Cairns Local News January 13 2022

CHHHS appoints permanent Chief Executive

A SENIOR executive with extensive experience in management and leadership in the health sector will head up the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) as the new Chief Executive.

After an extensive recruitment process, Leena Singh has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Health Service, taking over the reins from acting chief executive Dr Jeremy Wellwood.

CHHHS Board Chairman Clive Skarott said the Health Service was delighted to welcome Ms Singh to Far North Queensland.

“Her extensive health experience includes chief financial officer, chief operating officer, and strategic development and consulting roles in major tertiary health services in Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand,” Mr Skarott said.

“Ms Singh is committed to helping the most vulnerable of our community, ensuring they are represented in our decision-making and have seamless access to vital services.”

Ms Singh will begin with the Health Service on Monday, February 27, 2023.

Mr Skarott acknowledged the significant contribution Dr Wellwood had made to the Health Service during the past six months as acting Chief Executive.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Dr Wellwood and benefit from his strong leadership and clinical insights,” Mr Skarott said.

“On behalf of the Board and our staff, we extend our gratitude to him for acting in the role.”

Dr Wellwood is planning to move back to the southeast corner to be closer to his family but will remain in the role of Acting Chief Executive.

Keeping Queensland road users safe this Summer

MORE than 600 drug and drink driving offences have already been detected this year as the Queensland Police Services cracks down on dangerous driving as part of a state-wide traffic enforcement operation.

Operation Charger was launched on December 9 to minimise law-breaking and detect those who choose to do the wrong thing on Queensland roads.

The large-scale operation involves both high visibility and covert patrols, random breath testing and speed camera sites.

Minister for Police, Mark Ryan, said it was disappointing to see that the number of drunk and drug drivers was already significant just one week into the new year.

“Anyone who chooses to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can expect to be caught,” Minister Ryan said.

“It is extremely disappointing to know people continue to break the rules and continue to endanger their own lives and the lives of other motorists.”

Queensland Police enforcement efforts have focused on drunk and drug driving, speeding, distraction, and restraints.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said the number of people breaking the law was concerning.

“While the majority of road users are responsible, since the start of the year, 4,980 motorists have been fined or will face court for allegedly breaking the law and putting themselves and other motorists at risk,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.

“And the Operation is not over yet. Police will continue to be out in force as part of this crackdown until January 29 and every day after that.”

“The message is simple - if you drink and drive, speed or

break road rules – expect to see us.”

Minister Ryan said the 2023 road toll was already off to a devastating start.

“Five people are not coming home to their loved ones following fatal accidents already this year,” Minister Ryan said.

“Even one life lost on Queensland roads is one too many.

“We had a horror road toll last year, with 299 people killed, and we do not want to see that happen again this year. So I urge all motorists to obey the road rules and take care while driving.

“This operation is about getting all road users home safely and ensuring the message is clear – if you do the wrong thing, you can expect to be caught.

“The State Government will always support the QPS in its efforts to reduce the road toll.”

From the commencement of Operation Charger on December 9 to January 8:

1. 1,311 drunk driving offences have been detected, including 353 since January 1

2. 917 drug driving offences have been detected, including 248 since January 1

3. 11,282 life-endangering offences have been detected, including 1507 since January 1

4. 1,763 speeding offences have been detected, including 487 since January 1

5. 174 mobile phone offences have been detected, including 41 since January 1

6. 115,000 RBTs have been conducted, including 28,944 since January 1

Leena Singh has been appointed as the Chief Executive of CHHHS

Slim down your wardrobe for a good cause

FNQ Executive Officer David Monaghan said donating quality clothes, homewares, books, toys, and other goods was the best way to start the year with some community-minded minimising.

“Helping others in need can be as easy as decluttering your wardrobe and cupboards to make room for your new Christmas presents,” Mr Monaghan said.

“By donating to Vinnies, your unwanted clothes and goods can get a second life while raising vital funds to help others.

“A summer clean out has never felt so rewarding.”

Mr Monaghan said there were two simple rules to follow to make donating an efficient experience.

“We do ask to be considerate in what you donate – nothing damaged, torn, stained or threadbare,” he said.

If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, you

wouldn’t give it to Vinnies.

“Donations are also best given inside our Vinnies Shops during opening hours – please do not leave donations outside our Shops or donation bins as it creates even more work for our hardworking volunteers!”

After a year of rising costs of living and an ongoing affordable housing shortage, Mr Monaghan said all useable donations were very appreciated and would be used for a great cause.

“2022 was a very busy year for us as we worked with people facing homelessness, struggling to find affordable housing or families who barely have enough to put food on the table after paying rent and utility bills,” he said.

“To everyone who has donated, shopped or volunteered at our Vinnies Shops – thank you for helping us to help those most in need in our community.”

In the 2021-22 financial year, sales from Vinnies Shops helped the organisation provide more than $445,000 in support directly to vulnerable Far North Queensland residents.

To find your local Vinnies Shop, visit vinnies.org.au/shops

Crime crackdown in Far North snares 69 offenders

A POLICE crackdown in the Far North, including Cairns, has captured 69 offenders in just a matter of weeks.

Operation Uniform Theta began on December 19 and includes extra high visibility police patrols targeting known crime hotspots, shopping centres, and service stations and also involves a heightened number of bail compliance checks.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Queensland Police Service had advised him 69 people had been arrested on more than 100 charges in the Far North police region.

That includes 12 youth offenders and 57 adult offenders.

Statewide, Operation Uniform Theta has resulted in more than 1,000 people being charged with over 2,000 offences.

“This sends a clear message that if you want to break the law, police will take action,” the Minister said.

“Community consultation is continuing on the tough new laws.

“That consultation will be considered, and the new laws will be introduced to parliament next month.”

The Premier announced the strict new actions to further strengthen Queensland’s response to youth crime prior to Christmas, including:

1. Increasing the maximum penalty for stealing a car from seven years to 10 years’ imprisonment

2. A more severe penalty of 14 years if

the offence is committed at night, where the offender uses violence or threatens violence, is armed or pretends to be armed, is in company or damages or threatens to damage any property

3. Amend the Youth Justice Act requiring courts to take into account previous bail history, criminal activity and track record when sentencing

4. Increased penalties for criminals who have boasted about these crimes on social media

5. Extreme High Visibility Police Patrols

6. A $9.89 million fast-track sentencing program in Brisbane, Townsville, Southport and Cairns, so children spend less time on remand and more time serving their sentences

7. The construction of two new youth detention centres

8. A trial of engine immobilisers in Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville

9. The appointment within QPS of Assistant Commissioner to the position of Youth Crime Taskforce Commander

10. The increased penalties apply to adult as well as juvenile offenders.

Young offenders will be in custody for longer to ensure they can complete requisite rehabilitation and reform programs set out by the courts.

To help prevent car theft in the first place, $10 million will be provided to supply 20,000 engine immobilisers to be trialled in Cairns, Mt Isa, and Townsville.

VINNIES Queensland has a simple new year’s resolution for Far North Queensland residents – keep your local op-shops in mind during your post-Christmas clean-out.

Vinnies Showgrounds Store Manager Toni Robson

2023 School Savvy is up and running

CENTACARE FNQ has had a fabulous start to School Savvy 2023, with over 100 children provided with school uniforms and resources on the first day.

By the end of the week, 116 families and 248 children had been kitted out with uniforms, books, calculators, dictionaries and more.

School Savvy is operating in Cairns Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm on the ground floor at the Centacare building at 22-34 Aplin Street.

Pop-ups took place at Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre, Trinity Park, on Tuesday, January 10 and Hambledon House, 177 Bruce Highway in Edmonton, on Thursday, January 12.

Most items are available for a gold coin donation, then used to support more local families.

Centacare FNQ’s Executive Director, Anita Veivers, said the School Savvy initiative was essential for many local families.

“Many people in our community are struggling; we know times are tough, and School Savvy is an important local initiative to ensure that children can start the new school year with the things they need to get back to school, “Ms Veivers said.

“Christmas and the summer months are

expensive for all families. The need to purchase new school uniforms, textbooks and school supplies can be difficult to manage when money is tight.”

Donations of good quality, pre-loved or new school uniforms and school supplies will continue to be accepted throughout January.

Donations can be dropped off at the School Savvy shop during opening hours or alternatively at any Vinnies store or at Centacare FNQ on Aplin Street in Cairns and McCormack Street in Manunda.

Centacare FNQ appreciates local businesses, community and family supporters who continue to support School Savvy through donations and sponsorship.

This support allows School Savvy to keep running for longer and support more families.

Ms Veivers said the community’s generosity allowed many children to have a happy start to their year.

“School Savvy is truly an example of the community coming together to make sure our children have the best opportunity to start the school year right, providing the best starting platform for our most disadvantaged kids to engage in school,” Ms Veivers said.

Be a Voice for Generations

QUEENSLANDERS are encouraged to apply now for a share of the Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program 2023.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said the $100,000 grants program would support events being held in or around National Reconciliation Week 2023.

“Reconciliation must be alive in our hearts, minds, and actions on the Path to Treaty in Queensland,” Mr Crawford said.

“National Reconciliation Week’s theme for 2023 is: “Be a Voice for Generations”.

“It is an opportunity for all of us to learn about our shared histories and cultures and how we can all contribute to a reconciled Australia.

“Grants of up to $3,000 will support local initiatives that bring together Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.

“These initiatives could include cultural displays, art exhibitions, story-telling, community activities and more,” he said.

National Reconciliation Week is held each year from May 27 to June 3 and commemorates two significant milestones in Aus-

tralia’s reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.

Since launching in 2018, the dedicated grants program has supported more than 150 reconciliation initiatives in communities across Queensland.

The Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships fund the Celebrating Reconciliation Grants Program.

Apply now or find out more at www.qld.gov.au/recgrants.

Applications close on Monday, January 16, 2023.

School Savvy is open at the Centacare building, 22-24 Aplin street, Cairns

New life for the Cairns Toy Library

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH the support of Cairns Trinity Rotary, corporate donations and the construction company Hansen Yuncken, the Cairns Region Toy Library received a new and improved space that will allow children in the region to enjoy the service for years to come.

Not-for-profit Cairns Region Toy Library aims to raise awareness of the value of play and give children from ages 0-8 who may not have the resources to access toys and proper spaces to play and experience the joy of toys.

The Cairns Region Toy Library caters for 140 members in Cairns, Kuranda and Mareeba, and the organisation hopes to include more remote areas in the future.

In 2021 and after lots of negotiating with Guides Qld and the State Government Department of Resources, Cairns Toy Library received the property they are currently using located on Pease St.

The property was in many aspects unsafe and unfit for children’s use, with an asbestos problem and a lack of a safe outdoor

space to play.

With the increasing popularity of the Cairns Toy Library and new workshops added to their program, their space became obsolete, and after finding their new home, the reality sunk in that they would need a helping hand to make the new place work.

Cairns Region Toy Library President Ailsa Horsburgh said their priority was making the Pease St location suitable and safe for the children.

“The main building is about 70m2, and the shed (which we use for storage of spares and a workshop for repairs) is another 20m2,” Ms Horsburgh said.

“Ultimately, we will need about 350 m2 to accommodate the toys required to service our projected growth, which should be around 400 families.

“As soon as we took over the lease, fencing and landscaping became a priority - to make it safe for children and to reduce the vandalism of our buildings and equipment.”

Rotary and their corporate donors stepped in, with construction company Hansen Yuncken taking to the task of expanding the backyard space, doing a complete asbestos clean up and fitting a proper fence to allow the children to enjoy the toys outside.

The construction finished in December of 2022, giving the region’s children a Merry Christmas with lots of play.

Cairns Trinity Rotary Secretary Anne Pyle said it was exciting to support an organisation like Cairns Toy Library.

“It was a joyous occasion,” Ms Pyle said.

“That’s the reason why you join Rotary; in the end, you’re part of a network that solves really deep issues.”

Ms Horsburgh said they were grateful for the community support.

“We are incredibly grateful for your help. Not only will this give us the security we need, but it will also enable us to hold Stay & Play sessions from 2023 onwards,” she said.

Hundreds fined after e-scooter rule change

HUNDREDS of riders have been fined since new rules for personal mobility devices, including e-scooters, came into effect late last year.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said preliminary data revealed 780 infringement notices had been issued between November 1 and December 31, 2022.

“It’s critical people understand and follow these new rules to ensure they keep themselves and those around them safe when riding these devices,” Mr Bailey said.

“E-scooters and other personal mobility devices are a convenient way to travel and are great for the environment and our tourism sector. Unfortunately, we continue to see some people do the wrong thing.

“Since the new rules began, almost 800 Queenslanders and tourists have been fined for offences including carrying passengers, speeding and failing to wear a helmet.

“While we want people to be able to use these devices, it’s important they’re safe for the riders and those they interact with.”

Mr Bailey said more changes would be announced this year, specifically on drink riding.

“Significant consultation with stakeholders from the PMD

industry, health sector and all types of path and road users, disability advocates, local councils, RACQ and Police was conducted in developing these rules – the most comprehensive in Australia,” he said.

The key rules are:

• Speed limit:

• Lower speed limits of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths unless otherwise signed.

• 25km/h limit on all other infrastructure, including bike infrastructure and local streets.

• Know where you can ride – on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and local 50km/h streets with no road markings and on-road bike lanes only where the speed limit is 50km/h or less.

• Always wear a helmet – fastened.

• No doubling (passengers not allowed).

• No hand-held phone use while riding.

• No riders under 12 years of age, and those aged 12-15 must be supervised.

• Don’t drink and ride.

• General road rules apply – same as for bikes.

• Use a warning bell on devices with handlebars.

“A lot of work has gone into making sure these rules are best practice for the safety of both the rider and other path and road users around them,” Mr Bailey said.

“They aren’t rocket science. They’re not hard to follow. But they will make a big difference to everyone’s safety.

“Whether you own or hire an e-scooter, e-skateboard or other personal mobility devices, I encourage you to jump on the Streetsmarts Qld website to check out the rules to ensure you and others around you stay safe and to avoid potential fines.”

The most common fines were issued for:

• Not wearing a helmet ($143)

• Riding on prohibited roads ($173)

• Speeding (fines ranging from $143 to $575)

• Disobeying road rules, including mobile phone use (up to $1078)

• Doubling (riding with a passenger) ($143).

For more information, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

New fencing for the Cairns Toy Library

Construction company Hansen Yuncken were in charge of the expansion of the Cairns Toy Library

The Cairns Toy Library provides services for over 100 families in the region

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Global variation in the fate of coral reefs

SCIENTISTS from James Cook University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have found that the type of algae (seaweed) that replaces dead corals varies in different oceans worldwide.

The research shows that reefs function differently around the globe and provides insights into how they may respond to ongoing human impacts.

Dr Sterling Tebbett, a postdoctoral research fellow at JCU, led the detailed global assessment of changes in coral reefs spanning the last four decades.

He said human-induced stressors on reefs may now be so significant that returning altered reefs to what they were in the past may no longer be possible.

“The primary goal now is to try and sustain the core functions of healthy reefs and to make sure they can still deliver the vital services they provide to people, such as providing protein from fisheries and aesthetic value for the tourism industry,” Dr Tebbett said.

“To do this, we need to understand what future coral reef ecosystems will look like on a global scale,” JCU co-author Professor David Bellwood said.

The JCU-led team compiled a dataset of more than 24,000 observations of the seabed composition on coral reefs from around the world, focussing on the 22 years from 1997, before the first global mass-coral bleaching event, until 2018.

Professor Sean Connolly, from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution, said reefs in the Western Atlantic/Caribbean suffer more when coral cover is lost because they are more prone to an increase in tall, fleshy macroalgae and seaweeds.

“In contrast, on many reefs in Indo-Pacific regions, dead corals are more likely to be replaced by lower-lying turf-like algae, which can, in turn, be replaced by new corals if the organisms that keep those algae in check, like grazing

fishes, are not too depleted by exploitation,” Professor Connolly said.

Professor Bellwood said in the Indo-Pacific, the spotlight has been on tall macroalgae replacing corals.

“But in reality, increased tall seaweed appears to be a Caribbean phenomenon. Instead, turflike algae are a big deal over here. If we are to understand the functioning of future reefs in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on these turf algae will be critical,” Professor Bellwood said.

Dr Tebbett said these long-term geographic trends are very helpful to scientists and managers because reefs typified by tall macroalgae versus low-lying turf-like algae behave quite differently.

“For example, short turf-like algae can be highly productive and provide food resources for a range of reef fishes that are important in reef fisheries,” Dr Tebbett said.

“Furthermore, if fishes keep turf-like algae in a well-mowed condition, then reefs with this type of algae are not resistant to the return of corals after disturbance. In contrast, larger macroalgae can inhibit coral settlement, growth and recovery.”

He said ecosystems globally are being reconfigured by a range of intensifying humaninduced stressors and coral reefs are at the forefront of this environmental transformation.

“By understanding the differential nature of reef change across broad geographic areas, we can adapt our management strategies appropriately,” Dr Tebbett said.

“In this respect, understanding how to maintain turf-like algae in a well-mowed condition across many reefs appears critical to ensure reefs can remain productive and recover from disturbance.”

“Nevertheless, global climate change is the foremost pressure on the world’s coral reefs, and, in turn, management of this stressor remains the first priority.”

Banning foreigners is a short-term fix for housing

BANNING foreigners from purchasing Australian real estate will create an immediate short-term solution to the nation’s housing crisis and offer long-term protection for Australians looking to enter the property market, Kennedy MP Bob Katter says.

Mr Katter said the Federal Government should follow in Canada’s footsteps to prohibit foreign ownership of local residential properties after the North American nation passed legislation last year that intends to move similar legislation in the Parliament this year.

According to the Foreign Investment Review Board, about four per cent of Australia’s homes are foreign-owned, and prior to the pandemic, about 10,000 homes a year were sold to overseas buyers.

“We know when there’s a five per cent lack of demand, the price will go through the floor; if there’s five per cent over demand, the price will go through the roof,” Mr Katter said.

“So if you have four per cent buying (from overseas), they’re forcing the price of housing up through the roof.”

He further pointed out the Federal Govern-

Read, Learn, Create and Discover at Cairns Libraries!

ment’s current housing affordability incentives, including the loan deposit schemes, were only fuelling demand and not addressing supply issues.

Mr Katter said according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia, there was an at-market shortfall of 200,000 dwellings in Australia, which he said could be addressed by removing the impositions and red tape on subdivisions and opening empty land in North Queensland.

“Build the Bridle Track Tunnel (in Cairns), and we can open up 15,000 – 17,000ha of scrubland on the other side of the range and create some 50,000 housing blocks,” he said..

“Remove the impositions on subdivisions, and we can do the same at Townsville and Mackay, with all our empty land. And then, who would want to live in the urban slum of Sydney when they can live in North Queensland with our beautiful lifestyle?

“It’s shocking to see the slum housing we’re creating, even here in Kennedy where a kid has no room to swing a cricket bat because there’s no backyard and you can put your hand out the window and shake hands with your neighbour.”

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

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

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

FREE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

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

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES

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

www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library

Kennedy MP Bob Katter

Battles at the ballot box

By Maria Larkins

IN January 1912, there was a push by the residents of Nelson to establish the Cairns Shire Council in that district instead of Cairns.

Council needed to build new offices after it sold the Tramway and associated offices which it had occupied, to the Government. Proceeds of the sale would fund the construction of new, modern offices at either Cairns or Nelson.

Strongly opposed to the relocation was alderman and chairman, W. J. Munro, who penned a persuasive argument in the local newspaper on January 18, 1912. Munro asserted that the proposed (old Shire Council offices) site offered “unparalleled facilities for administration and economy”.

He said it was “adjacent to all the public offices, including Lands Office, Courts, Banks and newspaper offices, the latter being of very material assistance to the Council and the ratepayers in the reporting of proceedings, publication of reports, notices, etc.”

Munro added that Cairns was the best site to service ratepay-

ers in all of the surrounding districts and not just those in the Mulgrave area.

A ballot as to whether the new offices would be situated at Cairns or Nelson was held on Wednesday, February 21, 1912, and only paid-up ratepayers were eligible to vote. The result was Cairns with 185 votes against Nelson with 114.

William John Munro would not live to chair the first meeting of council in the new offices. He passed away on March 26, 1912, at the age of 47.

On April 16, 1912, the Cairns Shire Council adopted a recommendation from the Works Committee that “plans and specifications be procured for new shire offices on the present site at an approximate cost of £2,500” and that the existing building be “dismantled and disposed of”. The old offices were transferred to the rear of the Shire Hall until new offices were constructed.

On June 24, 1912, architects, C. D. Lynch and Walter Hunt, invited tenders for the construction of a Shire Hall on The Espla-

nade for the Cairns Shire Council. Local contractors, Wilson and Baillie were the successful tenderers with a price of £2,348.

By September 20, 1912, it was reported that the new building was “taking shape” and that the offices were being constructed in brick with cement facings.

In early 1913, while the Cairns Shire Council staff prepared for the move to their new offices on The Esplanade at Cairns, the ratepayers of the Barron Shire were set to vote on whether to establish new council offices at Kuranda or Mareeba or to remain at Cairns. The result of the poll was close with Cairns achieving 202 votes, Mareeba 198, and Kuranda 15.

On Friday, April 25, 1913, the Cairns Shire Council had its first meeting in the new offices. Councillors were welcomed by the new Chairman, Cr. G. R. Mayers, who declared the building was an “ornament to the town”.

Sources: TROVE, State Library of Queensland (SLQ), Mulgrave Shire Historical Society (MSHS), Cairns Regional Council.

Former Cairns Divisional Board offices along the wharf c. 1890, courtesy SLQ.

Members of the Cairns Divisional Board (later Cairns Shire Council) c. 1902 outside the old offices on The Esplanade, Cairns. (W. J. Munro is seated third from the right). Image courtesy MSHS.

The façade of the new offices required a name change in 1940 when the municipality became the Mulgrave Shire. Image courtesy Cairns Regional Council.

Want

VOCAL LOCAL

All politicians are hypocrites.

“We have, in writing, from both State & Federal governments, their laws/ legislations regarding the dumping of raw human faeces on the Great Barrier Reef.”

This amounts to one per cent and it’s OK according to the bureaucrats. At a glance at least three boats with 300 tourists, spending six hours on board, having lunch probably six to seven days a week during peak season. That’s a lot of raw s**t going on the reef and being blamed on farmers losing their valuable fertilizers.

Whilst you and I cannot change this, it is wrong when they openly declare their love for the reef and do not want the United Nations to be involved. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Let us tell the people who care and the world that this is happening right under their noses on the return day trip from the reef when it is macerated along with toilet

tissue paper and spread on the reef.

Most ports on the coast have a pump out facility, but Port Douglas does not, and a major part of this problem could be fixed if the $443 millions and yearly add ons were put to proper use by the Queen Street farmers and bureaucrats.

Bob, Mossman

Green Folly Killing our Grasslands

Black Aussies built our grasslands with everlasting fires, then squatters went one better with cooler springtime pyres. But Greens they banned the fires and cancelled grazing passes. Now wildfires kill the forests and weeds replace the grasses.

Viv, Washpool

We have a huge problem with our legal system in Queensland and that is ‘our legal system’. We have a Police Minister that needs to maybe ask for another job, because he’s doing a

crap job at the one he’s got now. We have Magistrates that (time and time again) keep letting the little delinquents off. And a parole board that thinks the little ‘angels’ need more chances. Every time these kids break the law, somebody ‘except them’ suffers. If a burglary, or a car-jacking goes wrong they kill without any care, because they know they’ll walk. These delinquents show-off their deeds on social media how smart and brave they are, so, if juvenile detention has no spare room available ‘only one of the Ministers’ lame excuses’ let’s just put them I’m with the big boys then see how brave they are. IF ALL THIS is too hard let’s change the Government and let Mr. Cristafulli change the laws.

Noel, Cairns.

Watching SBS Channel 3 on Tuesday night makes you realize why jobs for the boys exist even in this country, sickening. Ross Cairns.

Centrelink legislation is in drastic need of reform

THE Social Security Act and Social Security (Amendments) Act each contain over 1,000 sections, most of which are designed to deny people payments, and many of which are in contradiction to other legislation.

Lottery wins, insurance payments and inheritances, when paid in more than one payment, are not classified as income by the Australian Taxation office, but they are by Centrelink.

Further, Centrelink use income averaging to calculate a fortnightly “income” amount over a twelve month period, a practice which was found to be illegal in the Robodebt court cases. This affects tens of thousands of people on Centrelink benefits each year, right across Australia.

The legal age for voting is 18, but Centrelink expects parents to support their children

until they are 22. That is, of course, unless the parent is receiving a carer’s payment for a disabled child, in which case Centrelink considers the child an adult at age 16, and carer’s payment is cancelled.

Carers for disabled people are paid about $400 a week to care for people with disabilities, about $10 an hour. If they decide to supplement this with other work, their carer’s payment is reduced or cancelled.

Centrelink considers their payment to be welfare, whereas it is actually a job.

Taxation law considers each partner in a relationship to be financially independent, as it should be. However, Centrelink considers that if one person in the relationship is working, the benefits of the other partner are reduced or cancelled.

This means the non-working

partner is completely dependent on the working partner, and has no financial independence. The result for tens of thousands of men and women is domestic violence in the form of economic coercion.

MPs elected prior to 2004 are able to collect a hefty pension for life, and still work full time in high paying jobs, but Centrelink cancels payments to aged pensioners if they dare to get a job. The aged pension was set up in the 1950s as a reward for working and paying taxes, but Centrelink now regard it as welfare.

These are just a few of the examples of how Centrelink works against Australia’s most vulnerable, and it is time Human Services Minister Amanda Rishworth did her job and amended this legislation.

Craig Hill

Early Alzheimer’s detection a step closer

THE well-known chemical element potassium could be the key to developing a powerful early detection tool for people with a debilitating brain condition.

New research from a James Cook University-led study has proposed a hypothesis that higher levels of certain potassium isotopes (atoms) in a person’s bloodstream could be a way of detecting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) much sooner than current methods allow.

In a new paper for the journal Metallomics, lead

author and JCU Geochemist Dr Brandon Mahan said recent results from brain samples show marked changes in potassium isotopes that correlate with the presence of a type of protein material associated with AD which produces plaques in the brain.

The data, obtained in collaboration with the University of Bristol and l’Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France), analysed brain samples from genetically modified miniature pigs, one of the best physiological matches for

research on human diseases.

Dr Mahan said the findings were critical and very promising regarding the development of a non-invasive blood test that could potentially determine if a person has Alzheimer’s Disease by comparing their potassium isotope levels to blood samples from individuals unaffected by the disease.

He said his team would soon begin testing human blood samples for potassium isotope levels provided by one of Australia’s largest human sample biobanks.

COOK SHIRE ANNOUNCES 2023 AUSTRALIA DAY AMBASSADOR

COOK Shire Council is set to reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia Day with Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Tahnee Bridson.

Named Queensland’s Young Australian of the Year in 2022 for her dedication to mental health, Dr Bridson will be attending Council’s Australia Day Award Ceremony and morning tea on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at the Cooktown Shire Hall.

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said they were excited to have Dr Bridson at the ceremony.

“We are honoured to welcome Dr Bridson to our Shire,” Cr Scott said.

“Her commitment and passion for her purpose, combined with her sense of service exemplifies the Australian spirit,” he said.

A Psychiatry Registrar, when Dr Bridson learned of the silent suffering that many friends and colleagues were experiencing because of the shame, fear and stigma surrounding mental health challenges, she founded Hand-n-Hand Peer Support in 2020.

Her organisation leverages social media to assist healthcare workers who are experiencing wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

Mayor Scott said Dr Bridson’s work supported a population who may not receive this care otherwise.

“Hospital and healthcare workers are certainly not immune to the mental health trials and tribulations that come with living and working in regional and remote communities,” Cr Scott said.

“Dr Bridson’s work with Hand-nHand Peer Support provides much needed mental health support to the healthcare workers who work to tirelessly to keep our community healthy, safe and well.”

To learn more about Dr Bridson’s work, and to reflect, respect and celebrate this Australia Day, the community are welcome to attend the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, followed by a complimentary morning tea supplied by the Cooktown Country Women’s Association, on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at the Cooktown Shire Hall from 9am.

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to: mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

returns

hiatus, Council’s year.

Carols in the Park 8.30pm, across to the vans and up in

Never enter flood waters

With significant rainfall forecast for the Cairns region over the coming weeks, residents are being reminded not to walk, ride or drive through flood waters and to adhere to signs advising that roads are closed.

A “road closed” or a “road flooded” sign means that road is unsafe to travel on. The road surface may be extensively damaged; there could be submerged debris; and fast flowing water can wash vehicles and pedestrians off the road.

Drivers should find alternative routes until the road is deemed safe for use.

Flood water may also be contaminated. Entering floodwaters can therefore present a risk to your health.

Visit Council’s website for more information on being prepared during the annual wet season.

Roll-out of smart water meters

The roll-out of smart water meters will resume this month.

Over the next three years, Council will be replacing existing mechanical water meters with smart water meters, which will make it easier for residents to monitor and manage their water usage.

The new technology provides Council and residents with daily data to help identify leaks quickly to reduce waste and save residents money. Residents will be notified by letter when their water meter will be replaced.

In 2019, Council completed Phase 1 of the program, which included the installation of 697 smart water meters in Palm Cove. Since the smart meters were installed, Council has identified over 120 leaks, saving approximately 50 megalitres of water.

Improvement works

Spence St, Cairns City: Bus stop upgrade opposite the Cairns Central shopping centre. Temporary relocation of the bus stop.

Fuller Park, Edmonton: New footpath is being constructed between Armstrong St and Wolff St. Oleander St, Holloways Beach: Water main and pavement renewal between Cassia St and Caribbean St. Temporary road closures.

Mayers St, Manunda: Kerb and channel, asphalt overlay and linemarking between Hoare St and Sydney St. Temporary road closures.

Hutchings St, Bungalow: Water main replacement. Traffic and pedestrian control.

Vasey Esplanade, Palm Cove: Water main replacement from Trinity Beach Rd to Possum St. Traffic and pedestrian control.

For a full list of works visit our website.

Cook Shire Council announces Dr Tahnee Bridson as their Australia Day Ambassador

Gazza’s

Gossip

The new, new normal for 2023?

HOPEFULLY, after a well-earned break for everyone, here we are at 2023, a year title that sounds quite space age for those who grew up in the 19-somethings. Either way, Happy New Year!

Another more recent occurrence that has included the figure 19 is, of course, COVID, which one feels should be a distant memory, three years on from its first visit to Australian shores, but the scourge still annoyingly lingers on.

We have come a long way, however, from the days of home quarantine, closed pubs, mandatory mask wearing and social distancing, which still sort of exists, if we are to follow the now tired looking 1.5M stickers still on shop floors.

One example from those dark days, was the Crystalbrook Marina in Port Douglas which became an eerily quiet place to be in early 2020. This is a far cry from the recent hustle and bustle of venues such as this, with both Australians and overseas visitors returning from many different locations.

So, what is in store for this new year?

I’ve heard it suggested that we may return to some normality after a fairly manic past 18 months, maybe even a New, New Normal.

Some business owners have indicated to me that they can’t wait for the traditionally quieter February, once the kids have returned to School.

These business owners may also be hoping for a more consistent and reliable work force to fill the many vacant spots that have been regularly advertised on line and directly outside many shops, pubs, restaurants etc. This issue has not been helped by the lack of housing facilities for those who wish to make the Douglas Shire their home, both long or short term.

Difficult to believe that three years ago the housing market was dead slow and for the few available jobs at the time, there were often tens of applications.

Maybe 2023 will see a more settled happy medium?

After becoming known as the ‘New Bali’ and many Australians getting reacquainted with their own back yard over the last 18 months, there has been much interest for many visitors in making this piece of perfect paradise a permanent home.

As a result, house demand and prices have increased substantially. Experts tend to suggest, however, that this situation will settle down again over the coming year, with possibly some reduction in property prices.

As always, no one fully knows what to expect for the next 12 months, but one constant will always be the beautiful views in our wonderful part of the World.

I will also try my best with ‘the Goss’ to keep you up to speed with everyday people’s stories over the coming year.

I’d better get those Christmas decorations down, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!

Please send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Douglas Shire

Karen & Len Millward from Christchurch, NZ, return to Port Douglas for the fourth time after a three-year gap mainly due to COVID. They now plan to purchase an investment property here, to rent & live in part time.

YOUR DOUGLAS NEWS

FREE BBQ BREAKFAST AT AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD CEREMONY

AN AUSSIE sizzle will help celebrate our local community with a free barbecue breakfast and the return of a public ceremony on Australia Day this month.

Douglas Shire Council will host the 2023 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at the Port Douglas Community Hall on Thursday 26 January.

The public ceremony returns after it was cancelled and moved online last year due to COVID restrictions.

Mossman and Port Douglas Friends of the Hospital Foundation will host the free barbecue breakfast from 7.30am.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr encouraged the community to show up and celebrate the region’s unsung achievers.

“Australia Day Awards is one of my favourite civic events of the year because we all get to stop and recognise those people who make a real contribution to our community,” he said.

“As always, we had some incredible names put forward for a 2023 award and we are all very excited to celebrate them.”

“The video of the 2022 ceremony was viewed more than 540 times so I am expecting a big turnout from people across the shire.”

The Mossman Pool will also host a free community event on Australia Day from 11am to 3pm. See Council’s website for more details.

All events are open to the general public.

Key Times: 7:30am – Free BBQ Breakfast

9:30am – Citizenship Ceremony – Followed by the Australia Day Awards

COUNCIL GRANT TO HELP CREATE OFFSHORE EDUCATION CENTRE ON LOW ISLES

A PROPOSAL to create an offshore education centre at Low Isles, 15km off the coast of Port Douglas, has received backing from Douglas Shire Council through a community grant.

Council awarded $1330 to the Low Isles Preservation Society (LIPS) to help them revamp research facilities to be used for education programs.

LIPS is working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and other stakeholders to take a more proactive role in educating the community on the health and resilience of the reef, and how that impacts

on the whole community.

Low Isles is a four-acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef and is a popular snorkelling destination.

Council received nine applications for funding in this year’s major grants program and three were successful.

Port Douglas Tennis Club will also receive grant funding to install a mini court surface for pickleball tennis, while Reuben Dwyer received funding to record, produce, and create a compilation album of Mossman’s best undiscovered indigenous musicians.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said

the successful projects would be fantastic additions to the local community.

“Once again our community showed there are a several terrific grassroots ideas out there to enhance the lives of locals,” he said.

“All three successful projects are great initiatives that provide a community benefit and encourage locals to get involved.”

“I would like to also thank the unsuccessful applicants for taking the time to apply for funding and wish them the best of luck with their projects.”

The successful projects include:

• Port Douglas Tennis Club – Pickle Ball Court and Program: Install mini court surface over existing slab.

• Reuben Dwyer – Indigenous Artist

Recording: To create opportunities for Mossman’s indigenous musicians.

• Low Isle Preservation Society – Education Centre: Create an Education Centre on Low Isles to function as an offshore classroom for Douglas Shire students. The 2023 Grant Funding round will re-open to eligible applicants later this year. Visit Council’s website here for more information.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Mayor Michael Kerr with 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Craig Mitchell.

THE Douglas Shire community turned out in force for a rain-affected Douglas Christmas Street Party last month. Many smiles and Christmas spirit were on display at Front Street, Mossman for the annual event on Friday 19 December 2022.

Unfortunately, Santa and his reindeers could not make it to the sugarcane town due to heavy rainfall and lightning, which led to an early finish of the free community event.

Douglas Shire Council would like to thank everyone who supported the event, and our amazing sponsors and stallholders who made the event possible.

Revised Budget Highlights Grant Funding Success

NEW cycleways, road upgrades and floodway improvements feature in a $7.8 million package of grant-funded projects listed in the revised 2022-23 Annual Budget.

Douglas Shire Council has adopted the revised budget, which sees its operating deficit improve by more than $2 million on initial forecasts.

The improved position is due to increases to Council’s revenue and sound planning, taking the deficit to $665,796 – compared to the previously budgeted $2.78M deficit.

Kerr said he was pleased with the improved result and Council’s success in securing significant grant funding for capital works projects.

“The revised budget contains $2.6M worth of extra grant funding to go towards projects for the community,” he said.

“This is a fantastic result which allows Council to upgrade and build new infrastructure without burdening the ratepayer.”

“The improved financial forecast is also testament to Council’s commitment

to

Craft session catches the attention of Douglas Locals

DOUGLAS Libraries hosted a booked-out session at the Mossman Library last month where people learned how to create papercraft window catchers.

Window catchers create colourful light which dances around and deters birds from hitting the glass.

The session was run by Danielle Harte and attended by people aged 10 and up.

Douglas Libraries has received really positive feedback and everyone enjoyed the colour, craft and different designs.

Stay tuned at the Douglas Libraries website for more events and activities.

https://douglas.qld.gov. au/libraries

Key capital projects include the $2.4M Pedestrian Cycleway Bridge & Pathway between Kubirri Aged Care Centre and Mossman Gorge Centre, $923K in floodway improvements, $900K to finalise Warner St and Mowbray St trunk drainage and $310K towards further work on the Alexandra Range, to a name a few.

To read the full revised budget, please visit Council’s website.

Conditions

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael

make long-term financial decisions to ensure a sound financial position for future generations.”

A section of road where the $2.4M shared cycleway between Mossman CBD and Mossman Gorge will travel through

FRIDAY

Bobby Maguire - Dunwoody’s, 4:00pm

Vivien Aisi - Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 4:00pm

Janna Mercedes - The Crown Hotel, 6:00pm

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

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - O’Donnells, 6:00pm

Carrizma - Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:30pm

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

Thundamentals - Tanks Arts Centre, 7:30pm

Barbary Coasters - Centrals Trinity Sporting Club, 7:30pm

No More No Less - Elixir Music House, 8:00pm

Sanchez - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

Miss Tee - Tanks Arts Centre, 10:00pm

Kim Settle and John Comrie - Yorkeys Knob Boat Club, 3:00pm

No More No Less - Strait on the Beach, 3:00pm

Lady Valiant - Macalister Brewing Company, 5:00pm

Big Jim - Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:15pm

Infinity Duo - Brother’s Leagues Club Cairns, 7:30pm

Kaweyova - Rattle n Hum Cairns, 8:00pm

Wild Willy - The Jack, 8:00pm

The Brazilians - The Red Beret Hotel, 8:00pm

Groove Therapy - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

DjGlennW - Dundees at The Cairns Aquarium, 11:30am

Andy Brassett - The Mountain View Hotel, 12:00pm

Bernie’s Jazz and Blues - Dunwoody’s, 2:00pm

Silver Fox Jazz Band - Yorkeys Knob Boat Club, 3:00pm

Andrea & Leon - Rattle n Hum Palm Cove, 3:00pm

JC Stylles - O’Donnells, 3:30pm

Wind and Wood - O’Sheas, 4:30pm

Miss Tee - Hemingways Brewery Cairns Wharf, 5:00pm

Kaweyova - Central Hotel Port Douglas, 7:30pm

Hot Ice - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Vivien Aisi - Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook 8:00am

ENTERTAINMENT

CIAF

launches

CAIRNS Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is celebrating the launch of its highly anticipated, two-tiered membership program to engage and reward loyal supporters with exclusive, immersive experiences.

Friends of CIAF is a new incentivebased program designed to strategically accelerate the organisation’s strong and organic following while intrinsically benefitting the event and artist stakeholders.

CIAF General Manager Darrell Harris said there are many benefits and advantages of becoming a Friend of CIAF.

“Membership guarantees the premium CIAF experience with benefits including VIP access to artists’ insights and cultural knowledge, ticketing privileges, touring experiences and merchandise offers,” Mr Harris said.

According to Mr Harris, CIAF’s

‘Friends of’ membership

14-year profile and success culminated in 2022’s record-breaking year with art sales exceeding $1 million, attendance of 60,000 visitors, and CIAF’s longest programming ever.

“CIAF is now committed to leveraging this success into a new, sustainable, and exciting growth phase,” he said.

“One way to do that is to bring our main supporters close, and initiatives like Friends of CIAF will do just that.

“It’s also a great way for people who become members to really be part of the story and legacy of our organisation. After all, it was CIAF that opened Queensland’s Indigenous art market.”

Since 2009 CIAF has been heralded as Australia’s premier Indigenous art fair forging career pathways for countless artists while fostering an ethical market-

place and space for cultural exchange for Queensland Indigenous artists and its attendees.

And while much of CIAF’s programming is free to attend, visitor feedback shows a strong appetite for increased access to artists and the organisation.

To view the range of benefits and express your interest in signing up, visit: www.ciaf.com.au

In a launch incentive, CIAF has teamed up with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours to give all members who sign up between now and January 31, 2023, a chance to win one of three Hands on Country Eco Tours for a family (two adults, two children) worth $347.50 each.

All memberships are tax-deductible, as CIAF is a registered charity.

JUTE Actors Studio Open Day

JUTE Actors Studio (JAS) is back in 2023 with an open day this Saturday to showcase its range of quality and performance opportunities.

JUTE Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and CEO Suellen Maunder said the JAS open day is for anyone interested in theatre.

“Absolutely anyone will benefit from participating in acting classes that build confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and a whole set of skills for dealing with life,” Ms Maunder said.

“We will be presenting free trial classes, and a fun meet and greet with our wonderful facilitators, Natalie Taylor, Amber Grossman and the JUTE team.”

In 2023 JAS offers three streams of class training from beginner through to advanced level:

Facilitated by Natalie Taylor, JAS JNR is for beginners and intermediate actors (9-12 years), while JAS Intermediate is for beginners and intermediate emerging actors (13-17 years). Classes for both programs are held weekly on Wednesdays. Semester one begins on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Facilitated by Amber

Grossman, entry into JAS Professional Pathways program (15-18 years) is by audition and is for advanced actors only. Classes are held twice weekly on Monday and Saturday across two semesters. Semester one begins on Monday, January 30.

Ms Maunder said auditions would also be staged during open day for entry into the JAS Professional Pathways program (15-18 years), including workshop NIDA’s new regional Connect program.

“JUTE’s partnership with NIDA in jointly presenting term 2 workshops is an extraordinary opportunity for JAS actors, and with class sizes limited, preference will be given to existing enrolments,” she said.

NIDA Connect is a brandnew national learning program for regional and outer metropolitan communities that is designed to provide a wide range of creative opportunities across live and digital storytelling.

JUTE’s JAS Open Day on Saturday, January 14, 2023, will be held at JUTE’s home, Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, 96 Abbott Street, Cairns. Attendance is free.

CIAF’s Curatorial Associate Teho Ropeyarn. Image by Paul Furse Frontrow Foto

Curtain-up for Cairns

Choral Society’s Centennial Year

CAIRNS Choral Society kicks off its Centennial Year and the upcoming season of Spamalot (January 20-28, 2023) with a limited 2-for-1 ticket sale for selected shows.

Back by popular demand, Cairns Choral Society’s uplifting production of Monty Python’s smash hit musical, Spamalot, opens at Cairns Performing Arts Centre on Friday, January 20, 2023.

While Spamalot’s 2022 season was cut short amid a COVID-19 wave that struck the Far North earlier last year, the Cairns Choral Society has upheld its promise to bring back this feelgood musical. It heralds its much-anticipated return with an eight-show season between January 20-28, 2023.

Spamalot’s Co-Director Venera Walsh said the cast is humbled to become a part of history in Cairns Choral Society’s 100th year and cannot wait to share with local audiences the hilariously funny and full-bodied Monty Python experience.

“With just a few weeks until curtain-up, now is the time to book tickets, and our 2-for-1 deal is the sweet treat for local theatre lovers or anyone who enjoys first class, live entertainment and having a good laugh,” Ms Walsh said.

Cairns Choral Society’s 2-for-1 Spamalot special is for performances on January 24, 25 and 26 with designated seating in Upper Stalls, Rows Q-V.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest

for the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Spamalot is a musical comedy with all the bells and whistles, including a chorus line of dancers), killer rabbits and flatulent Frenchmen; something for everyone.

Spamalot features a memorable musical score thanks to Python’s Eric Idle and John Du Prez (music and lyrics) and the Cairns Choral Society’s creative team, including Venera Walsh and Kate Ryan (directors), Margaret Willis (music director), Sarah Thorne (choreography), Chris George (technical director and set design) and Sheree Barnes (costume designer) deliver a vibrant and rich show not to be missed.

According to Spamalot’s Co-Director Kate Ryan, the entire cast and crew of Spamalot are exceptional.

“From the actors and their zany characters to the wonderfully choreographed dancing girls and clever musicians who bring to life a series of toe-tapping numbers, we are so blessed here in Cairns to have such a rich and deep pool of talent,” Ms Ryan said.

Spamalot opens at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) on Friday, January 20, 2023, and runs a series of evening performances with one matinee (Sunday, January 22). Spamalot’s season concludes on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

To purchase tickets, visit https://www.cairns. qld.gov.au/CPAC/ticketlinkEvents/musicals/ monty-pythons-spamalot or click on https://bit.ly/3iBOEo7 in our online edition.

Spamalot cast by Paul Furse

Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future. Don’t even bother trying to get their approval on the things you want to do. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. Spend some time with the one you love.

Get them to pitch in if you need help. You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. Take time to look at any outdated papers or possible investments. Confusion could result when communicating with others.

Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized. Get out and rub shoulders with people in high positions if possible. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects.

Entertainment should include the whole family or a lot of your friends. You will be tempted to shop till you drop. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another. Don’t let an incident at work play on your mind.

You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature. You will get out of shape easily if you don’t keep on top of things. A residential move may be necessary to get a better job. Don’t be angry but be on your guard.

You need to make your lover feel wanted, not like a piece of the furniture. You may be more emotional than usual. This will not be the best day to sign deals or to take care of other people’s financial matters. Someone you live with is ready to play emotional games.

Make alternate plans just in case you need to make a career shift. Your emotional state will vacillate You will have to control the way you feel. Tempers may flare if you haven’t been completely honest about your intentions or your whereabouts.

Emotional upset at work will set you back. Turn your present relationship around or start a new one. Someone you work with could try to undermine you. You might find that the extra cash will come in handy when an opportunity to invest comes along.

Underhandedness will affect your reputation. Get back down to earth and to basics. Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. Business trips might prove unproductive.

have as a logically necessary consequence (6)

a person who draws up and enacts laws (8)

DOWN

requiring immediate action or attention (6)

a small pointed missile that can be thrown or fired (4)

a bean of the soya plant, used in a variety of foods and fodder (4,4)

adjust a musical instrument to the correct or uniform pitch (4,2) 5. associate or form a friendship with someone, especially when one is not supposed to (10) 6. the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship (8) 8. details, considerations, or pieces of information of little importance or value (6) 13. relating to the countries of the West (10) 15. to overcome a difficulty or obstacle (8) 17. a person who is habitually active or wakeful at night (5,3) 18. make dirty or pollute (6) 20. a record of events year by year (6) 22. to castrate or spay a domestic animal (6) 24. the part of the body on both sides of the spine between the lowest ribs and the hip bones (4)

work is holding you back.

ACCOR, the largest hotel operator in Australia, welcomed on Tuesday, January 10, its leading Mercure hotel brand back to the coastal holiday hotspot of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the opening of Mercure Cairns.

The new hotel emerges following a multimillion dollar upgrade and rebrand of ibis Styles Cairns.

The Mercure comprises 75 spacious guestrooms, including Standard Queen, Standard Twin Singles, Standard Twin, Superior King Room, Family Room, Loft Spa Room, Executive King Room, a pool deck and a new modern Australian restaurant – The Stanley - serving the finest local produce.

The makeover of the ideal Cairns hotel brings a new level of style to the accommodation landscape in the city without compromising on its relaxed Queensland coastal lifestyle.

Mandala Hospitality Group Manager, Murray Emerton, said it was exciting to begin this chapter in Cairns.

“We are excited to be working with Accor to bring Mercure Cairns to Far North Queensland and feel that the refurbishment of this asset will provide a new look to the Cairns market for our leisure and corporate guests,” Mr Emerton said.

Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer Sarah Derry said they were delighted to open Mercure Cairns.

“Holding appeal for both leisure and business travellers, Mercure Cairns has been tailored to suit travellers who value quality accommodation, incredible guest experi-

ences, great dining and leading design,” Ms Derry said.

“Mercure is the largest and fastest growing global midscale hotel brand in Australia, and, with its genuine warmth and excellent guest service, the popularity of Mercure Cairns is assured.”

Surrounded and inspired by nature, the hotel boasts a curated design of cool and coastal aesthetics from leading Australian designer Scott Carver, and acts as a meeting placewith the hotel lobby, restaurant and outdoor dining and lounge area providing opportunities to congregate, work, dine and relax.

On the hotel’s ground floor, The Stanley serves a delicious modern Australian menu of fresh and local produce. The restaurant has been carefully designed to marry the coastal charm of the region with a refined yet casual dining experience.

The restaurant’s comfortable and stylish indoor/outdoor spaces transition seamlessly from day to night and evoke a sensory experience through quality touches, locallysourced handmade elements and a focus on ambience.

Located in the heart of Cairns, Mercure Cairns is perfectly placed just two blocks from the Esplanade and across the road from Cairns Aquarium, Munro Martin Parklands, and Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The Night Markets and food court, casino, Reef Fleet Terminal and convention centre are just a short walk away.

Mercure Cairns is located at 15 Florence St. For more information, visit https://all.accor.com/australia/index.en.shtml

Mercure Cairns Exterior

The Stanley Restaurant at Mercure Cairns

BREASTSCREEN Queensland (BSQ) Cairns

Service has started 2023 with free breast screening on the Atherton Tablelands.

The Mobile Service is currently located at Atherton Showgrounds until May, and the second Mobile Service will arrive in Edmonton next Monday, January 16.

BSQ Cairns Health Promotion Officer Ms Belinda Lees encouraged local women to attend the free Service while it was in their area.

“Our Mobile Service visits every two years, and we urge women over the age of 40 to take advantage of this convenient opportunity and book a free breast screen. Women in Cairns can also access our clinic at 116 McLeod Street all year round,” Ms Lees said.

“Taking 30 minutes to look after your health and have a breast screen every two years offers peace of mind, and our experienced female staff make the whole process quick and easy,” she said.

Dr Amanda Blinco, Clinical Director at BSQ Cairns, said that one in seven Queensland women will develop breast cancer at some stage in their life.

“Having a regular two-yearly breast screen, or screening mammogram, remains the best way to detect small breast cancers early for better health outcomes,” Dr Blinco said.

“Early detection can save your life, providing the best chance of effective treatment, increased survival, and improved quality of life.”

Women aged over 40 are able to have a free breast screen every two years. However, women aged 50 to 74 are especially encouraged to screen, as over 75 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses are in this age group.

Appointments can be made by phoning 13 20 50, booking online at breastscreen.qld.gov.au or speaking with your Health Worker.

BreastScreen Mobile Service Screening

Details

Atherton Showgrounds (behind Merrilands Hall) January 2 –May 2023

Edmonton (Balance Medical, Walker Rd) January 16-31, 2023

Wuchopperen Health Service (Manoora) April 3-5, 2023

RACQ welcomes road safety roundtable

AFTER a year riddled with tragedy on Queensland roads, RACQ has firmly supported the State Government’s decision to hold a road safety roundtable.

The Club’s Head of Public Policy, Dr Michael Kane, said poor driver behaviour continues to be the leading cause of death on our roads, and we must act fast to change it.

“We have a road safety culture problem in Queensland. It’s shocking that we, as a state, have allowed the road toll to reach highs that we haven’t seen in 13 years,” Dr Kane said.

“299 people lost their lives on Queensland roads last year, and the overwhelming majority of those deaths can be attributed to the Fatal 5 - speeding, driving fatigued, drink and drug driving, distracted driving and not wearing a seatbelt.”

Dr Kane said education and targeted enforcement must be prioritised to reduce deaths as quickly as possible. While longer-term research is always welcome, we also need short-term, immediate actions to bring the road toll down quickly.

“We have to go on what we already know, and the numbers clearly tell us that we need to

change the mindset of drivers,” Dr Kane said.

“Nobody who is of legal driving age can say they didn’t know that speeding or drinking and driving is illegal. So we need drivers to get back to basics and follow traffic laws.

“The approach must target, for example, the significant increases in road deaths across regional areas and a spike in motorcycle rider fatalities.

“Engineering safer roads is a longer-term solution, and we’ve reached a limit with what fines can achieve after recent penalty increases.”

Dr Kane said the road safety roundtable needs to be holistic and informed by experts.

“This needs a whole community approach, so we want to see a broad range of stakeholders there, not just those who work in the transport space,” Dr Kane said.

“RACQ looks forward to being involved in the roundtable and providing our expertise as the State’s peak motoring body. After such a devastating year, it’s so important that we all come together to discuss, design and implement solutions that will actually save lives on Queensland roads.”

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Friday January 13th

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

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

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

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

FNQ Markets

Saturday January 14th

Atherton: Lutheran Church, 1 Golf Links Drive, 6:00-12:00

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday January 15th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPORT

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: Les, Steve, Ross; R/up: Jason G, David, Rhys. Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Chris, Sisca, Chris, Ian, Lara, Andy, Clinton, Lilly, Wes, Brett. Thursday Men’s Triples: Winners: B Morris, A Tymms, B O’Connor; R/ up: S Bettess, D Gibson, G Amdersen. All bowlers, nonbowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available for free, phone 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS

CLUB

Tuesday afternoon: Winners: Wayne Vella, Andrew Nakata and Steve Howells, 23pts; R/ up: Normy Kehrer, George Atkinson and Peter Travers, 12pts and +8 in the second game. Thirsty Thursday: the best players for the day: Kevin Maksden, Geoff Smith and Ian Armstrong. Sunday Morning: Winners: Dave Nicholls, Steve Howells and Steve Smith,

21 pts; R/up: Norm Kehrer, Jimmy Carr and John Bent, 20 pts. The Sunday morning games for 2023 will start at 9:30am so the cards are called at 9:15am, all are welcome, nominations close on Saturday afternoon. Club Championship: Men’s B grade pairs Final (2022) Winners: G Donovan and S Carolan; R/up: Des Lazarus and Jim Duffield. Season 2023 Nominations for the First division 4’s, Pairs and singles, will now be posted on the notice board with a limited time to nominate. Note season 2023 registration fees are now due. Happy bowling and see you on the Green in 2023. Social bowlers are always welcome.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Results of game played on Sunday January 8th thanks to the sponsors, Winners: S Soda, E Thompson, J Dennis; R/up: P Brown, E Crema, G Kriesel. Birthday for November/December will be played on January 15th, names in by 12pm, game to start at 1pm. Consistency singles game will start on January 15th at 9am sharp. Tuesday night bowls will commence Tuesday January 10th, names in by 6pm, play will start 6.30pm. Please call Mareeba Bowls Club on

4092 5288 to register. Tuesday Barefoot Bowls names in by 6pm. Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. Australia day bowls January 25th, 1pm start. Jackpot pairs: January 26th, 1pm start.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Saturday January 7th: 30 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls: David White, Shane Bettess def David Blain, Derek Franklin, 23-20; Ted Holmes, Steve Cue, Alistair Douglas def Gerrard Beech, Sas, Richard Anderson, 21-16; Chris Payne, Bernie Savage def Mick Plummer, Robin Doherty, 24-19; Col Widdows, Nev Fletcher def Terry Richards, Peter Riley, 30-20; Brian O’Connor, Steve Hudson, Jim Geddes def Charlie Toohey, Steve Pitt, Bill Allison, 22-9; and the winners for the day, Malachy McTaggart, John Fleming, Nev Tesch def John Cochrane, Troy Churchill, Bob Carroll, 34-13. To the visitors from Marlin Coast Bowls Club (Brian, Steve & Shane) we hope you enjoyed the afternoon of bowls. Jackpot Bowls this Saturday. Names in by 12 noon with card call at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring

the Club on 4098 1434. A reminder, the next Social Bowls will be held Thursday January 19th from 5:30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Calendar of events for January and February now posted on the noticeboard. Nomination sheet on the noticeboard for the Sam Rinaudo Shield to be held on the weekend January 21st-22nd. Nominations sheet on the noticeboard for the district championships with Mossman to host the Fours on the weekend of January 28th29th and the Pairs (Mossman & Atherton) on the weekend of February 4th-5th. District singles (West Cairns & Marlin Coast) will be held February 11th-12th. Club Championship book for 2023 is now open and will close at 4pm March 6th. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook, or see www.mossmanbowlsclub.com.au.

BROTHERS EDMONTON

Ladies Section: Welcome back and a Happy New Year to you all. Here’s to a great year. Results Club Triples: Winners: Roz, Glennis and Judy; R/up: Louise, Lois and Terry. Thursday January 19th: Championship Pairs: Annette and Lois vs Bev Hill and Sandra Bates.

Men’s Section: Coming Events: Saturday January 14th: Mixed Mufti 3 Bowl Triples, Club select, Skips pick a card, visitors welcome, cash prizes plus Jackpot. Nominations close 11:30am on day for play at 12:30pm. Contact the office on 4055 5344 and leave a message. Wednesday January 18th: Men’s Self Select 3 Bowl Triples, cash prizes plus jackpot, visitors welcome. Nominations close 11:30 am for play at 12:30pm, contact Don Stewart on 0427 816 894. Thursday January 26th: BEBC Invites you to celebrate AUSTRALIA DAY - Cash prizes plus prize for Best Dressed Men’s & Ladies Australia Day outfits. Nominations close 11:30am on day for play at 12:30pm. Contact office on 4055 5344 and leave a message or email edmontonbowls@hotmail.com. Men’s A.G.M Sunday February 5th

Nominations for positions on the 2023 Committee are now open and will close on Monday 16th January.

WEST CAIRNS TPI MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

The first game for 2023 was held last Monday with twelve players participating. The winning team was led by Max Harker supported by Anne Semken and Rosemary Stevens. The annual fee is now being collected and nominations for the Annual General Meeting to be held shortly are being collected. As usual the game commences at 1:30pm after the cards are called at 1:15pm and play continues until 4:30pm when the winning team is announced. Names for the next week game can be submitted to our selector Rosemary on 0409 624 623 until next Monday at 12:00pm so the player selection can be held. A break for afternoon tea is held at 3:00pm followed by more social mixed bowls. The green is carpet covered and is protected from adverse weather conditions by a covered roof. We welcome all players to join us as the games are always friendly and enjoyed by all.

Taipans undefeated heading into Friday’s game

THE CQUniversity Cairns Taipans remain undefeated in the absence of superstar Keanu Pinder and stayed in the #NBL23 top two hunt after dominating the South East Melbourne Phoenix at home for much of the last three quarters to win 94-85.

The Snakes were playing a fourth consecutive game without Pinder with an ankle injury, but the Phoenix, led by Mitch Creek, Alan Williams and Kyle Adnam, put up 35 firstquarter points and led 37-24 to start the second.

It was an exciting opening, but the Taipans were not deterred with coach Adam Forde back at the helm. They continued to push the pace, to shoot, and they caught fire in blistering fashion to close the first half.

The Taipans outscored the Phoenix 30-12 the rest of the half to go from 13 down to eight up at the break. They maintained control through much of the second half, including another 19 points to 13 in the third quarter on the way to the eventual nine-point win.

Coach Adam Forde said having this positive streak was crucial for the team’s morale.

“That’s four games in eight days and to do it without Keanu and having everybody step up on different occasions in different moments during this whole stretch was really important,” Coach Forde said.

“It was great seeing the guys get the result they deserve. It wasn’t without its challenges, and we found ourselves down again, and the offence got a little bit stagnant on the third when we were getting stops.

“We were rushing it a little bit on the offensive end and playing a little bit passive in the fourth, but then to reflect on the fact that this was probably our best shooting performance in a while.

“We do so on the back of this eight-day road trip, really given we were both at home on the road during it. So I’m looking forward to a day off,” he said.

Kyle Adnam and Mitch Creek came out and knocked down early threes for South East Melbourne, and when Alan Wiliams went to work inside as well, the visitors were soon up 16-11.

South East Melbourne went on a 9-0 streak late in the pe-

riod, including a three-ball from Grant Anticevich to see them take a 35-24 edge into quarter-time.

Williams then gave South East Melbourne the first points of the second quarter to put them up 37-24, but the game underwent a dramatic transformation there, with the Taipans catching fire to the delight of the Orange Army heading into half-time.

Deng hit his second three of the game to begin proceedings; Bul Kuol warmed things up with a three-point play, and then the Snakes scored 12 consecutive points, including a triple from Hogg to grab the lead for the first time since the opening stages.

Shannon Scott, Hogg and McCall then all dropped threepointers heading into half-time for Cairns as the home team closed the half on a 23-7 run.

Hogg scored first to open the second half to put Cairns on top double-digits, and that advantage only continued to grow.

The Taipans head off undefeated to their 15-game against the Illawarra Hawks today at the Cairns Convention Centre from 6.30pm.

Taipans hope to maintain their winning streak as they prepare to take on the Illawarra Hawks today.

Country Challenge Final

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE 2022 Bulls Masters Country Challenge Final between the Far North Fusion and the North Queensland Monsoons ran this Wednesday, January 11, at the Gabba as a curtain-raiser for the Big Bash game between the Brisbane Heat and the Perth Scorchers that started at 12.15pm.

The Bulls Masters Country Challenge group stages moved up to Cairns in October. The local side was determined to take full advantage of their hometown advantage after falling short in the semifinal stage in the past three seasons.

The Fusion had yet to make the decider at the Gabba since losing to Mackay/ Whitsundays in the 2017 Gabba final. In 2020 and 2021, they had nail-biting semi-finals that went down to the wire both times against North Queensland Monsoons and lost on both occasions after being in winning positions. The Fusion hoped to claim their second title at the Gabba this week.

Prior to the final, Far North Fusion captain, Justin Reid said the team was excited to face the North Queensland Monsoons.

“Everyone is really looking forward to the match and are excited to get out there,” Reid said.

“We prepared as we did for every game; the only difference is The Gabba.

“We’re both very good teams, and it takes one or two people to change the game, so we’ve just got to be ready and give ourselves the best chance to win.

“We all want to be the champion; it means a lot to represent the region and to showcase our skills against the rest of the state,” he said.

The Fusion’s opponent in the Bulls

Masters Country Challenge Final is the North Queensland Monsoons, who are the defending champions and the most dominant team in the history of the Country Challenge.

The Monsoons have made the final every year since 2019 and have been consistent, making the final six of the last eight years.

Their skipper, Craig McElligott, told the Bulls Masters that he sees this year’s final as an opportunity to stamp their authority on the Country Challenge and rewrite the history books again.

Far North Fusion’s Brenton Edwards said this final was particularly meaningful to him as he was getting closer to the end of his career.

“We’re feeling really confident; we’ve been spending some time together, and we’re looking forward to getting out in the field,” Edwards said.

“For those who haven’t played at The Gabba, this is going to be a fantastic experience.

“We’re just going to try and keep it simple like we did through our qualifications and try and concentrate on every game, and if we do that, we should get the result we want.

“It’s going to be a very well-balanced game, so it’s going to go down to the wire, but I’m very confident in our boys,” he said.

“It’d be unreal to win this game; it’s a great feeling to get to play The Gabba, but being able to take the win would be great.

“Especially for me, I’m getting into the later years of my playing career, so being around our youthful side here and as a

veteran to put some knowledge into the boys; it would be great to win,” Edwards said.

The Country Challenge final was livestreamed on the Bulls Masters Facebook and Youtube channels, starting coverage at midday.

The Fusions had the last laugh, securing a great start and dominating the defending champions the NQ Monsoons with a final score of 6/183.

The victory has an even sweeter taste for the Fusions who won against the Monsoons for the first time since 2016 in a very tight match.

Fusion’s Jake Roach took the Player of the Final Award and was awarded the “wine box” from Former Australian bowler and Queensland’s leading wicket taker of all time Andy Bichel.

It was an afternoon of high quality cricket and a memorable occasion for the Far North Fusion cricket.

FUSION TEAM

Justin Reid (Captain)

Jake Roach (Player of th Final)

Andrew Phelps Angus Warnock

Tom Boorman

Matthew Wilkins

Wade Matthews

Mark Ellis

Harry Gardner

B. Edwards

D. Freebody

T. Ward

Coach – B. Weare, S Kerwitz and M Rees Mentor – Jimmy Maher

The FNQ Fusions took the win at The Gabba

Player of the Final Jack Roach was the top scorer for the Fusions with 49 runs off 26 balls

Jack Roach also received the Wine Box from former Australian bowler Andy Bichel