This is a relaxed event established to encourage families and kids to enjoy the outdoor sport of fishing. 

It’s free for all current W.G.F.C. members; non-members are very welcome to join the club for a membership fee of $35 per junior (under 16) or $70 per adult and join this fun weekend and all future activities the club has planned.

All Small-fry (5 to 11 y.o.) and Juniors that register for the Sweeties & Squires will receive a free Shimano rod and reel and a bag of fishing goodies.

All will be explained at the briefing and registration, on Friday, March 28, at the Marine Club, in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, from 6pm.

“Fishing can start at your leisure any time after the briefing and all participants will need to be at the Marine Club by 12pm, on Sunday, March 30, for the presentation of prizes and some delicious food,” W.G.F.C. spokesman Ashley Moore said.

“A photo of your fish, taken on a brag mat, whether released or kept for dinner, is eligible for a prize and a panel of judges will decide the winners based on merit, not necessarily the biggest fish.

“This is a great event put together for the whole family to enjoy, so tell your friends and come along to the Marine Club, on March 28 at 6pm, and join us – this will be fun!”

Contributed by Ashley Moore, W.G.F.C. Life Member.

It’s fresh air and exercise amongst beautiful, serene surroundings, in Cannon Valley.

Children are also welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

There’s also a driving range to get some practice in before hitting the par-3 course.

If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can go around the nine-hole course twice and get in 18 holes.

Follow this with a snack and a drink in air-conditioned comfort at Club Cafe to make a morning – or afternoon – of it.

Following are last week’s golf results.

Whitsunday Green Weekly Results

Weekly 9 Hole Stableford (2nd – 6th March)

Winner – Justin Butler   20pts C/B

2^nd – Ken Lovett   20pts C/B

3^rd – Brock Brindle   20pts  

Friday 9 Hole Stableford (7th March)

Winner – Mark Winter   20pts C/B

2^nd – Troy Pettiford   20pts C/B

3^rd – Edwina Pettiford   20pts

Sunday 18 Hole Stableford (9th March)

Winner – Ezra Miller   37pts

2^nd – Edwina Pettiford   36pts

3^rd – Dave Wallace   35pts C/B

Nearest the pins

Hole 2 – Sacha Walton

 Hole 17 – Gary Goddard.

“It was a long, hot, sweaty and exhausting weekend, with all our swimmers going home with terrific achievements and very tired bodies,” WSC president Amanda Yuskan said.

“Townsville even added an earthquake scare in for some extra excitement!”

George came home as NQ Champion for 12 years MC in 50m Freestyle, Butterfly, Breaststroke, Backstroke and 100m Freestyle.

He was also awarded 12 years boys MC Age Champion.

Alex took home NQ Champion 17 years and over, men’s 50m Butterfly, Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke.

Chloe achieved a 2^nd placing in girls 11 years 200IM, scoring a massive 8.85 second PB.

Leyton was awarded 2^nd place 12-year-old boys 200m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke with a huge 6.84 second PB in the finals and a 3^rd for 50m Breaststroke.

Hayden swam a PB of 5.33 seconds in his 100m Free and another 5.03 second PB in his 100m Breaststroke.

Jayde joined her brothers in the Breaststroke PB challenge with a PB of 6.41 seconds in her 100m swim.

Axel swam a 2.83 second PB in his 100m Backstroke and finally broke his 50m Butterfly PB by 1.77 seconds.

Alissa swam all her four swims with PBs, her biggest one being her 50m Butterfly by a whopping 11.26 seconds.

Friday night saw Mia, Lochlan and Amy join the team to swim in the club relays.

Lochlan, Alex, Hayden and Axel took out 3^rd place in 11 and over men’s 400m Freestyle relay.

Hayden, George, Leyton and Axel took out 3^rd in both the 8-14 years boys 200m Medley relay and 200m Freestyle relay.

“Amazing racing from our girls and mixed teams with some very close finishes,” Mrs Yuskan said.

“Thank you to coach Jenny for all your support and guidance for our swimmers, helping them achieve their goals and representing their club with pride.”

Whitsunday Swimming Club trains Monday – Thursday from 3.30pm, at the Proserpine Swimming Pool.

Email whitsundayfrogs@gmail.com.au or pop into the pool for a chat if you would like to join our club.

Good crowds turned out for a hit last week, pleased to see the sun return and things back to ‘normal’ at the Cannon Valley golf club.

Whitsunday Green membership is very affordable and it’s always a lot of fun on the nine-hole, par 3 course.

Pop into the air-conditioned Clubhouse Cafe while you’re there for the usual great coffee and cake, gourmet toasties and steak sandwiches, amongst other offerings.

And if you’re feeling the pinch, come on down for a round of golf on Tuesdays.

It’s only $25 for 18 holes or $20 for 9 holes on Tuesdays, and there’s a Clubhouse Cafe special of two pizzas for just $20.

Following are the golf results for last week.

Whitsunday Green Weekly Results:

Weekly 9 Hole Stableford (23rd – 27th February)

Winner – Tim Walton   25pts

2^nd – Matt Reddaway   22pts

3^rd – Glenn Rees   21pts  

Friday 9 Hole Stableford (28th February)

Winner – David Stevens   23pts

2^nd – Rhys Bartholomew   22pts C/B

3^rd – Rob Lodders   22pts

Sunday 18 Hole Stableford (2nd March)

Winner – Cooper Cremor   38pts

2^nd – Troy Pettiford   37pts C/B

3^rd – Jason Bradshaw 37pts C/B

Nearest the pins

Hole 7 – Craig Hollister

 Hole 17 – Jason Bradshaw.

“We had 19 cars starting out from Cannonvale, including some very welcome guests from the Old Iron Restorers Club,” club secretary Kerri Southee said.

“We travelled to Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, where cars were parked along the waterfront to enjoy the view.

“Our AGM was held in the air-conditioned comfort of the Marine Terminal, and there were several visitors to our club, who are motoring enthusiasts.

“Thanks to Adrian and his team for the use of the facilities.”

Ms Southee said a ‘massive thank you’ was due to all the outgoing committee members.

“And thank you to all the Show & Shine Committee for their hard work in making our 2024 show the most successful it has been,” she said.

“A huge thank you to all the members for their attendance and support, all our amazing sponsors, and our local community for their support of our club.

“We were able to donate and share the money raised from the 2024 Show & Shine with both Whitsunday Suicide Prevention and Jure Portelli Racing.”

Ms Southee said more than $5,000 went back into the local community.

The club also welcomed the new WCCC Committee for 2025:

President – Sebastian Foti

Vice Presidents – Michael Hurren and Paul Rehbein

Treasurer – Lindsay Creighton

Secretary – Kerri Southee

Run Organiser – Paul Rehbein

Social Media/Website – Nigel Southee.

“We are all set for another exciting year ahead for our club,” Ms Southee continued.

“As always, our club is open to all motoring enthusiasts and, if you like to go for a Sunday drive and catch up with like-minded people to socialise, maybe a day trip to Bowen or a night on the town in Townsville could be of interest.

“All cars are welcome – from brand new to vintage, shiny or beaten up. We are a social club with a car problem.

“We are open to everyone! Families are most welcome, and children won’t be forgotten.

“Keep an eye out for runs and events, which are posted to our Facebook page at Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club – please don’t forget to like and share our page.”

The event is free to all current club members.

Non-members can also compete by joining the club on briefing night at a cost of $35 per junior (under 16 years old) and $70 per adult, and maybe take home some of the fantastic prizes.

Every Junior entered will receive a free Shimano Rod and Reel and a tackle package provided by the Club and G.F.A.A. (Game Fishing Association of Australia).

The event is part of the ‘Kids 2 Fish’ program, as an incentive to get them out fishing in a fun, family club atmosphere.

The weekend starts with the registration of lady and junior anglers and the handing out of the new rods and reels to the juniors.

This is followed by a short briefing and a sausage sizzle on Friday, March 28, from 6pm, at the Marine Club, Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale.

Anglers are to use a rod and reel only and every fish caught, whether released or kept for dinner, is in the running for one of the great prizes.

A photo on a brag mat of every fish caught will need to be taken and sent to a committee member, and a panel of judges will decide the winners on merit, not necessarily the biggest fish.

All will be explained at the briefing!

“This is a very relaxed event and you can start fishing, at your leisure, any time after the briefing,” WGFC spokesperson Ashley Moore said.

“And all competitors need to be back at the Club by 12 noon, on Sunday, March 30, for the presentation and gourmet nibblies. 

“The weekend is mainly about family fun where Dads, boyfriends or big brothers act as crew, baiting hooks, handling fish, undoing tangles, as well as cleaning up, keeping the snacks and cold drinks coming, and generally doing as they are told.

“This is a great way of getting family and friends out on the water and enjoying the sport of fishing.

“We hope to see a lot of new members join us for this fun weekend and future various club events”.

Contributed by Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Ashley Moore (life member).

The Collinsville Rodeo committee has announced the date for this year’s rodeo, which will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

The rodeo is again affiliated with the Australian Professional Rodeo Association and attracts competitors and spectators from all over Queensland and also interstate.

This year’s committee comprises president Clayton Braden, vice president Cody Burgess, secretary Kaili Braden and treasurer Olivia Burgess.

“This event is a cornerstone of our community, drawing competitors and spectators from across Queensland and beyond,” a committee spokesperson said.

“Entering the second year under the direction of its newly established committee leadership, the 2025 Collinsville Rodeo is shaping up to be an even bigger standout event.

“By supporting this event, people will contribute to a safe, fun-filled day that inspires the next generation of rodeo athletes, while providing vital support to local organisations such as the Lions Club and local schools, whose volunteers are integral to the event’s success.

“Importantly, it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and an important platform for fostering support that also enables us to invest in junior development programs, empowering the next generation of rodeo athletes and strengthening our community for years to come.”

Events this year will include:

• Open Bull Ride
• Open Saddle Bronc
• Open Bareback
• Ladies Barrel Race
• Ladies Breakaway
• Team Roping
• Rope & Tie
• Steer Wrestling
• Novice Bull Ride
• Novice Saddle Bronc
• Novice Bareback
• Novice Barrel Race
• Junior Bull Ride
• Junior Barrel Race
• Junior Breakaway
• Junior Team Roping
• Junior Steer Ride
• Mini Bull Ride (8-11 Years)
• Mini Bull Ride (11 – 14 Years)  

The committee recognises that these events are not possible without the continued support of its sponsors and has launched a sponsorship proposal for the 2025 event.

The committee will recognise all contributions (in kind, monetary sponsorship or donations, or donation of prizes/products) prior to and during the event, via the Whitsunday News newspaper and the Collinsville Rodeo Facebook page and event program.  

During the event, announcements will be made over the PA system throughout the day, acknowledging sponsors.

Partners’ signage and banners will also be displayed at the venue.

“We deeply appreciate your consideration of this sponsorship opportunity and the vital role your support plays in bringing this event to life,” the committee spokesperson said.

“We invite you to join us in making this year’s event a success, whether through monetary sponsorship, in-kind contributions, or donations of prizes/products, your partnership will have a lasting impact on our community and the future of the Collinsville Rodeo.”

Sponsorship will help the committee cover essential costs including paramedics, security, rodeo personnel, entertainment and prize money.

“This ensures we can deliver a professional, enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators alike.”

Company representatives are invited to take part in the presentations and will receive complimentary entry, along with access to the VIP sponsors area, including refreshments.

Email collinsvillerodeo@gmail.com for a sponsorship form.

With the Australian Open having just wrapped up, tennis is very much top-of-mind.

Older sporting lovers may also be reminded of the refreshingly uninhibited use Jack Lemmon made of his tennis racquet in the 1960s comedy The Apartment, when greeting Shirley MacLaine…but more of that later.

Quite naturally Novak Djokovic is, once again, being talked about as having earned the pseudonym ‘The GOAT’, even though injury kept him out of this year’s AO final, and there can be little doubt that his career statistics could be used to argue a strong case in his favour.

Apparently, during his time in top tennis, he has been ranked number one for a total of 428 weeks.

Compare this with Federer 310 weeks, Sampras 286 and Lendl 270, a pretty convincing case people will agree.

BUT…

What about those greats of yesteryear?

Cast your beady minds back to those times when Australian men occupied three-quarters of the seeds in the major championships – Hoad, Rosewall, Emerson, Fraser, Newcombe, to name just a few.

Couldn’t just as convincing a case be made out for one of those in the top job?

Certainly, but the historical statistics are complicated by the amateur/professional mix-up that was rife pre-1967.

Top amateur players were not allowed to earn any cash from their efforts around the world and so were attracted to join more lucrative professional ranks, although this ruled them out of playing at Wimbledon etc.

It was acknowledged that all the best players were pros.

So, let’s look at the illustrious career of the Rockhampton Rocket Rod Laver, as an example.

Laver was officially recognised as the number one professional, from 1965 until 1970 [six years or 324 weeks] and number one amateur in 1961 and 1962 [another 104 weeks] – at this rate, he must be getting close to The Djok.

Before Laver, the only player to win all four majors in the same year was Don Budge, in 1938. The Rocket subsequently achieved this in 1962 and 1970.

No one else has done so.

Djokovic clearly leads the field in the total number of major victories, with 24.

The Rocket won 11 majors but, as a pro, he was banned from playing any for several years when at his peak.

He also claimed nine doubles majors and won 200 tournaments in his career, so he gets my vote as the GOAT.

Back to Jack Lemmon and his Apartment.

He greeted the fabulously beautiful Shirley MacLaine when she paid him an unexpected call, while straining his spaghetti through his tennis racquet!

By the way, Shirley could certainly qualify for The BOAT in this sports lover’s opinion.

The Cannon Valley golf club offers a par 3, nine-hole course, as well as a driving range and licensed café.

Following are last week’s golf results.

Whitsunday Green Weekly Results

Weekly 9-Hole Stableford (January 19 – 23, 2025)

Winner – Nicola McKenzie 23pts

2^nd – Chorus Andrews 19pts

3^rd – Matt Baines 17pts.  

Friday 9-Hole Stableford (January 24, 2025)

Winner – Matt Baines 20pts

2^nd – Jake Cremor 19pts C/B

3^rd – Kev Fancke 19pts.

Sunday AUSTRALIA DAY 2-Ball Ambrose (January 26, 2025)

Winners – Cy/Kerrin Taylor 43 net

2^nd – Rob Lodders/Brock Brindle 44.25 net

3^rd – Edwina Pettiford/Jake Cremor 45.25 net

4^th – Matt Baines/Matt Burke 47.25 net

Hole in One – Chorus Andrews (No.1).

Nearest the pins

Hole 2 Ed Pettiford, Hole 5 Pam Harrison, Hole 7 Jimmy Millar

 Hole 12 Kerrin Taylor, Hole 15 Peter Harvey, Hole 18 Darren Llord.

Mirani put on a fantastic weekend of swimming and fun at their Mirani family swim meet, at the Mirani Swimming Centre, on January 11, 2025.

“Some swimmers opted for a memorable bus trip down and back,” WSC President Amanda Yuskan said.

“Remember, what happens on the bus, stays on the bus!”

Mrs Yuskan said state sprint times were achieved for Ivy, Savanah, George, Chloe, Leyton and Axel.

“Hayden, Jayde, Mae, Mia, Ti, Alissa, Emeilia and Alex showed determination with great swims and PBs being celebrated,” she said.

“Ti took home the Major Raffle prize, along with mum winning the $100 money board.”

The 2025 NQIB Burdekin sprint, held at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre, in Ayr, on January 18, 2025, was also a successful event for the Whitsunday Swimming Club. 

“Burdekin was a hot and humid event,” Mrs Yuskan said.

“We saw some amazing swims and PBs.

“Jayde won the 8 to 10-year-old girls ‘Dash for Cash’, scoring herself $100 for her efforts.

“We had exhausted swimmers, full hearts and proud parents and coaches.”

The Whitsunday Swimming Club welcomes new members all year round.

“Come along from 3.30pm to the Proserpine Pool, from Monday to Thursday, and join in our squad,” Mrs Yuskan said.

“Have a chat with the swimmers and coaches and ask about joining our awesome club.”

Contact the Whitsunday Swimming Club via Facebook or email whitsundayfrogs@gmail.com.