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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

E/W

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

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

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

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

E/W

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

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

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

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

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

E/W

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

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

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

E/W

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

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

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

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

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

E/W

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed By Joy Block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Tribe shared so many memorable moments from the marathon.

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

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

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

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

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

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Tri-ActiV8 Tribe

Selena Corness, Emily Wicks, Nikki Giles

Sandra Macklin

Rod Wood. Photos supplied

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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

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Delma and George went all the way to 21 on Tuesday morning, George wearing her down -12, 9, 19, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures June 18, 2024:

Division 1:

Hawks (George Camilleri, Andrea Nicholson, John McGee) d Plovers (Delma Knight, Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall) 8-4. George d Delma -12, 9, 19, 8.

Parrots (Janice Kent, Charlie Payne, Marie Taylor) d Owls (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Coral Morgan) 8-4. Janice d Branko 10, -3, 8, 11.

Ibis (Tony Bowman, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn) d Egrets (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) 8-4. Noreen d Kevin 3, -11, -7, 6, 8.

Division 2:

Cockatoos (Kim Challender, Veronica Shepherd) d Pelicans (Gerry Synnott, Robyn Bushell, Cheryl Pearson) 9-3. Veronica d Nadine 7, 12, 9.

Doves (Louise Gould, Iris Grasso, Fred Saliba) d Magpies (Helen Ware, John Hamelink, Kim Daffy) 7-5. Iris d Kim 4, -5, -9, 5, 4.

Division 3:

Lobster (Cheryl Pearson, Bill Hey, Nadine Stream) d Prawn (Darryl Ross, Trish Zamparuti) 9-2. Nadine d Darryl 4, 3, -8, -4, 8.

Crab (Pam Keune, Myles Dutton, Josie Davis) drew Squid (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Cheryl Aprato) 6-all. Sharon d Josie -8, 9, -7, 5, 9.

Full results and individual standings are available at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/mackaytta/fixtures-results/

Delma Knight
George Camilleri. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Mackay product and GC SUNS AFLW defender Wallis Randell is among four players to have inked contract extensions on the Gold Coast.

Foundation player Jamie Stanton, Season Eight debutant Darcie Davies and 2023 draftee Sienna McMullen have all joined Randell in signing extensions through until the end of the 2025 AFLW season.

The quartet of Queenslanders are the latest players to commit to the club beyond 2024, joining a growing list of names including Claudia Whitfort, Lucy Single, Lauren Bella, Katie Lynch and Charlotte Wilson.

Randell is one of three players from the Mackay region on the SUNS list and has played 26 games across four seasons with the club.

Stanton made history in 2023, becoming the first player to reach 50 AFLW games whilst playing for the SUNS, fittingly kicking a career-high six goals in the milestone match on her to winning a  first SUNS Leading Goalkicker award.

Davies, a Southport Sharks junior, debuted in the opening game of 2023 and earned a Rising Star nomination in the final round of last season. McMullen was one of two Burleigh Bombers juniors to have been selected by the SUNS in the 2023 AFLW Draft and, alongside Davies, is a graduate of both the AFL and SUNS Academies.

“It’s fantastic to see four Queenslanders, including three players who have come through our Academy, committing to our club,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said.

“Having been a member of our club for many years, both in the Academy and AFLW squads, Wallis has played an integral role in the positive culture we have created here at the SUNS. At just 22 years old as well, we’re looking forward to seeing her continue growing this season and beyond.
 
“Jamie is one of two remaining foundation players at the club and has been a highly-valued member of our squad throughout five seasons. She provides a wealth of experience, both on and off the field, which is crucial as we continue to develop and strive to improve in the coming years.

“As two of our group’s youngest, Darcie and Sienna are role models for the next generation of young Queensland footballers with so much of their young careers ahead of them which we’re excited to be part of.”

Gold Coast returns to Mackay to face Carlton at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, September 8 in an AFLW Round 2 match. The SUNS are undefeated in its last two matches in Mackay with the 2024 season being the fourth consecutive in which the club has hosted a match at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

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North Mackay Ladies held their finals of both the Open Club Pairs and the "B" Grade Pairs during June. In both games the lead changed throughout the games and Nug Pratt and Dot Wise were able to come home triumphant in the Open Pairs over Jean Zamparutti and Marie Duck who provided stiff opposition. In the "B" Pairs it was Hilary Jones -Rowan and Sue Hazledine who finished the game ahead of Helen Goldston and Sue Beale.

Contributed By Helen Fleming 

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Club Open Pairs Finalists Left to right runners up Marie Duck, Jean Zamparutti with winners Nug Pratt, Dot Wise

Left to right runners up Sue Beale, Helen Goldston with winners Hilary Jones-Rowan, Sue Hazledine. Photos supplied

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The 2024 Mackay Bridge Club Championship Pairs were played over 3 Saturdays, (8th, 15th and 23rd June 2024) with seventeen pairs competing for the prize. This year the Club Championship pair is Eric Goodchild and David Ting.

Weekly Results
Monday 17 June 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
1st
Pamela Finger / Ming Ting

2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

3rd
Janelle Conroy / Christine Fitzpatrick
3rd
Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

Tuesday Evening 18 June 2024 6 Table One Winner
1st
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
4th
Sanra Morris / Diane Morgan
Wednesday 19 June 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd
David Ting / Ming Ting
2nd
Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

3rd
Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

4th
Frances Brown / Jewel Schmidt
4th
Diane Stokes / Joy Block

Thursday Evening 20 June 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
1st
Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd
Errol Morris / Simon Barnes
3rd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix & Susan Ross / Jan Harris

Friday 11 June 2024 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
2nd
Diane Cox / Christine Nice

3rd
David Ting / Ming Ting
3rd
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

4th
Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Janelle Conroy / Simon Barnes

Saturday 22 June 2024 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship Week 3 of 3 - 11 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy

3rd
Jan Harris / Mick King
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4th
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
4th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

5th
Karen Cadwell / Lynne O’Neill
5th
Marilin Robins / Christine Nice

5th
Chris Meyers / Geoff Taylor
6th
Joy Robertson / Ken Seaniger

Final Results of the 2024 Mackay Club Pairs Championship after three weeks.
1st
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd
Diane Morgan / Janet Hansen
4th
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

Contributed By Joy Block

David Ting and Eric Goodchild 2024 Mackay Championship Pairs. Image supplied

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Mackay local Stefan Tomerini has been selected to play for Australia in the Indoor Cricket Masters World Series in Colombo, Sri Lanka this year from September 27th to October 5th.

The Australian team was selected based on performances at the inaugural Australian Masters Over 55 Championship held recently at Joondalup Perth, Western Australia.

Tomerini represented the North Queensland Vikings 55 Men that only dropped one match in the lead-up to the finals, however narrowly missed out on taking out the series in a closely fought battle with Victoria.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be selected for Australia in a sport that I enjoy and have played since I was a teenager,” Tomerini said.

“It might be the Masters but it’s very competitive and games are hotly contested.”

Tomerini represented Australia in the last Masters World Series in Capetown (October 2019) playing 8 Tests for Australia. He was also a member of the winning side that defeated New Zealand in the final to win the World Series.

Tomerini first started playing Indoor Cricket in the late 80s in Mackay and has represented Queensland 33 times in his career and North Queensland numerous times at Masters level.

He played outdoor cricket as a teenager, representing Mackay in U14 and U15 squads, later transitioning to indoor cricket in his 20s due to work commitments. Being a masters player does come with challenges. He developed plantar fasciitis in 2016, which led to severe foot pain. He overcame this with orthotics and extensive physiotherapy.

Reflecting on his role as a player, Tomerini highlighted the importance of being an all-rounder in indoor cricket, explaining you need to be adaptable..

"You have to be able to do all three parts of the game: batting, bowling, and fielding.
“Depending on what's needed at that time in a game, you try to lift in that area," he said.

When asked about what he enjoys most about indoor cricket, Tomerini shared, "There's a lot of aspects I really enjoy - the social interaction, meeting new people, and the team environment."

Tomerini is joined in the Australian team with fellow players from North Queensland and also from Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia.

“We are looking forward to being super competitive at the World Series and of course aiming for Australia to come away with a win.”

His advice for newcomers?

"Have fun, train hard, always be positive, and focus on what you can control."

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Stefan Tomerini playing for the North Queensland Vikings at the Australian Masters Over 55 Championships in Perth. Photos supplied

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