For the past 18 months Airlie Beach Cricket has been setting up stumps and looking to establish the popular summer sport at the Whitsunday Sportspark, but the request has become a contentious issue following concerns that the grounds are already running at 200% capacity.

Football, Touch Football, Netball, Rugby Union and AFL form the five Foundation Club Members which all have voting rights and at the end of this month, the five codes will all cast their vote on whether to allow Airlie Beach Cricket to play at the grounds.

There are mixed views on the issue, although the general consensus is to include Cricket, despite it adding to an already over-populated ground.

And while some of the playing fields are running at 200% capacity the current AFL pitch (which could be shared by cricket during the summer months), is not.

Airlie Beach Cricket assert that there are countless grounds across Australia where AFL and Cricket harmoniously share their fields, from the GABBA to Harrup Park.

The deeper issue, however, seems to be an already straining facility which is struggling to accommodate the existing sporting activities.

A statement from the Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFL Club said they “currently use the full field from January to September with Carnivals throughout the year and development through November.”

They believe this conflicts with the Cricket season which is hoping to run from September through to March.

Other sports clubs using the facility, however, have shared their sporting field for a number of years and are working together to arrange a schedule so both sports can live symbiotically.

“We all work around each other, everyone works together,” said Allan Milostic from Airlie Beach Football Club.

“Fundamentally we are inclusive, and we do want more sports. The biggest issue is green space and ideally, we’d have plenty of land for everyone.

“Football doesn’t have an issue with cricket being there, with the caveat that it doesn’t impact existing codes.”

Whitsunday Touch have similar views.

“I’m totally about inclusivity, it’s a community sport and all are included,” said Alita De Brincat from Whitsunday Touch.

“We as a committee have made a decision to support it, but it was not a unanimous decision, we went with the majority on the basis of being inclusive and the community working together.”

Meanwhile, Tim Oberg President of Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, said "we firmly believe that establishing a new cricket club in Airlie Beach will be a tremendous asset to our community.

The Whitsunday Sportspark Committee also believe the inclusion of Cricket would work in a practical sense.

“Whilst our facility is far too small to service the growing town and the bottom fields are running at over 200% of carrying capacity with soccer, rugby and touch using them, the top oval is not running at full capacity,” said Justin Butler, Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark.

Mr Butler adds that including another sport will “put further pressure on all levels of government to develop a second sporting complex for the town.”

There is 100 acres of Whitsunday Regional Council owned land located opposite Brandy Creek Road and it was purchased 12 years ago with intention that it will become a sporting complex and possibly new high school.

“Council need to push for it,” said Allan Milostic.

“We urgently need more playing spaces and steps need to be taken urgently.”

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The Mackay Rugby competition is just over halfway and what a season it has been!
My first season didn’t start as planned, popping my shoulder out round one, but it’s given me a different perspective of the sport of rugby.
Being able to coach (and I use that term loosely) the backs, while recovering from my shoulder injury, has given me a new appreciation for the sport as a whole.
The Brothers had a slow start to the season, the boys have really fired in the last few weeks and are coming together!
The Mackay competition is very competitive and it’s awesome to see teams from The Whitsundays, Moranbah and Bowen performing so well with heavy travel schedules.
My beloved Mackay Brothers take on the Whitsundays Raiders this Saturday (the 15th) and Airlie sports park, and you know what, I feel a win for the brothers is coming!
I hope I haven’t put the mocker on us.
Get around local rugby in Mackay/Whitsundays!!
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Jake

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Recognising the importance of blood and plasma donations, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club have made an impactful commitment in support of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood organisation. 
A while ago, the Sinkers executive committee discovered that several members regularly donated blood or plasma. They decided to reach out and explore how the club could support this valuable community activity, thus, the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club Life Blood Team was established.
In a unique team-based event, the Sinkers established a Red Cross Blood Team where 25% of the club contributed to the vital blood supply in 2023 with 15 members participating in the first year.
In 2023, their collective efforts resulted in 61 donations, aiding the Red Cross in providing essential products to 192 patients in urgent need of life-saving transfusions.
The 2024 year is off the starting blocks in fine form with the team now boasting 17 members. At the end of May they had made 43 donations to assist 129 lives. The club is now on track to handsomely exceed its 2023 total and has set a new PB target of 80 donations and 240 patients assisted in their need of blood products.
Surprisingly the relatively small club Life Blood Team lies in 7th place behind some heavy hitting companies and organisations.
On a recent donation it was noticed that a certain member of the Mackay Road Runners was also in to provide a blood donation.
With the 16th BMA Marina run now completed, the Sinkers are eager to know if the Road Runners might like to form a Life Blood Team and bolster the Mackay Red Cross Blood centre with another team in a spirit of friendly community care.
Has your Sporting Club got a Life Blood Team? If so, the North Mackay Sinkers would love to know so that the sporting community can jump on board and get involved in this opportunity to assist patients in need of crucial blood necessities.
As they surpass previous achievements, the North Mackay Sinkers extend a heartfelt invitation to the broader community to dive into this great cause.
If your club would like to form a Life Blood Team, contact the Red Cross on 13 14 95 and ask for the coordinator to assist.

Contributed by Daniel Stampa

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Week one of the three-week Mackay Club Pairs Championship was played on Saturday. Players must have the same partner for all three weeks of the competition to be eligible to win the competition. Coveted red points are allocated each week for pairs in the top allocated spots. David Ting and Eric Goodchild, along with Max and Diane Holewa are in the lead after the first week.

Weekly Results
Monday 3 June 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2nd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
2nd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd
Diane Holewa / Anne Lutz
3rd
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson

4th
Sandy Patterson / Debra Goodchild
4th
Max Holewa / Mick King

Tuesday Evening 4 June 2024 5 Table One Winner
1st
Helen Van Den Broek / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Marilin Wilson-Nicoll / Griff Bancroft
4th
Nancy Wix / Janine Rodgers
Wednesday 5 June 2024 – NWP Week 11 of 24 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
1st
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

3rd
Joy Robertson / Robert Carless
3rd
Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

4th
Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders
4th
Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday Evening 6 June 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Ian Cruickshank / Adrian Westcott
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
3rd
Errol Morris / Richard Wix
4th
Terry Sheedy / Chris Meyers
Friday 7 June 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Ming Ting
1st
Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

2nd
Gwen Liddell / Monica Darley
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole
3rd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

4th
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
4th
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

Saturday 8 June 2024 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship Week 1 of 3 - 12 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Faye Wright / Christine Nice

3rd
Sandy Patterson / Noel Saunders
3rd
Geoffrey Patterson / Helen Van Den Broek

4th
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
4th
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

5th
Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris
5th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

6th
Joy Robertson / Ken Seaniger
6th
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz

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Contributed by Joy Block
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David Ting and Eric Goodchild

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Mackay Cutters have continued their topsy-turvy form in the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup rugby league series.

There was no joy for Michael Comerford’s charges last weekend after suffering a 42-6 shellacking at the hands of Redcliffe Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

It is a savage blow for the Cutters who have slumped to tenth spot after starting their premiership campaign with encouraging victories in the early rounds.

The match was played in front of a boisterous crowd as a curtain raiser to the Cowboys v Warriors NRL fixture.
A listless Mackay team had no answer to the rampant Dolphins who racked up seven tries in a dominant second-half performance.

Redcliffe winger Brenton Baira capped an impressive display with a hat-trick of tries.
The Dolphins jumped to an early 10-0 lead when Baira and half back Sean O’Sullivan both posted tries after nine minutes.

Skipper and lock Max Brailey crashed over for Redcliffe’s third try in the 31st minute with five eighth Joshua James adding the extras.

Mackay hit back with a converted try by winger Brent Anderson to trail 16-6 at the interval.

It was all Redcliffe in the second stanza as they chalked up 26 unanswered points through another two tries by Baira and four pointers to prop forward Jarrod Wallace, fullback Latrell Siegwalt and barnstorming centre Valynce Te Whare plus three James goals.

The win was Redcliffe’s seventh in twelve matches this season and lifts the club into fifth spot on the ladder.
Mackay are desperate to turn around their form when they host the Ipswich Jets this Saturday night at BB Print Stadium from 6pm.

Emerging Queensland Under 19s hooker Xavier Kerrisk is a young gun to watch for the Cutters after an illustrious career at schoolboy level with St Patrick’s College Mackay.
Both Kerrisk and Cowboys rookie Jaxon Purdue are two local heroes tipped for bigger things.

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Well over thirty runners and supporters braved the extremely cool conditions last weekend for Mackay Road Runners’ Blacks Beach Bush Bash. 

The warming sun was a welcome sight as it rose over Blacks Beach as 5km runners started from the Blacks Beach Tavern towards the beach and the 9.7km runners commenced in the opposite direction only to join up with the 5km runners in the final stages. The varying surfaces of bush trails and sandy shores gave runners a welcome reprieve from the usual concrete and tarmac, especially after the magnificent success of the BMA Mackay Marina Run racing the previous weekend.
 
Mick Vivian and Luke Leven charged to the lead from the start, with Mick taking and holding the lead in the 9.7km until the finish line.  Mick and Luke continue their great form from the BMA Mackay Marina Run before heading into the 5/15/30km Club Championship event next weekend.  Junior running sensation, Lily Leven was the standout first female in the 9.7km ahead of Jose Short, Teresa Hackney and Carmel Mahon. Shane Donnollan, Michael Feenaghty, Cory Gould, Mick Scholer, Craig Robinson, Clinton Mackie, Darrin Pullen, Andrew Wallace, Alan Zamparutti, Stephen Oberg, Jo Hughes, Nicole Ballingall and Judy Zahn thoroughly enjoyed the scenic long course as did the 5km runners Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, junior day runner Lenny, Andrew Short, Natasha Joynson, Katrina Ogilvie, David Isbister, Daniel Stampa, Len Haworth and Stuart Sprott.
 
Runners are now looking forward to this Sunday’s 30km Northview Park Club Championship incorporating 15km and 5km commencing 6am.  All runners are to meet at the Schaper Road, Glenella playground undercover area to register for racing ten minutes prior to 6am sharp for the 30km and 6.15am for the 5km and 15km.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Darrin Pullen marginally ahead of Andrew Wallace at the 4km mark of the 9.7km Blacks Beach Bush Bash
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Carmel Mahon cruising into the finish line in the 9.7km Blacks Beach Bush Bash
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Stephen Oberg (#45) and Jo Hughes (#28) completed a well-paced 9.7km Blacks Beach Bush Bash

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A change of scenery has proved a refreshing tonic for rising Wanderers half back Isaac McFarlane in the Mackay Junior League.

The skilful number seven has proved a valuable acquisition for the Roosters this season after carving his niche with the Magpies club.

Since linking with the Wanderers the gifted McFarlane has established himself the premier half back in the Under 15s competition with his organisational skills, turn of speed and kicking prowess a feature.

The all-conquering Roosters remain undefeated after nine rounds and top the standings on 18 points – two ahead of closest rivals Wests Tigers on 16 points.

A rejuvenated McFarlane has engineered many of those triumphs and is proving to be a points-scoring sensation for his new club.

The classy half spearheaded a 56-0 victory over the Proserpine Brahmans last weekend at Leprechaun Park – contributing an impressive haul of 22 points with two tries and seven goals.

It swelled his season tally to 92 points that comprises ten tries and twenty-six goals and has stamped McFarlane as one of the hottest prospects in the Mackay region.

Young Isaac’s immediate goal is to help the Wanderers lift the Under 15s premiership trophy, just two years after guiding the Magpies to an Under 13s Grand Final victory over Brahmans at BB Print Stadium.

Wanderers players of all ages enjoyed their club’s home round last weekend. Photos supplied

MEANWHILE the crack Mackay Brothers outfit continues to dominate the A Grade Men's division.

Last Saturday the undefeated Leprechauns trounced the Whitsunday Brahmans 44-22 at Leprechaun Park to chalk up a seventh successive victory.

Leading the try scoring rush were sharp backs Will Shears, Walter Lauenstein, Harley Proctor, Brad Campbell and Luke Fletcher, Mitchell Cargill with centre Rydge Smith potting six conversions.

In other fixtures Sarina Crocodiles downed Wests Tigers 36-24, Souths Sharks thumped Carltons Devils 68-8 while Moranbah Miners edged out Mackay Magpies 26-22 in a thrilling tussle at Darryl Bourke Oval.

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As the days begin to cool, bowls action at the Mackay Bowling Club has heated up with close matches across social, competition, and Pennant play.
Men’s Triples - Tuesday Afternoon
Winners: Col Marks and Neale Holt
Winner of the Losers: Alan Summerville, John Jorgensen, and Greg Thomsen
Scroungers - Thursday Afternoon - Steve Cassidy vs. Neale Holt in a close game was a notable match.
Pennant Competitions
Saturday Matches:
Division 2: Played at Wests Tigers, lost on three rinks.
Division 4: Played at home, defeated Nth Mackay.
Division 5: Played at Nth Mackay, lost on two rinks.
Sunday Matches:
Division 2: Played at home, defeated Marian Club two rinks to one.
Division 5: Played South Suburban at home, won on aggregate, both sides winning one rink each.
Division 4: Played at Northern Beaches, lost on aggregate, both sides winning one rink each.
Ladies Section Pennant
Weekday Matches: Defeated City Club both at City and at home. Defeated Sarina Club at home on Friday.
Special Event
Polymac B Fours Carnival: Mackay Bowling Club is hosting the event on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June. All positions are filled, promising a weekend of excellent bowls.

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Contributed by Mike Irving

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Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club’s U15 Nate McKinnon recently travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian Championships.  The event involves elite lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills and a detailed theory paper, against the best of the best in each respective state.
Nate McKinnon took 1st place for the second year in a row, a huge achievement for surf lifesaving in this region.  
“The club is extremely proud of Nate for representing Mackay and demonstrating that our lifesavers are some of the best in Australia.  He has been training for months, under experienced coaches to achieve this result,” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports.
“It was also very fitting that at this event Mackay’s very own Reggie Butler was recognised for his 50 years of service to officiating the champion lifesaver events.
“The club is very proud of both of their achievements and is a testament to what surf lifesaving is about at our club.
“They are both champions of the lifesaving movement,” said Mr Grant.

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Nate McKinnon receiving his Gold medal at the National Surf Recuse Championships

It was very fitting for club patron, life member and living legend, Reg Butler, to finish his 50 years’ service of officiating and witness Nate take out 1st place at Aussies

Nate getting ready for the surf rescue tube race at nationals

Nate after taking 1st place in the board race at nationals, just one event in the champion lifesaver competition

Mackay Surf Club is very fortunate to have an experienced team of volunteers that help run the national titles, including Reg Butler (official), Peter Marshall (Chief Gear Steward) and Mick Tibaldi (workforce)

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results June 4, 2024:

Division 1:

Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Graham Brake) d Orange (Janice Kent, Geoff Denman, Donna Abbott) 7-4. Donna d Andrea -9, 8, -4, 9, 8.

Blue (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Will VanDeKaa) d Red (George Camilleri, Anne Sheridan, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Lee d Graeme 5, -6, -9, 8, 11.

Purple (Duncan Treloar, Emma Widdup, Robbie Richards) d Green (Tim Shehan, Lily Boland, Leo Gilbert) 8-3. Robbie d Lily 7, 12, -8, -12, 8.

White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) d Black (Allan Robins, Goncalo Serra, Tony Bowman) 6-5. Tony d Mark -8, 6, -8, 7, 10.

Division 2:

Rose (Niro Premachandra, Mark Stam, Nehmat Dhaliwal) d Tan (Saisha Palod, Jye Callandar, Judy Zahn) 6-3. Niro d Jye -9, 9, 8, 5.

Lime (Simon Hogan, Noreen Fredericksen) d Teal (Craig VanDeKaa, Peter Goodson) 6-3. Simon d Peter 5, 3, 12.

Cyan (David Symons, Trent Day) d Gold (Steve Mathieson, Ollie Hamelink) 5-4. Ollie d David -9, 5, 9, -10, 9.

Grey (Kade Wright, Geoff Cowan, Val Austin) d Aqua (Delma Knight, YiLin Jiang, Tiffany Camilleri) 7-4. Geoff d Delma 7, -7, 20, -4, 7.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures June 4, 2024:

Egrets (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Plovers (Delma Knight, Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. Delma d Donna 11, -8, 6, -7, 9.

Hawks (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, John McGee) d Owls (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Coral Morgan) 9-3. Steve d Pam -11, 6, -6, 9, 5.

Parrots (Janice Kent, Charlie Payne, Rhonda Payne) d Ibis (Tony Bowman, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn) 7-5. Rhonda d Noreen 6, 6, -7, -8, 9.

Division 2:

Magpies (Ken Best, John Hamelink, Kim Daffy) d Cockatoos (Veronica Shepherd, Gloria Vella) 8-4. Gloria d John 6, 7, -8, -10, 8.

Doves (Louise Gould, Iris Grasso, Fred Saliba) d Pelicans (Judi Hicks, Robyn Bushell, Ian Dodds) 7-5. Louise/Iris d Judi/Robyn 11, 8, -7, -11, 7.

Division 3:

Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Cheryl Aprato) d Prawn (Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti) 8-3. Madge d Sharon 6, -8, -3, 9, 7.

Lobster (Cheryl Pearson, Bill Hey) d Crab (Pam Keune, Darryl Ross) 8-4. Pam d Nadine -9, 8, -5, 8, 3.

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Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Rhonda Payne had a close match against Noreen Fredericksen in Division 1 on Tuesday morning, winning 11-9 in the fifth set. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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The North Mackay Saints travelled up to the Nest on Saturday, and Whitsundays provided a stellar day for everyone to enjoy. Our Sea Eagles Under 12s took victory for the day, though the remaining grades faced tough matchups.
In an extremely tight contest, our Senior Men couldn't quite hold on and were beaten 31-39 in the last quarter by the North Mackay Saints. Despite the disappointing result, there were positive signs as the team looks to find form and connect better on the field this week against the top side, Mackay Magpies.
Our Senior Women started off well against the ladder-leading Saints with high intensity. Unfortunately, the Saints showed why they are the top kicking side, leading to a 6-70 loss for the Sea Eagles.
The Under 17s faced the reigning premiers Saints in a close, hard-fought contest for the first three quarters, eventually losing 28-59 in the final term.
The Under 14s were outgunned in the first three quarters by the top-of-the-table Saints, but the last quarter saw a more competitive Sea Eagles team, eventually losing 13-66.
Our Under 12s showed a great performance against the North Mackay Saints with strong defense and hard work through the center, winning 57-7. Special shoutout to Captain Noah Woo, who kicked 3 goals in his 50th game for the Sea Eagles.
This week, the Whitsunday Sea Eagles travel to different locations in Mackay. Both Senior teams will play at Magpies from 1:50 PM, U12s and U14s will face Swans at Rogers Oval, and the Under 17s will take on Bakers Creek.

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Photo supplied

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The first Annual Cane Country Pickleball Tournament took place in Home Hill this past weekend, attracting fifteen teams from Airlie Beach, Bowen, Townsville, Cardwell, and Home Hill. Participants competed fiercely in the competitive division, while social players enjoyed the beautiful northern winter setting.
The Whitsunday team, Airlie Norfoll and Chance, consisting of Peter, Trevor, Kazuko, and Robyn, emerged victorious. They were closely followed by the Legendary Lonbers from Townsville, who were only two games behind. In third place was the Airlie Auspan team, comprising Frank, David, Megumi, and Yoko, just two games behind second place.
Congratulations to the Whitsunday players for their impressive performance, building on their good results in Townsville a few weeks ago. How many of these players will plan to enter the 2024 Queensland Pickleball Championships in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, later this month? Watch this space!

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Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Christiansen

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Photos supplied

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The grand finals of Whitsunday Touch Footy took place over the weekend.

“It was a sensationally exciting night,” said Alita De Brincat from Whitsunday Touch Footy.

“With four games in total and two going to drop-offs”

“It was great to see so many people come down to support the sport by cheering on the team.”

Another highlight was seeing Club President, Justin Butler receive a Life Membership Award.

The inaugural award for Junior of the Season was given to Stella Ansell.

“She was given the award for her contribution to the sport but also because she is always the first to show up and is always wanting to help out in any way she could,” added Alita.

Results:

Vipers won A Grade
Raiders B won B Grade
Untouchables won C Grade
Raiders Burgers won Junior Grade

The next season commences in July.

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Jasper and Vince
Abby, Cathy, Sergeant Billy and Lucy
Amelia, Jordan, Ruby and Stevie with teacher Autumn Webster
Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright with some children
Ms Heffernan and Principal Shirley
Sandra, Councillor Jan Clifford, Kylie and Bec
Photo credit: Rachael Smith

For the full photo gallery head to mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

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Sunday Social
In Sunday’s social matches, Anna and Jane defeated Britt and Ron, while Tracey and Gary defeated Marilyn and Helen.
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Wednesday Social
During Wednesday’s social matches, Peter, Daryl, and Helen defeated Ian, Gordo, and Gavin. Additionally, Marilyn, Ron, and Gus defeated Carol, Jane, and Tracey. The winners for the afternoon were Robin, Britt, and A. McDonald, defeated Mary Ellen, Tiarna, and Steve.
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Wangaratta Ladies Excel in Blue Pennant
Congratulations to the Wangaratta Ladies for securing 3rd place in the Blue Pennant played in Townsville.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Photo supplied

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