10 girls from Bowen Netball Association travelled down to Downey Park in Brisbane last week to compete in the Junior State Age Champs.
The Under 14’s girls' team, coached by Rebecca Edgerton, achieved an incredible feat by taking first place in their division.
Rebecca Edgerton stated how it was a “big four days of netball,” and the girls “did very well.”
Rebecca also commented on how the girls had trained very hard leading up to the state championships and it was “their team spirit and hard work and determination that got them through,” especially considering the tough weather conditions over the weekend.
The girls played alongside 20 other teams, coming from areas, such as, Noosa, Brisbane, Toowoomba and even all the way up to Cairns:
“The championships covered teams all across Queensland,” Rebecca added.
The Under 14’s played in division 4 this year, which Rebecca explained was: “Quite a few steps higher than last year.”
“We played up into a harder division,” Rebecca enthused.
“The girls worked so hard. They are a really nice group of girls and the core team have been playing netball together for quite a few years, so, it was really nice to see how the girls have improved and worked well together.”
The girls were previously coached by Jess Maher, who was off on maternity during the championships. Rebecca Edgerton said she would like to thank Jess for, “all her time and effort in preparing the girls for the championship.” She also wanted to mention the Manager of the team Michelle Wright and Bus Driver and Manager Trudy Mcdonald who supported the girls over the weekend.  
While in Brisbane, the netballers also enjoyed spending time in Eat Street, shopping in Chermside and eating dinner in YOMG.
Rebecca also wanted to mention the Under 12’s team who also competed. While not placing, Rebecca said the girls “did really well, especially for their first year.”
A big Congratulations to the Bowen Netball Association Under-14's team on this outstanding success.

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Bowen Netball Association Under-14 Winners
Bowen Netball Association Under-12's

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The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival has been awarded the prestigious AusTriathlon Queensland Club Initiative of the Year Award for its invigoration of their outstanding 2023 event.

The top club award accolade recognises the festival’s exceptional contribution to the sport of triathlon and its impact on the local community.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Festival race Director Mick Kimpton and wife Val attended the awards in Brisbane on Sunday and were elated their club had been recognised after several difficult years in the post covid era.

Kimpton said winning the AusTriathlon Qld Club Initiative of the Year Award was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Coral Sea Marina Resort Triathlon Festival.

“We are thrilled to receive this award as it highlights the club’s efforts to create a world-class event that brings together athletes, volunteers, and spectators in celebration of the sport and our stunning Whitsunday region,” he said.

“The revitalisation of our major annual event after the setbacks of Covid interruptions and losing our major sponsors has been nothing short of remarkable.

“The small but hard-working committee and club volunteers rolled their sleeves up and supported by many a new major sponsor and many smaller local sponsors the 2023 Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival was an outstanding success.

“The 2023 Coral Sea Marina Resort Marina Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival attracted a record number of participants, with professional and amateur athletes from across the country competing in various categories.”

Kimpton said the AusTriathlon judges praised the event's innovative approach, community engagement, and commitment to sustainability as key factors in their decision in awarding the event as 2023 Club Initiative of the Year.

“This two-day festival not only showcases the natural beauty of the Whitsundays but also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among our residents and visitors,” he said.

“Winning this award has inspired us to aim for new heights and the 2024 event on July 27-28 promises to be a triathlon festival like no other!

“If the attendance of Olympic swim legend Susie O’Neill, the voice of triathlon Pete Murray and the biggest professional field ever are not enough to get you excited then we are thrilled that the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is also now host of the North Queensland Club Triathlon Championships in 2024.

“So, mark your calendars and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping event on the shores of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands with a record field already nominated for the 24th anniversary of the event,” Kimpton said.

“With the backing of Coral Sea Marina Resort and all of our amazing local sponsors the festival is on track to become a hallmark event for our region, drawing athletes and spectators to enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays.”

The Whitsunday Triathlon Club is also currently seeking volunteers from local sporting clubs to assist at the upcoming Triathlon event on Sunday, July 28th.

The club is offering a $1000 donation to your club for providing 10 volunteers, with the potential to earn more based on the number of volunteers you can provide. In addition to the monetary compensation, the club will also provide Volunteer goodie packs to keep people energized throughout the morning.

Volunteers will be needed from 5:30am to 11am. If your club is interested in participating, please contact the Whitsunday Triathlon Club at whitsundaytriclub@gmail.com.

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Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Festival race Director Mick Kimpton and wife Val were in Brisbane last week to accept the award. Photo supplied

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Our Division 1 and 2 Men hosted Magpies this week on Friday evening expecting some tough competition. Division 2 created lots of chances and found the back of the net twice but Magpies proved to be too strong winning the game 4-2. Division 1 came out and fought hard for a 3-1 win. A goal for returning Jake Flaherty being a highlight and the result keeps them at the top of the table with a 3-point buffer.

On Saturday morning, saw another fantastic game for U13 Div 1 coming up trumps against Magpies. WUFC scored 6 goals leaving Magpies scoreless. Charlie netted 3 of the 6 goals for WUFC.

Prem U13 against Magpies saw a final score of 6 - 3 to the visitors. The match was an intense and physical encounter, with both teams trading goals all the way through. Whitsundays Nick M and Tyson F scored crucial goals, but Magpies' relentless pressure and scoring prowess ultimately took its toll as fatigue began to set in. Despite the loss, Whitsunday players demonstrated great teamwork and determination.

First game back after a long break for many of our U15 Prem players vs Magpies in Mackay. A goal from Freddie early in the first half looked like the momentum was set for the game, but some defensive mistakes led to Magpies capitalising and the half time score was 3-1 in their favour. In a strong second half, we dominated play throughout and came back fighting with another 4 goals to win the game 5-3. Cohen, Seb, Max and Reef all got on the score board, with a couple of blinding assists from Luka and Kai.

Our reserve ladies came out strong in their match against dolphins on Saturday determined to get back to their winning ways which paid off early in the first half with Robyn scoring the first goal of the match, shortly followed by Alice scoring a consecutive 2, Kiki 1 and another 2 from Ellyse took us to a 6-0 lead at half time. The dolphins team came out stronger in the second half and managed to defend our countless attacking plays however our persistence paid off with Francesca scoring the final goal of the match securing our 7-0 win.

The Premier ladies have claimed 2nd spot on the ladder after a dominant performance against Dolphins. Whitsundays went out firing from the start and were rewarded with two quick goals in the first 15 minutes through Jess H and Willow. Whitsundays then kept the pressure on for the remainder of the half to get another two goals before half time through Monique & Willow, who bagged her second. Despite being 4-0 up at the half, the ladies knew they needed to score first in the second half to maintain confidence and Hazel delivered within 5minutes, putting away a cross from Mathilde. Willow then put the game beyond reach with two more goals, giving her a total of 4 for the game. So many outstanding performances but special mention goes to Jess W who directed the game from centre mid, Hazel who ensured Dolphins centres never really got a chance to build an attack, and Monique and Willow with some absolutely blistering attacking plays.

The Premiers men’s squad had a tough weekend against the competition leading Magpies outfits. The U23 went down 5-0 in a game where Magpies gave them no chances. The FQPL men’s game was a tough and physical affair and whilst Magpies capitalised on a couple of chances, Whitsunday failed to score. Towards the end, fatigue set in and Magpies ran in two more goals to take the win 4-0. Down a few players, the squad is looking forward to revenge next time the teams meet.

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Whitsunday Women fired up and ready to rumble - a formidable team at full strength

Great results for our ladies against Dolphins. Photos supplied

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During the week, over 50 swimmers participated in a swim challenge called THE BEAST. The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers and their inspirational efforts.  
Congratulations to the 5km Beast swimmers:  Millie Groom, Roxy Groom, Celeste Orenshaw, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Jax Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Dylan Reynolds, Andie Reynolds, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, Jack Ganter, Zach Trefz, Alex Trefz and Matilda Nicholes.  Special mention to Andie Reynolds, Zach Trefz and Jax Clayworth who swam an 800m IM after completing an 800m Butterfly swim (without fins!). Well done to swim parents – Jane Delac, Haylee Eaves and Chloe Wilson who completed the 5km Beast.  
Congratulations to the 2.5km Beast swimmers:  Jasper Korosec, Lucas Korosec, Miller Eaves, Eric Mulliss, Penelope Shields, River Shields, Eloise Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth and Ruby Lawson.  Special mention to all the adults who completed the 2.5km Beast: Di O’Donnell, Kay Corskie, Julie Mitchell, Robin Arndale, Sally Archibald, Sharanne Maclean, Freya Hill, Sonya Khatiwala, Jade Korosec, Lisa Maher, Samantha Hinton, Hazel Cunningham, and Natasha Murray.  
Congratulations to the 1km Beast swimmers: Rion Reddy, Oakley Abel, Lennox Abel, Jax Eaves, Leo Mulliss, Harry Chegwidden, Harry Gibbs, Thomas Gibbs, James Gibbs, Isla Johnston, Harrison Nash and Kye Mitchell.  
The Cannonvale Cannons’ Committee is putting finishing touches on their carnival preparations for this Saturday. The Cannons will be hosting a Winter Carnival which gives swimmers an opportunity of gaining benchmark or qualifying times to see how their winter training is going. Good luck to all the swimmers participating in the carnival.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons compete in The Beast
Don A, Jax C and Thomas G kicking in the BEAST swim challenge. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre (WMTC) at the Whitsunday Sailing Club is more than just a venue for learning; it's a gateway to the exhilarating world of maritime adventure and professional excellence. Nestled in the heart of Airlie Beach, Queensland, WMTC stands out for its commitment to high-quality education, experienced trainers, and picturesque surroundings that enhance the learning experience.

At WMTC, a diverse array of courses caters to both novice sailors and seasoned maritime professionals.

The regular ‘Learn to Sail’ courses for adults and children are particularly noteworthy, offering hands-on training in boat handling, sail control, and navigation techniques. These courses, led by skilled and experienced trainers, not only build foundational skills but also instil a deep appreciation for the art and science of sailing.

For those pursuing careers in the maritime industry, WMTC offers essential Certificate of Competency courses. These certifications, such as the Coxswain and Master qualifications, are crucial for operating commercial vessels within Australian waters.

The rigorous training, delivered by the clubs' knowledgeable instructors, ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate challenges at sea while adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards.

Safety is paramount in maritime activities, and WMTC addresses this through its comprehensive Shipboard Safety Skill Set. Participants learn vital survival skills, including emergency procedures, first aid, and practical use of safety equipment. This training not only enhances personal safety but also fosters confidence in handling unforeseen situations while at sea.

Moreover, WMTC is dedicated to promoting responsible boating through its Recreational Marine Driver’s License (RMDL) course. This initiative ensures that recreational boaters are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate Queensland waters safely and responsibly.

With its commitment to excellence, professional training, experienced trainers, and a stunning coastal setting, the WMTC remains a beacon of maritime education in Australia. Whether one seeks adventure on the open waters or a fulfilling career in maritime operations, WMTC stands ready to facilitate every individual's journey toward mastery and maritime proficiency.

To learn more about the courses offered by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, please scan the below QR codes.

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The Sailing Club Provides Fantastic Maritime Training.

Scan for Learn to Sail Course

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The Bowen Bridge Club had their annual Congress over the weekend. 76 players travelled from 9 different clubs for a friendly but fierce competition. Congratulations to all our local players. 
2024 Results:
A Grade 1st: Tex Sheedy / Noel Bujeia
2nd: Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
3rd: Alan Brown / Frances Brown
B Grade 1st: Beverly Schultz / Barbara Elwin
2nd: Nina Doyle / Ian Leach
3rd: Sue Reilly / Jo Gillis
C Grade 1st: Sandy Patterson / Geoff Gowan
2nd: Jill Brabon / Bev Lowcock
3rd: Kay Lineham / Judith Teitzel
D Grade 1st: Annette Howe / Vicky Howard
2nd: Susan Ross / Laura Howland
3rd: Joy Block / Lynne O'Neill
Encouragement Award Janice Bates / Christine Chauntler

Contributed with thanks to Lydie Martin.

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Despite the weather, a lot has happened at our little club.
Firstly, we share the sad news that Steve Tattam lost his battle with cancer on Friday night. Our thoughts go out to his wife Henny and his family. Details of the funeral will be advised.
On a brighter note, the Ladies Singles has been won by Ladda Purdie, who played Carol Crosbie in a very close match.
The Men’s B Fours was also completed. Merve Stewart’s team, with Eric Barnard at lead in brilliant form, Dennis Donnadelli at second, and Mark Mawson at third, won comfortably in the final. Congratulations to the boys for a wonderful performance.
Tuesday afternoon social bowls welcomed Alan Leach from Norfolk Island Bowls Club and Duane Pendlebury from RSL Traralgon Bowls Club. John Brown’s team, with new player Deb Cooper at lead and Duane, were the big winners of the day.
Wednesday afternoon jackpot bowls saw skipper Steve Heddles from Arrowtown, New Zealand, with Greg and Glenys Pepyat from Bright, Victoria, as the runaway winners from a big field. However, the jackpot was not won.
Due to the Men’s B Fours, no Scroungers was played on Saturday morning. However, Sunday afternoon social bowls saw over 20 bowlers vying for the first prize. It was skipper Andy McDougall, with lead Robin Brown, who were the winners of the day in a great last bowl win.
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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Winners of the B Fours: Mark Mawson, Eric Barnard, Dennis Donnadelli and skipper Merve Stewart. Photo supplied

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Social Games:
Sunday 30/6: E. Low, L. Kruger, and Daryl Tuttle defeated Marion Tuttle, Herb Dalton, and Ray Muir. Allen Williams, Ross Scanlon, and Rob Rodda defeated Keith Kirk, Ron Gould, and Tiarna Winter.
Scroungers: Lloyd White defeated Wendy Cole. Jane Gilbert defeated Paula and Lee Welsted.
Wednesday Social: Ron Gould, Jane Gilbert, and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt, Marilyn Turner, and Gus Munro. Marion Tuttle, Ray Muir, and Wendy Cole had a drawn game with Dianne, Tiarna Winter, and Ellis. Winners for the afternoon were Britt Neil, Gavin Charles, and Daryl Tuttle, who defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Phil, and Bird.
Winners: Daryl, Britt, Gavin.
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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the final of the Ladies Singles was played. Heather Brown defeated Patricia Bownds 26-0. Good luck to Heather, who will be representing Proserpine in the Champion of Champions at Wests Tigers on July 9 and 10.
In Social Bowls on Wednesday, Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, Carol Smith, and Peter Lawton drew 24-all with Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Nev Smith.
On Saturday morning, the Semi-Final of the Club Championship 4s was played. Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne defeated Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan, and Peter Lawton 35-4.
On Saturday afternoon, the Final of the Club Championship 4s was played. Gavin Milne's team defeated Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Toby Craig, and Nathan Harriott 18-5. Gavin's team will now go on to represent Proserpine in the Champion of Champion 4s, to be played at Northern Beaches on August 3 and 4.
A Semi-Final of the Club Championship Pairs will be played on Saturday, featuring Toby Craig and Marcus Craig against Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Another great week of bowls started with Monday's self-selected triples. The winners were Frans Wilmann, Jenny Healey, and Chris Healey, who defeated Gary Wills, Mal Eanes, and Keith Armstrong. The runners-up were Peter Howie, Greg Sol, and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated John Haysom, Peter Nesbitt, and M. Richie. The jackpot didn’t go off.
Tuesday's social bowls winners were Karon McKenzie, Keith Ayken, and Glenn Harvey, who defeated Helen Donoghue, Neil Thewlis, and Ron Boskona. The runners-up were Lindy Suann, L. Sutherland, and Geoff Danvers, who defeated J. Langley, Heidi Reiff, and Bob Dykstra. The jackpot didn’t go off.
Fun Friday afternoon winners were Eadie Pickton and Steve Dolbel, who defeated Ron Hyde and Jan Dawson. Grant Allan and John defeated Patrick, June, and Mark. B. Dykstra and M. McKenzie defeated K. McKenzie and P. Cochrane. Resting touches went to Ron Hyde.
On Saturday, our ladies hosted our annual Monster Cent Sale at the club. What a great afternoon it was, enjoyed by our loyal supporters and visitors. There were many great prizes. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped to make it a successful afternoon.
With another full green, Sunday winners came out on Rink 2. They were Natalie, Lyn Madden, Penny Warren, and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated Kevin Daniels, Gordo Simon, and Fritz Gerald Norm Dawson. The runners-up were Sue Symonds, Jill Parker, Jenny Healey, and Jim Steel, who defeated Marie Nesbitt, Col Parker, Jim Quad, and Ron Hyde. The jackpot didn’t go off.
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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Sunday Winners: Penny Warren, Natalie Lyn Madden and Kennedy Whitton with President Mark Drummond
Runners Up: Sue Symonds, Jill Parker, Jim Steel and Jenny Healey. Photos supplied

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Despite the very unpromising weather maps, Whitsunday Golf Club (WGC) put out a field of 18 players to compete in the Monthly Medal/Least Putts for July, generously sponsored by Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday.
Here are the results for the day:
Ladies A Grade:
   • Winner: Elise Hodgson with 75 nett
   • Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with 79
   • Longest Drive: Anna Winterbourn
Ladies B Grade:
   • Winner: Jo Moynihan with 75 nett
   • Runner-up: Karen Rix with 82
   • Longest Drive: Karen Rix
Men’s A Grade:
   • Winner: George Meharry with 69 nett
   • Runner-up: Andrew Albergo with 71
   • Longest Drive: Mata Browne
Men’s B Grade:
   • Winner: David Hoy with 74 nett
   • Runner-up: Dean Kercher with 76
   • Longest Drive: Dean Kercher
NTPs:
   • For the ladies: Jo Moynihan and Pam Casey
   • For the men: Mark McDougall, Don Cameron, and David Hoy
Least Putts:
   • Elise Hodgson with 31
   • George Meharry with 26 - that’s very good putting on the day.
NAGAs:
   • The honours went to Pam Casey and Leigh Jones, with a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts, proprietors of RADS Whitsunday who provide respite accommodation and disability support services.
Upcoming Fixtures:
   • 14/7: Stableford competition
   • 21/7: Mark Nicol Memorial Trophy - a 2-ball Ambrose, his favourite format

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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The weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Paul Foster take the win with 20 points. In second place, with an 18-point count-back, was Glenn Rees. Third place, also with 18 points on a count-back, went to Brody Thompson..
Sunday's 4BBB Event
Sunday's 4BBB event saw Edwina and Troy Pettiford take the win with a net score of 46.25. The nearest to the pin was Rob Lodders. Great job by all participants.
Upcoming Club Championships
This Sunday, 14th July, our Club Championships will tee off between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM.
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Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Edwina Pettiford and Troy Pettiford

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This week Sea Eagles made the early morning trek out to take on Moranbah Bulldogs in all grades except Senior Men who headed south to Mackay City Hawks.

After leading most of the match Sea Eagles Senior Men could not hold on going down by 5 points to the Mackay City Hawks 34 – 39. Midfield bulls Billy Galpin and Billy Gardner were dominating again whilst Eden Wishart had the ball on a string at stages. Sea Eagles now look to find some form against formidable North Mackay Saints this coming week.

Sea Eagles Senior Women headed to Moranbah with minimum numbers pumped and ready to go. With Coach Tyson Seamer reminding them to have fun and play their own game Sea Eagles came out with a comfortable win 47 – 12.

Sea Eagles Under 17s although missing a number of players put in a solid effort with a 9 – 69 loss against the Moranbah Bulldogs who got a hot start and could not be headed.

Sea Eagles Under 14s watched Moranbah Bulldogs hit the scoreboard early with fast and direct play which left Sea Eagles behind 25 – 55 at the final siren.

Sea Eagles Under 12s took out a convincing win 67 – 7 (adj) against Moranbah Bulldogs in the half way point of their season to solidify second place on the ladder and the hope to give finals a crack.

This week AFLQ Mackay celebrate Pride Round providing opportunity to promote inclusivity and acceptance of gender diversity in sport and role model to make the community a safer place. Whitsunday Sea Eagles Under 14s and Under 17s take on Mackay Magpies in Mackay and Senior Men take on North Mackay Saints at Zeolla Park.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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Steve Lucas took out Tuesday's stableford with 38 points ahead of Jason Whitney with 37 points. Pins went to Luke Nightingale Jon Miller and Brendan Spann.

Thursday's A and B division winners, Scott Mason and Luke Wayth, both had 40 points. Jacob Nightingale and Izaac Vandenburg were the runners up. Pins went to Jacob Nightingale, Finbar O'Flynn, Timothy Miller and Scott Mason.

Brendan Spann had 22 points to win Friday's Met run with Chris Pirlo two shots adrift. Ben Smith won the pin shot.

Saturday's weather was kind enough to see 136 players compete for the prized Scramble four-person ambrose. The gun Sarina team of Ian Dunn, Darren Symons,

Christopher Dunn and Gregory James along with locals Ryan Wilkes, Izaac Vandenburg, Ryan Kenny and Mark Thompson qualified for the regional final.

Blake Lovelock had 41 points on Sunday to beat Corey Stroud by four shots. The leading ladies were Anna Winterbourn on 31 points and Tiina Randmae on 29.

Pins went to Karen Rix, Corey Stroud, Daniel Davis and Andrew Albergo.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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by Festival Vice President, Melinda Louise Hutchings
After a seven-year hiatus, the Whitsundays Writers Festival will be making a triumphant return 6-8 September, promising an immersive celebration for writers, readers, and thinkers alike, and a stellar line-up of Australia's leading literary figures.
The Patron of the Festival, Jessica Begun, is already known to many in the community due to her ongoing and steadfast commitment to promoting and expanding the Arts in the Whitsundays region over several years.
“I feel honoured to be serving as the Patron of this year’s renewed Whitsundays Writers Festival,” Jessica said.
“The Festival has succeeded beyond my wildest imaginings in featuring leading Australian writers in stimulating and interactive events that both celebrate and create valuable opportunities for aspiring writers, and of course, avid readers.”
Jessica’s love affair with the Whitsundays began in 1991 when she arrived in Australia on her sailboat with her husband and two sons. After spending two years sailing across the Pacific from Boston to Australia, Jessica and her family spent several months exploring the east coast and fell in love with the beauty of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.
The following year, Jessica and her family immigrated to Australia and berthed their boat at Hamilton Island Marina. After purchasing land in 1995 and building the Cape Gloucester Eco Resort in 2001, which they sold in 2008, they lived in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years before moving permanently to Cape Gloucester in 2015.
“I have been very fortunate to have been able to pursue a creative life starting as a potter in Norway in 1973 and culminating in my Master of Fine Arts from QUT Academy of the Arts in directing,” Jessica said. “I participated in theatre, ceramics, and painting in Massachusetts in the 80s, as well as film making and working in arts events in Maleny including the Woodford Fire Event, the Maleny Film Society, Maleny community radio, and the Real Food Festival.”
Jessica was settling into retired life at Cape Gloucester when she met Cathy Knezevic, the exhibition officer at Artspace in Mackay, in 2019. Keen to create an arts festival, Cathy suggested they combine their skills and as a result, the inaugural Whitsundays Arts Festival launched in September 2020.
Tragically, Cathy had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when Jessica received news of their success in gaining funding for the inaugural Arts Festival. The second and third festivals in 2021 and 2022 continued to expand the event with the inaugural Songwriter Festival, Arts Prize Exhibition, a focus on multicultural performance and stories, and a film screening at the new Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Cathy continued to battle cancer and lived to enjoy the second festival with her whole family, and her legacy lives on through Jessica’s continued dedication to expanding the arts in the Whitsundays region.
“Festivals provide the best opportunities for our creative community to celebrate the arts and meet other like-minded artists in the community,” expressed Jessica. “I encourage you to come to many of the exciting events planned over the three- day writers festival as possible.”

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WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September  
TICKETS: whitsundayswriters.com

Co-founder of Whitsunday Arts Festival, Jess Begun, announced as patron of upcoming Whitsundays Writers Festival. Photo supplied

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