This week 9-hole stableford weekly competition saw Josh Barnard take the win with 22 pts, second with 21 pts was Glenn Rees and third with 19 pts c/b Donna Henderson.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Paul Foster in first place with 25 pts, second place was Chris Bartlett on 22 pts c/b and third place Perri Simpson with 22 pts.

Sundays 2-person ambrose saw Wayne and Adam Singleton take the win.

Thursday 19th Oct will be our ladies play / brunch to book in call our lovely team on 07 4946 1190.

This Sunday 22nd Oct will be PAR SVS 18-hole competition tee off 8.30am – 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

‍

Pictured: Josh Barnard. Photo supplied

‍

Annual River 2 Reef Ride Sets A New Pace

By Amanda Wright

Mackay's annual BMA River 2 Reef Ride, now in its impressive 11th year, recently transformed the region into a hub of cycling excitement. Taking place on the weekend of October 7th and 8th, this event saw hundreds of cycling aficionados converge at the stunning Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens for a two-day cycling extravaganza.

Known for more than just its thrilling rides, the River 2 Reef Ride has earned its reputation as a charitable powerhouse, consistently raising funds for two essential local non-profit organizations: this year the charities of choice were RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

This cycling festival has become a fixture on Mackay's social calendar, drawing participants and supporters from across Queensland. Cyclists of all skill levels, hailing from various backgrounds, united for a common cause – raising funds for the less fortunate.

The weekend commenced with the Golding Kids Colour Ride on Saturday, where young pedal pushers aged 3 to 12 took on an exciting 1.5km course around Mackay Botanic Gardens, each vibrant splash of colour representing a charitable effort. Sunday was reserved for the adults, offering ride distances ranging from 30km to 100km, ensuring that cyclists of all abilities could take part and contribute to the noble causes supported by this remarkable event.

Spokes Of Charity Roll Through Mackay

Linda Murry, General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA is once again proud to sponsor this significant community event for the region.

“BMA employs so many people in the region and is part of the community,” she said.

“We recognise the importance of events such as this, which bring the community together, whilst also raising funds for local organisations who play a much-needed support role in the Mackay area.”

What sets this year's BMA River 2 Reef Ride apart is its ability to inspire new community groups to join in the mission of making Mackay a more inclusive and healthier place to live.

One such organisation that has enthusiastically embraced the event's spirit is Selectability, a not-for-profit charity committed to improving the mental wellbeing of people in regional Queensland and contributing to suicide prevention.

Carl Holland, Selectability’s Bike Shed Coordinator, shared his excitement for the event, saying, "We believe in the power of community and collaboration. The BMA River 2 Reef Ride has given us a unique opportunity to create a focused goal for Mackay's youth."

Carl Holland's dedication to empowering Mackay's youth saw his “Selectability Youth Team” come 8th in their first year participating in the ride.

Selectability is an example of how the BMA River 2 Reef Ride serves as a catalyst for positive change. By encouraging young people to develop valuable life skills and engage in physical activities, the event not only raises funds for worthy causes but also promotes the overall well-being of the community.

The winning cycling teams for 2023 for riding the most kilometres across the 3 distances: 30km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash, 60km City Fitness Epic and 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo were:

1. Tri-ActiV8: 38 Riders, 3118km

2. BMA: 37 Riders, 1737km

3. Muscle Garden: 12 Riders, 780km

4. Tied: Queensland Country Health Fund: 16 Riders, 480km and Marian Multisport: 8 Riders, 480km

5. Sugar Australia: 10 Riders, 450km

6. Uppaaahhh!!!: 4 Riders, 400km

7. Selectability Youth Team: 11 Riders, 330km

8. Rural View Dental: 5 Riders, 210km

‍

Photo supplied: River 2 Reef

‍

Sarina Bowls club hosted a two-day Springtime Carnival event in sunshine and rain over the long weekend. With 24 teams participating and some coming from as far as Townsville and Gladstone, there was certainly some great bowls played. It was a very close finish with the top 6 teams all finishing on 12 points and only a 10 ends difference between the winners and 6th place.

Laughter and a bit of background music and great competition always keeps a team in good spirits.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

‍

Bret Gee, Sue Hunter, Lexie Foot and Chris Gee were winners of the Springtime Carnival at Sarina Bowls Club

Bowlers enjoyed sun and rain during the Springtime Carnival

‍

From indoor sports arenas in the Mackay region to exotic South America – that is the fascinating journey that lies ahead for Sarina’s Futsal soccer ace Ella Walz.

Scoring goals has become second nature to the St Patrick’s College student who has gained selection in the Under 19s All Stars Australian team for a tour of Chile next May.

Ella was named one of the country’s top eleven junior players after standout performances for Northern Queensland at this year’s National Schools Futsal Championships at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

The gun forward caught the eye of selectors with her goal-scoring prowess – bagging ten goals for the series and sparking the Queenslanders with her fleet footwork, smart positional play, mobility and radar boot.

It has been a meteoric rise for the 16-year-old schoolgirl who quickly adapted to indoor soccer when she burst onto the Futsal scene back in 2021.

Ella accepted an invitation from her cousin Ryan Desbois to play for a mixed team in the Mackay summer competition and proved a natural with her speed and flair up front.

Having now reached an elite level, she continues to develop her game and has shown a maturity in the indoor sport with intense training and coaching from local soccer experts.

An excited Walz looks forward to broadening her Futsal education when she embarks on her South American sojourn next year with the national squad.

Ella knows how tough the assignment will be but is keen to learn when she lines up against the skilful and flamboyant Chileans on their home court.

The emerging forward is just as adept in outdoor football and has shone for the Mackay Magpies FC since the age of eleven.

Last year she was blooded in the women’s ranks and helped the Magpies record a 2-0 Grand Final victory over the Lions in the Mackay Regional Football Zone.

By Chris Karas

‍

Mackay schoolgirl Ella Walz will represent the Under 19 All Stars Australia Futsal team on their tour of Chile in 2024

‍

DBCT Poole Cup Round 1 Wrap-Up

Reigning premiers Mackay Magpies launched their 2023-24 Poole Cup campaign on a winning note in the Mackay Cricket Association first grade competition last weekend.

Skipper Ben Zurvas and Andrew Borg steered the Magpies (5-152) to a first up victory over Walkerston with classy knocks at Harrup Park’s Roy Trevaskis Oval.

All-rounder Borg top scored with 45 off 34 balls and Zurvas (43) off thirty balls in a productive opening stand with number five Blake Ryan scoring 20.

Earlier Adam Zurvas (3-17 off five overs) and the versatile Borg (3-24 off eight) shared the bowling honours to restrict Walkerston to 9-150 in the 40 overs fixture.

Walkerston’s Tom Vandenberg (41), all-rounder Chris McEldowney (28) and 16-year-old St Patrick’s College schoolboy Etienne Pretorius (20 not out) made solid contributions with the bat and Liam Newbery (2-33) with the ball.

Brothers duo Lachlan Bilyj and skipper Mitch Wadsworth starred in a four wicket triumph over Souths at George Gorrie Oval.

The dashing Bilyj smashed an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls that included five sixes and six boundaries while Wadsworth cracked an impressive 64 with nine boundaries and a six to help Brothers amass 6-250.

Joseph Hackney (38) and schoolboy Cameron Tomerini (24 not out) chipped in with handy knocks while Mahesh Rajaratne snared 2-29.

In reply, Souths could only muster 174 with fine batting performances from Kellen Powell (63) off 56 balls with four sixes and five boundaries; Shaun Austin (41) and Rajaratne (20).

Floris Duvenhage (4-33 off seven) and Wadsworth (2-30 off eight) were the pick of the Brothers’ bowling attack.

Norths registered a comprehensive victory over Pioneer Valley at Jack Lancaster Oval.

Openers Chris Day and Darryn Dyer put on a century stand and gun all-rounder Lane Kohler thumped a whirlwind 78 as Norths posted an imposing total of 8-294.

Kohler was best on ground – top scoring with a knock that featured eight massive sixes and two boundaries before grabbing 3-26 off six overs to cap an outstanding performance.

Day hit 70 off 58 balls with eleven fours and two sixes and the dashing Dyer (64) with Cody Filewood (3-59), Zac Wilson (2-33) and Bailey Camilleri (2-55) the pick of the Valley bowlers.

In their run chase, Pioneer were bundled out for 160 with Lachlan Charnock (27), Camilleri (24) and rising bat Haiden Mellifont (23) leading the way.

Mackay & Whitsunday rep Kohler and Lachlan Brett (3-28) were the chief destroyers for Norths with the ball.

‍

Magpies A-Grade cricket team

Norths first grade debutants Sean Templeton, Kai Higham and Josh Andrew

Brothers take a 1-0 lead in the annual Ian Kelly Shield matches with a 76 win over Souths

‍

Record entries and action-packed fixtures were a highlight of Mackay Rangers’ 40th anniversary 8-a-side soccer carnival staged at Eric Homan Park.

The established Rangers club continued a proud tradition with the event this year - delivering its usual combination of festivity, high level competition, dazzling skills and great entertainment for both players and spectators.

With a final tally off 22 men’s teams and thirteen women’s sides, this year’s tournament proved the biggest yet since the Carnival’s inception back in 1983.

“Months of meticulous preparation went into ensuring the success of the carnival with a huge effort from our committee and volunteers,” reflected club stalwart Liam Hutcheon.

“We had team entries from all over Queensland, making the event highly anticipated and diverse” he said.

“This mix of experience and fresh talent promised a weekend full of excitement and high-quality football” Hutcheon added.

Kingy’s Diesel Industries showed they are a force to be reckoned with by winning back-to-back men’s titles.

Budoo FC secured a record 150 points in the group stage while Inter Zinger United improved from last year’s eleventh placing to third in 2023 with the Sea Dingoes rounding out the top four.

The Cheers team won the women’s competition, displaying resilience and skill and powering through to the finals to emerge victorious in a compelling Grand Final.

Magpies Ladies demonstrated exceptional form, leading the teams with 89 points and turning in standout performances to finish runners up.

Let's Get Messi also had a noteworthy run, finishing in second place and making it to the final while Rangers All United made their club proud by reaching the semi-finals.

Special mention to Classic Brexxy who won the Mens Plate Final and the Berserker Bears who not only fielded two mens and two womens teams but also brought a troupe of supporters who added atmosphere during the event.

Prizemoney was presented to the following teams: MENS: $2600 Kingy’s Diesel Industries; $1300 Budoo FC (runners up); $650 Multiple Score (third) and $500 Berserker Bears Green (fourth).

WOMENS: $1600 Cheers; $800 Magpies (runners up); $400 Lets Get Messi (third) and $400 Rangers All United (fourth).

Respective Players of the Carnival were Shuto Kuboyama (Men)

and Maddy McCracken (Women) while the Sea Dingoes (Men) and Berserker Bears Gold (Women) won the Penalty Shoot Out.

Hameed Ali received $1000 as the 50 Club winner.

An appreciative Hutcheon thanked all travelling teams, local clubs and newly formed sides for entering this year’s milestone carnival.

“Your presence and flair is what gives this carnival its unique style” he stated.

‍

Action from this year’s Mackay Rangers FC annual 8-a-side Carnival at Eric Homan Park. Photo credit: Mackay Rangers FC

‍

Cricket Australia presents the Marsh Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup – fun for the whole family!

The Great Barrier Reef Arena will be the battleground for an intense Marsh Sheffield Shield clash between the Queensland Bulls and Victoria men's teams.

From 14th to 17th October, witness top-notch cricketing talent and strategic battles unfold on the field, featuring the much-anticipated duel between Australian Test teammates, Usman Khawaja, and Scott Boland.

Building on the momentum of the Sheffield Shield, the Marsh Cup Doubleheader will take place on 19th October.

This event promises a range of activities for the whole family over the weekend period, including free kids face painting from 1-3 pm, all-day jumping castles and a variety of food vendors. Keep the kids entertained for hours during the test!

The Powers Perfect Catch Competition will take place on 14th October. Be the first of one hundred people to buy any two Powers cans and you’ll receive a free Power’s cap!

Better yet, catch a six during the game with your Power’s cap and a Powers in your hand and you could win $10,000 cash!

Tickets and VIP packages are available online and on the day of the event via a QR code.

VIP packages are limited in availability and include premium seating, exclusive access, and the chance to witness history unfold from a privileged vantage point.

Fans of all ages can enjoy this unforgettable chapter in Australian cricket history.

‍

‍

Marsh Sheffield Shield – Photo supplied

‍

On Saturday 7 October, the Pioneer Swim Club had a fantastic time participating in the MS Swimathon held at the Memorial Pool, hosted by Millie and the team at DMR Leisure.  Pioneer swimmers and their parents swam in a continuous relay for 8 hours from 8am to 4pm.

The event is held to raise crucial funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. The team had a great time raising funds on the lead up to the event and swam a grand total of 650 laps over the 8-hour period – that is a whopping 32.5 kilometres! For those who love the statistics – we swam at an average rate of 4.062km/hour by swimmers of all ages (6 years – 46 years).

Well done to our Pioneers Swimmers: Zahli Herring, Luka Herring, Yasmin Seedwell, Marley Smith, Olivia Smith, Madison Malagueno, Makenna Malagueno, Ralph Traeger, Rex Traeger, Stevie Brand, Georgie Brand, Anna Miles, Isabelle Miles, Bethany Miles, Joleigh Stydom, Maxim Demin; and their parents, Trevor Seedwell, Ben Miles, Jodie Miles, Kylie Smith, Clinton Smith, Tahnie Malagueno and Ashlee Berridge.

We wish to thank everyone who sponsored the team, the other teams for the healthy competition, those who came to support us (and swim a few laps for us!), and all those team members who gave up their Saturday and participated.

Contributed by Pioneer Swim Club

‍

Magpies Football Club Mini Roos 2023

Not all teams could fit in this feature, apologies to the teams who were missed. Photo credit: Magpies Football Club

‍

On October 7th, the greens at North Mackay Bowls Club witnessed an exhilarating showdown during the mixed fours competition final. Eight skilled players rolled their bowls in a fiercely contested match. The final score of 18-17 eventually declared Isla Commeli, Chrissy Hall, Dave McKendry, and Ray Walker as the triumphant champions.

The runner-up team, consisting of Brenda Trannore, Ivy Giddings, Wayne Trannore, and Doug Giddings, displayed remarkable skill and sportsmanship throughout the match. Congratulations and well done to all participants in this thrilling competition.

No Ladies Social results were available for this week.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

‍

L-R: Ivy Giddings, Doug Giddings, Brenda Trannore, Dave McKendry, Chrissy Hall, Isla Commeli, Wayne Trannore and Ray Walker

‍

The First National Mackay Congress 2023 was held over the previous long weekend in Mackay. Pairs and Teams travelled from Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Townsville, Bowen, Gold Coast, Toowoomba andAirlie Beach. It was great to see so many familiar faces from all over the state. Mackay members joined together and worked tirelessly to make this event a success. Local Team Morris won Section B. The team consisted of Ted Cullinan, Annie Lynch, (Noel Bugeia - President), Sandra Morris and Noel Saunders. Local Pair Diane Stokes and Ann Whitmore won Section B Pairs.

Weekly Results

Tuesday Evening 3 October 2023 – 3 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy 2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy 4th Sandra Morris / Simon Barnes

Wednesday 4 October 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

2nd Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole 4th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Thursday Evening 5 October 2023 – 4 Table Green Points

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Patricia Garner / Mick King

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 6 October 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Debra Goodchild / Joy Robinson 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Kath Poole / Nancy Martin 2nd Christine Nice / Diane Cox

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

4th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 4th Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 7 October 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette 2nd Mick King / Jan Harris

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 4th Roland Taylor / Jarek Taylor

‍

Mackay Congress 2023 Section B Teams Winners

Mackay Congress 2023 Section B Pairs Winners

‍

The annual Dr Williams Lawn Bowls Tournament took place last weekend at the North Mackay and City Bowls Club, bringing together enthusiastic teams from across the region. Here's a rundown of the results:

Mackay Club won their game on Saturday Afternoon against Wests but were beaten on Sunday Morning by North Mackay in the Semi-Final. North Mackay went on to play Northern Beaches in the Final with the latter being successful.

Congratulations to all three Mackay Club teams for their commendable efforts throughout the tournament.

Social Bowls Highlights:

• Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls saw a strong turnout, with players adjusting to the slightly heavier greens after morning showers.

• The winning team for the afternoon consisted of Alf Pagden, Albert Wicks, and Peter Carter.

• The winners of the losers category were Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, and Dot McMamara.

Thursday Scroungers:

• Fourteen bowlers participated in Thursday Scroungers across four rinks.

• In the Semi-Finals, Steve Cassidy faced Peter Carter, while Brian William played against Karina Dunn. Peter and Brian emerged as the winners, setting the stage for an exciting final.

Friday Social Bowls Results:

• Winners: L Jenner, M Mayfield, V Edwards

• Defeated: H Truscott, K Robinson, B Jenner, R Schatkowski

Competition Results - Ladies:

• Consistency Singles: E Clements defeated J Caban.

• 2 Bowl Triples: L Jenner, M Mayfield, and D McMamara defeated K Dunn, C Savage, and K Burns.

Competition Results - Men's:

• Open 2 Bowl Triples: A Naylor (sub), B Jenner, and C Stevens defeated P Carter, C Marks, and B Paskins.

• Open 2 Bowl Triples Final: K Tranberg, J Wallace, and N Wilson faced J Steindl, S McMillan, and R Dunstan.

• B Grade 2 Bowl Triples: L Dargin, A Sommerville, and R Bell took on J Smith, S Cassidy (sub), and R Casey.

• Mixed Fours: C Marks, M Mayfield, D McMamara, and T Mayfield competed against L Jenner, B Jenner, E Clemett, and P Molloy.

Contributed by Mike Irving

‍

Local skateboard star Freddie Hazelton has been selected for the YouFor2032 program, a youth feeder program for alite athletes aspiring to compete in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics.

A Year 8 St Catherine’s Catholic College student, Freddie is a busy young man, having travelled Australia competing in skateboarding competitions, testing his skills and techniques against a wide variety of other skaters.

“I was scouted out at one of the competitions I was in a little while ago,” Freddie explained.

“Through the program, I am given coaching and, training and professional development, to promote for the 2032 Olympics.

“Every skate comp I go to, I have to keep going up in ranks, and I might even be picked for competitions overseas.”

A natural born talent, Freddie was skating almost as soon as he could walk.

Having travelled Australia, his all-time favourite skatepark is in Bondi Beach, overlooking the ocean.

And his favourite trick?

“I think it’d have to be the backside, where you go in the air and grab the board and then come back down.”

St Catherine’s Catholic College Principal Luke Thomson is confident in Freddie’s abilities and future accomplishments.

"I'm sure Freddie will make the most of this incredible opportunity to hone his skills in becoming an elite athlete,” he said.

“I have no doubt we will be cheering him on from the grandstands at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics."

‍

Freddie Hazelton, the one to look out for in the upcoming 2023 Olympics. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The North Queensland Zone Mission Beach Regatta was conducted at South Mission Beach on the weekend of 16th and 17th of September.

The conditions were challenging with a persistent strong wind and choppy seas.

The Outrigger Whitsunday team performed extremely well.

In the Ocean Canoe One or OC1 races, Maree Mullett, Tim Dodds, Stephen Lynes, and Rob O’Connor won their respective divisions with Rob backing up his 4klms win with another in the 14klms race.

In the OC2 class Kim Dodds, Maree Mullett, Stephen Lynes, and Tim Dodds all received placings in their respective divisions.

In the OC6 class, the women’s team outperformed their male counterparts by taking out third place in the 9.5klm race and backed up this performance with a first in the 14klms race on Sunday.

Congratulations to the entire team and a special thanks to Michelle Lynes and Glen Bray who safely steered the OC6s in challenging conditions.

Our team included a mix of experienced and relatively new paddlers and all benefited from the experience.

Contributed with thanks to Paul Tobias.

‍

The Men’s marathon team with the Women’s team. Photo supplied

‍

On Wednesday, the Cannons hosted the first Distance Club Night for the season.  

Swimmers had the opportunity to swim longer distances than normal.  

The coaches were pleased to see senior swimmers taking up the challenge of swimming 400m IM or 400m, 800m or 1500m Freestyle.  

Jacob Bell swam 1500m Freestyle in a time of 18.15.97.  

Millie Groom, Remy Hedges and Nelson Malady swam fantastic times in their 800m Freestyle.  Congratulations to Don Algie, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Noah Maltby swimming one of the toughest events of the night, 400m IM!  

Well done to Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Noah Maltby, and Matilda Nicholes for swimming super PBs in their 400m Freestyle.

Jack and Matilda took close to 60 sec off their previous best times.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday!  Well done to all the swimmers who achieved PBs including:  Eloise Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth, Bonnie Crichton, Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Lucas Korosec, Abi Maher, Owen Maher, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Trace Quick, Addie Sanders and Levi Smith.  

The Cannons commended Jack Ganter for taking out of the Swim of the Night award for his 100m Freestyle.  

Upgrade certificates were presented to Isaac Pisaniello, Mae Carter-Attwood, Noah Maltby and Harry Chegwidden.  Congratulations to Bonnie Crichton for winning the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.  The Cannons also presented Jy Parkinson with 4 new Club Record Certificates (2 for 100m Freestyle, 1 x 200m Butterfly and 1 x 50m Butterfly).  

On Sunday, Cannonvale Cannons who were 9 years and older thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Swimnastics workshop facilitated by Kirsten Norden.  This was an awesome opportunity for local swimmers to participate in a swimming specific athletic development without having to travel to Brisbane.  A big thank you to Kirsten Norden, Swimnastics and Swimming Queensland!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

‍

Swimnastics 8th Oct 2023

Jy Parkinson with 4 new club records Oct 2023

Jack Ganter Oct 2023. Photos supplied

‍

‍