
Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse Thankyou Race Director Tim Magoffin for organising an excellent social 6k & 19km trail run at Eungella this morning with his very able assistant Andrew Short. Andrew then proceeded to notch another successful trail run under his already full belt. Eungella once again showed its spectacular weather with ALOT of early morning fog and low clouds, an excellent environment to run with some like-minded individuals and then finish off with an enjoyable post run brekky at the awesome Chalet (Thank you Tony & Tess and staff’s hospitality). Ryan Murray was scintillating over the technically difficult 19km, scorching over the course in spectacular form to claim first place. Ryan has shown exceptional talent over hilly terrain recently and today was no different. Second placed Levi Wallace was also in superb form despite the unexpected early start to collect his passengers upon leaving Mackay this morning. Craig McGahey's bronze medal performance showed what a class act he is and has been for several years. Brave efforts from Jo Skinner in the 19km displayed her toughness as a competitor after an unfortunate trip up on the track. Rhiann Massey's 6km trail run at this location was a first for her and thoroughly enjoyable experience after a successful marathon on the Sunny Coast recently. Fran March placed 2nd behind her in a super effort from the Chalet to Sky Window and return. Scott McIntosh's 6km golden performance was on show after the long trek from home to get to the start line by 7am. All runners and volunteers need to be congratulated for supporting each other including vital water aid station attendants, Paul Tilse, Jo Hughes, Alex Murray and Phoebe. See you at the final handicap run on the formal calendar next Sunday morning at the Bluewater Lagoon. The annual Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy & 5km is one of the most prestigious events on the Mackay Road Runners Calendar, honouring a four time Olympian and Mackay local girl, who was and still is a very humble and exceptional athlete. Members must start on their official handicap to be eligible for the chance to be in line for the coveted 10km perpetual trophy. All non members are always very welcome to participate for a casual day fee however, will not be eligible for the major 10km perpetual trophy prize as they have no formal club handicap. All participants and volunteers are invited to stay for a post run sausage sizzle and random draws donated by Spine Care Chiropractic. Enjoy this great event to close the 2026 running program with the major finale to be at the Presentation/Awards Night at the Southern Suburbs Bowls Club on 24th October. 8156 – Runners take to the trails from the Eungella Chalet towards Sky Window and Broken River and return. 8166 – First placed 19km competitor, Ryan Murray heading towards the hydration station at Broken River. 8191 – Runners and volunteers take in the view (left to right) Jo Hughes, Jo Skinner, Levi Wallace, Rhiann Massey, Franch March, Andrew Short and Phoebe (in front). 8199 – Craig McGahey is elated after completing the 19km Eungella social trail run. 8177 – Levi Wallace enjoys the spectacular Eungella trails on his way to 2nd place in the 19km.
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Contributed with thanks by Joy Block The Whitsunday Zone Team members from Mackay - Noel Bugeia, Janelle Conroy, Terry Sheedy and Lorna Shuttlewood performed well in the 2026 Grand National Open Teams qualifying and will represent the Whitsunday Zone in Brisbane competing in the non-metropolitan Grand final next week. Well done! The Del Ryan Walk In’s on Friday was won by Diane Morgan and Del’s daughter Janet Hansen. Diane and Janet have played together for many years and are a prolific pair at the bridge table. Weekly Results Monday 28th September 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Joy Hold / Rob Miles 2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson 3rd Jan Harris / Louise Renton Tuesday Evening 29th September 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Diane Stokes / Marin Pearce 1st Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 2nd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ian Afflix / Terry Sheedy 3rd John McGee / Mick King 3rd Janine Rodgers / Andrew Canavan Wednesday 30th September 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 1st Noel Bugeia / Janelle Conroy 2nd Monica Darley / Francie Brown 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Jan Harris / Geoff Taylor 3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller Thursday Evening 1st October 2026 –-9 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 3rd Ian Afflick / Terry Sheedy Friday 2nd October 2026 –- Del Ryan Walkins7 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robyn Nolan 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor 4th Monicia Darley / Griffin Bancroft 1 - Noel, Janelle, Terry & Lorna 2- Diane and Janet. Photos supplied
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Contributed with thanks by Sue Hazledine Recently we held the Under and Over 73’s Finals. The under 73 Final was between Brenda Trannore and Wendy Sonter. Great bowls by both ladies at every end, with determination and great positioning around the Jack. The eventual winner was Brenda Trannore for 2026. In the Over 73’s Ann Smith was up against Sue Hazledine. This game was also played end for end for most of the game and some lovely shots were played by both ladies. With Ann Smith the winner of today’s very close encounter. Well done to our winners and to all the ladies who competed in all the games leading up to today’s final. 1- (L) Wenday Sonter and winner Brenda Trannore 2- (L) Winner Ann Smith and Sue Hazledine. Photos supplied
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Three blokarts and a kite buggy from the Central Queensland Blokart Club made the most of ideal conditions at Bucasia Beach ffor a midweek sail. An east-southeasterly wind of around 18 knots and a suitable tide created plenty of action, with gusts strong enough to require some quick sheet rope releases. All three blokarts were running three-metre sails, reaching a top speed of 64km/h, with some exciting turns at the northern end of the beach. Sandy’s kite buggy also put on a show, manoeuvring up and down the beach while avoiding the three blokarts. Thankfully, there were no unexpected trips into the ocean to test the water temperature. The afternoon was a welcome change after the club’s previous Sunday outing was hampered by a lack of breeze, making for an enjoyable session on the sand. Photo source: Central Queensland Blokart Club
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The week began with Tuesday’s stableford, where John Oates led the men’s field with 39 points, two clear of runner-up Colin Hounsell. Sally Little topped the ladies with an impressive 40 points, ahead of Rehab Hull on 36. The veterans travelled to Collinsville for the Whitsunday Group competition.
Pauline Redpath continued the strong scoring in Wednesday’s ladies’ stableford, carding 41 points to win from Karen Oni on 36 after a countback. Tina Badenhorst finished third.
Thursday’s men’s stableford saw Gavin Kerwand claim A Grade with 35 points on a countback from Bernie Drake, while Perri Simpson was third on 34. David Kercheval produced the round of the day to win B Grade with 39 points, followed by Jim Sherrington on 37 after a countback and Paul Joice in third.
Fay Milne was in fine touch during Friday’s nine-hole run, sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, scoring 25 points across the front nine. Mark Schubert was runner-up with 21.
Saturday’s MBW-sponsored shotgun stableford brought more strong scoring. Craig Smith took A Grade with 41 points, ahead of Matthew Goldman on 38 and Jason Bourke on 37. Barry Shuwalow won B Grade with 39 points, with Brock Smith and Chris Brett completing the placings.
Sherri Meade topped the ladies’ field with the week’s best score of 42 points, finishing five clear of Joanne Moynihan.
The week concluded with Aaron Prosser winning Sunday’s men’s stableford on 38 points, ahead of Ray Johannesen on 36 after a countback. Loretta Puttick won the ladies’ event with 38, edging Tiina Randmae by one. The highlight was Aaron Prosser’s superb ace on the 13th.
The club also held its AGM on Saturday, with a new board now taking the reins for the coming year.
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

Club B Singles finalists Todd Leys and winner David Ling.
The final of the Club B Singles was played on Saturday, with David Ling continuing his fine form this season to defeat Todd Leys 26–11.
David will now contest the Champion of Champion B Singles at Proserpine on September 19 and 20.
Best wishes to Mark Holmes, Shane Kinnear and Michael Kinnear, who will play in the Champion of Champion Triples at Sarina this weekend. Proserpine’s first game will be against Sarina at 9am on Saturday, September 5.
The Pratt Cup follows on September 12 and 13, with Seaforth, Mackay City, Marian and Pioneer Valley hosting Saturday’s play. Proserpine will face Pioneer Valley at Mackay City from 9am, while North Mackay will play Souths Suburban in the other game in the section. Team composition will be advised later.
In Wednesday’s social play, Graham Thropp, Barry Zillmann and Carol Smith defeated Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 10–8. Graham, Barry and Sandy then defeated Alen, Arthur and Carol 10–4.
Manami, visiting from Japan, joined Philip and Heather Brown for several games of cut-throat singles. Heather began with two bowls as a handicap and won several games, while Philip claimed the final.
On Sunday, Alen Sanderson, Philip and Heather defeated Trevor Parsons, Mary Hedgelong and Sandy 11–5. With John Anderson replacing Mary, Alen, Philip and Heather won the second game 9–4.
Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Bowling Club.

The club leapt into spring with Tuesday social bowls, organised by Joan McGrath with Dawn Dowell learning the ropes. Twenty-two bowlers contested three games of triples and one of pairs, with in-form skipper Tony Whitehorn, Dawn Dowell and Allan Grundy taking the win. Laurie Hawkings and Laine Telford finished second.
Wednesday welcomed back games organiser Mervyn Stewart, with 25 players contesting three games of triples. Skipper Andy McDougall and Kathryn Remmeswaal recorded the biggest winning margin, defeating Ted Cullen and Phil Cooley by 14 points.
Saturday brought the semifinals and final of the Men’s B Fours. Chairman Steve Lawrie led Terry Clarke, Arthur McManus, Rick Brunell and substitute Bill Gordon to a commanding victory.
Meanwhile, Airlie Beach’s Manny Isgro and Luke Kinnear delivered an outstanding performance at the Zone Pairs at North Mackay Bowls Club, prevailing over Leichhardt from Townsville.
Twenty players returned on Sunday for two games each of triples and pairs. The club welcomed manager Fiona Greener back from her northern holiday before the dice was rolled to determine the scoring format.
Three teams finished on 17 points, but Tony Whitehorn, Alan Pershouse and an in-form Alma Rose Mawson claimed an exciting victory with 18.
Finally, the club is deeply saddened by the passing of Neil Moore following a long battle with cancer. A true legend of the club, Neil will never be forgotten. The thoughts of everyone at Airlie Beach Bowls Club are with Ali and the family.

Reefies group photo. All photos supplied by Ashley Moore.
It was all smiles at the Whitsunday Game Fish Club as members and families came together to celebrate the achievements of its young Reefies anglers.
The club’s latest monthly awards saw Hervey Mason named Senior Male winner, ahead of runner-up Matt Strange, while Kyle Matthews claimed the Small Fry title over Benson Smith.
There was further cause for celebration when two Reefies received state honours from the Queensland Game Fish Association. Jasmin Smith was crowned State Champion Junior Female, while Ray Cook was recognised as the Highest Point-Scoring Junior in Tag and Release.
With plenty of prizes handed out and some very proud parents looking on, the night offered an encouraging glimpse at the club’s future.

Attention now turns to the Tackle World Airlie Beach Billfish and Tuna Rally on Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 September.
The pre-event briefing will be held at 6pm on Thursday, 17 September at the club’s Altmann Avenue clubhouse in Cannonvale. Following a sausage sizzle, a guest speaker will discuss local billfishing techniques and lessons from the Cairns marlin season.

Fishing will take place across Saturday and Sunday, with presentations held on Sunday evening. Entry is free for club members, while memberships will be available at the briefing.
Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore.

At just two years old, Huxley Soley has already reeled in a milestone many anglers never forget - his first fish.
Young Huxley looking every bit a seasoned fisherman in the making when he pulled it out of the water off the beach.
His family has called the region home for the past 16 years, and Huxley now appears ready to carry on the local love of fishing.
It may be his first catch, but judging by this effort, it certainly will not be his last. Well done, Huxley! Can’t wait to see what more fish you catch as the years go by.
Have a great local sporting photo to share for the next fish photo of the week? Send it to zach@lifepublishinggroup.com

U23 Men’s team. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe
Whitsunday United Football Club is celebrating a remarkable year, with outstanding results across its junior and senior ranks making 2026 arguably the club’s most successful season on record.
Five of the club’s nine competitive teams finished top of their leagues, while seven qualified for the finals series.
The future certainly looks bright, with the U13 FQPL, U14/15 Division 1 and U14/15 FQPL crowned minor premiers. The U23 Men and Division 1 Men also finished the regular season on top.
The U23 Men celebrated back-to-back league titles with a dominant 6-0 victory over Dolphins FC, led by an Aaron Kinsella hat-trick. The Premier Men followed with an extraordinary 16-0 win, with Ethan Rose scoring five to claim the Golden Boot with 32 goals.
Division 1 Men celebrated their minor premiership with a 2-1 victory over City Brothers, courtesy of early goals from Sam Reynolds and Nathan Sothmann. Division 2 finished third after a narrow 3-2 loss to Brothers, with Phil McAllister and Sam Watson finding the net.
The Women’s FQPL side needed victory over Magpies to secure fourth place and a finals spot but went down 3-0. Despite an injury-affected season, the team has plenty to build on for 2027.
U14/15 FQPL sealed their minor premiership with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Rangers. An own goal and Daly Gillett strike established a 2-0 lead before goalkeeper Nick Philipson made several crucial saves to secure top spot.
With five minor premierships and seven finalists, Whitsunday United will travel to Mackay for this weekend’s semi-finals carrying hopes of adding more silverware to a history-making year.
Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

Three cheers for the Mubcrabs! Photos supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.
Bowen Rugby Union is celebrating one of the greatest seasons in its history, after all three senior teams won their grand finals in the Mackay Rugby competition.
Claiming three premierships on the same day capped an outstanding year for the Mudcrabs, with all three claiming victories over Slade Point Rugby. The showcase showed off the strength that has been building across the club, both on and off the field across all.

The Reserve Grade side opened the day with a razor-thin 28–27 victory before the Women’s A Grade team delivered a convincing 24–10 win. The Men’s A Grade side then completed the clean sweep, capping its hard-earned season with a gritty 21–17 triumph.
Players, coaches, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, families and supporters came together at the club’s recent presentation night to celebrate the remarkable achievement and recognise those who helped make it possible.
“A huge congratulations to President Brandon Mackie and everyone who has contributed to that success,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“Clubs don’t achieve seasons like this by accident; it comes from a strong culture and a lot of work behind the scenes.”
Among the evening’s special moments was the celebration of Burnsey’s life membership, marked with an entertaining spoken-word poem and a caricature commemorating his years with the club.
Kayla Turner was also recognised for her work away from the field, receiving the Club Person of the Year award for her contribution behind the scenes.

Joining a swimming club offers school-aged children much more than the opportunity to improve their swimming. It helps young people build confidence and experience the excitement of being part of a team.
The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club welcomes swimmers of varying ages and abilities. Club Nights provide children with the opportunity to practice racing skills in a friendly and encouraging environment while working towards personal best times. Swimmers can experience different strokes and distances without the pressure of a major competition.

Regular participation also teaches valuable life skills, including perseverance, goal setting, commitment, and good sportsmanship. Children are encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate the achievements of others and discover that success is not always about finishing first—it can be improving a time, mastering a new skill, or simply having the confidence to step onto the starting block.
For parents, Club Nights are a wonderful way to become part of a welcoming local community. Families can connect with others while supporting their children to remain active, make new friends and develop a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.
The Cannonvale Cannons will begin their Club Nights on Wednesday 2nd September at the Cannonvale Swim Centre. Warm-up will commence from 5pm, with racing starting at 6pm.
Whether your child is interested in competitive swimming or simply wants to improve, stay active and enjoy being part of a team, the Cannonvale Cannons would love to welcome your family.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

An excellent display of running from approx. 30 junior athletes in the Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile.
Runners took to the Mackay Marina Breakwater on Sunday morning for the Nth Qld Bulk Ports Open and Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile, with ideal weather conditions helping produce strong performances across the junior and open events.
The event, which began at 7am, was made possible through the generous support of Nth Qld Bulk Ports, allowing the Breakwater to temporarily close to vehicles.
Podium winners were recognised across the U13, U18 and Open categories, with Harper Miles, Sonny Moon, Ayla Moon, Riley Rogers, Rebecca Malcolm and Jared Mackie taking top honours in their respective events.
The Magic Mile Milo was awarded to Mason Thompson for his inspirational efforts.
Mackay Athletics President Paul Tilse thanked the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and athletes who helped make the morning possible, as well as the Mackay Marina community for its patience during the temporary road closure.
Attention now turns to next Sunday’s Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and 5km, alongside the inaugural Rules of Running under-12 3km, beginning at 7am at Queens Park. All 10km and 5km registrations will be $10, with 100 per cent donated to Pancare.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse

This week, members of the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club were able to choose between climbing Mt Jukes, the awesome double humped landmark within the Pioneer Peaks National Park, or a more relaxing outing along the recently upgraded Pioneer Valley Rail Trail.
Walkers at each location were exposed to plenty of scenic countryside, with those who reached the top of Mt Jukes having expansive views in many directions, and the valley walkers taking in distant ranges and lots of farming activity as they covered about 8kms each way, starting at Gargett and returning the along the same path.
For the ladies walking the Valley track, the cloud cover made for pleasant walking, but as the sun emerged, it became hot along the open sections. The first section of the trail had received grading, blue metal and drainage pipes, and an early morning tea was enjoyed at the creek. The participants were serenaded by a variety of birds as two Ulysses butterflies flittered around, and the small group led by Mandy Nimmo had the track to themselves.
Meanwhile, another group of about the same size with a more challenging undertaking, guided by Peter Bennett and Ken Fihelly, enjoyed the sunny winter weather amongst a variety of interesting plants ranging from the tangled roots, buttresses and vines of a rainforest environment to ferns, epiphytes and healthy clumps of grass trees. Although this walk is rocky, steep in places and can be tiring, the stunning views of the distant valleys and mountains make it all worthwhile.
Just as the club has in recent times offered mountains, creeks, beaches, waterfalls and bush tracks, a similar variety of habitats awaits current members and fresh recruits in the upcoming months. Phone our membership secretary on 0429 363 929 for details about our online induction process and our joining fees.
Contributed by Carole Weekes

The 10th anniversary of The Anne Hird Memorial Shield was played this Month with 18 Novices vying for the Trophy. Andrew Canavan being the 2026 winner. It’s an individual event and to be a contender, you cannot be a previous winner. The player has to be under 100 Masterpoints and play 3 sessions with 3 different ‘Overs’. David Hird presented the shield and ‘Beanies for Brain Cancer’ to Andrew and his 3 partners.
Weekly Results
Monday 17 August 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
David Hird presenting trophy to Andrew
1st
Rosalyn Stevens / Marilin Robins
1st
Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford
2nd
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
2nd
Joy Hold / Rodney Miles
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
3rd
Annette Howe / Jan Harris
4th
Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft
4th
Monica Darley / Joy Block
Tuesday Evening 18 August 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood
1st
Lynne O’Neill / Terry Sheedy
2nd
John McGee / Mick King
2nd
Marilin Robins / Adrian Westcott
3rd
Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris
3rd
Patricia Garner / Faye Wright
Wednesday 19 August 2026 – Anne Hird Memorial Week 3 of 3 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Joy Block / Sandy Patterson
1st
Ian Gaskell / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Martin Pearce / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Alan Brown / Andrew Canavan
3rd
Mary-Jane Marsh / Janine Rodgers
3rd
Diane Stokes / Diane Cox
Anne Hird Memorial Shield Final results after 3 weeks of play
1st Andrew Canavan
2nd Sue Mayer-Miller
3rd Joy Block
Thursday Evening 20 August 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
4th
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 21 August 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd
Christine Nice / Diane Cox
2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Geoffrey Patterson / Kath Poole
Saturday 22 August 2026 –- B2 of 2 - 12 Table Mitchell Red points
1st
Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris
1st
Geoff Cowan / Annette Howe
2nd
Shirley Worland / Joyce Deguara
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd
Terry Sheedy / Christine Nice
3rd
Lynne O’Neill / Janine Rodgers
4th
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
4th
Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin
Saturday 22 August 2026 –- B4 Final - 12 Table Mitchell Red points
1st Lynne O’Neill / Janine Rodgers
2nd Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
Contributed by Joy Block

The BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival returns September 19th–20th, welcoming competitors of all abilities for a weekend of sport, community and active fun. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
A Mackay sporting tradition spanning more than four decades will return to the harbour next month, with athletes, families, first-timers and seasoned competitors set to come together for the 2026 BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival on September 19th and 20th.
Dating back to 1984, the Festival has grown into a two-day celebration of triathlon and multisport, welcoming everyone from juniors and first-time competitors to experienced Age Group athletes.
Saturday’s program features 500m, 1km and 2km Ocean Swims and Kids Races, followed by Sunday’s main program of Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike and Aquathlon events, with Enticer, Sprint and Standard distance options available.

Mackay Triathlon Club President and Race Director Stephanie Allen said the Festival’s strong community focus remained at the heart of the event.
“There is something really special about knowing triathlon has been raced in Mackay since 1984. Generations of local athletes have been part of this event, and we're incredibly proud to continue that tradition in 2026.”
For those considering giving the sport a try, Ms Allen said the Festival offered an accessible starting point for competitors of all abilities.
“You don’t need to tackle the full distance for your first event. We’ve got smaller events that you can start with, and as you train more and get a little bit stronger, you can progress up to the bigger events from there.”
At the Mackay Triathlon Festival Media Launch, held at the Mackay Harbour Surf Life Saving Club on Friday 21st August, Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the event’s continued growth and success.
“The numbers are growing again this year, which is fantastic.”
“These sorts of events do so much for our regional community.”
Mayor Williamson said Mackay’s outdoor lifestyle offered plenty of opportunities for locals to embrace a more active way of life.
“We have 32 beaches in our region, fantastic walking tracks and fantastic running tracks, so there’s no excuse not to get involved in something that can get your metabolism going and help you stay healthy.”

Mackay Tri Club member Amanda Trend is one local who knows firsthand where taking that first step can lead. In around 18 months, she progressed from beginner events to completing a 70.3 Ironman, all while being a teacher, and a mother.
“With the support of the club and all of our training, I made it. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and I think with that support, it makes anything possible.”
She encouraged others not to be intimidated by the challenge.
“It’s nerve-racking at the start, but you just have a go. Anything’s possible.”
Dean Williamson Dental has joined the Festival as a Major Sponsor, with owner Dean Williamson also an active member of Mackay Tri Club.
Having experienced the Club’s supportive environment firsthand, he said the community behind the sport was one of its greatest strengths.
“I love the sense of community, the support and the friendships that you get through the Tri Club.”
The Festival will also offer a potential $19,205 cash prize pool, with prize money up for grabs across age groups, junior, teams and multisport categories.
The event is proudly supported by BMA, returning as Naming Rights Sponsor for the third consecutive year with Kate Sommerville from BMA Hay Point Services participating; Mackay Regional Council, represented by Mayor Greg Williamson, supporting the event for a second year through the Mackay Events & Attractions Fund; first-time festival sponsor Whitehaven; Major Sponsor Dean Williamson Dental; and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP), providing vital infrastructure support.
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Proserpine Masters and Blasters with Coaches Aaron Reagan and Luke Valmarde
It was a weekend to remember for Proserpine Junior Cricket, with our young Pitbulls given the opportunity to be part of the first ever Test Match held in Mackay over the weekend.
Australia took on Bangladesh at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, with more than 6,000 spectators attending each day of the two-day Test. For a number of Proserpine juniors, watching the action from the stands was only part of the experience, with players and coaches invited to take part in some very special moments on the field.
On Day One, Arnie and Eddie Casey had the exciting opportunity to be Anthem Kids, joining the players on the field for the national anthems before play began.
Malaki Gabey was selected as the Indigenous Flag Bearer, while Matthew Logan took to the field as the Junior Flag Bearer. Coaches Troy Smith and Scott Casey also got in on the action, helping with the giant flags during the pre-match proceedings.
Day Two was the turn of another 20 young Pitbulls, with 10 boys and 10 girls invited to play in the Master Blaster games during the lunch break.
The mini Pitties took over the Great Barrier Reef Arena for modified cricket games and certainly made the most of their time in the spotlight. There were plenty of fours and sixes, some very enthusiastic “Howzats!”, and lots of excited cheering from the crowd as the kids showed off their cricket skills on the same field as the Australian and Bangladesh players.
For many of the kids, simply stepping onto the field in front of thousands of spectators was an experience they will never forget.
There was just as much excitement off the field, with Pitbulls big and small making the most of the opportunity to collect autographs and selfies. Members of the Australian team were popular targets, along with some familiar faces and legends of Australian cricket, including Adam Gilchrist, Alyssa Healy, Merv Hughes and Ricky Ponting.
Being part of such a historic event was an incredible opportunity for our young cricketers and another sign of just how much the game continues to grow across our region.
Proserpine Junior Cricket recorded more than 140 registrations last season, with boys and girls participating across our junior programs. The season also saw an exciting first for the club, with Proserpine fielding its first all-girls team in the Mackay junior competition.
For a small regional club, seeing so many of our juniors involved in an international Test Match was pretty special. Experiences like these give our young players the chance to see where cricket can take them, make some amazing memories and, hopefully, inspire them to keep picking up the bat and ball.
Proserpine Junior Cricket will hold its Sign On Day on Friday, 18 September 2026 at 4pm at the Proserpine Cricket Grounds. Boys and girls of all abilities are welcome.
For more information and registrations, visit proserpinejuniorcricket.com.au
Contributed with thanks to Danny Green.

U13 Minor Premiership Winner. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe
WUFC U13 Premier secured the minor premiership with a crucial 2-0 win over City Brothers in their final league game before finals. Missing injured centre back Liam Keyte, the team adapted well, with Addie Sanders, Jace Hickey, Oscar O’Sullivan and Calvin Murphy working tirelessly in defence.
Zachery Boucher, Connor Miller and Mayson McDowall controlled the midfield, while Finlay Moss threatened on the left wing. McDowall scored either side of half-time, while goalkeeper Kye Land confidently controlled his box to seal the win and top spot.
U13 Div 1 finished their regular season with a 5-1 loss to Wanderers Red, narrowly missing out on a place in this year’s finals series after a determined season.
U14/15 Div 1 closed their regular season with a dramatic 3-2 loss to Country United. After an early own goal, Rio Burkitt levelled with a cracking strike before Remy Smart scored spectacularly from halfway to put WUFC ahead.
Country equalised before half-time and eventually found the winner after the break. Having secured the minor premiership last week, WUFC now turns its attention to finals football.
WUFC Premier Women finished their home season with a hard-fought draw against Wanderers FC. Hayley Astbury and Drew Pothecary worked tirelessly to support the defence, while a late driving run from Karlee Goodin almost produced a winning goal.
The well-earned point capped off a proud team performance and leaves WUFC above Wanderers on the ladder with one game remaining.
Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

A field of 40 golfers battled through four seasons in one day to complete the August 2026 Monthly Medal, with Kath Borer and David Woods emerging as the day’s winners.
Returning from injury, Borer produced an impressive 67 nett to claim the ladies’ medal, finishing one shot ahead of runner-up Robyn Whitham on 68.
Elspeth Scotford led the rundown with 71, followed by Heather Luvis and Anna Winterbourn on 72, Lyn Muller on 73 and Tina Badenhorst on 74.
In the men’s competition, Woods secured the medal with 69 nett, despite admitting there was room for an even better score. Barry Mortimer finished runner-up on 70, while Larry Muller and Gary Scotford both returned 71.
The men’s rundown continued with John Oates and John Strelec on 73, Laurie Dakin on 74, Louis Neethling on 75, Trevor Paroz and John Roser on 76, Jim House on 77 and Andrew Albergo on 78.
Ladies’ pin shots went to Leanne Alexander, who claimed inside the hole, Elspeth Scotford, Heather Luvis, Allison McCarthy and Jan Shuwalow.
The men’s pin-shot winners were Colin Hounsell, who claimed inside the hole, Gary Scotford, Harro, visitor Don Hope, John Strelec and John Oates.
Lyn Muller recorded the fewest putts among the ladies with 27, while Trevor Paroz led the men with 29. Leanne Alexander and Colin Hounsell each celebrated chip-ins.
Beryl Nosworthy and visitor Graham Banister received the NAGA prizes of a ball each, while Peter Lindsay won the membership draw and Allison McCarthy claimed the raffle.
The Whitsunday Group will travel to Collinsville on August 25, before the September Monthly Medal is contested on September 1.
Contributed with thanks to John Roser.