Cairns Local News 12-Mar-21

Friday,March September Friday 12, 202118, 2020

INSIDE

RENTAL CRISIS >> P4

Full Steam Ahead

TACO BELL OPENS >> P6

BUILDING A CAREER >> P7 TAFE Cairns has successfully tendered for the $36 million naval training program to provide mariner training and support to the Navy crews of the Guardian-class Patrol Boats in the Pacific.

PHOTO: Supplied QLD TAFE

QSO COME TO TOWN >> P11

Full story page 5

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Cairns Local News

Friday March 12, 2021

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CAIRNS 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES SATURDAY

MIN:23 MAX:30 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.49 LOW: 16.52 HIGH: 14.36 HIGH: 22.21

SUNDAY

MONDAY

MIN:23 MAX:30 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.28 LOW: 17.26 HIGH: 13.44 HIGH: 23.07

TUESDAY

MIN:23 MAX:31 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.58 LOW: 17.49 HIGH: 12.57 HIGH: 23.40

MIN:23 MAX:30 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 6.22 LOW: 18.13 HIGH: 12.46 HIGH: N/A

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

MIN:23 MAX:29 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.11 LOW: 12.59 HIGH: 6.47 HIGH: 18.41

MIN:23 MAX:29 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.42 LOW: 13.21 HIGH: 7.16 HIGH: 19.13

FRIDAY

MIN:23 MAX:29 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.15 LOW: 13.50 HIGH: 7.47 HIGH: 19.48

INNISFAIL 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES MIN:23 MAX:29 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.41 LOW: 16.21 HIGH: 9.41 HIGH: 21.42

MIN:23 MAX:29

MIN:23 MAX:30 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.09 LOW: 16.44 HIGH: 10.05 HIGH: 22.11

INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.35 LOW: 17.07 HIGH: 10.26 HIGH: 22.40

MIN:23 MAX:29 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.59 LOW: 17.27 HIGH: 10.45 HIGH: 23.11

MIN:23 MAX:29 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.25 LOW: 17.48 HIGH: 10.58 HIGH: 23.46

MIN:23 MAX:28 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.54 LOW: 18.10 HIGH: 11.00 HIGH: N/A

MIN:23 MAX:29 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.39 LOW: 8.38 HIGH: 6.36 HIGH: 16.36

PORT DOUGLAS 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES MIN:23 MAX:29

MIN:23 MAX:29

MIN:24 MAX:29

MIN:24 MAX:29

MIN:24 MAX:29

MIN:24 MAX:28

MIN:24 MAX:29

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 2.52 LOW: 15.26 HIGH: 9.15 HIGH: 21.18

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.21 LOW: 15.51 HIGH: 9.38 HIGH: 9.45

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.47 LOW: 16.16 HIGH: 9.59 HIGH: 20.13

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.13 LOW: 16.37 HIGH: 10.15 HIGH: 20.42

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.37 HIGH: 18.58 HIGH: 10.26 LOW: 23.15

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.06 LOW: 17.22 HIGH: 10.28 HIGH: N/A

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.04 LOW: 8.32 HIGH: 5.44 HIGH: 17.51

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Cairns Local News

BRIEFS

|3

CAIRNS

NEW PATIENT TV’s

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen, Cairns Adventure Group co-owner Roderic Rees and Sunlover Reef Cruises General Manager Greg Erwin (back seat) celebrate the Cairns Holiday Dollars announcement by taking a joy ride with Bad Fishy operators Pat McLoughlin and Adam Fish (front seat). Picture: Tanya Murphy

Tour operators in a spin for holiday vouchers TANYA MURPHY FAR North Queensland will benefit from an estimated $14 million in extra visitor spending over the next three months thanks to the Queensland Government and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) ‘Cairns Holiday Dollars’ travel voucher lottery.

Around 100,000 Queenslanders entered the 72-hour lottery, which closed yesterday, for a chance to win one of 15,000 vouchers.

The vouchers can be used to claim 50 per cent off any eligible tourism experience in Far North Queensland, excluding accommodation, with a maximum of $200 from each voucher.

The vouchers will be emailed to the lucky winners on Monday and can be used

any time before June 25.

The initiative is well-timed to help struggling tourism businesses make it through the traditional off-season, with the JobKeeper program to end on March 28, and no return of international visitors in sight.

The majority of lottery entrants were from South-East Queensland, which means there should be a big flowon benefit for accommodation providers and other local businesses as visitors increase.

To make the most of the voucher, winners should book experiences worth at least $400 as they can then use the 50 per cent off voucher for its maximum value.

Tour operators across the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region are putting together deals especially to cater for this.

TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the vouchers could be spent on world-class experiences in Cairns and the Northern Beaches, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cooktown and Cape York, the Cassowary Coast, the Atherton Tablelands and the Savannah Way. “This means a family of four could get $200 off the cost of a trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef, an exclusive tour of the world’s oldest rainforest, or on an epic adventure to Cape York.” he said.

Sunlover Reef Cruises General Manager Greg Erwin said the campaign would make a big difference for them as an Australian-owned company which used to rely heavily on international tourists.

“It’s terrific. We’ve seen

this work successfully in other states so we’re really pleased that it’s happening for Cairns,” he said.

“JobKeeper has been incredibly helpful but what we need is visitors back in the region, so anything that brings people into the region and gets Cairns working again from a tourism perspective is terrific.”

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the campaign would have lasting benefits.

“We know that once people get a taste of Tropical North Queensland, they can’t get enough, meaning this campaign will help us grow our domestic visitor base long into the future,” he said.

MORE than 300 new interactive patient smart televisions are being installed throughout Cairns Hospital providing entertainment for the thousands of patients who are admitted to the hospital each year.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Information Officer Anthony Whitchurch said more than half of the TVs had already been installed, to very positive response from patients and staff.

“We’ve installed the TVs in our aged care ward, the rehabilitation ward and maternity so far and will continue to replace the old televisions on wards through the hospital and plan to have the installation completed in March, Mr Whitchurch said.

“There are many benefits to the new system, but primarily the screen is much more tolerant to infection-control chemicals which is important at the moment and we can manage the content much more easily,” he said.

“Not only will we have all the free-to-air channels and radio, but we also offer patient education information and videos up such as

physiotherapy exercises,” he said.

“In addition, we will have content specific to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, as we recognise their important contribution to the health service.”

Nursing staff and patients are delighted with the new televisions, finding they are extremely easy to use and access via touch screen and controls. The TVs can be moved around a patient’s bed easily with a small handle.

The new TV system will be able to adapt to the needs of the hospital in the future, enabling other features such as therapeutic games and streaming services to be provided.

CAIRNS

ECOFIESTA RETURNS CAIRNS Ecofiesta has a new home in 2021 with Munro Martin Parklands hosting the Far North’s premier sustainability festival on Sunday June 13.

The new venue, with more space to spread out and plenty of greenery, will bring a new level of ‘Eco’ to Ecofiesta.

Ecofiesta was cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19, but returns this year with a renewed emphasis of turning ideas into actions.

Local eco-businesses, artisans, food and drink vans, entertainers, not-for-profit organisations and volunteers are invited to get involved in Cairns Ecofiesta 2021 through an online application process on Cairns Regional Council’s website.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the free community festival combined environmentally friendly products and sustainable living ideas with entertainment, fun, food and importantly education.

“While the past 12 months of restrictions and lockdowns have presented us with many environmental challenges, such as an

increase in single-use plastics, they have also opened up opportunities, such as starting a garden or taking on a home renovation,” said Cr Manning.

“During this time many people stopped to think about what was really important to them.

“Nature, protecting our environment and living more sustainably was a priority for many people. Ecofiesta helps people to turn those ideas into action.

Cairns Ecofiesta is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Applications and expressions of interest are now open Apply online at www.cairns.qld.gov.au.

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Friday March 12, 2021

Rental crisis takes its toll

NICOLE GIBSON

LOCAL nurse Yasmein O’Donoghue is calling for more to be done to help locals struggling to find accommodation amid Cairns rental crisis, which nearly left her family homeless.

Ms O’Donoghue said they were a week away from becoming homeless when a pleading letter to the owner of a rental home at Kewarra Beach secured a property for her family.

The mother of four said she is one of the lucky ones and knows many locals in desperate circumstances.

“We were fortunate but there’s lots of people out there that aren’t as fortunate as us and are actually homeless or at risk on being homeless,” Ms O’Donoghue said.

“I’ve witnessed, here in Kewarra Beach there was a family for a short period of time that were staying in a six-man tent with their children.

“Their lease had ended and the real estate agent didn’t want to renew the lease for some reason and they hadn’t been able to acquire accommodation since and they ended up sleeping on the beach.”

Ms O’Donoghue said even with a good income and references people are still unable to secure properties.

“I had extremely good references and worked two jobs as a nurse,” she said.

“I am now seeing it on a day-to-day basis on Facebook Cairns Rental page, families and even people who own their own businesses struggling to find a rental here in Cairns.”

What is driving the crisis?

According to the latest Real Estate Industry of Queensland (REIQ) data, rental vacancy rates in Cairns are at an all-time low of 1.2%.

Freeman’s Real Estate Principal Jade Kilpatrick said multiple factors were causing the current circumstances.

“What’s happening is definitely the southerners are moving up and a lot of the owners are asking tenants to vacate properties to sell,” Ms Kilpatrick said.

Ms Kilpatrick said the tide of southerners

moving to the region was also making it more competitive to secure a rental with up to 34 applications per property.

She said this was driving people to go to extreme lengths such as offering more rent than is advertised or many months’ rent in advance.

“Many of those have, once again, been southerners because they’re cashed up and they can afford to do it,” she said.

“So, they’ve sold their property in the city to move to Cairns and they try to push in front of the market by offering more money to secure a property.

“I’m also finding a rise in government departments looking.

“At the moment, we have the Housing Department contacting us looking to buy properties to put housing commission tenants in because there’s no rentals available.”

Impacting those most vulnerable The follow-on effects of the situation are being felt at all levels with crisis accommodation services saying the situation is the worst they have seen.

Shelter Housing Access Cairns are a local not-for-profit that have been helping homeless or those at risk of being homeless find accommodation in the region for thirty years.

They have 30 crisis accommodation houses in Cairns and work to transition families into permanent rentals.

However, Executive Officer Sally Watson said that was not happening at present.

“The idea is that we transition families through those houses in the shortest amount of time so that they can get stability in their lives by finding a proper long-term house.

“The problem we’ve had in recent months and particularly since COVID is that we are experiencing tremendous difficulty moving those people out of those houses and we have many, many more families needing our crisis support.

“That’s because even somebody with a decent income and good rental references can’t get a place and the families we assist really fall into that category.”

Ms Watson said she was regularly in contact with other similar services and they were all experiencing the same problem.

Animal casualties of the rental crisis Family pets are also casualties of the rental crisis.

Born Free Animal Rescue’s Kirsty Green said they were seeing a significant number of animals being surrendered due to their owners either becoming homeless or not being able to obtain a property.

“We are getting a lot of people who don’t have anywhere to live surrendering animals,” Ms Green said.

“One of our foster carers has two dogs belonging to a young fellow who was homeless because he wasn’t able to find anywhere to live.

“We also had a family that was hanging by the creek at Little Mulgrave because that don’t have anywhere to live and they asked us can someone please take our animals.”

Advice to tenants Freeman’s Real Estate Principle Jade Kilpatrick said it was hard in such a difficult market to give advice that would make a dramatic impact but had a few small tips.

“Filling out the whole application correctly, it doesn’t seem like a really big deal but it really is,” she said.

“Having a good rental history but also being pleasant to deal with, your first impression counts.

“If you’re being difficult to the person showing the property, you’re turning up late or making demands on them at the beginning it’s not going to look good.

“But get the application filled out and in quickly.”

Yasmein O’Donoghue and her family who were within one week of becoming homeless.

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Full Steam Ahead

FR0M PAGE 1 PETER MCCULLAGH TAFE Cairns has successfully tendered for the $36 million naval training program to provide mariner training and support to the Navy crews of the Guardian-class Patrol Boats in the Pacific.

The contract was signed earlier this week between TAFE Queensland and the Australian Defence Force to deliver a five-year maritime program that will train students from 12 Pacific Island nations to crew 21 Guardian patrol boats.

The funding is being delivered as part of the Morrison Government’s $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program to strengthen maritime capability in the Pacific.

Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm in Cairns for the formal announcement said the initiative was “just the beginning of a number of plans that we have here in Cairns”.

Twenty-four jobs in maritime maintenance will also be delivered in Cairns as part of the initiative. The contract was awarded to the education institution after it submitted a proposal last year.

Announcing the partnership at TAFE Cairns, Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm, who flew in from Perth, said: “(It is) all about building the capability in Cairns to support our

current maritime assets, our Pacific assets and our new assets that are being built.”

Ms Malcolm said “This training program is incredibly important for us, we are providing 21 patrol boats to our Pacific Island nations”.

“Queensland TAFE delivered an excellent submission to undertake this training, showing innovative and proposed a ‘hub and spoke’ approach to the training, building the capability of our Pacific Island neighbours.”

“This is not just about jobs. This is about the navy having the right capability and building that sovereign capability in Cairns,” she said.

TAFE Northern Region general manager Tim Campbell said their proposal, based on a hub and spoke model, would involve having colleges across the Pacific.

“We’ll be using staff there to make sure that when the boats leave Cairns, we’ll still have touchpoints with them.

We’ll deliver some training there,” he said.

If the August start date goes ahead, Mr Campbell said about 80 people would form part of the training in the first six months, followed by 320 a year for the next four years.

Leichhardt MP Warren Enstch said the partnership was “the sort of thing we’re looking for when we talk about diversifying our economy”.

Attending the contract signing in Cairns, Member for

Leichhardt, Warren Entsch welcomed today’s announcement. “I am thrilled that TAFE Queensland has been awarded this significant contract which will bring economic benefits to the region,” Mr Entsch said “Cairns is ideally located to mount and sustain maritime patrol and hydrographic operations, and the base is well served by the local Cairns ship repair industry.

“This five-year contract will generate 24 new jobs in the region in addition to the more than 400 direct industry ship sustainment jobs in Cairns which are already supporting the Morrison Government’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment plan.

“Being located near the broader Cairns Maritime Precinct will allow TAFE Queensland to access and support local companies in Cairns, which comes at such an important time while the economy recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.”

Under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia is replacing the existing Pacific Patrol Boats with 21 new Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste to enhance regional maritime capability and capacity.

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California meets North Queensland Taco Bell arrives in Cairns PETER MCCULLAGH

Harry Judd and Jakeb Campbell enjoying their first Taco Bell

Friday March 12, 2021

THE wait for thousands of eager Cairns residents is over, Taco Bell has come to town and the masses are rejoicing.

Eager customers queued early to ensure they were the first through the door to sample the Mexican fare.

Taco Bell’s Australian Marketing Manager Tamika Nelsen is excited to oversee the opening of their 20th and latest store in Australia.

“Taco Bell Cairns has been

designed with Queensland’s lifestyle in mind.

“We have had an overwhelming response from locals, with a massive lineup out the door eagerly awaiting our opening.

The restaurant design features an indoor/outdoor dining the unique ‘California-meets-North-Queensland’ design features explosive colour pops, an original mural by an emerging local street artist, custom furniture, tech charging stations and free Wi-Fi for

fans to stay and play.

Customers can expect all the delicious Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos and nachos. There are also fan-favourites including the famous Crunchwrap Supreme, Boss Burrito and Cheesy Double Decker Taco.

Complete the dining-in experience with a cold Corona and frozen margaritas.

Taco Bell currently has a network of 19 restaurants throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Hundreds of locals turned up early on opening day to ensure they were the first local to experience Taco Bell.

Three youngsters, Harry Judd, Jakeb Campbell and Jack Sheehan were first in line ready to cut the purple ribbon to officially launch the new restaurant.

When asked if it was worth lining up for, “totally yes!”

The restaurant is located at DFO on Mulgrave Road opening Monday to Sunday from 1am – 11pm.

“Let’s get back to normal:” Hotel quarantine worker Darryl Chung was excited to get the vaccine.

More than 1200 locals vaccinated

2021

More than 1200 Cairns frontline workers have received the COVID-19 vaccine since the first was administered two weeks ago at Cairns Hospital.

Among these vaccine recipients are Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman, and hotel quarantine worker Daryl Chung – who are both considered as frontline workers due to their proximity and regular contact with potentially infectious COVID patients.

Mr Chung, who works as a housekeeper in a local quarantine hotel, has daily tasks including delivering meals and other items to hotel room doors, removal of rubbish, and stripping bed linen when a guest has departed their room.

He said he was keen to receive the vaccination, so he could keep his family safe.

“I’m scared of passing COVID-19 to my elderly mother or young son. When there has been a case in the hotel, I have purposefully avoided visiting my family in order to keep them safe,” he said.

“I’m in the COVID-19 firing line and I want to be protected by the vaccination.

“I actually want everyone to get vaccinated as this has been going on for too long now – let’s just get back to normal.”

Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman has led the police response from the commencement of operations and has daily management of the hotel quarantine and airport officers, the team that escorts returning travellers from the Cairns International Airport to a quarantine hotel.

“I’m proud to stand here today alongside QHealth and

Australian Defence Force workers on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19,” he said.

“In our line of work, we are at particular risk of being exposed to the virus.

“While we take every precaution necessary, this vaccine will give us an additional layer of protection and allow us to return safely to our families each day.”

Jo-Anne Campbell, Vaccine Clinical Nurse Consultant, said it had been an extraordinary two weeks for the health service.

“It’s hard to imagine that just 14 days ago, we were standing here vaccinating our first person, infectious disease physician Dr Simon Smith, as the first Hospital and Health Service in regional Queensland to become a Pfizer hub,” she said.

“This is an incredible milestone, considering it has been the same fortnight we’ve had a cyclone looming off the coast.

“The fact that our dedicated staff have still made an effort to attend appointments to receive their COVID vaccinations whilst dealing with power outages and life disruptions, just proves how dedicated they are to protecting our community from the virus.”

The frontline workers will receive their second booster shot in three weeks’ time before further groups of people are vaccinated in the planned, staged approach.

Once the AstraZeneca vaccine is available, more locations will come online, including hospitals, GPs and pharmacies.

Further information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at: www.qld.gov.au/covid-19vaccine

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Friday March 12, 2021

Cairns Local News

Building a career in civil construction

|7

NICOLE GIBSON

DEVELOPMENT for the long-awaited, multimillion dollar East Trinity eco-tourism project has commenced, kick-starting the careers of five civil construction trainees and providing employment opportunities for hundreds more.

Stage one of the six-stage, $40 million Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Infrastructure Tourism Project started in January and is expected to create about 300 jobs in the community during the construction phase.

Post construction up to 120 small business and employment opportunities will also be created.

At completion, the project will include three towers - each with their own special attraction and connected by meandering boardwalks, as well as restaurants, a shopping precinct and adrenaline pumping activities like zip lines between towers two and three.

Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation IPA Tourism and Infrastructure Manager Dewayne Mundraby said the five civil construction trainees were just the start of the benefits the project would bring to the local community.

“It’s exciting in that what we’ll be wanting to do is to become part of the economic region and provide an opportunity for our community and the wider community to be engaged in employment, and also developing small business which will

Childs World Kindergarten students Aurora McGrath & Keturah Wailu with Miss Jamie Childs World Kindergarten Teacher.

Structured play supports learning

Certificate II in Civil Construction Trainee Jabulam Mundraby PHOTO: Nicole Gibson strengthen the region, as well as coordinating the benefits to existing operators,” Mr Mundraby said.

The trainees, who are also Mandingalbay Yidinji traditional owners, signed their contracts on Monday and are the region’s first civil construction trainees for Cairns’ only 100 percent Indigenous owned employer, Australian Training Works (ATW).

ATW focuses on helping Indigenous youth secure careers in administration, community services, IT and construction.

Managing Director Tony Martens said the project would provide career opportunities in a boom industry for the trainees.

“Civil construction encompasses a whole range of different civil type activities like road construction and you can specialize in bridge building, you can specialize in pipe laying,” Mr Martens said.

“They will get a bit of an entree on a whole range of different areas of civil.”

Trainee Jabulam Mundraby said he was excited to have a

role that allowed him to work on country as well as gain a career.

“It’s pretty good landing (this role) cause we’re working on country at the same time and we’re all traditional owners from around that area,” Mr Mundraby said.

The trainees will undertake their Certificate II in Civil Construction during the first stage of the project, to be completed

by June, then transitioned onto their Certificate III to become fully qualified in the field.

LEADING educators agree, children who participate in a structured Kindergarten program which implements the Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines framework that emphasizes the development of children in the five learning area’s identity, wellbeing, connectedness, active learning and communicating are better prepared when they enter the formal primary school education system.

Nicole Hanlon, Director of Education and Learning at Childs World Cairns believes parents can assist their child to develop the skills and confidence necessary to cope better with primary school when they enrol them in a well-structured and professional early childhood education program.

“It’s important that children have a safe caring environment that supports the fundamentals of learning.

“Children thrive when confronted with activities where they discover, problem solve, explore and play.

“A well-structured program is one where a child feels safe and supported in their learning development.

“If structured correctly we will unlock their enthusiasm for lifelong learning: Children who receive quality early childhood education are reportedly more confident and curious, which causes them to perform better in school. Children learn how to manage challenges and build resilience in times of difficulty; settle easily at school to reap the benefits of education faster; and acquire a long-term interest in learning different things,” she said.

Activities need to be challenging and varied wherein children will learn about themselves and others, make friends and grow in confidence. They will also develop the building blocks for early literacy and numeracy and important social and emotional skills.

For more information or to speak to an Early Childhood education specialist, contact Alison at Child’s World on 4045 4045.

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Changes for Laura Race Meet

REVENGE

PORN

After the forced cancellation last year of the annual Laura Turf Club Race day, preparations have commenced to ensure this year’s event can proceed.

After several meetings with regulators the committee sought ways to conform with Queensland Health Department, however it was not possible to stage this years’ event with camping, a dance and Calcutta along with the Laura Rodeo and Camp Draft.

The committee of the Laura Amateur Race Club will stage their annual event at the Mareeba Turf Club on Saturday June 26.

A five-race program will operate with plans for 2022 to return to their traditional six race program with camping and the usual festivities.

The LATC are also calling for volunteers to come forward to assist with their annual cleanup and maintenance program onsite at the LATC grounds in Laura.

People wishing to assist need to contact the LATC President, Graham Love by email graham.love64@hotmail.com

Friday March 12, 2021

CALLING out local sickos perpetuating perverted obsession.

Sarah Jones was forced to leave a Northern Beaches restaurant fearing for her safety recently when yet another man started leeringGIBSON and making sexual gestures at NICOLE her.

Devastatingly, this is an experience that is all too familiar for Sarah (not her real name).

She became a victim of Image-based Abuse, commonly known as revenge porn, five years ago when her partner secretly filmed them having sex and uploaded it to the internet after she ended their relationship.

Since then it has been one traumatic experience after the next, being recognized in public and being helpless to do anything about it.

According to the E-Safety Commission, the organization responsible for helping victims of revenge porn, 11 out of every 100 people are victims of image based abuse.

Despite tough laws which include jail time for perpetrators and attempting to get help from the police and the E-Safety Commission, Sarah says she has slipped through the cracks our legal sys-

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“The first incident was when I was in Woolworths and I was going up and down the aisles and all of a sudden, this man started laughing at me as I went past,” Sarah said.

“I just thought, that’s weird, you know and so I finished shopping, and went to the checkout.

“He just turned around and looked at me up and down and was smirking and leering at me and then he looked at my crotch and he looked up and down at me again and was laughing as he was going away.”

Sarah wasn’t sure what to think but after the third incident she decided to report the matter to police who said without explicit images or video they were unable to continue their investigation.

After enduring a similarly degrading experience on a trip to Kuranda, Sarah took matters into her own hands and approached a man who was leering and gesturing at her.

Sarah says the man confirmed she was in a video on a pornographic website but refused to tell her which one.

She says she was also recog-

nized on work lunch breaks at local eateries and even caught a local man, who worked in the same suburb, showing the video to others.

Sarah has been to the depths of emotional and psychological despair and says even though they did not upload the material, the men who are viewing it and staying silent are perpetuating victims’ trauma.

“I think that men need to start doing what women are doing and speak up,” she said.

“If they’ve got a wife, a mother or daughter, or sister or whatever then speak up and let it come out and stop this insidious stuff.”

Sarah’s case also demonstrates that age is not a determining factor as she is a 68-year-old grandmother.”

Police urge anyone with information on this matter to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you or anyone you know is a victim and needs help contact Cairns Sexual Assault Service on 4031 35 90.

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NEWS

Friday March 12, 2021

Cairns Local News

Cairns’ very own leprechaun

NEW COUNCIL CEO

WAYNE’S WORLD TOP of the day to you Tropicairnsians, Ah to be sure, to be sure, to be sure, the most celebrated National Irish day in the world is again happening this Wednesday 17th of March at your local Irish bar were you can green it up and carry on like a bloody twit (well that’s what I do).

2020 killed the worlds celebration of everything, but begorrah, if it’s going to stuff up this year’s fun of Guinness drinking, potato mashing, corn beef stew eating and drunken dancing debauchery.

Not as long as I have a red beard it won’t, as to places to celebrate the best day in the universe, well if you can’t find one, you are not looking too bloody hard, and my favourite is McGinty’s Irish Bar 2 doors up from the new Hogs Breath Restaurant in Shield St. Now Paddy (yes, a real Irishman named Paddy does own this bar) claims you will find the best craic` and the finest mob you are ever going to meet but watch out for his goat.

Already there is no place like McGinty’s, well at least not North of Malin Head, East of

Wicklow, South of Mizen Or West of the Dingle Peninsula.

Saint Patrick was the foremost patron Saint of Ireland, and truth be told (yeah nah maybe) he liked a drop of Guinness or three. Speaking of three, lots of people confuse the three-leaf shamrock with the so-called lucky fourleafed clover. These plants are not quite the same thing.

The Saint Patrick’s Day custom of “drowning the shamrock” or “wetting the shamrock” was historically popular, especially in Ireland. At the end of the celebrations, a shamrock is put into the bottom of a cup, which is then filled with whiskey, beer, or cider. It is then drunk as a toast to Saint Patrick, Ireland, or those present. This Saint is said to have used the shamrock and its distinctive three leaves to teach the people all about the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

The meaning of symbols can often change throughout history and sometimes rather dramatically too. In the early 1900s, the shamrock became a symbol of rebellion of the

Irish people against the English. As a symbol of rebellion, openly displaying this threeleaf clover was made illegal and punishable by death.

And now we come to the legend of Irish Leprechaun’s, these red bearded men and other little fairies form a large part of Irish history and folklore. They are also a huge topic of interest and fascination for people in Australia, America, and all over the world. Though leprechauns look rather funny, they have a reputation for being grumpy and grouchy.

Each leprechaun has his very own pot of gold. He guards his pot of gold very carefully because he loves gold more than anything.

Many people assume that these creatures only live in Ireland. However, leprechauns have the most amazing magic, which means that they can be found in many places around the world.

Popular symbols such as four-leaf clovers, shamrocks, rainbows, and pots of gold have long been associated with this Irish fairy creature.

It is said that wherever

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Irish people exist, there are leprechauns to be found as well including magical gardens where treasures are hidden underneath unusually large 4-leaf clovers.

So, come Wednesday, get ya greens on, down some pints of Guinness and go clover hunting.

Wayne.

Cairns Regional Council has appointed Mica Martin as the new Chief Executive Officer following a two-month search.

Announcing her appointment today (Friday 5 March), Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Ms Martin comes highly recommended and will help shape the organisation’s culture, community engagement and infrastructure and service delivery.

“I am delighted that our Council has been able to secure someone of the calibre of Ms Martin,” Cr Manning said.

“She is a highly motivated and respected leader with an extensive track record with the country’s largest local government council.

“Importantly, Ms Martin has demonstrated the ability to effectively manage large, complex teams and build strong relationships across government, industry, business and community.”

“Council unanimously endorsed Ms Martin’s appointment today and when she starts with us at the end of the month, along with getting to know the region and the organisation, I expect there will be an immediate focus on Council’s 2021-22 Budget,” Cr Manning said.

Ms Martin has been appointed for a term of four years and will commence as Council’s CEO on 29 March.

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OPINION

Cairns Local News

Friday March 12, 2021

TXT the Editor 0438 195 408

OPINION

DO WE NEED A FREE AND FAIR MEDIA?

FACEMASKS AND COVID The tin-foil hats are out again. Luke from Mt Carbine. COVID is real. COVID is a threat. COVID can kill and the vaccination is one way to prevent and protect. Same with facemasks and social distancing.

Pity protection wasn’t used a few years ago and we might not have had to write this reply regarding your text last week.

A free and fair media is essential in today’s world. Too often we have opinion dominated by a few. There was a day when the Australian media landscape consisted of

ALLIE, Cairns

hundreds of small media companies, servicing the needs

We are fortunate in Cairns. No community infections for months. We are controling the spread of COVID and full marks to our front line workers.

A total fail to the idiots arguing against vaccinations and facemasks.

Darwins natural selection could assist us by culling a few of these nay-sayers.

of their local communities.

The television industry used to have hundreds of hours of locally produced programming specific to a region.

I can remember Townsville Telecasters producing a TV show in the 80’s called Kid’s Army featuring Kenny the Wonder Dog. In Tasmania we produced logie award winning shows like Goodsports and Bert Taylors Tasmania.

Where is local production today? What local TV exists today. Nothing, we have three commercial networks and very little local production except for some from WIN Television.

In newspaper we have the same problem. Gone are the day of hundred’s of local newspapers all representing the local community and providing a voice and diversity of voice for the readers.

If we are to continue to grow as a nation and build a strong free thinking community we need to have a free and fair media.

Australia is a diverse community with aa range of cultural backgrounds, races and cultures, and deserves a diversity of voices in their media.

The minorities in our communities deserve to be heard, so too the silent majority need a voice.

Is it appropriate for government to do editorial deals with a multinational and give preference to a multinational to exclusively carry their messages for the public?

Want to be heard?

Send a text to the Editor 0438 195 408

CHARLES, Gordonvale

VACCINATIONS Wow, it could be so much simpler to keep control of ‘the virus’ & ‘other strains’. Mr prime minister and Mr health minister, you guys are supposed to have a bit of ‘grey matter’ up top so bloody use it or give the job to somebody that can, test for covid BEFORE people get on planes. Simple guys just use your BRAINS thank u.

NOEL, Cairns Guys, if you don’t want a vaccination, thats ok. You can volunteer to work in the Fever Clinics, quarantine hotels and our hospitals and see how it is before you come running for a dose.

Have some consideration for the frontline workers. Learn some respect and keep you stupid mindless opinions to yourself.

The world would be better if you shut up.

William, Cairns RAPE ALLEGATIONS I think ‘scumo’ has backed himself into a corner while trying to protect his’ top law- maker’ mate, that may in fact be a ‘law-breaker’. The hole he dug is getting deeper. I think both these guys need to make some phone calls, it’s a toss-up who comes first: “HELP LINE” or “1800 RESPECT “ thank u.

Noel cairns PS: The comment from the defence minister really is a case of “the pot calling the kettle black” don’t mean to be offensive but she really used the wrong word eh.

NOEL, Cairns HOLIDAY AT HOME This Easter lets all do one thing. if 160,000 people ALL visited a local tourism attraction in our region, it would be a bumper time for everyone. if we all spent $10 with a tourism operator that would be $1.6million dollars helping employment in the region. It makes sense.

MICHELLE, Trinity Beach

Why are we allowing flights in from PNG? Why are the workers not staying there and being treated at source? Why are we placing our families and workers at risk?

MEG, Redlynch THANKS CAIRNS LOCAL NEWS I’m glad you guys are here. I like so many a sick of clicking on the pathetic click-bait links on social media and being asked to pay to receive the latest news.

Also why should I pay to receive government information?

So pleased you guys are in town, giving us the new for free.

Great journalists, great stories.

You need to do a mid-week edition as well.

Thanks guys TOM, Edmonton FLYING FOXES $1.4 million dollars and no result. What a waste of ratepayers money.

Cairns Regional Council should be ashamed. Their strategy was wrong.

Why move them on. Tourists love them. No wait... the mulitmillionaire who owns some hotels doesn’t like them.

Why not run bat watching dusk parties at his hotel and make money from them.

No idea these guys.

STEVE, Bungalow I’ve got a chainsaw at home. happy to hire it out to the council for $1.4 millions dollars.

I can and will fix the bat problem forever.

PETE, Westcourt

Do you think it fair that you should pay to read the government announcements?

Would it be appropriate for the government to only advertise in papers belonging to a multinational?

A free and fair media give communities a voice, a seat at the table of public opinion. A free and fair media also needs to be supported by governments of all levels and it needs to be cherished.

Cairns Local News is committed to giving a voice the north, committed to ensuring we always have diversity of voice and always delivering the news that is important for our community.

Peter McCullagh Editor

Letters

Got an issue you’re passionate about?

Send a letter to the Editor - letters@CairnsLocalNews.com.au

CLIMATE CHANGE, AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW.

You devoted the front page and more to a letter written to the Prime Minister.

This letter was misleading, as it only quoted the per capita contribution of carbon dioxide by Australia.

The reality is that Australia contributes barely 1% to the world total, due to its relatively small population, while China contributes 28% and the USA 15%.

With due respect to Ms Martin, 21 years with Queensland Parks and Wildlife, funded by the taxpayer, with her no doubt generous pension also funded by the taxpayer and living in the leafy suburb of Whitfield, does not qualify her to deprive the mining communities of the Hunter Valley or Central Queensland of their livelihoods.

Many scientists around the world acknowledge that climate change is occurring but believe it to be part of a natural cycle

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related to the activity of the sun.

What happened to all the predictions that the polar ice caps would be melted by now, polar bears would be extinct and low-lying Pacific nations would be inundated?

Like the predictions of the end of the world they just keep moving the date forward.

The last Federal Election showed that the sensible majority of Australians do not share Ms Martin’s view.

People like her and the Greens, who represent around 10% of the electorate, think that by shouting loud enough they can dictate to the the majority. Like religious zealots they will never listen to anyone else’s view.

Therefore like our democratically elected Prime Minister did initially, we should ignore them.

JOSEPH, Mount Sheridan

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NEWS

Friday March 12, 2021

QLD’s finest come to the Tanks QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is hitting the road once more! As part of a packed tour the QSO’s Connect Ensemble will tour regional Queensland including performances in Innisfail and Cairns at the end of March.

QSO Chief Executive Craig Whitehead said it was a joy to be able to tour once again, and a priority of the Orchestra to reach as many Queenslanders as possible with music.

“We have missed our music lovers in Far North Queensland and so our 13-piece QSO Connect Ensemble is delighted to present four concerts and instrumental workshops in Innisfail and Cairns during the last week of March – from 24 to 27,” he said.

“QSO is committed to delivering live, professional music performances and experiences to regional, remote and very remote communities in Queensland, and now that we are able, we are on the road and enjoying every moment.

We are truly delighted to return to these communities, where we have not been since 2017 and 2018 respectively.

“In more good news, communities in the Atherton Tablelands, Tully and Mossman will have the opportunity to be involved, with subsidies provided to enable students in these

regions to experience workshops in Innisfail and Cairns.

Woodwind, brass and percussion musicians will present workshops in Innisfail to students from Innisfail and Tully on 24 March before joining with them in a lunch hour concert at the Innisfail Shire Hall. Students will have the opportunity to be mentored by professional musicians then sit side-by-side in a performance of audience favourites including Pirates of the Caribbean.

Mr Whitehead said the next day, students from Cairns and District high schools would have the opportunity to take part in workshops with QSO musicians. “The district has a high level of instrumental students, who will benefit from tutoring on tone and techniques by our professional musicians.”

On Friday 26 March the QSO Connect Ensemble will present a school concert at the Tanks Theatre at 11.30am.

This interactive concert presents a great introduction to the instruments and sounds of the orchestra for primary students.

At 7.30pm, QSO Connect presents ‘Bolero and Beyond’ in the same venue. Featuring original works by Australian composers and arrangements of classical favourites, the 90-minute concert includes

Ravel’s Bolero and excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen in a relaxed format with music introduced and explained by QSO musicians.

On Saturday 27 March QSO string musicians will join with local artist Kaweyova and her band to perform three songs, newly arranged by local musician Rubina Kimiia to feature the sounds of the stringed instruments with Kaweyova’s vocals. This free concert in the

beautiful new outdoor Court House venue will also present the QSO Strings in a solo bracket.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Visit qso.com.au to book or for further information.

Tickets from: www.tanksartscentre.com

Cairns Local News

| 11

National Pet Adoption Day

IF you’re looking for a new best friend, Saturday is National Pet Adoption Day at local Pet Stock stores where you can meet rescued dogs from two local charities.

North Queensland Animal Rescue and Born Free Animal Rescue FNQ will be at Petstock Cairns and Smithfield with a wide range of dog breeds and sizes looking for their forever homes.

Breeds included boxer, border collie and staffy crosses with the organisations encouraging locals to choose to rehome an animal over buying from breeders.

NQAR President Jessica Grinter said there was a lot of benefits to rehoming.

“They’re a bit older and you know they don’t have any chronic health issues that have flared that can happen if you

get a puppy, you can sort of see how it’s going to look as an adult and they’ve reached a certain level of maturity,” Ms Grinter said.

“I also think that dogs that have been through the pound or been in foster care are a little bit more thankful for having a nice soft bed and having food every night, whereas, sometimes you get a dog from a breeder that’s been a bit spoiled and had everything it’s ever wanted.”

The animals also come desexed, vaccinated and microchipped.

The organisations are also seeking donations due to a drop since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

For more information or to register your interest, visit North Queensland Animal Rescues and Born Free Animal Rescues FNQ websites or social pages.

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NEWS

Cairns Local News

Up to 7000 cheap fares a week into Cairns PETER MCCULLAGH THE Federal Government announced yesterday a raft of measures designed to bolster the Far North’s economy post-JobKeeper.

The measures are specifically tailored to assist the north’s tourism and hospitality industries.

The key points expected to be announced today include: ● From April 1 – July 31, nearly 800,000 half price flight tickets to 13 regions throughout Australia including Cairns. ● Business loans up to $5m over 10 years with a 24-month repayment holiday – eligible to businesses that have graduated off JobKeeper between January 4 and March 28. ● Financial assistance to aviation workers, (ground handlers) to cover costs related to mandatory training, certification and accreditation. ● International freight assistance, ensuring flights to export Australian goods to overseas markets. ● One-off grants to assist travel agents and tour arrangement service providers stay viable.

The $1.2bn package is expected to be announced this morning however media overnight are reporting on details.

Cairns will benefit greatly from this announcement.

With the approach of the norths peak domestic season, the additional flight seats will lift local tourism and hospitality operators and provide greater security for workers.

TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen welcomed the news. “The Federal Government has been listening and today is

a step in the right direction.”

“The destination (Tropical North Queensland) has more than 1250 different products and experiences all world-class and COVID safe.

“We anticipate 5000 – 7000 extra visitors each week, to head out on to the reef, into the rainforest and up onto the Tablelands to spend those savings not only on food and drink but also on the experiences we are so well known for around the world,” he said.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison was reported over night as saying, “This is our ticket to recovery — halfprice airfares to get Australians travelling and supporting tourism operators, businesses, travel agents and airlines who continue to do it tough through COVID-19 while our international borders remain closed.”

“That means more jobs and investment for the tourism and aviation sectors as Australia heads towards winning our fight against COVID-19 and the restrictions that have hurt so many businesses.

“Our tourism businesses don’t want to rely on government support forever.”

Advance Cairns CEO has welcomed the announcement regarding the assistance to contunue with aviation freight exports from Cairns.

Currently we have four freight flights weekly to Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

The measured announce will allow this to continue with two to three freight flights a week.”

Friday March 12, 2021

Bid for pedal powered day tours TANYA MURPHY A HUGE opportunity for eco-friendly daytime pedicab tours and transport in Cairns is being missed due to council restrictions, according to a local business owner.

Cairns Pedicabs owner Mark Taylor wants to run daytime pedicab tours taking tourists from the cruise liner terminal and local hotels to scenic sites like the botanical gardens, and romantic pedicab picnic dates on the Esplanade, but can’t due to the conditions on his permit.

Mr Taylor, whose business currently has a permit to operate from 6pm to 6am in a limited area of the CBD, has repeatedly applied to council to operate during daylight hours and across a larger geographical area so he can expand his service.

He’s also applied for the

pedicabs to be allowed on Esplanade foot and cycle paths, and to have dedicated pedicab ranks at key CBD locations.

Since buying the business in 2017, he said he had already had to turn away more than $20,000 per year in bookings due to the restrictions on his operation.

“Within the last 12 months we have had to turn away around 15 weddings and a number of bookings for formals and large companies, without even marketing the product,” he said.

“Tourism Tropical North Queensland approached me about booking the bikes for 30 people to do a green tour of the city, but couldn’t due to the restrictions.

“This clearly identifies that a range of corporate, tourism and local markets are interested in our eco-transport business and wish to use it.”

He said the closure of international borders had caused a 70 per cent downturn in business and the restrictions were making it difficult for his business to adapt to the changing market and survive.

“Cairns should be leading the way as a green, clean city and taking every opportunity to showcase the city in new ways,” he said.

“I have asked the council for a fair go; all Australians were told in the last election if they had a go they’d be given a fair go and I am calling it in.”

He said he could employ 13 people if allowed to go ahead with his proposals.

A council report found there had been complaints about the pedicabs being too noisy, not following the road rules and parking illegally, but the vast majority of these had been under previous

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ownership.

Current owner Mark Taylor said since he purchased the business, he had worked hard with council and police to address the issues.

“We now have a system in place that works to limit noise to a set level, and we have strict guidelines and zero tolerance for bad or unsafe behaviour. The team are always supervised and undergo a training session before being let operate solo,” he said.

Pedicabs are already allowed to operate during the day in Brisbane, Byron Bay, Melbourne, Sydney and Port Douglas.

At their February meeting, council renewed Mr Taylor’s permit but did not grant the changes he wished for to his conditions of operation.

Watch our video to learn more

REVIEW

Friday March 12, 2021

Cairns Local News

| 13

The flightless bird takes flight To Kill A Cassowary’s Triumphant return to the stage PETER MCCULLAGH

THERE’S life, a heartbeat and a strong pulse in the JUTE this weekend. The Cassowary has done a phoenix and risen from the ashes of COVID and thrilled a packed and very appreciative house.

To Kill A Cassowary has returned with a very triumphant opening night.

Almost 12 months to the day, since the COVID curtain was drawn prematurely ending the Jute Theatre Company’s production of To Kill A Cassowary (2020) the flightless bird arose and took glorious flight.

The re-opening last night could not have been more welcomed. The audience rightly loved it; the jubilation was evident on the playwright’s face as Laurie Trott leapt to her feet along with hundreds attending the opening night as the closing scene faded.

This production was masterfully crafted by Director Bridget Boyle. The entire production team should be proud of their little slice of tropical paradise created onstage. We were transported to a magical place where nature and Amos (Steven Tandy) co-existed as one. A place and time where the pressures of life were simple, the fish are not biting, but the rubber thongs are still washing ashore.

The storyline is simple yet complex and relevant today on so many dimensions. Family disputes, atoning for past indiscretions and friction over who knows best.

Woven through this family dispute is the underlying thread, we need to protect our natural environment, the cassowaries and our wildlife. The message is strong but at no time was it preachy.

On-stage the dynamics between Amos and his daughter Paula, played by Natalie Taylor, are believable and engaging. Natalie wants to transform her father’s paradise, but there is so much more. She wants to be recognised not only as his daughter but also as a successful professional. There’s friction, outbursts of frustrated anger as well as deep genuine love and concern.

Natalie brings the big city project manager to life and seemed to a fish-out-of-water in her father’s paradise.

There is a kindly, grounded and very caring neighbour

of Amos, Josie played by an amazing Ngugi Woman from North Stradbroke Island, Paula Nazarski.

Josie cares about her neighbour and worries he is not looking after himself. She provides not just meals for Amos but also an insightful take on his relationship, or lack of, with his daughter. Paula Nazarski is perfectly suited for this role. A credible and very engaging performance with a strong connection and chemistry with Amos (Steven) and Paula (Natalie).

How do you describe the amazing performance of Steven Tandy as Amos? It should be a gimme, 50 years in live theatre, thousands of performances, one would expect a great performance.

This production is not about one actor dominating the production, what Steven brought to the stage was an honest and warm connection with his co-stars, a credibility and softness combined with an energetic grumpy old git persona.

Steven was commanding, fragile, authentic and totally Amos. A soft caring face, passionate about his rparadise and the cassowaries, and scared to let his guard down with his estranged daughter. We identified with Amos, we despaired at his attitude and we laughed at his wilful, wardrobe malfunction, where we see a quite different and unexpected side to the character.

Should North Queensland embrace this production?

Absolutely yes. Not because it is local, but because it speaks to us all on so many levels. We see ourselves and our friends in the dynamics of the relationships on stage.

We confront many of the ecological issues we face daily, but most of all, it is beautifully written, extremely funny and magnificently brought to life by a performance and production team worthy of a capital city production.

To Kill A Cassowary continues next week and closes Saturday March 13.

Tickets can be purchased from www.jute.com.au

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Cairns Local News

FRIDAY Grand Theft Audio – Gilligan’s Tanya Murphy – O’Donnell’s Irish Bar Palm Cove, 6-9pm Fingerprint – Cazaly’s, 6:15pm Wendy & Al, Rattle N Hum Palm Cove, 7:30-10:30pm Oompah Night – German Club Cairns Andrea & Louie – Chill Portofino, 6pm Kim Settle (Rock’n Sweet) & John Comrie – Atherton International Club Silver Fox Jazz Band – Elixir Music Bar, 7pm Manuka & The Zephyrbees – Elixir Music Bar, 9:30pm Mark Burton – Brother’s Leagues Club Innisfail, 7pm No Requests – Tablelands Music Lovers, 7:30pm Dr Elephant – Bar 36, 9pm-12 Lucky Phil – Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 3-6pm The Joker Pokers – Trinity Beach Sports Club, 7pm Justin Wellington – Salthouse, 6pm Matt Gerdes – Kewarra Beach Resort, 6-8pm

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Friday March 12, 2021

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL

SATURDAY Carrizma – Cazaly’s, 6:15pm Janna Mercedes – O’Donnell’s, 6-9pm Robert Ross & Cairns Blues Explosion - 40 Macnamara Street, 6:30 pm Mississippi Shakedown – Yorkey’s Knob Boat Club, 3-6pm Finding Time – Machan’s Beach Sports Club, 4pm Nikki Doll – Stratford Deli, 4:30pm Jeanette Wormald – Frogs Restaurant Kuranda, 5pm Vivien Aisi – Pullman Cairns International, 6pm The Best of the Bee Gees – CPAC (ticketed), 7:30pm Blue Reed – Elixir Music Bar, 8pm Dr Elephant – PJ O’Brien’s 10pm

SUNDAY Katie Richards – Palm Cove Sports Club, 1-5pm Dazz & The Boyzz – Jack and Shanan’s Palm Cove, 2-5:30pm Blue Reed – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 1pm Nikki Doll – The Stratford Deli, 4:30pm Dr Elephant – The Pier Bar, 7pm Lucky Phil – Mountain View Hotel, 12-4pm Justin Wellington – Salt House, 5pm Tessa Divine – Elixir Music Bar, 7pm

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Please send your gigs to tanya@cairnslocalnews.com.au by Wednesday each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

MISSION Arts is thrilled to be hosting the Fabulous Phone Photography Workshop conducted by local professional photographer Candice Thorley.

This workshop will take place on March 13, 2021 and participants will enhance their photographic knowledge and abilities using their own phone in the field and uploading to social media.

Candice Thorley was raised in the Kimberley, Western Australia and her passion for photography was inspired by family trips to beautiful surrounding landscapes.

“I grew up in the Kimberley and always had a camera in my hand.

I would go camping with my family, and photograph special moments just as I do with my own family today.

This has developed into a ten-year photographic career.’ Candice Thorley stated.

‘My workshop will focus on how to use the phone camera, play with settings to create that right moment and build balance in your shots.

This will help you to upload your photos in social media such as Facebook and Instagram.’

Candice is a well-known Mission Beach photographer specialising in weddings, portraits and family photos.

This half day workshop aims to develop your photographic potential using your phone camera and will be conducted in fun, practical and hands-on way.

This popular workshop has limited spaces available so book early to secure your place.

Event Date: March 13, 2021 10:00am to 12:00pm.

For further information please contact Mission Arts, phone number 0740886116, email info@missionarts. com.au

NRL IS BACK Live & Loud @The Jack

Fri > Dirty Sanchez 9pm-12am Sat > Tony George + DJ Blak Jack 9pm-12am

Cnr Spence & Sheridan Sts, Cairns Ph 4051 2490

www.thejack.com.au

March 12, 2021

BOOKS DVDS & MOVIES

Kelli Hawkins A STUNNINGLY tense, page-turning debut for all fans of The Woman in the Window and The Girl on the Train The perfect house. The perfect family. Too good to be true.

Kate Webb still grieves for her young son, ten years after his loss. She spends her weekends hungover, attending open houses on Sydney’s wealthy north shore and imagining the lives of the people who live there. Then Kate visits the Harding house - the perfect house with, it seems, the perfect family. A photograph captures a kind-looking man, a beautiful woman she once knew from university days, and a boy - a boy that for one heartbreaking moment she believes is her own son.

When her curiosity turns to obsession, she uncovers the cracks that lie beneath a glossy facade of perfection, sordid truths she could never have imagined. But is it her imagination? As events start to spiral dangerously out of control, could the real threat come from Kate herself?

Harlan Coben From the #1 bestselling author and creator of the hit Netflix series The Stranger comes a riveting new thriller, starring the new hero Windsor Horne Lockwood III - or Win, as he is known to his (few) friends.

Over twenty years ago, heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family’s estate, then locked inside an isolated cabin for months.

Patricia escaped, but so did her captors, and the items stolen from her family were never recovered until now.

On New York’s Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note- a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead not only on Patricia’s kidnapping but also on another FBI cold case - with the suitcase and painting both pointing them towards one man, Windsor Horne Lockwood III - or Win as his few friends call him - doesn’t know how his suitcase and his family’s stolen painting ended up in this dead man’s apartment. But he’s interested - especially when the FBI tell him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism, and that he may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades. But Win has three things the FBI does not-- a personal connection to the case, a large fortune, and his own unique brand of justice.

| 15

Television

OTHER PEOPLE’S HOUSES

WIN IF YOU LOSE YOU DIE

Cairns Local News

BLOOD Streaming on ACORN TV Cat Hogan played by Carolina Main returns home to a

RUN Streaming on ACORN TV Run is a four part British television series. Four separate stories, however cleverly intertwined together.

Winner of a Royal Television Society Award for best writer, this moving British miniseries weaves together the stories of four people facing life-changing decisions. Raw and uncompromising but full of humanity and hope, Run explores how every choice has consequences in an interconnected world. Starring Olivia Colman (Broadchurch), Lennie James (The Walking Dead), and Katie Leung (Harry Potter).

fictional small town in the Dublin commuter belt (actually filmed in the Kilcock, Kildare) following the news that her mother, who had been suffering from a long illness, has died after falling over and striking her head against a rock at the family home. Haunted by flashbacks from an incident in her childhood, she’s convinced her father had something to do with her mother’s death, and her family is torn by suspicion and grief. Was her mother’s death an accident?

Staring Adrian Dunbar from Line of Duty, Blood is a gripping and twisting plot, that entertains as well as creates doubt and suspician within the viewer.

WPC 56 Streaming on ACORN TV Series 1 is streaming now with Series 2 coming in April.

In 1950s England, Gina Dawson (Jennie Jacques, Vikings) is determined to prove her mettle as the first Woman Police Constable at the Brinford Police Station-no matter the roadblocks her male colleagues throw her way.

QUEENSL AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA in Cairns FRIDAY 26 MARCH

Schools performance – 11.30AM Evening performance – 7.30PM

TA N K S A R T S C E N T R E

BOOK NOW TANKSARTSCENTRE.COM

2 3 4 5

Name the team they defeated to win the title?

9

Name the department store that was based in what is now known as the Boland Centre?

19

10

In what year did the Cairns Kuranda railway open?

20

Who was the range named after?

Name the first commercial radio station to be established in Cairns in 1936.

21

How many corners are there on the Gillies Range Road? 263, 236, 326, 362

Name the water reservoir supplying water to the City of Cairns?

22

Name the highway linking Cairns to Brisbane?

In what year did it commence supply?

23

Name the train that replaced the Sunlander running from Cairns to Brisbane.

24

Who are the traditional owners of Cairns?

25

How did the Cairns suburb of Manunda derive it’s name?

26

Name the Street.

27

Name the QLD Premier serving from 1925 – 1929?

28

What political party did he represent?

11

In 2011 Cairns was threatened by a tropical cyclone, name that cyclone.

12

The township of Cairns was named after…?

The Cairns International Airport opened in what year?

Cairns was officially proclaimed a city when?

8

Bob Manning is the current mayor of Cairns, name the mayor he replaced in 2012?

In what year was Cairns founded?

Friday March 12, 2021

13 14 15

Name the cableway tourism venture linking Smithfield to Kuranda?

When did it open?

6

What is the length of the main runway at the Cairns Airport? 3156 metres, 3256 metres, 4156 metres or 4256 metres long?

16

Name the public swimming pool located on Sheridan Street North Cairns?

7

The Northern Pride won the NRL State Championship in which year?

17

Public electricity supply was switched on in Cairns in what year?

18

29 30

Name the mountain range to the west of Gordonvale?

cemetery

located

on

McLeod

Name the four labor members currently representing Cairns, Mulgrave, Barron River and Cook electorates?

Trinity Inlet in Cairns runs into what creek?

ANSW ERS:

1

MIND GAMES

Cairns Local News

1. Val Schier, 2. Cyclone Yasi, 3. 1876, 4. Sir William Wellington Cairns, the Governor of Queensland 1875 – 1877, 5. 1984, 6. 3156 metres long, 7. 2014, 8. Penrith Panthers, 9. David Jones, 10. 1891, 11. 4CA, 12.

Copperlode Dam, 13. 1976, 14. Skyrail, 15. August 31, 1995, 16. Tobruk Memorial Pool, 17. 1925, 18. October 12, 1923, 19. Gillies Range, 20. William N Gillies (Former Premier of QLD) 21. 263 corners, 22. The Bruce Highway, 23. Spirit of Queensland, 24. The Gimuy-walubarra yidi are the traditional custodians of the Cairns and surrounding district. Gimuy is the traditional place name for the area Cairns City now occupies., 25. Manunda was named after the TSMV Manunda of the Adelaide Steamship Company which regularly visited Cairns, 26.

Mcleod Street Pioneer Cemerery, 27. William McCormack, 28. Labor, 29. Michael Healy, Curtis Pitt, Craig Crawford and Cynthia Lui, 30. Chinaman Creek.

16 |

MIND GAMES

Friday March 12, 2021

Cairns Local News

SUDOKU #026 MEDIUM

Sudoku #026 EASY

Crossword #026 EASY

| 17

SUDOKU #026 HARD

Wordsearch #026 EASY Arm Artery Atrial Bowel Brain Cavum Clitoris Colon Duct Ear Elbow Femur Fibula

WORD LIST Glans Gonad Gut Hand Heel Hymen Ilium Joint Knee Larynx Leg Lip Lung

Muscle Nasal Neck Nose Oral Ovary Palm Penis Pore Rectal Renal Septum Shin

Skin Skull Sole Spleen Tarsal Teeth Thigh Toe Vagina Vein Vena Womb

CAN YOU FIND 19 DIFFERENCES?

Across

Down 1. a colourless crystalline compound which is the main nitrogenous breakdown product of protein metabolism in mammals and is excreted in urine (4) 8. a knitted jumper fastening down the front (8) 2. a horse-drawn four-wheeled enclosed carriage with a removable front cover and a back cover that can be raised and lowered (6) 9. be or become wide open (4) 3. a mean or ungenerous person; a miser (7) 10. a polite title appended to a man’s name when no other title 4. a person who acts on behalf of another person or group (5) is used (7) 5. the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech (6) 12. containing or covered with many weeds (5) 6. to a very high degree (2,6) 14. social distinction or conspicuous success (5) 11. a race in which competitors stand in sacks and jump forward (4,4) 16. a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or 13. a sum of money granted by the state or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low (7) the extent of disease (7) 15. shelter or protection from danger (6) 19. an organized military force equipped for fighting on land (4) 17. denoting a relationship in which all the input comes from only one member (3-3) 20. an inn or pub (8) 18. used when gesturing to indicate the place intended (5) 22. something that you dislike at first, but that you start to like after 21. a religious or other solemn ceremony or act (4) you have tried it a few times (8,5) 7. the point at which a person gives way under stress (8,5)

Y o u

STAR GUIDE

w i l l

f i n d

a n s w e r s

o n

p a g e

When I was a kid, my mother told me I could be anyone I wanted to be.

Turns out, identity theft is a crime.

1 1

o f

t h i s

w e e k ’ s

p a p e r

AQUARIUS: Your voice can be heard around the world. Aquarius, this week, be mindful of what you say. wiWith the sun in Pisces, in your house of money, making a semi-square to Saturn in Aquarius. At the same time, Venus, also in Pisces, makes a semi-square to Uranus in your house of home and family. This is not a happy pair of aspects, and today, a family member may let you know they are not going to pay you back. This could be regarding a sum of money they owe or just a favor. And while you could be irritated by this turn of even

GEMINI: The reason to have multiple projects going is so you can bounce between them if you encounter delays. Gemini, this week, you’ll be bouncing. Today, you might be closing in on a deadline for some paperwork or have a report you are uncertain how to finish. There could be little annoyances with your computer or interruptions from the family that has you almost to the point of exasperation. Time to switch to another project, and as you work on something else, solutions will come to you. Just make sure you have a clear question in mind, and your super brain will find the answers.

LIBRA: Words can sting this week. Libra, don’t let someone blowing off steam ruin your week. Today, you may be fed up with chores and wish you could have someone else cook your meals, do your laundry, take care of the kids, and scrub the kitchen floor. But it may not be in the budget to get someone to do all of those things. But it’s a good day to consider how you could make some adjustments to allow others to help you out.

You could get a laundry service.

PISCES: This week, there could be misunderstandings and confusion.

Pisces, be mindful in the fog to stay on your path. Today, you might not be happy with yourself. Or you have a habit of self-recrimination, and now you’re quite aware of it. Today’s a good day to choose a new way of speaking to yourself. Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and compassion. This is what you do for other people. This will help you achieve your goals because you will be supporting the person who cares about your goals the most, you.

Affirmations would be good, visualization is helpful, and doing both is ideal.

ARIES: There are detours on the road this week. Aries, small, calculated adjustments can help you keep moving forward. You are like a match lit in the darkness. There’s a sudden flame that lights up the room. But because it’s a match, it goes out quickly. Darkness returns, but everyone remembers the fire. Today, don’t set fire to your reputation or a friendship by hastily playing with matches.

CANCER: As a water sign, you can flow around obstacles. Cancer, this week allow small irritations to flow off of you like drops of water. Today, it’s possible that someone gets in your face and tells you that you’re wrong.

And instead of dismissing them out of hand, it would be good to check in with yourself to see if there is even one kernel of truth connected to what they say.

Because you know self-growth is more important than dogmatically sticking to old beliefs.

SCORPIO: Circumstances this week could have you looking for deeper meaning. Scorpio, this week realize that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. If you have a family at home, you may feel that chores are divided unequally. It’s easy to get irritated today. Unfortunately, it does no good.

Wait to have your say until this energy clears on another day.

LEO: The friction of two sticks rubbing together creates a fire, and fire can spread. Leo, be aware that this week those small irritations can create a bonfire. You may want to quit your job to start a business or to join the circus (anything to get out of the job situation you’re in). But your significant other may not be as enthusiastic about this career trajectory. Today there are a pair of irritating aspects, and so it’s better to save discussions about your vocational path for another day.

SAGITTARIUS: Having a lot of irons in the fire means that if something is not available, you can grab hold of something else. Sagittarius, this week, look at your options. Today, you can become a little miffed with a neighbor’s behavior. Perhaps it’s where they put their trash cans or that they let their dog bark at all hours of the night. You may feel a little frustrated as you’re uncertain whether to confront them or to see if you can involve someone else to support you.

TAURUS: When plowing a field sometimes, the farmer needs to pause to pull the rock out of the ground. Taurus, this week, the field seems full of rocks. You may be looking to make a change in your career. However, you may like the people you work with or feel loyal to your boss. You may be torn about making a change. And to make things just slightly more complicated, you might be working from home and not have an opportunity for a face-toface meeting. But this aspect is just irritating enough to cause you to look for a solution.

VIRGO: This week, irritations are the mother of invention. Virgo, you can use the things that block you as a jumping-off place for innovation. Today, you have a huge desire to break the rules, but it’s not that easy. Not only are there consequences, but it’s just not convenient today to color outside the lines. So, when it comes to your love life, consider what you want and that it might not come together today. Save pursuing for another day. If you’re sitting around waiting for a text from someone you’ve just met, give it an extra day.

CAPRICORN: Capricorn, you’re very busy doing things for other people. This week, remember to do some things for yourself, as well.

There’s something you want, but you also understand the value of waiting for when it works with your budget. You may be feeling impatient as you wait to move forward. But it’s best to take the long road, as it brings you the greatest sense of achievement.

18 |

5

Cairns Local News

WEEKEND

GREAT EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

1

TO KILL A CASSOWARY - Bulmba-ja Arts Centre

Old Amos leads an eccentric life hidden deep in the tropical rainforest of Far North Queensland’s Cassowary Coast. He’s a bohemian eco-warrior, a spiritual eclectic and a cantankerous loner but for the occasional visit from his mysterious neighbour, Josie. His idyllic existence living amongst the Orange-footed Scrub Fowl and the elusive Cassowary, however, is endangered when his estranged daughter Paula moves in. She has her eyes on his precious real estate. She has plans. Over my dead body, thinks Amos. He may be right.

Friday and Saturday night Bulmba-ja Arts Centre Full details: https://jute.com.au/to-kill-a-cassowary/

2

FREE AQUA AEROBICS - Cairns Esplanade

Aquatic exercise is a low impact, effective and fun way to get fit, burn calories, strengthen joints and bones and reduce stress.

Aqua Aerobics increases general well-being with little or no impact and you don’t even have to be able to swim.

This class is FREE.

Saturday, 9am - 10am Esplanade Lagoon Full details: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade

3

Friday March 12, 2021

Pi DAY - A Celebration of Circles is on at the Tanks Arts Centre

In celebration of the International Day of Mathematics (IDM), the Cairns Children’s Museum (CCM) is hosting Pi Day- A Celebration of Circles at the Tanks Arts Centre (because tanks are round!)

Pi (π) is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. For any circle, the distance around the edge is a little more than three times the distance across. Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. It also happens to be Albert Einstein’s Birthday!

Sunday March 14 10am - 2pm Tanks Art Centre FREE Entry Full details: www.tanksartscentre.com/whats-on

4

BEST OF THE BEE GEES

The Best of the Bee Gees brings a catalogue of mega-hits and first-hand stories from original Bee Gees drummer, Colin “Smiley” Petersen, to Cairns in March.

The earliest non-Gibb and fourth band member, Colin was essential to the Bee Gees sound, driving the evolution of this Super Group on stage and in the studio.

He performed on 5 albums including the iconic #1 singles Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, New York Mining Disaster, I Started A Joke and so many more. Colin says: “It’s wonderful that these incredible songs live on through this great show and I am thrilled to add another dimension by sharing my memories.”

Saturday March 13 Cairns Performing Art Centre 10am - 4pm Full details: https://cpac.ticketlink.com.au

5

LORE TO LAW by Umi Arts

Lore to Law conveys a First Nation’s perspectives of the Court House and articulates some unknown stories from the period between 1877 and 1992 that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The exhibition provides an insight into Indigenous perspectives associated with traditional systems of cultural lore and the challenges faced when navigating a new justice system of law.

Lore to Law has been curated by Trish Barnard, an independent freelance curator with UMI Arts.

Saturday and Sunday The Court House 10am - 4pm Full details: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/region/tourist-information/upcoming-events

TONES AND I

SATURDAY 8 MAY MUNRO MARTIN PARKLANDS

FRI 26 - SUN 28 MARCH

www.cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au

INCREASED SCHEDULES IN CAPE YORK COMMENCING 12 APRIL 2021 CAIRNS TO LOCKHART RIVER & AURUKUN

CAIRNS TO KOWANYAMA & PORMPURAAW

MONDAY & FRIDAY

MONDAY

FLIGHT

DEP

FROM

TO

ARR

FLIGHT

DEP

FROM

TO

ARR

QN53

07:00

Cairns

Aurukun

08:40

QN71

07:30

Cairns

Kowanyama

08:45

09:10

Aurukun

Lockhart River

09:45

09:15

Kowanyama

Pormpuraaw

09:35

10:15

Lockhart River

Cairns

11:45

09:55

Pormpuraaw

Cairns

11:15

14:00

Cairns

Lockhart River

15:30

16:00

Lockhart River

Aurukun

16:35

17:05

Aurukun

Cairns

18:45

QN54

TUESDAY QN71

TUESDAY QN53

07:00

Cairns

Aurukun

08:40

09:10

Aurukun

Lockhart River

09:45

10:15

Lockhart River

Cairns

11:45

WEDNESDAY

QN73

07:30

Cairns

Kowanyama

08:45

09:15

Kowanyama

Pormpuraaw

09:35

09:55

Pormpuraaw

Cairns

11:15

14:00

Cairns

Kowanyama

15:15

15:45

Kowanyama

Cairns

17:00

WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY QN78

14:30

Cairns

Pormpuraaw

15:50

QN33

07:00

Cairns

Aurukun

08:40

16:10

Pormpuraaw

Kowanyama

16:30

QN34

09:10

Aurukun

Cairns

10:40

17:00

Kowanyama

Cairns

18:15

QN54

14:00

Cairns

Lockhart River

15:30

16:00

Lockhart River

Aurukun

16:35

QN79

07:00

Cairns

Kowanyama

08:15

17:05

Aurukun

Cairns

18:45

QN80

08:45

Kowanyama

Cairns

10:00

QN78

14:30

Cairns

Pormpuraaw

15:50

THURSDAY

QN54

THURSDAY

14:00

Cairns

Lockhart River

15:30

16:10

Pormpuraaw

Kowanyama

16:30

16:00

Lockhart River

Aurukun

16:35

17:00

Kowanyama

Cairns

18:15

17:05

Aurukun

Cairns

18:45

Torres Strait Island Schedules Increase on 5th April Visit us on the Skytrans Facebook page to view and download the updated schedules

www.skytrans.com.au Contact us: info@skytrans.com.au or 1300 759 872 * Skytrans reserve the right to alter the schedules as required

20 |

DIRECTORIES

Cairns Local News

Edmonton Flowers Delivery from Palm Cove to Babinda Specializing in floral arrangements and baskets of all kinds. Individualize with Chocolates, Balloons, Wine, or make your special request Ph: 07 4045 2111 to speak to the florist directly

Friday March 12, 2021

AU T H O R I S E D D E A L E R

Beaches Pool Supplies is a locally owned company, providing people with swimming pool chemicals, pumps, filters, chlorinators, cleaners and pool servicing, including Free Water Testing and Repairs including Warranty Work Let us Help you with ALL your Po ol Ne e ds.

Beaches Pool Supplies

PH:4057 6477 | Shop 5 & 6 / 2 Cottesloe Dr, Kewarra Beach | beachespools@bigpond.com

Custom packaging solutions Fast, professional, cost-effective packaging solutions to food and general industries: • Collating • Assembly • Kitting • Shrink-wrapping • Labelling • Manufacture and packing of household products

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1800 112 112 endeavour.com.au/business-solutions

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Lifestyle Service Beyond Expectations 16 Survey St Smithfield Qld 4878 Specialising in business advisory, property investors and late tax returns

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• Aluminium Windows • Doors • Mirrors • Shop Fronts • Shower Screens • Built in Robes • Security Screens Invisigard • 24 hour emergency glass replacement

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For all Auto, Truck, Marine and Industrial batteries call Roger on 0455 443 320

Wholesale prices, local service

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Collins Catering and Chemical Supplies Looking for Takeaway packaging, Hospitality supplies, or Cleaning chemicals for your takeaway shop, caravan park or hotel? Call us and we can be your One Stop Solution! We stock Saxby’s Traditional Soft Drinks, Orchy Juices, Kitchenwares, Oakwood Cleaning Systems, Chemicals, Oates/Sabco cleaning equipment and Home Brew Supplies

Servicing Businesses from Tully to Cairns We also Sell Direct to the Public 8.30 am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday

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A comprehensive range of awnings built to withstand and “Protect” against the harsh Australian environment.

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Friday January 22, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

Cairns Local News

NOTICES

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

| 21

NOTICES

MC Drivers Required for 4 months work in WA driving QUAD Roadtrains.

Previous Roadtrain experience an advantage. $45 p/hr starting rate Please send resume to admin1@st-a.com.au or phone Tom Terrell 0428 668 566

If you think you can sell ice to Eskimos: please DO NOT apply.

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

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

Cairns Local News is seeking an experienced Media Marketing Solutions Sales Person We are a locally owned community based newspaper with a strong connection and focus upon local business and the community.

We are seeking an experienced B2B Media Sales Solutions Executive to drive sales in our weekly newspaper and digital products.

The role focuses on business to business sales of Media Space with a growing and dynamic company. The role will give the right applicant fantastic remuneration along with a great work life balance.

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SATURDAY MARCH 13 Babinda: Main St, 7:30-12 noon Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 4:30-11:00 Cooktown: Lions Park, 7:00-12 noon Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Vievers Dr, 10:00-3:00

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SUNDAY MARCH 14 Archer Creek: Rest Area, Kennedy Highway, 7:30-12 noon Atherton Lions Club: Merrilands Hall, 7:00-12:00 Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 4:30-11:00 Holloways Beach: Beach Foreshore, 8:00-1:00 Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Vievers Dr, 10:00-3:00 Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 9:30-3:00 Port Douglas: by St Mary’s Church, 7:302:00

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22 |

Cairns Local News

Sluggish and missing opportunities SAM MCLEAN WEEK 3 of the NBL cup saw the Taipans desperate to gain some of the momentum in what has been a difficult season so far. The first of two games was against the Sydney Kings on a Thursday afternoon at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne.

The Kings started fast with Rookie of the Year contender Dejan Vasiljevic scoring a game high 32 points and ever reliable import Casper Ware (28 points) getting the Kings off to a flying start. The Kings however struggled to maintain the pressure which saw them go into the first change 2 points ahead.

It was all the Taipans from there with North Queensland’s own Nate Jawai staring, scoring 22 points and gathering 6 rebounds. The former Australian Boomer and Bamaga product had his best game of the season so far which allowed our own reliable import Scott Machado the freedom to move scoring 22 points and 5 assists.

They were both supported

by Fabijan Krslovic who has stepped up to fill the void left by Majok Dengs’ injury scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Post-game Mike Kelly was

full of praise for Jawai, “Nate was clutch for us” Kelly said, “he was really big, and we wouldn’t have won the game without his great contribution”.

The second game of the weekend saw us take on the Adelaide 36ers back at John Cain arena. The Taipans were looking to use the momentum of the last game as well as the absence of Adelaide’s big man, Isaac Humphries due to injury.

Fabajian Krslovic again stood up for the Taipans scoring 12 points and 5 rebounds and it was good to see glimpses of Mojave King who scored 11 points including 3 back-to-back 3 pointers.

The game was hard fought with only being a couple of points in it at every change. Daniel Johnson for the 36ers starred however piling on 7 quick points in the last and scoring a game high 30 points seeing Adelaide run out eventual winners by 10 points.

Post-game Mike Kelly said, “we were sluggish on offence and missed some open looks”.

course playing a Stableford.

Winner Roy Murray-Prior, 2nd Peter Steventon on a C/B from Paul Pensini No greens were hit for NTPs. Least putts P Steventon 14.

Thursday Mar 4 20 ladies play a 4BBB Stableford sponsored by Annette Seawright and Janette Hancock. Winning on a C/B was Lois Cross and Alicia English from Dawn Irvine and Kerry Williamson with 40 pts.

Pin shots went to 8 Shelley Broadley, 9 Lisa Lowres, 13 Kerry Williamson and 18 Debbie Peressini. Next Thursday is a Stableford sponsored by Sandra Watson at an earlier tee off 10am for 10.30am.

March monthly medal Sponsored by McMahon Betta Home Living, was a family affair. After a downpour at about 12.30pm - 1pm, Amber Barker won the ladies with 70 nett, r/up went to Abby McEwan 72 nett. Pin shots 3 & 18 Amber Barker and 9 Shelley Broadley. Least putts went to Emily McEwan 28 putts.

Men’s results, winner was Junior, Cohen Barker with 67 nett, A Grade winner John Dyer 70, r/up Kenleigh Mather 73 nett. B Grade winner Simon Dati 69 nett, r/ up Chris De Mamiel 70 nett and C Grade winner Russell Hilder 69 nett, r/up Robert Close 70 nett. Pin shots 3 Phil Henricks, 9 Rob Painter and 18 John Dyer.

Next Saturday is Turner Shield sponsored by Kairi Hotel.

Saturday March 6. 18 Bowlers for Jack-

Ladies Social Bowls:

pot Bowls. Bruce Lester / Nev Tesch / John

SUNDAY March 6. Ladies Championship Triples

Cochrane a draw against Col Widdows /

Final with Cornelia Smith, Jeannie Wild and Yvonne

Steve Cue / Nev Fletcher 18-18; John Fleming / Daryl Hoskins / Tony Brlyack d Ted Holmes / Gordon Henderson / Alistair

Bolton defeated Lou Pomroy, Elaine Whitehead and Jenny Bartholomeusz 22-16. Monday March 8 had

Douglas 31-11, and the winners for the day

Edge Hill Ladies played Pennants at Edge Hill but

Billy Smith / Peter Gorsuch / Jim Geddes

lost 57-71 to Mareeba Ladies.

d Doug Pitt / Tony Kessler / Peter Worley

A close game throughout but all players were tired in

32-11.

In the Club Championship, B Grade Singles, Dylan Wilde d Gordon Henderson 26-

very hot conditions.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls:

21; A Grade Singles, Dave Blain d Steve

Tuesday March 3, washed out all bowls.

Cue 25-13; and Peter Busch d Mick Frese

Wednesday Night March 4, winners were Don

25-20.

George and Janet. Runner-up: Lou, Ian and

This weekend in the Club Championship, Saturday in the Pairs, Billy Smith / Bruce Lester vs Bernie Wolland / Dylan Wilde; and

Brenton. Saturday March 6, social triples winners were Lou Pomroy, Liz Whitehead and John Hayes.

Sunday Steve Cue / Col Widdows vs Char-

Runner-up: Fran Maddern, Jill Alexander and Dar-

lie Toohey / Gordon Henderson. In A Grade

ren Curry. Jackpot not won and now sits at $756+.

Singles, Chris Payne vs Bruce Lester and

Social bowls will continue Tuesday (Day and Night),

Bernie Wolland vs Billy Smith.

Congratulations to David White, Eric Smith, David Blain, Mick Frese and Peter Busch to

Wednesday night with Saturday afternoon.

Edge Hill Club Championship Games.

be selected to represent the District in the

2019-20 Consistency Singles Final between Steve

Northern Challenge Cup to be played in

Henson and G Royle in the final will complete our

Townsville on the weekend of 20/21 March.

2019-20 bowls schedule. 2020-21 A Grade Singles

For Jackpot Bowls this Saturday, names in by 12 noon with card call at 12.45pm.

Anyone interested in playing bowls (ei-

match between Simon Vardy V’s Darren Curry was not completed due to an injury and will be re-sched-

ther for the first time or returning to

uled this week. Other games to be played are Steve

the game) please contact David White

Bragger V’s Russell Hubbard. David Spowart V’s

0407 630 759.

Allan Henson and Andre Buck V’s Steve Henson.

NBL ROUND 9

LADDER TEAM

Friday March 12, 2021 SPORT Atherton JACK HIGH Golf MOSSMAN MEN’S EDGE HILL MEMORIAL Results BOWLS CLUB Wednesday Mar 3 Bowls Results Played the 11 Hole wet

Fri, March 12

PLAYED

WINS

LOSSES

WINS%

MELBOURNE UTD

12

10

2

83.33

Cairns Taipans v SEM Phoenix, John Cain Arena

PERTH WILDCATS

11

7

4

63.64

ILLAWARRA HAWKS

13

7

6

53.85

Sat, March 13

BRISBANE BULLETS

13

7

6

53.85

ADELAIDE 36ERS

15

7

8

46.67

Illawarra Hawks v Melbourbe UTD, John Cain Arena

SYDNEY KINGS

13

6

7

46.15

Sun, March 14

SEM PHOENIX

13

6

7

46.15

NZ BREAKERS

10

3

7

30.00

NZ Breakers v SEM Phoenix, John Cain Arena

CAIRNS TAIPANS

14

4

10

28.57

Perth Wildcats v NZ Breakers. John Cain Arena

Brisbane Bullets v Sydney Kings, John Cain Arena

Perth Wildcats v Adelaide 36ers, John Cain Arena

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Friday March 12, 2021

Cairns Local News

King in the North defends his crown TANYA MURPHY THREE Far North Queensland locals will compete for Muay Thai Queensland titles tomorrow night in the first round of the Elite Fight Series for 2021, with each taking on an opponent from the Gold Coast.

Hundreds of supporters are expected to pack the Fred Moule Pavilion at Cairns Showground from 6pm for the event.

The first title match of the night will star 16-year-old Cooktown local and former world champion Oliver “The Butcher” Hanson from Full Boar Gym. He will be defending his Muay Thai Queensland (MTQ) Youth 16-17 Title, against Lewis Essery from Fighters Haven on the Gold Coast.

Oliver has 33 fights and 21 wins under his belt, including winning the world title once when he was 12.

He has fought in the International Federation of Muaythai Federations (IFMA) competition in Thailand three times.

Oliver’s trainer Vince Parkes said Oliver hadn’t stopped training since he was 10 and had improved a great deal in that time becoming an “intelligent all-rounder.”

The second title to be contested will be the World Muaythai Council (WMC) Welterweight Pro Title and will see Cairns local Ryan “The Demon” Mcdonald from the Fight Academy (DF Gym) take on Taniera Terry of Strikeforce Gym. Ryan, 30, has been training in Muay Thai for more than 15 years and moved to Cairns five years ago to teach at DF Gym. He’s had 35 fights and holds an Elite Fight Series title and a Queensland ISKA title.

DF Gym owner Patrick Doherty said Ryan was a skilful all-rounder.

“His best weapons are that he is a pressure fighter with big hands. He won the last fight with

a big knock out with his hands. He’s done that a few times, and hoping to do a bit more of the same on Saturday.”

The third title to be contested will be for the WMC Queensland Middleweight Pro Title and will see Cairns local Matthew “Choppy” Smith of Nukzu Muay Thai take on James Honey of Strikeforce Gym on the Gold Coast.

Matthew, 32, has been fighting for nearly ten years and has won an Australian World Kick Boxing Federation (WKBF) Title, an International Sport Karate and Kickboxing Association (ISKA) South Pacific Title, and a Cage Soldiers tournament.

The security guard and father of two said he was excited for a rematch with Honey, who defeated him for the same title a couple of years ago.

“I’m feeling really good.

I was carrying a couple of injuries when I fought James last, but now my body and mind are on point,” he said.

The other much-anticipated pro bouts of the night will see Bernard Temu from Fight IQ Cairns take on Torin O’Brien from Snakepit Gym Rockhampton, and Mark Walker from Fusion Fight and Fitness Cairns will take on Daniel Lee Grant from Black Dog Muay Thai in Kuranda.

There will also be six other fights on the night with elbow pads allowed.

This event is the first of four in the Elite Fight Series for 2021, with the others being held at the same venue on June 26, September 11 and November 20.

Tickets are available on the door, or in advance from Explosive Fight Promotions.

| 23

Cooktown’s Oliver Hanson

WAFL dreams for Mya PETER MCCULLAGH THE Cairns Academy of Port welcomed Gold Coast Suns player Jarrod Harbrow for a program of mentoring with their young athletes.

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tered the Academy’s program recently.

“The programs give young athletes an opportunity to excel and hopefully go to the next level.

Jarrod an AFL veteran playing with the Western Bulldogs and in recent years the Gold Coast Suns is pleased to have the opportunity to return to his birthplace and work with young aspiring athletes.

“Once I heard about the AFL program here, I was super excited, and my future was more achievable.

Cairns Academy of Sport member, Mya Cozzulo, a WAFL player in Cairns en-

Mya is a recent addition to AFL. After three seasons she has stamped herself as

“I’m studying Allied Health, it gives me options and a fallback if needed.” she said..

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a player of the future, after a very successful season and finals campaign.

Coming from an athletics background Mya found AFL the ideal fit for her body type and abilities.

Playing centre-half back for the Cairns City Lions, however she had a reputation for running and driving the ball forward.

With a professional AFL career in mind Mya would love to eventually be a listed contracted player with the Gold Coast Suns.

“I’d love to be drafted with the Suns, its so close to home. Making the connection with the Suns early on is important for me,” she said.

Preseason

has

been

tough for Mya, training with the men’s team. “Somehow I keep up with them, I don’t know how, but I was a national runner, it’s really kicking me in the bum at the moment, getting super fit,” she added.

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24 |

SPORT

Cairns Local News

Friday March 12, 2021

INSIDE TODAY Cairns Quiz

PAGE 16

Mossman Bowls

PAGE 22

Golf results

Bowled Over PETER MCCULLAGH A HEFTY amount of bias was evident last weekend when the Westco Volkswagon West Cairns Bowls Fours tournament was held.

Over 60 of the regions‘ best male bowlers competed over two days of competition for a healthy $4000 prize purse.

Sixteen teams from Mossman, Cairns Innisfail and Ingham competed along with several Townsville based bowlers in the two-day competition.

Westco Volkswagen Sales Manager Cameron Atkinson was pleased to support this annual event once again.

“Westco Volkswagen have supported this event for the

past six years. We see this tournament as an important one on the bowls calendar and value its contribution to the local bowls community.

Teams competed over two days, a total of 5 games per team with 16 ends per game.

West Cairns Bowls Club Secretary Steven Smith praised the quality of the competition.

“Consistency is the key to success for the weekend.

The standard was high, and you had to be bowling at your best to come out ahead after the 6 games,” he said.

PAGE 22

ond and a composite team from Marlin Coast, Edge Hill and Townsville came third over the weekend.

Whilst there may have been some serious prize West Cairns Bowls Club skippered by Norm Hall was money up for grabs the comthe winning team overall win- petition has held with a high FNQ the Roar$4000 Photography ningPHOTO: $2000 from level of comradery as evident prize pool. with the winning team shoutEdmonton finished sec- ing the bar after presentation.

NBL Round 7

PAGE 22

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