by Festival Vice President, Melinda Louise Hutchings
After a seven-year hiatus, the Whitsundays Writers Festival will be making a triumphant return 6-8 September, promising an immersive celebration for writers, readers, and thinkers alike, and a stellar line-up of Australia's leading literary figures.
The Patron of the Festival, Jessica Begun, is already known to many in the community due to her ongoing and steadfast commitment to promoting and expanding the Arts in the Whitsundays region over several years.
“I feel honoured to be serving as the Patron of this year’s renewed Whitsundays Writers Festival,” Jessica said.
“The Festival has succeeded beyond my wildest imaginings in featuring leading Australian writers in stimulating and interactive events that both celebrate and create valuable opportunities for aspiring writers, and of course, avid readers.”
Jessica’s love affair with the Whitsundays began in 1991 when she arrived in Australia on her sailboat with her husband and two sons. After spending two years sailing across the Pacific from Boston to Australia, Jessica and her family spent several months exploring the east coast and fell in love with the beauty of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.
The following year, Jessica and her family immigrated to Australia and berthed their boat at Hamilton Island Marina. After purchasing land in 1995 and building the Cape Gloucester Eco Resort in 2001, which they sold in 2008, they lived in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years before moving permanently to Cape Gloucester in 2015.
“I have been very fortunate to have been able to pursue a creative life starting as a potter in Norway in 1973 and culminating in my Master of Fine Arts from QUT Academy of the Arts in directing,” Jessica said. “I participated in theatre, ceramics, and painting in Massachusetts in the 80s, as well as film making and working in arts events in Maleny including the Woodford Fire Event, the Maleny Film Society, Maleny community radio, and the Real Food Festival.”
Jessica was settling into retired life at Cape Gloucester when she met Cathy Knezevic, the exhibition officer at Artspace in Mackay, in 2019. Keen to create an arts festival, Cathy suggested they combine their skills and as a result, the inaugural Whitsundays Arts Festival launched in September 2020.
Tragically, Cathy had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when Jessica received news of their success in gaining funding for the inaugural Arts Festival. The second and third festivals in 2021 and 2022 continued to expand the event with the inaugural Songwriter Festival, Arts Prize Exhibition, a focus on multicultural performance and stories, and a film screening at the new Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Cathy continued to battle cancer and lived to enjoy the second festival with her whole family, and her legacy lives on through Jessica’s continued dedication to expanding the arts in the Whitsundays region.
“Festivals provide the best opportunities for our creative community to celebrate the arts and meet other like-minded artists in the community,” expressed Jessica. “I encourage you to come to many of the exciting events planned over the three- day writers festival as possible.”

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WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September  
TICKETS: whitsundayswriters.com

Co-founder of Whitsunday Arts Festival, Jess Begun, announced as patron of upcoming Whitsundays Writers Festival. Photo supplied

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A big thank you to all who contributed both on and off the green, to a good year for our club in both Pennants Divisions contested.  Division 1 finished second in the District with 8 match wins and 18.5 Rink wins and a margin of plus 82 to Souths Suburban with 8 match wins 23 Rink wins and a margin of plus 199.   Division 5 finished 3rd with 4 Match Wins, 1 Match Draw, 11 Rink wins and a margin of 0.  North Mackay won Division 5  with 8 Match wins and 1 Match draw and a  margin of 64. 

In this weekend's matches Division 1 played North Mackay at Proserpine on Saturday.  Michael Kinnear, Marcus Craig, Barry Saroglia and Nathan Harriott  won 42 - 5;  Shane Kinnear, David Ling, Andrew Bell and Wayne Handley won 19 - 16;  Toby Craig, Jonathan Bye, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne won 23 - 7 for Proserpine 84- North Mackay 38, scoring Proserpine all 6 points plus a Margin of 46.  On Sunday this division played Souths Suburban at Souths.  Wayne Handley's team won 25 - 9;  Gavin Milne's team went down 17 - 25 and Nathan Harriott's team went down 15- 21.  This gave Proserpine the overall win 57-55 earning 4 Points and a Margin of 2.

Also this weekend Division 5 played against Airlie Beach at the beach on Saturday.  Kendal Watts, Mike Harrison, Todd Leys and Bryan Davy went down 16 - 21;  Gavin Noonan, Bruce Uhe, Harry Craig and Brett Saroglia won 22 - 11.  This gave Proserpine an overall win 38- 32 scoring 4 of 5 points plus a margin of 6.  On Sunday Bryan Davy's team went down 17- 22; Brett Saroglia's team went down 14-15.  Final Score Proserpine 31 - North Mackay 37 earning 0 Match points and minus 6 Margin.

The following competition games have been called for Saturday  July 6.  Semi Final Men's Fours 9.30am start.  Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Peter Lawton v Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne.  Final of Men's 4s approximately 1pm start.  Winner of Lawton/Milne morning game v Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Toby Craig and Nathan Harriott.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Shane Kinnear concentrating on playing good lead bowls during the pennants game at Proserpine on Saturday. Andrew Bell in background following progress. Photo supplied

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Goodluck to our Men who have been away in Townsville competing in the Dunn Cup. Always a tough competition.
Fun Friday winners on rink 5 were Natalie & Grant Hands, Jim Steel defeating Peter, Greg and Keron 33 to 11.
Our Friday night Barefoot bowls seen a mixture of locals and a group of young Rock climbers from Brisbane this week. Our next night will be held on Friday 12th July. Names in via message or calling 0407946558. Sausage sizzle also available on the night.
Sunday winners on rink 5 were Allan Gillies, Isobel Wheeler, Dennis Stenfolt and Domingo Diaz defecting Carron, Lynda Maureen and Geoff 21 to 16. Jackpot of $ 382 went off and was shared between Rinks 2 and 8.
Reminder Saturday 6th July 2024 Monster Cent sale is on 1.30pm start admission $5 Afternoon tea & Lucky door prize.
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Contributed with thanks to Teresa Willshire.

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Steve Lucas took out Tuesday's stableford with 38 points ahead of Jason Whitney with 37 points. Pins went to Luke Nightingale  Jon Miller and Brendan Spann.

Thursday's A and B division winners, Scott Mason and Luke Wayth, both had 40 points. Jacob Nightingale and Izaac Vandenburg were the runners up. Pins went to Jacob Nightingale, Finbar O'Flynn, Timothy Miller and Scott Mason.

Brendan Spann had 22 points to win Friday's Met run with Chris Pirlo two shots adrift. Ben Smith won the pin shot.

Saturday's weather was kind enough to see 136 players compete for the prized Scramble four-person ambrose. The gun Sarina team of Ian Dunn, Darren Symons,

Christopher Dunn and Gregory James along with locals Ryan Wilkes, Izaac Vandenburg,  Ryan Kenny and Mark Thompson qualified for the regional final.

Blake Lovelock had 41 points on Sunday to beat Corey Stroud by four shots. The leading ladies were Anna Winterbourn on 31 points and Tiina Randmae on 29. Pins went to Karen Rix, Corey Stroud, Daniel Davis and Andrew Albergo.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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The weekly 9-hole stableford Alan Clinch took first place with 21pts, followed by Glenn Rees with 20pts and third with a countback of 19pts was Justin Gibbs.
Fridays stableford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 22pts, second on a countback with 20pts was Gary Goddard and third place with 20pts was Rhys Bartholomew.
Sunday was our monthly medal for June and taking the win was Glenn Rees with a 54nett c/b, second place with a 54nett was Edwina Pettiford and third place with 57nett Michael Bond. Also on Sunday’s monthly medal Robert Lodders scored a hole in one on hole 13. Great job by all.
Nearest the pin was Edwina Pettiford and Tyson Flavel.
This Sunday 7th July will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.
 
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Pictured: Robert Lodders

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club is pumped for the new swim season.  The club has a new enthusiastic committee keen to engage young people to participate in swimming. The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club encourages children to keep fit and to strive for their best.   The first carnival for the season will be on home ground at the Cannonvale pool on 13th July and club nights will resume from August.  Club coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson have been coaching swimmers over the school holidays and swimmers are enhancing their skills and aerobic fitness for the season ahead.  
During the first week of the school holidays, swimmers worked on aerobic and sprint fitness in the various strokes.  On Wednesday afternoon, the swimmers enjoyed the Butterfly session with Coach Kenny.  On Friday afternoon, the junior and senior swimmers enjoyed a water safety and survival stroke session with Coach Mark before they played a fun game of modified water polo.  The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who trained consistently:  Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Tora Delac, Zach Trefz, Andie Reynolds, Harris Delac, Nelson Malady, Ruby Harland, Dylan Reynolds, Thomas Ganter, Evie Doherty, Charlie Doherty, Jax Clayworth, Isaac Pisaniello, Alex Trefz, Millie Groom, Roxy Groom, Matilda Nicholes, Zane Clayworth, Eloise Chegwidden, Tate Harland, Koa Harland, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Maeve Dichiera and Declan Dichiera.  
On Sunday, Nelson Malady travelled to Townsville to compete in the TOWSA Ship to Shore 1.5km swim.  This is not an easy event, as ships jump off the back of a ship and swim 1.5km to the Townsville Strand.  Nelson swam a fantastic time of 26.41.50.  Nelson was 3rd in his age group 12 – 15 years.  Well done, Nelson!  Nelson is now planning to swim from Magnetic Island to Townsville as part of a team.  
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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Mackay is set to pulse with the beats of national and local music acts this July as The Push and Queensland Music Festival (QMF) team up to deliver an electrifying all-ages event!

Spearheaded by The Push, a leading youth music organisation and part of QMF's QLD Music Trails program, this special event promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.

Scheduled for Saturday, July 6th at The Arcadia Bar, the event is a highlight of The Reef Trail, a segment of QMF's QLD Music Trails. The line-up features headline performances by acclaimed acts Great Gable and Kitschen Boy, alongside local talents Giant Palms and Tiffany Grace.

For Mackay's music scene, this gathering not only showcases exceptional musicians but also provides a platform for emerging local artists to shine.

15-year-old Eliza said “This exposure has given me so much more knowledge and boosted my love for music and encouraged my future even more.”

The collaboration offers young people from the Mackay region a unique opportunity to participate in The Push's All-Ages Events Team program. Over the past two months, eight enthusiastic participants have gained hands-on experience in event management and promotion, contributing to every aspect of the show's organisation, from selecting support acts through a local band competition to crafting promotional materials.

CEO of The Push, Kate Duncan said, “We’re stoked to be working with Queensland Music Festival and Mackay Regional Council to bring this All-Ages Events Team program and all-ages live music opportunity to Mackay as part of the Reef Trail.

“Not only does the tour provide important opportunities for young audiences to experience live music that is safe and affordable, but it gives teams of local young people the chance to develop skills, confidence and networks.”

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate music, community and talent in the
heart of Mackay.

Tickets for the event are available for $20 (plus booking fees), with an added incentive of free arcade game tokens for the first 100 attendees. It promises to be a fully supervised, drug, alcohol, smoke, and vape-free event, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit: thepush.au/mackay.

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Mackay gears up for an electrifying all-ages event with The Push and Queensland Music Festival, showcasing national and local talents at The Arcadia Bar on July 6th. Image supplied

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Mackay rugby league sensation Jaxon Purdue has reached another milestone in his fledgling NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys.

The 18-year-old rookie utility back celebrated his third appearance in the top grade by helping the depleted Cowboys upset premiers Penrith 16-6 last Sunday at Penrith Stadium.

It was a victory to savour for the Queensland Under 19s representative – just weeks after shining on debut in the club’s miraculous win over the Sydney Roosters.
Purdue won’t forget the courageous win over the Panthers in a hurry.

Playing at centre, the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student spent ten minutes in the sin bin before the half time break – then nabbed his first NRL try after a dashing run in the 61st minute to swing the match in the Cowboys favour.

Cheering Jaxon on back home in Mackay were his Cutters’ first-grade teammates, fresh from a heart-breaking 20-12 loss to premiership pacesetters Northern Pride in Hostplus Cup action at Barlow Park in Cairns.

The Cutters led 12-10 inside the final twenty minutes following back-to-back tries after the interval by five eighth Riley Dean and prop Ross Bella that were converted by half back Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu.

But elusive winger Robert Derby stole the show with a spectacular try double in the space of six minutes to seal Northern Pride’s tenth win of the season and keep the club entrenched on the top of the ladder on 24 points with Norths Devils.

Derby capped a huge game with a hat-trick of tries after opening the scoring in the eighth minute before fullback Lachlan West crossed shortly after with half Thomas Duffy adding the extras for a 10-nil lead.

Mackay remains in the finals mix in tenth spot on 16 points and is bent on returning to the winner's list when they tackle the Tweed Seagulls this Saturday at Piggabeen Sports Complex at Tweed Heads from 5pm.

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Mackay Cutters action from the 20-12 loss to Northern Pride in Hostplus Cup at Barlow Park in Cairns. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters

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Fifteen-year-old Mackay Cyclones multiclass athlete Izabella Wills has wrapped up an impressive campaign at the Olympic para trials, showcasing her talent and determination on a national stage.
Izabella achieved 11th place overall in the 100m freestyle and 10th in the 100m backstroke, competing against some of the nation’s top athletes. Remarkably, she secured a spot in the B Final, swimming at 9:55 pm when most teenagers her age are already in bed. Her dedication paid off as she achieved personal bests in every event.
Izabella is riding high on this wave of success, along with her coach, Leigh-Anne Pokarier. The duo were selected to attend the Hancock Prospecting Para Futures Development Camp on the Sunshine Coast last weekend. Leigh-Anne joined the coaching team, while Izabella has been recognised as a future para athlete by Swimming Queensland, opening new opportunities thanks to her hard work and stellar performances over the past two years.
The dream of becoming a Paralympian is gaining momentum for Izabella, who continues to strive toward her goal, making her one to watch in the Mackay Cyclones camp.
The achievements don't stop there for the Mackay Cyclones Swim Club. An impressive 27 athletes have received Junior Excellence recognition, while six higher-level athletes have earned spots in the Silver, Bronze, and Junior Development squads based on their performances last season with Swimming Queensland.
Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier acknowledges the hard work and dedication required to achieve such success.
"It's a hard slog for everyone, and the results are well-earned and deserved," she said.
"I couldn't ask for a better team who come together and get it done."
Next on the agenda, two Cyclone members will compete at School Nationals on the Gold Coast at the end of July: Izabella Wills representing the senior school and Isabelle Daniel representing the junior school. Following that, the team will gear up for the State Short Course Championships in August.

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Izabella Wills (centre) with coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier (right) at the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials

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Nine tables of mentors, beginners and novices played on Sunday in a very close competition. The beginners and novices are very appreciative of the time and effort given to them by the mentors to allow them to play with experienced players and improve their bridge game. Winners this month were N/S Joy Block and David Ting, E/W Diane Stokes and Griffin Bancroft.

Weekly Results
Monday 24 June 2024 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
2nd
Faye Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
4th
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

5th
Griffin Bancroft / Sandy Ford
6th
Diane Stokes / Eddie Kleise

Tuesday Evening 25 June 2024 5 Table One Winner
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
4th
Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
Wednesday 26 June 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
1st
Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor

2nd
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Monica Darley / Joy Brunette

3rd
Joy Block / Diane Stokes
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

4th
Carmel Brown / Patrick Rasmussen
4th
Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

Thursday Evening 27 June 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

3rd
Jan Harris / Susan Ross
4th
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

Friday 28 June 2024 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
1st
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole
2nd
Joy Block / Griffin Bancroft

3rd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd
Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

4th
Susan Ross / Debbie Ludkin
4th
Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

Saturday 29 June 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd
Julie O’Neill / Toni Large
2nd
Monica Darley / Robert Carless

3rd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King

4th
Errol Morris / Jan Harris
4th
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Sunday 30 June 2024 – Novice, Beginners and Mentors 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Joy Block / David Ting
1st
Diane Stokes / Griffin Bancroft
2nd
Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Christopher Meyers
3rd
Annette Howe / Vicki Howard
3rd
Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin
4th
Adrian Westcott / Ed Boets
4th
Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

Contributed By Joy Block

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Left to right: David Ting and Joy Block with Griffin Bancroft and Diane Stokes. Image supplied

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More than forty runners and supporters enjoyed the beautiful Cape Hillsborough conditions by tackling the Mackay Road Runners annual Club Championship 5km and 9km.   

Runners enjoyed the early race start overlooking the glorious eastern coastal sunrise and well-populated beach just as much as the skippies. Several local and interstate casual day runners joined up with the Club’s existing members, revelling in a great Sunday morning as they challenged the Hidden Valley course which included scenic beach vistas, tricky rainforest trails and slippery unsealed roads.   
 
Paul Mackenzie continued his sensational form by taking major club championship points, placing first overall in the 9km club championship ahead of Mick Vivian. 

John Searston, who was a member of Mackay Road Running for over 25 years in the past, displayed great stamina in third place, sprinting to cross the finish line just mere seconds behind Mick. John Rae accrued the final open club championship points ahead of Alex Couldrey, Tim Dalton, Jim Ogilvie and Robin Stinson.   

First female Jose Short was 9th overall, scoring maximum club championship open points ahead of Teresa Hackney and Lisa Burns.  Excellent running was seen by Glynis Forse and Kaylene Gardner who were just outside the podium finishers.
 
John Couldrey made light work of the 5km event, as did Andrew Short and Natasha Joynson, where it could be assumed that John’s amazing turn of speed at the finish line was due to the fragrant BBQ wafting through the air.  
 
There will be no Mackay Road Runners event this Sunday, however, there is an amazing selection of trail running courses this weekend set by ActiV8 Adventures that the Club highly recommends.   

The 5km, 11km, and 18km options are open to everyone, visit ActiV8 Adventures online to register your interest for a great morning of trail running commencing from 8am at Eungella. 
 
The next Club Championship race on the calendar will be hosted by Mackay Road Runners on Sunday 14th July, commencing from 7am at Netherdale.

The Signature event M-Test Eungella King and Queen of the Mountain, and Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy Junior King and Queen of the Mountain is a very successful event shared with the Mackay Cycling Club for their Torque Tyres and Trailer Spares King and Queen of the Mountain cycle event held in conjunction.  

Watch this space for further updates or visit mackayroadrunners.com online for more info.

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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Perfect running conditions at the start of the Cape Hillsborough Club Championship’s beautiful beach for the three front runners (left to right) – John Searston, Paul MacKenzie and Alex Couldrey
Geeta Ariani (#118) leads a contingent of female runners along the beach section of the Cape Hillsborough 9km Club Championship event
Leon Sant, Shruti Dhl, Geeta Ariani, Kaylene Gardner enjoy the Mackay Road Runners Cape Hillsborough Club Championship event
Greg Dawes, Martin Lambert and Jim Ogilvie take a well earning break after the 9km Cape Hillsborough Club Championship race
Couse Cyclist Tim Magoffin struggles to keep pace with the Club’s legendary course marker, trailer keeper volunteer Andrew Short. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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The North Mackay Sinkers happily accepted the opportunity to enjoy an ocean swim on Mackay’s show holiday, Thursday June 20.  

The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club hosted its inaugural Winter Solstice swim and invited the general public to participate in the event to support fundraising for the Surf Club.

Twelve Sinkers nominated across the 1, 3 and 5k events on offer to strongly represent the club in this fantastic event that was well supported by over 50 swimmers on the day.

The day dawned clear and cool but the registration was quick and we were provided a briefing of the course, water safety and conditions. Before long the 5k swimmers entered the water for the first of five laps of the 1km course, into 21-degree water we set off into what proved invigorating to all swimmers, some opting for wet suits.  

Interestingly the first 50m from shore was around 18 degrees picking up the cooler evening conditions in shallow water.

In the 5km event, the Sinkers were led home by Pierre Craven who placed 4th overall in 1h 34 min, followed by Nigel Dalton (6th + 3 min) Dan Stampa (11th + 15 min) and Christine Webb (12th, + 19 min)

In the 3km event, the Sinkers were led in by Megan Taylor who placed 4th overall in 56.24 minutes followed by Natasha Mallise (6th + 4 min) Melissa Lysaught (8th + 6 min) Rachel Mundy (9th + 7 min) and Rachel Bidgood (13th + 13 min).

In the 1km event Lesley Thorpe placed 9th overall in 23.25 minutes followed by Sue Willet (15th + 4 min) and Helen Burgess 17th + 7 min).
 
By Dan Stampa

Sinkers Sessions:
Mondays: 5:15pm for 5:30-6:30pm (Millie Monday - coached)
Wednesdays: 5:15pm- for 5:30-6:30pm (Whiteboard Wednesday, led from the pool)
Saturday: 08:00-09:00am (Social Saturday, led from the pool followed by coffee and a treat!)

For further information visit www.facebook.com/NthMackaySinkers or phone 0413 805 156

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Sinkers made a splash at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s wintersolstice swim on June 20. Images supplied

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On Saturday, 18th of May, 15 dedicated athletes from Mackay, all representing Tri-ActiV8, achieved a monumental feat at the Great Wall Marathon in China.

Nikki Giles, Tri-ActiV8 Director, Head Coach and participant said, "We have a strong team spirit, camaraderie, and sense of adventure amongst us. It started as an idea and then suddenly a lot more of our tribe wanted to be a part of the journey."

The team tackled various distances: two participants competed in the 8.5km Fun Run, one in the 21km race, and 12 took on the full 42km marathon.

Their hard work and dedication paid off with impressive results as Jose Short secured 1st place in her female age group. Sam Sticklan achieved 4th place in her age group and 9th overall female. Emily Wicks finished 6th in her age group and Angus Wicks earned 2nd place in his age group.

Nikki said that preparation for the marathon's unique challenges was crucial.

"Getting our athletes ready was a really important component to achieving success in what is hailed as one of the most difficult marathons in the world.

"The secret is in the preparation and understanding what your body needs to compete in and complete such a gruelling event.

“Getting your fuelling right during the race is key to ensuring your body can go the distance and completing the 5,164 stairs," Nikki emphasised.  

The Tribe shared so many memorable moments from the marathon.

"Towards the end of the marathon, when we were completing the second run along the Wall in the reverse direction, there were a lot of shared moments of pain, cramping, sharing gels, and buying soft drinks to push the body over the final 2,582 stairs and 562m of elevation.

“At the finish line, we all reunited one by one. So many smiles, stories, and hugs."

Nikki underlined that Training in Mackay played a crucial role in their preparation.

"Blacks Beach stairs, internal fire escape stairs in high-rise buildings, efforts on local hills like High Street and Mt Bassatt, and the Conway Circuit were places where our athletes conditioned their legs and bodies."

The dedication and spirit of the Tri-ActiV8 tribe continue to inspire, with the latest conquest of the Great Wall Marathon serving as a testament to the Tribe’s enduring passion and mateship. The remarkable achievements of Mackay's athletes have set the bar high, showcasing exceptional talent and determination on an international stage.

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Tri-ActiV8 Tribe

Selena Corness, Emily Wicks, Nikki Giles

Sandra Macklin

Rod Wood. Photos supplied

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Mackay Cutters rugby league Head Coach Michael Comerford has a sharp eye for talent.

When the Cutters and North Queensland Cowboys renewed their Hostplus Cup partnership for the 2024 season the respected mentor had no hesitation in drafting 18-year-old young guns Jaxon Purdue and Xavier Kerrisk into his top-grade squad.

The astute Comerford was well aware of the duo’s natural ability and skill set having coached the former Queensland Schoolboys representatives during his teaching days at St Patrick’s College Mackay.

Both players are two of the Cowboys’ brightest prospects with first-grade rookie Purdue shining on his NRL debut in a courageous win over the Roosters and for the Under 19 Maroons in last week’s 14-10 Origin loss to NSW at Leichhardt Oval.

Purdue has scored five tries in six appearances for the Cutters this season before earning a promotion to the NRL ranks.

Comerford has now introduced rising hooker Kerrisk into his Hostplus Cup squad as an interchange player after the number nine’s outstanding form for the Cutters in the Under 19s Mal Meninga Cup.

Central Queensland Capras produced a rousing second-half display to sink the Cutters 30-18 last Saturday in their Rivalry Round clash at Rugby Park Rockhampton.

Trailing 8-6 at the break the Capras, led by former Broncos NRL star Anthony Milford, stunned their rivals with a four-try blitz that turned the match.

Journeyman winger Edrick Lee – who has had NRL stints with Canberra, Cronulla, Newcastle and the Dolphins – dashed over to score straight after the interval before interchange prop Zev John and centre Cooper Marshall crossed for tries to extend the seventh-placed Capras lead to 24-8.

Mackay lock and skipper Sean Mullany responded with a vital try after 62 minutes that was converted by half-back Riley Dean before interchange prop Brandon Russell crashed over for a late try to give the Cutters a glimmer of hope.

The experienced Milford – riddled with hamstring concerns during his time at the Redcliffe Dolphins – broke the Cutters hearts when he posted the Capras fifth try seconds later to seal a crucial victory for the home side.

Mackay turned in a solid first half showing with winger Dario Takitaki scooting over for the opening try of the match after eleven minutes and playmaker Dean adding the extras.

The Cutters number seven gave his side an 8-0 lead when he potted a 36th-minute penalty goal before flying winger Bob Tenza grabbed a four-pointer for Central Queensland on the stroke of halftime.

Mackay faces another tough task this Saturday when they tackle premiership pacesetters Northern Pride at Barlow Park Cairns from 3pm.

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Over forty runners and supporters enjoyed the annual historical Farmer’s Long Gallop from Evans Avenue on a very breezy but sunny day last Sunday on June 23.  The forty-eight-year-old event is a favourite among members for its technical difficulty in the 17km and fast out-and-back racing in the 5km. 

Junior champion runner, Luke Leven unfortunately missed the 17km event due to double booking himself, however, his sister, Lily showed her speedy style in the 5km coming in 2nd behind previous Junior Club Champion, Ashlee Scott.  
 

The fastest in the Farmers 17km was Mick Vivian who also came second across the line on handicap behind big improver, Clinton Mackie. Clinton as well as Mick backed up well after their 30km Club Championship race the previous weekend, as did Shane Donnollen, Teresa Hackney, Carmel Mahon, Tahnie Malagueno and Brenda Windsor.  Impressive running was seen from the girls in the 17km with the fastest lady being Alana Knezevic ahead of Mel Esau, Teresa Hackney, Tahnie Malagueno, Rhian Massey, Glynis Forse, Carmel, Brenda and Judy Zahn. 

Tahnie scored first female via the handicap start race style with Teresa and Mel snatching silver and bronze respectively.  Levi Wallace had a sensational first event with the Mackay Road Runners in the 17km with a view for bigger, better and faster things to come.  Tim Caddy made a welcome return to racing, clocking an impressive comeback time alongside Oliver Rule, Brad Fraser, Mick Scholer, Craig Robinson, Robin Stinson, Werner VanderLinde and David Isbister. 
 
Steve Tregear had a golden handicap win over Andrew Wallace and Michael Feenaghty as the top three charged over the 5km finish line ahead of first handicapped female Jo Hughes. Jo nudged out fastest 5km female Ashlee Scott based on the handicap start followed by Lily Leven, Natasha Joynson, Neah Carciano and Jan Smith.  Jared Mackie’s sizzling 5km race time was the fastest however, relegated him to 8th across male and female handicap starters. Excellent 5km efforts also came from Darrin Pullen, Andrew Short and Len Haworth.
 
This Sunday’s Cape Hillsborough Reef Forest 5km/9km will commence at the Cape Hillsborough parklands playground from 7am.

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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Talented and legendary Mackay Road Runners, Judy Zahn and Ashlee Scott.
Rhian Massey & Glynis Forse ready to run!
Farmer’s Gallop namesake and dearly departed Fred Farmer (2nd right) is picture perfect alongside (left to right), Club President Brendan Bishop, Andrew Short, Len Haworth and Vice-President Mick Scholer.
Fastest human at the Farmer’s Gallop, Mick Vivian. Images supplied

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