With the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament back on the calendar, thousands of tennis fans poured into Pat Rafter Arena with the hope of catching a match with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray or Naomi Osaka. The early rounds did not disappoint with many of the matches going deep into the third set. Despite the rain, there were many sell out sessions. In addition to the international event, Tennis Queensland also ran sessions for clubs, coaches and government agencies. The 2023 Queensland Champions were honoured with a lap around Pat Rafter Arena and photo with Rafael Nadal. Some of those honoured included Lily Shepherd from Mackay, Rohan Hazratwala from Townsville, the Queensland School Sport Tennis Team and World Champion Athlete with an Intellectual Impairment Archie Graham. Primary School Teams also had the chance to compete in the Red, Orange and Green Ball Competitions.

I was fortunate enough to attend a Women Leaders in Tennis Breakfast where Olympic Swimmer and Medalist Brooke Hansen was the guest speaker. She was very inspirational telling us about her road to Gold and the barriers that defined who she is as a person and how she never gave up until she reached her goal. She put this message out to everyone, whether you a champion of your chosen sport or a club volunteer. The message was simple DO IT, DON’T QUIT.

Recently appointed CEO of Tennis Queensland Kim Kachel took the opportunity to present the Advantage Queensland Action Plan update and to talk about how Tennis Queensland is embracing complementary racquet sports of Padel, Pickleball, POP and Beach Tennis.

Brisbane International, you were a ripper! I’ll be back.

Contributed by Kate Casswell

Home Hill Tennis Association

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Tennis Queensland CEO Kim Kachel and Home Hill Tennis Association’s Kate Casswell. Photo supplied

Shim Jang Taekwondo has been running strongly in the Burdekin for nearly 15 years, hitting a milestone last year with it being the fifth year operating a second centre in Home Hill.

At the end of training each year, students and instructors celebrate the year that was and award the students who performed exceptionally throughout the year.

“All our students put in an amazing effort last year and we look forward to growing our art in the Burdekin this year,” said Branch Instructor Cliff Mann.

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End Of Year Awards

With Shim Jang Taekwondo

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At the end of training each year, Shim Jang Taekwondo’s students and instructors celebrate the year that was and award the students who performed exceptionally throughout the year.

2023’s Students of the Year for each centre worked tirelessly throughout the year to achieve their well earned reward.

It was also the year we saw two members become the first ladies in the Burdekin to achieve their 1st Dan Black Belts in the art of Shim Jang Taekwondo since its humble beginnings.

They’re a shining example of our core tenets of loyalty, integrity and respect.

If you’ve ever thought that you’d like to improve your fitness or build up your confidence by learning some powerful self-defense that we tailor to all ages, then check out the website www.shimjang.com and book a free trial as we start back to training on the January 15 and 16 in Ayr and Home Hill respectively.

Contributed by Cliff Mann

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Shim Jang Taekwondo has been running in the Burdekin for nearly 15 years. Photo supplied

2024 Students of the Year receiving their trophies and certificates from Master Instructor Ian Holmes and Branch Instructor Cliff Mann

Two local women achieved 1st Dan Black Belts in the art of Shim Jang Taekwondo last year

Photos supplied

Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around.

Run and organised by North Queensland’s Netball Academy, netballers of Ayr and Home Hill are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching.

There are two distinct squads: the 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with speciality coaching and resources for the different age groups.

Beginning February 17, these squads include weekly sessions, expert elite coaching, mindset and goal setting resources, nutrition and recovery resources, and training singlet, with specialty strength and conditioning classes and sports science and fitness testing offered separately.

These squads are offered to all strengths of netball players, with the opportunity to learn and grow with players at a similar skill level, with a focus on fundamental skill development, teamwork, and building a strong foundation for players futures in netball.

To register, visit nqna.com.au

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Test your skills with these development squads. Image: Shutterstock

Nine Burdekin locals attended a Pool Lifeguard course and update on Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11.

The course was facilitated by Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) instructor Lee Smith.

“With great pleasure I was invited to conduct a lifeguard course at your pool in Ayr,” Lee said.

“RLSSQ cares about water safety and so do I.

“We had a wonderful two days discussing the pros and cons of oxygen therapy, spinal boards, CPR, and a multitude of water related scenarios.

“The outcome was very positive with seven newly qualified pool lifeguards and two reaccredited lifeguards.

“The water slides at Ayr pool were also a lot of fun … so I have been told.”

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L-R John Furnell, Sophie Parker, Lee Smith (RLSSQ instructor), Luke Isatake, Judith Ferguson, Logan Flanagan, Ben Isatake, Isabella Moloney, and Sophia Moloney  

Photos supplied

Some made it to the Christmas table while others were released to fight another day. Photos supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats

Ben Hovell and Ethan Bell were happy with landing a 58cm Red Throat, a PB for Ben.

Jodie Dingwall’s sons brought home a nice dinner fishing with their dad

Paul Quagliata shared a couple of nice fish caught at Groper Creek

Queensland Grouper caught by John Chandler

Stephen Gort caught this Mangrove Jack in a cast net while chasing bait

On Christmas Eve, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club announced the winners for their Christmas Raffle for 2023.

Anne Pheland won the first prize which was accepted by her granddaughter, Ashlyn Pearce, and second prize was awarded to Viv Haller.

Ayr Surf Lifesaving members were stationed outside Woolworths all December long selling raffle tickets to go into the draw to win one of two amazing prizes comprised of generous donations from local businesses.

The Club thanks the whole community for their fantastic support and invites locals to come and visit Alva Beach these holidays.

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Lisa Furnell and Ashlyn Pearce

Viv Haller, Billie Nielson and Emily Nielson

Photos supplied

Local swimmer Millie Lyne, along with her coaches from the Burdekin Torpedoes, Kim and Mick McConnachie, travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland State Swimming Championships which took place at Chandler from December 9-15.

Millie represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team along with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach.

It was a great learning experience for her, and her coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie put in a huge effort in training and preparing her for the meet and making the trip down to Brisbane to be alongside her on pool deck.

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Millie Lyne (centre) with coaches Mick and Kim McConnachie. Photo supplied

Locals Shine In State Swimming Championships

Continued from page 32

Swimming at the Queensland State Swimming Championships in December, Millie Lyne represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team, with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach.

The team came 6th in the regional relay championships in the 200m Freestyle relay and 7th in the 200m Medley regional relay.

Millie then had six swims for the meet which she recorded three personal best times.

Millie met former and current Olympic champions including Jessica Schipper, Cody Simpson, Kaylee McKeown, Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O'Callaghan and Olympic swimming coach Dean Boxall.

Seamus Casey, a former Burdekin Torpedo who now swims for St Peters Western since transferring there at the beginning of 2023 on a Swimming Scholarship, was also at the meet and performed outstandingly after coming back from injury with a five individual swim program and achieving five personal bests and five national times.

He also made the final in the 50m boys 15yo Butterfly and was a part of the 200m Medley Club 15 and 16yo Club relay team that achieved a Gold medal.

It was great for Millie, Kim and Mick, who coached Seamus previously when he was in the Burdekin, to catch up with him at the meet and cheer one another on.

The Burdekin Swim meet is happening on Saturday January 13 with many Clubs from around North Queensland coming to the meet.

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Millie met many of her swimming heroes including Mollie O'Callaghan, Cody Simpson and Jessica Schipper. Photos supplied

Thursday December 14 saw 21 players front up for two games of triples and two games of pairs.  

Rink 2: Dino and Gary out lasted Mick and Mick 15 to 11.

Rink 3: Bob and Wayne were much too good for Ron and Stephen comfortably winning 25 to 8.

Rink 4: Paul, John and Tony proved too strong for Clinton, Ray and Joclyn 26 to 11.

Rink 6: Jim, Des and Glen proved too good in a close game vs Judy, Alex and Hugh/Trevor 22 to 19.

Thursday morning saw a good roll up for Bingo with 26 attending.

The raffle was won by Des Chapman.

See you all next Thursday.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Thursday lucky rink went to Bob and Wayne. Photocredit: Stephen Doig

On Saturday 9th December the Ayr Surf Club's nippers held their Club Championships at Alva beach to wrap up their local competitive season.

It was a lovely afternoon at the beach and the junior members put in some amazing individual performances with some great friendly rivalry on show.

They took part in several individual events, including flags, sprints, wades, board race, surf race and ironperson; to gain points towards the overall Age Champion Titles, as well as events to determine a Junior and Senior Champion and Open Ironman and Ironwoman.

The Nippers will return next year for presentation night to receive their awards.

The club then celebrated another successful year with their annual Christmas Break-up and water fight. The nippers received a gift from Santa, presented this year by club patron, Hockey Vernon, and a club dinner. Our juniors who are part of the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team will continue to train before heading to the Gold Coast in March.

There is still plenty of action at the surf club over the coming months, with patrols continuing to May, a Christmas Raffle being held at Woolworths this weekend. There is also a range of fundraising events including: Ayr SLSC Aussie Day Top 100 - Friday 26th January, The Annual Beach Golf Day - Saturday 10th February, Family Fun Day - Saturday 2nd March and Take The Floor 2024 - Saturday 20th April.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Under 10 boys flags - LachlanJones, Lewis Bonato and Luca Lawry

Under 10 girls flags -Charlotte Dale and Alexandra Moloney

Sharlie Archibald,Hockey Vernon, Bella Lawry, Chris and Angus Wicks - Christmas Break-up

Emily Nielson and Hockey Vernon

Jake Sartori and Hockey Vernon

6 Mackenzie Sartori, Torah Giddy and Quinn Pontifex

The 2023 End of Harvest Golf Classic took over Ayr Golf Club last Friday, December 15 where hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day on the green for a good cause.

Raising money for CORES (Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide), the event raised $29,600 towards their work in suicide prevention in the community.  

“We are blown away and extremely grateful for your support for the 2023 End of Harvest Golf Classic,” organisers Kelsey and Ben said.

“Together we can and will make a difference to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.”

CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo said he was blown away with the generosity of the community.

“It’s such an impressive effort from the community, we’re so appreciative,” he said.

“Thanks so much to the organisers, volunteers, sponsors and players for their generosity, this is such a special community.”

Results

First Placed Team: Fore Play

Last Placed Team: Weapons of Grass Destruction

Mens nearest to Pin – Hole 3: Jono Lewis

Ladies nearest to Pin – Hole 3: Jayla

Mens nearest to Pin – Hole 15: Rough Shots

Ladies nearest to Pin – Hole 15: PNRELEC1

Mens Longest Drive – Hole 1: Callan Oar

Ladies Longest Drive – Hole 1: Kasey Parison

Mens Longest Drive – Hole 18: Rohan Mauro

Ladies Longest Drive – Hole 18: Angie Cursio

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Emcee John Furnell, CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo and organisers Ben and Kelsey

First Placed Team Fore Play

Last Placed Team Weapons of Grass Destruction

Mens Longest Drive on Hole 1 Callan Oar

Ladies Longest Drive on Hole 18 Angie Cursio

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

In a sizzling Sunday showdown, the Burdekin Clay Target Club wrapped up their final shoot for the year on December 10th, igniting hot competition under the sunny skies. The day wouldn't have been such a blast without the generous support from Peto Marine and Johnson’s Landscaping and Earthmoving, who sponsored the event. A special round of applause goes to Prawn Farm, Cignall Burdekin, Cameron Cislowski, Regan Southward, Lui Populin, and other contributors for their generous donations throughout the action-packed day.

Amidst the heated contests, shooter Joe Caruso emerged as the Shooter of the Year, thanks to sponsorship from Johnson’s Landscaping and Earthmoving. Another thrilling highlight was Michael Populin clinching the jackpot.

Among the intense competitions, the Event 1-15 Target Medley at 15 meters saw remarkable performances across divisions. In AA Grade, Joe Caruso nailed a perfect score of 50/50, while Michael Zabala and Phillip Scalia followed closely with 73/75 and 72/75 respectively. Wayne Cislowski led the pack in A Grade with an impressive 25/25, while Alan Lord showcased his prowess in B Grade with a flawless score. Brian Bonanno excelled in C Grade with a stellar 24/25.

Champion Shots

Peto Marine-sponsored Event 2-10 Target Pointscore Handicap witnessed a neck-and-neck battle, with Annette Vassalini, Alan Lord, and Daniel Scott securing top positions. The nail-biting action continued in Event 3-10 Target Single Barrel Handicap, where Joe Caruso, Lindsay Groat, and Glen Rea showcased their sharpshooting skills.

Sylvia Rossato clinched victory in Event 4-10 Target Double Barrel Handicap, closely followed by Joe Scalia and Michael Zabala. Alan Lord seized the Second Chance winner title for the Xmas Ham Events.

To cap off the riveting competitions, Lindsay Groat, Wayne Cislowski, Annette Vassalini, and Peter Scott claimed top spots in the various categories of Event 6-5 Pair Double Rise, delivering a thrilling conclusion to the day's matches.

FULL RESULTS

Event 1-15 Target Medley 15m

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 50/50, 2nd Michael Zabala 73/75, 3rd Phillip Scalia 72/75

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 25/25, 2nd Alex Scalia 46/50, 3rd Annette Vassalini 45/50

B Grade 1st Alan Lord 25/25, 2nd Mark Simpson 24/25, 3rd John Cerqui 23/25

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 24/25, 2nd Bryce Caltabiano 40/50, 3rd Carlo Tomarchio 38/50

Event 2-10 Target Pointscore Handicap

Sponsored by Peto Marine

1st Annette Vassalini 29/30, 2nd Alan Lord 29/30, 3rd Daniel Scott 29/30, 4th Peter Vecchio 29/30, 5th Glenn McHenry 28/30, 6th Peter Scott 28/30, 7th Mick Populin 27/30, 8th Aaron Lemphers 27/30, 9th Ron Clive 32/36, 10th Brian Bonanno 32/36

Event 3-10 Target Single Barrel Handicap

Sponsored by Peto Marine

1st Joe Caruso 9/10, Lindsay Groat 9/10, 3rd Glen Rea 9/10, 4th Karl Napier 10/12, 5TH Tim Ewens 10/12, 6th Jy Yarrow 10/12, 7th Wayne Cislowski 10/12, 8th Mark Simpson 10/12, Davis Stitt 11/14, 10th Mark Tomarchio 11/14

Event 4-10 Target Double Barrel Handicap

Sponsored by Peto Marine

1st Sylvia Rossato 10/10, 2nd Joe Scalia 10/10, 3rd Michael Zabala 10/11, 4th Jay Murray 10/11, 5th Jason Yarrow 10/11, 6th Bill Gall 10/11, 7th Col Edgerton 10/11, 8th Gian Vassalini 10/11, 9th Peter Giardino 10/11, 10th John Cerqui 10/11

Second chance winner for the Xmas Ham Events was Alan Lord

Event 5-10 Target Double Barrel Handicap Consolation

Sponsored by Peto Marine

1st Giuseppe Bonanno 10/10, 2nd Alf Gangemi, 3rd Bryce Caltabiano 10/10, 4th Pedro Le Blowitz 10/10, 5th Bruce McBow 10/10, 6th Cameron Cislowski 10/10, 7th John Kinnimonth 10/10, 8th Keiren Scott 10/10, 9th Christian Populin 9/10, 10 Tony Caruso 8/10

Event 6-5 Pair Double Rise

AA 1ST Lindsay Groat 19/20

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 9/10

B Grade 1st Annette Vassalini 18/20

C Grade 1st Peter Scott 10/10

Contributed by Sylvia Rossato

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10 Target Double Barrel Handicap Winners. Photos supplied: Burdekin Clay Target Club

Shooter of the year Joe Caruso with Wayne Cislowski

Event 3-25 Target Burdekin Pointscore Championship 15m

Presenter - Peter Giardino, Wayne Cislowski, Ron Gough, Mark Simpson, Isaac Sebastiani

Event 4-25 Target Single Barrel

Ron Gough, Joe (Snr) Sebastiani, Pedro Le Blowitz and Jarrod Coleman

Event 4-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

Tony Caruso, Joe (Snr) Sebastiani, Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani

Event 1-25 Target Novelty Event

Back row: Sponsor- Peter Delle Baite, Aaron Lemphers, Michael Zabala, Joe (Snr) Sebastiani and Alan Lord

Front row: Aiden Sebastiani, Jay Murray, Pedro Le Blowitz and John Dickerson

Michael Populin Jackpot winner

Event 2 10 Target Pointscore Handicap Winners

Event 3 10 Target Single Barrel Handicap Winners

Event 5 10 Target Double Barrel Handicap Consolation Winners

Event 6 5 Pair Double Rise Winners

Lindsay Groat, Annette Vassalini, Wayne Cislowski, Peter Scott

The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) celebrated the end of another busy year with the Client and Volunteer Christmas Luncheon at the Anzac Memorial Club on Monday, December 4.  

“It was a wonderful event, full of joy, laughter, good people, food and entertainment,” BCA CEO Debra Cochran said.

171 people attended the Luncheon including special guests Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, and Councillor John Furnell.

“Councillor Furnell did a brilliant job of emceeing as always as did the entertainers, Faith Taylor, Piper Grogan, Riley Nosworthy and Ruby Sitton,” Ms Cochran said.

“We’re very grateful for the support from the community throughout the year and wish everyone an enjoyable festive season.”

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Photos supplied

Wednesday December 6 Night Bowls

With a cooling breeze blowing, two games of triples and one game of pairs were played and the winners on the night were Katharina Stuckler, Sam Caltabiano, Evelyn Wiltshere, David Burt, Rob Jorgensen and Bill Walker.

Congratulations to Karl Rummeny on receiving his Bowls Queensland 100 year gold medallion from Club President Mick Olsen. Karl turned 100 on December 2, 2023 and is still actively playing bowls and playing like a champion.

Ayr Bowls Club would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a safe new year and our invitation next year is to come along and give bowls a go.

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

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Karl Rummeny and Mick Olsen

Saturday’s Home Hill Cricket Association fixture saw Guardian Pharmacy take on Crowned Mongrels for the last game of the year.

Guardian Pharmacy won the toss and elected to bat, sending in opener Mark Coventry who set the pace scoring 65 runs not out from 32 balls, backed up ably by JD Wilkins scoring 52 runs not out from 41 balls.

Other noteworthy contributions came from Damien Ricketts scoring 15 from 22, Salvatore Cardillo scoring 13 from 13 and Leo Olditch scoring 11 from 11.

Crowned Mongrels bowlers James Casswell, Casper Licciardello and Liam Cannavan all took two wickets each while Troy Patti and Ryan Taylor each took one, seeing Guardian Pharmacy finish their 25 overs on 8/186.

With a total of 187 set for victory, Crowned Mongrels opener Andrew Wallwork got the run chase off to a flying start scoring 51 runs from 42 balls.

Liam Cannavan scored 30 from 22, Alex Stillhard scored 29 from 17 and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro scored 10 from 24 but the Mongrels weren’t able to keep the run rate up, finishing their 25 overs on 9/146.

JD Wilkins shone with the ball for Guardian Pharmacy, taking four wickets for 10 runs from three overs while Thomas Cardillo, Travis Wilkins, Jamie Grabs and Matthew Gardner all took one wicket and a run out went to Lee Watts.

As Home Hill Cricket Association breaks for the summer, Guardian Pharmacy go into the break on top of the ladder with three wins and two losses after five matches.

Crowned Mongrels place second on the ladder with three wins and three losses after six matches and Peto’s Marine sit closely behind on third with two wins and three losses after five matches.

The 2023/24 season will resume on Saturday, February 3 with Peto’s Marine taking on Guardian Pharmacy.

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JD Wilkins and Mark Coventry. Photo supplied

A Burdekin-based sailor has joined forces with two Townsville sailors to finish first place at the She SAILS Open Regatta hosted by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.

Renee Cordingley and fellow Townsville Sailing Club members Lynda Sawbridge and Tilley Payn formed the NQ Girls and travelled to Newcastle to compete from November 25-26.

The three sailors took the lead and secured the regatta win with an impressive scorecard of 1st and 2nd places with an overall score of 23 points, despite not being able to prepare in the class of boat required for the regatta.

Renee Cordingley was born and bred in Home Hill and, despite the distance from her hometown to the nearest body of water, grew up sailing.

Her family had a hut at Cape Upstart where her dad owned a small boat that she and her brother would play in before he would take the two of them to Bowen to sail.

“My brother was sailing before me and I was sitting on the beach, and somebody needed a crew so they threw me in,” Renee recalled.

“The first time we went, we remember dad saying on the way down that this won’t be happening every weekend, then after my brother got in a boat, I don’t think we missed a weekend,” she laughed.

Renee was aged 10 when she first started competing and would spend weekends travelling to participate in club racing and north Queensland events.

“We quickly got into competing at national titles in the class we were sailing in the time,” she said.

Renee continued sailing after leaving school, focussing on weekend club competitions, when she met her husband who is also a sailor and sail maker.

The pair then started sailing and competing together.

“Other than having kids and needing to take some time off, we pretty much sailed the whole time,” she said.

Sailing with clubs in both Townsville and Bowen, Renee began to compete for national titles again.

“I just love being on the water and I do like to compete,” she said.

In both 2016 and 2017, she joined a group of women from Townsville to compete in the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta held in June in Melbourne.

In 2017, Renee skippered crew of five, and they won their division.

Years later, Renee, Lynda Sawbridge and Tilley Payn joined forces to form the NQ Girls.

They compete on a particular class of boat which makes it difficult to prepare as there are no similar boats in north Queensland.

Competing in regattas in both Mooloolaba and Newcastle in 2022 and 2023 are the only times the three ladies have sailed together in this type of boat, making the victory all the more astonishing.

“I’d never seen one before my first time, we just jumped on, pulled a rope to figure out what it does and go from there,” she said.

“It’s really hard to train … the only time we ever sail together is those events.”

Extra satisfaction came from the win after cancelled flights led to a stressful and costly expedition from Home Hill to Newcastle.

“After spending all that money, we thought we’d better win this regatta, so it was nice to actually go and do it,” Renee laughed.

“We were pretty excited.”

Treasurer of the Burdekin Trailer Yacht Club, which was founded in 1979, Renee said there was once a much more vibrant sailing community in the Burdekin.

“The members used to race from Groper Creek up to Cape Upstart,” she said.

“There are only three local yachts in our club at the moment.

“Anyone who wants to come for a sail, they can come and join.”

Contact 0498 002 909 to find out more information about the Burdekin Trailer Yacht Club

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Lynda Sawbridge, Tilley Payn and Renee Cordingley. Photo supplied: Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Renee Cordingley, Tilley Payn and Lynda Sawbridge accept their prize after taking out the She SAILS Open Regatta in Newcastle. Photo supplied