The Bowls Club was bustling with activity this week. On Tuesday, the social mixed bowls featured three triples games. Dawn Dowell, Lane Telford, and Tony Whitehorn emerged victorious with a close 20-18 win over Betty Whitehorn’s team, marking the day’s lowest winning margin.
Wednesday afternoon, Rik Galea and Michael Jacometi tookJacometi take home the prize money with a 29-18 win against Ash Warland and Bill Gordon. The Jackpot was not won and will increase next week. John Fielding also secured a win in the Men’s Senior Singles final, defeating Noel Crosbie—congratulations, John!
Wednesday evening’s Business House bowls, run by Bob and Yvonne Spees, included wins for Blue Science over PRD, Rock Plumbing against Hadlow Racing, and Easylec over Diamond Shine. The Block Layers had a forfeit. Businesses interested in joining should contact Bob at 0417 115 855.
Thursday’s Working Bee saw volunteers vacuuming the green, trimming trees, and organizing the bowls shed. With the new hard cover project approaching, more help is needed.
Friday’s Endeavour kids' session was successful, and the club hosted lively birthday parties that night. On Saturday, Tony Kelly and John Matterson won the A and B games in Scroungers, respectively. Andy McDougall defeated Rick Brunell in the B Singles final. Sunday’s Social bowls had Robin Brown and Margo Stanley winning 29-15. Upcoming events include the Ladies Spring Fling Day on September 24 and coaching sessions with Margo Stanley every Monday and Thursday at 4:00 pm.

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Contributed with thanks to Margo Stanley

Andy McDougall, Winner of the Club B Singles

Sunday, September 8: The social bowls featured a vibrant mix of players. Marion, Andy, Steve, and Jane triumphed over Allen, Daryl, Ray, and Herb. Meanwhile, Vicky, John, and Spanny faced off against Ron, Steve, and Marion. In Scroungers, Rob defeated Lloyd and Ron.
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Wednesday, September 11: The competition continued with MaryEllen, Jane, and Kevin securing a win against Ray, Frank, and Wendy. Peter, Kevin, and Daryl also came out on top against Eddy, Gordo, and Gus. In another match, Ron and Steve won against Marion and Helen.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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B Pairs Final: The B Pairs competition reached its climax on Tuesday with Nathaniel Watts and Gavin Noonan securing a hard-fought victory over Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison. The final score of 21-17 highlighted a closely contested match, showcasing the high level of skill present in this year’s competition.
Senior Singles Semi-Final: On Wednesday, Bryan Davy advanced to the Senior Singles final by defeating Dale Haack with a score of 25-13. This win sets up an exciting final showdown between Davy and Mike Harrison, scheduled for Wednesday, September 18. Both players are anticipated to bring their best to the final.
Missing Scorecard: The scorecard for Wednesday’s social game is currently missing. Should it be located, it will be included in the social participation tally to ensure all results are accurately recorded.
Pratt Cup Results: Proserpine hosted two rounds of the Pratt Cup on Saturday, featuring impressive matches in Singles, Pairs, and Fours with teams from Pioneer Valley, Seaforth, and Souths Suburban. In the initial round at St. Helens, Proserpine defeated Wests Tigers in all three rinks. However, during the semi-finals at Souths Suburban on Sunday, Proserpine experienced narrow losses in all three rinks. North Mackay emerged as the winner, defeating Souths Suburban in the final to claim the Pratt Cup title.
Sunday’s Social Bowls: In Sunday’s social bowls, eight players competed in two pairs games. Philip Brown and Mike Harrison narrowly defeated Garry Alexander and Heather Brown 18-17. Kendall Watts and Bruce Uhe won 27-9 against Ken Watts and Sandy Daffara in a game that was more competitive than the score indicates.
Upcoming Event: Best of luck to Gavin Noonan, who will compete in the Champion of Champions B Singles at Souths Suburban next weekend. The draw for this event has yet to be released.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Tuesday Social Bowls: The social bowls held on Tuesday featured a tight contest in which Robyn Stitt, Gavin Charles, and Margaret Wilson narrowly defeated Barry Gazzola, Irene Laird, and Bruce Magilton. Other winners included Sue Shearing, Jocelyn DeFranciscis, Deb Retchless, and Joe Paynting, who won against Gwenda Lydom, June Paynting, Lorraine Knight, and Greg Colquhoun. Additionally, Lindy Suann, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers emerged victorious over Merle Elphinstone, Lyn Danvers, and Dot Slater. The jackpot, which has grown substantially, remained unclaimed.
Country Pennant Results: On Saturday, the Country Pennant competition featured teams from Wangaratta, BBC, Brandon, and Ayr. BBC emerged as the overall winner, with Brandon finishing in second place.
Sunday’s Rink Results: Despite a reduced turnout following Saturday’s events, three rinks of triples were played on Sunday. The winners on Rink 6 were Toni Bowen, Gavin Charles, and Robyn Stitt, who defeated Leon Fox, Laurie Land, and Kennedy Whitton. Other notable games included Merle Elphinstone, Deb Retchless, and Penny Warren defeating June Paynting, Lorraine Knight, and Dot Slater. The jackpot remained unclaimed.
Upcoming Events: Barefoot bowls will be held this Friday, September 20, in the evening. All are welcome, including families looking for some fun during the school holidays. Additionally, the last Bingo session of the year will take place on the same day, with jackpots expected to be won. The club extends its thanks to all supporters for their continued involvement and encourages everyone to look out for updates on their Facebook page.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
Photo caption: Sunday’s Winners

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The Cannonvale Cannons swimming team experienced a memorable evening this week as Jax Clayworth shattered a 23-year-old club record. Former Cannons swimmer Abel Morris, who set the 11-year-old 100 metres Butterfly record on March 7, 2001, made a special appearance to pass the honour to Clayworth.
Clayworth achieved an impressive time of 1:21.39 in the 100 metres Butterfly, surpassing Morris’ previous record by 0.20 seconds. Additionally, Jax set a new record in the 11-years 100 IM with a time of 1:21.59, highlighting his exceptional talent and hard work.
Morris, who swam with the Cannons from 1997 to 2003, still holds four other club records: the 9-years 200 IM, and the 10-years 100 metres and 200 metres Breaststroke, as well as the 11-years 200 IM. The club expressed its deep appreciation for Abel’s presence and his role in celebrating the new record holder.
The event also included several upgrade awards. Ruby Lawson was recognized for moving to the 200 IM, Kaitlyn Moon for advancing to the 50 metres Backstroke, Gracie Laguna for the 50 metres Butterfly, Pippa Laguna for the 50 metres Backstroke, and Liam Filewood for the 50 metres Breaststroke. Isaac Pisaniello received the coaches' award for his outstanding 50 metres Freestyle performance.
The night was further highlighted by thrilling races and numerous personal bests. Maeve Dichiera, Bonnie and Gracie Crichton, and Don Algie all achieved personal bests in every race they entered. Other notable performances came from Gracie Laguna, Kaitlyn Moon, Lennon Wild, Matilda Nicholes, Andie Reynolds, Celeste Orenshaw, and Erik Hinrichsen.
As the Cannons prepare for the Pioneer Transition Long Course Carnival on October 5th and 6th, they will continue their training over the holiday break, gearing up for an exciting carnival season.
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Contributed with thanks to Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Team

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The golf course provided perfect conditions today with sunshine, light winds, and no rain, making for an enjoyable Stableford game. Thirty-one players, including guests James House and Herb Maierhofer from Maryborough Golf Club, took advantage of the ideal weather.
In the ladies' competition, Jenny Hounsell emerged as the winner with 33 points, while Leanne Alexander finished as the runner-up with 30 points. The rundown included Beryl Nosworthy and Robyn Whitham with 28 points, and Vickie Wallace and Paula McQuat with 27 points each.
For the men, John Roser secured first place with an impressive 41 points, narrowly beating Colin Hounsell, who scored 36 points. The rundown featured Laurie Dakin with 33 points, Barry Shuwalow with 32, and Phil Luckett with 31. Herb Maierhofer, John Strelec, Vic Feldman, John Oates, and Steve Mitchell all finished with 29 points.
Pin shots were awarded to Leanne (twice), Jan (twice), Allison McCarthy, Tiina Randmae, Pam Harrison, Laurie, Phil (twice), Craig McLean, Peter Fox, and Colin. Chip-ins were achieved by Vic, John Roser, and Harry Milne.
This Thursday, the team will head to Pioneer Valley for the final Croker Shield round, with Proserpine currently in the lead. Good luck to all players!
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Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
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John Roser and Jenny Hounsell

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The Pratt Cup stands as one of the most prestigious bowls events in the Mackay district, with a rich history spanning 98 years. Open to all clubs in the region, this esteemed competition invites teams from all across the district to take part.

This year it was played at several local clubs and involved teams of seven, with a format including singles, pairs and fours. The North Mackay Bowls Club team consisted of Terry Clark playing singles, brothers Wayne (skip) and Shane Trannore (lead) playing pairs, and the fours players were Peter Miller lead, Tony Allsop second, Steve Lane third and Dave McKendry skip.

The competition was played last weekend on the 14th and 15th of September with two games played each day.

The final between Souths/Suburban and North Mackay was held at Souths club on their immaculate grass greens. It was televised via the MMDBA link and attracted many viewers. Spectators included members of both Souths and North Mackay clubs.

It was a close final, with Terry Clark winning the singles first. The fours teams had a very close game, and it went right down to the last end, with North Mackay getting up. At this stage the pairs game was abandoned as North Mackay had won two of the three games.

North Mackay last won the cup in 1979, and the club has gone forward in the last few years, increasing the membership and fielding a first division Pennants team.

Congratulations boys!

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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North Mackay team, from left: Wayne Trannore, Terry Clark, Dave McKendry holding the cup, Peter Miller, Shane Trannore, Tony Allsop and Steve Lane. Photo supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

Young netball stars, aged 6 to 17, showcased their skills at the Sarina Showgrounds last Monday during a special clinic led by Queensland Firebirds coaches Lara Dunkley and Ruby Bakewell-Doran. The young players' enthusiasm and passion for netball shone through as they learned from the well-respected Firebirds athletes.

This opportunity was made possible by Aurizon, the principal partner of the Queensland Firebirds, as part of their commitment to bringing the sport to regional communities like Sarina, Toowoomba, and Rockhampton. The partnership aims to give regional players the same opportunities to develop their passion and skills as those in larger cities.

Sarina Netball Association President, Lauren Stanger, emphasised the importance of clinics like this for the local community, stating, "You can see the smiles on the kids' faces…they're very excited.

“It’s just amazing, and we can’t thank Aurizon enough for making this happen.

“To have 120 kids here is just great and I’m sure we’ll have many saying they want to be Firebirds players when they’re older, so it’s really inspirational for them."

The clinics provided not only a chance to improve netball skills but also an opportunity to form new friendships while being coached by professional players from the Queensland Firebirds.

Mark Maguire, Principal Advisor of Brand and Sponsorship at Aurizon emphasised that “it’s great for us to be able to bring firebirds up to places where we have our people working on the ground, and give back to the community.

“The firebirds are a big hit all across Queensland, and Sarina is one of our biggest depots so it’s great to be able to support this local Netball Association and do some great work with the Firebirds.”

Queensland Firebird Mid-Court player Lara Dunkley also shared her thoughts on the experience.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity not just for us but for the young athletes here in Sarina.

“I know being a country girl myself, you never get these experiences, so for us to be able to come up here is just incredible, and we just love sharing our passion for the sport in the community, especially in the regional areas.

“This is why we love netball, because it’s an incredible game and we just want to keep growing the sport.”

She added, “North Queensland is very special to us so we want to give as much back to everyone who supports us and we’re just so grateful.

“The turn out was amazing…we had a super fun time and the girls had a variety of different skills to work on, we had defence, agility and passing skills and like I said to the girls at the start, ‘it’s all about having fun’.”

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Queensland Firebirds coaches Lara Dunkley and Ruby Bakewell-Doran paid Sarina netballers a visit last Monday at a sold-out clinic, aiming to give regional athletes the opportunity to enhance their netball skills and build confidence on the court. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Rumble on the Reef is set to deliver a record-breaking event for its 7th annual competition this weekend, cementing its place as one of the most significant skateboarding events in Australia.

The competition commences today, (Friday, 20th September), with the Sugarbowl Arena reserved for qualifying rounds across multiple divisions, including 9 and under, 12 and under, 16 and under, and men’s and women’s pro categories. These skaters will battle for spots in the championship finals, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown on Saturday.

Saturday, 21st September, is the biggest day of skateboarding, with campaigning focused on breaking national attendance records for a domestic competition. The day includes The Pasifika Cup, Social Division, Junior Championships, Men’s and Women’s Pro National Championships as part of the competition. In addition to the fierce competition, the arena will be buzzing with food trucks, live bands and a fully licensed area.

Adding to the excitement, Olympian Haylie Powell will be present, offering coaching sessions and skateboarding demonstrations, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Donny Fraser, Head of Development for Rumble On The Reef, emphasises the event's significant economic impact on regional towns like Mackay.

“We really aim to be able to support regional towns,” Mr Fraser said.

“Most of our skateboarders aren’t from big towns or cities, so it’s really important for us to provide this opportunity to a place like Mackay.

“We want to put Mackay on the map and we want to break that record and have the biggest skateboard attendance in Australia for a domestic event.”

Rumble on the Reef has transformed the region into a mecca for skateboarding, with its combination of grassroots support, world-class competition and community engagement.

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Witness history as Rumble On The Reef brings high-flying tricks and epic wins to Mackay. Join the crowd and catch all the action this weekend! Photo supplied

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The Masters Swimming Queensland 2024 North Queensland Championships, hosted in collaboration with Townsville’s Long Tan Legends Masters swimming club, provided a fantastic opportunity for swimmers to compete in a high-level pool event.  
 
The championship attracted 78 swimmers from 22 clubs, with participants travelling from as far south as Tasmania. Revived after several years, the competition is now set to become a regular fixture on the Masters swimming calendar. 
 
The Sinkers swim club delivered an exceptional showing, with seven swimmers participating in various events ranging from 50 to 800 meters, along with several relays. Their impressive efforts earned the club second place overall, with many members achieving podium finishes within their age groups. 
 
Sue McBride won gold in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events, adding a silver in the 50m freestyle and a bronze in the 100m freestyle to her tally. Sue Dalton claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke, silver in the 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke, and bronze in the 50m backstroke. She also placed fourth in the 100m freestyle and sixth in the 50m freestyle. Rachel Mundy earned silver in the 200m freestyle, bronze in the 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, and 50m butterfly, while finishing fourth in both the 50m freestyle and backstroke. 
 
Geoff Hamilton had a standout performance, winning gold in the 50m and 100m freestyle as well as the 100m breaststroke. Dan Stampa took home gold in the 400m freestyle, silver in the 50m freestyle, bronze in the 50m butterfly and 200m freestyle, and finished fourth in the 100m freestyle.  
 
Nigel Dalton achieved an incredible clean sweep, securing gold in all six of his events: the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 800m backstroke, as well as the 200m and 800m freestyle. Nigel was also awarded swimmer of the meet for the championships. 
 
In the relay events, the mixed medley team of Rachel Mundy, Sue Dalton, Pierre Craven, and Nigel Dalton claimed gold in the 200m medley for the 200-239 age group and took silver in the 200m mixed freestyle. The men’s relay team of Pierre Craven, Nigel Dalton, Geoff Hamilton, and Dan Stampa secured silver in the medley and bronze in the freestyle events for the 240-279 age group. 
 

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Nigel Dalton receiving his trophy for the swimmer of the meet. 
The mixed Medley relay team that closed out some strong competition to take the gold medal. L – R: Pierre Craven, Rachel Mundy, Sue Dalton and Nigel Dalton 
The Sinkers after a successful meet. L - R Geoff Hamilton, Dan Stampa, Sue Dalton, Nigel Dalton, Sue McBride, Pierre Craven & Rachel Mundy. Photos supplied 

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Members Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy competed in the Magnetic Island Teams Congress, winning the walk-in pairs and coming second in the Category A Teams event, with Tony Lusk and Sandy Long from Cairns. On the home front David Ting and Eric Goodchild N/S, along with Noel Bugeia and Terry Sheedy E/W are leading the B4 Red Pt competition after weeks 1 of 2 of the event.

Weekly Results

Monday 9 September 2024 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
David Ting / Ming Ting
2nd
Joy Block / Nancy Wix
3rd
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
4th
Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
5th
Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason
6th
Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane
Tuesday Evening 10 September 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd
Diane Stokes / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Andrew Canavan / Christopher Meyers
4th
John McGee / Mick King
Wednesday 11 September 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
2nd
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
2nd
Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
3rd
Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait
3rd
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
4th
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
Thursday Evening 12 September 2024 – B4 Week 1 of 2 - Red Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st
Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy

2nd
Jan Harris / Susan Ross
2nd
Mick King / Patricia Garner

Friday 13 September 2024 - 9 Table Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden

2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

3rd
Sue Meyer-Miller / Noel Saunders
3rd
Christine Nice / Diane Cox

4th
Joyce Deguara / Anne Lutz
4th
Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

Saturday 14 September 2024 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood
1st
Terry Sheedy / Christopher Meyers

2nd
Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore
2nd
Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

3rd
Richard Wix / Nancy Wix
3rd
Marilin Robins / Christine Nice

4th
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
4th
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

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Magnetic Island Cat A Teams Runners up Tony Lusk, Sandy Long, Janelle Conroy and Terry Sheedy
Noel Bugeia & Terry Sheedy
David Ting and Eric Goodchild. Photos supplied

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The parkrun scene saw an incredible milestone recently as the original Bushy Park parkrun celebrated its 1000th event!

In a record-breaking turnout, 6,204 participants attended, which was 2.5 times the amount of their previous attendance record. This staggering number highlighted the global appeal of parkrun.

In Mackay, the local Botanic Gardens parkrun is gearing up for a significant milestone of its own, with the 400th just around the corner. Scheduled for this Saturday, September 21, the event promises to be a special occasion, with hopes of seeing many familiar faces, both past and present, to celebrate.

In previous weeks, parkrun recognised multiple individual achievements, including Dorothy Oates, who reached the impressive milestone of completing 250 parkruns. Surrounded by a proud group of supporters, Dorothy’s achievement was celebrated by the entire parkrun community.

Other parkrun champions were honoured for their milestones, including Jay Pee Policher for his 50 Finish Milestone.

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Dorothy Oates reached the 250 finishes milestone
Fifty finish Milestone for Jay Pee Policher. Photo credit: Mackay parkrun

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The Annual Shields Stampede was once again a great success with over 35  runners and supporters taking part in the event. 

Life Members Wendy and Merv Shields generously hosted the historic Shields Stampede from their home, with a special thanks to Mackay Road Runners Vice-President Mick Scholer, who stepped in for President Brendan Bishop, who was away enjoying Magnetic Island. The event took runners through some of North Mackay’s most challenging and undulating suburbs, starting at Mt Pleasant and passing through Beaconsfield and Andergrove before returning to the finish line.

Darrin Pullen and Emily Green were the first male and female finishers in the 5km event, followed by Jo Hughes and Andrew Short in second place.

Toby Rule dominated the 12km race with a remarkable 49:59 finish, narrowly edging out international ultra-marathoner Paul MacKenzie by just 19 seconds. Mel Esau claimed first place in the women’s 12km race, maintaining excellent form to beat Emily Hayles by just over a minute, with Glynis Forse following closely in third.

Exceptional performances were also seen from Jared Mackie, Brad Fraser, Tim Dalton, George Hannaford, Steven Hayles, Clinton Mackie, Colin Hardy, Jan Smith, Len Haworth, and Stuart Sprott.

This Sunday’s social run at Eungella promises stunning scenic loops along the region’s best trails, starting at 8am from the Chalet. Runners should park at the community grounds to the right of the Chalet. The 6km, 12km, and 18km distances are open to both Club Members and non-members.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Shields Stampede hostess, Mackay Road Runners Life Member, Wendy Shields (left) with fellow Life Member, Agnes Farmer enjoy a chat after a big night out celebrating Agnes’s 84th  birthday
Paul MacKenzie completes the 12km with ease after a big weekend of serious altitude mountain running (176 kms) in Europe and then onto Airlie Beach’s Whitsunday Trail Fest 56km
Toby Rule smashes the 12km Shields Stampede one second under fifty minutes. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures September 3, 2024:

Division 1:

Hyuandi (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan) d Holden (Mark Sleeman, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) 8-3. Anne d Robbie -10, 8, -5, 9, 11.

Fiat (Donna Abbott, Emma Widdup, Allan Robins) d Honda (Vince Boeske, Graham Brake, Neil Brown) 6-5. Allan d Vince 11, -5, -8, 7, 5.

Audi (Ian McKay, Andrew McHugh, Lily Boland) d Ferrari (Steven Whiting, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) 9-2. Steven d Lily -11, 7, -8, 4, 17.

BMW (Barry Patterson, Geoff Denman, Tony Bowman) d Alpha (Delma Knight, Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Mick d Barry -5, -5, 6, 8, 7.

Division 2:

Suzunk (Matt West, Simon Hogan, Saisha Palod) d Rolls (Ishara Lilanagamage, Niro Premachandra, Peter Goodson) 8-3. Matt d Niro 6, -4, 9, -9, 11.

Nissan (Noreen Fredericksen, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang) d Subaru (Steve Mathieson, David Symons, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. Steve d Noreen 4, -10, -8, 6, 8.

Lexus (Anaya Reelh, Duncan Treloar, Kade Wright) d Mercedes (Will VanDeKaa, Ollie Hamelink) 6-5. Kade d Ollie 6, -6, 6, -11, 11.

Mazda (George Camilleri, Rymer Tabulo, Craig VanDeKaa) d Jaguar (Nehmat Dahaliwal, Leo Gilbert, Mark Stam) 6-5. Leo d Rymer 9, -9, 6, -4, 4.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures September 10, 2024:

Division 1:

Pixel Paddles (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, Judy Zahn, Kevin Abbott) d Code Crackers (Doug Dungavell, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, Coral Morgan) 8-6. Doug d George -9, -5, 5, 12, 5.

Nano Nets (Tony Bowman, Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Veronica Shepherd) d Byte Bouncers (Branko Vucurovic, Janice Kent, John McGee, Marie Taylor) 8-6. Janice d Tony -6, -11, 4, 11, 7.

Division 2:

Sydney Slamm (Helen Ware, Robyn Bushell, Don Boettcher, Thelma Caruana) d Berlin Blockers (Gloria Vella, Iris Grasso, Madge Saunders, Josie Davis) 10-4. Josie d Robyn -9, 11, -7, 5, 9.

London Looper (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Nadine Stream) drew Rome Ralliers (Gerry Synnott, Louise Gould, Bill Hey, Cheryl Aprato) 7-all. Gerry/Louise d Ken/Kim 9, 11, -9, -10, 9.

Paris Spinners (Bryan Marshall, Ian Dodds, Pem Keune, Charles Hamlett) d Tokyo Turners (John Hamelink, Fred Saliba, Frank Caruana, Allison Day) 8-6. Frank d Charles 9, -2, -7, 6, 12.

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Frank Caruana (pictured) had a close match against Charles Hamlett, with Frank winning with 12 points in the fifth set. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Charles Hamlett

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Last weekend over 230 bikes and 89 cars hit the long dirt track around the Don River to compete in the 2024 Don River Dash.

Congratulations to Kent Battle for winning the car category, and to Liam Walsh for winning the overall event three years in a row, solidifying his title as ‘King of the River’.

Co-event organiser and Burdekin Offroaders president Michael Martson said the weekend went to plan and he is looking forward to next year.

“All the competitors were happy and next year is going to be massive,” said Michael.

“We have competitors’ country wide that couldn’t be with us this year, saying they will be here next year.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Colins said the 2024 Don River Dash was another huge success and the event had grown in leaps and bounds since the inaugural Dash in 2019.
 

An Action Packed 2024 Don River Dash

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said, “The Don River Dash is the pinnacle of off-road racing in our region and is now recognised as the best off-road race on the East Coast.”
 
“The event has grown in popularity since the inaugural event in 2019 and this year organisers have forecast 400 open competitor entries and crowds of over 5000 spectators.
 
“It is exciting that the 2024 event drew crowds of over 5000 spectators to watch the best off-road racing on the East Coast which is a real feather in the cap for the organisers and volunteers of this event and an amazing economic boost for our region over the event’s four days.
 
“Council’s Economic Development team have run the numbers through the economic benefit calculator and direct impact on the region’s economy is over $7 million.
 
“I am proud that Whitsunday Regional Council has been a financial supporter since day one and this year supported the event with $20,000 in-kind support to assist the organisers as they continue to expand and grow the event further.
 
“I am confident that this event will continue to become a hallmark event for our unique part of the world and add another bow to making the Whitsunday a great place to visit.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was great to see the Don River Dash growing in popularity each year.

“From what started as a small community event just six years ago, this is now a major driver for tourism in the region with people travelling from all over Australia,” said Leanne.

“Businesses in Bowen and throughout the entire region benefit from the influx of visitors with many checking out other parts of the Whitsundays during their stay.”

Photo credit: Show n Go Photography

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