(L) Maryann Bartolo and (R) Lois Deguara. Photo supplied

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The Championship Singles Final was played at the club last Wednesday 10^th June to a packed crowd of well-wishing supporters of both ladies.

The game was between Lois Deguara and Maryann Bartolo two very talented club members.

A great game was enjoyed by all the spectators who came to watch this very enjoyable game. The eventual winner was a very happy Maryann Bartolo, with Runner up Lois Deguara.   

Congratulations to you both on a super game.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine .

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Mackay is set to host its first international Test cricket match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22^nd to 26^th, with Australia facing Bangladesh and excitement building across the region as tickets go on sale for the historic event. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Excitement is building across the region as Mackay prepares to host international cricket for the first time, with tickets now on sale for the 2026 NRMA Insurance Men’s Test Series between Australia and Bangladesh at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22^nd to 26^th.

Australian cricket star Michael Neser was in Mackay this week helping build momentum ahead of the historic clash, describing the occasion as a rare opportunity for both players and fans.

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“It’s a special opportunity to be the first international team to play here in Mackay,” Neser said.

“We’re all pumped, and going off the performances in the one-day series, it’s going to be very competitive.”

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He said the Bangladesh side would present a strong challenge, with quality across both batting and bowling.

“We know they’ve got some talent there who bowl 150 plus, and we’re going to have to negate that,” he said.

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“They’ve got very skilful batters too, so it’s going to be a great competition.”

Looking ahead to the landmark venue, Neser said the experience would be one to remember.

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“It’s going to be a special event, and to be part of history is great,” he said.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the match marks a defining moment for the region as it steps onto the global sporting stage.

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“We officially marked today [Monday, 15^th June, 2026], with the tickets going on sale for the Australia versus Bangladesh test match right here in Mackay,” he said.

Mr Dalton said the event highlights the region’s growing capability to host major international events.

“The match represents another important milestone in Mackay’s evolution, as a destination capable of hosting major, national and international sporting events,” he said.

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He also praised the Great Barrier Reef Arena and its reputation with visiting teams.

“The facility at the Great Barrier Reef Arena has earned high praise from local, state and international teams that have played here already,” he said.

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Deputy Mayor Karen May said the event would place Mackay firmly on the world stage.

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“It’s great exposure, it puts Mackay not just on the national stage, but the global stage,” she said.

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“We are absolutely ready to be hosting this test match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.”

She encouraged locals and visitors alike to be part of the occasion.

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“Make sure you get your tickets early, because they will be selling like hot cakes,” she said.

“Make a holiday of it, and bring your family and friends with you.”

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With anticipation building, Mackay is set to welcome the world this August for a landmark moment in its sporting history.

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Tuesday's winners: Dave Madden, Deb Retchless, Shirley Mc Swain

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Monday self-selected triples started this week. Competition was fierce as usual with the winners for the afternoon Mark Drummond and Ken Wallace defeating Kennedy Whitton and Allan Rolfe. Runners Up Jack Stamp Geoff Coleman and Bob Dykstra who defeated Shirley Smith Shirley Jones and Eileen Dunn.

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We had a great Tuesday afternoon with five rinks of triples. Winners for the afternoon by 1 shot were Shirley McSwain Deb Retchless and Dave Madden who defeated John Haysom Brian Bellingham and Ron Hyde. Runners up went to Stumpy Adams Geoff D and Geoff Coleman defeating Greg McSwain Penny Warren and Laurie Land. The jackpot also went off in the game.  

Cub Competition: A Singles Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan defeated Teresa Willshire. The final is programmed for Sat 27 June. Ladies A Pairs Fely Duncan and Robyn Stitt defeated Linda Scells & Toni Bowen. Final is called for 21 June. Men’s A Pairs Stuart Jeal and Ron Hyde defeated Neale Chittenden and Gavin Charles.

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On Sunday afternoon the winners came out on Rink 8. They were Neale Chittenden Sue John Haysom and France Willman who defeated Deb Retchless Brad Brian Bellingham and Heidi Reiff.  Runners Up went to Maureen Hyde Dave Madden Penny Warren defeating Sue Shearing Jim Quod and Pat Tracey.  The jackpot also went off in the game between Carol Bellingham Graham Smith Phil Gilligan who defeated Greg McSwain Jeff Davis and Graeme Read.

Fun Thursday is starting this week at the usual 1pm start so if you want to come and have a go be at the club by 12.30pm.    

Contributed with thanks by Penny Warren

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Sailability Whitsundays has celebrated the launch of its newest vessel, the Simon Smith, with members and supporters gathering for a special christening earlier this month.

The colourful 303 dinghy was officially christened by David Smith on a perfect early June morning before taking to the water.

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Sailability is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making sailing accessible for people living with disability, providing opportunities to enjoy the freedom and therapeutic benefits of being out on the water.

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With the wind picking up mid-morning, the new vessel enjoyed a successful first outing, with members describing it as a great day for all involved.

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13-year-old George Rush competed in the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials. Photo supplied

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While many teenagers his age are only beginning to dream about competing on the national stage, 13-year-old George Rush has already taken his place among Australia's best swimmers at the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials.

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Representing the Whitsunday Swimming Club, George lined up against some of the nation's leading para swimmers in the Men's Multi-Class 200m and 400m Freestyle events at the prestigious meet held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre last week.  

Competing at the Australian Swimming Trials is a significant achievement for any athlete, but for a swimmer still in his early teens, it marks an extraordinary milestone in a rapidly developing career.

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The young North Queensland athlete recorded a time of 2:41.59 in the 200m MC Freestyle, finishing 22^nd overall, before producing an even stronger result in the 400m MC Freestyle, where he touched the wall in 5:27.63 to place 14^th overall.

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For George, the experience was surreal. He described it as one of the best weeks of his life. To see well know swimming stars, and warming up in the same pool was a dream come true, and then to race alongside them was an incredible feeling.  

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Coaches Jenny and Amanda were alongside George for the experience and are both extremely proud of what George has achieved.

The experience gained from racing at the country's highest domestic level is expected to be invaluable as George continues his development in the sport.

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For the Whitsunday community, seeing one of their own compete at the Australian Swimming Trials is a source of immense pride—and potentially just the beginning of an exciting journey in the pool.

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Whitsunday United enjoyed another strong weekend with several teams maintaining their positions at the top of the ladder.

The Premier Women recorded a hard-fought 3-2 home victory over Wanderers. A tactical shift to three at the back and two up front proved effective, with Sarah Chilton and Karlee Goodin scoring to give Whitsunday a 2-0 half-time lead. Wanderers fought back after the break, but Bre Campbell restored the two-goal advantage. Goalkeeper Lisa Auger produced a crucial save early in the second half, while Alexis Finklay worked tirelessly to limit Wanderers’ main attacking threat.

The Division 1 Men continued their winning streak with a commanding 9-0 victory over Sarina Saints (goals from Kerrin Taylor, Nathan Sothmann, Darren Reynolds and Mike Downing), while Division 2 Men secured a 2-0 win thanks to early goals from Rhodri Jones and Kristian Mulholland, keeping both sides atop their respective ladders.

The Under-23s also remain in dominant form, defeating Mackay Rangers 5-1. Pepe Perea opened the scoring in the first minute before Aaron Kinsella, Sam Frumento and Euan Van den Bergh helped establish a 4-0 half-time lead. Karim Bouhafa added another after the break as Whitsunday stayed nine points clear on top.

The Premier Men suffered late heartbreak, falling 3-2 to Mackay Rangers after a 90th-minute penalty.

In the U14/15 Premier clash, Whitsunday fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Mackay Lions. Lions opened the scoring before Shannon Matthews levelled with a stunning strike into the top corner in the 31st minute. After Lions regained the lead early in the second half, Daly Gillett responded quickly to make it 2-2. Tyson Fenning impressed with a tireless midfield performance as both teams pushed for a winner.

U13 Prem won 4-2 against City Brothers Eagles and U13 Div 1 lost 9-1 to Wanderers Red.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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Regan Maher and Sue Dakin in the Ladies B Grade Final. Photo supplied

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If things don't change they stay exactly the way they are, so the saying goes but definitely not at our little club in paradise , as everyday we have great changes creating new memories.

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Tuesday afternoon we had only 12 bowlers with skipper David Bradley playing sensational bowls with lead Maureen Barnard and second Di Dobbins in an awesome display.

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Wednesday afternoon social bowls had 26 bowlers competing for the winner's prize with skipper Warren Mills out on an awesome display with lead Mark Mawson with a huge 21 point victory, expertly run by Mervyn Stewart.

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Wednesday afternoon also saw the Ladies B Grade singles final and what an awesome display by new bowler from Darwin Regan Maher who defeated a gallant Sue Dakin  25-12.

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Wednesday night saw another huge crowd at Business house bowls expertly run by Yvonne and Bob Spees with a fundraising drive for Gail Simm's granddaughter who is fighting terrible brain cancer.

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Friday afternoon say the Christian College students facing last selection trials for the Queensland Schools Competition to be held at Club Pine Rivers on 19th and 20th August.  

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The bowls program is producing wonderful results with the students gaining confidence and taking this confidence into the classroom.

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Elliana Langshore , Miranda Jackson, Pazel Davis, Ollie Webb, James Feitz and Jack Hankin all show enthusiasm and enormous potential just to name a few.

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Sunday afternoon social bowls saw 25 bowlers attend well organised by Lyn Graham and Fiona Greener. Three games of triples and two games of pairs and the dice was rolled for the highest winning margin which went to skipper John Fielding's team with Lu Rogan at second and Helen Pisarek at lead winning 27-9 .

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Contributed with thanks to the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

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The Whitsunday Brahmans senior men's teams made the trip to Mackay on Saturday to take on Wests Tigers, while the club's women's side enjoyed another scheduled bye round.

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With strong winds creating challenging conditions throughout the day, the Under 20s were first to take the field against a quality Wests outfit. Knowing they were in for a tough contest, the young Brahmans dug deep and showed plenty of determination.

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Local lads Sam Dodgson and Levi Deveigne crossed for the visitors, but Wests proved too strong on the day, claiming a 38-8 victory. Despite the result, the Under 20s continue to show encouraging signs as they work hard to build combinations and strengthen their squad for the future.

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Reserve Grade was next and continued their impressive season in emphatic fashion. The Brahmans ran riot, crossing for four first-half tries before adding another three after the break in a dominant display finishing a brilliant display of footy with a 38-22 win.

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Coach Matt Court had every reason to be proud as his side secured another convincing victory, with the win helping the Brahmans cement third position on the ladder as finals football edges closer.

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The final game of the day saw the A Grade side take on one of the competition's heavyweights. With several changes to the team from the original line-up, the Brahmans welcomed Byron Taylor back into the top-grade side.

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Taylor wasted little time making an impact, crossing within the opening 10 minutes to put the Brahmans on the scoreboard and set the tone for the afternoon. From there, the visitors controlled much of the contest, showing the confidence and resilience that has become a hallmark of their season. 

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While Wests Tigers remain one of the competition's leading finals contenders, the Brahmans continue to prove they belong among the league's best. 

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Once considered outsiders, the Proserpine outfit now finds itself firmly in the finals conversation, sitting fourth on the ladder and building momentum at the right time of the year.

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Attention now turns to a huge home fixture this Sunday at Les Stagg Oval, Proserpine.  

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The women's side will once again have a bye, while the Under 20s kick off proceedings at 11:30am. Reserve Grade and A Grade will follow as all three men's teams take on the Magpies in what promises to be an exciting day of rugby league.

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With ladder positions on the line and finals drawing closer, the Brahmans will be looking to make the most of home-ground advantage and continue their charge towards September football.

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Bourke.

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Remembrance Pairs 1^st Terry, 2^nd Janelle

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The 2026 Whitsunday Zone Teams was held on Saturday and Sunday with 12 teams competing. Team Sheedy finished in top place, without losing a game all weekend. Team members Terry Sheedy, Max Holewa, Diane Holewa and Noel Bugeia. Well done to all who competed!

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The last week of 3 Fridays Remembrance Pairs was played on Friday. This event is to remember and reflect on our members who are no longer with us for one reason or another. The outright winner was Terry Sheedy, followed by Janelle Conroy.

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Weekly Results  

Monday 1 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1^st Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

2^nd Vicki Howard / Laura Howland

3^rd Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt

3^rd Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor

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Tuesday Evening 2 June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

1^st Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy

2^nd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger

2^nd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

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Wednesday 3 June 2026 –9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1^st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3^rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3^rd Susan Wright / Bob Ellis

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Thursday Evening 4 June 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points

1^st Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger

2^nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

3^rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4^th Griffin Bancroft / Mick King

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Friday 5 June 2026 –- Week 3 of the Remembrance Pairs - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

1^st Griffin Bancroft / Ann Whitmore

2^nd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor

2^nd Janet Hansen / Thelma / Caruana

3^rd Karen Caldwell / Gwen Liddell

3^rd Ming Ting / Helen Van Den Breok

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Final Results of Remembrance Pairs after 3 Weeks with 3 different Partners, One Winner – Red Points

1^st Terry Sheedy

2^nd Janelle Conroy

Saturday 6 June 2026 – Whitsunday Zone Teams 2026 – 12 Team Red Points

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Team

Players

1^st Sheedy Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia / Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2^nd Conroy Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

3^rd Harris Jan Harris / Julie O’Neill / Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

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Remy Zhan

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Tuesday Night Fixtures

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Division 1: Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, YiLin Jiang) won 6-5 over Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan), with YiLin just overcoming Anne in a very close five-set match (6, -11, 10, -5, 8).

Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) defeated Geese (Steve Whiting, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott) 6-5, with Donna coming home strongly against Graham B (9, -6, -8, 9, 7).

Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) were too strong for Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Graham Drury), winning 8-3. Allan snuck home against Mark in an extremely close battle (-9, 3, -9, 8, 9).

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Division 2: Galahs (Remy Zhan, Mark Stam) were too strong for Doves (Daniel Warfield, Noreen Fredrickson), winning 4-1. Remy played extremely well to defeat Daniel in five sets (-10, 4, -8, 7, 9).

Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 8-3. Rachel came back from two sets down against Peter to win a close match (-10, -10, 6, 6, 9).

Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Liz Burton) won a close battle 6-5 against Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West, Darryl Ross), with Matt getting the better of Delma (-7, 10, -6, 8, 6).

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Division 3: Some great matches were played as the battle for the top positions in Division 3 continues. Jason, Dylan, Tiffany and Jeff all recorded impressive wins.

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures

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Division 1: Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) just got home 7-5 over Orion Orbiters (John McGee, Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd). George edged out Andrea in a thrilling five-set battle (-9, 5, -9, 11, 13).

Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) won 7-5 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall), with Branko securing a good win over Doug in a close five-set contest (-5, 8, -6, 9, 9).

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Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Helen Ware, Veronica Needham) got home to defeat Ninja Strikes (Pam Keune, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins). Helen won a close battle against Chris (12, 6, -9, -7, 10).

Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) 7-5. Louise fought back against Robyn to win in five sets (-8, -7, 7, 7, 8).

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Division 3: Aztec Warriors (Kim Challender, Janelle Keune, Glenda Brookes) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Thelma Caruana) 9-3. Janelle recorded a strong five-set win over Laurie (-7, 6, 4, -3, 8).

Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Iris Grasso, Sharon Muller) tied 6-6 with Celtic Smash (Marie Taylor, Cheryl Pearson, Trish Zamparutti). Allison had a good win against Trish in five sets (-13, 9, 4, -9, 7).

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Two talented swimmers from the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club are set to represent Mackay on the national stage after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials in Sydney from June 8^th–13^th.

Ehsan Helou and Audrey Bryan have both achieved qualifying times in the highly competitive 50-metre breaststroke event and will take to the pool on Day Three of the meet, June 10^th, against many of Australia’s top swimmers.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the pair and reflects years of dedication, perseverance and hard work in the pool.

Cyclones coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier praised the swimmers for the resilience they have shown throughout their journeys to reach the elite level.

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“These athletes understand better than most the highs and lows that come with elite sport — the setbacks, challenges and moments of disappointment,” she said.

“But their qualification is proof that persistence, resilience and hard work do pay off when everything finally comes together.”

The success of Helou and Bryan also reflects the commitment of Pokarier, whose passion for developing young swimmers has helped build a strong culture of resilience, discipline and belief within the Cyclones squad.

The club described the qualification as a significant milestone and said the entire Cyclones community was proud of both athletes.

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The Australian Swimming Trials are among the country’s premier events, with swimmers competing for national selection and representative honours.

For Helou and Bryan, qualifying alone places them among the nation’s best breaststroke swimmers and caps off a strong long-course season for the Mackay Cyclones squad.

Their success is also proving an inspiration for younger swimmers within the club, demonstrating what can be achieved through resilience, commitment and belief.

As the countdown to Sydney begins, the Mackay swimming community will be proudly cheering on two of its own.

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Some of the Mackay Road Runners who completed the North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10km run from the Bluewater Quay :- Back row (left to right) Carmel Mahon, Jess Evetts, Alana Knezevic, Jo Hughes and (front row left to right) Stuart Sprott, Steve Oberg, John Couldrey.

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Thank you Race Director Andrew Short for co-ordinating a great social North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10k run from the Bluewater Quay this afternoon for over 30 runners/walkers/spectators. 

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Excellent performances came from runners across both events including Alana Knezevic, Shane Donnollan, David Isbister, Steve Oberg, Carmel Mahon, Jo Hughes, Fran March, Bianca Miles, Craig Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Jess Evetts, John Couldrey, Stuart Sprott, David Isbister and Andrew Short.

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June 7^th saw a spectacular BMA Mackay Marina Run, with best wishes to everyone involved from the Sponsors, athletes, volunteers and supporters. A big thank you to every single person for being part of this magnificent must do event hosted by the awesome Mackay Marina Run committee and wider community.

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Contributed with thanks to Mackay Road Runners.

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Whitsundays rugby league coach Zach Hoffmann was nominated for Whitsunday Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to local sport, mentorship and community involvement. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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After nearly two decades coaching junior rugby league in the Whitsundays, Zach Hoffmann says the game has always been about far more than what happens on the field.

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“In country town football, rugby league brings people together in a really special way and it’s an environment that I really value being a part of,” Zach said.

In January, he was nominated for Whitsunday Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to local rugby league, mentorship and community involvement across the region.

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“Being nominated was honestly very humbling.” Zach said.  

“You never really do these things expecting recognition, so to be acknowledged by the community really meant a lot to me and it reflected the importance of giving back and supporting people, players and the organisations that make our community so special,”

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Zach strongly believes rugby league has the power to positively influence people’s lives, particularly young players, and knowing he has contributed in a meaningful way is something he takes great pride in.

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Born and raised in the Whitsundays, Mr Hoffmann first stepped onto the field at 17 for the local schoolboys’ team before progressing to the Whitsunday Brahmans senior side at 18. By 19, he had moved into coaching with the local junior rugby league program; a role that has now spanned more than 17 seasons and sparked a lasting passion for mentoring young players through the game.

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One of the things Mr Hoffmann values most about rugby league in the Whitsundays is the strong sense of connection and community spirit surrounding the sport.

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“You see families volunteering, local businesses supporting clubs through sponsorships and people continuing to turn up for each other week after week,” he said.

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“There is genuine community spirit here in the Whitsundays and I think rugby league plays a big role in that. It creates opportunities for people to build friendships and support one another, and that’s something I really value being part of.”

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Throughout his involvement in the game, Mr Hoffmann said rugby league had also taught him some of life’s most valuable lessons.

“Rugby league teaches us that success rarely comes easy. It taught me resilience through setbacks, discipline through preparation and the importance of staying consistent even when things aren't going your way — trusting the process,” he said.

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“Probably the biggest lesson has been the value of teamwork. No one achieves anything on their own in this game and some of the strongest bonds and memories are formed by working hard together towards a common goal. It has also taught me leadership, accountability and the importance of supporting people around you both on and off the field.”

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Looking ahead, Mr Hoffmann hopes to continue growing both personally and professionally while finding new ways to contribute to the Whitsundays community and local rugby league. Supporting the development of young players and strengthening local pathways remains a key focus.

“I’d love to continue creating opportunities for young players while supporting the growth of rugby league locally,” he said.

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He also holds ambitions of coaching at higher representative levels following his involvement with the Mackay Cutters Cyril Connell Cup side during the 2025 season.

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“Being part of the Cutters representative system as an assistant coach and making the grand final was definitely one of the highlights of my coaching journey so far,” he said.

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“It inspired me to keep pursuing opportunities, never give up and continue pushing myself to be the very best coach I can be.”

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The JUNE 2026 MONTHLY MEDAL was played on Tuesday in ideal weather and course conditions.

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Congratulations to ladies winner Rehab Hull and Louis Neethling for the men.

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RESULTS

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LADIES

Winner: Rehab Hull with 68 nett

R/Up: Paula McQuat with 69 nett

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Rundown: Elspeth Scotford (76), Elaine Philpott (78)

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MEN

Winner: Louis Neethling with 69 nett

R/Up: Steve Mitchell with 71 nett

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Rundown:  Gary Scotford, Barry Shuwalow, John Oates with 72 points, Trevor Paroz, Allen Roberts, Ken Granger with 74 points, John Roser and Neil Cawthorne with 77 points

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PIN SHOTS

Ladies: A Grade - Elspeth Scotford scooped the pool with all three (3) pin shots

              B Grade - Rehab Hull, Elaine Philpott and Allison McCarthy

Men: A Grade - Louis Neethling, Allen Roberts and Grossy

           B Grade - Trevor Peroz (x2) 

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LEAST PUTTS

Trevor Paroz (27 putts), Paula McQuat and Elspeth Scotford both with 31 putts

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CHIP INS 

Jan Shuwalow, Mark Richards and Steve Mitchell

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NAGAs 

for a ball each Kath Borer and Peter Fox

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DRAWS:

MEMBERSHIP jackpots to $20 

RAFFLE won by Mark Richards

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

9/6/26 - PROSERPINE WHITSUNDAY GROUP 9am start

16/6/26 - STABLEFORD

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DITTY

I kept wondering why the golf ball was getting bigger. Then it hit me!!

Contributed with thanks to John Roser

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Whitsunday Picklers were on the road again this past weekend travelling to Home Hill for the 4th annual Cane Country Cup pickleball team event. 29 teams from Cardwell to the Whitsundays battled it out in one of the biggest editions of the event to date. 

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The competition was split into four divisions from Advanced through to Social and was comprised of Men’s and Ladies doubles and two Mixed doubles matches. The Advanced division featured players who had medalled at the recent Queensland Pickleball Tour event in Townsville, so there were some high-quality matchups.

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Ten teams from the Whitsundays played in the event including ones from Bowen, Airlie Beach, and Cape Gloucester, representing all divisions. The Townsville & Home Hill teams definitely showed their superior skills on the day. But it wasn’t all serious competition. Creative team names such as Crafty Cassowaries, Cardwell Crocs, Dink & Dive, In a Pickle and Pickled Mangoes added to the atmosphere. 

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Prizes were also awarded for the best team spirit, recognising sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie on and off the court. Winners of the Fair Play Award were the Social Dinkers from Bowen and the Gloucester Gherkins from Cape Gloucester.

Contributed by Kate Casswell, HHTA Secretary and Lorraine Christiansen, Gloucester Sport and Recreation.

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