A major new study reviewing more than 1,000 clinical trials has found exercise may be one of the most effective and accessible treatments for depression and anxiety; a finding that strongly aligns with the Whitsundays’ active lifestyle and growing running community. The research was led by Neil Munro, a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology at James Cook University, and analysed a vast body of global evidence examining the relationship between exercise and mental health outcomes. “There have been more than a thousand studies on this subject, we wanted to synthesise this vast body of evidence, cut through conflicting findings and provide the clearest picture yet of exercise’s impact on mental health,” said Mr Munro. The research team conducted a “meta-meta-analysis”, reviewing 81 separate meta-analyses that collectively included nearly 80,000 participants across more than 1,000 individual trials. Mr Munro said the findings were particularly strong for people with diagnosed depression and anxiety disorders. “There were particularly strong effects for people with diagnosed depression and anxiety disorders. For depression specifically, the greatest benefits were seen in two key groups: people aged 18 to 30 and postnatal women,” he said. “This finding is especially significant given how under-served these populations often are in accessing traditional mental health care.” The study found aerobic activities such as walking and running delivered the greatest benefits, particularly when exercise was supervised or undertaken in groups. “Supervised and group-based programs delivered the greatest benefits. For anxiety, shorter-term programs of up to eight weeks, performed at a comfortable pace, were especially effective challenging the idea that only intense workouts yield results,” said Mr Munro. These findings mirror the structured training opportunities offered by the Whitsunday Running Club, which provides a supportive weekly schedule including interval training, social runs, parkrun and long slow runs across Airlie Beach and Cannonvale. Tuesday, 5.30am: Speed and intervals — Airlie Beach Lagoon carpark Wednesday, 5.15pm: Slow group run (6–10km) — Cannonvale Beach Thursday, 5.30am: Hills — Airlie Beach Lagoon carpark Saturday, 7.00am: Airlie Beach parkrun — Coral Sea Marina Sunday, 5.30am: Long slow run — Airlie Beach Lagoon carpark to local routes “Rather than simply advising individuals to ‘exercise more’, referrals to structured, supervised programs may be key,” Mr Munro said. “For those facing barriers to traditional care, the message is clear: moving your body, especially with others, can be a powerful step toward better mental health.” CAPTION: Residents are encouraged to lace up for their mental health with Whitsunday Running Club offering several regular group sessions. Photo source: Whitsunday Running Club
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Whitsunday FC and Brothers FC played out a thrilling seven-goal encounter, with Brothers storming back to claim a dramatic 4–3 victory after an end-to-end contest. Brothers created numerous chances throughout the match, applying constant pressure and testing the Whitsunday defence from the outset. Whitsunday struck first when Ben Smith converted a free kick that ricocheted off the post, rebounded into a defender, and spun over the line to open the scoring. Brothers responded well and found an equaliser to level the scores at 1–1 midway through the half. Whitsunday regained the lead before the breakthrough Reef Peel, who produced a pearler from the corner of the 18-yard box, delicately chipping the keeper to send his side into half-time 2–1 ahead. Whitsunday started the second half strongly, and their relentless pressing paid off when pressing machine Kristian Mulholland forced a turnover and finished clinically to make it 3–1. Despite the two-goal cushion, Brothers refused to fade. Continuing to create opportunities, they capitalised on defensive lapses and shifted the momentum late in the contest, scoring three unanswered goals to complete a determined comeback and secure a hard-fought 4–3 victory. Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.
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The Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is officially eclipsing all records. What began as a local community race has firmly established itself as a flagship fixture on the national sporting calendar, recently securing a historic milestone: its first-ever round of Queensland State Government funding in its 25-year history. Supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, the festival was one of only three sporting events to receive backing from a pool of 43 applications. This investment is set to supercharge the regional economy, driving overnight stays and showcasing the Whitsundays to a national triathlon audience. The accolade follows a string of successes for the volunteer-run organisation. After being named the Queensland Triathlon Association's "Club Initiative of the Year" in 2024, the event placed national runner-up for "Best Triathlon (Under 500 Participants)" ai the AusTriathlon awards in December 2025 – beating out over 70 triathlons nationwide. Race Director Michael Kimpton credits this momentum to a passionate executive committee and the support of over 60 local businesses. The 2026 festival, held from July 24-26, promises another year of exhilarating triathlon. Highlights include a professional meet-and-greet, the Junior triathlon, and the main event - the certified Standard Distance triathlon on Sunday. Closing out the weekend events with a bang is a fireworks-filled banquet at Coral Sea Resort on Sunday Evening. With entries selling faster than ever, the committee is now working on the 2026 event. A refreshed Sponsorship Prospectus will launch shortly, offering local businesses elite branding opportunities and category exclusivity. To join this award-winning legacy, contact Race Director Michael Kimpton at info@airliebeachtriathlon.com.au
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Cannonvale Cannons made a powerful statement at the 2026 Queensland Sprint Championships, with 24 swimmers representing the club in a weekend defined by grit, speed and success. Leading the charge was Eloise Chegwidden, who claimed the title of Queensland Champion in the 50m Breaststroke for 10-year-old girls, an outstanding achievement and a proud moment for the Cannons community. Eloise also placed fourth in the 50m Backstroke, capping off a remarkable debut at her first Sprint Championships after only just reaching the qualifying age this year. Fellow first-time Sprint competitor Miller Eaves also impressed, securing seventh place in the 50m Breaststroke in a confident performance on the big stage. Another major highlight was Nelson Malady’s eighth place in the 50m Backstroke. Nelson has been swimming with the Cannons since 6 years of age, and his top-10 finish at state level is a testament to years of dedication, resilience and consistent training. It was a special result for both Nelson, our coaches and the club. The Cannons contingent included Hamilton Anflous, Mackenzie and Tyler Bennett, Zane Clayworth, Declan and Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Roxy Groom, Koa and Ruby Harland, Gracie Laguna, Ruby Lawson, Eric Mulliss, Celeste Orenshaw, Addie Sanders, Indi and Levi Smith, Alex Trefz, Zavier Woolston and Andie Reynolds. Across the weekend, swimmers delivered exceptional personal bests and impressive swims. A huge thank you to Coaches Mark and Kenny for guiding and supporting our athletes throughout the championships. At the same time, Matilda Nicholes and Penelope Shields represented the region at the Queensland School Sport Triathlon and Aquathon State Championships in Hervey Bay. Matilda competed in the aquathon, triathlon and team relays in a packed schedule, while Penelope secured a top-10 finish in Queensland in the aquathon. Their results follow a strong showing earlier this year at Mackay Triathlon Club’s Australia Day Aquathlon, where Matilda and Penelope placed first and second respectively in the Enticer distance. Another big weekend for the Cannons — and plenty to celebrate. Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec 1 - State Champion Eloise Chegwidden 2 – Cannonvale Cannons State Sprint Team 3 - Nelson Malady with Coaches Kenny and Mark
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We start off this week’s Premier League action with the match between Kameron Reason and Naomi Mitchell.
Although the 7-1 score line in favour of Kam would suggest total dominance in the tie, there were encouraging signs for Naomi who smashed her highest match average this season by almost 10 points, encouraging signs for the remainder of the year.
That win for Kameron, in which he also scored his highest match average of the season, takes him in to second place on the premier league table.
It was a good day for Dom Friend who had back to back wins, a 7-2 over Art McMinn, which dropped Art down a place to third, and a 7-4 over win over Josh Fraser, which leapfrogged Dom a place above Josh on the table in alphabetical order only, both men’s stats are identical.
Arthur McMinn had the highest checkout of the day with a 94 peg, and that was closely followed by Joe Wilson’s 92 checkout in his 7 nil demolition of Hawkeye Rick. That loss leaving Rick firmly rooted at the foot of the table, but the win keeping Joe aloft at the top.
Last of all Jamie Maher defeated Jayden Lloyd by 7 legs to nil. That win is Jamie’s 3rd in a row now, which sees him steady the ship after a rocky start to the year which seen him lose his first 3 matches.
Jayden has work to do to pick up his first win of the year, and the assignments are not getting any easier with Joe Wilson coming to town next.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher
2024 Premier League players, L/R, J Fraser, J Lloyd, J Maher, J Wilson, D Friend, A McMinn, K Reason, N Mitchell and H Rick.
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Craig McLean had 40 points to win Tuesday's stableford competition by four shots from Ryan Wilkes with a sub-par round. Elspeth Scotford had 35 points to beat Jacqueline Wall by a shot in the ladies' division. Jacqueline Wall won one pin shot and Ryan Wilkes won two.
Wednesday's ladies' stableford went to Heather Luvis with 33 points; one ahead of Vickie Wallace.
Anzac Day's ambrose event saw Jon Miller and Ryan Wilkes combine to shoot 11 under par for a 59.5 nett to win by half a shot from Fraser Simpson and Lachlan Howard. Over one hundred players competed.
Brad Fleet had 18 points to win Friday's Met run by a shot from Jason Whitney while Brendan Spann won both pin shots.
Luke Nightingale had 41 points to win Saturday's MBW stableford by two shots from his B division runner up Kristian Mulholland and the leading two A division players in Brad Fleet and Rod Wecker. The leading ladies were Tiina Randmae with 35 points and Paula McQuat with 33.
Ryan Wilkes, off a handicap of plus one, shot two under par to cap off a great week of golf and win Sunday's stroke event by a shot from Aaron Prosser with a nett 70. Elise Hodgson had a nett 74 to beat Anna Winterbourn by three shots.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop
This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Cory Belke take first place with 22 points, second with 20 points c/b was Scott Macleod and third place with 20 points was Melinda Macleod.
Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Tony Spurway first place with 20 c/b, second place with 20 points was Justyn Durbin and third place with 19 points was Glenn Rees.
Sunday’s 18-hole monthly medal was a great turn out which saw Wayne Singleton take first place with a 47 nett, second place with a 40 nett was Dean Barnard and third place was Brock Brindle with a 49 nett.
Nearest the pin was Wayne Singleton and Jayden Parata.
This Sunday 5th May with be Par Svs 18-hole competition, tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
Wayne Singleton. Photo supplied
The whole course was very wet, obviously, particularly, the back 9, and made for a wide variety of scores.
The number of competitors was disappointing but the weather discouraged many of the regular competitors and the intermittent showers didn’t lessen during the day.
However it did make for some spectacularly bright rainbows to please the players and the April MM was completed.
LADIES A GRADE :
Winner : Elise Hodgson with 74 nett
Runner-up : Anna Winterbourn with 77
Longest Drive : Anna Winterbourn
LADIES B GRADE :
Winner : Joanne Moynihan
Longest Drive : Joanne Moynihan
MEN’S A GRADE :
Winner : Andrew Albergo with 76 nett
Runner-up : Wayne Temby with 77
Longest Drive : Andrew Albergo
MEN’S B GRADE
Winner : Ron Jamieson with 76 nett
Runner-up : Leigh Jones with 83
Longest Drive : Paul Nicol
NTPs :
For the ladies : Elise Hodgson, Joanne Moynihan and Anna Winterbourn
For the men : Nobody got near the pins in the required number of strokes
LEAST PUTTS : Anna Winterbourn for the ladies with 33 putts, a draw for the men with Ron Jamieson and Wayne Temby both having 29 putts.
NAGAs : The honours went to Tiina Randmae and Paul Nicol, a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts, proprietors of RADS Whitsunday who provide respite accommodation and disability support services.
NEXT WEEK : The May MM and least putts. Although this will mean 3 consecutive stroke competitions, it will bring WGC back in line with the PGC Sunday fixtures.
Don’t forget to get your names on the timesheet promptly so we can play in a block.
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
Elsie Hodgson, Ron Jamieson, Joanne Moynihan, Anna Winterbourn and Wayne Temby. Photo supplied
The Whitsunday Brahmans hosted their first home game for the 2024 Season against Wests Tigers. A game which doubled as the Annual Sponsors Day which gave the community the chance to thank the clubs sponsors for their generosity and support.
Unders 20's
After a nervous and rough start in their Round 1 game against South's, the 20's were ready to turn the tables and put on a performance in front of a home crowd for their first home game of the season.
Starting the game a little nervous again, giving away early penalties, their defence from the get-go set the tone all game that they were not going to give up without a fight!
With an early opportunity and some slick ball work through the hands put veteran Luke Handley over for the first try of the day. But with some errors gave Wests an opportunity to put points on as well.
The second half showed errors again on both sides but the "never give in" attitude and their steel in defence, saw them hold Wests scoreless in the second half.
With young debutant, Darcy Milne and his goal kicking ability, on a such a pressure moment in a home crowd, he never let it get to him and slotted from out wide to put Brahmans in front 16-12.
The match ended 16-12 to the Brahmans.
Reserve Grade
With the help of some old players, reserve grade got a team on the paddock this week.
The boys started well with some great defence by all, going into the break 4-4.
They knew what they had to do to control the game.
The second half started with a lot of poor ball security which let Wests get a bit of wind in their sails. The Brahmans still showed some great defence, but the lack of training showed, and the boys lungs blew up.
We definitely have a competitive side and with a bit of fitness we’ll turn the scores around.
The match ended Whitsunday 4 Wests 34.
Exciting news for new players and those wanting to refine their skills.
Skills Sessions started this Monday and will continue for another three weeks under the direction of Bernard Woods.
These sessions will highlight the important skills that will suit C Graders, Family Graders and those new to Touch.
Juniors start at 4.45pm, Seniors – 5.15pm at the Sports Park.
And it is FREE.
Round Nine Results - Monday April 22
Mixed A
Raiders A 3 d G.E.T. Touch 2
Vipers won on forfeit In The Crear
Mixed B
Ray White 7 d Stingers 3
Raiders B 12 d Full Boar 2
Flame Tree Flames 6 drew Whitmonday Eagles 6
Mixed C
Mighty Mustangs 9 d Untouchables 8
Shed N Homes 3 d Bulls 2
Mixed Juniors
Hamo Rent 7 d Raiders Green 5
Raiders Purple TBC Raiders Blue
Tuesday afternoon saw the annual Alison Holmes Day, which was a huge success .
Third place went to Wendy Pomeroy’s team of Lyn Graham and Bev Taylor, second place went to Joan McGrath with Maureen Barnard and Elaine Kippen .
The winners of the day went to Margo Stanley’s team of Lane Telford and Alison Holmes, whilst Dawn Dowel took home the lucky door prize.
Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw Andrew Butler’s team of Lu Rogan and Christine Lawson win.
Wednesday night Corporate Bowls competition commenced with big winners Rock Plumbing beating K Build 17-4.
Other winners were PRD, Battery Warehouse, Hadlow Racing and the Burrows Girls.
Saturday and Sunday saw the men’s B Pairs being played with the final between Noel Crosbie and Andy MCDougall against Mark Mawson with Arthur MCManus. Mark and Arthur were the winners 20-16 in a close game.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
In the Club Pairs Gus and Ray defeated Kevin and Gordo.
During the Sunday Social: A. Delic, R. Gould, G. Charles defeated B. Neal, J. Gilbert, J. Wright.
K. Kirk, W. Coles, L. White defeated A. Williams, H. Jacobsen, M. Wright.
R. Scanlon, Glen. R, A. Peebles had a drawn game with I. Thatcher, Gordo, L. Welsted.
At the Wednesday Social: D. Tuttle, R. Stitt, G. Charles defeated ME. Pratten, R. Scanlon, K. Jewell.
E. Neylon, H. Jacobsen, S. Roome had a drawn game with P. Wilson, W. Coles, J. Gilbert.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.
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On Saturday morning two Club Championship Singles games were played. Andrew Bell defeated Bryan Davy 25 - 14 and Scott Hamilton defeated Wayne Handley 25 - 22.
On Saturday afternoon two short games of Social Bowls were played. Patricia Bownds and Andrew Bell defeated Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown 11 - 9; Jim Bownds, Philip Brown and Gavin Milne defeated Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann and Gavin Noonan 11 - 7.
On Sunday afternoon Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison 19 - 18; Stanley Lawton, Peter Lawton and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 21 - 9.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.
Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley following their very close Club Championship Singles game. Photo supplied
Results for social play on Tuesday: Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, Geoff Danvers defeated Merle Elphinstone, Irene laird, Greg Colquhoun and Bron Tolcher, Gavin Charles, Lyn Danvers defeated Stumpy Adams, Robyn Stitt, Penny Warren.
Barefoot bowls: We had a few new players and also a visit from the Capricornia Tourers who were visiting Bowen for the week and took time out to visit and play at the club.
Sunday afternoon, winners were Denise Wallace, Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren defeated Jim Quod, Maureen Hyde, Graeme Read. Teresa Willshire, Kennedy Whitton defeated Alby Vigar, Marg Wilson. Bill Myers, Deb Retchless, Pat Tracey defeated Stumpy Adams, Laurie Land, Ron Hyde.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
The Capricornia Tourers at Barefoot Bowls on Friday Night. Photo supplied
We start of this week’s Premier League action with the match between Kameron Reason and Naomi Mitchell.
Although the 7-1 score line in favour of Kam would suggest total dominance in the tie, there were encouraging signs for Naomi who smashed her highest match average this season by almost 10 points.
That win for Kameron, in which he also scored his highest match average of the season, takes him in to second place on the premier league table.
It was a good day for Dom Friend who had back-to-back wins, a 7-2 over Art McMinn, which dropped Art down a place to third, and a 7-4 over win over Josh Fraser, which leapfrogged Dom a place above Josh on the table in alphabetical order only, both men’s stats are identical.
Arthur McMinn had the highest checkout of the day with a 94 peg, and that was closely followed by Joe Wilson’s 92 checkout in his 7 nil demolition of Hawkeye Rick. That loss leaving Rick firmly rooted at the foot of the table, but the win keeping Joe aloft at the top.
Last of all Jamie Maher defeated Jayden Lloyd by 7 legs to nil. That win is Jamie’s 3rd in a row now.
Jayden has work to do to pick up his first win of the year.
The Anzac Plate is coming up on Sunday. We still have plenty of spots left and we’d love to see you there, contact the club via Facebook or text 0405411865 to enter.
J Wilson 10pts, 2. K Reason 7pts, 3. A McMinn 7pts, 4. J Maher 6pts, 5. D Friend 6pts, 6. J Fraser 6pts, 7. N Mitchell 2pts, 8. J Lloyd 0pts, 9. H Rick 0pts.
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.
2024 Premier League players, L/R, J Fraser, J Lloyd, J Maher, J Wilson, D Friend, A McMinn, K Reason, N Mitchell and H Rick. Photo supplied
On Wednesday, we played a single stableford for a club trophy. Ladies’ winner Grace Nott 38 points, runner up on a countback Carol O’Connell 35 points. Men’s winner on a countback Brendan Nott 40 points, runner up Mark Russell 40 points.
Saturday Results, sponsored by Glenn Merrick Constructions. Men's Winner Craig O'Meara 42 points, runner up Dylan Nott 39 points, 3rd Place on a countback Brendan Nott 38 points.
Ladies' Winner Nell Riley 41 points, runner up Tracey Cousemacker 36 points, 3rd Place on a countback Pauline Martin 33 points.
Pin Shots to Nell Riley, Leanne Swan, Tracey Cousemacker, Julie Mawson, Nick Riley, Paul Burgis, Mark Russell, Benny Bon.
Marcus Yasso claimed the Car Wash voucher. Chocolate Chip-ins for Nell Riley and Meg Garrod. Eagle shots for Jonnie Smith, Kailan Batchelor, Ezra Miller, James Lockwood.
This weekend is a 2-ball aggregate Medley stableford sponsored by Jeff Day Plumbing.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.
In Tuesday's stroke competition, Gary Scotford had a 66 nett to chase down Ryan Wilkes who had a one under par round for a 68 nett. Robyn Whitham edged out Heather Luvis, both with 68 nett. Pins went to Aaron Prosser, Gary Scotford, and two to Leanne Alexander.
Ann Gardel took out Wednesday's PDLAW monthly medal with a 77 nett, ahead of Tina Badenhorst on 78. Pins went to Tina Badenhorst and Heather Luvis.
Thursday's stableford A division winner was Scott Mason with 41 points, two ahead of Greg Walker. Ross Hammond edged out Warren Deighton for the B division; both with 39 points. Pins went to Sean Fogarty, Robert Webb, Jacob Nightingale and Ryan Wilkes.
Sam Blake edged out Mason Johnson on 23 points in Friday's Met run, with the pins going to Ben Smith and Kevin Gosney.
Saturday's Hayman Electrical stableford saw Martyn Goodey's 45 points easily beat the big field and be seven shots ahead of his men's B division runner up in Barry Mortimer.
Jacob Nightingale had 41 points to beat Ben Smith by a shot in the men's A division. Elspeth Scotford also had 41 points to win the ladies' division by three from Tiina Randmae. Pins went to Sean Fogarty, Steve Hickey, Ben Smith, Penny Wardroper, Tina Badenhorst and Elspeth Scotford.
Martyn Goodey made it two in a weekend with a great 63 nett in Sunday's stroke competition.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.
Twenty players competed in the postponed March MM last Sunday. Peter Fox had an outstanding game with a nett 66 and most players scored better than of recent times with the course still drying out. The cored greens on the back 9 made putting a little more erratic for some.
LADIES A GRADE:
Winner: Anna Winterbourn with nett 73
Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 77
Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae
LADIES B GRADE
Winner: Robyn Whitham on a count back from
Runner-up: Pam Casey
Longest Drive: Pam Casey
MEN’S A GRADE:
Winner: Wayne Temby with nett 71
Runner-up: Ritchie Atkins with 74
Longest Drive: Aaron Watts
MEN’S B GRADE
Winner: Peter Fox with nett 66 - outstanding
Runner-up: Wilf Herweg with nett 73
Longest Drive: Don Cameron
NTPs:
For the ladies: Anna Winterbourn, Tiina Randmae and Pam Casey
For the me : Don Cameron and Aaron Watts
NAGAs: the honours went to Karen Rix and Leigh Jones
NEXT WEEK: 28/4/24 will be the April MM and least Putts
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
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The weekly 9-hole stableford saw Donna Henderson take first place with 27 points, second place with 22 points c/b was Josh Frederiksen and third place with 22 points was Matt Burke.
Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Brad Low take out first place with 23 points c/b, second with 23 points was Eric Gruszczynski and third place was Craig Kennedy with 21 points.
This Sunday 28th April will be our 18-hole Monthly Medal, hope to see you all there.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
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