The women making a big difference to sport in Mackay
From players to volunteers behind the scenes, Mackay has an amazing army of women making a difference in sport. Here are those stars setting new standards for the region.
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The world has come together to celebrate International Women’s Day and honour influential and trailblazing women.
Closer to home, there are many women in Mackay – from athletes and coaches to volunteers and administrators – who have profoundly impacted the sporting landscape and continue to do amazing work to benefit the community.
The following list highlights just a few of the region’s rolemodels.
Bette Wyer | Mackay Netball
When you think of Mackay Netball you think of Bette Wyer.
Having spent decades volunteering, coaching, playing and managing a variety of netball teams and leagues within the region, Wyer has become the pinnacle of what it is to give not just your time but your heart to a sport.
Wyer began with Mackay Netball almost 30 years ago and started the Brothers Netball Club in 1993 with six junior teams which has since blossomed to 20 teams.
She has also been the president of Netball Queensland Whitsunday, and was runner-up in the 2015 North Queensland Sportstar Awards.
Ms Wyer said seeing the kids play brought her the most enjoyment.
Jenny Harmer | On The Run
Jenny Harmer first became involved with run coaching back in 2017 after deciding to take on the role to prepare a group of Mackay residents for a half-marathon.
Having spent the past six years with On The Run, Harmer is recognised as a leading lady when it comes to fitness and giving her time and energy to others for them to live healthier and happier lives.
She has been nominated numerous times as the best sports coach in Mackay including in 2019 and 2022.
Melissa Ferrier | Brothers Netball Club
Melissa Ferrier, the daughter of none other than Bette Wyer, has been instrumental in both the development and nurturing of young athletes both in Mackay and the Whitsundays in the space of recovery and netball.
Ferrier is also instrumental in the development and day-to-day running of the Brothers Netball Club and is a much loved and admired member of its community.
Admitting her own personal hero in this regard is her mum, Ferrier continues to be a shining light and role model to those around her and was one of the most nominated names among our community.
Tracee Williamson | Pioneer Valley Cricket/Mackay Whitsunday Cricket
One of our regions most decorated cricketers, Williamson’s name featured regularly when people were asked to nominate influential women from the community.
Williamson became an outstanding soccer player into her 20s however switched back to cricket with the Pioneer Valley and continues to be a dominating figure.
Williamson is a positive role model for younger female athletes making a transition back into sport or into a new code.
Sarina & District Netball Committee
Much of the work any committee does at a community level tends to go unnoticed.
However, the incredible support and work ethic of the Sarina District has been recognised as crucial to its players and staff.
The following women were highlighted among many contributing ladies who continue to push both junior athletes and the game itself forward in a bid to keep netball as a dominating feature of Mackay’s sporting landscape.
There were special shootouts given to women including Kylie Bourke, Lauren Weston, Kara Boswood and Michelle Stevenson.
Tracey McLeod | St Pats
According to one member of the community McLeod’s key attributes to the square are they she is a “genuine and true giving person” and as such makes her a tremendous coach for the youth.
Giving more than just on the field lessons McLeod instils values that translate far beyond the sporting landscape and continues to mould and shape young people she comes into contact with in her role as coach.
Tina Kenniff-Morse | All Sports Speed and Endurance Training
A former tennis player turned coach Tina Kenniff-Morse has been instrumental not only in the development of many young talents in the region but also as a consistent presence and role model among the community.
Transitioning into teaching other athletes the skill sets and techniques of fast movement in tennis, Kenniff-Morse continues to shine among the sporting landscape both as a coach and a businesswoman.
Kenniff-Morse has been labelled as “such a role model for young women” according to the community and continues to be a role model for young women and athletes alike.
Jeanne Ronald | Bakers Creek FC
Jeanne Ronald is one of the most passionate Bakers Creek Football supporters and volunteers you will come across.
Honoured with Australia Day recognitions in the past, Ronald continues to be a shining light among the community and a passionate member of the Bakers creek club.
Nikki Giles | Tri Activ-8
For anything endurance in Mackay the name Nikki Giles is one that instantly comes to mind.
Eight years after starting her business Tri-activ8, Giles has been a leading name and presence in the community to get people involved not only in triathlon as a sport but also endurance training as a fitness lifestyle.
Instrumental in the launch and success of Park Run in the area, Giles has helped shape and mould thousands of Mackay locals into fitter and healthier people while also proving to be a consistent source of motivation for those around her.
Giles has been recognised as a leader in sport, a leader among women in sport and a motivational figure in our community for years and continues to be a positive role model for women and young girls around her.
Natalie Ramsdale | Moranbah Netball Association
Natalie Ramsdale has been recognised for her tireless work with the Moranbah Netball Association and her continued support and drive.
A clear sport loving family Ramsdale has been instrumental in numerous projects and community activities that see her as a positive role model to young women and athletes within the community.
Jodie Baxter | Dragons Softball Club & Mackay Softball Association
Jodie Baxter has been a leading coach and role model in the Mackay softball community for years and continues to be a shining light.
Baxter has been recognised for her outstanding efforts leading and assisting the Dragons Softball Club as both a coach and member of the association.
Often seen giving her time to younger athletes and driving new players into the system, Baxter is an amazing role model among the community.
Kate Geiger | Mackay Touch Football
“The heart and soul of Mackay Touch Association growth and support, Melinda Lou Kidd said in describing Kate Geiger.
A multiple-time Queensland and Australian representative Kate Geiger is a constant motivation for those around her and has become the face of touch rugby in the process.
“A trailblazer for touch football in Mackay,” according to Tori Jenner.
Geiger is either playing, speaking or officiating the game and has been a constant presence in the community for a number of years.
Ladies Daytime Basketball | Mackay committee
Bringing together a community of basketballing ladies from all over the area the Ladies Daytime Basketball organisation offers a place for women to come together and hoop together each week.
With a principle of making everyone feel included and respected the group continues to offer a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Mackay Netball Association
The Mackay Netball Association and the women who make it as magnificent as it is could be on this list for being a positive influence and organisation among the community.
Special mentions among the association are for Bec Hagenbach, Tracey Zeller, Cerise Elbourne, Chelsea Moohin, Jenny Moohin and Adra Ginns.
These women have been singled out for their consistent work, effort and love for the sport.
A member connected to the club said they could not me replaced.
Pat Wright | Mackay Swimming Academy
Pat Wright isn't just one of the most successful swimming names in the region — she is one of the most decorated and successful in the entire nation.
Not only does Wright coach the elites, she also is admired for her more than two decades work with the youth of the region and continues to develop and educate them in things far beyond the pool.
Wright has been a pioneer and always present force in the push for women in sport and continues to be admired and respected for all her work and passion along the way.
Melinda Dwyer | Mackay and Whitsunday Cricket
Melinda Dwyer being recognised “for all the work she does scoring, volunteering and being pretty awesome for junior and women’s cricket in Mackay-Whitsunday” according to Lou Broad-Foot.
Consistently giving her time and energy for the betterment of women's cricket in the area Dwyer is a true leader among a strong community of sporting volunteers.
Chloe Butler | Mackay Women’s Rugby
A former Wallaroo turned community leader Chloe Butler has been one of the most dominating forces the Mackay rugby union community has seen.
Butler not only has a love for the sport but also for younger athletes falling in love with it and hopefully progressing to a career similar to her own which saw her travel the world doing what she loves.
Butler continues to be a present and inspired leader among the community and gives her time and energy on a consistent basis to the people and the sport she loves.
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