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Runners get ready for the start of Jo’s 61 steps in very cool but sunny conditions. Photo supplied Local runners took on the Mackay Road Runners Jo's 61 Steps event on Sunday morning, tackling challenging 5km and 10km courses through the steep streets of Mt Pleasant. Despite the event's name, organisers joked it had since been confirmed there were actually 70 steps, with good-natured blame placed on the absent club president for the earlier miscount. The course wound through Annie Wood Avenue, Pollock and High streets, and Norris Road, starting from Gordon White Library. Fresh from the Gold Coast Marathon, Alana Knezevic was the first runner across the finish line after opting for the 5km course as she prepares for the Sydney Marathon in five weeks' time. Congratulations were also extended to local athletes who competed in the Airlie Running Festival, where ideal conditions greeted runners in the Whitsundays. Sunday 26th July Make this your must-do event next weekend, with all participants welcome—there's no need to be a member of the Mackay Road Runners or Mackay Cycling Club. Events include the M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain (6.4km), the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Under 18 Junior King & Queen of the Mountain (3km), and the Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle Race(6.4km). All events begin at 7am, following a one-minute silence in memory of talented triathlete Laura Pettifer, who tragically passed away in 2008 following a downhill cycling training ride. The course starts at Netherdale and finishes at the Eungella Chalet. Runners must register online by 6pm on Saturday 25th July, while cyclists should refer to the registration link for contact details. Organisers look forward to welcoming participants to the challenging but rewarding annual event, with post-race celebrations at the Eungella Chalet, where breakfast will be available for purchase. A special thank you was also extended to Tess and the team for their hospitality. Contributed by Janelle Tilse
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The all-day Novice X Imp Pairs Competition was played last Saturday with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Airlie Beach, with 16 pairs competing. Outright winners were local partnership and lifelong friends Susan Ross and Vicki Howard. Susan and Vicki have known each other for over 40 years and began their Bridge life together six years ago. This was a popular win, which was celebrated by President Frances Brown, Convener Anne Lutz and all in attendance. Susan and Vicki are great contributors to the club and also bring laughter and joy along with their wonderful culinary skills. Congratulations Susan and Vicki, Well Done! Weekly Results Monday 13th July 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP N/S E/W 1st Ming Ting / David Ting 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen 2nd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 2nd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles 3rd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 3rd Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller Tuesday Evening 14th July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup 2nd Mick King / John McGee 3rd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown 4th Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell Wednesday 15th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points Team Players 1st Sheedy Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Poole Kath Poole, Josie Crowley, Monica Darley, Barbara Taite 3rd Rasmussen Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa 4th Ting Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild Thursday Evening 16th July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Julie O’Neill / Jan Harris 3rd Martin Pearce / Adrian Westcott Friday 17th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Helen Van Den Breok / Christine Nice 1st Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd John McGee / Mick King 3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild 4th Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell Saturday 18th July 2026 – Novice X Imps Pairs 8 Tables 16 Pairs Red Points 1st Vicki Howard / Susan Ross 2nd Glen Cocup / Ian Vary 3rd Rod Miles / Joy Hold 4th Toni Barrel / Mary Overall 5th Linda Priday / Jill Brabon 6th Christine Fitzpatrick / Colleen Riddel Saturday 18th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Patrick Rasmussen 3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 3rd Ken Seaniger / Diane Morgan 4th Barbara Tait / Patricia Garner 4th Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood Contributed by Joy Block Anne with Winners Vicki, Susan and President Frances. Photo supplied
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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton visited Mackay Pony Club on Monday 20th July, to highlight the upcoming second round of the Queensland Government’s Play On vouchers, which provide financial support to help children aged five to 17 participate in sport and recreational activities. The $200 vouchers can help families cover costs such as registration and membership fees, uniforms, equipment and personal sporting gear. According to Mr Dalton, more than 9,300 children across the Mackay and Whitsunday region have already benefited from the program, with the next round opening on Monday, 27th July. The initiative aims to make sport more accessible for families facing rising costs, while encouraging children to step away from screens, get active, socialise and build friendships. “It’s a really great opportunity,” Mr Dalton said, encouraging parents to get involved in the next round as soon as possible. He said the program could help children access a wide range of activities, from pony club and golf to cadets and football. “We want to be able to give every child as much support as possible – especially in sport - because we know how beneficial it can be,” he said. Play On! Sports Vouchers have also made an impact across Queensland, with more than 293,800 children supported through the program in its first year. More than 3,750 sporting clubs across the state now accept the vouchers, with almost 2,500 also offering disability programs. Soccer, rugby league and netball were the most popular sports among participating children, while 13,917 vouchers were provided to children and young people with a disability, representing a 33 per cent increase compared with the previous voucher program. Girls also accounted for 129,050 vouchers, which has seen an increase of 30 per cent. For Mackay Pony Club Chief Instructor Tracey Camilleri, the vouchers can make a significant difference, particularly for families with more than one child involved in sport. “Sometimes it can be the difference between kids participating or not,” she said. Ms Camilleri said equestrian sport provides children with lessons in responsibility, as caring for a horse requires daily commitment and care. “There’s a deeper level of responsibility when kids are looking after an animal, and from what we’ve seen – that connection to the horse – can be really great for them,” she said. She said the benefits extended beyond competition, with children able to enjoy the outdoors, develop partnerships with their horses and find an outlet from the pressures of school and everyday life. Ms Camilleri, who has been passionate about horse-riding since she was a young girl, said: “Just being out in the fresh air, and dealing with an animal and getting a great response to learning how to build a partnership is something quite special.” The vouchers can also help young riders progress further, allowing families to put funding towards coaching, equipment and competition opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. “Without these vouchers, some parents are sort of limited to how much they can do for their child in a sport, especially amongst the cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Camilleri said. For families interested in taking advantage of the next round, Play On vouchers offer an opportunity to help children get involved, stay active and discover a sport they can enjoy and grow with. Play On! Sports Vouchers are helping Mackay and Whitsunday children overcome cost barriers, get active and discover the benefits of sport, with the next round opening July 27th. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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Last Sunday saw six bushwalkers driving about 80 km north of Mackay to access the Cathu State Forest, and then to climb to the prominent feature known as Castle Rock. The leader of the group was Ken Fihelly, who spends half of each year participating in the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club activities before escaping south to avoid the summer heat. The walk started steadily, but soon large rocks and thick vegetation on a moderately steep slope made progress difficult. Once the ridge was reached the climb became less steep and the vegetation changed to open forest. Attractive cycads were plentiful, and the morning tea spot afforded great views looking westwards towards the top of the range. On this walk, lunch is usually enjoyed on an impressive sloping slab close to the big ‘thumb’, and this tradition was continued, with great views across the valley being presented. The descent chosen offered some steep rocky terrain, but was easier than the alternative, and after emerging from the bush the hikers had a short easy walk back to the cars. Phone 0429 363 929 for information about how to join the organisation, and upcoming walks which include Sydney Heads, Red Cliff Island and St Helen’s Creek. Contributed with thanks by Carole Weekes
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Some members travelled to Mackay on the weekend to contest the Goosies Under The Shed Carnival which saw 32 teams from all over Queensland play.
Wayne Handley teamed up with Dave Peet (Souths Suburban), Don Peet (North Mackay) and Jason Borg (Souths Suburban).
They had 4 wins and a draw for the weekend to finish Runners-ups.
No bowls were played on the green this week due to the rain we experienced - hopefully the rain will stay away this week so we can start our Club Competitions this weekend.
This weekend will see some members once again travel down to Mackay, this time to compete in the District Mixed Pairs.
Contributed with thanks to Wayne Handley.
Jason Borg, Don Peet, Dave Peet and Wayne Handley
Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner Elona Lynch 34 points, runner-up Claire Garrod 33 points. Men’s winner on a countback Jeremy Chrzanowski 35 points, runner-up Jeff Day 35 points.
Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Bev Lowcock 36 points, runner up Claire Garrod 36 points. Turkey’s nests – Sarnie Eisemann, Trish Sellen and Lorraine McArthur. NTP Trish Sellen.
Men’s winner Scott Raisbeck 44 points, runner up Dwayne Bartlett 42 points. Turkeys’ nests – Rhyce Layton, Brad Graham and Graham Baker. NTP Ezra Miller. David Insch won the car wash voucher with an OBP. Mark Russell and Marcus Yasso both had Eagles on number 11.
This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf club. Don’t forget to check the club’s Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu. Takeaways still available. Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker draw is $1400 this week.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.
Men’s runner up Dwayne Bartlett and winner Scott Raisbeck
Friday's Prawn Run was super competitive this week with the winners only decided by count back - Sean Fogarty came out in front, followed by Andrew Gomez and Adam Singleton - all had a solid round with 21 points.
On Saturday, the regulars took to a competition round of 4 ball, better ball - father and son team Wayne and Adam Singleton took the win at 39.5.
Mates Tim Harris and Rhys Bartholomew came in second on 41 and just behind was Club Captain Glenn Rees and Competition regular Tyson Flavel who took third with 41.5. Tyson also won the Nearest the Pin for the day.
On Sunday, Kendal Nash won the stableford with a great score of 23 points, followed by Terry Kimpton and Rob Lodders both on 21 points with Terry taking the countback second placement.
Next Saturday is the Club's monthly medal, generously sponsored by Ballistic Brewery. Please book in and secure the beer.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
Perri Simpson and Ross Clanachan
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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)
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.
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
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
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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