The two-day Vets’ Wintersun event took to the Proserpine Golf Club course last Monday and Tuesday, with local golfers Paula McQuat and John Roser coming away as the 36-hole champions.

Despite player numbers being down this year, the event was again a success, with McQuat winning the Ladies competition with an aggregate 72 points and Roser taking the Men’s with 71.

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Other overall winners included Proserpine’s Tina Badenhorst in Ladies Division A, Mackay’s Christine Lakin in Division B and McQuat in the 70+ category.

Mackay’s John Pain won Men’s Division A, while Proserpine’s Ken Granger took Division B and the 75+ category. Louis Neethling won Division C.

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A small group returned for Wednesday’s Ladies competition, where Anna Winterbourn won with 38 points ahead of Heather Luvis on 34.

Thursday’s Stableford saw Jason Bourke take A Grade with 37 points on a countback, while Vic Feldman won B Grade with 38.

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Kell Geard won Friday’s Metropole Hotel-sponsored nine-hole competition with 23 points, ahead of Wil Bernett on 19.

On Saturday, Jett Borghero recorded 43 points to win Men’s A Grade, with Chris Henderson taking B Grade on 39. Di Dobbins also scored 39 points to win the Ladies competition, one ahead of Toni Clauss.

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Sunday’s Mixed Stableford went to John Clark with 38 points, followed by Dean Barnard on 37 and Paula McQuat on 35.

The PGC will hold its AGM on Saturday, August 29, with the course closed during the meeting. A shotgun-start event will follow.

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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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Mascot ‘Sailee’ with some of the young reefies. Photo supplied: Ashley Matthew.

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club has held its AGM and committee elections for the next 12 months, with few changes to the team.

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Ash Matthews returns as President, alongside Vice President Justin Butler, Secretary Steve Obst, Treasurer Stacey Cranmer, Club Recorder and Tech Guru Dave Cramner and Weigh-Master Matt Bird.

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The General Committee consists of Gavin Smith, Gareth Trevz, Jodie Richardson, Jordon Lindley, Marleen Hicks and Jeff Baker, while Russell Hicks remains Weigh-Master on Hamilton Island and Jason at Tackle World Airlie Beach continues at the club’s go-to weigh station.

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Long-time Treasurer and Life Member Stacey Gerhart stood down after many years in the role, receiving a rousing round of applause in recognition of her dedication to the club.

The family-friendly club continues to grow, with rising membership, strong sponsor support, well-attended rallies and plenty of success from its Juniors and Small Fry.

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Its new junior section, REEFIES, is also set to expand with educational sessions covering fishing, tag and release, and respect for the ocean and environment, alongside plenty of activities for children under 16 and visits from mascot SAILEE.

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Attention now turns to the Billfish and Tuna Rally on September 19 and 20, with briefing and registration at the club in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, from 6pm on September 17.

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The rally will give teams a chance to fine-tune their tactics ahead of the club’s major Light Tackle Tournament, running from October 22 to 25.

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Contributed with thanks to Ashley Matthew.

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Andrea Nicholson. Photo supplied

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures

Division 1: Pirates Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) defeated Pharoah Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5, Andrea outlasted Tony in close 5 sets (-10,9,6,-11,8). Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Kevin Abbott) won against Celtic Smash (Pam Joyce, John McGee) 5-4, no 5 set matches but John and Kevin had a great 4 sets with John getting up (-5,5,10,4).  Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd) got home 7-5 against Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn), Doug fought back to win in 5 sets over Judy (-8,-4,3,9,14).  

Divison 2: Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Pam Kuene, Louise Gould) won 7-5 over Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis, Cheryl Pearson), Ken and Josie overcome Helen and Pam to win (-7,8,-9,6,8).  Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) defeated Dolphin Divers (Ian Dodds, John Hamelink, Frank Caruana) 8-4, Coral won the marathon with John in 5 sets (4,-7,14,6,8).  

Division 3: Amazon Guards (David Muir, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) outlasted Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) 9-3, Allison got home against Iris (7,7,-4,-2,7). Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Kim Challendar, Trish Zamparutti) defeated Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) 9-3, Trish got home over Glenda (9,3,-8,-8,3).

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Tuesday Night Fixtures

Division 1: Cheetahs (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Janice Kent) defeated Leopards (Emma Widdup, Dilini Ranasinghe, Geoff Cowan) 6-5, Janice fought her way back against Geoff to win in 5 sets (-9,-10, 5,7,7).  Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan) outlasted Magpies (Barry Patterson, Abbas Irshad, Rod Mahumas) 6-5, with no 5 set matches Remy and Rod had a great battle with Remy winning (5,7,-10,10). Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 over Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa), Josh won in close 5 sets against Graeme W (-9.8,8,-9,4).  Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) defeated Pumas (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) 9-2, Andrea snuck home against Duncan (6,-6,-4,13,9).  

Division 2: Dolphins (Mark Stam, Ricky Zhan, Mark Bowerman) won 6-5 against Trevally (Tony Bowman, Amanda Lui, Noreen Fredericksen), Mark S came back against Noreen to win in 5 sets (-8,-3,9,9,9).  Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) defeated Grunter (Rachel Fiesta, Simon Hogan, Jason Lee) 6-5, Rachel won close match against Ollie (-5,7,6,-9,9).  Cod (Donna Abbott, Darryl Ross, Steve Mathieson) got home against Cuttlefish (Logan Brown, Ian McKay, David Symons) 6-5, Steve outlasted David (-6,8,6,-6,7).  Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmed) defeated Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington) 6-5, George got home against Daniel (4,9,-6,-8,5).

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Contributed by Andrea Payne  

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Winning team - Lorna, Janelle, Terry and Noel. Photo supplied  

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Red, Gold & Green At The Bridge Club!

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Three competitions were played last week with the final of the GNOT (Gold Points), final round of the Teams (Red Points) and the Unders and Overs Pairs (Green Points). Ten teams competed for the GNOT Final and the Founders Teams. Janelle Conroy, Terry Sheedy, Lorna Shuttlewood & Noel Bugeia took out both GNOT Final and the Founders Teams. Twenty-four pairs played in the Unders and Overs pairs, with many beginners playing with overs they would not normally get the chance to play with. The Mackay Club has a wonderful program for beginners and experienced players give of their time to play and encourage these players along their journey.

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Weekly Results

Monday 27th July 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor

1^st

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2^nd

Monica Darley / Joy Block

2^nd

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3^rd

Margaret Geeham / Adrian Westcott

3^rd

Jaqui Morton / Robert Morton

4^th

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4^th

Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

Tuesday Evening 28th July 2026 –Unders and Overs Pairs 12 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st

Glen Cocup / Patricia Garner

1^st

Marilin Robins / Mick Robbins

2^nd

Lynne O’Neill / Frances Brown

2^nd

Helen Van Den Breok / Ian Vary

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Janine Rodgers / Susan Ross

4^th

Joy Block / Terry Sheedy

4^th

Ming Ting / Susan Gibson

4^th

Christina Brady / Alan Brown

5^th

Michelle Hall / Mick King

Wednesday 29th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 3 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

Team

Players

1^st

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Rasmussen

Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

4^th

Howard

Vicki Howard, Susan Ross, Janine Rodgers, Anette Howe

Wednesday 29th July 2026 – Final Founders Teams Red Points

Team

Players

1^st

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Morris

Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Frances Brown, Alan Brown

Thursday Evening 30th July 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3^rd

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 31 July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

2^nd

Lorna Shuttlewood/ Debra Goodchild

2^nd

Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor

3^rd

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4^th

Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 1st August 2026 –- Final GNOT Teams Gold Points

Team

Players

1^st

Bugeia

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Brown

Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Diane Morgan, Janet Hansen  

3^rd

Morris

Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Frances Brown, Alan Brown

4th

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

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Contributed by Joy Block

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Photo credit: Edie weiss

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Despite unpredictable weather, ten club members took part in the walks on offer on Sunday. They were able to choose between a challenging climb in the Homevale National Park and a more relaxed exploration of beach and bush areas between Bucasia and Shoal Point.

Ken Fihelly was the guide for the ascent of Sydney Heads, and progress was slowed initially by long and thick grass and then some slipping and sliding on the scree slope. However, once on top of the plateau, the views were stunning. From various positions Diamond Cliffs, The Bluff, Marling Spikes, Mt Britton and Mikes Peak were visible. Lichen gave the cliffs a green tinge, and the wattle was in full bloom with a rich colour.  Enduring some drizzle at times, and undergrowth thick with saplings and vines, the walkers reached the highest point (921 m), and after lunch, made their way to the eastern cliffs for more great views. 

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A smaller number of bushwalkers led by Carole Weekes braved threatening skies to set off from the Eimeo Creek estuary to enjoy a relaxing amble along Bucasia Beach before following a sandy track through the bush to climb a staircase to a lookout. By now, there were blue skies but earlier a few drops of rain and a rainbow had appeared.

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The rest of the morning involved morning tea on the deck overlooking the lake at Shoal Point Waters with a view across to some of mountains climbed regularly by the club members, and grazing cattle not often seen now in the area. This was followed by a return to the beach via Nautilus Park, but strong breezes soon forced participants to access the pathway through the parkland for the journey south back to the cars.

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Walks on our calendar in the next couple of months include Mt Jukes, Mt Ossa, the Rail Trail and St Helen’s Creek. Phone for more information by contacting the membership secretary on 0429 363 929.

Contributed by Carole Weekes

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U14 team. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe.  

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Whitsunday United enjoyed another busy weekend of football, with several standout junior performances highlighting mixed results across the club.

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The U13 Premier side produced a commanding 8–0 victory over Dolphins FC. Tommie Spratt and Calvin Murphy gave WUFC a two-goal halftime lead before Jack Reynolds completed a hat-trick in a dominant second half. Connor Miller scored twice, while Addie Sanders converted from the penalty spot. Jace Hickey, Oscar O'Sullivan and goalkeeper Kye Land anchored another clean sheet.

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The U14/15 Division 1 team continued its outstanding form with a 7–0 win over Mackay Lions. Kobe Marjoram scored four goals, while Mason McDowall, Alex Draper and Sam Crosby also found the net. The U14/15 FQPL side earned a 2–2 draw with MackayRangers, thanks to goals from Sam Hazleton and Austin Kelly.

The Whitsunday Women showed encouraging signs despite a 4–0 loss to Magpies, with goalkeeper Veneesha Robertson, Taigen Marks and Karlee Goodin among the standout performers.

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Senior men's results were mixed. Division 2 produced a much-improved second half in a 4–0 loss to Sarina. Division 1 cruised to a 22–1 victory over Magpies, while the Under 23 Men settled for a 0–0 draw with Mackay Rangers after controlling much of the match. The Premier Men pushed Mackay Rangers all the way, with Ethan Rose scoring in a spirited 2–1 defeat after a missed second-half penalty proved costly.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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Champion overall rider Payton Hills riding Winchester Royale. photo credit: Zoe Townsend, Pink Lady Photography.  

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Cannonvalley Pony Club hosted its Official Showjumping and Jump Equitation competition over the weekend, welcoming riders for two days of competition in beautiful winter weather. Strong displays of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and determination made for a successful event, with riders producing impressive performances across the weekend.

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The weekend concluded with Payton Hills aboard Winchester Royale (Mackay North Pony Club) claiming the Overall Champion Rider title, following a series of standout performances across the competition. Mia Formilan, riding Where's Wally (Ayr Pony Club), finished a strong second to be named Reserve Champion Overall Rider. Congratulations to both riders and to everyone who competed, capping off another successful weekend of competition.  

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The club extends its sincere thanks to the officials and the many volunteers who assisted with the countless tasks that ensured the event ran smoothly. Their time, dedication, and willingness to lend a hand made the weekend possible.

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The club also acknowledged the continued support of its sponsors, thanking Anaconda Airlie Beach for providing the Champion prizes, along with silver sponsors Warren Transport, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort and Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine for their ongoing backing.

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Contributed with thanks to Kate Van Dalen.

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The Proserpine Golf Club Open Championships were the headline event of another active week on the course, with members and visiting golfers battling it out across the grades.

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Saturday's Haymans Electrical-sponsored stroke event crowned Clay Coles Men's A Grade champion after a winning round of 65 nett, one shot clear of Tony Goss. Ken Lovett produced the best score of the day, claiming B Grade with an outstanding 64 nett, while Russell Lakes finished runner-up on 66.

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In the women's event, Paula McQuat claimed the title on a countback after carding 76 nett, narrowly edging Tropics Golf Club's Christine Barkle, with Robyn Whitham finishing third.

The club welcomed some of the region's rising golfers for Sunday's Junior Open. Pioneer Valley Golf Club's Jonty Laing stole the show with a brilliant 63 nett to win the event, while Chorus Andrews secured second on countback from Bowen Golf Club's Tamsyn Carus after both returned 70 nett.

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Earlier in the week, Tuesday's stroke competition saw Chris Gurdler finish with the best overall score of 66 nett, while Leanne Alexander won the ladies' event before adding the Veterans Closed Championship A Grade gross title to her week. Larry Muller claimed the men's A Grade gross honours.

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Thursday's Stableford produced matching winning scores of 41 points, with Josh Mansley taking out A Grade and Harvey Mason leading the way in B Grade. Briony Smith rounded out the week's competitions by winning Friday's Metropole Hotel-sponsored nine-hole event with 24 points.

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With the course in outstanding condition thanks to the work of the club's grounds crew, members are now preparing for another busy stretch of golf as the winter calendar continues.

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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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Sunday’s Swimming. Photo supplied: Raylene Rasmussen.

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club has plenty to celebrate, with an incredible 38 swimmers selected in the Swimming North Queensland Achievers' Squad following their outstanding performances last season.  

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The selected swimmers have earned invitations to attend a Swimming North Queensland Stroke Clinic, led by respected Swimming Queensland coach Barry Prime. Selection in the Achievers' Squad recognises dedication, consistent improvement, and strong performances throughout the season, making this a fantastic achievement for the club.  

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The Cannons congratulate the following swimmers:  

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Gold: Hamilton Anflous, Mackenzie Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Miller Eaves, Billie Jamieson, Lucas Korosec and Zach Trefz.  

Silver: Zane Clayworth, Thomas Ganter, Ruby Harland, Ruby Lawson, Nelson Malady, Celeste Orenshaw and Alex Trefz.  

Bronze: Harris Delac, Declan Dichiera, Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Roxy Groom, Matilda Nicholes, Koa Harland, Andie Reynolds, Indi Smith and Levi Smith.  

Blue: Evie Doherty, Wilson Hounsell, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Eric Mulliss, Leo Mulliss, Miranda Palmero, Addie Sanders, River Shields, Finn Temple, Caleb Woolston and Zavier Woolston.  

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The weekend also provided a wonderful reminder that swimming is a sport for life. Much-loved adult swimmer Kay Corskie celebrated her 80th birthday. Kay continues to inspire everyone by swimming two to three times each week, proving that staying active is the key to staying young at heart. To mark the special occasion, the adult squad completed an impressive 80 × 25-metre swim challenge in her honour.  

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Congratulations to all Achievers' Squad members and a very happy 80th birthday to Kay—your enthusiasm and commitment continue to inspire the entire Cannons family.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Nedd Brockmann and the Symington Family post run. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.  

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Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann swapped record-breaking runs for a community jog down by the marina last week, encouraging locals to take the first step towards their goals.

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The run formed part of the CommBank Tour, which is travelling through regional Australia to promote financial wellbeing, scam awareness and community connection.  

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“I think connecting with any community is important, but obviously especially for regional and more remote communities,” Nedd said.  

“I’m fortunate to be supported by CommBank and then support what they want to do is get around, help with scam safety, help with financial fitness and I'm all about it.”

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Before becoming one of Australia's most recognisable endurance athletes, Nedd grew up in the regional New South Wales town of Forbes, where he worked as an electrician before taking on the challenge that would change his life.

In 2022, Brockmann captured the nation's attention by running nearly 4,000 kilometres across Australia in just 47 days to raise money for homelessness.  

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His determination and resilience earned him widespread recognition, including being named Young Australian of the Year in 2026, with his message of discipline, community and taking the first step continuing to inspire people across the country.

Airlie Beach was the sixth stop on the CommBank Tour, with Nedd leading locals and tourists on a 6km run along the foreshore.  

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“It's been really cool too, especially because the big cities get all the attention and get all the help,” Nedd said.  

One of the biggest hurdles for many people, according to Brockmann, is simply getting started, but he believes consistency is far more important than motivation.

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Drawing parallels between running and everyday life, he said both have their highs and lows, and learning not to let emotions dictate your actions is key.

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"Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's easy, it's just about being level through it all," he said.

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"When motivation's there, that's great, but when motivation's not there it doesn't really matter because we're getting into it."

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Sunday pairs winners Tony Whitehorn and Alan Pershouse.

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club welcomed visiting bowlers from across Australia alongside local members for another week of competitive action on the greens.

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Tuesday's social bowls welcomed Perth visitor Terry Cranswick, who impressed with a comfortable victory alongside Sue Dakin and Lyn Graham.

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Cranswick continued his winning form on Wednesday afternoon, teaming up with Janet Jacometti and Keith Bates to claim top honours in a field of 34 bowlers. Wednesday evening also saw another strong turnout for the club's popular Business House Bowls competition, organised by Yvonne and Bob Spees, with Round 3 standings to be released next week.

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On Thursday, students from Whitsunday Christian College, Elliana Langshore, Miranda Jackson, Pazel Davis and Ollie Webb, continued developing their skills under the guidance of coach Betty Whitehorn.

Friday's coaching session with Endeavour Foundation participants highlighted the progress being made by members Kathy and Michael, with the latter continuing to impress with his accuracy and determination.

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Round 3 of the Scroungers competition was played on Saturday under the direction of Nilo Ballance, with results to be published next week.

Sunday's social bowls attracted 21 players, including visitors Peter and Linley MacArthur from Outram Bowls Club in New Zealand, Peter Whitlock from Moama Bowls Club in Victoria, Bruce Whitlock from Henty Bowls Club in New South Wales and returning travellerRick Galea.

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Tony Whitehorn and Alan Pershouse claimed the pairs victory, while Shane Spann, Joan McGrath and Vicki Spann won the opening round of the Mixed Triples.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Tuesday winners, Les Jackson President Deb Retchless  Di Hallas and Ron Boska. Photo supplied: Penny Warren.  

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It was B Grade Men's Champion Neale Chittenden's turn to represent the club at the Men's District Champion of Champions over the weekend. Neale recorded wins over Ayr and Suburban before narrowly going down to Thuringowa in the final to finish runner-up. Congratulations, Neale, on a fantastic achievement.

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The club's ladies also impressed at the District Premier Cup at Thuringowa, winning six of their 10 games to finish fourth overall. Thuringowa claimed the title with eight wins.

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Monday's self-selected triples saw Leon Fox, Max Ritchie and Debbie Gorin defeat Bruce Thompson, John Hellas and R Symmons, while Ron Willman, Don Barnett and Joe Paynting were runners-up after defeating Graeme Read, Maureen Hyde and Ron Hyde. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

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Tuesday's winners were Di Hallas, Les Jackson and Ron Boska, with Ian Colenso, Col Parker and Bruce Thompson finishing runners-up. Again, the jackpot did not go off.

Friday Night Barefoot Bowls continues to attract a great crowd. Anyone keen to join in is welcome to head to the club from 5.30pm.

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Saturday's lone competition game saw Denise Wallace, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe defeat Kevin Daniels, Maureen Hyde and Ron Hyde.

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On Sunday, Jack Stamp, Alby Vigar and France Wilman claimed victory on Rink 6, while Carol Bellingham, Col Parker and Bob Dykstra took the runners-up prize.

Good luck to Denise Wallace and Penny Warren, who will contest the District Champion of Champions Pairs Zone 8 playoff at Silkwood this weekend for a place in the State finals.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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It's another busy period for Proserpine Bowls, with one Champion of Champions event wrapping up and another just around the corner.

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Last weekend, the club's Champion Fours team of Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Toby Craig and Nathan Harriott travelled to North Mackay for the Champion of Champions Fours. After receiving a first-round bye, they defeated RSL 30-12 on Saturday afternoon to book a place in the semi-finals.

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On Sunday, they came up against Souths Suburban but were defeated 21-10, ending their campaign. Souths Suburban advanced to the final, where North Mackay claimed the title with a 16-13 victory.

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Attention now turns to the Champion of Champions Pairs at Airlie Beach this weekend, with David Ling and Andrew Bell set to represent Proserpine. The pair also received a first-round bye and will open their campaign against Mackay Club on Saturday afternoon. The club wishes them all the best.

Wednesday also saw Heather Brown crowned Club Championship Singles winner after defeating Henny Tattam in a thrilling final. Heather made the stronger start before Henny fought back, with the match remaining undecided until the final end. Heather secured the title 28-24 and will now represent Proserpine at the Champion of Champions Singles in North Mackay on Tuesday, August 18.

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Social bowls continued throughout the week, with visitors from Germany, New Zealand, Swan Hill and St Georges Basin joining local members on the greens. Wednesday featured a 7-all draw in one match, while other winning teams included Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith and Lindsay Flood, Kate, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara, and Arthur Griffith, Alen Sanderson and Nev Smith.

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On Sunday, winning combinations were Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown, Carol Smith and Mike Harrison, who claimed two victories, and Trevor Parsons and Sandy Daffara, rounding out another enjoyable weekend of social bowls.

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Contributed with thanks to proserpine bowling club.

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Corey Jensen, a sporting star and inspiration to his community. Photo source: Mayor Ry Collins

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One of Bowen's greatest sporting success stories has officially hung up the boots, with NRL premiership winner Corey Jensen announcing his medical retirement after an eight-year career at the top level of rugby league.

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The former Bowen Seagulls Junior leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond the football field, inspiring generations of young athletes in his hometown.

“On behalf of the Bowen State High School community, thank you Corey for ​inspiring the next generation to dream big and chase their goals,” said Principal Robert Harris on behalf of Bowen State High School.

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“You have represented our school and community with humility and pride throughout your career.”

With 153 games under his belt for the North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos, Corey proved strength and determination against the demand of the game, earning accolades like Cowboys Rookie of the Year and taking part in a premiership-winning performance against the Melbourne Storm just last year.  

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Jensen's retirement comes after he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, or blood clots in the lungs, after not feeling quite right during Round 7 of the NRL season.  

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"After receiving medical advice and speaking to specialists, it's clear that it's no longer safe for me to play rugby league," Jensen said in comments published by the ABC.  

While he will remain on blood-thinning medication for the rest of his life, Jensen said his overall health is good and he has been able to return to training, although contact sport is no longer an option.  

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"I leave with absolutely no regrets," he said.

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While Jensen's playing career has come to an end earlier than expected, the Bowen-raised star has plenty to look forward to. A qualified sports scientist with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from James Cook University, he has already prepared a foundation for life after rugby league.

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Reflecting on his career, Jensen described himself as a "late bloomer", crediting former North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green for giving him his NRL debut in 2017.

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"I was a bit of a late bloomer, so I'm grateful they took a punt on me, and I have to acknowledge how much the Cowboys did for my career," Jensen said.

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Photo credit: Vampp Photography.

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While hundreds of sailors battle it out on the water, there'll be just as much happening ashore during Airlie Beach Race Week, with live entertainment, food, family activities and special events ensuring the regatta offers something for everyone.

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From daily live music and the Festival Village to Lay Day celebrations and the traditional presentation dinner, the week is as much a community celebration as it is a sailing event.

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"The onshore activities are open to all of the sailors, plus any of the locals and any visitors can come along, get the vibes and have a beer,” Terry Archer said.  

Throughout the week, the Whitsunday Sailing Club precinct will come alive with a packed entertainment program.  

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Ash Smith will open the festivities on Thursday before performances from The Fox, Two Fires, The Hillbilly Goats, Paul Fergus Morris, Sam McCann and Viva Band keep the energy pumping through the week.  

Alongside the live entertainment, there'll be daily race presentations, Friday Night Movies in the Park, the Whitsunday Sailing Club Restaurant and Bar, and a fireworks display to close out the week.

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Those heading to the 74 Islands Distillery Changing Courses Lunch on Lay Day will be greeted with a Summit Spritz before settling in for an afternoon of live music, roaming canapés and food stations at Elementa. Back in the Festival Village, the distillery will be pouring its range of locally crafted spirits alongside frozen cocktails throughout the week.

Also on Lay Day, Jeanneau Australia, presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers, will invite visitors aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455. The open boat experience gives both sailors and first-time visitors the chance to step aboard the popular cruising yacht and get a closer look at life on the water.

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Meanwhile, Festival Village sponsor Northside Marine will have its Highfield Sport 800 out in action for the duration of Race Week. But Archer said the company's contribution goes well beyond the showcase, with Northside Marine supplying the regatta's official camera boat and rapid response vessel, both of which play an important role in delivering the event safely.

Archer said the success of Race Week comes down to the combined efforts of its sponsors, volunteers and local businesses, whose support has helped the event continue to grow year after year.  

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"We've been so lucky this year, as without our sponsors we just couldn't do it," he said.

"Six or seven years ago, we were struggling to get a naming rights sponsor.

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“Now we're having to go to our sponsors and say, 'Hey, would you mind sharing it? Because we've got two that we'd like to do.' It's just fantastic."  

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When: 1pm-4pm, Monday 10th August

Where: Elementa Whitsundays  

What: Lay Day Lunch at 74 Islands Distillery  

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When: 9am-11am, Monday 10th August

Where: Port of Airlie, Arm 1  
What: Open Boat Experience by Jeanneau Australia  

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