A Mackay local will lay it all on the line this weekend working as a protection athlete at the final stage of the 2022 PBR Monster Energy Tour Origin Series in Brisbane.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson returned from an eight-year retirement last year and is back on the big stage this Saturday ensuring both rider and bull leave the arena safely.

Retiring after a decorated bullfighting and protection athlete career, Shane said he was at a bull riding event in Townsville recently when the urge to return hit him.

“I got a bit emotional about it because it’s been part of my life for so long and I thought to myself ‘You know what? I think you can still do it,’” he said.

After four months of preparation, Shane had his body ready for action.

The role of a protection athlete is to ensure the riders complete their ride safely and get out of the pen without injury, as does the bull.

He says knowing a bit about cattle and how they operate is a vital part of the role, as well as looking after your body.

“If you’re eating right and feeling good and the body’s feeling good, well, it all should fall together for you,” he said.

Shane started bull riding while working with cattle in the gulf country in the early 90s.

Participating in rodeos and camp drafts on weekends, Shane slowly progressed to bigger and better events until Australian bull riding legend and PBR World Champion Troy Dunn invited him to ride in Australia’s first major bull riding event in Mackay.

“Mackay, to put the first major bull riding event on the map, it was a real honour to do it, being my hometown,” he said.

Bull riding has taken Shane as far as America, Canada, and Mexico, and he says fighting bulls in the world finals in 2008 was his career highlight.

“As any bullfighter that’s on that sort of level, that’s their goal, to be able to fight bulls at the world finals because it’s the most elite stage you can fight on,” he said.

Shane is heading to Brisbane on the weekend, thanks to his sponsor Deftec, for the deciding round of the 2022 PBR Monster Energy Tour Origin Series.

Modelled after the rugby league concept, Queensland and New South Wales are all tied up after rounds in Newcastle and Tamworth.

Shane says both teams are pumped but he’ll be supporting the boys from the sunshine state.

“I’ll be backing the QLD boys because I’m born and bred in Queensland,” he said.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson is heading to Brisbane on Saturday as a protection athlete at the 2022 PBR Monster Energy Tour Origin Series

Brisbane hosts the deciding round of the Origin Series after rounds in Newcastle and Tamworth. Photos: supplied

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One of the youngest contenders at the Queensland Mud Trials Championships also had one of the biggest smiles.

11-year-old Eli Thomsett has a love of building things, which his latest project had been a Honda Civic to have some muddy great fun.

Ripping through sloppy fields and flicking mud as far as the eye could see is all part of the appeal of the annual event held in Sarina, and Eli wanted to take part.

Last year, Eli went to the Mud Trials and was able to help friends of his parents. His mother Nell said from there he was hooked.

“Friends of ours have been racing it since it began and let Eli help out.

“He’s been driving the ride-on mower since he was six and has been driving machinery with his dad around our property any chance he gets,” Nell said.

Eli makes money by selling free range eggs from the family farm and put some of this towards purchasing a Honda Civic from Buy Swap Sell.

“He was hands-on throughout the project. His dad Russell is a mechanic, auto electrician and fitter so this came in handy,” Nell said.

“Eli had to strip out the inside, remove the seats and air conditioning and wires, then had to waterproof the car and motor as much as possible. They installed a roll cage and removed the glass.

“The waterproofing and removing the windscreen were the hardest parts.”

Eli powered to fourth position in his category overall out of five races during the weekend in his first ever mud trials.

Eli says his favourite part was going fast.

“Dad says go faster so I just put my foot to the floor,” he said.

Eli hopes to race again next year and will keep the Honda Civic for a few more races. He’s caught the bug so much that next month he’s already lined up to drive the mud races in Kabra.

“He’s happy to race anything he can,” Nell said.

Eli Thomsett in his transformed Honda Civic. Photos: Nell Thomsett

Shelby and Eli after having muddy great fun at the Queensland Mud Trials Championships in Sarina

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Members are advised that nominations for the ‘8 a side’ competition for all clubs is on the notice board. Teams for this comp comprise four ladies and four men: make up your own team and nominations close shortly.

Nomination sheets for the mixed pairs and fours are up. Pairs games commence on 23rd July, Fours commence 30th July

The two bowl triples winners for 2022 are Ian Beveridge, Dave McKendry and Clint Vassie. Congratulations boys.

On Saturday our division two men’s pennant teams had two wins and best overall score to receive 5 points: Mackay City 1. Division three played Northern Beaches and won both games to receive 5 points and Division four won one and lost one but had best overall score to receive 4: RSL one.

Social Results Week Ending 15 May

Monday winners were Peter Crawford and G. Fakey, with Andrew Coates and Ryan Vigliante second. Lucky draw winners were Trevor Laurens and Doug Dungavell.

Wednesday Ladies winners were Pam Louis, Maryann Bartolo and Bev Svenson. In second place was the team of Cecelia Lee, Ann Smith and Daphne Offield.

Thursday pairs was taken out by Margaret Fogg and Barry Lehmann. Runners up and greens voucher winners were Michelle Stockton, Peter Madden and Barry Jackson.

There will be no Friday games until men’s pennants are over.

Saturday results were not available.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Men’s Third Division team. Back row, Ray Walker, Wayne Trannore, John Stronach John Priest

Front row, Mick Mackenzie, Ken Lane, Ray McCarthy and Peter Miller.

Men’s fourth Division team. Back row, Wayne Mietzel, Andrew Coates, Peter Madden, Marshall Howland.

Front row, Col Carey, Maurie Pearson, Alex Cameron, Vern Mietzel.

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The cream of Queensland’s emerging rugby league and netball talent will be on show when Mackay hosts the 2022 CQUniversity Confraternity and QISSN Carnivals next month.

All roads will lead to the Mackay region when historic St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay host the coveted schools sporting extravaganza - regarded as the biggest of its type in Queensland - from June 26 to July 1.

It will be the first time that St Patrick’s and Mercy Colleges will run both the prestigious QISSRL and QISSN events together.

More than 2000 secondary school athletes from Cairns in the Far North, Mount Isa in the west and Gold Coast in the south will showcase their skills in the rugby league and netball arena in quest of the Confraternity Shield and Netball Championship trophies.

QISSRL Convenor and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry said the city of Mackay was excited to be hosting CONFRO again for the first time since 1996.

“The CQUniversity Confraternity and QISSN Carnivals will bring a huge economic boost to the Mackay community,” Mr McSherry said.

“It is an important annual event on the Queensland sporting calendar and is set to inject some $5 million into the Mackay region.

“Sporting enthusiasts will get the opportunity to watch the State’s best young rugby league prospects and netballers in action throughout the week,” Mr McSherry added.

St Patrick’s College Mackay is steeped with tradition and success in the Confraternity rugby league competition.

Since the event’s conception in 1981, the College has lifted the trophy on eight occasions and unearthed future Kangaroos internationals in prop Martin Bella, wingers Brett Dallas and Wendell Sailor and half back Daly Cherry-Evans.

St Patrick’s brought home the Confraternity Shield in five successive years from 1988 to 1992 before adding another three titles in 2000, 2001 and 2003.

The College has also produced a wealth of talented NRL players in Ben Barba, Paul Tideman, Anthony Bella, Michael Corrie, Butch Fatnowna, Dennis Scott, Robert Bella, John Manning, Nathan Sologinkin, Michael Roberts, Shannon Hegarty, Chris Paterson, Luke Duffy, Mark Christensen, Ashley Alberts, Simon Phillips, Grant Rovelli, Brett Seymour, Danny Williams, Selasi Berdie and Mitchell Dunn over the years.

Fifty-eight QISSRL schools - including 48 boys and ten girls teams - are featured in the rugby league carnival while the Netball championship has attracted 72 QISSN schools comprising 64 girl teams plus eight boys teams.

The CQ University Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball was formed in 2000 with a modest 16 teams and has now grown to a membership of 64 colleges including teams from Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Independent schools from across Queensland.

The richness of CQ University QISSN’s history is evident in its success as an esteemed carnival for secondary school girls and this year was expanded to include eight boys’ teams - a unique step in the development of QISSN.

With over 700 girls and boys playing netball, along with the multitude of volunteers who coach and manage, umpire, co-ordinate, first aid and make up the Executive Staff, QISSN is one of the largest school-based sporting carnivals in Australia.

Contributed by Chris Karas

The QISSN Carnival will arrive at St Patrick’s College and Mercy College host the competition

The CQUniversity Confraternity is going to bring the goods as the school’s host the competition

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A promising batch of St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league colts are set to realise a childhood dream.

Young guns Will Shears, Xavier Kerrisk, Matthew Watts, Liam Doherty, Jason Purdue, Kai Simon and Kayne Smith along with twins Henry Thorpe and Harry Thorpe and Levi Love have secured their immediate sporting futures by signing NRL contracts with the North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders respectively.

The local Mackay Cutters junior products will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s Open XIII at the upcoming CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League Carnival that features the best schoolboy and schoolgirl talent from across Queensland.

All ten prospects are players to watch when the 2022 QISSRL Confraternity Shield kicks off in Mackay on June 26 and runs through to July 1.

St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay will host the prestigious CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN netball events that return to the Mackay region after a 26-year hiatus.

Under the guidance of Mackay Cutters Assistant First Grade coach and Mercy College staff member Michael Comerford, the St Patrick’s Open team are shaping as a force to be reckoned with.

Shears, a dynamic 17-year-old fullback and Capricornia representative, has the class and skills to go a long way and is one of seven St Patrick’s players to ink deals with NRL club North Queensland.

The dashing custodian, who skippered Mercy College to a Year 10 Cowboys Challenge premiership triumph last season, is joined by rising hooker Kerrisk, a crafty number nine and rugged defender who was part of the Emerging Queensland Origin Under 18s squad.

Alongside them will be skilful half back Purdue - who was Player of the Match for Mercy College in their Cowboys Challenge Grand Final win over St Brendans in 2021 and elusive goal kicking centre Simon.

The giant, ball playing prop Watts will feature alongside strong running back rower Doherty and outstanding 16-year-old lock Kayne Smith, who has impressed keen judges with his ball skills, power running and no-nonsense defence.

In tough middle forward Levi Love, utility half Harry Thorpe and his talented twin brother Henry, a smart hooker/lock, the Raiders have snapped up three budding young hopefuls.

Other key St Patrick’s players to keep an eye on include sharp winger Bailey Anderson and robust utility forward Bray Tait.

“Our Open team is very strong this season with a good mix of youth and experience and are keen to do well against the best schoolboy rugby league sides in the State” said Mr Comerford.

“The boys have worked hard in the lead up to this year’s CONFRO and will represent the Mackay region with pride” he added.

With Pool matches against St Peter Claver College Ipswich, Rockhampton Grammar and Iona College Brisbane, the St Patrick’s outfit is banking on a winning start to progress to the finals and hopefully collect a ninth championship title.

St Patrick’s College Mackay has proved a thriving rugby league nursery over the years and has produced a host of NRL top graders and representative stars including future Kangaroos in prop Martin Bella, winger Brett Dallas, dual international winger Wendell Sailor, half back Daly Cherry-Evans and Queensland excitement machine Ben Barba.

The College has recorded eight Confraternity Shield trophy wins to date including five in a row from 1988 to 1992 as well as title victories in 2000, 2001 and 2003.

Several Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members are connected to the Mackay Cutters in the QRL Hostplus Cup including star first grade half back Brandon Finnigan, gun centre Blake Paskins (Mercy College) and quicksilver utility back Jake Riley (St Patrick’s).

Michael Comerford (Mercy} and Chad Buckby (St Patrick’s) are the Cutters’ Assistant First Grade coaches for 2022 while Mercy College’s Ethan Roberts is a valuable utility with the Cutters’ Under 20s team

Contributed by Chris Karas

St Patrick’s have had a slew of players sign professional NRL contracts this year, including players like Xavier Kerrisk

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Mackay Road Runners hosted the 4th Annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in honour of Shawn Claydon, a member who passed away in 2018.

The event, sponsored by Forsyths Accounting Services, incorporated the club’s 10km Club Championship, a race that Shawn won many times throughout his illustrious running career.

Road Runners welcomed Shawn’s family Sharon, Jeff, John, Bonny, Donna, and Mikaela, as well as Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williams to speak of Shawn’s invaluable contribution and legacy in the Mackay community and to start the race.

Shawn’s friend Dr Rachel Bidgood also spoke, delivering insightful and professional advice on pancreatic cancer.

Over 80 runners participated in the 5km and 10km races, with Angus Jacobs and Tahnee Malagueno crossing the line first to be crowned champions of the Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and have their names immortalised on the trophy that hangs in the office of Forsyth Accounting Services.

Lily Levin and Nick Rewald ran the 5km race in blazing times and walked away 5km champions.

Nicole White of Forsyths Accounting Services presented trophies to the winners who took away replica photo frames of the perpetual trophy as their prize.

Random draw raffles were also held to raise money and funds raised from raffles, race nominations, and donations were 100% donated to Pancare Foundation, a charity committed to inspiring hope, raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research for upper gastrointestinal cancers.

L-R Shawn’s cousin Donna, sister Sharon, dad John, and mum Bonny thanked Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson for starting the 4th Annual Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and Mackay Road Runners Club Championship event

Special Guest Speaker Dr Rachel Bidgood with champion veteran runner Judy Zahn

Lily Leven and Nick Rewald claim gold in the Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 5km

The Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield is awarded to Tahnee Malaguena and Angus Jacobs by Forsyths

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Ray has fished me for a long time, but it had been a while since we’d last had the chance to fish together. Hailing from the waters of Tinaroo Dam it’s a big call to come to Peter Faust to fish, but Ray is very familiar with impoundment barra fishing and lives for it.

The fishing had been good in the leadup and the weather forecast for the day was fantastic. So all factors were aligned for a good day, but we didn’t anticipate just how good it was going to be!

The first spot we pulled up on produced a metre plus fish almost right away and Ray got dusted by another in the timber. Then things went a little bit quiet, so I decided to look at a different part of the dam.

Sounding around some likely areas, we started to find fish in good numbers. The sounder screen came alive with a big school so we pulled up and it was on! Double headers were frequent with the fish all quality models over 90 centimetres and the action never really let up.

We bounced around fishing spots in the general proximity for an action-packed afternoon on the water. We released well over 40 barramundi between us.

The recent rain has not had much effect on the water level at the dam with it only rising very slightly but it’s been good to see a return of blue skies and epic sunrises over the last few days.

While the water temperature has dropped slightly, the fishing remains constant and with the warm autumn days it should continue.

Last month the stocking society released close to 6000 sooty grunters in the dam so we’re looking forward to those fellas growing up and adding more variety into a day on the dam.

Contributed with thanks to:

Luke Fallon | Luke Fallon Sport & Game Fishing | www.fishingfaust.com.au

Photos –

Sunset on the dam over the weekend

Ray with a nice barra

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A system of buoys, piles and lights, known as IALA Buoyage System ‘A’, is used to assist safe navi-gation. These are the equivalent of road signs on highways. Each type of mark has a unique combi-nation of colour, shape, topmark and light. You must be able to recognise these and pass them safely on the correct side. Some of the more common ones are listed below.

When going upstream (away from the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on the left hand side (to port), and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on the right-hand side (to starboard).

When going downstream (towards the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on your right-hand side (to starboard) and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on your left-hand side (to port).

Lateral marks

Port and starboard marks are referred to as lateral marks. They indicate the port-hand and star-board-hand sides of navigable waters (channels). When both a port and starboard mark are placed near to each other, travel directly between them. On a pile beacon, look for the shape and colour of the top mark.

Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs. The safe side to pass a lateral mark is generally deter-mined by the direction of travel to or from the sea, or a predetermined local direction of buoyage.

Cardinal marks

A cardinal mark indicates where the deepest and safest water can be found. It may also indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger and to draw attention to a feature in the channel such as a bend or junction.

NORTH Safe water to the north of the cardinal. Topmarks point ‘up’ toward the north for safest water. At night the frequency of the flashes are an uninterrupted quick flash.

SOUTH Safe water to the south of the cardinal. Topmarks both point ‘down’ towards the south for safe water. The frequency of flashes is 6 quick flashes in a group followed by a long flash.

EAST Safe water to the east of the cardinal. Topmarks are in the shape of an egg, so remember the e of egg is for safe water to the east. The frequency of the flashes is 3 quick flashes in a group.

WEST Safe water to the west of the cardinal. Topmarks make the shape of a wine glass so remem-ber the w of wine glass is for safe water to the west. The frequency of the flashes is 9 quick flashes in a group.

Low Rock Reef off Shute Harbour is one of just 2 places in Australia where all cardinal marks are together.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $80., you can join at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday from Whitsunday VMR.

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This week was round 7 of the 19-round Airlie Beach Premier League Darts season, and there were only four matches that took place on Sunday at Mika on Airlie Esplanade.

First up was Andy Peel taking on Seumas Rose.

Before a dart was thrown, both players were neck and neck on the league table, Andy with a slight one-point advantage over Seumas in the current standings.

Andy led the match from the front, winning it 7/1 which leapfrogged him into 3rd place on the ladder sitting nicely on 10pts.

Next up was Aaron Paull against Gary Robbie.

Much like the previous match, Aaron had full control of this game from the get-go, defeating Gary by the same score line 7/1. Aaron is now up into 6th place currently on 6pts.

Nathan O’Hara continued his fine winning streak with another victory over Lorraine Woods by a 7/3 score line. Nathan is now into the top 8 for the first time, and Lorraine is still searching for that first point of the season.

Up last was Joe Wilson against Kameron Reason.

Joe kept his 100 per cent win record intact; one of only three players this season to still have an undefeated record.

Joe dominated the proceedings with a 7/0 win over Kameron.

He hit a 180 in that win which takes him to 4th on the ladder with 8pts. Kameron sits just outside the top 8 currently occupying 10th place on the ladder with 4pts.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Bar and BBQ, and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Thanks for supporting the darts.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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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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