On a stunning Saturday morning, 80 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km oceanfront course. 17 were first timers in Airlie Beach and 10 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Kadon, Carly, Jodie, Aaron, Laura, Dean, Susanne, Libby, Braxton and Barbara. Byviana travelled from Sydney to complete her 25th parkrun in Airlie Beach.

After parkrun a large group caught up at Shingley Beach for a picnic to celebrate our community. Chris Harvey arranged a sausage sizzle and Ron McCall brought along delish baking.

The event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver (run director), Sylvie Martin, Margaret Coote, Aimee Sulzberger, Guy Thrupp, Greg Olver, Nathalie Blomme, Kirsty Daniels, Christopher Harvey, Calvin Murphy, Ronald McCall, Ashley Gerrard, Laura Oates, Ken Johnson, Lynne Oates, Amber (photographer).

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.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Dogs are welcome on a short lead

The team of wonderful volunteers

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Whitsunday United travelled to Mackay on Saturday to face tough opposition across all age groups.

With an early start, the U14 Div 1 side struggled to get into gear against Country United, with passes going astray and uncharacteristic mistakes making it hard to build momentum.

Goalkeeper Noah Farrow was a standout on the day reading the play well, coming off his line and making some crucial saves. The team remains undefeated with a nil all draw the result.

The U14 Premier side continued their steamrolling of the opposition with a hard fought 4-1 win against Wanderers at Wanderers Park. The home side wasn’t giving anything away but once the scoring opened, the Whitsunday side took control and ensured a comfortable victory – Jacob Logan and Byron Goodin playing exceptional games.

The U16 Premier side faced a big, strong Wanderers side determined to exert their dominance as top of the table contenders. It nail biting tussle with Whitsunday on top for most of the game leading 1-0, however. Mid way through the second half Wanderers took advantage of a mix up in defence to equalise. An inspirational effort from Tate Butler although every player put in a massive effort to take a draw.

The Women Div team played Country at Mackay Football Park with the young Whitsunday team full of enthusiasm. In a tough tussle, Country snuck away with a 1-0 win, although coach Peter Farrell was pleased with the effort and improvement week to week.

The Reserve Men were understrength and relying on youth players to make up numbers, so always faced a tough task.

They put on a great performance on the field making the Wanderers side work for everything. Final result of a 5-0 loss.

They will get a second chance at Wanderers next weekend at home.

The Premier Men ran riot once they got their nose in front on the scoreboard, dominating a physical match up against Wanderers. Harry Hodgen was in fine goal scoring form, with an assist and scoring 4 goals in the 5-2 victory.

Next round is at Whitsunday Sports Park with the action starting from 11:30 with U14 Div 1 then continuing all afternoon and into the evening.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

Men’s Reserves Carlos Barrera in a tussle for the ball

Men’s Reserves Whitsunday defend a set piece

U16 Prem Jimmy Patullo

Penny Grossic

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford at Bowen Golf Course, with Ladies’ winner Leanne Swan 40 points, runner up on a countback Julie May 35.  

Men’s winner Hayden Williams 43 points, Daniel Windridge 41.

Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB Medley stableford with winners Mitchell Greenbank and Gary Hulett 46 points, runners-up Don Williams and Gregg Aplin 44, with third place Matthew Yasso and Brenden Wells 43.  

Pin shots to Garrett Skinner, Ray Campbell, Nick Riley, Tim Miller, Sarnie Eisemann, Kim Bennion, Paulette Barrett, Julie Martin. Penny Stewart and John Martin had OBP’s.

On Sunday, the Golf club hosted the Abbot Point Operations Pro-am where 25 professional golfers and 73 amateurs took to the course.  

In the professional ranks, Anthony Choat, Tim Hart and Brett Rankin all had 5 under par 65, to claim first place.  

Congratulations to Brett Rankin who was also the winner of the 2022 Hidden Valley Whitsundays Nth Qld series.  

Brett totalled 34 under par in the four events that featured in the series – Mackay, Pioneer Valley, Sarina and lastly Bowen.  

Congratulations to Shae Wools-Cobb for winning the shoot-out competition.

In the amateur ranks, Men’s winner Barny Robinson 41 points, runner up Mitchell Greenbank 38.  

Pin shots to Barny Robinson, Matthew Yasso, Gregg Aplin, while Mitchell Greenbank and Paul Burgis had an OBP.  

Ladies’ winner Chris Heinrich 35 points, runner up on a countback Meg Garrod 34.  Pin shots to Jo Kukura, Meg Garrod, June Kirk and Carol O’Connell who also had an OBP.

This weekend is another split round with the June Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.  Ladies play on Saturday and Men on Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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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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