Lemke, L. Bowers, and H. Fleming.

Our valiant runners up were J. Camilleri, V. De Pinto, and M. Bragg. What a wonderful game it was to watch. Congratulations to all those who competed in this competition.

Contributed: Suzanne Hazledine

Winners: L. Lemke, L. Bowers, H. Fleming

Runners Up: M. Bragg, V. De Pinto, J. Camilleri

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Sarina Bowls Club was a sea of colour as 26 teams of mixed triples bowled off in A Day for Dennis, a popular player known as Den Den.

Dennis Maddern sadly passed away the end of 2021. His partner Margaret Rolfe and brother Allan Maddern sponsored the day in memory of Dennis.  

It was a request from Margaret for all to wear bright clothing, as Dennis was known for some very flamboyant outfits.

Strong competition was played, but unfortunately not everyone is a winner. Some great stories were told, and everyone raised a glass in memory of Dennis.

By Rita Hughes

WINNERS: Den Den’s partner Margaret Rolfe, left, and his brother Allan Maddern, centre, with the winning triples team from Pioneer Valley, Neil Grummet, Bob Kinnane and Kristin Muller. Photos: Rita Hughes

SECOND: Margaret Rolfe and Allan Maddern (second and fourth from left) with second placed   Margaret Egerton, Ian Gardner and Peter Blackburn.

THIRD: Margaret Rolfe and Allan Maddern (at left and right) with third placed Brian Adams, Chris and Les Smith.

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It’s not often two brothers are both of NBL basketball quality, but the Mackay meteors have capitalised on this rare opportunity to gain two siblings who are in sync with each other’s plays.

Jaylin Galloway will line up alongside older brother Kyrin in the NBL1 North this season, after the 19-year-old agreed to terms with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for season 2022.

Jaylin brings additional NBL experience to the Meteors roster. The 198cm swingman is in his second season with the Sydney Kings, where he’s been playing alongside another Meteors recruit, Biwali Bayles.

Galloway has appeared in nine contests for the Kings this year, providing spark and energy off the bench. Last month, Galloway travelled to Japan with the Australia Boomers for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Across three games in Okinawa, Jaylin averaged 8-points, including a stellar performance against Chinese Taipei, where he dropped 13-points in 12-minutes, connecting 3-for-6 from downtown.

The FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers wasn’t the first time Galloway has lined up in the green and gold. He also competed for the Australian Emus at last year’s FIBA U19 World Cup and in seven games, averaged 9.6 points and 2 rebounds.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu said he was looking forward to watching Jaylin have a breakout year in the NBL1.

“Jaylin is going to be a real tough cover in our league,” Khalu said.

“He’s long, super athletic and can stretch the floor with his ability to knock down shots from range.

“He’s also aggressive with the way he attacks the rim and that puts a lot of offensive pressure on opposition teams,” Khalu added.

“With his size and speed, Jaylin can also defend multiple positions on the floor too. That’s another part of his game that I really like and why I wanted him in Mackay this season.

“Best of all he’s hungry. He wants to come here and work hard and use it as an opportunity to improve.”

Galloway wants to use the upcoming NBL1 season to take his game to the next level.

“I’m really excited to be playing alongside my brother, Kyrin,” Jaylin said.

“I’m also keen to get more time on court to help me prepare to play a bigger role with the Kings, next NBL season as well.

“In addition to those things, I really want to help Mackay win another NBL1 championship too.”

Jaylin will join his new McDonald’s Mackay Meteors teammates at the conclusion of the NBL season.

Jaylin Galloway will join older brother Kyrin at the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors this NBL1 season. Picture: NBL Media

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More than 2.5 million fish have been released into Mackay freshwater areas by Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Inc. (MAFSA) since 1994, including 59,745 fingerlings stocked in the Pioneer River. Those river fish comprised 57,105 barramundi and 2,370 sooty grunter released at various points.

The remaining 2,460,114 fish have been distributed between Eungella, Kinchant and Teemburra dams and a minor release of barramundi in Plane Creek. The dams need continuous restocking as barramundi in particular will not breed in freshwater, so MAFSA undertakes various fundraising activities to generate funds for the purchase of fingerlings and also to run the Association’s freshwater hatchery operation where sooty grunters are bred by volunteer members.

The INDT 2022 World Sooty Championship at Eungella Dam on 30 April and 1st May is the major fundraiser for the Association during 2022. This event attracts anglers from all over Queensland, interstate competitors, as well as local anglers and is always keenly contested, with anglers vying to become the World Champion.

Anglers wishing to compete in the event can nominate online at https://www.trybooking.com/BWZRH and numbers are limited to 120 anglers.

To date, roughly 50 per cent of nominations have already been filled and the event is expected to be fully subscribed, so early nominations are recommended to avoid disappointment. Tournament shirt order cutoff will be March 28th, don’t miss out. Tournament entry cutoff date for anglers will be April 22nd and anglers are reminded to have a current SIP permit to enter.

MAFSA’s target for this event is to raise $20,000 and all funds raised go directly to improving and expanding Mackay’s fisheries and enhance our growing reputation as the premier freshwater fishing destination in Queensland.

The tournament shirts feature a photograph of Eungella dam by well-known local photographer Lenore Hansen which provides a spectacular backdrop for the shirts. Again, all profits go directly into our local fisheries.

MAFSA Inc is extremely grateful to all sponsors, many of whom are longtime local supporters of the event which is now in its 17th year. Without its many sponsors and support from Mackay Regional Council the event would not be such a resounding success.

With more than 2.5 million fish released, MAFSA Inc has and will continue to live up to the Association’s motto “MAFSA For A Better Fishing Future”

Contributed: Keith Day

Brendan Pollard and Mark Gifford from Casting Cowboys with some quality catches of Eungella Sooties. Images supplied: Casting Cowboys

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Over sixty new and returning local runners turned out on Sunday for the Mackay Road Runners weekly outing, this week in West Mackay.

Sunday morning brought on favourable temperatures and sunny yet breezy conditions, perfect for this time of year.

The West Mackay Whibley’s Wander track saw runners complete 5km or 12km routes.

The scratch start race saw many talented sprinters overcome the tricky grassy blocks start line onto Holland Street and beyond, making great starts to their respective distances.

Rodney Elworthy maintained his terrific form, smashing the 12km course with Matthew Gorrie hot on his tail finishing second 38 seconds behind.  Fast finishing Paul Mackenzie, Mick Vivian, Justin Rule, Toby Rule, Joe Grech, George Hannaford, Luke Leven and Michael Feenaghty rounded out the top ten finishers.  

Alana Knesevic was the fastest female in the 12km with impressive top ten performances from Glynis Forse, Jose Short, Heli Talinurm, Vicki Vickers, Carmel Mahon, Patreana Fenech, Marie Muscat, Abbi Johnson and June Bradley.

Junior runners and good friends Lily Leven and Millie Bishop blazed the 5km course finishing first and second place, with talented veteran runner Judy Zahn rounding out the top three podium places for the females.

Ricky Parker skimmed over the 5km track to take first place in the male division ahead of improving runners Gary Thomas, Ross Connor and Daniel Stampa.

Hosts Julie, Andrew and their family provided a sausage sizzle and refreshments for all to enjoy after the run.

This weekend will see runners traverse the beautiful Eungella National Park, with the event commencing at 8am from the Eungella Chalet.

Picturesque 18km and 5km distances will be on offer, as well as a 2km track for junior runners.

Competitors are reminded that registrations will be taken on the day up to 15 minutes prior to the 8am start time.

A bevy of talented runners take to the paths of West Mackay in the Whibley’s Wander 5km and 12km

Toby Rule (far right) enjoys a clear run early ahead of Rod Elworthy (#78)

Having a great time at the post-run brekky Glynis Forse, Martin Lambert, Greg Dawes, and Carol Dawes

Well pleased with their 5k/12k efforts are Leanne Connor, Ross Connor, Derek Woods, David Isbister and Jose Short. (Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse)

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Squash 52 Mackay hosted the state’s best over-35 squash players at the Queensland Masters Squash Association tournament over the weekend.

Approximately 30 competitors made the trip for the tournament, with people travelling from as far as Brisbane, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, and Mundubbera to take part.

The tournament was held for people 35 years and over and was graded from A to C grades.

Players were guaranteed a minimum of four matches, with successful players progressing to finals.

Local club legend Debbie Smith took out first place in C grade, with Karen Nitz and Kerry Brazier coming second and third.

Another local club stalwart in Michael Agius finished first in B grade, followed by Frank Saunders and Mick Wilson finishing second and third.

Rounding out a huge effort from the locals was Sam Strang coming home with first place in A grade, finishing on top of Trevor Harvey in second place and Joel Thompson in third.

It was also the first major tournament to be held at Squash 52 since new flooring had been laid down on courts 2 and 3, with competitors enjoying the crisp bounce of rubber ball on fresh timber.

The tournament is held as part of a year-long Queensland Masters Squash Association tournament calendar and has become a regular event in Mackay.

“We’ve been hosting for a few years,” said club president Glenn Howarth.

Other tournaments are held in locations such as Toowoomba, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, and Bundaberg, with many players making a road trip out of the calendar.

L-R A Grade winners Trevor Harvey, Sam Strang, and Joel Thompson. Photo supplied: Squash 52

L-R B Grade winners Mick Wilson, Michael Agius, and Frank Saunders. Photo supplied: Squash 52

L-R C Grade winners Karen Nitz, Kerry Brazier, and Debbie Smith. Photo supplied: Squash 52

Players showed off their skills all weekend

Caption 9:Some friendly refreshments were shared throughout the weekend. Photo supplied: Squash 52

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Saturday saw AFL return to Airlie Beach with the 2022 AFLQ Mackay Preseason Carnival hosted by the Whitsunday Sea Eagles at Whitsunday Sports Park.

AFL clubs from across Mackay, Whitsundays, and Townsville put on a show in the competition for the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Preseason Carnival Shields.

Bakers Creek Senior Men took home the Men’s Carnival Shield in a tightly contested Final against the Whitsunday Sea Eagles, eventually coming out winners 28-16.

Both teams won all four of their match ups throughout the day before facing up for the first time in the Final.

Sea Eagles led at half time but couldn’t keep momentum when the more rested Bakers Creek team gained a quick couple of goals towards the end.

Both teams are set to have some great match ups this year with potential for both young sides to make their way to the top.

Senior Women played out for the perpetual Barb Adamson Preseason Carnival Shield with Bakers Creek Senior Women doubling the trophies and outclassing Mackay City Hawks to take a convincing win 34 – 0.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women had a challenging day out with multiple new players seeing their first taste of real game time.

The Carnival provided valued game experience for the local side to move forward and gel as a team in 2022 for the upcoming 2 April Season opener at home. Junior AFL Competition is set to start 23 April in Mackay.

If you are looking to play AFL then come and give it a go, the Whitsunday Sea Eagles train at the AFL oval in Jubilee Pocket Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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At a surprise ceremony on Monday evening, Whitsunday Touch Footballers welcomed a 45-year touch football legend to the rank of their club life members.

Brisbane-born John Weeks was caught off guard by the ceremony which honoured his life-long devotion to the sport and what he said was “overwhelming, touching and surprising.”

A member of the Whitsunday Touch Football Club for more than 10 years, John moved to the Whitsundays with his wife to retire, but only from work as a teacher, not from touch football.

Now 70, John has plied his knowledge of the game as a referee with the club for over a decade, and his accomplishments with the whistle at the club were just some of the few reasons he received the life membership.

His own journey as a touch footballer started at the age of 25 as a young teacher just out of university in Mackay.

From a young, skinny player scoring trys, John went on to organise state carnivals in the 80’s and manage two state North Queensland teams in the Under 15 boys and Under 15 girls – leading them to state championship wins.

John, still a teacher at heart, said those would be personal highlights, but “involvement over the years and seeing school kids come through and achieve great things in the sport” was the true reward.

He has seen the sport evolve from its own humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s favourites, and even in his time at the Whitsunday club, he has seen the sport evolve.

“I think we are really fortunate here; we have some grounds that are up there with the best in Queensland,” John said.

“I’m excited to see where the club will go in the future, because I think the sky’s the limit.”

At the end of his induction ceremony, Whitsunday Touch brought John back on the field for a match in one of the lower division sides, and he proved he still had what it takes, even scoring a try.

“I’m certainly feeling it this morning,” he laughed.

John Weeks, the newest life member of Whitsunday Touch

John put on the boots to have a go after many years away from the playing side of the game

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Wednesday afternoon bowls rolled off with Rick Galea’s team of Mark Mawson lead and Graeme Herd visiting from Atherton.

Formerly from Airlie Beach, the pair were eventual winners on the day, in good company with other winners lead Regina Aquilina , Vicki Spann second and Nik Fernbach.

Wednesday night Business House bowls saw Woolies Allsorts under the guile of skipper Amy Hart with Eric Barnard playing brilliantly with Maureen Barnard and Cathy Russell over Kitties team, led by Aaron DeBrincatt with Josh Christian and Dwayne Gibbs also playing well.

The Tuk Tuks and Hadlow Racing had a thrilling 10 all draw with Juanita Matterson, Elaine Kippen, and Matt Francis all playing well, but it was once again young nine-year-old Mayson McDowall showing Marty Mosely and Nifty Chapman and Daniel McDowall how to play controlled bowls to clinch a draw.

With two rounds left, any team can win with Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team still holding a slender lead.

Sunday social saw Carol Crosbie’s team of Lyn Graham and visiting player from Inglewood Victoria, David Banston, proving too strong for Ladda Purdie’s team of Marjory Hughes and Lu Rogan.

Club singles, pairs, triples and fours are still in progress.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

This week’s Sunday winners Lyn Graham , David Banston and skipper Carol Crosbie

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Results for the week started with Tuesday as S Shearing and P Warren defeated R Stitt and D Wallace.

D Retchless, M Elphinstone, and lead Danvers defeated D Beel, I Wheeler and M Wilson.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were D Beel, R Stitt, I Wheeler against T Bowen, M Elphinstone, and P Tracey. Following them were winners M Wilson, F Duncan beating out S Shearing and G Danvers.

Club Competition is well underway with the men’s fours played out on Sunday.

Round 1  G Read, S Harvey, and J and M Wright defeated  L Land, G Colquhoun, P Hinschen and G Danvers.

B Myers, K Moriarty, K Whitton and A Rolfe beat N Bethel, T Evans, B Beel and J Tierney.

The final in the afternoon resulted in a win for Club Champions G Read, S Harvey, and J and M Wright who defeated B Myers, K Moriarty, K Whitton and  A Rolfe.

Ladies’ competition triples P Tracey (sub), M Elphinstone and I Wheeler defeated I laird, M Arthur and L Danvers.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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On St Patrick’s Day weekend, beer was flowing and darts were flying, and the only question was whose luck was in on the day.

Round three saw the first trophy of the season up for grabs with both Jamie Woods and Andy Peel set to battle it out to become the first ever Champions Champion.

Andy took the first leg of the match, but Jamie replied with 2 legs of his own; in the second session it was all Jamie, taking a 5/1 lead at the next break.

In the third session, Andy again managed to take a leg, but the gap was too big at that stage. Jamie winning the match 7/2, and not only taking the Celtic Cup, but also 2 valuable league points.

Elsewhere we had wins for Aaron Paull 7/2 over Lorraine Woods, Garry Robbie 7/2 over Jayden Lloyd, and Alan Green tasted victory for the first time in the club by defeating Nathan O’Hara 7/1.

Finally we had yet another draw for Steve Patmore, that’s his third in succession, this time it was 6/6 against Kameron Reason, surely his first win is only around the corner.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika BBQ and Bar and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Top LR Andy Peel and Jamie Woods getting ready to do battle, Bottom Jamie Woods with the Celtic Cup

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Some great scores in this weeks' Prawn Run, with the winner Terry Kimpton on a count back over Brad Low, both with scores of 25 points, and Tyson Flavel also had a good round with 22 points.

Saturdays stableford winner Clint Paull finished on 40 points, with Glenn Rees in second on 39, a count back win over Terry Kimpton also with 39 points.

The Whitsunday Transit Nearest the Pin winners were Glenn Rees and Scott Gee.

Sunday's stableford Winner was Tyson Flavel on 21 points, followed by Glenn Scott on 20 points and Glenn Rees on 19.

Next Saturday’s competition is our Monthly Medal sponsored by FLICK pest control and Justyn Durbin.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Justyn Durbin from FLICK

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