Played every Thursday at 4.30pm and every Saturday morning at 7am, Pickleball is not just about playing the game it is about making new friends and this was the case on both sessions this week.

On Thursday afternoon new picklers Jocelyn and Darren joined in with our regular players Kate and Stuart for an avid game of mixed doubles. New man Darren was thumping the wiffle ball back.

On the adjoining court a ladies’ doubles with new picklers Sheridan and Demi and regulars Yoko and Robyn was exciting to watch.

Saturday morning Sienna took time out from coaching tennis to pick up a paddle and have a game with Sandy, Kaz and Paula.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Star picklers this week

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Tennis Whitsunday was chomping at the bit this week to be out on court and to do this we danced among the raindrops.

A special mention of Felix and his Nanna Lib, who worked together on Felix's racquet and catching skills. Tennis is such a unique sport for bringing family of different generations together and enjoying quality time.

Tuesday and Thursday afternoon training team and the Wednesday 4pm and 5pm squads are constantly working on their rallying skills.

Thursday night social tennis was a stunner with Val keeping the guys on their toes.

On Friday afternoon Helen, Tanja, Raylene and Tracy worked with determined energy on their tennis rallying.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

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On Saturday 72 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 15 were first timers in Airlie Beach and 4 recorded new Personal Bests - well done Annette, Tamika, Caitlin and Hamish.

Congratulations to Wade Whincop for completing his 100th parkrun and Maree Reardon on completing 25 volunteers as Run Director.

The event was made possible by 15 wonderful volunteers: Tim Oberg, Bob Barford, Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Maree Reardon (Run Director), Robyn Corrigan, Andrea Farley (Photographer), Rebecca Hadley, Nathalie Bloome, Darlene Reid, Susanne Willmott, Nyrie Atkin, Laura Oates, Aiden (Photographer) and Annette Turner.

This Saturday, 26th February, is the ‘Tropical 300’, a celebration of the 300th event at Airlie Beach parkrun. There’ll be a mocktail for all finishers and complimentary tropical juice at the post event celebrations at My Rainbow Bakery and Café. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Wanting to improve your fitness? On Saturday the 19th March the Whitsunday Running Club will offer pacing for 22:30, 25:00, 27:30, 30:00, 32:50, 35:00, 37:50 and 40:00 minutes. They aim to hold a pacing event every month over the cooler months. It’s a great chance to work towards a Personal Best.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Marshals Nyrie and Robyn

Wade completing his 100th parkrun

Parkrunners enjoying the downhill section

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Despite the wet weather and flooding, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted a successful distance Club Night on Wednesday. Club Coach, Mark Erickson presented Don Algie and Taj Murray with Chocolate Awards for the best PBs.  

Erickson also presented Upgrade Certificates to Jasper Korosec, Nelson Malady, Declan Dichiera and Liam Filewood. Nelson’s mother Natasha Daniels made an awesome birthday cake for Nelson and all swimmers and their families enjoyed celebrating Nelson’s 10th birthday.  

Highlights from Club Night include: Young gun, Eloise Chegwidden, who is only 6 years, setting a new Club Record for 100m Freestyle in 1.54.91. Birthday boy, Nelson Malady set a new record for the 800m Freestyle in 13.06.23. Jy Parkinson, aged 16 years set new records for the 400m Freestyle in 4.26.41 and 400m IM in 5.02.15.  

Thomas Ganter swam massive PBs of over 20 seconds in his 200m Freestyle and 200m Breaststroke.  

Lukas Trevaskis swam a fantastic 200m IM in 3.13.55 which was a 17.02 second PB. Don Algie, aged 8 years, swam a 12.62 second PB in his 200m Freestyle.

Jacob Bell, aged 15 years, swam extremely well in his 800m Freestyle to earn a 10.31 second PB.  Declan Dichiera swam super times in his 100m Freestyle (1.44.40) and 100m Backstroke (1.54.06), both were personal best times.  

Sophie Fletcher, aged 10 years, swam an excellent 200m Freestyle in 3.23.58 which was a 7.74 second PB.  

Well done to all the other swimmers who swam a PB time on Wednesday: Jax Clayworth (100m Butterfly), Zane Clayworth (25m Backstroke), Maeve Dichiera (25m Backstroke), Remy Hedges (200m Butterfly), Lochlan Jamieson (200m Breaststroke), Taj Murray (200m Backstroke and 200m IM), Jy Parkinson (400m IM), Addie Sanders (50m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke) and Charlotte Trevaskis (50m Backstroke).  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Declan Dichiera, receiving his Upgrade Certificate

Nelson Malady’s birthday

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The club championships are now well underway with the early rounds of men’s singles, pairs and fours over. This weekend 19th- 20th is the club’s major annual event, the Bushman’s Bakery ‘Under The Shed’ $12,000 competition, so there will be no social play. A Calcutta will be held tonight, Friday 18th.

Social Bowls Week Ending 13 February

Monday mixed pairs winners were Eric Galletly and Peter Cowling followed by Brenda Trannore and Narell Schmidtke. Dave Evans and Graham Moore won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Sue Hazledine, Lurline Ford and Carmel Bell followed by Therese Russell, Jean Zamparutti and Sheryl Cuttriss.

Thursday mixed pairs was taken out by Darren Addie and Darrell Kane. In second spot were Barry Lehmann and Marg Fogg. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs winners were visitor Bob Menzies and Wazza Corbett with Ron Bowers and Bert Hobbs runners up. The kitty toucher did not go off.

Saturday men’s day was won by A. Cooney and Wayne Mietzel with Maurie Pearson, Alex Cameron and Vern Mietzel coming second. The jackpot goes up as it was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Don and Anne Peet are popular bowlers at Goosies

Val DePinto is a regular Monday player

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A genuine who’s who of rugby league talent took to the Mackay Junior Rugby League Grounds last weekend in a return to the pitch for a star-studded International Legends of League exhibition match.

Mackay hosted the two sides, the Australian Team Of NRL Legends and the Mackay All Stars, featuring some of the region’s greatest footballers in the game.

Picks of the bunch for football greats making appearances were nine former Cowboys who made the grade including: Matt Bowen, Ben Hannant, Brent Tate, Noel Goldthorpe, Reggie Cressbrook, Kevin Campion, and Brenton Bowen lining up for the Australian side.

With 12 international caps to his name, Darren Smith pulled on the kit once again, too – there was absolutely no shortage of gold star talent.

In particular, Craig Teevan, former maroon captain, Bronco, Sea Eagle, Shark and Charger, took up a familiar spot at hooker, as well as half back, and rolled back the years alongside some old friends.

The competition has held over 62 games since its inception, hosting them across Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, bringing the love for league to communities across the country as well as outside Australia, with games even hosted in Papua New Guinea.

The charity game in Mackay was no different to its predecessors, hosting an excellent array of talent, as well as a great turnout from the Mackay locals.

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With swells at Mackay’s Harbour Beach being a consistent 0.5m to a massive 4m over the last few months, competitors are ready to take on the big surf action at this year’s State Titles in a few weeks.

Mackay SLSC lifesavers have been intensely preparing for the youth, seniors and masters state championships to be held on the Sunshine Coast at Alexandra Headlands.

“We were extremely proud of all of our competitors results at the Branch Championships at the end of last year, we only had a very short break over Christmas and then our competitors have been hitting the pool, our club gym and the surf to prepare themselves to take on the best of the best in the state,” Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant, said.

“We had five of our nippers selected for the North Barrier Branch Team, our state champion boat crew from last year the “box bellies” are heading back as well as our head coach Greg Born and his daughter Kate to compete individually in the senior category.”

“Over the last month at training we have encountered some really big surf, some of the biggest I have seen for a while, which has been fantastic preparation to take on the conditions we will face at states.  Whether our competitors only make the heats, or a final, the most reassuring thing I see in them all is that they are confident, can handle big surf, and absolutely love what they are doing in tough conditions.”

Good luck to our lifesavers at State’s!

Recent Medal presentation at Nippers from the Sunday afternoon session at Branch Titles which saw MSLSC take home an impressive 28 Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze medals

Mackay SLSC Nippers selected for the Branch Team at a training camp hosted in Bowen recently

U11 Rising star, Jo “Jingle Bells” Madden, aptly named because when he walks around he jingles

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Approximately 70 runners started their 2022 campaign with the Mackay Road Runners official season opener taking place at the Gooseponds Circuit in North Mackay over the weekend.

Mackay Road Runners Vice President, Vicki Vickers, welcomed runners and supporters to the event with Club Patron Colin Meng officially opening the 2022 season with the cutting of the ribbon.

Colin entered his 16th year of service to the Mackay Road Runners after once again accepting the invitation to fill the role of Club Patron.

Both shared some informative and inspiring words before the eager runners embarked on the course.

Runners had the choice of a 4.9km route or a slightly longer 6.9km route around the scenic Gooseponds wetland lagoon.

After several steamy off-season events over the summer, runners welcomed slightly cooler conditions thanks to scattered showers throughout the morning.

Participants enjoyed some refreshments and engaged in pleasantries after the picturesque Sunday morning run.

Many Mackay Road Runners have been taking their skills further afield, finding success in out-of-town events such as triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons.

Local Road Runners Charlie Bone and his daughter Sarah Jensen will be participating in a half marathon at Point Ferry, Victoria, this weekend to raise money for their friend suffering from Huntington’s Disease.

Charlie and Sarah will join a group of twenty runners participating for the cause.

The Mackay Road Runners’ next meet will take place this Sunday at Wallman’s Road Parkland, Rural View, kicking off at 6:30am.

The start and finish locations of the regular Rural View event have been changed out of respect to the residents of the old location.

Runners will compete in both 5km and 10km distances.

Participants are reminded to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the 6:30am gun time.

Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, Colin Meng, and Vice President, Vicki Vickers, get the 2022 season underway with the cutting of the ribbon

Approximately 70 runners embark on the first official run of the season at the Gooseponds circuit

Emma Johnson, June Bradley, and Alan Zamparutti enjoy the cool Sunday conditions Photos Supplied: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

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What was meant to be Mackay’s first bite of Suncorp Super Netball left fans with a disappointed taste in their mouth, after more than a dozen members of the Queensland Firebirds came down with the spicy cough.

The players and staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 had to complete mandatory isolation as per government guidelines.

Mackay was set to host the pre-season double header last Thursday and Friday night but will instead have the Firebirds visit on March 10 and 11.

General Manager of Queensland Firebirds, Demelza Fellowes, said the tough call was made with the health and safety of players, staff and Mackay community the priority.

“We tried everything we could to keep things on track, however, we have succumbed to the mini-outbreak,” Fellowes revealed.

“Our coach Megan (Anderson) and the squad have been working super hard and they were really excited to hit the court in Mackay and meet our purple family up there.

“However, it’s fantastic that Mackay Council, the Mackay Basketball Stadium and Mackay Netball are able to pivot and host us in March.

The Firebirds wish to thank Collingwood for their understanding of the situation and are now in discussions with other teams to feature at the event next month as Collingwood is unable to travel due to scheduling.

Fellowes encouraged fans to also pivot their plans and join the team in March.

“The people of Mackay deserve the Firebirds at full-strength, we don’t want to do this trip half-hearted, especially not when it’s Mackay’s first taste of Super Netball,” she said.

“We’ll be just a couple of weeks out from round one when we return, so the team will be sharp and delighted to put on a show for the region.

“We’re really sorry to disrupt people’s plans and we look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.”

The club is now in the process of managing the ticketing process, with the option being to transfer the tickets to the rescheduled events next month including matches and clinics.

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Sarina’s oldest lawn bowler Kenneth Willan passed away on Monday, January 31 at the age of 97.

He was known by all as Ken and right up to Australia Day January 26, four days before he passed, was still a regular bowler seen bowling at least twice a week.

Ken joined the Sarina Bowls Club in 1979 and was always an active member.

He had been men’s president, and with his wife Betty they were the club’s patrons for many years.

Betty has said she will continue to be the club’s patron even though she herself doesn’t bowl any more, but Betty still loves to come and watch some games.

Ken was also known for his hobby of wood turning and loved making toys such as fire engines, tractors and trucks. Many Sarina bowls members have at some time been lucky enough to win one of Ken’s toys.

About 100 paid their respects to Ken at a pleasant afternoon for all to come and mix and remember Ken at the Sarina Bowls Club.

By Rita Hughes

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Local swimmers did the Mackay region proud, representing the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club at the 2022 RMHC Queensland Sprint Championships in Brisbane over the weekend.

It was the first state meet for many competitors allowing them to show their skills on the state stage.

All swimmers gave it their all, with many Cyclones walking away with personal bests, ribbons, and medals.

Kaiden Neilson was the star of the weekend, achieving Queensland Champion for bringing home a gold medal and three silvers.

Ruby Boxall, Mackenzie Neilson, and Jarek Taylor also achieved top five placings over the weekend.

Club coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier was elated with the team’s efforts and camaraderie.

“The entire team achieved amazing results with our first ever attendees soaking up the experience,” Leigh-Anne said.

“The team atmosphere stepped up even higher with the pure adrenaline and excitement of attending and cheering on their teammates.

“It makes you very proud as a coach and as a parent to see the athletes or your child enjoy the sport, laughing, smiling with a positive experience and having loads of fun along the way.”

The Cyclones’ next outing will take place right here in Mackay, with the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre to host the North Queensland Championships in March.

The Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club found success at the Queensland Sprint Championships over the weekend

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After rain forced the rescheduling of Mackay Cycling Club’s track championships three times, the eventual winners were crowned on a Monday night at Walkerston’s velodrome just under a fortnight ago.

The future of the sport is strong in Mackay, with a large number of juniors keen to strap on their helmets and race around the bitumen track at speed, with many of them transforming from timid to tenacious in mere weeks of competition.

The championships are run in age groups and consist of individually timed events. The flying 200m is a sprint event for the fast and furious, while the individual time trial suits well-rounded riders who have both sprint and endurance qualities.

Hamish Wright was the fastest overall in the flying 200m, taking the championship title in the M3 masters category. An up-and-coming junior to watch is 8-year-old Scott Bennett, who was the fastest junior overall in the flying 200m.

RESULTS

Eli Thomsett (10-year-boys) 1st flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Jack Bennett (9-year-boys) 1st flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Scott Bennett (8-year-boys) 1st flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Oaklan Marwood (7-year-boys) 1st flying 200m, 2nd 400m time trial.

Rowdy Brennan (7-year-boys) 2nd flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Alexia Single (10-year-girls) 1st flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Adele Single (9-year-girls) 1st flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Millie Thomsett (7-year-girls) 1st flying 200m, 1st 400m time trial.

Seniors

Kyle Marwood (Masters M2 and Elite Men) 1st flying 200m, 1st 1km time trial.

Hamish Wright (Masters M3) 1st flying 200m, 1st 750m time trial.

Greg Shaw (Masters M4) 1st flying 200m, 1st 750m time trial.

Shaun Brennen (Masters M4) 2nd flying 200m, 3rd 750m time trial.

Geoffrey Bennett (Masters M4) 3rd flying 200m, 2nd 750m time trial.

Shane Edwards (Masters M5) 1st flying 200m, 1st 750m time trial.

1: Hamish Wright

2: Kyle Marwood

3: Greg Shaw

4: Shane Edwards

5: Millie Thomsett

6: Oaklan Marwood

7: Alexia Single

8: Scott Bennett

9: Rowdy Brennan. Photo credits: Amanda Wright

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The Oceania Athletics Championships, which is the pinnacle event within the Oceania Area for Athletics, will see the best track and field athletes head to Mackay from the 7th until 11th of June.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said having Mackay as the host city in 2022 was an amazing opportunity and a testament to the world-class nature of the Mackay ARC (Aquatic and Recreation Complex).

He said Mackay Regional Council, through its Events Attraction Program, had worked hard to secure the event, which was expected to generate 11,725 bed nights and result in a $2.5 million dollar stimulus to the region.

“To be able to boast facilities that put us on an even playing field with the capital cities of the Oceania region is a huge coup for Mackay,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes from across the Pacific and hope they take the time to enjoy some of our region’s must-do activities – like see a platypus at Eungella, meet the Cape Hillsborough wallabies on the beach at sunrise or simply enjoy a meal in our City Centre,” he said.

The 2022 edition of the Championships aims to maximise and highlight athletes’ performances in a sustainable way.  

The Championships will take a new and exciting format and will be the first Area Championships to be inclusive of all age groups and abilities.

The Senior, U20 and U18 Championships will take place in their traditional format, with the Area Championships in 2022 an important stepping stone for athletes wanting to compete at World Championships, both in Eugene (Senior) and Cali (Under 20) later in the year. For the Senior Champions, it would mean an automatic qualification to the World Championships in 2022, provided they are selected by their Federation.

The introduction of an Under 16 competition, into the Area Championships, is seen as an exciting development for Oceania Athletics. With school athletics being so strong throughout the region, with competitions such as the Coke Games, Colgate Games, Australian All Schools to name a few, seen as significant within their own Member Federations. The U16 competition will take the format of Teams Competition, with teams able to enter through, Clubs or Schools, Regions, States or Member Federations.

Oceania Athletics has always had a strong relationship with Masters Athletics, and the introduction of a full range of master’s events to be contested, will be a first for Oceania Athletics and the Oceania Masters Athletics Association.  The event will also play host to the Queensland Masters Athletics Championships.

To be an all-inclusive event, Oceania Athletics has led the way with the introduction of Para-Events within the Area Championships program. For the first time, a full program of events will be offered throughout the Championships. Without a World Para Championships occurring in 2022, the Oceania Championships will serve as an important stepping stone in the lead up to Paris 2024.

Oceania Athletics President, Robin Sapong-Eugenio, is looking forward to the Championships in Mackay.

“Mackay has proven itself to host major sporting events, including athletics competitions, over the past few years, and we are pleased to be working with the Mackay Regional Council as the major partner and sponsor of the Championships,” Sapong-Eugenio said.

“With Covid affecting travel throughout the region over the past 2 years, this will be the first opportunity that the Oceania Family will be together in the flesh since 2019.”

“The Championships is going to be the most inclusive that Oceania Athletics has ever held, with athletes of all ages and abilities heading to Mackay to compete.”

“We can’t wait to see everyone in Mackay for the Oceania Area Athletics Championships.”

This will be the 7th time the Oceania Athletics Championships has been hosted in North Queensland, and the first time in Mackay.  

The Mackay facility, built in 2019, hosted the 2019 Oceania Masters Athletics Championships, and has gone on to host the 2020 North Queensland Championships. The facility was a beneficiary of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with most of their equipment received from the Games.

Mackay becomes the 6th City to host both the Oceania Masters and the Oceania Championships, joining Suva, Townsville, Papeete, Apia, and Christchurch.

Williamson and Athletics North Queensland Dayne O’Hara are excited to welcome athletes from across Oceania to Mackay in June. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Mackay masters athletes Catherine Hoare (second left) and Amanda Wright (centre) represented Australia in the 2019 Masters Oceania Championships held in Mackay. They were joined on the podium in the weight throw by athletes from Great Britain and New Caledonia

Mackay masters athlete Les-Lee Reid (centre) brought home a number of medals for Australia in the 2019 Oceania Masters Athletics Championships

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Whitsunday Golf Monthly Medal was held Sunday with a field of 21 players.

Jason Bourke won the Men’s A Grade followed by runner up Wayne Temby. Longest Drive went to Clay Coles.

Men’s B Grade winner was Don Cameron with runner up Wilf Herweg and Longest Drive to Mark McDougall and Pin shot to Dean Kercher.

Ladies’ A grade winner was Tiina Randmae and runner up Anna Winterbourn, longest drive went to Penny Wardroper nearest the pin was claimed by Anna Winterbourne.

Ladies’ B grade was won by Vicki Tuck, runner up was Pam Casey and longest drive went to Joanne Moynihan, nearest the pin Vicki Tuck.

Thank you to Airlie Panel and Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday for sponsorship of the Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

Ladies’ A grade winner Tiina Randmae

Men’s A Grade Jason Bourke

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The winners on the day were Mandy Patterson, after an extended layoff, with 79 on a countback from Elspeth Scotford.  

The men’s winner was Gary Scotford, the Scotford’s cleaning up again, followed by Frank Mahoney on 77.

Pin shots went to Mandy and Leanne Alexander in the hole on 9 - Mandy on 18 and 12, Rehab Hull on 1, Peter Fox on 1, Trevor Paroz on 18 and Warren Deighton on 9.

Chip-ins went to Nick Apruzzese and Mandy rounding off a great game.

Gary Scotford and Mandy Patterson

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