The Learn to Sail program at the Whitsunday Sailing Club offers an exceptional opportunity for both adults and children to discover the joys of sailing amidst the stunning Whitsundays. Course run throughout the year, held on 8 consecutive Sundays and cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to those looking to refine their techniques, this program is designed to instil confidence and a love for the sport in a supportive and friendly environment.

For children, the program provides an engaging introduction to sailing, focusing on building fundamental skills in a fun and safe setting. Through age-appropriate instruction and hands-on practice, young sailors learn about boat handling, water safety, and teamwork. The program emphasises the importance of fostering a lifelong appreciation and respect for the sea, encouraging kids to embrace outdoor adventure and develop a sense of responsibility and independence.

Adults, whether new to sailing or looking to improve their skills, benefit from the comprehensive curriculum tailored to their learning pace and goals. The experienced instructors at Whitsunday Sailing Club offer personalised guidance, ensuring that each participant gains confidence and competence on the water. Lessons cover essential sailing techniques, navigation, and safety procedures, enabling adults to enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of sailing with ease.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club's prime location provides an ideal setting for the Learn to Sail program. Participants have the advantage of learning in one of the most beautiful and renowned sailing regions in the world. The protected waters of the Whitsundays offer a perfect mix of calm areas for beginners and more challenging conditions for advanced practice, ensuring a well-rounded sailing education.

In addition to practical sailing skills, the program fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Regular social events, races, and group outings allow sailors to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. Whether you are seeking a new hobby, looking to improve your sailing prowess, or dreaming of exploring the open waters, the Learn to Sail program at the Whitsunday Sailing Club will build your confidence and point you on your way.

Visit the Whitsunday Sailing Club website for more information on registration and upcoming dates: https://whitsundaysailingclub.com.au/learn-to-sail/

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Learn to Sail
Learn to Sail courses Available at Whitsunday Sailing Club

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On the weekend, three Cannonvale Cannons swimmers participated in the 70th anniversary Magnetic Island to Townsville swim. They were among 150 swimmers from all over Australia who took on the challenge.

Jacob Bell and Mark Erickson competed as solo swimmers in the 8km event, while Nelson Malady was part of a four-person relay team, with each member swimming 2km. Although initially worried about the wind and cold temperatures, the weather improved on the day, making the swim more pleasant than expected.

Jacob Bell finished second overall and was the first male to complete the 8km swim, with a time of 1:53:22.20. Katelyn Irwin won the event with a time of 1:52:02. Jacob has now been the first male finisher for two consecutive years.

Mark Erickson faced tough competition in his age group, which had 21 competitors. He was delighted to complete the challenging swim and was pleasantly surprised to achieve third place in his age group.

Nelson Malady's relay team swam a combined time of 2:30:29, with each swimmer covering 2km. The team decided to swim the last 500 meters together, finishing as a united group.

During the presentation, Jacob Bell was honoured for his contributions and achievements by receiving The John Barrett Junior Excellence Award for 2024, a remarkable accolade.

Congratulations to Jacob, Mark, and Nelson! A big thank you to the paddlers, support crew, and family members for their invaluable assistance. The Cannonvale Cannons extend their best wishes to all swimmers participating in the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival this weekend!

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Jacob Bell 1st Male Award
Jacob, Nelson and Mark after completing the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim

Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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The cold snap hasn't dampened the action at our club this week—it's been hot!
Tuesday: Ladies B Pairs Final
Tess Walker and Rhonda Lloyd faced Di Jackson and Maureen Barnard in a thrilling match, tied at 14-all after 14 ends and 18-all after 18 ends. Tess and Rhonda ultimately triumphed 25-20. We also welcomed visitors Donna Evans, Mark Penney, and Aileen Jacobs from Albury Commercial Bowls Club, along with Carol and Nev Smith from Swan Hill Racecourse Bowls Club. Skipper Mark Penney, Helen Ward, and Aileen Jacobs won the social bowls.
Wednesday: Jackpot Bowls
Skipper Andrew Butler and Warren Mills emerged as winners, with Betty Whitehorn and Bobby Spees taking home the jackpot prize.
Friday: Bowls Lessons
The Endeavour Foundation returned for morning bowls lessons, and Christian College students joined in the afternoon. Thanks to David Meiklejohn, Arthur McManus, Carol, Betty, and Helen for their assistance.
Saturday: Scroungers Final
Andy McDougall won the Scroungers final for the fourth time, while Merve Stewart won the B division final.
Sunday: Social Bowls
We welcomed 90-year-old Ken McAllister from Queenscliff Bowls Club, Victoria, for the 35th year. Skipper Peter Barrett, Mel Fennell, and Paul Tobias bowled outstandingly, taking home the win.
Well done to all participants! We look forward to another exciting week of bowls!
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Tess Walker and Rhonda Lloyd after their outstanding win. Photo supplied

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Club Fours:
   • Ray, Ron, Herb, and Gus defeated Gordo, Mark, Crowy and Kev.
Club Triples:
   • Robyn, Rosco, and Tiarna defeated Tracey, Lloyd, and Jason.
   • Ron, Kennedy, and Mark defeated Wendy, Rob, and Steve.
Club Pairs:
   • Ray and Gus defeated Ron and Steve.
   • Ron and Steve defeated Daryl and Feley.

Social Games:
Sunday, 14th July:
   • Ron, Rosco, and Rob defeated Bruce, Dave, and Wendy.
   • Allen, Peter, and Gus defeated Ray, Keith, and Shane.
   • Peter and Gavin defeated Marion and Daryl.
   • In the Scroungers game, Jane defeated Lee and Paula.
Wednesday, 17th July:
   • Mary Ellen, Gordo, and B. Noble defeated B. Jackson, J. Middleton, and Daryl.
   • M. Turner and J. Foskett defeated M. Middleton and L. Welsted.
   • Anna and Jane defeated Marion and Doc.
Stay tuned for more updates and results!
Contrtibuted with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Photos supplied

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Despite the chilly weather, the bowls action heated up at our club this week.
Wednesday Social Bowls:
   • Jim Bownds, Bob Preston (visitor from Camden), and Carol Smith (visitor from Swan Hill) defeated Bruce Uhe, Mary Hedgelong, and Sandy Daffara 22-15.
   • John Anderson, Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Nev Smith (visitor from Swan Hill) triumphed over John Anderson, Pat Bownds, Barry Zillmann, and Heather Brown 26-8.
Sunday Social Bowls:
   • Philip Brown, Bob Preston, and Sandy Daffara edged out Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton, and Nev Smith 23-18.
   • Bruce Uhe, Mike Harrison, and Gary Ratcliffe (visitor from Brisbane) dominated Arthur Griffith, Carol Smith, and Heather Brown 34-13.
Men's Club Championship Pairs Final: On Sunday afternoon, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley clinched the title of Pairs Champions, defeating David Ling and Andrew Bell 22-10. The match was highly competitive, showcasing the skill and purpose behind every shot. Jonathan and Wayne will represent Proserpine in the District Champion of Champions at Mackay City on August 10 and 11.
Seaforth Triples: Barry Saroglia and Gavin Milne were part of a team that secured second place at the annual Seaforth Triples this weekend.
Congratulations to all players for their outstanding performances. We look forward to more exciting games in the coming weeks!
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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley winners of 2024 Club Championship Pairs.

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North Queensland Triumphs in Northern Women’s Challenge
Congratulations to our North Queensland representatives—Penny Warren, Denise Wallace, and Robyn Stitt—who were part of the victorious team in the Northern Women’s Challenge this week. North Queensland defeated Mackay, Far North Reef, and Rainforest sides with seven match wins.
Monday Self-Selected Triples
In Monday's self-selected triples, Merle Elphinstone, D. Gorin, and G. Gordon triumphed over S. Symonds, R. Symonds, and J. Paynting. Runners-up were Marie Nesbitt, Ron Boskna, and Lorraine Knight. The jackpot didn’t go off.
Tuesday Social Bowls
Tuesday's social bowls winners were Bron Tolcher, Linda Atkinson, John Middleton, and Ron Hyde. Runners-up were Merle Elphinstone, Brian Bellingham, Debbie Gorins, and Marg Wilson. Again, the jackpot remained unclaimed.
Fun Friday Afternoon
Friday afternoon's winners were Jill Natalie and Allan D., who defeated Gabbi Owen and Gary Smith. Special mentions go to Kim Marsh, Lyn Madden, and Karen Smith for their resting touches.
Annual Wangaratta vs. All States
In Saturday's annual Wangaratta versus All States match, All States defeated Wangaratta by 15 shots despite an even number of rink wins. Better luck next year, Wangaratta!
Ladies Premier Cup
The Ladies Premier Cup will be contested this week at Suburban in Townsville, commencing Friday. Best wishes to our team of Robyn Stitt, Margaret Wilson, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren as they compete against teams from 11 clubs over four days. Good luck, ladies—your stamina is commendable!

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Wangaratta ladies and North Qld Reps Penny Warren, Denise Wallace and Robyn

Mark Drummond (Wangaratta) presenting winning Trophy to Lorraine Knight (All States) .

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Tuesday's Competition: Trevor Madin emerged victorious with a 66 nett, narrowly defeating Paul Gray by one shot. Diane Chard won the ladies' division with a 68 nett, three shots ahead of Elspeth Scotford. Pins were awarded to Gary Scotford, Rees May, John Oates, and Lyn Muller.
Wednesday's Ladies' 4BBB Stableford: Jenny Hounsell and Tiina Randmae triumphed with 42 points, three points ahead of Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat. Pin winners included Elspeth Scotford, Paula McQuat, Tiina Randmae, and Jacqueline Wall.
Thursday's Stableford Competition: Sean Fogarty parred the course for 40 points, winning by two shots over A division runner-up Steve Lucas. Ken Lovett claimed the B division with 36 points, two ahead of Peter Fox. Pin winners were Jason Ford, Brad Fleet, Tina Badenhorst, and Laurie Dakin.
Friday's Met Run: Elise Hodgson won with 22 points, edging out Matthew Muller who scored 21. Pins went to Nick Watson and Ben Smith.
Saturday's Hayman Electrical Stroke Event: Tom O'Brien secured victory with a nett 65, beating Scott Dwyer by three shots in the B division and narrowly defeating Aaron Prosser and Craig Smith in the A division. Diane Chard claimed the ladies' division with a 68 nett, one shot ahead of Sherri Meade. Pin winners were Nathan Holmes, Kelvin Stephens, Ben Smith, Brian Smith, Noelene Spurway, and Jill Farinelli.
Sunday's Stableford Competition: Brad Fleet won with 36 points, just ahead of Richard Furnell. Paula McQuat scored 34 points to beat Jacqueline Wall by six shots. Pins were awarded to Peta Thomas, Perri Simpson, Mark Thompson, and Brad Fleet.
Congratulations to all winners and participants for their impressive performances throughout the week!
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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

Photo supplied

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What a glorious day it was to be out on the golf course for the 2024 Closed Championship. The event saw 35 players, including two visitors: Stephen Guy from Toronto Golf Club, who played with us last week, and James House from Margaret River Golf Club—a long way from home. We hope they enjoyed their day with the Prossie Vets and look forward to seeing them again on our course.
The course was a delight to play today. The fairways and greens were in excellent condition, surprising some players and delighting others who made impressive scores.
Our champion veteran golfers for 2024 are:
Ladies:
   • Gross Winners: Elspeth Scotford (A) and Jacqui Wall (B)
   • Gross Runners-Up: Lyn Muller (A) and Rehab Hull
  • Nett Winners: Tiina Randmae (A) and Kathryn Borer (B)
   • Nett Runners-Up: Jenny Hounsell (A) and Paula McQuat (B)
Pin Shots:
   • A Grade: Lyn Muller (x2, including ITH 16th), Tiina Randmae
   • B Grade: Paula McQuat (x2), Jan Shuwalow
Men:
   • Gross Winners: Gary Scotford (A) and Jim Sherrington (B)
   • Gross Runners-Up: Craig McLean (A) and Peter Fox (B)
   • Nett Winners: Ken Granger (A) and Trevor Paroz (B)
   • Nett Runners-Up: Steve Mitchell (A) and John Oates (B)
Pin Shots:
   • A Grade: Vic Feldman, Barry Mortimer, Colin Hounsell
   • B Grade: Jim Sherrington, Trevor Paroz, Peter Fox
NAGAs: Pam Harrison and Louis Neethling
A special thanks to Jacqui Wall, who supplied goodies for the NTP prizes and prepared two amazing hampers used as bonus raffle prizes for all the non-winners of the day. Numbers were allocated to all non-winners, and the lucky winners were Beryl Nosworthy and Barry Shuwalow.
Many thanks to all who participated. Well done to the winners! We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and look forward to seeing you all on the course again soon.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.
Elspeth and Gary Scotford, Photo supplied

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On the chilly morning of July 21, 2024, 18 members of the Whitsunday Golf Club gathered for the Mark Nicol Memorial Trophy event, a 2-ball Ambrose competition, which was Mark Nicol’s favourite format. Despite heavy fog on the drive into Proserpine, the event kicked off under pleasant sunshine. However, a cool breeze picked up later in the morning, making the last few holes more challenging. Nonetheless, the winning scores reflected impressive play.
Winners:
   • 1st Place: Mark McDougal and Lewy Tuck with a nett score of 62.75
   • 2nd Place: Andrew Albergo and Paul Nicol with a nett score of 64
   • 3rd Place: Elise Hodgson and Chris Bartlett with a nett score of 67
   • 4th Place: Sally Little and Wayne Temby with a nett score of 67.75
Longest Drives:
   • Ladies’ A: Elise Hodgson with a remarkable drive on the 18th hole
   • Ladies’ B: Karen Rix
   • Men’s A: Wayne Temby
   • Men’s B: Peter Fox
Nearest to the Pins (NTPs):
   • 5th Hole: Tiina Randmae and David Hoy
   • 7th Hole: Mark McDougal and Lewy Tuck
   • 16th Hole: Andrew Albergo and Paul Nicol
NAGAs: The honors went to Linda Wardroper and Peter Fox, who each received a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts, proprietors of RADS Whitsunday, which provides respite accommodation and disability support services.
4Next Week: A stroke competition will be held for players to prepare for the Proserpine Golf Club Championships the following week. Please sign up on the timesheet between 7 and 8 am to ensure a block play format.
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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

Andrew Albergo, Mark McDougal and Paul Nicol.

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After going into caretaker mode in 2022, Sarina & District Athletics Club has successfully reopened in 2024 thanks to the support of local volunteers and businesses.

With a new committee in 2024, the Club had to go through extensive updates to revive the athletics field, membership, marketing and finance options.

Club Secretary Nicole McCowan said that the Club’s base of operations, the athletics field, “didn’t have anyone looking after it for over 12 months”.

“Getting it up to scratch was a huge effort – it took tractors, slashers, mowers and a lot of helpers from all over the community – and it looks beautiful now,” Ms McCowan said.

“We also had to upgrade our operations – including reactivating the website and updating how we process memberships, to make it easier for people to join.

“Thanks to support from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, part of this upgrade included a Square cash register and iPad. So instead of just doing cash, which has made taking payments for memberships, food and uniforms so much easier, more convenient and of course, more secure.

“We are now sitting at 47 paid members, with another 15-20 people in a trial membership.

“We are incredibly pleased with the results and so appreciative of all the help we’ve received from our community.”

Community Bank Sarina Manager Charmaine Matsen said that the Bank were “big supporters”, not just of the Athletics Club, but also “seeing local volunteers put their heart and soul into bringing back something that is so important for our whole community”.

“Getting the Club back on its’ feet was a massive challenge, and thanks to some amazing people and support from local organisations – they are back and we are so proud to be a part of that,” Ms Matsen said.

“The range of activities held by Sarina & District Athletics Club provides even more options and opportunities for the whole family to get involved and get active.”

The Club’s training days are every Monday from 3.30-5pm and Club Days are the last Sunday of the month. All are welcome to join – for membership enquiries and other information, visit their website at www.revolutionise.com.au/sarinaanddistrict.

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Community Bank Sarina’s mascot Piggy enjoying the relaunch of the Sarina & District Athletics Club

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When Sunshine Coast Falcons flyer Flynn Camilleri returned to his old Mackay stamping ground last weekend, he didn’t require a knowledge test.

The former Cutters winger knows every blade of grass on BB Print Stadium – the scene for many of his try-scoring feats in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition.

Back on his home patch the quicksilver Camilleri made his presence felt in the Falcons’ rousing 38-20 victory over Mackay to stay on track for the finals.

The elusive try merchant opened the scoring after twenty-seven minutes with a customary four-pointer in front of a partisan home crowd and menaced his former club with powerful attacking surges from all parts of the field.

A try double by Falcons fullback Zacariah Miles in the space of six minutes helped the visitors establish a handy 18-0 lead at the half-time interval.

Queensland Under 19s forward Jamal Shibasaki crashed through tackles to score the Cutters' opening try after the break with half-back Riley Dean adding the extras.

Sunshine Coast rammed home their advantage when crack centres Taine Couper and Scott Galeano dashed over for tries to open up a 30-12 lead.

Mackay winger Semi Valemei and lock forward Sean Mullany gave their side hope with second half tries before interchange Harrison McIndoe sealed victory for the Falcons with his team’s sixth try in the dying moments.

Sunshine Coast half-back Cody Hunter experienced an on day with his trusty boot – landing six conversions plus a penalty goal from his seven attempts.

The win lifts the Falcons to sixth spot on the Hostplus Cup table with the Cutters in ninth place on 18 points from fifteen matches played.

Mackay will face another tough assignment against the second-ranked Norths Devils at Denison Park in Bowen at 3.30pm when the competition resumes on Saturday, July 27.

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Mackay Cutters

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By Hannah McNamara

Mackay is becoming the epitome of regional talent after celebrating the rise of 24-year-old Lachlan Stitt, now crowned the Welterweight Boxing Champion of 2024.

Known in the ring as 'Deadshot,' Lachlan achieved a remarkable knockout victory at the recent EternalMMA event held on the Gold Coast.

Despite now residing in Sydney, Lachlan fondly acknowledges Mackay as his hometown and points his beginnings in combat sports to his early days playing karate and footy at the age of 14. His journey into mixed martial arts began in 2015 at Mackay MMA and since relocating to Sydney in 2016, he has continued to hone his skills at the same gym.

Reflecting on his recent victory, Lachlan recalls the intensity of facing a seasoned opponent with significantly more fight experience and international training credentials.

"It was a crazy experience," he admits, "facing such a tough opponent made me nervous, but I believed in my skillset and that belief showed on the night."

Driven by a relentless pursuit of improvement, Lachlan approaches each training session with a dedication to honing his skills in striking, wrestling and jujitsu. For Lachlan, training isn't just about preparing for his next fight, but rather a continuous journey of self-discovery and mastery.

"I enjoy the process of getting better every day," he shares.

"For me, it's about striving for that 1% improvement in everything I do.

“I'm always seeking out challenges and I’m never satisfied with just being mediocre, I want to be the best welterweight in the world."

Offering words of encouragement to aspiring athletes, Lachlan emphasises that dedication and hard work are foundational to success in all areas of life. He believes wholeheartedly in the principle that consistent effort and perseverance are key ingredients to achieving your goals.

"Just give it a go," he says.

"Where you come from doesn't define you.

“Coming from a small town like Mackay, I moved to Sydney and dedicated myself to my sport so anything is possible if you're willing to put in the effort and push your limits."

“You can become the best in the country or even in the world, but it’s up to you because you put your own limit on yourself,” he remarked.

Lachlan's success from regional beginnings to becoming a welterweight champion has been a powerful reminder in the community of the talent and potential that lies within every determined mindset, every passion, and every dream in the hearts of those who were born and raised in the Mackay region.

“Anything can happen and I’m the living product of that.”

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24-year-old Lachlan Stitt from Mackay recently took home the title of Welterweight Champion at the EternalMMA showdown in the GoldCoast. Images supplied

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Mackay Novice Pairs Congress was played on Saturday with 16 pairs from Bowen, Mackay & Sydney competing.
Well done to all the Placegetters and Director Ian Cruikshank and Convenor Anne Lutz.

First place was Jill Brabon & Noel Saunders with Annie Lynch & Diane Stokes second.

Weekly Results
Monday 8 July 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd
Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason
2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson

Tuesday Evening 9 July 2024 3 Table One Winner
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen
3rd
Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
4th
Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
Wednesday 10 July 2024 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

Team
1st
Holewa – Diane Holewa / Max Holewa / Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Block - Monica Darley / Kath Poole / Diane Stokes / Joy Block
3rd
Goodchild – Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / David Ting / Ming Ting
4th
Conroy – Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia / Alan Brown / Diane Morgan / Janet Hansen
Thursday Evening 11 July 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Julie Lam / Carl Hildebrand
1st
Frances Brown / Sandy Patterson

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

3rd
Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott
3rd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 12 July 2024 –7 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Richard Wix / Geoffrey Patterson

3rd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
4th
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

5th
Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix
6th
David Ting / Ming Ting

Saturday 13 July 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
1st
Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

2nd
Jan Harris / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

Saturday 13 July 2024 – Mackay Novice Congress Red Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Jill Brabon / Noel Saunders
2nd
Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes

3rd
Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden
4th
Anne Lutz / Diane Cox

5th
Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
6th
Lillian Clark / Stephen Towers

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The Mackay Novice Pairs Congress was played on Saturday with 32 pairs from Bowen, Mackay & Sydney competing.  L-R: Jill, Noel, Annie and Diane. Image supplied

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Debbie Mackenzie, the Games Coordinator of North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club, made club history by winning all four of her matches in the B Grade Singles Championship of Champions competition held at the West Tigers Bowls Club.
In the Open Singles Champion of Champions, Chris Woo, one of the club's Coaches and Umpires, put up a commendable performance. Chris triumphed in her first game against seasoned player Heather Brown from Proserpine. Although her journey ended there this year, Chris’s determination and talent ensure she will return to compete against the best in the Mackay district in the coming years.

Debbie Mackenzie
Chris Woo

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With seven-time past King of the Mountain champion, Liam Mumford, and reigning Queen of the Mountain champion, Alana Kenzevic, in the fifty-strong field, the competition for the annual King and Queen of the Mountain event finishing in Eungella was always going to be tough.
The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy/Podiatry Mackay Junior King and Queen of the Mountain was unfortunately a quieter affair due to many local junior runners being away at state titles and various other representative sporting competitions.
Accepting the Podiatry Mackay cash prize as the Junior King of the Mountain, the Laura Pettifer Inspirational perpetual award, and a $100 Rebel gift voucher donated by Laura Pettifer’s mum, Veronica, Ari Harris was a well-deserved gold medal champion over the 3.2 km all-uphill event, ahead of second-placed Oliver Graves. Oliver had a sensationally brave run despite his last-minute decision to enter the race.
Laura, who tragically passed away in a cycling training event in 2008, was a talented athlete in many sports including triathlon, individual running, swimming, and cycling. She was the reigning Eungella Queen of the Mountain in the year of her passing. Laura was widely known for her inspirational personality, smile, and twinkle in her eye. Her legacy to encourage and inspire will continue through this event for many more years to come.
Fourteen-year-old Max Scotton was the proud recipient of a $100 Rebel voucher donated by Veronica Pettifer for his efforts in the 6.4 km open event. This is not Max’s first attempt on this course, having first participated when he was only eight years old. Max is a great role model and an outstanding young man.
The reigning Queen of the Mountain, Alana Kenzevic, achieved a personal best time over the challenging 6.4 km one-way course, marking her second consecutive victory. The relatively flat initial two kilometres served as a steady introduction to the daunting climb ahead, with every runner peering upwards towards the winding road that led to the finish line at the Chalet precinct. Second-placed first-timer on the mountain, Jodie Elliot, finished just three minutes behind Alana, followed by Naomi Ballard (3rd) and Mel Esau (4th).
Paul MacKenzie was crowned the M-Test King of the Mountain with a personal best time of 32 minutes and 45 seconds. The 27-minute 51-second record set in 1991 by legendary thirteen-time winner of the Mountain, Charlie Martel, remains a tough one to crack. Paul added another win to his impressive tally, securing the Mackay Road Runners' prestigious Eungella event title. Second-placed Hamish Donnollan set a cracking pace to secure the silver medal position, just 14 seconds ahead of third-placed Jonathan Davies, with Liam Mumford rounding out the cash prize winners in fourth place.
Outstanding efforts were seen all around, as conquering that Mountain is not for the faint-hearted. Veteran gentlemen Len Haworth and David Isbister delivered superhuman performances, as did Corey Gould, Teresa Hackney, Tim Caddy, Nicole Ballingall, Carmel Mahon, Mick Scholer, Andrew Short, Jose Short, Shane Donnollan, Scott McIntosh, Emily Green, Andrew Wallace, Matt Graves, Grant Holmstrom, Clinton Mackie, Brenda Windsor, Robin Stinson, Soey Harris, Bradley Lenahan, and Daniel Scotton.
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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy/Podiatry Mackay Junior Kings’ of the Mountain – Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr, Max Scotton (6.4km), Ari Harris (1st 3.2km), Oliver Graves (2nd 3.2km)  and Mackay Road Runners Vice-President, Mick Scholer

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M-Test Open Queens’ of the Mountain – Jodie Elliot (2nd), Mel Esau (4th), Naomi Ballard (3rd), Alana Knezevic (1st), Vivian Knezevic (front), Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr, Mackay Road Runners Vice-President, Mick Scholer

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M-Test Open Kings’ of the Mountain, Jonathan Davies (3rd), Hamish Donnollan (2nd), Paul Mackenzie (1st) with Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr and Mackay Road Runners Vic President, Mick Scholer. (absent Liam Mumford 4th)

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Feeling the early morning chills at the Netherdale start line (left to right) Carmel Mahon, Andrew Wallace, Scott McIntosh

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Over fifty runners including former 7-time King of the Mountain champion, Liam Mumford (#71), line up for a 7am run from Netherdale to the Eungella Chalet (6.4km) for the 2024 title

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