Photos supplied: Mackay parkrun

The Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions are gearing up for an exciting artistic endeavour that promises to elevate the profile of local graphic artists while offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent.

This remarkable initiative provides an opportunity for a Youth Artist from the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regions to design the artwork that will be featured on the 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride cycling jersey and proudly worn by approximately 1,000 participants on Sunday 1 September and beyond.

Linda Murry, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are excited to raise the profile of graphic artists within our region, giving them the opportunity to have their artwork featured on about 1,000 cycling jerseys in 2024. This challenge is the perfect platform for young artists to kick-start their portfolio for a future career. There is so much talent in our region, and to showcase this on a larger scale with prize money is something we are very proud to be a part of."

The River 2 Reef Ride jersey has been a highly coveted item by event participants since its inception back in 2011.

Nikki Giles, BMA River 2 Reef Ride’s Event Director, says “every week we see past River 2 Reef Ride jerseys on cyclists not just in Mackay but all over the state. Our event participants wear these jerseys years after the event has taken place.”

“The 2024 jersey design will be captured by the BMA River 2 Reef Ride event photographers, literally thousands of photos will be taken and distributed across multiple social media and marketing platforms with the winning artists’ design front and centre.”

Nikki says, “the talented youth artist who wins this competition can expect to see their design pop up randomly on riders for years to come, what a great way to get your name out there into the public arena.”

The Youth Design Challenge is open to all high school students born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2012, within the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regions. Submissions are now being accepted and will close on March 3, 2024.

Once the submission period ends, a panel of judges will shortlist the entries down to three designs, which will be presented for public voting. The winning design will be announced on April 3, 2024, and the selected artist will receive a cash prize of $500 for 1st Prize. The 2nd Prize winner will be awarded $250, and the 3rd Prize winner will receive $100.

This challenge not only offers budding artists the opportunity to leave their creative mark on the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival but also empowers them to receive recognition for their skills and creativity within the local community and beyond. Don't miss this chance to be part of a unique artistic endeavour that will showcase the remarkable talent of our region!

For more information about the Youth Design Challenge and the submission process, please visit https://www.river2reefride.com.au.

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Participants wearing the 2023 River 2 Reef Ride cycling jerseys

With more than thirty eager runners joining the 11th leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social 2023/2024 Series, the weather brought a mix of overcast skies and breezes, offering respite from the heat. Despite the humidity, participants tackled 5km, 10km, and various distances in between, starting from the Magpies Sporting Club carpark and winding through Glenella's back streets towards the Gooseponds. Notably, pram pushers like Adam Knesevic and Ryan, and Bec Evetts manoeuvered their double prams expertly, making the run an enjoyable family affair!

This upcoming Sunday's leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series is set to kick off at 5:15 pm, starting from the Blacks Beach Tavern carpark. Anticipate an array of challenging terrains, ensuring an exciting experience for all, with special consideration for runners with prams. As tradition holds, the event promises the ever-refreshing Zooper Doopers awaiting participants at the finish line. Join in for an evening of invigorating runs and family-friendly fun!"

Story and photos contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Road Runners regulars welcome new runner Leanne to the off-season social series (left to right) – Natasha, Leanne, Stephen, Carmel, Andrew, Glynis and Emily

Paul MacKenzie (purple singlet) bolts from the gun with nearly thirty other keen runners

Grant Holmstrom easily skims over the 10km meandering course

Jose Short continues her training in the off season ready for the 2024 formal running program commencing in 4 weeks

Families including big kids and little kids are always welcome to Mackay Road Runners events – see the Knesevic, Evetts and Sant families

For the girls of the Year 8 Red Volleyball team for Proserpine State High School, coming home from the Queensland Volleyball Junior Schools Cup with Gold for Division 2 was a massive achievement.

Travelling to the Gold Coast for the competition, the girls were eager to showcase their growth, development, and improved skills on the court, with this year being the second time some of the girls have made it to the Schools Cup.

The team played five games across three days of competition and were victorious for each game.

“It was very exciting,” said Mia Clark.

“We played our best and it worked out.”

With some of the teammates only recently joining the team, the girls were proud of their wins, ultimately coming home with the Gold for Division 2.

And what do they say to other students who wish to get into the sport.

“Just get involved,” said Jorja Easton

“If you’ve been playing for a few years in primary school, you’ll be great,” said Mia.

“But starting in Year 7 is great, because you get so many opportunities to play.”

Pania Corowa explained that Proserpine State High School “Has some really great coaches.”

“Our coach this year was Miss Ryan, and she was great. She was focussed and positive, and she was so organised,” Pania said.

Pania was also shocked at the end of the compeition, being crowned the Most Valuable Player for the competition.

“It was a massive surprise, but it was so good,” she explained.

Jorja tells the story differently, “She was so shocked! She didn’t expect it at all!”

She was selected MVP by Queensland professional representatives, due to her good sportsmanship, teamwork, and growth over the competition.

“It was a really good feeling, from only landing fourth place last year, to getting MVP. It was so good.”

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Proserpine State High School Year 8 Girls Red Volleyball team. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Can you believe that Christmas has been and gone and all the pots have been put away because New Years Eve is over and we are into 2024?

This is going to be a fabulous year and all the members of our little club at ABBC would like to wish everyone a sensational year ahead.

We were still playing bowls over the holiday period, and it was Bobby Spees who shone like a high beam at night time with a masterful display of accuracy and precision firstly with Mark Mawson teaming up to beat all on comers and secondly with the back to best form Rick Galea with an outstanding victory.

Last Wednesday it was Russell Jackson whom was devastating and proved how his title of best deaf bowler in Queensland was no fluke with an outstanding performance with Mark Mawson and he completely overwhelmed the opposition with Mae and Herb Secomb, our oldest bowlers watching the proceedings and were overjoyed with the improvement and standard of our bowlers.

Sunday afternoon saw another big role up with 22 bowlers competing for the prizes on offer, whilst Liz McManus won the prestigious Health Hub award. It was an excellent performance, a team victory ably led by Betty Nicole at skipper with Arthur McManus at lead in outstanding form whilst the lovely Jill Spencer showed everyone that she's performing as good as ever with a 30-9 match winning performance.

We will continue with bowling only on Wednesday and Sunday until school starts up again. We have an Australia Day big game being organised by Margo Stanley on Friday 26th and names should be in soon.

Karen Jensen our vice chairperson is returning soon to her family at the Sunshine Coast and she's irreplaceable and whilst we will still have the illustrious Fioner Greener the place just won't be the same.

Great bowling to all

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mae and Herb Secomb whom visited the club on Wednesday to watch their daughter Mandy and son in law Phil take up where they left off. Photo supplied

Wednesday Social: Keith Kirk, Rob, Kevin Jewel d Robyn Stitt, Wendy, Lee Welsted. Daryl Tuttle, Linda, Jeff Tierney defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Rossco, and Steve Roome. Herb Dalton, Andrew Peebles, Jason Wright drew with Tracey Roach, Wayne Crowhurst, S. Fuller.

Seven played Scroungers: Ron, Lloyd, Gavin, Brett, Dacoda, Grandson  and Jane.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Wayne Crowhurst, Keith Kirk, Gavin Charles. Photo supplied

Happy New Year to all. We are looking forward to a great bowling year. Although still a little warm, 18 players returned to the green on Sunday for a nice afternoon of bowls.

Winners for the afternoon were Toni Bowen, Teresa Willshire, and Allan Rolfe  who defeated Bron Tolcher, Robyn Stitt, and Barry Beel, Others were Lindy Suann, Alby Vigar, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Merle Elphinstone, Irene Laird, and Pat Tracey. Stumpy Adamsm Penny Warren, and Mark Drummond defeated Bill Myers, Deb Retchless, and Graeme Read.  The jackpot didn’t go off.

Normal social bowls will return on Tuesday. Names in by 1pm for a 1.30pm start. Everyone is welcome.

We are hosting a special Australia Day evening of bowls and a BBQ for our members and barefoot bowlers 5-8pm on Friday 26 January. Hope to see you there. More information will be posted on Facebook.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners for Sunday, President Mark Drummond with Teresa Willshire, Toni Bowen, Allan Rolfe. Photo supplied

Whitsunday Triathlon Club finished the year on a high with two members competing at the IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo event in New Zealand recently.

Dan McDonnell made his Professional debut at the 70.3 distance racing in a hot pro field of 19 and had a super race finishing in 12th place in 3 hours 57 minutes.

He recovered from an early setback losing his goggles in the swim leg to blitz the 90km bike averaging 42 km pace and pushing 300 watts.

Dan capped off the strong ride by storming home in the run leg completing the 21.1km in 1 hour 16 minutes and was elated with his final race for 2023.

Veteran Ironman 70.3 competitor Debra Childs finished her seventh long distance event in a respectable 7 hours and was happy to race in front of family and friends in New Zealand.

While most members recovered and recharged their batteries over the Christmas/New Year period there will be no putting the feet up for Mark McConkey who is stepping up to compete in his first full Ironman triathlon at the New Zealand Ironman on March 2 next year.

Mark finished the Melbourne Ironman 70.3 in November along with partner Karen Maddock and he has now set his sights on the ultimate challenge, a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2 km marathon run in New Zealand.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Mick Kimpton said the club was busy planning for their major annual event, the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival on July 26 and 27 next year.

“Our Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon has established itself as a triathlon like no other in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and the 2024 event will be bigger and better than ever with an elite field of female and male professionals already nominated,” he said.

“With an amazing course on the shores of the Coral Sea and views of the Whitsunday islands this weekend in the tropical live music capital of Queensland has turned into an event not to be missed.

“Bring the whole family for some winter fun in the sun and enjoy racing with a top pro field and a weekend of events including Kids Triathlon, Ocean swims and the best after party ever,” Mr Kimpton said.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton.

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Photos supplied

Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson have been very impressed with swimmers keeping up their swim fitness over the school holidays. Despite the hot weather, swimmers continued to train and put in their best effort.

Last week, senior swimmers reflected on their achievements for 2023 and set new goals for the start of 2024. Many of the competitive swimmers have their focus on PBs, upgrades and club awards and some are looking at working towards qualifying for Qld Championships or being selected for the NQ School team. Most of the swimmers would like to improve their fitness, feel good, have some fun with friends with similar interests.  

The Cannonvale Cannons are also planning their annual swim carnival, Cannonvale Cannons Short Course Transition Meet which is to be held on 27th and 28th January. The highlights of the carnival include the Skins events and the Monster raffle.  

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club also held its first Club Night for 2024 on Wednesday, 10th January 2024.

New swimmers and their families are most welcome to come along. The “warm up” for Club Night starts from 5pm and racing starts from 6pm.

The Cannons have a busy schedule for the next few months.  The first district carnival starts on Saturday and 16 swimmers are travelling to Ayr to compete in the Burdekin Sprint Carnival.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Photos supplied

This weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Scott Morrissey take first place with a 20 pt c/b, second place with 20 pts was Morgan Vanderwyk and third place was Chris Bartlett with 19 pts c/b.

Fridays 9-hole stableford was a great day for Edwina Pettiford taking the win with 24 pts, second with 22 pts c/b was Andrew Gomez and third place with 22 pts Elise Hodgson. Great job by all.

Sunday, we held our first monthly medal for 2024 and what a turnout. First place with a 44 NET was Morgan Vanderwyk, second place with a 45 NET Brock Brindle and third place with a 46 NET David Thomas.  Nearest the pin was David Thomas and Adam Singleton.

This Sunday 14th Jan will be 2P Ambrose 18 holes tee off 8.30am – 9.30am. Hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.

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Chris Bartlett. Photo supplied

Mackay native Ky Hamilton has established himself as the world’s best bull rider.

The teak-tough Queenslander created history before Christmas when he captured the 2023 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Bull Riding World Championship.

Hamilton showed tremendous courage and skill during the United States National Finals Rodeo in the hallowed Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas to become the first ever Australian to claim a bull riding world title.

The former Mercy College student overcame a concussion, a broken rib and a night in hospital to win the premier event – passing several milestones along the way.

In clinching the world title, 23-year-old Ky set a new prize money record by winning $515,414 in a single year.

As well as taking home the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle, the Aussie hero was named overall Average Champion and Top Gun Winner for dominating the Wrangler NFR event.

It was the perfect Christmas present for Ky with his Mackay connection - parents Sharelle and Michael Hamilton and grandparents Yvonne and Bill Stevens – in Las Vegas to witness and celebrate this remarkable career moment.

Since arriving in Texas as a rookie 18 year old the determined Hamilton has stamped his mark on the professional bull riding circuit.

He attended Odessa College and Sul Ross University on a Bull Riding scholarship and is now on a Sport Visa, competing against the world’s best riders.

Hamilton joins ProRodeo Hall of Famers Dave Appleton (all-around, 1988) and Glen O'Neill (saddle bronc riding, 2002) as the only native Australians to win PRCA World Championships.

Ky is also the first Australian to claim the NFR Average title since fellow Queenslander Greg Potter of Ridgelands accomplished the feat with 502.5 points on six head in 2003.

Hamilton has won plenty of admirers for his sheer courage and tenacity in riding some of the fiercest and most powerful bulls on the ultra-competitive circuit.

That toughness was evident when he returned to the yellow bucking chutes - just 16 hours after being knocked out during his ride aboard MAGA during Round 5.

Ky was flung violently after he smacked heads with the bull and taken away in a stretcher to Nevada’s UMC Trauma Centre to be treated for concussion, a broken rib and bruising to the lung.

Written off as a title contender, he returned the next day in sensational circumstances to secure his inaugural world championship.

Bull riding pundits have described Hamilton’s feat as one of “the greatest in rodeo history.”

Australian Professional Rodeo Association president Shane Iker said the achievement was “a dream come true, not just for Ky but for Australians.

“He’s an icon for Australia and the sport, Ky speaks so well and represents us so well. It’s amazing” he added.

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Mackay’s new world bull riding champion Ky Hamilton demonstrates his skill and courage during the United States National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas before Christmas

Enjoy the thrills and test your mountain bike skills at the Finch Hatton pump track, which officially opened a few days before Christmas.

The new pump track features more than 400 linear metres of specially designed track, offering a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

Visitors can access the pump track via the car park at the Finch Hatton Trailhead site, or they can walk their bikes through the pathway from Bagley Street. Toilets will be made available on site.

Visitors are encouraged to take plenty of water for a trip to the pump track and remove all rubbish when they leave.

The opening of the pump track is an exciting milestone in the Finch Hatton MTB project. The trails are still too fresh to ride, and recent rains on the newly formed trail networks need more time to dry out and cure.

Council looks forward to opening the trails and the remainder of the trailhead facilities in January, weather permitting. Stay up to date via the Finch Hatton MTB Facebook page.

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The Finch Hatton MTB pump track is open to the public

After the New Year’s Eve storm passed, eager runners laced up their sneakers for a special New Year’s Day parkrun through the Botanic Gardens.

Event number 362 for Mackay parkrun saw seven personal milestones achieved for runners and presented the perfect opportunity to look back on what was a record-breaking year for the running group.

2023 Statistics:

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Annual Attendance - 13,438

(Previous best - 10,239 in 2019)

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Average Event Attendance - 258.42

(Previous best - 254.35 in 2020)

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Total Volunteers - 792

(Previous best - 718 in 2022)

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Course Record - Toby Rule 16:24 (17/06/2023)

(Previous best - Jared Havemann 16:27 in 2023)

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Individual Facebook post reach - Mark Chant PB streak - 218,000+

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8 out of the 12 months had their attendance records eclipsed

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Individual No. of Volunteer weeks in a year - Christine Davies (44)

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Photo credit: Mackay parkrun (Facebook)

We had our last Wednesday jackpot bowls with John Brown again taking the prestigious Health Hub award, he may as well apply for a job there.

The jackpot never went off, but Shane Spann did with some extremely accurate bowls and within form David Meiklejohn wielding his stick which would make Nik so proud and Gary Smith back for a short spell before back to his yacht and sailing Europe, they proved to be the best team over a strong field and convincingly won 31-10 in an outstanding victory.

Friday at 3pm saw the final of the Men's and Ladies 2023 singles champions challenge between Betty Nicole, and Alan Pershouse after 1 set all it went to a tense playoff with Alan Pershouse winning with his last bowl which concluded a wonderful season for him.

ABBC would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Alan Pershouse, Marker Stephen Lawrie, Presenter Mae Secomb and runner up Betty Nicole. Photo supplied

John Roser edged out Blake Alty with 35 points to win the last Tuesday competition for 2023 while Barry Mortimer and Larry Muller had the pin shots.

Wednesday's winner was Aaron Prosser from Diane Chard; both on 32 points. Tiina Randmae and Diane Chard took out the pins.

Four under par was just enough for Rob Stanley to take out the Thursday competition from B division leaders James Devery and Adam Brewster on 41 points. Kelvin Stephens was runner up in the A division. Chatz Norna, Stuart Nightingale, Ron Jamieson and Steve Westley took the pins.

George Steen edged out Kerr Claxton to win the Friday Met run and Scott Dwyer won both pin shots.

Hayman Electrical's Saturday winner was Scott Mason with 39 points from Ken Granger in the A division, while 38 points was enough for Adam Hagy to win the B division by three shots from Ross Hammond. Pauline Redpath was the leading lady with 37 points from Tiina Randmae on 35. Pins went to Aaron Prosser, Darcy Milne, Ben Smith, Levi Holmes, Diane Chard, and Penny Wardroper.

Danny Goody ended the year with 46 points to win the Sunday competition from Terry Handford by 7 shots, while Paula McQuat and Tiina Randmae were the leading ladies. Pins went to Ken Granger, Brendan Spann, Daniel Stickley, Clay Coles, Paula McQuat and Tiina Randmae.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Riley Mercieca and Adam Brewster on the green. Image supplied