The Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre was buzzing with excitement on 14 November, as Our Lady of Lourdes School Ingham joined forces with the Centre for an action-packed day of racing, showcasing some fantastic racing across all age groups.

The atmosphere was electric, with numerous "learn-to-swim" participants and squad members taking to the pool, eager to show off their skills. The Centre shared it was a heartwarming sight to see so many younger swimmers confidently competing in the races.

Contributed with thanks to the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre.

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Ryan took out the win for the 2024 Our Lady of Lourdes School swimming carnival.
Safety first! The Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre saw many novice swimmers take to the pool earlier this month.
Many students, and staff enjoyed the awesome Ryan Vs O’Connor carnival.

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Are you looking for a way to get active, have fun, and meet new people? The Ingham Tennis Association is the place to be for social tennis fixtures that promise friendly competition and a chance to get fitter while enjoying a laugh.
Here’s a look at the weekly tennis schedule:
   • Monday Night Pickleball: Join in for social games starting at 6:30pm. No need to sign up in advance - just turn up and enjoy some friendly play. For more information, call Gordon on 0409 092 058.
   • Tuesday Night Singles and Doubles: Starting at 6:30pm, this session features both singles and doubles matches in a 3-person team format. Play a variety of games and enjoy a fun night of tennis. For details, contact Steve on 0488 763 270.
   • Thursday Night Doubles: If doubles tennis is your thing, head down to the courts at 6:30pm. This session features a 4-person team format, making it perfect for those looking for a social, fast-paced game. Call Richard at 0428 152 125 for more information.
   • Wednesday Morning Ladies' Doubles: A relaxed and friendly doubles session for ladies, starting at 8:30am. If you’re interested, call Belinda on 0417 782 227 to join in the fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, these social fixtures are a great way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the wonderful sport of tennis.

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Pickleball is a new sport and great for all ages - just turn up on a Monday night and have some fun!

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The NQIB – Country Cups Challenge Qualifier Hinchinbrook Cup Raceday was a huge success earlier this month with organisers saying they were “very happy with the attendance”.
“We got the crowd we were hoping for, and more for a normal November meet,” they said.
Highlights on the day was the Fashions on the Field event which was a stand-out this year!
There were 10 Fashions Categories and over $10,000 worth of prizes.
“The Fashions itself, that were getting around trackside were phenomenal!”
Another highlight would be the amazing sponsorship the event received from the Ingham and Townsville business community.
“Without their generosity, we wouldn’t be able to have Race Day Events, or even, Fashions on the Field Events.”
Fashions on the Field Event
Judges were Marnie Davidson, Chelsea Burger and Jane Caffery.
Ingham Travel Classic Lady of the Track
Runner Up: Donna Smith
Winner: Amy Byrnes

Coffee Presto Contemporary Lady of the Track
Runner Up: Lolia Holder
Winner: Rachel Swarbrick

Snippers Boutique for Hair Millinery
Runner Up: Amy Byrnes
Winner: Hayley Place

Lifelong Supports Man of the Track
Runner Up: Bob Shaw
Winner: Peter Dibella

Northern Aroma Most Stylish Couple
Runner Up: Cheryl Shaw and Bob Shaw
Winner: Angelique Dibella and Peter Dibella
Living the Hinchinbrook Way (Local Category)
Winner: Sonia Milton

Best Dressed Family
Winner: Hayley, Brenton, Parker and Matilda Place

Best Dressed Junior Boy (0-11 years)
Winner: Parker Place

Best Dressed Junior Girl (0-11 years)
Winner: Matilda Place

There were no entrants in the Best Dressed Boy or Girl (12-17 years)

Spotter's Choice
Runner Up: Tahnee Bartolini
Winner: Amanda Truffa

Horse Racing Results

Horse racing was also a big part of the day, there were six local races on the day and all races were well contested with some very close finishers, especially Race 6, The Ingham Cellarbrations Ingham Gold Cup.

It was won by Joe Russo’s locally trained horse Zouhope.

After the races, the crowd were entertained with live music and DJ
Kids were also kept entertained during the day with face painting and balloon twisting.

Race Results

Race 1     COSCA ACCOUNTANT'S - MAIDEN PLATE  3-Y-O & Up. Set Weights  1100m
1st 1 Feargach Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. Nathan Day $12
2nd 2 Fivelineditty Trainer. Joe Russo Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $4.40
3rd 6 Miss Mildred Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $3.20

Race 2    INGHAM CONCRETE / WILMAR SUGAR - QTIS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP  1200m
1st 2 Fast As Steel Trainer. Alwyn Bailey Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.80
2nd 5 Hit Snooze Trainer. Georgie Holt Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $4.40
3rd 3 Collombatti Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $16

Race 3    INGHAM MAZDA - BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP  1000m
1st 1 Jawgo Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. P G Romeo $2.20F
2nd 5 Tantrums Trainer. Bill Kenning Jockey. D Smith $6
3rd 2 Bean Warrior Trainer. Rodney Miller Jockey. Ms J S Edwards $13

Race 4    STOKES & COMPANY ACCOUNTANTS - CLASS B HANDICAP  1400m
1st 1 Tymon Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $1.80F
2nd 3 Wong Way Trainer. Mark Dale Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $4
3rd 4 Russian Rose Trainer. Alex Malliff Jockey. N A Day $7

Race 5    NQIB COUNTRY CUPS CHALLENGE QUALIFIER / HINCHINBROOK CUP OPEN HANDICAP  1400m
1st 6 Aolani Trainer. Tom Button Jockey. Ms G S Semmens $2F
2nd 4 Loburn Lass Trainer. Alwyn Bailey Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.10
3rd 3 Savvy Sovereign Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $4.40

Race 6    INGHAM CELLABRATIONS INGHAM GOLD CUP - BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP  1600M
1st 4 Zouhope Trainer. Joe Russo Jockey. Ms L J Morrison $2.60
2nd 1 Going Nuclear Trainer. Matthew McGuire Jockey. S E Sheargold $2.50F
3rd 2 Tycoon Lad Trainer. Georgie Holt Jockey. A Butler $4.40

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Photo credit: Christopher Spencer

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