Cairns Local News July 07 2023

Page 5

Calls to make FNQ home to First Nations Culture Centre

Be fair dinkum

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

PRESSURE is being put on the Palaszczuk government to place the state’s First Nations Cultural Centre in the Far North – not Brisbane.

The Queensland Government has announced it was considering a centre for Cairns along with the main one in Brisbane,

setting aside $2 million for business cases for both.

But community and Indigenous leaders say the region is home to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, so the principal centre should be in the Far North.

After a proposed $1 billion Global Tourism Hub, involving a casino, hotel and retail developments, was axed in 2020, a

First Nations’ heritage centre was back in the spotlight.

Mayor Bob Manning said Cairns Regional Council had been advocating for a First Nations Cultural Centre since 2019.

He said the location of such a centre had to be “authentic” and highlighted the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision document endorsed by federal and state governments. “Cairns has the

highest proportion of population that is Indigenous of any city in Australia. Cairns is also the only region with direct connectivity to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” Cr Manning said.

He said Longreach became the home of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame because of the authenticity of the location – not Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or

Pages 17-20

Rockhampton. Cr Manning said an Indigenous centre of such significance didn’t need to be built in a capital city and could be anywhere in the Far North, not necessarily in Cairns.

“Cairns/TNQ provides an authentic location for the establishment of such a National Indigenous Heritage Centre,” he said.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

l Time Out

Page 23

Douglas News liftout inside

l Douglas Shire

Stunning murals defy graffiti

l Cairns region Moulin Rouge auditions

Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitats guide Linc Walker shows visitors various animal and cultural artefacts as part of a traditional fishing tour. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Centres to act as hubs

Business cases for First Nations’ venues in Cairns and Brisbane

l

FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk

envisages that First Nations cultural centres in Cairns and Brisbane will act as hubs, connecting First Nations communities across the state, including a network of Indigenous art centres and other significant sites and locations throughout Queensland.

She said a Cairns centre could also act as a significant regional link connecting to the proposed First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane and would share and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, cultures, and heritage from across Far North Queensland to larger audiences.

“This centre will provide Queenslanders and visitors a deeper view of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures here in the Far North, and reaffirm our government’s commitment platforming their important stories,” she said.

“Cairns is an ideal home for a new First Nations Cultural Centre – it is a gateway to the Reef and the rainforest, both of which flour-

ish under the custodianship of our First Nations people. I’m proud our government can make this announcement, as we continue to walk the Path to Treaty hand in hand with First Nations Queenslanders.”

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said a First Nations person would be appointed to lead to develop a framework to guide consultation and other packages of work to deliver the business case for both centres.

‘First Nation-led engagement with Traditional Owners and Indigenous arts and cultural stakeholders across Queensland remains a priority throughout the consideration of the business case development for the First Nations cultural centres,” she said.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the potential creation of a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns would be “a huge win for the city and for Far North Queensland more broadly”.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said it made “sense to build a world-class indigenous cultural centre in Cairns given we have such a rich and deep connection to culture and country in the Far North.”

State’s Indigenous collections should be housed in FNQ

FROM PAGE 1

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji elder and CQUniversity Associate Professor Henrietta Marrie believes a proposed First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns will play second fiddle to the main venue in Brisbane.

“I think Cairns is an afterthought. The main museum or cultural centre will be in Brisbane. Cairns will be a small hub

and it’s something that won’t do it justice,” she said.

She said the Cairns building would have to represent the diversity of Indigenous culture in the region, including the Torres Strait Islanders, so it would have to be a big structure.

“For the business plan they really need to make sure there are Indigenous people from the region on the committee, not just from the south and Brisbane,” Ms Marrie said.

She said most of the arts and culture exhibits must come

from the region with a full story attached to each one.

Ms Marrie said there were artefacts that should be repatriated from other museums and private collections in Australia and overseas, and a priority was her great-grandfather King of Cairns Ye-i-nie’s ceremonial regalia in the British Museum.

Ms Marrie also revealed she had negotiated for some artefacts from a British museum – details of which are still confidential – to return to Australia.

Yirrganydji elder Dr George Skeene, who has worked with James Cook University and Cairns Museum documenting Indigenous exhibits and artefacts, said a cultural centre in Cairns had been talked about for many years, mainly during electioneering. “It’s never got off the ground. We have a unique area, the Wet Tropics from Townsville to Cooktown along the east coast, with 18 Indigenous groups,” he said.

“It’s unique, the many languages, the rainforest peoples.

A First Nations Cultural Centre would have the potential to showcase the unique culture of this area.”

Dr Skeene said the location had to be in the Cairns CBD within walking distance at either the Cairns Museum site in Lake St or the council’s gallery precinct between Abbott St and the Esplanade.

He said Yirrganydji artefacts such as a stone axe and a nut cracking rock he found should be displayed in the building as well as local Indigenous art.

Dr George Skeene with a stone axe and a nut cracking rock he found as well as a shield, and artworks by his daughter Shannon Shaw and grandson Andwelle Shaw.

Picture: Nick Dalton

Cr Manning said the council was now in talks with the state government about the business case.

Healthy step forward

Images of $50m Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre on show

l CAIRNS NORTH

|

Nick Dalton

DIGITAL images of James Cook University’s new $50 million Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC) have been released as sub-contractors are being selected for stage one early works.

JCU vice chancellor Simon Biggs said the images showed a striking four-storey building featuring engineeredtimber construction, reflecting CTEC’s place in tropical Cairns.

He said designed by Wilson Architects, in collaboration with local firm Clark and Prince Architects, the building would house a multi-disciplinary clinic on the ground floor. Clinicians and teachers in medicine and allied health will operate the clinic, alongside students in those disciplines, and doctors studying to be specialist general practitioners.

“The building will also provide facilities for clinical skills training, as well as teaching and research in medicine, nursing, allied health and a broad range of related disciplines,” Professor Biggs said.

CTEC will be alongside Cairns Hospital’s new 32-bed surgical centre on Charles St, Cairns North, as part of the Far North Queensland Health Innovation Precinct.

“This will be a game-changing building,” Prof Biggs said.

“CTEC brings together clinical teaching and service delivery, training and research in medicine, allied health and related disciplines – all aligned to the needs of this region and its health workforce,” he said.

“The building is designed

Local Briefs

l GARAGE SALE

CAIRNS Barrier Reef Lions Club is holding a garage sale at Manunda tomorrow (Saturday, July 8) from 7am to 1pm. The event, selling household items, clothing and toys, is at the ARC Cafe building, 52 Macnamara Street, Manunda. Recently the club supported the ARC Disabilities Services Bike club with trikes, bikes and helmets.

l CAR BOOT EVENT

CAIRNS Men’s Shed is holding a garage and car boot sale at their premises at 186 Irene Street, Mooroobool (next to the football grounds) on Saturday, July 15 at 7.30am to raise funds for community projects. Items for sale include tools, plants and orchids, books, CDs, paints, hand-crafted wooden toys (cars and trucks), clothes, turned timber items, bric-a brac, a sausage sizzle and cold drinks. Car boot sites cost $20. Contact Bruce Bimrose on 4054 1949 or 0407 889 430.

l POOL CLOSURE

with collaboration at its heart. It will further strengthen JCU’s research and teaching partnership with Cairns Hospital,”

Prof Biggs said.

“It will also be a meeting point where health and medical staff can connect with our engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief

executive Leena Singh said it was exciting to see the research, education and innovation precinct take shape.

“The CTEC building will enable collaboration and partnerships to form between us, JCU and other organisations, to research issues experienced specifically by the people of Far North Queensland, including First Nations health and tropi-

cal medicine,” she said.

“Importantly, these partnerships will focus on translating that research into clinical practice, enhancing our care of our community.”

Yidinji elder and research academic Henrietta Marrie said JCU had consulted community members from the very early stages of the project.

“We wanted to see a building

Israeli Ambassador likes Cairns so much he’s

ISRAELI Ambassador Amir Maimon has made his first visit to Cairns and is promising to return to holiday with his wife.

He spent Wednesday in the city meeting Federal MP Warren Entsch, Mayor Bob Manning, Jewish community representative Paul Kamsler and other Israeli businessmen based in Cairns, Cairns State MP Michael

Healy and Tourism Tropical North

Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen.

Mr Maimon (pictured right) said, although it was cloudy, he liked what he saw of the “beautiful Esplanade” and the mountains surrounding Cairns.

“I will come back again with my wife Tal for a few days to explore the local aquarium, the Reef and go on Skyrail,” he said.

Mr Maimon was also a guest speak-

er at a gathering at Royals Church dubbed “Christians standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel” to mark the country’s 75the anniversary.

Mr Maimon said he was expecting a moving event with the Israel national anthem and other songs sang in Hebrew,

He said as a diplomat it was important he explored the country, learned new cultures and met people to “bet-

that is welcoming and inclusive, and that honours the site,” she said.

Stage one of a two-stage managing contract has been awarded to BESIX Watpac who are recruiting sub-contractors for early works. Stage two will be awarded in early August, when construction will start, involving 150 jobs will be created during construction.

MAINTENANCE works will start at the end of this month to replace joint sealant on the 50m swimming pool at Tobruk Memorial Pool. The 50m pool will be closed from Monday, July 31 to Sunday, October 8 as the pool will need to be drained for the maintenance works. A council spokesman said the works were part of regular maintenance, which needed to be undertaken to maintain a watertight seal, improve the visual appearance of the pool, and ensure the safety of patrons. All other facilities, including the 25m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, toddler pool, the Flowrider, Coaching Zone, fitness facilities, trampoline park and kiosk will remain open.

coming back on holiday

ter understand what Australia is all about”. “It’s also about investing a lot with other communities – that is very important to me – not just the Jewish community, but Indigenous communities too,” Mr Maimon said

“I am most encouraged with the people I have met here,” he said.

Mr Maimon said it was also critical for him to remedy the misconceptions people had about Israel.

Digital impressions of the $50m Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre at Cairns North. Picture: Wilson Architects/Clark and Prince Architects

Cheaper show tickets on sale

Annual event offers lots of free things to do

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Nick Dalton

DISCOUNTED tickets to this year’s Cairns Show are on sale, offering dollars off in two categories.

Presold tickets online on the show website are $25 for adults 18 and over (normally $28) and a family pass for two adults and two children are $65 ($70). Concession/pensioner prices are $22 and children 5-14 $15. Under-5s are free.

Show president Ian Allen said there would be plenty of free things to see and do.

“The Cairns Show is an event that won’t break the bank, as there are countless free activities to enjoy,” he said.

“Peek at our free activities and demonstrations Over the Bridge, in the 7News Heritage Park, or around the grounds with our comprehensive list of free things to do (check out the website).

“At the Cairns Show there is something for everyone.

“Get ready to experience the perfect blend of urban flair and rural charm as we connect the city to the country by presenting the largest regional agricultural show in all of Australia.

“At the Cairns Show you will see jaw-dropping entertainment, dazzling competitions, captivating displays, educational demonstrations, breathtaking performances,

Who let the dogs out in park?

l CARAVONICA

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

and informative exhibitions.

“May I recommend a visit to our enchanting sunflower field and the incredible AG-Venture Farming display, located just Over the Bridge. Or step back in time at the Seven News Heritage Park, where Melville’s Animal Nursery and their adorable new bunnies await your discovery.

“Indulge in the excitement of our main arena entertainment acts or witness the talents of our beloved local performers at the Cairns Regional Council Community Stage.

“If you have little ones in tow and need a rest, head over to the Fig Tree area, where delightful entertainment tailored to all ages awaits.”

Mr Allen said he acknowledged the sponsors and the dedication of staff and committee members who had worked tirelessly to bring the show together. “To our incredible volunteers, your invaluable contributions are sincerely appreciated,” he said.

“A special mention to Warren Griffin from Tully State High School for his committed efforts in facilitating the participation of students and cattle at the show.” Visit the website: www.cairnsshow.com.au

FROM pup adoptions to market stalls, pet products and dog training demonstrations, the FNQ Dogs Day Out Festival had everything pet owners could ever want in a fun day out.

Now in its second year, the festival held at Barron Waters Park in Caravonica last Saturday was a successful follow up to the inaugural event in 2022, with more stalls, sponsors, and community supporters.

Dogs Day Out coordinator Kane Brown said despite weather complications the community came through.

“We had a bit of rain but those that decided to come out found that the weather was pretty good at the park, we had some sunshine, and it rained a little bit, but it was a major improvement from last year,” he said.

With 52 stalls ranging from Cairns Animal Rescue Inc, fitness app WAGSTA, dog arts and crafts with Lions Club of Marlin Coast, Cairns Regional Council and more, dog owners and their pups had a great range of activities to choose from.

“It’s hard to tell how many people there are in such an open park but there were at least 500 dogs on site,” Mr Brown said.

“One of the highlights was our broadcast on site, we had a food area, and everything sold out and we had the puppy train express were dogs and owners had a ride around the park.”

Mr Brown thanked the community and sponsors for the support in making Dogs Day Out Festival an annual event.

Sponsors included Cairns Regional Council, Red Beret Hotel, Dogtainers Cairns and Disability Care FNQ.

from

$85

The Festa welcomes diverse cultures, featuring a delightful homemade Italian lunch and dessert. All accompanied by live Italian music from the dynamic duo, Attori. With an array of amazing prizes, purchase your tickets today 6TH

MENU

INCLUDED for esteemed awards at our Festa. We're celebrating tradition, family, friends, and food. for a chance to win big

Fusilli pasta with ragù

Italian meatballs in tomato sauce

Garlic green peas & tomato & onion

Golden potatoes with Italian herbs

Mediterranean green salad

Selection of Italian sweets

Century Cranes and SES crew erecting the climbing poles at the showground this week.

Kathryn Hamilton with bichon frise Teddy-Benson.

Two cute chihuahuas took a free ride to the dog festival.

PCYC free open days tomorrow

l CAIRNS REGION

PCYC Queensland is inviting the community to celebrate its 75th birthday at club open days – including Cairns and Edmonton –hosted statewide for the first time tomorrow (Saturday, July 8).

PCYC Queensland acting chief executive officer Mitch Ryder said for the first time in its 75-year history, clubs would host open days at the same time in recognition of the important milestone, something he saw as only fitting for the communityfocused organisation.

“PCYC Queensland has long been part of the Queensland community with its vision to build safer, healthier communities through youth development,” he said. “This can have been from being part of one of our many youth programs or sporting activities.

“The open days will be filled with free family fun, free classes, and lots of goodies”.

Both PCYC Cairns and Edmonton will open their doors from 9am-noon. PCYC Cairns will offer free entry for people to try activities including gym tours and activities, gymnastics and gold coin donation for the sausage sizzle, jumping castle, fairy floss, face painting and balloon animals. PCYC Edmonton also has free entry with a magic show, balloon sculpting, face painting and glitter tattoos, a DJ and sports activities.

Busting graffiti vandals

Inspired youth brighten up areas defaced by aimless young people

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

YOUNGSTERS have been painting colourful murals in public places in a bid to dissuade graffiti.

Native wildlife and vibrant colours have been splashed into artwork in three suburbs as part of Cairns Regional Council’s youth urban art project at Smithfield, Redlynch, and Mount Sheridan.

Smithfield State High School students worked with local artist Violet Shaban to paint a new mural at the pedestrian underpass along the Captain Cook Highway.

The art project is funded by the council, working with local artists and young people to reduce graffiti and tagging and increase community pride by adding a burst of new colour to highly visible public spaces.

The project allows local young people to learn new skills, clean mural sites, and paint artistic designs.

Division 8 Councillor Rhonda Coghlan said the murals positively engaged local young people and brightened up suburban sites.

“The murals are a fantastic way to give young people an opportunity to inject creativity and pride into really visible public

spaces,” she said. “Smithfield State High School students worked with a wonderful local artist to bring vibrancy to the pedestrian underpass which is used by many students each day.

“I have no doubt these students will take pride in seeing this colourful artwork before and after school.”

The 2023 project adds up to 21 murals from Babinda to the Northern Beaches since the pro-

gram started in 2018. The murals, led by artists Ms Shaban, Daniel ‘Wally’ Wallwork (Redlynch), and Sharon Wedel (Mount Sheridan), were hand-painted or sprayed. This year’s project featured young people from the youth justice department’s Transition to Success Program as well as students from Smithfield High School, Holy Spirit College and Newman College.

On behalf of St John’s Greek Orthodox Parish, St John’s Community Care, Redlynch Daycare Centre, we would like to thank everyone for attending, volunteering, and sponsoring our Annual Greek Festival. This event was such a success because of your contribution. We had over 7,000 people attend 2023 Greek Festival.

The feedback was positive, everyone enjoyed the Greek food, sweets, music, dancing, entertainment Zorba lessons, plate smashing, honey puff eating and olive spitting competitions, Belly Dancing, church tours and children’s activities.

We hope to see you all again next year in 2024 ! Ευχαριστώ - thank you

Artist Violet Shaban with the new mural at the pedestrian underpass along the Captain Cook Highway in Smithfield. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Legacy gets a hand up

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton ALMOST $3700 in donations collected during Cairns Regional Council’s two most recent free green waste disposal periods will assist Australian veterans and their families.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has presented $3695.30 to Far North Queensland Legacy.

Residents taking advantage of the council’s free green waste disposal periods in February and May were encouraged to make a voluntary gold coin donation to support the organisation.

Founded in 1923, Legacy provides social, emotional, developmental, and financial support to the families of Australia’s veterans.

This year also marks 90 years since the establishment of Legacy in the Far North, with all funds raised in 2023 to go towards establishing a Legacy House in FNQ, which will support families of veterans who have been affected by the loss of their spouse as well as for veterans transitioning back into the community following their deployment.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said FNQ Legacy was an organisation very close to his heart.

“I know many veterans and their loved ones who have benefited from good work Legacy undertakes,” he said.

“The community has certainly shown their support for this

Gold coin donations raise $3700 for welfare group

organisation – the total donations received equate to the fifth highest since we started collecting charity donations in April 2017.”

Far North Queensland Legacy president Mal McCullough thanked the community for their support.

“We appreciate the public

support of FNQ Legacy when placing a gold coin in the tin when dropping off their green waste,” he said.

“These donations will directly contribute to FNQ Legacy’s mission to establish Legacy House, a purpose-built facility in Cairns from which they will deliver vital support and

services to the families of our deceased or incapacitated veterans in order to help them rebuild their lives.

“FNQ Legacy also acknowledges the professional and friendly staff of Cairns Regional Council, who were onsite to assist residents during the drop-off period.

Bus wrap to support charity

l CAIRNS REGION

A KEY local partnership has formed between Kinetic and Far North Queensland Legacy. Kinetic has donated a bus wrap for the remainder of 2023 to advertise the Legacy House project. Legacy House will be a purpose-built facility from which Legacy will deliver vital services and support to families of our deceased or incapacitated veterans.

FNQ Legacy vice-president Ian Butler, a recently retired Kinetic bus driver, said he was grateful for the donation.

“I am proud to be a part of the Legacy and bus driving community and am grateful that the company feels the same. I thank (Cairns Kinetic manager) John O’Brien and the whole team at Kinetic and Go Transit for their generous donation in support of Legacy and our fundraising campaign for Legacy House.”

Mr O’Brien said the donation was testament to Mr Butler’s work, not only with Kinetic, but with Legacy.

“Their expertise and dedication ensured a smooth and efficient process, making it convenient for residents to dispose of their green waste responsibility. “

He said the initiative, not only promoted sustainable waste management, but also raised vital funds for Legacy.

“Ian was a valuable member of our team and having recently retired, we felt this was a great way to honour him and an organisation he is so passionate about,” he said. “We are proud to be supporting the great and vital work of FNQ Legacy.”

FNQ Legacy chief executive Rebecca Milliner said she was excited about the partnership.

Mayor Bob Manning (second from left) presents a cheque to FNQ Legacy representatives (from left) Melanie Allen, Cheryl Houldsworth, Ian Butler and Rebecca Milliner.

Capital works of $67.4m

l INNISFAIL

Cassowary Coast Regional CouncilBudget 2023-24

First big rise in years

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council plans to deliver a record

$67.4m capital works program this financial year.

In addition to focusing on renewals, the council will begin the delivery of three major projects, some of which are delivered over several years:

• $10.5m for all stages of the Mission Beach CBD upgrade

• $18.1m for stage one of the Cardwell sewerage treatment plant and normalisation program

• $8.8 million for the Hyatt Street water reservoir in Tully.

Other highlights:

• $1.6 million for recreation and natural areas including: $780,000 for Warrina Lakes Nature Play Space

• $380,000 for Banyan Park, Tully and $408,000 for recreation areas across the region.

• $5.3m towards road improvement programs, including $1.8m for 50km of road reseals across the region, $300,000 for Bowen St upgrade project, Cardwell, $350,000 for Flynn Rd, Mourilyan and $1.2m for Blackman Rd, Warrami.

• $1m for unsealed road renewals

• $1.5m for pathway renewals and upgrades including

• $5.2m from $3.6m in 20222023 into water main renewals.

Ratepayers slugged with 4.75 per cent increase in $93.2m budget

l INNISFAIL

| Nick Dalton

CASSOWARY Coast ratepayers face a 4.75 per cent rise this year after rates didn’t go up last year and have been below two per cent since 2015-16.

For most ratepayers it amounts to an extra $4.43 a week or $230 a year.

Like last year, the council is forecasting a deficit in the $93.2 million budget this year but reduced from $965,000 last year to $149,000.

Mayor Mark Nolan said the council focused on ensuring it was below the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase of 7.4 per cent.

He said the budget balanced the current financial pressures against delivering value to the community.

“Council, like our residents and businesses, is facing rising cost pressures from global and domestic factors and this has flow-on effects across council’s operations,” Cr Nolan said.

“The 2023-2024 budget aims to balance the cost-ofliving pressures, which we are all experiencing, with the investment needed to continue

to maintain and upgrade our existing services and facilities as well as grow our economy.

“This year’s budget is focused on our future, and investing in the people, places and spaces which make the Cassowary Coast great.”

Cr Nolan said the capital works budget invested “heavily in rehabilitating and improving our essential infrastructure – our roads, drainage, water and sewerage”.

He said the council would continue to offer a five per cent discount on general rates paid by the due date.

Cr Nolan said for those in hardship or just looking to manage household budgets, a wide range of payment arrangements were available.

“Through this budget council continues to support community and sporting groups as well as those more vulnerable,” he said.

“Council will retain the $300 pensioner rebate and interestfree payment arrangements. The pensioner rate rebate equates to over $720,000 in foregone revenue by council.

“Eligible community organisations will continue to receive a rating concession of 100 per cent which equates to a value

of over $200,000. “These concessions allow our community organisations, sporting groups and not-for-profits to reinvest back into the great work they do for our community.

“Leading our region is a significant responsibility. It is not

one this council takes lightly,” he said.

“We are focused on meeting our challenges and harnessing opportunities to provide longterm inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

“This year’s budget is firmly

focused on our future, investing in the people, places and spaces which make the Cassowary Coast great – One Coast: Cassowary Coast.”

For more information visit cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/publications-and-media/budget

Cassowary Coast Regional Council (from left) chief executive officer Andrew Graffen, Cr Teresa Millwood, Mayor Mark Nolan, Cr Trudy Tschui, Cr Nicholas Pervan, Cr Renee McLeod, Cr Barry Barnes, and Cr Jeff Baines.

Pasta heaven at festa

Competitions feature in Innisfail’s role in carnival

l INNISFAIL

| Gail Sedorkin

WHETHER you’re a champion spaghetti eater or a master at making pasta, there’s a competition at the Pasta & Sugo Festa in Innisfail just for you.

The competitions are part of a new event celebrating Italian culture in Innisfail on July 23, and one of the many additions to the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival running from July 21 to August 6.

Promising to be bigger and more delicious than last year, the 17-day festival will be celebrated across Cairns, Innisfail and Mareeba.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other at each and every event, including Innisfail’s Pasta & Sugo Festa which runs from 11am to 5pm.

“We are ‘pazzi per la pasta’ (crazy for pasta) and we know that many of our fellow ‘Innisfailians’ have migrated from Italy, so we want to showcase your pasta making skills and spaghetti eating skills,” he said.

“This year we welcome you to the Johnstone Shire Hall on Sunday, July 23 for the first edition of the Pasta & Sugo

Festa competition, a new and exciting event for the region filled with lots of laughter, and of course great food and company.

“Some of Australia’s best homemade pasta and sugo (sauce) makers will be contesting to take out the prestigious awards on offer. And of course you can’t have a pasta and sugo day without a spaghetti eating competition challenge.

“When it comes to pasta, Italy is unrivalled beyond doubt. As the world’s biggest producers and consumers – about 25 kg per person every year, unexpectedly followed by Tunisians – Italians are probably the only people happy to eat pasta more than once every day,” he said.

During the competition, each person will get a large bowl of spaghetti of identical weight. Players must eat the spaghetti without silverware and with their hands behind their backs.

The first person to eat all their spaghetti is the winner.

First prize in the challenge is $500, while the prizes for the Pasta & Sugo-making competition are $500 for the best homemade pasta, $500 for the best homemade sugo, and $1000 for the best combination of homemade pasta and sugo.

For more information visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

Songs add flavour to new party

l INNISFAIL

WHILE it’s definitely a major drawcard with the big prize money, there’s so much more to the Innisfail Pasta Sugo Festa than the competitions.

This addition to the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival at the Johnstone Shire Hall on July 23 is also a celebration of family, friends, music, tradition, and of course, food.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said live Italian music and entertainment would be provided by the fantastic duo, Attori, throughout the day.

“A major highlight of the day at the Johnstone Shire Hall is a magnificent feast of Italian antipasto, a buffet lunch and Italian desserts provided by the Innisfail sponsors, Oliveri’s Deli (antipasto), Roscoe’s Pizza Place (buffet) and Sapore Di Italia –Taste of Italy (dessert).

The Italian Antipasto Platter, authentic spaghetti with polpette, Mary’s beef ravioli with Bolognese sauce and assorted Italian cakes are just some of the tempting dishes.

“Come join Attori and celebrate everything that makes Italy so special, with comedy to make you laugh, and the chance to sing along with their powerful voices to popular songs such as ‘La Donna’, ‘Funiculi Funicula’, ‘Volare’, Il Mondo’ and many more,” Mr Cordenos said.

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

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

1.5 million will help us:

Large

Mary Balsamo and Gina Codotto are looking forward to this year’s Italian Festival, including the Pasta & Sugo Festa in Innisfail.

Record broken at popular Redlynch food, cultural and entertainment event

Thousands at Greek festival

l REDLYNCH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE annual St John’s Greek Festival, a family fun day and feast for the senses full of delectable foods and enthralling entertainment, broke attendance records with more than 7500 guests embracing the Greek panache last Sunday in Redlynch.

First celebrated in 1993 on a cane farm in Gordonvale, the Greek Festival, organised by not-for-profit St John’s Community Care, has grown to become one of the most important multicultural events in the Cairns calendar, celebrating the diversity of Greek culture, cuisine, and entertainment.

With only a gold coin donation on entry at the St John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Redlynch, participants enjoyed a massive array of food and beverage offerings, an afternoon filled with music and dance, raffles, and entertainment for children.

Festival chairman Theo Bacalakis said the event had been a great success.

“The weather on Saturday wasn’t very promising, but Sunday turned out to be a glorious day, so everyone came out to support the festival,” he said.

“We had 7500 people come through the gate. We broke last year’s record of 7000, and

we had some interstate visitors and tourists come through.

There was great entertainment and great food.” The festival’s program included a cooking

demonstration from Masterchef alum Philip Vakros, church tours and a plate-smashing contest. One highlight was the Queensland Cretan dance group.

* They may only be used for Rides, Games, or Food within the Sideshow Alley area.

Bonus Dollars cannot be spent on Showbags. Lost, stolen, damaged or unused

Bonus Dollars will not be refunded or replaced.

Mike Friganiotis was the festival’s MC. Pictures: Almando Anton

The Queensland Cretan dancers from Brisbane were a big hit with festival-goers.

Steven and Linda Gregg with Peter De Navi enjoyed the festival at Redlynch.

Kayley, Willow, Ann and Bek having a picnic.

Oliver, Stell and Max relaxing at the festival.

Tenille, Angela and Anne at one of the food stalls. Patrica Donnelly and Vanessa Maladfakis.

Thousands of dollars raised in global aerial campaign to stop disease

Fight to end polio

l AEROGLEN

|

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AMERICAN pilots John Ockenfels and Peter Teahan landed in Cairns this week as part of their End Polio Now awareness journey around the globe, successfully fundraising over $6000 for polio vaccines with the help of Rotary Clubs of Cairns. The total of $6200 raised in Cairns on July 4 will be matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, taking the funds up to $12,433, resulting in 88,813 polio vaccines that will be sent to countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic.

Mr Ockenfels and Mr Teahan have been travelling the globe since May in their single-engine aircraft, intending to visit 39 cities in 21 different countries in 90 days to fundraise $1 million – a goal that has already been achieved – to eradicate polio once and for all. Their stop in Cairns proved highly successful, with 80 people at the fundraiser party on Tuesday night at the Skytek hangar and 14 key sponsors and donors like Cairns Airport, Skytek, Hilton Cairns and more.

“The event in Cairns was outstanding, and it’s one of the top ones we’ve had so far,” Mr Ocken-

Ironman tips in $50,000

l MANOORA

fels said. “For a city of this size in a country that doesn’t have a focus on polio eradication, it was a great result.

“Mankind has only eradicated one disease in history – smallpox – and I believe polio will be the second.”

Cairns North resident and polio survivor Susanne Rea was one of the key speakers of the night. Ms Rea was diagnosed at the age of four in England before vaccines were available and struggles until this day with the aftermath of the illness.

“While the virus is living, all children worldwide are at risk,” Ms Rea said.

“People can travel without knowing they have polio in their gut, and then another outbreak can happen.

“So it was humbling that so many people in Cairns believe that we must eliminate this virus, and by their contribution, they have helped, so it’s a very significant achievement.”

Rotary Clubs of Cairns spokeswoman Rita Zappulla thanked the Cairns community for supporting the fight against polio.

“Big thanks, Cairns, for making us proud. The funds will allow us to provide 88,000 polio vaccines to third world countries,” she said.

Mr Ockenfels and Mr Teahan will now fly to Toowoomba .

MORE than $50,000 has been raised for COUCH (Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health) during this year’s Cairns Airport Ironman 70.3 Cairns. COUCH was the official charity partner for the event.

COUCH events and partnerships officer Bec Dent said this year involved “a team of amazing humans who participated in the 70.3 as individuals and teams for COUCH raising awareness and funds for our organisation”.

“Thank you to every member of Team COUCH,” she said.

“We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Together they have raised over $50,000 for COUCH,” she said.

Ms Dent said COUCH was grateful for the large number of sponsors and no event was possible without “an army of volunteers to give of their time and talents so generously.”

‘We appreciate you and all you do to help improve the lives of Far North Queenslanders impacted by cancer. Thank you for being our champions,” she said.

Ms Dent said all the profits from the fun run were donated to COUCH.”

“We had over 350 people participating this year,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing this number grow in 2024.”

End Polio Now pilots John Ockenfels (left) and Peter Teahan in their small plane. Picture: Supplied

on bike trail idea

l CARDWELL

THE Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails project has reached the business case study phase.

The proposed development will encompass a 94km, 26-trail mountain bike network through the World Heritage rainforests of Cardwell.

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP

deputy leader Nick Dametto said the aim was Cardwell becoming a “ride destination” that incorporated and promoted the cultural heritage of the Girramay people.

“The next stage of the project will be to engage with key stakeholders including local government and tourism bodies to discuss regional mountain biking strategies and promotions,” he said.

“Funding for environment and cultural assessments will be sought from the Queensland Government before commencing the approval and due diligence processes which will identify any potential environmental and cultural heritage impacts on the area.

“Projects such as the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails will give visitors from all around the globe the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of Hinchinbrook’s natural assets that we get to see and enjoy daily.”

Mr Dametto said it was an ideal eco-tourism venture.

City’s treasure trove

Special museum exhibition explores rich history of the Far North

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A UNIQUE collaboration between Cairns Museum and James Cook University (JCU) has brought an exhibition – 50 Treasures Revisited – exploring the people, places, and rich history of the Far North at Cairns Museum.

Until October 28, visitors and residents can visit 50 Treasures Revisited at Cairns Museum, a selection of 17 treasures from the JCU exhibition 50 Treasures – Celebrating 50 Years that was presented by JCU Library Special Collections at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville in 2020.

The curated selection includes a combination of physical and digital artefacts, like original manuscripts, artworks, historical sketches, photo albums and objects that tell the diversity of stories life in the tropical Far North.

Cairns Museum curator Dr Daniela Vávrová said visitors would be challenged to explore the meaning of the treasures and their significance.

“It is a great opportunity to see such rare items that are typically stored in archives from the JCU Special Collection. We are proud to host these treasures which possess particular significance to Far North Queensland,” Dr Vávrová said. JCU Townsville curator

and special collections manager Bronwyn McBurnie said the selection of treasures was catered to an FNQ audience.

“Cairns Museum approached us and said they wanted to bring the treasures to the Far North,” Ms McBurnie said. “These pieces were chosen because they were relevant to Far North

Queensland, which is the wet tropics, opposed to the dry tropics which is Townsville and so there are several creatives, Val Russell, Betty Hinton, Laurie Bragg, who live in the Far North and whose life has been spent in relation to the Far North.

“There’s a lot of diversity in this selection. There are objects,

manuscripts, handwritten material, beautiful artwork, botanical illustrations, there’s Indigenous work and there’s also digital content so you can listen to the lecture that Eddie Mabo gave to JCU education students in 1982, and hopefully you will go home and listen to the 50-minute talk.”

One remarkable item is an Orator’s Stool from Tegoi, in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, collected in 1972 by local collector Laurie Bragge who spent over 40 years as a Kiap (Australian patrol officer) in Papua New Guinea. For more information, visit www.cairnsmuseum.org.au

50 Treasures Revisited curators Dr Daniela Vávrová and Bronwyn McBurnie. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Lettersto the editor

In danger of losing free speech

WE are on the brink of losing our free speech Australia.

Apart from the cancel culture (which is bad enough), the newest threat is legislation that the government is trying to push through to censure anything they deem to be ‘misinformation or lies’ on social media.

The panel who will oversee what we can or cannot say is at the ACMA website. Time to lodge a complaint before it is too late (info@acma.gov. au).

If this doesn’t raise hairs on the back of your neck, it should because without free speech we have a government similar to the CCP (China Communist Party).

We had a little taste of it during COVID. Lockdowns and censorship similar to what we are experiencing now if anyone differs in opinion about such things as climate change, gender, the Voice or other topics the government want to push or suppress.

Of course, the government will be exempt from such legislation so they can carry on with their own lies and disinformation without penalty. Wow. Talk about “Do as I say, not as I do”.

It is bizarre to think that the whole world has been taken in by these ideologies to the point where we are in danger of losing all the freedoms we fought for.

All the base principals of democracy that our soldiers fought for are going down the drain and soon we will be living in a totalitarian world

of ‘group think’ where individuals are not allowed to disagree without extreme penalties. What next? Close off our bank accounts? Don’t think it can’t happen because it already is happening, i.e. the truckers in Canada had their bank accounts frozen for protesting. Now Nigel Farage in the UK (formally the Brexit leader), has had his bank accounts cancelled.

So, make no mistake, this could happen here in Australia if people don’t start to speak up when they see something that is not right and lodge complaints about unfair legislation.

Suppressing free speech has no place in a democratic country like Australia and if we want to keep it that way we must speak out.

Suzy Malkinson, Cairns

Voice referendum was promised

BRUCE Jones, Innisfail, (letters 1/7) is not being fair dinkum when he says the Voice referendum lacks definitions of words.

By current Australian law, all words are defined by their first meaning in the Macquarie dictionary, e,g. advice: ‘an opinion recommended’.

It is only three sentences to be added to our Constitution and the first two law officers of the Commonwealth, one of whom was appointed by the previous government, have cleared the wording.

At the last election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood promising us a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by giving them a Voice.

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question: What do you think about Krispy Kremes being available in Cairns at the new 7-Eleven store? Here are some of your comments.

I prefer locally made Duke’s Donuts.

Meredith Wilsch, Facebook

Meh, not a fan. Rather fresh hot GF from OMG donuts.

Megs Cairns, Facebook

Fantastic.

Rachael Lacey, Facebook

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

Do you think Queensland’s First Nations Cultural Centre should be in Cairns and why?

@cairnslocalnews

If Mr Jones doesn’t like our current laws or he doesn’t believe that the ALP really won the election or he doesn’t believe that election promises should be kept, he should just spit it out. Say it proud, say it loud. By saying that Albo should

Hungry.

Jon Costelle, Facebook

I think I’ll go and buy the whole shop. Lol.

Loz Sulyana, Facebook

I feel like the new servo will always be out of stock for these. Lol.

Doug Robertson, Facebook

break his election promise and change it into two questions, Mr Jones is suggesting that the LNP ‘no’ faction would support one of the two questions.

Really? If they supported any kind of recognition of ATSI peoples

I will wait for a month or two for it to die down then will go and get some.

Darryl Luki, Facebook

Good lord, my diet will have to wait.

Kiri Richardson, Facebook

We have Dukes Doughnuts in Mossman/Port Douglas made here and eaten here. Yum.

Susan Davenport, Facebook

They are so overrated.

Dominika Circosta-Kucera, Facebook

Walked in today at about 2pm and they were all gone. Anyone know when they get restocked?

Makayla Peirce, Facebook

at all they would have put their own referendum years ago. Clearly most of the LNP is against any change requested by ATSI peoples. They want the same old system of rorted grants and waste to continue.

Sean McGinn, Clifton Beach

Free kindergarten care comes at cost of teacher shortage

IN the Queensland Government’s recent budget announcement, a large focal point was on a funding increase for kindergartenaged children.

From January 1, 2024, all children in Queensland who attend a government-approved program will be offered 15 hours of free kindergarten a week, equating to 600 hours per year.

While the announcement has been generally viewed favourably, experts are warning that labour shortages in early childhood could hinder the programs’ goals and objectives, outlining

Childcare with Sandie

that more qualified educators are needed to accommodate for kindergarten students and their families.

It’s hard to see how the kindergarten program will meet its objectives, of children’s access

COUNCIL

Temporary closure of Tobruk 50 metre pool

Maintenance works will start at the end of this month to replace joint sealant on the 50 metre swimming pool at Tobruk Memorial Pool.

The 50 metre pool will be closed from Monday 31 July to Sunday 8 October as the pool needs to be empty for the maintenance works.

The works are part of scheduled maintenance, which needs to be undertaken to maintain a watertight seal, improve the visual appearance of the pool, and ensure the safety of patrons.

All other facilities, including the 25m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, toddler pool, Flowrider, Coaching Zone, fitness facilities, trampoline park and kiosk will remain open.

to high quality early years education, with such a labour shortage.

The free kindergarten program is great news for Queensland families for whom cost is a barrier to their child’s participation. But cost is only one barrier. Other barriers include availability of culturally appropriate welcoming services, and non-fee costs of attending early childhood, such as transport. And these barriers differ across geographic locations. While the expansion of the kindergarten program should help, more needs to be done to

engage and support participation of children who are not currently attending services: In short, governments need to work with the sector to identify solutions to localised problems with attendance.

One of the biggest challenges facing early childhood across the country is the huge workforce shortage, particularly of early childhood teachers. It’s hard to see how the kindergarten program will meet its objectives, of children’s access to high quality early years education, with such a labour shortage.

A further challenge is that the funding is only for 7.5 hours a day. While this covers the day in a kindergarten early learning service, most children receive their early learning in long-day care services, which operate for up to 11 hours a day.

This disparity between hours and funding will bring further complications to an already complex system and may ultimately result in children actually receiving less hours of education than they currently do.

All Australian governments need to work together to address

Feedback wanted on Jeff Pezzutti Park plan

of Council’s website. The consultation period ends Monday 14 August.

the urgent shortage of educators, particularly early childhood teachers. We know that early childhood teachers are key to providing high quality early learning for children and their families. Currently, one in four long day care centres in Queensland are operating below the minimum requirements for teachers, because they are unable to find a teacher.

Sandie Wong is a professor in early childhood and co-deputy director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood Education at Macquarie University

Improvement works

St, Cairns City: Water main replacement between Aplin St and Florence St. Traffic control and parking changes. Chaplain Ave, Manunda: Water main upgrade from Monday 1 July. Traffic control as required. Woodward St, Whitfield: Bank stabilisation works from 191 to 199 Woodward St from Monday 10 July. Traffic control as required.

For a full list of works visit Council’s website.

Go paperless to win

Opt in to receive your rates and water usage notices by email and you could win one of four $250 gift cards. Switch by 31 August 2023. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/paperless for details.

Gazza’s Gossip

Breakfast from 6am on Douglas FM 101.5FM

It’s nearly time to splash out

l PORT DOUGLAS

THIS year is definitely flying as we now enter the second half of 2023. It was back in mid-February that I covered the story about Douglas Shire Council securing funding to deliver a splash park in Port Douglas by May, 2024

Back in late 2020, the council conducted a survey about splash parks and swimming pools. A total of 85 per cent of people were in favour of a splash park and 68 per cent of the local population were in favour of a second swimming facility in Port Douglas.

While there is currently no available funding to design and construct a swimming pool, the splash park is now a reality and the Douglas Shire Council, back in February, asked the community to choose between either Jalunbu Park behind the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club or Reynolds Park, on Davidson Street. The council also asked input into its design.

There was also the opportunity for people to give their opinion and level of support for the public swimming facility in Port Douglas and to decide whether it should be a 50m lap pool or free-form lagoon.

Word on the street, in February,

suggested that Jalunbu Park was the current favourite splash park location, but this, at the time, was yet to be confirmed.

Well, now the results are in and these were made public at last week’s monthly ordinary council meeting.

February’s public consultation feedback indicated that 44 per cent of respondents selected Jalunbu Park as the preferred location for the future splash park, while Reynolds Park only returned 24 per cent of the local’s vote.

Furthermore, 61 per cent of participants in the survey indicated that they want a free-form lagoon instead of a

50m pool. Interestingly, 46 per cent of locals want the splash park and lagoon to be located next to each other.

As a result of all of this, a motion was presented at last week’s council meeting ‘to note the public confirming Jalunbu Park as the preferred location for a splash park’. This was carried 4-1.

Back around the time of the initial survey, an information brochure was released on the council’s website which indicated the splash park would have a cost of around $1.2 million and an annual operating cost of $110,000.

Another interesting fact, which leaves me a little confused, is that the

brochure also said entry to any future splash park in Port Douglas would be free. It appears now that this may or may not be the case and is yet to be decided.

Hopefully, when all is said and done, this project will be a major plus for the Douglas Shire, considering also that a couple of projects have recently been given the elbow for one reason or another.

I’m off to iron my swimmers, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send

Douglas locals such as Gazza are getting ready to take the splash, and inset: Jalunbu Park is the preferred site for the splash park.

Wining and Dining

Smoking hot barbecue store

Family-owned Cairns BBQ Company celebrates happy fourth birthday as retail outlet

l PORTSMITH

FROM humble beginnings as a small hobby barbecue business run afterhours out of a home garage, Cairns BBQ Company is now celebrating four years this July as a fulltime retail outlet operating six days a week.

Drew and Penny White are now servicing Cairns and surrounding regions with a huge range of barbecue sauces, barbecue rubs, smokers, barbecues, firepits, rotisseries, smoking timbers, Australian Charcoal and even selected cuts of meat which makes Cairns BBQ Company a “one-stop barbecue shop.” Starting six years ago with a small selection of locally sourced smoking timbers and some basic barbecue rub and sauce brands, the couple grew the business bigger and bigger and soon a lot more space was required to stock a larger selection of barbecue goodies and in July 2019, Cairns BBQ Company opened a full-time shop at the current location of 1A/84 Aumuller St, Portsmith.

Cairns BBQ Company stocks barbecue brands such as Napoleon BBQ, Big Green Egg, Blues Hog Sauces, Green Mountain Grills Pellet smokers, Ooni pizza ovens, Ozpig, Sweet Baby Rays, Masterbuilt, Lanes BBQ rubs and Sauces, Hark BBQ and

Flaming Coals spits and rotisseries. The couple have a wealth of barbecue and smoker knowledge and there isn’t much they haven’t cooked, smoked or grilled, so they have plenty of experience and knowledge for customers.

To celebrate the fourth birthday, a birthday sale and demonstrations on site are being held between 9am-2pm on July 15.

A Big Green Egg, Hark and Green Mountain Grills rep will be on site, with cooking demonstrations and ready to answer any questions.

There will be smoker and cooker demonstrations all morning. The Big Green Egg will be fired up with Brazilian picanha on the rotisserie and the Ooni Pizza oven will be fired up showing just how fast you can cook a pizza at 450 degrees.

Birthday specials:

• Minimum 10 per cent off all barbe-

cue rubs and sauces

20 per cent off Hark Texas Pro Pit

Offset smokers

• 20 per cent off Masterbuilt Gravity

Fed smokers

• 40 per cent off Chefs Choice 10kg

Gidgee BBQ Charcoal

• More specials in store on the day.

Cairns BBQ Company is at 1A/84 Aumuller St, Portsmith or visit www.cairnsbbqcompany.com.au

Penny and Drew White are celebrating four years of their Cairns BBQ Company at Portsmith.

Spotlight on Douglas

Resort chief judged the best

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort picks up three gongs at prestigious leisure luxury awards

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Nick Dalton

PORT Douglas hospitality boss

Steve Molnar has been judged the best hotel general manager in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards.

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas general manager also picked up silver in the Australian hotel pools category, and was ranked third in the beach island hotels category.

The awards celebrate the cream of the crop across a variety of categories in the Asia Pacific region – from five-star urban escapes to private-island resorts, innovative spas, Instagram-worthy swimming pools, airports, cruises, extraordinary talent, immersive travel experiences and more.

Nominees are selected by Travel + Leisure’s team of editors and expert contributors, with voting open to anyone, anywhere.

According to the Travel + Leisure’s website Steve Molnar was “voted best in his category for leading the hotel and its team through a handful of awards nominations and acknowled-

gments and has a strong commitment to sustainability and guest experience”.

Mr Molnar said it was an honour to be recognised in the awards in their inaugural year

for the Asia Pacific region. He said it “cemented the incredible offering of our resort on

the map internationally”.

“We pride ourselves on delivering an offering at the resort

that brings to life the quintessentially North Queensland experience and reinforces Sheraton’s position as the world’s gathering place – from our Sheraton Signature Experiences, to our sparkling saltwater lagoons and relaxed beachside lifestyle, to a diverse culinary offering across seven bars and restaurants,” Mr Molnar said.

“We’ve been recognised in categories we care so deeply for which is a testament to the dedication of our entire team to making each and every guest’s experience with us exceptional and memorable.”

The resort has also been recognised on an international scale at the Conde Nast 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards Survey in the resorts category.

The awards celebrate the best in international travel across categories including cruise, accommodation, destinations, spas, beaches and more. Reader voting closed on June 30.

The property features two hectares of spectacular swimmable pools, including eight saltwater lagoons with sandy beaches and a freshwater pool with swim up bar.

Sheraton resort boss Steve Molnar of Port Douglas has won the best hotel general manager in the Travel + Leisure Luxury awards.

Disaster Dashboard at your fingertips

CAMERAS providing a bird’s eye view of bridges and other flood-prone locations feature in a “one-stop disaster shop” produced by Douglas Shire Council.

The Douglas Dashboard app has officially been launched to complement Council’s disaster resilience strategy.

The Douglas Dashboard allows users to register for free real-time sms/email alerts, features weather warnings, updates on road conditions, power outages, a link to ABC Far North radio and access to Council’s social media updates.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the app allowed people to have vital information at their fingertips before, during and after a severe

weather event.

“The Douglas Dashboard really is a one-stop disaster shop for both local residents and people visiting the area,” he said.

“When people are feeling under pressure and are in the process for preparing for a potential disaster, we want to arm them with up-to-date information, very simply and quickly. The app will assist in achieving this goal.

“It has been a few years since we’ve been severely impacted by a major weather event but Council’s disaster management team has been working hard on a range of resilience initiatives that’ll prove important when the community is next challenged by natural hazards such as cyclones, monsoons or flooding.”

Tirana all smiles following citizenship ceremony

NEW Australian citizen Tirana Kalali could be providing oral examinations for FNQ residents in the near future.

Ms Kalali was a dentist in her home country of Iran and is now only months away from securing the same qualifications in Australia.

“It has been a long and costly journey here in Australia to have my international qualifications accepted and become a qualified dentist in Australia,” Ms Kalali said.

“I have my final practical exam in September, once qualified I am

committed to becoming a valued member of the dental profession in the Douglas Shire.”

The 41-year-old is unapologetically career minded, but when you drill down into her life, it is clear the Iranian-born student is just happy to call Australia home.

“I’m so glad I chose Port Douglas back in 2017 and I am so happy living there; it’s like I’m always on holiday,” she said.

“I consider all my friends there as my family and I’m sincerely grateful for everything they have

done for me.

“I think a smaller city or town makes it easier for the immigrants at the beginning because it’s really a small community and you can know everyone in your street.”

The “holiday” lifestyle she experiences in the Douglas Shire is a far cry from the life she had in her home country.

“Most people have heard about all the protests and all the things that are happening to especially women in Iran,” Ms Kalali said

“There’s no freedom on where you

go, what you wear and women are like property for men. You cannot do whatever you want to do there, people live in a different and difficult situation there.

“The situation in my home country of Iran upsets me so much, not only the suffering of young women, but young men too.

“Fortunately I come from a wonderful and well educated family in Iran, my siblings are doctors, an engineer and my father was a lawyer, my mother supported everyone in the family to reach their

goals, they value education.”

Ms Kalali was one of 20 Douglas Shire residents to receive a citizenship certificate from Mayor Michael Kerr at a ceremony in Mossman late last month.

Douglas Shire Mayor Cr Kerr said he was pleased to welcome so many new citizens to the Douglas Shire. “These people have chosen to become an Australian citizen because they seek the special qualities of peace, prosperity and harmony which characterise the Australian lifestyle,” he said.

The Douglas Dashboard is a vital “one-stop shop” app during natural disasters.

Iranian Tirana Kalali, a Port Douglas resident since 2017, is now an Australian citizen.

Tirana Kalali plans to open a dental clinic in Port Douglas.

More entries needed for Mossman Show

WHEN it comes to participation chicken lovers are at the top of the pecking order but organisers of the Mossman Show are hoping other people share their agricultural flair at this month’s event.

Entries to the poultry section have been so strong in recent years that the chicken pavilion has undergone an extensive upgrade.

But at this stage the other categories haven’t been as popular.

Submissions are desperately needed in a range of areas including agriculture, horticulture, cooking, craft and photography.

Mossman and District Show Society President Matthew Hatfield said the opportunities to showcase your talents were diverse.

“Some people don’t know what you can exhibit. Some people might have honey or

they might have a bunch of bananas. Bring them in we want to fill the pavilion right up,” he said.

“There’s bragging rights for the winners and a bit of fun for the rest of the participants.

“You get a couple of dollars for the best chook, or in other categories, but importantly for the kids you also get ribbons; they love that.”

Mr Hatfield said there has also been a big push to get teenagers involved in the “Young Judges Cattle Competition”.

“They’ll have the support of Elders who are always looking to train people and for some that leads to career opportunities,’ Mr Hatfield said.

‘We’re trying to bring more of the community spirit back in the towns again. We are trying to bring back that small-town pride.”

Reconciliation garden for Mossman High

A CORNER of Mossman State High School, nestled in behind lush playing fields, is being transformed into an important place of reflection and growth for students.

The Reconciliation Garden is taking shape under the guidance of the school’s Agricultural Assistant Neil Pacey who for years has seen potential in the site.

“I pass this area every day and I think it is one of the most beautiful spots at the school, with established trees and the rainforest growth. So I thought I could do something with it,” Mr Pacey said

“We want to create an area where the kids come down to try traditional foods and

native bush tucker. It could be used as a teaching space with medicinal plants and of course there’ll be some established trees as well.”

Mr Pacey said he had worked with First Nations groups to ensure the garden wasn’t based on a “white-man’s perspective of an indigenous garden”.

Mossman based Aboriginal Corporation Jabalbina will be assisting with the project – Reef Assist project coordinator Jason Petersen said it was a positive initiative.

“It’s a good little project for the kids to actually learn about natives and what there is to eat (in native gardens),” Mr Petersen said.

“Once it’s fully established, it won’t matter if kids have left their lunch at home, they can just come down and have a feed.

“Hopefully the kids can make it their own and have a bit of pride.”

School captain Andaman Travis said he was looking forward to seeing the completed project.

“It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful garden and anything we can do to give respect to the Indigenous people is amazing,” Andaman said.

“A lot of high school kids get stressed because of their work; they get very stressed because of personal issues.

“So to have a garden where you can come just chill out and sit down and reconnect with yourself or feel nature - it’s going to be a really good addition to the school.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr attended the garden’s official opening during Reconciliation Week.

“It is exciting to think the garden will provide a meaningful place for the school community to gather and reflect for years to come,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing how students and teachers involved in this garden grow in their understanding of reconciliation and of course seeing this space flourish.”

Mossman State School’s new Reconciliation Garden.

Proud lifeguard tradition continues on Four Mile Beach

LIFEGUARDS will continue to monitor an iconic stretch of North Queensland coastline under a new deal secured by the Douglas Shire Council.

The $1.4 million contract ensures Surf Life Saving Queensland will maintain a vigilant presence along Four Mile Beach until at least 2027.

The agreement includes:

• one lifeguard on duty 365 days of the year;

• a second lifeguard on duty during the June/July school holidays;

• a second lifeguard on duty during the Christmas school holidays;

• a second lifeguard on duty during the September school holidays; and

• a second lifeguard on duty during the Easter school holidays.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said without lifeguard services in place the stinger enclosure at Four Mile Beach would need to be removed and the area would no longer be designated as a regulated bathing reserve.

“Lifeguards allow us to offer tourists and locals safe swimming all year round,” he said.

“The service includes the all-important stinger nets which are dragged each day when in place from November to May.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland has monitored Four Mile Beach since 1989.

Meantime Four Mile Beach has become more accessible with a new beach wheelchair available.

The wheelchair is stored at the surf lifeguard tower.

NEW BENCH TO REMEMBER CROC ATTACK VICTIM

A NEW memorial honouring the life of a Far North crocodile attack victim has been installed by Douglas Shire Council.

Cindy Waldron was killed in the attack at Thornton Beach in Daintree in May, 2016.

A bench in remembrance of Ms Waldron was installed near Thornton’s beach café in 2018 but was then removed, without council approval, late last year.

Cindy’s new seat now sits under a Melaleuca tree directly adjacent to the café.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Ms Waldron’s family was appreciative of Council’s efforts to install a new bench. “Cindy’s death was tragic and we understand the disappointment her family and friends experienced when they discovered this memorial had been removed unexpectedly,” Cr Kerr said.

“We hope the new bench will provide them with a place to reflect on her life for years to come.”

NAIDOC newbies to shine on playgroup runway

“FOR OUR ELDERS” is the theme for National NAIDOC Week but it could be a group of catwalk-strutting children who take the spotlight in the Douglas Shire’s upcoming celebrations.

Judges at the Goobidi Baby Show, now in its fourth year, will be looking for the best-dressed boy and girl while one lucky entrant will hold the prestigious title of “Cheekiest Personality”.

Goobidi Playgroup acting coordinator Keearna Costello said it was a fun activity for families with children aged 0-5.

“The kids walk the runway and it’s about showcasing our culture during NAIDOC Week,” Ms Costello said.

“There are children who

dress like traditional dancers.

“Some of them are shy but some of them just get out there and love it and really strut their stuff on the catwalk.

“We haven’t once had a kid chuck a tantrum because everybody here is a winner and they get to take something home; a keepsake.”

Ms Costello said the Goobidi Baby Show highlights the importance of different generations within Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.

“The children are our upcoming generation; they are going to keep our culture going and they love our old people,” she said.

“The Elders are our

storytellers and our children are growing up to be our storytellers.

“I think children take in our culture at a young age without even realising it.”

The Goobidi Baby Show is one of numerous activities organised as part of NAIDOC Week in the shire.

There will be a church service at Mossman Gorge, a flag-raising ceremony at the Council Administration Building in Mossman, an Elders Lunch, a street parade and a “Day in the Park” event.

The Kubirriwarra Yalanji Art & Culture Exhibition will be open daily from July 11-16. Head to the Douglas Shire Council website for more details.

Surf Life Saving Queensland will maintain a vigilant presence along Four Mile Beach until at least 2027.

A new memorial bench honouring the life of crocodile attack victim Cindy Waldron has been installed at Thornton Beach.

Goobidi Playgroup mum Caroline Petersen with her two sons Texas and Sonny.

Business migrants tour shire

HOW COUNCIL SPENDS EVERY $100:

SOME of the shire’s most exciting eco, energy and tourism projects have been spruiked to a group of new Australians keen to invest in Far North Queensland.

The business migrants, predominantly from China and Taiwan, were part of a tour organised by Regional Development Australia North in conjunction with Migration Queensland.

Renewable energy experts Volt Advisory Group, Climate Force (rainforest regeneration), Far North Milling/Daintree Bio Precinct, battery producer Enserv Australia, Green Food Australia and Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas showcased their investment potential during the visit.

The business migrants’ tour extended across FNQ but Mayor Michael Kerr said the Douglas Shire was the place to support.

“We are close enough to Cairns to still be a thrilling location for businesses and enterprise,” he said.

“With Cairns International Airport to the south offering the gateway to Asia, high speed internet across key business centres, and a strong visitor market, the Douglas Shire is a gem for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.

“Importantly this is a place where you can find the perfect lifestyle and livelihood.”

High achievers of a different kind were also recognised at the Far North Milling Coastal Productivity Awards

Far North Milling celebrates the winners of the highest tonnes of sugar per hectare across the seven different zones within the Mossman area.

“Congratulations to all the winners and fingers crossed for a successful harvest season,” Mayor Kerr said.

Hologram croc adds theatre to Daintree

A CROCODILE cruising through water and some nervous tree kangaroos scanning the night sky only metres from your seat; that’s part of the new hologram experience at the Daintree Discovery Centre theatre.

The theatre also has improved accessibility for visitors with a boardwalk ramp another new addition for 2023.

Both the revamped theatre and ramp were officially opened by Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr.

“In my other role as the president of the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas, I can really appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into making a theatre a success,” he said.

“And by installing a new ramp the centre will improve visitor experience for years to come.

WHAT’S ON - JULY 2023

• Saturday 1st – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 2nd – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Saturday 8th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 9th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Sunday 9th – NAIDOC Church Service, Mossman Gorge, 5pm

• Monday 10th – NAIDOC Week Opening Ceremony, Council Administration Office, Mossman, 10am

• Monday 10th – Kubirriwarra Art & Culture Exhibtion Opening, Port Douglas Community Hall, 6pm

• Tuesday 11th – Goobidi Baby Show, Goobidi, Johnson Road, Mossman, 10am

• Tuesday 11th – Netball Fast 5, Port Douglas Sports Complex, 4:30pm

been working hard to keep the immersive experience under wraps.

“To educate our visitors about First Nations culture, visitors from all over the world, is a huge part of the Daintree story,” Ms Ralph said.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve seen it but it still gives me goosebumps and I’m sure other people will get the same experience.”

Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust Fred Pascoe said his organisation had no hesitation supporting the upgrades.

“I guess when these guys brought this concept to my attention I jumped on it pretty quickly because it is an effective way of highlighting the importance of the original owners (of Daintree),” Mr Pascoe said.

TOTAL REVENUE $50.8M

“This is yet another reminder that the tourism offered at the Daintree Rainforest just keeps getting better and better.”

Manager Abi Ralph said the centre had

“I wanted to give their perspective and education to every visitor that comes.”

The attraction allows visitors to go on country or ‘walkabout’ with Kuku Yalanji man Juan Walker of Walkabout Culture Adventures.

• Tuesday 11th – Special Council Meeting, 10am

• Wednesday 12th – Mossman Gorge Gateway Markets, Mossman Gorge, 10am – 2pm

• Thursday 13th – Elders Lunch, Mossman Shire Hall, 10:30am

• Friday 14th – NAIDOC Street Parade, Starting at Council Administration Office, 10am

• Friday 14th – NAIDOC Day in the Park, George Davis Park, Mossman, 10:30am

• Saturday 15th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 16th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Saturday 22nd – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 23rd – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

• Sunday 23rd – Monday 24th – Mossman Annual Show

• Tuesday 25th – Ordinary Council Meeting, 10am

• Saturday 29th – Mossman Markets, 7am – 1pm

• Sunday 30th – Port Douglas Sunday Markets, 8am – 1.30pm

Sugar cane growers were recognised at last month’s Far North Milling Coastal Productivity Awards.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr (centre) with Councillors from left Abigail Noli, Roy Zammataro, Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Peter McKeown at the launch of the Daintree Discovery Centre’s new theatre and boardwalk.

Spotlight on Douglas

Charming township has it all

l MOSSMAN

THERE’S more to the Douglas Shire than just Port Douglas.

Fifteen minutes north is the town centre of Mossman where the Douglas Shire Council headquarters is.

The industrial and farming town is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.

It has a hospital, a comprehensive shopping centre with a Woolworths, a showground, a swimming pool, golf club and all-weather bowls club, state and Catholic primary schools and a high school.

The state school has just celebrated its 125th anniversary.

There is a sugar mill, churches, aged care and the Mossman Gorge.

Mossman offers a unique blend of urban convenience and rustic charm and the township offers locals and visitors shopping that saves people from travelling to Cairns.

There’s clothing, workwear and footwear from Ives Mensland, the latest ladies fashion at Casa Mia, tempting food, coffee and Italian providores from Temptations Café and Bar.

If gold is your interest you can even get prospecting equipment from Prospectors and Miners FNQ. For the freshest of locally sourced

meats, you can’t go past Mossman Meat House or for all your property selling or management expertise and advice there’s Raine & Horne Mossman. If you need spare parts or vehicle accessories you can get it at Auto Pro Mossman.

Looking for something on the healthy side then pop into the gem of a store, Yum Yum’s Health Foods, where you can get all your organic, vegan health foods and fresh produce or indulge in a delicious soft serve yoghurt cone.

Mossman is a place that has something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, Mossman has much to offer.

From exploring the Daintree rainforest to swimming in the Mossman Gorge, this beautiful town has no shortage of things to see and do.

Mossman has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The town was named after Hugh Mosman, a prospector who discovered gold in the area.

The discovery of gold led to a rush of miners, and the town quickly grew into a bustling hub of activity.

Today, the town retains much of its historic charm, with many of its original buildings still standing.

Mossman’s country town atmosphere is just away 21km from the hustle and bustle of Port Douglas.

Take a drive to Mossman to discover shopping, history, nice scenery and friendly people

Spinifex Gum featuring Marliya, Emma Douovan, Felix Riebl

Photographer: David Harris

TimeOut

Flow of cultures at expo

|

FNQ dancers sought for Moulin Rouge auditions

l EDGE HILL

| Gail Sedorkin

THE most famous cabaret in the world is back to audition for dancers in Cairns on July 20.

The Moulin Rouge will welcome the chosen artists from these auditions into the current show Féerie and into its team of dancers.

For many years, the artists from Australia have been the most represented nationality among the cast, including Cairns dancer Rhylee Hensler, who was chosen in 2017 and was dancing for

the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Paris from 2018 to the start of 2022.

The Moulin Rouge artistic team, who was last here in 2018, is now in Australia to pick up new talent for the cabaret in Paris.

Eagerly awaited, the Moulin Rouge’s first casting outside Europe since COVID-19 will take place in Australia under the expert eye of Janet Pharaoh, artistic director of the Moulin Rouge and assisted by Erik Sorensen, resident choreographer. Miss Pharaoh said she expected to employ at least 25 Australian dancers in the

next year found at the nationwide auditions. “Australia is the most represented nationality at the Moulin Rouge because you have so many good dancers with great spirit and personality. The dancers here are naturally tall, athletically built, healthy and beautiful,” she said.

“You also have so many good, organised dance schools so there is a massive choice of dancers for us.”

Miss Pharaoh said there was no restriction on the number of dancers at auditions. “We want to see them all, their personality, and

what kind of person they are. We can’t see that on a video. We have to make sure they are the right person for us.”

She said the auditions were long, but it was important to see the dancers performing different dance styles and to talk to them.

Dancers are encouraged to register for the auditions in Cairns on Thursday, July 20 from 11.30am at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, 96 Abbott Street. Register at: https:// www.moulinrouge.fr/en/auditions-2023/ However in Cairns, Miss Pharaoh said dancers could also turn

up and register on the day. “I also strongly encourage male dancers to please turn up.”

The lucky dancers will travel to Paris for a month of rehearsals and will join the team of 80 artists, from 17 different nationalities. Castings will be based on strong classical dance and advanced modern/jazz training as well as minimum size (175cm tall for female dancers and 185cm for male dancers), well-balanced figure but also and mainly personality, charisma and the capacity to assimilate choreography (the minimum age is 18).

l MANOORA

Gail Sedorkin

SHOWCASING the rich diversity and artistic talent of Far North Queensland’s First Nations artists, UMI Arts’ 10th annual Freshwater Saltwater exhibition officially opens tonight.

Featuring 20 works on canvas and paper, fabrics, ceramics and artefacts by 11 of the region’s best-known, mid-career to established artists, Freshwater Saltwater is UMI Arts’ popular, premium exhibition.

UMI Arts’ exhibitions and gallery officer Robyne Pacey said Freshwater Saltwater was a curated group exhibition featuring a distinct and diverse line-up of artists spanning two distinct cultural groups. She said the exhibition was so named to reflect Far North Queensland’s two distinct and diverse cultures from an artistic perspective in which mainland Aboriginal custodians were mostly connected to ‘freshwater’ while Torres Strait Islanders find a closer association to ‘saltwater’.

Cairns dancer Rhylee Hensler was dancing for the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Paris from 2018 to the start of 2022. Pictures: Marc Millar

Mareeba artist Connie Rovina with Cooya Beach artist Kassandra Savage at UMI Arts.

Picture: Supplied

Costumes, props and cast delight at Rondo Uni’s art exhibition at CIAF

l EDGE HILL | Gail Sedorkin

KEVIN Shorey is understandably proud of Cairns Little Theatre’s latest production, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Director of Oscar Wilde’s most famous comedy at the Rondo Theatre, he sings the praises of cast, crew, volunteers, supporters and producer Narelle Shorey.

His role has been far-reaching for Earnest, from guiding the talented cast, to painting “each and every floorboard” of the Rondo stage.

Though it may seem an unusual way to start a review, the cleverness of the stage is integral to the play moving seamlessly from scene to scene.

Staged “in the round”, the three locations – the London flat, Woolton Manor House garden and the Manor House drawing room – are blocked out on the stage with appropriate furniture.

The clever use of lighting means each section is lit as required (as well as birdsong added when in the ‘garden’), saving time between scenes and avoiding a lot of heavy lifting of the sumptuous, but weighty, restored period furniture.

The actors for this witty comedy are about young love and all its trials and tribulations have been carefully chosen and cleverly matched.

Duos that work particularly well together are main characters Jack

Worthing (played by Barry McGinley) with Algernon Moncrieff (Kurtis Lowden); Jack with his love interest, the Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax (Heather Baker) is just delightful, as is Algernon with Cecily Cardew, an 18-yearold played very convincingly by Alice Bosanquet. Lady Bracknell (Cath Willacy) upholds all things traditional and is a good foil, particularly for young and often ‘ditzy’ Cecily.

Reverend Chasuble (Kier Shorey) is the perfect pairing for Miss Prism (Debbie Dean), and while they don’t appear together, butlers Lane (Joshua Holt) and Merriman (Paul Hynes) provide a solid counterpoint for all the characters.

As mentioned before, kudos must go to the production and backstage teams, however this review would not be complete without mentioning the costumes and their creators.

Wendy Robins designed and created the outfits for the “Earnest” men, while couturier, Paul Harrison, produced original designs and handcrafted all the women’s period costumes.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Gwendolen’s first appearance was breathtaking – you’ll understand when you see her. Millinery by Juanita Henry and hair design by Delvine Scott completed each costume.

Performances run through until July 15 with a matinee on July 9. For more details and bookings, visit www.therondo.com.au/book or phone 0415 822 333.

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

ARTISTS from the only Australian university degree in contemporary Indigenous art are highlighted at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Past, Present, Future exhibition at the Court House Gallery.

The CIAF exhibition is a celebration of the vibrant south-east Queensland creative arts community that came out of the Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) program at the Queensland College of Art (QCA), Griffith University.

CIAF artistic director Francoise Lane said it was the first time Griffith University had exhibited with CIAF and she was proud to have Past, Present, Future as a CIAF 2023 Satellite Exhibition.

“The 14 exhibiting artists are leaders in the sector who have inspired many to pursue arts practice,” she said.,

“Griffith’s CAIA is the only degree of its kind in Australia, delivering a focused contemporary Indigenous Arts degree, taught by Indigenous lecturers for Indigenous students.

“These are leading contemporary artists – many of them exhibit all over the country and world including Dylan Mooney, Vernon Ah Kee, Shannon Brett and local artist Darren Blackman.”

Heather Baker (Gwendolen), Alice Bosanquet (Cecily) and Paul Hynes (Merriman) in The Importance of Being Earnest. Picture: Paul Barton

TimeOut

Behind scenes of Outback trek

l CAIRNS

| Gail Sedorkin

DIEHARD movie buff Fiona Sewell can’t wait to take you behind the scenes of Australian movie, Tracks.

The former ABC Far North broadcaster combines her love of movies and interviewing at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) Studio on July 20 for the latest in the Talking Pictures series.

“I’ve always been a diehard movie buff and I really enjoy having a conversation with someone involved in the movie, as well as interacting with the audience after the screening,” Ms Sewell said.

“I’ll be taking the audience behind the scenes and in this case, award-winning filmmaker Matthew Blyth will share his secrets of shooting the scenes for this outback trek, Tracks,” she said.

“Matthew will share stories of

the challenges of filming in this environment and working with animals – in this case, camels.

“He has some wonderful stories and photos including anecdotes about the ‘camel whisperers’ for Tracks.”

Tracks is the true story of a young woman, Robyn Davidson, who in 1977 decided to embark on a 2700 km trek from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, crossing the harsh Australian outback.

Accompanied only by her dog and four camels, Davidson had no other purpose than to reach the ocean and find herself on this journey of self-discovery.

“After the discussion with Matthew there will be a feature length screening of Tracks and then it’s over to the audience for the Q&A session.

“The audience are movie lovers and sometimes people involved with the making of the movie come along. This was the case with the last movie featured in the Talking Pictures se-

ries, Paradise Road, filmed at locations including Port Douglas.

“So we get to hear many other great stories from them too.”

FNQ local and founder of Millstream Productions and Speech Bubble Animation Matthew Blyth worked as the video split operator on Tracks, capturing stunning footage along the way that augments this extraordinary tale, together with the outstanding lead performance by Australian actress, Mia Wasikowska.

He specialises in creating unique Australian content and sharing it with audiences around the globe. His knowledge base has been crafted in production initially on documentaries but later working on feature film sets including The Chronicles of Narnia, Tracks and The Great Gatsby.

Talking Pictures, Tracks, will be at the CPAC Studio at 7pm on Thursday July 20.

Tickets on sale through Ticketlink –Ticketlink.com.au or 1300 855 835

Boost to prizes for CIAF

l CAIRNS CBD

A BOOSTED prize cache of $60,000 puts Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s (CIAF) Art Awards among Australia’s richest art prizes while acknowledging and supporting the practice of Queensland’s brightest and best First Nations artists.

CIAF general manager Darrell Harris said the art awards –now in their seventh year – had sustained careers and changed the lives of past winners.

“We are always working towards developing initiatives that increase the profile, social and wealth incomes of Queensland’s Indigenous communities,” he said. “Our art awards tick all these boxes, however our efforts are only made possible through the generosity of our category partners whose purpose and values align perfectly with CIAF.

“While the relationships we have with award partners are mutually beneficial they are held in the highest regard, in particular the Queensland

Government, whose Premier’s Award for Excellence has been the pinnacle prize from the inaugural competition in 2017,” Mr Harris said.

“To secure an elevated commitment from the Queensland Government in 2023 from $15,000 to $25,000 for the Premier’s Award for Excellence is a significant show of support for CIAF and growth of the state’s Indigenous art movement,” he said.

Mr Harris said the organisa-

tion was extremely grateful to all award sponsors especially the founding major partners, the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council.

CIAF’s Art Awards are open to all exhibiting artists whose work has been selected to feature in the prestigious art fair exhibition at Cairns Convention Centre which will draw a collective response to the 2023 theme, Weaving our Future: Claiming our Sovereignty.

The award categories include:

• Premier’s Award for Excellence by Queensland Government - $25,000

• Art Centre Award sponsored by Cairns Regional Council$10,000

• Innovation Award sponsored by Holding Redlich$10,000

• 3-D Design, Sculpture and Installation sponsored by Ports North - $5000

• Emerging Art Award sponsored by Apunipima - $5000

• People’s Choice sponsored by Torres Strait Regional Authority - $5000.

Fiona Sewell, former journalist and die-hard movie buff, will moderate

Tania Major, last year’s innovation winner, with ‘Dragon flies everywhere’.

Actor Mia Wasikowska stars in Tracks as Robyn Robinson who in 1977 decided to embark on a 2700km trek from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, crossing the harsh Australian outback. Picture: Supplied

Teen bullrider buckles up

Country rodeo arena set to rumble and roar into life with cowboys and beasts

l MAREEBA | Ellie Fink

WHEN a two-year-old Tristan

Pye jumped on the back of a poddy calf at Mt Garnet Rodeo, he didn’t think he would become an internationally recognised bull rider and steer rider at only 16-years-old.

Competing in the Las Vegas World Finals in 2019, winning the CRCA Championship title in 2021 and taking out the win in his events at the Laura Rodeo last weekend, Tristan has his fair share of buckles and hopes to add to his collection after this year’s Mareeba Rodeo.

This year, he will be making his name known in the Kerribee Park chutes, competing in the junior bull ride and novice bull ride.

After that first poddy calf ride, Tristan knew rodeoing was the career he wanted to pursue, motivating him to continue riding at every event he could get to.

“Ever since then I have just loved it,” he said. (When I was younger) I did a few rodeos here and there and my second rodeo was actually the Mareeba Rodeo on the steers and after that, when I turned eight or nine, I was competing every weekend.”

Tristan recalled his first time

in the Mareeba Rodeo arena, watching the crowd go crazy as he and the other riders took on some of the gnarliest young beasts in the circuit.

“It was action packed and a really big crowd – I was a little bit nervous and came out on the steer and didn’t do very well but, you know, it is what it is,” he said.

Years later, Tristan is standing strong in the arena and ready for a successful ride in one of the biggest rodeo events in the ABCRA circuit. After competing in the USA, Tristan can confidently call the Mareeba Rodeo the “Rodeo Houston of Australia”, drawing in some of the biggest names in bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing.

In the lead-up to the big day, he is finding every opportunity he can to get on the back of a bull to prepare himself for anything.

“I have a mate, Caleb, and he has some mini bulls at home in Cairns and I have been getting on them with him almost every second weekend,” he said.

“We have been getting out there and just getting back to basics to prepare for Mareeba.”

Although Tristan is trying not to think about the rodeo too much, he is confident he has what it takes to come home with the $2000 prize money and buckle. Besides riding, he

MAREEBA RODEO

STATE OF ORIGIN IS BACK!!

hopes to be inspired by the calibre of competitors on the day and hopes to meet them and learn from their experiences.

He hopes the event will attract the likes of PBR riders

such as Lachlan Richardson to the arena, with Tristan inspired by his efforts in the recent Mt Isa Show PBR ride.

“He is pretty bloody cool, I was watching his ride on In-

stagram so if he came up that would be awesome,” he said.

This year $6000 will be awarded to the open bull rider, saddle bronc, bareback and steer wrestling champions.

Entries close today (July 7).

To enter, call 4092 1583 or visit www.mareebarodeo.com.au/ nominations

The Mareeba Rodeo is set to kick off on July 15 at Kerribee Park, Mareeba.

Cathedral to glow

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

THOUSANDS of candles will light up Saint Monica’s Cathedral and its majestic stainedglass windows for a live musical experience like no other in August.

Following success achieved in more than 100 cities worldwide, the live musical experience of Candlelight Concerts is on its way to Cairns and the Abbott St Cathedral.

Leading global live-entertainment discovery platform Fever kicks off in Cairns with concerts dedicated to the iconic music of Vivaldi, Queen, Hans Zimmer and more played by a local string quartet.

This expansion to the region comes on the heels of the experience’s success in cities including Paris, New York, Madrid,

Melbourne and Sydney. Fever has helped millions of people discover the best experiences in their cities since 2014.

Candlelight Concerts allow people all around the world to enjoy live music in a unique way, set in unforgettable locations, such as St Monica’s Cathedral, illuminated by candlelight.

From Thursday, August 31 the first concerts will see St Monica’s Cathedral illuminated by thousands of candles.

“The concerts enable a broader audience that might have never considered a classical music concert before to connect with the most iconic pieces of the greatest composers and listen to the top hits of well-known artists in a different way,” a Fever spokeswoman said.

Candlelight Concerts are a series of original music concerts created by Fever aimed at “de-

mocratising access to culture by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live music candlelit performances played by local musicians in various stunning locations illuminated by thousands of candles.”

Candlelight was initially conceived as a classical music series with concerts featuring works from the greatest composers, such as Vivaldi, Mozart and Chopin. Now the ever-growing list of programs includes a wide variety of themes and genres, including tributes to contemporary artists like Queen.

Candlelight Concerts in Cairns include Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on Thursday, August 31 and Thursday, October 5 at 6pm, Tribute to Queen on Thursday, August 31 at 8pm and Best of Hans Zimmer and more on Thursday, October 5 at 8pm.

Tickets are on sale now from www.feverup.com/en/cairns

A Candlelight Concert at St James Cathedral in Melbourne. Picture: Fever

Tristan Pye, 16, is ready to rumble at the Mareeba Rodeo this month.

SLOW FLOW VINYASA YOGA SUCCULIVING

l FRI JULY 7, 6:00AM-7:00AM

This class is a slow flow Vinyasa Krama, and all proceeds of these classes go to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

Where: Succuliving & Co, 189 Bunda St, Parramatta Park – To enter Succuliving, come via the side gate on Terminus Street

When: Friday mornings

Cost: $20 per class or $15 concession.

Bookings essential Suzanne on 0432 346 325 or emailing suzanne@wellnessembodiedcairns.com

LAURA QUINKAN INDIGENOUS DANCE FESTIVAL 2023

l FRI JULY 7 - SUN JULY 9

At the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival, you can immerse yourself in the culture of the region and discover why this is Queensland’s longest-running Indigenous event. It’s not just a magnificent display of dance and art, there are also workshops on offer for festival-goers to get a real hands-on experience.

Tickets:

www.facebook.com/LauraQuinkanDanceFestival

MAGIC SHOWS MT SHERIDAN PLAZA

l FRI JULY 7, 10:00AM-11:00AM

Hilarious children’s entertainer Flip Ripley will have your kids in stitches these school holidays with his magic tricks, circus-skills, and slapstick-antics! Every child receives a free magic wand to take home.

Dates: Thursday 6th & Friday 7th July

Times: 10am -11am

Location: Centre Court

Cost: FREE and no bookings are required For more info see the Mt Sheridan Plaza website.

JOEL SAM – EXODUS CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l SAT JULY 8, 10:00AM-5:00PM

Exodus is a personal account of the mass movement of people in the 1940s from the island of Saibai in the Torres Strait to Mutee Heads on Cape York Peninsula.

Joel Sam was born in 1977 on Thursday Island, Torres Strait, Queensland. Sam is a Saibai artist of the Sui Baidam clan.

For more information on the pieces being exhibited visit Cairns Art Gallery website

FRIDAY

Bobby Maguire – Dunwoody’s Hotel, 4:00pm

Victoria Boxall – Ten 06, 5:30pm

Sax Man – O’Donnell’s, 6:00pm

YAPS TRIVIA NIGHT TRINITY BEACH SPORTS CLUB

l SAT JULY 8, 6:30PM-9:00PM

Come and join us for our Trivia Night fundraising event for YAPS! Have some fun, win some prizes and live and silent auctions on the night, raffle and money boards! Come to support your local animal charity.

Trivia Starts: 6.30pm

Cost: $10 per person, pay on the night Dinner available: from 6.00pm For bookings: yapsbookings@gmail.com

WAGSTA DOG WALKATHON WAGSTA APP

l SAT 1 JULY - MON 31 JULY

Get fit with your dog this July! Build your daily walkies habit by participating in the WAGSTA Walkathon. Simply download the free WAGSTA app (created right here in Cairns) and track your dog walks throughout July. Every walk you track is an entry in our grand give-away!

Download the Free WAGSTA App on the WAGSTA website.

Mississippi Shakedown – Brothers Leagues Club

Innisfail, 6:00pm

Wind and Wood – Mayhems, 6:00pm

Christina Ukulele – The Benson Hotel, 6:30pm

Hot Ice – Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:30pm

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

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

Sydney Hotshots – Red Beret, 8:00pm

Dreams Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nick’s Show – CPAC, 8:00pm

Janna Mercedes – Rattle n Hum Cairns, 8:00pm

Kaweyova – Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

SATURDAY

Kaweyova – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 2:00pm

Russell Harris – Palm Cove SLSC, 2:00pm

Kim Settle – Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club, 3:00pm

Carinda Christie – Tuskers, 5:30pm

Carrizma – Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm

Infinity Duo – Bosca’s Restaurant & Club, 7:00pm

Skye Karaoke – Smithfield Tavern, 7:00pm

The Waifs – Tanks Arts Centre, 7:30pm

Janna Mercedes – Rattle n Hum Cairns, 8:00pm

Russell Harris – The Jack, 9:00pm

Fingerprint – Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

DjGlennW – Dundees at the Aquarium, 2:00pm

The Vibes – Dunwoody’s Hotel, 2:00pm

Bad Boys of Uke – Beach Almond Palm Cove, 2:30pm

Sunday Sesh – German Club Cairns, 3:00pm

Vivien Aisi – Paper Crane, 3:00pm

8 Ball Aitken – Elixir Music House, 3:00pm

Troy Davidson – Palm Cove Tavern, 4:00pm

Victoria Boxall – O’Donnells, 5:30pm

The Waifs – Tanks Arts Centre, 7:30pm

Justin Wellington - Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Weekly Horoscopes

Your devotion will be persuasive. Peers may not be on your side. You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet.

It’s hard to stay mad if the object of the anger refuses to react. Minor accidents could occur if you don’t take precautions. If you join intellectual or cultural groups, you should meet individuals who stimulate you. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that exist.

CROSSWORD

Your practical approach to life may charm someone who has been observing you. Deceit with coworkers is apparent. You will be overly generous with children this week. Don’t be afraid of opposition; your suggestions are valid.

Don’t let your emotions interfere with moneymaking deals. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Empty promises could be likely where work is concerned. Travel for business or pleasure.

You should get involved in competitive sports this week. Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. You can have a great time if you go out with the one you love. Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold.

Short trips will prove to be more fruitful than you imagined. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals.

ACROSS

Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. Invite friends or relatives into your home. Don’t push your luck with authority figures. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy.

Changes to your self-image will be to your benefit if you don’t overpay. Keep your wits about you and be sure that you can trust those you confide in. You should get out and meet new people this week. Don’t expect anything for nothing and you won’t be disappointed.

Changes at home might come fast and furious. You may want to take a trip; however, before you do, make sure that your car is serviced properly. Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts. Watch your weight gain due to water retention.

1. men’s or women’s trousers for informal wear (6)

5. to convert a medicinal liquid to a fine sprayfor inhalation (8)

9. a prison block or section for those sentenced to death. (5,3)

10. a large fish-eating bird of prey (6)

11. a person hired or appointed to assist in the administration of a parish (12)

20. a place or situation in which someone expects to find great happiness (8,4)

23. of or like vinegar or acetic acid (6)

24. accurately assessing situations or people; perceptively (8)

25. destined to fail or have bad luck (3-5)

26. a piece of ground adjoining a house (6)

DOWN

2. a vegetable with a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves (4)

3. a manual of religious instruction (9)

4. a shoot of a plant (6)

5. the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police (3,8,4)

6. a person who enjoys reading (8)

7. a person suffering from leprosy (5)

8. a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like (10)

12. given, felt, or done in return (10)

Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own. Hide your cards and learn to say no. You have more than enough on your plate already. You may find travel to be most rewarding.

Think of starting a new business or emotional partnership. Educational courses will be stimulating and successful. You can stabilize your personal relation you’re willing to communicate honestly. Confusion regarding other people’s money and joint ventures will come to a head.

Tempers will mount if you’re too pushy at work or at home. You must not make unnecessary changes this week. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished. Make those phone calls and pay your bills.

13. a large hairy creature resembling a human or bear (4)

14. having asked a person or organisation for help or support (6,2)

17. a coffee-flavoured liqueur based on rum (3,5)

18. colloquial term for one’s father (4)

15. one employed to ensure efficient movement of goods or supplies in a business (9)

16. cut using a diagonal line (8)

19. untidy, disorganized, or incongruously varied in character (6)

21. a dominant or recurring idea in an artistic work (5)

22. in addition; besides (4)

Real Estate

Wave of boutique hotels

Personalised accommodation houses outperforming traditional big names

l HOTEL INDUSTRY

| Nick Dalton

A TRAVEL evolution sparked by the pandemic is driving the growth of Australia’s boutique hotel market, amid heightened demand for unique and hyper-personalised hotel stays.

While boutique hotels have traditionally achieved lower occupancies, room rates and revenues than their larger, international rivals the tables have turned, according to new CBRE Viewpoint, which highlights a significant shift in domestic travel demand.

CBRE’s Australian head of hotels research Ally McDade said an analysis of market performance showed that boutique properties had outperformed ‘big box’ international hotels since the 2020 onset of the pandemic across all three key performance indicators – occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar).

On a RevPar basis, the basket

of boutique hotels studied by CBRE performed over 50 per cent better, with occupancy rates and ADR being 21 per cent and 27 per cent superior to the

luxury international hotels in the analysis. “The pandemic dramatically changed how and why we travelled. International borders shut down, leisure-ba-

sed tourism was restricted to local demand and corporate travel was reduced to historically low levels,” Ms McDade said.

“Over two years on, many

of the resulting trends such as remote working and virtual conferencing, ‘staycations’, and the continued growth of social media use for destinati-

on ‘collecting and bragging’, have become imbedded in our lifestyles, shifting guests’ preferences towards a highly personalised and hybrid approach to their hotel stay experience,” she said.

“This travel evolution is being increasingly met by the rise of the boutique hotel culture with its intimate and sophisticated offering and attention to design detail.”

While traditional big box international hotels have always been heavily favoured by corporate travellers and international visitors, CBRE’s Viewpoint notes that the recovery of Australia’s visitor economy has been driven by domestic, leisure-based tourism.

“The growth of this local traveller has resulted in demand for a curated hotel offering, which is being met by Australia’s new wave of boutique hotels that blend intimacy and sophistication, and authentically resonate with the feel of the city being visited,” Ms McDade said.

Boutique hotels such as The Reef House at Palm Cove are achieving better occupancies, room rates and yields than big time brands.

Motoring

Beefing up BT-50

l NEWS

| Nick Dalton

TWO new accessory packs are available to bolster the offroad capability and visual impact of the Mazda BT-50 SP and Thunder models.

Adding more aggression to the Mazda BT-50 SP, the ‘pro’ enhancement pack adds Nitrocharger suspension for the first

time to the BT-50. Specifically tuned for the set-up of the vehicle, the new suspension incorporates upgraded springs that add a lift of up to 5cm to increase the ute’s offroad prowess, paired to twin tube shock absorbers.

Mazda says the modifications have been rigorously tested to ensure that the vehicle lift does not impact any safety systems – including the standard-fit ABS and Electronic Stability

Control (DSC). Exclusive new 18in wheels increase the vehicle’s track to further enhance its 4WD credentials.

An integrated Lightforce LED lightbar set into the front grille has 1 lux of illumination at up to 569m.

As a finishing touch, BT-50 ‘SP Pro’ decals are applied to the lower flank of the Mazda ute. The Mazda BT-50 SP Pro accessory pack is priced at

$7668 (recommended fitting price). Additionally, a BT-50 Thunder Pro pack is also now available, building on the expansive specification of the BT-50 Thunder model grade –which already includes a fully engineered and ADR-approved single hoop bulbar and powerful LED lightbar – and adding even more useful upgrades for when the going gets tough.

The BT-50 Thunder Pro pack

includes an Old Man Emu BP51 suspension, set up for medium load use where weight requirements range from 0-300kg.

Locally developed and tested in the harshest conditions, the BP-51 kit features nitrogenfilled dampers with a remote reservoir, and is manually adjustable for both compression and rebound.

A snorkel is also fitted, while round Lightforce LED driving

lights add to the support the lightbar’s illumination.

Priced at $9046, the Thunder Pro pack represents a $500 saving for customers compared to specifying the same accessories individually. The packs can be fitted retrospectively to existing customer vehicles, and come with a twoyear warranty. Added to a new BT-50 the warranty is five years/ unlimited kilometres.

The Mazda BT-50 Thunder and SP with the new off-road and visual packs.

Tailor-made extras

l NEWS

| Nick Dalton

VOLKSWAGEN has responded to their Australian customer needs to tailor a dual-cab ute to their lifestyle, launching the new Amarok with a broad range of warranty-backed accessories.

From those with a love of even more extreme off-roading and who desire a suspension lift kit, to those keen to camp on the roof of their Amarok, to those who prefer soft, manual sliding, auto sliding or canopy covers over their tub – Volkswagen Australia has a high-quality, manufacturer-designed solution.

All accessories can be fitted by Volkswagen’s 100+ dealership network nationwide, complete with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies said that every part of the all-new Amarok was born from the tough love delivered to designers and engineers by among the 88,000 Amarok owners in Australia so far.

“Every accessory has been designed with customer lifestyles in mind, and that includes the seamlessness of their purchase, their ability to buy accessories or finance them from the dealership as part of buying their Amarok,” he said.

“From off-road lift kits, to roof-top camping tents to an Australian-designed integrated

canopy, every Volkswagen accessory gets a factory backed five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty for the ultimate in quality and resale.”

Headlining the off-road expedition range is a 40mm-lift front and rear suspension package to increase ground clearance.

Two front suspension packages, all prices inclusive of GST and fitment, can be chosen depending on the engine and accessories fitted at $1515 each.

The rear suspension system likewise has a choice of standard ($2315) or 300kg constant loading ($2510) options. Ava-

ilable across the range, it will most suit offroad explorers and complement the multi-terrain 18in tyres of the adventure-focused Amarok PanAmericana TDI600.

Other tailored accessories are underbody protection ($1660), bold wheelarch flares

($1640) in matte-black, matteblack body side mouldings on four doors ($1075), nudge bar ($1600), a snorkel for TDI600 variants ($1180), recovery boards ($350), snatch kit recovery bag set ($225), the canopy range includes twin sliding side windows ($5550), a left sliding

window and rear swing-up window ($5730) or twin swinging side windows ($6100), an internal drawer system or cargo slide ($3995 and $3045), toolbox ($965), roof bars (from $465$605), overhang), a platform mount ($1440) and two-person roof top tent ($3345).

A wide range of off-road and other accessories are available for the Volkswagen Amarok dual cab 4WD range.

PRIVACY POLICY

Local News Cairns

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, Suite F03, The Conservatory, 12-14 Lake St, Cairns, Qld 4870

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

Local News Cairns

damages wholly or partially arising

indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that its publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person.

Advertising Conditions

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

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

Advertisement Proofing

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

Advertising Code Clearance

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

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

4pm Wednesday Local News Cairns

Classifieds Deadlines

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement campaign please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement please call the office on 07 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline:

Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays

Classifieds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

Another method of cancellation is by Emailing: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

72-year-old female, likes gardening and outdoors, looking for an independent, outgoing male companion.

Phone 0407476653

Retired landscape designer would like to meet a creative adventurist lady for social outings, dancing, country road trips.

I’m in my 70s and new to Cairns. Call or text me on 0408 238 281

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend.

Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870

ENTERTAINMENT

Available for Functions, Weddings, Birthdays, Venues, Clubs

Friday July 7th

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

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

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT SPECIALISTS

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

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

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at:

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

• Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm to 1pm

• Kuranda: Mondays, 11am to 12 noon For

Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

FNQ Markets

Saturday July 8th

Babinda: Main St, 07:30-12:00

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

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

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

Lions Garage Sale: 52 Mcnamara St, Manunda, 7:00-13:00

Mareeba: Mareeba Race Course, 07:30-12:30

Mareeba Make Bake & Grow: Mareeba Art Society, 08:00-12:30

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

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

Trash, Treasure, Treats: 5 Collinson Street, West Cairns, 09:00-12:00 Tully: Lions Park, 08:00-12:00

GARAGE SALE

Saturday 8th July 7am to 1pm

Quality product with Professional delivery! Call 0421902046 or search us on Facebook ARC Cafe building, 52 Macnamara Street, Manunda. All are welcome.

All funds raised in the community go back to the community with our thanks.

WANTED

WANTED Phone 0418 171 541

Female golden Labrador, approx 1 year old, must be pure bred with all papers.

Wish your bestie a Happy Birthday in

Local News Cairns

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

Sunday July 9th

Archer Creek:

Sport

Bowler prepares for championships

l BOWLS

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

UP-AND-COMING bowler Malachy McTaggart has returned to Mossman after the Australian Bowls Open in Gold Coast, energised to tackle the big competitions next year.

Although he couldn’t bring the gold home in his first national competition, McTaggart (left) returned with a renewed motivation to take on bigger competitions in 2024.

“Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, but I was able to put pressure on the opponents to be

Sport Results

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday July 1st club championship B grade final: Steve Cue 25 def Gerrard Beech 9. Congratulations Steve. 32 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls: John Fleming, Bernie Savage draw against SAS, Dave Egan, 23-23; George Wilmot, Andrew Harris, Jason Pearce def Charlie Toohey, Derek Franklin, Bob Carroll, 28-22; Peter Busch, Daryl Hoskin def David White, Bill Allison, 26-15; Graeme Hutchinson, Jock Constantine, Alistair Douglas def Bill Smith, Troy Churchill, Joe Girgenti, 26-14; Bernie Wolland, Wayne Parkes, Tony Brlyack def Geoff Sims, Steve Hudson, Peter Worley, 26-14; and the win-

ners for the day, Chris Payne, Peter McGrory, Ray Prain def Col Widdows, Michael Sims, John Arnold, 38-13. Scheduled club championship games: Saturday July 8th fours final: John Cochrane, David Blain, Ranald Edwards, Nev Fletcher vs Mick Frese, Malachy McTaggart, Peter Busch, John Arnold; and Sunday July 9th Handicap Singles: Col Widdows (-3) vs Bruce Lester (-5); and Ranald Edwards (-6) vs Steve Hudson (0).

MOSSMAN LADIES BOWLS

Thursday June 29th Champion of Champion 4’s round 3: Greta Kessler, Honey C, Carole Maxted and Robin Petrus

happy with how I played,” said the 20-year-old. “It was a great new experience, playing against people I’ve never played in my entire life, catching up with friends from when I played juniors and watching some amazing bowls. It was one of the best experiences in my life.”

McTaggart is preparing for next year’s state and national championships through lots of training and local and district competitions.

“In two weeks, I’ll be playing the Edmonton Classic from the Edmonton Leagues Club, and I have a few competitions in Cairns

def Pauline Lightfoot, Joanne Dickson and Anne Geddes. Champion of Champion 4’s final winners: Leonie Sims, Joan Day, Pam Widdows and Trish Arnold; R/ups: Greta Kessler, Honey C, Carole Maxted and Robin Petrus. Social winners were Jan Stokes, Gloria Geeves, Christine Rowbury and Trish Arnold; R/ups: Jan White, Judy Prain and Denise Highland. Sunday June 25th mixed social bowls winners: John Boadle, Mary McGrory, and Anne Geddes; R/ups: Shirley North, Anita McCoist and Peter McGrory.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples: First- Steve, Steve, Des, Second- Geoff, Steve, Rick. Tuesday night bowls: Spider: Dennis, Shane, George, Brian.

and Weipa this August. Other than that, I’ll continue to compete on the club and district level,” he said. “Next year, I will definitely go for the bowls open, and I’ll try to go to as many big competitions as I can. The goal is the under-25 QLD v NSW series – that’s my big objective.”

The young athlete said he had gathered lots of new learning from his first experience in a big tournament and was grateful for the community’s support.

“This is the first I’ve played the Australian Bowls Open, and it’s by far the biggest I’ve ever played in,” McTaggart said.

Wednesday mixed bowls: First: D Paxman, A Clarkson, Second: Trevor S, Denise. Thursday Morning Bowls: First: No Winners, Second: No winners. Thursday Mixed triples: First: Olga, Mark, Christine, Second: Ossie, Libby, Andy. Saturday Morning Scroungers: Winner: A Jacobs, Runner up: T. Robertson. Men’s A Grade Singles Final: J Walford def N Robson 26-14.

BROTHERS EDMONTON

Ladies Section: Consistency singles: Roz Fraser def Terry McAlary. Championship pairs final: Terry McAlary, Christine Populin def Annett Evans, Lois Ceely. Monday July 3rd pennants div 1: Brothers Edmonton def Marlin Coast. Div 2: Brothers Edmonton def West Cairns.

Men’s Section: Wednesday

June 28th overall winner: Mick

Bucklar, Rick Pamphilon, John

Populin; R/up: Bruce Penny, Alan Del Favero, Ray Jorgensen; 3rd: Don Stewart, Allen Begg, Rob Moody. Saturday July 1st pennants div 2: Edge Hill def Brothers Edmonton. Sunday

July 2nd 8-a-side: Brothers Edmonton def Gordonvale.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Wednesday winners: Virgi, Corrie & Ester. Thursday winners: F Rich & M Greenwood; R/up: M Bruni & V Black. Raffle winner: J Rossi. Sunday 8-aside: Brothers Edmonton def Gordonvale at Edmonton.

WEST CAIRNS MEN

Tuesday June 27th winners: P Aumuller, Snake, J Populin;

“I learned a lot of things. You watch some of the big bowlers, and they talk very little and always focus on their game. They won’t let any distractions get to them, and I hope to put that into my bowls.

“I plan to do this my entire life, and maybe even when I have kids, I’d like to get them into it and have bowls for the rest of my life.

“Mossman Bowls Club has been very supportive, but the most support I’ve received is from my mother, Jacki, who’s been backing me up from the beginning.” McTaggart thanked everyone in the club who helped him.

R/up: Joe Jackson, Ted Hamilton, Phil Buntain. Thirsty Thursday best players: Darryl Hooper, Ken, Rolly. Friday night scroungers winner: Mal Taylor; R/up: Irene Crampton. Sunday July 2nd winner: Chris Banetyne, Phil Buntain; R/ up: Rod Solo, Steve Ford; free game for next week won by Steve Smith. A Grade Pairs semi-final Scott Carolan, Alby Radford def Ted Hamilton, Phil Buntain 27-17. A grade singles M Lynch def G Blades, 25-14. B grade singles R Hooper def J Carr, 2622. Well done to everyone.

WEST CAIRNS TPI BOWLS

12 players for mixed social bowls: winners: Terry Ryan, Pieta Palvin and David Nich. Any registered bowler is always welcome to visit us.

Volleyballers take high shots

For first time Cairns team representing city at junior championships in Sydney this weekend

l VOLLEYBALL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IN a first, a Cairns Volleyball representative under-23 team will take on state teams and future Olympians at the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships in Sydney from July 7-9.

The junior championships gather the best under-19 and under-23 players from across Australia and overseas to compete and offer assisted pathways for young players.

Due to an expansion in the program to include teams from any affiliated state, club, association or training academy, Cairns Volleyball will send its first-ever under-23 team to compete against state teams across Australia and represent Cairns on the national stage.

The team of nine made up by Liam Prestipino, Campbell Rick, Johle Vincent, Riley Byrne, Rhys Dowse, Wesley Yow, Char Benedictino, Dylan Cheng and Cameron Devries and coached by long time Cairns Volleyball president and junior development coach Brian Geck are excited to take on the challenge and use the competition as a platform into professional playing.

Team captain Char Benedicto, 22, said the team was excited to take on the challenge.

“Our goal is to win, we have that confidence,” he said.

The

l FISHING

DESCRIBED as a “majestic piece of God’s creation”, a 109cm barramundi caught in Lake Tinaroo has reeled in Brisbane man Mark Hennessy $3000 in the Fish’n’SIP$ tagged fishing competition.

Mr Hennessy and his brother Mick were fishing on the lake in May after abandoning their plans to go fishing on the Reef due to windy weather.

“Being a happily retired lifelong resident of Brisbane, the lure of large and plentiful fish is something that is shared by many amateur anglers,” Mr Hennessy said.

“To try and satisfy this urge, an annual two week trip with my brother Mick, to stay with

“We have a group of young players who are always keen to play volleyball, so it’ll be good to showcase where Cairns is at.”

Mr Geck said this was an exciting and more affordable opportunity for young players looking to go professional.

“This is an easier pathway for our Cairns rep team to go away,” he said.

“If we want to make a Queensland team it would require five or six trips to Brisbane for the players to represent Queensland which becomes really expensive.

“With this pathway, we can train as a team in Cairns and not have all the travel costs to make a Queensland team.

“It motivates players much more to know that they’re training to go to Sydney and that there’s a better pathway into the Queensland team than going to Townsville a couple of times a year.”

Mr Geck said if the team had a good performance, an under-19 team would also be sent to compete in 2024.

“This is a trial for us to see if we’re competitive and see if we can compete on this level and if we are competitive next year we’ll send an under-19 team as well,” he said.

“The big thing for us is creating opportunities for these kids to play where they haven’t had opportunities in the past and bring them higher-level opportunities.”

a friend and avid fisher in Gordonvale, is something that is enthusiastically anticipated.

“We travelled by road at the beginning of May hoping to jag some decent weather. Alas, the high winds on open waters were to stifle any hope of Reef trips. Not to be deterred, a trip to Tinaroo dam was hastily organised.”

“The moment he caught the fish was like some thing out a movie, as they reeled in one of the biggest fish they have ever seen. Three times the fish lurched into the air, violently shaking its head trying to dislodge the hook then making another run in its bid for freedom,” Mr Hennessy said.

“Not sure how long it took to land but it felt as if the battle

could have been lost on a few occasions as it circled the boat repeatedly.

“To keep it clear of the outboard and then get it into the landing net seemed to take an immeasurable amount of time. Seeing it secured in the landing net, I was now conscious of the size of this majestic piece of God’s creation.”

Fisheries Queensland executive director Dallas D’Silva said their change in plans had them reeling in the giant winning barramundi, along with 14 others – four of which measured more than a metre long.

“Mark’s tagged barra is the third winning fish caught on Lake Tinaroo during the competition and was landed dur-

ing a trip in which he and his brother caught and released 14 barra with all but four of the fish measuring more than a metre in length,” he said.

The competition is still well underway, with $12,000 up for grabs for tagged fish in Lake Tinaroo, Lake Proserpine, Lake Kinchant, Lake Callide, and Lake Cania stocked impoundments.

“The next 11 fish caught on a line and accurately reported to InfoFish will win a prize and the sooner a tagged fish is caught, the larger the prize will be,” Mr D’Silva said.

Visit qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/ boating-fishing/rec-fi shing/dams to find the nearest stocked waterway and buy a permit, or call 13 25 23 for more information.

Johle Vincent leaps high while training at Cairns Volleyball in the city’s Mulgrave Rd youth centre.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Mark Hennessy with his giant barra on Lake Tinaroo.

Cairns Volleyball representative team (back row from left) Liam Prestipino, Johle Vincent, Cameron Devries and Wesley Yow, (front row from left) captain Char Benedicto and Campbell Rick.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez