Bowen’s own high-speed racer, Henry Snell, has been fast tracked to the industry of his dreams, being accepted into the Affinity Sports Academy, as Rokit Rookies.

Racing alongside professional racers, Henry will join the new Superteen Championship, on the newly released Kawasaki in the British Superbike Championships, as a pathway into World Superbikes and MotoGP.

17-year-old Henry championed 2023 across Australia and was close to securing first place at the Australian Championships, but secured podium finishes across the season. He raced through the ranks rapidly, with three round wins, four race wins and 17 podium finishes of 2023.

He concludes the Supersport 200 Championship in 5th place, and 3rd in the R3 Cup.

“I am really happy to announce that next year I will be riding for “Affinity Sports Academy”,” Henry explained.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be racing for such a great team and really looking forward to learning new skills. It gives me a good boost of confidence having already had some experience riding the new ZX4RR here in Australia and I am looking forward to heading over to Spain in early March to begin testing with the team. Just like to say thank you to everyone that has made this possible including all my sponsors and my Dad.”

Henry’s Dad, Rodger Snell, looks forward to seeing Henry progress internationally.

“I want to thank all of Henry's Sponsors and Supporters who have made his Championship run possible. Without you, Henry would not be able to compete at this level,” Rodger explained.

“The Racing was extremely close all season and came down to the last three races. The top five riders in the Championship are heading overseas to various Championships and so is Henry and his teammate Brodie Gawith who have both signed contracts with Leon Haslam's Affinity Sports Academy in the UK. Henry and Brodie will be racing in the new Superteen Championship.

“Henry will head to Spain for testing in March next year then onto England where he will base with the team and race in the Championship. We have already built a ZX400RR for Henry here in Australia and he has already been testing the bike at Phillip Island and The Bend. He has adapted to the bike extremely quickly and has put down some seriously fast laps,” he said.

“We are confident Henry will be running at the front from the outset of the Championship. Thank you again to all his sponsors and we would love to have you all onboard with him as he takes the next step in his career.”

Henry will be joined with fellow young Australian racer, Brodie Gawith, who have already bonded over their shared love of the sport, and their excitement to hit the track.

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Henry Snell, a bullet on the track. Images supplied

Would you name your son Jasper?

Many people in North Queensland certainly wouldn't name their son Jasper their dog or their frog Jasper after the damage the cyclone did way up north to Ingham, Cairns and above and although we had rains and winds here in Paradise, it was nothing that our brothers and sisters received further north, and we all pray for their safety and quick return to normality for Christmas.

We had no bowls played on Wednesday because of Jasper, and on Sunday we had a decent roll up and managed to have some competitive games.

It was the guile of skipper Alan Pershouse with lead Mark Mawson who accounted for the Margo Stanley led team with the vastly improved Liz McManus at lead 24-18 whilst Rob Turner continued his great form in the unusual role as skipper whom with new member and highly talented Eyvonne Wilson defeated Warren Wilson at skipper with Arthur MCManus at lead into second place.

Well played to everyone and thanks must go to Jill Spencer for arranging such a successful day whilst Fiona Greener whom has been run off her feet with Christmas parties and ably assisted by Vice Chair lady Karen Jensen.

Sunday will be our last matches before Christmas and we wish all our members and guests a wonderful Christmas full of joy and happiness and wonderful memories.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mens Vice President Bob Fenney presenting Mark Mawson with the Mens Open fours Champion Award. Photo supplied

Results of Social Games Sunday: Keith Kirk, Lee Welsted, and Steve Roome defeated Ron Gould, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle.

Andrew Peebles, Jason Wright, and Mitch Wright defeated Ray Muir, Lloyd White, and Wayne Crowhurst. There were two games of Scroungers played: Lloyd White defeated Andrew Peebles and Steve Roome. Jane Gilbert defeated Sue Fox and Gavin Charles.

Wednesday Social: W.Coles, and Steve Roome defeated R.Roda, and Jane Gilbert. Anna Delic, and Steve Roome defeated MaryEllen Pratten, and Daryl Tuttle. Ray Muir, and Kevin Jewell defeated Tracey Roach, and Gavin Charles.

Bowen Bowls Club wishes all our members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

On Tuesday just in time for Christmas the joker came out and the jackpot went off in the game between Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone and Penny Warren who drew with Gwenda Lydom, Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe.

Winners for Sunday afternoon bowls were Laurie Land, and Allan Rolfe who defeated Jim Quod, and Barry Beel, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey defeated Bill Myers, and Kevin Jewell, Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Toni Bowen, Irene Laird and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Well this is the last roundup for the year.

Wangaratta Club has had a great year. Both our ladies and mens players have had some great wins in the district and further afield. We welcomed our southern visitors for the winter months and had lots of potential bowlers trying the game.

On behalf of the club we wish our members and you our supporters a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the green soon. Our last social game for the year will be New Years Eve afternoon at 1.30pm start.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Sunday winners. Image supplied

This week 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take the win with 23 pts, second place with 21 pts was Fred Tammist and third place with 19 pts Michael Bond.

Fridays 9-hole stableford competition saw Tim Walton in first place with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts was James Millar and third on 21 pts Morgan Vanderwyk.

On Sunday, we held our members Christmas party and 18-hole ambrose and wow, what a turnout.

First place with a 45 NETT was Michael Norman and Glenn Rees, second place with a 46.75 NETT was Cooper Lane and Co, third place with a 48 NETT was Adam Singleton and Brad Low. Great job by all this week. There will be no competition this Sunday.  

From all the staff at Whitsunday Green we would like to wish all our valued members and guests a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Special thanks to our Club Captain Glenn Rees and handicapper Rob Lodders for all their help this year.

Please see our Christmas trading hours below:

Christmas Eve: 8am-12pm

Christmas Day: CLOSED

Boxing Day: 12pm-6pm

New Years Eve: 8am-12pm

New Year’s Day: 12pm-6pm

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Glenn Rees. Image supplied

Rob Stanley won last Thursday's stableford competition on a count back on 37 points from Brad Fleet, with Rob Stanley, Joe Taylor and Larry Muller taking the pin shots.

With 22 points, Jon Miller won Friday's Met run by a shot from Bailey Hayward while Darcy Milne took the pin shot.

Sunday's winner was Ray Johannesen on a count back from Aaron Prosser with Brian Allen taking the pin shot.

On Saturday a packed clubhouse enjoyed a tasty lunch in air-conditioned comfort to congratulate Ryan Kenny, Mark Thompson and Danny Goody on clearly winning the three-person ambrose ahead of Connor and James Devery and Tai Roberts.

Trish McNeil and Brian Allen were then declared Golfers of the Year and a host of other awards were also announced to end the major events of a very successful year on the golf course.

Ladies' Medal of Medallist Lyn Muller

Men's Medal of Medallist Michael Ward

Ladies' Matchplay Champion Diane Chard

Men's Matchplay Champion Lloyd Kingston

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - A Grade Jon Miller

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - B Grade Jason Whitney

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - C Grade Louis Neethling

Ladies' Order of Merit Trish McNeill

Men's Order of Merit Barry Mortimer

Ladies' Golfer of the Year Trish McNeill

Men's Golfer of the Year Brian Allen

Contributed with thanks to Rod Wecker.

On Wednesday men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by the Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies winner Lynelle Riley 41pts, runner up Leanne Swan 33pts.  

Mens winner Kailan Batchelor 41pts, runner up Ryley Malone 39pts.

On Saturday, we played a 4BBB stableford event sponsored by Rynns Seafood.  

Winners were Jeff Jackson and Nathan Donaldson 46pts, runners up Chris Fellows and Joshua Fraser 45pts.  

Thank you to Rynns Seafood for their continued support of our club.

Joker draw is back this week.  This will be the last draw for the year and there is $5900 up for grabs.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Rynns Seafood winners – runners up Chris Fellows & Joshua Fraser, winners Nathan Donaldson and Jeff Jackson. Image supplied

Pioneer Valley Cricket Club have staked an early claim for the Mackay Cricket Association Division One Twenty20 Shootout championship title.

The undefeated Valley X1 launched their series campaign last week with three impressive victories in the 20 overs format and lead the competition on 18 points.

Norths Devils and the Magpies are in second and third spots respectively on 12 points after each registering two wins from three fixtures completed.

Gun all-rounder Cody Filewood is the Valley’s cricketer of the moment – smashing 200 runs from his three appearances with the bat at an impressive average of 100.

A highlight was Filewood’s unbeaten knock of 111 in Pioneer’s comprehensive win over Brothers last Saturday at Mirani State High School grounds.

The talented number three faced only 58 balls and cracked five massive sixes and twelve boundaries in a cavalier knock to help the Valley post 1-190.

Filewood shared an unbroken second wicket partnership of 176 with opener Dion Krisanski-Kennedy (61 not out) – then grabbed 3-23 with his off-spin bowling to help restrict Brothers to 8-137.

In the Valley’s opening round win over Walkerston, the dashing Filewood hammered 69 and also hit a quick 20 runs in his team’s resounding victory over Souths.

Another highlight was a superb century from Walkerston’s legendary representative batsman Jakob Frerichs in a gripping loss to Norths at Roy Trevaskis Oval.

The left-handed opener and team vice-captain clouted an unbeaten 122 off only 59 balls to help Walkerston register 6-197 with support from Luke Jackson (21).

Frerichs smashed an incredible eleven sixes and ten boundaries during his epic knock – but to no avail as the Devils (5-198) reached the target with five balls to spare.

Norths were best served by Lane Kohler who cracked a power-laden 84 off 39 balls with seven boundaries and seven sixes, Darryn Dyer (46), Jason Butterworth (25), Chris Day (19 not out), Kai Higham (2-29) and Mason Kohler (2-39).

Mason peeled off an unbeaten 49 to guide the Devils (2-98) to a first round triumph over Souths (97) with Jarryd Kallio (4-20) and Lane Kohler (3-18) the chief destroyers with the ball.

Souths skipper Shaun Austin played a lone hand with 48.

Magpies (9-129) edged out Norths (9-126) with Rhys McBride (42), Adam Zurvas (25) and Todd Dixon (3-19) leading the way and rolled Souths for 77 – posting their second win after top knocks from McBride (37), Adam Zurvas (23 not out) and fine bowling from leg spinner Liam Zurvas (2-9), Tim Heard (2-13), Dixon (2-19) and Conor Bryant (2-21).

Brothers (2-47) skittled the Magpies (46) with Michael Dunn (4-13), Chris Dunn (2-10), Floris Douvenhage (2-10) and Mitch Wadsworth (2-13) impressive with the ball.

Mackay-Whitsunday representative skipper Sam Vassallo starred for Walkerston with knocks of 40 and 68 not out with support from Neil Gustavson (33 and 30) and swing merchant Adam Knezevic (4-31).

By Chris Karas

Life is rewarding for Mackay’s emerging rugby league playmaker Adam McSherry.

The fifteen-year-old St Patrick’s College student capped a memorable 2023 when he received the Caleb Woodland Memorial Award for the dedication and courage shown during an eventful campaign this season.

McSherry accepted the trophy at the Junior Sports Award ceremony staged at the College’s Mercy campus from graduating St Patrick’s student and Queensland Schoolboys hooker Xavier Kerrisk.

It has been a year to savour for the outstanding utility half who was one of the shooting stars in Tom Gaviglio’s all-conquering Year 10 St Patrick’s team that captured both the Cowboys Challenge Shield premiership and State Regional Championship trophies at BB Print Stadium.

McSherry played a key role in the 24-10 Cowboys Challenge Grand Final triumph over Ignatius Park Townsville and was a standout when St Patrick’s thumped Rockhampton’s Emmaus College 44-0 in the State Regional Championship decider seven days later to preserve their undefeated record.

The classy colt menaced the Rockhampton defence with his tricky footwork and clever ball skills, nabbed a superb solo try and booted three goals in a stellar performance.

Adam was just as impressive for the Mackay Brothers club – steering the Bulldogs to an Under 15s premiership in the Mackay Junior League competition.

Creating havoc with his ball play in the number six jumper, McSherry engineered a 34-26 Grand Final victory over the Moranbah Miners at BB Print Stadium - turning in a best on ground performance with two tries and five goals.

The Brisbane Broncos identified Adam as a top prospect from an early age.

He was named in their Academy squad at the age of thirteen and secured his immediate future earlier this year when he signed a contract with the prominent NRL club.

A dedicated McSherry was thrilled to receive the Award that perpetuates the memory of 14-year-old Caleb Woodland, a Year 8 student at Mercy College Mackay, who had his life tragically cut short when he was involved in a road accident in Sarina back in 2011 on his way to catching the school bus.

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Outstanding rugby league prospect Adam McSherry receives the Caleb Woodland Memorial Trophy from St Patrick’s graduate and Queensland Schoolboys hooker Xavier Kerrisk, who joins the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club recently travelled to Alva Beach, Ayr to compete in the North Barrier Branch Champion Lifesaver Carnival. The event involves lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills, as well as a detailed theory paper.

Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said, “This competition is extremely important in developing the skills of our lifesavers.

“These are the people who patrol our beaches and are there for the community to make going to the beach safe and enjoyable.

“It is a very challenging multi-disciplined event that tests competitors in a number of different scenarios that could one day save someone’s life,” he added.

“The surf club’s lifesavers had some outstanding individual results with Under 15’s Nate McKinnon and Zara Richardson taking out first, Under 14’s Meliana Craig taking out second and in the Under 13’s Cadence McKinnon finished first with Isabella Grant missing out on second by half a point to finish third,” said Mr Grant.

“The club is extremely proud to see our lifesavers excel at such an important event. This was all thanks to the coaching of Cathy McKinnon who will now lead the team heading into state and national titles for this important lifesaving competition.”

If members of the community are looking at joining the surf club, or give back to the community by becoming a Champion Lifesaver, contact admin@mackayslsc.com.au for details on up-and-coming training courses.

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Mackay SLSC Champion Lifesaver Team at Alva Beach, Ayr

First Place Under 15 Champion Lifesavers Nate McKinnon and Zara Richardson

Under 15 Zara Richardson in action during the tube race, placing first out of all competitors

Competitors taking to the water at Alva Beach in the Under 15 surf race

Under 13 Champion Lifesavers Cadence McKinnon and Isabella Grant

Photos supplied

Mackay Tennis Association recently concluded its latest season of fixtures for 2023, rounding out a memorable list of centenary celebrations for the club.

In Division 1, 'Team Federer' emerged as the champions in a closely contested and very competitive fixture season.  Congratulations to Troy, Adam, Shane, Lexi, Clem and Bree whose consistency over the season saw them defeat ‘Team Djokovic’ by a solitary point to claim the honours. Meanwhile, 'Wanderers' combined to win the Division 2 championship over runners-up ‘Madhatters’. Congratulations go to teammates Ranjan, Chris, Kunal, Naveen, Alok, Ishan and Hayden on their season win.

As we pause organised fixtures over the school holidays, Mackay Tennis Association welcomes Brett Walz as recently appointed club president.  Brett is a long-standing player and committee member, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport to his role. Walz's vision for the association includes fostering a sense of community, further improvements of club facilities and promoting the continued growth of tennis and pickleball in Mackay.

In addition to tennis fixtures, Mackay Tennis Association is thrilled to offer social pickleball three times per week. This fast-paced and inclusive sport has been gaining popularity, and now players can enjoy a regular hit of pickleball on our six pickleball courts. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball pro or a curious newcomer, these fixtures provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of this new game.

For registration and inquiries, aspiring players are encouraged to reach out to the club.  For more information, please email mackaytennis@hotmail.com or contact Sue on 0435 524 985. Here's to the next century of tennis and pickleball in Mackay!

Contributed by Wes Rose

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Division 2 winners ‘Wanderers’

Division 1 winners ‘Federer’

The Mackay Contract Bridge Club held its annual Christmas Party last Saturday. A delicious meal was catered by our own Janelle Conroy and her many helpers, with everyone enjoying the meats, salads, desserts and morning tea. Bridge was played by 63 members and partners, with merriment and fun had by all. Director Geoff Taylor made the Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake, not only a Congress Director, teacher and mentor to many, a man of many talents. Raffle winners went home with a selection of goodies, donated by members. Merry Christmas to all!

Weekly Results

Monday 4 December 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 1st Victor Mason / Antonia Tarradas

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright

3rd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 3rd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

Tuesday Evening 5 December 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Nancy Wix / Janine Rodgers 1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

3rd Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley 4th Faye Wright / Diane Cox

Wednesday 6 December 2023 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 1st Debra Goodchild/ Ming Ting

2nd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

Thursday 7 December

1st Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers 2nd Jan Harris / Susan Ross

3rd Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor 4th Mick King / Patricia Garner

Friday 8 December 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 9 December 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S Section A

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Julie O’Neill / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Errol Morris / Sandra Morris 2nd Ann Whitmore / Patricia Garner

3rd Eric Leivesley / Griff Bancroft 3rd Vicki Howard / Susan Ross

N/S

Section B

E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Julie O’Neill

3rd Pamela Finger / Noel Bugeia 3rd Christine Nice / Faye Wright

Contributed by Joy Block

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Janelle Conroy, Robert, Julie and Terry

Geoff Taylor and his Christmas pudding

Janice, Cheryl and Clare enjoying a game

Janet Hansen and friends partaking in lunch

Proserpine Cricket Club have extended their winning streak in the 2023-24 Mackay Junior Cricket Association Under 15 Mixed Division A competition.

The all-conquering Pitbulls had too many big guns for the combined Pioneer Valley/Norths X1 at Abbott Park – chalking up a ninth consecutive victory to push their claims for the title.

Promising all-rounder Joshua Geisler top scored with 40 as Proserpine posted 6-174 off their 25 overs with support from Malaki Gabey (32 not out), Lachlan Riley (20), Ky Porter (18) and Matthew Logan (16 not out).

Geisler, who faced 31 balls and cracked five boundaries, joined forces with Gabey to add 73 runs for the sixth wicket after the undefeated leaders were struggling at 5-79 at one stage.

Kai McLoughlin (2-1 off three overs), Gabey (2-10 off three), Jordan Lawn (1-2), Riley (1-6) and Max Pomeroy (1-9) shared the bowling spoils after restricting Pioneer Valley/Norths to 9-108.

The second placed Magpies registered their fifth win of the season after toppling Brothers at Roy Trevaskis Oval.

Rising prospect Ishan Rana carved out a stylish 38 not out as the Magpies recorded 4-150 – slamming four boundaries and two sixes during his 28-ball knock.

Other batsmen to impress were Rohan Cherian (41 off 44 balls with eight boundaries) and Brayden Manttan (25), who shared an opening stand of 64 before they were both stumped off the bowling of Brothers’ talented spinner Finn Randell (2-16 off five overs).

Cooper Boyce hit 16 and Brodie Garnham (14 not out).

In reply, Brothers could only muster 6-112 with top contributions from Callum Strydom (25), Lachlan Ipson (24) and Llandyn Dargin (14 not out).

Cherian (2-20 off four) was the pick of the Magpies bowlers.

Before we know it, Santa will come down our chimneys and 2023 will be drawing to a close and we will be seeing what the new year brings to our small club in paradise.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw some great contests but it was the guile of skipper Andrew Butler, our brilliant club secretary at skipper that guided lead Marjorie Hughes, greatly improved second in Rob Turner completely dominating the rest of the field with a commanding victory and not only that the planet's aligned and they also took home the Jackpot, thanks must go to Rick Galea, and the effervescent Merve Stewart for a wonderful job this year.

Friday night presentation had a huge roll up and shirts and trophies were presented a great night was had by all.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls also had a great roll up and Jill Spencer did a wonderful job in placement of the teams and it was our beautiful club coach that has been in absolute control of her accuracy in her length and speed of her bowls to lead Keith Bates at lead and back to his best the confident Rick Galea at second over Betty Nicole's hot team and the rest of the participating groups.

The weekly prestigious Health Hub awards went to Merve Stewart on Wednesday and the very talented and beautiful Scottish lass Liz McManus.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Our Jackpot winners of Andrew Butler Marjorie Hughes and Rob Turner. Photo supplied

Our AGM was held on Sunday, new executive committee are Chairman Lloyd White, Vice President Gavin Charles, Secretary Helen Jacobsen, Treasurer Gus Munro.

Congratulations to all appointed.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Lee Welsted, Andrew Peebles, Mitch Wright, and Jason Wright. Photos supplied

Helen Jacobsen and Andrew Peebles

Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst

Steve Roome and Lee Welsted