The Queensland Kids Fishing Classic (QKFC) is back this January, running from the 11th to the 27th, and it’s the perfect opportunity for young anglers to get outdoors, enjoy some fishing, and compete for over $6,000 in prizes! The competition is open to kids across Queensland, with three age groups: 3-7 years, 8-12 years, and 13-17 years.

This is a kids-only competition where participants can fish anywhere that is legal (excluding offshore areas). With 12 species categories, there’s something for everyone - whether you're fishing in rivers, lakes, or the coast. Plus, even if you don’t catch a fish, you can still win as the major prize, a kayak, is awarded through a random draw, so everyone has a chance to win!

In addition to the fishing categories, there’s also a special prize for collecting rubbish while fishing, encouraging kids to keep our waterways clean. Over the holidays, young anglers helped remove more than 240 invasive species like carp and tilapia, showing the positive impact they can have on the environment.

The competition is easy to enter through the 2 Bent Rods app, where kids and parents can upload their catches, track progress, and view leaderboards. Stay up to date by joining the Qld Kids Fishing Classic Facebook group.

Don’t miss out - download the app today and join the fun this January!

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Jayden Brown from Bundaberg reeled in a Flathead!

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n February, the Queensland Firebirds will be hitting the road once again as part of a spectacular Regional Tour to deliver comprehensive netball clinics across five locations in the Burdekin, Laidley, Murwillumbah, Townsville and the Whitsundays!

On Saturday the 1st of February, the Queensland Firebirds will host a clinic at Jubilee Pocket’s Whitsunday Netball Association from 5pm to 6:30pm. Children aged 6 to 17 are invited to participate in the clinic with the hour-long session set to focus on improving passing, defence, agility and shooting skills. After the clinic concludes, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the players for photos and autographs.

As well as the clinic, little ones aged 3 to 4 are also allowed to come along for a free Little Nettys come and try session on the same day!

Registrations are essential and clinics are priced at $45 per person. Visit https://firebirds.net.au/regional-tours for registrations and more information.

What: Queensland Firebirds Regional Tour
When: Saturday the 1st of February 5pm to 6:30pm
Where: Whitsunday Netball Association
More Information: https://firebirds.net.au/regional-tours

The Queensland Firebirds will fly into the Whitsundays this February

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Is golf your go-to activity, and you're looking for a place to play this Australia Day? Then the Proserpine Golf Club has some great news for you! Polish off your clubs and head over to the greens with your best mate for an 18-hole scramble.

Proserpine Golf Club is hosting a 2-ball Ambrose competition this 26th. Be ready for the Shotgun Start at 9am where yours and the other teams all tee-off at the same time, and then follows the scramble as you and your partner work together taking turns to get the best score for each hole. Once you worked up an appetite, head back to the club house where a barbeque lunch will be waiting for you.

If you require a cart, please know that bookings are essential and carts are limited. Otherwise, you’ll have to be your own caddy and get those steps in. If you’re already a member of the Proserpine Golf Club, the event is discounted! Don’t be stuck in the bunker this Australia Day, it’s going to be a great day for golf, mate-ship, fun and food. Make sure to book your spot today by calling: 07 4945 1337

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WHAT: Australia Day Golf - 2 Ball Ambrose
WHEN: January 26th, 9am Tee-Off.
WHERE: Proserpine Golf Club
COST: $30 Members / $45 Non-Members

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The Cannonvale Cannons had a busy week in and out of the pool, kicking off with 23 swimmers competing in the Burdekin Sprint LC Transition Meet on the weekend. Despite the sweltering conditions, the team delivered impressive performances, with standout personal bests (PBs) achieved by Roxanne Groom, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Ruby Lawson, and Sophie Palmero. A special congratulations went to Nelson Malady and Levi Smith, who triumphed in their Dash for Cash events, each earning a well-deserved $100 prize.

Midweek, the excitement continued with an action-packed club night attended by 50 swimmers. Upgrade certificates were awarded to Ella Haddock, Zane Clayworth, Indigo Harland, Reid Springbett, Mackenzie Bennett, Gracie Laguna, Evie Doherty, and Indiana De-Lisle. The evening also celebrated new club records achieved by Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, and Jacob Bell.

Jacob Bell, who set an incredible three records in the 18 years and over category, will soon be leaving the club to begin university in Townsville. Jacob has been a role model for many of our junior swimmers, and his presence will be greatly missed. He has been a proud Cannon for 12 years!

Notable PBs on the night were achieved by Zane Clayworth, Jax Eaves, Liam Filewood, Lucas Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Sophie Palmero, Isabella Pisaniello, and Lennon Wild. Congratulations to all swimmers for their hard work and dedication!

Looking ahead, the Cannonvale Cannons are gearing up to host their annual Summer Carnival this weekend, welcoming 195 swimmers from across North Queensland. We wish all competitors the best of luck - swim fast, have fun, and enjoy the spirit of competition!

The Cannonvale Cannons continue to demonstrate their strength, sportsmanship, and passion for the sport, making their community proud.

Contributed with thanks to Cannonvale Cannons Vice President, Jade Korosec.

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Cannons ready to race at the Burdekin Sprints
Coach Mark Erickson on pool deck at Burdekin Sprints for warm ups
Congratulations to Mackenzie Bennett of receiving two upgrades at Club Night
Nelson Malady and Levi Smith won their Dash for Cash events at Burdekin

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After a well-deserved break over the festive season, the Wangaratta Bowls Club returned to action on Sunday, with members eager to get back on the green. Despite the ongoing hot weather, the day was made all the more enjoyable by a refreshing sea breeze that lingered throughout the afternoon, providing some relief and a pleasant atmosphere for play.
Two triples games and one pairs match were contested on the day. On Rink 5, the pairs competition saw Jocelyn De Franciscis and Alby Vigar emerge victorious, overcoming the team of Lindy Suann and Laurie Land in a closely fought contest. In the triples games, Teresa Willshire, Graeme Read, and Allan Rolfe narrowly defeated Jim Quod, Gavin Charles, and Fely Duncan. Meanwhile, Robyn Stitt, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey secured a win over Irene Laird, Isobel Wheeler, and Mark Drummond. Unfortunately, the jackpot prize was not won on this occasion.
The new Mixed Competition got off to a competitive start, with the first-round Mixed Pairs match seeing Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe triumph over Herb Dalton and Tiarna Winter. More games in this exciting new competition will be played throughout the week.
For those interested in social play, bowls are scheduled every Tuesday and Sunday afternoon. Players are asked to have their names in by 12:30 pm for a 1:00 pm start. All are welcome, and the club looks forward to seeing many familiar and new faces on the green!
                                                                                                                     
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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With the largest team of 11 to attend this tough qualifying meet, Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier was already very proud of her young prodigies. The week is huge, with early mornings and late-night finals. Being present for the week in its entirety is the absolute challenge; nutrition, sleep, illness—everything can enter the domain the week of or prior, and nothing can be left for granted. How we all roll through it and prepare for each race is a process, as any athlete will vouch, and our entire team handled it all with perfection.

When coaches you have the utmost respect for come up to you and congratulate you on your swimmers, and parents pass by acknowledging your team and team culture, well, that's about as good as it gets. Then, you witness your athletes achieving their goals, mixing with visiting teams, exchanging caps, and making lifelong friends—well, that is emotional. I was absolutely so very proud of everyone's results. There is a lot of work required and many not-so-fun things that can hinder the week, as I said above, but can I please highlight our debutants, Dakota Daniel and Tamika Ness, both 12, who knocked it out of the ballpark, to say the least.

Normally, it can become a bit of a "deer in the headlights" scenario for the first-timers, but not this crew—they were switched on and ready to go! Dakota Daniel, 12, competed in nine events, kicking off her week with a bronze medal representing Swimming North Qld in the relay with other Cyclone swimmers also competing on relay day. From then on, it was just pure grit and fight in every race by this young lady as we went into individual events. Not only did Dakota smash her PBs, but she earned herself three silver medals, one bronze, two additional finals, and four more national qualifying swims to add to her debut of six individual events to compete in her very first Australian Age Championships in April this year. A massive effort and achievement, with qualifying times in the 100, 200, and 400 Freestyle, as well as the 200 and 400 Individual Medley.

Our other first-timer at this meet was Tamika Ness, also 12, who swam 11 events, smashing 10 out of 11 PBs and charging into two finals, placing 5th in QLD for the 50 Breaststroke and 7th in the 100 Breaststroke. Tamika also achieved a national QT but is still too young to attend, as her birthday falls outside of the cut-off.

Other results saw Maverick Curtis, 13, pop his head in for a first-time swim, narrowly missing out on others, with a 50 Free and a PB, along with the experience of a lifetime and a grin from ear to ear. Ava Kearns, 14, swam seven events, again achieving PBs for six and securing three national qualifying times for her 100 Fly, 50 Back, and 50 Free, taking her to four events for Nationals 2025.

Vaughn Wyatt, 16, swam a great heat, earning a spot in the final and coming 10th in QLD for his 200 Breaststroke. Ehsan Helou, also 16, made the final in his pet event, the 50 Breaststroke, earning himself 5th spot in QLD and again coming close to adding more to his national events. Ehsan has also qualified for the Australian Opens for his 50 Breaststroke.

Our 200 Breaststroke girls, Audrey Bryan, 15, and Ariah Corrigan, 13, both swam their races beautifully, with PBs and enjoying the process of how to race it. Lastly, Anisa Helou, 15, smashed out her races with some PBs and edged very close to achieving more national qualifying times for herself, along with Jarek Taylor and Zanthia Noon, 17, continuing their work in achieving their goals.

What's next? A massive four months with many carnivals, another state sprint meet, school competitions, and Australian Age and Open Championships. Then we can all have a break.

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Photos supplied

Contributed by Alisha Ness – Mackay Cyclones Club Member

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The Mackay Meteorettes have achieved the ultimate success in junior basketball, claiming the Under-18 Girls State Championship at the 2025 Basketball Queensland Club State Championship.

After five days of intense competition, the tournament concluded at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Meteorettes emerging as champions in a thrilling final.

A standout moment came in the opening quarter, an area the Meteorettes had traditionally struggled with. However, this time, they came out strong and set the tone early. Head Coach Ross Jensen attributed their fantastic start to a combination of “focus and good luck.”

The girls executed their game plan with precision and energy, which helped them build momentum throughout the match.

Another major highlight of the game was Cheyenne Bobongie's performance, who was named the Grand Final MVP after an outstanding 23-point effort. Bobongie’s contributions were not limited to scoring; she also excelled in rebounding and defence, playing a vital role on both ends of the floor.

Coach Jensen was full of praise for her and her efforts in the game.

“She was determined and did some big shots! She also put a lot into rebounding and defending,” he continued, emphasising how Bobongie’s all-around effort was crucial to the team's success.

While Bobongie’s individual brilliance shone through, Coach Jensen was quick to highlight the collective effort of the entire team.

“It was a team effort,” he said.

“Any given day someone stands out, we had multiple stars. Isabelle Smith was another stand-out this time around.” He further explained, “But someone always stood out to make a play or do a big play.”

The depth and balance of the team were evident throughout the game, as each player contributed in significant ways.

Looking ahead, Coach Jensen is confident that some of the girls from this talented U18 squad will make their mark in the NBL1 in the future.

“I expect that some of them will be part of the NBL1, whether that’s through being on the squad or through training,” he shared.

The Meteorettes’ final victory was an impressive 72-50 win against Logan, capping off a remarkable week of basketball. Their strong team play and determination were on full display as they secured the championship with a well-rounded, dominant performance.

Congratulations to the entire team for their exceptional effort, including Cheyenne Bobongie, Emmerson Kenny, Ally Simpson, Amelia Crouch, Isabelle Smith, Eden Catip, Lily Mapp, Maggie Thorburn, Cobi Meredith, Tahlia Jensen, and Skye Vaughan.

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A fantastic win for the Meteorettes
A team effort from the girls
Cheyenne Bobongie was named the Grand Final MVP. Photos supplied: Mackay Basketball

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Playing Bridge keeps you young! Joy Robinson and Joyce Deguara have been playing Bridge for seventy plus years between them. They played for the first time together after all this time as they have both had other partners over the years. Joy is 99 and Joyce 93. Who says Bridge is for oldies? These two are still spring chickens. Our beginners’ lessons commence Wednesday 12 February at 6.30pm. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played cards before, everyone is welcome!

Weekly Results
Monday 6 January 2025 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
3rd
Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank
Tuesday Evening 7 January 2025 –3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott
2nd
Shirley Worland / Christopher Meyers
3rd
Helen Van Den Broek / Terry Sheedy
4th
Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 8 January 2025 – NWP Week 1 of 25 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
Janet Hansen / Janelle Conroy

2nd
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd
Frances Brown / Alan Brown
3rd
Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

4th
Mary Rose Ramsden / Ted Cullinan
4th
Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson

Thursday Evening 9 January 2025 –5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
2nd
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Patricia Garner / Mick King
4th
Jan Harris / Terry Sheedy
Friday 10 January 2025 – 9 Tables Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

2nd
Kath Poole / Nancy Martin
2nd
David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd
Andrew Canavan / Chris Meyers
3rd
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

4th
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
4th
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

Saturday 11 January 2025 –Section A – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Vicki Howard / Geoff Cowan
1st
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

2nd
Joyce Deguara / Griffin Bancroft
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Adrian Westcott

3rd
Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank
3rd
Andrew Canavan / Chris Meyers

Saturday 11 January 2025 Section B - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd
Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Geoffrey Patterson / Patricia Garner

3rd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

Contributed By Joy Block

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Opening Day 2025

President Alan Dillon’s Opening Day was a huge success, with over 60 men’s bowlers participating in the event. The big winners on the day were Vic Gaudion and Col Crocker, taking out the top prize money, while Alan Leyshon and Peter Madden picked up the runners-up prize. Meanwhile, John Fry and Joe Crocker were lucky enough to have their cards pulled for the lucky door prize.

Friday Winners:

Chris Woo and Terry Clark continue their great form, showing that their dedication to practice is paying off.

Carmel Bell and Greg McLean secured second place, with Les McDermott and Mick Walsh walking away with some beer money.

This Weekend's Competition

Open Fours - Saturday, January 18
1:00pm Start
Umpire: Ray McCarthy

David Dowden, Ross Williams, Neil Blucher, Peter Madden
vs John Chester-Master, Terry Willey, Bert Hobbs, Ron Bowers

Jim Lette, Eric Galletly, Alan Dillon, Terry Clark
vs Paul Golston, Alex Cameron, Ernie Sealy, John Kennell

Ben Crocker, Ian Beveridge, Joe Crocker, Col Crocker
vs Ian Gordon, Asko Helenius, Russell Fry, Geoff Ollett

Open Fours - Saturday, January 18
10:00am Start
Gavin Hannah, Rob Evans, Ian Morris, Ian Rowan
vs Tony Allsop, Peter Miller, Les McDermott, Chris Banney

Open Pairs
Sunday, January 19 – 9am Start
Umpire: Andrew Coates

Vic Gaudion, Ian Rohan vs Les Mcdermott, Chris Banney

Rob Evans, Mick Mackenzie vs Lance Edwards, Paul Goldston

John Chester-Master, Ron Bowers vs Bert Hobbs, Terry Clark

Steve Lane, Mick Walsh vs Doug Dungavell, Peter Madden

David Dowden, Ross Williams vs Ian Beveridge, Ian Morris

Steve Lancaster, Tony Bartholomew vs Noel Brand, Joe Crocker

Shane Trannore, Wayne Trannore vs Ben Crocker, Col Crocker

Peter Miller, Alan Cooney vs Alan Leyson, Ray Mccarthy

Gary Kennedy, Neil Blucher vs Greg Mclean, Geoff Ollett

Coming Event

The club will host a fun event on Australia Day, Monday, January 27. The dress code will be mufti/Aussie themes, and the competition will be an 18-end 3 Bowl Mixed Triples game, commencing at 1:00pm. Players are requested to arrive by 12:30pm for the box draw. Visitors are more than welcome to join the fun!

Weekly Social Competition

Monday Morning: 8:30am start – 2x4x2 Pairs (any mix)
Wednesday: Ladies Bowls
Thursday: 1:00pm start – 2x4x2 Pairs (any mix)
Friday: 1:30pm start – 3 Bowl Pairs (any mix)
Saturday: 1:00pm start – Men’s Bowls

Contributed by Doug Giddings

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Photos supplied

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The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club has been nominated for the Mackay Regional Council Australia Day awards. The club has been nominated in the community group award and is proud to be included in the 17 groups nominated in this section that are providing services to residents in the Mackay Regional Council area.
This section recognises an organisation, group or sporting association for its outstanding contribution and dedication towards improving, promoting and/or protecting the lives of residents in the Mackay Regional Council area.
More than 115 nominations were received for 102 amazing Mackay region residents and groups for the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Awards. All award winners and nominees will be recognised at a special awards ceremony at the MECC on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Masters Swimming Australia National Swim Series 
This series boasts a mix of Long and Short Course meets across Australia. The series comprised of nine events in 2024, including the National Championships with one nominated meet from each of the Masters Swimming Branches and an extra one from Queensland and WA. It rewards members’ participation and performance in any of the Meets, with members needing to swim a minimum two meets to be eligible for prizes.  
In 2024 Sinkers Members Daniel Stampa placed 7th and Nigel Dalton placed 13th out of over 70 swimmers Nationally - showing that persistent performance across events will most definitely pay off!

Save these Dates! (all swimmers 18+ masters and non-masters)
Saturday February 22nd - Sinkers February Short course event, open now
Saturday October 5th – The blue-ribbon Whitehaven Open Water Swim is back for the king’s birthday weekend. Entries open mid-year.
Sunday November 2nd – King & Queen of the river, 1.25, 2.5 and 5k swims
For further information visit www.facebook.com/NthMackaySinkers

Contributed by Dan Stampa

The Masters Australia Swim Series recognises performance and attendance. Dan Stampa placed 7th of 70 Australia wide. Photo supplied

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Due to heavy rain and ongoing delays in the installation of the new hard-cover roof, there was no news from the club last week. However, we're eagerly awaiting its arrival and are currently in limbo.
This week, Tuesday morning’s Ladies Bowls saw four exciting pairs games. The standout performers were Tony Whitehorn and Sue Walker, who emerged as the dominant winners of the day.
On Wednesday afternoon, 18 bowlers participated in the Jackpot Bowls. The winning team, featuring skipper John Fielding, second John Brown, and lead David Meiklejohn, claimed the winners’ prize, though the jackpot was not won.
Saturday’s Scroungers event featured a thrilling first-round win for Margo Stanley and Cath Remmerswaal. In a close final, Margo narrowly triumphed by a single point over a gallant Cath, who is still in her first season of lawn bowls. The B Grade final was claimed by Tony Whitehorn.
Sunday’s social bowls saw Rick Galea in exceptional form, partnering with Arthur McManus to secure a commanding victory.
Special mention must go to Tony and Betty Whitehorn, who have become an integral part of the club. Originally from South Australia, they moved to Airlie Beach eight years ago. Their combined achievements include multiple championships in mixed and open events, with Betty winning the 2017 Ladies B Singles, 2018 Ladies A Grade, and 2019 Mixed Triples, among many others. Together, they inspire newcomers and contribute immensely to the club’s vibrant community.
The attached photo captures one of their many victorious moments at the club.
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Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Bowls Club

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swim Club made an energetic return to weekly club nights this week. Congratulations to Evie Doherty, Zane Clayworth, Roxy Groom, and Asher Springbett for delivering great performances and achieving notable personal best times during the evening’s races.
A sincere thank you goes out to the dedicated swimmers who devoted their time over the weekend to sell tickets for the club’s annual mega community raffle at Whitsunday Plaza. Their efforts were rewarded with vouchers generously provided by Boost Juice.
The club also extends its gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support in purchasing tickets. Special acknowledgment goes to the many businesses that have generously contributed to creating the impressive pool of prizes—this support ensures the success of the initiative. The club eagerly anticipates announcing the winners at the upcoming Summer Carnival on January 25th and 26th.
On Saturday, 25 Cannons swimmers participated in the Mirani Long Course Transition Meet, which turned out to be a fantastic day of racing. Congratulations to Roxanne Groom, Matilda Nicholes, and Celeste Orenshaw for earning A Grade upgrades, a testament to their hard work and commitment to training over the holidays.
A highlight of the Mirani meet was the Dash for Cash events, where the top six 50m Freestyle swimmers vied for cash prizes. Congratulations to the Cannons’ qualifiers: Lucas Korosec, Miller Eaves, Jax Clayworth, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, Isabella Pisaniello, Tora Delac, and Charlie Doherty. Special applause goes to Tora, Charlie, Jax, and Isaac for placing in their age groups and securing cash prizes.
Standout performances of the day came from Harry Chegwidden and Lucas Korosec, who dominated their events, clinching first place in all their races with superb personal bests. Zane Clayworth dazzled in the 50m Fly, shaving an impressive 3.74 seconds off his time to earn gold, while Roxanne Groom displayed consistency by achieving personal bests in all her events.
Congratulations to all the swimmers for their hard work and achievements this week!

Contributed with thanks to Cannonvale Cannons.

Our dedicated swimmers who helped sell tickets for our annual mega community raffle at Whitsunday Plaza.
Team Cannons ready to race at Mirani Long Course Transition Meet
Our Dash for Cash qualifiers Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, Miller Eaves, Lucas Korosec, Tora Delac, Isaac Pisaniello, Charlie Doherty and Jax Clayworth.

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Outrigger Whitsunday recently asked the question - Why Do We Paddle? on their Facebook page as a part of the Come & Try program to be held on Saturday 11th.  Organisers were excited to welcome 36 members of the community keen to see what outrigger canoeing was all about.
Club President, Kim Dodds, greeted the new paddlers giving an overview of the sport and what to expect in the morning’s program.
“What a great start to the New Year!” Kim has stated. “Our ‘Come & Try’ day was a huge success. We had an amazing turnout from our community and got to meet new people”. Paddlers took to the water in 4 OC6 canoes, followed by a get together and BBQ.
If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or contact Kim on 0428 173 651 or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852

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Come and Try day at Outrigger Whitsundays

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Last Saturday was the first parkrun of 2025, and it was a memorable one, with many new faces joining for the first time. Many participated in the event, kicking off the year with energy and enthusiasm.

This event also marked the conclusion of the five park runs held over the past 15 days, which has been an exciting challenge for all involved. With each event, participants have clocked "Miles and Miles" of distance, all of which would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers. Their support and hard work are what make these extra events a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Milestone Thursday also brought some special achievements to celebrate. During the event, two participants reached significant milestones: Max Ramsamy achieved the 50 finishes milestone and Isabelle Hayles reached the 10 Junior finishes milestone.

For those reaching milestones, it’s important to let your Run Director know before or after the event so they can help celebrate your achievements. Here’s to many more milestones in 2025!

New PB Wall:
Pete Torrisi
Alexis Howell
Trent Rankin
Mason Fenech
Marilyn Bennett
Kadin Liles
Susan Peterson
Tracey Preston
Nicholas Kerruish
Carissa Mansfield
Rebel Bertram
Swarna Shashi Bhaskara
Allan Edwards

About: Mackay parkrun is a free, timed, 5km run / walk put on by the community for the community at 7am every Saturday morning in Mackay.

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Isabelle Hayles
Max Ramsamy. Photo source: Mackay Parkrun (Facebook)

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The Mackay Cutters are gearing up for an exciting 2025 Hostplus Cup season with a revitalised squad, fresh talent, and a new coaching and management team bringing renewed energy to their premiership aspirations. With a mix of returning favourites, high-profile signings, and promising young talent, the Cutters are ready to make their mark.
The squad boasts a range of key re-signings, including 2024 Player of the Year John Radel, who returns for his second season in the Hostplus Cup squad. Fan favourites Raydan Burns and Hiale Roycroft are also back, with Burns heading into his fifth season as a Cutter and Roycroft building on a milestone year after achieving his 50th club appearance in 2024. Playmakers Bayley Gill and Mitch Fogarty, along with powerhouse second-rower Tom McNulty, are set to provide stability and leadership to the team.
Adding to the excitement are several high-profile recruits, including Elie El-Zakhem, who joins from the UK’s Betfred Super League, and Sheldon Diaz, a front-rower from the Melbourne Storm Academy. Ethan Coco, Luke Pietzner, and Gus Rangihuna return to the Cutters after stints with other clubs, bringing valuable experience and a deep connection to the sugar city.
Off the field, the Cutters have bolstered their coaching lineup with Marco Peters taking the reins of the BMD Premiership Squad, Matt Sanders leading the Harvey Norman U19's Squad, Imogen Healy guiding the Harvey Norman U17's Squad, Andy Battaia at the helm of the Mal Meninga Cup Squad, and Brett Watton overseeing the Cyril Connell Cup Squad.
Supporting the team’s holistic development is Zach Schill in his new role as Wellbeing, Education, and Change the Game Manager, while Steve Jackson steps into the position of Hostplus Cup Team Manager, ensuring the team is primed for success on and off the field.
With a squad that combines experience, fresh talent, and a commitment to developing pathways for future stars, the Cutters are poised to make 2025 a season to remember. As Head Coach Marco Peters said, “This is a team built not just for competition but for connection—on and off the field. The 2025 Cutters are about representing Mackay with pride and chasing the ultimate prize.”
The Mackay Cutters are ready to ignite the season, backed by a passionate community and a shared determination to bring the premiership home.

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Rain or shine, the team is putting in the hard yards, climbing hills and building grit for a massive 2025 season ahead. Photo source: Mackay Cutters

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