Cairns Local News March 08 2024

Local News Cairns

MARCH 08, 2024

COVERING MOSSMAN TO THE CASSOWARY COAST

Gold-plating CBD

$80m luxurious apartment project approved for Abbott St

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

CONSTRUCTION of an $80 million luxurious apartment tower in the centre of Cairns is scheduled to start in the first half of next year.

Cairns Regional Council unanimously approved the development application submitted by developer Alex Sekler for the revitalisation of the historic Cairns Post building as part of a 75-residential apartment project at its Wednesday meeting.

The 13-storey building in Abbott St encompasses the former newspaper building with 15 one-bedroom, 44 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom apartments as well as a pool, gym, a food and drink outlet and shops.

Detailed design is expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Mr Sekler spent nearly $7.5m buying the Post building as well as several other adjacent properties for the residential tower.

“I am very pleased with the council’s approval and look forward to delivering this project for the community,” he said.

“The Cairns Post Residences will honour the building’s rich history while offering residents a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities.

“The project will be the first in the CBD skyline capturing the transformation Cairns is experiencing on the back of heightened demand to live in the region.”

Mr Sekler said the proposed Cairns Post Residences project would maintain the architectural integrity of the former newspa-

per building, which had been a prominent part of the city’s building fabric for over a century. He said the project would also include public spaces, such as a landscaped courtyard and retail outlets.

Cr Amy Eden, whose division includes Abbott St, told the council meeting it was “monu-

mental” and would boost residential living in the CBD.

She said it was designed by world class Hunt Design and would retain the building’s iconic pillars.

Cr Eden said it was a vital part of the council’s desire to encourage more people living in the CBD and would “inject cash into the building indus-

try and breathe confidence into the city”. Deputy mayor Brett Moller said it was exactly what the city needed to provide “infill development” in the CBD, it embraced council’s tropical urbanism design and would encourage other developers to do the same in the city’s heart.

Cr Cathy Zeiger said she hoped it would be the “catalyst”

for more residential projects in the CBD, while Cr Brett Olds said it was “exactly what we wanted”.

Cr Rob Pyne abstained from voting. He said the development application should be considered by the new council after the March 16 elections, not one at their last meeting of the current term.

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l Sport

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An artist’s impression of the $80m luxury apartment tower encompassing the historic Cairns Post building. Picture: Hunt Design

Honour for theatrical guru

completing 12 years as a Cairns regional councillor.

Cr Max O’Halloran finished his final council meeting on Wednesday and is not contesting division 7 on March 16. He was first elected in 2012.

Mayor Terry James said Cr O’Halloran was “big hearted and community-focused, with a welcoming and easy-going demeanour and a touch of old-fashioned warmth”.

“To tell the story of Cr O’Halloran’s council career in numbers, the following numbers paint a picture: he has served as a councillor for three terms over 12 years, or 4340 days, attending 394 council meetings which equates to a 99.8 per cent attendance record, and has served on councils that have delivered $1.5 billion in capital works projects,” he said.

Cr O’Halloran has represented the council on the Cairns Art Gallery Board and served as chairman of the council’s sport, community, events and cultural services, and

Cairns gallery precinct project steering committees.

He has also been involved with water and waste, cyclesport precinct development, precinct steering, planning and environment, major events advisory, Cannon Park master plan steering and flying fox advisory committees.

After receiving a standing ovation at the council meeting, plus presented with farewell gifts, he was unusually lost for words.

“What a pleasure, what an honour. Thank you,” Cr O’Halloran said.

Later he described his 12 years as an elected representative as incredibly rewarding and it was an honour to serve the community.

“This city has been pretty good to me and it is nice to think you’ve had some input, and be thankful that you had the opportunity to be part of something worthwhile,” Cr O’Halloran said.

He said it was satisfying to be involved in the completion of the Tobruk Pool redevelopment, the netball courts in Martyn St, the 80m extension of Lake St through mangroves to Airport Dr, and the cricket fields at Griffiths Park, as well as other projects.

l CAIRNS REGION

MORE than $200,000 in funding has been endorsed by the Cairns Regional Council to assist community groups and organisations deliver events, activities and programs.

A council spokesman said the various events, activities and programs enhanced the lives of residents, celebrated important

community occasions, and provided opportunities to develop social cohesion and connection throughout the Cairns region.

The funding included $134,572 from the 2023/2024 community partnerships grant stream and a further $65,600 from the 2024/2025 community partnerships grant stream.

They include Aloomba Primary P&C Association for the Aloomba State School Quas-

Long-time councillor O’Halloran lauded for his community focus

Council grants $200,000 for community events

quicentennial ($3500), Babinda Harvest Festival Inc for the Babinda Harvest Festival ($25,000), Bats and Trees Society of Cairns Inc for the annual Cairns Bat Festival 2024 ($5000), Cairns African Association Inc for the Cairns African Festival 2024 ($12,700), Cairns Bhutanese Community Inc for the Interstate Bhutanese Soccer Championship 2024 ($19,000), Cairns Municipal Band Inc

Ass for Volkstanzfest ($5000), Cancer Council Queensland for Far North Queensland Relay for Life 2024 ($20,400), FNQ Volunteers Inc for the FNQ Volunteer of the Year Awards ($5000), Freshwater Tennis Club for the Freshwater Festival ($7000), Fulfilling Dreams Inc for PLAYGRND Showdown Quest Tour ($10,000), GOPIO Cairns Inc for the Cairns Indian Festival ($20,677), Marlin

Coast Neighbourhood Centre Inc for the Community Fun Day ($2500), Our Future Mentors Indigenous Corporation for Edor Carnival ($20,000), Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association for Youth Week After Dark Basketball and Finale ($6000), Redlynch Valley Community Group Inc for the Redlynch Community Twilight Markets 2024 ($12,395).

Cr Max O’Halloran with one of his parting gifts – a framed photograph commemorating the Tobruk Memorial Pool redevelopment. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Mystery investor saves town’s mill

l MOSSMAN

THE future is looking a little brighter for the Mossman canegrowing community after a mystery investor swooped in to save the town’s mill just hours before the company was due to be liquidated.

Last week the administrator advised grower and mill representatives that a potential investor had come forward to provide funding alongside energy company, Clever Power.

“We were told a private investor was willing to put money on the table to save the mill,” Canegrowers Mossman chairman Matt Watson said.

“Clever Power and the investor would take on the mill and guarantee crushing for at least the next four seasons as they worked to improve and increase production and make the mill more stable before looking to diversify into value-adding opportunities in the energy field.

“We were concerned about how things would turn out when the investor seemed to have a change of heart at the last minute, and we all attended the creditor’s meeting today (February 29) not knowing for sure what the outcome of all the hard work would be.

and independently valued at $161m as of December 31, 2023, up from $132m on December 31, 2020.

It comes as senior executives are buoyed with the increasing number of Japanese visitors to the complex, a rebounding Chinese market – especially during the Chinese New Year – and more aircraft and cruise ship arrivals.

The valuation was one of the highlights of the Reef Casino Trust’s annual report. Other highlights included a distributable profit of $10.742m

“despite challenges” and a healthy balance sheet that is virtually debt-free.

In the report, chairman Philip Basha said the distributable profit was a solid result and in line with previous pre-COVID yearly results.

“It is lower than 2022 ($18m) which was a record year driven by one-off pent-up post-COVID demand,” he said.

Mr Basha said it would have been $900,000 higher if the trust did not have to reimburse the CaPTA Group for the early termination of its lease for the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome due to vital maintenance works.

He said the trust received rental income of $26.291m (down from $30.5m) from the Reef Hotel Casino which faced high inflationary cost pressures.

“More airline and cruise ship arrivals can be expected into Cairns and hopefully the return of overseas visitors will pick up further momentum.

- Reef Casino Trust chaiman Philip Basha

“Trust costs were impacted by higher energy, insurance and maintenance costs,” Mr Basha said.

Mr Basha said capital expenditure in 2023 was carefully managed. Essential capital items were approved to maintain and drive operational growth including new gaming machines and hotel operating assets and maintain the value of the Reef Hotel Casino complex including proper maintenance and overall upkeep of the complex building.

“The Reef Hotel Casino is located in Cairns and is exposed to possible climate change risks,

including severe weather events, the health of the Great Barrier Reef and the tourism industry,” he said.

“Whilst these risks are partially mitigated by emergency planning and local engagement, they could result in negative impacts, including upon insurance coverage and capital expenditures.

“Inflation remains high although it may ease a bit while economic and trading conditions remain somewhat uncertain, increased oversight of regulatory matters will require closer management monitoring and effort.

“More airline and cruise ship

arrivals can be expected into Cairns and hopefully the return of overseas visitors will pick up further momentum. More conventions can be expected as the Cairns Convention Centre extension is now fully operational.”

Chief executive officer Brad Sheahon said, in the report, that local, regional, Queensland and Australian domestic markets held up well during the year.

“International visitation has improved although it remains below pre-COVID levels,” he said.

He said visitation increased by 17.8 per cent, electronic gaming revenues decreased by 6.3 per cent, table gaming increased by 3.9 per cent, room revenues decreased by 0.2 per cent and food and beverage increased by 4.1 per cent.

“So, we were surprised and heartened when the administrator said there was a potential way forward with a third party and that it was with Clever Power.

“Canegrowers continued to work on possible solutions right up to the last minute, even with representations at community cabinet in Cairns on Wednesday last week. That was the first time we had confirmed by the Premier (Steven Miles) that there was some government funding available to a third-party entity or investor for the mill,” Mr Watson said.

Mr Miles committed $12.1 million to either assist a potential buyer for the mill, or to help farmers, workers and associated businesses look for new opportunities if the mill closed. “

Mr Watson said that Canegrowers were heartened and appreciated the backing of the local council and Douglas Chamber of Commerce.

Get the chop for cancer cure

l CAIRNS NORTH

|

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

PONYTAIL chops, haircuts and wig decorating will make for a fun afternoon at Mulgrave Complete Care as the disability support service joins the World’s Greatest Shave campaign to support leukemia cancer patients in Queensland next week.

On Thursday, March 14, from 11am-2pm, Mulgrave Complete Care on 225 Sheridan St will have an array of funky wigs to decorate, ponytail chops and haircuts by professional stylists from Wig

Academy, and delicious snacks provided by Annabel’s Bakery to raise funds for cancer patients through World’s Greatest Shave. They are inviting the community to get the chop for a good cause.

Mulgrave Complete Care hub activity coordinator and breast cancer survivor Kerry Anne Taunton said it was a cause close to her heart and invited people to join.

“It’s going to be a fun morning for our clients. We’ll have wigs ready for them to cut, paint and decorate and a professional stylist from Wig Academy who’s donating his time to teach them how to style them. We’ll have ponytail cuts

to donate to sustainable salons to be made into wigs for cancer patients and we’ve set up the event on our Facebook page so people can donate to World’s Greatest Shave,” she said.

“I’m a stylist myself but I have a vision impairment caused by my last chemotherapy treatment, so I knew we had to do this, and, it’s not only for a good cause, but fun for our clients and the community.

“Every hair cut helps and every donation counts. We’d also like to thank Friendly Grocer and Annabel’s Bakery for sponsoring the event.” To donate and find out more, visit https://bit.ly/4c62aaI

Publishers angry after Facebook owner Meta refuses to pay for online content

Premier backs newspapers

site. The peak body representing regional newspapers in Australia has praised Mr Miles for his leadership and is calling on all premiers to back his call for an investigation.

The

used on the

Andrew Schreyer, the president of Country Press Australia, which represents 230 regional and local newspapers across Australia, said: “Premier Miles is standing up for independent news, and he’s calling out Meta for their extraordinary abuse

of market power by blatantly ignoring the Australian government”, he said.

“This is a national issue and we welcome the strong words from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, but Meta is one of the most powerful corporations in history and we need every politician in this fight, so we thank Premier Miles for standing up on behalf of his state”, he said. Mr Miles

has called for an investigation into the power social media companies hold over Australians.

“It’s about time we had a really good look at the power of these social media companies, how much money they’re making here, and how little they care about Australians,” he said.

“They don’t care about the importance of local reporting.

“They don’t care about the crimes that they promote on

their platforms – they are literally profiting off those things,” he said.

Meta’s decision to stop paying publishers for the news that the corporation profits from will have a catastrophic effect on regional news services.

“Facebook produces no news but they probably make more money from sharing news than the publishers do for creating it. It’s wrong and a classic market failure,” Mr Schreyer said.

“The Australian government had corrected this market failure with the introduction of Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code in March 2021, but Meta are now arrogantly ignoring the Australian government,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called Meta’s decision to pull funding from Australian news organisations “untenable” and has flagged action against the tech giant.

Mulgrave Complete Care director Sarah Prior (left) and hub activity coordinator Kerry Anne Taunton invite people to get the chop for leukemia next week. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Bridge for flooded suburb

l HOLLOWAYS BEACH

A BRIDGE over a newlyformed creek mouth at Holloways Beach has been estimated to cost more than $25 million.

The bridge will replace a causeway at Casuarina St, Holloways Beach, which was built after post-Cyclone Jasper flooding in December.

A council spokesman said hydraulic analysis of the temporary causeway indicated that a bridge would provide better flood immunity than the embankment.

“Access road repairs and the construction of the bridge over the newly-formed creek mouth are expected to be $25.5m,” he said.

“Designs for the bridge are being submitted to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority for funding assessment.

“Council is also prioritising infrastructure repairs along Barron Gorge Rd, reconstruction of the Fisheries Bridge (temporary pedestrian bridge installed), Lake Morris Rd (expected to be closed for at least six months) and Savannah St, Palm Cove (drainage reconstruction), as well as numerous culvert and drainage structures across the city.”

The spokesman said maintenance and beautification programs were back on schedule following interruptions caused by the December floods.

Young movers and shakers begin program to lead the way forward

Shaping region’s future

l EDGE HILL

| Nick Dalton

SIXTEEN young people identified as potential business and community leaders have started a development program that will shape their future and that of Cairns.

The “high potential” young men and women were inducted into the 2024 Cairns Chamber of Commerce emerging leaders program last Friday.

Chamber chief executive Patricia O’Neill said the chamber was “overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of applicants that applied”.

“It was a very difficult decision for the selection panel to shortlist the (24) applicants, however I am confident in the individuals that we have chosen,” she said.

“Each and every delegate brings a unique and valuable perspective to the program, with this year’s cohort representing a broad cross section of business and industry backgrounds, private and public sector organisations, business owners and employees.

“The emerging leaders program (ELP) is designed to develop globally relevant and locally connected leaders, in a manner that supports the future economic, social and environmental prosperity of Far North

Queensland.” The program consists of six industry immersion days which include site familiarisations, keynote presentations, fireside chats and panel discussions, aimed at building leadership skills, soft skills and industry knowledge.

Each industry immersion is themed around a priority industry identified in Cairns Regional Council’s economic development strategy, with the view to exploring the sectors that will drive economic growth in the region in the future.

A mentoring program runs simultaneously, with each delegate paired with a business or industry leader.

Chamber executive officer Alannah Giuffrida, who manages this year’s program with Cairns Regional Council’s de-

velopment and planning executive manager Claire Simmons, said deciding the 16 delegates from 24 applicants “was not easy”.

She said the delegates displayed “passion, drive and community spirit”.

Mayor Terry James told the launch “investment in the leaders of the future is crucial”.

He said the 16 would “help shape the trajectory of our city”.

Joe Campbell, who is a certified practicing valuer at Knight Frank Cairns, said he was keen to develop his networking skills and “broaden my horizons”.

He said he currently worked with older people and wanted to get involved with the young and up-and-coming faces of the business community.

“I want to develop my skills. Public speaking is not my forte and it is a good skill to have,” Mr Campbell said.

Claudia Galea, who is a portfolio sales manager for Pullman Cairns International hotel and Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, said she worked in tourism but wanted to learn about other industries in the region.

“I want to stay in Cairns for the long term,” she said.

“I want to develop my leaderships skills and hope to move into a (more senior) management role. I’d like to build my network and get to know people in different industries”.

The 16 emerging leaders are, from left) (back row) program manager Alannah Giuffrida, Tyra Jose, Corrina White, Joseph Connolly, Claudia Galea, program manager Claire Simmons, (middle), David Stevens, Sam Gaunt, Allison Cornford, Sarah Debono, Noah Hodgson, Lucy Friend (front row) Kaytlin Campbell, Bec Shield, Kayla Child, Rebecca Milliner, Katie Tracey and Heidi Healy. Picture: Nick Dalton

Residents lobby ministers for solutions

l NORTHERN BEACHES

| Nick Dalton

FOURTEEN submissions have been made to Premier Steven Miles and cabinet ministers in the wake of the Cyclone Jasper flooding disaster.

The Combined Residents Working Group, in consultation with the Yorkeys Knob Residents Association, Machans Beach Community Association, Holloways Beach Community Association and residents of other heavily impacted communities including Caravonica and Kamerunga, prepared the submissions.

Holloways Beach Community Group president Suzi Kerr said the submissions followed a series of open community meetings for all flood-impacted residents at Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach and Machans Beach.

“Prior to, during and after these meetings, we have received numerous written and verbal concerns from a great number of residents,” she said.

“Our submissions carry the voice of approximately 5000 people.”

Ms Kerr said disappointingly

THE Combined Residents Working Group has asked the Queensland Government to update the Barron River Delta Investigation [BRDI] 1981 report following the Cyclone Jasper flooding disaster.

Spokesman Ross Parisi said the update needed to take into consideration the effects on the level of flooding at Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob due to the levee banks surrounding the sand mine south of the Cook Highway as well as flow levels in Thomatis Creek and the Barron River.

the group was granted only one 15-minute meeting with Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikky Boyd.

Among the submissions were:

• Deficient communication systems: The transition to digital communication platforms has exposed significant vulnerabilities during natural disasters. The reliance on mobile networks, which failed during power outages, severely hampered emergency response and communities. The internet was also

unavailable to residents. The inability to call for help or update loved ones was deeply concerning to most.

• Inadequate urban planning: Concerns have been raised regarding building developments approved on flood plains, particularly the approval of low-set houses in these high-risk areas. This has exacerbated the impact of flooding and highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of urban planning and development approvals in floodprone zones.

• Lack of effective flood mitigation strategies: The need for comprehensive flood mitigation and community regeneration strategies has never been more apparent. enges and solutions.

Urgent recommendations inludes a moratorium on building developmenton the Barron River delta, an audit on digital signal strength and emergency power backup, strategic location of communication infrastructure, the access road to Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, and Yorkeys Knob be reconstructed to the flooding level as part of the planned Cook Highway upgrade.

Holloways Beach SES leader Blair Boustein celebrates the generous donation from Bog Out with Karen Weston. Picture: Supplied

Helping SES out of tricky spots

l HOLLOWAYS BEACH

A BOG Out four-wheel drive recovery kit has been donated to Holloways Beach SES following the catastrophic floodings last December.

The Cairns invention is a unique four-wheeldrive system that serves the purpose of pulling any vehicle out of a tough

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situation. Using its own motor power, the Bog Out rope harness allows any driven wheel to become a winch.

Bog Out inventor Paul Aubin said that the donation was to thank the Holloways Beach SES for their service.

“We wanted to support Holloways SES by donating our twin Bog Out plus rope and soft shackle accessories (pro twin pack) because of

our appreciation,” he said.

“Since our business was established in Holloways Beach in 2014, we have lived and worked there for 25 years, just around the corner.”

“We are glad to hear that the members of Holloways Beach SES mostly have fourwheel drives. “Now, in future if Holloways SES gets bogged, they have a handy and practical tool to help them.”

of the

Queensland

Barron delta report

Overseas tourists returning

l FAR NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AS Far North Queensland’s international tourism continues its journey to recovery, Chinese, Japanese and European markets have been labelled by Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) as this year’s targets to lead the region back to its glory days.

With international tourism at 60 per cent of pre-COVID levels, industry leaders gathered in Cairns on Monday to discuss strategies to take those figures further.

TTNQ chief executive Mark Olsen said, that despite the challenges posed by Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent floods, the outlook for international tourism was positive.

“Pre-pandemic international tourism injected over $1 billion per annum to this economy, and our international recovery is on track for a full recovery in 2025,” he said.

“The Japanese market has rebounded incredibly well and the total of Japanese visitors coming to Cairns is at a 114 per cent preCOVID levels, and we’ve had an astounding number of Chinese visitors for the Chinese New Year. There’s still a lot of work to do but we’re here today to analyse what’s the plan and what markets will get us there.”

Billion-dollar wish-list

Strong delegation hits Brisbane to prise open government coffers

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

THIRTY business leaders are in Brisbane this week with a wish-list of $1.349 billion involving vital projects for the Far North prior to the mid-year state budget.

Led by Advance Cairns, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, the delegates from across the region are meeting senior leaders from the government, opposition and cross-benches to highlight health, connectivity and water security.

At the top of the list is $250 million to fund the design and construction of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre.

Advance Cairns chief executive officer Jacinta Reddan said it was the first time a figure had been put on the centre which was vital for Cairns to reach university hospital status within six years.

She said the precinct was also critical for the 50,000 visitors a day the region would be attracting in 10 years.

Ms Reddan said the visit was timely with a Queensland election in October and a federal poll due next year,

“We look at the fact that (community) cabinet was here last week, the week before

was shadow cabinet. We know there’s an increased focus on the region,” she said.

Also on the list is $63m for Cairns Airport’s general aviation precinct, including a new 10,000sqm hangar, an Australia-first full flight training simulator for the widely-used

regional Cessna Caravan light aircraft and student accommodation in the airport precinct to help free-up housing in the city.

As well, at least $100m towards the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund over the next four years.

Tourism Tropical North

Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said more direct routes, not only for passengers but for export freight, was vital to grow tourism with more flights to Japan, and new services to China, India, Korea, the USA, New Zealand (yearround, not just seasonal) and

good connections to the UK and Europe via Singapore.

“Our region’s proximity and air access to the fastest growing global economies, our natural assets, and our people will provide an opportunity over the next decade to double the size of the 2019 visitor economy requiring close to $5bn of capital investment,” he said.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patricia O’Neill said her members had cost-of-living pressures at the top of the list.

She said the delegation was calling for an insurance duty exemption for small businesses to alleviate the current cost-ofdoing business pressures faced across the region.

Ms O’Neill said they also wanted a matched funding program for small to mediumsized businesses for the installation of targeted security measures to safeguard businesses from crime.

Other items on the wish-list include:

• Fast delivery of the funded Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility.

• An additional $128.5m towards the Cairns water security stage 1 project.

• Student accommodation through James Cook University across its two campuses, to relieve pressure on the housing market.

Jacinta Reddan (Advance Cairns), Mark Olsen (Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Patricia O’Neill (Cairns Chamber of Commerce) are leading the advocacy delegation in Brisbane Picture: Nick Dalton

Keen ‘eyes’ on Cuthbert

Division 4 candidate admits he’s under scrutiny due to his past

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

INDEPENDENT Cairns Regional Council candidate Shane Cuthbert admits that his campaign is being watched closely because if elected to division 4 he believes he will be the first elected politician who has been in jail.

“I am challenging stereotypes, stigma and barriers to change, in order to prove that, not only is it possible to turn your life around, but it’s possible to get a seat at the table where decisions affecting all Australians are made,” he said.

“The biggest issues affecting residents are youth crime, housing affordability, availability and the cost of living.

“As a former youth offender, now law graduate, I advocate regularly for the Cairns community on the issues of youth crime, having spoken to various Queensland parliamentary inquiries in the past.

“We don’t have any programs or facilities open past 11pm, even though crime peaks between 12am and 2am.

“I have been advocating for a 24-hour youth centre for some time, perhaps a new council will support such a program and offer one of its halls, community spaces or properties

to be used for this purpose. I was one of those kids. I was disadvantaged, physically and sexually abused, bullied and went down the wrong pathway in life.

“I lived and breathed crime and now I’m on the other side, I know what works and what doesn’t. I believe it will take someone like me in a position

of influence to make a difference in this space.

“Hopefully come March 16, I will have enough community support behind me to make this happen.”

Mr Cuthbert believes the $3.6 million annual cost of the council’s CCTV network is a waste of money and he does not back an extension into the

suburbs. He also wants more practical help for displaced people on the city’s streets.

“In regards to infrastructure, traffic should be diverted from Carnation Drive through to Irene Street, where the master plan provides that Irene St is the main arterial road.

“However, despite the installation of chicane/median strips

and reducing the speed limit to 50km/h, residents are still complaining of loud noise,” Mr Cuthbert said.

“In addition, the popular Kanimbla pump track needs shade sails, trees, more seating and public toilets installed,” he said.

For a full list of his policies visit: https://shanecuthbert.com/

Thomas wants to unite all

l CASSOWARY COAST

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council division 2 candidate

Marcus Thomas (below) wants to bring together councillors, staff and the community if elected on March 16.

He said he had many reasons for running, including a lack of transparency, poor community engagement and a need for tighter financial management.

“I believe there is a disconnect between council staff and councillors and between councillors and the community,” he said.

“I am concerned that council is becoming more and more like a state government and less and less like a community-centric local council”.

Mr Thomas is heavily involved with several local volunteer groups, including as commander of Tully Coast Guard, and he said this helped him stay grounded in the community and understand their issues.

He has also worked extensively in local government. “I know the structure, language, culture, processes and games that are played (because I used to play them), so I know the type of information that is provided to councillors but more importantly the information that is not.”

Division 4 candidate Shane Cuthbert wants to establish a 24-hour youth centre to keep youngsters off the streets.

McKeown has more work to do

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

DOUGLAS shire councillor Peter McKeown (below) wants another term as he feels there are major issues and unfinished business to be finalised.

“I was inspired to run for councillor four years ago as I was, and still am, passionate about this shire and maintaining its diverse lifestyle.

“I have had the honour of representing this community for the past four years and I feel I have positively contributed to serving the shire.

“I wish to continue to serve this shire as I feel there are still major issues and unfinished business that needs to be addressed and finalised.

“Some matters, for example, are the Daintree ferry. While as councillors we may not always agree on the same outcomes, it is my desire to follow this through with a positive conclusion for all involved.

“The replacement of the bridge over Noah Creek has become a major priority due to the recent floods. It was before but is now more so.”

Cr McKeown said the water supply and the future of the Mossman mill were also other issues he wanted to help with.

Cairns Local News readers select who they prefer to lead region

Eden tops mayoral poll

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

TEAM Eden leader Amy Eden has topped a Cairns Local News poll of readers who were asked who they would vote for as mayor.

Cr Eden was picked first by 41.6 per cent readers (159 from 382 votes cast), followed closely by Community First’s Denis Walls (35.9 per cent, 137) and third was independent Paul Taylor (16 per cent, 61).

A distant fourth was Mayor Terry James of the Unity Team (six per cent, 23). Fifth-equal was Common Sense Party’s John Kelly and independent Warren (Binda) Vetters (0.3 per cent, 1) and none for independent Leah Potter (0,0).

The poll ran on CLN’s Facebook page from February 20-

27. A Team Eden spokesman said the only poll that mattered was on March 16.

“Although we were pleased to see the trend for Amy, we don’t believe the results have any statistical validity because of the low numbers of responses,” he said. “Our only

comment in relation to this, and other polling results we have provided a comment for, is that the poll that counts is on Saturday, March 16.”

Mr Walls said nearly 36 per cent of the vote was “a very heartening result in the CLN poll. “It shows that a lot of

people have liked the diverse articles, clear policies and supportive letters we have had in the paper and see me, as Community First mayor, as a real alternative in this election,” he said.

Mr Taylor said: “I have some great competition in this

election, but the only poll that matters is on election day.”

Mayor Terry James, who heads the Unity Team, said he did not take any notice of polls.

“The final poll is the main one on Saturday, March 16,” he said.

Fixing housing crisis could be panacea for entire economy

l CAIRNS REGION

FIXING the region’s housing crisis is at the top of Community First’s policies.

Mayoral candidate Denis Walls said more housing was “the best

and most cost-effective way to improve employment, participation, health and community safety in Cairns”

Mr Walls said if elected as mayor, he would actively push for all major new developments to include a minimum

percentage of affordable and social housing, to boost supply and ensure integrated communities. State government subsidies are available to developers to offset their costs.

“Bring in a vacancy levy on homes unoc-

cupied for a long time, without good cause, to encourage homes to be made available,” he said.

“Free up suitable council land for new social and affordable housing, as Tablelands council is doing. “Free up the rules

around tiny homes and dual occupancy, particularly for the growing number of older women facing homelessness.

“Strongly advocate and work with state and federal governments, community housing operators and industry to

build more high-quality affordable housing that is integrated through our neighbourhoods.

“Limit further rates hikes and Limit the rapid growth of entire homes in our suburbs being turned into full-time Airbnbs.”

Amy Eden topped the poll.

Denis Walls was second. Third was Paul Taylor. Mayor Terry James was fourth.

2024 council elections

Barnes to ‘listen’ to residents

l CASSOWARY COAST

CASSOWARY Coast deputy mayor Barry Barnes is having another tilt at division 2.

“I’m standing for division 2 in our local council elections. I’m enthusiastic about division 2 and our whole region,” said Cr Barnes (above). “My experiences past and present, are, as a boilermaker, cane and cattle farmer, machinery contractor, president of Tigers Leagues Club, president of Tully Rugby League Club, councillor in the former Cardwell Shire Council, and currently deputy mayor in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

“I think listening to the public is important. I’ll continue to support agriculture, help businesses, assist all clubs, and the public.

“I’ll push for more grants for council and organisations and utilise these to the fullest.

“It’s important that we keep our towns and villages fresh, clean, and presentable.

“We need to improve our road maintenance, tree trimming, and conduct more drain cleaning, for our safety. “I’m eager to explore and encourage new industry and employment opportunities to stimulate our local economy.”

Coll pushes for fluoride

Independent division 5 candidate has dental health as priority

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton INDEPENDENT division

5 candidate James Coll is fervent about fluoride, issuing an urgent call for Cairns Regional Council to stop the rot, put its money where its mouth is and reinstate fluoride into the region’s drinking water supply.

In his first tilt at local government, Mr Coll said he was passionate about health and focused on safeguarding the community with better longterm health and well-being outcomes.

“It all starts with fluoride,” he said.

“A fact that cannot be ignored is the authority and responsibility for water fluoridation in Queensland rests firmly in the hands of our local government.

“The absence of fluoride in Cairns water is a glaring oversight that is diminishing the dental health of our residents and placing unnecessary strain on our healthcare system.

“Regions like Cairns, who do not have fluoride in their water, are recording double the rate of tooth decay to areas like Townsville, the Gold

and Sunshine coasts and Brisbane, with a fluoridated supply,” Mr Coll said. “(The previous) Cairns City Council’s decision to cease fluoridation in the water supply was short-sighted and misinformed. It was a decision driven by the allure of immediate cost savings and the vocal minority’s unfounded fears.

“This decision has cost us far more than it has saved regarding health outcomes and financial burdens on our community.

“Reinstating fluoride is not about imposing unwelcome policies but making an informed, evidence-based decision that puts the health of Cairns first,” he said.

According to Mr Coll, the scientific research linking the lack of fluoridation in town water supplies to tooth decay was compelling.

“Fluoridated water has been scientifically proven to decrease dental decay by up to 44 per cent in children and 25 per cent in adults.

“With only 72 per cent of Queenslanders benefiting from fluoridated water – well below the national average of 90 per cent – the disparity in dental health access and outcomes is unjust and preventable.”

1 Open and accountable government, strong community engagement and sound fi nancial practice.

2 Appropriate and flood-resilient town planning.

3 Using existing council powers to facilitate affordable housing and better public transport.

4 Reduced water demand through rainwater tanks.

5 Expanding and enhancing our green spaces with stronger tree protection.

6 Using strength in community to join forces with relevant agencies in addressing youth crime, safety issues and victim support.

I am a community facilitator of Aboriginal, Irish, English and French ancestry.

1. A vastly improved bus system.

2. More spaces, places, events and activities for local community connections.

3. Support for local arts and music.

calming measures in key problem areas.

3. Creating an Indigenous Gathering Space.

Division 5 candidate James Coll is campaigning on a return to fluoride in Cairns’ drinking water.

Lettersto the

Phillip

Robbie Katter, Member for Traeger

In the last edition we asked the question: Will you support Amateurs this year as it goes through a new era of professionalism and why? Here are some of your comments.

Absolutely. I have sat on both committees, the amount of time dedicated to these is huge.

Amateurs are still a personal passion and I know first-hand what David Goodman, Mark Quinn, existing and past committees put in. There is no return, just give. Cairns should be thanking them as they do to any sporting achievers.

- Gary Riches, Facebook

Gary Riches thank you for your kind comments.

- David Goodman, Facebook

Absolutely - Scott Carpenter, Facebook

The original race meetings were underpinned by visiting amateur jockeys, now it’s social events, race day fashion with “betting turnover” insuring the survival of everything. The future is taking nothing away from the hard-working volunteers

behind the scenes. Change is moving forward.

- Greg Smith, Facebook

Amateurs has been a success because of the passionate local volunteers. Now “experts” will be brought in from other places and change what is a unique event into a corporate takeover and lead to its demise.

- Amanda Brown, Facebook

Cairns Amateurs has always been about fun. Now it’s being turned into a business.

Bryce Cornish, Facebook

It’s too much to expect volunteers to run a multimillion-dollar event. It’s time consuming. Amateurs president David Goodman estimated he spent half his year on the event while trying to run a chartered accountancy business.

- John Nicholas, Facebook

Gazza’s Gossip

Locals on the same wavelength

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

OCCASIONALLY I wander slightly out of the Douglas shire, although this particular topic potentially covers the whole of our FNQ region and beyond.

The concept of wireless communication has existed since the late 1800s and with equipment, such as smartphones, it is part of our lives more than ever.

Naturally, there have been vast improvements in technology and much of the experimental work over the years has been conducted by amateur radio enthusiasts, often better known as radio hams.

This hobby has also been around for many decades, involving people talking technically and socially in local towns, country wide and even across the globe ... simply with a radio transceiver

and appropriate antenna, or aerial as some would prefer to say.

One may think that the hobby would be dying out with the invention of the internet and its free worldwide communication methods, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, in countries like the USA, the interest in ‘ham radio’ is on the increase.

More locally, ham radio in FNQ is alive and well, with the Cairns Amateur Radio Club Inc spreading the love. The club recently entered into an agreement with the Cairns Northern Beaches Scout Group to hire part of their Smithfield building as a base for meetings and training sessions.

The club’s first use of the room was to take part in an Australia Day contest. Local amateur operators and other clubs tried to make as many contacts around the world as they could, in a 12hour period.

Several contacts with hams in Europe and the USA garnered them enough points to win a certificate from the organisers, the Wireless Institute of Australia.

Recently, on Tuesday, February 20, the Northern Beaches Scouts Venturers group invited the club to give them a presentation about ham radio.

Ten venturers and leaders attended a presentation by Bob Ronai (callsign VK4BOB), supported by club president Steve Brodie (VK4SJB). Using equipment set up by Mark Forster (VK4JU), contacts were made with hams in Qatar, England, Scotland and Ireland.

Several of the venturers took the microphone to introduce themselves to the Irish station and chatted with Nick (callsign EI4IB) over in County Westmeath.

The Cairns Amateur Radio Club members would like to give similar presentations to other

scout groups, school STEM classes and in fact any other group of people who might be interested.

The club intends in the coming months to offer training programs leading to participants sitting the exam for the foundation licence, the most basic of three levels of ham licence.

The club would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator and maybe attending their regular meetings.

Information can be found via: vk4cns@gmail.com

I’m off to see who’s on frequency, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Gazza checks out some modern ham radio equipment.

l HEARING

AUDIOHEALTH is launching the ‘Between the ears’ social media campaign on their Facebook site during Hearing Awareness Week.

It centres around a series of commonly unknown facts about hearing, educating on the wonders of ears through compelling visual animations covering:

• How does sound reach our brain?

• What does noise-induced hearing damage look like?

• What does hearing loss look like inside my ear?

• How does earwax work?

• How does tinnitus and hearing loss work together?

It is also highlighting Hearsupport, a community group that teaches people about hearing and brain health while offering social support and connection with others.

AUDiOHEALTH director Joanna Magee said the group gave people a deeper understanding of their hearing health in “a supportive community environment”.

“Free independent advice is

provided on all things hearing, guidance and tips on living with hearing loss, communication skills, hearing device performance, hearing technology (accessories and apps), all made easy,” she said.

“There is current research about the latest insights and research on brain health and the startling links to hearing loss.”

Ms Magee said the group had information about tinnitus, how the ear works, hearing technology, hearing solutions and more.

“Learn from a group of hearing experts with decades of experience and a goal of transforming hearing healthcare awareness,” she said.

“With ‘thousands of ears of experience’ and a passion to change lives we will unlock the wonders of the ear.

“We are dedicated to educating and empowering individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions about their hearing health and inspire proactive steps toward achieving better hearing, better brain health and better feelings.”

Contact the community support co-ordinator Birgit on 4041 7860 for details of how to book

A technician checks the hearing of a patient as a new campaign is launched to focus on what’s between our ears. Picture: peakSTOCK/iStock

Influential global travel publisher ranks seaside resort village No.1 out of 34

Beach rated best in world

l PALM COVE

| Nick Dalon

PALM Cove has been named the best beach in the world by leading travel magazine and website Conde Nast Traveler.

“The combination of leaning palm trees on powdery sand makes Palm Cove Beach the epitome of a tropical paradise,” said report author Lizzie Pook.

“The town itself, located in the tropical northeast of Australia, near the city of Cairns, the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, is home to only 2000 people, so the sandy stretch is usually free of crowds,” she said.

“Keep an eye out for wildlife though – dolphins and whales can often be seen from the Palm Cove jetty.”

Palm Cove was rated higher than Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, which was number 2 and third-placed Brekon in the Shetlands. Fourth was Wategos Beach near Byron Bay.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said Palm Cove had long been a favourite beach destination for Australian travellers wanting an idyllic tropical getaway.

“The Conde Nast Traveler selec-

tion of Palm Cove as the first in this curated list will bring international travellers to its coconut palm-fringed shore to dine in beachfront restaurants and cafes and relax at stunning resorts,” he said.

“With its rainforest mountain backdrop and ancient melaleucas shading the pathways, Palm Cove is a unique paradise that invites relaxation.”

Margaret and Stephen Coop at Melaleuca Resort said they were not surprised.

“It’s beautiful. What’s there not to like about it?,” they said.

“Palm Cove is a real gem. It’s wonderful, we have great restaurants, it’s nice, it’s comfortable, it’s safe.

“Now, (weatherwise) Palm Cove is sensational,” they said.

Annie Gillow of Annie’s at the Beach and Beach Catwalk said she was “obviously very chuffed”.

She said the award was well deserved and she was “partying inside”.

“I am very passionate about Palm Cove and the beach and have been for 16-plus years,” Ms Gillow said.

“The looks on tourists’ faces when they come into the shop. They pinch themselves and ask: ‘Is it always this beautiful’, and I say, ‘yes’,” she said. Ms Gillow said Palm Cove was always “postcard blue perfect”.

A couple take a morning stroll along the picturesque Palm Cove beachfront. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Friday,

Beating hearts of the region

Women celebrated for what they do for families, communities, businesses and charities

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

EVENTS galore are taking place around Cairns this weekend to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), raise awareness on gender disparity and celebrate the remarkable women that continue to be the beating heart of our communities.

Prepare your best purple outfit and join the catalogue of events around town aiming to commemorate the efforts of women to build a more equal society, from lunches, to awards, high teas, conferences, and sporting events, there’s something for every woman.

Kicking off the celebrations is Cairns Regional Council’s annual International Women’s Day Awards ceremony at the Cairns Convention Centre from 7.30 to 9.30am today, involving an informal breakfast, live entertainment and an award ceremony to honour the women in the community who have demonstrated leadership and inspired others through their work.

Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said it was exciting to see the work of these incredible women be put under the spotlight.

“Every year I sit at these awards, and I’m blown away by the amount of people in the community that we don’t even know about who finally have the light shone on them,” she said.

“There are so many women doing such amazing work out there, so the importance of these awards showcases what these women are doing and it inspires others.

“It makes me really confident in the

future of Cairns.”

The awards will commemorate Cairns Woman of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and a $2000 Recognition Award.

If what you’re looking for is to hold important conversations with like-minded women, then these lunch and brunch options are for you.

Cairns Business Women’s Club will be running their annual IWD lunch today at 11am at the Hilton Cairns. Besides a delicious lunch, guest speakers journalist Kirsty Nancarrow, Torres Strait Islander businesswoman Julie-ann Lambourne and inspiring Nepalese woman Phulmaya Tamang will surely start conversations around women in business and more.

Cazalys will also hold an IWD social brunch from 10am-12pm. There will be raffles, a delectable brunch and guest speaker Jannah Dryden, the award-winning local filmmaker and founder of Film Production Company, Yarner.

For a more physical experience, the Pretty Top Muay Thai team will be offering a free, female-only, beginners muay thai class from 5.30pm on 38 Grafton St to celebrate IWD.

The celebration closes on Sunday, with Salt House’s International Women’s Day lunch at noon, with a two-course share plate and two hours of bottomless bubbles and a raffle with all proceeds to go to COUCH.

“This International Women’s Day let the amazing women in your life know that they are amazing, sometimes we don’t know how much these words can mean to them,” Cr Vallely said.

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Celebrate this International Women’s Day under the theme ‘inspireInclusion’ – urging everyone to welcome diversity, empower women, and foster a fairer world. Join us for compelling narratives, interviews, and music featuring talented female artists from both local FNQ and around the globe.

We extend a warm invitation for you to participate by calling in from midday to 4 pm, sharing your appreciation for the women who inspire you. Call the Station at 4053 5891 during these hours and make your voice resonate!

Come together, and let’s collectively champion #InspireInclusion!

2023 Cairns young woman of the year Ashleigh Meikle (left), woman of the year Jo Piggott and recognition award winner Anna Jones. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

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project

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Our Services:

Cairns Local News, Friday, March 8, 2024 PAGE 17 www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

TimeOut

Event has all the write stuff

Cairns festival becomes storyteller’s paradise about books and literature

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

CAIRNS is now the storyteller’s paradise with the Cairns Tropical Writers Festival three-day galore of everything books, writers and stories starting today.

Crystalbrook Flynn and the Cairns City Library will be the main hubs for the jam-packed schedule of renowned local, interstate and international authors, book launches, panels, workshops, and school programs happening from today until Sunday.

Over 100 authors and speakers are aiming to make the community fall in love with storytelling, from local powerhouses like Crystal Leonardi, Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, Kirsty Nancarrow, and more, plus renowned authors and personalities from across Australia, like Hedley Thomas, Lisa Millar and Julia Baird. There’s a lot on offer for storytelling fans.

Festival director Jules Steer said there was something for everyone this weekend.

“There’s everything from book launches, 16 workshops from true crime, illustration, creative writing, creating characters and more,” she said.

“We’ll have our official opening on March 8 at 11am, and for International Women’s Day we’ll have a hilarious musical about endometriosis called Endo Days at CPAC. This year we’re having a school session that will be held across schools in the region where kids will learn about poetry, creative writing and more,” she said.

“An exciting session will be Deadly Science coming to Cairns on Friday, the founder is a 20-year-old First Nations man, Corey Tutt, who has been promoting Indigenous education and we’ll bring that to local students as well.

“One of our headliners will be Myf Warhurst, she’s a very big rock and roll journalist, there’s lot of First Nation authors and fantastic local authors in Kerstin Pilz and Caroline de Costa on Saturday.”

Ms Steer encouraged people to get their tickets and join in the excitement for books, authors and stories in the tropics.

“We’ve got something for everyone this weekend. A lot of people think this is a festival for writers only, but it’s actually about storytelling and we all love stories,” she said. For the full program, visit https://ctwf.com.au/2024program/

Author excited to connect with readers and other writers on Sunday

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

AWARD-winning author Mirandi Riwoe is looking forward to returning to Cairns and to the Cairns Tropical Writers’ Festival this weekend. Ms Riwoe lived in Stratford near the pub for several years,

and said she “loves Cairns where there’s so much to do” and so many places to visit.

One of the many locations this historical fiction writer frequently visited was Maytown, near Cooktown, researching her 2020 novel, Stone Sky Gold Mountain.

This tale of the gold rush days told from the perspecti-

ve of two Chinese siblings was due to be launched at the 2021 Cairns Tropical Writers’ Festival (CTWF) when COVID intervened. At CTWF 2024 Ms Riwoe (above) will talk about her already highly acclaimed 2023 novel Sunbirds,

writing from 2pm to 3pm on Sunday, with local author and journalist Gail Sedorkin, followed by book signings at Crystalbrook Flynn. She said she loved writers’ festivals and being able to

connect with readers and other writers.

“It’s very inspiring. And so much of writing a novel is spent alone, so it’s lovely to socialise with others who have the same passion for books,” Ms Riwoe said. Now based in Brisbane, Ms Riwoe has a PhD in creative writing and literary studies.

Her latest novel, Sunbirds, is

Stone Sky Gold Mountain and her

set in Java in 1941 before the Japanese invasion of World War II and the revolution to overthrow the colonial administration to become Indonesia in 1949.

The cultural backdrop, the rainforest (bats and sunbirds) will resonate with Far North Queensland locals, as will the often-familiar Indonesian food described in this novel.

Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster (right) will be joining the Cairns Tropical Writers Festival for another year on a panel with Rebecka Holt and Priya Nadesalingam on the book Home to Bilo. Picture: Supplied

TimeOut

Theatrical pioneer honoured by peers

JUTE founder picks up gold

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ARTISTIC director and chief executive of JUTE Theatre Company, actress, advocate for regional arts and passionate theatre lover Suellen Maunder has been awarded one of the greatest honours in state theatre – the Gold Matilda – for her invaluable contributions to regional theatre and the advancement of JUTE.

In an award ceremony at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Monday, February 26, the co-founder of JUTE was awarded the biggest award of the night – the Gold Matilda – at the 2023 Queensland Matilda Awards for her role as chief executive and artistic director of JUTE since 1992.

Founded by Ms Maunder, Kathryn Ash and Susan Price in 1992 as Just Us Theatre Ensemble, later operating as JUTE, for over three decades and with the guidance of Maunder, the theatre

has become a beacon for regional theatre and an insatiable promoter and developer of local artists.

Still shocked by the achievement Ms Maunder told Cairns Local News the award was also a win for regional theatre across the state.

“It was an incredible surprise, I’m still processing it, but it was an honour to have my name called in front of over 900 theatre peers,” she said.

“This is an incredible honour, and the entirety of this award is owned by regional theatre. With a lot of regional productions also winning awards, it was a very exciting night for regional theatre.

“Cairns should be very proud that for so many years they have supported a company like ours because a lot of people thought we couldn’t survive when we started – here we are 30 years later, so I think this award is about never giving up.”

Reflecting on the humble beginnings of JUTE, Ms Maunder,

who went from actress, to director, to head of the company, said she had treasured every moment, artist and production within the company.

“It’s like watching a child grow up, you don’t see the little steps along the way, but I treasure every single artist that I’ve worked with, who have made us who we are and our beautiful audience,” she said.

“One of our biggest achievements is Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, because we got the government to give us $2.7 million to build it, and over the years JUTE has brought millions of dollars in funding for the region and we’re one of the biggest employers of the arts outside of Brisbane and that’s what we’re about, making sure that people get paid for their artistry.

“There’s always more goals to achieve and stories to tell and I think the company is in good hands for the future after I stand down in 2025.”

New pop, neo vibe for songwriter

l CAIRNS REGION

|

Isabella Guzman

Gonzalez

KNOWN for her bohemian indie pop, local singer songwriter Lucy Gallant will surprise her fans with a whole new vibe in her upcoming single Mr. with Northern Rivers vocalist Ladi Abundance as the smooth neo soul track calls all broken hearts to the dance floor.

Set to be released next Friday, March 15, on all streaming platforms, Mr. featuring Ladi Abundance is a celebration of resilience and female empowerment that will resonate with anyone who has experienced betrayal and heartbreak.

“Mr. is like a neo soul, trip pop vibe, self-produced, and it came

Lucy Gallant and Ladi Abundance.

about when we were both (Ladi Abundance) deceived by the same guy and instead of turning on each other we decided to do something creative and turn our pain into a song,” Ms Gallant said.

“Obviously this was an awkward and challenging situation to find ourselves in, and we chose to channel the hurt into something positive and powerful. I

start with the first verse and we come together in the chorus, then Ladi Abundance does a spoken word rap, and it’s also mixed and mastered by Govinda Doyle, the Aria award- winning producer. I’ve worked with him before and he’s an amazing producer.

“Mr., it’s something so different to what I usually release so it’s exciting to do something new and I love how the harmonies come together in the choruses and I love Ladi Abundance’s spoken word part. There are so many cool elements to the song that I hope people will enjoy.”

Ms Gallant said it had been an exciting experience working with Ladi Abundance and trying a new sound.

To find out more about Lucy Gallant and her music, visit https://www.lucygallant.com/

JUTE Theatre Company’s artistic director CEO Suellen Maunder with the Gold Matilda.

Picture: JUTE Theatre Company

Local & Vocal sets the scene for up-and-coming emerging music entertainers

Looking for great talent

l EDGE HILL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE spotlight will be on local musicians this April as the biggest young and emerging music event Local & Vocal is looking for the next great FNQ talent to put on the stage in front of hundreds of local music lovers.

Applications for the Tanks Arts Centre annual event Local & Vocal, aimed at showcasing the best young musicians ages 12-25, close on March 15, with successful applicants earning the opportunity to receive a full professional development day with oneon-one time with stage technicians, industry workshops and stage rehearsals plus the chance to perform for a live audience at the event’s Saturday night gig.

The young musicians will have to present a minimum 10-minute set with at least one original song as part of their application.

Running for three years

with the support of Cairns Regional Council’s Flame Arts, Vocal & Local has been creating pathways into the music industry for local talent, from bands, to soloists, singer-songwriters, rappers, guitarists, drummers and even turntablists.

Local & Vocal alumna, 16-year-old singer songwriter Tenni (Tayen Henderson) said the program had been life-changing for her music career.

“I started playing when I was 10 and I’m a singer songwriter. I would describe my style as indie rock and I write my music, I only play my original songs and must have around 20 of them now,” she said.

“I joined Local & Vocal last year and it was an amazing experience. The day before the performance we got to know the Tanks and rehearse to get a feel of the venue and on the night of the gig, I played three songs for a crowd of about 100 people and the atmosphere was so awesome with

the lighting. I’ve got to meet a lot of people and make contacts and we received really good feedback.”

From Vocal & Local ,Tenni has gone on to perform at important local stages like Cairns Festival, the Court House Gallery ‘Music in Sessions’ and the Eco Fiesta at Munro Martin Parklands, and she released her second single – Bad Things – last August.

“I would absolutely recommend it to other young artists. You will meet a lot of people and it will help you to learn and navigate everything that goes into playing live,” she said.

“It’s so good for something like Local & Vocal to exist to create opportunities for artists like me.”

Successful applicants will attend the professional development and rehearsal day on April 14 and the final performance of Local & Vocal will take place in Tank 5 on Saturday, April 20. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3P6dCsM

Our theatre family is what keeps the Clink alive and successful.

WE REQUIRE A VARYING

SKILL SET OF VOLUNTEERS!

If your interested in learning some new skills, having some fun and meeting new friends fill in the expression of interest form at: www.clinktheatre.com.au

And our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch.

Local & Vocal alumna and singer-songwriter Tenni (Tayen Henderson). Picture: Supplied

In aftermath of TC Jasper

Four locals bring stories of resilience and determination to life on stage

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A COLLECTION of four local stories will be brought to life on stage for the three-show season of GRIT this weekend, highlighting the resilience and power of regional voices in the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper.

Working collaboratively with creative producer and dramaturge Kathryn Ash, JUTE Theatre Company has chosen the four stories that will be apart of Perseverance Street Theatre Company’s touring play GRIT, with testimonies of Cairns’ residents and local personalities, photographer Brian Cassey, communications professional Dan Bateman, actor Elizabeth Slattery and Filipino-Australian actor Anne Charlene Taneja.

GRIT opened with a matinee yesterday and will run for two more shows, one tonight and the closing performance on Saturday night at Bulmbaja Arts Centre.

Ms Ash, who wrote three out of the four scripts as a performative retelling of their experiences, said she thoroughly embraced working with the authors to ensure the depth and meaning of their powerful stories.

“JUTE Theatre Company is all about regional lived experiences and exploring those stories for the stage,” she said.

“Brian Cassey has spent a lifetime taking breathtaking photographs that speak thousand-word stories. Perhaps he’s not one for being in the spotlight

himself to tell his own story, but I know he is looking forward to seeing it being told by a professional actor.

“On the other hand, Daniel Bateman never imagined that a written submission to the local newspaper following his rescue from rising flood waters would be adapted for the stage. But these are the experiences and the Australian stories from which plays are created and for which communities come together.”

Brian Cassey’s story will share highlights and insights into his career as a freelance news photographer, from his work on the frontline in war zones to natural disasters.

On the other hand Dan Bateman shares a raw and personal account of the terror his family faced as rising flood waters inundated their home on December 17, 2023.

Professional actors will present both Mr Bateman and Mr Cassey’s stories.

The third local story by Elizabeth Slattery ties in with Mr Bateman’s account and tells of her experience as a member of the Cairns mud army that took to the streets in the aftermath of the floods.

Ms Slattery, a professional actor, will deliver her monologue.

The fourth and final account, written by Ms Ash is a story drawn from an interview with local Filipino-Australian woman actor herself, Anne Charlene Taneja, and will be performed by Ann Charlene herself. To book via Humantix, visit https://bit.ly/49tq1zb

You

Photographer Brian Cassey (left) and communications professional Dan Bateman (right) will be putting their stories on stage by the hand of JUTE’s creative director and dramaturge Kathryn Ash (centre) with GRIT stories of resilience. Picture: Supplied

PREP IN ACTION @ PEACE LUTHERAN COLLEGE

l TUE MAR 12, 9:00AM-10:00AM

Are you curious to know what learning in the Prep year looks like? Would you like to see for yourself the teaching and learning that happens in a Prep classroom?

If you have a child starting Prep in 2025 or 2026, we invite you to come along to our Prep in Action Morning, venture into Prep classrooms, and experience the activities and excitement of learning in Prep at Peace Lutheran College.

For more information or to register see https://bit.ly/4355G11

U3A GUEST SPEAKER @BROTHERS CAIRNS

l THU MAR 14, 1:00PM-3:00PM

U3A Guest Speaker Program

Dr Glenn Fulford- Feared Diseases in History

1. Smallpox, the conqueror’s companion

2. Influenza, how a common virus killed millions

Location: Brothers Leagues Club

Cost: $5 non Members, $3 U3A Members,includes tea and coffee

GRIT @ BALUMBA-JA ARTS CENTRE

l FRI MAR 8, 7:30PM-9:00PM

Six people, all living in a regional town, somewhere in Australia. These are their stories. Developed in 2022 in the wake of devastating floods, GRIT is an original work inspired by regional stories of strength and resilience. Co-devised by the Perseverance Street Theatre Company team in collaboration with the Gympie community, it honours regional voices, new storytelling, and connection with people and place. In its 2024 season, GRIT has evolved to include voices and stories from our regional peers.

Book your tickets through Humanitix.

For more information visit JUTE Theatre Company.

RISE AND THRIVE @ SPINAL LIFE

l SAT MAR 9, 9:00AM-4:30PM

This practical workshop will explore how to look after yourself during struggle or tough times.

You will learn skills for rising above struggle & moving forward. Led by experienced mental health professionals, the workshop offers evidenced based strategies to help you navigate through adversity and cultivate hope.

This program has been specifically designed for the flood survivors and volunteers of North Queensland affected by the recent floods.

This is a free workshop, light refreshments will be available. Reserve your FREE workshop spot through trybooking.

REGGAE ROOTS @ ELLIS BEACH BAR & GRILL

l SAT MAR 9, 4:00PM-10:00PM

Join us at our Reggae Roots Festival!

Come along for a celebration of music, food, and good vibes!

Indulge in tasty food and drinks while grooving to live performances by incredible acts including headliner Astro Brim, alongside Djinna, Dizza1, Mulong, Cinnamon Sun, and Icaro!

Need a lift? The shuttle bus will be available for your convenience. Make sure you book! Just call 4055 3534

The best part? It’s a FREE event! Come one, come all, and jam together!

PI DAY 2024 @ TANKS ARTS CENTRE

l SUN MAR 10, 9:00AM-12:00PM

It will be a true math extravaganza inspired by the magical number Pi (π). Pi (π) is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The goal of the day is for children and adults alike to see that there is math all around us and that learning about it can and should be fun!Our biggest hits will make their comeback: Bugzy and her whimsical bubble show, spectacular circular art stations, spherical AR magic, and our newest addition, the Pie-Face booth!

Cost: Gold coin donation - As always, admission to our event will be free but we ask those who can make a gold coin donation.

For more information see the Tanks Arts Centre website.

GIG Guide

FRIDAY

Lunico Trinity Beach Sax Man, 4:30pm

Tanks Arts Centre Good Times, 5:00pm

The Benson Hotel Carruthers & Others Jazz, 5:00pm

O’Donnell’s Palm Cove Two Dogs, 6:00pm

Mayhems Wind and Wood, 6:00pm

Bellevue Hotel Big Pups, 6:00pm

Cazaly’s Cairns Fingerprint, 6:30pm

Brother’s Leagues Club Innisfail Infinity Duo, 7:00pm

Elixir Music House Tullara, 7:30pm

Red Beret Hotel Beer Body, 8:00pm

Rattle n’ Hum Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 8:00pm

Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino Fleetwood Mac Show, 9:00pm

SATURDAY

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

Pools in Paradise Bar CairnsDNGHQ, 2:00pm

Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Kim Settle, 3:00pm

NOA Edge Hill Steve Williams, 3:30pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Reggae Roots Festival, 4:00pm

Strait on the Beach Waiting for Alice, 4:00pm

Elixir Music House Polymantra, 6:00pm

Cazaly’s Cairns Live and Local Artists, 6:30pm

Bosca’s Bar & Bisto Mareeba Carrizma, 7:00pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns The Blues Healers, 7:00pm

Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino Fleetwood Mac Show, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

Dundee’s at the Aquarium DjGlennW, 11:30pm

Mountain View Hotel Big Pups, 12:00pm

Silkwood Hotel Cassady Connections, 1:00pm

Red Beret Hotel Denim Blues Band, 1:00pm

Yorkeys Kob Boating Club Amber Farnan, 3:00pm

Palm Cove Tavern Wind and Wood, 4:00pm

Lunico’s Trinity Beach Sax Man, 4:30pm

Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino Hot Ice, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

SEARCH

Solutions

CROSSWORD

This week, a change of plans could be fun. Your

This week, you could have new and innovative ideas. Over the next two weeks your mind is fertile ground and learning new things is favoured. You’ll be in the flow. A trip might be suggested by a friend or family member, and you could get caught up in the excitement.

This week, a shakeup could open a door. Financial opportunities could present themselves over the next two weeks. Specifically passive income/investments. It’s important that you consult with experts to guide you. You could feel much closer to a friend or lover.

This week, each step can lead to something better. You might be very focused on building better habits over the next two weeks. You’re making progress in a lot of areas and the momentum can carry you forward. A new connection could become a confidant.

This week, you’re in the limelight. Over the next two weeks many people will hear your words. Whether you’re launching something in the online sphere or taking on a teaching or leadership role in person, the spotlight is on you. You might have a song in your heart to share.

This week, there is fun and possibly romance. Over the next two weeks it’s important to have some fun. You have been focused on working and organising lately but now it’s time for you. Later in the week romance could be found, but you’ll have to put yourself out there.

week, your finances are looking up. Over the next two weeks, financial opportunities will present themselves. This could look like re-negotiating with your employer, looking for a new role or selling a big-ticket item. With extra cash in your pocket, you fulfil your own wish.

This week, you find a solution to a problem. Over the next two weeks, relationships are highlighted. If you’re already committed, you’ll have a chance to strengthen your bond. If you’re looking for love, asking people close to you might be the ticket.

This week, redoing something makes it better. Family is where your heart is and that’s highlighted over the next two weeks. You could be travelling to see relatives or attending a milestone event or celebration. On the home front you might tap into some DIY.

ACROSS

8. a dish served before the main course (6)

9. an action or event that completely defeats an opponent (8)

10. the basic monetary unit of Italy until 2002 (4)

11. the quality of being very accurate and careful (10)

12. a simple past tense of fly (4)

13. a variety of white wine grape used in the production of white wine (10)

17. a small pocket of tissue often filled with fluid or pus (4)

18. to dress or groom oneself carefully (5)

19. a structure built by birds or insects to leave their eggs in (4)

21. a violation or infringement of a law or agreement (10)

23. to slowly trickle or seep out (4)

24. a mild, soft, smooth cheese made from

skimmed milk curd (4,6)

28. a side of one of the pieces of paper in a book, newspaper, or magazine (4)

29. a surface water sport in which an individual is pulled behind a boat (5,3)

30. a small plant with three round leaves on each stem (6)

DOWN

1. difficult to move because of its size, shape, or weight (8)

2. an offshore structure protecting a harbor or beach (10)

3. visible only with a telescope (10)

4. a green, tube-like fruit with a mild, grassy flavor (4)

5. to steal goods, typically during a war or riot (4)

6. a short, funny play that makes a joke of something (4)

7. a cold region of treeless level or rolling ground (6)

14. an excuse for something bad or for a failure (5)

15. reliance on someone or something (10)

16. a foolish or stupid person (10)

20. a pair of connected or corresponding things (8)

22. a sweet made from sugar or honey, nuts, and egg white (6)

25. a combat between two persons (4)

26. to make a noise like a long s sound (4)

27. an act of leaving a place (4)

Motoring

Trophies for Mazda’s best used medium cars, SUVs

l MOTOR AWARDS

| Nick Dalton

MAZDA has once again taken the overall top spot in this year’s carsales best used car awards, earning a trifecta of trophies that span its passenger and SUV model range.

It’s the sixth consecutive year that Mazda has won the most amount of outright category awards of any manufacturer in the prestigious awards, repeatedly achieving three or

more class victories each time.

This year’s best used medium car category goes to the 2018 Mazda6 Atenza, best used small SUV is reserved for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Akari turbo-diesel AWD variant, and rounding out the award wins is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Akera turbo-diesel AWD, which is named the best used medium SUV.

The carsales best used cars were selected using a combination of expert evaluation and data from Redbook.com.au and

expert adjudication from the carsales panel, with each vehicle variant assessed on cost of ownership, safety, retained value and market appeal once the key criteria of age (six years old), distance (15,000km covered per annum) and equipment (electronic stability control fitted as standard) were met.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said:

”Securing these significant accolades no less than six times in a row is a fantastic achievement, and a glowing endorse-

ment of our products and their quality and reliability. Purchasing a pre-owned Mazda has always been a sound decision, and we’re consistently proud and firmly committed to offering our valued customers great value, excellent service and dependable products year after year.”

Carsales editor-in-chief Mike Sinclair said Mazda was “once again the brand to beat and between the CX-3, CX-5 and Mazda6, there is something for almost everyone – a fuel-effi-

cient and enjoyable drive, safe and comfortable strong-selling SUV and a roomy family car with real-world performance.”

Turbocharged power in both diesel and petrol in the Mazda6 Atenza plus an upgrade for 2018 embraced the safety of an all-round camera system, cylinder deactivation, improved ride comfort, reduced road noise and better steering feel tweaks were enough to bring the Mazda6 back into contention.

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 Akari

diesel AWD was rated by RedBook at 39.3 points, which was slightly less than a couple of other finalists in its segment, but the CX-3 ‘zoom-zoomed’ its way ahead of those rivals with a judges’ score of 46 points, for a total of 85.3 out of 100. For best used cars 2024, the Mazda CX-5 earned a score of 41.1 points from RedBook and 46.0 points from the judges, for a total of 87.1 points out of 100 – slightly up on the previous generation CX-5’s score from the year before.

The 2018 Mazda6 Atenza sedan and wagon were carsales’ best used medium car winner of 2024.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 was judged the best used medium SUV.

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 Akari is the best small SUV winner.

Women’s group drives ahead

New direction, leadership and national focus for automotive organisation

l NEWS

| Nick Dalton WOMEN in Automotive, an organisation promoting and supporting female and non-binary participation in the automotive industry, is embarking on an exciting new era of growth under new leadership and immediate national expansion.

The now independently-run Women in Automotive will completely overhaul its corporate identity and membership offering as it supercharges its campaign to combat inequalities and lack of opportunity for women and non-binary individuals in one of Australia’s largest industries.

“Women continue to be underpaid and underrepresented in the Australian Automotive Industry, from apprenticeships to boardrooms,” said Women in Automotive director Rachel Reed-Butler.

“When women do find a place, studies by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency have shown that the gender gap on total remuneration is still around 19 per cent”.

Ms Reed-Butler acknowledged that the automotive industry had improved in recent years, but more work needed to be done to make it truly inclusi-

ve. “The Australian automotive industry has taken great strides in transitioning from its male-dominated roots into a more inclusive and supportive career choice for all Australians, but we’ve really only seen the first steps,” she said.

Ms Reed-Butler is part of a three-strong leadership team that took up the reins of Women in Automotive from the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) on March 1. The leadership team includes motoring journalist Nadine Armstrong and TV and motorsport presenter Kate Peck.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Women in Automotive, established by the VACC in 1999. Women in Automotive reaches 10,500 people through its various platforms and touchpoints, and has plans to grow this number considerably, starting with a national expansion of its membership base and events calendar.

Individuals can sign up for free to be a member of Women in Automotive by clicking through the Womeninautomotive.com.au website.

Companies or organisations wishing to partner with Women in Automotive should email hello@womeninautomotive.com.au

Kate Peck, Rachel Reed-Butler and Nadine Armstrong of Women in Automotive which is now independently run.

Thousands off VW Touareg

l RUN-OUT SPECIALS

| Nick Dalton

VOLKSWAGEN is providing a $12,000 bonus offer across the entire Touareg luxury SUV range until March 31, including run-out stocks of the 170TDI, 210TDI Elegance and flagship 210TDI R-Line.

Following a recent significant supply boost across the Volkswagen Touareg range, the new offer comes ahead of the facelifted range arriving from April/ May 2024.

The Touareg 170TDI moves from $99,577 drive-away to $87,577 drive-away complete with a refined 170kW and 500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The 170TDI comes expansively equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and foglights, keyless access, electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control, leather appointed trim with heated front seats, 9.2in colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB and USB-C ports and wireless phone charging.

A full suite of IQ.DRIVE active safety technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist with adaptive lane guidance, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist with

pedestrian monitoring, Side Assist with lane changing assistant, Park Assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert and rear-view camera.

The Touareg 210TDI Elegance moves from $121,497 drive-away to $109,497 drive-away with a powerful 210kW and 600Nm diesel V6 and 6.1-second 0-100km/h acceleration.

The 210TDI Elegance further adds IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights, premium LED tail-lights with dynamic indicators, 20-inch alloy wheels, air suspension, ventilated front seats with massage programme and larger 15inDiscover Premium cockpit with DAB+ digital radio and head-up display.

The Touareg 210TDI R-Line moves from $128,988 drive-away to $116,988 drive-away, featuring all-wheel steering, active roll stabilisation, R-Line front and rear bumpers, rear and side window tint, front seat and mirror memory settings, brushed stainless steel pedals and R-Line leather appointed upholstery and multi-function steering wheel with paddles.

The Volkswagen Touareg is available to take home today across Volkswagen’s 100+ dealerships nationwide.

The cheapest Volkswagen Touareg is under $100,000, with the 170TDI now $87,577 drive away in Cairns.

Shared care for retirement

Leading organisation calls for the government to directly fund health services

l COMMUNITY LIVING

THE Retirement Living Council (RLC) is urging the Australian government to draw on the power of retirement communities by reimagining how it funds and delivers home care services to older Australians.

In its submission to the government ahead of the May budget, the RLC is calling for the introduction of a ‘shared care’ framework, which would see retirement living communities funded to provide home care services directly to residents living in their villages.

RLC executive director Daniel Gannon said retirement living communities were “perfectly placed” to help provide home care services to support their residents to live healthy, independent lives for longer.

“With the number of Australians over the age of 75 set to grow by 70 per cent by 2040, it’s not possible to talk about the future of care and the demand for these services without considering the impor-

tant housing and health value proposition of the retirement living industry,” he said.

“The reality is that hundreds of thousands of Aussies call a retirement community home, and the policy approach to home care should reflect that.

“We can’t address the aged care crisis by simply throwing more and more tax dollars at it, and the privately funded retirement living sector is ready and willing to play its part.

“Retirement communities can deliver better outcomes, experiences and value for older Australians accessing care – and there are benefits for government too.

“More than one million Australians currently utilise home care services, ranging from transport to personal care.

“Some of these people are waiting for up to a year to access home care funding, and sadly a third of this funding is lost to administration fees before it can be used,” he said.

Mr Gannon said the RLC had prepared a new framework

– shared care – to deliver greater efficiencies for consumers, government, and care providers.

“This report paves a path for government to make the delivery of home care almost 20 per cent more efficient, meaning that older Australians would receive more care per dollar invested,” he said.

“These efficiencies would ultimately save the commonwealth up to $100 million per year, which is a win-win for consumers and government alike.

“This ‘shared care’ approach would provide three models for retirement village operators to deliver community-based care services under the Support at Home program within the village setting, either independently or through a delivery partner.

“These models have been developed to show that significant efficiencies and savings to consumers and government can be achieved, even at moderate levels of uptake, with no cost to government.

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

Advertising Conditions

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“Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notification at the discretion of the publisher.

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

Advertising Code Clearance

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

Friday March 8th

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

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

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

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

FNQ Markets

Saturday March 9th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday March 10th

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

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

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

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

Kuranda Heritage

Chips flying off old block

l TIMBERSPORTS

| Nick Dalton

AUSTRALIA’S top professional Stihl Timbersports athletes will make their way to Cairns for the first time on Saturday, March 16 to compete in the 2024 Australian Trophy and Australian Women’s Championship at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Three-time Australian trophy winner and reigning champion Laurence O’Toole will defend his title against 15 of Australia’s athletes, with his biggest competition expected to come from the 2022 winner Brad De Losa and 2021 champion Mitch Argent who are ready to take back the crown.

“2023 was a great year for me as an athlete, including winning the Australian Trophy and coming second in the Australian Pro Championship,” Mr O’Toole said.

“Coming into the 2024 Stihl Timbersports season I am looking to take home the win again, but competition will be fierce this year. I would love the chance to represent Australia again at the 2024 World Trophy.”

2023 Australian women’s champion Jodie Beutel will be looking to defend her title on home turf.

But competition will be hot on her heels, including last year’s runner up Amanda Beams and third place finisher Katrina Head. Both athletes will be looking to take that number one spot on the podium this year.

“It’s an amazing feeling heading into this year’s competition with the 2023 championship under my belt, and competing in Queensland will hopefully give me a home ground advantage,”

Ms Beutel said. “But I’m not leaving anything to chance, I’ll bring my all this 2024 Stihl Timbersports season season, I’ve been training hard and hope to defend the championship.”

Event director Renee Kitto said she was thrilled to see the competition on a new stage.

“Exciting for us. This is the first time Stihl Timbersports season has been held in an indoor arena in Australia,” she said.

“Our athletes are excited to visit Far North Queensland and for the opportunity to compete in an amazing indoor venue.

“Tickets to the event are free, so we hope to see many Cairns locals come join us for an axe-tion packed day.

“We are looking forward to bringing this year’s competition back to Queensland, and know our top male and female athletes will bring their all to showcase their brute strength, determination and agility in what will be an exhilarating competition.”

The trophy format is the sport’s most physically demanding competition. Athletes are required to chop and saw four logs in four different disciplines back-to-back in gruelling knockout matchups, the top athletes aiming to do so in under 60 seconds.

The event includes the Australian women’s championship where the top six female athletes will battle it out in three round competitions consisting of underhand chop, Stihl stock saw, and the single buck disciplines all to be crowned the 2024 women’s champion in this original extreme sport.

For more information visit www.stihl.com.au/timbersports

Sport Results

MOSSMAN MEMORIAL

BOWLS

Sunday, March 3rd. Winners; Eric Smith, Mike Sims, Geoff Sims def. Bernie Wolland, Ted Holmes, Nev Fletcher + 15. R/U; Dave Blain, Darryl Hoskin, Dick Pitt def. Sas, Steve Hudson, Bernie Savage +12. Steve Fuller, Bill Allison, John Hopkins def. Charlie Toohey, Peter Worley, Derek Franklin

+ 10. Col Widdows, Richard Anderson, Peter McGrory def. Bill Smith, Wayne Parkes, Bob Carroll + 3. Dave White, Terry Richards, Gordy Henderson def. Rick Bowes, Ross Porter, Bob Smith +1.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday, February 27th. Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; Robyn, Christine, June.

R/U; Ken, Barb, Bob. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; Bob, Jock, Kevin. R/U; Howard, Denis, Glen. Tuesday night bowls. Spider. Winners; Brad, Ian, tom, Bradley, Rod, Chriss, John, Stuart. Wednesday, February 28th. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners; Libby, Peter, Sandy. R/U; Andy, Olga, Val. Thursday, February 29th. Thursday Mixed triples. Winners; Rose, Gary, Robbo. R/U; Steve P, Eddie, Clive. Saturday, March 2nd. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; Paper. R/U;

Rose. Club Championships. Ladies Pairs. A Lim, T McAlary def. O Morley, B Noe 26-12. Men’s Fours Final. D turner, S Mann, J Walford, R Gillman def. C Flanagan, C Hughes, E Blythe, D Lawton 21-19.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

Thursday, February 29th. Winners; C Taylor, J Baird, D Begg. R/U; D. Gough, A. Crittenden, K. Paki, L. Backhouse.

Wednesday, February 28th. Winners; D. Stewart, R. Moody,

A. Begg. R/U; M. Harker, B. Penny, M. Colmer. 3rd; A. Del Favero, M. Catalano, J. Jackson. Saturday, March 2 nd. Winners; B. Hill, M. Capper, M. O’Halloran. R/U; A. Crittenden, R. Taggart, S. Rowe.

WEST CAIRNS MEN BOWLS

Sunday, March 3rd. Winners; K. Foord’s team. R/U; B. O’Conner’s team. 3rd; E. Tiraboshi’s team. Saturday, March 2nd. Winners; K. Deegan’s team. Tuesday, February 27th.

Winners; L. Indieus,R. McCallum, J. Bent. R/U; Ted, Maurie Hetherton, Steve Kavanagh. Thirsty Thursday. best players; Ray Jones, Ted Hellmuth, Daryl Hooper. Friday night scroungers. Winner; Ann Winsor. R/U; Deb Maxwell. Club Championship. A pairs. Scott Carolan, Alby Radford, def. Jim Carr, B. Mlikota 22/7.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Saturday, March 2nd. Winners; G Spicer, F Rich. R/U; G Frizzo, L Sonter.

Champion timber sportsman Laurence O’Toole will be in action at the Cairns Convention Centre on March 16. Picture: Supplied

Hitting home runs in style

Junior baseballers batter up at park

l BASEBALL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A COHORT of 11 young baseball players have grabbed their bats and mitts and gearing up for a future in professional baseball through the recently launched 2024 Emerging Athletes Program (EAP).

With one lesson already ticked off, the 2024 EAP cohort is preparing for four intense Sunday sessions ahead of the beginning of the baseball season to establish the foundational skills and learn the basics of the game followed by another five monthly sessions to strengthen these skills.

NQ Baseball regional director of coaching Anthony Van Fleet said the 2024 EAP team was an interesting one.

“We have a very mixed bag this year with very young players, one completely brand new, and our oldest, a very experienced 17-year-old who has already been part of the Queensland junior women’s team, Claire Gattera,” he said.

“Currently we have 11 play-

ers signed up, we usually pick up a few more players in the following weeks and then it stays this way until the end.

“We’ll bring the newer players up to speed with the best practices for warming up, conditioning and strengthening all of those basic elements of the game. This is also a refresher for the most experienced players.

“As the sessions go on we’ll adapt to the experience of the players, I’ll even get some of the most experienced players to play a role as semi-coaches which will also develop their coaching skills.”

Mr Van Fleet reiterated the importance of a program like EAP for young players in the Far North.

“EAP is really valuable, not only for the players and the game, but for attracting people to the game and having more opportunities to get the word out that baseball is here. Being a niche sport I even participated in a tournament as early as the year 2000 and I still talk to locals that don’t even know the sport exists here,” he said.

“The more programs we run, the more visibility we have, so it’s vital to run programs like EAP.”

With the season upcoming in mid-April, Mr Van Fleet encouraged the community to get involved with baseball.

“Our baseball clubs are still recruiting for the season that starts on April 20,” he said.

“Also join EAP, it’s a great opportunity to learn the game and for the experienced players it’s an opportunity to build on the skills you already have and learn new ones.”

For more information, visit the Cairns Baseball League Facebook page.

Testing time for athletes as Ironman returns to FNQ

l MARATHON

FOR another blaze of greatness, Cairns will be hosting the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship once again in June 2024.

Athletes from across Australia and the world will be testing themselves once again in the stunning Cairns course on Sunday, June 16 in a battle of endurance and athleticism for a prize of US$150,000.

Besides being the Ironman AsiaPacific Championship host in 2024, Ironman Cairns is now part of the new Ironman Pro Series which will see top triathlon athletes going head to head around the world for a US $1.7 million prize pool.

Managing director of Oceania for

the Ironman Group Geoff Meyer said they were excited to be hosting the Ironman Asia-Pacific in Cairns again.

“Ironman Cairns is the race in paradise, and we love bringing athletes from around the world to the region each year,” Mr Meyer said.

“By hosting the Asia-Pacific Championship again this year athletes will be racing for a key regional championship, bringing additional prestige to an event that is already held in such high regard.

“With this year’s event also being a part of the inaugural Ironman Pro Series, we look forward to welcoming additional professionals to Cairns, and showcasing this event to a global audience.”

For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/48GCA9h

The new EAP players learn to bat at Bear Park, Brinsmead. Picture: Supplied

Ironman competitors take part in the swim leg at Palm Cove. Picture: Ironman Group

Far Northern baseball coach Anthony Van Fleet.

The world is watching our Facebook fight!

An open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Dear Prime Minister, Your first response to Facebook brazenly announcing they’ll stop paying for our news that they use to make a fortune from was…perfect!

“That’s not the Australian way,” you said.

Exactly. Australians hate bullies. Australians fight for a fair go. And this battle is not just a fight for a fair go here - the whole world is watching.

Meta, the trillion dollar tech giant that owns Facebook has built an empire out of content they don’t own. They don’t produce anything. They ‘share’ the great work of others and keep the cash.

The Australian government was the first in the world to call out this scandal, and in 2021 the News Media Bargaining Code forced them to finally pay for news content.

But not anymore.

Meta is betting that if they bully the Australian government, they win the world.

PM, this is a fight for the future of news and democracy. This is fight against fake news and a fight for a fair go for all journalists who hold the powerful to account, all around the world.

Let’s make sure Australia shows Facebook what a fair go is.

The world is watching.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Schreyer President Country Press Australia