In a sprint towards international glory, six athletes from the Mackay region are set to leap into action at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji. These local stars are ready to vault over challenges and race against the region's best.
The 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships will take place from Tuesday, June 4th to Saturday, June 8th, at the National Stadium, HFC Bank Stadium. Suva, a seasoned host of regional athletic events including the 1990 and 2017 Area Championships and the 2016 Regional Championships, is poised to welcome athletes once again. Fiji was also slated to host the 2020 Regional Championships before the pandemic forced a cancellation.

We caught up with five of the athletes at the ARC as they put the finishing touches on their training preparation.

Mikayla Webb, 17
Mikayla Webb is poised to make her mark in the Under 18’s 100 and 200 metres events. With a personal best of 11.98 seconds for the 100 metres and 24.84 seconds for the 200 metres, Mikayla has been dedicated to running for seven years. "I love competing against other people," she shared, expressing her excitement and determination to bring home a medal from the international event.
Toby Rule, 16
Toby Rule will be showcasing his endurance in the 1500 metres, 3000 metres, and steeplechase. Having been involved in running for 7-8 years, Toby is ambitiously aiming for a sub-4 minute 1500 metres and a sub-8:30 minute 3000 metres. His ultimate dream is to compete in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. “I’d like to thank the people that got me here, my mum, dad, and my coaches throughout the years,” Toby expressed, highlighting his gratitude and determination to push himself to the limits.
Ngakau Ufton, 19
Competing in the 100 metres, 200 metres, 300 metres, and long jump, sprinter Ngakau Ufton has been running for three years. He aims to break the 11-second barrier in the 100 metres. "The best thing is that it’s just me on the track and I don’t have to worry about other people interfering," Ngakau said. His journey started in high school, inspired by Usain Bolt videos, and now he is ready to showcase his abilities on an international stage.
Kasey Mccahon, 20
Pole vaulter Kasey Mccahon is driven by the thrill and adrenaline rush of jumping high. Originally from Atherton Tablelands, Kasey switched from high jump to pole vaulting after an injury and has loved it ever since. With a personal best of 3.30 metres, she is excited about her first international competition. "It’ll be great," Kasey said, eager to see how high she can soar in Fiji.
Kayce Hoani-Vincent, 17
Inspired by her older brother, Kayce Hoani-Vincent has been pole vaulting for three years. She loves the thrill and the sensation of being in the air. With a personal best of 3.10 metres, Kayce is aiming to reach new heights in Fiji. Her dedication and passion for the sport are evident as she prepares to compete on the international stage.
The Championships will feature competitions in the Senior and Under 18 categories, with the Senior events being crucial for qualification for the Paris Olympic Games and future World Athletics Series Events. The Under 18 Championships will provide a premier competitive platform for younger athletes.
Following the successful debut of the Teams Challenge in 2022, the event will expand to include Under 16 and Under 20 age groups. This format will offer athletes from the highly popular Fiji Schools Championships an opportunity to compete internationally.
Oceania Athletics President Robin Sapong expressed enthusiasm, saying, "It's an amazing opportunity to return to Fiji for the Oceania Championships in 2024.
“With the growth of the Championships and the chances for athletes to secure their qualifying positions for Paris, Fiji will no doubt be a great host.
“The Teams Challenge will be exciting for Fiji school teams to test themselves against the best teams in the region."

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Last Saturday night, the McDonald’s Mackay Stadium was alive with excitement as the Mackay Meteors shot down the Northside Wizards in a thrilling 109-83 victory. With this slam-dunk performance, the Meteors extended their winning streak, setting the stage for a high-stakes Round 7 double-header on the road against the North Gold Coast Seahawks and Gold Coast.
Todd Blanchfield led the charge for the Meteors, scoring 25 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Isaac White contributed significantly with 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Luca Yates added 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Meteors coach Joel Khalu said he was happy that the team were able to close out the game with a strong fourth quarter.
“Really please with that side of things, our defensive application through our scout was amazing, and it was probably our most polished performance of the season,” Khalu said.
He added that Aiden Krause was exceptional on defence and Todd Blanchfield brought high energy to the game with six three-pointers from beyond the arc.
“I think it was the third quarter where Toddy hit three threes and some of them were super tough shots but that’s just what he does and the team work hard to get those shots to him.”
In contrast, the Mackay Meteorettes faced a tough match against the Northside Wizards, suffering a 68-114 defeat. Despite the loss, Taylor Mole put up a standout performance with 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals. Nikita Van Wyk added 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Sam Haiby chipped in with 8 points and 3 assists.
The Meteors' highlight package showcased their high-energy play and effective teamwork, a trend they aim to maintain in their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, the Meteorettes will look to regroup and bounce back from the challenging game against a formidable opponent.

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Action shots from the Meteors’ 109-83 victory over the Northside Wizards. Photo credit: Keiron Place Art & Photography

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Mackay Cutters’ enterprising women's rugby league team are on the cusp of BMD premiership glory.

In a huge fillip for the region, Marco Peters’ in-form charges have zoomed into this Saturday’s title decider to determine the champion Queensland club for 2024.

All roads lead to Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium where the Cutters square off with the courageous Norths Devils in what is shaping as a crackerjack contest.

Mackay will be chasing a unique women's championship double after the club captured the inaugural Harvey Norman Under 19s trophy last month with an 18-16 triumph over Brisbane Tigers.

The Cutters advanced to the BMD Grand Final by slamming Western Clydesdales 22-4 at BB Print Stadium after the Devils outclassed Burleigh Bears 36-12 at Brisbane’s Bishop Park.

A powerful second half showing by Mackay sent the Clydesdales crashing out of the title race and set up another showdown with the stout-hearted Devils.

The Cutters edged out Norths 26-22 when the teams last clashed a fortnight ago in Brisbane.

But coach Peters expects another torrid tussle with the Devils who led 18-0 against the Bears before staving off a second half challenge in last weekend’s semi-final.

The Clydesdales opened the scoring with a try to winger Georgia Sim after 13 minutes before second rower Bree Chester crashed over for a four-pointer that was converted by five eighth Kayla Shepherd to give the Cutters a 6-4 lead at the interval.

There was no stopping Mackay after the break with talented hooker Alisha Foord, fullback Krystal Blackwell and prop forward Essay Banu all grabbing tries to set up an emphatic win.

In the elusive Blackwell, wingers Libby Surha and Ebony Raftstrand-Smith, dynamic centre pairing Jasmine Peters and Shellie Long and halves Shepherd, Tahlulah Tillett and Pani Rupapere the Cutters have a back division with plenty of strike.

They are complemented by a tough and skilful forward pack led by Chester, Foord, Lily Peacock, Lyrech Mara, Shaniah Power, Lillian Yarrow and interchange bench featuring boom Queensland Under 19s playmaker Emily Bella, Sareka Mooka, Maddison Hegarty and the strong running Banu.

Star hooker Emma Manzelmann – on Origin duty with the  Queensland womens team – gives the Cutters tremendous depth along with the likes of second rower Elle Stitt, winger Montanah Best and premiership-winning Under 19s trio of half back Mersades Lawson, hooker Paityne Johns and centre Miah Powell.

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Photo credit: Mackay Cutters

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From exhilarating MTB trails to pulse-pounding kayak rides, picturesque trail runs and demanding road cycles, ZACH MACH proved to be the ultimate thrill for adrenaline enthusiasts. It was said to be an incredible weekend of adventure racing in the Mackay Pioneer Valley. The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge offered just the right blend of mud, water, sun, and excitement for all participants.

RESULTS

ZACH MACH SOLO (18+)
   1. Mitch Nissen
   2. Hilary Bell
   3. Rod Le Coz

MINI MACH SOLO
   1. Archer Flanagan
   2. Nehemiah Oosthuizen
   3. Camden Brownsey

Stage 1 MTB Only
   1. Ethan Jansen
   2. Noel Garciano
   3. Keenan Jansen

Stage 2 Kayak Only
   1. Zara Richardson
   2. Colin Carmichael
   3. Jodi Elliott

Stage 3 Trail Run Only
   1. Hayden Neilsen
   2. Brad Fraser
   3. Trinity Donovan

Stage 4 Road Cycle Only
   1. Amanda Whitburn
   2. Aaron Daniel
   3. Caleb Caldwell

ZACH MACH Pair
   1. Sam Sam, Angus Palmer
   2. Linda Linda, Megan Wetherall
   3. Adam, Ella Chappell

MINI MACH Pair
   1. Oaklan, Kyle Marwood
   2. William, Tim Ffrost
   3. Hendrik, Lauren Bester

ZACH MACH Team
   1. Andrew, Archer Flanagan
   2. Luke, Jose Griffith
   3. Ross, Tess, Brendan, Michael Armstrong

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Off the back of the major announcement with Mackay Regional Council at Harrup Park, Century Cricket Competitions Mackay can now announce the eight franchises competing in the tournament this August.

The previously confirmed Great Barrier Reef Rays (QLD) will be joined by the City
Pirates (QLD), Coastal Marlins (QLD), Moreton Magic (QLD), Eastern

Comets (SA), Adelaide Rockets (SA), Spartans (SA) and Western Chargers (VIC).
Franchises have been working hard behind the scenes to get their pre-auction selections finalised. The first players have been recruited, with more to come, but the bar has already been set high with players who have represented their country, played in the Big Bash, held state contracts or even played county cricket in England.

City Pirates have confirmed that Sam Heazlett will be playing for them in Mackay this August. Heazlett was the special guest Kayo caller last year and managed to make 100 runs in the Century format. He brings a wealth of state and Big Bash experience, which is a great start for the Pirates.

“I’m very excited to be heading to Mackay for the Century Cricket Competition. I’ve had the pleasure of playing in Mackay many times now. The facilities are great and the locals love their cricket. This comp will be a great way to begin the season and challenge myself against high quality cricketers,” said Heazlett.

Former Bulls and current Big Bash hard hitting all-rounder James Bazley joins the Coastal Marlins for this season’s campaign. Known for bowling a heavy ball and hitting the ball nice and hard, Bazley will be looking to put on a show for the local Mackay crowd.

“I‘m looking forward to linking up with the Marlins in this year‘s Mackay Century Cricket Competition. Mackay is a great venue for cricket and it's at a perfect time of year to be playing good cricket leading into the summer,” said Bazley.

Current Peter Burge Medallist and all-round gun from Toombul District Cricket Club Preston White is locked and loaded for his fourth season with the Moreton Magic. White is a true franchise player and a solid start for the Magic.

Eastern Comets have locked in current joint winner of the Darren Lehmann Medal and Tea Tree Gully District Cricket Club gun Joe Gatting. Having had a stellar season in Adelaide, which culminated in winning SACA’s T20 player of the year, Gatting, a former county cricketer, is heading up to Mackay to show his skills with the Comets.

Hard hitting top order batsman Jake Winter is locked in for the newly announced Adelaide Rockets. Having played in Century Cricket Competitions in Brisbane and Adelaide over the past four years, Winter has dominated with his insane power hitting. A regular handful in the SACA grade competition with Glenelg District Cricket Club, Winter went on to debut for South Australia in the one-day format last year.

The Spartans have locked in Queensland Country star Andrew Phelps, a hard-hitting batter from Cairns and a member of the Queensland Brahmans this year. He is one of the many talented country cricketers that will look to play in Mackay this year and mix with players outside of his district. 

Former South Australian Red Back left arm spinner Joe Medew-Ewen is locked in for the Western Chargers. Medew-Ewen has some serious skills in the short form, brings experience from playing First Class Cricket and is currently one of the best spinners in Victoria with the Northcote District Cricket Club.

As previously announced, the Great Barrier Reef Rays welcome back former Australian and international T20 franchise star Ben Laughlin after a stellar tournament for the Rays who made it all the way to the final in their first year.

More pre-auction players will be announced in the coming weeks with teams locking in some very good players. With the calibre of these eight players, the competition is going to have some serious talent and be one mighty weekend of cricket in August.

Senior players from anywhere in the country, and around the world, can still nominate for the Mackay competition via the Century Cricket Competitions website. Nominations close 5pm on Wednesday 5 June.

Century Cricket Group is a privately owned cricket company co-founded by successful healthcare businessman Stuart Giles, Australian cricket great Ian Healy AO and world-renowned commentator Mark Nicholas, alongside cricket entrepreneurs and founders of the Australian Cricket Institute Nick Fitzpatrick and Joel Hamilton. The Group is creating a full ecosystem of cricket opportunities across competitions,  coaching clinics and training centres.

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Sam Heazlett hits a six for the Heat against the Renegades. Image source: Getty Images

James Bazley joins the Coastal Marlins for this season’s campaign. Image source: Adelaide Strikers

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The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants are back again for 2024, with local netball clubs and associations across Australia, who have a Woolworths NetSetGO centre, encouraged to apply to win a share of $100K to benefit young Aussie netballers.

As part of this, the popular $20K People’s Choice Award returns for the second year, spotlighting the club or association that receives the most votes, encouraging their local members and supporters to get involved.

The Grants have been designed to help local clubs and associations encourage young Aussie netballers to eat healthier and be more active. The funds will allow for improvements to facilities and equipment, subsidising registration fees, and purchasing healthy foods for their canteen.

Secretary of Mackay Netball, Jenny Moohin mentioned that they were very lucky to receive funding. This allowed them to offer a free NetSetGo program for kids aged five to ten.

“Mackay Netball was successful in receiving $8,000 from Woolworths,” jenny said.

“The program was able to be performed free of charge so that the children can come along, learn about netball and then they all got a shirt and we provided fresh fruit after each session so that they can be encouraged to eat healthy after training.

“It was fabulous to receive that money, a lot of children don’t get to participate in organised sport due to the cost, so this just broke that barrier down and we’re very lucky.”

Mackay Netball Association recently received $8,000 in funding to encourage young Aussie netballers to eat healthier and be more active. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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North Mackay Ladies celebrated our Lady President, Lidia McCarthy, at our 76th Club's Birthday. President Lidia was presented with a gift from the ladies by Vice President Hilary Jones-Rowan. 90 guests gathered in fine style with bowls, Raffles, Lunch and a Cent Sale, including Alan Cooney representing the Board of Management, General Manager, Steve Lancaster and special guest Ray McCarthy. Each Club in the District was represented and the District President, Margo Stanley, brought three of her committee members along.

Contributed By Helen Fleming 

The Set of Bowls donated by Bowlers Paradise was won by J McGarth of Airlie Beach

The cake donated by S Sommerfeld was cut by Lidia and Margo. Photos supplied

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A golden week at the Contract Bridge tables, with the first week of the Remembrance Pairs being played on Friday, while on Saturday ten teams vied for GNOT Gold Points. Team Conroy won Gold, with all participates receiving varying sprinkles of gold points.

Congratulations to Diane and Max Holewa who were each presented with the Australian Bridge Federation, “Gold Life Master” Certificate by President Noel. This is a “Golden” achievement of 750 Masterpoints gained from many games of bridge over many years.

Weekly Results
Monday 13 May 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell One Winner Green Points
1st
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
2nd
Sandra Ford / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
4th
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
5th
Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
6th
Pamela Finger / Ming Ting
Tuesday Evening 14 May 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Alan Brown / Israel Hall
3rd
Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
4th
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
5th
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
6th
Chris Meyers / Diane Stokes
Wednesday 15 May 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
1st
Terrence Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
2nd
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

3rd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

4th
Joy Brunette / Don Poole
4th
Susan Wright / Bob Willis

Thursday 16 May 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
1st
Mick King / Patricia Garner

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

Friday 17 May 2024 – Week 1 of 3 Remembrance Pairs – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

2nd
Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore
2nd
Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

3rd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th
Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole
4th
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

5th
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
5th
David Ting / Ming Ting

6th
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
6th
Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 18 May 2024 – 10 Team GNOT Gold Points

Team
Team Members
1st
Conroy
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy/ Noel Bugeia / Josie Crowley

2nd
Darley
Monica Darley / Ken Seaniger / Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane / Robert Carless

3rd
Goodchild
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild / David Ting / Ming Ting

4th
5th
Morris
Griffo
Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch / Errol Morris / Lynne O’Neill
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill / Mick King / Patricia Garner

Diane and Max Holewa who were each presented with the Australian Bridge Federation, “Gold Life Master” Certificate by President Noel Bugeia

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Nearly forty runners and supporters had taken to the undulating streets of Mt Pleasant from the Gordon White Library carpark to tackle the annual Jo’s 70 Scenic Steps event, which encompassed the breathtaking vistas and peaks of Pollock and High Streets, North Mackay.

The event's namesake, Jo, had been severely distraught at the prospect of the run being removed from the calendar so the Club’s Calendar committee was prompted to include the event in the club’s program, aiming to accommodate its members as much as possible.

The course was very challenging but undeniably satisfying to complete. However, everyone loved the Pollock and High Streets, willingly choosing to train on the same hills every week, as many other runners and athletes in the region do on a regular basis. Runners have described it as “a top spot!”

There were several other competitors who enjoyed the out and back two loop 5km course, forging their path on the comparatively easier inclines but challenging nonetheless.

New runner, Corey Gould had a magnificent race, taking out the 10km in spectacular form ahead of Shane Donnollan, John Roe, Tim Dalton and first female, Glynis Forse.  Five-kilometre winners based on a handicapped start were Jo Hughes, Andrew Wallace, Alan Zamparutti, David Isbister, Geeta Ariani, Andrew Short, Teresa Hackney and Len Haworth.

Looking ahead, this Sunday’s The Grove Handicap 10km Trophy will commence from The Grove Tavern carpark on Andergrove Road, nestled under the shade of mango trees. All runners, whether members or not, are be required to check in with the timekeeper by 6:50 am at the very latest, with racing set to commence promptly at the advertised time of 7 am.

Contributed Janelle Tilse

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Glynis Forse hits the tape first for the girls in the 10km handicapped start for the annual Jo’s 70 Scenic Steps event.
Caption: 6447 – (left to right) Shane Donnollan, Craig Stevenson and Judy Zahn warm up for the running of Jo’s Scenic Steps 10km handicap start event. Photo credit: Janelle TIlse

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A small team of four Sinkers travelled to the Masters Swimming Australia National Championships, which was hot on the heels of the Masters Queensland State Championships.
Masters Swimming NT hosted the 47th annual Masters National Championships in Darwin from May 3 – 7, 2024.
Held in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, this fantastic event attracted some of the finest Master’s swimmers from around the country and overseas.
Pool events were held at the world-class Parap Pool, just five minutes from the CBD.
The open water swimming was held in the lagoon at Darwin’s beautiful Waterfront Precinct, located in the CBD and was the focus of a large contingent of swimmers over the 1.6 and 3.2 km events for the final day of swimming.
The Sinkers performed well with a brace of 11 medals for the team as well as some individual performances that challenged and improved personal best times.
Results
Nigel Dalton secured gold in the 200m backstroke, silver in the 800m free, 100 and 50m backstroke and bronze in the 400m freestyle rounding out a great pool performance. Nigel also secured bronze in the 3.2km open water swim on the final day.
Sue Dalton secured a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke and a bronze in the 100m breaststroke.
Geoff Robinson secured a bronze with a strong swim in the 400m freestyle in the pool and a silver in the 1.6km open water swim.
Dan Stampa secured a bronze in the 400m individual medley and enjoyed a strong open water swim in the 3.2km event placing 5TH in his age group.
The club looks forward to the 2025 National Championship scheduled for April 8 - 12 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre with planning already underway. To swim at this, or the Queensland Championships, swimmers are required to be a part of a master swimming club.
While only a small team, the Sinkers Managed to place 35th out of 88 teams in an enjoyable and well-run national event.
And, as with other events, the Sinkers managed to enjoy the local visitor highlights including the “Cage of Death” at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin highlights tours of the RFDS and Bombing of Darwin centre, Tunnel tour and the popular Mindil Beach Markets sunset and food stalls. A tour to Litchfield National Park and an exciting river tour with the top ends famous “Jumping Crocs” was enough to discourage any local non-pool swims.

Join The Sinkers At Whitehaven
The North Mackay Sinkers in conjunction with Masters Swimming Queensland are hosting an open water swim at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The event is scheduled for Sunday 6th October this year and is just over four months away with planning well advanced. It is a limited entry swim (150) and will open to registered masters swimmers followed by a second release for our many keen guest swimmers. The initial registration is anticipated to be mid to late June following the finalisation of permits and authorities to conduct the swim. Distances on offer will be 1 and 2km and include transport to and from the island, lunch, a great swim and some free time to explore this iconic beach.
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More details to follow in June.
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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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Robyn Richards of the Sunshine Coast (Former Sinker) starting the 200m freestyle heat
Some of the Qld team, spot a Sinker!
Nigel Dalton starting the 50m backstroke
Dan Stampa at the finish of the 400m free
Geoff Robinson after the 200m freestyle heat

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Whitsunday Dirt Riders are once again excited to be hosting Round 2 of JR's Tropical North QLD MX series this coming weekend 25th & 26th May. 

With over of 180 riders expected from Rockhampton all the way to Cairns and out to Charter Towers participating, we are set to enjoy some spectacular racing from the best Motocross riders in the north. 

Gates open to spectators Saturday and Sunday from 8am. Gate entry $10 per car.

WHAT: Tropical QLD MX Series
WHERE: Drays Park in Gunyarra
WHEN: 25-26 May

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Young athletes from the Next Stars Sports Academy have experienced outstanding success at recent cross country races held in our region. 

At the North Queensland Cross Country Championships held in Cannonvale on 28 April, Penelope Shields secured an impressive 2nd place finish in the 2km girls U11 race, followed closely in 3rd by Willow Kenny.

Also finishing 3rd was River Shields in the 1km boys U9-10 race.

The U7-8 races were full of Next Stars with Archie Oberg (1st), Nate Millard (3rd) and Slade Kenny (4th) performing well for the boys and Olivia Millard (2nd) representing for the girls.

It was then on to the Hamo Hilly Half on 5 May where Jack Oberg took 1st place overall in the 3km trail race with Penelope Shields coming in 2nd in the girls division.

Archie Oberg was 2nd boy in the 1.5km race and rounding it off, Evie Oberg was 3rd girl in the 500m beach sprint.

Finally, a number of Next Stars athletes have progressed through school, Proserpine District and Whitsunday District trials to have now been selected to represent the Whitsundays at the upcoming Northern Region Schools Championships in Townsville.

These superstars include: U14 - Annalise Kennelly; U12 - Billie Millard, Gracie Laguna, Jack Oberg and Zoe Lomman; U11 - Declan Dichera and Don Algie; U10 - Olive Hounsell, Penelope Shields and Willow Kenny.

"We are incredibly proud of our athletes' achievements at these recent events," said Tim Oberg, Head Coach of Next Stars Sports Academy.

"Their dedication, determination and resilience have been truly inspiring to witness. These results are a testament to their talent and potential, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to pursue their athletic goals."

For more information about Next Stars Sports Academy and its programs, visit www.nextstars.org

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Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg.

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Two inspiring local athletes have just returned from competing oversees triumphant, having both finished in first place in their respective categories, which enables them to now progress to the Ironman World Championship Events later in the year.

President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club Michael Kimpton competed in his 4th full Ironman in Port Elizabeth, South Africa last month and prior to his departure he said:

"I hope to swim faster than the sharks, cycle faster than the tigers and outrun the Elephants!"

He certainly achieved these goals, beating all other competitors in his age-group.

“Port Elizabeth was a tough event with washing machine conditions in the 3.8km swim, gale force winds in the hilly 180km cycle and rain to top it off in the long 42km run,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Michael’s training partner Rowena Sinclair Smith also competed on the same weekend in the Half Ironman.

This one was held in Cebu in the Philippines.

Rowena's event in hot and humid Cebu, saw the sweat rolling off her in 1.8km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run. Indeed extreme and challenging conditions for racing.

Both athletes are thrilled to win a place in the Ironman World Championship and are looking forward warming up with the Coral Sea Marina Resort Triathlon which is due to be held in Airlie Beach on 27-28th July.

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Michael Kimpton competing in the Iron Man heats in South Africa last month

Michael Kimpton with his wife at the finish line

Rowena Sinclair Smith competing in the Philippines

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The first of two AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds were played on Saturday which celebrates, recognises and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, peoples and their cultures. 

Whitsunday Sea Eagles travelled to Harrup Park and Sarina this round to put on a mighty display against Mackay City Hawks in Seniors and Under 17s whilst Under 12s romped it home against Sarina Demons.
 
In one of the most special rounds of the year Sea Eagles Senior Men scraped it home 48– 37 in a tight match against the Hawks. It was another high-pressure, high intensity game with co-captain Alex Rodgers named best on ground for his hard work in the back line. Xander Hall was strong in the ruck whilst Billy Gardner and Jake Turner played well through the midfield. Sea Eagles now look to next week’s massive game against the Swans at home with Swans sitting just above Sea Eagles on the ladder.
 
Sea Eagles Senior Women played against the higher placed Hawks. It was always going to be a tough hit out. Sea Eagles came out with the right attitude and some great set plays allowed Sea Eagles to slow the game and play their own brand of footy taking the hard-earned win 36 - 18.
 
Sea Eagles Under 17s turned in another terrific team performance against the Hawks with a good result 87 – 27. Sea Eagles Under 17s are ones to watch in their competition with some top of the table clashes coming up against Moranbah and Saints in the next few rounds.
 
Sea Eagles Under 12s made the trek to Sarina coming home with a comfortable win against the Demons 46 – 1.
 
This week Whitsunday Sea Eagles will run onto Ngaro and Gia country in the second Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round taking on the Eastern Swans at
home. Juniors start from 10:40am Seniors from 1:50pm.
 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles
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Photo Credit: Cody Fowle

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The days are starting to cool which is producing some fabulous bowls both in the pennant competition and in social bowls.

On Wednesday Social Bowls Arthur Griffith, Dale Haack and Mike Harrison defeated Bruce Uhe, Dale Haack and Barry Zillmann 27 – 10. Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson and Philip Brown 22 - 19.  In Sunday Social Bowls Alen Sanderson, Mary Hedgelong and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, John Anderson and Philip Brown 23 - 19.

On Saturday both divisions had away games.  In Pennants Division 1 Kendall Watts, Grahame Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne won 18-15. Michael Kinnear, Bryan Davy, Barry Saroglia and Nathan Harriott drew 19 all. Shane Kinnear, David Ling, Andrew Bell and Wayne Handley won 18-12.  Proserpine 55 - Northern Beaches 46....Winning 5.5 points plus 9 margin. Also on Saturday, Division 5 had a win against Mackay club at Mackay.

On Sunday both divisions had home games.  In Division 1 Gavin Milne's team won 24 – 20. Wayne Handley's team won 25-11 and Nathan Harriott's team went down 12 - 18.  Proserpine won the match 61 - 49 against Sarina winning 5 points plus a Margin of 12.  

In Division 5 Mike Harrison, Bruce Uhe, Todd Leys and John Matterson were defeated 22- 17. Gavin Noonan, Ken Watts, Peter Lawton and Dale Haack were defeated 7 - 18.  Proserpine went down 29-45 to RSL Memorial earning 0 Match points and a Margin of negative 16.

Proserpine Golf Club thank all who went and gave assistance at the club to make this possible. Thanks to Pat Bownds and Lee King who represented the club with Heather at North Mackay's PAH on Wednesday.

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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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