Long-time Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixture organiser Iris Grasso has been honoured for her dedication to the sport.

Iris has been awarded honorary membership for 2024, which entitles her to one year’s free registration. The competition starts this Tuesday, January 30.

Iris and Pam Joyce have been the organisers for eight years since 2017, and their involvement goes back 20 years.

Steve Mathieson and Tony Bowman have taken over organisation of the fixtures, which kicked off with the traditional doubles tournament on Tuesday.

“But the base has been set high by Iris and Pam. The challenge is on,” Steve said.

Iris maintained the “Black Book” where she recorded all of the players, teams and related weekly and statistics information for each season, memories which Steve has digitised.

It took a number of days to complete due to Iris’s attention to detail when recording each season’s data. Looks like Steve was quite happy to hand the book back after such a long effort.

Andrea Nicholson (division 1) and Ken Best (division 2) took out the season-opening competition, which is held with different combinations on a rotating basis, first to 31.

If you’d like to join the fixtures, contact Steve on 0418 700 236.

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Tuesday morning Mackay table tennis fixture organiser Steve Mathieson with Iris Grasso, who is now a full-time player. Photo: Charlie Payne

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WEEKLY RESULTS

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures round 1, January 23, 2024:

Division 1:

Mercedes (Graeme Walker, Steven Whiting, Graham Brake) d Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Tony Bowman) 7-4. Janice d Graeme -11, 10, -1, 9, 10.

Jaguar (Vince Boeske, Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Ferrari (Jason Hodda, Robbie Richards, Geoff Denman) 9-2. Robbie d Vince 6, -8, -3, 7, 8.

Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake Lily Boland) d BMW (Ian McKay, Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards) 6-5. Emma/Allan d Mick/Lily -9, 8, -6, 9, 10.

Division 2:

Kia (Matt West, Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson) d Hyundai (Donna Abbott, Delma Knight, Marie Taylor) 7-4. Geoff d Donna 13, -10, 4, 7.

Isuzu (Mark Stam, George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson) d Mazda (Mark Sleeman, David Symons) 6-5. Mark d Bulldog -5, 9, 7, 10.

Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Honda (Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson, Jye Callander) 9-2. Andrea d Simon -7, -4, 9, 8, 13.

Tuesday morning hit off with the annual doubles tournament, won by Andrea Nicholson (division 1) and Ken Best (division 2). The competition starts this week.

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Janice Kent in action at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre

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Mackay's fitness enthusiasts gathered last weekend to kick off the Mackay Triathlon Club's Aquathlon series, and the excitement is far from over. With two more races on the horizon, this aquatic adventure offers a refreshing way to beat the humidity while embracing a multisport challenge.

The Aquathlon series unfolds at the Pioneer Pool in North Mackay, providing participants with a unique combination of running and swimming. The course consists of a 2.5-kilometer run followed by a 300-meter swim in the pristine pool waters. For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, the sprint distance allows participants to repeat the run-and-swim sequence twice, adding an exhilarating challenge to the event.

This Sunday morning, set your alarms for 7:30 am as the Aquathlon series continues with another thrilling race. Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into multisport activities, this event caters to all fitness levels.

As the Mackay Triathlon Club gears up for a dynamic season, the Aquathlon series is just the beginning. On February 25th, the club is set to host a women's-only triathlon, providing a supportive and empowering environment for female athletes to shine. March brings the Teams Triathlon, fostering camaraderie and teamwork in the pursuit of fitness goals.

However, the spotlight of anticipation falls on the highly awaited Eimeo Triathlon in April. Mark your calendars for this pinnacle event, where athletes from Mackay and beyond will converge to tackle a challenging course and celebrate the spirit of triathlon.

Don't miss out on the action—dive into the Aquathlon series and embark on a journey of fitness, community, and multisport excellence with the Mackay Triathlon Club.

RESULTS

Enticer female winner: Shailee Mewha

Enticer male winner: Nathaniel Espartinez

Sprint female winner: Demi Caldwell

Sprint male winner: Christian Smith

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Mackay Triathlon Club’s Aquathlon winners. Photo supplied

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As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and gold early on Australia Day, Moranbah buzzed with excitement for a unique celebration – the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon, an initiative proudly hosted by the Isaac Regional Council. The word had spread, and multisport enthusiasts from far and wide eagerly converged on this vibrant community to partake in the thrilling event. Thankfully, TC Kirrily had stayed far enough north to not impose a threat to competitors.

The triathlon offered a variety of distances, attracting participants of all fitness levels, from seasoned athletes to those seeking a refreshing challenge. The promise of attractive prize money served as an extra incentive, ensuring a spirited competition awaited the eager contenders.

More than just a race, the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon became a beacon of community spirit, embodying the ethos of Isaac's 'people power.' Residents lined the routes, cheering and encouraging participants as they conquered the swim, cycling, and running segments.

For those who relish the thrill of swimming, cycling, and running, this triathlon was a perfect opportunity to showcase their skills and push their limits. Moranbah’s Australia Day Triathlon emerged not just as a sporting event but as a symbol of shared goals, communal support, and the joy of living an active and healthy lifestyle.

First Place Winners

Enticer Triathlon:

1st Female: Isabelle Cahill

1st Male: Isaac Hammer

Sprint Triathlon:

1st Female: Demi Caldwell

1st Male: Christian Smith

Team Triathlon:

1st Place: Miles Frequent Flyers

Mini Kids Triathlon:

1st Female: Grace Cahill

1st Male: Ashton Zweers

Mini Kids Aquathlon:

1st Place: Marcus Strauss

Aquathon:

1st Place: Belinda Binnekamp

Duathlon:

1st Female: Janine King

1st Male: Murray Wonnocott

Aquabike:

1st Place: Benjamin Medhurst

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Being immersed in the water has always been a passion of Jacob Bell, and becoming a senior squad swimmer with the Cannonvale Cannons, he is now welcoming more opportunities to venture into the professional leagues.

For Jacob, being a part of the Cannonvale Cannons and having the opportunity to get into the water at any chance is something he thrives upon.

“I love challenging myself and conquering my goals,” Jacob explained.

“My favourite parts of the sport are competing at carnivals, being a member of a relay team, meeting people who are like minded and having opportunities to do ocean swims and water polo.”

Now 17-years-old, Jacob acts as a mentor and role model for the junior swimmers, assisting the youth swimmers in accomplishing their goals and bettering their techniques, while perfecting his own coaching skills.

As part of the Cannons, Jacob loves competing and regularly accomplishes podium finishes and accolades across North Queensland.

“I have several highlights which include qualifying and competing at the Australian Age Championships and Queensland School Swimming Championships,” he explained.

“In 2023, I was the first male to finish the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim and I have achieved top placings in the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim.”  

Head to the Whitsunday Sports Expo this weekend and find out how you can be part of this inspiring sporting club alongside Jacob.

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Quick Quiz:

Favourite sports star: Sam Short

Favourite moment in sporting history: 2023 World Swim Champs – Male 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay when Kyle Chalmers smashed the last leg of the relay to earn the team a gold medal.  

Best sporting advice anyone ever gave you? Enjoy the ride! Don’t get caught up with ups and downs.

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Taking to the court, the players of Whitsunday Netball Association are eager to kick their 2024 season off with a bang, welcoming new players and returning players to the Whitsunday Sportspark for a season set to be one of the best yet.

Since its inception in 1992, the Whitsunday Netball Association (WNA) has a rich history of teaching and developing players skills and techniques, offering competitive support and key opportunities for growth and professional avenues.

However, at the core of WNA is the values of respect, friendship, and camaraderie.

“Although small in size,” explained Marteaka Hoffmann, Secretary of WNA.

“WNA creates opportunities for lifelong friendships on and off the court.

“Many of our junior members go on to join the committee or help mentor future players. All our members get to keep up their fitness while playing a game they love.”

As one of the fastest growing team sports globally, netball fosters a sense of connection and ability.

“We have the highest participation sport for women,” Ms Hoffmann explained.

“And with the introduction of modified games, it's a sport that can be enjoyed by all. No matter their age, skill, or fitness level. Something for everyone, we offer both social and competitive avenues.”

Welcoming players from as young as five-years old all the way up to seniors, every individual is catered for and able to engage in the sport.

“We are constantly striving on improving our club and introducing more opportunities for the wider community to experience and enjoy netball,” Ms Hoffmann explained.

“Our end of year mixed competition is always a great social end to the season. We love seeing the men out on court and learning the rules in just eight weeks. We encourage all who enjoy the sport to participate in any capacity possible, whether it be playing, volunteering, officiating, or supporting. Netball is a sport that is inclusive of male and female players of any age, skill, or fitness.”

Venture to the Whitsunday Netball Association booth this Saturday, February 3, at the Sports Expo and register!

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This young man takes everything in his stride. He is a member of the Next Stars Sports Academy, Cannonvale Crocodiles, Brahmans, the Whitsunday Raiders and also participates in athletics.

For Jack, sport has always been a part of his life, starting with the Airlie Beach Parkrun when he was four years old, and from 2021, he began to play in a range sporting teams.

“I started doing the five-km parkrun with my parents when I was four years old,” Jack explained.

“At first, we walked it, then started jogging down the hills and in time I built up to running the whole way. I started playing the team sports in 2021.”

“For the last two years, I was selected in the North Queensland schools’ teams for cross country and athletics. And last year I also made North Queensland for AFL. I had the honour of being named Cannonvale State School’s Sportsperson of the Year in 2023.”

At Next Stars Sports Academy, Jack is able to access incredible opportunities, that promote and develop his dreams of becoming a professional footy player, including instilling positive sportsmanship, cultivating appreciation for creative movement, learning the health implications of what and why they do what they do, and being inspired to follow their dreams.

Learn more about Next Stars Sports Academy, and what they could do for your child at the Sports Expo, this Saturday, February 3.

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Quick Quiz:

Favourite sports star: Kobe Bryant

Favourite moment in sporting history: Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup (Mum is from South Africa)

Best sporting advice anyone ever gave you? Nothing beats hard work

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Families and individuals from across the region are invited to the ninth annual Sports Expo which is due to be held at the Whitsunday Sportspark this Saturday.

With over 40 different stalls expected to be present on the day, organisers are excited to host another vibrant community event where everyone has the opportunity to discover new sporting activities, clubs, and groups.

Designed to demonstrate the breadth and depth of community sports and groups in the region, there will be everything from team sports like netball, football and touch footy, right through to individual pursuits such as motorsports, tennis, and roller-skating.

There will also be a variety of disciplines such as karate, sailing and dance.

If you are looking to get involved with community sports or activities this year, or you would like to get your children off the screens and active, make sure you head down to the Expo.

Here you will be able to talk directly to club organisers, get interactive with some sports and discover important information such as when the season starts, the level of commitment involved and whether the sport feels right for you.

Held from 9am to 1pm at the Whitsunday Sports Park this Saturday, the event promises to be another vibrant community gathering.

There will also be snacks and drinks available, plus a shaved ice van offering delicious icy-cold sweet treats to keep us all cool in this hot weather.

WHAT: Whitsunday Sports Expo

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark

WHEN: Saturday 3rd February

TIME: 9am – 1pm

COST: Free for everyone

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With a vibrant sporting community at its heart, Whitsunday Touch Footy regularly sees over 200 people compete at the Whitsunday Sportspark every week on a Monday during the season.

Whether you're a seasoned touch player or a novice eager to learn, the club welcomes everyone with open arms and is known for its diversity of players.

One such individual is local mum of two, Aimee Mitchell, who picked up the sport again last year after more than a 10-year hiatus.

Aimee played Touch Footy when she was at high school and continued on and off before she had children.

Getting back on the field was a big step for her, but one she says she is very glad to have made.

“Everyone was so welcoming, encouraging and friendly,” she said.

“It had been such a long time since I played but there were no great expectations to be a pro player and the referees were great in explaining the rules.

“I went along initially because a work colleague said they were looking for more female players and it was great to hear that young families are welcome, with kids welcome to the club.”

Touch Footy is not just a sport; it's an opportunity to be part of a close-knit community and enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays while staying active.

The seasons run from February to June and July to November and anyone age seven and up is welcome to join.

There is a family grade where mixed ages and family groups can play together and A, B, C, and junior grades offering something for everyone.

Membership is between $60 and $120 per season depending on your age and there are no away games, every match is played right here in the region.

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To dream the impossible dream, to run where the brave dare do not go, to live the unliveable moment, to reach the unreachable star .... is what happened at our little club this week because we received a million-dollar grant to build a hard cover for our bowls club, largely due to our vice chair lady Karen Jenson, Col Morris, our chairman Ask Warland and others, but the impossible dream came true.

How unbelievable is that, and everyone is singing, and watching the Man of Lamancha.

Congratulations to all concerned. It still hasn't sunk in to all our members.

There was no bowls on Wednesday because of the cyclone that did damage to our brothers and sisters north of Townsville but not to Mackay and the Whitsunday's, although the islands got a bit of a hiding, no real damage was felt. Airlie Beach had minimal wind, but we must always be prepared for the worst. 

Bowls resumed on Sunday, and we had 20 bowlers all vying for the prize, however skipper Ted Cullen was having nothing to do with the other teams and with John Anderson at lead and Jill Spencer at second won on the day with an outstanding display of bowls whilst Jill Spencer capped off the day with the prestigious Health Hub Award so generously supplied by Hayley the manager of this fantastic shop.

This week will see the return of Business House Bowls now ably organised by Bobby Spees with his lovely wife and also Scroungers on Saturday morning will resume with Russell Jackson warming the seat whilst John Askew is gallivanting around the world.

Special mention must go to Fiona Greener who does an absolute outstanding job under enormous pressure and is such an extremely competent young lady.

Monday and Thursdays at 4 pm is for all school children, or adults to come for free lessons at no cost.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Skipped Ted Cullen, with Jill Spencer and John Anderson. Photo supplied

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Sunday Social Bowls winners were Andy Peebles, Lloyd White, Steve Roome.

Scroungers: winners were Lee Welsted and Ron Gould.

Wednesday Social: Keith Kirk, W. Coles, Jason Wright defeated Ross Scanlon, Wayne Crowhurst, Brett Lampard. Robin Stitt, Gavin Charles, Mark Drummond defeated Tracey Roach, Kennedy Whitton, Ray Muir, T. Winter, Jeff Tierney defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ron Gould, Steve Roome All for this week. Joan.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Lee Welsted and Ron Gould. Photo supplied

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Winners for Tuesday social bowls were Merle Elphinstone, Lyn Danvers and Greg Colquhoun who defeated Stumpy Adams, Sue Shearing and Robyn Stitt. Irene Laird and Geoff Danvers drew with Deb Retchless, Mark Drummond and Jason Wright. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Unfortunately, Cyclone Kirrily put a dampener on our Australia Day night bowls and we had to cancel. However on Sunday, we were back.

Winners for the afternoon were Fely Duncan, Alby Vigar and Allan Rolfe who defeated Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless and Sugar Brunker. Others were Terry Blair, Penny Warren and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis, Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond. Merle Elphinstone, Kevin Daniels and Pat Tracey defeated Stumpy Adams, Graeme Read and Mark Defranciscis. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Sunday’s winners. Photo contributed

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The Airlie Beach Darts Club held its inaugural Australia Day Champions Cup on Sunday morning, where there were a lot of new faces which was great to see.

The Champions Cup is one of seven scheduled one day competitions this year, which are new to the club, and are geared towards offering people the chance to take up darts for the first time, or for those who want to reacquaint themselves with the game.

We had 16 participants to begin with on Sunday, but by the end of the day, that number would be down to one. 

Mick McCormick and Jack Todd had easy passage through to the Quarters, and not too far behind them was Kam Reason and Art McMinn. Jamie Maher and John Barry had it a little harder, with both their games going the distance to last leg deciders.

Naomi Mitchell and Jamie Maher sailed through their quarter final match ups by 5/1 scorelines, while Jack Todd and Dom Friend had to sweat it out a little, both recording narrow 5/4 sudden death wins. 

In the semis, Jamie Maher had his best match of the day recording a 6/1 win over Naomi Mitchell, while in the other semi-final, Jack Todd calmly dispatched the 2023 Xmas Open finalist Dom Friend in fine fashion by 6 legs to 2.

The final was a close and tense battle between Jamie Maher and Jack Todd, Jamie was scoring heavily but struggled on the outer ring, while Jack didn’t squander his chances, and finished his doubling with great success. The final score line was 7/4 to the well-deserved champion Jack Todd.

The Celtic Cup is the next one-day event on St Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17th. For anyone interest in taking part, you can find us on Facebook @airliebeachdartsclub, or contact us on 0405411865.

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Jack Todd claiming $150 prize money and taking out the inaugural Australia Day Champions Cup. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club had their sweeties and Squires fun fishing day last Saturday with some great on prizes on hand.

New club member Charlie won champion junior female on her very first fishing trip in a boat and mum Chantelle was runner-up female angler .

Stacey Cramner was the overall female winner.

Kane Bird was the champion junior male angler just ahead of tied runners-up Shannon and Reece Mathews, under 11 years old.

Champion Male winner was Kyle Matthews.

Shannon had a lovely Coral Trout bitten in half by a large Mackerel in Shute Harbour. While Kane had a 30-minute battle with something big which he lost.

A great day was had by all and a very big thanks to Jack and the friendly staff at Anaconda Cannonvale for their continued support of the club.

The club's next outing is the Barra-Bash at Lake Proserpine March 22-24 based at Camp Kanga, check WGFC Facebook page for more details.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore.

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Champion Junior Female

Under 11 Champ, Kyle Matthews

Champion junior male, Kane Bird

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While we may have started with 20 members on the timesheet, some early heavy-ish showers resulted some early starters who withdrew and we ended up with 16 players in the comp. The course showed some effects of the overnight rain but having escaped TC Kirrily, we were lucky enough to play a Stableford even with reduced numbers. There were a few soggy spots but some of managed to avoid them, some of us didn’t. Most scores were pretty ordinary, but some were pretty good.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner and Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae

Runner-up: Karen Rix

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner and Longest Drive: Pam Casey

Runner-up: Tina Cook

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Andrew Albergo with an excellent 40 points

Runner-up: Darren Reynolds with 36 points

Longest Drive: Ritchie Atkins

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Wilf Herweg with 32 points on a count back

Runner-up and Longest Drive: Don Cameron

NTP:

For the ladies: Tiina Randmae and Karen Rix

For the men: Darren Reynolds and Andrew Albergo

NEXT WEEK: will be the Feb MM/Least Putts. It may be the new timeslot of 6.30 - 7.30am. So, log in as soon as possible to keep the group together, remember that the timeslot is protected till Close of Business on Tuesday, Wed morning the whole timesheet will be open to all players.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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Presentation time. Photo supplied

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At the weekly 9-hole stableford Donna Henderson took first place with 20 points c/b, second place with 20 points c/b was Ryan Kenny and third place with 20 points c/b Sean Fogarty. 

Friday’s weekly 9-hole stableford saw James Matthews in first place with 20 points, second with 19 points was Tony Spurway and third place was Morgan Vanderwyk with 18 points.

On Friday we also held our Australia day 18-hole stableford. The heat and minimal winds didn’t stop Scott Hayes -Williams taking first place with 30 points, second with 29 points was Scott Morrissey and third place with 28 points was James Millar. Terrific job by all. 

Sunday, we held our 18-hole Monthly Medal and what a scorcher of a day. First place saw Glenn Rees with a 50 NETT, second place was Brock Brindle with a 51 NETT and third place was Shane Brindle with a 53 NETT c/b.  Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Scott Dwyer. 

This Sunday 4th Feb will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.

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Pip Runciman, Deanna Norman and Donna Henderson. Photo supplied

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