On International Women’s Day Wangaratta Bowls Club had the pleasure in providing the venue and a scrumptious morning tea for the Zonta Ladies who were hosting an event for their guests and ticket holders. The theme for the event was “Balance the Scales”, with guest speakers including three Bowen State High School Leaders as well as Kate Mee, Barb Hill and Zonta District 22 Governor Petra Ladwig. It was a wonderful morning, enjoyed by all.

Winners for Tuesday were Stumpy Adams, Boof Querro and Laurie Land who defeated Bron Tolcher, Skin Querro and Deb Retchless. The jackpot, a tidy sum, remains in the kitty.

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Bill Myers, Stumpy Adams and Graeme Read who defeated Toni Bowen, Sue Shearing and Laurie Land, and Gavin Charles Pat Tracey and Penny Warren who defeated Skin Querro, Boof Querro and Stuart Jeal. The jackpot did not go off.

The All Ladies competition has been drawn through Bowlslink and a copy is posted on the board. If you wish to pre-play please contact Games Director Linda Scells.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

1 - Sunday winners Graeme Read and Stumpy Adams.
2 – Bowen’s Zonta Ladies spent International Women’s Day at Wangaratta Bowls. Photos supplied.

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Again, the weather has affected the week’s play, but weekday comps at least, have taken place. Unfortunately,  the weekend has been adversely affected. Let’s hope March brings better weather.

TUESDAY 24/2/26

PGC - Stableford

MEN :

Winner : John Dodds -39 points

R/Up : Steven Hall - 38 points

3^rd : Nic Apruzzese - 36 points

NTPs : Steven Hall (2^nd), Larry Muller (9^th)

LADIES :

Winner : Leanne Alexander - 23 points C/B

R/Up : Paula McQuat  

3^rd : Tina Badenhorst - 21 points

NTPs : Tina Badenhorst (9^th)

VETS : Stableford

LADIES :

Winner : Jenny Hounsell - 27 points

R/Up : Allison McCarthy - 25 points

3^rd : Leanne Alexander - 23 points C/B

4^th : Paula McQuat

NTPs : Jenny Hounsell (x3), Vickie Wallace, Paula McQuat

MEN :

Winner : Nic Apruzzese with 36 points

R/Up : David Woods - 34 points C/B

3^rd : John Grosskreutz

NTPs : John Roser, Colin Hounsell, Nic Apruzzese, Vic Feldman,

David Woods

WEDNESDAY 25/2/26

PGC - Single Stableford

LADIES :

Winner : Jenny Hounsell -36 points

R/Up : Paula McQuat - 31 points

3^rd : Lyn Muller - 29 points

NTPs : Ann Gardel, Di Chard (2^nd), Jenny Hounsell (9^th)

THURSDAY 26/2/26

PGC - Stableford

MEN :

Winner : Brock Smith - 39 points

R/Up : Lewy Tuck - 37  points

3^rd : John Roser - 36 points

NTPs : Andrew Albergo (2^nd), Brock Smith (4^th), Pascal Neunreuther (8^th & 9^th)

2 shot : the only person - John Dodds on the 9^th

FRIDAY 27/2/26

9 hole Run sponsored by the Metropole Hotel - Front 9

Winner : Elise Hodgson - 21 points

R/up : Jordan ne Mamiel - 20 points (C/B)

3^rd : Luke Nightingale

4^th : Kech Williams

NTPs : Chris Bartlett (2^nd), Kev Cooper (9^th)

SATURDAY 28/2/26 - COURSE CLOSED

Stableford sponsored by the Airlie Beach Hotel

SUNDAY 1/3/26 - COURSE CLOSED

March MM sponsored by KJC - to be rescheduled

* * *

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Cannonvale Cannons swimmers and families travelled to Mackay last weekend for the North Queensland Championships, where very challenging weather conditions played a major role in the event. Heavy rain and lightning ultimately forced officials to cancel the final day of competition on Sunday after two days of difficult conditions in and around the pool.

North Queensland Swimming officials are currently working through the results manually to determine the Age Champions and Champion Club standings. With the final tallies still being calculated, the Cannons look forward to reporting the full results from the meet next week.

What we can celebrate straight away, however, is the Cannons’ fantastic effort in the Grand Parade. The club proudly took home the Grand Parade prize thanks to an impressive flotilla of ships, complete with watergun cannons and a crew of enthusiastic pirates. A massive thank you goes to Ginger White for the time and effort put into organising the flotilla and bringing the Cannons’ pirate theme to life.

Back at the club, it has been an exciting fortnight for young swimmer Lucas Korosec, who has claimed an incredible five club records in just two weeks. Lucas set a new mark in the 9 Years Boys 200m Individual Medley with a time of 3:07.06, breaking a record previously held by Abel Morris since 1999 (3:15.37). He also set new records in the 9 Years Boys 100m Backstroke (1:27.67) and 50m Freestyle (35.06), both previously held by Jy Parkinson since 2015. Lucas also added new records in the 9 Years Boys 200m Freestyle and 100m Individual Medley. Well done, Lucas — the club is incredibly proud of your achievements.

Congratulations also go to swimmers who achieved grade upgrades over the past fortnight: Kaitlyn Moon, Wilson Hounsell, Hamilton Anflous, Pippa Laguna, Levi Smith, Giaan Lee, Alex Trefz, Mackenzie Bennett and Harper Plested.

With only three club nights remaining this season, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finish for the Cannons.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

Captions

Lukas Korosec with club records

Photo supplied

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Cannonvale Cannons made a strong showing at the Mirani Long Course Transition Meet, originally scheduled for January but postponed due to wet weather. With the date change impacting availability, a smaller team of 15 swimmers represented the club — but they certainly made their presence felt.

A special congratulations to Wilson and Olive Hounsell and Miranda Palmero, who were proudly presented with A Grade upgrade medals on the day.

Standout performances included Mackenzie Bennett’s incredible 17.59 second personal best in the 200m Freestyle, smashing through the three-minute barrier in a breakthrough swim. Eloise Chegwidden and Jax Clayworth dominated their events, each claiming a clean sweep of gold medals. Faithlyn Trotter also impressed, improving her times across every event she contested.

Adding to the excitement, Tyler Bennett, Jax Clayworth, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden and Maeve Dichiera all placed in the crowd-favourite Dash for Cash events, walking away with well-earned prize money.

Back at home, this week’s club night presentation celebrated more achievements. Upgrade certificates were awarded to Cooper Konopka, Reid Springbett and Harper Plested. Coaches Awards went to Alfie Konopka for his 12m Backstroke and Kaitlyn Moon for her 50m Freestyle, recognising their effort and technique. The ever-popular chocolate award for closest to personal best went to Lucas Korosec, finishing just 0.01 seconds off his seed time!

With momentum building, Cannons swimmers are now focused on the 74th Annual North Queensland Championships in Mackay this weekend. We wish all competitors the very best as they take on the region’s best.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec.

Captions

Eloise Chegwidden at Mirani Carnival

Photo supplied

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club Weekly News

The second week of autumn has arrived and it already looks like cyclone season may be approaching. However, with our wonderful bowls cover and lights, we can continue bowling in any weather that comes our way.

The Ladies' and Men's competitions are now in full swing, and the mixed competitions will begin soon. Several of our newer bowlers recorded impressive wins this week, with Des Balance defeating Stacey Hadlow and Phil O’Brien comfortably accounting for John Fielding in what were considered major upsets. Warren Mills also continued his purple patch of form, defeating Harry Quod 26–13.

Tuesday’s social bowls saw Joan McGrath once again among the winners, this time playing with Stan Larkin at lead and David “Choc” Cleary at second in a very entertaining game.

Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls featured three games of triples. The biggest winning team was skippered by Gary Smith, with Rick Brunell—arguably the best lead in our club—and second Mark Mawson defeating Ted Cullen’s team, who were unlucky despite solid efforts from Duncan Smith and Alan Pershouse.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls competition has now reached the halfway mark of the round and features 12 teams. The current leaders are Girl Power, with Maureen Barnard at lead, Sue Dakin at second, Gail Simms at third, and skipper Cathy Russell. Four teams are tied in second place—Flame Tree Sparkies and Chippies, TNP Property, and Flexi Hire—in what is shaping up to be a very close competition.

Saturday morning’s Scroungers saw first-round winners Des Balance and Andy McDougall, with Des Balance taking out the A Grade prize and Rene Thommen winning the B Grade.

A terrible downpour on Sunday meant only eight bowlers took to the green, but Andy McDougall and David “Choc” Cleary delivered a brilliant performance, finishing as unbeatable winners with a mammoth score of 46–13.

The photo this week features Michael Heynatz, an outstanding talent in the making. With the support of the Endeavour Foundation, Michael is making great strides toward achieving his goal of representing Airlie Beach in the disabled games next year.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Captions

Photo supplied

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Welcome to 5 set week, with massive matches in every division of the evening fixtures. Josh Brown was the stand out with all 3 of his matches going to 5 sets. Josh battled to win against his dad (5 Set Neil) Neil Brown

(7,-7,-6,7,11), he also had close matches with Emma Widdup and Lily Boland, he definitely got his money’s worth for the night.  

Division 1: Paris (Steve Whiting, Anne Sheridan, Josh Brown) def St Louis (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown, Lily Boland) 8-3 and the outstanding triple, with 5 set wins to Josh Brown that are featured above.  Athens (Goncalo Serra, Graeme Walker, Geoff Denman) def London (Barry Patterson, Trent Day, Syed Hossain) 8-3 with one 5 set match between Graeme and Syed with Graeme winning.

Division 2: Los Angeles (Allan Edwards, Lee Brake, Mark Sleeman) def Stockholm (Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott, Will VanDeKaa) 8-3 with Allan coming back to win against Geoff (8,-7,9,-7,8).   Antwerp (Andrea Nicholson, Robbie Richards, Yilin Jiang) def Amsterdam (Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar, Graham Brake) 8-3, with Andrea went and finished Tuesday with a big win over Graham (-9,6,-12,9,8).

Division 3: Helsinki (George Camilleri, Daniel Warfield) def Melbourne (Ollie Hamelink, Delma Knight) 5-0 with people missing from both sides, there were no 5 set matches.  Rome (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Matt West) def Berlin (Mark Stam, Noreen Frederickson, Simon Hogan) 8-3, Ian came back from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Noreen (-8,-8,7,5,9).  

Division 4: Tokyo (Hollie Cleaver, Remy Zhan, Rachel Fiesta) def Mexico City (Kirsten Edwards, Dylan Ringwood, Archel Cruz) 9-2, Rachel and Remy snuck home a very close 5 set match against Archel and Dylan (12,-11,-5, 9,9).  Montreal (Craig VanDeKaa, Jeric Engay, Melanie Theodore) def Munich (Liz Burton, Eldan Japay, Amanda Liu) 7-4, Liz made a clean sweep with winning all 3 singles and just coming home against Jeric in the 5^th set (6,12,-11,-6,6).  Moscow (Mohmout Ahmed, Logan Brown, Jeff Bennington) def Seoul (David Symons, Ricky Zhan, Regina Wulf) 8-3, Ricky came back in the 5^th set to win against Jeff (-8,2,8,-8,9).

Contributed with thanks to Andrea Nicholson.

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Mackay Road Runners had a busy weekend, beginning with the official launch of the BMA Mackay Marina Run on Friday morning, followed by the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run on Friday evening, and concluding with the club’s social 5/10km calendar event at the Mackay Surf Club on Sunday afternoon.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson formally launched the 2026 event at a sponsors and media promotional meet-and-greet held at Moss On Wood. The event was also attended by beneficiary charity, the Leukaemia Foundation. Inclement weather saw the launch relocated from Bluewater Quay; however, the Mackay Airport Twilight City Fun Run at 6pm proceeded as planned at Bluewater Quay, where hundreds of runners braved damp conditions to run and raise vital funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

With many Mackay Road Runners volunteering across both events, the club hosted a low-key social 5/10km run from the Mackay Surf Club on Sunday. Weather conditions lifted in time for the 5pm start, with more than twenty-five runners and supporters taking on a challenging course set by Race Director Andrew Short. The route thoughtfully incorporated Mt Bassett and the spectacular Southern Breakwater.

This Sunday, MAD Fitness will once again generously sponsor the club’s first Club Championship race of the season. The 5km event will commence at 7am sharp from the Queen’s Park Shakespeare Street carpark entrance. To accrue valuable championship points, runners are encouraged to go online and become a club member.

All members must report to the timekeeper/registrar 15 minutes prior to gun time and wear their race number bib on the front of their clothing so the timekeeper’s chip reader mat can recognise them and automatically allocate their finishing place. Casual day runners are also welcome for a $10 race day fee.

Participants are encouraged to stay after the race for the presentation of a range of random draw prizes donated by MAD Fitness.

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5202 -   Toby Rule (3^rd right) takes a steady lead from the gun at the Mackay Surf Club social 5k, 10k ahead of next weekend’s Under 20 State Athletics Titles in Brisbane in the 800 metres, 1500 metres and 3000 metre steeplechase.

5291 – Mackay Road Runners Merchandiser, Jo Hughes (right) presents Stephen Oberg with his 50^th Anniversary singlet which included pretty flowery paper and a pink ribbon.

5221 – Hazel and her Mum Katie Dalton enjoy the Mackay Road Runners social 5km Mackay Surf Club.

5257 – Jess Evetts enjoys the Mackay Marina’s Southern Breakwater spectacular scenery during the Mackay Road Runners Mackay Surf Club social 10km.

5100 – Muscle Garden and Mackay Road Runners athletes enjoy the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run.

5207 – Carolyn Mapes and Daniel Stampa enjoy the social 5km Mackay Road Runners Mackay Surf Club. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Zone Pairs Winners head to Brisbane to compete in the TBIB QBA Festival of Bridge in October.

Twenty Six pairs, three from Bowen, competed in the 2026 Whitsunday Zone Pairs competition in Mackay last weekend. A big thank you to Whitsunday Zone delegate Lorna Shuttlewood and Director Ian Cruickshank who convened the two day event. Winners of the Open Section were Janelle Conroy and Geoff Taylor, with Andrew Canavan and Geoff Cowan winning the Novice Section.

Weekly Results

Monday 2 March 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

1^st

Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

2^nd

Sandy Patterson / Debra Goodchild

3^rd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Christine Nice / Gillian McCallum

4^th

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4^th

Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford

Tuesday Evening 3 March 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2^nd

Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

3^rd

Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

4^th

Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner

Wednesday 4 March 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Monica Darley / Frances Brown

1^st

Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2^nd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

3^rd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4^th

Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

4^th

Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller

Thursday Evening 5 March 2026 – 4 Tables One Winner – Green Points

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers

2^nd

Adrian Westcott / Faye Wright

3^rd

Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris

Friday 6 March 2026 – NWP 5 of 26 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy

1^st

Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

2^nd

Kath Poole / Nancy Martin

2^nd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

4^th

Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

4^th

Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy

Saturday 7 March & Sunday 8 March 2026

Open Section

Novice Section

1^st

Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

1^st

Geoff Cowan / Andrew Canavan

2^nd

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2^nd

Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson

3^rd

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Lynne O’Neill / Karen Caldwell

4^th

Geoffrey Patterson / Ken Seaniger

4^th

Jill Brabon / Beverley Lowcock

Captions:

Whitsunday Zone Delegate Lorna with Open Winners Janelle and Geoff

Lorna with Novice Winners Andrew and Geoff. Photos supplied

The North Mackay Sinkers have hit $11,315 over three years of super swim February.

The North Mackay Sinkers have proven that a small regional club can make a big national impact, taking part in the Starlight Super Swim for the third year running. The Sinkers have officially reached a remarkable $11,315 in total fundraising, helping brighten the lives of sick kids across Australia.

What began as a handful of swimmers giving February “a bit of purpose” has grown into one of the club’s most meaningful annual traditions.

The challenge invites swimmers to track their laps and swim mighty distances in order to fundraise for Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to bringing joy to children in hospital. For many little ones, hospital admission is frightening, isolating, and overwhelming. Starlight works to change that, with volunteer visits bringing laughter, distraction, and moments of joy into the toughest days of a child’s life.

For the Sinkers, supporting Starlight has become more than a fundraiser.

“It’s a way to give back, to swim with purpose, and to connect our club values with something bigger than ourselves,” said club Vice President, Dan Stampa.

“The Super Swim has become a fixture on our calendar because it reflects who we are: a community minded club that believes in showing up for others.”

The 2026 campaign has been one of our strongest yet, with the team raising $3,905 and swimming 127 km as of early March. Led by standout fundraising efforts from Lesley Thorpe ($2,617) and strong contributions from Daniel Stampa, Sue de Meer and Steve Burchill the Sinkers have once again shown what a committed Masters club can achieve when it rallies behind a cause.

Our swimmers have also pushed themselves in the pool and open water, with Daniel Stampa leading the distance tally at 59,600 metres, followed by Steve, Sue and Lesley— each adding their own kilometres to the collective effort.

The North Mackay Sinkers would like to thank every swimmer, donor, supporter, and cheer squad member who has helped them reach this incredible three year total.

Contributed with thanks to The North Mackay Sinkers.

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1 - Stephen Duffie, Colin McPherson, Mark Walz, Sue McPherson & Sally McGlashan

2- Masters Swimming Qld President Susanne Milenkevich from Brisbane addressed swimmers after the events concluded.

3- Swimmers gathered for a collective photo after a great day of swimming

4 - The Ladies in particular were happy to be dressed in red for the Love of Swimming Theme

5 - All events rely on fabulous volunteers, John Barrett (Left) was Chief Referee and our electronic timing was supplied and operated by Kerri Brands from the Pioneer Dolphins Swimming Club. Photos supplied

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The Whitsundays community is invited to come together for a meaningful morning at the second annual Epic Walk for DV, supporting women experiencing domestic and family violence. The event, which raises funds for Women's Legal Service Queensland, will be held on Sunday, 22 March, with registration from 6:30am and the walk starting at 7:30am.

Local real estate agent and Dancing CEO contestant, Clarice Davis, is encouraging locals to sign up and walk alongside her at Coral Sea Marina Gardens. Participants will enjoy a 5 kilometres stroll along the Cannonvale boardwalk and back, with the chance to bring family, friends, and even the family dog. Early bird registration is $19, with general registration at $24, and children walking for free.

The Epic Walk for DV is designed to create a positive, supportive community atmosphere while sparking important conversations about domestic and family violence. Similar events are also taking place on the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, and in Brisbane, reinforcing the message that change is possible when communities unite.

Clarice Davis, who is currently rehearsing for her Dancing CEO performance on stage in Brisbane this May, said the walk is an opportunity to combine community spirit with meaningful action. The event has previously featured local contestants such as Katelyn Aslett, Kate Purdie, Julie Telford, Candice Crossley, and Dr Alice Harriott, who have helped raise awareness and support for this important cause.

For locals looking to make a difference while enjoying a beautiful morning outdoors, the Epic Walk for DV is not to be missed.

Captions

Photo source: Facebook

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On Wednesday 25^th February, the Proserpine Lions Club held their annual ‘Youth of the Year’ program at the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre. The club were incredibly grateful for WLAC hosting the event and many sung their praises.

The Lions Club featured 3 amazing entrants from Proserpine State High who each did a wonderful job. The young students were tasked with an impromptu challenge. They were read a question or statement and then had to speak on it for 2 minutes. This year’s first question was: “If you were to be described as an animal, what would you be and why?”

The challenge encouraged spontaneity whilst fostering skills in improvisation.

The overall winner was Tiarne Watson who also took out the Public Speaking Award. Tiarne’s speech topic, ‘Walk With Me’, centred around themes of domestic violence. Tiarne will go on to represent the Lions Club at the next level of the competition – Zones.

Zones will be hosted by Whitsunday Lions at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Sunday 15^th March. Tiarne will compete against the winners from Bowen, Collinsville and Whitsunday Lions Clubs.  From there, the winner will go to Townsville in late March.  

‘Youth of the Year’ is a wonderful program which seeks to foster young talent across the region. The yearly event seeks to emphasise and nurture qualities such as contribution to the community and school, public speaking, academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement.

Youth of the Year aims to bring forth the next generation of outstanding young Australians. It is a great way to support the young talent in the Whitsunday’s region.

A fantastic job to all involved and best of luck with the future rounds!!

1. Overall winner Tiarne Wilson with Judges Brendon Nothard, Sarah Rogers and Judge Jenny Whitney
2. PSHS mentoring teacher Scott Casey & entrants Maddie Davie, Danni Muller and Tiarne Watson
3. Jill Collins & Councillor John Collins, Mayor Ry Collins

Photos supplied

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Mackay Surf Lifesavers recently headed to the Queensland Youth State Titles on the Sunshine Coast to take on the best of the best in the state, finishing with a record 13 state medals.

The club competed as part of the North Barrier Branch Team, which consists of the top competitors from Sarina to Ingham.

Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said “We are so very proud of what our lifesavers have achieved at a state level. Our volunteer coaching team have worked extremely hard to get our lifesavers to achieve at this elite level.

“We are a small but strong club, who are up against massive clubs with huge financial budgets to spend on their athletes.  We do it out of love for our sport, commitment to our youth & the community, and this is what makes us strong, this is our club culture. Mackay will always punch above it’s weight when it comes to big lifesaving events.”

The branch team finished an impressive 9th place out of 36 clubs statewide. With Mackay Surf Club athletes being a big contributor to the team’s overall success.

“It is a real credit to our parents, who are our Nipper family, to get their little champions to training, to branch carnivals and then to states to see them achieve at such a high level. It is a very proud achievement for Mackay and our region” said Mr Grant.

Full results from the Qld State Championships;

U11

Lachlan Griffith – 3rd surf teams, 22nd Surf swim final

U12

Aria Tobin – 1st individual 1km Beach run, 2nd 2 x 500m beach run relay, 3rd beach relay, 3rd All Age relay, 3rd Mixed beach relay

Talon Close – 3rd individual beach sprint, 3rd All Age relay, 3rd Mixed beach relay

Crue Tobin – 12th Board final, 3rd Mixed beach relay

U13

Johnny Grant – quarter finals for beach sprint / flags

Kody Amos - quarter finals for beach sprint / flags

U14

Hayden Tobin 3rd 2 x 1km beach run relay

U15

Isabella Grant – 1st Mixed relay, 2nd March Past

Cadence Mckinnon – 22nd Surf swim final

Contributed with thanks to Josh Grant

1 - U12 Aria Tobin – Club Champion taking home 5 x medals & dominating the 1km individual beach run.

2 - Mackay’s U12 Crue Tobin making the final of the board race finishing a close 12th

3 - U12 Talon Close – 3rd individual beach sprint

Twenty-one Mackay Cyclone Swim Club qualifiers travelled to Rockhampton over the Australia Day long weekend to compete in the inaugural Queensland Country Championships.

Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier said it was a significant achievement for the athletes to not only meet the qualifying standards, but to compete alongside regional swimmers from across the state at such a high level.

“For many of our State and National level athletes, travelling to Brisbane and the Gold Coast multiple times each year to compete is the norm,” she said.

“Having this level of competition closer to home is a financial blessing for many families.”

The championships have been years in the making, thanks to the efforts of Swimming Queensland and the team at Southside Aquatics, including Rocky City coach Shane Kingston.

The Cyclones were represented across every age group, with 10-year-old Harper Miles the club’s youngest qualifier and senior swimmers Vaughn Wyatt and Ehsan Helou, both 17, leading the older ranks.

Several athletes used the meet to chase qualifying times and refine preparations ahead of April’s major national competition on the Gold Coast. Among those targeting key performances were 13-year-old Montana Townley, 16-year-old Audrey Bryan, 13-year-old Tamika Ness and sprint specialist Ehsan Helou in the 50-metre events.

Across three days of heats and finals, the 21-strong team delivered an impressive collective performance, securing fourth place overall out of 45 clubs.

It was a result built on teamwork, determination and pride — and one that reflects the strength of swimming talent emerging from regional Queensland.

One thing was clear throughout the weekend: the Mackay Cyclones were fired up, excited and ready to race at this historic first-time event.

Photos and article courtesy of Alisha Ness.

As we approach the middle of the season in our beautiful cool Air Conditioning.  There has been a lot of incredible matches.  

Evening Fixtures

Division 1: London (Trent Day, Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske) def Paris (Steven Whiting, Josh Brown, Anne Sheridan) 7-4, Vince came out on top in tight 5 Sets against Anne (8,4,-3,-8,8).  Athens (Mick Ruhl, Geoff Denman, Graeme Walker) def St Louis (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown, Danial Warfield) 6-5, Mick and Emma battled it out to the end with Mick winning (9,-8,1,-7,8)

Division 2 saw all 4 teams play some very long 5 Setters.  Amsterdam (Janice Kent, Graham Brake, Duncan Treloar) def Stockholm (Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott, Will VanDeKaa) 9-2, the only 5 Set match was the doubles between Janice and Duncan defeating Will and Geoff (-9,16, 4,-7,3). Los Angeles (Lee Brake, Allan Edwards, Mark Sleeman) def Antwerp (Andrea Nicholson, Yilin Jiang, Robbie Richards) 8-3, Yilin and Lee went down to the death with a massive 5 Set match, Yilin won

(-10,11,-9,8,16).

Division 3: Melbourne (Ollie Hamelink, Delma Knight) def Berlin (Mark Stam, Noreen Frederickson) with players missing from each team, they played 2 on 2.  Melbourne won 3-2, Mark won close 5 Sets against Delma (8,-9,10,-5,6).  Rome (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Matt West) def Helsinki (George Camilleri, Dilini Ranasinghe, Darryl Ross) 7-4, Matt beat Dilini in great 5 Sets (-4,7,-9,14,7).

Division 4: Tokyo (Nate Clark, Rachel Fiesta, Hollie Cleaver) def Seoul (David Symons, Regina Wulf, Ricky Zhan) 6-5, Nate and Regina played a good 5 Sets with Nate winning (6,-8,7,-7,2).  Munich (John McGee, Liz Burton) def Mexico City (Tiffany Camilleri, Dylan Ringwood, Archel Cruz) 7-4, John beat Tiffany in close 5 Sets (-6,6,6,-3,10).  Montreal (Rod Hamelink, Jeric Engay) def Moscow (Mohmout Ahmed, Logan Brown, Jeff Bennington) 7-3, there were no 5 Set matches.

Morning Fixtures

Division 1: Byte Bouncers (Andrea Nicholson, Branko Vucurovic, Veronica Shepherd) def Code Crackers (Geoff Cowan, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) 9-3, Veronica and Darryl battles continue to be very long 5 Sets with Veronica winning this round (9,-5,5,-8,9).  Nano Nets (Donna Abbott, John McGee, Peter Goodson) def Pixal Paddles (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Kevin Abbott) 9-3, Donna and John won doubles against George and Judy (6,-2,-6,3,14)

Division 2: Tokyo Turners (Kim Daffy, John Hamelink, Sally Muir) def Sydney Slammers (Gloria Vella, Josie Davis, Ken Best) 7-5, Gloria and Sally played a massive match with Gloria winning (-8,9,8,-6,12). London Loopers (Bryan Marshall, Louise Gould, Pam Keune) def Paris Spinners (Val Austin, Ian Dodds, Chris Collins) 8-4, Val beat Pam in close 5 Sets (7,6,-4,-8,7).

Division 3: Solar Comets (Sharon Muller, Gerry Synnott) drew with Mars Pioneers (Kim Challendar, Myles Dutton, Allison Day) 6-6, no 5 Set matches but were some close games.  Luna Legends (Coral Morgan, Janelle Keune, Laurie Bradshaw) def Rocket Stars (David Muir, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparutti) 7-5, Coral played a great match against David with Coral winning (12,-6,-8,8,12).

Contributed with thanks to Andrea Payne.

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More than 50 runners, including existing members and newcomers, turned out for the annual Rural View 5/10km event despite inclement weather. Club President Paul Tilse welcomed and thanked runners and volunteers before delivering the race briefing, outlining the course and sharing club notices.

Junior runner Isaac Hammer produced an outstanding performance in the 5km, taking line honours in 25 minutes and 50 seconds over the technical and hilly Rural View course. His younger sibling and father also completed the run. Jose Short was the first female across the line in the 5km, followed by emerging runners Gail Mackie and Rebecca Malcolm.

In the 10km event, Michael Feenaghty and Rhiann Massey were the first male and female finishers, handling the challenging terrain which included several loops through the undulating hills of the scenic rural residential suburb.

Thanks were extended to club merchandiser Jo Hughes, who organised the club’s 50th anniversary singlets, proudly worn by many runners at the event.

The club also reminded members about its 50th Anniversary celebrations, to be held at the Mantra Mackay Marina on April 11. Those wishing to attend can RSVP and purchase tickets for the two-course dinner by contacting publicity officer Janelle Tilse.

This Friday, March 6 marks the launch of the 2026 BMA Mackay Marina Run, headlined by the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run. The event begins and finishes at the Fish Bones on Bluewater Quay, with runners asked to arrive by 5.30pm for a 6pm start. All registrations are online, with proceeds supporting the Mackay branch of the Leukaemia Foundation.

With Mackay Road Runners heavily involved in the event, the club will instead host a social 6/10km run this Sunday at 5pm from the Mackay Surf Club in place of its usual handicap points run. Members are encouraged to check the club’s 2026 program to plan their running goals for the year.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse

– Isaac Hammer had an outstanding 5km Rural Viewrun despite the many undulating ascents and descents and strong headwinds.

– John Rae (#91) takes the lead from the scratch start over approximately 50 runners at the Rural View 5/10km.

– Tim Magoffin and Teresa Hackney enjoy the final descent in the 5km Rural View run.

– Michael Feenaghty (left) and Ryan Murray in sync in the 10km Rural View event.

– (left to right) – Craig, Rhiann, Andrew, Emily, Tahnie, Susan and Gail listen intently to the race briefing at the Rural View 5k/10k.

– Kayla Waugh enjoying the final stages of the 5km Rural View run.

– Timekeeper, Rohan Miles enjoys some downtime after the Rural View 5k/10k with Max and Ashley Miles. Photos supplied

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