Cairns Local News November 04 2022

Multicultural facility for White Rock

A NEIGHBOURHOOD Centre planned for White Rock will be redesigned as an inclusive community and mul ticultural hub for the Cairns community.

Cairns Regional Council adopted the Cairns Multicultur al Facilities Needs Assessment at its Ordinary Meeting and re solved to further work with the region’s multicultural groups to ensure the new facility in Tif fany St is purpose-built to meet their diverse needs.

The idea of a dedicated mul ticultural community facility centre was first mooted more than 20 years ago.

The Cairns community has

become even more diverse, with overseas arrivals increas ing from 3,288 to 6,554 in the past 15 years and current residents hailing from 102 dif ferent countries.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said there were approximately 38 active multicultural groups in Cairns, whose membership ranged from two people to 3,000.

Many of these groups were consulted as part of the Multicultural Facilities Needs Assessment and provided feedback on the facilities they needed to accommodate large families, and celebratory and cultural gatherings.

“Cairns has a diverse and proud multicultural community with 27 per cent of the Cairns population born overseas and 10 per cent of the popula tion of Cairns identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander,” Cr Manning said.

“Irrespective of the size of the group or the cultural back ground, these groups common ly rely on community facilities to share and practice culture, hold meetings, socialise/ network, hold gatherings and conduct community programs.

“Adoption of the Cairns Multicultural Facilities Needs Assessment will see us proceed with the recommendation to

develop a new design and man agement plan for the Tiffany Street site.

“A facility that caters to our many multicultural groups in Cairns is a facility for the whole community, celebrat ing our diversity and allowing everyone the opportunity to share in this rich multicultural tapestry of cultures and back grounds.”

Council will continue to engage with representatives from the First Peoples and multicultural community in the next phase of this project, as well as the broader community, to ensure that all needs can be considered.

A helping hand for Yarrabah

A GROUP of 29 volunteers, including RACQ staff and trades personnel, spent two weeks in Yarrabah helping with cleaning, gardening, roofing, carpentry, and mechanical and maintenance work.

RACQ CEO David Carter, who volunteered on the trip, said they were overwhelmed by the warm reception they received from the Gunggandji and Yidinji people.

“Local groups like the RSL, Yarrabah Seahawks Rugby Leagues Club, SES and Wom en’s Elders’ Hub, are the heart and soul of this community and being able to help revitalise their amenities will go a long way in supporting the entire town,” Mr Carter said.

“This has also been an incredible experience for our staff, having the opportunity to engage with the Traditional Custodians and learn more about their history, culture and local arts.

“Building strong and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communi ties across Queensland are at the heart of RACQ’s Reconcili ation Action Plan.”

King of Yarrabah, Vincent Jaabaan Schrieber, is the fifth generation of his family to hold the traditional title and said RACQ Foundation’s visit greatly benefitted the com munity.

“RACQ has been a blessing. We’re so grateful there are or ganisations out there that want

to come into our community and help us - giving and not wanting anything back - and that’s something we’ve never seen in my community,” King Schrieber said.

RACQ volunteer Philippa Hill, who works in RACQ’s call centre, said she was fortunate for the opportunity to give back.

“We helped the Yarrabah RSL by replacing the roof and gutters, repainting the internal walls and doors, and externally, painting the concrete base that supports a war-time tank,

repairing garden beds and gen eral cleaning,” Ms Hill said.

“The work revitalised the RSL, commemorating Yar rabah’s contribution to World War II.

“I also felt honoured to spend time with the women Elders who are teaching younger generations about their traditional paintings, sew ing and crafts to preserve their culture,” she said.

Yarrabah Shire Mayor Ross Andrews said the repairs to the RSL will mean so much to the town’s veterans.

“The RSL was really run down, but the work the RACQ Foundation has done to restore the building will go a long way towards giving the veterans a place where they can come together, sit, and have a cuppa and a yarn,” Mr Andrews said.

Since its establishment in 2011, RACQ Foundation has distributed $11.7 million to more than 370 community groups. It’s also delivered 15 Community Assistance Pro jects since 2016.

For more information, visit www.racq.com/foundation.

TAFE Cairns campus Open Day

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

PEOPLE preparing to enter the workforce, looking to acquire new skills or chasing a career change can visit the TAFE Cairns campus Open Day on November 12 to explore their options.

From 10am to 2pm on No vember 12, locals will have the opportunity to meet the teach ers, participate in activities and workshops, visit the labs and even enrol at TAFE’s Cairns campus.

Recent studies have shown that in the future, nine out of 10 jobs will require post-school education. TAFE Queensland offers that opportunity to stu dents, and the possibilities are broader, with a range of new courses coming in 2023.

TAFE Queensland (north region) Community and Health Business Manager, Melanie Clarke, said Open Day would show people all the options TAFE has to offer.

“Our local community can come in and speak to our teachers, ask any questions if they want to know more about what’s on offer with the program, what would be the work outcome for them,” Ms

Clarke said.

“But also they’ll get to see what we have on offer on our campus; we’ll be showcasing our nursing lab and hair and beauty salons, the trades area and kitchen.

“Seeing what hands-on prac tical training offers is a perfect opportunity.”

Ms Clarke said TAFE Queensland’s new courses were launched to help students find secure jobs and cover skill shortages within the industry.

“In 2023, we’ll have the Cer tificate III in Pathology Collec tion, Certificate III in Dental Assistance, and a Certificate III in Vocational and Study Pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People,” she said.

“These are key areas that we’re hearing from our local industry stakeholders that we need to train professionals in those particular areas.

“And it’s part of what we do here at TAFE, launching the opportunities into the new pro grams needed in our region.”

In 2022, TAFE Queensland celebrated its 140th anniversa ry and received the accolade of

2022 Large Training Provider of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards. Ms Clarke said these events were proof of TAFE’s commitment to its students and the region.

“Our teachers come from our region, so they bring hands-on training from their own learn ing, so our students get direct teaching from someone well experienced,” she said.

“This year, we’ve celebrated 140 years, and so for us being around for a very long time, we can be trusted to help people gain the skills they need to be job ready.

“TAFE Queensland has also been named the 2022 Large Training Provider of the Year at QTA, and at that ceremony, one of our apprentices and one of our teachers were named the best in the state, and that’s from our local region.”

People interested in assisting can register for attendance, and there will also be registrations on the day; however, anybody can come and participate in the Open Day.

To register for Open Day on November 12, visit: https://bit.ly/3DSAln6

Trucking the message to ‘Lift the Right Lid’

DID you know that more than 9,000 tonnes of recy cling end up in kerbside waste bins each year? That’s more than 193,000 wheelie bins full of material that unnecessarily ends up in landfill every year.

This year for National Recycling Week (November 7-13) Council is encouraging all residents to change their habits and keep recycling out of waste altogether.

To help residents avoid sending recyclables to land fill, ‘lift the right lid – keep recycling out of waste’ is one of three key messages which have been incorporated in new graphics emblazoned on Council waste and recycling trucks.

The newly branded trucks include iconic landscape im ages from across our region and also drive home the ‘re cycle right’ and ‘love food, hate waste’ campaigns.

Cairns Mayor Bob Man ning said that reducing the amount of recycling ending up in landfill was a key com

ponent of Council’s waste strategy.

“Council aims to reduce residential waste sent to landfill by 15 per cent in in the next five years, continu ing to have this much recy cling in waste will simply not achieve that target,” Cr Manning said.

The ‘lift the right lid’ cam paign reminds residents what should and should not go into the yellow lid recycling bin.

Deputy Chair of the Local Authority Waste Manage ment Action Committee and Cairns Councillor Brett Moller said the commu nity can take some steps to reduce recycling being sent to landfill.

“Unfortunately, up to 20 per cent of materials placed in waste bins each year could be recycled,” Cr Moller said.

“This is both economically and environmentally costly to the community.

“An easy first step is understanding there are four main categories of recy

cling – steel and aluminium cans; hard plastic bottles and containers; glass bottles and jars; and paper and cardboard items that should be placed in the yellow lid recycling bins instead.

“If residents are unsure, they can jump on Council’s website and visit the Recycle Right page, which explains exactly what items should be placed in the yellow lid bin,” Cr Moller said.

In November 1996, Planet Ark founded National Recycling Week to bring a national focus to the environ mental benefits of recycling.

National Recycling Week is an annual initiative sup ported by Cairns Regional Council.

Top five incorrect recycling items placed in waste bins in Cairns Paper and cardboard

• Hard plastic bottles and containers

• Aluminium cans

• Steel cans

• Glass bottles and jars

TAFE QLD (North region) Community and Health

Business Manager Melanie Clarke

Councillor Brett Moller promoting the ‘lift the right lid’ Campaign

Cairns Private Hospital’s $18 million expansion

CAIRNS Private Hospital has announced an $18 mil lion expansion, including the development of two new thea tres, to cater for the demand for leading private health care in the region.

Construction will begin next month, with the first new theatre to be operational in mid-2024. The expansion will also include a new state-ofthe-art sterilising department.

Cairns Private Hospital CEO Ben Tooth said he expects the new theatres to be well utilised, with high demand for regional operating theatres.

“We’re excited to expand our facility to allow even more Far North Queensland resi dents access to leading private health care,” Mr Tooth said.

“Cairns Private Hospital has experienced significant surgi

cal growth since opening our seventh theatre four years ago, to the point that we’re even performing certain elective surgeries on Saturdays to cater for demand and to support specialist FIFO surgeons.

“I thank Ramsay Health Care for this investment in Cairns Private Hospital and the communities of Far North Queensland.”

The two new operating thea tres will bring the total number at Cairns Private Hospital to nine. The new theatres are expected to result in increased surgeries in specialties, including ENT, orthopaedics, urology, plastics, vascular and general surgery.

Mr Tooth said alongside the investment in Cairns Private Hospital, Ramsay Health Care is also investing in its people.

“Like all industries, the

healthcare workforce was hit hard by the pandemic, especially in regional and rural areas,” he said.

“Ramsay Health Care has been investing heavily in initiatives to attract, retain and upskill our health care workers to ensure we can continue to offer the best in patient care.

“This year, we launched new training programs as part of the Ramsay Nursing and Midwifery Academy, which now offers training for un dergraduates right through to nurse practitioners and nurses who want to go on to nursing management positions.

“We are committed to giv ing everyone at Cairns Private Hospital the opportunity to de velop their career to ensure we can remain a leading provider of health care services in Far North Queensland.”

Mossman RSL revamps war museum

A LOCAL war museum has re ceived a makeover and is ready to welcome new visitors.

The team at Mossman RSL added hand-crafted boats and planes, among other pieces of war memorabilia, in the past few months.

Mossman RSL Secretary Wally Gray now reckons the place is ready to welcome visi tors and school groups.

“We have some really inter esting pieces on display, the warships are handcrafted from scratch, we have old newspaper clippings, ex-military firearms, a medal display board and much more,” Mr Gray said.

“Our local community donated most memorabilia over the years.

“For example, the big poppy field was donated by Port Douglas CWA, we have a mosaic made from images of cenotaphs from Australia and New Zealand, which Mossman Bowls Club donated, and the artwork outside was painted by students at the Mossman State High School.”

“A lot of spirit and hard work has gone into creating this museum, and we would really like to share it with the community,” he said.

The museum, which has been collecting the memorabil ia since 1918, also has a library where members can borrow

books to read, or the public can read them on-site. To visit the museum, contact Mr Gray on 0448 686 415 for a tour.

The museum opens on request, ahead of the Douglas Remembrance Day service outside Council’s Mossman Administration Building on Front Street.

Douglas Shire Council and Mossman RSL invite the pub lic to attend and lay a wreath from 10.30am on Thursday, November 11, with a light morning tea to follow.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said it was an important day to pause and reflect.

“Douglas had more than 220

local soldiers enlisted in World War One, including the 41 who died on the battlefield, so it is important to remember the sac rifice they made so we could live freely in this beautiful part of the world,” Cr Kerr said.

“I would like to invite every one down to the Remembrance Day service to unite in solemn respect and remembrance for those who served and died.”

Remembrance Day is the an niversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I. People world wide observe one minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because the Armistice came into effect then.

RSL Secretary Wally Gray

(L-R) Ben Tooth – CEO Cairns Private Hospital, Britney Marsh – Registered Nurse, Jo O’Leary – Perioperative Services Manager, Rachel Reid – Registered Nurse, Dr Robert Pozzi – Orthopaedic Surgeon.

$24.8m to yellow crazy ant eradication

THE Australian Government’s $24.8m budget commitment over four years to eradicating yellow crazy ants will ensure the continuation of the Wet Tropics Management Author ity’s crucial work.

The Authority’s Executive Director, Scott Buchanan, said the eradication program had proved successful and was vital to ensure eradication in the long run.

“This shows the Australian Government’s commitment to the environment and foresight to keep our highly successful Yellow Crazy Ant Eradica tion Program running,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Yellow crazy ants in sugarcane paddocks, in local businesses and residential areas, spraying formic acid and injuring pets and people, was something Cairns experienced in 2013.

“But with the subsequent success of the Authority’s Eradication Program, yellow crazy ant infestations have

reduced significantly, with eradication declared at four sites and remnant populations on track for eradication in the coming years.

“As sites progress towards eradication, we are moving from broad-scale treatment into long-term monitoring so we can be sure the ants have truly been eradicated,” he said.

Yellow crazy ants are con sidered one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species and have been present in Far North Queensland for over a decade.

Still, the Authority’s Eradi cation Program’s persistent efforts have seen widespread infestation in recent years.

The negative impact yellow crazy ants have on ecosystems can dramatically impact the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland, consid ered one of the world’s most significant biodiverse places.

The ants outcompete native invertebrates and birds and impact reptiles and frogs.

Project Manager Lucy

Karger said they were grateful for the investment and support of the cause.

“Support from community and industry, particularly the sugar industry, has been a major contributing factor to the Program’s achievements onground,” Ms Karger said.

“We are grateful for the con tinued investment that will sup port our ongoing collaboration with many and varied regional partners to eradicate yellow crazy ants from the area.

“The Authority’s Eradication Program has been jointly sup ported by the Queensland and Australian governments, and it is great to see that spirit of cooperation continue.”

Mr Buchanan said the Authority has already been consulting with Townsville au thorities on tackling the grow ing infestations in the region.

If you think you may have seen yellow crazy ants contact the Wet Tropics Management Authority at 4241 0525 or yca@wtma.qld.gov.au

Dugong Census Begins

JAMES Cook University scientists are in the air this week, kicking off a critical Queensland-wide dugong population survey – count ing dugongs along 2,000 kilometres of coastline in under two months.

Like a census, the surveys are conducted over an in tense period every five years to get a snapshot of dugongs and calves’ populations from Cape York to Moreton Bay.

JCU TropWATER’s Dr Chris Cleguer said Aus tralia is home to the largest dugong population in the world, and the surveys are critical for monitoring trends in abundance and distribu tion.

“These aerial surveys have been conducted for more than 30 years and are essential in estimating the current dugong population size and mapping where dugongs are more or less abundant,” Dr Cleguer said.

“There are concerns about the decline in dugongs across the urban coast of the Great Barrier Reef – this year’s surveys will give us the opportunity to under stand the extent of this.”

Hervey Bay to the south of the Great Barrier Reef, a known hot spot for dugongs,

is an area of concern follow ing a major loss of seagrass habitat earlier this year. The seagrass loss resulted from two flood events, which smothered the seagrass and destroyed the dugongs’ main food source.

“The surveys will help us to determine how many dugongs currently are in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait as well as un derstanding their large-scale movements,” Dr Cleguer said.

“It is possible the dugongs have moved in search of seagrass to other nearby key habitats such as Gladstone to the north or Moreton Bay to the south.”

Dr Cleguer said, for the first time in Queensland, the aerial surveys will also use cameras attached to one of the legs of the aircraft to capture thousands of images of the water’s surface.

“These large-scale aerial surveys usually rely solely on highly trained observers to count dugongs from the sky,” Dr Cleguer said.

“But our collaborative re search group is transitioning to using imagery survey and artificial intelligence to track and monitor dugongs in the future – saving time, money

and providing enhanced data.”

Great Barrier Reef Foun dation Managing Director Anna Marsden said incor porating new technologies like AI is key to accelerating impact in tracking the health of the Reef and its animals.

“Dugongs are not only a vulnerable marine species we must protect, but they’re also a priority indicator species for climate change and ecosystem health, with dugongs’ in-shore seagrass nurseries and feeding grounds highly susceptible to climate change impacts,” Ms Marsden said.

“By using new technolo gies and supporting efforts to accelerate and advance the aerial dugong surveys with our research partners from JCU, we will be able to give Reef managers, and researchers access to the best possible information to pro actively manage and protect the Reef and its marine life.”

The research team will survey from the Cairns region south to Moreton Bay over the next two months, and further surveys are planned for Cooktown to Cape York in 2023.

Program helping Learner Drivers

Cairns’ highest super savers

CAIRNS’ Bartle Frere, Babinda and East Russell suburbs have been revealed as home to Cairns’ highest superannuation account holders.

Data* from Brighter Super (formerly LGIAsuper and En ergy Super) revealed members in the 4861 postcode hold an average balance of around $216,000.

TIME2DRIVE is one of National JobLink’s newest programs aimed at sup porting the Cairns Learner Driver com munity to obtain their driver’s licence.

“National Joblink is a national compa ny. In Cairns, we consider ourselves the quiet achievers, founding the well-known not-for-profit social enterprise restaurant, Wild Thyme; running boutique training and employment programs for youth such as Culture Connect, Brand New Adventures, and Grassroots; and driving the success of NJL Accredited Driving school. Our newest program launched this year is Time2Drive,” Cairns, Na tional Joblink Manager, Kim Homer said.

Time2Drive Learner Driver Mentor Program initiative is supported by fund ing from the Queensland Government’s Community Road Safety Grants scheme, National Joblink and a team of commit ted volunteers.

Learner Driver Darwin Santiago stated, “I am enjoying my time with the Volunteers’, every one of them teaches so differently, but it’s great because I get to try something different until I find some thing that works for me. I never thought I would be confident driving with people I had just met, but I am.”

“I am thankful for their help in correct ing my bad habits, trying to answer my

questions, and building my confidence. I like it when they give me direction in advance so I can prepare.” Learner Driver, Arisa, who recently gained her Provisional Licence said.

Time2Drive Manager, Jacinta Tam, said, “Lack of access to a car or a super vising driver makes gaining their Pro visional Licence difficult. We have had some incredible heartfelt Learner Driver achievements. A Mum in her thirties finally gained her licence and is now able to drive her daughter to school instead of Uber, and she can now ask for more than one shift at work. We also had a Learner Driver who failed their exam five times, losing all confidence and support. They now have their P’s and can take their dog to the park on their own. These are the little things we as drivers forget are so challenging to do when you are without a licence”

“What we need right now is communi ty volunteer support and community con tributions to help support our volunteers.”

she said, “Time2Drive volunteers are the heart of this program. We make sure our Volunteers are given professional train ing, guidance, time, and opportunities to learn techniques from Accredited Driving Instructors and support to know safety comes first. I would like to think there

are local businesses out there willing to give free coffees, discounts, or donations to help our volunteers feel supported and comfortable. We already have an amaz ing line up of major sponsors who have helped set and maintain our program from Mark Dodge Motoring, Jax Tyres & Auto, Inspired Signs and Kwik Kopy. I can’t thank them enough.”

“Since starting with NJL as a volunteer mentor I’ve been so warmly welcomed by all the staff, and really enjoyed helping such a diverse group of young people. It’s great to be able to pass on my driving knowledge and be truly appreciated for giving my time. It has been an amazing experience and refresher to road rules like 30km/h at roundabouts and safe methods of steering. I have even more patience and understanding towards Learner Drivers.” Steve Lockyer, Volun teer Learner Driver Mentor said.

We rely on local volunteers to men tor our Learner Drivers and encourage anyone curious to know more or would like to volunteer to please contact Jacinta through our website www.time2drive cairns.com.au/Volunteer or email time 2drive@njl.org.au.

Time2Drive is an approved voluntary work organisation with Service Australia.

The analysis showed the average balance of the fund’s more than 3,296 account holders in Cairns was around $188,000, which was higher than the average Australian’s $143,979* superannuation balance.

Brighter Super CEO Kate Farrar said it was clear that many Cairns residents had set themselves up for a comfortable retirement.

“Through consistent contribu tions, we have seen many of our Cairns members grow a comfortable nest egg,” Ms Far rar said.

“Many Australians underesti mate how much money they will need for retirement. Once you have retired (or semi-retired), your main income will diminish.

“It’s important you have enough funds to cover you for the rest of your life.”

1. According to the fund’s data, the top six postcodes in Cairns by average balance were: 4861 - $216,000 – Bar tle Frere, Babinda and East Russell

2. 4870 - $195,000 – Cairns, Cairns City, Cairns North, Redlynch Bungalow

3. 4865 - $193,000 – Gordon vale, Goldsborough, Little Mulgrave, Kamma, Green

Hill, Packers Camp 4. 4868 - $193,000 – Mount Sheridan, Woree, Cairns, Whiterock, Bayview Heights 5. 4878 - $167,000 – Smithfield, Cairns, Yorkeys Knob, Hol loways Beach, Caravonica, Machans Beach, Barron 6. 4869 - $166,000 – Edmon ton, Bentley Park Cairns, Mount Peter, Wrights Creek. Ms Farrar said one of the easiest ways for Cairns residents to boost their balance was by taking stock of their super, with data from the Austral ian Taxation Office revealing there was almost $68 million ($67,968,158) in lost and unclaimed super across the region.**

“Lost and unclaimed super means your hard-earned money is not in your account, and you may be paying multiple sets of administration fees and premi ums, eroding your balance,” Ms Farrar said.

“With many Australians changing careers as part of the Great Resignation, now is the time to check in and make sure your savings are consolidated and your superannuation fund is helping build you a brighter future.”

*The latest data from the Australian Tax Office reports that the average total balance of Australian superannuation ac count holders in the 2019-2020 financial year was $145,388

** As of 30 June 2020, the Australian Tax Office reports that there is $67,968,158 of lost and unclaimed super on the Cairns (postcodes 4865, 486870; 4861 and 4878)

(L/R) Jacinta Tam – Time2Drive Manager, Grace Meek – Inspired Signs, Sky Smith – Learner Driver, Jahkylah Noble – Learner Driver, Servanna Walker – Learner Driver, Steve Lockyer – T2D Volunteer Mentor, Cindy Perry - T2D Volunteer Mentor, Malcolm Homer - Volunteer Mentor, Darwin Santiago - Learner Driver, Michael Curry – Jaxs Tyre & Auto Franchise Owner

First Nations procurement up by more than one-third

FIRST Nations-owned businesses supplying goods and services to the Palaszczuk Govern ment are up by $118 million (36 per cent) in just one financial year, latest figures show.

Nearly 150 First Nations enterprises – out of 535 Indigenous suppliers - did business with the Queensland Government for the first time.

During Indigenous Business Month, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Part nerships Craig Crawford said the Queensland Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is lander) Procurement Policy (QIPP) was about a level playing field for First Nations businesses.

Minister Crawford said the policy started in 2017 and was aimed at supporting First Nations businesses to navigate the government tender process successfully.

“The Palaszczuk Government invests

billions of dollars on a wide range of goods and services in our state every year, and it’s important that we invest those funds wisely,” Mr Crawford said.

“The value of a dollar goes far beyond the products or services that we buy – it’s an investment in local jobs, local communities, better services, and strengthening business capacity.

“We want to make sure that every eligible Queensland business has the opportunity to work with government, and we know there are many First Nations businesses who can suc cessfully supply goods and services our state needs.

“That is why the QIPP exists, to make sure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander busi nesses not only have the opportunity and the

know-how to go through the procurement pro cess but can share that knowledge with other First Nations businesses.”

Employment and Small Business Minister Di Farmer said over the past year, the QIPP had seen a considerable increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses supplying to government for the first time.

“In the 2021- 2022 financial year, 535 First Nations businesses supplied $440 million in goods and services to the Queensland Govern ment, up from $322 million for the whole of the 2020-2021 financial year,” Ms Farmer said.

“That includes 149 First Nations enterprises who did business with the Queensland Govern ment for the first time.

“Increasing the capacity and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

to supply to government also strengthens First Nations businesses’ capacity to supply to the private sector, increasing economic participa tion opportunities.”

Since the 2020-2021 financial year, the value of government procurement invested with First Nations businesses had increased from 2.03 per cent to 2.58 per cent.

One example of how the QIPP supports outcomes is the Queensland Government’s procurement of more than $50 million worth of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests from two separate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderowned businesses.

For more information about Indigenous Busi ness Month, visit: www.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au

RFDS launches new Employee Assistance Program

THE ROYAL Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) will extend its Mental Health and Wellbeing Service with the launch of an Employ ee Assistance Program (EAP).

Announced October 27, the Flying Doctor’s EAP allows organisations to offer counsel ling and wellbeing consulta tions to their employees, all provided anonymously and free of charge for the indi vidual.

The first organisation to enlist the new RFDS EAP is fellow Queensland countryminded institution, AgForce.

RFDS (Queensland Section) Manager Central West and Outback Mental Health Doctor Tim Driscoll said the EAP was designed to help bridge the gap in the accessibility of counsel ling and wellbeing services

for those living and working outside urban centres.

“We all lead busy lives, which can make it difficult to find time for our health and wellbeing –particularly for those living or working in rural and remote areas where people often wait for things to get a lot worse before seeking help,” Dr Driscoll said.

“A conversation with a trained professional can help tackle common daily struggles – such as trouble sleeping, feel ing down or long-term stress – helping to address issues and get support before things get out of control.”

In the past year alone, the RFDS provided more than 12,000 mental health con sultations across the state’s regional, rural and remote communities.

The extension of these ser vices to target employee health and wellbeing via workplaces is set to provide an additional avenue to increase the ac cessibility and uptake across Queensland.

RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Mer edith Staib said EAPs benefit employees and employers.

“Being able to work with corporate partners can help amplify the accessibility of our services while also playing an important preventative role in the wellbeing of individuals across Queensland,” Ms Staib said.

“As well as the personal benefits for the individual obtaining support, an EAP pro motes higher staff engagement, reduces absenteeism, reduces stress, and increases productiv

ity and overall performance.”

AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said the organisation was delighted to have the RFDS design a bespoke EAP program for its 40-strong team of employees located across Queensland.

“As an organisation, AgForce is committed to providing our team members with all the resources they need to thrive both in the workplace and in life outside of it,” Mr Guerin said.

“The trust we have in the RFDS as an experienced and qualified team is of utmost importance, but it’s also a great comfort to know that their ex perienced clinicians are deeply ingrained in regional commu nities and can truly understand the unique challenges our team may face.”

For information about the RFDS EAP, visit rfds.co/EAP.

RFDS Mental Health Clinician Dr Tim Driscoll

Australia Day Awards nominations open

Awards celebrate TNQ tourism excellence

A RECORD number of sub missions were received for the 2022 Simon George & Sons TNQ Tourism Industry Excel lence Awards held at the Hilton Cairns on Friday, October 28.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chair Ken Chapman told the 170 guests that the industry’s optimism was reflected in the solid sub missions for the awards, which celebrate industry excellence and innovation.

“The positive atmosphere at the awards ceremony came after solid wins for the tour ism industry in 2022 when we achieved record domestic expenditure for the fourth con secutive quarter with the $3.12 billion helping our regional economy to get back on its feet,” Mr Chapman said.

Simon George & Sons TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards for their leadership.” Life Member Allan Tan

The Reef Hotel Casino Chief Executive Officer Allan Tan has been a key player at the city’s cornerstone attraction and venue setting the standard for high-end hotels in Cairns for a quarter of a century.

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Bob Manning

As Cairns Port Authority CEO, he oversaw the open ing of the Cairns International Airport, kickstarting the rapid growth of international tourism to the destination and applied airport terminal thinking to the reef fleet resulting in the development of the Reef Fleet Terminal as part of the Cityport masterplan.

land include the eye-catching COVID-safe signage for Cairns Airport, which was endorsed by key industry groups and is in the State Library of Queens land’s collection of heritage memories.

Customer Service Excellence Award – Wil Kemp, Driver/ Guide, The Savannahlander Sponsored by Bang Media Working in a remote area, Wil has dealt with a few emergencies, including the train being stranded by unseasonal rain in Forsayth. Wil turned this experience around by giving impromptu wildlife walks to educate passengers about the local flora and fauna.

Sustainable Tourism Excel lence Award – Passions of Paradise

CAIRNS Mayor Bob Manning is encour aging people to nominate deserving resi dents for the annual Australia Day Awards, launched on October 27.

Cr Manning said there were many deserving people in the Cairns region –often quiet achievers – who helped others and enriched the community through their good and selfless work.

“There is no greater honour than to be recognised by your own community, and there is no greater way to say ‘thank you’ than by nominating someone for an Aus tralia Day Award,” Cr Manning said.

“It’s important that we make an effort to celebrate the individuals who inspire us, who help build up our community, and make us a stronger and more vibrant city.

“If you know someone who deserves their moment in the spotlight, we encour age you to take the time to nominate them, so we can recognise their achievements together.”

Australia Day Awards 2022 Cultural Award recipient Hong Ma, a Police Li aison Officer in the Far North Division Cross Cultural Liaison Unit, encouraged people to nominate individuals they be lieve deserved recognition for their work in the community.

Dedicated to helping Chinese immi grants settle in the Far North, as part of his role with the QPS, Mr Ma has become a point of contact for members of the Chi nese community, both for matters concern ing police and other issues.

“For me, being named Cultural Award winner is not only a recognition but an en

couragement to all who choose Australia as their second home. We don’t do what we do for the recognition,” Mr Ma said.

“However, it is really nice that people want to acknowledge others for their work. And it is especially great to hear about the great work some of our young and multi-cultural people are doing out there, which often goes unnoticed.”

“The Australia Day Awards are a great opportunity to put it out there and acknowledge those people doing great things in the community and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Nominations are now open in seven categories:

1. Citizen of the Year

2. Young Citizen of the Year

3. Volunteer of the Year (open age)

4. Sportsperson of the Year

5. Junior Sportsperson of the Year (under 21)

6. Cultural Award

7. Junior Cultural Award (under 21)

Nominations can be completed online or downloaded and printed via Cairns Regional Council’s website (www.cairns. qld.gov.au). Paper copies are available from Council’s customer service centres and Cairns Libraries branches.

Nominators are asked to fill in all relevant sections, provide contactable referees, and include as much information as possible to allow judges to assess the nomination.

Nominations close Monday, December 5 at 3pm.

“After two challenging years, our tourism industry continues to innovate, and we recognise this by adding the Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award this year.

“TTNQ is also proud to make the 2022 Simon George & Sons TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards good for the planet by partnering with Reforest to offset more than six tonnes of carbon through sponsoring the rehabilitation of the Mabi Rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, making the awards carbon neutral.”

“I congratulate the winners and runners-up of the 2022

Chair’s Award for Excellence – Experience Co Sponsored by Cairns Re gional Council

While the pandemic was squeezing our tourism industry, the Experience Co team took the plunge and won State Gov ernment support to build the first new pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef in a decade, open ing the Reef Magic pontoon in April this year.

Young Achiever Excellence Award – Tayla Ahrens, Cairns Airport Marketing Manager

Tayla’s marketing campaigns to support aviation growth across Tropical North Queens

The reef operator employed its first marine biologist 25 years ago, and an environmen tal manager was appointed more than a decade ago to de liver their business philosophy of giving Mother Nature a say in everything they do.

Best of Queensland Experi ences Excellence Award –ABC Snorkel Charters

The family-run business was Tropical North Queensland’s highest performer in the Best of Queensland Experiences program, recognising tour ism experiences that bring the Queensland story to life and consistently deliver an excep tional customer experience.

(L-R) 2022 Young Australian of the Year Kristen O’Shea, Mayor Bob Manning and Australian of the Year Rick Hanlon

TNQ Tourism Excellence award winners (L-R) Alan Wallish, Bob Manning, Allan Tan, Tayla Ahrens, Adam Jones, Wil Kemp and Jay Wink (ABC Snorkel Tours)

in the

EDITOR

VOCAL LOCAL

I recently received an email from Cairns Regional Council stating that unless I live in my unit full time I will be charged extra as it is considered a non-principal residence. This is a 1 bed unit in Yorkeys Knob where I live with my sick husband for 3 months of the year as he cannot cope with the cold weather, for the remainder of the year we live in WA. When not in residence the apt is rented for 6 months therefore easing the supposed rental crisis. For the balance 3 months the apt is rented as holiday let therefore supporting the tourism industry. We have health reasons to not reside all year round in Cairns. We make no profit on our rental. All is taken up with council rates and body corporate fees. Our rates for our 1 bed apt of 75sq metres is $1378.68 per half year which is $2757.36 which is the same amount as a friends’ 650sq metres block with 4 bed 2 bath home. I am appalled at the Council’s blatant lack of integrity and support of regular people trying to get by.

Carol, Cairns

I think it is disgusting that Australian Gov ernment want more tradesman apprentices, but my nephew got a school-based apprenticeship in year 10, then 2 tradesmen leave after being indentured to work there on a Wednesday for 6 months, and then they say sorry you have to find work elsewhere - disgusting Govern ment!!!

John, Edmonton

Want to be heard? Send a text to the Editor 0438 195 408 or email letters@cairnslocalnews.com.au

So sad to see the demise of the old tradi tional pubs of inner-city Cairns. I realise some of Cairns’ old pubs were pretty rough in their day; but they were also full of character. The latest historic pub to close its doors to the public is the Cape York Hotel. Such a shame to see an iconic part of our heritage no longer serving up the amber nectar. I’m surprised that it is taking so long to find a buyer for the Cape York Hotel. The pub has poker machine entitlements, great facilities, and is a local landmark. In contrast, it’s pleasing to see other historic inner-city pubs, such as the Grand, Crown, Barrier Reef, and Union Jack (old Rusty’s) continuing to provide plenty of hospi tality to tourists and locals alike. Here’s cheers to Cairns’ traditional pubs!

Mick, Mooroobool

Give a life-changing gift this Christmas

THE festivities are just around the corner. It is a time for family, laughter, joy and, of course, gift-giving.

Christmas can be a magical and joyous time of year for children. Memories from the festive season are ones they can cherish for life.

However, it can often be difficult for children in foster care. You can help make this festive season brighter for children in care.

The Pyjama Foundation is calling upon the Cairns community to support kids in foster care this Christmas by simply donating a gift before November 11.

The Pyjama Foundation is seeking gift dona tions suitable for children aged 10-14.

Donations of unwrapped gifts or gift cards can be made at Inflatable Kingdom (164 Mayers Street, Manunda). Inflatable Kingdom will be accepting gift donations between 8am - 9pm Monday to Friday and from 9am - 4pm on weekends.

All gifts will be wrapped and donated to Cairns’ children involved in The Pyjama Foun dation’s Love of Learning Program. The Pyjama Foundation’s vital Love of Learning Program supports children in care through learning, life skills and confidence.

The Pyjama Foundation’s Cairns Coordinator, Joeleen Bettini, said that by donating a gift this festive season or training to become a volunteer Pyjama Angel, you could support those in the community who need it most.

“Gifting a foster child a gift this Christmas is a fantastic and meaningful way to give back,” Ms Bettini said.

“Additionally, Pyjama Angel volunteers are always needed in Cairns, and we’d love to have more in the community to start 2023 off strong. Pyjama Angels visit a child in care one day a week for one hour.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the Cairns community for supporting little people with big dreams this Christmas time. Every single gift will put a huge smile on the face of a young one this Christmas.”

Gift wishlist ages 10-14:

• Vouchers to shops such as Lovisa, Rebel Sport, JB Hi-Fi, Kmart

• Accessories (eg Lovisa)

• Stationary (eg Typo)

• Cinema Vouchers

• Beach Towels and Beach Bag Sports Hat (Nike, Lorna Jane)

• Quality Drink Bottle

• Lush Body Products

• Back Pack/Camelback Pack.

• To find out more about The Pyjama Founda tion’s Love of Learning Program, visit: https://bit.ly/3T6w6bL

To give to The Pyjama Foundation’s Christ mas Appeal, please visit, fundraise.thepyjama foundation.com/christmas-appeal-2022 or click https://bit.ly/3fCi18i in our online edition.

Southbound lanes open to motorists as E2G powers on

TRAFFIC is flowing on the new south bound lanes of the Bruce Highway, so work can begin on the northbound car riageway of the Edmonton to Gordonvale (E2G) project.

From Wednesday, November 2, traffic will switch from the old northbound lanes to the new southbound lanes between the south of Draper Road and Mackey Creek, Gordonvale. This will enable construction of the new northbound lanes.

Access through to Maher Road will remain closed during these works.

Following the traffic switch, works will start on the northbound lanes between Gabay Gubudala pedestrian overpass and Castlereagh Street, Gordonvale.

Transport and Main Road Minister Mark Bailey said the project would posi tively impact safety and traffic.

Australia Day nominations

“The Edmonton to Gordonvale project will not only deliver significant safety improvements along the busiest two-lane section of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns but also reduce travel times,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Edmonton to Gordonvale project will improve safety and connectivity on the Bruce Highway and future-proof Cairns Southern Access Corridor for decades to come.

“This is Far North Queensland’s largest infrastructure project, and opening these new lanes will deliver a taste of what’s to come for the 20,000 motorists who travel this section of the Bruce Highway every day.”

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said that it is great to see the project progress

ing on time and budget,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bruce Highway duplication will unlock the southern corridor and pave the way for further housing developments to accommodate population growth.

“We’re also delivering major projects like the more than $500 million upgrade to the Peninsula Development Road and $35 million Intelligent Transport System for the Kuranda Range.

“The project continues to provide cru cial upgrades allowing motorists to enjoy safe and uninterrupted travel along this section of the Bruce Highway.

“Not only will it improve travel in Far North Queensland, but 460 local jobs will also be supported over the life of the project,” Mr Pitt said.

The Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3), Edmonton to

Gordonvale (E2G) project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.

Project construction started in May 2020 and is expected to be completed in mid-2023, weather permitting.

of the Year

• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (under 21)

• Cultural Award

• Junior Cultural Award (under 21)

Help shape the future of Cairns

Council is undertaking the Towards 2050 Shaping Cairns project to plan for the growth of the city.

Council wants everyone to help shape a growth strategy that’s right for all of us. Find out more at these events: n Palm Cove Markets on Sunday 6 November, from 8am to 2pm n Mount Sheridan Plaza Community Markets on Sunday 13 November, from 9am to 3pm.

You can also read more on our Towards 2050 website: haveyoursay. cairns.qld.gov.au/towards2050

Improvement works

Canecutter Rd, Edmonton: Shoulder sealing between Swain Court and Wiseman Rd. Expect temporary disruptions.

Mulgrave Rd, Parramatta Park: Bus stop upgrade outside Parramatta Park State School from Monday 7 November. The bus stop will be temporarily relocated adjacent to the existing stop.

Oleander St, Holloways Beach: Water main and pavement renewal between Cassia St and Caribbean St from Monday 7 November. Temporary road closures.

Stanton Rd, Smithfield: Asphalt overlays at various locations. Road and lane closures on Tuesday 8 November.

Gazza’s

Gossip

Cup Day in Port… a clear favourite!

LOCALS to the Douglas Shire are used to travelling a little further for a day at the Gee-Gees. This is unlike race day lovers from the Cassowary Coast that have the popular Annuals and Banana Races in Innisfail or Cairns residents that have last week’s Cairns Cup for example.

Coincidently, one of the most popular race weekends for people living north of the Northern Beaches is the Cooktown Races, which may well just be happening as you read this week’s Goss.

Fortunately for those not able to travel, the Melbourne Cup brings a plethora of options at local venues, should you wish to have a punt, a favourite beverage and for the ladies the oppor tunity to dust off the fascinators.

Melbourne Cup Day does potentially present one key problem and that is which actual venue to choose for your

equestrian experience.

Apart from being a popular location, the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Club Luncheon seemed like a great choice for me and the other half, partly as it is walking distance from home which is an important consideration for the latter stages of the day. The annual event also seemed like the ideal opportunity to get some wonderfully colourful pictures of horsey people dressed up to the nines.

With the excitement of numerous races to enjoy and the occasional small flutter, there was no better way to start the day than with a drop of the fizzy stuff on arrival.

Entertainment leading up to the race that generally ‘stops the nation’ also included a number of activities such as best dressed individual and couple, best fascinator, a quiz and an opportunity to draw your most creative horse. Of course, each

winner received a prize, which included a bottle of champagne.

Naturally after all horses had supposedly crossed the finish line there were some jubilant faces, plus some expressions that clearly indicated that their horse may potentially still be out there running somewhere.

Either way, after all of the furlongs had been covered, an extremely fun time was had by all, win or lose, as can be seen by my selection of photos. Hopefully you had a great time, as well, wherever you spent your Melbourne Cup Day.

I’m now off to count my winnings…. hopefully, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Local ladies dressed for the occasion

Port Douglas locals enjoy a Melbourne Cup Luncheon

Two of the afternoon’s winners: Joyce Coyle as best dressed lady and hubby Alec for his creative horse drawing

Planting smarter

WITH two new vegetation pol icies, Cairns Regional Council is making it easier for residents to green their neighbourhoods.

Council’s landscaping and gardens policy, adopted on Oc tober 26 at Council’s Ordinary meeting, gives residents clarity when undertaking maintenance on road verges near their prop erty or landscaping on public open spaces.

The policy also provides transparency for those who wish to establish and manage community and pocket gardens on Council-controlled land. Mayor Bob Manning said trees contributed significantly to the region’s sustainability, community well-being and serenity.

“Cairns has Australia’s highest recorded level of green cover according to recent tree cover mapping,” Cr Manning said.

“Trees beautify our urban landscapes and contribute to our social, environmental and economic benefits, but they can also be a source of conflict among neighbours and cause damage to infrastructure when unsuitable species are planted.

“We want to give residents more freedom and guidance around planting suitable trees and shrubs on verges and beau tifying their neighbourhoods.”

Cr Manning said it was important to remember the pri mary purpose of a road verge was to accommodate pedestri ans and essential infrastructure.

“Therefore, we encourage

residents to choose local native or hardy tropical species that do not drop excessive leaf litter, fruit; have invasive root systems, thorny or poisonous features, or attract stinging insects,” Cr Manning said.

Council officers and volun teers plant 28,000- 30,000 trees annually, grown in the Stratford nursery, and actively managed more than 2,000 established trees in the CBD area alone.

“Our new management of trees policy will ensure a con sistent approach to managing trees in a public space and the risks and benefits associated with green spaces,” Cr Man ning said.

“We have also included criteria for trees that may be considered exceptional or highly significant based on the character, cultural heritage, age or size.”

Exceptional trees often carry a high level of community interest, and therefore Council ensures any management ac tions being undertaken involve an appropriate level of engage ment.

Council will rescind the cur rent General Policies: Commu nity Gardens General Policy and the Vegetation on Council Controlled Land: Planting, Removal and Maintenance General Policy, replacing them with the new General Poli cies: Management of Trees on Council Controlled Land, and Landscaping and gardens on Council Controlled Land.

BOOST FOR REEF TOURISM

THE Albanese Labor Government launched on Monday a $15.1 million Great Barrier Reef initiative to help tourism busi nesses recover from COVID-19.

Twenty-six tourism operators along the Reef have been selected through a competitive tender process to participate in the initiative which will enhance the scope of monitoring and conservation of the Reef as visitors return to the World Herit age Area.

The successful tourism operators will undertake work on: • Reef health and impact monitoring

• Facilitation of on-country visits for Traditional Owners to support reconnecting with country

• Crown-of-thorns starfish control

• Drupella snail removal

• Reef education resources

• Development of interpretation content, talks and tours that better connects visitors to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

• Permitted site-intervention activities such as coral garden ing.

Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP said it was key to support the health of the Reef.

“The Albanese Labor Government is taking strong and immediate action on climate change and investing a record $1.2 billion to 2030 to protect, manage and restore the Reef,” Minister Plibersek said.

“The Government is committed to supporting recovery for the Reef, which employs more than 60,000 people and contrib utes billions of dollars to the economy each year.”

“This funding will ensure our Reef’s health improves and thrives into the future.”

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green, said an investment in the Reef was an investment in the community.

“An investment in the Reef is an investment in regional communities right along the Queensland coast,” Senator Green said.

“Our Tourism Reef Protection Initiative will provide further support for the marine tourism industry as it continues to respond to COVID-19 impacts.

“The stewardship provided by these operators, in close partnership with the Reef Authority, will provide improved Reef health monitoring capacity, conservation and protection activities across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.”

“The services will be delivered by a diverse array of tourism

operations, from island-based to long-range expedition style operations including small to medium sized businesses through to large multi-faceted marine tourism operations.”

Monday’s launch of the Great Barrier Reef Tourism Protec tion Initiative follows the delivery of a record $1.2 billion for the Great Barrier Reef in the Federal Budget.

The successful tourism businesses are:

Tourism operator Contract amount

Redcat Adventures $820,000 Kalinda $170,000

Zig Zag Whitsundays $250,000

Rum Runner $450,000

Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom $987,000 Summertime $567,000

Cruise Whitsundays $720,000

Daydream Island $145,000

Dive Spear & Sport 1770 $337,000

Down Under Cruise and Dive $857,000

Ocean Rafting $385,000

Fitzroy Island Resort $120,000

Great Barrier Reef Safaris $300,000 Experience Co. (GBR Biology) $650,000

Keppel Dive and Snorkel $440,000

Lady Elliot Eco Island Resort $340,000

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions $530,000

Ocean Safari $105,000

Quicksilver Cruises $2,090,000

Reef Runner Charters $465,000 Sailaway $180,000

Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive $837,000 Sunlover $887,000

Wavelength Reef Cruises $690,000

Kiana Sail and Dive $780,000

Passions of Paradise $770,000

COMMUNITY CONNECT

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IT’S THE SEASON FOR GIVING CASSOWARY COAST CHRISTMAS APPEAL

FOR over 30 years Cassowary Coast Regional Council, with the generous assistance of locals across the region, have dug deep and shown overwhelming support for families and individuals in need by donating to the annual Christmas Appeal.

The 2022 Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal is now open and Mayor Mark Nolan encourages the community to spread the Christmas spirit in a way our locals know best, by giving back to our com munity.

“Council is helping to facilitate the fundraising of Christmas donations on behalf of community groups who offer support and wonderful services for our community year-round.

“The compassion and Christmas spirit of busi nesses and individuals across the Cassowary Coast ensures everyone in our community is taken care of this Christmas. This is not just for the families in need but as importantly, it is also a time to show

WHAT’S ON

case and appreciate the hardworking charities who contribute to our community.

“We invite you to donate money, gifts or toys for both adults and children – or even gift vouchers – to help our vulnerable people and spread cheer.

“Toy and gift donations can be dropped to Council Customer Service Centres – Innisfail Shire Hall, Tully Civic Centre and Cardwell Library.

“For just $2, people can buy a golden star from Council Customer Service Centres at Innisfail Shire Hall, Tully Civic Centre and Cardwell Library.

“These stars are then hung on our Council Christmas Tree to celebrate the contribution made. Donations over $200 will be recognised with a gift box placed under the tree and will also be publicly acknowledged by Council through local media.

“100% of funds raised go towards assisting individuals, families and children in our region. The

local charities we partner with, will distribute the funds to residents identified as needing a helping hand this Christmas.

“The festive season is a time to bring everybody together and highlights our collective strength and resilience as a community. The Christmas Appeal is an initiative which supports this strength.” said Councillor Nolan.

Donations can be made by EFTPOS to Casso wary Coast Regional Council BSB 064818 Account number 00090047 with reference XMASAPP- (do nors name). Donations can also be over the phone via EFTPOS to Council’s Customer Service Centres at 1300 763 903. Donations in the form of gifts, vouchers or toys will be collected at Council Cus tomer Service Centres.

Local businesses - keep an eye on your mailbox for more information on how you can get involved.

Now Open - Australia Day

Cassowary Coast Libraries Program

hero

Australia Day via: www.yoursay.casssowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Australia-Day

Now Open – Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal

find

about the appeal and how to donate,

visit: www.yoursay.casssowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Christmas-Appeal

Thursday 24 November – Ordinary Council Meeting – 9:00am

a

and future live streams via www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/council-meetings

Sunday 4 December – Festival of the Small Halls – 3:30pm

via festivalofsmallhalls.com

for programs are

Scrabble Morning – Tully Library

8 November at 9:30am.

and

via: www.cassowarycoast.com.au/libraries

experience

Cheryl Bigger Art Exhibition – Mission Beach Library Exhibition running until 11 November.

Children’s Morning – Cardwell Library Thursday 17 November from 10am. Stories singing and activities for ages 0-5.

ELVIS – Monthly Movie – Innisfail Library 17 November 2:00pm or 18 November 10:00am.

cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/events

Mayor Mark Nolan encourages the community to donate at Council Customer Service Centres

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

COUNCIL TACKLES CLIMATE CHANGE AT A LOCAL LEVEL

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has been included in a new report showcasing the proactive initiatives local councils are taking to reduce climate change impacts within the Great Barrier Reef region.

The Reef Guardian Councils Climate change snapshot highlights Councilled actions such as develop ing policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, changing street lighting to LED and install ing solar panels on Council buildings of which we cur rently have 970 kilowatts installed.

Many of these climate change initiatives deliver a triple bottom-line benefit to communities – social, envi ronmental and financial.

Environmental Portfolio Holder Jeff Baines said Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been an active Reef Guardian Council, delivering initiatives focused on waste education and recycling, a compost bin rebate program, solar power installation on Council’s ma jor buildings and community tree giveaways.

“Councils play a signifi cant role in how their com munities interact with and protect the Reef, through planning and policy, effec tive management of water, waste and land, and com munity education.

“Council continues to provide advice and support through Council nursery out lets, and conducts two free tree giveaway events each year,” Councillor Baines said.

“This initiative aims to increase native species numbers and in turn seques ter carbon through revegeta tion.”

Cassowary Coast Re gional Council is one of 19 councils in the Reef Guard ian Councils program, a collaborative stewardship

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority CEO Josh Thomas said climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs worldwide.

“The Reef Authority’s cli mate change position state ment emphasises that only the strongest and fastest possible actions to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the risks and limit the impacts of climate change on the

Reef,” Mr Thomas said.

“Climate change is a glob al issue, requiring a global response, however, local and regional approaches are central to protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef, and we applaud the efforts our Reef Guardian Council partners are taking to accelerate actions to decrease emissions.”

The Reef Guardian Coun cils Climate change snap shot can be viewed online at www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/ourwork/programs-and-projects/ reef-guardian-councils or click https://bit.ly/3zFIFnKin our online edition.

21 ROADS TO BE RESEALED ACROSS THE CASSOWARY COAST

CASSOWARY Coast Re gional Council is resealing 21 roads across the region, thanks to more than $998, 000 invested by Council as part of the Regional Reseal Program 2022/23.

Deputy Mayor and As set Sustainability Portfolio Holder Barry Barnes said Council are committed to investing in the maintenance of our Local Roads and delivering on key projects within 2022/23 program.

“As part of Stage One of the Community Voice Action Plan, it has been Council’s goal to reseal 15 kilometres of our road network across the region in the first half of this financial year.

“Thanks to good weather, Contractors have been able

to reseal 15 out of the 21 roads highlighted, with the remaining roads scheduled for completion in mid-No vember.

“Council Asset Inspectors undertake regular inspec tions of Council’s sealed and unsealed road network and based on the condition of the road, determine the reseal priorities for the year ahead.

“Council undertakes resealing to improve the wa terproof barrier, reduce the risk of pavement failure and improve the surface texture (skid resistance) enhancing safety.

“Being proactive in this program ensures the sealed road network remains in a good state and extends

the life of the existing road pavement,” said Councillor Barnes.

Already, Council has resealed the nominated sec tions of roads including Aca cia Close, Amanda Cres cent, Thurles Street, Plumb Street, Tully Gorge Road, Monash Street, Chauvel Street, Carmel Street, Bartle Street, Benwell Street, Oak Street, Beech Street, Batchelor Street, Bella Vista Avenue, and Ash Street.

The sections of roads which are scheduled for completion in mid-Novem ber, weather permitting, include New Harbourline Road, Etty Bay Road, Law rence Road, Couche Street, Eslick Street and Eubenan gee Road.

UPCOMING COUNCILLOR INFORMATION SESSIONS

DID you know your Councillor is available to meet and discuss matters that are important to you?

All Councillors are available upon appointment and can be contacted by phone or email.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a casual chat, you can drop into one of the below sessions – no appointments required:

• Councillor Renee McLeod - 18 November 2022 - 10:00am – 2:00pm - Australian Sugar Heritage Centre.

• Councillor Trudy Tschui - 28 November 2022 - 12:30pm – 2:00pm - Mission Beach Library - 28 November 2022 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm - Kurrimine Beach Progress Hall.

• Councillor Nick Pervan - contact any time.

• Councillor Barry Barnes - contact any time.

• Councillor Teresa Millwood - contact any time.

• Councillor Jeff Baines - contact any time.

Mayor Mark Nolan - contact any time.

To find more information on your Councillor and their contact details visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/councillors.

LEFT: Councillor Jeff Baines proudly showcasing the Reef Guard ian Councils Climate change initiaves snap shot 2022

arrangement between local governments in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

CASSOWARY COAST

THE Cassowary Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2021/22 was endorsed at the October Local Government Meeting and is now available to view online.

In a joint message, Mayor Mark Nolan and CEO Andrew Graffen said the Annual Report presents an opportunity for Council and the community to stop, reflect and celebrate the achievements of the prior 12 months.

“In 2021/22, there was a strong focus on putting businesses and our community first.

“Council signed the State Government’s Small Business Friendly Charter to strengthen Council’s continued commitment to support and encourage growth amongst our region’s small businesses.

“Council also committed funding to ensure the delivery of key events including Red Bull Defiance, Tropical Art Deco Festival, Cardwell UFO Festival, and the Innisfail and Tully District Shows which all saw strong attendance from locals and visitors alike, resulting in an economic boost to local businesses and operators.

“To ensure strong alignment between our community’s aspirations and priorities, and Council’s activities and services, Council embarked on our largest-ever community engagement project - the 2022 Cassowary Coast Community Scorecard.

“Council has listened to the community voice and developed an action plan to address the six priority goals of the community.

These include:

• Roads, Footpaths and Cycleways

• Health and Community Services

• Economic Development and Jobs

• Council’s Leadership Youth Services

• Community Safety and Crime

In addition, the Annual Report highlights the organisation’s $32.5 million investment in capital works, including $11.7 million spent on road upgrades and renewal, drainage and bridges, completion of Stage One of the Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project and continued investment into water and sewerage infrastructure.

Alongside a detailed recap of Council’s strategic highlights, the Annual Report also provides a snapshot of the works undertaken by team members on a day-to-day basis to serve the community.

Highlights from the 2021/22 financial year included:

• 26,000 tons of waste processed;

• 4,000 customer requests resolved;

• 245 Planning Application decided;

• Water services provided to 13,300 properties;

• 99,900 visits to regional aquatic facilities;

• 124,600 library books loaned; and

• 160 bridges maintained.

The 2021/22 financial year saw Council achieve a net result of $8.5 million and an operating surplus of $174,000. Council’s financial position continues to be sustainable.

The Annual Report includes the Annual Financial Statements, which received an unmodified opinion following an audit by the Queensland Audit Office.

CLEANER ROAD RUN-OFF PROJECT

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council is proudly supporting the Great Bar rier Reef Cleaner Road Run-off project as part of the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan.

The project seeks to improve water quality outcomes for the Reef by managing the impact of sediment run-off from Council’s unsealed roads across Queensland.

Environmental Portfo lio Holder Councillor Jeff Baines said fine sediments are one of the three great est water quality risks to the Reef, reducing avail able light to seagrass beds and inshore coral reefs.

“Council is working in

partnership with LGAQ and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to identify in novative designs, mainte nance and management practices for the 518 kilo metres of unsealed roads in our region.

“Council has a study site at Granadilla Road, El Arish that is currently piloting several innovative management practices to reduce sediment run-off from our roads.

“This ten-kilometre stretch along Grana dilla Road provides a good representation of roads across Council’s unsealed road network and will help make an informed decision on how Council manages

unsealed roads across the region in the future,” Coun cillor Baines said.

“Currently installed at the site is a live monitor ing rainfall station and water logging equipment which supports the collec tion of data to model flows and velocities in the drain profiles.

“By being part of the Cleaner Road Run-off program, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is paving the way in identifying new designs and manage ment practices that can be implemented right across Queensland,” Councillor Baines said.

“This could include a strong case for sealing

some of our network, not ing that the Federal Gov ernments has in the most recent budget made a $1.2 billion commitment to the protection and restoration of the Great Barrier Reef.”

All equipment has been installed at the trial location of Granadilla Road and the project will run until June 2024 with data continuing to be collected during this timeframe.

Council will continue to pro vide updates as they occur.

LEFT: Councillor Jeff Baines visit ing Cleaner Roads Runoff Site on Grandilla Road

To read the report in full visit:

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

BROWSE, BORROW, ENJOY IN

LANGUAGES OF EBOOKS

Customer Service Centres and Opening Hours

Innisfail Shire Hall 70 Rankin St. Innisfail

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Tully Tully Civic Centre, 38-40 Bryant St. Tully Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Cardwell Cardwell Library, 4 Balliol St. Cardwell Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Cassowary Coast Libraries comprises of four branches located at Cardwell, Innisfail, Tully and Mission Beach. For locations, opening times or general enquiries, please call 1300 366 616 or visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries

Transfer Stations locations and opening hours can be found by visiting: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/transfer-stations

Babinda Creek Hotel

By Maria Larkins

On February 10, 1910, architect, Harvey Draper, called ten ders and the price submitted by Mr. C. Jorgensen was accepted to construct the “commodious two-storeyed hotel” for £1,700.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Maroney extended a cordial invitation’ for all to attend a farewell dance in their hall at Hambledon Junction on May 21, 1910. They had advertised the Lease, License and Goodwill of their hotel there the month before.

James and Norah Maroney were married on November 11, 1890. By 1910 they had four children: Mary Anne (1891), James (1898), Thomas John (1903), and Kathleen Ivy (1905).

In 1912 James applied to have the license of the hotel trans ferred to Norah. A travel writer at the time reported that “from a scenic point of view” the Babinda district “was well worth a visit”.

Maroney’s hotel was described as a “real first-class, roomy, clean hotel”. It was noted that in addition to a pretty flower

garden, the establishment had a bountiful vegetable garden with cabbages, English potatoes etc. and “luscious strawberries”.

Eldest daughter, Mary Anne, was a keen amateur photog rapher and had compiled a collection of scenic images of the Babinda district which could be viewed via a “magic lantern” by hotel guests.

In 1913 a cyclone created havoc for the district of Babinda. The following year there was a building boom with many struc tures under repair and construction including a large hall for Mrs. Maroney. By October 1914, Maroney’s Hall was providing the local community with entertainment in the form of travel ling companies and a weekly picture show.

Maroney’s Babinda Creek Hotel was the venue for a meeting of Babinda district parents to discuss the proposed new Public School in 1914.

The opening day of the Babinda Sugar Mill would be bit tersweet for the Maroney family. Section 12 of the Sugar Works Act prohibited the “sale of intoxicating liquor in a sugar works area”.

So, the hotel was forced to close in 1915 but Mrs. Maroney took action against the government for compensation. After a lengthy legal process, including an appeal, she was paid £2,000 plus costs.

The Maroney clan had been expanded by this time with the birth of Norah Ireen (1913), and Veronica Margaret (1915).

In February 1916, it was reported that Mrs. Maroney would be departing the district and that her premises were being fitted out as shops and a temperance hotel.

For two long years, the inhabitants of Babinda were without a hotel. A change of government saw a change of heart with regard to the sale of liquor – it would be permitted by a newly constructed and State managed hotel.

The first and only State Hotel began trading with much cer emony on May 29, 1917.

JAMES Maroney saw an opportunity for a tourist hotel at Babinda Creek and set about creating a destination for visitors enroute to the local beauty spots.

Sources: TROVE; State Library of Queensland (SLQ); History of Babinda by Peter Bell (1999); Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Maroney’s Hotel, Babinda Creek. From Maroney collection, courtesy SLQ. Inset: Studio Portrait of Norah Maroney (nee Ponsonby). From Maroney collection, courtesy SLQ.

Photo Courtesy of Neptunes Palm Cove

Photo Courtesy of Tablelands to Tabletop Mareeba

Auto Women Scholarship Recipients Announced

THE Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the Auto Women Scholarships for round two, 2022.

We extend our congratulations to Ga brielle Clift from Highfields Mechanical in Toowoomba, who has been awarded the Leading Edge Scholarship valued at $3,490, and Kim Siegmann from Cairns Car Brokers, who has been awarded the Executive Ready Scholarship valued at $7,990.

The scholarships, sponsored by MTA Queensland, Spirit Super and Women & Leadership Australia, aim to support the career advancement of women working in the automotive industry through two, fully funded, high-impact training programs.

The first course, Leading Edge, is designed to assist females in early-career positions to transition into confident, capable, and motivated leaders. This scholarship has been awarded to Gabrielle Clift, a recently qualified light vehicle mechanic from Highfields Mechanical in Toowoomba.

Back in 2020, Ms Clift was named MTA Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year for her skill, work-ethic, and passion for the industry. That same year, she also took home Capricorn’s Rising Star Award, further evidencing her talent. Now, two years on, Ms Clift has only continued to impress, recently joining Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Red Bull Ampol Rac ing team at the 2022 Bathurst 1000 event in early October.

With dreams of one day becoming the owner of her own mechanical workshop, Ms Clift hopes to use the Leading Edge course to build her business skills.

“Working in the automotive industry can be hard, but it has so much to offer if you truly embrace it. If you are given an opportunity, take it; if you are given ad vice, listen to it; and if you have a chance to do something different, do it. Never stop learning,” Ms Clift said,

The second course, Executive Ready, is designed to stretch mid-level leaders and propel them towards executive-level positions, bolstering skills and mindsets. This scholarship has been awarded to Kim Siegmann, the Owner and Managing Director at Cairns Car Brokers.

Ms Siegmann oversess a range of operations in the business from accounts, financing, and licensing, to marketing, ad ministration, and customer service. Over her 15 years managing the business, Ms Siegmann has placed high importance on continual professional development, with plans to use the Executive Ready course to advance her leadership capability and unlock the full potential of her staff.

As Vice-President of the Cairns Busi nesswomen’s Club, Ms Siegmann would also like to use the opportunity to grow her presence in the community, support ing women across both the greater Cairns region, and the automotive industry as a whole.

“Women are woefully underrepresent

ed in the automotive industry, but this is beginning to change. I want to be a leader in my community and promote the growth of women in business; be an influencer, a mentor, and help others break their glass ceiling. I believe this scholarship will provide me with the tools and resources necessary to do this, and I am grateful to be given this opportunity,” Ms Siegmann said.

Supporting career advancement is just one part of MTA Queensland’s Auto Women initiative, which was established at the beginning of this year to provide a supportive environment for women work ing across the automotive industry.

“We have a long way to bridge the gender imbalance in the automotive industry, but this year has seen the begin ning of something new, an initiative that will bring together a community of women,” Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO at MTA Queensland said.

“Women can, and do, bring fresh in sights and vision to all levels of business, and seeing leaders such as Gabrielle and Kim use their skills to further themselves in their careers is inspiring to others.”

Both the Leading Edge and Execu tive Ready courses are run by Women & Leadership Australia, who are a sponsor alongside Spirit Super and MTA Queens land. The sponsors agree the courses are an exceptional opportunity to assist women in the automotive industry to reach their career aspirations.

Kim Siegmann from Cairns Car Brokers, winner of the MTA Executive ready scholarship for Women in the automotive industry

TICKETS: All tickets are $15 / Children 12 and under are free

Tickets: topologymusic.com/events/queensland-stories-cairns/

Wed November 9, 2022 @ 7:30pm-10:00pm

An Evening with Brian Nankervis Tanks Arts Centre

For ‘An Evening With Brian Nankervis’, Brian will draw from a diverse range of experiences to present a unique night’s entertainment and honest reflections on the wonderful world of show business.

You’ll see rare footage from Let The Blood Run Free, Hey Hey, It’s Saturday,

Like

Brian’s

Bookings Via ticketlink

Another

FRIDAY

Barbary Coasters - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 3:00pm

Victorial Boxall - Ten06, 5:30pm

Christina Ukuele - Crystalbrook Bailey, 5:00pm

Silver Fox Jazz Band - Chill at Portofino, 6:00pm

Janna Mercedes - O’Donnells Irish Bar, 6:00pm

Kim Settle and John Comrie - Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club, 6:00pm

Steve Williams - Barron River Hotel, Stratford, 6:00pm

Tom Curtain, Chris Matthews - Pyramid Polocrosse, 6:00pm

Tommy See Poy Quartet - The Jazz Sanctuary, 8:00pm

Tony George - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

SATURDAY

Vance Joy - Munro Martin Parklands, 6:00pm

Infinity Duo - Shangri-La Hotel, 6:00pm

Carrizma - Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm

Kick Start - Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm

George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Cairns Convention Centre, 6:30pm

Vivien Aisi - Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 8:00am

Janna Mercedes - Dunwoody’s Hotel Cairns, 9:00pm

Fingerprint - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

Matt Gerdes - Flynn Social Club, 12:00pm

Wind and Wood - Barron Falls Hotel, 1:00pm

Dazz & the Boyzz - Neptunes, Palm Cove, 2:00pm

Stan Stone - Flynn Social Club, 2:00pm

Russell Harris - Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club, 3:00pm

PJ Myers - Chill Café Palm Cove, 3:00pm

Pauly P - Sauce Brewing Co, 3:30pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - The Beach Shack, Kewarra Beach Resort, 4:30pm

Shirley Lynn - O’Shea’s, Machans Beach, 4:30pm

Blue Reed - Vitalia’s Italian Restaurant, 5:00pm

The Dannies - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Blue Reed - Mandala Café, 10:00pm

from

Sat November 5, 2022 @ 5:00pm-10:30pm

Bookings Via ticketlink

Vance Joy – Australian Tour 2022 Munro Martin Parklands

After conquering the world, Vance Joy is coming home to support the release of his latest album, ‘In Our Own Sweet Time’. Delivering his largest tour so far across the country, from big cities to regional towns this will be an unforgettable homecoming.

his biggest tour yet, Vance Joy will give us all a chance to come together again and celebrate the best of Australian music. Joined by his full band, and some incredible guests, Budjerah & Mia Wray.

THE Babinda Harvest Festival

October with

The Summer Show

UMI Arts will conclude its 2022 exhibition series with The Summer Show - a collectible, gift-worthy collection of visual art, wood carving and ceramics by the far north’s emerg ing and established Indigenous artists.

Featuring 27 artworks by 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, The Summer Show will celebrate its official opening on Friday, November 11, 2022, and then run over the Christmas and New Year period until Friday, February 5, 2023.

UMI Arts’ Exhibition Officer Robyne Pacey said The Summer Show, which showcases fine art and gift wares created by the organisation’s talented member artists, is a timely exhibi tion in the lead-up to Christmas and is priced accordingly with affordable price points.

“The artists who created this vibrant show of works were asked to draw inspiration from the dynamic energy of the tropics, and they have done that wholeheartedly, many bravely experimenting with new techniques and styles,” Ms Pacey said.

“This year’s colourful and eclectic show includes paintings, works on paper, artefacts, multi-media installations, fabric, homewares, and ceramics in what is a testament to the artists’ diverse talent and distinct Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”

The Summer Show 2022 featured artists are:

Cecelia Slade (Yarrabah), Edna Ambrym (Gunggandji & Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, Yarrabah), Erin Jia (Yidinji, Meriam & Badu laig people, lives Cairns), George Passi (Mer Island, Torres Strait, lives Cairns), Kassandra Savage (Waanyi and Kurtijar, lives Mossman), Kevin Edmondstone (Yidinji, Cairns), Leanne Fredericks (Cairns), Lisa Michl Ko-manggén (Kokoberrin, lives Cairns), Michelle Yeatman (Gunggannji, Yarrabah), Paulene McIntyre (Cairns), Philomena Yeatman (Gunggandji, Yarrabah), Rhys Miles (Cairns), Shirley Col lins (Kalkadoon & Pitta Pitta, lives Mission Beach), Valmai Pollard (Gunggandji, Yarra bah) and Wayne Connolly (Yarrabah).

The Summer Show will officially open to the public on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 6pm and February 5, 2023.

The exhibition will open Monday to Friday and is free to view between 10am and 4pm at UMI Arts Shop 4, Jensen Plaza Gallery, 1 Jensen Street, Manoora.

For more information, contact exhibitions@umiarts.com.au or phone 4041 6152.

Travelling Film Festival 2022 packed with diverse storytelling

TRAVELLING Film Festi val (TFF) reveals a specially curated and riveting program for Cairns from November 4-8 that includes some of the best Australian and International cinema and early contenders for the Academy Awards 2023 Best International Feature Film.

“We are excited to bring to Cairns a fresh and exciting program this November,” TFF Manager Sanam Rodrigues said.

“Don’t miss out on some of the Festival’s favourite titles such as Cannes 2022 Palme d’Or winner ‘Triangle of Sadness’ from Sweden, and the first Gaelic language feature to compete at Berlin’ The Quiet Girl’ from Ireland.

“Plus, plenty more fascinat ing and diverse selections for everyone to enjoy.”

Opening the Festival at Cairns is ‘Triangle of Sad ness’, by the two-time Palme d’Or winning director Ruben Östlund (The Square), starring Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean and Woody Harrelson, is a hi larious, biting, stomach-churn ing satire on the mega-rich which presents a motley crew on a luxury cruise captained by an alcoholic Marxist.

Closing the Festival is ‘Blaze’, Archibald-winning artist Del Kathryn Barton’s directorial debut, which com bines puppetry and animation to showcase twelve-year-old Blaze’s inner psychedelic mind after witnessing a brutal crime on the street.

Early contenders for the Academy Award 2023 Interna tional Feature Film are Ireland’s

submission, ‘The Quiet Girl’. This moving coming-of-age story portrays the loneliness of an innocent child oblivious to the damage of grief in the adult world around her.

South Korea’s submis sion, ‘Decision to Leave’ by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook (Old Boy, The Handmaiden), starring Park Hae-il (The Host), is a visually stunning mystery interwoven with the complexities of forbid den love.

Morocco’s submission, ‘The Blue Caftan’, select ed for Cannes Un Certain Regard 2022, in which director Maryam Touzani explores a complex marriage with ten derness and grace in a sincere and superbly performed film that unfolds in unexpected and heartening ways.

Highlights of the program in clude the cringe-inducing dark comedy from New Zealand, ‘Millie Lies Low’, directed by Michelle Savill and starring Ana Scotney (The Breaker

Upperers, 2018. Based on true events ‘The Night of The 12th’ and ‘The Good Boss’, set in a factory in Spain.

Must-see documentaries in the program include the Sundance 2022 Award-Winner ‘Fire of Love’ directed by Sara Dosa, and ‘Hidden Letters’, nominated for Best Documen tary at Tribeca Film Festival 2022.

The Festival is proud to also present four Australian short films from this year’s Syd ney Film Festival, including Steve Anthopoulos’ ‘Voice Activated’ and Sophie Saville’s ‘Inspire Me’, supported by the Screenability Initiative, which showcases provocative cinema by filmmakers with a disability; winner of the Rouben Mamou lian Award for Best Director,’ The Moths Will Eat Them Up’ by Luisa Martiri and Tanya Modini; and nominated for the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films’ Farmers’ by Tim Carlier.

For more information and bookings, visit: https://www.sff.org.au/tff/program/cairns

Untitled (detail), Kevin Edmondstone. Photo by Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography

Right: The Gathering by Erin Jia. Photo by Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography Left: Mates for Life by Kassandra Savage. Photo by Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography

Still from Blaze

Still from Fire of Love

Still from The Good Boss

Get puzzled by . .

Puzzle Solutions

Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect. Your emotional partner will push the right buttons this week. Travel will turn out to be exciting. Check out clubs or groups that have a cause you believe in.

Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known. Do a little shopping. You’re likely to find a real bargain. Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual. Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts.

Do yourself a favour and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if possible. You may find travel to be most rewarding. Overindulgence could cause problems for you with your loved ones. Hassles with close friends or family will put a damper on your day and result in isolation.

Don’t draw too much attention to yourself at work. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet. Expect some flak. Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require.

Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay. Your stability will aid you in getting support from your fellow workers. Double-check before you go out. Confusion at an emotional level will cause you to make wrong decisions concerning your personal life.

You must try to help. Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed; however, someone you work with may get jealous. You will be emotional about family matters.

Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries. Entertainment should include the whole family or a lot of your friends. Finish up any correspondence by early afternoon. You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments.

Think before you act. You can accomplish a great deal. Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for all. You can bet that you’ll draw attention to yourself.

Be careful not to come on too strongly. You will get bored quickly, so make sure that you have scheduled enough activity to hold your interest. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring you greater popularity.

You may want to plan physical activities that will help burn off some of their excess energy. Take positive action. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. Help elders get their personal papers in order.

You need to do something energetic and different. Try not to lend or borrow money this week. Don’t be too confident that co-workers are on your side. Limitations with females could lead to unfortunate circumstances.

ACROSS

8. a neurological disorder characterized by jerky involuntary movements (6)

WORD SEARCH

Minor health problems could result through exhaustion. Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely. Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments. You will have an interest in foreigners and their cultures.

9. to practise a play, piece of music, or other work for later public performance (8)

10. the launching of a rocket or spacecraft (8)

11. a son of one’s brother or sister, or of one’s brother-in-law or sister-in-law (6)

12. a person who looks at or inspects some thing (6)

13. to bring a place or people to a stage of social and cultural development considered to be more advanced (8)

15. to stir or disturb something, especially a liquid, briskly (7)

17. a person who is not crying (3-4)

20. unequalled; unrivalled (8)

22. a set of equipment needed for a particular activity or purpose (6)

23. a long-tailed, medium-sized bird, typically with a grey or brown back and barred or pale underparts (6)

25. cause to become twisted together with or caught in (8)

26. a type of poem that uses white space to create temporal and visual pauses (8)

27. a small, broad two-edged surgical knife or blade with a sharp point (6)

DOWN

1. a former British coin and monetary unit equal to one twentieth of a pound or twelve pence (8)

2. of or found in fresh water; not of the sea (5,5)

3. an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual (6)

4. an opening, particularly one in the body (7)

5. at whatever time; on whatever occasion (8)

6. a slotted hinged plate on a trunk or suitcase (4)

7. items of property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value (6)

14. a deputy or substitute acting for a superior (10)

16. choosing or characterized by abstinence from alcohol (8)

18. an ornamental shrub or tree trained to grow flat against a wall (8)

19. an extract obtained from a plant or other matter and used for flavouring or scent (7)

21. the quality of being fair and impartial (6)

22. to resolve or reach an agreement about an argument or problem (6)

24. a sharp twist or curve in something (4)

Architecture Canvas Carve

Clay Create Draw Easel Enamel

Erase Film Form Glass Glaze Hue Image Ink

Kiln Line Masterpiece Media Medium Mosaic Museum Op art

Pen Print Shade Style Tone Tube Wax Woodcut

5 ways to help keep your home

(BPT) - NOTHING beats spending time in your

for some

However, the warmer weather also brings about prime bug season, meaning you’ll likely have uninvited guests in and around your home.

If you’ve struggled with un wanted pests in the past, you’re not alone. According to a sur vey by The Harris Poll, 85% of homeowners in the past year re ported seeing or having trouble with pests inside their homes such as ants, mosquitoes, spi ders and cockroaches. So, what can you do to help protect your house from infestation? Check out these five tips to help you and your family defend against bugs this summer.

1. Regular lawn maintenance

If you have a lawn, you know it can be a chore to maintain it, but doing so will help reduce pests around your home that can enter through open win dows and doors. Some bugs prefer the shade of tall grass, so make sure you’re mowing it weekly to remove any hid ing spots. If you have bushes, trees or tall plants, trim them so they don’t touch your home,

otherwise pests will use them as a highway to the indoors.

2. Check and replace screens

Fine mesh window screens allow you to open the win dows and enjoy the fresh air while still having a barrier between you and outdoor pests. However, screens will rip and tear over time, so it’s important to inspect them and repair or replace damaged ones before bugs can sneak into your home.

3. Use bug sprays

If you already have bugs inside your home, you’ll need pest control products to deal with these unwanted house guests. Luckily, for all Austral ians seeking an alternative to conventional pest solutions, a wide variety can be found rooted in nature and optimized by science to help protect fami lies against pests this summer. Many made from plant-derived active ingredients, that offer an effective result against ants, roaches, wasps and more that are safe to use around kids and pets, when used as directed.

These entomologist-tested products are formulated with botanical extracts and are free of added dyes, fragrances and

harsh chemical odors, offering a great way to help protect your home as well as your summer plans from insect interruption.

4. Plug up any holes

While you may not be able to see them easily, insects are experts at finding gaps in your home’s structure to get inside. Any small hole around window frames, doors and vents can become an entrance, result ing in a bug infestation. You can remedy this by going to your local hardware shop and buying silicone or latex caulk.

Use a caulking gun to seal the cracks in your home and pre vent bugs from entering.

5. Remove standing water around the home

Mosquitoes and other insects often thrive in cool, damp areas and will lay their eggs in standing water. Prevent swarms by taking a walk around the outside of your home and mak ing note of any pools of water inside planters, buckets, bird baths, toys and other contain ers. Remove or turn these items over to reduce the risk of bugs

populating near your home. Importantly: Use mosquito repellent

Evicting pests from your home is well and good, but you’ll still need to protect yourself when you’re in their natural territory. It is recom mended that you always use Bug Repellent Sprays or Wipes. There are many regular brands available at local super markets or chemists, including natural alternatives engineered with plant-derived active ingredients like lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary oils

that work together to safely and effectively keep mosquitoes away from your family, when used as directed. Apply these mosquito repellents anytime you go outdoors, and every 90 minutes following, so you can enjoy the sunshine without get ting bitten.

In using these tips you can help create a bug-free environ ment that allows you to spend less time battling unwanted pesky houseguests and more time doing the things you love with the people you care about most.

CLASSIFIEDS

PRIVACY POLICY

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 ti tle, 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 The Express News paper 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 Territo ries. 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 request ed classification is at the discretion of Cairns Local News, except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of ad vertising 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

The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless ad vertising 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.

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Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all ad vertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and

Cairns Local News collects personal information to assist us in providing goods and services which you have requested to process competition entries, giveaways and to improve our products and services to you. We may be in touch by phone, mail, fax or internet to inform you of any services and promotions which may be of interest.

If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: Cairns Local News, 1/185 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns, Qld 4870

Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

We are seeking experienced qualified

contract Fencing Contractors for a current project in Burdell, Townsville. We focus on

GREAT RATES

Please call David on 0499 201 152

carry an APB

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directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

FNQ Markets

Friday November 4th

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Vievers 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

Saturday November 5th

Atherton: Platypus Park, Herberton Rd, 07:00-13:00

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 Vievers 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

Sunday November 6th

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Vievers 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 Douglas: by St Mary’s Church, 07:30-14:00

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

Tolga: Morrow Park Racecourse, 07:00-12.00

SPORT

TFNQDBA BOWLS

TFNQDBA. Last week

October 24th & 25th: Ben Moore & Kayden Burley (Weipa) played their best in the Champion of Club Champion Pairs at Souths in Mackay. Section 2 Round 1: a loss to Pialba. Round 2 Playing Airlie Beach: a loss. Round 3: a win against Kawana. The scores did not reflect the quality of the play by Weipa. With Pialba winning Gold and Airlie Beach in the Bronze Final. This week South Johnstone are our repre sentatives in the State 8 A-Side Final to be held on November 3rd & 4th at Club Tweed. Then on November 5th & 6th November the district Division 1 Pennant Men (Edge Hill) and Women’s (Brothers Edmonton) team will play their State Final at Club Tweed.

MOSSMAN LADIES BOWLS

Tuesday October 25th

The Dairy Festival: 8 ladies travelled up to Malanda to enjoy good country hospital ity. Wendy was well supported and made the day a success. Thank you, Malanda. Spider: Winner: Margaret Cooper. The places were drawn out of the hat. Both Gloria Geeves and Greta Burke were in teams that placed. Catch cries of the day were: “Are you sure H” or “Can we have a little longer end please”. All in all, our ladies enjoyed the day and look forward to next year. Thursday October 27th Social bowls: the day started well but due to a passing storm coming through about afternoon tea, the ladies decided to retire to partake of a delicious baked cheese cake. Our very capable chef, President Carole Maxted was the baker. Ladies, remember the date for the Club AGM and the Ladies AGM. Lady visitors are welcome for Thursday. Names in by noon and we play at 1pm, Bowls attire. Any ladies wishing to learn to play bowls, there is free coaching available. For more informa tion, contact Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com.au or 0400 954 537. Sunday Mixed Bowls: names in by noon and play at 1:00pm, casual attire.

Contact the Mossman Bowls Club: 4098 1434.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers: Win ner: Mal Taylor; R/up: Geoff Rowley. Tuesday Comp: winners: Richo, Wayne Vella and Eddie Czarnecki, 26pts; R/ up: Joe Jackson, Ted Hamil ton and Phil Buntain, 23pts. Thirsty Thursday: the best players: Norma Wright, Lee Harrison and Ted Hamilton.

Sunday Morning: Winners: Ashley Snow, Billy G and J Johnson, 22pts; R/up: Richo, R Radinga and B Butt on 22pts. And it was a miracle that Johno’s team won without their permanent lead The Shark. Jackpot was +3. Club Champi onship: Mixed 4’s Grand Final: Ken Vivien, Tania Springel, Annie and Greg Daniels, 24 pts def Joyce Alexander, Lis Blackhouse, Eddie Czarnecki and Maurie Hetherton, 12pts. Next round of Club Champion ship games: Skips to Check the board and organise the next games. Ensure that Helen Knows of any games to be played over the coming weeks. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome, contact the club and ask what times are available.

WEST CAIRNS LADIES

Wednesday October 26th: Social Bowls: Winners: Liz, Maurie, Joyce. If you wish a game of social bowls under cover on Wednesday starting at 11:30am, give Marg a call on 0411 503 882, names in by 10:45am, finish about 3:00pm, and BYO lunch. Congratula tions to Greg, Annie, Ken, Tania for winning our Club Championship mixed 4’s final well done. The Ladies from West Cairns Bowls that went to Innisfail on Monday October 31st would like to thank the ladies from Innisfail Bowls Club for a great day and lunch. To our ladies’ president Liz, we wish you all the best and hope everything goes well with your operation on Wednesday. Good Bowling to All.

WEST CAIRNS TPI ME

MORIAL BOWLS CLUB

The weather turned hot and humid on Monday afternoon reducing our attendance down to nine players. Some of our players were worried about the heat and had other problems resulting on the afternoon bowls being cancelled. Some of the nine players however de cided to stay and have a roll up practice while most went home to their air conditioning. This is rather an unusual way to spend our Monday afternoons but we will wait for the next Monday. As usual, all bowlers are welcome to be phoned to selector Rosemary on 0409 624 623 before 12pm next Monday or be recorded on the sheet available at West Cairns Bowls club during the week. Triples is the usual format played but on occasions it may be necessary to play games of either two or four bowls. Cards are called at 1:15pm followed by the commencement of play at 1:30pm for three hours of play. It is almost time for the 2023 committee to be elected and nominations for all posi tions are now being accepted. Weather permitting, we hope to see you next Monday.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Social Bowls:

Thursday October 27th: Winners: Karina Homer, Mary SantAngelo, Yvonne Bolton and Tricia De Ron. Next social bowls: Thurs day November 3rd: names in by 2:30pm for 3:00pm start. Consistency Singles Final: Jill Alexander-Sachse def Elaine Whitehead 102-98 in a great final with scores level 5 times during this game. Well Done, Ladies.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: Tuesday October 25th: Winners: Lou Pomroy and Col Whyte; R/up: Lorraine King and Wayne Hewitt. Tuesday night social bowls winners: Mark, Jennie and Marilyn. Wednesday October 26th: Winners: Irene and Brenton; R/up: Lou and Greg. Saturday October 29nd: Social Bowls Winners: Lou Pomroy and Darren Curry; R/Up: Gary

Pomroy and Bruce Moseley. Mixed Pairs Semi Final: Jill Alexander-Sachse and Steve Henson vs Lou Pomroy and Bruce Moseley. Men’s Consist ency Singles: Wayne Hunter vs Steve Bragger with the winner to play Brian Pattison. Edge Hill team will travel to Tweed Heads Club this week to compete for the State Division One Pennant on November 5-6 between the eight zones around Queensland. Team 1 is Wayne Hewitt, Simon Vardy, David Spowart and Nick Twining. Team 2 is Stephen Henson, Phil Lee, Ashley Hammond and Lyle Braggins. Team 3 will be Wayne Petrohilos, Colin Kelly, Jared Walker and Ben Cribbin. Team Manager and Reserve is Russell Hubbard. Good Luck to you all. Notice to our members and Volunteers: We have our ongoing ARC Disability group members participate in Tuesday morning bowls activ ity. Volunteers are needed to assist from 9:15am to 11:00am. Peace Lutheran College also have students booked for Tuesday November 8th be tween 1pm to 2pm with a final session on November 14th between 11am and 12:15pm. Please assist any days that you can during these school visits. Social Bowls will change time this week with Tuesday (3pm and 7pm), Wednesday night Self Selected Triples at 7pm. Saturday Social Bowls will still be played at 1pm from November 5th. Check with the Club for start times or see the new Social Bowls Booking forms online on Edge Hill Club Website and Facebook page as some green fees and start times have changed. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: P William son, S Pitt, P Hamilton; R/ up: L O’Donoghue, N Smith, Jason. Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Shane, Jamie, Esther, Brad, Max, Chriss. Wednesday Mixed Bowls: Winners: B

Gillan, M Parsons, N Newton; R/up: K Loughnan, C Moore, V Rhueben. Thursday Men’s Triples: Winners: J Mclaine, R Bowes, S Pitt; R/up: M Weav er, E Parkes, C Scott. Saturday

Afternoon Walking Pairs: Winners of Winners: P Ca vanagh, D Grummitt; Winners of Losers: A Ashton, R Lamb. Club Championships: Mixed Pairs: B Drewitt, J Walford def J Smith, B O’Connor 25-19; B Morris, A Lim def J Gillman, L Mikic 21-20. Mixed Pairs final: B Drewitt, J Walford def B Morris, A Lim 27-9. All bowlers, non-bowlers and tour ists welcome. Bowls available for free, ph 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook.

Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia. Marlin coast Sponsored day November 13th.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday October 29: 26 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls: John Cochrane, Daryl Hoskins, Nev Tesch def Bill Smith, Jock Constantine, Peter Worley 2620; Steve Cue, Peter Gorsuch, Nev Fletcher def Ranald Ed wards, Steve Hudson, Alistair Douglas 23-17; Peter Busch, Bernie Savage def Bernie Wolland, Troy Churchill 31-19; Chris Payne, Peter Fairchild, Tony Brlyack def Malachy McTaggart, SAS, John Hop kins 28-15; and the winners of the day, Terry Richards, Wayne Parkes def David White, Dick Pitt 31-15. Jackpot Bowls this Saturday, names in by 12 noon with card call at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. A re minder, the next Social Bowls will be held this Thursday November 3rd from 5:30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. Cost includes a sausage sizzle after the game (8:00pm) and the chance to win a $50.00 meat tray from Mossman Butchers. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thurs day of each month and open to

all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Sheet on the noticeboard for those members that wish to nominate for the McFarlane Shield to be played at West Cairns on Saturday November 19th. The day will comprise 2 games of 3 bowl triples with each game being 12 ends or 1hr 45mins. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Wednesdays: Club selected games 2x 12 ends, names in by 12:30pm for 1.00pm. Thursday October 27th: Selfselected pairs: Winners: Ethel Thompson’s team; R/up: Brian Fitzpatrick’s team; best second game Deryck Harrigan’s team. Sunday October 30th: Club

Selected Triples: Winners: Joy Dennis, Vittore Tiraboschi, Sue Soda; R/up: Carmel Dezen, Ethel Thompson, Graham Mor row. Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6:00pm. Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. Please note AGM is Saturday November 19th 10:00am sharp. Good bowling everyone. For infor mation and nominations ph 40925288

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Wednesday: Ladies Social Bowls at 1:00pm. Unfortu nately, no bowls played last week due to the extremely hot day. Thursday: Club Selected 3 Bowl Pairs at 1:00pm. Results from last week: Winners: Trevor & Andrew; R/up: Vince & John. Raffle Winner: Naomi. Friday (Weather Permitting) from 5:00pm Bare Foot Bowls & BBQ. Groups welcome. Please phone 40561050 to book in.

INNISFAIL MENS

Thursday afternoon social bowls was reduced to 2 games of 10 ends because of the hot weather conditions.

Winners: Sam Pagano, George Edgerton, Greg Mc

SPORT

Donald and Clem Kinbacher. Visitors and new members most welcome. Names in by 12:30pm for a 1:15pm start. In a game of Consistency Singles, Gordon Goes advanced to the next round. Dave Irwin and Ian Rule defeated Mal Clifford and Del Steve in the Mixed Pairs. Check the white board for future games to be played. Working bees are still on every Tuesday morning.

Successful Queensland Beach Volleyball Tour

CAIRNS successfully hosted Round 4 of the Queensland Beach Volleyball Tour for the first time since 2017 on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday October 30.

As the state’s premier beach volleyball competition, the Queensland Beach Volleyball Tour is mainly competed in Southeast Queensland. Cairns Volleyball strongly advo cated for the competition to return to FNQ and it finally happened.

The beach volleyball courts in front of the Cairns Hospi tal on the Esplanade witnessed some of the best volleyball played this year from morning until 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

QBVT Round 4 Cairns Medal Match Results:

Men’s Premier: Gold: Matt Wilmont / Rudi Nunes

Silver: Ben Nichols / Carlos Vanselow

Women’s Premier: Gold: Janine Vargas / Sarah Saugen

Silver: Marine Fraser / Thuy Vu-Farmer

Challenger Men:

Gold: Chris Poppell / John Getape

Silver: Kip Fraser-Skeath / Leo Kim

Under 17 boys: Gold: Farmer/Begley Silver: Muir/Barrell

Under 17 girls: Gold: Vasic/White

Silver: Sureshbabu/Eroyla Pacaldo

Sunday October 30th: Three Ball Ambrose, sponsored by Shane Knuth. 23 Players, including visitors John White and Paul Richardson. Win ners: Don (The Silver Fox) McHardie, Ross Ellen and Gary Soper, 57 1/3 nett; R/up: Warwick Howarth, John White and Wayne(Chuck) Norris, nett 57 2/3 nett; 3rd: Bruce Hunter, Graham Suffield and Paul Richardson. NTP: Warwick Howarth, Wayne Norris and John White on 1/10, Graham Murray, Bob Collyer and Zac White on 5/14. 5 Raffle draws: Kelvin Brooks and Graham Suffield both winning twice, Graham Murray. Next week is monthly medal sponsored by Mungalli Dairy Products and the Millaa Millaa Hotel, so 9:00am for 9:30am. Don’t forget to get your nominations in for the CST Classic Weekend November 26th and 27th.

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF

PHOTOS: Supplied

The new face of athletics

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

LOCAL teen Hannah Edwards (16) is a resilient athlete; she has always had a passion for sports, and when she discov ered throwing, there was no going back, even if it meant creating opportunities by herself.

Hannah’s journey began at the age of seven when she decided to go into athletics. After some years at it, she devel oped a passion for the more unique disciplines like hammer and discus throw.

“I started athletics at age six because originally my sister did it, and I did it because she did it,” Hannah said.

“When you start, you do every event until you’re 11 or 12, and that’s when you decide what you’re good at.

“I realised I don’t want to run, and I don’t want to jump, so I’ll throw instead.”

Her passion for throwing grew, and she began competing; however, being a competitive thrower proved difficult in the region. Although the facilities for training were there, the expertise was not.

Unwilling to let her dream die, her father stepped up to coach her, and as a team, they excelled.

In 2022 and with her dad as coach, Hannah won:

Queensland Track & Field Championships in Brisbane

• U18 Women’s Hammer – Gold

• U18 Women’s Discus - Gold

Queensland at Australian Track & Field Champion ships

• Open Women’s Hammer – Silver (3 rd Place Overall)

• U18 Women’s Hammer – Silver

• U18 Women’s Discus – Silver

Oceania Championships

• U18 Hammer – Silver

• U18 Discus – Bronze

Hannah’s dad and current coach, Daniel Edwards, said he has had to learn how to become a coach for her daughter.

“I got into throwing just to support Hannah,” Mr Edwards said.

“We ran out of coaches; the previous couple of coaches that she’d had, had either retired or had stopped for one reason or another, and she wanted to continue on.

“She was improving and developed a passion for it, so I started coaching her full-time at the end of 2019, and I’ve learned along the way I had to improve myself and learn to

coach her in the right way for her.”

Without the media or any organisations backing them up and without a professional coach Hannah and her dad continue to reach new heights as they prepare to travel to Adelaide in December for the Australian All Schools Track and Field Championship as part of the first North Queens land team.

“Competing feels like a reward for all the effort I’ve put in,” Hannah said.

“I feel really anxious leading up to competition, but once I’m there, I’m alright, and I think I throw a lot better when I’m relaxed.”

And although discus and hammer throw are not the most popular or recognised sports, Hannah continues to fight to bring awareness and support to athletes like her who repre sent Cairns and Australia with their talent.

“We don’t really have any other throwers in Cairns, and that’s why we don’t have the skills or resources,” she said.

“And football is such a popular sport, and there’s so much publicity for it, and it feels like you’re being left out when you do sports that aren’t mainstream.

“But because of my achievements, I’m even prouder that I’m different; I’ve achieved so much, and in the same way that I feel left out, I also feel more accomplished.

“Because it’s not a mainstream sport, it’s also opened people’s eyes; when they see me compete, they think –wow, this is a sport that people can achieve a lot in.”

As Hannah approaches Year 12, new plans and goals come into place. Once she graduates, Hannah will move to Brisbane and study at The University of Queensland. She will continue to train and compete in discus and hammer throw with a new professional coach and will strive to reach the 2032 Olympic Games.

“My dad stepped up as my coach, and we’ve grown together; we’ve achieved everything together, and I think that’s the coolest part,” she said.

“I’d like to move to Brisbane, and it’s the place to be with the 2032 Olympics coming up, and I’d like exercise and sports to be a part of my life, so I would like to study Exercise & Sports Science.

“For other girl athletes, it’s important that you do it; there’s going to be many hardships and scares, but you have to trust the process and do it; have fun, and if you don’t enjoy it, there’s no point in doing it.”

Above: (L-R) Hannah Thompson, Hannah Edwards, Rosie McAndrew and Angeline Pascoe. PHOTOS: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez