Sarina's recent Twin Track Event on November 25 didn't just mark a milestone; it drenched itself in the gritty excitement of mud racing, celebrating an impressive 35 years of adrenaline-pumping competitions. The day was a whirlwind of mud-splattering action that showcased not just the sport's thrills but also the tight-knit spirit of this vibrant club. Competitors, members, and Life Members converged from far and wide, all coming together to create an electrifying atmosphere that encapsulated th
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A newcomer to the sport of Futsal, Eli Wallis is a bit of a prodigy. Having played soccer on representative teams for over two years, Eli decided he wanted to give futsal a try at school and joined the Proserpine State High School team. With the school’s competition, he travelled up to Townsville, and while the school team didn’t progress as they had hoped, Eli was able to catch the eye of a professional scout and was selected for the Mackay team. From here, it has been a whirlwind of achieve
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Mahe Fonua, the formidable outside-back with a knack for making tries look effortless, is now set to grace the turf with the Mackay Cutters. His move from Castleford Tigers to the Cutters, inked on a two-year contract starting from the 2024 season, marks an exciting new chapter for the former Tonga international. Described as a powerhouse on the field, Fonua made his debut with the Melbourne Storm back in 2012, showcasing an arsenal of skills that contributed to his impressive stats—a total of 7
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Early birds enjoyed free coffee and other perks at the second in a series of morning pop-up events held by Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday last week. An intimate gathering of business owners, and also attended by local Council representative, Councillor John Collins, the event offered both a casual and informative opportunity for attendees to network and connect. The pop-up was held at Fresh Fields Shopping Centre and Chamber Liaison, Julia Evans, said it was wonderful
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One of Mackay Table Tennis’s most popular and keenest members, Noreen Fredericksen, took out two major awards at the club’s annual presentation night. Noreen won the MTTA Player of the Year Award and the Clubperson of the Year Award, which is voted for by members. Noreen plays both morning and night fixtures and is a keen representative player. Noreen, left, is pictured with club president Janice Kent. Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results November 28, 2023: Division 1: Foxtrot (
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Extreme humidity and stifling conditions met close to thirty avid runners at the sixth event on the Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series 2023/2024 program. Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford congratulated the runners on their amazing efforts to get through their respective events due to the tough on course conditions. Junior champion female athlete, Lily Leven courageously led from the start in the 5 kilometre and impressively hung on to place first overall, despite some co
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Magpies White have thrown down the gauntlet to premiership pacesetters Walkerston Roosters in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association Under 17 series. The second placed Magpies remain in the title mix after skittling Pioneer Valley in a low scoring one day tussle last Saturday at Jack Lancaster Oval in Harrup Park. On a morning where the ball dominated the bat the Magpies chalked up 8-102 from their 25 overs with gritty knocks by Robert Hatherly (30 runs off 48 balls) and an unbeaten 21 from Ror
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Proserpine local and long-time resident Jack Hickmott is back at it, with his annual donation to the Proserpine Hospital. Year after year, Jack donates electrical goods to the Proserpine Hospital annual Auxiliary Christmas Raffle, to say thank you to the hospital for the dedication and care they show when he and his family receive health care through the hospital. While Jack does not want any recognition, he does wish to highlight the generosity and help of the IGA Proserpine staff, who helped
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A gratifying increase in numbers this year has introduced a wonderful group of new players. The Supervised Play break-up was held last week, with Geoff Taylor mentoring new players, Frances Brown supporting new players and Helen Van Den Broek supervising play. The club celebrates the efforts of mentors and volunteers who give their time to the Supervised Play session each week, including Geoff Taylor, Frances Brown, Helen Van Den Broek, Anne Lutz and Terry Sheedy. Tuesday Evening 28 November 20
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Almost 100 stall holders from across the region are expected to fill the old St Catherine’s School grounds on Sunday for the third annual Proserpine Christmas Markets. Organiser Tarnia Patton said that “the beauty is in the variety” and that everyone will be swept up in the festive spirit, with plenty of last-minute Christmas presents available to buy from small, locally owned businesses. A lively and vibrant marketplace, the event focuses on hand-crafted, home-made products such as jewellery,
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The festive spirit cruised over to Whitehaven Beach on Monday when 28 families, carers and clients from Endeavour Foundation’s Learning and Lifestyle hub in Cannonvale, were treated to an afternoon out on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.A kind and thoughtful Christmas gesture from Cruise Whitsundays, the trip was provided for free to Endeavour Foundation as an inclusive way for people living with disability to enjoy some quality time with their loved ones.Jody Flaherty, Site Manager a
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Send off the year that was 2023 with a party like no other, thanks to the Airlie Beach Hotel! Party with some of the best tribute artists around and dance the year away. So, who is on the line up?
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The Whitsunday Triathlon Club (WTC) held their 2023 Award presentations and Christmas Party at Shingley Beach on the weekend. WTC President Michael Kimpton welcomed over 30 seniors members and 15 juniors and parents to the celebration and thanked everyone for their support in helping grow the club. “Our club was established in 1999 so next year is our 24th running of our annual triathlon and plans are already well underway to make the 2024 Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon the biggest
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Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 21 points c/b, second with 21 points was Alan Clinch and third place with 20 points Tyson Flavel. Friday’s 9-hole stableford saw Rhys Bartholomew take the win with 22 points, David Wallace came in second with 20 points c/b and in third place was Glenn Rees with 20 points c/b. Sunday’s warm weather didn’t stop Justyn Durbin from taking the win in the 18 holes stableford with a nice 41 points c/b, second place with 41 points c/b w
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With temperatures soaring, many players were feeling the heat towards the end of the game this week, however, 26 Whitsunday golfers, who never give in, competed in the December Monthly Medal played in conjunction with the Medal of Medals 2023 today. The Medal of Medals 2023 winners: For the Ladies: A grade MOM was Tiina Randmae with 75 nett, for B grade, Karen Rix with a game scoring a nett 66. For the Men: A grade MOM were Lewy Tuck with 66 net and Mark McDougal with 71. December 2023 Mont
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Kev Cooper had 41 stableford points to beat Levi Holmes by two last Tuesday. Paul Gray and Phil Luckett took the pin shots. Leanne Alexander dominated the ladies’ competition with 41 points to beat Heather Luvis by six shots on Wednesday. Pins went to Diane Chard, Pauline Redpath, Pam Casey and Paula McQuat. Thursday's winner was Blake Alti with 44 from Scott Milne on 42, while the B division went to Russell Reardon with 42 from Laurie Dakin on 39. The pins went to Robert Webb, Ross Tong,
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Wangaratta Bowling ReportThe weather has been quite warm this week, summer has arrived! On Sunday one triples and one pairs were played. Winners for the afternoon were Robyn Stitt, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey who defeated Bill Myers, Jim Quod and Allan Rolfe. In the pairs Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker defeated Laurie Land and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off. This Sunday, 10 December our Club AGM will take place at the clubhouse at 9am. All members are asked to attend. Our major cl
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Tuesday afternoon saw the last social bowls until February next year and it was a fantastic effort by all competitors with Carol Crosbie, Tess Walker taking home the last prize money on offer with Di Jackson taking home the prestigious Health Hub award. Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls, brilliantly run by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea, saw Ladda Purdie in brilliant form backed up with David Meiklejohn at lead and Arthur McManus. The Jackpot never went off and to top off her day Ladda also took
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Two local Whitsunday Touch representatives attended the Queensland Touch Football (QTF) Awards Night last weekend. This gala event was part of QTF’s Festival of Touch, a week of activities held on the Gold Coast. Whitsunday Touch had been nominated for a QTF Award in the Small/Medium Affiliate of the Year category. Other nominees in that category were Gordonvale Touch, Callide Valley Touch and Bundaberg Touch. Bundaberg got to take home the award.“Among the many awards presented on the night a
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On Wednesday, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club presented the State Team – Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Jacob Bell, and Mark Erickson (Coach) with special Club shirts. The Cannons wished the team all the best at the Queensland Long Course Championships. At the start of Club Night, Club Secretary presented Upgrade certificates to Jax Eaves, Miller Eaves, Matilda Nicholes, Addie Sanders, Isabelle Bassett, Billie Jamieson, Millie Groom, Penelope Shields and Thomas Ganter. The Choco
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Great Barrier Reef Arena Vies For Place in 2032 Olympics The Great Barrier Reef Arena’s viability as an Olympic Games 2032 venue and training ground is being pushed to the forefront of Brisbane-based decision-makers thanks to the Olympic Games Senate Enquiry Committee which is currently touring regional Queensland. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, met with the committee at the Great Barrier Reef Arena last week and spruiked the merits of regional facilities saying that they could
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December’s City Heart Friday will be a Christmas extravaganza with something for everyone to delight in. City Heart Christmas celebrations will kick off on Friday, December 1, from 4pm to 8pm with free family fun throughout the city centre. A special feature will be the Fifth Lane Christmas Markets with over 20 stalls to browse, as well as face painting, glitter tattoos, kids’ Christmas craft activities and roving performers. There will also be late night shopping in city centre stores with plen
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The Salvation Army is once again partnering to deliver The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. The charity organisation is calling for support with gifts or monetary contributions until 24th December. The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a program assisting in the delivery of Christmas gifts to those in need, including Aussies experiencing hardship or crisis and communities impacted by the cost of living. Choose a practical gift that can be useful beyond Christmas time and deliver it to the Express Drop-Off
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Ah, December 1st, the day that sprinkles a little extra magic into the air, it’s as though the world collectively flips a switch, and suddenly, it’s officially the holiday season. It’s incredible how today has this uncanny ability to transform our surroundings, ushering in the spirit of Christmas with an infectious joy that fills every corner. Or is that just my need to over-decorate? There’s an undeniable warmth in the air, a sparkle in people’s eyes as they eagerly prepare for the festivities
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Whitsunday Anglican School hosted their World’s Greatest Shave event last Friday, 24th November on their last day of school for 2023. Students partaking in the shave were passionate to raise funds to help Aussie families beat blood cancer, providing precious relief to those who need it most. With no screening programs available and no means of prevention through lifestyle changes, blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. Every day, 53 Aussies are diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16
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