New belt added to boxer’s wardrobe

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

From cattle auctions to live music performances and cooking demonstrations, Casino Beef Week offers a truly immersive experience that educates, entertains, and engages visitors.

The North Coast Tourism Awards honour excellence in the tourism industry, recognizing outstanding achievements, innovation, and contribution to the region’s visitor economy.

The Festival/Event of the Year category highlights the festivals and events that have made a significant impact on the tourism landscape, displaying the best of what the region has to offer.

As a finalist, Casino Beef Week is thrilled to be in the company of other exceptional events that have left a lasting impression on visitors to the North Coast. This recognition reinforces the festival’s commitment to continuously enhancing the visitor experience, promoting regional tourism, and strengthening the local economy.

The winners of the 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards will be announced at a prestigious gala event on 27th of July 2023 at The Plantation House, Tweed Heads. The Casino Beef Week team eagerly awaits the results, excited about the opportunity to celebrate the festival’s achievements alongside fellow industry leaders and visionaries.

Maddog Boxing Gym has done it again, producing another winner, this time at the Australian Boxing Council’s State of Origin series, which is held once a year.

Sunny McLean from Woodburn came home from Brisbane the other weekend with the title of champion of the Featherweight Division.

The 14 year-old Evans River School student went into the fight with the weight on his shoulders and came out with the weight of a champion belt.

Coach Scott Smith could not be prouder.

“Sunny fought the Queensland champion for the lightweight division, the grade above him,” said Scott.

“He had come down to Sunny’s division and was two years older than him, but Sunny came out the champion.”

Sunny’s win took NSW into the series 8 wins to 4 against the sunshine state, but in true Queensland fashion, the underdogs came back to a draw at 13 all.

“So, we’ll sort it out in Sydney,” said Scott.

A serendipitous moment was realised when Scott remembered it was almost 30 years to the day that he fought for

NSW in the same series, beating Queensland.

“I was lucky enough to win most outstanding boxer of the series, so if Sunny wins in Sydney, he might get the same title,” he said.

“He was incredible in his fight. We had a plan and he stuck to it.”

Scott said all the Maddog boys are training well with the events that are coming up.

“I have promoters ringing me wanting the boys to fight in their events,” he said.

“We are very professional and keep our standards to as high a level as we can.”