This past week saw a quiet period for work on our club’s hard cover due to a mix-up with obtaining the necessary permit to access the old Fire Station land. However, that didn’t stop our members from enjoying some social activities.

Our ladies represented the club at Sarina, while other members competed at the Proserpine Bowls Club. Back home, Friday afternoon saw the bar open for members, with Bar Manager Fiona Greener and Terry Clarke ensuring everyone was well taken care of.

The afternoon brought together many familiar faces, including Arthur and Liz McManus, John and Robin Brown, Tony Kelly, Rick Burnell, Duncan Smith, John Matterson, Merve Stewart, and Kila El Amarna, who shared the amusing tale of escaping a baby crocodile to join us. Ted Cullen, John McGregor, Bob Fenney, Bobby McMahon, and David Meiklejohn also enjoyed the sociable gathering.

Work on the hard cover is set to resume next week, and we’ll keep you posted with updates. Be sure to check out the photo of Fiona Greener and Terry Clarke welcoming our Friday regulars!

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Photo supplied

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Social Bowls
   • Wednesday: Bruce Uhe, Arthur Griffith, and Sandy Daffara beat Alen Sanderson, John Anderson, and Philip Brown 21-17. Henny Tattum and Wayne Coonan won 30-13 against Dave Meiklejohn and Mark Mawson. Heather Brown represented Proserpine at Seaforth’s PAH 49th celebration.
   • Sunday: Andy McDougall and Heather Brown triumphed 23-17 over Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara. Mary Hedgelong and Mike Harrison defeated John Anderson and Philip Brown 32-16.

Club Championship 2 Bowl Triples Shane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton, and Wayne Handley edged out Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye, and Gavin Milne 25-22 to win the final. They will compete at the Champion of Champion 2 Bowl Triples in Marian this weekend.

B Triples Matches Bruce Uhe, Mike Harrison, and David Ling won by forfeit, while Arthur Griffith, Peter Lawton, and Gavin Noonan beat Steve Summers, Vince Olsen, and Todd Leys 20-19. The final will be arranged soon.

Good luck to all!

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Tuesday Social Games On Tuesday, Merle Elphinstone, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers narrowly defeated Stumpy Adams, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun. In pairs, Robyn Stitt and Dot Slater edged out Deb Retchless and Mark Drummond. The jackpot remains unclaimed and continues to grow!

Friday Gathering We welcomed clients and carers from Grow and Evolve for a picnic and a game of bowls, which everyone enjoyed.

Sunday Social Bowls Sunday's winners included Robyn Stitt and Penny Warren, who defeated Jim Quod and Mark Drummond. Other winners were Bron Tolcher, Irene Laird, and Kennedy Whitton, as well as Laurie Land, Shane Dykstra, and Jeff Hovey. The jackpot stays intact for another week.
A group of barefoot bowlers also celebrated Sarah’s birthday on the green.

Upcoming Competitions Nominations for mixed pairs, triples, and fours close on Sunday, October 27.
                                                                                                                 
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Tuesday 15th October – Single Stableford
   • Men’s Winner: Finbar O’Flynn (44 points)
   • Runner-Up: Scott Mason (37 points)
   • Ladies’ Winner: Di Chard (39 points)
   • Runner-Up: Leanne Alexander (35 points)
Veterans’ Division
   • Ladies’ Winner: Leanne Alexander (35 points)
   • Men’s Winner: Barry Mortimer (35 points on countback)

Wednesday 16th October – Ladies Single Stableford
   • Winner: Leanne Alexander (37 points)
   • Runner-Up: Tina Badenhorst (34 points)

Thursday 17th October – PGC Single Stroke
   • A Grade Winner: Jason Bourke (64 nett)
   • B Grade Winner: Nic Apruzzese (66 nett)

Friday 18th October – Metropole Run (9 Holes)
   • Winner: Karlene Lloyd (23 points)
   • Runner-Up: Nathan Sothmann (21 points)

Saturday 19th October – Haymans Single Stableford
   • Overall Winner: Ross Hammond (39 points)
   • A Grade Winner: Aaron Prosser (36 points)
   • B Grade Winner: Mick Kavanagh (39 points)
   • C Grade Winner: Ross Hammond (39 points)

Sunday 20th October – PGC Single Stableford
   • Men’s Winner: Levi Holmes (40 points)
   • Ladies’ Winner: Di Chard (35 points)

Congratulations to all winners!

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club

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The Pitbulls had a strong showing on Saturday, October 19, securing three victories out of four matches across the junior divisions.

In the Under-11s, the Pitbulls faced a tough loss to Magpies White, with a final score of 65 to 88. Despite the defeat, standout performances came from Patrick, who contributed 7 runs, and Blake, who took an impressive 2 wickets for 8 runs off 4 overs.

The Under-12s had more success in their away game at Walerston, winning convincingly with 4/101 against 55. Korbin shone with an unbeaten 29 runs, and his bowling was equally impressive, taking 2 wickets for just 2 runs off 2 overs.

The Under-13s also dominated their game against North’s Red, finishing with 3/164 while restricting their opponents to 6/32. Emerson top-scored with 24, while Jaxon put in a stellar bowling performance, taking 2 wickets for 3 runs, including 1 maiden over from his 2 overs.

The Under-15s completed the trio of victories, beating Brothers 4/122 to 38. Will M was unbeaten on 27*, and Max delivered a standout bowling display, taking 4 wickets for just 4 runs off 2 overs.

The Under-17s had a bye this week, leaving the Pitbulls with an overall positive outcome from their weekend matches.

Well done to all the teams for their efforts and impressive results!

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The junior teams celebrating their wins! Photos supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

Dual Olympian Geoff Huegill hosted a series of clinics during his recent visit to Mackay, but his appearance at Pat Wright Swim School was particularly special. Having learned to swim at the age of six under Pat's guidance, Huegill reflected on the significant impact she had on his early development as an athlete. This personal connection added depth to the clinic, where he shared valuable insights and techniques with aspiring swimmers. By encouraging the next generation, he hopes to ignite their passion for the sport and help them reach their full potential.

Geoff Huegill returned to his hometown to conduct several swim clinics for club and regional swimmers, state and national competitors, as well as athletes participating in surf sports and open water swimming. Photo supplied by Pioneer Swimming Club

Olympian Geoff Huegill Leads Butterfly Clinic at Pat Wright Swim School

By Hannah McNamara

Australian swimming icon and dual Olympian Geoffrey Huegill recently visited the region to host a series of specialised swimming clinics.

During his visit to Mackay, Huegill's clinics catered to athletes of all levels, from club and regional swimmers to state and national competitors, as well as those involved in surf sports and open water swimming.

The champion swimmer visited Pat Wright Swim School on Sunday, October 13, to lead a clinic focused on butterfly technique, sprinting, speed, and overall skills development.

Pat Wright, of Pat Wright Swim School, shared her long-standing connection with Huegill and said he’s always “been a great asset,” to the swim community.

"We’ve been very friendly with Geoff since he was about six years of age… he swam with me and has always been part of the program.

“When he rang me and asked if I'd like to go with the butterfly clinic one weekend, I said, 'I'll have you any time,' so we came on board, organised it, and these are our results.

“We're very proud of Geoff Huegill and it's a pleasure to have him back again, because what he offers the children of today is something very special."

Huegill reminisced about his early swimming lessons with Pat and shared, "I did do swimming lessons with Pat, many, many moons ago, so it's nice to be back.

“Today's session was great and I had a lot of fun.

“Throughout my career, I’ve worked with some amazing coaches, sports psychologists, and physiologists, so to share what I've learned with these athletes is something I really enjoy."

He added, "The main thing was for everyone to have a laugh, a smile, and enjoy themselves so that when they step up behind the blocks, they can bring it all together and do a good job."

Ehsan Helou, a 16-year-old swimmer who participated in the clinic, found the session highly beneficial.

"I think Geoff really helped me pay attention to detail in my skills. He gave us plenty of time to rest, so I could perform everything at my maximum ability without worrying about fatigue, so that’s something that really stood out to me" he said.

Another participant, Vaughn Wyatt, enjoyed the clinic's focus on improving his butterfly technique.

"As a breaststroker, my weak spot is butterfly, so getting a different perspective on how to make my stroke more efficient and faster was really valuable. I loved the session," he shared.

Wyatt also acknowledged the significance of having Huegill in the region.

"It seems like he's really happy to be here,” he said, “And part of being regional is we have to embrace every bit of help and when we get someone as amazing as Jeff come through, it just skyrockets for us.”

As the summer approaches, both Pat and Geoff emphasise the importance of getting children involved in swimming, to gain both skill and passion for the sport that can propel them to international levels, beginning at the grassroots.

Australian swimming icon Geoff Huegill returns to his roots, inspiring the next generation of athletes through swim clinics. Photos by: Hannah McNamara, Mackay Swimming Academy and Pioneer Swimming Club

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The Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club caters to the community’s need for an active, friendly, and social sporting environment for all age groups. To celebrate World Pickleball Day, the club gathered for a group photo in their new shirts, followed by a social event at Harrup Park Country Club.

The club welcomes everyone to its indoor courts, where committee members ensure a warm and inviting atmosphere. Players proudly wear their club shirts, especially during post-game meet-ups for coffee or lunch at Harrup Park Cricket Club after the weekly Monday and Thursday sessions.

A key advantage of the Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club is its indoor facilities, guaranteeing play regardless of weather conditions. With Mackay’s hot summers, indoor play allows members to exercise comfortably. The club currently hosts games at Pioneer High School on Sunday mornings from 9:30–11:30 am, Mackay Basketball Stadium on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30–11:30 am, and PCYC on Tuesday evenings from 5:30–7:30 pm. With three venues, there are ample opportunities for members to play at their convenience.

It’s also an affordable fitness opportunity, individuals can join the club as social members for just $25 per year. Each session costs only $8 for members and $10 for visitors, offering two hours of play. Beginners are warmly welcomed, with the club providing mentoring and paddles until they’re ready to buy their own equipment. Senior players are encouraged to take breaks between games, ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable experience.

Founded in 2021, the club has grown to over 100 members and regularly hosts visiting players from other clubs around Australia.

The Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club is perfect for those seeking an affordable, fun way to stay active and meet new people. With a flexible schedule, multiple venues, and a welcoming community, it’s a great way to get involved in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

New players are always welcome, so come along and give pickleball a try!

Visit Mackay Indoor Pickleball Association on Facebook for more information on membership and upcoming events.

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Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club members. Photo supplied

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It has been a busy month for the North Mackay Sinkers with their fantastic Whitehaven Beach swim followed by the MS Super Splash on Saturday, October 12th, and what a splash it was! 2024 marks the 9th Multiple Sclerosis fundraising event for the North Mackay Sinkers since 2015. It is the club’s major community event and provides an opportunity for members to support the Multiple Sclerosis Qld fundraising event while participating in their favourite sporting endeavour.
This year, the event was renamed the MS Super Splash and was an action-packed fundraising challenge.
The club enjoyed the support of 20 registered swimmers who participated at the Memorial Pool in the revised 8-hour format. A total of six teams and 70 participants combined to raise $20,830, an impressive $4,000 more than the 2023 event. The Sinkers raised a grand total of $11,449 this year alone in a 10-week campaign. Club members filled six of the top ten spots for individual fundraising, reflecting the strong support for this event. In addition to individual efforts, the club held a sausage sizzle, a battery drive, and other innovative activities that added to the total. To date, the club’s progressive total is $63,465 raised across nine years of involvement, with a new personal best tantalisingly close. Donations remain open for another month and can still be made by those wishing to contribute.
DMR Leisure hosted the day at the Memorial Swim Centre, with a fabulous band entertaining the crowd for hours before the day’s activities concluded with official presentations to the participating teams. Great efforts were made by all teams, which in addition to the Sinkers included DMR Leisure Pty Ltd, Muscle Garden, Mackay MS Super Splash lane, Polar Bears, and the Life in Motion Exercise Physiology Clinic teams.
Swimmers were entertained by activities including the Hour of Power, where the Sinkers swam 80 laps and secured second place. Other events included a 50m dash, a 200m duck relay, and a 1-hour duck relay. The Sinkers swam a total of 478 laps (24 km) at a more casual pace this year, content to let their fundraising take centre stage.
This marks the last fundraiser for the club in 2024, and combined with the Starlight Super Swim and Laps for Life, members have raised a collective $20,094 across the three events, marking a stellar year in community activities and fundraising.

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Team Sinkers, Coach Millie and MS Staff after the event
Just before the epic day of swimming and fundraising. L-R: Megan Taylor, Mayor Greg Williamson, MS Staff Bec and Heather, Dan Stampa
Hour of Power Sinkers relay team. L-R: Melissa Lysaught, Kylie Tomlin, Alison Friswell, Megan Taylor, Rachel Mundy, Jim Ford, Steve Burchill and Dan Stampa. Photos supplied

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The annual Blokart Regatta took place over the weekend, kicking off on Saturday with 28 karts on the picturesque Cape Hillsborough Beach.

Despite a few dropouts, the event saw a great turnout. The day began with threatening showers but turned out to be perfect for racing. Winds from the East South East at around 15 knots had most competitors using their 4M sails, while a few braved the 5.5s.

Ten races were held for the performance division, and nine for production. Sunday's racing conditions were more unpredictable, shifting from sunlight to rain and fluctuating wind speeds, challenging the sailors’ skills. Despite the variable conditions, the final races provided thrilling action, and it was a great weekend overall. 

Three previous world champions in the sport were present on the day, including Colin Skinner, Bryn Wooding and Bev Schultz.

Colin Skinner is the 2024 Australian Middleweight Blokart Champion and continues his legacy of elite competition, adding to his 2014 World Championship title.

Bryn Wooding earnt the champion title in both 2014 and 2022, and even played a key role in helping David Moore establish the Central Queensland club. Despite health challenges, Wooding remains passionate, enjoying the excitement and community surrounding Blokart racing.

Powerhouse female champion in the sport, Bev Schultz has been described by other competitors as a “natural talent”, competing in the lightweight production category. Among her accolades in previous competitions, Schultz says she loves the sport solely for the camaraderie and the opportunity to “beat the men.”

She said, “I love meeting up with people and I’m even starting to make friends around the world, it’s just brilliant and I love it.”

A first-time competitor in the performance kart division shared that he got involved because it looked like a lot of fun and seemed like something the kids can participate in as well.

The club encourages younger generations to get involved in the sport, highlighting how much fun it is. Children are welcome to participate, and competitors agree it’s a fantastic activity for the entire family. It offers an enjoyable way to learn new skills while making lasting friendships along the way.

Visit the Central Queensland Blokart Club on Facebook for more information

Previous World Champions Bryn Wooding, Colin Skinner and Bev Schultz
David Moore, Founder and Organiser of the Central Queensland Blokart Club. Photo Credit Hannah McNamara

Production Final Results:
Super Heavy Weights: Over 95kg
   1. Andrew Mentiplay

Heavy Weights: 82.5kg and up to 95.0km
   1. Daryl Skinner
   2. Peter Todd
   3. John Marshall

Middle Weights: 70kg and up to 82.5kg
   1. Colin Skinner
   2. Jim Walker
   3.
Light Weights: Under 70kg
   1. Ken Riley
   2. Bev Schultz
   3. Gary Cain

Performance Results:
Super Heavy Weights: Over 95kg
   1. Mark Hudson
   2. Paul Fletcher
   3. Eric Smith
   4. Ross Porz

Heavy Weights: 82.5kg and up to 95.0km
   1. Gavin Statham
   2. George Camilleri
   3. Rose Webster
   4. Dan Parfitt
   5. Coen Smith Jung
   6. Paul Ross

Middle Weights: 70kg and up to 82.5kg
   1. Tony Francis
   2. Gary Smith
   3. Brian Farley

Light Weights: Under 70kg
   1. Ian Musker
   2. Trevor Smith

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The Mixed Fours Final was wrapped up last week at North Mackay Bowls Club, with Skip Lidia McCarthy, Ray McCarthy, Jean Schmidtke, and Allan Leyson taking home the title. They faced off against Brenda Trannore, Ivy Giddings, Wayne Trannore, and Skip Doug Giddings in a well-fought match. Congratulations to the victors.

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Mixed Fours champions from North Mackay Bowls Club: Skip Lidia McCarthy, Ray McCarthy, Jean Schmidtke, and Allan Leyson. Photo supplied

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David Ting and Eric Goodchild finished 12th out of 22 qualify pairs in the Intermediate Pairs final at the 2024 NZ Congress. They then combined with wives Ming Ting and Debra Goodchild to come 8 out of 26 teams after 8 rounds of the Restricted Teams event.

Weekly Results
Monday 07 October 2024 – 2024 Mackay Congress Teams
Teams

A Cat
1st
Cameron – Don Cameron / Jan Randall / Karin Le Roux / Adrian Lohmann

2nd
Holewa – Max Holewa / Diane Holewa / Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
B Cat
1st
Harris – Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek / Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd
Martin – Lydie Martin / Deb Breeze / Renata Feige / Neil Crawthorn
Tuesday Evening 8 October 2024 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
John McGee / Mick King
2nd
Errol Morris / Mick Robins
3rd
Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
4th
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
Wednesday 9 October 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
2nd
Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Joy Robertson / Robert Carless
5th
Mick King / Jan Harris
6th
Sue Meyer-Miller / Noel Saunders
Thursday Evening 10 October 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
3rd
Jan Harris / Geoff Taylor
4th
Adrian Westcott / Sandra Morris
Friday 11 October 2024 – NWP Week 19 of 24 - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
2nd
Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

3rd
Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole
3rd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

Saturday 12 October 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Geoff Taylor / Ken Seaniger
1st
Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd
Errol Morris / Adrian Westcott
2nd
Faye Wright / Christine Nice

3rd
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

4th
Mick King / Jan Harris
4th
Helen Van Den Broek / Susan Gibson

Contributed by Joy Block

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David, Ming, (PP Noel) Debra and Eric. Photo supplied

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The Mackay Sports Foundation proudly celebrated the first-ever recipients of its travel grants with a ceremony at Harrup Park.

A total of $10,900 was contributed in this round, with plans to continue supporting local athletes in their journey to achieve their dreams.

From a large pool of talented applicants, 21 sports stars were selected, representing a diverse range of sports. These athletes were invited to attend a certificate ceremony, followed by a light afternoon tea. Certificates were presented by representatives from Integral Engineering, Mayor Greg Williamson, and Harrup Park and Great Barrier Reef Arena Chairman, Terry Doolan.

The successful athletes received financial support to assist with their travel expenses, with $500 awarded to those attending national competitions and $700 to those competing internationally.

Applications for Round 2 of the travel grants are now open and will close on 1 March. To discover all the details and stay updated on these athletes’ journeys, visit the Mackay Sports Foundation website at www.harruppark.com.au/mackay-sports-foundation/

Recipients:

Elias Goss
QRSS Australian Football - School Sport Australia National Championships
Toby Rule
2024 Oceania Athletics Championships
Kasey McCahon
2024 Oceania Athletics Championships
Skye Vaughan
U16 North Womens State Team - National championships
Cooper Read Currie
2024 Foot Locker Under 16 National Championships
Nash William Novosel
QRSS School Sport Australia National Championships - Basketball (12yrs & under)
Finley Philbin
QRSS 12 years boys Basketball National Championships
Lachlan Davies
2024 Under 18 Hockey Australia National Championships
Lainey Grace Walker
QRSS School Sport Australia Games - U15 Hockey
Amali Paganoni
2024 Hockey Australia Women’s U18’s Indoor Championship
Aston Paganoni
Hockey Australia boys U15 Indoor Championship
Sangwani Chinula
QRSS 14-15 years Boys Rugby League MAROON Team National Championships
Donald Franks
National Youth Championships
Peter Schatkowski
National Youth Championships
Tristan Calicetto
National Youth Championships
Nate Addison McKinnon
2024 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championship
Audrey Mae Bryan
AGE Nationals Swimming
Ava Kearns
AGE Nationals Swimming
Vaughn Wyatt
AGE Nationals Swimming
Madison Malagueno
QRSS School Sports Australia Swimming Championships
Isabelle Daniel
QRSS School Sports Australia Swimming Championships

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Mackay Sports Foundation celebrated its first-ever travel grant recipients, awarding $10,900 to 21 talented athletes. Photo supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures October 10, 2024:

Division 1:

Byte Bouncers (Branko Vucurovic, Janice Kent, John McGee, Marie Taylor) d Code Crackers (Doug Dungavell, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, Coral Morgan) 8-6. Branko d Doug 7, -2, 6, -5, 13.

Nano Nets (Tony Bowman, Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Veronica Shepherd) d Pixel Paddles (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, Judy Zahn, Kevin Abbott) 9-5. Tony d George 8, -9, -8, 11, 12.

Division 2:

Tokyo Turners (John Hamelink, Fred Saliba, Frank Caruana, Allison Day) drew Berlin Blockers (Iris Grasso, Gloria Vella, Madge Saunders, Josie Davis) 7-all. Madge d Allison 9, -9, -11, 4, 8.

London Looper (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Nadine Stream, Glenda Brookes) drew Sydney Slamm (Helen Ware, Robyn Bushell, Sharon Muller, Darryl Ross) 7-all Kim d Robyn 12, -8, 10, -9, 6.

Paris Spinners (Bryan Marshall, Ian Dodds, Pam Keune, Trish Zamparutti) d Rome Ralliers (Cheryl Pearson, Thelma Caruana, Bill Hey, Cheryl Aprato) 10-4. Pam d Cheryl A -8, 6, 4, -7, 8.

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BIRTHDAY GIRL: Sharon Muller cuts her birthday cake at Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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A new wave of students has proudly completed their Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) Coxswain’s Course programme at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
The innovative initiative helps shape the future of the marine industry by providing local school students with the skills, training, and opportunities they need to pursue a career on the water.
This year’s programme saw 24 students from Proserpine State High School, St Catherine’s Catholic College and Mirani State High School join the 2024/2025 Coxswain’s cohort. The students have undergone extensive classroom and on-water training, gaining critical hands-on experience aboard the Red Cat Adventures fleet.
Over the last two years, 82 students have successfully completed the course, with five of the students being employed by SeaLink Whitsundays.
Asher Telford, General Manager at SeaLink Whitsundays, developed the idea in 2022 to address staffing shortages and a housing crisis that affected the marine and tourism industries in the region. Mr Telford shared:
“I am immensely proud of the programme's success.”
“When I developed this idea in 2022, we were facing critical staffing shortages and a housing crisis, prompting us to seek alternative methods for recruiting and training professional skippers. By reaching out to local schools, we found a solution.”
This year's course also saw 12 Coxswain trainees participate in SeaLink Whitsundays’ work experience programme during school holidays, where they received additional on-the-job training alongside the crew.
Students completed three terms of classroom learning and benefitted from real-world training. The programme covered a range of challenging subjects such as coastal navigation, seamanship, vessel handling, and maritime legislation.
Importantly, students also gained critical 'Shipboard Safety' skills, learning how to launch life rafts, deploy emergency flares, fight fires, and master in-water survival techniques.
Deb Duggan, Training Coordinator at the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre, praised the students' dedication and progress throughout the year, stating:
“The students tackled a wide range of subjects, many of which were new and challenging for those unfamiliar with boats.
“It’s been amazing to see their confidence grow as they honed their skills on the water.”
Each student is now on the pathway to obtaining a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification – a nationally recognised certification issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), enabling them to operate commercial vessels under 12 metres in inshore waters.

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A new wave of students has proudly completed their Coxswain’s Course. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament, held over the weekend, lived up to its reputation, with participants describing it as “fantastic,” “unbelievable,” and “the stuff dreams are made of.” Despite challenging conditions with 15-20 km/h south-easterly winds, 87 anglers across 26 teams displayed skill and determination, tagging and releasing an impressive array of fish.

Among the highlights of the tournament were the 67 sailfish, 5 black marlin, 60 longtail tuna, and a variety of other species, including Spanish mackerel, shark mackerel, mahi-mahi, and barracuda, all caught using 10kg monofilament line.

The major winners were as follows:
   • Champion Male Angler: Jeremy Kelland on Nomad
   • Champion Lady Angler: Joanne Zerafa on Cool Change
   • Champion Junior Male: Dylan Gowers
   • Champion Junior Female: Jasmin Smith on Lay Low
   • Champion Small Fry: Fyn Mau from Mackay, in a brilliant effort
   • Champion Boat under 7 metres: Somewhere
   • Champion Boat over 7 metres: Nomad, which also took home the title of Champion Team of the Tournament

A special mention goes to Johnny Zerafa, who was crowned Champion Mackerel Catcher of the Tournament, receiving cheers that echoed throughout the venue.
The junior anglers were especially impressive, with all of them catching and releasing fish and proving they’re future champions. At times, the action was chaotic, with packs of up to 15 sailfish attacking baits and lures, creating moments of excitement and frenzied shouting across the water.

The tournament ended with a memorable presentation night, thanks to the event's valuable sponsors. Smiles filled the room as the winners collected their prizes, and the Club extended its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors for their support.

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for October 16-19, with entries capped at 35 boats. Anglers are encouraged to organise their teams early and get ready to join the fun of gamefishing.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

Photos supplied

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