From 27th to 28th October, The Pioneer Swimming Club travelled to Rockhampton for the Beef City Preparation Meet, hosted by Caribeae Swimming Club. This was the first time the Pioneers have travelled to this meet as a club, and it did not disappoint.

The club were very impressed with the range of events programmed, including ‘Speed Machine’ races, where money could be won for the fastest freestyle swimmers in each age group. ‘Top Gun’, where swimmers are eliminated one by one after each heat, as well as relay events.

In the ‘Speed Machine’ event, Annaliese Miles placed first for the 10-year-olds and Jade Bounden was first for 17 and Over, winning $25.

Ralph Traeger and Makenna Malagueno each placed second for the 9-year-olds, with Alex Moss placing second for the 12-year-olds and Ella Bounden second for the 14-year-olds, each scoring $20.

Stevie Brand was third for the 15-year-olds, receiving $15; and Henry Porter and Yasmin Seedwell also received $10, placing fourth for 13 and 14-year-olds respectively.

Jade Bounden was also dubbed the ‘Top Gun’ in the elimination skins events for females.

Many medals, personal bests and even Age Champions were attained by the Dolphins. The club’s youngest swimmer, Alice Demin (Coach Igor’s daughter), also enjoyed her first competition – at only 4-years-old!

Congratulations to all – what a strong presence for Pioneer!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Coach Igor giving a pep talk to swimmers

Pioneer's youngest swimmer, Alice Demin

Bethany Miles

Elliott Shillington

Pioneer Swimming Club team members

Photos supplied

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Wednesday’s competition was a Stableford sponsored by the golf club.

Viv Clark won the ladies’ event with Penny Stewart coming runner up.

In the men’s Scott Raisbeck won and Peter Theodossio was runner up.

The weekend saw the Little Masters graded competition returning to the calender. The men played on Saturday and the ladies played Sunday. A big thankyou to Bowen Mazda for sponsoring these events. Zoom Zoom.

The Joker Jackpot is now sitting at a mighty $5300. It all happens at the golf club on Friday night from 5:30pm. Everybody welcome, but if you wish to dine in, please book your table by phoning 47 851206.

Contributed with thanks to Linda Scells.

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Claire Garrod A Gross Winner, sponsor Gary Brenchley, Viv Clark C Gross Winner.

Deb Breeze C Gross Runner up, Bev Lowcock B Nett Winner, sponsor Gary Brenchley, Amanda Parter B Nett Runner up, Robyn Slade A Nett Runner up, Pauline Martin A Nett Winner.

Doug Power A Gross Winner, sponsor Gary Brenchley Bowen Mazda, Mark Tilbrook C Nett Winner. Photos supplied

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Members of the Mackay GameFishing Club Inc ventured up to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club Annual Tournament.

It was a long awaited event, with seven Mackay boats who fished which accounted for an incredible twenty-one from twenty-seven bullfish tagged.

Highlights of the Tournament included 6-year-old Finnlay winning the encouragement award and also a prize in ‘last man standing’. Chad Lewis on boat ‘Upgrade’ winning the ‘shotgun start’ and arrived on the fishing ground in twenty-seven minutes. Also Craig Breadsell wins diamond earnings in the ‘last man standing’.

‘Anarchy’ boat won the ‘most distance travelled’, starting up near North of Hayman Island and finishing somewhere near Parker Reef. Rob Ebzery won the ‘hard luck’ award, by trying to use rubber hooks and jumping off more than five fish the first day. Plus Joey Ecker not having caught a billfish before, to tagging five in three days.

Results:

Champion (8 metres and over boat) – ‘Rehab’

Runner Up (8 metres and over boat) – ‘Nomad’

Winner (Under 8 metres) – ‘Grey Nurse’

Runner Up (Under 8 metres) – ‘Inform’

Champion Angler - Joe Ecker on ‘Rehab’

Runner Up Angler - Peter Mau

Campion Junior Angler - Reid Bitcon

Runner Up Junior Angler - Kai Draper

Small Fry Male Angler and Encouragement Award - Finnlay Mau

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Photos supplied

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Tuesday's overall winners were Michael Miller with 42 pts followed by Dylan Holland and Ryan Wilkes on 39, Adam Maggs on 38 and Simon Della Santa on 37.

Nearest to Pins were Michael Ward and Brian Smith.

Wednesday's Airllywood Stableford competition was won by Jan Shuwalow with 41.

Second was Toni Clauss with 40 followed by Beryl Nosworthy with 38, Ann Gardel with 35 and Elspeth Scotford with 34. Nearest to Pins were Rehab Hull, Beryl Nosworthy, Toni Clauss and Ann Gardel.

On Thursday, Ben Doer won the A division with 40 followed Bodie Kitchingman and Jon Miller on 38.

B division was won by Perri Simpson with 42, and Kerr Claxton and Ron Jamieson had 37.

Pin shots went to Zachary Esden, Barry Mortimer, Ritchie Atkins, and Chris Pham

Terry Handford with 20 pts beat Jackson Gray for the Friday Met Run with the pins won by Nick Watson and Terry Handford.

Saturday's Haymans Electrical Competition’s A division was won by Aaron Prosser with 37 pts followed by Brian Allen also on 37 and Steve Hickey on 36.

The B division was blitzed by Mick Hamilton on 41 ahead of Dean Kercher on 38 and Philip Luckett on 37.

Pin shots went to Mick Kavanagh, Jackson Gray, Rod Wecker, and Phil Luckett.

The ladies were led by Penny Wardroper with 41, Tessa Aitken on 38, Ann Gardel with 36, and Sherri Meade and Paula McQuat on 35. Trish McNeill, and Lyn Muller won the pin shots.

Sunday's stableford was won by Nicole Cooper on 42 pts with Ray Johanneson on 41 from Ryland Hensel and Peta Thomas.

Two pin shots were won by Pauline Redpath, and one each by Nathan Holohan, Ryland Hensel, and Brian Allen.

Upcoming events include competitions on Tuesday and Friday plus the Wednesday PD Law Monthly Medal, the Thursday VenueSmart Monthly Medal, the RGH Saturday Monthly Medal and the KJC Diesel Repairs Sunday Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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While numbers may have been down with people away (some overseas) and many partying on after a major birthday do on Saturday evening, but 15 players still made it for a keen competition.

Blustery winds continued to make things difficult for some players, especially the big hitters, but WGC players never give up, and Stableford is very forgiving on that bad hole when you don’t have to putt out.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner: Pauline Redpath, a lovely game, earning 36 points

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 30 points

Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner: Karen Rix with 34 points

Runner-up: Pam Casey with 30 points

Longest Drive: Pam Casey

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Jason Bourke with 32 points

Runner-up: Clay Coles with 28 points

Longest Drive: Nathan Holohan

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Don Cameron with 32 points

Runner-up: David Hoy with 30 points

Longest Drive: Don Cameron

NTPs:

For the ladies: Tiina Randmae, Pam Casey and Pauline Redpath.

For the men: Gerald Lovell and Jason Bourke.

NAGAs: the honours went to Leigh Jones, a drink courtesy of sponsors Aaron and Tracy Watts.

NEXT WEEK: will be the November MM and least putts, last chance for contenders to make it for the Medal of Medals 2023, get your names in as early as possible so we can play in a block.

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This week 9-hole stableford competition saw Donna Henderson take first place with a 22 pt c/b, second place with 22 pts Riley Mercieca and third place with 21 pts c/b was Dean Barnard.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Paula Wronski on 21 pts in first place, second place with 19 pts Sean Cain and third with 18 c/b was Glenn Rees.

Sundays 18-hole Monthly medal was a great turn out. Brad Low took first place with a 42 NETT, second place with a 43 NETT Ireneusz Gruszcynski and third place with 47 NETT Jake Day. Nearest the pin was Shane Bradley and Danny York. Great effort by all.

This Sunday will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Tim and Sacha Walton. Photo supplied

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Over the weekend, 8 swimmers competed at the Charters Towers LC Transition Meet.  

Eloise Chegwidden aged 8 years won all her individual events.  

Eloise’s brother, Harry swam 3 PBs and achieved top placings in all his events.

Remy Hedges, aged 15 years, had a very successful carnival.  

One of Remy’s best swims includes her 1st place in the 400m Freestyle.  

Team Harland had a super weekend.  

Indigo Harland swam personal best times in all her events.  

She took 26.08sec off her previous best time in 25m Butterfly.  

Despite being sick the week leading into the carnival, Ruby Harland won 6 of her events and achieved 5 PBs.  

Two of Ruby’s best swims include her 200m Breaststroke which she swam in 3.57.12 (a 15.69sec PB) and her 1st place in the 100m Butterfly with 1.73sec PB.  

Brothers, Zach and Alex Trefz swam top times in the majority of their races.    

Alex achieved 1st and 2nd places in his events.  

Zach swam massive PBs of over 20sec in his 100m Butterfly and 200m Freestyle.  

His best swims include 1st place in 50m Butterfly in a time of 35.36s and his 1st place swim 50m Breaststroke with a 2.54sec PB.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers!  

A big thank you to Darren Hedges for assisting with coaching and to all the wonderful parents.

On Wednesday, 2 new Club Records were presented Lucas Korosec and Ehsan Helou!  

Upgrade Certificates were presented to Zach Trefz, Miller Eaves and Eric Mulliss.  

Swim of the Night Awards were presented to Millie Groom for 25m Breaststroke and Tora Delac for 50m Backstroke.  

Congratulations swimmers!  

Top performers at Club Night for the most PBs were Millie Groom, Ehsan Helou, Noah Maltby, Owen Schepisi, Eric Mulliss and Zach Trefz.  

Well done, swimmers!  

A big thank you to all the parents and volunteers who assisted with officiating on Wednesday night!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons Team at Charters Towers Oct 2023

Millie Groom with Swim of the Night Award. Photos supplied

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Rowena Sinclair-Smith is one dedicated and determined woman. Mother of three, granny to one, swim school owner and lnstructor in ACT, astute business woman and a passionate competing Triathlete.

Rowena recently purchased a house in the Whitsundays and now commutes between Canberra and Airlie Beach.

She is a committed member of our Whitsunday Triathlon Club spending her time training in the sugarcane fields with other club members.

For a longtime Rowena has had the ambition to race for team Australia in the

half and full lronman World Championship Events.

In 2010 she competed in her first Triathlon. Her performances to date include 13 Full lronman and up to 2O latt lronman which have taken her from Port Macquarie, Busselton, Cairns, Los Cabos Mexico, Wisconsin, Mont Tremblant, Harvey Bay and elsewhere throughout Australia.

This year her dream came true after finishing on the Podium in first place in her age group category 50-54 at Port Macquarie and gaining automatic qualification to go to the World Half lronman Championships in Lahti, Finland on 26th August 2023.

This course is held in beautiful green pristine surroundings at the Northern most destination for any lronman event.

Rowena was amazed when she also qualified for a spot to go to Kona, Hawaii to compete in the Full lronman event earlier this month.

Kona is the pinnacle of All Triathlon Sport. Professionals and Age Group triathletes from around the globe dream of racing on this, the lronman Main Stage.

lt is one of the most incredible races on this planet. The best of the best embark on a 3.8km Ocean swim, 180km cycle, finishing with a 42km run all through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.

For most it is the Ultimate test of strength, mind, spirit and endurance.

To represent your country and do a Double is no mean feat, but for this Triathlon champion nothing is impossible. Rowena competed in Finland then backed it up with completing Kona.

The Whitsunday Triathlon Club is privileged to have this enthusiastic woman as part of our club. A magnificent achievement and a very welcome addition to our training members.

Watch her future success closely.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Triathlon Club.

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Rowena Sinclair-Smith competed in the Iron Man World Championships earlier this month. Photos supplied

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A life of dedication and commitment to a sport that he loves is what motivates Shane Allan, who recently represented Whitsundays PCYC at the Sarina Fight Night.

In the heavyweight category, Shane had some big competition, at least 20 kilo heavier competition, as far as his wife Kristy Allan was concerned.

Sharing blows, the competition was hard.

“Shane’s opponent was a huge fellow,” Kristy described.

“Shane isn’t a small man, but his competitor made him look tiny!”

Amazingly, despite the size difference, Shane came home with a win on the night.

But for Shane, the Sarina Fight Night was meaningful for another reason, with him donning his former coach’s cape.

“Tyrel Cameron was a great friend, and a great coach to Shane,” Kristy said.

“Tyrel was a big part of Shane’s life and losing Tyrel was hard.”

Tyrel was Shane’s boxing coach, who unfortunately died by suicide some years ago.

“Wearing Tyrel’s cape and dedicating the match to Tyrel was very important and taking home the win really just made the event.”

Shane has dedicated much of his life to boxing, since he was 18 years old.

“He’s a bit of a machine,” Kristy said.

Having taken on a match at the Airlie Fight Night, and coming home with a loss and some bruises, this win is a lot sweeter.

“Airlie Fight Night had a good atmosphere, with Shane having a great fight. Both him and his opponent fought damn hard, but Shane only came home with a black eye and a few scuffs.”

But now, with a win under his belt, Shane is ready to get back to training, readying himself for the 2024 Fight Nights.

“He trains five to six times a week. He often trains with a police officer, who volunteers his time to train boxers, who has been a big help.”

And also, Kristy says that when he does finally hang up his boxing belt, he won’t leave the sport entirely.

“Boxing will always be a part of his life. When he does call it, he’ll train youth and kids, but he’s got some go in him.”

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Shane Allan was over 20 kilos lighter than his opponent, but still managed to pull off the win. Photo supplied

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Can you believe that we are almost into the last month of Spring the year is almost over here in Paradise, but our bowls is only getting bigger.

Tuesday afternoon bowls saw skipper Tony Whitehorn with lead Maureen Barnard take home the prize money and to make it a family affair Betty Whitehorn won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls was a fantastic afternoon with the lovable Bobby Spees as skipper with Betty Whitehorn, and Eric Barnard at lead prove far too strong and run out comfortable winners and Tony Whitehorn also kept the Health Hub award in the family with a lucky win.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners Rick Galea and Andy McDougall first round winners with Rick Galea back to his very best form with a great performance and comfortable victory whilst Mark Mawson was the B Division winner of the day.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw Col Morris as skipper with a great performance ably assisted by Paul Osborne at lead and the lovely Betty Whitehorn at second with visitor from Mulgrave Country Club in Victoria took home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Sunday afternoon mixed pairs saw Vicki Spann with her husband Shane win for the second time in 3 years with a commanding victory.

Whilst all this was happening Manny Isgro with Harry Quod were in the finals of the state titles and just missed out on a podium finish to come in as the 4th best team in our state of Queensland, what a fantastic performance for our little club and we are just so proud of them.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Triples Competition Final: Ron Muir, Herb Dalton, and Shane Spann defeated Lee Welsted, Jeff Tierney, and Steve Roome.

Wednesday Social: Anna, Ross Scanlon, Peter Bruce defeated Eddy Neylon, Keith Kirk, and Steve Roome.

B.Barker and Gavin Charles defeated R.Muir and Peter Bruce.

Allen Williams, Lou Fordham, and Steve Roome had a drawn game with Mary Ellen Pratten, Ron Gould, and Doc Fordham.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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The last of the Champion of Champion events for the Mackay District were held this weekend.  

Our 2 Bowl Triples team of Shane Kinnear, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley travelled to Pioneer Valley to compete, and compete strongly they did.  

They won their first game against Sarina 32 - 21 and were taken out of the contest by Souths Suburban going down 27 - 25 in the second game.  

North Mackay were this year's winners of the event.

On Wednesday in Social Bowls Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann and Heather Brown defeated Mary Hedgelong, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison 27 - 18 in a game of triples.

In a game of Consistency Singles Bruce Uhe 113 defeated John Anderson 47 then Bruce Uhe 87 defeated Sandy Daffara 73.

On Sunday Arthur Griffith, Pat Bownds and David Ling defeated Jim Bownds, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison 24 - 13; John Anderson, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, John Burnett and Heather Brown 19 - 15.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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After three weekends of Bridge, Frances Brown won the Presidents Cup followed by Janelle Conroy in second place.

Sandy Patterson and Geoff Cowan won the Novice Pairs with Joy Block and Diane Stokes as the runners up.

WEEKLY RESULTS

28th October – Presidents Cup Final Results

1st Frances Brown

2nd Janelle Conroy

3rd Max Holewa

4th Robert Carless

29th October – Novice Pairs Final Results

1st Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson

2nd Joy Block / Diane Stokes

3rd Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell 4th Annie Lynch / Ann Whitmore

23rd October – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

3rd Pamela Finger / Ming Ting

E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

24th October – 4 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild

2nd Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright 4th Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

25th October – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

26th October – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Patricia Garner / Mick King 4th Susan Ross / Jan Harris

27th October – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

E/W

1st Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

2nd Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

3rd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

28th October – Presidents Cup Week 3 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st David Ting / Debra Goodchild

2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

3rd Alan Brown / Diane Morgan

E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Monica Darley

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Frances Brown / Janelle Conroy

29th October – Novice Pairs Week 3 of 3 – 6 Table One Winner Red Points

1st Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders

2nd Joy Block / Diane Stokes

3rd Sandy Patterson / Geoff Cowan

Contributed by Joy Block

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Geoff, Ian (Director) and Sandy - Novice Pairs Winners

Some table action at Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Photos supplied

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On Tuesday, winners we had 2 games of 3 bowl pairs.

Winners were Hans Baas, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Bron Tolcher and Robyn Stitt.

Gwenda Lydom and Penny Warren defeated Deb Retchless and Linda Smith. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday winners were Denise Wallace, Dot Staler and Pat Tracey defeated Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Greg Colquhoun.

Lyn Danvers, Jim Quod, and Mark Drummond defeated Robyn Stitt, Penny Warren, and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition results: Mixed Triples Tracey Roach, Lloyd White, and Jason Wright defeated Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, and Mark Drummond, Single Sets Mitch Wright defeated Bron Tolcher.

We would like to wish our Ladies Pennant Side representing Zone 8 good luck and good bowling as they represent Zone 8 playing in the State Pennant finals at Tweed Heads this weekend 4 and 5 November.

Bowls Queensland do livestream games so keep a lookout we may be there.

Progress results of other games are also usually posted on the screen. What an experience!

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Blue Pennant Winners 2023. Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council has awarded more than $30,000 to two local equestrian organisations.

Mackay Riding for the Disabled was awarded $6739 to upgrade its fences and boundaries and Mackay and District Hack and Pony Club received $24,300 to upgrade and extend their current cross-country course.

The grants were part of $192,564 worth of Community Grants (round one) awarded to 22 community groups.

Community Grant Committee Chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura said this round of grants had been very competitive, but some excellent projects had been supported.

“It was great to see the Mackay Riding for the Disabled awarded funds to support the amazing work they do within the community,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“They are an organisation that provides a vital therapy service to people living with disability and the difference they make in the lives of those people, and their lives of their families, is amazing,” he said.

“It was also pleasing to see the Road Accident Action Group awarded $5400 to upgrade their ‘Stock on Roads’ video campaign, which is a vital educational tool in our region.”

Cr Bonaventura said it was also good to see infrastructure projects supported for the North Mackay Saints AFC and Mackay Junior Motorcross.

“The Saints successfully applied for $30,000 to upgrade their canteen, and the motorcross club was awarded $24,000 to help replace their scoring tower,” he said.

He said a $26,000 grant also went to the Mackay and District Woodchopping Association to purchase a new purpose-built tipper trailer.

“That trailer will be a vital asset for the association and the committee was pleased to be able to support the application on the condition that the trailer was sourced from a local supplier.”

Round two of council Community Grants, which also has $193,000 available, is now open and closes on Friday, November 3. Council is encouraging not-for-profits to get their applications in as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Also supported this round was:

• Mackay Riverside Market - $1500 for large games, dining tables and chairs.

• Marian Community War Memorial Hall - $1218 for a new fridge/freezer and microwave.

• Sarina Western Performance and Quarter Horse Club - $1103 for a printer and sound equipment.

• Sarina and District Community Kindergarten - $1439 for office equipment and furniture.

• Mackay Choral Society - $4320 for lighting, fans and electrical work.

• Mackay Swimming Academy - $2500 towards the Great Barrier Reef Swimming Carnival.

• Pioneer Catchment Landcare - $4000 towards revegetating around Crediton Hall and a Landcare day.

• Mackay Community Radio Association - $2000 towards a 30th anniversary dinner.

• Heart Kids Ltd - $531 towards the Heart Kids Two Feet and a Heartbeat Charity Walk.

• Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc - $4045 for re-flooring their first aid room.

• QCWA Mackay Branch - $1500 for a laptop.

• Gargett QCWA - $1900 for a laptop and fridge.

• Iona West Men’s Shed - $1739 for an industrial range dust collector.

• Seaforth Bowls Club - $8330 to upgrade a door that improves accessibility to the venue.

• Finch Hatton Primary P&C Association - $30,000 for stage two of the multi-purpose courts upgrade.

• Mirani State School P&C Association - $10,000 for a community Indigenous yarning circle and sensory garden.

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Mackay and District Hack and Pony Club was awarded $24,300 to upgrade and extend their current cross-country course

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