The Viking Cup 10s 2024 junior rugby union carnival, held at Whitsunday Sportspark on September 27-28, was a tremendous success, drawing players and supporters from across the region.

The two-day event featured 45 teams, with 35 traveling from outside the local area, highlighting the growing popularity of the carnival.

Teams travelled from as far as the Gold Coast to participate in the event, which offered an exciting showcase of junior rugby talent.

Over 2,000 spectators attended, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on players aged 5 to 16.

The 10-a-side format led to fast-paced matches filled with skilful tries, quick passing, and tough tackles, keeping the crowd on their feet.

The Whitsunday Raiders under-12 team stood out, winning their division with an undefeated record across six matches.

Whitsunday Sportspark was praised for its top-notch facilities and scenic setting, making it the perfect venue for the large-scale event.

Local businesses enjoyed a boost from the influx of visitors, with accommodation and dining spots bustling throughout the weekend.

Event organizers hailed the carnival’s success and expressed hopes for an even bigger event next year.

President of Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Tim Oberg praised the support of the event.

“The support from the rugby community has been overwhelming, and we're thrilled to see so many young players enjoying the sport at such a competitive level,” said Tim.

Queensland Rugby Union’s Central Queensland Regional Manager Jack Lloyd also praised the event.

“The Viking Cup 10s has undoubtedly cemented its place as a key event in junior rugby, providing both a platform for emerging talent and a celebration of the sport,” said Jack.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

Photo credit: SMP Whitsundays

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It was an incredible week in paradise for the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, packed with exciting moments and memorable achievements. The action kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with Social Bowls, where skipper Tony Whitehorn continued his winning streak, leading his team of Lyn Hodder and Cath Rimmuswaal to a dominant victory. All three players were in outstanding form.

However, Wednesday brought a surprising turn of events. In the Social Bowls game, Tony suffered a stunning defeat, with Rick Galea and his team clinching a decisive 48-10 victory. Rick Brunnell, playing at lead, delivered an exceptional performance, while Lu Rogan impressed with her remarkable bowling skills, making a smooth and impressive transition.

Wednesday night’s Corporate Bowls wasn’t just about the game, but also about teamwork and community spirit. In a fantastic show of solidarity, members answered the call from Bob and Yvonne to help clear bushes from the right-hand side of the rink in preparation for the upcoming construction of a hard cover. The group’s efforts were nothing short of extraordinary, ensuring the club is ready for the next stage of the project, set to unfold over the next six or seven weeks.

Friday morning brought a special visit from the Endeavour Foundation. Families joined to witness the remarkable progress their children have made in learning the art of lawn bowls. The club looks forward to seeing their continued success, especially once the roof is installed.

The week culminated in Friday night’s much-anticipated Classic Men’s Fours, proudly sponsored by Airlie Beach Hotel, Cruise Whitsundays, PRD Real Estate, Betta Home Living, Master Butchers, Anaconda, Pioneer Adventures, Autopro Cannonvale, Rock Plumbing and Gas Fitting, and Ben Doolins Builders. Six gruelling games saw tough competition from some of the best teams.
Final results:
   • 4th Place: Manny Isgro’s team, featuring Paul Foot, Les Rodgers, and Robbie Spence.
   • 3rd Place: South Suburban Mackay team, led by skipper "Pistol" Pete Blackburn, with champion lead Davey Peats, Peter Petersen, and Bruce Johnson.
   • 2nd Place: Skipper Gavin Milne’s team, with John Bye, Scott Hamilton, and Steve Ridolf.
   • 1st Place: The undefeated team from the Gold Coast, comprising Australian players Sean Baker and Nathan Rice, alongside NSW representatives Jason Constable and Brett Tynan. Their outstanding team performance dazzled the crowd, showcasing world-class skills that left no doubt about their dominance over the star-studded field.

Congratulations to all the participants for an incredible week of bowls at Airlie Beach Bowls Club.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Photos supplied

The social bowls games continued over the week with some close matches.

Sunday 6th October:
   • Jane and Tracey defeated Andy and Steve.
   • Ron and Ian won against Don and Lloyd.

Scroungers:
   • Rosco claimed victory over Robyn and Ken.

Wednesday 2nd October:
   • Ray and Jane defeated Marion and Gordo.
   • Maryellen, J. Painting, and Kevin triumphed over Eddy, A. Vigar, and Steve.
   • Lou secured a win against Tracey.

Additional Game (No Date Provided):
   • Marion, Rob, and Jane defeated Ian, Tracey, and Wendy.

In the Triples Competition:
   • Semi Final: Ron, Kennedy, and Mark defeated Ray, Herb, and Mark.
   • Final: The 2024 Triples Champions are Robyn, Rosco, and Tiarna, who claimed victory over Ron, Kennedy, and Mark. Congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the runners-up!

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Robyn, Rosco and Tiarna, Photo supplied

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After a couple of weeks of suspense, the missing scorecard has been found and returned, allowing us to report that Philip Brown, John Anderson, Mary Hedgelong, and Sandy Daffara triumphed over Philip Brown, Alen Sanderson, Barry Zillmann, and Mike Harrison with a final score of 23-17.

Wednesday's Social Bowls welcomed two special guests to the fold: Wayne Coonan from Ayr Bowls Club and Henny Tattum from Airlie Beach. The matches were lively and competitive, with Bruce Uhe, Barry Zillman, and Sandy Daffara defeating Alen Sanderson, Henny Tattum, and Mike Harrison 19-11. In another match, Philip Brown and Heather Brown claimed a decisive victory against Arthur Griffith and Wayne Coonan, 25-10.

Friday evening brought a fun and relaxed atmosphere to the greens with Barefoot Bowls. The event saw great participation from both players and volunteers, contributing to the success of this monthly event. In fact, the club continued the weekend of barefoot bowls with groups booked in for Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with everyone enjoying the experience.

Sunday afternoon was perfect for another round of social bowls, despite the warm weather. A special highlight was Orin, a world traveller currently visiting the area, who had her first experience of lawn bowls. Orin and the club members thoroughly enjoyed the social time together.
In the day’s social bowls results:
   • John Anderson and Gavin Noonan defeated Ken Watts and Kendall Watts 17-10.
   • Mary Hedgelong, Bruce Uhe, and Mike Harrison narrowly edged out Orin, Philip Brown, and Wayne Coonan 17-14.
   • Arthur Griffith and Peter Lawton claimed a tight victory over Henny Tattum and Sandy Daffara, 17-16.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

Beautiful weather for bowls, Photo supplied

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Tuesday's social bowls welcomed a few visitors from Mackay, adding excitement to the afternoon games. The winners were I. Laird and T. Winter, who defeated K. Ellis and D. Walsh, while D. Retchless and Joe Paynting triumphed over Stumpy Adama. Gavin and Bron Tolcher, Robyn Stitt, and Mick Walsh had a draw with June Paynting, Mark Drummond, and Steve. Unfortunately, the jackpot remained untouched.

In the Men's Competition, the Fours Final saw a victory for Laurie Land, Barry Beel, Mark Drummond, and Allan Rolfe, who overcame Kevin Jewell, Graeme Read, Peter Hinschen, and Greg Colquhoun.

Sunday marked the farewell for visitors Joe and June Paynting. June ended her visit on a high note, being part of the winning team alongside Albi Vigar and Barry Beel, who won on a countback of ends after a draw with Sue Shearing, Penny Warren, and Mark Drummond. Other notable victories included Teresa Willshire, Jocelyn De Franciscis, and Allan Rolfe defeating Shane Dykstra, Robyn Stitt, and Joe Paynting, while Lindy Suann and Deb Retchless beat Toni Bowen and Jim Quod. The jackpot once again remained unclaimed.

Looking ahead, the club is planning a "Come and Try" afternoon on Saturday, 19th October. Keep an eye on the club's Facebook page for more details. Good luck to the ladies representing the club in the Northern Beaches Carnival in Mackay this week!
                                                                                                                 
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Sunday's winners Albi Vigar, Barry Beel and June Paynting, Photo supplied

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The Proserpine Golf Club (PGC) enjoyed another week of excellent golf weather, with several key competitions taking place.

Tuesday 1st October – PGC Vets: The Whitsunday Group at PGC
The penultimate Whitsunday Group competition saw a strong field of 58 players competing in a Stableford event.
Ladies: PGC ladies dominated, taking out the top nine places.
   • Winner: Jacqui Wall (38 points)
   • Runner-up: Robyn Whitham (34 points, on countback from Elaine Philpott)
   • Run Down: Allison McCarthy and Anna Winterbourn (33 points), Tina Badenhorst (32), Vickie Wallace (31), Paula McQuat, Jenny Hounsell, and Donna Boccalatte (30), Mary Chatfield (29).Men: The PGC men also claimed the first nine spots.
   • Winner: Steve Mitchell (35 points)
   • Runner-up: Peter Fox (34 points, on countback from Trevor Paroz)
   • Run Down: Barry Mortimer (34), John Wallace and Laurie Dakin (33), Pascal Neunreuther (32), Vic Feldman and John Oates (31), Les Gordon (30), Ross McLaughlin, Colin Hounsell, David Young, and Nic Apruzzese (29), Ross Meier (28).
Pin Shots:
   • Ladies: Tina Badenhorst, Robyn Whitham, Anna Winterbourn, and Vickie Wallace
   • Men: Laurie Dakin, Colin Gray, Guy Le Blowitz, and Trevor Paroz

Wednesday 2nd October – PD Law October Monthly Medal (Ladies)
In challenging, windy conditions, Nicole Cooper shone, securing a Monthly Medal win.
   • Winner: Nicole Cooper (69 nett)
   • Runner-up: Leanne Alexander (72)
   • Run Down: Tina Badenhorst and Lyn Muller (73), Robyn Whitham and Jenny Hounsell (77).
   • NTPs: A Grade – Lyn Muller, Jenny Hounsell; B Grade – Viv Demartini, Di Dobbins

Thursday 3rd October – PGC October Monthly Medal (Men)
A tightly contested event saw Colin Hounsell triumph in a close countback.
   • Overall Winner: Colin Hounsell (71)
   • A Grade: Ryan Wilkes (72), Billy O’Connor (R/up, on countback), Greg Walker (3rd, 73 on countback)
   • B Grade: Colin Hounsell (71), Barry Mortimer (R/up, on countback), Peter Elms (3rd)
   • Run Down: Brian Smith, Chris Brett, and Ryan Kenny (73), Peter Fox, Zachary Esden, Brian Payne, Phil Luckett, Owen Clarke, and Michael Ward (74), Rob Webb (75)
   • 2 Shot Winners: Michael Ward (2nd), Owen Clarke (9th), Greg Walker (13th), Mark Thompson (16th)
   • NTPs: Peter Elms (2nd), Di Chard (9th), Mark Thompson (13th), Zachary Esden (16th)

Friday 4th October – Metropole Run (9 Holes)
The front nine saw Brendan Spann take the win in the 9-hole Metropole Run.
   • Winner: Brendan Spann (21 points)
   • Runner-up: Jackson Gray (20, on countback)
   • Run Down: David Lloyd and Nathan Sothmann (18 points), Ryan Wilkes (16)
   • NTPs: Brendan Spann (2nd), Mitchell Whitton (9th)

Saturday 5th October – RGH October Monthly Medal
Men:
   • Overall Winner: Jason Bourke (63 nett)
   • A Grade: Jason Bourke, Rob Stanley (R/up, 67)
   • B Grade: Ross Meade (70), Paul Gray (72)
   • C Grade: Jim Cochrane (67), Tim Walton (69)
   • Run Down: Lewy Tuck, Ken Lovett, and Scott Clarke (69), John Dodds (70), Dean Kercher and Martyn Goodey (71)
   • 2 Shot Winners: Rob Stanley (2nd), Rob Stanley and Paul Gray (9th), Cory O’Shea, Scott Mason, Jason Bourke, Laurie Dakin (13th)
   • NTPs: Rob Stanley (2nd), Tim Walton (9th), Cory O’Shea (13th), Scott Clarke (16th)
Ladies:
   • Winner: Rehab Hull (73 nett)
   • Runner-up: Robyn Whitham (74)
   • Run Down: Peta Thomas, Brenda Cowan, Di Chard (75)
   • 2 Shot Winners: Di Chard (2nd, 9th)
Sunday 6th October – KJC October Monthly Medal
Men:
   • Winner: Warren Mitchell (73, on countback)
   • Runner-up: Roger Vandenberg
Ladies:
   • Winner: Peta Thomas (74)
   • Run Down: Brendan Spann, Danny York (73), John Hoey, Scott Lee (74)
   • 2 Shot Winner: Ross Meade (2nd)
   • NTPs: Jo Moynihan (2nd), Warren Mitchell (9th), Danny York (13th), Scott Lee (16th)

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The Cannonvale Cannons hosted their first Distance Night of the season, providing swimmers with an opportunity to swim longer events and prepare for future meets.

Distance nights allow competitors to swim up from their current event distances, making it an invaluable experience to trial and set times for future comparisons.

The evening started with the 1500m and 800m Freestyle events.

Congratulations to the swimmers who took on these challenging distances: Don Algie, Tiana Bell, Jax Clayworth, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, and Andie Reynolds for the 800m Freestyle, and Jacob Bell and Tora Delac for the 1500m Freestyle.

Awards were also presented for the previous week's Club Night achievements, with the coveted Chocolate Award going to Celeste Orenshaw for securing both the biggest and smallest personal best (PB). Her biggest PB earned her an upgrade to the 200m Backstroke. Additional upgrades included Abigeal Maher to 200IM, Felix Hosie to 25m Backstroke, and Tyler Bennett to 400IM.

The distance racing resumed, showcasing big PBs from many swimmers, as these events are often swum only once or twice a season. We look forward to announcing any potential club record breakers next week.

Distance swimming continued over the weekend at Day 1 of the Pioneer Long Course Transition Meet, with strong performances from the Cannons.

Don Algie took 1st in the 400IM, 200m Back, and 200m Breast. Jacob Bell and Ruby Harland also secured 1st in the 400IM, with Ruby placing 2nd in the 200m Fly and 200m Back.

Thomas Ganter placed 2nd, and Nelson Malady 3rd in the 200m Back, while Nelson also won the 1500m (B Grade). In the 200m Breast, Thomas placed 2nd, Andie Reynolds 3rd, Tora Delac 2nd, Tiana Bell 1st (B Grade) and Adelaide Sanders 2nd (B Grade).

Seasoned swimmer Ella Bounden who has recently joined the Cannons achieved 1st place in the 200m Backstroke. Full Day 2 report to Feature next week.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Koresec.

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Eight Mackay veteran table tennis players were put through their paces with seven days of intense competition at the national veterans championship in Launceston.

Veteran players Vince Boeske, Donna Abbott, Andrea Nicholson, Noreen Fredericksen, Robbie Richards, Goncalo Serra Gageiro, Anne Sheridan and Janice Kent had been selected to represent Queensland at the Australian National Veterans tournament held from 14 – 21 September in Launceston.

The freezing temperatures did not deter these players from competing and producing some excellent games against tough competition from the other States and Territories.

Although no medals came home with our local players, Queensland certainly was a force to be reckoned with, with a sizeable quantity of gold, silver and bronze medals shared amongst our more seasoned players.

Congratulations to our local players on their selection to represent our state.

Weekly Club Results

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures October 1, 2024:

Division 1:

Barra (Graham Brake, Lee Brake, Trent Day) d Corgi (Will VanDeKaa, Robbie Richards, Lily Boland) 6-5. Robbie d Graham 10, 2, -6, -7, 13.

Aqua (Tim Shehan, Geoff Denman, Ian McKay) d Azalea (Mark Sleeman, Barry Patterson, Allan Robins) 9-2. Tim d Allan -8, 5, 4, -7, 8.

Andro (Graham Drury, Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker) d Alfa (Janice Kent, Tony Bowman, Vince Boeske) 9-2. Janice d Graham 13, -8, -9, 7, 10.

Division 2:

Cockatoos (Craig VanDeKaa, Jye Callander, Matt West) d Tigers (Val Austin, Steve Mathieson, Ollie Hamelink) 7-4. Ollie d Craig -5, -12, 7, -7, 14.

Canaries (Simon Hogan, Leo Gilbert, Kade Wright) d Cats (George Camilleri, JiLin Jiang, Josie Davis) 7-4. George d Kade 1, -9, -9, 7, 14.

Bulldog (David Symons, Delma Knight, Peter Goodson) d Ants (Andrea Nicholson, Mark Stam, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-4. Delma/Bulldog d Andrea/Mark -8, 9, -10, 6, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures October 1, 2024:

Division 1:

Nano Nets (Tony Bowman, Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Veronica Shepherd) d Code Crackers (Doug Dungavell, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, Coral Morgan) 8-6. Veronica d Coral 11, -6, -11, 5, 9.

Pixel Paddles (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, Judy Zahn, Kevin Abbott) drew Byte Bouncers (Branko Vucurovic, Donna Abbott, John McGee, Marie Taylor) 7-all. Marie d Kevin 7, -4, 9, -7, 9.

Division 2:

Tokyo Turners (Fred Saliba, Frank Caruana, Allison Day, John Hamelink) drew Rome Ralliers (Louise Gould, Bill Hey, Cheryl Aprato, Bill Hey) 6-all. Cheryl d Frank 9, 7, -7, -8, 11.

Berlin Blockers (Gloria Vella, Iris Grasso, Madge Saunders, Josie Davis) d London Looper (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Cheryl Pearson, Glenda Brookes) 8-6. Gloria d Cheryl -9, -12, 3, 7, 9.

Paris Spinners (Bryan Marshall, Rob Morrison, Pam Keune, Trish Zamparutti) d Sydney Slamm (Helen Ware, Robyn Bushell, Thelma Caruana) 9-3. Bryan d Thelma -8, 3, 3, 4.

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Donna Abbott and Janice Kent in action in the national veterans table tennis championships in Launceston.

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The Senior Netball Academy team from Mackay State High School recently embarked on an exciting sporting trip to New Zealand, where they competed in the International Netball Festival.

Accompanied by Miss Barons and Miss Robertson, the talented team participated in three competitive game days over the course of 11 days while exploring the scenic city of Christchurch and its surrounding areas.

The trip kicked off with a leisurely tour around Christchurch, allowing the team to soak in the local culture. At the festival's Welcome Dinner, they had the unique opportunity to meet other international teams and experience traditional Māori performances by local schoolchildren, providing a warm introduction to New Zealand's vibrant heritage.

In addition to their on-court action, the team visited Ferrymead Heritage Park, where they immersed themselves in history by dressing in period costumes. The group also explored the International Antarctic Centre, enjoying a thrilling Hagglund ride, a 4D theatre experience and even meeting adorable penguins and huskies.

After their initial game days, the team enjoyed some well-deserved relaxation, including a visit to hot pools and an adrenaline-filled bungy jump.

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From start to finish, the North Mackay Sinkers enjoyed the best that Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays had to offer, with so many smiles and great achievements both for the quicks and the first timers challenged by an open water swim (OWS).

The last Whitehaven beach OWS was in 2019 and it took the North Mackay Sinkers a few years to consider hosting the event themselves. In 2023 the idea gelled into an event to be co-hosted by the club, as well as Masters Swimming Qld to ensure its viability.

The uncertainty of weather before this event eased into a perfect day with light easterly breezes, a water temperature of 26 degrees and air temperature of 28 to make for perfect conditions. The excitement on the 30m transport vessel was high and the draw of the MS raffle, lucky swimmer prize and presentation of the pre-event raffle set the tone for the day.

Their swim ambassador was none other than Chloe McCardel, known as the Queen of the English Channel having crossed it a total of 44 times! Chloe generously gave her time to be in Airlie Beach to attend this swim before her week of engagements around Mackay. Chloe was able to mix with swimmers, conduct interviews, chat with the MC, participate as an official guest in the day’s activities as well as swim the 2k event.

The Sinkers swim committee for the event assisted and supported by MSQ and loads of club volunteers transitioned a thought into reality to deliver a quality event that is set to be a fixture on the MSQ and Sinkers calendar for years to come.

Some changes on the day saw the event move forward 30 minutes as swimmers were anxious to get into the day’s events without hesitation.

Over 100 swimmers that included event and water safety lined up for the new gun time. The 1km event was the first away at 1135am with some 40 plus participants and they were followed 10 minutes later by the 2km event with over 50 swimmers and the sight of the 100 swimmers and water safety on the 500m loop course was pleasing to see. Both starts were fast and clean with a sea of caps striking for the first turn buoy. Some club members gave up a swim to accompany some first time and returning swimmers to ease the way in the open water.

The returning swimmers that began as a trickle as the faster swimmers returned to the finish line soon gained momentum as the bulk of excited and exhausted swimmers streamed in. As the last swimmers approached the out of water finish, an arch of supporting finished swimmers and guests formed to welcome them back, and what a smile they had.

The event was designed by concept to welcome all swimmers into the joy of open water swimming and each and every competitor was presented a commemorative medal for their efforts.

The event awards were based on line honours for both Male and Female in both events for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Fantastic trophies were the order of the day and presented on the beach to smiling recipients.

The event was well attended by swimmers from near and far with a great mix of Masters and guests supported by event officials, volunteers and non-swimming guests.

Top Results:

1KM

Place Women Time Men Time

1st Kylie Smith 16:53 Ross Beaton 16:39

2nd Christina Scolaro 17:35 Steven Burchill 21:58

3rd Eloise Houghton 21:18 Arthur Douglas 22:24

2km

Place Women Time Men Time

1st Deanne Sanderson 29:52 Martin Banks 27:44

2nd Elizabeth Denyer 31:02 Billy Grogan 29:10

3rd Jane Eggins 31:14 Adrian Darveniza 29:13

Contributed By Dan Stampa

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The North Mackay Sinkers held a hugely successful and popular event last Sunday, Oct 6th at their Inaugural Whitehaven Beach open water swim. Check out their Facebook page online to view the latest updates and results. Photos supplied

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Last week, Labor announced a substantial commitment to the Mackay Hockey Association, pledging $1.5 Million to improve the region’s indoor sporting facilities.

This announcement nearly doubles the previous promise made by the LNP and is aimed at enhancing infrastructure and supporting the development of Mackay’s grassroots athletes, with a particular focus on fostering Olympian talent.

The fund has now been fully secured and is said to be a landmark investment in the region’s sporting future.

Labor Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, expressed her enthusiasm for the funding and its potential impact on the local sporting community.

“We're very proud to announce that $1.5 million will go to this project,” Hassan said.

“I know the importance of this facility, and it is going to be a high-performance centre and a centre of excellence for our young athletes coming up."

Reflecting on her own experience, Hassan shared, “I know myself, I played on these hockey fields when I was a kid, which was a really long time ago…but it's just fantastic to see the opportunities that are now available to youth in our region.”

Hassan also highlighted the broader context of the government’s investment in youth sport, noting, “We know that our government has provided the sporting vouchers for our youth, so $200 to allow our children to be able to play sport, and now they are going to have a fantastic facility to play their hockey games at.”

The Mackay region has already produced an impressive eight Olympians, a feat that Hassan attributes to the community’s strong sporting culture.

“We know our region bats well above its weight where sport is concerned, and this is just another demonstration of that, so I'm really, really pleased to be able to announce this.”

Coach and spokesperson from the Mackay Hockey Association, Melissa Sorensen, also welcomed the news, calling it “an amazing commitment from Labor.”

Sorensen explained the transformative impact the funding would have on the association’s facilities.

“What this allows us to do is put a second field in, so we'll have a drop-in floor with the extra money that we're going to use as our contribution, and that will be multi-sport” she said.

The investment is seen as a critical boost to the region’s junior development programs, particularly with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the horizon.

Sorensen emphasised the association’s ambitions to build on its impressive record of producing Olympians, adding, “Junior development is huge in our region, and heading to 2032, we want to grow on the eight Olympians that we’ve already put through.”

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Labor Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan met with Melissa Sorensen from the Mackay Hockey Association to announce the $1.5 Million project.  Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The Mackay Contract Bridge Club celebrated a successful weekend during the 2024 Mackay Contract Bridge Congress.

The event showcased impressive talent, with Don and Jan securing the title for A Grade Team Winners, alongside B Grade pairs winners Helen and Jan. In the Walk-ins category, Sandra Morris and Annie Lynch emerged victorious, with Terry and Janelle taking the runner-up position. The weekend was a fantastic display of camaraderie and skill amongst players in the region.

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A team winners and A cat pairs winners (centre Don and Jan) with act. president Noel Bugeia

B grade pairs winners Helen and Jan centre with act. president Noel (left) Janine and Rick (right)

Walk-ins winners (centre Sandra Morris and Annie Lynch) with Terry and Janelle runners up. Photos supplied

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The North Mackay Bowls Club’s ladies team claimed victory in the Division 1 Pennants in the Mackay District, showcasing their skills and determination. However, in a closely contested match against the Leichardt District champions, they were narrowly defeated by just 2 points. This result means the Leichardt Ladies will advance to the State playoffs at Club Tweed next month.

Despite the loss, the North Mackay ladies can be proud of their impressive performance throughout the competition.

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North Mackay and Leichardt District Ladies Bowls Teams together after a close Division 1 Pennant match, with Leichardt securing a narrow 2-point victory to advance to the State playoffs. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Dirt Riders are gearing up to host one of the most thrilling events of the year—the JR's Motorcycle and Suspension Specialists Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships!

This high-octane event is happening this weekend, October 5th and 6th, at Drays Park, Gunyarra, just off the road to Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Over 100 riders, including competitors from as far south as Victoria, will be battling it out across five championship classes, with additional junior and veteran support categories. The weekend promises non-stop action, speed, and skill that will have motorsport fans on the edge of their seats.

Club President Ben Moran expressed the club’s excitement saying "Together with our members, dedicated committee and many generous local businesses our dream has come to life hosting this Australian Championship with what I believe to be one of the best dirt track facilities in the country ".

Racing kicks off at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with entry at just $10 per car—so bring the family, load up your mates, and come witness the best in dirt track racing! Spectators are welcome to be part of this thrilling weekend that is sure to leave fans buzzing.

What: 2024 Australian Dirt Track Championships
Where: Drays Parl, 1 Lascelles Drive, Gunyarra, Queensland
When: Saturday 5 October from 9am & Sunday 6 October from 9am

Photos supplied

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club's Billfish and Tuna Rally, held last Sunday, saw junior anglers taking centre stage and proving their prowess on the water, much to the surprise of their seasoned competitors. In perfect conditions, ten teams took to the seas, but it was the young guns who outshined the veterans.

Junior angler Jasmin Smith, fishing aboard her dad’s boat Lay Low, made headlines by tagging and releasing a Sailfish on an 8kg line, earning her the top-scoring Billfish of the day. Not to be outdone, her younger brother Benson also had an impressive showing, tagging and releasing a Long Tail Tuna on a 10kg line to win the Tuna section. Benson capped off the day by landing a stunning Mahi Mahi, solidifying the siblings' dominance in the competition.

Despite the challenging Sailfish conditions, all teams enjoyed a day of fishing and camaraderie. With the rally wrapped up, the club is now turning its attention to the highly anticipated Ben Doolan Light Tackle Tournament, set for October 10-13. This year's tournament is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, thanks to a dedicated committee and the support of both long-standing and new sponsors.

The event kicks off with a compulsory briefing on Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m followed by a fun Calcutta auction of teams at 8 p.m. All tournament nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 7. The action begins on Friday, October 11 with a sailpast of all competing boats at 7 a.m., and fishing will commence at 8 a.m. The tournament runs through the weekend, with the presentation dinner scheduled for Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at the Clubhouse in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale.

One team to keep an eye on will be the group of junior anglers, with their dads stepping in as crew. These young competitors have already vowed to give the veterans a run for their money, making the Ben Doolan Light Tackle Tournament an event not to be missed!

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

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Jasmin Smith (centre) with Sailfish for quick photo before release.
Benson Smith (left) with his Mahi Mahi.
Benson Smith with Tuna trophy.

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