Full name: Mila Westley

Age: 11

Name: Mila Westley

Grade/Age: Year 6 / 11 years old

Sports: Proserpine District - Soccer, Whitsunday District - Touch Football, Netball and Basketball, Capricornia Region - AFL

Who inspired you to start playing sport?

My Mum and Dad have always encouraged me to try my best at everything, including sport. Without their support there is no way I would be able to have a go at so many different things.

Can you tell us about a memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?

Last year I had the honour of being named ‘Grade 5 Sportsperson of the Year’ at Cannonvale State School which was a huge thrill.

What are some challenges you've faced as a young athlete, and how have you overcome them?

I find it frustrating when I get sick and lose some of the fitness I have worked so hard for, however the only solution to this is, when I am better, to train consistently to get it back.

Who are your role models or favourite athletes, and why?

My Dad is a huge Collingwood Magpies supporter and I love them too, so my favourite athlete is Nick Daicos.

What is your favourite part about being part of the Next Stars?

I love the team environment and the variety of the training. We work hard but we always have fun too!

How do you stay motivated?

When my alarm goes off at 5.30am, I’m up and ready to go!

What advice would you give to other young athletes who are just starting out?

When things get hard, never give up and always try your best.

What are your goals for the future in sport?

I want to make the North Queensland team for athletics and, of course, play for the mighty Collingwood Magpies.

How has participating in sports made you a better person?

It has made me appreciate the values of hard work and sportsmanship.

To find out more about Next Stars go to www.nextstars.org of find them on Facebook / Instagram @nextstarssportsacademy.

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Tuesday afternoon bowls went ahead and skipper Andy McDougall confirmed his great skills with a fantastic performance inspiring his lead Robin Brown, and Arthur McManus ably assisted his team performance.

Wednesday afternoon's Jackpot Bowls had a huge roll up under the guidance of Mervyn Stewart who saw four teams playing for the prizes on offer and once again it was skipper Warren Mills and Lu Rogan whom ably assisted and Alan Pershouse.

The Jackpot wasn't won and will rise next week. However John Anderson went home with a huge smile as he won the prestigious Health Hub award which is greatly appreciated by our little club .

Wednesday afternoon saw the return after over 12 months of Wild Bill Gordon who joined Andy McDougall and Warren Mills whom were in awe with his brilliant performance.

Next week we will tell you all about the World’s Greatest Shave and the money made for the leukaemia foundation.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Caption: Wild Bill Gordon, Andy McDougall and Warren Mills. Photo supplied

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We had a great crowd attend our barefoot bowls on Friday night. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I am sure improved their skills by the end of the night. Our next night will be Friday 22 March.

Our club competition has begun. Results so far: Men’s A singles K Jewell defeated M Drummond. Ladies Crooked Jack resulted in Deb Retchless defeated Teresa Willshire, Robyn Stitt defeated Gwenda Lydom and Penny Warren defeated Denise Wallace. Ladies Fours will be played this Sunday morning and the Final Saturday 23 March.

It was great to have the Zonta Ladies host their International Women’s Day afternoon tea at the club on Sunday.

Well done ladies. What an inspiring afternoon. Thanks to the Wangaratta ladies who provided a fantastic range of food.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace and Allan Rolfe who defeated Toni Bowen, Albi Vigar and Sugar Brunker.

Robyn Stitt and Kevin Jewell defeated Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond, and Jim Quod, Merle Elphinstone  and Graeme Read drew with Lindy Suann, Bill Myers and Kevin Daniels. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Good luck to our men’s local pennant teams playing Collinsville this Saturday at Wangaratta.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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This week’s Premier League darts saw a couple of wins for Joe Wilson to go top of the league, just above Josh Fraser who had a few wins of his own on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

Joe Wilson claimed the 2024 Champion of Champions shield with a 7/5 win over Dom Friend.

Art McMinn claimed joint 3rd spot on the ladder with a win over Hawkeye Rick, and Naomi Mitchell slipped down from 2nd to 6th after suffering back to back losses.

The league table is held up by Jamie Maher, Hawkeye Rick and Jayden Lloyd who sit bottom of the league awaiting points, though Jayden has yet to feature this season.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays. Keep up to date with the club competitions by following us on Facebook. 

Round Results and Table

J Wilson def D Friend 7/5

J Fraser def J Maher 7/5

D Friend def N Mitchell 7/2

J Wilson def K Reason 7/1

A McMinn def H Rick 7/2

J Fraser def N Mitchell 7/2

K Reason def H Rick 7/2

1. J Wilson 6pts

2. J Fraser 4pts

3. A McMinn 3pts

4. K Reason 3pts

5. D Friend 2pts

6. N Mitchell 2pts

7. J Lloyd 0pts

8. J Maher 0pts

9. H Rick 0pts

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Caption: Joe Wilson claimed the 2024 Champion of Champions shield. Photo supplied

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On Saturday, members welcomed in the 2024 season with a 4BBB event by Bowen Small Motors & Cycles, Thank you Scott and Lisa for your support. 

Winners Josh Fraser and Kaleb Brunker 48 points, Runners up Gordon Brackley and Paul Martin 43 points, 3rd Place John and Jack McEniery 42 points on a countback.

Accuracy shots to Glenn Wright and Robyn Slade. Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Jo Kukura, Julie Martin, Judy Atkins, Tate McGrath, Brendan Malone, Geoff Fellows and Paul Martin. Mike Uerata claimed the Car Wash voucher with an OBP.

Kaleb Brunker had an Eagle on Hole 17.

Joker draw is $1600 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.  

This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB aggregate event for early Easter trophies sponsored by Bowen Mazda.

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Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Caption: 2024 Open day winners. Photo supplied

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Celebrating International Women’s Day, Whitsunday Sailing Club used the opportunity to conduct a Lady Skippers’ race, with nine of the 15 boats with female helms. 

Strong winds and rain squalls were the topic of discussion from the Bureau of Meteorology during the day on Wednesday, as the fleet for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race found out. 

As the Division 2 fleet approached the starting line, rain and strong wind arrived, limiting visibility to a few metres for those who could see at all. 

Combined with winds in excess of 30 knots, the fleet were blind as to where they were heading as they were unable to see the first rounding mark. 

In all the confusion, Little Black Jack (Cass Roberts) led the fleet away and were never headed throughout the race. 

Behind them, Bobby’s Girl (Marie Schulte) held off challenges from Smooth Criminal (Karina Wood) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with a gap back to the rest. 

Reignition (Donna Fornasiero) had their own issues after one of the crew had to be recovered from the water.

As the race progressed, the breeze abated, favouring the faster boats, with Black Jack taking the corrected time win over Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.

With the conditions no better at the start of the Division 3 race, Shiraz (Sarah Cummings) led the fleet away with Lighthorse (Anne Ross), Riff Raff (Nicole Abbott) and Norbert G (Phillippa Hall) in pursuit. 

While the conditions suited Shiraz, allowing her to extend her lead, the rest of the fleet were spread out with each boat experiencing a lonely race.

Again, with a dying breeze, the slower boats struggled to be competitive as the lack of wind hindered their progress. 

In the end, Lighthorse finished six minutes behind Shiraz which equated to 37 seconds after handicap calculations, with Riff Raff coming home in third place.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Despite the wet conditions, the Cannonvale Cannons had a very busy week. On the weekend, five swimmers competed at the Lightning Swim Club LC Transition Meet in Townsville.

The Cannons would like to commend Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Jy Parkinson, Noah Maltby and Nelson Malady on their outstanding achievements.

Jacob achieved top placings in his Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, and medley events.  

Tiana’s best swims include her 50m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke which earned gold medals.  

One of Nelson’s best swims included his 200m IM which he swam in a terrific time of 3.14.31 to earn a gold medal.  

Noah Malby was very happy with his national qualifying time in the 100m Breaststroke which he swam in 1.12.76.  Jy swam very well in his 100m Freestyle which he swam in 54.49 seconds, 1st place.  

On Wednesday night, 30 swimmers participated in Club Night even though it was raining.  A big thank you to all the parents who braved the conditions and helped with timekeeping, officiating, and cooking up delicious Chilli Con Carne.  

Congratulations to Jax Eaves and Declan Dichiera for achieving the best PBs and taking out the Chocolate Awards. The coaches awarded Eric Mulliss the Swim of the Night Award for his 100m IM.  

Swims of the night include: Ganter brothers, Thomas and Jack were on fire! They smashed all their times especially their Butterfly and IMs!  

Millie Groom swam an impressive time of 1.28.72 in her 100m Butterfly, a 14.34 second PB. New club swimmer, Stella Mulliss, age 5 years swam a 7.64 second PB in her 12m Freestyle and swam in her first Butterfly event. Zach Trefz swam a huge 10.32 second PB in his 100m IM.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers. On Sunday night, the Cannonvale Cannons will be hosting their annual Club Championships.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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1: The five swimmers who competed at the Lightning Swim Club LC Transition Meet in Townsville. Photo supplied

2: Declan with his Chocolate Award. Photo supplied

3: Eric Mullis with his Swim of the Night Award. Photo supplied

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Hey boaties, we need your help and cooperation!

When one of our rescue vessels is displaying a towing flag (Code D) and our yellow strobe is flashing, it indicates that we have a vessel under tow or alongside, and we may be restricted in our ability to manoeuvre. We may also broadcast the situation on VHF 16, and use sound signals. Any of these actions mean that we may need you to reduce speed to minimise your wake, and possibly alter course to stay clear. And just because you are in a sailing vessel under sail it does not mean that you have right of way over a vessel that is towing and restricted in manoeuvrability!

VHF Radios should always be on, and we recommend always monitoring the emergency channel 16. Put your radio onto dual watch if you want to listen to another channel, but you should always be monitoring 16 in case a vessel near you requires your assistance or needs to get your attention.

Code Flag D may be displayed by us or any commercial vessel, and it means “keep clear of me, I am manoeuvring with difficulty” and you should slow down, keep clear, and reduce speed to keep your wash to a minimum. In our case we may have another vessel tied up or close alongside, and a big wash can cause a lot of damage in that situation. Just imagine yourself in the assisted vessel’s position, and slow down.

If you see Flashing Yellow Lights on a vessel, slow down and keep clear. Both of our vessels are now equipped with these lights, so keep an eye out and stay clear if required and minimise your wake to reduce the chance of causing any vessels alongside us to be potentially damaged.

Sound signals need to be known and recognised.

• One short blast means; ‘I am altering my course to starboard’.

• Two short blasts mean; ‘I am altering my course to port’.

• Three short blasts mean; ‘I am operating engines astern’ (the boat may be reversing or stopping).

• Five (or more) short blasts means ‘I am unsure of your intentions’. Also known as “What on earth are you doing, mate?”

If all boaties can be more aware of these points it will mean that our job assisting another vessel will be safer and easier for all concerned – and it might be you seeking our help next time!

At $90, VMRW membership is cheap insurance. Join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ and your membership helps to keep us going in case you need us. We hope you don’t!

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Contributed with thanks to Volunteer Marine Rescue

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Caption: VMR1 On The Water. Photo supplied

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Last weekend marked a momentous time in history for the Mackay Cutters rugby league team as they announced they would field three female teams for the first time in their history, competing in the Harvey Norman U17s & U19s divisions, as well as the BMD Premiership. The timing couldn't have been more fitting, with Round 1 of the BMD Premiership coinciding with the team's "Ladies in League Day," aligning perfectly with the celebrations of International Women's Day.

In front of an eager crowd, the QCCS Mackay Cutters kicked off Round 1 of the BMD Premiership on their home turf, facing off against the Tweed Seagulls in a thrilling encounter. Additionally, the Junior Reps battled it out against the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 5 of their competition, adding to the excitement of the day's events. The Hostplus squad had a bye.

BB Print Stadium played host to a total of four exhilarating matches, with two women's games and two men's games showcasing the talent and dedication of players from both teams. The Mackay teams put on a dominant show, clinching victory in three of four games. The results of the matches were as follows:

Cyril Connell Cup: Mackay 18, Townsville 22

Harvey Norman U19s girls: Mackay 16, Townsville 12

Mal Meninga Cup squad: Mackay 46, Townsville 10

BMD Premiership women: Mackay 28, Townsville 10

The weekend's fixtures not only demonstrated the skill and determination of the players but also highlighted the growing prominence of women's rugby league in the region. With each game fiercely contested, the Mackay Cutters emerged victorious in the women's games, further solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

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Action from the Harvey Norman U19 and BMD Premiership games. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters

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The Mackay City Lady bowlers recently held an exciting string of events, including their Opening Day, PAH and an ‘Overs and Unders’ Carnival.

These three successful events proved to be a fantastic bowling day out for those involved!

Margot Stanley, Lorraine Silman and Pam McDermott from the Mackay District Ladies Bowls Association (MDLBA) joined bowlers from all around the Mackay district to participate in the City Ladies’ Presidents at Home on the 28th of February.

The Cent Sale and luncheoun was filled with plenty of smiles as well as Cath’s well known scones in which made for a very enjoyable day for everyone!

As bowlers from across the Mackay District gathered together it was great to see lots of friendly faces as attendees conversated with both old and new acquaintances.

A full green of lady bowlers enjoyed another great day of bowling for the ‘Overs and Unders’ Carnival on the 4th of March. Morning and afternoon tea kept them busy throught the day whilst the two games of eighteen ends commenced.

The team at Mackay City Ladies Bowls Club would like to thank all members who assisted in the organising and running of the three events, making for a pleasant day filled with enjoyment and camaraderie.

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Caption 1: Presidents Judy Petersen and Margot Stanley enjoying the occasion

Caption 2: Special visitor from Townsville Karen Emery and games controller Flo Ruggeri

Caption 3: Janette Dark and Jan Jamieson just having fun

Caption 4: Mary Burston, Nola Hundy, Beth Dawes and Robyn Large tucking into Cath’s well known scones. Photos supplied by Shirley Sturgeon

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Club President, Brendan Bishop welcomed over seventy runners to take part in the annual Construct Health Physio 3km Mackay Road Runners Club Championship event, where the pace was expected to be fast and furious over the flat road race as runners took to the East Mackay streets surrounding Queens Park.

Weather conditions were perfect for running as the overcast skies and rainclouds threatened but thankfully didn’t open up throughout the event.  Hardy runners knew from the gun that the race was going to be a tough and tight tussle from start to finish with many searching for position early.

Front runners, Toby Tule, Liam Mumford, Oliver Rule, Angus Jacobs, Nick Rewald, Hamish Donnollan, Paul MacKenzie, Jared Mackie, Luke Leven and George Hannaford were all definitely in line for a podium finish, however as runners completed the final Queens Park  loop, Toby was victorious with Liam only 8 seconds in deficit  taking the cash and maximum club championship points in the open and their age category.  

Ashlee Scott sprinted the 3km snatching gold from Alana Knesevic by ten seconds to also score the cash and chocolates.  Junior runner, Lily Leven ran a spectacular race to claim bronze and major junior club championship points.

Excellent performances also came from many new runners as well as existing members, Martin Lambert, Shane Donnollan, Natalie Lorraway, Jenny White, Al Lorraway, Leanne Connor, Natasha Joynson, Em Hayles, Mel Esau, Kim Saron, Judy Zahn, Carmel Mahon, Jan Smith, Len Haworth, Stuart Sprott, Mark McFadzen, Tim Dalton, Andrew Wallace, David Isbister, Scott McIntosh, Michael Feenaghty, Thomas Wendt and Ondiene Wendt.

Many thanks to Construct Health Operations Manager, Thomas Wendt for co-ordinating the event with the club and supporting the community by also being involved in the annual BMA Mackay Marina Run.

This Sunday’s 5k/12km handicap points scratch start event commences 6.30am from 25 Duncan Street, West Mackay. 

All runners must be registered in with the timekeeper by 6.20am at the very latest for a 6.30am sharp start. Any new runners are most welcome to join in, however, please register online by 5pm Friday at the latest so that a member number can be issued. 

For more information on results, registration, events or merchandise, visit Mackay Road Runners on Facebook or online.

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Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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Caption 5292 - Construct Health Team (on Left) Sarah Schofield, Nick Rewald, Alex Leslie, Thomas Wendt (Ondine Wendt in front) with Mackay Road Runners Construct Health 3km Club Championship gold and silver medallists – Alana Knezevic(2nd), Ashlee Scott (1st), Toby Rule (1st), Liam Mumford (2nd).

Caption 5274 – Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Jo Hughes enjoy the Construct Health 3km Club Championship event where over 70 runners took part.

Caption 5124 – Colin Hardy thanks volunteer timekeepers, Arthur Dick (seated) and Julie Whibley (with umbrella).

Caption 5152 – Mel Esau and Tahnie Malagueno contemplate the 3km race course briefing instructions.

Caption 5231 – Andrew Wallace and Jenny White relieved to cross the fast and furious 3km Construct Health Club Championship finish line.

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 3, 2024:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Vince Boeske, Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) 7-4. Vince d Graham -6, 8, 7, -11, 6.

Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson) d BMW (Ian McKay, Daniel Warfield, Allan Edwards) 8-3. Andrew d Allan 9, 9, -8, 12.

Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d Ferrari (Tony Bowman, Geoff Denman) 6-3. Mick d Geoff 2, 8, -10, 7.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Mark Stam, George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson) d Kia (Brent Rodgers, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 6-5. Matt d Steve -6, 8, 10, 10.

Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Hyuandi (Donna Abbott, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen) 8-3. Duncan d Donna -8, 8, -3, 10, 10.

Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson) d Mazda (Mark Sleeman, Niro, Judy Zahn) 8-3. Leo/Andrea d Judy/Niro -6, 10, 4, -8, 4.

Division 3:

Fiat (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Aarnav Reelh) d Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 11-0. YiLin d Nehmat 9, -7, -10, 9, 6.

Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) d Ford (Ollie Hamelink, Tiffany Camilleri) 7-3. Ollie d Anaya -9, -7, 8, 5, 9.

Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures March 5, 2024:

Division 1:

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Val Austin) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 6-4. Val d Judy 10, -9, 11, -8, 9.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Don Boettcher, Coral Morgan) 10-2. Branko d George -2, 8, 10, 19.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) d Tigers (Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 8-4. Bryan d John -8, 9, 7, -4, 14.

Division 2:

Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) drew Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, Charles Hamlett) 6-all. Kim d Charles 5, 8, -7, -6, 14.

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Aqua (Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) 12-0. Robyn d Gerry 9, -9, 0, -10, 9.

Division 3:

Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Carmel Cristaldi, Myles Dutton) 8-4. Ian d Frank -7, 7, 3, -10, 8.

Sapphires (Thelma Caruana, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Glenda Dutton) 8-4. Sharon d Madge -8, 5, -10, 5, 9.

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Sharon Muller in action in Tuesday morning table tennis. Photo: Charlie Payne

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Weekly Results

Monday 4 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Jan Harris

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Patricia Garner / Mick King

2nd

Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

3rd

Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft

4th

Ming Ting / Pamela Finger

4th

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

Tuesday Evening 5 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley

2nd

Janice Mansfield / Faith Hutchinson

3rd

Errol Morris / Sandra Morris

4th

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

Wednesday 6 March 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

2nd

Ted Cullinan / Anne Lutz

3rd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd

Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

4th

Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th

Frances Brown / Alan Brown

Thursday Evening 7 March 2024 – 6 Table One Winner

1st

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

2nd

Shirley Casey / Griffin Bancroft

3rd

Patricia Garner / Mick King

4th

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th

Jan Harris / Susan Ross

6th

Frances Brown / Sandra Morris

Friday 8 March 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

1st

Christine Nice / Diane Cox

2nd

Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix

2nd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

4th

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

4th

Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

5th

Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

5th

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Saturday 9 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill

1st

David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

2nd

Geoff Cowen / Sandy Patterson

3rd

Patricia Garner / Geoffrey Patterson

3rd

Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore

4th

Jewel Schmidt / Richard Wix

4th

Christine Nice / Faye Wright

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1: The Goodchild / Ting team at the Gold Coast Bridge Congress. Mackay had 26 members attending this world-class event

2: The Holewa team finished in the top 20 in the 1500 Teams

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On your marks…Get set…GO! The 2024 BMA Mackay Marina Run was officially launched on the 1st of March with organisers predicting over 3,500 participants to be involved.

Coming up to its 16th year, the annual run is widely regarded as Queensland’s most scenic running event with a flat, fast course set against spectacular sub-tropical scenery.

Event Director, Tim Magoffin advised the run had become a signature event on the national running event calendar.

“The BMA Mackay Marina Run offers a unique event with runners able to enjoy our flat, fast course set within a scenic sub-tropical location,” he said.

With an increase in popularity each year, Tim advised this year’s race will also be marketed internationally, with free registration being offered to international runners.

“The national appeal of our event has definitely grown,” he added.

“People are recognising what a great precursor we are for the Gold Coast Marathon and that’s presented a wonderful opportunity for tourism in our region.

“To leverage that, we’re making a concerted push into the international market, particularly with our neighbours in New Zealand.

“Every year we have an ambassador from the leukemia foundation, from a family or individual that’s been through treatment, and this year we have Hayden Lee,” Tim added.

Hayden Lee was diagnosed with Leukemia on the 1st of March eight years ago and underwent treatment as a three-year-old for a period of nine months. As he grew older, he continued his treatment in Mackay.

After years of fighting leukaemia, a recent five-year check-up at the doctors, declared Hayden to be officially cancer free!

BMA representative, Linda Murray says, “This event is really important to us, we love our community and we love being a part of it.”

“Our long-term partnership underlies our commitment to fostering thriving communities that provide economic, social and healthy outcomes,” added BMA Asset President Adam Lancey.

Mr Lancey will be one of the 3,500 runners expected to take part in the event.

“I’m looking forward to participating for the first time, I’ve heard a lot about it. I’m aiming for the half-marathon.

“We’ll also be competing in the Corporate Challenge and will have our team on hand to warmly welcome and support runners on the day.”

The BMA Mackay Marina Run will take place on 2 June and includes a 21.1km half marathon, 10 and 5km, a 3km junior dash and the popular 5km Corporate Challenge.

Early Bird Registrations will close 13th March.

To find out more, visit www.mackaymarinarun.com

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Caption 1: Tim Magoffin with young Hero, Hayden Lee

Caption 2: BMA Mackay Marina Run sponsor representatives for 2024

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Calling on all Pickleball Players to hop on down this Easter to Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club!

This exciting upcoming event is the first Indoor Pickleball Tournament in the region, taking place at the McDonald’s Mackay Multisport Stadium in Juliet St, South Mackay on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Easter Weekend.  

This all-inclusive event caters to all competitors of all levels, including individuals who may be quite new to the game or just play socially, through to more Intermediate, experienced players, as well as the more serious advanced competitors.

The event begins on Friday evening with an optional warmup session from 2-5 pm at a $5 cost.

Competition commences on Saturday with Men’s and Women’s Doubles in all categories with games and finals in the one day.  Sunday will see mixed doubles in all categories and afternoon finals.

Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club are looking forward to welcoming all players to this friendly, social competition. If you want to see what all the Pickleball fuss is about, come on down, join in and have a try if it’s your very first time!

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Caption: To nominate, or find out more information , follow the link on the poster

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