Cairns Local News September 20 2024

Local News Cairns

VOLLIES CRISIS STRIKES REGION

Volunteers, such as Michele Creecy at the Cairns Museum, are urgently needed at the museum, FNQ Volunteers and other community, charitable and sports groups.

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Cairns Museum

Target: $13bn

Ambitious strategy to grow region’s economy revealed

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

THE Cairns economy is expected to grow by another $1.5 billion to top $13bn by 2026.

The Cairns Regional Council’s 2022-2026 economic development strategy shows the region’s economic output was currently $11.46bn. The job market is also thriving, with employment up to 88,563 jobs, reflecting nearly an eight per cent increase in jobs since 2020.

directorate was the result of the “a tight, lean and mean fighting machine”.

He said the report showed the region was meeting the strategy’s ambitious targets.

Cr Matthew Tickner told last week’s council meeting that the report by the council’s economic development and advocacy

Cr Brett Moller said the report revealed the region was “positively tracking” towards its goals and that 15,000 new

jobs would be created by 2026. There was a rise in new jobs of 6482 between 2020 and 2023.

He said the aim was to become a “smart green economy … it’s the new frontier and an opportunity for investors … we want to lead in this regard”.

The report highlighted the significant pipeline of major

projects in the Cairns region in coming years. Councillors have toured the Cairns Marine Precinct in Portsmith, where they saw fi rst-hand how investments in the proposed common user facility, shipyards and defence sector are laying the groundwork for even more growth.

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Rocketman’s three shows Pages 16 l Time Out

Role models impress boss Page 3 l News AFL Cairns seniors’ finals Pages 27, 28 l Sport

Our "Stay & Play" dates are the perfect way to experience our centre and seeing firsthand how the children in our care are inspired to explore, learn, and grow. This provides opportunity to spend time with and get to know our Educators and Teachers and see how your child will be inspired throughout the day

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Green Island marks tourism milestone with old fashioned novelty

Cruising for 100 years

l GREEN ISLAND

| Nick Dalton

TOURIST cruises between Cairns and Green Island have turned 100-yearsold.

Great Adventures Reef and Green Island Cruises, along with Green Island Resort, are celebrating the century with a collection of commemorative postcards and a specially built Green Island post box are the centrepiece, bringing together the nostalgic novelty of physically writing and mailing a postcard in the instantaneous digital age.

It was in 1924 when the pioneering Hayles family started a fortnightly ferry service to Green Island.

By 1988, the company was sold and renamed Great Adventures, continuing an iconic legacy of Green Island and Great Barrier Reef tourism.

“Visitors are now able to share their island holiday with family and friends through handwritten postcards mailed right here from Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef,” said Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker.

“Adding to the novelty of posting a card, a special AR feature via a QR code on the post box enables a unique photo opportunity with an underwater scene – bridging the old with new technology,” he said.

“And from the recipient’s end, it will also be a wonderful surprise to receive

a letter in the mail that isn’t a bill,” he said.

Mr Baker said Green Island had played an important role in Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry and had a remarkable history – including the world’s first glass bottom boat and stationary underwater observatory.

“Today, the love affair with Green Island continues globally as one of the most popular day visitor islands on the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

“The Green Island post box, built with traditional craftsmanship by the Green Island Resort workshop team is located at the island information counter.” Special commemorative postcards and stamps can be bought at the island dive shop.

Fun facts:

• The world’s first glass bottom boat was launched at Green Island in 1937 by Hayles. It was a simple small wooden dinghy with glass floats overhanging the sides. By 1948 a more modern version of the glass bottom boat was introduced with glass panels inserted into the floorboards

• Green Island was home to the world’s first stationary underwater observatory installed in 1954. It was famously visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970

• Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef started on Green Island in 1899 with Fijian-style grass huts.

Cairns region aims towards $13bn economy as

FROM PAGE 1

Mayor Amy Eden said a focus on diversifying the economy was driving growth.

“Cairns has always been more than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.

“Our aviation, marine, health, education and defence industries are showing just how essential

diversification is to the future growth and resilience of our economy – creating skilled jobs, strengthening our supply chains, and providing opportunities for small businesses.

“With plans to further tap into green industries and expand investment opportunities, Cairns is well on its way to hitting its $13

billion economic target.”

During the reporting period, the council sponsored 12 major events which delivered a $31 million economic impact through visitation to the region.

The $384m – 88 per cent of the council’s total expenditurespent with local businesses was more than $46m than previously.

Far North Queensland’s construction sector is showing no signs of slowing down, with $3bn in construction work to be delivered during 2024-25.

Although residential approvals have slowed in 2023-24, the ongoing demand for skilled workers in major infrastructure projects and the non-residential building sector continues to drive the need for workforce development in the region.

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) chief executive officer Geoff Clare said the region’s construction industry would remain under significant pressure over the next 12 months.

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Quicksilver Group boss Tony Baker posts a postcard on Green Island. Picture: Supplied

Inspiring role models

Shipping company hired young workers who impressed the boss

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton

TWO young and up-and-coming team members at Sea Swift epitomise the shipping company’s drive to employ more First Nations and female staff.

Danielle Atu, 23, and Rhys O’Sullivan, 20, are relatively new at the logistics business but are the faces of a new ‘local jobs, local people’ campaign to tap into local knowledge of the region and champion diversity by encouraging women and First Nations people from Northern Australia and the Torres Strait to apply.

The two attracted the attention and impressed marine manager Jesse Lee.

Ms Atu, of Redlynch, is currently a marine deckhand and will start training next year for an internationally-accredited integrated rating.

She was selected from 20 applicants. Mr Lee said, while Ms Atu didn’t have marine qualifications, she had a strong background in machinery and stood out from the other applicants.

She has been at Sea Swift since early June and has mainly worked on the Newcastle Bay delivering fuel in the Northern Territory.

Mr O’Sullivan was on a tour of Sea Swift as part of Vocational Pathways Group.

“He was noticeably keen. He carried a clipboard and asked the right questions. He wasn’t just here for the walk around. I called him in for an interview,” Mr Lee said.

Mr O’Sullivan, of Manoora, has been at the business for five weeks and works as a general practice hand.

Ms Atu said she joined Sea Swift to “try something different” after being in civic con-

struction. She said she enjoyed “being out at sea and the fishing” and working in what had been a male-dominated industry, as well as learning.

“Everyone is keen to pass on their knowledge,” Ms Atu said.

Mr O’Sullivan said he was currently working in point of sales in the depot and learning how to drive a forklift.

He said Sea Swift was “a very laidback environment”.

“You get the work done very easily, it’s rather efficient and it’s OK to make mistakes and I am very hard on myself when I make a mistake,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

He starts a coxswain course through TAFE later this month and he said he was keen to move

up the ranks at Sea Swift.

Sea Swift is aiming to boost its First Nations employee ratio from 15 per cent to 25 per cent by the end of the 2024-2025 financial year.

Sea Swift currently employs more than 520 staff and has been delivering freight to some of the most remote parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory for more than 35 years.

A key focus of the “Local Jobs, Local People” program is to tap into local knowledge of the region and champion diversity by encouraging women and First Nations people from Northern Australia and the Torres Strait to apply. The increase may not result in an increase in overall staff numbers, as the

current statistics include casual employees who may be made permanent.

Sea Swift is also encouraging women to apply for all positions in a male-dominated workforce. Roles are from marine to shoreside.

Sea Swift executive chairman Chris Pearce said in a region where options for training and career development were often limited, Sea Swift was “excited about the opportunity to engage with communities and welcome more local people to our team”.

“Our company operates 365 days a year to deliver essential goods for our communities and we recognise the knowledge of local First Nations people in delivering safely and efficiently,

despite challenging conditions in which we operate,” he said.

Sea Swift has two intakes per year for trainees to align with TAFE and university courses.

As they build their qualifications, trainees can work towards a career as a coxswain, engineer, master or integrated rating, while gaining hands-on experience both on vessels at sea and onshore within the depot. Sea Swift currently has 17 trainees in the business who are at various stages of their training. Applications are being accepted through Seek or the Sea Swift HR department. The email addresses to contact are careers@seaswift.com.au or hr@seaswift.com.au

Local Briefs

l TRAIL OPENING

BE part of history at the official opening of the first stage of the Wangetti Trail on Wednesday, September 25. The community is invited to Seclusion Drive at Palm Cove at 10am for the ribbon cutting. Register at the Wangetti Trail Facebook page, or to find more information on the project head to www.qld.gov.au/wangettitrail

l SOUTHERN PARTY

A RECORD 2100 people attended one of Cairns’ most beloved community events. Having grown every year, the fourth annual Cairns South Side Celebration saw families making the most of the perfect weather to attend the celebration of community spirit at Ravizza Park. The free event was hosted by Mission Australia’s Hambledon House Community Centre, alongside Communities for Children and Cairns South Together movement, who are all committed to working within and strengthening the Cairns South Community.

l JEWISH SPIRIT

IN a heartwarming display of community spirit, members of the Cairns Jewish community visited the local Cairns Police Station to wish officers a ‘shana tova (sweet New Year) and present them with traditional honey cakes. Led by Rabbi Ari Rubin, the group was given a tour of the police facilities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation between the community and law enforcement.

l DISEASE SPREADS TROPICAL Public Health Services (Cairns) has confirmed a new case of meningococcal in Yarrabah, bringing the total number of cases in the current outbreak in the Cairns area to four.

dozens of new construction works fuel jobs and businesses

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“Far North Queensland residential activity has stabilised, with approvals down nearly 6 per cent from 202223. This represents a more sustainable pace, but it’s far from a downturn,” Mr Clare said.

“At the same time, the infrastructure and non-residential building sector is thriving and requires a continuous sup-

ply of skilled workers to keep these major projects on track,” he said.

CSQ estimates that over $3bn worth of construction will be in progress across Far North Queensland during 2024-25, underscoring the region’s ongoing demand for a skilled workforce.

CSQ was in Cairns this week encouraging businesses and workers to take advantage of $2.8m in available

training funding. The initiative is part of CSQ’s broader $52 million 2024-25 Training Plan, which aims to expand Queensland’s workforce capacity.

Mr Clare said, although residential approvals had slowed in 2023-24, the ongoing demand for skilled workers in major infrastructure projects and the non-residential building sector continues to drive the need for workforce de-

velopment in the region.

Current major projects planned or under construction include:

• Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 Project

• Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor, (Stage 5) Foster Road

• Captain Cook Highway upgrade (Cairns Central Business District to Smithfield)

• Cairns Western Arterial Rd, Redlynch Connector Rd to Captain Cook Highway

• Aviation precinct expansion, including eastern precinct, common user facility and composites hangar and Cairns Airport international terminal refresh

• Cairns Marine precinct expansion.

New employees at Sea Swift Rhys O’Sullivan and Danielle Atu in front of a model of the firm’s new Newcastle Bay purpose-built cargo ship.

Picture: Nick Dalton

Students to hear better

l INNISFAIL

| Isaac Colman

STUDENTS at Canecutters Cluster of Schools will be able to hear better following a donation of two special audio speakers.

Valued at $4408, Innisfail Lions Club’s donation of a FrontRow Juno sound field system will allow students to be more engaged in learning environments.

Club president Christine Pasco said the donation would provide many benefits for students.

“Juno system evenly fills the classroom with the teachers’ voice, allowing students to hear easily and clearly in the classroom, but also when learning remotely,” she said.

“Its intelligent digital platform enables voice command control and automated video capture of the lesson being taught,

and can automatically upload the video to a desired platform or website.

“We donated two (sound field systems) to improve the learning of hearing-impaired students in the special education program.

“This new (sound field system) helps greatly with giving students clearer instructions.

“(The system) can also save teachers’ voices.”

Located in the Innisfail area, the Canecutter Cluster special education program supports local cluster primary school students with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities as well as hearing, speech, visual and physical impairments.

Currently supporting about 70 students across cluster primary schools, the program assists classroom teachers in the development and delivery of authentic student learning.

Mayor’s stance on fluoride

Chemical additive looming to be a state election matter as debate intensifies

l

CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

THE views of Queensland’s public health officer will guide Cairns Mayor Amy Eden’s decision on adding fluoride to the region’s drinking water.

On Facebook, Cr Eden said she had read all the letters from medical professionals imploring the council to introduce fluoridation.

“I have read them. I get my tax done by a qualified tax accountant, my car serviced by a qualified mechanic and I visit a qualified health practitioner when I require medical support,” she said in reply to questions by GP Dr Nicole Sleeman.

“I most certainly will be guided by the public health officer and do as they direct.

“Hopefully the ‘health community’ are advocating to the providers of public health – the

state government, as they have the jurisdiction to make change in this space and particularly as there is an election looming.”

Also on her Facebook page, Cr Eden said she had the privilege of officially opening ‘The Final Edge of Dentistry Ceremony’ for the Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

“You might be wondering if the ‘F’ word was mentioned,” she said.

“Of course it was. Fluoride

in our water is a highly contentious issue. We asked the community in 2016 and again in 2024.

“We surveyed thousands more people this time plus our community demographic has changed a bit over the years, so will the results be the same?”

Her office, responding to pro-fluoride campaigner Nick Adsett, said Cr Eden’s position during her election campaign, was that a decision on fluorida-

tion was a state-wide issue that should be managed by the chief medical officer.

“She did commit to asking the Cairns community for their view on the matter, and a specific question on fluoridation was included in the 2024 Our Cairns survey, which closed on August 30,” the spokeswoman said.

She said in the 2016 survey “as there wasn’t overwhelming support to add fluoride to our drinking water, (the) council at

the time determined to maintain the status quo – not adding fluoride to our water.

“(The) council will consider all community feedback from the 2024 Our Cairns survey to inform a future position on fluoride, and a range of other issues.”

The results are currently being analysed by an independent agency with a report expected to go to the council in November.

Innisfail Lions Club member Heather Westcott (left), Innisfail State School deputy principal Cathy Amos, school principal Jemma McClafferty and Lions club president Christine Pascoe with the speakers. Picture: Supplied

Not-for-profit celebrates

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

VOLUNTEERS were front and centre when Cairns Meals on Wheels celebrated National Meals on Wheels Day.

More than 20 volunteers attended the National Meals on Wheels Day morning tea at the organisation’s Barlow Park headquarters to celebrate the work they do and what it means to the community.

Cairns MoW president Pat Bailey praised the hard work of the volunteers who ensure the most vulnerable in the community receive a warm meal and a kind conversation.

“Volunteers are the blood of our organisation,” she said.

“If you don’t have volunteers, you don’t have anything, and we’ve got some brilliant volunteers.

“My mum – who passed away when she was 96 –always cooked for herself, but she was a volunteer and she delivered, and our delivery people are just as important as the chefs in the kitchen because they ensure that the meals arrive to the clients.

“It’s a great atmosphere that we work in because you feel like you give back and

Grassroots groups require helping hand

Volunteers in urgent need

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed for many organisations in the Far North as people lose interest, are too busy or don’t care.

Cairns Museum and FNQ Volunteers are running campaigns to encourage people to give some of their time to help.

Cairns Historical Society executive officer Sandi Robb said since 1958, the Cairns Museum collected, preserved and made available the history of Cairns and Far North Queensland for future generations to enjoy.

throughout the museum, are much-needed people with passion, personality and energy.

“Being part of the team is rewarding for people of all ages or stages in life.

“You don’t have to be an expert in history – just a courteous, enthusiastic individual who helps visitors to have a great experience.

“Everybody can join the team: students, active retirees, job seekers and visa holders.”

FNQ Volunteers is calling on locals to step up and make a difference.

Neighbourhood Pathways Program

that’s what we do, we give.”

One of the longest running volunteers, Norma Miller, who has been volunteering with Cairns MoW for 12 years, said this work had given her friendship, companionship and a sense of purpose.

“This is my friend Yvonne. She’s been volunteering for six years, and at the organisation they know us as Thelma and Louise,” she said. “We both had lost our husbands and I started

volunteering to keep myself going. I came down from the Tablelands to volunteer and I met Norma on the third run and we’ve been doing it together since,” said volunteer Yvonne House.

“We’re the A team,” Ms Miller said.

Cairns MoW general manager Chris Van Dorssen encouraged people to join the volunteering team and help the elderly and people with disability in the community.

Council News Update

Improvement works

Mt Peter Road, Edmonton: new footpath between Prior Street and Cattle Street, traffic control as required.

East Tully Street, Stratford: shoulder sealing, traffic and pedestrian control as required.

}For all works underway, see Council’s website, cairns.qld.gov.au

Pathway feedback needed

We’re seeking feedback on how to make pedestrian access in your neighbourhood better.

The Neighbourhood Pathways Program will help us prioritise key pathways for improvement in the 2025/26 financial year.

Whether it’s a new neighbourhood loop, a missing footpath link, pram ramp or better access to bus stops, we want to hear from you.

Head to Council’s website to provide your thoughts by 1 November.

Have your say on Arts and Culture

Council is updating our Culture and the Arts Strategy and needs your input to ensure the new plan is tailored to needs in line with regional growth.

Have Your Say via our online survey or at the upcoming Gordonvale and Palm Cove markets.

}cairns.qld.gov.au/feedback

9am to 1pm Dog

Adoption Day

Council is joining forces with local rehoming organisations to find fur-ever homes for rescue dogs.

Saturday 28 September

Aeroglen Dog Off-Leash Park

“Although the museum’s primary function is to preserve the past and act as a repository for culturally important artefacts, it is also a place where many hands work behind the scenes in the research centre, archive, collection care and conservation,” she said.

“The daily activities in the museum are mainly in the hands of local volunteers, who are dedicated people generously giving their time and skills to keep the wheels turning.

“Volunteers, who make visitors welcome at reception and

Spokeswoman Annette Sheppard said in recent months there had been “a troubling decrease in volunteer interest, with only a handful of expressions of interest in recent times”.

“We’re actively working to engage more people and rekindle enthusiasm for volunteering. Our community relies heavily on the dedication and passion of volunteers,” she said.

“It’s disheartening to see such a low level of engagement, especially when there are so many worthwhile causes in need of support.”

NJL Time2Drive is stepping up to support and rejuvenate the

spirit of volunteering through a new initiative. The V.I.V (Very Important Volunteer) sponsorship initiative aims to celebrate and support local volunteers, with the goal of boosting volunteer engagement and community involvement.

Time2Drive Manager Jacinta Tam said volunteering was at the heart of the community and “we want to help bring back that sense of connection and purpose”.

“Our goal is to create incentives and recognition for those who give their time and skills. Our initiative is all about ensuring volunteers feel valued and appreciated.” The V.I.V initiative invites local businesses to offer special discounts and perks, such as ‘two-for-one’ coffee deals and discounts on attractions, to both reward volunteers and support local businesses.

Local volunteer Andrew Young said volunteering had always been about giving back and making a positive impact.

To volunteer email: info@ fnqvolunteers.org.au or visit https://bit.ly/3ZrAb1b

To volunteer for the museum email: volunteer@ cairnsmuseum.org.au

Longest running volunteers (from left) Donna Palmer, Jock MacDonald, president Pat Bailey, Norma Miller and vice-president Jon Cleary cutting the National Meals on Wheels Day cake. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

State election2024

Independent candidates query why key development not started

Housing project stalls

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

INDEPENDENT candidates for Cairns and Mulgrave Shane Cuthbert and Yodie Batski are calling on the state government and LNP to leave politics aside and fund the McLeod St social housing development before the state election.

The project by Mission Australia would use the lots in 140-146 McLeod St to build a nine-story building with 73 social housing units – 45 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom – to help battle the housing crisis in Cairns.

The development was supported by the state government in 2023 as part of a $2.8 billion budget investment from the Homes for Queenslanders scheme and was approved by Cairns Regional Council in May, 2024.

However, the project has remained stagnant with no funding received by Mission Australia to start construction.

Mr Cuthbert (candidate for Cairns) and Ms Batski (candidate for Mulgrave) are pressing both Labor and LNP to “put politics aside”, fund the project now and not use it as an election tactic.

“We have 6000 individuals in Cairns that are at risk of homelessness. Those figures were supplied at the homeless sleepout I did earlier in the year. It’s time that we stop playing politics,” Mr Cuthbert said.

“The question here is – why has this project been put off? It’s been approved by the council. It was a promise made to Mission Australia by the state government last year as part of their $2.8 billion package to build homes around Queensland.

“Mission Australia haven’t got the money yet. We are coming up to an election, and Mission Australia and I think a lot of people in Cairns are worried that if we don’t get that commitment now, prior to election, what is going to happen afterwards?

“So we’re calling on the LNP to make a similar commitment if elected or we’re asking for the Labor government to stick to its original promise and provide the funding to Mission Australia, so they can get started.”

Ms Batski said the state government’s commitment to housing would mostly go to southeast Queensland and that it was time for an independent MP to advocate for FNQ.

“The 53,500 homes the government has committed to – it’s a commitment to 2046, so when you look at it, I think they have done their number crunching wrong,” she said. “The needs are greater than what’s coming in, and they need to look at their funding formula. Like all government agencies, they will fund per capita, whereas here in North Queensland, we need to look at the needs first and not the population. And our needs actually outweigh our population.

“There was a bilateral agreement signed. The government’s not being honest about that bilateral agreement, and the money that they can spend per financial year does not even exceed $350 million so a project like this would not even fit into its current budget. The community is crying out, but the government’s not really listening. So when you start looking at the fine print and what they’ve committed to without the full knowledge of the community, it doesn’t meet our needs.”

Pollies ‘need to be kind’

l MULGRAVE

OUTGOING Mulgrave MP and speaker of the house Curtis Pitt (below) has lamented how tough politics is.

“I am sure I do not have to remind honourable members that politics can be brutal,” he said in his last speech to parliament last week.

“We have all experienced it and we have all seen it occur to our colleagues. However, we should not accept that this behaviour is inevitable and nor should we take the attitude that it is in any way normal.

“To enter politics, people do need to have strong beliefs. These strong beliefs keep us going for the long haul. However, strong beliefs cannot come at the expense of civility. Our democracy depends on civil discourse in public and indeed in private.

“It is my belief that I have developed genuine friendships with members on both sides of the aisle.

“Whatever your beliefs, your opponents are not automatically your enemies. I urge all members and indeed those who have influence in how our political parties and institutions are run to consider how we can humanise things to make our political life better and more meaningful.”

Independent candidates Shane Cuthbert for Cairns (left) and Yodie Batski (Mulgrave) with division 5 councillor Rob Pyne (centre) at the empty housing site in McLeod St. Picture: isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Get on yer wheelchair bike

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

| Isaac Colman

MORE locals and tourists are now able to take in all that Cairns city has to offer, with the recent unveiling of a new power-assisted wheelchair bike allowing for individuals with mobility impairments to cycle down the Cairns Esplanade with their families and friends.

Based at the Esplanade’s Cairns Health Living Centre, Cairns Regional Council has partnered with Spinal Life Australia to unveil a new batterypowered accessible bicycle,

naming it the Brike.

With travel speeds up to 10km/h, the Brike has been specifically designed for people with disabilities and their families, friends and carers.

Designed in the form of a three-wheeled pedal cycle, the bright yellow Brike features battery power assistance that transports the rider and a passenger in a wheelchair or fi xed seat.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the power-assisted wheelchair bike could be hired by locals, tourists, or anybody seeking to enjoy a ride along the waterfront.

“We are thrilled to

provide another activity that makes Cairns more accessible and inclusive,” she said.

“This new form of active transport forms part of council’s commitment to foster a vibrant and healthy community where everyone feels they belong.

“It is also the Year of Accessible Tourism, designed to ignite change and create opportunities for Queensland tourism businesses.

“Our local industry has certainly come on board by showcasing local experiences that are accessible to all travellers.”

Upgrades to Catholic college

l SMITHFIELD

| Nick Dalton

A $26 million extension of Newman Catholic College at Smithfield is expected to start early next year.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford has announced the approval of more than $21m in government funding for stage three of the campus with the Catholic

Education Diocese of Cairns adding another $4.4m in funding, for a total project cost of $26,298,000.

Stage 3 will include a permanent administration area and library which allows the conversion to classrooms of the areas currently housing a food technology classroom, three science laboratories, six general learning areas, learning support facilities, pupil amenities and a number of

storage and engineering areas.

College principal Dr Lauretta Graham (right) said construction would start on stage three early next year, with the facilities ready for the start of the 2026 school year.

“Newman Catholic College is enjoying strong growth, with almost 500 students currently on our campus,” she said.

“By the time that these new facilities open in 2026, that number will have increased to almost 800, so we are very grateful to the Queensland Government, the Block Grant Authority and the Diocese of Cairns for ensuring that we will be able to provide world class facilities for them all.”

Catholic Education execu-

tive director Bill Dixon said the diocese was committed to providing a Catholic education for all those wanting its benefits.

“Our student numbers have grown by more than 20 per cent over the past decade, with indications that this growth will continue at the same rate, or higher, in the years to come,” he said.

“We thank the Queensland Government and the Block

Grant Authority for recognising that the northern beaches is one of the areas where strong demand means we need to plan carefully to ensure that we are able to cater for all those wanting a place in our schools and for supporting this financially through the provision of capital assistance.”

Newman Catholic College opened in 2022, co-located with the Smithfield campus of James Cook University (JCU).

Jennifer Crellin (left) and Spinal Life Australia North Queensland regional manager Margaret McDonald take the new power-assisted wheelchair bike for a test ride along the Esplanade. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

$9m to prevent water leaks

New pipelines and reduction systems for three Cassowary Coast communities

l CASSOWARY COAST

| Nick Dalton

A $9 million project to reduce water leaks and wastage is to be implemented on the Cassowary Coast.

The Albanese Labor government has partnered with the Miles Labor government, local councils and community groups to deliver local infrastructure projects across Queensland that

help safeguard water resources and protect the environment.

Under the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, the Cassowary Coast ‘leak reduction’ project will receive $9m.

The project will upgrade water mains by replacing parts of ageing pipelines across regional towns Tully, Innisfail and Nyleta and install infrastructure to help identify and manage future

leakages. This will achieve significant water savings of around 588 megalitres per year.

The project is funded by $4m each from the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Queensland Government, with $978,000 from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said, although the region was in the Wet Tropics, “we still encounter issues

Decreasing run-off to Reef

l TULLY

A WATER monitoring program on Cassowary Coast farms is helping scientists and landholders to learn more about how wetlands work as treatment systems for nutrient and sediment runoff.

Water samples have been collected from constructed wetlands in the Innisfail and Tully region over the past five years, both on a regular basis and during large rainfall events.

Terrain NRM’s project officer Maria Ribbeck said the data was providing valuable insights into the way wetlands function and their extensive capacity to filter

pollutants and improve water quality. “It is also helping us to learn the best conditions for wetlands to optimise removal of nitrogen from the water cycle,’’ she said.

“One of the two constructed wetlands is on 8ha of low-lying land on a farm managed by Tully Sugar Ltd. The data has shown us it’s a high-performing site, with capacity to remove an over 1000kg of nitrogen a year from the water passing through the wetland.

“This project is a model of successful collaboration between industry and research that’s paving the way for ongoing water quality improvement.’’

around water sustainability and efficiency, due to aging infrastructure”.

“The investment from all three levels of government is crucial and timely to help us combat the failures we are seeing in our aged reticulated network, which not only impacts the continuity of water supply to our residents, but also sees precious water resources go down the drain,” she said.

Federal Environment and

Tully Sugar’s cane productivity and development manager Greg Shannon said the project was raising awareness of wetlands and their usefulness in the farming landscape.

“The last year’s findings were recently presented to us,’’ he said.

“This project has helped us understand how wetlands work and how we can optimise their ability to treat water.

“The longer this wetland is monitored, the more data we can get, and this will make the findings more and more useful for our decision-making in terms of wetland maintenance and management as time goes by.”

Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said it was “a really exciting project that will deliver significant water savings for the communities of Tully, Innisfail and Nyleta”.

Senator for Queensland Nita Green said the Cassowary Cast council had been identified in national performance reports on urban water utilities as the utility provider with the highest real water losses in Australia.

“That means we must act now

before the situation worsens,” she said.

“By replacing sections of the ageing pipe network, we will reduce water losses from leakage and save around 235 Olympic swimming pools worth of water per year.

“Our aim is that this project will reduce the frequency of costly network failures when sediment enters waterways, while also improving water reliability for the community.”

Tully Sugar’s chief operating officer John Edwards (left), chief executive officer Andrew Yu and cane productivity and development manager Greg Shannon at the wetlands. Picture: Supplied

Lettersto the editor

Range road idea

John Brittain, Smithfield

Millions wasted

Wolfgang Rusch, Mooroobool

Last week’s question was: Do you think Cairns Regional Council needs to spend more on footpaths and where are new ones needed? Here are some of your comments.

Around Edge Hill State School.

more people to volunteer to help our community, sports and charitable groups?

- Carol Harris, Facebook

Yes, everywhere and they need to finish linking the beaches, better signs and crossings.

- Jason Webber, Facebook

I think more footpaths are definitely needed. It would help posties do their job.

- Timothy Lacey, Facebook

And make them user-friendly for wheelchairs and the disabled. No good having footpaths that wheelchairs cannot use due to having a lip or not being aligned.

- Susanne Brookes, Facebook

They need to spend more on drains and gutters. Typical leftists trying to sweep their failure under the carpet.

- Timothy Snape, Facebook

Definitely more footpaths in Discovery Drive, Kewarra Beach.

- Sabria Franciskovic, Facebook

The priority would be in areas where people in wheelchairs live. They need that access more so than other areas.

- Binda Warren, Facebook

Babinda could do with a footpath linking the bus stop to Zenna’s store and down to link up to the old existing path that got finished in 1990.

- Sam Moody, Facebook

Redlynch Valley Estate, along Gamburra Drive side. There are poorly patched areas where it is rough road base that is like a cheese grater for little children who fall off their bikes. Just ask my four-yearold boy who came off second best when he lost balance on his bike and grazed his legs, hands and under his eye just recently.

- Mickaylah Dean, Facebook

McNamara St near the PCYC in Edge Hill/Manunda. I see so many people walking on the grass.

- Tayla Scott, Facebook

Yes, they do and not only in the centre of town. Also look at the southern suburbs.

- Simon Hallett

They built footpaths in Gordonvale but they’re not wheelchair-friendly.

- Sue Baxter, Facebook

Definitely in Edmonton.

- Peter Kulper, Facebook

Vital rainforest protection

Not-for-profit organisation has ‘rescued’ 44 endangered Daintree properties

l DAINTREE RAINFOREST

RAINFOREST Rescue is a not-forprofit organisation that has been protecting and restoring rainforests since 1999. They do this by buying properties of high conservation value and protecting their biodiversity. They also restore rainforest through planting, maintenance and weed removal.

With a goal to protect rainforests forever, their purpose is to restore damaged and fragmented habitat through reforestation, conserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of rainforest and learn from the forest, sharing and raising awareness.

Rainforest Rescue’s headquarters is actually in Byron Bay, with various projects occurring around the country.

They do, however, have their on-theground conservation and restoration work taking place in the Daintree. This is where their land management team, nursery team, and ecological advisors are based.

Rare and endangered species, like the southern cassowary, the spectacled flying-fox, Bennett’s tree kangaroo and many others, are found in the Daintree lowlands, amidst ancient and primitive flowering plants.

Buying rainforest that was excluded from the Upper Daintree National Park and World Heritage area extends priceless habitat, providing safe haven and nourishment while significantly building on existing Rainforest Rescue protected areas. These rescues are of vital importance and protect critical habitat.

Conservation work in the Daintree supports this ancient forest ecosystem that has been evolving longer than any other in the world, by tens of millions of years, and is Australia’s largest and most biodiverse.

With the help of ‘rainforest rescuers’, the organisation has rescued 44 Daintree rainforest properties, significantly protecting pristine habitat for nature and achieving a strong win for biodiversity.

Rainforest Rescue staff collect, propagate and grow all the rainforest trees for their Daintree lowland revegetation ‘Plant a Rainforest’ projects.

Seeds are ethically collected from the Daintree lowland rainforest between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation and the trees are replanted in the same area.

The original nursery facility at Di-

wan, propagated around 12,000 trees a year.

In November 2023, Rainforest Rescue gifted the original nursery to eastern Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners organisation, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, in support of their propagation and restoration goals to heal country.

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation’s forest rangers, using the native flora, will continue to restore lowland rainforest at Wawu Dimbi.

This is an important conservation property near Forest Creek, on the edge of the Daintree River, forming a connection between World Heritage protected habitat and wetlands of ecological sig-

nificance. Hundreds of rainforest plants have already been planted at Wawu Dimbi during a recent community tree planting.

In 2015 Rainforest Rescue was approached by land-owner Annie Shoenberger, owner and founder of NightWings Rainforest Centre and devoted bat carer, to transform 15ha of old sugarcane fields into thriving Daintree lowland rainforest.

In 2016, with the help of many individuals, organisations and businesses, they held the first of many planting days at NightWings. They also revived a wetland area to draw in the wildlife.

Since then, tens of thousands of trees have been planted at NightWings by

rainforest rescuers – both staff and volunteers – to repair this damaged land.

Today, those seedlings, some of which are now mature trees, are growing and calling this land home. By the project’s end, these trees will be flourishing between the lowland Daintree to the upland rainforest and beyond to the coast.

The current nursery facility, located at the old Cow Bay airstrip, is the Daintree’s largest native nursery.

At full operation, it will enable them to produce 150,000 trees per year, which is enough trees to replant almost 25ha of rainforest habitat every year.

One great example of a local rainforest rescuer is Tyler Smith.

Since 2015 Tyler, now 13, has been actively involved in the mission to protect rainforests forever, regularly attending tree planting days with his family, as well as participating in his local community in many other ways.

Tyler has been awarded the community involvement scholarship for his tireless effort and commitment to his and the wider community.

I’m off to discover some more of the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au

Young rainforest rescuer Tyler Smith. Picture: Supplied

The beautiful Daintree rainforest. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Health and Beauty

Women at risk of sleep apnea

Breathing disorder not just confined to men

l CAIRNS CBD

OBSTRUCTIVE Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious

CPAP Shop manager Sam Zimmerman said the blockage triggered the brain to momentarily wake people, allowing them to resume breathing.

“These awakenings are so brief that you might not even notice them,” she said.

“OSA is often perceived as a male-only issue, but it affects people of all genders, including women.

“Though the stereotypical OSA patient is an overweight, middle-aged man, women are equally at risk.

“Unfortunately, women are less likely to be diagnosed, increasing their vulnerability to OSA-related health problems, like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

“Women may experience subtler symptoms than men, such as insomnia, restless legs, nighttime heartburn, and frequent trips to the bathroom.

“Daytime symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

“Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and menopause can also impact sleep quality.

“Recognising and addressing OSA is crucial for maintaining good health.

“Proper sleep improves mental well-being and prevents various health issues.”

Ms Zimmerman said The CPAP Shop in Cairns offered a comprehensive home sleep study for $99, with no referral needed.

The study can be done at home – not at a hospital under the supervision of medical staff.

Book a sleep test online at https://bit.ly/3MPpWwa or phone 1300 854 344 or email: sales@cpapshop.com.au

The CPAP Shop manager Sam Zimmerman shows a female patient a CPAP breathing machine. Picture: Supplied

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

Grand entry Beach gateway now an election issue

l PALM COVE

| Nick Dalton

A GATEWAY to Palm Cove has become a state election issue in the electorate of Barron River.

Deputy mayor Brett Olds has cranked up his push for an ‘entrance statement’ next to the old zoo site at Palm Cove Boulevard.

“Many northern beaches locals have been speaking for years about the need for a better solution to traffic issues along the state-owned Captain Cook Highway,” he said.

“This section, which is directly next to the old zoo site in Palm Cove, is slated to have another set of stop lights installed in the not too distant future.

“We all know the headaches the two sets that already exist at Clifton Beach (which is merely a stone’s throw to the south of this site) cause and by extending suburbia even further north to here would be a terrible outcome.

“We are asking the state government to deliver an entry statement for Palm Cove at the intersection of Palm Cove Boulevard

and the Great Barrier Reef Drive.

“Despite attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors each year, there is little to mark the way from the Captain Cook Highway to Palm Cove, or announce the start of the Great Barrier Reef Drive – an iconic tourism drive connecting Cairns to Cape Tribulation.

“As well as providing muchneeded place making, the entry statement will provide a lasting and positive first impression of the region, support broader destination marketing, improve traffic and pedestrian safety, and serve as a focal point for the community, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents.

“We have an opportunity to remedy this though. There is a state election only a few weeks away and the council has endorsed a set of priorities that we are advocating for, and this entrance statement concept is one of nine priorities we believe is needed.”

Cr Olds said all Barron River and Cairns candidates and MPs had been briefed on the proposal and he urged residents to email, call or speak to them about the

opportunity. “It would really help to build some positive pressure, in order to get the best outcome possible for our ‘jewel in the crown’,” he said.

Advance Palm Cove (APC) president Robert van den Hoven said the concept, including a tourist hub and carparking, was revealed earlier this year on behalf of APC with help from Mark Olsen of Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

He said he had met Tourism Minister Michael Healy on the issue and been in contact with Barron River MP Craig Crawford.

“To date still no result,” Mr van den Hoven said.

He said APC was meeting the LNP soon to present their proposal.

“I am in constant contact with the owner of the zoo site as we are also worried if this parcel of land gets sold to a commercial operator,” Mr van den Hoven said.

“Not only traffic lights will be part of the proposed development, a fuel station is already approved but it could also include fast food outlets,” he said.

Artist’s impressions of the two options for the entrance statement for Palm Cove at Palm Cove Boulevard, one showing a pedestrian overpass. Pictures: LA3

Your Home inside

Grow plants inside first

l BUNGALOW

EXPERIENCED gardeners are aware that many types of gardening can become more challenging during the warmer months in Tropical North Queensland.

Cairns Hydroponics’ owner David Mills said, as the climate got hotter with constant high humidity, there were ways to successfully garden.

Some of his tips include:

• Don’t over fertilise and water regularly

• Plants need a higher water to mineral ratio in warm tropical environments

• Use a good quality plant nutrient that provides all the essential elements a plant requires in the right balance. Many fertilisers only provide N-P-K and neglect many of the other 11 essential elements of plant growth

• Start growing plants in-

doors in a protected environment under a grow light.

“The global trend towards starting plants indoors is due to the ideal climate we can provide for a plant in its early life in an indoor environment and the way plants vigorously respond to being moved outdoors,” Mr Mills said.

“Starting plants indoors with hydroponic fluids before moving them outdoors offers several benefits,” he said.

“It allows better control over light, temperature, and nutrients, leading to faster, healthier growth.

“Plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases early on.

“Once moved outside, they are more robust, adapting quicker to garden conditions and yielding better harvests.

“Growing hydroponic plants in warm months is ideal due to increased sun-

light and stable temperatures.

“Ensure proper ventilation and maintain nutrientrich water to avoid overheating.

“Choose fast-growing plants like lettuce, basil, or tomatoes, which thrive in these conditions.

“Regular monitoring and pH adjustments ensure healthy growth throughout the season.

“In hot summer months, keeping hydroponic fluids cool is essential.

“Use reflective insulation around reservoirs to block heat, or place reservoirs in shaded areas.

“Adding frozen water bottles to the system can help lower temperatures.

“Installing a water chiller or increasing airflow with fans also prevents overheating.

“Regularly monitor fluid temperatures to maintain optimal plant growth.”

Visit https://bit.ly/3Txus6k

Cairns Hydroponics owner David Mills (right) with Jim Holland inside his Bungalow store. Picture: Almando Anton

Arnel FENCING

Stratco has L’Unico Trattoria covered with new outdoor dining patio

Stratco has L’Unico Trattoria covered with new outdoor dining patio

NQ Sheds and Patios has installed a Stratco Outback patio covering at popular Trinity Beach restaurant L’Unico Trattoria, providing covered dining for an additional 40-60 patrons.

The beachfront restaurant’s new patio is cyclone-rated with sturdy columns and beams. It features Stratco Cooldek insulated roofing panels, ensuring comfort for guests during the Far North Queensland summer as well as sheltering them from the unexpected showers that come with life in the tropics.

Previously the outdoor dining area only had beach umbrellas, which could not reliably withstand wind – a mainstay of the beachfront location.

Stratco, celebrating 75 years in Australia and over 35 years in Queensland, takes pride in supporting local businesses with high-quality, durable products.

Stratco Manufactured Product Manager Mick Horne expressed his enthusiasm about the project.

“L’Unico have this beautiful outdoor area that is now covered, providing more dining space for customers, and it’s a lot more protected now,” he said.

“In an older style of building we’ve been able to mix the old with the new and have it all blend in beautifully.”

“We are proud to produce an Australian product that is built for the Cairns climate.”

L’Unico co-owner Matt Turner shared his excitement about the new addition.”

“Having more covered seating for our beachfront diners is priceless. It enhances the comfort and appeal of our restaurant significantly,” he said.

“As a busy beachfront venue, special occasions like Mother’s Day or Christmas are going to be much more comfortable for our patrons now.”

“Having a covered outdoor dining area just makes us more reliable in offering a fully covered restaurant to our customers.”

Mr Turner expressed his gratitude towards Stratco and their Outback Dealers.

“Stratco’s dealer NQ Sheds & Patios and their local branch Arnel Fencing were so hands-on in making this happen,” he said.

“The support from these local businesses has been amazing – and the value of what we invested to have this new feature is outstanding.”

Stratco-owned Arnel Fencing features displays for Cairns locals interested in seeing the quality of Stratco products firsthand and learning about the value of Cooldek insulated roofing for Far Northern homes and businesses.

Stratco Outback Patios come with a one-of-a-kind 25year structural warranty, ensuring long-term durability and peace of mind for owners.

“I encourage people to go down to L’Unico and enjoy the new space and have a beautiful meal under the new Stratco Outback Patio,” Mr Horne said.

“Stratco Outback Patios and Cooldek roofing are growing in popularity in the region for their durability and for the one-of-a-kind warranty, so come on down to Arnel Fencing and have a look at the product and test it for yourself.”

This project not only enhances the dining experience at L’Unico Trattoria but also showcases Stratco’s commitment to supporting local businesses with highquality, weather-resistant solutions.

For more information, visit Arnel Fencing to explore Stratco’s offerings.

TimeOut

Rocketman’s still standing

Elton John tribute show at Reef Casino

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THREE nights of the best of ‘Rocketman’ are set to kick off at The Reef Hotel Casino tonight where audiences will be blown away by virtuoso pianist and impersonator Greg Andrew while going through Sir Elton John’s best hits.

Having just returned from a world tour, the Elton John Experience (EJE) and its six-piece band have returned to Cairns for three nights of flamboyance and a set of hits from the 70s until now, from tonight (September 20) until Sunday at BAR36.

EJE has toured more than 30 countries and in 2017 he performed at TRIBFEST UK, arguably the most prestigious tribute festival in the world – held annu-

ally in Yorkshire in England.

With tracks like ‘I’m Still Standing’, ‘Saturday Nights Alright for Fightin’ ’, ‘Candle In The Wind’, ‘Daniel’, ‘Honky Cat’, ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ and ‘Crocodile Rock’ to name a few, the show is jampacked with hit after hit.

“We’re coming with our sixpiece band, and we recreate as close as possible, not only my looks, but the reproduction of the songs in the way that Elton John has performed them live,” said leading man Greg Andrew.

“The costumes are modelled after what Elton John has worn in his concerts and we pay a lot of attention to detail and that’s another stand out that people comment on, how it makes it so believable.

“Piano is my main instrument, so I can play all the intricate stuff Elton does, the band also looks

like Sir Elton’s band, my percussionist looks like Ray Cooper, my guitarists very similar to his guitarists and so on, so the look on stage is in tune.”

Mr Andrew said they were excited to be back in Cairns to put on three epic shows at BAR36.

“Cairns it’s such a fun place to be and over three nights we try to create this atmosphere where people can sing along and dance and, as far as venues go, BAR36 is a great venue where people can be right up close to you,” he said.

“Elton can’t tour anymore. He’s finished his world tour, so if you want to experience these wonderful songs I think you’ll enjoy the way that we deliver them and the look will give them the memory of Sir Elton.”

The event is free. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4gp7BUf

Classical concerts, masterclasses

l ATHERTON

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AN extraordinary music feast of the highest quality is set to start today in Atherton with the fourth edition of the Atherton Tablelands Chamber Music Festival where classical music lovers will get to experience epic concerts and masterclasses.

Founded and directed by classical violinist from Ravenshoe – Khalida De Ridder – the festival is a threeday celebration (September 20-22) of chamber music at the Atherton Performing Arts Theatre featuring

renowned local, interstate and international musicians performing and teaching masterclasses, five concerts and promotion of young musicians.

The event aims to provide more opportunities for musicians and music aficionados in the Tablelands to experience chamber music and perform live in a concert setting.

“I’ve been running classical music concerts in Atherton since 2016 and we’ve made a larger event the last three years,” Ms De Ridder said.

“There are not many opportunities for the locals to

get any paid professional work in chamber music, there’s a lot of teaching positions but there’s no orchestras and the funding in Queensland is not such that will provide for a resident ensemble, the closest professional is the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane," she said.

Masterclasses cost $20 for active participants and $10 for observers, and the concerts cost $40 general admission, $35 concession, $15 for under 18s and free for companion holders.

To book, visit https://bit.ly/3XvWSi4

Leading man of the Elton John Experience – Greg Andrew – is set to get people dancing at BAR36 over three nights with the best of Sir Elton’s hits. Picture: Supplied

Festival director and professional violinist Khalida De Ridder is one of the headliners of this year’s music festival in Atherton. Picture: Supplied

Freedom for Xavier Rudd

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

HAVING sold out his last concert in Cairns, Xavier Rudd is coming back to Munro Martin Parklands to officially kick off summer with his ‘Freedom Sessions’ tour for an unforgettable night of timeless classics and new sounds.

His show is expected to be sold out again on Saturday, September 28.

Fresh out of his North American and European tour with his latest EP Freedom Sessions, he is back in the tropics ready to sing along with his loyal FNQ fans.

“It feels good to be back, it’s been a long ride overseas, so I’m really happy to be coming home to Australia, so I’m very excited,” Mr Rudd said.

“I’m really excited to also be back in Cairns. The last show in Munro Martin Parklands was beautiful, it’s a great venue and we had an amazing night, so it’s going to be extra special. It’s going to be a different show this time and it’s pretty rare that we get up there, so it’s even more special.”

Mr Rudd said for this show he was bringing his latest EP Freedom Sessions and some of his beloved classics like ‘World Order’.

“Freedom Sessions was generated out of that Covid time

where a lot of the music was written about starting to lose our freedom and people were considering what that freedom really means and how lucky we are to be able to have it,” he said.

“The songs started coming out from that season and the aftermath when we were able to be out in the world again and what that meant, so Freedom Sessions touches on that sense of freedom.

“This is a very different show. I’m using more stuff than I ever

use and I’m showcasing some of the new songs and bringing new versions of my older songs.

“I’d say ‘World Order’ out of my new EP is really fun to perform live and the crowd is really into and songs like ‘Follow the Sun’ are very special to people. I just enjoy playing songs that people can relate to, so come along if you’d like, we don’t get to North Queensland very often and it’s going to be a unique show.”

To buy tickets visit the Ticketlink website.

Sexy vampire ‘sanctuary’

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A BLOOD-SUCKING good time awaits at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre with the return of Dracula’s to Cairns with their new show ‘Sanctuary’ filled with insanity, comedy, music and sultriness.

From September 26 to 28 the sexiest vampires are back in town with the return of Dracula’s Sanctuary showcasing the best of cabaret, acrobatics, music and all the vampiric flare as part of their national tour.

Newman Entertainment chief executive and show producer Luke Newman said this was a show not to miss, full of fun and unexpected moments.

“We’re very excited to be coming back to Cairns, we were there about 18 months ago with our very first touring show which was a huge success, so we’re bringing Sanctuary back which is a completely new show from start to finish,” he said.

“We have supersized everything, bigger, brighter and louder, and the show itself is a rollercoaster of variety with everything from rock ‘n’ roll to burlesque, magic, puppetry, comedy, so it’s a mixed bag of entertainment and a great fun night out.”

With Sanctuary Dracula’s

brings a fresh new plot of vampires at an asylum with two doctors and main characters and all of the vampire patients who bring fresh acts and lots of entertainment to the show.

Lead cast James Smart’s journey includes dazzling performances on Carnival Cruise Lines and at Imagine Dubai and fellow cast member, Amber Flaherty has left her mark in London, performing in live concerts and the Park Chinois Cabaret show. Celebrated aerial artists Spencer Craig and Caitlin Tomson-Moylan have performed with Cirque du Soleil and won international accolades in China and Italy.

“We have nine extremely talented cast members, all from

very different backgrounds, some are international acrobats, great musicians, dancers, vocals and comedians,” he said.

“We’re halfway through our Australian tour and it’s been phenomenal, we’re excited to get up north with Sanctuary.

“It is a spectacle of seduction and silliness, with plenty of fangs, feathers and flirting, it is in your face and pure energy. The show has it all and you will not want to miss it.”

Mr Newman said CPAC would be turned into Dracula’s den with decoration on the foyer, themed cocktails at the bar, and characters bringing the fun at the entrance.

To buy tickets, visit the Ticketlink website.

Xavier Rudd is coming to Munro Martin Parklands once again with his latest EP Freedom Sessions. Picture: Riley Kathleen

Dracula’s is back in Cairns with their new touring show Sanctuary for a frighteningly fun three nights at CPAC. Picture: Supplied

Something for everyone at 66th Cairns Amateurs Carnival in ‘24

Fashions drew crowds

l WOREE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AFTER three successful days of competitive racing and hotly contested fashions last weekend, the Cairns Amateurs Carnival has officially wrapped up its 66th iteration with over 5000 attendees at Cannon Park.

Defying the forecasts, the carnival was blessed with great weather over the three days (September 12-14), great races and stunning fashion, drawing over 100 competitors for the fashions on the field and for a share in an almost $20,000 prize cache across 10 judging categories.

This year, Brittney Tamou from Townsville nailed the ‘tropical elegance’ brief to secure the ultimate sash for her stunning springtime ensemble, while Tablelands jockey Lacey Morrison and her horse Cashin’ Chex took home the Cairns Amateurs Cup and $87,000.

Steering committee member Rebecca Conlan said Amateurs had something to offer everyone.

“We were very lucky because we had great weather,” she said.

“On Thursday we successfully kicked off the carnival with Gordon’s Pink Gin high tea on the Esplanade and this was a sold-out event, that’s approximately 480 people in attendance.

“Lady of the day was Kate Konrad and best millinery was Verelle O’Shanesy which was very hotly contested, and it really set the platform for the rest of the Carnival with the quality of fashions. Then we had the welcome party at the

Pullman for an evening under the stars with almost 100 attendees and then we kicked off day one of the races on Friday and the first fashions on the field categories where Verelle O’Shanesy was the winner in the gold class for women over 50, the open ladies winner was Kymberlee Cockrem and the local ladies winner was Maria Barry.

“On the Friday, all local horses won every single race. So it was great. All the money stayed locally.

“We had couples on the Saturday, won again by some great local fashionistas. The open men’s was won by Tim Marsh, who is a regular competitor up here, but he also competes down south, open ladies classic racewear winner was Brittney Tamou and the open ladies contemporary racewear winner was Dannielle Atkinson.”

Ms Conlan said that the event had been a success for the two new committees and since the takeover by the Cairns Jockey Club.

“The general admission crowd was probably down slightly, likely due to the weather, but the corporate areas and the ticketed areas were really well represented,” she said.

“This was our first year as Cairns Jockey Club and the steering committee, and we felt that the people of Cairns came out to preserve the 66-year history.

“There was something for everybody, whether it was the high tea, the fashion, the gala ball, the fireworks on the Esplanade or the racing people joined in to meet wonderful people and be in community.”

Successful art deco festival

l INNISFAIL

WITH hundreds of people dressing up in their best vintage art deco outfits and joining in the celebration over eight days, the 2024 Tropical Art Deco has been hailed a huge success.

The Innisfail and District Historical Society is thrilled to wrap up the festival after another successful iteration where people got to explore the history, architecture and fashion of Innisfail in the 1920s.

“A number of events were solidly booked and most well attended, with the Sunday vintage market a huge success in terms of numbers of people through the door,” said festival convenor Kerry Linton.

The veranda entertainment during the market set the scene for the art deco era, with visitors vowing to return and many patrons and vendors dressed in fashions of the era.

Many people went to a lot of trouble to dress up for events, including Friday night’s Flappers and Dappers’ Ball, which featured the electrifying Brisbane duo ‘Electro Swiggety’.

The festival organisers are keen to hear from anyone who’d like to be involved at committee organising level, host an event or become a festival sponsor in 2025. Email tropicalartdeco@outlook. com for further details.

Open ladies contemporary racewear winner Dannielle Atkinson and runner-up Kymberlee Cockrem at last weekend’s Amateurs Carnival. Picture: Supplied

WHAT’S

POWERLIFTING CHALLENGE @ OLHOC

l SAT SEP 21ST, 8:00AM-5:00PM

The 2024 APL Deep North Powerlifting Challenge, hosted by Iron Strength Gym. Athletes from Cairns and surrounding regions will compete in the squat, bench press and deadlift, showcasing their incredible strength in this drug-tested competition. This family-friendly event offers free entry for spectators, so bring your friends and family for an exciting day filled with strength and competition! You can also enjoy delicious food from local vendors like Whatever Food Truck, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and The Bearded Barista Coffee. Location: Our Lady Help of Christians School Hall, 18 Balaclava Rd, Earlville

LIFT THE LID WALK @ ESPLANADE CAIRNS

l SUN SEP 22ND, REGISTRATION 7:15AM

The Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health will get you walking, and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health. Remember that this 5km walk is not a race. This is a family occasion offering an organised fun walk.

Where: Walk route, Cairns Esplanade, corner of Smith St. Who: Anyone who has been impacted by or cares about Mental Health –Dogs on leashes are welcome and encouraged.

Entry fee: $30 for adults, kids under 15 walk free.

DO YOU SPEAK MY LANGUAGE @ BULMBA-JA

l FRI SEP 20TH - SAT SEP 21ST, 6:00PM

Two evenings each with a unique selection of short plays, dance, and other storytelling performances combined into a Far North Queensland creative showcase. Tropical Arts creative showcase displays the vibrant and diverse artistry of performers from our region, all responding to the title, ‘Do you speak my language?’ Experience new stories - from poetry to cyclonic dance, slap-stick farce and light romantic comedy.

Pre-show entertainment, at 6.00pm / Show starts at 7.00pm. Tropical Arts is also running professional theatre skills training workshops alongside the performance program. To purchase tickets, visit Last Call Ticketing at https://lctx.au/whatson

TRIVIA NIGHT @ BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

l SAT SEP 27TH, 6:00PM

The Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise would like to invite you to its upcoming fundraising event. Teams of 8 will be able to compete for some great prizes, have loads of fun and show off their smarts! Bring your friends and family and your brain power for an unforgettable night of trivia!

Tickets are only $20 per person. And if you don’t have 7 other friends, they will find you a team to join.

All profits from the evening will be donated to their RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) Friends of Himalayan Children Project in Nepal. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.trybooking.com/COJSI

WALKING TREK @ CATTANA WETLANDS

l SAT SEP 21ST, 8:00AM-10:00AM

This tour for families is a casual walk on the wildside with expert guides. Along the way you will be able to observe water birds from the jetty with Annie and Dave, and see wild possums and sugar gliders in their nest boxes with Denis.

Dave O’Brien will help you find all sorts of wild creatures.

Location: Dunne Road, Smithfield, about 20km from the Cairns CBD. Access from Yorkeys Knob Road or McGregor Road

WIZARD OF OZ @ CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS

l FRI SEP 27TH, 7:30PM-10:00PM

When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) who needs a brain, a Tin Man (Jack Haley) missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who wants courage.

BYO Chairs, pillows, blankets and picnic on the grass. Please no glass. We recommend arriving early to the Botanic Gardens to set-up. The gates will open at 5:30 PM. Tickets via Trybooking

GIG Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.

FRIDAY 20TH

Calypso Club DJ Andy, 4:00pm

Dunwoody’s Katie Richards, 4:00pm

Boardwalk Social Drewboy, 4:00pm

Skippys Rock’N’Grill Wind and Wood, 4:30pm

Salt House Stan Stone, 5:00pm

Surf Club Palm Cove Seachange, 5:00pm

Pachamama DJ Diego, 6:00pm

The Benson Corey James, 6:00pm

The Crown Hotel Cairns Janna Mercedes, 6:00pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club Harmonique Duo, 6:00pm Cazalys Kick Start, 6:30pm

Atherton International Club INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Keith Eales, 7:00pm

Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Neil Diamond + Roy Orbison

Tribute Show - Rowly Duo, 7:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Ash Grunwald, 7:00pm

CPAC Marcia Hines, 7:30pm

TANKS James Reyne, 7:30pm

The Pier Bar DJ Jackz, 7:30pm

Whiskey & Wine SAX MAN Troy Stevens, 7:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove DNA, 8:00pm

Salt House DJ Moose, 8:00pm

The Pier Bar Nightshift, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns The Dannies, 8:30pm

BAR36 Elton John Tribute - Greg Andrew, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s The Vibes, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s DJ Nakji, 10:00pm

SATURDAY 21ST

Boardwalk Social PaulyP, 2:00pm

Surf Club Palm Cove Lexi & Waha, 2:00pm

Yorkeys Knob Boating Club 3’s A Crowd Duo, 3:00pm

Tasman Holiday Park INFINITY DUO, 4:30pm Salt House Groove Therapy, 5:00pm

Paper Crane Amber Farnan, 5:30pm

The Benson Stevie Roberts, 6:00pm

Cazalys Russel Harris, 6:15pm

Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Silver Fox, 6:30pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns No More No Less, 7:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Ash Grunwald, 7:00pm Tablelands Music Lovers FNQ Nikki Doll, 7:00pm Courthouse Hotel Grey Area, 7:30pm TANKS James Reyne, 7:30pm The Pier Bar DJ Moose, 7:30pm

Whiskey & Wine DJ Matt Caseli, 7:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 8:00pm Red Beret JJ. Rome and the Jumpstarts, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Rod Garcia, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Flavour, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Kaweyova, 8:30pm Rocco DJ Luke, 8:30pm

BAR36 Elton John Tribute - Greg Andrew, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s The Vibes, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s DJ Syntax, 10:00pm

SUNDAY 22ND

TANKS The Beanies, 9:30am Dundees Aquarium DJ Glenn W 11:30am

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Mark Howard, 1:00pm

Boardwalk Social MattyBoi, 2:00pm Copperlode Brewing Co Christina Ukulele, 2:00pm Dunwoody’s Eddie Skiba, 2:00pm Calypso Club DJ Luke, 3:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Cam Kettle, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Liam Sciacca, 3:00pm

O’Sheas Barbary Coasters, 4:00pm Palm Cove Tavern The LOST BOY - Troy Davidson, 4:00pm The Pier Bar DJ Zaccu, 4:30pm Salt House Sunset Raga, 5:00pm The Pier Bar Flavour, 5:00pm

Whiskey & Wine DJ Rod Garcia, 5:00pm

BAR36 Elton John Tribute - Greg Andrew, 5:30pm

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Complete the form on www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/gig-guide to submit your gig each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Solutions

Weekly Horoscopes

Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something. You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating. You can make money if you concentrate on producing services that will make domestic chores easier. Financial limitations are likely if you take risks.

Be careful when dealing with loved ones. Get involved in physical activities that will stimulate you. You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side. You can make progress if you deal with the right individuals.

Limitations will set in if you haven’t followed the rules. Relatives will be cordial. Do not let lovers cost you money or take advantage of you. An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation.

Find ways to earn extra cash by making or repurposing items instead of buying new. Host friends at home instead of splurging on expensive entertainment. While you can enjoy more extravagant activities, plan ahead. You might meet new people, but ensure they’re not already in relationships.

Residential moves will be hectic and may be unsatisfactory. There may be opportunities to attend social functions that are linked to work. Do not let others exhaust you financially. Don’t overreact to someone’s advances.

CROSSWORD

You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Your lover may be annoyed if you have been flirtatious or not attentive to their needs. Go after your goals.

The experience will be good. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. You will have to help family members sort out unfortunate difficulties. Financial gains can be made.

Involvement with prestigious organizations will be to your advantage. Think about your priorities. Look after financial transactions this week. Courses dealing with psychology or health care will be of interest.

time to reevaluate your own motives and make changes to yourself first. Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. Losses are likely if you get involved with uncertain individuals. Don’t evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner.

ACROSS

1. relating to the entire world (6)

5. related to society (6)

10. a period of play in cricket (7)

11. plural of farina, a type of cereal (7)

12. showing compassion or kindness (6)

15. short for forecastle (6)

16. fundamentally or essentially (2,5)

17. a unit of liquid measure (4)

18. substance used to color materials (4)

19. one who uses or holds something, often a tool or weapon (7)

20. certain or confident (4)

22. burden or responsibility (4)

25. spectrum of colors in the sky after rain (7)

27. to descend a vertical surface using a rope (6)

28. shared by two or more parties (6)

31. range of vision (7)

32. a loser in a competition (4-3)

33. a state of inactivity or equilibrium (6)

34. impulsively or without careful consideration (6)

DOWN

2. a person who installs or maintains electrical lines (7)

3. a long, curved fruit with a yellow skin (6)

4. a series of items written or printed consecutively (4)

5. secure from harm (4)

6. a long, orange root vegetable (6)

7. a pardon from punishment (7)

8. genre of music known for rhythmic vocal style and street culture (3-3)

9. to estimate the value of something (6)

13. relating to moral principles (7)

14. the process of recovery of health (7)

15. the state of being free or having the ability to act without restriction (7)

20. distributed by multiple people (6)

21. feeling of admiration for someone (7)

23. not taking sides or showing bias (7)

24. a device used to support or immobilize a broken or injured body part (6)

25. entitlements or freedoms guaranteed to individuals (6)

26. cowardly or weak individuals (6) 29. a proper noun, often a given name (4)

or

Hi-tech makes SUV enticing

Nissan offers wide range in popular mid-sized SUV, including hybrid engines

l NEW MODEL

| Nick Dalton

THE Nissan X-Trail has been updated for 2025, introducing range-wide technology and convenience upgrades designed to make one of Australia’s most popular mid-size SUVs even easier to live with.

“The X-Trail is one of Australia’s most flexible – and, with over 300,000 sold to date in Australia – most popular family-focused SUVs,” said Nissan Australia’s marketing director Sriram Padmanabhan.

“These MY25 updates aim to further improve the popular X-Trail formula, with important

The range includes grades with options, including five trim levels, the choice between five and seven seats (ST, ST-L and N-Trek), 2WD or 4WD, and the option of the innovative e-POWER powertrain (ST-L, Ti and Ti-L).

technology and convenience upgrades that our customers will notice and enjoy every time they take the wheel,” he said.

It starts with the X-Trail ST, with a comprehensive equipment list now further bolstered by an approach unlock and walkaway lock function.

The biggest change lies in the ST-L, where customers also now benefit from an approach unlock and walkaway lock function, but also receive a cabin

technology upgrade through the inclusion of a 12.3in central touchscreen with standard navigation, a wireless charging pad, and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Nissan N-Trek customers also now receive the approach unlock and walkaway lock function, wireless device charging and wireless Android Auto, while Ti customers benefit from the approach unlock and wal-

kaway lock function, wireless Android Auto and a hands-free automatic tailgate.

Finally, flagship Ti-L customers benefit from wireless Android Auto and the approach unlock and walkaway lock function. The ST, ST-L and N-Trek are offered with five (2WD) or seven (4WD) seats, while the five-seat ST-L delivers further flexibility through the option of a 2.5-litre petrol engine, or Nissan’s innovative e-POWER

with e-4ORCE technology, which pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder variable compression petrol engine with twin electric motors (one at each axle) to deliver driving excitement. The Ti and Ti-L are both exclusively five-seat with 4WD configurations, and both offer the option of e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology. Prices start from $38,990 drive away for the ST to $59,990 drive away for the Ti-L.

Nissan’s new X-Trail has been facelifted and features enhanced technology as well as a hybrid option, 4WD or 2WD, and five and seven-seater capacity. Picture: Nissan Australia

Thousands lodge expressions of interest in new ‘electric Kombi’ due soon

All abuzz over new Vee-dub

l MODEL LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton

VOLKSWAGEN’S ID. Buzz – the so-called ‘electric Kombi’ – is rolling down the German production line enroute to Australia where it goes on sale before Christmas priced from $79,990 (plus on-roads) for the ID. Buzz Cargo van and $87,990 (plus on-roads) for the ID.Buzz people mover. Volkswagen has managed to bring the range at a price point considerably less than the most optimistic expectations and – most importantly – under the threshold for Australia’s luxury car tax.

Volkswagen commercial vehicles director Ryan Davies said that almost 7000 expressions of customer interest had been received to date, a figure likely to increase.

“Many Australians have a deep emotional and historical connection with Volkswagen vans and people movers,” he said.

“We’re delighted to deliver the highly desirable BEV reinventions of those classics.

“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first fully electric range gives us a capability to supply families and fleets alike with a vehicle that has been highly anticipated.” By the end of the year ID. Buzz Pro will be available in its short wheelbase, five-seater format or as a long wheelbase seven-seater.

The top of the range ID. Buzz GTX – also in seven seat format, but with all-wheel-drive and enhanced performance – commences production later this year for delivery early in 2025.

The ID. Buzz Cargo, which Mr Davies called the “fleet manager’s friend”, is a three seat, short wheelbase van with the capacity to carry two pallets.

“With the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard closing in fast, Cargo is the vehicle to drive fleets into the future.” Specifications and options can be viewed in accompanying documents.

The ID.Buzz Pro seven seater long wheelbase is $91,290 and the ID. Buzz GTX long wheelbase 4MOTION $109,990, plus on-roads.

The ‘electric Kombi’ – the ID.Buzz is due to arrive in Australia before Christmas. Pictures: Volkswagen Australia

Cairns Local Classifieds

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Publishers Terms and Conditions

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trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that 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 Cairns Local News is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the 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 Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.

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

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PRIVACY POLICY

Local News Cairns

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, Suite F03, The Conservatory, 12-14 Lake St, Cairns,

Should you need to cancel an advertisement campaign, please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement, please call the office on 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline:

Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays Classifieds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

Another method of

Friday September 20th

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you. Meetings held weekly at: Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm-7pm Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm-1pm

• Kuranda: Mondays, 11am-12pm

For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

Saturday September 21st

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

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

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Malanda Markets: Malanda Showgorunds, 07:30-12:30

Mossman Markets: 13 Foxton Ave, 07:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Sunday September 22nd

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Mission Beach Markets: Ulysses Park, 07:00-12:00

Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00

The Pier Markets: The Pier Shopping Mall, 09:00-14:00

Wondecla Markets: Wondecla Showgrounds, 08:00-12:00

Swimmer returns with 2032 Brisbane games in sight

Scooter’s new aim

l SWIMMING

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

NOW back in Cairns, ‘24 Paralympic hero Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson is hoping to have a more laid-back end to the year embarking on personal projects and with a new goal in mind: Brisbane Paralympics.

After an unforgettable performance in Paris that earned him two Paralympic bronzes and becoming the unofficial mayor of the Paralympic village, Scooter Patterson is finally back in the tropics on a very well-deserved week off.

“Yesterday was my first day off, I only watched movies,” he said.

“I haven’t swum since Thursday, so today I’m going back to the pool but I’m certainly enjoying life before going back to work next week.

“The opportunity to represent Australia is pretty special but waiting for the moment to sit here on my week off and not have to worry about anything and embrace everything that’s happened feels great.

“I got Herbie, my coach, after 17 years of hard work in Paris. I know him as an athlete, but also as a friend and a teammate, so it’s good to see him get some recognition after so many years, and to be able to win two bronze medals in front of him over there was pretty cool as well.”

With his two epic performances in the 150m individual medley and the 50m breastroke, he has grown his Paralympic collection with three bronzes and one silver, and he says the Paralympic journey isn’t over yet.

“The French were very supportive, they love sportsmanship, and they love character,

and I think that’s what inspires and motivates me to continue onto LA (Paralympics), and then Brisbane 2032. A homegrown crowd would be pretty special,” he said.

“I’d be 43 by 2032 Olympics. I want to have a try if everything’s in order. If the body’s feeling good and the coach and athlete relationship is good. Things change but if everything’s well I’ll try because it’d be pretty cool to swim in front

Sport Results

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

of my home crowd.”

Right now, Mr Patterson is focused on personal projects and motivational speaking to tell his story and inspire more para-athletes to dream big.

“I’ve put feelers out to maybe do some commentary, a bit of acting too, and there’s a few opportunities coming up,” he said.

“Also, motivational speaking, which I got into to give back and help people understand that you don’t work just

Richards, Kenn Brown +17. R/U: Malachi McTaggart, Bill Allison, Barry baker +10. SAS, Bernie Savage, Nev Fletcher +5.

for the awards, that’s the icing on the cake.

“It’s about your story which can inspire and motivate others. It took me 13 years to win my first Paralympic medal, so my journey, of the ups and downs, is really touching and inspiring and motivating.

“When you get knocked down, pop back up, that’s my character, I always have a joke and muck around, life’s too short to be boring.”

Cultural footy

l AFL

IN a celebration of sport and culture, AFL Cape York House and AFL Cairns hosted two under-16 teams from Papua New Guinea for a weekend of friendly competition against the AFL Cape York Crusader teams in late August.

The tri-series brought together participants from Cape York, the Torres Strait, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cairns, and Papua New Guinea in a unique four-team competition for boys and girls.

Games were played at Cazalys Stadium and Buchan Street Reserve, the home of Cairns Eagles FC.

AFL Cape York House general manager Rick Hanlon said the event was, not just about football, but about using sport as a connection point to foster deeper relationships and cultural understanding.

“This wasn’t just about playing football. It was about engaging our closest international neighbour, Papua New Guinea, to come together in the spirit of friendship and culture,” Mr Hanlon said.

“Football was the

vehicle, but the highlight was the way it brought us together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds.”

The weekend was filled with exciting matchups, particularly noting the Papua New Guinean teams’ agility and speed, which kept the games lively and entertaining.

The tournament's main attraction, however, took place off the field on Saturday night with a cultural feast at AFL Cape York House for Boys. More than 200 people gathered to enjoy a spread of traditional Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Papua New Guinean foods, generously prepared by the PNG and Wantoks Association Cairns and staff from AFL Cape York.

“We had well over 200 people in attendance –players, officials and some guests,” Mr Hanlon said.

“We shared in song, we shared dance and food. It was just fantastic.”

Another standout moment came during the presentation of the coaches’ awards, where a Papua New Guinean player was recognised for embodying the values of cultural connection, respect, and relationshipbuilding.

MOSSMAN BOWLS CLUB

Saturday, September 14 winners: Richard Anderson, Terry

Men’s Wednesday, September 4 overall winners: G. Frizzo, R. Jorgenson and M. O’Halloran. Winners of first game: D. Cairns, J. Mason and D. Jacoora. Winners of second game: J. Jackson, G. Atkinson and K. Holden. Mixed bowls Saturday, September 7 winners: D. Cairns, J. Mason and S. Trouse. Second game: D. Trouse, M. Daffy and D. Jacoora.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Thursday, September 12 triples winners: E Spooner, B Protheroe, M Bruni. R/U: P Guy, G Frizzo and P Mulkearns.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday, September 10 morn-

ing bowls winners: Robyn, Bob, Barb. R/U: Olga, Judy, June. Tuesday afternoon men’s triples winners: Frank, Danny, Ross. R/U: Bob, Michael, Geoff. Tuesday night bowls winners: Sam, Jim, Paper, Sisca, Rod, Ian, Keith, Shane, Donna. Wednesday, September 11 mixed bowls winners: Glenda A, Denis S.

R/U: Peter T, Janet, Denise R. Thursday, September 12 mixed self-selected triples winners:

Brian, John, Alan. R/U: Olga, Mark, Christine. Saturday, September 14 morning scroungers Winner: Deb.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S

BOWLS

Tuesday, September 10 winners: J Johnston, G. Atkinson, S. Kavanagh. R/U: J Wilcox, Yakka, N Mallyon. Thirsty Thursday winners: G. Smith, G Mills, I Tindal. Friday night scroungers

winner: P. Bent, R/U: G Bilik. Sunday, September 15 Sunday morning bowls winners: Sharky, Steve, B Gill, A. Radford. R/U: D. Nichols, D. Lowe, Yakka. Club competition B-grade singles round 1 winners: G Blades def. B Mlikota. B Berger def. Michael. Yakka def. P Travers. P Buntain def. J Carr. Round 2 B Berger def. F Clarke. G Blades def. G Stanley. P Buntain def. J Wilcox. Yakka def. D Nicholls.

Paralympian Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson is back from Paris with two bronze medals, and he has a new goal set in Paralympics 2032. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gozalez

Tom Gagai from the AFL Cape York Crusaders. Picture: Supplied

Tigers in both finals

North Cairns up against Cutters in men’s and versus Lions in AFLW

l AFL Cairns senior finals

| John Gillett

South Cairns Cutters play North Cairns Tigers – men’s seniors

AT the start of the 2022 season, North Cairns were on a winless streak that would eventually last more than four years and were coming off a season in which they scored 12 points for every 100 conceded.

The nadir of their 2021 season was a 295 point loss against the Cutters in a performance so comprehensive, 16 goal hero Joshua Barnett only received the Cutters’ sixth best player award.

Fast forward a little over three years, and these teams will face off in the grand final a mere two weeks after a thrilling two point Cutters victory in the first preliminary final.

While a great story if Norths win, there will be no sentiments or wellwishes from the Cutters. They, themselves, are hunting their first premiership since 2003 and are looking to end a run of six straight losses in grand finals since 2003.

They have been far and away the best team all year, losing a solitary game in which they kicked 6.14, but can the Tigers go three points better than the prelim?

Either way, the punters will be looking forward to the conclusion of this thrilling tetralogy.

Prediction: Tigers by 1 point.

Cairns City Lions play North Cairns Tigers –women’s seniors

IN another repeat of the first week of the finals, Cairns City Lions will be looking to avenge their preliminary final loss against the North Cairns Tigers.

While this has been the odds on grand final for most of the year, Norths’ win two weeks ago has added a layer of intrigue for it was their first win over the Lions in season 2024.

History is on the line for both teams. This is the first grand final that does not involve one of the Hawks or Saints since at least 2013.

The Tigers are looking to win in their first trip back to the finals since being losing grand finalists in 2020, while the Lions are looking to finally capitalise on their fifth straight finals appearance, including their second grand final in three years, to win an elusive first premiership.

Both teams love to run and gun, so punters can once again expect the exhilerating back and forth battle that has become synonymous with this fixture in season 2024.

Prediction: Lions by 5.

Pride’s shock loss to Dolphins

l RUGBY LEAGUE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

DESPITE their best efforts and

a very tight match last Saturday, Northern Pride suffered a devastating one point loss against the Redcliffe Dolphins 16-17 ending the premiership hopes for the dream team.

The winning streak ended and with it the journey to premiership glory for Pride who left everything in the oval against the Dolphins.

But despite their grit and, even going to extra time, in the end the team couldn’t surpass the Dolphins who presented a very solid game strategy ending the season for Pride.

Pride exited Barlow Park as heroes with the support of the community after a brilliant season that saw them win the minor premiership for the first time in 10 years and fans are eager to see if they can bring the same skill, resilience and grit for the 2025 season.

“It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on our gut-wrenching loss to the Redcliffe Dolphins in golden point extra time on Saturday in our preliminary final,” said Pride’s chief executive Garreth Smith.

“The heartbreak and devastation felt by the players, coaching staff, and everyone involved in the club is hard to put into words. We left everything out on the field, but it wasn’t meant to be," he said.

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you who have stood by us, not just during this tough result, but throughout the entire season. Your unwavering support has been the foundation of our strength.

“As we reflect on the season, I’d like to congratulate Ash Little and Chris Ostwald on fantastic careers. Both have given so much to the Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride, and we wish them all the best in their retirement. Your legacy at this club will be remembered and celebrated.

“While this chapter closes, we are already looking forward to 2025 with excitement and optimism.”

The Tigers ‘2 Storey’ Rory Tarlinton (above) attempts the spoil over Cutters big guy Damien Hill. Lions captain Tina Hilditch (above right) and her team are out to avenge their qualifying final loss to the Tigers tomorrow. The Tigers Jimmy Neale (below right) will look to exploit his speed and accuracy against the Cutters. Pictures: RAWI/AFL