After a wet few months, the weather turned it on yesterday for 24 players of Whitsunday Social Golf to challenge their golf skills for the May Monthly Medal.

Men’s A grade winner was Dean Barnard with runner up Wayne Temby, while Men’s B Grade winner was Paul Nicol followed by Mark McDougal runner up on a countback.

Ladies’ A Grade winner this month was Tiina Randmae and runner up went to Anna Winterbourn, with Ladies’ B grade medal winner Pam Casey and runner up Joanne Moynihan.

Nearest the pins went to Don Cameron, Penny Wardroper, Clay Coles and Paul Nicol.

Longest drives were claimed by Aaron Watts, Brendon Meharry, Penny Wardroper and Karen Rix.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

Pam Casey, Paul Nicol, and Tiina Randmae

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Golf veterans were out in force last week for the May Monthly Medal, even after all the bad weather.

The men's winner on the day was Gary Scotford on 75 on a countback from Larry Muller with Colin Hounsell third.  

The ladies’ winner was Leanne Alexander on 78 on a countback from Lyn Muller and Mandy Patterson.

Nearest the Pins went to A Grade Larry Muller 2, Chris Brett 9, B Grade Neil Cawthorne 9.

A Grade Mandy Patterson 2, B Grade Tiina Randmae 2 (in the hole) and Beryl Nosworthy 9.  Chip Ins. Larry Muller 6, Jenny Hounselll 6 and Warren Deighton 7 and 14.  

Next week we will be hosting Pioneer Valley for the Croker Shield.  

Monthly Medal winners: Leanne Alexander and Gary Scotford

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Gary Scotford and Leanne Alexander

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The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Terry Kimpton with 21 points, while Glenn Rees was a close second with 19 points, and Tyson Flavel in third with 17 points.

On Friday it was Bob Nikolich with 20 points followed by Lorri Thynne and Kendal Nash both on 19 with Lorri taking the count back win.

Sunday was a fantastic day to be on the Greens, the weather was perfect for the members to compete for the final Monthly Medal prior to the Medal of Medallist on June 3.

The Winner on the day taking both gross and the nett win was Club Captain Glenn Rees, as an existing medal holder the Monthly Medal went to second place recipient young Adam Singleton with a great 55 nett score.

His dad, Wayne Singleton, came in third with 57 nett.

Glenn and Adam also took the nearest the pin prizes for the day.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Tyson Flavel and Glenn Rees

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A resurgent Proserpine Pirates were the only undefeated team on the night in round 3 of the all-new Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition.

In the first match of the evening, the previously undefeated Airlie Beach Ballers faced off against the Pirates.

The Pirates team had been boosted by several new recruits and they were too strong for the Ballers prevailing 25-12.

The Ballers then took on the Cannonvale Crocs for the second match of the evening.

This was quite a tight game however the Crocs were too good in the end, inflicting the second defeat of the evening on the Ballers, 22-14.

The final game of the evening saw the Pirates really assert their dominance with a 42-20 victory over the Crocs. This has been a real turnaround in form for the Pirates who didn’t win game in round 1.

“It’s been a thrill to watch these kids improve over the last 3 weeks,” Team Manager of the Proserpine Pirates, Natasha Daniels, said

“Even when we weren’t winning, they kept their chins up and never stopped trying. I’m so happy that they had two good wins tonight!"

This is the inaugural term of the Friday Nights Under Lights concept, brought to the community by Whitsunday Basketball. Games are held at Cannonvale State School on Friday evenings from 5pm and are for children aged 8 to 16 years.

The goal is to create a basketball competition for children in the Whitsundays which doesn't require parents to have to take them to Mackay every second weekend.

It is hoped that the Bowen Breakers will join the competition in the coming weeks.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

Friday night lights basketball is proving extremely popular each week

The young players are enjoying back and forth, free scoring games in the first season

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Cannonvale Cannons have been keeping up their swim training despite the cooler weather and the end of the club season.  

Some swimmers have amped up their training in preparation for the Pioneer carnival this coming weekend.  

One swimmer, Jacob Bell is keen to compete in the Townsville Open Water events.  Jacob had a very successful swim season in 2020-21, achieving State and National qualifying times and raced at his first Australian Age Championships.  

He found it challenging heading into a new season after having such a successful 2021.  

This year he made some Queensland qualifying times, but he couldn’t crack the national qualifying times. But this hasn’t stopped him from wanting to test his skills in the open water.    

He is keen to complete in the Magnetic Island to Townsville 8km swim.  Jacob swam a terrific time last year of 1 hour and 48 minutes and this year he is keen to improve.

This is not an easy feat as Jacob may need to battle the wind, current, water temperature and sea lice.  

To prepare for the event, Jacob is training in the pool for five sessions a week and then swimming in the ocean for 1 session.  

Each session, he completes about 4 to 6 kilometres.  

This weekend, Jacob will be competing in the Townsville Open Water ‘Club to Club’ 2km swim with his coaches and fellow teammates wishing him all the best.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jacob Bell is looking to take on the open water in Townsville soon

Jacob Bell training with coach Mark Erickson

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Tuesday and Thursday night social tennis were a buzz with visitors to the region joining in for a game.

A big thank you to Louise and John, word has it they might be back this week for another game.

Congratulations to Juniors who played in the Proserpine JDS; Lacey, Lucas, Lachlan, and Sophie especially, as it was their first time playing a tournament.  

Congratulations to Hayden Bradley who played this weekend and who was champion in his division at the Bowen JDS last weekend.

A special footwork tip: keep your feet moving and adjusting until your spacing is perfect to swing at the ball - footwork is key.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

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Another perfect weekend for football as the Whitsunday United Premier team’s turned up the heat on the opposition.

The U14 Premier side started the day in usual fashion, looking solid and untroubled against the visiting Dolphins side. Notching up another win by 4 goals keeps Whitsunday boys in a solid second place – equal on points but down on goal difference to the current leaders.

The U16 were similarly strong even after an early goal was disallowed. They continued to improve during the course of the game and although Dolphin's stayed in touch on the scoreboard, a late flurry of goals had the Whitsunday side ahead by 5-2 at full time – another double for striker Jazz Knezevic, who added to his tally, whilst Tate Butler and Beau Bonnyman worked tirelessly all game.

The Women's sides are starting to build real momentum with both recording wins this week. The Women's Div1 side continues to impress as the younger girls improve under the leadership of more established players. This week they recording their third win from four matches, claiming a 3-1 victory against Country with Maribel Gude, Karli Elder, and Abi Worby scoring goals.

The Prem women are also going from strength to strength with a dominant display against arch rivals Magpies. Sari Goodall was on fire scoring three goals, and Stephanie Mills contributed her share to the 4-3 win. Kiki Taylor was outstanding, but it was the team work that impressed Coach Peter Farrell the most.

The Division 1 Men put on a much better performance against Rangers. Although not reflected on the scoreboard, they match the opposition on the field with several junior players stepping up after their U16 game to aid the senior team. Huge Improvement.

Same can be said for the reserves. After some lacklustre performances due to players missing, last Saturday saw them give second placed Magpies a genuine run for their money. Finishing with 1-3 loss showed the potential the side has who are starting to look like finals contenders in 2022.

The Whitsunday Premier Men saved the best for last. Although missing their entire regular starting back four, the midfield of Scott Ferries and Tommy Torzsok dominated an understrength Magpies with the home side running in a 6-1 demolition in front of their home crowd.

A huge performance against last year's premiers and further proof that this year's Whitsunday Prems are the real deal. Highlights included Josh Healey scoring his first goal in the senior premier competition, Harry Hodgen slotting a couple away, whilst newcomer Jose Puentes added some Argentinian magic to score his first goal in his first game for Whitsunday.

Exciting times ahead.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Millostic

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles headed to Harrup Park this week in to play in the second Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round against the Mackay City Hawks and combined Swarks. The Sea Eagles and Hawks battled it out all day in what has become tradition for Indigenous Round.

Sea Eagles Senior Women worked hard to see their first win for the year against one of the top teams. Sea Eagles took the field with 16 players against the Hawks eager to get back to playing AFL with the assistance from a few alternate Club players. After a great first quarter with Sea Eagles kicking the first two goals the game tightened up with only a single point separating the teams at half time. A strong performance in the third saw Sea Eagles up by nine points at the break leading into a tight and thrilling final quarter resulting in a two point win to the Sea Eagles 40 – 38. Cleo Dickie had a superb game with support from Mia Trinder who dominated on the wing. Deakoda Costello had success up forward kicking 3 goals whilst Georgie Carland held the backline together and Danielle Kay worked hard tackling all game. Sea Eagles out ran, out tackled and out pressured the Hawks who found out too late the Sea Eagles had come to play.

Senior Men were out played in a twilight game losing 49 – 80 against Mackay City Hawks.

Under 17s Won comfortably 61 – 1 against the Mackay City/Eastern Swarks side in a display of dominance.

Under 14s went right to the end in a nail biter against the Swarks eventually seeing the game end behind 27 – 34.

Under 12s finished a tough match with a loss 20 – 51 against the Swarks showing great improvement from last time they met.

Support Sea Eagles Under 14, Under 17 and Senior Women playing in Airlie Beach this Saturday 4th June with Juniors from 10:15am and Senior Women 1:15pm when the bar will be open.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Deakoda Costello

Mia Trinder

Senior Women

Images: Cody Fowler

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Australian marathon legend Rob de Castella will be bringing the Indigenous Marathon Foundation Running and Walking (RAW) Championships to Mackay as part of the BMA Mackay Marina Run being held this weekend.

Now in its 14th year, the annual BMA Mackay Marina Run is the region’s signature running event and is expected to attract more than 3,500 competitors in this year’s event.

Event Director, Tim Magoffin, advised the involvement of de Castella’s Indigenous Marathon Foundation is testimony to the event’s growing reputation.

“The RAW Championships run by the Indigenous Marathon Foundation has never been held outside of the Northern Territory so to be welcoming the event to Mackay is a real honour,” Mr Magoffin said.

“The RAW Championships will be held the day prior to our usual BMA Mackay Marina Run and will see roughly 160 participants from over 40 communities from across Australia compete in the championships in Mackay.

“That’s in addition to the 3,500 competitors that we expect to welcome for the BMA Mackay Marina Run on Sunday 5 June.”

Mr Magoffin said that securing the RAW Championships combined with the growing popularity of the BMA Mackay Marina Run highlighted the attractiveness of Mackay as an events destination.

“Mackay is emerging as an expanding region with a lot to offer in the events and recreation space,” he said.

“The BMA Mackay Marina Run is the signature running event for the city and showcases our tropical lifestyle with possibly one of the most scenic runs in Queensland along the blue Pioneer River.

“It’s a pretty special experience and we’re looking forward to sharing that with this year’s runners.”

This year’s BMA Mackay Marina Run has set a fundraising target to reach a total of $500,000 raised for the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation since the event began.

The BMA Mackay Marina Run is on Sunday June 5, with participants having the choice to run 3km, 5km, 8km and 21km.

To register, visit https://mackaymarinarun.com

Australian marathon legend, Rob de Castella, will be at the BMA Mackay Marina Run this Sunday. Photo supplied

Robert de Castella wins gold in the marathon in the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. Photo credit: The National Library of Australia

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New Mackay Bridge players took the leap to play in their first Sunday Novice pairs competition having only recently completed lessons.

Youngsters Jaiden and Jarek Taylor won North/South, with Mary Rose Ramsden and Carmel Brown winning East/West.

Cheryl Machen played and won a slam hand, a highly sought-after hand for seasoned players.

Thanks to Frances Brown, Geoff Taylor and all who helped with lessons this year.

Cheryl Machen played and won a slam hand

Mackay Bridge Club Weekly Results

Monday 23 May 22 – 6 Table Mitchell

Mackay Bridge Club Weekly Results

Monday 23 May 22 – 6 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Richard Wix 1st Ian Afflick / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan 2nd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Patricia Garner / Helen Van Den Broek 3rd Jan Harris / Maria Setiyawan

Tuesday 24 May 22 – 4 Table One Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy / Frances Brown

2nd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

4th Diane Morgan / Sandy Patterson

5th Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

Wednesday 25 May 8 1/2 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Maria Setiyawan / Janelle Conroy 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3rd Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor 3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

4th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Thursday Night 26 May 22 – 3 Table One Winner

1st Mick King / Patricia Garner

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Jan Harris

3rd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

Friday 27 May 22 – 5 1/2 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 2nd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

3rd Susan Ross / Monica Darley

Saturday 28 March 22 – 9 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown 2nd Sandy Patterson / Susan Ross

3rd Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Mick King / Jan Harris

4th David Ting / Ming Ting 4th Geoffrey Patterson / Patricia Garner

Sunday 29 March 22 – 7 1/2 Table Mitchell (Novice)

N/S E/W

1st Jaiden Taylor / Jarek Taylor 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown

2nd Carol Gasken / Ian Gasken 2nd Mick King / Geoff Cowan

3rd Cheryl Machen / Diane Morgan 3rd Thomas Block / Joy Block

4th Frances Brown / Ruth Healy

‍Jaiden and Jarek Taylor won North/South in their first Sunday Novice pairs competition. Photo credit: Joy Block

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With more than 35-years of high-level administrative and coaching experience, Sean Page has been appointed as the new General Manager of Mackay Basketball.

Page has spent the last 21-years coaching across multiple U.S college basketball programs including the last four seasons as Head Coach at Auburn University at Montgomery. He also completed ten years as Head Coach at Newberry College in South Carolina and two years leading Brescia University in Kentucky.

During his tenure as a college head coach, Page posted an outstanding career record of 242 wins and 208 losses, made four national tournament appearances and coached more than 30 all-conference / all-regional players. He has posted four 20-win seasons, coached six All-Americans and four Academic All-Americans.

Page is no stranger to hoops in Queensland, hailing from Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. Before departing Australian shores in 2001, he worked across various levels of basketball at the local association, state and national levels.

Page also played in the Queensland State League (now NBL1 North) in the competition’s inaugural season back in 1986.

Mackay Basketball President Tara Smyth was thrilled the association was able to secure somebody of Page’s pedigree for the role.

“After a thorough recruiting, screening and interview process, we're delighted to have Sean come on board as our new GM,” Smyth said.

“Sean brings so many different basketball experiences which will make him highly successful in the role.”

“One of the many great things about Sean is that while he’s been overseas, he still has a tremendous understanding of the business of basketball within Queensland and can bring international knowledge to Mackay. That diversity is something we saw as a massive value-add for the association,” Smyth added.

Page also was elated about accepting the new role and the challenges ahead.

“Mackay Basketball has a storied history from the grassroots to the elite levels and I’m very proud to be given this opportunity to take on the General Manager role of such a celebrated club.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Page arrives in Mackay with his family to commence in the General Manager role on Thursday, June 16.

Sean Page is the new General Manager of Mackay Basketball. Photo credit: aumathletics.com

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The callout was made, and the riders showed.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Mackay BMX track last Thursday, but this was more than the Mackay and District (MAD) BMX Club’s weekly race night.

Brothers Connor and Aiden Parish, aged 15 and 13, are heading to France in July to compete in the UCI BMX World Championships and all race and raffle proceeds from the night were donated to the Parish family to help fund the trip.

In a huge turnout, 97 riders from all over the region registered on the night to help the cause.

Connor and Aiden recently competed in the Oceania BMX Championships in Brisbane where they qualified to represent Australia at the World Championships.

Connor has been racing BMX since the age of six and Aiden since the age of five and the boys say they’re either training or competing all week to prepare.

“A lot of trackwork, a bit of gym, as often as possible,” said Connor.

“We train Monday and Tuesday, then we do gates usually on Wednesday, then we do racing on Thursdays and Fridays,” added Aiden.

“It consumes our week,” laughed their father, Kai.

Parents Kai and Tammie say they’re blown away by the support of the club and local riders.

“The club is hugely supportive of everyone here at the club,” said Tammy.

“Because we’ve been here such a long time, they’re as excited as we are.”

MAD BMX Publicity Officer Michelle Tickle says it’s everyone’s dream to compete on the world stage.

“They’ve been long-time members of our club, they’ve met so many people over the years, and it’s wonderful to see everyone turn out to support them,” she said.

The family of four will head to France in July where the boys will compete alongside 3000 other riders from all over the world and hope to rub shoulders with some of their idols.

“I’m excited and terrified and everything all rolled into one,” said Tammy.

“I’m just hoping to get experience, I don’t think I’m going to get anything big,” said Aiden

“It’s a big achievement.”

L-R Aiden and Connor Parish will represent Australia in the UCI BMX World Championships in France in July

L-R Aiden, father Kai, mother Tammie and Connor will travel to France in July

97 riders turned up to support the family last Thursday night

The boys in action. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Men’s Division 2 Pennants game on Saturday against Marian resulted in two wins and a draw, giving North Mackay 5.5 points, Marian half point. Sunday’s game against Mackay City at City club resulted in a loss for two of our teams and a win for the other. This meant only one point for North Mackay and five for City. Results for divisions three and four were not known at this time.

Social Bowls Results

Monday mixed pairs winners were Pat O’Neill and Jan Little followed by Ivan Bragg and Errol Simmons. Lucky draw winners were Mario Leotta and Glen Fahy.

Wednesday ladies game was won by Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Bev Woodward. Runners up were Pam Louis and Bev McDonald.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Barry Lehmann and Marg Fogg, with Laura Howland and Peter Nesbit in second place. Greens vouchers were won by Col Carey and Jan Little. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by Wayne Mietzel and Bill McCurry.

Friday mixed pairs re-commence on 10th June.

North Mackay Ladies Celebrate 74-Year Birthday

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club celebrated their 74-year birthday at their PAH on Tuesday May 24, Starting with a fun afternoon of bowls, followed by a rather delicious high tea.

Ladies President Lorraine Silman welcomed all those present, past presidents, and non-playing members and guests, and also thanked her hard-working committee before inviting Leanne Lewis (Jnr Vice MDLBA) to help with the cutting of the beautiful birthday cake.

Next came the rather large cent sale, with lots of lucky winners. Overall a lovely afternoon of bowls, friendship and celebrating milestones.

Winners of the bowls were: Lorna Coad, Narelle Schmidtke, Donna Gordon. Runners up were: Rose Condon, Lois Deguara, Sue Hazledine.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine.

Lance Edwards, a fairly new bowler, is bowling very well

Max Rose (bowling) along with Fred King runs the very popular Monday morning club

Winners of the bowls were: Lorna Coad, Narelle Schmidtke, Donna Gordon

Runners up were: Rose Condon, Lois Deguara, Sue Hazledine

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club celebrated their 74-year birthday

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It was history in the making for Mackay “Pickleballers” after taking the huge step to compete in the first Pickleball Tournament at the North Qld Games held in Townsville recently. The Games consist of 43 varying codes of sport, catering to 4,500 competitors. The Pickleball players travelled from The Burdekin, Charters Towers, Malanda, Mooloolaba, Tully, Mission Beach, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay.

It was the first away competition for the Mackay team, so to come home with an impressive four gold and two silver medals was beyond anyone's expectation. It was a fantastic effort for these Mackayites who were considered “newbies” to the game.  

Among the medallists were Toni Woolcock and Heather Hayes who won gold in the women’s doubles, Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella who won gold in the mixed doubles, and Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta who won silver in the men’s doubles division.  

Also, big congratulations go to Gigi Brake, Liz Parrotta, Michelle Sheehan, and Greg Wilson who made it into the finals and put on a great display of Pickleball.

We are so proud of our winners and everyone who made the effort of support by making the trip.

Pickleball can be a low-impact sport that is easy to learn and play at almost any age—it is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis; this sport for life is regularly described as the fastest growing sport worldwide. The game was first introduced to Australia in 2015 by a small group of NSW enthusiasts, consequently, playing groups have formed in every state and territory in Australia with links to Pickleball communities in the U.S. and Canada. Tournaments are held frequently throughout the country bringing together fierce competition between state champions.

If you are looking for a new social and fun activity and have a bit of a giggle, Pickleball is definitely it. Locally, you will find Pickleball being played at Mackay PCYC’s indoor basketball stadium twice a week, Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm and Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm. It is being offered free of charge for your first trial and we will provide a ‘paddle’ to get you going.

A word of warning though, for those willing to give this sport a bit of a whack: it’s totally addictive!  

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

Pickleball Gold medallists Heather Hayes and Toni Woolcock at the North Queensland Games. Photos supplied

Silver medallists Rob Vella and Joe Parrotta

Toni Woolcock and Rob Vella won gold in the mixed doubles

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Local Rugby League side The QCCS Mackay Cutters will partner with Mackay State High School in 2023 to link the high school’s Rugby League Academy with the Mackay Cutters Pathways Program and centralised-coaching system.

The parties believe the formal partnership will see “mutual benefit for both the Mackay Cutters and Mackay SHS”.

It will involve the sharing of facilities and resources, making Mackay SHS a training base for the Cutter’s Junior Representative programs.

“This will increase the opportunities for players and staff in the Mackay region to pursue their rugby league goals,” a Mackay Cutters spokesperson said.

“The partnership is aimed at developing local talent through a streamlined junior pathways program into the Mackay Cutters.”

The new partnership hopes that the hub established at Mackay State High School will be the first of three, with satellite programs also planned for two other areas as the Cutters look to broaden their pathways footprint.

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