Cairns Local News December 13 2024

Local News Cairns

Still not home yet

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton

CAIRNS Regional Council will not reintroduce fluoride to the region’s water supply – but it was not unanimous.

Cr Anna Middleton (Div.7), along with Cr Trevor Tim (Div. 4) and Cr Rob Pyne (Div.5) spoke passionately in favour of fluoride, arguing it would improve the overall health and wellbeing of residents during Wednesday’s final council meeting of the year.

l NORTHERN BEACHES

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ONE year on from Cyclone Jasper and the devastating floods in the Far North, recovery remains out of reach for some, and two of those families have taken us through their journey of resilience, highlighting the unbreakable spirit of this unyielding community.

Although the signs of devastation are slowly disappearing, roads have been repaired and the mud has long been cleared out, the wounds are still open for hundreds of families who are still living through the trauma of losing their homes, their memories and their sense of safety.

This was the case for Liz and Damon Sieverts from Holloways Beach and Kirby Murtha and Jason Fagan from Machans Beach who one year after the tragedy

are yet to return home.

Their testimonies highlight the resilience of a community who keeps standing up in the face of tragedy.

In the meantime, insurance companies say 10,398 claims have topped $401 milion with close to 85 per cent finalised.

However, they acknowledge that it is still taking time to finalise all claims and get houses and businesses repaired.

“Insurers acknowledge that recovery

following Tropical Cyclone Jasper has been challenging. This is largely due to complex damage caused by flooding, storm surge and damaging winds,” said an Insurance Council of Australia spokeswoman. As well, Cairns ratepayers are facing a $25m debt to fix up public infrastructure due to not being eligible for some government grants.

FULL COVERAGE PAGES 10-11

But Mayor Amy Eden, deputy mayor Brett Olds and councillors Brett Moller (Div.1), Matthew Tickner (Div.2), Cathy Zeiger (Div.3) and Kristy Vallely (Div. 4) accepted an officer’s recommendation “that (the) council notes that fluoride is not currently added to the potable public water supplies and reaffirms its current position: not to fluoridate the Cairns Regional Council water supply”. Cr Rhonda Coghlan (Div.8) was absent.

There was thunderous applause from anti-fluoride protestors while supporters left the meeting in disgust.

At times the packed and noisy public gallery shouted over and threw insults at councillors.

Cr Olds, who moved the recommendation be endorsed, said council surveys showed there was no overwhelming support for fluoride.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Damon (left), Liz and Jamie Sieverts from Holloways Beach lost their home during the December 2023 floods and are yet to return. Absent: Alexander and Mitchell Sieverts. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

James Cook University students totalling 170 head out the door

Graduating with pride

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A COHORT of 170 James Cook University students have commemorated the exciting beginning of their careers with a graduation ceremony at the Cairns Convention Centre this week.

Students from the college of medicine and dentistry, college of public health, medical and veterinary sciences and college of healthcare sciences crossed the stage of the Cairns Convention Centre on Monday to receive their diplomas and farewell their student life to take on their dreamed career paths.

JCU vice chancellor Professor Simon Biggs sent his best wishes to the graduates and highlighted their commitment to working locally.

“This is always the most exciting part of university life,” he said.

“This is the culmination of everyone’s hard work, the support of their families and the hard work of my colleagues in educating these graduates and then these graduates go out and make a real difference to our communities here in the north.

“When students are trained here, they stay here and that’s very important. We do surveys and we have alumni programs, so we know this is the case.

“We wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavours.”

Dentistry graduate and Mutchilba local David Bailey said he was excited to use his skills to address the shortage skills in North Queensland.

“It’s really good to have all that hard work over five years pay off to get here,” he said.

“I’ll stay in North Queensland. I’ve got a job in Mackay at Clarity Dental, so I’ll be sticking around in the north.

“JCU was an easy decision, they offer a lot of clinical hours, so you feel like you’re prepared for the work life when you get out there.

“I’ve made heaps of connections, and these are all colleagues and friends and it’ll be good to take that into our working life because it’s good to have all those memories.”

Dental surgery graduate Carly Featherstone from Mackay encouraged others to choose JCU and stay regional to help the community and improve their skills.

“The JCU course is fantastic. You got the greatest clinical hours, fantastic lecturers, as well as the placements. Going rural and remote just makes a big difference to your learning,” she said.

“What you do remotely compared to what you would do in the major cities is such a big difference. You’re the one seeing firsthand what’s going on, you can’t just refer it to the dentist down the road, you have to do it, and patients end up having a lot of respect for you.”

Three councillors wanted fluoride in water supply

FROM PAGE 1

Cr Olds said the council should not force it on people.

“Fluoride can get stuffed,” he said.

Cr Middleton, who gave a lengthy speech, said she wanted further investigation and more medical advice.

She said retaining the status

quo was “an action of no action”.

Cr Middleton said the mayor had “blocked access” to health professionals such as experts at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

Cr Tickner said his decision was about personal responsibility, accountability and giving

residents the freedom of choice when it came to oral health.

Cr Pyne said fluoridation was one of the top tier public health interventions and had lasting benefits to the community’s dental health.

Cr Moller said if fluoridation was so important why didn’t the state government mandate it –

which the new Crisafulli administration had indicated it would not be doing.

Cr Tim said fluoridation would “help close the gap” in the health of Indigenous people.

Cr Eden said her children aged 14 and 16 were born and bred in Cairns without fluoridation and their teeth were in good shape.

She said there was no overwhelming support for fluoridation by the community through the council’s latest survey.

A council report said it would cost $14m to provide the infrastructure required to add fluoride to the city’s treatment plants with more than $1m in annual operational and other costs.

JCU dentistry graduates Carly Featherston and David Bailey at the Cairns Convention Centre graduation. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Making Christmas joyous for those in need

l PARRAMATTA PARK

ONE hundred volunteers have gathered at the Fred Moule Pavilion at the Cairns Showgrounds to help pack 800 food hampers and make Christmas a little cheerier for locals doing it tough over the festive period.

The hampers were made possible thanks to the generosity of the Cairns community, which helped raise about $92,000 for the 2024 Mayor’s Christmas Charity.

Major contributions to the fundraising efforts were $20,000 donations from Bendigo Bank, Kenfrost Homes and Rankin Sawmill.

The annual appeal provides hampers to families, the elderly, carers and other residents who might otherwise go without on Christmas Day.

Mayor Amy Eden acknowledged the generosity of the local community, who during a costof-living crisis, had dug deep to help those doing it tough.

“This has been one of the most successful fundraising efforts since the charity was established,” she said.

“It’s all about supporting those in need and ensuring that everyone in the Cairns region can experience the joy of the festive season, regardless of their circumstances.”

‘Senseless vandalism’

Damage to council property, clubs and businesses out-of-control

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

THE escalating cost of vandalism and youth crime across the region is becoming unsustainable to ratepayers and putting an emotional toll on sporting clubs, volunteers and small businesses.

Over the past two months (October and November), the cost to repair senseless vandalism at Cairns Regional Council assets has skyrocketed to $105,000, on top of the cost to sporting clubs and businesses.

Mayor Amy Eden said if it continued, projects would have to be re-prioritised and service levels might slip as crews were redeployed to urgent repair jobs.

“We are seeing record-high levels of vandalism at council facilities, grassroots sporting clubs and small businesses,” she said.

“This is a disgrace and it’s completely unsustainable. By the end of this financial year, unbudgeted costs from damage and repairs will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Cr Eden said it was having a direct impact on ratepayers, with repairing damage to public facilities could have otherwise funded vital community improvements, such as playground upgrades, park enhancements and sporting infrastructure.

She said the Walker Rd sporting precinct was hit again over the weekend of November 30/

December 1, with tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Vandals destroyed the council’s security camera in the car park, rendering it unusable until repairs are completed.

Additionally, Mulgrave Cricket Club facilities were broken into, with a wall breached, keys stolen, and further attempts made to access electrical controls and disable security systems.

“At Walker Road, volunteers and club members are at such a desperate point they stayed overnight to guard their facility and I know other clubs and facilities are considering doing the same thing,” Cr Eden said.

“It’s heartbreaking to see club members and volunteers,

who give so much of their time, burdened with this additional stress.”

Other recent incidents include damage to the Edmonton Storm clubhouse at Petersen Park, where vandals smashed glass doors, damaged locks and lit fires near council amenities.

Cr Eden said the council was doing everything it could to address the youth crime crisis through both immediate and long-term solutions.

Chief Superintendent Fitzgibbon said police were working with the council to prevent crime “and ensure the community is and feels safe”.

“The Far North district has a number of initiatives and strategies working to address youth

offending from every angle,” he said.

“Co-ordinated strategies alongside partner agencies are continuing to target active recidivist offending, while dedicated efforts are also focused on early intervention and prevention to reduce future offending and break the cycle of youth crime.”

Police Minister Dan Purdie said crime was “costing our communities which is why the Crisafulli government is ensuring the Making Queensland Safer laws are in place before Christmas”.

“We will continue to work alongside all levels of government to reduce victim numbers and prevent crime before it happens,” he said.

Mixed reaction to Cazalys’ new club

l CARAVONICA

| Nick Dalton

REACTION to Cazalys buying Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a new community club and possibly an AFL ground for $10 million has been mixed on our Facebook page.

Last week the sports and community club announced the purchase of the park which has been closed for years since the 2020 pandemic.

Cazalys plan to use the existing structure to create a community club that would feature expansive kids’ club areas, a sports bar, affordable restaurant and café dining, as well as versatile spaces for functions and entertainment.

“Even though I’m a massive AFL girl and work in AFL, honestly this isn’t great. It had so much potential. It could have been used as an Indigenous community rehab or a camp to help our youth,” said Briony Pratt.

“Why the heck would we want that next to the Skyrail and the artillery museum? It will look horrible, not to mention all the surrounding rainforest. Will they clear that for an AFL field or an even bigger parking lot? They better bloody not,” said Dani Paterson.

Paul Matthews said it was a shame to see Tjapukai go. “It had so much potential as an Indigenous art centre, but let’s hope as an AFL site, a program to encourage Indigenous at-risk youth (and non-at-risk) to participate in this great sport. It could provide pathways to excellence,” he said.

Tivani Wongtongson said it should be turned into a community centre with affordable yoga and fitness classes, indoor rock climbing or bouldering, live music, local theatre, exhibitions, community events, creative arts and crafts space, free clothes exchange, repair workshop, cooking workshop, arts and music classes.

Craig Mann-Jones and Kylie Mackay were concerned there would be more poker machines and alcohol.

Tamara Srhoj said it was “huge” and would reshape that whole area.

Natasha, Jarred, 10, and Trevor Garvey at the hamper packing at the Cairns Showgrounds. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Trucking for 50 years

Owner-driver longest serving at council

l MANUNDA

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ONE of the most beloved residents of Cairns Ian Allen – better known for being the Cairns Show president – is celebrating 50 years of working with Cairns Regional Council as an ownerdriver.

At 77, he shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for the Cairns community keeps him eager to go to work every day and make the city better for all.

Mr Allen became the youngest owner-driver in council in 1973 at 26-years-old. Since then he has seen dozens of mayors and local governments and projects executed around Cairns. He is the only owner-driver now working for the council.

“I love what I do, I believe the day you don’t like your job is the day you should stop and that’s what I’ve told the bosses –‘I’ll let you know when I’m ready’,” Mr Allen said.

“Back in the 70s I used to drive my father’s front-end loader before I became an owner-driver for about four years, working up in the quarries at Henley’s Hill loading trucks.

“I told my father I wanted to have my own truck, so I bought one and started working as an owner-driver.

“At that time, I was the youngest truck driver at (the) council. I decided to buy a tandem truck and (the) council said they couldn’t guarantee any work for me, but the risk paid off and I’ve been there ever since.

“The main thing that gives me joy in this work is working with my colleagues.”

For decades Mr Allen has been a key part of upgrading the city’s infrastructure and keeping the streets clean and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I started out transporting gravel and cleaning out drains. We also carted out all the materials for the construction of Centenary Lakes. Now I deliver water to work sites,” he said.

“I just don’t want to sit idle. I’ve seen a lot of work colleagues retire and within a couple of years, they’ve passed on. I’m not there yet.”

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden celebrated Mr Allen’s achievement and thanked him for 50 years of service.

“Clocking up 50 years of service at (the) council is an extraor-

dinary achievement that should be celebrated,” she said.

“As a water truck driver who has been behind the wheel for all five decades of his employment with (the) council, Ian is the last of our owner-drivers.

“The crews always know when Ian’s on the job, his truck is always immaculately clean, the stainless-steel accessories and wheels polished and gleaming –it’s his trademark.

“He’s an integral cog in the building of our region, delivering water to sites so the work can go on.

“One thing that is certain, Ian loves Cairns. His commitment to the city and the community is, not only evident through a halfcentury of service to (the) council, but also in his long association with the Cairns Show.”

Mr Allen said he was proud to be a part of (the) council.

“It’s an honour, people come and go but I’m proud to say that I’ll be 78 in one weeks’ time and still working with (the) council,” he said.

“I must give credit to my wife because she’s part of the reason why my truck is always clean, she’s always there lending a hand and she’s happy to see me work.”

Ian Allen is celebrating 50 years of working as an owner-driver with Cairns Regional Council, transporting water to construction sites, moving materials and more. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Community remembers the eight children killed 10 years ago Mayor’s

In memory of ‘angels’

l MANOORA

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

TEN years after the eight ‘angels’ tragedy, 100 people gathered at Murray St Park on Wednesday to honour the young lives lost on December 19, 2014, reflecting on their legacy of resilience and hope.

Four girls, aged 14, 12, 11 and two, and four boys aged nine, eight, six and five were killed and the community gathered to pay their respect to the children and their families and share stories with prayers, songs and a symbolic lighting of eight lights for each of the children.

“It’s about uniting and connecting community together, working with young ones and providing youth programs for the kids in the community. This happened 10 years ago but it’s still felt here in the community,” organiser Sonya Panuel said.

“Especially talk about mental health, we want to see the community connect so we can avoid another situation like this,” she said.

Childhood friend and neighbour of the eight children Jade Atkinson returned to Murray St for the first time in five years to pay her respects and grieve the loss of her best friend Malili who was only 14 when she died.

“Malili was my best friend,”

she said. “We were all neighbours, I was friends with all of them, I have some great memories of them, especially in this park.

“I haven’t been here in five years. I visit Malili’s grave often, but I never come here, it’s too much.

“I never told a parent or anyone what was going on in that house, I regret that, someone should’ve said something, it was

Nominate a local hero

There are only a few days left for you to nominate someone for an Australia Day Award.

evident things weren’t right.

“I’m a mum now to my twoyear-old. Her name is Poppy and it’s very sad to think that Malili didn’t get to be a mum because she definitely wanted to be a mum.

“Now having a child myself I can’t understand how you could do something like that.”

Manoora Community Alliance secretary Paul Brady said the tragedy had been a wake-up

Council News Update

Improvement works

McCoombe St, Mooroobool: New footpath from Moignard St to Smallwood St. Temporary lane and footpath closures

call for the community and a lot had changed since then.

“Lives were changed because of this tragedy. The community was unified in that they didn’t want to have a community like that, we needed to do something different about life in the community,” he said.

“We have to be much better neighbours, we have to care about the children and people in our neighbourhood ... I think

the Manoora community has come together to prevent things like this from ever happening again.”

Raina Thaiday, who killed seven of her children and her niece, was suffering from psychosis stemming from undiagnosed schizophrenia. She was deemed to be of unsound mind and remains in a mental health facility. The charges against her were dropped.

emotional tribute

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton

AN emotional Cairns Mayor Amy Eden has remembered the eight children killed by their mother in a “tragedy (that) rocked our community to the core” 10 years ago.

“It remains one of the darkest moments in Cairns’ history, a tragedy that has left a lasting impact on the families of the victims and our broader community,” the tearful councillor said at the final council meeting of the year on Wednesday.

“On a personal note, at the time of this terrible event, I lived directly across the road from the house where this horrific tragedy occurred,” she said.

“I saw first-hand the toll it took on Murray St residents, on the family and friends of the victims and the ‘M’ suburbs more broadly.

“As this anniversary approaches, our thoughts are with the families and friends who continue to carry the weight of unimaginable grief.

“We also pay respect to those first responders who bore witness to unimaginable scenes inside the house on that tragic day.

“We also acknowledge the strength and resilience of our community, which came together in compassion and support during such a painful time.”

Recognising local heroes who are always going above and beyond, nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards close this Sunday (15 December) at 4pm.

The award categories are:

n Citizen of the Year (21 years and over)

n Young Citizen of the Year (20 years and under), and

n Volunteer of the Year.

Nominate a local hero today at cairns.qld.gov.au/AustraliaDayAwards.

}For all works underway, see Council’s website, cairns.qld.gov.au

Download My Cairns app

Free to dowload, the My Cairns app has been designed to make it easier for residents to go about their lives.

The app lists local community and Council events, sends notifications, such as bin night reminders, and you can easily report a problem – from a pothole to a fallen tree – by taking a pic and sending it straight to us.

New Year’s Eve

Sat 31 Dec

Free Family Concert

Cairns Esplanade Western

Events Lawn

5pm - 9pm

Fireworks

Cairns City: 9pm and Midnight

Edmonton, Walker Rd: 8.30pm Palm Cove Jetty: 8.30pm

See cairns.qld.gov.au for more details

These events may be

weather conditions

stmas

in Cairns

Friends of the eight ‘angels’ Jade Atkinson and her daughter Poppy and Faith McGreen and her daughter Ava returned to Murray St Park after five years to pay respects to the children. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

New Port speed signs of the times

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Dave Lornie

THE Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has responded to claims of “community outrage” over newly installed speed limit signs on Macrossan St, Port Douglas, saying community safety is paramount.

In what some local businesses owners have likened to “a storm in a teacup”, some community members have expressed their online distaste at the new signs, although many have simply made light of the keyboard warriors’ concerns.

Nearby business owners, who did not wish to be identified, said that they were unsure what all the fuss was about.

“I didn’t even notice the new signs,” said one. “I’m not

sure what the problem is.”

A TMR spokesperson said that speeding was one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland’s roads.

“The speed limit on two sections of Port Douglas Rd (known locally as Macrossan St) was reduced earlier this month to improve safety,” they said.

“This was part of the Vulnerable Road Users program, a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) statewide initiative to enhance safety measures in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as town centres.”

TMR said a speed limit review recommended the speed be reduced on Macrossan St to improve pedestrian safety and was endorsed by Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Douglas Shire Council (DSC).

Micro-grid scuppered

Entsch furious over federal government’s decision to axe project

l DAINTREE

| Dave Lornie

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has blasted the decision to drop the proposed Daintree renewable energy micro-grid project.

“Politics,” he said, “it’s politics. (the government) doesn’t want any credit going to myself or the Coalition. It’s all about the politics.”

Mr Entsch said the project was critical for the area, particularly for environmental reasons.

“After (Cyclone) Jasper and talking to people that have been in charge of the recovery, they’ve said that it’s absolutely

critical that we get this infrastructure in before there’s another event,” Mr Entsch told Cairns Local News.

“And the reason they want this micro-grid in is that, after Jasper, the trouble they had getting 44-gallon drums of fuel into those communities. Rolling over and across World-Heritage areas on the beaches to get them in to keep generators operating. Imagine the damage they would have done.

“And the reality is, if that infrastructure had been in place at Noah Range – because (the microgrid infrastructure) is all underground, it wouldn’t have impacted on it at all. They would have had power back up in Cape

Tribulation within a day or two. So, it’s critical that infrastructure be put in.”

The project, initially given the green light by the former Coalition government, was kick-started with $20 million funding to the Volt Advisory Group, working with the local Kuku Yalanji.

The project has been dropped by the Labor government due to not meeting project milestones.

A spokesperson for Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said “the Albanese government is investing in real microgrid projects in regional and First Nations communities, bringing more reliable renewables into a modern,

fit-for-purpose energy grid”.

“The Daintree Microgrid Project was given every opportunity to meet requirements they were contractually obligated to meet but they failed to do so and the grant funding ceased,” the spokesperson said.

“This was communicated to the proponent.”

Mr Entsch questioned the government’s commitment to the project.

“If he wants to say they didn’t meet milestones, why didn’t (Minister Bowen), when his own department failed to issue the license in the four months they were committed to doing it, why did it take them 15 months? Why didn’t he tell his

department to do it?

“Why didn’t he send a letter saying, ‘yes the government’s committed to doing it’, so they could get a sign off. And then he totally discounted the fact there was a little episode called Jasper. And he said himself, the money was there.”

But Mr Entsch remains positive the project will eventually go ahead, adding Peter Dutton was committed to making sure it does.

“The Prime Minister himself has been committed to an Indigenous renewable energy project,” Mr Entsch said.

“It’s going to happen, whether or not (Minister Bowen) agrees.”

Local Briefs

l GROUND CLOSED

AS a result of sustained heavy rainfall in and around Gordonvale and the increased risk of flooding, the Greenpatch campground has been closed to all camping. The full closure of the campground follows the closure of lower section of Greenpatch two weeks ago and is in line with Cairns Regional Council’s adopted Flood Emergency Plan. The campground, which is on the Mulgrave River floodplain and prone to flash flooding, is expected to remain closed for the remainder of the wet season. While Greenpatch will be closed to camping, the reserve remains open for passive recreational use, such as picnics, cycling and scooter riding and exercise. Toilet facilities will be open for day use, although the showers will be closed in line with the closure of the area for camping.

l $1M LOTTO WIN

A CAIRNS man has had a restless night after his million-dollar win in a Weekday Windfall draw kept him wide awake. The Far North Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in draw 4474, drawn on November 27, and looks forward to a $1,043,820 boost. When an official from The Lott contacted the winning man, he shared that despite feeling tired today, he’d never been so happy. His winning System 9 entry was bought at TSG Sheridan Street, 361-363 Sheridan Street, Cairns.

l CENTACARE AWARD

CENTACARE FNQ will cap 2024 with an OSCA for the organisation’s outstanding contribution to the Australian settlement sector. Centacare FNQ’s multicultural services manager Andrea Obeyesekere said she was overjoyed on behalf of her team to secure the Settlement Council of Australia’s Outstanding Settlement Contribution Awards (OSCAs) award for outstanding work in a regional setting.

April (surname withheld) in front of one of the new speed-limit signs on Macrossan St but the furore is over (inset) the white on red road markings. Main picture: Dave Lornie. Inset: Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

New $1.5m vessel takes travellers on half-day Reef adventures Volunteer grants now open

l FAR NORTH

| Isaac Colman

FEDERAL Leichhardt MP

Warren Entsch is encouraging local not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding through the 2024–25 Volunteer Grants program, now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI).

The Volunteer Grants program is funded by the Department of Social Services and aims to strengthen community functioning by increasing participation in volunteering.

With expressions of interest reviewed by a local community committee, selected organisations will be invited to apply for the grant through the Department of Social Services in February 2025.

Mr Entsch said the grants were a great way to support local volunteers and organisations and he urged groups to submit an EOI as soon as possible.

“These grants, ranging from $1000 to $5000, are a fantastic opportunity to support the volunteers who play such a vital role in our community,” Mr Entsch said.

“The funding can be used to purchase essential equipment, deliver training, or run activities that directly benefit our local volunteers,” he said.

To download the EOI form and for more details visit https://bit.ly/3BboTVf

It’s just for snorkelling

l CAIRNS MARINA

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

FOR those visitors looking for a half-day adventure, the new Pure Snorkelling locally-built $1.5 million reef vessel promises just that, covering 30 moorings, offering exclusively snorkelling and having clients back in town just in time for dinner.

In a joint venture between two of Cairns’ most renowned reef operators, Passions of Paradise Alan Wallish, Ocean Free’s Perry Jones and Ocean Freedom’s Taryn Agius, have officially launched Pure Snorkelling. It is a new brand focusing on a market looking for a shorter stint on the Great Barrier Reef.

With the new brand they have introduced the completely locally-built 40-seat, 12m Pure Snorkelling boat, which started taking its first trips to the Reef this week. The boat leaves the marina from 12.30pm and returns at 5.30pm.

“We’re both Cairns families who have been here for almost 40 years and we wanted to create a new baby for the marina and the reef industry,” Mr Wallish said.

“We’ve gone for a completely different concept, a half day operation. This boat gets you out to the (Great Barrier) Reef

quickly, gets you to the same top-quality reefs, gives you a couple of hours on the Reef –which is plenty for everybody to see it and experience it – and then we get you back.

“That means you can go to Skyrail in the morning and come out to the Reef in the afternoon, or you can have a lazy morning, have a nice, long breakfast, do some shopping and go out to the Reef and still

see the same things that everybody else does.”

The vessel was built in Cairns by BME Fabrications at Portsmith and fitted out by Cairns businesses, including Cairns Coastal Coverings and Portside Blast and Paint. It has four 350 horsepower B10 Mercury engines, two toilets, a freshwater shower, three exit areas and a platform that lowers into the water for extra comfort of the

The Machans Beach Community

Association

HERE at Machans Beach, we are proud of our local flood and hub heroes – thank you, thank you, thank you.

Today we also want to acknowledge the many generous people from Cairns and beyond who came to help our community after the devastating flood of Sunday 17 December 2023.

Thank you

To the people who volunteered their time and hard work – the Mud Army, the Orange Sky Laundry and the many others who turned up and helped out,

to the people who donated cleaning materials, food, bedding, toiletries, towels, clothing, shoes, mattresses, furniture, white goods, money and more,

to the businesses who sent hot meals and frozen meals, bottles of water and packs of household essentials,

to SES, Ergon, the Firies, Ambos and Police, the Council team who organised water, sanitation, disposal of flood-damaged household goods, and to the community recovery teams based in the library at the Machans school,

to the many, many people and the organisations (Centacare, Anglicare, RSL, Red Cross, the Cairns $5 Club, Oztempo, Lions Club, Rotary, Queensland CWA and more) who supported us and who continue to contribute in many different ways.

We can’t name you all here but from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you all

Letitia Choppy, President, The Machans Beach Community Association

passengers. “It’s great that we have built something in Cairns for Cairns, by Cairns to go to Cairns reefs,” Mr Wallish said.

“We’ve invested $1.5m and we also have a pontoon office that we’re building – that will be another million dollars – that’ll be finished in five weeks.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s chief executive Mark Olsen said the boat would give another extra boost to the

industry for the post-Covid recovery. “This is a local idea, local investors and a locallyconstructed, beautiful vessel that opens up two really great new markets,” he said.

“You’ve got consumers that aren’t really sure they want to spend a whole day on the Great Barrier Reef markets like India, markets coming back from the east, this is perfect for that customer.”

Master reef guide Michelle Barry, Pure Snorkelling director Alan Wallish and TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen with the new Pure Snorkelling boat at the Cairns Marina. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Housing point of talks

Round table discusses plight of homelessness across the region Flood drains to be fixed

l CASSOWARY COAST

| Nick Dalton

CASSOWARY Coast councillors and officers, real estate agents, Department of Housing, health, housing and local community and not-for-profit providers including Innisfail Youth and Family Care have gathered to tackle the plight of homelessness in the region.

More than 30 people came together at the Innisfail RSL for the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s first housing and homelessness round table with key speakers focusing on service delivery, the depth of housing and homelessness issues in the community and how all can work together to address the many and complex challenges.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said the event was an important step forward.

“Tuesday night’s turnout shows how much our community cares about housing issues. By working together, we can create real change,” she said.

“It was great to hear about innovative ideas like modular housing and the Department of Housing’s new 11-unit build on Ernest St.”

The new housing project on Ernest St will use a modern way of building to speed up construction.

l CASSOWARY COAST

WORK to clear overgrown drains in the Cassowary Coast suburbs of Silkwood and Mourilyan is underway.

The two suburbs were hit the hardest on the Cassowary Coast after record-breaking rains following Cyclone Jasper in December last year.

Residents blamed the poorly maintained drains for the floodwaters which entered many properties.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council infrastructure services director David Goodman told last month’s council meeting that work was expected to start soon, pending site visits by contractors.

He said the council and the three contractors had agreed on 95 per cent of the works, which is understood to be funded from $1.5 million of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement program, of which $150,000 was allocated for the Innisfail River Improvement Trust for the maintenance works.

Other topics included local support services, tiny homes, and ways to encourage more housing developments in the region.

dren under-15 going to the emergency department for illnesses like strep A and other infections.

Dr Jacqueline Murdock from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service said that overcrowded and unhealthy homes could lead to more chil-

Cr Millwood said one key outcome of the meeting was that there would be another round table next year.

“The conversations we’ve started will help us find real solutions to housing challenges in our region,” Cr Millwood said.

“We all need to keep working together to make this happen.”

She said the follow-up would check progress on actions from the local housing action plan that the council approved earlier this year.

She said the council was committed to being part of the solution to help create safe and affordable housing options for everyone in the community.

For more information on Housing in the Cassowary Coast, read the council’s housing plan at https://bit.ly/4g64ujr

Mayor Teresa Millwood said it was almost 12 months since the floods and “people are getting a bit anxious” as the wet season approached. She said once residents saw the work happening there would be “less angst”.

Division 5 councillor Jeff Baines said the drains around the two suburbs had not been cleaned out since 2019.

Mayor Teresa Millwood, Josie Mooka (Mamu Health Services), Alyce Haack (CCRC community development), Julie Mansfield (CCRC regulatory services, Tracey Dickinson (Community Support Centre Innisfail) and Joanne Hughes (Corrections) at the housing forum. Picture: Supplied

Advocating for veterans

l SMITHFIELD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzlez

A LOCAL passionate advocate for veterans and their families has been named Partner Employee of the Year at the 2024 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards for her dedication to advancing the careers of ex-servicemen and their families.

Eden Santos from Smithfield is a jack of all trades. She’s the engagement manager at Ironside Resources, a mum and a service wife – married to former HMAS Cairns commanding officer Alfonso Santos – and her lived experience has inspired her to support service families and veterans to find employment and pursuit their dream careers.

After three years in her role and helping dozens of families in the Far North, she was honoured with the Partner Employee of the Year award at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards last week.

“We help veterans who are transitioning out of the defence

force and veterans who are looking for their next opportunity and need some help navigating the recruitment space,” Mrs Santos said.

“I support our veterans to find the best fit for them and help them through that recruitment process and I connect with our community to let them know what Ironside can provide for veterans.

“Being a defence spouse myself, my family has had seven interstate moves in the 20 years my husband and I have been married and we have four children so I understand the challenges these families face particularly in finding employment because we generally move every two or three years.

“I’ve had so many different roles because of all those moves, so you really have to champion yourself to a new employer to explain why you have those employment gaps.

“So I’m really passionate about helping veterans and their families imagine a different version of themselves and that’s my favourite part of what I do.”

Mrs Santos said she was ex-

tremely proud of the award and to be able to represent the Far North and its defence families on the national stage.

“I never thought that I would win this award. Coming from Cairns, I was up against people from capital cities, so to bring it home for Far North Queensland is just so exciting, and I’m so honoured,” she said.

“And to have an award that is specifically for partners of defence is so critical because we’re often the ones in the background while our partners get all the awards and do all the exciting things, we’re running the home front.

“Awards like this shine a light on the critical role defence partners, spouses and families play in the wider defence picture, there’s also a lot of support out there for defence families that allow defence members to have full and meaningful careers while their families thrive at home.”

For more information on support for defence families, visit https://bit.ly/3BcEtQm and for employment opportunities for defence families, visit https://bit.ly/4fT2nPL

Backing for COUCH campaign

l FAR NORTH

THERE’S been a groundswell of public support for COUCH as the community cancer care organisation steps up its funding fight for survival.

Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns and the Chamber of Commerce have joined community groups and individuals in support of the ‘Champions of COUCH’ campaign, which kicked off in November after the announcement its wellness centre off Reservoir Rd would have to rely on community donations

once federal funding ended in March.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the centre had been a lifeline for Far North Queenslanders facing cancer providing essential health and wellbeing support for the past five years.

“While our community is renowned for its generosity, relying solely on donations places COUCH in a vulnerable position,” she said.

Advance Cairns chief executive officer Jacinta Reddan said the Far North carried an increased burden of cancer rates

in comparison to other parts of Australia. COUCH was a material and powerful service which deserved our support, she said.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Patricia O’Neill said she was confident the business community would dig deep to ensure COUCH had a long future in the Far North. Help make a difference and become a Champion of COUCH.

To find out how you can build a future of comprehensive care for cancer battlers call 4032 0820 or email: champions@ couch.org.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and winner of the Partner Employee of the Year award Eden Santos. Picture: Supplied

A year afterJasper

Insurers say closure rates for 10,398 cases nearly 85 per cent

Claims soar to $401m

l NORTHERN BEACHES

| Nick Dalton

INSURANCE claims relating to Cyclone Jasperr and the subsequent flooding event has soared to $401 million.

An Insurance Council of Australia spokeswoman said 10,398 claims had been lodged, averaging $38,600, with the closure rates approaching 85 per cent.

“Insurers acknowledge that recovery following Tropical Cyclone Jasper has been challenging. This is largely due to complex damage caused by flooding, storm surge and damaging winds,” she said.

“Insurers also faced complex assessment processes as the damage caused by the cyclone and flooding varied and meant that insurers had to deploy hydrologists and specialised as-

sessors. Early access to many impacted properties was impacted by severe landslides and road damage.

“Most of the claims that remain open are well progressed with current closure rates where we would expect them to be one year on from an event of this scale.

“Since the event, insurers have held 11 community consultation events across the Cairns and Douglas local government areas, and provided targeted support to Cook and Cassowary council areas, offering impacted policyholders an opportunity to meet face-toface with their insurer and talk through the claims process.”

A Suncorp spokeswoman said as of December 6, 87 per cent of claims received following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper had been finalised.

“The event resulted in 2676 home, motor and commercial insurance claims, costing more than $120m,” she said.

“Our team are working to finalise the 345 remaining claims, of which 276 are home claims.

“These claims are typically more complex and require expert reports such as hydrology and engineering, which can extend the rebuild timeframe.

“With four extreme weather events declared this year, compared to none at this time last year, Queensland is gearing up for a potentially severe wet season.

“Heavy rainfall and storms are predicted for December and January, as well as cyclones in the north, northwest and northeast of the country.

“Our new disaster management centre in Brisbane will be essential in helping our team

stay prepared and to respond effectively to these challenges – including potential cyclones.”

Sure Insurance received a total of 3095 household claims from Tropical Cyclone Jasper, TC Kirilly and subsequent flooding across Cairns and the Far North.

Sure Insurance managing director Bradley Heath said “we have to date resolved close to 90 per cent of these claims and have made more than $100m in payments to customers for emergency assistance, temporary accommodation, household repairs and settlements”.

“Cyclone and flood claims continued to be lodged well after the events, with approximately nine per cent (286) of claims received onwards from March 2024.

“Of the 341 remaining open claims – Sure Insurance has au-

thorised repairs on 235 properties.

“In respect of the 106 claims where repairs have not yet been able to be authorised, we are in continuing discussions and working closely with our affected customers to achieve mutually acceptable outcomes, resolving scope/cost issues to authorise or cash settle their repairs as soon as possible.”

An RACQ spokeswoman said as of December 10, 2024, 88.5 per cent of their claims related to Jasper had been finalised, with the total cost of claims exceeding $23m.

“We are working closely with our members and partners to progress the remaining claims, most of which are complex home repairs related to flood inundation or requiring specialist involvement, as quickly and efficiently as possible,” she said.

Slow, but steady repairs to infrastructure

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

FROM damaged highways to homes and public amenities, the road to recovery is still being paved one year after Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent floods but the community continues to rebuild with resilience.

What started as a typical weather event for the region turned to tragedy in the following days with incessant rains and extreme flooding which has cost the region hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and has put massive strain on industries like agriculture and tourism.

Despite many public assets having been repaired and many homes now under reconstruction, the community is still on a journey towards healing and

recovering. “As deputy chairwoman of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), I helped lead the disaster response efforts before transitioning to chairwoman of the Local Disaster Recovery Committee,” said Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan said.

“The focus was on community safety and wellbeing. I experienced the disaster, both within the operational response, and directly in the community’s hardest-hit areas,” she said.

“The aftermath of the flooding was deeply emotional, with devastating impacts on families and communities.

“The people in my division are not just constituents – they are neighbours and friends, making the recovery deeply personal.

“While some decisions could have been quicker, every effort

was made to be present and supportive where needed most.”

Member for Barron River Bree James – who back then was a candidate – reminisced on what she witnessed on the ground.

“Rain started immediately but we thought we’d be OK and then on December 16 the rain picked up massively and I just remember being glued to my phone, watching the horror unfold,” she said.

“On the 17th flooding was very significant but by the 18th, my husband and I and countless others started helping people at their homes.

“We started with Caravonica, because we couldn’t get into Machans and Holloways at this point, but it was absolutely devastating.

“Helping people pull everything out of their homes onto

their front lawns, the smell of the mud and just their devastation at losing everything was so sad to see but the community response was absolutely incredible.”

Cr Coghlan and Ms James said a lot of progress had been made in the restoration of public assets but the signs of Jasper’s devastation were still visible on our infrastructure.

“I think our roads are what suffering still. The Captain Cook Highway and the Kuranda range, they’re the two infrastructure assets that have been impacted the most,” Ms James said.

“The Kuranda range has had to have every slip engineered individually to work out the plan forward and the works began last week and will be complete within two years, which is fantastic,” she said.

Council repair bill $25m short

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

CAIRNS ratepayers face a $25 million debt to repair community assets following Cyclone Jasper and the unprecedented flooding a year ago.

The last council meeting of the year on Wednesday was told the bill was about $108m with $83m eligible for state and/or federal government funding.

Mayor Amy Eden said the aftermath of the cyclone highlighted significant gaps in the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA) for that event, particularly concerning the restoration of recreational facilities, foreshores and community assets.

Ineligible for grants

“However, the current activation of funding for the Jasper event excludes essential community infrastructure, such as recreational facilities, which are vital for the social and emotional well-being of our communities,” she said.

“The inability to access necessary funds for rebuilding these assets is stifling our recovery efforts and prolongs the return to normalcy for our residents.

“If we don’t get funding support, the burden will fall on ratepayers. In a cost-of-living crisis, our residents just cannot afford it.

“I once again call upon the state and federal governments to release additional funding for the Jasper event. This would empower local councils to apply for disaster recovery funds to rebuild and restore recreational facilities and other critical community assets that are currently outside the scope of the grant scheme.

“By doing this, we can ensure a more comprehensive and effective recovery process, enabling our communities to rebuild stronger and more resilient after natural disasters.

Unprecedented flooding

“One year later there’s still Northern Beaches foreshores to be restored, including Kewarra Beach, Ellis Beach and Holloways Beach. They require significant restoration of paths, car parks and public amenities.

Lake Placid Recreation Area remains closed,” Cr Coghlan said.

“Restoration efforts are challenged by unfunded costs, but immediate repairs to parks and other public areas have been prioritised while advocating for additional funding.

“In the Casuarina St causeway emergency repairs were completed within five days to provide temporary single-lane access after flooding cut off 55 homes.

“A permanent $25m bridge, designed for greater flood resilience, is under development and funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”

“As we approach the first anniversary of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall near Wujal Wujal on December 13, 2023, we remember the unprecedented flooding and widespread devastation it caused across our region.

“The cyclone’s unexpected stalling just north of Cairns led to record-breaking floods, isolating communities and inflicting significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

“I know many residents impacted by Jasper are nervous and anxious about the wet season ahead.

“Please take care of yourselves and your family over the next couple of months and reach out and seek support if you need it.

“I’d like those residents, and our entire community, to know that council stands with you during this difficult time.

“It’s vital that residents have prepared their cyclone kit, have an evacuation plan in place and they get to ‘Know Their Zone’.” For more information visit https://bit.ly/4g9VHgk

The home of Jason Fagan, Kirby Murtha and Zali at Machans Beach during the floods. Pictures: Supplied

The written-off furniture and goods outside the home of Jason Fagan, Kirby Murtha and Zalli.

A year afterJasper

Can’t wait to get home

Two families recollect the impact of the cyclone and flooding on their lives

l NORTHERN BEACHES

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ONE year on from Cyclone Jasper and the devastating floods in the Far North, recovery remains out of reach for some and two of those families have taken us through their journey of resilience, highlighting the unbreakable spirit of this unyielding community.

Although the signs of devastation are slowly disappearing, roads have been repaired and the mud has long cleared out, the wounds are still open for hundreds of families who are still living through the trauma of losing their homes, their memories and their sense of safety.

This was the case for Liz and Damon Sieverts from Holloways Beach and Kirby Murtha and Jason Fagan from Machans Beach who one year after the tragedy are yet to return home.

Resilience

Their testimonies highlight the resilience of a community who keeps standing up in the face of tragedy.

The Sieverts live in Salwood Cl in Holloways Beach in a five-bedroom home which they had renovated to their liking. The home was the perfect place for their three young children, Jamie, 7, Alexander, 5, and Mitchell, 3, and their two pets –a dog and a cat.

“Any given day there’d be up to 10 kids playing basketball, riding their bikes, jumping on one person’s tramp, swapping to someone’s pool,” said Mr Sieverts, who’s better known in the community as The Hungry Nomad for his food truck business.

“They all miss each other like crazy. It’s a bit of a ghost town at the moment,” he said.

Tragedy struck – as it did for many – on Sunday, December 17 when the perfect storm of rain, high tides and river surges caused an abnormal amount of water to flow into the streets and homes of residents of the Northern Beaches areas.

“I took the sail down off the pool, tied the trampoline down, we swung up the swings, did the normal prep. We’re one of the highest points in Holloways Beach, we’re not in a flood zone and we’re certainly not in a storm surge zone,” Mr Sieverts said.

“I had all these plans for the Sunday to do Christmas baking with the kids,” Ms Sieverts said.

Flooding starts

“Then our neighbour, Tessa, came running and said next door was already flooding.

“I thought, ‘Surely we’re not going to flood, this is not going to happen?’

“I pulled things into our hallway, put what I could onto beds and then the water started coming up through the bathroom drains.”

The Sieverts evacuated to two neighbours’ houses. By the time they made it to the second home there were about 25 people with them.

“The neighbour’s house went under around 3pm, so we rang our neighbour Tina and asked

to break into her house – their house was built up,” Mr Sieverts said.

“By that stage, it was quite a few of us. Probably seven kids, five or six dogs and cats, maybe six or seven adults,” he said.

“We rang SES, but they said it would take 72 hours for them to come.

“I did a couple of laps of the street and there’s just people standing in their gate holding their dog and a little bit of belongings in absolute shock. They’ve been our neighbours forever and we’ve never met them. I said ‘Come with us, we’ve got dry ground’. In the end it was 25 of us on a balcony waiting.”

Rescued by a stranger

The family was rescued that night by a stranger in a dinghy, they were then taken by the Navy and transported by bus to an evacuation centre in Edmonton.

What followed were devastating of weeks of returning to Holloways Beach and seeing the destruction, clean ups and fights with insurance.

This year, the family has moved six times from friends’ homes to rentals and Airbnbs. They were supposed to be able to move back in this December, but right now it seems unlikely.

“The first walk-through with the builders and insurer, and both said ‘It’s such a straightforward job guys, you will be back in three months’,” Mr Sieverts said.

“Every day we’re informing insurance and asking ‘Well, what are we doing? Where are we going?’,” he said.

“We’ve got a meeting tomorrow so hopefully within the next couple of weeks we’ll be back.

“It still doesn’t even feel real, to be honest, feels like it happened to somebody else,” Ms Sieverts said.

“The day after we were rescued I had friends calling us,

the river at the end of the street.

saying ‘What do you need?’

“Jamie’s principal called us and said ‘I’ve heard what’s happened. I’m going away on holidays for three weeks, I want you to come stay at our place’, and we’ve never been people that have accepted help before but she was like ‘No, you’re doing this’.

Community generosity

“We went back to a friend’s house and within 24 hours we had people coming over, giving us food, giving us clothes. The outpouring of the community was phenomenal, the generosity of the community is what really helped us,” she said in tears.

“It was hard because I thought there were people much worse off than us. And if anyone deserved more help, then help those people before us,” Mr Sieverts said.

“We’ve made a lot of friends that we’ve met at the Holloways Hub, so it’s a good warm feeling being a part of the Holloways community.”

“Trust yourselves and your neighbours and help them out because they’re the ones that are going to be there when something like this happens,” he said.

“I know I’ll be more prepared for something like this. I lost a lot of drawings and things from school from my older kids that are irreplaceable. I’ll be arranging things differently,” Ms Sievert said.

“Also we want to thank you, we couldn’t have gone through this without the community, we’ve made friends through this process that will be friends for life, this has made us love our community even more,” she said.

Heartache

For Machans Beach family, Kirby Murtha, her partner Jason Fagan and their daughter Zali, 4, one year hasn’t been enough time to process all the heartbreak, stress and small victories

that have come since Jasper.

“Right before Christmas last year we went to Cairns Central to go for supplies and get our Santa photos taken and it was like stepping back from all the chaos happening here to a different Cairns. It was all Christmas carols and hugs and kisses. It was emotionally overwhelming,” Mr Fagan said.

“We just wanted to have some kind of normality so I said ‘We need to get our Santa photos done’, so the lady at the boutique I help at gave me a dress to wear, Jason had to run and buy himself a pair of shoes, luckily, Zali’s nice clothes where really high up so we got our Santa photos done,” Ms Murtha said.

“It was horrible because it was a small part of Cairns that was affected but it was so bad for the people there, you could see them covered in mud looking like zombies, while everyone was ready and merry for Christmas.”

Ms Murtha, who is a senior health promotion officer with Queensland Health, and Mr Fagan, who works in health management, had slowly but surely built up their dream home on Christensen St at Machans Beach.

Love Machans Beach

“We really wanted to live in Machans Beach because it’s a very beautiful community, it’s not like any other suburb in Cairns, we could picture ourselves there,” Ms Murtha said. They had finished renovating their home when Jasper and the floods hit Machans Beach.

“We did a big yard cleanup, we taped all the windows, we tied down the caravan and stocked up on food and supplies,” Ms Murtha said.

“The road was a bit hit or miss for a couple of days, but no one thought we were going to flood.”

The flooding began from the houses across the road and not

By the time they started to prepare to leave water started coming out from all the drains.

The family evacuated to a neighbour’s house where they waited for a night. Once the water started to subside on Monday they made their way back to a home destroyed by sewage and salt water.

“When the water went up, everything tipped, so it was just food and rubbish bobbing around. And the smell is like this muddy sewage and it was already hot,” Ms Murtha said.

“I can barely remember it. I think I’ve blanked it from my brain,” she said.

“We both work in health but we had no PPE, we were walking around barefoot not realising that the mud had sewage in it,” Mr Fagan said.

“We agreed that Zali didn’t return to the house, and she didn’t want to come back, every time we returned she just sat in the car.”

Temporary digs

They initially moved into temporary accommodation until April, then moved into a caravan for three months and finally they had their backyard shed fitted out into a granny flat where they live until today while they wait for their home to be finished.

“Our priority was having stability for Zali,” Ms Murtha said.

“We tried to make it like an adventure, whether we were at temporary accommodation or in a caravan or with family.

“She’s definitely got some PTSD from the whole thing. We’ve had to have collaborative strategies with our daycare about how we talk about the rain to her.

“I don’t even know if we’ve processed a lot of the stuff that’s happened because it’s been constant working, sorting out insurance and navigating things with the builders.”

Lots of memories

“Almost 12 months later, there’s still a lot of memories, there’s still mud on the deck, every now and then I catch a whiff of that stench from the sewage water and it takes me back,” Mr Fagan said.

As they prepare for the first year outside of their homes, both families reflect on the resilience and unity of a community that continues to rise after the tragedy.

“You’d be surprised at the support of the community. Zali’s daycare gathered a whole bunch of clothes, books and toys and presented it to her, and we had amazing people help us,” Mr Fagan said.

“I think this has brought us closer as a community, I think we’ll pull through, but Cairns Regional Council really needs to stand up and look at infrastructure, it all could have been managed a whole better than it was.”

Crazy year

“It’s been a crazy year but this is a strong community, the people we know from Machans they want to stay here and are determined to rebuild,” Ms Murtha said.

“We’ve had amazing family and friends come and support us, but we’re lucky, we had contents insurance, we knew it would be really tough but we’d be OK – that’s not the case for everyone.

“This had had us talking about things we never thought before. We’ve never made an insurance claim in our lives, the cost of what it is to strip out a house and sanitise it, you’re already $40,000 behind on your insurance before anything even happens at your house. I also never thought that we might have to consider where we’re going to live in the future because of climate change and not everyone can afford to futureproof.”

Damon (left), Liz and Jamie Sieverts from Holloways Beach lost their home during the December 2023 floods and are yet to return. Pictures: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Jason Fagan (left), Kirby Murtha and their daughter Zali from Machans Beach inside their home on Christensen St which is still being renovated after the floods.

Lettersto the editor

Vocal Local

Chris Forsberg, Bayview Heights

Rob Allan, Cairns

Last week’s question was: What do you think about pub operator Australian Venue Co’s backflip over Australia Day? Here are just some of your comments.

I’m aware one of their pubs interstate didn’t celebrate Australia Day last year but had festivities for St Patrick’s Day (Irish) and Octoberfest (German) but nothing for Australia. Time to send this foreign-owned company a strong message by not frequenting their establishments due to their decision to not offend a minority. It’s about time these big companies look after a majority of Australians or risk loss of business. Woolies has shown their true colours previously, also supporting foreign national days and events but not ours.

- Jimmy Gordon, Facebook

Will they pay their staff penalty rates on the day since they don’t believe in Australia Day? Will any racist employees work and forego their penalty rate?

-Sam Newby, Facebook

It was great to see the list of nine pubs up here, so that we now know which pubs not to support. The backflip is only because they realised they would miss out on revenue, but still not celebrating the day.

- Gioia Dalla Lana, Facebook

The damage has been done. The backflip is just them scrabbling trying to reduce the criticism and protect profits.

- Suzanne Robson, Facebook

Having pride and loving our country starts with the young. Where I live in NSW we have schools that shamelessly do not fly our national flag daily. If Peter Dutton is elected I hope he addresses this matter with our schools and our local councils.

- Rhonda Griffin, Facebook

Williams, Woree

Jennifer Rattray, Woree

Nick Adsett, Kanimbla

Gazza’s Gossip

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

I HAD to question myself as to whether writing a ‘Goss’ that would revisit the trauma of Cyclone Jasper would be appropriate.

As we approach the tragedy’s first anniversary, the recent heavy rain has certainly brought some unpleasant memories back for Douglas Shire locals and the region in general.

After due consideration, I decided to take the journey down memory lane back to December 13 last year, the day when this potentially life changing experience all began. The reason for my decision is because amongst all of the upset, some truly amazing recovery stories have unfolded.

As many reading will remember,

the expected winds were the least of our worries, as the rain began and just simply went on and on. Those owning their own personal weather stations, looked in disbelief as the rain gauge rose at levels rarely seen before. In fact, my little home weather station in Port Douglas still registers just under 6m for the year, most of which came in just a few days after Jasper’s intrusion of our usually tropical paradise.

You only have to take a trip up to the Lion’s Den pub to see the record water level indicated by a painted line just below the rooftop and to hear the stories of those rescued from their homes.

A trip north of the river is all you need to get a feel of the sheer water level that swept across the land, rip-

ping up mature trees and destroying roads.

Front St, Mossman, became a river during the worst of the floods, with water invading most businesses and leaving a muddy sludge just to add to the complications. Clearing up was no easy task without power and water as business owners worked together to hopefully trade again in the build up to Christmas.

Back in October, at Mossman Gorge, the Douglas Shire Council acknowledged certain individuals, together with the community groups that played their part in many different ways immediately after the cyclone and during the floods.

One such local hero was Jessica Alexandratos, a registered nurse who

lives in Wonga Beach. While her own house was in a high-risk area, she was still committed to helping others.

With her qualified nursing skills, Jessica offered her services to members of the community, delivering medication to those who were in need of it, or unable to leave their homes. In some cases, this was via a tinny down what should have been a road.

She helped set up a nurse’s hub at Wonga Beach School and checked in on those who were known to the community with mental health issues and the elderly.

There are some people, without doubt, still doing it tough today as a result of Cyclone Jasper, but due to the help from some true heroes and the tenacity and patience of our lo-

cal communities, somehow, we have muddled through and come out the other side.

We can now, fortunately, look back and actually be proud of what was achieved during such adversity. As a community we got through together and baring no major weather issues this year, will all now move forward. In fact, as we enter this year’s festive season, we all look towards a much merrier Christmas and a happier New Year.

I’m off to quickly check the rain radar again, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au

A range of memories of Cyclone Jasper and its aftermath. Main: Trees down in Port Douglas. Insets, above from left: Two flooded businesses in Front St, Mossman, road damage in South Mossman, a power pole down at Four Mile Beach and Jessica Alexandratos receives her certificate of appreciation from Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon. Pictures: Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy and supplied.

Your guide to e holiday season

Jules Collins Jewellery PalmCoveSpa&Beauty

CELEBRATE the festive season and find your oneof-a-kind special gift at Oceana Walk!

Located in the heart of Cairns’ shopping precinct at 62 Grafton Street (with access via 55 and 67 Lake Street), Oceana Walk features a curated collection of local stores. Whether you’re looking for handmade jewellery, vintage treasures, bespoke homewares, organic treats, or stylish fashion pieces, you’re sure to find something special.

“Oceana Walk is not just a shopping destination; it’s a vibrant community of small, locally-owned businesses,” says Kirsty Boyce, owner of Eggplant and Poppy. “By shopping here, you’re supporting Cairns’ economy and helping to keep your dollars in our local community this Christmas.”

Jules Collins Jewellery

VT Nails Wax Beauty

B’lashed Boutique

Find your favourite place to be

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

THE holiday season is one of the best times to go out and either find the perfect gift or your next favourite place to eat, or relax by simply sitting by the pool.

Within easy reach by car, stop at Annie’s at the Beach for a new his or hers swimming costume, then back into the car and head to the Douglas Art Studio in Mossman to find your perfect piece of art. On the way back, you can pick your favourite view to dine by - as the northern beaches host a huge number of pubs, café’s and specialist restaurants along each of the picturesque beaches across the region.

Our professional spa therapists will help you choose from a range of treatments and therapies that will leave you feeling restored, revived and inspired.

OPENING HOURS

Monday - Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm

To book a treatment, please call +61 7 4059 9613 or email: viespa.palmcove@accor.com

Temple of Tastes

Pullman Resort Palm Cove

Experience the tantalising flavours and textures inspired by Southeast Asia favouring organic, seasonal produce from the Atherton Tablelands.

Book your table online today at: www.pullmanpalmcove.com.au/ dining/temple-of-tastes Or phone 07 4059 9628

Douglas Arts Base

TukTuk by the Sea

Beach House at Trinity

SeaTempleResort&Spa

Annie’sattheBeach

plan is kept. Involve: all householders in your disaster preparations so everone understands the risks and appropriate actions required in an emergency. Practice: your emergency plan with all householders every few months to make sure everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs. This page includes four simple steps to help you, your family and household. You can make your emergency plan online at getready.qld. gov.au/plan or use the form on this page.

https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/

q Discuss medical conditions and pet preparations. Record vital information:

q Nominate meeting places and emergency contacts

q Prepare for possible evacuations

q Ensure awareness of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) and the local ABC radio station for updates

q Determine meeting locations and communication methods

q Decide on actions for various emergencies

q Discuss potential emergency scenarios and responses with your household

Plan for scenarios:

q Explore available local support agencies.

Always remember: Having

q Ask workplaces, schools, and childcare providers about emergency and evacuation plans

q Inquire about local warning systems, evacuation procedures, and routes

q Check with the local library and council for information

q Research potential hazards in your community and Disaster Management Plans

q Document important contacts, including emergency numbers, medical services, local council, and more

Note: Keep your emergency plan on the fridge or a notice board and store a copy in your emergency kit.

q Consider joining a community emergency service organization like the State Emergency Service (SES) to enhance your disaster preparedness.

q Display your emergency plan and provide copies to relevant individuals

q Educate household members on safety procedures, such as turning off power, water, and gas in case of evacuation

q Include a fully stocked fi rst aid kit in your emergency kit

q Teach children how to call Triple Zero (000) during life-threatening emergencies

q Practice your emergency plan regularly

q Create an emergency kit and keep it accessible

Ensure household preparedness:

q Record local radio station frequency and weather service contacts.

q Note meeting place details, medical conditions, essential medications, and pet information

q List household mobile phones, work, school, childcare providers, friends, neighbours, and household emergency contacts

Know the hazards:

Prepare your emergency plan

Emergency kit: essential items

Miscellaneous

q Special items for infants (nappies, formula etc)

q Special items needed by elderly or people with special needs

q Spare house and car keys

q Pet food, water and and other animal needs. Important documents Keep originals digital copies or certifi ed copies of these documents in your emergency kit. Keep all of these items in sealed plastic bags.

q Insurance papers for your house and contents, and cars q Inventory of household goods

q Wills and life insurance documents

q House deeds/mortgage documents

q Birth and marriage certifi cates

q Passports and visa details

q Stocks and bonds

q Medicare, pension cards, immunisation records

q Bank account and credit card details

q A back up copy of any important computer fi les

q Household emergency plan with emergency contact numbers.

Emergency kit: extra things

Food and water

q Range of non-perishable food items q Bottled water. Medical and sanitation

It is preferable to keep stocks of these items in your kit all the time. However, if you do not have enough space in your kit, make a no te of where to fi nd the extra items in your home so you can collect them quickly.

q First aid kit and manual q Essential medications, prescriptions and dosage q Toilet paper q Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and shampoo

q Personal hygiene items, including face masks, hand sanitiser and wet-wipes.

Lights

q Torch with extra batteries q Battery powered lantern q Candles, lighter and waterproof matches.

Communications

q Battery powered radio with extra batteries.

Clothing and footwear

q Warm clothing, wet-weather clothing, and closed-toe shoes for everyone.

Tools and supplies

q Whistle, utility knife, duct tape/masking tape

q Garbage bags, ties and zip lock bags

q Safety glasses and sunglasses.

Having an emergency kit is an important step to prepare for, survive and cope with emergencies. On this page Is a list of items which should be in your kit at all times. On the other side of this page is a list of extra items which, if you do not keep at all times, you should add to your kit during storm or cyclone season.

Remember: if you have visitors during an emergency, you will need supplies for them as well.

Clothing and footwear

q Change of clothes for everyone, stored in plastic bags

q Spare clothes and bedding. Miscellaneous items q Extra supplies for infants (extra formula, nappies etc) q Extra items for the elderly or people with special needs q Spare cash in case electronic bank tellers don’t work q Pets –provisions and information (such as vet’s papers, leash, food and water, collars with identifi cation tag, pet beds, litter pan and scooper, carrier or harness, medication). In an emergency, there may be interruptions to power and water supplies. Ensure you have adequate stocks on hand: q Barbeque or portable stove with fuel q Spare batteries for torch and radio q Esky or gas/battery powered refrigerator.

Food and water

q Three days’ supply of non-perishable food (plus can opener, cooking gear, plates and utensils)

q Clean water in sealed containers (10 litres per person is recommended for three days supply)

q Water purifi cation tablets. Medical and sanitation supplies

q Extra supplies of medications

q Extra toiletry and sanitary supplies, sunscreen and insect repellant

q Prescription details for all medications

q Spare spectacles. Tools, communications and supplies

q Wide masking tape for windows

q Wrench or pliers to turn off all utilities

q Tent or tarpaulin

q Woollen and thermal blankets

q A fully charged mobile phone, charger and portable chargers/power banks.

https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/

https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/

Emergency contacts and links

LIFE THREATENING

EMERGENCIES

000 (triple 0) for fire, ambulance or police 112 from mobiles

AMBULANCE

13 22 33 for non-life-threatening calls

QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVCE (QFES) www.facebook.com/ qldfiredepartment/ www.qfes.qld.gov.au

QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE

13 14 44 PoliceLink www.police.qld.gov.au/policelinkreporting www.facebook.com/ QueenslandPolice

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (SES)

13 25 00 for assistance www.facebook.com/SESFNR

13HEALTH

13 43 25 84 for health information, advice or referrals

POWER SUPPLY AND OUTAGES

13 16 70 emergency (24/7)

13 22 96 power outages (24/7)

13 74 66 general enquiries

www.ergon.com.au/network/ outages/outage-finder/outagefinder-map

GAS LEAKS

1800 808 526 Origin Energy

*For emergencies, if you can smell gas or if someone’s life or house is in danger – call 000 immediately.

WEATHER & WARNINGSBUREAU OF METEOROLOGY

www.bom.gov.au

1300 659 212 Tropical cyclone and flood warnings

1300 659 219 Land weather and flood warnings

1300 878 626 Australian Tsunami Warning Service

1300 360 427 Queensland coastal marine warnings www.facebook.com/ bureauofmeteorology

ANIMAL EMERGENCIES

4053 4467 Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue

4281 6869 Wildlife Carers FNQ Inc

RSPCA lost pets website: www.rspcaqld.org.au/what-we-do/ lost-animals

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL

1300 69 22 47 General enquiries & After hours emergencies (24/7) www.cairns.qld.gov.au www.disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

1300 763 903 general enquiries

1300 188 505 Disaster Coordination Centre www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au www.disaster.cassowarycoast.qld. gov.au

DOUGLAS SHIRE COUNCIL

4099 9444 or 1800 026 318 General enquiries

4099 9444 After hours emergencies www.douglas.qld.gov.au www.dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au

PORTS NORTH

4051 2558 Cairns Port Operations & Emergency

4052 7470 Cairns Port Vessel Traffic Services

ROAD CONDITIONS

13 19 40 to report hazards & incidents

www.racq.com.au/car/roadconditions#overview www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

RADIO STATIONS

ABC Far North:

Cairns: 106.7FM / 801AM

Babinda & Innisfail: 95.7FM

Atherton & Mareeba: 106.7FM / 720AM

Mossman & Port Douglas: 106.7FM / 639AM

Douglas FM: 101.5FM

CairnsFM: 89.1FM

Bumma Bippera Community: 98.7FM

4KZ: 531AM

4AM: 558AM

l TRINITY BEACH

NESTLED between two headlands, just 15 minutes north of the Cairns Airport, Trinity Beach is an idyllic beachside village.

Offering a variety of apartment style accommodation, catering to all budgets, it is the perfect location to stay when visiting the beautiful Far North region.

cake, Trinity Beach can cater for your needs. There is sure to be an eating experience that will tantalise your taste buds ranging from Italian, Mediterranean, seafood, or Thai to pizza or fish and chips.

Along the beach front there is outdoor gym equipment, amazing esplanade walks and a patrolled beach for year-round safe swimming.

For those looking for a bit more of a challenge the Earl Hill walking track is close by, or you can try out the newly opened Wangetti Trail.

Trinity Beach offers a range of local shopping facilities, including a pharmacy, newsagency, supermarket and medical centre. You will be reminded that you are in the tropics when you sample cuisine at our local cafés and restaurants. Whether you are after an exotic culinary experience or just wanting to enjoy coffee and

If an action holiday is not your thing, you can chill out, relax and watch the world go by, either lazing on the beach or sipping cocktails at one of the beachfront bars.

https://www.trinitybeachholiday.com/

Find tranquillity at Trinity Beach

l PALM COVE

Find paradise in Palm Cove

AS the Christmas and New Year season approaches, Palm Cove offers a perfect escape to celebrate in a serene paradise. Begin with a hearty Irish Christmas at O’Donnell’s Irish Bar and Grill, then browse the boutique shops like Annie’s at the Beach and Beach Catwalk during the Boxing Day sales. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the beach at 8pm, followed by a memorable BBQ on what has become known as the ‘world’s best beach.’ Explore diverse cuisines at local restaurants, including Greek at El Grecko Taverna, Mexican at Le Messa, Italian at Il Forno, and Span-

ish at Miguel’s. Accommodation options abound, from the luxurious Reef House Adults Retreat to the beachside Drift Apartments and Alamanda Palm Cove Resort, offering stunning ocean views. For a more adventurous experience, the NRMA Campground offers a family-friendly setting surrounded by nature.

Palm Cove combines the charm of an island getaway with the convenience of mainland access, providing a relaxing destination with local attractions, great dining, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or holiday deals, Palm Cove is the ideal spot to embrace the festive spirit and enjoy a peaceful holiday retreat.

Palm Cove is a luxurious location, with many world-class and award-winning resorts, restaurants and spas spanning the length of our picturesque beachfront esplanade. If you are looking for a holiday that you will never forget, then Palm Cove is the perfect destination for you.

l

CAIRNS REGION

FUN is the number one holiday destination on any visitor or locals list of activities after the schools close and the decorations are raised.

Party in Cairns is a specialist group who can take you on boats or buses for parties across many of the key party destinations a local breweries in town. Palm Cove Spa boasts relaxing massage and facials worth every moment and Ree’s bookshop can provide old style reading on just about any topic you like, and the shopping is half the fun.

There are several large shopping centre’s about town and many more small boutique locations, or AJ Hacket for a bungy adventure, Skyrail for views of the Heritage listed rainforest, and much, much more.

Party in Cairns

Poolwerx Clifton Beach

El Greko

TimeOut

Boat available to charter for Christmas and New Year festivities

Party time on the inlet

l TRINITY INLET

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A NEW way to party is available for those looking to make the most of their Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations with Cairns Party Boats – a Trinity Inlet cruise to pair your top tier celebration with the best views.

Pioneering a new entertainment market in Cairns, founder of Cairns Party Boats, Shaun ‘Snapper’ McCabe – better known for being the owner and founder of Party In Cairns –launched the Sea Dancer this year, a 41-seater, 14m flybridge catamaran adapted with a big dance floor, high impact sound system, two dancing poles and lounging areas.

The Sea Dancer has been available for charter since the end of January and has seen hundreds of parties since but Mr McCabe is aiming to reach more people this holiday season so they can have their dream Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.

“Party in Cairns has been running since 1992, with our party bus. Our pub crawl has been going for 23 years and then last year we started Cairns Party Boats,” he said.

“Through Party in Cairns I had lots of inquiries from people asking if there were any party boats in Cairns and finally last year my business partner John and I bought this boat from Port Douglas. It was an old crocodile spotting boat and we transformed it into a proper dedicated party boat.

Leading ballet back in ‘25

l

CAIRNS CBD

QUEENSLAND Ballet is making a triumphant return to Cairns in 2025 for its 65th anniversary with the lighthearted and beautiful production of Coppélia.

Cairns audiences will be amazed and enchanted when

Queensland Ballet makes its way up north on May 1 and 2 for two shows at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre with the comical and chaotic ballet Coppélia.

This will be part of Queensland Ballet’s efforts to reach out to more regional communities in their 65th anniversary and will mark the awaited return of Queensland Ballet to Cairns for another magical performance led by an extremely talented cast of dancers.

Acting artistic director for Queensland Ballet Greg Horsman said they were eager to make it up to the Far North in the Ballet’s 65th anniversary.

“We’ve been going out as many as three times a week and we’ve had lots of hens parties, bucks parties, staff parties and birthday parties.

“It’s BYO. We now have a license to sell alcohol but we need to transform the bar first,

“Ever since we started our first trip on Australia Day this year, it’s been going off.

so they’ll definitely see this happen next year. We just cruise through the inlet, so if you’re not good with sea sickness, this is perfect.

“An average trip for us is two and a half hours, so 5.30pm to 7.30pm is what we recommend to catch the beautiful sunset but people can book for midday,

morning or night.”

Mr McCabe said Cairns Party Boats would make for the perfect New Year’s Eve party.

“We’re doing two different cruises on New Year’s Eve for the fireworks show,” he said.

“One from 8.30pm to 10pm and another one from 11pm to 12.30am, so they get to have

the boat out for an hour and a half, see the fireworks, enjoy the drinks package and they also get entry to a few clubs afterwards so it’s going to be a great night for those looking for something different.”

For bookings and more information, visit https://bit.ly/4gitEv0

“Season 2025 promises to take audiences on a breathtaking journey through ballet narratives inspired by classic literature, featuring the timeless works of Shakespeare, Choderlos de Laclos, Andersen, and Hoffmann,” he said.

“Queensland Ballet’s commitment to touring our great state continues in 2025.

Ticket prices are yet to be announced.

The Sea Dancer is available for charter this Christmas and New Year’s Eve for locals and visitors. Picture: Supplied

Landscape photographer launches ‘Honest’ exhibition of passion and talent

Stunning images on display

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

BREATHTAKING landscapes have taken over the foyer of Crystalbrook Bailey with the arrival of local photographer Steven Cooke’s exhibition ‘Honest’ now open to the public until January 31, 2025.

The professional photographer has always had passion for shooting landscapes and for his third exhibition and first one with Crystalbrook, Mr Cooke transforms ordinary scenes into visual narratives.

Compiling photographs taken since 2021, Honest, is a journey through Mr Cooke’s travels and beauty and magnificence through his eyes and lens. Although only 12 photographs are exhibited, over 50 of his photographs are also projected on the wall adjacent to the elevators every night.

“The title of the exhibition is ‘Honest’ and the reason for this is that I feel that I respectfully and honestly represent the images that I shoot,” Mr Cooke said.

“We, as professional photographers, shoot and take raw images, but when I’m in a scene, I stand back and look at that particular moment and try and remember the range of tones in the skies, in the vegetation, the acquas, the blues and the greens.

“When I’m editing a raw file, I try and accurately re-represent that, so that if someone else is inspired to go to that particular area that I’ve shot, they’re not going to be disappointed that I’ve created some magical and oversaturated image that doesn’t look anything like the real scene.

“I represent the scene before me in my style.”

The landscapes cover views from the Far North and its luscious green views to the Sydney night lights to the aurora from the New Zealand skies and Mr Cooke hopes people to find inspiration in these views.

“This exhibition was a pinch me moment, it’s a big deal to have an exhibition at such a prestigious hotel and the feedback has been amazing,” he said.

“I’d love for people to buy an image but that’s not my end game with this exhibition, my photography has always been about getting joy from being able to capture beautiful scenes.

“My ultimate goal would be for people to hang an image of mine and take pleasure from it, like they would of a beautiful scene or a beautiful piece of art, but also to be inspired, inspired to go and visit a place that I’ve photographed or inspired to pick up a camera so one day they can go to a place and do that scene justice.”

Oscar Wilde, perhaps, set the standard when it came to witty sophisticated Period Comedy, especially with his very successful play, “The Importance of being Earnest”, and this is a similar rollicking comedy. Once again it features the ‘possible’ love life of young couples as they negotiate the allowed courtship of the period, and the acceptable dalliances therein. Complications arise when the chaperone fails to appear, causing one of the funniest early ‘cross-dressing’ situations to be seen on stage. Confusion, passion, intrigue and innuendo abound in this very funny two act comedy set in the rooms and grounds of a prestigious college, with the butler/valet facilitating the entire catastrophe.

Local photographer Steven Cooke with his latest exhibition ‘Honest’ at the Crystalbrook Bailey foyer. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Dancers plan to be ‘full’ on

Fifty performers at ‘Heartbeat’ show

l CAIRNS CBD | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IT’S time for the grown-ups to show off their best moves.

Fifty dancers from the adultonly dance academy Full Out Dance Crowd are holding their annual showcase – Heartbeat – at the Cairns Eisteddfod Hall tomorrow.

Full Out Dance Crowd, funded in 2022, is Cairns’ only adult dance studio taking only students aged 16 and over from beginners to advance in an array of accessible styles like jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop and more.

The studio continues to grow and it currently runs approximately 20 classes a week and hosts over 150 students weekly.

After the success of their first annual showcase last year, the studio has brought it back to a bigger venue – Cairns Eisteddfod Hall – from 6pm tomorrow, December 14.

“This year we are bigger and

bolder with 13 diverse performances from hip hop, heels and hoop to contemporary, ballet and belly dancing with all pieces choreographed and performed by local dancers,” said studio director Julia Allman (above).

“This is our second showcase and it’s a representation of our most consistent students in their preferred styles. They have been attending the same classes for five weeks and they work towards learning, practicing and refining a performance piece,” she said.

“Last year we held the showcase in our studio, we sold out and had 85 people in the audience, so this year we decided that we needed a bigger venue.

“We moved to the eisteddfod hall and we’ve just surpassed the 100 tickets. I’d love to see at least 150 people attending.

“Everything’s so new for Full Out because we’ve only been around for three years but at this

showcase I get to experience and watch the students’ progress for the whole year and it’s really fulfilling to see adults be motivated to try and learn something new.

“It’s not often enough that adults put themselves in that vulnerable space of being a novice at something and I get to see them from absolute beginners and then progress through their dance journey.

“All of us have full-time jobs, some are parents, have other commitments and these are people coming out to dance for the love of it.

“I always say ‘You can be a dancer too’, so anyone who wants to learn how to dance –at any age – should come to the showcase and see how possible it is,” she said.

Tickets are $20 and are available for online purchase or at the door. For tickets and more information, visit https://bit.ly/3ZpUg6x

Back row, Jordyn (left), Julia Allman (studio director), Orian, Sahara, Denby. Middle row, Talia (left), Ceara, Jack, Lisa, Steph. Front row, Avalon (left), Jamie, Serina and Alex (surnames withheld). Picture: Supplied

WHAT’S

ART MARKET @ COMINOS HOUSE, EDGE HILL

l SAT DEC 14TH, 8:00AM-12:00PM

Cairns Art Society is hosting an Art Fair and Market at Cominos House, Greenslopes Street this Saturday.

This event will feature original artworks by a wide variety of local artists, just in time for you to be able to get some unique, one of a kind and surprising Christmas Gifts.

There will be something for everyone!

CATS AND DOGS @ CAIRNS MUSEUM

l FRI DEC 13TH - 4TH MAR, 10:00AM DAILY

Cats and Dogs – All at Sea is a touring exhibition by the Australian National Maritime Museum that documents animals at sea and their seafaring lifestyle.

It consists of black and white photographs made by the Sydney photographer Samuel Hood who went on board countless ships between 1900 and the 1950s. These carefully selected images show how much pets meant to seafarers in the past. They were trusted companions and protectors. In what were often long-lasting voyages, the animals worked on board exterminating pests but also acting as stress relievers for the crew.

NEW EXUBERANCE @ CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l FRI DEC 13TH - 25TH JAN, 9:00AM-5:00PM

JamFactory’s most recent touring exhibition New Exuberance –Contemporary Australian Textile Design has been curated by Meryl Ryan and brings together contemporary design, art, and fashion through textiles.

Textile design today is a vibrant boundary-blurring creative field. By its very nature, it cross-pollinates. Moving through disciplines that include graphic, furniture and product design, fashion and the visual arts, it manifests as surface patterning, material experimentation and transfiguration, storytelling and conceptual ideas.

SHOPPING @ NORTHSITE

l SAT DEC 14TH, 10:00AM-4:00PM

Support local artists and get a great individual gift for those you love.

Unique gifts, free gift wrapping and a relaxed shopping environment. You can even shop online with Click and Collect.

Great discounts to be had for those looking for that perfect item this Christmas.

Take a look at the collection at https://bit.ly/41kpoqA

KIDS FUN @ CITY LIBRARY

l SAT DEC 14TH, 10:30AM-11:30AM

Unleash your child’s creativity and imagination in this fun and interactive drawing class!

‘Learn to Draw People’ is a hands-on event designed for children to discover the exciting world of character design. In this one-hour class, kids will learn how to sketch their own unique people – from superheroes to fantasy characters – using simple shapes and fun techniques, this class is the perfect way to kickstart their creative journey.

No experience needed – just come ready to draw, imagine, and have fun!

XMAS FUN AND SAVERS @ BUNNINGS

l SAT DEC 14TH - DEC 25TH, DAILY

Bunnings is helping Aussies to create magical moments without the hefty price tag through its affordable DIY solutions and entertaining essentials. DIY expert Mitch Mclean’s top tips include:

• Look out for free experiences including spotting the jolly man for a photo op at your local Bunnings this festive season

• Make it the most wonderful time of the year, with personalised gifts

• Deck the halls DIY style with homemade decorations that are sure to be the talk of the street

• Get your home guest-ready this festive season by DIY.

GIG Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.

FRIDAY 13TH

Calypso Club DJ Saf, 4:00pm

Dunwoody’s Tim Aaron Smith, 4:00pm

Whiskey & WIne SAX MAN - Troy Stevens, 4:00pm

Muddy’s Cafe Ivy Amara, 5:00pm

Salt House Anais Campbell, 5:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Stuie Harcourt, 5:30pm

Barron River Hotel Steve Williams, 6:00pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club Lexi & Waha, 6:00pm

Bingil Bay Cafe Carinda Christie, 6:30pm

Cazalys Fingerprint, 6:30pm

O’Donnell’s Rowly Duo, 6:30pm

Atherton International Club INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm

Boardwalk Social Tessa Devine, 7:00pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Blue Reed, 7:00pm

Brothers Leagues Club innisfail Love Handles, 7:00pm

The Pier Bar DJ Jackz, 7:30pm

Salt House DJ Cilla, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove DNA, 8:00pm

The Pier Bar The Vibez, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns RAN, 8:30pm

Bar36 Big Noise, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Flavour, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Nakji, 10:00pm

SATURDAY 14TH

Strait on the Beach Mississippi Shakedown, 3:00pm

Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Silver Fox, 3:00pm

Whiskey & Wine DJ JC, 4:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill 80’s Christmas Bash - Rowly Band, 5:00pm

Salt House Groove Therapy, 5:00pm

Paper Crane Nicole Nighthawk, 5:30pm

The Crown Hotel Janna Mercedes, 6:00pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club No More No Less, 6:00pm Cazalys Big Jim, 6:15pm

Boardwalk Social Boardwalk Social, 7:00pm Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Peter Kinch, 7:00pm Spanish Club INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm Tablelands Music Lovers FNQ Whiskey Boat, 7:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Moose, 7:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Bourban Gorillas, 8:00pm Red Beret Waiting for Alice, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Moose, 8:00pm The Edge Bar & Grill CUSTARD, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Sanchez, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns RAN, 8:30pm Rocco DJ Andy, 8:30pm Bar36 Big Noise, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Flavour, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Syntax, 10:00pm X-clusive DJ Zaccu, 10:00pm

SUNDAY 15TH

Dundees at the Aquarium DJ Glenn W, 11:30am Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Pauly P, 1:00pm Dunwoody’s Katie Richards, 2:00pm Calypso Club DJ Luke, 3:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Johnny Sanchez, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club No More No Less, 3:00pm

Boardwalk Social Drewboy, 4:00pm Salt House DJ Moose, 4:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Nakji, 4:30pm The Pier Bar Kaweyova, 5:00pm Bar36 Hot Ice, 7:30pm

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Complete the form on www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/gig-guide to submit your gig each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Solutions

Your honesty will earn respect. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you’ve overcommitted. Your ability to get things done could lead to added responsibility and potential promotion. Consider updating your image with new clothes, hairstyle, or attitude.

Weekly Horoscopes

Avoid heated discussions. Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate tasks to all family members. Don’t rely on others to cover for your shortcomings. It might be a good time to invest in something that will increase in value.

Don’t expect others to do your work for you. Compromise if you want any enjoyment this week. Loss may occur if you don’t consider all the angles. Opportunities to learn valuable information will arise through discussions or seminars.

If there’s someone at work you don’t trust, consider investigating the situation. You can earn money by getting involved in a conservative financial venture that’s presented to you. Make sure to rest when needed. Creative hobbies may provide extra cash.

xyz Travel and communication may not go as smoothly as expected. While travel or involvement in large groups will be satisfying, you may find yourself dropping friends for no apparent reason. Family members may cause frustration with their demands when you’re short on time.

Take that long-overdue vacation if possible. Changes in your domestic life are on the horizon. Loss or theft may occur if you’re careless with your belongings. Plan for exotic destinations to refresh yourself.

CROSSWORD

22. a type of sled (6)

23. an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone is dangerous (4)

25. tool used in spinning wool (7)

27. a large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption (7)

29. famous Italian family of violin makers (5)

Your personal secrets may be revealed if you share family dilemmas with coworkers. Visit someone who’s not feeling well. Uncertainties about your personal life are likely. Your insight will guide you in making the right decisions.

Residential moves will be beneficial for all involved. Focus on your job and avoid distractions. Past partners may try to re-enter your life. Emotional disputes will only lead to sorrow.

one you love in your plans this week.

ACROSS

1. the time of day just after sunset (4)

3. abbreviation for the French phrase “répondez s’il vous plaît”, meaning please respond to an invitation (4)

6. with a quiet and mild manner (5)

10. surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision (9)

11. South American animal related to the camel (5)

12. a set with no elements (4,3)

13. also known as a CT scan (3,4)

14. thick, strong cord made from twisted fibers (4)

16. widely recognized and representative of a particular style, culture, etc. (6)

18. International Monetary Fund (3)

21. currency of Albania (3)

30. a burial ground (9)

31. the act of cutting or harvesting hay (5)

32. prestigious university in the United States (4)

33. a sign or event that is believed to predict future events (4)

DOWN

1. to remove restrictions (9)

2. to arrange letters in the correct order to form a word (5)

4. a visually impressive display (9)

5. sudden, overwhelming fear (5)

6. either of the two times in the year when the sun is at its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the start of summer or winter (8)

7. an authorization granted to an individual or group to sell a company’s goods (9)

8. to have a strong longing for someone (5)

9. having or emitting gas (5)

15. relating to Pakistan (9)

17. the time of day when it becomes dark (9)

19. prohibited or not allowed (9)

20. the act of breaking free from a place (8)

24. making little or no noise (5)

25. the end of life (5)

26. characterized by thick fog

Health and Wellbeing

Physiotherapist has lots of tips to treating glenohumeral joint suffering

Shoulder pain can be fixed

l PALM COVE

SHOULDER pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether caused by an injury, overuse, posture or the ‘wear and tear of life’, it can significantly impact your daily life.

But Peter van Gaalen of Palm Cove Physio said fortunately, physiotherapy offered a range of effective treatments to help manage and alleviate this discomfort.

Common causes of shoulder pain

Rotator cuff injuries: These injuries are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain. They can result from repetitive movements, heavy lifting or sudden trauma and may actually involve tearing of the rotator cuff tendons.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): This condition leads to stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often without an obvious cause. It typically develops gradually and can last for months or take years to run its’ course.

Tendinitis and bursitis: In-

flammation of the shoulder tendons or the bursa, usually due to repetitive stress or overuse, can cause significant pain, weakness and limit your range of motion.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.

“Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to treating shoulder pain that focuses on restoring function, improving mobility and strength and reducing pain,” said Mr van Gaalen. It can help by

Personalised exercise programs: A physiotherapist will design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder joint. These exercises help stabilise the joint, improve flexibility and prevent further injury.

Manual therapy: Techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and myofascial release can reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow, which aids in healing.

Posture correction: Poor posture is a common contributor to shoulder pain. Physiotherapists can assess your posture and pro-

vide guidance on how to correct it, reducing strain on your shoulder.

Pain management techniques: Physiotherapists may use modalities such as ultrasound, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation to manage pain and inflammation, promoting faster recovery.

Education and advice: Understanding your condition and knowing how to manage it is crucial. Your physiotherapist will educate you on ergonomic adjustments, activity modifications, and strategies to avoid future injuries.

“If you experience persistent shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with rest, or if the pain is severe and limits your daily activities, it’s essential to seek professional help,” Mr van Gaalen said.

“Early intervention by a physiotherapist can prevent the condition from worsening and promote a quicker recovery,” he said.

“By following these guidelines and seeking appropriate care, you can effectively manage shoulder pain and return to your normal activities with confidence. “Remember, taking proactive steps today can help you avoid more significant issues in the future.”

Peter van Gaalen performing a shoulder treatment on a patient. Picture: Supplied

Health and Wellbeing

Couple give to DaNi cause

Gift of $100,000 to $4.3m campaign

l CAIRNS REGION

THE need for Far Northern residents to have access to the best surgical technology has been recognised by ‘part-time locals’, who have donated $100,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Donate for DaNi campaign.

The campaign is the foundation’s largest to date, with more than half the $4.3 million target needed already raised since launching in May this year.

A foundation spokeswoman said the campaign would revolutionise surgical care, enhancing precision, reducing recovery times, and improving outcomes for patients across our region.

“The state-of-the-art surgical robot replicates the surgeon’s hand movements in real time,” she said.

“It lets surgeons perform

complex procedures with unmatched precision and control with minimally invasive techniques.

“This means smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery times for patients.”

Denise and Ellis Richardson, who spend part of the year in the Far North and the rest in Victoria, said they were motivated to donate for several reasons.

“Firstly, we believe that people in the Far North should have access to the best technology available and we know that technology helps attract the best doctors and those with the highest potential,” Mr Richardson said.

“We know the outcomes with the surgical robot are so much better and it’s the future of surgical care,” he said.

Mrs Richardson, who was involved locally with the ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ breast cancer program in the region for many years, said she had often seen

people having to travel elsewhere for treatment which was difficult for both the patient and their families.

“I think that’s not good enough and we are also conscious of the need to try to help First Nations people have the best possible outcomes and we know this will be key to that, for many aspects of health care,” she said.

Foundation chief officer Gina Hogan said the couple had donated previously to the ‘Cancer Care Hub’ project and “we cannot thank them enough for hearing what the community needs and rallying to the cause”.

“Every donation for this campaign will go exactly where it’s intended – towards buying this piece of equipment that we know will bring equity of care to everyone in the region,” Mrs Hogan said.

To find out more about the campaign, visit https://bit.ly/4fMq64q

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Ellis and Denise Richardson have donated $100,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Donate for DaNi campaign. Picture: Supplied

Motoring

Sales soften as the year ends

Private buyers stay away while hybrid vehicles become the best sellers in 2024

l INDUSTRY NEWS

| Nick Dalton

NEW vehicle sales results published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show a continuing softening in demand compared with the same month last year, coupled with continuing preference for hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology.

A total of 99,091 new vehicles were delivered during November which was a decrease of 11.6 per cent on the same period last year.

“From an historical perspective, the 2024 year-to-date result is strong,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“However, the market is starting to show a number of clear trends. The first half of 2024 recorded market growth of 8.7 per cent compared with 2023. Since July, we have seen the market decline by 8.2 per cent compared with 2023,” he said.

“The private buyer segment continues to struggle with a decline of 16.6 per cent on November 2023. This follows falls of 14.2

per cent in October, 17.2 per cent in September and 15.9 per cent in August. This is a disturbing trend which illustrates how cost of living pressures are impacting households.

“Consumer preference remains clear with SUVs and light commercial vehicles (mainly dual-cab utes) making up the top 10 new vehicles sold while passenger vehicles fell to a monthly market share of just 13.7 per cent.”

Mr Weber said that November recorded another disappointing result for the sale of electric vehicles while hybrid and plug-in hybrid accounted for 16.9 per cent of November sales compared with 9.9 per cent last year.

Toyota was the market leader with sales of 20,562 during November, followed by Ford (8720), Mazda (7588), Kia (6410) and Mitsubishi (6205).

The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s top-selling vehicle with sales of 5526 followed by Ford Ranger (4981), Toyota Prado (3590), Toyota HiLux (3572) and the MG ZS (2794).

The Toyota RAV4 is expected to be the No.1 seller in Australia by the end of December. Picture: Toyota Australia

Friends join forces to run the newest real estate company in heart of Port

Team work for business trio

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Dave Lornie

TWO Douglas Shire real estate agents have teamed up to take a chance on starting their own business.

At the beginning of the year, friends Kristy Grant and Nicole Ritchie decided to go out on their own and opened a new real estate office in Port Douglas, under the Professionals banner.

Director/sales executive

Nicole Ritchie has lived in Port Douglas for 20 years and has six years of experience in the industry.

Ms Ritchie said her coprincipal Kristy Grant, a Port Douglas local of 16 years, had a background in science research, but had a long-standing passion for real estate plus renovation in North Queensland.

“Even though she only received her real estate licence in August 2022, Kristy has flipped 18 houses and it feels like she’s been living on build-

ing sites for the past 20 years,” said Ms Ritchie.

“She has turned a passion into a career – how many people are that lucky?

“Having worked together as sales agents at another agency in town, we knew we were a great team, with very different skills and strengths that complement each other.

“So we decided to start our own business in February 2024.”

Ms Ritchie said her team had the lowest fees in town

“because we can”.

“We do everything from sales, rentals, commercial to holiday let. Our office is extremely pet-friendly,” she said.

“We have doggy treats ready to go and lots of locals know that they can drop their pooch into the office for cuddles.”

Ms Grant said they were “thrilled with the support from the community and the growth the business has experienced within the first six months”.

“We are both happy to go

that extra mile for our clients – watering gardens for owners when they’re away, helping with moving and essentially being available for whatever our clients need,” she said

The two friends are also fortunate to be able to rely on the skills of their property manager Josephine Dubbert.

“We are so lucky to have her,” said Ms Ritchie.

“Josephine has five years’ experience in property management and during that time developed an exceptional reputation with owners and tenants,” she said.

“Having worked in every facet of property management, she is excited to share her knowledge and experience with the Professionals team. Josephine is passionate about people, property and providing a five-star customer experience.

“We started with nothing and thanks to Josephine, we now have a strong rent-roll which keeps her busy.”

Josephine Dubbert (left, Kristy Grant and Nicole Ritchie of Port Douglas Professionals real estate.

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

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INVITATION FOR TENDERS ESC2024-043

CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE FOOTPATH AND DRIVEWAYS AT THE GEORGETOWN INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY

Etheridge Shire Council invites tenders from suitably qualified tenderers for the Construction of Concrete Footpath and driveways at the Georgetown Independent Living Facility.

It is a requirement of this project that any persons contracted to undertake the building work be accredited under the Work Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme, established by the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016, at the time of entering the contract for the building work and maintains accreditation while the building work is being carried out.

Tender documentation may be obtained from Councils website: www.etheridge.qld.gov.au on 22 November 2024. Tenders must be emailed to: Tender@etheridge.qld.gov.au

By 12pm on 13th December, 2024.

Council reserves the right to invite all tenderers to change their tenders to take account of a change in the tender specification.

Interested Tenderers must first email their contact details to be included in the Council system to receive any project updates during Tendering stage. All queries with reference to the Tender must be emailed to: Tender@etheridge.qld.gov.au.

Mark Watt Chief Executive Officer

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at: Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm-7pm Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm-1pm • Kuranda: Mondays, 11am-12pm

For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

GOT a position vacant you need to fill? Call Amelie at Cairns Local

on 4031 7678 or email admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au Classie deadline is 4pm every Wednesday.

Should you need to cancel an advertisement campaign, please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement, please call the office on 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline:

Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays

Classifieds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

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

Friday December 13th

Cairns Local Christmas Market: Cairns Show Grounds, 08:00-14:00

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Saturday December 14th

Babinda Markets: Munro St, 07:00-12:00

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

Earlville Markets: Earlville Shopping Town, 09:00-14:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Mareeba Markets: Centenary Park, 07:00-12:30

Mossman Markets: 13 Foxton Ave, 07:00-12:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Village in the Valley: Butler St, 08:00-12:00

Sunday December 15th

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

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

Community Markets: Mount Sheridan Plaza, 09:00-15:00

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Lions Club Atherton Markets: Merriland Hall, 07:00-12:00

Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:30

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00

Traditional German Christmas Markets: German Club Cairns, 16:00-22:30

Snap to it and get fit

New gym franchise to give people options to improve their health

l FITNESS TRAINING

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

LOOKING to get fit in 2025?

The goal is within reach with the arrival of Snap Fitness at the Raintrees Shopping Centre in early 2025 promising an inclusive workout space for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

Global franchise Snap Fitness has made its official arrival in Cairns, despite having many centres across Australia, this is the first one to make it to the Far North and franchisees Nathan and Angie Daley are hoping to bring with it a modern and comfortable space for everyone interested in getting into fitness.

The 650sqm gym will be located above Raintrees Tavern and will feature state-of-the-art equipment and a large catalogue of fitness classes to suit all ages and levels of fitness.

Official opening dates are yet to be announced but it’s expected to open in early 2025.

“Snap Fitness Club will have all the elements of a typical club with the added bonus of reform pilates, mat pilates, yoga and other group fitness classes,” Mr Daley said.

“We’ll have a sauna, a wellness area with compression boots by Normatec, which is great for recovery, for athletes or anyone exercising that need compression on their legs.

“There’ll be a full suite of Italian equipment from TechnoGym, considered to be world-class in fitness equipment, all of the cardio equipment has interactive televisions and run modes and walk modes and very state of the art equipments.”

The franchise is currently looking for staff, including a club manager and personal trainers.

Mr Daley said he was looking forward to meeting the right fit for the brand.

l CLUB FUNDING

A PLAYGROUND at North Cairns Tigers AFL club, repairs to floodlighting at Walker Road Sporting Precinct for softball and new turf for Cairns Hockey are just some of the projects that will receive funding assistance from Cairns Regional Council’s Go Clubs Infrastructure Assistance Grant.

The council has endorsed over $260,000 in funding for 17 local sport, recreation, arts, culture and community clubs to assist with the improvement of facilities.

The following sporting groups were successful in securing a 2024/2025 Go Clubs Infrastructure Assistance Grant:

• Cairns and District Kart Club to complete minor clubhouse upgrades – $1786

• Cairns Hockey to replace hockey field turf – $22,200

• Cairns Pirates Touch Association to install irrigation on the playing field – $19,560

• Cairns Saints AFL to install solar on clubhouse – $14,872

• Half Moon Bay Golf Club to rectify roof over clubhouse –$8429

Henley Street Tennis Club to complete minor clubhouse renewal – $24,810

• Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association to complete various security upgrades –$4999

• North Cairns Tigers AFL club to install a playground –$24,950

• Softball FNQ to rectify floodlights – $25,000

“We’re very excited to see some great applicants from the local community applying, and within the next few weeks, we hope to secure our leader and rock star manager,” he said.

motivating to help people reach their goals.

Mr Daley said they wanted to reach out to the growing fitness community in Cairns and offer a space that was friendly and

Sport Results

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday, December 3rd. Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; Helen H, Alan H. R/U; J Jen-

ner, O Morley. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; D Smith, S Pitt, B O’Connor. R/U; R Forder, D Grambau, R

“There’s a big fitness community in Cairns and we see great opportunities, Snap Fitness’ mantra is ‘For the feeling’ and it means we’re not dedicated to one style of fitness, we cater to

Bowes. Tuesday night bowls. Winners; Brian, Paper, Lance, Deb, Sisca, Rod. Wednesday, December 4th. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners; M Sims, O Morley. R/U; V Still, J Brown. Thursday, December 5th. Thursday

everybody and we’re community-minded. It’s about the feeling of fitness and making sure you’re using whatever fitness capacity you have to move your body,” he said.

“Whether you’re looking to lose weight, grow strength or

mixed self-selected triples. Winners; D Spicer, D Smith, D white. R/U; J Carey, T Spicer, V Still. Saturday, December 7th. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; Olga. R/U; Betty. Club Championships. Ladies Triples. J Cur-

grow muscle, it’s all about community and enjoying your fitness journey, it doesn’t have to be so serious. Going to the gym can be intimidating but we want to make it fun and approachable.”

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3Zsjnp5

tayne, J Baumann, L McCarthy def. J Carey, J Smith, T Spicer 28-9.

WEST CAIRNS BOWLS

• Tobruk Swim Club to procure/install scoreboard and upgrade public address system – $25,000

• Trinity Beach Tennis Club to install additional floodlights over courts – $25,000.

Tuesday afternoon:- 1 st T. Moulds, D. Caplick, B. Mlikota. 2 nd R.Radigna, L. Mills, B. White. Thirsty Thursday:R. Camp, G. Smith, G. Atkinson. Friday night scroungers:- 1 st I. Crampton. 2nd S. Braggar. Sunday morning:- 1 st P. Pue, F. Clarke, T. Mitchell. 2 nd M. Gordon, D.

Lowe, N. Mallyon.

Franchisees Nathan and Angie Daley show the 3D floor plan of the first Snap Fitness gym coming to Raintrees shopping centre in early 2025.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

How a 30-year-old found the ideal sport after suffering injuries in other

The queen of racquet sports

l PICKLEBALL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IN just one year, Olivia Isbey from Smithfield has established herself as Queensland’s pickleball rising star, earning two golds at the nationals last year and fourth place at the National Pickleball League season in 2024 as Queensland captain.

Grabbing a paddle for the first time was an eye-opening experience for 30-year-old Olivia Isbey. Having played tennis as a kid she was forced to quit the sport due to injuries. Since then she had been looking for the perfect sport for her competitive spirit. She found it when she first tried pickleball in 2023.

From that discovery followed hours of matches, learning techniques, refining skills and competition which she has consistently dominated.

“I was forced to quit tennis at a young age which was hard to come to terms with,” she said.

“I got to a competitive level, but with seven hip and shoulder surgeries to date, I thought my sporting days were over.

“It was almost accidental how I found pickleball. I was quite new to Cairns and looking to play some sports and I started playing social futsal.

“I actually broke my foot playing futsal and was completely put off the sport. That same night, I saw a sign for pickleball and while I was off with a broken foot, I started looking into pickleball.

“Coming from a tennis background definitely helped. It was so much fun and so social and it’s just genuinely really fun to play.”

Ms Isbey’s first ever pickleball competition was the nationals in September last year and she returned with two doubles gold medals.

“My first tournament was nationals and I did reasonably well,” she said.

“I partnered with a local player and played in the divisions and we ended up getting gold in the mixed doubles, then I partnered with a lady from Sydney and we got gold in the women’s doubles.

“I also tried the open women singles with no expectations and managed to get a bronze. From there I decided to play in some of the competitive leagues, so I signed up to the National Pickleball League, which started this year and I’ve played two seasons of that. We got fourth both times.”

Ms Isbey said she had found her new home in pickleball and its community and hopes to set new goals next year.

“I think my strength is my competitiveness, so finding pickleball has been a godsend. It’s been a fun outlet for it and that’s what motivates me to improve and compete,” she said.

“My hope for next year is to play more tournaments, coach as much as possible and support Sean Wu, the coach of the Cairns and District Pickleball Club who’s trying to run tournaments here. I think for anyone who has or hasn’t heard about pickleball, give it a go.”

Hit a six with insurance grant

l CRICKET

| Nick Dalton

NRMA Insurance’s A Help Company has launched its 2024 community cricket club grants program to help local clubs build community connection. NRMA Insurance, now in its third year of partnership with Cricket Australia, is celebrating the important role that grass roots cricket plays in building community connection and resilience right across the country.

On the eve of what is expected to be a blockbuster summer test series, NRMA Insurance is offering 12 $5000 grants to local cricket clubs, encouraging winners to use the funds to

further bring their community together, and to foster and strengthen connection through events, gala days or family days.

Australian test cricketing great Nathan Lyon said community cricket clubs were important in his life and the contribution they made to local communities across the country:

“Community cricket is where I planted my roots, I learnt so much in those years playing for my local clubs in country New South Wales and Canberra, especially the importance of teamwork and enjoying the game. I made some great friends, and we were a closeknit community who supported each other through the wins and losses, both on and off the

cricket field,” he said.

“My passion for the game started in those early days, so I’m proud to support this NRMA Insurance initiative and can’t wait to see local clubs across the country celebrate with their communities and celebrate the sport we all love.”

NRMA Insurance chief customer and marketing officer Michelle Klein said “helping our customers and their communities is at the heart of A Help Company”.

“It is wonderful to have another opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact our cricket grants can have to further support local cricket clubs and communities.” Apply for a grant at https://bit.ly/4g845wQ

Cricketing great Nathan Lyon with some budding stars. Picture: NRMA Insurance

Olivia Isbey from Smithfield is rapidly becoming a standout athlete in pickleball in Australia.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez