On Wednesday we had twelve players enjoying bowls at the new Summertime opening hours of names in by 2.30pm and bowls from 3pm.  

Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe and Philip Brown defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds and Mike Harrison 22 – 17.

Lee King, Barry Zillmann, and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Mary Hedgelong and Sandy Daffara 28 - 16.

On Friday night the club was opened for an evening of Barefoot Bowls and Proserpine really responded well with 52 bowlers enjoying an evening of bowls and a sausage sizzle.  

Thank you to our club members who made this possible by organising the event, the BBQ, the bowls, and the bar.  

For those who are interested, keep your eye open for the next Friday night event.

On Sunday we had 9 bowlers enjoying an afternoon of bowls.  

Alan Pershouse and Philip Brown defeated Bruce Uhe and Arthur Griffith 35 -9.

Lee King, Sandy Daffara and Heather Brown defeated Mary Hedgelong, Sandy Daffara and Mike Harrison 25 – 22.

In this game the score was 22 all at the end of the 20th end.

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Well summer is almost here and it couldn't come sooner as the quality of bowls at our little club is sizzling.

No bowls again on Tuesday due to no water, however Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls run by Rick Galea, and marvellous Merve Stewart saw new bowler Arthur McManus showing all how much his practice has paid off whom with Shane Spann runaway winners on the day, and it was the Men's Singles champion Alan Pershouse who went home with the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers capably organised by John Askew saw first round winners Margo Stanley, Shaz Harper again showing her skills and Mark Mawson play in the final, but no one could get close to our club coach Margo Stanley with an emphatic victory, whilst Andy McDougall won the B Grade prize.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls ably organised by Lyn Graham saw skipper Stephen Lawrie, with lead Paul Osborne back to his best and Tony Kelly too good for the rest of the field however it must be stated that the team of Rick Galea at skipper with Robin Brown at Lead and Lyn Graham at second played some extraordinary bowls and all three players could easily have lit the BBQ without using a match because they were on fire too.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our team that came fourth at North Mackay against all clubs Manny Isgro, Shane Spann, Ash Warland, and Betty Nicole. Photo supplied

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AFL Sessions

The Whitsunday Sea Eagles are looking for their next female super stars!

All ladies, aged 16 years old and above, are welcome to attend a series of ‘Come and Try AFL’ afternoons throughout the end of November and early December.

Designed for any women who are wishing to sign up for the 2024 season or wish to try out a new sport, these afternoons are perfect for seasoned players and newcomers.

All fitness levels are welcome and are at no cost to participants.

Contact Chris Morrison 0428 874 409, or message the club on their Facebook page at Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFL Club.

WHAT: Come and Try Women’s AFL

WHEN:

November 30, at 5.30pm

December 7, at 5.30pm

December 14, at 5.30pm

WHERE:

Whitsunday Sportspark

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The Cannonvale Cannons thoroughly enjoyed racing in the GBR meet held in Mackay over the weekend. The coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were impressed with all the swimmers.  

14 years and older swimmers: Remy Hedges and Ehsan Helou won most of their individual events.  Tiana Bell swam PBs in all her events and won medals for her Breaststroke races. Jack Ganter swam a brilliant 200m Backstroke in 2.56.30, 14.7sec PB to earn 1st place. Holly Perrin, Noah Maltby, Jacob Bell, and Anisa Helou medaled in most of their events.  

11 – 13 years:  Charlie Doherty and Thomas Ganter swam PBs and won medals in most of their events.  Zach Trefz, Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Matilda Nicholes, Isabella Pisaniello, and Andie Reynolds swam PBs and were very happy with their medal awards. Isaac Pisaniello swam 200m Breaststroke with a massive 67sec PB. Dylan Reynolds swam PBs in her 50m Fly and 100m Breaststroke.  

10 and 11 years: Don Algie swam 6PBs and medaled in all his events. Jax Clayworth left one of his best swims until the end, he swam an excellent 100m Freestyle I 2.48.85 and took out 1st place. Declan Dichiera swam 5PBs and swam huge 22.11sec PB in the 200m Freestyle to earn an excellent time of 3.16.36. Jasper Korosec achieved 4 PBs and 3rd place in 50m Breaststroke. Celeste Orenshaw swam 5PBs and won 4 medals. Addie Sanders swam a super 100m Breaststroke. Indi Smith swam extremely well to achieve 5PBs.

9 years and under: Eloise Chegwidden, Alex Trefz, Harris Delac and Lucas Korosec had a successful weekend winning medals in all their events. Harry Chegwidden swam 2PBs and was excited with his 3rd place in 25m Breaststroke. Zane Clayworth achieved 2nd place for his 50m Free, 3rd for his 50m Fly and took over 2 sec off his Breaststroke.  Maeve Dichiera swam very well in Freestyle and Breaststroke. Evelyn Doherty swam 2PB and her best events were 100m and 50m Breaststroke. Eric Mulliss swam 2 PBs and came 3rd in his 50m Backstroke.

Congratulations Cannons!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons at GBR Nov 2023. Photo supplied

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The National Rifle Association Australia (NRAA) Kings event is over for another year, seeing two members of Mackay District Target Rifle Association (MDTRA) dominate the three-day competition.

Father and daughter duo, Terry and Kylah Norris brought home the wins, with Terry in 1st place and 17-year-old Kylah in 2nd place in the Grand Aggregate and Sport/Hunter Production Class Open categories for the Kings competition.

The Kings competition held twenty-four matches over three days. The power duo put the Norris name in lights, scoring the top rankings by the end stage of the competition.

Day one of the Kings campaign started off slow and steady, dropping a few points compared to their rivals in the competition. Terry acknowledged the stern words of advice they had received that night from other shooters, being told not to give up and to aim for the combined aggregate of the two competitions.

He concerned himself with how he and Kylah could turn things around, going into day two taking both 900m range wins, both scoring a clean 50.9.

They took on the 1000y with tricky conditions. Kylah shot a 48.5 and a 50.4, while Terry shot a 49.4 and a 49.6. At the end of this day, Terry had the day two aggregate win, with Kylah following closely behind in second.

At this stage, Terry was tied in first place overall with Wu Lau, who held the lead for most of the competition, with Kylah in third.

Day three of the Kings competition saw the duo clearing both 1000y matches with clean shots.

Terry commented, “On the last day, both Kylah and I didn’t drop a single shot whereas everybody else dropped one or more”.

“It’s such a hard, long distance to shoot over, lots of wind and different variables there and we kept it all together.

“I loved watching her shoot her last round, I jumped down and gave her a big hug. I knew she’d come second at that point.”

Kylah took both wins for the 1000y events and the day three daily aggregate win. The finishing overall total for Kylah was an impressive 545.71, leaving winner Terry on 546.55.

The duo were both ecstatic with their performances at the Kings event, with Kylah positively baffled that her and Dad had both secured the top spots in a national competition.

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Terry and Kylah Norris at the NRAA Kings event

Kylah staying focused on her target

Terry lining up his next shot

Photos supplied

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Premiership front runners Brothers and Norths Devils produced an enterprising run fest in a quality Poole Cup first grade showdown in the Mackay Cricket Association competition last weekend.

In a fine exhibition of batting, the Brothers top order featured prominently to help set up a crucial 18-run victory at Harrup Park’s George Gorrie Oval.

Talented opener Wiets Buys led the way with a stylish 63 off 90 balls that included eight boundaries and a six with support from Joseph Hackney (41), skipper Matthew Wicks (39), club stalwart Chris Dunn (37) and 15-year-old young gun Jack Law (33 off 34 balls) as Brothers posted an impressive total of 252.

Buys shared an opening stand of 58 with Wicks before combining with Hackney for a second wicket partnership of 74.

Dunn, a St Patrick’s College Mackay cricket mentor, also demonstrated his vast experience by adding 65 runs for the fourth wicket with schoolboy prodigy Law.

Pacemen Kerrod Tortora (3-62) and Mason Kohler (29) and off spinner Lachlan Brett were the pick of the Devils’ bowlers.

Dashing Norths batsmen Darryn Dyer (59) and Chris Day (43) provided an ideal springboard for their team in reply – blasting an opening stand of 104 to keep the Devils in the hunt.

The flamboyant Dyer faced 33 balls and cracked four sixes and six boundaries while Day carved out five boundaries and two sixes during his 37-ball knock.

Other batsmen to contribute were Jason Butterworth (35 runs off 48 deliveries), all rounder Tortora (23) and the Kohler siblings Mason (21) and Lane (20) as the Devils came perilously close to sinking the competition leaders.

Brothers’ off spinner Cameron Tomerini (3-47), quick Mitch Wadsworth (3-66), the fearless Law (1-19), wily Dunn (1-34) and Floris Duvenhage (1-32) grabbed key wickets in a tense finish.

PIONEER VALLEY continued the Magpies’ woes by recording a thirty run triumph at the Magpies Sports Ground.

The Valley posted 8-149 off their 40 overs with top knocks by Cody Filewood (52) and Lochi Whitehead (48) and an unbeaten 14 from Jade Filewood.

Missing five key players, the Magpies applied plenty of pressure with the ball with 16-year-old rookie quick Myles Cochrane stamping his mark.

In only his second top grade appearance, the Whitsunday Anglican schoolboy snared 3-25 in a lively seven over spell with support from spin twins Isaac Borg (2-23) and Liam Zurvas (2-28).

Turning point was the crucial second wicket partnership of 99 by Valley batsmen Cody Filewood and Whitehead.

Magpies’ premiership-winning skipper Ben Zurvas bounced back to form with a classy 47 and kept his side on track with a vital seventh wicket stand of 44 with Isaac Borg (25) after the home side were reeling at 6-67.

Valley pace ace Bailey Camilleri grabbed 4-18 off eight overs to give the visitors the edge with support from Cody Filewood (2-13), skipper Tim Cridland (2-15) and Harry Kirkwood (2-33).

A SUPERB half century from legendary Walkerston keeper-batsman Sam Vassallo piloted his team to a stunning victory over Souths at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The Mackay-Whitsunday Open mens representative skipper smashed 72 off 59 balls as Walkerston (5-184) eclipsed Souths (4-183) in a hard-fought tussle.

Vassallo hit seven boundaries and a six during his epic knock and shared a vital second wicket partnership of 84 with St Patrick’s College schoolboy ace Etienne Pretorius (35 runs off 51 balls).

Jakob Frerichs chipped in with an important 23 runs for the Walkerston warriors.

Souths registered a competitive 4-183 with top contributions from Liam Burgess (64), Shaun Austin (35), Muhammed Wahab (33) and Kellen Powell (26 not out).

Burgess clouted nine boundaries and a six in a classic display and shared an opening stand of 72 with Wahab to ignite the Souths innings.

Left arm spinner Pretorius (2-28) and off spinner Jacob Christensen (2-42) spearheaded the Walkerston bowling attack.

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Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club recently host the 32nd annual North Australian Titles, which saw more than a thousand lifesavers, water safety, carnival officials and spectators descended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The surf conditions at the carnival were very challenging for lifesavers with a 5.8m high tide coupled with a 2-metre swell. The surf was pumping and so were the competitors.

Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said “The club is very proud of our small but strong competition group, from the nippers in U11’s to our masters.

“To see our competitors take on the best of the best in the North and achieve some great results, is a credit to the culture and commitment we have at our club.  

“The feedback I have received from visiting clubs is that they love coming here and competing at one of the best beaches in Queensland. I would just like to thank all the clubs that made the effort and travelled to Mackay to the North Aussies, we hope to see you next year!”

The club had some standout achievements placing 6th overall and attaining a 2nd place in the March Past.

“It was very pleasing to see our U11 competitor Harry Madden take out Age Champion, as well as having Zara Richardson, Nate McKinnon, Joe Madden and Cadence McKinnon selected for the Queensland Country team based on their outstanding results.” Mr Grant said.  

“It’s a fantastic result to place with the best of the best of Northern Australia.  The club is going from strength to strength, and we are now preparing our lifesavers for Branch Titles in a few weeks.”

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Mackay SLSC March Past team took out 2nd position.

Under 15 Board Rescue Champions Zara Richardson and Molly Madden

Under 15 Nate McKinnon (2nd from right) at the start of the Ironman before placing 1st

Kody Amos Under 11 taking on the surf at Mackay Harbour Beach

Joe “Jingle Bells” Madden U13 after taking out 2nd place in the board race

Zara Richardson Under 15 at the end of board race in big swells at the Harbour

Under 11 Age Champion Harry Madden coming in 2nd

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After spending the last two NBL1 seasons in the ‘Top End’, Jerron Jamerson will make the move back to the ‘Sunshine State’ and a return to McDonald’s Mackay Meteors line-up for 2024.

The 31-year-old is no stranger to the Mackay faithful, having played an NBL1 North season for the Meteors red and black in 2021.

It was a campaign to remember for the star American import. Jamerson finishing the season averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per contest, enroute to helping the Meteors secure the inaugural NBL1 North title, while taking home Grand Final Most Valuable Player honours in the process.

Following the 2021 season, Jamerson journeyed to Darwin to help drive the new Northern Territory based NBL1 franchise. In 40-games as co-captain of the Salties across 2022 and 2023, Jamerson averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, while shooting over 50% from the field and 75% at free throw line.

Hailing from Indiana, Jamerson quickly became a fan favourite in the Crater on the back of his athleticism and talent to finish above the rim. His versatility a big reason why McDonald’s Mackay Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu chose to bring the 194cm wing back to the Sugar City.

Jerron brings many things to the floor at both ends, and that’s certainly why we see him as a key piece to our puzzle,” Khalu said.

“He can play both multiple positions, taking advantage of smaller players in the low post, while also capitalising on perimeter mismatches versus bigger, slower defenders.”

“He’s also proved that he's a winner and can step up in big games. He plays with tremendous passion and our crowd certainly feeds off his determination.”

“Most importantly though, his aim is to win championships and be a part of our teams’ overall success.”

“I know our fans here in Mackay will be pumped to have Jerron return, not only on the court, but also with the work he does in the community to help grow the game and develop younger hoopers. His commitment in that space is integral to our clubs’ overall culture.”

Jamerson was also thrilled about a Mackay NBL1 sequel.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back to the Mack and suiting up in front of the great Mackay fans,” Jamerson said.

“Being able to play for Joel again, and getting back out there with the boys, were both huge parts in my decision to come back.”

“We all have the same goal in mind, and that’s bringing the championship back to Mackay!”

Jamerson will relocate to Mackay early next year to commence pre-season training with the Meteors.

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Jerron Jamerson

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The annual North Mackay Sinkers Open Water Swim is held on the first Sunday in November each year. This year’s race, on November 5, dawned with clear skies, zero wind and welcome temperatures in and out of the water.

Some 49 swimmers registered for the annual event, made up of 33 females and 16 males set to compete.

Distances offered in the competition were the 1.25-kilometre, which included an aided swimmer section of flippers and buoys. A 2.5-kilometre distance and the main event, a challenging 5-kilometre swim that includes the King and Queen of the River title. This year the club sponsored new perpetual trophies for the King and Queen events, as well as similar trophies for the 14–18-year section.

With the results in, the North Mackay Sinkers have three new reigning champions in the 5-kilometre event. Welcoming Ben Miles as the open age male winner, and Samantha Sticklan as the open age female winner.

The sole junior swimmer Zara Richardson was successful in the 14–18-year olds’ 5-kilometre event. See the results below, which are line-honour based, not age group based.

5K event

Female Place

1. Zara Richardson (14-18) – 1:25:10

2. Samantha Stricklan – 1:31:04

3. Sarah Shuttlewood – 1:39:16

4. Jody Walker 1:41:25

Male Place

1. Ben Miles – 1:21:52

2. Nigel Dalton – 1:41:10

2.5K Event

Female Place

1. Linda Single – 40:46

2. Karen Chandler - 43:11

3. Megan Taylor - 47:56

Male Place

1. Pierre Craven – 43:58

2. John Barrett – 54:03

3. Murray Wonnocott 57:24

1.25K Event

Female Place

1. Toni Enright – 26:58

2. Lucy Guye – 28:22

3. Rebecca Casanovas – 28:26

Male Place

1. Daniel Stampa – 28:13

2. Davis Nicholas – 28:18

3. Adam Chappell – 31:03

The event was well supported in and out of the water by swimmers, water safety volunteers and numerous club members assisting to deliver a smooth, well-run event.

President of the North Mackay Sinkers Daniel Stampa stated, “It was fantastic to see regular swimmers at this event as well as a brace of new competitors taking on the shorter and longer distances for the first time.”

The 2024 event is tentatively scheduled for November 3 2024 and the picturesque location is a fantastic place for the club to swim and test their skills.

The club is considering a format change for 2024, as well as contemplating delivering another Open Water Swim in a unique location, stay tuned for more details.

Contributed by Daniel Stampa.

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Winners of the 5-kilometre event (left to right) Open Female Winner Sam Sticklan, Junior Female Winner Zara Richardson and Open Male Winner Ben Miles

Contestants of the 2.5-kilometre event brace the waters in the Open Water Swim competition. Photos supplied

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Mackay will see an influx of visitors between 24th to 26th November with the hosting of the Under 13 Girls and Under 13 Boys Indoor State Hockey Championships.

The Championships present a great opportunity to showcase the state’s incredible hockey talent in a round robin competition and are used as a selection process for the Queensland Indoor Under 13 hockey teams.

Mackay has been well represented over the years at both State and National level, now harnessing the chance to put their talents and sportsmanship on display.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson stated, “This event serves as a platform for our budding athletes to sharpen their skills and compete against some of the best hockey players in their division in the state.

“This tournament is more than a competition; it's a crucial stepping stone in the development of our young players, giving them the opportunity to hone their abilities and nurture their passion for the game.

“Good luck to all the players competing to today’s event, we trust this will be a fantastic tournament.

“Council is proud to support this event through our Invest Mackay Events Attraction Fund, which aims to attract visitors, generate positive economic results and foster community pride.”

Mackay Hockey Association President Matt Murphy stated, “On behalf of the Mackay Hockey Association, I would like to welcome Hockey Queensland Officials, competitors, their families, and supporters to the 2023 Hockey Queensland Under 13 State Championships.

“The Mackay Hockey Association executive committee, volunteers and members hope that our hospitality will make this an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved.”

Event Details

Hockey Queensland U13 Indoor Boys State Championships

24th – 26th November 2023

Pioneer State High School Hall on 221 Bedford Road, Andergrove.

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Amidst the clinking of bowls and the camaraderie that defines the Marian Ladies Bowls Club, a recent event echoed a more profound purpose. Their annual Charity Day took centre stage, resonating with compassion and generosity.

This year, the club chose to extend their hands of support to the Trudy Crowley Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting those battling a silent beast: ovarian cancer. Two representatives from the foundation attended the event, receiving a cheque from the club and sharing insights into their work within the Mackay district.

In a heartfelt address, the foundation shed light on the ominous nature of ovarian cancer, often lurking undetected until it's too late. "What a great job they do," remarked the ladies from the bowls club.

The Trudy Crowley Foundation, named after a beacon of resilience in the face of ovarian cancer, stands as a bastion of hope and assistance.

Its aim to expose this silent killer, raising awareness and vital funds and its goal is to ensure no woman, child, partner, or friend feels alone in this battle.

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Judith Miller, Chris Giannangelo, Rosie Stannard, Katie Moohin, Lyn Jackson

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Medically retired North Queensland Cowboys rugby league forward Mitchell Dunn took a trip down memory lane last Friday when he visited his old stamping ground at St Patrick’s College Mackay.

Having bowed out of the NRL as a player due to chronic injuries at the age of 26, the former Mackay Brothers Bulldogs junior has now transitioned into a career in coaching.

Dunn recently commenced a newly created role at the Cowboys as Game Development Coach, with the ex-lock to work with Junior Rugby League coaches throughout North Queensland teaching the coaching practices used at the Cowboys.

St Patrick’s College and the Cowboys enjoy a thriving new partnership.

Dunn - a creative half back for much of his career before switching to the forwards - visited his former school along with Cowboys Head of NRL Elite Pathways Glenn Hall, Elite Pathways coach Steve Sheppard and Strength & Conditioning coach Liam Bartlett.

The Cowboys quartet met up with talented St Patrick’s College centre Norm Campbell and rising forward Declan Grady, who are both contracted to the Cowboys, and top schoolgirl prospects Cianna Faulkner and Keely Logan.

Campbell and Grady starred for the St Patrick’s Year 10 rugby league team that clinched both the Cowboys Challenge Shield and Queensland State Regional Championship titles this year with victories over Ignatius Park College Townsville and Emmaus College Rockhampton.

Dunn has fond memories of his days at St Patrick’s College where he led the school to quarter final appearances in the Confraternity Shield and represented Queensland against NSW in the Under 16 and Under 18 junior Origin series.

St Patrick’s College principal Janelle Agius recalls the gifted five eighth or half back receiving a trophy for Player with Most Potential back in Year 10 as a 15-year-old.

“Mitchell showed a lot of promise as a rugby league junior and student at the College and went on to bigger things,” Mrs Agius reflected.

“He has now gone the full circle and it’s pleasing to know he is putting back into the game as a coaching mentor” she said.

Dunn – who chalked up 58 NRL matches for the Cowboys - also caught up with one of his junior coaches Matthew Paul, the St Patrick’s College Sports Co-ordinator at Mercy Campus.

After graduating from the junior Cutters and Cowboys Academy development pathway systems with Kangaroos forward Reuben Cotter, Dunn skippered the Cowboys’ Under 20 side in 2017 before making his NRL debut the following season.

He played Under 16 Cyril Connell Cup and Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup for the Cutters before moving to Townsville to join the Cowboys and figured in the Townsville Stingers’ Mal Meninga Cup winning side in 2015.

Dunn had two stints with the Cutters in Queensland Cup in 2018-19 and made 13 appearances for the Townsville Blackhawks this season in Hostplus Cup and eight games for the Cowboys before retiring.

He spent his final two playing seasons as a member of the Cowboys Leadership Group and will work closely with Hall and Sheppard and the Cowboys Young Guns squad and Academies programs over the course of the pre-season.

Cowboys General Manager of Football Michael Luck said Dunn was a gifted player with a skillset very few others possess, but his best asset on the field was his footballing brain and his knowledge of the game, which is what he will be able to harness and pass on in this role.

Four of St Patrick’s Aaron Payne Cup-winning first grade side that finished State Championship runners up this year – Queensland Schoolboys half back Jaxon Purdue and hooker Xavier Kerrisk as well as lock forward Kayne Smith and utility back Will Shears – will join the Cowboys in 2024.

By Chris Karas

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North Queensland Cowboys enjoy a thriving partnership with St Patrick’s College Mackay. Pictured during last Friday’s visit are College Sports Co-ordinator Mercy Campus Matthew Paul, Cowboys’ Elite Pathways coach Steve Sheppard, Game Development Coach and former St Patrick’s student Mitchell Dunn, Head of NRL Elite Pathways Glenn Hall, Strength & Conditioning coach Liam Bartlett, St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius, St Patrick’s contracted Cowboys Declan Grady and Norm Campbell plus emerging schoolgirl rugby league prospects Cianna Faulkner and Keeley Logan

Cowboys’ Elite Pathways coach Steve Sheppard and Game Development Coach Mitchell Dunn with St Patrick’s College contracted Cowboys Declan Grady and Norm Campbell

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The ‘Del Ryan’ Central Queensland Memorial Teams event has been played in Mackay. Sixteen teams competed with visitors from Cairns, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and Brisbane. Local Team Martin, Nancy Martin, Geoff Taylor, Ken Seaniger and Marilin Robins came second overall. Best Team in Section B Team Chruickshank, Ian Cruickshank Debra & Eric Goodchild and David Ting. Best Team in Section C Team Lynch, Noel Saunders, Annie Lynch, Sandra Morris and Ted Cullinan. Proud president Noel Bugeia picture with all winners.

Weekly Results

Monday 13 November 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Alexander Long / Tony Lusk

2nd Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

Tuesday Evening 14 November 2023 – 6 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesly 4th Lynne O’Neill / Susan Ross

4th Helen Van Den Breok / Terrence Sheedy

Wednesday 15 November 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Joyce Deguara / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 3rd Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole 4th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Friday 17 November 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

3rd David Ting / Ming Ting 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4th Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 18 November 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy 1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill

3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Mick King / Jan Harris

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Team Martin 2nd Overall

Team Cruickshank B Winners

Team Lynch C winners

October has been an eventful month for Mackay’s Picklers, with 9th October kicking off their first session at the McDonald’s Mackay Multi Sports Stadium.

The team had determined that due to their successful engagements with PCYC, it was time to extend the opportunity and showcase the exciting game of Pickleball to Mackay’s South community.

Mackay Indoor Pickleball is excited to have secured a spot at the Multi Sports Stadium, with Monday morning sessions running every week from 9:30am to 11:30am.

For a small sum of $8, you can enjoy the two hours of fun at the stadium on 107 Juliet Street, South Mackay. Beginners are always welcome and all the gear is supplied for games.

Those interested are welcomed to come along and “have a look”, however the team encourages wearing or bringing along some closed-in shoes. From their experience, most new people can’t resist having a go on their initial visit, and the rest is history!

Tuesday the 10th October was the World Pickleball Day Celebrations. Mackay Indoor Pickleball (MIP) took part by showing off their most yellow displays, taking on the theme for the competition.

MIP took third place overall, a truly astounding performance! A great achievement for the ‘small-town club’, to compete against 30 pickleball clubs and celebrate with much larger local communities and the world.

MIP are proud of their efforts and are excited to gain exposure for the team. The winners across the Australian competition were: Pickleball Townsville in first, Toongabbie Picklers in second, followed by Mackay Indoor Pickleball in third place overall.

Some of the MIP players entered the first Pickleball Tournament to be held in the region, organised by Pickleball Mackay and held on the 28th and 29th October at Kippen Street Tennis Courts.

MIP players Lucy Brown, Toni Latter, Shaun Connolly, Melissa Flower, Paul Bruinewoud, Chris Barbour, Grahame Scott, Heather Hayes and Jenny Wheeldon all took part in the competition and won between them three gold, three silver and seven bronze medals in their chosen categories.

Congratulations to all the competitors who took part, doing Mackay Indoor Pickleball and Pickleball Mackay proud.

It excites the team to see how quickly Pickleball has grown in the past five years, since it hit our region’s shores. The biggest Indoor Pickleball Tournament in the southern hemisphere was held in Brisbane at Morayfield Sports and Events Centre in June.

With more than 530 entrants, featuring international champions who travelled with their families to combine with national champions and local players of all ages for the four-day Queensland Championships.

It was the second successive year that Morton Bay Regional Council and the Pickleball Association of Queensland combined to stage the tournament. In comparison, twelve months ago at the same venue, 350 players entered - which was a record at the time.

It goes without saying, the team at Mackay Indoor Pickleball are excited to be part of this amazing new sport and have a grand plan to put Mackay on the map as the pickleball hub of regional Queensland. So join Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club to become a part of the growth, as well as having some fun!

Weekly games are at PCYC Mackay (33 Norris Road, North Mackay) and include Tuesday nights from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm and Sundays 9am to 11am.

With weekly Monday games at their new location, McDonald’s Mackay Multi Sports Stadium (107 Juliet Street, South Mackay) from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

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Women’s Doubles

The Picklers at McDonalds Mackay Multi Sports Stadium

Women's Pickleball Group

Men's Doubles

Men's Doubles

Winners of World Pickleball Day

Photos supplied

Close to thirty avid runners descended on the Netball Courts on Casey Avenue for the latest leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series, hosted by the Mackay Road Runners Club. The runners embarked on a scenic 5km to 10km journey through East Mackay, navigating the twists and turns of the route.

Despite an initial challenge posed by a headwind, runners persevered and soon found themselves propelled forward by a welcome tailwind.

Returning to the Mackay running scene were Glenn and Karen Baker, seasoned Mackay Road Runners Members currently in town for a brief period. The Evetts family, a standout ensemble, showcased their running prowess with four children in two running prams, leaving an unforgettable mark on the route toward the Ocean International and back.

The post-run atmosphere was festive as runners crossed the finish line, welcomed by the tradition of icy cold frozen zooper doopers. Individual highlights included Paul Mackenzie's unwavering pace, undeterred by an earlier hill training session, and Shane Barben's dedicated accumulation of kilometres in preparation for an upcoming fitness event.

The excitement continues with the next instalment of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series, offering both 5km and 10km options. Scheduled for this Sunday at 5:15 pm, the run will commence from Iluka Park, Binnington Esplanade, Town Beach. As runners gather, the pre-run buzz will include a course briefing by Jim Ford, also the Club Captain and Race Director, setting the stage for an evening of camaraderie and achievement.

As we look ahead to the 2024 season, early registration is already open for the Mackay Road Runners Club. Secure your spot now for a head start when the formal season kicks off in February, ensuring you're part of the action for what promises to be an exhilarating and rewarding year of running in Mackay.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse.

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Jo Hughes (right) welcomes ex Mackay Road Runners Club Members, Glenn and Karen Baker for a 3-week secret training camp in Mackay

(Left to right) Mel Esau, Judy Zahn, Jose Wright, Glenys Forse, and Riley Matsen

Alana Knezevic with daughter, Vivian ready to run