Warren Mills and Manny Isgro, proudly showing the scoreboard following their wonderful performance against the extremely strong North Mackay Bowls Club. Photo supplied

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Another huge week for our little club, with pennants starting up again this week in a completely new format, with both men and women joining forces in all divisions.

Firstly, the social news started with Tuesday Social Bowls, which had a reasonable turnout. The winning team was skipped by Sue Walker, with Gina Passfield at lead and David Bradley at second, in a great game. Congratulations must go to them.

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Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls was expertly run by Mervyn Stewart, with 28 bowlers vying for the top prize. The biggest winners of the day were the team of John Matterson, who is showing a remarkable return from open-heart surgery, at lead; Mandy O'Brien at second, who gets better every game and will be a great asset to our little club as she reads the game so well; and skipper Russell Jackson, who has represented the club with great distinction. They won 29–15 in an awesome display of accuracy.

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Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had a huge roll-up, with over 50 bowlers vying for the winners’ trophy, and team results will be published in next week’s issue. This is the biggest event of the week and all are welcome. Businesses are encouraged to participate, with play starting at 6.30 pm. It is certainly the place to be in Airlie Beach.

Aishmeen Sandhu and Shaniah Saremo have amazing talent but need to be more vocal and have confidence in their abilities, while Pazel Davis, Ollie Webb, and Cooper Wilde continue to impress with their application to the game.

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Saturday morning saw Division One and Division 4 travel to South Suburban, and although Division One narrowly went down in a close game, Division 4 secured a win with great performances by new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, Tony Kelly, John Askew, Stacey Hadlow, and Phil O'Brien.

Sunday morning saw Airlie’s 32 pennant players at home, and while Division 2 went down fighting against a competent Mackay City side, both Division One and Division 4 were very convincing with fantastic performances.

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Manny Isgro’s team was unstoppable, as was John Askew’s team in Division 4.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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17-year old Joshua will soon represent the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Australia at the upcoming ICLA U19 World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. Photo supplied

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17-year-old Joshua King’s sailing journey began at birth.

“I was part of my first ever yacht race at 3 weeks old on my Dad’s trimaran and frequently spent weekends cruising on the boat as a kid,” Joshua said.  

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“I first sailed independently at 6 years old in a dinghy that my Dad bought for a few hundred bucks.”  

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In August Joshua will represent the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Australia at the upcoming International Laser Class Association (ICLA) Youth Under 19 World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. This endeavour has been a long time in the making for Joshua.  

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“I’ve dedicated a large portion of my life in the pursuit of competitive sailing, especially in the ICLA. I have always aspired to have a competitive career.”

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ICLA is a self-administered, self-funded international organisation that provides coordination, organisation and communication for sailing worldwide. It acts as a hub where sailors from across the world can meet, communicate and compete to help foster talent and give aspiring sailors – such as Joshua – a chance at a competitive career.  

Sailors compete in a class of single-handed, one design sailing dinghies. Australia has a rich history of this type of sailing, having won every Olympic gold medal in the sailing class since the London 2012 event.

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Having competed in 3 national ICLA championships against other Australian sailors, Joshua has now qualified to compete at the U19 World Championships in Denmark. He has an intense training regime, spending 6 days of the week in preparation, through a mixture of water sessions and intense fitness work. In the lead up to the event, he will take part in training camps in Brisbane and Spain.  

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“This my is first time representing Australia on the world stage, so it feels really special. I’m proud to be representing Airlie as well.” Joshua said.

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Joshua has set up a fundraising campaign to support his great next step. To donate, scan the QR code below.  

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“My main goal is to soak in the experience and learn as much as possible. Sailing is the greatest sport in the world, and this is one of the best locations in the world for it. It is fantastic in so many ways.”

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Priscilla Cahill

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Mackay Parkrun has recorded a series of notable personal milestones throughout May, with local participants reaching significant finish totals in recognition of their ongoing commitment to regular participation and community-based fitness.

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May milestones at Mackay Parkrun (so far):

• 50 finishes – Tim Robb

• 100 finishes – Priscilla Cahill

• 50 finishes – Peter Young

• 50 finishes – Brooke Ramsay

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Fifty-Six players attended the Mackay Contract Bridge Club last Saturday. Our numbers are increasing each year as our successful beginners’ lessons teach new players how to play the wonderful challenging game of bridge. Sixteen players are headed to Townsville this week for the 2006 Barrier Reef Congress. Results in next week’s addition.

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Weekly Results  

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Monday 4 May 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Ken Seaniger / Christine Nice

1^st Terry Sheedy / Eric Goodchild

2^nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin

2^nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek

3^rd Monica Darley / Joy Block

3^rd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

Tuesday Evening 5 May 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

1^st Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner

2^nd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

2^nd Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

3^rd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown

3^rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger

Wednesday 6 May 2026 –11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

1^st Terry Sheedy / Andy Patterson

2^nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3^rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

3^rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

4^th Diane Cox / Victor Mason

4^th John Hunt / Eric Goodchild

5^th Faith Hutchinson / Helen Goldston

5^th Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary

Thursday Evening 7 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points

1^st Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

2^nd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan

3^rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor

Friday 8 May 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

1^st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2^nd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt

2^nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3^rd Christine Nice / Terry Sheedy

3^rd Victor Mason / Josie Cowley

4^th Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

4^th Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 9 May 2026 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

1^st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2^nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2^nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden

3^rd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris

2^nd Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell

4^th Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

4^th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

5^th Ann Whitmore / Diane Stokes

5^th Jewel Schmidt / Debra Goodchild

6^th Faye Wright / Susan Wright

6^th Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

Contributed by Joy Block

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First Place Marie Gravino Trophy Winners & Presenters, Andrew Gravino, Di Faulkner, Shirley Sturgeon, Dawn Field, Emma Pash & Katrina Gravino.

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City Ladies president, Linda Owen and her team held a fantastic weekend of bowls over the May Day weekend for their annual carnival. Each day had a full green, with Ladies Fours on Saturday and Mixed Fours on Sunday.

The Marie Gravino Shield was won by Shirley Sturgeon, Di Faulkner, Dawn Field and Emma Pash on Saturday.  

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The club was pleased to have had Marie’s son, Andrew & grand-daughter, Katrina to present the Shield in her honour. Also in attendance was Dr Marti Harris of My Chiropractor presenting prizes to the lucky winners.

On Sunday, the club had a mixed team playing together for the first time as the winners. They were Greg Peno, Michelle Stockton, Merle Cameron and Paul Jacklin. First place prize on Sunday was sponsored by Explore Property with Justin Spyve being in attendance for thepresentation.  

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A great weekend was had by all!

Contributed by Emma Pash

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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About 70 people rolled out their mats for instructed group Yoga by the beach at North Wall, Mackay harbour, hosted by Fitness Cartel Mackay.

General Club Manager of Fitness Cartel Mackay Nikita Lysaght said the event was designed to bring people together while promoting healthy, active lifestyles in an outdoor setting.

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“This is a free community event and the bookings filled within two minutes,” she said.

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“It’s been an amazing turn out.”

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Held along Mackay’s scenic coastline, the session was led by club instructors and attracted a strong turnout from locals eager to start their day with movement and fresh air.

Ms Lysaght said events like this highlight the club’s commitment to encouraging wellbeing and strengthening community connections.

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“At Fitness Cartel we really value family, community and being present in our community.”

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Visit: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/north-wall-yoga-by-the-beach-hosted-by-fitness-cartel-mackay for more photos

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Winners John Hayson and Lorraine Knight with Men's President Graeme Read Photo supplied

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Tuesday’s winners were Ray Muir, Maureen Hyde and Deb Retchless defeated Neale Chittenden, Joe Cukela and Bill Price. Gus Murray, Barry Donn and Dennis Madeley defeated John Hayson, Skin Querro and Laurie Land. Stumpy Adams, Sue Shearing and Shirley Jones defeated Bron Tolcher, Isabel Wheeler and Boof Querro. The jackpot didn’t go off.

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Club Competition for the week: Men’s Open Single Final was won by Allan Rolfe who defeated Ron Hyde.

Men’s Open Pairs: Mark Drummond Allan Rolfe defeated Laurie Land and Kevin Daniels.

Men’s B Singles Final: N Chittenden defeated Kevin Baxter.

Ladies B Singles Deb Retchless defeated Lindy Suann.

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Sunday’s Mother Day afternoon winners were: John Hayson and Lorraine Knight who defeated Skin Querro and Laurie Land.  Boof Qurerro and Wheeler K Jewell defeated Celly Jeal, Deb Retchless and Kennedy Whitton. Eileen Dunn, Maureen Hyde and Greg Colquhoun defeated Bill Myers, Gavin Charles and Allan Rolfe. Lindy Suann, Sue Shearing and Graeme Read defeated Alex Beaumont, Shirly Jones  and Stuart Jeal who also won the Jackpot.

                                                                                                        Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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John Matterson receiving the trophy after his well-deserved victory. Photo supplied

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The week started on Tuesday with the continuation of Women’s Pairs and social bowls, which saw skipper David Bradley with lead Regan Maher become the pairs winners of the day.

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Wednesday afternoon social bowls had 28 participants, and the highest score of the day went to the team of skipper Noel Crosbie with lead Mervyn Stewart, who won 32–19 over skipper Phil O'Brien and Desmond Ballance.

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Wednesday night Business House Bowls saw about 30 bowlers attend, run by Bob and Yvonne Spees, with results to be announced next week.

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Friday afternoon saw the arrival of 16 bowlers from the Christian College, and what a talented group they are. Mr Richardson, Aishmeen Sandhu, and Shaniah Saremo are an awesome pairs team and could become very successful future representative bowlers if they choose to pursue the sport. Cooper Wilde is also a very talented sportsman and a fantastic asset to the school. Special mention must also go to Ryan Clark and Elliana Langshore, who could develop into excellent bowlers if they continue to apply themselves and build their skills.

This program will give all the students valuable lessons in teamwork and demonstrate what sport can do for classroom development and success in understanding subjects that may have previously seemed difficult. We look forward to continuing to work with the students.

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Saturday morning Scroungers saw the last spot for the afternoon finals up for grabs, and John Matterson, who has just returned to the club after major heart surgery, proved he is still a very good bowler by winning the final spot against Andy McDougall and Tony Whitehorn.

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The previous winners lined up for the final: Des Ballance, Maureen Barnard, David Cleary, Alan Pershouse, John Askew, Betty and Tony Whitehorn, Dennis Donadelli, and, to everyone’s surprise and delight, John Matterson. He continued his brilliant form, winning the coveted trophy in the final.  

Sunday afternoon’s social bowls saw two games of pairs and one game of triples. Liz and Arthur McManus teamed up with Des Ballance and won 26–15 over Stacey Hadlow’s team of Lou Rogan and Alma Rose Mawson. However, the winners of the day, with the lowest winning margin drawn out by Club Manager Fiona Greener, were the team of “Take the Money Tony” Whitehorn with Dawn Dowell, who won 21–20 over skipper Margo Stanley and Brett Simpson.

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The men’s singles in A Grade, B Grade, and Seniors have now reached the semi-finals, with results to be published soon. Men’s and Women’s Pennants also commence this weekend.

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Free lessons continue on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and all are welcome.

John Askew presents John Matterson with his Scroungers Trophy after his well-deserved win.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Competitors and volunteers after a successful competition. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Weightlifting Club wrapped up a successful Parabench Development Competition last weekend as part of the 2026 North Queensland Games, with four athletes competing across the age and ability spectrum in what proved to be an inspiring day of sport at St Catherines Catholic College in Proserpine.

Held on Saturday 2 May and run in partnership with Para Powerlifting Australia, the event drew competitors from across the region — from Townsville to Mackay — ranging in age from 21 to 64 years. The standard of lifting impressed all in attendance, with athletes at very different stages of their para-sport journey each delivering standout performances.

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Taking out first place in the women's division was Australian representative Trish Wallace from Townsville, who benched an impressive 64kg. Local para-athlete Di Jackson claimed second place with a 33kg lift, while first-time competitor Sigrid Eitler took third with 30kg — a remarkable debut on the competition platform. In the men's division, Mackay athlete Bryce Jackson took first place with a 62kg bench.

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Club founder, president and head coach Leanne Knox said the day exceeded expectations. "Although it was a small competition, it helped raise awareness of our club's capacity to train people with all kinds of disabilities," she said. "There is a place for everyone in our club."

Knox is encouraging anyone living with movement limitations or other disabilities — as well as carers — to reach out and explore how strength training can benefit their physical, mental and social wellness.

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The club also celebrated a significant equipment milestone, with a specialist bench built thanks to local business Airlie Sail and Shade (Paul Mitchell) and club member Ian Cordell, alongside a bench received through the Para Uplift Program via the Australian Institute of Sport.

With competitors eyeing national and international competition, the future looks bright for para-sport in the Whitsundays.

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To find out more, contact Whitsunday Weightlifting Club on 0411 199 427.

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Competition results:

Female

1st: Trish Wallace - 64kg bench

2nd - Di Jackson - 33 kg bench

3rd Sigrid Eitler - 30 kg bench 

Male

1st Bryce Jackson - 62 kg bench.  

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Weightlifting Club

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Goal Keeper - Josh Healey

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U13 Prem pushed Magpies FC in a physical contest, with Connor Miller scoring early before a late goal flurry saw Magpies claim a 4-1 win. Meanwhile, the U13 Div 1 side celebrated its first victory of the season, defeating Country United 5-1 behind a brace from Oakley Wilson and strong team performances throughout, particular in the back line.

U14/15 Prem side dominated Mackay Lions with a clinical attacking display, highlighted by a Shannon Matthews goal and Eli Wallis double in a commanding 4-1 win. Meanwhile, U14/15 Div 1 suffered late heartbreak, with Wanderers Red snatching a 2-1 victory despite strong performances from Alex Draper and keeper Jackson Paroz.

Men’s Div 2 ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win against Country United after Jared Leaman capitalised on a late goalkeeping error, while Division 1 stayed patient to secure a physical 2-0 victory, with Sam Reynolds and Ian Wilson on target against a stubborn Country United outfit.

Whitsunday United’s Women’s Prem team battled hard against Wanderers FC, with Michelle Sothmann opening the scoring in a competitive clash before Wanderers FC secured a 3-1 win. Strong performances from Nicole Wilkinson, Keely Salter and Bre Campbell highlighted the team’s determination ahead of next week’s matchup against Country United.

WUFC’s U23s delivered a dominant 11-0 win over Magpies FC, with Aaron Kinsella scoring four goals and two apiece for Finlay Farrell, Seb Shand and Pepe Perea. An impressive clean sheet for goalkeeper Josh Healey. The Premier Men followed with a commanding 4-1 victory against Magpies FC, highlighted by Ethan Rose’s penalty and a Reef Peel hat-trick in a fast, physical clash.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe

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The Cannonvale Cannons recently had their 2026 Club Celebrations in which they celebrated their local swimming talent.  

Special thanks were given to Race Secretary Theresa, In-Training Race Secretary Kelly and Upgrades & Records officer Amy. Gareth and Leanne were congratulated for supplying the most chocolate at Club Night. Tora was awarded for achieving the required time to reach Bronze Squad and Tyler was awarded for achieving the required time to reach Junior Development Squad.  

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Thanks were given to Ellie, Kate and Haylee for consistently providing support with marshalling, warm-up and land work when coaches were unavailable.  

The Most Improved Awarded was given to Lily, Cooper, Eloise, Harry, Mackenzie, Zavier, Roxy & Tommy.  

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A huge congratulations to everyone involved.  

The Most Improved Award, celebrating PB’s achieved in the pool. Great job everyone!!

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Photo source: Facebook

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The Whitsunday Brahmans produced one of their strongest performances in recent years on Sunday, claiming three wins from four grades against the Sarina Crocs at Sarina.

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Supporters travelled in numbers as footy fever took over the Crocs’ home grounds for a massive day of rugby league action.

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The day began with the Under 20s side, who wasted no time making their mark. New Zealand imports Kassius Bell and Somè Wolf crossed early for back-to-back tries to set the pace of the contest. The Brahmans’ attacking strengths soon became evident in an entertaining try-for-try battle, with local brothers from the Tetley family also getting on the scoreboard.

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The Under 20s side eventually ran away with a strong 38-20 victory to give the young squad a major confidence boost for the season ahead.

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One of the biggest moments of the day followed, as the Brahmans women’s team returned to the field for the first time in almost a decade.

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Under coach Eddy Cates, the side showed plenty of determination and heart against an experienced Sarina outfit. Jess Lewis, playing her rugby league debut, crossed for an early try to announce the Brahmans women’s arrival back into competition football. Although Sarina claimed the match 20-4, the Brahmans’ defensive effort and passion throughout the contest drew plenty of praise, with the return of women’s rugby league at the club celebrated as a major step forward for local pathways and junior development.

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Reserve Grade then produced a stunning turnaround performance. After conceding the opening two tries, the Brahmans responded with seven unanswered in dominant fashion.

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New recruit Robert Congoo starred with four tries as the Brahmans secured their first Reserve Grade victory since June 2025, leaving coach Matt Court proud of his side’s resilience and effort.

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The feature match of the day saw A Grade renew its fierce rivalry with Sarina in a physical contest.

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It took 12 minutes for the 0 all deadlock to be broken before former NRL player Adam Clydesdale dived over from dummy-half to score the opening try. The hooker led from the front in a high-intensity clash that saw both sides trade tries throughout the afternoon.

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The Brahmans’ powerful middle forwards eventually proved too strong, while young local talent Jake Hinton enjoyed a memorable A Grade debut by crossing for a try before his brother Mitch Hinton added another just 18 minutes later in a special family moment. English recruit Ryan Taylor also played a key role, maintaining his impressive early season form with a perfect five-from-five goal kicking performance in difficult windy conditions.

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The successful weekend saw the Brahmans claim victories in three of the four grades while also celebrating the long-awaited return of the club’s women’s side.

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The Brahmans now turn their attention to another huge challenge this Saturday when they travel to face arch-rivals the Moranbah Miners, with matches beginning from midday.

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Contributed with thanks to Mandy Bateup

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Photo supplied

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On Saturday the Whitsunday Sea Eagles travelled down to Mackay to take on the Eastern Swans. Despite each team going down in their matches, the Club’s spirit, determination and pride remained strong, with players continuing to fight right up until the final siren.

The Under 13s played a great first quarter, keeping the scoreboard even. Unfortunately for the next three quarters the Swans got away from them. The final score seeing the Swans get up 68-8.

A rocky start for the Under 15s side saw them let the Swans score five unanswered goals. After a quarter time address from the Coaches, the team began to put the pressure on. Their tackles, teamwork, and ability to lift their heads and keep going stood out over the next three quarters. Unfortunately, not the result the Sea Eagles were after, with a final score of 86-26.

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The Under 17s fought hard but couldn’t match the Swans. Their pressure and effort did not waver, and it was obvious that their training is paying off, and they continue to improve each week. Final score 83-23.

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The standout game for the day was the Senior Men’s. It was neck and neck all day, each team only one point away throughout the game. Facing a side that has been in the past three Grand Finals, the Sea Eagles were ready for the challenge. They were determined all game, putting the pressure on and showcasing their signature style of chaos footy.  After a great match the Sea Eagles fell just two points short, with a final score of 44-42.

This Saturday the 16th of May the Sea Eagles are back down to Mackay to take on the Mackay City Hawks at Harrup Park for Indigenous Round. Junior games starting from 10:40am, and our Senior Women’s team are back and starting our Senior games off at 1:50pm. Be there and support your local teams!

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Contributed by Georgia Whitton - Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Photo supplied

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Gold medallist Cate Campbell with junior swimmers Photo supplied

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Olympic gold medallist Cate Campbell made a splash in the Whitsundays over the weekend, inspiring the region’s next generation of swimmers during a special regional swim clinic at the Proserpine Swimming Pool.

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Hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council, the clinic was arranged to coincide with Campbell’s visit to the region as a guest speaker for Council’s State of the Region event. The opportunity allowed local young athletes to learn firsthand from one of Australia’s most celebrated Olympians.

Swimmers from Whitsunday Swimming Club, Cannonvale Cannons and Bowen Swimming Club took part in the day, which featured tailored coaching sessions for three age groups — 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, and 14 years and over. Participants received practical guidance, training tips and encouragement from Campbell both in and out of the pool.

The event also gave young swimmers the chance to meet Campbell personally, take photographs, hold her Olympic gold medals and collect autographs, creating lasting memories for many aspiring athletes.

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Whitsunday Region Mayor Ry Collins said the clinic highlighted the importance of inspiring regional youth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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“With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, opportunities like this show young people that the pathway to the Olympics can begin right here in regional communities like the Whitsundays,” Mayor Collins said.

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Council thanked the participating swimmers, families and local clubs for helping make the clinic a valuable and inspiring experience for the region’s future athletes.

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Support for Scouts Queensland at Rowallan Park was strengthened through a recent marquee donation acknowledged by Amanda Camm, while also recognising the 70-year contribution of local volunteer Bob Hodda in preserving the site’s rich community and Scouting heritage. Photos supplied

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Amanda Camm has acknowledged the ongoing work of volunteers supporting Scouts Queensland at Rowallan Park, with a recent donation of marquees to assist with activities at the site.

The park’s history has been carefully preserved by long-time locals like Bob Hodda, who has spent precisely 70 years working on and supporting the grounds. His knowledge provides a unique connection to Rowallan Park’s past and its role in generations of local Scouting.

Among the stories connected to the site is the history of a bridge located on the property, which was brought in many years ago with the support of Ron Camm - Ms Camm’s great uncle. Originally costing £300, the structure has stood the test of time and remains a lasting feature of the park today.

Rowallan Park continues to be an important base for Scouts activities in the Mackay region, while also holding a number of historically significant features, including the former location of the Munbura railway station, the Mervyn Johnstone Memorial Building, and South Sea Islander burial mounds.

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Ms Camm said supporting local Scouts groups is an important investment in young people and the wider community.

“Scouts plays a valuable role in helping young people build confidence, resilience and practical life skills,” she said.

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“Rowallan Park provides a unique environment for those experiences, supported by volunteers who are deeply committed to both the site and the community.”

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Ms Camm also recognised the contribution of long-serving locals like Mr Hodda.

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“Locals like Bob have dedicated decades to this place, and that commitment is something the whole community can appreciate,” she said.

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Rowallan Park continues to support youth development, outdoor education, and community connection through its long-standing role in Scouting across the Mackay region

Contributed with thanks to the office of Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsunday

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