The 2024 Mackay Bridge Club Championship Pairs were played over 3 Saturdays, (8th, 15th and 23rd June 2024) with seventeen pairs competing for the prize. This year the Club Championship pair is Eric Goodchild and David Ting.

Weekly Results
Monday 17 June 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
1st
Pamela Finger / Ming Ting

2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

3rd
Janelle Conroy / Christine Fitzpatrick
3rd
Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

Tuesday Evening 18 June 2024 6 Table One Winner
1st
Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen
2nd
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
4th
Sanra Morris / Diane Morgan
Wednesday 19 June 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd
David Ting / Ming Ting
2nd
Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

3rd
Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor
3rd
Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

4th
Frances Brown / Jewel Schmidt
4th
Diane Stokes / Joy Block

Thursday Evening 20 June 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
1st
Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers

2nd
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd
Errol Morris / Simon Barnes
3rd
Vicki Howard / Richard Wix & Susan Ross / Jan Harris

Friday 11 June 2024 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
1st
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
2nd
Diane Cox / Christine Nice

3rd
David Ting / Ming Ting
3rd
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

4th
Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Janelle Conroy / Simon Barnes

Saturday 22 June 2024 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship Week 3 of 3 - 11 Table Mitchell Red Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy

3rd
Jan Harris / Mick King
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4th
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
4th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

5th
Karen Cadwell / Lynne O’Neill
5th
Marilin Robins / Christine Nice

5th
Chris Meyers / Geoff Taylor
6th
Joy Robertson / Ken Seaniger

Final Results of the 2024 Mackay Club Pairs Championship after three weeks.
1st
Eric Goodchild / David Ting
2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
3rd
Diane Morgan / Janet Hansen
4th
Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

Contributed By Joy Block

David Ting and Eric Goodchild 2024 Mackay Championship Pairs. Image supplied

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Mackay local Stefan Tomerini has been selected to play for Australia in the Indoor Cricket Masters World Series in Colombo, Sri Lanka this year from September 27th to October 5th.

The Australian team was selected based on performances at the inaugural Australian Masters Over 55 Championship held recently at Joondalup Perth, Western Australia.

Tomerini represented the North Queensland Vikings 55 Men that only dropped one match in the lead-up to the finals, however narrowly missed out on taking out the series in a closely fought battle with Victoria.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be selected for Australia in a sport that I enjoy and have played since I was a teenager,” Tomerini said.

“It might be the Masters but it’s very competitive and games are hotly contested.”

Tomerini represented Australia in the last Masters World Series in Capetown (October 2019) playing 8 Tests for Australia. He was also a member of the winning side that defeated New Zealand in the final to win the World Series.

Tomerini first started playing Indoor Cricket in the late 80s in Mackay and has represented Queensland 33 times in his career and North Queensland numerous times at Masters level.

He played outdoor cricket as a teenager, representing Mackay in U14 and U15 squads, later transitioning to indoor cricket in his 20s due to work commitments. Being a masters player does come with challenges. He developed plantar fasciitis in 2016, which led to severe foot pain. He overcame this with orthotics and extensive physiotherapy.

Reflecting on his role as a player, Tomerini highlighted the importance of being an all-rounder in indoor cricket, explaining you need to be adaptable..

"You have to be able to do all three parts of the game: batting, bowling, and fielding.
“Depending on what's needed at that time in a game, you try to lift in that area," he said.

When asked about what he enjoys most about indoor cricket, Tomerini shared, "There's a lot of aspects I really enjoy - the social interaction, meeting new people, and the team environment."

Tomerini is joined in the Australian team with fellow players from North Queensland and also from Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia.

“We are looking forward to being super competitive at the World Series and of course aiming for Australia to come away with a win.”

His advice for newcomers?

"Have fun, train hard, always be positive, and focus on what you can control."

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Stefan Tomerini playing for the North Queensland Vikings at the Australian Masters Over 55 Championships in Perth. Photos supplied

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Nine talented swimmers from the Cannonvale Cannons have been selected for the Swimming North Queensland (SNQ) Development squads, earning the opportunity to attend the prestigious SNQ Form Clinic in Mackay on Saturday. Congratulations to Isaac Pisaniello, Don Algie, Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, Charlie Doherty, Noah Maltby, and Jacob Bell for their remarkable achievement.
The clinic was organized by Barry Prime, a coach from Swimming Queensland, and featured guest coaches Adam Eisemann from Gladstone and Richard Sleight from Churchie, Brisbane. These esteemed coaches led the swimmers through intensive form stroke sets. Cannons’ Coach, Ken Crittenden, also attended the clinic to assist the lead coaches and support the swimmers.
The clinic provided a comprehensive program, including sessions on land activation, mobility, coordination, and a two-hour session focused on form strokes. Both Ken Crittenden and the swimmers found the experience highly valuable and enjoyable, enhancing their techniques and overall performance. The coaches and swimmers expressed their gratitude to SNQ for organizing such a beneficial clinic.
Despite the winter season, the dedication of the swimmers is evident as they continue to maintain their fitness by attending regular training sessions. Many swimmers engage in aquatic fitness for both training and fun with friends. Some are preparing for the upcoming ocean swim season and the Airlie Beach Triathlon. Notably, Jacob Bell completed a gruelling 9km swim training session in preparation for the 8km Magnetic Island to Townsville swim scheduled for July. Congratulations to Jacob for his exceptional effort!
Looking ahead, several Cannons swimmers are gearing up for the Queensland Short Course Championships in August. The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club will host their Winter Swimming Carnival on 13th July, 2024. This event will be an excellent opportunity for swimmers to assess their progress and achieve qualifying times for the Queensland Short Course Championships. The club anticipates a successful carnival and continued excellence from its swimmers.

Contributed by Raylene Rasmussen.

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Last weekend, the Whitsunday United FQPL Women travelled to Mackay to face off against their competitors, marking a significant outing despite some setbacks. Due to a shortage of players, the Women U23 team had to forfeit their match, effectively ending their premiership aspirations for this season. Nonetheless, holding the 4th spot on the ladder, they remain a formidable contender for the finals and are eager to make their mark in the remainder of the season.
The Premier Women, despite a depleted squad, managed a hard-fought victory against Country. Dominating the first half, Whitsunday maintained possession and kept the pressure on the Country defense. Willow broke the deadlock mid-way through the half, giving Whitsunday a 1-0 lead at halftime. The second half was fiercely contested, with Country equalizing three times, but Whitsunday's resilience shone through. Willow netted a goal from a corner by Mathilde, who later scored herself in a scrappy encounter in the box. Laura sealed the win with a free-kick set up by Willow. Special recognition goes to the U23 players who stepped up to their first Premier match, contributing significantly to the win. This victory solidifies Whitsunday's 3rd place standing and positions them as strong contenders for the second place in the premiership.
In the men's division, our FQPL men faced City Brothers. The U23 squad struggled against the in-form City Brothers, who demonstrated why they are among the top three contenders. Despite the Whitsunday team's brave efforts, City Brothers dominated the match. In contrast, the senior FQPL team delivered a spectacular performance, triumphing 7-1. Jake Kenna scored twice, with his first goal coming in the opening 10 minutes and the second just before halftime. An early own goal by City Brothers in the second half set the stage for a flurry of goals from Whitsunday, including another by Jake, two from Delors, and a penalty converted by Alan O’Donnell.
This dominant performance sets a high note for Whitsunday as they prepare for their Champions League game on Saturday, June 29th, at 7 pm at the Whitsunday Sports Park. They will face off against Edge Hill United FC, vying to become the North Queensland Champions and advance to the next stage of the league.

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With the Divisional Men and youth squads having the weekend off, the action started with our FQPL Women in Mackay last Saturday

Unfortunately, a shortage of numbers meant our Women U23 were forced to forfeit their match and any chance of Premiership this year. Despite that, from 4th spot on the ladder, they will be an absolute force in the finals and are looking forward to the rest of the season.

The Premier ladies ground out a win against Country, again with a depleted squad. Whitsunday had a slight upper hand in the first half, holding the possession and pressuring Country defence. Willow was able to get one past the keeper mid-way through to put the ladies 1-0 up going into half time.

The second half was a tough, physical battle with Country drawing level 3 times, only for Whitsundays to get one more and pull ahead. Willow got the first goal back, finishing a corner from Mathilde, Mathilde herself then pushed one past the keeper in a scrappy tussle in the box and finally Laura fired up to put one away off a free kick from Willow.

A massive shoutout to all of the U23 girls that stepped up to their first ever game of Prems; we would not have got the win without the contribution of all. The win keeps the side in 3rd place and a contender for second place in the premiership.

Our FQPL men faced City Brothers with U23 facing an up-hill battle against the in form City Brothers. Despite brave efforts, City were always in control and showed why they are a close contender in the top 3.

A different story for our FQPL team who ran out winners 7-1. Jake Kenna opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes, but City kept the visitors scoreless until just before half time when Jak scored his second. After the break, an early own goal by City deflated the home side and the goals flowed with another to Jake, Delors scoring 2 goals and Alan O’Donnell converting a penalty.

A dominant performance Whitsunday in the lead up to their Champions League game this Saturday 29th June at 7pm at the Whitsunday Sports Park. They face off against Edge Hill United FC in a bid to become North Queensland Champs and progress to the next stage of the League.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Vickie Wallace secured victory in last Wednesday's monthly medal with a nett 72, edging out Tiina Randmae, who finished second with a nett 75. Pins for the day went to Paula McQuat, Tiina Randmae, and Vickie Wallace.
Last weeks, Thursday stableford competition saw Corey Stroud emerge as the winner in the A division, scoring 44 points, four ahead of Sean Fogarty. Luchie Gardel triumphed in the B division with 42 points, ahead of Vickie Wallace's 39 points. Pin recipients were Cameron Mutch, John Wallace, Lyn Muller, and Sean Fogarty.
The popular BC Construction ambrose event last Friday was won by the team of Corey Stroud, Izaac Vandenburg, and Adam Stroud. They narrowly defeated the trio of Nic Watson, Cory O'Shea, and Brendan Spann.
Last Saturday's stableford competition had a standout performance from Brad Vloedmans, who won the A division with 43 points. Michael Ward followed with 38 points. In the ladies' division, Lyn Muller secured victory with 40 points, just ahead of Elspeth Scotford. Perri Simpson won the B division with 39 points, while Jim Sherrington finished two points behind. Pins went to Ryan Wilkes, Perri Simpson, Blake Lovelock, Michael Ward, Sherri Meade, and Rehab Hull.
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Contributed with thanks to Prosperine Golf Club.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles relished their return to the nest on a wet and windy 22nd June 2024, hosting matches for both their Under 14s against the North Mackay Saints and their Senior teams against the Eastern Swans.
The Senior Men's team faced a tough battle against the top-of-the-table Eastern Swans, succumbing to a 31-70 defeat in the slippery conditions. Despite numerous opportunities generated through hard work in defence and midfield, the Sea Eagles struggled to convert. They now aim to bounce back in a rematch against the Swans in Mackay this weekend.
In contrast, the Senior Women's team triumphed over the Eastern Swans with a 19-2 victory in a physical, low-scoring match. Mia Trinder shone with two goals, while Tayla Oliver added another. Coach Tyson Seamer expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and looks forward to facing the Swans again in Mackay.
The Under 14s secured a thrilling 46-38 win against the North Mackay Saints. After trailing in the first quarter, the young Sea Eagles displayed resilience and determination to edge ahead in the final term, keeping the home crowd on their feet. Coach Scott Mason praised the full team effort, emphasizing its importance for future success.
While the Juniors take a break for school holidays, the Seniors prepare for another clash with the Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval this weekend.
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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.
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Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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It was a cool start to a beautiful sunny day at Proserpine Golf Course last Sunday, where eight teams competed in the 2 Ball Ambrose. The competition was tight, with close scoring among the top four teams. Highlighting the event, Brendon Meharry achieved an Eagle’s Nest on the 13th hole with a drive landing within one meter of the hole, providing excellent practice for the upcoming Mark Nicol Memorial 2 Ball Ambrose on July 21.
Darren Reynolds and Scott Vlismas emerged as winners with a score of 65.75. David Hoy and Paul Nicol were runners-up with 66.75 after a countback, while Tiina Randmae and Wilf Herweg secured third place.
Nearest to the Pin (NTP) prizes, sponsored by the Reef Gateway Hotel, went to Karen Rix, Jo Moynihan, and Anna Winterbourn for the ladies, and Don Cameron, Brendon Meharry, and Ron Jamieson for the men. Brendon Meharry also earned a box of balls for his Eagle’s Nest on the 13th.
Don Cameron and Karen Rix received the NAGA honors, with a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts from RADS Whitsunday. The raffle meat tray was won by Pam Casey.
Next week’s competition will be a Stableford. Upcoming fixtures include a Single Stableford on June 30, the Monthly Medal on July 7, and the Mark Nicol Memorial 2 Ball Ambrose on July 21. Note that there will be no WGC competition on August 4 due to the PGC Men’s Open.
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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Golf Club.
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L> R:  Darren Reynolds, Paul Nicol, Scott Vlismas and David Hoy

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The 9-hole Weekly Stableford competition saw fierce competition as George Meharry clinched first place with 22 points. Michael Norman matched Meharry's score but settled for second place on countback. Glenn Rees followed closely in third with 20 points.
Friday's 9-hole competition was another closely contested event. Justyn Durbin emerged victorious with 23 points on countback, edging out Robert Lodders, who also scored 23 points. Darren Lloyd secured third place with 22 points.
Sunday's Lions' Day Charity Golf Day was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd in support of local businesses. All Electrical took the top spot with a score of 18.25. Whitsunday Green sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and supported the event and they look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Congratulations are also in order for our young member, Jack Hayes-Williams, who earned runner-up in the juniors open at Charters Towers last week.
This Sunday, June 30th, marks Whitsunday Green’s monthly medal event. Tee-off is scheduled between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. We encourage all members to participate and enjoy another day of excellent golf.
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Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.
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Jack Hayes-Williams and Scott Hayes-Williams

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As June nears its end, we’ve experienced the shortest day of the year, a reminder of the swift passage of time. The community is abuzz with excitement following the Australian Open, with attendees returning from a sensational time at the Gold Coast.
Last Tuesday afternoon's Social Bowls saw a significant turnout. The event, superbly organized by Carol Crosbie, featured a unique scoring system using dice. The day’s champions, Pip Heddles, recently back from South Island, New Zealand, teamed up with Mark Mawson to secure a victorious 21 points.
Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls, overseen by Rick Galea, crowned Lu Rogan, Billy Gordon, and Rick Galea as the day's big winners, though the jackpot remained elusive.
Business House Bowls results are pending, and the Queensland school's competition is in its final stages. Whitsunday Christian College and St Catherine’s schools will battle to represent Whitsundays against Mackay schools' champions.
The Men’s Pennants saw mixed outcomes. Division One earned a single point from away games against South Suburban and Proserpine, needing a strong performance this week to stay in Division One. Division 3, led by Rod Howard and Ted Cullen, achieved commanding victories, securing 9 points. Division 5, despite challenging conditions at Mackay Bowls Club, performed admirably. Mervyn Stewart’s team, with standout player Craig Coleman, clinched an 11-point win against RSL, earning 5 points overall.
Last weekend’s highlight is a photo featuring the exceptional skippers of Division 3 and 5.

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Mervyn Stewart with Ted Cullen, Rod Howard and Stacey Hadlow who all managed their respective teams so well this weekend
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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Sunday Social Bowling Results (16th June)

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In a competitive Sunday Social, E. Low and D. Tuttle teamed up with R. Gould to defeat R. Muir, R. Scanlon and Wayne Crowhurst. M. Tuttle and J. Gilbert secured a win against I. Thatcher and G. Charles. Meanwhile, A. Williams and L. White triumphed over K. Kirk and S. Roome.

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Wednesday Social Highlights
Last week’s mid-week social event featured impressive matches. Marion, Sue, and Gavin triumphed over Ian, Ray, and Gary. Marilyn, Jane, and Daryl defeated Robyn, Gordo, and Dave. Frank and Gus emerged victorious against MaryEllen and Steve.

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Purple Pennants Triumph
A hearty congratulations to the Ladies Composite team of BBC/Cutheringa for their outstanding performance, winning all 10 games in the Purple Pennants held in the Burdekin last week. The team’s exceptional bowling skills have earned them a promotion to the Red Pennants in 2025. Well done, ladies!

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Best Overall Performance
Special recognition goes to Lee Spiers, Lou Fordham, Donna Ware, and Kaos O’Sullivan for winning the Best Overall Performance in the Purple Pennants.
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Dunn Cup Aspirations
Best of luck to Jason, Mitch, Gus, and Wayne as they compete in the Dunn Cup in Townsville this weekend. We’re cheering for your success!
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Purple Pennants Winners 2024
Left to right: Tracey Roach, Eddy Neylon, Wendy Coles, Helen Jacobsen, Kaos O’Sullivan, Donna Ware, Lou Fordham, and Lee Spiers. A big thank you to Cutheringa ladies Kaos, Donna, and Lee for their invaluable contributions to the team.
Winners for The Best Overall Performance in the Purple Pennants Lee Spiers, Lou Fordham, Donna Ware, Kaos O’Sullivan.  
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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Proserpine Bowls Club thank the Whitsunday Regional Council and the QLD State Government for their generous grants, which greatly supports their club and community.
Last weekend marked the penultimate round of the Men's Pennants season. Division 1 faced Sarina, resulting in a close 60-61 loss despite strong efforts from all teams. Division 5 had a narrow 40-39 win against RSL Memorial. On Sunday, Division 1 won 64-51 against Airlie Beach, and Division 5 won 42-30 against Souths Suburban, highlighted by a thrilling finish requiring an umpire’s call.
This coming weekend, Division 1 plays North Mackay at home on Saturday and Souths Suburban away on Sunday. Division 5 faces Airlie Beach away on Saturday and North Mackay at home on Sunday.
In social bowls, Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, Carol Smith, and Heather Brown won convincingly. On Sunday, the club welcomed visitors from Germany and Adelaide, with Dominik, Kerry, and Heather Brown winning 19-13.
Heather Brown leads the standings with 72 points. The shade project for the Brian Cooke green progresses, with intermediate posts concreted on June 25.
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Brett Saroglia lined up to deliver a shot during pennants against Souths Suburban with other Division 5 and Division 1 teams in the background.
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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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The Wangaratta Bowls Club had a busy week with exciting matches and noteworthy performances.

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Games played 17th June to 23rd June

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On Monday, the self-selected triples winners were Kevin Daniels, Graeme Read, and Mark Drummond, who triumphed over Ken Wallace, Chris Frew, and Jim Steele. The runners-up were Marie Nesbit, David Madden, and Allan Colson, who drew with Harold Wenson, Trish Feast, and Garry Feast. The jackpot remained unclaimed. The Tropical Beach Caravan Park sponsored shirts for the winning team and will also sponsor the Wangaratta Ladies President’s Day later this year.
Tuesday’s social bowls winners were J. Langley, R. Boskma, and Peter, who defeated Stumpy, K. Aykens, and F. Wilmann. The runners-up were J. Atkinson, B. Huppatz, and G. Danvers, who defeated V. Boskma, D. Madden, and G. Colquhoun. The jackpot did not go off.

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On Fun Friday afternoon, N. Issac, J. Langley, and J. Dawson defeated G. Swanton, N. Hand, and M. Hyde.

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Sunday saw a full green for the first time this year with 64 players. The winners were Mark McKenzie, Linda Atkinson, Ron Symmons, and Chris Healey, who defeated Carol Bellingham, Sue Shearing, Steve Brown, and Peter Howie. The runners-up were Sue Symmons, Deb Retchless, L. Sutherland, and Ron Hyde, who defeated S. McSwain, N. Brown, June Walsh, and Kennedy Whitton. The jackpot again did not go off.

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Congratulations to the BBC/Cutheringa Ladies for winning the Purple Pennants in the Burdekin and to the Wangaratta Ladies for securing fourth place.
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Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe.
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Mondays winners Kevin Daniels Graeme Read Mark Drummond with Allan Rolfe

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Gold Coast SUNS AFLW games record holder Lauren Bella is the latest to commit her future to the club, inking a long-term contract extension.

The SUNS Academy product and one of two remaining foundation players on the club’s AFLW list will remain in the red, gold and blue until at least the end of the 2027 AFLW season.

Her extension coincides with this morning’s confirmation that the SUNS will be returning to Mackay for a fourth consecutive AFLW season, hosting Carlton at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, September 8 (1.05pm first bounce).

The match will be the fifth AFLW fixture the SUNS have hosted in Mackay since 2020.

“As one of our foundation AFLW players, who came through our Academy program and our pathways in Mackay, it’s fantastic for to see Lauren extend her contract until 2027,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Sessarago said.

“We’ve seen Lauren develop as not only one of the AFLW’s finest players but a really important member of our playing group off the field as well. At just 23 years old, she’s experienced beyond her years and we’re excited to see her continue to grow here at the SUNS.

“As one of three players on our list from the Mackay region, I’m sure Lauren is as thrilled as we are to be returning to Mackay for a fourth consecutive season to play Carlton in September.”

Bella is yet to miss a single game in the SUNS’ AFLW history and is on the verge of becoming the first female player to play 50 games for the club. She currently sits on 47 SUNS matches across five seasons, in addition to three games for the Brisbane Lions.

The deal will take her tenure on the Gold Coast to nine seasons by its conclusion.

The 23-year-old is one of three players on the SUNS list hailing from the Mackay region, alongside Alana Gee and Wallis Randell, having played her junior football for the Sarina Demons.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson congratulated Bella and is thrilled to welcome the SUNS back to the region in September.

“Lauren is a home-grown hero and we couldn’t be more proud of her and her achievements,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Lauren always speaks warmly of her beginnings here as a Sarina Demons junior, and she is proof of our region’s reputation as a breeding ground for world-class athletes.

“We are pleased to welcome the SUNS back to Mackay in 2024 and, as a SUNS AFLW feeder region, cheer for them as our home team.”

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Gold Coast SUNS AFLW games record holder Lauren Bella has signed with the club until 2027. Photos supplied Gold Coast SUNS

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In a regional first, a local man of Mackay, Liam Paro, etched his name into Australian sporting history by fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a world champion in boxing on June 16.

Raised in Mackay, Liam was known for his boundless energy and passion for boxing from an early age after he confidently declared his ambitions to his mother while perched on his kitchen bench one day at just thirteen years old.

Liam's mother, Sharon Cortez, vividly recalls the day when her teenage son proclaimed this future greatness and says, “It was a day I will never forget.”

Recently, his dream became a reality in a momentous victory in Puerto Rico, where he triumphed over Subriel Matias to claim the IBF super lightweight title after a gruelling twelve-round battle.

After twelve rounds of action against ‘the boogeyman’ of the division, Mackay’s home town hero walked away with a dominant win to be crowned Mackay’s first ever boxing world champion.

Throughout his formative years, Liam's athletic skills continued to shine earning him recognition among peers and community members alike for his versatility and commitment to striving for the best.

His latest accomplishment not only celebrates his personal success but also pin points Mackay on the international boxing stage in an event that was yet to be seen in the region's history.

As Mackay prepares to welcome home its first-ever boxing world champion, there has been an outpour of overwhelming support from community members to celebrate Liam Paro's remarkable achievement with locals rallying behind him for a grand homecoming parade. This gesture aims to honour not only his athletic prowess, but also the values of grit and tenacity that Liam embodies.

Beyond boxing, Liam's journey demonstrates the values of perseverance and fortitude, inspiring both current and aspiring local athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and commitment. Liam's ascent from a young boy with a dream to a global boxing icon serves as a powerful inspiration to current and future generations. His story is a testament to the belief that with persistence and commitment, any goal can be achieved.

Mackay stands united in pride and celebration, eagerly awaiting Liam's return to applaud his legacy.

“I made a promise to my friend that passed away and I’m a man of my word… and to all the people that said I couldn’t do it - It’s Paro time,” Liam declared.

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Local boxer, Liam Paro, took home the title of Mackay’s first ever boxing world champion. Photo credit: Liam “The Prodigy” Paro (Facebook)

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