Ingham Ladies Bowls Prizewinners. Photo supplied

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Our Premier Cup team was announced this week. Representing the club will be skip Marie Own, third Elsa Poitto, second Jan Craven, lead Gina Wright and reserve Maria Spano.

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Thursday saw the team travel to Thuringowa for the Key Motors Sponsored Triples, where Marie, Elsa and Gina took home the winners' prize. Maria, Jan and Sandy Ryan also competed, finishing as first-round winners.

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The Premier Cup will be played on the same green over four days at the end of the month, making the experience invaluable. We wish the team all the best.

Wednesday's play saw the Premier Cup team have a practice run against N. Evans, J. Fenoglio, S. Ryan and M. Spano, winning 22–8.

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T. Arkink, J. Johnson, D. Tomba and L. Melvin defeated A. Burns, A. Foti and T. Rhodes 17–16.

A. Horten, J. Byrns and J. Casanovas defeated M. Grimmond, B. Eddleston and M. Moore 24–13.

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(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan)

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Photos sourced from Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages

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Cardwell parkrun #394 – 42 participants

Fastest time: David Leithhead (22:13)

Final finisher: Dave Ball (59:11)

PBs: 6

First-timers: 17

Volunteers: Anita Davina, Terry McDonald, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Dave Ball, Jake Ball

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Palm Creek parkrun #133 – 36 participants

Fastest time: Carter Hague (18:17)

Final finisher: Matteo Mancuso (1:00:04)

PBs: 8

First-timers: 11

Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Sandra Coco, Donna Panzenbock, Paula Rand, Matteo Mancuso

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Abergowrie Boys Finish Confraternity Campaign On High Note’ Photos sourced: Facebook

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St Teresa's College, Abergowrie has capped off its Confraternity Carnival campaign with a hard-fought 20-12 victory over Columba College, delivering a strong finish to the week of competition.

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The win came after a dominant earlier performance, with the boys entering their final match full of confidence following a convincing 44-6 win over Holy Spirit earlier in the day.

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In a determined display, the team avenged an earlier loss to Columba College earlier this year in the Blackhawks Schoolboys Trophy, producing a resilient performance to come away with the win.

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The match was tightly contested throughout, with Abergowrie showing composure, resilience and effort right through to the final whistle.

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The victory capped off a positive carnival for the side, with players and staff praising the team's determination and commitment across the competition.

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Gilroy Team Claims QISSN Division Silver Photos sourced: Facebook

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Gilroy Santa Maria College's QISSN netball team has finished its 2026 campaign as division runners-up after an impressive week of competition culminated in a grand final appearance.

The team secured its place in the decider with two determined victories on the final day of finals, defeating All Souls' St Gabriel's School, Charters Towers 17-15 in a thrilling quarter-final before overcoming St John's School, Roma 12-8 in the semi-final.

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In the grand final, Gilroy faced St Joseph's School, Stanthorpe, with the teams matching each other early before the opposition pulled away to claim a 25-11 victory. Despite the result, the college praised the team's determination and composure throughout the match, with players finishing the tournament with silver medals.

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Lara's consistent performances across the week were recognised when she was named Gilroy Santa Maria College's Most Valuable Player for the tournament.

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The college also thanked coaches Miss White and Mrs Biasi for their dedication in preparing and supporting the team throughout the week.

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The runner-up finish capped off an outstanding campaign, with the players already looking ahead to next year's Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball competition.

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Ingham High’s Mathew K was named in the QLD State Schools Cup Open Boys Merit Team Photo sourced: Facebook

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Ingham State High School's Open Boys rugby league team has finished as Division 2 runners-up at the Queensland State Schools Cup after going down 18-0 to Yeppoon State High School in the final.

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Although the scoreboard didn't fall their way, the team was praised for its resilience, growth and sportsmanship throughout the week-long competition and Noah was named Ingham High's Player of the Match for his performance.

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In a major individual achievement, Matthew K was named in the Queensland State Schools Cup Open Boys Merit Team, recognising him as one of the tournament's outstanding players. Selection in the Merit Team is awarded to players who have excelled throughout the competition and is a significant honour at the state level.

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The school also congratulated coaching staff Mr Mark Cockburn, Mr Jason Brown and Mr Hunter Winkel for their leadership and the way the team represented Ingham High both on and off the field.

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Despite falling just short in the decider, the team finished the tournament as Division 2 state runners-up, capping off an outstanding campaign that showcased the boys pride and compasion for the sport.

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Crushers Reserve Grade. Photo credit: Donna Macarone

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By Peter Reitano

The Herbert River Crushers hosted Centrals Tigers in Ingham on Saturday evening. Centrals had gotten the first points on the board with 2 converted tries.  

Unfortunately, the Crushers were reduced down to 12 players with a send-off in the 30th minute. That didn’t dampen the Crushers spirit though with interchange hooker Mathias Santo barging over in the 35th minute with five eighth and captain Dylan Gaggiano’s conversion, followed by a penalty to Gaggiano just before halftime seeing the Crushers down by 4 at halftime.

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3 minutes into the second half newcomer winger Gausa Dau crossed out side to level the scores at 12 all. Centrals then cross for a converted try in the 10th minute.

Even though the Crushers tried valiantly with a number of attacking raids on the Centrals tryline, they could just not bridge the gap. It was an amazing effort by the team playing 40 minutes of the match (after a Centrals player was sin binned) with 1 less player.

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The Reserve Grade game started with a try to five-eighth Tremayne Priestley who took an intercept and ran 80 metres to score untouched. With fullback Bailey Skipper’s conversion the Crushers were up 6 nil.

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Centrals then struck back with 2 tries, one of which was converted to lead 10 – 6 at the 25th minute mark. Utility player Keith Kyle then stepped through to score, and with Skipper’s conversion the Crushers were back in the lead 12 – 10.

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Secondrower Jai Dobson then made a break down the blindside before passing back inside to centre Jerramaine Neane, who ran 40 metres to score almost untouched. With Skipper’s conversion the Crusher were up by 8 at halftime.

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After halftime, Dobson stepped through to score and take the lead to 12, before Centrals scored a converted try as Skipper kicked a penalty goal to pull ahead again. Dobson made another break down the touchline, before putting a kick back infield that Priestley regathered on the bounce and scored untouched taking the lead to 30 – 16.  

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After an all in scuffle both teams were reduced to 11 players each as Centrals scored a converted try bring the lead back 8 points. Neane then shrugged off a couple of defenders with 2 minutes to go, and with Skipper’s converson they sealed the win 36 – 22.  

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The Crushers have a big couple of weeks coming up as they play Brothers this Friday night in Ingham, with a feature of the night being a Reunion of the members of the 2006 & 2016 A-Grade Premiership winning sides.

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Gilroy Santa Maria College has capped off its 2026 Confraternity Carnival campaign with a 22-14 victory over St Joseph's College Photos sourced: Facebook

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Gilroy Santa Maria College has capped off its 2026 Confraternity Carnival campaign with a 22-14 victory over St Joseph's College, Toowoomba, securing seventh place in the Family of League Foundation division.

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Coach Matt Spina delivered a passionate final address to the team before the match, paying special tribute to long-time Confraternity representatives Connor Matsen and Paddy Galletly.

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The win marked the team's strongest performance of the carnival and rounded out a successful week of competition.

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Individual honours followed at the presentation ceremony, with Year 10 middle forward Kieren Martin named Gilroy Santa Maria College's Player of the Carnival. Confraternity veteran Connor Matsen was also recognised, receiving the school's Spirit of the Carnival award.

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The college also acknowledged parents Sarah Martin and Dr Alan Poggio for providing care to an injured player during the final day of competition, along with staff members Matthew Spina, Jaidyn Spina, Jack Dixon, Paul Dezolt and Annan Whittington for their leadership throughout the week.

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With another Confraternity Carnival complete, Gilroy Santa Maria College is already looking ahead to next year's tournament on the Gold Coast.

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“It feels like we have been on holidays after missing two weeks with bad weather. The way some of us played, it would seem like we were still there!” said President Elsa, after welcoming players back.

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Championship Triples:
E.Piotto, L. DiBella, G. Wright 21/14 A. Rutherford, M. Moore, D. Bull
N. Evans, J. Fenoglio, M. Spano 23/8 S. Ryan, J. Craven, K. Rotondo

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Social:
A. Burns, I. Byrns, J. Casanovas 15/14 A. Burns, B. Eddleston, T. Rhodes
J. Bell, D. Toomba, M. Owen 19/11 R. Horton, N. Mammerella, L. Melvin

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(Contributed with thanks by Sandy Ryan)

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DAN KERSLAKE, LARA KERSLAKE, ELIZABETH FITZGERALD, SARAH FITZGERALD, MATILDA FITZGERALD

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Set against an idyllic backdrop of islands with the sound of lapping waves it’s no surprise that Paradise Run has become a popular activity with locals.  

The Club was created by in 2021 by Randall Russell who was inspired by the new trend of parkruns happening across Australia and set out to create his own version in Mission Beach.

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Though the current route doesn’t qualify for an official ‘parkrun’ due to running on a few roads it shows off exactly what Mission Beach has to offer.  

The Club has just celebrated over 300 runs with on average 65 people attending each week.  

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“We all want to leave our mark somewhere, and now we’re coming up to our 6th year, I’m proud as punch,” said Randall.  

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Participants can walk, jog or run 3km or 5km and there’s a timer set up for those looking to score a personal best.  

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William Keen has been a member since the inception of the Club and recently celebrated his mum’s 101^st birthday by pushing her in a wheel chair around the 3km track.  

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“I love it because it’s not a race or anything it’s just good fun!” said William.  

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A recent highlight for the Club was when six of their junior members were selected to represent the Cassowary Coast at the Queensland Cross Country Trials. This event seeks out the best young athletes; particularly from rural or regional areas with a view to progress them to higher level competitions.    

To participate in Paradise Run it’s just a few dollars donation, with proceeds put back into the community.

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Everyone is welcome to get involved and, at the end there’s lolly bags for the children, free bananas and a voucher presentation. During the morning, local business also offer free coffees, milkshakes or slices of cake. A wonderful incentive for kids and adults alike!  

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The Club meet at the end of Seaview Street every Saturday at 6:45am with the run starting promptly at 7am.  

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WHAT: Paradise Run

WHERE: Seaview Street

WHEN: Saturday from 6.45am

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Max McDonald, 27, has been training for the CCC by UTMB, a world-renowned ultra-trail race where he will run across the Mont Blanc massif. Photo supplied

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Tully local Max McDonald is set to represent the region on the world stage when he tackles the prestigious CCC by UTMB, an iconic ultra-trail race that takes runners across the spectacular Mont Blanc massif.

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Runners start in Courmayeur, Italy, through Champex, Switzerland to Chamonix, France where they cross the finish line. Competitors will run just over 100km with an estimated elevation gain of 6,000 metres.  

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“it’s the Olympics for trail running,” said Max.

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Max, who lives in Tully has had the perfect training ground in the form of Mount Tyson; a rainforest covered peak spanning 2km with an elevation gain of 650 metres.  

“It’s a steep, technical track with mosquitoes, leeches and horse flies!” Max enthuses.  

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“Tully is a harsh environment - it can be humid and hot and can be really wet as well [but] it has its strong points [from] a running perspective.”

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Max’s qualifying race held by Ultra -Trail Australia was in the Blue Mountains, Sydney where he ran 100KM in 12 hours 13 mins.  

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In just under eight weeks Max will head over to Europe to compete in this grueling event and he’s set his sights on another sub 13 hour time.  

The trail takes athletes through some extraordinary vistas where racers will face harsh terrains, steep inclines and changeable weather conditions.  

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“As an athlete, over the years you learn to talk yourself through things, when things get hard in life you talk to yourself, and it gets better,” shared Max.  

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“With running I’m not nervous, I know the steps to get through it, it’s a challenge I’m ready for.”

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The CCC by UTMB race takes place on August 28th 2026, and is documented via online streaming services. You can also follow Max’s journey via Instagram: maxmc_

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Photos sourced from Palm Creek & Cardwell Parkrun’s Facebook pages

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Palm Creek parkrun #132 – 36 participants
Fastest time: Damien Messmer (17:42)
Final finisher: V Velton (57:38)
PBs: 3
First-timers: 11
Volunteers: Ted Cogger, Sandra Coco, Amanda Towner, Matteo Mancuso, V Velton

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Cardwell parkrun #393 – 37 participants
Fastest time: Nathan Moore (19:58)
Final finisher: Graeme Lake (56:19)
PBs: 5
First-timers: 19
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Terry McDonald, Robin Rishworth, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Graeme Lake, Luke Tamblyn

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Hudson, Hayden, and Jesse all did well during the Townsville Rockwheelers Interschool Mountain Bike Race

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Three Gilroy Santa Maria College students have delivered an impressive performance at the Townsville Rockwheelers Interschool Mountain Bike Race, finishing 11th overall against much larger teams.

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Riders tackled four demanding courses designed to test both technical skill and endurance, with competitors given up to five attempts on each track and their fastest times determining the final standings.

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Hudson produced one of the standout performances of the day, finishing second overall in a highly competitive division of 66 riders. Hayden also impressed in the same division, placing sixth overall while recording the most laps completed during the event. Jessedemonstrated determination throughout the competition and performed strongly.

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The college praised the trio's commitment, perseverance and teamwork, with their combined efforts securing an outstanding overall result.

Gilroy also acknowledged the support of a former student and past mountain bike team member, who attended the event to encourage the riders, along with parents who assisted with transport and support throughout the day.

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The Club BBQ on June 28^th, catching up with old and meeting new members. Photo supplied

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June has been a month of great achievements for the Cardwell Sportfishing Club, with members gathering for the Presentation BBQ on 28^th June to celebrate the latest competition results and milestones. Covering the period from 1^st June to 28^th June 2026, the club has seen a fantastic increase in participation, particularly in this year’s ANSA Species Challenge.

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After entering 11 species in the 2024/25 season, members have achieved an impressive 80 species entries this year, narrowly missing out on surpassing Bundaberg’s total of 86. Considering the club only began building momentum after last year’s Barra Bonanza, this is a fantastic effort and sets the scene for an even stronger showing next season.

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Remember, take photos of all capture and send them to fishing@card-wellsportfishingclub.com.au. This year there were a number of species we thought were duplicates and new for our club. Take your brag mat and photos when you go outside our area, and send them in.

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Club 6 Species Challenge Leader Board – No Changes

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Meritorious Catches

Freshwater: Callan Ihle 33 cm Sooty Grunter  

Estuary: Ernie Melnacis 46 cm Javelin (Barred)  

Reef: John Andrejic 47 cm Emperor  

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Trophy Fish

Senior Male: Stan Skeates 55 cm Tarpon  

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Champion Male Angler

Champion: Stan Skeates 589 points  

Runner-Up: John Andrejic 583 points  

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Target Species for June 2026:

River - Sooty Grunter: Senior Winner was Stan Skeats 34 cm, and a very Close second Callan Ihle 33 cm. Stan received a $100 voucher from Tully Tackle World.

Junior winner: No entries in the June river competition, so the jackpot will increase to $150.  

Reef – Mackerel: No entries in the Reef Senior comp this month so the jackpot will increase to $200 in June. Also, no entries in the Reef junior comp this month so the jackpot will increase to $300 in June.

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Species for July 2026:

Reef: Emperor – Red Throat $150 Senior Jackpot to $300 for Juniors  

River: Whiting $100 Senior Jackpot to $150 for Juniors  

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What: Club Fishing Dates & Presentation BBQ
When: Monday, 29^th June – Saturday 25^th July. Presentation Sunday 26^th July.
Where: Cardwell Sportfishing Club house, St Albans St, Cardwell

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Jackson Solien mid game, dodging a tackle from a rival player. Photo supplied

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At just 16 years old, young rugby player Jackson is already chasing big opportunities, with a trip to the United Kingdom on the horizon after being selected for a rugby tour.

Jackson’s rugby journey began when he was about 14 years old, after a coach encouraged him to join the Innisfail Brothers.

“I got involved through one of my coaches who was coaching at Tully, Graham Anderson,” Jackson said. “He told me to come play down there, and I went down there and had a really good time.”

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After starting with the Chargers, Jackson went on to compete in the Football Queensland trials in Cairns and has continued building his skills and experience ever since.

For Jackson, the appeal of rugby comes down to the game itself, as well as the people and opportunities it brings.

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“I enjoy my friends and family getting to watch me,” he said. “It’s really good seeing them, and also the opportunities, like getting to travel everywhere through tours and everything. But mostly it’s just the game. It’s a good game that I really enjoy.”

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The opportunity to travel to the UK came after Jackson was selected for the Queensland and Country representative team. Following the completion of that programme, coach Mark Moxon contacted him about joining the European tour.

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“He gave me a call about a month after Country had finished and said, ‘Jack, I do want you to come to this Europe tour, I’d like to see you play there,’ and I said yes.”

The overseas experience is an exciting step for Jackson, who hopes it could open more doors in his rugby career.

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“Australia is great, but if I go over there and someone is watching me, I might be able to get spotted,” he said. “It’s just more opportunities wherever I go.”

Jackson currently trains with Brothers Rugby in Townsville while continuing to play for the Tully Tigers on weekends, meaning his commitment involves plenty of travel between towns.

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“It’s a lot of car travel,” Jackson said. “My parents do a lot, all the travel for the kids’ trips, the towns, the training and the games we play.”

Balancing the demands of high-level sport while completing Year 11 has been a challenge, but Jackson remains focused on improving.

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“You’ve got to do a lot of training, wake up early, do running, then the gym, then training,” he said. “You just have to keep moving forward and keep going.”

While rugby is currently a major focus, Jackson understands the importance of keeping up with school as well.

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“Rugby is definitely a priority right now because I want to be in top form for this UK trip, but school is still very important.”

Like many young athletes, Jackson has faced setbacks along the way, including missing out on selections he hoped to make. However, he said those moments have only strengthened his determination.

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“Not making the teams you wanted to make is probably the biggest challenge,” he said. “But when you wait, it will come. A lot happens.”

Jackson plays hooker, a specialised position requiring strength, skill and precision.

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“I work a lot with the ball, especially throwing,” he said. “I also work on my scrummaging because I’m right in the centre of the scrums taking all the hits.”

He credits his family, coaches and supporters for helping him reach this point, particularly his parents and Graham Anderson, who encouraged him to try rugby in the first place. Jackson also thanked Mark Moxon, the Tully Tigers club, Colleges Rugby Club, and everyone in the community who has supported him.

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Looking ahead, Jackson hopes rugby could eventually lead him towards pathways such as the Queensland Reds system or overseas opportunities.

“A proper dream would be a Queensland Reds pathway,” he said. “But when people go overseas, they can get so many more opportunities through French and English pathways, so it would be great to keep that door open.”

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For other young athletes chasing their own goals, Jackson’s advice is to keep an open and positive mindset.

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“Never give up, just keep moving forward,” he said. “If it doesn’t work out, you’ve always got more time. I'm only 16 right now, and a lot of doors are open for me, but this, I could tell, there's many, many to come still. Just don't give up.”

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Palm Creek parkrun #131 – 23 participants

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Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:19)
Final finisher: Sandra Coco (57:41)
PBs: 5
First-timers: 5
Volunteers: Julie Mac Pherson, Bridgette Duffy, Erin Cerutti, Matteo Mancuso, Sandra Coco

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Cardwell parkrun #392 – 28 participants

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Fastest time: Jake Ball (20:57)
Final finisher: Carolyn McDiarmid (54:25)
PBs: 6
First-timers: 7
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Terry McDonald, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Carolyn McDiarmid, Jake Ball, Kellie Ball, Sheridan Jeffery

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Photos sourced from Palm Creek and Cardwell Parkrun Facebook pages

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