At Northern Beaches Community Hub Residents visiting the Northern Beaches Community Hub can now enjoy easier access to sports and recreation, with a new high-tech locker system offering free use of sporting equipment. The recently installed SportsBox lockers allow community members to borrow a basketball, futsal ball or netball at no cost, providing a simple way for locals to make the most of the hub’s indoor sports court. Users simply need to download the SportsBox app and create an account. There are no sign-up fees or ongoing cost to borrowers. Equipment in the smart lockers is free to use, but a credit or debit card must be added to accounts for instances where balls aren’t returned. Since it was installed last month on December 19, there's already been hours of usage of the available equipment. For more information about how to use the lockers use your favourite search engine to find SportsBox equipped by Decathlon.
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RUNNING The 2026 Shawn’s Summer Social Splash n Dash Biathlon Series resumed last Sunday, getting underway at 4.30pm at the ARC (Aquatic & Recreational Complex) in Ooralea. Club Captain and Race Director Jim Ford was thanked for generously donating his time to volunteer the free, informal social group training sessions held during the Mackay Road Runners Club off season. Mr Ford also offers free track training year-round at the ARC on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. No RSVP is required for either off-season social event, with participants asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the session start, pay the ARC facility’s $5 entry fee at the Pool Kiosk, before receiving a briefing from Mr Ford on the training program criteria. The formal Mackay Road Runners season will commence next month, with the official calendar still to be ratified at the club’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, 12 January, at 5.30pm. The AGM will be held in the North Queensland Bulk Ports meeting room at the Mackay Harbour Marina, with all welcome to attend. The meeting will also see the election of the incoming 2026 committee, with the current 2025 executive stepping down and all positions becoming vacant and open for nominations and subsequent voting. Members unable to attend are welcome to submit input or a proxy vote. For any queries, please contact the Club via the Secretary - secretary@mackayroadrunners.com or Janelle Tilse 0400 997432 publicityofficer@mackayroadrunners.com Contributed by Janelle Tilse
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The Mackay Table Tennis Association has completed its most significant facility upgrade in almost 50 years, installing full air-conditioning within their hall — a move President Janice Kent says clearly sets the sport apart from many others in the region. The hall, which opened in 1971 and was last significantly expanded in 1975, has long been a staple of the Mackay sporting landscape. Janice says the latest upgrade directly responds to conditions many athletes know all too well. “In Mackay, heat isn’t an inconvenience — it’s often the deciding factor in whether people can safely participate in sport,” Janice said. “A lot of sports still rely on outdoor venues, large fans or ventilation and hope that conditions are manageable. We’ve taken a different approach.” The new system delivers consistent cooling across the entire facility, eliminating the uneven airflow and heat pockets common in many indoor venues. “This isn’t partial air-conditioning or cooling in select areas,” Janice said. “Every table, every session, every player benefits from the same conditions — juniors, seniors, social players and competition athletes alike.” Janice said the difference is immediately noticeable when compared to non-air-conditioned sporting environments. “When people are choosing how to stay active in Mackay, they’re weighing up comfort, safety and sustainability,” she said. “Heat stress, dehydration and fatigue are real issues, especially in summer. We’ve removed that barrier entirely.” She said the upgrade allows players to focus on performance and enjoyment rather than survival. “People shouldn’t have to endure extreme conditions just to stay active,” Janice said. “Sport should challenge you athletically — not thermally.” Importantly, Janice emphasised that comfort doesn’t come at a premium price. “Compared to many other sports, table tennis is very reasonably priced, and that’s by design,” she said. “Affordability is one of our core values. We recognise that cost matters to families, retirees and anyone trying to stay active without stretching their budget.” She said the combination of full air-conditioning and low participation costs is rare. “In many sports, you’re paying more while still playing in heat,” Janice said. “Here, you get a modern, climate-controlled facility at a cost that remains accessible.” The upgrade also strengthens the club’s contribution to the broader Mackay community. “This isn’t just about table tennis players,” Janice said. “It’s about increasing access to sport for people who may not feel comfortable playing outdoors, or in venues without proper climate control.” She said the benefits extend to seniors, juniors, people returning to exercise, and those managing health considerations. “Air-conditioning makes sport safer, more inclusive and more sustainable,” she said. “That matters in a growing regional city like Mackay.” The club’s Patron, Nigel Dalton MP, Member for Mackay, has supported the milestone, recognising the importance of modern community sporting infrastructure. “Facilities like this, play a key role in keeping people active year-round,” Janice said. “We’re proud to offer something that genuinely improves participation rather than limiting it.” As Mackay continues to grow, Janice believes the upgrade positions table tennis as a clear alternative to heat-exposed sports. “We’re not competing on who can endure the toughest conditions,” she said. “We’re offering a smarter, safer and more comfortable way to stay active — without out pricing to both existing and new members. Supplied by Janice Kent
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Club Whitsunday will be celebrating their first birthday next weekend on Saturday, the 17th of January and they have a mystery prize up for offer. Excitement is rising as the massive present in the foyer is wrapped up and remains a mystery, but General Manager of Club Whitsunday Josh Prowse said it's a prize that everybody will want and anybody can use. To enter, you need to be a member of Club Whitsunday and start spending money at the club. Every $1 spent is one entry. To win you must be there for the draw on Saturday the 17th of January, between 11am and 3pm. Josh explains that it has been a busy year for Club Whitsunday, full of community connection, and he is very proud of what they have achieved. With over 6500 members the club is thriving and is ticking all the boxes the community sports club was designed to tick. The support has been overwhelming and reinforces their commitment to giving back to the community and supporting grassroots sport. During its first year Club Whitsunday has been home to a wide range of events, from small business networking activities to large-scale sporting fixtures. Among the headline events was the Viking Cup, which delivered the biggest visitation in the history of the Club Whitsunday. Organisers estimate more than 1,000 people attended across the two-day event. The venue also successfully hosted the Rugby Union grand final, which was relocated from Mackay, and a significant win for the town. Other major events included the Big Freeze, adding to what has been a landmark year of activity and growth for the facility and the community it serves. Partnerships with local food suppliers have also played a key role, with raffles, promotions and collaborative advertising helping strengthen ties between the venue and the wider business community. Upcoming events in 2026 are also set to draw in more and more visitors, first their birthday on the 17th of January will set the tone for the year to come, on 24th of January the North Queensland Cowboys will be doing a morning training session, and Australia Day celebrations will follow shortly after on the 26th. In August Club Whitsunday will also have their huge $20k giveaway! It's going to be a huge year for Club Whitsunday, and the club is looking ahead to another year of community connection, major events and continued investment in local sport.
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Sunset Bay had a jammed pack weekend 24/25th Oct with a fun night of Trivia for fundraising at Eimeo Surf club, followed the next day by the club AGM.
Trivia saw more of a head to head competitive side of the outrigger community and locals of Eimeo Beach were welcomed.
Thank you to the sponsors of the evening- Pin- Point Property; Magpie Sports Club, Mount Pleasant Brumby's and MAK Financial Advisors, with this support approx $1300 was raised for our paddlers heading to National Sprint Titles.
The next day Sunset Bay club members then welcomed new Committee members Justin Davies - President, Danette (Netty) Pearson - Secretary, Petina Kidd- Registrar, Colleen Halyes and Kim Alloway - general committee and with 6 committee members remaining in their roles for the upcoming 2026 season.
Outgoing President Bel Quakawoot was praised for her 'above and beyond' contribution to Sunset Bay for the past 2yrs and has left the committee in good stead.
Bel was able to present the club prestigious awards of life membership to Petina Kidd - a long standing and active member of Sunset Bay Outriggers.
Club person of the year was presented to Stephen James for his quiet achiever attitude in completing numerous tasks for the club.
Check Sunset Bay Outriggers on Facebook for upcoming 'Come & Try' days.
Contributed by Sunset Bay Outriggers
Sunset Bay Outriggers hosted a fundraising trivia night and AGM on 24–25 October, raising $1,300 and welcoming new committee members while presenting awards to standout club members. Photos supplied
Around forty athletes and supporters braved the heat at the Aquatic and Recreational Complex, Ooralea, for the first Shawn’s Summer Splash n Dash Biathlon of the 2025/2026 series.
Created by Mackay Road Runners Club Captain Jim Ford in memory of the late Shawn, a former club treasurer and champion runner who passed away from pancreatic cancer seven years ago, the series continues to celebrate his passion for fitness, community, and perseverance.
The event is open to everyone, with no club membership required. Entry to the ARC is charged by the venue, but the run itself is free, with gold coin donations welcome for post-race refreshments.
The next race will be held at 4.30pm at the ARC – participants are asked to arrive by 4.20pm for briefing.
Online registration for the 2026 Mackay Road Runners season is now open. The 2026 calendar meeting will take place on December 6 at 11am at the Seabreeze Tavern, Lamberts Beach, and the AGM will be held on January 12 at 5.30pmat the North Qld Bulk Ports meeting room, Mackay Marina. All are welcome.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Natasha, Craig and Alex Joynson enjoy the first Shawn’s Summer Splash n Dash Biathlon Series hosted by Mackay Road Runners Club Captain, Jim Ford as part of the off season informal training program.
The Flanagan family ready to tackle the Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Splash n Dash Biathlon Series.
The Hayles family supporting each other at the Mackay Road Runners off season Splash n Dash Biathlon series.
Jose Short and Phoebe Short clocking up as many laps as possible in 30 minutes before the 30 minute pool section of the Biathlon series.
Stephen Oberg and Fran March battle it out on the track section. Photos supplied
The Central Queensland Blokart Club held its annual three-day regatta at Cape Hillsborough Beach last weekend, attracting thirty competitors from across the region. Racing began on Friday under promising conditions, but the wind soon eased, leaving most sailors switching down to their 5.5 sails as speeds dropped to around 10–12kph. Despite the lighter breeze from the north-northeast, competitors made the most of the challenging conditions, with plenty of close racing and a few getting bogged in softer sand near the water’s edge.
Saturday brought similar winds early on before strengthening later in the day, prompting many to swap back to their 4m sails. Sixteen races were completed over the two main days, with plenty of tight finishes and friendly rivalry. The event concluded Sunday with a trophy presentation, nibbles, and drinks at the caravan park, celebrating another successful regatta filled with skill, camaraderie, and coastal adventure.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Capricornia Blokart Club
Mackay’s rising sprint star Ethan Hill is proving that dedication and determination can overcome any obstacle. At just 15, he’s already represented Queensland and North Queensland at the nation’s top athletics competitions, with more milestones on the horizon.
Ethan’s impressive track record includes bronze medals in the 4x100m relay at both the 2022 School Sport Nationals in Brisbane and the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships in Perth. Later this year, he’ll again don the North Queensland colours at the Australian All Schools Championships in Melbourne.
His journey began humbly in 2021 at a school athletics carnival, where a natural burst of speed first caught attention. After an early setback with a broken wrist, Ethan returned in 2022, joined the Sleak Squad under coach Dave Lester, and quickly rose to national level within months.
The following year tested his resilience when a serious leg injury required surgery and a long recovery. Despite being told his running career might be over, Ethan persevered through rehab and was back on the track by the end of 2024, and stronger than ever. He’s since clocked impressive personal bests of 11.43 seconds (100m), 22.76 (200m), and 52.53 (400m).
Most recently, he competed in the Cathy Freeman Challenge, using the event to fine-tune his form ahead of Melbourne’s national championships in December.
While he’s proud of what he’s achieved through local training, Ethan said regional athletes would greatly benefit from more opportunities to train and develop their skills closer to home.
“It’d be good to have more help with training and more opportunities for athletes to develop,” he said.
“A lot of us don’t get to move from here, but to perform better we often have to go to the bigger cities, and that’s hard on a lot of families.”
Ethan’s success highlights the growing call from parents and coaches for more pathways to ensure the next generation of athletes can rise from regional tracks to national stadiums.
With the region producing standout talents across multiple sports, parents within the sporting community are calling for upgrades and better resources to help local competitors reach their full potential close to home.
Ethan’s sights are now set on the 2025 Australian Championships in Brisbane and the Oceania Championships in Darwin, marking the next step in an already inspiring career.
Mackay teen Ethan Hill has overcome injuries and setbacks to achieve national success in sprinting, highlighting both his talent and the need for more local sporting opportunities for regional athletes. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Photos supplied
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The Life Members Trophy was played over two consecutive Wednesdays with the same partner to honour our past and present life members. Life members present were Barbara Tait and Monica Darley. Both ladies worked tirelessly over many years and contributed to make our club what it is today. Winners of the competition were Life Member Monica Darley and President Frances Brown.
Weekly Results
Monday 27 October 2025 - 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Robert Carless 4th Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
5th Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek 6th Shirley Worland / Joy Block
Tuesday 28 October 2025 – Australian wide Restricted Pairs (<300 MP’s) Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt 1st Mick King / Ian Gaskell
2nd Jan Harris /Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Jennifer Cameron / Rosie Smith
3rd Joy Hold / Anne Lutz 3rd Susan Gibson/ Caldwell
4th Sandy Patterson / Geoff Cowan 4th Joy Block / Diane Stokes
Tuesday Evening 28 October 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris 1st Susan Gibson / Vicki Howard
2nd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terry Sheedy
Wednesday 29 October 2025 – Life Members Pairs Week 2 of 2 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S E/W
1st Terry Sheedy / Diane Morgan 1st Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild
2nd Monica Darley / Frances Brown 2nd Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller
3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 3rd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
4th David Ting / Eric Goodchild 4th Susan Wright / Bob Ellis
Thursday Evening 30 October 2025 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Shirley Worland / Diane Stokes 2nd Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers
Friday 1 November 2025 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 2nd Christine Nice / Gillian McCallum
3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jennifer Cameron 3rd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore
Saturday 2 November 2025 – Presidents Trophy Week 2 of 3
N/S Section A E/W
1st Helen Van Den Broek / Julie O’Neill 1st Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan
2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown 2nd Robert Carless / Anne Lutz
N/S Section B E/W
1st Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes 1st Marilin Robins / Mick Robins
2nd Patricia Garner / Martin Pearce 2nd Janine Rodgers / Faye Wright
Contributed by Joy Block
Monica Darley & Barbara Tait
Barbara, Frances & Monica. Photos supplied
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LADIES BOWLS
The North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club hosted its final competition for 2025 on Wednesday, October 29 — the 2 Bowls Triples event.
Club-selected teams played three games of 12 ends, with one standout trio taking top honours. The winners were Donna Gordon, Carmel Bell, and Hilary Jones Rowan, while Lorraine Silman, Pam Spencer, and Therese Russell were runners-up. Congratulations to all players who took part in the friendly and competitive day.
Best wishes also go to the Division 1 team, who travelled to Tweed Heads on Friday to compete in the District Pennant Finals on Saturday, November 1. Good luck and good bowling, ladies!
Division 1 Pennant Team (L) Lorraine Silman, Chris Woo, Nuggy Pratt, Lorraine Lemke, Lois Deguara, Lorna Bowers, Helen Fleming, Debbie Mackenzie, Marie Duck. Photos supplied
Runners up 2 Bowl Triples Therese Russell and Lorraine Silman, Pam Spencer (absent)
Winners of the 2 Bowl Triples (L) Carmel Bell, Donna Gordon, Hilary Jones Rowan
Although a day early, the students of the Northern Beaches Karate Club brought the spirit of Halloween to their regular training night.
A red carpet parade of spooks, ghouls, skeletons, Dracula attacking his Dad, a chicken with a police officer on board along with a familiar-looking president, set the scene for a fun night.
Class continued in costume with traditional training, punching bags, breaking boards, breath training and games. All agreed it was a perfect way to celebrate a Karate Halloween.
The Northern Beaches Karate club runs classes in school term on Tuesday and Thursday held at the Bucasia Community Hall in Wallace Avenue. Sensei Helle also holds Self Defence courses for women and girls with the next session planned for February 2026.
For information please call 0488 146 644
Contributed by Gerri Kissner
U11 Boys – Written by Luke Valmadre
The Pitbulls hosted Magpies Black on Saturday. Captain Logan won the toss and batted first, with N. Garroway smashing a rapid 21 to help post 66. Despite tight bowling from J. Gibbs, J. Smith, and strong fielding including four runouts, the Magpies chased down the total with 118. Player of the Match went to Nick Garroway for his batting and bowling.
U11 Girls – Written by Danni Green
The Pitties in Pink faced the Sarina Spartans. Batting first, M. Neal and G. Green set the tone, finishing on 53. With the ball, M. Neal (1-14), C. Green (1-15), and A. Baker (0-8) bowled tightly, supported by a spectacular run out from G. Green. Sarina finished on 153, with Player’s Player awarded to C. Goldspink.
U12s – Written by Danni Green
Facing Magpies White, the Pitties posted 107 thanks to T. Gibbs (27) and J. Smith (17). Bowling performances from T. Gibbs (2-6), N. Aitken (1-12), and P. Regan (1-16) kept the Magpies under pressure, who finished 5-111.
U13s – Written by Danni Green
At Pinnacle CC, the Pitties bowled tightly with Z. Cale, M. Hope, H. Gibbs, and E. Smith conceding very few runs. Batting, M. Hope (18)* and H. Gibbs (10) led a chase of 76, falling short of Pinnacle’s 126.
U14s – Written by Danni Green
At home against Souths Sharks, the Pitties posted 3-142 with A. Farley (49) and B. Hetherington (38 retired) leading the way. Bowling performances from S. Green, L. Appleton, B. Hetherington, and K. Dibben helped bowl out Souths for 88, securing a strong win.
U17s – Written by Danni Green
At Abbott Park, the Pitties scored 4-164 thanks to *J. Geisler (76), J. Valmadre (20), and *O. Seamer (17). Bowling efforts from A. Valmadre (2-18), O. Seamer (2-18), and M. Pomeroy (2-11), combined with sharp fielding from M. Gabey and J. Valmadre, restricted Walkerston Roosters to 71, giving the Pitties another commanding win.
#BatsOutForBen
It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the tragic passing of 17-year-old Victorian cricketer Ben Austin, who lost his life this week doing what he loved most — playing cricket.
In honour of Ben, and to stand alongside the wider cricket community, our junior players wore black armbands and observed a Minute’s Silence before every match on Saturday. We also joined the #BatsOutForBenny tribute — a moving show of support to celebrate Ben’s life and stand with his family, friends, and teammates during this heartbreaking time.
These gestures are our way of showing respect for a young life gone far too soon, and a reminder of the strong bond that connects the cricket family, no matter where we play.
A sincere thank-you to all players and families for showing such unity and kindness.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ben’s loved ones, his teammates, and the entire Victorian cricket community.
Contributed with thanks to Danni Green
The U'11 boys team. Photo supplied
A brief shower early in the morning had players wondering whether the 4BBB Team of Two event would go ahead, but common sense prevailed and all sixteen teams took to the course.
Conditions soon cleared, and the competition produced excellent scoring, with just ten points separating first and last place. Leading the way were Tessa Aitken and Mark Richards, who claimed victory with a superb 47 points.
Runners-up were Jim Sherrington and Vic Feldman on 45 points, edging out Gary and Elspeth Scotford on countback. Other strong performers included Vickie and John Wallace (44 C/B), David Woods and Linda Wardroper (44 C/B), Nick Apruzzese and Allison McCarthy (44), Paula McQuat and Tiina Randmae (43 C/B), Gerald Lovell and Robyn Whitham (43 C/B), and Rehab Hull and John Roser (43).
In the Pin Shots, standout players included Tina Badenhorst, who took both holes 2 and 7 in the Ladies A Grade, while in B Grade, Linda Wardroper (hole 2), Rehab Hull (hole 7), and Tiina Randmae (hole 9) were on target.
For the men, Craig McLean (hole 5), Gary Scotford (hole 13), and John Roser, who impressively holed out on 16, took the A Grade honours. In B Grade, David Woods (hole 5), Steve Mitchell (hole 13), and Wilf Herweg (hole 16) claimed the prizes.
Chip-ins were recorded by John Roser, Gary Scotford, and Grossy, while the Membership Jackpot now climbs to $80 for next week. The Weekly Raffle was won by Craig McLean.
Next week’s competition will be the Melbourne Cup Stableford, starting at 8am on November 4. Players are reminded to check the flyer from Leanne, bring along their best hats for the competition, and bring nibbles and cash for the sweeps.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Tessa AItken and Mark Richards
It’s been a week of sizzling golf at Proserpine Golf Club, with hot temperatures and plenty of run on the fairways helping players post some impressive scores. The dry conditions were welcomed by many, though golfers know it won’t last long before the next round of rain slows things down again.
Tuesday, October 28 – Single Stableford & Vets 4BBB
Gary Scotford dominated Tuesday’s Single Stableford with 45 points, ahead of Tommy Gallagher on 41. Elspeth Scotford led the ladies with 38 on countback from Tiina Randmae. In the Vets 4BBB, Tessa Aitken and Mark Richards won with 47, followed by Jim Sherrington and Vic Feldman (45), and Gary and Elspeth Scotford (45). NTP highlights included Tina Badenhorst (2nd, 7th), Gary Scotford (13th), and John Roser, who holed out on 16.
Wednesday, October 29 – Ladies 4BBB & Men’s Single Stableford
Jan Shuwalow and Brenda Cowan impressed in the Ladies 4BBB with 53 points, while Ben Harrison topped the Men’s Single Stableford with 46, ahead of Theunis Venter Jnr (42).
Thursday, October 30 – Single Stableford
Brad Fleet claimed A Grade with 40 points, and Andrew Smart took B Grade, also on 40.
Friday, October 31 – 9-Hole Run
Sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, Chris Pirlo led with 24 points, followed by Nigel Dray (22). Kobe Leisch went close in the Putt for Cash, which now jackpots to $1000 — the club’s record total.
Saturday, November 1 – Monthly Medal
Jack Paroz was the overall winner with 64 nett. A Grade went to Jacob Nightingale (67), B Grade to Ben Bullock (65 c/b), and C Grade to Paroz (64). For the ladies, Toni Clauss (64 nett) edged out Sara Hagy (65 nett, 69 gross), believed to be near a course record.
Sunday, November 2 – Monthly Medal
Harvey Mason took the men’s title with 67 nett (c/b), while Sidonie Fleet’s brilliant 59 nett earned her the ladies’ win.
How hot has it been here in paradise! Thankfully, our wonderful cover has made things much cooler for all the bowlers — though the bowling itself has been sizzling hot.
Tuesday afternoon social bowls saw 14 bowlers vying for the prize. They should have realised that Tony “Take the Money” Whitehorn was playing, and teamed with Dawn Dowell, the pair won convincingly with 21 points.
On Wednesday afternoon, social bowls produced another brilliant performance, with skipper Arthur McManus and Alan Pershouse in startling form, easily outplaying the rest of the field.
Results from Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls will be updated next week.
Friday morning’s Endeavour Foundation group is really progressing well, with Cathy, Kiara, Michael, Jett, and Dion all showing great promise. With continued practice, they could be representing Airlie Beach at the Queensland Disability Games in 2026.
Friday afternoon saw more than 20 bowlers arrive from the Christian College for lessons. Madeline Riley, Eliana Langshore, Shannon Matthews, Ryker Boers, Pazel Davis, and Ocean Houlding all showed excellent potential and could easily represent the Whitsundays at the 2026 Queensland Schools competition with further training. Special mention must also go to Taylor Fairhall and Alannah Jackson — keep up the great work! It would be wonderful to see the Christian College representing our area.
Saturday morning’s Scroungers competition is nearing its conclusion. This week’s first-round winners were Greg Fennell, Tony Whitehorn, Merve Stewart, and Des Ballance. In the final, Tony Whitehorn defeated Greg Fennell and now sits on minus 10 points alongside Andy McDougall. Maureen Barnard won the B Grade final.
On Sunday afternoon, 24 bowlers took to the greens. We welcomed Brett Fleming, formerly from Hervey Bay Bowling Club, as a new member of our little club, and it was great to see Alma Zaldivar back from the Philippines, Tony Kelly back from illness, and Liz McManus return to the greens.
The dice was rolled by Nilo Ballance, landing on five points for a win and ends won. The day’s winners were the team of skipper Margo Stanley, lead Eric Barnard, and second Brett Fleming — well done to all!
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Saturday morning Scroungers. Photo supplied
It’s been another exciting week for the Cannonvale Cannons, with our swimmers making waves both locally and on the national stage.
First up, a huge congratulations to Eloise Chegwidden, who proudly represented Queensland at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Ballarat, Victoria. Despite the freezing temperatures, hail, and storms, Eloise powered through with incredible focus and determination.
On Day One, she placed tenth in the country in the 100m Breaststroke and helped her Queensland teammates to a sixth-place finish in the 4x50m Medley Relay, swimming the breaststroke leg and posting another PB. Then came her pet event, the 50m Breaststroke, where Eloise clocked a 1.44-second PB in her heat to qualify for the final. Showing true Cannon spirit, she went even faster in the final with another 2.20-second improvement, finishing in a time of 41.60 to earn fifth place in Australia. What an outstanding achievement — congratulations, Eloise!
Meanwhile, 29 of our Cannons travelled to Townsville to compete at the 2025 Gardens Open Long Course Transition Meet. The team delivered fantastic results, with a heap of PBs, several new long course state qualifying times, and plenty of team spirit throughout the weekend.
Saturday ended on a high, with the 8–11 Years Girls 200m Freestyle Relay claiming a silver medal to cap off an exciting day of racing.
We’re also proud to acknowledge our swimmers recognised as part of the SNQ State Squad — Jacob Bell, Zach Trefz, Tyler Bennett, Nelson Malady, Declan Dichiera, Andie Reynolds, Jax Clayworth, and Thomas Ganter — and a special congratulations to Tora Delac, selected for the National Squad for the 2025/26 season.
Go Cannons!
Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec
Eloise Chegwidden the Finalist. Photo supplied
It was a week to remember for Mackay’s middle-distance athletes, with members of The Rules of Running squad returning from the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships in Townsville with an incredible medal haul.
Held from October 13 to 19, the state championships brought together some of the best young talent from across Queensland, with Mackay’s representatives proving they are a force to be reckoned with on the track and in the field.
The Mackay-based Rules of Running squad, coached and trained locally, recorded an outstanding 17 state medals in total, including nine gold, seven silver, and one bronze. The team also achieved 12 personal bests (PBs), one season best (SB), and an impressive 40.5 seconds of combined PB improvements, along with one new state record.
In total, 11 athletes represented the squad, including two competitors in the 10–12 years division and nine in the 13–19 years division.
Among the standout performances was Shailee Mewha, who earned her first two state silver medals in the 800m (PB) and 1500m events.
Millie Groom impressed with two silver medals in the 3000m and 2000m steeplechase, clocking a huge 18-second PB in the latter. She also posted PBs in the 800m (7th place) and 1500m (9th place).
August Cole claimed his first state bronze medal in the 2000m steeplechase with a four-second PB and continued his consistent form with PBs in the 1500m (7th), 800m (7th), and a solid 12th place in the 400m.
Keira Caban showed her remarkable all-round talent, taking home two state gold medals in the long jump and 1500m, as well as three silver medals in the shot put, 800m, and 400m — earning two state championship titles along the way.
Ayla Moon delivered a dominant performance with three gold medals in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m, all accompanied by PBs. Her record-breaking run in the 800m added to her trio of state titles and confirmed her as one of the standout performers of the meet.
Meanwhile, Toby Rule capped off an extraordinary campaign by securing four gold medals and four state championship titles in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, and 5000m.
The results mark one of the most successful outings yet for The Rules of Running squad, whose athletes continue to make Mackay proud on the state stage.
With hard work, dedication, and outstanding coaching behind them, the future looks bright for Mackay’s next generation of track and field stars.
Mackay was proudly represented by two men’s teams at the State Softball Championships in Toowoomba last weekend, with both sides delivering outstanding performances on the diamond.
The B Men’s team, coached by Steven Baxter and Allen James, competed in the Queensland Cup division and impressed with several close games and strong teamwork. Pitcher Cameron Baxter led from the mound with solid form, supported by Emmett Counsell and Graeme Love behind the plate. After a weekend of determined play, the team secured an impressive third place out of 11 teams.
Meanwhile, Mackay’s Open Men’s team, coached by Murray Rivers and John Nash Snr, faced tough conditions after storms delayed play, forcing an early 7am start for the knockout rounds. Despite the setback, the men battled hard — first defeating Toowoomba and then Redlands Green — to earn their place in the grand final against Rockhampton.
With regular catcher Andrew Baxter sidelined due to injury, James Allen stepped up and delivered a stellar performance behind the plate, catching for Liam Potts, who was recently named WSBC Softballer of the Year. In a thrilling finale, Jaxon Maluga smashed an automatic home run with a runner on base, sealing a 2–0 victory for Mackay and the Open Men’s State Championship title. Jaxon was named MVP of the grand final and will travel to Brisbane this weekend for Under-18 Queensland squad training.
Congratulations also go to Riley James and James Allen, who were both selected for the Patriots squad.
A huge well done to all players, coaches, scorers, and managers for representing Mackay with pride and passion.
Goosies Sport and Recreation Club recently hosted the 2025 Champion of Club Champion Singles, marking the first time the major bowls event has been held at the venue. The tournament drew 112 players over seven days, featuring 64 fours, 32 pairs, and 16 singles from clubs across Queensland.
A highlight of the event was 14-year-old Ben Harrison from Paradise Point, who made history by taking out the men’s singles title.
“Everybody was blown away by the club, the staff, and the performance of the players,” said Goosies Meneral manager Michael Newton.
“A young 14-year-old took out the men’s singles against everybody else in Queensland, which is a major achievement for him.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli even dropped by to celebrate Harrison’s win. Newton said the event showcased Goosies as a leading venue and helped boost the local economy, adding that the club plans to introduce junior programs to encourage more young bowlers.
2025 champion of club champion singles winners:
Women:
1st – Julia Brownie
2nd – Nicole Williams
3rd – Gill Pudney
4th – Jacinta Weier
Men:
1st – Ben Harrison
2nd – Josh Steffens
3rd – Damien McGee
4th – Shane Hinsch
Photo credit: Bowls Queensland
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