Sports

Boost Your Team’s Health

Boost Your Team’s Health

With Fitness Cartel Corporate Memberships Mackay businesses now have a game-changing way to invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing with Fitness Cartel’s Corporate Membership Program. Designed for organisations looking to prioritise fitness, health, and workplace wellness, these memberships give staff access to ultramodern facilities, expert-led classes, and personalised training support — all tailored to the needs of a busy workforce. Whether your team wants to lift, stretch, spin, or recover, Fitness Cartel has it covered. Members enjoy 24/7 access to all clubs, over 500 pieces of strength and cardio equipment, and dedicated zones for Reformer Pilates, functional training, and cycling. The Mackay location also features a fully equipped Wellness Centre, including hot rock saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, Normatec compression boots, red light therapy, and a range of post-workout recovery options to suit every need. Group fitness is a highlight for corporate members, with unlimited access to more than 100 classes per week across 4 different training studios inside the Mackay Club. Options range from Les Mills’ Body Combat, Body Pump, Body Balance And RPM, to yoga, Mat Pilates, Zumba, and functional training sessions. Virtual classes are also available 24/7, offering flexibility for early birds or night owls. For businesses with families on the team, Kids Cartel provides a safe, engaging crèche and playground, ensuring parents can focus on their workout while children enjoy supervised play. Employees can also enjoy the Cartel Café, offering nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their workouts, or browse the on-site nutrition and pro shop. Corporate packages at Fitness Cartel are designed to elevate workplace wellness programs. Beyond improving fitness levels, they promote team bonding, boost morale, and create a positive, healthy work culture. Monthly body scans, personal training sessions, and precision programming help staff track progress and achieve their health goals, making corporate wellness a practical and measurable benefit for businesses. “The Fitness Cartel Corporate Membership Program is all about empowering teams to reach their health and fitness goals, while giving employers an easy way to support workplace wellbeing,” said Mackay Co-Franchisee Cliff Forster. With multiple locations and more planned nationwide, employees have seamless access to premium fitness facilities no matter where they are. For Mackay businesses looking to invest in their teams, Fitness Cartel’s Corporate Membership Program offers the ultimate combination of fitness, recovery, and community, all under one roof. For more information or to arrange a corporate membership, contact Fitness Cartel Mackay at mackay@fitnesscartel.com.au or call (07) 4881 0365

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Honours And Highlights

Honours And Highlights

At North Mackay Bowls Club North Mackay Bowls club Presentation night was held on Saturday 29/11/2025, with many of our bowlers and significant others attending. Following a lovely dinner prepared by the super chefs at Goosies, the Ladies section held their presentation first, with many excited winners receiving certificates and renumeration. Results: Champ Pairs : Deb Mackenzie and Chris Woo Champ Triples : Nug Pratt, Val De Pinto, Marie Bragg Champ Fours : Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Coral Francis, Donna Gordon B Pairs : Ann Smith ans Min Andrew Over 70’s : Lorna Bowers Graded 4’s Lorraine Silman, Doris Dodds, Helen Fleming, Min Andrew Graded 3 B Triples : Lois Deguara, Helen Fleming, Sue Roscoe Graded 2 B Triples : Donna Gordon, Carmel Bell, Hilary Jones-Rowan Consistency : Cheryl Corbett Division 1 Winning Pennant Team going on to play in Emerald ( Leichhardt District ) and then to Tweed Heads(Qld Division) Coming 4th in the State. Well done to all the ladies in the team. The Bowler of the Year award was presented to the player who claimed the Championship Singles, ‘B’ Singles and Under 70s Singles titles, with the honour bestowed on Brenda Trannore. Brenda graciously accepted the accolade, delivering a heartfelt speech in which she thanked those who had supported and guided her throughout her bowls journey, acknowledging the achievement as a significant milestone in both her life and her bowls career. Amazing and Well Done Brenda. The Mens Section had their 2025 Presentation next, with many of the bowlers happy with their performances on the green an in competitions, Pennant and away games. Results: Mixed Pairs : Neil Blucher and Lois Deguara Mixed Fours ; Pam Spencer, Ken Rix, Carmel Bell, Dave Mc Kendry B Singles : Eric Galletly, B Pairs : Eric Gallantly John Kennell Senior Singles : Geoff Ollett 2 B Triples : Andrew Coates, Clive Wales, Peter Blackburn. 3 B Triples : Shane Trannore, Wayne Trannore, Dave McKendry A Fours : Ben Crocker, Col Crocker, Ian Beveridge, Joe Crocker A Pairs : Mick Walsh and Steve Lane A Singles : Alan Cooney Club Person of the Year was voted in as a tie this year, and went to Wayne and Shane Trennore. It was a super evening for the Trannore name in bowls for our Club. Wayne Trannore responded on behalf of his brother Shane, also thanking those involved with the club and their fantastic award. Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Cards, Community And Connection

Cards, Community And Connection

At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results For Week Ending Saturday 13th December 2025 Monday 8th December 2025 – 6 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Jewel Schmidt - Janine Rodgers 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Shirley Worland - Janice Mansfield 3rd Geoffrey Patterson - Noel Bugeia 3rd Jayne Johnstone - Clare Wallace Tuesday 9th December 2025 – 3 ½ Table Howell Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild - Noel Bugeia 2nd Geoff Taylor - Janelle Conroy 3rd Richard Wix - Tex Sheedy Wednesday 10th December 2025 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Noel Bugeia 1st Martin Pearce - Sue Mayer-Miller 2nd Max Holewa - Diane Holewa 2nd Janet Hansen - Alan Brown 3rd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 3rd Gwen Liddell - Anne Lutz 4th Annette Howe - Diane Stokes 4th Mary Rose Ramsden - Patrick Rasmussen 5th Lorna Shuttlewood - Tex Sheedy 5th Sandy Patterson - Joy Hold Thursday Evening 11th December 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Joy Hold - Patricia Garner 1st Noel Bugeia - Tex Sheedy 2nd Geoff Taylor - Anne Lutz 2nd Martin Pearce - Simon Barnes Friday 12th December 2025 –7 ½ Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 1st David Ting - Ming Ting 2nd Janine Rodgers - Richard Wix 2nd Julie O'neill - Ann Whitmore 3rd Tex Sheedy - Noel Bugeia 3rd Christine Nice - Diane Cox 3rd Martin Pearce - Gwen Liddell Saturday 13th December 2025 – Section A (Christmas Party )– 8 Table Mitchell - Green Points North/South East/West 1st Victor Mason - Ann Whitmore 1st Marilin Robins - Mick Robins 2nd Geoff Taylor - Margaret Lane 2nd Faye Wright - Tex Sheedy 3rd Monica Darley - David Hird 3rd Diane Stokes - Annie Lynch 4th Janelle Conroy - Robert Carless 4th Noel Bugeia - Pamela Finger Saturday 13th December 2025 – Section B (Christmas Party)– 9 Table Mitchell - Green Points North/South East/West 1st Max Holewa - Diane Holewa 1st Janet Hansen - Thelma Caruana 2nd Ming Ting - David Ting 2nd Janine Rodgers - Richard Wix 3rd Alan Brown - Frances Brown 3rd Susan Gibson - Karen Caldwell 4th Christopher Meyers - Sandy Patterson 4th Eric Goodchild - Debra Goodchild Contributed by Robert Carless

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Heat, Hustle And Holiday Spirit At Bluewater Quay

Heat, Hustle And Holiday Spirit At Bluewater Quay

With Mackay Road Runners With temperatures feeling closer to 35 degrees and no rain in sight, it was a very Mackay-style lead-up to Christmas at this week’s Bluewater Quay Social Run. Forget a white Christmas, runners were treated to hot, testing conditions during the afternoon’s 5km and 10km events. Race Director Andrew Short was thanked for delivering another successful run, despite the heat, with welcome relief provided by Zooper Doopers and Red Dog’s rehydration options, which were greatly appreciated by participants. The next Bluewater Quay social run, commencing at 4.30pm next Sunday, will be the final event before Christmas. Runners are encouraged to come along for a festive group photo and stay on for a Christmas drink afterwards. Some of the best photos may feature in this Mackay Life Newspaper and the Mackay Road Runners 2026 calendar, described humorously as a firefighter-style calendar, but with clothes. Congratulations were extended to all participants for their efforts in challenging conditions, with a reminder for runners to continue training and racing in such conditions to stay healthy and safe. “Thank you to Mackay & Whitsunday Life magazine for their awesome support of the Mackay Road Runners Club!”

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Better Built Sheds

Wangaratta Bowls

April 11, 2024

Results for social play results on Tuesday saw Irene Laird, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeat Deb Retchless, Isobel Wheeler and Graeme Read. Robyn Stitt, Denise Wallace and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Lyn Danvers. The jackpot didn’t go off.

On Friday night the barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle was a success with plenty of smiles on and off the green. The next one is on the 19 April.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Denise Wallace, Isobel Wheeler and Barry Beel who narrowly defeated Bron Tolcher, Penny Warren and Mark Drummond. Others, Irene Laird, Alby Vigar and Kevin Jewell defeated Robyn Stitt, Jim Quod and Pat Tracey. Bill Myers, Laurie Land and Kennedy Whitton defeated Toni Bowen, Graeme Read and Allan Rolfe. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Fridays barefoot bowls. Photos supplied

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Airlie Beach Bowls

April 11, 2024

Tuesday afternoon social bowls saw great games the winner on the day was Tony Whitehorn with Mark Mawson second was Henny Tattam and Lyn Graham whilst Rhonda Lloyd’s team of Lizzie Turner and Jill Spencer played well. 

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw a great team display by Shane Spann with John Trembath outstanding winners on the day whilst Rick Galea’s team took home the Jackpot.

No play was possible Friday afternoon and Saturday, however, the final of the Men’s Open Fours will be decided by Shane Spanns team of Rick Galea , John Trembath and John Fielding against Manny Isgro’s team of Tim Taylor , Bob McMahon and Russell Jackson 

Sunday afternoon had a great roll up with Henny Tattam’s team of lead Regina Aquilina and Robin Brown outstanding winners of the day.


Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Henny Tattam, Regina Aquilina, Robin Brown with Bar Manager Fiona Greener and Vicki Spann and Lu Rogan ready for a beverage Sunday afternoon. Image supplied

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Competition Games At Bowen Bowls

April 11, 2024

In the singles, Gus Munro defeated Gavin Charles.

In pairs, Rob Robba and Wendy Coles defeated Herb Dalton and Wayne Crowhurst. Daryl Tuttle and Fele Duncan defeated Zanders Peebles and Mitch Wright.

During Social Sunday, Ray Muir, Ross Scanlon and Jane Gilbert defeated Gordo, Helen Jacobsen and Glen R. Ian Thatcher and Gavin Charles, defeated B Neal and Steve Roome.  Sue Fox and Ron Gould defeated L Kruger and Gus Munro.

At the Wednesday Social, Ian Thatcher, Robyn Stitt and Doc Fordham defeated Eddy Neylon, G.Gordon and Steve Roome. Sue Fox and Rob Robba defeated Peter Wilson and Glen R. Maryellen Pratten, Denise Wallace and Jane Gilbert defeated A.Delic, Daryl Tuttle and Wendy Coles.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards. Photo supplied

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COMPETITION PLAYED BETWEEN RAIN SHOWERS Proserpine Bowls

April 11, 2024

Dale Haack came out victorious defeating Harry Craig 25 – 24. In B Grade Singles Peter Lawton defeated Mike Harrison 25 - 7.

On Saturday lots of games of Club Championship Singles were played.  Michael Kinnear defeated David Ling 26 – 14. Scott Hamilton defeated Brett Saroglia 25 – 17. Barry Saroglia defeated Peter Lawton 25 – 21. Toby Craig defeated Kendall Watts 25 – 21. Andrew Bell defeated Marcus Craig 25 - 4.

Also on Saturday morning B Grade Singles Harry Craig defeated Steve Summers 26 -1.
Saturday afternoon Club Championship Pairs Toby Craig and Marcus Craig defeated Vince Olsen and Todd Leys 26 – 7. Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Geoff Hunter and Philip Brown 24 – 9.  Barry Saroglia and Gavin Milne defeated Harry Craig and Scott Hamilton 20 - 16.
  
On Sunday in the Club Championship Singles a game between Shane Kinnear and Toby Craig ended with Shane defeating Toby 25 - 18.

On Wednesday in Social Bowls Jim Bownds, Pat Bownds, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara had a very close game defeating Alen Sanderson, Geoff Hunter, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 14 - 13.  In Sunday's Social bowls Mary Hedgelong, Sandy Daffara and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown and Mike Harrison 23 - 15.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown. Photo supplied

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Two T’20 Cricket Games To Be Held This September

April 4, 2024

Excitement strikes as the upcoming CommBank Women’s T20I Series against New Zealand is announced to take place at the Harrup Park Great Barrier Reef Arena.

These two games of T20 between the Australian and New Zealand women will take place on September 19th and 22nd, marking a significant event, not only for cricket fans but also for the entire Mackay community.

After announcing the season line-up, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said, “This is one of the most highly anticipated summers of cricket in memory with the eyes of the cricket world focused on the extended Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series and the multiformat Women’s Ashes.”

For Mackay, hosting the T’20 women’s series holds immense importance as it showcases the region's growing prominence in the world of cricket.

CEO of Harrup Park, Adrian Young, speaks on the magnitude of this occasion, highlighting the arena's ability to host a top-tier international cricket venue since its opening last year.

The dedication and hard work invested in the venue intertwined with the pride of hosting the two matches will be an outstanding experience for both players and attendees.

“This is very significant, this is first top tier international cricket series we’ve had since the opening of the great barrier reef arena last year,” Mr Young said.

“It’s a combination of a lot of hard work that’s gone into the venue so we’re extremely excited to have the games here in September.”

The anticipation rises as cricket fans eagerly await, with the potential of driving in up to five to six thousand attendees, which is said to be a beneficial economic stimulus for the region.

Adrian highlights that these games are also beneficial for younger generations, offering young boys and specifically girls the chance to witness their heroes in action and aspire to reach similar heights in their future sporting endeavours.

“Having games like this allows young boys and girls to look up to their hero’s and put their minds to play sport at an elite level, and inspire them on an aspirational level.”

As the countdown to September begins, anticipation builds, promising two days of unforgettable cricketing action within the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Fans are encouraged to register on Cricket Australia's digital channels for access to priority pre-sale tickets, which will be available on June 4.

CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match, Tayla Vlaeminck and Kim Garth. Image supplied

Great Barrier Reef Arena set to hold two astounding games for cricket fans in September

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McHugh And Sheehan Battle For Season Spoils

April 4, 2024

The last match decided a closely-fought final of first-division Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures.

With the matches tied 5-all between Lexus and Jaguar, it came down to a decider between Andrew McHugh and Tim Sheehan, which Andrew won in four games.

Lexus got away to a good start, winning the first two matches in five-game marathons.

Andrew beat Vince Boeske 8, -4, -4, 10, 12 and Janice Kent got up over Tim Shehan 5, -8, 5, -6, 9.

Anne Sheridan opened Jaguar’s account with a win over Barry Patterson in the next match, but Lexus won the next three to take a stronghold 5-1 lead.

But Jaguar made a comeback from the dead to win the next four matches to level 5-all before Andrew finished off the 6-5 win with a hard-fought defeat of Tim -6, 8, 8, 8.

First division: Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson) d Jaguar (Vince Boeske, Tim Sheehan, Anne Sheridan) 6-5.

In division 2, the Nissan team of Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan and Will VanDeKaa scored a big 7-1 win over Isuzu (Mark Stam, George Camilleri and Steve Mathieson).

The season’s leading player George Camilleri scored Nissan’s only win over Simon Hogan.

Holden (Saisha Palod and Rohit Bansod) had a narrow 5-4 win over Fiat (Trent Day and YiLin Jiang) in division 3.

Standout matches were Saisha’s win over YiLin -6, 8, 7, -3, 7; and Trent’s defeat of Saisha 3, -9, 6, -5, 6.

Mackay Table Tennis Division 1 night fixture winners were Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent and Barry Patterson. Photos: Supplied

Division 2 winners Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar and Simon Hogan

Division 3 winners Rohit Bansod and Saisha Palod

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Marian Mill Shield Showdown And Upcoming Sarina Spectacle

April 4, 2024

Last month, ahead of Easter, teams journeyed to Gargett for the Marian Mill Shield, engaging in three matches throughout the day. Mackay Club advanced to the Final at Marian Club.

Facing Northern Beaches, the team exerted a commendable effort but narrowly missed securing victory. Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding dedication.

On Saturday, April 6th, three teams will compete in the Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill Shield at the Sarina Club.

Team 1 G.Luck, R.Bell, N.Hollt, R.Blanchard.
Team 2 T.Hollows, B.Paskins, E.Roberts, T.Mayfield
Team 3 A.Lovern, C.Marks, M.Coll, N.Wilson

Results:
Tuesday Triples;(22)
Winner of Winners:
Peter Nelson, Col Stevens

Winner of Losers:
A.Nayler, A.Lovern, N.Holt.
Thursday Scroungers (16)
Ric Dunn  def  Barry Paskins.
Ladies Championship Results:
K.Dunn,  R.Schatkowski  def  K.Catanzariti, V.Edwards
K.Catanzaritu won on Forfiet.

By Mike Irving

Participants took part in three matches throughout the day and were advanced to the finals. Despite their loses, Mackay Bowls are ready to take on their next challenge. Image Supplied.

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Mackay Contract Bridge

April 4, 2024

The Mackay Contract Bridge Club Pairs has been played over the last three Wednesdays, with some interesting hands of cards being played. The winning Team – the Terrence Sheedy Team, consisted of Terrence Sheedy, Thelma Caruana, Max Holewa, Diane Holewa and Mick King.

Thelma, Terrence, Diane and Max (Mick absent)

Weekly Results
Monday 25 March 2024 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Sandy Patterson / Geoff Cowan
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
4th
Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
5th
Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank
6th
Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
Tuesday Evening 26 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
4th
Shelley Lewis / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 27 March 2024 – Mackay Teams, Week 3 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points
1st
Terry Sheedy Team
2nd
Janet Hanson Team
3rd
Sandy Patterson Team
4th
Debra Goodchild Team
Wednesday 27 March 2024 – Mackay Teams – Final Results after 3 Weeks - Mitchell Red Points

Team
Players
1st
Terry Sheedy
Terrence Sheedy / Thelma Caruana / Max Holewa/ Diane Holewa / Mick King
2nd
Janet Hanson
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown / Frances Brown / Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Debra Goodchild
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / Ming Ting / David Ting / Antonia Tarradas / Mick King
4th
Sandy Patterson
Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson / Joy Brunette / Don Poole / Kath Poole
Thursday Evening 28 March 2024 – 3 Table One Winner
1st
Kean Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
4th
Mick King / Patricia Garner
Saturday 30 March 2024 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terrence Sheedy / Geoffrey Patterson
1st
Jan Harris / Mick King
2nd
Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank
2nd
Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd
Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch
4th
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill
5th
Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix
5th
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

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Easter Sunday Burrito Bolt

April 4, 2024

Mackay Road Runners hopped to it on the Easter Weekend for another Easter Sunday Burrito Bolt social 5k, 10km from Mackay’s Zambrero’s. 

Nearly thirty local runners plus Southern Queensland athletes including Anthea Ford, John Seartson and Stuart Maish joined locals in vying for the fun food-inspired prizes.
 
It was a heavy shower of rain that set runners off on their run.  Mick Scholer put his club Vice-Presidency hat to good use as the master of ceremonies giving runners course directions to follow the Cathy Freeman path alongside the Pioneer River towards the Botanic Gardens and return.  Beck Scholer was the photographer for the afternoon and Jack and Elsie Quinn were in total control of drawing the lucky random draw tickets as well as distributing the prizes to the lucky recipients.  Thanks to all other helpers on the day including Jo Hughes, Natasha Joynson and Andrew Short.
 
Alana Knezevic had a sensational 10km outing as did her fellow runners in their individual events including the Quinn family, Lisa Burns, Grant Holmstrom, Adam Knezevic, Anthea Ford,  Lauren Connor, Carmel Mahon, Simon Henderson, David Isbister, Todd Turner, Leanne Connor, Kim Saron, John Searston, Andrew Short, Michael Scholer, Greg Dawes, Natasha Joynson, Sacha Hoare, Jeff Hoare, Jo Hughes, Colin Hardy and Derek Woods.
 
This Sunday’s annual Tilse Toddle 5k, 10km will commence at 4.30pm from 24 Johnson Street, West Mackay.  The scratch start event will be a handicap points race. Non-members are most welcome to join in however, there will be a $10 casual race day fee. 

For more information, visit Mackay Road Runners online or on Facebook.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Sponsors Zambreros’ Deb, Elsie, Pete and Jack at far left + runners and supporters were dauntingly met with a drenching at the start of the Zambrero Easter Sunday Burrito Bolt social 5k, 10k, they forged on undeterred
Mick Scholer easily sprints the event due to some not so secret altitude training
Lisa Burns and Carmel Mahon easily stride out the final few metres in the social 10km
Zambrero sponsors Peter and Jack Quinn easily complete the 5km in their goal time

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Sinkers Prepare For States

April 4, 2024

The North Mackay Sinkers continue preparing for a major meet with the Masters Swimming Qld State Championships providing the main focus for April. As part of the preparation more sessions have been scheduled along with several club nights to assist race preparation. The most recent night held Friday 22nd March saw members swimming chosen events with 25, 50, 100 and 200/400m events available to improve starts, turns and race pace skills for the event.

Club Night: The start of the 25m event

Coach Departs: The Sinkers also bid goodbye to club coach Igor Demin after some three years as the club's coach as he heads to a new horizon in the ACT with both a Swimming Australia and Masters Swimming Australia club coach position drawing him away from tropical climates. Coach Igor introduced members to a range of innovative and challenging sessions that were always diverse in structure to help members and the club reach goals. The Sinkers wish Igor and his family all the best in their new location and role.

The final session with coach Igor was Wednesday 27th with most of the night's squad present for the photo

Laps For Life Draws To A Close: The seven members participating in the Laps for Life swim and fundraising challenge have now completed the month-long event. The swimmers completed some 5,860 laps (50m pool) to record a total of 294 km for this event. Importantly the funds raised by the Sinkers was even more impressive with a total of $5,404 committed to assist youth mental health and suicide prevention. Together with the other 2 Masters clubs in Qld the grand total settled at $8,110 has been raised for the ReachOut foundation.

Easter Eggs On The Swimmer’s Menu: The Easter weekend allowed swimmers to swim outside the pool with Good Friday pool closures. Three Sinkers visited a popular Sinkers open water swim (OWS) Balnagowan location to check conditions before we enter our northern OWS season. This location is used for training as well as our annual river swim (Nov 3rd 2024) with a few Townsville, Whitsunday and Keppel Island destinations on the list of must-do events.
Saturday saw a great gathering of Sinkers that may have been eyeing the traditional after-swim social supplies of Easter eggs, hot cross buns, cakes and biscuits to accompany the eggcellent coffee at the Memorial pool.

Balnagowan Good Friday
Some input for the Saturday session content prior to starting
Masters is not all swimming with social activity key to the club's popularity

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AT THE TABLE

April 4, 2024

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 26, 2024:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Leopards (Charlie Payne, Cheryl Pearson, Judy Zahn) 7-5. Judy d Peter 9, 8, -10, -7, 3.

Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) d Tigers (Don Boettcher, John McGee) 7-2. Coral d John 8, -5, -5, 8, 7.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bran Marshall) d Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso, Val Austin) 10-2. Bryan d Val 5, -13, -10, 8, 5.

Division 2:

Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) 8-4. Kim Challender d Helen -9, 7, 9, -9, -7.

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Aqua (Judi Hicks, Gloria Vella, Josie Davis) 12-0. Louise d Gloria 5, -9. 13, 3.

Division 3:

Diamonds (Thelma Caruana, Myles Dutton) d Emeralds (Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 6-3. Myles d Glenda 6, -8, -9, 5, 8.

Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Glenda Dutton) d Sapphires (Carmel Cristaldi, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) 7-5. Sharon d Darryl 9, -6, -9, 7, 10.

Glenda Brookes in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo: Charlie Payne

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Sunday Social Ambrose At Bowen Golf Course

April 4, 2024

Sunday was a Social Ambrose and everybody was welcome. It was a great turnout, with 92 people taking to the course. Logan and Winston were the winners of the day.

Wednesday's comp was a Single Bogie. John Storrie won the men's, Brad Fleet was runner up. Freddy Lynch won the ladies', and Leanne Swan was runner up.

Easter weekend hosted two events, both sponsored by Lion Nathan XXXX.

Saturday was a Single Stableford Event.

Ladies' Winner was Grace Nott and Leanne Swan was Runner up, 3rd Place to Pauline Martin.

Frank Broucek won the Men's, and James Lockwood was Runner up, 3rd Place to Murray Cannavan.

The Joker Draw and meals return to Friday nights, all welcome, to book your table for dining in please call 47851206.

Contributed with thanks to Linda Scells.

Sunday Ambrose Winners Winston and Logan with Bowen Golf Club President Mike Brunker. Photo supplied

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Proserpine Golf Club News

April 4, 2024

Scott Mason had 40 points to win Tuesday's stableford by a shot from Aaron Prosser, while Diane Chard had 34 points to win the ladies' division by a shot from Elspeth Scotford. Pins went to Scott Mason, Aaron Prosser, Leanne Alexander and Heather Luvis.

Wednesday's stableford winner was Diane Chard who had 35 points to beat Tiina Randmae by a shot. Two pins went to Diane Chard and one to Ann Gardel.

Brent Daniels had 38 points to win Thursday's competition by a shot from Brendan Spann. Pins went to Joe Taylor, John Roser, Nathan Holohan and Aaron Prosser.

The Easter Saturday stableford was taken out by John Wallace with 40 points.

His A Division runner up was Blake Lovelock on 36. Andrew Smart turned his form around to win the B division with 38 points; one ahead of Martyn Goodey. Noelene Spurway won the ladies' division with 34 points ahead of Tina Badenhorst on 31. Two pins went to Jon Miller, and one each to John Wallace, Ash Law, Jill Farinelli and Heather Luvis.

Levi Holmes had 35 points to edge out Jason Bourke for the main prize in the Sunday competition. Tiina Randmae had 32 points to beat Anna Winterbourn by a shot in the ladies' division. Pins went to Jason Bourke, Diane Chard, Peta Thomas and Anna Winterbourn.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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Premier League Round 

April 4, 2024

There were two important matches played over the past few weeks, and they were important for very different reasons.

The first was between Art McMinn and Jayden Lloyd, and the other saw Jamie Maher pitted against Joe Wilson for the second time already this season. 

Both Jayden and Jamie looking to kick start their campaigns by securing their first wins of the year, and the task was a tough one as both Art and Joe have been playing well.

Art started his match off against Jayden by jumping out to a 3-nil lead.

Jayden managed to nick back-to-back legs to narrow the lead to one, before Art took over again, hitting 3 x 140’s to secure 3rd place on the ladder with a 7/3 victory.

Jayden with some work to do.

Jamie had a massive task taking on the in-form player of the comp in Joe, but he didn’t let it phase him, jumping out to a 4/2 lead early with a very solid 70 average.

However, Joe showed why he’s going to be a strong contender for the title this year, as he backed himself and clawed the match back from Jamie, who was in control at the time, to level it up at 4 all.

At that stage, Jamie just couldn’t wrestle the momentum away from Joe, as he was just scoring too big at the right times, hitting 4 x 140’s in those last 3 legs, and ultimately running out a 7/4 winner with a solid 60 average. 

Top of the league for Joe. Jamie can be happy with his performance but will need some wins soon to resurrect his season.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Don’t forget our Genesis Cup which is a one-day event open to all. To get involved simply message the club through our Facebook page.

Art McMinn securing 3rd place in the league on Sunday at the Bowls Club. Photo supplied

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Raiders Rugby 2024 Pre-season Hit Outs

April 4, 2024

The PWRUC Raiders Rugby Union Women and Men teams showcased their potential in the MRU 2024 pre-season shorter version hit outs in Mackay on 16 March 2024.
 
Raiders Women’s first game missed a little game day cohesion, which was expected “Our team showed resilience in their first game, with positive effort given the limited practice time due to recent weather”, coach Sainsbury said.
 
The second game saw improvements, especially in defence, with Captains Maddy Spruce and Lily Sainsbury leading by example.

The team welcomed new debutants Kendra Shields “who looked comfortable out there amongst it” and Summer Foreman who graduated from Juniors to the Seniors ranks.
 
Sainsbury highlighted, “as a squad we’re looking forward to women playing rugby in the MRU and what this 2024 season unveils.”
 
Raiders Men triumphed 14-12 in their first match against Bowen Mudcrabs, dominating the first half and spending most of the time in Bowen's playing half.

Jack Briskey and Landry Bezombes scored tries and converted them successfully. Coach Rota expressed satisfaction, "we played well and were happy to come away with the win."
 
Despite challenges in the second game against Moranbah Bulls, where they played with only 14 players due to injuries, the Raiders held their ground.

Captains Waikato Nepia–Katipa and Rhys Ward “showed good leadership both on and off the field throughout the day”.
 
Rota mentioned he’s “excited to see where the season takes us with such a young squad”.
 
Official MRU Rugby Union Season start Saturday 6 April, with both teams heading to Bowen for the 1st game of MRU Round 1.

Contributed with thanks to Karla Houston.

 

Get into Raiders Rugby - Trainings held at Whitsunday Sports Park
Men: 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Women: 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Wednesdays
Facebook/Messenger: Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union Club

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