Magpie of the year is an annual event, awarding sporting excellence within Magpies 9 affiliated sporting clubs. Magpie of the Year Awards are: Junior Female Athlete of the year, Junior Male Athlete of the year, Senior Female Athlete of the year, Senior Male Athlete of the year, Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year and the coveted Magpie of the Year award honours the winner for their considerable contribution to Magpies over at least 5 years.
Congratulations to our outstanding athletes, dedicated volunteers, and charities recognized at the 2024 Magpie of the Year awards ceremony. The flagship award: Magpie of the Year was presented to Julie Morgan from Magpies Senior Rugby League Club, with the club also being having Coach of the Year awarded to Duane Morris. Magpies Basketball Club player Declan Garnham won Junior Male Athlete of the Year, and Isaac Borg from Magpies Cricket Club took out Senior Male Athlete of the Year. Volunteer of the Year went to Cara Brotherton from Magpies AFL Club. Teuila Tuugavao Soe from Magpies Junior Rugby League Club was awarded Junior Female Athlete of the Year. Senior Female Athlete of the Year winner was given to Ella Cronin from Magpies Senior Rugby League Club. We were fortunate to have special guest, Rogan Dean, who was a semi-professional rugby player until a motorbike accident led to the loss of his leg. He shared his inspiring story later about standing tall in the face of adversity. Magpies have been giving wings to the community for 40 years. We contributed $1.35 Million to the Mackay community in the last financial year alone, at Magpie of the Year we presented donation cheques to the charities that received $2 from every new membership in the last financial year: Grapevine Group, Ronald McDonald House Mackay, Kidney Support Network Mackay and CQ Rescue.
Special Guest: football commentator, former Matilda & professional footballer Amy Chapman captivated the audience with a speech on her incredible journey in the world of womens football. The flagship award of 2023 – Magpie of the Year was awarded to Bradley Garnham from Magpies Junior Rugby League Club. Coach of the Year 2023 was presented to Scott Thorburn from Magpies Senior Rugby League Club. Paul Jackson from Magpies Cricket Club was awarded 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Senior Male Athlete of the Year 2023 was presented to Adam Zurvas from Magpies Cricket Club. 2023 Senior Female Athlete of the Year went to deserving Magpies Senior Rugby League Club Player Paityne Johns. Liam Zurvas from Magpies Cricket Club received Junior Male Athlete of the Year 2023. Magpies Netball Clubs’ Charlotte McGuinness took out 2023 Junior Female Athlete of the Year. Amongst the awards Magpies Sporting Club General Manager Darren Smith revealed Magpies Sporting had contributed over $1.1 million to the Mackay community last financial year. Magpies Community Grants supported 119 recipients this calendar year with $44,700 worth of grants. Also on the night, Magpies Sporting Clubs presented almost $20,000 worth of donation cheques to CQ Rescue, Cancer Council, Grapevine Group, Ronald McDonald House, Royal Flying Doctors and Mackay Surf Life Saving Club.
The 2022 Magpie of the Year event was a celebration of the achievements and contributions of athletes and volunteers. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Mayor Greg Williamson and Deputy Mayor Karen May, as well as media and members of the Magpies Board of Directors. The event also featured a special guest speaker, Jelena Dokic, who shared her inspiring story of overcoming adversity to become a successful tennis player. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Magpie of the Year award, which was won by Damian Smith for his tireless work with the Magpies Senior and Junior Rugby League Clubs. Other awards included the Senior Female Athlete of the Year, won by Zanya Balfour for her leadership of the Magpies Premier Women’s Football team, and the Senior Male Athlete of the Year, won by Ben Zurvas for his longstanding commitment to the Magpies Cricket club.The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Russell Cunnington for his contributions to the Magpies Football Club, while the Junior Male Athlete of the Year was won by Usai Bickey for his impressive representation at higher levels of competition. Finally, the Junior Female Athlete of the Year was won by Gorja Randell, who was recognized for her leadership on and off the field, including as the captain of the Magpies Heat League Premiership team and a coach for the Junior Blaster program.
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2018
PAUL HUDSON
MAGPIES JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
2017
CAROL HODGE
MAGPIES MACKAY & DISTRICT DOG OBEDIENCE CLUB
2016
SHAUNA DOWTON
MAGPIES SENIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
2014
BRENDAN JONES
MAGPIES SENIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
2013
CAROLYN YOUNG
MAGPIES JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
2012
GREG JENSEN
MAGPIES JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
2011
KEN SHUTTLEWOOD
MAGPIES JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
2010
GLEN COLE
MAGPIES CRICKET CLUB
Did you know Magpies is home to 9 Affiliated Clubs? 🖤🤍
From Rugby League to Football, AFL to Netball, Touch, Cricket, Basketball and even Dog Obedience – our Magpies family proudly represents the black & white across Mackay. We couldn’t be prouder of them all! 🏉⚽🏏🐾🏀🏐
#MagpiesFamily #BlackAndWhitePride #WhatsYourSport
Aug 24
Come down and support Magpies Mackay Senior Rugby League Club in their last home games of the season this Sunday 10th August 2025 at Solo Oval!
We’re taking on Brothers in what’s sure to be a cracking day of footy!
📅 Game Day Schedule:
🕦 11:30am – U20s
🕐 1:00pm – Reserve Grade
🕒 3:00pm – A Grade
Bring your mates, wear your colours, and let’s make some noise!
#MagpiesSRL #WhatsYourSport
Aug 9
🏆 Huge congratulations to our Magpies Mackay Football Club U16 team for going undefeated and taking out the grand final at the Wanderers Carnival on Sunday!
A big cheer as well for our U10 Silver team - winners of their age division! An incredible effort!
We`re so proud of all our Magpies teams for representing the club with passion, pride, and sportsmanship - what a brilliant day of football!
🙏 Thank you to Mel and the team at Mackay Wanderers FC for hosting such a memorable carnival.
#MagpiesFootball #WhatsYourSport #MagpiesPride #CarnivalFun
Aug 4
🏉 Vote for Your Favourite Magpies AFL Player!
The Courier Mail has named the top 30 Aussie Rules players in North Queensland, based on PlayHQ’s Best on Ground nominations and two of our Magpies Mackay Australian Football Club stars have made the list!
🙌 Show your support for Reegan Underwood and Mark Robb by casting your vote and helping them take the crown as the region’s best!
Vote now via the link:
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/sport/vote-for-the-best-afl-players-in-cairns-townsville-and-mackay/news-story/cb1bab33bdc37b6a72427b762430ff9f
Let’s go, Magpies! 🖤
#MagpiesAFL #WhatsYourSport
Jul 9
🎉 The 2025 Great Community Fundraiser is Here! – a fantastic initiative proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Mackay North and North Jacklin Motor Group!
🚗 Major Prize: A Brand-New Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus!
Valued at $28,990 drive away, this sleek, fuel-efficient beauty could be yours!
🎟️ Tickets are just $2 each available to purchase at Magpies Football Club Day today, Sologinkin Oval!
💛 The best part? Every dollar raised stays right here at Magpies Football Club 🖤🤍 — helping them invest in new equipment and improve facilities.
#WhatsYourSport #MagpiesFootball #MagpiesCommunity
Jun 21
📣 Game Day at Home – Tomorrow!
Come down and support the Magpies Mackay Senior Rugby League Club as they hit the field in a big day of footy!
10:00am – U/20 vs Souths
11:30am – Women vs Moranbah
1:00pm – Reserve Grade vs Moranbah
3:00pm – A Grade vs Moranbah
Photo cred to @Jessica Wilson Photography 🔥
#MagpiesSRL #WhatsYourSport
Jun 14
Over the weekend, our Magpies Mackay Football Club Senior Men`s team proudly supported Female Football Week by wearing purple tape - the symbolic colour of this special occasion.
Players also had the opportunity to walk out with someone special, such as their mum, sister, or daughter. What a beautiful way to get behind Female Football Week!💜 #WhatsYourSport #MagpiesFootball
May 12
Like a dog with two tails, our Grounds team are stoked to have taken delivery of a brand spankin` new line marker. This will reduce the time in line marking a field from 3 hours to just 10 minutes! Gee they might even have time to mow our neighbours lawns now 😜 #MagpiesStaff #WhatsYourSport #GoMaggies #Chuffed #LineMarker
Apr 9
MAGPIES WOMEN IN SPORT - HIGH CALIBRE SPOTLIGHT
🏏🔥 Proudly representing Queensland in the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships, Dharmini is a force on and off the pitch. History was made! Dharmini Chauhan takes her place in the record books as the first-ever female A-Grade player to take the field for the 2024/25 season!
But she’s not stopping there… Dharmini is also giving back to the next generation, actively coaching the Magpies Junior Blasters – inspiring young cricketers with every session.
⚽ And when she’s not dominating the crease, you’ll find her lacing up for @magpiesfootballmackay Senior Women’s Prems – proving talent knows no bounds.
Let’s give it up for Dharmini – a true trailblazer and role model!
#WhatsYourSport #GoMaggies #MagpiesCricket #MagpiesFootball #MagpiesPride #WomenInSport #GameChanger #HistoryMaker #DharminiChauhan
Apr 8
Great to have MPs @davidlittleproud.mp and @andrewwillcoxmp at Magpies Sporting Club yesterday! A fantastic step forward for women’s sport in our region. We’re always looking for ways to expand and enhance our facilities for our nine affiliated sporting clubs, with a strong focus on supporting our women’s teams. #WhatsYourSport #GoMaggies
Apr 1
🏆 2025 AFFILIATES CHALLENGE 🏆
Magpies affiliated clubs gathered at Sologinkin Oval for a night filled with fun, food, and friendly competition! After a series of exciting challenges, Magpies Mackay Senior Rugby League Club claimed victory, taking home an $800 cheque for their club. 🎉
🏆 2nd Place: Magpies Mackay Touch Football Club – $600
🥉 3rd Place: Magpies Mackay Junior Rugby League Club – $400
A huge congratulations to all the winners! 🎊 Plus, all participating clubs walked away with $250 each.
Magpies Mackay Australian Football Club Magpies Mackay Basketball Club Magpies Netball Club Mackay Magpies Mackay & District Obedience Club Magpies Cricket Club Mackay Magpies Mackay Football Club
#GoMaggies #WhatsYourSport #MagpiesCommunity
Feb 24
🖤 Show your team spirit with our awesome Magpies merch - available on our website! From basketball singlets and fishing shirts to caps and more, we`ve got something for every fan!
Shop now and wear your Magpies pride: https://www.magpiesmackay.com.au/shop/#merchandise
#MagpiesMerch #WhatsYourSport
Feb 6
Want to play for Magpies? 🙌 Check out the Facebook links to our affiliate clubs below and reach out to them directly for registration details!
You can also find contact details via our website: https://www.magpiesmackay.com.au/sports/
🏉Magpies Senior Rugby League: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesSeniorRugbyLeague
🏉Magpies Junior Rugby League: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesJuniorRugbyLeague
🏉Magpies Mackay Australian Football Club: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesAFL
⚽️Magpies Mackay Football Club: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesFootball
🏐Magpies Netball Club: https://www.facebook.com/magpiesnetballmackay
🏀Magpies Basketball: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesBasketball
🏏Magpies Cricket: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesCricketClubMackay
🏉Magpies Touch Football: https://www.facebook.com/MagpiesMackayTouchFootballClub
#MagpiesFamily #JoinTheTeam #WhatsYourSport
Feb 2
Magpies Cricket Club are the clear frontrunners in the competition at this point, remaining undefeated from all seven completed matches with a net run-rate higher than 2. If any team is able to get the best of them during the finals series it will certainly be an upset. #GoMaggies #WhatsYourSport #MagpiesCricket
Nov 28
