Cairns Local News October 07 2022

Government takes finger off the pulse

KATTER’S Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has welcomed a new national advisory group exploring the extension of lifesaving programs that recruit bone marrow donors through cheek swabs via post. However, he said a “talkfest” would not save critically-ill Queenslanders.

Mr Katter wrote to the Federal and Queensland Health Ministers raising deep concerns about the severe lack of blood, stem cell and bone marrow donation capacity in regional Queensland.

He expressly referred to gov ernment restrictions hamstring ing critical national registry Strength to Give, which recruited peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow donors through a cheek swab test in the mail.

Mr Katter’s office was informed that the registry’s recruitment was limited to only 6,000 of the required 25,000

donors.

In addition, existing funds were locked under feder ally imposed contractual constraints, forcing 80 per cent of transplant patients to find a donor overseas.

Both Ministers’ offices ac knowledged more work needed to be done to boost domestic stem cell donor capacity.

They also revealed a Clini cal Advisory Group had been established to consider the requirements of setting up regulatory frameworks and pa thology labs for buccal (cheek) swab donor recruitment “over the coming months”.

The office of Federal Minis ter for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said Strength to Give pilot programs raised po tential non-compliance issues, as the swabs were not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, and also limitations in infectious disease screening.

“It’s very encouraging that

critically-ill Queenslanders like Bonnie Black, whose battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, are being heard, and Government is moving on unlocking the potential of stem cell and bone marrow dona tion services to meet critical demand,” Mr Katter said.

“However, all the talk of advisory groups and new regulatory and accreditation frameworks is a hard pill for these patients and their families to swallow as they don’t have the luxury of time.”

Mr Katter’s office received feedback from partners of the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry that questioned effective advisory group mem ber selection and conflicting regulatory requirements.

The representatives claimed that the advisory group needed to include donor recruitment experts and representatives of ethnicities that the Government identified for specific targeting.

The partners also challenged

the Governments’ issue of the buccal swabs not having Therapeutic Goods approval, questioning why the Strength to Give swab pilot program could progress if the Govern ment had such strict regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Mr Katter said that the Gov ernment still failed to address the limitations of adequate blood donation services for people in the bush, who had to travel to city centres for dona tion and treatment, with only three Australian Red Cross Lifeblood donor centres in North Queensland.

Qld leading visitor economy

DOMESTIC visitors up to June 2022 spent a nationleading $19.6 billion support ing good, secure tourism jobs.

Queensland’s record-break ing domestic visitor spend was revealed in the latest National and International Visitor Surveys released by Tourism Research Australia on World Tourism Day (Sep tember 27).

In FNQ, Tourism Minis ter Stirling Hinchliffe said spending had been turbocharged by interstate visitors and Queenslanders exploring our backyard.

“This nation-leading $19.6 billion spend is a record for Queensland tourism in domestic Overnight Visitor Expenditure (OVE), and 1.1 per cent higher than before COVID-19,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“A big part of the recordbreaking success is a 22 per cent surge in holidaymaker spending, up by an extra $1.9 billion in the year to June.

“There was also a 66 per cent increase in domestic visitor spending in Queens

land during the June 2022 quarter.

“Tourism Research Australia’s analysis indi cates Queensland’s share of domestic tourism spend tops the nation at 28.5 per cent, or three and 10 per cent higher than NSW and Victoria, respectively.

“Among Queensland’s most resilient are the Tropical North with a 24.3 per cent increase in domestic spend ing, compared with 2019, to a record $3.12 billion and a record $1.3 billion in the Whitsundays.”

Almost half of the spend ing increase was on ac commodation, followed by food and drink expenses, in-destination transport and organised tours.

The National Visitor Survey data for June 2022 quarter also reveals a promis ing trend for Queensland’s in ternational tourism industry.

“We know two-thirds of overseas visitors to Queens land arrived between early March and the end of June this year, outperforming the

national average for travellers from the UK, US and Singa pore.” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Although there’s more work to be done on inter national recovery, the June quarter shows an encouraging response to the opportuni ties of Queensland’s green and gold runway to the 2032 Games.”

While in FNQ, Minis ter Hinchliffe announced $700,000 in the Budget to help the Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corpora tion (MYAC) to progress the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Precinct proposal.

“This funding will help MYAC start planning and designs for the next four stages of the precinct,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland Government funding for the first stage un der the Connecting with Asia strategy last year delivered a jetty, access infrastructure, a shelter and amenities and assistance to refocus experi ences for domestic visitors.

“Once all six stages are

built, the Traditional Owners will lead tours, operate and maintain the business ahead of the 2032 Games and open up to 400 new jobs in the Yarrabah region.”

MYAC’s Indigenous Protected Area Tourism and Infrastructure Manager, Dewayne Mundraby, said MYAC was committed to reshaping FNQ’s Indigenous tourism.

“We’re already delivering three authentic On Country visitor experiences with our 42-seater commercial vessel, and the next step is securing investment for the remain ing stages two to six,” Mr Mundraby said.

“The Queensland Govern ment’s $700,000 will help to progress the project to investment-ready status.”

MYAC’s vision for the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Precinct proposal is a $46.8 million, world-class attraction show casing Indigenous history, culture and the natural envi ronment for adventure, fun, education and wellbeing.

THE

DIFFERENCE!

Robbie Katter MP

First

Energy Zone in

T HE Far North’s Kaban Green Power Hub reached a major milestone this week, with the $373 million wind farm project now officially connected to Queensland’s new SuperGrid.

Premier Annastacia Palaszc zuk, Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Minister for Energy and Renewables Mick de Brenni were on the Tablelands on Tuesday to help power up the project, which is a part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan announced by the Premier last week.

The Premier said the 157MW project can now power homes and businesses in the Far North with clean green renewable energy.

“The Kaban Green Power Hub being energised via Pow

erlink’s Tumoulin Switching Station means clean energy is being injected into the new Queensland SuperGrid,” the Premier said.

“Construction of the project is now past the halfway mark with 16 of the 28 turbines complete.

“Once complete early next year will generate 460,000MW hours of clean energy a year, enough to power up to 100,000 homes.”

The Premier said the project would play an essential role in helping Queensland meet its new renewable energy target of 70 per cent by 2032.

“As part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, we are bringing more renewable en ergy into the network through projects like the Kaban

Green Power Hub, delivering cleaner, cheaper energy to Queenslanders,” the Premier said.

“Our recently released Queensland Energy and Jobs plan maps out how we will unlock even more renewable energy and unleash 100,000 new good jobs across the state, mostly in regional Queens land.”

The Kaban Green Power Hub is part of the North ern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone and supports 250 jobs.

Global green energy giant Neoen is developing the project, and publicly owned CleanCo has an agreement to purchase 100% of the clean energy generated.

Deputy Premier Steven

Miles said the project was the first in the Northern Queens land Renewable Energy Zone.

“This project is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the world-renowned wind resourc es of Northern Queensland,” the Deputy Premier said.

“By bringing more renew able energy into the system, we can help put downward pressure on prices.”

Minister for Energy, Renew ables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Government was investing $700 million in North Queensland’s transmis sion network over the next five years to bring more clean energy into the system.

“This new transmission infrastructure will be deliv ered by Powerlink and will unlock an additional 500MW

of renewables capacity in the region,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Projects like this enable the cost-effective connection of multiple renewable energy developments into the net work, making it easier to bring more clean energy to enter the system.

“Key to the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is lev eraging the public ownership of our energy businesses to drive investment in large-scale generation, transmission and storage infrastructure – and that is exactly what this pro ject is helping deliver.”

Publicly owned low-emis sions energy generator and retailer CleanCo will use 100 per cent of the clean electricity produced at the Kaban Green Power Hub.

Neoen Managing Director Louis de Sambucy said the business was extremely proud of Kaban’s role as the corner stone project of Queensland’s first Renewable Energy Zone and was delighted to have reached this important mile stone of first energisation.

“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government and CleanCo for their vision and support, and Powerlink for their hard work and commit ment in delivering the es sential transmission infrastruc ture,” Mr de Sambucy said.

From the base of the tower to the highest tip of the blade, the 28 wind turbines to be con structed on the site will reach 230 metres to fully capture the site’s high wind potential.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the Kaban Green Power Hub in Ravenshoe

a

Dino

GROUND-BREAKING re search involving two James Cook University research ers

JCU PhD candidate Dr Tegan Beveridge and Head of Earth and Environmen tal Science Professor Eric Roberts were part of an international team that has narrowed the timeline mar gin of error for dinosaur and plant fossils found in western North America from millions of years to thousands.

Their work was focused on precise age dating of some of the most important dinosaur burial sites from Canada to Mexico, near the end of the age of dinosaurs.

“This region is right up there in being one of the most fossil abundant and famous places to study dino saurs,” Prof Roberts said.

“The problem that has limited some of the work that’s been done previously has been that people haven’t known how these fossils compare in terms of age and timing.”

Dr Beveridge said the dis covery was akin to solving a murder mystery.

“We’ve been able to put together a much more refined timeline that palaeontologists can use to investigate which animals lived at the same time and how they relate to

a

each other,” she said.

“This is the first time there’s been a unified frame work where we can hang all of these dinosaurs on, so people can start to look at evolution ary and ecological patterns.”

The research, which also involved Massachusetts Insti tute of Technology, Macalester College and Canada’s Royal Tyrrell Museum, involved Dr Beveridge travelling to the United States to help analyse fossil samples found in the Western Interior Basin.

The method used in the study involved measuring the ratios of uranium and lead isotopes in microscopic crys tals deposited in volcanic ash beds associated with the fossil deposits.

“Previously, the error on ages we were able to provide for these fossils was between one million and 150,000 years,” Prof Roberts said.

“We’ve been able to achieve a greatly reduced error margin of plus or minus 10,000 to 30,000 years.”

Prof Roberts said the im plications for the team’s dis covery were hugely significant for the paleontological and palaeobotanical community.

“Researchers will be able to go back in and look at these records of plants, vertebrates and dinosaurs and really start to unravel their evolutionary relationship,” he said.

“We’ll be able to explore their links between climate, the environment and the eco system because we can now tie these fossils to very precise ages.”

Dr Beveridge added that the new research could also have implications for under standing modern ecosystems, including how they might adapt to current environmental challenges.

Surge in enrolments at TAFE QLD

THERE has never been a better time for Queenslanders to get job-ready for a future in energy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszc zuk has announced a $62 billion, 10-year investment into Queensland’s energy sector under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

In the announcement, the Premier stated, “Modelling by Ernst & Young estimates that the plan will support nearly 100,000 more jobs in Queens land, notably over 70 per cent of all direct jobs will be in regional Queensland.”

The National Skills Com mission has predicted that the energy sector employment opportunities for trades such as electricians and electrical engineers will increase by 10.2 per cent over five years, with an estimated 14,600 new job open ings between 2021 and 2026.

Furthermore, the National Skills Commission reported there were 918 electrician jobs advertised in Queensland in August 2022, compared with 622 one year ago.

TAFE Queensland spokes person John Tucker said there has never been a better time for Queenslanders to get job-ready for a future in energy.

“TAFE Queensland is see ing a surge in enrolments into qualifications aligned with the energy sector across Queens

land,” Mr Tucker said.

“The number of appren tices enrolled in energy-related training at TAFE Queensland increased by 21 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year in con trast to the previous financial year.

“TAFE Queensland is the state’s leading training provider for the Certificate III in Electro technology Electrician, training around 70 per cent of the total electrical apprentices employed in Queensland.

“I am proud that we are playing such an important role in providing our industries and communities with a pipeline of skilled workers ready for future

jobs,” he said.

TAFE Queensland has more than 60 training locations across the state, including Cairns, Townsville, Atherton, Innisfail, Mount Isa, Bowen, Charters Towers and the Whit sundays.

Eligible TAFE Queensland students can complete an apprenticeship or pre-appren ticeship course for free or low cost. Subsidies and concessions are available to help workers fill industry skills needs and shortages.

To learn more about TAFE Queensland training, visit www.tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233.

TAFE Queensland teacher Brad Godkin and electrical apprentice Liam McClarty

The sea’s the limit for Torres Strait scientist

A YOUNG female scientist from the remote island of Iama (Yam Island) in Far North Queensland is making big waves in marine biology.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) congratulat ed Madeina David, 24, on being recognised among James Cook University’s (JCU) top alumni.

The former Tagai State College school captain was awarded JCU’s Early Career Outstanding Alumni for the College of Science and Engi neering in September.

Through her work at TSRA, she’s using her degree in Marine Science to connect tra ditional knowledge and modern science while inspiring the next generation of Torres Strait Islander scientists to protect and preserve local waters, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Growing up in a fishing fam ily, Ms David understands how critical oceans are to Torres Strait Islanders.

“My parents are my inspira tion; they always taught me about the importance of the marine environment to our lives and identity as Torres Strait Islanders,” Ms David said.

“Moving from a small island of around 300 people with plenty of families nearby to Thursday Island for high school and then Townsville for univer sity was hard but worth it.

“Understanding and translat

ing complex science and data in local language is helping bridge the gap between sci ence and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to support a healthy, sustainable future for our oceans and marine species in the Torres Strait.

“I love everything about ma rine, fisheries and conservation; I just want to do everything,” she said.

TSRA Sea Project Manager Moni Carlisle said the award was a win on many levels – for Madeina, women in science and conservation in the Torres Strait.

“Women in science are the minority, even more for young Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal scientists, who often don’t have the same access to science mentors, university pathways and educational sup port services due to resource allocations in remote communi ties,” Ms Carlisle said.

“Madeina’s work brings together scientists, Traditional Owners, rangers and communi ties in a way that considers and values the rights, data, knowl edge and lived experiences of Torres Strait Islanders.”

In TSRA’s Sea Team, Ms David’s work ranges from en vironmental management activi ties, such as coral monitoring and turtle tagging, to training rangers in seagrass monitoring and mentoring students at her

Lecture Series

AN ARCHITECT from the firm which designed the original School of Arts Build ing is the subject of a lecture being presented at the Cairns Museum next week.

Dr Dawn May will de liver “The architecture of C. D. Lynch” as part of the Mu seum’s regular history lecture program.

Tunbridge, Tunbridge, and Lynch received the commission to design the School of Arts after tenders for the original competition-winning design by A. B. Polin, were too high.

Lynch practised architecture in the Cairns district from 1906 to 1923 and was responsible for the construction of numerous

commercial, public, private and religious buildings.

The lecture is an interim paper of an architectural biog raphy on Charles Dalton Lynch being written by Maria Larkins.

Domestic architecture is the subject of another paper being presented by Dr. Jan Wegner. “Cairns Homes Then and Now” will look at the history of hous ing design and construction.

The lectures will be deliv ered from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022, in the CHS Meeting Room, Cairns Museum, Cnr. Lake and Shields Streets, Cairns. Bookings are essential through Trybooking.

former Thursday Island high school.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pe dro Stephen AM said the TSRA was proud to support Madeina’s journey from a TSRA cadetship to a permanent role as a Senior Natural Resource Management Officer.

“While studying at JCU, Ma deina was able to learn and earn on the job as a TSRA Cadet,” Mr Stephen said.

“She’s now an award-win ning university alumna using

her degree to make a significant difference for our communities, people and way of life through science.

“Her achievements create a sense of hope and optimism not only about the future of our oceans but for bright futures and opportunities for young people in the Torres Strait.”

Ms David graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Science in 2021.

Learn more about the TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au

Stand against sexual violence

QUEENSLANDERS are

urged to take a stand to show they won’t tolerate sexual vio lence during Sexual Violence Awareness Month in October.

Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said sexual violence was unacceptable and needed to be eradicated from the com munity.

“Sexual violence can happen to anyone, and it’s a violation of a person’s human rights,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Sadly, most people will know someone who has been impacted by it.

“Recent research found that more than half of women in their twenties had experienced sexual violence.

“Sexual Violence Aware ness Month is a time for all Queenslanders to take a stand to say we won’t tolerate this violence in our communities any longer.”

Minister Fentiman said the State Government was committed to preventing and responding to all forms of sexual violence, harassment and abuse.

“Our Prevent. Support. Believe. framework to ad dress sexual violence sets out our vision for a State where everyone lives free of the fear,

threat or experience of sexual violence,” she said.

“We are acting to address sexual violence and promote a culture of respect by strength ening laws against technologyfacilitated abuse, consent and mistake of fact.

“We’re significantly reform ing our justice system to improve the experience for victims of sexual and domes tic and family violence in response to the findings of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.

“Anti-discrimination laws are being amended to impose a positive duty on employers to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.

“Respectful relationships education is being embed ded in our schools; we’re increasing funding to sexual assault services and rolling out sexual violence liaison officers across the Queensland Police Service.”

Held each October, Sexual Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise community awareness and understanding of sexual violence.

A range of events are being held during the month so peo ple can play their part.

Event details are available at www.qld.gov.au/svamonth

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) congratulated Madeina David, 24, on being recognised among James Cook University’s (JCU) top alumni.

The Cairns Museum (former School of Arts) designed by Tunbridge, Tunbridge, and Lynch Architects. Photograph by Eden Gray-Spence

TEAM APPOINTED FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS

THE arts priorities of communities throughout Tropical North Queensland are being identified fol lowing the appointment of four arts workers to the newly formed Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North.

A partnership between Regional Development Aus tralia (RDA) Tropical North and Cook Shire Council, the Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North will showcase regional arts across multiple platforms focusing on community engagement and facilitating career pathways in the arts.

RDA Tropical North Chief Executive Officer Sonja Johnson said Re gional Arts Manager Tony Castles and three regional coordinators were travelling throughout the region, from the Cassowary Coast north to the Torres Strait and west to Etheridge Shire, to en gage with each community.

“The newly assembled team of Marilyn Miller in Cairns, Waratah Nicholls in Cooktown and Perina Drummond on Thursday Island are focusing on listening to the priorities and challenges of the arts across our diverse region,” she said.

Mr Castles said a steer ing committee of 10 people

from across the region, including councils, universi ties, Indigenous art centres and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, would help guide the strategic vision of the Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North and ensure stakeholder project ideas met their objectives.

“Our strategy and projects will closely align with Arts Queensland’s Creative Together 2022-2032 policy to elevate First Nations arts as a priority, activate places and spaces, drive social change and strengthen communities, and share the stories of our regions,” he said.

“To achieve this, the regional coordinators will work with each commu nity to realise the arts and cultural projects that will strengthen their community and build arts and cultural capacity.

“The challenges already raised include the skills shortage, lack of career pathways and difficulty recruiting volunteers, while there are many exciting op portunities.

“The success of previ ous Regional Arts Services Network projects such as the Lakeland Gateway, The Flame Arts project and Cape York and Torres Strait Islands Regional Arts

Showcase established part nerships that will provide pathways to new projects.

“The Lakeland Gateway project represented 14 First Nations communities in the Cape with art built and de signed by each community.

“The Cape York and Tor res Strait Islands Regional Arts showcase in 2021 offered professional devel opment and promotional op portunities to the 42 artists who attended.

“The Flame Arts project in 2019 was a capacitybuilding program delivered by Cairns Regional Council that created career pathways for emerging creatives and provided mentorships, skill and career development opportunities across the creative sector.

“It’s all about connect ing networks to strengthen the impacts for the arts and cultural community.”

Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North team:

• Regional Arts Manager

Tony Castles

• Southern Coordinator Marilyn Miller

• Central Coordinator Waratah Nicholls

• Northern Co-ordinator Perina Drummond

Cairns faith leaders speak up on climate change

THE Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) in Cairns and all major cities will hold an Inter-Faith Service to address the climate crisis next week.

On Thursday, October 13, the ARRCC in Cairns will hold this service at St Margaret’s Anglican Church to speak up on the climate crisis and the urgency of Governments taking significant steps toward solutions.

On this same day, the ARRCC will release a letter to the Prime Minister signed by over 100 religious leaders from across Australia and the Pacific, asking the Government to act quickly and boldly in implementing climate change action.

The letter’s main demands from the Govern ment are:

1. A halt in approving new coal and gas projects

2. Ending subsidies for coal and gas projects

3. Implementing a fair and just transition for those dependent upon the coal and gas industry

4. Actively participate in creating a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and support a just transition

5. Fully respect First Nations peoples’ rights to protect Country

6. Re-start contributions to the United Nations Green Climate Fund

7. Help workers in extractive industries pros per with more sustainable jobs.

Father Neil Forgie from ARRCC said although there have been some changes in Government action, there is much more to be done.

“Whilst we are encouraged by the current government’s actions, we believe that there is much more to do and many more opportunities to grasp,” Fr Forgie said.

“For people of faith, it is no longer just a po litical issue, but also a spiritual one of urgency and commitment, because we are united by a fundamental belief that all people, all living things, and the earth, are sacred.”

The following day, the Archbishop of Can terbury (the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion), Justin Welby, will be arriving in Cairns on his way to visit Thursday Island to listen to Torres Strait Island people about how climate change is affecting their lives.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said the visit was an opportunity to create change and unity.

“We look forward to this visit reinforcing our shared values and letting us draw strength from each other as we confront the imperatives of our time,” Archbishop Welby said.

Fr Forgie said it was essential for faith to be a platform to speak about vital issues like cli mate change, and that is what the Archbishop’s visit represents.

“This is a significant visit by a world reli gious leader, symbolising that none of us is untouched by climate change throughout the world,” he said.

“We can all play a part in healing our world, but we need to act now; time is not on our side.”

The ARRCC Inter-Faith Service on climate change is coming to St Margaret’s Anglican Church on Thursday, October 13, at 9.30am.

Advanced

in

Join Royal Rehab for an education and information session to discover the possibilities and the impact of Advanced Technology in rehabilitation, including Royal Rehab’s vision for Cairns.

Topics

• Managing complex neuro upper limb - a taste of therapy and technology.

• Advanced technology in practice.

• Royal Rehab’s growth plans in Cairns.

On completion, we will provide a certificate to enable participants to claim CPD points.

Who is Royal Rehab?

Royal Rehab is Australia’s premier not-forprofit provider of rehabilitation and disability support services and is home to Australia’s largest Advanced Therapy Centre, under the banner Royal Rehab LifeWorks.

The goal at Royal Rehab LifeWorks is to enhance independence and quality of life of people impacted by disability, illness or injury by providing access to expert clinicians supported by life-changing advanced technology.

New QPS aircraft fleet has Queensland covered

A FLEET of replacement aircraft to be delivered to the Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group will provide enhanced life-saving organ retrieval capabilities and further bolster community safety across Queensland.

The new aircraft will provide the operational capability to conduct organ retrieval flights anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.

In the last 18 months alone, the Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group has conducted over 100 organ re trieval operations. That’s around six organ retrievals per month or around one per week.

Acting Police Minister Mark Furner and Acting Assistant Commissioner Marcus Hill announced the QPS’ purchase of the new aircraft, which will replace its ageing and antiquated fix-wing aircraft fleet.

“Following extensive consultation and evaluation, the QPS has purchased two new mid-sized jets and five new turbo prop air craft to replace the current outdated fleet,” Minister Furner said.

“The modern aircraft will boost capacity and capability across its extensive government operations, including life-

saving organ transfers, specialist police operations, general transportation to remote areas and prisoner transfers.

“This investment will ensure regional communities are safeguarded with versatile aircraft capable of deploying specialist police, assisting in search and rescues and providing disaster relief at a moment’s notice.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Marcus Hill said the pur chase includes five Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprops which will be based in Cairns, Mount Isa and Brisbane.

“The modern turboprops will have cargo accessibility to help transport essential supplies during disasters and special police equipment which can be transported anywhere in Queensland or Australia.

“They will also be pressurised, allowing them to travel higher and faster and attend to urgent jobs quicker.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Hill said the two jets replace the old Citation and Hawker jets which were recently sold after reaching the end of their economic and operational life.

“The new jets have been purposely designed with a utility interior fit out to ensure they are adequate for a range of trans

portation requirements while representing value-for-money,” he said.

He said the Aviation Capability Group was responsible for providing aviation services for multiple government depart ments across Queensland, including QPS, Queensland Ambu lance Service, Queensland Corrective Services, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Health and other agencies.

“Demand for aviation services continues to rise significantly, and this replacement fleet will ensure we have the capacity and capability to effectively manage these services for communi ties across the state now and into the future,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Hill said.

“The new fleet will mean a reduction in the number of dif ferent aircraft types, gaining efficiencies by having pilots and engineering capability more able to be spread across a common fleet rather than having a complex mix of different aircraft.”

The new aircraft will be introduced over the next two years and will bring the total fixed-wing fleet to nine aircraft in addi tion to the rotary wing and remotely piloted aircraft systems.

CHAT!

than

think!

THIS CHRISTMAS

AUSSIE homes are set to sparkle with a smaller environ mental impact this Christmas as BIG W and Woolworths an nounce that 100% of their Own Brand Christmas ranges will be glitter-free.

Glitter is made of microplas tics - a single-use and nonrecyclable plastic that harms the environment.

Aligned under the Wool worths Groups’ commitment, BIG W and Woolworths have removed glitter from their Own Brand Christmas items, includ ing decorations, wrapping, cards and all the trimmings.

“We want to help create a better tomorrow, and this is a small but meaningful way we can help our customers deliver Christmas cheer without the impact glitter has on the envi ronment,” Woolworths Group General Manager of Sustain ability Transformation and Delivery Liam Ward said.

“We know there’s more we can do, and we’re working to reduce glitter across our entire range in Woolworths and BIG W.

“We’re also making changes to reduce plastic in its many other forms, with Woolworths and BIG W removing reusable plastic shopping bags from checkouts nationwide by the end of June next year.”

“The decisions we make today can drive positive change

and make a real difference for families,” BIG W’s Head of Commercial - Home & Every day, Shane Carter, said.

“That’s why we are excited to bring customers a Christmas range that not only looks amaz ing but reduces microplastics in our environment.

“We are proud to have also removed an estimated 29 tonnes of plastics across Christmas products and packaging since 2019.”

BIG W has revealed four new decorating themes for the season – Island Beauty, Garden Tradition, Celestial Scandi and Fantastical Joy, with products starting from as little as $1.

Arts funding applications open

ARTS and cultural practition ers are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 as part of the Regional Arts Develop ment Fund (RADF) program.

Grant applications opened on Tuesday (October 4) for arts and cultural projects that start after January 18, 2023, demonstrate a profes sional standard of work and contribute to the vitality and diversity of the arts industry in the Cairns region.

The RADF program is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Arts and cultural organisations, groups and individuals are eligible to apply to the Cairns RADF program.

RADF is an enormously successful program – each year, more than 500,000 people engage with RADF projects, ranging from public art installations to local festivals and arts and cultural workshops, either as practitioners, participants or audience members.

Cairns Mayor Bob Man ning said the grants helped lo cal artists, performers and cul tural practitioners to enhance and develop arts and cultural activities in the region.

“RADF has helped hun dreds of local projects to get off the ground,” Cr Manning said.

“The grants have been used to assist with the staging of plays celebrating local history and culture, curating arts and

cultural exhibitions, bringing Indigenous art history to the fore, and many other projects.

“Every successful project represents another opportu nity for residents to engage in activities that contribute to the vibrancy and depth of our arts community and help our city to become established as the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia.”

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration; the Queensland Government will provide $2.13 million for RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 lo cal councils, who will contrib ute a co-investment amount of over $1.9 million.

“Established in 1991, RADF is a long-standing

success story between the Queensland Government and regional councils, enabling local artists and arts workers to tell their rich and unique stories, boosting regional employment opportunities and other positive economic outcomes”, Minister Enoch said.

“For 31 years, RADF has provided a legacy of creating new art and cultural experi ences for Queensland audi ences and communities, and a platform for professional de velopment and growth across the regional arts sector.”

People can find full appli cation guidelines on Council’s website.

Applications for Major Round One close at 5pm on Monday, October 31.

Community climate funding

COMMUNITY groups keen to participate in Queensland’s renewable industrial revolu tion are encouraged to put their hand up, with funding on the table to purchase and install cheaper, cleaner energy.

Environment Minister Mea ghan Scanlon announced on Monday that $3 million would be on offer for communitybased organisations to help them take climate action by installing batteries, solar panels and other energy-efficient sys tems that will also help them reduce their power bills.

“The Palaszczuk Govern ment has announced the most ambitious action on climate change and renewables in our state’s history, and Queensland community groups are eager to do their bit too,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Queensland’s $62 billion energy and jobs plan will see emissions from energy cut by 90 per cent by 2035, more than 700,000 households and small businesses have installed rooftop solar, and now the cor nerstones of our communities can take part in the action.

It follows the government recently awarding funding for close to 40 community groups across the state for renewables and energy-efficient devices, including the Cairns BMX Club, which Minister Scanlon visited today.

The Cairns BMX Club received $30,000 to purchase and install solar panels and a battery at their clubhouse.

“Our community groups do such great work with the ser vices they provide, and through this funding, they’ll be able to install renewable energy

systems such as solar panels or small-scale wind generators, purchase energy efficient hot water systems or whitegoods, or replace lighting with energyefficient alternatives.”

Funding will open in the coming days, with details on how to apply to be published on the DES website.

For more information on how the Government’s investment in renewables and climate action, head to: https://bit.ly/3CCssSf

Anticipated Cooktown Career Expo returns

Expo

this October, will provide much need ed information on post school training and employment options as well as information in support services avail able for the Cooktown community.

Cooktown P-12 State School will hold the Cooktown Career Expo on Thursday, October 13 at the Cook town PCYC, from 9am to 3pm for all community members to attend.

The event is focused on parents and caregivers and their students from years 10 to 12. However, students from years 7, 8 and 9, primary school

tend.

employers and community

also

Organisations and businesses that

include: Cape Crusaders

• Ergon Energy

• James Cook University

• TAFE QLD

• QLD Parks and Wildlife

Skill 360

Tangaroa Blue Foundation

BUSY at Work

• Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service

Queensland Ambulance Service

• University Of Southern QLD

• Rio Tinto

• Cook Shire Council

• North Queensland Aero Club Department of Seniors

• Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partner ships

• Cooktown State School

• Cooktown Museum and many more.

These organisations have kindly donated their time, experience and promotional items to the event.

Local businesses generously helping to sponsor the event include Cooktown Food and Ice, Cornett’s IGA Cooktown, The Lure Shop, River of Gold Motel, Hasting Deer ing, The Sovereign Resort Hotel, Endeavour River Escape, Black Star Radio and Cairns Local News.

Contributors such as Australian Catholic University, Construction Skills QLD, Griffith University, Uni versity of QLD, Australian College of Agriculture & Horticulture, BDO, Central Queensland University, Head Space and QATSIF will provide valu

able information, and some will do a virtual presentation.

Visitors will enter an Expo Passport competition to win lots of great prizes, which will be drawn at 4pm on Expo Day. Winners will be contacted by email and announced on Cooktown P-12 State School Facebook page.

The Career Expo is a great op portunity for the students and job seekers of the Cape York Region to avail themselves of the information, education, training and employment opportunities.

Cooktown Career’s Expo 2021

I am sick of people fight ing in Mario st on Friday arvo - stop fighting pls.

Janelle, Woree

Why are we putting up with all this juvenile crime. Parents need to step up and start to control their kids and know where they are. Bring back good old fashioned par enting

Gwen, Cairns

Grieving family’s legacy for teenage son

CAIRNS locals Rick and Sta cey Steer lost their son Hudson after a long battle with child hood cancer.

Prior to the diagnosis, life in Cairns for the Steer family was carefree. A busy household with two working parents and two growing adolescent boys heav ily involved in sporting activi ties and high school.

In October 2018, Hudson and his mother, Stacey, travelled to Townsville to see a specialist and undergo testing for various unu sual symptoms.

At just thirteen years old, Hudson was diag nosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue tumour at the base of his bladder.

The life-shaking cancer diagnosis devastated the whole family.

“I was numb. I didn’t know what was in store or if he could beat it,’’ Ms Steer said.

After the diagnosis, the family were forced to leave their home in Cairns and relocate to Brisbane, where Hudson would undergo extensive long-term cancer treatment.

Rick and Stacey were met by Childhood Cancer Support, who offered the family free long-term accommodation and a range of other supports.

“We were just amazed that a service like Childhood Cancer Support even existed. We didn’t even know that was on offer to regional families, like us,” she said.

Hudson (Huddy) and Stacey stayed with Childhood Cancer Support for over 14 months while he underwent extensive treatment.

Childhood Cancer Support provided the family with trans port services, activities for the kids, groceries, counselling, and a community of other families

Support, helping other families in their region facing a child hood cancer diagnosis and raising awareness and funds for the organisation.

“Our son sadly lost his battle, but the help we received from Childhood Cancer Support has been invaluable,” Ms Steer said.

“We want to give back to this charity and ensure that the sup port remains for other regional families facing this difficult battle. Please donate to this cause.”

Childhood Can cer Support General Manager Helen Crew said the organisation is passionate about help ing regional families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

“One thing that is so unique about Child hood Cancer Support is that we provide a home away from home,” Ms Crew said.

Australia’s experiment with prescription-only vapes has failed

THE Australian government’s prescription-only model for nicotine vaping – introduced one year ago on October 1, 2021 – has been a resounding policy failure. Like most pro hibitionist policies it has cre ated a thriving black market, poor compliance, and harmful public health outcomes.

To legally possess nicotine e-liquid to quit smoking in Australia, vapers are forced to get a doctor’s prescription. Without one, vapers face fines of up to AUD $222,000 and even jail terms.

The regulations were intended to prevent youth vaping and to allow access for adult smokers as a smok ing cessation aid. After 12 months, they have clearly achieved neither of those goals. In fact, they have had the opposite effect.

The de facto prohibition has created a dangerous, thriving black market for illegal, unregulated vaping products that do not comply with Australian standards.

Massive numbers of poor-quality high-nicotine de vices are being imported from China and are widely sold by tobacconists, convenience stores, online and on social media. There is no quality control for these products and the black market sells them freely to children.

As a result, vaping among young people has increased dramatically. There are almost daily media reports of

widespread youth vaping, in children as young as five.

Schools are being forced to install vape detectors and security cameras in toilets, remove toilet doors and even lock toilets during class hours. Students are reporting becom ing nicotine-dependent and are unable to stop vaping.

Enforcement of the black market has been minimal.

Prosecutions by state and ter ritory Health Departments are rare. Many businesses resume selling illegal products within weeks of a raid. The vast majority of illegal imports are not detected.

Meanwhile, those who actually benefit from nicotine vaping products – adult smok ers who just can’t otherwise quit deadly cigarettes – are unable to access vapes legally. Legal access is complex, onerous, and costly.

According to recent surveys, only 3-12 per cent of vapers have a prescription for nicotine and only 2 per cent of purchases were from a pharmacy – the government’s preferred model. Currently less than 1 per cent of GPs in Australia are publicly listed as nicotine prescribers, and only a handful of pharmacies dispense the product.

Perversely, it is far easier to buy deadly cigarettes than to buy a far safer alternative to aid quitting.

The only way to eliminate the illicit market is to replace it with a legal and regulated

who were going through the same difficult diagnosis.

“Huddy was able to live a relatively normal life while he was there, and I think that was extremely important for him,”

Ms Steer said.

“After treatment, that was the first thing he wanted to do, go home. So, it was a home away from home.”

Since Hudson’s passing, the family have become ambas sadors for Childhood Cancer

“It’s a place to call home for the families because they are here long term. It allows them to stay to gether and support one another through the difficult times.”

Childhood Cancer Support provides free short-term and long-term accommodation as well as free transport, grocer ies and counselling to regional families facing childhood cancer.

To donate to Childhood Can cer Support, visit: http://bitly.ws/v3vS

34 wheelie bins filled

THOUSANDS of cigarette butts, hundreds of kilograms of takeaway food packaging, and a host of strange and interesting items were removed from Cairns parks and waterways last month as part of Council’s annual Clean Up Cairns events.

More than 200 volunteers took part in 15 community clean-ups throughout Cairns in September, focussing on 16km of the region’s urban creeks and waterways.

This year’s clean-ups also focussed on cigarette litter with 4500 butts collected in under an hour on just three city streets in the inaugural Big Butt Hunt, which launched the month of community clean ups.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said 137 bags of litter were collected in 2022, which is equivalent to 34 wheelie bins.

“That is 8,220 litres of litter that volunteers have prevented from ending up in the ocean,”

Cr Manning said.

“The obvious benefit of these annual clean ups – particularly in September before our wet season – is that we have removed a large vol ume of litter from the environment that might have been washed out to the reef with the wet season rains.

“Other benefits to the clean-ups are that they help us to collect data and information about littering.”

At a single clean-up site in Brinsmead, volunteers sorted through more than 100 kilo grams of rubbish, and added their litter audit data to Tangaroa Blue’s Australian Marine Debris Initiative.

Land and Sea ranger groups also assisted with this year’s clean-ups, providing much needed support to reach litter in locations and waterways that community volunteers couldn’t access.

one.

Nicotine liquid for vaping should be an adult consumer product, sold from licensed retail outlets such as vape shops, convenience stores, tobacconists and general stores. There should be strict age verification and severe penalties and loss of licence for under-age sales, with strict enforcement.

Nicotine vaping products are proven to be substantially more effective at helping smokers quit than nicotine re placement therapies (patches and gum) and carry no more than 5% the health risk of cigarette smoking.

Australia is the only west ern democracy to regulate vaping products this way and is the only one to be experiencing such disastrous outcomes as a result.

New Zealand’s regulation of vaping as a consumer prod uct has effectively restricted access by children and helped to substantially drive down smoking rates in less than two years.

We must admit the mistake and move forward with a more realistic regulatory model to support Australia’s smokers and vapers.

Without urgent change, the black market will only grow, more smokers will die, and Australia will create yet another generation of nicotine addicts.

Dr Colin Mendelsohn MB BS (Hons)

Steming the flow of wasted water

A three-year leak detection program being rolled out throughout the Cairns region’s 1,981 kilometres of water pipes could potentially save millions of litres of water.

Council’s previous leak detection program, from 2015 to 2018, identified 464 leaks across both Council infra structure and private property, resulting in a saving of almost 400 million litres of water after

repairs were completed.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the program was one of four focused actions identified in Council’s Water Demand Management Strategy 20162025 to address water demand and provide water savings of 10 per cent over a 10-year period.

“This next round of leak detection will also take three years to complete, with con

tractors starting in the south and making their way through to the northern beaches,” Cr Manning said.

While investigation works are underway, residents might see Council’s contractor, Detec tion Services Pty Ltd, in their suburbs.

The team will be using acoustic monitoring equip ment to connect to Council’s water meters on private property boundaries and will be checking 684 kilometres of infrastructure in the south, 634 kilometres of infrastructure in the central areas of Cairns, and 663 kilometres of pipes in the northern and western suburbs.

The contractors will not need to access private properties, but they will require access to water meters to carry out the checking.

If the contractors do detect a leak on private property, the property owner will receive a letter from Council advis ing them about the steps they should take to find and fix the potential hidden leak to save water and money on their water bills.

More information on Council’s website on the Major Projects page.

Rubbish Collected by Volunteers

Gossip

Port locals have the French Connection!

Coming to Douglas FM SoonGazza’s 2023 Australia Day Awards Now Open for Douglas residents

THE ‘GOSS’ has featured numerous sports clubs and events over the last couple of years, some of which like the Triathlon, require a high level of fitness and endur ance.

Those with a competitive edge that, maybe, like to enjoy their sport on a slightly more social level, may find their niche with a game of Petanque.

As one of the only games that can be played with a favourite beverage in hand at the same time, this week’s column may already be sparking some interest in a fun sport that has travelled from France to Australia over the last 100 or so years.

If this does sound like your cup of tea, or something stronger if you prefer, you’ll be interested to know that a lively group of players of Petanque meet on Wednes day afternoons from 3.30 at Port Douglas Market Park and at the Piste beside the Community Hall. Piste players also meet on Fridays and Sundays at 3.45pm.

A Piste is the traditionally well-shaded gravel area used for Petanque, which I

felt best to mention in order to avoid any confusion with skiing, which is an unlikely past time in the Tropics, despite the recent colder effects of La Nina.

I recently visited the Council-built Piste, in Port, which was opened on July 2, 2019 by the then Mayor Julia Leu. It’s a simple but handy facility that provides much enjoyment.

So how does the game work?

Well, two teams of three play each other, with the first player throwing a little wooden ball called a cochonette, or coche down the Piste between 6 and 10 metres.

Then the same player throws a heavy steel boule hoping to land beside the coche.

The next team then has a try at getting closer to the coche or knocking it away.

Whoever is closest is ‘holding’ and doesn’t play until the opposition becomes the clos est. When every player has exhausted their two balls, the boules closest to the coche are counted up. You can win with one or up to six, with the first to 13 winning.

In Port Douglas there are currently 54

players, plus occasional visitors from interstate and New Zealand.

Last Wednesday, the Port Douglas team invited Palm Cove Petanque for a match and the locals came out victorious winning by 12 to 3. Much fun was had and the Rowe Trophy was returned to its rightful home.

The trophy is named after the late Brian Rowe, one of the founding players at the Piste who is commemorated with a plaque on the nearby benches, along with his departed petanquers John Burden, Phil Hickey and David Brown Petanque is definitely a game for all ages and everyone is welcome and encour aged to join in. Equipment can be provided and a small donation is encouraged.

Details can be found on the Port Doug las Petanque Facebook page.

You may catch me on the Piste, but for now it’s Gazza signing out!

NOW is the time to put a local legend up for a 2023 Australia Day Award.

Nominations are open across eight categories to celebrate Douglas locals who have gone above and beyond for the com munity this year.

Volunteers, sports stars, environmental advocates, artists, and everyday high achievers will be in the running for civic recognition on January 26 next year.

Anyone can complete an online nomination form at Coun cil’s website today.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said awards were the perfect opportunity to recognise the region’s quiet achievers.

“Every year, we get so many incredible, selfless and modest people who get nominated for giving back to the community,” he said.

“We are asking everyone to take a moment to think about someone you know who has made a positive contribution to Douglas Shire in the past 12 months.

“Whether it’s a local community group, sporting club or your neighbour who is a dedicated volunteer, please consider nominating them for a 2023 Australia Day award.”

Australia Day Awards are open to Douglas Shire residents and community groups that have made an outstanding achieve ment or contribution within the community.

The award ceremony will be held at 10am on January 26, 2023, at the Port Douglas Community Hall.

The eight award categories for 2023 are:

1. Citizen of the Year

2. Young Citizen of the Year recognises young citizens aged 25 years or under (on January 26, 2023)

3. Senior Citizen of the Year (Over 65 years of age as of Janu ary 26, 2023)

4. Volunteer of the Year

Arts and Cultural Award

Environmental Achievement Award

Senior Sports Award

Junior Sports Award (Aged 18 years or under as of January 26, 2023)

Nominations close Friday, November 18, 2022, so spread the message and make sure someone doing great things in the Douglas Shire gets the credit they deserve.

Please complete a nomination form on Council’s website to nominate a local legend.

Nomination forms are also available at Council’s Administra tion Office and Port Douglas Community Hub.

Help shape future of Cairns

Cairns is growing. The city’s population is expected to reach up to 265,000 by 2050, which is about 100,000 more people than live here today.

planning now for future growth, we can make the most of the opportunities that growth will bring, and protect and embrace what makes Cairns special. That’s why Council is undertaking the

2050 Shaping Cairns project.

Council wants everyone to help shape a growth strategy that’s right for all of us.

representatives at the events

more about the project.

Program rolled out

A

Improvement works

Foster

Mulgrave

McLeod St, Cairns City:

closures.

Lake St, Cairns City:

closures.

Vasey Esplanade,

from

renewal

Beach:

main

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr with 2022 Austrlaian of the year Deborah Kachel

A lively group of players of Petanque

TNQ Mechanical - Simple & affordable

TNQ Mechanical is a local business conveniently located in Bungalow, Cairns.

Julian, Sue and the team, can save you money on your general car servicing, offering a car service from only $169. Using quality parts and our personal approach, TNQ Mechanical brings you good old fashioned services in Cairns.

We can provide road worthy certificates / safety certificates for $89.95.

We also provide brake repairs and upgrades, free battery testing, mi nor and major car repairs, log book services, diagnostic scans / services,

suspension, clutch repairs and much much more.

We always make sure our customers are happy before they leave and ensure that they have a clear understanding of what has been done, to ensure less shock at the next repair bill.

We also do a full report on your vehicle to take away with you as a record of what was done and what might need to be done in future Get the service and job you expect. Call us to day to book your vehicle in or to find out more.

We are locatied at: Shed 3 / 128-130 Lyons Street Bungalow Phone 4035 6296 to book in your next service.

Our favourite four-legged friends may soon have a new way to exercise with a community survey on proposed Dog Off Leash Areas (DOLA) open now.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council lor and Environment Portfolio holder Jeff Baines said consultation is being undertaken in response to increasing requests by local residents to have DOLAs in the Cassowary Coast re gion.

“This could be good news for dog owners with six sites proposed by Council with the opportunity of four (or more) being trialled, based on feed back provided by the community.

“Under a plan proposed by Coun cil, selected locations in Innisfail, Tully,

WHAT’S

South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, Kurrimine Beach and Cardwell could trial allowing dogs, big and small, to be off leash within the designated area. However, dog owners should be warned that fines will be issued if their dog is not under control at all times or if they unleash their pets outside the off-leash area.

Councillor Baines said that the offleash areas can be a valuable asset to the community in terms of providing physical exercise opportunities and health and wellbeing benefits.

“Ultimately, the success of the trial will depend on community awareness and compliance.”

“Once in place, DOLAs will be sup ported by enforcement, public aware

ness campaigns and targeted man agement of dogs who may be off leash in unapproved areas.

“The proposed locations have been carefully chosen to balance the inter ests of beach/park-goers, dog owners, residents, and visitors, with environ mental and wildlife considerations.

“Everyone can now have their say and have their voice heard, with the matter going before Council in late 2022. The survey will be open for a month and can be accessed by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ dog-off-leash.”

The proposed locations are Groom Esplanade, Innisfail; Boustead Park, Kurrimine Beach; Wildsoet Park, Won galing Beach; Coral Sea Park, Card

well and parts of the foreshores at Mis sion Beach and South Mission Beach.

It is proposed that once in place, a trial will run for up to 12 months with signage planned to highlight the trial areas.

Council has planned a community survey to ensure everyone has the op portunity to have their say so a deci sion can be made based on the needs of residents and dog owners.

Have your say and provide feed back on the proposed DOLAs at: yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ dog-off-leash or online click, https://bit.ly/3C3scKA

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Lady walking her dog at Mission Beach

WASTE RESCUE IN LOCAL SCHOOLS

Household waste (wet and dry) currently makes up 50% of total waste to landfill. Committed to a goal of reducing total waste to landfill by 35% by 2025, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is piloting a school waste education program, which will help set patterns of behavior for life in the young est of our community.

Designed around the concept of ‘kids teaching kids’ the Waste Rescue Educa tion Program provides year three and four students with an opportunity to learn about waste issues in their own school and work together to develop solutions to divert waste from landfill, increase recycling and de crease waste contamination.

Councillor Teresa Millwood who holds the portfolio for Waste Management and Innovation said the Waste Rescue Educa tion Program is a perfect tool to educate and create behavioral change for waste disposal practices at school and home.

“Council is very pleased to launch this program in collaboration with Lower Tully Primary School who will pilot the program in Semester Four, this year.

“Fourteen schools participated in the initial survey and all indicated that for a Waste

Education Program to be successful in the goal of reducing waste, the program must address barriers of time and resources

“This program offers schools a full suite of hands on educational resources includ ing three interactive sessions facilitated by Council’s Community Education Officer, waste audits, signage and additional support to help schools reach their waste reduction goals, including assistance with applying for funding through Council’s Sustainability Grants program.

“Teaching kids how to save food at school is a skill they take with them to their homes and beyond, which widens the impacts and most importantly positively feeds into behav ior change,” said Councilor Millwood.

If local schools or community members would like to find out more information regarding the Waste Rescue Education Program, please contact Council’s Waste Education team on: shared.wasteeducation@ccrc.qld.gov.au.

For further resources on Council’s Waste Management Programs and how Council supports sustainable practices, please visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/wastemanagement

COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM HITS REFRESH

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has endorsed a new Community Grants Pro gram which increases opportunities avail able for applicants and provides a stronger service to the community.

Modified into three categories, the new Community Grants Program will provide support for local community organisations that endeavour to make positive change and contribute to a vibrant and diverse commu nity.

Community and Culture Portfolio Holder, Councillor Trudy Tschui said the new changes will see an increase in the amount of funding available within the Community Grants Program, as Council steps away from the provision of some services and asset hire.

“The new Community Grants Program will increase support for local businesses and increase community capacity.

“Feedback provided in the Cassowary Coast Community Scorecard revealed it is evident the priorities of the community are changing and funding support for events and activities should reflect this.

“As a result, the new Community Grants Program will aim to create opportunities for diverse activities and events and strengthen our community through social inclusion and increase resilience. It also has a strong

focus on collaborative partnerships which prioritise physical and mental wellbeing for residents as well as the natural environ ment.

“As endorsed in the September Council Meeting, a review of the Community Grants Program Guidelines and Policy documents will be undertaken six months after imple mentation and will include a funding stream for community infrastructure, in part, funded by savings realised through contemporary leasing arrangements and asset rationalisa tion.

“To ensure funding is more accessible, Council has also adopted the online grant management platform Smarty Grants. This platform will be an invaluable tool in the management of grants and is currently used by all levels of Government as well as numerous Local Governments.

“Council will be holding Public Sessions to discuss the new Community Grants Pro gram and will provide information on how to use the Smarty Grants Platform,” said Councillor Tschui.

Follow Council’s Facebook Page for infor mation on the session times. Alternatively, for further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@casso warycoast.qld.gov.au.

BE CASS-O-WARY, THIS WORLD CASSOWARY DAY

To celebrate World Cassowary Day on Monday 26 September, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, in partnership with the De partment of Environment and Science (DES), launched a series of six educational signs at Etty Bay that take a comical approach to protecting the region’s favourite bird – the Cassowary.

Featuring a cartoon Cassowary called ‘Snitty’, the signs use humour and wit to dis cuss how Cassowaries can behave and what visitors should and shouldn’t do around the protected species. The signs aim to stand out from regular signage and messaging which is more commonly used, and influence behav ior change of people visiting the region.

Environment Portfolio Holder, Council lor Jeff Baines, said that World Cassowary Day is a day of celebration to draw attention to how important Cassowaries are to the ecosystem and to promote the protection of the bird.

“There is no better day, than World Cas sowary Day, to launch the newly created signage, and get the community and visitors talking about how to be Cass-O-Warry!

“The signs which were created by First Dog on the Moon artist, Andrew Marlton, an award-winning political cartoonist for the Guardian Australia, use a comical approach to educate Etty Bay visitors on how to act around Cassowaries and the important do’s and don’ts.

“Across Australia, the current population estimate for the Southern Cassowaries, the species located on the Cassowary Coast, is just 4,000. Unfortunately, habitat loss, car strikes and dog attacks continue to threaten the species.

“It is important that visitors and the commu nity be vigilant in areas where Cassowaries frequent and don’t feed, approach or leave food scraps behind,” said Councillor Baines.

Senior Wildlife Officer Dinouk Perera said the iconic blue, black and red southern cas sowary is thought to be a relic of the age of dinosaurs.

“Cassowaries play a unique role in main taining the rich biodiversity of Queensland’s World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest,” Mr Perera said.

“Queensland is the only Australian state where these iconic, massive, flightless birds can be found in the wild, and it is always exciting for people to catch a glimpse of a Cassowary in the wild.

“Unfortunately, cassowaries do become victims of vehicle strikes and we’re asking people to slow down in the region, never feed cassowaries and always try and ob serve them from a distance.

“The Department of Environment and Sci ence is working with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to help protect these mag nificent animals.”

Remember, Be Cass-o-wary!!

• Don’t approach cassowaries – they are very unpredictable.

• Don’t approach chicks – the father will be nearby and may defend them fiercely. Never feed cassowaries – it is against the law, potentially dangerous for people and has led to cassowary deaths.

• Discard food scraps in closed bins in cas sowary country and ensure compost bins have secure lids.

• Slow down and be on the look-out when driving in southern cassowary territory.

• Never stop your vehicle to look at south ern cassowaries on the road.

• Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

• If you come face-to-face with an aggres sive bird, it’s best to back away slowly and put something like a tree, a backpack between yourself and the bird, and let it go on its way.

To view the series of signs, visit the Etty Bay foreshore and to report a Cassowary sighting please call 1300 130 372.

Councillor Jeff Baines and Councillor Renee McLeod with the newly launched cassowary signs

Coast -

Coast

HAVE YOUR SAY ON COUNCIL’S DRAFT UNSEALED ROADS IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is seeking feedback on the ‘draft’ Unsealed Roads Improve ment Plan, to ensure the review provided accurately represents the needs and requirements of Cas sowary Coast residents.

Asset Sustainability portfolio holder, Councillor Barry Barnes, said local roads along with foot paths, trials and cycleways were identified as the highest priority by

residents within the Community Scorecard.

“Council recognises current community priority is to see active improvements within these areas, and as a result, wants to ensure adequate consultation is made on the ‘draft’ Unsealed Road Report.

“The basis of the report comes from an external review undertak en by industry experts on Coun cil’s management and mainte

nance techniques on our unsealed roads.

“Council is seeking feedback, particularly in regard to identified initiatives to improve our service to the community.

“The report outlines an Improve ment Plan with short, medium and long-term timeframes.

“There is some ‘low hanging fruit’ that can make a very posi tive change, while others will take

more time and might be more costly or difficult to implement.

“Council understands that living within a high rainfall region creates other needs compared to other areas of the State.

“Council encourages the com munity to review these initia tives and provide feedback as to whether any should be changed, reprioritised or removed,” said Councillor Barnes.

To review the ‘draft’ Unsealed Roads Improvement Plan in full, visit yoursay.cassowarycoast. qld.gov.au/unsealed-roads-im provement-plan and submit your feedback for consideration.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld. gov.au.

LEARN RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ON LINKEDIN LEARNING

Cassowary Coast Libraries are encouraging library members to take advantage of LinkedIn Learning, a free online resource available to members wanting to learn or improve a new skill, self-improve in a variety of areas. Members can get access to 16,000+ online courses in 7 languages, expert instructors with real world experiences and 60+ new courses are added each week. Courses cover leadership, mental wellness, job hunting, photography and videography, sales, digital marketing and more!

Cassowary Coast Library members can access this free resource via the Library website –using their library card number and password, or enquire at your local branch.

NEW ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM FOR COUNCIL EVENT SPACES

To make booking your next venue easier, Council is moving to the online platform Space to Co – an easy to use platform entirely online.

Launching on October 10th 2022, the new system will be trialled with the Innisfail Shire Hall and The Con. Council aims to increase community usage of these spaces, provid

ing opportunities for community groups and individuals to host events and activi ties, supporting the region’s livability and vibrancy.

Following the initial trial period, additional venues will be added to the platform. Venue fees and charges have been updated to an hourly per day rate.

KIRRAMA RANGE UPGRADES SET TO BEGIN

Road maintenance will commence on the Kirrama Range Road Network, improving the travel conditions for residents who fre quent the road as well as off-road campers and explorers.

The Kirrama Range Road, opened in 1941 and was originally used to facilitate the transport of timber from logging camps in the Kirrama State Forest to Cardwell. Today, the road is used by weekend explorers who travel across the range to view the spec tacular scenery and is a vital link connecting

property owners to the coast.

The works, which are externally funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Ar rangements (DRFA)

Restoration of Essen tial Public Assets (REPA), are in response to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Niran and the associated low-pressure system event which occurred in early March 2021.

Initially, emergent works were undertaken by Council following the wet weather event to ensure the safety of road users. The next stage of works will be undertaken in mid-

October by local contractors IMEC, and will include gravel re-sheeting and the forma tion of 18 kilometres of the Kirrama Range Road.

Works are intended to further improve the safety and drivability of these sections of roads.

Traffic control and signage will be in place to minimise risk and coordinate movement through the works. The expected duration of the project is six weeks, weather permitting.

The upgrades are jointly funded by the

Commonwealth and Queensland Govern ments and approved by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

All road users need to be aware of changed traffic conditions in the area and drive accordingly, speed limits will be strictly enforced.

For more information contact Cassowary Coast Regional Council on 1300 763 906 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov. au.

PARKING TO PARKLETS

A newly launched Parklet Program will provide food and beverage business owners within certain areas the opportunity to apply to extend their outdoor dining within the road reserve to create new and better dining experiences.

Parklets are car parking spaces that are temporarily transformed into places to meet, eat and relax with outdoor seating and greenery.

Councillor Nolan said the Parklets Pro gram is available at various locations on the Cassowary Coast and aims to create new and interesting places that safely extend the service area of restaurants and cafes.

“Parklets provide the opportunity to support existing local food and beverage business owners while positively contribut ing to the broader community and creating a feeling of vibrancy.

“Residents have approached Councillors seeking more al fresco type dining facili ties across our region and Council are now delivering.

“The Parklet Program is supported by our Small Business Charter and represents a fundamental change for how businesses and dining precincts operate.

“Parklets not only support restaurants and cafes to increase their seating capacity, trade and revenue, but they also support the creation of local jobs,” said Councillor Nolan.

Interested parties are required to meet the necessary safety and building standards required for the Parklet structure. These are outlined in Council’s Parklet Policy and as sociated guidelines.

Council remains committed to working with the local business community to ensure a fair, transparent and streamlined process is in place that balances the needs of local businesses and parking regulations to en sure Parklets operate safely.

For more information please contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Visit

KEY

Customer Service Centres and Opening Hours

Innisfail Shire Hall

70 Rankin St. Innisfail

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

Tully

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

Cardwell

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

Cassowary Coast Libraries

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

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

Community Connect is a publication of the

Coast

2 3 7654

inaugural

AND HIGHER.

The evening will culminate with the combined powerful forces of the Cairns Choral Society Choir and Cairns Brass.

Cost: From $29.00 – $39.00

Book your tickets through ticketlink

Fri October 7 2022 @ 9:00pm-11:30pm

The Aretha Show Live – BAR36 at The Reef Hotel Casino

Paying Homage to the Undisputed Queen of Soul – Aretha Franklin!

Experience all the hits with a massive Ten Piece Band.

Featuring the Superb Vocals of Juanita!

A Two Hour Sound & Visual Extravaganza…Not to be Missed.

Live & Free at The Reef Hotel Casino

Sat October 8 2022 @ 9:00am-1:00pm

Your Wardrobe Cairns - Fred Moule Pavilion at Cairns Show Grounds

Enjoy retail-therapy with little impact on your purse & planet! You’re invited to enjoy a fun low-to-no-cost way to add to your wardrobe whilst also sassing up your style. Peruse 100+ individual pop ups full of sustainable clothing choices, have a laugh, make new connections and spend a social day out hunting for premium preloved, classical, every-day,

Sat

The

FRIDAY

Barbary Coasters - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4:00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - The Beach Shack, Kewarra Beach Resort, 5:00pm

Victoria Boxall - Ten06, 5:30pm

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

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

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

Kick Start - Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm

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

Cairns Choral Society, Higher and Higher - CPAC Theatre, 7:30pm

Carinda Christie - Elixir Music Bar, 8:00pm

JC Stylles - The Jazz Sanctuary, 8:00pm

Dr Elephant - The Tolga Pub, 8:00pm

Big Noise - Rattle n Hum Cairns, 8:30pm

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

Torimba Mardi Gras and Street Parade - Ravenshoe, 11:00pm

Bad Boys of Uke - Babinda Harvest Festival, 1:00pm

Janna Mercedes - The Beach House Trinity Beach, 4:00pm

Lady Valiant Duo - Macalisters Brewery, 5:00pm

Cairns Has Talent Launch - Tanks Arts Centre, 6:00pm

Big Jim - Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm

Big Pups - Kairi Hotel, 7:00pm

Paradise Quartet - Elixir Music Bar, 7:30pm

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

DjGlennW - Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium, 11:30am

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

Artist honoured with life membership

MISSION Arts member/artist and treasured volunteer Carol Giuliany was awarded Mission Arts Life Membership at the 2021-2022 AGM in recognition of her outstanding devotion to the arts and dedication to the mission and guid ing principles of the Mission Beach Commu nity Arts Centre.

Ms Giuliany has served in most every capac ity as volunteer at Mission Arts over the past eight years, including as General Committee Member and Secretary on the Management Committee (past), as Gallery Shop Coordina tor, and on various subcommittees (including Exhibitions, Events, Shop and MATEs).

She is an active participant in Mission Arts’ weekly Art From The Heart (AFTH) Acrylic Painting Group and monthly Oiled Painting Group, the ‘Green’ Painting Group and the Mission Arts Theatre Ensemble (MATEs). Her love of the local area and its flora and fauna often form the subject of her paintings which have been exhibited in many Mission Arts community exhibitions.

Ms Giuliany’s selfless devotion over many years to supporting local artists and lending an ear, a hand, and a smile as well as assistance, energy and enthusiasm to all those involved with Mission Arts’ program of exhibitions, events and activities makes her a most deserv ing recipient of this award.

Mission Arts have extended their thanks and congratulated Ms Giuliany for her ongoing

support of local art, local artists and our lo cal community arts centre.

Mission Arts is a vibrant volunteer-led and volunteer-run not-for-profit community arts organisation which provides creative opportunities for artists, residents and visi tors throughout the Cassowary Coast and surrounds.

For information about volunteer opportu nities or upcoming exhibitions and events, visit missionarts.com.au or find them on Facebook at @mission.beach.community. arts.centre

Reflective and projected visions

By Maria Larkins

TALENTED students from 20 local schools are represented in a virtual exhibition showcasing excellence in visual art.

The 40 artworks on display include paintings, drawings, multi-media, sculptures, photo graphs, videos/films/electronic imaging, and numerous instal lations.

Many of the works focus on identity, cultural connec tions, environmental concerns, generational change, bloodlines and DNA, consumerism, urban ism and futurism, memories and emotions, and local flora and fauna.

Leia Cooper from St An drew’s Catholic College, Red lynch Valley crafted a clever mixed media work, “Inelucta ble”. It depicts the gentle hands of a loving mother “knitting” the DNA while a pair of teenage

hands make a futile attempt to untangle themselves from their heritage.

Blaire Bishop from Tully State High School portrayed an optimistic future albeit lacking any human reference. The colourful digital work com prises images of Innisfail’s Art Deco architecture manipulated and edited with the artworks of sculptor, Takahiro Iwasaki.

The Creative Generation Ex cellence Awards in Visual Art recognise and celebrate the ar tistic achievements and creative talents of senior high school students across Queensland.

Winners will be announced in October/November 2022 and will feature in a special exhibi tion at the Gallery of Modern Art at the Queensland Art Gal lery, Brisbane in 2023.

To view the works, visit the website and click on Digital Exhibition and then select Far

North Queensland Region: https://bit.ly/3V95qJZ

Schools represented include:

Atherton State School, Cairns School of Distance Education, Cairns State High School, Cooktown State High School, Good Counsel College (Innisfail), Gordonvale State High School, Kuranda District State College, Mossman State High School, Mount St Bernard College (Herberton), Peace Lutheran College (Kamerunga), Ravenshoe State School (Senior Campus), St Andrews Catholic College (Redlynch), St Mary’s Catholic College (Woree), St Monica’s College (Cairns), St Stephen’s Catholic College (Mareeba), Trinity Anglican School (White Rock), Trinity Bay State High School, Tropi cal North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School, Tully State High School, and Woree State High School.

PROUDLY PRESENTS THE NINTH ANNUAL

Left -“Ineluctable” by Leia Cooper illustrates the unbreakable strength of family connection. Right- Blaire Bishop’s whimsical futuristic “Urbanised Cities” are devoid of humans but possess a rare aesthetic, and hopeful, beauty.

Exciting Big Talk One Fire program for 2022

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, UMI Arts’ signature event, Big Talk One Fire (BTOF), will transform Foga rty Park in the heart of Cairns CBD into a family-friendly festival celebrating the region’s distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with music, dance, food, and the arts.

With support from Cairns Regional Council and a host of local sponsors, UMI Arts’ Big Talk One Fire celebrates its

ninth annual festival in 2022 with a program of entertain ment criss-crossing musical and dance genres performed on stage at Fogarty Park from 1pm until 8pm.

A truly colourful and cultural immersion with a laid-back family vibe, Big Talk One Fire also features activities for kids, weaving, fashion, tastings, and knowledge sharing of native foods, plants and medicine, crafts, and information stalls.

Big Talk One Fire’s event

organiser Cameron Kennedy said Big Talk is one of UMI Arts’ much-loved events that are more than just entertain ment and culturally activating the inner-city.

BTOF also helps the community stay connected while supporting the creative industry of north Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Peoples.

UMI Arts Executive Officer Peter Lenoy is looking forward to his favourite event of the

Tablelands Folk Festival

THE Tablelands Folk Festival Yungaburra is now in its 40’s – barely middle aged you could say!

The Festival just keeps getting better with performers from all States attending this year to wow you all with their pent up brilliance this October.

Now a part of the DNA of the wonderful township of Yungaburra, from October 21 - 23 more than 200 performers will entertain guests on this magical escape from everyday life.

Participants can come for the day or camp for the three-day weekend and be prepared for a rollicking good time!

The 2022 Festival line-up is available on the website and this year it comes bigger and better with performers, workshops and special events.

From Albi and The Wolves from New Zealand, to Jake Spicer and Joe McCarty from England will join a stellar cast of bands, duos, trios and soloists from as far afield as WA, NT, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The Festival will also have street perform ers, bubbleologists and a fabulous Giant Lan tern Parade to top off a magical weekend.

Ticket sales are alive and very active. Do not miss out on this fantastic tropical event.

If you’d rather be part of the action, go to Volunteer EOI – TABLELANDS FOLK FES TIVAL and tell the staff how you would like to support the Festival.

Visit the Tablelands Folk Festival website to purchase weekend tickets at: www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org.au/ticket-sales/

year and experiencing this year’s version of the organisa tion’s very popular festival.

“UMI Arts is always im mensely proud to present this all-inclusive event that draws people together from near and far for a day of cultural recognition and celebration,” Mr Lenoy said.

“UMI Arts’ Big Talk One Fire promotes the best of North Queensland Indigenous culture to a large and varied audience.

“Always a highlight of Big

Talk One Fire is its concert fea turing local Indigenous bands, traditional Aboriginal and Tor res Strait Islander performing artists and Indigenous pop-up markets.”

Established in 2005, UMI Arts is the peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland, an area that extends north of Cairns to include the Torres Strait Is lands, south to Cardwell, west to Camooweal and includes the

Gulf of Carpentaria and Mt Isa regions.

Its mission is to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is lander peoples in participating in the maintenance, preserva tion, and protection of cultural identity.

BTOF is a free event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; everyone is encouraged to par ticipate. For more information, visit https://umiarts.com.au/

Celebrating the distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures wth music, dance, food, and the arts. Inset: Musician Danny Bani

Get puzzled

Puzzle

Tempers could boil if someone you work with has not been pulling their weight. You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. You can help other people with their financial problems by setting up a budget for them. Be careful not to trust

Efforts made to improve yourself will turn out to your satisfaction. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Don’t let someone talk you into parting with your cash unless you can truly see the benefits of doing so.

You may want to make plans to take a vacation together. Organize your house and be sure to include the whole family in the projects you have set out to do. Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely. Your intuition will be right on.

You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren’t necessary. You can make money through solid investment plans. Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. You will meet new and interesting people.

Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs. Don’t expect romantic encounters to be lasting. You will be able to talk to your lover about future goals and perhaps make plans for the two of you to take a vacation. Try to get out and socialize.

CROSSWORD

WORD SEARCH

You can make the most headway if you put in some overtime. You can make new friends and get involved in new hobbies successfully. Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment. Your emotions are fluctuating, so be careful not to say things you’ll regret.

Travel for business purposes may bring the highest returns. Travel for business will be advantageous. Your charm will be captivating. You may have ignored or neglected your mate lately.

This is not the best day to visit relatives who get on your nerves. You are best to keep your money tied up in a safe and secure place. Take a second look; another person’s philosophy may be extremely different from yours. Be aware that you might be at fault.

You need to put some trust in others. You need adventure and excitement in your life. You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people’s money or possessions this week. Erratic behaviour at home may be hard to handle.

ACROSS

You need to take a break with the ones you love. Abrupt changes in your home may send you for a loop. Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need. Not everyone will be pleased with your plans.

be a

and borrowing

your thoughts into action.

overspend to impress others. Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection.

looking

DOWN

Chill at

With a sublime beachfront position, Chill at Portofino offers diners delicious breakfasts, outstanding lunch and dinner experiences with award winning coffees, smoothies, fresh juices, cocktails, pizzas and pastas and luxuri ous private dining.

Our stunning views, weekly live music, electric atmosphere and family-friendly, topnotch service makes us an ideal setting for your next function, gathering or date night.

We capture the very essence of Far North Queensland. Chill at Portofino is the place where locals and holiday-makers connect.

Chill at Portofino, with its idyllic beach side location, serves delectable breakfasts, amazing lunch and dinner experiences, as well as award-winning coffees, smoothies, fresh juices, cocktails, pizzas and pastas, and sumptuous private dining.

Our breathtaking views, weekly live music, energising environment, and family-friendly, top-notch service make us an excellent venue for your next function, gathering, or date night.

We’ve managed to capture the essence of Far North Queensland. Chill at Portofino is a gathering area for locals and visitors alike.

Relax and let your spirit soar while listen

ing to soulful, eclectic music set against a picture postcard backdrop of palms, golden sand, the Coral Sea, and distant green hills.

Relax, let your spirit soar, and enjoy a picture postcard backdrop framed by palms, golden sand, the Coral Sea and distant green hills as soulful, eclectic music delights your senses.

Your Function, Your Way

We have put together many ideas on how to help you plan any function big or small, and are happy to work with you to meet all types of budgets and requirements.Our team is high ly experienced and we are always willing to go the extra mile to make your special event even more memorable. Our Events Team has the right touch to bring your vision to life.

Melbourne Cup at Chill

Date November 1, 2022

Time 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Venue Chill at Portofino

For more information, or to book a function please contact Rachel & Olivia:

E: events@the3kingsgroup.com.au

An architectural legacy

By Maria Larkins

C. D. LYNCH was an ambi tious and determined young architect when he arrived in Cairns aboard the S.S. Palmer on February 7, 1906.

As a named partner in the Townsville architectural firm of Tunbridge, Tunbridge, and Lynch, he had plans to establish an office in Cairns to satisfy the growing demand for architec tural services.

One of the firm’s most im portant early commissions was the design of a new residence for local solicitor, Abijah Mur ray. The magnificent villa resi dence received many accolades and attracted much interest in the new architects.

By the end of 1906, Lynch had joined the Chamber of Commerce and they were advertising tenders for many cottages, retail stores, hotels, and another villa.

They advertised tenders in 1907 for a Catholic Church at Nelson (Gordonvale) and new business premises for local butcher, John Gordon. Tun bridge, Tunbridge, and Lynch also procured the School of Arts Building when tenders for A. Polin’s design were deemed too expensive.

After writing to the Harbour Board on numerous occasions, Lynch was finally given the job of designing their new offices near the wharf. The firm also had hotels, shops and bulk stores on the drawing board at the time.

Butcher and enterprising businessman, W. A. Munro, engaged Tunbridge, Tunbridge and Lynch in 1908 to design a large commercial complex comprising a hotel and shops on the Corner of Lake and Spence Streets. That same year, the firm supervised construc tion of the new building for AMP Society in Abbott Street designed by Hall and Dods.

In 1909 C. D. Lynch an nounced that he had, for some time, been acting as a solo practitioner and that as of June 3, the firm would be known simply as C. D. Lynch. A year later he joined forces with Townsville architect, Walter Hunt.

The duo established them selves with several prominent buildings in Cairns, Townsville, and other districts. In Cairns they designed the former Mul grave Shire Offices, Fearnley and Co.’s new two-storey brick

office and warehouse on Wharf Street (Jack and Newell Build ing), and the Mulgrave Jockey Club Grandstand.

They were also the architects for St Mary’s Anglican Convent School at Herberton (1918) and the neighbouring Mount St Bernard College (1919-1921) for the Sisters of Mercy and popular priest, Father Patrick Bernard Doyle. The partnership of C. D. Lynch and Walter Hunt Architects was dissolved in August 1921.

C. D. Lynch’s final projects in Cairns were the design of a Pavilion for the Cairns Bowl ing Club and the chemist store for W. A. Collins opposite the School of Arts in 1922 and 1923.

Extracted from an interim pa per, “The Architecture of C. D. Lynch”. Researched and written with the support of an RADF grant through Cairns Regional Council.

Sources: TROVE, Queensland Heritage Register, The Archives of the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland, ISMAPNG Archives and Heritage Centre, State Library of Queensland (SLQ), and JCU Library Heritage Collection, Cairns Historical Society (CHS).

Cabaret

Top Left: C. D. Lynch was an enterprising architect who left a significant architectural legacy in Cairns. From framed portrait of Tunbridge & Tunbridge staff, courtesy JCU Library. Top Right: The Central Hotel under construction, courtesy SLQ. Main: Fearnley & Co’s New Offices and Warehouse, courtesy CHS.

Wish

partner

Publishers Terms and Conditions

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AREYOU

FNQ

Friday October 7th

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

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

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

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

Saturday October 8th

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

PRIVACY POLICY

News collects personal infor mation to assist us in providing goods and services which you have requested to process

entries, giveaways and to improve

products and services to you.

may be in touch by phone, mail, fax or internet to inform you of any services and promotions which may be of interest. If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: Cairns Local News, 2/185 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns, Qld 4870 Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

HAVE an AGM coming up? Email admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au or Call Lisa on 07 4031 7678

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

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

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

Mareeba: Centenary Park, 07:30-12:30

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

Mt Garnet: Bill Brotherton Park, 08:00-13:00

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

Tully: Main St, 07:00-12:00

Your Wardrobe Cairns: Fred Moule Pavillion, Cairns, 09:00-13:00

HAVE you got

deadline is

on

to

Lisa at Cairns Local

or

every

Sunday October 9th

Archer Creek: Rest Area, Kennedy Highway, 07:30-12:00

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

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

Cardwell Jetty: Foreshore, 07:30-12:30 / 08:00-13:00

Holloways Beach: Beach Foreshore, 08:00-13:00

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Vievers 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

MOSSMAN LADIES BOWLS

Thursday September 29th: Raffle winner: Robyn Petrus. A going away raffle that was donated by Jan White was won by Anne Geddes. We wish Jan well on her way back to Port Stephens. Social Bowls Win ners: Jan White, Christy Colley and Anne Geddes; R/up: Gloria Geeves, Maree Crees and Robin Petrus. All welcome to play on our Thursday ladies’ day. Names in by 12:00pm and we play at 1:00pm, bowls attire. Any ladies wishing to learn or brush up on their tech nique, we have free coaching available. For more informa tion contact Carole Maxted on caroles44bb@dodo.com. au or 0400 954 537. Sunday September 25th Mixed bowls: Winners: Jim McNeill, Jim Geddes and Col Johnson; R/up: Kim Balfour, Maree Johnson and Anita McCoist. Come and enjoy a light lunch before play. Names in by 12:00pm and play is at 1:00pm, casual attire. For more information contact the Mossman Bowls Club on 4098 1434.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: E Blythe, P Cavanagh, G Andreatta; R/ up: B Smith, F Lascala, B Wright. Tuesday Night Bowls Spider: Dave, Phil, Jason, Bead, Dennis, Geoff, Michelle, Sisca. Wednesday Mixed Bowls: Winners: A Ashton, B Andreatta; R/up: B Clarkson, B Gillian, N Hooker. Thursday Men’s Triples: Winners: D Harrison, R Forder, M Hartin; R/up: D Phillips, B Morris, N Robson. Saturday Afternoon Walking Pairs: Winners of Winners: Not Played; Winners of Losers: Not Played. Club Championships: Men’s Triples Final: E Blythe, D Grummitt, B Morris def J Russell, G Mid son, B O’Connor 18-17. All bowlers, non-bowlers and tour ists welcome. Bowls available for free, ph. 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook.

Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Social Bowls:

Thursday September 29th: Winners: Lorraine King and Joclynn Stebbings; R/up: Vic toria and Tricia.

Ladies have changed the starting time for Thursday Social bowls due to heat and humidity issues at this time of the year. Thursday October 6th social bowls will now begin at 3:00pm. Get your names in by 2:30pm for 3:00pm start.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: Tuesday September 27th Social Bowls: Winners: Rus sell Lamb and Ian Stafford. Tuesday Night Social Bowls: Winners: Robert and Geoff. Wednesday September 28th: Winners: Ray, Terry and Wayne; R/up: Frank, Lou and Greg. Saturday October 1st: no Social Bowls were played due to insufficient numbers. Club Triples Final will be played Thursday October 6th with Al lan, Chris and Steve Henson to now play Wayne Hunter, Peter Whitehead and John Hayes. Men’s Consistency Singles schedule has Wayne Hunter vs Steve Bragger; and winner to play Brian Pattison; and Peter Ryan vs Peter Whitehead. Mixed Pairs has Elaine and Peter Whitehead vs Wayne Hunter and Tricia DeRon; Jill Alexander-Sachse and Steve Henson vs Lou Pomroy and Bruce Moseley.

Notice to our members. We have ARC Disability send ing a group of its members to participate in Tuesday morning 9am-10am Bowls activity each Tuesday starting this week. Volunteers are needed to offer assistance. Peace Lutheran College also have students each Wednesday and Thursday between 9-10am. 20 students each day. Please assist any days you can during final term of school.

Social Bowls will continue with Tuesday (1pm and 7pm), Wednesday night Self Selected Triples. Saturday Social Bowls will be played October 8. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls as

sistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

WEST CAIRNS LADIES

Just letting you know that there is still ladies’ social bowls on Wednesdays starting at 11:30am this is also open to men that would like a social game of mixed bowls. If you wish a game give Liz a call on 0400 626 765 - names in by 10:45am finish about 3:00pm. The Club also has bowls to lend at no extra cost. Don’t forget our Pretty in Pink Day on Wednesday October 19th starting at 10:00am for $25.00 per/person, which includes green fees and lunch. It is selfselected open fours - first 16 teams only. All proceeds go to Queensland Cancer Founda tion, so if you wish a game give Liz a call on number above nominations close on October 14th, 2022. The ladies from West Cairns Bowls Club that went to Mareeba to play in the 9-a-side bowls carnival on the weekend would like to thank all the ladies for a great time. Special thanks to Dawn and Julie and the two Ladies from Marlin Coast Bowls Club Anne and Cath for helping us out. Once again, a big thank you. Good Bowling to All.

WEST CAIRNS TPI MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

Despite being a public holi day, fourteen players attended West Cairns Bowls Club last Monday afternoon. At the end of play at 4:30pm the winning card drawn resulted in the team lead by Michael Ireland with support player Anne Semken being awarded with a small prize. Play started at 1:30pm after the cards were called at 1:15pm. Next week we will again meet at West Cairns Bowls Club for the next game. If you wish to attend and are a registered lawn bowler, we would like to meet you and explain how our game is regarded as being very popular with all our players in this area. To join in, call Rosemary on 0409624623 any time before 11:00am next Monday. Bowls can be provided if visitors re

quire them. Our green is carpet with a covered roof that can be used in most weather condi tions we experience. Please be at the club before in time for the cards being called.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers: Winner: Geoff; R/up: Ann. Tuesday Competition: Winners: Joe Jackson, Ted Hamilton and Phil Buntain on 25pts and +15; R/up: M O’Halloran, J Carr and N Mallyon on 22pts with +10. Thirsty Thursday: Best Players: Barry Armstrong, Ken Norman and Vince Wallwork. Sunday Morning: Winners: Bill Berger, Patty Puh, J Murray on 23pts; R/up: Rick Radigna, G Atkinson and J Bent on 20pts. Jackpot was not won. Club Championship: Mixed Pairs Round 2: Winners: L Black house and M Hetherton on 30pts; R/up: Joyce Alexander and Eddie Czarnecki on 21pts over 25 ends. Men’s Triples Competition Round 1: Scotty Cal, T’mor and S. Ford 22pts def E Czarnecki, B Berger and S Kavanagh 12pts. G Donovan, K Vivian and S Smith 31pts def W Edwards, J Wilcox and J Carr 13pts. Skips to Check the board and organise the next games. Ensure that Helen Knows of any games to be played over the coming weeks. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome, contact the club and ask what times are available.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday October 1st: 28 Bowlers for jackpot Bowls. Bill Smith, Bill Allison d Mick Plummer, Jock Constantine 25-23; Eric Smith, Kel Cun ningham, Dick Pitt def Charlie Toohey, Peter Fairchild, Peter Worley 29-26; Col Johnson, Jim Geddes, Bernie Sav age def David White, Wayne Parkes, Joe Girgenti 25-20; Gerrard Beech, John Fossey, Nev Fletcher def Geoff Sims, David Egan, Daryl Hoskins 26-16; and the winners for the day, Terry Richards, Alistair Douglas, Nev Tesch def Col Widdows, George Wilmot,

Peter Gorsuch 35-9.

The Elio Crema Cup was played over the long weekend (Saturday to Monday) with Mossman represented by Mick Frese, John Cochrane, Chris Payne and Malachy McTag gart. The ATBC rounds 1 & 2 were played Atherton with 3 games Saturday and 2 games Sunday. In game 1 Mossman was defeated by Yungaburra 14-13; in game 2 Mossman defeated Herberton 20-14; in game 3 Mossman defeated Ma reeba 16-10; game 4 Mossman defeated Atherton 15-10 and in game 5 Mossman defeated Dimbulah 18-14. With 4 wins Mossman progressed to the finals to play the FNBC win ner - South Johnstone, played at Yungaburra on Monday. A great final, however, South Johnstone won 26-15 to secure the Elio Crema Cup for 2022.

A reminder, the next Social Bowls will be held this Thurs day October 6th from 5:30pm with names in by 5:00pm at a cost of $10 per person. Cost includes a sausage sizzle after the game (8:00pm) and the chance to win a $50.00 meat tray from Mossman Butchers. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thurs day of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Jackpot Bowls this Saturday, names in by 12 noon with card call at 12:45pm for a 1:00pm start.

The final of the Club Champi onship Triples (Gerrard Beech, Kel Cunningham, David White vs John Cochrane, Ranald Ed wards, Col Widdows) will be played this Sunday October 9th at 9am. Best of luck to John Hopkins, George Wilmot, Bill Smith & Mick Plummer play ing at Herberton this Sunday October 9th for the annual Tin Festival. Next Monday Octo ber 10th the Men’s Committee meeting will be at 4pm. Nomi nation sheet on the noticeboard for those members that wish to nominate as a reserve player or team for the Mossman Classic 4s to be played on the weekend October 15th/16th. Due to Mossman Classic 4s we will

hold Jackpot Bowls on Friday afternoon (October 14th) from 1.30pm - nomination sheet will be posted on the noticeboard next week. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. Follow the Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Wednesday September 28th: Club selected 3 bowl pairs: Winners: Graeme, Nola Bur rows, Enid Leonard; R/up: Sue Steffensen, Neil Vogler. Thurs day September 29th: SelfSelected Pairs: Winners: Bob Pitson, Lorraine Cummings; R/ up: Max Taylor’s team; Best 2nd game Lorenzo Cadorin’s team. 7 clubs competed in the 9-a-side TFNQDLBA bowls carnival held at Mareeba over the 3-day weekend. Winners: Edmonton club; R/up: Mareeba club. Elio Crema Cup played at Atherton and Babinda on the long weekend was won by South Johnstone club; R/ up: Mossman club. Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6:00pm - Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. Good bowling everyone. For information and nominations ph 4092 5288.

INNISFAIL BOWLS CLUB

A roll up of only 22 bowlers were on the green this week for Thursday social bowls. The team of Sergio Della Pozza, Peter Smith & Denis Ryan declared winners for the after noon. New members and visi tors are most welcome names in by 12:30pm for a 1:15pm start. In the Elio Creama Cup played at Babinda we finished runners up in our section going down to Edmonton by aggre gate. Congratulations to South Johnstone for winning the cup overall. All club competition games to be played ASAP. The Cassowary Coast Carnival of Bowls will be played on Octo ber 22nd & 23rd at Innisfail & South Johnstone Clubs.

GORDONVALE BOWLS CLUB Wednesday Social Bowls

names by 12:30pm for 1:00pm start, New players very wel come. Club phone 40561050. Thursday Club Selected 3 Bowl Pairs - names by 12:30pm. Last week’s Winners: K Mclean & J Jackson; Raffle: J Rossi. Fridays Bare Foot Bowls at 5:00pm. Steak Burgers avail able. Come & Try Bowls in the cool of the evening, and we have bowls available for your use. Saturday 15tth October - Group of Bowlers are going to Stratford for a friendly Challenge, See Linda for more details.

Accolades for Atherton Golfers

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF Monthly Medal, sponsored by Mungalli Dairy Products and the Millaa Millaa Hotel. Winner: Graham Suffield, nett 66; R/up: Graham Murray, nett 68; 3rd: Geoff Errey, on count back, nett 69; also on 69 pts, Warwick Howarth, Ray Marsh, and Trevor Warrener. NTP: Warwick Howarth for 1/10; Dave Morrison had the best on 5/14; and Graham Murray’s second shot on 8/17 got him a birdy. Visitors: John White, Ian Schultz and Dave Morrison from Atherton. 6 Raffle Draws: Winners: Kelvin Groves, Warwick Howarth, Graham Murray, Graham Suffield and Shane Soper won twice. It was certainly worth Graham Suf field dusting off his clubs as his number 50 also came out in the members draw. So next week, which is sponsored by Graham Suffield and is a best 9 holes STABLEFORD, the members draw goes back to $10.

THE lady members at Atherton Golf Club are proud to be celebrating their first win in the FNQWG district Interclub competition in more than 20 years.

This year, nine clubs participated in the hotly contested competition which is played at Mareeba, Ather ton, Palmer Sea Reef, Mirage, Half Moon Bay, Cairns, Gordonvale and Mossman.

El Arish players travelled long dis tances from the southern end of the district to also join in the event.

In recent years, the Interclub has been held as a Stableford compe tition. At each venue, points are awarded to each club which then count towards a yearly total.

Half Moon Bay began as favourite, having won seven times in the last nine years.

However, Atherton players found good form and consistently ranked in the top three at each venue to hold a 13 point lead going into the final round at Mossman.

Half Moon Bay players performed very well to win the final round and narrow the gap, but Atherton fought hard and retained the overall lead to win by two points.

Captain of the Atherton Golf Club

Shelley Broadley said the team’s fighting spirit had led them to the much-awaited win.

“It was a great team effort,” Ms Broadley said.

“Our women golfers have a strong club spirit, and 12 to 16 players regularly travel to represent Atherton club.

“Their participation and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated,” she said.

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Main: (L-R) Atherton Golf Club president Shelley Broad ley and FNQ Women’s Golf president Niki Bruce Inset: Atherton Ladies Golf Club

A Race for the Reef like no other

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE world’s first run4reef simultaneous race will arrive in Cairns this October 16 to raise funds to save the Great Barrier Reef.

For this first-ever international event, 23 cities across Australia and New Zealand will simultaneously race, bringing together over 100,000 runners of all abilities to protect the Reef.

Run4reef will have 1k, 5k and 10k events, plus an elite 10k run and races for children across the Esplanade.

Event coordinator at run4reef Fiona Dix said this event was historic for Cairns.

“Cairns is the home of the Great Barrier Reef, so it’s great to have run4reef as the signature event,” Ms Dix said.

“This event is the first of its kind; we’re competing against 23 other cities simultaneously, from Wellington and Auckland to Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville and more.

“The initiative is about raising awareness of climate change and raising funds for the Great Barrier Reef; a portion of every body’s entry will go towards Reef restoration, which is great for Cairns.

“So this event is particularly special for runners in Cairns, but it’s fantastic to have these cities jump on board as well,” she said.

Funds raised at the event will go to developing restoration pro grams like the innovative ‘plant a coral’ initiative and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

To keep the racers across Australia and New Zealand connect ed, the events will have a large digital screen to update runners, have live vision of all events and keep updated with the best times across all cities.

“Each event starts at the same time, and there’ll be a leader board where runners can see where they’re sitting,” Ms Dix said.

“So we have Olympian Steve Moneghetti running in Bendigo and some great runners across all cities.

“All Cairns wants to do is to beat Townsville, and there’ll be elite events where we’ll have well-known names competing against each other.”

A very special element of run4reef will be the events for children, so younger racers can participate and support the Reef’s protection.

“There’s a distance for everybody,” Ms Dix said.

“There’s a 1k event for our six- to 14-year-old up-and-coming eco-warriors, and parents can race with their children.

“We also have a 5k, and in Cairns, it’s going to be really speedy; we’ve got some really fast kids who actually knock your socks off.

“There’s a 10k event open to all abilities and a ‘Race to Zero’ where our elite runners will take on the best across Australia and New Zealand.”

Between some of the local young eco-warriors is 11-year-old

Zachary Hudson, a passionate young runner committed to saving the Reef.

“I’m in the run4reef because I like running and because you can raise money and awareness to save the Reef,” Zachary said.

“I went to state cross country, came eighth, and I’m going to Track and Field State Championship soon.

“Running takes everything negative away; you’re happy when you’re running, and I’m just in the zone.

“I will be running the 5k at the run4reef; I’m very excited to be competing.”

Young competitor Olivia Stork will also compete in the 5k event at run4reef.

“I’m 10 years old, I’m in grade 5, and I go to Trinity Anglican School, and I just really enjoy running,” Olivia said.

“With run4reef, I’ll be doing the 5k race, and I’m super excited to compete because I’d love to be able to race to look after the environment, the Reef and all of the animals.

“I’d invite other kids to get involved because it would be fun for them, and they would be raising money for the Reef and the environment.”

To register and/or find out more about run4reef, visit https:// www.run4reef.org/

Run4reef will also be taking registrations on site this October 16 at the Esplanade.

(L-R) Olivia Stork, Ash Mayes, Zachary Hudson running 5klm in run4reef