Cairns Local News November 11 2022

Reserve resource policy the key

WHEN one of the nation’s major “building blocks” has tripled in price in one year, it’s no wonder cost-of-living pres sures are crippling Australian budgets, but a simple policy could ease the pain, Kennedy MP Bob Katter said.

Mr Katter joined Katter’s Australian Party and Traeger MP Robbie Katter in calling for the return of a reserve resource policy.

Following reports the Fed eral Government was consider ing introducing gas price caps as manufacturers paid up to $35 per gigajoule, Bob Katter said such a move alone would be a “joke”.

“There will be a question to the Minister in Parliament House next week on why we have no reserve resource policy,” Mr Katter said.

“Queensland’s (former) reserve resource policy meant most of the state’s electricity was coming from the world’s biggest power stations and had zero input costs – the coal was free, taken by law, by the government under RRP.

“The vast amount of gas is being exported, so the price cap is a joke. But if you combine that with a reserve resource policy, then it can work.”

Mr Katter said with Aus tralia paying up to $16 a unit for its gas, while countries like the United States paid about

$6 a unit, the nation “could not compete” in manufacturing – a key influence in rising cost-ofliving pressures.

He said Australian budgets were further being hit with the rising price of fuel which had a flow-on effect from the transport of goods to the price Aussies paid at the checkouts.

Mr Katter said the solution was a sovereign fuel guarantee which would include banning oil exports and instead refin ing it domestically, requiring all metropolitan government vehicles to be Australian-made and electric, and manufacturing fuel through waste materials and producing ethanol.

“Brazilians are filling up on $1.27 per litre while we’re pay ing over $2,” he said.

Remembrance Day Service

ON the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, two minutes of silence are observed across the country to mark the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front during the First World War after over four years of brutal warfare.

The moment in 1918 when the hostilities ceased was originally named Armistice Day, becoming a time when allied nations honoured the brave sacrific es made by all who fought and lost their lives during the First World War.

At the end of the Second World War, the Australian

and British governments renamed November 1, Remembrance Day, to mark and remember all who have fallen in times of war.

RSL Sub Branch Cairns is offering a Remembrance Day service today to pay respects in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

The Remembrance Day service will happen at the Cairns Cenotaph from 10.30am to 11.30 am.

Cairns to host Tourism Week in 2023

CAIRNS will be at the epicentre of Queensland tourism when it hosts the tourism industry’s annual premier events – the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums and the Queensland Tourism Awards gala ceremony – in 2023.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this was a big coup for Cairns.

“DestinationQ is Queensland’s leading tourism industry event which was attended by around 900 delegates on the Gold Coast this year,” the Premier said.

“I’m so excited that next year, it will be held in Cairns along with Queensland tourism’s night of nights – the Queensland Tourism Awards – celebrating our remarkable tourism businesses that make our state a destination of choice for travellers.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the tourism industry following the release of the new Towards Tourism 2032 strategy, a new ten-year plan that will help transform the industry and our state in the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

On Friday, November 4, at the DestinationQ Forum on the Gold Coast, Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy confirmed Cairns as the 2023 host.

“As the local member, I’m delighted we’ll be showing the best of Cairns and the Cairns Convention Centre’s expan sion to Queensland’s tourism industry in 2023,” Mr Healy said.

“To have Cairns confirmed as the place to be for the twelfth DestinationQ forum, Destination IQ and the glit tering 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards is a big vote of confidence in our region.

“These three blockbuster events are predicted to generate up to $1 million for the Cairns visitor economy from ac commodation and transport providers, restaurants and cafés to the region’s tourism operators.

“Tourism Week in Cairns is a wonderful opportunity to highlight our growing Indigenous visitor experiences and natural attractions to industry leaders and decision-makers.

“It’s the Far North’s time to shine, and I’m sure this will be an opportunity our community will embrace enthusiasti cally.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) CEO Mark Olsen said it was exciting to host the three prestigious events and very timely as the destination ramps up its inter national tourism recovery.

“This will be an economic boost for Cairns and a great opportunity to showcase the completed Cairns Conven tion Centre and our world-class tourism experiences to the industry and media,” he said.

More than 900 tourism industry representatives attended Destination IQ, DestinationQ and this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards on the Gold Coast.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser stressed the importance of hosting the most significant annual events on Queensland’s tourism industry calendar.

“Hosting Queensland’s Tourism Week in 2023 will allow Cairns to showcase the breadth and depth of the city’s ven ues, products, and experiences,” Mr Fraser said.

“An event of this scale will go a long way to supporting the region’s economy, and the flow-on benefits will be felt by the many retailers, accommodation providers and local experiences.”

Tourism week in Cairns, including Destination IQ, Des tinationQ and the annual Queensland Tourism Awards, is from 22 to November 24, 2023.

Kennedy MP- Bob Katter

It’s that time of the year again - stinger nets are in

AS the weather warms up, so do the beautiful beaches in North Queensland; however, with that comes some not-sopleasant visitors – marine stingers.

Several species of marine stingers are found in the waters of Queensland beaches. These include the ‘box jellyfish’ and the Irukandji, which are classed as dangerous tropical marine stingers.

While marine stingers may be present throughout the entire year in tropical Queensland, the risk associated with these two types of potentially dangerous jellyfish are higher during the ‘marine stinger season’ that typically runs from November through to May.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) advised that from Saturday, November 5, 2022, stinger nets would be opera tional at Cairns beaches, Port Douglas, Bramston Beach, Etty Bay, Mission beaches, Forest Beach, Townsville beaches and Magnetic Island.

During these warmer months, it is particularly important to swim only at a patrolled beach under the guidance and supervision of lifesavers and lifeguards and always to wear a full-body stinger suit when entering the ocean.

The swimming enclosures provide some protection from various marine stingers but not all, especially the Irukandji.

When swimming inside marine stinger enclosures, it is im portant not to play on or around the net as there is potential for exposing yourself to harmful marine stingers that may be around the nets.

SLSQ Regional Manager for North Queensland, Jen Rees, encouraged all beachgoers to be vigilant when enjoying the beach this summer.

“We have enjoyed the ocean throughout the beautiful tropi cal winter in North Queensland, but as summer kicks in with hot weather, tropical rainfall, warmer waters and Northerly onshore winds, we are now entering our marine stinger sea

son,” Ms Rees said.

“It is vital for beachgoers to check the conditions and speak with the lifesavers and lifeguards before entering the water.

“When the red and yellow flags are up, the lifeguards and lifesavers have completed the marine stinger drags and deemed the beach open.

“SLSQ wants to remind all swimmers about the impor tance of wearing full-body stinger suits this season as they are essential to prevent life-threatening marine stings.

“The BeachSafe App is a great way to check which beach es are open during these warmer months. You can easily download the app on your phone and check the conditions before leaving home,” she said.

More information about the app is available at https://beachsafe.org.au/apps

‘Draw to Remember’ to engage FNQ students this Remembrance Day

RSL Queensland has joined forces with local Far North Queensland schools to engage primary school students in a cre ative learning experience while reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day.

Harnessing the power of artistic expression, the newly launched ‘Draw to Remember’ pilot initiative spans across the state – offering Queensland children the chance to learn about the importance of Remembrance Day from local veterans in their area while expressing their learn ings or personal stories through art.

Volunteers from local RSL Queensland Sub Branches will visit participating schools to deliver educational talks to more than 3,500 students to foster an interactive learning environment where students are guided through collective activity.

RSL Queensland Remembrance Day Ambassador, Australian Army veteran and Victoria Cross for Australia recipient Corporal Daniel’ Dan’ Keighran VC said the initiative was a meaningful way to

educate young people on the timeless message of Remembrance Day.

“Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the next generation are engaged in Remembrance Day and equipped with age-appropriate knowledge to aid their understanding of the significance of a day that marks the calendars of mil lions across the nation and beyond,” Mr Keighran said.

“This tangible activity provides an opportunity for children to discover their personal connection to a day that unites Australians together to pause, reflect and honour all veterans who have served, past and present.”

More than 55 schools across Queensland – each nominated by their local RSL Sub Branch – will take part in the pilot program, which RSL Queensland hopes to extend to more schools in the future.

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said ‘Draw to Remember’ formed a key part

of RSL Queensland’s mission to share the importance of commemorations like Remembrance Day.

“We are proud to support schools across the state and provide essential re sources that assist students in connecting with and understanding the significance of Remembrance Day in a new, interac tive and creative way,” MAJGEN Day said.

“Encouraging children to be mindful in their reflection and explore their unique intergenerational connection to past and present serving veterans is crucial to con tinuing the strong, enduring legacy.”

Each school’s chalk mural will offer students a meaningful visual reminder about how Remembrance Day touches the lives of many while also fostering connections within their communities and across generations.

For more information on Remem brance Day and where to attend your local service, visit remembertoremember.com.au.

Lizard

Barrier Reef

FOR the first time, some of Queensland’s most remote reefs around Lizard Island have been surveyed by citizen scientists aboard a fleet of volunteer vessels taking part in the Great Reef Census 3 led by conservation organisation Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Reef Census 3 expeditions at Lizard Island completed reconnaissance surveys of 11 remote reefs from the 15 in the region, marking the start of an es sential partnership between celebrated luxury lodge Lizard Island and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.

Lizard Island offers access to a wide area of the reef and some of the most remote coral outcrops, home to a richly diverse community of coral and marine species.

The 15 reefs around the island include high-priority reefs vital to scientists and reef managers, including the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTs) Control Program.

A flotilla of 10 vessels, including the resort’s resident fleet of luxury launches and dive boats, together with crews onboard sailing yachts, fishing charters and a supery acht, responded to the census callout and took part in the

survey.

Included in the reefs surveyed for the first time during the expedition were MacGillivray Reef, Linnet Reef and Parke Reef, all high-priority reefs for the COTs Control Program.

From early 2023, citizen scientists worldwide can log on to www.greatreefcensus. org to help analyse images taken at Lizard Island and others from the Great Reef Census 3, with a callout planned for thousands of people to take part when the platform is launched.

Lizard Island General Manager Leon Pink said the new partnership with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef resulted from several years of planning and paved the way for ongoing handson citizen science initiatives.

“After years in the plan ning, we’re so pleased to offer visitors to the World Heritage-listed reef from Australia and around the world the opportunity to engage in regenerative, purposeful travel and real conservation action,” Mr Pink said.

“Lizard Island is the only luxury resort located with front-row access to the Great Barrier Reef, so it’s the per

fect place to engage visitors and guests in this remarkable citizen science project.”

Citizens of the Great Bar rier Reef CEO Andy Ridley AO said the partnership was an incredible opportunity to engage those who work on the reef to become ambas sadors for the initiative and encourage visitors to participate.

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Lizard Island, mobilising its flotilla of boats and training staff to help us reach and survey some of the most remote reefs in the far north of the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Ridley said.

“The Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef’s 21st-century approach to conservation is to empower individuals and com munities to take charge and help us reach more reefs and collect more data that will then be ana lysed by reef managers, experts and citizen scientists across the world.”

Results tallied from last year’s Great Reef Census included survey data collected from 315 reefs over the 12-week marine operation. In addition, com munity participation more than doubled from the first Census, with 42,000 survey images collected for analysis by citizen scientists worldwide.

Citizen scientists

survey reefs around

Lizard Island in Great Reef Census 3

Containers for change looks to expand

QUEENSLAND’S popular containers for change program could soon be expanded to include glass wine and spirit bottles to ramp up recycling and put money back into the pockets of Queenslanders and charities while protect ing the environment.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced this week the Queensland Government would soon gauge the community’s views on growing the scheme, which has already seen more than 5.5 billion containers recycled through refund points and $540 million in refunds issued since it was launched in 2018.

“Queenslanders have cashed in on contain ers for change,” the Premier said.

“It’s stopped billions of containers from ending up in our waterways and environment, thrown millions of dollars behind local groups and supported upwards of 800 good jobs at 359 facilities across the state.”

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said before the Palaszczuk Government intro duced containers for change, only 18 per cent

of beverage containers were recovered and recycled.

“Today, that number has grown threefold to 65 per cent,” the Minister said.

“It’s a huge achievement, but there’s still more to do.”

Currently, the containers for change pro gram accepts most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage contain ers between 150ml and 3L.

“Making more containers eligible for refunds makes it easier for people to recycle, particularly in more regional and remote com munities where they mightn’t have a recycling bin,” she said.

“From the perspective of Queensland’s fastgrowing recycling industry, it means beverage containers can be sorted and manufactured into new products quicker.

“We want to make sure that the community backs any decision to expand the scheme to include wine and spirit bottles, so we’ll be going out next month to Queenslanders to get

their feedback.”

Boomerang Alliance’s Toby Hutcheon said the Queensland container refund scheme (CRS) had increased the collection and recycling of beer bottles, so it makes sense to include wine and spirit bottles in the collection scheme.

“Including wine and spirit bottles in the CRS has the support of many other stakehold ers, including the beverage industry, retail association and the recycling industry,” Mr Hutcheon said.

“In the many community forums the Boo merang Alliance conducted on the CRS, the main question everyone asked was; why beer bottles were included and not wine and spirit bottles.

“We are confident that this public consulta tion will confirm overwhelming public support for including wine and spirit bottles on the CRS.”

Geoff Parker, CEO of the Australian Bever ages Council, said as proud product stewards

of container refund schemes, the non-alcoholic drinks industry fully supports the Govern ment’s planned review.

“We know Queenslanders care for the en vironment and want to save even more drinks containers from ending up in landfill by being recycled through the Containers for Change scheme,” Mr Parker said.

Minister Scanlon said in addition to com munity consultation, a discussion paper would also be released for industry to give feedback on.

“Through that process, we’ll be able to de termine not only how Queenslanders want the scheme to be expanded but also when we can roll it out and how it’ll fit in seamlessly with the current program,” Minister Scanlon said.

“We want to see any expansion happen as soon as possible, but there will be a lot of work that’ll need to happen behind the scenes to make it happen.”

Consultation is expected to launch in De cember and run through to February 2023.

Christmas to come early for Cairns families

CHRISTMAS is only 48 days away, yet for up to 1,200 spe cial children and their families, their Christmas party will be held later this month, allow ing them to enjoy a Christmas celebration with presents, entertainment, food, and drink, all free of charge.

Due to the COVID pan demic, the Cairns Special Children’s Christmas Party has been subject to many restric tions for the last two years. However, this is the first year it has been able to go ahead in a relatively unrestricted format similar to the parties held preCOVID.

On Saturday, November 26, children and their fami lies will enjoy the return of the traditional Cairns Special Children’s Christmas Party at the Cairns Convention Centre. Up to 3,600 people, children with special needs and their families or carers, are expected

to attend this year’s event.

“Families of all the invited children that come along to the Parties tell us how much they appreciate and enjoy them, and we are delighted to be able to hold a ‘traditional’ Special Children’s Christmas Party for their children again,” Organiser Annemarie Hodson said.

“Plus, we’ve also introduced some modifications learnt from our experiences during the pandemic.”

Invitations for the 2022 Party have gone out to local schools, hospitals, clinics and support services, including charity and community groups, to be given to special children. The child’s whole family is invited.

Local businesses and volun teers entirely support the Party.

Ms Hodson praised the continued generosity of all the local businesses supporting the Party (many of whom do so yearly). She emphasised that,

although the Party lasts only a few hours, for the children and their families, the memories last forever.

“This year has again been difficult for local businesses, and we are so grateful to have had such amazing support from them, which has allowed us to run the Party again this year,” she said.

“We thank all our supporters for their continuing faith and generosity this year.”

The Special Children’s Christmas Party has run every year since 1993 and since then has invited over 29,000 children and their families to participate and celebrate Christmas. The Party proudly supports Make-A-Wish Aus tralia.

The Party is coming this Saturday, November 26, at the Cairns Convention Centre from 10am to 1pm.

Special children and their families at their Christmas Party in 2019

The Taste of Italy story

BACK in 2002, a new pizza shop was opened in the brand new Clifton Beach Shopping Centre by our friend and chef Roberto, who had moved to this beautiful part of the coun try from Melbourne. By day Roberto worked as a labourer on the shopping centre, and at night he made plans to open his pizza restaurant.

As soon as the dust settled, Roberto’s was opened with an authentic menu that echoed the flavours, smells and atmo sphere of dining in an Italian trattoria.

Many years later Mario and Silvia bought Roberto’s, building on it’s success as the locals favourite place for pizza, adding table service and

a liquor licence so guests can enjoy a glass with their lunch or dinner.

After renaming it ‘A Taste of Italy’, they added even more authentic flavours to the ex isting menu, perfecting dishes featuring fresh local seafood and finding great local produce for excellent Napoli sauce, refreshingly crisp salads and satisfying antipasti dishes.

In 2016, we were delighted to be voted as the best pizza by our locals, for which we say grazie mille! Since then, we’ve been doing what we do best; hand making our doughs and pasta, while ensuring the freshest and tastiest ingredients are used in every single dish.

We’re proud to have a

great team of locals serving locals, and to have employed a number of young people from Clifton Beach and the Cairns area. Everyday we provide service with a smile to all our regulars and visitors, who enjoy an authentic Italian taste experience with high quality food that’s prepared by hand every day using the recipes and techniques handed down over generations.

We invite you to view our menu and order pick-up or arrange delivery for you and all your friends, or to come in and let our friendly team recom mend a selection of specials and favourites that will satisfy every appetite!

Hotline to help iconic Cassowaries

ROAD users in the Cassowary Coast can call a hotline to ac cess help for injured cassowar ies on state-controlled roads.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has installed the Department of En vironment and Science (DES) hotline, 1300 130 372, on static cassowary warning signs in the Mission Beach and Mourilyan areas.

“TMR endorsed feedback from the Cassowary Recovery Team (CRT) that the DES was the best number to call in the event of a sick or injured cas sowary,” TMR Acting Regional Director for North Queensland,

Kylee Petersen, said.

Ongoing dialogue with the CRT has given TMR valuable insight in identifying areas of concern for the conservation of cassowaries.

“My department is commit ted to working with the CRT to minimise road strikes and maintain driver safety in casso wary areas,” Ms Petersen said.

“Every cassowary that is killed on our roads is felt by everyone in the region and road users can follow a few simple rules to help conserve these iconic Australian birds.

“Don’t stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries, don’t

approach cassowaries and chicks, never feed cassowaries, and slowdown in cassowary territory.”

Static cassowary warning signage has been rolled out on state-controlled roads includ ing El Arish – Mission Beach Road, Tully – Mission Beach Road, South – Mission Beach Road and Mourilyan Harbour Road, as an initiative under the Cassowary Conservation Management Plan (CCMP).

The RSPCA remains the recommended agency to report sick and injured wildlife other than cassowaries, crocodiles and marine mammals.

Indigenous-owned Lodge wins gold

FAR north Queensland tropical retreat

Cape York Peninsula Lodge won gold for 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation at the annual 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony held in the Gold Coast on November 4.

The Lodge also earned Silver for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism category in conjunction with its operator, Bamaga Enterprises Lim ited (BEL).

BEL is a First Nations, communityowned organisation that invests profits into scholarships, sponsorships and community infrastructure.

The Lodge is located in the small township of Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) close to Pajinka, Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia.

Amid COVID-related disruptions and restrictions, the Lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021/22, with a 92 per cent increase in visitors and a 54 per cent rise in group bookings.

BEL and the Lodge experienced 20 per cent growth in employment, with 63 per cent Indigenous employment in FY22. Cape York Peninsula Lodge is the only four-star accommodation of its type in the region.

Among more than 1,000 tourism op erators and individuals from around the state, Lodge Manager Harrison Mylrea and BEL Director Jean Williams ac cepted the Gold award.

The 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommoda tion category was highly competitive, with Empire Apartment Hotel awarded Silver and Rydges Gold Coast Airport taking Bronze.

BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi said the organisation offered an array of

cultural experiences in a remote part of the world where Indigenous culture is infused throughout the tourism experi ence.

“At Cape York Peninsula Lodge, guests can learn the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islander communi ties in a moving sunset performance by award-winning dance troupes such as Naygayiw Gigi,” Mr Poipoi said, “This is a unique part of Australia –and the world – where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures live side by side.

“The Naygayiw Gigi performance tells the story of how we came to the NPA and explains some of our history, languages, musical instruments and dances.

“It’s interactive, so our visitors really get involved in the performance, which makes it more memorable,” he said.

The Lodge features 44 serviced suites, conference facilities, restaurant, hire car, pool, garden walks, reception, and guest services.

“We’re so proud to receive both a Gold and Silver award, and it’s well deserved for the hard work and effort of our employees to make sure guests have an enjoyable stay,” Mr Poipoi said.

“Operating in such a remote location can be challenging, so receiving an award like this will not only benefit the Lodge but also play a key role in attracting visitors outside of the peak tourism season to the wider region.”

Operating for 37 years, the Queens land Tourism Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry, including those of individuals, businesses and events.

New $89M national research centre at JCU

JAMES Cook University will host a new Australian Re search Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), aim ing to bring Indigenous and environmental histories to the forefront of land and sea management.

JCU’s distinguished Profes sor, Sean Ulm, will lead the new Centre.

He said the Minister for Ed ucation and Youth of Australia, the Hon. Jason Clare approved funding on November 4 for a new seven-year $89 million research program headquar tered at JCU to investigate Australia’s iconic Indigenous and environmental heritage.

“Australia’s future depends on learning lessons from the past and applying them to problems that confront our modern world,” Professor Ulm said.

“Yet we know surprisingly little about how tens of thou sands of years of Indigenous engagement and management have shaped Australia’s lands and seas.”

Professor Ulm said Austral ia’s Indigenous and environ mental histories are fundamen tal to navigating the challenges confronting the continent over the next century.

“The recent Australian State of the Environment Report paints a grim picture of how climate change, land-clearing, and habitat modification are impacting the Australian envi

ronment,” he said.

“But conventional ap proaches to land and sea management frequently fail to incorporate or value Indig enous histories and knowledg es, leading to poorer outcomes for Country.

“We simply can’t plan for the future without understand ing both the long and shortterm interactions of people, climate, lands, and seas.

“Our Centre will gener ate new approaches to bring Indigenous and environmental histories to the forefront of land and sea management.

“By looking back 1,000 years and forward 100 years, we aim to develop new inte grated approaches to Caring for Country,” Professor Ulm said.

The Centre includes worldleading researchers from across the globe with deep expertise encompassing Indig enous knowledges, Indigenous science, archaeology, history, ecology, palaeoecology, math ematics, modelling, remote sensing, and genomics.

University of Melbourne

Associate Professor MichaelShawn Fletcher said authentic co-designed research with Indigenous partners is at the heart of the Centre.

“A failure in many ap proaches to working on Country in the past has been to impose non-Indigenous research agendas,” Associate Professor Fletcher said.

“The research framework

and program of this new Centre was co-designed with Indigenous Partners, to put genuine partnership arrange ments in place, across the design, management and delivery of the Centre.”

A significant aim of the Centre is to support the growth of Indigenous research capacity through training and mentoring programs, including the creation of a deep pipeline for Indigenous students into research extending from primary school. There are 90 fully-funded PhD and Masters scholarships available in the Centre, with the major ity identified for Indigenous candidates.

The Centre will also deliver a comprehensive Education & Engagement program ranging from school outreach and cur riculum development to major exhibitions with museum partners.

These programs will pro mote a deeper recognition of the central role that Indigenous people and knowledges must play in shaping sustainable futures for all Australians.

CIEHF is funded by a $35 million grant from the ARC, and $54 million from participating Indigenous Partner Organisations, universities, museums and other organisations.

The funds will support at least 40 new research positions and more than 90 new research students over the life of the Centre.

Over $1m in nature refuge grants

MORE than $1 million in grants is now available to help nature refuge owners in Queensland protect the environment and repair severe damage caused by recent natural disasters.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said landholders could now apply for a share of $800,000 as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Nature Refuge Landholder Grants Program for projects like weeding and revegetation, pest animal and plant management or the installation of wildlife-friendly fencing.

At the same time, the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with the Australian Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to make a further $300,000 available to restore their properties after a devastating year of natural disasters.

“Queensland is home to the largest private protected area network in Australia, covering some 4.4 million hectares,” Minister Scanlon said.

“These properties protect a diversity of ecosystems and threatened species, complementing our existing national park system and recently announced a commitment of $262.5 million to expand Queensland’s protected area estate.

“Property owners can apply for grants of between $2,500 and $25,000 to undertake on-ground projects that will protect or improve the natural and cultural values of

their nature refuge.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt said the disaster recovery funding would provide grants of between $2,500 and $10,000 for projects that rehabilitate and restore cyclone, rain and flood-affected environments and improves the property’s resilience for future disaster events.

“Floods, fires and storms devastated Queensland communities, and many of our natural ecosystems and habitats were not immune,” Minster Watt said.

“The funding is available to landholders in select local government areas and includes projects such as re-establishing vegetation in flood-affected areas, surveying and mapping of affected areas to assess impact levels and pest and weed management.”

Minister Scanlon said landholders could apply for both grant rounds provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

“Nature refuge landholders are dedicated to protecting and improving their land and play an important role in supporting the Queensland Government’s commitment to grow and better manage the protected areas in Queensland,” Minister Scanlon said.

Applications for the NRLG6 and Nature Refuge Disaster Recovery grants will be open until 4pm, December 6.

To apply or for more info, head to: https://bit.ly/3DLgqoO

CYPL river facing cabins

Photo Tourism Queensland

4-4.5 Star Accomodation Cape York Peninsula Lodge Jean Williams (right) and Harrison Mylrea (left)

Re-establishment of native rainforest to improve biodiversity on Garriya Nature Refuge. Image courtesy Dept Environment, Land and Water

Trail of adventure through Cairns Libraries

DISCOVER model railways, local history, Country Women’s Association (QWA) crafts, and more in Cairns Libraries throughout November.

All eight Cairns Libraries branches have welcomed lo cal museums and community groups into the libraries, creat ing an exhibition trail through out the region.

While visiting the library, residents can take a trip to a tiny town with the Cairns Model Railway Club, start a family history journey with the Cairns District Family History Society, or discover historical displays of books and objects.

Cairns Libraries are also running a competition as part of the exhibition trail.

Anyone who gets a stamp on their exhibition trail map, avail able from Cairns Libraries, can enter the draw to win a book voucher.

Call in to your local library or check out the entire exhibi tion trail from south to north.

• Babinda Library features QCWA Babinda: Discover friendship, community and connection with the Babinda branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Associa tion. Craft items, publica tions, and memorabilia are on display.

• Gordonvale Library features Gordonvale Set tler’s Museum: Yesterday’s child shares books from grandmother’s era. Are you

familiar with any of the titles on display?

• Edmonton Library fea tures Cairns District Family History Society: Start your family history journey with resources, information, and a colour pedigree chart.

• Earlville Library features the Cairns Model Railway

visual artists.

• Manunda Library features Cairns Historical Society’s ‘1x4 One Object/Four Stories’ exhibition from the Cairns Museum: Discover unique objects from four different perspectives.

• Stratford Library features the Cairns Disaster Centre: Get Ready for storm season with fun activi ties, infor mation and resources from Coun cil’s Disaster Resilience team.

Babinda artist shares equine passion

Club: Take a trip to a tiny town and discover the artistry of model making. Local hobbyists display their intricately detailed scaled model buildings and vehicles.

• City Library features Wearable Arts from Fresh water Christian College: En joy an exciting intersection of art colliding with fashion and costumery. Witness a unique and inspiring collec tion from young emerging

• Smithfield Library features the Cairns Pot ters Club: Enjoy this form, func tion, and fine art collection. Handmade ceramics and pottery from local potters on display. Everyone is welcome at Cairns Libraries to come and browse. Cairns Libraries mem bers can borrow and reserve items, download eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMovies and access e-Resources and online databases and more.

For more details and branch opening hours, visit the Cairns Libraries website: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library.

LOCAL resident and sculptor, John Harding, has been busy landscaping the garden at his new home and that has included the installation of a much loved sculpture, his glittering aluminium horse “Priscilla”.

Created five years ago in Melbourne, Harding’s horse was his first large scale ani mal sculpture. “Priscilla” took two years to build as he was restricted to only working on the project on the weekends.

He had always wanted to sculpt a life-size horse and although there has been inter est from potential buyers, the artist said he is too attached to it, ever to sell.

When John moved to Babinda, Priscilla travelled over 2,600 kms across the

Ageing Parents

What the heck do i do from here?

east coast by trailer to her new home where she now stands proudly on the front lawn for the local community to enjoy.

His main hobby is construct ing WW2 aircraft, so he is quite adept at using steel and aluminium and the tools to pop rivet the pieces together.

Harding has built several planes from scratch including the Messerschmitt Bf 109, and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

He has also been commis sioned to design trophies and wall art for clients such as the CBI Electrical and the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum in Cairns.

Another special commission was a life size baby elephant for his sister. The gorgeous aluminium creation has black obsidian crystal eyes.

His latest creation is an an chor and chain with the chain links fashioned from exhaust tubing.

“I have a fascination with marine stuff, so I decided to build a seven foot anchor in steel plate. It weighs about 60kg but looks heavier,” John said.

“My dream is to build lots of stainless steel animal stat ues around Babinda and help bring tourism to this lovely town,” he said.

Anyone interested in know ing more about John’s work should contact him via email: artworksaustralia@gmail.com

Coral Wilkinson is a nurse with more than 30 years experience in health and aged care, but more importantly she is a daughter whose father had dementia and sufferred several strokes in the last year of his life. Coral helped to support her family to keep her father at home for those last years and knows only too well the daunting journey of a parent needing extra support.

Now author of a new book, about to be released in bookstores, My Parents Are Ageing, What the Heck Do I Do?, Coral will be joining us for two free sessions in order to share practical steps in navigating Australia’s aged-care system, all the way from simple at home support to full time residence in an aged care home. Debunk the myths, access government supported in-home help, and have all your questions about residential aged care answered in one informative session.

Refreshments provided. RSVP to nqadmissions@infin8care.com.au

Far left: John’s latest cre ation, a giant anchor and chain.

Centre: John with the baby elephant he created for his sister.

Above: “Priscilla” enroute from Melbourne to Babinda.

Below: “Priscilla” on the front lawn at Babinda.

By Maria Larkins

VOCAL LOCAL

IT’S about time the govern ment start making the BIG and WEALTHY company’s pay their way. The citizens are being bled dry wile so many companies are tax exempt and making millions WITH our Govt’s approval, NOW we see the CEO of Qantas getting MILLIONS in bonuses be cause he’s helped the company increase their profits, how about this! MAYBE MR CEO could (cough-up) the MIL LIONS that was given to HIS company, when he cried poor during the pandemic?

Noel, Cairns

RE: Ross, Cairns

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

1800 and 1300 numbers un fortunately are a way of life. It’s not always as easy as you think to get direct numbers for not only pollies or other businesses due to privacy. I do understand your frustration I hate them too, like you I pre fer to dial a local number or even a mobile. I hate getting these options to press as well - it annoys me too, unfortu nately it’s the way it’s going these days & it’s only going to get worse.

Ben, Babinda

RE: Carol Cairns

You can understand Councils concern it’s not your perma nent residence. Like all of us who have property we rent out have to pay the price. Suck it up put it on the rental market permanently or sell it. We need rental properties in Cairns give someone a place to live who needs it.

Ben, Babinda

NICE to see Council grabbing money off those who can afford it least - the renters of Cairns - the first thing land lords will do is raise the rent.

Damo,

Brinsmead

Open Letter to Council

I PREFACE this with the general under standing between us that, there is a housing shortage that has lead to increasing property value, and increasing rent costs, and home lessness. Rising interest rates and inflation for borrowers, is just to adding more fuel to that fire. Your region is not exempt, to my knowledge.

Why have you chosen now to raid the money pot? It will only serve to disincen tive housing investment in your region, and that cost will/must be passed on to renters.

As a regional council that relies on the tourist dollar to generate cash flow in the regional economy, I would have thought that any incentive for investors to build or buy property, would be a help in providing more affordable accommodation. Neither, your council or the Qld Gov, are providing it. Providing more long and short term accommodations, should be the priority for your council. Especially after two years of the COVID border lockdowns to interstate and international, students and tourists. Holiday rental accommodation is your bread and butter. Why kill that goose?

Why should an investment dollar in hous ing, from a non-occupier owner, be obliged to pay more rates than anyone else? Your FAQ attachment seems to infer that, my investment unit in Smithfield is somehow

benefiting from some extra council costs or receiving special treatment, for services that an owner occupier doesn’t? Apart from the wads of cash that the council will gain, how will this extra tax, improve anything listed above? I noted absent, any mention of, the reduction in owner occupied rates that will occur as a result of this cash windfall.

My property in Cairns, was purchased over six years ago, and all of the associated costs are being payed for not just by rent.

It is being paid for by my hard work. I am not some rich land-baron! I am a 62YO blue collar worker. I have put every spare dollar that I can muster in, to try to pay it off. It was my investment to create a slim income-stream (after costs), to support us in retirement. My wife has not been able to work, due to illness, for the last eight years.

I will not, and have no intention of, bludg ing on the government when I/we retire. I have been working toward supporting both of us in retirement. That has been my goal for all of my working life. That unit is the only property that I own, apart from my own home. We were both looking forward to moving permanently to Cairns, to see out the rest of our lives. You seem to be trying to put an end to those aspirations.

David, Brisbane

Support local mums and bubs this Christmas

THE Babes Project Cairns has spent three years providing vital support to pregnant women and new mums doing it tough, and now, the not-for-profit is inviting all of Cairns to help.

On Thursday, November 17, The Babes Project Cairns will open its doors at Shop 3, 21-23 Sheridan St, in the Cairns CBD, for a fun evening of community and fund raising. Guests will also enjoy a grazing ta ble, mimosa bar, goodie bags, raffle, silent auction and many more opportunities to support vulnerable local families.

The free Christmas-themed event will hear from The Babes Project founder and CEO Helen Parker OAM, Cairns centre manager Cristy Mock, and Cairns mums who have graduated from the perinatal support program at the centre.

Teen pregnancy rates in Cairns are much higher than national averages – in 2017, Cairns had a rate of 25.9 teen mothers per 1,000 births, ahead of 15.0 Queenslandwide and 11.8 in Greater Brisbane.

One in four teen mums nationally identi

fies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and community agencies have called for more comprehensive support for young mums.

“Negative attitudes around having chil dren at a young age, without a partner, or in a range of challenging situations, often leave women to raise children alone and vulnerable – and that’s a bad outcome for the mother and the baby,” Ms Parker said.

“Isolation and overwhelm for new mothers are problems across Australian communities, and our program graduates are the thriving proof that local, face-toface and independent support really works to get new mums through tough times.”

Since the organisation’s launch in Cairns in 2019, the centre has supported nearly 100 mums, facing incredibly challenging times amidst pandemic uncertainty.

Centre manager Cristy Mock said the services at The Babes Project significantly impact mums’ experiences.

“We’ve seen again and again how holistic and nurturing perinatal care can

transform a woman’s experience of early motherhood,” Ms Mock said.

“And for the past three years, that work has been vital in Cairns, especially as the pandemic created more isolation and anxi ety for mothers in their perinatal period.”

“New mums need support to build confidence and skills for the challenges ahead – it’s been exciting to provide that in Cairns, and now we’re excited to invite the Cairns community in to see our work and support it.”

Centre manager Cristy Mock is an experienced social worker in the region, previously the Cairns State High School chaplain, and continuing to work as a foster care support coordinator.

The organisation is also training local volunteers to deliver its perinatal program and will operate as The Babes Project Cairns.

Register to attend via eventbrite: http://bit.ly/3UKG6cd

Minnie St, Cairns City: Construction of a new footpath from Water St to McLeod St.

Temporary road closures.

Lake St, Cairns City: Culvert renewal at the Spence St intersection. Pedestrian detours.

Endeavour Rd, Clifton Beach: Water main works and bus stop upgrade near Elford St from Monday 14 November.

Temporary bus stop relocation.

Kenny St, Portsmith: Asphalt overlay night works from Wharf St to Dutton St. Temporary lane and road closures.

Manus St, Trinity Beach: Road rehabilitation between Wewak St and Moresby St from Monday 14 November.

The Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch will be conducting a Remembrance Day Cer emony at the Cenotaph starting at 1030hrs 11th November 2022. We would like to invite the Community to attend this Significant Service.

Dave Chalk, RSL Gordonvale

The Babes Project Cairns manager Cristy Mock holding bub Sophie - mum Anita first to be supported by the centre

Gazza’s

IT is a well-known fact that residents of the Douglas Shire are always very keen and proud to take ownership of all things rele vant to the area, including business, events and local government.

To put it another way, locals are more than keen to be self-sufficient and not be dependent on larger towns in the region.

It has been felt for some time that the Douglas Shire needs its own voice, provid ing a platform for discussion, community news and entertainment.

With this in mind, there is no better way to achieve all of this than with the Douglas Shire’s very own radio station, which like this great newspaper, still provides the best and most popular way to get the local message across.

Fortunately, that is about to happen, as after two years of tremendous effort by a lo cally formed committee, a new radio station is about to hit the airwaves on 101.5FM, in the form of Community Radio Station, Douglas FM.

Coverage for the station will include Port Douglas, Mossman, the Daintree and surrounds, with support and funding being supplied by local businesses.

The words ‘community radio station’ may well cause some concern and assump tion that output could possibly be a little amateurish. Rest assured that this will certainly not be the case with Douglas FM, as apart from regular daily team of experi enced jocks, any community members new

to the airwaves will be fully trained prior to broadcasting.

The above-mentioned weekday jocks will include Paul Makin for ‘Brekkie’ from 7AM, Dave ‘Barney’ Barnett for late morn ings and yours truly Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy for ‘Drive’ from 4PM. All three combined have experiences extending well over 100 years.

Although test transmissions have been running for a couple of weeks, the official start date is this coming Monday, Novem ber 14, which will be attended by local MP Warren Entsch and other guests from 9AM.

The studios, which previously belonged to FAB FM, can be found at the Choo Choo’s Train Platform, next to the Marina in Port Douglas. If you are passing through anytime, be sure to give the team a wave through the window, or better still, maybe contact them regarding a radio show idea that you may have for Douglas FM.

The station can be contacted via email at info@douglasfm.au

In the mean time, make sure you are tuned in this coming Monday on 101.5FM and why not follow the station on their Douglas FM Facebook page.

I’d better get off for a sound check, so for now it’s Gazza signing out! Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Gossip

The Douglas FM On-Air Team Back L-R: Dave ‘Barney’ Barnett & Paul Makin. Front: Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

When you go to your local supermarket have you noticed what occupies the bottom shelf?

No, well you are not the only one that never really looks down there as it is the shops’ third cutlery drawer from the average punter’s kitchen, you know, that place where you chuck things that will never probably see the light of day.

Well, the bottom shelves are where supermarkets allocate products that they deem to be future deleted stock. Why am I bringing up such a subject? Because just recently I was feeling a bit peckish and thought of going home to watch a bit of 7Plus with a nice cuppa and bikkies. So this little peanut went shopping for a packet of the ever-popular Arnott’s As sorted Family Favourites! Well bugger me dead, I searched everywhere for these once-staple-Aussie-icons.

Getting all flustered I finally flagged down one of the team members only to be told that these bikkies are being, slowly but surely, removed from stock and the last stage before oblivion is the bottom shelf.

And sure enough, my eyes followed her pointed finger and there on the bottom dust col lecting shelf looking thoroughly neglected, were the once-foundon-every-kitchen-table packets

of the-best-ever crumble-in-yagob-and-all-over-the-floor multi flavoured bikkies.

Not missing a beat, I snatched up a couple of packets and scooted out the door, then some thoughts became realiza tion that this is how all the great products of old become neverseen-again distant history by these giant supermarket chains to make us buy what they want the community to consume.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like feeling that we are sheep being herded in for shear ing, buying what we are guided to purchase, not truly deciding for ourselves anymore.

Now while talking about being brainwashed, let’s travel overseas to that great garbage dump called the USA, and I know this sounds harsh, but come on, this country seems to celebrate the killing of their innocent citizens by gun fire as long as they don’t lose their right to carry arms, even intimi dating voting by men armed to the hilt at favoured polling sta tions of the opposition party.

These men belong to organi zations believing that a certain election was stolen from the orange-faced Oompa Loompa, whom we have come to realize is the fake news king. Yes, anything anyone says, thinks, does or writes, that goes against this orange-faced Oompa

Loompa is fake news, up to and including climate change and the pandemic which killed a million Americans.

Some of his other rants are that Scotland should not build wind farms because he does not want to look at them while playing on his golf course. He believes that all citizens should carry a gun - that way they would feel safe, and that violent gangs like those called The Proud Boys are good healthy law-abiding groups that deem disabled people losers.

Hope y’all think harder next time.

Smiling is living.

Wayne.

Girls empowered by awards

RECIPIENTS of the 2022 En couragement Awards presented by the Zonta Club of Cairns have kick-started their careers in two very different directions.

Georgina Parkes received $2,000 to go towards the cost of her studies at university to become a nurse while Mia Schreiber used her award money to buy tools so she could begin her career as an electrician.

“Moving to Brisbane to study nursing has been a huge adjust ment and a huge adventure!” according to Georgina.

She has been busy attending classes, studying, undertaking hospital placement, and work ing in her part time job.

Georgina said university life provided her with a chance to expand her horizons.

“I am blown away at the sheer abundance of opportuni ties that present themselves through uni life and I have already taken advantage of many such as joining a rowing team, volunteering for charities and expanding my knowledge and passion of rural healthcare through a club excursion to explore the town and medical facilities of Cherbourg.”

Despite her busy schedule she said it was “super reward ing and reassuring knowing I’m setting myself up for an amaz ing career.”

“I’ve been working at Dolphin Electrical for about 10 months now and have enjoyed every day,” she said.

Mia started her appren ticeship in January and has completed a variety of electri cal work including domestic,

commercial and renovations.

“I have attended TAFE and completed two blocks of work successfully. I get to work with an amazing group of people who have dedicated their time to support me with my training and help expand my knowl edge,” she said.

For further information about Zonta and the awards email: zontacairns@gmail.com.

Another 2022 Encourage ment Award recipient, Mia Schreiber, has embarked on a career as an electrician.

Georgina Parkes is enjoying life on campus as a nursing student.

Mia Schreiber is on the way to becoming an electrician.

G’DAY Tropicairnsians,

Cairns’ resident Oompa Loompa

By Maria Larkins

DOUGLAS NEWS

NEW ANICHS BRIDGE READY FOR WET

WORK on the new Anichs Bridge near Mossman has been completed despite a busy sugarcane harvest season and multiple flood events.

The old Anichs Bridge has been replaced with a new crossing that has a 44-tonne load rating, 100-year life and greater flood resilience than the previous bridge.

The new structure is designed to better withstand being flooded and hit with debris, speeding up the ability to re-open the crossing after floods.

The $1.09 million project was cofunded by the Australian Government and Douglas Shire Council under the Bridges Renewal Program.

The crossing also provides access

for tourists visiting Silky Oaks Lodge.

Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said:

“This project is a great example of what the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal investment is all about – upgrading and replacing bridges to connect communities and reduce freight costs for businesses.

“Good infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and produc tivity.

“Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation, and this is a fantastic example of our investment benefitting the Mossman region.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said: “Completing the upgrade to the sugarcane route was an extra sweet achievement for Douglas Shire Council, whose crew worked with local contractors to complete construction and manage disruptions to the cane harvest.

“Council is really proud of our staff who built the new bridge in challeng ing conditions through COVID-19 and contended with three different flood events during construction.

“We also worked with our local growers and the Mossman Mill to minimise disruption and put in a tem porary bypass to allow access through construction.”

Adventure reaches new heights in the Daintree

SWINGING through the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest is back.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr (pic tured) joined Experience Co to officially open Treetops Adventures Cape Tribula tion last month.

Visitors will be able to experience a bird’s eye view of the ancient rainforest as

they swoosh through the green jungle.

The new tourism attraction features 10 ziplines, a 360-degree viewing platform, relaxing tree top walk and interpretative talk.

It’s great to see another amazing experi ence available to travellers and locals lucky enough to call Douglas home.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr geared up for the opening of Treetop Adventures in Cape Tribulation

Daintree Ferry – November 2022 temporary maintenance closure

A REMINDER the Daintree River Ferry will not operate from 10pm Friday 18 November 2022 until 5am Tuesday 22 November 2022.

The vessel’s northern loading ramp will be replaced, and the ferry will resume normal opera tions at 5am Tuesday 22 November.

There will be no vehicle ferry service during this period.

Traffic conditions will be impacted in the lead up to the closure and there will be changes to Coun cil’s garbage collection services. Details are below:

Traffic Conditions

Wednesday 16th November – 10:30am to 11am

Dawson Engineers will be loading the new ramp onto a truck for transport over the river on Wednesday 16 November. It is anticipated, the ramp and a crane will cross the ferry between 10:30am and 11am. No other vehicles, apart from pilot vehicles, will be transported while the ramp and crane are taken across the Daintree River.

Once offloaded, the ramp and crane will be transported to the SES area in Forest Creek Road where it will stay until after 10:00pm Friday 18th November.

The load will be oversize, so traffic control on the northern side of the river will hold back traffic on Cape Tribulation Road, just north of Forest Creek Rd and west of the SES yard on Forest Creek Road while the transport operation is underway.

Vehicles travelling north can expect a delay for up to 20 minutes while the ramp and crane are be ing transported across the river.

Vehicles travelling south can also expect a similar delay of 20 minutes.

Thursday 17th November

No traffic impacts anticipated.

Friday 18th November

Contractors will commence site setup on the northern side of the Daintree River at 10am, from which time dropping off or picking up passengers from river cruises on the northern side of the river

will not be possible.

There will also be no access to the toilets on the northern side from 10am.

Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st November

A passenger vessel will be operating from 6am to 6pm. On the southern side, it will depart from the public pontoon near the crocodile cruise termi nal at the ferry crossing. This will be a free service.

A bus will be based on the northern side, to shuttle people between river and the supervised SES car parking area on Forest Creek Road. Signs will be in place to assist motorists. A security guard will be at the SES shed site for the whole closure period. As with the passenger ferry, the shuttle bus is a free service.

The school bus services transporting students from north of the river will not be operating on Monday 21 November, but will resume Tuesday 22 November.

People wanting to leave a car on the southern side, may park their cars at the crocodile cruise terminal near the vehicle ferry crossing.

Queensland Ambulance will have an ambulance based north of the Daintree River for the duration of the closure.

Tuesday 22 November

No traffic impacts anticipated. The contrac tor will demobilise late Monday, or prior to 5am Tuesday.

Kerbside Garbage Collection

The closure will impact all customers with a kerb side service north of Daintree River.

Cleanaway will service kerbside bins over the river on Tuesday 22 November.

Customers are requested to put their wheelie bins out on the evening of Monday 21 November evening for collection on Tuesday 22 November.

There will be no impact to the Daintree Village service, their bins will be serviced on Monday as normal.

Activities brewing for Seniors Month

DOUGLAS Shire Councillors sat down with local seniors for a cuppa and a chat as part of Sen iors month activities.

The events were a great op portunity for seniors to talk to their elected members over morning tea in a casual setting.

Seniors Month is an opportunity to give back and celebrate our older generation.

Mossman Library also hosted a number of events throughout the month.

The final Council cuppa and chat was held at Heritage Lodge in Diwan.

Douglas Shire Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr

Douglas Shire Council Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon, Cr Peter McKeown and Mayor Michael Kerr with locals at Temptations Cafe in Mossman

Douglas Shire Council library staff at Seniors Month activities

PASSPORT FOR FNQ TO GET PEOPLE TO DO IT IN DOUGLAS

FAR North Queenslanders can Do It In Douglas for free over the next four months with the annual Douglas Card promotion underway.

Douglas Shire Council and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) are teaming up to kickstart the regional push to holiday in the Daintree Rainforest this summer.

Unlimited free Daintree Ferry trips and two free adult tickets to the Mossman Gorge headline the annual promotion,

which also taps into the lure of the pictur esque Great Barrier Reef Drive.

The usual return ferry fee of $45 does not apply to local Douglas cardhold ers until February 29 next year. Local is classed as residents from Cardwell to Cooktown, including the Atherton Table lands.

For more information, please visit the Daintree Ferry website at:

www.daintreeferry.com.au/residents-frequent-users

Annual Report details Council achievements

A STRONGER financial position alongside the delivery of key projects and a high level of service has been revealed in Douglas Shire Council’s latest annual report.

Council has endorsed the 2021/22 Annual Report which details the organisa tion’s progress to meet strategic goals and presents its financial statements.

Council finished the financial year with a $601,800 operating deficit – a significant improvement on the previously budgeted deficit of $2.9 million.

Spear headed by significant road up grades in the northern parts of the region, Council finished 71 capital works projects with $31.4 million committed or spent in the past 12 months.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the annual report provided an overview of Council’s performance and achievement.

“Douglas has stood tall and emerged in a desirable financial position compared to other similar-sized regions,” he said.

“We have experienced a tourism season like no other, with domestic tourists rediscovering our unique pocket of paradise, and Council has continued to provide the high level of service expected by locals and travellers.

“The annual report details Council’s abil ity to be prudent financial managers and

keep delivering for the community.”

Key capital projects included the $1.8 million Killaloe Resource Recovery Centre, the $10 million northern roads package, the Mossman to Cooya Beach Cycleway and stage one of the Smart Water Meter Program.

Port Douglas Carnivale continued to be a roaring success, generating about $5.3 million worth of economic activity, and con tributing to more than 20,000 visitor nights across 10 days in May.

Council also increased efforts to attract investment and support the local busi ness sector through the revamped Do It In Douglas campaign.

Mayor Kerr said Council’s focus was to continue to deliver critical services and support the community through the current challenges facing all governments.

“The tourism bounce back has been tre mendous and we have seen more domestic visitors here than before the pandemic,” he said.

“Though challenges lay ahead, our strong team is dedicated to serving the community and improving how we do business.”

The Queensland Audit Office also issued an unqualified report, which reflects that Council is a well-governed organisation with strong controls in place.

Council wins Risk Award at State Conference

DOUGLAS Shire Council was thrilled to receive the LGMS 2022 Risk Excellence Award for its early flood warning systems.

Council installed new rain gauges, river level sensors and is using new flood model ling to improve its decision-making during severe weather events.

We now have more information about our creeks and rivers than ever before.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon joined Council staff to accept the award at the Lo cal Government Association of Queensland conference in Cairns last month.

Remember to be prepared and stay con nected at Douglas Dashboard https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/

LOCAL SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL AWARD

MIALLO State School students were recognised for their contribution towards biodiversity research after adding 295 new species to a citizen science project.

The Great Aussie BioQuest is a citizen science competition where participants use their mobile phones to upload photos of insects, birds, spiders, reptiles, fungi - basi cally any wild plant or animal they can find.

The school helped Douglas Shire beat more than 500 council areas across the country in the ‘Great Aussie BioQuest in August this year.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon present ed students with the Community Engage ment Award to the teachers and students of Miallo State School.

The Douglas Card is now available for people living in FNQ areas

Miallo State School students were recognised

MOSSMAN RSL REVAMPS WAR MUSEUM BEFORE REMEMBRANCE DAY

A LOCAL war museum has received a makeover and is ready to welcome new visitors.

The team at Mossman RSL added handcrafted boats and planes among other pieces of war memorabilia in the past few months.

Mossman RSL Secretary Wally Gray now reckons the place is ready to welcome visi tors and school groups.

“We have some really interesting pieces on display, the war ships are hand crafted from scratch, we have old newspaper clip pings, ex-military firearms, a medal display board and much more,” he said.

“Most memorabilia was donated by our local community over the years. For exam ple, the big poppy field was donated by Port Douglas Country Women’s Associa tion, we have a mosaic made from images of cenotaphs from Australia and New Zealand which was donated by Mossman Bowls Club, and the artwork outside was painted by students at the Mossman State High School.”

“A lot of spirit and hard work has gone into creating this museum and we would really like to share it with the community.”

The museum, which has been collecting the memorabilia since 1918, also has a library where members can borrow books, or the public can read them on site.

If anyone would like to visit, please give Wally a call on 0448 686 415 for a tour. It is located at the Mossman RSL Sub-branch at 28 Johnston Rd.

The museum opens on request, ahead of the 102nd observance of Remembrance Day outside Council’s Mossman Adminis tration Building on Front Street.

Douglas Shire Council and Mossman RSL invite the public to attend and lay a wreath from 10.30am on Thursday 11 No vember. Light morning tea to follow.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, said it was an important day to pause and reflect.

“Douglas had more than 220 local sol diers enlisted in World War One, including the 41 who died on the battlefield, so it is

Locals Supporting Locals This Christmas

How To Donate:

An online donation portal is available for people to donate money to the appeal, with donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

• Donate at https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/douglasxmas2022

• Douglas Shire Council will have collection points around the shire and will be seek ing unopened children’s presents and toys for kids of all ages, as well as food and adult luxury items.

important to remember the sacrifice they made so we could live freely in this beauti ful part of the world,” he said.

“I would like to invite everyone down to the Remembrance Day service to unite in solemn respect and remembrance for those who served and died.”

Remembrance Day is the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I. People around the world observe one minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because the Armistice came into effect then.

•

•

•

• Thursday

Pool, 9am

Mossman RSL Secretary Wally Gray looking at a handcrafted boat at the Mossman RSL museum

THE 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is now raising money to go directly towards food hampers that will be provided for eligible residents of the Douglas Shire.

Blending Modern Indigenous art with Tradition

By Ellie Fink

A FIRST Nation’s artist from Kuranda with a passion for showcasing her culture through paint will be opening her solo exhibition on December 2 at the Bailey Crystalbrook Hotel.

Connie Rovina has been ex hibiting her artwork worldwide since 1988 but this exhibition holds a special place in her heart.

“This exhibition is particu larly special as I connect spirits and build bridges between old, new and differing cultures in a respectful way,” she said.

“My work combines

traditional story with mod ern Aboriginal art and fresh vibrant colour, dissimilar to Central Australian Desert dot paintings, the Northern Terri tory Raark and Cross-hatched paintings, or Desert wildflower country paintings.”

Ms Rovina’s clan ties are the KukuThaypan of Musgrave Station, Cape York Far North Queensland, Widi of Nebo, and Birriah, Central Queensland and the direct connections she has to her family and elders, Grandfather Tommy George and Uncle Peter Costello, also

inspire her artwork.

She paints distinctly Queens land bushland themed pieces that tell of a spiritual connec tion of the people and their connections to the land.

The official opening of the exhibition will be on December 2, from 5.15pm with traditional dancers, entertainment and an auction to follow.

Anyone who wishes to attend is to RSVP to Connie by calling 0438 180 198 or emailing: connierovina@gmail.com

Guide

FRIDAY

Kim Settle and John Comrie - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4:00pm

Christina Ukulele - Bailey by Crystalbrook, 5:00pm

Wind and Wood - Ten06, 5:30pm

Janna Mercedes - The Crown Hotel Cairns, 6:00pm

Eddie Skiba - Barron River Hotel, 6:00pm

Carinda Christie - Bingle Bay Café, 6:00pm

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

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - The Benson Hotel, 6:30pm

Fingerprint Trio - Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm

Sit Ubu Sit, Wasabi Barbie, Heffalump - Elixir Music Bar, 7:00pm

Mississippi Shakedown - The Hambledon Hotel, 7:30pm

Late Notice - The Parkview Hotel, 7:30pm

Whodafunkit - Tanks Arts Centre, 7:30pm

Tash York and Dolly Diamond - Clink Theatre, 7:30pm

Bobby Maguire - Centrals Trinity Sporting Club, 8:30pm

Funhouse - Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

Rotary’s movie night fundraiser

THE Combined Rotary Clubs of Cairns are holding a movie night on December 7, 2022, to raise funds for Polio eradication.

The clubs organise a fundraising event each year to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation. Profits from ticket sales on the evening will be used to Help End Polio.

This year’s movie is The Lost King, a British comedydrama film directed by Stephen Frears and written by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope. It is a fictionalisation of the story of Philippa Langley,

the woman who initiated the search to find King Richard III’s remains in a car park in Leicester.

The movie will be held at Cairns Central Cinemas on December 7 at 6.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased online at: http://bit.ly/3DSeefn The entirety of the profits will go to the Rotary Founda tion.

The Rotary Foundation was established over 100 years ago and is the charity of choice for Rotarians.

Funds raised by the Rotary Foundation are used to fund

projects locally and world wide to help:

• End Polio

• Promote peace

• Fight disease

• Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene

• Saving mothers and children

• Supporting education

• Growing local economies Protecting the environment

• Disaster Response.

For more information on getting involved with Rotary or joining a club, contact: Rita Zappulla at 0409634445.

Remembering 2/26 Battalion

By Maria Larkins

THE daughters of two POWs from the 2/26 Battalion never heard their fathers talk about the war but found there were others willing to share their stories as they got older.

When Lyn Anderson and Lyn Wright started to hear men reminisce about their experiences at memorial services at Pinnaroo and 2/26 Battalion lunches, they de cided to record those stories in a book.

“The Men of the 2/26 Bat talion – their stories will not be forgotten” has just been released and tells the tales of “ordinary men who survived in extraordinary times”.

Cairns and surrounding districts provided a large con tingent of men for the 2/26 Battalion. There were over 80 men who enlisted in the AIF in Cairns. Some of the Cairns and district locals also joined elsewhere such as Townsville and Brisbane.

From December 1941 they fought a continuous battle down the Malay Peninsula to Singapore until they were captured by the Japanese on the February 15, 1942. When the POW survivors returned home, they were told not to talk about their experience as no one would believe them. Some of the characters featured in the book include

Ernie had a way of calming down the guards when situations looked like they could escalate. He defused many potential ugly incidents.

There is also the story of Indigenous soldier, Maitland Madge MM from Cooktown, who won the Military Medal in World War 1. He joined

and

The 900 plus page book is available from the authors for a special introductory offer of $105 including postage. Con tact Lyn Anderson on 0401 976 621 or email at roadley@ optusnet.com.au

Anyone interested in know ing more about the military history of the 2/26 Battalion should read “The Battalion Story – 2/26 Infantry Bat talion” by Col. Ron Magarry MC JP PHF.

Glacier Rock - Yorkeys Knob Boat Club, 3:00pm

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

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - O’Donnells Café Bar Palm Cove, 6:00pm

Infinity Duo - Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm

Music Bingo - Macalister’s Brewing Smithfield, 7:00pm

JC and the Tree & Tessa Devine - Elixir Music Bar, 7:00pm

Tash York and Dolly Diamond - Clink Theatre, 7:30pm

Cinnamon Sun, Jelly Oshen, Sanchez - Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

SATURDAY SUNDAY

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

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - Sea Temple Palm Cove, 3:00pm

Eddie Skiba - Palm Cove Tavern, 3:00pm

Russell Harris - Yorkeys Knob Boat Club, 3:00pm

Shannon Hunter - Sauce Brewing Co, 3:30pm

Wind and Wood - O’Sheas, 4:00pm

Cairns Blues Explosion - Elixir Music Bar, 4:00pm

Sanchez - Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Regurgitator - Edge Hill Tavern, 8:00pm

Kuranda artist Connie Rovina will be showcasing her first solo exhibition at the Bailey’s Crystalbrook next month and is inviting the community to come along.

Lyn Anderson (left) and Lyn Wright with their tribute to the men of the 2/26 Infantry Battalion.

Lieutenant Ernie Coleman. Coleman, a Cairns local and Commander of C Com pany, 15 Platoon, puzzled the Japanese guards when he started wearing a pair of sunglasses which he had found. Sunglasses were un common in those days, and it gave the wearer an enigmatic appearance.

served in 2/26 Battalion, D Company, 16 Platoon, in WW2 but sadly passed away in Singapore just a little over a year before the Japanese surrender.

Friday 11th Max 31o Min 21o Tide Times 0402 0.99 1126 2.31

Tide Times 0347 0.83 1045 2.45 1650 1.63 2045 1.76

Saturday 12th Max 32o Min 21o Tide Times 0403 1.14 1241 2.18

Sunday 13th Max 33o Min 21o Tide Times 0153 1.23 1525 2.22

Monday 14th Max 33o Min 22o Tide Times 0124 1.26 1614 2.30

Tuesday 15th Max 33o Min 23o Tide Times 0040 1.25 0525 1.58 0951 1.44 1650 2.38

Wednesday 16th Max 33o Min 25o Tide Times 0000 1.19 0537 1.74 1044 1.36 1720 2.46

Thursday 17th Max 36o Min 25o

accept irrevocable results. Don’t be too critical. You must follow your desires and dreams. Overindulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting. Weekly Horoscopes

Evasion is likely if you aren’t direct about your feelings. Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. Acknowledge your lover’s needs. You may find yourself amid a pretty good deal.

Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead. You need to take a good look at all sides of an issue before deciding. If you’re single, get out and you’ll meet someone new. Your anger may be impossible to contain.

Be cautious while traveling. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension. You are better off visiting friends or relatives than entertaining at home. You need to concentrate on your business ventures this week.

You will reap the benefits if you put money into upgrading your residence. You’re ready to take action and take over. You may find that someone you live with is not too happy, but you can’t really do anything about that right now. Don’t reveal any personal details.

You will meet new romantic partners if you get involved in seminars or travel. You can expect opposition from family andcolleagues. You may find that others do not do things the way you want; however, if the job gets done, let it pass. Abrupt action will cause difficulties with relatives.

Don’t expect anyone else to pay your bills for you. Your personal situation is fluctuating. Look into physical activities that will help get rid of some of that tension you may be feeling. If you can’t trust someone, question the connection.

Don’t start any arguments unless you’re prepared to Aries Mar 21 to Apr 20 Gemini May 21 to Jun 21 Taurus Apr 21 to May 20 Scorpio Oct 23 to Nov 21 Sagittarius Nov 22 to Dec 20 Libra Sep 23 to Oct 22 Capricorn Dec 21 to Jan 19 Aquarius Jan 20 to Feb 18 Pisces Feb 19 to Mar 20

Try not to jump to conclusions. Expect some flak. Children may be difficult to handle. You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments.

You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes. Your mate may be distressed if you refuse to make a commitment. Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. Don’t be angry but be on your guard.

Do not react too harshly when dealing with partners. You may have problems with children. You’re undergoing changes. You won’t be admired at home if you haven’t been taking care of your share of the work. You may find that your boss is not delighted with your work lately.

There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it. Do not let them blow situations out of proportion. Disputes may start because of a lack of honesty. Don’t be too eager to spend what’s left over; more unexpected expenses are evident.

ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is regarded as insincere or excessive (6)

a male celebrity who is known for his good looks (10)

let fall or be so wet as to shed small drops of liquid (4)

a condition in which a person has an extra chromo some (5,8)

DOWN

a coastal region with a sub tropical climate and vegetation (7)

2. an image or video that is circulated rapidly and widely on the internet (5) 3. a person employed to oper ate a lift (7)

4. a military force of the UK who are not professional soldiers (11,4)

5. preoccupy or fill the mind of someone con tinually and to a troubling extent (6) 6. not even or balanced in shape or arrange ment (9)

7. an area at the side of a track where racing cars are serviced and refuelled (3,4) 13. a tapering metal screw with a sharp point (9)

15. a fixed regular sum paid as a salary or as expenses to a clergyman, teacher, or public official (7)

17. an unopened flower of a rose (7)

18. the level of the lower edge of a garment such as a skirt, dress, or coat (7)

19. without charge; free (6) 22. sound, especially when recorded, transmit ted, or reproduced (5)

The sweet town of Tully

By Maria Larkins

THE CAPTION beneath the image read “This town of Tully, only five years old, grew from sugar, and exists upon it”.

Prior to its construction as the township of Tully, the settlement on the site was known as Banyan. The shanty town consisted of a general store selling fruit, tobacco and other goods; a newsagent; and a boarding house.

When it was decided to build a sugar mill and town at Banyan, Mick and Pat Mullins from Innisfail were quick to establish a hotel there to quench the thirst of construction workers. The simple corrugated iron estab lishment was known at the first Hotel Tully. The Mullins brothers had previously run the Commonwealth Hotel and the Exchange Hotel

in Innisfail.

A second Hotel Tully would be built in the “new town”. It was designed by architect, Joseph Rooney, and built in 1926 for £22,000. The builder was J. J. Riley. On January 19, 1926, the “Brisbane Daily Mail” published a sketch of the hotel and described the new rein forced concrete building as “commodious”.

There would be three parlours, a coffee room, dining room with associated kitchen fa cilities, a bar, store, spirit room, office, lounge, and two shops on the ground floor. Upstairs there were planned a further two parlours, 32 bedrooms and wide balconies across the front and side. A separate building provided 8 bathrooms and lavatories. Additional facilities

included sample rooms, a garage and stables.

While the second Hotel Tully was still under construction it was announced that Mr. Cyramus of Cardwell had also been granted a license and planned to erect a hotel next to the Mullins’ hotel.

In addition to two hotels providing accom modation and refreshments, the new town ship would also be well catered for in terms of entertainment. It was reported that Feldt’s Pictures had expanded their hall, installed a modern stage and improved ventilation. There was also a new picture theatre being erected for Mr. Van de Leur which was expected to open within months.

At the opening of the Mullins Bros. hotel on

July 28, 1926, the Police Magistrate of Ingham, Mr. J. A. Murray commented that “everything seems big in this locality – big mountains, big areas, a big mill, and big hearted men”.

The “Townsville Daily Bulletin” reported that the opening celebration was a most amus ing affair with the architect, J. G. Rooney, and J. A. Murray providing guests with boisterous singing performances.

Music was to be a feature of the new hotel’s amenities for guests with a “powerful wireless set” and loudspeaker having been installed to transmit the best musical talent from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Sources: TROVE, State Library of Queensland (SLQ).

The second Hotel Tully, ca. 1927, courtesy SLQ.

“This town of Tully, only five years old ...” C. 1930, courtesy SLQ.

The first Hotel Tully, ca. 1925, courtesy SLQ.

RACQ-LED research has revealed the cheapest familysized vehicles to own and run in 2022 with the Subaru Out back being named the best in the large SUV category.

Principal Technical Re searcher Andrew Kirk said the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) to suit a smaller family was the MG ZS EV.

“We calculated the running costs of 86 vehicles currently on the Australian market to find the cheapest cars to own and operate,” Mr Kirk said.

“We considered vehicle costs including fuel, registra tion, insurance, tyres, service fees and the purchase price fully financed over a five-year loan.

“The cheapest large SUV was the MY23 Subaru Out back 2.5 AWD costing $1,318 per month.

“The most cost-effective EV was a small SUV, the MG ZS EV, which came in at $1,060 per month. For more adventurous families, the most affordable 4X4 Ute

was the GWM Cannon 2.0 T/ dsl dual cab with a monthly expense of $1,263.

“With cost-of-living pres sures challenging many of us right now, saving wherever you can is important and we want to make sure Australians are informed when buying a new car,”he said.

Mr Kirk said the research, done in partnership with interstate motoring clubs RACV and RAC (WA), revealed a huge spike in fuel costs from the previous year.

“One of the biggest increases to operating costs was fuel prices, which spiked this year due to international factors such as the war in Ukraine, he said.

“To fuel a Subaru Outback last year would have cost you around $120 per month. This year you’ll pay $174 per month.

“Running a vehicle is expensive but if you do your research, you can save tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.”

GEMSTONES

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Pretty Christian lady seeks bible living gent, any race 42-60, to live in the Cape area to help preserve culture.

No-text, please phone 0447 178 329

Friday November 11th

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

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

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

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

Saturday November 12th

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday November 13th

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

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

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

Christmas Craft Market: Cairns Showgrounds, 08:00-14:00

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

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

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

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

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

MOSSMAN LADIES’ BOWLS

November 3rd: Winners: Maree Crees, Jan Stokes, Trish Arnold and Pam Widdows; R/ up: Joanne Dickson, Honey C, Carmen Bolton and Christy Colley. Raffle winner was Gloria Geeves. Welcome to Jan S. Reminder about our Club AGM and the Ladies AGM held on the Sunday, November 23rd. Please vote, so your opinion can be counted. For Thursday bowls, names in by noon and we play at 1:00pm, bowls attire. Any ladies wanting to learn to play bowls, there is free coaching available. For more informa tion contact Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com.au or 0400 954 537. Sunday Mixed Social: Winners: Jim McNeil, Peter McGory, Honey C and Richard Anderson; R/up: Ian Bailey, Mary McGory and Anita McCoist. Carol and Jim McNeil were farewelled as they may not be back into Aus tralia for a while. They learnt to play bowls here at Mossman and wish they could continue on with it. Sunday, names in by noon and play at 1:00pm. All visitors welcomed, casual attire. For more information contact: Mossman Bowls Club: 4098 1434.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers: Winner: Terry Ingledew; R/up: Mal Taylor. Tuesday Comp: no games due to the Melbourne Cup celebrations. Thirsty

Thursday: the best players: Gabby, Chris Auger and Annie. Sunday Morning: Winners: Scotty Carolan, T Mawer and A Radford on 22pts; R/up: Mal Gordon, Des Lazarus and J Duffield on 20pts. Jackpot was won by The Phantom’s team on +2 ($360). Club Champion ship: No games played. McFar lane Shield: To all the bowlers who have made themselves available the club would like to thank you for nominating. The WCBC Bowls Selectors/Com mittee will now go through the process of selecting the 8 strongest teams from those available to play on Saturday November 19th against Moss man at our home grounds. Next round of Club Championship games: skips to check and or ganise the next games. Ensure that Helen knows of any games to be played over the coming weeks. Happy bowling and see you on the green. Social bowlers are always welcome, contact the club and ask what times are available.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Social Bowls: Thurs day November 3rd: Winners: Deb DallAlba, Steve, Margaret Wardrop; R/up: Joyce Ault, Lorraine King and Tricia De Ron. Social bowls for Thurs day November 10th names in by 2:30pm for 3:00pm start.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: Tuesday November 1st: no bowls due to Melbourne Cup. Wednesday November 2nd: washed out. Saturday 5th November: Social Bowls winners: Gary Pomroy and Bruce Moseley; R/ups: Lou Pomroy and Tricia De Ron. Mixed Pairs Semi Final: Jill Alexander-Sachse and Steve Henson def Lou Pomroy and Bruce Moseley 19-17. Men’s Consistency Singles also have Wayne Hunter vs Steve Brag ger; with the winner to play Brian Pattison. Edge Hill team travelled to Tweed Heads Club this week to compete for the State Division 0ne Pennant on November 5-6 between the eight zones around Queens land. The Team had mixed success with a Round 1 loss 54 -62 to Pine Rivers. A Round 2

win 65-42 to Bargara. A Round 3 loss 56-60 to Nth Toowoom ba. A strong effort by our boys. Well Done.

Notice to our members and Volunteers: We are looking for a Bare Foot bowls Coordinator to ensure we have volunteers available to support Social Bowls each Friday and Satur day until Christmas. Contact the Club to nominate or volunteer if you can assist. We also have our ongoing ARC Disability group members participate in Tuesday morning bowls activity. Volunteers are needed to offer assistance be tween 9:15am to 11am. Peace

Lutheran College also have students booked for Tuesday November 8th between 1pm to 2pm with a final session on November 14th between 11am and 12:15pm. Please assist any days that you can during these school visits.

Social Bowls will change time this week with Tuesday (3pm and 7pm), Wednesday night Self Selected Triples at 7pm. Saturday Social Bowls will still be played at 1pm from November 5th. Check with the Club for start times or see the new Social Bowls Booking forms online on Edge Hill Club Website and Facebook page as some green fees and start times have changed. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Sunday November 6: Win ner: R Hill, N Gray; R/up: L Stefferson, S Soda, S Steffer son; 3rd: R Savage, S Tira boschi, C De Zen, B Fitzaptric; 4th: J Smith, H Price, L Plow man. Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6pm. Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. Please note AGM is Saturday November 19th 10am sharp. For information and nominations ph 4092 5288. Wednesdays: Club selected games 2x 12 ends 12:30 for 1pm. Good bowling everyone.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s

Triples: No Results. Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Steve, Kerry, Chris, Rod, Brian, Den nis, Esther. Wednesday Mixed Bowls: Winner: D Gibson, P Anderson, E Herwig; R/ up: Glenn, A Ashton, Shane.

Thursday Men’s Triples: Winner: B O’Shea, E Blythe, C Flanagan; R/up; Peter A, J Smith, B & G Andreatta.

Saturday Afternoon Walking Pairs: Winners of Winners: No Results; Winners of Losers: S Vidgen, P Cavanagh. Club Championships: Ladies Tri ples: J Jenner, C Scott, L Mikic def C Thompson, B Andreatta, B Drewitt, 21-19. All bowl ers, non-bowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available for free, ph 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia. Marlin coast Sponsored day November 13th.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Thursday 3 November: A great turnout with 18 Bowl ers for Social Bowls. And congratulations to Bill Smith to win the meat tray. Saturday 5 November: 28 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls. Bill Smith, Daryl Hoskins, Joe Girgenti def Col Widdows, Steve Cue, Steve Hudson 22-19; Malachy McTaggart, Dick Pitt, Bernie Savage def David Blain, Peter Fairchild, Peter Gorsuch 23-15; John Cochrane, Bill Allison def Eric Smith, Jock Constantine 32-16; Charlie Toohey, Ted Holmes, Alistair Douglas def Bruce Lester, Richard Anderson, Dave Egan 30-13; and the winners for the day, Peter Busch, Wayne Parkes, Nev Fletcher def Terry Richards, Nev Tesch, Peter Worley 39-7. Jackpot Bowls this Saturday, names in by 12 noon with card call at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. A reminder, the next Social Bowls will be held Thursday November 17th from 5:30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. Cost

includes a sausage sizzle after the game (8.00pm) and the chance to win a $50.00 meat tray from Mossman Butchers. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thurs day of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Sheet on the noticeboard for those members that wish to nominate for the McFarlane Shield to be played at West Cairns on Saturday November 19th. The day will comprise 2 games of 3 bowl triples with each game being 12 ends or 1hr 45mins.

A reminder, no Jackpot Bowls on Saturday November 19th. The bi-monthly men’s event calendar for November and December is posted on the noticeboard.

Anyone interested in play ing 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 Facebook.

INNISFAIL MENS BOWLS CLUB

Thursday afternoon social bowls saw President Alf Strano’s team declared winners by one shot.

New members and visitors are most welcome. Names in by 12:30pm for a 1:15pm start.

In a game of Club Mixed Pairs Peter Smith and Joan Atkinson def Eileen Hamman and War ren Sinclair. There is still more Mixed Pairs and Consistency Singles to be played ASAP.

WEST CAIRNS LADIES

Wednesday November 9th social bowls, as usual if you wish a game of bowls under cover, give Marg a call on 0411 503 882 names in by 10:45am game starts 11:30am finish about 3:00pm this is also open to men. As the kitchen isn’t open you can BYO lunch. All the best to Liz on her recovery after her operation looking forward to seeing you back bowling. Good Bowling to All.

WEST CAIRNS TPI

MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

After the game had to be

cancelled last Monday due to the humid and muggy conditions, the weatherman changed our playing conditions to make the afternoon windy and much cooler last Monday which was appreciated by the ten bowlers on the green. The winning team was led by Ken Broughton supported by John Frisch and Michael Ireland. Next Monday we will meet again for the calling of the cards at 1:15pm in preparation for the 1:30pm start. Play will continue until 4:30pm, with an afternoon tea break provided about 3:00pm and concludes with a random draw deciding the winning team. Any regis tered lawn bowler wanting to join our club can contact Rose mary, our selector, on 0409 624 623 and provide details of their parent bowls club, a mobile phone contact and the playing position usually played. We welcome both gentlemen and lady bowlers from any location including overseas clubs. We do not play aggressive bowls but rely on a friendly game that all players enjoy. Names can also be recorded on a sheet available at West Cairns Bowls Club in Gatton St located out side the bowls storage room. We look forward to meeting any new bowler next Monday.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Wednesday November 2nd: Club Selected Triples/Pairs: Winners: Deryck Harrigan, Lorraine Cummings, Hardy Wallace; R/up: Bob Pitson, Pauline Brown. Thursday November 3rd: Self-Selected Jackpot Pairs: Names in by Monday if possible, 12:30pm for 1pm. Afternoon tea sup plied. Sunday November 6th: Club Selected Games sponsor ship from recycling bottles and cans at the bar. Winners were the 35 players who turned up for a free game of bowls and a BBQ. Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6pm. Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. Please note AGM is Saturday November 19th 10am sharp. Good bowl ing everyone. For information and nominations ph 4092 5288.

ATHERTON GOLF CLUB

Wednesday November 2nd: Carrington Hotel Medley

Stroke: Winner: Arran Smith with 67 nett; R/up: Ernest Bing ham with 69 nett; 3rd: Haydn Flynn with 71 nett. Thursday November 3rd: Ladies played a Stableford Competition: Win ner: Dee Jierasak with a great 42pts; R/up: Wendy Pelich with 39pts. Saturday November 5th: November Monthly Medal and Medal of Medals competition: Ladies’ Winner: Lyn Morrison with a wonderful 68 nett; R/ up: Wendy Pelich, with 70 nett; 3rd: Leanne Godfrey with 72 nett. Men’s Div 1 Winner: Stephen McClarty with 67 nett; R/up: Robert Stoward, 68 nett. Overall and Div 2: Winner: Warren Phillips with a great 63 nett. The Ladies and Mens Medal of Medal winners will be announced and presented their trophies at Presentation Night on 3rd December 2022.

Sunday’s Yungaburra Butchery Medley Stableford Winner: Lloyd Sawtell with 42pts; R/up: Phil Henricks 40pts.

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF

Sunday November 6th: 25

players for Monthly Medal sponsored by the Millaa Millaa Hotel and Mun galli Dairy Products. Winner: Alan (Happy) Hapgood on countback from R/up: Mick Reynolds, both players having a nett 67; 3rd: David Welch nett 68. NTP: Alan (Happy) Hapgood 5/14; David Welch 1/10. Raffle: the club (thanks to Bruce Hunter) won twice; Brian Cole, The Silver Fox Don McHardie and Lee Heike also won twice. Members Draw: 6 - Shane Soper wasn’t there for it though. Next week is a Stableford and is sponsored by the Malanda Hotel, and please get your nominations in for the CTS Classic weekend.

Local Under 8s team win renowned tournament

NINE Cairns and Cassowary Coast players from the Jamie Gosling Football Academy (JFGA) who had never played together as a team took the gold at the Premier Invitational/ Diamond League.

Despite having trained only one time together, the team of nine guided by coach Sander Muskee led the team to victory in the competi tion played in the Gold Coast in September.

After three days of high-level soc cer, the team made up of Archi Hut ley, Blake Robson, Awstin Jennings, Tommy Pidgen, Ahmet Turkmen, Lucas Tanti, Tommy Christopher, Kody D’Urso and Braxton Hopper, finished the tournament with zero losses recorded.

Final positions:

JFGA (Cairns and Cassowary Coast)

Cairns’ 2022 Sportstars

A LOCAL sports team and one athlete were among the night’s winners at the 2022 North Queensland Sportstar Awards.

The Awards were held at a gala event in the Cloncurry Town Hall last Saturday, No vember 5.

The NQ Sportstar Awards celebrate the best of North Queensland athletes and play a major role in sporting com munities across FNQ; held for the first time in 1990, the event is the longest-running dedicated to sporting awards in Queensland.

Three locals stood out in the awards, with the AUS CROCS taking the Sportstar Team of the Year award, tennis player Benjamin Wenzel taking the gold for the Athlete with a Dis ability, and Sebastian Temesi as the runner-up for the Senior Award.

For more information on the NQ Sportstar Awards and to see the complete list of winners, visit https://nqsports.com.au/

Sportstar Athlete with a Disability - Benjamin Wenzel Tennis

Ben Represented Australia in the Wheelchair Tennis Teams World Cup Championship in Portugal on May 7, 2022.

The Australian team won for Ben’s first time representing Australia.

Ben’s Highest junior ITF ranking is number eight in the world, and he is currently ranked 10th in the ITF Juniors Singles Rank.

National wheelchair Champi onships in Melbourne 2021 first round Junior Singles with won first place in the Junior Dou bles. At the Queensland Open 2022, Ben made the semi-final in singles and doubles and, in May 2021, made it to the third round of singles.

Wenzel also made the singles final and doubles semi-final at the New South Wales open 2022 and the quarter-finals of both the singles and doubles at the 2022 Sydney open.

Sportstar Team of the Year

– AUS CROCS White Water

Rafting

The AUS CROCS team entered the IRF World White Water Rafting Championships held in Bosnia from May 25 to June 1, 2022, and won the World Championship for the U23 Men’s Division and is the only team in Australia to hold a dual World Title in Australia for White Water Rafting.

They also attended Australian Rafting Federation National Championships from January 29 and 30, 2022, in Tully and were placed first across all divi sions and were the fastest team in Australia.

• Sebastian was selected for Commonwealth Games, Birmingham, this year.

• Competed in the Sydney International Open in Febru ary and took first place.

• Competed in the Senior MenACT International Open in February and took first place in the Senior Men category.

• Competed in the Melbourne International Open in March and took second place.

• Competed in the Australian National Championships on June 11 in Gold Coast and took second place in the Senior Men category.

Sportstar Senior Award runner up – Sebastian Temesi Judo

Sebastian Temesi

Benjamin Wenzel

AUS CROCS receives Team of the Year award (L-R) Liam Stephen and Graham Maifredi