On Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun celebrated its ‘Tropical 300’ after reaching the milestone of three centuries worth of park runs, covering a total distance of 99,300 km.

A suitably humid day greeted the 78 tropical participants who ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course.

Twelve competitors joined for their first time and seven recorded new personal bests, including Whitsunday Life Newspapers Mikel McCann, who bested his own previous outing.

More milestones were in store, with Susanne Willmott completing her 25th as a volunteer and Ashley Gerrard completing her 50th as a volunteer.

The club was proud that its volunteer team included three boys under 18 years – the future is looking bright.

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.

Next weekend, the Airlie Beach parkrun will be celebrating International Women’s Day, everyone is encouraged to wear purple and bring a female friend, colleague or relative.

On March 19, the Whitsunday Running Club will be offering pacing for 22:30, 25:00, 27:30, 30:00, 32:50, 35:00, 37:50 and 40:00 minutes for those looking to improve their fitness.

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.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last.

Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

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

Further photos can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Kara Olver

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Cannonvale Cannon swimmer Jy Parkinson is having the swim season of a lifetime, setting numerous club records, and qualifying for both Queensland and now the Australian Age Championships which are to be held in Adelaide in April.  

Based on his performances over the past 12 months, Jy has been selected for the Swimming Queensland Talent Identification Squad.  

On the weekend, Jy and his coach, Mark Erickson attended the Talent Identification Camp in Brisbane.

Jy, alongside friend Thomas Henderson from Mackay participated in swim test sets with other top swimmers from Queensland.  

They were also keen participants in sessions led by Head Queensland Coaches, Brant Best and Drew McGregor, which involving physiotherapy , strength and conditioning, stretching and activation, and swim sets.

Jack McLoughlin, one of Australia’s top swimmers who competed in Tokyo Olympic Games, was a guest presenter at the camp.

Mark and Jy said they thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, especially the opportunity to network with other coaches and swimmers.  

Jy’s big week didn’t end there, as the young star was notified that he was selected to be the Male SNQ Regional Captain for the 2022-23 season.  

The Cannonvale Cannons would like to commend Jy on his outstanding achievements and would like to congratulate him in his new role as SNQ Captain.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jy Parkinson and Thomas Henderson

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On Saturday five Whitsunday Adult Swimmers competed in the North Mackay Sinkers’ Swimming Carnival.  

The Whitsunday team consisting of Andrea Mitchell, Cheryl West, Kay Corksie, Lola Fisher and Natalie Card thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon of swimming.

Unfortunately, Di O’Donnell and Julie Mitchell couldn’t participate this year due to injuries but assisted with timekeeping.  

The squad particularly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with ex-Whitsunday member, Margaret Cunningham, who is now 96.  

Margaret was a member of the Whitsunday Club for over 20 years before moving to Mackay to be close to her daughter.  

Aside from the opportunity to catch with Whitsunday swimming royalty, the Whitsunday team aqcuited themselves more than well, coming in second overall at the carnival.  

Whitsunday representative Kay Corskie, 76, swam exceptionally to win all her events and her age group in one of the highlights of the event.

New club member Natalie Card was very pleased with her times on the day, swimming personal best times in almost all her events.

Natalie’s best swims included her 25m Freestyle, completed in 17.87 seconds, and her 25m Breaststroke, which she swam in 22.71 seconds.  

Natalie also claimed the victory in her age groups, playing an integral part in the second place finish for the Whitsunday Club.

Lola Fisher, 53, was another strong competitor, swimming top placings in all her events, with two of her best swims the 25m Backstroke in 27.62 - a first place finish - and her 100m IM which she swam a 9 second PB.  

Andrea Mitchell, 62, swam an extraordinary carnival, with one of her best events the 50 metre Backstroke, which she swam in a first place claiming 54.28 seconds.

Cheryl West, 71, smashed all her times, setting PBs in every one of her events.  

One of her best achievements was swimming 25-metre Butterfly without stopping in a time of 34.75 seconds.  

Whitsunday Adult Swimmers extended its congratulations to all the swimmers!  

The Whitsunday Adult swimmers train on a Sunday from 8:00am in Proserpine, with new faces always welcome.

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The Wednesday competition teed off with a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Ladies’ winner on the day was Debbie Breeze 41 points, with runner-up Gayle Bynes 39 points.  

The Men’s winner was Graham Seaborne 39 points, and runner up on a countback was Graeme Baker 38 points.

The weekend saw Saturday’s single stableford Men’s Winner Glenn Wright top the charts with 39 points, and runner up Mick Mawson, and Turkeys’ nests Brenden Wells, Ezra Miller.  

Nearest the pin was Michael Mawson, and Craig Newell claimed a car wash voucher, part of the prizes for the sponsored event.

Ladies’ winner Morag Parker finished with a cool 38 points, and runner up on countback was Penny Stewart 37 points.

The Turkeys nests Pauline Martin, Tanya Gaudry, Paulette Barrette, and nearest the pin was Penny Stewart

This coming weekend signals the start of the Bowen Golfing season with a 4BBB Medley Stableford sponsored by Bowen Small Motors.

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A single Stableford was held Sunday on a wet and challenging course, with 23 Players taking to the fairways for Whitsunday Social Golf.

The weekend wins were claimed in Men’s A grade by Jason Bourke, with runner up Clay Coles; Men’s B Grade winner Brendon Meharry was followed closely by runner up Mark McDougall.

In the Ladies’ A grade, Tiina Randmae took the crown, with runner up Jacquie Wall, and Ladies’ B Grade was contested between winner Jo Moynihan, and runner up Vicki Tuck.

Longest drives went to Jason Bourke, Feral Lovell, Jacquie Wall, and Vicki Tuck.

Nearest the pins were taken by Andrew Albergo, Brendon Meharry, Pam Casey, and Vicki Tuck.

Next Sunday will be the Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Proserpine’s old soldiers of the fairway were treated to a fantastic day of golf, with greens staff getting all 18 holes up and running after a rainy weekend.  

Paula McQuatt said that twenty-three players enjoyed more of the social side of the game with not too many great scores recorded.

Ladies’ winner on the day was Lyn Muller with 69 net, followed by second placed Mandy Patterson with 78.  

The Men’s winner was Peter  Fox, 71, and second Trevor Paroz close behind with 73.

The short game was the real winner on the weekend with some great putters leading the day as winners Trevor Paroz, 26 putts, followed close behind by Lyn Muller with 27 putts.

Nearest the pins for the ladies went to Mandy on the ninth and 16th, and Elspeth and Lyn in the hole 13th.

The bag of chips got a pounding with ‘chip ins’ going to John Oates, Patrick Patterson, Albert Pini, Trevor Paroz, and Paula McQuat.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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This weekend at Whitsunday Green it was all about the Ballistic Monthly Medal, the Quarter finals of Match Play, and a Hole in One - but it all started with Friday's Prawn Run!

This week’s winner was Tim Harris with 20 points, followed by Rhys Bartholomew also on 20 points, and Tyson Flavel on 19 points.

Tyson managed to secure his first 'Hole in One' throughout the comp.

On Saturday 20 players took to the course to compete for the Ballistic Brewery Tour, with the overall 'off the stick' winner for the day claimed by Justyn Durbin with a fantastic 54 points off the stick, 51 nett.

But the Monthly Medal winner for February was Tyson Flavel with 53 nett followed by Asher Ventham on 54 nett.

The 'Nearest the Pin' winners on the day were Deeray, Mark Thompson and Adam Singleton.

Throughout the competition a second competition was taking place as part of the quarter finals of Match Play.

Perri Simpson got one up on the youngster Adam Singleton on the last hole and, Justyn Durbin took a win over Glenn Rees.

The competition was intense with fantastic shots being played consistently by all players.

For the Sunday Stableford Wayne Singleton took the win over Tyson Flavel and Adam Singleton, all on 20 points.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Tyson Flavel the Monthly Medal Winner

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The Mackay Road Runners held their second meet for the 2022 season at hilly Rural View over the weekend.

Nearly 70 runners tackled the testing yet scenic course set by Thomas Wendt, with the option of a 5km or 10km loop.

Club President Tim Magoffin welcomed many new runners to the event as well as a loyal contingent of existing members.

Junior member Hamish Donnollan and Paul Mackenzie led the pack in the 10km loop, showing great camaraderie by encouraging each other throughout the run.

Werner Van Der Linde, Jan Smith, Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, Glynis Forse, Carmel Mahon, Emily Dalglish, Jose Short, and Carmel Grech all displayed superb endurance and stamina in the 10km run and are looking to start the 2022 program in fine form.

The club is seeing an encouraging variety of age and ability participate, with lively juniors Lily Leven and Millie Bishop continuing their commitment to health and fitness throughout the season.

Race day volunteers Arthur Dick, Tim Magoffin, Andrew Short, and Jo Hughes made the Rural View event possible.

Many of the club’s athletes to watch will participate in the 5km Club Championship taking place at Queen’s Park on Sunday, the first championship run of the season.

Hamish and Paul will be lining up against some talented competition including Justin, Oliver, and Toby Rule, Rodney Elworthy, Cristian (Crispy) Smith, Luke Leven, Joe Grech, Michael Sholer, and Thomas Wendt.

The 5km Club Championship event will take place at Queen’s Park on Shakespeare Street from 6.30 Sunday morning.

Runners are also reminded that registrations are open for the Mackay Marina Run taking place in June.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation.

Junior runners Hamish Donnollan and Lily Leven bolt from the starter’s gun, both taking on the 10km distance

Ricky (the Flash) Parker shows his speed in the 5km hilly event

Runners tackle the hilly ascents and descents of the Rural View Scenic Vistas loop event

Heli Talinurm leads Tim Caddy into the final descent to the finish line. Photos Supplied: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

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Our spotlight this week is on Tahlia McGilvray (10 yrs) from Mackay Athletics Club.

Tahlia is an up-and-coming athlete who regularly represents Mackay at carnivals across the state. Her last event was in Townsville a fortnight ago at their Summer Carnival. She is determined to break her own personal bests every time, impressing the coaches and officials.

Tahlia enjoys middle distance running, saying that the 800m is her favourite event.

“I feel really comfortable running. 800m is my favourite event because I’ve taken 8 seconds off my personal best so far this year.”

Tahlia makes her mark in a variety of events and is looking forward to the start of the athletics season which commenced today.

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The Mackay Cutters clambered aboard the squad bus last weekend for a five-hour trip down to Rockhampton, set for their first Hostplus Cup pre season friendly against CQ Capras on Saturday night.

Their first official outing was a tight affair, with Capras clinching it in the end 22-18 in what head coach David Elliott said was always going to be a “scrappy one.”

“We got what we needed out of the game and saw a lot of our players play that we hadn’t had the opportunity to,” Elliott said.

“The lads tried really hard; effort was what we were after and we got that, which is a good sign there with a couple blokes doing really well on the effort front.

“First game, guys are always just excited to play well and show what they can bring to the team.”

The traveling squad comprised Brenton Baira, Brett Kelly, Hayden Brownsey, Kyle Kennedy, Ewan Coutts, Jack Kavanagh, Harry Freebairn, Sean Mullany, Mitch Fogarty, Jayden Morgan, Brandon Finnegan, Blake Paskins, Sam Fa’apito, Zac Patch, Tyler Holmes, Hiale Roycroft, Jake Hawkins, Tom Sly, Tom Irelandes, Henri Stocks, Luke Ingram, Matt Vessey and Luke Webley.

Of those, the fresh faces of front rower Luke Ingram, Zach Patch, and Jack Kavanagh made their debuts in Cutters kits to a fantastic Rockhampton crowd at Browne Park.

Elliott said that their recent additions had been set to join up with the squad earlier in preseason, but were held back due to border closures, meaning they were unable to start until after Christmas.

“They’ve had it pretty well interrupted during that time, especially with a number of them who have had COVID after the border openings,” Elliott said.

“For those guys, it’s been interrupted and they’re still a bit under done, but we’re only just now playing trials, so we’re still in the thick of preseason.”

It’s been back to the grind for the Cutters over the week, with fitness a key talking point for coaching staff at the club. Elliott wasn’t too worried though, believing that nervous jitters can get the best of even the fittest of any squad.

“Some of them would have been nervous just because they want to play well and that nervous energy gets to you,” he said.

“We’re aiming for a much better performance this weekend with a big crowd.”

The next round for the Cutters is at BB Print, where local lads like Brenton Baira, a long-time servant of the club who’s made his way all the way to the very top are hoping to impress a home crowd. They’ll face off against the Cowboys Young Guns, “a good test” Elliott said.

“I’m still feeling good [about the upcoming match] - It’s not a competition game, but anytime we get to play at home, I know the boys are always keen for that,” he said.

“We are all keen to play at home, and the Young Guns will be out to impress again, having played a few games in a row now.

“It’ll be a good opportunity for us to show the Mackay Crowd what we’re about this year.”

The Cutters kick off at 5:30pm on Saturday 26 after the Cowboys V Broncos Pre-season trial.

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Mackay table tennis player Robbie Richards was in his element at the Tuesday night fixtures last week.

Robbie is a defensive player known for never giving up in his matches, which often extend into five-game marathons.

This was the case on Tuesday night when all three of his singles matches went to five – the closest a slug-fest against Graeme Walker in which Graeme got up 15-13 in the 5th.

He won in five against Graham Drury and Graham Brake, helping set up a 6-5 win for his team which includes Barry Patterson and Mark Sleeman.

Tuesday morning fixtures resumed this week after a scheduled power interruption caused last week’s play to be cancelled.

Kevin Abbott had a big morning’s play, beating Don Boettcher in five but just going down to long-time opponent Roy Murray in the 5th 11-9.

In division 3, Cheryl Pearson is getting back to her best and fought out a lengthy battle with Ian Dodds, winning 12-10 in the 5th.

Junior fixtures are also played on Tuesday afternoons and new players are welcome.

If you’d like to give table tennis a try, contact Iris Grasso for Tuesday mornings (0419 702 392) or Donna Abbott (0400 769 560) for Tuesday night and junior fixtures.

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Mackay squash club Squash 52 played host to the Northern Region Redbacks selection tournament last weekend.

As well as local players, participants flocked from Cairns, Ingham, and Townsville to take part in the two-day event.

Competitors ranged from beginners to advanced with everyone giving it their all.

Five divisions were played throughout the weekend, with local competitors placing in three of them.

Local star Preston Currie took out first place in Division 4.

Club coach Glenn Howarth was pleased with the tournament despite trying circumstances.

“(The tournament was) pretty good considering everything at the moment with Covid and people travelling,” Glenn said.

“We had 30 juniors playing from Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, and Ingham.

“It was a pretty good standard.

“On the whole, I think it was pretty successful. They had a good weekend, had fun, and had a few good matches.”

Glenn is excited to see what the future holds for Mackay’s next squash stars and urges kids to come and have a hit.

“Our kids are still learning and building their skills,” he said.

“Preston’s doing pretty well. He’s advancing. He won the division four.

“Everyone’s welcome,” Glenn prompts.

“It’s open and they can come down on a Monday or a Tuesday afternoon and give it a go.”

To be eligible for selection for the Northern Region Redbacks team, players must attend three of the four tournaments on the Northern Region calendar.

Following tournaments in Ingham and Mackay, the next tournament will take place in Cairns next month, with a compulsory tournament in Townsville to follow.

Following squad selection, the Northern Region Redbacks will compete at the Queensland Junior Championships, taking place on the Gold Coast later in the year.

Mackay will once again host the Northern Regions Redbacks tournament on March 4 and 5 in 2023.

Locals Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Sarah Brazier with visiting junior from Cairns Chloe Baxter

Mackay’s own Matt Brazier with Squash 52 owner Ben Courtice

Locals Angus and Rachel Strang

Mackay juniors Sophie Jackson and Harry Van Den Linden ready for a hit

Mackay juniors Charli and Harry Van Den Linden show off their certificates

Division 1 placeholders - 1st Josh Porter (Cairns), 2nd Matt Brazier (Mackay), and 3rd Lachlan Erba (Ingham)

Division 4 placeholders - 1st Preston Currie (Mackay), 2nd Toby Trewern (Cairns), and 3rd Angus Strang (Mackay)

Division 2 placeholders - 1st Liam Fascetti (Ingham), 2nd Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Mackay), and 3rd Hannah O’Toole (Townsville). Photos supplied: Kirsty Hoani

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Last weekend North Mackay Bowls Club played its major event for the year.

The Bushman’s Bakery ‘Under The Shed’ has $12,000 in prize money and is a tier three event, giving winning players higher points towards Bowls Australia rankings. This event was very popular, with the full 32 teams of four people participating, and selling out within two weeks of opening nominations, with a reserve list of five teams. Teams entered from as far away as Innisfail in the north to the Gold Coast south, west to Biloela and included teams from Brisbane, Townsville, Bundaberg, Yeppoon and of course, Mackay district.

The Friday evening Calcutta was very popular and was drawn just before the major presentation. Top prize went to Peter Grant, showing that what goes around indeed does come around.

Overall winner was the Bowen team of Allan Rolf, Mark Drummond, Margaret Wilson and Robin Stitt, who also won the CMR Goosies $10,000 last year.

Second came the team of Wayne Hadley, Jason Borg, Don and David Peet, and in third place was Rob Spence, Paul Foot, David Blackburn and Steven Mau.

Social Bowls Results

Monday winners were Alan Brown and Kees Struik. Second came Don Agnew, Len Schembri and Graham Moore.

Wednesday ladies winners Margaret Webb, Jan Comelli, Marg Goldston, and Carmel Bell. In second spot was Pam Louis, Helen Fleming, Donna Gordon and Jean Schmidtke.

Thursday winners were Paul Goldston and Jan Little with Helen Goldston and Lyn Tennant runners up. The kitty toucher was not won.

Friday winners were visitors Luke Day and Jeff Kee. In second place was Tony Allsop and Cheryle Corbett. The kitty toucher was not won.

Pictures and story contributed by Tony Allsop

The winning team from Bowen: Allan Rolfe, Mark Drummond, Margaret Wilson and Robyn Stitt

In second place was Wayne Hadley, Jason Borg, Don and David Peet

7Third place went to Steven Mau, David Blackburn, Paul Foot and Rob Spence

Bushman’s Bakery team of Paul Goldston, Peter Grant, the day’s sponsor, Ian Beveridge and Mick Walsh

Margaret Creese and Bev McDonald are the ladies who did all the work behind the desk

Rob Harris has attended every year of the Under the Shed competition

A happy group from Mackay City club

Pictured are Saturday umpires, Lorraine Silman and Felix Purcell. Sunday umpires were John Chester-Master and Ray McCarthy

Some of the crowd enjoying drinks after the game

Teams came from Innisfail south to the Gold Coast

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Unfortunately, the Ladies Day Bowls on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls and Business House Bowls were all cancelled due to weather.

Things brightened up for Friday’s barefoot bowl’s and Amando Isgro, our club’s forefather and champion bowler, donated his time to the new bowlers of the club in valuable tips and bowling procedures, leaving many players with a greater understanding of the game.

Saturday morning saw the sun shining and 21 players arrived for John Askew’s newly formatted Scroungers.

First round winners were Warren Mills, Russell Jackson, John Trembath, Merve Stewart, Ash Warland, Karen Jensen and Andy McDougal.

The semi-finalists were Warren ‘Millsie’ Mills and Russell Jackson with Millsie going on to claim the money.

Sunday afternoon saw 29 bowlers competing for the team’s prize and the afternoon tea was delicious.

The runaway winners of the day, led by Shane Spann with lead John Brown and Lu Rogan.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Warren ‘Millsie’ Mills

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Competition Games this week included - Singles Herb Dalton and Daryl Tuttle, Gus Munro and Steve Roome, Doc Fordham and Paula Welsted, Ron Gould and Shane Hornbuckle, Gus Munro and Mitch Wright, Lou Fordham and Lloyd White.

Pairs - Peter Bruce, Daryl Tuttle, S.Harvey and Jason Wright.

Triples - Jill Brabon, S.Harvey, Jason Wright and David Moodie, Tiahna Rogers, Daryl Tuttle. Eddy Neylon, Lou Fordham and Helen Jacobsen, MaryEllen Pratten, B.Johns(Kurri) and Mitch Wright.

Fours - Wayne Crowhurst, Shane Hornbuckle, Doc Fordham and Peter Bruce,  S.Harvey, B.Johns(Kurri), Jason Wright and Mitch Wright.

Wednesday Social: Dot Wilson, Jill Brabon, Helen Jacobsen and Robyn Stitt, Jane Gilbert, Steve Roome. Dave Moodie, Paula Welsted, Allen Williams and MaryEllen Pratten, Peter Wilson and Gavin Charles.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Sunday Scroungers Winners Gavin Charles and Jane Gilbert

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