Queensland families have shown overwhelming support for the Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program, with the first round now closed.

The initiative, which provides vouchers valued at up to $200, was designed to ease cost of living pressures while encouraging more young Queenslanders to get active in sport.

The Government has committed $62.5 million each year for four years to fund the program, ensuring families across the state can access financial support for children aged between five and 17 years to join sporting clubs and activities.

The program has been warmly welcomed, with families already putting the vouchers to use. The Government said this reflects a renewed commitment to grassroots sport, after what it described as “10 years of decline under Labor.”

A second round of vouchers will open in January 2026, giving more Queensland families the chance to benefit.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said the strong take-up demonstrates the importance of sport in Queensland communities.

“The strong demand for the first-round highlights how important sport is to Queensland families,” Minister Mander said.

“It’s fantastic to know that more kids will be getting on the court or the field with the help of their Play On! Sports Voucher.

“This program has specifically targeted kids in every town, city and region of the state, and I’m particularly proud that every child with a disability who applied will receive a voucher to get involved in sport.”

For more details about the program and future application rounds, families can visit www.qld.gov.au/playon.

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Why Saunas And Contrast Therapy Boost More Than Muscles

By Michael James – Fitness Industry Professional, Facility Owner & Wellness Coach

In the fitness world, training gets all the attention. Lifting heavier, running faster, pushing harder. But here’s the truth: performance and results don’t come from training alone — they come from recovery. That’s why at Fitness Cartel Mackay, we’ve invested in a state-of-the-art Wellness Centre that puts recovery on equal footing with training.

For athletes, recovery is the difference between progress and plateau. For everyday members, it’s the secret to having more energy, better focus, and a body that feels alive instead of run down. Two of the most powerful recovery methods we’ll offer are traditional saunas and contrast therapy — and the science behind them is remarkable.

The heat advantage – traditional saunas

The use of sauna is nothing new. Ancient cultures have used heat to heal for thousands of years. But modern science has confirmed what they already knew: regular sauna use improves cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, enhances recovery, and even extends lifespan.

Heat exposure increases circulation, helping deliver nutrients and oxygen to tired muscles. It stimulates the release of growth hormone, which is critical for repair. It even boosts mental clarity by increasing endorphins and neurotransmitters like dopamine. For lifters, this means faster recovery between sessions. For anyone chasing wellness, it means stress relief, better sleep, and a calmer mind.

The power of contrast therapy

Now add cold. Contrast therapy — alternating between hot and cold immersion — is a game-changer for resilience and recovery. When you step into cold water, blood vessels constrict, inflammation reduces, and your nervous system gets a powerful reset. Step back into the heat, and blood vessels dilate, pumping fresh blood and nutrients through the body.

This push-pull effect is like interval training for your circulation. It speeds up muscle repair, reduces soreness, and builds a kind of mental toughness that carries into every area of life.

Research even suggests cold exposure boosts immune function and sharpens cognitive performance.

Not just for athletes

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit. Whether you’re a parent juggling family and work, someone getting back into training after time away, or an older adult wanting to feel more energised — the Wellness Centre has something to offer you.

Contrast therapy and sauna are as much about the mind as they are the body. They provide stillness, reset stress levels, and create a sense of renewal that lasts long after the session is over.

Wellness meets performance

At Fitness Cartel Mackay, recovery isn’t an afterthought — it’s built into the foundation of what we do. The Wellness Centre will ensure that whether you train hard, train light, or are simply looking for a space to recharge, you’ll leave feeling stronger, clearer, and more alive.

This is the future of fitness: train hard, recover smart, live better. And soon, Mackay will have it right here at home. https://www.fitnesscartel.com.au/clubs/mackay/

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Northern Beaches Dojo Marks 10 Years Of Strength And Spirit

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The Northern Beaches Shito-Ryu Karate Dojo has celebrated an impressive 10-year milestone, marking a decade of discipline, strength, and community connection.

Operating from the Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia, the dojo runs classes every Tuesday and Thursday evening during school terms, fostering a supportive environment where students of all ages can train and grow together.

Congratulations to everyone involved on reaching this significant milestone.

The Northern Beaches Shito-Ryu Karate Dojo has celebrated 10 years of discipline, strength, and community spirit at its Bucasia training hall. Photo source: Northern Beaches Our Community (Facebook)

Last Wednesday the finals of both the Club Under 70’s Singles and the Club Over 70’s singles finals were held at the club. The Under 70’s singles final was between Cheryle Corbett and Brenda Trannore.

This game was tense but very friendly, with both ladies concentrating on each bowl to the end game of champion bowlers. Brenda Trannore was the eventual winner and this years Unders 70’s Champion. Her other achievements now include: Club Championship Singles Winner and the B grade singles Champion for the club this year. .

The Over 70’s singles game was played between Helen Fleming and Lorna Bowers.

Each end was a lovely display of beautiful bowls, with some very close shots added . The eventual winner was Lorna Bowers. Congratulations to each lady bowler who competed in both these singles games, and indeed throughout the 2025 season.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

Photos:
- Under 70’s Singles winner Brenda Trannore and Runner up Cheryl Corbett

- Over 70’s Singles Runner Up Helen Fleming and Winner Lorna Bowers. Photos supplied

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Fabulous results to the final of the Club Consistency Singles Comp. The game was played on Wednesday 10/9/25 with contestants Cheryle Corbett and Wendy Sonter vying for the win. Congratulations goes to Cheryle Corbett winning by the slimmest of margins. The games was a nail biter to the very last bowl with both ladies playing amazing bowls.

Representing the Mackay District, the North Mackay Ladies Division 1 Pennant team travelled to Emerald on Saturday 20/9, to compete against the Leichhardt District team.

The North Mackay Ladies played amazing bowls to come away as well-deserved winners. The team will now travel to Brisbane to compete at a later date.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

Photos:
L-R Nug Pratt, Marie Duck, Chris Woo, Bev McDonald, Deb Mackenzie, Lorraine Lemke, Lorraine Silman, Lorna Bowers

Consistancy winner Cheryle Corbett

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, recently joined local families and young athletes at Harrup Park to celebrate the latest recipients of the Mackay Sports Foundation grants.

Round 3 of the program marked its biggest round yet, with 28 talented young athletes receiving financial support to help overcome barriers and chase their sporting dreams.

From Irish dancing and athletics to netball, gymnastics, and even horseball, the range of sports represented highlights the depth and diversity of talent in the Mackay region.

Mr Willcox said it was an honour to present certificates to the athletes and hear firsthand the stories behind their sporting journeys.

“It was fantastic to meet these athletes and their families and talk about the extra challenges regional kids face in accessing elite pathways,” he said.

He praised the Mackay Sports Foundation as a shining example of a "by community, for community" initiative, offering vital assistance to young people striving to represent their club, state, and even country.

Mr Willcox also extended his thanks to Harrup Park, the Great Barrier Reef Arena, and Mackay Cricket Chairman Terry Doolan for their continued commitment to grassroots sport and nurturing the next generation of champions.

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For Mackay And District BMX

The 2025 Qld BMX State Championships delivered an action-packed weekend of racing, showcasing the incredible talent, determination, and sportsmanship of riders from across the state.

Over 615 competitors took to the Mackay track over two thrilling days of racing which featured:
Mini Wheelers, Sprockets, Challenge, Masters and Superclass across 20” Inch, Cruiser and Para BMX categories.

Standout performances came from MAD BMX Club local riders, Adelyn Eatwell (11 Girls) Liam Willson (12 Boys) Dylan Secher (14 Boys) Brendan Knight (40-44 Men) Michael Wallin (45-49 Men) and Michael Jameljanenko (50-54 Men) making the most of their home track knowledge and bringing home Q1 Plates in 20” class.

Day two brought even more excitement with local MAD BMX riders putting on a strong show in Cruiser class with Dylan Secher (13-14 Boys) Sherridan Pogmore (40-44 Women) Michael Jameljanenko (50-54 Men) all impressing the home crowd also claiming themself a Q1 Plate. The elite Masters and Superclass categories lit up the weekend with high-speed racing with local favourite Michael Wallin proving too fast, also securing a Q1 Plate in Masters.

Superclass Men

1st Zac Hutton (Bundaberg BMX Club)
2nd Mica Moloney (Cairns BMX Club)
3rd Zac Stoppa (Ashmore BMX Club)

Superclass Women

1st Isabella Schramm (Ashmore BMX Club)
2nd Celeste Barr (Townsville BMX Club)
3rd Kyarnee Young (Pine Rivers BMX Club)

The recently upgraded track provided the perfect stage for thrilling bar to bar racing and plenty of memorable moments.  MAD BMX Club thanks all Riders, Spectators, Sponsors, Volunteers, Aus Cycling, Officials, and Mackay Regional Council Clubs whose efforts made the Championships possible.

Congratulations to every rider who hit the track across the weekend. The State Championships once again highlighted the strength of BMX and celebrates not only the sport but the passion that makes this sport so fun and unique.

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Adelyn Eatwell - Q1 (11 Year Girls - 20")

Liam Wilson Q1 (12 Boys - 20")

Dylan Secher Q1 (14 Boys - 20")

Brendan Knight - Q1 (40-44 Men - 20")

Michael Wallin - Q1 - 45-49 Men 20" and Masters Q1

Michael Jameljanenko - Q1 (50-54 Men - 20")  

Sherridan Pogmore Q1 (40-44 Cruiser Women)

Mini Wheelers

Sprockets and Mini Wheelers - MAD BMX Club

Left to Right:  Mathew Hey (Aus Cycling State Operations Manager) Dale Percy (Auscycling Head of Events) Greg Williamson (Mayor Mackay Regional Council) Brett Wilson (MAD BMX Club Presiden

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Around 30 runners, including Mackay locals and visitors from interstate and overseas, gathered at 7am Sunday for the inaugural ACE (Australian Conveyor Engineering Fenner Dunlop) Eungella 6km and 19km Trail Run. Starting from the Eungella Chalet lawns under perfect conditions, participants enjoyed a scenic and adventurous course through Eungella National Park.

Race Director Tim Magoffin set a light-hearted tone, joking about “drop bear” encounters and recommending Vegemite as protection, while reminding runners of real trail challenges like leeches and “wait-a-while” vines. His efforts in course marking and safety were widely praised.

Organisers thanked ACE Engineering for sponsoring the event and donating random cash prizes. The Mackay-based company, employing over 50 staff and apprentices, has been a local leader in sustainable engineering for more than 20 years.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service also earned thanks for maintaining the trails, which showcased Eungella’s natural beauty. Tony and Tess from the Eungella Chalet were commended for their warm hospitality.

In the 19km race, French runner Leonard Diez claimed victory ahead of Brady Giannangelo and Henry Fernandez. Andrew Wallace was the first Mackay finisher, followed by Stephen Oberg. Trail detours brought light-hearted awards for Jose Short and Alan Zamparutti, while Maddison Dollar and Andrew Short were also standouts.

In the 6km event, Darrin Pullen, Max Miles, and Ashley Miles claimed top spots for Mackay Road Runners, with Kayla Waugh leading the women’s field.

The club’s next social run will be held from Bluewater Quay at 4pm, followed by the Annual Awards Night on 25 October at Goosies.

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Stephen Oberg (front left) and Darrin Pullen (front right) are off and racing in the 6km ACE Engineering Eungella Trail Run.

3197 – Race Director, Tim Magoffin (centre) with some of the very vital volunteers for the ACE Engineering Eungella Trail Run (left to right) Jo Hughes, Julie Whibley, Len Howarth and Paul Tilse.

Alan Zamparutti is ecstatic finishing the 19km (plus a few more kilometres) in the ACE Engineering Eungella Trail Run.

Rockhampton runners, Kristina Joergensen and Angus Campbell enjoy the post run celebrations and mini presentations at the Eungella Chalet’s outdoor dining area.

Max Miles (front left) and Judy Zahn (front right) bolt off the start line in the 6km ACE Engineering Eungella Trail Run. Photos supplied

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TENNIS

Day 1 Winners & Runners-Up

• Open Women’s Singles – Winner: Lexi Tapp, Runner-Up: Sarah Chisholm
• Division 1 Men’s Singles – Winner: Lincoln Gam Lim, Runner-Up: Chris Barbour
• Open Men’s Doubles – Winners: Troy Debondi and Josh Wilson, Runners-Up: James Rogers and Barry Abbott
• Open Women’s Doubles – Winners: Sarah Chisholm and Jess Brass, Runners-Up: Bree Chauntler and Ash Chauntler
• Veterans Men's Doubles – Winners: Craig Bentley and Doug Boss, Runners-Up: Mike Just and Brett Walz

Day 2 Winners & Runners-Up

• 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 - Winner: James Rogers, Runner-Up: Josh Wilson
• 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 – Winners: Troy Debondi and Jess Brass, Runners-Up: Wynn Tapp and Lexi Tapp
• 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 – Winners: Barry Abbott and Ash Chauntler, Runners-Up: Zac George and Debbie Munns

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Mackay Tennis Association celebrated two action-packed days of competition, with standout performances across singles, doubles, and mixed events showcasing local talent. Photo source: Mackay Tennis Association (Facebook)

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SURF LIFESAVING

Mackay SLSC just competed in the State Endurance Championships hosted at Alexandra Headlands SLSC on the Sunshine Coast.  The team finished an impressive 8th out of 36 clubs from around Australia, out classing some of its rival super clubs like Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Northcliffe just to name a few.

The team of 16 travelled to the Sunshine Coast as part of a NQBP sponsored Youth Development Camp hosted at Dicky Beach SLSC. Events ranged from a 2km swim, 4km beach run, 6km board paddle and 6km ski paddle, which certainly tested Mackay’s best surf lifesavers.

“The club is extremely proud of our lifesavers achievements," Said Mr Grant, Director of Surf Sports.

"We have been preparing for this for a number of months now and to see our club take on the best in Australia and achieve at such a high level is something really special.”

“This has been a great experience for all our competitors and it's really good preparation for regional Qld’s biggest surf sports event - the North Australian Titles to be hosted at Harbour Beach, Mackay from the 31st Oct – 2nd November.”

The club took out 1 x Gold Medal, 4 x Silver Medals and 4 x Bronze medals as well as other minor places.

Contributed by Josh Grant

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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Results for week ending Sunday 28 September 2025

North/South East/West
1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Helen Van Den Broek- Jan Harris
2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Jayne Johnstone - Joy Hold
3rd Nancy Martin - Geoff Taylor 3rd Diane Stokes - Edward Kliese

Tuesday Evening 23 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

North/South East/West
1st Eric Goodchild - Noel Bugeia 1st Patricia Garner - Adrian Westcott
2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Tex Sheedy 2nd Janelle Conroy - Joy Hold
3rd Tere Wotherspoon – Frank Roach 3rd Sandra Morris - Diane Morgan

Wednesday 24 September 2025 – 7.5 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st David Ting - Eric Goodchild 1st Noel Bugeia - Janelle Conroy
2nd Sandra Morris - Jan Harris 2nd Tere Wotherspoon - Kathleen Clifford
3rd Susan Wright - Mick King 3rd Gwen Liddell - Anne Lutz
4th Debra Goodchild - Ming Ting

Thursday Evening 25 September2025 – 4 Table Howell (Green Points)

1st Frances Brown - Ann Whitmore 3rd Geoff Taylor - Thelma Caruana
2nd Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 4th Mick King - John Mcgee

Friday 26 September 2025 –6.5 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 1st Christine Nice - Diane Cox
2nd Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 2nd Martin Pearce - Gwen Liddell
3rd Kath Poole - Nancy Martin     3rd David Ting - Ming Ting

Saturday 27 September 2025 – 10.5 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st Janine Rodgers - Nancy Martin 1st Frances Brown - Alan Brown
2nd Ming Ting - David Ting   2nd Debra Goodchild - Eric Goodchild
3rd Joy Robinson - Ken Seaniger 3rd Janelle Conroy - Robert Carless
4th Geoff Taylor - Josie Crowley 4th Martin Pearce - Sandra Morris
5th Errol Morris - Adrian Westcott 5th Vicki Howard - Richard Wix

Sunday 28 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell (Green Points)

North/South East/West
1st Faith Hutchinson - Geoff Cowan   1st Lynne O'neill - Karen Caldwell
2nd Joy Hold - Anne Lutz   2nd Rodney Miles - Sandy Patterson
3rd Janine Rodgers - Jewel Schmidt 3rd John Mcgee - Adrian Westcott

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Some of 2025 beginners who played in this years Novice Pairs Congress. Photo supplied

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It has been a busy fortnight for the Cannonvale Cannons, with swimmers excelling both at home and at a special clinic in Mackay.

On Sunday, a group of National and State Development Squad swimmers took part in an advanced clinic at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Centre, hosted by Barry Prime from Swimming Queensland and Nicholas Smith from the Australian Institute of Sport. The session focused on starts, turns, performance skills and stroke technique, giving swimmers invaluable experience. Congratulations to Ella Bowden, Tora Delac, Andie Reynolds, Jax Clayworth, Thomas Ganter and Zachary Trefz (absent from photo) on being selected to participate.

Back in Cannonvale, Club Night 7 was the biggest yet this season, with more than 50 swimmers taking part. The night began with a team photo shoot in the new club shirts. A big thank you goes to Deb Savy from Tropix for her support and patience with the enthusiastic group of swimmers aged between 5 and 17.

There were plenty of achievements in the pool. Zane Clayworth, Finn Temple, Lennox Wild and Miranda Palmero all picked up upgrades. Liam Filewood claimed two blocks of chocolate—one for a “snap” in the 25m Breaststroke (hitting his time exactly) and another for the biggest PB in the 200m Backstroke. Alex also picked up a snap, while Zach Trefz continued his strong form, breaking his own 13-years 100m Individual Medley record with a time of 1:08.01.

This week’s LiveLife Pharmacy Cannonvale Club Night 8 kept the energy high during the school holidays with another strong turnout. Airlie Mladenovski and Ruby Harland earned upgrades, and while the chocolate award winners were absent, they can look forward to a sweet surprise next week.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

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Liam Filewood with his Chocolate Award
National and State Development Squad
Zane Clayworth

Photos supplied

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Game On As Whitsunday Light Tackle Tournament Returns

Anglers are preparing to chase some of the ocean’s most exciting sport fish at the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Annual Light Tackle Tournament, running October 16–19 at the Marine Club, Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale.

Airlie Beach Tackle World and Daiwa have signed on as naming rights sponsors for the next three years, following nearly a decade of support from Ben Doolan Builders. The club thanked all three for their generosity.

Competitors must be financial members of a Game Fish Club affiliated with the GFAA. Teams of two to five anglers will fish with 10kg monofilament line only, vying for trophies and prizes in Men’s, Ladies, Junior (11–16 years) and Smallfry (5–11 years) categories.

Presentations will take place at the dinner on Sunday, October 19.

The action begins with a compulsory skipper’s briefing on Thursday, October 15 at 6pm, followed by the popular Calcutta auction.

Nominations are capped at 35 boats and are filling quickly via www.whitsundaygfc.com.au.

The tournament has earned a reputation as one of Queensland’s best. Last year, 172 game fish were tagged and released, including 69 sailfish, 66 tuna and five juvenile black marlin, alongside other species. Organisers are expecting another busy three days on the water.

The club continues to encourage families and juniors to take part, with women and kids achieving impressive results. A new juniors program will be announced soon.

With strong sponsorship and community support, the Whitsunday Light Tackle Tournament looks set for another successful year.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

Local Sailfish action. Photos supplied

Rugby Union

The Whitsundays will once again come alive with rugby spirit as the Viking Cup 10s Carnival returns in 2025, welcoming a record-breaking 52 teams from across Queensland. The two-day festival of rugby, taking place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 October at Whitsunday Sportspark, is set to be the region’s biggest celebration of junior rugby yet.

Hosted by Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, the Viking Cup 10s has grown into one of Queensland’s premier junior rugby carnivals, attracting boys and girls aged 4–17. The action-packed weekend will showcase fast, skilful and inclusive rugby, with players, coaches and families travelling from far and wide to be part of the experience.

Families and supporters will also enjoy the hospitality of the brand-new Club Whitsunday, where all profits are reinvested back into local sporting clubs, helping to strengthen the region’s community sporting landscape.

Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union President, Tim Oberg, said the carnival’s growth highlights the appetite for community-based sport.

“The Viking Cup has always been about more than just rugby. It’s about bringing people together, showcasing our region, and giving kids an unforgettable experience on and off the field. To see a record 52 teams entering this year is incredible. We’re excited for the future of the carnival and the role it plays in strengthening grassroots rugby.”

The Viking Cup is proudly supported by local businesses, volunteers, and the wider Whitsunday community, whose combined efforts ensure the event continues to thrive and inspire the next generation of players.

For more information, visit wjru.club or follow Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union on Facebook.

WHAT: Viking Cup 10s Rugby Carnival
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Friday 3 & Saturday 4 October 2025

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The Viking Cup 10s Carnival last year. Photo supplied

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It was a week of strong performances and historic moments at Proserpine Golf Club, with competitions across all grades producing impressive results.

It was another busy week at Proserpine Golf Club, with plenty of impressive performances and a historic Hole-in-One.

On Tuesday, the PGC Vets hosted Pioneer Valley in the final Croker Shield game for 2025. Pioneer Valley claimed the trophy by 23 points, meaning a strong comeback is on the cards for PGC in 2026.
In ladies’ play, Heather Luvis made history with a Hole-in-One on the 9th hole and also won the day, while the PGC women took seven of the top nine spots. Herman Van Uitert led the men, with PGC players filling nine of the top 14 positions.

Wednesday’s stableford winners were Sidonie Fleet (ladies, 38 points) and Tommy Gallagher (men, 33 points), with notable NTPs including Toni Clauss and Anna Winterbourn.

Thursday saw Craig McLean (A Grade, 38 points) and Steve Mitchell (B Grade, 40 points) claim top honours, while Friday’s 9-hole run was won by Elise Hodgson, and Fay claimed $100 in the Putt for Cash competition.

Saturday’s stableford saw Peter Faust (A Grade) and John Roser (B Grade) victorious, with Toni Clauss winning the ladies’ event in a countback over Heather Luvis. Sunday’s stableford winners were Jason Bourke (men) and Paula McQuat (ladies), rounding off a week of strong performances across the club.

Full results are available on Golflink.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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