At the start of this September’s school holidays, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club sent a ‘small, but strong’ contingent of 10 lifesavers to take on the best of the North Barrier Branch, consisting of competitors from Sarina in the south to Ingham in the north.

The event took place at the beautiful Magnetic Island for the first carnival of the season, hosted by Townsville’s Arcadian SLSC.

The small team in numbers was strong in its competitiveness, taking out ten gold, five silver and six bronze medals, as well as a host of 4th, 5th & 6th places.  

Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports commented, “The team is only really at the start of their competitive training cycle, with most only hitting the water for the last month or so.  

“To have such great results from such a small team is very promising, particularly as we build for the North Australian titles which we are hosting on our home turf at the end of October.”

He went on to state, “In terms of individual results, based on an aggregate total, we punch well above our weight when compared to huge clubs like Arcadia & Picnic Bay (both from Townsville) who field teams that number over 100 competitors.”

The lifesavers will now be training hard to get ready for the North Australian Titles, to be hosted at Harbour beach from 27th – 29th of October.

This event will see over 500 competitors compete in the largest regional Surf-lifesaving Championships outside of the southeast.

“For us this is just the beginning of bigger and better things for our club,” said Mr Grant.

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Masters competitor Ben Madden took out 1st in the surf swim, board race and ironman events

Mackay U11’s Johnny Grant, Kellan McLean and Harry Madden getting ready for their next event and having some fun on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island’s Alma Bay was a hive of activity at the first Surf Lifesaving carnival for the season

Winners are grinners – the U15 Board Relay team (Zara Richardson, Molly Madden and Meliana Craig) dominated all other clubs taking out 1st place. Photo Credit: Lean McLean Photography

Mackay Surf Club’s “small but strong” team is gaining a reputation throughout the region for their surf sports competitiveness. Photo credit: Leah McLean Photography

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Mackay-Whitsunday senior representative cricket team have fallen short in their quest for the Bulls Masters Twenty20 Country Challenge Cup.

The Nitros bowed out of the trophy race after a heart-breaking four wicket loss to the Central Queensland Seamers in an epic semi-final last weekend at Griffiths Park in Cairns.

It was the Nitros first defeat at the 2023 tournament after posting impressive wins over the Wide Bay Flames, reigning champions Far North Fusion and Darling Downs Suns in the preliminary rounds.

The Fusion get an opportunity to retain the title when they pit their Twenty20 skills against the versatile Seamers line-up in the Challenge Cup Grand Final at the Gabba on December 27.

Far North advanced to the trophy decider after eliminating Sapphire Coast Scorchers by six wickets in their semi-final fixture.

Central Queensland skipper and top all-rounder Joe McGahan received the Dirk Tazelaar Medal for Player of the Tournament after compiling a series high 158 runs @ 39.5 and snaring eight wickets @ 11.

Mackay-Whitsunday were dismissed for 117 in their semi final with Shaun Austin top scoring with 42 runs off 35 balls and clouting five boundaries.

The inspirational McGahan produced a standout performance – grabbing 3-17 with the ball before steering the Seamers to victory by scoring a valuable 27 runs with support from David Heymer (40 not out).

Key Nitros bowlers Isaac Borg and Chris McEldowney continued their fine form, bagging two wickets each as the Seamers (6-118) eclipsed the Mackay-Whitsunday total.

The capable Austin also registered knocks of 33 not out against the Suns and 21 against the Flames and proved a model of consistency.

Other batting highlights for the Nitros were Matthew Wicks’ superb 87 off 44 balls that included six sixes and seven boundaries and Darryn Dyer’s unbeaten 79 off 53 balls.

In Walkerston off spinner McEldowney the Nitros had a bowling trump card.

He finished the series with nine wickets including a haul of 4-6 – combining with Mackay Norths all-rounder Mason Kohler (3-6) to rout Darling Downs for 51 and set up an important fifth round victory.

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Central Queensland Seamers captain Joe McGahan received the Dirk Tazelaar Medal for Player of the Bulls Masters Twenty20 Country Challenge Cup tournament in Cairns

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Year 12 Bowen State High School student Henry Snell is making big movements in the world of high speed motorsport, taking to the track across Australia to compete.

Starting on the dirt tracks when he was seven, it wasn’t until Henry was 13 that the paved circuit caught his eye.

Taking on the Oceania Junior Competition then, Henry has never looked back, taking each and every track opportunity in his stride.

However, it wasn’t until recently that Henry moved up the gears and decided to give the sport a proper crack, giving it his all in hopes to make the big leagues.

Now, with the 2023 season close to finishing up, he has welcomed numerous podium finishes, and even a first place win at Philip Island a few weeks ago, securing a top five place in his category.

“That was a big competition,” Henry explained.

“I ended up winning the 300 class and came second in the 200. We did have a bit of unluckiness with one of the races because I had a malfunction on my bike, but I came back and won the last race of the day.”

Henry’s dad, Rodger, is Henry’s right-hand man on the track, always making sure Henry has the best supports and the best outcome.

“The finishes can be pretty tight, and exciting. Henry is one of the top five in Australia, with all the boys finishing at similar speeds, all within not even half a second of each other.”

Now on the cusp of completing Year 12, Henry is looking to compete professionally internationally, hoping to secure a place at an academy or program to learn the ropes.

Henry is backed by a team of sponsors, most of which are Bowen locals.

“I wish to thank all my sponsors, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

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Henry racing on the track, securing numerous podiumfinishes. Photos supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons were host another big week of swimming.  

Two Cannons travelled to Darwin to compete in the 2023 Australian Country Swimming Championships.  

Tora Delac, aged 12 years swam extremely well made finals.  

On the first day of competition, she won a silver medal for 100m Breaststroke which she swam in an excellent time of 1.28.33.  

Her brother, Harris swam fantastic times and in the first couple days of competition, he achieved 3rd place for his 50m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke and 2nd place for his 200m Freestyle.  Congratulations, Tora and Harris.  

On Wednesday night, 30 swimmers participated at Club Night.  

Maeve Dichiera and Andie Reynolds won Swim of the Night awards for their 50m Backstroke.  Congratulations to Millie Groom and Charlie Doherty for winning the Chocolate Awards (for best PBs).

Congratulations to Celeste Orenshaw, Trace Quick, Ruby Harland, and Koa Harland for achieving Upgrades.

The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who swam PBs on Wednesday night:  Bonnie Crichton, Gracie Crichton, Charlie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Millier Groom, Roxy Groom, Indigo Harland, Ruby Harland, Eric Mulliss, Leo Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Trace Quick, Andie Reynolds and Addie Sanders.  Well done, swimmers!  

Over the weekend, 24 Cannons travelled to Mackay to compete at the Pioneer LC Transition Meet.  Coach Ken Crittenden was very impressed with all the swimmers!  

There were so many awesome swims it is difficult to choose the best ones.  

Congratulations to Jacob Bell and Charlie Doherty for winning gold medals for their 1500m Freestyle.  Congratulations to Andie Reynolds and Remy Hedges for swimming super times in their 400m IM.  The following swimmers swam extremely well achieving PBs and or top placings for the majority of their events:  Jacob Bell, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Remy Hedges, Noah Maltby, Eric Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds and Addie Sanders.  Well done to all the swimmers who competed!    

Contributed but thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons Pioneer Team 2023

Harris Delac at the Country Championships 2023

Tora Delac at the Country Championships 2023. Photos supplied

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On Saturday morning the Final of the B Pairs was played. Gavin Noonan and Todd Leys defeated Ken Watts and Kendall Watts 22 - 10 and will now be representing Proserpine in the Champion of Champion B Pairs set to be played on Saturday and Sunday October 21 and 22.

On Wednesday we did a blind draw to determine the teams for Social bowls. In a game of 2-4-2 pairs Mike Harrison and Peter Lawton defeated Heather Brown and Alen Sanderson 21 - 20.  In the game of Triples Philip Brown, Lee King and John Burnett defeated Bruce Uhe, Barry Zillmann and Mary Hedgelong 23 - 10.

On Sunday, John Burnett and Bruce Uhe defeated Alen Sanderson and Mike Harrison 35 - 13 in a game of 3 Bowl Triples. Lee King, Philip Brown and Heather Brown defeated Margie Burnett, Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 31 - 14.

Reminder:  Proserpine Bowls Club have our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 7 at 10am. There will be a club supplied BBQ after the meeting and the opportunity to play a short game of Social Bowls.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Finalists of B Pairs Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Todd Leys. Photo credit: Bruce Uhe

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Tuesday afternoon Social bowls saw a big turnout of 21 bowlers and at the end of the day the dice rolled out the lowest winning margin and it was Lyn Skeen as skipper with Robin Brown at double lead with Maureen Barnard taking home the prize money with a last end victory 14-13

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls saw Steve Cur and Russell Jackson take home the prize money with Health Hub award going to Janet Jacometti.

The 2023 Classic Men's Fours began on Saturday and concluded Sunday afternoon with three rounds per day.

16 teams from all around Queensland competed for the great prize money on offer.

Tournament organisers Terry Clarke, Bob McMahon and Tim Taylor can be very proud of their efforts.

The team of Manny Isgro, Tim Taylor, Bob Menzies and Paul Foot took home the prize money with a clear margin with Gavin Milne's team of Toby Craig, John Bye and Scott Hamilton all from Proserpine take home the second prize money .

Peter Blackburn from South Suburban with Dave Peet, Barry Jackson  and Jason Borg took home the third prize money cheque.

Thanks to all our volunteers and sponsors.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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2023 Classic Men’s Fours winners. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, winners were Stumpy Adams, Jean Matfin, Kevin Jewel defeated Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren. Ian Colenso, Alby Vigar, Robyn Stitt defeated Jude Vigar, Deb Retchless, Greg Matfin. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our barefoot bowls on Friday Night were Wendy, Denise, Les defeated James, Dave and Hans. Helga, Wazza Ian defeated Lyn, Max and Max.

If you would like to try the game we are having our free Come and Try afternoon on Saturday 14 October 1.30 to 3.30pm. Be at the club by 1pm.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 6. They were Isobel Wheeler, Fely Duncan defeated Ian Colenso, Allan Rolfe. Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt and D Pinkard defeated Linda Scells, Jude Vigar and Kevin Jewell. Keith Aykens, Penny Warren and Graeme Read defeated Bill Myers, Jean Matfin and Pat Tracey. Lindy Suann, Pearl Aykens and Mark Drummond defeated Gwenda Lydom, Alby Vigar  andGreg Matfin. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition: Mixed Triples Laurie Land, Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe defeated Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers. Ladies 2 bowls triples Debise Wallace, Linda Scells and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Pat Tracey. This Sunday 8 October the final of the Ladies Club Triples will be played commencing at 8.30am.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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A chance recommendation has changed the entire trajectory of Daniel Dowson’s life.

Better known as Elvis, Daniel was born with Down Syndrome and it was four years ago, when he was in his early thirties, that he was recommended to start boxing with Wes Bau Personal Training, in Bowen.

“He had no confidence when he first started,” Wes explained.

“It was hard to get a punch from him, and he had absolutely no enthusiasm in the ring.

“But his mum was consistent and encouraging him to keep going and to keep training.”

Elvis’s mum Joy was quick to see the results from the training.

“His confidence just grew,” Joy said.

“When he first started, Elvis had such low muscle tone. He couldn’t even stand on one leg.

“Now he can do that, no problem!”

Beginning with low muscle tone, balance and coordination, Elvis has continued to make strides in his fitness, seeing Wes twice a week to keep up with his training.

While having a form of consistent exercise was the main goal for Elvis and Joy, Wes’ training has culminated into one powerful mix.

“Over time, he just perked up, and all the hard work and training came together,” Wes said.

“And most importantly, his health has massively improved.”

However, Joy says that Elvis has improved in all aspects of his life.

“He is one happy boy. Wes has become a brother to him, and he has grown so much.”

Due to Wes’ training, Elvis’ health has improved leaps and bounds.

“His paediatrician and cardiologist were amazed at his health,” Wes said.

“His cardiovascular system has greatly improved, and all his doctors recommend he continue boxing.”

While continuing his training with Wes, Elvis is keeping busy, a regular face around Bowen and the wider Whitsundays.

“And don’t call him Daniel, he only goes by Elvis,” his mum explained.

“He’s currently taking cooking classes in Mackay, and his support staff have him out and about.

“He does his own thing, but its great to see his growth.”

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Daniel ‘Elvis’ Dowson has been training with Wes Bau Personal Training for four years

With boxing, his health has improved so much, in all aspects

Elvis giving Wes his all. Photos supplied

A total of 15 Proserpine Vets travelled to Home Hill for the last interclub comp for 2023.

The best of our group was Tessa Aitken with 34, Leanne Alexander 33 and Jacqui Wall 32.  

Warren Deighton was the best for the men with 32 on a countback from Louis Neethling 32 and Peter Browning 31.  

There will be no Vet’s comp, next week as the course is closed for course renovations. The following week will be our October Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Tessa Aitken and Warren Deighton. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take first place with 23 points, second place was Fred Tammist on 21 points and third place on 20 points was Sam Hickey.

Friday’s 9-hole stableford saw Shane Bradly with 20 points c/b, second place with again a 20 points c/b Clint Paull and third place Dom Lipski with 20 c/b.

Sunday’s monthly medal saw James Millar take first place with 48 points, second place with 48 points Scott Hayes Williams and third with a 52 NETT Shane Bradley.

Nearest to pin was Paula Wronski, Marc Belke and Jack Hayes Williams.

This Sunday will be 18 hole stableford tee off anytime.

Notice to our valued members and guests our greens will be undergoing renovations Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th Oct.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

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Over 200 keen rugby union players surged into the Whitsunday Sportspark last weekend, for the coveted Viking Cup.

The annual rugby union carnival saw hundreds of players, aged from 5 to 16, with their families, from all across the state, for a massive weekend of sport.

President of Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, Tim Oberg, said “Our Committee made some small but significant changes to the Viking Cup this year such as reverting to the original 10s format, bringing it forward into the school holidays to encourage teams from outside our region to attend and moving our canteen into the stunning new Club House.

“All of these changes were validated with record attendances, much more efficient food and drink service and some absolutely wonderful Rugby being played by so many little legends.”

The U8 trophy was taken by the mixed Cap Coast Crocs from Yeppoon, and the U10 trophy by the mixed Nogoa Red Claws from Emerald.

U14 and U16 trophies were won by boys Nogoa Red Claws.

Head Coach of the Whitsundays Raiders Girls teams, Nathan Sainbury, said “It is fantastic to see the growth of the game for women and girls. “The Central Highlands Titans continue to produce excellent Rugby players and the development we have seen from Bowen in a short time is incredibly encouraging,” he said.

“The pathway to professional Rugby is growing for the girls and it is exciting to see former Raider, Seraphina Dufil, playing for the Queensland Country Orchids over the past week, as well as multiple girls from the Mackay District representing Central Queensland in 7s and the junior Orchids. 2024 is going to be another exciting year for girls Rugby Union in the Whitsundays!”

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Over the weekend 3 Cannons travelled to Mackay to participate in the Duel in the Pool. Remy Hedges, Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin with Coach Mark Erickson were selected for the NQ team which competed against a CQ team. Even though NQ lost to CQ, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. A big thank you to SNQ (Theresa Manning) for organizing the event and a big thank you to Andrew Bell for officiating.  

The Cannons hosted another successful Club Night on Wednesday Night. Congratulations to Leo Mulliss and Tora Delac for winning the Chocolate Awards. Congratulations to Dylan Reynolds, Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello, and Charlie Doherty for achieving Upgrade times.  

The Cannons would like to welcome Bonnie and Gracie Crichton. They both swam extremely well at their first Club Night.  

Top performers of the night include Andie Reynolds who swam PBs in all four of her races. Charlie Doherty and Eric Mullis swam 3 PBs. Charlie swam huge PBs of over 9sec in his 200m Backstroke and 200m Breaststroke. Nelson Malady swam a fantastic time of 1.26.73 in his 100m Backstroke (which was a 9.18sec PB). Celeste Orenshaw swam an excellent 100m Freestyle in 1.27.47 (a 7.56sec PB). Abi Maher swam a super smooth 100m Breaststroke in under 2min, achieving a 7.22sec PB.  Roxy Groom, Millie Groom, Matilda Nicholes, Charlie Doherty, and Jack Ganter swam extremely well in their medleys. Trace Quick swam a brilliant 12m Freestyle in 13.7sec. Coaches were very impressed with Harry Chegwidden, Evie Doherty and Thomas Ganter’s Breaststroke and Backstroke times.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday! A big thank you to all the parents, volunteers, and coaches for all their support! 26 Cannons will be travelling to Mackay next weekend to compete at the Pioneer carnival.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons Duel in the Pool Team - Coach MarK, Jacob, Holly and Remy

Cannons Club Night Sept 2023. Photos supplied

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Sunday 24th September saw 28 shooters competing for the day.  

We had visitors from Silkwood, Burdekin, Mackay/Sarina, and Caboolture joining us for a great day of competition.

The day was extremely windy with a scattered shower in the afternoon.

The winners were:

Ev 1: 25T DB Sweepstakes AA: G Maltby, A Lemphers 25/25, T Coco 24/25

A: J Cerqui, R Zarb, D Stitt, B Gall, C Edgerton 23/25;

B: A Perna 24/25, N Kirkman, L Dalton, M Populin, A Aitchison 23/25;

C: M O'Reilly, P LeBlowitz 23/25, K Perna 22/25

Ev 2: 25T DB Handicap: 1st: A Perna, 2nd S Steele, 3rd N Kirkman

Ev 3: 25T SB Continental Port Denison Championship Sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware O/A & AA: T Coco 24/25

A: W Cislowski 24/28

B: A Thatcher 22/26

C: K Perna 20/25

Ev 4: 30T DB Continental Sweepstakes

AA: A Lemphers 30/30, A Zarb 29/30, G Maltby 28/30;

A: R Zarb 30/30, D Stitt, A Lord 28/30,

B: L Dalton 28/30, A Thatcher, A Aitchison 27/30;

C: K Perna 28/30, P LeBlowitz, S Jones 26/30

Thank you to our sponsor of the day, Bowen Home Hardware and to everyone who helped in any way over the weekend. Our next shoot will be held on Sunday 22 October commencing at 9.00am.

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From the early days of playing basketball by himself to making the U18 Division 1 Mackay Meteor team, Liam Steen has come a long way.

Recently competing in the State Performance Program (SPP) trials, Liam is one of five youths selected from Mackay, and one of 10 selected from the trials, where a total of 45 youths were vying for a prestigious spot in the squad.

Undertaking the professional development and training through SPP, Liam is looking forward to a shot in the North Queensland U18 team.

“To make the program feels good,” Liam explained.

“I didn’t think I played the best at the trials, so I didn’t think I’d make the program.”

Liam will continue playing and competing with the Mackay Meteors, heading in to the North Queensland Junior Basketball competition over the next few months.

Likely to secure a few wins, Liam and the Mackay Meteors will travel to the Gold Coast for the U18 Division 1 State Championships.

In January, he will find out if he has been selected for the North Queensland U18 state team, however, Liam is looking forward to all opportunities.

“At this stage, I’ll just see where the sport takes me,” he said.

In his downtime before the competitions gets started, Liam is keen to share his best tips for up-and-coming players.

“For any aspiring basketball players, here’s my tips.

“Act keen and always ready for the ball.

“Be consistent with training and practicing.

“Train and practice by yourself. It’ll show that you’re committed.

“And join a club team. It really helps with techniques.”

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Liam Steen’s future in professional basketball is shining bright. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Peter Bitz in first place with 24 pts and scoring a hole in one on hole 2, second place with a 21 c/b was Edwina Pettiford and third place with 21 pts Dennis Moss.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Scott Morrissey in first place with 21 pts, second Dee Norman with 20 pts and third place Dom Lipski with 19pts.

Sundays 4 ball better ball competition was a great turn out which saw Scott and Jack Williams-Hayes in first place with 50pts, second on 45 pts was David Wallace and Alan Clinch, third place with 44 pts was Billy Blacker and Dom Lipski. Great job by all.

Sunday also saw a few holes in one. Eric Gruszczynski on hole 11, Ryan Kenny hole 15 and David Thomas on hole 5. Great job gentlemen.

This Sunday 1st Oct 2023 will be our Monthly medal 18-hole stableford tee off at 10:00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.

Eric Gruszczynski. Photo supplied

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