Harry Hayes, a local rising star in the dance world, had the incredible opportunity to work with ballet legend Rian Thompson at the Mackay FAME Talent School studio earlier this week. Rian, who was visiting family in Mackay, created a brand-new classical solo for Harry, just five days before his upcoming competition.
For Harry, the chance to work alongside such an accomplished professional was a dream come true. Rian, born in Mackay and now a First Company Artist with Queensland Ballet, has a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer. He began his own dance journey at the age of four with Theatre Arts Mackay and has since made a name for himself in the professional ballet world, performing in numerous prestigious roles.
Harry, who has been training relentlessly, was thrilled to receive personalised guidance from Rian, especially as he gets ready for his next competition. Having the chance to collaborate with a male dancer of Rian’s calibre is a rare opportunity, and it’s clear that Harry was inspired by Rian’s passion and expertise.
Rian’s advice to aspiring dancers is simple yet profound: “Be yourself.”
They are words that Harry will surely carry with him as he takes to the stage in the coming days. With a mentor like Rian, Harry is bound to soar to new heights in his dance career.

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Harry Hayes and Rian Thompson share a moment in the studio, perfecting a classical solo just days before Harry's competition. Photo source: Mackay Fame Talent School
Rian Thompson in action, showcasing his incredible skill and passion for dance. Photo source: Queensland Ballet

Mackay Cycling Club competitors Peter Ransome and David O’Connell delivered strong performances at the Queensland Masters Track Cycling Titles, held at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane. Both competed in the Masters events, while young club member Matt Schatkowski represented Mackay in the Juniors.
Peter Ransome, competing in his age category in the Masters division, achieved a career highlight with a dominant display across multiple events. Ransom claimed a gold medal in the Keirin, a fast-paced, tactical race that requires exceptional sprinting ability. He also secured three silver medals in the Scratch, Elimination, and Points Races, proving his versatility and endurance in both short and long-distance formats.
Ransome’s success comes on the heels of his recent triumph at the Townsville Cup on Wheels, where he won the B-Grade Keirin trophy and dominated the combined handicap race, claiming the main event title.
David O’Connell, another seasoned competitor for Mackay Cycling Club, also had a strong showing at the State Championships. O’Connell earned a silver medal in the Keirin and a bronze in the Points Race, showcasing his versatility and tactical acumen against a competitive Masters field.
In the Junior division, Mackay’s U15 rider Matt Schatkowski faced a steep learning curve in his first state-level competition on an indoor velodrome. Despite adapting well in early races, a crash on the second night cut his campaign short. Despite this setback, the experience gained against a highly competitive field will serve as a valuable stepping stone in his development as a rider.

Peter Ransome (left) and David O’Connell display their medals at the Anna Meares Velodrome, celebrating a successful campaign at the Queensland Masters Track Cycling Titles

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The Whitsundays is known for its gorgeous waters that encourage many sailors to visit and sail year in and year out. One such sailor who has lived in Airlie Beach his whole life is Leo Rodriguez.
Leo recently took part in the Sydney to Hobart Race, with his crew of 14 and they placed 3rd in their division and 9th overall. Having competed in the Sydney to Hobart Race six times, Leo is one of the most experienced crew members and was chosen to help man the boat along with the core team because of his experience and friendship with the owners.
The vessel Leo competed in is called, "Jay-Bird", and is locally registered at the Whitsunday Sailing Club where it is owned by husband and wife team, Ian and Anika Thomson.
At the culmination of the race, Anika won the prestigious Jane Tate Memorial trophy. This trophy is awarded to the first female skipper to finish the race and impressively Anika has now won the trophy three times in a row. There has been a large push for women’s involvement in sailing as it can be perceived as primarily a male-dominant sport, but happily there were roughly 150 female competitors and this years’ event.
Leo explained how the race was particularly challenging this year due to the relentless sea conditions.
Jay-Bird and her crew faced continuous strong winds which were between 25-40 knots and huge waves on choppy seas. The team even achieved a top speed of 30 knots battling against unfavourable southern fronts as Leo reports the weather just got wetter and colder after departing Sydney. He even remarked at one point a huge wave crashed over the boat. But, despite the disagreeable conditions, overall, it was a memorable race.
During the event. Jay-Bird was pushed to her limits by the crew and finished with satisfying results in her division. The IRC-1 Division is for 52ft, fixed keel boats and when they crossed the line with a finishing time of 2 days, 20 hours and 16 minutes fans cheered and raised cardboard cut-outs of birds to show their support.
As a racing boat and a cruiser, Jay-Bird was built to handle the tough Tasman Sea with the expertise of her fantastic crew.
When asked if he would do the race again Leo said “I never say never. I have no plans on doing another race. (But) If I'm asked, I'd certainly consider it again.”
For now, he and the other crewmembers are enjoying their good results and calm, warm waters of the cruisy Whitsundays.

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Crew of the Ocean Crusaders Jay-Bird after finishing the race. Photo Supplied: Leo Rodriguez

Ocean Crusaders Jay-Bird as she sails into port with the help of a guide boat. Photo Credit: Wendell Teodor for @sailorgirlHQ
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Anika Thomson won the prestigious Jane Tate Memorial Trophy at the Sydney to Hobart for the third year in a row for being the first woman to cross the finsh line. Photo sourced: Facebook

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On Saturday at 8am the Whitsunday branch of the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association is hosting a 4week beginner ‘Come & Try’ challenge. Anyone who is an aspiring paddler of any level or a current member is invited to join them at the Shingley Beach for the challenge and Members Sign-On Day. The event is open to everyone 14 and above who is wanting to try out their racing skills and have a friendly competition or just to try out something new. Whatever your level is, this is your chance to get your arms moving and paddle in paradise on the wonderfully blue Whitsunday waters.
As this event is for all levels, do not worry if you don’t know how to hold a paddle or turnover a tipped canoe, Club Outriggers will be happy to teach you before you head out onto the water. You and your team will be supported the entire way through your wet and wild day.
After all the fun on the water at around 10:30am, Club Outriggers Whitsunday will also be providing a free breakfast barbeque to fill you up after your morning on the water. Where you can socialise with your fellow new outriggers and discuss techniques and plan your next morning on the waves.
For your health and safety please bring a hat, sunscreen, sun protective shirt, sunglasses, and your own water bottle for hydration. For your enjoyment and comfort, Outriggers Whitsunday recommend wearing leggings or long boardshorts, no bikini bottoms or budgie smugglers, practical swimwear is highly encouraged, and a smile to truly enjoy your time on the waves.
If you made a New Years resolution to get fit or try something new this year, then why not pick up a paddle and challenge yourself with a fun new activity like outriggers canoeing? Canoeing is great exercise that helps strengthen your muscles and core, it also can improve your posture and joint flexibility. And there is nothing more stress relieving than a warm ocean breeze or the sound of the waves as you also build up your endurance while having a great time. The beginners challenge runs for 4weeks so you have plenty of time to practice and improve your techniques.
The Club Outriggers Whitsunday hopes to see you down there at the beach Saturday morning, making new friends and reaping the benefits of your time making waves. Their motto is: Why do we paddle? For the challenge! We live on the edge and when the world turns upside-down, we come up smiling.
For and enrolment form to participate in the event please call either Kim at 0428 173 651 or Glen at 0407 465 550. Both of them will be happy to help get you signed up and sorted before your amazing day in the water with them this Saturday at 8am.
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WHAT: Outrigger canoe beginner's event
WHERE: Shingley Beach, Shingley Drive, Cannonvale.
WHEN: Saturday 11th at 8am

Photo Sourced: Outrigger Whitsunday Facebook, 2011 Open Women’s Sprint Crew racing with their 6 women team.
Photo Sourced: Outrigger Whitsunday Facebook, 2024 Club Outrigger members enjoy the view after a morning of paddling.
Photo Sourced: Outrigger Whitsunday Facebook, local team cheers after finishing their race.

At the end of 2024, the Cannonvale Cannons hosted a fantastic Christmas Club Night and wished the State Team all the best at Qld LC Championships.  At the start of Christmas Club Night, Giselle Burton presented Tyler Bennett with an Upgrade Certificate and Harry Chegwidden with the Coaches’ Award.  Congratulations to Harry Chegwidden and Jax Clayworth for setting new Club Records.  Harry set a record for 7 years 25m Backstroke in a time of 23.01sec.  Jax Clayworth aged 11 years set a new 200m Butterfly record in a time of 2.57.71.  
During the Christmas Club Night, Harris Delac, Indiana De-Lisle, Jax Eaves, Miller Eaves, Roxy Groom, Mackenzie Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Ella Bounden, Harry Chegwidden, Bonnie Crichton, Sophie Palmero, Isabella Pisaniello, Addie Sanders, River Shields, Hazel Smith, Asher Springbett, Reid Springbett, Billie Jamieson, Lucas Korosec, Pippa Laguna, Ruby Lawson, Kye Mitchell, and Stella Mulliss swam extremely well and achieved personal best times. Well done swimmers!  
The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson are very excited about the start of 2025.  The coaches have been working with swimmers on their goals and developing plans for the season.  There are lots of district carnivals coming up in the next two months and swimmers are training so they can achieve their best at these events.  The coaches would like to commend the following senior swimmers for training consistently during the first week of January:  Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, Andie Reynolds, Ruby Harland, Koa Harland, Tora Delac, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Declan Dichiera, Roxy Groom, Millie Groom, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Nelson Malady, Zach Trefz, Maeve Dichiera, Lucas Korosec, Eloise Chegwidden, and Eric Mulliss.  
The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club will be resuming Club Nights from Wednesday, 8th January 2025.  New swimmers (and their families) are welcome to come and try swimming with the Cannons.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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On the 4th of January the Whitsunday’s Volunteer Marine Rescue was tasked to respond to an EPIRB activation out near Round Head. Communication attempts were not possible as the vessel had no radio or mobile and the responders headed out for the rescue fearing the worst.
Around 9:30pm the team of VMR1 headed out to the coordinates that placed the distressed boat close to the shore. Its location was exposed to the 17 knot easterlies and some pushy waves, so the crew wondered if it was just going to be the beacon that they would find. With the lack of communication their main concerns where the condition of the boat and the health of its occupants, so VMR1 brought QAS paramedics with them just in case.
When they rounded Round Head, they breathed relief at the sight of the navigation lights bobbing up and down, horizontally placed and swinging side to side. This indicated the boat was above water and floating, not listing as they feared. Surmising the vessel was anchored and likely fine, the VMR1 crew sent out their tender to check if the people were ok too.
As the water was not deep enough for the larger VMR1, crewmates M and Rodney were dispatched in the tender boat to bring back anyone who may need treatment. The waters were too rough for the QAS to go themselves safely but fortunately there was only one on board.
The man was fine, just new to his position as a boat owner and captain. He had not prepared for his evening of fishing and had no working radio or navigation gear on the boat, or a mobile phone on his person. The EPIRB was triggered when he tried to call for help as his boat was pushed onto the rocks and washed over by the rough waves. The man was able to get his motor up and running and ultimately helped himself off the rocks to safer waters. He told the VMR1 crew that he was fine now and would motor back to his home port in the morning.
Once an EPIRB is set off, it must be located and switched off, having a radio or mobile phone will let rescue services like the VMR Whitsundays find you faster and provide you with better help if they know the situation for the rescue or if it’s a false alarm. So, advice to all water-goers: make sure you have some form of communication with you when you head out to sea, otherwise don’t go. Good work team of the VMR1- Rodney, M, Donna and skipper Shane!
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Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook
VMR1 responding to the EPIRB distress call.
Skipper Shane navigating to the distress coordinates.

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Local artist Andrew Doyle, a proud Iman and Kaku-Yalanji man, has won the 2025 Indigenous Jersey Design Competition with the Mackay Cutters. Andrew grew up playing rugby league in Mackay, and his artwork honours both his cultural heritage and his deep connection to the sport.

“The story behind my artwork is a bit of history,” said Andrew.

The design features blue and maroon stripes at the top, representing the Mackay Cutters’ 2013 premiership-winning jersey. The bottom half of the artwork recalls the Mackay Sea Eagles teams of 1992 and 1993, when the club won back-to-back state league titles.

“The middle stripes represent the old coming into the new - both generations having success and coming together as a club and community.

The three circle designs at the top of the piece symbolise the Mackay Junior Rugby League grounds before the construction of BB Print Stadium, with each circle representing a field: Field One, Field Two, and the main field, where everyone aspired to play. The two additional circles represent the mod fields that were once located before the carpark.

Three sea eagle tracks are incorporated into the artwork to pay tribute to the Mackay Sea Eagles teams, past and present. These tracks symbolise the club’s rich history, with the number three representing the titles won in 1992, 1993, and the Mackay Cutters’ 2013 premiership win.

“The footprints going across the artwork represent not only my own journey but the journey of my children and the journey of rugby league for us,” Andrew added.

“With my children growing up in the same area that I did, walking the same route to trainings, games on Saturday and Wednesday school footy, and playing where I grew up playing.

“I had the privilege to represent the Mackay Sea Eagles on a number of occasions but never got to play for the Mackay Cutters.

“My daughter has been part of the Mackay Cutters system for a number of years now and she gets to represent them and our family…so the footprints are of me and my children walking the same journey and me passing my knowledge on to them.”

A representative from Mackay cutters said “We would like to congratulate local artist Andrew Doyle, his artwork has been selected as the design for the Mackay Cutters 2025 Indigenous Jersey thanks to INDCO.”

INDCO aims to represent and empower diverse groups of people to work in their chosen field. They are a quality provider of fabrication services and specialised and skilled labour hire, diversifying in a broad number of industries such as mining, civil and construction, agriculture, transport and environmental rehabilitation.

Stay tuned for the reveal of Andrew’s artwork on the Mackay Cutters’ 2025 Indigenous Jersey.

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Pictured left to right: David Roberts, Andrew Doyle, Ben Orme. Photo source: Mackay Cutters

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Mackay parkrun has soared to new heights in 2024, eclipsing its previous best efforts with an incredible year of participation and personal achievements. With a total attendance of 15,423, up from 13,438 in 2023, the numbers tell a story of a thriving and growing community. Weekly averages also climbed, with 285.61 participants per event compared to last year’s 258.42, showing that Mackay parkrun is well and truly on the move.
Both male and female attendance figures saw impressive growth. Male participants numbered 7,153, a leap from 6,207, while female attendees rose to 6,583 from 5,932. Personal bests were abundant, with 2,259 PBs achieved, significantly up from the 1,693 recorded in 2023. Sonny Morse made headlines with a new course record of 16:14 on 30 November, and ten age category records were rewritten, cementing 2024 as a truly standout year.
This phenomenal success is even more impressive considering that another local parkrun launched in July, yet Mackay’s event not only maintained its momentum but shattered previous records. Behind the scenes, the dedication of volunteers and Run Directors was critical to achieving a perfect run of 54 events from 54 opportunities, all carried out with the characteristic positivity and community spirit that defines parkrun.
As Mackay parkrun looks ahead to 2025, the bar has been set high, but the energy and enthusiasm within the community suggest there are more records to be broken and countless milestones to celebrate.

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Mackay parkrunners of all ages and paces making 2024 a year to remember. Photo source: Mackay parkrun

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Supervised play finished up for Christmas with a delicious meal organised by Susan Ross and Co. Thank you for another year of mentoring and answers - Geoff Taylor, Francie Brown, Helen VanDen Broek, David Ting, Ming Ting and Terry Sheedy. Supervised play is for players to attend after learning to play bridge. These dedicated mentors work with new players and older players to assist them to progress and become more confident. The Mackay Contract Bridge Club has the best beginners and mentors program for people to learn and enjoy the game.

Weekly Results
Monday 16 December 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
1st
Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd
Julie O’Neill / Jan Harris
2nd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd
Margaret Lane / Diane Stokes
3rd
Pamela Finger / Ming Ting

Tuesday Evening 17 December 2024 –6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
4th
Annie Lynch / Adrian Westcott
Wednesday 18 December 2024 –7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
1st
Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy

2nd
Karen l / Noel Saunders
2nd
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

3rd
Joy Block / Diane Stokes
3rd
Susan Wright / Bob Ellis

Thursday Evening 19 December 2024 –3 Table One WinnerGreen Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers
2nd
Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
3rd
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
4th
Adrian Westcott / Griffin Bancroft
Friday 20 December 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd
Joy Robinson / Joyce Deguara
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

3rd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Pamella Finger

Saturday 21 December 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy

2nd
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill

3rd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

4th
Shirley Worland / Joy Block
4th
Diane Morgan / Lauren Morgan

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Weekly Events
Monday- Starting time 08.30am 2x4x2 pairs.
Wednesday - Starting time 09.30am ladies bowls.
Thursday - Starting time 1.00pm 2x4x2 pairs.
Friday - Starting time 1.30pm 3 bowl pairs.
Saturday - Starting time 1.00pm men’s bowls.

Social Bowls Results

Monday
Winners: Asko Helenius, John Kennell, Bev Swenson, Peter Shepperd
Runners-up: Mick Walsh, Lloyd Ogilvie, Russell King, Lance Edwards

Friday
Winners: Allan Cooney, Greg McLean
Runners-up: Tom Crocker, Ben Crocker
3rd Place: Tony Allsop, Mick Walsh

Saturday
Winners: David Dunkley, Tony Allsop
Runners-up: Lance Edwards, Terry Clark

Law 38.5
Displacement of a jack in motion, at rest in the ditch or at rest on the rink by a non-toucher rebounding from the bank, or moving the jack in the ditch; an opponent must put the jack back in its original position. If they cannot agree on the final position of the jack, the end must be declared dead and replayed.

Bowlers are advised that all types of grippo have been banned for use on bowls. This decision was made due to dust adhering to the product, making bowls harder to clean and causing marks on the green.

Thought of the week: Why do bowlers seem to concentrate more when playing singles than other competitive games.

“For everybody out there in bowls world, make sure you enjoy 2025 and I hope we draw a few more shots than last year.

“Life should be fun, let’s make it happen!”

This Week’s Tip

The Flicker

A flick of the wrist during delivery can lead to inconsistent length and cause the bowl to veer off course, similar to a pull or hook shot in golf. To fix this, return to the correct delivery process and focus on following through while staying down along the delivery line.

The Bent-Arm Player

Bending the arm at the end of the back-swing forces a pushing action instead of a smooth swing. To correct this, start by holding the bowl out in front of your body. Ensure your feet on the mat are parallel to the aiming line. Use a small back-swing and deliver the bowl along the aiming line, staying down and following through with your arm as straight as possible. Practice this and your consistency will improve.

Contributed by Doug Giddings

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Mackay Road Runners bid farewell to the final social run of 2024, attended by a small group of dedicated enthusiasts who braved the 36-degree heat on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

While the love for running in such oppressive conditions may be debatable, the runners and walkers persevered through sweltering humidity. The icy cold Zooper Dooper rewards at the finish line, courtesy of Luke and Lily, were a welcome relief.

Paul MacKenzie claimed the unofficial record for consuming the most Zooper Doopers, narrowly edging out Carmel Mahon for the top spot. Hydration was a key focus for all participants, with Jo Hughes quickly handing out treats to the grateful runners.

Special thanks go to Andrew Short for serving as Race Director during the December social schedule. Looking ahead, Shawn's Summer Series Splash and Dash is set to recommence this Sunday, 5th January, from the ARC.

The Mackay Road Runners wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you at the next event!

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Left to right: Andrew Short, Paul MacKenzie, Luke Leven, Simon Henderson, Carmel Mahon, Jo Hughes and Janelle Tilse. Photo supplied

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The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club is thrilled to announce its annual short course event, set for Saturday, 22nd February 2025. Open to registered Masters swimmers and guest participants aged 18 and over, this popular event welcomes swimmers from Central Queensland, beyond, and even recreational swimmers keen to test their skills.
The competition features a variety of strokes over distances ranging from 25m to 200m, as well as novelty events and relays. Events are tailored to individual performance, ensuring participants compete against swimmers with similar times. Results are sorted into Masters Swimming Queensland age groups, providing a fair and enjoyable experience for all.
As a fully sanctioned Masters Swimming Queensland event, participants can expect a professionally run competition with officials, accurate timing, and a carefully planned program. It’s the perfect opportunity for both seasoned and first-time swimmers to enjoy a supportive, friendly environment while achieving official swim times.
Non-registered Masters participants will need to pay a small registration and insurance fee, allowing them to compete in up to six events. For those seeking to prepare, the 2025 12-month membership offers access to club training sessions and activities.
Training sessions resume in January 2025, with highlights including Social Saturdays, Millie Mondays, and mid-week swims. Guests can enjoy a trial month to experience the club’s welcoming culture before deciding to join.
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/NthMackaySinkers.
Mark your calendars and get ready to make a splash in February!

Contributed by Dan Stampa

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The 2024 event proved popular with swimmers travelling from near and far. Photos supplied
2024 Swimmers prepare for events as time keepers look on

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The World Half Ironman event, held in Taupo, New Zealand on the 15th December, was an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike, with stunning weather and an electric atmosphere creating the perfect backdrop for a challenging two-day competition.

Representing the region, Rowena Sinclair-Smith, Megan Moa, Jodie Walker, and Michael Kimpton were all fortunate to qualify and compete at this prestigious event. The female athletes kicked off the weekend’s racing on Saturday, followed by the men’s race on Sunday.

The event began with a refreshing 1.9km swim in the calm waters of Lake Taupo, setting the tone for what was to be a physically demanding day. Next, participants took on a challenging 90km bike ride through the undulating terrain of Taupo’s beautiful countryside. Finally, athletes transitioned to the last discipline - a 21km half marathon run - as temperatures continued to rise, adding an extra layer of difficulty. Throughout the race, the camaraderie among athletes was inspiring, and the support from spectators and volunteers was simply phenomenal.

Looking ahead, the athletes’ focus will shift to the Coral Sea Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival on 16th and 17th August 2025. This event promises to be a game-changer and is set to be one of the best regional triathlon festivals in Australia, surpassing all expectations and bringing together athletes from across the country for a memorable competition.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton.

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Michael Kimpton
Megan Moa
Jodie Walker
Rowena Sinclair-Smith

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Saturday’s Airlie Beach parkrun was a fantastic festive success, with participants enjoying the beautiful scenery while challenging themselves in the friendly, inclusive event. Held every Saturday at 7am, the event welcomed runners of all abilities to meet at Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina.

Top Performers:
   1. Karl Ward – 20:18 (JM11-14)
   2. Bryan Drennan – 20:19 (VM50-54)
   3. Colin McIntosh – 20:36 (VM50-54), Thursday Morning Esplanade Running Club
   4. Rachael Landers – 20:58 (SW30-34)
   5. Deegan Elwin – 21:32 (SM20-24)

The Airlie Beach parkrun is a free, weekly 5k event that brings the community together for a fun and supportive atmosphere. Whether you're walking, jogging, running, or volunteering, it’s a great way to start the weekend and enjoy the outdoors.

Interested in volunteering or joining the event? The parkrun relies on volunteers, and they are always looking for more hands to help! Contact airliebeach@parkrun.com to get involved.

See you at the next parkrun!

What: Airlie Beach parkrun
When: Every Saturday at 7am
Where: Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach
More Information: email airliebeach@parkrun.com

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Just before Christmas, 11 talented swimmers from the Cannonvale Cannons Swim Club travelled to Brisbane to compete in the 2024 Queensland Long Course Championships. The event brought together the best swimmers from across the state, providing a unique opportunity for local athletes to showcase their skills.

On the first day of competition, swimmers Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Isaac Pisaniello, Ella Bounden, Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, Alex Trefz, and Harris Delac all participated in both club and regional relays. The experience of competing against Queensland's top swimmers was both exciting and rewarding for all the participants.

Veteran swimmer Jacob Bell excelled in his four individual events, with his best performance coming in the 200m Backstroke, where he posted a personal best time of 2:19.80 - improving by 2.01 seconds and ranking 19th in Queensland. Jacob also celebrated his 18th birthday during the competition!

Tyler Bennett, 13, also had an impressive showing, achieving personal bests in both his individual events. He swam 1:02.68 in the 100m Freestyle and 28.16 seconds in the 50m Freestyle. Twelve-year-old Nelson Malady impressed with his 50m Backstroke, swimming a time of 37.28 seconds. Isaac Pisaniello, 12, competed in three events, with his best performance being a personal best time of 36.92 seconds in the 50m Backstroke.

13-year-old Zach Trefz competed in two individual events, delivering strong performances in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly. Meanwhile, Ella Bounden and Tora Delac both competed in five individual events. Ella achieved impressive personal bests in backstroke, while Tora’s standout swims included a 36.58-second performance in the 50m Breaststroke, placing her 19th in Queensland with a 0.61-second improvement.

Isabella Pisaniello, also 13, swam in three individual events, with her best result being a personal best of 30.36 seconds in the 50m Freestyle.

Coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson expressed immense pride in the team's effort and sportsmanship, congratulating the swimmers for their dedication and the positive representation of the club and region. A heartfelt thank you was also extended to the supportive parents who made the trip possible.

Congratulations to all the Cannons who competed in the Queensland State Championships! Your hard work and enthusiasm make the club proud!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Queensland LC Championship Team December 2024
Cannons ready to warm up at Chandler before jumping in the pool
Cannons warming up ahead of their races
Cannons waiting to race in the relay compeition

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