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NEWS
Cairns Local News
CAIRNS
BRIEFS BRIEFS
YARRABAH, A COMMUNITY
on the move
VIRGIN GOES ALL OUT
VIRGIN Australia this week announced direct flights between Cairns and Gold Coast. In addition to this new route, Virgin also announced direct flights from Hobart and Launceston to the Gold Coast. Scheduled to commence in early December, the three new routes will allow over 9,000 additional passengers to fly each month between Cairns and Gold Coast, providing a boost to local business and the tourism sector and allowing more Virgin Australia team members to return to the skies. Virgin Australia is offering one-way Economy sale fares from just $79 until 11.59 AEST Friday 15 October 2021, or unless sold out prior. Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the increase in services was a very welcome announcement for both the region and the airport offering locals choice on the popular route for the first time. “Over a hundred and twenty thousand passengers fly between the Gold Coast and Cairns per year and as Australia’s two most sought-after holiday destinations, it’s another opportunity for people to enjoy holidays with everything from the surf of the Gold Coast to the Reef and Rainforest of Tropical North Queensland. “The addition of Gold Coast services means Virgin Australia are serving more destinations from Cairns and that’s great testament to their commitment to serve Tropical North Queensland and rebuild after the past eighteen months. Seasonal services will operate between Gold Coast, Launceston and Hobart, whilst services between Gold Coast and Cairns will operate year-round.
CAIRNS & ATHERTON
A SNAG AND A JAB
POP-UP vaccination clinics will operate this weekend at selected Bunnings stores throughout Far North Queensland. Both Smithfield and Atherton Bunnings stores will be offering tradies, DIY enthusiasts and renovators the opportunity to roll up their sleeve and get their first or second vaccination shot. A total of 33 Bunnings stores across Queensland will be participating in this program this weekend. Opening hours and other information will be available via www.health.qld.gov.au/vaccinebookings closer to the weekend.
DOUGLAS
SENIORS WEEK
DOUGLAS Shire is in full swing for Seniors Month this October. From cuppas, to craft, to movies, sports comps, dinner & dancing, and pool fun – there’s a sensational line up of events for their most deserving citizens. Unique to Queenslanders this October, Senior’s month is being celebrated for the first time in 2021 and it’s all about the importance of connecting with one another. During the month people of all ages, cultures and abilities will connect through inclusive events and activities to celebrate the important and essential roles older people play in our communities. Full details can be found on Council’s website.
CAIRNS
ITALIAN FESTIVAL
A NEW festival joins the special events calendar for Far North Queensland. The Cairns Italian Festival this week announced their inaugural week-long event will be held July 28 – August 5 next year. They expect to attract nationally and internationally ranked artists along with hosting a Gala Ball and Food Festival. Full details are available on their Facebook page: @cairnsitalianfestival.
Friday October 15, 2021
Members of the Yarrabah community with their newly aquired bus PETER MCCULLAGH YARRABAH is on the move. The small aboriginal community south of Cairns is undergoing tremendous change as several government funded projects are set to deliver tangible benefits for the community. Community families impacted by domestic and family violence will now have better access to local transport with the purchase of a minibus for the community from bus operator Kinetic. Minister for Women and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Shannon Fentiman said the need for transport assistance for affected families was raised during a visit to Yarrabah in April earlier this year. “I met with the Council and other community leaders during my visit and an issue we discussed during those meetings was how the Queensland Government and the community could work together to support local families,” Minister Fentiman said. “The Yarrabah Aboriginal Corporation for Women had identified a need in the community for a small bus or mini-van to be able to assist local families, particularly large families, with transport. “The corporation provides support, stability and education to the Yarrabah community and assists DFV-affected families through its Women’s Resource Centre. “Following the meeting, my department, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General worked together with the Department of Transport and Main Roads. As a result of that collaboration Sunbus operator Kinetic donated a vehicle for the community.” Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member
for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the corporation will soon take receipt of the minibus enabling it to provide transport assistance to members of the Yarrabah community. “This is fantastic for our local Yarrabah community,” Mr Pitt said. “The new bus will ensure women and families can better access vital support services as well as attend important meetings and appointments. “The Women’s Resource Centre provide crucial support for local families, and they do incredible work in domestic and family violence prevention.” Another key government funded project is the $11.5 million jetty, designed to increase access to and from the small community and act as a tourism driver for the Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation. Construction is nearing completion, with the final platform being laid in place on the 165-metre jetty. Although years in planning, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Ross Andrews understands the importance of this jetty for the local community and business development of the shire. “It is evidence that you can balance economic opportunity with cultural heritage, this will be a game changer,” he said. Currently residents needing to travel to Cairns undertake the 45-minute drive. The construction of the jetty will open the town up to passenger ferry services cutting the travel time 25 minutes. The completion of the jetty will open the township up, allowing easier access for tourists was well as Yarrabah residents needing to visit Cairns for medical, education or recreational reasons.
Warren ENTSCH MP Federal Member for Leichhardt
y t i l i b ta S d n a ip h Leaders 200 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt QLD 4870 warren.entsch.mp@aph.gov.au
07 4051 2220
warrenentsch.com.au
Authorised by W. Entsch, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 200 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt QLD 4870.
WarrenEntschMP
