Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mary Burston and Shirley Haynes - B Grade Singles District Final
Mackay City Ladies have risen to the challenges of District Competitions recently. Most notable was the successful efforts on the green by Emma Pash who in representing the club in the Open Singles went on to claim the District Title. She then played superbly to defeat Emerald’s representative Bec Pullen to claim the Zone Title and now heads to the State Carnival which is to be held at the Goosies in November.
Another City Lady bowler Mary Burston reached the final of the B Grade Singles only to go down in a narrow margin against her Souths opponent.
Novice player, Sue McCarthy continued ‘City’s’ success with a win against Natasha George from Seaforth Bowls Club in her first ever district event.
Not only on the green but also in the club house there have been happy occasions as long time Mackay City Bowler and current patron Barb White celebrated her 90th birthday milestone among family, friends and club members.
Contributed with thanks by Shirley Sturgeon
Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
Whitsunday Anglican School’s Senior Boys and Girls volleyball teams competed in the Mackay Interschool Volleyball Grand Finals for the second consecutive year, with both teams earning their place in the deciders.
The Girls faced a challenging opening set before responding to level the contest in the second. A closely fought third set saw both teams battle for every point, with Whitsunday ultimately falling short of the title.
The Boys also trailed through much of the opening set before finding their rhythm and building momentum to secure a memorable Grand Final victory.
The school said the results reflected the “dedication, resilience and talent” of its students, with the teams representing Whitsunday Anglican School with pride.
The school also acknowledged the support of Mr Wheaton, Dr Sunner, Mrs Bennington and Mr Nixon, as well as members of the wider Whitsunday school community who attended the finals.
Whitsunday Volleyball is supported by coaches and mentors Mrs Suzanne Weatherhead, Mrs Val Allen, Mr Shamus Stayt and Ms Nadya Millecam.
In an online post, a representative from Whitsunday Anglican School said Mrs Weatherhead, a former National Volleyball player, brings “an extraordinary passion and love for the game” alongside strong technical and tactical knowledge.
With the Mackay Interschool Volleyball season now complete, the teams will now turn their attention to the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast in December!
Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Greg Williamson and major sponsor Forsyths Accounting’s Partner Nicole White share the Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield awaiting the 2026 male and female winners.
The eighth annual Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and 5km Club Championship, along with the inaugural Rules of Running Under 12s 3km, brought runners and the wider community together for a memorable morning of racing.
Held in spectacular conditions, the event featured strong community support, with Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Forsyths Accounting partner Nicole White and members of the Forsyths team, including David and Bernie Forsyth, attending to speak and officially start the 10km and 5km races.
The inaugural Rules of Running Under 12s 3km also proved a highlight, with Belinda Rule and her team sponsoring, volunteering and presenting trophies and prizes to the top three boys and girls.
Organisers thanked the many volunteers who helped make the event possible, including timekeepers and registrars Julie Whibley and Brendan Bishop, as well as Andrew Short, David Isbister and Len Howarth for their work marking the course, setting up and packing down.
The morning also featured a singing bowl ceremony led by Judy Zahn, a significant tribute to Shawn throughout his illness.
Caz’s Coffee Cart, a sausage sizzle, Zooper Doopers and Shawn’s celebration cake added to the community atmosphere, while a raffle helped raise funds for pancreatic cancer research in honour of Shawn.
The final fundraising total from registrations, raffles and donations was still being calculated.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the community, sponsors, volunteers and Shawn’s family — Bonny and John Claydon, Sharon and Jeff Stewart-Harris, Lincoln and Aonghus — for their support.
Under 12s 3km Girls
Under 12s 3km Boys
5km Female
5km Male
10km Male
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Nippers brings confidence, team work and mateship to your children. Photos supplied by Mackay Surf Life Saving Club
‘Guardians of Harbour Beach since 1950,’ Mackay SLSC are kicking off the start of their season with “come and try” days for the whole of September. With surf education, fitness & beach skill activities, as well as a whole lot of fun being held from 8.45am each Sunday. The Nipper’s family will provide stinger suits, boards and all other equipment needed to get involved. Just bring your togs, sunscreen and a towel + Mum & Dad!
“We had a really fun season last year, it was great to see our nippers grow not only in numbers but also in their individual confidence in the surf and with learning about being a lifesaver” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports “Our parent helpers are fantastic as well, getting involved with their children and building our club culture. It really is a family orientated and welcoming sport.”
Nippers is a surf development program catering for children aged from 5 – 14 years, after which they move into the Junior & Senior lifesaving ranks. A typical Nippers morning will involve a structured warm-up & surf education such as signals, rescue techniques and reading the surf for rips or stingers (which we get very rarely), beach training such as flag / beach races and relays, then water based activities that are age appropriate. The morning finishes with a family sausage sizzle at the canteen where all nipper families catch up.
The club has a focus on developing skills from our youngest children up to our older teenagers and starts with play based confidence and skill activities for the young ones which progresses to surf sports competition training for more advanced lifesavers.
If you or your family are interested in finding out more about being a nipper, come along and try!
If you would like any more information please contact the Junior Activity Coordinator Lexi Schiffer on juniors@mackayslsc.com.au!
Contributed by Josh Grant
2026 winner of the Anne Hird Memorial Shield is Andrew Canavan. Picture shows David Hird presenting Andrew with the shield. Photo supplied
Monday 24th August 2026 –8 Table Mitchell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st JANELLE CONROY - TEX SHEEDY 1st MARILIN ROBINS - MICK ROBINS
2nd NANCY MARTIN - GEOFF TAYLOR 2nd NOEL BUGEIA - ANDREW CANAVAN
3rd DEBRA GOODCHILD - ERIC GOODCHILD 3rd CHRISTINE FITZPATRICK - JANINE RODGERS
4th SANDY FORD - DIANE MORGAN 4th JOY HOLD - RODNEY MILES
Tuesday 25th August 2026 – 7 ½ Table Howell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st ANDREW CANAVAN - SIMON BARNES 1st MARILIN ROBINS - ADRIAN WESTCOTT
2nd JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING 2nd DIANE MORGAN - SANDRA MORRIS
3rd JANET HANSEN - LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD 3rd NOEL BUGEIA - ERIC GOODCHILD
4th PATRICIA GARNER - FAYE WRIGHT
Wednesday 26th August 2026 –9 Table Mitchell - Green Points – Australia Wide Pairs
North / South East / West
1st JAN HARRIS - SANDRA MORRIS 1st DIANE HOLEWA - MAX HOLEWA
2nd ALAN BROWN - FRANCES BROWN 2nd TEX SHEEDY - LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD
3rd MING TING - DAVID TING 3rd GEOFFREY PATTERSON - SANDY PATTERSON
4th JANELLE CONROY - NOEL BUGEIA 4th JANET HANSEN - DIANE MORGAN
Thursday Evening 27th August 2026 –3 ½ Table Howell - Green Points
=1st SIMON BARNES - ADRIAN WESTCOTT
=1st ANNE LUTZ - GEOFF TAYLOR
3rd JAN HARRIS - ANDREW CANAVAN
Friday 28th August 2026 – 5 ½ Table Howell - Green Points
1st GEOFF TAYLOR - JOY ROBINSON
2nd GRIFFIN BANCROFT - ERROL MORRIS
3rd MING TING - DAVID TING
4th MONICA DARLEY - JANICE MANSFIELD `
=5th DIANE STOKES - ALEC MCQUEEN
=5th LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD - DEBRA GOODCHILD
Saturday 29th August 2026 – 7 ½ Table Mitchell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st MING TING - DAVID TING 1st ROBERT CARLESS - GRIFFIN BANCROFT
2nd JOY ROBINSON - KEN SEANIGER 2nd ERIC GOODCHILD - DEBRA GOODCHILD
3rd JOYCE DEGUARA - VICTOR MASON 3rd ERROL MORRIS - ALEC MCQUEEN
4th JENNIFER CAMERON - IAN GASKELL
Contributed by Robert Carless
(L) Donna Abbott, (R)Tony Bowman. Photos supplied
Tuesday Evening Fixtures
Division 1: Pumas (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) defeated Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa) 7-4, with YiLin fought his way back against Will to win in 5 set show down (-7,2,-7,7,8). Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) won 8-3 against Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson), Graeme was to strong for Andrea (5,7,-6,-6,6). Cheetahs (Goncalo Serra, Neil Brown, Janice Kent) won convincingly 10-1 over Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan), Neil had a marathon with Anne (6,-5,17,-9,9). Magpies (Barry Patterson, Rod Mahumas, Abbas Irshad) scraped home 6-5 against Leopards (Geoff Cowan, Emma Widdup, Donna Abbott), Abbas sneaking home to win against Geoff (-9,10,-10,4,7).
Division 2: Cuttlefish (David Symons, Logan Brown, Ian McKay) defeated Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink) 7-4, Ian was lucky to sneak home against Matt (-9,7,8,-10,9). Trevally (Liz Burton, Tony Bowman, Amanda Lui) won 7-4 over Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson), George & Peter got across the line against Tony & Liz (-3,5,-8,-10,7). Cod (Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) won 5-4 against Grunter (Simon Hogan, Jason Lee), the doubles Delma & Darryl fought their way back in 5 sets against Simon & Jason (-9,-9,10,2,4). Dolphins (Ross DeBoer, Mark Bowerman, Ricky Zhan) defeated Bass (Jeff Bennington, Daniel Warfield, Veronica Shepherd) 7-4, Daniel outlasted Ricky in close 5 set match (-9,5,7,-6,8).
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd) defeated Pirate Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross), double saw Doug & Branko to strong for Andrea & Steve (11,6,-10,-10,7). Celtic Smash (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, John McGee) got home against Pharaoh Aces (Tony Bowman, Bryan Marshall, Peter Goodson) 8-4, Donna only just outlasted Tony (2,-4,-7,8,11). Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Ross DeBoer, Kevin Abbott) overcame Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Veronica Needham, Judy Zahn) 7-5, with Veronica came back to win in 5 sets against Kevin (8,-7,-8,2,9).
Division 2:Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis, Chris Collins) defeated Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Gloria Vella, Louise Gould), Helen came back to win over Chris (11,-5,10,-3,6). Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) won 8-4 over Dolphin Divers (Gloria Vella, John Hamelink, Frank Caruana), John outlasted Kim to win in 5 sets (-8,-9,5,8,7).
Division 3: Amazon Guards (Allison Day, David Muir, Glenda Brookes) defeated Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Robyn Giles, Myles Dutton) 8-4, Allison to strong for Myles (7,-2,5,-8,7). Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) won 8-4 against Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Trish Zamparutti), Sharon came back to win in 5 sets against Laurie (9,-8,-9,10,9).
There is something wonderfully simple about blokarting. All it takes is a sail, three wheels, a stretch of beach, and the wind to do the rest.
It’s not too physically demanding, but it does require critical thinking, an understanding of how to go with the wind, and a passion. That passion has already captivated many members of the community through the Central Queensland BlokartClub.
This weekend, the club will participate in the annual regatta at Cape Hillsborough Beach, with competitors travelling from across Queensland as well as Melbourne and Sydney.
The regatta is open to the public to watch, with members encouraging locals to come down, set up a chair and enjoy the show of over thirty blokarts zooming across the picturesque beach over two days on Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6thSeptember.
Club member George Camilleri has been blokarting for around seven years. A former sailor, he was looking for a way to continue sailing without the physical demands of handling a larger boat.
After being encouraged to try a blokart, he was quickly hooked.
“I tried one, and I realised, this is for me,” George recalls.
The sport has also attracted Paul Ross, who is originally from the UK and joined around two-and-a-half years ago after seeing members blokarting while walking along the beach at Shoal Point. He had never sailed before but was invited to have a free trial using a club kart.
Within about six weeks, he had bought his own.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it, and so within about six weeks, I’d already bought my car, and that was it – I’m still here enjoying it!” Paul enthused.
For Paul, one of the sport’s greatest strengths is its accessibility.
“I’ve never done sailing in my life. But it’s very easy and all it takes is a bit of common sense.”
The club holds social sailing and Come and Try opportunities where newcomers can have a go in club karts before deciding whether they would like to take the sport further. Families are encouraged to participate, with club members recalling children and parents enjoying rides together.
The club is also working to introduce more young people to blokarting, with members engaging with schools and community groups.
President of the Central Queensland Blokart Club in Mackay Dave Moore, said the club is keen to “bring in some of the younger generations” and help broaden the sport’s future.
“Our youngest is eight, and our oldest is over eighty – so there’s no age limit, and it’s a whole lot of fun.”
“You can get up to 80 kilometres an hour on a good day of wind, but it’s incredibly safe and a really interesting, inclusive sport.”
Locals are encouraged to head to Cape Hillsborough for the regatta this weekend, where they can watch the racing, enjoy the beach atmosphere and witness the camaraderie and friendly competition of blokarting.
An excellent display of running from approx. 30 junior athletes in the Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile.
Runners took to the Mackay Marina Breakwater on Sunday morning for the Nth Qld Bulk Ports Open and Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile, with ideal weather conditions helping produce strong performances across the junior and open events.
The event, which began at 7am, was made possible through the generous support of Nth Qld Bulk Ports, allowing the Breakwater to temporarily close to vehicles.
Podium winners were recognised across the U13, U18 and Open categories, with Harper Miles, Sonny Moon, Ayla Moon, Riley Rogers, Rebecca Malcolm and Jared Mackie taking top honours in their respective events.
The Magic Mile Milo was awarded to Mason Thompson for his inspirational efforts.
Mackay Athletics President Paul Tilse thanked the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and athletes who helped make the morning possible, as well as the Mackay Marina community for its patience during the temporary road closure.
Attention now turns to next Sunday’s Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and 5km, alongside the inaugural Rules of Running under-12 3km, beginning at 7am at Queens Park. All 10km and 5km registrations will be $10, with 100 per cent donated to Pancare.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
This week, members of the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club were able to choose between climbing Mt Jukes, the awesome double humped landmark within the Pioneer Peaks National Park, or a more relaxing outing along the recently upgraded Pioneer Valley Rail Trail.
Walkers at each location were exposed to plenty of scenic countryside, with those who reached the top of Mt Jukes having expansive views in many directions, and the valley walkers taking in distant ranges and lots of farming activity as they covered about 8kms each way, starting at Gargett and returning the along the same path.
For the ladies walking the Valley track, the cloud cover made for pleasant walking, but as the sun emerged, it became hot along the open sections. The first section of the trail had received grading, blue metal and drainage pipes, and an early morning tea was enjoyed at the creek. The participants were serenaded by a variety of birds as two Ulysses butterflies flittered around, and the small group led by Mandy Nimmo had the track to themselves.
Meanwhile, another group of about the same size with a more challenging undertaking, guided by Peter Bennett and Ken Fihelly, enjoyed the sunny winter weather amongst a variety of interesting plants ranging from the tangled roots, buttresses and vines of a rainforest environment to ferns, epiphytes and healthy clumps of grass trees. Although this walk is rocky, steep in places and can be tiring, the stunning views of the distant valleys and mountains make it all worthwhile.
Just as the club has in recent times offered mountains, creeks, beaches, waterfalls and bush tracks, a similar variety of habitats awaits current members and fresh recruits in the upcoming months. Phone our membership secretary on 0429 363 929 for details about our online induction process and our joining fees.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
The 10th anniversary of The Anne Hird Memorial Shield was played this Month with 18 Novices vying for the Trophy. Andrew Canavan being the 2026 winner. It’s an individual event and to be a contender, you cannot be a previous winner. The player has to be under 100 Masterpoints and play 3 sessions with 3 different ‘Overs’. David Hird presented the shield and ‘Beanies for Brain Cancer’ to Andrew and his 3 partners.
Weekly Results
Monday 17 August 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
David Hird presenting trophy to Andrew
1st
Rosalyn Stevens / Marilin Robins
1st
Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford
2nd
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
2nd
Joy Hold / Rodney Miles
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
3rd
Annette Howe / Jan Harris
4th
Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft
4th
Monica Darley / Joy Block
Tuesday Evening 18 August 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood
1st
Lynne O’Neill / Terry Sheedy
2nd
John McGee / Mick King
2nd
Marilin Robins / Adrian Westcott
3rd
Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris
3rd
Patricia Garner / Faye Wright
Wednesday 19 August 2026 – Anne Hird Memorial Week 3 of 3 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Joy Block / Sandy Patterson
1st
Ian Gaskell / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Martin Pearce / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Alan Brown / Andrew Canavan
3rd
Mary-Jane Marsh / Janine Rodgers
3rd
Diane Stokes / Diane Cox
Anne Hird Memorial Shield Final results after 3 weeks of play
1st Andrew Canavan
2nd Sue Mayer-Miller
3rd Joy Block
Thursday Evening 20 August 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
4th
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 21 August 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd
Christine Nice / Diane Cox
2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Geoffrey Patterson / Kath Poole
Saturday 22 August 2026 –- B2 of 2 - 12 Table Mitchell Red points
1st
Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris
1st
Geoff Cowan / Annette Howe
2nd
Shirley Worland / Joyce Deguara
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd
Terry Sheedy / Christine Nice
3rd
Lynne O’Neill / Janine Rodgers
4th
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
4th
Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin
Saturday 22 August 2026 –- B4 Final - 12 Table Mitchell Red points
1st Lynne O’Neill / Janine Rodgers
2nd Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
Contributed by Joy Block
The BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival returns September 19th–20th, welcoming competitors of all abilities for a weekend of sport, community and active fun. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
A Mackay sporting tradition spanning more than four decades will return to the harbour next month, with athletes, families, first-timers and seasoned competitors set to come together for the 2026 BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival on September 19th and 20th.
Dating back to 1984, the Festival has grown into a two-day celebration of triathlon and multisport, welcoming everyone from juniors and first-time competitors to experienced Age Group athletes.
Saturday’s program features 500m, 1km and 2km Ocean Swims and Kids Races, followed by Sunday’s main program of Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike and Aquathlon events, with Enticer, Sprint and Standard distance options available.
Mackay Triathlon Club President and Race Director Stephanie Allen said the Festival’s strong community focus remained at the heart of the event.
“There is something really special about knowing triathlon has been raced in Mackay since 1984. Generations of local athletes have been part of this event, and we're incredibly proud to continue that tradition in 2026.”
For those considering giving the sport a try, Ms Allen said the Festival offered an accessible starting point for competitors of all abilities.
“You don’t need to tackle the full distance for your first event. We’ve got smaller events that you can start with, and as you train more and get a little bit stronger, you can progress up to the bigger events from there.”
At the Mackay Triathlon Festival Media Launch, held at the Mackay Harbour Surf Life Saving Club on Friday 21st August, Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the event’s continued growth and success.
“The numbers are growing again this year, which is fantastic.”
“These sorts of events do so much for our regional community.”
Mayor Williamson said Mackay’s outdoor lifestyle offered plenty of opportunities for locals to embrace a more active way of life.
“We have 32 beaches in our region, fantastic walking tracks and fantastic running tracks, so there’s no excuse not to get involved in something that can get your metabolism going and help you stay healthy.”
Mackay Tri Club member Amanda Trend is one local who knows firsthand where taking that first step can lead. In around 18 months, she progressed from beginner events to completing a 70.3 Ironman, all while being a teacher, and a mother.
“With the support of the club and all of our training, I made it. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and I think with that support, it makes anything possible.”
She encouraged others not to be intimidated by the challenge.
“It’s nerve-racking at the start, but you just have a go. Anything’s possible.”
Dean Williamson Dental has joined the Festival as a Major Sponsor, with owner Dean Williamson also an active member of Mackay Tri Club.
Having experienced the Club’s supportive environment firsthand, he said the community behind the sport was one of its greatest strengths.
“I love the sense of community, the support and the friendships that you get through the Tri Club.”
The Festival will also offer a potential $19,205 cash prize pool, with prize money up for grabs across age groups, junior, teams and multisport categories.
The event is proudly supported by BMA, returning as Naming Rights Sponsor for the third consecutive year with Kate Sommerville from BMA Hay Point Services participating; Mackay Regional Council, represented by Mayor Greg Williamson, supporting the event for a second year through the Mackay Events & Attractions Fund; first-time festival sponsor Whitehaven; Major Sponsor Dean Williamson Dental; and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP), providing vital infrastructure support.
North Mackay Saints volunteer Louise Goss has been recognised as a local ‘Legend of the Tongs’ for her four years of dedication to grassroots football and the club community. Photo supplied
North Mackay Saints AFC volunteer Louise Goss has been recognised for her dedication to grassroots football, being named one of Australia’s local ‘Legends of the Tongs’ as part of a national search.
For the past four years, Louise has played an important role behind the scenes at North Mackay Saints AFC, helping keep the club running and supporting its players and families.
Her involvement has included working as youth coordinator, Under 17s team manager, sports trainer and canteen volunteer.
With her husband coaching and her children playing, Louise has embraced the Saints’ family-focused culture and chosen to contribute wherever she is needed.
She said she believes every child should have the opportunity to play the game they love.
The Saints have built a strong community around making sure players have a place at the club, with every age group valued and dedicated junior presentation nights introduced.
While recruiting volunteers remains an ongoing challenge, the club continues to rely on a strong team effort to support local families and keep football thriving.
The recognition comes as the senior men’s team chases a sixth consecutive premiership, highlighting the contribution of the volunteers who help make opportunities on the field possible.
Bunnings Mackay North Complex Manager, Neil Foord, said Louise’s contribution went well beyond the BBQ.
“From firing up the BBQ to coordinating volunteers and fundraising efforts, volunteers like Louise are the heart and soul of community sport,” Neil said.
“Louise is the person who makes things happen, organising junior teams, supporting volunteers and helping deliver successful fundraising events for her club. Her tireless work behind the scenes helps create opportunities for young players and strengthens the entire club community.”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to give back to clubs like North Mackay Saints AFC with equipment that helps make a real difference for their volunteers,” Neil said.
As part of the recognition, the Saints will receive a BBQ prize pack valued at more than $585, including a Jumbuck 6 Burner BBQ and pop-up marquee.
Louise is also in the running for a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final and the overall ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’ title, which comes with $25,000 in products and materials for the winner’s club.
Bunnings Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events, Michelle Walter, said the initiative recognises the contribution of volunteers across grassroots AFL and AFLW.
“Legend of the Tongs is all about recognising the heart of Australian rules football – the more than 200,000 volunteers who show up week in, week out to support their clubs,” said Walter.
“Following a hugely successful first year, we’re proud to bring Legend of the Tongs back in 2026, delivering practical equipment and support that helps grassroots AFL and AFLW clubs focus on what matters most – their people and their community,” said Walter.
Nominations were open until August 16th, with winners announced weekly.
Annett, Diane, Tricia, Christine and Louise, hardworking girls. Photos supplied
A big thank you to members of the club who attended the working bee last Sunday. Many hands make light work and it seems fun galore. Afterwards a BBQ lunch and well earned drink for lunch. A big shout out to member Simon Barnes who with help from Frances, Alan, Rick and Martin replaced all the light fittings at the club earlier in the week. This was such a generous contribution of Simon’s time and expertise. No more glare on the cards. Well Done and Thank You Simon!
Weekly Results
Monday 10 August 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Monica Darley / Joy Block
1st
Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Rosalyn Stevens / Marilin Robins
3rd
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
Tuesday Evening 11 August 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Patricia Garner / Faye Wright
2nd
Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup
3rd
Simon Barnes / Andrew Canavan
3rd
Marilin Robins / Adrian Westcott
Wednesday 12 August 2026 – Anne Hird Memorial Week 2 of 3 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Sue Mayer-Miller / Noel Bugeia
1st
Simon Barnes / Jennifer Cameron
2nd
Louise Renton / Jan Harris
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Annette Howe
3rd
Joy Block / Diane Stokes
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Ann Whitmore
4th
Debbie Ludkin / Patricia Garner
4th
Geoff Taylor / Diane Cox
5th
Andrew Canavan / Frances Brown
5th
Anne Lutz / Colleen Riddel
Thursday Evening 13 August 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Rodney Miles / Terry Sheedy
1st
Jan Harris / Julie O’Neill
2nd
Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Mick King / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
John McGee / Adrian Westcott
3rd
Martin Pearce / Simon Barnes
Friday 14 August 2026 –- 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor
1st
Christine Nice / Diane Cox
2nd
Monica Darley / Barbara Tait
2nd
Joy Block / Christine Fitzpatrick
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Mick King / Geoff Cowan
Saturday 15 August 2026 –- B1 of 2 - 12 Table Mitchell Red points
1st
Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
2nd
Jan Harris / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd
Lynne O’Neill / Janine Rodgers
4th
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
4th
Terry Sheedy / Christine Nice
5th
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
5th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
6th
Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
6th
Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner
Contributed by Joy Block
Approximately thirty runners eagerly tackle the inaugural Farview Tavern Mystery Social 5k & 10km
Mackay Road Runners took on a challenging course through the cane country township of Farleigh at the inaugural Farview Tavern Mystery Social 5km and 10km.
The course featured a number of technical challenges, with runners tackling strong headwinds and long stretches of undulating ascents and descents. While particularly demanding for the 10km competitors, completing the course brought a strong sense of achievement for participants.
Organisers thanked Andrew Short for creating the course and said the event could become a regular fixture on the Mackay running calendar, particularly with the opportunity for participants to enjoy a post-run drink at the Farview Tavern.
The club also expressed its thanks to Jo Skinner, Steve Oberg, Andrew Short, Craig and Bec Malcolm and paramedics who came to the aid of a runner who suffered a significant fall during the final 300 metres of the 10km event.
Two NSW visitors, Kerry and Glen, also assisted after inadvertently taking a wrong turn and witnessing the incident, while local resident Maryanne provided further assistance.
Mackay Road Runners will next host its annual Signature and Club Championship Event, the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile, next Sunday morning at the Mackay Marina Breakwater entrance.
Registrations close at 6pm on Friday 21st August. Prizes will be awarded in the NQBP Open, Podiatry Mackay Under 13 and Under 18 categories.
All runners are also eligible for the annual Magic Mile Milo Award, which will be randomly judged on the day.
Meanwhile, club captain Jim Ford continues to conduct free Wednesday afternoon track training sessions at the Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC) at Ooralea. The sessions focus on maintaining and developing running technique and are open to everyone, including those who are not Mackay Road Runners members.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Lily Boland. Photo supplied
Tuesday Evening Fixtures
Division 1: Magpies (Barry Patterson, Abbas Irshad, Rod Mahumas) defeated Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa) 7-4, Abbas outlasted Graham (8,9,-7,-8,10). Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) outlasted Tigers (Anne Sheridan, Lily Boland, Remy Zhan) 7-4, Lily won a great 5 set match against Syed (4,-7,11,-5,4). Cheetahs (Neil Brown, Janice Kent) defeated Pumas (YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) 4-1, with YiLin winning Pumas only match against Janice (-10,-3,9,6,9). Leopards (Emma Widdup, Geoff Cowan, Dilini Ranasinghe) just got home against Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5, with no 5 set matches Andrea won a close battle with Geoff (10,-7,13,9).
Division 2: Cuttlefish (Ian McKay, Logan Brown, David Symons) defeated Trevally (Tony Bowman, AmandaLiu, Liz Burton), Tony and Ian both battled hard but in the end Tony won (-4,6,-11,7,8). Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson) snuck home 6-5 against Grunter (Simon Hogan, Rachel Fiesta, Jason Lee), George won close win over Simon (4,-10,7,-10,6). Cod (Delma Knight, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) defeated Dolphins (Ross DeBoer, Ricky Zahn, Mark Bowerman) 6-5, Delma and Darryl came home strong to beat Mark and Ross in 5 sets (-10,7,-8,10,9). Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) won 7-4 over Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington), Jeff and Craig both played very well, with Jeff getting over the line (-6,2,9,-8,6).
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Ross DeBoer, Kevin Abbott) beat Pirate Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) 9-3, Kevin overcame Steve to win great 5 sets (-2,7,11,-9,7). Celtic Smash (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, John McGee) defeated Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Noreen Fredericksen) 9-3, no 5 set matches Donna outlasted George (11,5,-7,7). Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd) got home 9-3 over Pharaoh Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall), Doug won close match against Bryan (4,-8,9,-5,5).
Division 2: Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Cheryl Pearson) won 7-5 over Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Gloria Vella, Louise Gould), Coral was in fine form against Louise (-10,8,5,-8,9). Dolphin Dives (Ian Dodds, John Hamelink, Frank Caruana) defeated Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis, Chris Collins) 8-4, John got home against Chris (-6,8,-9,7,6).
Division 3: Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) won 9-3 against Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Rondel Brown, Trish Zamparutti), Iris found her form coming home to win against Sharon (-11,6,7,-10,6). Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) ended up tied 6-6 against Amazon Guards (Allison Day, David Muir, Glenda Brookes), Janelle outlasted Glenda B (5,-8,-6,4,3)
Contributed by Andrea Payne
Ken Fihelly. Photo supplied
Last Sunday a small number of club members enjoyed an outing to St Helen’s Creek, situated about a 50 minute drive northwest of Mackay. This is a beautiful rain forest water course in a National Park, and within a few kms of Mt Dalrymple itself.
The creek has been visited many times over the decades by the Bushwalkers’ Club and offers several inviting swimming holes which are particularly popular during the summer months, but on this occasion the water was too cold for any of the participants to enjoy a dip.
However, there were lots of other attractions to be found in the rich rain forest lining the banks, including butterflies and birds such as forest kingfishers and cormorants, and small black snakes, as well as the remnants of a pineapple patch, and lots of convenient slab rocks to facilitate progress along the creek.
The walkers covered several kilometres before reaching the first junction after numerous creek crossings approximately every 500 metres. The walk was led by local resident and long-term member of the club, Kate Brunner.
This Sunday, current members of the club will be able to choose between climbing Mt Jukes with club president Peter Bennett leading the troops, or walking the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, starting out from Gargett, under the leadership of Mandy Nimmo.
Future outings on offer include Cascade Creek, a spectacular waterfall in the Finch Hatton Gorge area, and Mt Ossa. To become involved, phone 0429 363 929.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Photo source: Mackay Softball Association Incorporated
The Mackay Men travelled to Rockhampton for another weekend of CQ Derby softball, taking on Rocky across three games.
After a hard-fought series, Mackay secured the win in the final game to cap off a successful weekend of competition.
The derby featured quality softball and strong camaraderie between the two teams, with Mackay thanking Softball Rockhampton for hosting the event.
The Dragons Abreast Mackay Inc. team. Photos supplied
24 Paddlers from Dragons Abreast Mackay (Dragon Boat Team) are heading to Aix-le-Bains in the French Alps to participate in the upcoming International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Festival alongside 4500 participants from all around the world.
Members of Dragons Abreast Mackay (Dragon Boat Team) recently met with Russell King (Treasurer) of RSL Mackay Sub Branch Inc. to collect beautiful commemorative pins that RSL donated for the team to wear on their hats in France to honour the connection between the Australian and French Troops during wartime.
After the festival some members will visit French Battlefields and Memorial Sites to pay their respects. Lest We Forget.
Club representative said, “Dragons Abreast Mackay are very appreciative of our wonderful Uniform Sponsors, Joyce Mechanical Services, Rimex, The Creperie Restaurant, Blucher Family and Complete Parts and Equipment. The team are fit andready to compete thanks to Evoke Fitness.
“We are all proud to be representing the great Mackay community on the World Stage and will wear our kit with so much pride whilst promoting our beautiful part of the world.”
Contributed by Janelle Moran
Photo credit: Ken Fihelly
The club’s destination on Sunday was Red Cliff Islands, both north and south, just offshore from Seaforth. The walk started around lunch time to take advantage of the low tide needed to access the causeway from the mainland, and this, plus the shorter drive and the somewhat easier nature of the walk resulted in fifteen members setting off across the first causeway to the South Island.
After a short lunch break in the shade, during which some attractively shaped and coloured rocks were admired, the causeway to North Red Cliff Island was now well clear of the water, and the track up to the lookout was negotiated. There are spectacular coastal views from here, Cape Hillsborough to the southeast, and Newry and Rabbit Islands to the northwest. There are some signs of the old WW2 observation site here also.
Then the group moved back down to sea level, and below the cliffs to begin heading north around the base of the north island. The nice slab rocks here made for easier walking than scrambling over and around the boulders. After enjoying the views of the various rock features, and some exotic creatures exposed by the low tide, the participants, led by Ken Fihelly, arrived at the impressive arch on the southeast of the same island.
After plenty of photographs were taken, the group continued to the South Island, this time following the eastern shore, viewing further rock formations including an impressive tower and a colourful sea cave. The causeway was still above water when the participants walked back to the cars. This outing, while not long in kms was rich in the diversity of interesting features to explore.
Upcoming walks include Mt Jukes, Mt Ossa, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail and Cascade Creek. Phone 0429 363 929 for details about how to become involved.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Some of the beautiful Mackay Road Runners ladies prior to racing the Whibley’s Wander 5 & 10km annual event.
Strong performances were recorded across the field at the annual Whibley’s Wander, with Clinton Mackie and Jose Short claiming overall gold in the 12km male and female categories.
Jo Hughes and Craig Joynson were the first male and female finishers in the 5km event, navigating the meandering and slightly undulating course from Duncan Street, West Mackay, towards the Catherine Freeman Trail via Holland Street and Bridge Road before returning to the start.
The club thanked Julie and Andrew Whibley for generously hosting the Whibley’s Wander 5km and 12km from their home, as well as providing a post-run sausage sizzle and refreshments for participants.
Thanks were also extended to Andrew Short for setting up the course and collecting the signs, markers and water-stop equipment afterwards. Rohan Miles was again on hand to manage timekeeping and ensure members’ results were accurately recorded, while merchandising specialist Jo Hughes had a wide range of club merchandise available for purchase.
The club’s next event will be the Mystery 5km and 10km social run this Sunday, starting from Farview Tavern at 4pm, with runners invited to stay for a post-run refreshment.
Members are also reminded of the following Club Championship events this month:
August 23 – North Qld Bulk Ports & Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile
August 30 – Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield and 5km, incorporating the inaugural 3km Rules of Running event for under-12s.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Ian, Errol and Mick receive their Incentive Award for July 2026. Incentive awards are for players under 50MPs with consistent results and regular attendance. Photo supplied
Monday 3rd August 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st JANELLE CONROY - TEX SHEEDY 1st NOEL BUGEIA - JOY BLOCK
2nd MAX HOLEWA - DIANE HOLEWA 2nd HELEN VAN DEN BROEK - JAN HARRIS
3rd DAVID TING - ERIC GOODCHILD 3rd GEOFF TAYLOR - NANCY MARTIN
Tuesday 4th August 2026 – 7 ½ Table Howell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING 1st SANDRA MORRIS - DIANE MORGAN
2nd PATRICIA GARNER - ADRIAN WESTCOTT 2nd TEX SHEEDY - HELEN VAN DEN BROEK
3rd JANELLE CONROY - GEOFF TAYLOR 3rd MARILIN ROBINS - ROSALYN STEVENS
4th FRANCES BROWN - ANN WHITMORE
Wednesday 5th August 2026 –12 Table Mitchell - Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Week 1 of 3
North / South East / West
1st JOHN HUNT - DAVID TING 1st JANELLE CONROY - MARTIN PEARCE
2nd PATRICK RASMUSSEN - DIANE MORGAN =2nd NOEL BUGEIA - RODNEY MILES
3rd ANDREW CANAVAN - KATH POOLE =2nd LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD - JOY HOLD
4th IAN VARY - ALAN BROWN 4th DEBRA GOODCHILD - ANNETTE HOWE
5th DEBBIE LUDKIN - GEOFF TAYLOR 5th TEX SHEEDY - JOY BLOCK
6th SUE MAYER-MILLER - JAN HARRIS
Thursday Evening 6th August 2026 –5 Table Mitchell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st SIMON BARNES - MARTIN PEARCE 1st KEN SEANIGER - ROBERT CARLESS
2nd TEX SHEEDY - NOEL BUGEIA 2nd JANINE RODGERS - JANELLE CONROY
Friday 7th August 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st MING TING - DAVID TING 1st ANDREW CANAVAN - IAN VARY
2nd JOY ROBINSON - GEOFF TAYLOR 2nd DEBRA GOODCHILD - LORNA SHUTTLEWOOD
3rd EDWARD KLIESE - NANCY WIX 3rd NANCY MARTIN - KATH POOLE
4th SANDY PATTERSON - ERIC GOODCHILD ` 4th MARTIN PEARCE - GWEN LIDDELL
5th TEX SHEEDY – HELEN BROEK VAN DEN 5th VICTOR MASON - JOSIE CROWLEY
Saturday 8th August 2026 – Nation Wide Pairs – 10 ½ Table Mitchell - Green Points
North / South East / West
1st ERIC GOODCHILD - DEBRA GOODCHILD 1st MING TING - DAVID TING
2nd JAN HARRIS - ANDREW CANAVAN 2nd JOHN MCGEE - MICK KING
3rd FAYE WRIGHT - MARILIN ROBINS 3rd TEX SHEEDY - CHRISTINE NICE
4th GWEN LIDDELL - JULIE O'NEILL 4th SANDRA MORRIS - ANNIE LYNCH
5th JOY ROBINSON - KEN SEANIGER 5th JANINE RODGERS - LAURA HOWLAND
Sunday 9th August 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell - Green Points (Beginners and Novice players only)
North / South East / West
1st PAM CASSIDY - CHRISTINE FITZPATRICK 1st JENNIFER CAMERON - GLEN COCUP
2nd DIANNE COOK - KAY JONES 2nd HELEN MCKENZIE - RAELEEN WRIGHT
Contributed by Robert Carless
Tuesday Evening Fixtures - 4th August 2026
Division 1: Cheetahs (Goncalo Serra, Neil Brown, Janice Kent) defeated Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa) 8-3, Josh won close 5 sets against Janice (3,-7,1,-5,9). Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) outlasted Leopards (Emma Widdup, Geoff Cowan, Donna Abbott) 7-4, Mick and Emma had great battle to the end, with Mick winning (-4,9,2,-10,9). Pumas (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) won 8-3 over Magpies (Barry Patterson, Abbas Irshad, Rod Mahumas), Abbas snuck home against Duncan (-9,9,-5,5,10). Tigers (Anne Sheridan, Remy Zahn, Ross DeBoer) won 6-5 over Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson), Remy played well to beat Robbie in 5 sets (5,-7,-8,8,9).
Division 2: Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington) snuck home 6-5 against Cuttlefish (Ian McKay, Logan Brown, Noreen Fredericken), no 5 set matches but Noreen won close 4 sets over Jeff (7,7,-9,10). Cod (Delma Knight, Darryl Ross, Steve Mathieson) defeated Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmad) 7-4, Steve outlasted Peter in close 5 setter (8,-3,-7,6,5). Trevally (Tony Bowman, Liz Burton, Amanda Lui) won 6-5 over Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa), Liz came home strong against Ollie (5,12,-7,-9,5). Dolphins (Mark Stam, Ricky Zahn, Mark Bowerman) defeated Grunter (Simon Hogan, Rachel Fiesta, Jason Lee) 6-5, Rachel came back from 2 sets down against Ricky to win in 5 sets (-9,-7,7,7,9).
Contributed by Andrea Payne
The 71st running of the iconic Magnetic Island to Townsville swim proved to be another memorable event, marking the 17th year of the race as a cageless swim.
The 8-kilometre course begins at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island and finishes on the Townsville shoreline directly in front of Strand Park. Swimmers are usually accompanied by a support kayaker, who provides guidance, encouragement and sustenance throughout the crossing.
This year's event attracted 73 solo swimmers, 10 duo teams and eight teams of four.
The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club was represented by Pierre Craven and Jenny Smith, who both rose to the challenge.
Pierre faced an unexpected hurdle before even entering the water when the kayak belonging to his support paddler, Geoff Hamilton, was delayed on a barge experiencing mechanical issues. Undeterred, Pierre received advice from Jane Eggins to push ahead without stopping for sustenance.
The strategy paid off, with Pierre improving on last year's time by 30 minutes and finishing seventh in his age group. He credited much of that improvement to the guidance of coach Millie at the DMR Memorial Pool, home of the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club.
Meanwhile, Geoff returned to Townsville by ferry to retrieve the kayak and, with the assistance of Theresa Hackney, caught up with Pierre about 1.5 kilometres into the swim.
For Jenny Smith, the event marked her first crossing, although she says it certainly won't be her last. Following months of training, dedication and discipline, she finished eighth in her age group, supported by a Townsville-based kayaker.
Jenny Furini and Theresa Hackney formed the on-the-ground support crew, while many more supporters cheered from Mackay.
Beyond competition, the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club prides itself on being an inclusive community, welcoming swimmers of all abilities, from experienced competitors to those returning to the pool after time away or recovering from injury.
Contributed by Gerri Kissner
Andrea Nicholson. Photo supplied
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Pirates Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) defeated Pharoah Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5, Andrea outlasted Tony in close 5 sets (-10,9,6,-11,8). Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Kevin Abbott) won against Celtic Smash (Pam Joyce, John McGee) 5-4, no 5 set matches but John and Kevin had a great 4 sets with John getting up (-5,5,10,4). Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd) got home 7-5 against Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn), Doug fought back to win in 5 sets over Judy (-8,-4,3,9,14).
Divison 2: Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Pam Kuene, Louise Gould) won 7-5 over Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis, Cheryl Pearson), Ken and Josie overcome Helen and Pam to win (-7,8,-9,6,8). Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) defeated Dolphin Divers (Ian Dodds, John Hamelink, Frank Caruana) 8-4, Coral won the marathon with John in 5 sets (4,-7,14,6,8).
Division 3: Amazon Guards (David Muir, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) outlasted Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) 9-3, Allison got home against Iris (7,7,-4,-2,7). Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Kim Challendar, Trish Zamparutti) defeated Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) 9-3, Trish got home over Glenda (9,3,-8,-8,3).
Tuesday Night Fixtures
Division 1: Cheetahs (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Janice Kent) defeated Leopards (Emma Widdup, Dilini Ranasinghe, Geoff Cowan) 6-5, Janice fought her way back against Geoff to win in 5 sets (-9,-10, 5,7,7). Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan) outlasted Magpies (Barry Patterson, Abbas Irshad, Rod Mahumas) 6-5, with no 5 set matches Remy and Rod had a great battle with Remy winning (5,7,-10,10). Jaguar (Mick Ruhl, Graeme Walker, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 over Lions (Josh Brown, Graham Brake, Will VanDeKaa), Josh won in close 5 sets against Graeme W (-9.8,8,-9,4). Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) defeated Pumas (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) 9-2, Andrea snuck home against Duncan (6,-6,-4,13,9).
Division 2: Dolphins (Mark Stam, Ricky Zhan, Mark Bowerman) won 6-5 against Trevally (Tony Bowman, Amanda Lui, Noreen Fredericksen), Mark S came back against Noreen to win in 5 sets (-8,-3,9,9,9). Mackeral (Matt West, Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) defeated Grunter (Rachel Fiesta, Simon Hogan, Jason Lee) 6-5, Rachel won close match against Ollie (-5,7,6,-9,9). Cod (Donna Abbott, Darryl Ross, Steve Mathieson) got home against Cuttlefish (Logan Brown, Ian McKay, David Symons) 6-5, Steve outlasted David (-6,8,6,-6,7). Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmed) defeated Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington) 6-5, George got home against Daniel (4,9,-6,-8,5).
Contributed by Andrea Payne
Winning team - Lorna, Janelle, Terry and Noel. Photo supplied
Red, Gold & Green At The Bridge Club!
Three competitions were played last week with the final of the GNOT (Gold Points), final round of the Teams (Red Points) and the Unders and Overs Pairs (Green Points). Ten teams competed for the GNOT Final and the Founders Teams. Janelle Conroy, Terry Sheedy, Lorna Shuttlewood & Noel Bugeia took out both GNOT Final and the Founders Teams. Twenty-four pairs played in the Unders and Overs pairs, with many beginners playing with overs they would not normally get the chance to play with. The Mackay Club has a wonderful program for beginners and experienced players give of their time to play and encourage these players along their journey.
Weekly Results
Monday 27th July 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd
Monica Darley / Joy Block
2nd
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
3rd
Margaret Geeham / Adrian Westcott
3rd
Jaqui Morton / Robert Morton
4th
Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden
4th
Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
Tuesday Evening 28th July 2026 –Unders and Overs Pairs 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Glen Cocup / Patricia Garner
1st
Marilin Robins / Mick Robbins
2nd
Lynne O’Neill / Frances Brown
2nd
Helen Van Den Breok / Ian Vary
3rd
Martin Pearce / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Susan Ross
4th
Joy Block / Terry Sheedy
4th
Ming Ting / Susan Gibson
4th
Christina Brady / Alan Brown
5th
Michelle Hall / Mick King
Wednesday 29th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 3 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
Team
Players
1st
Sheedy
Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Ting
Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild
3rd
Rasmussen
Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa
4th
Howard
Vicki Howard, Susan Ross, Janine Rodgers, Anette Howe
Wednesday 29th July 2026 – Final Founders Teams Red Points
Team
Players
1st
Sheedy
Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Ting
Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild
3rd
Morris
Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Frances Brown, Alan Brown
Thursday Evening 30th July 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
3rd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 31 July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood/ Debra Goodchild
2nd
Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor
3rd
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
4th
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
3rd
Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell
Saturday 1st August 2026 –- Final GNOT Teams Gold Points
Team
Players
1st
Bugeia
Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Brown
Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Diane Morgan, Janet Hansen
3rd
Morris
Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Frances Brown, Alan Brown
4th
Ting
Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild
Contributed by Joy Block
Photo credit: Edie weiss
Despite unpredictable weather, ten club members took part in the walks on offer on Sunday. They were able to choose between a challenging climb in the Homevale National Park and a more relaxed exploration of beach and bush areas between Bucasia and Shoal Point.
Ken Fihelly was the guide for the ascent of Sydney Heads, and progress was slowed initially by long and thick grass and then some slipping and sliding on the scree slope. However, once on top of the plateau, the views were stunning. From various positions Diamond Cliffs, The Bluff, Marling Spikes, Mt Britton and Mikes Peak were visible. Lichen gave the cliffs a green tinge, and the wattle was in full bloom with a rich colour. Enduring some drizzle at times, and undergrowth thick with saplings and vines, the walkers reached the highest point (921 m), and after lunch, made their way to the eastern cliffs for more great views.
A smaller number of bushwalkers led by Carole Weekes braved threatening skies to set off from the Eimeo Creek estuary to enjoy a relaxing amble along Bucasia Beach before following a sandy track through the bush to climb a staircase to a lookout. By now, there were blue skies but earlier a few drops of rain and a rainbow had appeared.
The rest of the morning involved morning tea on the deck overlooking the lake at Shoal Point Waters with a view across to some of mountains climbed regularly by the club members, and grazing cattle not often seen now in the area. This was followed by a return to the beach via Nautilus Park, but strong breezes soon forced participants to access the pathway through the parkland for the journey south back to the cars.
Walks on our calendar in the next couple of months include Mt Jukes, Mt Ossa, the Rail Trail and St Helen’s Creek. Phone for more information by contacting the membership secretary on 0429 363 929.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Photo credit: Di Rutland
Christmas in July was celebrated last weekend with fifteen participants involved in a range of activities in perfect weather at Ball Bay.
Saturday morning commenced with nine walkers heading up the track to McBrides Lookout, and then the more adventurous majority followed Peter Bennett to drop down off track to the next hill and down onto the rocks. A scrubby walk with a steep descent was followed by boulder hopping which led eventually to the shoreline near Pauley’s Beach. Earlier, a long morning tea had been enjoyed on a rocky top where there was plenty of conversation but no view.
A less challenging option was chosen by a small group who, after attaining the summit at McBrides Lookout, stayed on track and followed Penny McMahon to Halliday Bay, where morning tea on a log did come with a view. It was then back to the campsite for a BBQ lunch organised by Coral Morgan who had also been responsible for arranging the overnight camp which attracted six participants. They remained to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, dining together and then taking breakfast after watching the sunrise from the beach, or in some cases following their meal with a stroll along the sand and over the rocks.
Future outings are planned to Red Cliff Island, the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, Mt Ossa, Mt Jukes and St Helen’s Creek. For further information the number to phone is 0429 363 929.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
A very special award was presented to Diane and Max Holewa by President Frances. Diane and Max have reached Gold Life ABF ranking. Diane and Max are very experienced players and have been playing bridge for a long time together. Dian and Max taught Bridge at Moranbah back in the day. Great achievement guys!
Weekly Results
Monday 20th July 2026 – Week 14 of 26 NWP - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
1st
Joy Block / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Nancy Martin / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
3rd
Monica Darley / Janice Mansfield
3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell
Tuesday Evening 21st July 2026 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
2nd
Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris
3rd
Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
4th
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
Wednesday 22nd July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 2 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
Team
Players
1st
S. Morris
Sandra Morris, Jan Harris, Francis Brown, Alan Brown
2nd
Ting
Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild
3rd
Sheedy
Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Rasmussen
Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa
Thursday Evening 23rd July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Anne Lutz
Friday 24 July 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd
Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright
2nd
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Lorna Shuttlewood/ Debra Goodchild
3rd
Diane Cox / Christine Nice
4th
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
Saturday 25th July 2026 –- 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
Marilin Robins / Mick Robins
2nd
Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Andrew Canavan
3rd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
4th
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
4th
Julie O’Neill / Gwen Liddell
Sunday 26th July 2026 –- Noice and Mentors -6 Table One Winer Green Points
1st
Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Jennifer Camerson / Martin Pearce
3rd
Lynne O’Neill / Susan Gibson
4th
Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe
Diane and Max – ABF -Gold Life. Photo supplied
Contributed by Joy Block
A very successful Eungella King & Queen of the Mountain outing for the Hayles family – Oscar (4th Junior male), Isabelle (3rd Junior female) , Emily (2nd Open female), Lissy and Stephen Hayles.
Congratulations to the runners and cyclists who took part in the annual Historical King and Queen of the Mountain last weekend.
Perfectly cool conditions provided an ideal setting for quality racing, with nearly 100 athletes making their way from the small township of Netherdale to the beautiful Eungella Chalet, with spectacular scenic vistas along the route.
The event would not be where it is today without the valuable support of its loyal sponsors: Eungella Chalet’s Tess and team; M-Test’s Merv and Wendy Shields; Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr; Veronica Pettifer, who sponsors The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy; Torque Tyres & Trailers; and Cloudbreak Lowline Eungella Beef’s Kel and Mandy.
Several volunteers from Mackay Cycle Club and Mackay Road Runners are also to be congratulated for their involvement in staging this magnificent event and helping make the annual race a success.
Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle King & Queen of the Mountain:-
Naomi Ballard - 1st Female
Max Teague - 1st Male
M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain:-
1st Kate Gibbs; 2nd Emily Hayles; 3rd Jose Short; 4th Bec Malcolm
1st Paul Mackenzie; 2nd Ryan Murray; 3rd Samuel Parrish; 4th Liam Mumford
Podiatry Mackay/Lauren Pettifer Inspirational Junior King & Queen of the Mountain:-
Female - 1st Lily Leven; 2nd Isla Gibbs; 3rd Isabelle Hayles; 4th Sienna Gibbs
Male - 1st Tyler Lewandowski; 2nd Fletcher Hegerty; 3rd Max Miles; 4th Oscar Hayles
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Welcome back everyone to Season 3 and trust you all had a wonderful break. Congratulations to the Players who took part in the Queensland Veterans Championships in Brisbane on 14th-19th July. Mackay did very well winning a suitcase full of medals in every colour. Well done!
EVENING FIXTURES - Season 3
Division 1: Cheetahs (Goncalo Serra, Janice Kent, Allan Edwards) defeated Jaguars (Neil Brown, Syed Hossain) 9-2 with Neil coming home strong against Allan (4,9,-10,-9,4).
Leopards (Emma Widdup, Donna Abbott) snuck home against Lions (Graham Brake, Josh Brown, Will VanDaKaa) 6-5, Donna come back from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Graham (-6,-10,3,9,4). Pumas (Trent Day, Yilin Jiang, Duncan Treloar) won 6-5 over Tigers (Lily Boland, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan). Anne came back against Duncan to win (-6,-9,10,6,6).
Hawks (Robbie Richards, Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson) defeated Magpies (Barry Patterson, Rod Mahumas) 6-5, Robbie and Rod had a close battle with Robbie winning in 5 sets (12,-7,-11,4,8).
Division 2: Cod (Delma Knight, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) won 8-3 against Bass (Daniel Warfield, Tiffany Camilleri, Jeff Bennington), Daniel and Steve had a massive 4 sets, Daniel won (20,-10,9,5).
Squid (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Mahmout Ahmed) got home 8-3 over Cuttlefish (Ian McKay, Noreen Frederickson, David Symons), Peter beat Ian in close 5 sets (7,-7,7,-8,10).
Dolphins (Mark Stam, Mark Bowerman, Ricky Zhan) defeated Mackeral (Ollie Hamelink, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, Ricky come home strong against Ollie (-8,9,-9,10,5).
Trout (Tony Bowman, Liz Burton, Amanda Lui) overcome Grunter (Simon Hogan, Rachel Fiesta, Jason Lee) 6-5, Simon won close battle with Liz (-9,5,7,-5,8).
MORNING FIXTURES
Division 1: Celtic Smash (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, John McGee defeated Pirate Plunge (Andrea Nicholson, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) 8-4, with no 5 set matches Pam won against Steve (-9,7,4,5).
Pharaoh Aces (Tony Bowman, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) outlasted Roman Legion (George Camilleri, Judy Zahn, Noreen Frederickson) 9-3, Bryan beat Judy in close 5 sets (-7,4,-6,6,6).
Spartan Serve (Delma Knight, Ross DeBoer, Kevin Abbott) tied 6-6 with Zulu Spears (Branko Vucurovic, Doug Dungavell, Veronica Shepherd), Branko outlasted Ross (-8,-7,8,9,4)
Division 2: Buffalo Herd (Sally Muir, Coral Morgan, Kim Daffy) defeated Bear Claws (Helen Ware, Pam Kuene, Louise Gould) 8-4, Kim won in close 5 sets against Pam (-7,-7,8,7,9).
Dolphin Divers (Frank Caruana, John Hamelink) got home 6-3 over Cheetah Race (Ken Best, Josie Davis), Frank got the better of Ken (-7,6,-7,6,10).
Division 3: Amazon Guards (David Muir, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) won 9-3 against Aztec Warriors (Janelle Kuene, Thelma Caruana, Glenda Dutton), Thelma was to strong for Allison (8,-8,-8,8,7).
Gladiator Grip (Kim Challendar, Sharon Muller, Trish Zamparutti) defeated Mongol Power (Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott, Myles Dutton) 8-4, Sharon got home in close battle with Iris (-8,-8,8,9,8).
Contributed with thanks to Andrea Payne
Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
Congratulations to North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club open water swimmers, who achieved outstanding results at last week's MSQ State Championships Ship to Shore Swim.
While medal presentations were delayed as most competitors travelled back to Mackay after the event, the well-earned medals have now been presented, recognising the swimmers' impressive performances.
There was plenty to celebrate at Mackay parkrun on 25th July, with a new age category record and several participant milestones highlighting another successful community event.
Lorna Allen set a new VW80–84 age category record, completing the free, timed 5km course in an impressive 41:11.
The event also recognised five milestone achievements. Greg Dawes celebrated his 250th parkrun finish, while Rowan Stratford and Michelle McCulloch each reached their 100th finish milestones. Clinton Mackie completed his 50th parkrun, and Tanya Tomerini celebrated her 25th finish.
A familiar face at Mackay parkrun, Greg Dawes’ milestone reflects not only his commitment as a participant but also his outstanding service as a volunteer. Since joining the event team in September 2022, he has served as Run Director on 32 occasions and has volunteered an impressive 125 times. Fittingly, Greg marked his 250th finish while volunteering as the 27:30 pacer, encouraging and supporting fellow participants throughout the course.
Held every Saturday from 7am at the Mackay Botanic Gardens on Lagoon Street, Mackay parkrun is a free, community-run 5km walk or run that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Participation is free, although first-time participants are encouraged to register beforehand and bring a scannable parkrun barcode to receive an official time.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox catches up with Mackay Surf Life Saving Club's Isabella Grant at Harbour Beach after the Year 9 student secured third place in Australia in the Champion Lifesaver event with the backing of a Local Sporting Champions grant.
The next generation of regional sporting legends is locked, loaded, and ready to take on the best in the business, with 59 young athletes from across the Dawson electorate securing crucial financial backing to support their dreams.
Under Round 4 of the Federal Government's Local Sporting Champions program, these dedicated competitors have each received grants of between $650 and $750 to assist with the skyrocketing costs of competing at elite levels.
Among this round's standout recipients is Mackay North State High School student Isabella Grant, a dedicated lifesaver from the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club who recently brought home a bronze medal from the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.
Competing in the demanding Champion Lifesaver event, Isabella placed third in Australia, following her impressive second-place finish at the State Titles. A highlight of her national campaign was taking out first place in the beach sprint.
Isabella shared the national stage with fellow Mackay Surf Life Saving Club member Cadence McKinnon, who claimed second place in the same event, capping off a remarkable result for the local club.
Her father, Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, emphasised the impact this financial backing has on local families.
"For regional athletes, travelling interstate or down to the Gold Coast involves substantial costs for transport, equipment, and accommodation," Mr Grant said.
"Programs like the Local Sporting Champions scheme help lighten that financial burden so our athletes can focus entirely on performing at their best."
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said he was incredibly proud to back local champions like Isabella, who prove that regional athletes can match it with the best in the country.
"Seeing Isabella deliver such outstanding results on the national stage shows the depth of talent we have right here in Mackay.” Mr Willcox said.
"Whether it is driving down to the Gold Coast or flying interstate, the cost of accommodation, fuel, registration, and uniforms is a massive hurdle. With current cost-of-living pressures hitting household budgets hard, mums and dads are doing it tough, so I am thrilled to deliver this well-deserved financial relief to keep our kids competing."
"Our community sporting clubs are the starting blocks where regional Queensland's champions are built," Mr Willcox said.
"These grants are about giving our hard-working local kids a fair go, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of a future podium finish or gold medal. I wish all of our Dawson champions the absolute best of luck – you have your whole community cheering you on."
Fishing enthusiasts, families and adventure seekers are set to descend on Cape Gloucester Resort next weekend as the highly anticipated STONKA Fishing Challenge returns from 6th–9th August for four days of epic fishing, entertainment and fundraising.
More than just a fishing competition, the STONKA Fishing Challenge has become one of the region's most popular community events, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the best of the Whitsunday coast while supporting an important cause. Proceeds from the event help raise funds for Leukaemia House in Townsville, which provides accommodation and support for regional North Queensland families who must travel away from home for life-saving cancer treatment.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Gloucester Resort at Hydeaway Bay, the event promises plenty of "old-school Aussie fun" both on and off the water.
Festivities begin on Thursday afternoon with competitor registrations, raffles, live music and a chance to catch up with fellow anglers over dinner and drinks. From Friday through to Sunday, the program is packed with live weigh-ins, fishing demonstrations, family-friendly activities, children's events, mud crab races and auctions, food vendors, live entertainment and major prize draws.
One of the highlights will be the Battle of the Bays tug-of-war on Saturday, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and live music into the evening. Sunday's grand finale will see competitors in the running to win two fully equipped Quintrex and Yamaha boat packages, along with a host of other prizes.
The competition itself caters for a wide range of anglers, with categories for reef fish, estuary species, pelagic fish, mud crabs and crayfish, along with spearfishing divisions for both senior and junior competitors. Junior anglers can compete for the Prince or Princess of the Cape title, while senior fishers will battle it out to become King or Queen of the Cape.
Adding even more excitement is the popular "Tag a Trout" challenge. A tagged coral trout has been released somewhere within the competition area, and the lucky registered competitor who catches it during the event will take home a $10,000 cash prize.
Whether you're chasing trophy fish, hoping to win a new boat, or simply looking for a fantastic family weekend by the water, the STONKA Fishing Challenge offers something for everyone.
Most importantly, every entry, raffle ticket and dollar raised helps support Leukaemia House Townsville in continuing its vital work for regional families facing some of life's toughest challenges.
Runners get ready for the start of Jo’s 61 steps in very cool but sunny conditions. Photo supplied
Local runners took on the Mackay Road Runners Jo's 61 Steps event on Sunday morning, tackling challenging 5km and 10km courses through the steep streets of Mt Pleasant.
Despite the event's name, organisers joked it had since been confirmed there were actually 70 steps, with good-natured blame placed on the absent club president for the earlier miscount.
The course wound through Annie Wood Avenue, Pollock and High streets, and Norris Road, starting from Gordon White Library.
Fresh from the Gold Coast Marathon, Alana Knezevic was the first runner across the finish line after opting for the 5km course as she prepares for the Sydney Marathon in five weeks' time.
Congratulations were also extended to local athletes who competed in the Airlie Running Festival, where ideal conditions greeted runners in the Whitsundays.
Sunday 26th July
Make this your must-do event next weekend, with all participants welcome—there's no need to be a member of the Mackay Road Runners or Mackay Cycling Club.
Events include the M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain (6.4km), the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Under 18 Junior King & Queen of the Mountain (3km), and the Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle Race(6.4km).
All events begin at 7am, following a one-minute silence in memory of talented triathlete Laura Pettifer, who tragically passed away in 2008 following a downhill cycling training ride.
The course starts at Netherdale and finishes at the Eungella Chalet. Runners must register online by 6pm on Saturday 25th July, while cyclists should refer to the registration link for contact details.
Organisers look forward to welcoming participants to the challenging but rewarding annual event, with post-race celebrations at the Eungella Chalet, where breakfast will be available for purchase. A special thank you was also extended to Tess and the team for their hospitality.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
The all-day Novice X Imp Pairs Competition was played last Saturday with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Airlie Beach, with 16 pairs competing. Outright winners were local partnership and lifelong friends Susan Ross and Vicki Howard. Susan and Vicki have known each other for over 40 years and began their Bridge life together six years ago. This was a popular win, which was celebrated by President Frances Brown, Convener Anne Lutz and all in attendance. Susan and Vicki are great contributors to the club and also bring laughter and joy along with their wonderful culinary skills. Congratulations Susan and Vicki, Well Done!
Weekly Results
Monday 13th July 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP
N/S
E/W
1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
1st
Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen
2nd
Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
2nd
Joy Hold / Rodney Miles
3rd
Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
3rd
Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller
Tuesday Evening 14th July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup
2nd
Mick King / John McGee
3rd
Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown
4th
Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell
Wednesday 15th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
Team
Players
1st
Sheedy
Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Poole
Kath Poole, Josie Crowley, Monica Darley, Barbara Taite
3rd
Rasmussen
Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa
4th
Ting
Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild
Thursday Evening 16th July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Julie O’Neill / Jan Harris
3rd
Martin Pearce / Adrian Westcott
Friday 17th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Helen Van Den Breok / Christine Nice
1st
Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
John McGee / Mick King
3rd
Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
4th
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
4th
Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell
Saturday 18th July 2026 – Novice X Imps Pairs 8 Tables 16 Pairs Red Points
1st
Vicki Howard / Susan Ross
2nd
Glen Cocup / Ian Vary
3rd
Rod Miles / Joy Hold
4th
Toni Barrel / Mary Overall
5th
Linda Priday / Jill Brabon
6th
Christine Fitzpatrick / Colleen Riddel
Saturday 18th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice
1st
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
2nd
Geoffrey Patterson / Patrick Rasmussen
3rd
Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Ken Seaniger / Diane Morgan
4th
Barbara Tait / Patricia Garner
4th
Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood
Contributed by Joy Block
Anne with Winners Vicki, Susan and President Frances. Photo supplied
Play On! Sports Vouchers are helping Mackay and Whitsunday children overcome cost barriers, get active and discover the benefits of sport, with the next round opening July 27th. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton visited Mackay Pony Club on Monday 20th July, to highlight the upcoming second round of the Queensland Government’s Play On vouchers, which provide financial support to help children aged five to 17 participate in sport and recreational activities.
The $200 vouchers can help families cover costs such as registration and membership fees, uniforms, equipment and personal sporting gear. According to Mr Dalton, more than 9,300 children across the Mackay and Whitsunday region have already benefited from the program, with the next round opening on Monday, 27th July.
The initiative aims to make sport more accessible for families facing rising costs, while encouraging children to step away from screens, get active, socialise and build friendships.
“It’s a really great opportunity,” Mr Dalton said, encouraging parents to get involved in the next round as soon as possible.
He said the program could help children access a wide range of activities, from pony club and golf to cadets and football.
“We want to be able to give every child as much support as possible – especially in sport - because we know how beneficial it can be,” he said.
Play On! Sports Vouchers have also made an impact across Queensland, with more than 293,800 children supported through the program in its first year. More than 3,750 sporting clubs across the state now accept the vouchers, with almost 2,500 also offering disability programs.
Soccer, rugby league and netball were the most popular sports among participating children, while 13,917 vouchers were provided to children and young people with a disability, representing a 33 per cent increase compared with the previous voucher program. Girls also accounted for 129,050 vouchers, which has seen an increase of 30 per cent.
For Mackay Pony Club Chief Instructor Tracey Camilleri, the vouchers can make a significant difference, particularly for families with more than one child involved in sport.
“Sometimes it can be the difference between kids participating or not,” she said.
Ms Camilleri said equestrian sport provides children with lessons in responsibility, as caring for a horse requires daily commitment and care.
“There’s a deeper level of responsibility when kids are looking after an animal, and from what we’ve seen – that connection to the horse – can be really great for them,” she said.
She said the benefits extended beyond competition, with children able to enjoy the outdoors, develop partnerships with their horses and find an outlet from the pressures of school and everyday life.
Ms Camilleri, who has been passionate about horse-riding since she was a young girl, said:
“Just being out in the fresh air, and dealing with an animal and getting a great response to learning how to build a partnership is something quite special.”
The vouchers can also help young riders progress further, allowing families to put funding towards coaching, equipment and competition opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
“Without these vouchers, some parents are sort of limited to how much they can do for their child in a sport, especially amongst the cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Camilleri said.
For families interested in taking advantage of the next round, Play On vouchers offer an opportunity to help children get involved, stay active and discover a sport they can enjoy and grow with.
Last Sunday saw six bushwalkers driving about 80 km north of Mackay to access the Cathu State Forest, and then to climb to the prominent feature known as Castle Rock. The leader of the group was Ken Fihelly, who spends half of each year participating in the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club activities before escaping south to avoid the summer heat.
The walk started steadily, but soon large rocks and thick vegetation on a moderately steep slope made progress difficult. Once the ridge was reached the climb became less steep and the vegetation changed to open forest. Attractive cycads were plentiful, and the morning tea spot afforded great views looking westwards towards the top of the range.
On this walk, lunch is usually enjoyed on an impressive sloping slab close to the big ‘thumb’, and this tradition was continued, with great views across the valley being presented. The descent chosen offered some steep rocky terrain, but was easier than the alternative, and after emerging from the bush the hikers had a short easy walk back to the cars.
Phone 0429 363 929 for information about how to join the organisation, and upcoming walks which include Sydney Heads, Red Cliff Island and St Helen’s Creek.
Contributed with thanks by Carole Weekes
Photo source: Mackay Athletics Club
A small contingent of Mackay Athletics Club (MAC) athletes travelled to the CH Track & Field Carnival at Emerald Athletics Club over the weekend, enjoying a warm and sunny day of competition.
The team delivered a strong performance across the event, with several athletes achieving personal bests and record-breaking results.
Ruby claimed third place in the high jump, while Lily recorded three personal bests throughout the day. Matilda broke two carnival records and also achieved a personal best in the 800m.
Bronte had an outstanding carnival with five personal bests, finishing second in the high jump and third in the 800m. Amberley also added three personal bests to her results.
Cathryn and Kevin both impressed, each breaking four carnival records during their events.
Adding to the team’s contribution, Kym took charge in the discus cage as chief official while also managing to fit in a couple of throws of their own.
The MAC athletes enjoyed a successful day of competition, showcasing the dedication and talent within the club.
Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
Mackay Sinkers swimmers have returned with impressive results from the National Open Water Championships, claiming two gold medals and two bronze medals across the competition.
In the 1.5km event, Nigel Dalton claimed gold in the 60–64 age group with a time of 27:42.38, while Geoffrey Robinson also secured gold in the 85–89 age group, finishing in 49:36.28.
The club also celebrated success in the 3km event, with Daniel Stampa earning bronze in the 65–69 age group in 58:25.52, and Pierre Craven taking bronze in the 55–59 age group with a time of 51:27.11.
The club congratulated Nigel, Geoff, Dan and Pierre on their outstanding performances.
Back on home shores, members also enjoyed a Social Saturday swim, with a post-session warm-up featuring homemade turmeric pumpkin soup. The club thanked Annamaree and Alison F for preparing the soup, which was served after Jim's backboard set as the perfect winter recovery meal.
Christine Fitzpatrick pictured. Photo supplied
Christine Fitzpatrick began her Bridge journey only three years ago. Christine understands how daunting, although fun, learning and progressing in the Bridge World can be. Christine has impemented a day of play once a month for players with less than 5 master points. This day givesinexperienced players an opportunity to reinforce what they have learnt in lessons, exclusively at their own level. President Frances supported Christine’s idea and Robert Carless has kindly volunteered to assist. The first day of the program saw sixteen players attend with President Frances supporting in Christine’s absence.
Monday 6 July 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP
N/S
E/W
1st
Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt
1st
Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd
Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
3rd
Joy Hold / Rodney Miles
Tuesday Evening 7 July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Mick King / John McGee
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup
4th
Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Breok
Wednesday 08 July 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Frances Brown / Alan Brown
1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
3rd
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
3rd
Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson
4th
Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
4th
David Ting / Ming Ting
Thursday Evening 09 July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Jan Harris / Anne Lutz
2nd
Mick King / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
4th
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
Friday 10 July 2026 –- 7 Table Rover Switch One Winner Green Points
1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
2nd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd
Mick King / Joy Block
4th
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
5th
Jewel Schmidt / Annete Howe
6th
Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy
Saturday 11 July 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice
1st
Mick King / John McGee
2nd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris
3rd
Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood
3rd
Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner
4th
Sandy Patterson / Joy Hold
4th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
5th
Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris
5th
Sue Ross / Sue Mayer-Miller
Sunday 12 July 2026 – Novice (Beginners) under 5 points. 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Jennifer Cameron / Glen Cocup
2nd
Colleen Riddel / Pam Cassidy
3rd
John Hunt / Patricia Wong
4th
Mary-Jane Marsh / Louise Renton
Contributed by Joy Block
Approximately 30 runners vying for the coveted Garmin Forerunner 265S sports watch.
Mackay Road Runners thanked TriActiV8's Nikki Giles for once again sponsoring the Bonson's Scrub Road 6km and 12km runs at The Leap.
Runners were treated to spectacular scenic vistas, although low cloud and fog created an eerie start to the challenging event. Around 30 competitors took part, all hoping to win a Garmin Forerunner 265S sports watch donated by Nikki.
To be eligible for the prize, participants had to nominate their finishing time before the event and run without using their timing device, or with their watch screen taped over so it wasn't visible.
Natasha Joynson was the delighted winner, estimating her finishing time to within just four seconds. Her husband, Craig Joynson, finished a close second in the competition, missing his predicted time by six seconds, while Lily Leven claimed a very respectable third place, finishing 16 seconds from her nominated time.
The club's next event, Jo's 61 Steps Social 5km and 10km, will be held on Sunday, commencing at 7am from the Gordon White Library car park. Members and non-members are welcome, with a $2 race-day fee applying to all competitors. Participants are asked to arrive by 6.50am for the course briefing and club notices.
Jim Ford's weekly track training sessions continue every Wednesday from 5.30pm at the ARC (Aquatic & Recreational Complex). The free one-hour sessions cater for all ages and abilities, with a $5 facility entry fee payable at the pool kiosk.
The M-Test Open King and Queen of the Mountain 6.4km and the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Junior King and Queen of the Mountain 3km foot races will be held on Sunday, July 26, from Netherdale to the Eungella Chalet, starting at 7am. Competitors must register online via the Mackay Road Runners website, with further information to be released closer to the event.
The Torque Tyres and Trailers King and Queen of the Mountain 6.4km cycle race will also be held in conjunction with the event. Registration details are available through the Mackay Cycle Club by contacting Kiah on 0429 820 020.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Mackay and District BMX Club - Representing Australia in the Green and Gold Race Jerseys. (Absent – Tristyn Kronk, Jaxon Philp and Jack Hancroft.) Photos supplied
Twenty-three riders from the Mackay and District BMX Club are preparing to take on the world's best after qualifying to represent Australia at the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane.
The prestigious event will be held at the Sleeman BMX Track from July 17 to 25, bringing together the fastest BMX racers from around the globe as they compete for the coveted rainbow jersey.
For the Mackay club, having 23 riders selected to wear the green and gold on home soil is a remarkable achievement and reflects the dedication, determination and countless hours of training invested throughout the season.
A spokesperson for Mackay and District BMX Club said the selection was a proud moment for the entire club.
"To have 23 Mackay and District BMX Club riders earn the opportunity to wear the green and gold on home soil is an outstanding achievement and a testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment through the season," the spokesperson said.
"We couldn't be prouder of our Australian representatives and wish each rider the very best as they take on the world's best in Brisbane. Congratulations to our incredible team – your Mackay BMX family is behind you every step of the way."
Supporters can follow the action live throughout the championships via SBS On Demand, as the Mackay community rallies behind its local riders on the world stage.
23 Mackay Riders out of the following will represent Australia:
Photo credit: Julie Ward
Members of the club were active again last weekend after the main event had been cancelled the previous Sunday because of rainy weather.
Seven keen members walked in the vicinity of the Homevale National Park, climbing the features known to the club as the Spikelets. Three of the ladies camped the night before at the old Mt Britton township site, ready for an early start on Sunday.
The hike was led by Kevin Smith, and a highlight early in the day was the discovery of an inviting cave on Spikelet One. A brief visit to Spikelet Two afforded great views of Marling Spikes, Sydney Heads and Diamond Cliffs making up part of the stunning scenery available to visitors to the area.
Spikelet Three remained unconquerable on this occasion as no easy way up was discovered.
A cool breeze was appreciated on top of the peaks as the middle of the day was quite hot. Thick grass and plentiful ant nests were negotiated to reach the ridges which luckily were reasonably open.
Next weekend Mt Dalrymple is on the calendar for club members, weather permitting.
For more information about becoming part of the club, please phone 0429 363 929 or visit the website at https://mackaybwcq.org.au to learn how to conduct an online induction.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Over twenty runners enjoyed the cool but blustery conditions at the Mackay Harbour Marina 5k & 10km Casu Jacks social event.
Well done to the more than 20 runners who tackled the cool, blustery conditions at the Casu Jacks Social 5km and 10km run from the Mackay Harbour Marina. There were some excellent results, with junior runners producing notable performances as they comfortably completed their respective events.
Congratulations also to the Gold Coast Running Festival competitors, with amazing outcomes for many local runners, including Alana Knezevic, who clocked 3hrs 15min in the 42.2km marathon.
Legendary ultra runner Paul MacKenzie was unstoppable across the Gold Coast weekend, completing the full marathon (2hrs 57mins), the 21.1km half marathon (1hr 24mins), the 10km (39mins) and the 5km (19mins 17secs) at the world-renowned running festival. Paul earned a well-deserved third place in his age category for the double marathon achievement.
Justin Rule's first marathon attempt, supported by his family, Belinda, Oliver and Toby, was outstanding as he crossed the finish line in a spectacular 3hrs 10mins.
With many other personal goals achieved, congratulations go to everyone for their efforts, including but not limited to Emily Green, Shane Donnollan, Aidan Donollan, Ashley Miles, Clinton Mackie, Jenny Harmer, Glen Harmer, Marilyn Bennett, Brijesh Kumar, Paul Formosa, Kay Nyenug and Peter Ford in the 42.2km; Adam Knezevic in the 21.1km; Fran March, Bianca Miles, Max Miles, Toby Rule and Oliver Rule in the 10km; and Toby Rule in the 5km.
Next Sunday's TriActiV8-sponsored Mackay Road Runners Bonson's Scrub/Ian Reddacliffe Roads 6km and 12km event will commence at 7am at the junction of Bonson's Scrub Road and the Bruce Highway, The Leap.
Due to parking restrictions at the race start, runners are requested to carpool as much as possible by meeting at Coningsby State School. All members are invited to participate in this challenging and enjoyable annual event for a $2 race day fee, which accrues club handicap points. Non-members are always welcome for a $10 race day fee for those over 18 years and $5 for those under 18 years. Please arrive at the start precinct by 6.45am for the course briefing and club notices.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Participants enjoying Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Run & Ocean Swim. Photo supplied
POWERED by returning naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, registrations for the 2026 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Run & Ocean Swim are now open.
Hosted by Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club, the 6 September event has five different runs and two ocean swims options to choose from, with all proceeds going to support the Club.
Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club President Brady Leonard said that the event is the Club’s principal annual fundraiser, combining “fun, fitness and fantastic views” into one event to support the Club’s vital work in our community.
“As a 100% volunteer organisation, we are so grateful for all of interest and participation so far in our popular Cruisin’ the Coast Run & Ocean Swim,” Mr Leonard said.
“It’s also fantastic to have Community Bank Sarina on board as our naming rights sponsor – and their continued support plays a huge part in helping us bring this event to life.
“While raising much-needed funds for us, it also allows our community to experience beautiful Sarina Beach.”
Community Bank Sarina’s Board Chair Karen May said this event is a “great way for families and friends to reconnect”.
“If you choose to either walk, run or swim, we want everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace and be reminded of why we love our community so much,” Ms May said.
The event features something for everyone, with a 5km community walk, 1km, 5km, 10km or half marathon runs, plus a 1km or 2km ocean swim – offering a variety of distances to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Alongside naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina, the 2026 major sponsors include BMA BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and North Queensland Bulk Ports, with minor sponsors Mackay Whitsunday Life and Fridgelec and additional support from valued Club friends Mackay Regional Council and Rebel Nation.
Register before 14 July to receive an early bird ticket and free event shirt at https://sarinacruisinthecoast.com.au/tickets.
Photo source: Mackay basketball (Facebook)
Mackay Basketball’s Holiday Hoops Camp has recorded its biggest turnout yet, with more than 140 young participants taking part across two days of basketball during the school holidays.
The program, the second Holiday Hoops Camp held this year, proved a standout success and set a new participation record for the organisation’s holiday camp series.
It was said that across the two days, the courts were filled with activity, with plenty of smiles, new friendships forming and a strong sense of enjoyment evident among participants.
Mackay Basketball also acknowledged its coaching group, who volunteered their time to run the sessions. Coaches were recognised for their efforts in teaching, encouraging and supporting players throughout the camp, helping deliver a positive experience for all involved.
The Holiday Hoops Camp continues to be a popular feature on Mackay Basketball’s calendar, providing young players with the opportunity to spend time on court during the school holidays in a structured and supportive environment.
This latest edition has now set a new benchmark for participation, with organisers describing the two-day event as an “unbelievable couple of days of hoops.”
With record numbers achieved, the program has again highlighted the strong level of engagement with basketball across the Mackay region, as local families continue to support opportunities for young players to get involved in the sport.
The camp concluded after two full days of activity, marking another successful instalment of Mackay Basketball’s ongoing holiday program.
Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club
Mackay's Sinkers have continued to make waves in the pool, celebrating strong performances at both the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Perth and the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler.
Peter T delivered an outstanding result at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships, returning to competition for the first time in 12 months to finish second overall in the 45–60 years age group.
Competing across the three-day championships, Peter claimed an impressive medal tally of one gold and four silver medals, marking a successful return after an extended break from competition.
Fellow Sinkers Nigel Dalton and Dan Stampa also impressed at the Brisbane Southside Meet at Chandler, producing a series of strong swims against a competitive field of 194 registered athletes.
Nigel finished third in his age group, while Dan also secured third place in his respective age group.
The pair briefly celebrated holding the Small Club Trophy before competition rules required the award to be presented to another club, with a minimum of three swimmers needed to qualify. With only two Sinkers competing, the trophy was officially handed to the Belgravia team during the Face-to-Face branch meeting.
Both Nigel and Dan enjoyed some extra success away from the pool, each winning prizes in the event's multi-draw.
The club congratulated all swimmers on their performances and thanked Brisbane Southside Meet organisers for hosting another successful competition.
Seven days of Bridge were played at the Mackay Bridge Club last week. This included two evenings, Saturday, and Sunday for Novice (beginners) and Mentors. Mackay Bridge club ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for working people who want to learn bridge to participate after their bridge lessons.
Four members played in the Townsville Congress, with Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy winning the A Section pairs. Diane and Max Holewa joined Terry and Janelle to win the Teams event.
Members of the club are travelling to Bowen to participate in the Bowen Pairs Congress this weekend. Bridge is a social game, which encourages friendship, partnerships, fun and sometimes travel. Don’t wait until you retire, join next year when lessons begin. For more information, watch this space or contact the club.
Weekly Results
Monday 22 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st Nancy Martin / Susan Ross
2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins
3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
3rd Janice Mansfield / Debra Goodchild
4th Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft
4th Sue Mayer-Miller / Karen Caldwell
Tuesday Evening 23 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
2nd Frances Brown / Rodney Miles
3rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger
4th Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy
Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Joy Block / Diane Stokes
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
3rd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt
3rd Terry Sheedy / Mick King
4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz
Thursday 25 June 2026 –- 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Mick King / Griffin Bancroft
2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
3rd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan
4th Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott
Friday 26 June 2026 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Geoff Cowan / Mick King
1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait
2nd David Ting / Ming Ting
3rd Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
Saturday 27 June 2026 –- 13 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S
E/W
1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson
2nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden
3rd Nancy Wix / Richard Wix
3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner
4th Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill
4th Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell
5th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
5th Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok
Sunday 28 June 2026 – 7 Tables Green Points Novices and Mentors
N/S
E/W
1st David Ting / Rodney Miles
1st Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor
2nd Susan Ross / Joy Hold
2nd Colleen Riddel / Sue Mayer-Miller
3rd Christine Fitzpatrick / Griffin Bancroft
3rd Gillian McCallum / Ming Ting
4th Neila Quintero / Martin Pearce
4th Debbie Ludkin / John Ludkin
Contributed by Joy Block
Damp unforgiving rains did not take the fun out of a social Mackay Road Runners event from Eimeo Surf Club.
More than 20 runners turned out in challenging conditions at Eimeo Surf Club on the weekend, including the dedicated Mackay Tri Club members who, after completing their run, took to the ocean for a "little" 2km swim.
The 5km and 10km courses featured plenty of challenging hills through the Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads and Eimeo suburbs, providing an ideal hit-out for athletes preparing to taper ahead of the upcoming Gold Coast Running Festival and various Ironman events.
Those who took shelter from the rain beneath the Surf Life Saving Control Watch Tower also enjoyed learning a few tricks of the trade about the delicate nature of the tummy, including checking that the milk is lactose free.
A big thank you goes to Andrew Short for once again setting up a spectacular course. A legendary stalwart of the club, his ongoing contribution continues to be greatly appreciated.
With a significant number of athletes away competing at out-of-town events, including the Gold Coast, Mackay Road Runners will instead host a social 5km and 10km run from Casu Jacks at Mackay Harbour this Sunday, starting at 7am.
Participants are encouraged to bring along card or cash for breakfast, a cuppa and a chat, while celebrating the first run of the new financial year following 30 June 2026.
All members and non-members are welcome to attend for a $2 race day fee. Please arrive by 6.50am for registration, the course briefing and club notices.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Tri-ActiV8 has earned statewide recognition after taking home two major honours at the 2026 AusTriathlon Queensland State Awards on Saturday 27th June, marking the first time the organisation has been recognised for its triathlon efforts within the Mackay and Isaac region.
The local coaching organisation claimed the prestigious Coach of the Year award for Director and Head Coach Nikki Giles, while the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon was recognised as Club Event of the Year.
Nikki received the Coach of the Year honour in recognition of her outstanding commitment to building a positive, inclusive training culture where athletes at every level are empowered to develop skills and strive for personal bests.
The award is open to accredited AusTriathlon coaches at affiliated clubs and squads who actively coach across all three disciplines: swim, cycle and run, and is determined through nominations from members, reflecting the impact coaches have on the athletes they support.
The region's only female Performance Accredited AusTriathlon coach, Nikki has become a driving force behind the continued growth of triathlon across the Mackay and Isaac regions. Her passion for the sport extends beyond coaching, with a strong focus on creating a welcoming environment where athletes of all abilities feel encouraged to challenge themselves and achieve their goals.
Under her leadership, Tri-ActiV8 has grown into a welcoming hub for triathletes of all abilities across the Mackay and Isaac regions.
“This recognition means the world to me. Triathlon has given so much to our community in the Mackay and Isaac regions, and every single day I pour my heart into giving that back.
“Knowing that my athletes and our community felt moved to nominate me for this – that’s the real award.”
“I am incredibly proud to represent this region and to be part of growing and strengthening the sport of triathlon here.
“This belongs to every athlete who has trusted me with their journey,” Nikki said.
Tri-ActiV8's celebrations continued with the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon receiving the Club Event of the Year award.
The organisation has proudly event-managed the triathlon in partnership with Isaac Regional Council for the past three years, with the event becoming a signature fixture on the regional triathlon calendar.
Held each January, the Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon brings the community together while providing athletes across the Isaac region with a high-quality, professionally managed race experience. Tri-ActiV8 said its partnership with Isaac Regional Council has been central to the event's success and continued growth.
The organisation is proud of what the event represents, not only as a competition but as a celebration of community spirit and the power of sport to bring people together.
Tri-ActiV8 said the two awards reflect the dedication, hard work and passion of everyone involved with the organisation, from its coaches and volunteers to its athletes and the communities it is privileged to serve, while also recognising the continued strength and growth of triathlon across the Mackay and Isaac regions.
Tri-ActiV8 Director and Head Coach Nikki Giles was named Coach of the Year at the 2026 AusTriathlon Queensland State Awards. Photo supplied
Mackay State High School’s Takiyah was named Girls Player of the Carnival and selected in the Queensland Merit Team at the QLD State Schools Cup Rugby League Carnival, alongside her sister Veanna who also earned merit selection. Photo source: Mackay SHS (Facebook)
Mackay State High School student Takiyah has capped off an outstanding Queensland State Schools Cup Rugby League Carnival, earning the prestigious Girls Player of the Carnival award and selection in the Queensland Merit Team.
The Year 12 student was recognised for her performances throughout the carnival, with the honours reflecting her dedication and work ethic on the field.
Takiyah has been involved in rugby league for the past eight years and has represented Mackay State High School, Capricornia, the Mackay Cutters and the Australian Wanderers during her playing career.
Now in her senior year, she has been a member of the school's Rugby League Academy since Year 7.
The carnival also proved to be a memorable occasion for the family, with Takiyah playing alongside her Year 11 sister, Veanna. Both sisters were selected in the Queensland Merit Team following their performances throughout the tournament.
Mackay State High School congratulated Takiyah and Veanna on their achievements and thanked staff and Queensland Secondary Schools Cup organisers for delivering another successful carnival, with students enjoying the opportunity to represent their school on the state stage.
Photo source: Rocky Trail Entertainment
Finch Hatton MTB Trails welcomed riders from across Australia last weekend as the Fox Superflow presented by Rocky Trail Entertainment’s returned for two days of gravity enduro racing.
Held on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, the event showcased Rocky Trail's popular Fox Superflow format, giving riders aged 10 years and over the flexibility to complete multiple live-timed race runs across the weekend at their own pace. With relaxed transitions, no start orders and a festival-style event village, the race attracted ambitious riders, seasoned competitors and families alike, creating a vibrant atmosphere on and off the trails.
Away from the racing, the weekend continued with an MTB Movie Night hosted at the Pioneer Valley Show Society Hall. Held after the Pump N Flow event, families and local residents gathered under the stars to enjoy an outdoor film while raising funds for Pioneer Futures through entry donations and food sales, including a sausage sizzle, popcorn and soft drinks.
Supported by local sponsors, including Robyn Agius Area Specialist and Off Camber Automotive, the movie night provided the perfect community finale to a weekend that celebrated mountain biking, family fun and the growing appeal of the Finch Hatton MTB Trails.
Photo source: Mackay Cutters (Facebook)
Mackay Cutters have confirmed Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months, strengthening the club’s youth education, wellbeing and leadership programs across the Mackay and Isaac regions.
The partnership was launched last Friday at Moranbah State School, where Cutters Wellbeing and Education Manager Jack, alongside club staff and Stanmore leadership representatives, delivered a Cutters Care session to Year 5/6 Sports Boost students.
“We’re proud to welcome Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months,” the club said.
The program will continue to focus on helping young people build confidence, resilience and positive connections through sport and education-based initiatives.
“Together, we'll continue delivering education, wellbeing and leadership programs to young people throughout the Mackay and Isaac regions, helping them build confidence, resilience and positive connections.”
The Cutters said they look forward to continuing meaningful community impact and providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive through the partnership.
Photo source: Mackay Softball Association Incorporated (Facebook)
The Mackay Softball Association has reflected on another competitive CQ Darby against Softball Rockhampton, with strong performances and continued rivalry highlighted across the weekend.
Rockhampton arrived ready to play, producing a dominant display at the plate and taking victory in both games of the series.
“The Rocky boys came ready to play, swinging the bats well and taking the win in both games,” the association said.
Despite the results, Mackay praised the standard of competition and the spirit in which the games were played, with both clubs continuing to build on a long-standing regional rivalry.
The association also acknowledged the contribution of Murray, thanking him “for all his help, guidance and support in coaching both teams throughout the weekend”.
Off the field, community and hospitality remained a key feature of the event, with Jodie recognised for preparing meals for the visiting side.
“Thank you to our own Jodie for feeding our the Rocky boys delicious pulled pork rolls,” the association said.
The CQ Darby continues to be a highlight on the calendar for both regions, with Mackay Softball noting the blend of rivalry and mateship that defines the fixture.
“These weekends are always a highlight on the calendar, and we love the rivalry, mateship and quality softball that comes with them.”
The team is now looking ahead to the next meeting between the two clubs, with both sides eager for another competitive weekend of softball in Central Queensland.
Nancy and Janine. Photo supplied
Twenty-six Pairs competed in the Qualifying Championship Club Pairs on Saturday morning, with the top fourteen pairs then progressing to the Club Championship Pairs after lunch.
Congratulations to Janine Rodgers and Nancy Martin who were the outright winners with 61.86 percent. Although Janine and Nancy are both very experienced players, however, this current partnership is a relatively new one.
Well done ladies! Many hands of cards were played on the day and lots of delicious food eaten. Mackay Bridge Club is a very social and friendly club.
Weekly Results
Monday 15th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
3rd Monica Darley / Joy Block
3rd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins
Evening 15th June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
2nd Janelle Conroy / Andrew Canavan
2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
Wednesday 17th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
1st Terry Sheedy / Mick King
2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
2nd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
3rd Faith Hutchinson / John Hunt
3rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
Thursday 18th June 2026 – Show Day - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S
E/W
1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown
1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
3rd Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft
Friday 19th June 2026 –- Week 12 of 26 NWP - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor
2nd Geoff Cowan / Mick King
2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait
3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
Saturday 20th June 2026 – Club Championship Qualifying - 13 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S
E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin
3rd Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok
4th Susan Ross / Geoff Cowan
4th Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott
5th Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris
5th Ann Whitmore / Joy Block
Saturday 20th June 2026 Club Championship Pairs Final – 7 Table Howe
1st Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin
2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
Contributed by Joy Block
More than 100 riders will contest Queensland state titles across three days of time trial, road race and criterium action from 3–5 July, as the Mackay region hosts the 2026 Queensland Road State Championships.
Presented by AusCycling Queensland and delivered locally by Mackay Cycling Club volunteers, the championships will bring together Queensland’s leading junior, elite, masters and para-cyclists to compete across Mirani, Sarina and Mackay Kart Club at Palmyra.
A total of 109 riders are currently entered across the weekend, spanning categories from under-9 through to elite, masters and para divisions. Entries remain open until 11:59pm on Monday 29 June, with final start lists and event timings to be confirmed after closure.
Riders will contest three disciplines: an individual time trial in Mirani, road races in Sarina and at the Mackay Kart Club, and a criterium held at the Mackay Kart Club circuit, which will also provide the most accessible viewing experience for spectators.
The action begins Friday 3 July with the individual time trial at Mirani, with sign-on from 8.00am and the first rider off at 9.01am. Riders will compete against the clock over distances ranging from 4km for U9 and U11 categories through to 32km for U23 and elite competitors.
On Saturday 4 July, road racing continues in Sarina for senior, junior and masters categories from 7.30am, with events expected to conclude in the afternoon. U9, U11 and U13 riders will also compete at the Mackay Kart Club from 7.00am.
The weekend concludes Sunday 5 July with the criterium at Mackay Kart Club, 21 Grants Road, Palmyra. Racing begins at 7.30am, with the elite and U19 men’s race scheduled for 2.50pm.
The championship field includes a strong mix of emerging talent and experienced competitors.
Former professional road cyclist and Beijing 2008 Olympian Glen Chadwick will line up in the field, bringing international experience to the event.
Rockhampton’s George Tucker, a national track title holder and Queensland representative, will compete in the Under 19 category as one of Central Queensland’s most promising riders.
Mackay’s Max Teague enters the U15 Men’s division following a standout season, having claimed the 2026 Australian U15 Men’s XCC title, gold in the Junior Team Relay at the Australian Mountain Bike Championships, and bronze in the 2025 Queensland U15 road race.
Local representation also includes Elite riders Zac Schwarzrock and Brittany Roberts, Mackay junior Matthew Schatkowski, Cairns U19 rider Chloe Buckley, Townsville’s Nicholas Dixon-Grover, and a strong contingent of developing cyclists from across regional Queensland.
Mackay Cycling Club committee member Kyle Marwood said the event was a proud moment for the local cycling community.
“Hosting a Queensland state championship is a huge opportunity for Mackay and the wider region. We have riders coming from across the state, but it is also a chance for our local juniors to race on home ground and see what a championship-level event looks like.
“To have riders such as Glen Chadwick, George Tucker and Max Teague on the start list makes it a special weekend, but the event is just as much about the volunteers, families, clubs and local businesses who have helped make it happen.”
Spectators are welcome across all three days, with the Mackay Kart Club offering the best viewing opportunities on Saturday’s junior races and throughout Sunday’s criterium program.
Motorists in Mirani and Sarina are advised to allow extra travel time, follow signage and comply with traffic controller directions, with full traffic management details to be released ahead of race weekend.
The event is expected to draw riders, support crews, officials and families from across Queensland, delivering a major boost for regional sport while showcasing Mackay as a key cycling destination.
Photo source: Mackay Basketball
Mackay Basketball has celebrated its U16 representative players and teams following the conclusion of the season, recognising individual achievements across the Meteors, Meteorettes, Comets, Comettes, Stars and Starettes squads.
Award recipients included:
Meteors
MVP: Jimmy Turner
Best Defensive: Winston Sutton
Coach's Award: Finley Philbin
Meteorettes
MVP: Harvey Geeves
Best Defensive: Pyiper Redgard
Coach's Award: Indy Jorgensen
Comets
MVP: Hudson Currie
Best Defensive: Tom Balingall
Coach's Award: Eddie Hardwick
Comettes
MVP: Magenta Newland
Best Defensive: Summer Jo Young
Coach's Award: Sibella Mayer
Stars
MVP: Beau Slaughter
Best Defensive: Barry Matchett
Coach's Award: Tyler O'Neill
Starettes
MVP: Tanatsa Kuveya
Best Defensive: Abi Hobbs
Coach's Award: Emma Russell
Congratulations were also extended to the U16 athletes selected to represent Queensland North at the upcoming National Championships: Winston Sutton, Jimmy Turner, Hayden Bone, Finley Philbin, Indy Jorgensen, Pyiper Redgard, Harvey Geeves, MarliReid, Mercy Osborne, Ellie Marsh and Sammy Simpson.
A special thank you was also given to NBL1 player Khobie De Haan for presenting the awards.
Ian Brookes. Photo credit: Julie Ward
Recently, members of the Mackay Bushwalkers' Club were offered two very different walks on successive Sundays, both under the guidance of Ken Fihelly in the broad Cape Hillsborough area.
Members were taken to places not usually frequented by visitors to the National Park, who often prefer to follow the popular walking tracks to the well-known lookouts. The first of these bushwalks traversed the western section of the park from Smalley's Beach nearly up to the plateau, passing under cliffs to a cave with a large overhang.
Some steep rock scrambling was undertaken, but was rewarded with great views including that of the Native Pink Hibiscus patch, mostly still only buds.
The journey back to the cars revealed gullies, dry creek beds and sections of rain forest. Towering palms, beautiful basket ferns, grass trees and lush grasslands, as well as a close encounter with a Ulysses butterfly were highlights of the day.
A week later, Paradise Falls was reached after a journey offering large boulders, impressive rain forest and rugged cliffs, as well as thousands of Crow and Blue Tiger butterflies.
Both walks showcased spectacular scenery to be admired whilst making the most of the outdoors in very sunny weather.
The club's full program for the next month includes a variety of walks ranging from Mt Dalrymple to Homevale and Cathu, with some easier options available on the days of more challenging outings.
For further information about the range of walks on offer to members over the next month and for information on how to become involved, phone 0429363929.
Frances and Jan. Photo supplied
BRIDGE
The club is pleased to announce that Jan Harris, is the newly appointed Country Director. In the context of the card game bridge, a Country Director is an accredited official qualified to oversee and manage small regional or "country" bridge congresses. Jan received her Queensland Bridge Association Director’s Certificate from President Frances Brown. Bridge cannot be played without directors and is commendable that Club members like Jan step forward to fill these roles. Thank you, Jan!
Frances and Jan
Weekly Results
Monday 8 June 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Monica Darley / Joy Block
2nd Vicki Howard / Susan Ross
3rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers
4th Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris
Evening 9 June 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger
1st Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup
2nd Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott
2nd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
3rd Ian Stephenson /Ann Whitmore
3rd Errol Morris / Mick Robins
Wednesday 10 June 2026 – NWP Week 11 of 26 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
3rd Debbie Ludkin / Mick King
3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
4th Monica Darley / Helen Goldston
4th Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
5th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
5th Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell
Thursday Evening 11 June 2026 – 5 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st Terry Sheedy / Adrian Westcott
2nd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan
3rd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore
4th Simon Barnes / Martin Pearce
Friday 12 June 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild
1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
2nd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger
2nd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
3rd Diane Cox / Christine Nice
3rd Mick King / Geoff Cowan
4th Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
4th Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
5th Ming Ting / David Ting
5th Gillian McCallum / Rodney Miles
Saturday 13 June 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Faye Wright / Janine Rodgers
1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
2nd Joy Robinson / Terry Sheedy
2nd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner
3rd Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright
4th Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris
4th Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch
5th Helen Van Den Breok / Joy Brunette
5th John Ludkin / Max Holewa
Photo supplied
Tuesday Night Fixtures
Division 1: Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, YiLin Jiang) won 7-4 over Geese (Steve Whiting, Janice Kent, Lee Brake) with Lily come home strong against Steve (-9,7,-7,8,11). Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) were to strong for Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake), Graeme won against Mark (-9,4,12,-4,3). Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Duncan Treloar, Allan Edwards), Anne and Geoff just edged out Trent and Duncan (-8,7,-10,8,8).
Division 2: Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) 6-5, with Ollie coming back from 2 sets down to win close 5 sets against Darryl (=8,-11,8,7,7). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, Noreen Fredericksen) won 8-3 against Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West), Ian got the better of Daniel (-4,5,7,-9,9). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan, Mark Stem) edged out Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 6-5, Peter snuck home over Mark (8,8,-8,-14,8).
Division 3: Some great matches while the battle for the top positions in Division 3 continues. Logan, Dylan, Mark and Jeff all had great wins.
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall) edged out (Orion Orbiters) John McGee, Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd), Doug and Andrea had a great battle with Doug winning (-3,7,-7,3,9). Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) tied 6-6 against Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross), Darryl got home over Sally (-7,-12,3,13,5).
Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Helen Ware, Veronica Needham) got home to win Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Marie Taylor), Veronica and Helen won close doubles match against Louise and Marie (8,-7,6,-6,9). Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Pam Joyce, Coral Morgan) defeated Ninja Strikes (Pam Keune, Frank Caruana, Ken Best) 10-2, Coral made an epic come back to beat Frank in 5 sets (-10,-5,11,1,6).
Division 3: Mongol Power (Cheryl Pearson, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) tied up 6-6 with Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Madge Saunders, Sharon Muller), Laurie had a great win over Sharon (0,-7,-3,2,5). Aztec Warriors (Iris Grasso, Janelle Keune, Thelma Caruana) won 7-5 over Celtic Smash (David Muir, Myles Dutton, Trish Zamparutti), David and Myles had a great battle against Iris and Thelma (7,-5,-7,7,5).
Contributed by Andrea Payne
(L) Maryann Bartolo and (R) Lois Deguara. Photo supplied
The Championship Singles Final was played at the club last Wednesday 10th June to a packed crowd of well-wishing supporters of both ladies.
The game was between Lois Deguara and Maryann Bartolo two very talented club members.
A great game was enjoyed by all the spectators who came to watch this very enjoyable game. The eventual winner was a very happy Maryann Bartolo, with Runner up Lois Deguara.
Congratulations to you both on a super game.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine .
Mackay is set to host its first international Test cricket match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22nd to 26th, with Australia facing Bangladesh and excitement building across the region as tickets go on sale for the historic event. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Excitement is building across the region as Mackay prepares to host international cricket for the first time, with tickets now on sale for the 2026 NRMA Insurance Men’s Test Series between Australia and Bangladesh at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from August 22nd to 26th.
Australian cricket star Michael Neser was in Mackay this week helping build momentum ahead of the historic clash, describing the occasion as a rare opportunity for both players and fans.
“It’s a special opportunity to be the first international team to play here in Mackay,” Neser said.
“We’re all pumped, and going off the performances in the one-day series, it’s going to be very competitive.”
He said the Bangladesh side would present a strong challenge, with quality across both batting and bowling.
“We know they’ve got some talent there who bowl 150 plus, and we’re going to have to negate that,” he said.
“They’ve got very skilful batters too, so it’s going to be a great competition.”
Looking ahead to the landmark venue, Neser said the experience would be one to remember.
“It’s going to be a special event, and to be part of history is great,” he said.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the match marks a defining moment for the region as it steps onto the global sporting stage.
“We officially marked today [Monday, 15th June, 2026], with the tickets going on sale for the Australia versus Bangladesh test match right here in Mackay,” he said.
Mr Dalton said the event highlights the region’s growing capability to host major international events.
“The match represents another important milestone in Mackay’s evolution, as a destination capable of hosting major, national and international sporting events,” he said.
He also praised the Great Barrier Reef Arena and its reputation with visiting teams.
“The facility at the Great Barrier Reef Arena has earned high praise from local, state and international teams that have played here already,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Karen May said the event would place Mackay firmly on the world stage.
“It’s great exposure, it puts Mackay not just on the national stage, but the global stage,” she said.
“We are absolutely ready to be hosting this test match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.”
She encouraged locals and visitors alike to be part of the occasion.
“Make sure you get your tickets early, because they will be selling like hot cakes,” she said.
“Make a holiday of it, and bring your family and friends with you.”
With anticipation building, Mackay is set to welcome the world this August for a landmark moment in its sporting history.
Remembrance Pairs 1st Terry, 2nd Janelle
The 2026 Whitsunday Zone Teams was held on Saturday and Sunday with 12 teams competing. Team Sheedy finished in top place, without losing a game all weekend. Team members Terry Sheedy, Max Holewa, Diane Holewa and Noel Bugeia. Well done to all who competed!
The last week of 3 Fridays Remembrance Pairs was played on Friday. This event is to remember and reflect on our members who are no longer with us for one reason or another. The outright winner was Terry Sheedy, followed by Janelle Conroy.
Weekly Results
Monday 1 June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft
2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
2nd Vicki Howard / Laura Howland
3rd Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt
3rd Andrew Canavan / Geoff Taylor
Tuesday Evening 2 June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor
1st Helen Van Den Breok / Terry Sheedy
2nd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger
2nd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
Wednesday 3 June 2026 –9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
1st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole
3rd Susan Wright / Bob Ellis
Thursday Evening 4 June 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger
2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
4th Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
Friday 5 June 2026 –- Week 3 of the Remembrance Pairs - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S
E/W
1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole
1st Griffin Bancroft / Ann Whitmore
2nd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
2nd Janet Hansen / Thelma / Caruana
3rd Karen Caldwell / Gwen Liddell
3rd Ming Ting / Helen Van Den Breok
Final Results of Remembrance Pairs after 3 Weeks with 3 different Partners, One Winner – Red Points
1st Terry Sheedy
2nd Janelle Conroy
Saturday 6 June 2026 – Whitsunday Zone Teams 2026 – 12 Team Red Points
Team
Players
1st Sheedy Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia / Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Conroy Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
3rd Harris Jan Harris / Julie O’Neill / Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
Remy Zhan
Tuesday Night Fixtures
Division 1: Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, YiLin Jiang) won 6-5 over Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan), with YiLin just overcoming Anne in a very close five-set match (6, -11, 10, -5, 8).
Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) defeated Geese (Steve Whiting, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott) 6-5, with Donna coming home strongly against Graham B (9, -6, -8, 9, 7).
Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) were too strong for Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Graham Drury), winning 8-3. Allan snuck home against Mark in an extremely close battle (-9, 3, -9, 8, 9).
Division 2: Galahs (Remy Zhan, Mark Stam) were too strong for Doves (Daniel Warfield, Noreen Fredrickson), winning 4-1. Remy played extremely well to defeat Daniel in five sets (-10, 4, -8, 7, 9).
Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 8-3. Rachel came back from two sets down against Peter to win a close match (-10, -10, 6, 6, 9).
Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Liz Burton) won a close battle 6-5 against Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West, Darryl Ross), with Matt getting the better of Delma (-7, 10, -6, 8, 6).
Division 3: Some great matches were played as the battle for the top positions in Division 3 continues. Jason, Dylan, Tiffany and Jeff all recorded impressive wins.
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) just got home 7-5 over Orion Orbiters (John McGee, Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd). George edged out Andrea in a thrilling five-set battle (-9, 5, -9, 11, 13).
Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight, Darryl Ross) won 7-5 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall), with Branko securing a good win over Doug in a close five-set contest (-5, 8, -6, 9, 9).
Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Helen Ware, Veronica Needham) got home to defeat Ninja Strikes (Pam Keune, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins). Helen won a close battle against Chris (12, 6, -9, -7, 10).
Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) 7-5. Louise fought back against Robyn to win in five sets (-8, -7, 7, 7, 8).
Division 3: Aztec Warriors (Kim Challender, Janelle Keune, Glenda Brookes) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Thelma Caruana) 9-3. Janelle recorded a strong five-set win over Laurie (-7, 6, 4, -3, 8).
Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Iris Grasso, Sharon Muller) tied 6-6 with Celtic Smash (Marie Taylor, Cheryl Pearson, Trish Zamparutti). Allison had a good win against Trish in five sets (-13, 9, 4, -9, 7).
Two talented swimmers from the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club are set to represent Mackay on the national stage after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials in Sydney from June 8th–13th.
Ehsan Helou and Audrey Bryan have both achieved qualifying times in the highly competitive 50-metre breaststroke event and will take to the pool on Day Three of the meet, June 10th, against many of Australia’s top swimmers.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the pair and reflects years of dedication, perseverance and hard work in the pool.
Cyclones coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier praised the swimmers for the resilience they have shown throughout their journeys to reach the elite level.
“These athletes understand better than most the highs and lows that come with elite sport — the setbacks, challenges and moments of disappointment,” she said.
“But their qualification is proof that persistence, resilience and hard work do pay off when everything finally comes together.”
The success of Helou and Bryan also reflects the commitment of Pokarier, whose passion for developing young swimmers has helped build a strong culture of resilience, discipline and belief within the Cyclones squad.
The club described the qualification as a significant milestone and said the entire Cyclones community was proud of both athletes.
The Australian Swimming Trials are among the country’s premier events, with swimmers competing for national selection and representative honours.
For Helou and Bryan, qualifying alone places them among the nation’s best breaststroke swimmers and caps off a strong long-course season for the Mackay Cyclones squad.
Their success is also proving an inspiration for younger swimmers within the club, demonstrating what can be achieved through resilience, commitment and belief.
As the countdown to Sydney begins, the Mackay swimming community will be proudly cheering on two of its own.
Some of the Mackay Road Runners who completed the North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10km run from the Bluewater Quay :- Back row (left to right) Carmel Mahon, Jess Evetts, Alana Knezevic, Jo Hughes and (front row left to right) Stuart Sprott, Steve Oberg, John Couldrey.
Thank you Race Director Andrew Short for co-ordinating a great social North Mackay Adventure 5k and 10k run from the Bluewater Quay this afternoon for over 30 runners/walkers/spectators.
Excellent performances came from runners across both events including Alana Knezevic, Shane Donnollan, David Isbister, Steve Oberg, Carmel Mahon, Jo Hughes, Fran March, Bianca Miles, Craig Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Jess Evetts, John Couldrey, Stuart Sprott, David Isbister and Andrew Short.
June 7th saw a spectacular BMA Mackay Marina Run, with best wishes to everyone involved from the Sponsors, athletes, volunteers and supporters. A big thank you to every single person for being part of this magnificent must do event hosted by the awesome Mackay Marina Run committee and wider community.
Contributed with thanks to Mackay Road Runners.
A grade finals winner Geoff Ollett and runner up Chris Banney. Photo supplied
North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club recently hosted its annual Goosepond Triples Carnival at the Goosies Club, attracting 60 players from clubs across the Mackay district.
Ladies President Hilary Jones-Rowan welcomed competitors along with sponsors Gardian, Mortgage Choice and Goosepond Sport and Recreational Club before the day’s competition got underway.
Players contested three games throughout the carnival, with lunch and afternoon tea provided by Goosies staff during the breaks in play.
North Mackay’s team of L. Bowers, L. Deguara and L. Lemke claimed first place after a strong day on the greens.
Second place went to South Suburban’s L. Howland, V. Dempsey and J. Rogers, while fellow Suburban bowlers L. Coad, H. Ray and J. Lewis finished third.
North Mackay representatives D. Mackenzie, C. Corbett and D. Gordon secured fourth place.
Three round one winners and two lucky card winners were also recognised during presentations.
President Hilary Jones-Rowan thanked all players and supporters for attending and wished everyone well for future competitions.
North Mackay Men’s Bowls Club recently held its A Grade Singles final, with Chris Banney and Geoff Ollett facing off in a highly anticipated championship decider.
Both players produced quality bowling throughout the match, with several tightly contested heads keeping spectators engaged across the final.
After a strong performance under pressure, Geoff Ollett secured the club’s A Grade Singles title for this year.
Congratulations were extended to both bowlers on an excellent contest and sportsmanlike display.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine
Two talented swimmers from the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club are set to represent Mackay on the national stage after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials in Sydney from June 8th–13th.
Ehsan Helou and Audrey Bryan have both achieved qualifying times in the highly competitive 50-metre breaststroke event and will take to the pool on Day Three of the meet, June 10th, against many of Australia’s top swimmers.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the pair and reflects years of dedication, perseverance and hard work in the pool.
Cyclones coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier praised the swimmers for the resilience they have shown throughout their journeys to reach the elite level.
“These athletes understand better than most the highs and lows that come with elite sport — the setbacks, challenges and moments of disappointment,” she said.
“But their qualification is proof that persistence, resilience and hard work do pay off when everything finally comes together.”
The success of Helou and Bryan also reflects the commitment of Pokarier, whose passion for developing young swimmers has helped build a strong culture of resilience, discipline and belief within the Cyclones squad.
The club described the qualification as a significant milestone and said the entire Cyclones community was proud of both athletes.
The Australian Swimming Trials are among the country’s premier events, with swimmers competing for national selection and representative honours.
For Helou and Bryan, qualifying alone places them among the nation’s best breaststroke swimmers and caps off a strong long-course season for the Mackay Cyclones squad.
Their success is also proving an inspiration for younger swimmers within the club, demonstrating what can be achieved through resilience, commitment and belief.
As the countdown to Sydney begins, the Mackay swimming community will be proudly cheering on two of its own.
Peter Goodson. Photos supplied
Tuesday Evening Fixtures
Division 1: Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 7-4 over Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan), Geoff was to strong for Mark (5,-8,-7,6,6). Canaries (Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) defeated Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graham Drury) 6-3, Yilin and Josh got home against Emma and Graham in close 5 sets (-6,-5,7,10,9). Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent) came back to win 7-4 over Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards), Trent made a great come back against Lee to win (-12,-6,7,6,14)
Division 2: Parrots (Delma Knight, George Camilleri, Liz Burton) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 8-3, Liz got the better of Peter in 5 sets (6,8,-8,-8,10). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, Noreen Frederickson) just got home 6-5 over Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta), Ollie and Rachel won a massive marathon against Noreen and Daniel (-9,14,-14,13,9). Galahs (Remy Zhan, Donna Abbott, Mark Stem) were to strong for Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West, Daryl Ross) 9-2, Ian won close battle against Mark (-5,6,8,-7,7).
Division 3: Great wins by Logan Brown, Craig VanDeKaa, Tiffany Camilleri and it is very close battle for the top positions.
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) overcome Eclipse Spin (Cheryl Pearson, Kevin Abbott, Daryl Ross) 8-4, Daryl come home strong against Veronica (4,11,-5,-10,4). Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Judy Zahn) beatAstro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) 7-5, Doug outlasted George in close 5 sets (-6,6,11,-6,6).
Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Thelma Caruana, Coral Morgan) 10-2, Ian battled to get home against Coral (9,-8,7,-6,8). Ninja Strikes (Frank Caruana, Pam Keune, Chris Collins) drew 6-6 with Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise, Gould, Josie Davis), Kim came back to win over Pam (11,-11,-4,8,8).
Division 3:Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) outlasted Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) 7-5, Trish and Myles just beat Glenda and Laurie in 5 sets (-7,8,7,-8,6). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Keune, Glenda Brookes) won close battle over Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Iris Grasso, Madge Saunders) 7-5, with Kim getting home in 5 sets against Iris (10,9,-6,-10,8).
Winners - Annette, Jewel, Joy & Janice
The Mackay Novice players competed in the 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs Competition on Tuesday. Sixteen Mackay pairs competed against other players all over Australia. The Mackay Winners were Annette Howe & Jewel Schmidt N/S and Janice Mansfield & Joy Block E/W. Many new players who finished beginner’s lessons in March participated with excellent results. Well done to all it, was an extremely close finish.
Weekly Results
Monday 25 May 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Ming Ting / Diane Stokes
2nd
Joy Hold / Rodney Miles
3rd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Sandra Wallace / Pamela Armstrong
Tuesday 26 May 2026 – 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Jewel Schmidt / Annette Howe
1st
Janice Mansfield / Joy Block
2nd
Jennifer Cameron / Errol Morris
2nd
Susan Ross / Laura Howland
3rd
Lynne O’Neill / Christine Fitzpatrick
3rd
Jean Penridge / Helen Goldston
Tuesday Evening 26 May 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Faye Wright / Janine Rodgers
3rd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
4th
Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott
Wednesday 27 May 2026 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Monica Darley / Frances Brown
1st
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd
Janine Rodgers /Schmidt
2nd
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
3rd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz
Thursday Evening 28 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
2nd
Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott
2nd
Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore
Friday 29 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd
Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
1st
Debbie Ludkin / Diane Cox
3rd
Patricia Garner / Christine Nice
3rd
Lynne O’Neill / Annette Howe
Saturday 30 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Stokes
2nd
Marilin Robins / Janine Rodgers
2nd
Vicki Howard / Geoffr Cowan
3rd
Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood
3rd
Patricia Garner / Martin Pearce
Sunday 31 May 2026 – Novice and Mentors 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Joy Hold / Terry Sheedy
1st
Martin Pearce / Jennifer Cameron
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Debbie Ludkin
2nd
Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe
3rd
Faith Hutchinson / Geoff Cowan
3rd
Rodney Miles / Geoffrey Patterson
Gloria Vella. Photos supplied
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall, Ross DeBoer) defeated Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) 7-5, Veronica came back in the 5th set to outlast Bryan (2,4,-11,-8,8). Astro Aces (George Camileri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) won against Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight) 7-5, the doubles was super close Branko and Delma came home strong defeating George and Peter (-14,3,-8,9,9).
Division 2: Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) won over Ninja Strikes (Frank Caruana, Pam Kuene, Chris Collins) 7-5, Coral only just came out on top against Pam (9,-10,6,-19,10). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) tied up 6-6 with Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware), Kim defeated Gloria (-8,7,6,5).
Division 3: Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Glenda Brookes) defeated Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) 10-2, David got up against Janelle (3,-9,-7,4,5). Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) came home strong against Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders)
8-4, Allison outlasted Gerry in close 5 sets (-7,4,-5,9,6).
Tuesday Night Fixtures
Division 1: Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) took down Canaries (Josh Brown, Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang) 7-4, Yilin came back against Mark (6,-7,6,-11,8), Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent) won 6-5 against Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan), Janice outlasted Anne with a close battle (-7,9,-5,6,4). Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards) defeated Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake) 6-3, with no 5 set matches, Emma defeated Trent in close 4 sets (-10,5,10,7).
Division 2: Kites (Syed Hossain, Matt West, Simon Hogan) won against Owls (Ricky Zhan, Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson) 6-5, Simon beat Peter in close battle (-10,9,9,-7,5). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, John McGee) defeated Parrots (George Camilleri, Liz Burton, Delma Knight) 7-4, Will came back against George in the 5th set to win (6,-4,7,-7,9). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Mark Stam, Remy Zhan) overcome Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) 7-4, Andrea came from behind to win a very close battle with Mark (-4,-11,6,7,9).
Division 3: This week Tiffany, Jeff, Craig, Abbas and Dylan all had very good wins to stay in the hunt for the top 4 positions.
Contributed by Andrea Payne
More than 140 paddlers hit the water at Eimeo Beach for the North Queensland Games regatta, with local crews, volunteers and supporters helping deliver a successful weekend of outrigger racing hosted by Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club. Photos supplied
More than 140 outrigger paddlers converged on Eimeo Beach earlier this month as the North Queensland Games brought high-energy racing and strong community spirit to Mackay’s coastline.
Hosted by Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club over the weekend of May 2-4, the regatta marked the club’s first major hosting role in eight years, with volunteers and members working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Despite uncertain weather leading into the weekend, conditions eased just in time, allowing all scheduled races to be completed with only minor course adjustments.
The headline event, the Eimeo Beach Challenge, launched the weekend in spectacular fashion, with 15 OC6 crews taking on the gruelling 22-kilometre course from North Wall Beach, around One Tree Island and back to Eimeo Beach.
The Open Men’s crew from Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club claimed line honours in an unlimited canoe weighing 90 kilograms, crossing the finish line in an impressive one hour and 59 minutes.
Local crews also delivered standout performances on home waters. Sunset Bay’s Master Men secured fifth place overall in a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes, earning gold in the Master Men division.
One of the biggest highlights of the race came from Sunset Bay’s Master Women crew, who powered home eighth overall in 2 hours and 30 minutes to become the first women’s crew across the line.
Competitors and supporters gathered at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club following Saturday’s racing for presentations and dinner, with medals presented by North Queensland Games Chair Councillor Rhonda Coghlan. Sunday celebrations continued at Northern Beaches Bowls Club after another full day of competition.
Organisers described the weekend as a major success, crediting generous sponsors, volunteers and supporters both on and off the water.
Local photographer Kia Millen and family business PaddleLifeTV captured the action across the weekend, with race highlights available online.
Following the successful regatta, Sunset Bay thanked volunteers with a community barbecue and is now turning its focus toward the internationally renowned Hamilton Island Cup in June.
Martin & Noel Novice Winners Novice Pairs
Week three of the Whitsunday Zone GNOT (Grand National Open Teams) event was played in Mackay last Saturday. Ten teams competed in the third round. Once the three weeks scores are collated, the top eight teams will play off in August to see who advances to the Final in Brisbane later in the year.
Weekly Results
Monday 18 May 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
1st Joy Hold / Ian Vary
2nd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden
2nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
3rd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
3rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers
Tuesday Evening 19 May 2026 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
1st Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers
2nd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger
2nd Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
3rd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
3rd Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner
Wednesday 20 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
1st Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson
2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Sandy Patterson
3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary
3rd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden
4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
4th John Hunt / Simon Barnes
Thursday Evening 21 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd Susan Gibson / Lynne O’Neill
3rd Mick Robins / Marilin Robins
Friday 22 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
2nd Mick King / Geoff Cowan
1st Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana
3rd Joy Robinson / Debbie Ludkin
3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
4th Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller
4th Ming Ting / David Ting
5th Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland
5th Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden
Saturday 23 May 2026 – Week 3 of GNOT - 10 Table Mitchell Gold Points
Team
Players
1st Conroy Janelle Conroy / Roland Taylor / Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd Brown Alan Brown / Janet Hansen / Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
3rd Goodchild Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / Ming Ting / David Ting
4th Taylor Geoff Taylor / Ken Seaniger / Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane
5th Lynch Annie Lynch / Joy Brunette / Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
Contributed by Joy Block
The Government has announced that NRL Magic Round in secured in Queensland until 2032, with Mackay expected to benefit from a major push to grow regional tourism and community engagement around the event.
The long-term agreement between the Queensland Government, the Australian Rugby League Commission and Brisbane City Council will expand Magic Round into a week-long festival of footy from 2027, featuring more matches, regional activations and tourism showcases across the state.
As part of the new deal, a regional footy festival and junior carnival will be introduced, alongside live site activations in regional Queensland communities during Magic Round festivities.
Premier David Crisafulli said the agreement would ensure communities across Queensland shared in the benefits of the major sporting event.
“Lock it in to 2032 - Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland – this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.”
The Government said the expanded event would not only strengthen Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital but also encourage visitors to explore more regional destinations across the state.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the initiative aligned with the Government’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy.
“The Government’s Destination 2045 strategy is about turning major events into longer stays that deliver more for local businesses and communities and NRL Magic Round delivers exactly that,” Minister Powell said.
“We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State.”
Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V'landys said the expanded Magic Round concept would help showcase Queensland’s tourism destinations to national and international audiences.
“Our focus is to expand on that impact by creating new experiences, showcasing some of the best tourism locations in the world, lifting visitation, creating regional junior football carnivals and building a calendar of industry, media and business events that add long-term value to the State,” he said.
The expanded Magic Round festival is expected to begin from 2027.
Winners: R. Schatkowski, C. Savage, R. Devereux with President Marie
Mackay Bowling Club’s Ladies Section recently welcomed players from various Mackay clubs for its popular 2 Bowl Triples Carnival, with a great atmosphere and plenty of friendly competition enjoyed throughout the day.
Ladies Section President Marie welcomed competitors to the event, where laughter echoed across the greens as players called out familiar phrases including “that’s too wide” and “that’s short” during the matches.
The club also thanked National Plant and Equipment from Nebo for its generous sponsorship of the Mackay Ladies’ 2 Bowl Triples Carnival, with organisers saying the support was sincerely appreciated and helped make the event a success.
Winners: R. Schatkowski, C. Savage, R. Devereux
Second: M. Harrigan, E. Clemett, V. Pilcher
Third: C. Francis, D. Gordon, D. MacKenzie
Fourth: J. De La Rue, B. Petersen, G. Pudney
Fifth: M. Chappell, H. Jones, J. Whitfield
Round 1 Winners: H. Truscott, D Mezzen, J. Nelson
Round 2 Winners: D. Rolfe, R. Mannix, L. Owen
Round 3 Winners: L. Jenner, M. Mayfield, D. McNamara
Contributed by Robyn Schatkowski
Over forty runners and supporters congratulated the 2026 The Grove 10km Handicap Champion, Jared Mackie with trophy presented by Club President, Paul Tilse
Perfect running conditions greeted competitors at the Mackay Road Runners 30km Northview Gardens Club Championship, despite humidity developing from the mild 6am start.
Course Director Andrew Short was commended for setting up the well-marked 30km, 15km and 5km courses, with members also receiving a course map from club secretary Julie Whibley ahead of race day.
The demanding 30km event tested runners’ endurance, with Ryan Murray producing an outstanding performance to claim gold after taking an early lead ahead of Jonathan Davies, Shane Donnollan and Clinton Mackie. In the women’s event, Rhiann Massey broke away from Mel Esau and Emily Hayles in the second half of the race to secure first place and maximum club championship points.
Strong performances also came from Jose Short, Bianca Miles, Fran March, Damian Rutland, Hamish Donnollan, Ted Thayer, Greame Harris, Mel Harris and Judy Zahn.
The club also thanked volunteers who assisted with registration, timing, water stations, course set up and pack down, and the barbecue.
More than 40 runners and supporters gathered at The Grove Tavern, Andergrove, on Sunday afternoon for the Mackay Road Runners’ annual historic 10km Handicap Trophy event.
With 2025 winner Justin Rule unable to attend, the trophy was delivered by the Mackie family before Jared Mackie produced an outstanding performance to claim the prestigious title. The long-running event, which has been part of the Mackay Road Runners calendar since the early 1990s, sees members start on their official club handicap, with the first runner across the line crowned champion.
Mackie impressed against a quality field that included ultramarathon runner Paul MacKenzie, who had completed a 100-mile event in Katoomba the previous weekend.
In the 5km event, Ross Connor crossed first based on handicapped starts, while Lily Leven was first female and second overall ahead of Natasha Joynson, Craig Joynson and Kayla Waugh.
The club thanked The Grove Tavern for its ongoing support through use of the venue and donation of tavern vouchers for post-race random draw prizes.
Mackay Road Runners now turn their attention to the internationally recognised BMA Mackay Marina Run on June 7, with one remaining club event and weekly training sessions continuing at the ARC, Ooralea.
Contributed by Janelle Tisle
Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating, Cowboys Challenge Head Coach Tyreeq Saleh-Medows, Mackay State High School Head of Department of Sporting Academies Zach Schill and Head Coach of the Gold Coast Titans (NRL) Josh Hannay.
A new partnership between Gold Coast Titans and Mackay State High School was officially launched this week, marking what school leaders described as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for rugby league pathways in the Mackay region.
The announcement was celebrated on school grounds alongside students, families, coaches and staff, with Titans Head Coach Josh Hannay and Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating visiting the school to speak with players and mentoring staff.
The visit included program discussions with Mackay State High’s rugby league coaching staff, as well as a question-and-answer session with students involved in the school’s sporting programs.
Head of Department of Sporting Academies in HPE at Mackay State High School Zach Schill said discussions surrounding the partnership had been ongoing for several months, with both organisations focused on ensuring the collaboration had genuine long-term purpose.
“Today is very exciting. We’ve got to announce our partnership with the Gold Coast Titans,” Mr Schill said.
“It’s been a few months in the making now.
“We didn’t want to rush into something and just have it be a placeholder, we wanted to have real meaning and make sure that what the Titans want to do and what we want to do as a school are aligned.”
Mr Schil said the involvement of Josh Hannay, who comes from the region, had been instrumental in helping establish the partnership.
“He was very passionate about getting into this area, but doing it the right way,” he said.
“I think that’s been exemplified by him flying up here in the middle of the NRL season. He doesn’t have to do that, but he’s gone out of his way to come here and speak to our students and give time to our staff.”
Mr Schill also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for regional students, saying travel demands and distance often placed country athletes at a disadvantage compared with metropolitan schools.
Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating said the partnership grew through conversations with Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts and a shared vision for developing rugby league opportunities for both male and female students.
“It’s an exciting new venture for the football club as well as the school,” Mr Keating said.
He said the program aimed to provide students and coaches with greater exposure to high-level rugby league development and football education.
Students Cooper Forster and Hayden Murry, both in Year 11, spoke with gratitude and excitement about what the partnership means for young athletes across regional Queensland, describing it as a rare pathway into elite-level opportunity from a local setting.
“It’s pretty exciting for me, coming from a small regional town. All I’ve wanted to do is play footy my entire life,” Cooper said.
“Most of us never get to meet NRL coaches, let alone get trained by them every now and then.”
“I’ve been playing rugby league since under 12, so about six years now. It’s the best part of my life.”
Hayden Murray shared a similar passion for the game, reflecting on how early it became part of his life and identity.
“I’ve been playing footy since I was really little, probably prep or around six years old.”
“I just love playing footy and going up and playing with mates. It’s the competitiveness and rivalry against other teams — that’s what I enjoy most.”
As a former student of Mackay State High School, Cowboys Challenge Head Coach Tyreeq Salleh-Meadows reflected on his connection to the school and the importance of giving back to the next generation.
“Being a former student here, I really hold it very close to my heart,” he said.
“Coming through as a player and also a student, I’ve learned a lot from my previous mentors.”
“Being able to give back to these young players and young athletes, and seeing their drive and willingness to learn, it really shows how determined we are to flip the school culture and get it back on track.”
“This partnership with the Titans gives an unreal opportunity for these young athletes to really blossom and develop and actually show their character and what they’re wanting to achieve within rugby league.”
During the event, Titans mentors also spoke to families and players about balancing school and sport, encouraging students to take pride in their school, value teamwork and appreciate the support of teachers, coaches and parents.
School representatives described the partnership as only the beginning, with hopes the collaboration will help strengthen rugby league development pathways for Mackay students into the future.
6349 T. Johnston, R. Hughes, C. McBride, P. Roots.
The annual Harvest Triples competition was held at the Marian Bowls Club on Monday, May 11th, welcoming sixteen teams from across the district.
President Thelma Johnston greeted players as they arrived for the popular event, which saw bowlers enjoy a day of friendly rivalry despite continuous showers throughout the day.
The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with plenty of laughter and camaraderie shared across the greens.
A cent sale and raffles were well supported by the attending bowlers, while Joan Vickers donated a beautiful orchid for the lucky door prize.
With only three points separating the top three teams, the competition proved to be closely contested.
Results were as follows:
1st Place: C. McBride, Penny Roots, Rita Hughes
2nd Place: Lyn Tungate, Pauline Turchett, Margaret Egerton
3rd Place: Doris Fry, Judith Miller, Thelma Johnston
Contributed by Judith Miller
Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald.
Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026.
Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector.
Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August.
QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness.
“Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said.
“The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.”
Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila.
Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork.
"This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.”
Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development.
“Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said.
“This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.”
QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event.
Barry Patterson. Photo supplied
Over the weekend of 8th–10th May, Mackay Table Tennis Association was proud to host the Queensland Northern Veterans and Mackay Open Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players from across the State, who travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast to compete in the event.
The weekend featured both Aged and Rated events and showcased an incredible range of competitors, from our youngest junior player at just 7 years old to our oldest veteran player at 85 years old.
For the first time in several years, we crowned new Men’s and Women’s Open Singles Champions. Alan Walsh from Townsville defeated Paul Green from Mackay to claim the Men’s Open title, while Crismi Lovera fought back strongly against Andrea McDonnell, with both players representing Townsville, to secure the Women’s Open title.
Mackay Table Tennis Association would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled, competed, umpired, and assisted throughout the weekend, along with the wonderful referees whose efforts helped make the tournament a success. A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors who generously donated prize money and raffle prizes to the Club — your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Tuesday Night Fixtures
Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) just got home against Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5. Barry won a very close battle with Graham B (-6,6,-13,10,9). What an exceptional 5 Sets! Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 6-5 over Geese (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), no 5 set matches but some very close games. Canaries (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Yilin Jiang) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Syed Hossain).
Division 2: Doves (Daniel Warfield, John McGee, Will VanDeKaa) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) 6-5 with a good 5 set doubles match between John and Daniel coming home against Rod and Ricky to win (-3,7,-12,8,3). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) won 9-2 against Kites (Matt West, Tiffany Camilleri, Simon Hogan), Andrea found her groove in the 5 set to win over Matt (-8,3,4,-7,6). Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan) beat Parrots (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross) 5-3, George got his monies worth with 2 big 5 set matches, he lost to Donna but came out and snuck home against Remy (-9,7,-8,7,12)
Division 3 are still playing in there groups with the leader board changing often.
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Orion Orbitors (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) defeated Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir), Peter overcome John in 5 sets (9,4,-9,-9,4). Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Darryl Ross) won 8-4 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Veronica Needham, Bryan Marshall), Kevin got the better of Veronica N (-9,11,-7,5,6).
Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) overcome Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins) 10-2, Helen outlasted Chris in 5 sets (-8,-8,1,10,7). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Coral Morgan, Robyn Bushell) 7-5, Kim overcome John in close 5 sets (16,-5,-9,11,10).
Division 3: Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) won 7-5 Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders), Myles overcome Sharon in 5 sets (7,9,-8,-7,7). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Pam Kuene) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton, Thelma Caruana) 11-1, Pam outlasted Gerry in close battle (7,-8,8,-3,7).
Contributed by Andrea Payne
Barry Patterson. Photo supplied
The 30th Barrier Reef Contract Bridge Congress was played in Townville last week. Players travelled from all over the state to compete. Five pairs of Mackay players received coveted Red points in the Walkins. Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce won the Novice Pairs (Gold points) with Team Morris – Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Jan Harris and Helen Van Den Broek placed second in the Restricted Team event, also Gold points. All Mackay players competed well and received a percentage of Red or Gold points.
Weekly Results
Monday 11 May 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell
1st
Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden
2nd
Monica Darley / Joy Block
2nd
Sandy Patterson / Karen Caldwell
3rd
Faith Hutchinson / Mary Jane Marsh
3rd
Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese
Tuesday Evening 12 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Ann Whitmore
3rd
Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott
4th
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
Wednesday 13 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
1st
Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell
2nd
Bob Ellis / Susan Wright
2nd
Andrew Canavan / Kath Poole
3rd
Robert Carless / Joy Robinson
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary
4th
Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait
4th
Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen
Thursday Evening 14 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st
Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
3rd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 8 May 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
1st
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
2nd
Monica Darley / Barbara Tait
2nd
Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell
3rd
Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
Saturday 9 May 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
1st
Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden
2nd
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
2nd
Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
2nd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
4th
Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris
4th
Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell
5th
Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill
5th
Anne Lutz / Ian Vary
Contributed by Joy Block
Priscilla Cahill
Mackay Parkrun has recorded a series of notable personal milestones throughout May, with local participants reaching significant finish totals in recognition of their ongoing commitment to regular participation and community-based fitness.
May milestones at Mackay Parkrun (so far):
Fifty-Six players attended the Mackay Contract Bridge Club last Saturday. Our numbers are increasing each year as our successful beginners’ lessons teach new players how to play the wonderful challenging game of bridge. Sixteen players are headed to Townsville this week for the 2006 Barrier Reef Congress. Results in next week’s addition.
Weekly Results
Monday 4 May 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Ken Seaniger / Christine Nice
1st Terry Sheedy / Eric Goodchild
2nd Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
2nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek
3rd Monica Darley / Joy Block
3rd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
Tuesday Evening 5 May 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
1st Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner
2nd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix
2nd Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
3rd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown
3rd Janet Hansen / Ken Seaniger
Wednesday 6 May 2026 –11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
1st Terry Sheedy / Andy Patterson
2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait
3rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown
4th Diane Cox / Victor Mason
4th John Hunt / Eric Goodchild
5th Faith Hutchinson / Helen Goldston
5th Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary
Thursday Evening 7 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
2nd Jan Harris / Andrew Canavan
3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
Friday 8 May 2026 –- 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown
2nd Annette Howe / Jewel Schmidt
2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
3rd Christine Nice / Terry Sheedy
3rd Victor Mason / Josie Cowley
4th Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
4th Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell
Saturday 9 May 2026 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden
3rd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris
2nd Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell
4th Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
5th Ann Whitmore / Diane Stokes
5th Jewel Schmidt / Debra Goodchild
6th Faye Wright / Susan Wright
6th Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch
Contributed by Joy Block
First Place Marie Gravino Trophy Winners & Presenters, Andrew Gravino, Di Faulkner, Shirley Sturgeon, Dawn Field, Emma Pash & Katrina Gravino.
City Ladies president, Linda Owen and her team held a fantastic weekend of bowls over the May Day weekend for their annual carnival. Each day had a full green, with Ladies Fours on Saturday and Mixed Fours on Sunday.
The Marie Gravino Shield was won by Shirley Sturgeon, Di Faulkner, Dawn Field and Emma Pash on Saturday.
The club was pleased to have had Marie’s son, Andrew & grand-daughter, Katrina to present the Shield in her honour. Also in attendance was Dr Marti Harris of My Chiropractor presenting prizes to the lucky winners.
On Sunday, the club had a mixed team playing together for the first time as the winners. They were Greg Peno, Michelle Stockton, Merle Cameron and Paul Jacklin. First place prize on Sunday was sponsored by Explore Property with Justin Spyve being in attendance for thepresentation.
A great weekend was had by all!
Contributed by Emma Pash
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
About 70 people rolled out their mats for instructed group Yoga by the beach at North Wall, Mackay harbour, hosted by Fitness Cartel Mackay.
General Club Manager of Fitness Cartel Mackay Nikita Lysaght said the event was designed to bring people together while promoting healthy, active lifestyles in an outdoor setting.
“This is a free community event and the bookings filled within two minutes,” she said.
“It’s been an amazing turn out.”
Held along Mackay’s scenic coastline, the session was led by club instructors and attracted a strong turnout from locals eager to start their day with movement and fresh air.
Ms Lysaght said events like this highlight the club’s commitment to encouraging wellbeing and strengthening community connections.
“At Fitness Cartel we really value family, community and being present in our community.”
Support for Scouts Queensland at Rowallan Park was strengthened through a recent marquee donation acknowledged by Amanda Camm, while also recognising the 70-year contribution of local volunteer Bob Hodda in preserving the site’s rich community and Scouting heritage. Photos supplied
Amanda Camm has acknowledged the ongoing work of volunteers supporting Scouts Queensland at Rowallan Park, with a recent donation of marquees to assist with activities at the site.
The park’s history has been carefully preserved by long-time locals like Bob Hodda, who has spent precisely 70 years working on and supporting the grounds. His knowledge provides a unique connection to Rowallan Park’s past and its role in generations of local Scouting.
Among the stories connected to the site is the history of a bridge located on the property, which was brought in many years ago with the support of Ron Camm - Ms Camm’s great uncle. Originally costing £300, the structure has stood the test of time and remains a lasting feature of the park today.
Rowallan Park continues to be an important base for Scouts activities in the Mackay region, while also holding a number of historically significant features, including the former location of the Munbura railway station, the Mervyn Johnstone Memorial Building, and South Sea Islander burial mounds.
Ms Camm said supporting local Scouts groups is an important investment in young people and the wider community.
“Scouts plays a valuable role in helping young people build confidence, resilience and practical life skills,” she said.
“Rowallan Park provides a unique environment for those experiences, supported by volunteers who are deeply committed to both the site and the community.”
Ms Camm also recognised the contribution of long-serving locals like Mr Hodda.
“Locals like Bob have dedicated decades to this place, and that commitment is something the whole community can appreciate,” she said.
Rowallan Park continues to support youth development, outdoor education, and community connection through its long-standing role in Scouting across the Mackay region
Contributed with thanks to the office of Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsunday
%20Geoff%20Robinson%2C%20swam%20into%20medals%20at%20the%20pool%20and%20open%20water%20swim.jpg)
Geoff Robinson, swam into medals at the pool and open water swim
The 2026 MSA National Short Course Championships celebrated 50 years of Masters excellence at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from 28 April to 2 May, followed by the National Open Water Swim at Raby Bay on 3 May. More than 800 swimmers from across Australia and overseas came together for six days of racing, camaraderie, and celebrations.
The North Mackay Sinkers fielded a team of six swimmers and one volunteer, contesting full programs of individual events, relays, and the concluding open water swim. Championship functions, a welcome event, and special 50‑year activities added to an already memorable week.
All six pool swimmers performed above expectations, with numerous PBs challenged or broken — a testament to the quality coaching from Millie at DMR Leisure Memorial Pool.
Championship Highlight – Cam McEvoy’s Lightning Swim
A standout moment of the meet was Cam McEvoy’s blistering 25 m freestyle, stopping the clock at 9.32 seconds — a new Masters short‑course record and an electric moment that had the entire venue buzzing. His swim added an extra layer of excitement to an already historic championship.
Pool Highlights – Medal Winners & Standout Performances
Geoff Robinson: Gold – 200 Free, 800 Free. Silver – 400 Free, 100 Free
Nigel Dalton: Silver – 400 Back, Bronze – 25 Back, 50 & 100 Back – 4th
Pierre Craven: 400 IM – 4th
Sue Dalton: 25 Breast – 4th
Relays: The Sinkers Men’s 240+ relay team delivered four strong swims, finishing under nominated times in every event and proving once again how popular and competitive Masters relays can be.
National Open Water Swim – Raby Bay
The inclusion of an OWS at Nationals — often missing from the program — was a welcome addition, attracting over 140 swimmers across the 1.5 km and 3 km distances.
1.5Km: Gold – Nigel Dalton and Geoff Robinson
3km: Bronze – Dan Stampa, 4th – Pierre Craven
A Championship Effort – In and Out of the Pool
The 2026 Championships, delivered solely by Masters Swimming Queensland, were widely praised as a high‑calibre, exceptionally organised national event.
A special shout‑out goes to our own super‑volunteer, Gerri Kissner, who was a “Gold‑medal performer” in her own right — contributing across timekeeping, medal table duties, and countless behind‑the‑scenes roles throughout the five days of pool competition.
Looking Ahead
With Nationals complete, the Sinkers now turn their focus to:
MSQ State Championships in July, where a large and enthusiastic team is already preparing.
Regional meets across North Queensland.
Our own blue‑ribbon event, the Whitehaven Beach Open Water Swim in October
A huge congratulations to all Sinkers who represented the club with pride, spirit, and sportsmanship at this milestone national event.
Contributed by Dan Stampa
Christine, looking like she won that hand, and Martin, in thought. Photos supplied
The Mackay Contract Bridge Club keeps growing with new members joining each year. Bridge is a game of dedication, which requires continuous play to keep learning. Experienced players tell Novice players, (beginners), it takes at least 5-8 yrs to feel like you know what your doing.
The Mackay Contract Bridge Club holds many events for Novices. Friday was the Unders and Overs Pairs green point event, which allowed Novices to play with an experienced player. The turn out was excellent. Some beginners are hesitant at first to play with more experienced players, but the more experience you get the quicker you learn the game.
A big thank you was extended to all the experienced players who played with the novices in the competition and gave them the opportunity to experience a competition with support from the club.
Weekly Results
Monday 27 April 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford
2nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek
3rd Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller
3rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers
4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
3rd Louise Renton / Joy Block
Tuesday Evening 28 April 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
2nd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown
Wednesday 29 April 2026 – Unders and Overs Pairs 13 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st John Hunt / Eric Goodchild
1st Alan Brown / Martin Pearce
2nd Jewel Schmidt / Patricia Garner
2nd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden
3rd Michelle Hall / Diane Morgan
3rd Geoff Taylor / Diane Cox
4th Vicki Howard / Janine Rodgers
4th Monica Darley / Christine Fitzpatrick
5th Sue Mayer-Miller / Kath Poole
5th Mick King / Susan Ross
6th Shirley Worland / Diane Stokes
6th Sandra Morris / Helen Goldston
Thursday Evening 30 April 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st Janine Rodgers / Frances Brown
2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
3rd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
Friday 1 May 2026 –- 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait
2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
3rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox
3rd Lynne O’Neill / Terry Sheedy
Saturday 2 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild
2nd Josie Cowley / Terry Sheedy
2nd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
3rd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden
5th Alan Brown / Frances Brown
5th Robert Carless / Anne Lutz
Contributed by Joy Block
Approximately twenty runners enjoyed lower temperatures and sunshine before a mild spattering of rain in the closing stages of the Iluka Park 5/10km event. Photos supplied
Young runner Lachy Binstead delivered an impressive performance at the Mackay Road Runners social run at Iluka Park on the weekend, completing his first 5km event despite already taking part in a demanding 3km school cross country race earlier in the week. His determined effort drew praise from fellow runners and supporters.
Club members also acknowledged volunteer Andrew Short for setting up the Iluka course and continuing his valued support behind the scenes.
Congratulations were extended to all athletes who competed in events across the weekend, including the North Queensland Games and the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon.
The Mackay Road Runners will host their next event, the Pre Mother’s Day 5km and 12km handicap run, this Saturday from 7am starting at the Mantra Mackay Harbour gardens near the front carpark, followed by a $30 buffet breakfast and prize draws. Members and non-members are welcome.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
The club saw some massive scores as the morning fixtures this week, as Season 2 began. Peter Goodson and Branko Vucurovic were set in for the morning with the first set was nearly 2 sets in 1 with the score being 23-21. Peter ended winning in a close 4 sets. The marathon matches continued as Chris Collins and Coral Morgan thought their match was never going to end with very close and long 5 sets, which ended in Chris sneaking home against Coral 18-16.
Tuesday Morning Fixtures
Division 1: Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson) defeated Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Delma Knight) 5-3. Match featured above Peter won over Branko in 4 sets (21,9,-8,8). Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) tied 6-6 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall), Andrea and John came back from 2 sets down to win a massive doubles against Doug and Bryan (-9,-8,13,8,9).
Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) won 7-5 over Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Veronica Needham, Josie Davis), Josie came home from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets against Gloria (-5,11,-9,6,8). Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Robyn Bushell, Coral Morgan) won their last 5 matches to beat Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins), this marathon match is featured above Chris defeated Coral in 5 sets (10,-5,4,-8,16).
Division 3: Celtic Smash (Pam Kuene, Cheryl Pearson, Myles Dutton) defeated Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Glenda Brookes) 9-3, Pam won in close 5 sets against her daughter Janelle (-6,6,5,-7,7). Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) tied at 6-6 against Gladiator Grip (Allison Day, Sharon Muller, Madge Saunders). Sharon won against Gerry (-9,9,-5,6,4).
Tuesday Evening Fixtures
Division 1: Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) won 6-5 over Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), Lee and Graeme battled it out in very close 5 set finish with Lee winning (-6,12,-5,8,12). Canaries (Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) defeated Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan) 6-5, Anne came home in tight finish against Lily (9,-6,3,-2,10). Cockatoos (Goncalo Serra, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) snuck home against Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Robbie Richards), Trent found his form as he came back against Neil from 2 sets down to win in 5 sets (-5,-10,6,7,8).
Division 2: Kites (Syed Hossain, Matt West, Simon Hogan) defeated Parrots (Delma Knight, George Camilleri, Liz Burton) 6-5, Matt just won over Liz in close 5 sets (6,5,-11,-9,12). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Noreen Frederickson) won 6-5 over Galahs (Remy Zhan, Donna Abbott, Mark Stem), Will beat Remy in 5 sets to win (-10,7,-3,7,8). Owls (Rod Mahumes, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) just home 6-5 against Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Jeff Bennington, Rachel Fiesta), Rachel came back against Rod to win tight 5 sets (8,-8,10,-6,11).
Division 3: Craig VanDeKaa, Tiffany Camilleri, Logan Brown and Val Austin are playing very well, with some close matches and tight competition as they are all playing for a top 4 position.
Contributed by Andrea Payne
SEASON 2 – WEEK 1
Welcome back to season 2, it’s great to have a few new players.
Tuesday Night Results
Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) defeated Cockatoos (Vince Boeske, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) 7-4, Mark came home strongly against Geoff to win (10,-6,9,-4,5). Canaries (Lily Boland, Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) beat Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5, Lily and Graeme battled it out with Lily winning in very close 5 sets (-8,7,6,-9,10). Geese (Steve Whiting, Syed Hossain, Janice Kent) won 7-4 over Bowerbirds (Robbie Richards, Trent Day, Allan Edwards), Robbie just got home against Janice in close 5 sets (9,-6,-8,5,8).
Division 2: Parrots (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Liz Burton) won 7-4 over the Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan), Delma came back to win against Peter after losing the first set 20-18, it was a neck and neck battle to the end (-18,9,9,-9,9). Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Danial Warfield, Noreen Frederickson) 6-5, Andrea and Ollie won their first doubles together against Will and Daniel in close 5 setter (14,10,-6,-6,10). Kites (Geoff Denman, Ian McKay, Matt West) defeated Galahs (Donna Abbott, Dilini Ranasinghe, Mark Stam) 7-4 with Donna coming back against Ian in very close match (-8,-9,7,9,5).
Division 3: This is being run as a round robin draw each player is playing for themselves and aiming to be in the top 4 positions at the end of the season.
Tuesday Morning fixtures will begin next week but this week was a Double Competition. This is a random draw with each match is a different doubles partner and we also have different opponents. It is 6 matches and 1 game to 31 and at the end the points you earned are totalled up to find the winner, this is a great fun morning. Group 1 was won by Andrea Nicholson who was undefeated on 186 points and Group 2 was won by Josie Davis on 181 points.
Contributed by Andrea Payne
Mackay’s U14 boys and girls delivered strong performances at the Toowoomba softball tournament last month, highlighted by the boys claiming Presidents Cup Gold. Photo source: Mackay Softball association Incorporated
Mackay softball talent Jaxon Maluga represented Australia at the U18 Men’s Softball World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand.
His selection was a significant achievement, reflecting his hard work, passion and commitment to the sport.
Competing in the green and gold, Jaxon took to the international stage with pride, with the local softball community celebrating his efforts and wishing him and the Australian team success throughout the tournament.
Last month, Mackay’s U14 boys and girls competed in their tournament in Toowoomba, delivering strong performances across the competition.
The girls combined with Coral Coast, showing teamwork and spirit throughout their games.
The boys achieved outstanding success, winning the Presidents Cup with a 20–6 victory over Maryborough to secure gold. Both teams were praised for their effort, sportsmanship and the way they represented Mackay on and off the field.
Photo source: Mackay Airport
Mackay Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to local sport and community wellbeing, continuing its sponsorship of the Mackay Cutters for the upcoming season.
The partnership supports a club that continues to expand both on and off the field, with more than 180 athletes currently competing across six squads.
A representative from Mackay Airport said the organisation was proud to remain involved with the club as it develops opportunities for local players.
“Mackay Airport is proud to continue sponsoring the Mackay Cutters this season,” the representative said.
“With more than 180 athletes across six squads, supported by an incredible team of coaches, medical, strength and conditioning and operations staff, the Cutters continue to grow both on and off the field. Together, they are building strong pathways for local talent and striving for success across all grades.”
Beyond competition, the partnership also supports important community initiatives through the club’s Cutters Care program.
“We are also especially proud to support the club’s Change the Game Mental Health Initiative through Cutters Care,” the representative said.
“In 2025, the program reached more than 1,460 students across 53 sessions, helping promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the Mackay community.
“Partnerships like this play a vital role in strengthening our region, from developing local athletes to creating meaningful community impact.”
Around 1,500 people gathered at Harrup Park for the opening ceremony of the North Queensland Games, launching the 2026 competition with community celebration despite challenging weather conditions. Photo source: North Queensland Games
Despite challenging weather conditions, the opening ceremony of the North Queensland Games drew an impressive crowd of around 1,500 people to Harrup Park, marking a spirited start to the 2026 regional sporting event.
The ceremony, hosted by Tegan Philpott, brought together athletes, officials and supporters from across the region in a celebration of sport, community and participation.
Attendees heard from Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, who addressed the crowd on behalf of both David Crisafulli and Tim Mander, acknowledging the importance of the Games in strengthening regional sport and community connections.
The event also featured the Games’ ambassadors, Olympic beach volleyball champion Natalie Cook and local sporting advocate Tori West. While Mackay boxing star Liam Paro was unable to attend due to personal reasons, he remains an ambassador for the Games.
A strong sense of history was reflected in the presence of Bill Cummings from the 1956 Torch Bearers Club, highlighting the enduring legacy of sport across generations.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Philip Kemp of the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
Athletes formally marked the start of competition as Derrick Evans led the official oath alongside athletes Lily Woods and Myarah Ahoy from Athletics North Queensland.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the March of Athletes, led by the Holy Spirit Drum Corps, as more than 20 sporting clubs entered the arena in a vibrant display of unity from across North Queensland.
While wet weather prevented the traditional torch relay from taking place, the ceremony maintained its celebratory atmosphere with fireworks, live music from ViVa Acoustic, jumping castles and community stalls.
Event activations were supported by Struddy’s, PEAK and the Queensland Academy of Sport, alongside media partners including 7NEWS Mackay, which sponsored the 100-metre sprint prize money, and Star 101.9 Mackay, which broadcast live from the Games cauldron.
The 2026 North Queensland Games is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, with organisers thanking sponsors, partners and the community for helping deliver a memorable opening celebration.
Photo source: Mackay Basketball
Mackay Basketball’s U16 Meteorettes delivered a strong performance in the state Grand Final, finishing with a well-earned 2nd place in Queensland after going down to Logan.
Coral Francis, Sue Hazledine, Wendy Sonter and Min Andrew. Photo supplied
The B Pairs Final was played on Wednesday, 22 April, with all signs pointing to a closely contested match, and it certainly delivered.
Wendy Sonter and Min Andrew took on Coral Francis and Sue Hazledine in a game that lived up to expectations, with scores going end-for-end throughout.
Played in great spirit, the match combined friendly camaraderie with a healthy dose of competitive intensity.
In the end, Coral and Sue emerged victorious, much to their delight. Congratulations also to Wendy and Min for a hard-fought performance.
A big thank you goes to all bowlers who took part in this year’s competition.
Contributed with thanks to Sue Hazledine.
Pictured is Section A Winners: Jan and Don. Photo supplied
Twenty-eight pairs from Mackay, Yepoon, Bowen and Rockhampton competed in the Mackay X Imps Pairs Red Point event on the ANZAC Weekend.
Lest We Forget
Winners Section A Jan Randall and Don Cameron (Rockhampton), Section B Mary Rose Ramsden and Christine Nice (Mackay) and Section C Anne Lutz and Ian Vary (Mackay). Play started respectfully after 12pm. Mackay Club ladies catered for the event with a big shout out to Janelle, Vicki, Sue and all who helped. The Mackay Contract Bridge Club is a very supportive and inclusive club where everyone pitches in. Appreciation was extended to Director Ian Cruickshank.
Weekly Results
Monday 20 April 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Sandy Ford
2nd
Joy Hold / Ian Vary
3rd
Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek
3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell
4th
Nancy Martin / Diane Morgan
4th
Geoff Cowan / Mary Cruickshank
Tuesday Evening 21 April 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Noel / Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
4th
Adrian Westcott / Patricia Garner
Wednesday 22 April 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
1st
Terry Sheedy / Sandy Patterson
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
3rd
Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild
3rd
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
4th
Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
4th
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
Thursday Evening 23 April 2026 – 5 Table One Winner – Green Points
1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
3rd
Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor
Friday 24 April 2026 – Week 8 of 26 NWP - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
E/W
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell
2nd
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes
3rd
Christine Nice / Diane Cox
4th
Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland
4th
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
Saturday 25 April 2026 & Sunday 26 April 2026 – Mackay X Imps Pairs – Red Points
Section A
Section B
1st
Jan Randal / Don Cameron
1st
Mary rose Ramsden / Christine Nice
2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
3rd
Malcolm Saunders / Adrian Lohmann
3rd
Sue McInnes / Deb Breeze
4th
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
4th
Martin Pearce / Noel Saunders
Section C
1st
Anne Lutz / Ian Vary
2nd
Joy Hold / Sandy Patterson
3rd
Simon Barnes / Janice Mansfield
4th
Cathy McKenzie / Michelle Rau
Contributed with thanks to Joy Block
Figure 1 - Michael Wallin – 1A - 45-49 Men
The 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships were held at Shepparton BMX Club on the 16th-18th April. Mackay and District BMX Club had an impressive 33 entries making the journey down to compete for National Titles with riders showcasing talent, determination and strength across multiple classes.
Mackay Riders delivered on track with impressive performances across the board with Podium finishes as well as bringing A Plates home. Local Rider and MAD BMX Coach Michael Wallin said, “After a 40year racing career, he was really proud his hard work had paid off” describing bringing home a 1A Plate as a true bucket list achievement.
MAD Riders securing A Plates (Placing Top 8th in Australia (ie: 1A Plate – 1ST Australia).
Club President Brett Wilson said “We are extremely proud of all our riders’ efforts at the Aus Cycling BMX National Championships.
“Your achievements on the track earned MAD BMX Club 13th Place out of 112 Clubs across Australia.
“Thanks to all the Mums, Dads and support crew that were there helping our riders”.
Riders, alongside their families travelled down to compete for a National Title as well as the chance to secure qualification for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships – set to be held on home soil in Brisbane July 17-25th. Congratulations to all MAD riders who’ve locked in their spot and qualified for Worlds – A huge effort all round.
A representative from the club said, “We can’t wait to see you line up on the Gate and represent Australia.”
Contributed with thanks to Kerry Bolger
Clinton Mackie (front left) and Levi Wallace (front right) take the early lead in the Mackay Road Runners 10km Mackay Surf club social run. Photo supplied
Around 30 runners took on a challenging 5km and 10km course from the Mackay Surf Club, set by Race Director Andrew Short. Strong winds across the Breakwater and soft sand sections added to the difficulty, though the social atmosphere encouraged runners to adapt and enjoy the event.
Standout performances came from Gail Mackie, Bev Ferris, Kayla Waugh, Natasha Joynson, Phoebe Short, Jess Evetts, Rebecca Malcolm, Rob Miller, Levi Wallace, Clinton Mackie, Craig Joynson, David Isbister, Stuart Sprott, Ashley Miles, Max Miles, Aidan Donnollan and Shane Donnollan. Several are now preparing for the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon next weekend, a popular event on the local road and trail running calendar for more than 20 years.
With many runners heading to Hamilton Island, the Mackay Road Runners will host a social run from Quota Park on Binnington Esplanade at 4.30pm. Members and non-members are welcome, with a $2 entry. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early for notices and registration.
Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse
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