Participants from Mackay Parkrun celebrated several milestone achievements late last month, recognising both volunteers and runners for their dedication.

Len Howarth marked an impressive 50 volunteer milestone, while Trent Rankin, Olivia Broadley and Jacob Attiwill each celebrated their 50th finish milestones.

Mackay parkrun is a free, timed 5km run or walk held at 7am every Saturday morning, organised by the community, for the community.

Photo source: Mackay Parkrun

The Club Championship Mixed Pairs Final was played on Saturday, April 11 at North Mackay Bowls Club.

Players in the final were Daphne Offield and Dave McKendry, who faced Donna Gordon and Chris Banney.

It was another great final for the club, featuring some special shots, several congested heads around the jack, and precision bowling that made it a superb match.

Daphne and Dave were the eventual winners and were thrilled with the result, while Donna and Chris were valiant in defeat.

Congratulations to everyone who competed in this great event, and of course to the very happy winners.

Contributed with thank to Sue Hazledine

(L) Chris Banney, Donna Gordon, Dave McKendry and Daphne Offield. Photo credit: Donna Gordon

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The sun shone bright over the greens as the Mackay Ladies Bowling Club celebrated its 33rd birthday. President Marie welcomed 52 members and district bowlers to the club. The atmosphere was bursting with laughter, color, and a touch of friendly competition.

Newer members joined in the fun, eager to make their own memories. The friendly birthday tournament saw playful rivalries reignited, with cheers and good-natured teasing echoing across the rinks. After the game bowlers enjoyed the lunch provided by the Mackay club ladies

As the cake was cut by  President Marie and MDLBA President Lorraine  The guests joined in singing “Happy Birthday.”

The Mackay Ladies Bowling Club’s 33rd birthday was a tribute to the spirit of camaraderie, community, and love for the game that keeps the club’s heart beating strong.

During the festivities the MACKAY Bowling Club Board committee presented a $7000 cheque to the St Helens bowling Club to help them with their flood repairs. The money was raised by having bowls, raffles and a few large donations from members and patrons of the club.  Many thanks to all.

Contributed with thanks to Robyn Schatkowski

President Lorraine and President Marie cutting cake

M Mayfield J Jorgensen(Makay Club) Rose Condon and Helen Strachan (st Helen’s Club) Photos supplied

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Over thirty members of the Mackay Road Runners and their families enjoyed a perfect Sunday afternoon with a social 5km and 10km run/walk starting from the Magpies Sporting Complex carpark precincts.

Despite the humidity and slightly higher temperatures, runners found the well-marked, slightly undulating course through the Gooseponds and beyond a challenging change of pace following the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations the previous night.

The club now looks ahead to the annual Construct Health Physiotherapy 3km Club Championship next Sunday morning, starting at 7am from Queen’s Park at the Shakespeare Street carpark entrance.

Thank you to Construct Health Physiotherapy for your continued support, which is greatly appreciated.

Both members and non-members are welcome to take part; however, to accrue Club Championship points, participants must be a club member.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse

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Students at Whitsunday Anglican School took to the course for the annual Junior School Cross Country, with runners embracing both the challenge and fun of the day in a lively atmosphere of encouragement and school spirit.

Year 12 students supported the event by running alongside and cheering on younger competitors, while staff, facilities crews and families helped create a strong sense of community from the sidelines.

Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

Sue and Ian Cordell – (Club Members), Kieran Rundle – (Gravity Fitness Owner), Sigrid Eitler and Dianne Jackson – (Parabench Competitors)

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The Whitsundays is set to take centre stage in the world of para-sport, with Whitsunday Weightlifting Club hosting a Parabench Development Competition as part of the 2026 North Queensland Games — the largest multi-sport competition in regional Australia.

The event is scheduled for Saturday 2^nd May at St Catherine’s Catholic College with the competition starting at 10am. It is open to all competitors of all abilities and experience levels. Parabench is part of Powerlifting Australia and provides training and strength development and optional competition opportunities.  

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The competition is a welcoming entry point into para powerlifting and is catered towards anyone with a lower limb disability who would like to attempt bench pressing in a supported, competitive environment.

"This is about breaking down barriers and showing people what's possible," said Leanne Knox, founder and Head Coach of Whitsunday Weightlifting Club.  

"We want anyone who has ever been curious about the sport to come along, give it a go, and discover just how capable they are. You don't need experience — you just need to show up. It is a fantastic opportunity for all people with any disability to see what's possible.”

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The club is encouraging the local community to cheer on the region’s best para-athletes as they compete in their local area.

The NQ Games runs from 1–4 May 2026 across the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac regions, celebrating its 42nd year and featuring more than 40 sports.

For enquiries about the Parabench Development Competition, contact Whitsunday Weightlifting Club on 0411 199 427 or on social media.

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WHAT: Parabench Development Competition  

WHEN: Saturday 2^nd May, 10am

WHERE: St Catherine’s College

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On Tuesday, S Jones, D Retchless and M Hyde defeated B Myers, S Querro and A Vigar. In the other game A Nailand and R Hyde defeated S Adams and B Querro. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition for the week. In the Men’s A Singles A Rolfe defeated G Read.

Ladies B Grade singles. T Bowen defeated C Jeal, Crooked Kitty D Wallace defeated P Warren.

Ladies Fours. L Suann, S Jones, D Retchless and M Hyde defeated L Scells, P Tracey, D Wallace and P Warren.

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Bill Myers, D Retchless and G Read defeating A Nailand, M Hyde and P Tracey.

Other games: T Bowen, S Querro and R Hyde defeated C Jeal, A Vigar and G Charles. L Suann and P Warren defeated T Blair and S Jeal. The jackpot didn’t go off.

It is not long now until our Winter Bingo starts. Get ready for Friday 1st May at the club for a 9.30 start. Check Facebook for further details.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

1 - Sunday's Winners Deb Retchless and Graeme Read.

Proserpine Bowls Club Report

On Wednesday, 8 players enjoyed games of pairs in Social bowls.  Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann defeated Alen Sanderson and Trevor Parsons 28 - 13;  Henny Tattam and Mike Harrison defeated Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 24 - 11.

As so many people had family commitments during the weekend, we didn't have any social bowls on Sunday.

Looking forward to a bit drier time in the weather so that we can get on to working our way through the competition games.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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It’s time to celebrate for the Whitsunday Sea Eagles as they enter an exciting new chapter, with years of hard work culminating in the installation of new lights for the AFL oval at Whitsunday Sportspark.

For years the Whitsunday Sea Eagles have shown up week in, week out training and playing in semi-darkness, while continuing to build the strong and successful club we see today.

“This is a huge milestone for our Club, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Committee and volunteers. The time and effort they’ve poured in behind the scenes truly shows their passion for creating something special and lasting for our community” said Whitsunday Sea Eagles President Chris Morrison said.

Excited by the return of night footy to the Whitsunday Sportspark, the Sea Eagles will host a special ANZAC Day fixture against Moranbah to be played under lights for the first time.

At approximately 5:30pm between the Women’s and Men’s matches the Last Post will be played - providing a moment to pause, reflect, and honour the significance of the day - before the Men’s game kicks off under lights at 6:00pm.

Saturday 25 April – Whitsunday Sportspark AFL Oval

• 10:40am U16 Girls – Moranbah Bulldogs v Mackay Magpies
• 11:55am U13s – Whitsunday Sea Eagles v Moranbah Bulldogs
• 1:15pm U15s – Whitsunday Sea Eagles v Moranbah Bulldogs
• 2:40pm U17s – Whitsunday Sea Eagles v Moranbah Bulldogs
• 4:10pm Senior Women – Whitsunday Sea Eagles v Moranbah Bulldogs
• Approx 5:30pm – Last Post
• 6:00pm Senior Men – Whitsunday Sea Eagles v Moranbah Bulldogs

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Captions

Photo credit: Musco Lighting Australia

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The March 2026 Monthly Medal was played on Tuesday March 31^st – finally! Blustery conditions and sandy greens greeted the 10 ladies and 19 men. Congratulations to ladies winner Leanne Alexander (becoming a habit) and David Woods for the men.

Welcome to new members Norman Foster, Steven Stewart and Michael Stewart.

RESULTS

LADIES

Winner: Leanne Alexander with 73 nett

R/Up: Tiina Randmae also with 73 nett on a count back

Rundown: Tina Badenhorst (74), Paula McQuat and Kath Borer both with 75 points

MEN

Winner: David Woods with a creditable 67 nett

R/Up: John Oates with 68 nett

Rundown:  Colin Hounsell (71), Gary Scotford (72), Steven Stewart (73), Craig McLean (birthday boy), John Roser, Neil Cawthorne, Louis Neethling and Norman Foster all with 75 nett

PIN SHOTS

Ladies: A Grade - Tina Badenhorst (x2) and Elspeth Scotford

             B Grade - Tina Randmae (x2) and Paula McQuat

Men: A Grade - Ken Granger, Gary Scotford and Nick Apruzzese

          B Grade - David Woods (x2) and Peter Lindsay

LEAST PUTTS

Elspeth Scotford 28 putts and Barry Mortimer 28 putts

CHIP INS

No chip ins

NAGAs

For a ball each, Jenny Hounsell and John Strelec

DRAWS:

MEMBERSHIP jackpots to $30 next week

RAFFLE $50 to Ken Granger

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUE 7/4/26 - APRIL 2026 MONTHLY MEDAL

TUE 14/4/26 - HOME HILL WHITSUNDAY GROUP

DITTY

Our Vets President now knows that a fancy car may cost you both time and money!

1- Monthly medal winners, David Woods and Leanne Alexander

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Starting on Tuesday afternoon, play was run by Lyn Graham, where skipper David Bradley, with lead Gail Simms and second Dawn Dowell, were the winners of the day.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw a fantastic performance from Bob Spees as skipper. He was absolutely unstoppable, with Rick Brunell, arguably the best lead in the club, and Ian Passfield, a new bowler who is going places fast as he improves each week. He will no doubt be a very valuable asset to our little club in the future. Their winning score was 25–14.

Saturday morning saw the resumption of Scroungers, with all players vying for a place in the final. First-round winners were Tony Whitehorn, who won his way into the final in a tiebreaker, and Russell Jackson, who was the victor in the A Division. The B Division was won by Dennis Donadelli, beating Margo Stanley, which is a very difficult achievement. Congratulations to all.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw 18 bowlers competing for the prize, and it was wonderful to welcome back ex-President Peter Barrett, our Life Member Paul Osborne, and Mrs Alma Rose Mawson after three months in the Philippines.

John rolled the dice, which came up number 3, meaning the prize was for the biggest winning margin. This was won by the team of skipper Peter Barrett, with the relentless “Wild Bill” Gordon at lead and Bowen’s finest, Don Hogarth, at second, who won 25–15.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Captions
Skipper Peter Barrett, lead Bill Gordon, and Don Hogarth at second.

Photo supplied

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The Whitsundays announced itself as a serious player on the Queensland grappling circuit on Saturday 28 March, with the inaugural Escape Submission Grappling Series, presented by Fleming Painters, held in Cannonvale.

Over 110 competitors from nine Queensland clubs took to the mats across 230 Gi and no Gi divisions, with male and female categories running across all age groups and belt-rankings  – from five-year-olds finding their feet to 45-year-olds who clearly have no intention of slowing down. Bouts were run as one-on-one, three and five minute rounds, with some high level QLD black belts showcasing their skills and stamina with 10 minute superfights.

Escape Jiu Jitsu Head Coach Danny Johns said the first competition was a resounding success.

"Escape Jiu Jitsu is a new club, and to host a competition of this size within ten weeks of opening our doors has been incredible. Thank you to our members, competitors, volunteers, families and sponsors for making today happen," Mr Johns said.

Athletes travelled from Cairns, Mackay, Moranbah and Townsville to compete — a field that speaks to the appetite for quality regional competition across Queensland. Among them were Australian National No Gi/ Pan Pacific No Gi Black Belt champion Ethan Cannon and Australian National Gi and no Gi champion purple belt Melissa Patrick plus highly decorated black belts Christian Merino and Brody Maguire, whose participation signals that the home of Jiu Jitsu in the Whitsundays is Escape Jiu Jitsu.

Newly formed team, Escape Jiu Jitsu saw 28 Whitsundays locals aged from 7 to 41 years on the mats, many for the first time.

Competition results:

Gold medals

5

Silver medals

8

Bronze medals

20

Total competitors

33

Planning for the next competition is underway with dates and entries announced in the coming months.

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Ten-year-old rising star Eloise Chegwidden has taken the Queensland swimming scene by storm, claiming two state titles in just two months and cementing her status as one of the region’s most exciting young athletes.

Representing the Cannonvale Cannons Swim Club and training at the Cannonvale Swim Centre, Eloise first made waves in February at the Hancock Prospecting Queensland Sprint Championships in Brisbane. Competing on debut at the event, she powered her way to gold and the title of “Queensland Champion” in the 10-year-old girls 50m breaststroke—an impressive achievement against some of the state’s best young swimmers.

She followed up that performance in March as a member of the Northern Region Swim Team at the Queensland Representative School Sports State Swimming Championships, also held in Brisbane, where she delivered another standout swim. Competing in the 11-year-old girls 50m breaststroke, Eloise claimed gold—going one better than her silver medal in the same event last year.

In a breakthrough performance, Eloise clocked a personal best time of 39.75 seconds, breaking the 40-second barrier for the first time and highlighting her rapid progression in the pool.

A Year 6 student at St Catherine’s Catholic College, Eloise’s dedication to training and competition is clearly paying off. Her recent success has earned her selection to represent both her school and the state of Queensland at the School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships in Melbourne this November, where she will compete against the nation’s best young swimmers.

CAPTIONS:

1. Young Cannonvale swimmer, Eloise Chegwidden, has claimed two state titles in standout season! Photo supplied
2. Chegwidden’s rising talents have earned her national selection after stellar performances. Photo supplied

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More than 30 runners took part in the annual Easter Sunday five- and ten-kilometre social run, beginning at the Zambrero City Restaurant on Gordon Street.

The event, held every Easter Sunday afternoon, is sponsored and hosted by Zambrero City Restaurant owner Peter Quinn, along with his family and staff. Runners enjoyed breezy conditions as they travelled through the city centre streets from the Gordon Street restaurant toward the Cathy Freeman Trail for an out and back five- or ten-kilometre social run.

A highlight of the afternoon was the random prize draw, with ten restaurant vouchers donated by Zambrero. Additional prizes included 20 Easter eggs donated by the Hayles family and Tim Tams donated by Mackay Road Runners.

Prize winners were pleased with their rewards, with many participants staying on for dinner and drinks to celebrate their efforts and the Easter weekend while enjoying the range of food options available at Zambrero.

Thanks were extended to Peter Quinn and the Zambrero team for their continued support and hospitality.

Next Saturday evening, runners and supporters will celebrate the club’s 50th birthday with a special gala dinner at the Mackay Marina Mantra from 5.30 pm. Participants have been thanked for booking and prepaying to reserve their seats.

Anyone with memorabilia is encouraged to share items for viewing on the night. Limited edition 50th anniversary coasters will also be available for purchase from next Saturday night onwards for six dollars each or four for twenty dollars, with coasters remaining available after the dinner for those unable to attend.

Free Wednesday track training continues at the ARC Aquatic and Recreational Complex at 5.30 pm with Club Captain and Life Member Jim Ford and Alana Knezevic. The ARC charges a five-dollar entry fee to the track, payable at the pool kiosk, however the training provided by the qualified coaches is voluntary and free.

The sessions are open to both members and non-members of Mackay Road Runners.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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5599 – Mackay Road Runners annual Zambrero Burrito Bolt 5/10km Easter Sunday afternoon social event was well supported by over 30runners.

5593 – Zambrero City Restaurant’s amazing staff hosted the annual Mackay Road Runners Zambrero Burrito Bolt 5/10km on Easter Sunday afternoon.

5589 – The Hayles family ran the 5km Zambrero Burrito Bolt and donated yummy Easter Eggs for random draw prizes at the post run celebrations.

5686 – The Easter Bunny arrived to all the good boys and girls on Easter Sunday including little Phoebe. Photos supplied

5611 – Zambrero Burrito Bolt Easter Sunday social run Course Director, Andrew Short takes to the streets after prepping runners for the 5/10km run.

5667 – Gail and Clinton Mackie enjoy the Zambrero Burrito Bolt social run prior to their Marathon goal event in Hobart next weekend.

5650 – Colin Hardy clocks a respectable 5km Zambrero Burrito Bolt on Easter Sunday afternoon.

5654 – Alana Knezevic and Ryan Evetts ran a tough, flat and fast 10km Zambrero Burrito Bolt on Easter Sunday afternoon.

5681 – Jo Skinner and Fran March enjoy a post run catch up at the annual Zambrero Burrito Bolt social 5/10km on Easter Sunday afternoon.

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The under-12 boys basketball team from Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a strong finish to the season, claiming a convincing grand final victory last weekend.

The team defeated the Renegades Tigers 26–10 to secure the championship title, capping off a season marked by teamwork and determination.

Atlas, Xander and Tai led the side on the court, providing strong leadership throughout the match. Archie, Alex and Nash were instrumental in defence, helping to limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities and maintain control of the game.

School representatives praised the players’ efforts and the teamwork displayed during the final.

Acknowledgement was also given to head coach Olena Teteruk and assistant coach Matthew Hiskens for their guidance and support throughout the season.

Families and supporters were also recognised for their encouragement, which helped drive the team’s positive season.

The grand final win marks a proud achievement for the young players and the school community.

Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

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The District Master Pairs Final was played on Wednesday, April 1 at the North Mackay Bowls Club, featuring Flo Ruggeri and Ivy Giddings from the City Club Mackay Bowls Club against Val DePinto and Lorna Bowers from the North Mackay Bowls Club.

The match showcased impressive bowling from all four players, with the contest remaining neck and neck until the final bowl. Across the 21 ends played, spectators witnessed several tight heads and a number of precise bowl shots as both teams battled for the title.

In the end, there could only be one winner, with the North Mackay pair managing to keep their margin just ahead to secure the victory.

Congratulations were extended to all the ladies who participated in what proved to be a great district event.

(L-R) Flo Ruggeri, Ivy Giddings, Heather Brown (MDLBA), Val DePinto and Lorna Bowers. Photo supplied

Contributed by Sue Hazledine.

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