Anne-Marie Kehres is championing the sport of mountain biking for the Whitsundays in more than one way.

The Proserpine local, who recently returned from the National Mountain Bike Championship Cross Country Marathon XCM with a national title and a championship jersey, is an extreme advocate for her favourite extreme sport.

For her, it was passion, discipline and unbridled commitment which helped her win, each born from a place of vulnerability matched by strength – as well as a photograph taken years before.

“At a previous tournament in 2020, I sat on the number one podium as a joke. I’d come dead last and I told my husband to take a photo of me sitting there. I’ve had that photo blown up and put on my wall as a goal,” Kehres said.

“I’m a huge believer in the power of the subconscious mind and that, somehow, somewhere, that goal would be met.”

It was two years before Kehres, at the Championships in Wagga Wagga two weeks ago, was ready to challenge that goal on the torturous 75-kilometre distance course with a fire in her belly.

“Everything fell into place that day; I felt well. I was very excited and there’s nothing better,” she said.

But there was a mishap: coming off the bitumen into the track, there was a small, muddy dip and Kehres underjudged and had a crash. But here’s where grit came into play.

“It was good in a sense,” Kehres said.

“My competitors went ahead of me and as soon as I got back on the bike, my brain switched. I said: no this isn’t happening today and I’m going to catch up, that jersey is mine.”

She conquered Wagga Wagga’s course and gained the top accolade in the process – a National title and a championship jersey.

“As I crossed the finish line, I looked at this lady I was riding with and said, did I just do that, and I started crying. The only reason I sometimes believe it’s happened is looking at the jersey. It just goes to show you’re capable of doing whatever you put your mind to,” Kehres said.

It’s another win in a long series of top spots the local rider has claimed, and another landmark in a journey that started over 20 years ago.

“I had a chronic disease that plagued me for 25 years – an eating disorder – where in my late 20s and early 30s I weighed no more than 30 kilos. Doctors would look at me and say, how are you still alive?” she said.

“Mountain biking is one of the things that God placed in my life to save me from my eating disorder.

“I was born and raised in Lebanon in the war, and my escape was going into the olive fields and the bush. Now, if life gets too much, I still go into the bush – just now on a mountain bike.

“I was in America and somebody introduced me to the bike and I loved being out in nature in the bush already. It was a perfect match.

“It takes your mind away and you can listen to the harmony of the birds, the wind, and it grounds you. It brings you back to what life’s about.”

Now, Kehres wants to impart the gift of mountain biking to the entire region through advocating on its behalf. Something she’s been doing as Secretary of the Whitsunday Mountain Biking Club.

“Because it’s such a grounding sport – it gets you one with nature – it helps with anxiety and getting you back into the world,” Kehres said.

“I want people to be able to experience that. I want my kids to experience that; because I try to show my boys that even if you’re older, even if you were slow, you can put your mind to something and do it. But you need to be disciplined and be faithful to yourself.

“That’s what I think people can get from mountain biking.”

Kehres wants to bring in more trails to the region in a wider range of levels -  green, blue, and black. Having access to those and being able to train the region’s up and comers and progress them is her goal.

“At the moment, all our mountain biking trails are black,” Kehres said.

“We’ve got champion mountain bikers who live in the region who’ve got nowhere to train on. Imagine the tourism and what that could bring to the area if we hosted a national championship some day – a Commonwealth Games.

“We’ve got the region; we’ve got the most beautiful views. All you need is elevation, which we have – it’s just about making it work now.

“I’d love to see riders from our region grow and prosper and achieve even more national acclaim.”

Local Anne-Marie Kehres has achieved an incredible feat in Mountain Biking, and wants the rest of the region to get in on the sporting fun

Kehres claimed a National title and championship jersey as winner of the National Mountain Bike Championship Cross Marathon XCM

From humble beginnings as a slow rider, Kehres said it was persistence and personal motivation that led her to the big win

Kehres’ new national championship jersey, which she says she can hardly believe she won

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Monday, August 29: Airlie Beach Bowls Club hosted its Spring Fling Carnival with 10 teams participating.

First place went to Terry Clarke, Bev Taylor, Ted Cullen, and Karen Jensen. Second place were Robin and John Brown, Margo Stanley, and John Askew, with the best dressed going to Joan McGrath, Regina Aqualina, Vicki Spann, and Henny Tattam.

Tuesday: Skipper Betty Nicole with Nicki Buller teamed up to beat the rest of the field.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw 20 bowlers vying for the prize with Bill Gordon at lead Bobby Ward at second and skipper Col Morris too strong for the rest of the field.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls’ penultimate round saw a shock defeat of PRD by Hadlow Racing and Woolies Allsorts, Tuk Tuks and Aaron DeBrincatts team all going for gold to be crowned Champions.

Friday saw the final of the club’s school competition between Hazel Farrell, Alice Wheeler, Roy Blain, Jack Pini, Harry Craig, Corey Stroud, Katarna Bunk, and Demika.

Played in pairs, first place went to year eight students Corey Stroud and Harry Craig. Winners of the girl’s competition were Demika and Katarna Bunt.

The weekend saw the Pratt Cup being played all over Mackay with Airlie Beach’s team of fours competing.

John Askew, Stephen Lawrie, Peter Barratt and Skipper Bob McMahon with the pairs team of Mark Mawson and Luke Kinnear took part, whilst Warren Mills played singles.

The Airlie Beach teams played remarkably well to make the semi-finals and finished third.

Sunday social bowls: John Fielding took out the prestigious Health Hub award whilst Henny Tattam and Tony Whitehorn beat the other 26 bowlers.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Bowen Bowls Club claimed third place at Airlie Beach Bowls Club Spring Fling Carnival with a team of Gavin Charles, Steve Roome, Sue Fox, and Helen Jacobsen.

Sunday Scroungers: winners Steve Roome and Lee Welsted.

Club Singles Final: The winner was Shane Spann and Runner up Gus Munro.

Wednesday Social Bowls: Keith Kirk, Allen Williams, Helen Jacobsen defeated Mary Ellen Pratten, G Dent, D. Hindmarsh.  Bev Smith, Paula Welsted, Gus Munro defeated Lorraine McArthur, Jane Gilbert, Peter Hindmarsh.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Club Singles final winner Shane Spann and Runner up Gus Munro

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Monday Triples: Winners for the afternoon were Ken De Wallace, Chris Frew, and Peter Donoghue.

Tuesday saw a full green as they celebrated President Margaret’s Day, players travelled from South Townsville, Alligator Creek, Jubilee, Ayr, and Airlie Beach as well as local members and visitors.

A morning game sponsored by Fitzgerald Funerals Townsville saw winners C Campbell, Bob Dykstra, Beryl Cornford, and Heather Jorgensen.

Second place went to Pam Breakwell, Mary Whitbread, Chris Robinson, and Elaine Kippen, and third Place to Carolyne Jones, Lorraine Knight, Penny Warren, and Leslie Bates.

NQ Patron Wilma Berryman won the spider.

Fun Friday: winners for the afternoon were Judy Christie and Kevin Baxter.

Sunday afternoon Father’s Day Trophy was sponsored by local business P&O Meehan Menswear.

Winners were Lyn Madden, Barry Beel, and Lorraine Knight who defeated Deb Beel, Ron, and Pat Wilson. The jackpot didn’t go off.

It was great to see our 102-year Life Member Brian Winspear - one of the last surviving Airforce pilots from the bombing of Darwin - at afternoon tea. Brian kept the crowd entertained with his humour.

Mixed 4’s Competition saw Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, Margaret Wilson, and Mark Drummond defeat Denise Wallace, Barry Beel, Penny Warren, and Allan Rolfe.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Life member Brian Winspear

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Back in August, the first game of the year was a belter remainder for Proserpine State High School student cricketers where they travelled to Mackay to bring the season in against Mercy College.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, PSHS found it tough to get going in the early stages.

J.Valmadre (4) got the ball rolling over the boundary with his first scoring shot before the old “yes, no, yes, wait” call had him heading to the sheds soon after.

B.Valmadre did what he does best and tick the scoreboard over making 28 from 33 sending the cherry to the boundary 4 times before departing and PSHS were 2-50 at the 13th over mark.

This bought D.Pettierford (duck) in to partner K.Porter (3) but with the wind in their sails and bowling well, Mercy College soon had this pair back in the pavilion and PSHS in big trouble.

As we have come to expect from this special group of players and never say die attitude L.McDermid (15no) and J.Rock (11no) brought the innings to an end, giving our boys something to defend with their timely cameos and PSHS posting  a smallish total of 4-86 off 20overs.

Mercy College then bolted out of the blocks with the bat even after some tight bowling from Z.Henry (0-18), L.McDermid (0-9), L.Dwyer (0-9) they had raced to 0-48. A.Geisel (1-6) then produced a peach, sending the middle stump cartwheeling towards the airport runway.

This was followed by J.Valmadre’s brilliant throw from cover finding the inform N.Jackson short on 32, the score was 2-55 in the 12th and Mercy College were still sitting comfortable.

M.Logan(0-5) tighten things up with the ball and with some great fielding in the deep from F.Roganov, Z.Henry and K.Porter as well as W.Logan behind the stumps made Mercy College work hard for their runs. B.Valmadre(3-13) and players player Dangerous Donny Pettierford(5-11) who got to raise the pill for his five wicket haul, both had little success from their first overs and the hosts were 2-71 in the 15th over.

With their backs against the wall PSHS lifted and the next five overs showed no mercy to the college boys, ripping through their batsmen to be all out for 76 in one of the biggest turnarounds in the competition’s history.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

The Proserpine State High School junior cricket team started off their season in memorable fashion

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On Wednesday at Bowen Golf Club, ladies and men played a single stableford sponsored by the club.

Men's winner on a countback was Peter Fitzgerald, 40 points, runner up John Martin, 40. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Penny Stewart, 38 points, runner up was Lisa Raisbeck, 38.

Saturday was the ladies’ September Monthly medal, where winner Janice Bates had 68 nett, runner up Joy Hose 71 nett.  

Pin shots to Bonnie Kohlhase, Julie Martin, Janice Bates, and Leanne Swan.

Sunday was the men's September Monthly medal with winner Andrew Menzies 63 nett, runner up Dylan Nott 66 nett.  

Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.

This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

September ladies’ monthly medal winner

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The threat of inclement weather deterred some from playing in the past week’s at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf, however the rain stayed away for a few surprisingly pleasant days.

Eight ladies and eleven men competed for a fun day with three clubs and a putter. Robyn Whitham took out the day for the ladies with a lovely 35 points followed by Paula McQuat, 30, and Jacqueline Wall on 28.

For the men it was Trevor Paroz on 34, John Roser, 33, and Frank Maloney, 32.  Pin shots went to Paula McQuat, Elspeth Scotford and Marieta Smith, Trevor Paroz, John Roser, Frank Maloney and Steve Mitchell.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Robyn Whitham

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The weather was not ideal for the golfer this week with rain and wind proving a little challenging at all courses in the Whitsundays – including Whitsunday Green.

Rhys Bartholomew was the winner of the weekly comp with 22 points, James Millar took second place over Rob Lodders on the count back, both scored 20 points.

On Friday Tyson Flavel won the 9-hole comp with 21 points, Brayden Davies was second with 18 and Glenn Rees third with 17 points.

For Sunday’s 18-hole stableford it was Glenn Rees with 42 points who won over Rhys Bartholomew with 36 and Terry Kimpton with 35 points.

Nearest the Pin on the day was Tyson Flavel and Terry Kimpton. This Sunday it will be 18-hole SKINS.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Four Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams travelled to Harrup Park on Saturday to represent in the Preliminary Finals with the opportunity to make the Grand Final.

Sea Eagles Senior Men saw the Mackay City Hawks get the jump and come out hard. Sea Eagles came back with defence working hard to limit Hawks to a single goal in the second half. Momentum was in Sea Eagles favour seeing their share of the footy however unable to convert going forward the 31 – 49 loss saw an end to their season.

Sea Eagles Under 17s who took on the Swarks were determined to bounce back after last week’s loss. Hungry for the footy Sea Eagles were able to hit the scoreboard early through great goals from Adam Singleton and Bailey Wishart. Foxx LaMonica continued his late season form whilst Aniel Walsh worked tirelessly in the ruck all day and provided excellent defensive pressure. Sea Eagles kept Swarks under control for the day winning 49 – 29 and setting up a Grand Final showdown with the undefeated Saints.

It was a tough ask for Sea Eagles Under 14s taking on minor premiers Moranbah Bulldogs who were always going to come out hard. Sea Eagles were unable to get on top losing 14 – 89 in a courageous effort.

Second week running the Sea Eagles Under 12s had another close shave winning the Preliminary Final against the Swarks. There were stories of individual greatness and whole-team efforts with Sea Eagles combining to create opportunities. Sea Eagles were behind in the dying minutes before a goal after the siren saw Sea Eagles come home winners 27 – 24 to earn their place in the Grand Final. Sea Eagles run into the Grand Final this week against Moranbah Bulldogs with some great momentum under their belts.

This Saturday, September 10, Sea Eagles Under 12s and Under 17s contest their Grand Finals at Harrup Park. Under 12s 8am, Under 17s 11:10am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

U12s Whitsunday Sea Eagles player Sterling Rogan-Hamilton

U17s player Foxx LaMonica

U17s player Kai Grimmond

Photo credit: Cody Fowler, and Kylie Allen

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The first weekend of football finals in Mackay was played on sodden fields following a couple of solid days of rain.

With six Whitsunday United Football Club teams playing on Saturday, travelling spectators were geared up for a back-to-back set of competitive outings.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan for the local side, with five losses despite some incredible performances, but the day ended on a massive high with the Premier Men's side beating Lions convincingly and qualifying for the Grand Final.

The day started well with U14 Div 1 kicking off at 9am and matching the dominant Lions Green side from the outset. A goal by Lions had supporters worried, but the Whitsunday kids dug deeper and found the equaliser with Billy Hinton running onto a great through ball and slamming it over a diving goalkeeper.

With a 1-1 scoreline at the end of regular time, it is only the second instance that the Lions side had been held to a draw.

Extra time started and the arm wrestle continued until late, when the Mackay side scored to break the dead lock. A weary Whitsunday team conceded a third goal but are not out of the finals yet. They are keen to face Country United this weekend and earn a Grand Final spot

The U14 Premiers were up next. The young side have been a class act all year and were confident of beating Mackay Crusaders to guarantee a Grand Final berth.

Unfortunately, Crusaders fired and the Whitsunday side, missing a few players, struggled. Going down 2-0 was not the expected result, but Coach Peter Farrell was optimistic.

"This will be a real wake up call for the kids,” He said.

“They will be really keen to make up for this loss and with all players expected back next weekend, everyone is confident.”

The team was presented with their minor Premiership trophy and medals after the game.

The U16 Prem's battled through to the end but their season finished on Saturday. After a slow start against City Brothers, they came good in the second half and ended up with a 1-1 draw through the boot of Beau Bonnyman.

Into extra time, opportunities were scarce for both sides and every player dug deep in the heat. At the end of extra time the score was still drawn, and the game was decided on a penalty shoot-out. Although disappointed, the team came together and achieved some great results in a very tight and evenly matched competition.

U23 Men and Premier Women suffered through lack of numbers or injuries and with patched together sides. They were no match for their respective opposition on the day. With full squads, the result may well have been different, however both sides are now looking to build on this year and progress further next year.

The Whitsunday Premier Men stamped their authority on their opponents from the outset with a goal to Harry Hodgen in the opening minutes setting the tone for the rest of the match. Lions played a strong, physical game but were unable to counter the speed and precision of the Whitsunday attack and aggressive defence.

The goals continued to flow with Harry adding to his opening salvo along with goals to Hayden Filby and an absolute scorcher from Martyn Goodey who was also rock solid in defence. A remarkable display of football from the Whitsunday team who celebrated the win and their progression to the Grand Final.

They received their Minor Premiership Trophy, all the while singing out the club song across Mackay Football Park.

Whitsunday United’s Premier Men’s side received their medals and trophy after winning the minor Premiership last week

U14 Whitsunday United Premier side were crowned as minor Premiers for 2022

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Bowen Polocrosse Club had a field of competitors head south past Mackay for a weekend of racing at the Nebo Carnival 2022.

The weekend signalled the last competitive fixtures for the year for the Bowen Club who travelled to Nebo in good numbers.

The year’s last carnival always brings the best out in the playing group with everyone putting in fantastic performances across the competition.

The club was represented by two sections: Bowen One – a team of Jess,Mick, and Morco; and Bowen One  -Adam, Shannon, and Farren.

Both sections played a great game, with Bowen One and Two playing each other in the semi-finals for the C Grade.

Bowen One took the win with a golden point in overtime to move onto the finals on Sunday against Alton Downs/Pyramid team.

Unfortunately, Bowen One weren’t able to keep their high-flying form going, and had to walk away with runners up in the C Grade

The club is looking forward to seeing all its members at the yearly break up. The local club are already on the lookout for interested players and can be contacted through their Facebook page.

They will be hosting a full come and try day on Saturday October 1. Experienced players will be available on the day to help guide newbies, and the atmosphere is promised to be a fun one as participants learn to throw and catch a ball on the ground before graduating to horseback.

The basic skills of horseback riding and getting a general feel for the game will also be on offer alongside a sausage sizzle lunch at Bowen Polocrosse Grounds, Woodlands Road.

Contributed with thanks to Jess Foster

Bowen Polocrosse Player Shannon Burns represented in the Bowen One team at the recent Nebo Carnival

Adam Burns, Farren Jamison, and Shannon Burns all looking for a big catch as they face off against sides from across the region

The Bowen club will host a come and try day to end its season, enticing locals to have a crack at the sport

The outing at Nebo Carnival 2022 was the clubs last for the season, but they’re looking towards an impressive year next year

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It is the start of the swim season and the Cannonvale Cannons would like to encourage children to come along to a Club Night to see what club swimming is all about.  

Club Nights are held on Wednesdays from 5pm, with swimmers able to try 12-metre or 25-metre when they first start.

As they progress, they can make their way towards longer swims.

On Wednesday night, the Cannons honoured all the fathers and held a Father’s Day raffle.  Coach, Mark Erickson was very surprised that he won the raffle!  A big thank to the Davies’ family for cooking the barbecue.

The club presented Isabella Pisaniello with an Upgrade Certificate.  Tora and Harris Delac were presented with the Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests.  Congratulations to Gracie Laguna for winning the Swim Star Award.  

Top performers on Wednesday night include Indi Smith who swam a massive 19.72sec PB in her 100m IM.  

Don Algie swam a super 200-metre Freestyle in 3.01.87 which was a 13.76 second personal best (PB).  James Davies and Celeste Orenshaw swam extremely well, taking over two seconds off the majority of their races.  

Lucas Korosec swam a mighty 25m Butterfly in a time of 35.42s which was a 4 second PB.  Lily Maher and her brother, Owen both swam fantastic times in their Freestyle events taking over one second off their previous best time.  Matilda Nicholes swam an awesome 50-metre Freestyle in 39.71 seconds.  

Isabella Pisaniello made 100-metre Butterfly look easy, in a time of 2.04.64.  Millah Walker swam impressive times in her Freestyle and Backstroke races.  

For more information on Club Nights and registration, contact Club Registrar Giselle Burton.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Harris and Tora Delac with Chocolate Awards

Nelson Malady with father Ben

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Frances and Alan Brown starred at The Yeppoon Pairs and Teams Congress. Frances and Alan came third overall (Category A) pairs and the Brown team - Alan and Frances Brown, Janet Hanse and Diane Morgan came first in the team’s event.

Noel Saunders and Ted Cullinan came first (Category C).

Nine pairs from the Mackay Club attended the weekend competition, all other Mackay teams performing well.

Mackay Club member Geoff Taylor was director for the Yeppoon Congress.

Weekly Results

Monday 29 August 22 – 6 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright

3rd Maria Setiyawan / Robert Carless 3rd Clare Wallace / Ming Ting

Eclectic for Tuesdays in August

1st Eric Goodchild 4th Janet Hansen

1st Noel Bugeia 5th Diane Morgan

3rd Terrence Sheedy

Wednesday 31 August 22 – 6 Table One Winner - Australian Wide Pairs

1st Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 5th Debbie Ludkin / Cath Willis

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 5th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leisley

Thursday 1 September 2022 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Mick King / Patricia Garner 3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Marylin Wilson-Nicoll

Friday 2 September 22 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points – Nationwide Pairs 17 of 22

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Janine Rogers / Richard Wix

2nd Monica Darley / Del Ryan 2nd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

Saturday 3 September 22 - Barometer Pairs – Results not available at time of submission

Team Brown – Diane, Alan, Frances and Janet

Geoff Taylor Director Noel Curran, Yeppoon President Lauren and Ted Cullinan

Frances and Alan Brown (Pictured right)

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The Marian Ladies Master 4s were held between August 15 and 17 and was a great success, with the team of Robyn Deveraux, Dealia Walsh, Val Pilcher and Gail Meng finishing as victors.  

The win continues Robyn Deveraux’s display of dominance as she has been a part of the winning team four years in a row.

The team of Robyn Schatkowski, Dot Wise, Carol Savage and Vicky Spann were runners-up after a competitive competition.  

The tournament saw some amazing bowls played in great sportsmanship.

Many thanks were given to the sponsor Our Retreat Station and Katie Moohin for once again making the tournament possible.

President and Sponsor Katie Moohin with winners Robyn Deveraux, Dealia Walsh, Val Pilcher and Gail Meng

Runners-up Vicky Spann, Dot Wise, Robyn Schatkowski and Katie Moohin - absent Carol Savage. Photos supplied: Lyn Jackson

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The Mackay Basketball NBL1 Presentations were held last month at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club.

Taking out the top award, the Club Person Award of the Year with the Mal Steindl Trophy, was coach Joel Khalu.

Mackay Basketball’s statement said, “Joel is one of our most dedicated, hardworking and humble members here at Mackay Basketball.

“There is nothing you won’t find him doing, particularly on an NBL1 game day.

Joel Khalu won the Club Person of the Year award. Photo credits: Keiron Place Photography

Junior Club Person of the Year winner: Lachlan Peach

Meteors MVP dual winners Kyrin Galloway and Jaylin Galloway

Meteorettes MVP Alisia Jenkins

Meteors Best Defensive Player: Viliami Foketi

Meteorettes Most Improved: Monique Bobongie

Coach Award Meteorettes - Courtney Virgo

Coach Award Meteors - Sam Haughton

Players’ Player Award: Meteorettes - Ellie Collins

Players’ Player Award: Meteors - Viliami Foketi

Club Commitment to Community award winners: Alisia Jenkins and Alexa Hart

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