Cairns Local News 18-Dec-20

Friday, September 2020 Friday December 18,18, 2020

INSIDE

Sandman Arrested >> P7

Empowered >> P9

The Season of Giving >> P10

A SNOW STOPPER CHRISTMAS >>

A Force for good >> P13

Full storyFull page 5 story page 5

Andrea and Alan Attree with Scarlet (10) and Flynn (4) at their home in Bayview Heights.

PHOTO: Tanya Murphy

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OUR COMMUNITY

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

CONTACT US Editor Peter McCullagh Editor@CairnsLocalNews.com.au 0478 413 627

Advertising Denis Olsson Denis@CairnsLocalNews.com.au 0436 001 149

Advertising Kath MacLean Kath@CairnsLocalNews.com.au 0436 001 115

Editorial Tanya Murphy Tanya@CairnsLocalNews.com.au 0497 022 732

Classifieds Lisa Harris Admin@CairnsLocalNews.com.au 07 4031 7678

General Inquiries Admin@CairnsLocalNews.com.au 07 4031 7678 Letters to Editor Letters@CairnsLocalNews.com.au News Tips News@CairnsLocalNews.com.au Sport Sport@CairnsLocalNews.com.au Classifieds Classifieds@CairnsLocalNews.com.au

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Cairns Local News is published by Cairns Local News Pty Ltd. 2/185 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns, QLD 4870 ACN: 643 194 932 Printed by: Townsville Print Centre, 623-645 Flinders St Townsville, QLD 4810

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Mobil Innisfail

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Prices sourced from Petrol Spy correct as at 17/12/20

CAIRNS 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES SATURDAY

MIN:24 MAX:34 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.14 LOW: 13.29 HIGH: 6.07 HIGH: 21.02

SUNDAY

MONDAY

MIN:25 MAX:33 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.41 LOW: 14.41 HIGH: 7.09 HIGH: 20.23

MIN:24 MAX:33 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.38 LOW: 15.52 HIGH: 8.32 HIGH: 23.02

TUESDAY

MIN:25 MAX:33 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.06 LOW: 16.47 HIGH: 10.06 HIGH: 23.33

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

MIN:25 MAX:33 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.55 LOW: 17.29 HIGH: 10.06 HIGH: n/a

MIN:25 MAX:33 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.02 LOW: 12.06 HIGH: 6.31 HIGH: 18.02

FRIDAY

MIN:25 MAX:33 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.28 LOW: 12.47 HIGH: 7.03 HIGH: 18.31

INNISFAIL 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES MIN:23 MAX:33 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.29 LOW: 13.53 HIGH: 6.52 HIGH: 22.13

MIN:23 MAX:32 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.57 LOW: 15.05 HIGH: 7.56 HIGH: 23.23

MIN:23 MAX:33 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.06 LOW: 14.14 HIGH: 9.24 HIGH: n/a

MIN:23 MAX:33 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.05 LOW: 10.56 HIGH: 5.33 HIGH: 17.07

MIN:23 MAX:33 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.36 LOW: 12.08 HIGH: 6.21 HIGH: 17.49

MIN:23 MAX:33 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.01 LOW: 13.02 HIGH: 6.57 HIGH: 18.21

MIN:23 MAX:33 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.24 LOW: 13.43 HIGH: 6.57 HIGH: 18.50

PORT DOUGLAS 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES MIN:24 MAX:31

MIN:24 MAX:30

MIN:24 MAX:30

MIN:24 MAX:30

MIN:24 MAX:30

MIN:24 MAX:30

MIN:24 MAX:30

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.58 LOW: n/a HIGH: 12.49 HIGH: n/a

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 6.06 LOW: 22.21 HIGH: 14.25 HIGH: n/a

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.09 LOW: 15.31 HIGH: 8.03 HIGH: 22.46

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.23 LOW: 16.21 HIGH: 9.42 HIGH: 23.11

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.13 HIGH: 17.06 HIGH: 10.47 LOW: 23.42

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.58 LOW: 17.49 HIGH: 11.43 HIGH: n/a

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.17 LOW: 12.34 HIGH: 6.42 HIGH: 18.31

NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

The Cairns Local News Success story TANYA MURPHY AS 2020 draws to a close, the team at Cairns Local News are celebrating three months in print, since the first edition was published on Friday, September 18, and six months since the first stories were published online in July.

Cairns Local News (CLN) was started by three friends – Cairns local Peter McCullagh, Mareeba local Carl Portella, and website developer Lukas White from Melbourne.

CLN editor Peter McCullagh is a Cairns local of ten years and has worked in marketing and communications for nearly 40 years including in newspaper, television, radio, magazines, digital and consulting positions up and down the East Coast of Australia.

Peter spent many years working for a major multinational publisher, planning and producing many of their publications. This experience and understanding of publishing and readership steers much of the look and feel of Cairns Local News.

He ran the communications team at Cassowary Coast Regional Council for 18 months prior to teaming up with Mr Portella to start CLN. “A community newspaper is an invaluable service which gives locals in our community a genuine reputable voice and provides a medium for the stories that the community wants to be told,” he said.

“Cairns, this is your paper. Our team are long-term

locals who live in the community, who listen to what the community want to see in their paper. We hope to portray a wide range of viewpoints in response to the community’s beliefs and needs.

“CLN also creates healthy competition by providing an alternative to the other major newspaper in Cairns, and provides affordable advertising opportunities to help local businesses.

“So far we’ve had an amazing response from the community, who have really embraced the paper, and it’s only been a matter of months, so we’re looking forward to growing even more in 2021.”

“With an extensive distribution area, covering Cooktown to Cassowary Coast, CLN is rapidly becoming the source of community stories for thousands of Far North Queenslanders.

“A strong feature of CLN and a core value for the paper is a dedication to positively showcasing our region, the people and their stories.”

Mr Portella, who has lived in Mareeba since the age of four, worked for the Tablelands Advertiser for 15 years including five years as the manager, before leaving to start Mareeba Express.

Within a few years, the Advertiser and all other News Limited community newspapers in the region closed down. But the Express has continued to grow, expanding from a circulation of 9000 papers to just under 15,000 and dou-

Cairns Local News

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Celebrating three months in print

CAIRNS LOCAL NEWS TEAM: Business marketing manager Steve Andrews, administration officer Lisa Harris, journalist Tanya Murphy, business marketing manager Kath MacLean, business marketing manager Denis Olsson, and editor Peter McCullagh at the Cairns Local News office. (Absent) freelance journalist Nicole Gibson, graphic designer Michele Jules. bling their staff this year.

The closure of News Limited’s ‘Cairns Sun’ in recent years left the Cairns community without a free community newspaper. Due to the popularity of the Express across the region, Mr Portella started to receive requests to start a similar free independent community newspaper in Cairns.

“The success of the Express while several other newspapers owned by a multinational corporation have closed down in recent years, proves there is a big demand for free, locally and independently-owned community newspapers with a focus on ‘local people, local stories,’” he said.

The CLN office will be closed from Saturday December 19 and reopen on Monday January 4, however the editor Peter McCullagh can be contacted on his mobile for the full duration of the period, on 0478 413 627.

CLN will continue to publish news articles on the website daily, in addition to publishing a digital-only edition each week.

CLN wishes all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

Meet the CLN Team

MANY people on our social platforms have been asking who the team are working behind the scenes at CLN, so without further ado allow us to introduce ourselves!

Joining editor Peter McCullagh in the newsroom is journalist Tanya Murphy.

Tanya studied journalism at Curtin University in Perth and was editor of a rural community newspaper in Western Australia before moving to Cairns nine years ago to pursue her passion for scuba diving. Since then she’s been working as a diving instructor at the Great Barrier Reef. In her spare time, she volunteers in marine conservation, and also moonlights as a professional singer and musician.

“I’m really excited at the opportunity to return to community news with the opening of CLN this year. I absolutely love getting out in the community to find out what’s happening and help raise the profile of some of the amazing people and events in town,” she said.

Nicole Gibson, a Cairns local of 24 years, has joined the team as a freelance journalist. She previously

worked for community radio station FM891 and SeaFM and is now studying a bachelor of Professional Communications. She is a self-confessed chocolate and dog lover of the northern beaches.

Kath MacLean, a Cairns local of 16 years, joins the team as business marketing manager. She has decades of experience as a business account manager, and was manager of the ‘Cairns Sun’ for five years.

She and her husband also own a florist, Edmonton Flowers.

“I was very disappointed when the Sun closed. It’s imperative that people have the opportunity to read about their own local news and know what’s going on in the community,” said Kath.

“I’m excited to be on board with CLN because it’s a paper that’s driven by what it can do for the community, rather than what the community can do for it.”

CLN’s other marketing managers are Denis Olsson and Steve Andrews. Originally from London, Steve has been in Cairns 14 years and worked as a builder before a near-death experience and life-saving treatment by Cairns hospital staff enabled him a

second chance at life, and he joined CLN. Denis is from Albury, New South Wales where he worked in advertising for the Fairfax-owned Border Mail for 20 years before moving to Palm Cove in 2015 to start the Deli Adrift café. He sold it in 2019 and when he’s not working at CLN he can be found playing squash at Sportsworld, and being a social butterfly in Palm Cove.

Michele Jules, our Graphic Designer and Prepress Professional, is no stranger to the Cairns region and publishing.

Joining the Cairns Post in the 1980’s gave her a solid background in publishing before working her own business in Graphic Design/Publishing for 10 years. She moved to Brisbane with her partner where she continued working within the publishing industry before returning to Far North Queensland and joining us at Cairns Local News.

Lisa Harris joins CLN as administration officer. She grew up in Innisfail and has lived in Cairns for 16 years. Originally an artist, she has brought her creative talents to the newspaper after working in employment services for many years.

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NEWS

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

Rejoice Moyo longs to be reunited with her husband and five children.

Photo: Tanya Murphy

Help sought to reunite family Olds calls for TANYA MURPHY

A grief-stricken mum who has been separated from her husband and five children for nine months due to the international travel restrictions of COVID-19 is fundraising to bring them to Australia so they can be reunited.

Rejoice Moyo, a physiotherapist with 13 years experience, moved to Australia from Zimbabwe on a skilled migrant visa this year after being hired and sponsored

by Pro Active Physiotherapy in Whitfield.

She arrived in March to start her new job, and the plan was for her family to join her six weeks later when the school term finished, but this dream was crushed when COVID-19 lockdowns hit.

Nine months later, the heart-broken Ms Moyo is still waiting for her family to join her as they cannot afford the huge and unexpected increase in flight costs.

Time is of the essence as Ms Moyo’s husband runs a driving school in Namibia but the family’s working visa for Namibia will run out at the end of December and they will have to return to Zimbabwe, causing a further loss of income.

Ms Moyo said flight prices fluctuated and were sometimes as high as $6000 per person, not to mention the cost of quarantine.

Ms Moyo’s five children are Emmanuel, 15, Precious, 12, Sandiselwe, 10, Prince, 6 and Sean, 3.

“We saved for years and had all the necessary visas in place to achieve our dream of moving to Australia to secure a better future for our kids,” she said.

“Now, it’s been nine months since I’ve seen them and it’s got harder and harder with each passing day.

“My youngest, Sean, is only three and sometimes he doesn’t want to talk to me, or he asks his father to help him go and look for his mother because he doesn’t understand where I’ve gone.

“I’m trying to keep my head above water and function at work, but it’s so heartbreaking to not know when I will be able to see them again.”

Ms Moyo said the Cairns community had been very welcoming to her and helped her get through the past few months.

“I love Cairns, and I love my job. I’ve met some wonderful compassionate people

who have helped to keep me going through all of this.

People here have been very open-hearted and open minded.”

Pro Active Physiotherapy owner Julie Faulks said it had been a pleasure employing Ms Moyo whose skills were highly sought-after.

“Experienced physiotherapists are very thin on the ground in Australia, and when I interviewed Ms Moyo she was the perfect candidate. She had completed all the necessary exams and background checks to work in Australia, so I had no hesitation about sponsoring her to come and work for us,” said Pro Active Physiotherapy owner Julie Faulks.

“Africa has a high standard of training for physiotherapists and Rejoice’s experience makes her an asset.

“She’s a lovely person and her patients here just adore her. We’ll all be overjoyed if she can be reunited with her family.”

It was Ms Moyo’s colleagues who suggested that she start a Go Fund Me campaign, which to date has raised $3600 of a $25,000 goal. To donate, search for “Rejoice Moyo” on www.gofundme.com

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NICOLE GIBSON

IN response to Cairns Local News’s story on youth crime at Coastwatchers Skate Park, Councilor Brett Old’s is advising concerned residents to start a petition.

Councilor Old’s was in favour of a hardcopy petition over an online one due to their potential to be corrupted with fake signatures.

“Going out there and getting actual, physical signatures on paper saying we want this fixed and taking it to Craig Crawford directly and saying you’re our elected representative, we want you to go down to Brisbane to Cabinet and beat the drum for us,” he said.

Last week, Cairns Local News revealed the extent of crime at the park which has left many parents too afraid to let their children visit the park and business owners thousands of dollars out of pocket from ongoing attacks.

Residents are calling for a range of measures to address the issue including tougher punishments for offenders and more police.

Cairns Local News contacted Minister for Barron River Craig Crawford’s office last week for an update on when locals could expect the pre-election promise of 150 new police officers for the region.

In an emailed response, he stated that resourcing was a matter for the Police Commissioner however a media release received from Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt’s office this week announced the imminent arrive of two new police officers for the Smithfield branch.

The Cairns Crime and Justice Action Group (CJAG) said they had also reached out to the Trinity Beach community and were making inroads to support them with advocacy and

lobbying at the appropriate levels.

While more police were always welcomed, CJAG spokesperson Aaron McLeod said the size of the Northern Beaches Region posed challenges.

“The Northern Beaches is a significant geographical area and while it’s always good to get extra police on the beat unless they are specifically stationed at Trinity Beach at a police beat then the two officers are not going to contribute substantially to the nature of this type of youth crime,” Mr McLeod said.

In his office’s email to Cairns Local News last week Minister Crawford said a new mobile police beat was earmarked for the Cairns Northern Beaches as part of the pre-election commitment.

NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

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There is snow place like home TANYA MURPHY For Andrea and Alan Attree, decorating their house with Christmas lights is more than a hobby – it’s a way bring joy to others, especially children.

Their walk-through winter display on Wirrah Street in Bayview Heights has cost them thousands of dollars, and takes months of planning and construction every year, not to mention the effort of setting up and packing away fragile display items every evening during December, but they

say the reactions from children and adults alike make it all worth it.

“We started with a couple of window silhouettes and a couple of rope lights eight years ago, and now we have thousands of dollars worth of stuff. It’s addictive,” said Ms Attree.

“But it’s addictive in a good way because we love seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces and the squeals from the kids.”

The display now receives hundreds of visitors every December, with Mr and Mrs Attree sitting in their front

yard each night to welcome people to take a selfie in the reindeer-drawn sleigh while getting showered by ‘snow’ from the snow machine.

Ms Attree is also the voluntary administrator of ‘Christmas Lights Around Cairns’, a Facebook page which provides a free and non-competitive list of Christmas light displays around Cairns throughout the month of December to enable locals to do self-drive tours.

Since starting in 2011, the page now has more than 10,000 followers and Ms Attree said the number of peo-

ple decorating their houses had continued to grow, with 164 houses on last year’s list.

“The numbers are down a little this year, as no doubt some people are struggling financially due to COVID-19, but we still have more than 100 streets from 20 suburbs on the list, which is an amazing effort,” said Ms Attree.

Anyone who has put up Christmas lights can nominate their address or street to be included on the list by messaging the Facebook page.

Since taking over as admin in 2013, Ms Attree has voluntarily travelled hundreds of kilometres in her car and has spent hundreds of hours

documenting the displays by photographing and taking videos and uploading them to the page.

“Not everyone can make it to see the lights, for example people who are sick or elderly, stuck in hospitals and nursing homes, or shift workers, and that’s why I came up with the idea to post pictures on the page so everyone can have a chance to enjoy them,” said Ms Attree.

“It also makes it fair, so everyone who decorates their house can have their efforts appreciated, no matter how humble.

“The page slogan is ‘no display too big or too small.’

Christmas is about happiness. I don’t believe it should be a competition.”

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NEWS

Cairns Local News

A healthy result PETER MCCULLAGH

IN 2016 the Cairns Hinterland Hospital Health Service faced an 80 million dollar deficit, this week they announced a balanced budget.

According to CHHHS chief executive Tina Chinery efficiencies in procurement and waste reduction are some of the key reasons for the turnaround in the financial position of the Health Service.

The CHHHS ended the 2019-20 financial year with an operating surplus of $60,000 compared with an operating deficit of $9.1milloion in the previous year.

Chief Executive paid tribute to the efforts of staff over the past year in managing the balance between delivering essential health services and being ready for COVID-19 cases.

“Our focus in the second half of the financial year shifted to the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery with work also focusing on the continued delivery of essential health services.”said Ms Chinery.

Ms Chinery said despite the budget savings, patient

services had increased in the 2019/20 period.

“Increased cost of transport, PPE and general goods and services over the pandemic period may have offset any savings that might have been made due to the downturn in patient activity reducing the opportunity to deliver some saving strategies,” the report stated.

The service received a budget of more than a $1bn from the state in 2019/20.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019-20 there was a 16 per cent increase in the number of telehealth consultations with 1178 more than the previous year.

The median emergency department waiting time was 14 minutes, the same as the previous year.

CHHHS Board Chairman Clive Skarott said the period was one of unexpected challenges and “extraordinary achievements”.

“Our end-of-financial year break-even result marks the successful end of our three-year plan to return to a balanced budget.” said Mr Skarott.

Friday December 18, 2020

Mum’s not the boss PHIL BRANDELL A CAIRNS mother and daughters’ relationship has come full circle as the mum and one time teacher becomes the daughter’s apprentice.

Jessica Wicks, 28, and has just taken on her mother Sandy Wicks, 55, as an adult hair dressing apprentice at her business Elise Roy Hair Designers in Westcourt.

Sandy had been a teacher for over 30 years across the Far North, including teaching her daughter at a number of Cairns High Schools.

While teaching her daughter she never thought that 30 odd years later that she would end up becoming her daughter’s student.

Sandy said her circumstances changed and that teaching was becoming quite stressful.

“We were talking at the basin one day and I jokingly said I should be your apprentice,” she said.

“A few days later we chatted a bit more and I admitted that one day I would like to open a mobile salon that vis-

Jessica Wicks who has just taken on her mother Sandy Wicks as her apprentice its the elderly so that I can do their hair and nails and visit people who are lonely.

“We crunched some numbers and we thought let’s do this, so I resigned from teaching in July and I started the apprenticeship in August.

I’m now a first hair dressing apprentice at 55.”

Sandy said that she gets a different type of satisfaction from working as hairdresser.

“When people come into the salon they are smiling and grateful, with students it’s not until after they left school that they thank you,” she said.

“Having my daughter as my boss was scary to start with as she is a very strong-

willed young lady.”

Jess admits in the beginning it was hard separating their mother and daughter relationship. “It was hard at the start, during business hours we are staff and boss and after hours we are mother and daughter. I actually really love it,” she said.

“At work we call each at by our first names and then as soon as we knock off we give each other a kiss and a hug and go home.

“Sometimes I can be tough on my mum, so I have to make sure that I treat my mum like any other employee.”

Sandy said she has no

regrets about becoming her daughters apprentice at 55.

“Five months in I really like what I’m doing it,” she said.

“With COVID I feel like a lot of people are now making decisions to change their life.”

Jess said that their relationship has now come full circle. “It’s really cool that she taught me at school and now I get to teach her,” Jess said.

“There’s not many salons that would put on an adult apprentice, as they do cost more so being able to do that for my mum was really nice.”

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Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

|7

Man arrested for digging beach sand TANYA MURPHY

Holloways Beach residents Matt Male and Bob Rankin at the site of the alleged crime against beach sand PHOTO: Tanya Murphy

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Last Sunday a Holloways Beach man refused to take his spade home and stop playing in the sand at the beach, much to the angst of a construction worker who came to stomp on his excavations and the local police who proceeded to arrest him.

Matt Male was among Holloways Beach locals attempting to dig a channel in the sand between Barr Creek and the ocean when he was arrested on Sunday December 13.

Cairns Regional Council contracted Davbridge Construction to begin building a pedestrian and cycling path over the creek in September, and placed signs stating that it is prohibited for anyone to dig a channel between the creek and the ocean. They also placed a surveillance camera.

According to conditions of approval placed on the project by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), bridge construction would have to be delayed until February if river flow is re-established, “to minimise the impacts on fish migration, fish spawning and the flowering and fruiting of marine plants.”

Unaware of this, Mr Male said the group of locals just wanted to let some water in to refresh the declared fish habitat and keep the fish alive, as it was starting to stagnate and smell.

“The creek has been blocked off by sand build-up for months, and myself and quite a few other locals were a bit worried about it being blocked off for so long.

“One of us placed a peg in the creek which showed over the weeks that it was steadily retreating, showing that it was not being replenished by rain or high tides.

“Quite a few of us emailed council several times asking for it to be opened up, but when this was unsuccessful we decided to go down with shovels and open it up ourselves.

“The last time a few years back when it was blocked off for too long during summer months, it absolutely reeked and dead fish were starting to pop up floating on the water, so we got together with kids and families and dug a channel, and nobody got arrested for it back then.”

After several hours’ digging on Saturday night and Sunday morning, the channel of approximately 50 metres in length was almost complete when the Davbridge Project manager appeared on the scene and called the police.

“The Davbridge Project manager came and told us to stop, and started trying to fill in the trench by stomping down the walls,” said Mr Male.

“I said, what’s illegal about digging in the sand? And the police put handcuffs on me and took me to the watch house in the city.

“After about an hour they released me because they couldn’t figure out how to charge me with anything.

What would they charge me with? Wilful damage to beach sand?

“I’m surprised they were so heavy handed about it consid-

ering locals have opened up the channel in the past with no problems.”

Cairns Regional Council General Manager of Infrastructure Services Bruce Gardiner said the creek was a natural waterway and it was natural for the creek mouth to close during dry periods and open when freshwater flows or sea conditions allowed.

“While the State Government has responsibility for the management of waterways, with the bridge construction underway, Council officers have been monitoring the condition of the waterway,” he said.

“Observations last week indicated that the aquatic life was not in distress, which is one visual indicator used to assess the health of a waterway.

“Council does have a permit to allow it to undertake works at the creek mouth, however several trigger criteria must be met before these can be used and these conditions have not been observed.

“During discussions with State agencies, the consensus was that the creek should be left to open or close naturally based on weather and local conditions.”

Mr Male said this hands-off approach was unusual since council regularly opened other creeks and carried out sand-moving works in the Northern Beaches.

NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

EMPOWERED PEOPLE

|9

NICOLE GIBSON TRADITIONAL owners in Nyungkal near Cooktown are taking control of their land and people through a community-driven initiative that will provide banyan (housing), jobs, enterprise and a return to country for their clan.

In conjunction with Queensland Logging Company, the community has established a positive selective harvesting timber project which looks at the ongoing sustainable cutting of their homeland timbers.

The project is designed to empower Nyungkal people, providing connection and culture while addressing social determinants that affect Indigenous people.

In addition to housing, the timber will be sold and royalties used to facilitate on country economic development, cultural growth, healing and health infrastructure to support closing the gap.

Traditional owner Debbie Fullagar was nominated to support the elders with this project and act on their behalf to establish it.

“Traditional elders’ would like to offer their young generation the opportunity to connect to our land and live back on country away from the overcrowding in community, poor employment, violence, substance abuse,” she said.

“This project will support employment for our people, create opportunities for other projects on land, opportunities for tourism, enterprise, healing and lots more.”

Enterprise aspects of the project include tourism-related endeavours with plans for tours and cultural camps in the community as we as opportunities for artists to use milled timbers to make traditional crafts and hunting tools to sell.

Ms Fullagar said these types of projects also helped to address social and emotional wellbeing of their community and teach the next generation to respect country and learn to connect.

“With ongoing support from community and good partnership with services we the Nyungkal clan can stand

strong and empower our people to help themselves become self-sufficient and have better life for the future,” she said.

Sustainability is at the heart of the project which will see the community become completely self-sustaining from creating market gardens to provide food for families and spaces for traditional healing and health services.

“Our long-term goals will be to move people back on land, create long term wag-

es jobs on country, share the knowledge and growth of what elders are truly about, create our own arts & craft resources for selling to tourists, run healing programs for family men’s & women’s business, and protect our Nyungkal land as traditional owners.” Ms Fullagar said.

The project currently employs eight Nyungkal men who are undergoing on country skills building including sawmilling and timber and

tree species identification, with Queensland Logging Company.

They will also be involved in the construction of housing.

The group is hoping to have six built by June, 2021 with most Traditional Owners and elders currently living at Wujal community or on land in tents and humpies.

Queensland Logging Company co-owner Kim Dempsey said they were inspired to get involved in the project to help the Nyungkal community get

back on country and provide for future generations.

“We met with a couple of the TO’s and Elders and said you guys can use your resource on your resource on your land which is sacred and healing to you to build your own bayans and then you’re not only doing that, you’re teaching the next generation how to build,” she said.

People or organisations wanting to support the project can call Ms Fullagar 0449 519 390.

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NEWS

Cairns Local News

Tis the season to be giving NICOLE GIBSON

LOCAL food charity, Rosie’s are seeking donations of ‘little luxuries’ as well as essentials for their Christmas day lunch which provides celebration and community for those who are not in a position to provide for themselves.

The organisation which operates three nights a week providing a food service to homeless and disadvantaged locals is expecting to cater for around 50 people at its Barlow Park location this year.

Community coordinator Werner Rossbach said the idea behind the service was not just about feeding people but also connection.

“The whole idea is not just about the feeding, that is an aspect of it but for people when they are down on their luck what they’re really looking for is somebody to con-

nect with,” he said.

“Fellows that are in the same area and at least they can have a chat and we afford them the opportunity to bring them together and that’s why we are called friends on the street.”

Rosie’s patron, former chef, Simon has been using the service on and off for about five years now after a bush walking accident left him an amputee.

Unable able to get work as a result, Simon’s life took a downward spiral which saw him become homeless.

He said the Rosie’s crew were fantastic and provided an invaluable service to him.

“It’s good to know that someone’s there to help out,” Simon said.

“You’ve got a meal at night and they give you enough to have a meal the next morning, they help you out with hygiene packs and blankets

Friday December 18, 2020

Community coordinator Werner Rossbach and Simon

Rotary Connecting Cairns members Marcus Curtis-Hill, Jordon Dodge, Greg Curtis-Hill putting care packages together for the homeless.

Toiletry packs for the homeless

and all sorts of things.

While Rosie’s provided a food service Mr Rossbach said it was very important to remember homelessness can happen to anyone so compassion and connection were also a big focus for the organisation.

“It’s all about a bit of empathy and compassion and

understanding that any one of us can be where he (Simon) is,” he said.

Donations of ‘little luxuries, toiletries and non-perishable food items can be made by ringing Rosie’s on 0437 719 138. Cash donations can be made at rosies. org.au.

ROTARY Connecting Cairns is turning unwanted toiletries into kits for the homeless.

“Whether you’ve accidentally pinched too many hotel toiletries during your travels or if you are a business with expiring stock that you are going to throw away, Rotary Cairns wants it all,” said Rotary Connecting Cairns representative Marcus Curtis-Hill.

Items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, and even washing powder are all put together to make the kits.

“Being without a home without access to a shower is hard enough, so hygiene

products make a great deal of difference to health and wellbeing,” said Mr Curtis-Hill.

“Don’t waste surplus products from hotels. Simply contact Rotary Connecting Cairns to organise delivery to one of our members.

“You can also donate by picking some of these items up in discount stores next time you are shopping. Every little product helps.”

Rotary Connecting Cairns is a non-traditional Rotary (provisional) Club and welcomes new members. To find out more visit www.rotaryconnectingcairns.com

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YOUR VIEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

| 11

TXT the Editor 0438 195 408 WHERE’S ME BIKE SANTA?

HoHoHo Matt.B. check the bottom of the bag of wet coal I left for you under the tree as there’s a picture of your bike being used by my elves. Teach you to be on top of my naughty list.

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS There are many reasons to rejoice at Christmas time: The joy of the whole family coming together, the beautiful decorations at home, especially the Christmas tree, the opening

SANTA WAYNE, North Pole via Woree CHINESE ACTIONS It appears that China is the new bully in the school yard. But perhaps we could have handled the whole affair better. To successfuly negotiate with Chinese we need to ensure we allow room for ‘saving-face’. This has not been done and the blunt approach, which we do not mind has created havoc with our relationship. I hope we can repair this relationship as the consequences are not pleasant.

Want to be heard?

Send a text to the Editor 0438 195 408

W.D, Brinsmead

FRASER ISLAND AND BURNING

TELL ‘EM THEY’RE DREAMING

are not deep enough to satisfy our hearts and they do not

Really JB, Kuranda. Fraser Island Burning and straight away you say because of climate change, Seriously mate, sometimes it pays to watch or read the news, this fire was started due t an illegal camp fire.

allow us fully to experience authentic joy at Christmas.

DB, Mareeba

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Messiah, Jesus

Some people will grasp at anything to try to improve their all consuming climate change theories (JB Kuranda & J PRATT Cairns). The horrific bush fire on Fraser Island was caused by an illegal campfire lit by some fool who was probably trying to live with nature and has now killed it all.

A man’s home is his castle and Council need to realise thats it’s not just bricks and motar. There’s memories, good and bad, emotional and financial attachment to where you live and rough-shod actions can and will destroy lives. It’s too easy to say, ‘they knew about it all along...’ Council back off, this is one fight you do not want.

of presents and the joy that we see on children’s faces.

Those are all very important Christmas traditions, but they

Christ, the Son of God, who is the light of the world. And this light that shone upon the world over 2,000 years ago, continues to shine in a world that has so often been overcome with darkness.

With the constant news of war, natural disasters and a global pandemic that has wreaked havoc on our global community, Christians never cease to proclaim this Light that has come into the world, a light that no one can extinguish, not even death itself.

Christmas gives us all an opportunity once more to welcome that light into our own hearts and to be transformed

BARRY, Earlville DOUBLE ISLAND What’s going on with the reporting of Mr Wu and Double Island, a couple of months back there was a story that this Mr Wu had a lease on Double Island and during his time leasing /now owning was supposed to develop/ make improvements too, etc and had done nothing, also I believe he was hyping everyone up about building a mariner (sic) etc at Palm Cove, reporting should be based on facts, can someone clarify.

Tom, Cairns

by it.

Letting Benny Eh (Sic – Benny Wu) loose in Cairns is not a good idea, look at double Island.

You know, we can sometimes approach Christmas with

N.C. Innisfail

SCOTT, Holloways Beach SKATE PARK VIOLENCE The response from Craig Crawford is appalling. Whilst he takes the matter of law and order seriously he was unable to provide anything more than repeating the commitment of 150 extra police. Massive fail Mr Crawford.

Your community expects more.

MATTHEW, Cairns Poor form Mr Crawford. Step up, give us more police and take the time to represent your community. Your responses are laughable and embarrassing. We have a crime issue that will not go away, and you ignoring your electorate will also not make us go away. Man up, and do something NOW!.

N.K, Trinty Park

such sentimentality that we really forget its true meaning.

It’s not just some nice story, which is meant to make us feel good.

The birth of Jesus changed all of history. God has been made visible in the Christ child, and he came so that we might have life, and have it to the full!

Jesus came so that we might have life in abundance! If we want to really celebrate Christmas, then we have to allow our lives to be transformed by this humble child lying in a manger.

The main reason for our joy is that the only Savior of the world and of humanity was born, the one who alone gives meaning to our human life.

Jesus is not just another messenger of God or one more prophet. He is God Himself who has come among us and has brought the gift of salvation to all humanity.

That’s why we rejoice at Christmas, and that’s why our hearts cannot remain unchanged.

Because if God loved us so much by coming to us in all humility in the Christ child, then we in turn have to respond in love, and make room for him in our lives.

Father Paul Hrynczyszyn, Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church Cairns

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Letters

Got an issue you’re passionate about?

Send a letter to the Editor - letters@CairnsLocalNews.com.au

NOW IS THE TIME FOR GOOD WILL

Like many people today, we have had enough of the bad news and tragedy of 2020. I know we cannot lock ourselves away and ignore what is happening outside our doors, but we would like to invite our community to consider the positives that surround us every day.

Too often the noise and chatter of the bad engulf us and we cannot see the good, hear the good and rejoice in what is good.

Christmas is a time for children, giving and enjoying family.

It’s a time to step away from the selfish, ‘what about me’ scenarios we often find ourselves locked into and focus more on those around us.

It’s time to pay it forward. It’s time to put someone else first.

Time to sit and marvel at the joy we see in children, the laughter and sense chatter that happens between lifelong friends. It’s time to enjoy life and 2020, and not wish for this year to end.

With only 2 weeks to go, let’s all make the next 2 weeks count. Enjoy, slow down, listen and laugh, 2020 can end on a high and 2021 will be a great year.

Merry Christmas and peace and happiness to all.

Michael & Deb Cairrns.

SPEED CAMERAS

It’s about time our politicians got serious about the road toll.

Speed cameras are a revenue raiser, not a deterrent.

You can be snapped speeding and 2 week later you get your fine in the mail. But have you slowed down in the past 2 weeks? Most likely not, because you did not know you had been snapped speeding.

If you are pulled over by a policer officer and issued with a fine, you WILL slow down. If you see a police car on the road you do check you speed and slow down.

What will reduce the road toll is greater police presence and not speed cameras.

We need more police on the street and less covert cameras.

Love to hear what the three local members think about this idea.

JOHN, Cairns North.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1914 during World War I there was a now famous Christmas truce in the trenches between the British and the Germans.

They exchanged gifts across a neutral no man’s land, played football together, and decorated their shelters.

You can read more about it in the book “Silent Night: The Christmas Truce” by Stanley Weintraub.

12 |

Cairns Local News

NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Modern technology: about as popular as COVID in an elevator WAYNES WORLD Hi Tropicairnians, Many a heated conversation has been started at the dinner table by this topic. But this topic sometimes is ignored because too many millennials at the table are too busy on their mobile phones.

So obviously this important discussion happens only with us older more sage individuals.

Is life better with mobile phones?

Originally we had the good old dependable landline phones, which I reckon was fantastic because all you had to do to be out of contact is walk outside and bingo no phone contact. Or if you wanted to you could lift the handset off the base and instantly to callers you were popular as all heck and yakking on the phone. Then some numpty geeks invented the cordless phone and quicker than getting kicked

by Skippy we lost that free-

dom.

When the mobile phone was first introduced to the general public they were commonly referred to as bricks, a fitting name as that is basically what they were.

Now these bricks did the job we wanted them for; making phone calls for when we were on work sites or in an emergency situation and they were virtually indestructible for I don’t know how many times mine dropped from decent heights and always worked. Now at the onset on this luxury was very expensive to use, especially if your kids got hold of it to make calls to mates.

Now we have this thing they refer to as the smart phone that these millennials wanted; fitted with cameras, recorders, MMS, SMS, Email, Maps, GPS and so much more crap in such a little flimsy expensive unit.

Now I don’t know about you but having some huge companies knowing every

step I take, every word or thing I peruse and every place I visit makes me uncomfortable. But crikey I feel that I am walking around naked if by some stupid memory loss the phone is left at home and no one can contact me for probably some idiotic suggestion or Nigerian Prince’s request for my bank details so they can give me millions of dollars.

Too late now to reverse the clock; and have person to person conversations at restaurants.

Millennials your pursuit of technology makes you as popular as COVID in an elevator.

Let’s wind back the technology and sit down face to face and chat, you know, real words and emotions, not emoji and Egyptian hieroglyphs shorthand.

Handy hint – a postie whistle is a great greeting for those pesky oversea evening calls.

Wayne.

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NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

New dialysis hub a ‘force’ for good Retail

award for unsung hero

THE Force is strong in Cairns South, with a dozen dialysis machines now in use to help treat patients suffering chronic kidney disease.

The Cairns South Health Facility has opened its doors to about 12 patients a day, who will be using the $14.9 million building constructed along Walker Rd in Edmonton as a renal dialysis hub.

The facility has 12 kidney dialysis machines that were installed within the past month, each named after a character from interstellar movie franchise, Star Wars.

These range from the wellknown Wookie, Chewbacca, Jedi Master Yoda, through to fan-favourite Boba Fett.

“We can have patients as young as 18, right through to their 90s,” said CHHHS Nursing Unit Manager of Renal Satellites, Karen “Fred” Griffiths.

“Whenever we get a new fleet of dialysis machines, we have to name them for the unit.

“Star Wars is such a multi-generational phenomenon, I thought it would appeal to everyone.

“A lot of our patients will be coming in with young children, and there may be a lot of older fans of Star Wars as well, because it takes them

CHHHS’ Nursing Unit Manager of Renal Satellites, Karen “Fred” Griffiths, assists Storm Trooper Dave, with kidney dialysis at the new Cairns South Health Facility back to their childhood.”

There are seven staff working in the new dialysis facility, which is designed to cater for the needs of patients in the growing southern corridor of Cairns, six days a week.

In an Australian first, the facility has also been designed to be converted from a community health facility,

into an emergency response pending cyclone season. medical centre during natural “Just like the Rebellion disasters. held off the Imperial attack During emergency mode, on Endor in the Return of at least 48 health care staff the Jedi, Cairns South will can be on-site with up to 28 help protect our city during a treatment spaces and an ad- severe weather event,” Mrs ditional triage and fast track Griffiths said. area supported by x-ray and “We feel absolutely ready pharmacy facilities. for anything that can be It is ready to tackle the im- thrown at us.”

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CAIRNS local Georgina Twomey was recognised on December 3 as one of the top five national finalists in Cairns local Georgina Twomey Australia Post’s Online Retail Industry Association Awards C&L Tool Centre, Payday (ORIAS).

Deals, Knobby Underwear The Managing Director and A1 Motorcycles. of North Queensland’s Alive “You have to be across Pharmacy Warehouse Group all aspects of your business competed against large na- to really be innovative – tional retailers across indus- from purchasing, marketing, tries to be recognised for human resources, change her work in making business management, finances to possible and supporting local strategy,” she said. patients through Alive Phar“We’ve implemented our macies during what has been reinvigorated e-commerce a tumultuous year. and our medications manThe Unsung Hero award agement app this year to recognised how Ms Twom- help our patients and cusey, and the Alive Pharmacy tomers no matter which Warehouse team were able channel they choose to to use innovative thinking, shop through. inspiring resilience, and “We couldn’t have been gut-busting hard work to ser- innovative without our vice the North Queensland wonderful Alive Pharmacy community in 2020.

Warehouse team.

Ms Twomey said she was “They are the true unpleased that Alive Pharmacy sung heroes, passionately Warehouse was able to place serving the local community as a top five finalist against every day. large national retailers who Alive Pharmacy has 11 dominate the digital space, stores across Cairns and including Cue, Esther & Co, Gladstone.

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NEWS

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

Beware of on-line scams TANYA MURPHY A CAIRNS local is warning others to “buy local” this Christmas after she was scammed on three occasions by online sellers who sent her dodgy products.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed recently that losses to online shopping scams have increased 42 per cent this year, and the ACCC’s Scamwatch is warning Australians to be careful when buying gifts this holiday season.

“After following links from an ad on Facebook marketplace I was led to websites which looked professional and legitimate,” said Mrs Hamey.

“Though I don’t like giving out my credit card details online, I thought I would be safe by using PayPal. “It wasn’t until the packages arrived that I realised they had come from China and when I opened them they

Brenda Hamey ordered an electric hand saw like the one pictured, but ended up with something completely different.

DID YOU KNOW?

were nothing like what I had ordered.”

One was a Christmas ornament which was intended as a gift for a child, but all that arrived was a picture of the ornament rather than the ornament itself.

Another was a battery-operated electric hand-saw which she hoped to use to prune trees in her garden, but the product which arrived was nothing like the one advertised.

“I spent countless hours on the phone to the companies I had purchased the products from, and also with PayPal, but in the end the cost of postage to return the products would have been more than the refund,” said Mrs Hamey.

“I’ve given up on getting my money back, and I feel silly for being scammed, but I want to raise awareness to stop other people from making the same mistake.

“Buy local this Christmas and avoid the headache.

“I went to Bunnings and bought an electric hand saw there, and it cost a bit more but at least I know it has a six-year warranty.”

Scamwatch has received over 12,000 reports of online shopping scams so far this year, with almost $7 million in reported losses.

“More people have been shopping online this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and scammers are now targeting people doing their Christmas shopping, including in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“Scammers create fake websites that look like genuine online stores, offering products at very low prices and victims will either receive a fake item or nothing at all.

“Watch out for popular products being sold at prices much lower than on other websites, and do your research by checking independent reviews of online stores.”

The image of Santa Claus flying his sleigh began in 1819 and was created by Washington Irving, the same author who dreamt up the Headless Horseman.

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DRAMATIC vision of a young child with a suspected Irukandji sting and his mother being airlifted from Fitzroy Island to Cairns Hospital was captured last Saturday.

While Queensland Health could not confirm the nature of the diagnosis for privacy reasons, it is a timely reminder for residents to be taking precautions.

Professor Jamie Seymour from the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine said they had been capturing the creatures for several weeks now and no

one should be in the water without a wetsuit.

“You shouldn’t be swimming in the water without a stinger suit on, it’s really that simple,” he said.

“The weather certainly suggests that there are numbers of them about and we’ve been catching them for about six or seven weeks now.

“If you are swimming on the beach you should be swimming between the flags in the stinger nets and talking to life guards.”

Professor Seymour said lycra stinger suits were the best form of protection and

advised swimmers to ensure the suits were well maintained.

“Like all things if an animal manages to get between you and the suit it’s going to cause some damage,” he said.

“So, it’s just a matter of making sure there’s no holes or rips in it and that zips and things are done up and you’re just careful getting in and out of the water and taking it off.”

If anyone suspects they have been stung by one of the creatures Professor Seymour said to seek urgent medical attention.

NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Even tinkerbell needs a plan PETER MCCULLAGH

PETS are important members of the family too and need to be covered in any emergency preparations.

Ensure that any plans you make regarding evacuation with your pet include a pet friendly destination/shelter location.

Remember, Public Cyclone Shelters and Places of Refuge will not permit

Cairns Local News animals to enter other than trained assistance animals.

Your emergency kit should contain supplies for your pet, including food, water, medications, lead, harness, collar, bedding and a carry cage or similar.

Your pet should also be properly identified includ-

“

Ensure you have the telephone number for your veterinarian or animal welfare agency in your household emergency kit.

“

ing contact phone numbers, name and home address.

Ensure your dogs are registered with your local council as well as microchipped. This is important if you and your pet are separated during an emergency.

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Cats may also need to be registered with your local council, check regulations in advance.

Microchipping is essential for cats as well as your dogs.

Even if your pets are not cats and dogs, this suggested information could be generally applied to most household pets.

If your pets include horses, ensure you move your horses to higher ground or if possible float them away from danger and agist them in an area protected from any natural disaster.

Ensure you have the telephone number for your veterinarian or animal welfare agency in your household emergency kit.

Never leave an animal tied up or chained without shelter and bedding, as well as food and clean fresh water.

If you have to evacuate your property and leave a pet behind, take the time to ensure its safety is protected, thereby reducing the stress upon family as they leave their beloved pet behind.

It is preferable to make alternative arrangements for animals before a natural disaster strikes.

For more information on how you should plan and prepare visit the www.getready.qld.gov.au

16 |

NEWS

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

MARANO EXPANDS

Mossman’s festive weekend

MARANO Fuel opened their latest and largest, petrol service station in Edmonton last weekend.

On hand to assist with the opening were players from the Seaswift Northern Price.

The petrol station, on the Bruce Highway at the corner of Thomson Road and opposite the Hambleton Hotel, features sit-down cafe-style dining, an on-site chef, heavy vehicle access and a trucker’s shower.

Located on the left-hand side as you drive south, the service station plans to employ up to 20 locals.

Marano’s Fuel Chief Executive Officer is proud of their latest servo.

“This is our biggest ever servo and will create up to 20 jobs for locals.

“We’re proud to provide a locally owned, independent service for the local community.”

MARANO’S BIGGEST: Fuel depot manager Adam Psarros and staff Martin Gartrell and Jacqui Courte at their new edmonton servo

Locals and customers celebrated the opening with a sausage sizzle with the Northern Pride players along with games and activities with the players.

THE excitement and magic of Christmas hits Mossman this weekend with the Douglas Street Festival kicking off at 6pm tonight and virtual Christmas carols tomorrow.

It is the first time since 2007 the festival has been held in Mossman with the Douglas Shire Council, local traders and the Douglas Chamber of Commerce coming together to organise the Front St event.

The street will be buzzing with free rides for the kids, market stalls, food trucks, and entertainment including carol singers and performances by local artists.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he expects a magical night.

“Needless to say, it’s been a tough year for this region, and the Douglas Street Festival allows us to unite in Christ-

mas spirit and good cheer,” he said.

“With rides for the kids, a raft of entertainment, plenty of food & drink and last-minute Christmas shopping – there is something for everyone.”

A detour will be in place along Wilson Street and Williams Street during the event, with Front St closed to all traffic both ways from Mill St to Bow St. Douglas Shire Councillor Peter McKeown said it would be a true celebration.

“We are excited to bring back the Christmas Street Festival to Mossman,” he said.

“It was always a big night many years ago and lots of locals got involved. I see it as a good opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season.

“We encourage everyone to come and join in the festiv-

ities – bring your friends, family, kids - and if you’re visiting the region, come and join us for a special Christmas night in Mossman.”

The Virtual Christmas Carols tomorrow are another key feature of the region’s festive program.

The Douglas Theatre Arts Group’s talented choir and solo artists will be performing Christmas classics in various locations throughout the Shire which will be streamed online.

The Carols will be hosted on Douglas Shire Council’s YouTube from 4pm and also available to view via their website and Facebook page.

For any questions, please contact Douglas Shire Council on 4099 9444 or email enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au

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NEWS

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

The jewel in Cairns’ Arts Crown A CENTURY after it was constructed, Cairns Regional Council this week unveiled the refurbished and restored Cairns Court House, returning the building to its architectural glory days and preserving an important part of the city’s history.

His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, was joined by Cairns Mayor Bob Manning at a special function at the refurbished Court House to officially open the building.

Built from 1919-1921, Council acquired the site in 2016 for $5.75 million and has spent $8.28 million to restore the building, which was heritage listed in 1992.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning stressed the importance of returning such a significant building to public ownership.

“This will ensure it will be properly protected and celebrated, given an appropriate place in our city’s history, and take its rightful place alongside our other heritage civic buildings,” Cr Manning said.

“Old buildings serve as a reminder of a city’s past and provide a window into its cultural identity, which is why the restoration of heritage sites, such as this one, is essential in preserving of our city’s past.”

A grant of $2.1 million from the Australian Government’s Regional Jobs Investment Package (RJIP) assisted with the project.

Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the project significantly contributed to the goal of Cairns’ status as the Arts and Cultural Capital of Northern Australia.

“The project has increased the available space for the co-located Cairns Regional Gallery by creating a large open space for artworks, events and tours and by integrating this development into the vast Gallery precinct in the Cairns CBD,” Mr Entsch said.

“It will also support industry sectors such as creative artists, musicians, writers, performers, professional photographic services, film and video production, architectural services, infrastructure hire,

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and the building and tourism sectors.”

Cr Manning said the building was the cornerstone of the Cairns Gallery Precinct.

“This is stage one of a broader art precinct that will help elevate our city’s cultural standing to the regional arts capital of Northern Australia, and provide a space for our region’s talented artists to showcase their works and entice high quality touring exhibitions,” Cr Manning said.

“It will provide, for the first time, dedicated places in which to highlight our talented indigenous artists and the unique artforms they create.

“This exposure to the national and global stage will drive demand for authentic indigenous art, which will increase the opportunity for employment pathways and hopefully be an inspiration for our youth to pursue creative endeavours.

“Galleries in this new precinct will not only bring people together physically but also culturally.”

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Friday December 18, 2020

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Cairns Local News

PET GIFTS

Unleash the holiday cheer this Christmas With more than 25 million pets in Australia, it’s clear we Aussie’s love our furry, feathered or scaley little friends.

Most owners have now come to see their animals as a family member, rather than just a pet or companion and that means presents!

So, Cairns Local News sought the advice of the city’s top pet people to bring you a list of the best gifts ideas for your pet this Christmas.

Treats and eats Pet Café Cairns owner Danny Reid said treats and eats were a good all-round gift no matter what type of pet you had with Christmas themed treats like advent treat calendars and doggy rocky road some of the more unique offerings this year.

Although, he did caution owners to resist the temptation to over indulge pets with food options.

Tech 4 Pets Johnathan Palmer from Pet Stock Smithfield said 2020 had given rise to an increasing the trend for pet tech.

He said their Tech 4 Pets range has GPS trackers, smart feeders and treat dispensers which let you remotely dispense treats, speak to your pets through the inbuilt microphone and use the HD camera to take screenshots and videos.

Starting at $99.95 appeals most to owners who rate their pet’s wellbeing highly.

Staying Cooling Mr Palmer also said gifts that keep pets cool were high on pet owners wish lists this year. “Lexi + Me Cooling pop-

sicles and Buddy + Belle cooling mats start from just $14.99 and are a great to keep pets cool through the summer months,” he said.

Leads and collars Another popular option was sustainably made leads and collars like the Anipal collars and leads – made entirely from recycled environmental waste.

For an added feel-good factor $17 from every collar purchased and $23 for every lead purchased will be donated to Petstock Assist to help pets & families in need.

Play, swat, scratch For cats in particular owners could find a great range of poles, teasers and scratchers with Petstock’s festive themed 3in1 Play/Swatch/Scratch centre starting at $34.99 and sure to give your feline friend hours of entertainment over the Christmas period.

Kazoo Christmas Foraging Tree Birds also had a great range of options in the Kazoo Christmas bird toy range which includes forging trees, Christmas crackers, bells and balls.

Stocking stuffers Popular with Pet Café customers were stocking stuffers like fluffy toys. Pet Café Cairns owner Danny Reid said these were always good gift options.

See the 2020 Pet Stock Christmas look book www.petstock.com.au

Friday December 18, 2020

REAL ESTATE

Friday December 18, 2020

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MOTOR

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

If it’s flooded, forget it

Road markings IS this motorbike allowed to cross the continuous line to enter into the driveway?

Yes, it’s legal. You can cross a single continuous centre line to enter or leave a road (including entering or leaving a property)—as long as you give way to any oncoming traffic, pedestrians or bicycle riders.

Remember you can’t cross a single continuous centre line to overtake or do a U-turn.

Single continuous centre line left of a broken line You can enter or leave a

property or road by crossing a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken line. You can also cross the line to pass a bicycle rider, provided it is safe to do so.

If you are on the same side of the road as the continuous line you cannot cross the line to overtake or do a U-turn.

Double continuous centre lines You must not cross a double continuous centre line except to safely pass a bicycle rider. More Information can be found at: https://www.qld. gov.au/transport/safety/rules

IF IT’S flooded, forget it, is the safety message for all motorists this summer.

Each year Far North Queensland receives massive amounts of rainfall, much of it in a very short period of time.

As a result we do experience instances of flooding on roads and across bridges.

It is too easy to ignore the dangers and take what appears to be the easy solution and drive through flood waters, oblivious to the dangers associated with doing so.

Each year, firefighters across Queensland rescue more people from water than they do from fires.

When water covers the road we are unable to see any road damage that may have been caused during the flooding. Road damage can include washouts and potholes that can damage or even cause your vehicle to stall, stranding the driver and passengers in flood water that could be rising.

Flood water can also be

fast moving and can easily sweep a vehicle downstream, away from the road and into deeper water.

Flood water is notoriously unpredictable. What can look safe can easily escalate into dangerous conditions.

A seemly calm surface can mask a fast flowing powerful body or water. Even if we feel we know the road, like the back of our hand, we cannot predict what flowing water will do or what is happening underneath.

Water can contain a high level of debris, sharp objects, poisons or sewerage, not to mention the possibility in the north of crocodiles or stingers.

Not exactly the ideal environment to drive with your family.

More than half the flood related deaths are the result of driving through floodwaters so it is not worth the risk.

For more information visit the website: http://floodwatersafety.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

Friday December 18, 2020

INDULGE

Cairns Local News

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www.barefootdrinker.com

CHRISTMAS for most of us means time spent with family and friends, generally trying to keep cool, whilst consuming far too much food, far too much time in the sun, and maybe one too many beers.

Matching food and beverages is all about complementing and enhancing flavours, which is why I generally don’t recommend using low-alcohol beers; the flavours of the food often overwhelm those of the beer.

Most of the people I know spend a lot of time organising how the table looks, when they will eat and what they will eat and then feverishly cooking for days, planning and making sure the table looks perfect and the food is outstanding. But when you spend all that time on the food, what about spending a little thinking about what you serve beside it. Don’t let the food down by serving something that won’t add to the meal.

Here are a few different drops to look for, both in the beer and wine section of your local bottle shop, that will help accentuate those flavours you have strived so hard to create.

OYSTERS:

The classic match with a huge plate of oysters is bubbles or young Chablis/Chardonnay. But a dozen or so oysters matched with a great porter or stout works incredibly well. It’s because the beers have touches of chocolate, coffee, caramels or liquorice to them that enhance the creamy saltiness you find in good, fresh oysters.

Try: Coopers Best Extra Stout: great, robust, mouth-filling flavours. A blend of fruit, chocolate and bitter hop notes that work well with the oysters.

De Bortoli Prosecco: change things up a little and go for this crisp and crunchy prosecco from King Valley. Pears, apples and touches of citrus. Gives a great backdrop to the briny flavours of oysters. Buy a few bottles and have it ready to make a superbly refreshing Aperol Spritz as aperitifs. And put a few aside for around the pool for Boxing Day. $13 Charles de Cazanove Millesime 2007 – a superb vintage sparkling, and with just over ten years of age, now showing toffee and toasty notes, fig and dried apricots with hints of vanillin. On the tongue its surprisingly fresh, with an underlying nuttiness all wrapped around a wonderful acid backbone. As it warms there are notes of buttery brioche, strawberries and cream and light tobacco. Its complex and at RRP $75 is extremely good value, however it’s regularly available at around $50.

Shellfish and Fish: Because the shellfish is light and sweet, you need a drink that is a lighter style, but still carries flavours well. Look for beers that emphasise the sweetness of the malt rather than bitterness of hops.

German Hefeweizen (cloudy wheat beer), Belgian witbier, or lighter-style ales and lagers work well. High acid, citrusy styled riesling and semillon, unoaked chards, bubbles or a good Australian-style savvy work well. If you add things like sweet chilli, try to find something that works with those flavours, if you like the burn of chilli and are doing a hot spicy dish, then going with red wines can accentuate that burn making it linger longer.

Try: Zontes Footsteps Love Symbol Grenache: made more in a feminine style with light raspberries and ripe bright cherries leaping from the glass. Serve it slightly chilled with a massive bucket of sweet chilli prawns. In fact this should be on your shopping list for all summer ‘round. Available at all good bottleshops. RRP$30 White Rabbit White Ale: a Belgian witbier-style drop. Fresh fruity aromas and touches of orange and coriander on the tongue. Gentle bitterness that matches well with the delicate flesh of fresh clean prawns and sand crab.

Pewsey Vale Riesling – Pewsey Vale have been knocking out great wines for many years, and their entry level riesling is one of my go to’s on a wine list. Pure fruit expression, all wrapped around a core of steely acid that makes this range just work with food. If you’re trying to impress the Father-in-Law then drop another $5 for the Pewsey Contours which shows the same flavours, moving more into the lime and marmalade areas except with a little more depth, still the same searing acid.

Rustic Fruit Cake Looking for a very easy fruit cake recipe? This cake is very moist and packed with fruit and flavour.

Preparation time: 10 - 15 minutes Cooking Time: 60 minutes Makes 1 large fruit cake or 6 x smaller cakes Ingredients 1 loaf of raisin bread

1 bag glazed cherries halved

1 cup white sugar

1 cup crushed walnuts

2 cups of mixed fruit

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup of milk

2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

2 eggs beaten into milk

150g melted butter

Chop up the raisin bread into small cubes, and add to large mixing bowl.

Add all other ingredients in no particular order Use fingers to knead the mixture in the bowl until it becomes fully mixed and bread becomes is fully mixed into a smooth-like state.

Spoon mixture into well greased cake tins Do not pack the mixture down in the tins, as the cake does not rise.

Smooth mixture into edges of tin.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees for a fan forced oven.

Add to oven and bake for 1 hour or until skewer is clean when inserted and removed.

Cake should rebound when pressed, if cooked.

Over the Christmas break you can find Cairns Local News Online at >> www.cairnslocalnews.com.au We will be publishing a digital edition on 24th Dec, 1st of Jan, 8th of Jan. Our next printed edition will be Friday January 15th.

The staff at Cairns Local News would like to wish you a Safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

THE RUSTY NAIL is the ultimate scotch cocktail. It’s a very simple mix of scotch and Drambuie that is served on the rocks. It is designed to be a sophisticated, slow-sipping drink, and it’s excellent after dinner.

TO MAKE: Mix equal parts Drambuie with your favorite scotch.

Serve on ice with a twist of lemon or orange

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BOOKS - DVD - MOVIES

Cairns Local News

Killing Time

Jimmy Barnes Tales of adventure, misadventure, love and loss - this collection of non-fiction short stories from the Australian rock legend turned writer is vintage Jimmy.

Friday December 18, 2020

Television

Outrageous, witty, warm and wise, Killing Time shares more than forty yarns reflecting an epic life - from an encounter with a soul legend in Memphis, a night in a haunted studio in upstate New York, and a doomed haircut in Thailand to a madcap misunderstanding in a Japanese ski resort, a family feud on a remote coral atoll, and an all-too-revealing appearance for a Sydney charity.

All Our Shimmering Skies

Trent Dalton The bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe, Trent Dalton, returns with All Our Shimmering Skies - a glorious novel destined to become another Australian classic.

Darwin, 1942, and as Japanese bombs rain overhead, motherless Molly Hook, the gravedigger’s daughter, turns once again to the sky for guidance. She carries a stone heart inside a duffel bag next to the map that leads to Longcoat Bob, the deep country sorcerer who put a curse on her family. By her side are the most unlikely travelling companions: a razor-tongued actress named Greta and a fallen Japanese fighter pilot named Yukio.

‘Run, Molly, run,’ says the daytime sky. Run to the vine forests. Run to northern Australia’s wild and magical monsoon lands. Run to friendship. Run to love. Run. Because the graverobber’s coming, Molly, and the night-time sky is coming with him. So run, Molly, run.

All Our Shimmering Skies is a story about gifts that fall from the sky, curses we dig from the earth and the secrets we bury inside ourselves. It is an odyssey of true love and grave danger; of the darkness and the light; of bones and blue skies. A buoyant, beautiful and magical novel abrim with warmth, wit and wonder, a love letter to Australia and the art of looking up.

FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS Sun Dec 19, SBS 6.25pm Florence Foster Jenkins was an American socialite and amateur soprano who was known, and mocked, for her flamboyant performance costumes and notably poor singing ability. Stephen Pile ranked her “the world’s worst opera singer”.

Florence Foster Jenkins is a 2016 biographical film directed by Stephen Frears and written by Nicholas Martin. It stars Meryl Streep as Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress known for her poor singing. Hugh Grant plays her manager and long-time companion, St. Clair Bayfield. Other cast members include Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Nina Arianda.

A beautiful heart warming tale with amazing characterisation from both Streep and Grant.

Collins Booksellers Smithfield Best Sellers December 7 - December 13, 2020 1. Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland by The Queensland Museum 2. All Our Shimmering Skies - Trent Dalton 3. The Deep End; #15 Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney 4. Bluey - Verandah Santa 5. Killing Time by Jimmy Barnes 6. Our Greatest Story Retold by Stephen Fry 7. Dr Karl’s Surfing Safari by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki 8. The Storm Within by Cameron Smith 9. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart 10. A Life on Our Planet by Sir David Attenborough

NAT KING COLE: AFRAID OF THE DARK NITV Sat Dec 19. 8:35pm Nat King Cole was the only black television star in Hollywood at a time when America groaned under the weight of racial segregation and prejudice. Yet he possessed a natural talent so great that these issues were seemingly swept to one side to allow him to become one of the greatest jazz icons of all time. However, behind closed doors those around him were trying to think of a way to package him as something he was not: bi-white.

This candid account of what really happened in and around his ‘fairytale’ life is taken from his private journals, interviews with his widow Maria and contributions from other family members, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, Harry Belafonte, Nancy Wilson, Sir Bruce Forsyth, George Benson, Aaron Neville, Johnny Mathis and many more.

Featuring archive never seen before, it reveals Nat King Cole’s feelings behind his ultimate calling as a ‘beacon of hope’ to the legions of the oppressed.

PORTILLO’S GREATEST RAIL JOURNEYS SBS Sat Dec 19. 8:30pm Michael Portillo explores how politics, domestic and international, have shaped the railways.

Michael reflects on 180 years of royal fascination with the railways. He recalls King George V and Queen Mary’s Royal Train Tour in 1913 to calm the militant north of England, and the delight of a young Thai prince who received the gift of a working steam train set from Queen Victoria.

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Friday December 18, 2020

Getting the perfect steak every time GETTING your steak just right is an art. You love a deep crisp crust, perfectly pink inside and still juicy as, but how do you do it? Let’s look at how to cook the perfect steak every time.

Room temperature is important Take your steak out of the fridge at least 60 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to come to room temperature.

Having your steak at room temperature will avoid the issue of overcooked on the outside and still very undercooked inside.

Crank up the temperature Steaks need to be seared on the outside. That crust that seals the flavour in and also allows for caramelisation to enhance the flavours.

So never use a low heat.

This will stew the steak and also allow the steak to dry out from overcooking. Get some serious heat into your pan and let the oil heat until almost smoking.

DINING

Cairns Local News

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Leave it alone Please don’t touch it, don’t prod or move it around and do not press down on the steak. You squeeze the juices out and you will dry it out.

Let the streak rest in the pan, give it time to caramelise.

It’s all about timing Different cuts will take different times to cook. Meat with a bone (t-bone or ribeye) will need to cook for slightly longer than a fillet or something thin like a skirt steak.

Avoid cuts reserved for slow-cooking, like chuck or blade. Get a chargrill piping hot – as in let it heat up for 10 minutes kind of piping hot.

Alternatively make sure your bbq grill is preheated to high. There is no point in rushing and having a grey steak.

Dress your steak with olive oil and season. If you are not going crazy with rubs or marinades, then just a coating of extra virgin olive oil and

a generous amount of salt and pepper will do the trick to season.

If you do this ahead, don’t salt the meat as let it sit around for ages and this can toughen the meat. Don’t overcrowd your cooking surface. Make sure there is enough surface area to keep

hot – otherwise you will just end up simmering your steak and ending up with meat chewing gum.

For a 3-4cm thick steak, cook the steak for about 3 ½ minutes on one side turning once halfway about 90 degrees to gain maximum caramelisation.

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Now you can flip and repeat. Your result will be medium-rare. Have a feel of the steak, the more you get familiar with the touch of a rare, medium and well done steak, the better cook you will become! Remember it’s a muscle, so if its firm to touch, you’ve gone too far.

If it feels like a raw steak, well, you do the math. Make sure you rest your steak for half as long as you cooked it, so about 4 minutes, lightly covered in foil. This allows the juices to settle and the muscle fibres to relax, which ensures the steak is tender.

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Cairns Local News

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Friday December 18, 2020

Experience tropical luxury this summer

which can be explored on a Daintree Food Trail self-drive experience. The trail leads you from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation and introduces you to producers of tropical fruits, spices, tea, chocolate, barramundi and honey.

Along the way, visit Cape Trib Farm where fruit picking tours al-

“

The stories of the rainforest people are reflected in their art which can be seen at Janbal Gallery.

“

SUMMER is when the rainforest comes to life in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Warm rains enhance the vibrant greens of the Wet Tropics, cassowaries emerge with their chicks, and waterholes offer an inviting place to cool off.

It’s the ideal time to slow down, enjoy nature and recharge by enjoying modern luxuries like secluded tree houses in the world’s oldest rainforest.

Surround yourself in the World-Heritage rainforest at Mist at Cape Tribulation where modern meets authentic fresh air. This luxury boutique accommodation has large outdoor decks with expansive views, king size beds and pillow menus, lavish bathrooms with walk-in rain showers and special catering options.

The newly renovated Lagoon Bayans at Daintree Ecolodge offer sustainable luxury in a breathtaking location. Rebalance your mind, body and soul at the Daintree Wellness Spa where treatments harness ancient traditions with wild-harvested, pure Australian botanicals.

The area’s Traditional Custodians, the Kuku Yalanji people, call the rainforest ‘Wawu-karrba’ which means ‘healing of the spirit’. The lodge’s private waterfall, which you can visit, has been used by generations of Kuku Yalanji women for healing and spiritual beliefs.

To learn more about the Kuku Yalanji people visit the Mossman Gorge Centre and catch the shuttle service to Mossman Gorge. Walk through the rainforest looking for electric blue Ulysses butterflies and Boyd’s forest dragons and then plunge into the chilly waters of the gorge.

The stories of the rainforest people are reflected in their art which can be seen at Janbal Gallery. Co-owner Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley shows you how to paint your own boomerang or canvas while sharing the stories of his mother, Janbal, whose works can be seen at the gallery bearing her traditional name.

The Daintree offers a variety of experiences to choose from and is home to a range of small farms, fisheries and micro-manufacturers,

low you to taste, touch, smell and enjoy the exotic fruit of the tropics.

Try delicious chocolate pudding fruit, creamy mamey sapote and a fan favourite, breadfruit chips.

Indulge in a classical summer treat at Daintree Ice Cream Co’s where the homemade ice cream, gelatos and sorbets are made using classic artisan methods and working in harmony with the organically grown fruit.

Top your day off with a scenic helicopter flight to experience the rainforest, beaches, waterfalls, and Mossman River from above. GBR Helicopters offer a magical journey through the rainforest stopping for a swim and a gourmet hamper.

To truly understand the tropical plant, bird and animal life of the world’s oldest rainforest join FNQ Nature Tours. The small group and private tours include day and night rainforest walks spotting wildlife as well as special interest tours for birdwatching, conservation and photography.

Friday December 18, 2020

ROM-COM drama on stage at Tanks Arts ANDREA Allumay and Michael Lee Porter will star in the modern musical ‘The Last Five Years’ at the Tanks Arts Centre, opening in January 2021. The much loved and highly regarded local professional performers have collaborated on numerous projects previously including Wicked, the first major production at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. This however, will be the first time they have appeared on stage together.

With a shared love for the production, Andrea and Michael star as Cathy and Jamie in this American musical written by Jason Robert Brown.

“It is an emotionally powerful and intimate show about two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years” said performer and producer, Andrea Allumay.

“Whilst Covid-19 has impacted my profession hugely this year, I was determined

to use the unexpected down time to look into shows I love and see if there was an opportunity to bring any of them to a stage in Cairns, once it was considered safe to do so.

I strongly believe that the performing arts plays a huge part in lifting our spirits. To enjoy some escapism for 90 minutes and be emersed in a wonderful tale, is going to bring a much-needed theatrical fix to so many, regardless of whether they are regular theatregoers or have never been before and are just after something different.

The more I thought about it, the more I realised that The Last Five Years was completely achievable so I set about researching what I needed to do to make it happen.” added Andrea.

This modern production’s unconventional structure unfolds as Cathy (an actress) tells her story in reverse, from the end of their turbulent relationship, whilst Jamie (a

ENTERTAINMENT

Cairns Local News

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The Last Five Years Musical The Tanks Arts Centre

novelist) tells his story chronologically from the spark of their initial meeting. The two characters meet only once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

“I am incredibly excited to be producing and performing in this wonderful modern musical, and to be a part of the revival of live theatre in our community” added Andrea.

Teaming up with Director and performer Michael Lee Porter was a natural first port of call for Andrea with the pair working together on the independent production.

“I’ve been wanting to play the role of Jamie since the cast recording first came out

in 2002. I had the recording on repeat for a long time” said Michael Lee Porter.

“Jason Robert Brown is one of my favourite contemporary Musical Theatre composers. His fiendishly difficult music is a challenge and a delight to sing. I am really excited to bring a Jason Robert Brown Musical to the Far North. It certainly wouldn’t have been achievable had it not been for grants from Arts Queensland and Cairns Regional Council, which we are extremely grateful for.” added Michael.

KEY POINTS WHEN: WHERE: TICKETS: SOCIALS:

January 15,16,17, 22, 23, & 24 Tanks Arts Centre - Tank 5 Tickets available through Ticketlink Facebook @thelastfiveyearscairns

Fri 18 Dec • Dr Elephant 9-12pm Sat 19 Dec • Flavour 9-12pm Thu 31 Dec • DJ B-Sting 9pm > Thu 31 Dec • Dr Elephant 9pm >

Cnr Spence & Sheridan Sts, Cairns Ph 4051 2490

www.thejack.com.au

28 |

ENTERTAINMENT

Cairns Local News

FRIDAY Barbary Coasters – Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 3pm Andrea – Kewarra Beach Shack, 5:30pm Silver Fox Jazz Band – Elixir Music Bar, 6pm Leonora Jane – Chill Portofino, 6pm Christmas Rave – Tablelands Music Lovers, the Grand, 7pm The Nightshift – Rattle N Hum Cairns, 8:30pm Janna Mercedes – Trinity Beach Sports Club, 7:3010:30pm Dr Elephant – The Jack, 9pm-12 Darin Ferguson – O’Donnell’s Irish Bar & Grill Palm Cove, 6-9pm

SATURDAY Nikki Doll – Stratford Deli Café, 2:30pm Darron Beahan – Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club, 3-6pm Bobby Maguire – AJ Hackett’s, 3pm Kaweyova Band – The Pier Bar, 9pm Grand Theft Audio – Gilligan’s, 8:30pm-12 Dr Elephant – The Pier Bar, 8-11pm Sonnyboy Forbes O’Donnell’s Irish Bar & Grill Palm Cove, 6-9pm

SUNDAY Swing Sand & Sea – Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 1pm Nikki Doll – Stratford Deli Café, 2:30pm Harmonique – Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club, 3pm Kaweyova Duo – Boardwalk Social, 6pm Wendy and Al – Rattle N Hum Palm Cove, 3-6pm Tanya Murphy - O’Donnell’s Irish Bar & Grill Palm Cove, 4-7pm Sunday Sesh – Elixir Music Bar 9pm

Tinderbox Single Launch – Elixir Music Bar, 8pm (ticketed)

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Please send your gigs to tanya@cairnslocalnews.com.au by Wednesday each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

Friday December 18, 2020

Gumpy gets the fire started

TINDERBOX, abbreviated as TBX, a psychedelic groove musical project from local musician Gumpy Phillips, is a fusion of funky, transcendental freeform loops and grooves paired with conscious lyrics, powerful vocals, and just a sprinkling of drum and bass.

Tinderbox will launch their new single Freedom this Saturday, December 19 at Elixir Music Bar, featuring Hildebrand, also known as Tiffany Hill, along with a star studded lineup of local talent including Umalicious, Izak Scott and Laney Bryce and special guests Shaun Kopittke and Hoolia.

Phillips has performed under the Tinderbox name along with a local collective of rappers, singers, musicians and DJ’s at some of Australia’s best festivals such as Rainbow Serpent, Island Vibes and Wallaby Creek Festival as well as doing amazing shows at bars and clubs all along the east coast of Australia from Melbourne to Cairns.

Also known as the fiery

front man of heavy rock band, ‘Blind Munkee’, and as the singer and guitarist in the band, ‘Savidas,’ Phillips has numerous credits in Australia and internationally as a music producer, having had multiple hits with various bands in Australia and also having been based in New York for several years working as a successful music and video producer.

He has produced over 30 music videos including videos for Savidas, Blind Munkee and Tinderbox.

Phillips recently returned to Australia from a successful solo Tinderbox tour of South America that kicked off at the start of 2020, that saw him doing shows in Buenos Aires, Uruguay, Peru and Columbia.

The success of the South American tour proved Tinderbox’s universal power of musical communication, being able to transcend borders and cultures and deliver the TBX psychedelic universal message.

Tinderbox have recorded their latest album that has Phillips and Far North Queensland’s finest artists collaborating on fresh and funky new Tinderbox tracks.

Tinderbox’s name derives from the fact of being reputed to be the “fire starters” of any dance floor with their completely infectious psychedelic, funky grooves and inflammatory lyrics.

Tickets are limited due to Covid restrictions. Purchase your tickets at tbxmusic.com

The BEST IRISH Bar & Grill on the Beach Palm Cove Christmas Parties...

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Kitchen open from 12pm daily for lunch and snacks Dinner from 5pm

30

B E A C H F R O N T

Darin Ferguson Friday 6.00pm-9.00pm Sonny Boy Forbes Saturday 6pm -9pm Tanya Murphy Sunday 4pm -7pm

P A L M

C O V E

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P

4 0 5 5

3 0 0 9

MIND GAMES

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

| 29

8

What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?

9

In Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on vacation when they leave Kevin behind?

19

10

In the classic Christmas movie, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch was described with three words. What are they?

20

What are you supposed to do when you find yourself under the mistletoe?

18

What did Frosty The Snowman do when a magic hat was placed on his head?

Which Christmas song contains the lyric “Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way?”

Which popular Christmas beverage is also called “milk punch?”

11

In which modern-day country was St. Nicholas born in?

21

Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

What did the other reindeer not let Rudolph do because of his shiny red nose?

12

In the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, what happened every time a bell rang?

22

According to the song, what did my true love give to me on the eighth day of Christmas?

3

How many ghosts show up in A Christmas Carol?

13

What words follow “Silent Night” in the song?

23

What was the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?

4

Where was baby Jesus born?

14

Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express?

24

Whose eyes are all aglow in “The Christmas Song?”

5

The movie Miracle on 34th Street is based on a real-life department store. What is it?

15

25

What was the real name of the character Tim Allen plays in The Santa Clause?

6

What are the two other most popular names for Santa Claus?

16

Which country did eggnog come from?

26

How many gifts in total were given in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song?

7

Elvis isn’t going to have a white Christmas he’s going to have a….

17

Which real-life person is Santa Claus based on?

27

Which fairy tale was the first gingerbread houses inspired by?

28

How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Spanish?

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what was the first name of Scrooge?

29 30

What gift did the Little Drummer Boy give to the newborn Christ?

What is the best-selling Christmas song ever?

Navidad, 29. He played a song for him on his drums, 30.

Scott Calvin, 26. 364, 27. Hansel and Gretel, 28. Feliz maids a milking, 23. Home Alone, 24. Tiny tots, 25.

The Christmas Tree”, 20. Kiss, 21. Germany, 22. Eight las, 18. He began to dance around, 19. “Rocking Around ezer, 16. England, 17. The Christian bishop St. Nichohis wings, 13. Holy night, 14. Tom Hanks, 15. Ebenancient district of Lycia, in Asia Minor), 12. An angel got stank, stunk, 11. Turkey (originally Patara, a city in the 7. Blue Christmas, 8. An angel, 9. Paris, 10. Stink, In Bethlehem, 5. Macy’s, 6. Kris Kringle and Saint Nick, 1. Eggnog. 2. Join in any reindeer games, 3. Four, 4.

ANSWERS:

2

“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.

1

Edmonton Flowers Delivery from Palm Cove to Babinda Specializing in floral arrangements and baskets of all kinds. Individualize with Chocolates, Balloons, Wine, or make your special request Ph: 07 4045 2111 to speak to the florist directly

30 |

MIND GAMES

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

SUDOKU #014 MEDIUM

Sudoku #014 EASY

Crossword #014 EASY

SUDOKU #014 HARD

WORD LIST

Wordsearch #014 EASY

Angels Bells Birth Camel Card Carol Child Comet Crib Eggnog Elves Family Festival

Fir Flock Gift Gold Gravy Ham Holly Holy Inn Ivy Jolly Joy Lord

Magi Mary Miracle Myrrh Noel Pie Pine Port Punch Ribbon Rudolph Sacred Sales

Sauce Scrooge Sing Sled Spirit Star Tinsel Toast Toys Xmas Yule

CAN YOU FIND 7 DIFFERENCES?

Down 1. a mixture used to stuff poultry or meat before cooking (8) 2. a fritter made with black-eyed peas or a similar pulse, or, especially in Trinidad, mashed fish. (5) 4. a system of wires providing electric circuits for a device or building (6) 5. close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal (12) 6. landlocked salt lake between Israel and Jordan in southwestern Asia (4,3) 7. facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis (4) 8. traditional Christmas Carol, from 1862 (4,3,5) 12. having one’s eyes wide open as a result of surprise, fear, etc (4-4) 14. find (something) in the ground by digging (7) 16. a starchy plant tuber which is one of the most important food crops, cooked and eaten as a vegetable (6) 18. a written or printed mark (?) indicating a short or unstressed vowel (5) 19. a Spanish sparkling wine made in the same way as champagne (4)

Y o u

w i l l

Across 1. a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night (4) 3. having two aspects (3-5) 9. not easy to see, hear, or understand (7) 10. to cook food by exposure to heat in an oven or over a fire (5) 11. an aromatic gum resin obtained from an African tree and burnt as incens (12) 13. nothing, a word sometims used for the digit zero (6) 15. a compound which will turn litmus blue, typically, a caustic or corrosive substance (6) 17. incomprehensible technical jargon (12) 20. relating to the ear or the sense of hearing (5) 21. the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter (7) 22. the sticking together of particles of different substances (8) 23. be a route or means of access to a particular place or in a particular direction (4)

f i n d

a n s w e r s

i n

t h e

C l a s s i f i e d

I decided to sell my vacuum cleaner—it was just gathering dust! p a g e s

o f

t h i s

w e e k ’ s

p a p e r

STAR GUIDE AQUARIUS: Buckle down and get focused! You need to show some discipline as the week begins if you don’t want to spend all of Monday and Tuesday flailing around. On Wednesday and Thursday though, your concentration will make a comeback, and you’ll have plenty of energy to focus on your goals. Start a revolution! (Or at least start a conversation -- people will hang on your every word.) On Friday and Saturday, settle back down and set your mind on your finances. Now is a good time to reassess budgets and priorities. This Sunday, set your thoughts free and make a bold discovery.

GEMINI: Who’s in charge here? You might find yourself jockeying for the lead on Monday and Tuesday, but try not to take this competition too seriously. The point behind this struggle -- and the motivations of your fellow strugglers -- should become clear soon enough. On Friday and Saturday, clarity won’t come easy -- and don’t count on your usually incredible communication skills to help clear things up. Look for a more creative solution instead. This Sunday, take a friend’s advice and take the initiative.

PISCES: As the week begins, expect some assistance from on high (like higher up the ladder). Aid will come on Monday or Tuesday. Be generous and share your good fortune. On Wednesday and Thursday, your ambitious compassion will start to stir (you know, that feeling you get when you want to help out everyone all at once?). Put that superhero-style enthusiasm and creativity to good use. Then on Sunday, quiet back down for a lazy, dreamy day.

CANCER: You might not feel like coming out as the week begins, but try to be brave. On Monday and Tuesday, you’ll need to muster up some strength to make things right in a personal relationship. This Friday and Saturday, expect your mind to wander. Fortunately, with daydreams as your mental fuel, you’ll find yourself with exceptional intuition. On Sunday, think before you speak.

LIBRA: Try to break through old limits as the week begins. Monday and Tuesday might feel maudlin and moody, but you should take these as opportunities to get past any weird sentimentality that’s been holding you back. Enjoy all the attention and try to connect with someone new.

On Friday and Saturday, don’t cling too closely to your routine -- flexibility is the key, and a little patience goes a long way. This Sunday, it’s up to you. Whatever you bring to a situation or relationship (good or bad) will be magnified.

SCORPIO: The beginning of this week is a great time to lock things down and make big decisions. Your determination and self-assurance are unmatched on Monday and Tuesday, and others will fall all over themselves to help you. On Friday and Saturday, expect to command amazing creativity. Indulge your imagination in playful (and possibly romantic) ways. This Sunday, start something -- especially something that helps someone else.

ARIES: Your superhuman drive to get things done is in full effect as the week begins. On Monday and Tuesday, expect to make big progress forging ahead. (Just make sure you don’t trample someone you care about as you’re blazing this trail.) On Wednesday and Thursday, you’ll keep that engine of ambition revving into high gear, but you’ll also find within yourself the insight -- and charm! -- to recruit the help of other like-minded people. Now is a good time to focus on other people’s needs and put your own aside. This Sunday, use your ample energy to do something spontaneous..

LEO: You know what you want, and you’re not afraid to go after it as the week begins. Monday and Tuesday are both good days for realizing your adventurous ambitions -- and you can expect others to be impressed by your enthusiastic attitude. Be sensitive to other people’s egos and look for ways that everyone can win (even if they require more patience). On Friday and Saturday, listen to your instincts. It’s a good time to do research and clarify the motivations of others. This Sunday, learn something new (and have fun doing it).

SAGITTARIUS: You’ll be unusually obsessed with money and material things as this week begins, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a grumpy Scrooge. You’ll have the originality on Monday and Tuesday to find creative ways to pinch pennies (like packing your own lunch?). On Wednesday and Thursday, you’re at your outgoing, confident best, and others will be smitten by your charms. Make close connections and learn something new. This Sunday, embrace your inner kid. Go on and goof off!

TAURUS: Stick to your guns as the week begins. You’re feeling especially grounded and sure of yourself (and your plans) on Monday and Tuesday, and that self-assured outlook should translate into a deeper perspective on your current situation. Just display that famous patience. On Friday and Saturday, find common cause with others (especially friends). They’ll be sympathetic to your cause and eager to lend a hand. This Sunday, enjoy a burst of enthusiasm and energy -- even if you’re in a big hurry with nowhere to go.

VIRGO: Your hard work and creativity are paying off as the week begins!

Follow-through is its own reward of course, but on Monday and Tuesday you’ll get more tangible results from your efforts. (And don’t be surprised if others find that ambitious energy of yours attractive.) On Friday and Saturday, don’t count on getting things done (or on getting people to move as quickly as you might like). Be flexible and take this as an opportunity to take it easy.

On Sunday, search for your true sense of purpose -- and expect to find it.

CAPRICORN: Your carefully premeditated strategies should pay off as the week begins. Others will take notice (and be impressed!) as your plans come together on Monday and Tuesday, and you should be proud of your results. On Friday and Saturday, everyone is on your side!

Use teamwork -- with a dash of creativity -- to get things done (even if the only thing you accomplish is having some fun). This Sunday, don’t be afraid to delay. Put off big decisions for another day.

DIRECTORIES

Friday December 18, 2020

Cairns Local News

NEED TO POWER UP?

Great Customer Service the Good Old Fashions Way!

Don’t get caught with a failed battery!

Get your FREE Battery and Alternator check today.

BKN Battery Specialities are your locally owned and operated industry professionals, covering a wide range of high-quality brands for every application.

• AGM Batteries • Solar Panels • Battery Chargers • Automotive, Truck, Marine, Deep Cycle

P (07) 4033 7320 | 2/365 Mulgrave Rd, Bungalow Cairns Emergency Callouts, when you need us we’re there...

| 31

All General Mechanical Repairs Engine, Transmission & Differential Replacements Brakes Log Book Servicing

BEST P R GUAR ICE ANT

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ON CALL

24/7

www.batteriescairns.com.au | info@batteriescairns.com.au

111 Hartley St Cairns 4870

07 4035 4022

admin@cairnsservicecentre.com.au

Centre Point

WINDSCREENS & TINTING • Mobile Windscreen Replacement & Repairs • Cars, SUVs & 4WD, Trucks, Buses, Heavy WINDSCREEN Machinery, Tractors and Boats & AUTO • RACQ Accredited Repairer Cairns Auto GLASS Glass Tinting, Window Tinting Home and Office

If you’re looking for top quality tyres sales, car servicing, and mechanical repairs at sensible prices, you’re in the right place at Mickey Tyre & Auto.

HOME & OFFICE WINDOW TINTING

VEHICLE WINDOW TINTING

& (07) 4031 7405

115 Spence St Cairns North 4870 centrepointwindscreens.com.au

al vehicles • Commerci rs ca rs e ca us t e ee at hicles d priv e • Fl d classic ve • Family an ate or commercial us • Vintage an iv pr r fo ns • Va d SUVs el drives an • Four whe ium rigid vehicles ed m ND to t gh • Li PAIRS A

L RE HANICA ODEL OF: C E M F O E AND M RANGE RS NY MAK WITH A A U R SENIO O O Y F P TS FOR HEL VICES N R COUN N REQUEST A E IS C S D E , E Y W R PA RO NANC STOME ING ZIP AN CA OFFER DENTS,A LO WELL AS CU T MAINTE TU OU AS AND S VAILABLE), OUGH A FF THR (WHEN AND DROP O P PICK U

U N I T 10 , 2 M A I S E L C L O S E , S M I T H F I E L D 4878 P : 4057 4632

Specialists in transforming your car inside and out • Vehicle Hand Wash or Vehicle High-Pressure Wash • Buff, Polish and Shine for Showroom Finish • Pet Hair Removal/Stain and Odour Removal Car Dealerships

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Headlight Lens Restoration

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Wheels, Tyres & Engine bay

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Carpet Shampoo/Stain Removal

The expert car cleaning team at Rainbow Car Wash uses a range of techniques and tools to really get rid of the grime and rubbish from every corner and panel of your car, leaving it as close to showroom-shiny as possible!

Services

Wheels and Tyres Logbook Servicing MICKEY TYRE & AUTO

Mechanical Repairs Pre-Purchase Inspections 4041 5192 207 Scott St, Cairns 4870 0400 680 480 www.mickeytyreauto.com.au

W NO N E OP

For all Auto, Truck, Marine and Industrial batteries call Roger on 0455 443 320

Wholesale prices, local service

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Casey Ramunno Mobile Mechanic Call today! m: 0407 173 528 e: caseyramunno@gmail.com

• Mobile on-site service to Cairns & surrounding areas.

• New Car log book servicing & general servicing • Brakes, mechanical repairs & breakdowns.

• Servicing both petrol & diesel.

• Cars, 4WDs, light trucks, tractors, earthmoving & machinery

110 Spence St, Parramatta Park Open 8.30am – 4.30pm Mon-Sat | info@rainbowcarwash.com.au

• Bulk fuel distribution • Bulk oils and lubricants • Pumping and dispensing equipment Check out our specials page for that little bit extra https://maranos.com.au/specials/

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With a Can Do attitude we provide services from the city, down the coast and to the outback!

Offering a complete range of auto electrical air conditioning repairs, the Williams team are proudly professional, qualified and licensed, and ready to get you on the road quickly and safely! We services all makes and models and stock a large range of parts or Classic and Vintage Vehicles.

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• Cairns KTM, CFMoto, Kymco, Landboss and Gas Gas Dealership • Fully equipped workshop caters for ALL Makes, Models and Types of Motorcycles • Smithfield’s only Motorcycle shop • Tyres, Servicing, Safety Certificates, Spare Parts, Riding Apparel and Accessories Contact: 4057 5696 | sales@northernperformance.com.au www.northernperformance.com.au | www.facebook.com/northernperformance

Automative Services & Suspension Specialists

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32 |

DIRECTORIES

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

AU T H O R I S E D D E A L E R

Beaches Pool Supplies is a locally owned company, providing people with swimming pool chemicals, pumps, filters, chlorinators, cleaners and pool servicing, including Free Water Testing and Repairs including Warranty Work Let us Help you with ALL your Po ol Ne e ds.

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Collins Catering and Chemical Supplies

• Specialising in underground leak detection and blocked drains.

• Mini excavator available for hire.

LICENSE NO. 61174

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

After Hours: 07 4059 1000

Call: 0408 222 921

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Edmonton Flowers Delivery from Palm Cove to Babinda Specializing in floral arrangements and baskets of all kinds. Individualize with Chocolates, Balloons, Wine, or make your special request

Now available at Mi Centre, Raintrees Shopping Centre, Cairns

Saxby’s Old Fashioned Soft Drinks

Ph: 07 4045 2111 to speak to the florist directly

Just how you remember them! Multiple Flavours Available micentre.com.au/vendor/collins-catering-chemicals-supplies/

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33 |

DIRECTORY

Cairns Local News

NOTICES

Publishers Terms and Conditions Advertising agencies, advertisers and individuals by lodging material with the publisher for publication, approving or authorizing of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the publisher, it’s Directors, employees and their agents against all demands, claims, costs, expenses, proceedings and damages wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that it’s 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.

Advertising Conditions Any advertisement accepted for publication in Cairns Local News is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publishers approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.

The placing or positioning of an advertisement within the requested classification is at the discretion of Cairns Local News except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of advertising is based upon the frequency used within the period of the order. The term may vary from three months to one year. The word “Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notification at the discretion of the publisher.

Advertisement Proofing The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at Cairns Local News by 5pm Tuesday prior to publication.

Advertising Code Clearance Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all advertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and products or programmes must carry an APB Clearance Number. All advertisements that do not carry the APB Number first must be submitted for clearance and the issue of an APB number for inclusion in the advertisement directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

1300 Rideshare Drivers required

Contact Cheryl info@1300rideshare.com.au

Or phone 0408 486 571

If you have a community event coming up, email us and we will load it onto our FREE COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD on our website. admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Friday, October 23, 2020

CAREERS

MEMORIAM

McCullagh, Kathleen Nola 25.12.29 – 04.01.18 In loving memory of an amazing mother, you are forever in our thoughts.

Advertising Sales Consultant

Cairns Local News is looking to add to our team and has a position vacant for an Advertising Sales Consultant. We are seeking a reliable and motivated individual who is capable of working independently. Full training and support will be provided.

The applicant needs to be happy and able to work flexible hours to service clients in the region.

The job will involve servicing current and past clients and building a new client base.Drivers licence essential.

We are seeking an individual that is self-driven and keen to forge a future for themselves. Past industry experience is not necessary, but a proven track record in sales is required.

Remuneration will be discussed on application.

Enquiries to: Peter McCullagh Editor 4031 7678 admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Taxi drivers required

Port Douglas/Cairns Contact Kerry: info@131008portdouglas.com.au

0417 888433 John McRoberts 0407 725 987

Christmas is not the same without you. You lived your life to the fullest and loved and supported your family more than we could have ever hoped.

Happy Birthday Mum, and a very Merry Christmas.

Sandra and Will, Terence, Cathy, Erin, Siobhan and Kieran, Peter and Catie.

Go to the Markets SATURDAY DECEMBER 19 Clifton Beach: Clifton Village, 9:002:00 Cooktown: Lions Park, 7:00-12noon Innisfail Lioness: ANZAC Park, 7:0012noon Kuranda: Heritage Markets, 9:30-3:30 Kuranda: Original Rainforest Markets, 9:30-3:00 Malanda: Showgrounds, 7:0012noon Mossman: St David’s Church, 6:0012noon

Go to the Markets

Winners of our Pearl Galleria Competition.

Winners are Christine Sacagio Mary Molloy Michael Hudson

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED WITH US TO REACH A LOCAL AUDIENCE

Employment, Garage Sales, General Notices, Buy & Sell.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 20 Herberton / Wondecla: Wondecla Sportsground, 7:00-12noon Kuranda: Heritage Markets, 9:30-3:30 Kuranda: Original Rainforest Markets, 9:30-3:00 Mission Beach: Ulysses Park, 7:0012noon Mt Sheridan Plaza Christmas Markets: 106 Barnard Dr, 9:00-3:00 Port Douglas: By St Mary’s Church, 8:001:30pm Speewah: Country Tavern’s Market Square, 8:00-2:00 Woree: Cannon Park, 8:00-1:00

Winners will be contacted by phone

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SPORT

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

The drive to the WNBL finals

EDGE HILL MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB Ladies Social Bowls: Ladies Consistency Singles games played on Tuesday December 8 saw Elaine Whitehead defeat Yvonne Bolton 102-78 and Jill Alexander defeated Jeannie Wild 102-78.

No bowls played December 10 as a Set Menu Christmas Dinner was organised and enjoyed by all members who attended. Thursday December 17 from 5pm bowlers will enjoy a Members Christmas Function.

A huge members promotion with prizes from electrical and white goods will be drawn on the night. A $25 two course buffet or A la carte meals are on offer. The Ladies will resume Mixed Social Bowls in the New Year at date to be advised.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: Tuesday December 8 winners were Ian Walsh and Ian Stafford.

Runner-up: Lou Pomroy, Alan Vernal and Kim Mitchell.

Tuesday Night Bowls winners were Alan and Peter.

Runner-up: Robert, Chris and Mal. Wednesday December 9 night winners were Karl and Frank with runner-up: Ray and Terry. Mixed Social Bowls were played on Saturday December 12 and winners were Yvonne and Barry Bolton. Runner-up: Bob White, Terry Bartholomousz

and Bruce Moseley.

Saturday Jackpot now stands at $366. Saturday Social Bowls will be arranged for December 19, 2020.

Social bowls will continue Tuesday (Day and Night), Wednesday night with Saturday to resume after the New Year.

Edge Hill has been requested to again host St. Monica’s College students each Wednesday afternoon from February 3 to June 23 2021 for their Activities program.

Edge Hill Club Championship Games. The 2021 Draw for A and B Singles is on the notice board.

If you wish to play Pairs, Triples or Fours nomination forms will close soon. Get you team entered now. Consistency Singles games has Steve Henson who will now play Darren Curry in one Semi Final while Geoff Royle will play Terry Bartholomousz in the other semi Final. To play social bowls at Edge Hill this week put your name on the lists available behind the bar for a game. Contact the Club on 4053 1036, Ray Webster 0402 182 230, Gary Victor (GOV) 0407 962 860 for assistance.

THE race for the 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL championship couldn’t be set up in a more tantalising fashion after a thrilling end to the regular season with the stage set for two crack semi-final battles on Wednesday.

With the superstar-filled Jayco Southside Flyers, young and exciting JCU Townsville Fire playing on their home court, the UC Capitals looking for history with a three-peat and then the Deakin Melbourne Boomers with all the necessary talent and experience, what a finals series is set up.

While the top four teams were set coming into the last day of the regular season, the positions were still to be decided and it was the Flyers locking in top spot with a statement 101-82 victory over the Capitals in a Grand Final rematch.

That result allowed the Fire to leap up into second spot at the expense of the Capitals after Townsville opened the day with a crucial 70-64 victory against the Boomers.

The semi-final action begins on Wednesday night at Townsville Stadium with the Flyers playing the Fire with a Grand Final position at stake while the loser has a second chance.

There are no second chances in the other semi-final to follow which pits the Capitals up against the Boomers. Both have been seen as championship fancies but one of them will be on the plane home after Wednesday night.

The Flyers entered this WNBL season on a redemption mission after losing last year’s Grand Final series in two tight games to the Capitals. They added Liz Cambage and the result was a 10-2 regular season and they now enter the finals on a seven-game winning run.

There were a couple of early hiccups for Southside with losses to the Boomers and Capitals. They have got a win back on both those opponents since and this seven-game streak has come with an average winning margin of 24.6 points.

They’ve averaged 99 points a game in that run too

and over the course of the season hit the century mark seven times. They average 15 points more than any other team and should they score 100-plus, they’ll be mighty tough to stop.

However, the Fire did a tremendous job themselves to end the regular season in second position at 9-4 and having won three straight.

That included wins over both the Boomers and Capitals, so even though they are yet to beat the Flyers in two attempts in 2020, they won’t be daunted and have the boost of playing on their home floor in front of their Townsville fans.

Obviously trying to limit Cambage who produced 23.6 points and 8.2 rebounds a game will be the focus for Townsville, but the Flyers aren’t short on other weapons with Sara Blicavs, Bec Cole, Leilani Mitchell, Aimie Clydesdale, Steph Blicavs and Rachel Jarry.

However, the possible absence of the injured Jenna O’Hea could open a door for Townsville.

The Fire back court of Shyla Heal and Lauren Nicholson has been scintillating all season. If they light it up and get support from Zitina Aokuso, Nadeen Payne, Megan McKay, Courtney Woods, Steph Reid and Mia Murray, they could give their local fans plenty to cheer about.

While the Capitals and Boomers have a bit of extra work to do needing to win three games this week to win a championship, it doesn’t appear beyond two impressive line-ups.

The Capitals would have been disappointed to miss a top two spot after losing to both the Flyers and Fire leading into the finals, but the two-time defending champions will be confident of rising as the stakes lift.

They are attempting to

win a championship threepeat for the first time in history and winning on Wednesday will keep those hopes alive.

However, they come up against a Boomers team desperate to improve from being a finals team to a championship contender.

Considering you have a battle down low between Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin and Mikaela Ruef and Ezi Magbegor and Cayla George and that could be pivotal.

But the Capitals also have scoring threats from Maddy Rocci, Keely Froling, Jade Melbourne and Mikaela Ruef. The Boomers aren’t light on either with Tess Madgen, Maddie Garrick, Ash Karaitiana and Stella Beck, and one team will go to within a game of the Grand Final after Wednesday night

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SPORT

Friday December 18, 2020

Cayla’s Court

CAYLA GEORGE And then there were three…

Our final Cayla’s court of 2020 comes to you off the back of intense finals action.

All in all, this Hub season has been a really great success. It’s been challenging at

the best of times. Being in such close quarters with everyone we’ve gotten to know each other really well. Regardless of results, this season has been a success because we got to play basketball.

From the Fire Pit

NICOLE GIBSON

It is an exciting time for Townsville Fire fans with the team finishing second on the ladder ahead of the finals this week.

They succumbed to the Southside Flyers on Wednesday night meaning they take on the Melbourne Boomers tonight to see who clinches the remaining finals spot on Sunday.

Whether they win or lose, budding Cairns fans can expect to see plenty more from the Fire locally with team planning to run development programs in the region.

Coach Shannon Seebohm said the club is keen to expand their reach into North Queensland including Cairns and Mackay.

“I’m going to be here in North

Queensland year-round so certainly in the off season we’d be keen to come and do some more things out in the community,” he said.

There is plenty for school age players to be excited about with Seebohm hoping to work with schools next year through the club’s community development program.

“We’re hoping to get the opportunity next year if COVID allows it, to get into schools and to continue to promote and grow the game all over North Queensland,” he said.

“Through our community development program here, some of our players and coaches go out into schools and promote active, healthy lifestyles and try and provide positive role models for girls and boys, have a bit of fun and play some basketball.

Thanks to the Cairns fans for turning out and supporting us. I look forward to being home and if you want to keep in touch with me hit me up at caylageorge. com.

A quick recap from Wednesday, reigning champions the UC Capitals fell to the Boomers leaving the competition after two seasons at the top.

The Fire went down to Southside in an intense battle leaving them to fight it out with us - the Boomers, tonight in Townsville for the remaining finals spot. With that said, let’s take a look at our remaining three teams.

Southside Flyers The Flyers are a stacked team with seven past and present Opals. The Flyers finished minor premiers. They’re the toughest team on paper and they’ve had that target on their back all season. They’ve had a couple of big losses against us and the Caps but they’ve managed to bounce back and finish the season strong and they’re still the team to beat.

Townsville Fire The Fire have done really well to go from last place last year.

They’ve had some really big recruits in Lauren Nicholson and

Cairns Local News Shyla Heal who have been really consistent all year and helped lead that team. Another big person back in the team is Mia Murray who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. The Fire’s coach Shannon Seebohm has also coached them really well and with the home crowd behind them, it’s a really exciting time for them.

Melbourne Boomers Obviously, we’re very disappointed we couldn’t get the job done against Townsville and finish in the top two. That has just made our route to finals

| 35

that little bit harder but it is definitely not impossible. It’s about making sure we get these big wins and this is what we play for. For these finals matches we’ll stick to playing a really quality Boomers brand of basketball. It won’t be easy but I’m pretty confident we can get the job done.

Tonight: 6pm TSV: Boomers vs Townsville Sunday: 2pm TSV: Friday night winner vs Southside.

SPORTS RESULTS

“The other thing we’d probably do a lot of is in school holidays running two or three day camps doing some intensive basketball practice, getting on the court with the kids and having a lot of fun.”

But before that can happen the Fire have a job to do tonight in their quest for WNBL 2020 finals glory.

They will need to out muscle the Melbourne Boomers for a third time this season. In their two previous battles with the team they have comfortably held it over the Boomers. No doubt, however, they will have learned from their mistakes and be wanting to take it all the way.

Catch the action tonight live at 6pm on Foxtel or Kayo then tune in Sunday at 2pm for the grand final.

DECEMBER 2020

PIC: JCU Townville Fire Facebook page

ATHERTON GOLF Full year’s awards.

Sporter of the Year (most points) Roger Twine 53 pts ED SPRY SHIELD (most games played) Wayne Jones & Jerry Jierasak 43 from 47 26 Hole Championships Gross Champion Hayden Flynn 112 A-grade nett winner Irish 97 nett A-grade nett runner-up S Bakss 100 3rd nett W Jones100 4th nett B Stoward 101 B-grade Gross winner Paul Pensini 123 B-grade Nett winner Itelo Poggioli 100 nett Nett Ru-up J Cox 101 Nett 3rd M Hains 101 Nett 4th G Jessop 102 c/b Championships Day 1 A-grade nett winner C Larkin 47 Runner-up Irish 49 3rd Hollywood 49 B-grade nett winner P Pensini 46 Runner-up M Hains 50 3rd L Robinson 50 Least putts A-grade Hollywood & Baksy 18 B-grade Barney 18 NTPs 3 Itelo, 11 Jeppo, 18 Bob Stoward Day 2 A-grade nett winner H. Flynn 47 Ru-up W.Jones 47 3rd Stevo 47 B-grade A Poggioli 48 Runner-up K.Shaw 48 3rd E Bingham 49 c/b Least putts A-grade S Bakss 18 B-grade Ernie and Anthony B. NTPs 9 M Hains 11 Jeppo, 18 Stevo A huge cheers to all the Sporters for the year.

36 |

sport SPORT

Cairns Local News

Friday December 18, 2020

INSIDE TODAY The drive to the finals

PAGE 34

Edge Hill Bowls PAGE 34

Volleyball digs deep THE CAIRNS Esplanade could soon be the go to place for all outdoor activity here in Cairns.

A social media campaign is gaining support with the aim to develop the outdoor precinct further with the addition of 2 full regulation size NBL courts.

These new courts could be positioned to the north of the existing basketball court on the grassed area opposite Cairns Hospital and would greatly enhance the outdoor facilities of the esplanade.

Currently there are six

beach volley ball court, actively utilised by locals and tourists along with a multi-purpose basketball court.

During a robust social media engagement period, members of the local volleyball community worked with the petition creators to draft a strong submission that allows the volleyball and the basketball sports to develop the proposal yet to be submitted to Council.

Cairns Street Ball volunteer, Matthew Griffin sees the

need for greater outdoor activities for the youth of Cairns.

“We want the most amounts of people to be engaged in healthy activity as it is good for the town.

“Sport is the universal language,” said Mr Griffin.

“We are passionate about community engagement and youth activity, this proposal will see more youth actively participating in healthy recreational sport. It a win for all involved.”

Chris Poppell from beach volleyball is keen to see the

Cayla’s Court

PAGE 35

expansion of facilities on the Esplanade.

“Volleyball is a popular activity on the Esplanade. Before COVID the courts were a regular hangout for the thousands of tourists and backpackers visiting Cairns.

“We have a very strong and passionate local volleyball community here. With Masters Games coming up in 2021, beach volleyball is lifting in profile, particularly since we have Nat Cooke as the Masters Games Ambassador.”

From the Fire Pit PAGE 35

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