Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The annual Harvest Triples competition was held at the Marian Bowls Club on Monday, May 11th, welcoming sixteen teams from across the district. President Thelma Johnston greeted players as they arrived for the popular event, which saw bowlers enjoy a day of friendly rivalry despite continuous showers throughout the day. The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with plenty of laughter and camaraderie shared across the greens. A cent sale and raffles were well supported by the attending bowlers, while Joan Vickers donated a beautiful orchid for the lucky door prize. With only three points separating the top three teams, the competition proved to be closely contested. Results were as follows: 1st Place: C. McBride, Penny Roots, Rita Hughes 2nd Place: Lyn Tungate, Pauline Turchett, Margaret Egerton 3rd Place: Doris Fry, Judith Miller, Thelma Johnston Contributed by Judith Miller 6349 T. Johnston, R. Hughes, C. McBride, P. Roots. 6348 T. Johnston, L. Tungate, M. Edgerton, P. Turchett 6346 L. Hamilton, T. Johnston, D. Fry, J. Miller. Photos supplied
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Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026. Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector. Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August. QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness. “Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said. “The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.” Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila. Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork. "This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.” Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development. “Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said. “This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.” QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event. CAPTIONS: Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald. (Back Row L to R) - John Bourke, Guillermo (will) Pedrosa, Adam Barnes, Daneil Davies, and Tyronne Sullivan. Photo supplied Second Place - Oaky North (Front Row L to R) - Leslie Healy, Robert McShane (vice - captain), Samuel Lindley (captain), and Coleman Roberts. (Back Row L to R) - Sandie McGill, Dakotah Damsma Richardson, Ben Ormsby, Hudson Jeffrey, Corey Hoskins, and Sarah Ryan (3M). Photo supplied Third Place - Ironbark No.1 (Front Row L to R) - Kenneth Aveling, Thomas McPhail (captain), Shay Livermore (vice - captain), and Dean Betts. (Back Row L to R) - Charlie Stokes, Connor Thompson, Luke Davies, Paul Hansen, Danuel Bell, and Brett Spence (FRSA). Photo supplied
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Over the weekend of 8th–10th May, Mackay Table Tennis Association was proud to host the Queensland Northern Veterans and Mackay Open Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players from across the State, who travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast to compete in the event. The weekend featured both Aged and Rated events and showcased an incredible range of competitors, from our youngest junior player at just 7 years old to our oldest veteran player at 85 years old. For the first time in several years, we crowned new Men’s and Women’s Open Singles Champions. Alan Walsh from Townsville defeated Paul Green from Mackay to claim the Men’s Open title, while Crismi Lovera fought back strongly against Andrea McDonnell, with both players representing Townsville, to secure the Women’s Open title. Mackay Table Tennis Association would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled, competed, umpired, and assisted throughout the weekend, along with the wonderful referees whose efforts helped make the tournament a success. A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors who generously donated prize money and raffle prizes to the Club — your continued support is greatly appreciated. Tuesday Night Fixtures Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) just got home against Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5. Barry won a very close battle with Graham B (-6,6,-13,10,9). What an exceptional 5 Sets! Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 6-5 over Geese (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), no 5 set matches but some very close games. Canaries (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Yilin Jiang) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Syed Hossain). Division 2: Doves (Daniel Warfield, John McGee, Will VanDeKaa) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) 6-5 with a good 5 set doubles match between John and Daniel coming home against Rod and Ricky to win (-3,7,-12,8,3). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) won 9-2 against Kites (Matt West, Tiffany Camilleri, Simon Hogan), Andrea found her groove in the 5 set to win over Matt (-8,3,4,-7,6). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan) beat Parrots (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross) 5-3, George got his monies worth with 2 big 5 set matches, he lost to Donna but came out and snuck home against Remy (-9,7,-8,7,12) Division 3 are still playing in there groups with the leader board changing often. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Orion Orbitors (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) defeated Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir), Peter overcome John in 5 sets (9,4,-9,-9,4). Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Darryl Ross) won 8-4 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Veronica Needham, Bryan Marshall), Kevin got the better of Veronica N (-9,11,-7,5,6). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) overcome Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins) 10-2, Helen outlasted Chris in 5 sets (-8,-8,1,10,7). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Coral Morgan, Robyn Bushell) 7-5, Kim overcome John in close 5 sets (16,-5,-9,11,10). Division 3: Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) won 7-5 Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders), Myles overcome Sharon in 5 sets (7,9,-8,-7,7). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Pam Kuene) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton, Thelma Caruana) 11-1, Pam outlasted Gerry in close battle (7,-8,8,-3,7). Contributed by Andrea Payne Barry Patterson. Photo supplied
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The 30th Barrier Reef Contract Bridge Congress was played in Townville last week. Players travelled from all over the state to compete. Five pairs of Mackay players received coveted Red points in the Walkins. Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce won the Novice Pairs (Gold points) with Team Morris – Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Jan Harris and Helen Van Den Broek placed second in the Restricted Team event, also Gold points. All Mackay players competed well and received a percentage of Red or Gold points. Weekly Results Monday 11 May 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell 1st Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Monica Darley / Joy Block 2nd Sandy Patterson / Karen Caldwell 3rd Faith Hutchinson / Mary Jane Marsh 3rd Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese Tuesday Evening 12 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ken Seaniger / Ann Whitmore 3rd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 4th Vicki Howard / Richard Wix Wednesday 13 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 1st Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell 2nd Bob Ellis / Susan Wright 2nd Andrew Canavan / Kath Poole 3rd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson 3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary 4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen Thursday Evening 14 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King 3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless Friday 8 May 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell 3rd Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson Saturday 9 May 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 4th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 5th Anne Lutz / Ian Vary Contributed by Joy Block
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Sea Eagles Show Skills in the Wet
Gymnastics Spring Boarding To The Very Top In The Whitsundays
Elite Athlete Represents Region In Brisbane
VMR News Capsizes and swamping
A new era for basketball in the Whitsundays kicked off last week with the launch of Friday Nights Under Lights.
The three-team competition for children aged 8 to 16 consists of the Proserpine Pirates, Cannonvale Crocs and Airlie Beach Ballers.
Part of the steadily growing Whitsunday Basketball, the competition is the brainchild of the sporting club’s Tim Oberg.
“Our 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,” Tim said.
“I know how frustrating and challenging this can be for families, so we're trying to create something truly local that everyone in the community can enjoy.”
Tim said that those with a love for basketball are more than welcome to come spectate on Friday nights at Cannonvale State School, regardless of if they have kids or not.
“It's shaping up to be a great social occasion, Tim said.
The debut games of the evening pitted the Ballers up against the Crocs in a seesawing game with the lead changing on multiple occasions.
In the end it was the Ballers who got up by just three points.
The second game saw the Crocs take on the Pirates in a bit of a more one-sided affair, with a comfortable victory for the Crocs.
The final debut games of the evening saw the Ballers take on the Pirates in another tight fixture with the points ultimately going to the Ballers who ended the night undefeated.
Feedback from both parents and players was overwhelmingly positive and everyone is looking forward to round two this Friday night from 5:00pm at Cannonvale State School.
The club are hoping to get a food truck down this Friday night.
Any interested food truck venders please reach out to info@whitsundaybasketball.com
Contributed with thanks to Tim ObergThanks to the dedication of Whitsunday Basketball, kids have finally got their chance to play a Whitsunday based competition
Council extended their congratulations to a swimming stalwart earlier this month, presenting him with a memento for his achievements in representing the region.
The young Bowen athlete, Kayden Muir, was financially supported by council under their Junior Elite Athletes initiative.
The promising swimmer was presented with a watch by Acting Mayor Mike Brunker and Division 4 Councillor Michelle Wright during the April 29 ordinary Council meeting in Bowen.
The Bowen athlete had been selected to represent North Queensland in swimming at the Under 18 State Championships that were held in Brisbane earlier this year before seeking financial assistance from council.
In his trip down to the River City, Kayden competed in a string of events, representing the region in each.
His first competitive outing was in the 50 metre butterfly before heading into the 50 metre freestyle, 200 metre medley relay and 200 metre freestyle relay.
Kayden’s best form came when he swam personal best times in both relay events.
He said the highlight of the championships was getting to compete against people his own age from across Queensland and getting valuable big meet experience.
In previous year’s, Kayden – a Bowen State High School student - has claimed wins at the local Bowen Swimming Club like Club Champion winner.
He was joined by a fellow state high school classmate Remi Hedges.
Council’s Financial Support for Junior Elite Athletes is available for all residents who are 18 years or younger at the time of competition, and who have been residing within the Whitsunday Regional Council Local Government Area for at least 12 months or more.
The Whitsunday PCYC has worked its way up from zero gymnasts after the devastation of Cyclone Debbie all the way up to 180 this year as it continues to expand.
Starting out with just a single coach, the local branch now has four dedicated staff members taking the lead across the diverse gymnastics’ curriculum.
“We’re building towards even greater variety of classes at the moment, even bringing back our adult classes in the next few weeks,” Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li said.
Tara Brady, Dominic Di Benedeto, Amelie Marshall, and Jessica Ferguson are the gymnastics coaches at the PCYC.
Tara has a background in gymnastics as a competitor, as well as Amelie, while Dominic began his gymnastics at the local PCYC in years past as a student.
Jessica on the other hand started her own gymnastics journey alongside her daughter.
“I had done no gymnastics before my daughter started it – she was three and a half at the time and started here and I always found myself here,” Jessica said.
“It just progressed from there and I absolutely love it.”
The group each take individual classes – with at least one class every day of the week - which includes variations like Under 5s KinderGym, BabyPlay, Ninja and regular gymnastics.
The club is growing exponentially in terms of numbers but also with the capability of their coaches who are now able to train at higher levels, going from gym three up to gym six.
“That means we’re growing with our gymnasts, giving us the ability to coach at a higher level,” Jessica said.
One of the favourites for kids at the moment is Ninja, which sees its participants take part in obstacle courses set up by Dominic, who leads the class.
“He’s extremely talented on the gym floor and has been such a boon for us,” Jessica said.
“The kids in particular really look up to him; the young ones aspire to do the things he can do and I think that’s so important for our region.”
On a competitive level, the local PCYC branch is hoping to send some of its gymnasts to events and allow them to grow as young athletes.
“We’re excited to be able to give them the opportunities and that comes from the local community supporting us and helping us expand this gymnastics program,” Sergeant Li said.
Representatives from the gymnastics team
The excellent facilities make gymnastic easy at Whitsunday PCYC
What a weekend for the Whitsunday United Football club with success against top level opponents across all age groups.
The juniors started the ball rolling with the U14 Div playing Rangers at home. A little rusty after six weeks without a game, they were still dominant against Rangers with Reef Hansen-Harden and Billy Hinton scoring great goals to give the team a 2-1 victory and keeping them undefeated and tied top of the table.
U14 Premiers were on fire – tearing apart the Lions team who are also one of the top three in the comp. From the opening exchanges, the Whitsunday team looked sharp and hungry and after a tight first half, dominated the second to win 6-3, only conceding a couple of late goals through concentration lapses. Jacob Logan was the star of the show with a hat trick of goals to his credit.
The U16 Premier side faced a huge task against the undefeated and in form Lions U16's – especially fielding a patched together team due to injury and illness. They brought their A game and despite conceding a goal in the first half looked the equal of Lions. In what is becoming a bit of a trademark, the Whitsunday youth through sheer determination and grit wore down the Lions and were dominant in the second half, narrowly missing a few opportunities. Tyler Jankowski brought the house down scoring a lofted long distance goal to equalise in the final 30 seconds.
The senior teams travelled to Mackay to take on City Brothers with equally solid results. The Premier Women were lucky to put together a side with many of the girls attending representative comps, however the players available were keen to keep the side in the top three and took an early lead with a cracker from Keely Salter. From there it was a tussle with the Whitsunday side on top, however a late equaliser from City Brothers snatched the win from their grasp to end it 1-1.
The Men's teams were dominant against the City Brother's sides with the U23/Reserve side running in a solid 3-2 win. Stefan Tarne scoring a double, the team now sits mid table.
The Men's Premier side dispatched their opponents with a flurry of goals form Harry Hodgen. Hodgen scored a hat trick in a dominant display from the wing, turning his marker inside and out. 4-0 was the final score, but doesn’t paint the full picture in a possession filled game for the travelling team. It could have likely been more, having previously beaten Brothers 10-2 at home.
The defensive pairing of Declan Durrant and Sam Blake was a sight for sore eyes, with this the first time the starting centre backs have been able to combine. Martyn Goody put in one of his standard excellent performances, although the backline wasn’t particularly tested on the weekend. The quartet – which included Kurt Ashley – was able to keep Brothers to no shots on target.
The win takes the Whitsunday team to third on the ladder but with a few games in hand.
Luca Miller menacing the defence for the U14 Prems. Photo Penny Grossi
The Premier Women finished their game up 1-1 in a fantastic effort
Whitsunday Sea Eagles headed to Mackay Magpies Sporting Club on Saturday with some great games being played and Sea Eagles talent on show.
Senior Men were keen to keep the winning momentum going against Mackay Magpies starting well in the first quarter.
Midfielders Ryan Lee and Mitchell Healey took control of the game in the second, seeing Sea Eagles lead at half time. Knowing Magpies would come out hard in the second half, Sea Eagles absorbed the extra pressure and outscored Magpies in both terms.
The backline of Alex Rodgers, Jake Turner and Tyne Chick worked hard all day shutting down opportunities for the Magpies and providing a comfortable 82 – 44 win for the Sea Eagles with eight different goal scorers on the board.
Unfortunately, Mackay Magpies forfeited Senior Women so Sea Eagles Women will be eager to take the field this week at home.
Sea Eagles Under 17s saw a hard-fought game early until Sea Eagles combined through the centre to crack the game open to a 116 – 34 win.
A solid Prosser defence throughout the game saw Sea Eagles take a strong lead with Allen-Fancke, Zacher, Daniels and Mansfield feeding the ball into the forward line. Cornwall and Singleton were dynamic up forward taking 11 goals between them.
Set to be anyone’s game Sea Eagles Under 14s combined to get a good start in the wet and continued this trend throughout the game. A heavy clash in the last quarter saw a premature end to the game with Sea Eagles coming out 46 – 7 winners.
Sea Eagles Under 12s have learnt from their first two games in wet conditions to take a convincing win 116 – 0 against the Magpies. Under 12s are commended for sportsmanship with 7 of them taking the field for the Magpies to make a game.
Sea Eagles have all grades at home this coming Saturday 14th May celebrating Family Day at Whitsunday Sportspark from 9am including bounce castle and face painting activities.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles scrapping it out as Magpies scramble for the ball in the Men’s division
It was a wet and wild day all around for the Sea Eagles
Contested footy is the best kind
Cody Fowler
A jammed packed week for Airlie Beach Bowls Club starting on Tuesday afternoon with a fantastic win from Margo Stanley’s team of lead Robin Brown and second Stacey Hadlow.
Ladies’ B Grade pairs final between Bev Taylor and Jill Mazlin-Peterson against Di Dobbins and Lane Telford, 21-20.
Wednesday afternoon, over 20 bowlers played for the winners cheque and the jackpot prize.
Neil Moore, Col Morris and Russell Jackson won both prizes on offer with Betty Whitehorn winning the Health Hub award.
Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had four great games with Woolies Allsorts team of Cathy Russell as skipper alongside Maureen Barnard, and Amy Hart with Eric Barnard also putting in a solid performance in their win over the Health Hub team.
Both teams won 5 ends each in the 19-6 win.
PRD defeated Tuk Tuks 9-8 with seven year old Mayson McDowall starring. While Kitties defeating Whitsunday Gold Coffee B team 11 to 6 and Hadlow Racing Team and Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team drew .
Thursday afternoon the St Catherine’s boys trained, and Friday, 16 children arrived for school sport with the best two bowlers set to represent North Queensland in Brisbane later this year.
Mother’s Day equal winners were Andrew Butler’s team of lead Lu Rogan, and Margo Stanley’s talented team.
A special mention to vice chairperson Karen Jensen, and Elaine Kippen. Both are wonder women for the club and are greatly appreciated by all members
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
Tuesday, May 3, Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, Greg Colquhoun, and Mark Drummond defeated Irene Laird, Lyn Danvers, Kevin Baxter, and Geoff Danvers to start the week off.
Mother’s Day saw some visitors arrive at the club to play, with thanks to Pat who organised a chrysanthemum corsage for the ladies and potted plants for the winners of the afternoon.
Winners were Irene Laird, Sue Shearing, and Linda Smith who won more ends in their drew with Keith Armstrong, Greg Colquhoun, and Alan Rolfe.
Other wins went to Robyn Stitt, Mark Drummond, and Alan Almond who defeated Bill Myers, Kennedy Whitton, and Pat Tracey.
Laurie Land, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers dispatched the team of Kate Almond, Isobel Wheeler, and Jeff Tierney.
The Club Competition Ladies Open Pairs saw senior bowlers Merle Elphinstone and Isobel Wheeler play exceptionally on Tuesday morning to defeat Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan in the quarter final.
Men’s results are in with Open Pairs Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers defeating Ted Evans and Peter Hinschen.
Open Singles Sunday morning was played between brothers Mitch Wright and Jason Wright, with the match finishing 25 to 24.
In another singles result Geoff Danvers defeated Steve Roome.
Congratulations to the North Qld Ladies District who were Runners Up in Division 2 of the State District Championships with 20 Districts playing last week at the Gold Coast, only losing first place on aggregate to Bundaberg. Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Margaret Wilson played well for four days in their respective teams to help secure the placing.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.
Sunday Mother's Day Winner Sue Shearing with President Mark Drummond
The rain didn’t stop the 65 people who ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom seven were first timers.
The cooler weather helped 17 participants to record new personal bests: Simon, Trent, Nyrie, Kadon, Kerrin, Nick, Carly, Gus, Dean, Emily, Kirsty, Sally, Josiah, Shane, Kathryn, Kylie and Joanne.
Nathalie Bloom also had a special weekend, celebrating her 100th parkrun.
The event was made possible by 15 drenched and devoted volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver (Run Director) Kirsty Daniels, Alison Scoles, Madison (Photographer), Laura Oates, Christopher Harvey, Louise Cox, Annette Turner, Lynne Oates, Caitlin James, Joanne Ahern, Brad Sabott, Jack and Thomas Lee.
Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Results Page.
Two volunteer marshals are needed for this Saturday, anyone available is encouraged to contact airliebeach@parkrun.com
The next Whitsunday Running Club pacer event is on the 19th of May. Pacers will be jogging at a variety of speeds, combined with cooler weather, it is expected there will be many new personal best times set on the day.
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.
The Thursday afternoon Picklers were bursting at the seams with excitement when they made it back on court after three wet Thursdays in a row.
Murray and Gay Speden from the Gold Coast joined in with the cheerful band.
There were some tremendous matches: one between husband and wife teams, Murray and Gay, and Stuart and Kate.
Other Picklers delighted to be on court were Sheridan, Yoko, Robyn, Amity and Michael.
Unfortunately, drizzly weather made Saturday morning a washout.
Lookout for Kids' Pickleball hitting off on Monday afternoon, May 16 at 3pm to 4pm.
Pickleball Terms of the week:
Grip: the way you hold the paddle OR the material that is wrapped around the paddle handle to protect it and provide cushioning.
Midcourt: the middle area on the pickleball court between the non-volley zone (kitchen) and the baseline.
OPA: sometimes shouted out after the third shot has been hit when open volleying has begun.
Till next week: Paddles Up.
Bats at the ready for Pickleball Whitsunday sessions if the rain stays away next week
This week’s focus is on Wednesday afternoon with the first up on court Lacey, who was honing her serving skills.
On the adjoining court, Cannonvale primary school captain Jasper and brother Asher were practicing rallying.
It was then time for Jai, who gave it his all.
At 4pm, squads with Coach Jenny and Jett, and Kaine with Coach Jamie, joined at 4.30pm by Sophie.
5pm squads took to the two front courts, working on match play.
On the back court, Lachlan worked to take part in the school tennis trials and - fantastic news - made the team. A shoutout to Karl who also made the school team.
Good news: social tennis made it out on court on Tuesday and Thursday night and welcomed Wayne, a new member of the community.
Saturday afternoon social tennis kept an eye on the heavens, the rain held off and they were able to have a great afternoon on court.
Please note Saturday morning social tennis is commencing at 7am and Saturday afternoon social tennis at 2pm.
Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.
Bowen Golf’s Wednesday competition was a single stroke event for the May midweek monthly medals.
Men’s winner Benny Bon 64 nett, runner up Perry Davis 65 nett.
Ladies’ winner on a countback Carol O’Connell 69 nett, runner up Claire Garrod 69 nett.
Over the weekend, the Bowen Golf club hosted the Men’s A, A1, B, and C grade opens: Saturday was B and C grades.
B Grade Gross winner Craig Newell, Gross runner up Brenden Wells, Nett winner Liam Hillery, Nett runner up Leny Heron.
C Grade Gross winner Colin Shaw, Gross runner up John Courtney, Nett winner Peter Dale, Nett runner up Don Williams.
Longest drives to Aaron Watts and Len Phillips. Nearest the Pins to Brenden Wells and John Courtney.
Sunday saw the A and A1 grades take to the course, with A Grade Gross winner Kyle Dowde, Gross Runner up Martin Evans, Nett winner Joshua Scullie, Nett runner up Isaac Fellows.
A1 Gross winner Marcus Yasso, Gross runner up Mitchell Greenbank, Nett winner Tim Miller, Nett runner up Ian Dunn.
Longest drives to Chris Dunn and Adam Shaw, with Nearest the pins to Doug Power and Jeff Day.
This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.
A and A1 Gross winners Kyle Dowde, Martin Evans, Marcus Yasso, Mitchell Greenbank
A and A1 Nett runners up Isaac Fellows and Ian Dunn
B and C Gross winner Craig Newell and runner up Brenden Wells
The course was finally opened last week for our competition and surprisingly 25 players braved the heavy conditions. It was very tough going out there.
The men’s winner on the day was Peter Fox again, having a good run with 40 followed by Nick Apruzzese with 37 and Ken Granger 34.
The ladies’ winner was our new member Moya Bradley on 30 (well done to her) followed by Leanne Alexander on 29 on a countback from Tiina Randmae on 29.
Nearest the pins went to Ken Granger, Nick Apruzzese and Larry Muller.
John Roser and Colin Hounsell both in the hole.
The ladies went to Leanne Alexander, Beryl Nosworthy with an Eagle on 2, Lyn Muller, Rehab Hull, Leanne again and Tiina Randmae.
Chip ins went to Phillip Luckett, Peter Fox, Barry Mortimer, Leanne Alexander and Tiina Randmae.
Next week is Monthly Medal.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.
Tuesday winners
This week at Whitsunday Green, Glenn Rees commenced his first ladies’ clinic with Robyn, Beth, and Carolyn while Dee and Jane continued their private lessons. Talk about having fun in training 'what a hoot'.
The weekly 9-hole-stableford was won by Dean Barnard with 21 points, followed by Mick Bond on 20 and Glenn Rees on 19 points.
Friday's winner this week was James Millar with 23 points, followed by Mark Winter on 22 and Wayne Singleton on 21 points.
On Sunday it was the 18-hole comp, this week won by Glenn Rees on 39, followed by David Wallace on 33 and Wayne Singleton on 32.
Terry Kimpton and Glenn Rees also took the 'nearest the pins' on the day.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross
Deanna Norman and Jane Muller
Last Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders Rugby Union team welcome the visiting Kuttabul Camel Boks to the Whitsunday Sportspark.
It was the first time the two teams had met since last year’s grand final and happened to be the top of the table clash for this season, and on paper, the game to watch this round.
With the weather conditions overcast and the grounds damp, everyone was looking forward to a great tussle across the paddock.
Kuttabul’s big forward pack and their strong backline were always going to be formidable to beat, but the Raiders were prepared for a physical fight.
With great preparation during the week but a couple of players carrying injuries, coach Andre Houston fielded probably the youngest average age team the club has ever seen.
Most of the home side had come back from the CQ championships in Rockhampton, held over the May Day long weekend, having played three games in three days, and Kuttabul also had a couple of players in the championship.
From the kick off, both teams showed they were up for a contest, and against the run of play and defending near their line, the Raiders won a turnover with young debutant Rhys Ward opening up the Kuttabul defensive line and running away for an 80 metre try under the posts, deftly converted by Niall Clancy.
The set piece tussle at scrums and line outs was an even affair with both teams gaining and losing the advantage across the field. In the end the Raiders came away with the bigger advantage.
Kuttabul hit back during the first half to be just behind at the break, 17 -10 to the Raiders, two tries a piece but the conversions and a penalty goal being the difference.
The second half started off well for the men in green, and again it was the young gun Rhys Ward who darted the ball across the line in the corner to put the Raiders in front 22-10.
Kuttabul weren’t giving up and with another unconverted try leaving them trailing by just 7 points going into the last quarter of the game.
Both sides were putting in the big hits, creating turn over ball and counter attacks right across the paddock, and a few of the older Raider players stepped up from the bench to make impacts.
Ryan Edkins, Trent Elson, William Pratt, and Andre Houston showed that age is just a number; which in turn sparked up the young guns. Raiders were able to convert two more penalties to lead the game 28-15 at the 73rd minute as well as keep the Camel Boks contained for the rest of the game.
Full time score 28-15 to the Mama Africa’s Raiders men in green, try scorers Rhys Ward (2), Connor Spence, and kicking duties Niall Clancy 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals
Player Points, 3 Rhys Ward, 2 Jye Hawkins, 1 Trent Elson
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