The Proserpine Indoor Bowls Club is excited to welcome its new president, Joe Laski, who has been a dedicated member of the club since 2016. Joe took over the role of president last year, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, and long-standing president of 50 years, Vivian. This year, Lesleyrose King has joined the leadership team as the club's new Secretary and Treasurer, stepping in after Vivian's wife, Jan, concluded her service.

Joe’s passion for the club is clear, emphasising that the focus is on giving the game a go and enjoying the sport rather than competing for trophies. “We just play for the fun,” he says, describing atmosphere of the laid-back games held every Tuesday afternoon. The games start at 2pm, includes a tea and biscuit break and typically conclude by 4pm.

Lesleyrose, who brings a community-focused mindset to her new roles, notes that the club is a welcoming space for all skill levels. “Anyone can play,” she affirms, highlighting the inclusivity of the club. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a newcomer, the Proserpine Indoor Bowls Club is eager to welcome you.

The club offers affordable membership options, with casual play costing just $4 and a full membership available for $5, which covers weekly play and goes towards the festivities of the club’s Christmas party. The club also operates year-round, with only a brief break around Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

The Proserpine Indoor Bowls Club has been a cornerstone of community activity for many years, with long-time members like Evelyn Jarrott, who has been with the club for over 22 years, ensuring a strong sense of continuity.

If you're looking for a fun, friendly community activity, come join the Proserpine Indoor Bowls Club. With great company, an inclusive atmosphere, and a commitment to having fun, it's the perfect place for new and returning bowlers alike without the worries of the weather withholding your chances to play a great game of bowls!

WHAT: Proserpine Indoor Bowls Club
WHEN: Every Tuesday, 2pm - 4pm
WHERE: The Proserpine Tennis Clubhouse, Jupp St. Proserpine
COST: $4 Casual Visit, $5 Weekly Membership

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Joe Laski the new president and Lesleyrose King the secretary and treasurer. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Long-term member Evelyn Jarrott with Joe Laski the new president, and Lesleyrose King the secretary and treasurer. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
All the current members of the Proserpine Indoor Bowls Club. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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This week it was announced with great excitement that the Whitsundays is on the roadmap for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Whitsunday region is to benefit from an increase of infrastructure, transport connectivity, tourism and grassroots sport as the announced 2032 Delivery Plan sets the path for a successful 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the region.

Recognising the value in Queensland’s regional centres like the beautiful Whitsundays, the drive to host the Olympic sailing events will bring more tourism opportunities and support local community grassroots sport. The Whitsundays is in the box seat to co-host the various sailing events in partnership with Townsville.

Tony Mahood President of Sailability Whitsundays and a local sailor of more than 40 years, who participated in the first ever Hamilton Island Race Week, said he was thrilled with the news.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Airlie Beach and the surrounding areas as it brings more activity and sporting awareness to the area," he said.

As part of this week's announcement, the Whitsundays will receive a share in the $250 million Games On! programs and this funding will assist with upgrades to grassroots community clubs.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said he was glad to see the Olympics reach some of the more regional areas within his electorate.

“I am excited to hear the announcement by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and I thank him for listening and making this an Olympics for all of Queensland,” he shared.

“The Whitsundays is set to benefit with Olympic Sailing to take place along the picturesque shoreline and crystal blue waters.”

“Not only can spectators watch the sailing, they can visit one of the 74 beautiful islands, dive on the Great Barrier Reef and make the most of this holiday destination.”

“From the first announcement that Queensland would play host to the Olympics, I have been committed to ensuring the Olympics come to life in my electorate of Dawson.”

“The legacy of the games will extend beyond competition and I look forward to the games.”

Premier David Crisafulli said 2032 would be "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an infrastructure, tourism and grassroots sports legacy to benefit all of Queensland."

“Delivering 2032 and Beyond sets the plan to build much more than what’s needed for a few weeks of competition.

“This is a plan that builds for our future, ensuring regional communities continue to benefit for decades to come.

“That includes delivering critical upgrades to the spine of our transport network, the Bruce Highway, between Cairns and Brisbane.

“Come 2032, through better connectivity and the right infrastructure, the Whitsundays will be ready to open their doors not only to the Games but to more tourists, more employment and more opportunities.”

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The 2032 Olympics is coming to the Whitsundays and the whole community will benefit from upgraded sports facilities. Photo sourced: Airlie Beach Race Week 2024

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Thirty-one players took part in a Four Ball Best Ball event. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of participants, the game had to be abandoned with only a few holes left to play due to worsening weather conditions. As a result, the competition was scored as a Stableford over the first nine holes, which led to some lower scores than expected.

In the ladies' division, Rehab Hull emerged victorious with 18 points, while Paula McQuat also finished with 18 points but was edged out on a countback. Elspeth Scotford, also on 18 points, secured a spot in the rundown, along with Heather Luvis, Vickie Wallace, and Beryl Nosworthy, all of whom scored 16 points.

For the men, Gerald Lovell took the win with 21 points, followed by Colin Hounsell in second place with 20 points. A countback also placed Steve Mitchell and Jim Sherrington both with 20 points in the rundown. Laurie Dakin (18 points), Barry Mortimer, Craig McClean, and Peter Lindsay (17 points), John Wallace and Peter Fox rounded out the results with 16 points.

Elspeth Scotford led the ladies with two pin shots, followed by Jacqui Wall, Tina Badenhorst, Vickie Wallace, Jenny Hounsell, and Rehab Hull. For the men, Laurie Dakin, John Oates, Colin Hounsell, Peter Fox, and Vic Feldman recorded pin shots. Elspeth Scotford, Tina Badenhorst, Rehab Hull, Gerald Lovell, and Craig McClean had chip-ins.

Draw winners included Elspeth Scotford, who won the $40 Members Draw, and Vic Feldman, who took home the $50 Fishi Voucher. Despite the weather challenges, spirits remained high, and everyone has fingers crossed for better weather next time!

Contributed with thanks by Paula McQuat

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The Whitsunday Touch Football Club is calling for more females to join and experience the fun, camaraderie, and community of touch footy. It’s easy to learn and get involved, whether you're a beginner, returning after a break, or a girl who's rocked the touch footy world for years, the Club is the place for you.

All the teams are mixed and sorted by grades, so you may even find yourself playing against your father like Sylvie who has been with the club for 2 years; “Dad was always playing touch as I grew up, and I used to play when I was really young, but didn’t stay with it. It’s pretty awesome to be able to play footy with my dad.”

Matilda, who’s back after a long break, shared about her second week playing; “Everyone is super friendly and really welcoming, they’ve made me feel really comfortable.” She says, “it's nice to play with people of all different ages.”

Lanie and Chloe have been playing for 5 and 20 years, respectively, and both love playing at Jubilee Pocket. “I play A grade with the adults, and everyone’s really supportive,” says young Lanie. Chloe shares, “It’s a beautiful club. We’re a small community but always get a big turnout. I look forward to Monday nights and I’m still learning lots of skills and picking up new tricks all the time!”

Open to all abilities and ages, the club is looking for more females to join. Get fit, make lifelong friends, and play hard in this inclusive sport. Visit www.whitsundaytouch.com.au or email hello@whitsundaytouch.com.au to register for the upcoming season!

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Sylvie, Matilda and Lanie on the field ready to play. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The winners of Tuesday's social bowls were Damien R and Alby Vigar, who defeated Sharina R and Mark Drummond. In the other game, Irene Laird and Marg Wilson emerged victorious against Deb Retchless and Robyn Stitt. Unfortunately, the jackpot did not go off.

On Sunday afternoon, Alby Vigar and Mark Drummond triumphed over Robyn Stitt and Graeme Read in their match. Meanwhile, in the triples game, Sugar Brunker, Isobel Wheeler, and Pat Tracey won on the final end, defeating Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Penny Warren in an exciting finish. Once again, the jackpot did not go off.

The Ladies Competition has now begun, with the Fours team event featuring F. Duncan against P. Warren scheduled for Saturday, 29 March, at 8:30 am.

Looking ahead to next Saturday, the second round of the men's local pennant will take place all day at Collinsville, to face off against Collinsville! Best of luck to all of our players.

Contributed with thanks by Penny Warren.

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Sunday's Winners,  Alby Vigar and Mark Drummond.

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The wet season has arrived across Queensland, including here in paradise, which meant bowls was intermittent this week. On Monday morning, 48 ladies participated in the annual Autumn Carnival and PAH celebration, marking 38 years of women’s bowls in our community. It was a great start to the day before the rain arrived, with only one game being played in the tournament.

Many thanks to Ladies President Carol Crosbie, Vice President Wendy Pomeroy, Games Controller Lyn Graham, and invited guest Mae Secomb, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Chairman John Brown and Vice Chairman John Askew were also in attendance, along with bowlers from Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Wangaratta, and the Airlie ladies. The event was proudly sponsored by Whitsunday Vista Apartments and All Aussie Arboriculture and Tree Lopping. All players received prizes for their great sportsmanship.

There was no play on Tuesday or Wednesday; however, Wednesday night's Business House bowls, run by Bob and Yvonne Spees, was a huge success.

The Men's A Grade competition is down to the four semi-finalists: Manny Isgro defeated Russell Jackson, Shane Spann defeated Ash Warland, Harry Quod won in a nail-biter against Rick Galea, and Andy McDougall defeated Arthur McManus in another close encounter.

On Sunday afternoon, there was a draw between Betty Whitehorn with Bill Gordon and Dawn Dowell, against Tony Whitehorn, John Anderson, and Mark Mawson.

Contributed with thanks by Mark Mawson

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Three of the four Men's A Grade finalists: Manny Isgro, Andy McDougall and Harry Quod.

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Cannonvale Cannons swimmers enjoyed an exciting Club Night last week, highlighted by record-breaking achievements and strong performances in the pool. The night was particularly special as the club recognised two outstanding swimmers for their new records set during the Club Championships.

Seven-year-old Harry Chegwidden set three new club records with a time of 1:48.26 in the 100m Individual Medley, 25.90 in the 25m Breaststroke, and 43.08 in the 50m Freestyle. In the 11-year-old category, Jax Clayworth set a new benchmark in the 200m Breaststroke, finishing in 3:12.21.

Harry continued his winning streak, receiving an upgrade to the 100m Freestyle, while newcomer Airlie Mladenovski earned upgrades to the 50m Freestyle and 25m Butterfly. Harry capped off a stellar week by receiving the Coaches Award for his outstanding 100m IM performance — his third major achievement of the night. Among the standout swimmers at Club Night, Miller Eaves, Matilda Nicholes, and Liam Filewood delivered impressive personal bests, demonstrating the depth of the club’s talent.

Meanwhile, a small group of Cannons made the journey to Townsville for the Lightning Swim Club Long Course Transition Meet, with Koa Harland delivering a spectacular performance, achieving five personal bests across her events.

Looking ahead, many of our swimmers will travel to Brisbane next weekend to represent the North Queensland Schools Team, while others will head to Bowen for the two-day Bowen Annual Carnival. We wish all our competitors the best of luck as they showcase their skills and represent their club with pride.

Contributed with thanks by Jade Korosec, Vice President of the Cannonvale Cannons

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Harry Chegwidden with three new club records.

Airlie Mladenovski with two new upgrades.

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Get ready to rev your engines and don your sharpest suits because the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is returning to Bowen on May 18, 2025 for its 4th consecutive year. This global event brings together classic and vintage-style motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

The ride, which runs from 08:00 to 11:00, is not only about stunning motorcycles and dapper fashion—it’s about making a difference. Riders including Men, Women and their Pillions will cruise through Bowen in their finest attire, all while supporting an important cause. Sue Tapp, who along with her husband Barry, have been hosting and helping organise the event since it began in Bowen in 2022; “This is an important cause for us and we are proud to support it in the community,” she shared.

In 2024, Bowen saw around 80 participants join the ride, a number that continues to grow each year as the community rallies around this important cause. The global event, which in attracted over 114,000 riders last year, raised an impressive $6,705 AUD in Bowen alone, showcasing the generosity and commitment of local riders.

The event is free, but registration is required. Participants can sign up at www.gentlemansride.com to receive local event details and re-register to be notified when registrations officially open on 24th March 2025. The Bowen ride is a chance to join fellow riders, enjoy the scenic route, and contribute to a cause that impacts so many men’s lives by fundraising for the ride.

For more information or inquiries about the Bowen ride, contact Sue Tapp at: 0439 712 475 or via email: suetapp103@outlook.com. Mark your calendars for May 18th and ride with purpose in Bowen’s most stylish motorcycle charity event: SIDE BY SIDE, WORLDWIDE, WE RIDE!

WHAT: Bowen’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
WHEN: Fundraising & Registration Opens 24th March | Bowen Ride May 18th 8am – 11am
WHERE: Various Locations Through Bowen

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Get ready for the North Queensland Cross Country Championship on March 30, hosted by the Whitsunday Running Club at Galbraith Park in Cannon Valley. This exciting event, now in its third year, is the official Athletics North Queensland cross-country championship and welcomes athletes of all ages—ranging from 4 to 100 years old!

Runners will compete in eight races, spanning distances of 1km, 2km, 3km, 4km, 6km, 8km, and 10km, with all races taking place on the scenic loops around Galbraith Park. The event draws competitors from across Queensland, from Cairns to Brisbane and out to the west. With approximately 300 runners expected, along with their families and supporters, this will be a significant sporting event for both competitive athletes and the local spectating community.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there’s a race for you! Entry fees range from $25 to $35, depending on the race type.

For more details or to register, contact Tim McQuoid-Mason at: 0438 460 050 or via email: president@whitsundayrunningclub.com.au and scan the QR Code to see the various races. Don’t miss out on this fantastic day of community spirit and athletic competition and get those runners on!

WHAT: North Queensland Cross Country Championship
WHEN: 30th March, 1st Race Starts 7am
WHERE: Galbraith Park, Cannon Valley

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Young racers from the Running Club at the finish line. Photo Sourced: Race Roster website

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Exciting news in the world of Bridge as there were ten Bowen Bridge Club members competing in Mackay for the Whitsunday Zone Pairs Selection. Jill Brabon and her partner, Bev Lowcock, won the Novice Division and will represent the Zone at the Festival of Bridge in Brisbane this October. Lyn Adams and Betty Andison finished third overall.

Saint Patrick's Day was a blast with everyone putting on their best green outfits for the club's meet-up. There was much joy, snacks and champagne to go around as everyone got into the spirit of the day.

Congratulations to the winners and to all the members of the club who took part and good luck for your competition in Brisbane!

Contributed with thanks by Lydie Martin of the Bowen Bridge Club.

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A great day of bridge was played on Monday, March 17th, in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

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Championship and B Grade Pairs

Last Sunday was an exciting afternoon of bowls, with both the Championship and B Grade Pairs finals taking place.

In the Championship Pairs, Chris Woo and Debbie Mackenzie claimed victory over Marie Bragg and Lorraine Silman. Meanwhile, the B Grade Pairs saw Min Andrew and Ann Smith secure a well-earned win against Sue Hazledine and Coral Francis. Both matches were played in great spirits, with plenty of skill and laughter throughout. Congratulations to all competitors.

In Social Bowls, Brenda Trannore and Lurline Ford took the win, while runners-up were Therese Russell, Lesley Baumgarten, and Pat O’Neil.

District Master Pairs Competition

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club will host the District Master Pairs on Wednesday and Thursday, March 19-20. The semi-finals will follow on Wednesday, March 26, with the final set for Thursday, March 27.

Spectators are encouraged to come down and watch some of the district’s top bowlers showcase their skills.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Photos supplied

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The Whitsunday Zone Pairs was played over the weekend of 15th and 16th March, with 24 pairs including Airlie Beach Bridge Club and Bowen Bridge Club coming to play in Mackay. Category A (Open) winners were Tex Sheedy and Noel Bugeia from Mackay Club. Category B (Understate) winners were Jill Brabon and Beverley Lowcock from Bowen Club. The winners will travel to Brisbane in October to play in the Queensland Open Pairs.

Results For Week Ending Sunday 16 March 2025
Monday 10 March 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
North/South East/West
1st  Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st  Barbara Tait - Margaret Lane
2nd  Edward Kliese - Diane Stokes         2nd   Noel Bugeia - Geoffrey Patterson

Wednesday 12 March 2025 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points (Nation Wide Pairs)
North/South East/West
1st    Janelle Conroy - Noel Bugeia 1st Frances Brown - Alan Brown
2nd Joy Robinson - Robert Carless 2nd Gwen Liddell - Jewel Schmidt
3rd Josie Crowley - Barbara Tait 3rd Tex Sheedy - Lorna Shuttlewood
4th Jan Harris - Sandra Morris 4th Diane Holewa - Max Holewa

Thursday Evening 13 March 2025  – 3.5 Table Howell Green Points
1st Jan Harris - Ann Whitmore
2nd Janine Rodgers - Janelle Conroy
3rd Tex Sheedy - Geoff Taylor

Friday 14 Mach 2025 –5.5 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st  Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 1st  Christine Nice - Diane Cox
2nd  Pamela Finger - Janelle Conroy     2nd  Diane Stokes - Griffin Bancroft
2nd    Monica Darley - Gwen Liddell

Saturday/Sunday 15 & 16 March 2025 – Whitsunday Zone Pairs  - Red Points
Category A (Open) Category B (Under State)
1st    Tex Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Martin Pearce / Diane Stokes
2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Jill Brabon / Beverley Lowcock
3rd Lyn Adams / Betty Andison

Contributed by Robert Carless

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Noel, Karen, Annette and Sandy, Saturday afternoon get together. Photo supplied.

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John had a blinder in Tuesday morning Mackay table tennis fixtures last week, winning all his matches including a rare defeat of Branko, -5, -12, 9, 6, 9. And there was absolutely nothing between Ken and Iris, Ken getting up -3, 10, 12, -11, 10. What a great competition!

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 11, 2025:

Division 1:

Saturn’s Rings (George Camilleri, Charlie Payne, Coral Morgan) d Solar Comets (Doug Dungavell, Judy Zahn, Bryan Morgan) 7-5. Coral d Bryan 10, -4, -4, 10, 9.

Rocket Stars (Allan Robins, John McGee, Rymer Tabulo) d Venus Voyagers (Peter Goodson, Branko Vucurovic, Marie Taylor) 9-3. Branko d Allan -4, -8, 9, 4, 13.

Mars Pioneers (Delma Knight, Geoff Cowan, Kevin Abbott) d Luna Legends (Donna Abbott, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-5. Noreen d Delma 10, 10, -1, -6, 7.

Division 2:

Jupiter Jets (Don Boettcher, Kim Challender) d Neptune Navigators (John Hamelink, Gloria Vella, Frank Caruana) 5-2. Gloria d Kim -5, -8, 7, 5, 9.

Pluto Players (Darryl Ross, Iris Grasso, Gerry Synnott) d Mercury Meteors (Ken Best, Helen Ware, Kim Daffy) 8-4. Ken d Iris -3, 10, 12, -11, 10.

Division 3:

Green Lantern (Josie Davis, Ron Johr, Trish Zamparutti) drew Wonder Warriors (Sally Miller, Allison Day, Glenda Brookes) 6-all. Glenda d Trish -11, 3, 5, -3, 6.

Aqua Waves (David Miller, Chris Collins, Thelma Caruana) d Black Panther (Sharon Muller, Madge Saunders, Carmel Cristaldi) 9-3. Thelma d Madge 5, 10, -5, -5, 11.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 11, 2025:

Division 1:

Star Lords (Vimal Chilukuri, Robbie Richards, Mark Sleeman) Venus Voyagers (Geoff Denman, Janice Kent, Graham Brake) 8-3. Janice d Robbie -8, 4, 7, -9, 9.

Ant Warriors (Goncalo Serra, Graeme Walker, Ian McKay) d Ghost Spin (Allan Robins, Steven Whiting, Lily Boland) 8-3. Ian d Allan -8, 12, 4, -10, 6.

Cosmic Scorchers (Donna Abbott, Neil Brown, Anne Sheridan) d Panther Prowlers (Vince Boeske, Allan Edwards, Trent Day) 8-3. Neil d Allan 14, -8, 10, 12.

Phoenix Fire (Andrew McHugh, Josh Brown, Andrea Nicholson) d Stellar Storms (Will VanDeKaa, Lee Brake, Barry Patterson) 8-3. Josh d Barry 7, -2, 5, -10, 9.

Division 2:

Pirate Plunge (Geoff Cowan, David Symons) d Roman Legion (Niro Premachandra, Peter Goodson) 3-2. Niro d Bulldog -9, 5, -9, 6, 9.

Zulu Spears (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross, Rod Hamelink) d Amazon Guards (Simon Hogan, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-4. George d Simon -7, 18, 4, -12, 9.

Spartan Serve (Liz Burton, YiLin Jiang, Mark Stam) d Rebel Celts (Delma Knight, Ollie Hamelink, Val Austin) 7-4. Liz d Val 7, -8, 4, -9, 8.

Celtic Smash (Tiffany Camilleri, Syed Zhang) d Pharoah Aces (Jye Callander, Branko Vucurovic) 4-3. Jye-Branko d  Tiffany-Syed 4, 13, -11, -4, 4.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Coral Morgan

Bryan Marshall. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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The first event in the 2025 “Off the Beaten Track” Trail Run Series, the Full Moon Ultra, lit up Rowallan Park on 14 March 2025 with endurance, grit, and a whole lot of mud. Athletes had long been calling for a local endurance event, and ActiV8 Adventures proudly delivered under wild and windy conditions that tested every competitor’s preparation and determination.

Friday night’s forecast didn’t disappoint. Rain, wind, and thick mud made for a rugged trail that demanded both physical toughness and mental resilience. As trail running pros know: you can’t outrun the weather, and you certainly can’t outrun poor preparation. Those who trained well smiled their way across the finish line lap after lap – powered by determination and some serious support from their crews.

The Full Moon Ultra included three distances: 1 lap (6km), 6 laps (36km), and 12 laps (72km)

Starting at 6pm, trail runners from across the region and as far away as Singapore took on a 6km lap on the hour, every hour until they completed their registered distance, withdrew early, or didn’t make it back in time.

The major event was the ultra-endurance component, where 37 ultra runners lined up to complete all 12 laps – running all night until their final hot lap at 5am, with only 12 competitors remaining. The course's ever-changing weather and slippery terrain pushed even seasoned trail runners to their limits.

Distance Winners:

Long Course - 12 laps (72km)
Male
Luke Chamley - Hungry Runners Townsville
Kyle McLennan - Moranbah
Jacob Whitcombe – Yeppoon

Female
Liv Compton - Whitsunday Running Club Cannonvale
KP Bassett - Whitsunday Running Club Cannonvale
Kelly Chappell - Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

Medium Course - 6 laps (36km)
Male
Scott Boldy - Bowen
Bradley Walz - Mackay
George Hannaford – Mackay

Female
Jose Short - Tri-ActiV8 Mackay
Erin Roughan - Moranbah
Vicki Coburn - Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

Short Course - 1 lap (6km)
Male
Eli Flanagan - Tri-ActiV8 Mackay
Jax Tomba - Moranbah
Theo Woods – Mackay

Female
Nicole Lindenberg - Mackay
Katie McLennan - Moranbah
Charlie Walker - Tri-ActiV8 Mackay

The vibe at Rowallan Park was electric and is the most populated "off the beaten track" trail run event to date. Athletes and their dedicated support crews set up gazebo sites, creating a hub of community, encouragement, and determination. The kids stole the show in the short course, nearly sweeping the podium aside from our female winner. Through the night and into dawn, support crews cheered, cooked, and comforted their athletes, right up to the final ultra-finisher who crossed just before 6am.

Competitor Nicole Ballingall said it was "Definitely the best ActiV8 Adventure trail run yet! It was crazy and I loved it! Thank you to all the team for putting the event together."

The Full Moon Ultra was a resounding success, proving once again that Mackay’s landscape is a perfect hub for trail running no matter the weather – rain, mud, wind and a whole lot of moonlit conditions are no match for a determined trail runner.

Thanks to Mad Mountain Bike Club and Scouts Queensland for the use of their facilities at Rowallan Park.

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The Full Moon Ultra, part of the 2025 "Off the Beaten Track" Trail Run Series, was a challenging success, with athletes overcoming mud, rain, and wind at Rowallan Park on 14 March. Photos supplied

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Mackay’s rising mountain biking star, Camden Brownsey, has made a name for himself on the national stage after claiming double gold at the 2025 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships in Mount Buller, Victoria.

Competing in the Under-13 category, the 11-year-old sensation secured first place in both the Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) events, leading from start to finish in both races.

Held in the stunning alpine terrain of Mount Buller, the championship brought together Australia’s top young riders to compete across challenging courses in Victoria’s High Country. Camden showcased incredible endurance, skill, and determination, dominating the competition with convincing victories.

The young Mackay cyclist took out the XCC title on March 14, before backing up his performance the following day with another commanding win in the XCO event.

As a student at Mackay Christian College, Camden’s success is no surprise to those who know his dedication to training. Rising at 5am most mornings, he puts in the hard work alongside his father, Ashley Brownsey, to refine his skills and endurance.

Camden is an active member of the Mackay and District Mountain Bike Club (MAD-MTBC), where he has honed his skills through the highly regarded "Thursday Thunder" junior training program. The program has played a crucial role in developing young cycling talent in the region, producing riders capable of competing at the highest levels.

His achievements at Mount Buller not only highlight his personal dedication but also shine a spotlight on Mackay’s growing mountain biking community.

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Mackay’s Camden Brownsey secured double gold at the 2025 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships, winning both the XCC and XCO events with remarkable performances at Mount Buller. Photos supplied

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