Sarina Bowls Club was a sea of colour as 26 teams of mixed triples bowled off in A Day for Dennis, a popular player known as Den Den.

Dennis Maddern sadly passed away the end of 2021. His partner Margaret Rolfe and brother Allan Maddern sponsored the day in memory of Dennis.  

It was a request from Margaret for all to wear bright clothing, as Dennis was known for some very flamboyant outfits.

Strong competition was played, but unfortunately not everyone is a winner. Some great stories were told, and everyone raised a glass in memory of Dennis.

By Rita Hughes

WINNERS: Den Den’s partner Margaret Rolfe, left, and his brother Allan Maddern, centre, with the winning triples team from Pioneer Valley, Neil Grummet, Bob Kinnane and Kristin Muller. Photos: Rita Hughes

SECOND: Margaret Rolfe and Allan Maddern (second and fourth from left) with second placed   Margaret Egerton, Ian Gardner and Peter Blackburn.

THIRD: Margaret Rolfe and Allan Maddern (at left and right) with third placed Brian Adams, Chris and Les Smith.

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It’s not often two brothers are both of NBL basketball quality, but the Mackay meteors have capitalised on this rare opportunity to gain two siblings who are in sync with each other’s plays.

Jaylin Galloway will line up alongside older brother Kyrin in the NBL1 North this season, after the 19-year-old agreed to terms with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for season 2022.

Jaylin brings additional NBL experience to the Meteors roster. The 198cm swingman is in his second season with the Sydney Kings, where he’s been playing alongside another Meteors recruit, Biwali Bayles.

Galloway has appeared in nine contests for the Kings this year, providing spark and energy off the bench. Last month, Galloway travelled to Japan with the Australia Boomers for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Across three games in Okinawa, Jaylin averaged 8-points, including a stellar performance against Chinese Taipei, where he dropped 13-points in 12-minutes, connecting 3-for-6 from downtown.

The FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers wasn’t the first time Galloway has lined up in the green and gold. He also competed for the Australian Emus at last year’s FIBA U19 World Cup and in seven games, averaged 9.6 points and 2 rebounds.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu said he was looking forward to watching Jaylin have a breakout year in the NBL1.

“Jaylin is going to be a real tough cover in our league,” Khalu said.

“He’s long, super athletic and can stretch the floor with his ability to knock down shots from range.

“He’s also aggressive with the way he attacks the rim and that puts a lot of offensive pressure on opposition teams,” Khalu added.

“With his size and speed, Jaylin can also defend multiple positions on the floor too. That’s another part of his game that I really like and why I wanted him in Mackay this season.

“Best of all he’s hungry. He wants to come here and work hard and use it as an opportunity to improve.”

Galloway wants to use the upcoming NBL1 season to take his game to the next level.

“I’m really excited to be playing alongside my brother, Kyrin,” Jaylin said.

“I’m also keen to get more time on court to help me prepare to play a bigger role with the Kings, next NBL season as well.

“In addition to those things, I really want to help Mackay win another NBL1 championship too.”

Jaylin will join his new McDonald’s Mackay Meteors teammates at the conclusion of the NBL season.

Jaylin Galloway will join older brother Kyrin at the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors this NBL1 season. Picture: NBL Media

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More than 2.5 million fish have been released into Mackay freshwater areas by Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Inc. (MAFSA) since 1994, including 59,745 fingerlings stocked in the Pioneer River. Those river fish comprised 57,105 barramundi and 2,370 sooty grunter released at various points.

The remaining 2,460,114 fish have been distributed between Eungella, Kinchant and Teemburra dams and a minor release of barramundi in Plane Creek. The dams need continuous restocking as barramundi in particular will not breed in freshwater, so MAFSA undertakes various fundraising activities to generate funds for the purchase of fingerlings and also to run the Association’s freshwater hatchery operation where sooty grunters are bred by volunteer members.

The INDT 2022 World Sooty Championship at Eungella Dam on 30 April and 1st May is the major fundraiser for the Association during 2022. This event attracts anglers from all over Queensland, interstate competitors, as well as local anglers and is always keenly contested, with anglers vying to become the World Champion.

Anglers wishing to compete in the event can nominate online at https://www.trybooking.com/BWZRH and numbers are limited to 120 anglers.

To date, roughly 50 per cent of nominations have already been filled and the event is expected to be fully subscribed, so early nominations are recommended to avoid disappointment. Tournament shirt order cutoff will be March 28th, don’t miss out. Tournament entry cutoff date for anglers will be April 22nd and anglers are reminded to have a current SIP permit to enter.

MAFSA’s target for this event is to raise $20,000 and all funds raised go directly to improving and expanding Mackay’s fisheries and enhance our growing reputation as the premier freshwater fishing destination in Queensland.

The tournament shirts feature a photograph of Eungella dam by well-known local photographer Lenore Hansen which provides a spectacular backdrop for the shirts. Again, all profits go directly into our local fisheries.

MAFSA Inc is extremely grateful to all sponsors, many of whom are longtime local supporters of the event which is now in its 17th year. Without its many sponsors and support from Mackay Regional Council the event would not be such a resounding success.

With more than 2.5 million fish released, MAFSA Inc has and will continue to live up to the Association’s motto “MAFSA For A Better Fishing Future”

Contributed: Keith Day

Brendan Pollard and Mark Gifford from Casting Cowboys with some quality catches of Eungella Sooties. Images supplied: Casting Cowboys

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Over sixty new and returning local runners turned out on Sunday for the Mackay Road Runners weekly outing, this week in West Mackay.

Sunday morning brought on favourable temperatures and sunny yet breezy conditions, perfect for this time of year.

The West Mackay Whibley’s Wander track saw runners complete 5km or 12km routes.

The scratch start race saw many talented sprinters overcome the tricky grassy blocks start line onto Holland Street and beyond, making great starts to their respective distances.

Rodney Elworthy maintained his terrific form, smashing the 12km course with Matthew Gorrie hot on his tail finishing second 38 seconds behind.  Fast finishing Paul Mackenzie, Mick Vivian, Justin Rule, Toby Rule, Joe Grech, George Hannaford, Luke Leven and Michael Feenaghty rounded out the top ten finishers.  

Alana Knesevic was the fastest female in the 12km with impressive top ten performances from Glynis Forse, Jose Short, Heli Talinurm, Vicki Vickers, Carmel Mahon, Patreana Fenech, Marie Muscat, Abbi Johnson and June Bradley.

Junior runners and good friends Lily Leven and Millie Bishop blazed the 5km course finishing first and second place, with talented veteran runner Judy Zahn rounding out the top three podium places for the females.

Ricky Parker skimmed over the 5km track to take first place in the male division ahead of improving runners Gary Thomas, Ross Connor and Daniel Stampa.

Hosts Julie, Andrew and their family provided a sausage sizzle and refreshments for all to enjoy after the run.

This weekend will see runners traverse the beautiful Eungella National Park, with the event commencing at 8am from the Eungella Chalet.

Picturesque 18km and 5km distances will be on offer, as well as a 2km track for junior runners.

Competitors are reminded that registrations will be taken on the day up to 15 minutes prior to the 8am start time.

A bevy of talented runners take to the paths of West Mackay in the Whibley’s Wander 5km and 12km

Toby Rule (far right) enjoys a clear run early ahead of Rod Elworthy (#78)

Having a great time at the post-run brekky Glynis Forse, Martin Lambert, Greg Dawes, and Carol Dawes

Well pleased with their 5k/12k efforts are Leanne Connor, Ross Connor, Derek Woods, David Isbister and Jose Short. (Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse)

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Squash 52 Mackay hosted the state’s best over-35 squash players at the Queensland Masters Squash Association tournament over the weekend.

Approximately 30 competitors made the trip for the tournament, with people travelling from as far as Brisbane, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, and Mundubbera to take part.

The tournament was held for people 35 years and over and was graded from A to C grades.

Players were guaranteed a minimum of four matches, with successful players progressing to finals.

Local club legend Debbie Smith took out first place in C grade, with Karen Nitz and Kerry Brazier coming second and third.

Another local club stalwart in Michael Agius finished first in B grade, followed by Frank Saunders and Mick Wilson finishing second and third.

Rounding out a huge effort from the locals was Sam Strang coming home with first place in A grade, finishing on top of Trevor Harvey in second place and Joel Thompson in third.

It was also the first major tournament to be held at Squash 52 since new flooring had been laid down on courts 2 and 3, with competitors enjoying the crisp bounce of rubber ball on fresh timber.

The tournament is held as part of a year-long Queensland Masters Squash Association tournament calendar and has become a regular event in Mackay.

“We’ve been hosting for a few years,” said club president Glenn Howarth.

Other tournaments are held in locations such as Toowoomba, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, and Bundaberg, with many players making a road trip out of the calendar.

L-R A Grade winners Trevor Harvey, Sam Strang, and Joel Thompson. Photo supplied: Squash 52

L-R B Grade winners Mick Wilson, Michael Agius, and Frank Saunders. Photo supplied: Squash 52

L-R C Grade winners Karen Nitz, Kerry Brazier, and Debbie Smith. Photo supplied: Squash 52

Players showed off their skills all weekend

Caption 9:Some friendly refreshments were shared throughout the weekend. Photo supplied: Squash 52

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Saturday saw AFL return to Airlie Beach with the 2022 AFLQ Mackay Preseason Carnival hosted by the Whitsunday Sea Eagles at Whitsunday Sports Park.

AFL clubs from across Mackay, Whitsundays, and Townsville put on a show in the competition for the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Preseason Carnival Shields.

Bakers Creek Senior Men took home the Men’s Carnival Shield in a tightly contested Final against the Whitsunday Sea Eagles, eventually coming out winners 28-16.

Both teams won all four of their match ups throughout the day before facing up for the first time in the Final.

Sea Eagles led at half time but couldn’t keep momentum when the more rested Bakers Creek team gained a quick couple of goals towards the end.

Both teams are set to have some great match ups this year with potential for both young sides to make their way to the top.

Senior Women played out for the perpetual Barb Adamson Preseason Carnival Shield with Bakers Creek Senior Women doubling the trophies and outclassing Mackay City Hawks to take a convincing win 34 – 0.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women had a challenging day out with multiple new players seeing their first taste of real game time.

The Carnival provided valued game experience for the local side to move forward and gel as a team in 2022 for the upcoming 2 April Season opener at home. Junior AFL Competition is set to start 23 April in Mackay.

If you are looking to play AFL then come and give it a go, the Whitsunday Sea Eagles train at the AFL oval in Jubilee Pocket Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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At a surprise ceremony on Monday evening, Whitsunday Touch Footballers welcomed a 45-year touch football legend to the rank of their club life members.

Brisbane-born John Weeks was caught off guard by the ceremony which honoured his life-long devotion to the sport and what he said was “overwhelming, touching and surprising.”

A member of the Whitsunday Touch Football Club for more than 10 years, John moved to the Whitsundays with his wife to retire, but only from work as a teacher, not from touch football.

Now 70, John has plied his knowledge of the game as a referee with the club for over a decade, and his accomplishments with the whistle at the club were just some of the few reasons he received the life membership.

His own journey as a touch footballer started at the age of 25 as a young teacher just out of university in Mackay.

From a young, skinny player scoring trys, John went on to organise state carnivals in the 80’s and manage two state North Queensland teams in the Under 15 boys and Under 15 girls – leading them to state championship wins.

John, still a teacher at heart, said those would be personal highlights, but “involvement over the years and seeing school kids come through and achieve great things in the sport” was the true reward.

He has seen the sport evolve from its own humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s favourites, and even in his time at the Whitsunday club, he has seen the sport evolve.

“I think we are really fortunate here; we have some grounds that are up there with the best in Queensland,” John said.

“I’m excited to see where the club will go in the future, because I think the sky’s the limit.”

At the end of his induction ceremony, Whitsunday Touch brought John back on the field for a match in one of the lower division sides, and he proved he still had what it takes, even scoring a try.

“I’m certainly feeling it this morning,” he laughed.

John Weeks, the newest life member of Whitsunday Touch

John put on the boots to have a go after many years away from the playing side of the game

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Wednesday afternoon bowls rolled off with Rick Galea’s team of Mark Mawson lead and Graeme Herd visiting from Atherton.

Formerly from Airlie Beach, the pair were eventual winners on the day, in good company with other winners lead Regina Aquilina , Vicki Spann second and Nik Fernbach.

Wednesday night Business House bowls saw Woolies Allsorts under the guile of skipper Amy Hart with Eric Barnard playing brilliantly with Maureen Barnard and Cathy Russell over Kitties team, led by Aaron DeBrincatt with Josh Christian and Dwayne Gibbs also playing well.

The Tuk Tuks and Hadlow Racing had a thrilling 10 all draw with Juanita Matterson, Elaine Kippen, and Matt Francis all playing well, but it was once again young nine-year-old Mayson McDowall showing Marty Mosely and Nifty Chapman and Daniel McDowall how to play controlled bowls to clinch a draw.

With two rounds left, any team can win with Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team still holding a slender lead.

Sunday social saw Carol Crosbie’s team of Lyn Graham and visiting player from Inglewood Victoria, David Banston, proving too strong for Ladda Purdie’s team of Marjory Hughes and Lu Rogan.

Club singles, pairs, triples and fours are still in progress.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

This week’s Sunday winners Lyn Graham , David Banston and skipper Carol Crosbie

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Results for the week started with Tuesday as S Shearing and P Warren defeated R Stitt and D Wallace.

D Retchless, M Elphinstone, and lead Danvers defeated D Beel, I Wheeler and M Wilson.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were D Beel, R Stitt, I Wheeler against T Bowen, M Elphinstone, and P Tracey. Following them were winners M Wilson, F Duncan beating out S Shearing and G Danvers.

Club Competition is well underway with the men’s fours played out on Sunday.

Round 1  G Read, S Harvey, and J and M Wright defeated  L Land, G Colquhoun, P Hinschen and G Danvers.

B Myers, K Moriarty, K Whitton and A Rolfe beat N Bethel, T Evans, B Beel and J Tierney.

The final in the afternoon resulted in a win for Club Champions G Read, S Harvey, and J and M Wright who defeated B Myers, K Moriarty, K Whitton and  A Rolfe.

Ladies’ competition triples P Tracey (sub), M Elphinstone and I Wheeler defeated I laird, M Arthur and L Danvers.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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On St Patrick’s Day weekend, beer was flowing and darts were flying, and the only question was whose luck was in on the day.

Round three saw the first trophy of the season up for grabs with both Jamie Woods and Andy Peel set to battle it out to become the first ever Champions Champion.

Andy took the first leg of the match, but Jamie replied with 2 legs of his own; in the second session it was all Jamie, taking a 5/1 lead at the next break.

In the third session, Andy again managed to take a leg, but the gap was too big at that stage. Jamie winning the match 7/2, and not only taking the Celtic Cup, but also 2 valuable league points.

Elsewhere we had wins for Aaron Paull 7/2 over Lorraine Woods, Garry Robbie 7/2 over Jayden Lloyd, and Alan Green tasted victory for the first time in the club by defeating Nathan O’Hara 7/1.

Finally we had yet another draw for Steve Patmore, that’s his third in succession, this time it was 6/6 against Kameron Reason, surely his first win is only around the corner.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika BBQ and Bar and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Top LR Andy Peel and Jamie Woods getting ready to do battle, Bottom Jamie Woods with the Celtic Cup

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Some great scores in this weeks' Prawn Run, with the winner Terry Kimpton on a count back over Brad Low, both with scores of 25 points, and Tyson Flavel also had a good round with 22 points.

Saturdays stableford winner Clint Paull finished on 40 points, with Glenn Rees in second on 39, a count back win over Terry Kimpton also with 39 points.

The Whitsunday Transit Nearest the Pin winners were Glenn Rees and Scott Gee.

Sunday's stableford Winner was Tyson Flavel on 21 points, followed by Glenn Scott on 20 points and Glenn Rees on 19.

Next Saturday’s competition is our Monthly Medal sponsored by FLICK pest control and Justyn Durbin.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Justyn Durbin from FLICK

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Wiffle balls, wiffle balls and more wiffle balls were the case on Saturday morning with three courts of action.

Sheridan and Demi played on Saturday morning and again on Thursday afternoon, with every game the girls developing their skills.

Saturday mornings to get their weekly fix of the game, players travel from as far as Bloomsbury and Bowen, with even Gary from Sydney stopping by on Thursday afternoon for a match.

Two top hints for Pickleball: first, watch the ball – that may sound funny, but make sure you’ve got your eyes so peeled for the ball you can count the holes on it.

Second: Play it safe and be consistent, let your opponent make the mistake – focusing on your rallies is the aim of the game.

Are you up for a new sport? Then paddle up at 4:30pm Thursday Afternoons, and 7:00am Saturday Mornings.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

These two can't get enough of pickleball

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Tennis is a social activity and a great way to achieve and maintain your general health for all ages; that's why every Monday afternoon, Jill and Geoff and Paula and Rob, hit the court at 6pm for their weekly fix of fun, friendship and fitness.

Monday afternoon, the father daughter combo of Mark and Molly hit the courts for quality time together, with a fair bit of competitiveness on show as they hit their forehands and backhands with some venom.

The squads this week worked on fitness and consistency - a must for playing tennis -with particular great work to Jade, Xhanbre and Alex, Lucas and Hayden, as well as Sophie.

As per normal, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon social tennis were amazing affairs.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Court hire happiness with Jill and Geoff, Paula and Rob

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Despite the stormy start to the Cannons’ 2022 Club Championships, the event was completed on Wednesday with some awesome racing.  

The championships started last Saturday, but the wet and stormy weather made it difficult for swimming to continue.

Congratulations to Jax Clayworth for setting a record for 25m Butterfly and to Jy Parkinson for setting another record for 100m Backstroke.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson would like to commend all the swimmers who participated in the championships.  

The coaches would also like to thank the Management Committee for organising a very successful Club Championships.

Championship highlights included Ruby Harland, Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Lilli Bond, Jax Clayworth, Taj Murray, Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges and Daniel Saunders in fine form, swimming personal bests in just about all their events.  

Koa Harland swam a 100m IM in 2.38.68 taking a whooping 62.70sec off her previous best time, and Indi and Levi Smith both swam excellent times in their 100m IM.  

The youngest swimmer, Harry Chegwidden, aged four, swam a 25m Freestyle in 51.36sec, and Lochlan Jamieson who rarely swims backstroke, swam 100m Backstroke in 1.28.86 taking 7.29sec off his previous best time.  

Liam Filewood and Alannah Ogilvie swam super times in their 25m Breaststroke, whike Tiana Bell swam excellent times in her 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke each big personal bests.  

Congratulations to Jasper Korosec, Lilla Mewha, Millie Groom, James Davies and  Shailee Mewha for swimming well in longer events than they are use to.  

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam personal bests:  Jasper Korosec, Abi Maher, Lily Maher, Owen Maher, Scarlett Gascoyne, Zane Clayworth, James Davies, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Jacob Bell, Oli Bond, Nelson Malady, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Jy Parkinson, Addie Sanders, Nathan Saunders and Lukas Trevaskis.  

A big thank you to all the wonderful parents, coaches and volunteers for making the Club Championships a huge success.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jacob Bell and Ella Harland at Club Champs

Shailee J, Ruby and Matilda at Club Champs

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This week, 83 enthusiastic people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 14 were first timers.

Cooler weather, persistence and a team of pacers enabled 17 participants to record new personal bests.

Well done to Angus, Jack, Michael, Nyrie, Trent, Carly, Gus, Bronwyn, Scott, Susanne, Kirsty, Dennis, Amanda, Geoff, Josiah, Andy and Lynne.

The event was made possible by 24 fantastic volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Bob Barford, Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Maree Reardon (Run Director), Robyn Corrigan, Sebastian Vinci, Aimee Sulzberger, Karen Maddock, Joshua, Sarah Voigt (Photographer), Nathalie Blomme, Chris Murphy, Neale Scott, Christopher Harvey, Wendy McCall, Karen Jordan, Jillian Karon, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Liv Compton, Laura Oates, Annette Turner and Lynne Oates.

The Whitsunday Running Club provided the pacers.

The volunteer roster is already full for March 26, but no volunteer will be turned away, so send a message to airliebeach@parkrun.com if you’d like to join the team of fabulous volunteers. Saturday is milestone shirt day.

Parkrun reached a milestone of over 20,000 parkruns covering a total distance of 100,335 km.

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.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Parkrun

Sam's pacing supported Susanne to gain a PB

The enormous team of volunteers

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