Cairns Local News June 07 2024

Local News Cairns

Meals on move

Dalton

CAIRNS Meals on Wheels will move to $7 million new purpose-built premises at Westcourt early next year.

On Wednesday Cairns Regional Council granted the charity a 20-year lease on land at 271 Gatton St. The intention is to move into a new building by

the end of February next year.

The redevelopment of Barlow Park to provide Olympic standard facilities has promoted the move with the Queensland Government expected to stump up $6m to construct the building and Meals on Wheels (MoW) funding the $1m fit-out.

Charity general manager Chris Van Dorssen said it was the first time in the organisation’s 55-year history that there

would be a building designed fit-forpurpose.

He said MoW had outgrown the current venue and the new kitchen would be three-times the size.

“The head chef warned us that we would have to go to two shifts a day to meet health regulations and to deliver the meals by a certain time if the kitchen was not expanded,” Mr Van Dorssen

PREPARE FOR BUSHFIRE SEASON NOW

said. The new building will include a full commercial kitchen, staff/volunteer areas, cold and dry food storage, meal storage (in emergencies), administration and amenities, vehicle storage, dispatch/ collection area, support services and two street frontages for drive-through access, a power generator and water storage.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

| Nick Dalton

AIRASIA Indonesia is flying to Cairns for the first time, operating three weekly flights between Bali (Denpasar) from August 14. The flights will also connect to the extensive AirAsia Group network, involving seven airlines under the brand, flying to over 130 destinations in southeast Asia and beyond.

Special launch fares have gone on sale starting from $159 from Cairns to Bali via the AirAsia website or AirAsia Move app. The service will provide more than 28,000 seats to Cairns in the first year. It will compete against Jetstar which also flies between Cairns and Bali.

AirAsia Indonesia chief executive officer Veranita Yosephine said the airline was thrilled to be flying to Far North Queensland for the first time.

“Cairns offers our guests from Bali and across Asia breathtaking scenery, including the world famous Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, unique culture, delicious seafood and more,” she said.

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Cairns Meals on Wheels general manager

Chris Van Dorssen outside the Gatton St council property where their new centre will be built.

Picture: Nick Dalton

l CAIRNS CBD

CAIRNS Local News has won two significant honours at the 2024 Queensland Country Press Awards in Brisbane.

The weekly newspaper picked up the ‘best overall journalistic team excellence award for a paper’ and ‘best online digital presence’.

Editor Nick Dalton said the awards reflected the team’s focus on local news from the Daintree in the north, south to Cardwell and west to Kuranda.

“We try hard every week to provide local news across our circulation area of interest to our readers, from simple things such as community fairs and school events to the bigger stories that matter at the three local councils – Cairns and Cassowary regional councils and in the Douglas Shire,” he said.

“While the paper is called Cairns Local News we endeavour to provide stories and photos that cover everywhere across our patch.

“The judges praised our coverage of Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flooding, despite our limited resources.

“Our online digital space has stepped up immensely since digital content creator Maddy Gavin joined us last year.

“We thank our readers and advertisers for their consistent support.”

Paper managing director Carl Portella said winning two major awards at the QCPA awards night held significant meaning for Cairns Local News.

“Firstly, it validates our commitment to journalistic excellence within the commu-

nity of Cairns and Far North Queensland,” he said. “The recognition from the Queensland Country Press Association acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and quality of reporting that the newspaper consistently delivers to its readership.

“Secondly, these awards serve as a testament to our vision and leadership in guiding the newspaper towards success. It demonstrates our ability to steer Cairns Local News towards achieving industry recognition and standing out amongst peers in regional

journalism. Under the leadership of editor Nick Dalton and advertising manager Kathrine Maclean, these accolades boost morale and motivate staff and contributors to continue their outstanding work and strive for even greater heights in the future.

“These awards also enhance the newspaper’s reputation, potentially attracting more readers and advertisers, thus securing our position as a vital source of local news and information in the community.”

On the ‘best overall journalistic team excellence award for

a paper’, judges Alison McAdam and Kristy Hess said “we were impressed by all editions that canvased a broad range of topics from history, community events, council reporting, emergency disaster coverage and sport”.

“Above all, the quality of the journalism stands out. It is consistent and thorough with some strong headlines such as ‘How dare you, Jasper’ and ‘Crazy council antics’.”

On ‘best online digital presence’, the judges said “it was refreshing to see such diverse digital strategy adopted by the

We make the headlines Best journalism excellence and online awards for local paper

Cairns Local News group”.

“What was especially impressive was to see the number of people going directly to the masthead’s website and the business has experienced solid digital growth as well as maintaining an excellent print product.

“It should be commended for being the most outstanding masthead for us in 2024 across digital and print platforms.”

The paper also picked up third places for advertising in ‘best locally produced print campaign’ and ‘best printed community advertising promotion’.

Judge Andrea Graham said Cairns Local News ran “a very quirky and colourful series of adverts for Ree’s Bookshop”.

“The message that reading is fun for all ages is portrayed well across each advert. The images used here for a secondhand bookstore were cute and quirky in this series which is fitting for the messaging in each advert,” she said.

The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal campaign was third in the ‘best printed community advertising promotion’ Judge Pascale Budge said the campaign showcased a very worthy cause, two Five Star Chef Charity events raising money for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.

“The advertising consisted of eye-catching graphics reflecting the event themes, clearly laid out information and easy to book QR code,” she said.

“Supported by well-written editorial outlining the charity’s goals. I think both the campaign and events would have been very successful.”

Cairns Local News staff (from left, back row) David Galeano (sales), Kath Maclean (manager), Isaac Colman (editorial), Almando Anton (sales), (front) Maddy Gavin (digital content), Isabella Guzman Gonzalez (editorial), Lisa Harris (administration) and Nick Dalton (editor) with the awards.

Other range road ‘a must’

MP goes against transport study, calling for urgent alternate Cairns-Kuranda route

l KURANDA

| Robyn Holmes

SIGNIFICANT damage done to the Kuranda Range Road during the wet season has shown how vulnerable it is, according to Member for Barron River Craig Crawford. He now says the government must set about identifying an alternate corridor urgently to get the process started.

Mr Crawford is the first local politician to depart from the recommendation made in the Department of Transport and Main Roads study released in 2021 which advised an alternate road from the Northern Tablelands to the coast was not needed until 2051.

He said the substantial damage the road suffered in extreme rainfall events in December and January now shone a different light on the situation

and gave credence to the need for an alternate route.

“I think it does and in that access study in 2021, they did state there was a need to identify an additional route across that range,” Mr Crawford said.

“(the damage) shows us how vulnerable we are having a single point of crossing being the Kuranda Range. When we see that range go out with accidents, mud slides, we can see the vulnerability of not having

something as a back-up.

“The other thing is the rock geology on that range is problematic – it’s a real crumbling sort of rock as well, so from an engineering perspective, it’s a nightmare. That’s why we see those slippages, landslides and rock falls.

“So, yes, there’s no doubt about it, the bridge we’ve got there now definitely highlights the vulnerability that we have in having that single point of

crossing. And certainly the other range crossings are either too far to the south or too far to the north.

“I think we should keep that road (Kuranda Range) as a tourist road and find another way to get commuters and heavy transport over the hill.

“Certainly any of the hydrologists and experts will probably tell you that we’re going to see more of those extreme rain events, so it definitely

highlights the urgency to do something.”

Mr Crawford said DTMR had to determine whether to pursue an alternate route or widen the current range road, but there were “a lot of stakeholders to work with so that could take a quite a bit of time”.

“Those conversations need to happen because that is probably a 20-year project,” he said.

Weight on Barron River Bridge drives trucking changes

l KURANDA

|

Robyn Holmes

TRUCKS may only be able to cross the Barron River Bridge at Kuranda with a permit in the future, while motorists will have to endure single-lane traffic for the next five-six years, as the state government “scrambles” to build another bridge to replace the ageing structure.

Concerns have been heightened about the bridge’s condition after Main Roads revealed that an issue with a Macalloy tension bar, which had been retrofitted to provide additional strength, had forced them to reduce traffic to one lane for safety reasons.

While inspections are continuing and technical experts are assessing what the issue means for the future use of the bridge, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford has revealed it could

mean significant changes for heavy transport and years of disruptions for commuters.

It is understood around 1000 heavy vehicles use the bridge every day.

“Essentially the simplistic way to describe the problem or the solution on the current bridge is really about the weight on any part of the bridge at one time,” he said.

“So, two heavy vehicles crossing at the same time that meet in the middle at that precise moment, their combined weight is pushing down.

“That’s why they (Main Roads) have single laned it because they are trying to reduce the weight at any one point at any one time but they are also bringing that traffic to the middle of the bridge which keeps the pressure and stress off the sides.

Mr Crawford said that in recent weeks, Main Roads “had started to shift their language

about the urgency of it” now that the issue with the tension bars had been discovered and they had a “whole suite of options” to restrict weight onto the bridge.

Leading up to the State Budget next Tuesday, Mr Crawford told Cairns Local News he had made it clear to the Treasurer that his priority was to get immediate action on replacing the 60-year-old structure.

“From a budget perspective, it’s ‘Dear Treasurer, priority items 1, 2 and 3 from me is the bridge, the bridge, the bridge',” he said.

Mr Crawford said after the business case was completed in a few months he wanted to move straight away into detailed design.

“I don’t think the money is the issue – it has to happen –government will simply have to do it,” adding it would need Federal Government funding support.

New $7m Gatton St building for Meals on Wheels services

Mr Van Dorssen said MoW was pleased to have its own premises after shifting three times since 1969.

He said the new premises would serve the organisation for another 50 years with provision in place to move administration upstairs in the future so the entire ground floor could be devoted to cooking and food preparation and dispatching.

It is expected the government

will announce the $6m funding soon, tenders to be advertised in July and the sod turning in August.

Mr Van Dorssen said MoW would not be closing during construction, continuing to operate at Barlow Park until February next year.

He said MoW had been putting money aside for years to fund a shift, although would now be up for electricity, water, sewerage and waste removal

costs after the council had covered those expenses at Barlow Park since 1984.

MoW has nine staff, including three chefs and an apprentice chef, 97 volunteers (20 required daily Monday to Friday) to deliver about 800 meals in 10 runs a day.

The site is between the senior citizens hall and Mercy Place with another frontage on Lyons St. Land on the other side of the hall is for a sports reserve.

An artist’s impression of the new $7m Meals on Wheels building.

Engineers work on the Barron River Bridge at Kuranda which remains in single lane operation.

Picture: Ellie Fink

Gateway to Bluey’s world

Cartoon character to lure holidaymakers

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

QUEENSLAND-born cartoon

megastar Bluey is the face of for the state’s largest tourism campaign – worth more than $9 million – to lure visitors from around the globe to the Sunshine State.

Holidaymakers are being invited to visit Bluey’s ‘world for real life’ in a television commercial feature the cartoon character and Australia Zoo’s Robert Irwin.

Tropical North Queensland has a starring role in Tourism and Events Queensland’s biggest campaign in more than a decade.

Building on the global phenomenon, Queensland will be pitched as ‘Bluey’s world, for real life’, encouraging visitors from around the world to come and live the Bluey lifestyle in Queensland.

Following its debut in Australia in 2018, the award-winning animated global TV phenomena Bluey has gained millions of fans around the world.

The partnership is a first between Tourism and Events

Queensland (TEQ) and BBC Studios and builds on the incredible popularity of Bluey to bring visitors to Bluey’s home state of Queensland and to explore the immersive Bluey’s World experience, set to open at Brisbane’s Northshore on November 7.

The campaign sees tourism heavyweights offer exclusive deals, with the Qantas Group, Expedia Group, the Flight Centre Travel Group and Accor Group coming in behind it to convert global publicity into booked Queensland holidays.

TEQ has launched a major local and international publicity blitz, expected to reach tens of millions in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Singapore – some of the state’s top international markets and countries where Bluey is also popular.

TEQ is giving away a 12-night Queensland holiday, including a money-can’t-buy family experience at the Bluey’s World Brisbane event launch. Enter at www.queensland.com/ blueysworld.

TEQ estimates that the campaign will help support visitor growth to reach targets of an

additional 1.3 million holiday visitors to Queensland who are estimated to spend an additional $1.7 billion by June 2025.

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy said “we are absolutely stoked to invite families from around the world to Queensland”.

“We have seen the global smash hit that Bluey has become and it showcases the incredible lifestyle families enjoy here in Queensland,” he said.

Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan said in a globally competitive market, “Queensland must show the world what makes us special”.

“Bluey is a true international sensation and we could not be more excited to be working with BBC Studios to invite the world to experience Bluey’s world for real life here in Queensland,” she said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said “Tropical North Queensland is ready to welcome Bluey fans wanting to experience the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and our year-round warm tropical lifestyle”.

Red balls colour Esplanade

MORE than 700 Bluey fans have set a world record for the biggest game of Keepy Uppy in Queensland, Australia, the home state of Bluey last Sunday.

Spanning an almost 2000km playing field, 702 Keepy Uppy ‘experts’ – including 164 in Cairns – joined in the epic game made famous in the much-loved television series, Bluey, determined to keep a sea of red balls from touching the ground last Saturday.

A Tourism and Events spokeswoman said families and friends of all ages

gathered the length of the state as adjudicators from The Australian Book of Records oversaw three official games played simultaneously at Brisbane’s South Bank, as seen in Bluey, Gold Coast’s sparkling shores of Main Beach and the Cairns Esplanade, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

“Delighted cheers rang out across the state as families, friends and neighbours came together at the same time to embrace the fun with mini games of Keepy Uppy popping up in cities, by the beach and in country towns, from the Queensland coast to the Outback, including at the

world-famous Whitehaven Beach in The Whitsundays,” she said.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said for the past six years, Bluey and the backdrop of Brisbane, had captivated audiences globally and now it was time to bring the world to Queensland.

“I invite everyone to come and see for themselves. We have the world’s best lifestyle, the best beaches, the best cities, the incredible Outback, the Great Barrier Reef and people who love welcoming visitors to our unbeatable backyard," he said.

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

More than 160 people took part in Keepy Uppy record attempt on the Cairns Esplanade last Saturday.

Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Nature play area takes shape

l INNISFAIL

CONSTRUCTION of a $780,000 nature play area featuring an enchanted palm forest, slides, and a fort nestled amongst a native flora garden designed especially for children is underway at Warrina Lakes Community Parklands, Innisfail.

Cassowary Coast councillor for infrastructure services

Nicholas Pervan said the playground aimed to immerse children of all ages in the wonders of the outdoors while fostering environmental awareness and overall wellbeing.

“During extensive community consultation earlier this year there was a high level of enthusiasm for a natureinspired play space,” he said.

“The proposed design collected widespread approval, with residents expressing their preferences for various elements and themes.

“Council has incorporated these insights to ensure the final design authentically captures the essence of our local environment and aligns with community needs.”

The nature play area will feature a diverse array of elements, including slides, timber steppers, balance beams, an enchanted palm forest,

a climbing net, and a fort equipped with a talking tube. Miles of Landscaping was awarded the contract with a completion dates of June 30, 2024.

The project has been funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program in association with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works Minister Meghan Scanlon said investing in these types of projects “will bring a great benefit to the local community and support jobs”.

Visit the council's Your Say Page https://bit.ly/4e8juwD

Interest by parties to take over lease of Raintrees Tavern which is closing soon

Moves afoot to reopen pub

l MANUNDA

|

Nick Dalton

THE management of the Raintrees Shopping Centre at Manunda is confident that the Raintrees Tavern and BWS drive-in will reopen under new owners.

The Endeavour Group has announced it is closing the two businesses at the end of the month.

Centre manager Sheila Neil said she was attempting to lease both sites.

She said there had been some interest and she was hopeful of the businesses re-opening soon.

A spokeswoman for ALH Hotels, part of Endeavour Group, said “after 20 years, we have made the difficult decision not to renew our lease of the Raintrees Tavern”.

“We would like to thank all our team members that have

played a role at the Raintrees Tavern since June 2004.” The last day of trading is June 28.

It is understood the tavern was “not commercially viable” and, while the drive-in was profitable, its licence was attached to the tavern and could not be operated separately.

ALH is working with staff currently working at the Raintrees Tavern and the attached BWS to redeploy to other pubs and BWS stores throughout

Cairns. The BWS bottle store within the shopping centre, next to the Woolworths supermarket, will remain open.

It is believed the 40 poker machines and the gaming and hotel licences are also for sale or could be surrendered to the government.

Pub baron Tom Hedley told Cairns Local News this week he was not one of the interested parties.

In other moves at the shop-

ping centre, the Manunda Library will move into a new space inside this month.

The library will be relocated to level 1, (above the old Woolworths).

A council spokesman said to minimise disruption and facilitate the re-location, the library would be temporarily closed from today (Friday, June 7) for about two weeks to allow staff time to relocate materials to the new location.

The AEC confirmed it was moving into the old library space as well as adjacent areas. A spokesman said the AEC’s office on Grafton St would not be closing or relocating. It will remain open. “Our lease in the Raintrees Shopping Centre is for a location we call an Outposted Centre, or OPC,” he said. The centres act as logistics hubs for the AEC and used for storage and distribution of materials for federal elections.

Council News Update

Join the Grand Parade

Applications are open for the 2024 Cairns Festival Grand Parade, which has been themed Celebrating colour and diversity in the Tropics

Set to attract over 25,000 spectators along the Esplanade, the Grand Parade will be held on Saturday 24 August.

Participation is free, with a chance to win a share of $7000 in prizes.

Applications close on Friday 26 July.

Improvement works

Balaclava Rd, Bungalow: Asphalt overlay between Yarrum St and Mulgrave Rd. Night works from 6pm on Wednesday 12 June. Traffic control as required.

Green St, Edmonton: Pavement and water main renewal between Armstrong St and O’Sullivan St. Temporary road closure.

Hartley St, Bungalow: Sewage pumping station renewal works at the corner of Odgen St from Thursday 11 June. Traffic control as required.

Mulgrave Rd, Earlville: Asphalting near Barr St. Night works from 6pm on Friday 14 June. Traffic control as required.

Woodward St, Edge Hill: Asphalting at the Collins Ave roundabout. Night works from 6pm on Monday 10 June.

For more details or to register, visit the Cairns Festival website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/festival.

4 Visit Council’s website for a full list of improvement works.

Manunda Library relocating in shopping centre

Manunda Library will move into a new space inside the Raintrees Shopping Centre this month.

The relocation is driven by redevelopments currently unfolding at the centre. To support these developments, the library will be relocated to Level 1 (above the old Woolworths).

To minimise disruption and facilitate the relocation, the library will be temporarily closed from Friday 7 June for about two weeks to allow staff time to relocate materials to the new location.

Carins Libraries is also upgrading its online catalogue until Tuesday 18 June. During this time, the ability to hold and renew items will be temporarily unavailable.

While the Manunda Library is temporarily closed, customers can return borrowed items to any of the Cairns Libraries branches or conveniently drop them off at the Cairns Libraries return chute located in the DFO Shopping Centre Westcourt.

For location details and operating hours for all other Cairns Libraries branches, visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library

Cassowary Coast deputy mayor Nicholas Pervan on site with a plan of the Warrina Lakes’ nature play area. Picture: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

New firies set to fight blazes

l FAR NORTH

| Ellie Fink

EIGHT new auxiliary firefighters have graduated across the Far North.

The eight have been stationed across the region, including Adam Tickner (Cardwell station), Nadine Welch (Cairns South), Kyle Jose (Mossman) and Stephen Bowden (Tully). Others are Troy Nowlan (Thursday Island), Natasha Isabella (Atherton), John James (Cooktown) and Dean Pacitto (Malanda).

Protecting and serving the community runs in the blood

of Natasha Isabella and Dean Pacitto – two young auxiliary firefighters who have just taken on roles at Atherton and Malanda.

After spending her childhood hearing the stories of her father, Atherton Captain Jimmy Isabella saving lives, 19-year-old Natasha knew she had to become a firefighter.

After witnessing a house fire at the end of high school, she knew becoming a firefighter was what she wanted to do while also completing her hairdressing apprenticeship.

“I thought it was pretty

cool what the firefighters were doing – saving casualties and properties – so I started going to Monday night training with my dad,” she said.

“I was about to become of age (18 years old), so I kept going to training to see what it was all about.”

For 29-year-old exserviceman Dean, being an auxiliary is how he gives back to his wife and in-law’s community of Malanda.

After spending many years as an ambulance driver in the army and living in Brisbane, he moved to Malanda and was convinced by his father and uncle-in-laws to join QFES.

Record levels of highly-contagious respiratory infection reported in tropics

Whooping cough warning

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

A WHOOPING cough outbreak has reached record levels in the Far North.

Tropical Public Health Services is urging parents to be aware of symptoms of whooping cough aka pertussis – particularly in babies – and ensure vaccinations are up to date.

Since January 1 there have been more than 60 cases of whooping cough confirmed in the Cairns region, compared to a yearly average of 11.

Tropical Public Health Services acting director Dr Annie Preston-Thomas said whooping cough was a highly-infectious illness that caused uncontrollable coughing and difficulty breathing, particularly for children under one year of age.

“With our peak tourism season about to start in the Far North, this is particularly worrisome as the disease is likely to spread further in our schools and childcare centres,” she said.

“Parents should be on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor if they

are concerned. Our priority is to protect children under six months, as whooping cough can be much more severe in babies as they are not fully vaccinated yet.

“Hospitalisation and deaths due to whooping cough mainly occur in babies less than six months of age.

“Complications from whooping cough in babies can include pneumonia and seizures.”

Dr Preston-Thomas said typical symptoms were a persistent cough that may occur in bouts (often with

a breathless ‘whoop’ at the end). It is spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing.

“Someone with whooping cough is very infectious for the first three weeks of their illness or until they have received a course of antibiotics, and they could pass the illness on to an infant or baby at home,” she said.

“If your child develops a troublesome and persistent cough, take them to your doctor promptly (even if they are fully immunised) and mention if they have had contact with someone

with whooping cough.”

She said unfortunately many people diagnosed with the condition had delayed seeking treatment.

“Early detection and treatment of whooping cough can reduce spread to the most vulnerable, especially infants and women in the late stages of pregnancy,” she said.

“Staying home while infectious is also vital to prevent spreading the sickness.” Dr Preston-Thomas said vaccination was the most effective way to minimise the risk of whooping cough.

The new firies from left (back row) Adam Tickner, Troy Nowlan, Natasha Isabella, Nadine Welch, Kyle Jose, John James, Dean Pacitto, Stephen Bowden, (front row) Captain Joshua Weier, Inspector Wayne Roe, Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Neil, Lieutenant Rene Van Raders and auxiliary Shane Gibson. Picture: QFES

Hundreds celebrate 125 years

l ALOOMBA

| Isabella Guzman

THE skies cleared for Aloomba State School’s quasquicentennial last weekend when 450 former and current students from across the country returned to their alma mater to celebrate the institution’s journey.

It kicked off with the opening of a time capsule from 1999 removed by the same people who buried it. The capsule was handed to current school captains Lael Coleing, Matilda Henderson, Heath Schweitzer and Jayden

Taylor. The event was described as an utter success with 450 participants, including two past principals – Barry Petersen from 19852000 and Phil McKlein from 1979-1980.

Quasquicentennial chairman Merryl Hardwick said it was a day full of heartwarming contrasts with the two oldest students and two youngest cutting the 125th anniversary cake and another capsule buried under the flag pole to be unearthed in 2049 at the 150th anniversary.

"You only have to read a few pages of one of our school’s history books to

Plan to truck cane south

Gordonvale mill offers lifeline to growers

l MOSSMAN

| Nick Dalton

PLANS are underway to truck this year’s Mossman cane over to the Mulgrave mill at Gordonvale.

But the sticking point is who will bear the cost of transportation.

The mill has gone into liquidation after growers had invested $15 million in this year’s crop.

understand the sense of community associated with the voluntary work, favours and goodwill of the residents and staff to understand that this has been passed on throughout the generations,” he said.

“The perseverance, willingness and desire of so many to participate in activities associated with the school has helped shape the Aloomba school community to what it is today.

“After 125 years, our school continues to provide high educational outcomes, and this has been achieved in an environment where students are encouraged to grow.”

Canegrowers chief executive officer Dan Galligan said MSF Sugar at Gordonvale had drafted a cane supply agreement which enabled Mossman growers to have their cane crushed at the Mulgrave mill.

However, he said, there was no agreement yet on transport costs, which if they fell entirely on growers would make crushing Mossman cane in Gordonvale prohibitively expensive.

Mr Galligan said it would cost millions of dollars to transport the cane from Mossman to Gordonvale and the growers could not afford it.

He said negotiations were continuing with all parties to reach an agreement on transport costs.

Mr Galligan said there was “a

gap” between what the mill and growers could afford and it was hoped the State Government’s $12.1 million transition package could assist.

He said planning was underway to recruit drivers.

It is believed 40 drivers will be needed by harvesting and transport company The Bray Group, which has started advertising on social media for staff for a midJune start.

Mr Galligan said it was expected that the crush would begin mid-July and the mill had started building facilities to handle the truck movements.

He said there should be no issue with extra trucks on the highway even though sections of the road were under repair and there were nightly closures in place.

“This is more than a theoretical thing … it’s a real option,” Mr Galligan said.

He said the Arriga mill on the Tablelands was not an option.

He said it was at capacity taking cane from the Julatten area as well as on the Tablelands.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said she had been advocating strongly to ministerial colleagues, Premier Steven Miles and Department of Agriculture

representatives for greater support to manage the 2024 crop and to mitigate losses in the wake of the mill wind up.

“I am acutely aware of what the Mossman mill has meant for the town and the role it has played in Mossman’s economy for past 130 years,” she said.

“Looking to the immediate future for growers, the priority for a successful transition is the cane in the paddock right now.

“Farmers have invested time, money, and care into the current crop and, with no working mill in Mossman to process this crop, the key to transition is to minimise their losses. Growers are asking for financial support to transport the cane, or to harvest the cane on ground.”

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said it was understood 19m-long semi-trailers would be used and which were permitted to travel on the Captain Cook Highway and through to Gordonvale.

“Safety of road users is our first priority, and we will work with industry to manage the additional truck movements on Captain Cook Highway, Cairns Western Arterial Road and the Bruce Highway,” he said.

Gonzalez

Aloomba State School captains Jayden Taylor (left), Heath Schweitzer, Matilda Henderson, and Lael Coleing with the 1999 time capsules. Picture: Supplied

Para-athlete hub plans

Stakeholders setting up base for disabled sportsmen and women

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

CAIRNS is being positioned as an accessible and inclusive hub for

Local sporting clubs, disability advocates, not-for-profit organisations, and academics gathered in Cairns last week to discuss the future of Cairns as a hub for the 2032 Paralympic Games.

With only eight years until the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games, local athletes, local government and community members have started conversations and future programs to transform Cairns into the hub.

Despite 82 per cent of Australians agreeing that the Paralympic Games had shifted negative perceptions around disability, a long journey still lies ahead with one-tenth (10 per cent) of Australians with a disability still encountering discrimination or unfair treatment.

For this special event organised by Spinal Life Australia, Swimming FNQ, Sporting Wheelies, local athletes and Queensland academics met to discuss the current panorama around para sport and how to shift those negative perceptions to produce better sporting outcomes in Cairns.

AirAsia airfares from $159

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“We’re talking about the upcoming Paralympics and how can Cairns and FNQ best position ourselves to get the most out of the opportunities that will be part of that experience,” she said.

“There’ll be pathways for the people that are going for that elite experience but also the Paralympics and para sports give us the opportunity to get people with disabilities included and get them access to sporting and physical activity. People with disability are far less likely to be involved in sport and physical activity and there’s a very significant health impact from that, like diabetes and heart disease being more prevalent in people with disability.

“As a sporting community here in Cairns we’re trying to figure out what those opportunities happening statewide will mean to us.”

Chief operating officer for Sporting Wheelies – an organisation that offers sports, recreation and therapy programs for people with disabilities – Dane Cross said it was crucial to start a conversation around para sport in the region.

Spinal Life Australia North Queensland regional manager Margaret McDonald said the Brisbane Games opened up an opportunity to address accessibility and inclusivity in sport in the Far North.

“Starting with three weekly services, we hope to grow the number of flights in the future, based on demand,” Ms Yosephine said.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the new service would open up a raft of connections across Asia.

“AirAsia have never flown to Cairns before and we look forward to welcoming these services in August,” he said.

“This announcement is great news for locals, with more flights to Bali. Importantly, this service will also open up onestop, low fare travel to Tropical North Queensland from some of largest nations in southeast Asia, on an airline that is well known in those markets.

“These flights will provide direct connectivity from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and domestic Indonesia, including Jakarta and Surabaya, via Denpasar to Cairns.”

“People get involved with sport for different reasons, some people have Paralympic dreams, but there’s also the grassroots, participation level and, for Sporting Wheelies, we see ourselves playing a key role at that level,” he said.

want 500,000 people with disability participating in sport in Queensland by 2032 and that’s a large increase in where we’re at currently.

“The Queensland Government has stated some goals. They

“My hope for the region is that we’re able to leverage from 2032 but also for people in the room to

ask – what can we offer to you as a collaborative partnership? – to make that happen.

“These conversations are starting point within para sport and adaptive sport to activate people in the community who may not be participating in sport.”

Tourism Minister Michael Healy said it was “terrific to see the AirAsia stable expanding to Cairns”. “The Far North remains a hot ticket for visitors who want to see just how much Queensland has to offer, and now the arrival of AirAsia Indonesia to Cairns will bring even more travellers from around the world to this incredibly beautiful region,” he said. More at www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Margaret McDonald of Spinal Life Australia, University of Queensland Professor Sean Tweedy and Dane Cross of Sporting Wheelies. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Archaic law axed as regional council encourages more people

to live in CBD

Inner-city dog ban abolished

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

AN archaic law which banned dogs in the Cairns CBD has been abolished.

Cairns Regional Council this week removed the prohibition of dogs in the CBD, except for areas around the Esplanade Lagoon, which remain dog-free. It takes effect from July 1.

Mayor Amy Eden, who ear-

lier campaigned to allow dogs in the inner city, said at Wednesday’s council meeting that after 12 years “the ban on dogs in the CBD has come to an end”.

In November last year the council decided to allow amendments to ‘local laws’, to streamline the process for changing dog off-leash areas and animal prohibition areas. Since about 2011, dogs had been banned in public within the area encompassing Aplin St,

McLeod St, Spence St, Sheridan St, Wharf St, the Esplanade (excluding the north eastern footpath adjacent to the Esplanade) and at the lagoon, surrounding parklands and along the pier. Dog owners who disobeyed the rule could be slapped with onthe-spot fines of up to $309 and could face prosecution penalties of up to $3096. But it was rarely enforced.

Last year, Cr Eden, whose former division 5 included the

CBD, said she had campaigned for three and a half years for dogs to be allowed in the CBD.

She said “as the CBD undergoes changes due to retail withdrawals, there’s a need to positively activate the space, and people are the key”.

“To achieve this, we must encourage more residents to live in the city, and many want to do so with their furry companions,” Cr Eden said.

Cr Matthew Tickner (division

2) told the council meeting that it made sense to lift the ban as the council encouraged more people to live in the CBD.

He said many older people would want to move into city apartments and would be unhappy if they couldn’t bring “their little apartment dogs with them”.

A council report said the amendments allowed the council to better respond to community desires and improve

liveability. “During the fourweek public consultation period undertaken as part of the Local Law Amendment project, council received 102 responses regarding dog off-leash areas and animal prohibition areas,” it said. “Almost half of these (48 comments) were in relation to dogs being prohibited in the CBD, which were predominantly in favour of removing and/or reducing the area where dogs where prohibited.”

Call out to master athletes

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

INDOOR rowing, underwater hockey and pickleball are among some of the new sports that will feature alongside favourites such as netball, hockey and swimming at next year’s Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (GBRMG).

The four-day event will be held in Cairns from May 29 to June 1, 2025, with competitors expected from across the country, as well as from international destinations.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden has launched the “Conquer the Tropics” edition of the games alongside GBRMG ambassador Ashleigh Brazill.

An elite dual athlete, Ms Brazill won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games for the Australian Netball Diamonds and in 2019 was named in the AFLW all Australian team as a halfback.

“Ashleigh is one of the most influential sports people in the country, and to have her as our ambassador is a huge coup for the games,” Cr Eden.

“Whether it was on the netball court or the footy field, she epitomises the qualities of a true champions and is a role model for women in sport.”

Cr Eden has challenged the local sporting fraternity to get on board to make the event better than ever.

“We already have 20 sports registered, including new inclusions like indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball, futsal (indoor soccer), wakeboarding, underwater hockey, and pickleball,” she said.

“The 2023 Masters Games were an outstanding success with nearly 2400 individual competitors and over 2000 accompanying visitors, delivering an economic impact of more than $3.8 million."

Competitors are primarily aged 35 years and over, and after competing then relax and enjoy events at night.

Register in the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games by visiting www.gbrmg.com.au

Great Barrier Reef Masters Games ambassador Ashleigh Brazill with Cairns Mayor Amy Eden at the event’s launch. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Hi-tech DaVinci surgical robot would be first for regional hospital Cancer charity race

$4.3m campaign starts

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IN a first for the region, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is calling for community support for an ambitious $4.3 million fundraiser to buy a surgical robot that could change lives.

Donate for DaNi – DaVinci surgical robot – aims to raise $4.3m to bring the surgical robot to Cairns Hospital where it would be used in urological, gynaecological and rectal procedures.

Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan said, if successful, Cairns would be the first public hospital outside southeast Queensland to host the robot.

“Currently, some of these patients travel outside the region for this care, but we ultimately want as many people as possible to have as much health care as close to home,” she said.

“While this is an ambitious target, we already have $869,128.91 in the bank for this cause, which was fundraised by Rod and Sue Sherrington over four years at their Trinity Advisory Christmas lunches.”

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

NEXT Friday will see supporters lacing up their running shoes for a great cause, as Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health (COUCH) calls for participants for a charity fun run on the Cairns Esplanade.

Held on Friday, June 14 at 7.35am, the fun run’s 5kmcourse consists of a journey along the Cairns Esplanade, finishing through the official Ironman finishers’ arch in the Lagoon car park.

Supporters are also invited to an afterparty, featuring music, food vendors, and exciting activities for the whole family.

Supporters are also called to attend for the chance to connect with fellow COUCH community members, learning more about the charity’s impactful work in the Cairns local community.

COUCH marketing and partnerships coordinator Kay Judd said the event was a great opportunity for the community to get active for a great cause.

Mr Sherrington was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 46 after being told it was highly unlikely he had the illness. “I was lucky that my specialist, Dr Stefan Antoniou, said it warranted further investigation,” he said.

“My dream is that no-one, regardless of their financial situation, should have to travel outside Cairns for the treatment

I had.” Cairns Hospital chief executive Leena Singh said it was important the community worked alongside the foundation and health services to create better health outcomes for FNQ patients.

“The foundation has contrib-

uted more than $27 million in 27 years to improving health outcomes in the region – their impact is just immeasurable, so we’re excited to work with them again on this new project,” she said.

Ms Singh said that robotic

surgery was being progressively adopted by hospitals around the world to improve the patient experience and recovery. It is increasingly becoming a preferred tool of trade for clinicians.

Visit www.fnqhf.org.au

“It’s more than just a run, it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer,” she said.”

“Community participation helps provide essential support, bringing hope to our clients and their families.”

Visit www.facebook.com/ CairnsCOUCH

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chairman Chris Boland, FNQ Hospital Foundation chief executive officer Gina Hogan, donors Rod and Sue Sherrington, foundation chairman Dr Ken Chapman, and health service chief executive Leena Singh. Picture: Supplied

Last week we asked: Do you think Cairns Regional Council should have appointed former CEO John Andrejic to the interim role? Here are some of your comments.

He was the best qualified candidate for the job, has worked well with Amy Eden in recent times and, along with some smart councillors, will do Cairns proud.

- Barry Brady, Facebook

Please explain why the Mayor had a conflict of interest, which was conveniently not discussed and short answer – no. Shouldn’t be appointed. More transparency and accountability please. There needs to be some form of independent oversight group to keep a check on what these councils do. Impartial, to ensure everything is above board and is not abused and keeps a check on any potential underhanded dealings. I bet they wouldn’t want this? The question would then be, why not?

- Simon Walshaw, Facebook

Why not, just because you have worked together beforewouldn’t that be an advantage to all? Public cry corruption without knowing all the facts.

- Justin Libke, Facebook

Council are answerable to noone, certainly have forgotten who they represent. If you think the council has your interests covered, think again.

- Craig Mann-Jones, Facebook

He was engaged with Amy Eden’s council campaign and then he was voted into a $400,000 a year job at council. Come on, when will the golden handshaking and conflicts stop with Cairns council? Here we go again.

- Sara Reid, Facebook

It doesn’t pass the pub test.

- John Nicholas, Facebook

Phelps, Port Douglas

Vick Kandiah, Yorkeys Knob

Jonathan Nott, Clifton Beach

Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald

WEEK’S QUESTION Barron River MP Craig Crawford admits that an alternative route from Cairns to Kuranda is urgent. What needs to be done now?

@cairnslocalnews

Yachting regatta afloat once again

l PORT DOUGLAS

JUST recently the Port Douglas Yacht Club saw the return of the Clipper Cup Race Regatta. As a result of COVID-19 and a cancellation last year, the event was back this year, much to the pleasure of club members, organisers and those taking part.

The Clipper Race Regatta is actually the largest of its type in Far North Queensland and this year saw a turnout of 15 yachts with entries coming from as far as Airlie Beach and Townsville.

The race week began on Tuesday, May 14, and provided four days of competition, with six races, followed by the presentation evening on the Saturday. With carnivale the following week, May’s calendar in Port Douglas has certainly been a hectic one.

A course was laid out so that spectators could easily enjoy the action from the Port Douglas Yacht Club. The event included passage races around Snapper Island, Low Isles and back, plus some technical racing off the famous Four Mile Beach.

This all made for spectacular viewing, not only as a result of the highly competitive racing, but also thanks to the outstanding scenery that surrounds this beautiful part of our region. As well as the sailing itself, the yacht club, in its usual style, provided some great music, food and fun.

The Clipper Cup didn’t originally start life in Far North Queensland, but actually a long way further north in Hawaii, some 52 years ago.

The original 755-mile race attracted sailors from around the world, so it seemed and excellent opportunity to re-home the silver trophy in the equally idyllic location of Port Douglas. It was 30 years ago, this year, that Dick Cooch made the journey to collect the silverware and bring it to the Douglas Shire.

Well thankfully, the Clipper Cup seems to have found its forever home and we look forward to many more years of successful sailing.

I’m off to ‘splice the mainbrace’, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Rita’s never outspoken

l MOSSMAN

JUST recently, Mossman was host to the QCWA divisional public speaking competition. Rita Merrick, representing the Port Douglas branch of the CWA, was the eventual winner with Vicki Dowson, representing Mossman CWA, the runner-up.

For the first round, there was a choice of titles, with Vicki choosing ‘My favourite hobby is’ and speaking about writing. Rita chose ‘The bus trip’ and both talks lasted seven minutes.

For the second round, each contestant was given a box containing words or phrases. After pulling one from the box, the entrants had to immediately speak about it for two minutes. Vicki got ‘AI

(artificial intelligence)’ and Rita pulled out ‘What do you love about the CWA?’

The two judges on the day were Douglas shire councillor Abigail Noli and Brian Stevenson, an accomplished speaker and radio presenter.

Rita Merrick was declared the winner and now goes on to the regional public speaking competition in Atherton next month.

Our theatre family is what keeps the Clink alive and successful. WE REQUIRE A VARYING SKILL SET OF VOLUNTEERS! If your interested in learning some new skills, having some fun and meeting new friends fill in the expression of interest form at: www.clinktheatre.com.au And our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch.

Port Douglas Yacht Club hosted the Clipper Cup last month. Picture: Supplied

Public speaking prize winners Vicki Dowson and Rita Merrick. Picture: Supplied

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

Archie’s ride raises $1350

l KEWARRA BEACH

A 10-year-old boy has cycled his way to raising $1350 for charity.

The Trinity Anglican School student at the Kewarra Beach campus pedalled more than 100 km, tripling his fundraising goal of donating $1350 to Make a Wish Foundation.

In his Ride for Wishes bid to help sick kids receive a life-changing experience from the Make a Wish Foundation, Archie Loveridge proved age is no barrier to assisting others.

With his sights set on covering 100km on his bike, Archie successfully made the distance and then some, surpassing his initial fundraising goal of $500 almost threefold.

Kewarra Beach campus head of primary campous Mary Kershaw applauded Archie for his efforts. She said Archie’s success resulted from hard work and showed maturity beyond his years of organisation and commitment to helping others.

Cash splash for groups

l NORTHERN BEACHES

| Nick Dalton

COMMUNITY and sports groups throughout the northern beaches have been recipients of Queensland Government cash splashes in the past few weeks.

Member for Barron River

Craig Crawford on his Facebook page has announced grants of more than $1 million across a raft of organisations.

Among them are Cairns Surf Lifesaving Club ($350,000 to upgrade amenities), Marlin Coast Bowls Club ($250,000 to upgrade clubhouse), Marlin Coast Rangers FC ($250,000 to upgrade field lighting) and Stratford Dolphins Football Club ($250,000 for new amenities facility).

Holloways, Machans and Trinity beaches’ SES units have received SES supports grants: Holloways Beach SES ($95,881 for a new vehicle shed), Machans Beach SES ($150,000 for building refurbishment) and

Trinity Beach SES ($197,130 for major upgrades)

“This funding is through the State Government SES Support Grant to assist local governments in providing high quality emergency disaster management services by supporting the activities of the SES,” Mr Crawford said.

“Local governments contribute significantly to the ongoing viability of the SES and their support remains an integral facet in the organisation’s effectiveness, especially when challenged during emergencies and disasters,” he said.

“This continued support enables the thousands of SES volunteers to continue to selflessly devote their time to assist local communities and ensures that they are adequately resourced and equipped to do so.”

Holloways Beach Men’s Shed has taken delivery of a new ute.

Mr Crawford said the men’s shed received $25,000 from the state government through

a recent Gambling Community Benefit Fund Queensland allocation.

“Thank you for all the great work you do for the community,” he said.

The Cairns Chess Club, based at Newman College at Smithfield, also received a Gambling Community Benefit Fund Queensland grant – $2136.98 for new chess sets, digital chess clocks, and a laptop to run chess meets and tournaments.

“The GCBF funding helps these groups to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities,” Mr Crawford said. Active women and girls grants of $7500 each were awarded to Marlin Coast Regional Netball, JCU Mariners Rugby Union Football Club, Far North Equestrian Group, Redlynch Razorbacks Junior Rugby League Club, Cairns Surf Lifesaving Club, Redlynch Valley Tennis Club, Cairns and District Pickleball Club and Cairns Baseball League.

Archie Loveridge of TAS raised $1350 for Make a Wish Foundation. Picture: Trinity Anglican School

Spotlight on Douglas

Rainforest track opens

Cape Trib Bloomfield Road set for school holiday adventures

l DAINTREE

THE Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road, which has been closed since mid-December due to extensive damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, is re-opening later this month.

A Douglas Shire Council spokesman said it would be a boost for adventurous families, re-opening in time the June/July school holidays.

He said 48 sections of the road were damaged.

“Crews have been on site since early January 2024 to restore to its previous condition as a 4WD track and council can confirm it will be open to the public by June 22,” the spokesman said.

He said Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road, which links Cape Tribulation to Wujal Wujal, was considered one of Australia’s most scenic and challenging drives.

“An alternative to the inland road via the sealed Mulligan Highway, this 4WD route travels through the heart of the Wet Tropics and features world-heritage listed rainforest, waterfalls, creek crossings, rainforest-clad ranges and stunning views,” the spokesman said.

“It’s also a vital access route for Degarra residents wanting to travel to Mossman and Cairns.

“Restrictions on Cape Tribulation Road have also been relaxed with the length re-

striction for articulated vehicles increased from 12.5m to 15.1m.

“This will mean more camping trailers and caravans will be able to travel across Alexandra range to Cape Tribulation Village, ahead of the school holidays.”

In the meantime, radar equipment –which would look more at home on the moon’s surface rather than in the Daintree – is making a vital stretch of the road safer and more accessible for motorists.

The council spokesman said ‘The GroundProbe radar’ would provide 24/7 live monitoring of the slip face at Noah Range and will alert the council to any movements of the mass that has yet to come down.

The detection technology is used by Rio Tinto and other mining companies.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said Noah Range was now open until midnight each day.

“The safety of the local community, tourists and council staff has been our priority since recovery works began on Noah Range,” she said.

“This technology has given the council confidence to extend access hours – the radar’s live monitoring means we can monitor any movement at the slip face late at night outside of daylight hours.”

The council is working with engineers and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority on the final rectification works at Noah Range.

$11.4m rebuild

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

UNSEALED roads both north and south of the Daintree River are to be repaired to the tune of $11.4 million.

The assistance is provided through the jointly funded commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

It is part of a wider DRFA Program of Recovery projects the Douglas Shire Council will be undertaking over the next three years to recover following exTropical Cyclone Jasper. Works have already started on the first three land slip remediation works at Alexandra Range.

The council will be releasing a tender for the construction works to be completed in the next six months. There are some unsealed roads where significant sections of the surface were damaged, whereas other roads contain only small areas to be repaired.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the flooding that followed caused devastating damage to many roads.

“It’s been a challenging time for some of the remotest members of our community who’ve faced access issues since midDecember,” she said.

Moon-like radar equipment is monitoring landslides. Picture: Douglas Shire Council

YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS

JUNE

07 | 2024

Symphony Under the Stars a magical night for Port

REX Smeal Park was alive with the sound of classical music following the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s performance at Port Douglas last month.

Local residents and tourists came together to attend Symphony

Under the Stars – an event held to mark Carnivale’s 30th anniversary.

An orchestra ensemble also performed for residents at Ozcare aged care facility at Port Douglas while some of the visiting musicians also

held a workshop with students at Mossman State School.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it was a memorable night.

“Council was so grateful the QSO made the trip to Port Douglas to share their beautiful gift of music,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“Their commitment to regional and remote areas like our own should not be underestimated.

“Music brings people together, regardless of their background or

location. Classical musical and other cultural experiences should be enjoyed by everyone and not just our city friends.

“The QSO and the other 30th anniversary Carnivale events provided a boost to our morale and a weekend to celebrate where we live as the recovery process from natural disaster continues.”

Head to page 3 for more images of Carnivale.

First Nations provider to run new DV shelter

A HIGHLY respected fourdecade old First Nations service provider has been awarded a $2.2 million contract to operate a new domestic and family violence (DFV) shelter at Mossman.

Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service, which has been assisting the community since 1984, will manage the shelter.

The purpose-built shelter was commissioned by the Douglas Shire Council with funding from the Federal Government’s Safe Places program.

The shelter comprises of two self-contained units that are suitable for families.

Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service will provide culturally safe and trauma informed support that delivers specialist homelessness assistance for the next four and a half years.

The contract runs from April 2024 to August 2028.

In addition to the shelter, Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service will provide mobile assistance and DFV access and community education services, to reach more victims in the Douglas Shire.

Women’s shelters, like

the newly built one at Mossman, provide secure temporary accommodation that allows victim-survivors to access specialist support to recover mentally and regain their autonomy.

Before the opening of the new facility at Mossman, there were no DFV specialist homeless services in the region and this shelter will provide a safe secure place for women and children experiencing DFV who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath said the Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service will be running this new domestic and family violence shelter for the next four-and-half years.

“The Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service is the perfect organisation to provide the much-needed support services,” Ms D’Ath said.

“They are well-equipped and experienced to provide a culturally safe service to women and children of the Douglas Shire.

“I would also like to thank the Douglas Shire and their mayor Lisa Scom-

azzon for working hard to deliver such a vital service for their community.”

Mayor Scomazzon said: “Domestic violence is an abhorrent and widespread issue and as a Council we felt compelled to provide greater support for local women and children.”

“We look forward to Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service providing a safe space for those in need and filling a void within our community.”

“I would also like to thank the Queensland Government for funding the service and the Federal Government for providing the Safe Places grant which made the construction of this shelter possible.”

Councillor Abigail Noli said: “The final step of an eight-year project has now been completed with the awarding of a provider contract to operationally run the new Mossman DV shelter.”

“In 2016 I learnt the frightening extent of DV in Douglas and through operational plan initiatives, Council commenced this long-term project.”

“This facility is one aspect of a multi-pronged effort to reduce this crime in our community.”

Lights upgrade welcomed by Sharks

THE Mossman Sharks have a brighter outlook on the FNQ Rugby League season and it has nothing to do with gun recruits or secret game plans.

The local side will be playing its remaining home matches under new light towers at Coronation Park.

Sharks president Jason Fasano said the installation of the upgrade was a “welcome surprise” for the club.

“We knew Council had received funding for the

lighting but weren’t exactly sure when they’d be switched on,” Jason said.

The four new 27-metre steel light towers are equipped with LED energy efficient floodlights and have a user-friendly control system which can be operated remotely.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she was pleased the towers were in place before season’s end.

“The Sharks are one of the most popular clubs in the shire and Council is

pleased it could provide this upgrade for the players,” Cr Scomazzon said.

“It’ll also improve the atmosphere at this year’s Mossman Show and other community events.”

*The Queensland Government provided $145,704 (excluding GST) to Douglas to upgrade lighting to a lux level of 100 to support rugby league at Mossman under Active Gameday Projects to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.

Wind farm angst inspires exhibition

A MOSSMAN artist, singer and conservationist has used her creative talents to share concerns about wind farms and their impact on native wildlife.

Anastasia Klose’s exhibition For thy sake I in love am grown comprised of drawings, video, installation and performance. It recently drew to a close at Northside Contemporary Arts in Cairns.

Anastasia completed a deep-dive examination into a proposed wind farm at Ravenshoe for conversation group Rainforest Reserves Australia, raising grave concerns about the project. It also provided inspiration for her exhibition.

“I just became really aware of what’s going on in Queensland, under our noses, without people really being aware of the potential environmental impacts of wind farms,” she said.

“I became really concerned and distressed at the thought of our beautiful wildlife being harmed by habitat clearance and by the sound of the wind turbines spinning potentially affecting their behaviour, driving them off the site.”

Anastasia said the singing component of the exhibition evoked the greatest emotion for gallery visitors.

“It’s been a beautiful experience because people returned to hear me sing, some people day after day, and some people wept,” she said.

“People take away the memory of being moved by listening and that memory is

the artwork. It’s an immaterial artwork. It’s a memory of something that they may not have experienced before, that they haven’t heard that before, but that they can’t forget.”

It’s this passion and ability to think outside the square that has seen Anastasia appointed to Council’s new-look Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee.

Anastasia , a RADF grant recipient last year, said emerging artists should apply for the funding too.

“It helped me pay for my singing instructions with (singing teacher) Alteouise DeVaughn, to buy materials and with my fuel costs,” she said.

“The grant was invaluable, and it would’ve been more of a financial strain to hold this exhibit without it.”

Joining Anastasia on the committee are Rueben Dwyer, Tilly Melchert, Helen Ramoutsaki, Saisha Burchill Schonenberger, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Council Abigail Noli.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it was “refreshing to see so many news faces on the RADF Committee”.

“We are confident they’ll bring fresh ideas to the table and assist more emerging artists receive grants to make their creative visions a reality,” she said.

Stream 2 of the RADF funding opened on June 1. For more information head to the Regional Arts Development Fund web page.

Two of the new light towers at Coronation Park.

Anastasia Klose, at her recent exhibition in Cairns, is encouraging artists to apply for RADF grants.

Carnivale 2024

The 30th anniversary edition of Carnivale exceeded our expectations!

You may have may noticed the Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young getting her toes sandy at the Family Beach Day while the new Paradise Picnic on the Sunday was a relaxing way to cap off a successful weekend of activities. The program featured 21 events, ranging from the Wonderland Spiegeltent to Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Stars, Savour TNQ and the Longest Lunch.

YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS

“It has brought us together to support one another, rebuilt a sense of community, fostered connections and solidarity among the participants.

The Alexandra Bay Social and Sporting Club has held weekly classes for three years but, according to spokesperson Di Price, the slowmoving martial art has never been more important.

“It has improved mood, reduced anxiety, and increased feelings of well-being, helping community members cope with the emotional challenges they’ve been facing post-cyclone,” she said.

“And of course it’s improved balance, flexibility, and overall physical health.”

The club will be able to keep classes affordable after securing $10,000 through the Douglas Shire Council’s Community Grant Program, Events and Activities stream.

Council has also awarded the club a further $10,000 for a new shade shelter through the Community Grants facilities.

Di said the shelter was a

much-needed upgrade.

“I’ve been running playgroup from this space for eight years with Uniting Care Daintree Connections Family support and the old shelter didn’t give us much cover,” she said.

“We also host Alexander Bay Primary school trivia nights, and club social and sporting events and it offers minimal protection.

For more information on Council’s Community Grants Program or other grants available please contact Council Grants Officer by phone (4099 9444), via email grants@douglas.gov.au or head to Council’s website.

Home library volunteer connects with borrowers

FROM family tragedies to surprise parties and everything in between, conversations between Home Library volunteer Judy Orban and her borrowers can be colourful and varied.

An avid reader and library user, Judy said her new role was a perfect fit and an opportunity to give back to the community.

“I look at it as paying it forward as I’m probably not far off that situation myself,” she said.

“In the future, if I can’t get to the library I hope that someone might be able to drop a couple of books around for me to read.

“I like to think that I’m giving some of the clients a bit of joy, satisfaction and companionship, even if it’s only for five to 10 minutes.”

Val is the first borrower Judy visits on a recent home library run. The 87-year-old, who gave up driving about a year ago, said it’s an important service for the elderly.

“It’s a great innovation. I can’t get to the library so they come to me and it helps a lot,” she said.

“I love reading and I love the stories. It gets your mind off all your other worries when you’re into a good book, doesn’t it?”

Kath lives nearby and once the book exchange has been completed the conversation starts to flow.

She shows Judy a humorous birthday card from her son while she’s full of praise for the organisers of a High Tea she attended recently.

The 80-year-old said she was appreciative of the service and Judy’s willingness to have a chat.

“It’s wonderful because I don’t like driving to the library, I don’t like driving around other cars. I’m using the car to shop and go to church, other than that I don’t use it.”

“I missed lunch, so I thought I know what I feel like,” she said with a wry grin.

The 87-year-old said the Home Library visit was a highlight every fortnight.

“It means a great deal because I can no longer get to the library,” she said.

“I can no longer drive or walk far and things like that. Reading means an awful lot to me and without it I would feel quite lost.”

For more information on the Home Library service contact the Mossman Library (ph 4099 9496).

The Alexandra Bay Social and Sporting Club has received a Council grant to continue its weekly Tai Chi sessions and to build a new shade shelter.

Another borrower June greets Judy at the door with an ice cream in hand.

Home Library volunteer Judy Orban with Port Douglas borrower Kath.

Wining and Dining

‘Feast for the Senses’ menu

l FOOD AND BEVERAGE

TROPICAL North Queensland’s renowned bolthole Silky Oaks Lodge has launched a new package – ‘Feast for the Senses’ – designed especially for locals and visitors to the region and offering both lunch and spa options at the luxury lodge.

The Feast for the Senses package can be taken as a three-course lunch in the Treehouse Restaurant, which opens to the tropical rainforest and overlooks the gently flowing Mossman River, as a treatment in the Healing Waters Spa or as a delicious combination of both for a very special day out in the Daintree region.

The Treehouse Restaurant is offering a new three-course set lunch menu for visitors at $79 per person with beverages additional.

The fresh, tropical-inspired menu showcases the region’s diverse produce and features just-picked greens from the onsite kitchen garden.

On offer from the bar is a range of premium wines, locally crafted brews, and refreshing juices.

The Healing Waters Spa is a popular wellness destination for spa-goers searching for peace, tranquillity, and rejuvenating treatments.

Inspired by local First Nations beliefs that the water in the Mossman River is a renewing and a life-giving force, the Healing Waters spa is offering a one-hour spa treatment as part of the Feast for the Senses lunch and spa package, with rates from $279 per person.

Silky Oaks Lodge general manager Benjamin Brown said the Feast for the Senses package offered a wonderful day in the Daintree for visitors and local residents. “We’re delighted to welcome travellers to the region to sample a taste of the tropics and a rejuvenating spa treatment at Silky Oaks Lodge,” he said.

“The Feast for the Senses offer is ideal for a special celebration or just to experience the magic of the rainforest.”

Three-course lunch menu: $79 per person, lunch and spa package $279 per person. Advance bookings are essential. Call 4098 1666 or visit https://bit.ly/3yNgwO5

A new lunch and spa offering is available at the Treehouse Restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge. Picture: Silky Oaks Lodge

TimeOut

Talented Indigenous entertainer David Bindi Hudson brings his life to theatre

From bonfire to stage lights

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

FROM a childhood spent on Outback cattle stations to world tours and serendipitous moments in the sun, David Bindi Hudson takes his autobiographical story, From Campfire to Stage Light, on the road in June.

Kicking off with three shows in Cairns, from June 13 to 15, before heading off to 10 Queensland theatres in Caloundra, Townsville, Ipswich, Gladstone, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, Redlands and finally Toowoomba, the autobiographical oneman show will inspire a new generation of artists and performers.

After celebrating its world premiere at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2022, the critically acclaimed co-production of JUTE Theatre Company and DidgeRalia, From Campfire to Stage Light, is an engaging performance by master storyteller, Da-

Regurgitator cult band returns to city

l EDGE HILL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ATTENTION. This is not a pop show. Alternative cult band Regurgitator is ready to ‘invade’ Cairns for one night of classic Regurgitator bizarreness at the Tanks this June.

The Tanks Arts Centre will host one of Australia’s most beloved alternative rock bands Regurgitator as they make a comeback

with their latest album Invader, boasting hits like ‘This is not a pop song’ on June 22. For their 10th studio album Invader, Regurgitator returned with their classic alternative rock and synthy sound but with a lot more craftmanship.

Bassist Ben Ely said this album was the result of two years of work.

“This album took a lot longer to record than most albums we’ve made, it took us almost two years to make,” he said.

“We hold ourselves to a very high standard, so we wrote for about a year until we came up with an album title and that helped us focus a little bit more on the songs. It’s our standard Regurgitator record but it’s probably more focused and we worked a lot harder on it.

“And as we get older we really appreciate the fact that we’ve had a very long career and such supporting fans over the last 30 years and we’re working harder on our live shows and we wanted to work har-

der on our recording as well.”

vid Bindi Hudson, a descendant of the Ewamian-Western Yalanji peoples of the western Far North Queensland region.

It is the story of Mr Hudson’s life, full of culture, music and arts and a message of inspiration and resilience.

The play was written by Mr Hudson with JUTE’s Kathryn Ash and Cindy Hudson.

Known for his star quality and rare combination of talents, Mr Hudson shines – be it as a singersongwriter, dancer, actor, visual artist, or cultural leader for Indigenous Australia.

In preparing to take his oneman show on the road next month, he said he hoped From Campfire to Stage Light would inspire a new generation of artists.

“I can’t wait to take Queensland audiences on a personal journey grounded in my connection to culture and Country and commitment to intergenerational knowledge sharing,” he said.

Mr Ely said it was exciting to return to a venue like the Tanks and perform for FNQ fans after years of not playing Cairns.

“We’re really excited to return to the Tanks. It’s an amazing venue and we haven’t been in Cairns for some years, so we can’t wait to play,” he said. “We’re touring with this big light show and our support band Party Dozen which are really amazing to see. They’re amazing.”

To buy tickets, visit the Ticketlink website.

“I feel honoured and proud to bring my life’s story to audiences across Queensland, sharing the rich cultural heritage of my people and inspiring others to find strength and pride in their own stories.”

JUTE artistic director and CEO Suellen Maunder said Mr Hudson was an extraordinary performer, and his story was destined to resonate with Queensland audiences as it did in 2022.

“From Campfire to Stage Light is a play about opportunity, hope and how one man’s affinity with culture and the arts can inspire and ignite a whole new generation of storytellers,” she said. The show is laden with yarns and jewels of Hudson’s life –not the least of which covers his musical art and popularising the didgeridoo and performing in a world tour with Greek composer, Yanni.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.jute.com.au/ campfire

David Bindi Hudson will tour From Campfire to Stage Light – a performance of his life story across Queensland theatres from June 13. Picture: Paul Furse/Frontrow Foto

Alternative band Regurgitator is coming to the Tanks on June 22. Picture: Supplied

Lots of laughs Jimmy Rees offers cackles and giggles

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THERE’LL be not one empty seat or frown at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre as Jimmy Rees prepares to make the Far North cackle with his Let’s Get Regional tour set to land in early July.

First known as Jimmy Giggle on the award-winning ABC Kid’s TV series Giggle & Hoot, Mr Rees solidified his comedic chops during the pandemic after becoming a viral sensation with his quick-witted comedy sketches across his social media channels.

Now Mr Rees is ready to take his best sketches, props and characters to CPAC on July 6 for nonstop laughs, gags and giggles.

“I’m very excited, I haven’t been up north in many years and I’m really looking forward to busk in the sunshine,” he said.

“Regional crowds are very different from city audiences which is great because this show gets to the weeds of the funny you can find in regional areas, so I’ll be furiously studying what’s happening in the region.

“This show is a live version of what you see on my social media and what people have known me for in the past few

years. There’s a few of the characters that I do in some of my videos, some of the skits, so there’s a bit of everything.

“There’ll be a bit of chatting with the audience in a stand-up comedy style, having some fun, telling some stories and there’s some video content which goes with me talking to myself on screen and I open it up to the audience to see what we want to talk about.

“We finish it off with the ‘Meanwhile in Australia’ video, which a lot of people were introduced to my content through that video, but I do it live and recreating that live is quite

hard.” Mr Rees said this would be a hilarious experience that’d be relatable for the audience.

“What makes a Jimmy Rees show is variety, it’s as if you were to watch a week’s worth of content on my Instagram. It’s all condensed into an hour and 20 minutes on stage with a bit of this and a bit of that, but hopefully relatable and funny to everyone,” he said. “If you’ve enjoyed my videos, come along, it’s going to be a good night, there’s something there for everyone, ... so come and discover what’s been going on.”

To buy tickets, visit the Ticketlink website.

Comedian Jimmy Rees hits CPAC next month.

Duo’s hearty folksy tunes

Singers paint picture of Aussie living

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

SINGER songwriter duo Malia Sterling and Josh Maynard are bringing all the folk and the feels to Elixir Music Bar on June 15.

Travelling around the country with their songs about life, love and loss, the nomadic duo has been busking and performing with their original songs and covers of some of Australia’s biggest bands like Goanna.

Having shared the stage with great musicians like Thirsty Merc, Russell Morris, Dave Gleeson, Jack Jones, Shane Howard, John Schumann, Vanessa Amorosi and more, the duo is now fronting the stage at Elixir Music Bar next Saturday for an upbeat night of heartfelt folk with Cairns’ only Andy Brassett opening the stage.

“We were both singer songwriters from a young age and since we met in 2021, we’ve

been performing around the country,” Ms Sterling said.

“We play a combination of both of our original music and our favourite Australian covers from artists like Missy Higgins, Goanna and Paul Kelly.

“Our music focuses on our observation of the world around us and using our experience and other people’s experiences to paint a picture of what it’s like living in Australia in this day and age, the things you question and life itself,” she said.

“With our music having a strong, firm hold on the roots of Australian music, that’s what really inspires us and stylistically we put that across,” Mr Maynard said.

The pair said that for their first performance in Cairns they wanted to bring their best repertoire with some amazing covers.

“We were in Cairns three years ago busking, but this is our first ticketed event and

we’re excited to perform at Elixir. They put on such amazing stages and lighting, we can’t wait,” Ms Sterling said.

“This show combines guitar and vocal skills across the board with a firm hold on Australian storytelling and we also like to get people up and dancing. We’ve got some upbeat well known tunes that we like to include to get people involved,” Mr Maynard said.

“Live music is such an important thing to be supporting at the moment, with so many festivals cancelling, and it’s a great way to see artists from all around Australia and see what they bring to the table,” Ms Sterling said.

“We’re very excited to be sharing our music in a new place and bringing our stories from all over Australia to Cairns, so come along and share in the energy and sing the songs that you know,” she said. To buy tickets, visit Elixir Music Bar’s Facebook page.

Echo exhibition goes touring

l MISSION BEACH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

TAKING an inspiring look into the past of Mission Beach, the Echo of the Past photographic exhibition is about to finalise its tour after a year, with its last few days displayed on Palm Island. After touring across the Cassowary Coast in 2023 and the Atherton Library in early 2024, the ‘Echo of the Past’ exhibition – a collection of historical photographs of Mission Beach from 1890s to 1950s – travelled to Palm Island for an installation at the Bwgcolman Indigenous Knowledge Centre and its set to close this weekend, with Saturday, June 8 being its last day on display.

Having a successful run in the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach Historical Society president Dr Valerie Boll and Djiru Traditional Owner Leonard Andy decided to take a smaller installation of ‘Echo of the Past’ to Palm Island on May 15, which is now completing its successful round in the remote community.

“The inaugural slideshow and Djiru historic photographs and cultural objects, provide an insight of the early history of Mission Beach, with emphasis on the history of the Djiru people,” Dr Boll said.

“It also gives Djiru and other neighbouring clans some inkling of their country and help the long-term healing process.

“Djiru and other First Nations people were imprisoned at

the Hull River Aboriginal Settlement, also called 'The Mission' from 1914. The 1918 cyclone destroyed the Settlement and the survivors/’inmates’ were transported out of their country, onto Palm Island.

“Bringing the show to Palm Island allowed all visitors to reflect on the past, preserve and enhance important memories and events, promote intergenerational exchange of knowledge and culture and provide learning opportunities and foster while celebrating a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connections between Djiru and the wider community.”

The exhibition is now ready to close its touring cycle with one last day of exhibition tomorrow. For more information about Echo of the Past, visit www.mbhs.com.au

Folk duo Malia Sterling and Josh Maynard will perform at Elixir Music Bar next weekend.

Picture: Supplied

Regina James, Dr Valerie Boll and Leonard Andy with the Echo of the Past Exhibition.

FESTIVAL OF THE KNOB @ YORKEYS KNOB

l SAT JUNE 8TH, 10:00AM-4:00PM

Now in its 19th year, Festival of the Knob runs again on Saturday 8th June, along the Parklands Sims Esplanade.

This is a family friendly event, with market stalls, food and drink vans, and full day of stage performances.

Open from 10am to 4pm with the food and drinks area open until 6.30pm.

JANET FIELDHOUSE @ CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l SAT JUNE 8TH, 10:00AM-5:00PM

Experimentation and innovation are evident in the abstract forms created by Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mer ceramicist, Janet Fieldhouse. Imbued with reflections on culture her works are simple in form yet powerful in presence.

This exhibition has been supported through a Cairns RSL Club Artist Fellowship Award.

Exhibition Runs: 8th June – 1st September 2024, free entry

For more information please visit the Cairns Art Gallery website.

NAOMI HOBSON @ CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l SAT JUNE 8TH, 10:00AM-5:00PM

Life On The River brings together a series of new photographs by multidisciplinary artist Naomi Hobson. Taken during the wet season, the images capture Coen’s vibrant river culture and the relationships between the people and Wukaanta – The Coen River. These works highlight the centrality of the river to life in Coen.

Exhibition runs: 8th June – 1st September 2024 , free entry.

For more information please visit the Cairns Art Gallery website.

MASTERING PASSWORDS @ COMINOS HOUSE

l MON JUN 10TH, 9:30AM

Join The iPad Man for an entertaining and informative workshop where you’ll learn all about the best settings to use on your Apple devices to reduce your frustrations with passwords.

This one-hour lesson is tailor-made for over 50’s, plus there will be ample time for questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your password game and protect your valuable information.

Where: Cominos House, 27 Greenslopes St, Edge Hill

Cost: Free

HUSSY HICKS & LONTANO @ THE TANKS

l FRI JUN 7TH, 6:30PM

Celebrating the singer songwriters with a double dose of homegrown tunes at the Tanks!

Critically acclaimed festival favourites hailing from Lismore, Hussy Hicks are a tour de force featuring the powerhouse soul vocals of Leesa Gentz and guitar skills of Julz Parker. Together, they have conqued the last decade of the Australian music industry straddling the line between folk, blues, country, rock and roots.

Tickets available via ticketlink.

ERIC BOGLE @ CPAC STUDIO

l FRI JUNE 7TH, 8:00PM

Eric Bogle has been sharing his unique Scotsman-goes-down-under view since the late-’70s.

Best known for his iconic song ‘The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, Eric Bogle is far from being a one-hit wonder. With 14 albums, and appearances at every major folk music festival in Australia Put this on your ‘must see’ list and experience an extraordinary night out!

Tickets available through ticketlink.

GIG

Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any

or

FRIDAY

CPAC FNQ Regional Fanfare Final, 2:00pm

Dunwoody’s Hotel Eddie Skiba, 4:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar and Grill Ay Kanela, 6:00pm

Cazaly’s Cairns Russell Harris, 6:30pm

CPAC FNQ Regional Fanfare Final, 6:30pm

Brothers Cairns 3’s A Crowd Trio, 7:00pm

Brothers Innisfail Infinity Duo, 7:00pm

O’Donnells Palm Cove Escape Goats, 7:30pm

Tanks Arts Centre Hussy Hicks & Lontano, 7:30pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino Hanah Spring, 7:30pm

CPAC Studio Eric Bogle, 8:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino Tony George, 9:00pm

SATURDAY

Ravenshoe Carinda Christie, 11:00am

Yorkey’s Knob Boat Club Kaz Tune, 3:00pm

Strait on the Beach Holloways Various Bands, 3:00pm

Gordonvale Sugar Solstice Country Fair Bad Boys of Uke, 4:30pm

Lockhart River Social Club Big Pups, 5:00pm

Cazaly’s Cairns Fingerprint: 6:30pm

Pirate Den Bar & Grill Mission Beach Denim Blues, 6:30pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Sole2Soul, 7:00pm

Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club Music Bingo, 7:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino Hanah Spring, 7:30pm

Edge Hill Tavern Pierce Brothers, 8:00pm

Rattle N Hum Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 8:00pm

Red Beret Hotel Audioscam, 8:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino Funhouse, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

Barron Falls Hotel Denim Blues, 12:00pm

Lockhart River Social Club Big Pups, 1:00pm

Dunwoody’s Hotel Shannae Sclippa, 2:00pm

Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club Russell Harris, 2:30pm

Yorkey’s Knob Boat Club Barbary Coasters, 3:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino The Dannies, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Solutions

Weekly Horoscopes

CROSSWORD

You are best to look into investments that will grow in value over an extended period of time.

Your ideas will be well received.

Try to curb your bad habits, and compromise if your partner gives you an ultimatum. Turn your present relationship around or start a new one.

Cutbacks at work will be a cause for worry. You can make professional decisions this week that will affect your position Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. One-sided relationships are likely.

Resist secret affairs that could be detrimental to your reputation. Refrain from arguing with your mate. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn’t been feeling up to par. Your lack of attention may have been a factor.

Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family. Minor health problems will flare up if you don’t take care of yourself. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project.

Communications with loved ones may be strained. Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies, and matters of a private nature this week. It’s a good time for long awaited relationships to begin. You will be accident prone if you aren’t careful this week.

Don’t count on correspondence to clear up major problems. You may want to get involved in some kind of creative group. Your temper may erupt if you have allowed others to cost you too much money. Valuable information can be yours if you listen to those with experience.

Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. Go out with friends who are positive and supportive. Wait and get all the information before consulting your boss. You will be able to pick up on future trends if you keep your eyes peeled for unique ideas.

You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. Call a good friend. Deception is probable if you don’t use discrimination. Your mate may not have been honest with you.

You may have problems dealing with close friends or relatives. You can make professional changes and direct your energy into making the right moves. Go after your goals. Involvement in groups will bring you in touch with important individuals. Changes to your self-image will benefit as long as you don’t overpay.

Romance will unfold through business trips. You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. Put your energy into learning new skills or picking up valuable information. You could meet an interesting individual you’ll want to get to know better.

25. a distant or remote place (8)

26. to wet thoroughly, or soak (6)

27. to make yourself very comfortable or safe in a place or position (8)

DOWN

1. small tool for holding small objects or for bending and cutting wire (6)

2. to play something again, especially music or video recorded already (6)

3. to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires of a person (6)

ACROSS

Do your job and then spend some time with family; you’ll be glad you did. Uncertainties are still prevailing. You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess. You need to spend time with friends and family.

than you anticipated. It’s a favourable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful.

1. belonging to or affecting a particular person rather than anyone else (8)

5. marks made by scraping or grazing a surface or object (6)

9. in a way that takes pleasure in causing trouble, but also funny and attractive (8)

10. to have a course of action as one’s purpose or intention (6)

11. to reevaluate (8)

12. a piece of grassland, especially one used for hay (6)

14. to make little effort; rest (4,2,4)

18. at first view, or on the first appearance (5,5)

22. one of eight equal parts (6)

23. the symbolic staff of a herald (8)

24. causing or able to cause death (6)

4. an experienced deck-department seaman qualified to perform routine duties at sea (4,6)

6. small pieces of coloured paper traditionally thrown over a bride and bridegroom (8)

7. a day devoted to outdoor sports or athletic contests (5,3)

8. to, towards, or from the side (8)

13. the action of repeating something aloud from memory (10)

15. magnificent; very impressive (8)

16. the loss of respect, honor, or esteem (8)

17. any of several weakly acidic hydrated forms of tantalum pentoxide (8)

19. province of eastern Canada (6)

20. a close-fitting hip-length usually sleeveless jacket (6)

21. suppose to be the case, without proof (6)

Plan for CBD infill projects

Council applies for funds to lead way to filling empty buildings, land for housing

l SPECIAL REPORT

| Nick Dalton

CAIRNS Regional Council has applied for $655,000 in Federal Government funding to help deliver a roadmap to guide infill housing in the Cairns CBD.

A council spokesman said the proposed Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project responded to early insights derived from the Toward 2050 Growth Management Plan.

“With the population of the Cairns CBD projected to increase by 32 per cent from 2021 to 2046, there is an expected need for more infill and higher density housing required within the CBD and neighbouring inner suburbs,” he said.

“There is also the need to address housing needs to support proposed health, university, arts and sporting precinct areas located close to the CBD.

“The Cairns City Precincts

Urban Regeneration Project aims to provide guidance for urban infrastructure in the CBD that will support growth, higher density and diverse housing types to match Cairns’ future residential needs.”

The council has made an application for $655,441 from the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts under the Housing Support Program – stream 1 funding.

It comes as The Retirement Living Council welcomes the Queensland Government’s $350 million fund to incentivise infill development as the sunshine state continues to attract an influx of retirees.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles, speaking at a Property Council event in Brisbane, is encouraging retirement village developers and operators to utilise the new ‘Incentivising Infill Development Fund’.

Mr Miles said he would

like to see retirement village developments utilise these fasttracked approval processes.

“They’re a great example of how we can deliver additional supply (and) make use of existing infrastructure … if they can help us get older people out of five-bedroom houses more suitable for families and into well serviced apartments and villas, that would be great,” he said.

RLC executive director Daniel Gannon said he was pleased to confirm industry’s involvement in this important initiative.

“Premier Miles has confirmed that the retirement living industry has an important role to play in providing more housing supply across Queensland,” he said.

“Across Queensland, there are more than 280,000 people over 75 living in dwellings that are oversized for their needs, which makes rightsizing an important piece of the housing puzzle,” he said.

Cairns Regional Council is considering ways to use empty buildings and land to create housing in the CBD and nearby suburbs. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Fuel use in real world far more genuine than in lab

l SPECIAL REPORT

| Nick Dalton

THE Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has completed the third round of its ongoing Real-World Testing Program (RWTP).

Eight out of 21 cars tested in the latest round, covering a mix of SUVs, passenger cars and utes, recorded fuel consumption levels between six per cent and 31 per cent higher than in their laboratory test results

The Suzuki Swift returned the highest deviation of 31 per cent with a real-world fuel-consumption figure of 6.3L/100km, compared to its 4.8L/100km lab test result.

The AAA said the discrepancy between the Swift’s lab result and its real-world result was significantly higher than the previous highest deviation of 16-18 per cent.

The Japanese hatchback also recorded on-road carbon monoxide emissions more than double the regulated lab test limit.

The Subaru Forester Hybrid was another vehicle to use significantly more fuel in realworld testing than it achieved in laboratory tests.

Despite being a hybrid, the Forester’s 7.4L/100km was 10 per cent higher than its mandated lab result (6.7L/100km) and only slightly better than the 7.7L/100km real-world results of its larger and more powerful stablemate, the Outback.

Eleven other vehicles delivered fuel consumption within five per cent of lab test results,

while eight exceeded their lab test fuel consumption by six per cent or more, and two vehicles had on-road fuel consumption 10 per cent to 13 per cent lower than their lab results.

RACQ principal technical researcher Andrew Kirk said that, even though some vehicles accurately depicted their fuel consumption on the windscreen label and a few even used less fuel, the majority tested so far had used more fuel than indicated on the label.

“Buying a new car is a huge

investment and motorists deserve to know how their vehicle is likely to perform in Australian conditions,” he said.

“If a car you’re interested in will use more fuel in the realworld compared to its reported lab results, that has a direct impact on your hip pocket at a time when many Australians are watching their every dollar.”

In addition to the Swift, the on-road emissions of five other vehicles exceeded current or future Australian regulatory lab limits for tailpipe emissions.

AAA managing director Michael Bradley said the testing program was delivering surprising results.

“In our latest batch of results, there is a 44 per cent spread in the gap between the tested cars’ fuel consumption lab results and their on-road performance,” Mr Bradley said.

“One 1.2-litre vehicle had similar on-road fuel consumption to several 2-litre cars, and a hybrid SUV had higher petrol consumption than a similarsized conventional SUV.”

The Suzuki Swift returned the highest deviation of 31 per

The Mazda BT-50 4x4 XT with a 3.0-litre four cylinder turbodiesel recorded three per cent more on the road than in lab tests (8.2 versus 8). Pictures: AAA The Volkswagen Tiguan

Popular German car tweaked

2024 BMW 3-Series upgraded

l NEW MODEL

| Nick Dalton BMW has tweaked its 3-Series range again before new petrol and electric versions roll out in 2027.

The latest iteration of the 3 Series, which arrives in Australia later this year, will bring new styling enhancements and digital features.

The 3 Series – first launched in 1975 – is the core of the BMW brand and represents the epitome of driving pleasure and the benchmark for sporting prowess in the mid-size luxury sedan segment.

The extensive revisions already introduced for model year 2022 have been followed up with a fresh package of updates that take the visual appeal and digital capability of the 3 Series to new levels.

BMW’s 3-Series sedan and wagon have received upgrades and are due for release later this year. Picture: Supplied

This includes the integration of BMW Operating System 8.5, which provides the basis for intuitive and comfortable operation via the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and for extended navigation functions including ‘Augmented View’. A raft of interior enhancements complements the new digital offering. A new flat bottom M leather steering wheel includes a 12 o’clock marker – including a striking red stripe for the M340i xDrive variant – as well as updated air conditioning vents with newly designed adjustment knobs. Additional ambient lighting elements are also included to further lift interior ambience, while the M340i xDrive will feature the BMW glass application ‘CraftedClarity’ as standard equipment for the local market. This premium feature integrates application of crystals made by Swarovski for specific interior elements, including the gear selector, BMW iDrive controller and start/stop button. M Sport seats will re-

main as standard equipment for all Australian-delivered 3 Series variants, providing both optimum support and comfort.

Three new 19-inch alloy wheel designs are available. The M340i xDrive will retain its double spoke, 19-inch M light alloys shod with sport tyres. Pricing and specification for the new 3 Series sedan and touring will be announced next month with deliveries set to begin from October. More than 20 million examples of the model have been sold globally.

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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. Lady 76 years seeks health-conscious

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

Redlynch Valley: Xavier Herbert Park, 17:00-20:00

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

Saturday June 8th

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

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

Festival of the Knob: Sims Esplanade, 10:00-16:00

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

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

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

Mareeba Markets: 100 Park, 7:00-12:30

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

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

Tully: Lions Park, 08:00-12:00

and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you? Al-Anon can help you. Meetings held weekly at: • Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm to 7pm • Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm to 1pm • Kuranda: Mondays, 11am to 12 noon For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

Sunday June 9th

Archer Creek: Rest Area, Kennedy Highway, 07:00-12:00

Atherton Lions Club: Merrilands Hall, 07:00-12:00

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

Cardwell Jetty: Foreshore, 08:00-13:00

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

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

Kurrimine Beach: Progress Hall, 08:00-12:00

Port Douglas: by St Mary’s Church, 07:30-14:00

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

How

58-year-old

defies age,

Lorelle’s addiction

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AT age 58, Lorelle Haag from Cairns North is breaking stigmas about ageing, becoming a national and state champion in bodybuilding and gearing up for her first international competition.

Ms Haag was always a fit woman who had a knack for sports, but after many injuries, a knee surgery and a broken lower back, she didn’t expect that she would become even healthier and stronger and discover a passion for bodybuilding.

competition, but I was feeling confident, and I took the title for over 50s and second place in the open category, which is all ages.

“At the NBA nationals I was also awarded a pro card which means that now I’ve become a professional athlete in bodybuilding and can compete overseas as a professional. That was a huge achievement for me.”

Having her first body building competition at age 48, 10 years later she took home first place at the Natural Bodybuilding Australia (NBA) state titles on April 27, first place at NBA nationals on May 12 and first place at the ICN state and national titles in the over 50 category plus second place in the open category on May 19 and 25 respectively.

“My husband was a bodybuilder, so he introduced me more to the gym. I had a lot of injuries and ailments, but I started to feel stronger and feel better within myself. The pain that I had was starting to go away, and I became addicted,” Ms Haag said.

“It had been six years since I last competed and I never thought I would be at the level of a national

Ms Haag said now she’d hope to inspire other people her age to strive for fitness and sport.

“I’m 58 and to enter one competition is a big achievement but to do four back-toback is out of this world,” she said.

“I love bodybuilding. Going to the gym is a stress releaser for me but I’m also fitter, healthier and stronger than I was in my 30s.

“I now know that I’m at that level and would like to compete overseas. There’s an Asia Pacific competition in Bali in October. I don’t know if I’ll make it but if not, I’d like to go overseas in 2025.

“What I want to get across is that it doesn’t matter what age you are or what injuries you have, you can always do some sort of exercise and diet plan that is going to improve your health, especially as we get older.

“I started this journey in my 40s and if I can do it with my knee operations and broken lower back, anybody can. It’s not just for the young ones.”

Sport Results

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Thursday, May 30th. Winners; E Ligasacchi, M Bruni. R/U; F Guesmer, R Moody.

MOSSMAN BOWLS

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

breaks down stigmas at national titles Tradies race day ‘fabulous’

l HORSE RACING

FAR North’s racing is back in full swing following a much-need break in the wet weather.

Last Saturday’s Century Cranes Tradies and Ladies Race Day at Ladbrokes Cannon Park proved to be a spectacular event, bringing together fashion, fun, and excitement.

Cairns Jockey Club general manager Cameron Riches said he was delighted and relieved seeing the sun out and punters back at the track.

“Cairns’ average annual rainfall is 1992mm. Since January 1, we’ve had over 2200mm fall, not including the 1131mm that fell in December 2023,” he said.

“This has had a massive economic impact on the local racing industry, which flows through to so many other sectors of the community, including retail, hospitality, and tourism. I’m thrilled to see the sun out and hope she sticks around for the rest of the carnival season.

“The Century Cranes Tradies and Ladies Race Day is our third largest race day of the year and is worth over $230,000 to the local racing industry,”

One of the highlights of the race day was the hotly-contested Fashion on the Field event, sponsored by local fashion house, SonLia.

Winners of the Fashions on the Field were stylish lady of the day Jen Marsh from Tolga, and runner-up Wendy Smart from Kuranda. Classic lady of the day was won by Penelope Binotto from Redlynch. Second was Sandra Hoskins from Clifton Beach. Best dressed tradie was Lachlan Rogers from Atherton, and runner-up Matthew Thiel from Redlynch.

Winners: Jock Constantine, John Arnold, Dick Pitt def. Derek Franklin, Nev Tesch, Gordie Henderson + 11. R/U; Bill Smith, Peter Worley, John Hocking def. Col Widdows, Jarrod Kearney, Troy Churchill +11. David White, Sas def. David Blain, Ted Holmes +6. Charlie Toohey, Terry Richards, Ali Douglas def. Steve Fuller, Barney Kearney, Tony Brylack +1.

Tuesday, May 28th. Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; Robyn, Bob, Laurie. R/U; Fi,

Helen, Betty. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; Hugh, David, Rick. R/U; Dave, Allan, Jason. Tuesday night bowls. Winners; Paper, Rob, Brad, Shooee, Peter, Ruth, Rod, Barry. Wednesday, May 29th. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners; Pat, Joan Carey. Triples. Winners; Helen, Glenda. Thursday, May 30th. Thursday Mixed triples. Winners; Greg, Smith, Mike. R/U; R Blake, SJ Pitt, Robbo. Saturday, June 1st. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; Helen. R/U; Robbo.

Club Championships. Men’s AGrade Singles. G Midson def. D Gibson 26-15. C Thompson def. N Robson 25-23. R Gillman def/ P Hamilton 25-16. Ladies A-Grade Singles. V Still def. A Lim 25-24.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

Wednesday, May 29th. Winners; C. Lord, A. Del Favero. R/U; M. Bucklar, R. Pamphilon, J. Populin. Third. Q. Bates, J. Blain, B. Power. Friday, May 31st. Club Championship Pairs

Final. B. Power, Q. Bates def. G. Cann, D. Daffy. Thursday, May 30th. Championship Singles. Winners; G. Buttigieg def. J. Rick. D. Begg def. E. Atkinson. Social games. Winner; D. Begg. R/U; M. Girardi, K. Paki, G. Buttigieg. Saturday June 1st. Winners; A. Rayner, A. Smith, R. Frazer. R/U; J. McClean, A. Crittenden, L. Ceely.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S

BOWLS

Tuesday, May 28th. Winners; Richo, R. Radinga, Alby. R/U;

John Rilley, Ted Hamilton, Phil Buntain. Thursday, May 30th. Thirsty Thursday. Best players; Gavin, Maurie Raisin, Mick Lynch. Friday, May 31st. Friday night scroungers. Winner; Steve Braggar. R/U; Tania. Club Championship A-Grade pairs final. J. Banes, G. Blades def. T. Hamilton, Greg Stanley 22-14. A-Grade Singles. T. Moulds def. A. Radford 25-23. S. Ford def. Phil Buntain 25-18. Sunday, June 2nd. Winners; D. Nicholls, R. Radigna, N. Mallyon. R/U; B. Coleman, M. Poley, S. Ford.

Lorelle Haag has become a national bodybuilding champion at age 58. Picture: Supplied

Crows coaching clinics

l AFLW

THE Adelaide Crows AFLW team is in Cairns hosting a school nine-a-side tournament and a clinic to promote the game in the Far North and encourage more girls to aspire to a future in AFLW.

For their pre-season the Crows decided to engage the Cairns community to help raise future AFLW stars through a school nine-aside tournament that kicked off yesterday at Watson’s Oval and an Auskick clinic with QAFL visiting local junior clubs where the youngsters will get to learn skills from the pros today from 4.30pm to 6pm.

The players will also participate in several team building activities over the weekend including a family feud style game, a trip to the Crystal Cascades waterfalls and a Great Barrier Reef tour, as well as football and gym training sessions.

Head of women’s football Phil Harper said it was part of the club’s mission to give back to the community.

“Having been involved in the promotion of AFL in Queensland many years ago, I know that promoting the sport up in Far North Queensland is a great thing,” he said.

“Our girls are great promoters of the game and they do it really well, so I’m sure we will get a good turn out from the locals in Cairns and surrounding areas.

“The QAFL have put together some initiatives which we are really looking forward to supporting, it should be good fun.”

Port set for sound win Hawks

l AFL

| John Gillett

expected to beat Centrals TB, Tigers tipped to roll Saints

AFL Cairns men’s round 8 preview Cairns City Lions vs Port Douglas Crocs at ITEC Group Oval

THE last two men’s premiers enter this 2nd vs 3rd match-up separated by a measly 19 points on the ladder, as in, that’s how close their percentage is after four wins each.

Both teams will know that a win here will go a long way to securing a top two finish by season’s end, particularly with Norths also on 16 points.

Port had the bye last week as they slowly but surely come back to their full-strength side, while Lions saw off a gallant Saints team.

It could come down to a battle of damage limitation by each defensive unit. Port forward Brett McKeown and Lions forward 50 stalwart Tyron Rainbird kicked seven and eight goals respectively in their last match.

Prediction: Port by 15

Manunda Hawks vs Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs at Cazaleys

A DESPERATE clash looms at Cazalys for both these teams.

Hawks, who are still winless, have been rueing the round 1 clash between these two teams for months now after they were beaten by a measly point.

That was the closest they had come to winning an A-grade

game since round 1, 2022.

For the Bulldogs, they will be very keen to move on from their 147-point loss at the hands of Cutters last week.

The margin did not do the Dogs any favours against a Cutters team who were truly rampant and insatiable, but they will want to be better with both their territory to scoring

shots and their scoring shots to goals conversion, especially with Ezekial Frank on the other side.

Prediction: Hawks by 3

North Cairns Tigers vs Cairns Saints at Watson’s Oval

A CLASH brimming with intrigue awaits spectators at Watson’s Oval on Saturday as these

two teams prepare to meet for the second time.

Norths set the competition alight in their first 2.75 games before running hot and cold since then. Of particular concern is the recent trend of teams kicking a run of goals on them, despite not doing a lot wrong.

The Saints will be looking to exploit that as they continue

to build and rebuild in season 2024.

A very strong showing against a far more fancied Lions team last week would have buoyed the squad.

A win against the Tigers would have them squarely sitting in finals dark horse territory.

Prediction: Tigers by 20

The Tigers’ Dan Jackson gets the kick away ahead of the Hawks’ Jack Lowe. Below: The Tigers’ Darcy Keast and Rory Tarlinton are out to spoil Hawk Ezekial Frank’s day. Pictures: RAWI/AFL Cairns

The Cutters’ James Dixon and Cody Schutt fly high with the Bulldogs’ Adam Manser.

Luxury Unleashed Here

We are dedicated to providing an exceptional and affordable retirement living option for all of our residents.

Services include but are not limited to the following:

Right To Reside Model

Affordable Weekly Charges

Internet And Solar Electricity

2x TVS Included

Phones Included

Onsite Contact Officer