An exciting opportunity for the local sporting community, Base 51 played host to the Australian Kangaroos earlier this week ahead of their clash with Samoa in Townsville this weekend.

Joining them for Monday’s high intensity workout were a group of Under 17 Whitsunday Brahmans.

The special invitation was extended to boys, who had the chance to meet some of their idols and get tips and tricks on effective training and discipline.

Simon Lee, the owner and operator of Base 51, said he was honoured to host elite athletes at his gym.

“We just got the call one day, asking about the Kangaroos training here,” he explained.

“And who I am to turn that down!?”

A fully equipped gym with state-of-the-art facilities, it is no wonder that the Australian Rugby League Team chose Base 51 for their work out.

For Noah Connell, one of the boys on the U17 Brahmans, and who trains at Base 51, it was exciting to be able to watch his idols train on the same equipment he uses almost daily.

“These guys are my idols, so I’m going to get some pointers from them, he said.

Being able to see these sporting legends train was an amazing experience for these aspiring athletes.

Kaylem Douthwaite is also an U17 Brahman who was eager to learn from the best.

“It’s awesome that they came here, and that we can learn from them,” he said.

“My goal is to get some tips for training, improve my form, that sort of thing.”

For Murry Hinton, the experience was very exciting.

“Because not many big teams come through here, and we all watch them play.”

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Photo credit: Norina Jane

To round out the year, many fitness facilities (including mine - F45 Airlie Beach) run 6, 8 or 12 Week Challenges. With so many to choose from, how do you decide which one is right?

Firstly, Challenges can actually be fun! Gone are the days where starving yourself for 6 or 8 weeks puts you as a "contender" to win a challenge. Most fitness facilities have grown up a lot of late, so they should generally be very well rounded and include everything you need to set you up for short- and long-term success.

Challenges can also be a fantastic time to join in on a gym or studio where it might feel awkward as to when to actually join or start. Because many fitness facilities see plenty of new faces joining for a Challenge, then it certainly can help those of you nervous to start, break down that initial barrier and take that first step, knowing you`ll be joining with heaps of new people.

As mentioned above, Challenges nowadays should be very well rounded. Customisable fitness routines, customisable meal planning, accurate recording of results, and recovery methods and education to keep you feeling energised, moving well, and heading towards your goals week after week.

Lastly, challenges can be whatever interpretation of a challenge means to you. It can simply be to start exercising and stay on track. It could mean removing or reducing your alcohol consumption. It could be simply making healthy and sustainable decisions to put your health and wellness first. And it could mean to break a "rut" you have found yourself in either mentally or physically.

I love challenges, and highly encourage anyone to try, whether you have done one before or you don't even have a current gym membership. With the best decision that works for you, I am sure you`ll be feeling fantastic come December, and ready to share your results with your new gym buddies, family and friends.

Sonny Ivanovic, owner of F45 Airlie Beach.

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Pioneer Swimming Club held its annual Long Course Transition Meet at the Mackay Aquatic Centre on Saturday, 30 September and 1 October, proudly sponsored by Naming Rights and Gold Sponsor, BTP Group.

The popularity of this meet has grown again this year – having welcomed just under 200 swimmers and double that in supporters through the gates over the 2-day event.

Swimmers travelled from as far North as Cairns, Townsville, Ayr, Proserpine, Cannonvale and then to the South, Rockhampton, Emerald, Yeppoon and Gladstone.

The Pioneer Long Course Transition Meet is one of the first carnivals for the Long Course Season Calendar, as North Queensland swimmers seek to achieve qualifying times for the Hancock Prospecting Queensland Long Course Championships, set to be held in Brisbane in December.

A highlight of the meet was the “PB Challenge”, proudly sponsored by Move it Chiropractic this year.

Ten times are nominated for swimmers to seek to achieve as personal bests – if one of these times were achieved, the swimmer presented at the Awards Table to receive $50!

Four lucky swimmers achieved one of the PBs and were awarded their prize.

Another highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the 2023 Season Captains, Yasmin Seedwell and Zahli Herring – each being deserving and inspirational seniors to guide the junior swimmers of the Club.

The Club were also grateful to have welcomed Deputy Mayor, Karen May, to the Meet who officially opened racing on Sunday morning.

Karen was keen to learn what opportunities the sport of swimming, Mackay and Swimming North Queensland can present to budding athletes for the 2032 Olympics and what the facilities the Mackay Aquatic Centre has to offer.

With the carnival behind them, swimmers return to training at the Pioneer Swimming Centre this week, having trained the past month at the Memorial Swim Centre managed by DMR Leisure.

Millie and her team at the Memorial Pool have been wonderful to the Club whilst the Pioneer Pool received a deserved face-lift, having even joined as Bronze Sponsor for the 2023 Carnival.

The next meet on the swim calendar is the Whitsunday Swimming Club Carnival in just a few short weeks.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club.

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Pioneer Swimming Club's Captains Presentation

Swimmers dive in to the Long Course Carnival

Alex from Pioneer Swimming Club takes on butterfly stroke

Ella from PSC competing in backstroke

Henry from PSC

Team photo of the Pioneer Swimming Club

Rex from PSC

Xavier dives off his mark amongst his competitors (Photo Credit: TS Photography)

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Mackay schoolgirl Skye Vaughan relishes a challenge on the hockey field or basketball court.

With her steely determination, athletic prowess, vision and will to win the dual Queensland representative is well equipped to show her wares.

At the age of 14 the versatile Vaughan is regarded as one of the State’s most gifted sportswomen with an impressive list of achievements at an elite level.

When she’s not keeping close tabs on strikers as a talented high fullback on the hockey pitch, you’ll find promising hooper Skye creating mayhem as a basketball guard.

“I enjoy the different challenges and have been lucky enough to wear the Queensland colours in both sports,” the hard-working Vaughan exclaimed.

“Both complement my competitive instincts and keep me motivated to learn and improve,” she revealed.

The St Patrick’s College student demonstrated her skills at last year’s Hockey Australia Under 13 Girls National Carnival in Hobart – steering her undefeated Queensland Cinders team to a deserved championship title.

With a dedicated Skye in superb form, the Cinders chalked up impressive wins over NSW Stars (2-0), Tasmania (4-0), Northern Territory (6-0), Queensland Embers (1-0), South Australia (3-1), Victoria Venom (1-0), Victoria Volt (5-0) and Western Australia Lightning (2-0) and drew 0-0 with NSW Lions and 1-1 with both ACT and Western Australia Storm to top the standings.

A product of the Mackay Norths Hockey Club, Skye has quickly established herself in A Grade and with the J League Rising Stars and Queensland Under 15 Indoor Hockey squad.

On the basketball court, Vaughan is part of an exciting young crop at the Mackay Meteorettes where she burst into prominence as a ten-year-old.

Last year she helped the Meteorettes reach the final of the Basketball Queensland Under 14 Girls State Championship where they were toppled 70-45 by the Southern Districts Spartans.

The talented guard will also spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s College side at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Juniors tournament on the Gold Coast.

Skye will team up with fellow Queensland North State reps Lily Mapp, Maggie Thorburn and Alley Simpson as the Mackay school attempts to replicate the recent championship-winning deeds of their senior basketballers at the same prestigious event.

If skill and determination count for anything, then the sky is the limit for this teenage titan who dreams of representing Australia at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

By Chris Karas

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Dual Queensland representative Skye Vaughan is one of the brightest prospects on the State hockey and basketball scene

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In the world of social bowls, on Wednesday, September 27th, the triples game saw Betty Mulhall, Isla Comelli, and Kathy Mathews emerge as winners. The pairs game witnessed Fay McCubben and Lidia McCarthy securing the runner-up position.

Moving to Sunday, September 24th, the Club Mixed Pairs final took centre stage. Competing in this closely contested match were Mick Walsh and Lois Deguara against Peter Delaney and Jean Zamparutti. Ultimately, Mick and Lois clinched the title.

The Men's and Ladies Club Presentation night is scheduled for October 14th, where awards and recognitions will be presented to the participants.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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L-R : Peter Delaney, Jean Zamparutti, Lois Deguara and Mick Walsh

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Life can’t get any better for Mackay Cutters iron woman Shannon Mato after powerhouse performances on the rugby league field in 2023.

The dual code international – who was part of the Jillaroos’ World Cup-winning squad in the United Kingdom - has experienced a bumper season in the women’s ranks since leading the Cutters to the BMD Premiership semi finals back in May.

Front rower Mato helped Queensland clinch an Origin series against the NSW Blues before helping the Gold Coast Titans reach the NRLW Grand Final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

The 25-year-old prop turned in a strong display in the Titans’ 22-18 loss to the Newcastle Knights – racking up 250 running metres and getting through a mountain of defence in an epic tussle.

It was just another non-stop effort from the former Wallaroo and Queensland Reds forward who transitioned to rugby league in 2020.

Mato has come a long way since winning a premiership with the Brisbane Broncos in her debut season in the NRLW before linking with the Titans.

She was a stand out for the Maori All Stars and for North Sydney in the NSW Harvey Norman Womens Premiership but has prospered in Queensland with stints at Tweed Seagulls in 2022 and in Mackay this year.

A mobile forward with a high work rate, Matto was one of the best on ground in the Cutters’ heartbreaking 22-18 loss to eventual champions Burleigh Bears in the BMD Women’s Premiership.

Her non-stop performances were rewarded these past two seasons with Shannon receiving back-to-back Titans’ NRLW Player of the Year Awards and recognition from her peers with the Players’ Player trophy.

Mato underlined her status as one of the competition’s best middle forwards when she was named Prop of the Year and in the NRLW Team of the Year at the recent Dally M Awards at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.

The Mackay warrior will cap a memorable 2023 with selection in the Jillaroos squad for the Pacific Rugby League Championships opener against the Kiwi Ferns on October 14

at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

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Shannon Mato

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At the start of this September’s school holidays, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club sent a ‘small, but strong’ contingent of 10 lifesavers to take on the best of the North Barrier Branch, consisting of competitors from Sarina in the south to Ingham in the north.

The event took place at the beautiful Magnetic Island for the first carnival of the season, hosted by Townsville’s Arcadian SLSC.

The small team in numbers was strong in its competitiveness, taking out ten gold, five silver and six bronze medals, as well as a host of 4th, 5th & 6th places.  

Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports commented, “The team is only really at the start of their competitive training cycle, with most only hitting the water for the last month or so.  

“To have such great results from such a small team is very promising, particularly as we build for the North Australian titles which we are hosting on our home turf at the end of October.”

He went on to state, “In terms of individual results, based on an aggregate total, we punch well above our weight when compared to huge clubs like Arcadia & Picnic Bay (both from Townsville) who field teams that number over 100 competitors.”

The lifesavers will now be training hard to get ready for the North Australian Titles, to be hosted at Harbour beach from 27th – 29th of October.

This event will see over 500 competitors compete in the largest regional Surf-lifesaving Championships outside of the southeast.

“For us this is just the beginning of bigger and better things for our club,” said Mr Grant.

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Masters competitor Ben Madden took out 1st in the surf swim, board race and ironman events

Mackay U11’s Johnny Grant, Kellan McLean and Harry Madden getting ready for their next event and having some fun on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island’s Alma Bay was a hive of activity at the first Surf Lifesaving carnival for the season

Winners are grinners – the U15 Board Relay team (Zara Richardson, Molly Madden and Meliana Craig) dominated all other clubs taking out 1st place. Photo Credit: Lean McLean Photography

Mackay Surf Club’s “small but strong” team is gaining a reputation throughout the region for their surf sports competitiveness. Photo credit: Leah McLean Photography

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Mackay-Whitsunday senior representative cricket team have fallen short in their quest for the Bulls Masters Twenty20 Country Challenge Cup.

The Nitros bowed out of the trophy race after a heart-breaking four wicket loss to the Central Queensland Seamers in an epic semi-final last weekend at Griffiths Park in Cairns.

It was the Nitros first defeat at the 2023 tournament after posting impressive wins over the Wide Bay Flames, reigning champions Far North Fusion and Darling Downs Suns in the preliminary rounds.

The Fusion get an opportunity to retain the title when they pit their Twenty20 skills against the versatile Seamers line-up in the Challenge Cup Grand Final at the Gabba on December 27.

Far North advanced to the trophy decider after eliminating Sapphire Coast Scorchers by six wickets in their semi-final fixture.

Central Queensland skipper and top all-rounder Joe McGahan received the Dirk Tazelaar Medal for Player of the Tournament after compiling a series high 158 runs @ 39.5 and snaring eight wickets @ 11.

Mackay-Whitsunday were dismissed for 117 in their semi final with Shaun Austin top scoring with 42 runs off 35 balls and clouting five boundaries.

The inspirational McGahan produced a standout performance – grabbing 3-17 with the ball before steering the Seamers to victory by scoring a valuable 27 runs with support from David Heymer (40 not out).

Key Nitros bowlers Isaac Borg and Chris McEldowney continued their fine form, bagging two wickets each as the Seamers (6-118) eclipsed the Mackay-Whitsunday total.

The capable Austin also registered knocks of 33 not out against the Suns and 21 against the Flames and proved a model of consistency.

Other batting highlights for the Nitros were Matthew Wicks’ superb 87 off 44 balls that included six sixes and seven boundaries and Darryn Dyer’s unbeaten 79 off 53 balls.

In Walkerston off spinner McEldowney the Nitros had a bowling trump card.

He finished the series with nine wickets including a haul of 4-6 – combining with Mackay Norths all-rounder Mason Kohler (3-6) to rout Darling Downs for 51 and set up an important fifth round victory.

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Central Queensland Seamers captain Joe McGahan received the Dirk Tazelaar Medal for Player of the Bulls Masters Twenty20 Country Challenge Cup tournament in Cairns

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Year 12 Bowen State High School student Henry Snell is making big movements in the world of high speed motorsport, taking to the track across Australia to compete.

Starting on the dirt tracks when he was seven, it wasn’t until Henry was 13 that the paved circuit caught his eye.

Taking on the Oceania Junior Competition then, Henry has never looked back, taking each and every track opportunity in his stride.

However, it wasn’t until recently that Henry moved up the gears and decided to give the sport a proper crack, giving it his all in hopes to make the big leagues.

Now, with the 2023 season close to finishing up, he has welcomed numerous podium finishes, and even a first place win at Philip Island a few weeks ago, securing a top five place in his category.

“That was a big competition,” Henry explained.

“I ended up winning the 300 class and came second in the 200. We did have a bit of unluckiness with one of the races because I had a malfunction on my bike, but I came back and won the last race of the day.”

Henry’s dad, Rodger, is Henry’s right-hand man on the track, always making sure Henry has the best supports and the best outcome.

“The finishes can be pretty tight, and exciting. Henry is one of the top five in Australia, with all the boys finishing at similar speeds, all within not even half a second of each other.”

Now on the cusp of completing Year 12, Henry is looking to compete professionally internationally, hoping to secure a place at an academy or program to learn the ropes.

Henry is backed by a team of sponsors, most of which are Bowen locals.

“I wish to thank all my sponsors, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

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Henry racing on the track, securing numerous podiumfinishes. Photos supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons were host another big week of swimming.  

Two Cannons travelled to Darwin to compete in the 2023 Australian Country Swimming Championships.  

Tora Delac, aged 12 years swam extremely well made finals.  

On the first day of competition, she won a silver medal for 100m Breaststroke which she swam in an excellent time of 1.28.33.  

Her brother, Harris swam fantastic times and in the first couple days of competition, he achieved 3rd place for his 50m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke and 2nd place for his 200m Freestyle.  Congratulations, Tora and Harris.  

On Wednesday night, 30 swimmers participated at Club Night.  

Maeve Dichiera and Andie Reynolds won Swim of the Night awards for their 50m Backstroke.  Congratulations to Millie Groom and Charlie Doherty for winning the Chocolate Awards (for best PBs).

Congratulations to Celeste Orenshaw, Trace Quick, Ruby Harland, and Koa Harland for achieving Upgrades.

The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who swam PBs on Wednesday night:  Bonnie Crichton, Gracie Crichton, Charlie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Millier Groom, Roxy Groom, Indigo Harland, Ruby Harland, Eric Mulliss, Leo Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Trace Quick, Andie Reynolds and Addie Sanders.  Well done, swimmers!  

Over the weekend, 24 Cannons travelled to Mackay to compete at the Pioneer LC Transition Meet.  Coach Ken Crittenden was very impressed with all the swimmers!  

There were so many awesome swims it is difficult to choose the best ones.  

Congratulations to Jacob Bell and Charlie Doherty for winning gold medals for their 1500m Freestyle.  Congratulations to Andie Reynolds and Remy Hedges for swimming super times in their 400m IM.  The following swimmers swam extremely well achieving PBs and or top placings for the majority of their events:  Jacob Bell, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Remy Hedges, Noah Maltby, Eric Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds and Addie Sanders.  Well done to all the swimmers who competed!    

Contributed but thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons Pioneer Team 2023

Harris Delac at the Country Championships 2023

Tora Delac at the Country Championships 2023. Photos supplied

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On Saturday morning the Final of the B Pairs was played. Gavin Noonan and Todd Leys defeated Ken Watts and Kendall Watts 22 - 10 and will now be representing Proserpine in the Champion of Champion B Pairs set to be played on Saturday and Sunday October 21 and 22.

On Wednesday we did a blind draw to determine the teams for Social bowls. In a game of 2-4-2 pairs Mike Harrison and Peter Lawton defeated Heather Brown and Alen Sanderson 21 - 20.  In the game of Triples Philip Brown, Lee King and John Burnett defeated Bruce Uhe, Barry Zillmann and Mary Hedgelong 23 - 10.

On Sunday, John Burnett and Bruce Uhe defeated Alen Sanderson and Mike Harrison 35 - 13 in a game of 3 Bowl Triples. Lee King, Philip Brown and Heather Brown defeated Margie Burnett, Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 31 - 14.

Reminder:  Proserpine Bowls Club have our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 7 at 10am. There will be a club supplied BBQ after the meeting and the opportunity to play a short game of Social Bowls.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Finalists of B Pairs Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Todd Leys. Photo credit: Bruce Uhe

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Tuesday afternoon Social bowls saw a big turnout of 21 bowlers and at the end of the day the dice rolled out the lowest winning margin and it was Lyn Skeen as skipper with Robin Brown at double lead with Maureen Barnard taking home the prize money with a last end victory 14-13

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls saw Steve Cur and Russell Jackson take home the prize money with Health Hub award going to Janet Jacometti.

The 2023 Classic Men's Fours began on Saturday and concluded Sunday afternoon with three rounds per day.

16 teams from all around Queensland competed for the great prize money on offer.

Tournament organisers Terry Clarke, Bob McMahon and Tim Taylor can be very proud of their efforts.

The team of Manny Isgro, Tim Taylor, Bob Menzies and Paul Foot took home the prize money with a clear margin with Gavin Milne's team of Toby Craig, John Bye and Scott Hamilton all from Proserpine take home the second prize money .

Peter Blackburn from South Suburban with Dave Peet, Barry Jackson  and Jason Borg took home the third prize money cheque.

Thanks to all our volunteers and sponsors.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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2023 Classic Men’s Fours winners. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, winners were Stumpy Adams, Jean Matfin, Kevin Jewel defeated Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren. Ian Colenso, Alby Vigar, Robyn Stitt defeated Jude Vigar, Deb Retchless, Greg Matfin. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our barefoot bowls on Friday Night were Wendy, Denise, Les defeated James, Dave and Hans. Helga, Wazza Ian defeated Lyn, Max and Max.

If you would like to try the game we are having our free Come and Try afternoon on Saturday 14 October 1.30 to 3.30pm. Be at the club by 1pm.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 6. They were Isobel Wheeler, Fely Duncan defeated Ian Colenso, Allan Rolfe. Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt and D Pinkard defeated Linda Scells, Jude Vigar and Kevin Jewell. Keith Aykens, Penny Warren and Graeme Read defeated Bill Myers, Jean Matfin and Pat Tracey. Lindy Suann, Pearl Aykens and Mark Drummond defeated Gwenda Lydom, Alby Vigar  andGreg Matfin. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition: Mixed Triples Laurie Land, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe defeated Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers. Ladies 2 bowls triples Debise Wallace, Linda Scells and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Pat Tracey. This Sunday 8 October the final of the Ladies Club Triples will be played commencing at 8.30am.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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A chance recommendation has changed the entire trajectory of Daniel Dowson’s life.

Better known as Elvis, Daniel was born with Down Syndrome and it was four years ago, when he was in his early thirties, that he was recommended to start boxing with Wes Bau Personal Training, in Bowen.

“He had no confidence when he first started,” Wes explained.

“It was hard to get a punch from him, and he had absolutely no enthusiasm in the ring.

“But his mum was consistent and encouraging him to keep going and to keep training.”

Elvis’s mum Joy was quick to see the results from the training.

“His confidence just grew,” Joy said.

“When he first started, Elvis had such low muscle tone. He couldn’t even stand on one leg.

“Now he can do that, no problem!”

Beginning with low muscle tone, balance and coordination, Elvis has continued to make strides in his fitness, seeing Wes twice a week to keep up with his training.

While having a form of consistent exercise was the main goal for Elvis and Joy, Wes’ training has culminated into one powerful mix.

“Over time, he just perked up, and all the hard work and training came together,” Wes said.

“And most importantly, his health has massively improved.”

However, Joy says that Elvis has improved in all aspects of his life.

“He is one happy boy. Wes has become a brother to him, and he has grown so much.”

Due to Wes’ training, Elvis’ health has improved leaps and bounds.

“His paediatrician and cardiologist were amazed at his health,” Wes said.

“His cardiovascular system has greatly improved, and all his doctors recommend he continue boxing.”

While continuing his training with Wes, Elvis is keeping busy, a regular face around Bowen and the wider Whitsundays.

“And don’t call him Daniel, he only goes by Elvis,” his mum explained.

“He’s currently taking cooking classes in Mackay, and his support staff have him out and about.

“He does his own thing, but its great to see his growth.”

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Daniel ‘Elvis’ Dowson has been training with Wes Bau Personal Training for four years

With boxing, his health has improved so much, in all aspects

Elvis giving Wes his all. Photos supplied

A total of 15 Proserpine Vets travelled to Home Hill for the last interclub comp for 2023.

The best of our group was Tessa Aitken with 34, Leanne Alexander 33 and Jacqui Wall 32.  

Warren Deighton was the best for the men with 32 on a countback from Louis Neethling 32 and Peter Browning 31.  

There will be no Vet’s comp, next week as the course is closed for course renovations. The following week will be our October Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Tessa Aitken and Warren Deighton. Photo supplied

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