Sports

Basketball Program Unites Youth And Celebrates Culture In Mackay

Basketball Program Unites Youth And Celebrates Culture In Mackay

A new youth basketball program in Mackay will provide over 130 young Australian South Sea Islanders with the opportunity to develop their skills and strengthen community ties, thanks to funding from the Queensland Government’s Strengthening Multicultural Queensland (SMQ) program. The Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC) Mackay will receive over $46,000 as part of a broader $1.9 million investment in 26 multicultural community-led projects across the state. The two-year p

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X-Golf Opens Doors And Locals Tee Off In Style

X-Golf Opens Doors And Locals Tee Off In Style

Mackay’s newest entertainment hotspot has officially opened its doors — and it’s already proving to be a hole-in-one with locals. X-Golf Mackay is a $1.5 million indoor golf and sports precinct bringing the latest in simulation technology, top-notch hospitality, and a cool, comfortable atmosphere to the city’s northern beaches. The 500sqm facility, located at the HomeCo Centre beside Bunnings on Mackay-Bucasia Road, is the first of its kind in the region. Roy and Mary Boase, the dynamic couple

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Sinkers Glide Into Top 20 At MSA Championships

Sinkers Glide Into Top 20 At MSA Championships

The 2024 MSA National Championships were a splash hit for the Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club, who dove into five days of fierce competition and camaraderie at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from April 8–12. After sending six swimmers to Darwin in 2023, the Sinkers turned up the heat this year with a team of nine, joining over 700 swimmers from across Australia and overseas for one of the biggest meets on the masters calendar. Day One: Strong Start in the 800m and a Warm Welcome

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Mackay’s Champion Surf Lifesavers Take Out National Titles Double

Mackay’s Champion Surf Lifesavers Take Out National Titles Double

Mackay Surf Lifesavers recently headed to the Aussie Titles on the Gold Coast to take on the best in the country and came out winners in the Champion Lifesaver event, proving that Mackay’s volunteer lifesavers are some of the best in the country. Mackay’s very own Nate McKinnon took out 1st place in the U17’s becoming a record three-time national champion. Cadence McKinnon took out her first U14 national championship after dominating state titles for a number of years. Isabella Grant finished a

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Mika rec

Madison’s Magnificent Year

September 21, 2023

Whether it’s swimming, athletics or lifesaving, Madison Malagueno is proving herself an emerging athlete to watch.

The Mackay sensation experienced a recent string of success in representative swimming, athletics and cross country events, setting her on a journey that seems destined for 2032 Olympic glory.

A swimmer with Pioneer Swimming Club, Madison qualified for the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships on the back of stellar results at the Queensland Representative School Swimming Championships in March.

The Pioneer Dolphin travelled to Sydney in August for the National Championships held at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Park.

On the first day of competition, Madison’s Medley Relay Team swam beautifully, medalling silver on the podium with Madison swimming the freestyle leg of the relay.

Madison also made the final in her individual freestyle race, achieving a personal best in her preliminary heat.

While she didn’t podium in the final, she sure made her club proud, swimming amongst the best of the best on a national level.

Be it long or short distance, Madison has also proven her abilities on the running track, where she has been selected to compete at the Queensland Representative School Sports Athletics Championships for all events, held in Brisbane from October 9-10.

She will also be competing at the Athletics North Queensland Championships at the Mackay ARC from September 22-24 where she will compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m events.

It’s been a year of athletic achievements that got Madison to these Championships, including placing first in 100m, 200m, 800m and 1500m events at the Southern Suburb School Sports Trials, second in 100m, 200m, 800m and 1500m events at Mackay District School Sports Trials and first in 1500m, second in 200m and 800m and third in 100m events at Capricornia District School Sports Trials.

She’s also found success in cross country events, placing first at Southern Suburb School Trials, second at the Mackay District School Sports Trials, third at the Capricornia District School Trials and 14th at the Queensland Representative School Trials.

Working with coaches Igor Demin of Pioneer Swimming Club and Tina and Luke Morse of ASSET (All Sports, Speed and Endurance Training) has taken Madison’s performance to all new levels, improving substantially under their guidance and mentoring and proving her dedication.

Madison has just started her surf lifesaving season and recently competed at the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club Carnival at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island.

Madison Malagueno recently competed at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Sydney

Madison (second from left) and her Medley Relay Team achieved second place

Photo credit: Belinda Rule

Madison and her medals at the Capricornia Trials held in Mackay for Athletics

Madison at the Queensland Cross Country event

Photos supplied

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Wangaratta Bowls

September 21, 2023

On Tuesday winners were M Elphinstone, N Adams, and I Laird defeated L Suann, D Retchless, and R Stitt Others were J Vigar, D Walker, and M Drummond defeated I Colenso, B Myers, and A Vigar.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 3.

They were L Nightingall, I Colenso, and R Brunker defeated L Suann, D Walker, and M Drummond, others were K Aykens, P Aykens, and K Whitton defeated J Chadwick, D Retchless, and K Moriarty.

In the Men’s Triples Competition: G Colquhoun, P Hinschen, and G Danvers defeated L Land, K Daniels, and B Beel.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe.

Mark Drummond President Lee Nightingall Ian Colenso and absent Sugar Brunker. Photo supplied

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club

September 21, 2023

Twenty-four pairs played in the Mackay Barometer Pairs on the weekend of September 2-3, each pair playing 23 other pairs consisting of five boards per game. Lots of bridge was played with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Rockhampton. Category A was won by a Rockhampton pair of Jan Randall and Don Cameron. Second place went to Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan with Max Holewa and Diane Holewa in 3rd place. Category B 1st - Faye Wright and Christine Nice 2nd - Jan Harris and Helen Van den Broek. Category C 1st – Sandra Morris and Annie Lynch. 2nd – Lydie Martin and Sue Breeze (Bowen)

The Magnetic Island Open Teams event was played in Townsville on the weekend of September 9-10. Mackay team Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Frances, and Alan Brown took out first place.

Mackay Barometer Pairs Results – Red Points Weekend

Category A Category B Category C

1st Jan Randall / Don Cameron 1st Faye Wright / Christine Nice 1st Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Lydie Martin / Sue Breeze

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 3rd

Weekly Results

Monday 11 September 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 4th Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

5th Victor Mason / Antonia Tarradas 6th Anne Lutz / Griffin Bancroft

Tuesday Evening 12 September 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Janet Hansen / Faye Wright 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris 4th Eric Leivesley / Simon Barnes

Wednesday 13 September 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Joyce Deguara 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

Thursday Evening 14 September 2023 – 4 Table Green Points

1st Patricia Garner / Mick King 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore 2nd Karen Caldwell / Susan Gibson

Friday 15 September 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Roland Taylor / Jarek Taylor 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Faye Wright / Christine Nice

3rd Mick King / Jan Harris 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Ian Gaskell

Barometer Pairs Category A runners up Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen

Barometer Pairs Category C winners Anne Lutz (facilitator), winners Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris

Magnetic Island Teams winners Terrence Sheedy, Frances Brown, Director, Janelle Conroy and Alan Brown

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WHITSUNDAY UNITED – DOUBLE Grand Final Winners!

September 21, 2023

In a fairy tale ending to the season, both the Premier Men and Women Whitsunday sides took stunning victories in front of hundreds of loyal fans that travelled to Mackay to see the dream come true and history books re-written for the club.

The Women took the field first knowing it would be a hard-fought game against the undefeated Premiership winners Mackay Lions.

Although there was nothing between the two sides, Lions narrowly defeated Whitsunday twice during the season and the two teams played out a draw.

Whitsundays started the game strongly, maintaining most of the possession and pressuring the Lions defence in the first half.

Eventually their patience paid off in the 34th minute with Eva getting on the end of a corner ball put in by Willow.

It took work but with supreme poise Eva managed to place it out of the keepers reach.

The second half saw Lions come out determined to make the goal back.

However, it was Whitsundays who again broke through first with Akema getting on the end of a through-ball by Steph to put one past the keeper from the edge of the box.

Lions weren’t going away and with renewed effort, struck back almost immediately.

They kept the pressure and enthusiasm back and managed to get the equaliser inside the last 10 minutes of the game, sending the game into extra time.

Both teams fought hard for the next 30 minutes, however neither could break the deadlock and the game went to penalties.

Both keepers did well to save the first shots by each team however for Whitsundays Willow, Akema and Lauren put the next three into the net.

Lions missed their fourth penalty leaving it up to our goal keeper Chloe to put the fifth shot away and clinch the game.

The shot wasn’t successful however the Lions keeper was deemed to have come off her line meaning Chloe had a second chance.

Showing nerves of steel, her second shot didn’t miss, winning the grand final for Whitsundays.

A huge congratulations to all the girls and coach Peter on a fantastic season and well deserved Grand Final Victory.

The Premier Men took the field against Magpies as hot favourites but knowing that the Magpies were one team that could really trouble them.

From the outset, the Magpies took the fight to Whitsunday and by pressing hard and fast, the relentless pressure took its toll on the free-flowing Whitsunday game.

A penalty in the first 10 minutes put the Magpies in front which put extra pressure on our boys.

The ball just wasn’t bouncing Whitsunday’s way and frustration was beginning to creep in as Magpies kept up the high tempo pressure, however opportunities for both sides were few.

In a tense affair, Whitsunday slowly started to turn the tide and string some plays together.

When some fresh players came on in the final quarter, Whitsunday exploded and in a flurry of attacking plays, Harry Hodgen put away the equaliser in the 76th minutes and 90 seconds later, Ollie Mitchell scored the winning goal giving the Men’s the double – both winning the Premiership and the Grand Final – repeating last year’s efforts.

An unbelievable evening for Whitsunday United.

Whitsunday United cheering their win. Photos supplied

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Bowen Golf Report

September 21, 2023

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford for a club trophy.  

Ladies winner Claire Garrod 36pts, runner up Shirley Thompson 34pts.  

Men’s winner Donald Williams 38pts, runner up John Brown 36pts.

Over the weekend, the Bowen ladies played their Club championships sponsored by Brent Stocker Electrical.

After playing 36 holes for the weekend, the Club champion for 2023 is Claire Garrod – 147, runner up Rhiannon Nott 159, B Grade Gross winner Margaret Need 188, runner up Tanya Gaudry 189, C Grade Gross winner Linda Scells 185, runner up Amanda Parter 197.  

A Grade nett winner Grace Nott, Nett runner up Kanittha Day, B Grade nett winner Morag Parker, Nett runner up Bev Lowcock, C Grade nett winner Judy Atkins, Nett runner up Bonnie Kohlhase.  

Pin shots over the 2 days went to Claire Garrod x 2, Rhiannon Nott, Bev Lowcock x 2, Judy Atkins. Linda Scells, Sarnie Eisemann.  

Joy Hose had an OBP.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Ladies Club championship winners. Photo supplied

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Proserpine Golf Report

September 21, 2023

Jenny Hounsell blitzed the field in the Wednesday Airllywood Stableford with a very impressive 39 pts, followed by Pam Casey on 37 pts and Paula McQuat with 36 pts.

NTP winners: Trish McNeill x 2, Pauline Redpath x 2 and Viv Demartini.

Ben Doer won the Thursday Division 1 competition with 39 pts, ahead of Sam Deicke on 38 pts and Michael Cragg on 34 pts.

Bill Woods back in form to win Division 2 on 40pts on a countback from Rees May, and Steve Mitchell on 39 pts in 3rd place.

NTP winners: Alan Elsayed, Nathan Holohan, Owen Clarke, and Michael Cragg.

Another close game in the Friday Met Run with Jack Pirlo winning from Shirley Larsen on a countback, both on 21 pts.

Kerrie Johannesen continuing her winning form to take out 3rd place with 20pts.

David Lloyd was the only NTP winner.

Noelene Spurway and Trish McNeill were too good for the Saturday field of 92 players to win the 4BBB multiplier with 78 pts, Jordyn Albergo and Brett Bauer in 2nd place with 74pts and Terry Handford and Tom O’Brien completing the podium with 73pts.

NTP winners: Logan Devery, Brad Vloedmans, Nathan Holohan, Sherri Meade, Dian Chard, Noelene Spurway.

Peny wardroper had a great round on Sunday to win the Ladies Stableford with 39 pts, Nicle Cooper also played well to place 2nd with 37 pts Jason Bourke won the mens Stableford competition with 38pts ahead of Paul Nicol on 36 pts.

NTP winners: Steve Stewart, Sherri Meade, Jason Bourke, Penny Wardroper, Kev Cooper, and George Meharry.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Pro Golf Shop Team.

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Bronze Medals For Rising Mackay Hoopers

September 21, 2023

Mackay Meteorettes have unearthed an exciting crop of hoopers that have taken the representative basketball scene by storm.

Outstanding prospects Lily Mapp, Skye Vaughan, Maggie Thorburn and Ally Simpson continue to impress on court with their maturity and range of skills.

The St Patrick’s College quartet were members of the Queensland North representative side that claimed bronze at the recent Basketball Australia Under 16 National Girls Championships in Perth.

Mapp, a crafty centre, along with power forward Vaughan and guard Thorburn are only 14 years of age while dynamic wing Simpson is 15.

All four will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s junior line up at the Champion Secondary Schools Basketball Carnival on the Gold Coast later this year.

They were joined in the Queensland North representative squad by talented Mackay point guard Cheyenne Bobongie and driver Isabel Smith.

Other Mackay young guns in the State Performance Program include St Patrick’s Year 12 students Charli Bliss (Queensland Under 18s) and Amarco Doyle (Queensland Under 20s); Hannah Jensen and Monique Bobongie (Queensland Under 18s) and top prospect Phoebe Holmes (Queensland Under 20s).

Rising centre Bliss and promising guards Jensen and Holmes developed their craft with impressive performances this season for Jamiey Doevendans’ youthful Meteorettes side in the NBL1 North Womens Conference.

Head Coach Doevendans tips bright futures for them all and looks forward to preparing the St Patrick’s basketball squads for this year’s Champion Secondary Schools State Senior and Junior tournaments.

“They are local products with enormous potential and were identified in our Junior Development system” he revealed.

Despite their teenage exuberance the gifted Mapp, Vaughan, Thorburn and Simpson have shown a maturity in competition that far belies their years.

“Through hard work and improved skills these Mackay juniors have made the most of opportunities and forced their way into State squads,” Doevendans added.

Emerging forward Doyle and 18-year-old guard Max Cain were mainstays in the Mackay Meteors squad that reached the finals of this year’s NBL 1 North Men’s Conference.

By Chris Karas

North Queensland secured bronze against NSW Metro in the U16 Girls competition at the Basketball Australia Nationals in Perth, in a nail-biting finish to win 72-70. The team featured six Mackay players. Photo credit: Basketball Australia

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Veterans Golf Report

September 21, 2023

The conditions last Tuesday for the final round of the Coker Shield were somewhat challenging to say the least.

The wind was almost gale force at times so there were quite a few wayward shots.  

The individual stableford results were Gary Scotford the winner with 36 on a countback from Mike Cragg 36 and John Oates 35.  

The ladies winner was Paula McQuat on 33 from Tessa Aitken 29 on a countback from Leanne Alexander 29.  

Still quite good scores all things considered.

Nearest the pins went to Peter Fox and Ron Gauci in the hole on 2, Peter Lewis on hole 9, Laurie Dakin hole 13 and Geoff Harrison hole 16.  

Tessa Aikten in the hole on 2, great shot Tessa, Jacqui Wall on 9, Jenny Hounsell on 13 and Paula McQuat on 16.

The 2023 winners of the Croker Shield was Proserpine with a total of 1081 v Pioneer Valley 980.  

Well done to our members.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Proserpine Club Captain Gary Scotford and Proserpine Club President John Roser . Photo supplied

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Mackay Bowls Club

September 21, 2023

The Mackay Club held the Ladies Triples Champion of Champions last Thursday and Friday.

The Mackay Team of Janice Nelson, Robyn Schatowski , Erin Clemett went down by 1 point to Sarina Club in the semi-final.

Richie Mroz travelled to Arlie Beach for the Champion of Champions B singles and was beaten by the eventual winner.

This weekend Steve Cassidy travels to St Helens Club for the Senior Singles Champion of Champions.

RESULTS

Tuesday Social Play

Winner of Winners; Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, Dot McMamara.

Winner of Losers: Alan Bartlett, Peter Nelson, Robyn Schatkowski, Barry Paskins.

No Scroungers were played on Thursday due to Mackay Club hosting Ladies Champion of Champions

Triples Friday Social Play

Winners: Leanne Jenner, Erin Clemett, Robyn Schatkowski.

Competition Results:

Men’s B Pairs: Michael Coll, Steve Cassidy Def Peter Nelson, Col Stevens.

Contributed by Mike Irving

Robyn Schatkowski, Janice Nelson Erin Clemett

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Whitsunday Green Golf Report

September 21, 2023

This week 9-hole stableford saw Peter Bitz in first place with 25 pts, second with 21 pts Andrew Gomez and third place with 20 pts Josh Quin.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Kev Francke take out first place with a 21 c/b, second place with 21 pts was Thomas Torzsok and third place was Chris Bartlett with 19 pts.

On Sunday, our 18-hole stableford championships was a great turn out to which saw David Wallace in first place for men’s with 40 pts, second Sean Fogarty with a 38 pt c/b and third place with 38 pts Adam Singleton.

First place in ladies was Paula Wronski with 34 pts, second with 29 pts Dee Norman and third with 27 pts Edwina Pettiford.

For the juniors, we saw Jack Williams Hayes in first place with 34 pts and second place with 31 pts was Corey Belke.

A great job by all. Nearest the pin was Moya Bradley.

This Sunday 24th September will be 4 ball better ball tee off at 10:00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

David Wallace and Glenn Rees. Photo supplied

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Marwood Wins Micallef Shield

September 21, 2023

The Mackay Cycling Club’s Micallef Shield unfolded on the challenging Wollingford course earlier this month, on September 10. The 60-kilometer circuit race proved to be a gruelling test, with harsh winds wreaking havoc on the riders. Newcomers to the club added a fresh dimension to the competition.

The race was won by Kyle Marwood, riding from scratch giving a 20-minute handicap to the front bunch. He was first and fastest in a time of 1:26:18. Tracy Falbo is showing her great form, coming 7th overall emerging as the fastest woman in a time of 1:38:08

Results:

1st place: Kyle Marwood

2nd place: Tim Ffrost

3rd place: Angus Wicks

4th place: Glen McDermott

5th place: Geoff Bennett

6th place: Michael Novikov

7th place: Tracy Falbo

8th place: Craig Larsen

9th place: Peter Ransome

10th place: Zac Schwarzrock

Podium L-R: Tracy Falbo (first woman), Tim Ffrost, Kyle Marwood (fastest man), Angus Wicks

Kyle Marwood

Tracy Falbo

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Whitsunday Darts Report

September 21, 2023

Today was the last day of a very long league season, with a total of 5 matches to get through at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club before we discovered who our 2023 champion would be.

The preliminaries got the action underway, with last year’s Champion Dom Friend taking on the 2021 Champion Jamie Woods.

This was an arm wrestle from start to finish, with some exceptional darts thrown, but Jamie Woods took the win and dethroned Dom in a great match by 10 legs to 8.

In the Hetlock Cup final, the experience of Andy Peel proved too strong for the 2023 debutant Hawkeye Rick, winning the contest by a 6/1 scoreline.

Then all eyes turned to the Grand Final, where no doubt the two best players all year went head-to-head.

There were 30 tons - 17 to 13 in favour of Woodsy, and 7 x 140’s - 5 to 2 in Joe’s favour, it was an absorbing contest.

But unfortunately, there can only be one winner, and it went the way of Woodsy after a great battle between two great players, claiming his second title in 3 years, by 11 legs to 5.

Congratulations to both players, commiserations to Joe, and congratulations again to Jamie Woods, exceptional stuff.

Prelim Finals

J Wilson 10/5 J Maher

J Wilson 1 x 180

J Woods 10/8 D Friend

Hetlock Cup Final

A Peel 6/1 H Rick

3rd/4th Playoff

D Friend 8/1 J Maher

Grand Final

J Woods 11/5 J Wilson

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Mahr.

Jamie Woods with a nice collection of silverware.

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Three Tracks In Three Days

September 21, 2023

The Sugar City Classic will provide three days of high-adrenaline BMX racing once again this year, with three tracks being raced over the long weekend.

Hosted by Mackay and District BMX Club and Sarina BMX Club, the racing will be held at the Mackay, Sarina, and Walkerston BMX tracks, making it a one-of-a-kind event in Queensland.

Last year around 300 riders took part in the event with similar numbers expected again this year. It attracts top talent from across the state with top riders hitting form after competing at the state championships this week at Cooloola.

Local BMXers have been training in preparation for the Sugar City Classic. Photos supplied: MAD BMX Club

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Windy Cannons Club Night

September 21, 2023

Despite the windy weather, 30 swimmers participated at the Cannonvale Cannons’ Club Night.  

Congratulations to Holly Perrin and Lucas Korosec for setting new Club Records.  

Holly set a new 200m Backstroke record for 16-year girls and Lucas set a new 25m Butterfly record for 7-year boys.  

Trace Quick was presented with an Upgrade certificate for his Backstroke.  

Congratulations to Tora Delac and Matilda Nicholes for winning the Chocolate awards.  

Highlights from Club Night include:

Tora Delac swam a super 100m Butterfly in a time of 1.26.67 which was a massive 19.10sec PB.  

Charlie Doherty swam excellent times in all his events.  

His best swim of the night was his 100m Breaststroke which he swam in 1.31.05 (a 10.18sec PB).  

Maeve Dichiera, 8-years, swam a very smooth 50m Backstroke in 56.39s.  

Miller Eaves, 8-years swam a cracking 12m Freestyle in 11.09sec.  

Eric Mullis swam a brilliant time in his 25m Butterfly.  

He swam a time of 41.11sec which was a 6.94sec PB.

Eriç’s brother, Leo swam a fantastic 12m Backstroke in a time of 24.99sec.  

Celeste Orenshaw swam an impressive 100m IM in 1.41.87 which was a 7.76sec PB.  

Isabella Pisanella loves her Butterfly!  

She swam a sensational 100m Butterfly in 1.33.65.  

Addie Sanders, 10-years, swam awesome times in her 100m IM and her 50m Breaststroke to achieve personal best times.  

Harry Chegwidden, age 6-years, swam a 4.32sec PB in his 25m Backstroke.  

Zane Clayworth aged 8-years swam a 0.83sec PB in his 25m Butterfly and Matilda Nicholes swam a 0.47sec PB in her 50m Backstroke.  

Well done, swimmers!  

Club Nights will continue during the school holidays.  

New swimmers and their families are most welcome to come and try Club Nights on Wednesday nights.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Trace Quick upgrade

Tora Delac won both Chocolate Awards. Photos supplied

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Blokarts Take Over Cape Hillsborough For A Weekend of Wind-Powered Fun

September 14, 2023

If you ventured onto the beach at Cape Hillsborough last weekend, you would have been greeted by a spectacular sea of sails as Mackay's Central Queensland Blokart Club (CQBC) hosted its thrilling annual regatta from September 8 to 10. Now in its 15th year, the CQBC Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta has solidified its status as one of the best and biggest blokarting event in Australia, attracting competitors from far and wide.

With participants hailing from Victoria, southeast Queensland, Capricornia, Whitsundays, and North Queensland, the regatta saw a total of twenty-one blokarts vying for supremacy on the sandy flats. The racing was fierce and exhilarating, as competitors navigated the challenging South to Southeast breeze, which ranged from nine knots to gusts reaching an impressive twelve to fifteen knots.

Throughout the weekend, a total of 16 races pushed these wind-powered racers to their limits, with points accumulating to determine the ultimate champions.

CQBC Founder David Moore noted that while this year saw slightly smaller numbers due to simultaneous sailing events and cost of living pressures, the regatta still delivered an unforgettable day of sailing action for all participants.

The competition featured two classes: the Production class, which mandates using blokarts as they come from the factory, and the Performance class, allowing for customisation of rigging, the use of stiffer carbon-fibre mast sections, and a streamlined Pod to reduce air resistance. Various weight categories ensured that the racing remained competitive, regardless of weather conditions.

The 15th Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta proved once again that blokarting is not just a sport but an exhilarating passion shared by enthusiasts from all corners of the country, promising an exciting future for this high-speed event.

The winners were awarded after 16 races over three days. Photo supplied

Blokart action on Cape Hillsborough Beach. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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