Sue, Martin, Janelle & Janine. Photo supplied  

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Twelve teams took part in this week’s Unders & Overs event, with ‘Unders’ defined as players with less than 100 Masterpoints as at 30/06/25. Congratulations to the winning team - Sue Mayer Miller, Martin Pearce, Janelle Conroy & Janine Rodgers.

Weekly Result

Monday 7th September 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

1^st

Ming Ting / Jennifer Cameron

2^nd

Janine Rodgers / Annette Howe

2^nd

Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Terry Sheedy / Glen Cocup

3^rd

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

4^th

Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

4^th

Monica Darley / Joy Block

Tuesday Evening 8th September 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points  

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Helen Van Den Broek / Terry Sheedy

3^rd

Mick King / John McGee

4^th

Chelsea Presley / Alison Pighills

Wednesday 9th September 2026 – Unders and Overs Teams - 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

Team

Players

1^st

Mayer-Miller

Sue Mayer-Miller / Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy / Martin Pearce

2^nd

Schmidt

Jewel Schmidt / Janet Hansen / Annette Howe / Alan Brown

3^rd

Fitzpatrick

Christine Fitzpatrick / Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz / Louise Renton

4^th

Rassmussen

Patrick Rassmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson / Errol Morris

Thursday Evening 10th September 2026 –- 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2^nd

Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

4^th

Louise Renton / John McGee

Friday 4th September 2026 –- 17 of 26 NWP - 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

1^st

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2^nd

Kath Poole / Nancy Martin

2^nd

Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

3^rd

Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

3rd

Louise Renton / Christine Nice

4^th

Gillian McCallum / Rod Miles

4^th

Ming Ting / David Ting

5^th

Diane Cox / Anne Lutz

5^th

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

Saturday 12th September 2026 –-12 Table Mitchell Red points

Team

Players

1^st

Holewa

Diane Holewa / Max Holewa / Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

Goodchild

Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd

Brown

Frances Brown / Alan Brown / Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

4^th

Harris

Jan Harris / Julie O’Neill / Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

Contributed with thanks by Joy Block

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Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School  

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Whitsunday Anglican School students battled it out on the field earlier this month, with Trinity House crowned the winners of the school’s inaugural Interhouse Football Competition.

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A representative from Whitsunday Anglican School said the competition had provided plenty of excitement both on and off the field.

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“It has been an amazing couple of weeks of competition between all four Houses. There has been plenty of intensity on the field, but more importantly, lots of fun!” the representative said.

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“It has been fantastic to see so many students getting behind their Houses and showing their House spirit.”

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The competition also gave students who may not normally play football an opportunity to take part and try something new.

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The school thanked students, parents and staff for supporting the competition, while also recognising Mr Song and Mr Carter for their work in bringing the event together.

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“A big shout-out to Mr Song and Mr Carter for their efforts in putting together this competition. What energy and passion our students have for sport!”

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See all photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/trinity-takes-inaugural-interhouse-football-title

Mackay North State High School’s cheer, hip hop and contemporary teams have taken out three state titles and two Grand Champion crowns at the Queensland State Championships. Photos supplied by Mackay North State High School  

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Months of early mornings, sacrificed lunch breaks and weekend rehearsals have paid off, with Mackay North State High School securing three state titles and two Grand Champion crowns at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation Queensland State Championships.

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The school’s cheer, hip hop and contemporary teams each placed first on the Gold Coast at the weekend. The cheer team was also named Grand Champion after achieving the highest score across its broader level, while the contemporary team was crowned overall scholastic dance champion after recording the highest-scoring routine across all school dance divisions.

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The event marked the cheer team’s first away competition and the dance teams’ first outside Mackay in several years.

Cheer coach and teacher Kelly Munt said the 23 athletes had to master different moves and sequences while working together to execute one seamless routine.

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“We knew the potential (to win) was absolutely there,” Mrs Munt said.

“We’ve got some super talented and dedicated athletes across the board.”

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Their preparation paid off when the cheerleaders “hit zero”, meaning they executed the fast-paced routine without receiving a single deduction.

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“I gave the kids a pretty challenging routine, if I’m being honest, for a school team,” Mrs Munt said.

“For them to go out there, have a belief in themselves and put that on the floor was incredible.”

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Year 11 cheer student Erin Insch said the unexpected result prompted celebrations and “a couple of happy tears” from her peers.

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North High offers cheer as a subject from Years 8 to 10, while senior students can give up their flexible learning time to continue training and mentor younger athletes.

Erin said the program helped to build friendships across year levels and demanded complete trust, with every athlete’s performance affecting the entire routine.

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“You have to rely on the other girls,” she said.

“You earn so many relationships and friendships between all the grades as well.”

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Dance teacher and coach Darci Martyn said the school had enjoyed success at local competitions, including Mackay’s Infinite Spirit event, but this was its first triumph at state level.

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She said the win was unexpected and a “great” reward for the students who had helped choreograph “really beautiful” routines.

The students are now chasing back-to-back titles in 2027 and hope to eventually represent North High at a national competition.

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Photos supplied: Clem Atanazio

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The Whitsundays’ newest mountain biking destination officially opened its gates to riders during two soft-opening days at the Twin Creeks trail network in Hidden Valley on Sunday 6^th September and Sunday 13^th September.

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Gates opened at 7am, giving riders the chance to explore the new green, blue and black trails, test their skills, perform tricks and enjoy a morning on the tracks with mates.

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The mornings featured Ride Whitsunday demonstration and hire bikes, a barbecue sausage sizzle fundraiser and a Whip Off session to round out the action.

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Whether testing the trails, hitting a sick trick or cheering from the sidelines, the soft-opening gave Whitsunday riders a glimpse into many of their future weekends.  

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A Discover Sailing Day welcomed women to the Whitsundays Sailing Club. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville

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Women and girls aged 12 were invited to a morning of sailing, wellness and fun at Whitsunday Sailing Club on Saturday.

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Strong interest saw capacity double from 15 to 30 places, with the free event made possible through Australian Sailing’s Sail Our Way grant, which encourages more women and girls to take to the water

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The morning began with a gentle yoga session and social breakfast before participants learnt the ropes alongside qualified instructors and volunteers.  

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By the end of the morning, participants were putting their new skills to the test in a friendly relay race off Boathaven Beach, bringing the day to a fun and competitive finish.  

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/women-set-sail-on-airlie-waters

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Div1 Men’s. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe

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Contributed with thanks by Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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Whitsunday United FC will have four teams contesting Grand Finals after two more sides secured their places during an action-packed preliminary finals weekend.

Four WUFC teams entered the weekend fighting to keep their seasons alive and join Div 1 Men and U14/15 Prem, who had already qualified for their respective deciders.

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U13 Prem opened the action against City Brothers in a closely contested match. With little separating the sides for much of the game, two late goals swung the result City’s way and handed WUFC a 4–2 defeat. Although it was a disappointing finish, the young side can look back proudly on an excellent first year of competitive football, highlighted by claiming the minor premiership.

U14/15 Div 1 ensured their season would continue with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Dolphins FC. Goals from Remi Smart and Alex Draper secured the result and booked the team’s place in Friday night’s Grand Final.

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After claiming back-to-back minor premierships and suffering few defeats this season, U23 Men had one final opportunity to continue their championship campaign. Aaron Kinsella scored twice during a physical contest against City Brothers, but WUFC narrowly went down 3–2, bringing an otherwise outstanding season to an end.

Premier Men finished the day on a high against league premiers Mackay Rangers. Ethan Rose converted a penalty to open the scoring before striking again shortly before halftime. Rangers pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining, but WUFC held firm under pressure to claim a thrilling 2–1 victory.

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The result completed WUFC’s four-team Grand Final line-up after a season in which five club teams secured minor premierships.

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U14/15 Div 1 and Div 1 Men will play at Mackay Football Park on Friday night, before U14/15 Prem and Premier Men take centre stage at BB Print Stadium on Saturday.

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A huge Grand Final weekend now awaits Whitsunday United!

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Rugby Juniors Training
When: Friday 18 September, 4.30pm–6.30pm
Where: Fields 1 and 2

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Rugby Juniors Training
When: Wednesday 23 September, 4.30pm–6.30pm
Where: Fields 1 and 2

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AFL Bald Eagles Training
When: Wednesday 23 September, 5.30pm–7pm
Where: Oval

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Rugby Juniors Training
When: Friday 25 September, 4.30pm–6.30pm
Where: Fields 1 and 2

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Whitsundays Swimming Club. Photo supplied: Amanda Yuskan

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Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan, Whitsunday Swimming Club.

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What a weekend. What a team. What a great meet.

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This weekend, 12 swimmers travelled north to compete at the Townsville Tourist Amateur Swimming Club Benchmark Meet.

The two-day meet allowed swimmers to set their benchmark times for the upcoming season, and set their times they did.

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PBs were the flavour of the weekend. Medals were won and many laughs were had.

Swimmers explored longer distances, adding 200m and 400m events to the mix, and proved themselves in the pool.

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The meet marked the beginning of the 2026–27 season for the Whitsunday swimmers, and they showed they are ready to race. With State, National and Country Championships qualifying times up for grabs, they are determined to succeed.

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Congratulations to Hayden, Leyton, Jayde, Bella, Isaac, Savannah, George, James, Alissa, Kenzie, Ollie and Axel on a terrific weekend of racing and, more importantly, team building.

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Coaches Jenny and Amanda were extremely proud of all the swimmers and cannot wait to see what the season brings.

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Robyn Stitt, Jean Matfin and Jim Quod

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Contributed with thanks by Penny Warren, Wangaratta Bowling Club.

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A big congratulations to Jocelyn Defranciscis, Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan, who won the Ayr Triples after taking out all three of their matches. Three wins from three was a terrific effort. Well done, ladies!

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Tuesday saw Stumpy Adams, Tracey White and Allan Rolfe take the win over Alex Beaumont, Skinny Querro and Lloyd White.  

Over in the other game, G Downham, Shirley Smith and Kevin Jewell got the better of Lindy Suann, Graham Smith and Gavin Charles. The jackpot decided to stay put for another week.

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On Sunday afternoon, the winning combination came from Rink 4, with Jean Matfin, Jim Quod and Robyn Stitt defeating Bill Myers, Shirley Smith and Laurie Land.

Lindy Suann and Gavin Charles had a win over Skinny Querro and Deb Retchless, while Alex Beaumont, Teresa Willshire and Penny Warren defeated Toni Bowen, Neale Chittenden and Greg Matfin. Sadly, the jackpot was not feeling any more generous on Sunday.

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Contributed with thanks by Raylene Rusmussen.

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Twenty Cannonvale Cannons swimmers travelled to Townsville at the weekend for the Townsville Tourists Long Course Meet, with coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson proud of the team’s effort across the two-day carnival.

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Mackenzie Bennett won five events and achieved five personal bests, including a 15.61-second improvement in the 100m Backstroke. Harry Chegwidden claimed eight wins and seven PBs, taking 19.36 seconds off his 200m Individual Medley.

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Eloise Chegwidden recorded strong PBs in both breaststroke events, while Jax Clayworth impressed in the 800m Freestyle and broke 30 seconds in the 50m Butterfly. Zane Clayworth won the 50m Butterfly.

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Harris Delac collected six PBs and won the 200m Individual Medley in under three minutes. Tora Delac won eight events and achieved four PBs, including a 13.17-second improvement in the 200m Backstroke.

Charlie Doherty placed highly across all three backstroke distances, while Evie Doherty secured three PBs. Roxy Groom took an incredible 63 seconds off her 400m Individual Medley.

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Koa Harland achieved four PBs, Ruby Harland finished second in the 100m Butterfly, and Lucas Korosec won six events.

Eric and Leo Mulliss recorded five and four PBs respectively, while Stella Mulliss achieved three, including a 9.22-second improvement in the 50m Butterfly.

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Celeste Orenshaw finished second in the demanding 200m Butterfly. Andie Reynolds and Levi Smith each achieved eight PBs, with Levi winning both breaststroke sprints. Faithlyn Trotter recorded a PB in every event.

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The Cannons thanked the parents who managed the team, helped with timekeeping and supported the swimmers throughout the weekend. Congratulations to all 20 competitors!

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Contributed with thanks by Tiina Rindmae.

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Apart from a little wind, golfers enjoyed wonderful conditions at Proserpine Golf Club this week, with the scores reflecting both the quality of the course and the talent on display. Thanks go to Simon and the volunteers, with the course looking better than ever.

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Tuesday’s Croker Shield Stableford against Pioneer Valley saw Allison McCarthy win the ladies’ event with 39 points, ahead of Lyn Muller on 38 and Jenny Hounsell on 37. David Woods won  

the men’s with 39, followed by Pioneer Valley’s Nick Pearce on 37 and Barry Mortimer on 36.

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Lyn Muller was Wednesday’s “putting extraordinaire”, winning the Ladies’ Stableford with 41 points. Jan Shuwalow finished second on 39, followed by Di Chard on 38.

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Thursday’s A Grade winner was Aaron Prosser with 37 points on countback, ahead of Brent Daniels and Ken Granger. Brock Smith won B Grade with 37, followed by Peter Elms and Paul Nicol.

Elise Hodgson claimed Friday’s Metropole Hotel nine-hole competition with 20 points on countback from Harry Milne, while Brock Smith placed third on 18.

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The September Monthly Medal, sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, was played on Saturday. Chris Bartlett was the overall men’s winner with 67 nett and claimed B Grade. Aaron Prosser won A Grade with 68, while Dean Kercher took C Grade with 68.

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Elise Hodgson won the ladies’ medal on countback with 70 nett, ahead of Jill Farinelli, also on 70, and Robyn Whitham on 72.

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Sunday’s KJC-sponsored Monthly Medal went to Tony Chapple with 67 nett. Glenn Lee and Sherri Meade were the winners, with Tristan Kemp and Sara Hagy runners-up.

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Ted and Michael Cullen following their Tuesday victory. Photo supplied: Mark Mawson

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Contributed with thanks by Mark Mawson.

New bowlers Ronnie and Zena have impressed during Monday afternoon lessons under the capable guidance of Betty Whitehorn and will soon be ready for social bowls. Free lessons with qualified coaches are available from 4pm to 5pm every Monday and Thursday, with everyone welcome.

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Tuesday’s social bowls attracted 20 players, with Ted Cullen and his brother Michael, visiting from North Sydney Bowling Club, recording a commanding victory over John Brown and Sharon Hawkings finished second.

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Andrew Butler skipped Wednesday afternoon’s winning team, while Shane and Vicki Spann joined Joan McGrath for a dazzling display in the early rounds of the mixed triples. Wednesday night Business House Bowls was again professionally run by Yvonne and Bob Spees, with results to come next week.

Our men travelled to Marian on Saturday for the prestigious Pratt Cup. Warren Mills contested the singles, Ted Cullen and Andrew Butler played pairs, while Rick Galea, John Askew, Des Ballance and Denis Donnadelli lined up in the fours. The team was defeated but gallant throughout.

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Sunday welcomed 23 bowlers. Ruby Butler rolled a six, making the highest winning margin the day’s prize, with Ted Cullen, John Brown and visiting Mildura bowler Jeremy Pappin claiming victory by 10.

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It was also lovely to welcome back Mayumi O’Neale from Mandurah, who joined Robin Brown and Andy McDougall in a close loss to Tony Whitehorn, Mark Mawson and Alma Rose Mawson.

Photo source: Paul Bowman Challenge Facebook

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Proserpine is set for a footy explosion when the Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge brings about 4,500 players, coaches, volunteers and family members to town on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September.

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Now in its 18th year, the popular junior rugby league carnival has attracted 82 teams from across Queensland for its biggest weekend of competition yet.

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Along with the games, one of the most spectacular sites will be the Sam Faust Memorial Relay,  

scheduled at midday on Sunday. Possibly the largest relay in Queensland, with 820 kids involved, 82 on the starting line, running across the fields and passing off a footy to the following runners. The colours of the different team uniforms, crowd cheering, the laughter and the excitement make this relay unique.  

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Returning this year is the monster raffle with prizes, including signed football jerseys,  

Whitsunday tours and accommodation packages, restaurant vouchers, and spa and beauty  

treatments, with funds raised helping to deliver next year's challenge.  

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Eddie Deicke, President of the Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League Club, said that the primary focus is sportsmanship and the players having fun. Eddie also said many local kids take on essential roles, including refereeing, line people, assisting in the office and generally helping, which is terrific for personal development.

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The marquee Whitsunday event would not be possible without the support of Paul Bowman, Whitsunday Regional Council, the NRL and QRL, the North Queensland Cowboys, Tassal, and the many sponsors, volunteers and onsite vendors who contribute each year.

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Mitchell Hinton and coach Harley Bateup Photos supplied: Whitsunday Brahmans

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A season spent stepping up for her teammates has earned Whitsunday Brahmans rising star Bonnie Moretto the Under-17 Player of the Year title at the 2026 Mackay Rugby League Presentation Night.

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The Brahmans really made their presence known at the Mackay Rugby League Presentation Night 2026 Winners, with multiple players getting recognised for their stellar performances on the fields.  

Taking home the club’s biggest honour of the night was Bonnie Moretto, who was named the 2026 Under-17 Player of the Year.

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The award followed a season in which Bonnie strengthened her defence and stepped up when her team was short on players, crediting the encouragement of her teammates and coaches, while her commitment extended beyond game day through regular training with the Mackay Cutters and several gym sessions each week.

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“It’s a privilege to receive an award for doing something that I enjoy,” Bonnie said.  

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Mitchell Hinton and Amber Standerwick earned nominations for Male and Female Rookie of the Year, showing the club’s newest talent is already making its mark in the competition.

The Brahmans’ younger ranks were strongly represented as well, with Kassius Bell nominated for Under-20 Player of the Year.  

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Riley Snow joined Bonnie Moretto among the nominees for Under-17 Player of the Year, capping off a proud night for the club’s rising players.

Last Sunday’s club activities were both centred in the Finch Hatton Gorge area, with a group of the more adventurous members venturing off track towards Dooloomai Falls, and six others heading up the well-used pathway to Araluen Falls for morning tea and then continuing further up to inspect Callistemon Crossing before turning back.

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After an early start from town, the first group followed the track nearly to the Wheel of Fire Falls before climbing a steep ridge to the west, and then descending to the junction of the left and right branches of Finch Hatton Creek. This was followed by a steep scramble to the bottom of Dooloomai Falls, before following an old National Park track to the top, which led to spectacular views. The return to the cars involved negotiating a track overgrown with Wait-a-While which eventually showed the way back to the main track. 

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As for the more leisurely walkers who had left town an hour and a half later, many photos were taken and much reminiscing took place as the members made their way up to Araluen Cascades where a few other groups were admiring the scenery or braving the cold water in the swimming hole. Although the original plan was to explore no further, a decision was made to follow the track as far as the creek crossing, and one or two tested out their skills by venturing part way across. The group included a few who had been walking together for decades, and many past adventures were recalled, some involving climbing Mt Dalrymple. 

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Further information about the club can be obtained by phoning 0429 363 929 and future outings are planned to Mt Ossa, Clark’s Pinnacle, and along the beach to the mouth of Bakers Creek.

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

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