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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The Whitsunday Equestrian Group’s two-day T-Shirt Event, held on October 12-13 at the Cannon Valley Pony Club, marked a successful end to their competition season, providing an exciting weekend for riders and spectators alike.

Competitors from Townsville to Mackay gathered to showcase their skills across both days. The bi-annual T-Shirt Event offered dressage classes ranging from Prep to Medium levels, and showjumping heights from 40cm to 110cm. Known for its casual atmosphere, the event contrasted with the group’s more formal Supreme and Classic competitions.

The weekend’s overall champions, kindly sponsored by Equacare, were:
Showjumping (High Point Champions)
   • 40cm Champion: Shannon English on Skiddles
Reserve: Sammi Warren on Cruise
   • 60cm Champion: Kaitlyn English on Chester the Bester
Reserve: Mila Parkinson on Max
   • 80cm Equal Champions: Emily Bradford on Diamond Account & Milla Cook on Down with the Devil
   • 100cm Champion: Ruby Cran on Braveheart
   • 110cm Champion: Iris Amann on Leroy Brown

Dressage (High Percentage Champions)
   • Prep Champion: Emily Bradford on Diamond Account
Reserve: Julie Keane on Factor That In
   • Prelim Champion: Lydia Forde on OO Scarlett MBE
Reserve: Jillian Moffat on Russell Pocket First Edition
   • Novice Champion: Jillian Moffat on Russell Pocket First Edition
Reserve: Milla Cook on Down with the Devil
   • Elementary Champion: Kate van Dalen on Palladium Silver
Reserve: Pamela Kingwill on Keepit Intrepid
   • Medium Champion: Pamela Kingwill on Keepit Intrepid
Reserve: Heidi Grinham on Winola

The Whitsunday Equestrian Group extends heartfelt thanks to all competitors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for their support and enthusiasm, which made the event such a success.

The group's 2025 competitive calendar has now been released. For further details, visit the Whitsunday Equestrian Group's Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Equestrian Group
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Show jumping competitors
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Day 2 of the Pioneer Long Course Transition Meet saw 37 swimmers from the Cannonvale Cannons showcase their skills, securing multiple medals, personal bests (PBs), and age champion titles. The Cannons continued their strong performance over the two-day event, with their determination and talent on full display.

Several standout swimmers earned medals in all their events, including Don Algie, Jacob Bell, Harry Chegwidden, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Lucas Korosec, and Isaac Pisaniello. Their consistency in the pool was remarkable, and they were rewarded with well-deserved accolades.

A special mention goes to those who smashed their PBs during the meet.

Congratulations to Harry Chegwidden, Declan Dichiera, Evelyn Doherty, Lucas Korosec, Celest Orenshaw, Andie and Dylan Reynolds, Adelaide Sanders, and Indi and Levi Smith for pushing their limits and achieving outstanding results.

In addition to the medals and PBs, several Cannons swimmers were crowned Age Champions. Charlie Doherty (13yrs Runner-Up), Tora Delac (14yrs), Don Algie (11yrs), Declan Dichiera (11yrs Runner-Up), Elouise Chegwidden (9yrs Runner-Up), and Lucas Korosec (8yrs Runner-Up) all earned prestigious titles for their age groups.

The excitement continued at this week's Club Night, where three new Club Records were set. Jax Clayworth (11yrs) broke the 400IM record, Harris Delac (10yrs) set a new mark in the 800m Freestyle, and Jacob Bell (17yrs) now holds the record in the 1500m Freestyle.

Further congratulations go to Charlie Doherty, Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Andie Reynolds, and Tiana Bell for achieving their 1500m Freestyle upgrades. This milestone represents the highest achievement in the freestyle upgrade ladder. Ruby Lawson and Kaitlyn Moon also deserve recognition for reaching new distances in the 200m Freestyle and 25m Butterfly, respectively.

Well done to all the Cannons swimmers for their incredible efforts and achievements!

Cannons Team at Pioneer Long Course Transition Meet
Three of our six Age Champion recipients, Tora Delac (14yrs), Lucas Korosec (8yrs) Charlie Doherty (13yrs)
Jacob Bell Club Record Holder for 1500m Freestyle 17yrs
Harris Delac Club Record Holder for 800 Freestyle 10yrs

Contriubuted with thanks to Jade Korosec

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The Whitsunday Swimming Club made a strong start to the season over the weekend at the Pioneer Long Course Meet in Mackay. Twelve dedicated swimmers represented the club, showcasing their talent and determination in their first swim meet of the season. Among them were three new swimmers—Jax, Ti, and Georgia—who made their debut in the competitive swimming world with impressive performances, proving they are ready to race.

Returning swimmers Mae, Alex, Hayden, Leyton, Axel, Jayde, Chloe, George, and Savannah put on an incredible display, achieving personal bests (PBs) and demonstrating excellent technique and form. Their hard work in training is clearly paying off, and the Whitsunday swimmers are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with. Watch out, Swimming North Queensland—Whitsunday swimmers are on the rise!

Looking ahead, the Whitsunday Long Course Swimming Carnival is scheduled for October 19-20. It's a great opportunity to experience competitive swimming and see some of the region’s best in action.

For more information about joining the club, contact them via Facebook or email at whitsundayfrogs@gmail.com. The club also accepts Fairplay vouchers. For inquiries about training or squads, reach out to Jenny at 0432 889 601 or aquaticrush@gmail.com.

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan
Photos supplied

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It’s an exciting time at Airlie Beach Bowls Club as preparations for the new hardcover are well underway. Foreman Trevor Scott and his team are making excellent progress, already halfway through installing the Category 5 foundations that will ensure the roof stands strong for many years to come. The effort and attention to detail are impressive, promising a fantastic new structure for the club.

On the green, Wednesday saw a small group of bowlers head to Proserpine, where David Meiklejohn and Mark Mawson were the surprise stars of the day, achieving a stunning 26-12 victory. Well done to both, proudly flying the Airlie flag in the competition.

Looking ahead, Tony Whitehorn, Noel Crosbie, Eric Barnard, and Mark Mawson will join forces to form an Airlie Beach team for the Proserpine Memorial on Saturday, November 9. Best of luck to them in representing the club!

Keep an eye out for photos of the foundations and the hard-working staff building our magnificent new structure—exciting times ahead for Airlie Beach Bowls Club!

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Photo supplied

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Eight members of the Bowen Bridge Club participated in a four-day Bridge Congress in Mackay, competing against some of the region’s best players. The Martin team, representing Bowen, achieved an impressive result, securing 2nd place in the B Division. Congratulations to the team for their strong performance and for proudly representing the club.

Bowen Pair Wins Novice Section at Whitsunday Zone Pairs
Debbie Breeze and Susan McInnes of the Bowen Bridge Club have triumphed in the novice section of the Whitsunday Zone Pairs competition. Their outstanding performance has earned them a place at the Queensland Festival of Bridge, to be held in Brisbane this October. The club extends its congratulations and best wishes as they prepare to compete on a larger stage.

Contributed with thanks to Lydie Martin

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On Wednesday eight players enjoyed a game of Social Bowls.  Alen Sanderson and Bruce Uhe defeated Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison 23 - 15;  Dave Meikele and Mark Mawson defeated John Anderson and Barry Zillmann 25 - 13.

On Sunday, there was the threat of rain but 16 and 17 ends of triples were played before a shower interrupted play.  Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara defeated Mary Hedgelong, Peter Lawton and Wayne Coonan 19 -10;  John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison defeated Alen Sanderson, Henny Tattum and Heather Brown 16 - 13.

Nominations are now open for positions of the Board.  These are on the notice board in the club or a copy can be emailed if requested.  Nominations close on Sunday, November 10 at 5pm.  AGM in Sunday, November 24 at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Tuesday's social bowls saw a quieter turnout as several of our ladies participated in the Northern Beaches Carnival. A big congratulations to the team of Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, Margaret Wilson, and Heather Jorgenson, who secured second place at the event. Back at the club, the day's winners were Merle Elphinstone, Irene Laird, and Gavin Charles, who triumphed over Stumpy Adams, Deb Retchless, and Dot Slater. However, the jackpot remained unclaimed.

Sunday's social bowls action crowned winners on Rink 4, where Robyn Stitt, Sue Shearing, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Toni Bowen, Isobel Wheeler, and Kevin Jewell. Other match results included Lindy Suann and Penny Warren overcoming Bron Tolcher and Albi Vigar; Gavin Charles and Laurie Land defeating Shane Dykstra and Deb Retchless; and Merle Elphinstone, Graeme Read, and Allan Rolfe winning against Kevin Baxter, Jim Quod, and Barry Beel. Once again, the jackpot went unclaimed.

Please note that the date for the Come and Try afternoon has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 2, at 1:30 pm. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates closer to the event.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

 Sunday's winners: Sue Shearing Kennedy Whitton Robyn Stitt. Photo supplied

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Labour Day Public Holiday (7/10/24) – Single Stableford
The Labour Day Public Holiday saw Di Chard triumph in the Single Stableford with 35 points, winning on a countback from Joshua Mansley. Ross Meade claimed 3rd with 33 points, while Luke Swift finished 4th with 32 points.
   • NTPs: Sherri Meade and Jenny Hounsell

Tuesday (8/10/24) – Single Stroke
In Tuesday’s Single Stroke, Ryan Wilkes dominated with an impressive 66 nett, scoring eagles on the 1st and 12th holes. Adam Maggs finished as runner-up with 71 nett.
   • Ladies: Leanne Alexander secured the win with 72 nett, followed by Robyn Whitham with 73.
   • Rundown: Aaron Prosser (72), Ken Granger, Scott Mason (74), and Vickie Wallace (75)
   • 2-shot winners: Ryan Wilkes (1st), Robyn Whitham (2nd), Scott Mason and Aaron Prosser (9th)
   • NTPs: Ryan Wilkes, Tiina Randmae (2nd), Penny Wardroper (9th), Adam Maggs (13th), Scott Mason (16th)

Veterans’ October Monthly Medal and Least Putts
   • Ladies: Linda Wardroper won with 72 nett on a countback from Leanne Alexander.
   • Men: John Strelec claimed victory with 69 nett, followed by Ken Granger with 74.
   • Pin shots: Robyn Whitham, Elaine Philpott, Jenny Hounsell, Leanne Alexander (x2), Paula McQuat (x2), and Linda Wardroper
   • Chip-ins: Penny Wardroper (x2), Jenny Hounsell, Robyn Whitham, and Elaine Philpott
   • Least Putts: Robyn Whitham and Elaine Philpott (32 each), Ken Granger (31)

Wednesday (9/10/24) – Ladies’ Single Stableford
Robyn Whitham took top honors with 36 points, followed by Jenny Hounsell in 2nd with 34.
   • Rundown: Lyn Muller (31), Heather Luvis (30), and Ann Hardell (29)
   • NTPs: Lyn Muller and Pauline Redpath (2nd), Jenny Hounsell and Genia Sarafian (16th)

Thursday (10/10/24) – Single Stableford
   • A Grade: Pascal Neunreuther secured the win with 39 points, ahead of Greg Walker with 36.
   • B Grade: Paul Joice triumphed with 34 points on a countback from Vic Feldman.
   • Rundown: Perri Simpson (36), Stephen Berridge (35), Gavin Kerwand (35), Adam Maggs (35), Ryan Wilkes (34), Alan Elsayed (33)
   • 2-shot winners: Brenton Mansfield, Adam Maggs, Greg Walker (2nd), Alan Elsayed, Lewy Tuck, Stephen Berridge (13th)
   • NTPs: Brenton Mansfield (2nd), Bernie Drake (9th), Lewy Tuck (13th), Aaron Prosser (16th)

Friday (11/10/24) – Metropole Run (9 Holes)
   • Winner: Brad Fleet with 20 points
   • Runner-up: Terry Handford with 19 points
   • NTPs: Tom O’Brien (13th), Ben Smith (16th)
   • Rundown: Jack Pirlo, Troy Liesch, Chris Bartlett (19), Adam Maggs (18)

Saturday (12/10/24) – ALLENBUILD Stableford
   • A Grade Winner: Brian Allen with 38 points
   • B Grade Winner: Brett Bauer with 35 points (on countback)
   • Rundown: Aaron Prosser (35), Chris Brett, Luke Hansen, Scott Mason (34), Ken Lovett, Jack Hayes-Williams (33), Vic Feldman, Brock Smith (32)
   • NTPs: Terry Handford (2nd), Brian Allen (9th), Luke Paroz (13th), Brian Allen (16th)
   • Ladies Winner: Peta Thomas with 37 points, followed by Noelene Spurway (35)

Sunday (13/10/24) – Single Stableford
   • Men: Jason Bourke came out on top with 39 points, narrowly edging out John Bissell with 38.
   • Ladies: Heather Luvis won with 36 points, followed by Paula McQuat with 34.
   • Rundown: Wilf Herweg (38), Blake Davis (37), Nathan Sothmann, Levi Holmes, Ritchie Atkins (35), Robert Hines (34)
   • NTPs: Brad Fleet (2nd), Jason Bourke (9th), Ritchie Atkins (13th), Wilf Herweg (16th), Lyn Muller (2nd and 9th)

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Last Tuesday felt like an early taste of summer for the October Monthly Medal, with a great turnout of 31 players. The club was also pleased to welcome back Ken Granger, who had been absent for eight weeks.

In the Ladies' division, Linda Wardroper claimed victory with a nett score of 72, winning on a countback from Leanne Alexander. Robyn Whitham (73), Vickie Wallace (75), Jan Shuwalow (75), and Genia Sarafian (78) rounded out the run-down with solid performances.

In the Men's division, John Strelec shot a fantastic score of 69 to take the win. Ken Granger, in his return, finished runner-up with a nett 74. The run-down included Wilf Herweg (77), Nic Apruzzese, Barry Mortimer, David Woods, and John Oates (all with 78), John Wallace (79), and Pascal Neunreuther and Vic Feldman (81).

Pin shots were awarded to:
   • Ladies: Robyn Whitham, Elaine Philpott, Jenny Hounsell, Leanne Alexander (2), Paula McQuat (2), and Linda Wardroper
   • Men: Nic Apruzzese, John Oates, Ken Granger, and Pascal Neunreuther

There were also several chip-ins: Penny Wardroper (2), Jenny Hounsell, Robyn Whitham, and Elaine Philpott.

The least putts title went to Robyn Whitham and Elaine Philpott, each with 32 for the ladies, while Ken Granger topped the men's list with 31.

Upcoming events:
   • October 15 and 22 are scheduled as Stableford events. Please note that the 22nd may be played as two rounds of nine holes depending on the progress of the greens' planned maintenance. Updates will follow.
   • October 29 will feature the Whitsunday Group game at Bowen, followed by the AGM and the presentation of annual awards, including the winning club and Golfers of the Year.

Good luck to all competitors, and see you on the course!

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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The Viking Cup 10s 2024 junior rugby union carnival, held at Whitsunday Sportspark on September 27-28, was a tremendous success, drawing players and supporters from across the region.

The two-day event featured 45 teams, with 35 traveling from outside the local area, highlighting the growing popularity of the carnival.

Teams travelled from as far as the Gold Coast to participate in the event, which offered an exciting showcase of junior rugby talent.

Over 2,000 spectators attended, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on players aged 5 to 16.

The 10-a-side format led to fast-paced matches filled with skilful tries, quick passing, and tough tackles, keeping the crowd on their feet.

The Whitsunday Raiders under-12 team stood out, winning their division with an undefeated record across six matches.

Whitsunday Sportspark was praised for its top-notch facilities and scenic setting, making it the perfect venue for the large-scale event.

Local businesses enjoyed a boost from the influx of visitors, with accommodation and dining spots bustling throughout the weekend.

Event organizers hailed the carnival’s success and expressed hopes for an even bigger event next year.

President of Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Tim Oberg praised the support of the event.

“The support from the rugby community has been overwhelming, and we're thrilled to see so many young players enjoying the sport at such a competitive level,” said Tim.

Queensland Rugby Union’s Central Queensland Regional Manager Jack Lloyd also praised the event.

“The Viking Cup 10s has undoubtedly cemented its place as a key event in junior rugby, providing both a platform for emerging talent and a celebration of the sport,” said Jack.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

Photo credit: SMP Whitsundays

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It was an incredible week in paradise for the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, packed with exciting moments and memorable achievements. The action kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with Social Bowls, where skipper Tony Whitehorn continued his winning streak, leading his team of Lyn Hodder and Cath Rimmuswaal to a dominant victory. All three players were in outstanding form.

However, Wednesday brought a surprising turn of events. In the Social Bowls game, Tony suffered a stunning defeat, with Rick Galea and his team clinching a decisive 48-10 victory. Rick Brunnell, playing at lead, delivered an exceptional performance, while Lu Rogan impressed with her remarkable bowling skills, making a smooth and impressive transition.

Wednesday night’s Corporate Bowls wasn’t just about the game, but also about teamwork and community spirit. In a fantastic show of solidarity, members answered the call from Bob and Yvonne to help clear bushes from the right-hand side of the rink in preparation for the upcoming construction of a hard cover. The group’s efforts were nothing short of extraordinary, ensuring the club is ready for the next stage of the project, set to unfold over the next six or seven weeks.

Friday morning brought a special visit from the Endeavour Foundation. Families joined to witness the remarkable progress their children have made in learning the art of lawn bowls. The club looks forward to seeing their continued success, especially once the roof is installed.

The week culminated in Friday night’s much-anticipated Classic Men’s Fours, proudly sponsored by Airlie Beach Hotel, Cruise Whitsundays, PRD Real Estate, Betta Home Living, Master Butchers, Anaconda, Pioneer Adventures, Autopro Cannonvale, Rock Plumbing and Gas Fitting, and Ben Doolins Builders. Six gruelling games saw tough competition from some of the best teams.
Final results:
   • 4th Place: Manny Isgro’s team, featuring Paul Foot, Les Rodgers, and Robbie Spence.
   • 3rd Place: South Suburban Mackay team, led by skipper "Pistol" Pete Blackburn, with champion lead Davey Peats, Peter Petersen, and Bruce Johnson.
   • 2nd Place: Skipper Gavin Milne’s team, with John Bye, Scott Hamilton, and Steve Ridolf.
   • 1st Place: The undefeated team from the Gold Coast, comprising Australian players Sean Baker and Nathan Rice, alongside NSW representatives Jason Constable and Brett Tynan. Their outstanding team performance dazzled the crowd, showcasing world-class skills that left no doubt about their dominance over the star-studded field.

Congratulations to all the participants for an incredible week of bowls at Airlie Beach Bowls Club.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Photos supplied