Tips on navigating safely

• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.

• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.

• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.

• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.

• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat this year with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!

Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.

Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard or right-hand side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.

Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.

Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.

Overtaking: If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.

However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .

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Activations keep on rolling on, and we are running at the same record level as last year at this stage.

Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday.

1: Don’t be a fool, follow the rules and avoid costly errors

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The youngest parkrunners took over the weekly event last Sunday, overseeing 79 people run, jog and walk the five-kilometre waterfront course.

Six visitors and a few first timers - Leighann, Rosalyn, Justin, and Connor - were welcomed, and seven recorded new personal bests: Jayden, Shay, Steve, Warren, Ian, Michala, and Leigh.

Airlie Beach parkrun also extended its congratulations to Max, who completed his tenth parkrun as a junior.

The event was made possible by Joshua and his team of 26 dedicated volunteers: Nick, Timothy, Kara, Kirsty, Kelly, Corrine, Nicole, Molly (photographer), Chloe, Lucy, Wendy, Mace, Calvin, Max, Carys, Rhiannon, Jess, Sebastian, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Dennis, Addison, Hudson, and Isla.

On Saturday, February 18, Airlie Beach parkrun will be conducting a Pride-themed day, celebrating the inclusivity of all at parkrun, especially the LBQT+ community.

The date aligns with WorldPride day and is supported by parkrun and Proud2Play. All participants and volunteers are encouraged to participate in rainbow sportswear.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at Bohemian Raw cafe.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Caption 1: Airlie Beach parkrun was taken over by the kids last week, who filled the volunteering roles of the successful weekly event

Caption 2: The youngsters took on every role at Airlie Beach parkrun

Caption 3: The Jones Family who travelled from Bowen to celebrate Shay's birthday with a parkrun

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Proserpine Veteran’s Golfers turned out in force on Sunday as 31 players arrived to take on the full course and posting some respectable scores.

The course’s back nine was still heavy due to rain, yet it didn’t put a dampener on Peter Fox who made a remarkable comeback from last week to take out first place with 38 points.

He was followed by Colin Hounsell on a countback from John Strelec also on a countback from Gary Scotford.

Jenny Hounsell has found herself on a winning streak, claiming the ladies crown last weekend with 33 from Lyn Muller, 32, on a countback from Tiina Randmae.

Pin shots went to Warren Deighton twice, Colin Hounsell, Nic Apruzzese , Gary Scotford, Billy Jesser, Lyn Muller and Helen Deighton, and Jenny Hounsell with two also.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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On Tuesday, January 31, at Wangaratta Bowls Club, two pairs and one triples were played.

Robyn Stitt and Mark Defranciscis defeated Denise Wallace and Mark Drummond, while Rodney Mumby and Graeme Read defeated Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe.

Gwenda Lyson, Isobel Wheeler, and Penny Warrend were the final side to join the winner’s circle, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Linda Smith.

Sunday’s winners came out on Rink Three: Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Greg Colquhoun defeating Rodney Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Allan Rolfe.

Other winners were Laurie Land and Pat Tracey in the match against Linda Scelle and Sugar Brunker. Meanwhile, Deb Retchless, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers defeated Bill Myers, Denise Wallace, and Graeme Read.

The final game saw Kent Moriarty and Kennedy Whitton defeat Lyn Danvers and Mark Defranciscis.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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The weekly Wednesday Social games at Bowen Bowls Club hosted plenty of familiar faces in tight matchups.

Peter Bruce, Gavin Charles, and Doc Fordham claimed the victory over the team of Robyn Stitt, Jane Gilbert, and Ian Best.

Meanwhile, Mary Ellen Pratten, Lee Welsted, and Steve Roome defeated Peter Thomson, Ross Scanlon, and Mark Rogers.

Then Jan Randall, Allen Williams, and Jeff Tierney joined the winner’s circle, beating the side of Carol O’Connell,Lorraine McArthur, and Jill Brabon.

Ron Gould, Lou Fordham, Gus Munro who defeated Joan Edwards/Eddy Neylon, Paula Welsted,Daryl Tuttle.

The club would like to inform that there will be no social bowls this weekend as the Men’s Classic will be using the green.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Caption: One of Bowen Bowls Club’s winning teams from Wednesday Social Bowls, comprised of Ron Gould, Lou Fordham, and Gus Munro

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Last weekend the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club sent 22 athletes to compete at the Townsville Tourist LC Transition Meet.  

Coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were impressed with all the swimmers and their performances.  

The Cannons posted a total of 53 personal best times at the event and many came home with ribbons or medals.

The coaches were excited that Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, and Remy Hedges were selected for the 13 years and over Skins events, with Jacob eventually finishing second, Holly fourth, and Remy seventh.  

Jacob Bell, Ruby Harland, and Celeste Orenshaw were very competitive at the Meet, swimming personal bests and top placing in the majority of their events.  

Charlie Doherty had a successful carnival: one of his top swims was his 400-metre Freestyle which he swam in 5.50.96 to earn first place and a 22.58 second personal best (PB).

Charlie’s sister, Evie, was very happy with her second place in the 50-metre Breaststroke, while Nelson Malady swam extremely well in his Butterfly events and 200-metre IM.  

Nelson finished second place in his 100-metre Butterfly - 1.36.96.  

Harry and Eloise Chegwidden both swam three PBs and Eloise came first in her 25-metre Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke.  

Dylan and Andie Reynolds both swam three PBs, with Dylan’s best swim earning her first place in the 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 46.94 seconds.

Andie impressed with her 100-metre Freestyle which she claimed first place for in 1.33.26.  

Levi Smith was outstanding, winning all his races and swimming three PBs. His sister Indi also had a great weekend – her best swim coming in the 50-metre Backstroke.

Don Algie swam extremely well, and his best swim was his 200-metre Freestyle which earnt him first place and a 5.8 second PB.  

Even though Jax Clayworth, Thomas Ganter and Remy Hedges did not swim any PBs, they all won six or seven medals.  

Zane Clayworth, Tiana Bell, Jack Ganter, Indi Harland, Koa Harland, and Holly Perrin each had an enjoyable carnival, swimming personal bests and earning top placings their age groups.  

The Cannonvale Cannons extended its congratulations to club members and a big thanks to parents.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Twilight Race: 20 knot northerly winds and lumpy seas in the Coral Sea meant a smaller than normal fleet for the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s twilight race on Wednesday, February 1.

Only 10 boats braved the elements – but those who ventured out had an exhilarating experience, with a good view of the incoming thunderstorm looming from behind.

The first fleet away appeared to be caught out by the conditions and leaving their run to the start too late.  

Only Twister (Kevin Fogarty) made the start look easy, leading the fleet away, but they were soon engulfed by the faster boats in the fleet.  

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) was delayed with a last minute sail change, allowing QMS Ponyo (John Galloway), Reignition (Charles Wallis), and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) to lead at the first mark.

QMS Ponyo held a comfortable lead throughout as Bobby’s Girl worked back through the fleet, made easier when a clumsy mark rounding by Smooth Criminal delayed their progress.  

While all the action was at the front, Twister kept everyone on their toes, staying close enough to the leaders to take the corrected time win over QMS Ponyo and Reignition

A more aggressive start in Division Three saw Rossgo (Greg Hammon) leading the fleet away, but once again, Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) soon took the lead.  

The challenge for Rossgo was to try to keep Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) behind, but the smaller Masrm 750 found a way through, with these two boats in close proximity through the race, while Shiraz (John Cable) had a series of issues delaying their progress.  

All looked good until Wobbly Boot slowed with a split mainsail, reducing their progress sailing under headsail alone.  

They had just enough of a lead to cross the finishing line first, just in front of Masquerade and Rossgo.  This left Masquerade the winner on corrected time from Rossgo and Lama (Jim Hayes).

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available.  Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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Caption: Sailboat Reignition, which this week lost out on corrected time to QMS Ponyo at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Twilight Race last Wednesday

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Saturday, 28 January 2023, made for an exciting day for our Dolphins – a local swim meet in our beautiful Mackay, hosted by Mirani Swimming Club.  48 swimmers from Pioneer Swimming Club made our way out to Mirani where our swimmers enjoyed a day in the sun seeking more personal bests.

Under the guidance of Coach Igor, our swimmers keep smashing goals they set for themselves. Yvonne Bellear did just that – swimming under the qualifying time for 50m freestyle, allowing her to nominate for the Queensland Sprint Championships held in Brisbane on 11-12 February.  Jack Smith also beat his personal best and met the qualifying time for 50m freestyle. Zahli Herring qualified for another 2 events (having already qualified for 50m freestyle) – 50m Backstroke and 50m Breaststroke; and Annaliese Miles qualified for her third event (having already qualified for freestyle and backstroke) – 50m butterfly.  We have quite the State Team building! Igor’s mentoring is working a treat.  

The Carnival also holds a “Dash for Cash” event – the fastest 6 swimmers (in certain age groups) swim the 50m freestyle dashing for staged prize money (first place taking out the highest amount, second taking slightly less and so on). The following Dolphins qualified/ swam in the event: Ralph Traeger, Madison Malagueno, Annaliese Miles, Joleigh Strydom, Georgie Brand, Alex Moss, Henry Porter, Yasmin Seedwell, Ella Bounden, Kailu Bellear, Viktor Lee and our frequently visiting swimmer from Darwin, Dylan Mende.

The grounds and pool at the Mirani Swimming Pool are always a treat for our swimmers and the day did not disappoint. Thank you, Mirani Swimming Club!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Group Image: Pioneer Swimming Team at the Mirani Swimming Club meet

Image 1 Ashlee Berridge and Kenny Brand

Image 2 Bethany Miles Luka Herring Makenna Malagueno

Image 3 Luka Herring and Bethany Miles

Image 4 Max Demin and Rex Traeger

Image 5 Xavier Saxby

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Round the twist. Mad as a March hare.

How could anyone ride a bike like that? They’d have to be MAD.

Why is it that Mackay and District (MAD) BMX Club Inc. has built a reputation as one of the region’s favourite pastimes where kids shoot around its two, custom-built tracks in Mackay and Walkerston?

It’s because anyone can ride a bike!

Children from as young as two years of age head out to the courses in droves to take part in the weekly outings at the MAD BMX Club because they have already fallen in love with the sport.

There are toddlers with energy to burn, those already with a competitive fervour, and the ones looking for fun. And one better for parents looking for flexibility: you’re not locked into attending every week.

And it’s not just youngsters that take in the adrenaline-fuelled riding, adults of all ages find a community in BMX unlike any other, especially those who get to ride with their kids– and there are opportunities aplenty to come and try it for free.

MAD BMX Club will be hosting a booth at this weekend’s Mackay Sports Expo and a Come and Try Day next weekend on Sunday, February 19 for all ages to have a try at its Mackay Track.

Maybe you could find the sense of freedom that BMX gives its riders yourself.

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Image: Darting around the course at Mackay and District (MAD) BMX Club Inc. is one of the region’s favourite pastimes

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Over the past decade, cheerleading as a competitive team sport has grown exponentially nationwide and worldwide, with the 2022 AASCF (Australian) National Championships having over 13,000 athletes for this single event.

It is not surprising that over the past 18 years, Adrenalin Cheer & Dance has played a role locally, educating students about the competitive sport and building a program that supports individual athlete development and excellence as well as team success.

If you weren't sure what this sport involves, a cheer team might consist of around 8 to 32 athletes executing a series of tumbling, dance, stunts, pyramid, and toss skills designed to be performed with a high level of precision to a fast-paced soundtrack. For this reason, you can imagine a well-rounded team requires athletes of all physiques and skill sets, making it an ideal and inclusive sport for all.

The local sporting club in Mackay trains everything from the casual first-time students up to the competitive athlete, a place for every student, accommodating to those looking to compete and build new, lifelong friendships.

Adrenalin Cheer and Dance hold recreational classes, building skills and confidence for new students and offering competitive programs opportunities for beginners up to level five cheer in addition to pom and hip hop teams.

The expert coaches come from backgrounds as competitive athletes, bringing their wealth of skills to the floor with them.

With a pedigree of past and present success, Adrenalin has claimed national titles, as well as placed and won international championships in both cheerleading and hip hop.

If you want to learn how to tumble, dance, or get started in cheerleading, you’ll find Adrenalin Cheer & Dance at the Mackay Sports Expo this weekend.

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Image: Local studio Adrenalin Cheer & Dance is here to teach one of the world's fastest-growing sports

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When a sold-out crowd packed out Mackay Multisports Stadium to watch the Queensland Firebirds take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning last November, Mackay’s love of netball was evident.

Mackay Netball Association makes everyone’s netball dreams come true, with programs and competitions available for all ages and abilities.

Starting from ages five and six, your child can learn the fundamentals of the sport in the skills and drills program before Mackay Netball Association transitions them into one of 13 clubs in the region to play competition netball.

“It’s the largest female sport in Mackay and we’re looking to have boys and mixed teams as well,” said Mackay Netball Association Operations Manager Sharon Sutherland.

Starting your child in a sport has innumerable benefits including increased fitness, healthy growth of bones and muscles and improved coordination and balance, as well as many social benefits.

“A lot of kids make new friends because they play with not so much their schoolmates but everyone from the region,” said Sharon.

Mackay Netball are currently in week 2 of a NetSetGO! program delivered to over 120 young netballers at no cost to them with the assistance of a BMA Community Grant.  

With the season starting in March and a five-week NetSetGO! program to start in term two, now is the perfect time to consider netball.

Not only is it a fun, social and skilful game, there are plenty of opportunities for development, with teams representing Mackay in competitions all over Australia including the region’s first representative boys’ team heading to the Sunshine Coast later this year.

You can find Sharon and the team from Mackay Netball Association at the Mackay Sports Expo happening on Sunday, February 12 from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the MECC.

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There’s nothing more Australian than footy - maybe a snag, but you can grab one of those at the Eastern Swans Australian Football Club while trying out the country’s favourite pastime on February 26.

You’d be hard-pressed to find an Aussie without knowledge of football: the sport on an oval field with central goal posts and outer posts where hard running, hard hits, and athleticism are king.

A sport linked so tightly with Australian culture, for youngsters Aussie Rules provides a great basis for creating technical skills, building fitness and friendship, and for adults, it is much the same.

With more than 1.5 million registered players, Aussie rules is the nation’s biggest sport and has a long history in Mackay – including with The Swans, a club with a rich past dating back to 1987 when it merged with East Mackay and Trend United.

The successful club is always on the lookout for talent, inviting locals to Come and Try AFL on February 26 from 11am to 1pm after this weekend’s Mackay Sports Expo, where those interested can find out more.

The club fields teams from under sixes to under 17s in the junior grades – with its full complement of experienced coaches guiding the next generation - and has sides for adults too, with men’s and women’s sides.

Looking for their eighth league title, the premier sides are eager to bring in fresh talent at every level of the club, building a strong foundation of players to take into the future.

Find them at the Mackay Sports Expo this weekend for more information.

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Image: Mackay’s Eastern Swans Aussie Rules side – one of the region’s most successful – wants you!

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The final Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series was held in appallingly humid conditions from the Memorial Pool car park last weekend.

The 5km and 10km course options were as usual adaptable for runners should they choose to reduce their distances.  

Many runners chose to take walk breaks and shorten their original distance intentions due to the extreme temperatures that were not helped by warm northerly breezes.  

Race Director Jim Ford is to be congratulated on great course options with varying twists and turns to make it interesting.  

The Mackay Road Runners Club are so grateful for Jim’s expertise along with Alana Knesevic’s support in making sure the Shawn’s Summer Social off season series is held every Sunday afternoon with awesome freezing Zooper Doopers, the favourite part after the race.  

Thank you to Jim and Alana, Adam, Vivian and Harvey for making this happen.

The gold coin donations from each run are put towards post run refreshments and end of year presentations.

Thanks to Jim and Alana as well as Andrew Short, Jo Hughes and Julie Whibley for assisting in a myriad of jobs including course selections, merchandise and reminder notices sent out each and every week.

This Sunday will be a very busy day with the Mackay Road Runners Club being present at the fantastic Mackay Sport Expo at the MECC from 9am to 1pm, then off to the first formal run on the 2023 Mackay Road Runners program in the afternoon.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Image 1: L-R Shawn Claydon’s parents John and Bonnie Claydon and sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Jeff Stewart-Harris were special guests at the final 2022/23 series event

Image 2: L-R Helen Leven, Jo Hughes, Tam Wanstall, Emma Johnson and Kim Saron always enjoy a chat, prerace, post race and anytime in between. Photos credit: Janelle Tilse

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THE JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on will return to the MECC this weekend for the first time since 2020.

More than 80 local clubs will be on display, creating a one-stop-shop of sport and recreation opportunities.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to be back at the MECC after COVID-19 caused the event to go online only for the past two years.

“The 2023 event will be action packed, with the crowd favourite mascot race, active zone demonstrations and all the usual prizes and competitions, such as nominate your favourite club and random draws,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The expo will include dozens of interactive booths, two active zone areas in the north foyer and south foyer and interactive activities outside,” he said.

“Some of the outdoor activities near the north foyer will include a scouts’ rope bridge and fastest-serve tennis.

“In an effort to make the event more inclusive and accessible, we'll also have a relaxed session, quiet-hour, from noon to 1pm.

“The relaxed session is for people who appreciate a quieter environment. The doors to the MECC will be opened, lights turned down and sound levels kept to a minimum.

“JET Maintenance Services is our naming rights sponsor for the first time this year and to celebrate they are giving away $1000 to one of the clubs.”

Those attending are encouraged to nominate their favourite club at the event for a chance to win.

One person who nominated their favourite club will also win an EvaKool Icebox esky, valued at $99, thanks to in-kind sponsor Brand Factor.

Harrup Park Country Club and its Great Barrier Reef Arena have come onboard again this year as sponsor of the active zone in the MECC plenary halls.

Other sponsors for the event include media partners 4MK, Star 101.9 and Channel 7 and in-kind sponsor Brand Factor.

The event will be held Sunday, February 12, from 9am to 1pm, with Star 101.9 broadcasting live.

For more information, visit the JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on page on council's website.

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Image: Active Zone demonstration by Queensland Taekwondo Academy at the 2022 Sports Expo

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There is a whole world out there that you are not aware of: the one of highland and Irish dancing available at Ceilidh Dance Studio Mackay.

Some might be familiar with the jig or stepdance where an Irish dancer, clothed in ornate, shimmering outfits, hops athletically to the fiddle with arms pinned to their sides, legs working.

But many will not know its variants or relatives, the Celtic forms distinct from each other like the Scottish highland dance where arms are raised, or the old style, or the reel, the slip jig, light jig.

At Ceilidh Dance Studio, students can learn the ways of these traditional dances, taking home with them the benefits of being taught the art of physical excellence, competitive spirit, stamina, and strength – forming lifelong friendships while they do it.

The Mackay studio is offering its first two lessons free. Come along to the Mackay Sports Expo this weekend to find out more about the world of Ceilidh.

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Image: What is a Ceilidh (pronounced ˈkeɪli)? There’s no place better to find that out than Ceilidh Dance Studio Mackay

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