
The annual Harvest Triples competition was held at the Marian Bowls Club on Monday, May 11th, welcoming sixteen teams from across the district. President Thelma Johnston greeted players as they arrived for the popular event, which saw bowlers enjoy a day of friendly rivalry despite continuous showers throughout the day. The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with plenty of laughter and camaraderie shared across the greens. A cent sale and raffles were well supported by the attending bowlers, while Joan Vickers donated a beautiful orchid for the lucky door prize. With only three points separating the top three teams, the competition proved to be closely contested. Results were as follows: 1st Place: C. McBride, Penny Roots, Rita Hughes 2nd Place: Lyn Tungate, Pauline Turchett, Margaret Egerton 3rd Place: Doris Fry, Judith Miller, Thelma Johnston Contributed by Judith Miller 6349 T. Johnston, R. Hughes, C. McBride, P. Roots. 6348 T. Johnston, L. Tungate, M. Edgerton, P. Turchett 6346 L. Hamilton, T. Johnston, D. Fry, J. Miller. Photos supplied
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Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026. Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector. Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August. QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness. “Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said. “The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.” Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila. Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork. "This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.” Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development. “Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said. “This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.” QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event. CAPTIONS: Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald. (Back Row L to R) - John Bourke, Guillermo (will) Pedrosa, Adam Barnes, Daneil Davies, and Tyronne Sullivan. Photo supplied Second Place - Oaky North (Front Row L to R) - Leslie Healy, Robert McShane (vice - captain), Samuel Lindley (captain), and Coleman Roberts. (Back Row L to R) - Sandie McGill, Dakotah Damsma Richardson, Ben Ormsby, Hudson Jeffrey, Corey Hoskins, and Sarah Ryan (3M). Photo supplied Third Place - Ironbark No.1 (Front Row L to R) - Kenneth Aveling, Thomas McPhail (captain), Shay Livermore (vice - captain), and Dean Betts. (Back Row L to R) - Charlie Stokes, Connor Thompson, Luke Davies, Paul Hansen, Danuel Bell, and Brett Spence (FRSA). Photo supplied
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Over the weekend of 8th–10th May, Mackay Table Tennis Association was proud to host the Queensland Northern Veterans and Mackay Open Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players from across the State, who travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast to compete in the event. The weekend featured both Aged and Rated events and showcased an incredible range of competitors, from our youngest junior player at just 7 years old to our oldest veteran player at 85 years old. For the first time in several years, we crowned new Men’s and Women’s Open Singles Champions. Alan Walsh from Townsville defeated Paul Green from Mackay to claim the Men’s Open title, while Crismi Lovera fought back strongly against Andrea McDonnell, with both players representing Townsville, to secure the Women’s Open title. Mackay Table Tennis Association would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled, competed, umpired, and assisted throughout the weekend, along with the wonderful referees whose efforts helped make the tournament a success. A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors who generously donated prize money and raffle prizes to the Club — your continued support is greatly appreciated. Tuesday Night Fixtures Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) just got home against Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5. Barry won a very close battle with Graham B (-6,6,-13,10,9). What an exceptional 5 Sets! Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 6-5 over Geese (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), no 5 set matches but some very close games. Canaries (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Yilin Jiang) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Syed Hossain). Division 2: Doves (Daniel Warfield, John McGee, Will VanDeKaa) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) 6-5 with a good 5 set doubles match between John and Daniel coming home against Rod and Ricky to win (-3,7,-12,8,3). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) won 9-2 against Kites (Matt West, Tiffany Camilleri, Simon Hogan), Andrea found her groove in the 5 set to win over Matt (-8,3,4,-7,6). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan) beat Parrots (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross) 5-3, George got his monies worth with 2 big 5 set matches, he lost to Donna but came out and snuck home against Remy (-9,7,-8,7,12) Division 3 are still playing in there groups with the leader board changing often. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Orion Orbitors (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) defeated Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir), Peter overcome John in 5 sets (9,4,-9,-9,4). Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Darryl Ross) won 8-4 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Veronica Needham, Bryan Marshall), Kevin got the better of Veronica N (-9,11,-7,5,6). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) overcome Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins) 10-2, Helen outlasted Chris in 5 sets (-8,-8,1,10,7). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Coral Morgan, Robyn Bushell) 7-5, Kim overcome John in close 5 sets (16,-5,-9,11,10). Division 3: Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) won 7-5 Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders), Myles overcome Sharon in 5 sets (7,9,-8,-7,7). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Pam Kuene) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton, Thelma Caruana) 11-1, Pam outlasted Gerry in close battle (7,-8,8,-3,7). Contributed by Andrea Payne Barry Patterson. Photo supplied
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The 30th Barrier Reef Contract Bridge Congress was played in Townville last week. Players travelled from all over the state to compete. Five pairs of Mackay players received coveted Red points in the Walkins. Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce won the Novice Pairs (Gold points) with Team Morris – Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Jan Harris and Helen Van Den Broek placed second in the Restricted Team event, also Gold points. All Mackay players competed well and received a percentage of Red or Gold points. Weekly Results Monday 11 May 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell 1st Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Monica Darley / Joy Block 2nd Sandy Patterson / Karen Caldwell 3rd Faith Hutchinson / Mary Jane Marsh 3rd Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese Tuesday Evening 12 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ken Seaniger / Ann Whitmore 3rd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 4th Vicki Howard / Richard Wix Wednesday 13 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 1st Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell 2nd Bob Ellis / Susan Wright 2nd Andrew Canavan / Kath Poole 3rd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson 3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary 4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen Thursday Evening 14 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King 3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless Friday 8 May 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell 3rd Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson Saturday 9 May 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 4th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell 5th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill 5th Anne Lutz / Ian Vary Contributed by Joy Block
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Monday 6 April 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Annie Lynch / Faye Wright
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Jennifer Cameron
4th
Thelma Caruana / Joy Block
4th
Joy Hold / Rod Miles
5th
Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice
5th
Diane Morgan / Madonna Graham
Tuesday Evening 7 April 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen
2nd
Adrian Westcott / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
3rd
Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank
Wednesday 8 April 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
1st
Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Alan Brown / Janet Hansen
4th
Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
4th
Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary
Thursday Evening 9 April 2026 – 5 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Mick King / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers
Friday 10 April 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger
3rd
Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
3rd
Diane Cox / Christine Nice
4th
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
4th
Geoff Cowan / Mary Cruickshank
Saturday 11 April 2026 –Section A - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Monica Darley / Shirley Worland
1st
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris
2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette
3rd
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
3rd
Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank
Saturday 11 April 2026 – Section B - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Marilyn Robins / Faye Wright
1st
Adrian Westcott / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd
Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice
3rd
Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Karen Caldwell
Contributed with thanks to Joy Block
Photo supplied

Participants from Mackay Parkrun celebrated several milestone achievements late last month, recognising both volunteers and runners for their dedication.
Len Howarth marked an impressive 50 volunteer milestone, while Trent Rankin, Olivia Broadley and Jacob Attiwill each celebrated their 50th finish milestones.
Mackay parkrun is a free, timed 5km run or walk held at 7am every Saturday morning, organised by the community, for the community.
Photo source: Mackay Parkrun



The Club Championship Mixed Pairs Final was played on Saturday, April 11 at North Mackay Bowls Club.
Players in the final were Daphne Offield and Dave McKendry, who faced Donna Gordon and Chris Banney.
It was another great final for the club, featuring some special shots, several congested heads around the jack, and precision bowling that made it a superb match.
Daphne and Dave were the eventual winners and were thrilled with the result, while Donna and Chris were valiant in defeat.
Congratulations to everyone who competed in this great event, and of course to the very happy winners.
Contributed with thank to Sue Hazledine
(L) Chris Banney, Donna Gordon, Dave McKendry and Daphne Offield. Photo credit: Donna Gordon

The sun shone bright over the greens as the Mackay Ladies Bowling Club celebrated its 33rd birthday. President Marie welcomed 52 members and district bowlers to the club. The atmosphere was bursting with laughter, color, and a touch of friendly competition.
Newer members joined in the fun, eager to make their own memories. The friendly birthday tournament saw playful rivalries reignited, with cheers and good-natured teasing echoing across the rinks. After the game bowlers enjoyed the lunch provided by the Mackay club ladies
As the cake was cut by President Marie and MDLBA President Lorraine The guests joined in singing “Happy Birthday.”
The Mackay Ladies Bowling Club’s 33rd birthday was a tribute to the spirit of camaraderie, community, and love for the game that keeps the club’s heart beating strong.
During the festivities the MACKAY Bowling Club Board committee presented a $7000 cheque to the St Helens bowling Club to help them with their flood repairs. The money was raised by having bowls, raffles and a few large donations from members and patrons of the club. Many thanks to all.
Contributed with thanks to Robyn Schatkowski
President Lorraine and President Marie cutting cake

M Mayfield J Jorgensen(Makay Club) Rose Condon and Helen Strachan (st Helen’s Club) Photos supplied

Over thirty members of the Mackay Road Runners and their families enjoyed a perfect Sunday afternoon with a social 5km and 10km run/walk starting from the Magpies Sporting Complex carpark precincts.
Despite the humidity and slightly higher temperatures, runners found the well-marked, slightly undulating course through the Gooseponds and beyond a challenging change of pace following the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations the previous night.
The club now looks ahead to the annual Construct Health Physiotherapy 3km Club Championship next Sunday morning, starting at 7am from Queen’s Park at the Shakespeare Street carpark entrance.
Thank you to Construct Health Physiotherapy for your continued support, which is greatly appreciated.
Both members and non-members are welcome to take part; however, to accrue Club Championship points, participants must be a club member.
Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse

Students at Whitsunday Anglican School took to the course for the annual Junior School Cross Country, with runners embracing both the challenge and fun of the day in a lively atmosphere of encouragement and school spirit.
Year 12 students supported the event by running alongside and cheering on younger competitors, while staff, facilities crews and families helped create a strong sense of community from the sidelines.
Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School











Sue and Ian Cordell – (Club Members), Kieran Rundle – (Gravity Fitness Owner), Sigrid Eitler and Dianne Jackson – (Parabench Competitors)

The Whitsundays is set to take centre stage in the world of para-sport, with Whitsunday Weightlifting Club hosting a Parabench Development Competition as part of the 2026 North Queensland Games — the largest multi-sport competition in regional Australia.
The event is scheduled for Saturday 2nd May at St Catherine’s Catholic College with the competition starting at 10am. It is open to all competitors of all abilities and experience levels. Parabench is part of Powerlifting Australia and provides training and strength development and optional competition opportunities.
The competition is a welcoming entry point into para powerlifting and is catered towards anyone with a lower limb disability who would like to attempt bench pressing in a supported, competitive environment.
"This is about breaking down barriers and showing people what's possible," said Leanne Knox, founder and Head Coach of Whitsunday Weightlifting Club.
"We want anyone who has ever been curious about the sport to come along, give it a go, and discover just how capable they are. You don't need experience — you just need to show up. It is a fantastic opportunity for all people with any disability to see what's possible.”
The club is encouraging the local community to cheer on the region’s best para-athletes as they compete in their local area.
The NQ Games runs from 1–4 May 2026 across the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac regions, celebrating its 42nd year and featuring more than 40 sports.
For enquiries about the Parabench Development Competition, contact Whitsunday Weightlifting Club on 0411 199 427 or on social media.
WHAT: Parabench Development Competition
WHEN: Saturday 2nd May, 10am
WHERE: St Catherine’s College

On Tuesday, S Jones, D Retchless and M Hyde defeated B Myers, S Querro and A Vigar. In the other game A Nailand and R Hyde defeated S Adams and B Querro. The jackpot didn’t go off.
Club Competition for the week. In the Men’s A Singles A Rolfe defeated G Read.
Ladies B Grade singles. T Bowen defeated C Jeal, Crooked Kitty D Wallace defeated P Warren.
Ladies Fours. L Suann, S Jones, D Retchless and M Hyde defeated L Scells, P Tracey, D Wallace and P Warren.
Winners for Sunday afternoon were Bill Myers, D Retchless and G Read defeating A Nailand, M Hyde and P Tracey.
Other games: T Bowen, S Querro and R Hyde defeated C Jeal, A Vigar and G Charles. L Suann and P Warren defeated T Blair and S Jeal. The jackpot didn’t go off.
It is not long now until our Winter Bingo starts. Get ready for Friday 1st May at the club for a 9.30 start. Check Facebook for further details.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
1 - Sunday's Winners Deb Retchless and Graeme Read.
Proserpine Bowls Club Report
On Wednesday, 8 players enjoyed games of pairs in Social bowls. Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann defeated Alen Sanderson and Trevor Parsons 28 - 13; Henny Tattam and Mike Harrison defeated Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 24 - 11.
As so many people had family commitments during the weekend, we didn't have any social bowls on Sunday.
Looking forward to a bit drier time in the weather so that we can get on to working our way through the competition games.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

It’s time to celebrate for the Whitsunday Sea Eagles as they enter an exciting new chapter, with years of hard work culminating in the installation of new lights for the AFL oval at Whitsunday Sportspark.
For years the Whitsunday Sea Eagles have shown up week in, week out training and playing in semi-darkness, while continuing to build the strong and successful club we see today.
“This is a huge milestone for our Club, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Committee and volunteers. The time and effort they’ve poured in behind the scenes truly shows their passion for creating something special and lasting for our community” said Whitsunday Sea Eagles President Chris Morrison said.
Excited by the return of night footy to the Whitsunday Sportspark, the Sea Eagles will host a special ANZAC Day fixture against Moranbah to be played under lights for the first time.
At approximately 5:30pm between the Women’s and Men’s matches the Last Post will be played - providing a moment to pause, reflect, and honour the significance of the day - before the Men’s game kicks off under lights at 6:00pm.
Saturday 25 April – Whitsunday Sportspark AFL Oval
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Captions
Photo credit: Musco Lighting Australia

The March 2026 Monthly Medal was played on Tuesday March 31st – finally! Blustery conditions and sandy greens greeted the 10 ladies and 19 men. Congratulations to ladies winner Leanne Alexander (becoming a habit) and David Woods for the men.
Welcome to new members Norman Foster, Steven Stewart and Michael Stewart.
RESULTS
LADIES
Winner: Leanne Alexander with 73 nett
R/Up: Tiina Randmae also with 73 nett on a count back
Rundown: Tina Badenhorst (74), Paula McQuat and Kath Borer both with 75 points
MEN
Winner: David Woods with a creditable 67 nett
R/Up: John Oates with 68 nett
Rundown: Colin Hounsell (71), Gary Scotford (72), Steven Stewart (73), Craig McLean (birthday boy), John Roser, Neil Cawthorne, Louis Neethling and Norman Foster all with 75 nett
PIN SHOTS
Ladies: A Grade - Tina Badenhorst (x2) and Elspeth Scotford
B Grade - Tina Randmae (x2) and Paula McQuat
Men: A Grade - Ken Granger, Gary Scotford and Nick Apruzzese
B Grade - David Woods (x2) and Peter Lindsay
LEAST PUTTS
Elspeth Scotford 28 putts and Barry Mortimer 28 putts
CHIP INS
No chip ins
NAGAs
For a ball each, Jenny Hounsell and John Strelec
DRAWS:
MEMBERSHIP jackpots to $30 next week
RAFFLE $50 to Ken Granger
UPCOMING EVENTS:
TUE 7/4/26 - APRIL 2026 MONTHLY MEDAL
TUE 14/4/26 - HOME HILL WHITSUNDAY GROUP
DITTY
Our Vets President now knows that a fancy car may cost you both time and money!
1- Monthly medal winners, David Woods and Leanne Alexander

Starting on Tuesday afternoon, play was run by Lyn Graham, where skipper David Bradley, with lead Gail Simms and second Dawn Dowell, were the winners of the day.
Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw a fantastic performance from Bob Spees as skipper. He was absolutely unstoppable, with Rick Brunell, arguably the best lead in the club, and Ian Passfield, a new bowler who is going places fast as he improves each week. He will no doubt be a very valuable asset to our little club in the future. Their winning score was 25–14.
Saturday morning saw the resumption of Scroungers, with all players vying for a place in the final. First-round winners were Tony Whitehorn, who won his way into the final in a tiebreaker, and Russell Jackson, who was the victor in the A Division. The B Division was won by Dennis Donadelli, beating Margo Stanley, which is a very difficult achievement. Congratulations to all.
Sunday afternoon social bowls saw 18 bowlers competing for the prize, and it was wonderful to welcome back ex-President Peter Barrett, our Life Member Paul Osborne, and Mrs Alma Rose Mawson after three months in the Philippines.
John rolled the dice, which came up number 3, meaning the prize was for the biggest winning margin. This was won by the team of skipper Peter Barrett, with the relentless “Wild Bill” Gordon at lead and Bowen’s finest, Don Hogarth, at second, who won 25–15.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Captions
Skipper Peter Barrett, lead Bill Gordon, and Don Hogarth at second.
Photo supplied

The Whitsundays announced itself as a serious player on the Queensland grappling circuit on Saturday 28 March, with the inaugural Escape Submission Grappling Series, presented by Fleming Painters, held in Cannonvale.
Over 110 competitors from nine Queensland clubs took to the mats across 230 Gi and no Gi divisions, with male and female categories running across all age groups and belt-rankings – from five-year-olds finding their feet to 45-year-olds who clearly have no intention of slowing down. Bouts were run as one-on-one, three and five minute rounds, with some high level QLD black belts showcasing their skills and stamina with 10 minute superfights.
Escape Jiu Jitsu Head Coach Danny Johns said the first competition was a resounding success.
"Escape Jiu Jitsu is a new club, and to host a competition of this size within ten weeks of opening our doors has been incredible. Thank you to our members, competitors, volunteers, families and sponsors for making today happen," Mr Johns said.
Athletes travelled from Cairns, Mackay, Moranbah and Townsville to compete — a field that speaks to the appetite for quality regional competition across Queensland. Among them were Australian National No Gi/ Pan Pacific No Gi Black Belt champion Ethan Cannon and Australian National Gi and no Gi champion purple belt Melissa Patrick plus highly decorated black belts Christian Merino and Brody Maguire, whose participation signals that the home of Jiu Jitsu in the Whitsundays is Escape Jiu Jitsu.
Newly formed team, Escape Jiu Jitsu saw 28 Whitsundays locals aged from 7 to 41 years on the mats, many for the first time.
Competition results:
Gold medals
5
Silver medals
8
Bronze medals
20
Total competitors
33
Planning for the next competition is underway with dates and entries announced in the coming months.

Ten-year-old rising star Eloise Chegwidden has taken the Queensland swimming scene by storm, claiming two state titles in just two months and cementing her status as one of the region’s most exciting young athletes.
Representing the Cannonvale Cannons Swim Club and training at the Cannonvale Swim Centre, Eloise first made waves in February at the Hancock Prospecting Queensland Sprint Championships in Brisbane. Competing on debut at the event, she powered her way to gold and the title of “Queensland Champion” in the 10-year-old girls 50m breaststroke—an impressive achievement against some of the state’s best young swimmers.
She followed up that performance in March as a member of the Northern Region Swim Team at the Queensland Representative School Sports State Swimming Championships, also held in Brisbane, where she delivered another standout swim. Competing in the 11-year-old girls 50m breaststroke, Eloise claimed gold—going one better than her silver medal in the same event last year.
In a breakthrough performance, Eloise clocked a personal best time of 39.75 seconds, breaking the 40-second barrier for the first time and highlighting her rapid progression in the pool.
A Year 6 student at St Catherine’s Catholic College, Eloise’s dedication to training and competition is clearly paying off. Her recent success has earned her selection to represent both her school and the state of Queensland at the School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships in Melbourne this November, where she will compete against the nation’s best young swimmers.
CAPTIONS:

More than 30 runners took part in the annual Easter Sunday five- and ten-kilometre social run, beginning at the Zambrero City Restaurant on Gordon Street.
The event, held every Easter Sunday afternoon, is sponsored and hosted by Zambrero City Restaurant owner Peter Quinn, along with his family and staff. Runners enjoyed breezy conditions as they travelled through the city centre streets from the Gordon Street restaurant toward the Cathy Freeman Trail for an out and back five- or ten-kilometre social run.
A highlight of the afternoon was the random prize draw, with ten restaurant vouchers donated by Zambrero. Additional prizes included 20 Easter eggs donated by the Hayles family and Tim Tams donated by Mackay Road Runners.
Prize winners were pleased with their rewards, with many participants staying on for dinner and drinks to celebrate their efforts and the Easter weekend while enjoying the range of food options available at Zambrero.
Thanks were extended to Peter Quinn and the Zambrero team for their continued support and hospitality.
Next Saturday evening, runners and supporters will celebrate the club’s 50th birthday with a special gala dinner at the Mackay Marina Mantra from 5.30 pm. Participants have been thanked for booking and prepaying to reserve their seats.
Anyone with memorabilia is encouraged to share items for viewing on the night. Limited edition 50th anniversary coasters will also be available for purchase from next Saturday night onwards for six dollars each or four for twenty dollars, with coasters remaining available after the dinner for those unable to attend.
Free Wednesday track training continues at the ARC Aquatic and Recreational Complex at 5.30 pm with Club Captain and Life Member Jim Ford and Alana Knezevic. The ARC charges a five-dollar entry fee to the track, payable at the pool kiosk, however the training provided by the qualified coaches is voluntary and free.
The sessions are open to both members and non-members of Mackay Road Runners.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
5599 – Mackay Road Runners annual Zambrero Burrito Bolt 5/10km Easter Sunday afternoon social event was well supported by over 30runners.
5593 – Zambrero City Restaurant’s amazing staff hosted the annual Mackay Road Runners Zambrero Burrito Bolt 5/10km on Easter Sunday afternoon.
5589 – The Hayles family ran the 5km Zambrero Burrito Bolt and donated yummy Easter Eggs for random draw prizes at the post run celebrations.
5686 – The Easter Bunny arrived to all the good boys and girls on Easter Sunday including little Phoebe. Photos supplied
5611 – Zambrero Burrito Bolt Easter Sunday social run Course Director, Andrew Short takes to the streets after prepping runners for the 5/10km run.
5667 – Gail and Clinton Mackie enjoy the Zambrero Burrito Bolt social run prior to their Marathon goal event in Hobart next weekend.
5650 – Colin Hardy clocks a respectable 5km Zambrero Burrito Bolt on Easter Sunday afternoon.
5654 – Alana Knezevic and Ryan Evetts ran a tough, flat and fast 10km Zambrero Burrito Bolt on Easter Sunday afternoon.
5681 – Jo Skinner and Fran March enjoy a post run catch up at the annual Zambrero Burrito Bolt social 5/10km on Easter Sunday afternoon.

The under-12 boys basketball team from Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a strong finish to the season, claiming a convincing grand final victory last weekend.
The team defeated the Renegades Tigers 26–10 to secure the championship title, capping off a season marked by teamwork and determination.
Atlas, Xander and Tai led the side on the court, providing strong leadership throughout the match. Archie, Alex and Nash were instrumental in defence, helping to limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities and maintain control of the game.
School representatives praised the players’ efforts and the teamwork displayed during the final.
Acknowledgement was also given to head coach Olena Teteruk and assistant coach Matthew Hiskens for their guidance and support throughout the season.
Families and supporters were also recognised for their encouragement, which helped drive the team’s positive season.
The grand final win marks a proud achievement for the young players and the school community.
Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
