On Tuesday, winners were J Jones and Kennedy Whitton defeated Deb Retchless and Mark Drummond, Lindy Suann and Robyn Stitt defeated A Jones and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday winners were Bill Myers, Merle Elphinstone and Allan Rolfe defeated Fely Duncan, Lyn Danvers and Alby Vigar. Robyn Stritt, Jim Quod and Mark Drummond defeated Lindy Suann, Penny warren and Pat Tracey, Isobel Wheeler and Sugar Brunker defeated Laurie Land and Kennedy Whiton, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeated Deb Retchless and Greg Colquhoun. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Congratulations to our Ladies Pennant Side representing Zone 8 in the State Pennant finals at Tweed Heads last weekend. The ladies put up a sterling effort on Saturday with one match win against Hervey Bay and one loss against Northern Suburbs. Sunday’s play was to be the decider to which zone made the final. Unfortunately, a massive rain cell washed out Sunday morning’s play resulting in Tweed Heads and Northern Suburbs with the highest scores from Saturday playing the final indoors. Well done ladies.    

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Manager Pat Tracey receiving Group 8 Winner Division 1 State Pennant flag

Wangaratta Noorla Division 1 Pennant Side at Tweed Heads. Photos supplied

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Jane Seaborne 39 points, runner up Michelle Campbell 36 points. Men’s winner Ray Sellen 36 points, runner up on a countback Graeme Baker 35 points.

On Saturday we played a single stableford sponsored by QB Motor Hotel & Bowen Vets. Ladies’ winner with a great score of 42 points was Leanne Swan, runner up Grace Nott 40 points. Men’s winner, also with a great score Paul Burgis 43 points, runner up on a countback Ray Sellen 41 points

This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg. Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker is worth $5500.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Tuesday's Stableford saw Brad Fleet shoot two under par to win by three shots from Paul Gray on 38. Leanne Alexander and Lyn Muller were the leading ladies with 36. Pins went to Adam Brewster, Lyn Muller, Paul Gray and Brian Smith.

Brenda Cowan with 36 edged out Pauline Redpath for the ladies Wednesday Stableford where two pins went to Diane Chard, with Karlene Lloyd and Robyn Whitham taking the others.

Thursday's stableford's clear winner was Ray Johannesen with 44 points from Laurie Dakin on 38 in the B division; with Rees May on 38 edging Chris Brett in the A division. Pins went to Brett Norris, David O'Connor, Barry Mortimer and Ron Jamieson.

Karlene Lloyd won the Friday Met run with 25 points from Mata Browne on 22 with the pins going to Russell Lakey and Brad Vloedmans.

Mata Browne with 42 points took out the Allenbuild Saturday Stableford and the B division by a shot from Tim Walton. David O'Connor won the A division with 40 points from Jason Bourke on 38 while the pins went to Mick Kavanagh, Chatz Norna, Steve Westley, and Larry Muller. Helen Deighton with 38 beat Rehab Hull by three shots and they also won the ladies pins.

Kristian Mulholland won the Sunday stroke event on a count back from Jared Leaman on 67, with the ladies’ winner Nicole Cooper on 71 beating Tiina Randmae by one. Pins went to Clay Coles, Tiina Randmae, Karl Carton, Joanne Moynihan, Mark McDougal, and Jason Whitney.

Contributed by Rod Wecker.

Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Travis Clinch take first place with 21 points, second with 20 points c/b was Tyson Flavel and third place with 20 points c/b was Dom Lipski.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Tim Walton in first place with 21 points, second place on 19 points c/b was Jimmy Millar and third with 19 points c/b Billy O’Connor.

Sundays 18-hole stroke competition saw Kerrin Taylor take the win with a 45 NETT, second place with 49 NETT c/b was Asher Ventham and third place with a 49 NETT was Deeray Fo’ou. Nearest the pin was Billy O’Connor.

This Sunday 19th November will be 4 ball better ball tee off at 9 – 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

Pictured: Deeray Fo’ou

Five Youth Selected For Academy

Five of the electric Bowen Seagulls have been selected for the prestigious North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Greenhorns Academy.

The academy promotes elite athletes aged between 15 and 16 years old, with a structured program for success, to support their development and their transition from promising youth rugby league players to professional athletes.

The boys from the Bowen Seagulls have performed spectacularly in the most recent season, with their success well rewarded.

The boys are Gideon Prior, Mathew Belyea, Manua Dau, Gausa Dau, and Byron Piggott, who are excited for the new experience to train from some of the best people in the industry.

Each boy is hardworking, on the field and off, with tenacity and fantastic teamwork.

They are to be congratulated on this massive achievement, to progress in a sporting profession that they are passionate about, in a program that rewards hard work and dedication.

Within the Greenhorns Academy, the boys will have a clear pathway to build a career in the sport, as well as have great access to highly qualified and skilled coaches, player welfare outlets, and strength and conditioning staff, as well as train and play as if a professional in the sport.

Watch out for these boys on the field, we’re seeing the next top players for Queensland.

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The five Bowen boys selected for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Greenhorns Academy. Photo supplied

NQ Cruising Yacht Club Presentation Night

The annal North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club Commodore’s Dinner and Presentation Night is coming back, and be prepared for a night of fun, laughter, and unforgettable company!

A massive event on the club’s calendar, the annual dinner and presentation night celebrate the year that has been, all the close calls and the sweeping wins by member and competitors far and wide.

And the theme?

Come dressed as something that begins with the same first letter of your name. If you’re Brenda, then come as Barbie!

If Ethan, then come as Elvis, and let the fun begin!

WHAT: NQCYC Commodore’s Dinner and Presentation Night

WHERE: North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, 1 Starboard Drive, Bowen

WHEN: Saturday, November 25, from 5.30pm

TICKETS: $60 each and purchased through the NQCYC bar

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The 2021 Club Champions, Ruthless. Photo supplied

Have you ever had a hankering to learn to fly, join the RAAF or fly an airliner?

The Whitsunday Aero Club Inc (WAC Inc) may soon be able to assist.  The club has been in contact with a flying school, Wrighton Aviation from Mackay that has expressed interest in establishing a satellite flying school, based in the Whitsundays, using the facilities of the WAC Inc club house. A representative from Wrighton Aviation, which is based in Mackay, will be visiting the Whitsundays on Sunday, 19 November, to inspect the facilities, and to ascertain the amount of interest locally. If there is sufficient interest, Wrighton Aviation will begin the process of applying to relevant authorities for permission to conduct flight training.

Anyone interested in finding out more details about the training being offered, is invited to meet the Wrighton Aviation /flying instructor and WAC Inc members on Sunday morning, 19 November 2023, at the WAC Inc building, Lascelles Avenue (look for the building with the green roof).

A free sausage sizzle will be provided between 11.30am and 1.30pm. to anyone booking and taking a Trial Instructional Flight or an Instruction period.

Trial Instructional Flights (TIFs) allow you the opportunity to fly the aircraft with the instructor.

For further information and BOOKINGS contact:

Wrighton Aviation  www.wrightonaviation.au 4864 8550 or 0459588810

Alan Midgley (WAC Inc):  0428 746 716

WHAT: Flight Training

WHERE: Whitsunday Aero Club

WHEN: Sunday, 19 November – 11.30am – 1.30pm

Since introducing Friday social paddling in April, Club Outrigger Whitsunday has welcomed 52 people to our sport. While some have been visiting Airlie Beach, the majority of these new paddlers have been local and continue to attend these fun, no pressure sessions.

Using these Friday social sessions as a base for a major recruitment drive, another nine locals joined in after reading the clubs’ Facebook post-this “Come and Try” was fully booked after just six days.  

The clubs’ members were on hand demonstrating their paddling skills and keen to show just how much they love the sport. Followed by a BBQ and beers, the clubs’ President, Rob O’Connor, and Vice President, Glen Bray gave paddlers the lowdown on outrigging in North Qld and what’s on the clubs’ calendar in the 2024 season.

If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Lynes, Head Coach

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The Come and Try session was fully booked

On Saturday, 15 Cannons were selected for the SNQ Achievers’ Development squad activity which was held in Mackay. Congratulations to the Cannons who participated in the coaching clinic: Isaac and Isabella Pisaniello, Jack and Thomas Ganter, Alex and Zach Trefz, Ehsan and Anisa Helou, Andie Reynolds, Addie Sanders, Don Algie, Koa and Ruby Harland, Jax Clayworth and Declan Dichiera.  

Swimmers participated in Breaststroke, Butterfly and Athletic Development sessions lead by Queensland Coach Barry Prime. A big thank you to coaches, Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson, and Rylee Erickson for assisting with the coaching on Saturday.  

One Cannon, Nelson Malady travelled to Richmond on the weekend to participate at the Richmond Transition Meet. Nelson had a very successful weekend winning 4 individual events, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 100m IM. Nelson thoroughly enjoyed the Freestyle and Mystery IM stroke Skins events. Well done, Nelson!  

This week at Club Night, Matilda Nicholes and River Shields were presented with Upgrade Certificates. Congratulations to Eric Mulliss and Liam Filewood for winning the Chocolate Awards for the best PBs.

The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday night. A big thank you to all the wonderful parents who help with officiating at Club Night. The Cannons are looking forward to competing in the GBR Carnival in Mackay next weekend.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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River Shields received an Upgrade Award

Matilda Nicholes with her Upgrade Award. Photos supplied

By Chris Karas

Mackay Meteorettes coach Jamiey Douvendans has a sharp eye for basketball talent.

The respected hoops mentor has just returned from the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Junior Secondary tournament on the Gold Coast where he marvelled at the skills sets on show.

In his role as Coaching Co-ordinator of the St Patrick’s College Mackay basketball program, the experienced Douvendans guided the school to a Boys Division Three Grand Final appearance and a top five finish in the Girls Division One championship.

These meritorious achievements come hot on the heels of St Patrick’s gold-medal winning performances at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Opens event at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre during September.

A chuffed Douvendans described the Mackay college’s efforts at the State’s premier basketball schools tournaments as “truly remarkable” and believes the nucleus of both squads are on the Meteors and Meteorettes radar.    

“I’ve been coaching St Patrick’s basketball teams for the past decade and this year’s campaign has proved to be our most successful to date,” reflected Jamiey.

“We came away with two gold medals plus a silver and achieved our highest-ever ranking in Division One with our Junior Girls claiming fifth spot,” he quipped.

“Overall at both tournaments we won 25 of our 28 games and were unlucky not to secure a third gold medal after the Junior Boys were beaten in the Grand Final by Ryan Catholic College” the Meteorettes boss added.

St Patrick’s held their own in the tough Division One Junior Girls category with encouraging Pool A victories over Southport State High (70-50), Hillcrest Christian College and Mountain Creek State High (63-53) before blitzing Varsity College (72-27) and rolling Kings Christian College (59-48) in the finals to clinch a top five ranking for the first time.

The Mackay girls were outclassed by powerful Brisbane State High (64-37) and John Paul College (56-41) - their only losses at the tournament.

Douvendans praised the efforts of outstanding combination guard Maggie Thorburn, centre Lily Mapp and promising guards Eden Catip and Skye Vaughan – who are all aged 14 – along with rising 15 year old wing Ally Simpson.

St Patrick’s dominated the Division 3 Junior Boys division – only to stumble at the final hurdle with a heart-breaking 37-29 Grand Final loss to Townsville’s Ryan Catholic College.

The Mackay young guns demonstrated their on-court skills with emphatic victories over Mueller College (77-18), Chisholm Christian College (56-28), St Mary’s College Toowoomba (58-27), Coolum State High (56-24) and Grace Lutheran College Rothwell (61-27) before toppling All Saints Anglican School (35-22) in a semi-final.

Leading the way were talented centre Archie Howell and power forward Isaac Carter,15, along with 14-year-old North Queensland State representative point guard Cooper Curry and combination guard Usai Bickey.

“The boys were disappointed after turning in a below par performance in the final which was their only loss at the championships,” said Douvendans.

“After superb displays leading into the Grand Final they took their eye off the ball in the gold medal clash and strayed away from the game plan,” he surmised.

“But they can all be proud of their efforts in collecting a silver medal which is a tremendous feat in itself” the master coach concluded.

Douvendans was ably supported by a St Patrick’s College basketball panel that featured Jo Ciantar, Rachel McKenzie, Lauren Jones, Scott McSherry and Patrick Hoare.

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St Patrick’s College finished runners up in this year’s Division 3 Junior Secondary Boys category at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament on the Gold Coast

St Patrick’s College Junior Secondary Girls team achieved a top five Division One ranking for the first time at this year’s Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre

Twin centuries by talented Walkerston juniors Tyler Peters and Cooper Newbury proved the highlight of fourth round limited overs action in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association competition.

Padding up in the Under 15B division, the promising colts turned on a batting masterclass to help the Walkerston Under 14s team amass an imposing tally of 1-252 in the 25 overs per side fixture at McLennan Park.

In an entertaining run fest the flamboyant Peters blasted 103 runs off only 56 deliveries including 21 boundaries while Newbery cracked seventeen fours in a dashing knock of 100 before both batsmen retired.

Walkerston restricted the Magpies Under 14 Blacks to 6-141.

The Magpies were best served by skipper Jacob Whitby, who smashed 50 runs off 41 balls with eight boundaries, Aarnav Reelh (38) and Xander Ness (20).

Will Keen was the pick of the Walkerston bowlers with 2-33.

Proserpine Cricket Club defeated the Magpies White team in an Under 15A clash at Proserpine Sports Ground.

Jordan Lawn top scored for the home side with 31 runs off 37 balls with support from Donovan Pettiford (21) in a total of 151.

The Magpies could only muster 8-100 in reply with young gun Ishan Rana cracking a stylish 50 off 56 balls.

Lawn (2-5) and Oliver Seamer (2-6) bowled accurately for Proserpine while Cooper Boyce (3-10 off five overs), Rana (2-11 off four overs) and Soham Rana (2-18 off three overs) spearheaded the Magpies attack.

An exciting day for the Dolphins of Pioneer Swimming Club came on 4th November, with a local swim meet in the beautiful Isaac region, hosted by Moranbah Highlanders Swimming Club.

Twenty-six Dolphins made the day trip out to Moranbah, where swimmers enjoyed a day in the sun seeking more personal bests.

A highlight of the meet were the Reg and Cecilia Abbott and Naomi McGilvray events – a 200m Freestyle event for 9 years and under, and 10 years and over respectively.

In the 9 years and under event, Ralph Traeger and Makenna Malagueno each won their events and Bethany Miles placed 3rd.

In the 10 years and over, Yasmin Seedwell placed 2nd and Stevie Brand placed 3rd. Many Pioneers were also named Age Champions or Runners-Up Age Champions.

The Junior Dolphins did fantastic at this meet, with Maxim Demin, Rex Traeger, Alfie Kibby and Alice Demin swimming strong in each of their 25m strokes. Maxim stepped up to swim the 200m freestyle event – a fantastic achievement for a 7 year old.

The grounds and pool at Moranbah were a treat for the swimmers and the day did not disappoint.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Anna Miles and Joleigh Strydom enjoying the presentation

Junior Dolphins, Rex, Maxim and Alfie

Traeger family

Makenna Malagueno

Team photo

Photos supplied

The phrase ‘unfinished business’ gets thrown around a great deal in sports, but when Isaac White refers to it, it couldn’t ring truer.

The 25-year-old had arguably one of the best individual state league campaigns in the history of Mackay Basketball in 2023, but a late-season quadricep injury forced the McDonald’s Meteors Most Valuable Player to spectate from the sidelines, as his teammates went down to the South West Metro Pirates 94-72, in an NBL1 North elimination quarter-final.

“Watching that quarter-final from the bench and having things end like that was really tough,” White said.

“The whole season we spoke about putting ourselves in a position to win a championship and worked collectively towards that, and to not be out on the floor to help the guys when it mattered most, it was difficult.”

White becomes the first McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North signing for next year and if his 2023 credentials are anything to go by, fans at the Crater will be in for many more highlights throughout 2024.

The dynamic guard averaged a nation-leading 32.6 points per game last season on his way to NBL1 North First Team honours, along with posting team best numbers in rebounds (7.3 per game) and assists (6.5 per game).

It was White’s competitiveness that made the 188cm guard a favourite among the Mackay faithful at McDonald’s Mackay Stadium and McDonald’s Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said White’s approach to the game is what made him a priority signing for the club in 2024.

“He wants to win everything. Every game, every scrimmage, every drill in practice and those standards of excellence certainly set the tone for our entire group,” Khalu said.

“Whitey’s dedication to his basketball craft is unmatched. There’s no days off. He’s always working to not only make himself better, but also make those around him better and that’s what you want in your marquee players.

“Also, it’s not just about what Isaac does on the court that makes him so valuable. He invested heavily into our community engagement programs last season, becoming a tremendous role-model for our junior players.”

White was also pumped about his return to the sugar city.

“The environment in Mackay at an NBL1 level is second-to-none and it’s a place I know I’ll continue to get better in the NBL off-season.

“The people drive the culture there and that’s really important for me when finding places to play.

“JK’s style of play also suits my game and I think that was well reflected last season. I felt like I made some big strides as a player which in turn helped prepare me for the current NBL season.”

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Isaac White is returning to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for the 2024 NBL1 North season. Photo credit: Kieron Place

Mackay witnessed an exhilarating showcase of cycling prowess at the recent Mackay Cycling Club Track Open, held on 28th October. Cyclists from across the region put their skills to the test, battling strong winds to deliver an unforgettable day of competitive racing.

Local Mackay riders made their mark across all grades, emerging victorious in events spanning A-grade men to junior categories. The standout moment of the carnival was the gripping showdown in the Wright Family Shield senior handicap race. Wade Mitchell, a local rider, clinched victory by a hair's breadth, narrowly edging out fellow Mackay cyclist Kiah Dumigan. The race reached its climax with just over a lap to go, and as the riders hurtled towards the finish line, they unleashed their full acceleration. Mitchell, leading the pack, managed to maintain his position, though Kiah Dumigan was hot on his heels. In a nail-biting finish, Wade secured the win by mere centimetres, with Tim Grover taking third place and Victoria Smith claiming fourth. Smith showcased exceptional form throughout the carnival, dominating the women's events with an impressive string of victories.

In the Wright Family Shield junior handicap, George Tucker from Rockhampton was too good for the competition, winning by a considerable distance over Max Teague in second, Scott Bennett third and Oaklan Marwood in fourth.

The Wright Family Shield was introduced to honour junior and senior handicap race winners. The shield pays tribute to Hamish and Amanda Wright, members of the local track cycling scene over the past decade. Hamish Wright, a renowned figure in cycling, represented the club at four masters world championship events, securing medals in 2018 and 2022. He has won multiple Australian masters titles and is a consistent presence at state and national cycling events. In the Mackay carnival, Wright displayed his skills, earning a third place in the invitation keirin, with speedsters David Hutton and Josh Rainer from Cairns securing the top two spots. Wright also secured victory in the A-grade men's points race.

The father-son duo of Luke and Matthew Shatkowski also left their mark on the carnival, with Matthew achieving success in various events within the U15 category. Luke, competing in A-grade men, delivered a third-place finish in the scratch race and secured second place in the elimination event.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship from CMR Recycling, Crane Logistics, Smart State Rentals, ATOM, and Valenhold.

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Determination was across Wade Mitchell’s face as he launched his attack in the senior men’s handicap with one lap to go

Hamish Wright presenting the Wright Family Shield to junior handicap winner, George Tucker

Invitational keirin podium; David Hutton (first), Josh Rayner (second), Hamish Wright (third)

The carnival saw a strong display of racing across all grades. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 31, 2023:

Division 1:

Echo (Mark Sleeman, Steven Whiting, Graham Brake) d Charlie (Anne Sheridan, Robbie Richards, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Steven d Anne -9, 6, 6, -10, 6.

Foxtrot (Tony Bowman, Tim Sheehan, Geoff Denman) d Bravo (Graham Drury, Vince Boeske, Ivan Perkins) 8-3. Tony d Graham -11, 9, -7, 8, 8.

Delta (Ian McKay, Barry Patterson, Lee Brake) d Alpha (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5. Janice d Lee 5, -11, -12, 9, 11.

Division 2:

Lima (Donna Abbott, Geoff Cowan, Mark Stam, YiLin Jiang) d Mike (Steve Mathieson, Matthew West, Kade Wright, Val Austin) 9-5. Donna d Steve 12, -9, -8, 8, 6.

India (Michael Ibbotson, Misha Palod, Rymer Tabulo, Amanda Wright) d Hotel (Leo Gilbert, Simon Hogan, Steve Crocker, Anaya Reelh) 9-5. Rymer d Leo 9, 9, -8, -9, 8.

Golf (George Camilleri, David Symons, Jye Callender, Saisha Palod) d Juliet (Trent Day, Peter Goodson, Noreen Fredericksen, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 11-3. George d Trent 7, 6, -9, -3, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures October 31, 2023:

Division 1:

Bream (Doug Dungavell, Michael Ibbotson, Charles Hamlett) d Perch (Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Judi Hicks) 9-3. Michael d Peter 9, 9, -7, -9, 8.

Barra (Steve Mathieson, Donna Abbott, Helen Ware) d Tuna (Tony Bowman, John McGee, Val Austin) 8-4. Steve d John -7, -8, 5, 7, 10.

Cod (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan, Kevin Abbott) d Trout (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Fredericksen, Kim Challender) 8-4. George d Branko 6, -6, -6, 10, 10.

Division 2:

Lobster (Marie Taylor, Fred Saliba, Allison Day) d Squid (Rhonda Griffiths, Sharon Muller, Myles Dutton) 10-2. Sharon d Fred -6, 2, 8, 8.

Crab (John Hamelink, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Prawn (Robyn Bushell, Pam Keune, Cheryl Aprato) 8-4. John d Robyn -9, 8, 6, -6, 9.

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George Camilleri in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo: Charlie Payne