Geoff Robinson, swam into medals at the pool and open water swim

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The 2026 MSA National Short Course Championships celebrated 50 years of Masters excellence at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from 28 April to 2 May, followed by the National Open Water Swim at Raby Bay on 3 May. More than 800 swimmers from across Australia and overseas came together for six days of racing, camaraderie, and celebrations.

The North Mackay Sinkers fielded a team of six swimmers and one volunteer, contesting full programs of individual events, relays, and the concluding open water swim. Championship functions, a welcome event, and special 50‑year activities added to an already memorable week.

All six pool swimmers performed above expectations, with numerous PBs challenged or broken — a testament to the quality coaching from Millie at DMR Leisure Memorial Pool.

Championship Highlight – Cam McEvoy’s Lightning Swim

A standout moment of the meet was Cam McEvoy’s blistering 25 m freestyle, stopping the clock at 9.32 seconds — a new Masters short‑course record and an electric moment that had the entire venue buzzing. His swim added an extra layer of excitement to an already historic championship.

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Pool Highlights – Medal Winners & Standout Performances

Geoff Robinson: Gold – 200 Free, 800 Free. Silver – 400 Free, 100 Free

Nigel Dalton: Silver – 400 Back, Bronze – 25 Back, 50 & 100 Back – 4th

Pierre Craven: 400 IM – 4th

Sue Dalton: 25 Breast – 4th

Relays: The Sinkers Men’s 240+ relay team delivered four strong swims, finishing under nominated times in every event and proving once again how popular and competitive Masters relays can be.

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National Open Water Swim – Raby Bay

The inclusion of an OWS at Nationals — often missing from the program — was a welcome addition, attracting over 140 swimmers across the 1.5 km and 3 km distances.

1.5Km: Gold – Nigel Dalton and Geoff Robinson

3km: Bronze – Dan Stampa, 4th – Pierre Craven

A Championship Effort – In and Out of the Pool

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The 2026 Championships, delivered solely by Masters Swimming Queensland, were widely praised as a high‑calibre, exceptionally organised national event.

A special shout‑out goes to our own super‑volunteer, Gerri Kissner, who was a “Gold‑medal performer” in her own right — contributing across timekeeping, medal table duties, and countless behind‑the‑scenes roles throughout the five days of pool competition.

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Looking Ahead

With Nationals complete, the Sinkers now turn their focus to:

MSQ State Championships in July, where a large and enthusiastic team is already preparing.

Regional meets across North Queensland.

Our own blue‑ribbon event, the Whitehaven Beach Open Water Swim in October

A huge congratulations to all Sinkers who represented the club with pride, spirit, and sportsmanship at this milestone national event.

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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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Christine, looking like she won that hand, and Martin, in thought. Photos supplied

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The Mackay Contract Bridge Club keeps growing with new members joining each year. Bridge is a game of dedication, which requires continuous play to keep learning. Experienced players tell Novice players, (beginners), it takes at least 5-8 yrs to feel like you know what your doing.  

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The Mackay Contract Bridge Club holds many events for Novices. Friday was the Unders and Overs Pairs green point event, which allowed Novices to play with an experienced player. The turn out was excellent. Some beginners are hesitant at first to play with more experienced players, but the more experience you get the quicker you learn the game.  

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A big thank you was extended to all the experienced players who played with the novices in the competition and gave them the opportunity to experience a competition with support from the club.

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Weekly Results  

Monday 27 April 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin

1^st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2^nd Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford

2^nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek

3^rd Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller

3^rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers

4^th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

3^rd Louise Renton / Joy Block

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Tuesday Evening 28 April 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points  

1^st Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

2^nd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown

Wednesday 29 April 2026 – Unders and Overs Pairs 13 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st John Hunt / Eric Goodchild

1^st Alan Brown / Martin Pearce

2^nd Jewel Schmidt / Patricia Garner

2^nd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

3^rd Michelle Hall / Diane Morgan

3^rd Geoff Taylor / Diane Cox

4^th Vicki Howard / Janine Rodgers

4^th Monica Darley / Christine Fitzpatrick

5^th Sue Mayer-Miller / Kath Poole

5^th Mick King / Susan Ross

6^th Shirley Worland / Diane Stokes

6^th Sandra Morris / Helen Goldston

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Thursday Evening 30 April 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points

1^st Janine Rodgers / Frances Brown

2^nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3^rd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King  

Friday 1 May 2026 –- 8 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

1^st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2^nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait

2^nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3^rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox

3^rd Lynne O’Neill / Terry Sheedy

Saturday 2 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

1^st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

2^nd Josie Cowley / Terry Sheedy

2^nd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris

3^rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

3^rd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden

5^th Alan Brown / Frances Brown

5^th Robert Carless / Anne Lutz

Contributed by Joy Block

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Approximately twenty runners enjoyed lower temperatures and sunshine before a mild spattering of rain in the closing stages of the Iluka Park 5/10km event. Photos supplied

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Young runner Lachy Binstead delivered an impressive performance at the Mackay Road Runners social run at Iluka Park on the weekend, completing his first 5km event despite already taking part in a demanding 3km school cross country race earlier in the week. His determined effort drew praise from fellow runners and supporters.

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Club members also acknowledged volunteer Andrew Short for setting up the Iluka course and continuing his valued support behind the scenes.

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Congratulations were extended to all athletes who competed in events across the weekend, including the North Queensland Games and the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon.

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The Mackay Road Runners will host their next event, the Pre Mother’s Day 5km and 12km handicap run, this Saturday from 7am starting at the Mantra Mackay Harbour gardens near the front carpark, followed by a $30 buffet breakfast and prize draws. Members and non-members are welcome.

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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

The club saw some massive scores as the morning fixtures this week, as Season 2 began.  Peter Goodson and Branko Vucurovic were set in for the morning with the first set was nearly 2 sets in 1 with the score being 23-21. Peter ended winning in a close 4 sets. The marathon matches continued as Chris Collins and Coral Morgan thought their match was never going to end with very close and long 5 sets, which ended in Chris sneaking home against Coral 18-16.  

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures  

Division 1: Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson) defeated Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic,  Delma Knight) 5-3. Match featured above Peter won over Branko in 4 sets (21,9,-8,8). Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) tied 6-6 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall), Andrea and John came back from 2 sets down to win a massive doubles against Doug and Bryan (-9,-8,13,8,9).

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Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) won 7-5 over Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Veronica Needham, Josie Davis), Josie came home from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Gloria (-5,11,-9,6,8).  Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) won their last 5 matches to beat Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins), this marathon match is featured above Chris defeated Coral in 5 sets (10,-5,4,-8,16).

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Division 3: Celtic Smash (Pam Kuene, Cheryl Pearson, Myles Dutton) defeated Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Glenda Brookes) 9-3, Pam won in close 5 sets against her daughter Janelle (-6,6,5,-7,7). Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) tied at 6-6 against Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Sharon Muller, Madge Saunders). Sharon won against Gerry (-9,9,-5,6,4).  

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Tuesday Evening Fixtures

Division 1: Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) won 6-5 over Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), Lee and Graeme battled it out in very close 5 set finish with Lee winning (-6,12,-5,8,12).  Canaries (Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) defeated Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan) 6-5, Anne came home in tight finish against Lily (9,-6,3,-2,10).  Cockatoos (Goncalo Serra, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) snuck home against Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Robbie Richards), Trent found his form as he came back against Neil from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets (-5,-10,6,7,8).

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Division 2: Kites (Syed Hossain, Matt West, Simon Hogan) defeated Parrots (Delma Knight, George Camilleri, Liz Burton) 6-5, Matt just won over Liz in close 5 sets (6,5,-11,-9,12).  Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Noreen Frederickson) won 6-5 over Galahs (Remy Zhan, Donna Abbott, Mark Stem), Will beat Remy in 5 sets to win (-10,7,-3,7,8).  Owls (Rod Mahumes, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) just home 6-5 against Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Jeff Bennington, Rachel Fiesta), Rachel came back against Rod to win tight 5 sets (8,-8,10,-6,11).

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Division 3: Craig VanDeKaa, Tiffany Camilleri, Logan Brown and Val Austin are playing very well, with some close matches and tight competition as they are all playing for a top 4 position.  

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Contributed by Andrea Payne

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SEASON 2 – WEEK 1  

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Welcome back to season 2, it’s great to have a few new players.  

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Tuesday Night Results  

Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) defeated Cockatoos (Vince Boeske, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) 7-4, Mark came home strongly against Geoff to win (10,-6,9,-4,5).  Canaries (Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) beat Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake)    6-5, Lily and Graeme battled it out with Lily winning in very close 5 sets (-8,7,6,-9,10).  Geese (Steve Whiting, Syed Hossain, Janice Kent) won 7-4 over Bowerbirds (Robbie Richards, Trent Day, Allan Edwards), Robbie just got home against Janice in close 5 sets (9,-6,-8,5,8).

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Division 2: Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Liz Burton) won 7-4 over the Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan), Delma came back to win against Peter after losing the first set 20-18, it was a neck and neck battle to the end (-18,9,9,-9,9).  Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Danial Warfield, Noreen Frederickson) 6-5, Andrea and Ollie won their first doubles together against Will and Daniel in close 5 setter (14,10,-6,-6,10).  Kites (Geoff Denman, Ian McKay, Matt West) defeated Galahs (Donna Abbott, Dilini Ranasinghe, Mark Stam) 7-4 with Donna coming back against Ian in very close match (-8,-9,7,9,5).

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Division 3: This is being run as a round robin draw each player is playing for themselves and aiming to be in the top 4 positions at the end of the season.  

Tuesday Morning fixtures will begin next week but this week was a Double Competition. This is a random draw with each match is a different doubles partner and we also have different opponents. It is 6 matches and 1 game to 31 and at the end the points you earned are totalled up to find the winner, this is a great fun morning. Group 1 was won by Andrea Nicholson who was undefeated on 186 points and Group 2 was won by Josie Davis on 181 points.  

Contributed by Andrea Payne

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Mackay’s U14 boys and girls delivered strong performances at the Toowoomba softball tournament last month, highlighted by the boys claiming Presidents Cup Gold. Photo source: Mackay Softball association Incorporated  

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Mackay softball talent Jaxon Maluga represented Australia at the U18 Men’s Softball World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand.  

His selection was a significant achievement, reflecting his hard work, passion and commitment to the sport.  

Competing in the green and gold, Jaxon took to the international stage with pride, with the local softball community celebrating his efforts and wishing him and the Australian team success throughout the tournament.

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Mackay Juniors Shine In Toowoomba Softball Tournament

Last month, Mackay’s U14 boys and girls competed in their tournament in Toowoomba, delivering strong performances across the competition.  

The girls combined with Coral Coast, showing teamwork and spirit throughout their games.  

The boys achieved outstanding success, winning the Presidents Cup with a 20–6 victory over Maryborough to secure gold. Both teams were praised for their effort, sportsmanship and the way they represented Mackay on and off the field.

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Photo source: Mackay Airport

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Mackay Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to local sport and community wellbeing, continuing its sponsorship of the Mackay Cutters for the upcoming season.

The partnership supports a club that continues to expand both on and off the field, with more than 180 athletes currently competing across six squads.

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A representative from Mackay Airport said the organisation was proud to remain involved with the club as it develops opportunities for local players.

“Mackay Airport is proud to continue sponsoring the Mackay Cutters this season,” the representative said.

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“With more than 180 athletes across six squads, supported by an incredible team of coaches, medical, strength and conditioning and operations staff, the Cutters continue to grow both on and off the field. Together, they are building strong pathways for local talent and striving for success across all grades.”

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Beyond competition, the partnership also supports important community initiatives through the club’s Cutters Care program.

“We are also especially proud to support the club’s Change the Game Mental Health Initiative through Cutters Care,” the representative said.

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“In 2025, the program reached more than 1,460 students across 53 sessions, helping promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the Mackay community.

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“Partnerships like this play a vital role in strengthening our region, from developing local athletes to creating meaningful community impact.”

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Around 1,500 people gathered at Harrup Park for the opening ceremony of the North Queensland Games, launching the 2026 competition with community celebration despite challenging weather conditions. Photo source: North Queensland Games

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Despite challenging weather conditions, the opening ceremony of the North Queensland Games drew an impressive crowd of around 1,500 people to Harrup Park, marking a spirited start to the 2026 regional sporting event.

The ceremony, hosted by Tegan Philpott, brought together athletes, officials and supporters from across the region in a celebration of sport, community and participation.

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Attendees heard from Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, who addressed the crowd on behalf of both David Crisafulli and Tim Mander, acknowledging the importance of the Games in strengthening regional sport and community connections.

The event also featured the Games’ ambassadors, Olympic beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook and local sporting advocate Tori West. While Mackay boxing star Liam Paro was unable to attend due to personal reasons, he remains an ambassador for the Games.

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A strong sense of history was reflected in the presence of Bill Cummings from the 1956 Torch Bearers Club, highlighting the enduring legacy of sport across generations.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Philip Kemp of the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.

Athletes formally marked the start of competition as Derrick Evans led the official oath alongside athletes Lily Woods and Myarah Ahoy from Athletics North Queensland.

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One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the March of Athletes, led by the Holy Spirit Drum Corps, as more than 20 sporting clubs entered the arena in a vibrant display of unity from across North Queensland.

While wet weather prevented the traditional torch relay from taking place, the ceremony maintained its celebratory atmosphere with fireworks, live music from ViVa Acoustic, jumping castles and community stalls.

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Event activations were supported by Struddy’s, PEAK and the Queensland Academy of Sport, alongside media partners including 7NEWS Mackay, which sponsored the 100-metre sprint prize money, and Star 101.9 Mackay, which broadcast live from the Games cauldron.

The 2026 North Queensland Games is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, with organisers thanking sponsors, partners and the community for helping deliver a memorable opening celebration.

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For more photos visit: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/mackays-world-class-talent-on-display-at-north-queensland-games

After Round 1: Proserpine (PP) 281 Pioneer Valley (PV) 277 Stableford points a pleasing result albeit with a home course advantage. 

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On April 28^th, Proserpine hosted Round 1 of the annual Croker Shield in blustery but sunny weather conditions. The course condition was very good with no preferred lies. There were 39 Proserpine players and 24 from Pioneer Valley.

Proserpine contributors were: Warren Deighton (41), Ken Granger (35), Len Booroff (35), Craig McLean (35), Barry Shuwalow (35), Anna Winterbourn (34), Tiina Randmae (33) and Kath Borer (33).

A special thank you to those who contributed to the delicious morning tea and lunch.

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Congratulations to the overall winners.

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RESULTS

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LADIES

Winner: Camille Berginey (PV) with 40 points

R/Up: Anna Winterbourn (PP) with 34 points

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MEN

Winner: Warren Deighton (PP) with 41 points

R/Up: Allan Smith (PV) with 39 points

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PIN SHOTS

Ladies: Carene Vandersee (PV), Elspeth Scotford (PP) and Tina Badenhorst (PP)

Men: Ken Granger (PP), Craig McClean (PP) and Gerald Lovell (PP)

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RAFFLE

The generous meat tray was won by our very own Tiina Randmae

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Week after 12/5/26 at Collinsville Whitsunday Group 

Thursday 9/7/26 CROKER SHIELD Round 2 at Pioneer Valley

Contributed with thanks to John Roser

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It’s been a busy week for the Club with a major fundraiser for the CQ Rescue Service which is so appreciated by everyone in the community. This took place on Sunday with some amazing scores and a great time had by all.

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TUESDAY 28/4/26

VETS : Croker Shield : Stableford vs Pioneer Valley @ PGC

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LADIES :

Winner : Camille Berginey (PV) 40 points

R/Up : Anna Winterbourn (PGC) 34 points (C/B)

3^rd : Carene Vandersee (PV)  

4^th : Tiina Randmae (PGC) 33 points (C/B) followed by Kath Borer and Elspeth Sscotford

NTPs : Carene Vandersee, Elspeth Scotford, Tina Badenhorst

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MEN :

Winner : Warren Deighton (PGC) 41 points

R/Up : Allan Smith (PV) 39 points

3^rd : Ken Granger (PGC) 35 points (C/B)

From Len Booroff, Craig McLean and Barry Shuwalow

NTPs : Ken Granger, Craig McLean, Gerald Lovell

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WEDNESDAY 29/4/26

Single Stableford – 12 ladies were away playing Country Week @ Rocky and Yeppoon

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LADIES :

Winner : Paula McQuat – on a roll – 34 points

R/Up : Tina Badenhorst 33 points

3rd : Tiina Randmae 32 points

NTPs : Di Dobbins (16^th)

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THURSDAY 30/4/26

PGC - Stableford

MEN :

A Grade :

Winner : Ray Johannesen 37 points

R/Up : Gavin Kerwand 36 points (C/B)

3^rd : Jason Bourke

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B Grade :

Winner : Peter Lindsay 39 points

R/Up : Mitchell Whitton 37 points (C/B)

3^rd : Louis Neethling

NTPs : Wilf Herweg (2^nd), Paul Gray (9^th), Allen Roberts (13^th), Nathan Holohan (16^th)

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FRIDAY 1/5/26

9 hole Run sponsored by the Metropole Hotel : Front 9

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Winner : Bradley Wilkinson 23 points

R/up : Simon Wilmot 17 points

3^rd : Jason Whitney 16 points

NTPs : Brent Franke (2^nd)

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SATURDAY 2/5/26

May MM sponsored by the Metropole Hotel

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MEN :

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Overall winner : Ritchie Atkins 64 nett

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A Grade :

Winner : Jason Bourke 71 nett (C/B)

R/Up : Levi Holmes

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B Grade :

Winner : Ritchie Atkins 64 nett

R/Up : Logan Devery 68 nett

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C Grade :

Winner : Connor Devery 66 nett (C/B)

R/Up : Bradley Wilkinson

NTPs : Clay Coles (2^nd), Jason Bourke (9^th), James Kean (13^th), Andrew Volpato (16^th)

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LADIES

Winner : Joanne Moynihan 70 nett

R/Up : Noelene Spurway 73 nett (C/B)

3^rd : Sidonie Fleet

NTPs : Sara Hagy (2^nd), Sidonie Fleet (9^th)

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SUNDAY 3/5/26 :

BMA CQ RESCUE 4C AMBROSE - FUNDRAISER

An excellent day with 88 players, fabulous scoring, and the weather was kind with only a couple of spits during the day, so all was well. The amount of money raised will be advised when all figures have been collated.

Winners : Ryan Kenny, Mark Thompson, Sean Fogarty, Jared Leaman 53.125

Rs/Up :O’Connors - David, Billy and Lewis, Tim Walton 53.5

3^rd : Patrick Camm, Nick Watson, Cory O’Shea, Brent Franke 53.75

4^th : Rob and Shelley Stanley, Steve Abel, Neal Torresan 54.125

Many thanks to all those who all who participated, those who gave up their time and helped in any way at all, these big events don’t happen by chance, there is a lot of work done behind the scenes, not just by the Pro Shop but by many members as well.  We hope a good time was had by all and we look forward to doing it all again next year.

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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Men's President Graeme Read with Winner Dennis Madeley, Cheryl Nugent and absent Skin Querro Photo supplied

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Tuesday’s winners were Skin Querro, Denis Madeley who defeated Neil Chittenden and Ron Hyde. In the other games Cheryl Nugent, John Hayson and Stuart Jeal defeated Shirley Jones and Deb Retchless. Maureen Hyde, Laurie Land and Greg Prembroke defeated Frank Sciani and Troy Nugent. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition for the week: Ladies Four final was won by Celly Jeal, Robyn Stitt, Sue Shearing, Fely Duncan defeating Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, Shirley Jones and Maureen Hyde.

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On Sunday afternoon the club welcomed Bowen Home Hardware with everyone having an enjoyable afternoon    

Sunday’s winners were: Cheryl Nugent, Skin Querro and Denis Medeley defeated Eileen Dunn, Greg Prembroke and Graeme Read. In the games Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler and Greg Colquhoun defeated Neale Chittenden, John Hayson and Troy Nugent.Toni Bowen,Gavin Charles and Maureen Hyde defeated Bill Myers, Boof Querro and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Carol Crosbie and Joan McGrath are the winners of the Ladies’ Pairs and the A Grade champions for 2026. Photo supplied

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We are now in the middle of the Men’s, Ladies’, and Mixed club competitions, along with our weekly social games.

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Tuesday Ladies’ social bowls saw 12 bowlers vying for the winner’s prize, while the final of the Ladies’ Pairs was also played in front of many onlookers. The team of skipper David Bradley, lead Sue Dakin, and second Dawn Dowell won comfortably on the day.

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Meanwhile, the team of Joan McGrat Carol Crosbie faced Elaine Kippen and lead Kath Remmeswaal. The score was 7-all after 11 ends before Elaine and Kath succumbed to very accurate bowling, going down 25–9. This game is featured in this week’s photo.

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Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw 24 bowlers competing for the winner’s prize. Victors, with a score of 16–10, were skipper Andrew Butler, lead Lu Rogan, and second Desmond Ballance. They proved too strong in the end for the valiant team of skipper Ted Cullen, lead Rick Brunell, and second Phil O’Brien.  

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Saturday morning Scroungers had a large roll-up, with first-round winners Tony Whitehorn, Kath Remmeswaal, and Alan Pershouse fighting out the final. Alan Pershouse was the A Division winner of the day, while the B Division winner was Sharon.  

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Sunday afternoon social bowls saw 16 bowlers playing well. The winning team was skipper Alan Pershouse and David “Choc” Cleary, who won 23–20, making it a very successful weekend for Alan. The club also welcomed back John Matterson, returning from heart surgery. He showed everyone he is still a fantastic bowler, and as he regains strength, he will no doubt return to his brilliant best.

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FQPL3 Women Photo supplied

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Whitsundays delivered an impressive weekend of results across all three grades, recording convincing wins in the Premier Women, U23 Men and Premier Men competitions.

The FQPL3 Premier Women showed resilience after a slow start against Country United, conceding early to trail 1–0. Veneesha Robertson sparked the comeback with a superb long-range strike into the top corner to level the scores at 1–1 heading into the break. Bre Campbell then took control in the second half, scoring twice to secure a 3–1 victory. Sarah Chilton led the line strongly, Keely Salter anchored the defence, and the club’s younger players continued to grow in confidence at senior level.

The U23 Men entered their clash against City Brothers knowing a win would keep them on top of the table, and they delivered with a composed 2–0 performance. After a scoreless first half, where Kai Savy’s runs in behind caused constant problems, the breakthrough came via a penalty calmly converted by Aaron Kinsella. Arman Sabzgolin added a second to seal the result and ensure Whitsundays remained at the summit.

The FQPL3 Premier Men rounded out the weekend with a dominant 8–3 win over City Brothers. Ethan Rose opened the scoring shortly after seeing his early penalty saved and went on to complete back-to-back hat-tricks. Pepe Perea’s pressing created another goal before half-time, the ever-dangerous Reef Peel added two more and Max O’Keefe and Sam Frumento both also found the net in a powerful attacking display. Another good win for our Premier Men as they settle into the season.

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Last Saturday, a grand opening took place for the new Bowen Seagulls Rugby League Clubhouse. Both Federal MP for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins were in attendance for the special event.  

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“This is a fantastic addition to the Seagulls, and I congratulate everyone for all the hard work invested to bring this to fruition,” Mr Willcox said.  

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Both MP Willcox and Mayor Collins helped to cut the ribbon alongside the enthusiastic players.  

“Along with cutting the ribbon to celebrate this achievement, the club committee has done an amazing job of putting together a trip down memory lane, showcasing photographers, football jerseys and memorabilia from years gone by.

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As a ‘Bowen boy’ who played league and run a team where his son played, Mr Willcox expressed immense pride at the occasion.  

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“It was real treat to spend time looking through our towns footy history.”

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The opening represents an exciting new chapter for the league.  

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Photo Credit - Kylie Allen - Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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What a weekend for the Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men! After an unfortunate forfeit from the Bakers Creek Tigers women’s side, all eyes turned to the men to deliver a win for the home crowd.

It was a hard-fought battle from the first bounce to the final siren, with both teams going stride for stride in a tight contest. 

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The intensity never dropped, as each side attacked the ball with hunger and determination, refusing to give an inch.

In the end, it was the Sea Eagles who rose to the occasion, holding their nerve and finishing strong to claim the win by a solitary point in front of their home crowd.

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With the final score 69-68 the Sea Eagles way, Hudson McGregor was awarded the best on ground honours for his bag of five goals in trying conditions.

This Saturday the 9th of May the Sea Eagles head down to Rodger’s Oval in Mackay to battle it out with the Eastern Swans. Will our teams come out victorious? Be there and find out!

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Contributed by Georgia Whitton - Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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