Saturday saw Whitsunday Sea Eagles hold their 2023 Season Club Presentations celebrating another brilliant year on field.

2023 saw Sea Eagles Under 17s and Under 12s play in Grand Finals doing a great job for the Club against strong opposition.

Senior Men played in Preliminary Finals coming third for the season, whilst Senior Women and Under 14s celebrated their growing skill development with multiple wins on the board.

Sea Eagles players polled well across the AFLQ Mackay League Best and Fairest along with multiple players honoured in Teams of the Year.

Dean Armitage took out the 2023 Junior Coach of the Year recognising a great season for Whitsunday Sea Eagles Under 17s.

Senior Men’s Best and Fairest went to Billy Galpin as reward for a dominant first year at the Club along with the leading goalkicker bagging 27 goals for the season.

Runner Up B&F Ryan Lee had another consistent year with a shift into the backline showing his talent around the ground.

Senior Women Best and Fairest was taken out by the ever skilful and athletic Cleo Dickie for the second year running.

Runner Up B&F Lana Rademeyer showed her talent through the season whilst Mia Trinder took out leading goalkicker with 14 goals.

Under 17s Best and Fairest Foxx LaMonica had a stunning year with Runner Up B&F Blake Tissington also outstanding.

Leading goalkicker with 21 goals went to Jordan Daniels.

Under 14s Best and Fairest was Max Baker who dominated on the field with Runner Up B&F Phoenix LaMonica putting in a great season and doubling up to take out leading goalkicker for 19 goals.

Under 14s Female Player of the Year went to Chloe Bennett showing her skills.

Under 12s Best and Fairest Tyson Fowler took the award home for the second year in a row whilst not far behind was Runner Up B&F Ryker Boers putting in a great season.

Leading goalkicker for the second year Sterling Rogan-Hamilton managed 21 for the season and improving on 2022.

The perpetual Cody Gibbs Memorial Trophy was awarded to Phoenix LaMonica showing himself to be Resilient, Courageous, Selfless and Respectful.

2023 Sea Eagles Volunteer of the Year was tied between Jake Turner and Cody Love after many worthy nominations were received.

Sea Eagles would like to thank Sponsors and the community for their amazing support this year for AFL in the Whitsundays and look forward to seeing you for AFL Mackay Preseason Carnival in March 2023 after preseason training next year.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Phoenix LaMonica wins Cody Gibbs Perpetual award

Senior Men Award Winners

Senior Women Award Winners

U12s Award Winners

U14 Award Winners

U17 Award Winners. Photo Credit: Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Swimming enthusiasts, mark your calendars! An exciting spectacle is about to unfold at the Arc this weekend. Swimming North Queensland and Central Queensland Swimming are teaming up to present an action-packed two-day event that promises to showcase the finest swimmers from both regions. The associations are inviting the public to come along for a fun-filled day of full-on swimming at the ARC from 23 – 24 September to witness the best of the best swimmers in both regions swim it out for the inaugural trophy over two days.  

Picture it as a swimming State of Origin, where power, strength, and stamina collide in the pool. The energy is contagious, and the team spirit is nothing short of electrifying. Bring the whole family, and let's cheer on our swimming stars as they chase their dreams in the water.

It’s also a great way for kids to see what swimming is about, to inspire the next generation.

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Gear up for North Queensland's largest senior sporting carnival when Mackay Rangers FC hosts its 40th anniversary 8-a-side tournament.

This year's Carnival will be staged from Saturday September 30 to Sunday October 1 at the club’s home base at Eric Homan Park and promises to be an exhilarating weekend of football action.

From Brisbane to Cairns, teams are gearing up to participate in the annual event - each bringing their own distinct flair and passion for the game.

With unique rules that include no offside and special points awarded not just for goals, the Carnival guarantees non-stop action and fervent competition for both men and women plus $6000 in prize money.

The Carnival also features a Penalty Shootout competition with raffles drawn throughout.

On the Saturday night the Two Māoris band come down to perform and put on a show after an action-packed day of Carnival fixtures.

Come along and make sure to spend the night reminiscing from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

For inquiries or support contact Andrew Susani (Carnival Co-ordinator) at Andrews@coveng.com or Liam Hutcheon (Senior Co-ordinator) at hutcho_94@hotmail.com.

More details can be found on Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/mkyrangersfc

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Mackay Rangers FC will host their 40th anniversary 8-a-side Carnival on September 30/October 1 with $6000 in prize money

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Mackay’s ARC is set for the highly anticipated North Queensland Athletics Championships, taking place from September 22-24. This event proudly upholds its reputation as Australia's largest regional athletics competition, serving as a key pathway for All Schools and Nationals qualifications.

The event lineup features engaging competitions like the Queensland 1-Mile Championships, along with the Hector Hogan and Campbell Miles 100 Yards Memorial races that also double as the Queensland 100-Yard Championships. Adding to the excitement is the introduction of the inaugural Benita Willis 10km Championships, open for all to register.

Expect to witness over 750 athletes and a dedicated workforce of 150 converge at the Mackay ARC in Ooralea, representing not only different parts of Queensland but also spanning across Australia and New Zealand.

Beyond showcasing athleticism, this gathering contributes approximately 1.6 million to the local economy, highlighting the quality of Mackay's top-notch facilities. The age of competitors will range from prep-aged children through to master’s competitors, some of whom will be in their 80’s and beyond.

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Athletes of all ages will be lacing up their running, jumping and throwing shoes to compete in this weekend’s North Queensland Championships hosted in Mackay at the ARC

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night finals September 12, 2023:

Division 1: Tibhar (Vince Boeske, Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan) d Joola (Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman, Janice Kent) 6-4. Tim d Geoff 9, 10, -9, -6, 6.

Division 2: Stiga (Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert) d Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar) 9-1. Tony d Duncan -6, -9, 7, 10, 5.

Division 3: Delta (Val Austin) d Alpha (Ollie Hamelink) 3-2. Val d Ollie -7, -8, 7, 2, 6.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures September 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Perch (Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Judi Hicks) d Bream (Doug Dungavell, Pam Joyce, Iris Grasso) 7-5. Doug d Charlie 9, -8, -7, 9, 9.

Barra (Steve Mathieson, Delma Knight, Helen Ware) d Tuna (Tony Bowman, John McGee, Ken Best) 7-5. Helen d Ken 8, -4, 9, -10, 7.

Trout (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Fredericksen, Bryan Marshall) d Cod (George Camilleri, Val Austin, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. Kevin d Bryan 8, 6, -9, -12, 5.

Division 2:

Scallop (Gerry Synnott, Steve Blackshaw, Cheryl Pearson) d Mussell (Kim Daffy, Fred Saliba, Allison Day) 7-5. Gerry/Cheryl d Kim/Allison 7, -8, 3, -12, 8.

Squid (Louise Gould, Sharon Muller, Thelma Caruana) d Lobster (Marie Taylor, Ian Dodds) 7-5. Louise d Ian -9, -9, 2, 5, 4.

Crab (John Hamelink, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Prawn (Robyn Bushell, Cheryl Aprato) 9-3. Robyn d John -8, -6, 9, 7, 5.

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Division 1 Mackay table tennis season winners were Vince Boeske, Tim Shehan and Steven Whiting. Photo: Contributed

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Sarina State High School Rugby League Academy

Sarina State High School's Rugby League Academy has had an exceptional year, demonstrating both on-field success and a commitment to community involvement and mentorship. Led by Academy Coordinator and Head Coach Mr. Brett Watton, the academy's achievements in 2023 are a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport.

On-field Success

This year, the Sarina State High School Rugby League Academy soared to new heights in the local Mackay District Schools Rugby League Competition. With the 7/8, 9/10, and Opens teams all making it to the finals, the academy showcased its depth of talent and determination. These teams secured impressive finishes, with the 7/8 team claiming 4th place, the 9/10 team taking 3rd, and the Opens team finishing as runners-up.

Not content with local success alone, the academy clinched victory in the Mackay District NRL Trophy competition for both the Year 9/10 and Opens divisions. This triumph paved the way for an even grander achievement: winning the Capricornia competition for the Opens category. The academy's impressive journey continued as they secured a spot in the Opens North Queensland Grand Final for the NRL Trophy, ultimately finishing as the 2nd best team in North Queensland.

In addition to their male teams' success, the academy's Open Women's team also made their mark, finishing 3rd in the Karen Murphy Cup tournament. These accomplishments underscore the academy's whole school approach to developing rugby league talent.

Participation Beyond Local Competitions

The Sarina State High School Rugby League Academy was invited to participate in the inaugural season of the Mackay Cutters Cup, a prestigious competition featuring local top-tier talent. Despite facing tough competition, the academy proved their mettle by finishing 2nd, with their only defeat a close 24-10 loss against the formidable St. Patrick's Colleges’ A side.

The academy's influence extended beyond their own school as they celebrated NAIDOC Day by hosting an interschool women's and men's rugby league tournament. They also welcomed visiting academies from Rockhampton at the end of term 2, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie within the sport.

Mentorship and Leadership

One of the hallmarks of the Sarina State High School Rugby League Academy is its commitment to mentorship and leadership development. Senior students have taken on coaching roles for Year 7 students, offering guidance and support as part of their senior sport and recreation assessments. This mentorship not only enhances the skill development of younger players but also instills leadership qualities in the academy's senior members.

The academy has also been instrumental in shaping the leadership landscape of the school. Several students from the academy hold leadership roles on the Representative Council and serve as Sports house captains, exemplifying the character and discipline instilled by their involvement in rugby league.

Representative Honours and Rising Stars

The academy's commitment to nurturing rugby league talent goes beyond the school grounds. This year, the Sarina State High School Rugby League Academy proudly saw four of its members selected for Mackay District Rugby League Representative Teams. Their exceptional skills and dedication have earned them the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

But the achievements don't stop there. The academy's talent pipeline extends to the professional realm, with four students selected for the Junior Broncos Academy. This prestigious recognition highlights the potential of these young athletes to someday compete at the highest levels of rugby league.

Furthermore, an impressive seven students were selected for the QRL Rise Program, showcasing their immense promise in the sport. With multiple students vying for spots on upcoming Mackay Cutters Representative Teams, the academy's influence on the regional rugby league scene is undeniable.

Looking Ahead

The Sarina State High School Rugby League Academy continues to shine both on and off the field. Their dedication to fostering talent, promoting leadership, and engaging with the community sets a standard for excellence in school sports programs.

In the words of Mr. Brett Watton, "Our academy is not just about winning games; it's about developing good young men and women for our local community and instilling values that extend far beyond the field. We're immensely proud of what our students have achieved this year at Sarina State High School."

for 2024 enrolment information for the SSHS rugby league academy please contact Sarina State High School on schooladmin@sarinashs.eq.edu or 07 4943 8111.

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Earn Prime Minister’s XIII Representative Jumpers

Mackay Cutters rugby league trump cards Emma Manzelmann and China Polata have gained selection in the Women’s Australian Prime Minister’s XIII to play Papua New Guinea this Saturday at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The exciting duo were recognised for their strong performances for the Cutters in this year’s BMD Women’s premiership and the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRLW competition.

Emerging hooker Manzelmann and classy utility back Polata helped the Cutters reach the BMD Premiership semi-finals this season before making their debuts with the new Cowboys franchise.

The Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII was selected with a view to giving some of the best up and coming players in the NRLW an opportunity alongside a number of established representative players.

Cowboys’ playmaker Tallisha Harden will captain the Australian team.

Harden is one of four North Queensland players named in the Prime Minister’s squad along with Manzelmann, Polata and forward Tiana Raftstrand-Smith.

All four were rewarded with Australian jumpers after skilful displays on the women’s rugby league scene.

Australia’s World Cup-winning Kangaroos and Jillaroos coaches Mal Meninga and Brad Donald believe the men’s and women’s Prime Minister XIII squads would provide opportunities for the players to both further their representative aspirations as well as experience something quite unique.

Meninga said the match would provide a selection guide ahead of the first ever Pacific Championships, across October and November.

This year’s event will also see the introduction of the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls taking on the Junior Kumuls and Orchids respectively with support from the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the NRL.

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A ‘loyalty day’ was held on Wednesday, October 13 for the social bowls, a special event organised by Club President Lidia to allow free play for lady members, with 42 members in attendance for the event.

After playing a substantial 21 ends of bowls, the first winner was Margaret Armitage and second winner was Cheryle Corbett. The club was kindly donated two goodie baskets by Goosies Sport and Recreation Club for their special raffle.

Excited winners of Thursday’s games, in first place was Sue Roscoe, Maryann Bartolo and Sheryl Cuttriss. In second place was Lyn Maguire, Narell Schmidtke and Rondelle McDermott.

The District Triples Championships were held on the 15th at the Mackay Club, where the North Mackay Ladies were eventual winners of the event. Marie Bragg, Val DePinto and Nuggy Pratt dominated the green, achieving a 22-13 score.

President Lidia congratulated everyone who played and supported North Mackay Ladies club this week. A very enjoyable day was had by all those in attendance.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Helen Fleming, Lidia McCarthy and Deb Mackenzie.

Lucky raffle winner, Margaret Armitage.

Val DePinto, Nuggy Pratt and Marie Bragg.

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Over 5000 people flocked to the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex last weekend, for the mammoth Paul Bowman Challenge.

This two-day rugby league carnival saw over 80 junior rugby league teams, from all across Queensland, come together for a weekend of social sport, perfecting techniques, and practicing moves, with each of the 1180 players keen to take to the field.

In honour of Paul Bowman, a North Queensland Toyota Cowboy, who was the first Proserpine/Whitsunday Brahman to play for Queensland in the State of Origin, the challenge is big on the Junior Rugby League calendar and promotes good sportsmanship, comradery, participation, and encouragement.

“It was a really great weekend of great sportsmanship and participation,” said Justin Follett, the Proserpine/Whitsunday Junior Rugby League President.

“Although the games are unscored, the Brahams played brilliantly, and they’ve improved throughout the season. It was a great weekend of junior footy.”

The Paul Bowman Challenge marked the end of the rugby league season, with players giving their all on the field.

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The Proserpine/Whitsunday Brahams played brilliantly at the Paul Bowman challenge. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

On Saturday, September 9, the North Mackay Bowls club celebrated 75 years. The club was opened in 1948 with 97 male members and 20 female members. Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, and now has 16 greens, a restaurant, coffee bar, a large poker machine room and two function rooms. Plans to expand the club further are under discussion.

The anniversary was celebrated by a free day for members, with the men playing two games of 12 ends followed by lunch and presentations. Martin Corr, from Bowls Queensland presented a plaque to bowls President, Eric Galletly to mark the occasion as well as presenting a gift to two life members who were playing, Ray McCarthy and Ron Bowers.

There was $500 in prize money and the first NMBC winner was the team of Peter Miller, lead, Tony Allsop, second, Les McDermott third with Chris Banney as skip.

The Board Chairman, Neal Blucher also made a speech outlining some of the club’s history. This was followed by an open bar tab and live entertainment. The women members joined in the celebrations later in the afternoon.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Chris Banney accepts the prize money from bowls president Eric Galletly on behalf of his team, Peter Miller, Tony Allsop and Les McDermott

Bowls President Eric Galletly outlines the days competition to members

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Big changes are coming to PCYC Whitsundays, with a massive refurbishment of the gymnastics area.

Aligned to take place in the September school holidays, by October 3, all new gymnastics equipment will greet children and youth as they partake in PCYC’s gymnastics programs.

“Our gymnastic programs started roughly two years ago, and now we have close to 250 kids enrolled or involved in the program,” explained Sergeant Billy Li, Youth Club Manager.

The incoming equipment includes a tumble trampoline, brand new parallel bars, uneven bars, and balance beams.

“A lot of kids that have been involved in our program have always dreamed of having a tumble trampoline, and now the kids have finally got that, and the coaches are super excited,” he said.

The PCYC will also unveil two new programs for kids to participate in.

“We’re in the position where we’re able to kick off a few more classes for boys,” explained Jess Ferguson, Member Services Team Leader for PCYC Whitsundays.

“This term, we’re going to do an all-boys bronze gymnastics.

“We are also introducing some more of our of Free G classes, which is more freestyle gymnastics, less pointy toes, more ninja styles,” she said.

Sgt Billy said the new equipment will be a community asset, for everyone to access.

“This equipment will help our high-level gymnasts in terms of tumbling, and we’re going to be able strengthen the skills of our gymnasts will all aspects of gymnastics,” he explained.

“Eventually, down the line, we hope we’ll be able to offer specialised classes, but at the moment, we are focussing on expanding and making the programs better than what we’re already offering.”

Along with the new equipment and mats, the gym will have a revised layout and new lighting.

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Sergeant Billy Li and Jess Ferguson are excited to see a massive refurbishment to the PCYC Whitsundays gymnastics area. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Mackay hosted the U16 Girls State Softball Championships from September 16-18, bringing together players, supporters, and officials from across Queensland. Ten teams from various regions, including Ipswich, Toowoomba, Coral Coast, Rockhampton, Redcliffe, Redlands, Townsville, Maryborough, Suncoast, and Mackay, competed fiercely for the championship. Redlands took out the competition playing Toowoomba in the final.

Mayor Greg Williamson expressed the city's excitement in welcoming softball enthusiasts to the region and wished all participants the best of luck. The tournament featured daily games starting at 8:00 am, with the grand finals captivating audiences on Monday, September 18th, beginning at 1:30 pm.

This event was made possible through the support of Mackay Regional Council's Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program, reinforcing their commitment to fostering sports and community engagement.

Softball Queensland CEO Ross Symonds commended the substantial turnout of teams and players in Mackay, emphasising the importance of these state championships. A state squad was selected from this event to defend the National Championships, which the Queensland U16 girls won earlier in January. Symonds also expressed his gratitude for Mackay Regional Council's financial support in making the championships a success.

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As the days get warmer and longer, our bowlers from our little club are getting stronger and we have now got a strong identity in the district with quality bowlers.

Tuesday afternoon, Social Bowls saw a very strong win to skipper Noel Crosbie, whose guile with his stick would have recently departed Nik Fernbach have a huge smile up in heaven.

Noel, with the assistance of Pam Collins at lead and the lovely Maureen Barnard at second, completely demoralised the rest of our bowlers on the day with Shane Spann's team also playing consistently with Robin Brown at lead and Michael Jacometti at second providing valuable assistance.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls capably run by Rick Galea and Mervyn Stewart saw again the guile of Tony Whitehorn with his new red bowls and his strong team of Keith Bates and Graham Cowling too superior for the rest of the field.

Whilst the men's secretary Alan Pershouse was chuffed to take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday and Sunday saw all the Mens B Grade Champions from every club in our district come to play in the Champion of Champions Singles and after 4 gruelling matches against quality opponents, it was our own John Fielding prevailing over his fierce rivals in what was described as quality and creative bowls to overcome the opposition.

Whilst this was happening, we were also represented at Seaforth with the Fives competition where pairs, triples, singles and fours matches were played with 16 teams from all over Queensland and although they never took home the prize money on offer Ted Cullen, the very competent Warren Mills, consistent Stephen Lawrie, the very gallant John Matterson playing under extreme pain, with Mark Mawson all leaving with great performances and doing our little club proud.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Champion of Champions John Fielding who said goodbye to B Grade in grand style. Photo supplied

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Over fifty Mackay Road Runners and supporters were hosted by Life Members, Merv and Wendy Shields from their Mount Pleasant residence for the annual Shields Stampede 5km and 12km races on Sunday, 17th September.

Runners enjoyed a post-race afternoon tea after the testing, hilly and undulating course through Beaconsfield and Andergrove, returning to the start line in Mount Pleasant.

An excellent effort in the 12km based on scratch start by first male, Toby Rule.

First female, Abi Sweeney also maintained excellent form, placing high amongst the male competitors as well as her female peers.

Nick Rewald and Lily Leven easily completed the 5km, both achieving first place.

The 24th September social trail running event will commence from Eungella Chalet at 8am, with a 6km and 18km to be completed.

Attendees are encouraged to carry hydration at all times, especially during the 18km run.

Check out the Mackay Road Runners page on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest club news and announcements.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Nearly forty runners had a cracking start to the 5k & 12k annual Shields Stampede.

Natalie Lorraway and Carole Dawes having a great time in the 5km event.

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Another Busy Week

Senior Singles Club Competition is now complete.  

On Wednesday Dale Haack defeated Ken Watts 26 - 7; Sandy Daffara withdrew due to prior commitments.

In the first of the Semi Finals, Mike Harrison defeated Luchie Gardel 26 - 16.  

The second Semi Final was played on Sunday afternoon.  

Dale Haack defeated Philip Brown 25 - 7.  

The Final was also played on Sunday afternoon.  

Dale Haack defeated Mike Harrison 25 - 19.  

Unfortunately, Dale won't be able to compete in the Champion of Champions being played at St Helens this coming weekend.

In Social play, on Wednesday Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Alen Sanderson defeated Steve Griffith, Peter Lawton, and Bruce Uhe 21 - 17;  Pat Bownds and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds and John Anderson 21 - 19.

In Social play on Sunday Bruce Uhe, Margie Burnett, and Mike Harrison/Philip Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, John Burnett, and Peter Lawton 28 - 17.

Nominations have now closed for positions on the Board for the upcoming AGM.  

Please put Saturday, October 7 into your calendars and come to elect the ongoing board and representatives for 2024.  

Meeting starts at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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