Cairns Local News November 18 2022

Kubirri aged care centre residents commemorate Remembrance Day

THE Salvation Army’s Kubirri Aged Care Centre (“Kubirri”) in Mossman is home to resi dents who share stories of their time in the Service in recogni tion of Remembrance Day.

“In 1951, on the second of January, I boarded a train to go to Brisbane to attend National Service training,” resident Ramon said.

Reflecting on Remembrance Day, Ramon noted its impor tance.

“ANZAC Day has a big following. However, remem brance Day, because it might not be a weekend or there’s no holiday, it sort of escapes a little,” Ramon said.

Ramon reiterated the impor tance of recognising those who served or presently serve.

Retired New Zealand Navy Servicemen Gary, the Salva tion Army’s Kubirri Aged Care Centre resident, remembers his Service well, particularly the doors it opened to see the world.

“I liked travelling the world, and you get paid for doing it,” Gary said.

“War wasn’t on my agenda, believe me. The New Zea land Navy was working with the American Navy to do an operation decrease, so I was fortunate enough to get down to the South Pole twice.”

Gary noted his time in the Service still holds great signifi cance.

“I had a lot to do with the old Servicemen back in New Zealand,” he said.

“Most of them were Viet nam Vets, and, of course, a lot

of them didn’t make it back, and it just makes me reflect. I was lucky.

“I didn’t get over there, but I do remember them and their families very much, so that’s a big thing for me – the remem brance.”

Gary also took the oppor tunity to advise the younger generations on Remembrance Day.

“Just remind them that whatever they do, don’t for get,” he said.

“Don’t forget the generation before them left the world a good place.”

Betty, also a Kubirri resident, has fond memories of her time in the Voluntary Aid Detachments.

“I worked for the Red Cross as a volunteer,” Betty said.

“I was 16 when I did this, and we trained in first aid. I al ways wanted to be a nurse from when I was a young child.”

Betty passionately advo cated for the importance of Remembrance Day.

“It is amazing, Remem brance Day today; the number of school children that come, which is wonderful,” she said.

“I think the school children should keep coming because they’re the future.”

The Salvation Army’s founder, William Booth, said it was crucial to remember to avoid future conflicts.

“One thing is plain – every true soldier of The Salvation Army would cry day and night to God to avert so dreadful a ca lamity as war,” Mr Booth said.

Elite scientists recognised

SIX James Cook University scientists have been named in an elite group of ‘highly cited’ researchers as part of a worldwide survey of the impact of aca demic work.

The Clarivate Highly Cited Research ers 2022 list is considered the ‘who’s who’ of influential researchers.

The ratings that determine the list are provided by the Web of Science Group and represent scientists who have demon strated major influence through publi cation of multiple highly cited papers during the past decade.

Their names are drawn from the pub lications that rank in the top 1 per cent by citations for their field.

Citations are logged when a scientist’s work is referenced by another scientist to help build their own research.

The JCU researchers are:

Professor Andrew Baird who is using an integrated approach, includ ing novel molecular tools, morphology and breeding trials, to explore species boundaries in the stony coral genus Acropora.

Professor Michael Bird’s research interests include the terrestrial carbon cy cle, biochar, geoarchaeology and under standing the trajectory of past and future environmental change in the tropics.

Professor David Bourne investigates the microbial and ecological drivers that

underpin coral health and disease on the Great Barrier Reef.

Professor Terry Hughes’ research focuses on climate change and coral bleaching, and the linkages between the ecology of reefs and their importance for societies and economies.

Professor Bill Laurance studies landuse change in the tropics and its impacts on forest ecosystems and biodiversity. His research spans much of the tropical world, including the Amazon, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australasia.

Professor Morgan Pratchett is studying major disturbances on coral reefs, which cause declines in coral cover and shifts in habitat structure.

Betty Gary Ramon

Reef restoration project delighted by

Coral Spawning

CORALS grown in Australia’s first offshore coral nursery at Fitzroy Island off Cairns have spawned for the first time after being planted on the Great Bar rier Reef four years ago.

Thousands of tiny pink bun dles of eggs and sperm have erupted from branching Acro pora corals planted in Welcome Bay, to the team’s delight at the not-for-profit Reef Restoration Foundation.

Reef Restoration Founda tion Chief Executive Of ficer Ryan Donnelly said a coral farming expert and three marine biologists recorded the event at the inshore reef,

which signalled the start of coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef, with the outer reef expected to reproduce next month after the full moon.

Marine biologist and Master Reef Guide Azri Saparwan, who helped to plant the corals in 2018, emerged from the water with the glow of a proud parent.

“We planted coral cut tings in a degraded patch of reef, and these pioneer species have grown to around 1m in diameter, helping to create a healthy and complex habitat for various corals and marine life,” Mr Saparwan said.

“Watching our coral babies reproduce for the first time to create the next generation of corals was a beautiful and humbling experience.

“The spawning was a showcase of how the Great Barrier Reef generates new coral recruits each year as part of its regeneration process.”

Cameron Bee, who has 25 years of experience in coral aquaculture, was part of the team hoping to record the coral spawning.

“We are facilitating reef recovery in a time when disturbances are more frequent and severe. Growing corals to

create habitat is important, but taking them through to spawn ing is a milestone in our bid to maintain biodiversity,” Mr Bee said.

Mr Donnelly said Reef Restoration Foundation part nered with the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry and corporate sponsors to cre ate the Fitzroy Island nursery and expand to two outer reef sites on Hastings and Moore Reefs.

“It is a community effort as we receive no government funding and rely on the support of around 50 volunteers, with about one-third of these expe

rienced divers working in the tourism industry,” he said.

“Cuttings at this site were taken from healthy corals and attached to ‘coral tree’ frames suspended underwater using techniques pioneered at reef restoration sites in Florida.

“These cuttings grow faster in the nursery setting, allowing us to plant them onto hard sub strate after about six months.

“As these cuttings establish themselves, other coral species also become established, and marine life, including inverte brates, colourful tropical fish and turtles, become part of the habitat.

“Coral spawning is our second goal after achieving a complex habitat as it means the reef is regenerating as nature intended,” Mr Donelly said.

“The challenge for the Great Barrier Reef is far from over, with scientists telling us the water will continue to warm, but we are up for the fight. It is all about buying time and selling hope in a changing climate.

“We need to reduce global emissions drastically, but at the same time, work collabora tively to build the resilience of the places we love. We all have a role to play,” he said.

Spotlight on Cairns for export tourism

FOR the first time since 2019, Australia’s ex port tourism industry will meet up in Cairns to celebrate and reconnect during ATEC Meeting Place 2022 (#MP22).

With a fortnight to go until the big event, more than 420 delegates have registered to take part in over 4,500 business meetings and a comprehensive conference program designed to reinvigorate tourism of the future.

With over 30 speakers covering the most contemporary issues affecting the export tourism industry, the conference keynote address by Director and Co-founder of The Demographics Group, Simon Kuestenmacher, will use data-driven insights to look at what

recovery means in our changing world.

Along with the conference program, #MP22 will feature all of the regular program highlights, including the destination showcase welcome function hosted by Tourism Events Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, the ‘Tropicool’ Gala Finale and the ATEC Excellence Awards.

“Meeting Place is our flagship event and always provides an amazing platform for the destination to showcase all it has to offer,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said.

“Cairns is one of our most sought-after destinations for international guests as not only the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but for

the integrated indigenous experiences, tropi cal climate, the beautiful landscape and the amazing local fauna as well as the highlights of Cairns city itself. “

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said hosting ATEC Meeting Place 2022 would be an excel lent opportunity to showcase the destination to inbound tour operators.

“We have more than 30 new experiences in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, including city walks, reef tours, Indigenous operators and rainforest experiences,” Mr Olsen said.

“The inbound tour operators will be wowed by the transformation of Cairns with

the stunning Esplanade dining precinct, new city hotels and vibrant bar and food scene.

“Having them experience the region firsthand will be integral to rebuilding our key international markets and reclaiming our $1 billion a year export industry.”

ATEC Meeting Place 2022 runs from 21-24 November at the Cairns Convention Centre.

To find out more information about #MP22, visit: https://atec.eventsair.com/2022-meetingplace-cairns or click on this link in our online edition: http://bit.ly/3O4HofN

Main: Spawing coral in Australia’s first offshore coral nursery Inset: Azri searching for spawing

Pathway to a career in aviation

By Maria Larkins

CAIRNS will be the base for a unique program aimed at training-up the next generation of aircraft maintenance engi neers.

A cadetship program has been established between Jet Aviation and Skytek with Aviation Australia as the train ing provider and will provide young men and women the chance to embark on a career locally.

After completing the 10-month cadetship, success ful students will be offered apprenticeships with either Jet Aviation or Skytek where they will receive work experience, support and mentorship over four years.

Aviation Australia spokes

person, Chris Pigott, said the program could help safeguard the future of the industry and address the critical shortage of licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.

“This is a worldwide career and there is a very high demand for jobs locally, nationally and overseas,” he said.

Cairns Airport Chief Execu tive Officer, Richard Barker, said many of the flight delays and cancellations in recent months were due to mechani cal issues and highlighted how critical maintenance engineers were to the industry.

“Aviation is integral to life as we know it. We do not want to imagine a future without worldclass travel and connectivity

opportunities, not to mention the vital medical and com mercial services that rely on the industry to operate. This is particularly relevant in regional and remote areas,” Barker said.

Applications for the program are now open with training commencing in February 2023. Students can choose to study either an Avionics or Mechani cal trade pathway. Fees are subsidised under the Queens land Government Aviation Strategy for eligible applicants, along with contributions from the program partners.

For further information about the cadetship program phone (07) 3860 0923 or visit the website: https:aviationaustralia.aero

Sunflower seekers

By Maria Larkins

AIRPORT staff will be able to discreetly render assistance to travellers with hidden dis abilities under a new program launched at Cairns Airport last week.

The Hidden Disability Pro gram provides participants with sunflower badges and lanyards which will alert airport staff that the wearer may require help or guidance as they trav erse the facility.

Staff will be able to help travellers move through screen ing points, get to departure gates, or find a quiet space to rest.

Developed in collabora tion with Autism Spectrum Australia, the program aims to support people with a range of

disabilities including autism, anxiety, dementia, mental health conditions, visual im pairment, deafness or hearing difficulties.

Cairns Airport CEO, Richard Barker, conceded that Airports could be busy and stressful at times and that the program would help alleviate some of that stress by providing reas surance when required.

“Everyone deserves to have an enjoyable airport experience regardless of their abilities or where they are travelling to,” he said.

Airport cleaner, Joel Bem rose, said the program would make it much easier for people like his son, who has autism.

“Large airports and train

stations can be daunting for people living with a disability,” he said.

The program is currently in operation at: Melbourne, Syd ney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Cairns airports.

Participants are encouraged to pre-plan their journey and register online at least 14 days before their journey.

For further information visit: cairnsairport.com.au/travelling/ airport-guide/hidden-disabili ties/ or click on: http://bit.ly/3E2nqhb in our online edition.

In addition to applying for badges and lanyards, the web site offers first time travellers visual and written stories to help prepare for their trip.

Ageing Parents

What the heck do i do from here?

Coral Wilkinson is a nurse with more than 30 years experience in health and aged care, but more importantly she is a daughter whose father had dementia and sufferred several strokes in the last year of his life. Coral helped to support her family to keep her father at home for those last years and knows only too well the daunting journey of a parent needing extra support.

Now author of a new book, about to be released in bookstores, My Parents Are Ageing, What the Heck Do I Do?, Coral will be joining us for two free sessions in order to share practical steps in navigating Australia’s aged-care system, all the way from simple at home support to full time residence in an aged care home. Debunk the myths, access government supported in-home help, and have all your questions about residential aged care answered in one informative session.

Refreshments provided. RSVP to nqadmissions@infin8care.com.au

Cairns based training opportunity for local young men and women.

Pictured (from left) Airport Ambassador, Kelly Prescott; Trident Services Australia cleaner, Joel Bemrose; Cairns Airport CEO, Richard Barker; Airport Ambassador, Robyne Snelling; and Airport Ambassador, Tony Peace. Inset: A sunflower lanyard or badge will alert staff that the wearer may need assistance.

Road fatalities soar in Far North QLD

LEADING Queensland-based compensation law firm Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) has issued a stark warning to mo torists, as the latest data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads reveals 249 people have died because of a car crash on the state’s roads to date this year.

TSP Senior Lawyer and Cairns Leader Beth Rolton said the worrying number is five more than for the same time last year and 31 greater than the previous five-year average for the same period.

“As we prepare to pay our respects for these and all victims of traffic incidents on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 20, it’s incredibly concerning to see that Queens land is on track to have its worst annual road toll in more than a decade,” Ms Rolton said.

“In addition, the figures for North Queensland are par ticularly concerning, with the region contributing almost 40 per cent of the state’s total fatal motor vehicle accidents.

“While many injuries are caused by speeding and drunk driving, distraction when driv ing is now one of the leading causes for motor vehicle ac cidents accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of all serious and fatal crashes on Australian roads.”

As the state’s road toll con tinues to climb, TSP sees the

consequences of carelessness on Queensland roads, opening numerous motor vehicle injuryrelated claims every week.

“Since restrictions have been lifted, we have seen an increase in the number of CTP claims across the Cairns region to higher than before COVID,” Ms Rolton said.

“For more than a decade, I have been assisting people in jured in motor vehicle accidents on roads within the Cairns region.

“And while many of these accidents occur at low speed in built-up areas, the accidents that occur on the various ranges and highways within the region account for the most serious injuries and fatalities.”

When put under the micro scope, data from the Motor Accident Insurance Commis sion (MAIC) revealed Towns ville region accounted for 531 CTP claims while Cairns, with a population significantly less than its southern counterpart,

accounted for 631.

Ms Rolton said these figures served as a timely reminder to be more vigilant when getting behind the wheel.

“I have spent more than a decade working with victims of motor vehicle accidents, and I have seen firsthand that the im pact for these victims goes far beyond the physical injuries,” he said.

“Too often, victims of road accidents are left with devastat ing — and often permanent — injuries.

“There is a toll on their employment, financial security, relationships and mental health.

“I would encourage all road users to use this International Day of Remembrance to reflect on their driving habits and avoid taking risks that could cost them or another person their lives.

“Take care on our roads, drive to the conditions and avoid distractions,” she said.

$10 million to make Nth Qld communities safer

THE Queensland Govern ment will provide $10 million towards 22 council projects to reduce disaster risk and lower insurance costs for North Queensland residents, busi nesses and communities.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said a broad range of projects had been approved in the first-ever North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program.

“Communities in North and Far North Queensland face significant risks from cyclones, flooding and storm surges, and these projects will help reduce the risk posed by these events and make insur ance more affordable,” Mr Miles said.

“Almost 100 natural disas ters have hit Queensland in the past decade, and they are becoming more frequent and more intense, so we need to become more innovative in our approach to reduce risk to make our communities safer.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the funding would prepare Cairns better for flooding events.

“Cairns Regional Council will receive funding for flood modelling studies and the design and planning of infra structure in the Cairns CBD to reduce the impact of localised flooding,’ Mr Healy said.

“This will help Cairns better respond to flooding in the CBD, helping us to recover quicker during the wet season.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the funding would help identify and mitigate risks.

“More than $2 million will go towards a series of projects, which will see the installation of rock protection along the banks of Magnifi cent Creek in the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council area to help prevent erosion and scouring,” Ms Lui said.

“Torres Shire Council will receive $857,000 to realign stormwater drainage in four locations to mitigate the ef

fects of flooding.

“The appointment of a Coastal Hazard Resilience Officer at Torres Strait Island Regional Council will also help identify other risks and how to reduce their impact.”

Mr Miles said the program was established in response to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s Northern Australia Insur ance Inquiry’s Final Report released in December 2020, which encouraged govern ments and insurers to identify mitigation works that can help reduce insurance premiums.

The Queensland Recon struction Authority will administer the $10 million North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program.

Projects funded through this program are expected to be delivered by December 2023.

For more information on the North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program and the approved projects, go to www.qra.qld.gov.au/QNDMP

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council election announced

A BY-ELECTION to elect a Councillor for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council will be held on Saturday, De cember 10, 2022, following the resignation of Councillor David Baird on November 9, 2022.

The Electoral Commis sion of Queensland (ECQ) confirmed the date, and Commissioner Pat Vidgen said nominations for the new councillor position were now open for anyone wanting to represent their community.

“Nominations close at noon on Monday, November 21, and there are several im portant steps which must be undertaken, so I urge anyone interested to do this as soon as possible,” Mr Vidgen said.

Potential candidates must make sure they are eligible to nominate, pay a deposit of $250, open a dedicated campaign bank account and complete the free mandatory online training through the Department of State Develop

ment, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning website.

All the information is on the Local Government Elec tion Participants page of the ECQ’s website.

The by-election will be de livered as an attendance bal lot, and Mr Vidgen said there would be several options for Yarrabah’s 1,400 electors to cast their vote.

“If you can’t make it on polling day, there will be three days of early voting and postal voting available,” he said.

“We want to make voting as quick and easy as possible for everyone enrolled in the Yarrabah community.”

The by-election officially begins today, following the issuing of the notice of elec tion.

Postal vote applications will close at 7pm on Monday, November 28.

Early voting will be between 10am and 2pm on

Wednesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 8, and from 10am to 6pm on Friday, December 9, at the Council Chambers, 56 Sawmill Road, Yarrabah.

On election day, electors can vote at the Community Hall, Beach Street, Yarrabah.

Mr Vidgen reminded peo ple in the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council area that voting is compulsory and failure to vote fines increased to $143.75 from July 1, 2022.

“Voting is one of our most important duties in a democracy, and I remind electors enrolling and voting is compulsory at all levels of government in Queensland,” he said.

Mr Vidgen said the vot ing system for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council byelection is first-past-the-post.

“This means electors only need to number one box on their ballot paper, as there is one candidate to be elected,” he said.

TSP Senior Lawyer and Cairns Leader Beth Rolton

new Menmuny Overpass,

of the Edmon ton to Gordonvale (E2G) project.

The new overpass will improve traffic flow and increase road safety by removing the existing access at Pine Creek-Yarrabah Road (Warner Road) intersection with the Bruce Highway.

Menmuny Overpass joins Pine Creek – Yarrabah Road in the east with Maitland Road, west of the Bruce Highway.

The overpass is named after a well-respected First Nations leader in the area.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Mul grave Curtis Pitt said the project was reaching its last stages.

“The project is delivering a network of 10.5km of highway du plication, 10km of local road construction and 8km of cane rail infrastructure, along with a dedicated off-road cycleway and a total of 4.5km of upgraded and realigned rail line,” Mr Pitt said.

“The overpass structure is supported by 31 driven steel piles and 105 pre-cast concrete piles, driven to more than 30 metres into the ground.

“In great news for business, local company Century Cranes was engaged to provide a 250-tonne crane to lift the 25-metre beams into place, which we expect to take about two days to complete.

“The construction of the new Menmuny Overpass and pedes trian path is a credit to the project design and construction team, and this milestone means we are even closer to completion.

“Not only will this upgrade improve travel in Far North Queensland, but we’re also supporting hundreds of good local jobs,” he said.

Federal Minister for Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said crucial milestones had been achieved in the project.

“The Australian and Queensland governments are pleased to announce a further $54 million in the October Federal Budget towards this important upgrade, bringing the total value of the project to $535 million,” Ms King said.

“Works include constructing the new Menmuny overpass and a pedestrian path.

“Placement of the first bridge deck units on the new overpass is an important project milestone; it is exciting to see this signifi cant piece of infrastructure progressing.

“It is another step towards completing the critical Bruce High way project, providing Queensland’s growing number of motor ists a safe and smooth commute along this section of national highway,” she said.

Project construction started in May 2020 and is expected to be completed in mid-2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Construction of Menmuny Overpass near Gordonvale

OVER the weekend, the inau gural First Nations Children’s Festival was held in Cairns, welcoming children to country in a traditional ceremony and fun-filled festival.

The first-ever tri-nation naming ceremony was held at the event, and the tri-nations reunited for the first time in almost 100 years.

The significant event was a collaboration between tri-na tion elders, Minjil, Ngamumu and Seville Mercy Conference Centre and was hosted on the sacred grounds of the Seville gardens.

Indigenous and non-indig enous families were invited to attend, with close to 400 people converging on the Seville gardens in the heart of Earlville.

Festival Director Leah Pa’apa’a of Ngamumu said the event was significant in many aspects, and she is proud that everyone joined to enjoy traditional food, performances, cultural naming ceremonies, craft and dancing.

“All of the artists involved in this festival were local, and

it was so well attended, and everyone just seemed to enjoy themselves,” Ms Pa’apa’a said.

“When we first set out to do this festival, it was about work ing out what knowledge sys tems we wanted to pass down to the next generation and to harness that intergenerational wealth of knowledge.”

The event cultural director Carl Fourmile of Minjil, hopes the event continues annually and grows even bigger so First Nations culture can be taught to the next generation.

“We actually made history today,” Mr Fourmile said.

“It is the first time all three nations (Yidinji (Cairns), Tjapukai (Kuranda) and Gung gandji (Yarrabah) have joined together in a ceremony for close to 100 years.

“We had the first tri-nation naming ceremony welcoming indigenous and non-indigenous children to country through a cultural blessing with elders.

“A ceremony like that has only previously been done privately in our respective communities and has never involved non-indigenous chil

dren. The children received traditional gifts of clap sticks, wooden bowls and shields.

“It was a wonderful experi ence,” he said.

This will be the second time Seville Mercy Conference Cen tre and Minjil have collabo rated on a first for indigenous cultural education in Cairns.

Earlier this year, Cairns’ first Reconciliation Garden was commissioned and built for the community on the grounds of Seville, and now the begin ning of what is tipped to be an annual event with the inaugu ral First Nations Children’s Festival.

“We are just so honoured to be involved in so many firsts with the traditional owners of Cairns,” General Manager at Seville Mercy Conference Cen tre, Rod Cole-Clarke, said.

“They have chosen our site as it holds significance for them and us, and we both see the importance of bridging that gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, so we can truly begin to recon cile, learn and share with one another.”

Christmas Lights on the Move

CAIRNS locals of all ages are expected to flock to Fogarty Park on Thursday, December 8, for the Explore Property Christmas Lights on the Move event.

This community event supports the more than 700 families in the Cairns region who rely on the practical care programs provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia every year.

Participants are encouraged to scoot, skate, walk or stroll the 6km Esplanade Loop (perfect for those with young children) or ride the tradi tional 16km Christmas Lights Tour, which will take in all the sights and sparkles of the Cairns Christmas spirit.

The night will begin at 5pm in Fogarty Park and include a

sausage sizzle, live Christmas music and a special visit from Santa himself!

Local businesses, includ ing this year’s event Naming Sponsor, Explore Property, have supported this must-do festive family event.

RMHC North Australia CEO Tamara South is thrilled to see the Cairns community sharing the Christmas spirit again for this annual festive fundraiser.

“Thanks to the overwhelm ing support of the Cairns community and generosity of local sponsors, this year’s Christmas Lights on the Move will give local families a wonderful opportunity to come together and enjoy the fun and festivity of this growing event,” Ms South explained.

“The funds raised from registrations and donations will directly support the hundreds of Cairns region families who rely on RMHC North Australia each year.”

Tickets for the Explore Property Christmas Lights on the Move event can be purchased online at: www.rmhcna.org.au.

Participants can also purchase tickets on the night, subject to availability. Online pre-purchases are highly recommended to avoid disap pointment.

For more information about the Explore Property Christmas Lights on the Move event, visit https://nafundrais ing.rmhc.org.au/event/2022christmas-lights-on-the-move/ home or click on this link in the online edition of the paper: www.bit.ly/3E0vf7a

VOCAL LOCAL

ROSS 28/10/22.... 1300 & 1800 numbers are a fact of life, going to have to get used to them mate, they are here to stay.

Ian, Cairns

CUT emissions by 75% by within 2025 and conserve forests and revegetate all soils - end Fossil Fuel exports = saving the GBReef - anything else is observing stressed coral reefs and diversity of species diminishing?!!

Pete, via Facebook

DRIVERS in Cairns need to wake up and look around. I have never seen such poor driv ing skills since moving from Victoria. Keep in your lane, watch out for bikes and do the blasted speed limit.

I won’t even mention your inability to merge. And tradies well... you just don’t own the road.

Bec, Tourist

Want to be heard? Send a text to the Editor 0438 195 408 or email letters@cairnslocalnews.com.au

TAS Junior school gets five stars for innovation

TRINITY Anglican School’s (TAS) Primary (White Rock campus) is the only far northern school to be recog nised among Australia’s most forward-thinking education providers with inclusion in The Educator’s prestigious 5-Star Innovative Schools 2022 list.

TAS’ Head of Junior School (White Rock campus), Mr Pe ter Gazzola, said he is thrilled to receive this latest distinction which extends The Educator’s top honour of Primary School of the Year announced in the first quarter of 2022.

“At TAS, we are always striving to provide the best education and outcomes for students in Far North Queens land while rising to the needs and challenges of the 21stcentury learner,” Mr Gazzola said.

According to Mr Gazzola, it is not one but several new

ground-breaking programs and initiatives that culminated in TAS receiving this prestigious status announced this week.

“Initiatives to boost par ent engagement in the Prep reading area along with data analysis to inform educational outcomes, and the develop ment of a specific Year 6 wel fare and leadership program, Connect and Care, have each contributed to the award,” he said.

“I would like to thank our hard-working staff for their dedicated pursuit of providing the very best for our students. As a community, this is some thing we can all share and be extremely proud of.”

In July 2022, The Educator, Australia’s only magazine and news website for professional educators invited schools across Australia to participate in the publication’s 5-Star In

novative School awards.

Now in its eighth year, the report awards schools at the forefront of change and in novation.

Entries were open to all educational professionals who believe their school is pioneering a new direction in education.

From teaching approaches to learning spaces and curriculum design, the report looks at schools reshaping the future of education.

By the end of the judging process, the entries were nar rowed down to just 46 of the country’s most forward-think ing schools, of which TAS Primary (White Rock campus) is included.

To read more about The Educator’s most Innovative Schools of 2022, visit The Educator’s website : http://bit.ly/3tz3JZC

A Rating that is Fair and Equitable

By Brett Moller

THE impacts of COVID across industry sectors and on household budgets have been significant both financially and socially.

Our Cairns Regional Council has not been immune from these impacts, and perhaps even we have been more impacted, as we have sought to ease the burden on residents and rate payers by not applying CPI increases on rate increases for a number of years, in times of cost of living stresses. In addition, in respect to our asset management and capital works obligations around providing for essential services, we do not have the flexibility to put off or delay some of this work, having to wear increasing costs impacting on budgets and our forward planning.

Whilst our benchmarking against other Councils of a similar population and our sur rounding Councils as evidenced in the tables supporting the 2022/2023 budget handed down on the June 22, 2022 and in our Rates Benchmarking agenda item in our meeting on the July 27, 2022, (available to our residents), clearly show our favourable position over many years, in respect to low rates and charges and low increases in the past, there is a chal lenge going forward.

Whilst residents and ratepayers have ben efited from our below CPI rates and charges

increases in times past, the effect of such, and the significant increases in procurement (concrete and steel alone have seen increases of 20 per cent in the short term), has seen our Council identify a shortfall of a needed $50M in our 10 year budget modelling, which is over and above current CPI increases.

The sum of $5M annually in addition to CPI increases, equates to a 4 per cent per annum rate increase on top of CPI increases. With cur rent CPI increases at 6.2 per cent in the June quarter, 7.3per cent in the September quarter and heading to 8 per cent into 2023, you can see the challenges Council and our residents will have going forward. We have identified this, and we have been open and transparent about such. The amount of rate increases is always the subject of our budget discussions and workshops leading into each financial year and the adoption of our budget and no decision has been made on such at this time.

In the adoption of this year’s budget, where we identified a new rating category for non principle places of residences (NPPR), in my budget speech I said, “in these challenging economic times, we need to be innovative in our revenue raising whilst being respectful and mindful of the effect rates and charges will have.”

To ensure a fair and equitable spread of rates and charges and the revenue that needs to be generated, a new rating category for NNPR of between 15per cent and 25 per cent on the general rates component only, ($3 to $6 a week average) will see this additional revenue that is needed, generated. Otherwise, it requires a 4% increase across all current rating categories in addition to the CPI increases. So if a resident owns a home and an investment property and this new rating category for NPPR doesn’t come in, then it will be a 4 per cent increase needed on both properties currently owned.

Where we have identified about 30 per cent of property owners having NPPR, a fairer and more equitable spread is identified, benefitting the majority (70 per cent) of remaining prop erty owners. Importantly, our Council under the legislation is permitted to apply different rating categories on the uses of the properties. This NPPR category is only for residential investment properties, not rural, commercial or multi-unit dwellings which have their own rating category.

Rentals in Cairns over the last twelve months have gone up approximately $100 per week, (Cairns Report November 2022) due to short supply and high demand. It will be a matter for landlords who have benefitted

through this recent period of rent increases, as to whether they pass this cost on, or if they have a good relationship with their tenant, decide to absorb those costs and claim it as a tax deduction.

Where a majority of other Councils of our size across the State already have in place this rating category, for NPPR, as well as our other local Councils of Cassowary and Douglas Councils, are we being prudent and respon sible to our residents in not considering this, where it lessens the burden across the majority of our property owners and rate payers?

Where it is an identified shortfall of budg eted costs that requires revenue to be sourced, it is not a tax grab, but a redistribution of revenue through a new rating category, that is fairer and more equitable and lessens the burden on the majority of our rate payers, in my view.

As it is only a proposal our Council is considering all feedback received, but it is im portant to understand the premise of why this new rating category is being considered.

The views expressed are those of Cr Brett Moller and not necessarily those of the Cairns Regional Council.

Greenpatch siren testing

Cemetery clean-up

In preparation for the upcoming cyclone season, Council will be conducting a clean-up of the western lawn section of the Cairns Cemetery on Martyn St.

Over time, there has been an increase in unapproved adornments and tributes placed on grave sites, such as glass and water-holding vessels, clothing, ornaments and other unsecured items that could become missiles in high winds and cause damage and be a danger to the community.

Families are encouraged to collect any items of significance or value before 1 December 2022 as removed items will not be retained.

Council will test the Greenpatch flood warning system on Tuesday 22 November, between 11am and midday.

The test will begin with a voice recording lasting about 25 seconds, followed by a siren tone, lasting about 30 seconds.

This is a test only. Residents and visitors in the area do not need to take any action. Family pets should be secured to ensure they do not escape their yard during the test.

Improvement works

Commending Heroes

ARMISTICE Day is a special day across the World for mil lions of people who wish to commemorate the armistice signing between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne in France. This marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at eleven in the morning, on November 11, 1918. The day is also an opportunity to remember our fallen heroes from all past wars.

I popped along to the local Douglas Shire Council and Moss man RSL Remembrance Day Service at the Council Offices to show my respects.

Overall, there was a good turn out from locals, including war veterans, RSL Members, and nearby schools who also brought their instruments along to provide the National Anthem.

This year is a particularly special one as it also represents 80 years since Australian Major General Basil Morris issued an ‘Employment of Natives Order’, which allowed native Papuans to be recruited as carriers for three years. Between August and

past & present!

December in 1942, around 16,000 Papuans were recruited, often with false promises such as a shorter period of service or less dif ficult working conditions.

The Papua New Guinean war carriers, named by Australian Soldiers as Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, would bring supplies up to the front and carry injured Australian troops down the Kokoda trail during the Kokoda Campaign.

One other major contribution to various war efforts, that should never be forgotten, was made by numerous different animals who used their particular skills to allow us all a better future.

One particular example was a Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky who, in February 1944, was found by an American soldier in an abandoned foxhole in the New Guinea jungle. The soldiers initially thought the small dog belonged to the Japanese, but after taking her to a nearby prisoner-of-war camp they realized she did not understand commands in Japanese or English.

Smoky was sold to Corporal William A. Wynne of Cleveland,

Ohio, for two Australian pounds and for the next two years, was back-packed through the rest of the war accompanying Wynne on combat flights in the Pacific.

Bizarrely enough, Mossman has its very own modern-day version of Smoky in the form of Lilli. Owned by local Khani Hawthorne, like the war hero animals of the past, Lilli has a very important role to play as an ‘Assistance’ dog. Strangely enough, she was born on November 11, 2011. In October of this year, rules were changed so that recognized assistance dogs could not be rejected from private or government establishments, including council housing. As a result, our fury friends continue to have a very important part to play in the lives us human beings!

I’m off to try and get some assistance from my German Shepperd Cross, so for now it’s Gazza signing out! Send your stories to:gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Mossman RSL President Ron Savage laid the first wreath and took a moment to remember Fallen Heroes.

The original Smoky from World War II

Local assistance dog Lilli… Mossman’s very own Smoky

FNQ business bets on innovation

NATIONALLY operating franchise network James Homes Services have received the Innovation Excellence

Award at the 2022 JCU Busi ness Excellence Awards for launching the nation’s first business subscription model.

James Homes Services spe cialises in delivering profes sional home services, primarily cleaning and lawn and garden care.

With new Cairns-based owners arriving in 2020, James Homes Services went through a complete renewal, research ing the best resources for their franchisees, and in 2022 they launched a game-changing subscription model.

The subscription model facilitates business ownership for franchisees with flexibility and the benefits of paying as they go, something never seen before in Australia.

James Home Services CEO Rhiannon Simcocks said it was an honour to be recognised for the efforts invested in facilitat ing business ownership for their franchisees.

“It’s really exciting to be recognised at that level for the work we’re doing,” Ms Simcocks said.

“Being recognised through this award is not only recogni tion of a great idea with our subscription model that we then implemented.

“For me, the award acknowl

edges the work that went into transforming our network to get it to a place where we could introduce a very crazy and innovative idea, and it could be successful.”

Innovation is the keyword; James Home Services wanted to offer something new and fresh that would benefit their franchisees while making them stand out in the market.

“In March 2020, the national ownership of the company changed,” Ms Simcocks said.

“Two FNQ businessmen purchased it, and we dis covered the company had a really deep-seeded history in Australia, almost 30 years, and it had great foundations.

“We also found that in that time, consumer demands and marketplace needs changed, and our model wasn’t meeting the current day needs of our franchisees in the network and the needs of our modern-day customer.”

Ms Simcocks said the company spent two years rebuilding the foundations of the company, adapting to the technology and coming up with new innovative ideas.

“We’ve had significant change in the network in the last two years, and we’ve rebuilt these foundations en tirely,” she said.

“This has put us in a position where innovation through a new business model, our sub

scription model, was possible.”

According to Ms Simcocks, the highly innovative Sub scription Model James Home Services developed reflects the needs of franchisees.

“You need to ask yourself two questions,” she said.

“Does the market want what we’re selling? And we’re selling that goal of becoming your own business owner, and the answer is yes, it’s part of the quintessential Australian dream.

“The second question was, why weren’t we seeing the growth in our network we should’ve been seeing?

“We did a lot of market research, we spoke a lot to the people who were inquiring with our business about fran chises, and it boiled down to two key things,” Ms Simcocks said.

“First, they wanted more flexibility than the traditional franchise granted; they didn’t want to feel locked in.

“Second, they didn’t want to have upfront payments to purchase their business, and it makes sense because things like Netflix have completely changed how we think about spending money on services, and instead of paying money upfront, we subscribe to services.”

After figuring this problem out, the solution came with a Business Subscription Model,

something never seen before in Australia.

Through a highly successful PR campaign promoting the service, the number of inquir ies for James Homes Service increased, and so did the num ber of new franchisees joining the subscription model.

Adding a subscription model refreshed the organisation with more young people looking to start their own businesses.

Ms Simcocks said James Home Services is heading in the right direction, and they strive to keep innovating.

“What we’re really focused on at the moment is consolidat ing the growth we’re seeing and getting it right,” she said.

“We’re not chasing growth and numbers for the sake of numbers; we want to build a network that is cohesive and supportive who are genuinely high-integrity operating busi nesses.

“Beyond that, we have some exciting ideas we’re working on, and the underlying premise behind them is to know your audience and make it easy for people to do business with you.

“So this isn’t the last in novation you can expect from James Home Services; it’s just the beginning,” Ms Simcocks said.

For more information on James Home Services, visit: jameshomeservices.com.au/

Above: James Home Services CEO Rhiannon Simcocks Below: CEO Rhiannon Simcocks receives the Innovation Excellence Award from Acting Mayor Terry James

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Stay connected in your senior years

Offering independent living and the safety and security of a caring environment, Oak Tree specialises in building smaller more private communities, complete with purpose-built recreational facilities.

Oak Tree is passionate about providing an environment in which our residents can form new friendships and be part of a close-knit community whilst continuing to live independently.

Enrich your retirement doing more of the things you love.

IT’S TIME TO MAKE A FUSS NOMINATE A MATE THIS AUSTRALIA DAY

THE 2023 Cassowary Coast Australia Day Awards are now open, giving an opportunity for locals to recognise other members of the community who go above and beyond to build a more vibrant re gion.

The Cassowary Coast Region Australia Day Award program is an exciting opportunity to cel ebrate the achievements of individuals, community groups and organisations making positive contri butions to our community.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark

Nolan said each year it’s an honour to celebrate the unique stories of our local community mem bers whose selflessness and commitment, lighten the load for others.

“The awards are a special way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of community mem bers who take pride in their individual involvements and are well-deserving in recognition.

“Members of the Cassowary Coast can be rec ognised across categories including citizen of the year, community event of the year and cultural

award, to name a few,” said Councillor Nolan.

Nominating a local inspiration has never been easier, simply complete the online form by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Australia-Day. All nominations must be received by 4:30pm, Fri day 6 January, 2023.

Please review the category and entry criteria before completing the online nomination form to ensure the category is the best selection for your nomination.

Australia Day Award Recipients 2022

One Coast - Cassowary Coast

Book Launch – WETLANDS OF QUEENSLAND

THE Wetlands of Queensland book has re cently been published.

The book is the product of a multi-year collaboration between the Wetlands team in the Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs Division of DES and the Queens land Museum. It shows the variety, beauty and complexity of the wetlands in Queens land, and how the plants and animals within them have evolved to thrive in the vastly dif ferent climate zones and landscapes within the state.

At nearly 450 pages, this richly illustrated publication includes more than 500 sensa tional images by Queensland Museum pho tographer Gary Cranitch from all parts of Queensland.

In addition to the text developed by the Wetlands team, almost 30 authors with ex pertise in various aspects of wetland ecol ogy, contributed to the text to help readers understand why wetlands are such a critical component of our environment, the many ecosystem services they provide. Managing wetlands effectively involves balancing their many values to achieve the best outcomes for our society, our environment and our economy.

Come along at 12pm on Tuesday 22 No vember at the Innisfail Library location, to hear Mike Ronan and Gary Cranitch give an insight into the book along with a slideshow of images. Photographic prints from the book will also be on display.

FIND YOUR NEXT CHAPTER –WITH LIBRARIES BOOKCLUB

CASSOWARY Coast Libraries are proud to share the success of their heart-warming program, Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC).

NCBC supports people with disabilities, connecting them through the enjoyment of sharing books in a community space.

After becoming an affiliate member in 2020, Council Library staff, volunteers and Councillors undertook training with the Next Chapter Book Club resources and have cre ated a welcoming and comfortable space to guide participants through weekly activities, reading selected books and enjoying laugh ter and icebreaker jokes at the beginning of each session. Two clubs meet every week at the Innisfail and Mission Beach libraries.

Councillor Trudy Tschui, who volunteers her time to the Mission Beach NCBC, said it has been great to see the program strength en and watch the inclusiveness of this club grow.

“As the mantra for the Book Club reminds us - it’s not about learning to read, it’s about reading to learn,” said Councillor Tschui.

Library team members who facilitate the Innisfail club have been amazed to watch the

immense improvement in all our members’ reading abilities.

“One book club member presented as non-verbal in his first session, however since being involved in the program, can recog nise and read several words. Each week he improves and brings so much joy to the library with a big smile, holding his head a little higher”.

Library staff feel that facilitating NCBC is one of the most enlightening and rewarding things they have been involved with, as they see participants continue to thrive through this weekly program.

Next Chapter Book Club has created friendships and connections which are prov ing to be strong and long, extending beyond the library into participants’ social life. If you would like to become a part of The Next Chapter Book Club, as volunteer or partici pant, visit your local Cassowary Coast Li brary branch to find out more.

For more information visit, www.nextchap terbookclub.org/ or contact a friendly Casso wary Coast Library team member on 1300 366 616.

Regional Arts Development Fund Grants

Mission Beach Next Chapter Book Club members

Innisfail Next Chapter Book Club members

Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal – Recipient Organisations

COUNCIL through the Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal is helping to facilitate the fundraising of Christmas donations on behalf of community groups who offer support and wonderful services for our community year-round. The following organisations have been selected as the recipients for this year Christmas Appeal donations which will assist them to provide a variety of services and programs for the most vulnerable in our community.

Cassowary Coast Uniting Church

Cassowary Coast Uniting Church minis ters to people who are sometimes in their lowest point of life, in times of sickness, un employment, when finances are tight. They offer financial support, but also offer spiritual support and psychological support. The organisation supports community members in Mission Beach, Tully and Innisfail. With the generous donations from the Christmas Appeal, this will assist their ability to aid community to have a better start to the year in 2023.

Good Start Early Learning

Good Start Early Learning Centre delivers Early Education to currently 70 clients and families. The Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal funds will help support children who are currently in foster care, vulnerable situa tions and low-income situations. They would also like to provide further support to these children and use the funds to distribute ham pers to clients during the Christmas period.

Global Care Local

Global Care Local provides initiatives sup porting 97 local operations responding and providing unique forms of aid. Global Care has a heart of kindness and generosity and intrinsic focus on ‘mates healing mates’. The donations from the Christmas Appeal will go towards food hampers for families in the Innisfail district.

Tully Support Centre

Tully Support Centre provides support for individuals, families and community members experiencing domestic and family violence. Currently, Tully Support Centre provides support to 12,000 contacts across all services from Cardwell to Babinda. The funds donated during the Christmas Appeal, will provide financial assistance to fami lies and support their children returning to school.

Innisfail Youth and Family Care Inc

Innisfail Youth Centre Inc provides youth services as well as support for community members experiencing situations of home lessness and domestic violence. Innisfail Youth Centre currently offers support to 60 families as well as six young people in the Youth Shelter from Cardwell to Innisfail. The Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal funds will provide hampers and vouchers to clients to help them through the Christmas period.

Mission Beach Meals On Wheels

Mission Beach Meals On Wheels provides meals to elderly and vulnerable community members in the Cassowary Coast. The Mis sion Beach branch caters and supports 17 clients in Mission Beach and El Arish. The Christmas Appeal funds will assist Meals On Wheels with sourcing food items for recipi ents and vouchers for volunteers over the Christmas period.

Tabernacle of Yeusha Assembly

The Tabernacle of Yeusha Assembly provides counselling support, food parcels, vouchers, transport support, family social support youth engagement and support for disengaged youth learners. The outreach service currently supports 51 families, 78 children, four disengaged students and 21 young adult males aged 17-25. The funds will increase their ability to support the fami lies most disadvantaged during this holiday season.

St Vincent De Paul Society

St Vincent De Paul Society provides services including food and toy hampers to those in need in the Cassowary Coast. Supporting 1,169 families over the previ ous month, it is expected this number will increase over Christmas. The Christmas Appeal will support St Vincent De Paul Society distribute food hampers and gifts for the many families needing a hand over the Christmas period who would otherwise be missed.

Community Support Centre Innisfail

The Community Support Centre Innisfail provides community and family support in cluding group programs, case management and family counselling to around 60 clients across the whole region. Cassowary Coast Christmas Appeal donations will help the Centre provide Christmas grocery vouchers to help the vunerable families they work with.

COUNCIL COMMENCES BIN OPTIMISATION PROGRAM

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council is progressively undertaking a bin optimi sation across our region. This program includes removing the existing 55-litre bins and installing 240-litre wheelie bins at strategic locations. The 240-litre bins will be installed on either a bin stand or in an enclosure, depending on the loca tion.

The new 240-litre bins increase the capacity of waste which can be collected and enables Council to more efficiently streamline waste collection and improve on our current processes. The bins will be located at consistent and predictable locations that capture significant waste.

Environmental Portfolio Holder, Councillor Jeff Baines said refreshing the public bin network with fit-for-purpose infrastructure designed for the location is aimed at significantly reducing the as sociated safety and environmental risks whilst providing cost savings to Council.

“The adoption of Council’s Reef Guardian Action Plan initiated a review of public bins across our region.

“With no cover to contain the waste, Council found the existing 55-litre opentop bins caused a number of environ mental impacts including wind-blow litter,

debris from scavenging animals and rain washing the contents out of the bins.

“Council officers have also reported a number of occupational health and safety issues involving manual handling incidents caused when emptying the 55-litre open top bins, as they often contain water

“The newly installed 240-litre bins increase the capacity of waste available for collection and reduce the identified collection risks.

“I would encourage residents to take advantage of these public bins; and we sincerely appreciate everyone properly disposing of waste to prevent litter,” said Councillor Baines.

To find out more about the Bin Opti misation Program including when and where the new bins will be placed please visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ bin-optimisation-project or click: http://bit.ly/3UVjkhF online. The com munity also has the ability to submit suggestions on where bins may be better located to overall improve the bin loca tions for community use.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

COMMUNITY GRANTS ROUND ONE - NOW OPEN

THE first round of Community Grants is now open, with grants available for up to $5,000 in the areas of Community Wellbeing and Lifestyle, Economic Development and Envi ronmental Sustainability.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s new Community Grants Program provides support for local community organ isations that endeavour to make positive change and contrib ute to a vibrant community. Applicants are subject to eligibility criteria and must complete the relevant application with all

required documentation to be considered.

If you are unsure whether your organisation or event falls into the three categories, visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov. au/funding-grants and read the Community Grants Guide lines which breaks down each category, including examples relevant to each category.

Alternatively, if you are ready to apply, visit: www.cassowarycoast.smartygrants.com.au/ - Council’s new ly adopted online grant management platform, which makes

grant applications and acquittals more accessible and simple for the community.

Council Officers are also available if you require additional support, or would like to talk through your options. Contact the Community Relations and Services Team to book an ap pointment by emailing: shared.CommunityRelationsandServices@ccrc.qld.gov.au

Submissions for the Community Grants Program Round One close at 5:00 PM 28 November 2022.

Bin enclosure located in Innisfail featuring art deco artwork.

School Savvy Innisfail is currently seeking donations to make a difference to kids and families struggling to get back to school for 2023. Donate your good condition pre-loved school uniforms, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes and stationery supplies to our School

Savvy Donation Points at Council locations:

• Innisfail Shire Hall Customer Service Centre

• Tully Civic Centre Customer Service Centre

A pop-up shop will be held Wednesday 18 January, 2023 10am - 2pm to get your child back to school ready.

For more information: www.centacarefnq.org/school-savvy-1

JOIN FOR AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC

FESTIVAL of Small Halls is returning to the Innisfail Con Theatre this December. The show takes the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists performing at Australia’s largest festivals and sends them out to rural towns and communities to perform in their unique halls.

This performance will showcase Inn Echo, one of the most unique and captivating groups to surface out of Atlantic Canada in

recent years and Sam Buckingham hailing from the Northern Rivers of NSW, a perfect balance of poetry and pop.

Local talent Ash Binello will also join the lineup for a perfect afternoon of music and community.

Tickets available: festivalofsmallhalls.com/Innisfail-2022

Cassowary Coast Libraries comprises of four branches located at Cardwell, Innisfail, Tully and Mission Beach. For locations, opening times or general enquiries, please call 1300 366 616 or visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries

Waste Transfer Stations locations and opening hours can be found by visiting: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/transfer-stations

A vision splendid –Cardwell

By Maria Larkins

“ … in future years, when the forests shall have fallen, and churches, public buildings, streets, warehouses, & c., spread far along the gleaming shore and back to the base of the mountains, and the taper spars and black hulls of a merchant fleet give life to the now lonely water of the harbour, Australia will hold noth ing more beautiful than the city of Cardwell and its port”. Brisbane, August 1, 1864.

Dalrymple was part of a group of pioneers who came to explore and settle the area. With him was the Commissioner for Crown Lands, William Alcock Tully; Lieutenant Marlow of the Queensland Native Police with three

Indigenous troopers; an Austrian baron turned squatter, P. Selheim; botanists, John Dallachy and Dr. Mueller; hotelkeeper, J. Morrisey; store keeper, T. F. Milne; carpenter, Willhelm Peters; market gardener, Muller; interpreter, James Morill; Scotsman, George M. Farquharson; and bushmen, Walter Butler, C. Kerr and R. Ewert.

They had sailed from Port Denison on January 15, 1864, aboard a small schooner, “Policeman” with a small cutter, “Heather Bell” in tow. Aboard were the 20 settlers along with 10 horses, 12 sheep, 2 goats, numerous fowls and dogs plus equipment.

By November the settlement began to resem ble a township. A commodious Court House had been built, a few weatherboard cottages had also been erected, and a large handsome residence was in the course of being construct

ed for the Police Magistrate.

Importantly, the settlers were finding suste nance. A milkman and baker had established themselves in the town, and there had been an attempt at fishing with mullet and other fish successfully obtained. Morrisey’s Royal Hotel had become the centre for town meetings and for quenching the townsfolk’s thirst.

The settlers were also grateful for the sea breeze which provided some relief from the op pressive heat from 11am until sunset each day.

On February 16, 1865, it was announced the first sale of Crown Lands would be held on March 22. The “Rockhampton Bulletin” wel comed the move to hold the auction onsite as it would favour “bona fide settlers” rather than “greedy speculators”.

The “Maryborough Chronicle” reported in

1873, that “Mr. G. E. Dalrymple and other Gov ernment explorers have lately reported large tracts of land expressly suited for sugar-growing on the Pioneer and other northern rivers, which are merely awaiting skills, industry, energy, and capital to become productive seats of industry”.

Dalrymple had been on an expedition of the north-east coast from Cardwell to the Endeav our River inspecting the Johnstone, Mossman and Daintree Rivers. It was on that trip that he became very ill and was subsequently granted leave of absence to recover in England. Dalry mple never returned to Cardwell having died in England on January 22, 1876.

THE expedition notes penned by Mr. George Elphinstone Dalrymple, painted a vision splendid of his imagined town and harbour at Rockingham Bay:

Sources: TROVE, State Library of Queensland (SLQ), State Library of NSW (SLNSW), “Cardwell Shire Story” by M. K. Jones (1962).

Portrait of G. E. Dalrymple. Courtesy SLQ.

View of the township of Cardwell c. 1885. Courtesy SLQ.

View of the township of Cardwell c. 1880s. Courtesy SLQ.

Portrait of William Alcock Tully c. 1863. Courtesy SLQ.

CAIRNSMOTORINGGUIDE

Parents urged to help teens survive the

Schoolies drive

AS tens of thousands of Year 12 students count down the days to Schoolies, RACQ is urging parents to have a crucial conversation with their teenagers to keep them safe on the road.

The Club’s Young Drivers Survey found distraction and fatigue are the most common safety issues for young drivers – and with the excitement of a week-long party with their friends, these are likely to become even bigger issues.

RACQ Education Officer Dave Webber said parents play a huge role in equip ping their children with the strategies and skills they need to make responsible choices behind the wheel.

“Some students will be driving significant distances to get to Schoolies, and we want to make sure they remember this party of a lifetime for all the right reasons,” Mr Webber said.

“All we want is for our young drivers to make it there, and home, safely. The best option for parents would be to drive your kids to Schoolies yourself, so they can leave the car at home.

“If that’s not possible, it’s critical to have a conversation

about road safety and whether driving is their only option.

If they make the choice to drive, they need to consider how their choices outside of the car can affect their driv ing.”

Mr Webber said it is vital for parents to help their chil dren plan ahead.

“For P-plate drivers, they need to choose what to do with their phones to avoid the temptation of using them while driving by either turn ing them off, setting them to Do Not Disturb, putting them on silent or giving them to a person they can trust while they drive.

“For parents, it’s not a matter of if, but when your teens will find themselves in a dangerous situation, either as a passenger or driver,” he said.

“Equip your teens by discussing their options in advance and having a plan for what to do when something goes wrong. They need to consider how their choices from the day or night before could affect them the next day.

“Fatigue, distraction, and drug or alcohol use will sig nificantly affect their abilities behind the wheel.”

(BPT) - IF you think you’ve been seeing more plug-in cars on the road or hybrid vehicles in the carpool lane lately, you are not imagining it. A recent Deloitte report found that high fuel prices, combined with lower maintenance costs, has EV interest poised for contin ued growth among consumers.

Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index took a closer look at what’s driving interest in EV and hybrid vehicles:

1. Fuel prices play a big part. Perhaps it is the obvious answer, but the high prices at the pump are among the biggest incentives for those looking to make the switch from a traditional gas-powered or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to a hybrid or EV. According to the Gauge, most consumers (51 per cent) find spending less money on fuel as the most appealing benefit of EVs.

2. Environmental concerns are rising.

Other drivers are more en vironmentally minded in their decisions: nearly a quarter (24 per cent) say the environmental impact of an EV is the most appealing reason for them to

switch. According to the EPA, electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than petrol cars, even when account ing for the electricity required to charge them.

3. EVs can go the distance. Technology advancements have given EVs a leg up when it comes to distance - though many drivers (51 per cent) still underestimate how far one can travel on a full charge. On average, an EV can go about 400 km on a single charge. And considering the average house hold travels approximately 80 km on a typical day, according to the latest National House hold Travel Survey, that makes EVs a strong option for most.

4. Maintenance matters for many.

There are specific mainte nance considerations for EVs, but the benefit for many is that maintenance typically costs less than for an ICE vehicleup to 30 per cent lower!

However, Hankook found that many drivers will need to brush up on what those par ticular maintenance considera tions are before they make the switch - only 29 per cent know that EVs have different main

tenance requirements to their gas-powered counterparts.

Similarly, only 22 per cent of drivers know that if you are aiming for optimum perfor mance, EVs should use tires designed specifically for EVs. (On the bright side, 82 per cent are aware that there is a dif ference between a hybrid and an EV.)

5. EVs offer plenty of options. The growing popularity of EVs also leads to growing options - whether you prefer to drive a sedan, coupe, SUV or light truck, there’s an EV option for you.

The EPA notes that there are currently more than 50 plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle models on the market, with vehicle class options likely to continue expanding in coming years.

So for those seeking alter nate options, there are plenty to go with!

With all of the benefits that EVs and hybrids offer for those seeking to lower costs and their overall environmental footprint, it’s no wonder new electric vehicle sales wihtin Australia have increased by 65 per cent in 2022, but uptake still lags far behind other countries.

Lack

flies in

face of storm season concerns

NEW RACQ research has revealed nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of Queenslanders are con cerned about being impacted by severe storms and flooding, but many aren’t taking appropri ate steps to prepare.

As the State faces another unpredictable season of wild weather, RACQ’s Attitudes

Towards Storm Season Report found 64 per cent of Queenslanders live in, or close to, areas prone to severe storms and cyclones, yet less than half have an emergency kit (40 per cent) or emergency plan (46 per cent) ready for when disaster strikes.

The report also found four in five Queens landers said they would know what to do if a severe storm or flood was going to impact their property, however almost a third wouldn’t know how to respond in the face of a bushfire.

RACQ Group Executive Insurance Trent Sayers said while respondents admitted to taking proactive steps to get ready for storm season, most only carried out last minute activi ties and didn’t focus on early preparation.

“Relocating their vehicle to a safe area (70 per cent) and securing loose outdoor items (63 per cent) are seen as the top priorities when preparing for storm season,” Mr Sayers said.

“While these tasks are important to reduce damage, people should be thinking further ahead. Cleaning gutters and downpipes, carry ing out home repairs and maintenance, and hav

ing an emergency kit and plan in place, well in advance, is crucial to making your property and family more resilient to severe weather events.

“We’ve already seen glimpses of what’s in store for us this storm season, so it’s important for those households who haven’t yet given it much thought, to act now, and not wait until the storm has arrived, because that’s too late.” Mr Sayers said living in Australia’s most disasterimpacted state, it was vital Queenslanders didn’t become complacent.

“Concerningly, one in three surveyed said their home was either not insured, they didn’t know their sum-insured value, or didn’t think their insurance would cover rebuilding costs in today’s market,” he said. “It’s important to understand what you’re covered for in your insurance policy.

RACQ Home Insurance includes flood, storm, and hail as standard, but other insurers may be different. “If you are affected by a se vere weather event, it’s important to lodge your claim online as soon as you can – the earlier we have your details the sooner we can assist.”

Mr Sayers said another common misconcep tion is that insurance will cover repairs fol lowing a weather event, even if the damage is linked to a maintenance-related issue.

“People need to stay on top of their home maintenance, for example checking their roof tiles aren’t cracked and there isn’t loose sheet

ing or rotting timber.”

For Queenslanders struggling to find the mo tivation to get ready for storm season, Decida behavioural economist Phil Slade said there were some simple ways to help people kickstart preparations.

“A good trick of the mind is to bring the timeframe forward by asking yourself, what if a storm hit tomorrow, or this afternoon, am I ready?” Mr Slade said.

“It’s also beneficial to ask yourself, if there was something you didn’t do and it had an impact on someone else, how would it make you feel? Equally, if your neighbour’s lack of preparation impacted you, how would it make you feel?

“Make a simple list of things you can do to be ready for storm season and start the conversation with others to get their views, because when we share ideas, it helps to motivate each other.”

Supplied image: Early preparation for storm is vital around your home

pantomime

pantomime

a Jolly Roger Christmas

Written and

Directed by Noelene Rees

ARTIST, activist and “trash ion” designer, Marina DeBris, is looking forward to the day when she runs out of material for her creations.

It will mean the beaches are no longer littered with debris such as plastics, polystyrene, surgical masks, bottles, cans, thongs, lighters, bottle-tops, and other rubbish.

DeBris who has been creat ing her amazing “Beach Cou ture” creations for more than decade has held exhibitions in the United States, Japan and Australia. Her mission is to raise awareness of unnecessary rubbish polluting oceans and beaches.

Her touring exhibition currently on display at Cairns Museum, “Beach Couture: A Haute Mess”, has been de scribed as grotesque, amusing

Learn how to make a beautiful handmade

book. In this workshop, Cairns-based contemporary artist & arts educator Rose Rigley will teach the fundamentals of bookbinding.

Participants (14yrs+) will be guided to create an A5 hand-made, open-bound book using the Coptic stitch binding method. Each participant will craft one unique book, learning how to create pages, make covers, layout signatures, and techniques for binding. No experience necessary.

Time: 1pm-4pm

Price: $53.84, all materials provided

Bookings are essential – Max 10 participants.

Bookings Via eventbrite.

A trashionista’s vision

and thought-provoking.

It includes the luminous plastic/polystyrene creation, “Take-away Queen”; a nautical themed blue and white gown of surgical masks titled “Pande monium”; and “White Trash” – a striking garment composed of disposable lighters, plastic straws and cutlery and other detritus.

Cairns Museum curator, Dr. Daniela Vavrova, said the exhibition would resonate with Cairns’ residents and businesses who understood the importance of preserving delicate ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

“The exhibition invites view ers to engage with the problem of plastic pollution,” Vavrova said.

Visitors to the exhibition are invited to share their comments

and ideas via the Museum’s social media platforms.

“Anyone wishing to con tribute their ideas can tag @ cairnsmuseum and use the hashtag #BeachCoutureCM,” Vavrova said.

In addition to the exhibi tion, Cairns Museum will also present a free public lecture on the subject by Director of the Cairns Institute at James Cook University, Professor Stewart Lockie.

The talk, “Plastic Futures” will be presented at the Mu seum on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 5.30pm. Bookings are essential via www.trybooking. com.

“Beach Couture: A Haute Mess” is on show at the Cairns Museum from Saturday, No vember 19, 2022, until Febru ary 25, 2023.

Cairns Little Theatre Inc. presents:

Proudly sponsored by

Above: Artist, Designer Marina DeBris among her amazing Beach Couture creations on show at Cairns Museum from November 19 to February 25

By Maria Larkins

Contemporary Arts. Sixfold project: Jennifer Valmadre, Rose Rigley, Julie Poulsen, Louisa EnnisThomas, Barbara Dover and Raewyn Biggs

Fri November 18, 2022 - Sat November 26

Understory Film Festival 2022 Tanks Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands

The Understory Film Festival is Cairns’ very own locally produced short film festival.

While there are numerous film festivals throughout Australia, Understory is one of a kind as it is exclusively for local FNQ filmmakers. Independent, student, emerging, and professional filmmakers are invited to create and submit an eight-minute film over nine categories.

The Tanks Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands will host this year’s event over two weekends: See the full program at www.facebook.com/UnderstoryFilmFest

Bookings Via ticketlink.

Sat November 19, 2022 @ 1:00pm-4:00pm

Clever Coptic Bookbinding with Rose Rigley Bulmba-ja Arts Centre

A5 open-bound

Sat November 19, 2022 @ 11:00am-12:00pm

Dare to Dream more in

JUTE Theatre Company will double down its safety messaging across Queensland’s remote communities with two Dare to Dream touring programs announced for 2023.

With plans to extend Dare to Dream’s award-winning Back on Track 2020-2021 touring program delivering important road safety messages across Queensland’s regional communities, JUTE has received multi-year funding from Westpac to launch a second production aimed at creating safer communities by addressing and preventing childhood trauma.

Earlier this year, Back on Track won the Queensland and Na tional Award for Planning Excellence (Community Wellbeing and Diversity) from the Planning Institute of Australia.

Delivered by an all-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cast and mental health practitioner, the new Westpac-supported pro duction and residency tour will hit the road in 2023 and 2024.

This bespoke program will present creative participation op portunities and is complemented by a comprehensive wrap-around strategy to close the gap between service providers and those who suffered trauma.

The program is geared to equip young people and their families with knowledge and skills to prevent and manage harmful situa tions.

JUTE Theatre Company’s Creative Producer Monica Stevens said Dare to Dream was established in 2016 to support, engage and inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to ex press themselves through theatre.

“This latest round of funding from Westpac endorses the signifi cance of Dare to Dream and the positive impact theatre can make on the lives of young people in remote centres,” Ms Stevens said.

“There is just so much opportunity for JUTE to make an impor tant contribution in this way, but as you can imagine, the resources and expenses involved with touring are significant,” JUTE Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and CEO, Suellen Maunder, said.

“We are always looking for like-minded organisations and corporate citizens who will collaborate with JUTE and help us do more.

“Organisations like Westpac, Energy Queensland and here in Cairns, Planz Town Planning are prime examples of how working together we can do something great,” Ms Maunder said.

Dare to Dream incorporates the creation, development, produc tion, and touring of meaningful and message-driven stories made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

The all-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cast and crew are key to the program’s success. Each community visit comprises a four-day intensive theatre residency featuring school and commu nity performances and intensive workshops with young people.

To date, JUTE Theatre Company’s Dare to Dream series has presented Proppa Solid (2016 and 2017), Bukal (2018), The Long est Minute (2019), Back on Track (2021 & 2022) and Get Your Geek On (2021).

Retro Cent Sale

CAIRNS award-winning play wright, Angela Murphy from Veranda Theatre Co, will hold a Retro Cent Sale to support her latest work called More Than Tea and Scones, which tells the stories of the members of the Country Women Association (CWA) across the region.

On Saturday, November 19, the Veranda Theatre Co and members of the Freshwater CWA Hall will hold an event to raise funds for the project with a Retro Cent Sale, a sample of the show, live music and tango dancing.

“Our Cent Sale is a fundraiser and promotional event for the CWA script I’ve been writing for the last 18 months,” Ms Murphy said.

“We decided to make a Cent Sale, a CWA fundraiser; they’ve done those for many years, and

“On top of that, rather than just making a Cent Sale, we’re having some singers from Cairns, Andrea and Louie, and we’re having an extract from my script More Than Tea and Scones with some actors.”

Murphy’s research for her new work involved travelling 2,200kms, visiting 18 CWA Halls across North Queens land and interviewing over 50 women, whose stories are woven together to create a ver batim theatre piece which she describes as “a funny, insightful, and eye-opening revelation into what the women in the CWA do, and it’s not all tea and scones.”

Everyone is invited to join the Retro Cent Sale at the Freshwa ter CWA Hall this Saturday from 1pm to 5pm to support More Than Tea and Scones.

Guide

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Lexi and Waha - Cairns

Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4:00pm

Andrea - Hopscotch, 4:30pm

Christina Ukelele - Bailey by Crystalbrook, 5:00pm

Pj Meyers - Ten06, 5:30pm

Janna Mercedes - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 6:00pm

Infinity Duo - Innisfail RSL, 6:00pm

Hot Ice - Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm

Lucy Gallant and Talitha Jae - Elixir Music Bar, 7:00pm

Mallrat - Gilligans, 7:00pm

Mississippi ShakedownThe Parkview Hotel, 8:00pm

Wayne McIntosh QuartetThe Jazz Sanctuary, 8:00pm

Big Noise 80s & DJ BBar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 8:30pm

Carinda ChristieDunwoodys, 9:00pm

Andrea & Louie @ Retro Cent Sale - Freshwater CWA Hall , 2:00pm

Marty Bell - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3:00pm

Andrea - Mucho Love Café, 6:00pm

Fingerprint - Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm

Kim Settle - Atherton International Club, 6:30pm

Al Boulton Band - Elixir Music Bar, 7:00pm

Infinity Duo - Cairns Railway Hotel, 7:00pm

Carrizma - Brothers Leagues Club, Innisfail, 7:00pm

Karaove with Rockin Rick - Macalister Brewing Company, 7:30pm

Big Noise 80s & DJ BBar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 8:30pm

Vivien Aisi - Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 8:00am

Katchafire - Kuranda Ampitheatre, 1:00pm Dazz & the BoyzzNeptunes, Palm Cove, 2:00pm

Victorial Boxall - Barrier Reef Hotel, 2:00pm Dillion James - Dunwoodys, 2:00pm

Andrea & Louie - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3:00pm

SAX MAN Troy StevensSea Temple Palm Cove, 3:00pm

Adrian Thomas - Sauce Brewing Co, 3:30pm Wind and Wood - O’Sheas, Machans, 4:00pm

Cairns Blues ExplosionElixir Music Bar, 4:00pm

Eddie Skiba - The Beach Shack, Kewarra Beach Resort, 4:30pm

Fingerprint - Bar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Artist: Inger Rowe

Creative Producer Monica Stevens

Dare to Dream boasts an all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cast

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

people might be familiar with them.

Playwright Angela Murphy (left), and performer of More Than Tea and Scones Fiona Sewell (right).

won’t help.

must know what your boss wants if you expect to do your job correctly. You are best to get out of the house this week. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine.

Difficulties may be encountered while traveling in foreign countries. Enemies will be eager to spread rumours about you. Try not to let relatives or friends cause any friction with your mate. Direct your energy into physical exertion. Residential moves will be favourable.

Don’t forget to read the fine print.

communication skills will bring you popularity and increased selfesteem. Disputes on the home front may be hard to avoid. Finish those changes you’ve been talking about making to your residence.

Children’s needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Dream a little this week. You won’t have much time for your mate this week. Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern.

Try to enlist the support of your co-workers first. Don’t settle for less than the best. You need to start planning that vacation. It’s time to re-evaluate your motives

You should get out and meet some of those clients that you only speak to on the phone. Compromise if you wish to have any fun at all. Don’t be taken advantage of by any fast-talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash. It’s time to re-evaluate your motives.

Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. You can make sound financial investments if you act fast. Travel will result in new romantic attractions. Romance is likely if you participate in unusual forms of entertainment.

you have. Your talents are likely to be discovered. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Don’t let your personal partner hold you back.

Be careful signing important contracts this week. Refuse to get involved in idle chatter; it will only make you look bad. Pamper yourself for a change. Creative educational pursuits will pay off.

Put financial speculation with family members or friends on the back burner for now. You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes. Keep your eyes and ears alert for any evasive or deceptive statements. You’ll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it.

DOWN

the skin or fur of the coypu (6) 2. a type of synthetic polymer (8) 3. a type of highly seasoned sausage, originally from Italy, usually eaten cold in slices (6) 4. a member of a Christian movement known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (8,7)

5. containing more bubbles than another liquid (8) 6. joined by or relating to members of an al lianc (6) 7. Russian novelist and dramatist who lived from 1818-1883 (8)

15. an ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn round the neck (8) 16. grow or spread over something, so as to choke or stifle it (8) 17. extremely bad or serious (8) 19. having the same age or date of origin; contemporary (6) 21. a disposable piece of absorbent paper, used especially as a handkerchief (6) 22. someone who writes books as a profession (6)

a well maintained home with nothing

Fully airconditioned, including the shed/craft studio, from the moment you walk in you feel at home.

Bright and airy with loads of space for entertaining family and friends, the well equipped mod ern kitchen extends into an extra space that currently houses pan tries and bench space, but could be converted into another dining room or even a third bedroom.

The rear of the home has an enclosed laundry and storage area that also houses a recently renewed hot water system.

With two outdoor areas, there is certainly enough space to entertain or unwind.

From the front deck offering views of the surrounding cane fields and mountain backdrop to the rear BBQ area with wind up blinds to provide all year round outdoor entertaining, or a great pet area for rainy days.

A short stroll down the back

yard past the veggie patch brings you to the colorbond shed and carport. The insulated shed is currently used as a craft studio, but could be transformed to a great teenager retreat, workshop or reverted to an enclosed one car garage.

Property features:

• Two bedrooms (with the pos sibility of a third).

• Spacious kitchen with gas ap pliances and dishwasher.

• Internal laundry and storage area.

• Window locks.

• Upgraded power box with generator plug.

• 2 x Rainwater tanks and pump.

• Lockable colorbond shed and lean-to with power.

• Fenced – perfect for pets.

Rear access to property.

• Front verandah and rear enter tainment/BBQ area.

This property with its quiet country aspect is well worth an inspection. Call us today to chat with one of our agents.

PRIVACY POLICY

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

Advertising Conditions

Any advertisement accepted for publication in The Express News paper is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s 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 Territo ries. 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 request ed classification is at the discretion of Cairns Local News, except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of ad vertising 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 ad vertising copy content is received at Cairns Local News by 4pm TUESDAY prior to publication. The final proofing deadline is 5pm Wednesday prior to publication, any revisions requested after 5pm Wednesday are not guaranteed. If a booking is confirmed, final proof approval is not required by Cairns Local News.

Advertising Code Clearance Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all ad vertisements 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.

Cairns Local News collects personal information to assist us in providing goods and services which you have requested to process competition entries, giveaways and to improve our products and services to you. We may be in touch by phone, mail, fax or internet to inform you of any services and promotions which may be of interest.

If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at: Cairns Local News, 1/185 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns, Qld 4870 Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement campaign please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel and existing advertisement please call the office on 07 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline: Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays Classifieds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

Another method of cancellation is by Emailing: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

AREYOU HIRING?

Call Lisa today to place your Ad! 07 4031 7678 / admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

FNQ Markets

Friday November 18th

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

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

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

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

Saturday November 19th

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

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

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

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

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

Malanda: Showgrounds, 07:30-12:30

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

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

FOR HIRE

Sunday November 20th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MOSSMAN LADIES’ BOWLS

Thursday November 10th: Presidents’ Day and Presenta tion Day: A Grade Champion: Pam Widdows; R/up: Margaret Heffernan. B Grade Winner: Honey C; R/up: Trish Arnold. Consistency Singles Winner: Christy Colley; R/up: Honey C. Champion Pairs Winners: Honey C and Carole Maxted; R/up: Carmen Bolten and Ma ree Crees. Championship Fours Winners: Maree Crees, Barbara Withers, Pam Widdows and Robin Petrus; R/up: Honey C, Margaret Heffernan, Carole Maxted and Trish Arnold. Pres idents’ Day Winners: 1st Mar garet Smith and Anne Geddes; R/up: Joanne Dickson, Barbara Withers and Robin Petrus; 3rd: Christine Rowbury, Honey C and Carole Maxted. Encour agement Award: Maree Crees, Jan Stokes and Trish Arnold. Congratulations to all the Championship winners and the President Day winners. Photos can be viewed on the Mossman Bowls Facebook page. Once again, we finished the day with a delectable feast. Thank you, contestants, for mak ing the day. Reminder to put your name in by noon and we play at 1pm, bowls attire. Any ladies wanting to learn to play bowls, there is free coaching available. For more informa tion contact: Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com. au or 0400 954 537. Sunday November 6th Mixed Bowls: Good to see people brave our FNQ weather. Winners: Maria Snook, Peter McGory and Carole Maxted; R/up: Russell Snook, Ian Bailey and Anita McCoist. We extend the hand of friendship to all visitors and to past players. A good day of trying and trying. Names in by noon and play at 1pm. Casual attire. For more information contact Mossman Bowls Club 40981434

EDGE HILL

BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Social Bowls: Thurs day November 10th Winners: Victoria Sheppard, Joyce Ault and Yvonne Bolton.

Social bowls for Thursday

November 17th names in by 2:30pm for 3:00pm start. Club Triples Final: Francis O’Shea, Jill Alexander-Sachse and Irene Crampton def Karina Homer, Yvonne Bolton and Cornelia Smith 17-14.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: Tuesday November 8th Win ners: Victoria Sheppard and Wayne Hewitt; R/up: Karina Homer and Bruce Moseley. Tuesday Night Winners: Tony and Irene. Wednesday November 9th Winners: Allan, Chris and Steve Henson. Satur day November 12th November 2022 Social Bowls Winners: Ian Stafford and Darren Curry; R/Up: Jill Alexander-Sachse and John Parker. Mixed Pairs Final will see Jill AlexanderSachse and Steve Henson play Wayne Hunter and Tricia De Ron. Men’s Consistency Sin gles also have Wayne Hunter vs Steve Bragger with the winner to play Brian Pattison. The winner will then play Peter Whitehead in the Final.

Notice to our members and Volunteers. We are still looking for a Bare Foot bowls Coordinator to ensure we have volunteers available to support Social Bowls each Friday and Saturday until Christmas. Con tact the Club to nominate or volunteer if you can assist. We also have our ongoing ARC Disability group members participate in Tuesday morning bowls activity.

Social Bowls will change time this week with Tuesday (3pm and 7pm), Wednesday night Self Selected Triples at 7pm. Saturday Social Bowls will still be played at 1pm from November 5th. Check with the Club for start times or see the new Social Bowls Booking forms online on Edge Hill Club Website and Facebook page as some green fees and start times have changed. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

INNISFAIL MENS BOWLS

A good roll-up of 32 players on the green for Thursday afternoon social bowls. Win ners: Sergio DellaPozza, Greg

McDonald, Peter Broccardo and Kevin Bliss. Visitors and new members are most wel come. Names in by 12:30pm for a 1:15pm start. Consistency Singles: Bob Chaplain def Jan Dunn. Mixed Pairs: Winners: Dave Irwin and Ann Rule; R/ up: Pam Anderson and Snow Clark, 13-11. On Thursday 17th November will be the Presidents Ham Day. Our Christmas goose and break-up is not far off, and donations will be greatly appreciated.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers: Winner: Pauline Bent and R/up: Ann Winsor - the night was domi nated by the women. Tuesday Comp: Winners: T Moulds, P Travers and M Hetherton; R/up: Bernie O’Shea, Boris Milkota and John Rilley, with other teams in hot pursuit. Thirsty Thursday: the best players for the day: Barry Armstrong, Mike Ireland and Johnny Wilcox. There were also many happy players when the Surprise player draw was concluded.

Sunday Morning: Winners: M Gordon, D Kennedy and Scotty Carolan, on 21pts; R/ up: A Snow, Des Lazarus and G Atkinson (on countback) also on 21pts. Club Champion ship: Men’s Triples Winners: L Kiernan, Ken Vivian and Steve Smith on 17pts; R/up: B O’Shea, B Milkota and Alby Radford on 15pts. B grade pairs Winners: J Murray and Bill Berger, 26pts; R/up: N Mallyon and J Carr, 22pts. McFarlane Shield: To all the bowlers who have made themselves available the club would like to thank you for nominating. The WCBC Bowls Selectors/Committee have had to postpone the game until the New Year possibly February. Once a date is settled on, then it will be posted. Next round of Club Championship games: Skips to Check and organise the next games. Ensure that Helen Knows of any games to be played over the coming weeks. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome,

contact the club and ask what times are available.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: P Cavanagh, E Blythe, G Andreatta; R/up: Hugh, J Finney, Ted. Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Helen, Avril, Jueri, Akihiro, Deb, Brian, Chris, Sisca. Wednes day Mixed Bowls: Winner: L Roberts, A Jacobs, Robyn: R/ up: R Lee, E Herwig, Shane. Thursday Men’s Triples: Win ners: Steve, Ron, Paul; R/up: Eddie, Bernie, Gary. Saturday Afternoon Walking Pairs: Win ners of Winners: E Parkes, C Flanagan; Winners of Losers: D Glover, R Ferguson. Club Championships: R Blake, S Porter, J Walford, L Mikic def C Thompson, B & G Andreat ta, N Robson, 24-17; E Parkes, J Ward, D Grummitt, C Fla nagan def A Lim, E Blythe, G Andersen, B Morris, 19-16. All bowlers, non-bowlers and tour ists welcome. Bowls available for free ph 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia.

WEST CAIRNS TPI MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

This week we noticed that the north side of the green has now been sheltered by protec tive shading making the game available in almost all weather conditions. This was much appreciated by the seventeen players enjoying lawn bowls last Monday. The winning team was skipped by Max Harker with supporting players Mike Ireland and Val Fallon. We welcomed another new player, and it is hoped that next week the number of players will continue to increase. The easiest way to join our group of mainly senior bowlers is to contact Rosemary, our selector, by phone on 0409 624 623 any time before next Monday at 11am. A sheet is also available

inside the clubhouse at West Cairns Bowls Club. Cards are called at 1:15pm in prepara tion for play commencing at 1:30pm. Afternoon tea is included in the green fee with the game ending at 4:30pm when a winning card is drawn to decide the winning team. Next Monday, the committee will meet at 11:30am to discuss arrangements for the Christmas end of year function and all those members are asked to attend.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday November 12th: 30 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls: Malachy McTaggart, Daryl Hoskins, John Hopkins def Bill Smith, George Wilmot, Derek Franklin, 23-14; Terry Rich ards, SAS, Tony Brlyack def Charlie Toohey Jock Constan tine, Peter Worley, 24-14; Dave Blain, Colin Johnson, Alistair Douglas def Gerrard Beech, Col Widdows Bernie Savage, 25-14; John Cochrane, Dick Pitt, Joe Girgenti def Bernie Wolland, Peter Gorsuch, Bill Allison, 27-15; and the winners for the day, Kiwi, Nev Tesch, Nev Fletcher def Eric Smith, Wayne Parkes, Col Maxted, 27-12. A reminder, the next Social Bowls will be held Thursday November 17th from 5:30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. Cost includes a sausage sizzle after the game (8:00pm) and the chance to win a $50.00 meat tray from Mossman Butchers. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. A reminder, Jackpot Bowls this Saturday. Names in by 12 noon with card call at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Club championship pres entations and Patron’s Day will be held on Saturday November 26th. The Men’s Section will host the afternoon commencing at 4pm. The Club AGM will be held on Sunday Novem ber 27th at 9:30am, with the

Men’s Section AGM to follow. All members are encouraged to attend the AGMs. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759.

Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook, and see our new website www. mossmanbowlsclub.com.au .

GORDONVALE BOWLS CLUB

Wednesday 1pm: Social Bowls: Last week’s winner: N Corkill. Thursday 1pm: Club Selected 3 Bowl Pairs Names by 12:30pm. Last week’s Winners: F Rich, R Moody & D Laycock; R/up: M Bucklar, W Petrolis & G Spicer. Raffle Winner: Andrew. Saturday’s A Grade Singles: J Morton def P Huntriss; G Morton def B Wright; A Nakata def A Quinn; G Spicer def R Moody. Some excellent bowls played & some real cliff hangers, exciting to watch. Thanks to the green keeping team – great to see how well the is green running. Sunday: The District train ing squad were at our Club & again we witnessed some great bowls. Thanks to the volun teers for lunches bar & green –the Club can’t run without you.

Coming Events: Saturday November 26th: Money Day; Wednesday November 30th: X’mas Lunch at Cane Cutters Restaurant (all members & families). Final Numbers at tending by Friday 25th please; Thursday December 15th 1pm: Ham Day Mixed Mufti. Sunday December 18th: Pres entation & Ham Day. Visitors welcome on all bowling days.

WEST CAIRNS LADIES

Wednesday November 9th

Social Bowls: it was great to see a couple of men Maurie and Dave Nichols come along and enjoy a fun afternoon of social bowls with the ladies we hope you to see you back. Ladies don’t forget our Christmas Lunch this year is at Cazalys on December 14th: if you wish to go please put your name down on list inside club on ladies board. If you wish a game of fun social bowls under

cover on Wednesday’s, please give Marg a call on 0411 503 882 - names in by 10:45am game starts 11:30am finish about 3:00pm, you can BYO lunch. Good Bowling to All.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Wednesdays: Club selected games: 2x 12 end, at 12:30 for 1:00pm. Winners: N Vogler, B Pitson. Thursday Novem ber 10th: Self-Selected Pairs: Winners: J Burns J Milicivic; R/up: C De Zen, J Dennis. Best second game: Wally & B Fitzpatrick. Final of mixed pairs winners: L Plowman, B Pitson def E Lennord, VTi raboschi. What a great final. Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6:00pm. Come and try bowls, club bowls available and bar open every Tuesday night. What a great turn up with 26 bowlers. Please note AGM is Saturday November 19th 10:00am sharp. Good bowling everyone. For information and nominations ph 4092 5288.

Epic cricket coming to Cairns in December

THE Brisbane Heat will take on the Melbourne Renegades at Cazalys Stadium on Thursday, December 15 as part of the KFC Big Bash League.

This will be the first time the Heat club has played a BBL match in Cairns and to cel ebrate this debut a Late Lunch was also announced with a panel of cricketing royalty to hype the fans up for the big game.

Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said the announce ment that the BBL would go to Far North Queensland was the culmination of many years of patient groundwork by all involved.

“Queensland Cricket has been resolute in its ambition to bring more elite level cricket to regional Queensland for many years,’’ Svenson said.

“We have been backed ex tensively in this regard by our stakeholders, and in this case, the Cairns Regional Council and Cricket Far North have joined with us and AFL Cairns to deliver a ground-breaking initiative for the region.

“AFL Cairns have provided excellent support as we collab orated on the proposal to bring a BBL game to Cazalys, and we have been grateful for the

backing of Cricket Australia and especially our broadcast partners Channel 7 and Foxtel to make this a reality.”

“Of course, we congratulate and thank the Cairns Regional Council for their outstanding commitment and look forward to bringing the best of the BBL to Cairns and FNQ these sum mer holidays,” he said.

Svenson said the team is very excited to bring elite cricket to Cairns.

“The Brisbane Heat’s pur pose is to bring families togeth er and to promote cricket to kids and new audiences, so the prospect of giving thousands of North Queensland kids the opportunity to see their heroes perform live, and hopefully in spire them to then to pick up a bat and ball, is one that greatly excites us,” he said.

Cricket fans will get even more excitement with the an nouncement of the Late Lunch on December 15, prior to the game where cricketing legends Ian Healy and Rodney Hogg will cater to the fans appetites.

The Lunch will be emceed by local radio icon Tammy Barker.

The Late Lunch will have a direct benefit to the local cricketing community, with part of the funds raised going

into the Queensland Cricket Foundation to support projects and initiatives that create posi tive differences in Queensland communities.

Tickets are available from $250pp which includes a 4-hour pre-game drinks pack age, a two-course lunch, and grandstand ticket to the Heat vs Renegades match, with tickets available from Ticketek.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said this was an exciting oc casion for Far North Queens landers.

“To be the first regional cen tre in Queensland to host Big Bash League fixtures is quite a coup and speaks volumes of what Cairns has to offer,’’ Cr Manning said.

“Certainly, Cazalys has been, and remains, the best cricket ground in regional Australia, and I am pleased to see that we will have some of the world’s top players here in December for the BBL.

“I know we will all be look ing forward to seeing the big hitters from the Brisbane Heat taking to the Cazalys ground, and the way some of these players hit the balls these days, I’m pretty sure it won’t be long before we see a ball or two clear the crowd.

“Of course, staging one of

Social table tennis for seniors

A GROUP of local senior citizens have organised a social table tennis club exclu sively for other seniors and are looking for new members to join.

Every Monday and Thurs day, the group meets for a game and a chat at the Cairns Table Centre from 8.30am to 11.30am.

The group said they began their table tennis endeavour to socialise and improve their well-being and mental health. Over the years, the number of club mates has reduced, with a total of 15 members taking

part in the activities.

Currently, the group is encouraging other senior citizens from 60+ years to join and participate in the fun sport while also enjoying some great company.

For people interested in joining, there are no bookings or registrations, each session costs $5, and there are six tables available at the venue with bats and balls supplied for players.

For more information, call Adrian at 0431 867 569, Elana at 0438 550 939 or Barrie at 0417 050 245.

the country’s most popular sporting competitions has many benefits, from the immediate economic boost to the opportu nity to showcase our region to a wider audience. But I always say that these events are all about the kids,” he said.

“Meeting your sporting he

roes and watching them play is something that will stick with these kids for their lifetime.”

To purchase tickets for the BBL|12 Brisbane Heat v Mel bourne Renegades game and/or the Late Lunch, visit http://bit.ly/3GoFhSw or search for Brisbane Heat on ticketek.

A group of senior citizens enjoy social table tennis twice a week.

Bodybuilders

By Ellie Fink

Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Queensland and National titles.

From getting up at 5am everyday to run to gether to tackling an hour on the stepper or bike in the gym, the dynamic duo went into the titles confident and ready to show out.

Mareeba born and bred, Gutchen came home with silver around his neck from the Queensland titles novice category and was determined to go into the national finals sharper than ever.

Starting his journey in bodybuilding at 15, Gutchen knows the ins and outs of bodybuilding and how to present his muscles on stage.

Competing in the national’s novice category, he was determined to show the judges his strength.

“Coming second in the Queensland titles re ally fed the fire and made me hungry to win the national titles,” he said.

“I had my coach Chris Black checking my body and getting me prepared for the next round. I was on a 25-week diet and went from 96kg to 83.8kg.

“I had to do it slow and steady so that my body could get used to it.”

Gutchen’s hard work paid off tremendously when he took home the gold at the national finals.

He felt a mixture of shock, pride and excite ment when his name was called in front of the crowd and the 17 other competitors.

Now he is back home in Cairns and will be taking a three-to-four-year break from body building to build his back muscles before return ing to the scene to go for his pro card.

After receiving his pro card, his goal is to become Mr Olympia the world’s premier title

for bodybuilding and a title previously held by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

With a successful career in the Clontarf Foun dation working at Woree State High School, Gutchen will also be focusing on his work help ing young First Nation’s students.

Well-known Cairns real estate agent Troy McGuane’s had his first experience of the body building stage at the Queensland Titles.

Competing in the master’s category, he recalls his experience and he said he will remember it forever.

With a successful past in AFL and marathon running, bodybuilding is the newest sport to be added to his list of achievements.

Spending hours training alongside Gutchen and his girlfriend Tracey Defferrard, who also competed, McGuane felt primed and ready for his first competition.

“Initially I engaged my coach Chris Black to assist me in my first competition. I had no expectations, and as an ex-professional AFL player, I trusted the process and program he set for me,” he said.

“It was extremely rewarding seeing one of my best friends (Gutchen) win his category and to share that experience is a lifelong dream and something we will both cherish. My girlfriend Tracey also had great success coming second in her pro division of the (World Beauty Fitness and Fashion) competition.

“To walk away with a bronze medal for myself in the masters’ men’s physique for Australia was extremely satisfying as this sport is extremely difficult and takes total focus and accountability 24/7.”

McGaune is now training up for his next bodybuilding competition, described as “a weapon” by Gutchen for not giving up and push ing for the gold.

Bodybuilding is a sport that both gentlemen have bonded over and enjoyed and Gutchen encourages anyone and everyone to give it a go.

He said the sport encourages health and fit

ness as well as helps you stay focused on the important things in life such as friendships.

“As an everyday person, jumping on the stage really helps with self-development,” he said.

“The last few weeks I have been really focused on my fitness and the cut that I haven’t

thought about partying and alcohol.

“(McGuane) has become like an older brother to me and over the competition we have texted each other every morning to go for a run and checked in on each other’s wellbeing which is super important in a competition like this.”

Cairns real estate agent Troy McGaune (left) came home with bronze in his first bodybuilding competition, and Mareeba born and bred Azariah Gutchen (right) came home with gold from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness national titles. PHOTOS: Gary Phillips Photos.