Cairns Local News February 10 2023

Cairns pharmacy solves antibiotic shortage

A CAIRNS pharmacy is helping to ensure children receive the best possible medication, as pharmacies around the country struggle to get stock of antibiotics.

Global supply chain issues have resulted in serious stock shortages for common antibiotic treatments, including amoxicillin, which is commonly used to treat bacterial infections like bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia.

Marlin Coast Amcal Pharmacist Phil Anderson said this issue has been ongoing for months, and suppliers simply cannot make enough medication to meet the demand worldwide.

“We’ve got antibiotic shortages of lots of different molecules at the moment, and particularly antibiotic syrups,” Mr Anderson said.

“That means GPs are writing out scripts and we’re having to go back and say, we don’t have these in stock, but we can possibly compound a solution.”

While antibiotic tablets or capsules are more likely to be in stock, the liquid suspension for children is very hard to get hold of.

Marlin Coast Amcal Pharmacy has a specialised compounding lab which allows the pharmacist to create medication from scratch using the raw ingredients.

It is one of the few pharmacies in Far North Queensland that offer this service, and it’s making a huge difference for sick kids.

In most cases the pharmacist will try and work with the doctor to find an alternative antibiotic, but sometimes there is no other option.

“As a parent you want to make sure your child is getting the right antibiotic for the right bug,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s great that we can offer this service to make sure the child is getting the best possible treatment for their infection.”

More than $275,000 for Cairns consumers

FOLLOWING a spike in consumer complaints since the pandemic, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced it has successfully clawed back almost $280,000 for Cairns consumers in 2022.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said with more Queenslanders feeling the pressure from the rising cost of living; consumers must be getting what they paid for.

“Last year, the OFT finalised more than 660 complaints from Cairns consumers,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Queensland-wide OFT finalised more than 19,300 complaints and put more than $11.2 million back in consumers’ pockets.

“In Cairns, the highest number of consumer complaints continued to be for the personal and household goods industry.

“This category includes purchases of everyday items such as white goods, appliances, hardware, clothing and footwear – so it’s no surprise this continues to be at the top of the complaints list.

“However, since the pandemic, com-

plaints have soared for these types of purchases, with more than a 50 per cent increase since 2019.

“There has also been an increase of more than 80 per cent in complaints for the personal and household services industry since the pandemic – this industry includes complaints about services such as whitegoods repairs, removalist services and cleaning companies,” she said.

These issues encountered by consumers in these sectors are expected to return closer to the trend as supply chain issues resolve.

In the meantime, consumers can protect themselves by asking questions – Is the item in stock? What date will I receive it? And will you provide a full refund if I don’t have it by that date? Consumers can lodge a complaint with the OFT if they still encounter problems.

In 2022 the OFT assisted thousands of Queenslanders in getting refunds, including obtaining a full refund of $38,000 for a consumer who was sold a dodgy camper trailer and helping a consumer in getting their new vinyl flooring

replaced after the freshly laid flooring started to lift and became uneven.

The top five most complained about industries in Queensland in 2022:

• Personal and household goods (e.g. furniture, whitegoods, TVs, computers) - 6,256

Personal and household services (e.g. repairs to whitegoods, removalists services, cleaning, gardening, etc.)

– 2,719

• Motor vehicle sales – 1,340

• Real estate agents (excl resident letting) -1,101

• Motor vehicle service, repairs, parts

– 1,036

In the Cairns region, a total of 660 complaints were finalised, mainly from the personal and household goods industry, personal and household services industry, motor vehicle sales industry, motor vehicle service, repairs and parts industry and real estate agents. The OFT obtained a redress of $279,732 for these consumers.

While the OFT does not have the power to direct a trader to provide redress, it can resolve the majority of disputes through conciliation.

Marlin Coast Amcal Compounding pharmacist Gift

New cohort of nurses to support Cairns’ health industry

THE Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) welcomed a cohort of nurses and midwives to its health services this week.

A total of 85 nurses and midwives will complete two six-month rotations across Cairns Hospital and head out to FNQ’s rural hospitals following the start of their orientation training on Tuesday, February 7.

CHHHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Cameron Duffy, said the graduates would work in all areas of the Health Service, including cancer care, day surgery, orthopaedics, respiratory and renal ward, gastroenterology ward, and mental health.

“Our new nurses and midwives are starting with us this week,” Mr Duffy said.

“We are very excited to welcome this large cohort of 80 registered nurses (RNs) and five midwives to our Health Service.

“We’re always trying to increase our postgraduate intake to meet the regional demand, and this has been a good year; we’ve been able to attract quite a large number of postgraduates to come in through Cairns and Hinterland.

“These graduates will work for various units across our vast region, including dialysis at Mossman Multipurpose Health Service - the first

time for a rotational program between dialysis and a rural hospital.

“The program allows the graduates to access support and professional development throughout the year, so there are plenty of opportunities to develop their nursing and midwifery careers.

“After the 12 months, we’ll aim to secure them for ongoing employment; the decision lies with them, but hopefully, they have a very positive experience here,” he said.

Mr Duffy said the graduate program helped ease the new staff’s transition from students to registered nurses and midwives.

“With a structured framework, we help them apply theory and practice to further develop their knowledge and skills,” he said.

Ebonie Campbell, 30, is one of the new RNs starting work this week in Cairns Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Acute Stroke Unit.

Ms Campbell, a Cairns local, said she was nervous and excited to begin her journey at Cairns Hospital.

“It still feels so surreal after three years of studying,” she said.

“My mum works in mental health for Queensland Health, and seeing what she has done with her career has played a big part in my decision

to go into nursing.

“With the life experience I’ve had, I discovered I wanted to do a job that had a lot of meaning, and I wanted to give back to the community.

“And what better way to do that than to be a nurse?

“I’m looking forward to the skills; the autonomy nurses can gain, working with the community and giving back and working with the teams at Cairns Hospital.

“I’m still unsure about what path I would like to take after I finish my 12 months, but it’s either intensive care or mental health.

“I am really excited about working as an RN at the hospital,” Ms Campbell said.

Indira Lena, 21, who grew up in Cairns and studied nursing at James Cook University, said it was a privilege to be part of a patient’s health journey.

“I’m really excited for my first day, I spent three years studying for this degree, and now you can put what you’ve learned into practice,” Ms Lena said.

“I’m excited for my surgical and orthopaedic rotations and all the skills and knowledge I can learn from all the team members.

“Six months before I was born, my grandfather died from asbestos cancer, and when I was 12, my grandmother died from bowel

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

cancer; being through most of my grandmother’s journey made me interested in helping people overcome that and how nurses can take a vulnerable patient and restore their independence and bring clarity to their family.

“I was fortunate enough to complete my sixweek placement in Yarrabah and then be offered six months employment afterwards and then fortunate enough to get a contract as an Assistant in Nursing in Emergency Department (ED) in Cairns, and, I think ED is where I’d like to be, helping those families,” she said.

Ms Lena will be placed in Cairns Hospital’s surgical and orthopaedic units during her two six-month rotations.

Mr Duffy said it was crucial to value the importance of RNs and midwives for the proper functioning of a hospital.

“They are key,” he said.

“As much as you rely on experience, you have to start somewhere. This is where our postgraduates begin their journey, and we want this to be an enriching experience where they get to be skilled and experienced practitioners.

“They’ll be the novices for now but soon the experts, so they are absolutely pivotal in sustaining a health service.”

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Cairns and Hinterland welcomed 80 nurses and five midwives to meet regional demand

Inset: (L-R) Nurse Indira Lena, Nurse Ebonie Campbell and CHHHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Cameron Duffy

Far North Queenslanders rental crisis

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ACCORDING to a new Australian Government Productivity Commission report, nearly half of lower-income Queenslanders are experiencing severe rental stress.

The report found 43.4 per cent of Queenslanders receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance payments in 2022 were spending more than 30 per cent of their income on rent alone.

In 2020, before the state housing crisis, that proportion was just 28.2 per cent.

According to the Community Housing Industry Association, Cairns shows high levels of unaffordable housing, ranking fifth in the state with 8.90 per cent of households struggling, that is, at least 8,800 households.

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the report painted a concerning picture of the Queensland housing market, as a lack of affordable housing and rising rental costs continue to put severe pressure on families throughout the state.

“It’s far too common for us to receive requests for help from people who have paid their rent and utility bills, leaving nothing left over for food,” Mr Mercer said.

“We recently helped a single mother provide back-to-school supplies for her kids.

“She told us the cost of rent and living was now so high, she was considering voluntarily going homeless, sleeping in her car so that she could afford to provide an education for her kids.”

Mr Mercer said more measures were necessary to help relieve the financial stress.

“The report reflects what we all know, that we have a significant housing crisis concern at the moment,” he said.

“In the long term, the obvious answer is that we need to build more homes, and the Government is working on getting the stock numbers up, but the scale needs to be higher, and they need to move those projects quicker.

“In the short term, we need to ensure people can get by, and things like the Commonwealth Rental Assistance (CRA) is a really important part of that.”

Mr Mercer said the report highlighted how critical Government support was to keep vulnerable people from homelessness.

“The report found that, without the support of the CRA program, the number of lower-income households experiencing rental stress would grow to more than 70 per cent,” he said.

“For many Queenslanders, the CRA may be the only thing keeping them from homelessness.

“It’s time for a serious review of the CRA.

“Whilst the CRA is indexed, it has not kept up with the rapid rent increase, widening the affordability gap for those relying on it.

“A 50 per cent increase to the maximum rate would really help Queenslanders keep up with our modern, hyper-competitive housing market and keep many from the looming threat of homelessness.”

In the 2021-22 financial year, Vinnies Queensland provided more than 100,000 nights of accommodation to people in need.

Still, the increasing housing crisis is making it harder for them

to prevent their clients from going into homelessness.

“It’s an ongoing struggle for our members to support people in the community because the options and the solutions just aren’t there,” Mr Mercer said.

“In Cairns, with the tourism market flowing back into the local economy, some options that were there before have disappeared, so temporary accommodation like hostels and caravan parks are now gone.

“It’s a really frustrating time, and we need strong support to get people through this crisis,” he said.

Australia-first program takes off in Cairns

A GROUP of 26 Far North students began a nation-first program this week that is set to boost the local aviation industry.

According to the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA), since 2014 there has been a rapid decline in employment and retention of Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) that has reached a crisis point, with maintenance licencing dropping from 297 yearly in the early 2000s to 135 in 2021.

The inaugural cadetship launched on February 6 by Jet Aviation and Skytek with Aviation Australia as Training Provider, aims to tackle the skills shortage of LAMEs in Cairns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 10-month program was fully developed locally to support Cairns aviation and with the purpose of extending across Australia.

A cohort of 26 – including men, women, school leavers and mature-age learners – have been accepted into the fully-subsidised program.

Aviation Australia Business Manager for North Queensland, Chris Pigott, said the cadetship was designed to accelerate skilled specialists into jobs.

“For the first time in Cairns and Australia, we’re kicking off a Licenced Aircraft Engineer program,” Mr Pigott said.

“Since COVID, there’s been a huge shortage of LAMEs, so the training we were doing before COVID we had to change it to fit the industry.

“We’ve got two companies on board, Jet Aviation and Skytek; both have put their hands in their pockets and, along with Qld

Government, will fully fund the training for the participants.

“We’ll be accelerating the training of all the applicants so they can enter the aircraft industry; they’ll have job guarantees if they meet the criteria and be fast-tracked to become LAMEs.

“It’s a very exciting program; it’s never been done before, and it shows that if you listen to the industry and work with industry, anything can happen,” he said.

Mr Pigott said this program would allow the applicants to have real-life experience that will prepare them to easily transition into the aircraft industry.

“These cadets will be working closely with industry throughout their practical and theoretical training,” he said.

“They will be able to learn on real aircrafts instead of a simulated environment.

“The industry is experiencing huge growth, and this program will help to keep up with the demand.”

Among the students is Mareeba teenager Marcus StallanCaamano, the youngest participant in the program.

The 16-year-old, who enjoys helping his grandfather fix engines on their family farm, said he was keen to expand his mechanical knowledge.

“I’ve always been interested in this kind of work, so once a spot opened up, I hopped straight on it,” Marcus said.

“I’m excited about the practical work and getting on board for some work experience.

“Once the program is done, I see myself working full-time, getting all my licences, and working on jet engines.

“I’m interested in every part of the course, especially learning about aeroplane engines,” Marcus said.

One of the few women in the group, Khalisah Mohammed, said she was excited to represent women in such a male-dominated industry.

“With the pandemic and seeing how the world changed, I came across avionics and decided that I would do this,” Ms Mohammed said.

“I’m very excited because Aviation Australia has been very accommodating; the opportunities are there for the women to pursue, and I really want to be a part of that.

“I can’t wait for the practical part of things, theory is going to be intense, but I just can’t wait to get my hands dirty.”

On completion of the 10-month cadetship, students who meet the criteria will transition to being employed with either Jet Aviation or Skytek.

Trainees who meet the selection criteria for an apprenticeship can expect to become a qualified LAME in four years while training and working locally.

Mr Pigott said the program had the potential to become a statewide model.

“This program is going to be a success, and it can be rolled out everywhere,” he said.

“There’s a critical worldwide shortage of LAMEs, and Cairns is particularly struggling, so we could run this program for 10 years until we fill the gaps.”

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Jet Aviation cadetship cohort

Kahlisah Mohammed and Marcus Stallan-Caamano

(L-R) Kahlisah Mohammed, Chris Piggot and Marcus Stallan-Caamano

Worst year on record for Cairns stolen cars

QUEENSLAND’S crime crisis is breaking unwanted records, as pressure grows on the government to recall Parliament early to address the unfolding epidemic.

The latest police statistics have revealed December 2022 was the worst December on record for stolen cars, across Queensland.

2,133 cars were stolen last December, a rise of nearly 50 per cent on the previous 12 months.

The situation is even more concerning in Cairns, as the region recorded its worst year on record for stolen cars with 1,410 recorded offences.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said the State Government’s watered-down laws had raised a generation of young criminals running rife across Queensland.

“Queenslanders everywhere are paying a high price for the State Government’s soft laws because we’re now seeing the cost of car insurance jump in line with the number of cars stolen across our communities,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This is a failure of leadership and legislation, and Queenslanders want change.”

Shadow Police Minister Dale Last said Queenslanders deserve better.

“Queensland is in the midst of a crime epidemic and after watering down the laws the Palaszczuk Government is now in denial about how serious it is,” Mr Last said.

“All Queenslanders deserve to feel safe in their own homes.

“It’s the same kids committing the same crimes in the same areas and Queenslanders, including our hard-working police officers, are fed up.”

Cairns Private Hospital reaches environmental milestone

Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicles in Cairns

RAMSAY Health Care has hit another milestone in its commitment to a healthier planet, reaching its goal of saving 50 million single use plastic items from landfill.

Cairns Private Hospital contributed more than 668,000 single-use plastics items to the total.

After swapping out 25 million single-use plastic items for more environmentally-friendly alternatives in the 18 months to January 2022, the private hospital operator committed to doubling that number by the end of the year.

Ramsay has now set its sights on removing a total of 75 million single-use plastic items by the end of December 2023.

Cairns Private Hospital CEO, Ben Tooth, said he was extremely proud of the effort made by his team to contribute to the lofty target being achieved.

“We’re committed to making tangible changes to improve the future of the planet,” Mr Tooth said.

“We started with the most obvious items –switching cutlery, crockery and straws from plastic to reusable or recyclable alternatives.

“We’ve now replaced many more items around the hospital, including in operating theatres, with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

“While individually each item we swap out is a small change, together they make a big difference,” he said.

Another important initiative has been to replace single-use plastic water bottles with jugs of water and glasses. The project, which began in 2019, saves six million plastic water bottles per year from ending up in landfill - in addition to the 50 million other plastic items.

Sixteen Ramsay Australia hospitals are working to create ‘greener operating theatres’ by removing the anaesthetic gas desflurane, reported to have more than 20 times the global warming potential of alternative gases and instead switching to more environmentally friendly options.

Cairns Private Hospital is currently using less than five per cent desflurane anaesthetic gas.

In 2022, Ramsay Health Care announced its global commitment to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by the year 2040.

Ramsay’s Net Zero strategies include switching to renewable energy sources and maximising energy efficiency, reducing anaesthetic gas emissions, cutting waste and boosting recycling, embedding sustainable design in new facilities and upgrades, as well as engaging with suppliers to reduce supply chain emissions.

Read, Learn, Create and Discover at Cairns Libraries!

Return yourself to Cairns Libraries and reconnect with community, learn new skills and hobbies, and return to routine with the wide variety of services and experiences available.

Revive lost hobbies, or rediscover a love of learning, with collections of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, audiobooks and more that are free with your library card.

Beyond the collection, your local library also provides programs, events, and online resources for the whole family to discover.

You never know what treasures you might find in our library collection!

FREE FIRST 5 FOREVER PROGRAM

It’s never too early to talk, read, sing, play and share stories with your child. First 5 Forever is a family literacy program aimed at supporting stronger language and literacy environments for children aged 0-5 years and their families. Visit our website for more information about session dates, times and locations: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/whats-on/event-programs/first5forever

FREE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Read, learn, create and discover at Cairns Libraries. Offering a wide range of events for all ages, Cairns Libraries provides you with opportunities to connect with ideas, themes, and personalities. Visit our What’s On page on our website for more information and to discover what’s coming up at your local library: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/whats-on

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES

Discover how easy it is to access the library from home 24/7. Our eLibrary collection includes eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, magazines and learning resources, such as online newspapers and family research archives. Visit the Cairns Libraries website to learn more about eLibrary collections: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/books-and-more/elibrary

www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library

Cairns Private Hospital has swapped most single-use plastics for environmentally-friendly options

Cairns local finalist at the Qld Rural Women’s Award

THE positive contributions to rural and regional communities of four Queensland women have been recognised with nominations for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Among the nominees is Cairns local Kate Lamason.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities

Mark Furner said the four finalists were now in the running for the prestigious AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has a rich heritage of promoting the contribution Australian women make to rural industries, businesses and communities and inspiring them to develop their skills further,” Mr Furner said.

“This year’s finalists join 300-strong alumni dedicated to advancing women’s work in regional and rural Australia and providing a supportive network for future endeavours.

“This year’s winner will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant and represent Queensland at the national announcement in September, where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 Westpac grant.”

Finalist and Owner/Director of Little Tuna, Kate Lamason, said she feels honoured to be

nominated.

“I’m excited; it’s such an honour to be listed as a finalist with the other amazing women,” Ms Lamason said.

“FNQ is my home, I moved from Adelaide when I was in high school, and to be representing Cairns it’s exactly what I’d want to be doing.”

Ms Lamason and her husband, Rowan Lamason, founded Little Tuna in 2016, the innovative company that has now taken her to the Rural Women’s Awards finals.

With over 30 years in the fishing industry, the Lamason family discovered a gap in the market with tuna only being exported for canning overseas.

“As a family, we were consuming a lot of tuna for the convenience and the health benefits,” Ms Lamason said.

“Tuna was always on our menu, but we were quite shocked that here we were catching the tuna, but it wasn’t even Australian-caught or Australianmade.

“We started canning it for ourselves; we spent a lot of time getting the flavour and the texture right, and it turned out to be such a delicious product that showcased the freshness of the fish that we started selling it.”

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Ms Lamason went on to create a highly successful vertically-integrated business model with Little Tuna where not only could they ensure the freshness and quality of their product but also where all processes were completely local.

“A lot of people ask for Australian tuna, and it can be really confusing out there; it’s not until you read the fine print when you realise it’s actually not Australian,” she said.

“We’ve been able to provide Australian consumers with Australian tuna, which they should be able to get.

“We’ve got a unique product; it’s in a glass jar, so it’s different from the cans; you can actually see the quality, see it’s jam-packed.

“You can see there are no preservatives, no hidden nasties; everything in that jar is Australian, made by Australians.”

Ms Lamason not only stands out because of her business but also for becoming an essential figure in a male-dominated industry and said she wanted to inspire women to be a part of the seafood industry.

“I met a group of women called the Women in Seafood Australia last year and I learned there’s an abundance of women in the industry, but we are the minority,” she said.

“But there are many opportunities for women to join the industry, and there’s so much we can do and bring to the table, so to represent women in this industry is remarkable, and I love being a woman in the seafood industry.”

The Queensland Rural Women’s Award winner will be announced on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Ms Lamason said winning the award would help her materialise Little Tuna’s future.

“We have the opportunity to export; being a preserved product is favourable with exporting, so we can represent Australian seafood internationally,” she said.

“To win this would help me do a couple of courses and learn leadership skills to use in these instances.”

The finalists, who receive a $2,000 grant from the state sponsor, the University of Queensland, if they are not named the state winner, are:

• Emma Black, from Kingaroy

• Emma-Louise Gibbons, from the Sunshine Coast

• Kate Lamason, from Cairns

• Louise Noble, from Toowoomba.

For more information, visit agrifutures.com.au/ opportunities/rural-womens-award/ or click the following link in our online edition http://bit.ly/3DQTFk7

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Kate with an albacore tuna.

Kate in the midst of packing Little Tuna.

Kate Lamason has been nominated for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Palm Cove Spa & Beauty Tropical Getaway Pamper Package

Sustainable Travel Hub launched

TRAVELLERS can easily find interactive conservation projects, immersive cultural experiences, and eco-certified operators with the Tropical North Queensland Sustainable Travel Hub launched on February 3.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) CEO Mark Olsen said the dedicated hub on the Tropical North Queensland destination website would enable people to travel with a greater purpose in the only destination where two natural World Heritage areas meet.

“The Tropical North Queensland Sustainable Travel Hub will help travellers to understand the value our region places on the environment and our community through various resources, including blogs and a destination video that highlights our promise for greater good,” Mr Olsen said.

“Consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change, which has resulted in people travelling more thoughtfully and with more intent.

“There is also growing consumer interest for tourism to be more than sustainable – it should be restorative, reconciliatory and ultimately regenerative.

“Sustainability has been a way of life for Tropical North Queensland’s tourism operators who deliver the most eco-certified experiences in Australia and have achieved several milestones, including the Douglas Shire becoming the world’s first Eco-Certified Destination.

“Many of our operators are well advanced on this journey. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, for example, was the first tourism operator in the world to achieve EarthCheck Master Certification and is one of less than 10 EarthCheck Masters on the planet.

“Others such as Experience Co’s Reef Unlimited and GBR Biology have pioneered the addition of Indigenous culture into a Great Barrier Reef experience by working with local Traditional Owners to include their knowledge in cultural presentations and reef stewardship activities, he said.

“Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s promise for greater good is about continually improving as an industry and as a region. Sustainability is not just about the environment and the journey towards Net Zero; it is also about giving back to our community.

“We are bringing the tourism industry onboard with the Pathway to Sustainable Tourism Toolkit, which we are also launching today to help our operators adopt sustainable business practices, measure their footprint, and plan their journey forward for the greater good.

“The toolkit outlines certification programs and community initiatives to partner with, including Rainforest Rescue and Green Caffeen and discusses Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s sustainability journey, which includes working with Reforest to offset events,” Mr Olsen said.

For more information, go to: cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com/sustainable-travel

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre

Passions of Paradise

Walkabout Cultural Adventures

VOCAL LOCAL

Dear Editor,

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

I AM a bicycle rider and very happy to see that provision has been made in the 25-year road plan for additional standalone bike paths – this will hopefully encourage more people to ride, and, as well as getting lard off, will hopefully reduce vehicle numbers and reduce noise and pollution, etc.

Another way to reduce vehicle numbers is to improve public transport. The established “cop out” is that Cairns residents are rusted on car users and will never forsake their vehicles, but I am not aware of any serious trials to try challenge this theory. Options to try include:

• Pensioners travel free at all times;

• No charge if passengers board the bus before 9am (and pay for their return trip);

• Create a car park at Smithfield and allow those drivers who park there to have free travel on buses to Cairns;

• $2 flat rate charge to get onto a bus at any time;

• Use smaller buses and run them more frequently whilst retaining the big buses for peak times;

• Have a serious program to replace the rest of the diesel buses with battery buses which would be quieter for both passengers and the general public.

It seems that Government can easily find hundreds of millions of dollars for roads but cannot find funding to make public transport more user-friendly.

Even if there is only a 5 per cent increase in use of public transport then there would probably be a noticeable drop in vehicles on the roads of Cairns.

My question is - when will State Government step outside the box and seriously explore options to make public transport in Cairns more attractive to the general public?

What Love Looks Like

WATCHING the news on Ten, Mon 6th, to see what Putin’s got in store for Ukraine, and the world’s going to allow that to happen? All those ‘hand shaking and cheek kissing’. I thought that there might be ‘more’ but figured for ‘less’.

Noel, Cairns

EARTHQUAKE horror in Turkey and Syria - it’s terrible - please pray to save peoples lives.

Janelle, Woree

HAVE you ever wondered why the traffic lights in Cairns seem out of sequence in peak hour traffic. You have to stop at every light, and the traffic does not seem to flow. Surely this is wrong and could be easily corrected. It’s like roadworks - all or nothing. Shouldn’t council have people looking into these things?

AM, Southside

Rejuvenation of fig tree library site

WORK will start next week to rejuvenate the site around the iconic fig tree at the heritagelisted Cairns City Library site.

The large fig tree located on Lake St at the rear of the City Library site, referred to as T5, was fenced off and had been facing possible removal after years of decline.

However, following Council’s flying fox relocation program in 2020, the tree has shown clear signs of recovery, allowing the much-loved tree to be retained.

Deputy Mayor Terry James said the community had welcomed the decision to retain the tree, and Council was now progressing on a plan to rejuvenate the site and create a safe and appealing space around the tree.

“The works will address the poor amenity of the site with improved landscaping and the installation of a fence around the fig tree,” Cr James said.

“While the fig tree is looking far healthier than it was a couple of years ago, we still need to be mindful about providing an area that is safe for public use.

“Landscaping, irrigation and vegetation

will also be included in the scope of works.”

Division 5 Councillor Amy Eden said the project would enhance the high-profile site in the city.

“As well as improving the charm of the area, the works will provide an opportunity to educate those who visit the site about cultural heritage, conservation and the history of the library building,” Cr Eden said.

“Interpretive signage will be installed as part of the project and provide information on the site’s cultural heritage and First Peoples land use; the benefits of trees in urban areas; the management plan for the large figs within site; and the history of the library building and its use.

“I have no doubt that once the works are complete, this will become a popular destination for locals and visitors, somewhere where people will be able to enjoy the ambience of the fig tree and learn about our city.”

Works will start on Monday, February 13, and are expected to be completed by May, weather permitting.

AS Valentine’s Day draws nears, there are signs of love and affection in the air and everywhere you look. Some people will go above and beyond in their declaration of love – showering their partners with gifts, flowers and adoring sentiments.

But beyond the roses, chocolates and greeting card poetry – what does love really look like? How can we know if we are in a genuinely loving relationship, or one where love is used to justify controlling and abusive behaviours?

Sadly, too many people in relationships can feel trapped by their partner’s ‘love bombing’ – a form of emotional manipulation, where one person can bombard another with excessive affection, flattery and gifts in order to gain control in a relationship or justify abusive behaviours. When their aggression or possessiveness is questioned, an abusive partner may claim they are acting out of ‘love’.

Yet love does not look like bruises you conceal from family and friends.

Love does not manipulate, intimidate, gaslight, or punish.

Love does not tell you what you can wear, where you can go, who you can speak to, or how much you can eat.

True love lifts you up.

It listens, nurtures, and empowers.

It makes you feel valued and respected.

It supports your independence, your freedom, and helps you grow.

It’s important to remember that not all domestic violence is physical. When one person in a relationship uses abusive or intimidating behaviour to control, dominate, humiliate or instil fear in another person, that too is domestic violence.

What might at first appear to be an isolated incident is commonly part of a pattern of abusive behaviour proven to be equally if not more harmful, and this is known as coercive control.

Knowing and understanding the signs of coercive control can help people identify, and

respond to, toxic relationships. Coercive control encompasses a number of controlling behaviours – from cutting off support systems, gaslighting to confuse or manipulate, limiting access to finances, and monitoring activity through tracking by GPS or phone.

The Queensland Government has committed to introducing legislation to criminalise coercive control before the end of 2023. In drafting legislation, the Government will consult broadly – with survivors, the community, domestic violence service providers, legal experts, and the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council – to ensure legislation is clear, thorough, and effective.

Information about coercive control is also part of the updated Respectful Relationships Education being rolled out in Queensland schools this year. The new Respect program builds on the existing program, which was introduced in 2017, and includes new and strengthened information about consent, reporting of sexual assault, ethical decisionmaking, and the drivers of gender-based violence.

With proper education and support, our next generation of Queenslanders will navigate the world of dating with a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals in relationships. They will be more aware of the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence. They will see the signs of power and control, they will seek out help, and they will prevent further violence and abuse in their friendship circles, families and their own lives.

They will know what true love looks like.

Begin your journey in saying Not Now, Not Ever. Together. E-mail us for more information dfvcouncil@premiers.qld.gov.au

ATTRIBUTION: Vanessa Fowler OAM and Bob Atkinson AO APM co-chair the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council. The Prevention Council is working to embed a zero-tolerance approach to domestic and family violence within our communities and across Queensland.

Caneland Court, Redlynch: Asphalt overlay from Tuesday 14 February. Temporary road closure, local access only. Hartley St, Portsmith: Kerb and channel renewal between Bunda St and Draper St. Expect traffic disruptions. McCoombe St, Mooroobool: Water main replacement from Koch St to Cochrane St from Monday 13 February. Expect traffic disruptions.

Norfolk Cl, Holloways Beach: Kerb and channel renewal. Temporary road closure. Village Terrace and Colonial Cl, Redlynch: Asphalt overlay from Wednesday 15 February. Temporary road closure, local access only.

For a full list of works visit our

Deryck, Machans Beach

Opinion Piece – Bob Atkinson AO APM and Vanessa Fowler OAM

Cairns City Library Landscape Concept

Legacy For The Douglas Shire!

WHAT was Cairns Legacy is now known As Far North Queensland Legacy and as the name suggests, extends its services to the Douglas Shire.

FNQ Legacy is celebrating 100 years of supporting our veterans’ families. This is an incredible feat for a non-government funded organisation that relies heavily on the support of the community.

The team hosted a Centenary Launch event on Tuesday January 24, at the Cairns RSL where Executive Officer Rebecca Milliner announced FNQ Legacy’s ambitious goal of raising $1,000,000 to establish a Legacy House in Far North Queensland. Servicing from Cardwell to the Cape, the house will provide much needed accommodation for those travelling to Cairns for medical appointments. It will also provide a central place that is recognised and valued in the local community as a gathering area for all veterans, current ex-serving Defence Force members and their families. It will be an access point for a wide range of services, accommodation, programs, events and activities.

FNQ Legacy have established a building fund and every donation made throughout the Centenary year will go towards this. Thus far, a large number of amazing people out there have been fund raising in all sorts of ways and have already collected $250,000.

There are many ways you can get involved and help sup port FNQ Legacy from hosting fundraising events, choosing FNQ Legacy as your preferred charity for 2023, attending events throughout the year, volunteering or just helping to spread the word.

For a quick history lesson, a promise made from a soldier to his dying mate to “look after the missus and kids”.

It’s a promise that has been revered since the first Legacy Club was established by Sir Stanley Savage in Melbourne in 1923 and is as relevant and powerful today as it was when it first made a century ago. To this day over 3,600 Legatees support service families. 45 Legacy Clubs operate in local communities around Australia, and one in the United Kingdom, supporting over 43,000 partners and children of veterans who have died or been injured as a result of their service.

To also mark this momentous occasion, Legacy is running a six-month 55,000km Centenary Torch Relay, travelling from Pozieres France on ANZAC Day, through to the city of London, before returning home to Australia, visiting all 45 Legacy Club locations and concluding in Melbourne in October. The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay presented by Defence Health will be in Cairns on Wednesday, May 24, this year.

There is still some way to go with the Cairns Legacy House

project, but once achieved it will be a tremendous facility for veterans located in the Douglas Shire. For those who want to get involved now, you can go to legacytorchrelay.com.au

I’m off to say well done to some amazing people, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

FNQ Legacy’s recent Centenary Launch (L-R) FNQ Legacy Patron Commander Alfonso Santos, Exec. Officer Rebecca Milliner, Cr. Amy Eden, Lt Gen John Grey AC (Rtd), Senator Nita Green and FNQ Legacy V.P. Ian Butler

Inset right: Local Legacy fund raiser Khani Hawthorne at the Mossman Cenotaph

‘Adopt Different’ this National Pet Adoption Month

PETSTOCK Cairns and Smithfield are urging locals to ‘Adopt Different’ and give a pet most in need a brighter future.

On March 18-19, PETstock Cairns and Smithfield will host its local animal rescue organisation as part of National Pet Adoption Month, an initiative of The Petspiration Foundation with support from PetRescue.

With one in five families acquiring a new dog or cat to add to the family unit in recent years, the Petspiration Foundation is encouraging Australians to ‘Adopt Different’ this National Pet Adoption Month by considering a pet most in need, with more than 7,400 animals currently looking for a forever home.

Petspiration Foundation’s Charity and Events

Lead, Sherralea Cassidy, said the charity is on a mission to have cats, large dogs, adolescent dogs and bonded pairs that cannot be separated, adopted as they remain the most vulnerable in 2023.

“All pets deserve a safe and loving home, and National Pet Adoption Month is the perfect opportunity to meet pets searching for a new family,” Ms Cassidy said.

Natural disasters, increasing living costs, inflation and access to housing are impacting pet ownership and leading to the surrender of pets.

PetRescue Founder and Director Vickie Davy

said great dogs are coming into rescue care, ready for a new home, even if some training is needed.

“The fact is that only a small percentage of pets are surrendered due to their behaviour which - like any animal - can be negated through dedicated training,” Ms Davy said.

Animal Behaviourist, Dr Kate Mornement, said many rescue pets have been house pets in the past and are already toilet trained, with basic manners - it’s about reinforcing the existing desired behaviours and building on these.

“There are so many options when it comes to adoption. Cats are wonderfully intelligent animals, fantastic for any size home, and can be easily trained (just like dogs) using positive reinforcement,” Dr Mornement said.

“I also encourage would-be rescue pet owners not to be put off by a large dog because you think it will need more exercise, as it is very much dependent on the breed, age and individual personality of the dog.

“For those concerned about being in the office and leaving their pet, a bonded pair could be the answer as they have each other for company.”

On March 18-19, Cairns residents can visit PETstock stores to meet rescue pets available for adoption or fostering. For more information, visit petstock.com.au

Humble Bee

G’DAY Tropicairnsians,

First off, I would love to say a big thank you to everyone who contacted me to inform me that the supermarkets have now stocked up their freezers with those glorious fun bags called dim sims.

Wayne’s World

And to all those fabulous readers that made some fantastic slow cooker dim sim creations and brought in some samples for me to try; my taste buds thank you so, so much.

Now we are into the second month of ‘23, how are you going with those New Year resolutions? Well, for me, I successfully quit the durries seven years ago and have dramatically cut down on the grog; the last drink was two beers with my son after a game of golf back in October.

This year is for me to concentrate on beating this blood disorder, and on achieving this, after ringing the bell in ‘E Block’, I am planning to don the humble bumble bee outfit again and doing another bungee jump.

Anyone willing or crazy enough to join me, please think about it and let us know.

Having the opportunity to chat with a lot of people, it is looking good for the majority of smokers cutting down, and even better for those quitting altogether. They cannot believe how good food and drinks taste without that tobacco flavour added in. Plus, in time they will fully realise the huge amount of money and the hours saved not spent looking for a place to smoke or the fines faced if caught in the wrong places.

For all those with a lot of hours to spare and not knowing how to put this to good use, how about using those excess smiles for volunteer work? There are plenty of organisations out there looking for great people to join them.

I have been asked to join Relay for Life in raising awareness and money this year around Cairns to support those with cancer in helping them enjoy their life while aiming to make it easier with physical, mental and financial help where we can.

You can also join those great volunteers at the hospital who do a fantastic job helping in varying roles around the buildings. I love joining Event Cinemas with their Children’s Ward visits, and this Easter, I will hopefully join them with my own interpretation of the Easter Bunny and give out eggs while placing smiles on faces. Smiling is living.

Wayne.

“An expose of the global COVID-19 cover-up and how we ought to fight back against the corrupt medico-political nexus behind it.”

– Raju Chacko, Reedsy Discovery

Laura and her dog Luna

Aldo the cat

Little Seafood

CAIRNS Little Seafood Market is celebrating the most important milestone of all, its first birthday.

The hugely popular local fish market was filled with customers eager to try their hand at a lucky dip with over $1000 worth of prizes up for grabs, including prawns, sashimi tuna, jars of Little Tuna, Toadfish Australia Accessories, sauces and pasta, Cairns Little Seafood Merchandise, and in-store vouchers.

Run off their feet, Kate and Rowan Lamason said turning one was a good reason to invite people in and show them how simple, affordable, delicious and healthy seafood is for everyone.

“We had people in the store all day, loving the atmosphere and congratulating us on the milestone,” Kate said.

“All our seafood is sourced from Australian and New Zealand waters using sustainable fishing methods,” Rowan said.

“We want to ensure it is as fresh as possible by the time it lands on your plate,” he said.

The Lamason family has been synonymous with the seafood industry for over three decades.

The family pioneered the tuna fishing industry off the coast of Cairns with their original fleet of 13 boats and are renowned for their quality seafood and personal customer service.

Their sustainable, wild, and fresh produce is sold nationally and globally, including in the lucrative Japanese export market, and has become a well-known and trusted brand.

The seafood industry in Australia is massive, and Australian waters are incredible and highly governed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

“Traceability and accountability in Australian waters are flawless, which drives us to ensure Australians consume Australian seafood, and that the industry lasts,” Rowan said.

The Lamasons said they were proud to be celebrating one year of Cairns Little Seafood Market and thanked the community for their support and love for Australian-made and sourced seafood.

For more information on Cairns Little Seafood Market, visit: https://www.clsm.com.au/

The Lamason family has been synonymous with the seafood industry for over three decades.

Cairns Little Seafood Market 1st birthday celebrations included decorations and (Inset) cupcakes.

Kate and Rowan Lamason celebrate Cairns Little Seafood Market’s First Birthday

COUNCIL AWARDS $49,228 IN ROUND ONE COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has provided support to 16 local community groups with the Community Grants Program Round One, successfully awarding $49,228.80 across the region.

Councillor Trudy Tschui said that with financial support through the Community Grants program, the awarded groups can facilitate their initiatives, projects, activities and events which all contribute to the vibrancy of our region and enhancing the lives of residents through the development of social cohesion and connection.

“The grants all contribute to injecting funds back into our region with community driven initiatives supporting cultural arts, community wellbeing, economic activation and environment sustainability.” said Councillor Tschui.

The recipients of Round One Community Grants are:

Community Wellbeing and Lifestyle

• Junior Bowls Coaching Program – Tully Bowls Club

• Pickleball Development – Cardwell Pickleball Club

• Touch Holiday Clinics – Tully Touch Association

• Cardwell Aqua Exercise – Cardwell Chamber of Commerce

• Volunteer Safety – St Vincent De Paul Innisfail

• Tully Community Christmas Tree – Tully Chamber of Commerce

• El Arish Anzac Day – El Arish Sport and Recreation Group

Economic

• Tech Touch Up – Great Green Way Tourism Museum Signage – Innisfail Historical Society

• 2023 Cardwell UFO Festival – Cardwell UFO Festival Inc.

Trish Ernst, President of the Innisfail and District Historical Society said the Historical Society would like to thank Cassowary Coast Regional Council for awarding them with these funds, which will go toward boosting the visibility of the Museum to new visitors.

“Currently, we’re not easily located or recognised as a museum as we don’t have adequate signage on the exterior of the building. This grant will assist us in highlighting our location and contact information with branded signage and draw more visitors to our unique displays.”

Local community groups and suitable individuals are encouraged to see what opportunities are available to them in preparation for Round Two Community Grants, with submissions opening on Friday 24 February.

Regional Arts Development Fund

• Taking on True Friends Tour – Aaron Lee

• How to Build a Forest – Ken Allen

• River Entertainment Stage – Feast of the Senses Inc.

• Professional Development – Sundance Studio

Environmental Sustainability

• Mission Beach Arboretum Revitalisation – Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation

• Education Local Sugar Industry – Tully Canegrowers Ltd.

Further information regarding Round Two Community Grants is available www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/funding-grants.

Innisfail and District Historical Society receives community grant for Museum signage.

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

CASSOWARY COAST AUSTRALIA DAY POOL PARTIES

IT was a splashin’ good time at the Cassowary Coast Australia Day Pool Parties.

Thank you to the community members and families who made the event such a success.

Community Groups would like to thank the local community for their support at the BBQ lunches with all funds

raised assisting them with upcoming initiatives.

Tully Men’s Shed were able to raise $335 at the Tully Pool to go towards their annual insurance. The Innisfail Touch Association were able to raise over $900.00 at the Innisfail Pool to fund new uniforms and dress shirts for representative teams, alleviating some costs from local

Clean Up Australia Day

CLEAN Up Australia Day is nearly here!

Register a clean up site and be part of the nation’s biggest clean up event.

• Business Clean Up Day is Tuesday 28

February 2023

• School Clean Up Day is Friday 3 March 2023

• Community Clean Up Australia Day is Sunday 5 March 2023.

If you register early, Clean Up Australia will send you a free kit with bags, gloves and everything you need to get started.

Once your site is registered, Council can provide free pick up and disposal of rubbish collected.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

families. Mission Beach Lions were able to raise $200 and Cardwell Lions were happy to provide the lunch as a community service.

Council would like to thank all community members who attended the events and wish to acknowledge the contributions of all community groups who made the day a success.

WE want to know how we can improve our community’s walking experience in the Tully area and provide more accessible and safe networks connecting people to where they need to go.

Walking and biking are some of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore and travel.

To encourage walking as a more desirable option and identify future opportunities around Tully, Council and The Department of Main Roads (TMR) are developing a draft

Walking Network Plan.

We are asking the community to share their feedback in an online survey and to accompany feedback, utilise our online interactive mapping tool to identify:

• points of interest you currently walk to and the routes you regularly use; areas of concern which impact your current routes (safety, poor quality paths, accessibility, no connections etc.); and

• map the routes you would like to be able to use in the future.

Dog Off Leash Area Trial Evolving with our coast

Cassowary Coast Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy

BEFORE entering a DOLA, check for other dogs.

If you know that your dog doesn’t interact well with other sized dogs, be aware and consider alternative exercise options to ensure every dog is safe.

While in a dog off leash area you are responsible for your dog’s behaviour.

Here are some simple steps to follow while visiting a dog off leash area:

• Biting, fighting and aggressive dogs are not welcome

Excessive barking is not allowed

• Keep pets under effective control at all times

• Pets should have current vaccinations

• Always clean up after your pet

• Don’t bring more dogs than you can handle

• Always be considerate of other users

• Dogs must be registered.

For more information regarding the trial visit: www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash.

LIVING with coastal hazards is part of living in the Cassowary Coast. With over 120km of coastline and a number of offshore islands, our region and residents are vulnerable to coastal hazards and the long-term impacts of climate change. Most of us experienced the impacts of severe weather events like the flooding of the Johnstone and Murray Rivers and Cyclones Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011).

Cassowary Coast is one of 31 coastal councils that has or is developing a Coastal Adaptation Strategy through the Queensland Government’s QCoast 2100 program. With support from our consultant team, Council has developed a draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy, titled Evolving with Our Coast. The strategy:

• Assesses the risk from coastal hazards,

Be a voice for youth in the Cassowary Coast

DO you know someone aged 15-24 and who wants to be more connected to our Cassowary Coast community?

Applications for the 2023 Cassowary Coast Youth Advisory Committee are now OPEN!

The Youth Advisory Committee is a dedicated group of young people aged 15-24 who advise and work with the Cassowary Coast

Regional Council to make our region more youth friendly.

YAC will meet bi-monthly to discuss local issues, provide advice to Council and act as voice for other youth in the community.

If you or someone you know is aged 15-24 and live on the Cassowary Coast, apply to join today!

To apply, visit: www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/expression-interest-youth-advisory-committee

including coastal erosion, storm tide inundation and sea level rise, over time.

• Contains a vision for how the community and region can respond, adapt and evolve with the impacts of coastal hazards.

• Identifies adaptation actions to respond to these coastal hazards.

• Outlines a strategy for implementing these adaptation measures which outlines roles, responsibilities and timeframes for actions.

We are seeking community feedback on the draft strategy to ensure it provides the foundation for our collective action over time. You can view and provide feedback on the entire strategy or download the chapter relevant to your locality of interest.

Feedback is open until Monday 20th March 2023.

Photo supplied: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

LIBRARY LOVERS DAY

COME into your local library branch on Library Lovers’ Day on Tuesday 14 February 2023. Join in with the crafty fun at the ‘Creation Station’ where you can make a Loveheart Origami Bookmark for your special someone (or yourself), write a love-letter to a favourite book, or use a sticky-note to tell us what you love about your library.

Visit a local Cassowary Coast Library branch or for more information visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries

Don’t miss out on featuring your business at Cassowary Coast Careers Day

CASSOWARY Coast Careers Day is back in 2023! Over 400 students are expected to attend the event which will be held at Innisfail State College on Wednesday 10 May 2023.

Last year over 30 businesses attended, ranging from hospitality and healthcare to construction and transport. Council is calling for more businesses to be a part of the 2023 event to make it bigger and better than previous years.

If you would like your business to be part of the day, reach out to Council on 1300 763 903 or via email: enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

KEY CONTACTS

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Contact 1300 763 903 Visit our website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Write:

Please address all correspondence to: Andrew Graffen, Chief Executive Officer PO Box 887 Innisfail, QLD 4860

Email: enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

facilities available)

● animal registration.

Customer Service Centres and Opening Hours

Innisfail Shire Hall 70 Rankin St. Innisfail

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

Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Tully

Tully Civic Centre, 38-40 Bryant St. Tully

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

Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Cardwell Cardwell Library, 4 Balliol St. Cardwell

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

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

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

Community Connect is a publication of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Supplied by Council and published within the Cairns Local News newspaper. All enquiries regarding content contained within this publication should be directed to Council.

Local Cassowary Coast students attending the 2022 Careers Day.

New study reveals critically low numbers of north Queensland quolls

A RECENT study just out shows that north Queensland’s endangered northern spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) might be critically endangered, with numbers down to fewer than 250 individuals, in a handful of small and declining populations.

The study, a collaboration between researchers at James Cook University (JCU) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), is the first to estimate the number of northern spottedtailed quolls in all surviving populations.

JCU Associate Professor Conrad Hoskin, a co-author, said this is a landmark study of one of Australia’s rarest creatures.

“The north Queensland subspecies of the spotted-tailed quoll is only found in six mountainous areas, all in the Wet Tropics, and it’s very rarely seen,” Prof Hoskin said.

“This new population estimate is backed by the best quality data to date, and the results are alarming.”

“This project involved many days of rainforest trekking while deploying and collecting camera traps, all over the mountains of the central and northern Wet Tropics,” UniSC Masters graduate

and lead author of the study, Jesse Rowland, said.

“We built a catalogue of images of individual quolls, using their spot patterns, and then went through all the photos to see which quolls have visited each camera.

That gave us the data we needed to estimate the population size and demographic make-up of each population,” Mr Rowland said.

The study, published in the journal Austral Ecology, estimated that the total population is around 221 individuals.

The researchers found that the three populations in the north (in the Daintree region) are relatively numerous. Still, the three southern groups (in the Atherton Tablelands region) are small, and at least one of these populations may disappear soon.

“Our estimate is half a previous estimate of over 500 quolls, made about 25 years ago,” Mr Rowland said.

“These new results are very much cause for concern, and we suggest the status of the subspecies should be elevated to critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act.”

Dr Scott Burnett, a co-author of the study, said the quolls’ scarcity, combined with their extensive range and extremely rugged habitat in the Wet Tropics, makes spotted-them very difficult to study.

“Accurate population estimates are so important for gauging the effects of many threats which limit quolls – including human activities and climate change – and for measuring the success of conservation efforts,” he said.

Associate Professor Conrad Hoskin worries that the small size and isolation of the remaining populations compounds the extinction risk to northern spotted-tailed quolls.

“When populations become this small, inbreeding can become an issue threatening the short and longer-term survival of the species,” Prof Hoskin said.

“We need to work out the genetics of the remaining populations and factor that into conservation decisions moving forward.”

Quoll captured on camera by Jesse Rowland

Conrad Hoskin & Hein Tholen exploring remote quoll habitat

CAIRNSMOTORINGGUIDE

Optimism in fuel price report

THERE is likely good news for motorists in 2023, with fuel prices expected to ease from their record highs of last year.

RACQ’s Annual Fuel Price Report found average retail unleaded and diesel price records were broken in every location throughout Queensland in 2022, with Brisbane surging past its previous all-time high by a whopping 34 cents per litre (cpl) for regular unleaded.

The Club’s Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist Dr Ian Jeffreys said while fuel markets would continue to be extremely volatile, the future was looking brighter.

“We expect oil prices and retail fuel prices to be slightly lower this year compared to 2022, so hopefully motorists will enjoy some relief at the bowser,” Dr Jeffreys said.

Last year Brisbane was the most expensive of the five largest capital cities for both regular unleaded fuel and diesel.

“At 184.9cpl, the annual average price of regular unleaded for Brisbane was the highest on record, exceeding the previous record set in 2021 by 34.1cpl,” Dr Jeffreys said.

“Those driving a diesel car would also know how incredibly expensive it’s been with prices right across Queensland hitting new records.

“The highest was Longreach averaging an eye-watering 222.9cpl. The average price of diesel in Brisbane for 2022 was 209.2cpl.”

For a detailed breakdown of every Queensland region read RACQ’s Annual Fuel Price Report, which can be found on the RACQ website, or by clicking this link in our online edition: https://bit.ly/3I3jyzV

Health and Wellbeing

Tinnitus – what’s all the noise about?

TINNITUS is a sound heard without an external sound being present; it is often described as ringing, buzzing, crickets chirps or even rushing water. It is a very common experience particularly in older adults and is estimated to affect between 15 to 20 per cent of the population.

Apart from the discomfort of hearing the sound, most people find it disturbing never to experience silence. Having tinnitus occupy the space where silence should be can be a massive change in people’s lives.

Tinnitus is often an indicator that something is not working quite right in the hearing system and the best approach is to get it assessed.

If tinnitus is pulsatile and, particularly, if it comes on suddenly and is present in one ear, it needs urgent medical assessment.

AUDiOHEALTH offers Tinnitus Assessments with advice on ways to manage it so it minimises the impact on everyday living, and an opportunity to trial masking devices.

A Tinnitus Assessment covers:

• Understanding the experience

• Related causes

• Functional Score Test

• Assessing degree and impact of tinnitus

• Checking hearing

• Discussion of Management Plan

• Resource and support options

• Masking Devices including new hearing device technology with built-in maskers.

Book your Hearing Awareness Week Special and receive the all-inclusive comprehensive assessment for the reduced price of $90.00. Call 4041 7860 or visit AUDiOHEALTH Clinics on Grafton St, Cairns, Stanton Pl, Smithfield, or Cook St, Atherton. Visiting clinics Innisfail and Mareeba.

ENTERTAINMENT 1

Sat February 11, 2023 @ 1:30pm-3:30pm

Upcycle to Wearable Art, Jewellery Workshop by Kate Hunter

Got something you want to make into jewellery? Up-cycle and re-create to wearable. In this fun workshop you will learn how to create new wearable art pieces from old jewellery and other items. Bring along your bits and pieces, or select from our stash, to up-cycle into a new wearable work of art, uniquely and beautifully you.

All the tools, findings and stringing materials needed are supplied.

When: 11 February at 1.30 till 3.30pm

Where: House of Kindred shop 1, 13 Shield St, Cairns

Cost: $45.00

Book for this Workshop through Kate Hunter Designs

Fri February 10, 2023 @ 8:00pm-9:00pm

The Wet by Circa Cairns CPAC

You don’t know FNQ if you haven’t experienced THE WET. From the moment the green ant begins its journey to higher ground until the final breaking of the storm, THE WET connects you to place and immerses you in the hot damp.

Conceived by Harley Mann (Wakka Wakka) and embodied by the Circa Cairns ensemble, THE WET is powerfully enduring circus, dripping with culture.

The Wet was imagined, created and performed on the country of the Gimuy, Walubara, Yidinji, Girramay, Mamu, Gunggandji, Djabugay, Kuku Yalanji people. Circa Cairns are generously supported by The Tim Fairfax foundation, Arts Queensland, The Australian Government RISE grant, The Australia Council for the arts, Cairns City Council.

Cost: From $24.80 Image: Glen Omalary

Book your tickets through ticketlink

Sat February 11, 2023 @ 9:00pm-11:00pm

Andrew De Silva’s Dedication to PRINCE Live at The Casino

The Reef Hotel Casino presents ….. Andrew De Silva’s dedication to PRINCE.

Regarded as the ‘hottest Prince Tribute in Australia’, this 2-hour sound & visual extravaganza promises to bring you the songs, musicianship, the energy and the individuality that is Prince.

Two Massive nights: Friday 10 & Saturday 11 February

Time: From 9.00pm

Live & Free at BAR36

GIG Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements due to COVID-19

Lunar SolarmoonDunwoodys, 4.00pm Tenni - The Court House, 5.00pm

The Jazzuleles - Ten06, 5.30pm

Pete Bennett - Mayhem at Machans Café Bar, 5.30pm

Janna Mercedes - The Crown Hotel Cairns, 6.00pm SAX MAN Troy StevensO’Donnells, 6.00pm

Bobby Maguire - Chill at Portofino, 6.00pm

Finding Time - Cazalys

Cairns, 6.00pm

Ingrid Piper - The Court House, 6.00pm

Bad Boys of Uke - Nonna

Leotta’s House, 6.30pm

Infinity Duo - Innisfail RSL, 7.00pm

Andy Brassett - Mountain View Hotel, 7.00pm

Anais Campbell - The Court House, 7.00pm

Katie Richards - Trinity Bach Sports Club, 7.30pm

JC Stylles - The Jazz Sanctuary, 8.00pm

Big Noise - Rattle n Hum

Esplanade, 8.30pm

Andrew De Silva dedication to Prince - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

Eddie Skiba - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3.00pm

Anais Campbell - Salt House, 5.00pm

Whiskey Boat - O’Donnells, 6.00pm

Russell Harris - Cazalys Cairns, 6.15pm

Dami Im - CPAC Theatre, 7.30pm

Infinity Duo - Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns, 7.30pm

KJ Brown and Talitha JaeElixir Music House, 7.30pm

Hot Ice - Red Beret Hotel, 8.00pm

Conrad Sewell - Edge Hill Tavern, 8.00pm

Andrew De Silva dedication to Prince - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

DjGlennW - Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium, 11.30am

Andy Brassett - Mountain View Hotel, 12.00pm

Big Pups - Garradunga Hotel, 2.00pm

Katie RichardsDunwoodys, 2.00pm

DNA - Hemingways Brewery Cairns, 2.00pm

Jasmine Maraea - Ten06, 3.00pm

Bobby Maguire - Sauce Brewing Co, 3.30pm

JC Stylles - O’Donnells, 3.30pm

Barbary Coasters - Boscas Bar Mareeba, 4.00pm

Drewboy - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 7.30pm

Fri February 10, 2023 @ 6:00pm-7:15pm

The Doll in the Museum

Theatrical production at the Cairns Museum

A site specific, deconstructed version of Summer of the 17th Doll throughout the Cairns Museum.

The first Australian play to be recognised internationally gets a 2023 facelift.

Box Jelly presents Ray Lawler’s work about impermanence, middle age and moving forward when everything in your being wants to hold onto the past.

Travel with the characters through the Cairns Museum to experience this unique take on the classic Aussie play.

Cost: $15.00 – $30.00

Book your tickets through trybooking

2 3 7 6 5

Fri February 10, 2023 @ 10:00am-5:00pm

Dr Pete Marshall Drawn to the Wild – Natures Inspiration Exhibition at Australia.Gallery

Australia.Gallery Proudly presents the Dr Pete Marshall Drawn to the Wild – Natures Inspiration Exhibition.

Dr Pete Marshall is an artist whose work encompasses many subjects especially wildlife, seascapes, portraiture, and animals.

Travelling the world to research material for her work, Pete has donated images to various conservation issues for their promotion and fund raising, including the Jane Goodall Institute in Uganda, “Africat” in Namibia, Loro Parque Foundation ( Parrots ) in Tenerife, Wildlife SOS in India, Dingo

Discovery and Westpac Bank in support of the CFA.

Exhibition Runs: 6 January 2023 to 20 February 2023

Where: Australia.Gallery – 103/86 Lake St, Cairns Free entry

Wed February 15, 2023 @ 10:00am-4:00pm

Passing the Torch – Art Exhibition by Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre at The Court House

Ninney Murray, Emily Murray and Sally Murray, are traditional knowledge holders amongst the Jirrbal and Girramay people. Through their creative practices, and by preserving the values, customs, and traditional cultural practices; the sisters have led the way for intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge.

Image detail: My Country II by Emily Murray

Launch: 6pm, Friday 17 February

Exhibition: Wednesday 15 February – Saturday 18 March

Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday Free Entry

Wed February 15, 2023 @ 10:00am-4:00pm Asia Pacific Video Exhibition

The Court House

Produced in conjunction with QAGOMA’s flagship exhibition series ‘The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’, this exhibition gives Cairns audiences the opportunity to experience a diversity of video works from the QAGOMA Collection.

A touring exhibition developed by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Exhibition: Wednesday 15 February – Saturday 15 April

Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday Free Entry

Rondo brings an all-women star cast

THE Rondo is kicking off its 2023 season with Girl In Tan Boots, a play about love, loneliness and the struggle to stay visible in a big city.

Directed by Kimberley Greaves, who describes the performance as true crime meets ‘Kath ‘n’ Kim’, the play will have audiences guessing until the very end.

When Hannah goes missing while waiting for a mystery man at a Sydney train station, her friends and family are left to question whether their actions played a part.

Kimberley was drawn to this play because of its all-women cast, and she is excited to bring 10 powerhouse women to the stage to showcase their talent.

The script lures you in with the whimsical comedy of magical realism, but as it unfolds, it leaves you questioning, as women, what or who makes us feel visible.

Starring Rondo favourite Kelly Moran, who plays the detective assigned to Hannah’s case, we also have Rondo legends such as Lillie McNamara and Katherine Turner joining them on

stage and a whole cast of brilliant women.

The chemistry between this cast is something you will not want to miss.

The engaging and high-energy performance of Girl In Tan Boots makes for the perfect girls’ night out, so gather your gals and hit the theatre.

Girl In Tan Boots will run from March 9 until March 18, with evening performances and a Sunday matinee.

Theatre lovers can grab their tickets through the Rondo website or by calling Last Call Ticketing on 0415 822 333.

Show Times: (65 minute run time with no interval)

Thursday, March 9, 7.30pm

Friday, March 10, 7.30pm

Saturday, March 11, 7.30pm

Sunday, March 12, 2pm

Wednesday, March 15, 7.30pm

Thursday, March 16, 7.30pm

Friday, March 17, 7.30pm

Saturday, March 18, 7.

Echo of the Past reflects on Mission’s Beach history

THE Mission Beach Historical Society is delighted to present its 2023 inaugural exhibition ‘Echo of the Past – Historical photographs from Mission Beach, 1890s – 1950s’.

Coinciding with the anniversary of the 1918 cyclone (March 10), a series of historic photographs (portraits, landscapes, social events and work life scenes), a slide show of photos and Djiru cultural objects will provide an insight into the diverse early history of Mission Beach.

Recollections from Djiru heritage to the first pioneers and later settlers, from farming to gatherings and war time invites guests to reflect

on the past, preserve and enhance important memories and events.

The exhibition’s objective is to foster and celebrate a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connections between Djiru and the wider community.

The exhibition will open at the Art, Print, Frame Gallery, Mission Beach (1/12 Stephens St), from March 14 to April 14, 2023, 9am3.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.

For enquiries, please contact the Mission Beach Historical Society on 0448 801 195 or info@mbhs.com.au

Camp site on Bedarra Island, 1930. Courtesy of CC Libraries

Pictured: All women cast of Girl In Tan Boots

FNQ Authors go to Hollywood

THE Power to Rise Above, an anthology by several local and global authors, will be a part of the coveted Hollywood Swag Bags gifted to Oscar Nominees over The Oscars Weekend on March 12.

The Power to Rise Above is the first release by Ozark Press. The anthology is about overcoming bullying, abuse, heartbreak, and trauma.

The project is the dream of positive ageing women’s advocate Sandy Davies with a foreword by Oprah Winfrey’s favourite guest of all time, humanitarian Dr Tererai Trent.

Acclaimed Kuku Yalanji Artist Sheryl J. Burchill collaborated with local designer Sally Weavers to create a stunning cover.

Local writers Sandy Davies, Tahlia Burchill O’Brien, Jasmine Marshall and Lesley van Staveren have bravely shared stories of overcoming bullying, abuse, trauma and family suicide to remind others you are never alone.

In addition to the local authors, women from six First Nations groups, Australia, Nigeria, Micronesia, Jamaica, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Peru, the UK, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Hawaiian Islands, and mainland USA have come together to prove the inner flame never extinguishes.

Dr Tererai Trent said the book would inspire people going through tough times.

“If you are yearning to discover your greatness in this life, this book is for you,” Dr Trent said.

“These brave storytellers have broken the silence by providing us with a template to own our voices.

“When we are brave enough to break the silence, we break it for other women, too.

“These thirty women have interwoven their fingers to form a collective circle to promise you that you are not alone and you, too, can rise,” she said.

The Power to Rise Above has been shared with local nonprofits, women’s legal services, transitional housing, outreach programs and domestic violence shelters across Cairns and Australia, the USA and UK.

Additionally, on the weekend of March 12, The Power to Rise Above will be shared with Oscar nominees as a part of the famed

Hollywood Swag Bags.

The Power to Rise Above’s Editor, Sandy Davies, said it was an honour to have their book at an event of the scale of the Oscars.

“For this story of healing and strength which began in the remote tropics of Australia’s Daintree Rainforest, to be received by some of these Oscar nominees over the Oscar weekend is a dream come true,” Ms Davies said.

“Our vision for this book is to give hope. So how exciting to have a Hollywood name or two amplify our message of hope. Proof that dreams really do come true.”

The stories in the anthology aim to resonate within the reader’s soul long after closing the cover.

Five days after its inclusion in the Hollywood Swag Bag, The Power to Rise Above will celebrate a formal launch on The International Day Against Bullying and Violence on March 17 at the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas.

The venue is a historic jail and has been chosen as a symbolic reminder that we each hold the key to the cell that confines us.

The Power to Rise Above is available from the authors, the website, or all the usual online platforms.

The thirty co-authors ask readers to buy one and donate it to a transitional housing centre, domestic violence centre or antibullying non-profit in their neighbourhood.

For more information about The Power to Rise Above, visit www.thepowertoriseabove.com.au

(L-R) Cover artist Sheryl J Burchill, Cover designer Sally Weavers, Concept Creator and Editor Sandy Davies and Co-author Tahlia Burchill-O’Brien

Photo credit: Corey O’Brien

Get puzzled by . .

as must every 3x3 square.

WORD SEARCH

EASY #121

Puzzle Solutions

Be sure you get accurate information. You will be able to make financial gains. Make amends if you can. You may be tempted to spend too much on entertainment or luxury items.

Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favours from superiors. You can expect insincere gestures of friendliness this week. An older member of the family may need assistance. Be careful when dealing with loved ones.

Get busy on projects that improve your own image; you’ll have the discipline to succeed. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. You can make money if you pursue your own business. You can make moves, but they won’t be settling.

Focus on what’s important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little. Kick your shoes off and relax. You may find a rare antique this week. Opportunities will unfold; however, you must be willing to pay the price.

Air conditioner Alarm

Axle

Brakes Car

Chassis

Crankshaft

Exhaust system

Your boss may be pushy. Love can be yours if you get out and about. A quiet restful day just staying in bed or catching up on reading will be your best bet. Don’t let the erratic behaviour of someone you live with interfere with your professional performance.

Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Don’t overreact if your partner has a poor attitude. Don’t let your partner put you down.

Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to. You will be able to get to the bottom of things this week. Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. Clear expectations make it easy to see how capable you are.

ACROSS

24. making a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear (10)

25. achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties (4)

26. a large hound of a breed with a very keen sense of smell, used in tracking (10)

DOWN

1. an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength (4)

2. used to refer to a thing or things belonging to the speaker and one or more other people previously mentioned or easily identified (4)

3. men who were formerly members of the armed forces (2-10)

4. a medium-paced French dance, popular in the 18th century (7)

Hard work will not go unnoticed. You will need a little competition this week. Gel involved in activities that will stretch your stamina. You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated. Try to keep ahead of the game.

You may find that relationships are not going as well as you’d like. You will be able to dazzle others with your charm and your outgoing nature. Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Confusion can be avoided with sound advice.

Home improvement projects will enhance your residence and bring the family closer together. Someone you live with could be frustrated and upset. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. Opportunities to travel will develop through peers.

Do not be surprised if your partner doesn’t understand your needs. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. You will have to be careful not to let others find out about your intentions. You could entertain or host a multitude of social events.

Property investments, insurance, tax rebates, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. You should check out clubs or groups that have a cause you believe in.

1. a young girl who carries flowers or scatters them in front of the bride at a wedding (6,4)

6. small, mischievous devils or sprites (4)

9. in a rude and unkind manner (10)

10. informal term for information (4)

12. a state that is controlled and protected by another (12)

15. a tidal current running in the direction toward which the wind is blowing (3,4)

16. strongly influencing later developments (7)

17. people who are habitually untidy or careless (7)

19. a member of a senate (7)

20. large toothed whales with distinctive blackand-white markings and a prominent dorsal fin (6,6)

23. a day falling roughly in the middle of each month (4)

5. things which have survived from an earlier period or in a primitive form (7)

7. to try to remember to do something (6,4)

8. a fire-protection device that automatically detects and gives a warning of the presence of smoke (5,5)

11. an independent country or community, especially a democratic republic (12)

13. a knife with a blade that folds into the handle (5,5)

14. having little or no recoil (10)

18. a factory in which logs are sawn into planks or boards by machine (7)

19. a liquid preparation for washing the hair (7)

21. instead (4)

22. having lived or existed for a long time (4)

5 Tips for downsizing your home

IF you’re planning on downsizing, or moving from a big home into a not-so-big home, then these could be tips you really need to consider.

1. Mentally Prepare for a Smaller Living Space

One of the hardest parts of moving into a smaller house is dealing with the loss of space. This differs from person to person, especially if you’ve spent most of your life living in larger homes. We recommend focusing on the positives: smaller homes are easier to keep clean, which means less time and money spent on the house. That means more time and more money for other things.

You may be choosing to live in a smaller space so you can have that great location, closer to family or retiring. If you’re someone who likes to stay active, focus on all the amenities that will be close by, and how convenient it will be.

Did you know fewer belongings can actually make you happier?

It’s true!

Recent studies have shown that when you spend money on experiences instead of things, you’re actually happier.

Basically, we get used to our belongings, and after a short period of time they no longer bring us joy.

But when we’re doing something – vacationing, dining out, going on adventures – we’re forming lasting, positive memories that fuel happiness. Doing things also promotes more social interaction, which is linked to happiness.

Moving into a smaller home is the perfect time to shift your focus on having less and doing more.

2. Purge Your Belongings

We tend to expand our belongings to fit the available space. However, it takes a lot more work to cut down on belongings when that space gets smaller.

• Commit to tidying/decluttering: If you’re going to declutter, you’re going to invest serious time into the process.

• Test the Joy-O-Meter: If it still gives you joy, consider keep-

ing it, if not, this gives you something more concrete to work with, plus it encourages you to interact with all your belongings.

• Don’t tidy by room: Decluttering by category instead of by room. For example, do all clothes before moving onto something else.

• Store things vertically: This is something a lot of home professionals swear by; storing everything from t-shirts to your condiments vertically so everything is visible, easy to grab, and easy to keep organised.

Remember: Decluttering – no matter what method you use – is a big process, so it’s important to start well before your moving date.

3. Check Out Your New Home’s Storage

Another thing that can dictate how many belongings you hold onto is the storage situation in your new home. While now you may have two linen closets, you might only have one when you move.

There are a couple of ways you can approach this conundrum.

First, you can cut back even more on your belongings – but you should only do that if you feel there’s more you could purge. You don’t want to get rid of things you need or love.

Secondly, you can add more storage. For example:

• Under the bed boxes/drawers.

• Hanging baskets and racks.

• Any furniture with built-in storage.

• Wall-mounted shelves.

• The classic storage bin. Multi-purpose things are definitely your friend when moving into a smaller house.

4. Measure Your Furniture

Do not skip this step. Moving into a smaller house generally means smaller rooms with different dimensions. Furniture that worked in your large home may either be too big for the space or not fit at all.

You’ll want to know this before you pack it up and move it over. We recommend measuring the height, width and depth of all the furniture you’re not sure about. Write down those measurements, then, if you can, get the room measurements for your new house.

This will save you a lot of hassle down the road.

5. Pack Like a Pro – or Hire the Pros to Pack for You

Packing can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when you don’t know where to start. Professional movers can be of huge assistance from boxes to packers. Don’t be afraid to find out.

•

NOTICES

Wish

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

Advertising Conditions

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

PRIVACY POLICY

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

If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: Cairns Local News, Suite F03, The Conservatory, 12-14 Lake St, Cairns, Qld 4870

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

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

Advertisement Proofing

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

Advertising Code Clearance

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

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement campaign please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel and existing advertisement please call the office on 07 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline: Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays

Classifieds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

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

ADVERTISE today!

Call Lisa on 07 4031 7678.

Friday February 10th

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

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

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

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

PERSONALS

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend.

Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870

Multicultural lady, Mid-70s, seeks gentleman for friendship. I like travel, dining out, dining in, reading, love nature, and support greenpeace.

Write to: Carpe Diem, C/- Post Office, 5 Owen St, Port Douglas, Qld 4877

Qualified Auto Technician/Mechanic

Full time position available for an experienced, trade qualified person in a small independently owned workshop, located in Cairns. Attractive remuneration package including bonuses for the right person.

Please call Glenn: 0439 342 261 or email: edgehillservo@hotmail.com

Cairns Local News delivers to:

Port Douglas, Mossman, Kuranda, Cairns, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Babinda, Innisfail, Tully, Cardwell and many more inbetween!

Wish

FNQ Markets

Saturday February 11th

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

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

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

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

Mareeba: Mareeba Racecourse, 07:30-12:30

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

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

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

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

WANT to place a Garage Sale notice? Email admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au or call Lisa on 07 4031 7678 to place an ad by 4pm Wednesday.

Sunday February 12th

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

BTFNQ

District Championship Pairs were played over the weekend 4th and 5th January at Atherton and Mossman. On Sunday morning the quarter finals were played at Atherton. N Twinning and L Braggins def S Henson and C Henson; K Deegan and J Walford def E Tiraboschi and W Edwards; B O’Connor and R Gillman def L Whitehead and C Grommet; D Goode and D Lawton def K Foord and M Hooker. Sunday afternoon

Semi Finals: N Twinning and L Braggins along with D Goode and D Lawton came out winners to play each other in the Finals February 18th. District Championship Singles games will be played at Marlin Coast and West Cairns on February 11th and 12th.

MOSSMAN LADIES’

BOWLS

Thursday February 2nd:

Before play, Joanne Dickson received her 70th year badge, well done. Winners: Zina Girgenti, Joan Day and Anne Geddes; R/up: Margaret Cooper, Gloria Geeves and Denise Highland. Raffle winner: Pam Widdows. Any ladies interested in playing in the Pennants, we will look for names soon. Again, check the book for upcoming competitions and put your names down

as it’s a good way to improve your play. We hope to have a Ladies Facebook page in the near future. Ladies, there is free coaching available and we welcome visitors to come on Thursdays. Names in by 12pm and we play at 1pm, bowls attire. For more information contact Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com.au or 0400 954 537. Sunday Social Mixed Bowls: Winners: Mike Sims, Maria Snook and Anne Geddes; R/ups: Col Maxted, Wayne Parks, Peter McGrory and Ted Holmes. Names in by 12pm and play at 1pm, casual attire, all welcome. Contact the Mossman Bowls Club: 4098 1434.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday February 4th: Mossman hosted sections 5-7 (12 teams) for the District Pairs Championships (with Atherton Bowls Club hosting sections 1-4). Each team played 3 games of 15 ends (or 2 hrs 20 mins) with the top 4 qualifying teams into the semi-finals played on Sunday at Atherton Bowls Club. The teams through to the semifinals as follows: Section

5: Des Grummitt, Laurie Whitehead; Section 6: Kevin Foord, Mick Hooker; Section 7: Dave Goode, Don Lawton; and Qualifier: Brian O’Connor,

Ryhs Gillman. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to the Mossman Bowls Club (and the staff) for hosting the event. Sunday February 5th: 24 bowlers for social bowls Sunday morning. No prize money but a great morning of bowls. Thank you to Peter Fairchild for the music playlist. Jackpot Bowls this Saturday. Names in by 12pm with card call at 12.45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Thursday February 1st: A great night with 30 bowlers for social bowls. Great to see several new bowlers enjoying themselves. Congratulations to Peter Worley to win the meat tray. A reminder, the next Social Bowls will be held Thursday February 16th from 5.30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Calendar of events for February and March now posted on the noticeboard. Club Championship book for 2023 is now open and will close at 4pm March 6th. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630

759. Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on website or see our website www.mossmanbowlsclub.com.au.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: D Grambau, B Virtue, L Idiens; R/up: D Parnell, S Vidgen, A Mattsson.

Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Shane, Avril, Keith, Dennis, Rod, Sisca, Joice, Craig.

Wednesday Mixed Bowls: Winners: P Cavanagh, R Lee; R/up: J Jenner, O Morley.

Thursday Mixed Triples: Winners: Kev, Gary, Robbo; R/up: Olga, Jo, Andrea. All bowlers, non-bowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available-free. ph. 40576931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers: Winner: Pauline Bent; R/up: Edna Parkes. Tuesday Afternoon: Winners: T Moulds, R McCallum and J Bent, 23pts; R/ups: Dave Nicholls, S Wilson and Tony McAlary, 15pts and +4

in the second game. Thirsty

Thursday Best Players: Edna Parks, Kevin Lees, John Roid and Yakka. Sunday Morning: Winners: Wayne Vella, Des Kennedy, and Scotty, 24 pts; R/ ups: Patty Pue, Benny Pere and Steve Ford, 21 pts. The Jackpot was not won (-11). Club Championship Season 2023

– Men’s First division 4’s, draw Sheets are on the board with only a two-week window available to play the first round. The District Singles will be played at both West Cairns and Marlin Coast this Saturday. And semi-finals to be played at Marlin Coast on Sunday. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Bowls: Thursday February 2nd Social Bowls:

Winners: Karina Homer and Irene Crampton. Ladies your names must be in by 2.30pm for a 3pm start on Thursday February 9th.

Edge Hill Newsletter: A new newsletter will be produced each month and emailed to all members. Contact the Club and record/check your email address if you have not received your newsletter yet.

Men’s Bowls: District Pairs

Final to be played at Marlin Coast February 18th: Lyle

Braggins and Nick Twining vs Don Lawton and Dave Goode. Nomination sheets for Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours are on the notice board. Get your name down for these Club Championship events. All events will be closing very soon. Tuesday January 31st: No Social Bowls played. Tuesday afternoon bowls will now return to the 1pm start time. Put your name down for a game. Wednesday February 1st Winners: Deb, Joyce and Anne; R/ups: Kay, Annette and Brenton. Saturday Social Bowls played but no winners. Social Bowls: Social Bowls will resume with Tuesday at 1pm and Night bowls at 7pm, Wednesday Night Self Selected Triples at 7pm. Saturday Social Bowls will be played 1pm on Saturday. Check with the Club for other start times or see the new Social Bowls Booking forms online on Edge Hill Club Website and Facebook page. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Welcome back bowlers. Last Thursday: 12 Bowlers challenged the hot weather: Winners: G Spicer & T Moulds. Saturday a small group turned

SPORT

up for Social Bowls. A big thank you to the Volunteers both for the green & indoor functions throughout the year.

Thursday February 9th 1pm: Club Selected 3 Bowl Pairs.

Saturday February 11th 1pm: Social Bowls.

Wednesday February 15th 1pm: Ladies Bowls (Ladies & Men welcome on all bowling days).

Annual General Meeting of Gordonvale Bowls Club Inc on Sunday February 26th at 10am.

BROTHERS EDMONTON

Ladies Section: Thursday

February 16th: Social bowls as usual. Please check Club board for upcoming Championship events.

Men’s Section: Wednesday

February 1st: Winners: Bruce Penny, Quentin Bates, Bill Power; R/ups: Sammy Finocchiaro, Mick Bucklar, Ray Jorgensen. Saturday February 4th:

Winners: Owen Scott, Athol Smith, Quentin Bates.

Coming Events: Saturday

February 11th: Club Presentation luncheon followed by Mixed 3 Bowl Triples, Club select, Skips pick a card, cost $20.00 including lunch and bowls nominations close 11 on the day, please be at club for lunch by 11.45am followed by bowls at 1pm. Dress Club Uniform or whites. Contact the office on 4055 5344 and leave a message. Wednesday February 15th: Men’s Self Select 3 Bowl Triples, cash prizes plus jackpot, visitors welcome.

Nominations close 11.30am for play at 12.30pm contact Don Stewart on 0427 816 894.

WEST CAIRNS TPI

MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

Last Monday only ten players participated in the game of social mixed bowls on the West Cairns green, in very humid conditions. Many of our regular players were unable to attend. Winners: Kay Hellmuth with skip Dave Nicholls. Next week at 1.30pm we will pay again until 4.30pm. As the cards are drawn at 1.15pm, it is important that all players contact selector Rosemary, our selector, if they wish to play by either using the playing sheet

available at the clubhouse or phoning 0409 624 623 before 12pm next Monday. Our Annual General Meeting will be Monday March 6th, and all players should consider becoming part of the new committee. Intentions to do so should be advised to either Rosemary or treasurer Ken as soon as possible. We encourage the players to play friendly social bowls with no aggressive driving as many of our bowlers are advanced in age but still enjoy their afternoon at the club.

INNISFAIL MENS

We had 28 bowlers on the green on Thursday afternoon for social bowls in very hot conditions. Winners: Snow Clark, Sam Pagano and Alan Morrison. Visitors and new members are welcome to join us for a game. Names in by 12.30pm for a 1pm start. No exceptions. No name, no play. To start the new year of Club Singles, we saw the Master and the Apprentice tee off in the A-Grade. The Master Sergio DellaPozza was on fire out drawing Peter Smith in a tight game. Club competition draws are on the notice board and are to be played ASAP. Congratulations to our Wallis Shield teams who are running second after two wins in Babinda. The next round will be played at Innisfail on February 18th. Working bees are still happening on Tuesday morning. Come along and lend a helping hand.

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF

February monthly medal sponsored by Mungalli Dairy Products. Visitor: Marty Ots.

Winners: Mal Armstrong (on countback); R/up: and Wayne Norris, both finishing with a nett score of 68; 3rd: Bruce Hunter; 4th: Don McHardie.

NTP: Bruce Hunter 1/10, Ross Ellen 5/14; and Mal Armstrong 3/12. Five raffle draws: Winners: Warwick Howarth, Geoff Errey won twice, Ash Healy and The Club thanks this time to Gary Soper. Next Sunday will be Dave Hay’s last until his next visit so get along to the Bruce Hunter sponsored day, and Summer of Golf is here this Tuesday, 7am for 7.30am.

Last Man Stands: Cairns’ growing sport

By Brad Sinclair

LAST Man Stands (LMS) is a two-hour, eight-a-side, T-20 cricket game for all abilities.

LMS started in South Africa and now has franchises worldwide. Founded in 2005, over 180,000 cricketers are playing globally.

LMS is played all year round, and in Cairns, Jaime Newfield heads up the franchise that plays out of Walker Park in Edmonton each Sunday.

Newfield said winter is the most popular season for the ever-growing sport.

“Winter has got steady growth; our first season, we started off with seven teams, then 10, and last winter saw 12 teams participate,” he said.

“I’m hoping we can have 16 teams this year, and the goal is to eventually have a Premier League and a second division.”

There are currently 300 players registered in Cairns, and the numbers keep increasing; however, many locals may not know the difference between LMS and T-20 Grade cricket.

“Overs consist of five balls rather than the traditional six; the rules are designed

to ensure the game is fast-paced and exciting,” Newfield said.

“All eight players get to bat; hence the name Last Man Stands.

“The last man batting can only score two, four or six off any ball but may score 12 runs off the last ball of an inning if he clears the rope.”

The Cairns LMS franchise has now been running for two and a half years and has seen challenging times due to COVID; however, it has seen a steady recovery amassing 350 games.

The LMS website stores and displays all team and individual player profiles with their full career history. Every player receives an around-the-world batting, bowling and all-rounder ranking.

Every game is live-scored, and with the introduction of the new broadcast app in 2021, many games are live-streamed.

Regional, national, and global LMS events and tournaments are regular dates in the schedule, allowing teams and players to meet and participate.

This is where the technology and the online world of rankings meet the real world

as those who qualify come together to compete in events such as the NQ Cup in early September, the Australian Championships, Super Series and World Cup.

Even with the popularity of the sport, Newfield said LMS had not been as well received by the Australian cricket authorities.

“Well, put it this way, England Cricket Board invest and promote us, New Zealand Cricket Board do the same, but Cricket Australia isn’t that interested,” he said.

One thing is for certain, Jaime Newfield is incredibly passionate about the concept and will continue to ensure the game in Cairns stays alive.

The magic of LMS is that it is a game for everyone, whether it be the aging cricketer that cannot devote the time to grade cricket any longer or the social guy that wants a bit of fun on a Sunday; one of the many reasons why Newfield loves the game.

When the games in Cairns are wrapped up on a Sunday afternoon, and the last ball has been bowled, Jaime Newfield is the last man standing.

Jaime Newfield

Last Man Stands in action

TAIPANS WIN BIG AT

CQUNIVERSITY Cairns Taipans star

Keanu Pinder has made history, becoming the first NBL player to win the Most Improved Player award twice at the NBL Awards.

In his second season in Cairns, coach Adam Forde was named Coach of the Year after recruiting the youngest team in franchise history to register the secondbest win record.

Rookie Sam Waardenburg accepted his well-deserved Next Generation award as the inaugural winner of the new honour, while DJ Hogg was named to the All-NBL second team alongside Pinder.

To cap off the honours, the club was acknowledged off the court, with Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft being named the Executive of the Year.

The star of the night, Keanu Pinder, averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds across 35 games with the Adelaide 36ers in his first year in the NBL before joining Cairns, where he reunited with his former junior coach and evolved to 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 28 games.

The versatile forward won the Most Improved in 2022 and took another leap this year, improving to 16.9 points and 9.3 rebounds in just 19 games before injury cut his season short, and he was unable to be at the evening to accept his award.

The 27-year-old made league history with this year’s Most Improved award as the first player to win twice and has managed the historic feat back-to-back.

Much of Pinder’s success is due to his longstanding relationship with Adam Forde, who was honoured as the Coach of the Year.

After finishing ninth last year with nine wins, Forde has steered an incredible turnaround to double his win record (1810) while securing a third-placed finish. Despite enlisting the most inexperienced

team on paper, Forde has created an enviable culture and distinctive style of play that has been recognised across the league.

Forde took home the Lindsay Gaze trophy with 64 votes, a clear margin ahead of other nominees Mody Maor, New Zealand Breakers (52 votes) and Chase Buford, Sydney Kings (34 votes).

Sam Waardenburg was also a clear standout for the now-defunct Rookie of the Year nod but rightfully takes out the first Next Generation award for his brilliant NBL debut.

The University of Miami graduate joined the Taipans on a two-year deal last June and averaged 10.8 points, shooting at 53.6 per cent from the field to go with 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his first 25 games as a pro.

Another new addition to the team last year was import DJ Hogg, who has been quietly consistent and impressively efficient for Cairns; not missing a single game throughout the regular season. The 2021 G-League champion made an outstanding case for his NBA ambitions, averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals for an All-NBL Second Team nod alongside Pinder.

The Taipans won every category they were nominated for on the court but were recognised off the court too, as CEO Mark Beecroft was hailed for his contributions with the Executive of the Year award.

Beecroft is the longest-serving CEO in the league, having been involved with the organisation for almost 20 years and in his 14th season at the helm.

During his extensive tenure, he has been responsible for securing landmark naming rights sponsors (Skytrans & CQUniversity) and several successful long-term partnerships, including Cairns Regional Council, Kenfrost Homes and the Reef Hotel Casino.

‘Most Improved’ Keanu Pinder

‘Executive Of The Year’ Mark Beecroft

‘All-NBL Second Team’ DJ Hogg

‘Coach Of The Year’ Adam Forde

‘Next Generation Player’ Sam Waardenburg