Cairns Local News August 4th 2023

Local News Cairns

Thousands attend Italian Festival

Pages 23-24

Aviation careers take-off

More than 300 jobs on offer at special Cairns Airport day

l AEROGLEN

| Nick Dalton

MORE than 300 jobs will be up for grabs at Cairns Airport’s careers day later this month as the city’s aviation sector desperately seeks staff to fill vital roles.

Most of the positions – ranging from licensed aircraft engineers and pilots to baggage handlers and hospitality staff –are expected to be snapped up straight away.

As a drawcard, a superstar stunt pilot renowned for his jaw dropping aerobatic displays will attend the aviation careers event on August 27 to greet fans and share advice.

Reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion Matt Hall and one of his protégés Emma McDonald will show off their aircraft, perform an Esplanade aerobatic display and host a presentation about their incredible career journeys at the careers day.

One of the day’s organisers – Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC) business manager Chris Pigott – said the sector was struggling to get staff.

“It’s worse than last year,” he said when 200 jobs were available and the day was attended by more than 1500 people. A lot more are expected this year.

Mr Pigott said people were opting for Defence jobs instead of the commercial aviation industry. He said the jobs available at the airport paid well and could be transferred to anywhere in the world.

“In some cases people will be able to start the next day,” Mr Pigott said. In others on the job training would be provided, he said.

“Aviation overall is a dynamic and exciting industry. We will have more than 20 employers available on the day showcasing what they do and how it could fit into your future.”

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion Matt Hall will be at the Cairns Airport careers day and will perform demonstrations along the city's Esplanade. Picture: Supplied

New home for rare ‘roo

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Isaac Colman

AN exhibit for a rare Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo has reopened at Port Douglas. With the help of international volunteers who participated in the Wildlife Habitat’s volunteer program, the enclosure has been transformed into a vibrant and enriching environment for tree kangaroo Quinton.

CaPTA Group wildlife manager Rabecca Lynch said Quinton’s new exhibit featured a diverse selection of tree species, providing him with a range of perching opportunities to challenge and enhance his muscle strength and balance. The branches in the exhibit bend, flex, sway, and swing, creating an engaging and stimulating environment.

She said the move to the new exhibit would benefit both Quinton’s health and wellbeing.

“With access to two exhibits, Quinton now has the freedom to choose where he spends his time, making his daily life more engaging and enjoyable,” she said.

“The increased space and enriching experiences available in the new facility will promote his physical and mental stimulation, encouraging natural behaviours and offering exciting new sensations.”

Douglas News lift-out inside

Pages 17-20

Page 3

l Edmonton

l Douglas Shire

l Time Out

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

LOOKING to break the stigma and support patients with chronic conditions, six local pharmacists have joined to create the first medicinal cannabis dispensary and specialist pharmacy in North Queensland.

Wildleaf Dispensary will be opening its doors in mid-August in Cairns North on 321 Sheridan St to offer patients alternative health solutions for afflictions like cancer, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

With decades of experience, pharmacists Janelle Dockray, Pippa Travers-Mason, Phil Anderson, Gift Ladarat, Malcolm Anderson and Nathan Dobbie will become the founders of North Queensland’s first ever medicinal cannabis dispensary, Wildleaf Dispensary, and they want to remind patients across the region that medicinal cannabis is safe, supervised and must be referred by their GP.

“We’re seeing the use of medicinal cannabis growing, so there’s a greater demand for alternative treatments. When patients aren’t responding to conventional therapies, this is an option for them and we’re wanting to bring a different take on the dispensary so people can feel supported,” Ms Dockray said.

Wildleaf Dispensary will be offering a range of options for patients with chronic pain, cancer, insomnia, anxiety and more with topical options, CBD oils, oral alternatives and will look to expand their catalogue in the future according to the needs of their patients.

“Medicinal cannabis can be used to treat a lot of conditions, it’s not a panacea, it doesn’t fix everything, and we certainly don’t want to create that misconception that it’s a

solve-all,” Ms Travers-Mason said.

“Once a patient’s been to their doctor and they’ve deemed it appropriate to try this therapy we will be offering various forms of medicinal cannabis, most commonly in oil form, and overtime we’ll expand into other dosage forms,” Ms Dockray said.

The team also aims to not only support patients but also supply information to GPs, offer consulting rooms and telehealth services and review patient’s medicines to recommend the products that best adapt to their treatments.

“Like anything that’s new there is some stigma around medicinal cannabis but we want to help and support patients so they can access this medicine and see how it can help them,” Ms Dockray said.

“Give them information and guidance and advocate in the area to reduce the stigma, so people don’t feel like they’re doing anything wrong,” Ms Travers-Mason said.

“And for this to be the first one to provide this service in NQ is a huge step forward.”

For more information, visit visit www. wildleafdispensary.com.au

“Medical cannabis can be used to treat a lot of conditions, it’s not a panacea, it doesn’t fix everything, and we certainly don’t want to create that misconception that it’s a solve-all,”

- Pharmacist Pippa TraversMason

It’s a sign of the times

Local Briefs

This is Edmonton – not Cairns, so shift billboard further north l TREE DAY

l EDMONTON | Nick Dalton

A CAMPAIGN is underway to have a ‘Welcome to Cairns’ sign on the Bruce Highway at Edmonton shifted north and replaced with one greeting travellers to the southern corridor town.

Long-time and high-profile Edmonton resident Fran Lindsay is leading the crusade.

“Cairns isn’t at Edmonton. Edmonton is a town in its own right and should have its own ‘Welcome to Edmonton’ sign just like at Gordonvale and at Babinda,” the former Cairns city councillor said.

“Edmonton is not a suburb of Cairns. It is a town. We have our own postcode of 4869, not 4870 which is Cairns,” she said.

“The Cairns sign should be shifted to Gordon Creek at Woree where the city starts. Edmonton is 11km from Cairns,” she said.

“The sign (which is just south of Petersen Rd on the Bruce Highway) went up about a month ago when they finished the road work.

“Who decides where these signs go? They have no idea.”

Ms Lindsay said the sign should have a photograph (which currently shows the woven fish at the Cairns Lagoon) depicting something typical of Edmonton, such as one of the beautiful trees at Sugarworld.

“I’ve been to the office of Curtis Pitt (Member for Mulgrave) and told them the sign doesn’t belong there,” she said.

“I told them I was not happy about it and I’m taking it further with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“I told them to let Curtis know

that Edmonton is not a suburb of Cairns, it is a town with our own postcode.”

Ms Lindsay has raised the issue at Neighbourhood Watch, Friends of Sugarworld and Edmonton Lions Club meetings.

“I know I have the support of the community. I bring up the issue of the sign everywhere I go and they all agree,” she said.

But the department has ruled out a sign for Edmonton and has suggested Ms Lindsay contact the regional council for a townspecific sign.

In a letter to Ms Lindsay, TMR’s district director Ross Hodgman said the sign had been shifted from Djarragun Way

“There are no plans to further

relocate the sign as it is situated on the official Cairns City border. This site was nominated following consultation with Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and TMR in 2013,” he said.

“I acknowledge that Edmonton – Hambledon is historically significant in the Cairns region.

“However, TMR has no plans

NATIONAL Tree Day will be celebrated on the Cassowary Coast with a picnic at the Johnstone River Community Gardens on Sunday (August 6) from 9am. Free activities at the National Tree Day Picnic will include a riparian native species planting which will showcase the transition zone between streambanks, wetlands and other systems that neighbour bodies of water and the importance of erosion control measures in a revegetation site.

l FLOOD APPEAL

EDGE Hill Memorial Bowls Clun has raised $500 for New Zealand’s flood relief appeal. A Super Goose Raffle was held last Friday night with the proceeds to go to the appeal.

l GRANT FUNDING

FEDERAL Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch says $66,225 in Volunteer Grants funding is available for community organisations. “These grants are a fabulous opportunity for our local community organisations to support their volunteers and boost engagement in their initiatives and programs,” he said. Go to https://www.warrenentsch.com.au/grants/eoi-volunteer-grants-2023-24/

PCYC AGREEMENT

to install welcome signage for Edmonton - Hambledon in this location.

“Over the years, especially as towns develop into cities and areas change, they may encompass smaller towns resulting in multiple welcome signs on the same approach. Ideally, only one welcome sign should be required for any area.”

THE Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC) will continue to run youth programs for the next five years at the Edmonton Leisure Centre. Cairns Regional Council has approved a management contract renewal at the centre, which is located on Walker Road, to help deliver various social programs and reintegrate young people back into school. More than 13,300 people attended youth programs at the centre from April to June this year – a 45 per cent increase on the same period in the previous year.

Hundreds of jobs on offer at Cairns Airport’s annual careers event

FROM PAGE 1

“There’s options for school leavers or anyone seeking a change of career.”

Aviation Australia, Skytek, Jet Aviation and Skytrans will be among the operators present at the careers day.

Skytek chief executive officer Alana McKenna said her business was growing and was turning away business.

She said in the past 12 months a second hangar had been added to their operations, there were currently up to 10

vacancies with the plan to double staff to 80 in five years.

Ms McKenna said Skytek was paying to train engineering cadets through (CASC).

“We have flexible working hours.

Our engineers work a four-day week and enjoy a three-day weekend,” she said.

Mr Hall said adventure was the word that came to mind when talking about aviation.

“Every day is a new destination, a new manoeuvre, new people, new events,” he said.

“Aviation is growing, not shrinking, and there is and will continue to be a shortage of people in the whole industry, whether that is pilots, engineers, and airport employees.”

The annual event, held at CASC in the General Aviation recinct, is expected to be bigger and better than ever in 2023, including more aircraft displays

and a slew of local employers with jobs and exciting careers pathways.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the aviation industry continued to thrive as the world reopened.

“Airports around the world are growing and adapting, and we are regularly hearing from airlines that they have a huge variety of roles available, from cabin crew, to pilots, to engineers and many more,”he said.

The event will take place from 9am12pm and is free to attend, with a sausage sizzle and refreshments.

The CQU Aviation Centre’s Boeing 737 flight simulator will be operating and face painting will be on offer for kids, a large range of aircraft and emergency vehicles, while Zoom Helicopters will offer 10 per cent off their flights to all locals on the day, with a free video of each flight. Register at www.cairnsairport.com.au

Resident Fran Lindsay wants the Welcome to Cairns sign shifted north and replaced with one about Edmonton

Picture: Nick Dalton

A cuppa for charities

Cafes join crusade to end homelessness across Far North region

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

YOUR daily cup of coffee can be extra meaningful, with seven selected cafes across Cairns donating $1 to homelessness charities for every cup you drink today.

Blackbird Espresso in the CBD and Bungalow, Sipping Duck in Stratford and Portsmith, and The Coffee Club in Cairns Central, Smithfield Centre and Redlynch Central have joined the CafeSmart initiative for homelessness dedicating a week to raising awareness with a distinctive yellow campaign and culminating today (August 4) where the cafes will donate $1 for every and any cup of coffee Cairns residents drink at their shops.

The CafeSmart initiative, which has raised almost $2 million since its inception in 2011, by not-for-profit StreetSmart Australia has headlined 680 cafes across Australia to commemorate Homelessness Week 2023 (August 1-7) by raising funds and awareness for grassroots homeless charities like Shelter Housing Action Cairns (SHAC).

The charities that will receive the donations are yet to be announced.

Blackbird Espresso manager

Ally Cockrell said this was a crucial cause to support, espe-

cially now. “The main reason why I wanted to get involved is because the country is going through a cost-of-living crisis, I think it’s really easy to turn a blind eye, but I think the best is to get behind the community and show our support,” Ms Cockrell said.

“We don’t have a goal in mind, we just want to raise as much as possible. The more money we

raise the better and we just want to create this mindset where our community gets involved and wants to make positive change.”

Last year CafeSmart donations supported SHAC’s crisis accommodation services, with SHAC reporting that “housing challenges are the biggest challenges facing our clients, being able to get somewhere to live and being able to sustain the

property.” CafeSmart funding helped SHAC set up the crisis houses with essential white goods like microwaves.

From an iced latte to a cappuccino, an espresso or a flat white, any type of coffee will go towards the campaign and the venues will have QR codes for people who want to donate extra and yellow posters with resources to raise awareness.

Vollies to thank for wetlands

l SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD’S Cattana Wetlands have been transformed into a wildlife haven over the past 10 years thanks to the thousands of hours of volunteer work by the Jabirus group.

An official open day, as well as a celebration of past 10 years of hard work by the group, will be held tomorrow (Saturday, August 5).

At the open day, residents can find out more about the history, flora and fauna of the wetlands.

The Jabirus Group has spent 20,000 hours tackling weeds, planting thousands of trees and shrubs, installing nesting boxes for possums and generally beautifying the area, as part of the Cairns Regional Council’s Green Space Our Place volunteer programme.

Mayor Bob Manning said that since Cattana Wetlands was bought by the former Mulgrave Shire Council in 1993, the site had gone from strength-tostrength.

“Homelessness does not discriminate, it can affect absolutely anyone and this shouldn’t be happening, there needs to be some changes made, so if everyone can get behind CafeSmart and show some support we can make a difference,” Ms Cockrell said.

For more information, visit www.streetsmartaustralia. org/ cafesmart/

“Our predecessor council had the foresight to purchase the Cattana area to preserve 30 hectares of lowland rainforest,” he said.

The open day will include Botany For Kids: 8.30am to 9.10am, boardwalk tours: 9.30am to 10.10am, and 11am to 11.40am, and birdspotting from the jetty: 8.30am to 9.10am, and 9.30am to 10.10am.

Blackbird Espresso Laneway supervisor Ben Stienstra and manager Ally Cockrell are inviting Cairns’ residents to have a cup of coffee for a good cause. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Pyramid residential centre’s $10m expansion project underway Customers

raise $100,000

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isaac Colman

OFFICEWORKS customers

in Cairns have raised nearly $100,000 in the month-long Make a Difference Appeal.

Throughout the month of June, customers were encouraged to make a donation at the checkout in-store or online, with funds going directly to a local community organisation chosen by store teams and $96,549 was raised.

Across the country, the Make a Difference Appeal raised more than $950,000 to directly help Make-A-Wish Foundation and 14 other local community organisations to support children to learn, create and connect for a more sustainable future.

“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Officeworks, and we are grateful to the dedicated Officeworks team and customers who’ve made this fundraiser possible. Together, through the Make a Difference appeal, we are able to make more wishes possible for critically ill children across Australia,” said Make-AWish Foundation chief executive Sally Bateman. “Make-A-Wish Australia receives no government funding and with more than 950 kids on their wish journey right now, the support from the Officeworks Make a Difference Appeal will have an immediate impact for the critically ill kids on our program,”she said.

More aged care beds

l GORDONVALE

| Nick Dalton

WORK is in full swing on a $10 million expansion at the communityowned and run Pyramid Residential Care Centre at Gordonvale to add 24 beds and a new laundry.

The project, designed by Clark and Prince Architects and constructed by Bryant Building Contractors, will increase beds to 76 and involves a new wing and the refurbishment of another.

Centre president Paul Gregory launched the project last Friday with work already underway with dozens of workers on site.

He said the project was being funded by the federal government to the tune of $6.5 million with the balance covered by the centre.

Mr Gregory said there was a waiting list of 40 families and it was expected it would take 12 months for the extra beds to be filled.

He said last Friday was “a very special day” for the centre which was proud to serve its community by providing aged care services for the people of Gordonvale.

Mr Gregory said running a residential care centre was becoming “more and more complex, more demanding” with high levels of governance.

He said the expectations of the fed-

Learn about the Cattana Wetlands at Open Day

Learn about the history, flora and fauna of the Cattana Wetlands at an Open Day on Saturday (5 August).

The Cattana Wetlands Open Day, from 8am to midday, doubles as a celebration of 10 years of the Jabirus volunteer group.

The Open Day will include:

• Botany For Kids: 8.30am to 9.10am

• Boardwalk tours: 9.30am to 10.10am; and 11am to 11.40am

• Birdspotting from the jetty: 8.30am to 9.10am; and 9.30am to 10.10am

• Possum boxes: 8.30am to 9.10am; and 9.30am to 10.10am

• Plant Doctor: have all your native plant questions answered, all morning. Dogs, except registered assistance animals, are not permitted.

Cattana Wetlands is on Dunne Rd, Smithfield.

eral government on such centres were “impossible” to meet, especially the training of staff, but the government had been listening to their concerns.

Mr Gregory said the centre had been “blessed’ with all levels of government “bending over backwards” to ensure the facility continued to operate during difficult times.

He said the federal government had helped financially to ensure the centre operated after losing $1 million a year for the last three to four years with a turnaround in the last financial year.

“In the last three years we have worked in partnership with (the federal government) to ensure the financial viability of the facility,” Mr Gregory said.

He said the Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Government had been extremely helpful as well.

Mr Gregory said the centre was negotiating with the state government to buy the land which was currently leased and was estimated to be worth $1.2 million to $1.6 million.

He said owning the property outright gave the centre the capacity to borrow to expand the facility even further.

Mr Gregory paid tribute to the 80 staff who “go the extra mile”.

He said it was difficult to get staff but the centre had a good reputation as an employer.

Improvement works

McLeod St, Cairns City: Nightworks for water main replacement between Aplin St and Florence St, from 6pm to 6am on Wednesday 9 August and Thursday 10 August. Temporary road closure.

Bryant Building Contractors director Dan Fragg and the Pyramid’s president Paul Gregory turn a sod on the building site. Insets: Artist’s impressions of the extensions. Main picture: Nick Dalton

Off-season tourism campaign

l CAIRNS REGION

TOURISM Tropical North Queensland is focusing on the off-season to target Australians holidaying at home.

This follows Mission Beach economist Peter Faulkner telling a Cairns Chamber of Commerce lunch last week that the greatest challenge for the region’s tourism industry was holding onto the multibillion-dollar domestic visitor market as more Australians chose to holiday overseas.

He said domestic tourism had been “phenomenally strong” without international tourist numbers.

“Tourism has been the standout performance over the last few years, particularly domestic tourism, but the challenge as Australians travel overseas is can we hang on?,” Mr Faulkner said.

TTNQ chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the organisation remained “very active in the domestic market with a particular focus on shoulder season visitation”.

“The Spring into Summer campaign will launch in October to encourage visitation over the summer months,” he said.

“Domestic visitation is driving bookings for August which is performing well with occupancies more than seven per cent ahead of 2019. Forward bookings for December are well ahead of 2022 thanks to the return of international visitors.”

Sleeping on the streets

Business leaders doing it rough to help others in need of a hand

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH over 6000 people in Cairns on the list for social housing and a rampant housing crisis, Vinnies’ FNQ Community Sleepout maybe the most important of all, aiming to raise $60,000 to support homeless people and people at risk of homelessness in the far north on August 11.

Now in its seventh year, the FNQ Community Sleepout, on Friday, August 11, aims to raise awareness and funds for homelessness by offering Cairns’ residents an authentic experience of what sleeping on the streets feels like.

The event starts at 4pm on the east lawn of the Esplanade, with participants spending the night out with only one piece of cardboard and a sleeping bag.

This year, major sponsor Kenfrost Homes has committed to match any donations up to $25,000 with the goal of surpassing 2022’s final figure of $52,000.

Vinnies FNQ diocesan president Veronica Innes said this was an especially crucial year for the event.

“We’re holding our seventh annual sleepout and all money raised will stay in FNQ,” Ms Innes said.

“We will also be holding an auction at 7pm on Friday so

we’re also encouraging the community to come and bid for some wonderful items.

“You probably won’t sleep well but you’ll get to experience what people that are sleeping rough go through.

“At the moment there are 6000 people on the waiting list for social housing, that equates to 250 families, and 1500 of those are at

Saturday 12 August

Poolside at the Pullman Cairns International from 6pm-9pm

risk of homelessness so the situation has really worsened.”

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive and FNQ Community Sleepout ambassador Patricia O’Neill said she was eager to support the event for another year.

“I’ve participated in the sleepout for a number of years now and last year just as it is

today, was bucketing down, so there was no better and authentic way to experience what other people experience day in and day out,” Ms O’Neill said.

“St Vinnies supports not only homeless people but people at risk of homelessness, so when they can help with someone’s rent they step in, so any little bit I can do to ensure less people

are on the streets then I’ll do it every year.” Kenfrost Homes marketing director and sleepout ambassador Alex Loughton said “anyone that donates to any of the profiles and people who are doing the sleepout that money it’s instantly doubled, also doubling the impact”.

To register and/or donate, visit https://bit.ly/3OaHgvG

Hotel chefs come together for charity!

Enjoy

Dress: Cocktail

Come dressed in your most sea-tacular outfit.

The event includes:

• Canapés, hors d’oeuvres and desert stations

• Cocktails by Wolf Lane Distillery

• Live entertainment

• Auctions and raffles

Money raised from this event goes towards the 2023 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, providing food hampers to those in need at Christmas.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patricia O’Neill and Kenfrost Homes marketing director Alex Loughton will be joining Vinnies’ FNQ Community Sleepout on the east lawn of the Esplanade on August 11. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Get into the vibes of Tropical Tango Festival

l CAIRNS

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH a set of tango workshops and milongas headlined by internationally acclaimed tango dancers, the inaugural Tropical Tango Festival Cairns, from August 18-20, will offer dancing aficionados a unique experience that will transport them to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires.

The festival will feature seven workshops and three milongas, the social dance gatherings at the heart of tango culture, led by local tango dancer and instructor Liesl Bourke and New York’s renowned tango teacher Ney Melo across three venues, the Edge Hill School performing arts building, the Cairns Latin Dance Club, and the Ramada Hotel ballroom this August.

Leading up to the festival, a set of free private and group lessons at the Aeroglen Hall will be available for dancers of all levels to ensure a memorable and inclusive experience at the festival.

Festival organiser, director of local dance school

Made to Move, and Freshwater resident, Liesl Bourke, said the event aims to introduce tango to all Cairns’ residents.

“Cairns has a really vibrant and growing tango community, so we wanted to do something that would put the word out that this community exists,” Ms Bourke said.

“We would love to have everybody in Cairns dancing tango, that’s our mission, get more people dancing.”

Ms Bourke said that everyone was encouraged to join. However, she recommended taking the free lessons available now as the festival was aimed at people with a basic knowledge of tango.

“From August 18-20 we’ve got classes and workshops all day and what we call milongas in the evening, that’s the social dancing, that’ll be at Edge Hill School, where we can dance the evening away,” she said.

“Before that we’re running a series of classes to introduce the community to tango. We run classes at the Aeroglen Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays to get ready to attend the festival.”

Bonza’s golden service Budget airline to fly direct between Cairns and Coolangatta

l

PARRAMATTA PARK

| Nick Dalton BONZA will start flying between Cairns and the Gold Coast five times a week later this year.

The budget airline has revealed its third base will be Gold Coast Airport with two aircraft confirmed to operate from the iconic holiday spot to 11 existing Bonza destinations, including Cairns.

Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said the decision was “about creating more depth in our network by connecting existing Bonza destinations with the Gold Coast and also the

Town’s GP push gathers speed

l CARDWELL

THE Department of Health and Aged Care is working with the North Queensland Primary Health Network and the Rural Workforce Agency to find solutions for GP services for people in the Cardwell area.

The town’s only full-time medical service, Cardwell Family Practice, is closing in September after failing to attract a permanent doctor and relying on costly and many locums.

A spokeswoman for Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the primary health network was “providing assistance to explore options to connect patients affected by the closure to connect to care when they need it.

“This includes working with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and Ingham Family Practice,” she said.

Mr Butler said there was no higher priority in health for the Albanese government than rebuilding general practice.

“Our historic investments in Medicare will triple the bulk billing incentive – the largest increase to the incentive in the 40-year history of Medicare.

“This will help over five million children and their families, and more than seven million pensioners and concession card holders to see a bulk-billed GP.

gateway from there to Northern New South Wales”.

“It is a huge boost for the economy and allows people in our existing destinations the opportunity to book an affordable flight to Gold Coast Airport and take a much-deserved holiday or long-awaited visit to friends and family,” he said.

Mr Jordan said flights would be on sale soon through the airline’s app, which was the only place to book direct.

He said starting fares would range from $49 to $79 per person one way.

“Travellers are urged to sign up in the Fly Bonza app today to be the first to know when the new routes are on sale.”

FNQ Voice meetings

OFFERING Far North more opportunities to ask questions and receive credible information regarding the First Nations Voice, Kuku Yalanji man and Uluru Dialogue representative Alwyn Lyall (right) and Wamba Wamba man and Uluru Dialogue leader Eddie Synot are hosting further community information sessions across the region:

• Atherton – Sunday, August 6 (10am-12pm) at the Tablelands Regional Council Coordination Centre.

• Kuranda – Sunday, August 6 (6-8pm) at the Kuranda CWA Hall

• Mareeba – Monday, August 7 (6-8pm) at Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service

• Mossman – Wednesday, Au-

gust 9 (6-8pm) at Mossman

Shire Hall

• Port Douglas – Thursday, August 10 (6-8pm) at Port

Douglas Shire Hall

• Cairns – Friday, August 11 (6-8pm) venue TBC

• Innisfail – Sunday, August 13 (2-4pm) at TYTO Conference and Events Centrepathways.

Mr Jordan thanked the Cairns community for supporting the airline. “We look forward to connecting people for holidays and to see the rellies in time for Christmas,” he said.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the flights were expected to start in November and he believed they would be popular.

“It provides an opportunity for people from the Gold Coast to come up and visit the Reef and connect through to Japan,” he said.

“For people up here it gives an opportunity to go surfing in the peak of summer and to escape the humidity.”

Mr Barker said it was the first

time another airline would be going head to head with Jetstar which also flies daily direct to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.

He said connecting the two leisure destinations made sense and both routes were strong for the carriers.

“When Bonza’s third wave of aircraft comes on, there will be extra services for Cairns,” Mr Barker said.

Last month Bonza announced the cancellation of twice-weekly direct flights between Cairns and Mackay to focus on reliability and better performing routes.

But the Rockhampton (two flights a week) and Sunshine Coast (five) routes remain.

Harley Magic relaunch

THE only Harley-Davidson dealership in Cairns – Harley Magic – has been relaunched with a new owner and dealerprincipal at the helm.

The official relaunch is headlined by the appointment of Brent Storey (right) as Harley Magic’s new dealer-principal.

Mr Storey brings with him decades of experience in the motorcycling industry and is determined to bring great customer experience and community to Harley Magic and his new role.

Harley Magic will host an official relaunch event tomorrow at the Cairns North dealership.

Mr Storey said: “We’re looking forward to throwing open the doors once again and continuing to be here to serve the Cairns community. Motorcycling has

always been about the people who are in it and, whether it’s a Harley-Davidson fan or just a casual motorbike fan, we’re embracing our past and present and focussing on listening to our customers and getting them excited about the direction we’re taking.”

The relaunch at 385 Sheridan Street is from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday, August 5.

“On top of the investment in bulk billing, we are investing in a $1.5 billion indexation boost to every single Medicare rebate, increasing the amount that doctors receive for each Medicare service and reducing pressure on GPs.”

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said while he accepted long-term, holistic changes were required to address the nation’s GP shortage, in the case of Cardwell Family Practice, a drastic and immediate solution was required.

“The government employs thousands of public doctors, you can’t tell me they can’t send just one to Cardwell to keep the practice open,” he said.

“If there’s a better idea, well, let’s hear it. But in this case I’m not listening to ‘how much your investing in colleges,’ or what you’re doing ‘to improve the health networks’.”

Immobiliser grants

ELIGIBLE residents will be able to apply for a $500 engine immobiliser subsidy voucher online from later next week.

The device is installed to the vehicle, and the customer pays any cost difference above $500 (although it’s expected that the subsidy will cover the entire cost of some of the immobilisers available).

Up to 8000 will be available in Cairns and a further 2100 vouchers will be reserved for people across three trial areas identified by police as individuals who would benefit from the installation of an immobiliser device.

Police Minister Mark Ryan (right) said owning a vehicle was a significant financial investment and engine immobilisers added an extra level of protection for

vehicle owners. “The aim is to reduce crimes associated with car theft and increase security and safety among Queensland communities, including enhancing community confidence,” he said. Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said “technology like this can make a real difference to the safety and security of everyone”.

Tango dancers and instructors Liesl Bourke and Grant Dionysius rehearsing by the Cairns marina.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Bonza chief Tim Jordan.

|

Teen’s big break in movie

l REDLYNCH

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH the continuous support of his film teacher, St Andrew’s College year 10 student Edward Hamilton has had his big break in the film industry landing his first role in a professional short film.

The production, which is still under wraps, began filming last Friday at the college and will be the first professional project for the 15-year-old, while his mentor and teacher Anthony Ring will be the executive producer.

All details of the film and its launch are yet to be announced.

“When I was about eight, thanks to Mr Ring, my parents decided to get me into Young Company Theatre. It sparked this interest for me to be on the stage,” Mr Hamilton said.

“This film is very professional, which is not what I’m used to, I’m used to being in ‘big stuff’ but this is like ‘big, big stuff’, so I’m a little nervous but I’m looking forward to this experience since I want to get into this field when I’m older.

“My plan is to go to Sydney and try to get into NIDA where I can pursue this dream."

The film teacher, award-

Group rejects cash measures

Council’s payment wind back ‘inadequate’

l CASSOWARY COAST

| Nick Dalton

A GROUP of residents calling for full cash payments to be reinstated by Cassowary Coast Regional Council believes the council’s latest decision to wind back some of the restrictions are not far enough.

Since July 1, the council transitioned its administration facilities and libraries to EFTPOS payments only.

winning short film producer and founder of Ring of Fire Productions said that Mr Hamilton had a bright future ahead in film.

“Edward now has the opportunity to work with some industry big hitters and this is on the back of Edward missing out on a key project 18 months ago, but he did such a great audition that he came to mind for this project,” Mr Ring said.

“I was contacted by an associate of this movie, who’d like to remain anonymous at this stage, and I was asked to find a young, competent actor and I selected Edward, and he was chosen for the role.”

At a council meeting on Thursday last week, the councillors adopted changes “to support residents and those most vulnerable in our community”.

They included:

• The council will continue to accept Australian banknotes and coins as well as EFTPOS payments at all transfer stations across the Cassowary Coast

• Approve an amendment to the 2023/24 fees and charges to provide for ‘free of charge’ printing at all council libraries for eligible concession card holders

• Note that the current arrangement of ‘no additional cost or surcharge’ applied by the council for use of debit/credit

(EFTPOS) cards continues.

Council chief executive officer

Andrew Graffen said as a council “we have listened to the community’s feedback and acknowledge their views and recognise that Australian banknotes and coins are a legal tender”.

“Council has implemented this change to improve hygiene for staff and residents, reduce the impacts of security costs, risk of crime and wait times as well as to be able to provide payment plans for residents managing household budgets,” he said.

Cassowary Coast Action Network event co-ordinator Tara Garozzo said it had been “evident throughout this whole process that the CEO and also Mayor Mark Nolan have completely missed the point and therefore fallen extremely short of the mark”.

“From the get-go, the CEO has continually tried to ‘undo’ the hardships caused by his decision, by merely sugar-coating, without the need to reinstate cash.

“The revised adjustments and comments made in the CCRC general meeting are now publicly evident just how out of tune the CEO and some of our elected representatives are on this matter.”

Ms Garazzo said council management and councillors would see from the petition and what the community had said at a rally as well as on social media why they have signed and their comments about the outcome they desired was provided. A vote of no confidence was apparent.

“Cassowary Coast Action Network can confidently say, from all the conversations with the CC region, that the revised plans are not acceptable, nor meeting the underlying issues/concerns of the majority who have signed the CC bring back petition,” she said.

“We will be submitting the petition because of this before the next meeting in August. From there, the CCRC will let us know if they will address this at the August or September meeting.

“The only way that we can have a successful win for our community now is by mass emailing to our elected councillors and for Cassowary Coast to stand up beside us and show their presence at the designated meeting. Cairns successfully reinstated cash at all council management facilities with just under 5000 votes and over 300 people showed up to hear their councillors vote.”

St Andrew’s College drama teacher Anthony Ring and year 10 student Edward Hamilton.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Work on new park begins

l GORDONVALE

THE transformation of Kenrick Park in Gordonvale is underway, starting the process of recreating a dynamic community space for families in the southern corridor of Cairns.

Civil works mark the beginning of the $6 million stage one of the project, which will include a new dog off-leash area, playground equipment, intermediate pump track, carpark, toilets, pathways, basketball court, shelters, and picnic areas.

Construction of stage one is expected to be completed late this year. The Queensland Government announced a $3m funding commitment to the project earlier this year.

Kenrick Park covers 5.7ha in Gordonvale, which has been identified as a key population growth area in the southern part of the Cairns Regional Council area.

Councillor Brett Moller (Division 1) said the community would welcome the sight of work starting at the park following extensive public consultation, master planning and the completion of detailed design.

“This project will have benefits for decades to come and will become a destination park for all of Cairns, not just locals but also visitors to our region,” he said.

Cr Moller said it would create a safe, sustainable, and connected place.

Sam’s tricks of the trade

Carpenter wins top awards with plans to open his own business

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A CAIRNS North carpenter with a passion for construction and the comradery of the trades has taken top honours at TAFE’s 2023 Cairns Trade Excellence Awards on July 27 and is now aiming to start his own construction company.

Ever since he was a child, Sam Everdeen, 25, has had a knack for construction and manual arts. Out of school he shifted his path from a university degree to a career in the trades.

He was Building and Construction Apprentice of the Year and Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

“I knew I’d be happier in a trade, it’d be a more fulfilling job for me,” he said.

He has been going non-stop since, completing a certificate I in construction, landing his apprenticeship, completing a certificate III in carpentry, and now starting a certificate IV in building and construction.

“This is a very rewarding trade to be in, to be on your feet all day, building things with your hands, to look back at the job at the end of the day and see what you’ve managed to do and it’s a good lifestyle too, there’s a lot of good blokes in the trade and you always have a good

time on site,” Mr Everdeen said.

“This award is something I’ve been working towards from the start, so it’s very rewarding to be recognised for all the hard work that I’ve put in.”

Mr Everdeen, who works at Brendan Grants Homes, shows no signs of stopping and has big plans for his future.

“It’s good to be doing well in an industry that sometimes feels underdeveloped and doesn’t have enough young people in it,” he said.

“I definitely would like to bring more people into the trade because it’s a very essential industry.

“Trades have given me confi-

dence in myself, and my abilities and I see a lot of future opportunities in this career for me.

“My future goal is to start my own construction company which is why I’m starting my Cert IV, I’m not sure which road I’ll take but I owe it to myself to give it a go.”

Aiming to attract more young

people to trades, Mr Everdeen strongly recommended trades as a career.

“If you’ve done some introductory trade work, try and find an apprenticeship,” he said.

“It’s an excellent job to be in if you like being active and it’s a job you can take anywhere, you’ll find great mates here.”

Carpenter Sam Everdeen was the winner of the night taking home the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year award. Picture: Supplied

Crisis training for residents

Focus is on emotional and wellbeing

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A WORKSHOP, created by Sydney-based organisation Human Connections, is coming to Cairns this August to teach dayto-day residents how to react and support their loved ones, friends or colleagues when they’re going through emotional and mental distress.

St Augustine’s College will host the Accidental Counsellor Training on August 14, a workshop that aims to prepare teachers, community service workers, allied health professionals and individuals who are faced with others’ emotional distress in their personal and professional environment.

The workshop is aimed at people ages 18 and over.

Human Connections and the Accidental Counsellor Training founder Rocky Biasi said the workshop would provide people with the skills to properly react to crisis situations.

“The Accidental Counsellor Training came from my experience as a high school teacher and school counsellor,” he said.

“I could just see that there was a need for people who are not trained counsellors but are often responding to people who were distressed. Sometimes we mean well, and try to give advice and that’s not the best way to go about it, it can create more harm than good.

“Even though they mean well, because they’re not trained it can be harmful and that’s why we created the training.”

Mr Biasi said it was critical bringing such programs to the Far North and regional areas where isolation and access to mental health services could be more difficult.

“Accessing professional services can be more challenging in regional areas, so we wanted to bring this to communities that

normally don’t have these resources,” he said. “The training focuses on empowering participants with practical skills that they can use to positively influence conversations and support those in need, even in the most emotionally charged situations.

“The sessions are designed to develop the participants’ emotional intelligence and help them manage their emotional wellbeing, ensuring that they do not burn out.”

There are still slots available for Cairns and FNQ residents interested in learning critical skills to better support people in distress.

“This is a call for anyone who’s interested in mental health, their own and others, this is for them. It will give them skills and ideas on how to support other people with their mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

“Participants will receive a 12-month free subscription to our online course library, with over 70 mental health and wellbeing courses.”

To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/45d9o8F and for more information, go to www.humanconnections.com.au.

Work has started on five new affordable housing units at Mareeba Picture: Supplied

New housing units for town

THE Mareeba Community Housing Company is building five units in the Tablelands town funded by the Department of Housing Queensland to increase social housing.

Company general manager Patricia Goldfinch said the demand for social and affordable housing had “escalated with demand outstripping supply across the region, placing many of our local families into overcrowded conditions and homelessness”.

“One in seven people experiencing homelessness is over the age of 55, domestic and family violence is one

of the largest contributing factors why people may be experiencing homelessness, and over 17,000 children younger than 12 years are homeless,” she said.

“This project will deliver three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units for single parents and single women over 55 years, our fastest growing demographic in Queensland.

“A home is not just somewhere with four walls and a roof, it’s a place where people can feel safe and secure.

“Access to safe housing is a basic human right but sadly many people are living in temporary accommodation such as shelters, crisis

accommodation or motels.

“Homelessness can mean different things to different people. Statistics show that there are over 120,000 people in Australia experiencing homelessness at any given night with only a very small percentage of people experiencing homelessness sleep on the streets, as is the case in this region, most people experiencing homelessness are hidden from sight, for example sleeping in cars, or couch surfing.”

Ms Goldfinch invited anyone who would like to partner with the company to increase affordable housing. Call 4092 6899 or email reception@mchc.org.au

FNQ deserves world class cancer treatment. We can do it togethe r. The Foundation needs to raise $1.5 million to support the developme nt of state-of-the-art facilities and provide the best possible care to cancer

The Foundation will work with Queensland Health on the $3.4 mil lion project, which will lessen the need for patients having to trav el south for treatment. They will be cared for here at Cairns Hospital C ancer Care hub, close to those who love them.

1.5 million will help us: We

Large

Counsellor Rocky Biasi.

l MAREEBA

WANT TO BE HEARD? send your text to

Homelessness is a crisis everywhere

AUGUST 7-13 is Homelessness

Week, a time to draw attention to the problem of homelessness and the solutions.

The theme of Homelessness

Week, ‘It’s time to end homelessness’, is a reminder that it is within our power to achieve, if we band together.

We know the situation is dire.

The persistent housing and homelessness crisis has escalated to an emergency.

Rents and mortgages are rapidly increasing, and affordable homes are scarce.

The 2021 census found that 1 in 200 were homeless.

These numbers keep rising.

Mission Australia’s newest report A Safe Place to Call Home revealed a 26 per cent increase in demand for our homelessness services over the past three years.

In a wealthy country like Australia, access to housing is a human right we should have no trouble guaranteeing.

Leading drivers of homelessness, including poverty, family violence, and the lack of affordable housing must be addressed.

Government, business, communities, and individuals all have a role.

Almost one million new social and affordable homes will be needed over the next 20 years.

Let’s all do our part to call time on homelessness.

Dr Phil Flint, North Queensland regional leader Mission Australia, Cairns

Tourism in FNQ needs to diversify

I READ with interest Nick Dalton’s article on domestic tourism (28/7).

The challenge for Cairns is that it has become largely a one-trick pony when it comes to tourism appeal, i.e the Reef.

This positions Cairns as an expensive single trip destination with plenty of competition both nationally and internationally when it comes to a “Reef experience”. I suspect that this has led to an attitude among providers of “we won’t see them again, so we don’t need to provide first class customer service or experience”.

We need to diversify our experience offering and upgrade poorly performing venues.

Start with the Cairns Night Markets. Don’t start me on the inflated wine prices in some restaurants. Where are the BYOs? Do we really want to known as “with chips” capital of the cuisine world?

Australians are world travellers and know good from poor and don’t hesitate to share their experiences and recommendations on social media.

Cairns needs to seriously diversify its tourism offering.

Chris Lynch, Kewarra Beach

Council needs to get back to basics

THANK you to the Cairns regional councillors who voted ‘no’ to the reconciliation plan. Stop wasting time and money on things that are not the council’s business.

The council needs to stop getting involved in politics and start doing the basic things that councils are

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question: What events will you be attending as part of the Cairns Festival? Here are some of your comments.

So looking forward to seeing Gulgi-Barra by Miriki Performing Arts. My son’s totem is the whale.

Mike Petersons, Facebook

Can’t wait to do the festival as a volunteer this year with it being my 7th year doing it.

Nicholas Elliott, Facebook

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

Do you think the Welcome to Cairns sign should be shifted and Edmonton get its own sign? @cairnslocalnews

elected to do. Too many councils now are being run by political activists. Ratepayers do not want to pay for political agendas. Nor do they want to pay for virtue signaling.

That means if you want an expensive, fire-prone electric vehicle buy it out of your own money, not ours.

All we want from you are basic

Eeeep! Love me a glitter wall.

Sharon Timms, Facebook

I’m interested as a marshall. I wish we could all walk behind the last float. Mmmmm. Maybe.

Anthony Cuthill-Coutts, Facebook

There is so much to see and do. I will watch the fireworks, the Grand Parade, and the light show.

John, Manoora

services, so forget the woke political agendas that produce nothing for ratepayers.

After all if the $30 billion the government spend yearly on all the organisations set up to help Indigenous people doesn’t work, we sure don’t need more.

Let’s face it, nothing will appease

We are so lucky to have so many festivals in Cairns. The problem at last week’s Italian Festival was I struggled to find a park close to the activities without having to walk far. I gave up and drove back home.

Horace, Edge Hill

Everyone loves watching the parade, especially the little ones who love the colour, the noise and the entertainment.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning

The Grand Parade is a must as well as Carnival on Collins, the Reef Lights and the City Lights, and live performances such as the Soweto Gospel Choir, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and Gulgi-barra (Sand Stories) by Miriki.

Susan, Westcourt

the perpetually-offended activists who often represent themselves far more than the people they purport to represent.

Suzy Malkinson, Kewarra Beach Editor’s note: The reconciliation plan is to go back to the drawing board for further discussions by councillors at a workshop.

Urgent search for rare blood type to save a mother’s life

LIFEBLOOD has launched an urgent nationwide search for blood donors to help a South Australian mother-of-two with a blood type so rare just one in 10,000 people may be a match.

Amira, 37, is currently in an Adelaide hospital awaiting urgent open-heart surgery. She is expected to need more than 20 bags of blood prior to, during, and after the procedure.

Any O or A blood donor in Australia or internationally could be a match.

Most people will be either O

or A blood type, but Amira has a rare combination of other blood types that need to be matched, which means any donor with O or A blood type might prove to be a perfect match.

We have identified a few suitable donors, but this mum will require a large number of units to see her through her surgery and finding as many donors as we can with the right blood type will ensure we can meet her transfusion needs both now and, in the future.

We are calling on people in the community with O and A blood types to book a donation over the coming week.

All donated blood will be tested to identify donations that will undergo further screening

to find a suitable match.

We’ve exhausted Australian supplies of this rare blood type and we’re now working with international blood services to search for potential donors. We hope to receive a small number of units from overseas but for Amira’s surgery to proceed safely at least 15 donors with the same rare combination of blood types are still needed within the next few weeks.

Lifeblood, Amira, and her husband Ahmed thank people who have already come forward

to donate in the hope of being a match.

“We are so grateful to family, friends and the wonderful people in the community, many of whom we do not know, who have heard about Amira’s plight and have rolled up a sleeve to donate blood,” Ahmed said.

“I urge as many people as possible across the country with O and A blood to donate blood this week, so we can find more donors to help Amira,” he said.

“This is not a situation you ever expect to find yourself in.

Any help or support is much appreciated.”

To be a match for Amira, a donor must meet the following criteria:

Must be blood type “O” or “A” (If a donor does not know their blood type, they should still donate to see if they are a possible match)

To join the search book a donation via lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or download the Donate Blood app.

Dr James Daly is Lifeblood’s medical director

Douglas gymnasts are beaming

l MOSSMAN

I’VE covered numerous sporting events and stories about clubs in the Douglas Shire over the last couple of years.

There’s no better example than the Mossman and District Gymnastics Club, which was founded over 55 years ago and started out as a small group of volunteers and students operating out of the local shire hall.

The conception of the Mossman Indoor Community Sports Centre provided the club with the opportunity to have a more stable venue, as part of a community initiative from the Douglas Shire Council and Mossman State High School.

This became the club’s home for more than 20 years with local enthusiasts contributing funds towards the build.

Unfortunately, in 2016, the club was left devastated when they unexpectedly had to move out of the indoor sports centre and with no permanent facility and no suitable venues in the shire, they al-

most had to close their doors after more than 55 years of history.

Fortunately, they were very thankful to secure a temporary month-to-month lease along Mill Street in Mossman and continued working with the council to try and utilise land for a permanent facility for the club.

After finding no success, the club decided that the only viable way to secure their future and meet the demands of current and expanding membership was to own their own building.

As a result, they went on to purchase the building on Mill Street and become one of the only non-profit sporting clubs, in the shire, with a mortgage and their own facility.

Since purchasing the building, the support of infrastructure grants has allowed the club to undertake much-needed renovations to transform the space from offices, with low ceilings, to its original state of a large, open area with a high ceiling perfect for their gymnastics programs.

The team believe they still have a long way to go to get their “dream gym” and they are constantly working hard to apply for

grants and fundraise for further renovations, equipment and extensive roof repairs.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Mossman and District Gymnastics Club offers recreational and competitive programs for all ages and abilities, from babies through to senior citizens.

The club provides a safe and nurturing environment for young gymnasts, fostering their physical fitness, mental well-being and personal growth.

The club is also heavily involved in the community and participate in many local events.

They offer programs with several local schools and kindergartens, travelling as far as Cooktown to deliver school and community gymnastics classes through local government grants.

This Sunday, August 6, the club is holding a fundraiser lunch at Zinc Restaurant in Port Douglas. Starting at 12.30pm, 100 per cent of the funds will go to the club.

There’s every chance there will be spaces left, so visit www.zincportdouglas.com/fundraiser for bookings.

Kye is on a high

l PORT DOUGLAS

ON another sporting note, local Port Douglas Croc’s hero Kye Chapple enjoyed a substantial win against the South Cairns Cutters on Saturday afternoon, during his amazing 308th game for the club.

That may sound like an incredible achievement and statistic, which it is, but then add the fact that his second goal of the afternoon was actually his 1000th for the club.

The celebrations commenced immediately, as a few members of the crowd could not contain themselves and ran onto the field.

Well done to Kye for being such a great player and a very nice bloke.

I’m off to shake Kye’s hand, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Kye Chappel focused on his 1000th goal for the Port Douglas Crocs.

Above and below: Some budding gymnast stars at the Mossman and District Gymnastics Club.

Ferry service to be privatised

Council agrees to outsource Daintree link

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

| Nick Dalton

EXPRESSIONS of interest to own and operate the Daintree River ferry are to be called after the Douglas Shire Council agreed to stop plans to build a new four-lane vessel to replace the ageing and costly current boat.

Cr Roy Zammataro successfully moved at a council meeting on Tuesday last week to rescind the August 9, 2002 motion to build a new ferry and to invite expressions of interest for the provision of the Daintree River service.

“Note it is in the public interest to invite expressions of interest before inviting written tenders and (4) continue with associated landside infrastructure upgrades on both riverbanks,” his motion read.

All councillors, including Mayor Michael Kerr, voted for the new motion. Cr Zammataro said the council paid $4.5

million for the existing ferry in May 2021 and since then it had cost ratepayers significant costs in maintenance and repairs.

He said about $645,000 had been spent upgrading the vessel to pass an Australian Maritime Safety Authority inspection in March this year.

Cr Zammataro said it was not within the council’s scope to run a ferry service which at times required staff to be diverted to assist.

He said the replacement cost was in the vicinity of $6.5m.

“Or is that in the vicinity of $10m?”

Cr Zammataro said the ferry had been “a financial disaster” and ongoing costs could exceed $400,000 a year over the next four years.

He said the timelines for the new ferry kept getting pushed back, “now until August 2025, and we haven’t even started yet (on construction)”.

Deputy mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she did not have any

confidence that a new ferry would be operating by 2028 when the current vessel would have to be taken to Cairns for a full safety inspection.

She said the council was no closer to a new ferry than it was three years ago.

Cr Peter McKeown said he was against any further delays but conceded that there was no reason expressions of interest shouldn’t be called but that landside works on both sides of the river continue in the meantime.

Cr Abigail Noli said the council had paid six or seven times too much for the current ferry.

“We should never have even bought the ferry,” she said.

Despite the misgivings by Mayor Michael Kerr and Cr McKeown, the motion to rescind the August 9, 2022 motion and for expressions of interest to be called to own and operate the Daintree River ferry was passed unanimously.

Health is wealth in this store

l MOSSMAN

THE current operators of Yum Yums' Health Food Store at Mossman are providing more than just a food destination.

It has been an iconic part of Mossman's Front Street for about 40 years.

Owner Sarah Weatherup said the shop had gone through a few different hands over the years and each owner had left their mark, taking it from the local greengrocer to the health

food store it was now.

“Although, some crucial elements remain, to keep the character of this cosy store alive, we combine products such as the much beloved soft serve frozen yoghurt, the fruit salad cups and wicker baskets of local produce with our chatty staff members to welcome visitors,” she said.

“For me, I had the privilege to work here before taking the reins and was inspired by my time in Tasmania on an organic farm where I was shown that food is medicine, community matters and that

health is wealth.

“I've had the store for over two years now and love being a part of this small community.

“Along with a team of lovely staff, we bring a wholefoods approach to food on the go, and our falafel and pumpkin wraps, have become our signature lunch.

“As well as our health food and beauty products, fresh local and organic produce, we carry a selection of bulk dry foods, locally sourced ferments, tea and treats.”

Yum Yums’ owner Sarah Weatherup and staff member Alina Borger. Picture: Almando Anton

Mossman Show a Douglas drawcard

COST-OF-LIVING concerns were cast aside during the July long weekend, with thousands of people attending this year’s Mossman Show.

There’s been numerous interest rate rises and an increase in prices across the board over the past 12 months but Show President Matt Hatfield said it didn’t stop people enjoying the two-day event.

“I was a little worried that the media coverage about the cost-of-living pressures would have an impact on attendance

but clearly it didn’t,” Mr Hatfield said.

“I’ve been president for 12 years and it seems to be bigger and better every year.

“Once you paid to get through that gate there was so much to enjoy for free whether it was the fireworks, (the freestyle motocross group) Airtime FMX, the pig racing or celebrity bush cook Ranger Nick.”

The Mossman Show normally attracts around five thousand people and Mr Hatfield is optimistic this year’s

event matched or even exceeded that number. Official attendance figures will be released later this month.

Mr Hatfield said the agricultural section was as strong as ever, with cages borrowed from another show society to cater for a “packed” chicken pavilion while the cattle entries rivalled those seen at the Cairns Show.

All proceeds from the event will be returned to the Mossman and District Show Society, with planning already underway for 2024.

Council career diversity showcased at show

MANY of the people who attended last month’s Mossman Show left with goodie bags, plush toys, fairy floss ….and hopefully some inspiration to pursue a career in local government.

The various professions on offer at the Douglas Shire Council were showcased in a video presentation at the Johnston pavilion while Council staff were available to answer questions.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said many people would be surprised by the career and development opportunities available at Council.

“We have people who secured their first job at Council who have progressed their way through the ranks to be team leaders,” he said.

“We have staff with a passion for the environment

or water security, who spend large parts of their working week in the great outdoors, while our Local Laws team are responsible for animal management.

“Library and administration officers and our nursery; they are all employed by Council.”

Our recent appointment of trainees and an apprentice mechanic has provided an opportunity for our local young people to gain a nationally recognised qualification with an onthe-job experience and the possibility to continue a career with Council that will provide a benefit to both Council and our communities in civil construction, horticulture, water and wastewater and fleet services.

A bird’s eye view of this year’s Mossman Show

The Airtime FMX freestyle motocross group were a hit at this year’s Mossman Show.

Head to the Douglas Shire Council website for more information.

Douglas Shire Council staff Allan-Mark Thompson and Danni Morache at Council’s Mossman Show stall.

BUDGET DELIVERS SERVICES

DOUGLAS Shire Council has absorbed rising costs to deliver a $257,000 surplus in the 2023/24 Annual Budget.

The $58.4 million operational budget along with a $16.7 million capital works program, was endorsed last month.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council was operating responsibly during tough financial times.

“Council has no borrowings and is debt free at a time of rising interest rates,” he said.

“We are currently receiving good interest returns on investments which is also contributing to this positive result.

“The cost of building materials has increased dramatically in the past 12 months but through responsible spending and by resourcing grants for infrastructure projects we have managed to keep spending at a manageable level.

“The rising cost of living is impacting us all and, like our ratepayers, Council is operating within its means.”

A spending breakdown of the budget’s $16.7M capital works program includes:

• Transport – $6.38M

• Water Supply – $3.66M

• Council & Community Facilities – $1.88M

• Resource Management – $541k

• Plant and Equipment – $996K

• Wastewater – $1.73M

• Drainage – $300K

The median rate increase will be $49 per year (Category 1 property) or ratepayers with an investment property face an increase $144 per year (Category 5 property).

The broader general rate rises are below CPI and less than some neighbouring councils.

CCTV to improve boaties’ safety

BOAT users will be able to park their cars and trailers with more confidence following an $82,000 security upgrade at Council boat ramps.

CCTV cameras and improved lighting will be installed at Port Douglas, Sugar Wharf, Cooya Beach, Newell Beach and Daintree River boat ramps this month.

The project is funded by the Commonwealth Government and being administered by the Queensland Fishing Infrastructure Grants Program.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Michael Kerr said the security upgrades would have multiple benefits.

“Our passionate boaties can spend long periods

on the water and we want them to feel confident their cars, trailers and personal belongings will be safe at any time of the day,” he said.

“The CCTV cameras will also assist Council to monitor the minority of people doing the wrong thing when it comes to fishing, camping, dumping or causing environmental harm.”

The Warners Bridge upgrade featured in Council’s capital works program. Inset: Crews replacing an electrical switchboard, communications and control cabinet on a wastewater pump station in Port Douglas.

CCTV and improved lighting are being installed at various Douglas Shire boat ramps.

Twin funding boost for Douglas artists

JILL Chism, the woman behind Port Douglas’ environmental multimedia and sculpture event – Call of the Running Tide Festival – is encouraging artists and creatives from across the region to apply for a grant in this year’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The Oak Beach resident said on some occasions

creative people’s time wasn’t valued.

“There’s the classical notion that they are going to do it for love and they’re not going to do it for money,” she said.

“That is an erroneous idea because everybody, even if you love what you’re doing, needs their skills to be valued.

“For artists and creatives to get funding means they can spend time creating work of a higher standard and in a more developed way rather than tacking it on as a side project.”

This year the Douglas Shire has decided to distribute the RADF money over two streams rather than one.

Jill said splitting the money could provide an inspiration for an artist or creative who was previously unaware of RADF.

“It means while creatives might, in the first round, be commencing new concepts or projects and by the second round they might be

better prepared to apply for funding to actually produce conceptually developed work.”

RADF is open to a range of people including artists, writers, drama groups and even historical organisations.

Jacqueline Joosen used her $5000 grant to host an exhibition at the Port Douglas Community Hall last year.

The abstract artist spent the money on lighting, display boards and signage.

“The exhibition would have looked less polished (without the funding) because I had the whole hall to use and a lot of paintings to hang,” she said.

“I had a lot of people come to my exhibition and because of that, with people getting to know my work, I am now going to Melbourne’s Affordable Art Fair.”

Stream One of RADF opened on August 1. For more information head to the Douglas Shire website.

Shire celebrates NAIDOC Week

THE Douglas Shire has celebrated another successful NAIDOC Week; the Council collaborated with the NAIDOC Committee to deliver a diverse range of activities. This year the theme was ‘For Our Elders’.

Monday

The opening ceremony, held at the Douglas Shire Council, was attended by Elders, students, teachers, Council staff, councillors, the mayor, and other community members. In the evening a “smoking ceremony” and showcase of cultural performances was

held to launch the Kubirriwarra Yalanji Art and Culture Exhibition at the Port Douglas Community Hall.

Tuesday

Goobidi Bamaga hosted the annual baby show. Competition was fierce for the award of the cheekiest baby with an abundance of attitude on show; from toddlers strutting their stuff on the catwalk, to reluctant starlets being wrestled on stage by mum. Babies were dressed in their finest traditional clothing, including dilly bag accessories, and painted with

traditional ochre.

Wednesday

The Mossman Gorge Gateway Market was held at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, with a display of traditional First Nations art, paintings and beading for purchase.

Thursday

An Elders lunch was held at the Mossman Community Hall, hosted by Goobidi Bamaga. There was a traditional meal, a Kup Muri - a traditional method of cooking in an underground oven – and the Elders were served by local youth, teachers

and volunteers from Douglas Grass and Roots.

Friday

The NAIDOC street parade was attended by local schools in the community, including Wonga State School (winner of the ‘Loudest school’ award), St Augustine’s Primary School, Port Douglas State School, Mossman State School, Mossman State High School and Miallo State School.

The Mossman Library also hosted a weaving workshop with Kuku Yalanji local artistShanelle Young.

Port Douglas artist Jacqueline Joosen has previously used a RADF grant to host her own exhibition.

Left: Sculptor Jill Chism is encouraging fellow artists to apply for RADF grants.

Miallo State School students took part in the NAIDOC street parade.

Goobidi Baby Show entrant Kairo Williams.

Local Artist Lea Stevens and her daughter Kathleen at Mossman Gorge Cultural Markets.

Manjal Dimbi Dancers at Mossman NAIDOC in the Park.

Aunty Margaret Rocky, Aunty Elisa Williams and Lena Stevens at the opening ceremony.

Mossman State High School students Peyton Thorburn and Ebony McLean.

IMPROVED ACCESS TO FOUR MILE BEACH

705 Voices: Shaping the future for Shire’s youngest

THE thumb suckers, finger painters and sandpit dwellers of our community are indirectly having their say on Douglas Shire planning, even though most of them are still mastering their ABCs.

A new boardwalk and stairs are making it easier to get to Four Mile Beach via Sand Street in Port Douglas.

Douglas Shire Council has replaced the old wooden stairs with composite fibre stairs and a boardwalk. Further work on Port Street including realignment of a beach access track, general path maintenance and fencing has been completed.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the upgrades improve access to the beach

and help rehabilitate the foreshore.

“Four Mile Beach is one of the best coastlines in the country and any investment making it more accessible is fantastic news for locals and visitors,” he said.

“The new beach access and coastal rehabilitation forms part of Council’s Resilient Coast Strategic Plan which helps us manage the risk of coastal hazards.”

“I am very pleased Council received funding and appreciate the support of

the State Government and Local Government Association of Queensland to help our communities prepare for the impacts of climate change.”

Council has received $188,000 under the QCoast2100 Program for a Community Coastal Rehabilitation & Education Project.

The QCoast 2100 Program is funded by the Queensland Government and administered by Local Government Association of Queensland.

The 705 Voices project is currently surveying young families, with parents, carers, grandparents, neighbours and community members taking part on behalf of the region’s babies, toddlers and school newbies.

According to the 2021 ABS census, there are 705 children aged 0-5 living in the Douglas Shire and Julatten township.

The information collated through the 705 Voices project – which is an initiative of the Douglas Early Childhood Network - will be used to create an “Early Years” plan. Whyanbeel mum Ebonie said finding activities for children all year round can prove a challenge.

“I would like to see indoor activities during the wet season when it’s rainy and too hot outside,” she said.

“Sometimes you are left wondering what to do but overall I’m happy with the support services we have

and playgroups like this one (Mossman).”

Jennifer and her oneyear-old daughter Ezra also attend the Mossman Playgroup and said entertaining children becomes tougher in the wet season.

“We need more activities for children with air conditioning or at least bigger under cover parks,” the Cooya Beach resident said.

“Sometimes families head to Cairns for activities like Inflatable Word but then it becomes a day trip.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the survey

would provide important information for Council.

“The census already highlighted what we already knew – the Douglas Shire is increasingly becoming a place where young families want to settle and live,” he said.

“These young children ensure the vibrancy of the community and Council wants to create an environment that ensure they stay in the region for years to come.

“I look forward to finding out what 705 Voices reveals.”

Pedalling inclusiveness

CRAIGLIE resident Daniel Inglis is looking forward to using his own pedal power in next month’s Gran Fondo Festival but has no problems with other participants receiving a battery-charged boost as they traverse the ups and downs and the twists of turns of the Cook Highway.

While the 39-year-old will be tackling the 136-kilometre Gran Fondo (a return trip between Port Douglas and Palm Cove) on a road bike, participants in other festival events have the option to complete their journey on an electric bike.

Daniel said the inclusiveness of Gran Fondo Festival – including the use of e-bikes – should be celebrated.

“I think if it gets more people into cycling that’s a good thing,” he said.

“It allows people to participate in the sport whether they are getting older or recovering from injury or wanting to be able to ride longer and explore more for the same amount of effort.

“There are not many opportunities to ride the Cook Highway (between Port

Douglas and Palm Cove) because it’s so busy.

“This is an opportunity for people of all fitness levels to take on both a challenging and spectacular stretch of road.”

The Rainforest and Reef Cycling Club vice-president will also be competing in the more spectator-friendly criterium and sprint events.

New fixtures in this year’s program include a 40-kilometre mountain bike race (from Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures at Wangetti to Port Douglas), a 250-metre mountain bike sprint on Four Mile Beach and the 60km Semi Fondo (a return ride between Port Douglas and Rex Lookout).

Organisers are expecting more than 1200 participants to take part over the threeday event (September 8-10).

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the festival provided a real boost to the region’s economy.

“Council is a proud supporter of the Gran Fondo Festival and the event complements our own focus of encouraging more people to explore the beauty of our region on two wheels,” he

$50.8M

said.

“This addition to the program will see even more riders spend time in Port Douglas which is obviously good news for the town!

“I have already heard so many people say that they want to participate in the event this year which will create an even better result for the economic and community benefit for our region.”

Mossman Playgroup mums Ebonie (left) and Tahnee with Boe, 5, Bira, 1, and Prinee 1.

The new Sand Street boardwalk through to Four Mile Beach.

Craiglie resident Daniel Inglis will be taking part in this year’s Gran Fondo Festival.

Spotlight on Douglas

Resort town’s dining pageant

Chefs at Taste of Port Douglas will tantalise and enrich tastebuds over four special days

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Isaac Colman

TASTE returns to Port Douglas next week for its seventh year of flavour-filled deliciousness, top-level chefs and exemplary dishes.

This year it is bringing a lineup of some of the country’s best chefs and hospitality talent, as well as local producers and restaurants.

From August 10 to 13, Port Douglas will be thriving with amazing signature dishes from chefs such as Alistair McLeod and Laura Sharrad as well as local restaurants.

There are a number of event highlights, including top chefs Bente Grysbaek and Ben Williamson lighting up the festival’s first tropical night with Night of Fire x Flames of the Forest with the thrill of live fire cooking and selected wines from The Other Wine Co. South Australia.

Overlooking Dickinson’s Inlet, the second night of the festival will have an Italian theme that will mimic the Sicilian waterfront.

A renowned lineup of Austral-

ia’s top Italian chefs including Massimo Mele and Laura and Max Sharrad present Taste Port Douglas: La Dolce Vita.

Hosted by Italian chef Guy Grossi, guests will be greeted with a refreshing Aperol Spritz upon arrival, followed by three courses of Italian cuisine.

The festival’s final night is sure to be a hit, as Café Del Mar

partners with Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for an amazing sunset.

The all-inclusive dinner package features roving canapes and food stations, accompanied by multiple bars serving a wide variety of beverages.

Since 2013, co-founders Reina and Spencer Patrick have been committed to championing and

celebrating the unique and widespread culinary diversity that lies within Australia.

“We are stoked to collaborate with Australia’s diverse and talented culinary community at Taste Port Douglas,” Mr Patrick said. “They are the key ingredient to the festival’s reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated and dynamic gourmet week-

ends of the year,” he said.

“Culinary events of this scale contribute to skill-sharing and fostering interstate relationships in the hospitality community, providing unique opportunities to connect key players to the region’s suppliers, growers and producers and a hungry audience of local chefs, budding cooks and interstate and overseas trav-

ellers.” The full line-up at Taste Port Douglas this year includes:

• New South Wales - Aaron Ward (Shell House), Samantha Payne (wine communicator, sommelier.

• Queensland - Alastair McLeod (TV presenter and chef), Ben Williamson (Agnes, sAme sAme, Honto), Charly Pretet (Terra Firma Dining), Jake Nicolson (Blackbird, Donna Chang), Kerry Heaney (Eat, Drink and Be Kerry).

• South Australia - Laura Sharrad ( Nido Bar and Pasta), Max Sharrad (Fugazzi, Nido Bar and Pasta), Penny Grant (Shaw + Smith).

• Tasmania - Massimo Mele (Grain of the Silos, Peppina). Victoria - Adam D’Sylva (Lollo, Tonka, Coda), Bente Grysbaek ( Pope Joan), Guy Grossi (Grossi Group), Ian Curley (The French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar), Jerry Mai (Pho Nom, Bia Hoi), Matt Preston (journalist, author, TV presenter), Michael Lambie (The Smith, Lucy Liu), Raymond Capaldi (chef, Wonder Pies).

Tickets to the festival are now available at tasteportdouglas.com.au

The line-up of talented chefs at last year’s Taste of Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied

Wining and Dining

Solo dining is the new trend

Couples eating out is declining, while people are spending less and sharing courses

l RESEARCH

RESTAURANT dynamic pricing platform, EatClub, has released the results of its 2023 dining research and the insights show Aussies are changing their dining habits in response to cost of living pressures.

“As the country’s leading dining deal app used by millions of Aussies to secure dining and drinks deals every week, the results of our latest research show some extraordinary changes in the behaviour of diners across the country,” EatClub co-founder and chief executive Pan Koutlakis said.

“2023 is the year of the singles. We have identified that over the last 12 months, we have seen a significant increase in the number of diners going out for a bite to eat solo. In fact, the amount of people dining out solo has doubled.

“While the number of solo diners is increasing, couple bookings are declining.”

Key findings are:

• Aussies are dining out more but spending less

• Diners are opting for the second cheapest bottle of wine on the wine list

• Diners are sharing courses to reduce cost

• The number of solo diners has doubled in 12 months

• Couple diners has decreased

• Vietnamese and Thai cuisine have seen the strongest growth

• Pizza is still the most popular takeaway food

• Overall, diners are spending less per occasion.

Mr Koutlakis said not only had the demographic of diners changed, the type of food people were eating had changed as well.

“During lockdowns, people were big on burgers and pizza for takeaway. While they are still popular now, burgers have dwindled a little in popularity and pizza has continued to be a strong favourite,” he said.

“Dine-in has been on the rise since lockdowns have ended. Despite recently interest rate rises, this trend has not changed.

“What has changed is where people go. Bars and pubs have experienced a 20 per cent increase in the number of visits and spending since interest rates started to bite.

“It looks as though this is how Aussies cope with stress, they head to the pub. Not only has the number of people going out to bars and pubs increased, so has the frequency of their visits. Take-away spending has slightly decreased since the rate hikes.”

TUK TUK BY THE SEA

EatClub co-founder Pan Koutlakis with shareholder and celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. Picture: Supplied

TimeOut

Crowds pour into festival Record 15,000 people attend free fireworks and La Festa Food and Wine Day

l CAIRNS REGION

| Gail Sedorkin

A NON-stop, action-packed day of eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, singing and talking – that was the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival’s La Festa Food and Wine day on Saturday.

It was a party at Fogarty Park enjoyed by more than 15,000 guests from 10am through to just before midnight –a record-breaking crowd for the second La Festa Day.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said it was worth all the countless hours of hard work put in by the committee and volunteers to see all the smiling faces and everyone having such a good time.

“I’m very, very proud – I can’t wipe the smile off my face,” he said.

“We had more than 10,000 ticket sales and more than 15,000 people came in and out during the day.

“We quite literally blew it out of the park.

“We were never going to run out of food or drinks, and there was seating for hundreds at tables under the huge marquees.”

Mr Cordenos said he was also very proud of the free Family Fun Night, especially the spectacular fireworks, last Friday night.

“We had an incredible turnout with about 15,000 people – it was wonderful how the community supported it,” he said.

There were so many highlights of La Festa – the spaghetti eating competition, pizza acrobatics, dancers and singers – all brought together seamlessly by MC for the day, James Liotta.

Prize money of $2000 was up for grabs in the spaghetti-eating competition, with two categories, adults (16 and over) and children (15 and under), with two rounds for each category. All competitors had to eat a 240gm plate of spaghetti in the fastest time, with-

out using their hands. In a record-breaking time of 46 seconds, Aliyah Durgutovski, 13, won her round and $500, beating all competitors including the adults with her time. Her sister Emilia, 10, also joined her in

the competition, competing in the second children’s round.

Youssef Ben Touati, Italian World Master Chef, dazzled the crowds with his pizza acrobatics both on and off the stage.

Cairns’ own Turning Pointe Dance Studios were definitely the crowd favourite with their three shows, A Taste of Italy, An Italian Summer and Celebrate Italia, as were local opera singers, Alteouise deVaughn, Adrian

Strooper, Catherine Knight and Frank Dangelico.

Piano accordionist, Ross Maio, Siesta Cartel, the Made in Italy the Show and DJ Stefano Marciano, kept the party going well into the night.

Emilia Durgutovski, 10, competing in her round of the spaghetti eating competition at the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival’s La Festa day. Picture: Jon Westaway

TimeOut

Final three events of festa

l CAIRNS REGION

| Gail Sedorkin

THE three final events of the 17-day 2023 Cairns Italian Festival can be enjoyed in Cairns tonight at the Gala Ball, then at two events in Mareeba this weekend.

The achievements and contribution of Italian immigrants in Far North Queensland will be honoured at the Cinecitta Italian Gala Ball at the Pullman International tonight.

The Cinecitta Gala Ball is themed after the iconic film studio in Rome – the Italian Hollywood on the Tiber.

On the evening, the Italian Hall of Fame Awards and Life Member Awards will be announced – a ceremony which aims to recognise the achievements of Italians who migrated to Australia or come from immigrant families and have contributed significantly to the region.

“These awards are so important. It’s our way to recognise people who have contributed in so many ways – to say thank you,” gala ball organiser Patty Poutanen said.

Mareeba will then host the two final events of the 2023 Festival – a new event, the Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup, tomorrow, and the final event, the Salami and Sausage Festa, on Sunday.

The Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup is a tribute to the late Alfio Moriconi from the Mareeba Football Club and John Bomben from Leichhardt Football Club and their dedication to football.

Both devoted a lifetime of passion to their respective clubs with their contribution to the game unparalleled. The wellknown rivals fought out many

battles on the soccer field over the years.

An over-45s match will be played as a curtain raiser to the main game which will include a lot of the older players from the glory days of past battles. The event will kick off tomorrow at Lindsay Australia Stadium in Mareeba.

On Sunday, the second Mareeba Salami and Sausages Festa promises to seek out the best homemade salami and sau-

sages in the region, with several awards to be presented and the overall winner up for a $2000 cash prize.

Sponsored by Borgo Salumi, the event at the Mareeba International Club features a panel of five expert judges who will rate each entry out of 20 in the areas of taste, aroma, density and colour.

The Cairns Italian Festival raffle winner of the Trip to Italy for Two will also be announced.

Luna Winefield enjoying her pizza.

Luna, dad Mitch with Minnie, and mum Laura.

Turning Pointe Dance Studios of Cairns. Cayden Connors of Turning Pointe Dance Studios.

Jake and Steph Iovannella with baby Luca.

Hope Greenwood, Greta Smyth, Ruby Tuxworth with Ivy Tuxworth at back.

Aliyah Durgutovski, 13, won the spaghetti eating competition, and $500. Pictures: Jon Westaway

Pizza Acrobatics by Italian World Master Pizza Chef and Australia’s Got Talent star Youssef Ben-Touati.

Juan Colville pulling the trolley with daughters Nico and Lilas, and mum Emiri.

Tony Salvatore from Tony’s Pizza, doing his share of pizza twirling.

Teacher awarded

l CAIRNS

|

Gail Sedorkin

CAIRNS art teacher David

Marsden is the winner of a prestigious life membership award for his commitment and outstanding service to arts excellence and education.

His passion for the arts and commitment to arts education has been acknowledged with a life membership award presented among peers at the recent Queensland Art Teachers Association (QATA) Annual State Conference in Brisbane.

With a teaching career in the realm of visual art and design spanning three decades, Mr Marsden is Cairns State High School’s arts head of department and Peninsula Art Educators Association (PAEA) president.

According to QATA, a life membership award is for outstanding service to visual art education in Queensland and is presented annually at the state

conference by the QATA committee. Award criteria require the recipient to have made a significant contribution to the advocacy of visual art education in Queensland and be a role model within the profession.

Mr Marsden is the fifth in Queensland to have received a life membership for arts education and said the award was “a complete surprise”.

“I’m really honoured – it’s a big deal to be honoured by your colleagues,” he said.

St Monica’s College art teacher and Artview Gallery and Café owner Leanne Shead nominated Mr Marsden and presented the formal submission.

She said she was thrilled to see Mr Marsden’s dedication, excellence and long-time service rewarded to someone who had created many legacies and made a significant impact in the art space – not just at Cairns State High School but across the region and Queensland.

“A multi-skilled art teacher,

David has been involved in the Centre of Artistic Development CAD (Wearable Art) programs, and musical productions, was instrumental in developing the School’s International Baccalaureate Program as IB coordinator for the first two years (2010 and 2011), worked with the BLA (Business Liaison Association) to coordinate the Cairns Show Billboard competition, has always played a role in PAEA, having been in every position, since 2019, its president,” Ms Shead said.

“He is also the engine behind all current PAEA events: Receive and Respond, Refuel, Lottery, ENERGY and more,” Ms Shead said.

While Mr Marsden has been employed at Cairns high for the past 28 years following studies and teaching stints overseas, he carries his love of the arts beyond education and school into creative industries and the community.

He has regularly exhibited at local art galleries, Crate59 and Artview Gallery and Cafe.

Winner of the QATA 2023 Life Membership Award is Cairns State High School’s arts - head of department, David Marsden pictured with QATA treasurer, Dani Towers (leG) QATA president, Victoria Boulter Groening and QATA conference director Jo-Anne Hine (right). Picture: Supplied

Mauboy’s gig at Yarrabah Music and cultural festival to put coastal Indigenous town on map

l YARRABAH

|

Gail Sedorkin

THIS year’s Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival will have its best line-up yet, featuring singer, songwriter and actress Jessica Mauboy, Electric Fields, Jessie Lloyd and the Yarrabah Brass Band on October 7.

Ms Mauboy said she is more than honoured to be headlining Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival this year for Queensland Music Trails.

“I am looking forward to October and can’t wait to see all the smiling faces in Yarrabah on Gunggandji Country. See you all there,” she said.

Presented by Queensland Music Festival and the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, the all-ages event combines impressive musical acts, visual arts and flavours with some of Australia’s brightest stars to showcase the incredible talent emerging from the Yarrabah community and beyond.

Local Mayor Ross Andrews said the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival drover significant visitation and positive social and economic impact for the region.

“A headliner like Jessica Mauboy is a great way to put Yarrabah on the map as one of the world’s most unique music festivals,” he said.

“To have one of Australia’s most successful artists performing as part of our 2023 event is a major coup. We look forward to welcoming Jessica to the region for a full day of live music, food stalls, local art, culture and kids’ rides.”

The event will host a range of workshops, at an extra fee, including weaving, wood artefact making, shell necklace, and damper making workshops, allowing visitors to experience Yarrabah in a whole new way and connect with the community.

QMF and Qld Music Trails chief executive Joel Edmonson said the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival was very dear to QMF’s heart and they were thrilled to be able to work with the community to deliver a great experience again for people around the country.

“There are few other places in Australia that you can participate in an experience of country like this.”

For more information and first access to online tickets visit www.qldmusictrails.com

School’s dating show

l CAIRNS

| Gail Sedorkin

IT’S the hottest dating show on Australian TV, but the ratings have dropped – time to ramp it up for the couples on “All or Nothing!”.

Inspired by American playwright Charles Mee’s “Big Love”, Cairns State High School’s senior Centre Of Excellence (COE) Drama ensemble welcome you to the grand finale of “All or Nothing.”

Five fresh out of high school couples undertake a series of challenges to test their relationship, and the last couple standing will walk out with a relationship that will go the distance, and a massive cash prize.

As ratings drop, advertisers pull out and cancellation is on the horizon for “All or Nothing!”; the producers have no choice but to ramp it up and take “All or Nothing!” very seriously.

Written and performed by Cairns State High’s senior COE drama class, this hilarious production will hit the stage for one night only on Thursday, August 10 at 7pm at Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre.

Bookings via www.trybooking.com/CKBKZ

Singer Jessica Mauboy can’t wait to entertain at the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival in October.

Picture: Supplied.

6TH

Join Australia's top artisan salami and sausage makers vying for esteemed awards at our Festa. We're celebrating tradition, family, friends, and food. The Festa welcomes diverse cultures, featuring a delightful homemade Italian lunch and dessert. All accompanied by live Italian music from the dynamic duo, Attori. With an array of amazing prizes, purchase your tickets today for a chance to win big on the festa day!

MENU

Italian antipasto

Fusilli pasta with ragù

Italian meatballs in tomato sauce

Garlic green peas & tomato & onion

Golden potatoes with Italian herbs

Mediterranean green salad

Proudly Sponsored By

WHAT’S ON

OPEN DAY CATTANA WETLANDS

l SAT AUGUST 5, 8:00AM–12:00PM

Activities include:

Botany For Kids: 8.30am; Boardwalk tours: 9.30am; and 11am; Bird spotting from the jetty: 8.30am and 9.30am; Possum boxes: 8.30am and 9.30am; Plant Doctor: have all your native plant questions answered, all morning.

Cake and baked goods stand (cash only) and coffee van onsite. Please note Cattana Wetlands is a nature conservation reserve. Dogs, except registered assistance animals, are not permitted.

DANCE FOR TREES ONLINE

l FRI AUGUST 4, 5:00PM-6:30PM

Dance for Trees is a fundraising project for tree planting and forest regeneration in Australia and New Zealand. We fundraise by dancing together and sharing a Qoya inspired movement class. This month we support Rainforest Rescue. Hoping we will be joined by one of the RR team to share a little about their work with native trees before the class gets started, expanding our connections, understanding and network. Tickets via Humanitix.

MUSIC MAKING WORKSHOPS THE IRONING MAIDENS

l FRI AUGUST 4, 5:00PM-7:00PM

This is an intro to electronic music workshop that gives participants an all round experience of writing a song, recording it and adding other instruments such as beats and bass. No previous experience necessary and no equipment required.

Ages: 15 years and over

Where: CQU Campus, Cairns City

Cost: $30.00

Book your Workshop spot through Humanitix.

GREAT PYRAMID RACE 2023 NORMAN PARK, GORDONVALE

l SAT AUGUST 5, 7:00AM-12:00PM

Multiple events across the day as well as heaps of things for families and spectators including huge markets, food, kids entertainment, activities, sponsor stalls, raffles, prizes and heaps more.

No entry fee for spectators.

FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL SALT HOUSE

l SAT AUGUST 5, 12:00PM-11:30PM

A Taste of Tropical North Queensland, we are back once again with great food, wine, cocktails, live music and so much more! Taste your way through an enticing range of winemakers, distillers, brewers, and producers, alongside food stalls. We are a family-friendly event until later into the evening, so please feel free to bring the kids – under 18’s receive free entry. Book your tickets through Salt House.

WINTERFEST NORTH CAIRNS TIGERS

l SUN AUGUST 6, 11:00AM

As a part of Multicultural Month, Edelweiss is hosting WinterFest. Save the date, August 6, for this free Sunday event.

Great entertainment for all ages, which includes:

*Bavarian Band *Various dance performances

*Zumba for everyone *Family relays *Raffles & Prizes *Jumping Castle *Face Painter *Bubble *German Sausages, Pretzels & Sweets.

FRIDAY

Rob Papp - Mission Beach Blues Bar, 3:00pm

The Vibes – Dunwoody’s Hotel Cairns, 4:00pm

Big Bavaria Bash - German Club Cairns, 5:00pm

Sax Man - O’Donnell’s Café Bar, 6:00pm

Fingerprint - Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:30pm

Forest (Album Launch) - Tanks Arts Centre, 7:00pm

Spirit of Leonard Cohen – CPAC, 7:00pm

Big Pups – Collinsville Workers Club, 7:00pm

Barbary Coasters – Roo Bar & Grill, 7:00pm

Infinity Duo – Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail, 7:00pm

Skye Karaoke – Centrals Trinity Sporting Club, 7:30pm

Justin Wellington – Surf Club Palm Cove, 7:30pm

Mississippi Shakedown – Anthill Hotel Mareeba, 8:00pm

Waiting for Alice – The Jack, 9:00pm

Big Noise – PJ O’Briens, 9:30pm

SATURDAY

Cairns Classical Music Group – Cairns Presbyterian Church, 2:00pm

Soul Song Choir – Cedric Davies Community Centre, 2:00pm

Phoebe & Axon – Surf Club Palm Cove, 2:00pm

The Blues Healers – Strait on the Beach, 3:00pm

Rob Papp – Mission Beach Blues Bar, 3:00pm

Infinity Duo – Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:30pm

Skye Karaoke – Smithfield Tavern, 7:00pm

Declan Murray Brown – The Secret Jungle Cairns, 7:00pm

Start the Party Karaoke – Red Beret, 8:00pm

Big Noise – PJ O’Briens, 9:30pm

SUNDAY

Blue Reed – Mandala Café, 10:00am Big Pups – Seabreeze hotel, 2:00pm

Sunday Sesh – German Club Cairns, 2:00pm

Cinnamon Sun – Dunwoody’s Hotel Cairns, 2:00pm

DjGlennW – Dundee’s at the Aquarium, 2:00pm

Sax Man – Edge Hill Memorial bowls Club, 2:30pm

Jasmine Maraea- Ten 06 Yorkys Knob, 3:00pm

check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements due to COVID-19

Real Estate

Agents hear from the best

Ray White training session told that Queensland is the prime place to invest

l PROPERTY

MORE than 400 Ray White members from across Queensland – including Cairns – came together for Ready Set Go in Brisbane to learn and network from the group’s best.

The full day training session was the second of three high performance training days for the Ray White Queensland network throughout the year, with last week’s training making up the ‘Set’ portion of the series.

Ray White Queensland chief executive officer Jason Andrew said Ready Set Go offered tremendous value for those in the state’s network looking to grow and succeed.

“Set has brought together some of our best people from throughout the network, to share their learnings and leave them equipped for the 2023-24 financial year and the spring selling season.”

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said house price growth in Queensland was now firmly entrenched.

“House and unit prices are on the move and all regions are now seeing price growth,” she said.

“Listings are coming up, continuing to increase. We are still

seeing prices also increase. The rental market is also starting to show signs of slowing down so you can say that house rents are actually stable.

“House rents remain pretty stable and unit rates have been increasing quite a lot primarily because of international students that are coming to Queensland

that’s really pushed up the rental market.

“We are seeing a shortage of homes being developed. We had quite low household sizes during

the pandemic as lots of people moved out of home to want to share homes which have since disbanded. We also saw record numbers of one person households.

“Onto the lending side, borrowing is back. It seemed to fall off a cliff last year as or even during the past 12 months and really fell to pretty low levels compared to what we saw during the pandemic.”

“Primarily because obviously if interest rates were really high, it was really hard to get through the serviceability buffer that is three per cent in total. After the banks put on a home loan, it’s hard for a lot of people to get into.

“But in Queensland we are now starting to see owner occupier lending and also investor lending starting to pick up again and so, good news for the loan market for needs for banks or people that are lending again.”

“But it’s pretty stressful for everyone with a big mortgage at the moment. A lot of refinancing is taking place.”

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee told 400 agents that Queensland was the best place to invest in Australia.

Motoring

New luxury Mazda unveiled

l CAR LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton MAZDA’S new luxury CX-60 has been launched with fanfare at Westco Mazda’s Newell St showroom.

Seven models, including the top-of-the-range Azami, were on display at last Friday’s launch.

Westco Mazda general manager Scott King said “it was an exciting day for us at Westco Mazda”.

“The CX-60 is a new direction Mazda is taking, in engineering and product,” he said.

“It’s a lot different and Mazda are bucking the trend of smaller engines and smaller vehicles.

“It’s bigger with a bit more performance and a bit more power, more tech, more luxury.

“There are more down the track, including the CX-90 and the CX-80.”

The CX-60 comes with a plug-in four cylinder hybrid and petrol and diesel in-line six cylinder engines. Prices start at $64,798 (on-road) and top out at $93,291.

Phillip and Lynette Jackson of Kewarra Beach. Alice Bishop and Sophie Callaghan.

Rochelle and James Kettles of Goldsborough.

Kylie and Rachel Fullerton of Bentley Park.

Hans and Gerry Sarlemyn of Clifton Beach. Jason Greenardi of Cairns CBD.

Westco Mazda sales team of Darrell Callaghan, Daniel Wicks, Scott King, Tracy Solomon, Jason Knight and Trey Upton at the launch of the CX-60 SUV. Pictures: Nick Dalton

Skoda adds hi-tech

More safety equipment for sporty European brand

l SUPPLY

| Nick Dalton

ŠKODA Australia has confirmed additional technology will feature in a significant number of models arriving from the fourth quarter – including its three-model Kamiq, Karoq and Kodiaq SUV range, the Scala and the Octavia.

These additions mean that every model in the entire Skoda range will feature Side Assist with Rear Traffic alert as standard.

The Kamiq will include Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Power Tailgate standard across the range, while a premium Škoda Sound System will become optional (via the travel pack) on the Monte Carlo.

The Karoq will now feature Side Assist with Rear Traffic

Alert and Lane Assist standard across the two-tier Style and SportLine 4x4 range.

The Karoq Style now offers a new Leather Seats Pack featuring black or ivory Comfort leather seats with power front adjustment and memory, autodimming foldable door mirrors, ambient lighting, front and rear LED reading lights and interior footwell lighting.

The Kodiaq will feature Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Auto Dimming exterior mirrors and power child locks.

A Canton premium audio system is standard on Kodiaq RS 4x4 and optional (via the tech pack) on Style 4x4 and SportLine 4x4. Similarly to the Fabia’s extensive technology suite, the Scala now features Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert as standard across the range. The flagship Signature

now also adds a power tailgate. The Octavia will feature Park Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Power Child Locks, Auto Dimming interior mirror and driver’s exterior mirror on Style and RS. The Canton audio system also returns to the Octavia RS with optional premium pack.

As an option on Octavia Style, the separate tech pack and luxury pack will be bundled into a new, single tech and luxury pack with everything from both packs minus the previous head-up display and Dynamic Chassis Control.

While there are no technology changes for the Fabia and Superb, the flagship Superb liftback and wagon will singularly continue in SportLine 4x4 guise. The next-generation 2025 Skoda Superb liftback and wagon may double down

on top-of-the-range models –and high-output turbo power – when it arrives in Australia towards the end of next year.

The new Superb is due in European showrooms early next year, at the same time as its Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat SUV twin.

However the first local deliveries are not due until the end of 2024 as Skoda Australia waits for a high-power 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to become available.

Škoda Australia said it was providing advance notice and flexibility of choice to customers ahead of these new models arriving in the fourth quarter of 2023, with significant current stock available across the model range to take home today.

Pricing for the updated Škoda range will be announced shortly.

There is just one version of the Skoda Superb available now, the Sportline 4x4 in wagon or liftback.

The Skoda Karoq has Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist added to its equipment list.

LOST TITLE APPLICATION

Office of Titles No.: 2461876

Notice Pursuant To Section 82 of the Registration of Titles Act (RTA)

Whereas the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement.

Volume: 1078

Folio:131

Strata Lot: 26

Place: Part of Abbey Court

Parish: St. Andrew Registered proprietor(s): Rene Barton, William James Barton and Patricia Ann Barton.

The following transactions lodged with this application will be registered pursuant to section 81 of the RTA:

Application to Note Death 2461873

Application to Note Death 2461874

L.Dunbar, Deputy Registrar of Titles

Auction of Vessel

The Port Douglas Yacht Club (PDYC), pursuant to its rights under the Storage of Liens Act 1973 (Qld will be holding a public auction at 2.00pm on Saturday 19th August 2023 in the hard stand boat area of PDYC of a 32-foot fiberglass sloop named “Slow Hand”. Queensland Auction Rules will apply.

The vessel is sold as is and where is. The buyer will be required to sign a Hard Stand agreement with PDYC if the vessel cannot be removed within 14 days of Auction.

Any person wishing to view the vessel should contact PDYC on (07) 4099 4386 to make an appointment.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT MANUNDA

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 6-26 Koch Street Manunda QLD 4870 (Lot 45 RP712254) www.rfnsa.com.au/4870011

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of LTE700 (4G), LTE2600 (4G) and NR2600 (5G) technologies at Manunda. Proposed works at the above site will involve the removal of nine (9) panel antennas, the installation of fifteen (15) panel antennas (no more than 2.8m in length), the relocation of three (3) panel antennas and the removal and installation of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility.

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the above description.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Max Peel, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: max.peel@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Max Peel, Aurecon Pty Ltd, 5/863 Hay Street, Perth WA by 5pm on 18 August 2023.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at:

• Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm to 7pm

• Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm to 1pm

• Kuranda: Mondays, 11am to 12 noon

For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

Red Cross Tully Branch AGM

Monday 21 August at 9.30am

17 Bryant st, Tully

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend.

NOTICES

Local News Cairns

Publishers Terms and Conditions

Advertising agencies, advertisers and individuals by lodging material with the publisher for publication, approving or authorizing of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the publisher, it’s Directors, employees and their agents against all demands, claims, costs, expenses, proceedings and damages wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that its publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person.

Advertising Conditions

Any advertisement accepted for publication in Cairns Local News is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.

The placing or positioning of an advertisement within the requested classification is at the discretion of Cairns Local News, except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of advertising is based upon the frequency used within the period of the order. The term may vary from three months to one year. The word “Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notification at the discretion of the publisher.

Advertisement Proofing

To attend free Bible-based Gospel Meetings. Upholding the ministry and teachings of Jesus. Sunday afternoons, 3 pm – 4 pm on the 13/8, 20/8, 3/9, 10/9, 17/9, 24/9 at the Cairns Senior Citizens Hall, 271 Gatton St Westcourt. No collection and all welcome.

ADVERTISE today!

Visitors welcome

Contact 0407 168 874

Wish your bestie a Happy Birthday in

Local News Cairns

Prices start from $25 Ph: 07 4031 7678 | E: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Friday August 4th

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:00

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00

The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at Cairns Local News by 4pm TUESDAY prior to publication. The final proofing deadline is 5pm Wednesday prior to publication, any revisions requested after 5pm Wednesday are not guaranteed. If a booking is confirmed, final proof approval is not required by Cairns Local News.

Advertising Code Clearance

Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all advertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and products or programmes must carry an APB Clearance Number. All advertisements that do not carry the APB Number first must be submitted for clearance and the issue of an APB number for inclusion in the advertisement directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

FNQ Markets

Saturday August 5th

Atherton: Lutheran Church, 1 Golf Links Drive, 6:00-12:00

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00

Gordonvale Cottage Markets: Norman Park, 07:00-12:00

Koah: Koah Hall, Koah Rd, 09:00-13:00

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:00

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00

Mossman: St David’s Church, 07:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00

INVITATION FOR TENDERS

Civil and Associated Building Works, High Street, Georgetown Etheridge Shire Council invites tenders for – Civil and associated building works, High Street, Georgetown. At 51 High Street, Georgetown Q 4871.

The Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016 applies to the building work associated with this project. It is a requirement of this project that any person who undertakes the work be compliant with the Code. The Queensland Government’s Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry applies to the building work associated with this project. It is a requirement of this project that any person who undertakes the work be compliant with the Code.

Tender documentation may be obtained from: www.etheridge.qld.gov.au on Monday 31st July, 2023.

Tenders must be lodged via email, to: tender@etheridge. qld.gov.au by 4:00pm Tuesday 22nd August, 2023.

Council reserves the right to invite all tenderers to change their tenders to take account of a change in the tender specification.

The Council’s representative for this tender is Rob Jaggar who can be contacted on: project.manager@ etheridge.gov.gov.au.

Ken Timms, Chief Executive Officer

2015 EVERNEW CARAVAN

E1000 Series with all the extras! 24 foot, semi off-road, mid mount, ensuite, 4 berth.

$65,000 • P: 0428 999 334

Classifieds

Deadlines

Sunday August 6th

Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00

Koah: Koah Hall, Koah Rd, 09:00-13:00

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:00

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00

Mission Beach Markets: Opposite Hideaways, 07:00-12:00

Palm Cove: Williams Esplanade, 08:00-14:00

Port

Rusty’s

Tolga:

07:30-14:00

Cairns Local News, Friday, August 04, 2023 PAGE 33 www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Records broken at athletics

More than 260 competitors at ‘hugely successful’ Coral Coast annual carnival

l ATHLETICS

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

MORE than 20 records were broken when 260 athletes took to the track and field of Barlow Park last weekend at the Coral Coast Athletics Carnival.

This year’s event, organised by Cairns Athletics, saw Olympians like Ash Moloney competing in preparation for the world championships in Budapest, 27 broken records and major sponsored events like the 100m handicap and the 300m Dash 4 Cash.

Over 600 spectators attended the event in support of their clubs and the local athletes like Cairns Athletics Piper Devine who broke a record in the under-18 800m race, and throwing star from Mulgrave Hannah Edwards (above) who took gold for hammer throw, seeing a leap in attendance post-COVID.

A Cairns Athletics spokeswoman said the event was very successful with Cairns’ athletes taking top positions in lots of the events.

“Coral Coast is one of the largest events on the regional athletics calendar and by all comments received, it was a huge success,” she said.

“In the 100m handicap, sponsored by Body Heart & Soul, the women’s event was won by Kaitlwin Bitossi, 15, from Ross River with Sylvie Waddick, 14, and Ava LentonCater, 15, from Cairns Athletics in second and third place.

“The men’s event, sponsored by Southside Swim School,

was won by Joseph Doran from Townsville North Star with second and third place going to Matthew Green from Ross River and Jack Grant from Peak Performance.

The spokeswoman said another popular event were the Dash 4 Cash races.

“Another major draw card is our unique Dash 4 Cash. The women’s event sponsored by Marina Thimios was won by one of our own Piper Devine with second and third place going to Townsville’s Isabella Chester and Alexandra Kanowski,” she said.

“Men’s Dash 4 Cash was sponsored by Cairns Athletics and won by Ross River’s Adam Jorgenson, Thomas Richardson from Townsville took second place and and Jack Grant from Peak Performance, third.”

The Cairns Athletics committee said this had been a great year for the carnival and hope to break attendance records next year.

“The committee all agree that the absolute highlight to this event is to bring families and athletes from all over the north together, and seeing the joy in the kids faces being able to compete and have fun,” the spokeswoman said. For the complete results list, visit the Cairns Athletics Facebook page.

Sport Results

MOSSMAN LADIES’ BOWLS

27th July. Ladies. Winners; Jude Prain, Maree Crees, Barbara Withers. R/U; Jan White, Carmen Bolton, Robin Petrus. Sunday Social Mixed. 15th July. Winners; Bryan King, Mary McGrory, Maree Terry, Ray Prain. R/U; Annettee Black, Kevin Joynes, Andrew Harris. 23rd July. Winners; John Boadle, Andrew Harris, Jack Horner. R/U; Jan White, Jim Harrism,

Raelene Rigior. MOSSMAN MENS BOWLS

Saturday 29 July. Jackpot Bowls. Terry Richards, David Turnbull, Andrew Harris def. Charlie Toohey, Bill Smith, Bill Allison 22-21. David White, Neville Stone, Gary Watts def. Eric Smith, Wayne Parkes, John Arnold 20-14. Ray Prain, Ian Bramstegt, Arthur Pritchard def. Chris Payne, Peter Gorsuch, Joe Girgenti 26-19. Col Widdows,

Nev Tesch, Warren McCoist def. Steve Cue, Tony White, Peter McGrory 22-12. Bob Ashford, Daryl Hoskin, Bob Carroll def. Reg Richardson. Peter Worley. Brian King 23-12. David Blain, Richard Anderson, Derek Franklin def. Arthur Anderson, Michael Sims, Nev Fletcher 2810. Winners; Col Johnson, Graham Hutchinson, Tony Brlyack def. Steve Hudson, George Wilmot, Alistair Douglas 34-6.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; No Winners. R/U; No Win-

ners. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; Brad, Steve, Ross. R/U; Jason, Dave, Bryan. Spider. Winners; Bob H, Sandy, Ian, Paper, Stewart, Shane, Sisca, Chriss. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners; P Cavanagh, L Roberts, J Brown. R/U; A Lim, D Russell, Ted. Thursday Morning Bowls. Winner; No Winners. R/U; No winners. Thursday Mixed triples. Winners; Danny, Nigel, Glenda. R/U; Jeanette, Meredith, Val. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; P Cavanagh. R/U; D Grummitt

WEST CAIRNS TPI

MEMORIAL BOWLS

Social Mixed Bowls. Winners; John Frisch, Val Fallon, Pieta Pawlin.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Social bowls Thursday 28th

July 2023. Winners; Mary Sant’Angelo, Eric Cole, Peter Whitehead. Men’s Championship Bowls. Club A Singles Final; Lyle Braggins vs Darren Curry. Champion of Champions Pairs. Nick Twining, Col Kelly def. Yungaburra and Atherton teams. Nick, Col def. S. Pitt, N.

Robson in the Final. Pennant 8 a Side. Semi Final; Edge Hill team def. Weipa Bowls. Final; Edge Hill def. South Johnstone. Mixed Social Bowls. Tuesday 25th July 2023. Night social bowls. Winners; Lorraine King, Bruce Moseley. R/U; Lydia, Arthur. 3rd; Robyn Cole, Gary Pomroy. Tuesday Night. Winners; Steve Bragger, Peter Whitehead. Saturday 29th July 2023. Winners; Ian Stafford, Jeannie Wild. R/U; Wayne Hunter, Dennis, Glenn Mann.

100 metres final (15-year-olds), from left, Ava Lenton-Cater (Cairns), Zoe Miles (Cairns) and Indiana Thomas (Townsville). Pictures: Supplied

Quinn Lenton-Cater in the 10-year-old boys high jump event. Piper Devine in under-18 800m final. Thomas Vikionkorpi in the long jump.

Athletes to swim 27km from Green Island to Yorkesy Knob for fundraiser

Longest open ocean event

l SWIMMING

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

NOW in its third year, Australia’s longest open ocean swim, Swimming the Gap 2023, has lined up amazing athletes to push themselves to the limit and fundraise $15,000 to go towards AFL Cape York Foundation this September.

The 27km swim from Green Island to Yorkey’s Knob, on September 23, has gathered amazing swimmers like marathon swimming royalty, Australian Triple Crown, Julie Boxsell and major sponsors like Passions of Paradise to engage in high-performance swimming and raise funds towards the AFL Cape York Foundation’s social and emotional wellbeing program.

Organiser and Masters Swimming North Queensland vice president Ted Bunt said it was an exciting year for the Swimming the Gap event.

“So far, seven people have completed the swim, we’ve had six men and one woman, last year’s Harriet Grant, in some pretty strong tides and it’s something great to be a part of,” Mr Bunt said.

“It’s a great challenge, these are all competent swimmers, and you may have a lot of training under your belt but it’s still that mental side of pushing the limits all the way.” Townsville-based marathon swimmer Julie Boxsell said she

was excited to try the demanding swim for the first time.

“I’ve taken the challenge because it’s a swim that hasn’t been done very often and this year is in support of AFL Cape York House and that’s a really great reason to,” Ms Boxsell said.

“It’s also a very tough swim across the channel, it’s in tough water which I like and it’s a great location.

“You can never underestimate a swim, it doesn’t matter what your preparation is, you can’t control what happens on the day, so I’m prepared for both outcomes.”

Masters Swimming Queensland champion in Cairns Clams Kaname Woodfield will be trying to conquer the swim after a failed attempt last year.

“Last year I was devastated I couldn’t finish and that’s made me want to do it again,” Ms Woodfield said.

“It was my first attempt last year so I started training earlier than last year and I’m stronger this year so I know this time I can do it.”

Mr Bunt said plans were underway to grow the swim to include relay and solo swimmers from next year. “We’re hoping to encourage well known swimmers, Olympians and ex-Olympians to come up and participate,” he said.

To donate, visit wwww.swimmingthegap.mycause. com.au

Peninsula U-16 team takes bronze at champs

l SOCCER

THE Peninsula under-16 football team has taken part in the Queensland State School Football Championships in Brisbane and finished third.

A team spokesman said it was the region’s best result since records began.

“They only lost one game all week and were knocked out on penalties in the semifinals, but won their third place play-off against Metropolitan West,” he said.

“Amazingly, none of the Far North Queensland kids were picked in the Queensland team, despite finishing third,” the spokesman said

The 2023 Swimming the Gap swimmers (from left) Lesa Flip, Julie Boxsell, Kaname Woodfield and Rod Lyle. Picture: Supplied

The Peninsula under-16 football team Back row (l-r): Josh Taylor (coach), Houston Jackson, Jake Broomhead, Hunter Searle, Nicholas Brett, Izak Weston, Jimmy Breeze, Cooper Kennedy, Bailey Schwarz, Nathan Haydon (team manager) Front row (l-r): Dominic Johnson, Ryan Tatti, Lucas Russell, Travis Pershouse, Trent Finta, Kal Kumar, Kai Palka, Ty Jones.

Local Sport

The 2023 Swimming the Gap swimmers, (from left) Julie Boxsell , Lesa Flip, Rod Lyle and Kaname Woodfield.

Picture: Supplied