Welcome to Whitsunday Touch, where passion and fun collide on the shores of the magnificent Whitsunday Islands!  

A Journey Back to 1974 

Our name, the 74's, pays homage to both the breathtaking archipelago that surrounds us and our humble beginnings. The Whitsundays, with its 74 enchanting islands, serves as our playground and inspiration. We are fortunate to call this natural wonderland home, and we celebrate its beauty through our club's identity. 

In 1974, a small group of passionate individuals came together with a common desire: to play footy for the sheer joy of it. They laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and inclusive touch football community in the Whitsundays. Today, our club stands as a testament to their vision, the welcoming Whitsunday vibe where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together.   

What We Offer 

Whether you're a seasoned touch player or a novice eager to learn, our club welcomes everyone with open arms. We offer a variety of programs and events designed to cater to players of all skill levels, from social to competitive games. 

Why You Should Join 

Touch footy on Monday nights is a great way to start the week, offering the chance to catch up with your teams and have a cold drink afterwards. It's not just a sport; it's an opportunity to be part of a close-knit community and enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays while staying active. 

Footy for fun is what we are about at Whitsunday Touch! 

Calling all beginners and those who've never played before – we're here to teach you the ropes of footy!  

Join our welcoming club. No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a desire to have fun on the field. Join us today!

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The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is gaining momentum for its 24th annual event on July 27 and 28 this year with the attendance of former superstar swimmer Susie O’Neill and the “voice of triathlons” Pete Murray now locked in.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael Kimpton said this year’s festival will be a triathlon weekend like no other appealing to both seasoned competitors and the local senior and junior triathletes and swimmers.

“The 2024 Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon is a race like no other and now every finisher will be rewarded with a triathlon finishing line experience like no other with both Susie and Pete to cheer everyone home,” he said.

“Come along and watch incredible athletes chase down personal best times or enter with your family and enjoy watching your children get involved with this amazing community event.

“With an enticer, a sprint and the flagship standard distance triathlons plus a range of swimming events, there is a race option for everyone including the first timer, age grouper, seasoned professional and teams,” Kimpton said.

“The children’s event was extremely popular last year with proud parents watching on as the youngsters swam across the Airlie Beach Lagoon, dash to their bikes and then complete the triathlon with a sprint to the finish line.”

Joining Susie and Pete as ambassadors for our event are Radka Kahlefeldt, ex-Olympic triathlete and Commonwealth Gold medallist and Caleb Noble who placed second last year in World Challenge series along with Australia triathlon legend Nick Croft.

The 2024 Triathlon Festival will culminate in the closing Banquet of Champions night again this year at the Coral Sea Marina Ballroom on the 28 July, so make sure you ‘Save the Date’.

Let's make the 2024 Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon an event to remember.

If you would like to find out more about participating in the 2024 Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival make sure you look out for the team at the Sports Expo next weekend or visit the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AirlieBeachTriathlonFestival

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Over the past 30 years Cannonvale Swim Centre has evolved from a small club to a vibrant community that proudly represents 120 members and welcomes more than 200 swimmers to regular training sessions.

The Swim Centre is home to the Cannonvale Cannons, a thriving club which has recently seen three of its members qualify for national competition.

In the beginning, the Club wanted to offer Cannonvale residents a local place to swim and train, this has now evolved and countless children head straight to the pool after school.

“They love the social thing and usually have a bit of afternoon tea before they get in the pool,” explains Raylene Rasmussen, Club Secretary.

“A lot of people think that swimming is just going up and down the black lines, but you’re always talking to people in the lanes and little groups love getting together.”

Cannonvale Swim Centre offers classes and training for all ages, five and up.

Non-swimmers are more than welcome and one-on-one classes are offered for adults who would like to learn to swim.

Those interested in joining the club can choose from a wide range of options that can suit almost any lifestyle.

From a once weekly lesson to training up to five times a week for those looking to compete – you can attend as little or as often as you like.

Cannonvale Cannons also attend regular carnivals and tournaments, from Townsville to Brisbane and sometimes even interstate.

If you would like to find out more about Cannonvale Swim Centre and the options on offer, make sure you come and say hi to the team at the Sports Expo.

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On Wednesday men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by the Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner Jo Kukura 35pts, runner up Claire Garrod 33pts. Pin shots to Joy Hose, Ruth Dunn, and Trish Sellen with an IBP. Men’s winner Rod Wells 41pts, runner up on a countback Mark Russell 38pts.  Pin shots to Garry Kukura, Rikki Bartlett, Nick Riley, and Kevin Cross.

On Saturday, we played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner Tanya Gaudry 36pts, runner up on a countback Jo Kukura 34pts. Men’s winner Ken Groves 41pts, runner up on a countback Steve Darwin 40pts. Pin shots to Robyn Slade, Jo Kukura, Tanya Gaudry, Julie Mawson, David Carus, Ken Groves, Doug Power and Mark Russell who had 2 OBPS’s and won the Car wash voucher. 

Joker draw was back on Friday 19th and the joker was picked straight up by Jai Morgan – Congratulations. It is back to $1000 this Friday night (Australia Day). We have welcomed a new caterer to the club - O’bistroz, Dining numbers will be capped for the next few weeks. 

This weekend’s competition starts with a 2-person ambrose on Australia Day, followed by a stableford event on Saturday sponsored by Bowen Golf club.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Saturday winners – Tanya Gaudry, Jo Kukura, Ken Groves, Steve Darwen. Photo supplied

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Aaron Prosser won the Tuesday competition with 35 stableford points; one ahead of Louis Neethling. Pins went to Ben Smith, Rehab Hull, John Roser and Matthew Muller.

Thursday's winner, Fraser Simpson had 42 points to beat Jason Bourke in the A division, while Michael Jarvis had 40 points ahead of Leigh Redpath with 38 points in the B division. Pins went to Levi Holmes, Fraser Simpson, and Nathan Holohan.

Troy Smith edged out Brendan Spann with 21 points to win the Friday Met run, while Sam Deicke won both pin shots.

The Hayman Electrical Saturday competition's one-shot winner, Steve Westley beat Lewis Tuck in the A division,

while Dean Kercher had 37 points to beat Scott Dwyer by three shots in the B division.

Rehab Hull edged out Nicole Cooper with 33 points to take out the ladies' section. Brad Fleet only needed one great shot on hole 2, while Tony Goss, Brad Fleet, Lewis Tuck, Penny Wardroper and Tina Badenhorst won the other pin shots.

Brett Bauer beat Jim Sell by two shots to win the Sunday competition with 40 points. Pins went to Jon Miller, Jim Sell, Patrick Conen, Jacqueline Wall, and Elise Hodgson.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Photo supplied

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Another very warm and steamy day on the golf course which kept some of our players indoors, however Sundays are getting busier every week so make sure you log into the timesheet as early as possible.

So the winners were:

LADIES ALL IN:

Winner: Elise Hodgson with 36 points

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 29 points

Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae and Pam Casey

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: George Meharry with 36 points

Runner-up: Ritchie Atkins with 32

Longest Drive: Aaron Watts

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Paul Nicol with 38 points

Runner-up: Wilf Herweg with 35

Longest Drive: Wilf Herweg

NTPs:

For the ladies: Tiina Randmae on the 2nd

For the men: George Meharry on the 1st, Wilf Herweg on the 2nd, Paul Nicol on the 16th.

RAFFLE: Tiina Randmae won the MBW voucher in the raffle.

NEXT WEEK: will be a Stableford format, get your names in by Close of Business on Tuesday in the NEW timeslot of 6.30 - 7.30am so we can play in a block and have the presentation as early as possible.

Sunday 4/2 will be the Feb MM and least putts.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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This week’s 9-hole stabelford saw Donna Henderson take first place with 21 pts c/b, following in second with 21 pts was Brock Brindle and third place with 19 pts was Michael Pettiford.

Fridays 9-hole stabelford saw Chris Bartlett in first place with 24 pts, second with 21 pts c/b was Brock Brindle and third place with 21 pts Glenn Rees.

Sunday PAR SVS 18-hole competition was a very warm day but didn’t stop Brent Daniel taking first place with +5, second with +3 was Glenn Rees and third place was Brock Brindle with +1.

Nearest the pin was Glenn Scott. Great job by all this week.

Watch our Facebook page for details on Australia Day.

On Sunday 28th Jan will be our Monthly Medal 18 holes comp, tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am we hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.

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Pictured: Donna Henderson. Photo supplied

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Since its launch in 2022, the Next Stars Sports Academy has quickly established itself as a leader in sports coaching and mentorship for children in the Whitsunday region. Offering a variety of sports including running, basketball, netball and ninja as well as school holiday programs, Next Stars mission is to “inspire youth in regional and remote Australia to reach their full potential through sport”.

Co-Founder of Next Stars, Tim Oberg, said “I grew up in Brisbane and was fortunate enough to have access to a huge amount of sports that were delivered by quality coaches. Grasping these opportunities instilled in me values that have helped shape my life and are still with me today. I want children here in the Whitsundays, including my own, to have similar opportunities. It was with this goal in mind that Next Stars was established.”

Next Stars focus on the following three principles of WAR in all of their coaching:

WORK – Nothing beats hard work when you want to excel at sport. At Next Stars they emphasise the value of hard work and encourage all participants to give their very best at all times.

ATTITUDE – Next Stars athletes are taught to be optimistic, have a growth mindset and use positive self-talk to help reduce performance anxiety and increase their confidence during training and competition.

RESPECT – Next Stars athletes are taught to be respectful of their teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials at all times. Most importantly, they are taught to respect themselves by encouraging positive self-esteem, something that is crucial during these years of development.

To find out more about Next Stars go to www.nextstars.org of find them on Facebook / Instagram @nextstarssportsacademy.

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One more month of summer and the days are already getting shorter and although we are still only bowling on Wednesday afternoon, Jackpot Bowls, and Sunday afternoon Social Bowls we are getting big numbers in attendance and some great performances from our players in our little but elite Club.

Great news, this week starting on Wednesday where Mervyn Stewart and Rick Galea do a superb job of running an even competition and there can only be one winner with Warren Mills showing he's back to his best leading Dawn Dowel, and Alan Pershouse to a commanding 25-7 victory over all the other participants and it was the really lovely Jill Spencer whom went home with the prestigious Health Hub award.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls also had a huge field with the winning team of Highest winning score with our bar manager Fiona Greener throwing the dice and the outstanding team performance was by Tony Kelly at skipper whom was explosive with his accurate display and with Gary Smith at second and John Anderson at lead put up an unbeatable score to win by 15 points and take the prizes on offer, whilst Paul Osborne was absolutely delighted to win the prestigious Health Hub award. A great day was had by all.

Whilst all this was happening Russell Jackson was representing Queensland in the Australian titles in the Deaf Games Division played in Newcastle NSW and he reached the final and won the Silver Medal, which for our club is a totally unbelievable accomplishment, considering all the clubs in Australia participating.

We are so very proud and lucky to have such a talented, competitive, who never gives up and never gives in and never says die attitude which is infectious in our little club.

To say we are all so proud of Russell is a huge understatement.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Russell Jackson proudly displaying his silver medal. Photo supplied

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Winners for Tuesday social bowls were Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt, and Steve Roome defeated Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Mark Drummond. Jocelyn DeFranciscis. Merle Elphinstone, and Penny Warren defeated Bill Myers, Irene Laird, and Allan Rolfe. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

On Sunday, 24 players braved the heat for a nice afternoon of bowls Thank goodness for the shade cover. Winners for the afternoon were Gwenda Lydom, Robyn Stitt, and Kevin Daniels who defeated Terry Blair, Jocelyn DeFranciscis, and Fely Duncan. Others were Merle Elphinstone, Jim Quod, and Pat Tracey narrowly defeated Bron Tolcher, Graeme Read, and Allan Rolfe.

In an even closer game Bill Myers, Deb Retchless, and Mark DeFranciscis drew with Lindy Suann, Penny Warren, and Sugar Brunker. Toni Bowen, Albi Vigar, and Mark Drummond defeated Stumpy Adams, Linda Scells and Barry Beel. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Congratulations to Denise Wallace and Penny Warren in being selected to represent the North Qld District Ladies in the State District Sides competition to be held at the Gold Coast in May.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners for Sunday:  President Mark Drummond with Robyn Stitt and Gwenda Lydom. Absent Kevin Daniels. Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted another successful Club Night on Wednesday night.  The Cannons commended two young members with new Club records. Lucas Korosec for setting a record for boys 7 years 50m Butterfly in a time of 54.30s. Eloise Chegwidden, aged 8 years, set a record for 50m Breaststroke in a time of 52.31sec. Congratulations, Eloise, and Lucas!  

Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Andie Reynolds, Connor Lee, Eloise Chegwidden, Eric Mulliss, Billie Jamieson, Murphy Jamieson, Maeve Dichiera, Harris Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, Jaylah Reddaway, Ella Maddock, and Stevie Lee.  

“The Swim of the Night” awards were presented to Tiana Bell, Declan Dichiera and Zach Trefz.  Chocolate Awards (for the best PBs) were presented to Tora Delac, Dylan Reynolds, and Alex Trefz.  Well done, swimmers!  

Top performers at Club Night with the most PBs were  Mackenzie Bennett, Harris Delac, Declan Dichiera, Lucas Korosec, Pippa Laguna, Connor Lee, Abiageal Maher, Kye Mitchell, Andie Reynolds, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.  

Special mentions: Celeste Orenshaw swam a fantastic 100m Butterfly in 1.46.20, a 19.01sec PB. Matilda Nicholes swam an excellent 400m Freestyle in a time of 6.05.15 which was a massive 33.37sec PB. Murphy Jamieson swam an impressive 50m Freestyle in under 50sec. Gracie Laguna swam a super 100m IM in a time of 2.02.6, taking close to 9sec off her best time. Tora Delac’s best swims were her 200m Freestyle and 200m Backstroke, taking over 3 sec off each.  

The Cannons would like to commend new swimmers for swimming extremely well at their first Club Night. The Cannons would like to welcome Ella Maddock, Ava Mitchell, Kye Mitchell, Jaylah Reddaway and Aston Pook and their families! The Cannons would like to thank all the wonderful parents for their assistance at Club Night!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Lucas Korosec

Eloise Chegwidden. Photos supplied

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Australia Day Bowls at the Mackay Club will consist of two divisions of triples played during the afternoon, each consisting of two games of eleven ends starting at 1:00 pm. Division one will include bowlers, and division two will consist of two non-bowlers and one bowler. Prize money will be awarded to winners and runners-up in both divisions. Throughout the afternoon, a BBQ and Aussie food will be available. Bowlers and non-bowlers looking for an afternoon of fun and bowls are invited to come along to the Mackay Bowling Club.

Results: Tuesday - Social Day (12) Winners of Winners: Carol Savage and Brad Robertson Winner of Losers: Where Herwini and Niel Holt.

Thursday Scroungers (15) Winner: Niel Holt, Runner-up: Grant Edmonds.

Friday Ladies Mixed Social (10) All participants had a good afternoon.

Ladies Graded Pairs will be played on Saturday, January 27th, starting at 12:30 pm. Names should be submitted by Wednesday, January 24th. Men's Club Champion nominations close on Sunday, January 29th. Nomination forms are available on the notice board in the clubhouse.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Well done to Eric Goodchild and David Ting finishing second in the 500 - 750 Swiss Pairs division at Summer Festival of Bridge 2024 in Canberra. Well done also to Debra Goodchild and Ming Ting for finishing as solid sixteenth in their division.

While at home the Unders and Overs Teams event was held on Friday, with Team Stokes (Diane Stokes, Terrence Sheedy, Joy Block & Janelle Conroy), taking out first place, coming second Team Ross (Susan Ross, Richard Wix, Vicki Howard & Janine Rodgers).

Weekly Results

Monday 15 January 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

NS

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

1st

Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2nd

Joy Block / Nancy Wix

2nd

Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd

Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd

Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese

Tuesday Evening 16 January 2024 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

2nd

Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd

Richard Wix / Joy Block

4th

Diane Cox / Faye Wright

Wednesday 17 January 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

1st

Terry Sheedy / Eric Lievesley

2nd

Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell

2nd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd

Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

3rd

Diane Stokes / Joy Block

4th

Frances Brown / Alan Brown

4th

Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

Thursday 18 January 2024 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

2nd

Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

3rd

Griffin Bancroff / Diane Stokes

4th

Susan Ross / Jan Harris

Friday 19 January 2024 - 11 Table Mitchell Green Points Unders and Overs Teams

Team

1st

Stokes – Terrence Sheedy, Diane Stokes, Janelle Conroy, Joy Block

2nd

Ross – Richard Wix, Susan Ross, Janine Rodgers, Vicki Howard

3rd

McGuire – Marie McGuire, Geoff Cowan, Julie O’Neill, Jewel Schmidt

4th

Mayer-Miller – Kath Poole, Sue Mayer-Miller, Nancy Martin, Noel Saunders

Saturday 20 January 2024 – No results

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Contributed by Joy Block

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David, Ming, Pres. Noel, Debra and Eric

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Pioneer Valley have advanced to the Grand Final of the 2023-24 Mackay Cricket Association Twenty20 Division One Shootout competition.

The Valley secured top position on percentages after edging out second placed Norths in their final round clash at George Gorrie Oval last weekend.

In a low scoring tussle, Pioneer openers Mitch English (51 runs off 52 balls) and Cody Filewood (46) led the way against the Devils with a vital opening stand of 84 to help post a tally of 5-128.

Norths (9-103) fell short of their target with Kai Higham (23) and Mason Kohler (21) the only batsmen to hit their straps after the Devils were tottering at 4-34.

Bailey Camilleri (3-21) and Jade Filewood (2-17) were the pick of the Valley bowlers with Jason Butterworth (3-18) a stand out for Norths.

The Devils will now square off with Walkerston in a Grand Final qualifier on Friday February 2 at Great Barrier Reef Arena after the Roosters (5-157) eliminated the Magpies (9-133) from finals reckoning.

A superb knock of 96 not out by Mackay representative batsman Sam Vassallo inspired Walkerston to a rousing victory that wrapped up third spot on the table.

The experienced Vassallo faced 64 balls and smashed a six and twelve boundaries – sharing a crucial sixth wicket partnership of 79 with team mate Tom Vandenberg (26 not out) after the Roosters were 5-78.

Young gun Liam Newbery (4-29) shone with the ball with support from skipper Chris Mceldowney (2-13) and Nick Lotarski (2-34) as the Roosters collected regular scalps to keep the Magpies at bay.

Wes Dyer (22), Ben Zurvas (21), Rhys McBride (20) and Adam Zurvas (20) failed to capitalise on enterprising starts for the Magpies, who also got value from bowler Conor Bryant (2-29).

Brothers posted a resounding victory over Souths with skipper Matthew Wicks and club stalwart Michael Dunn in outstanding form with the bat.

Wicks slammed 74 off 46 balls with eleven boundaries and Dunn (60 not out) off 52 balls as the pair registered a productive opening stand of 120 to help Brothers amass 3-177.

Rocklyn Miller hit 26 as Souths were bundled out for 109 with Toby O’Grady (3-20) and Floris Duvenhage (3-32) the chief destroyers.

Winner of the Norths v Walkerston finals clash will line up against Pioneer Valley in the trophy decider on Saturday February 3 at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

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Amidst the stifling heat that clung to Mackay, the runners of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series found solace and support in an unexpected oasis. Dr. George Hannaford, from Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic at the Bucasia Shopping Centre, opened the doors of his air-conditioned clinic to over forty dedicated athletes. Dispelling the oppressive temperatures, the clinic provided a welcome respite for the runners before and after the challenging event.

The sweltering conditions failed to temper the competitive spirits as the runners tackled the intense heat with determination. In a showdown of youthful vigour, two junior runners, Luke Leven and Jarrod Mackie, set the pace in the fiercely contested 10km race. Their powerful performance and strategic support for each other dominated the field, showcasing their readiness for a promising running season in 2024. Meanwhile, reigning Mackay Road Runners Female Club Champion, Alana Knesevic, exhibited unwavering speed despite the off-season challenges and soaring temperatures.

The Bluewater Lagoon awaits the runners in the next leg of the series, commencing at 5:15 pm this Sunday. As the formal Mackay Road Runners calendar looms just three weeks away, the runners, including new faces and seasoned stalwarts like birthday celebrants David Isbister and Shane Barben, continue to push their limits.

Acknowledging the tireless efforts of Life Member Jim Ford and Andrew Short in course setup and coordination, the Shawn’s Summer Social Series approaches its conclusion. The final run, starting from the Memorial Pool car park, promises an exhilarating end to the series with random draw prizes and the refreshing touch of Zooper Doopers. Beyond the thrill of competition, the series aims to make a meaningful contribution, as excess funds will be donated to the Pancare Assoc in honour of Life Member and cherished athlete, Shawn Claydon, who succumbed to Pancreatic Cancer in August 2018. All are welcome to join, regardless of club membership, in celebrating community, resilience, and the spirit of running.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Approximately forty runners met at the Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Clinic for the Shawn’s Summer Social Series #13 event from the Bucasia Shopping Centre complex

Dr George Hannaford from Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic generously donated a 50% discount voucher

Harvey and Vivian Knesevic are excited to run the 5km with Dad, Adam pushing them in the running pram

Jenny White and Geeta Ariana pace themselves in the 5km Shawn’s Summer Social Series

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