Cairns Local News July 14 2023

News Cairns

City’s golden girl of cycling aims for top

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‘Erica saved my life’

Support worker shoves teen out of way of alleged stabber

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A CAIRNS North support worker saved a teenager’s life after a Manunda man allegedly attacked the pair on a morning stroll on the Esplanade.

Support worker Erica Siepker and 17-year-old Cody Newman are still recovering from the shock of the incident when a 52-year-old Manunda man allegedly followed and attacked them with a pair of scissors, stabbing the young man on the right shoulder. They didn’t know the man.

Ms Siepker, who had only been working with the Newmans for a month, has been helping Mr Newman overcome so-

cial anxiety. This was their first outing together on Tuesday, June 27.

“At first, we didn’t think he was talking to us,” Ms Siepker said.

“We were going for a walk on the Esplanade, and we walked past a guy who must’ve thought I said something to him because he yelled at us, but neither of us assumed he was talking to us,” she said.

“When we made it to the boardwalk, he was still yelling and had followed us. He had a pair of scissors, and he stabbed Cody and then came for me. I threw myself back to avoid getting stabbed.

“The first thing I saw was Cody getting stabbed in the shoulder, so my thought was ‘I don’t want this to be an overly traumatic experience for Cody’.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Eden to run for mayor

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

FIRST-term Cairns regional councillor Amy Eden is running for mayor next year.

Current Mayor Bob Manning is retiring at the next election and it is expected his deputy Terry James will also contest the city’s top job.

Cr Eden, who looks after division 5 which includes the Cairns CBD, announced her run for the mayoralty on Wednesday.

She said she was pledging a fresh and independent leadership with a focus on community engagement and open communication.

“I was lucky enough to be elected three years ago and I’ve had a lot of experiences that opened my eyes to the opportunities that lie before us in Cairns. Instead of sitting down and complaining I decided to run for mayor,” she said.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Emma Newman (left), her son Cody Newman and support worker Erica Siepker at the site of the alleged stabbing on the Cairns Esplanade.- Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Cr Amy Eden wants to be mayor.

Best in the Far North

Awards showcase the No. 1 apprentices, trainees, students and trainers

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

SEVEN people and four organisations have topped the 2023 Tropical North Queensland Training Awards.

They showcase the best apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers and trainers, as well as training providers and employers.

The region’s Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year is Emily Nancarrow of Mt Sheridan, who completed a certificate IV in accounting and bookkeeping after finding gaps in the market for young entrepreneurs when she started her first e-commerce business.

Cairns MP Michael Healy said Ms Nancarrow was “a shining example”.

“She excelled and received three student of the month awards during her studies with the Australian College of Commerce and Management and now trains new staff while building her own industry expertise,” he said.

The winner of the Vocational Student of the Year category, Jessica Addo, completed a certificate IV and diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education through RATEP and TAFE Far North.

She now works as a PCYC Outside School Hours care supervisor and is studying a Bachelor of Education. She is a passionate representative for women’s rugby league and is deeply connected to her Aboriginal community in Cairns and Mornington Island.

The regional winners were announced at the local Queensland Training Awards event at the Cairns Convention Centre last Friday night. The other winners were:

• Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year - Kohan Hanby, certificate III in engineering –fabrication trade, of Redlynch

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

- Shaniqua Burke, certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care of Napranum

• School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year - Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, certificate II in engineering, of Napranum

• Equity Student of the YearHtoo Khaing, certificate I in

construction of Manunda

• VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year - Brandon Felix, St Andrew’s Catholic College, of Trinity Beach

• Community Training Initiative of the Year - Anglicare North Queensland (Healthy Communities Project) of Cairns

• Large Employer of the Year – HSA Group (joint venture by John Holland, Seymour Whyte and AECOM), working on Cairns Southern Access Corridor stage 3 project

• Medium Employer of the

Year – Tableland Veterinary Service, Edmonton, Charters Towers, Atherton, Malanda, Ravenshoe and Weipa

• Small Employer of the Year Mark Fletcher Solid Plaster and Texture Coatings, Port Douglas.

“We have many high achievers in our wonderful community and this year’s Queensland Training Awards highlighted that right across the region from Cairns and Port Douglas to Mt Sheridan and Napranum,” Mr Healy said.

He praised Jessica Addo, Shaniqua Burke, Kohan Hanby, Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino and Htoo Khaing.

“St Andrew’s Catholic College’s VET Teacher / Trainer of the Year Brandon Felix has done a magnificent job,” Mr Healy said.

“I congratulate Anglicare North Queensland for taking out the Community Training Initiative of the Year for their comprehensive support services for vulnerable people in the region since 1985.”

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year - Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino, certificate II in engineering, of Napranum. Pictures: Supplied

Inset (from left) are Shaniqua Burke, Htoo Khaing, Kohan Hanby, Jessica Addo, Emily Nancarrow and Brandon Felix.

Falling tree crushes car

Resident seeks council compensation after SUV written-off

l STRATFORD | Nick Dalton

A HOLLOWAYS Beach resident is seeking compensation from Cairns Regional Council after he claims a tree on council land fell and wrote off his car.

Abdelhay Battal was visiting a friend at Stratford on Saturday, July 1, about 6pm when he heard a loud noise and a crash.

He went outside of 29 Behan St and saw a tree and powerlines had fallen on to his 2009 Ford Territory SUV. The roof and windscreen were caved in.

“The tree and powerlines had fallen on top of my car, damaged my car so badly it has been written off,” Mr Battal, 46, said.

He said Ergon Energy, the police and a council officer visited the site and filed reports.

“The council officer said my car would be covered by the council,” Mr Battal said.

He said the police recorded the event as a traffic accident.

“Another lady resident said this had happened before,” Mr Battal said.

“I was uninsured but of course have third party insurance.

“A panel beater has written off the car and the council went to East Coast Paint and Panel and they also wrote off the car.

“The council has refused to do anything. Why can’t they replace my car?

“They told me they can’t do anything, it’s not their fault and they didn’t offer anything.”

Mr Battal said he had only bought the car two months ago for $7800 and it was in good condition.

He said he needed it to drive to his mechanic’s job at Mareeba every day and now was forced to

Councillor eyes off top job

FROM PAGE 1

Cr Eden, who has called Cairns home for the past 20 years, will be going up against big names like Cr James with only one term as councillor under her belt but she said she had what it took.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could win,” she said.

“I’ve got a background in social work, I’ve worked in the government and not-for-profit sectors and I’ve proved myself as someone who can do a lot of hard work, communicate and connect with the community. Those are the attributes that our community wants.”

Now, she said she sought to bring her independent leadership, and care for the city to the role of mayor.

“I believe we can do things better. I was positional on the tenant tax, cash for council facilities and I didn’t endorse the budget,” Cr Eden said.

“Communication is one of the things that I believe council can do better and connecting with community, meaningful engagement. Our council meetings and workshops can be opened to the public so they can understand what’s on the table.”

Cr Eden said she recognised that the Unity Team led by Cr Manning achieved success in their first eight years in office but she lamented the inaction over the past four years.

use an older vehicle that was not as good to drive.

Mr Battal has gathered witness statements from people who live in the Behan St area and sought help from local MP Craig Crawford.

While the council has rejected Mr Battal’s claim, on Tuesday it accepted his request for an internal review. A council spokes-

man said occasionally, roots or branches from council trees could cause damage to fences, retaining walls, driveways, and vehicles. “However, owning the tree does not automatically make council liable for any resulting damage,” he said.

“For liability to exist, there must be evidence of negligence on the part of council.

“Following an investigation in accordance with the Civil Liability Act 2003 (QLD), liability was denied based on lack of evidence to substantiate claims that the council was negligent, nor was there any evidence that council had failed to act appropriately. In the 12 months prior to the incident, no concerns were raised about any vegetation at the loca-

tion. It would not be reasonable for council to inspect or be aware of the exact condition of each and every tree on council property.

“Council manages the largest urban canopy of any Australian city, with more than 500,000 trees in parks and streets.

“Council considers the incident as an unfortunate accident with no party to blame.”

“The Unity-led council has been asleep at the wheel, which was evident with the community’s uproar at the decision of taking cash from council facilities and their inability to read the room,” she said.

“I want to reinvigorate the mayoral position and the inclusive and transparent leadership in this town.”

Mum says Esplanade not safe after teen son was allegedly stabbed

FROM PAGE 1

“So I tried to calm down, and I said to him: ‘Cody, go’.”

Ms Siepker pushed Mr Newman out of the way, and the man fled.

A crowd of 20-30 witnesses approached the shocked pair and told them to go to the hospital and contact the police immediately. Less than an hour after the attack, the police apprehended the alleged attacker.

Mr Newman, who struggles with so-

cial anxiety, has been significantly affected by the alleged attack, which has led him to feel unsafe going out.

“Erica helps me find a reason to get out into the community and getting me comfortable with that,” he said.

“That day when the man was in my view, I thought he had just grabbed me or pushed me. I didn’t feel the stab, Erica pushed me out of the way, and when I turned, she had fallen to the ground. I didn’t even know he was addressing us

until he stabbed me. I’ve always been very anxious going outside, and this was my first outing with Erica, and now just walking around, I see everyone as a possible threat.

“I feel like I have to create an escape plan which makes me even more uncomfortable than before.”

Mr Newman’s mother, Emma Newman, said the event had completely changed her perspective on safety in the CBD. “I was at home when Cody

phoned me and asked if I could meet him at the hospital. He said he had been stabbed. It’s the kind of call you never want to receive as a parent,” she said.

“This has changed my perception of safety in the CBD. I don’t have as much faith in the safety of the Esplanade.

“Erica did an amazing job protecting Cody, so I want to thank Erica for looking after our son.”

Despite the trauma, Mr Newman maintains a positive mindset for the fu-

ture. “I don’t want this to stop all the progress I’ve made in the past couple of months. I don’t want all of that to be removed. I just want this to be a learning experience,” he said.

According to police, about 11.20am on June 27, a Manunda man, 52, was arrested and charged with one count each of wounding and common assault. His bail was denied at the Cairns Magistrates Court on June 28 and he was remanded until July 28.

Abdelhay Battal with his written-off Ford Territory SUV which was badly damaged by a fallen tree at Stratford.

Picture: Nick Dalton

Olympian’s cancer scare

Sarcoma survivor calls on community’s help l TRINITY BEACH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

FORMER Olympian and Ewing sarcoma survivor, Amy Lantieri, is calling on Cairns’ residents to raise awareness and donate towards Sarcoma research this July’s Sarcoma Awareness Month. Sarcomas currently account for 20 per cent of childhood cancers in Australia but is one of the cancers that receives the least funding in the nation.

After battling Ewing sarcoma at age 14, Ms Lantieri said she wanted more people to know that sarcoma was a silent childhood cancer, and it should receive more attention.

“I’m a former student athlete and swimmer and that’s the reason why I found out about my diagnosis quite early,” the Trinity Beach resident said.

“I was competing at a Queensland state swimming championships in Brisbane in 2006, and I woke up one night with really bad pelvic pain, and it escalated quite badly. I went to the physio and they poked and prodded, but it was not getting any better.

“Within a week, my parents got me a CT scan and it was pretty alarming. There was a

tumour the size of an egg, so I was sent to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane and in a few weeks I was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.”

Ewing sarcoma is a cancer that attacks the bones or the soft tissue around the bones, it tends to not present lots of symptoms until it’s advanced.

“A lot of people have no

symptoms but one of them is growing-like pains,” the 31-year-old said.

“I had 14 rounds of chemotherapy and a major operation to remove the bone when I was 15,” she said.

“It was an awful thing to go through as a teenage girl.”

In her remission, Ms Lantieri returned to sports, going on to compete in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic teams, and became a mum three years ago.

Reflecting on her journey she wants Cairns residents to support and donate towards sarcoma research.

“Early detection is key to survival, so if your child is in pain for an extended period of time, get a scan and get it thoroughly checked out,” she said.

“It’d be good to get more research and funding for this cancer because it’s one of the most horrific childhood cancers. It’s so aggressive and a lot of children require radical surgery, so it needs to be known about.”

This Sarcoma Awareness Month, people can show support by hosting a yellow morning tea, and donating to vital sarcoma research.

For more information or to donate, visit www.sarcoma.org.au

Wuthering

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IN an annual tradition, local dancers Get A Move On are polishing their moves for the celebration of the Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever, dancing to Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush on the Cairns Lagoon tomorrow at 10am.

A global event, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever celebrates Kate Bush’s birthday every July with crowds gathering around

Heights tribute

the world to dance to her most iconic track Wuthering Heights.

In Cairns, creative movement dance group and Kate Bush fans Get A Move On have taken charge of the event since 2017.

Get A Move On’s liaison officer and Holloways Beach resident Genevieve Tardy said the group wanted to bring Kate Bush into the mainstream for younger generations.

“We’re great fans of Kate Bush and this is a fun opportunity to dress up and draw attention to her music

since the younger generation might not know her,” Ms Tardy said.

“The event has been growing in Cairns since we first started. It started with 10 or 12 and has gone up to 25 people.”

Ms Tardy said about 20 people had signed up for the afternoon but everyone was encouraged to sign up for the event.

“Everyone is invited to join, you don’t need any previous experience,” she said.

To join the event contact Ms Tardy at 0413 755 897.

Alberto, Leo and Amy Lantieri.

Creative movement dance group Get A Move On are encouraging people to celebrate The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever by the Cairns Lagoon tomorrow. Picture: Supplied

Miles of smiles at pie shop

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isaac Colman

PIE FACE is giving Cairns and Koah another reason to smile, with the region being the first in the national rollout of their new menu.

The new additions will include tasty snacks such as freshly baked loaded fries, hash browns and real ice cream sundaes, in addition to their iconic golden baked pies, rolls, donuts, muffins and coffee made on order, first at the Cairns and Koah United service stations.

Pie Face marketing general manager Joe Yarnall said that Cairns and Koah being chosen as the first point of a rollout to potentially 300 stores was no coincidence.

“With a strong store network in Queensland, and even stronger in FNQ, we wanted to test the menu in a market we knew would love to see new and exciting product options,” he said.

“Early indications from our research tells us our customers will love having a hash brown with their barista coffee and breakfast offer, or chips and loaded fries with their pie at lunch.”

Mr Yarnall said that the new delicious menu could roll out to the rest of Australia within the next 12 months.

“There is so much more to come, from new product

offers to the rollout of even more stores. We have a real opportunity here to take an Australian-owned business from strength to strength with what is truly an iconic Australian product - the humble pie.

“We continue to see a huge demand for our Pie Face range of pies, rolls and pastries and

Report: Less waste heading to landfill

CAIRNS REGION

CAIRNS has recorded the lowest landfill rates in almost a decade and is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

But Cairns Regional Council’s 2022 State of Environment report has found that, according to the Bureau of Meteorology annual average air temperatures at the Cairns aero station have trended up by about 1°C since records began in 1942.

The report said 2021/22 was a warmer than average year, with 12 days recorded over 35°C, twice as many as the previous year, and far exceeding the average of 3.3 days per year.

our customers have been asking to complete their meal. So we answered,” he said.

In celebration of the new menu, Pie Face will be offering loads of treats and fun giveaways, including the chance to win one of four coveted silver spoons, giving the winner an entire year’s supply of sundaes.

“Higher than average ocean temperatures led to a marine heatwave in February 2022, with mass coral bleaching observed across 91 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR),” it said.

“This was the fourth such event since 2016, and the first to occur during a La Niña cycle, normally associated with cooler waters. Much of the coral is expected to recover in the absence of further heat stress.”

The report was tabled at the

council’s planning and environment committee meeting on Wednesday, detailing the condition of, and the pressures on, the local natural and built environment, and the council’s response.

The 16th report recorded the first full year of operation for the $16 million Materials Recovery Facility which can handle up to 30,000 tonnes of recycling each year, and last year achieved an 81 per cent recovery rate – a 30 per cent increase on the previous facility.

Despite receiving the most waste on record at 36,239 tonnes in the 2021/22 year, the amount of waste sent to landfill was the lowest since 2013/14.

The improved landfill diversion rates mean 138 truckloads were stopped from taking waste to landfill in the past two reporting years.

The council was also able to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by a further 7.5 per cent over the past year.

Cairns deputy mayor and committee chairman Cr Terry James said the latest report showed positive progress in how the council managed its environmental footprint.

“Council is focused on more

efficient waste and resource recovery services by reducing waste to landfill, maximising resource recovery and growing the regional economy,” he said.

“We view our waste as a valuable resource which can help create new jobs and growth in the smart green economy.”

Cr Brett Moller told the meeting the council had achieved a high 65 per cent of waste being diverted from landfill and the council was one of the best performers in Queensland.

“We have an 81 per cent recovery rate, one of the highest rates in the state, and 14 per cent contamination rate,” he said.

Cr Moller said the figures for Townsville were 70 per cent and 22 per cent.

Cr Amy Eden said the report showed rising temperatures and asked if the council should declare a climate emergency.

Planning, growth and sustainability director Ed Johnson said he was not aware of any plans to do so but the council was working through its climate strategy.

Cr Eden said, as well, there were thousands of unit owners and tenants, as well as social housing occupants, who were not recycling.

l

| Nick Dalton

Kasey Macaulay of Pie Face Cairns serves up sweet treats as the national menu is first rolled out in Cairns. Picture: Maddy Gavin

Budding lndigenous lawyer wants to give back to her community

Scholarly assistance

l CAIRNS CBD

|Nick

Dalton

NATIONAL law firm Holding Redlich has named Cairns Bachelor of Laws student Dionne Singleton as the inaugural recipient of its CQUniCares Indigenous law scholarship.

Ms Singleton is a descendant of the Kalkadoon people of Mount Isa and Jirrabal people of the Tablelands, with strong connections to the Yirrganydji people of Cairns through marriage.

She has worked in the legal industry for 15 years and hopes to use her law studies to give back to the community.

“Now I can buy my textbooks, and will also have the funds to purchase a laptop,” Ms Singleton said.

“I have always prioritised my children’s education, so now I can look forward to doing something for myself.

“I have worked in the legal industry for 15 years and I have always had an interest in helping people but felt limited by not having formal legal qualifications.

“Completing my bachelor’s degree at CQU will help me to take the next step in my career.”

The inaugural scholarship, sponsored by Holding Redlich, provides recognition and financial support to

Airline increases services

l AEROGLEN

SINGAPORE Airlines has increased its weekly services between Cairns and Singapore from three to five.

an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student studying a laws-related undergraduate course in North Queensland.

The annual scholarship provides a $5000 contribution to support the completion of their degree.

Holding Redlich National managing partner Ian Robertson said the firm was “committed to investing in clearer pathways for First Nations law students.

“Partnering with Central Queensland University to offer this scholarship is just one step we are taking to support and work alongside First Nations law students,” he said.

Holding Redlich pro bono lawyer and First Nations advisor Nareeta Davis said the scholarship was instrumental in helping First Nations students enter the law profession.

“Beyond this scholarship’s financial contributions, we will continue to connect and engage with Dionne throughout her degree by checking in with her every term, welcoming her to the firm’s work and social events and providing study space at our offices,” she said.

CQUniversity head of course for law Dr Lance Rundle said the university and the school of business and law were “very proud to work in conjunction with Holding Redlich to launch this scholarship.”

A Cairns Airport spokeswoman said flights would operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the B737-8 aircraft, bringing monthly capacity from 3800 seats to 6400.

“This increase will help to meet the growing demand of visitors travelling via Singapore from Europe and Asia,” she said.

“We hope they will return to their pre-COVID capacity of daily in 2024.”

An airline spokeswoman said the flights were being increased due to “continued high demand”.

“The additional twice-weekly services direct to Singapore operate from Cairns on Monday and Saturday,” she said.

“These additional two flights per week, operated by Boeing 737-8 aircraft, will add more than 16,000 seats per year into the city.

“We will continue to monitor demand for flights from Cairns and make adjustments to our schedule accordingly.”

Holding Redlich Cairns partner Vanessa Maruna (left), law student Dionne Singleton and Holding Redlich pro bono lawyer and First Nations adviser Nareeta Davis. Picture: Supplied

Capital works of $16.7m

l MOSSMAN

DOUGLAS Shire Council ended the financial year in good shape with a $2.8 million surplus after a budgeted deficit of $666,000.

Operating revenue was ahead of budget by $3.3m to $56.5m and expenditure was under budget by $182,000.

Mayor Michael Kerr said in terms of infrastructure “we have allocated a significant portion of this budget to improve our roads, pedestrian paths, bridges.”

The $16.7m capital works program includes:

• Transport – $6.38m (Lees Bridge renewal $1.86m, road reseals $916,000, pavement renewal $1.05m)

• Water supply – $3.66m (Water mains upgrade $800,000, water treatment plant upgrades $776,000, Grant/Macrossan streets water mains ($300,000)

• Council and community facilities – $1.88m (Parks renewal program $574,000, Rex Smeal Park playground $500,000)

• Wastewater – $1.73m (Wastewater network renewal $214,000 and rising mains upgrade ($780,000)

• Resource management –$541,000 (Killaloe landfill $232,000)

• Plant and equipment –$996,000

• Drainage – $300,000

• Emergency works $225,000.

Douglas Shire CouncilBudget 2023-24

First surplus in years

Ratepayers to pay 3.9 per cent increase in $58.4m annual budget

l MOSSMAN | Nick Dalton

DOUGLAS Shire Council has delivered a $58.4 million budget for 2023-24 with a 3.9 per cent increase or $49 a year for the majority of ratepayers.

Mayor Michael Kerr said the council would also record its first surplus since the 2014 deamalgamation of $257,000 in 2023-24.

The budget was passed unanimously on Tuesday although deputy mayor Cr Lisa Scomazzon cautioned ratepayers about the surplus.

She said it had been bolstered by the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant of $4.33m.

Cr Scomazzon said that had provided the “pretty good surplus” but she was concerned that it would not be as healthy in future years.

“Next year it might not be so rosy without the grant,” she said.

Cr Kerr said there was uncertainty about how much the Financial Assistance Grant would be next year and into the future.

“We don’t have a crystal ball. The Financial Assistance

Grant will continue to come but how it comes will never be the same,” he said. Cr Kerr said the forecast surplus was despite the impacts of COVID, the effects of the Ukraine war and other financial pressures.

He said the rate increase was below the Consumer Price Index of 7.4 per cent and better than some other councils (Cairns was 5.99 per cent and Cassowary Coast 4.75 per cent).

Ratepayers with an investment property face an increase of $144 per year (category 5 property).

“I believe that we have managed to get the best result we can to keep the broader general rate for residents as low as possible whilst committing to maintaining service levels,” Cr Kerr said.

He said there would be significant investment in roads, paths and bridges as well as in water ($3.6 million) and wastewater ($1.7m).

Cr Kerr said the council was operating responsibly during tough financial times.

“Council has no borrowings and is debt free at a time of rising interest rates,” he said.

“We are currently receiving good interest returns on invest-

ments which is also contributing to today’s positive result.

“The cost of building materials has increased dramatically in the past 12 months but through responsible spending and by resourcing grants for infrastructure projects we have

managed to keep spending at a manageable level. The rising cost of living is impacting us all and, like our ratepayers, council is operating within its means. The 2023/2024 budget reflects our commitment to progress, sustainability, and the

well-being of our community as we continue to build our culture, preserve our environment, and engage in our future.”

For more details visit: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/council-information/ annual-budget/annual-budget-2023-2024/

Douglas Shire Council (from left) Cr Abigail Noli, deputy mayor Lisa Scomazzon, Mayor Michael Kerr, Cr Peter Mckeown and Cr Roy Zammataro.

mobile phone ban

l FAR NORTH

MOBILE phones and certain wearable electronic devices like smartwatches will be banned at all Queensland state schools during school hours – including break times - from the first term next year.

Education Minister Grace Grace said from term 1, 2024, mobile phones would need to be ‘away for the day’ in all Queensland state schools.

“Under our existing policy, almost all our state schools have implemented some kind of ban on the use of mobile phones, and they have been fully supported to do so,” she said.

“This statewide ban will provide uniformity, extend bans to break times, and include certain wearable devices like smartwatches.

“We are always happy to take a fresh look at things. The progression of technology and proliferation of wearable electronic devices meant it was time to do a review.

“As has been the case for many years, principals who want to introduce or update bans before next year can do so.”

Students will still be able to bring phones to school so that they can contact their parents or carers immediately before or after school hours. Exemptions will also be available for digital learning opportunities or in specific circumstances.

Ambassadors urge the community to attend the annual city expo

On with the show

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH only five days to go before the 132nd Cairns Show, the event’s ambassadors are encouraging the community to participate and enjoy the best agricultural, farming, and cattle showcase the Far North has to offer.

From July 19 to 21, thousands of Far North residents and visitors will flood the Cairns Showground to enjoy Australia’s largest regional agricultural show with the iconic sideshow alley entertainment that people love, outstanding cattle shows, animal exhibits and more.

Cairns Show rural ambassador Heidi Healy is no stranger to the show. With her family participating in the equestrian shows for many years, she has a special appreciation for the event and its representation of the agricultural industry in the Far North.

“I grew up on my family’s cattle station in Cape York, where I developed a strong background in ranching, and I learned to recognise qualities that define high-quality livestock. My decision to enter as a rural ambassador is a genuine passion for the agricultural industry,” she said.

“It’s a great privilege to represent the community and the agricultural industry, and it’s something deeply rooted in the Cairns and FNQ region. The show allows me to showcase the hard work of

our local farmers and producers.”

Cairns Show showgirl Alannah Giuffrida said through her role, she wanted more people to get involved and support one of the most important events in the region’s calendar.

“I’m originally from Tully, and for our region growing up, the Cairns Show was the biggest event for the year, a social and community event that brought everyone together, so it’s a real honour to be a part of it,” she said.

“As showgirl, I get young people involved with the show movement. If we don’t have young people coming through, our agricultural shows, which are volunteer-based, wouldn’t survive.

“The show is not just about the rides, which most people associate with it, but it is a real showcase of hard work and talent. If you walk into the pavilions and watch the cattle handling, you’ll see the talent and craft of our region.”

This year, the show returns with crowd favourites like the sideshow alley, live entertainment all day, equestrian events, the chicken run and duck races, AirTime FMX, and the unforgettable pole climbing.

“Bring all your family and friends and experience the rural-agricultural side of the Show, not just the show rides. Talk to us, share your stories and be with the community,” Ms Healy said. To buy tickets, visit www.cairnsshow.com.au

- Half Page $1100.00*

Young Rural Ambassador Maeve Lowe, Showgirl Alannah Giuffrida and Rural Ambassador Heidi Healy are inviting the public to visit the Cairns Show next week. Picture: Supplied

Thousands expected at speedway spectacle

Roar and awe in canefields

l EDMONTON

| Nick Dalton

UP to 3500 speedway fans are expected at the TWW Cairns Speedway in Edmonton tonight and tomorrow for the annual Autobarn Thunder in the Canefields.

Southern pro-sprintcar drivers will take on local heroes for the chance to take home the coveted sugar cane cutting knife trophy and a slice of the $17,000 prize pool.

Speedway manager Rob Goodwin said the sport was back in contention.

“A lot of hard work has gone into building the profile of the speedway in Cairns behind the scenes and we are seeing the payoff now with fans returning to watch high quality racing action,” he said.

“This is a battle of local versus southern drivers. Very highprofile drivers have come up to compete from Victoria, Western Australia, and southeast Queensland.

“Local Mareeba driver NQ51 Brodie Davis has just beaten everyone on July 8 with Victorian V2 Domain Ramsay finishing second and Cairns lo-

cal NQ50 Wes Jenkins finished third.

“This means our local drivers hold their own. The points earned on Friday night cumulate to Saturday night for the finale.

“The pro-sprintcar class is relatively new since 2020 and has made it more affordable to own a sprintcar with an LS V8 engine standard across the board.

“The pro-sprintcar class has brought sprintcars back to

Cairns and the crowds have jumped from 500 per event to 1500 per normal event.

“In broad terms, the speedway is back in Cairns after a hey-day in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s before dropping off.”

Mr Davis, who has just won Queensland’s title for prosprintcar on July 8 at Mareeba against the same field competing said “taking out the win really shows FNQ is no push over”.

“As a class we have a lot of fast cars and for local drivers to take out first and third speaks highly of the calibre we have in the Far North region,” he said.

Autobarn Cairns and Smithfield sales manager Ty Jenkin said the firm was excited to be sponsor.

“We’re looking forward to sharing it with our staff who deserve to blow off some steam as we trade through one of the biggest renovations our Cairns store has ever seen,” he said.

“Autobarn Cairns and Smithfield have a long and strong association with Cairns Speedway and the local racing fraternity, a heritage we’re very proud to continue building on.”

The event starts on Friday (July 14) from 6pm and tomorrow with fireworks.

City farewells former engineer

l CAIRNS REGION

FORMER Cairns city council engineer Graeme Haussmann, who is moving to Brisbane, has been given a special send off by Cairns Regional Council.

Mr Haussmann, who worked as the city engineer for Cairns City Council for 32 years from 1956 to 1988, was farewelled at a morning tea in the council committee room last week.

Mayor Bob Manning said Mr Haussmann’s time at the council spanned a pivotal time in the city’s development.

“This was at a time when the Cairns region experienced rapid and expansive development, which created many challenges,” he said.

“When Graeme started working for council, most of the city was flood prone, even during relatively

minor rainfall. “There was virtually no underground sewerage network or treatment plant, there was no assured water supply, and most of the roads were gravel.

“Graeme’s gift was being able to look at the problem and understand what was needed to solve it.

"His insight helped transform Cairns into the modern, liveable city it is today.”

Brodie Davies. Picture: Facebook

Gathered for the special farewell were (from left), former Member for Cairns and deputy mayor Desley Boyle, Mayor Bob Manning, former councillor Deirdre Ford, former mayors Ron Davis and Kevin Byrne, former city engineer Graeme Haussmann, former mayor Val Schier, former deputy mayor Lionel Van Dorssen and former councillor Jeff Pezzutti. Picture: Supplied

Thousands eligible for rebate

l

CAIRNS REGION

AS many as 13,600 Cairns residents could be missing out on a $1072 electricity bonus.

The Palaszczuk government is urging Queenslanders to check with friends and family to see if they are one of the estimated 270,000 Queenslanders who could be missing out on additional cost-of-living assistance.

Queenslanders with a seniors, veterans or concession card are being urged to contact their electricity provider to ensure any eligible rebates are applied to their account.

Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk government was proud of the support “we are providing to vulnerable households, and we don’t want anyone who was eligible to miss out”.

“If your Mum, Dad, grandparent, neighbour or friend could be eligible, check in to see if they are aware of what they could be claiming,” he said.

“It’s as simple as calling your energy provider and registering your seniors, veterans or concessions card to your account.

“Our government set aside $1.483 billion for extra electricity bill support in this budget, to help households and small businesses facing cost-of-living pressures.

I encourage every household to check if they’re eligible and, if they are, to apply for the Queensland Electricity Rebate”

Two special women nominated for national enterprise awards

l FAR NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

TWO Far North female entrepreneurs will represent the region on the national stage for their publishing and charity work achievements at the AusMumpreneur Awards in Sydney this August.

The AusMumpreneur Awards, celebrated in Sydney from August 22-24, is a national event that recognises the achievements of Australian mums in business.

Julatten-based author and founder of publishing company Bowerbird Publishing Crystal Leonardi is nominated for three different awards: author of the year at the AusMumpreneur Awards, woman of the year at the Beam in Business Awards and sole entrepreneur of the year at the Cairns Business Woman’s Club (CBWC) awards.

Ms Leonardi’s experience with the brain cancer diagnosis of her three-year-old son Sebastian inspired the book Boy of Steel, which earned her the author of the year award at the AusMumpreneur Awards in 2022. She is now nominated for her children’s book ‘My Brother Sebastian: Explaining Cancer to Kids’.

“When my son got sick, it gave me more courage to go for what I want and listen to

my intuition in what I want to be doing with my time, so writing came very organically,” she said.

“It’s very humbling to be nominated in the first place, but to become a finalist for the second year in a row, validates and celebrates the work that’s been going on behind the scenes,” she said.

“This second year in business

(Bowerbird Publishing) was all about helping other writers tell their stories, so being a finalist in the CBWC awards and Beam in Business cements my place in the industry and amongst my peers.”

Another inspiring Far North woman moyamoya advocate Nicola Baker is also a nominee.

Based in Ravenshoe, Ms

Baker started her journey when her son Jed had a stroke at 11 months.

After he was diagnosed with moyamoya, she founded Moyamoya Australia to support families with a moyamoya diagnosis and fund research.

Ms Baker has been nominated in the AusMumpreneur Awards’ rural and remote business excellence and not-for-profit excel-

lence categories. “Our biggest goal for this year is to raise awareness so more medical practitioners pick up this disease early,” she said. “Awards of any kind give me more people to talk to. When I won the Michelle Commins award last year, there was a room of 250 people that heard the word moyamoya, and that’s very crucial.”

Visit www.ausmumpreneur.com

Julatten author and publisher Crystal Leonardi with her first book, Boy of Steel. Inset: Moyamoya Australia’s founder Nicola Baker of Ravenshoe.

Lettersto the editor

Cleaners for aged care are no good

THERE seems to be no point when “aged care services” are unable to provide a suitable cleaner, who is not allowed to perform a cleaning job.

Only the floor mostly, and who the hell needs a shiny floor at our age (77). We don’t roll in mud puddles anymore, although we may trip and fall into one.

And one can forget about having ceiling fans cleaned. Ladders don’t have a full foot grip, toes hang over narrow steps, so I hoist my own body weight onto a high (75cm) solid steel stool, and when balanced, reach up for fan cleaning.

To my once athletic body, it is still not a problem, but no one wants to join me.

Anyway, many oldies think it is easier and cheaper for the pollies to fund us for professional cleaning once a month or so.

As I stand it is a shambles, and I am still waiting (and cleaning everything), despite being ill 70 per cent of the time.

Katherina Hunter, Mossman

Voting yes for the Voice is positive

JUST making note of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution as some advocate would be little more than tokenism.

It will do nothing to improve the social, mental and spiritual status of these First Nations peoples.

Politicians are good at commissioning reports to deflect issues and do nothing.

The ability of ATSI peoples to directly advise policy makers will greatly enhance their grassroots voices and real knowledge of what can be done to improve their wellbeing within the wider Australian community.

The power of the Voice will be in their knowledgeable advice and it will be up to governments to listen and take it into account in real action that does make a difference.

The referendum is an invitation to a partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within a framework that is structured and set up by the Federal Government in a way that takes account of their diversity and regional leadership around the country.

The yes vote should be seen as a positive move forward for all of us.

David Thompson, Mooroobool

I’m against the Voice changes

SEAN McGinn (letters 07/07) seems to have not read my letter, or suffered from blinding rage at the time

I made no reference to word definitions as he claims. I said the proposed constitution amendment imposes no limits or definitions on the intended legislation, which is true because the “composition, functions, powers, and procedures” of the voice are to be defined by legislation not even developed yet.

He also accuses me of not being happy with our laws. I am however

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question: Do you think Queensland’s First Nations Cultural Centre should be in Cairns and why? Here are some of your comments.

It makes perfect sense. The region is home to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair gets bigger every year, another one is proposed and there are many First Nations art and cultural venues throughout the Far North.

John, Manoora

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

Are you going to the Cairns Show and what will you be doing? @cairnslocalnews

generally happy with our laws, it is actually a change I am opposing. His tangential trip into politics is also all of his own doing. I did not mention any political view.

The ‘no’ campaign is not limited to one political or ethnic group.

The ideal venue would be Tjapukai at Smithfield which hasn’t reopened since COVID. It would draw visitors from Skyrail and the artillery museum.

Megs, Kuranda

Yes, let it be built here. Brisbane can have a smaller one but the Far North should be home to the main centre.

Bob, Mooroobool

From my point of view it is apolitical. Lastly his concern for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese changing his election promises is a bit of a joke. No Australian government has much of a track record on honouring election promises once

For goodness sake, does the southeast have to get everything? They tried to put the Stockland Hall of Fame in a capital city which had no relevance or authenticity whatsoever. Look who won out - Longreach.

Rachael, Edmonton

It would be something young Indigenous people would be drawn to and give them something constructive to do.

Susan, Edge Hill

There’s more to the Far North than the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest. Let’s celebrate Indigenous arts and culture with a permanent venue to showcase the incredible talent and heritage.

Clinton, Port Douglas

they are elected and Albo does not stand out as an exception. I will vote no to the voice because nobody has any idea of what this constitutionally enshrined body will be.

Bruce Jones, Innisfail

Raising retirement age to 70 opposed by seniors group

FOR decades, men could look forward to retiring at 65 and getting the pension.

For women, it was 60. Their eligibility was increased over 10 years between 1995 and 2004 until they too reached the same qualifying age.

In 2009 the Rudd government lifted it to 67 for men and women but it was to be phased in from 2015, with six month increases every two years, starting from July 1, 2017. Now we’ve arrived, after almost 30 years, at a pension age of 67. But it could have

been worse. Almost 10 years ago Treasurer Joe Hockey announced it would go to 70 by 2035. He asserted it was “highly probable a child born today would live to 150.” Really?

There was a huge backlash

including a campaign led by National Seniors. A popular slogan at the time was: “Only someone who’s worked in an office their whole life would think you can work until you’re 70.”

Now a group of academics has revisited the statistics and released a report saying a further rise is warranted to ensure the country has a sufficient supply of workers into the future.

Macquarie University Business School Professor Hanlin Shang and his co-authors say there should be three more pension-age increases over the next

COUNCIL NEWS

Event celebrates positive ageing

The Positive Ageing Expo returns to the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) on Wednesday 2 August from 9am to 1pm.

With more than 40 stalls onsite, the free event gives residents the chance to meet service providers, businesses and community groups that focus on seniors.

There will also be live entertainment from 11am to midday featuring Rowly’s Country Combo in the CPAC main theatre. This is a free, ticketed event, with reservations via Ticketlink, phone 1300 855 835 or visit www.ticketlink.com.au.

Doggy rego reminder

Dog owners are reminded they have until 31 July to renew their dog registration for the 2023/24 rego period.

The most important reason to register your pet and keep your rego details up to date is so Council can quickly return your furry friend if they become lost.

Significant discounts apply for aged pensioners and concession card holders; if your pet has been desexed; or they have completed Level 3 obedience training.

Dog owners who haven’t received their renewal notice are urged to check their spam/junk folder if receiving their notice by email, or get in touch with Council on 1300 69 22 47 or regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au.

27 years. They suggest 68 by 2030, rising to 69 in 2036, and 70 by 2050.

Professor Shang says Australia’s low birth rate is one of the key factors.

We reject calls for raising the age to 70 on both fiscal and social policy grounds.

Many people exit the workforce because of ill health.

We should consider a Canadian-style system where you can opt to get the pension earlier but get a bit less.

We’ve also argued the best way to tackle declining partici-

pation is to provide incentives to those who choose to work longer. Our Let Pensioners Work campaign calls for a reduction in the income test taper rates so you can keep more of your pension if you choose to continue working.

This is fairer than raising the pension age because it rewards people who want and need to work.

Pensioners who chose to work would benefit from extra income and their participation would also help the economy.

Traffic changes for

If you are on a pension, and you want to keep working it’ll be a win for the economy, it’ll be a win for the pensioners, and it will be a win for the government.

A note to politicians - our latest poll of more than 2000 people showed just 7 per cent support the move to 70, 45 per cent are fine with 67 and 46 per cent want it back to 65.

An election winning policy would be to lower it back to 65 as they’ve just done in Canada.

Ian Henschke is the chief advocate for National Seniors Australia

Residents are advised of the below road closures associated with next week’s Cairns Show:

n Scott St, between Buchan St and Severin St, will be closed from 1pm on Saturday 15 July to 1pm on Saturday 22 July

n Severin St, between Mulgrave Rd and Scott St, will be one way from 7am on Wednesday 19 July to 7am on Saturday 22 July.

Seniors with Ian

from 6am on Douglas FM 101.5FM

NAIDOC celebrations are a walk in the park

ANOTHER successful NAIDOC Week has been celebrated across the nation recently and there’s been no better place to observe and enjoy this cultural event than in the Douglas Shire.

NAIDOC has been observed as a week-long event since 1975 and each year has a different topic. It celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is observed, not just in the Indigenous Australian communities, but also in increasing numbers of schools, local councils and workplaces.

For 2023 the NAIDOC week follows the theme ‘For Our Elders’ to honour and celebrate all they have done for the community and families. Elders’ “tenacity and strength” have carried Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

through the stolen generation. The week started off, on Monday morning, with a smoking ceremony, flag raising ceremony and guest speakers at the main Douglas Shire Council administration building.

Monday also saw the opening of the Kubirriwarra Art and Culture Exhibition at the Port Douglas Community Hall. This display of Indigenous art continues until tomorrow, Saturday.

A highlight of the week, on Tuesday, was the Goobidi Baby Show, now in its fourth year, which looked for the best-dressed boy and girl and offered the prestigious title of “cheekiest personality”.

For the sports-minded, the Netball Fast 5 playoffs at the Port Douglas Sports Complex provided some healthy competition.

Both locals and visitors to the shire were given a great opportunity to enjoy and purchase local Indigenous items at the Mossman Gorge Gateway Markets midweek and this was followed on Thursday with the Elder’s lunch. All comers were invited to enjoy a traditional kurma (ground oven) hot and healthy meal.

As regular readers will know, this fine newspaper hits the streets every Friday, which this week is the day that sees the climax of these great NAIDOC celebrations.

These will include the much loved street parade starting at the council administration building in Mossman, starting today at 10am. The occasion will be supported by parents and school staff members, plus community groups together with both locals and tourists enjoying the fun. People

are encouraged to dress in something colourful and join in or alternatively cheer those passing by along Front Street.

The parade will work its way up to Bubu Kinkari or George Davis Park, which will host the climax of the week with ‘A Day In The Park’. This family event will feature the Manjal Dimbi dancers, Boigu Island dancers, Naynay Muluridji music, Nathan Rogers Mossman Chill Out band, plus an open mic and more.

Time to put on my best shirt for the parade I think, so for now it’s Gazza signing out. Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

The NAIDOC opening ceremony in Mossman.

Above: Images from this week’s Kubirriwarra Art and Culture exhibition in Port Douglas.

Today’s parade is expected to be as popular as last year.

Like last year, NAIDOC celebrations will finish with a day in the park.

Wayne’sWorld

l CAIRNS

G’DAY Tropicairnsians,

You know that you are in the most blessed part of earth being Cairns and surrounding northern tropics, when you read, listen or watch the rest of the world crying out for relief from absolutely crap weather conditions.

But we, as responsible two-legged upright highly intelligent beings, are creating absolute greed for luxurious environments that most do not even take any notice of anymore.

In fact, it would seem that the only breathing creatures that notice all this poisonous and pollutinous conditions are the ones that are being so horribly affected by the severely changing climate.

These are the ones who are not acknowledged as being important enough to be counted as worthwhile human, animal, creature or plant and environmental inhabitants by mongrel corporations.

That’s hopefully enough of my rant for this small, once beautiful, but now dying

planet because we need our world leaders to take notice and stand up and cry out for cleaner living as well.

Look after the planet Thousands to back life relay

Unfortunately, I don’t have much to write about for this column this month as I have not been in the best of health for a while now spending a fair bit of time in our fantastic Cairns Hospital being prodded and probed, leaving no entry or exit unviolated.

Now, I fully understand that no one really likes being in poor health, but if you have to be, then this is the place to have to rely on.

The teams of medical professionals in the emergency department and the cancer care ward are the best which is especially true in context when you get reports about all the ambulance ramping and bed shortages and poor health services in other hospitals around the countryside and beyond.

By the time this is printed I should be at home getting ready to paint up and dress outrageously for the Relay for Life at Barlow Park tomorrow,

starting at 2pm. One of my special guest judges for the many competitions that are going to be held during the afternoon and evening will be none other than my big little brother Kmart Travis. Now the big fella reckons that he has never done anything like this before, so I’m sure there’s gunna be

heaps of fun to be had while raising money and support for an extremely important organisation and dedicated group of volunteers running a huge amount of activities right around this vast country. My one many hats off to all of them. Smiling is living, Wayne.

l PARRAMATA

| Isaac Colman

PARK

THOUSANDS of people are expected to fill Barlow Park tomorrow for Cancer Council Queensland’s annual Relay for Life.

The park will be aglow in purple and yellow as thousands of people gather together to support each other, and fight back against cancer.

Teams of people will be keeping a baton moving in relay-style run or walk for the entirety of eight hours and thirty minutes in support of those who are affected by cancer.

This year, the Far North Queensland Relay for Life Committee aims to raise at least $70,000 dollars to support Cancer Council’s research, prevention programs and support services.

The official face of the 2023 Far North Queensland Relay for Life event is local Wayne Marshall.

He was selected because of his contribution, commitment and his overall spirit towards these events, including his extravagant costumes.

Mr Marshall was diagnosed with melanoma in August of 2022, with the tumour being

removed but still undergoing complications.

When the melanoma was removed from his shoulder, a lymphoid gland was sent for testing.

“Two weeks later I received an urgent call to go back to the doctors where I was told that all the melanoma was removed but unfortunately the lymphoid gland came back positive for stage 3 melanoma blood cancer,” Mr Marshall said.

“The hardest part of this journey was telling my family that, in fact, I’m not indestructible.”

Mr Marshall’s cancer journey became harder in March when doctors informed him that the melanoma blood cancer had progressed from stage 3 to stage 4. He was also diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma lung cancer. Despite his diagnosis, he remains in high spirits and is dedicated to helping raise awareness and essential funds for Cancer Council Queensland.

“I started with Relay for Life to help those impacted by cancer and since my diagnosis I freely tell others of my journey,” he said.

Presold Tickets available online at: www.cairnsshow.com.au until Tuesday 18th July at midnight.

AVAILABLE IN PERSON AT:

• Earlville Shopping Town Ticket Booth: From Monday 10th - Monday 17th July, 9am - 5pm

• Cairns Showgrounds (Main Gates) Ticket Booth: On Tuesday 18th July, 9am - 5pm

• Cairns Showgrounds: Wednesday 19th, Thursday 20th, and Friday 21st July, 9am - 9pm at all Cairns Show Gate Entrances during the Show

 Single Pass Adult $25*  Concession / Pension $22* (With Valid ID Card)

 Child (5 - Under 14 Years) $15*  Child (Under 5) FREE*

 Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) $65* ($70 Once Show Commences)

*$1 Transaction Fee per order will apply.

SIDESHOW ALLEY BONUS DOLLARS*

AVAILABLE FROM:

Earlville Shopping Town Ticket Booth: Monday 10th - Monday 17th July, 9am - 5pm

Cairns Showgrounds (Main Gates) Ticket Booth: On Tuesday 18th July, 9am - 5pm.

Bonus Dollars are not available online.

* They may only be used for Rides, Games, or Food within the Sideshow Alley area.

Bonus Dollars cannot be spent on Showbags. Lost, stolen, damaged or unused

Bonus Dollars will not be refunded or replaced.

SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS

Cairns character Wayne Marshall is the face of the Relay for Life.

Innovative telestroke service

Queensland Health introduces lifesaving virtual stroke diagnosis with $5.8m investment

l FAR NORTH

MILLIONS of regional and remote Queenslanders will have better access to lifesaving stroke diagnosis and treatment through a new $5.8 million virtual telestroke service.

The telestroke service, which was launched in Cairns on Monday, has been designed to ensure patients in rural and regional hospitals have the same access to stroke specialists as Queenslanders in metropolitan areas.

It will allow stroke specialists to assess brain scans and view patients remotely via video to effectively diagnose and decide on a treatment plan as quickly as possible.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said “we know regional and rural communities are significantly impacted by stroke, with Queenslanders living in these areas 17 per cent more likely to experience a stroke than those living in metropolitan areas.

“This is a game-changer in the ability of Queensland Health to rapidly treat stroke patients, which can make all the difference in improving a patient’s quality of life and reducing the risk of long-term disability,” she said.

Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Lisa Murphy said it was critical that Australians, regardless of

their postcode, had access to equitable and immediate stroke treatment and that’s exactly what Queensland Telestroke service will deliver.

“Access to Telestroke both increases the rate of thrombolysis administered in regional hospitals and increases the speed at which this time-critical treatment is given. This translates to less death and disability following stroke,” she said.

Member for Hill Shane Knuth said it was “a win-win, not only for all Queenslanders, but for rural and regional residents who are disadvantaged in the distances they have to travel for basic medical services”.

“I would like to thank the Minister for Health, Moyamoya Foundation and all those that lobbied in getting this over the line,” he said.

Mr Knuth has raised this issue in Parliament a number of times and has questioned the previous and present ministers about Queensland’s need for a telestroke service.

Moyamoya Australia founder Nicola Baker said every day, Queenslanders were having strokes, and particularly in regional and remote areas, leaving the community with significant disabilities and even death. “Having access to this vital service is going to be a game changer for those who suffer from stroke in Queensland,” she said.

fje:ze DUO

Member for Hill Shane Knuth, an advocate for telestroke services, and Moyamoya Australia founder Nicola Baker outside Atherton Hospital.

TimeOut

Cultures woven as one

2023 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair celebrates First Nations diversity and style

l CAIRNS

| Gail Sedorkin

IT’S a celebration of art, dance, music, fashion and ideas at this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).

From the opening last night to the closing ceremony on Sunday (July 16), CIAF presents a four-day, multi-arts program of mostly free events to welcome, inspire, educate, and entertain art collectors, curators and visitors about Queensland’s two diverse and distinct First Nations cultures.

Delivering her first program in the role of CIAF’s artistic director, Francoise Lane said she was proud to be at the helm of such an important event intrinsic to the expression and wellbeing of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and representing an important step on the path to reconciliation.

“From its art fair beginnings in 2009 CIAF has evolved into a meaningful and multi-disciplinary event for cultural exchange, truth-telling, and knowledge sharing that over the years has launched careers, provided pathways and is a valuable source of income underpinning the development and future of Queensland’s First Nations artists and industry,” she said.

“Whether it’s music, art, or learning something new, the magic of CIAF is its intimacy, its opportunity to meet and yarn with First Nations people who come together in Cairns from the most remote areas of Queensland and the Torres Strait in one extraordinary event.”

CIAF also celebrates a decade of showcasing Queensland’s vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion industry this year with a creative and culturally rich choreographed performance entitled, Woven.

Curated by Lynelle Flinders, the performance features 14 designer collections (from Quandamooka Country in Queensland’s southeast to the Cape and Torres Strait Islanders).

“The purpose of CIAF’s annual and

iconic fashion performance is to promote Queensland’s contemporary Indigenous design, diversity, and inclusion while also empowering Indigenous youth as models/ performers through representation of who they are and where they come from,” she said.

While most of CIAF’s signature events over the four days can be enjoyed within and surrounding the world-class Cairns Convention Centre hub, a host of satellite exhibitions and events are held at venues across Cairns including Cairns Art Gallery, Cairns Court House Gallery, North Site Contemporary Arts at Bulmba-ja, and Tanks Arts Centre.

Co-curated by Ms Lane and curatorial associate Teho Ropeyarn, the chosen works from Queensland’s most talented artists provide a collective response to the 2023 theme, Weaving our Future: Claiming our Sovereignty.

This theme also guides the Art Fair plus Art Market, a new-look, two-day symposium, Coconut Leaf Project exhibition of large-scale, 3-D woven installations using natural coconut leaf fibre and Music in the Park – Live it Up! featuring national headliner Spinifex Gum.

Tickets for Music in the Park on Saturday, July 15 can be bought at the gate or online at www.ciaf.com.au

Traditional coconut leaf weaving

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

IT’S the first exhibition of traditional coconut leaf weaving and also the first time the six master weavers from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) have come together to create an exhibition of their work. The intergenerational art and cultural traditions of coconut palm leaf weaving from the Torres Strait are the focus of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s signature exhibition, Mura Kaymelan Bei Aurem (Coconut Leaf Weaving Project), on display at Cairns Convention Centre until Sunday July 16.

Mura Kaymelan Bei Aurem comprises seven large, 3-D sculptural installations showcasing the skill of the six master weavers from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait).

CIAF’s curatorial associate Teho Ropeyarn said each artist would display their own handwoven installation along with one collaborative sculpture.

Master weaver Yessie Mosby said he was taught traditional weaving at a very young age by his grandmother on his father’s side and his great aunties – all master weavers. Visit the art market at the Cairns Convention Centre today from 11am.

Back row (from left) Loretta Messa, Sarah Eggmolesse, Nardia Blackhall and Amariah Savage. Front row (from left) Tanika Parker and Lynette Gee Gee wearing garments from Jedess Hudson’s collection. Pictures: Veronica Sagredo, Blue Click Photography

Master weaver Yessie Mosby.

Nardia Blackhall wearing garments from Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ collection.

‘Barber’ is a cut above the rest

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

WITH an Australian twist and a hipster hero – Opera Australia’s production of The Barber of Seville is coming to Cairns.

In this production, awardwinning director Priscilla Jackman has updated the famous barber Figaro with a hipster moustache and a barber shop to match, while leading lady Rosina takes fate into her own hands to win in the game of true love.

The story has been set in the real-life Victorian town of Seville, and the nearby Yarra Valley wine region for this contemporary Australian spin on one of the world’s most loved operas.

Taking opera out of the major cities and into regional areas remains an imperative part of the company’s annual program, Opera Australia’s chief executive officer Fiona Allan said.

“Priscilla Jackman has created a playful new production of The Barber of Seville and the cast features some of our most

experienced performers as well as some exciting up and coming stars,” she said.

“Opera Australia remains dedicated to bringing worldclass performances to audiences across the nation, aiming to increase access to live performance and to inspire new generations to take the stage through the ongoing Regional Children’s Chorus program.”

The cast comprises some of Opera Australia’s finest singers and musicians. Sopranos Esther Song and Cathy-Di Zhang will reprise their shared role of Rosina, tenor Shanul Sharma, who recently wowed audiences in his 5-star depiction of Gandhi in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, will share the role of Count Almaviva with John Longmuir and baritones Christian Haotian Qi and Andrew Williams will share the role of the famous barber, Figaro.

Opera Australia engages in a variety of workshops and programs with local communities at

each place the tour visits, which is an important step in introducing new audiences to the world of opera.

The Regional Children’s Chorus program, under the direction of children’s chorus master Jonathon Bam, sees local students join the professional cast in rehearsal and in performance, for what is for many, their first taste of live performance in front of an audience.

This year marks Opera Australia’s 27th annual national tour with Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville – a 14,000 km journey across the country.

Over the years it has presented many of the country’s finest singers and musicians to more than 317,500 people in 119 locations across metropolitan and regional Australia.

The two-month tour will visit 15 metropolitan and regional theatres including the Cairns Performing Arts Centre on August 5.

Tickets on sale through Ticketlink –Ticketlink.com.au or 1300 855 835.

Register for big parade

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

| Nick Dalton

PARTICIPANTS in this year’s Cairns Festival Grand Parade have a week to register.

The event, which attracts more than 25,000 spectators and participants, is a celebration of the cultural diversity of the city on Saturday, August 26.

However, time is running out for anyone wanting to be part of the fun, with Grand Parade applications closing on Friday, July 21.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the Grand Parade was among the most popular events on the program.

“Everyone loves watching the parade, especially the little ones who love the colour, the noise and the entertainment,” he said.

“I would encourage community groups, schools and sport-

ing clubs to register an entry for this year’s event and design a float that embodies the theme of ‘celebrating our cultural diversity’.

“Whether it’s some sort of motorised machine that roars with life, traditional drums and dancing, or a display inspired by our natural wonders, the possibilities are endless.

“We want people to tell us

their story, showcase their culture, and ultimately entertain those thousands of people who line the Esplanade to cheer on the floats.”

The traditional fireworks display at the Esplanade will follow the conclusion of the Grand Parade.

There is no cost to entering a parade float, but participants do have the chance of winning a share of $7000 in prize money.

To ensure the safety of parade entrants and the audience, the council has enlisted the help of the Blue Line Brigade again this year, who are being supported by a newly painted blue line on the Esplanade road.

Visit cairns.qld.gov.au/festival/join/parade to access application forms, float guidelines, and the safety checklist. For more details or any questions people may have, contact the council at 4032 6656 or j.aird@cairns.qld. gov.au.

A Chinese lion is always part of the grand parade. Photo: Supplied

Three of the characters in the Barber of Seville show in Cairns next month. Picture: Supplied

‘Nacho’ average hoedown

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

MEET the Professional Bull Riders and party with The Pigs at the 2023 Reef Stampede Fireball After Party.

The ‘bluegrassy hillbilly pop’ band is headlining the live line-up for the official PBR ‘hoedown’ at the Reef Hotel Casino on July 21 and 22.

Reef Hotel Casino entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said the annual celebrations for Professional

Bull Riders at the Reef Hotel Casino had become legendary, and this year would be no exception.

“The official ‘hoedown’ of the PBR is ‘nacho’ average hoedown, featuring exclusive meet and greet opportunities with the bull riders on Friday and Saturday, as well as a swag of live entertainment featuring some of the best in the industry,” he said.

“Locked and loaded, the 2023 PBR celebration promises to keep the party going and be tonnes of fun,

with headliner The Pigs, Talitha Jae, Anais Campbell, and the Big Noise Cowboyz.”

Friday, July 21 is the PBR welcome night and official meet and greet not to be missed.

It opens with local musician, Talitha Jae, who will roll out originals and covers with her unique acoustic country charms from 7pm.

At 8pm everyone is welcome to meet the PBR Cowboys, and then it’s time for The Pigs. In almost 20 years on the road, The Pigs have

wowed audiences at festivals all over Australia and Europe.

“Direct from ‘god knows where’, The Pigs, Australia’s best-looking hillbilly band, take you on a musical journey with their hilarious brand of hillbilly pop. They cleverly craft creative covers and originals, parodying some of the biggest songs and artists in history,” Mr Stewart said.

“T-Bone, Stretch, Cousin Shamus, Cousin Bert and Cousin Montz, last name Pig, are no strangers to success. “They’ve released

five albums and come to be known as the band that has made songs by Beyonce, Powderfinger, ‘Farnsy’, INXS, Skyhooks, and even Kanye West’s Bluegrassy – just as they were meant to be.”

Rising star Anais Campbell joins the party on Saturday night, opening for The Pigs while the Big Noise Cowboyz roll out the party tunes until late both nights.

Live and free at Reef Hotel Casino www.reefcasino.com.au

The Pigs will be performing at the Reef Hotel Casino on July 21 and 22 as part of the 2023 Reef Stampede Fireball After Party. Picture: Supplied

TimeOut Spicy Italian in the tropics

Lots to see and do at the second annual cultural, food and entertainment festival

l CAIRNS CBD | Gail Sedorkin

IT’S Italy in the Tropics with the best of Italian food, culture and history for everyone to enjoy at the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival.

Seven more days have been added after the resounding success of last year’s inaugural festival, with the 17-day program running from July 21 to August 6.

Launched last week, organisers are excited and can’t wait for the festivities to begin.

Festival president Steve Cordenos said the festival was enormous last year and it was really exciting to be able to offer the extra days and events this year.

“Just to see the public enjoying it last year – how can you not bring it back?,” he said.

“We have also gone regional where there are large Italian populations such as in Innisfail and Mareeba.”

The program now includes the Innisfail Pasta & Sugo Festa on July 23, the Mareeba Moriconi/ Bomben Soccer Cup on August 5, and Mareeba Salami and Sausage Festa on August 6.

A free family night complete with fireworks and La Festa launch will be held from 6pm to 8.30pm on July 28 at Fogarty Park.

The next day, La Festa Day will be at Fogarty Park again, but

in a bigger area with double the amount of food stalls. The number of Italian food vendors is edging towards 35 for the day.

Festival food coordinator Angelo Aurelio said the food vendors were amazing local restaurants and chefs showcasing their food.

Mr Cordenos said he highly recommended buying tickets now to avoid queues for events such as La Festa Day, which promised to be a great day with entertainment from 10am to 11.30pm.

At this year’s festival there is a chance to win a trip for two to Italy, as well as big prizes for eating pasta and for making pasta, sugo (sauce), sausages and salami.

At the launch, also attended by the Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch and major sponsor and festival ambassador

John Piccone on Monday, Mr Piccone said the response to last year was amazing and he was “proud to be a major sponsor”.

“It’s a credit to all of the hours put in by festival president Steve, vice-president Lou Garrozzo, committee members and volunteers who have organised and coordinated so many amazing events,” he said.

“Since moving here almost 100 years ago we have always been invested in our local community and we’re proud to do this by supporting this great event.”

Other events include four celebrations of the diverse food and wines of the Amalfi Coast, Central Italy, Northern Italy and Southern Italy, and the Gala Ball and Hall of Fame Awards. For more information and all tickets visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au Committee

members Gina Codotto and Stephanie Iovanella at the launch. Pictures: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Angelo Aurelio, Warren Entsch and John Piccone.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST THE RONDO THEATRE

l FRI 14 – SAT 15 JULY

The Importance of Being Earnest, is the bestknown work of world-famous playwright, Oscar Wilde. Set in the delightful aristocratic world of bustles & parasols and top hats & canes, the Victorian Comedy will introduce you to John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, two young men who have invented alter egos to escape their everyday lives. Gather your friends and prepare to laugh yourselves silly.

Book your tickets through The Rondo Theatre.

ART OF SOLOMON ISLANDS AUSTRALIA GALLERY

l FRI 14 – SAT 22 JULY, 10AM-4PM

Solomon Islands Artists Association (SIAA) for the first time in Australia is proud to be exhibiting a large collection of their art works at Australia Gallery. SIAA is a grassroots organisation made up of respected and long-standing visual artists from Solomon Islands. This exhibition is anticipated to be the first of regular exhibitions in Australia by the SIAA Solomon artists collective. For more information visit the Australia.Gallery website.

FNQ RELAY FOR LIFE 2023 BARLOW PARK

l SAT JULY 15, 2PM-11PM

Relay For Life raises vital funds for the Cancer Council Queensland’s research, prevention, and patient support services. Relay is a chance for the Far North Queensland community to support those going through a cancer experience, recognise and celebrate cancer survivors, and to honour and remember loved ones lost. Theme: This year’s Relay for Life theme is Circus!

See the Far North Queensland Relay Facebook Group to keep up-to-date.

7 CAIRNS MARATHON FESTIVAL FOGARTY PARK

l SUN JULY 16, 5AM-12PM

The fast, flat, multi loop course takes in the best of the picture-perfect Cairns Esplanade, the streets of Cairns and the memorable run down the epic finish chute alongside Fogarty Park. There is an event for all ages and abilities, from the 5km walk, the marathon relay, the 2km Mini Marathoner dash, or the full marathon, lace up, grab a friend and get that Cairns finish line feeling in 2023.

For more info visit the Cairns Marathon website.

FRIDAY

Amber Farnan – Dunwoody’s, 4:00pm Wind and Wood – Ten06, 5:30pm

STARRY NIGHT CINEMA CAIRNS BOTANICAL GARDENS

l SAT JULY 15, 7:00PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, as we pay tribute to the timeless classic that captured hearts around the world. In honour of the legendary Olivia Newton-John, we proudly present “Grease” on the big screen. Grab your leather jackets and poodle skirts and join us at the Cairns Botanic Gardens for an evening of love, laughter, and rock ‘n’ roll! Book your tickets through trybooking.

Barbary Coasters – O’Donnells Irish Bar & Grill, 6:00pm

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

Sax Man – Chill Café Palm Cove, 6:00pm

Vivien Aisi – The Benson Hotel, 6:00pm

Kim Settle – Mountain View Hotel, 6:00pm

FingerPrint – Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm

Infinity Duo – Atherton International Club, 6:30pm

Wasabi Barbie – Elixir Music House, 7:00pm

Big Pups – Lakeland Hotel, 7:00pm

Good Morning Vietnam – CPAC, 7:30pm

Carinda Christie – Babinda Taverna, 8:00pm

Billy Joel & Elton John – Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm Waiting for Alice – The Jack, 9:00pm

SATURDAY

Vivien Aisi – Bluewater Trinity Park, 1:00pm

Two Dogs Music – Ten06, 5:30pm

Sax Man – Coral Beach Lodge Port Douglas, 6:00pm

Russell Harris – Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:15pm

CIAF Music in the Park – Munro Martin Parklands, 6:30pm

Kaweyova – The Pier Bar, 8:00pm

Big Noise – Rattle n Hum Cairns, 8:30pm

Billy Joel & Elton John – Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino,9:00pm

YEAR 6/7 PIVOT PROGRAM PEACE LUTHERAN COLLEGE

l TUE JULY 18, 6:45PM

Do you have a child moving into Year 6 or Year 7 in 2024? We invite you to come along to our Principal’s Forum and learn how our PIVOT team of dedicated staff works solely with our Year 6 and 7 classes to implement an explicit teaching approach for individual learners, including tailored intervention and acceleration strategies. For more information or to register: www.plc.qld.edu.au/enrolments/pivot-program

SUNDAY

Andy Brassett & Lady Valiant – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 1:00pm No More No Less – Red Beret Hotel, 1:00pm

DjGlennW – Dundees at the Aquarium, 2:00pm

Lunar Solarmoon – Dunwoody’s, 2:00pm

Russell Harris – Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club, 2:30pm

Bad Boys of Uke – Beach Almond Palm Cove, 2:30pm

Barbary Coasters – Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3:00pm

Lady Valiant – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 3:00pm

Billy Joel & Elton John – Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino,5:00pm

Spinifex

Marliya with Emma Donovan and Felix Riebl

Photographer: David Harris

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Weekly Horoscopes

Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for all. Your communication skills will bring you popularity and increased self-esteem. Don’t evade issues or twist the truth around. You can make major gains if you talk to your boss about your findings.

You may want to take a serious look at your goals and objectives. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get your way emotionally. Control your anger. Unexpected visitors will be a welcome surprise.

CROSSWORD

Don’t hesitate to take short trips. Not everything you hear will be legitimate. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. Equilibrium in your romantic life is likely if you treat your partner well.

It’s time to make professional changes. You have a lot to offer. You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals. Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine.

Be fair, not colourful. Stay away from social unpleasantness. Your communication skills are at an all-time high. Someone close to you will get upset easily if you are insensitive to their needs.

You should take good care of your health; get lots of rest. You can continue to make gains if you call a few people who can help you close an important deal. You will be looking for creative ways to make a little extra cash. You may overspend if you travel this week; however, the trip will be one to remember.

ACROSS

You can utilize your versatile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. They will not be in the right frame of mind to put up with tactless comments. Don’t be too quick to judge your loved ones. Leave your credit cards at home.

You must avoid gossip and focus on what you must do. You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it’s time to let them stand on their own two feet. It may not be the best day to confront employers or to present your ideas. For now, just do the best you can.

Acknowledge your lover’s needs. Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you. Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted. Talk about your intentions and confirm that you both feel the same way.

1 a reflective looking inward (13)

8 at or to a distance (4)

9 the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects (10)

10 a buildup of toxins in your blood (6)

11 to extend the length of something (8)

12 a female worker who supervises and directs other workers (9)

14 informal word for repulsive or distasteful (4)

21 refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with (6)

23 a word having the characteristics of both verb and adjective (10)

24 twelve o’clock in the day; midday. (4)

25 a person qualified to practise dentistry (6,7)

DOWN

1 a large fire that is dangerously out of control (7)

2 a continuous rhythmic humming sound (5)

3 a culinary herb used for the flavour of its leaves (7)

4 an extinct hominin known from fossil remains discovered in Java in 1891 (15)

5 phrase said to encourage someone to do something (4-2)

6 lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning (9)

7 happening or done every night (7)

13 to give someone greater knowledge and understanding about a situation (9)

15 a horse with irregular patches of two colours, typically black and white (7)

17 a deer with brown fur that changes to a brownish-red colour in summer (3,4)

You can gain approval, get kudos, and ask for help if you put a little heart into your speech or request. You will have a little more energy than usual. You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature.

You may find your nights sleepless due to bad dreams.

Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.

Don’t even bother trying to get their approval on the things you want to do.

Pleasure trips will be a form of healing for your emotional state of mind. You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments.

15 a cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb (4)

16 very surprising, astonishing, or remarkable (9)

20 a woman’s light dressing gown or negligee (8)

18 the phase of the moon when it first appears as a slender crescent (3,4)

19 an instance of catching someone out or exposing them to ridicule (6)

22 from a particular time in the past until a later time (5)

Real Estate

Apartments grow in value

Units are back in favour as demand for high density living exceeds supply

AUSTRALIAN apartment prices are now back to their 2022 peak, having barely fallen last year, according to Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

“Over the past 12 months, unit growth has been the same as house price growth,” she said.

“In Brisbane, unit prices are now growing faster than houses. Across the country, rents for units are increasing twice as fast as houses.

“The old adage that houses always do better than apartments is not currently playing out. What has driven this and will it continue?”

Ms Conisbee said part of the reason that apartments had returned to their peak so quickly was because they didn’t increase as much as houses during the pandemic.

“Apartment living wasn’t much fun during lockdowns. Living in smaller spaces with restricted movement was diffi-

cult and a lot of the best things about urban living were not available,” she said.

“Cafes were closed, CBDs were deserted and there was

no night life. It was also not so necessary to live close to workplaces leading to people moving to outer suburbs and regional areas.

“Now that things are pretty much back to normal, apartment living is again attractive.

“Most of us are going back to the office more frequently and

all the best things about living in higher density suburbs are back.

“We have moved quickly from a situation where there were too many apartments to

not enough. Demand is exceeding supply, driving up prices and rents.”

Ms Coinsbee said the situation of not enough apartments relative to demand was not going to change any time soon.

“Fewer apartments are being built. Building approvals are currently at levels not seen in more than a decade,” she said.

“Even if approved, the likelihood of many projects being constructed any time soon is low.

“Construction costs are at record highs and the rate of increase is now only starting to come down.

“The timing between approval and completion can be several years. The one positive is that strong price and rental growth will make more projects viable.

“More of us living in apartments is our future. Australia has extremely low density relative to other major cities. n terms of financial metrics, this year is the year for apartments.”

This two-bedroom apartment with ensuite on level 6 at Harbour Lights is for sale for $850,000. Picture: Ray White Cairns Central

Mazda moves upmarket

l CAR LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton

MAZDA’S move in to the premium space has arrived in Cairns and is ready for delivery.

The Mazda CX-60 heralds the Japanese brand’s shift into the premium category and is the company’s new flagship with the CX-9 bowing out.

Westco Mazda is one of the first dealers in Queensland to receive the new SUV.

The five-seater sits above the CX-5 and comes with inline six-cylinder engines in petrol and diesel with mild hybrid

powertrains and a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid which can run on electricity alone for up to 76km.

Westco Mazda general manager Scott King said on display were four variants: a petrol GT demonstrator, an Evolve plug-in hybrid, and two other Evolves in petrol or diesel.

“Six more are coming this month and we have one for delivery to a customer who has a CX-5,” he said.

“For Mazda this is the first stage of entering the premium segment with others coming, including the CX-90 and the CX-80. The CX-60 is seen as a

rival to Audi Q3, Lexus NX300, Volvo XC60 and BMW X3.

“The CX-60 is smoother than a CX-5, performs better and with the sound deadening is quiet on the road. It has a lovely engine note as well.”

Mr King said the CX-60 was fuel efficient with the plug-in returning 2.1L/100km overall, 4.9 for the diesel and 7.5 for the petrol.

“The beauty of the plug-in hybrid is that it can run off the batteries for a normal weekly commute and can be charged up overnight,” he said.

Prices start at $64,798 (on-

road) for the Evolve petrol and top out at for the Azami $89,911.

Launching with a hybrid-only powertrain line-up, at the top of the range is the very first Mazda plug-in hybrid – the e-Skyactiv PHEV.

With a combined 241kW system output and peak torque of 500Nm from its 129kW motor and Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre, fourcylinder direct injection petrol, the CX-60 earns the title as the most powerful road-going Mazda to date. Its 100 km/h sprint time from rest takes just 5.9 seconds.

Overall range in EV mode is

up to 76 km at speeds of up to 100 km/h – comfortably exceeding the average Australian daily commuting distance by almost five times without the need to revert to the petrol engine.

The six-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel both share a 3.3-litre capacity and join the line-up for the first time, with each utilising Mazda’s 48V M Hybrid Boost technology.

The Evolve petrol is $64,798, the diesel is $66,868 and the hybrid is $76,447. GT versions are $73,078, $75,1458 and $84,607 while the Azami is $78,460, $80,530 and $89,911. Addition-

ally, four different option packs are available.

Standard on all models are alloy wheels, a digital dashboard, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Vehicle Exit Warning, front and rear parking sensors, High Beam Control (HBC), LED headlights with auto on/ off, remote-operated power tailgate, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, satellite navigation, Smart Brake Support (SBS) with turn-across traffic, advanced keyless entry, Apple Carplay and Android Auto (wireless and USB) and wireless phone charger.

Westco Mazda general manager Scott King with the new Mazda CX-60 SUV, which is available in three grades with three different powerplants, including a plug-in hybrid. Picture: Nick Dalton

Skoda’s all-inclusive baby

l CAR LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton

ŠKODA’s reinvented new Fabia hatchback reaches showrooms next month in the form of the Monte Carlo Edition 150 priced at $37,990 drive away.

Director Michael Irmer said the Fabia was “a considerable step forward in terms of technology and performance on the long-serving former generation Fabia”.

“The new Monte Carlo Edition 150 (so named for its horsepower) hatchback is a bigger, quicker and smarter car that occupies an altogether

more premium position,” he said.

“Perhaps no new model better embodies Škoda’s journey in Australia than the new Fabia Monte Carlo.

“Far from being a budget sticker European as it was initially perceived, last year the average drive away price of a new Škoda was $52,000.

“The value of Škoda resides in providing the most metal, the very latest in technical sophistication and the best whole of life ownership proposition for the money.

“We have launched the new generation Fabia in its top line configuration because this is

what our customers tell us they want from a Škoda. “The Monte Carlo Edition 150 is packed with every item of equipment and technical refinement available, at a drive away price and the best whole of life affordability of any European brand.”

Škoda Monte Carlo Edition 150 service packs are priced at $1500 for five years and $2100 for seven years with the fouryear used car pack $1300.

Standard equipment includes: convenience key, keyless entry and ignition, automatic wipers, dual zone airconditioning, LED daytime running lights and rear fog lights, front fog lights, LED headlights, LED ambient interi-

or lighting, umbrella in driver’s door, electrically adjustable, heated, power folding mirrors with auto dimming (driver’s side), six speakers, auto dimming rear view mirror, 9.2in infotainment with touchscreen and satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity, Bluetooth phone and audio, digital radio, voice control, digital instrument panel, wireless charging pad, four USB-C outlets, sports and heated front seats, rear privacy glass and 18in black alloy wheels.

The only options are park assist ($1000) and orange or red velvet metallic paint ($500).

The new Skoda Fabia comes in just one highly-specified model, the Monte Carlo Edition 150. Picture: Supplied

royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that its publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person.

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Local News Cairns

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If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: Cairns Local News, Suite F03, The Conservatory, 12-14 Lake St, Cairns, Qld 4870 Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

Friday July 14th

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

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

FNQ Markets

Saturday July 15th

Cairns Men’s Shed Car Boot Sale: 186 Irene St, Mooroobool, 7:30-12:00

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 July 16th

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

One-of-kind race hits coast

l TEAM SPORT

| Nick Dalton

HUNDREDS of competitors are expected to enter the annual Red Bull Defiance adventure race involving teams of two competing throughout the Cassowary Coast next month.

The two-day event starts in the white waters of the Tully River and ends on the sands of South Mission Beach.

Competitor Courtney Atkinson said it was “a truly one-ofa-kind race”.

“Red Bull Defiance is the only adventure race where competitors start on white water, rafting down the Tully River,” he said.

“Athletes flock from all over Australia and New Zealand to take part in the most unique adventure race, including kayaking out to Dunk Island and running around it. It’s almost unbelievable we can race in these locations.

“In 2022, Red Bull Defiance attracted a total of 329 people including 142 competitors, accompanied by 187 people, generating $263,090 expenditure for the Cairns region.

“Red Bull Defiance is designed to test everyone from the elite to the weekend warriors alike on a stunning course that

Competitors in fresh water, sand, trails and the ocean

will make you forget about the physical exertion.

“It delivers everything from wild rivers, deep rainforests,

Sport Results

MAREEBA BOWLS

Thursday July 6th mixed

jackpot pairs winners: Heather & Bryce; R/up: Santina & Syd.

Best of 2nd game: Lorenzo & Greg.

July 9th winners: M Taylor, A

Evens, T McAlary; R/up: C De Zen D & K Deegan; 3rd: S &V & E Tiraboschi; 4th: Lorraine, Graham, Marco; 5th: J Alexander, T Sprengel, K Vivian.

BROTHERS EDMONTON

MEN’S BOWLS

Results Wednesday July 5th

winner: Rick Schmidt, Steve Paris, Matty Paris; R/up: Max Harker, Ron Taggart, Mick Colmer; 3rd: Mick Catalano, Joe Jackson, Rob Morris.

Saturday July 8th winners: Sammy Finocchiaro, Christine Populin, Denis Jacoora; R/up: Daphne Gough, Peter Webb, Susane Rowe.

Pennants Div 3 Final: Brothers Edmonton def Edge Hill.

BROTHERS EDMONTON

LADIES BOWLS

Results: Championship triples: J Baird, B Mason, S Rowe def D Quinn, L Catalano, C McDonald.

Friday 7th Pennants Div 1: Mareeba def Brothers Edmonton. Div 2 Brothers Edmonton def Tully.

EDGE HILL BOWLS

Thursday July 6th social bowls winner: Peter Whitehead. Monday July 3rd ladies pennant: Edge Hill played Mareeba at home and lost 61-68. T McAlary lost 20-24 to L Plowman; J Wild drew 23all to R Keddie; and I Crampton lost 18-21 to D Charman.

Friday July 7th: Edge Hill played Marlin Coast at home

tropical islands, and coral reef fringed beaches. And what’s more Far North Queensland is the perfect place to extend

and won 52-50. I Crampton lost 12-18 to B Druitt; T McAlary won 25-12 versus C Scott; and J Wild lost 15-20 to J Whitehead. Men’s championship bowls: Club A singles: Darren Curry def Wayne Hewitt 25-17. Club Pairs Final: Lyle Braggins and Nick Twining def Simon Vardy and Russell Hubbard.

Tuesday July 4th mixed social bowls winners: Lou Pomroy and Tony Spink; R/up: Wendy Lynn and Trish DeRon. Wednesday winners: Lou, Greg and Frank; R/up: Joyce, Al and Peter.

Saturday 8th July men’s pennants final: Edge Hill Div 1 team def South Johnstone 6862. Div 2 Edge Hill team def Gordonvale at Edmonton. Div 3 Edge Hill team lost by 4 Shots to Edmonton at Marlin Coast.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Thursday July 6th: 26 bowlers for men’s social bowls. A great night of bowls under lights followed by a BBQ sau-

your stay and explore all that the region has to offer across Mission Beach, Cairns and Northern Beaches, Palm Cove,

sage sizzle. Congratulations Chris Payne to win the $50 meat-tray.

Saturday 8 July: 34 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls. Kiwi, Michael Sims, Daryl Hoskin def Bernie Wolland, Geoff Sims, Alistair Douglas 23-17; Bruce Lester, Jason Pearce, Peter Worley def David White, Troy Churchill, Richard Anderson, 23-15; Col Widdows, Graham Hutchinson, Derek Franklin def Ray Prain, Peter McGrory, Peter Gorsuch, 19-10; Bill Smith, Eric Smith, Tony Brlyack def Col Johnson, Terry Richards, Col Maxted, 25-16; Chris Payne, Jock Constantine def George Wilmot, Wayne Parkes, 29-18; and the winners for the day, Charlie Toohey, Steve Hudson, Warren McCoist def Sas, John Fleming, Bill Allison, 25-13.

Congratulations to the team of Mick Frese, Malachy McTaggart, Peter Busch, John Arnold to win the Club Championship Fours against John

Port Douglas, The Daintree and Cape Tribulation to Kuranda and Cooktown and Cape York.”

Mr Atkinson said Red Bull Defi-

Cochrane, David Blain, Ranald Edwards, Nev Fletcher 21-14. They will now play off in District Champion of Club Champions this weekend at Babinda.

Best of luck.

Sunday 9 July: In the Club Championship Handicap Singles, Bruce Lester (-5) def Col Widdows (-3) 25-10; and Steve Hudson (0) def Ranald Edwards 25-9.

Scheduled Club Championship games this weekend: In the Triples, Eric Smith, Peter Fairchild, Bill Allison vs John Cochrane, Sub for Ranald Edwards, Col Widdows. Sunday, in the Handicap Singles Troy Churchill (0) vs Bruce Lester (-5).

MOSSMAN LADIES

BOWLS

July 3rd pennants: Mossman was defeated by Yungaburra by an aggregated score of 4 points.

July 7th: Mossman def Marlin Coast by an aggregated score of 1 point.

ance had put Far North Queensland, especially the Cassowary Coast region, on the map.

“Having white water in the region to race on truly makes it one of the most unique races in the world,” he said.

“The course is raw, remote and challenging both mentally and physically but ultimately extremely rewarding.”

Day one (August 25) involves rafting on the Tully River, (stage 1), a trail run on the Coachable Creek Track (stage 2), mountain biking on the Gorrell Trail, ending at Mena Creek (stage 3).

On the second day, there is an ocean kayak from South Mission Beach around Thorpe Island to Dunk Island (stage 4), a trail run around Dunk Island (stage 5), kayaking back to South Mission Beach (stage 6), mountain biking through Musgravea (stage 7), a trail run through private property to the Kennedy Trail on to the coastline and beach to the finish line at South Mission Beach (final stage.)

There are three categories: two men, two women and mixed genders. Entry is $924 per person and prize money of $10,000 (first), $3000 (second) and $1000 (third) for each category.

For more information visit www.defiance.events

July 6th Thursday social bowls winners: Margaret Cooper, Joanne Dickson, Carmen Bolton and Denise Highland; R/ups: Jan White, Christine Rowbury, Barbara Withers and Robin Petrus.

July 2nd Sunday social mixed bowl winners: Mary McGrory, Mike Sims and David Orr; R/ups: Ian Bailey, Margaret Smith, Sandra Karkis and Carole Maxted.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday afternoon men’s triples winners: Steve, Steve, Des; R/ups: D Parnell, B Findlay, S Vidgen.

Tuesday night bowls: spider: Michael, Bob.

Wednesday mixed bowls winners: L & D Kenshole, T Ibbets; R/up: D Russell, K Loughlan, C Thompson.

Thursday mixed triples winner: Olga, Mark, Christine; R/ up: Bronwyn, Jean, Giles. Saturday morning scroungers winner: Robbo; R/up: Bob Smith.

Courtney Atkinson and Lindsey Lawry during Red Bull Defiance at Mission Beach last year. Picture: Supplied

Mooroobool girl wins three gold medals at state junior cycling road champs

Pedalling towards Olympics

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CYCLING

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

HIGH-ACHIEVING cyclist Siena

Goulding, 12, is setting her aspirations for the 2032 Olympics after a highly successful year, bringing home three golds from the AusCycling Queensland Junior State Road Championships on July 2, the highest achievement in her age category.

The 12-year-old from Mooroobool, who is no stranger to winning, is reaching new heights in the sport, currently holding the state record for individual pursuit in the under-13 category and achieving gold in every class at the State Road Championships. She has now set her focus on the Brisbane Olympics.

“What I love about cycling is that I get to travel, meet new people and push myself to my absolute limits,” she said.

“The Junior State Road Championships werer held in Ipswich. The first day was the criterium and the second day, we had the time trial and 20km road race, and I was excited but nervous at the same time.

“I feel really proud of this achievement because I’ve been training hard for this race, and it’s the absolute top for my age.

“Next year, when I go into the under-15 age category, I will be

able to be selected for the Queensland team, so I’m excited about that.”

Miss Goulding said all the competitions and championships were the training toward her ultimate goal – Brisbane 2032.

“In the future, I want to go to the 2032 Olympics. That’s what I’m looking forward to,” she said.

“I also want to become world champion in either track cycling or road cycling, and I also want to go to the Tour de France because it just opened up for female athletes, so it would be really cool if I were the first Australian girl to win the Tour.”

For the second half of 2023, Miss Goulding wants to focus on getting as many state titles as possible.

“In a month, I’ll be in Victoria for the state titles, I wouldn’t usually be doing Victoria, but since next year I’ll be in the under-15 category, I will be able to be selected for the Queensland team, and if I get selected, I’ll be able to go to nationals,” she said.

“My goal for the rest of the year is to go to as many state titles as possible to see where I place and be ready for next year.”

Miss Goulding’s coach and father, Clinton Goulding, said with little over eight years to Olympics, “every opportunity to race is really important to ensure she’s the best version of herself”.

Tigers triumph in nail-biting football match

l SOCCER

TUESDAY night’s game of Edge

Hill Tigers against the Leichhardt Lions was a definite nail-biter, with the league’s two best teams playing incredibly well, and the score still being 0-0 at half time.

After the break, both teams were recharged and ready to run as hard as they could.

The match was as tight as everyone expected, but ultimately the Tigers came out on top with the help of the two stars Lewis Hayden and Josh De Nittis, for final score of 2-0.

For De Nittis, this game was his first in nine months, and has kept the Tigers undefeated throughout the season, and closer to their fifth FQ Far North QPL Men’s premiership in a row.

Twelve-year-old Siena Goulding with the three gold medals she won at the 2023 AusCycling Queensland Junior State Road Championships, the highest achievement in her category.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Both Tigers and Lions played incredibly well in this nail-biter of a match.

Picture: Ashleigh Layne Photography.