By Hannah McNamara

Mackay is becoming the epitome of regional talent after celebrating the rise of 24-year-old Lachlan Stitt, now crowned the Welterweight Boxing Champion of 2024.

Known in the ring as 'Deadshot,' Lachlan achieved a remarkable knockout victory at the recent EternalMMA event held on the Gold Coast.

Despite now residing in Sydney, Lachlan fondly acknowledges Mackay as his hometown and points his beginnings in combat sports to his early days playing karate and footy at the age of 14. His journey into mixed martial arts began in 2015 at Mackay MMA and since relocating to Sydney in 2016, he has continued to hone his skills at the same gym.

Reflecting on his recent victory, Lachlan recalls the intensity of facing a seasoned opponent with significantly more fight experience and international training credentials.

"It was a crazy experience," he admits, "facing such a tough opponent made me nervous, but I believed in my skillset and that belief showed on the night."

Driven by a relentless pursuit of improvement, Lachlan approaches each training session with a dedication to honing his skills in striking, wrestling and jujitsu. For Lachlan, training isn't just about preparing for his next fight, but rather a continuous journey of self-discovery and mastery.

"I enjoy the process of getting better every day," he shares.

"For me, it's about striving for that 1% improvement in everything I do.

“I'm always seeking out challenges and I’m never satisfied with just being mediocre, I want to be the best welterweight in the world."

Offering words of encouragement to aspiring athletes, Lachlan emphasises that dedication and hard work are foundational to success in all areas of life. He believes wholeheartedly in the principle that consistent effort and perseverance are key ingredients to achieving your goals.

"Just give it a go," he says.

"Where you come from doesn't define you.

“Coming from a small town like Mackay, I moved to Sydney and dedicated myself to my sport so anything is possible if you're willing to put in the effort and push your limits."

“You can become the best in the country or even in the world, but it’s up to you because you put your own limit on yourself,” he remarked.

Lachlan's success from regional beginnings to becoming a welterweight champion has been a powerful reminder in the community of the talent and potential that lies within every determined mindset, every passion, and every dream in the hearts of those who were born and raised in the Mackay region.

“Anything can happen and I’m the living product of that.”

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24-year-old Lachlan Stitt from Mackay recently took home the title of Welterweight Champion at the EternalMMA showdown in the GoldCoast. Images supplied

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Mackay Novice Pairs Congress was played on Saturday with 16 pairs from Bowen, Mackay & Sydney competing.
Well done to all the Placegetters and Director Ian Cruikshank and Convenor Anne Lutz.

First place was Jill Brabon & Noel Saunders with Annie Lynch & Diane Stokes second.

Weekly Results
Monday 8 July 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd
Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason
2nd
Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd
Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson

Tuesday Evening 9 July 2024 3 Table One Winner
1st
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen
3rd
Marilin Robins / Faye Wright
4th
Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
Wednesday 10 July 2024 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

Team
1st
Holewa – Diane Holewa / Max Holewa / Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy
2nd
Block - Monica Darley / Kath Poole / Diane Stokes / Joy Block
3rd
Goodchild – Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild / David Ting / Ming Ting
4th
Conroy – Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia / Alan Brown / Diane Morgan / Janet Hansen
Thursday Evening 11 July 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Julie Lam / Carl Hildebrand
1st
Frances Brown / Sandy Patterson

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

3rd
Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott
3rd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 12 July 2024 –7 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Richard Wix / Geoffrey Patterson

3rd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
4th
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

5th
Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix
6th
David Ting / Ming Ting

Saturday 13 July 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
1st
Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

2nd
Jan Harris / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

Saturday 13 July 2024 – Mackay Novice Congress Red Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Jill Brabon / Noel Saunders
2nd
Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes

3rd
Ted Cullinan / Mary Rose Ramsden
4th
Anne Lutz / Diane Cox

5th
Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
6th
Lillian Clark / Stephen Towers

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The Mackay Novice Pairs Congress was played on Saturday with 32 pairs from Bowen, Mackay & Sydney competing.  L-R: Jill, Noel, Annie and Diane. Image supplied

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Debbie Mackenzie, the Games Coordinator of North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club, made club history by winning all four of her matches in the B Grade Singles Championship of Champions competition held at the West Tigers Bowls Club.
In the Open Singles Champion of Champions, Chris Woo, one of the club's Coaches and Umpires, put up a commendable performance. Chris triumphed in her first game against seasoned player Heather Brown from Proserpine. Although her journey ended there this year, Chris’s determination and talent ensure she will return to compete against the best in the Mackay district in the coming years.

Debbie Mackenzie
Chris Woo

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With seven-time past King of the Mountain champion, Liam Mumford, and reigning Queen of the Mountain champion, Alana Kenzevic, in the fifty-strong field, the competition for the annual King and Queen of the Mountain event finishing in Eungella was always going to be tough.
The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy/Podiatry Mackay Junior King and Queen of the Mountain was unfortunately a quieter affair due to many local junior runners being away at state titles and various other representative sporting competitions.
Accepting the Podiatry Mackay cash prize as the Junior King of the Mountain, the Laura Pettifer Inspirational perpetual award, and a $100 Rebel gift voucher donated by Laura Pettifer’s mum, Veronica, Ari Harris was a well-deserved gold medal champion over the 3.2 km all-uphill event, ahead of second-placed Oliver Graves. Oliver had a sensationally brave run despite his last-minute decision to enter the race.
Laura, who tragically passed away in a cycling training event in 2008, was a talented athlete in many sports including triathlon, individual running, swimming, and cycling. She was the reigning Eungella Queen of the Mountain in the year of her passing. Laura was widely known for her inspirational personality, smile, and twinkle in her eye. Her legacy to encourage and inspire will continue through this event for many more years to come.
Fourteen-year-old Max Scotton was the proud recipient of a $100 Rebel voucher donated by Veronica Pettifer for his efforts in the 6.4 km open event. This is not Max’s first attempt on this course, having first participated when he was only eight years old. Max is a great role model and an outstanding young man.
The reigning Queen of the Mountain, Alana Kenzevic, achieved a personal best time over the challenging 6.4 km one-way course, marking her second consecutive victory. The relatively flat initial two kilometres served as a steady introduction to the daunting climb ahead, with every runner peering upwards towards the winding road that led to the finish line at the Chalet precinct. Second-placed first-timer on the mountain, Jodie Elliot, finished just three minutes behind Alana, followed by Naomi Ballard (3rd) and Mel Esau (4th).
Paul MacKenzie was crowned the M-Test King of the Mountain with a personal best time of 32 minutes and 45 seconds. The 27-minute 51-second record set in 1991 by legendary thirteen-time winner of the Mountain, Charlie Martel, remains a tough one to crack. Paul added another win to his impressive tally, securing the Mackay Road Runners' prestigious Eungella event title. Second-placed Hamish Donnollan set a cracking pace to secure the silver medal position, just 14 seconds ahead of third-placed Jonathan Davies, with Liam Mumford rounding out the cash prize winners in fourth place.
Outstanding efforts were seen all around, as conquering that Mountain is not for the faint-hearted. Veteran gentlemen Len Haworth and David Isbister delivered superhuman performances, as did Corey Gould, Teresa Hackney, Tim Caddy, Nicole Ballingall, Carmel Mahon, Mick Scholer, Andrew Short, Jose Short, Shane Donnollan, Scott McIntosh, Emily Green, Andrew Wallace, Matt Graves, Grant Holmstrom, Clinton Mackie, Brenda Windsor, Robin Stinson, Soey Harris, Bradley Lenahan, and Daniel Scotton.
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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy/Podiatry Mackay Junior Kings’ of the Mountain – Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr, Max Scotton (6.4km), Ari Harris (1st 3.2km), Oliver Graves (2nd 3.2km)  and Mackay Road Runners Vice-President, Mick Scholer

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M-Test Open Queens’ of the Mountain – Jodie Elliot (2nd), Mel Esau (4th), Naomi Ballard (3rd), Alana Knezevic (1st), Vivian Knezevic (front), Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr, Mackay Road Runners Vice-President, Mick Scholer

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M-Test Open Kings’ of the Mountain, Jonathan Davies (3rd), Hamish Donnollan (2nd), Paul Mackenzie (1st) with Podiatry Mackay’s Donald Orr and Mackay Road Runners Vic President, Mick Scholer. (absent Liam Mumford 4th)

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Feeling the early morning chills at the Netherdale start line (left to right) Carmel Mahon, Andrew Wallace, Scott McIntosh

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Over fifty runners including former 7-time King of the Mountain champion, Liam Mumford (#71), line up for a 7am run from Netherdale to the Eungella Chalet (6.4km) for the 2024 title

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures May 28, 2024:

Division 1:

Green (Tim Shehan, Leo Gilbert) d Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson) 6-3. Tim d Barry 8, 5, -9, 4.

Purple (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Robbie Richards) d Blue (Will VanDeKaa, Steven Whiting, Lee Brake) 8-3. Robbie d Steven 9, -8, -7, 9, 9.

White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) d Red (Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan, Daniel Warfield) 10-1. Geoff d Mark -6, 10, -7, 6, 9.

Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) d Black (Ishan Rana, Allan Robins) 7-4. Ishan d Janice -11, 3, -9, 11, 7.

Division 2:

Gold (Steve Mathieson, Rohit Bansod, Ollie Hamelink) d Tan (Val Austin, Judy Zahn) 8-3. Val d Ollie 7, -6, -5, 5, 12.

Cyan (Matt West, Trent Day, Leonie Patroni) d Lime (Anaya Reelh, Simon Hogan, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-4. Anaya d Leonie -9, 9, 8, -8, 7.

Aqua (Delma Knight, YiLin Jiang, David Symons) d Teal (Craig VanDeKaa, Peter Goodson, Aarnav Reelh) 9-2. Delma d Aarnav -10, 5, 10, -2, 2.

Rose (Nehmat Dhaliwal, Niro Premachandra, Mark Stam) d Grey (Doug Dungavell, Adrian Marsh) Niro d Doug 7, 6, -7, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 28, 2024:

Division 1:

Plovers (Delma Knight, Doug Dungavell, Ross deBoer) d Owls (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Coral Morgan) 7-5. Delma d Branko 9, -9, 7, -9, 6.

Ibis (Tony Bowman, Noreen Fredericksen, Judy Zahn) d Hawks (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, John McGee) 7-5. Tony d George 8, -11, -9, 7, 12.

Parrots (Janice Kent, Charlie Payne, Marie Taylor) d Egrets (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. Charlie/Marie d Peter/Kevin 11, -3, -10, 9, 8.

Division 2:

Cockatoos (Kim Challender, Veronica Shepherd, Gloria Vella) d Pelicans (Judi Hicks, Gerry Synnott, Ian Dodds) 8-4. Kim d Judi -11, 5, 6, -6, 5.

Magpies (Ken Best, John Hamelink, Kim Daffy) d Doves (Pam Keune, Iris Grasso, Fred Saliba) 9-3. Kim d Iris -9, 13, 7, -11, 9.

Division 3:

Lobster (Cheryl Pearson, Bill Hey, Nadine) d Prawn (Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti, Glenda Dutton) 11-1. Cheryl d Madge -5, 4, 7, -6, 8.

Squid (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Cheryl Aprato) d Crab (Pam Keune, Myles Dutton) 9-3. Pam/Myles d Sharon/Allison 8, 9, -5, 10.

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Steven Whiting and Tony Bowman played one of the longest games seen in years when a new night fixture season started last week. Steven (pictured) evened the match two all after being two down, winning the fourth game 22-20 and going on to take the decider. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Mackerel and Reef fish rally was held last weekend with 22 Adult and 5 Junior members catching a wide range of fish.

The heaviest Mackerel was won by Reece Mathews with an 18.85kg fish using 10kg line, runner up was Brendon Rock with a 12.85kg Spanish.

Longest Red fish was a 75cm Nannagi caught by Glen Upstill beating Glen Bray by 2cm.

Gavin Smith had the longest Coral Trout of the big kids with a 65cm fish.

The winning Junior was Kane Bird with an 80cm Nannagi and an 56cm Coral Trout closely followed by Dylan Towers, Benson and Jasmin Smith and Kurt Martin.

John Zerafa took out the most meritorious award with a 65cm Trevally and a 49cm Red Emperor on the same line.

The club's AGM and social night is this Friday at the club from 6pm and hope to see you there.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore, Life member WGFC.

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Reece Mathews with winning Mackerel and prizes of rod and reel and $100 Anaconda gift card.

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The 35th annual Bowen Polocrosse Carnival is set to be a weekend long family fun event where the whole community can get together.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary Bowen Polocrosse club encourage past present members to get together, chat, catch up and have a great time playing the sport they love.

The Bowen Polocrosse Carnival brings a high-class spectacle and event to Bowen.

Organiser Jessie Russell said “Polo is a sport that every member of the family can play, young or old and any gender”.

“If you can hold a racquet and ride a horse you can play the sport, you can be 18 months or 80 years old and still play the sport.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the annual polocrosse carnival was a great event for the region.

“This carnival brings visitors to Bowen each year and some of the participants stay and visit other parts of our region,” said Leanne.

“Events such as this provide an economic boost to Bowen and the greater Whitsundays, and we are looking forward to welcoming the visitors again this year.

“The carnival has a strong history, and we are very pleased it is being held again in 2024.”

The Bowen Polocrosse Club would also like to give the Grand View Hotel a special mention for hosting their fun night activities over the weekend.

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Another win for under 13 Div 1 this weekend in Mackay against Lions. All players played well as a team with Remy scoring 2 Goals with precision and confidence. Jayce assisted a perfect through ball to Will who also scored 2 goals. Liam scored the goal he has been trying hard for and Eden rounded off the scoring with a goal. Final Score 6-1 for Whitsunday.

U13 Prem players fought hard this week to keep Rangers from scoring. The boys all played well to secure a nil all draw against a team that we had previously lost to twice.

Whitsunday U15 Div1 put in a huge effort on Saturday. Unfortunately we had some weaknesses in our defence in the first half, which Dolphins Silver capitalised on and took the lead 6-0 at half time. Whitsunday came out with a much stronger defence in the second half and made opportunities for several shots at the goals, finding themselves unlucky to get the ball to find the back of the net. Final score 9-0 to Dolphins.

U15 Prem came up against top of table Lions. After two big losses to them already this season, we were ready for what would be another tough game. 3-0 down at half time, we came out in the second half fighting but just couldn’t capitalise on our goal scoring opportunities. A penalty from Max took us to 3-1, with the final score being 4-1 to Lions.

It was a soccer filled weekend for the ladies at the Whitsunday Sports Park. Starting with the U23 Whitsunday United against Mackay Rangers FC game. Going 1-0 up after a penalty in the first half, Rangers fought hard to keep Whitsundays at bay but to no avail. Bre taking the score line to 1-1 and Imo’s goal put Whitsundays up, 2-1 at half time. Coming out strong from the half time talk, Whitsundays took the reins and slotted in 3 more goals from Keely, Mable and Francesca. Final score 5-1 Whitsundays.

The Premier ladies played two games in under 24hrs. First up on Saturday night the ladies took on Rangers in a one-sided game. Whitsundays dominated possession and created goal shooting opportunities for the full 90minutes. Despite this, the ladies lacked the finish in the box to put the ball away. In the end, patience paid off with goals to Dom, who put away a rebound from her penalty attempt, and two to Steph, giving Whitsundays a 3-0 win.

Sunday afternoon then saw the ladies take on Dolphins for the second time in as many weeks. After a strong 7-0 win the weekend prior and a few tired bodies, the ladies knew it would be a much tougher match. The midfield and front line had to work hard to maintain possession and find a way to break through Dolphins defence, and the backline were strong in ensuring Dolphins attacking opportunities were limited in the first half. Eventually Steph was able to break the deadlock after nearly 30 minutes of play to put us 1-0 up at halftime. The team spoke about the need to get another goal early in the second half to keep momentum our way and Steph again came through with her second goal 3minutes into the half. Dolphins created a few more chances in the second half and did get one goal back, however Whitsundays maintained the lead with a final score of 2-1. Outstanding defence by Willow and Claire in the back line, plus crucial saves by Keeper Chloe kept the Whitsundays ahead.

In the FQPL Men, the Reserves battled hard in their game against lions with each team having solid chances. Whitsunday scored first through Zac Kelley, but conceded 2 second half goals to lose 2-1. Premier league played 3rd place lions and were slow to start with lions dominating the first 30 minutes of play. Whitsunday wrestled back possession in the last section of the first half but went into the break 1 nil down. Tired legs, and a rampant Lions side resulted in a 4-1 loss, a nice finish from Jack Jenks was a consolation for his toil up front.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Laura Wilson, battered and bruised but winners are grinners. Photo supplied

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There are record entries for this year’s North Queensland Championship Airlie Beach Marathon and the Tassal Group Half Marathon with numbers up by 50 – 70%!

The reigning ladies champion and record holder in the marathon Liv Compton from the Whitsunday Running Club is back to defend her title. The men’s race could be won by anyone however Tom Sirett from Ellesmere Port in England looks like he may be in with a chance.

The first three ladies in last year’s Tassal Group half marathon are back to challenge the current champion and record holder Claire Ashworth from Canberra. The men’s race will be a shoot out between local runners Billy Grogan and Roland Henderson from the Whitsunday Running Club.

A feature of this year’s festival will be the Mascot Race to be held at 9:45am before the junior races over 1 and 2kms. There are five mascots this year with ‘Piggy’ (Bendigo Bank), ‘Cruiser’ (Cruise Whitsundays), Blazer (QFD), Troppo (Tassal Group) and Hoggie (Hoggs Breath Café).

There are still entries available for most of the races and for the Locus Surveys Corporate Challenge and the McDonald’s Magic Mile.

The program for the 2024 festival follows last year’s successful format and will cater for all ages from 4 years old and up. It features races over 1 mile, 1km, 2km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km. The course for most of the races follow the footpaths and boardwalk between the Port of Airlie and Cannonvale Beach.

The Event Manager and President of the Whitsunday Running Club, Tim McQuoid-Mason said “entries for this year are well up on previous years because of a renewed interest in fitness across the World. We have entries from overseas and nearly every state and terriorty”.

The festival will start on Saturday 20 July with the McDonald’s Magic Mile to be run at 4:00pm. There is prize money for the fastest male and female and medals awarded in the 6 to 9 and 10 to 15 year age groups.

Sunday 21 July will be the busy day with the marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and kids 2 and 1km races to be run starting with the marathon at 6:00am.

The winning school with the most participation (on a percentage basis) in the 1 and 2km races will receive a donation to go towards sports equipment.

The charity of choice for this year’s festival is the Ronald McDonald House Charities, North Australia.

More information about the event can be found on the festival website at www.runairlie.com.au or you can follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

WHAT: Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival
WHEN: 20-21 July
WHERE: Airlie Beach

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The Cannonvale Cannons and visiting clubs were treated to picture perfect Whitsunday conditions on Saturday for the 2024 Cannonvale Winter Transition Meet. Under the guidance of coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, swimmers delivered impressive performances across various age groups and events, achieving significant personal bests and placings.
Among the youngest competitors, Lucas Korosec, Miranda Palmero and Indigo Harland secured personal best times in all of their events.
The 9-year-olds also achieved great results. Liam Filewood made a huge improvement in his 100 Fly, while Levi Smith impressed in both the 50 and 100 Breaststroke events.
The women's 9-year-old events saw Evie Doherty and Koa Harland smash their times in the 200 IM. Well done to the 11-year-old girls Ruby Harland, Celeste Orenshaw and Matilda Nicholes who also achieved personal best times in the same event.
Jax Clayworth, 11, demonstrated his butterfly prowess winning the 50, 100 and 200 Fly. His consistent performances were matched by Ruby Harland and Jasper Korosec, who both secured PB’s in all but one of their respective events.
Zachary Trefz, 12, dominated his age group, placing in the top two in every event and taking an incredible 42.65 seconds off his 200 Free. His consistency across multiple strokes and distances was a highlight of the meet. Roxy Groom made an awesome return to the Cannons with double digit PBs in all her events, whilst Tyler Bennett also improved his times in all events but one. Congratulations to Charlie Doherty, aged 13, who placed in all his events.
The meet highlighted the hard work and dedication of the Cannons, with coaches expressing pride in the team's performance and demonstration of the importance of consistent training across the cooler months.

Thank you to our sponsors and families for making this event a success.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec.

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The Airlie Beach Bowls club has enjoyed another bustling week, starting with Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls, where skipper Betty Whitehorn and lead Lyn Graham secured an effortless victory against all comers.
Wednesday afternoon saw an outstanding display of skill during Jackpot Bowls. Skipper Bobby Spees showcased supremely accurate bowls, aided by Merve Stewart, leading to one of the most comfortable victories in recent club history. However, the jackpot remained elusive, keeping the excitement alive for future games.
Thursday morning hosted the finals to determine the district's representatives for the Queensland Schools Finals. Teams included St Catherine's Proserpine (Harry Craig, Alfie Moretto), Christian College Cannonvale (Tommy Phan, Saylor Harrison), Mackay High School (Charlotte McGuinness, Taylor Fisher), and Christian College Mackay (Cruz and Kobi). St Catherine's emerged victorious with six points, followed by Mackay Christian College with four points, Christian College Cannonvale with two points, and Mackay North High School with zero points. The event was marked by skillful play and sportsmanship, highlighting the talent and dedication of all participants.
The club wants to give special thanks to John Brown, David Meiklejohn, Arthur McManus, Terry Clarke, Heather Brown, and the Mackay teachers and officials for providing morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Their efforts ensured everyone enjoyed the day and could focus on the fantastic performances by the students.
Saturday Morning Scroungers saw Andy McDougall triumph in a brilliant match, setting the stage for an exciting final next Saturday morning.
Sunday Afternoon Social Bowls welcomed Mark Pinney and his wife Donna Evans from the Albury Commercial Bowls Club. In a competitive match, skipper Mark Pinney, second Mark Mawson, and new bowler Mel Fennell won 26-6. The dice roll resulted in a drawn game, with John Brown and Lu Rogan emerging victorious.
Pictured are the school students who competed on Thursday: Heather Brown, Saylor Harrison, Tommy Phan, scorer Chris, Cruz, Kobi, Mackay North Manager, Harry Craig, Alfie Moretto, Charlotte McGuinness, and Taylor Fisher.
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Contributed with thanks to Mark Manson.

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4’s Final:
   • Ray, Ron, Herb, Gus defeated Gordo, Mark, Crowie, Kev.
Club Triples:
   • Robyn, Rosco, Tiarna defeated Tracey, Lloyd, Jason.
Club Pairs:
   • Ron, Steve defeated Daryl, Feley.
Social Games:
Sunday 7/7:
   • Andy, Barry, Steve defeated Ian, Gavin, Wendy.
   • Ray, Ron, Herb, Gus defeated Gordo, Kevin, Crowie, Mark.
Wednesday 10/7:
   • Doc, G. Gordon, Ron defeated Marion, J. Foskett, Gus.
   • Ian, B. Thompson, Gavin had a drawn game with MaryEllen, Lou, Jane.
Tuesday and Friday's self-selected pairs and triples continue to go great.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club is immensely proud of Di Jackson, who recently returned from Florida, USA, after participating in the Warrior Games for Army, Navy, Airforce, and Marines. At 58 years old, Di competed in athletics, cycling, powerlifting, and indoor rowing.
Di joined the Airforce in 1990 and served as an integral member of the Darwin team, eventually becoming a Logistics Officer until 2008. She then became a Hazardous Chemicals Project Manager until her medical discharge in 2017. She married Russell Jackson in 1998, forming a great team.
Despite suffering from hereditary spastic paraplegia—a rare condition causing progressive neuromuscular degeneration in the lower limbs—Di remains unstoppable. She qualified for the Australian team in the Warrior Games and returned with an impressive collection of medals: two golds in rowing and bronzes in shot put and discus.
Additionally, Di was honored as the Team Australia inaugural Games Champion. This iron-willed lady is also an accomplished lawn bowler, excelling in everything she undertakes with a cheerful disposition.
Di's resilience and achievements have made her a beloved figure in the club, where everyone is incredibly proud of her accomplishments. Her story is a testament to determination and the power of a positive attitude.

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Di's welcoming home party at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, where members celebrated her remarkable success and return from the Warrior Games.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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As Champion of Champion events approach, Proserpine Bowls Club Competition is progressing rapidly to ensure the winners are eligible for the District Champion of Champions.
On Tuesday, Heather Brown competed in the District Club Championship Singles at Wests Tigers. It was a highly competitive match, with Chris Woo from North Mackay defeating Heather 25-19. The event was ultimately won by Leanne McGeough from Sarina, with Ladda Purdie from Airlie Beach as the runner-up.
Wednesday saw Luchie Gardel triumph over Dale Haack, 26-14, in the Club Championship Singles.
Thursday featured Harry Craig and Alfie Moretto from St Catherine's Catholic College in the District play-offs for the All-School Cup Challenge. Competing against Whitsunday Christian College, North Mackay State High School, and Mackay Christian College, Harry and Alfie won all three games. They scored 18-8 against WCC, 10-6 against North Mackay HS, and 14-2 against MCC, earning 6 match points with a margin of +26. They will represent the District at the All-School Cup Challenge State Finals at Pine Rivers on August 21-22. Mackay Christian College will also represent the Mackay District.
Saturday morning's Club Championship Singles saw Barry Saroglia narrowly defeat Luchie Gardel 25-24, and Shane Kinnear overcome Scott Hamilton 25-21. We are now up to the semi-finals on one side of the draw, with a quarter-final still to be played on the other side. The Champion of Champion Singles will take place at Mackay Club on August 24-25.
This weekend, the semi-finals of the Club Championship Pairs were played. On Saturday afternoon, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Marcus Craig and Toby Craig 21-17 in a thrilling game. On Sunday morning, David Ling and Andrew Bell defeated Bruce Uhe and Gavin Noonan 26-10. The final will see Wayne Handley's team face Andrew Bell's team, with the winner qualifying for the Champion of Champions at Mackay City on August 10-11.
Social Bowls had a great turnout on Wednesday. John Anderson and Nev Smith defeated Arthur Griffith and Peter Lawton 29-10. Pat Bownds, Barry Zillmann, and Carol Smith edged out Mary Hedgelong, Tom Sanders, and Philip Brown 17-16. Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown 25-17. On Sunday, Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara narrowly defeated Alen Sanderson and Nev Smith 21-20, while John Anderson, Tom Sanders, and Carol Smith beat Mary Hedgelong, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown 20-14.
The club wants to thank Dale Haack, Bruce Uhe, Heather Brown, and Gavin Noonan for assisting with the 30th Birthday Barefoot Bowls held at the club on Saturday afternoon.
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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.
Alfie Moretto, Heather Brown, and Harry Craig after a successful day of bowls in the All School Cup Challenge.

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Another great week of bowls started with Monday self-selected triples. Winners were Ron Blythe, M. Blythe, and Norm Dawson, who defeated Allan Gilles, Jack Stamp, and Greg Colquhoun. Runners-up were Denis Madeley, Dave Richard, and R. Agg, who overcame Peter Howie, G. Caldon, and Kennedy Whitton. The jackpot went off in two games: K. Pedlar, L. Fox, and S. Farrell defeated A. Rolfe, J. Steele, and K. Daniels, while F. Wilmann, J. Healey, and C. Healey defeated J. Paynting, R. Symonns, and J. White.
On Tuesday, we celebrated our Patroness and Life Member Merle Elphinstone. Merle has been a member since 1992 and served as treasurer for over 25 years. With a full green of 64 players, winners were Jan Harvey, Ann Kayser, Patrick Cochrane, and Glenn Harvey, who defeated K. McKenzie, C. Parker, Heidi Reif, and Colin Mayhem. Runners-up, the lowest scoring losers, were A. Gillies, M. Nesbitt, I. Wheeler, and S. Fitzgerald, defeated by G. Hands, I. Laird, P. Nesbitt, and G. Danvers. The jackpot didn’t go off.
Fun Friday afternoon saw winners J. Langley, M. Hyde, and S. Dolbel defeat G. Howie, K. McKenzie, and J. Issaac.
Sunday, with another full green of 64 players, winners on Rink 2 were L. Suann, T. Cozier, D. Gorin, and C. Healey, who defeated M. McKenzie, A. Kayser, L. Land, and C. Mayman. Runners-up were J. Hayman, K. Atkins, R. Symmons, and B. Beel, who overcame M. Elphinstone, J. Gillies, J. Healey, and K. Whitton. The jackpot didn’t go off.
The next special event is on Saturday afternoon, July 20, featuring Wangaratta versus All States. This annual event brings out the best of our bowlers, competing for bragging rights for the year. Even if you aren’t playing, come along to view some great bowls.
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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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