Cairns Local News April 14 2023

Local News Cairns

APRIL 14, 2023

COVERING CAIRNS, PORT DOUGLAS & CASSOWARY COAST REGIONS

Community Connect liftout inside

Teenager driving to be top in golf

Page 3

Pages 13-16

Pages 27, 28

UP WELL

A sting in the tale

Report: Over three years 48 people treated for weed toxins

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

| Nick Dalton

A CAIRNS woman has revealed that being stung by one of Australia’s dangerous plants was more painful than childbirth

as researchers try to find ways to reduce the effects of the weed’s toxicity.

Mum Naomi Lewis came off her mountain bike in Smithfield rainforest in June last year.

“I had come off my bike and gone off the trail, down an embankment, and – of

course – found a stinging tree (Gympie Gympie or Dendrocnide moroides),” she said.

“It got me all over my legs, from my thighs down, basically everywhere I wasn’t wearing shorts. “

“I got up and – bang – I knew instantly

what plant I had encountered.”

Ms Lewis said it felt like her legs were on fire.

“I’ve had four kids and had caesareans and a lot of stuff going on, but it’s nothing compared to this,” she said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

l CAIRNS NORTH

THE legacy of a communityspirited Cairns man will continue after his son donated $125,000 to help cancer patients in the region.

Matthew Calanna – the son of philanthropist, pharmacist and businessman Mario Calanna –said it was a fitting tribute to his father.

It now brings the total for the $1.5 million Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub to $753,000.

“Dad was on the hospital board for some time and also as part of that on the hospital foundation board and I know he’d really like this project,” Mr Calanna said.

Mario Calanna died in November 2022 from myeoloma – a type of blood cancer that develops in the plasma cells of the bone marrow.

“He and we always felt lucky that he was able to access top medical, both in Cairns and elsewhere, but we have always understood that having to travel for treatment and be away from your loved ones when you need them the most, is really hard,” Mr Calanna said.

“We also feel it’s important to give the doctors, nurses, OTs, pharmacists and physios the best tools that we can to help them do their work. They show so much care and dedication to their patients and this is such an amazing local cause,” he said.

Mission Beach

Cassowary Coast Sport

Avarie, 6, and Ariella Hari, 2, of Yarrabah are urging residents to be extremely hygienic as the Indigenous community battles Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).

This week Cairns Local News is giving 20 LUCKY READERS the chance to win a family pass to the Cairns Expo from 5-7th May thanks to Australian Events.

Adventure and the great outdoors including caravans, camper trailers, hybrids, 4x4s and accessories, camping gear, fishing equipment, boats, jet skis and holiday destinations are all on show plus the expo will feature a large Home Show event showcasing products and services for the home and outdoor living areas.

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Spaceport a step closer on Cape York

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton NASA as well as other high level space officials will converge on Cairns next week as moves to launch rockets and satellites from Cape York get a step closer.

Heads of the Australian Space Agency, delegates from NASA, the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), as well as key business leaders and local, state, and federal politicians will take part in Space Centre Australia’s first North Queensland space workshop on April 21.

The workshop will explain the $120 million construction phases as well as the $100m a year boost to the economy.

Space Centre Australia founder and chief executive James Palmer said the large-scale infrastructure project would be a substantial investment in the region, creating a completely new industry for the Far North, that would help sustain not only the town of Weipa and surrounding regions long after its mining lifespan, but for many generations to come.

“As result of our commitment to advancing the Australian and international space industries, we are designed with a strong focus on collaboration,” he said.

“Space Centre Australia’s facility will inject an estimated $120m into the Far Northern economy during the initial construction phase and an estimated $100m per annum thereafter.

“Up to 300 permanent jobs will be created once operational and thousands of construction and support jobs throughout its development.

“The project is well advanced in its planning and has been in the works for the past five years.

“We have chosen to fly under the radar up until this point in an effort to safeguard land, finances, and design feasibility prior to undertaking any serious construction work.

“We are consulting with the

Weipa community and many traditional owner groups continuously throughout this process and they are excited to see the project coming to fruition.”

Mr Palmer said the current construction timeline would ensure the launch facility was ready to start operations by the end of 2026 to accommodate small scale launch missions, with large-scale launches by 2029.

“We intend to have the facility ready for large-scale Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) launch capabilities by the third quarter of 2029.

“There is still a lot of work to do here at home and internationally.

“It’s an exciting time for Far North Queensland and the many and varied industries who will benefit from the introduction of a space industry in the community.

“The site will be able to support commercial operations as well as future potential Defence needs.

“But what is most exciting is we will have a clear pathway for our next generation to learn on site and gain employment as part of the space industry.”

Sponsored by AusIndustry, the North Queensland Space Workshop is being hosted at the Cairns Regional Council’s civic reception room on April 21.

Space Centre CEO James Palmer.

Streaming series axed

Lack of finance means show not returning to Cassowary

l MISSION BEACH | Nick Dalton

A SECOND series of Irreverent filmed at Mission Beach early last year has been axed due to a lack of financial backing.

Producer Tom Hoffie and creator Paddy Macrae have written to residents via the Mission Beach Community Association explaining why they are not returning.

The 10-part series, which followed the story of an American man forced to hide out in a small Australian coastal town posing as a new church reverend, captured the beauty of the Cassowary Coast, showcasing Tully, Silkwood, El Arish and the major drawcard of Mission Beach.

“Despite the best efforts of everyone involved with Irreverent, sadly it won’t be coming back for a second season,” Mr Hoffie and Mr Macrae said in an email.

“The show did exceptionally well in Australia,” they said.

“We stayed in the Netflix top 10 for a month which is outstanding.

“Unfortunately, though, the international financing of the project makes multiple series complex to achieve.”

The two men said everyone involved enjoyed filming the production on the Cassowary Coast.

“Looking back on the show and our experience of life in Mission Beach we feel nothing but enormous gratitude, not just for the North Queensland cast and crew, but also for the traditional owners who welcomed us so graciously to live and work on Djiru country, to the council and to the entire Cassowary Shire people who took us into

Local Briefs

Coast town

l CAMP REOPENS

THE Greenpatch camping ground in Gordonvale has fully reopened. The free camping ground, which is on the banks of the Mulgrave River, has been closed since November 11 last year due to the increased risk of flash flooding during the wet season. The maximum stay at the campground is 72 hours.

l KING TIDES

MOTORISTS are being warned about king tides in Cairns from today until Friday next week, peaking on Monday. Streets likely to experience flooding include at Portsmith: Redden St, Tingira St, Liberty St, Walters St, Trawler Base Rd, Bramp Cl, Cook St, Fearnley St, parts of Aumuller St (near Comport St), Spence St and the Esplanade intersection, Cairns CBD, parts of Draper St (Hartley St to Kenny Street), Portsmith, corner of Lily St and the Esplanade, Cairns North.

l CENT SALE

their homes and businesses and made us a part of their family,” they said.

“We will never forget your kindness and your community.

“From Netflix, from NBC Peacock, from Matchbox Pictures and from the cast and crew, there is nothing but love for the show itself and respect for the people and places.

“So we won’t be coming back for the show, but Mission Beach and surrounds are now forever in our hearts and at the top of all our visit lists.

“See you one day soon hopefully, and very deeply, thank you.”

Division 3 Councillor Trudy Tschui said she was saddened the series had finished.

“It was great to see Mission Beach shine in the 10-part series of Irreverent,” she said.

“Talking with the community, I feel people very much enjoyed being able to spot locals and themselves as well as the sights which make our region so unique.

“I was of course disappointed to hear that the series wouldn’t

be continued for another season as council and the community formed such a great relationship with the production company.

“The Cassowary Coast is open to other films/series being made here and would welcome any other productions companies interested in filming in our beautiful backyard,” Cr Tschui said.

FROM PAGE 1

“We went to a chemist, and I had everyone trying to wax my legs, trying to get the stinging hairs off me, while I was waiting for an ambulance.

“The pain was so bad, I started vomiting. I remember thinking I was completely done. The pain was just beyond unbearable. It was really, really horrific.”

Ms Lewis (right) was taken to Cairns Hospital’s Emergency Department but she said there appeared to be little the

clinicians could do for her other than provide her with pain relief.

She was in hospital for a week, and still experienced symptoms well beyond the day she was discharged.

“I was on nerve blocking medication for months and months,” she said.

“I lived with heat packs strapped to my

legs for a very long time.”

In the largest study of its kind in medical history, a team of clinicians from Cairns Hospital have conducted research into stinging tree exposures, including current known treatments.

The stinging tree, which grows in rainforests between Cape York and northern NSW, has heart-shaped leaves coated with fine hairs that, when brushed against or touched, penetrate the skin and release a powerful toxin.

The researchers examined records from 48 people who were treated at the hospital’s ED over three years, examining symptoms, treatment, and care outcomes.

They found stinging tree stings were nearly always on patients’ limbs, and in most cases, caused immediate moderate or severe pain.

They also found there was no clear first aid or definitive treatment recommendations other than pain relief, sug-

INNISFAIL Hospital

Friends of the Foundation are hosting their annual cent sale on Saturday, May 20 at Innisfail State College. Doors open at noon and the cent sale starts at 2pm. Entry $5 or $2 for children aged 6-11. It includes afternoon tea.

l CLIMATE ACTION

CAIRNS and Far North Environment Centre is hosting climate change workshops on April 20 (Climate justice 101), May 3 (Climate change, social justice and cost of living) and May 24 (Climate justice in FNQ). Sign up at https://bit.ly/3UvGmwK

Mum reveals intense pain and ongoing issues after being stung

gesting more work needs to be done to combat the plant’s toxic qualities.

“Exposure to stinging trees is a regular presentation to Cairns Hospital’s ED,” lead study author and Cairns Hospital toxicologist Dr Ruth Young said.

She said a better public health awareness campaign was necessary for both locals and visitors, not just to the region, but wherever these plants were found, so people could identify the plants and avoid contact.

Irreverent producer Tom Hoffie, Screen Queensland chief executive Kylie Munnich, series showrunner, creator and writer Paddy Macrae and Screen Queensland head of studios Derek Hall on location during filming at Mission Beach. Picture: Supplied

Keeping clean is the answer

Moves to stamp out community’s heart disease

l YARRABAH

|

Nick Dalton

AUSTRALIA’S largest Aboriginal community at Yarrabah has teamed with natural skin care brand Moo Goo to try and stamp out largely preventable Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).

Yarrabah, where about 4000 people live in 414 accommodation quarters, has higher rates of RHD, with more than 129 people with the disease.

The reasons include difficult living conditions which can be cramped, with limited access to safe water and sanitary conditions.

A lack of basic plumbing in many houses is also contributing to the RHD issue. RHD is a devastating, but preventable, condition that often starts with skin sores that get infected.

Complications from RHD are common and include atrial fibrillation, endocarditis, heart failure, stroke and lead to damage so severe that the child needs open heart surgery.

Tragically, children aged between 5 to 15 years are 55 times more likely to die from RHD.

One way to prevent the disease is by promoting good hy-

giene, and MooGoo has donated a year’s worth of its body wash for every household in Yarrabah so they can use it to wash their hands, body and face.

In collaboration with the local health service, refill stations of the milk wash are now easily accessible in community hubs, schools and sports clubs in the area.

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corpora-

Read, Learn, Create and Discover at Cairns Libraries!

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

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

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

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

FREE FIRST 5 FOREVER PROGRAM

Mobile cardiac program

l CASSOWARY COAST

MOBILE medical program

Heart of Australia is bringing its state-of-the-art mobile clinic HEART4 to Innisfail and Tully.

Innisfail will be able to access services from April 22 and Tully from June 17. Services will include cardiology, sonography, cardiac monitoring, sleep diagnostics and respiratory services.

The arrival of these services in Innisfail and Tully will support residents without having to travel to meet a specialist.

Heart of Australia founder and director Dr Rolf Gomes is excited to continue expanding services up north so that more Queenslanders can receive specialist treatment in the heart of their communities.

tion child health team leader Maddy Dodd said skin sores were common in Yarrabah.

“If we can prevent the infection from occurring at the beginning, and prevent the skin sores, we can help reduce the devastating effects of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in our communities,” she said.

Gurriny Yealamucka chief executive Suzanne Andrews chief executive said the milk wash

was made with gentle, natural cleansers that won’t irritate the skin, so it was good for skin sores.

“This is all about making sure that we have good sanitising soaps and it’s awesome we’ve got special sites that we can start to dispense to the mob in Yarrabah to help prevent skin sores,” she said.

MooGoo chief executive Melody Livingstone said she

was disturbed to discover that in people in remote communities were having trouble accessing basic essentials like soap.

“It was shocking not only to me, but the entire management team and we wanted to do something about it and look for a solution,” she said.

“We’re hoping that through this program, we see a reduction in rheumatic heart disease cases in these communities ...”

“By bringing this service to Tully and the surrounding townships, we’re hoping to ease the burden of distance for patients who would otherwise spend precious time and resources travelling huge distances to see a specialist,” he said.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the local GPs to provide them clinical support so that their communities continue to remain healthy and thriving.”

For more information about Heart of Australia’s services, call 07 3162 5310 or email reception@heartofaustralia.com

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

Avarie Hari, 6, is helping to spread the message that cleanliness can help stamp out preventable Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) at Yarrabah.

Social housing a drop in ocean

Thousands of public homes urgently needed

l CAIRNS

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE first tenant has moved into one of eight refurbished social housing units in Parramatta Park as part of a state government and Access Community Housing Company (ACHC) partnership to address the housing crisis in the region.

As part of the QuickStart Queensland program, the state government allocated over $300,000 in funding to refurbish eight units in Parramatta Park on Grove St and $8.5 million to build 23 dwellings for social housing in Earlville by 2025.

Both projects are being delivered with Cairns’ not-for-profit Access Community Housing Company (ACHC).

ACHC chief executive Liz Brown said eight women would be housed at Parramatta Park, while the Earlville project would have 23 units suitable for small families.

“We’ve partnered with the Queensland Government under the Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative with two projects,” Ms Brown said. “The first one was the refur-

bishment of eight cottages in Parramatta Park which has just been completed, and we’re in the process of identifying suitable tenants, with a first tenant already in the property.

“The second project is the development of a site at Earlville which had been used for social housing, which will involve the redevelopment of the site with up to 23 apartments. We’re yet to start the planning process.

“We expect the project to be completed by July 2025. We’re hoping the apartments in Earlville will be one and two-bedroom, so we might be able to have small families or couples in those units.”

However both ACHC and Shelter Housing Action Cairns (SHAC) said it was nowhere enough for the current housing crisis.

Ms Brown said although AHCH was glad to provide the projects, this was only a small dent in a massive crisis.

“Projects like these are critical,” she said. “And it’s hard because you look at the scope of what’s required, and the latest figures identified that by 2041 we need to have built another 7500 homes in our region, but you have to keep going.”

Sign looks to past and future

SHAC is a not-for-profit that provides support services and crisis accommodation to families at risk of homelessness.

SHAC chief executive Sally Watson said, although it was encouraging to see a commitment from state government, the response would not address the ongoing crisis.

“It’s great to see government attacking the issue seriously. Unfortunately, looking at recent data, the current government response is not going to go anywhere near meeting the need shortly or even in the next decade,” Ms Watson said.

“The only reasonable immediate response, besides a bigger commitment to investment in capital builds, is to do something about income support which is the federal government’s responsibility.”

The state government also announced that a prefabricated house factory would be coming to Cairns to build more homes.

Public Works Minister Mick De Brenni said the Far North site could build 26 houses annually. The location of the factory is still to be announced.

Ms Watson said more information was required about the project.

LEARNING AND LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Throughout all of our community care services, we maintain a focus on empowering our clients and supporting them to develop life skills that can help them to achieve their personal goals and support their autonomy.

This training can be delivered in group sessions or in a one on one, face to face setting.

Whether it is communication skills, social skills, financial management, cooking or otherwise, the St John’s Community Care staff love supporting our clients living with disability to learn and develop new life skills.

l YORKEYS KNOB

AN interpretative sign which tells the community about the plants and animals living within a park at Yorkeys Knob has been installed.

While the sign, in the Ray Howarth Reserve in Buckley St, highlights animals such as the squirrel glider, stripped possum, echidna, spectacled flying fox, rakali and the lace monitor, as well as the mangroves, it also explains the history behind reserve.

Yorkeys Knob Residents Association president Adrian Gover said in the 1950s Mr Howarth was the driving force and vision behind the

18-hole Half Moon Bay Golf Club established in 1969.

“He was able to buy 23ha of Crown land for one hundred and ten pounds on the condition it was used for sport and recreation,” he said.

Thirteen hectares were cleared for a 14-hole golf course. The remaining 10ha of bushland was reserved by him and the Mulgrave Shire Council and is now protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

“To help provide information of the land, how it was established and why it was significant with regards to its flora, fauna and sport activity, a project was initiated and funded by the

association.”

Resident and association past vice-president Nicola Strange, with assistance of Laura Strange, researched and developed the interpretive sign, involving information from the Queensland Museum and other archives.

The project was further supported by Cairns Regional Council and the golf club.

“It is hoped that members of this community and visitors alike will take the opportunity to learn a little more about our local environment and history,” Mr Gover said.

“It may also be a great opportunity for younger, school age children to learn a little more about their area.”

Nicola Strange with the interpretative sign she helped research and develop at Yorkeys Knob.

Navy’s $70m economy boost

Hundreds of workers and businesses on the job in city

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton

MORE than 250 local small and medium enterprises and hundreds of skilled workers are now involved with the Navy’s Cairnsbased Regional Maintenance Centre North East.

The Australian Defence Force’s new maritime sustainment head –Rear Admiral Steven Tiffen – has visited Cairns to mark the first anniversary of the centre’s $70 million five-year contract with NORSTA Maritime.

Cairns was the first of a network of regional maintenance centres being established around Australia under the Australian Navy’s Plan Galileo.

Rear Admiral Tiffen said the RMC network was a key element of the ADF’s Maritime Sustainment Model.

“RMCs are strategically located with an integrated Defence and industry workforce so the Navy fleet is available where and when it is needed,” he said.

“Seeing the first of our centres have such a successful first year is gratifying and demonstrates the hard work of our Defence staff and industry partners.

“The success lies in the strong collaboration between our local Commonwealth team and our industry partner NORSTA Maritime.”

Rear Admiral Tiffen said the local partnerships, involving more than 250 local small and medium enterprises and hundreds of skilled workers in the supply chain network, were helping the Navy deliver some of the key outcomes of Plan Galileo, such as building local and regional industry capability as well as providing upskilling and training opportunities for Navy personnel.

He said secondment opportunities for Fleet Support Unit sailors had been established with local companies Pasma Electrical, Perrotts Engineering and Alphacool.

“In addition, a five-year regional work plan is being developed, further strengthening Defence’s industry ties in Cairns,” Rear Admiral Tiffen said.

“This also provides businesses with a longer-term view of upcoming maintenance equirements allowing them to forecast, plan and invest for future growth.

To find out more about Defence industry opportunities visit www.defenceindustry.gov.au.

Mobile services truck is visiting a town near you

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

A MOBILE unit offering Centrelink, Medicare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs services is coming to the Far North.

A Services Australia spokesman said Mobile Service Centre Desert Rose was travelling through Far North Queensland in coming weeks.

“Mobile service centres are 20 tonne trucks operated by staff from Services Australia, providing regional and rural Australians with friendly face-to-face service and tailored support,” he said.

“Staff on board this trip can help with Centrelink claims, Medicare registrations and accessing online services.

“Information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services will also be available.”

Desert Rose will visit:

• Kuranda on Tuesday April 18 at Post Office car park, Thooree Street (9.30am- 4pm)

• Mount Molloy on Wednesday, April 19 in front of the Memorial Hall, Main Street (9am-2pm)

• Cooktown on Thursday, April 20 opposite the Post Office, Charlotte Street, (9am-4pm)

• Lakeland on Friday, April 21 near Lakeland Coffee House and Store, Foyster Drive (9.30am-2.30pm)

• Dimbulah on Monday, April 24 opposite the Junction Hotel, Raleigh Street (9.30am4pm)

• Mount Garnet on Wednesday, April 26 near the Information Centre, Garnet Street (10am3.30pm)

• Georgetown on Thursday, April 27 at Terrestrial Centre car park, Low Street (9.30am-3pm)

• Croydon on Friday, April 28 in front of the Heritage Buildings, Samwell Street (9am-2.30pm).

For more information, including stopping times, go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice

Fleet Support Unit North East Maritime Sustainment head

Rear Admiral Steven Tiffen (left), is gifted a ceremonial lifebuoy by Fleet Support Unit

North East regional manager

Lieutenant Commander Kyle Kaddatz RAN (centre) and Regional Maintenance Centre North East director Michael Saunders.

Picture: LSIS Shane Cameron

Alarming oral cancer research

l SMITHFIELD

A STUDY by a Cairns professor analysing 36 years of cancer data has revealed a rising incidence and a worsening death rate for oral cancer in Queensland.

James Cook University’s head of dentistry Peter Thomson was part of a team that examined data for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases diagnosed between 1982 and 2018 in Queensland, covering almost 9900 patients.

The professor of oral and maxillofacial sciences said SCC was a lethal and deforming disease of rising incidence.

“Although this cancer is largely preventable by eliminating risky tobacco and alcohol behaviour, five-year survival rates remain around 50 per cent, primarily due to the late diagnosis of advanced-stage disease,” he said. The study found the mean age at diagnosis was 64.55 years and that over the 36-year study period the number of diagnoses increased 4.49-fold, while the number of deaths increased 19.14-fold.

“It’s notable that 59 per cent of the people in the dataset were deceased. That’s alarming, even though precise cause of death was not always available,” said Prof. Thomson. He said low socio-economic status, regional and remote location and Indigenous status were associated with head and neck cancer in general.

Exchange students wanted

Rotary program back in full swing after COVID interferences

l CAIRNS

| Nick Dalton

ROTARY Youth Exchange is finally back up and running after COVID-19 disrupted the program.

Rita Zappulla of Rotary Club Cairns Sunrise said the organisation was pleased that the program had been reignited.

“Applications for the Rotary Youth Exchange are now open,” she said.

“Students in years 9-12 with an interest in travelling abroad, learning a new language, and immersing themselves in a new culture and way of life are invited to apply for this opportunity..

“Rotary Youth Exchange offers both long term (12 months departing January 2024) and short term (eight-12 weeks departing December 2023) programs, for students in years 9-12, depending on the students’ eligibility.”

Ms Zappulla said the program started in 1958.

She said it had helped thousands of students worldwide learn a new language, learn lifelong leadership skills and make lasting friendships with students from around the world and not just the country they were visiting.

“One of the goals of the Rotary Youth Exchange is to promote world peace and cultural understanding,” Ms Zapulla said..

“We were fortunate recently to have Celia Foret from Belgium return who had visited Cairns in 2015-2016 as an exchange student.

“She spoke at the Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise (her sponsor club) about how the experience has opened doors for her, allowed her to volunteer in Africa and now she has completed her degree in chemical and mechanical engineering she is starting work with an aeronautical

company.” Ms Zappulla said the Rotary Club of Cairns Trinity was currently hosting Inka Immonen from Finland.

She arrived last year in August and has been attending high school at Peace Lutheran College. She said information had been sent to

all the high schools in Far North Queensland, from Tully to Mareeba and Mossman to let students know about the program and how to apply.

Contact Ms Zappulla on 0409 634 445 for an application form or visit www.ryea.org.au

Enjoying a day trip to Rainforestation were (from left) Celia Foret (a past exchange student from Belgium), Inka Immonen (current student from Finland), Daniel Leibinger (applying for exchange in 2024) and Cairns region exchange program representative Rita Zappulla.

Thriving after tough times

l REDLYNCH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AFTER closing two stores and overcoming financial struggles, an Australian Army veteran of 13 years is celebrating her hardfought success as a franchisee with chicken brand Lenard’s.

Trinity Beach resident and army chef Allison Roshier has been a Lenard’s franchisee for 19 years.

Although it was a journey full of struggles – even shutting down two of her shops – sticking to her franchise has led her to finally have a substantial turnover of more than $1.5 million annually for the last three years and enough flexibility to go on holiday and work school hours only.

“Working at a store that’s open seven days a week always comes with sacrifices,” Ms Roshier said.

“However, I’m at a point where I could hire a store manager. He’s been with me for over a year, I could finally go on holidays, and now I’m supporting other stores as a business coach.”

Ms Roshier began her journey

in 2004 when she bought the Cairns Central store. The first challenge would come in 2014 when she had to shut down the store.

“I bought an old butcher shop on Aumuller Street and converted it into a Lenard’s store,” she said.

“I then started supplying two local Super IGA Piccones located at Edmonton, Manoora, Fresh St Marketplace in Atherton, and Tietzel’s IGA Tully.”

In 2014, an opportunity arose for Ms Roshier to open a new

store at Redlynch. Armed with a new strategy, she built a kioskstyle store to avoid the high cost of a de-fit if the relationship with the shopping centre failed or the costs became too high to survive.

“I continued to operate the two stores for three years, running back and forth between the two,” said Ms Roshier.

“The butcher shop store called Lenard’s Westcourt was the production site and made all the stock for every store. Lenard’s Redlynch was sup-

plied all stock, and it was sold in-store.” Ms Roshier found a buyer for the Lenard’s Westcourt store to finance the expansion at Redlynch. However, one week before settlement, the sale fell through.

“Fortunately, I had some savings, and the builder allowed me to pay off the shortfall for the build weekly, and the shopping centre owners, the local Marino’s family, supported me through this time,” she said.

In December 2017, Ms Roshier opened the expanded store

Committee refresh for chamber

l CAIRNS CBD

THE Cairns Chamber of Commerce has two new vice-presidents and three new committee members following its annual meeting last month.

Matthew Tickner (Progression Design) and Vanessa Allen (ADhesive Communication) are the vice-presidents taking over from Jesse O’Hara.

New to the committee are Freedom Planning director Alaina Anderlini, Cairns Post general manager Stephanie Campbell and Asute Accounting accountant Luke Hare.

Enver Selita, of Optus Business Centre FNQ, was re-elected president as was treasurer Andrea Fogarty (Catholic Diocese of Cairns), and other committee members Ben Cole (Fowler’s Group) and Mark Quinn (Opteon Solutions).

at Redlynch, and it all started looking up since then. “Sales have continued to grow over the years and continue to do so,” said said Ms Roshier.

“My turnover has been more than $1.5m yearly for the past three years, and I have grown my customer count from 350 to 1000 over the past seven years.”

“My store is thriving, my debt is minimal, and I can take a holiday for the first time in 18 years.”

She is now supplying more locally-owned stores.

Chamber chief executive Patricia O’Neill said “we are delighted with the calibre of business representation that our new management committee brings.

“I am looking forward to working with the management committee to continue to build on the success we have achieved over the last few years to support and advocate for businesses in our region,” she said.

Ms O’Neill said the chamber thanked outgoing Ms O’Hara and committee members Rick Huriwai and David Nye.

Trinity Beach army veteran Allison Roshier at her iconic Lenard’s chicken franchise Redlynch store. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Lettersto the editor

Vote ‘no’ to Voice referendum

I HAVE no problem with the recognition of Aborigines as the first inhabitants of Australia in our constitution, as they were.

What I have issue with is setting up a power structure within our constitution that only represents three per cent of our population based on race.

This is an undeniable fact based on this government’s wording of the proposed referendum wording.

The Liberal National opposition is right to take up the “no” case on the wording of the referendum, while supporting the recognition of Aborigines in the Constitution.

What is proposed is a second vote and a second voice to Federal Parliament and the second voice will not be a vote for representation of the people it represents.

The idea put forward by our Prime Minister that we only have to vote for the idea and the politicians will fix the wording and working of the new clause in the Constitution later is factually incorrect.

The wording of the Constitution runs the Australian Parliament and the members who sit in it have no power or right to change those words to make the clause work better for the Parliament and its members.

When you have voted in a badly worded clause based on a small percentage and racially-based section of the Australian population that gives them the power over everyone else, then you are stuck with it.

Another referendum has to be held to take the clause out or vary the wording of that clause in the constitution.

To represent the “no” case supporters for the reasons above as racists is both wrong and insulting.

The supporters of the “yes” case do this to demonise the “no” case and those who support it and they have no logical and factual arguments to debate to support their case. Words in our Constitution matter and the wrong words matter more.

Everyone in Australia has equal and fair representation to Federal Parliament, no matter their race, colour or heritage.

What we don’t like is all the decisions of our representatives and all our political representatives must do is listen and act in favour of the

people they represent. Support the inclusion of the Aborigines in our Constitution without supporting the racist solution put forward in the Second Voice referendum. Vote “no”.

Richard Holme, Edmonton

Not another Entsch politician

ANOTHER (Warren) Entsch has spent two decades in a comfy government sinecure promising to stop insurance companies overcharging for house insurance in Cairns.

Will (his wife) Yolonde make the same promises?

Other than that Warren has been involved in a few leadership challenges in his party and subsequently ‘earned’ a special allowance for being an ambassador to the Reef.

A lump of rock needs that, right?

Sean McGinn, Clifton Beach

Housing needs skilled migrants

RECENT population growth directly links to our housing needs.

Without a clear policy on skilled migration for both the short and the long term, it is extremely difficult for the home building industry to prepare and meet the demand for housing which is already at crushing highs.

Population growth has always been a fundamental part of Australia’s economic and social development, with growing migration to Australia, governments need to devise a targeted policy that attracts skilled migrants to work in the building sector if we are to have any hope of building the required number of homes needed to house our growing population.

Australia is experiencing a relatively fast rate of population growth.

There are extensive economic benefits to a healthy immigration intake, particularly in terms of ensuring we have adequate working age people against a backdrop of Australia’s ageing population.

And there is an important role for skilled migration to increase skilled trades workers, particularly where acute demand emerges as is presently the case.

But the residential building industry requires migration pathways to enable the long-term structural shortage of workers to be addressed through permanent migration, and

Prepare for king tides

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question: Do you think the Far North can reach $5bn in tourism spending by 2025? Here are some of your comments.

Yes, I believe so, once international tourism numbers grow. Already we are seeing the return of backpackers from all over the world who are finding it tough to get jobs. While they are not traditionally big spenders, the fact they are back is giving other travellers the confidence to book holidays in the tropical north.

THIS

pathways that enable industry to recruit skilled workers for short periods to alleviate acute shortages.

Jocelyn Martin, industry and policy deputy managing director, Housing Industry Association

Plea to extend heart funding

HEART disease is Australia’s leading cause of death and tragically takes the life of one Australian every 30 minutes.

The good news is heart disease is largely preventable.

The bad news? Our best tool for heart disease prevention – the Medicare Heart Health Check – is about to expire.

We are seeking a guarantee from the Australian Government that funding will continue beyond June 30 this year.

Nearly 440,000 Australians have seen their GP for a Medicare subsidised Heart Health Check since they were introduced. The Heart Foun-

John, Manoora

International passenger numbers are starting to increase at Cairns Airport with flights from Narita and Osaka in Japan, Singapore, Auckland in New Zealand and Denpasar in Bali. The latest figures show that in February there were 28,248 passengers arriving and departing compared to just 170 in February last year. In February there were

15,953 arrivals. In 2019 before COVID-19 hit, there were between 22,402-36,159 arrivals per month. The figures are rising from 10,374 in July last year, so we are on track to reach the magical $5bn.

Bob, Manunda

Whether the Chinese come back is the big question. Do we need them though? The Japanese used to be the biggest and now that Virgin Australia has announced direct flights between Cairns and Tokyo is a huge bonus. The Japanese prefer full service carriers and many will book flights on Virgin instead of Jetstar. But having two airlines flying to and from Japan will mean more bigger spending Japanese tourists.

Susan, Palm Cove

dation is asking the Government to invest $11.5 million per year, to continue subsidising Heart Health Checks into the future.

This is a relatively small investment compared to the $1 billion in healthcare costs that could be saved with broad uptake of Heart Health Checks in high-risk Australians and more importantly, the 67,000 heart attacks, strokes and heart disease related deaths that could be prevented

over five years.

It’s not too late for your readers to take action: I urge you to please help us save Medicare Heart Health Checks by signing our petition, writing to local MPs and sharing the petition with friends and family.

To take action, please visit www. heartfoundation.org.au/save-heartchecks

David Lloyd, chief executive,

National Heart Foundation

English St, Manunda: Bus stop upgrade near Hoare St. Traffic control as required. Evans St, Yorkeys Knob: Water main works between Varley St and Sims Esplanade. Full road closure from Monday 17 April to Saturday 22 April. Detours in place.

Riverstone Rd, Gordonvale: Bus stop upgrade near Moller St. Bus stop temporarily closed.

Spence St, Bungalow: Stormwater renewal works. Temporary one-way traffic only.

Survey

Gazza’s Gossip

l MOSSMAN

THE ‘Goss recently promoted the Mossman Support Services inaugural multi-cultural festival which was about to be held in Mossman’s quaintly built Shire Hall.

Subsequently, my wife and I were delighted to be invited along for what was to be a truly colourful evening, full of music, spice and good company.

As well as a fundraiser, the night was planned to be the first of many events designed to celebrate the diversity of culture now experienced in the Douglas Shire.

With the event fully sold out a week before the big night, this first time occasion was bound to be a great success and promised to achieve its goal of raising funds to purchase two beach and wa ter access wheelchairs. Ultimately all of this was achieved, despite a night long power outage as we’ll discuss shortly.

On arrival, three key things stood out to me.

Firstly, one was immediately taken in by the aroma of amazing food wafting from the kitchen, where chef and local hero Syd Murthy was conjuring up a concoction to tease the tastebuds. Secondly, I was impressed with the stunning Indian attire worn by the early arrivers. Thirdly, I couldn’t help admire the amount of effort and creativity that had gone into decorating the classic Queensland style shire hall.

For a little background history, last year Mossman’s Lifestyle Support Service, part of Mossman Support Services, was approached by a physically handicapped person, down south, wanting to come up for a holiday and go swimming in the sea

Lifestyle support staff and Mossman Support Services manager Heather Taylor met and discussed their capacity to achieve this, based on the facilities available in the area. They felt that although Port Douglas does have a fantastic all abilities wheel chair available already, in this instance they needed a different type of chair that

would also allow access into the water as well as the beach itself.

The next day they all met again and each voiced how bad it felt to tell someone they couldn’t assist them in swimming from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The team each individually researched alternatives and came up with a wheelchair that actually goes into the water, staying steady on the ocean floor and supporting participants to confidently swim out of and back into the chair independently.

They then discussed the options at a staff meeting and agreed this would be their next major fundraiser to purchase two chairs. By chance, community development officer Erica Mast and volunteer chef Syd Murthy were developing the Bollywood nights idea and it seemed like the perfect fundraising match.

Back to the night itself and the event was not only a huge success in raising $4500, but also in showcasing the services provided by the dedicated staff and volunteers at Mossman Support Services.

They have been overwhelmed with the community support at the event, mainly from money donations and the ticket purchases. Local businesses also donated items for prizes, together with an anonymous donation of $2000 and the addition of $1000 from their trivia night last year.

All up, thus far, an amazing $7500 has been raised, just $2500 short of the total amount required to purchase these amazing wheel chairs.

One further comment to add, as previously mentioned, was the fact that the power went completely out early in the evening. Relentlessly, however, everyone carried on with the fundraising and many stayed back to help clear up in the dark.

It’s time to take my hat off to these amazing people or maybe in this case my turban, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Main pic: Bollywood guests get ready for some fundraising.

Above: Traditional dancing to get the evening underway.

Right: Douglas locals dress for the occasion.

Health and Wellbeing Vital medical check warning

l CAIRNS CBD

PEOPLE are foregoing important health checks such as hearing and eye tests because of increasing costs-of-living.

New research by Specsavers reveals the alarming trend which is leaving Aussies at greater risk of developing conditions that could be silently progressing, resulting in a greater impact on health in the long run.

The findings have revealed that Australians are already adjusting spending to make ends meet by less socialising (58 per cent), putting off holidays (55 per cent) and spending less on groceries (53 per cent).

Now, health is under threat, with over half (52 per cent) of Australians aged 18-50 forgoing health appointments, including healthcare costs and health services.

But it isn’t just families suffering, older Australians (aged 65+) who are already more vulnerable to health issues are making cuts to everyday expenses by socialising less (71 per cent) and spending less on groceries (54 per cent), but also by compro-

mising on their health with almost half (46 per cent) forgoing health appointments.

Specsavers Cairns Central

Shopping Centre audiology professional Angus McKenzie said concerningly, this might be putting already health-com-

promised older Australians at greater risk.

“While both families and older Australians are making

the basic lifestyle adjustments like reducing spending on socialising, food and holidays, healthcare professionals are

concerned that health appointments are being put on the backburner,” he said.

“We can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain your regular health appointments, including your hearing and your eye checks.

“We understand that parents, families, and older Australians have shifted their priorities to combat the cost of living – but your health is something that you can’t put a price on.”

Mr McKenzie said getting eyes tested regularly was critical because many eye conditions, like glaucoma, were characterised by a lack of symptoms, and if left untreated, could lead to severe complications, even loss of vision.

“Similarly, we encourage anyone who is experiencing changes in their hearing to speak to one of our audiology professionals,” he said.

“Hearing loss can deteriorate over time, and if left untreated can lead to lowered mental stimulation and isolation from friends and family.

“When it comes to both eyes and ears, simply waiting for the problem to go away may be extremely detrimental to your overall health.”

IT MIGHT JUST BE EAR WAX

The symptoms of ear wax are impaired hearing, dizziness, ear pain, a plugged or full sensation and ringing in the ear. You should never attempt to self-clean and always seek professional advice. We can help! We offer gentle and effective methods of wax removal.

Specsavers Cairns Central Shopping Centre audiology professional Angus McKenzie is worried people are cutting back on health checks.

TimeOut Diva’s glamorous production

Kaweyova presenting spectacular two-hour sight and sound show over two nights at Reef Hotel Casino

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

ONE of Cairns’ most glamorous nights is coming with the Reef Hotel Casino presenting Kaweyova like you have never seen her before.

Kaweyova (Sam Cee) said it was going to be very ‘divalushous’.

She said she would be channelling her inner diva to rolling out her new live show – a two-hour sight and sound extravaganza paying homage to some of the biggest hits performed by some of the biggest divas in history.

“I will be taking you on a musical journey, throughout the eras, from Whitney to Etta James, Tina to Joss Stone, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan to Shania and heaps more,” Ms Cee said.

“Even adding the massive hits, respectfully, from possibly the biggest divas ever – Prince and Michael Jackson.

“Everyone knows this music. It’s so powerful and joyous and I am exciting to perform these amazing songs to Cairns live.

“My band and I really are looking forward to working with the casino production team to produce a show that, not only sounds amazing, but is visually spectacular.”

Kaweyova has worked in Papua New Guinea, Dubai, Fiji and is now based in Australia but regularly hits the high seas as a performer with P&O Cruises.

She has also been performing in Cairns for the past 10 years, pretty much everywhere, in many varied different configurations, from her heartfelt originals to chilled tropical vibes to party cover bands.

Kaweyova has performed with international star Aloe Blacc, Australia’s Pete Murray, Vika and Linda Bull, and The Bamboos as she continues building a unique and eclectic repertoire of a little jazz, a little soul, a little blues, a little party.

Kaweyova with her band will be featuring international percussionist Elvis Aljus direct from Melbourne.

Casino entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said glam and bling was the theme for the night.

“Dress up, add soul, pop and funk plus our special beverage sponsor on the night – Grey Goose with their signature ‘French Divalicious GG Martini’ – will have you on the dance floor until the wee hours,” he said.

Kaweyova is live at the casino on April 28 and 29, free, from 8pm at BAR36.

Good food but terrible service dished out at rude Karen’s Diner

l CAIRNS CBD

A CONTROVERSIAL interactive diner is coming to Cairns.

The notorious Karen’s Diner – renowned worldwide for being rude to their customers – is coming to Elixir Music Bar on Abbott St on May 19 and 20.

Karen’s slogans are “great

burgers and rude service” and “don’t ask to speak to a manager” – a play on the ‘Karen’ meme.

“Karen’s is an interactive diner where customers are greeted and waited upon by rude waiters and forced to play games,” said Karen.

“One of the perks is if your name is Karen, you get a free drink,” she said.

“Don’t expect special treatment at the diner, it’s all about embracing your inner Karen and letting the staff hit back.

“Karen’s Diner also is threatening to stay longer if it is well patronised.

“Customers can expect plenty of sass, great food, and a hefty sprinkle of bad attitude.

“As Karen’s Diner goes, the food is great, the service ungrateful but your experience will be unforgettable.

“Vegetarians, vegans, other annoying dietary requirements and non-alcoholics (boring) will all be catered for but don’t expect Karen to be happy about it.”

Karen’s Diner has a set of house rules for customers

and staff to follow, including no racism, no sexism, no homophobic comments, no body image comments, no ableist comments, no touching or making sexual remarks toward staff.

Tickets are $47 per person and include one burger, one fries and one soda.

“Whatever you do, don’t ask for a refund,” Karen said.

Kaweyova is presenting songs from some of the biggest divas in music history at the end of the month at the Reef Hotel Casino.

Cooking classes at expo

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Nick Dalton

RON Wilson, aka Kingbrown, is one of Australia’s leading authorities on campfire cooking.

He’s internationally known for his savvy skills using traditional Australian camp ovens, with his expertise honed across years of weddings and celebration feasts, all deliciously catered by his camp oven business.

Kingbrown has now ventured into the world of “low and slow” barbecuing and is showcasing his impressive abilities across Australia.

“Building my collection of barbecue and smoker varieties, I’ve sharpened my skills with masterclasses conducted by world-class competition pitmasters,” he said.

“I combine my camp oven baking talents, my barbecue grilling skills, and my low and slow expertise to delectable and flavoursome recipes, created right on my trusty Weber Q.”

He will be at the Cairns Expo next month with daily shows at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm at the Cairns Showground.

Gates open Friday, May 5, to Sunday, May 7, with a line-up of entertainment and more than 100 exhibitors on display.

Marketing manager Courtney Stephens said it was fhe biggest and best outdoor, home and lifestyle event in Far North Queensland.

“For those lovers of every-

thing adventure, hold on to your socks,” she said. “This event features the absolute best in caravans, camper trailers, 4x4 vehicles and accessories, fishing gear, boating equipment, and so much more.

“Or if you’re into sustainable living and looking for captivating home and lifestyle ideas such as garages, pools, electrical

appliances, bedding, and more, we’ve got you covered.

“Across three jam-packed days, the Cairns Showground turns up the heat with the region’s most anticipated lifestyle event and has something for the whole family.

“Running from May 5-7, this is the ultimate one-stop-shop for outdoor and indoor adventure

DAYS IN DALLAS

By Ken Cotterill

Directed by John Hughes & Matt O’Connor April 28 - May 6, 2023

Almost 60 years ago, just after 12 noon on Friday 22nd November 1963, whilst driving in an open car through the streets of Dallas, Texas with his wife, President John F Kennedy was shot and killed. The whole world was shocked and mourned the death of this young and charismatic leader.

Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the assassination, but he continued to deny responsibility for it right up until, two days later, when he was shot and killed by Jack Ruby, a local nightclub owner.

Many questions remain unanswered to this day concerning the events that occurred during those four days in Dallas.

TimeOut

Calling Indigenous artists

l CAIRNS CBD

CAIRNS Indigenous Art Fair

(CIAF) has issued a Queenslandwide call out to first nations’ artists and craftspeople to showcase their wares to thousands of visitors at this year’s Cairns Convention Centre-based marketplace between July 13-16.

CIAF artistic director Francoise Lane said the event’s art market was traditionally one of the most popular and most visited attractions of the annual event and, importantly, provided an inclusive, ethical platform to present and sell a very diverse and culturally rich range of arts and craft.

“We are looking to feature a new and diverse range of authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts at a range of price points from gifts with meaning to artefacts and collectibles,” she said.

and is seriously not to be missed.

“Get up close and personal with the latest and greatest in gear, technology, and accessories.

“Not only do we showcase the best in camper trailers, caravans, boating, and 4x4 accessories, but we give you access to the exhibitors ready to help craft your next big adventure. Discover

new holiday destinations you’re yet to lay your eyes on, sit back and observe as the experts demonstrate first-rate outdoor accessories, be enthralled with our quality entertainment and ‘be in it to win it’ with some of the best major prizes up for grabs.

For more information and tickets, head to www.CairnsExpo.com.au

“From screen printed linen tea towels and handmade jewellery, ceramics and weaving to textiles and fashion, CIAF art market is perhaps the best shopping experience people can have. Not only can they snag something beautiful or bag a bargain, they get to meet and talk with the artists and that to me is somewhat priceless and truly special.”

CIAF will feature the work of about 300 visual artists and 150 performers.

Ron Wilson, aka Kingbrown, will be hosting campfire cooking demonstrations at the Cairns Expo at Cairns Showground next month.

FRIDAY 21 APRIL

Hailing from Cairns, LT has earned a reputation as one of Queensland’s hardest working independent artists. Her new single Act Your Age is a further glimpse into the sparkling alternative, indie-pop sound she is becoming known for.

Family-friendly festival coming

Thousands of youngsters expected at annual Cairns

Children’s Festival across three venues next month

l CAIRNS

|

Nick Dalton

THE annual Cairns Children’s Festival is packed with events for children and families to enjoy – most of them free.

The festival takes place May 20-21, with events spread across three venues: the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, the Tanks Arts Centre and the Court House Gallery.

“We are thrilled to bring the Cairns Children’s Festival back for another year and offer a diverse program of performances and activities,” said Mayor Bob Manning.

“We want to give children the chance to be entertained, educated, and inspired,” he said.

Visitors will be treated to a variety of performances and activities suitable for children of all ages, including The Listies with ROFL, a hilarious and engaging show that will have children and adults alike rolling on the floor laughing on Saturday, May 20 at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

Also on Saturday, May 20, the Court House Gallery will host several events, including The Last Collection presented by Occupied Spaces, an immersive theatre experience that will take visitors on a journey through the gallery space.

On Sunday, May 21, the Tanks Arts Centre will come alive with over 12 free events, including Birmba, a story about three cheeky cockatoos, showcasing first nation stories that will delight and educate young visitors.

Sunday, May 21, is a full day of completely free activities, while Saturday, May 20, features a great range of free family fun as well as two ticketed shows:

• ROFL - Rolling on the Floor Laughing

A bonkers sketch comedy which sees The Listies tackle the most terrifyingly tortuous family situation of all: bed time. Tickets are $19 per person (family) or $22.50 individual. Times are 10am and 1.30pm.

• The Last Collection

Inspired by the brothers Grimm, the magic school bus, and local stories within the Court House Gallery, it is an intimate, interactive narrative performance that explores themes of the fast-paced digital world, sacred storytelling and future thinking. Tickets: $10 (including child and guardian). Times are 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.

Other highlights of the festival include:

LOCAL VOCAL &

• Birmba

A first nations story, developed in the Kuku Yalanji region, that tells the story of friendship, grief, strength and weakness between the three cockatoos, who share their personal journeys through song, dance and yarns, each trying to communicate to their fellow Rainforest Jawun along the way.

• Tell Me A Story Exhibition

An art exhibition made for, with, and by kids.

• A Bee Story

A uniquely Australian physical theatre show incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music, with themes of environmentalism, sustainability, and community spirit.

• Tin Can Radio

An inter-generational pop-up radio station for the young and young at heart. Participants are invited to ‘make a radio station in a day’ through a fun, playful and creative workshop, exploring the world of radio – past and present.

• Sea of Light

An interactive light installation by Patch Theatre where a UV torch serves as your paintbrush. As you explore the Sea of Light, artworks by contemporary Aboriginal visual artist Elizabeth Close are also painted in light across the sea floor.

• Bees by Polyglot Theatre

Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three humansized bees busy themselves as they play across Court House Gallery front lawn and Tanks Arts Centre.

Plus plenty of interactive activities from Creation Stations, stage performances, films, storytime sessions and more.

Plan ahead of time by visiting the website: cairns.qld.gov.au/childrens-festival

SATURDAY 22 APRIL

FREE NO TICKETS REQUIRED

Flame.Arts presents... Local & Vocal - Cairns’ biggest, loudest, original youth music concert! Featuring nine local music acts over two stages, and performances by Street Elements break dancers, Local & Vocal is a FREE live music event featuring the brightest emerging musical talent from across Cairns and surrounding regions.

SATURDAY 29 APRIL

Caravãna Sun has become internationally regarded as one of the world’s finest live draws. With a sound that demands to be heard live. From sun-drenched reggae to sweeping synth indie groove, Caravãna Sun will have you off your feet and soulfully shook to the core.

Cosmo the Clown was a big hit at last year’s Cairns Children’s Festival. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Kids perform on stage at last year’s event at the Tanks.

WHAT’S ON

SAMUEL MOFFAT ELEGANCE AUSTRALIA GALLERY

l FRI APRIL 14, 10:00AM-5:00PM

Samuel Says: My Elegance exhibition presents figurative paintings of the nude which encompasses a sensual, seductive, enigmatic, imaginative, a play of elements of fantasy, yoga / tarot. Belying stage, costume and ballet. I hope you enjoy my Elegance Art Series.

Exhibition Runs: 24 February 2023 to 13 May 2023

Australia Gallery 103/86 Lake St

FREE LOCAL HISTORY LECTURES CAIRNS MUSEUM

l SAT APRIL 15TH, 1:30PM-3:30PM

“The First Motor Vehicles Over The Smithfield Range” and “Is your stem too long? Cyclone Myths and Misconceptions of north Queensland” Come and join us for a relaxing afternoon at the Cairns Historical Society to hear these two speakers talk on their subjects and relax on the veranda among friends for afternoon tea.

Attendance at the lectures is FREE and open to all so, grab a friend and make an afternoon of it.

CELTIC ILLUSION CPAC

l SUN APRIL 16TH, 7:30PM-9:30PM

Immerse yourself in one of the most unique productions touring the world. Celtic Illusion, the Irish dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm and will tour nationwide in 2023. Celtic Illusion will surpass your expectations and leave you wanting more.

Celtic Illusion is not to be missed!

Cost: From $74.90

Book your tickets through ticketlink.

‘YOU & ME’ EXHIBITION UMI ARTS

l MON APRIL 17TH, 10:00AM-4:00PM

‘You & Me’ is UMI Arts’ annual members exhibition, celebrating the rich artistic diversity of our talented members, presenting a collection of new works from First nations artists, both emerging and established. ‘You & Me’ will feature 30 new artworks by 14 artists from Cairns, Yarrabah and the Northern Peninsula Area.

Exhibition runs till 5th May

For more information visit UMI Arts.

GIG Guide

ALADDIN AND THE MAGIC LAMP THE CON THEATRE, INNISFAIL

l APRIL 14TH & 15TH, 7:00PM

Enter the magical world of Aladdin in this delightful adaptation of the tale of wicked magicians, genies and heroes. Be transported on a flying carpet to a faraway land full of exotic characters in this family show brought to life here on the Cassowary Coast.

Book at TryBooking

RICHIE ODO LIVE SILKWOOD HOTEL

l FRI APRIL 14TH, 7:00PM

Come and see Richie Odo live at the Silky this Friday night and enjoy great music, great food, great service and an old pub bursting with historic charm.

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

FRIDAY

Fraser Yuill Scott – Dunwoody’s, 4.00pm

Robert Cini – L’Unico Trinity Beach, 4.30pm

Bad Boys of Uke - Mayhem at Machans, 6.00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens – O’Donnell’s Café Bar, 6.00pm

The Rock’n Sweet Duo – Mt View Hotel, 6.30pm

Hot Ice - Cazalys Cairns, 6.30pm

Cassady Connections – Innisfail RSL, 7.00pm

Infinity Duo – Brothers Leagues Club, 7.00pm

No More No Less – Elixir Music House, 7.30pm

The Love Handles – Anthill Hotel Mareeba, 8.00pm

Brad Child Boss Tenor – The Jazz Sanctuary, 8.00pm

No More No Less – Elixir Music House, 8.00pm

Big Noise – Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

SATURDAY

Koahlition - Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 2.00pm

Barbary Coasters - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3.00pm

Wild Willy - Machans Beach Sports Club, 3.00pm

Big Jim - Cazalys Cairns, 6.15pm

Boatfest (The Joker Pokers, The Brazillians, Heffa

Lump and more – The Panda Room, Big Trev’s

Takeaway, 6.30pm

The Love Handles - Tolga Hotel, 8.00pm

Sanchez - Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

True North Boogie Band - Red Beret Hotel, 8.00pm

Janna Mercedes - Rattle n Hum Palm Cove, 8.00pm

SUNDAY

DjGlennW - Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium, 11.30am

Bad Boys of Uke - Barron Falls Hotel Kuranda, 1.00pm

Vivien Aisi - AJ Hackett’s, 1.00pm

DNA – Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns, 2.00pm

Bobby Maguire - Dunwoody’s, 2.00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - Sauce Brewing Co., 3.30pm

Barbary Coasters - The Beach Shack, 5.00pm

Hot Ice - Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 7.30pm

Katie Richards – Dunwoody’s, 8.00pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Weekly Horoscopes

Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. Finish off old projects before starting something new. Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to.

You will be popular with acquaintances; however, loved ones could feel left out and insecure. Money may slip through your fingers. You won’t be well received by superiors or by your spouse. You might not accomplish all that you want to at home this week.

You’ll only hurt your lover if you don’t. Financial affairs do not look too favourable this week. You could meet potential new mates if you go out with friends or take pleasure trips. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items.

CROSSWORD

Be sure to pay attention to your bank account. Your lover may cost you financially. You can get ahead if you present your ideas to superiors. Real estate investments will be extremely profitable in the long run.

Avoid any erratic behaviour or it could cause isolation at home. You may have ignored or neglected your mate lately. Don’t blow situations out of proportion. Take the initiative and go after your goals.

Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones. You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you’ll have little patience with those who are slacking off. Major job changes or opportunities to get ahead professionally are apparent.

ACROSS

Some of that extra energy you have stored up might just be put to good use. You will attract new love interests. You should follow through on educational endeavors you have wanted to pursue for some time. Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness.

Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. Uncertainty about your relationship is prevalent. Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. You may not want to spend time around family or your home.

You can’t lock your partner up and if you keep restricting their freedom you may be left out in the cold. Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favourable. Get thinking about prolonging longevity. You will do your best work on your own.

1. rumor or report of an intimate nature (6)

5. cause to become infected again (8)

9. having or producing a colour or colours (8)

10. a set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another (6)

11. a way of treating diseases that involves pressing a person’s joints (12)

13. extremely large; enormous (4)

Uncertainties about your personal life are probable. Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. You will have a great deal of insight when dealing with others. Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly.

a good time to make changes to your living quarters that will give you more space. Be careful when dealing with investments. Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to.

Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you this week. You can help them more than they can help you. Deception is apparent. Try to compromise rather than having an all-out battle.

14. conspicuously inscribe or display a design on (8)

17. an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation (8)

18. look at or inspect (4)

20. copies of a 3-dimensional form, made from plaster (7,5)

23. a pipe or hole through which water or gas may escape (6)

24. the water pipes and similar systems in a building (8)

25. with the edge forward or on, by, or toward the edge (8)

26. a public examination for British secondary-school students (1,5)

DOWN

2. a type of double reed woodwind instrument (4)

3. a hard-boiled egg enclosed in sausage meat, rolled in breadcrumbs, and fried (6,3)

4. an official document giving someone authorization to do something (6)

5. instruments used to detect radio emissions from the sky (5,10)

6. to write, engrave, or print something on or in (8)

7. the former basic unit of money of France and Belgium (5)

8. a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue (10)

12. a professionally-managed investment scheme (6,4)

15. worthy of being recommended or suggested (9)

16. genus of the bleeding heart plants of North America and Asia (8)

19. not genuine; spurious or sham. (6)

21. an ointment used to promote healing of the skin (5)

22. the joint between the thigh and the lower leg in humans (4)

Real Estate Queenslander with a twist

l MOURILYAN

A LARGE Queenslander at Mourilyan has been converted into a duplex with seven bedrooms, two kitchens, two kitchenettes and individually fenced backyards.

There are also four bathrooms, four toilets and two carports.

There is airconditioning throughout as well as fans and built-in wardrobes and vinyl floors.

Each home has its own fenced yard, patio and veranda.

Mourilyan is a town and locality in the Cassowary Coast region.

It was established around the Mourilyan sugar mill which provided much of the employment in the area until it was destroyed by Cyclone Larry on March 20, 2006.

It has its own harbour which exports raw sugar and molasses, iron ore and livestock.

In the 2021 census, Mourilyan had a population of 509 people.

The town is eight kilometres south of Innisfail on the Bruce Highway.

Agents say the property is fully tenanted, bringing in great returns.

The property is listed at $399,000.

Call the A&A Realty team on 4061 1466.

|

Motoring Stunning sticker price

Popular secondhand Volkswagen Golf R on sale for nearly $100,000

New high-performance Volkswagen Rs are impossible to get so secondhand versions are selling for more than $20,000 than the retail price. l WESTCOURT

Nick Dalton

A SECONDHAND Volkswagen Golf is on the market in Cairns for nearly $100,000.

The 2022 high performance all-wheel-drive R hatchback has a sticker price of $95,999 – $22,999 above the new price and is listed on carsales.com.au

Currently it’s impossible to get a new $73,000 Golf R. Westco Volkswagen sales manager Cameron Atkinson said he was not surprised.

“You can’t get a Golf R for over two years. You can’t even order one at the moment,” he said.

Mr Atkinson said the dealership had to refund one customer as the R couldn’t be delivered.

“A couple of customers are

waiting on their cars but that’s about it,” he said. Mr Atkinson said Westco recently sold a year-old blue Golf R demonstrator for $85,000.

He said Golf GTIs were readily available with currently three at the Mulgrave Rd dealership – two white versions and a red demonstrator for about $59,990 drive away.

“GTIs are easy to get,” he said.

He said buyers were shifting to R versions of the T-Roc with a more powerful engine than the Golf GTI - 221kW versus 180kW - for around the same price as well as all-wheel drive as opposed to front drive on the GTI.

The 100km/h speed limit comes up in 4.9 seconds in the T-Roc R while in the GTI it is 6.4 seconds.

The T-Roc R is from $64,990

drive away and the R Grid Edition is from $58,990.

Mr Atkinson said it was extremely difficult to get the smaller $44,232 Polo GTI as well with Volkswagen putting its resources into the T-Roc R, in particular.

In January Volkswagen Australia announced more than 1500 in-demand T-Roc Rs in addition to 300 T-Roc R Grid Editions were on the way Down Under.

Volkswagen passenger vehicles director Michal Szaniecki said just as the brand secured 1000 additional Touareg large SUVs last year, it was now able to dramatically shorten wait times for the performance variants of its T-Roc. “Ours is a primary R market so in addition to securing extra T-Roc R production, we’ll offer a unique to Australia T-Roc R

Grid Edition. The result is more than 1800 examples of the TRoc R will soon be ready for our customers, who are making the T-Roc one of Volkswagen’s defining vehicles of the 2020s and the T-Roc R comfortably our top-selling ‘R’ model.”

Volkswagen T-Roc R launched in Australia in September last year as the most attainable R model.

The T-Roc R Grid Edition has a starting price $5000 lower than that of the regular go-fast T-Roc R. But the R Grid comes without the matrix LED headlights, scrolling LED taillights and nappa leather upholstery and some safety features, including blind-spot monitoring.

However it still retains the the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, an identical 221kW/400Nm tune with allwheel drive.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

WINNER:

Congratulations to the winner of our giveaway of a double pass to Black Sun / Blood Moon at CPAC Theatre: Jemima E.

Keep watching our Facebook page for more giveaways soon.

UNCOLLECTED GOODS at NQ Mechanical Cairns

Blue Kia Rio Hatchback 2012 Rego 791ZRM

Please contact us for collection on 0466 907 887

ENTERTAINMENT SPECIALISTS

Available for Functions, Weddings, Birthdays, Venues, Clubs Quality product with Professional delivery! Call 0421902046 or search us on Facebook

PERSONALS

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend. Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870

Pretty, educated, Christian lady seeks genuine, kind, manly gent, any race, 35-60 with backbone, to live bush and travel overseas.

No-text, please phone 0447 178 329

Local home based Florist business for sale Regular wholesale orders includes fridges and all stock Offers over $40,000 * training offered if required Serious enquiries only to 0448 622 920

HAVE you got something to sell? Call Lisa at Cairns Local News on 4031 7678 or email admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au Classie deadline is 4pm every Wednesday.

Markets

Saturday April 15th

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

Clifton Beach: Clifton Beach Shopping Centre, 09:00-14:00

Innisfail Lioness: ANZAC Park, 07:00-12:00

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

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

Malanda: Showgrounds, 07:30-12:30

Mareeba Markets: 100 Park, 7:00-12:00

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

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

Sunday April 16th

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

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

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

Mission Beach Markets: Opposite Hideaways, 07:00-12:00

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

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

The Pier: 1 Pierpoint Rd, Cairns, 09:00-14:00

Wondecla: Wondecla Sports Ground, 07:00-12:30

Woree: Cannon Park, 08:00-13:00

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday afternoon winners: Ray Owens, Barry Butt and Mal Taylor, 25pts; R/up: Terry Mawer, Glen Blades and John Banes, 16pts and +5 in the second game. The jackpot was not won on the day. Thirsty Thursday best players: Fred Clarke, Edna and Alex Rayner. Club Championship Season 2023: A grade singles: Ken Vivian 26pts def Glen Blades 16 pts; other singles games: Alan Paraha 25pts def Greg Stanley 17pts; Alby Radford 26 pts def Dave Nichols 10pts; Steve Howells 25 pts def Darryl Hopper 22pts; Steve Kavanagh 25pts def Mal Taylor 12pts. A grade skips to organise their games and check with Helen that the rinks are free to play on the required date and time. All first round A grade singles games are to be finished by this coming weekend as per the draw notice. Saturday’s and after 3:30pm most days except Tuesdays are available to organise your club competition games, also check with Helen to confirm the available times to play.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday night bowls was a great night with bowls and a BBQ thanks to the home-made delights for the sponsorship lovely night with a lot of fun. Wednesday April 5th winners:

K Rains, H Wallace, D Harrigan. Thursday April 6th jackpot pairs

winners: V&E Thiraboschi; R/

up: N Bates, I Spletter; Best of 2nd game: D Harrigan, L Plowman. Easter Sunday April 10th

winners: E Lennord, N Gray, B Lynne; R/up: H Wallace, R Brown, S Stefferson. Bowlers please watch board for coming competitions.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

CLUB

Tuesday morning bowls winners: Barb, J Jennings; R/up: A Haywood, L Whitehead. Tuesday afternoon men’s triples

winners: P Cavanagh, S Pitt, R Lloyd; R/up: P Callagahan, B Smith, P Williamson. Tuesday night bowls: Spider: Brian, Zayvia, Michelle, Barry, Jayson, Deb, Shooee. Wednesday mixed bowls winner: Trevor, Len, Evie; R/up: Brett, A Clarkson, Roger. Thursday mixed triples

winners: R Blake, A Lim, N Robson; R/up: Karen, Ossie, S Pitt. Saturday morning scoungers winner: J Ward; R/up: Paul C. Club Championships: Men’s Pairs: C Hughes, R Lloyd def C Twigger, G Andreatta, 15-13.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday April 8th: 28 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls. Club Championship Pairs: Billy Smith, Bruce Lester def Peter Fairchild Peter Worley 2819. In other games: Sas, Steve

Hudson, John Arnold def David White, Michael Sims, Two Elton 25-20; Col Widdows, Nev Tesch, Nev Fletcher def Malachy McTaggart, Mick Plummer, Dick Pitt 22-12; Eric Smith, Bill Allison, Richard Anderson def Bernie Wolland, Bernie Savage, Bob Carroll 3012; and the winners for the day, Steve Cue, Wayne Parkes, Jock Constantine def Charlie Toohey, Terry Richards, Peter McGrory 32-13. Tuesday club championships A grade singles: Steve Cue def Malachy McTaggart, 25-11. Sunday B Grade Singles: Steve Cue def David White, 25-12; A Grade Singles: David Blain def Sas, 25-16; Steve Hudson def Greg McLean, 25-20; and Mick Frese d Bill Smith, 25-6. Scheduled Club Championship games for the next 2 weeks: Wednesday April 12th A grade singles: David White vs Bernie Wolland; Saturday April 15th pairs: Kiwi, McLean vs Peter Busch, Malachy McTaggart; Nev Fletcher, Eric Smith vs Troy Churchill, Sub (for Derek Franklin); Sunday April 16th B grade singles: Charlie Toohey vs Peter Riley; Monday April 17th pairs: Bernie Wolland, Dylan Wilde vs Steve Hudson, Peter Riley; Monday April 24th B grade singles: Dylan Wilde vs Peter Fairchild.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Bowls: Thursday April 6th social bowls winners: Joyce Ault, Elaine Whitehead

and Trish DeRon; R/up: Karina Homer, Gai Barrett and Jeannie Wild.

Men’s Championship Bowls: Club championship A singles: Heath Mitchell def Mitchell Styles 25-13; Darren Curry def Peter Whitehead, 25-19. Club B singles: Chris Henson def Wok Nicholson, 25-17. Club pairs: Chris and Steve Henson def Mac Smith and Kim Mitchell, 22-17. Club fours: Steve Henson, Ashley Hammond, Nick Twining and Lyle Braggins def Wayne Hunter, Peter Ryan, Peter Whitehead and John Hayes, 34-5. Tuesday April 4th Mixed Social Bowls winners: Frank and Terry. Wednesday April 5th winners: Ron Pearce, Elaine Whitehead and Mal Taylor; R/ up: Ray Owens, Wayne Hewitt, and Matt Norrie. Saturday April 8th social bowls winners: Elaine Whitehead and Heath Mitchell; R/up: Sharon Dunkley and Darren Curry. Upcoming Bowls events: Great Barrier Reef Masters Games May 25-28th. Club Bowls Premier League (BPL) will be held on June 4th. Both events require nomination online via our website.

WEST CAIRNS TPI

MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

Eight bowlers for social mixed bowls on the West Cairns carpet green last Monday under hot and humid conditions. After the game the team of Ken Broughton and Michael Ireland were drawn as winners of

the game. The clubhouse is air conditioned making the break we had for afternoon tea most enjoyable. Next week we will play again on Monday afternoon commencing at 1.30pm and usually concluding at 4.30pm.

Contact our selector Rosemary on mobile 0409624623 to join us. Visitors are especially welcome and if contacting the selector should provide their home club, mobile phone number and the position they normally play. Look forward to seeing you at the club soon.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

Ladies Section: Coming Events: Games to be finished by April 20th. Championship pairs: E Atkinson, C McDonald vs D Quinn, B Mason. Thursday April 20th: Social bowls as usual names in by 12pm, play at 1pm.

Men’s Section: Saturday

April 8th winners: Ailsa Crittenden, Jeff Mason, Garry Moule. Draws for club championship A & B singles, four’s and pairs are displayed on the main window notice board.

INNISFAIL MENS

Thursday social bowls win-

ners: Mick Devries, Steve Stoter, Peter Broccardo and Barry Anderson. New members and visitors most welcome. Names in by 12.30pm for a 1pm start. The Games Director has asked for more club games to be

Exciting MCG work experience

l YORKEYS KNOB

| Nick Dalton AFL Cape York student Walter Satrick has had a dream work experience stint at none other than the famous MCG in Melbourne.

Mr Satrick is currently undertaking a schoolbased Certificate III in Sports Turf Management at Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

To refine his skills and learn from the best, he spent three days immersed in the world of turf management and learned the trade secrets from legendary Michael Salvatore, the executive manager of turf at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which manages the MCG.

Starting work at 7.30am, Mr Satrick met grounds-

keepers and spent the day doing line marking, putting protective pads on the goalposts and preparing the ground after the recent Ed Sheeran concerts ahead of the round 1 AFL clash between Richmond and Carlton.

“It’s been a pleasure having Walter in the lead-up to round 1, and to be honest, it’s been very helpful to have an extra set of hands. If he keeps working hard, that’s the main thing,” Mr Salvatore said.

On the Thursday night of round 1, Mr Satrick experienced first-hand the Richmond and Carlton AFL game with a crowd of 88,000 people and saw the sights of Melbourne, including the Skydeck, almost 300m high, and dined at Federation Square

at a relative’s restaurant, Mabu Mabu.

“Walter said this will go a long way to help him towards his certificate three, and he actually would like to move to Melbourne at the end of grade 12,” Peter Cushaway, career pathways officer at AFL Cape York House, said.

AFL Cape York House is a not-for-profit organisation, funded under the Federal and State Indigenous Housing Partnership programs and supported by Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Indigenous Schooling Support, Education Queensland and the Australian Football League.

AFL Cape York Boys and Girls Houses are purpose-built facilities aiming to provide accommodation, educational,

played ASAP. The draw for this season Pennants games is on the notice board. They will commence on May 13th with a home game against South Johnstone. The season will be played over a period of 5-6 weeks. Please notify selectors of your availability.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

CLUB

Wednesday Social Bowls at 1pm. Thursday Club Selected 3 Bowl Pairs. Names by 12.30pm for 1pm start. Friday Bare Foot Bowls from 6pm sausage sizzle & steak burgers available. Club Phone 40561050. Winners from last week: Joe Jackson & Mick Butler; R/up: Vince Black & W Hewitt. Raffle Winner: Bob Sonter.

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF

Stableford event, Captains Sponsorship winner: Gary Sinclair, 40pts; R/up: Ross Ellen, 38pts; 3rd: Warwick Howarth 37pts; 4th: Reg Dwyer on countback from Gary Soper, both 35pts. NTP: David Gibson 1/10 with a Golden Eagle; Graham Murray 5/14; Zac White 4/13. Four raffle draws: Alan Hapgood, Trevor Warrener, Warwick Howarth and Gary Sinclair; Members draw: Gary Sinclair. Next week is an Eclectic Stableford sponsored by Malanda Seaford, also there is a committee meeting for those of us who have to be there. So 9am for 9.30, see you all there.

AFL juniors schedule

employment and training opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women from some of Far North Queensland’s most remote communities in a culturally appropriate, safe and secure residential environment to ensure every boarding student has the opportunity to transition successful in to what they want to pursue.

AFL Cape York House aims to assist the transition from remote communities by working with families and the individual on their transition supports, providing a supportive and structured environment that is centred around culture and family by building positive relationships and like skills as they transition through secondary school.

l CAIRNS

AFL Cairns Juniors has released the dates and feature rounds for season 2023.

AFL Cairns junior competitions manager Jordan Gregurke said the major focus through the fixture development had been on ensuring competition equality and fairness.

“Clubs will have at least six home games during season 2023, with all teams playing a similar number of games against each opponent,” he said. “Travel has also been reduced with the same team not travelling to Port Douglas or Gordonvale twice in the season.”

The first two rounds of the season have Footy for Fun scheduled at Cazalys Stadium.

The season starts April 23, which will also serve as the Legacy round. Non-competitive finals will be played on August 6 with under-13 to under-17 grand finals played on August 27.

AFL Cape York student Walter Satrick loved doing work experience at the MCG.

Teen tees off his career goal

Young Mossman golfer is only Far North Queenslander at national junior competition

l MOSSMAN

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

MOSSMAN golfer Couper

Smith, 17, is reaching new heights in golf, joining the Australian Junior Amateur golf championship in Hobart this week as the only Far North junior player.

Played at the Tasmania Golf Club in Hobart, the 2023 Australian Junior Amateur golf championship is a national competition and a crucial step for emerging high-performance players in Australia where players can make the global ranking.

Smith, a proud Mossman State High School year 12 student, is most confident in his short game and plans to bring the best of it into the championship in Tasmania.

“My strong point is my short game,” he said.

“I’m not the biggest person, so I don’t hit it as far as the bigger kids, but when it comes to my short game, I’m really precise and accurate.

“Short game has been my strongest throughout my career, and that’s what I’ll use to get into that top 10.”

Currently one of Australia’s best junior players, Smith has taken his handicap down to +1.5.

To compete in Tasmania, players need to have a handicap below +4.

“I’ll be competing against the best junior golfers under-18 across Australia, there will be 78 boys playing, and I’m one of them,” he said.

“We’re playing for three days, and the first two days, we’ll play for a cut. If you’re into the top percentage of the field, you’ll make it into the final day.

“I’m a bit nervous because it’s such a big tournament, but I’m excited because I feel like I can perform well.

“My goal is making the cut for the final day, and out of the 78 boys playing, I’m striving for a top 10 performance. That would be a good benchmark for me.”

A golf prodigy, Smith started playing when he was three and grew rapidly in the sport, competing and winning local events like the Greg Norman Junior Masters and even competing internationally by age 10.

“I’m proud of how much I’ve improved since I started. I’m starting to get into the bigger leagues and try to really stretch my golf out,” he said.

“When I was 10, I went to America and played in the World Stars of Junior Golf in the under-10 category and played the junior Olympics in Las Vegas.

“Most recently, I won a big tournament in Port Douglas with my friend as a two-men component called the Survivor Golf, which is very prestig-

ious,” the teenager said. Now that he has reached year 12, Smith is aiming for a future in professional golf.

“When I finish school, I’m

going to search for a scholarship in America to go to golf college,” he said.

“From there, I can work towards my golf and make a ca-

reer out of golf going into the professional stage.

“I want to make golf my life because out there on the golf course, I can be myself.”

Boltz drafted to Brisbane Lions AFL club

l CAIRNS

| Nick Dalton

and has committed to being the best possible footballer she can be,” he said.

FORMER

Centrals

Trinity Beach and Cairns Saints player Poppy Boltz has been drafted to the Brisbane Lions at pick 16 in last week’s AFLW supplementary draft.

The 22-year-old said it was a dream come true.

“I’m so excited to be here (at the Brisbane Lions). It’s a dream, the last 24 hours have been crazy, it just doesn’t feel real,” she said after the pick was announced.

“I’ve been playing in the midfield for Southport for the past 12 months, I’m a very contested player, a hardhitting midfielder.

“I moved down from Cairns in

2022 to pursue my dream of playing AFLW.

“I have credited the girls I played with in Cairns who believed me and pushed my chase to an AFLW career.

“It feels like home. Walking into the club, saying hello to the girls, it’s like I never left the under-18s Queensland team.

“I can’t wait to be around the atmosphere of the AFLW.”

Boltz is a former member of the Suns’ Academy. She also won the 2021 Jo Butland Medal (best and fairest award) and was a member of

the Cazalys AFL Cairns Women’s Team of the Year. Boltz spent 2022 with Southport in the QAFLW.

In 2017, Boltz was also a part of the Queensland team which took part in the NAB AFLW U18 National Championships.

AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees said that Boltz’s selection onto the Lions list was testament to her dedication and the pathway within Cairns’ football system.

“It is fantastic to see Poppy receive an opportunity with the Lions, as she has shown consistent growth in her game over the last number of years

“As a former member of our Suns’ Academy, our junior pathways and a strong performer in our AFL Cairns women’s competition, this is testament to the work done within our football community to provide opportunities for our athletes to reach the highest levels in the game.

“We wish Poppy all the best in this exciting next phase in her career.”

Brisbane Lions women’s head coach Craig Starcevich said he was excited to see Boltz’s years of football hard work pay off earning a spot on the Lions list. “Poppy’s story is a great one for those young players who don’t get selected at their first draft,” he said.

Couper Smith, 17, golfer will be competing with the best players in Australia to boost his rankings.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Former Cairns Trinity Beach and Cairns Saints player Poppy Boltz has been drafted to the Brisbane Lions AFL club.

“I’m so excited to be here (at the Brisbane Lions). It’s a dream ... it just doesn’t feel real”

— Brisbane Lions draft pick Poppy Boltz

Mossman golfer Couper Smith, 17, is representing the Far North at the Australian Junior Amateur golf championships in Hobart this week.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez