
Mackay Basketball’s Holiday Hoops Camp has recorded its biggest turnout yet, with more than 140 young participants taking part across two days of basketball during the school holidays. The program, the second Holiday Hoops Camp held this year, proved a standout success and set a new participation record for the organisation’s holiday camp series. It was said that across the two days, the courts were filled with activity, with plenty of smiles, new friendships forming and a strong sense of enjoyment evident among participants. Mackay Basketball also acknowledged its coaching group, who volunteered their time to run the sessions. Coaches were recognised for their efforts in teaching, encouraging and supporting players throughout the camp, helping deliver a positive experience for all involved. The Holiday Hoops Camp continues to be a popular feature on Mackay Basketball’s calendar, providing young players with the opportunity to spend time on court during the school holidays in a structured and supportive environment. This latest edition has now set a new benchmark for participation, with organisers describing the two-day event as an “unbelievable couple of days of hoops.” With record numbers achieved, the program has again highlighted the strong level of engagement with basketball across the Mackay region, as local families continue to support opportunities for young players to get involved in the sport. The camp concluded after two full days of activity, marking another successful instalment of Mackay Basketball’s ongoing holiday program. Photo source: Mackay basketball (Facebook)
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Mackay's Sinkers have continued to make waves in the pool, celebrating strong performances at both the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Perth and the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler. Peter T delivered an outstanding result at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships, returning to competition for the first time in 12 months to finish second overall in the 45–60 years age group. Competing across the three-day championships, Peter claimed an impressive medal tally of one gold and four silver medals, marking a successful return after an extended break from competition. Fellow Sinkers Nigel Dalton and Dan Stampa also impressed at the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler, producing a series of strong swims against a competitive field of 194 registered athletes. Nigel finished third in his age group, while Dan also secured third place in his respective age group. The pair briefly celebrated holding the Small Club Trophy before competition rules required the award to be presented to another club, with a minimum of three swimmers needed to qualify. With only two Sinkers competing, the trophy was officially handed to the Belgravia team during the Face-to-Face branch meeting. Both Nigel and Dan enjoyed some extra success away from the pool, each winning prizes in the event's multi-draw. The club congratulated all swimmers on their performances and thanked Brisbane Southside Meet organisers for hosting another successful competition. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
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Seven days of Bridge were played at the Mackay Bridge Club last week. This included two evenings, Saturday, and Sunday for Novice (beginners) and Mentors. Mackay Bridge club ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for working people who want to learn bridge to participate after their bridge lessons. Four members played in the Townsville Congress, with Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy winning the A Section pairs. Diane and Max Holewa joined Terry and Janelle to win the Teams event. Members of the club are travelling to Bowen to participate in the Bowen Pairs Congress this weekend. Bridge is a social game, which encourages friendship, partnerships, fun and sometimes travel. Don’t wait until you retire, join next year when lessons begin. For more information, watch this space or contact the club. Weekly Results Monday 22 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Nancy Martin / Susan Ross 2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins 3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 3rd Janice Mansfield / Debra Goodchild 4th Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 4th Sue Mayer-Miller / Karen Caldwell Tuesday Evening 23 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Frances Brown / Rodney Miles 3rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger 4th Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Block / Diane Stokes 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt 3rd Terry Sheedy / Mick King 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz Thursday 25 June 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan 4th Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott Friday 26 June 2026 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Cowan / Mick King 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting 3rd Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole Saturday 27 June 2026 –- 13 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson 2nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 3rd Nancy Wix / Richard Wix 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 5th Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok Sunday 28 June 2026 – 7 Tables Green Points Novices and Mentors N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Rodney Miles 1st Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor 2nd Susan Ross / Joy Hold 2nd Colleen Riddel / Sue Mayer-Miller 3rd Christine Fitzpatrick / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Gillian McCallum / Ming Ting 4th Neila Quintero / Martin Pearce 4th Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin Contributed by Joy Block
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More than 20 runners turned out in challenging conditions at Eimeo Surf Club on the weekend, including the dedicated Mackay Tri Club members who, after completing their run, took to the ocean for a "little" 2km swim. The 5km and 10km courses featured plenty of challenging hills through the Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads and Eimeo suburbs, providing an ideal hit-out for athletes preparing to taper ahead of the upcoming Gold Coast Running Festival and various Ironman events. Those who took shelter from the rain beneath the Surf Life Saving Control Watch Tower also enjoyed learning a few tricks of the trade about the delicate nature of the tummy, including checking that the milk is lactose free. A big thank you goes to Andrew Short for once again setting up a spectacular course. A legendary stalwart of the club, his ongoing contribution continues to be greatly appreciated. With a significant number of athletes away competing at out-of-town events, including the Gold Coast, Mackay Road Runners will instead host a social 5km and 10km run from Casu Jacks at Mackay Harbour this Sunday, starting at 7am. Participants are encouraged to bring along card or cash for breakfast, a cuppa and a chat, while celebrating the first run of the new financial year following 30 June 2026. All members and non-members are welcome to attend for a $2 race day fee. Please arrive by 6.50am for registration, the course briefing and club notices. Contributed by Janelle Tilse 6939 – John, Mon and Stef enjoy the early morning training session from the Eimeo Surf Club. 6942 – Bharick, Brij and Jo were ecstatic with their efforts in the 5k/10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6943 – Clinton, Gail and Jose enjoy a taper run before their Gold Coast Marathon events next weekend. 6944 – Kate loved the wet running conditions at the Eimeo Surf Club event. 6936 – Ella made light work of the 10km Eimeo Surf Club social run. 6931 – Damp unforgiving rains did not take the fun out of a social Mackay Road Runners event from Eimeo Surf Club. 6921 – Big smiles from all runners at the Eimeo Surf Club 5k/10km social Mackay Road Runners event. Photos supplied
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It has been an interesting last three weeks for the Mama Africa Raiders since their win in Bowen, starting with the Whitsunday side travelling to Cathy Freeman oval on May 28.
Raiders fought it out in a tough draw with Slade Point - 24 all - with the game brought back from the brink of defeat by the mentally tough group of Raiders, including debutant to both the side and the sport of Rugby union, Riccie Arriola.
Best on field for that day was Andre Houston, Kainoa Close-Houston, and Rhys Ward.
The first June fixture on June 4 was due to be a home game against Mackay City Redmen but was forfeited at the last minute due to Cities being unable to field a team.
It was a letdown for Raiders who had been pumped up to play their archrivals for the first time in the season but gave an opportunity to rest a few niggly injuries.
June 11 saw Raiders Mackay, this time to play Brothers.
The game had been moved to Quarry Hill and the player bus decided it needed to have a rest on Friday night, which meant a mad rush to organise car pooling to travel.
It didn’t affect the result however, with Raiders winning 51-3.
The whole team played as one, with strong defence across the field and great tackling, all spurned on by the sides determined work on and off the ball for some timely turnovers.
The pressure was always on the Brothers attack to force errors, and The Raiders set pieces improved as the game progressed with the scrum again being a solid platform to work off.
Attack was scintillating with the eight tries for the day a sign of that, even though the wingers scored most of them, Ethan Hoffmann (1), Rhys Ward (2) and Jack Briskey (4).
The majority of these were finishing touches on hard-fought line breaks by forwards, as well as the centres.
Niall Clancy put away four conversions and a penalty goal in a stiff breeze that was blowing the length of the field all game.
Best on field was a tough choice -Jack Briskey with 4 tries, Kumya Gabey and Nate Williams making line breaks with every carry, Hone Casey-Bloomer putting in some big hits, fantastic aerial manoeuvres as well as big carries and work rate across the field.
Grant Restieaux had a fantastic first game of the year, and the bench players certainly made their presence none.
Hone Casey-Bloomer came away with the three points in the end, Nate Williams two points, and Kumya Gabey one point.
Big tackles were the order of the day when Raiders met Brothers at Quarry Hill
The home side were water-tight in their 51-3 win after time away from the field

It’s been at least half a decade since the Whitsundays has had a footballing prodigy, but young local soccer player Kai Draper is looking the part with his selection in the schoolboys North Queensland side.
The 12-year-old Whitsunday United Football Club player is the first from the region to be selected for the team in five years or more.
At Whitsunday trials played in Ayr in late May, the Proserpine born and bred youngster impressed selectors enough to nab his spot after five games against teams from Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers, and Herbert River.
He was one of 90 boys at the trials.
A midfielder by trade, Kai has played the sport “since he could walk” and has always had a love for the world game.
He played at Airlie Beach Football Club in his formative years before graduating to Whitsunday United, and also trains with the Magpies Crusaders United Academy Under 12 team twice a week.
The St. Catherine’s Catholic College student will pull on the North Queensland kit when he heads to Brisbane in July for the State Championships.
“My friends were really supportive when I made the team – but maybe they were a bit jealous,” Kai laughed.
“I was so excited to get through this year and for me the goal is to make the Queensland team by performing well in Brisbane.”
Kai’s family has a pedigree in the footballing world: mum is an avid women’s footballer at Whitsunday United, Dad played at the club in yesteryears, and his grandad made an appearance for England Under 17s.
Whitsunday United Football Club President Peter Farrell said it was excellent that the club has helped produce a North Queensland representative footballer for the first time in years.
“We’re very proud and it really highlights our club’s growing ability to coach potential young superstars,” Mr Farrell said.
“What I really want to say to all young players is: make sure you have the right attitude. That will take you very far in both football and life.
“Well done, Kai.”
Kai Draper is the first Whitsunday soccer player to make the North Queensland side in recent memory

Regional athletes will have the opportunity to run, jump and throw among the best in the Pacific this week, with a strong contingent of Mackay region athletes selected in the Regional Australia team for the 2022 Oceania Athletics Championships.
These athletes have been selected in Senior, Under 20, Under 18 or Para grades and doesn’t include the large group of masters athletes who will be competing for Australia in the event, or the Under 16’s who are taking part in a team-based competition.
Mackay region athletes competing for Regional Australia this week are:
James Galea (Discus, Shot Put, Hammer Throw), Jarves Robin (100m, 200m), Oliver Rule (1500m, 2000m Steeplechase), Toby Rule (1500m, 2000m Steeplechase), Cayleb Ticehurst (400m), Elizabeth Lee (Long Jump, High Jump), Mikayla Webb (100m, 200m), Sachini Godamunne (100m, 200m), Ngakau Ufton (100m, 200m), Nathaniel Benjamin-Beer (Javelin), Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Pole Vault) and Liam Mumford (800m).
Not pictured is Sachini Godamunne.
Mackay athletes selected in the Regional Australia team

This week at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club saw many players competing in Club, Zone and Nationwide competitions.
Monday was day three of the three-week Remembrance Pairs Competition. Final Cumulative results saw Joy Robinson taking out overall first prize.
Weekly Results
Monday 30 May 22 – Cumulative overall winner Remembrance Pairs
1st Joy Robinson
2nd Geoff Taylor
3rd Janelle Conroy
4th Terrence Sheedy
5th Barbara Tait
Monday 30 May 22 – 7 Table Mitchell – Third week Remembrance Pairs Competition
N/S E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley
3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 3rd Robert Carless / Barbara Tait
Tuesday 31 May 22 – 7 Table Nationwide Novice Pairs
N/S E/W
1st Richard Wix / Mary Cruickshank 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown
2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 2nd Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders
3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Sandra Morris / Joy Block
Wednesday 1 June 22 – Nationwide Pairs
N/S E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown 1st Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait
2nd Joyce Deguara / Mary Cruickshank 2nd Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
3rd Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell 4th Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
Thursday Night 2 June 22 – 9 Pair Howel
1st Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Jan Harris
3rd Mick King / Patricia Garner
4th Elrae Trueman / Faith Hutchinson
Friday 3 June 22 – 7 Table Mitchell
N/S E/W
1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st Eric Goodchild / Richard Wix
2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 2nd Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan
3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley
Saturday 4 June 22 – Whitsunday Zone Teams
Winning Teams
1st Janelle Conroy / Max Holewa / Diane Holewa / Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Frances Brown / Diane Morgan / Marilin Robins / Alan Brown / Janet Hansen
3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Cruickshank / Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
4th Lorna Shuttlewood / Doone Mitchell / Faye Wright / Christine Nice
Joy Robinson won the Remembrance Pairs Competition

North Mackay Bowls Club Wins The Men’s Division 2 Pennant
On Sunday, team manager Chris Banney fronted up with his three teams to play Northern Beaches at our club. The winner of this game looked likely to win the pennant, with Northern Beaches a few points ahead of North Mackay holding second place.
North Mackay’s three teams won their matches to take the 6 points and win the pennant, taking out the Mackay and district Division 2 championship, so it looks like we will be in division 1 next year. Congratulations to all three teams who played well all year to get back into division 1. The last time this happened was in 2016, with several of the same team members still playing this year.
Club Championships
Last Friday, the final of the club three bowl triples championship was played between Bert Hobbs, Chris and Scott Banney and Alex Cameron, Peter Grant and Clive Wales. This time Clive’s team came out the winners by five points, in a very close and exciting game.
Last Saturday the final of the A grade singles club championship was played between last year’s club champion Chris Banney and Clint Vassie. In a very tight and thrilling game Chris came out winning by just three points, 25-22 so is the club champion for 2022. There is always next year, Clint!
Social Bowls
Monday winners were Maryann Bartolo and Carmel Bell followed by S. Canham and Peter Shepherd. Lucky draws went to Tony Allsop and Errol Symons.
Wednesday ladies winners were B. Trannore, M. Goldston and E. Buckton, followed by C. Reseck and P. Lewis.
Thursday winners were Jan Little and Maryanne Bartolo with Chrissy Hall and Jessie Haber in second spot. Greens vouchers went to Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots.
Contributed by Tony Allsop
Clint Vassie and Chris Banney. Chris won the club singles title
The winners of the second division Mackay District pennants competition.
Back Row: Peter Grant, Bert Hobbs, Mick Walsh, Ron Bowers, Ian McDonald, John Priest, Dave McKendry
Front Row: John Kennell, Clive Wales, Clint Vassie, Ken Lane, Tony Allsop, Greg McLean, Graeme Hawke, Chris Banney. Absent: Col Carey

MACKAY’S all conquering St Patrick’s College netballers are a team on a mission in 2022.
The talented line up is chasing a hat-trick of championships in the Mackay District Senior Schools Sport Netball Open A competition and gearing up for a strong showing at this month’s CQ University Queensland Independent Schools Sport Netball (QISSN) Carnival.
Under the guidance of school stalwart and experienced mentors Tracey McLeod and Nadine Becker, the St Patrick’s squad has chalked up an incredible winning streak in the region where they have demonstrated their skill and competitive spirit.
It is a record to be proud of and augurs well for the team this season.
St Patrick’s College and Mercy College will co-host this year’s Confraternity Shield Rugby League and QISSN events to be staged in Mackay for the first time since 1996.
Both netball powerhouse schools tuned up for the QISSN Carnival by bringing home the Capricornia Vicki Wilson Cup and Shield titles staged last week at Mackay’s Multisports Stadium complex.
St Patrick’s Gold clinched the Cup with an impressive 17-5 victory over Mackay State High School in the final while Mercy College Juniors captured the Shield for Year 7 to Year 9 players after toppling Mercy Year 8s 13-5 in the trophy decider.
Outstanding centre court prospect Ysobel Maher will captain the St Patrick’s team in the QISSN Division One event with talented wing defence Paige Zeller as her deputy.
Both Maher and Zeller spearheaded the Cup win last week with classy displays in a dominant team performance.
They are two of ten Mackay representative players in a strong squad that also includes promising goalkeepers Lilli Pryor and Isabelle Sinn and goal defence Phoebe Francis, who is following in the steps of elder sister and former St Patricks netball captain Maddy Francis.
Other key members are centre/wing attacks Letitia Talbot and Lillian Newland and star shooters Jazmyn Gervinas, Ashlee Amos and former Mercy College captain Rebecca Symons.
The experienced Becker and McLeod will coach and manage the St Patrick’s team respectively during the QISSN tournament and are aiming for a top eight finish after the preliminary rounds.
Stalwart McLeod, who has coached Mercy and St Patrick’s College teams since 1995, was a former Mackay representative goalkeeper and captain who plyed her craft in the esteemed State League competition.
“The girls have struck up a fine rapport and have achieved success through hard work both on and off court,” quipped Mrs McLeod.
“Most of the team also compete in the Mackay Premier League series as Development players where they have gained valuable experience against top notch senior opponents,” she said.
“This has kept them in good stead for schools’ netball and helped them evolve as players” Tracey added.
St Patrick’s College have set their sights on a third consecutive Mackay District Schools Netball Open A championship this season after previous triumphs in 2019 and 2021 with the 2020 competition abandoned due to COVID-19.
Last year the College captured three netball titles – Open A, Open B and Open Social – which proved a meritorious achievement.
St Patrick’s have drawn Pool A matches in QISSN Division 1 against Matthew Flinders Anglican College Sunshine Coast; St Margaret Mary’s College Townsville; Rockhampton Grammar; Sunshine Coast Grammar; Marymount College Burleigh Waters; Coomera Anglican College and Canterbury College Waterford (Gold Coast).
Mercy Juniors’ Vicki Wilson Shield-winning squad pictured is standing l to r: Sophie Hodder, Tenille Cotter, Sophie Durelli, Shaylah Pershouse, Gracie Bell; front Francesca Vella, Keely Amos, Mackenzie Hudson, Kiana Dunn and Rhyanna Ape
MERCY College underlined its depth of netball talent by clinching the Capricornia Vicki Wilson Shield title.
With boom Capricornia representative goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse, shooters Tenille Cotter and Rhyanna Ape and centre Gracie Bell in fine form, the Mercy Juniors edged out their Year 8 compatriots 13-5 in an entertaining final.
It was a tremendous effort by the Year 8 Mercy girls to advance to the decider and a testimony of the College’s renowned Netball Excellence Class that continues to produce quality netball talent.
MEANWHILE St Patrick’s College will field a male team in the inaugural Boys Division event at the 2022 QISSN Carnival.
Comprised of students with mainly football or basketball backgrounds, the St Patrick’s Boys were one of five teams that competed for the Vicki Wilson Cup at Yeppoon this week.
All conquering St Patrick’s Gold netball team that clinched the Capricornia Vicki Wilson Cup and on target for a third successive Mackay District Schools Netball Open A championship

And we’re off for Mackay Turf Club’s TAB Amateurs Race Day! Seven races and plenty of smiling faces on the track in Ooralea for the first premier race of the year – and the potential pay day.
The warmup day of racing set the tone for the rest of the year: it’s all about the thrill of live local racing, fashions on the field, glamour, good food and entertainment for the thousands who enjoyed the day.
Trackside: Race One was the AUSPEED TUNING Class 3, 1300 metres kicking off at 12:49pm on the main track. Turf conditions were good all-day round, although there had been heavy dews on the nights before.
First winner of the day was jockey Wanderson D’Avila riding Age of Innocence. Innocence was the clear winner for the first race, claiming a cool $9,450. Innocence was followed by Starhattan in second and Sabor in third.
Race Two was claimed by Machinate in the 1300 metres Wendelborn Family Maiden Handicap. Jockey Nathan Day pipped London Bell in second and Shaluna in third for $10,500 in prize money.
Conditions remained good for the 1100 metres Happy Birthday Danielle QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap. Cacao, ridden again by Nathan Day, was the winner with a $10,500 prize over Super Vogue and Big Rocket.
Let’s Torque A Deel ridden by Ms Jade Doolan was Race Four’s 2600 metres winner for $9,450, cruising past Naomi and Potawatomi.
Race Five was claimed by Villa Villekulla – Wanderson D’Avila in the saddle once more – with a mammoth $16,000 prize claimed. Master Jamie in second and Planet Warrior in third, ridden by Nathan Day, were close behind.
The 1800 metre Race Six was, again, won by Nathan Day, this time riding Quality Asset and picking up the biggest win of the day: a $16,800 prize. Stars Don’t Rust and Akatino were nipping at the heels, but sadly could not capitalise.
The finale for the Turf Club’s Amateur event was Race Seven, won by the impressive Wanderson D’Avila on Kasinova Kid. Starsonic – ridden by Nathan Day – was close behind but was unable to make it his fourth win.
Quite a few New Zealand horses were featured throughout the race day, and Race Six even hosted Akatino – our third-place getter and a German raised mare.
Fashions on the Field was as popular as ever for attendees who frocked and suited up in their best Sunday dress, taking home prizes in the afternoon.
Next up on the calendar for the Turf Club is the mid-week race day on June 23, and the Mackay Cup is looming large on Saturday, July 23.
It was a massive weekend – both in attendance and prize money – for the Mackay Turf Club’s Amateur Race Day
Plenty of happy faces came out to enjoy the event, courtesy of TAB
Fashion on the Field was ever popular with some fine frocks and fancy hats out in force
Boys in their Sunday best made the most of the day
Volunteers and trainers were eager for the first big race-day of the season for the local club
Laughs a-plenty in the photo-booth at the Turf Club

Congratulations to 11-year-old Jett Howard who caught this impressive 85cm Giant Trevally out at Double Cone last weekend.
Have you landed a big catch lately? Send us your pics for a chance to get published. Simply include your name and age, the size and type of fish and where you caught it. If you want to share more from your story, feel free to tell us the full fishy tail!

On Thursday afternoon, fantastic numbers turned up for plenty of rallies in this week’s instalments of pickleball.
Lorraine and Yoko took on Kate and Bob, with other players whacking the paddle like Gerry, Gay, Sheridan, and Demi.
Saturday morning saw two courts of action packed pickleball, with the return of Sandy, Kaz and Megumi and Lorraine in a stunning set of ladies’ doubles.
This Thursday night after pickleball there will be a Sorrentos get together at 6pm for Murray and Gay, who are heading back to their home on the Gold Coast.
A thought to consider: sports depend on rules. Rules create an environment for fair play in competition, be it social or professional. This is the case in Pickleball as the sport continues to grow and evolve.
Come on don’t be shy, come on down and give Pickleball a good old Aussie go, 4pm Thursday Afternoon and 8am Saturday Morning.
Till next week Paddles Up!
Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman
Frank and Rob playing Robyn and Murray

Twilight Race: light winds were the order of the day last Wednesday for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Pioneer Bay. With a fleet of 15 boats competing in 3 divisions, all was set for a pleasant afternoon on the water.
The first start saw Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) leading the fleet away, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) and Twister (Kevin Fogarty) close behind. By the time they reached the first rounding mark, Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez / Iyas Shaheen) had joined the race at the front. As Bobby’s Girl increased her lead, QMS Ponyo and Smooth Criminal jostled for position, with Smooth Criminal just in front by the time they reached the finish. On corrected time, Bobby’s Girl took the honours from Smooth Criminal and Twister.
Division 3 saw the fleet well-spaced after the start, with Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) and Shiraz (John Cable) battling it out at the front. Further back, it was great to see Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) under spinnaker, a first for them in a race. While Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) had a lonely race in third place, not so for Rossgo and Lighthorse, who kept each other honest throughout.
Ultimately Wobbly Boot took the honours on the water from Shiraz, while the results were reversed on corrected time, with Shiraz taking the win over Wobbly boot and Masquerade.
Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 3:00pm.
Off Beach racing: another Sunday afternoon, another day on the water for the Whitsunday Sailing Club off beach fleet. With 3 races scheduled, it was light going with an easterly breeze of less than 8 knots, providing challenging conditions for the fleet.
Joshua King made it a clean sweep in his Laser 4.7, beating Jesse Frisch in a Laser radial in all 3 races. In the multihulls, it was close racing throughout, with honours equal on the water, but on corrected time, Michael Van Der Zwaard, sailing a Taipan, held the honours in two of the three races.
Off beach racing is held each Sunday afternoon from 1:00pm, with all classes welcome. The club has a range of boats available for those who do not have a boat.
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
Bobby’s Girl leading Smooth Criminal and QMS Ponyo
Lighthorse under Spinnaker

The Cannonvale Cannons sent 12 swimmers to Pioneer Short Course Carnival in Mackay, as well as four swimmers competing at the Cooktown Development Carnival and two swimmers participating in an ocean swim in Townsville.
Pioneer results: Don Algie swam 4 personal bests and achieved fantastic results in his 50-metre events.
Eloise Chegwidden and Jax Clayworth won their Breaststroke, Freestyle and Backstroke events, while Zane Clayworth and Evie Doherty swam extremely well, achieving personal bests and earning three 3rd place finishes.
One of Harris Delac’s best swim was his 50-metre Butterfly which he swam in 1.22.87 (3rd place). Tora Delac swam super times in her 100-metre IM and 100-metre Freestyle and was very pleased to have qualified for Qld SC.
Charlie Doherty, Celeste Orenshaw and Isaac Pisaniello swam three personal bests and were very excited with their medals.
Isabella Pisaniello, 11, was not phased that she was in the most competitive age group of the carnival. She swam four personal bests with her fastest the 100-metre IM, a 1.52.44 and 9.84sec personal best.
Lukas Trevaskis, 12, had a very successful carnival, swimming five personal bests and earning four medals, with his best the 50-metre and 1000-metre Breaststrokes.
Cooktown results: Congratulations to Taj Murray, Lani Ogilvie, Daniel and Nate Saunders on their outstanding swims.
TOWSA Club to Club Swim in Townsville: Jacob and Tiana Bell swam extremely well in the 2-kilometre Strand Swim and were placed in the top three for their 14–16 age group.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
Cannons at Pioneer June 2022

This week Tennis Whitsunday celebrated French Open Tennis Whitsunday Style with tournaments across their squads.
Tuesday Early Evening Squad winners Karl and William, with Wednesday 4pm Squad winners Jaxson and Jacob. Thursday Junior Tournament Squad was won by Lucas and Hayden and a close second Lacey, and Wednesday 5pm Squad winners Jack and Josh.
All winners received a prize direct from Roland Garros.
In other news Fit, Fun tennis the upbeat cardio workout on a tennis court was a blinder, Kirsty and Lucy were a hard act to follow. Well done girls!!
A special mention of the youngsters who took part in the Proserpine JDS: Karl and Lacey were winners of their divisions while Hayden, Lucas, Lachlan and Sophie had extremely close matches.
Tuesday and Thursday night social tennis and Saturday morning and afternoon social tennis hosted some players to keep an eye on: David, Val, Tan and Sienna in the evening, Yoko and Robin Saturday morning and Norm and Lynton Saturday afternoon.
Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman
Winners Karl and William with Tuesday Squad
Jaxson and Jacob with the Wednesday
Lucas and Hayden with the Thursday Squad

For the second week in a row the Proserpine Pirates were the only undefeated team on the night in round four of the all-new Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition.
In the first match of the evening, the Airlie Beach Ballers went up against the Cannonvale Crocs. With each passing week it is becoming evident just how much these players are improving and this was clearly on shown in this game.
Scores were very close until half time however the Crocs ran away with it, 27-16 in the second half.
The next match saw the Crocs back up to face the in-form Pirates. This was a good old-fashioned thriller, with both teams taking turns to lead. Ultimately the Pirates had a little too much heave ho, taking the win 24-21.
The final match for round four pitted the Pirates up against the Ballers. One might enquire what they are putting in the water in Proserpine as these Pirates just seem to be getting better every week. This match ended in a resounding victory for the Proserpineans, 26-10
Amazingly, after 4 rounds of Friday Nights Under Lights, all three teams are sitting on four wins and four losses.
The Pirates lead the table on for and against, followed by the Crocs and the Ballers. With two weeks to go it’s all to play for with the winning team taking home the Friday Nights Under Lights shield, generously manufactured by Bomitali Woodcraft.
“Our community needs more activities for children and families to enjoy and Friday Nights Under Lights certainly ticks these boxes!” Shane Bomitali from Bomitali Woodcraft said.
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.
Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

Round 10 is just past the halfway mark of this year’s Premier League season, and with a three week break on the horizon, all players would love nothing more than to with a victory on Sunday at Mika.
The first matches were all 7/1 victories for Dom Friend, Joe Wilson, and Jamie Woods, over Nathan O’Hara, Garry Robbie and Alan Green respectfully.
In the second set of matches, Joe Wilson defeated Lorraine Woods 7/2, Kameron Reason and Gary Robbie played out a 6 all draw, and Dom Friend secured his 2nd win of the day with a 7/0 victory over Ross Gallichan.
The last group of games saw Jamie Maher lose his 100 per cent record, going down 7/4 to Andy Peel.
Andy came from three nil down in that game with an impressive comeback. Jamie Woods continues to impress with a 7/1 win over Nathan O’Hara. And Dom Friend made it 3 from 3 on the day by beating Gary Robbie by 7 legs to 1.
The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher
Kameron Reason playing out a draw on Sunday at Mika

Airlie Bowl’s week started with Ladies Pennants teams Division 1 travelling to Sarina, skippered by Betty Nicole, Ladda Purdie, and Margo Stanley.
The triple of teams won 71-51.
Division 4 ladies’ teams played at West Tigers in Mackay in a 40 all draw.
Tuesday afternoon social bowls welcomed Jess and Thomas Rimene and Natalie Corlette and Benny Daniel.
Steve Cunningham’s team of John Brown, Bill Gordon and Col Morris pipped them at the post for the prize money.
Wednesday afternoon Social bowls saw 26 bowlers compete for the first prize, with Merve Stewart guiding his team to a great win.
Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls saw Gold A beat Tuk Tuks, and PRD beat Woolies Allsorts team by one point.
Aaron DeBrincatt’s team of Kitties giving Hadlow Racing’s team their first defeat, whilst the team of Health Hub won their first game 9-6.
The weekend was the last two games for our Division 1, 4, 5, and 6 teams with Division 6 going down to Sarina 50-40.
Steve Lawrie led his team to a 25-23 win assisted by Dave Micklejohn, Bob Fenney, and Merve Stewart.
Division 5 played Seaforth at home with Noel Crosbie’s team of club favourite Andy McDougall, Graham Cowling, and Ted Cullen winning 32-9 and 47-32 overall.
Sunday, they traveled to Mackay club and Tony Whitehorn’s team won 17-14 but lost overall 41-33.
They May still win their division with one postponed game to be played by Mackay teams.
Division 4 in a closely contested team effort just going down 41-37 with a 1 point rink result .
Division 1 travelled to Southern Suburbs who lead the competition by a large margin. Airlie left with one rink winning and two narrowly losing, which showed the squad next season have the capability to reverse sweep the competition.
Sunday the Proserpine team faced Manny Isgro’s side in a nail biting 64-61 victory, who now possibly finish in second place.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
John Fielding, Warren Mills, Peter Barratt, Andrew Butler Mark Mawson, Russell Jackson, Manny Isgro, Rod Tucker, Harry Quod, Shane Spann, Bob McMahon, and Luke Kinnear