As winter bids farewell in paradise and the arrival of spring approaches, Airlie Beach Bowls Club is gearing up for the erection of its new hard cover. This week was packed with exciting events and impressive performances on the greens.
Wednesday afternoon featured the Jackpot Bowls, organized by Merve Stewart. Skipper Rick Galea and his lead, Alan Pershouse, demonstrated a strong return to form with a commanding victory. Despite their outstanding performance, the Jackpot prize remained unclaimed.
Simultaneously, the Men's A Grade singles final saw Shane Spann triumph over John Fielding. After some early pressure from Fielding, Spann pulled away to secure a decisive win. Congratulations to Shane for his impressive display, which was well observed by marker Bob Fenney.
Friday morning brought a special visit from the Endeavour Foundation group, who have shown remarkable progress in adapting to lawn bowls. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Betty Whitehorn, Helen Ward, and David Meiklejohn, the group’s skills continue to improve impressively.
In the afternoon, the Christian College students demonstrated notable advancement in their bowling abilities. Standout performers included Riley Jacobson, a naturally gifted sportsman, along with Kyla Gomes and Josh Kirkpatrick. Special mentions go to Harmony Carus and Juliette Scells, with sports master Codey Vogel surely proud of their achievements.
Saturday morning’s Scroungers competition saw Eric Barnard, Merve Stewart, and Denis Donnadelli as the first-round winners, with Merve Stewart ultimately emerging as the victor. Maureen Barnard claimed victory in the B Division final.
Sunday afternoon’s Social Bowls saw Dawn Dowel at lead, Helen Ward at second, and Mark Mawson as the winners of the day. The Ladies Triples final also took place, showcasing a superb performance by skipper Ladda Purdie, with Vicki Spann at lead and Jill Spencer contributing to a great team effort.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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This week at Proserpine Bowls Club was eventful. On Wednesday, Social Bowls featured Rob Burglun and Philip Brown beating Bruce Uhe and Bob Preston 23-15, while Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton narrowly edged out Mary Hedgelong and Sandy Daffara 15-14. Arthur Griffith and Bruce Magilton won 27-7 against Chris Behncky and Heather Brown.
Friday's Club Championship Singles saw Michael Kinnear defeat Shane Kinnear 25-14. Michael will represent the club at the Champion of Champion Singles in Mackay on August 24-25.
Saturday's Metropole Under 200s Carnival, supported by the Metropole Hotel, Cane Country Tyres, NQAS, and Sleep Rescue, showcased impressive bowls. Winners included:
   • First: Steve Ridolfi, Gavin Milne, Andrew Bell, and Wayne Handley.
   • Second: Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Mick Walsh, and Wade Cranston.
   • Third: Greg Kasper, Peter Petersen, Paul Foot, and Manny Isgro.
   • Fourth: George MacDonald, Wally Kleidon, Barry Jackson, and Peter Koloczy.
Wayne Handley won the Major Raffle for a $750 Bowlers Paradise voucher. Other raffle winners included Ted Cullen, Jason McMullen, Bryan Davy, Jonathan Bye, Chips McCaffrey, and Michael Porta.
Thanks to Brett Saroglia for the fish and prawns, and to all who participated and volunteered.
Good luck to Harry Craig and Alfie Moretto at the Secondary Schools Cup Challenge in Pine Rivers.
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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Andrew Bell, Wayne Handley, Steve Ridolfi, Gavin Milne and Club President Scott Hamilton.  Photo supplied

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This week at the Bowls Club was bustling with activity across various events.
On Monday, the self-selected triples saw Robin Stitt, David Madden, and Chris Frew clinch victory against Viv Boskma, June Paynting, and Chris Healey. The jackpot, unfortunately, was not won.
Tuesday’s social bowls featured a thrilling match on Rink 1, where Mary Jackson, Col Parker, and John Tainsu triumphed over Bruce Thompson, Ann Kayser, Brian Bellingham, and Greg Colquhoun. The runners-up were Karon McKenzie, Therese Bird, and Paul Madden, who defeated Natalie Hams, Mary Lydom, and David Madden. The jackpot remained elusive.
Friday's fun afternoon bowls saw a series of exciting games. Maureen Hyde, Alan Gillies, and Christina B. won against Jack Stamp, Darrel Terresa Bird, and Pat Wilson. Lyn Madden and Burnie triumphed over Viv Boskma, Jim Chandler, and Lorraine Knight. In another match, K. Armstrong, M. McKenzie, and R. Hyde defeated P. Madden, N. Madden, and N. McNamara. Again, the jackpot was not claimed.
On Sunday, Gwenda Lydom, Irene Laird, and Joe Paynting emerged victorious against Anne Kayser, Terri Crozier, and Paul Madden. The runners-up were Pam Breakwell, Brian Bellingham, and Noel McNamara, who defeated Karon McKenzie, Maureen Hyde, and Keith Armstrong.
In the Men’s Competition, congratulations go to Kevin Jewell for winning the A Grade Singles final against Allan Rolfe.
As many of our southern visitors begin their journey home, we wish them safe travels and look forward to their return next year.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Photo supplied

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The weekly 9-hole Stableford competition saw Peter Bitz emerge as the winner, securing first place with 22 points. Rhys Bartholomew claimed second place with 19 points, while Jay Steele finished in third place with 18 points, determined by count-back.
On Friday's 9-hole Stableford, Donnovan Pettiford took top honors with 20 points. Peter Bitz followed in second place with 19 points, and Andrew Gomez secured third place with 18 points, also determined by count-back.
Sunday's 18-hole Stableford was highlighted by Melinda Macleod’s impressive performance, earning first place with a stellar 40 points. Jayden Parata finished in second place with 37 points, and Brock Brindle rounded out the top three with 35 points. Jayden Parata also took home the Nearest the Pin award.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

 
Andrew Gomez

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Sunday brought a beautiful, sunny day to the Whitsunday Golf Club after players navigated dense fog from both directions on their way to the WGC August Monthly Medal and Least Putts competition. Despite the fog, 17 golfers participated, and everyone enjoyed the fine weather, with no complaints about the conditions.
Whitsunday Golf Club Results:
Ladies A Grade:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmae with a nett score of 74
   • Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with a nett 75
   • Longest Drive: Karen Rix
Ladies B Grade:
   • Winner: Linda Wardroper
   • Runner-up: Sally Little
   • Longest Drive: Robyn Whitham
Men’s A Grade:
   • Winner: Chris Bartlett with a nett score of 71
   • Runner-up: George Meharry with a nett 72
   • Longest Drive: Andrew Albergo
Men’s B Grade:
   • Winner: David Hoy with a nett score of 72 on a countback
   • Runner-up: Paul Nicol
   • Longest Drive: Don Cameron
Nearest the Pin (NTP):
   • Ladies: Anna Winterbourn on the 16th hole
   • Men: George Meharry on the 13th hole
NAGAs (Never Any Good Award):
   • Honourees: Elise Hodgson and Leigh Jones, with drinks provided by Aaron and Tracy Watts, owners of RADS Whitsunday, who offer respite accommodation and disability support services.
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Next Week: There will be no WGC competition next week due to the PGC Club Championships taking place on Saturday and Sunday. The next event, the September Monthly Medal and Least Putts, will be held on Sunday, September 1. Players are encouraged to sign up between 7 and 8 a.m. to ensure they can participate in a block.
 

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The Cannons Swim Club gathered for a night of celebration during their recent Club Night, where achievements and milestones were recognized with great enthusiasm. Coach Ken Crittenden led the evening by acknowledging the exceptional performances of the club’s returning state swimmers. The club takes immense pride in these athletes, who competed against Queensland's top swimmers, and the anticipation is already building for the next State event in December.
The evening continued with the announcement of several significant upgrades. Ruby Lawson was promoted to compete in the 50m in all strokes, while Eloise Chegwidden made an impressive leap to the 200IM. Tyler Bennett earned his upgrade to the 50m Breaststroke, and both Lucas Korosec and Jasper Korosec advanced to the 100m Butterfly, with Lucas also upgrading to the 100m Freestyle. Andie Reynolds not only secured her upgrade to the 200IM but was also honoured with the Coaches Award for her outstanding performance, which included a remarkable 14-second improvement in the 100IM the previous week, earning her the coveted Chocolate Award.
The mild weather contributed to a productive evening of swimming, with many athletes achieving personal bests. Miller Eaves delivered an incredible 32-second improvement in his 100m Backstroke, while Tyler Bennett shaved 12 seconds off his 100IM time. Special recognition goes to Jasper Korosec and Ruby Lawson, who achieved personal bests in all four of their races.
The Cannons family also celebrated the addition of its newest member, five-year-old Blaire Harland, who participated in her first club events, proudly following in the footsteps of her older siblings.
Over the weekend, the club’s dedicated coaching team travelled to Mackay to attend the Swimming North Queensland Coaches Conference. The conference featured sessions focused on athletic development and technical stroke models for junior and age group swimmers, delivered by keynote speakers including Matt Brown, Triple Olympic Gold Medal Swimming Coach, and Michaela Pattinson, 5-time 2023 World Junior Champion Coach. The knowledge gained at the conference promises to further elevate the performance of the Cannons swimmers in the upcoming season.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

Photos supplied

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By Amanda Wright

The 9th Annual M&P Services-Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day was a swingin’ success, teeing off with a record 166 players on Friday. Mayor Greg Williamson officially kicked off the event, where local businesses took to the greens, aiming for glory and a good cause. Despite no one claiming the $25,000 hole-in-one prize, the day was a hit with novelty holes like "Hit & Hope," where a lucky participant won a large LED TV from Harvey Norman Electrical. The event, now a premier fixture in Mackay, has raised over $250,000 for local charities, with this year’s total eagerly awaited.

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Major sponsors Penske Australia and Key Solutions Group teams enjoying fun on the fairway, combining friendly competition with hilarity for a good cause. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Mackay Swings Big For Charity Golf Day

The 9th Annual M&P Services and Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day swung into action last Friday, August 9, with a record-breaking 166 players hitting the greens for a day of fun, fundraising, and friendly competition. Officially teed off by Mayor Greg Williamson at 11am, the event proved once again why it’s one of Mackay’s premier charity golf days.

While no one managed to claim the elusive $25,000 hole-in-one prize sponsored by Penske Australia, the day was anything but a washout. The introduction of novelty holes added an extra layer of excitement, keeping the players engaged and the atmosphere light-hearted. The Harvey Norman Electrical "Hit & Hope" challenge stole the show, with one lucky golfer walking away with a large LED TV—a big win on and off the course!

Other crowd-pleasing holes included the "Island Drive" sponsored by BTP, where players navigated the tricky "Jay & Dave Island," and McDonald's Mackay's "Big Red Flag Hole," which saw many swinging for glory. The quirky challenges didn't stop there; Bondor's "3 Blind Mice," Ancorloc's "Dry Village," and Amare Safety's "Just Let It Go" kept everyone on their toes and provided plenty of laughs.

Beyond the games and gimmicks, the true winners of the day were the local charities, with expectations high for the final fundraising tally to be released in the coming weeks. Over the years, this event has raised more than $250,000, and 2024 is shaping up to be another record-setter. Read next week’s edition for the final fundraising figure.

The day’s highlight was the auction of a life-sized, personally signed corflute of the current Core Life Magazine’s front cover, featuring Max Lamb Jr. from M&P Services, which will soon take pride of place in the GB Industries Boardroom.

As the sun set on another successful charity golf day, participants left the course with smiles on their faces, sun-kissed from a bit of sun, knowing they had driven change for the better in their community.

Anticipation is building for the 2025 event, which promises to be another hole-in-one for local charities.

Photos supplied

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If there’s one thing that the Mackay community is most passionate about, it’s supporting young regional talent in the world of sports.

The Mackay region prides itself on the driving development of world-class talent, and Arisa Trew’s recent success at the Paris Olympics is a shining example of this.

At just 14 years old, Arisa, who was born and raised in Cairns, made history as Australia’s youngest-ever Olympic gold medallist in the Women’s Park skateboarding event. While her victory is a major personal achievement, this also stands as a monument reminder of the role Mackay has played in her journey at Mackay’s state-of-the-art Sugar Bowl.

This community-driven infrastructure, coupled with Mackay’s commitment to hosting events like the Rumble on the Reef has created a fertile ground for athletes to thrive.

The Rumble on the Reef began in 2018 which quickly became a ground-breaking event in Australia and it provided a crucial platform for emerging skateboarders like Arisa to showcase their skills and gain exposure.

Donny Fraser, Head of Development for Rumble On The Reef, emphasises the event's significant economic impact on regional towns like Mackay.

“We really aim to be able to support regional towns.

“We want to put Mackay on the map and we want to break that record and have the biggest skateboard attendance in Australian for a domestic event.”

Rumble on the Reef commented on the success of Arisa, stating that “historically, no event like this existed in Australia and the goodwill of the Mackay community and Sponsors is what has created these events and opportunities for people in Australia.”

Arisa’s desire to win an Olympic gold medal began when she was just eight years old, discovering skateboarding as an alternative to surfing during the cooler months. Her passion for skateboarding quickly grew, leading her to focus on perfecting her skills while studying at LVLUP, where she dedicated herself to pursuing skateboarding at a professional level.

Last week, five skateboarders who honed their skills at the Rumble on the Reef took their talents to the Paris Olympics. Among them was Arisa, who brought home a gold medal.

Arisa said “I’m so stoked still and it was just such an exciting moment and day.”

When asked about her future plans, Arisa confidently affirmed, “I’m just going to keep skating and having fun and pushing myself to get better.”

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By Amanda Wright

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Mackay’s own basketball stars played a pivotal role in the Australian Opals’ triumphant return to the Olympic podium, clinching a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games. The win marks the Opals’ first Olympic medal in 12 years, with a dramatic 85-81 victory over Belgium in the final match.
Sandy Brondello, head coach of the Opals, led the team with a mix of tactical brilliance and emotional leadership. Brondello, a four-time Olympian and seasoned triple Olympic medallist as a player, guided the Opals to their sixth Olympic medal. This was her second stint as head coach, and the success was a testament to her strategic acumen and experience.
Adding to Mackay's pride, Marianna Tolo, another local connection, delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. This was her third Olympic appearance, having previously competed in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Her performance in Paris was especially poignant as it marked her first Olympic medal. Tolo’s contribution to the team’s success was substantial, with her scoring and defensive abilities proving invaluable.
Former McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes star Cayla George also played a crucial role in the Opals' success. George, who has been a vital part of the Australian national team for years, made a pivotal impact during the games.
Brondello called on the Meteorette stars during a critical game against Canada, where her decisions proved crucial.
In the clash against Canada, the Opals were facing a tough battle. With the team trailing and key player Ezi Magbegor in foul trouble, Brondello made a decisive call to bring Marianna Tolo and Cayla George into the game. Tolo’s entry helped stabilise the team’s defensive efforts, while George’s immediate impact was felt when she scored a vital three-pointer shortly after entering. This move was instrumental in the Opals’ turnaround, leading them to a hard-fought victory that set up their eventual bronze medal win.
The trio’s Mackay roots were a highlight of the Games, with their performances shining a spotlight on the town’s basketball talent. Brondello’s leadership, Tolo’s seasoned experience, and George’s game-changing moments were central to the Opals’ success, making this bronze medal win not just a personal achievement for the players but a source of immense local pride.

Australian Opals celebrate their bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photos supplied
Cayla George and Marianna Tolo celebrate a pivotal play during their Paris Olympics campaign

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The 2024 Magic Mile, hosted by the Mackay Road Runners, once again showcased the community spirit and athletic talent that define the event. Held at the scenic Mackay Harbour Breakwater precinct, the race took place under wet and cool conditions, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of participants, sponsors, and volunteers.
Long-term sponsors North Queensland Bulk Ports (represented by Lisa and Nick) and Podiatry Mackay (Donald Orr and Bec Baird) played a key role in ensuring the event's success. Their continued support was crucial in making the Magic Mile a highlight of the local running calendar.
The race kicked off at 7am sharp, with volunteers like Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin, and Brendan and Hughie Bishop setting up in the misty, windy, and dark early morning. The junior race was first on the program, followed by the open race after all junior athletes had crossed the finish line. Mackay Road Runners Patron Col Meng served as the official on-course starter, providing a brief course description before the race.
As a Mackay Road Runners Signature event and Club Championship race, the Magic Mile allows club members to earn points toward overall and age category placings, contributing to end-of-year trophies.
The event featured outstanding performances across all categories, from the under-thirteen runners to the open section, where the oldest competitor, Stuart Sprott, competed at over eighty years of age. A standout moment came when under-thirteen runner Xavier Esau, impressed by Sprott’s determination, ran the last fifty meters alongside him—a gesture that highlighted Xavier’s generous spirit.
In the junior event, under-thirteen runner Oliver Dalglish earned the 2024 Magic Mile Milo Award for his exceptional performance. This award, a long-standing tradition, recognises an outstanding and inspirational participant, volunteer, or supporter. The Rule brothers continued their great form winning the Under-18 men and open men’s categories.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse
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WINNERS
 
Open Female:  Alana Knezevic (1st); Ashlee Scott (2nd); Mel Esau (3rd)
Open Male:  Oliver Rule (1st); Finn McDuff (2nd); Liam Mumford (3rd)
Under 18 Female: Lily Leven (1st); Chloe Ralph (2nd); Amelia Bishop (3rd)
Under 18 Male:  Toby Rule (1st); Jared Mackie (2nd); Liam Mumford (3rd)
Under 13 Female: Ayla Moon (1st); Lilah Ralph (2nd); Alleah Fallon (3rd)
Under 13 Male: Charlie Mabb (1st); Beau Ralph (2nd); Sonny Moon (3rd)

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Under 18 female podium winners (left to right) Amelia Bishop (3rd), Chloe Ralph (2nd), Lily Leven (1st) with Junior race sponsor, Podiatry Mackay’s, Bec Baird
Under 18 male podium winners (left to right) Isaac Hammer (3rd), Toby Rule (1st), Jared Mackie (2nd) with Bec Baird
Open female podium winners (left to right), Ashlee Scott (2nd), Alana Knezevic (1st), Mel Esau (3rd) with Open race sponsor North Queensland Bulk Ports, Lisa Burns
Open male podium winners (left to right), Liam Mumford (3rd), Oliver Rule (1st), Finn McDuff (2nd) with Lisa Burns
Oliver Dalglish (centre) is ecstatic with his 1.32kg Milo prize from Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, Col Meng (left) and Mackay Road Runners President, Brendan Bishop (right)

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures July 30, 2024:

Division 1:

Hyuandi (Allan Edwards, Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Ferrari (Steven Whiting, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5. Anne d Steven -4, 5, -10, 6, 9.

BMW (Barry Patterson, Geoff Denman, Neil Brown) d Honda (Graham Drury, Vince Boeske, Graham Brake) 8-3. Geoff d Vince -4, 10, 4, -3, 11.

Audi (Andrew McHugh, Lily Boland, Ian McKay) d Holden (Mark Sleeman, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) 9-3. Andrew d Lee -9, -8, 9, 5, 9.

Alpha (Goncalo Serra, Graeme Walker, Delma Knight) d Fiat (Donna Abbott, Emma Widdup, Allan Robins) 7-4. Emma d Goncalo -5, 8, 8, -10, 11.

Division 2:

Suzuki (Val Austin, Matt West, Simon Hogan) d Mercedes (Will VanDeKaa, Darryl Ross, Josie Davis) 6-5. Will d Matt -8, -9, 5, 5, 8.

Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Craig VanDeKaa) d Subaru (Tiffany Camilleri, Saisha Palod) 7-1. Craig d Tiffany -9, 5, -7, 6, 9.

Rolls (Ishara Lilanagamage, Niro Premachandra, Peter Goodson) d Lexus (Duncan Treloar, Kade Wright, Anaya Reelh) 7-4. Niro d Kade 9, -8, -8, 5, 10.

Nissan (Noreen Fredericksen, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang) d Jaguar (Adrian Marsh, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 9-2. Trent d Adrian 4, 5, -10, 5.

There were some tight matches to finish the season in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures this week. Branko got a 2-0 lead on Janice but she fought back to win in five, in a very close match overall which finished 7-all, 23 games all. Janice won -8, -8, 6, 6, 7.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures August 6, 2024:

Hawks (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, John McGee) drew Plovers (Delma Knight, Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall) 6-all. Delma d George 9,  8, -8, 8.

Ibis (Tony Bowman, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn) d Egrets (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. Tony d Donna 9, 8, -7, 6.

Parrots (Janice Kent, Charlie Payne, Marie Taylor) drew Owls (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Coral Morgan) 6-all, 23 games all. Janice d Branko -8, -8, 6, 6, 7.

Division 2:

Magpies (Ken Best, John Hamelink, Frank Caruana) d Pelicans (Gerry Synnott, Robyn Bushell, Ian Dodds) 7-5. John d Robyn -5, 5, 3, -9, 4.

Doves (Louise Gould, Iris Grasso, Don Boettcher) d Cockatoos (Veronica Shepherd, Gloria Vella) 8-4. Iris/Don d Veronica/Gloria -7, 5, -7, 8, 6.

Division 3:

Squid (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Cheryl Aprato) d Lobster (Bill Hey, Cheryl Aprato) 8-4. Sharon/Allison d Cheryl/Bill 6, 6, -8, -5, 1.

Crab (Pam Keune, Darryl Ross, Josie Davis) d Prawn (Madge Saunders, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 11-1. Josie d Glenda 7, -10, 4, 7.

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Janice Kent’s team Ferrari (Steven Whiting, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) had a battle against Hyuandi (Allan Edwards, Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) with Hyundai winning 6-5. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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The final of the Whitsunday Zone GNOT (Gold National Open Teams) has been played, with team Bugeia – Noel Bugeia, Janelle Conroy, Terry Sheedy and Geoff Taylor taking out first place. The Grand National Open Teams (GNOT) is an Australia-wide event. Team Bugeia will play against 63 other teams in the GNOT National Qualifying event in the hope of being one of the eight teams to compete in the Non-Metropolitan Final in Sydney in November.

Weekly Results
Monday 5 August 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana
1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd
Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4th
Karen Cadwell / Noel Saunders
4th
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson

Tuesday Evening 6 August 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
2nd
Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Annette Howe / Debra Goodchild
4th
Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
Thursday Evening 8 August 2024 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
3rd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
4th
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 9 August 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Joy Block

2nd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

3rd
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
3rd
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

4th
Josie Cowley / Victor Mason
4th
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

Saturday 10 August 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill
2nd
Patricia Garner / Jan Harris
2nd
Christine Nice / Faye Wright
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd
Frances Brown / Alan Brown
4th
Karen Cadwell / Noel Saunders
4th
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz

Contributed By Joy Block

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(Left to right): Noel Bugeia, Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Geoff Taylor. Photo supplied

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The Finch Hatton Flowing Trails Trail Run, held on Sunday, 4 August, marked the third event in the thrilling 4-part ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Trail Run Series.

This exceptional event, the brainchild trail run series of Mackay’s ActiV8 Adventures, saw over 120 enthusiastic trail runners seize the rare opportunity to traverse the world-class Finch Hatton MTB exclusively.

In collaboration with Mackay Regional Council and Finch Hatton MTB, the trails were exclusively open to trail runners from 6am to 10am, making this the only day in 2024 where runners could enjoy the park without sharing the paths with mountain bike riders. The event featured three challenging distances: 6km, 12km, and 18km, with over $700 in prize money up for grabs.

Participants experienced the full spectrum of the park's demanding terrain, with steep ascents and descents, thrilling spills, and breathtaking views from the highest points. The single trail flows proved to be a standout feature, delivering an exhilarating experience for both seasoned trail runners and first-timers alike.

Among the runners was Samantha Sticklan, who expressed her enthusiasm for the trails.

"I had not been to the track before, but I will come back with my family in tow…I think I could handle some of those little trails on my MTB," she said.

This sentiment was echoed by many participants, with numerous trail run newcomers vowing a new found love for trail running and also a desire to return with their mountain bikes and families to Finch Hatton.

Nikki Giles, Director of ActiV8 Adventures, remarked, "The Finch Hatton Flowing Trails Trail Run was a fantastic success.

“It was incredible to see so many runners take on the trails with such enthusiasm and to hear their positive feedback.

“We look forward to continuing to bring unique and challenging events like this to our community."

Registrations are now open for the final event of the series, ‘Captain's Crossing - The Gong,’ taking place on Saturday 12 October.

With more prize money up for grabs and the chance to explore another hidden gem of Mackay's Pioneer Valley, runners can choose from 6km, 14km, and 24km distances.

Visit https://www.tri-activ8.com.au/ to register.

The Finch Hatton Flowing Trails Trail Run kicked off on Sunday, August 4 and was the third event in the 4-part 'Off the Beaten Track' Trail Run Series. Photos supplied

Results:

6km Sprint
Overall Female:
1st Isabelle Cahill
2nd Sandra Macklin
3rd Reyna Pakowski

Overall Male:
1st Archer Flanagan
2nd Eli Flanagan
3rd Isaac Hammer

12km Loop de Loop
Overall Female:
1st Abigail Preston
2nd Megan Moa
3rd Isabella Preston

Overall Male:
1st Bradley Lenahan
2nd Matthew Stevens
3rd Tim Magoffin

18km The Flow
Overall Female:
1st Demi Caldwell
2nd Trinity Donovan
3rd Samantha Sticklan

Overall Male:
1st Jonathan Davies
2nd Calem Wilcox
3rd Mitch Evetts

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Established in 1979 by a group of passionate local anglers, the Whitsunday Game Fish Club has become a cornerstone of the region’s fishing community. The club was founded with the aim of bringing together anglers of all ages and skill levels to share knowledge, uphold the ethics of game fishing, and foster a family-friendly, competitive spirit in a fun atmosphere.
Throughout the year, the club hosts a variety of fishing events, including its premier three-day Light Tackle Tournament held every October. Members also benefit from a series of workshops and information nights covering topics such as bait and lure rigging, tackle setup, boat handling, safety, and strategies for finding local fish species.
The club emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge, particularly with young and novice anglers, as they represent the future of game fishing. A portion of the membership fees is allocated to governing bodies such as the Game Fish Association of Australia (G.F.A.A) and the Queensland Game Fish Association (Q.G.F.A). These contributions support research and development, providing valuable data to State and Federal Governments to ensure sustainable fishing practices for future generations.
In addition to its educational efforts, the club supports the game fish tagging program. This initiative collects crucial data on fish migration, growth rates, spawning patterns, and overall fishery health. This research has been instrumental in eliminating destructive fishing practices like longlining, drift nets, and super trawlers from Australian waters.
The club is also committed to promoting junior and women’s participation in game fishing. Events such as the Sweeties and Squires Rally, which takes place over the Australia Day holiday, are dedicated exclusively to women and junior boys and girls, with men serving as crew members. These competitions aim to foster enthusiasm and inclusivity in the sport.
Game fishing has evolved from its early days of indiscriminate capture to a focus on sustainable practices and enjoyment of the sport. Catch-and-release techniques, such as tagging or measuring and releasing fish, are now standard practices, helping to ensure the health of the fishery for future generations.
Recently, the Whitsunday Game Fish Club held its Annual General Meeting and proudly inducted Stacey Gerhart as a Life Member. Stacey has been a vital part of the club’s success for many years, and this honour is a token of appreciation for her dedication.
For those interested in joining the club and becoming part of this vibrant community, please email whitsundaygamefishclub@gmail.com.
Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

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Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons officially kicked off the 2024/25 season with their first Club Night on Wednesday. Despite the chilly conditions, a total of 26 swimmers took to the pool, including three new members: Erik Hinrichsen, Kate Savage, and Ruby Lawson. The club extends a warm welcome to its newest members and their families.
During the event, swimmers who set new club records at the Winter Carnival were recognized with certificates. Zach Trefz now holds the 50M Butterfly record for 12-year-olds. Jacob Bell broke the 17-year-old 200M Individual Medley record, and Levi Smith was celebrated for setting new records in both the 9-year-old 50M and 100M Breaststroke events.
Upgrades were also announced, with Andie Reynolds moving up to the 800M Freestyle, Tyler Bennett advancing to the 200M Freestyle and 200M Butterfly, and Zach Trefz upgrading to the 400M Freestyle. The youngest recipient was Evie Doherty, who upgraded to the 100M Freestyle and 100M Backstroke. Congratulations to these swimmers; the club eagerly anticipates watching them compete in their new events this season.
Over the weekend, six of the club’s talented swimmers represented the Cannonvale Cannons at the prestigious Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane. The team, consisting of Tora Delac, Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Thomas Ganter, Ruby Harland, and Don Algie, was accompanied by Coach Ken Krittenden. The competition was fierce, but the Cannons held their own against some of the best swimmers in the state, securing several top-ten finishes and numerous personal bests.
Special congratulations go to the swimmers who secured the following placements: Tyler Bennett finished 7th in the 50M Freestyle, Zach Trefz took 9th in the 100M Backstroke and 10th in the 50M Backstroke, and Tora Delac placed 10th in the 50M Breaststroke.
As the season progresses, the Cannonvale Cannons are eager to build on these successes and continue making waves in the pool.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

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