Thirteen players from Mackay attended the Rockhampton Congress last weekend competing in Pairs and Team events. First and second in Section A Teams were Mackay’s Bugeia and Sheedy teams, however, the stand out performance of the weekend was team Howe!

The Howe team not only won the Section C Teams event, but finished fifth overall out of twenty teams. This feat outperformed many seasoned Section A and B teams. The Howe team consisted of experienced players, Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce, along with Annette Howe and Jewel Schmidt to create the successful winning combination. Annette and Jewel are new to the game and their dedication and knowledge gained in only two years of play is to be commended. Well done team!

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Monday 9 March 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1^st

Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

2^nd

Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin

3^rd

Joy Block / Thelma Caruana

3^rd

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

Tuesday Evening 10 March 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild

1^st

Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner

2^nd

Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

Wednesday 11 March 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

1^st

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2^nd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2^nd

Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy

3^rd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

3^rd

Victor Mason / John Ludkin

4^th

Alan Brown / Janet Hansen

4^th

Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

5^th

Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

5^th

Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

Thursday Evening 12 March 2026 – 4 Tables One Winner – Green Points

1^st

Jan Harris / Julie O’Neill

2^nd

Martin Pearce / Simon Barnes

3^rd

Lynne O’Neill / Sue Gibson

Friday 13 March 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy

1^st

Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy

2^nd

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Helen Van Den Broek / Karen Caldwell

3^rd

Geoff Cowan / Mick King

3^rd

Ming Ting / David Ting

4^th

Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

4^th

Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

5^th

Gillian McCallum / Rod Miles

5^th

Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 14 March – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

Open Section

E/W

1^st

Margaret Lane / Adrian Westcott

1^st

Geoff Cowan / Vicki Howar

2^nd

Janine Rodgers / Lynne O’Neill

2^nd

Anne Lutz / Ian Vary

3^rd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

4^th

Andrew Canavan / Simon Barnes

4^th

Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

Contributed by Joy Block

CAPTION: Noel, Annette, Jewel and Martin. Photos supplied

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On Wednesday 25 February the ladies at Marian Bowls Club put on an afternoon tea to celebrate three new members being given Life Membership. It was a lovely afternoon for all, with family members also attending.  

Sue Austin joined the Club in 1991 and was asked to take on the position of Games Controller virtually on joining.  Sue did this job for 35 years, and whilst she has stood down from this position to be Assistant Games Controller, Sue is still active at the Club despite health issues over the past year.

Lorraine Hamilton joined the Club in 1980 as a very young player.  During her time with the Club she has taken on positions as President (twice) and Senior Vice President, Selector and Assistant Treasurer. She is always available to help wherever needed as well as being an active bowler.

Katie Moohin joined the Club in 1998.  During her 28 years with the Club she has been President (twice), Selector and also a major Sponsor for many years of the Master 4's competition held at the Club; a major fundraiser event with bowlers coming from the whole district to participate.

Contributed with thanks to Lyn Jackson.

1- New life members, Lorraine Hamilton, Sue Austin & Katie Moohin. Photo supplied

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Earlier this month, over 50 St Patrick’s College students competed at the Mackay Whitsunday Interschool Chess Competition, one of the region’s largest tournaments with more than 150 players.

Top Division Champions, Team 1, comprised Elijah J, Wenlock G, Pascoe G, and Woodley G, with Elijah also achieving a tie for 3rd place individually.

A representative from St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay said, “We are incredibly proud of all students who represented the College.”

Photo source: St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay

10^th March 2026

Table Tennis is a sport for all ages, and here in Mackay we welcome players from five to eighty-five.  From the time you walk in the door, you will be welcomed into the Table Tennis Community, so come along! If you are interested in coming down for a hit or a look, the centre is open for social play on Friday and Sunday mornings from 9am to 12noon.  

Tuesday Morning Fixtures

Division 1: Code Crackers (Doug Dungavell, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) drew 6-6 against Nano Nets (Donna Abbott, John McGee, Peter Goodson), Doug and Donna had a close match with Doug coming out with the win (8,-3,-9,6,6). Byte Bouncers (Andrea Nicholson, Branko Vucurovic, Veronica Needham) also drew 6-6 Pixel Paddles (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Kevin Abbott), no 5 set matches but there was a close double between Andrea and Branko won in close match against George and Judy (8,-10,8,7).

Division 2: Paris Spinners (Val Austin, Robyn Bushell, Ian Dodds) won 8-4 over Sydney Slammers (Gloria Vella, Josie Davis, Thelma Caruana), in the doubles Ian and Robyn outlasted Gloria and Thelma (-9,9,4,5).  Tokyo Turners (Kim Daffy, John Hamelink, Sally Muir) tied up 6-6 with London Loopers (Bryan Marshall, Louise Gould, Pam Keune), John and Pam battled out a massive 5 set match (10,-5.9,-9,8).

Division 3: Solar Comets (Sharon Muller, Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton) defeated Rocket Stars (David Muir, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparutti) 8-4, Sharon came out on top against Madge after 5 sets (9,-6,9,-10,6).  Lunar Legends (Coral Morgan, Laurie Bradshaw, Chris Collins) beat Mars Pioneers (Kim Challendar, Allison Day, Myles Dutton) 6-4, with a great 5 sets Kim came back from 2 sets down Chris, Kim won this battle (-11,-3,8,10,5).

Tuesday Evening Fixtures

Division 1: London (Syed Hossain, Trent Day, Barry Patterson) snuck home against St Louis (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown) 6-5, Neil got his moneys worth again coming back from 2 sets down to win against Barry (-5,-8,7,11,5). Paris (Steve Whiting, Anne Sheridan, Josh Brown) defeated Athens (Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske, Geoff Denman) 8-3, Anne came home strong against Geoff and won (-14,4,6,-5,7).  

Division 2: Antwerp (Robbie Richards, Yilin Jiang, Andrea Nicholson) won 7-4 over Stockholm (Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott, Will VanDeKaa), Yilin came back from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Geoff (-9,-6,2,6,7). Los Angeles (Mark Sleeman, David Astridge, Lee Brake) defeated Amsterdam (Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar, Graham Brake) 6-5, Janice came home strong against Mark to win in close 5 sets (-7,6,-10,7,7).

Division 3: Helsinki (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross, Danial Warfield) had a massive win over Berlin (Mark Stam, Noreen Frederickson, Cameron Villis) 9-2, Danial and Mark had a close battle with Danial winning (-13,13,9,-9,7).  Rome (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson) won 5-0 over Melbourne (Delma Knight, John McGee), the doubles was very close from the word go with Peter and Ian up 2 sets, Delma and John came back to level at 2 sets all, with a nail-biting finish Peter and Ian won (9,9,-9,-8,10)

Divison 4: Tokyo (Rachel Fiesta, Hollie Cleaver) defeated Munich (Liz Burton, Amanda Liu) 4-1, with no 5 set matches but some very close matches over all.  Mexico City (Tiffany Camilleri, Archel Cruz, Dylan Ringwood) just got home 6-5 against Moscow (Logan Brown, Jeff Bennington, Mohmout Ahmed), Tiffany and Logan had a great battle with Tiffany winning in 5 sets (-8,6,9,-8,8). Seoul (David Symons, Ricky Zhan, Mark Bowerman) won 8-3 over Montreal (Melanie Theodore, Craig VanDeKaa), Craig won in close 5 sets against new comer Mark (8,-5,5,-7,10)

Contributed by Andrea Nicholson

1. Fun for Juniors, Seniors and Veterans, everyone is welcome to the Mackay Table Tennis community.

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Mackay played host to the 2026 Under 16 Northern Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC) last weekend, showcasing the region’s rising basketball talent. Local teams dominated the top divisions, much to the delight of supporters.

In the standout performances, the Mackay Meteors claimed the Division 1 Boys title, while the Mackay Meteorettes secured the Division 1 Girls championship. The Mackay Comets also impressed, taking out the Division 2 Boys competition.

Other winners included the Townsville Lightning (Div 2 Girls), Cairns Sharks (Div 3 Boys), and Townsville Sparks (Div 3 Girls).

Basketball Queensland commended the gameplay, and said: “Congratulations to all of the U16 NQJBC Champions & medallists for this representative year, and best of luck to the teams who will compete next month at the Under 16 Boys and Under 16 Girls State Championships!”

The championships not only highlighted Mackay’s strength in junior basketball but also provided valuable experience for young athletes aiming to compete at the state level. With local teams excelling across multiple divisions, the city’s reputation as a hub for emerging basketball talent continues to grow.

Winners:

Div 1 Boys: Mackay Meteors

Div 1 Girls: Mackay Meteorettes

Div 2 Boys: Mackay Comets

Div 2 Girls: Townsville Lightning

Div 3 Boys: Cairns Sharks

Div 3 Girls: Townsville Sparks

Photo source: Basketball Queensland

A remarkable young talent has emerged from our community, and her achievement is something we can all celebrate. At just 13 years old, Shailee Mewha has secured an outstanding second-place finish in the 3000m event at the Queensland Athletic Championships—an accomplishment that has earned her qualification for the Australian Athletics Competition later this year.

Shailee’s success is not just about a silver medal; it reflects dedication, discipline, and countless hours of preparation. Competing against some of the best young athletes in the state, she demonstrated resilience and determination well beyond her years. Her performance is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and passion.

Looking ahead, Shailee is set to compete in multiple demanding events, including the 1500m, 3000m, 2000m, and the challenging steeplechase. Such versatility highlights her strength and commitment as a distance runner.

Our community stands firmly behind her, inspired by her journey and proud of her achievements. Shailee represents the spirit of perseverance and excellence we value so deeply. As she prepares to take the national stage, we wish her every success and look forward to cheering her on in the next chapter of what promises to be a very bright future.

Captions

Photo source: Facebook

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Proserpine Junior Cricket has wrapped up an outstanding 2025/26 season, with a record 140 player registrations highlighting the club’s continued growth and the strength of cricket in the region.

The club fielded its highest number of teams in the Mackay Junior Cricket competition, including its first all-girls team, two additional Under 11 sides, and representation across every age group—making Proserpine the highest participating club.

Success extended beyond participation. Proserpine reached the finals in every eligible age group, with both the Under 15 and Under 17 sides finishing as minor premiers. The Under 17s capped off their campaign with a Grand Final win.

The season also highlighted the strength of the club’s development pathways, with many players earning representative honours across school, regional and state programs. Selections included Northern school teams, Northern Alliance squads, Century Championship competitions in Brisbane, and T20 Smash events. Several players progressed into Central Queensland and Queensland Country pathways.

One player earned selection in the Queensland School Boys team, while another was named in the Queensland Indigenous Training Squad—further demonstrating the depth of talent within the club.

Club President Mike Hope praised the continued progress.

“It is great to see so many of our Junior Pitbulls taking these opportunities and progressing their cricket,” he said.

“Our juniors can now see a clear pathway into future opportunities. Anything is possible.”

Off the field, the club celebrated its presentation day on Saturday, March 15, recognising achievements across all age groups.

Lily Smith was named Female Player of the Season and Club Captain. Champion Player awards went to Hector Valmadre (Under 12s), Bradley Hetherington (Under 14s), and Will Marshall (Under 17s). Ben Hope was named Representative Player of the Season, while Robyn Geisler received Volunteer of the Season.

The club also claimed the prestigious Graham Brown Club Championship Award at the Mackay Cricket and Mackay Whitsunday awards.

Further recognition has come with Queensland Cricket Award nominations, including Volunteer of the Year for Jess and Michael Hope, and Sarah Logan, as well as a nomination for Association of the Year.

With strong participation, growing representative success, and continued community support, Proserpine Junior Cricket is well placed for an even bigger season ahead.

And as always — go the mighty Pitbulls!

Captions

1. Representative Player of the Year – Ben Hope
2. Break Up Fun

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On International Women’s Day Wangaratta Bowls Club had the pleasure in providing the venue and a scrumptious morning tea for the Zonta Ladies who were hosting an event for their guests and ticket holders. The theme for the event was “Balance the Scales”, with guest speakers including three Bowen State High School Leaders as well as Kate Mee, Barb Hill and Zonta District 22 Governor Petra Ladwig. It was a wonderful morning, enjoyed by all.

Winners for Tuesday were Stumpy Adams, Boof Querro and Laurie Land who defeated Bron Tolcher, Skin Querro and Deb Retchless. The jackpot, a tidy sum, remains in the kitty.

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Bill Myers, Stumpy Adams and Graeme Read who defeated Toni Bowen, Sue Shearing and Laurie Land, and Gavin Charles Pat Tracey and Penny Warren who defeated Skin Querro, Boof Querro and Stuart Jeal. The jackpot did not go off.

The All Ladies competition has been drawn through Bowlslink and a copy is posted on the board. If you wish to pre-play please contact Games Director Linda Scells.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

1 - Sunday winners Graeme Read and Stumpy Adams.
2 – Bowen’s Zonta Ladies spent International Women’s Day at Wangaratta Bowls. Photos supplied.

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Again, the weather has affected the week’s play, but weekday comps at least, have taken place. Unfortunately,  the weekend has been adversely affected. Let’s hope March brings better weather.

TUESDAY 24/2/26

PGC - Stableford

MEN :

Winner : John Dodds -39 points

R/Up : Steven Hall - 38 points

3^rd : Nic Apruzzese - 36 points

NTPs : Steven Hall (2^nd), Larry Muller (9^th)

LADIES :

Winner : Leanne Alexander - 23 points C/B

R/Up : Paula McQuat  

3^rd : Tina Badenhorst - 21 points

NTPs : Tina Badenhorst (9^th)

VETS : Stableford

LADIES :

Winner : Jenny Hounsell - 27 points

R/Up : Allison McCarthy - 25 points

3^rd : Leanne Alexander - 23 points C/B

4^th : Paula McQuat

NTPs : Jenny Hounsell (x3), Vickie Wallace, Paula McQuat

MEN :

Winner : Nic Apruzzese with 36 points

R/Up : David Woods - 34 points C/B

3^rd : John Grosskreutz

NTPs : John Roser, Colin Hounsell, Nic Apruzzese, Vic Feldman,

David Woods

WEDNESDAY 25/2/26

PGC - Single Stableford

LADIES :

Winner : Jenny Hounsell -36 points

R/Up : Paula McQuat - 31 points

3^rd : Lyn Muller - 29 points

NTPs : Ann Gardel, Di Chard (2^nd), Jenny Hounsell (9^th)

THURSDAY 26/2/26

PGC - Stableford

MEN :

Winner : Brock Smith - 39 points

R/Up : Lewy Tuck - 37  points

3^rd : John Roser - 36 points

NTPs : Andrew Albergo (2^nd), Brock Smith (4^th), Pascal Neunreuther (8^th & 9^th)

2 shot : the only person - John Dodds on the 9^th

FRIDAY 27/2/26

9 hole Run sponsored by the Metropole Hotel - Front 9

Winner : Elise Hodgson - 21 points

R/up : Jordan ne Mamiel - 20 points (C/B)

3^rd : Luke Nightingale

4^th : Kech Williams

NTPs : Chris Bartlett (2^nd), Kev Cooper (9^th)

SATURDAY 28/2/26 - COURSE CLOSED

Stableford sponsored by the Airlie Beach Hotel

SUNDAY 1/3/26 - COURSE CLOSED

March MM sponsored by KJC - to be rescheduled

* * *

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Cannonvale Cannons swimmers and families travelled to Mackay last weekend for the North Queensland Championships, where very challenging weather conditions played a major role in the event. Heavy rain and lightning ultimately forced officials to cancel the final day of competition on Sunday after two days of difficult conditions in and around the pool.

North Queensland Swimming officials are currently working through the results manually to determine the Age Champions and Champion Club standings. With the final tallies still being calculated, the Cannons look forward to reporting the full results from the meet next week.

What we can celebrate straight away, however, is the Cannons’ fantastic effort in the Grand Parade. The club proudly took home the Grand Parade prize thanks to an impressive flotilla of ships, complete with watergun cannons and a crew of enthusiastic pirates. A massive thank you goes to Ginger White for the time and effort put into organising the flotilla and bringing the Cannons’ pirate theme to life.

Back at the club, it has been an exciting fortnight for young swimmer Lucas Korosec, who has claimed an incredible five club records in just two weeks. Lucas set a new mark in the 9 Years Boys 200m Individual Medley with a time of 3:07.06, breaking a record previously held by Abel Morris since 1999 (3:15.37). He also set new records in the 9 Years Boys 100m Backstroke (1:27.67) and 50m Freestyle (35.06), both previously held by Jy Parkinson since 2015. Lucas also added new records in the 9 Years Boys 200m Freestyle and 100m Individual Medley. Well done, Lucas — the club is incredibly proud of your achievements.

Congratulations also go to swimmers who achieved grade upgrades over the past fortnight: Kaitlyn Moon, Wilson Hounsell, Hamilton Anflous, Pippa Laguna, Levi Smith, Giaan Lee, Alex Trefz, Mackenzie Bennett and Harper Plested.

With only three club nights remaining this season, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finish for the Cannons.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

Captions

Lukas Korosec with club records

Photo supplied

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Cannonvale Cannons made a strong showing at the Mirani Long Course Transition Meet, originally scheduled for January but postponed due to wet weather. With the date change impacting availability, a smaller team of 15 swimmers represented the club — but they certainly made their presence felt.

A special congratulations to Wilson and Olive Hounsell and Miranda Palmero, who were proudly presented with A Grade upgrade medals on the day.

Standout performances included Mackenzie Bennett’s incredible 17.59 second personal best in the 200m Freestyle, smashing through the three-minute barrier in a breakthrough swim. Eloise Chegwidden and Jax Clayworth dominated their events, each claiming a clean sweep of gold medals. Faithlyn Trotter also impressed, improving her times across every event she contested.

Adding to the excitement, Tyler Bennett, Jax Clayworth, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden and Maeve Dichiera all placed in the crowd-favourite Dash for Cash events, walking away with well-earned prize money.

Back at home, this week’s club night presentation celebrated more achievements. Upgrade certificates were awarded to Cooper Konopka, Reid Springbett and Harper Plested. Coaches Awards went to Alfie Konopka for his 12m Backstroke and Kaitlyn Moon for her 50m Freestyle, recognising their effort and technique. The ever-popular chocolate award for closest to personal best went to Lucas Korosec, finishing just 0.01 seconds off his seed time!

With momentum building, Cannons swimmers are now focused on the 74th Annual North Queensland Championships in Mackay this weekend. We wish all competitors the very best as they take on the region’s best.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec.

Captions

Eloise Chegwidden at Mirani Carnival

Photo supplied

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club Weekly News

The second week of autumn has arrived and it already looks like cyclone season may be approaching. However, with our wonderful bowls cover and lights, we can continue bowling in any weather that comes our way.

The Ladies' and Men's competitions are now in full swing, and the mixed competitions will begin soon. Several of our newer bowlers recorded impressive wins this week, with Des Balance defeating Stacey Hadlow and Phil O’Brien comfortably accounting for John Fielding in what were considered major upsets. Warren Mills also continued his purple patch of form, defeating Harry Quod 26–13.

Tuesday’s social bowls saw Joan McGrath once again among the winners, this time playing with Stan Larkin at lead and David “Choc” Cleary at second in a very entertaining game.

Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls featured three games of triples. The biggest winning team was skippered by Gary Smith, with Rick Brunell—arguably the best lead in our club—and second Mark Mawson defeating Ted Cullen’s team, who were unlucky despite solid efforts from Duncan Smith and Alan Pershouse.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls competition has now reached the halfway mark of the round and features 12 teams. The current leaders are Girl Power, with Maureen Barnard at lead, Sue Dakin at second, Gail Simms at third, and skipper Cathy Russell. Four teams are tied in second place—Flame Tree Sparkies and Chippies, TNP Property, and Flexi Hire—in what is shaping up to be a very close competition.

Saturday morning’s Scroungers saw first-round winners Des Balance and Andy McDougall, with Des Balance taking out the A Grade prize and Rene Thommen winning the B Grade.

A terrible downpour on Sunday meant only eight bowlers took to the green, but Andy McDougall and David “Choc” Cleary delivered a brilliant performance, finishing as unbeatable winners with a mammoth score of 46–13.

The photo this week features Michael Heynatz, an outstanding talent in the making. With the support of the Endeavour Foundation, Michael is making great strides toward achieving his goal of representing Airlie Beach in the disabled games next year.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Captions

Photo supplied

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Welcome to 5 set week, with massive matches in every division of the evening fixtures. Josh Brown was the stand out with all 3 of his matches going to 5 sets. Josh battled to win against his dad (5 Set Neil) Neil Brown

(7,-7,-6,7,11), he also had close matches with Emma Widdup and Lily Boland, he definitely got his money’s worth for the night.  

Division 1: Paris (Steve Whiting, Anne Sheridan, Josh Brown) def St Louis (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown, Lily Boland) 8-3 and the outstanding triple, with 5 set wins to Josh Brown that are featured above.  Athens (Goncalo Serra, Graeme Walker, Geoff Denman) def London (Barry Patterson, Trent Day, Syed Hossain) 8-3 with one 5 set match between Graeme and Syed with Graeme winning.

Division 2: Los Angeles (Allan Edwards, Lee Brake, Mark Sleeman) def Stockholm (Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott, Will VanDeKaa) 8-3 with Allan coming back to win against Geoff (8,-7,9,-7,8).   Antwerp (Andrea Nicholson, Robbie Richards, Yilin Jiang) def Amsterdam (Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar, Graham Brake) 8-3, with Andrea went and finished Tuesday with a big win over Graham (-9,6,-12,9,8).

Division 3: Helsinki (George Camilleri, Daniel Warfield) def Melbourne (Ollie Hamelink, Delma Knight) 5-0 with people missing from both sides, there were no 5 set matches.  Rome (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Matt West) def Berlin (Mark Stam, Noreen Frederickson, Simon Hogan) 8-3, Ian came back from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Noreen (-8,-8,7,5,9).  

Division 4: Tokyo (Hollie Cleaver, Remy Zhan, Rachel Fiesta) def Mexico City (Kirsten Edwards, Dylan Ringwood, Archel Cruz) 9-2, Rachel and Remy snuck home a very close 5 set match against Archel and Dylan (12,-11,-5, 9,9).  Montreal (Craig VanDeKaa, Jeric Engay, Melanie Theodore) def Munich (Liz Burton, Eldan Japay, Amanda Liu) 7-4, Liz made a clean sweep with winning all 3 singles and just coming home against Jeric in the 5^th set (6,12,-11,-6,6).  Moscow (Mohmout Ahmed, Logan Brown, Jeff Bennington) def Seoul (David Symons, Ricky Zhan, Regina Wulf) 8-3, Ricky came back in the 5^th set to win against Jeff (-8,2,8,-8,9).

Contributed with thanks to Andrea Nicholson.

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Mackay Road Runners had a busy weekend, beginning with the official launch of the BMA Mackay Marina Run on Friday morning, followed by the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run on Friday evening, and concluding with the club’s social 5/10km calendar event at the Mackay Surf Club on Sunday afternoon.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson formally launched the 2026 event at a sponsors and media promotional meet-and-greet held at Moss On Wood. The event was also attended by beneficiary charity, the Leukaemia Foundation. Inclement weather saw the launch relocated from Bluewater Quay; however, the Mackay Airport Twilight City Fun Run at 6pm proceeded as planned at Bluewater Quay, where hundreds of runners braved damp conditions to run and raise vital funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

With many Mackay Road Runners volunteering across both events, the club hosted a low-key social 5/10km run from the Mackay Surf Club on Sunday. Weather conditions lifted in time for the 5pm start, with more than twenty-five runners and supporters taking on a challenging course set by Race Director Andrew Short. The route thoughtfully incorporated Mt Bassett and the spectacular Southern Breakwater.

This Sunday, MAD Fitness will once again generously sponsor the club’s first Club Championship race of the season. The 5km event will commence at 7am sharp from the Queen’s Park Shakespeare Street carpark entrance. To accrue valuable championship points, runners are encouraged to go online and become a club member.

All members must report to the timekeeper/registrar 15 minutes prior to gun time and wear their race number bib on the front of their clothing so the timekeeper’s chip reader mat can recognise them and automatically allocate their finishing place. Casual day runners are also welcome for a $10 race day fee.

Participants are encouraged to stay after the race for the presentation of a range of random draw prizes donated by MAD Fitness.

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5202 -   Toby Rule (3^rd right) takes a steady lead from the gun at the Mackay Surf Club social 5k, 10k ahead of next weekend’s Under 20 State Athletics Titles in Brisbane in the 800 metres, 1500 metres and 3000 metre steeplechase.

5291 – Mackay Road Runners Merchandiser, Jo Hughes (right) presents Stephen Oberg with his 50^th Anniversary singlet which included pretty flowery paper and a pink ribbon.

5221 – Hazel and her Mum Katie Dalton enjoy the Mackay Road Runners social 5km Mackay Surf Club.

5257 – Jess Evetts enjoys the Mackay Marina’s Southern Breakwater spectacular scenery during the Mackay Road Runners Mackay Surf Club social 10km.

5100 – Muscle Garden and Mackay Road Runners athletes enjoy the Mackay Airport Twilight City 5km Fun Run.

5207 – Carolyn Mapes and Daniel Stampa enjoy the social 5km Mackay Road Runners Mackay Surf Club. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Zone Pairs Winners head to Brisbane to compete in the TBIB QBA Festival of Bridge in October.

Twenty Six pairs, three from Bowen, competed in the 2026 Whitsunday Zone Pairs competition in Mackay last weekend. A big thank you to Whitsunday Zone delegate Lorna Shuttlewood and Director Ian Cruickshank who convened the two day event. Winners of the Open Section were Janelle Conroy and Geoff Taylor, with Andrew Canavan and Geoff Cowan winning the Novice Section.

Weekly Results

Monday 2 March 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

1^st

Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

2^nd

Sandy Patterson / Debra Goodchild

3^rd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Christine Nice / Gillian McCallum

4^th

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4^th

Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford

Tuesday Evening 3 March 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2^nd

Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

3^rd

Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

4^th

Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner

Wednesday 4 March 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Monica Darley / Frances Brown

1^st

Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2^nd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

3^rd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3^rd

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

4^th

Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

4^th

Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller

Thursday Evening 5 March 2026 – 4 Tables One Winner – Green Points

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers

2^nd

Adrian Westcott / Faye Wright

3^rd

Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris

Friday 6 March 2026 – NWP 5 of 26 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy

1^st

Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

2^nd

Kath Poole / Nancy Martin

2^nd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

4^th

Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

4^th

Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy

Saturday 7 March & Sunday 8 March 2026

Open Section

Novice Section

1^st

Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

1^st

Geoff Cowan / Andrew Canavan

2^nd

Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2^nd

Mary Rose Ramsden / Sandy Patterson

3^rd

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3^rd

Lynne O’Neill / Karen Caldwell

4^th

Geoffrey Patterson / Ken Seaniger

4^th

Jill Brabon / Beverley Lowcock

Captions:

Whitsunday Zone Delegate Lorna with Open Winners Janelle and Geoff

Lorna with Novice Winners Andrew and Geoff. Photos supplied