The Ayr Bowling Club has had a brilliant week on the greens, with members embracing the cooler weather and enjoying a mix of competitive and social games. Spirits have been high as players continue to show enthusiasm and support for the game, reinforcing the club’s strong community spirit. With momentum building and winter conditions ideal for play, members are looking forward to another exciting month of bowls and camaraderie. Our Ladies’ Social Tuesday Afternoon on the 1st July was very enjoy
Read the full storyA crew of Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads hopped their way up north a couple of weekends ago to play in Townsville’s Queensland Country Champion Competition on the 28th and 29th of June. Closing out the month with a bang, seven players and celebrated coach, Rowland Holmes, represented the Canetoads with pride both on and off the field, with the club praising each of the players for their skills and sportsmanship. “Well done to our incredible men and women who participated in the QLD Country Cha
Read the full storyThe year 2025 marks ten years since the Burdekin Roosters last won an A Grade premiership in the then Townsville District Rugby League. Originally appointed as A Grade coach that season was Chris Perry, but he had to withdraw early, making way for Glenn Brock — a familiar face in local league circles, having coached many Burdekin junior sides. Brock brought in Carl List as assistant coach, and with several Bowen-based players in the squad, Bowen’s Brent Stocker joined the coaching team. Gary We
Read the full storyAnother difficult weekend for the Panthers, winning two and losing three matches. On Sunday, in Townsville against Saints Eagles Souths, the Premiers lost 2–3 but the Reserves won 3–2. On Friday, also in Townsville, the Ladies beat Warriors 6–1, but the Division 1 Men lost 1–5 to Ingham and the Division 2 Men lost 1–3 to Brothers. This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are at home to Olympics—the Premiers at 7:00 and the Reserves at 5:00. The Ladies and Division 2 Funkies are playing in Towns
Read the full storyThe Ayr Surf Club was the host for the annual North Barrier Branch Surf Rescue Championships over the weekend where competitors from across the region came together to test their lifesaving skills.
The Ayr SLSC had 11 members showcasing their lifesaving knowledge and rescue skills and put in a great day of competition with some amazing results for the local crew:
Champion Lifesaver Events:
U12 Female: 1st Milla Chapman, 2nd Emma Jones, 3rd Charlotte Lawry & 4th Emilee Wassmuth
U13 Female: 2nd Briella Wassmuth
U13 Male: 1st Zachary Dale, 2nd Parker Bonato
U14 Female: 1st Isa Chapman, 3rd Bella Lawry
U15 Female: 2nd Ryley Sartori
Masters Male: 1st Ben Lawry
The junior members of the club will return to Alva Beach this coming Sunday for their second Club Champion Points Day and continue training in preparation for Branch Titles in December.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
Ryley Sartori, U15 Tube Race
U14 Tube Race Start - Bella Lawry and Isla Chapman
Some U13s & U14s celebrating after completing their water events - (L-R) Isla Chapman (Ayr), Isobelle Gibride (Arcadian), Briella Wassmuth (Ayr), Macy Stone (Arcadian), Bella Lawry (Ayr)
The Ayr Team
Briella Wassmuth practicing patient assessment on Charlotte Lawry
Charlotte Lawry - U12 Live Patient Assessment
Isla Chapman - U14 CPR Assessment
Ryley Sartori - U15 Live Patient Assessment
Bella Lawry - U14 Live Patient Assessment
Emma Jones - U12 Board Race
Thursday, November 9 saw 19 players ready to do battle.
Three games of triples were the way to go.
Hugh had to go early and so Trevor took up the mantle after the smoko break.
Rink 3 saw a one-sided match with Jimmy, Des and Stephen defeating Dino, John and Hugh/Trevor 38 to 5.
On Rink 4, Judy, Gary and Glen outplayed Joe, David and Wayne 29 to 16.
Rink 5 saw a much closer match with the team of Tony B, Mick and Tony E holding on to win vs Paul, Alex and Henry 15 to 12.
The lucky Rink went to Rink 4 and Alex won the weekly raffle.
During last week, the club’s garden shed received a coat of much needed paint with the paint supplied by Gurgos Inspiration Paint.
On Saturday afternoon five club members climbed onto the float for the Harvest Festival parade.: Wayne and Stephen from Bowls and Sheila and Rosealee from the exercise and craft groups with the float being towed by Alex on his refurbished 1958 tractor.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
Lucky Rink Winners Gary, Judy and Glen
Caption 2: The club’s garden shed was recently repainted
Photos supplied: Stephen Doig
After a rain delayed start, 16 bowlers took to the green and played bowls until lunch time. A delicious lunch was served, we watched the Melbourne Cup race and then continued our game of bowls.
Winners for the day were:
1st place - Wayne Coonan, Isabel Cislowski and Katharine Stuckler
2nd place - Heather Jorgensen and Robyn McAllister
Wednesday night 8th November
1st place - Margaret McLaughlin, Lyn Storrie, Robyn McAllister
2nd place - Mick Murison, Norm Storrie, Bill Walker
Saturday Social Bowls
Triples Winners
B.Hewson, M.Chapman, H.Hazel defeated J.Hall, M.Murison, W.Coonan
Jim, Sandra, Joe Cary defeated Val, Alan, Dot
Pairs Winner
P.Vass, R.Soper defeated D.Soper, A.Gaven
Sunday Competition
Semi Finals Club Mixed Pairs
S.Darwin, M.Parravicini defeated D.Burt, D.Lindridge
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
Ayr Junior Golf held its last day of the season last Saturday, with a fun morning where players chose a friend, parent, brother or uncle to play with. The mix-up pairs played a two person Ambrose with their chosen partner. All in the name of fun!
Afterwards there was a lunch served and the club’s annual end of year presentations and certificates were handed out, rewarding the juniors for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
On behalf of the Ayr Junior Golf Club, we would like to thank the Ayr Anzac Social Golf Club for their continued support of the juniors, and also our thanks to both Evelyn Webb and Callan Oar for all their hard work behind the scenes throughout the year.
2023 Award Results
Putting Champion Award
3 holes - Hunter Oar
6 holes - Gabe Hatherell
9 holes - Byron Sutcliffe
Most Monthly Medals
3 holes - Ivy Land
6 holes - Parker Oar
9 holes - joint winners, Oscar Mahoney, Byron Sutcliffe and Wendall Jennings
Most Improved Golf, in their first year of playing - Kyle Wilkie
Most Improved Golfer Overall - Lyla Land
Golfer of the Year - Nett winner - Oscar Mahoney
Golfer of the Year - Gross winner - Amaya Mahoney
Junior golf has now finished for the year, with it starting up again in March, where the club will have some come and try mornings.
Contributed by Laura Mahoney
On Sunday, the final of the Monthly Medal was played in conjunction with the Cannavan Memorial.
Thanks went to the Cannavan family who have sponsored this Honour Board event for the last 50 years. Three generations of the Cannavan family are still playing.
The men’s winner was Eric Barbagallo who had an exceptional game to score 65 nett and 72 off the stick. Runner up was Guy LeBlowitz with 68 nett. Not to be out done by her husband, Megan Barbagallo won the ladies with 71 nett from runner up Bev Macdonald with 74 nett. Megan and Eric also won the finals of the monthly medal with Ross Wilkie taking out the B Grade final.
The pin shots on 4/13 went to Eric Barbagallo, James Johnson and Ruth Cooper (in the hole). On 9/18 the pins shots went to Doug McCubben (in the hole) and Mary Chatfield (in the hole). This Sunday is the Club pennants final.
Wednesday’s golf was a Mystery Stableford sponsored by Ayr Anzac Club. Thanks for your support throughout the year. The winners were Bev Macdonald and Judy Elton with a combined score of 69 points. Runners up were Judi Sheahan and Ann Naughton with 65 points. Pin shots went to Ruth Cooper on 4/13 and David Hay on 9/18. The chip shot on 7/16 went to Bev Macdonald (in the hole).
33 players turned out for the Friday Club. Least putts went to Guy LeBlowitz on a count back with 13. Pin shots went to Tim Branch, Merv Soper and Megan Barbagallo. The daily winner was Merv Soper. The lucky ticket went to Gordon Schultz but the money didn’t go off so has jackpotted to $300 this week.
Contributed by Bev MacDonald
Eric Barbagallo, Murray, Liam, Jan and Chris Cannavan and Megan Barbagallo
Giru HwaRangdo recently held a day of training and grading, inviting Grand Master Myung Man Kim to the region.
Students gathered in Giru on Sunday, November 12 for a day involving the grading of students in front of Grand Master Kim, Head Instructor Zoe Hughes and two senior instructors, Jay and Jack.
A 3-hour training session then followed for all students and instructors.
Students ranged from ages five to 70+ years old.
Two students, Nakita and Robin, were presented with 1st Dan black belts and certificates.
“Congratulations Robin and Nakita, excellent achievement,” said Ms Hughes, who is Head Instructor for Giru, Woodstock and Cungulla students.
Grand Master Kim, based in Sydney, brought Hwa Rang Do to Australia 49 years ago from Korea.
Hwa Rang Do is a Korean Martial Art System with modern style and ancient roots built on the foundations of Chang Moo Kwan, Taekwondo and the spirit of the Hwarang Warrior.
“He (Grand Master Kim) is an amazing person, that teaches us wisdom, encouragement and determination,” said Ms Hughes.
“A picture of wisdom, strength and never quitting at any age.
“You are never too old and it's never too late.
“You can achieve anything with the right mind set.”
Giru HwaRangdo train in Giru on Mondays and Woodstock on Tuesdays.
Contact Zoe on 0419 535 908 for more information or visit Giru HwaRangdo on Facebook.
Students aged between five and over 70 were graded on Sunday
Two 1st Dan black belts Nakita and Robin were presented with their certificates and belts
Robin and Grand Master Kim
Grand Master Kim and Head Instructor Zoe
Photos supplied
The ‘Players of the Week’ award winners last Friday in the Under 13s were Xavier Cross and Oscar Mahoney. Xavier scored 9 runs with the bat and in the field, he ran out a batter and clean bowled another. Oscar, who has been very consistent each week, scored 19 runs, also effected a run out and snared two wickets when bowling, one of which was a caught and bowled. The highest run scorer was Marshall Parker with 24 and an honourable mention must go to Michael Finn who was unbeaten on 17 runs. The best bowler was Ashton Shields with great figures of 2 for 9 off three overs, both of these wickets were clean bowled.
Over at the Challenger Blasters game, two teams were formed and while the batting team were waiting to bat, fathers Troy and Andrew were doing some fun drills and skills with them to keep them “warmed up”. This week, Mitchell Patti and Delta Burrell were the recipients of the ‘Players of the Week’ awards for their exceptional batting, bowling and fielding for their team. Kip Nicholas and Evelyn Mahoney were also standouts while all the children played with great enthusiasm.
Every Tuesday at East Ayr State School we have the Rookies Blaster program for children from 5 to 7 years old, with all equipment supplied. This is a program designed for players who are just starting to play cricket, so it teaches them the fundamentals of the game. This includes catching, throwing, batting and bowling with a straight arm, all done in a fun way with soft balls for safety. The Cricket Blast Summer Program runs during the school terms until April next year and all participants receive a choice of one of three Blast Cricket packs which includes shirts, bats, balls, caps, training gear, a Brisbane Heat membership and much more. Search for PlayHq, Home Hill Cricket Association and Cricket Blast to register.
Contributed by Scott Heidke
Oscar Mahoney and Xavier Cross
Mitchell Patti and Delta Burrell
Under 13s
Rookies
Photos supplied
Cricket action returned to Barry Richards Field in Home Hill last weekend with Peto’s Marine taking on Crowned Mongrels.
Crowned Mongrels won the toss and elected to bowl, sending Peto’s Marine openers Simon Vickers and Daniel Olditch to the crease.
Olditch was back in the sheds before too long, falling for a golden duck to William Bolton, while Vickers and number three Mark Nosworthy kept the run rate ticking along nicely.
The pair ultimately high scored for Peto's Marine, with Olditch finishing on 31 runs from 20 balls and Nosworthy 48 runs from 44 balls.
Darren O’Keeffe scored 25 runs from 31 balls batting at number five and Jack Gimson scored 29 runs from 26 balls at number six, helping the batting side to a total of 7/171 from 25 overs.
All 11 players had a bowl for Crowned Mongrels with Casper Licciardello and Rhys Knapton taking two wickets each and William Bolton, Jack Oborne and Scott Hazard all taking one.
In reply, opener Andrew Wallwork and number three batsman Travis Butler got things off to a good start for Crowned Mongrels scoring 29 from 35 and 43 from 59 respectively.
Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro also contributed a handy 34 from 28, but the run rate just wasn’t high enough, Crowned Mongrels finishing their 25 overs on 5/132.
Tight bowling from all 11 Peto's Marine players kept Crowned Mongrels under control with Leo Olditch, Darren O’Keeffe, Mark Nosworthy and Darcy Walters all taking wickets while crafty fielding from Walters also led to a run out.
The win was Peto’s Marine’s first for the season as they head into a bye this weekend.
Ladder leaders Crowned Mongrels will back it up on Saturday against second-placed Guardian Pharmacy.
Simon Vickers out bowled by Jack Oborne
Mark Nosworthy teeing off for Peto’s Marine, scoring 48 runs
Travis Butler scored 43 runs for Crowned Mongrels
Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch
On Thursday November 9, the St Francis students from Years 3 - 6 dove into the pool to compete in their annual school swimming carnival.
There was a lot of fierce competition in and out of the pool as students competed for individual points, house points and spirit points.
The Gold Rubber Duckies (Xavier), The Red Rescuers (Champagnat) and The Samaritan Sand Crabs (Samaritan) all showed great sportsmanship as they cheered for their winners and encouraged those students trying their very best in the pool.
The overall winners of the day were The Red Rescuers (Champagnat), winning by only 55 points, while The Samaritan Sand Crabs took out the Spirit Trophy for their enthusiasm and cheering for their house throughout the day.
The day ended with some fun novelty events for those students who were not yet waterlogged.
It was a lovely day out at the pool for everyone involved.
Contributed by PE Teacher Cate Eathorne
House Captains Chase, Talea, Asha, Robbie, Brax and Summer. Photo supplied
On Friday November 10, St Colman's held their Annual Swimming Carnival.
Leichhardt and Wickham houses battled it out in the pool.
Some great swimming and close finishes made for lots of cheering from the students.
Kayden Fabbro set a new record in the Boys 50m Backstroke by 1 second in which the old record was set in 2013 by Ryan Kaminski.
The Mighty Yellow Wickham house came out on top for the day taking out the Champion house.
A big thank you to all the parents, family and friends who came along and helped with timekeeping, tuckshop and cheering the students.
Age Champions
12 Years - Lily Lowis and Sam Heatley
11 years - Will Stanton-Cook and Miley Totorica
10 Years - Lincoln Bonanno and Kate Michielin and Lilly Land
9 Years - Archie Sgroi and Taylor Chapman
8 Years - Evie Totorica and Jardii Russell
Leichhardt and Wickham houses battled it out as St Colman's Catholic School held their swimming carnival last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
L-R Age Champions Lily Lowis, Sam Heatley, Will Stanton-Cook, Miley Totorica, Lincoln Bonanno, Kate Michielin, Lilly Land, Archie Sgroi, Taylor Chapman, Evie Totorica and Jardii Russell
Kayden Fabbro set a new record in the Boys 50m Backstroke
Photos supplied: St Colman's Catholic School
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
This weekend, Saturday November 11, will see clubs from across the North Barrier Branch converge on the Ayr Surf Club for the annual Surf Rescue Championships.
Competitors will showcase their Lifesaving skills for Champion Lifesaver testing their rescue skills, lifesaving knowledge and resuscitation; Champion Patrol Team and First Aid Teams being exposed to various scenarios.
The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club has 11 members putting their skills to the test this weekend.
Winners of these competitions will gain themselves the opportunity to represent the North Barrier Branch at State Titles in the new year.
Following on from the day's competition, from 5pm that evening the club will be hosting Steve Ward for a live acoustic music session, with dinner and drinks available for purchase, and all are welcome.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
Bella Lawry practising her CPR skills. Photo supplied
Tuesday October 31. Ladies Social.
K Stuckler, I Cislowski and B Schultz defeated K Stuckler, K Page and H Jorgensen.
D Soper and I Wilson defeated R Moore and S Stidston.
Wednesday November 1
Afternoon Social Bowls was well supported with 3 rinks of triples and one pairs game.
Pairs Winners:
Dean and Chris defeated Joe and Tony
Triples Winners:
Jimmy, George and Wayne defeated John, Arthur and Hugh
Phil, Mick and Col defeated Happy, Tony B and Ron Soper
C. Power, Vince and M. Power defeated M. Chapman, S. Darwin and H. Hazel
Afternoon Winners were C. Power, Vince and M. Power - well done.
The winners for Wednesday night Social Bowls are:
1st - Katharina Stuckler and Joe Grabbi
2nd - Tricia Achille and Robyn McAllister
Thursday November 2. Final 3 Bowl Pairs. Competition Ladies Bowls.
M Nixon and P Power defeated I Cislowski and I Wilson.
Saturday November 4. Social Bowls play with 3 Rinks of Triples.
B. Hewson, C. Berkerly and R. Soper defeated J. Murrry, J. Hall, H. Hazel
M. Murison, D. Solend and W. Coonan defeated R. Kelly, D. Gauvin and C. Olditch
P. Vass, M. Chapman, T. Klopper defeated V. Edwards, J. Papali and R. Hall
Afternoon Winners going to P. Vass, M. Chapman and T. Klopper - well done.
Sunday November 5. Club Competition.
Two Semi Finals games played: Mixed Open Singles.
Winners G. Pearce defeated C. Olditch
M. Parravicini defeated W. Coonan.
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
21 players turned up to bowl on Thursday November 2.
Two games of triples and two games of pairs were played.
Rink 3 pitted Karl/Margaret, Tony and Gary 23 and 11 ends against Jim, John and Henry 10 and 7 ends.
Rink 4 saw Bob, Dino and Stephen and Peter, Alex and Hugh draw 17 each and 9 ends each.
This game was decided on the toss of a coin with Hugh’s team the winners.
Rink 5 had Paul and Mick 24 and 11 ends victorious over Joe and Trevor 14 and 10 ends in a 21 end match.
Rink 6 also saw a 21 end match in which Judy and Glen 31 and 13 ends over Norm and Jocelyn 17 and 8 ends.
The random Rink draw saw the team of Karl/Margaret, Tony and Gary winning the overall day.
Hugh Montgomery won the raffle.
Coming up on Saturday November 18 is the Home Hill rink naming day.
16 teams of 4 only.
Get your teams in by ringing Trevor at the club on 0478 642 515.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
The winning team of Tony, Karl, Margaret and Gary. Photo credit: Stephen Doig
It was the November Medal this week at Ayr Junior Golf.
An enthusiastic turn out of players enabled a great morning’s play.
For 3 holes, the monthly medal winner was Ivy Land; for 6 holes, the monthly medal winner was Lyla Land; and for 9 holes, Ethan Pengally won the monthly medal in his first 9 hole competition after moving up from 6 holes this week.
Nearest the pin, longest putt and least putts were on offer, resulting in lots of winners all around.
Next week is the last junior golf for the year, with a fun two person Ambrose on the cards. Juniors are invited to bring along a friend, parent, grandparent or other family member to join in the fun.
End of year presentation of awards will also be happening. Happy golfing!
Contributed by Laura Mahoney
Monthly medal winners, Ethan, Lyla and Ivy
The rest of the winners from the morning. Photos supplied
Ayr Ladies Golf Club recently hosted the Constable & Taylor 4bbb Honour Board Event, an annual event proudly sponsored by Bill and Helen Taylor which has been an honour board event for decades.
The day is a special day where players nominate, and their partner and markers are unknown until tee off.
44 players braved the format, and it was clear at presentation that it was a hugely successful event with most players teaming up with players they had never played with and perhaps hadn’t even met before the day.
The runners up for the day with 46 points were Trevor Jones and Loretta Mauro and the next two names to go up on the Honour Board with 47 points were Vince Sorbello and Betty Durrant.
Distinctions Monthly Medal Final C Grade winner was Angie Baxter who is well on her way to B Grade very fast.
The B Grade winner was Sandra Wight and runner up was Donna Boccalatte.
The A Grade winner was Janet Trezise and runner up Loretta Mauro.
All points for GOY, Eclectic and most improved for the year have now ended and our 2023 winners will be announced at break up.
Long time supporters of Ayr Ladies Golf Coutts Commercial Tavern sponsored a 4bbb competition on Wednesday October 25.
With an odd number of players one group had what they call in golf a ‘swinger’.
For Donna Reid and Donna Boccalatte, this was Shirley Jones and what an amazing round all 3 ladies had.
The pairing of Shirley and Donna Boccalatte were the eventual winners on a countback over Shirley and Donna Reid, both teams with 43 points.
In third place with 42 points was Wendy Baker and Ingrid Vaes and in 4th place was Vicki Adcock and Joy Cornford also with 42 points.
Vin Sorbello, Betty Durrant, Trevor Jones and Loretta Mauro
Angie Baxter, Janet Trezise, Loretta Mauro and Sandra Wight
Donna Reid, Shirley Jones, Joy Cornford, Vicki Adcock, Wendy Baker and Ingrid Vaes. Photos supplied: Ayr Ladies Golf Club