The Airlie Beach Ballers have continued their unbeaten run-in round 2 of the all-new Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition.

In the first match of the evening, The Cannonvale Crocs faced off against the Proserpine Pirates.

The Pirates team had been boosted by several new recruits however it wasn’t enough to get them home, with the Crocs prevailing 31-21.

The Pirates took on the Ballers for the second match of the evening. In a high scoring affair, the Ballers got their night off to a winning start with the final score of 40-25 not doing justice to what was a tight tussle for much of the match.

Coming into the final game of the evening, all the talk was around whether the Ballers could keep their unbeaten streak going against the Crocs.

This match was an absolute thriller with scores tied leading into the final minute. A clutch free throw in the closing seconds was all that separated the two teams, with the Ballers getting up 26-25. What a game!

"I'm so proud of the way all of the kids are playing,” Team Manager of the Airlie Beach Ballers, Kara Nahas said.

“They are really giving it there all but are not losing sight of the fact that this is all just for fun. The sportsmanship has been first class and of course I'm thrilled that the Ballers are 4 wins from 4 starts!"

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

The Airlie Beach Ballers are staking their claim as the top dogs in the new competition

Shooting for three

The entire set of teams at the Friday Nights Under Lights basketball competition

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The cost of living in paradise is the occasional wet weather in May, but Airlie Beach Bowls Club still saw its contingent of bowlers huddle together under a big umbrella on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon and night.

The wet weather kept the official bowls matches away in the week, but practice was possible and very popular on Friday before the weekend action.

The weekend of bowls started with Men’s pennants resuming.

Round 3 saw Divisions 4, 5, and 6 playing at home on Saturday morning with outstanding results.

The Division 4 side, under the leadership of Tim Taylor and Ray Edwards, defeated Proserpine 50-29.

Division 5 skippers Tony Whitehorn and Neil Moore defeated Northern Beaches 51-23. Division 6 -with the guile of skippers Nik Fernbach and little Stephen Lawrie - showed teamwork in defeating West Tigers 45-33. O

On Sunday the teams travelled, and Division 4 continued their superb form in a huge win over Mackay City 39-28.

Division 5 travelled to Seaforth and were gallant in defeat, one team going down by 1 point and the other going down 43-35 but still remain on top of the table after 4 rounds.

Division 6 travelled to Sarina and went down narrowly with Nik Fernbach’s team winning one game but losing by a close total margin.

Last season’s winner of Division 2 was promoted to Division 1 this season, playing against the best bowlers in the district. On Sunday the new Airlie Beach Division 1 team led by Manny Isgro travelled away to Sarina, and just losing out.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls was played and the club welcomed its newest member, Keith Bates.

Winners of the day were Ladda Purdie’s team of Karen Jensen and Jill Mazlin- Peterson.

The schools competition is in full swing with St Catherine’s school and the Christian College students all fighting it out to see who will represent North Queensland in Brisbane later in the year.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Sunday social winners Ladda Purdie, Karen Jensen, and Jill Mazlin- Peterson alongside their competition: Margo Stanley, Marjory Hughes, and Lu Rogan

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There were no social bowls played on Wednesday with wet weather having its say.

Friday's clearing weather was greatly appreciated, and Saturday morning was all go, with the first game of Club Championship Pairs played.

Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Marcus Craig and Andrew Bell 23-10.

Next was B Pairs with Duwaine Hiscox and Toby Craig defeating Stephen Summers and Vince Olsen 37-9.

Division 1 Pennants picked up 5 of the 6 points on offer on Saturday with their game against Mackay at home, winning 82-53.  

On Sunday, they played Sarina at Sarina picking up 1 point and losing 48 - 61.

Division 4 played Airlie Beach at Airlie on Saturday losing 29-40. On Sunday Proserpine played North Mackay at Proserpine gaining 4 points of the 5 on offer, winning 41-34.

Secretary of Proserpine Bowl’s Club, Heather Brown, said many thanks were to be handed out for a good weekend.

“I have to say thank you to Bruce, who spent the weekend doing the bar and catering duties during Pennants and for all who provided scores from the games that were held at other greens,” Ms Brown said.

Sunday afternoon social involved a spirited game of Triples. Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown took on Arthur Griffith, John Anderson, and Sandy Daffara.  

Kendall Watts came to the rescue when Heather needed to call it a day after 7 ends, Bruce going into skip and Kendall taking Bruce's spot.  Sandy's team won 33-10.

Clubman Scott Kinnear will this week be playing in the Vision Impaired Bowls down in Brisbane, and the club wishes him the best of luck.

Pennants this weekend for Division 1 will host two home games playing Airlie Beach on Saturday and Northern Beaches Sunday.  

Division 4 will have two away games playing Souths Suburban on Saturday and Mackay City on Sunday.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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With rain expected last Tuesday, Wangaratta Bowls got off to a slow start for the week, with no social bowls played.

Sunday was a different story, and club stalwart Penny Warren said, “it was good to see everyone out on the green.”

“We just managed to get the game in before a heavy shower came down,” Ms Warren said.

Winners for the rainy afternoon were Marcia Arthur, Sue Shearing, and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Toni Bowen, Merle Elphinstone, and Graeme Read.

Other wins went to Laurie Land and Geoff Danvers over Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan. Deb Beel, Lyn Danvers, and Penny Warren also defeated Irene Dunne, George Tataglia, and Pat Tracey.

Debbie Retchless, Kevin Daniels, and Keith Armstrong drew with Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Kent Moriarty.

In the Club Competition Men’s B Grade Singles, Kent Moriarty defeated Graeme Read.

“Good luck to the Men representing Wangaratta playing in the Country Cup in Brandon on the weekend,” Ms Warren said.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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On Saturday, 75 motivated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 14 were first timers. It was another great week for personal bests, with 15 in total. Well done to Liam, Jayden, Dave, Zane, Shay, Lydia, Jackie, Lily, Bridget, Emily, Peter, Wendy, Shane, Barbara, and Sandi.

All participants celebrating milestones had travelled to Airlie Beach to celebrate them. Graeme Eldridge and Peter Close completed their 50th parkrun and Liam Jones celebrated his 100th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 15 generous volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Stuart Bishop, Kara Olver, Mick Drennan, Megan Drennan, Joshua (co-run director), Riana Wronski, Darlene Reid (photographer), Christopher Harvey (co-run director), Craig Boxer, Laura Oates, Jasmine, Lynne Oates, Dennis Mundle, and Caitlin James.

This coming Saturday is the next Whitsunday Running Club pacer event. 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. The volunteer roster is already full for the event.

On June 4, Airlie Beach parkrun invites the community to come along to parkrun and then join them for a post parkrun picnic at Shingley Beach.

An Airlie Beach parkrun spokesperson said to bring along food from home or buy some counter food from My Rainbow Bakery.

“To make it a picnic event to remember everyone is encouraged to wear their favourite event T-shirt,” the spokesperson said.

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.

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

A sprint for the finish line

Liam and crew celebrating his 100th parkrun

The team of fantastic volunteers

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The River Rodeo Return

One of the region’s longest running and more unique annual events is fast approaching for its return after a two-year hiatus: the annual Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports on June 10 to 12.

A tradition going back over 135 years, the event is once again set to bring people from across Australia to Collinsville with an expected turnout of over four thousand people.

Beginning on the Friday morning, the River Rodeo will go through the entire weekend, ending on Sunday afternoon.

The Rodeo Secretary, Kim Whalan, said the committee had made a slew of upgrades for the return, as well as additional shows.

“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,” she said.

“We haven’t had a night show for over 20 years.”

The night show is an entirely new one: Rope on the River, a breakaway roping showcase featuring some of Australia’s elite talent.

In breakaway roping, the essential ingredients are that a calf is followed by a mounted horse rider, with the calf given a head start coming out of a chute. The rider chases, attempting to lasso the neck of the calf as fast as possible.

There are an expected 50 plus competitors facing off for the potential to become the winner and claim the title of first Wrangler Xtreme Breakaway Roping Event Champion.

The regular rodeo portion of the event runs Saturday and Sunday, with the Bowen River Bush Sports for kids held on the same days.

There’ll be all the favourites of the rodeo and more: campdrafting, hot food and drinks and non-stop action.

The arena is at the Bowen River Rodeo Campdraft grounds on Mt Wyatt Road in Collinsville.

“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,”

The Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports are back in the region next month

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Whitsunday Green’s weekly competition was not scored this week due to low entry numbers.

The weather was not a golfer's friend unfortunately! By Friday, the sun finally showed itself and a solid 23 players entered the 9-hole competition for the club.

The winner was Nathan Nikolich with 22 points, followed by Glenn Rees and Bob Nikolich both on 20, the count back revealed Glenn in second and Bob in third.

Sunday was SKINS and the winner with 13 skins was Elise Hodgeson followed by Wayne Singleton with 8 skins and Alan Clinch with 6 skins.

Both nearest the pins went to Glenn Rees.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Cory Belke following through

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles celebrated all AFL families with their annual Family Day as part of their first full fixture at home on Saturday.

Families had fun with a bounce castle, face painting and give-aways throughout the morning.

Sea Eagles Under 17s was match of the day against reigning Premiers Moranbah Bulldogs in a brilliant test for the talented young Sea Eagles team who won 68–47.

The strength of the midfield showed with Sea Eagles hitting the scoreboard first and taking it to Moranbah.

Daniels and Dewis fought hard in ruck being outsized all day, however with Allen-Fancke, Zacher and LaMonica working together through the centre, Sea Eagles were able to gain the upper hand.

The home sides depth was shown with nine individual goal scorers from a full team effort.

The Senior Men faced an undermanned Eastern Swans team to take a comfortable win 87–31 after evening up opposition numbers.

After a sluggish start the Sea Eagles were able to pull together to see seven goals on the board by half time.

Sea Eagles came out firing in the second half to play their style of footy with midfielders Max Mackay, Jacob Healey, and Brent Downie consistently winning contests.

Sea Eagles defence once again held strong all day led by Captain Alex Rodgers.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a close contest against Moranbah Bulldogs showing improvement with their game skills from last year in a 22–35 loss.

Sea Eagles Under 14s faced off against Moranbah in a game set to be the biggest challenge so far for the season eventually losing out 7–67.

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on the front runners of the competition Moranbah Bulldogs taking a 12–39 loss and seeing the closest contest to Moranbah for the 2022 Season.

Sea Eagles hit the road again Saturday May 21 with Under 12s at Sarina, Under 14s and Under 17s at Bakers Creek and Senior Women at Eastern Swans.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Results Week Ending 8 May

Monday pairs was won by Vern Mietzel and Kevin Dwyer, followed by Bev Woodward and Leslie Baumgarten. Lucky draws were won by Ray McCarthy and Ivan Bragg.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were J. Comelli and M. Bartolo. Runners up were B. Trannore and W. McGee

Thursday pairs greens vouchers were won by Chris Banney and C. Obst. $15 club vouchers were won by Paul Goldston, Jan Little, Vern Mietzel and Warren Corbett.

Friday winners, once again, were Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Mick Walsh and Vaughan McCall came second.

Saturday men’s bowls was taken out by Alan Cooney and Alex Cameron with Vic Gaudion and Col Carey in second place.

Ladies Club Championships Pairs semi-final with the final to be played on Thursday between Deb McKenzie and Carmel Bell playing Daphne Offield and Sheryl Cuttriss.  Eventual trophy winners were Debbie and Carmel.

Contributed by Tony Allsop and Sue Hazledine

Kees Struik is a regular Monday bowler

Chris Banney in action before the new uniforms arrived

Ladies Club Championship pairs winners Carmel Bell and Debbie McKenzie

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North Mackay Athletics club hosted an Interclub athletic competition on May 7 for all local and surrounding athletic clubs.

Welcoming the local clubs together for the first time this season, the North Mackay Athletics group were excited for an exceptional weekend.

Fingers were crossed as weather warnings dotted the horizon, but Mother Nature thankfully kept the rain away for the coming together on the twilight evening of track and field events.

There was an impressive showing from the several clubs which enjoyed the event, including Mackay Athletics Club, Sarina Athletics Club, and Moranbah Athletics Club who had representatives out on the day.  

There were over 120 athletes from the ages of three to 83 who took to the field and competed in a fun, but competitive, fixture.

The groups gathered at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreational Complex to compete in a multitude of events including sprints, throws and jumps.

There was plenty of action on the night as competitors hopped, skipped, and jumped their way to wins or close finishes, but all with a smile on their faces regardless of the result.

Aside from the action of competition, there was plenty of action off the field for athletes of all ages to enjoy.

Plenty of catching up with old friends and plenty of making new ones, but most importantly – aside from the athletics – there was a palpable enjoyment on an evening with families from each club.

The complex was filled with the sounds of pitter pattering feet as runners took to the course, but there was also music, a pizza dinner and a Mother’s Day raffle which brought even more cheer.

With the Interclub event now behind them, North Mackay Athletics Club is looking forward to the upcoming Mackay Track and Field Carnival.

Hosted by Mackay Athletics on May 21, the event will once again bring together the best of the best from the region to compete.

On the horizon there’s also plans for the club to head out and support the upcoming Oceania Championships being held in Mackay on June 7-11; The athletic community is alive and well in Mackay.

If you are interested in joining athletics, the club is welcoming anyone to come along to a $5 trial session at North Mackay Athletics, Sundays at 8:30am at Pioneer High school.

Contact can be made via Facebook or through visiting the website: www.northmackayathletics.com.au

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With Mother’s Day one of the most important days of the year, the Mackay Road Runners held their annual Casu Jacks Pre-Mother’s Day run last Saturday, keeping the Sunday free for all mothers to enjoy their spoils.

The annual club handicap run saw approximately 40 runners take on 5km and 12km routes.

The course included a couple of ascents and descents of Mt Basset for the 12km and one for the 5km runners, with everyone racing to beat the threatening rain, making for a very challenging run.

Timekeeper and race starter Julie Whibley ran an extremely efficient race start with assistance from Tim Magoffin.  

Rodney Elworthy, Paul Mackenzie, Joe Grech, and Alex Couldrey all started with the heaviest handicap.

Rodney, the runner with the highest handicap, started his race after some of the 5km runners had already finished and still finished in front of other runners.

The quality field also included George Hannaford, Greg Dawes, Jose Short, Glynis Forse, Michael Feenaghty, Carmel Grech, Greame Harris, Lisa Burns, Vicki Vickers, Carole Dawes, Brenda Windsor, Judy Zahn, Emily Dalglish, and talented junior runners, Lily and Luke Leven.  

Tahnee Malageuno also had a sensational run in the female 12km event.

Runners and supporters enjoyed the magnificent post-race breakfast available from hosts Casu Jacks while the much-anticipated pre-Mother’s Day themed prizes were drawn.

Marie Muscat and Alex Anderson both won a random draw prize on the day coinciding exactly with their 10th wedding anniversary and Tim Magoffin also walked away with a prize.

This Sunday morning’s Forsyth Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield and 10km Club Championship event will commence at 7am sharp and runners are asked to be registered with the timekeeper 15 minutes prior to gun time for a scratch start.

The Memorial Shield is held in honour of the club’s past Treasurer and champion runner Shawn Claydon who passed away in 2018.

L-R Lisa Burns, Kim Saron, Stuart Sprott, and Leanne Connor bolt from their handicap start in the 5/12km Casu Jacks Pre-Mother’s Day 5/12km run

Michael Feenaghty sent off on his handicap start by Timekeeper, Julie Whibley (right)

Carmel Grech finishes mere seconds ahead of fast finishing Paul Mackenzie from their handicapped start in the 12km event

Judy Zahn and Daniel Stampa ease down in the final metres of the 12km race. Photos: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

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Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club held its annual May Day Carnival recently. Although the rinks were packed with enthusiastic teams chasing ‘wins’ over the two days, it was evident all were there to enjoy the camaraderie on the ‘green’.

The three key factors in a bowl’s victory – line, length and ‘luck’ – once again sorted out the results!

Saturday’s winning team was comprised of visiting bowlers from North Mackay, Shirley Bartolo, Donna Gordon, Helen Goldston and Lorraine Silman. Second prize was donated by Mackay Hearing and won by City Ladies  Linda Owen, Anna Forsyth, Kathy Mathews and Marie Frederickson.

Sunday’s Mixed 4’s winner was skipped by Sarina’s John Petersen and the city players Kathy Mathews, Snow Oschatz and Janette Dark. Sponsor was Kirstine Robinson.

Contributed by Shirley Sturgeon

Saturday’s winners Shirley Bartolo, Donna Gordon, Helen Goldston and Lorraine Silman with City Ladies President Marie Ferderickson

Sunday’s winners John Petersen, Kathy Mathews, Snow Oschatz, Janette Dark with Sponsor Kirstine Robinson

Mary Burston, Robyn Knott, Lynette Tungate, Elaine Kippen, Sheryl Cuttriss, Henny Tattam and Daphne Offield having fun on the green

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A Team of Mackay Rowing Club (MRC) rowers competed at the Queensland Masters State Championships over the May Day long weekend at Lake Yyaralong.

The nine rowers brought home an impressive haul of 18 medals (1 Gold, 10 silvers and 7 Bronze). Highlights of the weekend rowing included the long-established doubles crew of Tony Lloyd (MRC) and Jim Stafford (Wide Bay Rowing Club WBRC) to take out the gold in their age group, to once again be crowned Queensland champions. The Wohlfhart and Jamieson crew rowed strongly for 3rd place in their first competitive event together.

First time medallist at this level of competition Richard McGrath came away with three silver and one bronze, while Mick Wohlfhart came home with two bronze medals. Ann Jensen raced a program of six events where she rowed in both MRC crews and composite boats with WBRC.

Interclub rivalry in the championship’s mixed Masters GJ doubles saw three Mackay crews line up alongside each other at the starting line.  After giving the older half of the crews in the field a 9 second head start, the race was on for club honours.  Tony and Sabina Lloyd led out strongly with Jane Deguara and Terry Jamieson in pursuit.  Marie Simmonds and Mick Wohlfhart crabbed at the start.  At the business end of the course the Mackay crews had overtaken one of the older crews for Deguara and Jamieson to take out club bragging rights with a bronze medal.  The Lloyds were next over the line, promptly followed by Simmonds and Wohlfhart.

Jane Deguara and Therese Clancy continued their form in their respective single events with both claiming a bronze medal each.  Jane and Therese’s combined event in a double scull saw the duo bring home another silver.

The mixed quad of Deguara, Jamieson, McGrath and Clancy were impressive for their silver behind the dominant Townsville Riverway crew - Australian champion rowers.  Their training efforts were reflected in their results.

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Magpies Sporting Club has awarded $7,900 of cash grants to 18 local sportspeople and charities as part of the club’s new initiative Magpies Community Grants.

Recipients included local athletes shining at the local, state, and national level as well as local charities and organisations to fund projects, programs, and initiatives that directly benefit the Mackay Community.

This is the second quarter of Magpies Community Grants, an initiative that was introduced in November 2021 with the grants providing financial assistance of up to $30,000 annually.

Grants are to be awarded four times a year to winning applicants within three grant categories: Local Sporting Champions Grant, Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant, and Thriving Communities Grant.

Magpies Sporting Club General Manager Darren Smith says sport and community have always been and always will be at Magpies’ core.

“Magpies Local Sporting Champions Grant and the Women in Sport Grant will help excelling sportsmen and women at a grassroots level – to help fund their sporting endeavours,” he said.

“The Thriving Communities Grant can provide up to $1,000 in financial assistance to organisations with a charitable purpose whose project, program or initiative will directly benefit the Mackay Community.”

Quarter 3 applications are now open.

More information on Magpies Community Grants, including what grants are available, eligibility requirements and notable dates, can be found at www.magpiesmackay.com.au/community-grants and eligible applicants can easily apply online.

Local Sporting Champions Grant Winners

Cody McCall – Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships - $200 Grant

Darcy Cabassi – National Youth Touch Championships - $400 Grant

Toby Rule – Little Athletics Queensland State Championships - $200 Grant

Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant Winners

Peyton Barrow – Under 16’s State Softball Championships - $200 Grant

Jade Bounden – Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships - $200 Grant

Georgia Rye – U15 Queensland Hockey State Program - $200 Grant

Adele Ginns – Gold Stars Satellite Squad - $200 Grant

Indiana Brough – Gold Coast Suns AFL U18 Academy - $200 Grant

Gorga Randell – QLD School Sport U13-U19 State Cricket Championships - $200 Grant

Thriving Communities Grant Winners

Crossroad Arts – Auslan Interpreters - $787 Grant

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival – Travel Subsidy for travelling participants - $1,000 Grant

Phoenix Place – Defibrillator - $1,000 Grant

Mackay Kennel Club – Office Equipment - $500 Grant

YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc – Assist with weekly lunches - $500 Grant

Kalyan Youth Services – First Aid Kits - $500 Grant

Mackay PCYC – Bikes for Bike Education - $500 Grant

Pioneer Potters – Garden Equipment - $500 Grant

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – iPad & Case for Training - $613 Grant

Local Sporting Champions Grant Winner Cody McCall

Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant Winner Indiana Brough. Photos: supplied

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Veterans Golf Report

Bowen Golf News

Tennis Whitsunday

Pickleball Whitsunday

Airlie Beach Parkrun

Wangaratta Bowls

Airlie Bowls Report

Sea Eagles Show Skills in the Wet

Undefeated United Weekend

Gymnastics Spring Boarding To The Very Top In The Whitsundays

Elite Athlete Represents Region In Brisbane

Kids Having A Ball!

VMR News Capsizes and swamping

On the Water

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