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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Tuesday social bowls winners were Lyn Danvers, Ron Hyde, Mark Drummond and Geoff Danvers who defeated Sue Shearing, Greg, Keith Armstrong and Greg Colquhoun. Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, Marg Wilson and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight and Maureen Hyde. The jackpot didn’t go off.

The Crooked Kitty final was won by Penny Warren who defeated Robyn Stitt. A Singles semifinal Fely Duncan defeated Denise Wallace. The final of the A singles was played Sunday morning in a very close match. Both players were on 23 with Penny Warren scoring the next two shots to defeat Fely Duncan. Men’s A Pairs Mark Drummond and Allan Rolfe defeated Alby Vigar and Ron Hyde.

On Sunday the Wangaratta Men played Country Pennant in Brandon. Social bowls carried on at the club with some great matches. Winners for the afternoon Robyn Stitt, Terrie Crozier and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Lorraine Knight and Keith Armstrong. Runners Up Toni Bowen, Michael Loughhead and Maureen Hyde defeated Jim Quad, Isobel Wheeler and Pat Tracey. Bill Myer, John Hayston, Sue Shearing and Denis Madeley defeated Alby Vigar, Lyn Danvers and Jim Steele. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Winner A Singles final Penny Warren
Sunday Winners Penny Warren, Terrie Crozier, Robyn Stitt and Lyn Danvers
Photos supplied

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On Saturday a single stableford competition was played and was sponsored by Sportspower Bowen, thanks to Marg and Andrew for their support. 

Ladies' Winner was Linda Scells 40 points, Runner up on a countback was Pauline Martin 39 points, and 3rd Place was Linda Vincent with 39 points.  

Men's winner on a countback was Jack McEniery 39 points, Runner up Danny Borgh had 39 points, and 3rd Place Mike Strickett 38 points. Shoutout to John Lawson who had a Hole in One on Number 7.  

Pin shots to Denise Bianco, Robyn Slade, Marg Need, Judy Atkins, John Lawson, Ross Lineham, Reg Goldup and Vince Hargraves who also won the Car Wash voucher. 

Choccy Chip-ins to Robyn Slade x 2, Jo Goldup, Kim Bennion, Morag Parker.  
 
This Saturday is a single stableford event sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.
 
The Joker draw is $2600 this Friday night.  If you are dining in, please ensure you call the club to book your table, so you don’t miss out - 47851206.  Everyone is welcome to attend the Joker draw. 

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Photos supplied

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Aaron Prosser edged out Brendan Spann with a nett 70 in Tuesday's competition, with Tina Badenhorst on nett 71 and Rehab Hull on 74 leading the ladies. Pins went to Aaron Prosser, Brendan Spann and John Bissell.

Wednesday's PDLAW monthly medal went to Lyn Muller on 73 nett ahead of Tiina Randmae on 77 nett. Two pins went to Tina Badenhorst and the other to Pauline Redpath.

Chris Brett won Thursday's stableford competition with 38 points; one more than Jason Bourke in the A division, while Tom O'Brien had 36 points to beat Kev Gosney by a shot in the B division. Aaron Watts won two pin shots and Tom O'Brien and James Devery one each.

Friday's Met run winner was Rob Smith with 20 points ahead of Tom O'Brien on 19. The pin shot was won by Shane Van Poelgeest.

Mick Kavanagh had a 66 nett to win Saturday's Hayman Electrical stroke competition by a shot from Chris Brett. The B division top two were David Telford and Kristian Mulholland 68 and 69 nett. Penny Wardroper had a nett 71 to beat Elspeth Scotford by a shot in the ladies' division. Pins went to Scott Dwyer, James Kean, Allen Roberts, Vincent Collins, Penny Wardroper and Tiina Randmae.

Sunday's competition was won by Aaron Watts on 42 points with Brent Franke three shots adrift. Pins went to Leigh Jones, Ryan Wilkes and Ryan Kenny.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop

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Local Proserpine golfing ladies. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Michael Bond in first place with 21 points, second place with 20 points c/b was James Mathews and third place with 20 points was Justyn Durbin.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Peter Bitz take the win with 23 points, second with 20 points was Glenn Rees and third place with 19 points c/b was Gary Goddard. 

This Sunday 26th May will be the monthly medal tee off at 8.30am -9.30am.
 

Michael Bond, Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Excitement Builds as Finals are about to start!

The twelve rounds of WTA’s Season have been completed and final positions decided in all 4 Divisions.

Teams positioned 1, 2, 3 and 4 will contest the Final Series.

Next week 1 v 2 will see the winner go straight to the Grand Final Friday 7 June.

Round Twelve Results:

Mixed A
In the Crear 6 d Vipers 3
Raiders A 7 d G.E.T. Touch 3

Mixed B
Flametree Flames 7 d Raiders B 6
Ray White d Full Boar (forfeit)
Whitmonday Eagles 12 d Stingers 3

Mixed C
ShedNHomes 8 d Bulls 1
Untouchables 9 drew Mighty Mustangs 9

Mixed Juniors
Hammorent 10 d Raiders Green 7
Raiders Blue 9 d Raiders Purple 0

Contributed with thanks to Alita De Brincat.

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Entries for Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 continue to flow in and competition is set to ignite in the Trailable Yachts and Sports Boat class, while new support sponsors sign up for the popular Queensland regatta. 
 
Akin to the other classes taking part in the 36th running of Airlie Beach Race Week, numbers are growing in the Trailable and Sports Boats, which has attracted new blood. 
 
Expresso Martini is making her ABRW debut, but her co-owner, Judi Marshall, is not. She explains: “We bought Expresso Martini a couple of years ago from the Gold Coast, but excluding the last two years, I’ve done the last six or seven Race Weeks as crew on other people’s yachts.” 
 
Marshall says of the Ross 780e she owns with husband, Steve Brierley, “We’re working directly with Greg Hammon at the Club (WSC) to get a group 780s to make a separate division. That’s the hope.”
 
Marshall and Brierley are representing Tasmania and Queensland. “I’m a FIFO (fly in fly out) who spends time in both places, but the boat is based at Townsville Sailing Club and at least one of our crew is from Townsville,” she says of Helena May’s co-owner/skipper Lyndy Sawbridge, a regular on the podium at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week.
 
“We have a highly skilled crew. My husband Steve is sailing master on Mayfair, a Sydney Hobart competitor and we have a sailmaker and others. Our only problem is we have four skippers and only one foredeckie! 
 
“We love Airlie Beach,” Marshall continued, “as you have a lot of options of things to do compared to other northern races and regattas. There’s a variety of places to go and a lot of different people to mix with and it’s not just all the top end boats. 
  
Other serious contenders in the class include Thompson 7 and 8 designs. In the ‘8’s are the likes of Andrew Jones’ Cutting Edge (Tas) and Dave Eickmeyer’s Rush (Vic). Hard to beat too, will be Andrew York’s Reo 8.5, Like Oxygen (NSW). 
 
Jan and Peter Claxton’s approach to the event is different to the competitors. Their company, Ocean Rafting, is a new support sponsor of ABRW. 
 
“We’ve been here (Airlie Beach) 23 years and have three generations of family involved now. So many of our team have done their training at Whitsunday Sailing Club; 50 percent joined us as crew and then went to the Club to obtain Coxswain and Skipper’s certification, so we’ve enjoyed grass roots involvement with the Club over the years,” Jan Claxton says.  
 
“Our involvement with Airlie Beach Race Week is supporting Whitsunday Sailing Club because of our involvement with them. It’s also because we have the maritime connection in common and it’s about supporting local events,” she said. 
   
To enter ABRW and for all information, visit the new official website at: www.abrw.com.au
 
For all information on Mobile Power Trailers, visit: https://mobilepowertrailers.com.au/
 
Contributed with thanks to Di Pearson.

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Expresso Martini and crew are ready to face their foes. Photo credit: Judi Marshall

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