Tuesday’s Ladies’ President’s Day, sponsored by Tropical Beach Caravan Park, was a resounding success, thanks to beautiful weather and enthusiastic participation. President Lyn Danvers extended a warm welcome to North Queensland officials and visiting clubs from Jubilee, Alligator Creek, Ayr, Airlie Beach, and southern regions.

With a full green of triples, the morning games were highly competitive. Ruth Moore, Dot Slater, and Fely Duncan emerged as the top team with 17 points, defeating Merle Elphinstone, Henny, and Sandra Stitson. Second place went to Rhonda Lesley, Bates, and June Walsh, who triumphed over Margaret Harvey, Lyn Skeen, and Pearl Aykens. Third place was claimed by M. Barnard, Robyn McAllister, and Kaye Cooper, who won against Naomi Land, Lorraine Knight, and Heather Jorgensen.

A special sportsmanship prize for the lowest score was awarded to Wilma Berryman, Sue Hendy, and Margaret Wilson, who were bested by Linda Smith, Elaine Kippen, and Marion Nicholson. Thanks to our sponsor Ben for attending and presenting the prizes.

After lunch, President Lyn Danvers made a special presentation to Maree Brunker, honoring her achievement of reaching Super Veteran Status. Congratulations, Maree!

On Sunday, the winners on Rink 4 were Deb Retchless, Albi Vigar, and Allan Rolfe, who defeated Merle Elphinstone, Kennedy, and Whitton. The jackpot was not claimed.

Best of luck to our men’s team competing this weekend in the Burdekin/Bowen Pennant at Wangaratta.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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President Lyn Danvers with Maree Brunker Super Veteran
Winners Presidents Day
Photos supplied

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As a reminder to all players, please prioritize safety when moving from the 9th green to the 10th tee by using the area behind the 18th green. Be mindful of players approaching the 18th fairway.
Good luck to the Men’s Pennant teams competing at Ingham and Home Hill! We're excited to see how they perform.

Week Ending 6/9/24
Despite strong winds and challenging conditions, golfers persevered, with little rain to dampen the week’s events.

Tuesday 3/9/24 - PGC Stroke

Men:
   • Winner: Craig McLean with a fantastic 67 nett.
   • Runner-up: Steve Lucas, posting 70.

Ladies:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmae with an impressive 69 nett.
   • Runner-up: Elspeth Scotford with 72.

Rundown: Gary Scotford and Kev Cooper with 70, Ryan Kenny with 72, Sean Gower, John Oates, Sean Fogarty, and Steve Mitchell with 73, and Leanne Alexander with 74.
2 Shot Winners: Craig McLean (twice) and Gary Scotford. Nearest to Pin (NTPs): Gary Scotford, Craig McLean, Jason Bourke, and Mark Thompson.

Wednesday 4/9/24 - Ladies PD Law September Monthly Medal and Least Putts
A very windy day made scoring difficult:
   • Winner: Leanne Alexander, showing great skill with a 71 nett.
   • Runner-up: Lyn Muller with 74.

Rundown: Tina Badenhorst with 75, Tiina Randmae and Elspeth Scotford with 76.

NTPs: Leanne Alexander, Tina Badenhorst, and Di Dobbins (twice).

Thursday 5/9/24 - VenueSmart September Monthly Medal
   • Overall Winner: Alan Elsayed with a nett 70.

A Grade:
   • Winner: Alan Elsayed with nett 70.
   • Runner-up: Craig McLean, narrowly behind with 71.

B Grade:
   • Winner: Nic Apruzzese with 72 (on a countback).
   • Runner-up: Bryan Payne.

Rundown: Adam Hosie (Thredbo GC) with 71, Aaron Prosser with 72, Ryan Wilkes and Gary Scotford with 74, and Brendon Meharry, Colin Hounsell, Jason Bourke, and John Roser with 75.

NTPs: Adam Stroud, Matthew Muller, Aaron Prosser, and Barry Mortimer.

Friday 6/9/24 - Met Run 9 Holes
   • Winner: Karlene Lloyd with 21 points.
   • Runner-up: Fay Milne with 20 (on a countback).
   • 3rd Place: Daniel Borgh (Bowen GC).

NTP: Mitchell Whitton.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Pennant C grade team 3rd place, Photo supplied

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It was a glorious day for golf as the sun shone brightly with a gentle, cooling breeze—a touch blustery at times, but overall, simply beautiful. A strong field of 35 players took part in the highly anticipated September Monthly Medal, including special guest Graham Banister from Easts Leisure and Golf, Maitland.

Results:
Ladies:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmaec, with an impressive 69 nett.
   • Runner-up: Elspeth Scotford, close behind with 72.
   • Run Down: Leanne Alexander and Pam Harrison with 74, Helen Deighton with 79, Jan Shuwalow, Rehab Hull, and Robyn Whitham with 80, and Beryl Noszworthy with 81.

Men:
   • Winner: Craig McLean, continuing his fine form with a 67 nett.
   • Runner-up: Wilf Herweg, also outstanding with 69.
   • Run Down: Gary Scotford with 70, John Oates and Steve Mitchell with 73, Colin Hounsell and Barry Mortimer with 76, Laurie Dakin with 77, John Wallace with 78, and Nic Apruzzese with 80.

Pin Shots:
   • Ladies: Tina Badenhorst, Beryl Nosworthy, Jenny Hounsell, Jan Shuwalow, Tiina Randmae, and Paula McQuat.
   • Men: Craig McLean and Gary Scotford, both finding the hole on the 2nd, Nic Apruzzese and Craig McLean (again) on the 9th, and Peter Fox, Laurie Dakin, and John Strelec on the 16th.

Least Putts:
   • Ladies: Pam Harrison and Leanne Alexander with 31.
   • Men: Gary Scotford with an impressive 28.

Chip-ins:
   • A solitary but skillful chip-in by Tina Badenhorst.

The day was a wonderful showcase of talent and camaraderie, with both seasoned players and newcomers enjoying the ideal weather and competitive spirit. Congratulations to all the winners!

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Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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On 7th September 2024, the rain finally cleared, providing ideal conditions for the 109 participants who ran, jogged, or walked the scenic five kilometre waterfront course B. The event saw a large turnout of 41 first-timers, while 13 participants achieved new personal bests, adding to the positive atmosphere.

A highlight of the day was celebrating Co-Event Director Kara’s impressive 250th parkrun, a significant milestone. The event also saw Kideok complete his 100th parkrun and Stuart reach his 150th, each accomplishment met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

The event was made possible by the hard work of the dedicated volunteer team, led by the Run Director. Special thanks go to Jet, Nick, Kara, Megan, Sharon, Wade, Susanne, Shane, Andy, Laura, Ken, Jarrod, Annette, Lynne, Christine, Merewyn, Carolyn, and Ange, who ensured the smooth running of the day.

Airlie Beach parkrun, began on 5th December 2015 and has since grown into a thriving community event. Over the years, 6,778 participants have completed 32,146 parkruns, covering an impressive 160,730 kilometres and achieving 3,759 new personal bests. A total of 483 individuals have volunteered 4,873 times to make these events happen.

For those interested in volunteering, the team welcomes new helpers. Get in touch and be a part of this vibrant community!

Photos supplied

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On Sunday, several standout athletes from the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club attended the SNQ State & National Clinic held in Bowen. Among the participants were Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Isaac Pisaniello, Jax Clayworth, Jacob Bell, Isabella Pisaniello, and Tora Delac. The full-day event provided expert coaching aimed at enhancing their swimming technique and overall performance.

The swimmers engaged in specialised pace and technique sessions, focusing on refining their strokes. A physiotherapist was present to assess their flexibility, ensuring the athletes maintain the necessary range of motion for peak performance in the pool. Additionally, the swimmers learned how to use trigger balls, a crucial tool for relieving muscle tension and aiding recovery. The day wrapped up with a yoga session designed to improve body awareness and concentration. It was a highly productive day for all involved, offering invaluable learning opportunities to boost their swimming prowess.
Special thanks go to Barry Prime from Swimming Queensland and Theresa Manning from Swimming North Queensland for organizing this outstanding clinic, which provided such valuable development for our swimmers.

Club Night Highlights
Last Wednesday, the Cannonvale Cannons held another exciting Club Night, where Giselle Burton proudly presented awards and upgrades to the club’s swimmers. The coveted Chocolate Award for the biggest personal best (PB) went to Harry Chegwidden for his remarkable performance in the 100-metre Individual Medley (IM).

Several swimmers celebrated upgrades, including Alex Trefz, who moved up to the 200-metre Freestyle, and River Shields, who advanced to the 50-metre Freestyle. Ruby Lawson had a particularly stellar evening, upgrading to the 100-metre distance in all four strokes, while Felix Hoise achieved upgrades to 25-metre Butterfly, 50-metre Freestyle, and 50-metre Backstroke.

Top performers of the night, based on PBs, included Charlie and Evie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Erik Hinrichsen, Ruby Lawson, Kaitlyn Moon, Eric Mulliss, and Andie Reynolds.
It was a fantastic week for the Cannons, with both the clinic and Club Night offering moments of achievement and growth for these dedicated swimmers.

Photos supplied

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Australia’s champion women cricketers are currently preparing for a series of T20 matches at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) to kick off the new summer season of cricket.
The two T20 matches at GBRA between Australia and New Zealand will be played next week, on Thursday 19 and Sunday 22 September. The season openers will be vital preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be staged in Bangladesh in October.
The Australian women are the reigning T20 World Cup Champions, having won the last three editions of the event stretching back to 2018. Overall they have won six of the eight ICC T20 Championships staged since their establishment in 2009.
Star international Beth Mooney said the Australian women’s team was thrilled to be returning to Mackay.

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Australia’s star cricketers, including Beth Mooney (centre), return to Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena for an exciting T20 series against New Zealand, gearing up for the Women's T20 World Cup. Photo supplied

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Cricket Fever Hits Mackay
AUSTRALIA VS NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S T20 SERIES

Australia’s champion women cricketers are gearing up for the highly anticipated T20 matches at Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) in Mackay as they prepare to defend their title at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
With two key matches against New Zealand on the 19th and 22nd of September, these season openers serve as crucial preparation for the reigning T20 World Cup champions, who have dominated the tournament with six wins out of eight since 2009.
Star international Beth Mooney expressed the team's excitement about returning to Mackay.

“Great Barrier Reef Arena has created some fantastic memories for me and the team, particularly from the one day international series victory against India just a few years back,” Mooney said.
“It’s a great venue, the crowds are brilliant and the atmosphere really helps to lift our performance.
“I can’t wait to kick off the new season with these two games against New Zealand, they will be hard fought and we are looking forward to bringing our best game to Mackay in September.
“It will be the perfect lead-in to our T20 World Cup campaign and I have no doubt that everyone will be switched on and raring to play.”
Mooney has enjoyed significant success at the venue, including a score of 125 not out to see Australia home in a last ball One Day thriller against India in 2021.
She has long since attracted a legion of admirers in Mackay through her WBBL exploits in the regional Queensland centre. In her time with the Brisbane Heat, Mooney made a feast of runs to cement her reputation as a local favourite.
Great Barrier Reef Arena was officially opened in May 2023 and made possible through the combined investment of the Federal and Queensland Governments.
Plans are currently well advanced for Stage 2 of the Arena, which comprises a major regional multisport training and event centre, including purpose-built facilities for athletes of all abilities.
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Tickets for both the Great Barrier Reef Arena games are available for purchase online now through Cricket Australia.

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Beth Mooney and Australia’s top women cricketers are back at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, ready to face New Zealand in a thrilling T20 series ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup. Photos supplied

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Sarina Crocodiles are the newly crowned Mackay & District Junior League A Grade champions for 2024.

Lightning struck twice for the Crocodiles after toppling premiership favourites Mackay Brothers 16-14 in last Saturday’s Grand Final showdown at the Junior League Fields.

It followed Sarina’s spirited 24-18 victory over the Leprechauns in the major semi-final.

Brothers won thirteen of their fourteen matches during the regular season - losing just one match against Mackay Magpies to wrap up the minor premiership.

Sarina opened the scoring after three minutes with a Mitch Fogarty try that was converted by fullback Zane McKellar.

Elusive three quarter Jayden Batchelor returned serve with a 16th minute try before centre partner Rydge Smith booted a penalty goal to lock the scores at 6-all at the half-time break.

Australian Universities winger Kane Simon scooted over for a try after the interval to give Brothers a 10-6 lead before Sarina piled on two quick tries for a 16-10 advantage.

Brothers winger Matthew Skaife bridged the gap when he scored in the 68th minute with goal kicker Smith failing to convert.
The Leprechauns are celebrating an A Grade Womens premiership triumph after skittling the Mackay Magpies 20-0.

Dashing winger Nali Hine and talented fullback Madi Westecott nabbed try doubles with Westecott and lock Cassie Adlam landing conversions in a dominant performance.

Brothers were best served by classy halves Imogen Healy and Mersades Lawson, prop Montanah Best, back rowers Ebony Temple and Shaylee Hazledine, hooker Lara Hutchinson and the powerful Adlam and Westecott.

Moranbah Miners clinched the Reserve Grade Mens premiership after trouncing Brothers 52-20.

The Miners ran in ten tries in a high scoring encounter with second rowers Oakland Stowers and Dylan Paterson, fullback Hayden Bell, winger Cameron White, interchange players Ilai Faamita, Mitchell Chadwick, David Butler and prop Jamie Maliko all crossing for four-pointers.

Moranbah half back Shannon Rupapere booted four goals and Maliko (two) to complete the rout.

Brothers fullback Assan Munro and second rower Joshua Borg scored tries with five eighth Alex Lawton potting two conversions.

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The Sarina Crocodiles celebrate their thrilling 16-14 victory over Mackay Brothers, securing the 2024 Mackay & District Junior League A Grade Championship. Photo credit: Jessica Wilson Photography

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In its very first season in use, it hasn't taken long for the Score Assist to impact a game, with Maddy Guerin's match-winner coming in dramatic style. With the goal umpire unsure whether Daisy D'Arcy had touched it before or after the line, umpires conferred before going upstairs to the system that makes use of ball tracking technology. With no replay or communication for the players, spectators or viewers to see or hear, only once the signal for a goal was given did everyone know the result.
D'Arcy's ball use a cut above the rest
With players struggling in the hot and windy conditions to hit targets, the ball use of SUN Daisy D'Arcy was a step above. D'Arcy, playing at half-back, had 16 kicks in her 25 disposals, gaining a match-high 546m at 76 per cent efficiency. Her laser pass for Jamie Stanton's second-quarter goal was a feature.
GOLD COAST             2.0       4.5       4.6       5.8 (38)
CARLTON      2.2       4.4       4.7       5.9 (39)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Whitfort, Davies, Bohanna, Stanton, Dupuy
Carlton: Skepper, Anthony, Austin, B.Moody, Guerin
BEST 
Gold Coast: Darcy, Rowbottom, Single, Whitfort, Barwick, Bohanna
Carlton: Hill, McKay, Sherar, Finn, Cordner, Guerin
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Whitfort (knee)
Carlton: C.Moody (neck)
Reports: Nil

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A hard-fought AFLW clash at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, where Carlton edged out the Gold Coast SUNS by a single point. Fans enjoyed mingling with players after the intense game. Photo credit: Gold Coast SUNS

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A dramatic late goal to Maddy Guerin has seen Carlton snatch its first victory of the AFLW season, hanging on by a solitary point against Gold Coast in Mackay on Sunday.
With her team trailing by four points and less than two minutes remaining, Guerin received a handball from Darcy Vescio and sent her right foot snap goalward from 25m.
SUN Daisy D'Arcy leapt high on the line to touch the ball, but following an official score review - which is being used in the AFLW for the first time this season - the Blues were awarded the go-ahead goal.
Gold Coast had a late chance to snatch victory, but Lucy Single's hurried snap sailed just wide with 15 seconds remaining to leave the score 5.9 (39) to 5.8 (38) to the Blues.
The result leaves the SUNS 0-2 following two home matches and well behind their pursuit of playing a second consecutive finals series.
The Blues hit the front deep into the final term as Madeleine Guerin’s slick effort is ticked off by new smart ball technology
In hot and blustery conditions at Great Barrier Reef Arena, the teams traded blows all day in a physical contest.
Mimi Hill was superb for the victors with her outside dash leading to 23 disposals, while Abbie Mackay played a second terrific game in succession to finish with 22.
Gold Coast trailed by a point at the final break and following Jac Dupuy's excellent set shot, looked like taking victory before Guerin's late heroics.
Charlie Rowbottom was colossal for the SUNS, finishing with 35 disposals, 10 marks and 10 tackles.
Her defensive intent and bone-rattling tackling was a feature.
Daisy D'Arcy (25) had claims as one of the best players afield with her excellent ball use, while Claudia Whitfort (20) overcame a knee scare at half-time to be a solid contributor.
With a flukey wind swirling and switching directions, the teams played out a see-sawing and entertaining first half.
The Blues, kicking with the prevailing wind early on, got on the board first with goals to Keeley Skepper and Marianna Anthony before the SUNS found a foothold in the game.
Whitfort opened their account with a clever finish from the right forward pocket and when Darcie Davies showed good skill below her knees to gather and snap, the hosts trailed by two points at the first change.
Again, it would be two goals apiece in the second term, with Jamie Stanton's goal a highlight.
Rowbottom won the ball at half-forward, swatted off her Carlton opponent like a pesky fly, then gave a handball to D'arcy who lasered a kick to Stanton for an open goal.
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By Michael Whiting – AFL Media

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From a young age, Kristen had an interest in athletics and gymnastics, but it wasn’t until around the age of 10 when she developed a passion for the sport. Since then, she has been mountain biking for just over six years but only started racing competitively around three years ago.

Kristen said it wasn’t until August last year when she ventured into the world of cross duathlon - a sport that combines trail running and mountain biking.

Now in her final year of schooling at St Patrick's College, Kristen recently represented Australia at the World Triathlon Age Group Multisport World Championships in Townsville, where she competed in the Cross Duathlon event.

She claims that she won the title of national champion “by accident.”

“In 2023 I competed at the national championships in Townsville for cross duathlon and I ended up sort of…by accident…becoming the national champion at my first ever duathlon race, and then that led to my selection into the Australian team to compete at the world championships this year,” she said.

As she wore green and gold, Kristen prevailed in the 6 km trail run and 20 km mountain bike ride before finishing with another 3 km trail run, earning her the honourable title of 2024 World Champion for the 18-19 years Cross Duathlon.

Kristen recalled the feeling of victory and said “it was a surprise but I put a lot of hard work, training and a lot of discipline into it.

“I’m really happy to come away with a win, and the race was super hard as well so it was a big achievement to just finish.”

This incredible accomplishment not only marks Kristen's success on the international stage but also secures her a spot on the Australian team, where she will have the opportunity to defend her title in 2025 at the World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

With success, comes challenges, which Kristen says it’s been hard trying to manage school studies with a training regimen that includes mountain biking, running and gym sessions as well as balancing a social life.

Despite this, Kristen says that her involvement with the Athlete Development Program at 21 Laps has helped significantly where Dean and his team have provided valuable support. Her riding coach from Brisbane, John Russell from JRsgymandbike, has also been instrumental in helping her balance her fitness goals

Kristen credits her training team and coach for guiding her to success, saying, "It was hard, but it really paid off."

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Kristen Rowlands, 17, celebrates her remarkable achievement as the 2024 World Champion for the 18-19 years Cross Duathlon after a gruelling event in Townsville. Photo supplied

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The Makay Barometer Pairs competition was played over two days, with 18 pairs competing for coveted Red points.
Section A Winners: Nany Martin and Monica Darley, Section B Winners: Janine Rodgers and Richard Wix, with Section C Winners: Ted Cullinan and Noel Saunders.

Weekly Results

Mackay Barometer Pairs Winners after two days – Red points

A
1st
Nancy Martin / Monica Darley
2nd
Ann Whitmore / Patricia Garner
B
1st
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
2nd
Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft
C
1st
Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders
2nd
Anne Lutz / Sandy Patterson
Wednesday 4 September 2024 – NWP Week 17 of 24 - 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Alan Brown / Janet Hansen
3rd
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th
Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan
5th
Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell
6th
Susan Wright / Bob Ellis
Thursday Evening 5 September 2024 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

2nd
Jan Harris / Susan Ross
2nd
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

Friday 6 September 2024 - 6 Table Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Kath Poole / Nancy Martin
1st
Christine Nice / Diane Cox

2nd
Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore
2nd
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

3rd
Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

Saturday 7 September 2024 - 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris
1st
David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd
Mick King / Jan Harris
2nd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Patricia Garner / Ian Gaskell

4th
Joyce Deguara / Toni Large
4th
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

Contributed by Joy Block

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Janelle Conroy with Barometer Pairs A Winners Nancy Martin and Monica Darley
Janelle Conroy with Barometer Pairs B Winners Janine Rodgers and Richard Wix
Barometer Pairs C Winners Ted Cullinan and Noel Saunders. Photos supplied

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The North Mackay Sinkers have participated in the MS Super Splash great fundraiser for nine years now, raising over $56,000 across all events. The Mackay community is encouraged to get involved by registering a team from a club or group to enjoy a great day out at the fantastic Memorial Swimming Centre and for those without a team, an adoptive team can be arranged.

The MS Super Splash is an action-packed fundraising challenge held in various locations across Queensland, supporting people living with MS. In teams of at least four people, participants take on a team swimming relay while raising vital funds to provide services and support for over 5,500 Queenslanders living with MS and other neurological conditions.

Teams decide their distance and swim style - whether swimming one lap or 100 laps, the focus is on getting involved and making a difference. Outside of the pool, the day is packed with activities, music and fun, bringing communities together to raise essential funds for Queenslanders living with MS.

Current registered teams include the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club, Muscle Garden, DMR Leisure, and the Polar Bears, who have collectively raised $5,145 with five weeks left until the event. The all-teams goal is $30,000, and generous donations are welcome to help boost efforts - all donations are tax-deductible.

Individuals and teams can register or donate online at MS Super Splash : Mackay and the Whitsundays MS Super Splash

Want to know more? Phone Cameron on 0417 409 388 or email cameron.hope@msqld.org.au
For club and Membership Enquiries, email prs.nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156

What: MS Super Splash
When: Saturday October 12th (8am to 4pm)  
Where: Memorial Swim Centre
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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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A new season of Tuesday morning Mackay Table Tennis fixtures started this week, with a four-a-side format. The best match was in division 2 where Toyota Turners and Sydney Slam (great names!) drew 7-all. There were five five-game matches, the closest between Robyn and John, Robyn up -9, -9, 7, 6, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures August 27, 2024:

Division 1:

Hyundai (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Honda (Vince Boeske, Graham Brake) 7-2. Tim d Vince 6, -7, 4, -7, 11.

Fiat (Donna Abbott, Emma Widdup, Geoff Cowan) d Holden (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Mark Sleeman) 7-4. Donna d Lee -5, 12, -10, 10, 8.

BMW (Tony Bowman, Barry Patterson, Neil Brown) d Ferrari (Steven Whiting, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) 7-4. Steven d Neil 13, -7, -5, 8, 8.

Alpha (Delma Knight, Goncalo Serra, Graeme Walker) d Audi (Andrew McHugh, Lily Boland, Ian McKay) 7-4. Graeme d Ian 7, -7, 11, -10, 5.

Division 2:

Subaru (Tiffany Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, David Symons) d Suzuki (Matt West, Josie Davis) 9-2. Steve d Matt -9, -5, 5, 7, 9.

Nissan (Noreen Fredericksen, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang) d Rolls (Niro Premachandra, Peter Goodson, Lshara Liyanagamage) 6-5. Niro d YiLin -10, 3, -7, 7, 9.

Mercedes (Will VanDeKaa, Darryl Ross, Val Austin) d Mazda (Craig VanDeKaa, George Camilleri, Rymer Tabulo) 6-5. Will d Rymer -12, 10, 12, -6, 5.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures September 3, 2024:

Division 1:

Bouncers (Branko Vucurovic, Donna Abbott, John McGee, Marie Taylor) d Code Crackers (Janice Kent, Steve Mathieson, Noreen Fredericksen) 9-5. John/Marie d Noreen/Coral) 9, -6, 8, -8, 12.

Nano Nets (Tony Bowman, Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson) d Pixel Paddles (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Kevin Abbott) 9-2. Peter d Judy -7, -9, 6, 9, 10.

Division 2:

Berlin Blockers (Gloria Vella, Iris Grasso, Madge Saunders, Josie Davis) d Rome Ralliers (Gerry Synnott, Louise Gould, Bill Hey, Cheryl Aprato) 9-5. Josie d Cheryl 11, -10, -5, 9, 11.

Toyota Turners (John Hamleink, Fred Saliba, Frank Caruana, Allison Day) drew Sydney Slam (Helen Ware,  Robyn Bushell, Sharon Muller, Darryl Ross) 7-all. Robyn d John -9, -9, 7, 6, 10.

Paris Spinners (Bryan Marshall, Ian Dodds, Pam Keune,  Trish Zamparuti) d London Looper (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Nadine Stream, Glenda Brookes) 9-5. Ian d Kim -8, -9, 7, 12, 8.

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Neil Brown
Steven Whiting. Photos supplied

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The 2024 Mackay Triathlon Festival is fast approaching and is set to be one of the region’s biggest sporting events, drawing athletes from across Queensland and beyond. Participants from Airlie Beach, Bowen, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Brisbane, and even Victoria are expected to attend, boosting Mackay’s profile as a sports tourism destination.

Spanning two days, the festival will feature 16 events and over $11,000 in cash prizes, with an additional $5,000 in sponsored prizes from local businesses. The festival caters to everyone, from first-timers to seasoned triathletes.

The event kicks off on Saturday, September 21st, with an ocean swim starting at 2pm.

Categories include 500-metre, 1-kilometre, and 2-kilometre open water events.

The Mini Kids Triathlon follows at 3pm offering a fun introduction to the sport around the surf club parks and pathways.

The excitement continues on Sunday, September 22nd, starting at 6.30am.

Triathlons at the festival feature various distances, including the enticer distance (300-metre swim, 10-kilometre bike ride, and 2-kilometre run), sprint distance (750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike ride, and 5-kilometre run), and Olympic distance (1,500-metre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride, and 10-kilometre run).

Duathlons combine running and cycling, with distances ranging from the enticer (2-kilometre run, 10-kilometre bike ride, 2-kilometre run) to the Olympic distance (5-kilometre run, 40-kilometre bike ride, 10-kilometre run).

Aquabike events focus on swimming and biking, offering another variation for athletes seeking a swim-bike challenge without the running component.

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The Mackay Triathlon Festival 2024 promises a weekend of excitement with over $11,000 in prizes. Photo supplied

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Mackay State High School showcased its basketball prowess, winning two titles at the recent Mackay Interschool Basketball Tournament, which brought together schools from across the region. The school's Open Boys and Junior Girls teams emerged victorious, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and determination.
The Open Boys, coached by Mr Stuart Watkins, began their campaign with a commanding win against Sarina State High School, setting the tone for the tournament. Their second game against Northern Beaches State High School proved to be a tougher challenge, with the boys having to regroup after a quick start from their opponents. However, a well-timed timeout helped them regain control, resulting in a fantastic team win.
The final round game saw the boys cruise to another victory, this time against Carlisle, securing their spot in the grand final against Northern Beaches SHS, their toughest competition. Determined to avoid a repeat of their earlier close call, the team started strong and maintained their lead from start to finish to win 62-48.
Standout performers in the grand final included Andrew Llelliot, whose offensive prowess proved too much for any defender, and Eligh Kingston, who excelled on both ends of the floor. Kingston not only neutralised the opposition's biggest threat but also directed the team’s offence from the point guard position. Youngster Brodie McBean and team captain Riley Armstrong also delivered consistently strong performances, with both players stepping up in the grand final. The future looks bright for the team, with McBean and sixth man Miles Pendleton poised to take on bigger roles next year as the team farewells its graduating seniors.
Mr Watkins praised his team's efforts, saying, "The boys showed incredible resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament. Every player stepped up when it mattered most, and it was great to see the senior boys finish their school careers on a high note."
The Junior Girls, coached by Mr Tyreeq Salleh Meadows, had an equally impressive run in the tournament. Throughout the round games, the team displayed dominance, cruising to comfortable victories. Experienced guards Lani Minster and Tannum Kingston were instrumental on both ends of the floor, showcasing their all-around skills. They were ably supported by forward Lisa Lelliot, who was a force on the boards and solid in defence, while Addison Armstrong contributed key shots that helped secure the wins.
In the grand final, the Junior Girls continued their winning form, defeating their opponents 46-28. Mr Salleh Meadows was particularly impressed with the team’s performance, stating, "Our girls played with great energy and focus. The way they moved the ball and worked together was outstanding, and it’s exciting to think about what they can achieve in the future."
Mr. Brett Watton, Head of HPE and Sporting Academies, hinted at the potential for basketball to become a more prominent feature at the school.
"These wins are a testament to the hard work of our students and coaches. With the level of talent and passion we've seen, it might be time to seriously consider basketball as one of our Sporting Academies in the future.
“It's clear that Mackay State High has what it takes to succeed on and off the court."

Mackay State High School open boys team
Mackay State High School junior girls team

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