Scott Kinnear braved the freezing conditions of Victoria to compete in the Australian Blind Bowlers Event, and his remarkable performance earned him the Gold in his section. Despite competing with an injury that would have sidelined many, Scott’s achievement is truly commendable.
Club Championship Singles Semi-Finals
On Saturday morning, the semi-finals of the Club Championship Singles were held at the Bowls Club. Michael Kinnear defeated Barry Saroglia with a decisive score of 26-8. Shane Kinnear narrowly edged out Andrew Bell, winning 25-24. This sets up an exciting final between the eldest and youngest Kinnear brothers, promising a match not to be missed.
B Pairs Semi-Finals
The semi-finals of the B Pairs were played on Saturday afternoon. Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison won a close match against Peter Lawton and Todd Leys, finishing 21-20. Nathaniel Watts and Gavin Noonan had a dominant performance against Ken Watts and Kendall Watts, winning 34-5. The final will feature Mike Harrison’s team against Gavin Noonan’s team.
Social Bowls Results
On Wednesday, three pairs games were played:
   • Carol Smith and Nev Smith defeated Philip Brown and Gary Ratcliffe 28-18.
   • Bruce Uhe and Peter Lawton won against Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 22-14.
   • John Anderson and Bob Preston triumphed over Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown 22-16.
In Sunday’s social bowls:
   • Bruce Uhe, Bob Preston, and Nev Smith defeated Alen Sanderson, Carol Smith, and Mike Harrison with a score of 34-17.
   • Arthur Griffith and Heather Brown won against Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara 24-11.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Scott Kinnear centre left holding trophy after he won gold medal at Australian Blind Bowlers in the Singles held in Victoria.

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Steve Lucas won Tuesday's competition with 39 stableford points, narrowly beating Trevor Paroz. Helen Deighton claimed the ladies' division with 36 points, four ahead of Nicole Cooper. Pins went to Nicola Apruzzese, Trevor Paroz, and Christopher Waring.
Ann Gardel Wins Wednesday's Ladies' Competition
Ann Gardel topped Wednesday's ladies' competition with 34 points, just ahead of Lyn Muller. Pins were awarded to Elspeth Scotford and Genia Sarafian.
Owen Clarke Takes Thursday's Title
Owen Clarke edged out Nathan Boys with 43 points to win Thursday's competition. Trevor Paroz won the B division with 36 points, narrowly beating Barry Mortimer. Diane Chard secured the ladies' division with 33 points, six ahead of Helen Deighton. Pins went to Warren Deighton, Rob Stanley, Brad Fleet, and John Dodds.
George Steen Wins Friday's Met Run
George Steen triumphed in Friday's Met run with 20 points, beating Ben Smith by one. Pins went to Mark McDougall and Scott Dwyer.
Matthew Muller Claims Saturday's MBW Stableford
Matthew Muller won Saturday's MBW stableford with 42 points. Brad Vloedmans was the A division runner-up with 41 points, while Ken Granger edged out Zac Vloedmans with 39 points for the B division prize. Diane Chard won the ladies' division with 35 points, one ahead of Helen Deighton. Pins went to Rod Wecker, Paul Joice, Brendan Spann, Jon Miller, Helen Deighton, and Diane Chard.
Patrick Camm Dominates Sunday's Competition
Patrick Camm shot a par round nett 62 on Sunday to dominate the field, with runner-up Jason Whitney finishing with a nett 69. Pin winners were Patrick Camm, Wilf Herweg, Darren Reynolds, George Meharry, and Diane Chard, who secured two.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club

Ladies' pennants teams in Divisions 1 & 4 finished third and the Division 5 team finished fourth. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, July 23rd, 23 dedicated players braved an early start and travelled to Home Hill for the Whitsunday Group game. Despite the forecasted chilly morning, the day soon warmed up, though a brisk and blustery breeze presented an additional challenge. The dome-shaped greens added extra difficulty, with the wind making it even harder to keep the ball on target.
Despite these challenges, several players delivered commendable performances. The dome-shaped greens proved tricky, with balls often rolling away from the hole or veering off course due to the wind. Nonetheless, the players persevered.
Results:
Ladies: In a field of 22 players, Kathryn Borer finished in 2nd place with an impressive 36 points, just one point behind Carol Betteridge. Beryl Nosworthy secured 4th place with 34 points, while Vickie Wallace came in 6th with 31 points. The rest of the field followed closely behind.
Men: Laurie Dakin led the field of 42 men, taking the top spot with 36 points. Louis Neethling was a close second with 35 points.
Upcoming Events: Next week, on July 30th, we will play a Stableford competition. Looking ahead, the Wintersun event is quickly approaching, scheduled for Monday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 6th.
The Whitsunday Group game in Home Hill tested our players' skills and resilience, and their performances were a testament to their dedication and determination.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Kathryn Borer and Laurie Dakin, Photo supplied

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The weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Glenn Rees claim first place with 23 points. Dee Norman secured second place with 19 points on countback, while Donna Henderson finished third with 19 points.
Braydon Nicholls Tops Friday's 9-Hole Stableford
In Friday's 9-hole stableford, Braydon Nicholls took first place with 21 points. Donna Henderson placed second with 19 points, and Michael Bond came in third with 18 points.
Tyson Flavel Triumphs in July's Monthly Medal
Sunday's monthly medal for July saw Tyson Flavel emerge victorious with a 54 NET. Gary Stock finished second with a 55 NET, and Travis Clinch secured third place with a 56 NET. Nearest the pin honors went to Travis Clinch and David Wallace.
Upcoming Event
This Sunday will feature an 18-hole stroke competition.

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Tyson Flavel, Photo supplied

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This past weekend, the Airlie Beach Triathlon witnessed remarkable performances from our local athletes. Among the competitors were Don Algie, Lucas Korosec, Roxie Groom, Zane Clayworth, Matilda Nicholes, and Penelope Shields. Demonstrating their determination, Don Algie and Lucas Korosec both secured third place in their respective age divisions, marking a significant achievement for the duo. Don Algie also went on to secure second place in the 350m Open Water Swim.
Millie Groom delivered an outstanding performance, placing second in the 750m Open Water Swim, competing against seasoned open water swimmers. Millie also went on to secure first place in the Enticer Distance Triathlon.
After the events, the competing Cannons were treated to a personal session with former Olympian Susie O'Neill. The Australian champion shared invaluable tips on training, racing, and maintaining a positive mindset, leaving our athletes inspired and motivated. A big thank you to Susie for taking the time to meet with our young swimmers.
In another display of local talent, seven swimmers traveled to Townsville to compete in the Gardens Short Course Meet. Representing the Cannons were Tora and Harris Delac, Andie and Dylan Reynolds, Ruby and Koa Harland, and Thomas Ganter. Their participation in this event underscores the dedication and competitive spirit of these local swimmers.
As we celebrate these achievements, we are also eagerly anticipating our first club night on Wednesday, August 7th. This event officially marks the start of our 2024/2025 swimming season, and we look forward to our swim community coming together to support our athletes. Club Nights are a great opportunity for our swimmers to test themselves in a fun, low-stress environment. Operating like a real swim meet, they allow swimmers to become familiar with the meet environment and see how all their training is benefiting them with improved times.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec
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Photos supplied

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Last Saturday night's NBL1 North semi-final was one for the record books, as the McDonald's Mackay Stadium saw its biggest-ever home crowd. An impressive 1,200 fans packed into "The Crater" to watch the McDonald's Mackay Meteors secure a thrilling victory over the Southern Districts Spartans with a final score of 100-90.
Isaac White led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring 32 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Todd Blanchfield also shone, contributing 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals. Luca Yates added 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Aiden Krause and Emmett Naar provided solid support with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 6 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists respectively.
Southern Districts Spartans Men’s Head Coach Peter Crawford reflected on the game, saying, "I felt like we were on the back foot from the start, we got into some foul trouble early. Key players got fouls, it could have gone either way, that hurts.
“Other than that, we did a really good job in the third quarter to win that quarter."
McDonald's Mackay Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, noting, "Very happy to get to the next stage of the finals.
“We did a pretty good job for maybe three-quarters but it's finals basketball. Southern Districts are a good team, they were always going to make a run back and we kind of imploded a little bit.
“We were looking at a 3-point game with 6 minutes to go.
“The way we closed out with some timely buckets and Isaac made some huge plays in those final 3 minutes."
The Meteors will now host the 2024 NBL1 North best-of-three grand final series at Mackay Basketball this weekend against the Brisbane Capitals. The finals will take place on Friday night, Saturday night, and, if required, Sunday afternoon.

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The Mackay State High School Cowboys Challenge Rugby League Team, comprised of talented male students from Year 9 and 10, is making waves in the Cowboys Challenge competition, one of the premier rugby league competitions in Queensland and Australia. This competition features teams from Townsville (Kirwan, Ignatius Park), Cairns (Trinity Bay, Mareeba, and St Augustine), and Mackay (St Patricks, Holy Spirit, and Mackay State High School).
The Mackay State High School Cowboys Challenge Team, led by Captain Tom Bassett, has been on an impressive undefeated streak in their pool, with one game remaining. They will likely face off against either Kirwan SHS or St Patrick's College in the semi-final later this term.
The Mackay team has secured decisive victories against St Augustine College (32-4 and 18-6), Mareeba SHS (36-0 and 30-0), and Holy Spirit College (26-10). With one game remaining against Holy Spirit College before the semi-finals, Mackay State High School is guaranteed the top seed. Remarkably, they are currently the only undefeated team across both pools.
This success can be attributed to a formidable line-up that includes several Mackay District and Capricornia School Sport players, as well as Cowboys and Broncos academy talents such as Thomas Bassett, Zac Campbell, Libaan Hajiyussuf, Rocky Hancock, Archer Orr, Charlie Riggs, Linkin Simpson, and Cooper Venz. Additionally, the team boasts promising newcomers like Terrance Pedro, who has come through as a member of the school's Clontarf Academy and is showing significant improvement each week. This mix of experience and raw talent is a key factor in the team's success.
Brett Watton, coach and head of HPE and Sporting Academies at Mackay State High School, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements.
"Our boys have shown incredible dedication and teamwork this season,” he said.
“The blend of seasoned players and emerging talents has been a game-changer. The team's undefeated record is a testament to their hard work and culture here at Mackay State High School."
Watton also highlighted the importance of their upcoming matches.
"As we move into the semi-finals, the focus remains on playing our brand of rugby league and supporting each other on and off the field.
“We're excited about the challenge ahead and confident in our preparation and abilities."
Behind the scenes, Mackay State High School Sporting Academies have an excellent well-being and support service led by Mrs Sharon Barnard, who said, "By assisting students in coping with the day-to-day rigours of life and school through the pillars of resilience, responsibility, and respect, we have seen improved success both in the classroom and on the field.".
Along with Mr Watton and Mrs Barnard, the Cowboys challenge team also boasts an impressive coaching group, consisting of Mackay Cutters Player of the Year Josh Smith, and Mackay A-grade players Zach Schill and Tyreeq Salleh Meadows.
For those unable to attend the games in person, all matches are streamed live on KommunityTV, providing an opportunity for the broader community to support and cheer on the team.

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Captain Tom Bassett. Photos supplied

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Mackay Cutters Rugby League have unearthed one out of the box in rising hooker Xavier Kerrisk.

The eighteen-year-old former Queensland Schoolboys representative impressed in his top-grade run-on debut for the Cutters last weekend in a 32-18 loss to premiership pacesetters Norths Devils in Hostplus Cup action at Denison Park in Bowen.

Kerrisk, a local Mackay junior who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, showed his class in the number nine jumper with his vision and ball skills in an encouraging sign for the future.

The former St Patrick’s College sensation is following in the steps of great mate Jaxon Purdue and made the most of his opportunities after six previous appearances in 2024 as an interchange player.

Norths opened the scoring after two minutes when winger Manase Kaho crossed for a try before the Cutters exploded into top gear – posting three tries by centre Josh Smith, second rower Hiale Roycroft and winger Brent Anderson in the space of eight minutes that were converted by five eighth Bayley Gill for an 18-4 lead.

The Devils hit back with two quick tries by fullback Jordan Lipp and interchange Sam Elliott as the Cutters went to the break holding an 18-16 advantage.

It was all Norths after the interval as they chalked up sixteen unanswered points from four-pointers by half back Jack Ahearn, pivot Julian Christian and centre Jacob Gagan plus four Andre Niko conversions in a dominant second half display.

The result keeps the Devils on track for the minor premiership on 30 points with twelve victories from sixteen matches – just two points behind competition leaders Northern Pride (32) in second spot with a game in hand.

Rampaging second rower Oryn Keeley turned in a powerhouse display for the Devils – running for 177 metres with three line break assists, three tackle busts, two offloads and 26 tackles.

It was an inspirational performance by the Redcliffe Dolphins signing who made an impact against the strong Mackay forward pack featuring the likes of props Jeremiah Matautia and D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, boom forward Jamal Shibasaki and the experienced Roycroft and lock John Radel.

The Cutters will be chasing their eighth win this season when they tackle the battling Ipswich Jets this Sunday at North Ipswich Reserve at 2.10pm.

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Action from the Norths Devils v Mackay Cutters game in Hostplus Cup action at Denison Park in Bowen. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters

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Mackay’s veteran table tennis players starred on their home tables in a state championship event last month.

The Queensland Veterans championship was hosted by Mackay and Queensland Table Tennis at the Bridge Rd Centre over four days, attracting players from throughout the state.

Mackay’s Emma Widdup won gold in over 30 singles, in which training partner Anne-Louise Stewart was runner-up. Emma also took gold in over 40 women’s, in which Mackay’s Anne Sheridan won bronze.

Mackay players also were among the medals in the older age groups, Pam Joyce and Coral Morgan both winning four gold medals.

Mackay Table Tennis president Janice Kent thanked volunteers from the local association and other centers for their help in running and organising the tournament.

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Emma Widdup won two singles gold medals at the Queensland Veterans Table Tennis Championships

AT THE TABLE
Weekly Results
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures July 23, 2024:

Division 1:

Plovers 6 (Delma Knight, Andrea Nicholson, Bryan Marshall) drew Egrets (Donna Abbott, Rhonda Payne, Kevin Abbott) 6-all. Kevin d Delma 8, 9, -5, -4, 7; and Bryan -10, -8, 8, 8, 7.

Hawks 10 (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, John McGee) d Owls (Branko Vucurovic, Coral Morgan) 10-2.

Ibis (Tony Bowman, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn) d Parrots (Janice Kent, Charlie Payne, Marie Taylor) 7-5. Charlie d Noreen -10, 15, -1, 7, 10.

Division 2:

Pelicans (Don Boettcher, Robyn Bushell, Ian Dodds) d Cockatoos (Darryl Ross, Veronica Shepherd, Gloria Vella) 7-5. Don d Veronica 12, -5, -4, 9, 7.

Magpies (Ken Best, John Hamelink, Kim Daffy) d Doves (Louise Gould, Iris Grasso, Fred Saliba)  9-3. Iris d Kim -8, -10, 6, 10, 12.

Division 3:

Lobsters (Cheryl Pearson, Bill Hey, Nadine Stream) d Prawn (Madge Saunders, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 10-2. Madge d Nadine 10, -8, -6, 9, 9.

Squid (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Cheryl Aprato) d Crab (Pam Keune, Thelma Caruana, Josie Davis) 7-5. Josie d Sharon -4, 6, -9, 7, 9.

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Kevin Abbott hits out in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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After three weeks of competition, The Founders Team winners have been decided. With eight wins and only one loss, team Holewa has taken out the competition. Team Holewa members were Diane Holewa, Max Holewa, Terrence Sheedy and Lorna Shuttlewood.

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Weekly Results
Monday 22 July 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson

2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Sandy Ford

3rd
Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason
3rd
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Tuesday Evening 23 July 2024 - 4 Table One Winner
1st
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd
Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Faye Wright / Terrence Sheedy
4th
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
Wednesday 24 July Week 3 of 3 Final of the Founders Team

Team
Team members
1st
Holewa
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa / Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Conroy
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia / Alan Brown / Diane Morgan / Janet Hansen
3rd
Robinson
Joy Robinson / Robert Carless / Jan Harris / Sandra Morris / Patricia Garner
4th
Goodchild
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / David Ting / Ming Ting
Thursday Evening 25 July 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
1st
Mick King / Patricia Garner

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott

3rd
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Frances Brown / Israel Hall

Friday 26 July 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
1st
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3rd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

4th
Josie Crowley / Victor Mason
4th
Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

Saturday 27 July 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
1st
Patricia Garner / Geoffrey Patterson

2nd
David Ting / Ming Ting
2nd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd
Diane Stokes / Terry Sheedy
3rd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

4th
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
4th
Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft

Sunday 28 July 2024 – Novice and Mentors - 7 Table Mitchell
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Block / David Ting
1st
Terry Sheedy / Susan Gibson

2nd
Geoff Taylor / Andrew Canavan
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Adrian Westcott

3rd
Anne Lutz / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch

4th
Joyce Deguara / Elrae Trueman
4th
Mary Rose Ramsden / Ted Cullinan

Contributed by Joy Block

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Terry Sheedy, Lorna Shuttlewood, Diane Holewa and Max Holewa. Photo supplied

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Born with success in her bloodline, Madison Malagueno has continuously represented her hometown of Mackay in a multitude of sports and has just secured another outstanding achievement to add to her collection of accolades.

Growing up, Madison was much a water baby and according to one of her biggest supporters and mother Tahnie Malagueno, who is also the secretary of the club, says her daughter Madison has “always loved swimming ever since she was a baby.”

While she finds enjoyment and fun in the sport, Madison began to swim on a more serious level in October 2021 and has since been recognised for her standout skills and performance in the pool.

At just 12 years of age, Madison has made the town proud by claiming a spot in the final at the 2024 School Sport Australia Swimming Championships.

The event was held on the Gold Coast during the 25th to 27th of July, where she placed 9th in the country for 50m Freestyle.

Her relay team then went on to podium in the 50m Freestyle Relay, bringing home a national medal.

Madisons mother Tahnie says she enjoyed the competition and her success was achieved by not just her remarkable skill but also the training she willingly commits herself to behind the scenes.

Madison has an intense training schedule and trains up to two hours per day, except on Sundays. When she’s not training for swimming, she’s eagerly getting herself involved in various other activities and sports as well as perfecting her skills and chasing the next best achievement. In a testament to her dedication, Madison has been recognised for all of her involvements in sport at a state level.

With an overwhelming sense of love for sport, Madisons outstanding determination and hard work has paid off, however, she won’t be slowing down anytime soon. With plans to excel even further, she hopes to one day podium at the nationals and eventually compete in the Olympics.

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12-year-old Madison Malagueno represented Mackay at the 2024 School Sport Australia Swimming Championships and placed 9th in the country for 50m Freestyle. Images supplied

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Paul MacKenzie was the highest handicapped runner on the park at the Eimeo Pacific Hotel event with a huge thirty-six minutes and 10 second wait for his start time. Despite the congenially frustrating wait, Paul bolted from the gates, eager to make his mark on the testing undulating course after reeling in half the competitors. Paul’s excellent condition will serve him well in a major upcoming international endurance event at the end of August.
 
Mackay Road Runners Club President, Brendan Bishop was impressed with the weekly jokes being submitted to motivate runners at the pre-race briefing. Brendan’s debrief of the 5km and 14km was very detailed due to the many twists and turns on the very technically marked course taking runners through the Eimeo, Blacks Beach and Dolphin Heads suburbs.
 
First in the 5km event based on each member’s official club handicap was Carolyn Mapes, with Alan Zamparutti and Jo Hughes closing in fast.  New casual day runner, Caitlin Burns held a great pace for the first 5km. Jim Ogilvie had a great outing in the 14km, scorching home first on handicap ahead of Shane Donnollan, Tim Caddy, Werner VanderLinde and first female Mel Esau. Excellent performances across both courses were seen from Len Haworth, Stuart Sprott, Jan Smith, Jose Short, Carmel Mahon, Andrew Short, Rhian Massey, Glynis Forse, Heli Talinurm and Robin Stinson.
 
Junior running sensation, Toby Rule drew on his excellent stamina and focus to back up at the Eimeo event after a heavy schedule of out-of-town racing competitions.  Toby’s excellent placing in the recent Athletics Australia Cross Country Championships held at Victoria Park Golf Club has earned him a well-deserved spot in the Queensland Team to travel to Launceston, Tasmania in four weeks for the National Titles. Toby’s strong resilience and tenacity saw him finish 7th after sitting in 16th position with one lap to go in the 6km event, gaining automatic selection in the Qld Team.
  
The Mackay Road Runners is not having an event this weekend, however, check out the excellent running events happening in the region.  Visit the ActiV8 Adventures trail running calendar for your Mackay Road Runners Member discounted entry to the event or donate and sign up for a 5km or 10km for the CQ Rescue Fun Run this Sunday morning from Iluka Park, East Mackay. It’s a great cause, very worthy of community support to keep them in the air.
 
Congratulations to the new parkrun group who held its first 5km parkrun at Bucasia last weekend. Great to see big numbers there as well as at the Botanic Gardens, West Mackay parkrun… amazing to see so many people up and about and moving, no matter how you do it!

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

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Carolyn Mapes, Alan Zamparutti and Carmel Mahon in serious warmup mode before their handicap start callup
First female runner via handicap start in the 14km, Mel Esau easily completes the hilly, technical course
(left to right) Rhian Massey, Glynis Forse and Jose Short enjoy a catchup after completing the 14km undulating course
Toby Rule easily completes the 5km after a heavy racing schedule, which secured him a spot at the Nationals in Tasmania next month. Photos supplied

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Lila McGrath is making waves in the world of ballet after recently taking home the Tanya Pearson Memorial Award at the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship.

The prejudice event was held at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall last Sunday, July 21.

“It was an amazing experience and atmosphere at the Opera House, I’ll never forget it,” Lila remarked.

The 15-year-old ballerina was selected out of hundreds of entrants across the nation and was the youngest out of eight finalists (being five girls and three boys) to be nominated. Her hard work beyond the stage has proven to be well worth the hard work and vigorous training sessions as she took home a medallion, $800 in prize money and $600 in scholarships for her exceptional artistry.

Lila was originally born in Mackay and now resides in Sydney to further her ballet endeavours. She is a former student of Leisa Payne School of Dance in Mackay and trained from a young age across all dance forms. For many years, she successfully competed at Mackay Eisteddfod in the dance, drama and signing sections.

In 2019, Lila was offered the opportunity to join the Visitor Program at Classical Coaching Australia, which allowed her to travel regularly to Brisbane to further her training. Lila now trains full-time in ballet and contemporary dance at Classical Coaching Australia in Brisbane and does her schooling through Cairns School of Distance Education. She recently spent the week in Melbourne for training as an invitee of The Australian Ballet School where she refines her skills for the upcoming competitions.

Reflecting on her love for the performing arts industry Lila said “I just love performing, it’s always been a passion and it’s taught me a lot of life lessons as well.”

Lila’s biggest supporter and mother Ruth said that “We’ve had the opportunity to go to some amazing places and meet some amazing friends.

“I think it’s a really good testament to Lila’s early quality of teaching in Mackay and she’s been able to have such a good grounding and has now gone to take it further.”

Lila has also competed successfully at international levels in Paris and New York, with plans to travel to London in early September for The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition. Lila’s ultimate dream is to train full-time at a company school and progress to a career as a professional ballerina.

“Hopefully this inspires others from regional places that they can go a really long way,” Ruth added.

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15-year-old Mackay-born Lila McGrath took home the Tanya Pearson Memorial Award at the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship last Sunday. Images supplied

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The 2024 Townsville Congress was held at the end of June with Mackay members in attendance. Val Holbrook and Mackay President Noel Bugeia claimed second in Category A of the Swiss Butler Pairs. President Noel and partner Terrance Sheedy won the Walk Ins on the Friday evening.

Weekly Results
Monday 15 July 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson

2nd
David Ting / Ming Ting
2nd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd
Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
3rd
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

Tuesday Evening 16 July 2024 - 5 Table One Winner
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Joy Block / Terrence Sheedy
3rd
Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
4th
Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
5th
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen

Thursday Evening 18 July 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

3rd
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
3rd
Mick King / Patricia Garner

Friday 19 July 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

3rd
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Joy Block / Griffin Bancroft

4th
Kath Poole / Nancy Martin
4th
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 20 July 2024 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Ming Ting
1st
Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2nd
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
2nd
Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

3rd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

4th
Israel Hall / Alan Brown
4th
Terry Sheedy / Adrian Westcott

5th
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
5th
Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft

6th
Sandy Patterson / Diane Morgan

Contributed By Joy Block

Val Holbrook and Noel Bugeia
Noel Bugeia and Terrance Sheedy. Images supplied

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The QCCS Mackay Cutters may have had a break from Hostplus Cup action last weekend, but significant developments off the field have kept the club in the spotlight. The Cutters are pleased to announce the appointment of David Roberts as their new Chief Executive Officer, commencing his role on Monday, 5th August.
Following a rigorous recruitment process, David Roberts emerged as the ideal candidate to lead the club.
"Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Board for giving me this opportunity. I am excited for the challenging work that lies ahead. Having been a part of this club for the past decade, I am honoured to take on the responsibility of leading it towards even greater success," Roberts said.
In addition to this new appointment, the Cutters have made the difficult decision to part ways with Hostplus Cup Head Coach, Michael Comerford. The club released a statement expressing their gratitude for Michael's dedication and hard work during his tenure.
"We want to thank Michael who has worked tirelessly in his role for the Club over his tenure. We would like to wish Michael and his family the very best in the future and we are very grateful for his services to the Club. The club would like to respect Michael’s privacy and will not make further comments on this matter."
Adam Cuthbertson, a former professional rugby league player with extensive experience in both the NRL and Super League, will step in as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2024 season. Cuthbertson, known for his versatility on the field as a loose forward, prop, and second-row forward, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He has previously played for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, St. George Illawarra Dragons, and Newcastle Knights in the NRL, as well as the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League.
Looking ahead, the Cutters face a challenging match against the Norths Devils at Denison Park, Bowen, this Saturday. The Devils have historically been the stronger side, winning 75 per cent of their encounters, including 12 of the past 16 games. The game is scheduled for 3:30 pm on Saturday, 27th July, and promises to be a thrilling contest.

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David Roberts has been appointed as the new CEO for the Mackay Cutters

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