Nedd Brockmann and the Symington Family post run. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.  

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Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann swapped record-breaking runs for a community jog down by the marina last week, encouraging locals to take the first step towards their goals.

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The run formed part of the CommBank Tour, which is travelling through regional Australia to promote financial wellbeing, scam awareness and community connection.  

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“I think connecting with any community is important, but obviously especially for regional and more remote communities,” Nedd said.  

“I’m fortunate to be supported by CommBank and then support what they want to do is get around, help with scam safety, help with financial fitness and I'm all about it.”

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Before becoming one of Australia's most recognisable endurance athletes, Nedd grew up in the regional New South Wales town of Forbes, where he worked as an electrician before taking on the challenge that would change his life.

In 2022, Brockmann captured the nation's attention by running nearly 4,000 kilometres across Australia in just 47 days to raise money for homelessness.  

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His determination and resilience earned him widespread recognition, including being named Young Australian of the Year in 2026, with his message of discipline, community and taking the first step continuing to inspire people across the country.

Airlie Beach was the sixth stop on the CommBank Tour, with Nedd leading locals and tourists on a 6km run along the foreshore.  

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“It's been really cool too, especially because the big cities get all the attention and get all the help,” Nedd said.  

One of the biggest hurdles for many people, according to Brockmann, is simply getting started, but he believes consistency is far more important than motivation.

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Drawing parallels between running and everyday life, he said both have their highs and lows, and learning not to let emotions dictate your actions is key.

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"Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's easy, it's just about being level through it all," he said.

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"When motivation's there, that's great, but when motivation's not there it doesn't really matter because we're getting into it."

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Sunday pairs winners Tony Whitehorn and Alan Pershouse.

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club welcomed visiting bowlers from across Australia alongside local members for another week of competitive action on the greens.

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Tuesday's social bowls welcomed Perth visitor Terry Cranswick, who impressed with a comfortable victory alongside Sue Dakin and Lyn Graham.

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Cranswick continued his winning form on Wednesday afternoon, teaming up with Janet Jacometti and Keith Bates to claim top honours in a field of 34 bowlers. Wednesday evening also saw another strong turnout for the club's popular Business House Bowls competition, organised by Yvonne and Bob Spees, with Round 3 standings to be released next week.

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On Thursday, students from Whitsunday Christian College, Elliana Langshore, Miranda Jackson, Pazel Davis and Ollie Webb, continued developing their skills under the guidance of coach Betty Whitehorn.

Friday's coaching session with Endeavour Foundation participants highlighted the progress being made by members Kathy and Michael, with the latter continuing to impress with his accuracy and determination.

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Round 3 of the Scroungers competition was played on Saturday under the direction of Nilo Ballance, with results to be published next week.

Sunday's social bowls attracted 21 players, including visitors Peter and Linley MacArthur from Outram Bowls Club in New Zealand, Peter Whitlock from Moama Bowls Club in Victoria, Bruce Whitlock from Henty Bowls Club in New South Wales and returning travellerRick Galea.

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Tony Whitehorn and Alan Pershouse claimed the pairs victory, while Shane Spann, Joan McGrath and Vicki Spann won the opening round of the Mixed Triples.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Tuesday winners, Les Jackson President Deb Retchless  Di Hallas and Ron Boska. Photo supplied: Penny Warren.  

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It was B Grade Men's Champion Neale Chittenden's turn to represent the club at the Men's District Champion of Champions over the weekend. Neale recorded wins over Ayr and Suburban before narrowly going down to Thuringowa in the final to finish runner-up. Congratulations, Neale, on a fantastic achievement.

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The club's ladies also impressed at the District Premier Cup at Thuringowa, winning six of their 10 games to finish fourth overall. Thuringowa claimed the title with eight wins.

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Monday's self-selected triples saw Leon Fox, Max Ritchie and Debbie Gorin defeat Bruce Thompson, John Hellas and R Symmons, while Ron Willman, Don Barnett and Joe Paynting were runners-up after defeating Graeme Read, Maureen Hyde and Ron Hyde. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

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Tuesday's winners were Di Hallas, Les Jackson and Ron Boska, with Ian Colenso, Col Parker and Bruce Thompson finishing runners-up. Again, the jackpot did not go off.

Friday Night Barefoot Bowls continues to attract a great crowd. Anyone keen to join in is welcome to head to the club from 5.30pm.

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Saturday's lone competition game saw Denise Wallace, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe defeat Kevin Daniels, Maureen Hyde and Ron Hyde.

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On Sunday, Jack Stamp, Alby Vigar and France Wilman claimed victory on Rink 6, while Carol Bellingham, Col Parker and Bob Dykstra took the runners-up prize.

Good luck to Denise Wallace and Penny Warren, who will contest the District Champion of Champions Pairs Zone 8 playoff at Silkwood this weekend for a place in the State finals.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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It's another busy period for Proserpine Bowls, with one Champion of Champions event wrapping up and another just around the corner.

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Last weekend, the club's Champion Fours team of Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Toby Craig and Nathan Harriott travelled to North Mackay for the Champion of Champions Fours. After receiving a first-round bye, they defeated RSL 30-12 on Saturday afternoon to book a place in the semi-finals.

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On Sunday, they came up against Souths Suburban but were defeated 21-10, ending their campaign. Souths Suburban advanced to the final, where North Mackay claimed the title with a 16-13 victory.

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Attention now turns to the Champion of Champions Pairs at Airlie Beach this weekend, with David Ling and Andrew Bell set to represent Proserpine. The pair also received a first-round bye and will open their campaign against Mackay Club on Saturday afternoon. The club wishes them all the best.

Wednesday also saw Heather Brown crowned Club Championship Singles winner after defeating Henny Tattam in a thrilling final. Heather made the stronger start before Henny fought back, with the match remaining undecided until the final end. Heather secured the title 28-24 and will now represent Proserpine at the Champion of Champions Singles in North Mackay on Tuesday, August 18.

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Social bowls continued throughout the week, with visitors from Germany, New Zealand, Swan Hill and St Georges Basin joining local members on the greens. Wednesday featured a 7-all draw in one match, while other winning teams included Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith and Lindsay Flood, Kate, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara, and Arthur Griffith, Alen Sanderson and Nev Smith.

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On Sunday, winning combinations were Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown, Carol Smith and Mike Harrison, who claimed two victories, and Trevor Parsons and Sandy Daffara, rounding out another enjoyable weekend of social bowls.

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Contributed with thanks to proserpine bowling club.

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Corey Jensen, a sporting star and inspiration to his community. Photo source: Mayor Ry Collins

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One of Bowen's greatest sporting success stories has officially hung up the boots, with NRL premiership winner Corey Jensen announcing his medical retirement after an eight-year career at the top level of rugby league.

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The former Bowen Seagulls Junior leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond the football field, inspiring generations of young athletes in his hometown.

“On behalf of the Bowen State High School community, thank you Corey for ​inspiring the next generation to dream big and chase their goals,” said Principal Robert Harris on behalf of Bowen State High School.

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“You have represented our school and community with humility and pride throughout your career.”

With 153 games under his belt for the North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos, Corey proved strength and determination against the demand of the game, earning accolades like Cowboys Rookie of the Year and taking part in a premiership-winning performance against the Melbourne Storm just last year.  

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Jensen's retirement comes after he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, or blood clots in the lungs, after not feeling quite right during Round 7 of the NRL season.  

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"After receiving medical advice and speaking to specialists, it's clear that it's no longer safe for me to play rugby league," Jensen said in comments published by the ABC.  

While he will remain on blood-thinning medication for the rest of his life, Jensen said his overall health is good and he has been able to return to training, although contact sport is no longer an option.  

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"I leave with absolutely no regrets," he said.

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While Jensen's playing career has come to an end earlier than expected, the Bowen-raised star has plenty to look forward to. A qualified sports scientist with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from James Cook University, he has already prepared a foundation for life after rugby league.

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Reflecting on his career, Jensen described himself as a "late bloomer", crediting former North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green for giving him his NRL debut in 2017.

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"I was a bit of a late bloomer, so I'm grateful they took a punt on me, and I have to acknowledge how much the Cowboys did for my career," Jensen said.

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Photo credit: Vampp Photography.

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While hundreds of sailors battle it out on the water, there'll be just as much happening ashore during Airlie Beach Race Week, with live entertainment, food, family activities and special events ensuring the regatta offers something for everyone.

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From daily live music and the Festival Village to Lay Day celebrations and the traditional presentation dinner, the week is as much a community celebration as it is a sailing event.

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"The onshore activities are open to all of the sailors, plus any of the locals and any visitors can come along, get the vibes and have a beer,” Terry Archer said.  

Throughout the week, the Whitsunday Sailing Club precinct will come alive with a packed entertainment program.  

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Ash Smith will open the festivities on Thursday before performances from The Fox, Two Fires, The Hillbilly Goats, Paul Fergus Morris, Sam McCann and Viva Band keep the energy pumping through the week.  

Alongside the live entertainment, there'll be daily race presentations, Friday Night Movies in the Park, the Whitsunday Sailing Club Restaurant and Bar, and a fireworks display to close out the week.

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Those heading to the 74 Islands Distillery Changing Courses Lunch on Lay Day will be greeted with a Summit Spritz before settling in for an afternoon of live music, roaming canapés and food stations at Elementa. Back in the Festival Village, the distillery will be pouring its range of locally crafted spirits alongside frozen cocktails throughout the week.

Also on Lay Day, Jeanneau Australia, presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers, will invite visitors aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455. The open boat experience gives both sailors and first-time visitors the chance to step aboard the popular cruising yacht and get a closer look at life on the water.

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Meanwhile, Festival Village sponsor Northside Marine will have its Highfield Sport 800 out in action for the duration of Race Week. But Archer said the company's contribution goes well beyond the showcase, with Northside Marine supplying the regatta's official camera boat and rapid response vessel, both of which play an important role in delivering the event safely.

Archer said the success of Race Week comes down to the combined efforts of its sponsors, volunteers and local businesses, whose support has helped the event continue to grow year after year.  

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"We've been so lucky this year, as without our sponsors we just couldn't do it," he said.

"Six or seven years ago, we were struggling to get a naming rights sponsor.

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“Now we're having to go to our sponsors and say, 'Hey, would you mind sharing it? Because we've got two that we'd like to do.' It's just fantastic."  

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When: 1pm-4pm, Monday 10th August

Where: Elementa Whitsundays  

What: Lay Day Lunch at 74 Islands Distillery  

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When: 9am-11am, Monday 10th August

Where: Port of Airlie, Arm 1  
What: Open Boat Experience by Jeanneau Australia  

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Some of the boats from last year’s Regatta. Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini.  

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The wait is over for one Australia's premier sailing regattas, with Airlie Beach Race Week set to welcome hundreds of sailors to the Whitsundays for six days of racing across Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passages.  

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Now in its 38th year, the iconic event combines sailing with a packed program of onshore entertainment, while delivering what organisers describe as the biggest trading week of the year for Airlie Beach.

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“So for Airlie Beach, it really means all the accommodation is full, all of the restaurants and cafes are full, all the shops,” said Terry Archer, President of the Whitsundays Sailing Club and Chairman of the Regatta Committee

“It is the biggest economic boom for this place.”  

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The event's success today is a far cry from its humble beginnings more than three decades ago. Airlie Beach Race Week traces its roots back to 1990, when businessman and sailor Don Algie established the Hog's Breath Cruising Classic after being inspired by Hamilton Island Race Week. Originally designed to attract visiting cruising yachts, the regatta soon evolved into a full Race Week, with a mix of bay racing and passage races through the Whitsunday Islands.

Since then, the event has grown into one of Australia's premier sailing regattas, attracting competitors from around the country while remaining a highlight of the Whitsundays calendar.

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The regatta caters for a wide range of sailing vessels, from larger offshore yachts moored in local marinas to smaller off-the-beach classes launched by hand.

This year, around 130 boats will compete across 10 to 13 divisions, with each class racing against similar boats throughout the week.

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The opening day of Race Week promises one of the regatta's most memorable spectacles, with every boat lining up for a dramatic mass start off Airlie Beach before setting sail through the Whitsundays.

"It's absolutely spectacular, with all the 130 boats starting together out the front of Airlie Beach," said Terry.

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From there, the fleet will split, with larger, faster yachts sailing around Gumbrell or Armit Island, while smaller boats round the Double Cone Islands before returning to shore.  

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Throughout the week, race officials will select from almost 30 different courses depending on the wind and tide, sending competitors through Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passages. The regatta will conclude on Thursday with the traditional "Big Bay Triangle", bringing the entire fleet back into Pioneer Bay for a fitting finale ahead of the presentation dinner.

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Photo credit: Di Rutland  

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Christmas in July was celebrated last weekend with fifteen participants involved in a range of activities in perfect weather at Ball Bay.

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Saturday morning commenced with nine walkers heading up the track to McBrides Lookout, and then the more adventurous majority followed Peter Bennett to drop down off track to the next hill and down onto the rocks. A scrubby walk with a steep descent was followed by boulder hopping which led eventually to the shoreline near Pauley’s Beach. Earlier, a long morning tea had been enjoyed on a rocky top where there was plenty of conversation but no view.

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A less challenging option was chosen by a small group who, after attaining the summit at McBrides Lookout, stayed on track and followed Penny McMahon to Halliday Bay, where morning tea on a log did come with a view. It was then back to the campsite for a BBQ lunch organised by Coral Morgan who had also been responsible for arranging the overnight camp which attracted six participants. They remained to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, dining together and then taking breakfast after watching the sunrise from the beach, or in some cases following their meal with a stroll along the sand and over the rocks.

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Future outings are planned to Red Cliff Island, the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, Mt Ossa, Mt Jukes and St Helen’s Creek. For further information the number to phone is 0429 363 929.  

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

A very special award was presented to Diane and Max Holewa by President Frances. Diane and Max have reached Gold Life ABF ranking. Diane and Max are very experienced players and have been playing bridge for a long time together. Dian and Max taught Bridge at Moranbah back in the day. Great achievement guys!

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Weekly Results

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Monday 20th July 2026 – Week 14 of 26 NWP - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

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E/W

1^st

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

1^st

Joy Block / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

3^rd

Monica Darley / Janice Mansfield

3^rd

Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell

Tuesday Evening 21st July 2026 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points  

1^st

Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2^nd

Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

3^rd

Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

4^th

Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 2 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

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Team

Players

1^st

S. Morris

Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Francis Brown, Alan Brown

2^nd

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

4^th

Rasmussen

Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

Thursday Evening 23rd July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Geoff Taylor / Anne Lutz

Friday 24 July 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1^st

Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

2^nd

Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright

2^nd

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Lorna Shuttlewood/ Debra Goodchild

3^rd

Diane Cox / Christine Nice

4^th

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Saturday 25th July 2026 –- 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

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E/W

1^st

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

1^st

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

2^nd

Ming Ting / David Ting  

2^nd

Geoff Taylor / Andrew Canavan

3^rd

Alan Brown / Frances Brown

3^rd

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

4^th

Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4^th

Julie O’Neill / Gwen Liddell

Sunday 26th July 2026 –- Noice and Mentors -6 Table One Winer Green Points

1^st

Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Jennifer Camerson / Martin Pearce

3^rd

Lynne O’Neill / Susan Gibson

4^th

Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe

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Diane and Max – ABF -Gold Life. Photo supplied

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Contributed by Joy Block

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A very successful Eungella King & Queen of the Mountain outing for the Hayles family – Oscar (4^th Junior male), Isabelle (3^rd Junior female) , Emily (2^nd Open female), Lissy and Stephen Hayles.

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Congratulations to the runners and cyclists who took part in the annual Historical King and Queen of the Mountain last weekend.

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Perfectly cool conditions provided an ideal setting for quality racing, with nearly 100 athletes making their way from the small township of Netherdale to the beautiful Eungella Chalet, with spectacular scenic vistas along the route.

The event would not be where it is today without the valuable support of its loyal sponsors: Eungella Chalet’s Tess and team; M-Test’s Merv and Wendy Shields; Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr; Veronica Pettifer, who sponsors The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy; Torque Tyres & Trailers; and Cloudbreak Lowline Eungella Beef’s Kel and Mandy.

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Several volunteers from Mackay Cycle Club and Mackay Road Runners are also to be congratulated for their involvement in staging this magnificent event and helping make the annual race a success.

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Results:-

Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle King & Queen of the Mountain:-

Naomi Ballard - 1st Female

Max Teague - 1st Male

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M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain:-

1st Kate Gibbs; 2nd Emily Hayles; 3rd Jose Short; 4th Bec Malcolm

1st Paul Mackenzie; 2nd Ryan Murray; 3rd Samuel Parrish; 4th Liam Mumford

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Podiatry Mackay/Lauren Pettifer Inspirational Junior King & Queen of the Mountain:-

Female - 1st Lily Leven; 2nd Isla Gibbs; 3rd Isabelle Hayles; 4th Sienna Gibbs

Male - 1st Tyler Lewandowski; 2nd Fletcher Hegerty; 3rd Max Miles; 4th Oscar Hayles

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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Welcome back everyone to Season 3 and trust you all had a wonderful break. Congratulations to the Players who took part in the Queensland Veterans Championships in Brisbane on 14th-19th July. Mackay did very well winning a suitcase full of medals in every colour. Well done!

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EVENING FIXTURES - Season 3

Division 1: Cheetahs (Goncalo Serra, Janice Kent, Allan Edwards) defeated Jaguars (Neil Brown, Syed Hossain) 9-2 with Neil coming home strong against Allan (4,9,-10,-9,4).  

Leopards (Emma Widdup, Donna Abbott) snuck home against Lions (Graham Brake, Josh Brown, Will VanDaKaa) 6-5, Donna come back from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Graham (-6,-10,3,9,4). Pumas (Trent Day, Yilin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) won 6-5 over Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan). Anne came back against Duncan to win (-6,-9,10,6,6).  

Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) defeated Magpies (Barry Patterson, Rod Mahumas) 6-5, Robbie and Rod had a close battle with Robbie winning in 5 sets (12,-7,-11,4,8).

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Division 2: Cod (Delma Knight, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) won 8-3 against Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington), Daniel and Steve had a massive 4 sets, Daniel won (20,-10,9,5).

Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmed) got home 8-3 over Cuttlefish (Ian McKay, Noreen Frederickson, David Symons), Peter beat Ian in close 5 sets (7,-7,7,-8,10).

Dolphins (Mark Stam, Mark Bowerman, Ricky Zhan) defeated Mackeral (Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, Ricky come home strong against Ollie (-8,9,-9,10,5).

Trout (Tony Bowman, Liz Burton, Amanda Lui) overcome Grunter (Simon Hogan, Rachel Fiesta, Jason Lee) 6-5, Simon won close battle with Liz (-9,5,7,-5,8).

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MORNING FIXTURES  

Division 1: Celtic Smash (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, John McGee defeated Pirate Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) 8-4, with no 5 set matches Pam won against Steve (-9,7,4,5).

Pharaoh Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) outlasted Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Noreen Frederickson) 9-3, Bryan beat Judy in close 5 sets (-7,4,-6,6,6).

Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Ross DeBoer, Kevin Abbott) tied 6-6 with Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd), Branko outlasted Ross (-8,-7,8,9,4)

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Division 2: Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) defeated Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Pam Kuene, Louise Gould) 8-4, Kim won in close 5 sets against Pam (-7,-7,8,7,9).

Dolphin Divers (Frank Caruana, John Hamelink) got home 6-3 over Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis), Frank got the better of Ken (-7,6,-7,6,10).

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Division 3: Amazon Guards (David Muir, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) won 9-3 against Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Thelma Caruana, Glenda Dutton), Thelma was to strong for Allison (8,-8,-8,8,7).

Gladiator Grip (Kim Challendar, Sharon Muller, Trish Zamparutti) defeated Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) 8-4, Sharon got home in close battle with Iris (-8,-8,8,9,8).

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Contributed with thanks to Andrea Payne

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Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club

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Congratulations to North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club open water swimmers, who achieved outstanding results at last week's MSQ State Championships Ship to Shore Swim.  

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While medal presentations were delayed as most competitors travelled back to Mackay after the event, the well-earned medals have now been presented, recognising the swimmers' impressive performances.

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There was plenty to celebrate at Mackay parkrun on 25^th July, with a new age category record and several participant milestones highlighting another successful community event.

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Lorna Allen set a new VW80–84 age category record, completing the free, timed 5km course in an impressive 41:11.

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The event also recognised five milestone achievements. Greg Dawes celebrated his 250th parkrun finish, while Rowan Stratford and Michelle McCulloch each reached their 100th finish milestones. Clinton Mackie completed his 50th parkrun, and Tanya Tomerini celebrated her 25th finish.

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A familiar face at Mackay parkrun, Greg Dawes’ milestone reflects not only his commitment as a participant but also his outstanding service as a volunteer. Since joining the event team in September 2022, he has served as Run Director on 32 occasions and has volunteered an impressive 125 times. Fittingly, Greg marked his 250th finish while volunteering as the 27:30 pacer, encouraging and supporting fellow participants throughout the course.

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Held every Saturday from 7am at the Mackay Botanic Gardens on Lagoon Street, Mackay parkrun is a free, community-run 5km walk or run that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Participation is free, although first-time participants are encouraged to register beforehand and bring a scannable parkrun barcode to receive an official time.  

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox catches up with Mackay Surf Life Saving Club's Isabella Grant at Harbour Beach after the Year 9 student secured third place in Australia in the Champion Lifesaver event with the backing of a Local Sporting Champions grant.

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The next generation of regional sporting legends is locked, loaded, and ready to take on the best in the business, with 59 young athletes from across the Dawson electorate securing crucial financial backing to support their dreams.

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Under Round 4 of the Federal Government's Local Sporting Champions program, these dedicated competitors have each received grants of between $650 and $750 to assist with the skyrocketing costs of competing at elite levels.

Among this round's standout recipients is Mackay North State High School student Isabella Grant, a dedicated lifesaver from the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club who recently brought home a bronze medal from the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.

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Competing in the demanding Champion Lifesaver event, Isabella placed third in Australia, following her impressive second-place finish at the State Titles. A highlight of her national campaign was taking out first place in the beach sprint.

Isabella shared the national stage with fellow Mackay Surf Life Saving Club member Cadence McKinnon, who claimed second place in the same event, capping off a remarkable result for the local club.

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Her father, Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, emphasised the impact this financial backing has on local families.

"For regional athletes, travelling interstate or down to the Gold Coast involves substantial costs for transport, equipment, and accommodation," Mr Grant said.

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"Programs like the Local Sporting Champions scheme help lighten that financial burden so our athletes can focus entirely on performing at their best."

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said he was incredibly proud to back local champions like Isabella, who prove that regional athletes can match it with the best in the country.

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"Seeing Isabella deliver such outstanding results on the national stage shows the depth of talent we have right here in Mackay.” Mr Willcox said.  

"Whether it is driving down to the Gold Coast or flying interstate, the cost of accommodation, fuel, registration, and uniforms is a massive hurdle. With current cost-of-living pressures hitting household budgets hard, mums and dads are doing it tough, so I am thrilled to deliver this well-deserved financial relief to keep our kids competing."

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"Our community sporting clubs are the starting blocks where regional Queensland's champions are built," Mr Willcox said.

"These grants are about giving our hard-working local kids a fair go, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of a future podium finish or gold medal. I wish all of our Dawson champions the absolute best of luck – you have your whole community cheering you on."

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Applications Open for Next Round

• Standard Grants: Young athletes, coaches and officials have until 31^st August 2026 to apply for the new round.

• Para Champions: Round 1 of the Local Para Champions program is also open until 31^st August, offering between $750 and $1,000 for competitors with a disability.

• How to Apply: Visit ausport.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions.

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Fishing enthusiasts, families and adventure seekers are set to descend on Cape Gloucester Resort next weekend as the highly anticipated STONKA Fishing Challenge returns from 6^th–9^th  August for four days of epic fishing, entertainment and fundraising.

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More than just a fishing competition, the STONKA Fishing Challenge has become one of the region's most popular community events, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the best of the Whitsunday coast while supporting an important cause. Proceeds from the event help raise funds for Leukaemia House in Townsville, which provides accommodation and support for regional North Queensland families who must travel away from home for life-saving cancer treatment.

‍

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Gloucester Resort at Hydeaway Bay, the event promises plenty of "old-school Aussie fun" both on and off the water.

Festivities begin on Thursday afternoon with competitor registrations, raffles, live music and a chance to catch up with fellow anglers over dinner and drinks. From Friday through to Sunday, the program is packed with live weigh-ins, fishing demonstrations, family-friendly activities, children's events, mud crab races and auctions, food vendors, live entertainment and major prize draws.

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One of the highlights will be the Battle of the Bays tug-of-war on Saturday, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and live music into the evening. Sunday's grand finale will see competitors in the running to win two fully equipped Quintrex and Yamaha boat packages, along with a host of other prizes.

The competition itself caters for a wide range of anglers, with categories for reef fish, estuary species, pelagic fish, mud crabs and crayfish, along with spearfishing divisions for both senior and junior competitors. Junior anglers can compete for the Prince or Princess of the Cape title, while senior fishers will battle it out to become King or Queen of the Cape.

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Adding even more excitement is the popular "Tag a Trout" challenge. A tagged coral trout has been released somewhere within the competition area, and the lucky registered competitor who catches it during the event will take home a $10,000 cash prize.

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Whether you're chasing trophy fish, hoping to win a new boat, or simply looking for a fantastic family weekend by the water, the STONKA Fishing Challenge offers something for everyone.

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Most importantly, every entry, raffle ticket and dollar raised helps support Leukaemia House Townsville in continuing its vital work for regional families facing some of life's toughest challenges.  

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