Sports

Marina Mantra Hosts Thrilling Debut As Mackay Runners Tackle Hills, Wind And Rivalries

Marina Mantra Hosts Thrilling Debut As Mackay Runners Tackle Hills, Wind And Rivalries

In blustery conditions under heavy skies, approximately 40 determined athletes took to the start line for the inaugural Mackay Marina Mantra 5km and 12km event. Hosted by the Mackay Road Runners Club, the unique handicap-style race made its debut with plenty of grit, camaraderie, and competition. Club President and Life Member Paul Tilse welcomed runners with enthusiasm before detailing the demanding course—which included one ascent of Mt Bassett for the 5km competitors and two climbs for the 1

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club Bids A Heartfelt Goodbye

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Bids A Heartfelt Goodbye

The Mackay Bridge Club wishes Ted Cullinan (moving to Perth) and Noel Saunders (moving to Gladstone) all the very best for their future endeavours. Both Ted and Noel will be missed very much. Ted was secretary for many years and Noel was a committee member as well as a mentor to many beginners. Weekly Results Monday 5 May 2025 –5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Pamela Finger / Terry Sheedy 1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 2nd Edward Kliese /Diane Stokes 2nd Karen Caldwell / Sue

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All-Abilities Cricket Program Launches At Harrup Park Free For Ages 11–17!

All-Abilities Cricket Program Launches At Harrup Park Free For Ages 11–17!

Cricket is for everyone, and a new all-abilities program launching this May at Harrup Park is here to prove it! Kicking off on Wednesday, 21st May, this FREE five-week cricket program is designed for boys and girls aged 11 to 17 of all abilities. The sessions will run every Wednesday from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, offering participants a chance to develop their cricket skills, grow a love for the game, and make new friends in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Organisers are passionate about brin

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Cannonvale Cannons Celebrate a Stellar Season Age Champions and Rising Stars

Cannonvale Cannons Celebrate a Stellar Season Age Champions and Rising Stars

The Cannonvale Cannons closed out a fantastic season with their much-anticipated end-of-season Club Presentation Night – a heartwarming evening where the achievements of all swimmers were proudly celebrated by families, coaches, and teammates. The night kicked off with the announcement of our Age Champions – a proud moment for swimmers who have demonstrated consistency, commitment, and strong performance throughout the season: · 7 Years & Under: Stella Mulliss and Harry Chegwidden · 8 Years:

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Mika rec

Mackay Road Runners Sprint Through The Heat

March 7, 2024

Nearly fifty runners tackled the extreme humidity as they tracked the bendy pathways from the Bucasia Beach Playground Parklands to Shoal Point last Sunday. The runners didn’t seem to have noticed the severe heat conditions until the return lap, but despite the challenges they continued to push on through!

Timekeeper Arthur Dick was in full control as he announced each runner’s start times based on their handicap.  Highest handicap marker, Hamish Donnollan had an extremely long wait for his start, however, managed to catch his dad, Shane and pass him in the final meters of the 10km.  

It was great to see the return of existing and new members, including Thomas Wendt who took out the 10km based on his handicap start.

The morning saw great performances from the female contingent, in specific; Mel Esau, Carmel Mahon, Jan smith, Judy Zahn, Lauren Connor, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Leanne Connor, Brenda Windsor, Carol Brown, Jo Skinner, Em Hayles and Natasha Joynson.

 

The next Mackay Road Runners Club event will be the 2nd Club Championship of the year from Queen’s Park, Shakespeare Street entrance, East Mackay on Sunday at 6.30am.

The Construct Health Physio 3km sprint distance will be fast and furious from the gun, with the top contenders expected to stop the clock at around nine minutes.

All members must be registered with the timekeeper by 6.20am at the very latest with your bib chip number placed securely to the front of yourselves. 

Many thanks to Construct Health Physio for their ongoing support of the Club and this race in particular which they have sponsored for several years now.

 

Congratulations to the BMA Mackay Marina Run committee for the launch of their event last Friday with a meet and greet at the Bluewater Quay. At 6pm, just on 900 runners and walkers competed in the 5km Fun Run across the Forgan Smith Bridge, with 100% of the registrations and additional donations directly going to the local branch of the Leukemia Foundation.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Caption: 2105 – Andrew Short, Teresa Hackney and Alan Zamparutti await their handicapped starting time callup from the Timekeeper

Caption: 3545 – Simon Henderson and Lauren Connor bolt from the gun on their handicapped start time

Caption: 3633 – Em Hayles makes a welcome return to club racing

Caption: 4652 – Todd Turner is having a great start to the 2024 program, easily completing the 10km in the oppressive humidity. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Making Waves Of Hope North Mackay Sinkers Support Starlight Children's Foundation

March 7, 2024

With the aid of supportive fundraisers, the Starlight Children’s Foundation creates moments of joy and happiness for children of all ages facing illness, brightening the lives of those in hospital.

Throughout the past month of February, Masters Swimming Queensland clubs have dived on board to support the Starlight Super Swim, raising an impressive amount of funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

A fantastic first time total of $2,827 was raised by the participating members of the event, whilst also achieving some impressive distances. One dedicated swimmer logged 81km for the month, a total of 1620 laps of a 50-meter pool!

This year the North Mackay Sinkers along with the Bunna-barra and Belgravia Masters Swimming Clubs participated in the event.  Each of the clubs had five registered members, providing a total of 15 members and raised a collective grand total of $7,952 which will be going directly to benefit young children in hospital!

The main aim is to raise valuable funds but awareness and participation are also great aims for Masters clubs and their networks. A handy app even logs swims and donations on the go.

The club has entered a second Fundraiser for March with “Laps for Life” offering another opportunity to participate in swimming whilst raising much needed funds for Youth Mental Health.

For those who are interested in joining, you can swim as an individual or form a team to participate, all while staying active and raising funds for youth mental health.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming club offer group sessions, events in the pool or open water and cater to all abilities in a supportive and social environment.

While the swim has concluded, the donations portal is open until the end of March. If you wish to donate you can search Starlight Super swim and Sinkers Masters Starlight Team

For further enquiries, please call 0413 805 156 or visit our public page North Mackay Sinkers – Masters Swimming Club.

Contributed by Dan Stampa

Caption: Sinkers enjoying a rest and a chat in the Coffee Hub

Caption: Excited swimmers, as happy as ducks in the water

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AT THE TABLE

March 7, 2024

Young guns Trent Day and Ollie Hamelink played a close match on Tuesday night, Trent up 10, 9, -8, -11, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results February 27, 2024:

Division 1:

Lexus (Barry Patterson, Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent) d Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Steven d Andrew -8, 11, -6, 10, 8.

Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Mark Sleeman) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) 7-4. Vince d Mark 12, 11, -10, 9.

Andro (Tony Bowman, Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d BMW (Terry Morato, Ishan Rana, Ian McKay) 6-5. Terry d Mick -4, 5, -5, 7, 8.

Division 2:

Hyuandi (Noreen Fredericksen, Donna Abbott, Delma Knight) d Kia (Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 6-5. Donna d Peter 8, -9, -10,

Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Mazda (Judy Zahn, Doug Dungavell, Niro) 8-3. George d Doug 10, -8, 7, -10, 5.

Nissan (Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan, Will VanDeKaa) d Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Jason Hodda) 9-2. Simon d Jason 7, -11,-8, 6,10.

Division 3:

Fiat (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Aarnav Reelh) d Ford (Ollie Hamelink, Misha Palod, Tiffany Camilleri) 10-1. Trent d Ollie 10, 9, -8, -11, 8.

Alfa (Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal, Craig VanDeKaa) d Holden (Anaya Reelh, Saisha Palod) 8-3. Kade d Saisha 9, 7, -10, -8, 4.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures February 27, 2022:

Division 1:

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Val Austin) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) 8-4. Donna d George -6, 7, 9, 5.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Tigers (Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 7-5. Peter d Noreen -9, 7, -4, 4, 7.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 8-4. Steve d Pam 2, -10, 8, -8, 7.

Division 2:

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, Tiffany Camilleri) 9-3. Tiffany d Marie -8, 6, 9, -11, 4.

Aqua (Don Boettcher, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) Kim d Gerry -9, 10, 3, -10, 10.

Division 3:

Sapphires (Carnel Cristaldi, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey) 8-4. Darryl d Bill 8, -9, 3, -7, 2.

Emeralds (Charles Hamlett, Thelma Caruana) drew Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day) 5-all. Sharon d Charles -8, -8, 6, 3, 11.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

Caption: Kim Daffy in action in Tuesday morning fixtures

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club

March 7, 2024

Players at the Gold Coast Congress (GCC) had a fantastic week of cards, friends, laughter, and food. Players had mixed results, with Diane and Max Holewa taking out third place in the Iva Dahler Butler Swiss Pairs Intermediate category. Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris came fifth in the Bobby Richmond Novice Pairs Championship, while taking out the Qld Novice Pairs.

Weekly Results

Monday 26 February 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoffrey Patterson / Terrence Sheedy

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

2nd

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

3rd

Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

3rd

Victor Mason / Antonia Taradas

Tuesday Evening 27 February 2024 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley

2nd

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Susan Gibson / Karen Cadwell

4th

Terry Sheedy / Mick King

Wednesday 28 February 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson

2nd

Thomas Block / Ellrae Trueman

2nd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Noel Saunders / Mary Rose Ramsden

3rd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th

Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th

Terry Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Evening 29 February 2024 – 5 Table One Winner

1st

Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

2nd

Susan Gibson / Karen Cadwell

3rd

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

4th

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 1 March 2024 – Week 5 of 24 Week NWP - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

1st

Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd

Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

3rd

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th

Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix

4th

Geoff Cowan / Geoffrey Patterson

5th

Anne Lutz / Diane Cox

5th

Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

Saturday 2 March 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

1st

Geoff Cowen / Sandy Patterson

2nd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd

Ian Gaskell / Terry Sheedy

3rd

David Ting / Ming Ting

4th

Patricia Garner / Julie O’Neill

4th

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

Contributed by Joy Block

Captions

Faye Wright and Christine Nice at GCC

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Premier League Round 1 Airlie Beach Darts

March 7, 2024

Sunday morning saw the return of the Premier League for 2024 at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. We’ve had a few new faces join the ranks this season, and a few stalwarts who decided to call it a day. 

We have 9 players, and 18 rounds of league action this year, with the top 6 players advancing to the finals series in September.

First up saw a debutant in Naomi Mitchell, who’s only our second ever female contestant in the league. Naomi started her campaign off with a bang, casually dispatching Hawkeye Rick by a score of 7 legs to 3. It’s a great start to the season for Naomi, getting 2 valuable points on the board early is never a bad thing.

Next up was the current Xmas Open champion Joe Wilson taking on Jamie Maher, runner up in the league from two seasons ago. 

This match in truth was closer than it should have been. Joe was in total control in the scoring department, but struggled on the outer ring. Jamie had to take full advantage of Joe’s inability to finish legs, and did so by knocking 3 legs on the bounce to go from 5/2 down to 5 all, much to the annoyance of his counterpart.

In the end however, Joe was a different class, and showed it by going up a gear when he needed too, and in the end he managed to just about getting over the line in a tough hard fought win by 7 legs to 5.

In the final game of the round we saw Kameron Reason taken on Art McMinn. Both men have come into this season off the back of an improved second half of the year last year, and both would be expecting to kick on this year.

No doubt they see each other as rivals for a finals berth this season, and nothing separated them in their first meeting of the year. 

Kameron found himself 3 nil down, but dug deep and rallied to claw himself back into the match. From then until the end nothing could separated the boys, each claiming an opening day point with the match finishing in a 6 all stalemate.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays for coming on board with us again in 2024. To keep up to date with the club and competitions, follow us on Facebook.

Naomi Mitchell in action claiming a win in her first appearance at the club. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Swimming Club Take On NQ Championships

March 7, 2024

The first 3 days of March 2024 saw 8 swimmers head to Mackay for the Swimming North Queensland Championships.

First up on Friday night were team relays. Our swimmers swam in an impressive 9 relays and had loads of fun. This was a great team building exercise for all swimmers, with mixed and same gender relays being swum.

First up on Day 2, was the traditional team March Past. A huge thank you to Emma Alexander for her creative organising and making of costumes for our swimmers. We had a great little coral reef system marching.

Day 2 was the biggest day in the pool with Hayden Alexander achieving a whooping PB of 4.35sec in the 12 years 50m Fly and 4.82sec PB in 100m Breaststroke. Leyton Alexander smashed his 11years Backstroke time with 43.31 (1.19sec PB). Sister Jayde Alexander absolutely blitzed the 100m 10 years Breaststroke with an 8.76sec PB, showing us why Breaststroke is her favourite stroke.

Chloe Eldridge swam her heart out in the 100m 10 years Freestyle and rewarded herself with an impressive 8.51sec PB. Maddison Watson had her biggest PB of the weekend in the 13 years 100m Freestyle, taking 10.30sec off her time. Despite having an injured knee, Maddie kept pushing herself all the way. Axel Yuskan achieved PB’s in all 5 of his swims over the weekend, his biggest being 3.39 sec in 11years 50m Backstroke.

This year saw 13 years and over 50m & 100m races have Final heats at the end of the sessions. Our 2 senior swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Alex Yuskan both had podium finishes throughout the weekend.

Alex - 3rd, 16-years boys 50m backstroke

3rd, 16-years boys 50m butterfly

2nd,16-years boys 100m breaststroke

1st, 16-years boys 50m breaststroke – Nth Queensland 50m Breaststroke Champion Men’s 16-year-old

2nd, 16-years boys 100m breaststroke

Mae - 3rd, 16-years girls 50m backstroke

2nd, 16-years girls 50m breaststroke

2nd, 16 years girls 50m freestyle

This weekend was a weekend of fast racing, amazing swimming, numerous, incredible PB’s by every, single swimmer & sensational new memories being made.

The Whitsunday Swimming Club would like to thank all the parents who make these weekends happen by supporting our swimmers every step of the way. Thank you also goes to, Swimming North Queensland, for organising a terrific championship event for 2024.

Our biggest thanks must go to Coach Jenny Rush for all her efforts, patience, and training with our swimmers. Our swimmers are going places and achieving big because of Jenny & her brilliant coaching and dedication.  

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

All photos – Photos supplied

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Roosters VS Brothers Rugby League A Grade Mens

March 7, 2024

Ahead of the upcoming season for the regions’ rugby league, the Whitsunday Sportspark are eager to host a titular preseason match of the stalwart sides of the Townsville Rugby League.

This one off game perfectly coincides with a bye for the Whitsundays Brahams, so why not fill in that time with witnessing this match not to be missed!

Between the likely competitors of the Burdekin Rooster and the Townsville Brothers, this A grade Men’s trial match is set to set the field on fire with great plays, fast foot work and unbelievable rugby league.

Kick off is 5.30pm, with gates open from 4.30pm. With a full bar available, with some of the best roast rolls and chips in the area, check it out next weekend.

WHAT: TRL Preseason Rugby League

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday March 16, from 4.30pm
TICKETS: $5 entry for adults at the gate. Under 18 and pension card holder free entry 

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Competition Woes With Bowen Bowls

March 7, 2024

Saturday was the first round of the Men’s Local Pennants with BBC v Wangaratta B.C. with Wangaratta winning the first round.

Friday night bowls are still going strong.

Monday and Tuesday it is the Ladies Four Competition with 64 ladies from different towns participating. A busy week for our club.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Rainy Weather Delays Play Proserpine Bowls

March 7, 2024

With the weather being unkind to us this past week, we weren't able to play Social Bowls on either Wednesday or Sunday. Weather permitting we will be back this week.

Draw for Men's Competition Singles, Pairs, Fours and B Singles has been released. There will be an amendment to the Singles Draw as a couple of players who had nominated, were on another sheet of paper. Their games have been drawn against some of the players who had been allocated a bye in the original draw.

Competition begins on Saturday March 9 and 10.

Saturday 9th March at 9.30am

Club Championship Singles:

Todd Leys vs Wayne Handley                      Marker: Steve Summers

Brett Saroglia vs Scott Hamilton                 Marker: Harry Craig

Barry Saroglia vs Vince Olsen                      Marker: David Ling

Gavin Noonan vs Peter Lawton                  Marker Michael Kinnear

Luchie Gardel vs Jonathan Bye                   Marker: Gavin Milne

 

Saturday Afternoon at 12.30 to 1.00pm

Club Championship Fours

Dale Haack, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann, Bruce Uhe (Brett Saroglia will be subbing for Bruce)  vs Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, Gavin Milne (Gavin will be getting a sub for Shane Kinnear in this game)

Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Graeme Kinnear, Barry Saroglia vs Harry Craig, Toby Craig, Marcus Craig, Nathan Harriott

 

Club Championship Pairs

Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley vs Geoff Hunter and Phil Brown

 

Sunday Morning 10th March at 9.30am

Club Championship Singles

Andrew Bell vs Marcus Craig                        Marker: TBA

Phil Brown vs Dave Ling                                 Marker: TBA ( this game will be played by mutual consent at a later date)

Gavin Milne vs Michael Kinnear                 Marker: TBA

 

Sunday afternoon 1.00pm

Club Championship Pairs

Toby Craig and Marcus Craig vs Vince Olsen and Todd Leys

Friday Night there was a Barefoot Bowls Event held at the club.  Sounds like everyone had a fabulous time.   Thank you to all who helped on the night.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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The Winning Bowl With Wangaratta Bowls

March 7, 2024

There was some really great plays and close games on Tuesday afternoon.

Winners were Bron Tolcher, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers. Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle is again on this Friday so if you can be at the club by 5.30-5.45pm. Everyone is welcome.

Congratulations to our men’s local pennant teams who played at BBC on Saturday. Our boys showed their style and came up with three match wins. Next match is against Collinsville next Saturday at Wangaratta.

The heat is still sticking around so there were a few less playing on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey defeated Jim Quod, Albi Vigar, and Allan Rolfe

Lindy Suann, Fely Duncan, and Penny Warren defeated Gwenda Lydom, Jocelyn Defranciscis, and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Ladie’s and Men’s Competition games have been called for the next few weeks. So please make yourself familiar when you are playing. Good luck to all.

Zonta will be hosting International Women’s Day afternoon tea at the club on Sunday 10th therefore the hall will be utilised all afternoon. However, normal social bowls is still on. Entry via the side gate.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Winners on Sunday, Sue Shearing, Deb Retchless, and Pat Tracey. Photo supplied

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Hole In One Proserpine Golf

March 7, 2024

This week saw very little golf. Fortunately, the sun shone for Saturday and Sunday morning meaning we could hold our March Monthly Medals.

78 players contested Saturday event, Clay Coles with the overall and B Grade win with a very tidy 67 Nett. Jason Bourke won A grade with a 67 Nett, closely followed by Fraser Simpson on 68. John Clark was the Runner up of B Grade on 72 Nett. C grade winner was Louis Leo on 71, getting the win from Adam Brewster on 73 Nett. Pin Shots went to John Clarke and Marcus Heathcote, with 4 players contesting the 2 shot club.

Renae Maxwell won the Ladies Monthly Medal with a 75 nett, from Penny Wardroper and Noelene Spurway on 76. Pin Shots went to Tiina Randmae and Penny Wardroper.

The biggest news from the weekend comes from our Sunday Monthly Medal. Jon Miller holing out for a Hole in One on hole number 2. Congratulations! 

Jon had a 1 under round to get into the run down.

Winners from Sunday were Jake Murray, who beat Scott Mason and Jon Miller on Countback with a 70 Nett.

Peta Thomas took home the Ladies Monthly Medal. Pin Shots went to Tiina Randmae and Jon Miller.

 

Fingers crossed for some sunshine this week and more golf to follow.

 

Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team, Proserpine Golf Course.

   1. John Miller. Photo supplied

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On The Whitsunday Green

March 7, 2024

This week 9-hole stabelford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 23 pts c/b, second place with 23 pts was Dee Norman and third place with 22 pts was Riley Merciera. 

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Scott Macleod take first place with 25 pts, second place with 24 pts was Wayne Singleton and third place with 23 pts was Andrew Gomez. 

Sundays 18-hole stableford was a great turnout, taking first place with 42 pts was Wayne Singleton, second place with 40 pts c/b was Glenn Rees and third place with 40 pts was Tyson Flavel. Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Troy Pettiford. 

This Sunday 10th March will be our stroke 18 holes tee off between 8.30am and 9.30am. 

 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Learn To Sail With Port Denison Sailing Club

March 7, 2024

There was a constant flow of parents and students on and off the water at Port Denison Sailing Club in Bowen on Sunday with a full schedule of activities.  

First up ten Little Pirates went for a fun buddy sail on the Qubes with Green Fleeter Georgia and Laser sailor Luke Austin to get used to sailing further from shore and use their boat terminology.  Luke, who grew out of the Optimists and has now taken up Laser sailing, is always full of good conversation and often assists the Pirates lessons.  

Although sailing in a tiny Qube not suited to his size, 16-year-old Luke brought his sense of fun to the activity and had to sail with his legs over the side, much to the amusement of onlookers and his Little Pirate crew!  

Following them, seven Big Pirates met an amazing milestone today with each taking the helm and demonstrating sailing unassisted between points.  

Parents and volunteering club members acted as human marker buoys to which to sail, giving encouragement and assistance with tacking or gybing if necessary.  

The sense of achievement was felt by all, and Instructor Gary was very pleased with the progress of the entire group.    

Due to the location and sandy beachfront, PDSC has the unique ability to nurture young sailors to confidence in the warm and clear shallow waters and allow parents and guardians to be as up and close to the action as they like with the opportunity to assist with lessons and learn about sailing at the same time as the children.  

The activities for youth members didn’t end with the Pirates programmes however, with a big thank you to Instructor Faraday Rosenburg and her son Reid Martin for taking Green Fleeter sailors Felix and Georgia out to sharpen their tacking skills and play a game of follow the leader complete with colourful balloons tied to their sterns!  Dennis Winstanley gave lessons to Alice and Liam on the windsurfer, making the most of the calm conditions to make good progress, and the Club’s three teen sailors in Lasers, Luke, Zanda and Cooper, also had an extended session with Coach Gary in the more open waters of the bay to finish up the day’s sailing.  

The canteen did a roaring trade on sausage rolls, hot Airlie Pies and icy poles all day.  The many activities on and off the water work seamlessly together at PDSC due to the unwavering assistance of the Club volunteers, instructors, parents and the super Committee members.  Thank you to all for making another wonderful Club day at Port Denison Sailing Club.


Next Sunday is Off Beach Racing for all classes of dinghy so sailors are encouraged to revise their starting sequences and rules and be ready for some racing action!  Please see the PDSC Facebook page for further information.

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Mackay Bowls

February 29, 2024

Get ready to roll this Saturday, as the Mackay Bowls Club hosts the long-awaited Australia Day Bowls event, kicking off at 1pm, March 2nd.

Come along bowlers, and enjoy an afternoon of bowls and some Aussie tucker… be sure to wear your best Aussie attire!


Sponsored by Mackay Regional Council and Karyn Shepherd from More Air, this event promises a day of fun-filled bowling action, offering two divisions, one for Bowlers and the other for non-bowlers. You’ve got to be in it to win it! There will be prize money for both divisions.


Last Friday launched the first afternoon of Cut throat bowls, where 24 bowlers enjoyed the afternoon after a blind draw.

The final came down to a very close finish with umpire Hazel making the call on the winners. Eddie Roberts and Leanne Jenner won the afternoon from Carol Savage and Janice Nelson with a winning shot on the last bowl.

Results

Tuesday Men's Triples - Winner of Winners:

A. Summerville, K. Dunn, E. Roberts

Winner of Losers:

L. Jenner, B. Jenner, P. Taffee

Thursday Scroungers:

A. Shepherd def W. Herewini  in a close game, winning by one.

Club Competition Sunday 3rd March 1.00pm start.

B Singles: S. Green  vs  T. Casey

Open Pairs: S. McMillian, R. Dunstan vs  S. Makin, C. Molloy

G. Thomsen, T. Mayfield  vs  A. Lovern, N. Holt

Open Fours: T. Gibson, K. Tranberg, G. Edmonds, N. Wilson   vs   E. Wynd,  A. Shepherd,

D. Wootton, B. Bridger.

A mixed Four's and Pairs Carnival will be played over the Weekend of the 9th and on the 10th March, $1070 is up for grabs in prize money!

Saturday 9th March, mixed Four's start 1.00pm with 21 ends.

Sunday  10th March, two games of Pairs (men's and women's pairs and mixed

pairs) each game 11 ends starting 11.00am.

Selectors have picked teams for Marian Mill Shield on Saturday March

23rd, with the final on Sunday 24th.

Team 1.  P. Molloy, S. Cassidy, R. Fry, B. Bridger.

Team 2. G. Luck. A. Gibson, M. Coll, R. Blanchard.

Team 4.  K. Tranberg, C. Marks, G. Edmonds, N. Wilson.

Team 4. B. Jenner, C. Stevens, B. Robertson, B. Paskins.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, don't miss out on the opportunity to join in on the excitement at the Mackay Bowls Club's upcoming events.

To check out future events, draws and results, visit the Mackay Bowls Club online.

Contributed by Mike Irving

Caption: Seasoned players, enjoying a game of Bowls

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CUTTERS NEWS

February 29, 2024

There were plenty of tight scores in the northern derby clashes between the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters.

The Mackay campaign started on a strong note with the Harvey Norman U17s coming away with a convincing 20-10 win over the Blackhawks. It was a day of impressive footy at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday, with the Harvey Norman Under 17s holding the biggest score difference, with just 10 points.

Unfortunately for Mackay, that was the first and last win for the sides against a tough northern rival.

In the Harvey Norman Under 19s, it was the home team who triumphed with another tight, low-scoring match.

Blackhawks winger Zaleah Mosby-Nona was the only player to cross in the opening stanza, scoring in the 14th minute to give her side a 4-0 lead at the break.

Mackay finally responded in the 46th minute, with halfback Mersades Lawson equalling the scores.

But the Blackhawks were not going to settle with a draw.

Backrower Hannah De Daunton stepped up with a big final 10 minutes, scoring in the 50th minute, before adding the two points and then converting a penalty goal on the buzzer to seal the deal.

The Blackhawks finished with a 12-4 victory and three out of four wins over Mackay.

In the Cyril Connell Cup, the Blackhawks finished 12-6 at full time, Mackay were unlucky in the Mal Meninga Cup, finishing 12-8 in a game that had looked at times to go either way, and it was also a close tussle in the Hostplus Cup trial, with the Blackhawks taking the win, 18-12.

Shaniah Power Joins QCCS Mackay Cutters

The QCCS Mackay Cutters proudly unveiled their latest signing last week, Shaniah Power, recipient of the prestigious 2023 BMD Player of the Year award.

With an impressive track record, Shaniah adds invaluable experience to the Mackay squad, boasting four appearances for Queensland and contributing to multiple NRLW teams. Currently under contract with the Cowboys, Shaniah's arrival promises to bolster the team's strength and competitiveness.

Cutters Care: Strengthening Minds And Bodies

The Cutters Care program made a meaningful visit to St Brendans Catholic Primary School last week, made possible by the generous support of Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and Mackay Regional Council.

During the session, students engaged in activities aimed at fostering both physical and mental well-being, learning valuable lessons on building strong brains and bodies. Following the educational component, the students enjoyed a series of entertaining and footy-related games.

To book your School in for a Cutters Care session, visit the Cutters’ website.

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