Miles Junior and I slalomed between the bollards at somewhere between 70 and 80 kilometres per hour, and he shouted, “We’re not going to make it”.

I was holding desperately onto the grab handle above the passenger side door, an area that competitors at Tonker Park call “The Jesus Handle”.

Fortunately, we did make it though, and afterwards I felt that Miles and I had a deep connection, as if we had shared what was a life-or-death experience together. But I soon learned it was a regular race day for the five-year veteran of the Whitsunday Sporting Car Club.

On a Two-Day Race Meet ahead of their official competition, The North Queensland Khanacross, the collection of dirt rally racers met on the dry patch of land close to the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

My experience in the passenger seat of Miles’s $100-something dollar kick-about Holden wagon on the midday of last Saturday was just par for the course for the 20 odd racers and spectators - a few of whom have been meeting at the club for its entire 25-year history.

On that weekend in early April - and many before it - these passionate amateur dirt rally racers camped out at Tonker Park, driving from across the state, with many on Saturday coming from Mackay and Proserpine.

At around 9.45am, Club President Mark Horder took the day’s racers for their “look-lap” ahead of the club day.

There were two circuits on the day: the inside, which started with a straight, sharp right turn, and then into a circle, rounded twice, before heading back along the sharp turn and the straight to finish.

And the outside: a rugged, bollard and barrier flanked series of twists and a small hill and straights that led back to the start.

Two cars race each circuit at a time, completing them in roughly 1 minute 30 seconds each.

There are tyres packed closely to trees and lining some of the more drift-inclined turns, but the “worst that could happen is you’d roll, or spin out,” Mark said.

I asked Mark what makes a good rally racer.

“Cojones and a death wish,” he laughed.

The rally faithful raced roughly two laps each before a break- some of the drivers as young as 15, having taken part in the club’s Idrive program, which teaches them the safety that comes alongside the fun of racing.

Mark said that the Tonker Park dirt, which flew up in enormous plumes on the dry day, was eroding slowly from years of use, and that the club will need to purchase gravel to top it back up.

“It’s getting lower and lower,” he said.

Most of the vehicles were old second or even third hand vehicles, and they were usually tinkered on by the competitors, who were self-proclaimed “car people”.

“It’s a bit slippery out there,” they said of the course, even though many of them were equipped with rally tires.

After the first few sets of time trials, a large truck sprayed water over the course to stop the grit and the dirt clouds, and in turn the deterioration of the course.

During that small sabbatical Mark said, “when are you putting on the helmet?”

It seemed rude to not have a go.

A few old hands at the club and Mark decided I would head out with Miles Junior, a British expatriate who had joined the club after bringing his son out to have a go before he himself fell in love with the sport.

I asked why Miles’s car didn’t have any side mirrors, noting that almost all the other cars still did - there was no tactical, aerodynamic reason to be missing them.

“Why are you so caught up on that? Have you looked at the rest of his car?” Mark said.

The wagon was gouged, with long scratches up its side and dents that were more like punctures, and it had driven somewhere a little north of 370,000 kilometres.

“They’re not hits, they’re kisses,” Miles said.

He strapped me into my helmet and I jumped in the passenger seat.

At our fastest, we were travelling at around 100 kilometres an hour, and when we crisscrossed through the starting bollards, we were at about 80. Had the race been an official one, Miles and I would have been docked around 10 seconds on our time.

We finished our fastest circuit in 1:21 seconds, and it was certainly adrenaline pumping.

High octane sports like rally racing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for the 100-member strong Whitsunday Sporting Car Club, there’s no better feeling than scorching around the course at Tonker Park.

The club’s next race is this month, where Miles, Mark and the other passionate rally drivers will take on the North Queensland Khanacross.

By Declan Durrant

Miles Junior and journalist Declan Durrant after their race around the track

Whitsunday Sporting Car Club President Mark Horder

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The week started with very poor weather and cancellation of the Ladies’ Tuesday afternoon bowls, however Wednesday Rick Galea organised the afternoon and 24 bowlers played for the jackpot with the runaway winners skippered by Ladda Purdie with Lyn Graham at lead and second John Brown whom defeated skipper Neil Moore with Alan Pershouse at lead and Merve Stewart at second in a wonderful exhibition of lawn bowls.

John Brown won the prestigious Health Hub voucher.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had eight teams playing round two and 27 bowlers were all vying for the winner’s purse.

The big winners of the night was a clash between our two major sponsors PRD and Health Hub with PRD under the guile of skipper Andy McDougall winning and immediately donating their prize money to the children’s school competition.

Saturday morning saw the final of John Askew’s Scroungers - Margo Stanley won the last position for the semi-finals with previous winners Warren Mills, Peter Barratt, Russell  Jackson, Nik Fernbach, Rick Galea,Tony Whitehorn and the injured Ted Cullen showing true grit.

The final was heart stopping with Warren Mills taking third place, Rick Galea taking the second monies purse and the winner of first Scroungers 2022 - Tony Whitehorn.

Sunday afternoon saw 27 bowlers playing for the winners cheque and the outstanding winners of the day were John Trembath with Lyn Graham at lead and Carol Crosbie at second winning 13 of the 21 ends.

Scroungers winners from left to right: Rick Galea second place, Winner Tony Whitehorn, and third place winner Warren Mills

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On Wednesday we had an unexpected break in the weather and seven players enjoyed a game of social bowls. John Lahney played double lead. John, Arthur Griffith, Peter Lawton and Sandy Daffara defeated a team of John, John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Philip Brown 24 - 17.

On Sunday we had nine players for Social bowls. Peter Lawton played double lead. Peter, Alen Sanderson and John Lahney defeated Peter, John Anderson and Bruce Uhe 19 - 15.

Mike Harrison (local visitor) and Barry Zillmann played Sandy Daffara and Arthur Griffith in a very evenly matched game.

Best Wishes to Proserpine Bowlers Wayne Handley and Nathan Harriott who were selected in the District Side again this year.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

Social bowls left to right: John Lahney, John Anderson, Mike Harrison, Bruce Uhe, Sandy Daffara, Peter Lawton, Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith and Barry Zillmann

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Club Competition: There was no bowls Tuesday due to the rain however competition got under way Saturday with Men’s A Singles where Jason Mitchell defeated Graeme Read. Ladies Open Pairs was won by Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith who defeated Marcia Arthur and Lyn Danvers.

Sunday morning Men’s Pairs: Jeff Tierney and Steve Roome defeated Kent Moriarty and Graeme Read.

In the afternoon Mark Drummond and Allan Rolfe defeated Jeff Tierney and Steve Roome.

Sunday 1 May: It was nice to see 20 players out on the green. Winners for the afternoon were Robyn Stitt, Sue Shearing and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Deb Retchless, Denise Wallace and Graeme Read.

The jackpot went off in the game between Toni Bowen, Marg Wilson and Fely Duncan who defeated Terry Blair, Merle Elphinstone and Greg Colquhoun.

Laurie Land and Lyn Danvers defeated Bill Myers and Kent Moriarty and Isobel Wheeler and Geoff Danvers defeated Penny Warren and Pat Tracey.

We were thrilled to have six of our seven Life Members attend afternoon tea on Sunday - our oldest member Brian Winspear 101 had travelled from Tasmania on a visit.

Congratulations to three of our ladies - Penny Warren, Denise Wallace and Margaret Wilson who have been selected in the North Qld Ladies District Side to compete at the State District Side Championships this week on the Gold Coast.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Wangaratta Ladies representing Nth Qld this week in the State District Sides Championships:  Margaret Wilson, Penny Warren and Denise Wallace

Wangaratta Life Members at the club on Sunday for afternoon Tea:

Back - Neil Tracey, Pat Tracey and Bruce Maltby

Front - Merle Elphinstone, Brian Winspear and Enid Maltby

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Men’s winner Reginald Goldup 35 points, runner up Allan Cooper 34 points. Ladies’ winner Claire Garrod 32 points, runner up Grace Nott 31 points.

On Friday, 78 ladies took to the course to compete in the Bowen ladies open. Congratulations to Sheree Hasson from Nudgee Golf Club for winning the competition with a gross score of 73.  

A Grade gross runner up Trish McNeill, B Grade Gross winner Elona Lynch, B Grade gross runner up Meg Garrod, C Grade winner Lorraine McArthur, C Grade runner up Debbie Curnow.  

Nett winners – Nola Giddins, Rhoni Morley, Paulette Barrett. Nett runners-up Pamela Lyons, Cassandra Matthews, Rhonda Martin. Pin shots - Sheree Hasson, Sue Allsopp, Janice Bates. Accuracy drives – Paula Place, Clair Dillon, Helen Russell.

Saturday was the Men’s May Monthly medal - winner Ian Garrod 62 nett, runner up Kurt Bidgood 65 nett. Sunday was the ladies May Monthly medal - winner Janice Bates 67, runner up Pauline Martin 68.

Both competitions were sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

This weekend is the Men’s Bowen open. B and C Grade play on Saturday and A1 and A Grade play on Sunday. Both events sponsored by Green Energy.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Ladies Monthly Medal winner: Janice Bates, runner up Pauline Martin

Ladies open Gross winners: Sheree Hasson, Elona Lynch, Lorraine McArthur

Ladies open Nett winners: Paulette Barrett, Rhoni Morley, Nola Giddins

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It's been a rather damp week but we are delighted to have been able to assist the local golfing community 'get a round in'.

The new weekly 9-hole Stableford was won this week by Wayne Temby with 24 points. Glenn Rees was second with 22 and Ron Thynne third with 21 points.

On Friday it was Tim Walton who took the win with 23 points followed by Bob Spees and Wayne Singleton both on 21 points with Bob taking the count back win.

On Sunday, the 18-hole comp was won by Chris Bartlett with 42 followed by Dean Barnard who came in 5 under 41 points. Glenn Rees took third with 38 points.

All players please note that this month, 29 May, will be the Club’s Championship therefore if you haven't played the course for a little while, now is the time to come in and update your handicap.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel

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Pickleball Whitsunday is held at 4.30pm Thursday afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning.

Last Saturday morning there were broad grins on all in attendance - Frank and Carol played Stuart and Kaye - the score was close with each team making it tough for their opponents.

Yoko and Stuart played an energetic game of singles.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

Frank and Carol

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Even with the rain tumbling down Thursday afternoon was action packed with young Felix hitting it off with doing lunges with his Mum leading the way, then working with Coach Jenny on serving and hand eye.

This was followed by Big Jack with a half hour consistent hitting session over the reduced sized net and very long rallies. Indi then worked with Coach Jamie.

The undercover area was then divided into two sections to allow Coach Jenny to work with youngsters Penelope and River, while Jamie worked with Oliver.

This was followed by the Junior Tournament group with visitor Myka.

Earlier in the day the ever popular Fit, Fun Tennis workout had the ladies in raptures when they were able to get on court, even better it was exciting to have  two new newcomers - Tristan and Lucy .

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hit the road across all grades in treacherous conditions to get to Bakers Creek on Saturday with some cracking AFL played across the board.

With a number of players out Sea Eagles Senior Men saw some under 17s step up to assist in their 85 – 21 win. First quarter saw a slow start with Sea Eagles starting to win the ball from the middle in the second quarter from ruckman Hudson McGregor, then giving midfielders Adam McKelvie and Brent Downie the advantage.

Peter Moore and Jake West worked well together in the forward line scoring five goals for the quarter showing a lead of 35 points at half time. The defence worked hard in the second half with Tyne Chick, Greg VanProoyen and Michael Maltby hold Bakers scoreless at the other end.

Short on numbers this week it was a tough game for the Senior Women playing to avoid a forfeit against the best team in the league. Despite the mismatch each and every Sea Eagles player put in a hard performance with the final score 0 – 122.

Under 17 Sea Eagles continue to grow and work together playing a consistent game for the day with patient footy whenever Bakers Creek challenged. A great team performance resulting in a great win 74 – 1 against an opposition that did not give up all day.

The nail biter of the day went to Under 14 Sea Eagles making use of their experience from last week and adapting well to another soggy day. As the weather cleared Bakers Creek mounted a comeback but Sea Eagles were able to hold out to win 28 – 26.

Under 12 Sea Eagles were keen to win with a clear game plan – win the bounce and get it to the goals. Sea Eagles came out firing showing what team work is all about taking the day 78 – 0.

Sea Eagles return to Mackay this coming Saturday, May 7 to take on the Magpies in all grades at Magpies Sporting Club.

Cody Fowler

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Darts resumed this week after having a bit of a break over the Easter and Anzac weekends.

We began with the midweek clash in Bowen - Kameron Reason putting in a good performance defeating Ross Gallichan 7/3.

On Sunday afternoon at Mika, Jamie Maher cemented top spot with a 7/5 win over Alan Green who put in a good performance. Alan hit a 180 in that match.

Aaron Paull defeated Jayden Lloyd 7/4 to go 8th on the table, and Andy Peel defeated Alan Green 7/5 in Alan’s second game of the afternoon.

But the performance of the day was reserved for Nathan O’Hara who, having never clocked up a single point yet since he joined the club in 2021, managed to get his first point thanks to a 6/6 draw with Seumas Rose.

He backed that up in his second match of the day, claiming a further 2 points with his 7/4 victory of Jayden Lloyd. He also hit a 180 in that win just to emphasise the point.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Bar and BBQ and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

Nathan O’Hara lapping it up over the weekend

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On Saturday 96 people ran, jogged and walked the 5 kilometre waterfront course, of whom 27 were first timers. 11 recorded new Personal Bests – well done to Ben, Trent, Kadon, Roger, Aaron, Ryker, Jodie, Annette, Jennifer, Emil and Josiah.

The event was made possible by 18 wonderful volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver, Matthew Curr (Run Director), Daniel Braddock, Guy Thrupp, Nathalie Blomme, Roland Henderson (photographer), Nicole Murphy, Alison Scoles (photographer), Craig Boxer, Valerie Kimpton, Calvin, Darrin Pullen, Nyrie Atkin, Laura Oates, Annette Turner, Joanne Ahern and Amelia (photographer).

Airlie Beach parkrun started on December 5, 2015. Since then, 3,789 participants have completed 20,546 parkruns covering a total distance of 102,730 km, including 2,411 new Personal Bests. A total of 328 individuals have volunteered 2,799 times.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Early morning action

The kind volunteers

Mum enjoys fitness with her bub

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Over the weekend, 20 Cannons travelled to Townsville to compete in the NQ Games. Despite not having a coach present, the Cannons’ team thoroughly enjoyed the games and the swimming.  

Swimming highlights include: Don Algie had a “flying start”. He won his 50 metre Butterfly with a 4.32 second PB and 100 metre Butterfly with a 14.52 second PB.  

Eloise Chegwidden, aged 7 years won her 25 metre Backstroke and 25 metre Breaststroke. Eloise swam a super 25 metre Butterfly earning a 5.09 second PB.

Jax Clayworth performed extremely well, winning all his events. Jax’s brother, Zane swam a great time in his 25 metre Backstroke with a 3.19 second PB.  

Harris Delac smashed all his events, swimming PBs in all his races. Two of Tora Delac’s best swims were her silver medal swims, 50 metre and 100 metre Breaststroke.

Koa Harland, aged 7 years put in a top effort in all her races. She swam three huge PBs. Mason and Ruby Harland swam very well in their 100 metre Backstroke to earn 3rd place.  

Lochlan Jamieson’s best swims were his 200 metre IM and 200 metre Freestyle which earnt him silver medals. Anisa Helou swam super Freestyle to earn silver and bronze medals. Ehsan Helou swam very well, bringing home 4 bronze and 2 silver medals.  

One of Lilli Bond’s best swims was her 50 metre Backstroke which she swam in 36.16 seconds and earnt a bronze medal. Oliver Bond had a very successful games earning 3 gold and 5 silver medals.  

Remy Hedges won her 50 metre and 100 metre Breaststroke. Taj Murray, aged 14 years, had a fantastic time bringing home 5 bronze medals and 1 gold medal.

Holly Perrin’s best swims were her 50 metre Butterfly and 100 metre Backstroke which earnt her a bronze medal.  Jacob Bell took out 3rd place in his 200 metre Freestyle and 200 metre IM. Despite having a hand injury, Austin Edwards-Bland won 4 silver medals.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who competed at NQ GAMES.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

The Cannons at the NQ GAMES

Oli Bond at the NQ GAMES

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The Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon kicked into gear last Sunday with 243 competitors taking on the 3 x 7 relay of roughly 21.1 kilometres across “one of the most scenic marathon runs in Australia”.

The iconic race began around 8.00am, heading up along the road running parallel with Catseye Beach, up through the trail in the first of three legs for the Hilly Half.

The marathoners completed the course in roughly 3:20:13 overall, with a majority of entrants female.

Backing up a win in last year’s Open Male, runner Daniel Mcdonnell placed first overall, followed by Roland Henderson, and Dirk Van Hest.

The Open Female victory went to Hanny Allston with a time of 2:05:01, followed by Ella Appleby and Francesca Bellicini.

The overall winner, Mcdonnell tore through the Hilly Half with a time of 1:45:40, beating out Henderson by over 15 minutes with an impressive 4:35 minutes per kilometre.

The young running prodigy – a local Hamilton Island Fireman - is making a name for himself as a serial winner in half marathons with previous wins at the Airlie Beach Marathon last year, where he finished first in the Half Marathon as well as the 2021 win at the Hilly Half.

Hanny Alston – overall women’s winner and event ambassador for the marathon – said the super warm and hilly event covered the plethora of new trails on offer on Hamilton Island.

“It truly is a world class setting,” she said.

“I cannot encourage you enough to add this event to your bucket list and I was very stoked to win the women's race.”

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Tuesday afternoon bowls saw a great win for Jill Mazlin-Peterson and Col Morris with Eric Barnard winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon bowls saw a brilliant return from Rick Galea who did a great job organising the day and the stand out winners, skippered by Chairman Ash Warland, were Alan Pershouse at lead and new member Jason Dominiak at second showing fantastic skills, with Col Morris winning the Health Hub voucher.

Wednesday night saw the return of business house bowls with PRD our major sponsors having a draw with Kitties, Hadlow Racing beating the Tuk Tuk team and Whitsunday Gold Coffee winners with Troy Geppert and Keith Dornoch playing well for new bowlers.

However, the big winners of the night was the popular team of Woolies Allsorts against a gallant Whitsunday Gold Coffee’s B team.

Saturday morning saw the start of the Men’s Pennants teams with Airlie Beach fielding four teams. Having won Division Two last year, our boys started in Division One and they were not disgraced winning two rinks against Mackay Bowls Club.

They won the third rink by a big margin which saw them become overall winners 4 to 2.

On Sunday the team beat the highly fancied Northern Beaches to win all rinks 89 to 43 and gain 6 points to be in second position.

Division 4 beat RSL Memorial on Saturday 39 to 22 for 5 points but sadly lost to Souths Suburban 55 to 19 on Sunday.

Division 5 played Mackay City at home on Saturday 42 to 30 for a 5-0 points win and on Sunday at St Helen’s there was a great team win with all players in sensational form winning 43 to 19 and another 5 - 0 win.

Sunday afternoon bowls was kindly organised by Lyn Graham.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

The Division 1 team L-R: Bob McMahon, Harry Quod, John Fielding, Peter Barratt, Shane Spann, Warren Mills. Top row: Andrew Butler, Rod Howard, Russell Jackson, John Beach. Front: Manny Isgro and Luke Kinnear

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On Wednesday we had eleven players for Social bowls: John Lahney, Pat Bownds and Garry Alexander defeated Bruce Uhe, Jim Bownds and Philip Brown 32 - 10. Warren Wilson played double lead in the other game of Triples. Warren, Ken Watts and Jim Quod defeated Warren, Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton 21 - 15.

Division 1 Pennants had a Saturday when the results didn't fall their way. Playing at Northern Beaches there were losses on all 3 rinks to leave an aggregate score of 53 - 80.  Sunday was another day coming up against Souths Suburban at Proserpine. Now this was a match of millimetres and intense struggles for supremacy.  Proserpine prevailed winning on all three rinks to take the day 57 - 51.

Division 4 Pennants played at home on Saturday against Mackay City. Weather conditions were very trying with all players getting a thorough rinsing but play persisted and games were played to completion in good spirits. Proserpine won the match 43 - 25 with one rink win and one drawn rink. Sunday's match was at RSL Slade Point Mackay. This match was won by RSL 24 - 43.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

Social bowls players showing good line in all their shots

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