Cairns Local News July 21 2023

Local News Cairns

UNITED SKIES OF

THE giant United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster has been the talk of Cairns and a spectacular sight at the city’s airport over the past two weeks. Up to four of the aircraft have been stationed at the airfield as part of a multi-country exercise called Mobility Guardian 23. Two of the crew pictured are Technical Sergeant Colton Webster and Flight Lieutenant Brooke Duckworth.

Town in crisis

Cardwell’s full-time medical practice closing its doors

l CARDWELL

| Nick Dalton

THE small community of Cardwell is in crisis with the pending closure of its full-time medical practice.

Cardwell Family Practice

co-owner Julie McKay said it was with a heavy heart that she and fellow owner Carmen Ed-

monson had made the decision to close the medical centre on September 1 after being unable to attract a permanent doctor and relying on costly and many locums.

The decision affects 1000 patients, of which many are elderly and Indigenous.

“It has been a horrendous few weeks. We’ve had five doctors

in 10 weeks. It was costing too much and there has been no consistency of care for our patients,” Ms McKay said.

She said the closure would put pressure on the two day -a-week Ingham Family Medical Practice at Cardwell, Queensland Ambulance, other medical practices and hospitals and impact the local pharmacy

and pathology services.

The practice consists of Ms McKay, who is a registered and accredited mental health nurse, pharmacy manager and bookkeeper Carmen Edmondson and receptionist Shayne Crole.

Ms McKay said she and Ms Crole would have to find another job which was difficult in the small town. Ms Edmonson is

retiring. The practice has been operating for eight years.

Ms Crole, who has lived at Cardwell for 32 years, said she didn’t know what she was going to do.

“A lot of patients can’t drive, they can’t go anywhere. Where are they going to receive treatment?,’ she said

CONTINUED PAGE 3

Luring superyachts

Some are on the way to Cairns after marketing event in Tahiti

l GREAT BARRIER REEF

| Nick Dalton SUPERYACHTS which have never been to the Far North are heading to the region.

The Great Barrier Reef is on their radar following the 10th annual Australia Tahiti Rendezvous at Marina Taina in Papeete, attended by Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef chairwoman Kathleen Ferguson and Carrier Carter of Carter Marine Agencies.

Ms Ferguson said they promoted the region’s remarkable diversity and highlighted the exceptional maintenance and supply capabilities of their members.

“The superyacht event provided the perfect opportunity to meet with superyacht captains and crew and provide them with information on exploring our great region,” she said.

“We managed to put Australia on the ‘hit list’ for a number of superyachts in the area, some who previously hadn’t considered Australia.

“Some are already on their way and others will be adding the Great Barrier Reef to their itinerary in 2024 and 2025.”

Ms Ferguson said the captain of the $35 million Lind, which was in Tahiti, was “looking at the options” of visiting Cairns. The vessel is chartered out for $418,000 a week and is owned by German chemical billionaire Peter Alexander Wacker.

She said they put ideas in the heads of owners and captains to cruise and stay in the tropical north.

Another superyacht, which was heading the opposite way to Costa Rica, could be head-

ing Down Under instead, Ms Ferguson said. She said they also suggested the annual black marlin competition to another superyacht owner who was travelling the world fishing.

“There was definite interest in the Great Barrier Reef and new cruising grounds,” Ms Ferguson said.

“It was one of the biggest seasons seen in Tahiti and definitely showed that people were on the move to explore new territory.

“There is a notable surge of large vessels eager to explore

and cruise the South Pacific.

“The demand for destinations that offer a distinctly unique and unparalleled experience is exceptionally high among the owners of these vessels, who are seeking an experience quite like no other.

“Australia and the Great Barrier Reef region with its Daintree world heritage rainforest and cultural richness offers superyachts an experience their owners and guests are chasing.”

Ms Ferguson said an information expo allowed captains

and crew to understand the regulations of entering Australia, cruising within the Great Barrier Reef and chartering in Australian waters.

“Rivergate Marina and Shipyard sponsored a long lunch for captains that provided an excellent opportunity for captains to engage with businesses from Australia’s superyacht industry to discuss the benefits of cruising in Australian waters, our unique itineraries and how our maintenance and refit facilities are some of the finest in the world,” she said.

The captain of the $35 million Lind, which was in Tahiti, is considering a trip to the tropical north. Pictures: Supplied

Kathleen Ferguson and Carrie Carter were in Tahiti.

|

Saints ‘win’ the relay

St Augustine’s College students raise more than $20,000 for cancer

l PARRAMATTA PARK

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ST Augustine’s College students have raised an incredible $21,054 at the Cairns Relay for Life, becoming the Far North’s highest fundraiser to help Cancer Council Queensland beat their fundraising goal of $70,000.

Forty-one teams and 460 participants took to Barlow Park on Saturday last weekend for the Relay for Life to celebrate cancer survivors and help fundraise vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland’s services. The community came through surpassing the fundraising target with a total of $76,275.

The biggest contributor was the college with three teams raising $21,054, becoming the highest local fundraiser and fourth nationally.

“The event was heaps of fun, the energy was fantastic and there were a lot of crazy costumes and wigs,” said Tegan Marsden, business development specialist at Cancer Council Queensland.

“We completely beat our fundraising target which is fantastic,” she said.

“St Augustine’s had a fantastic fundraising achievement, and it shows that when a group of young people get together, there’s very little that they can’t achieve. We’re very thankful.”

The college had 53 students in three teams at the relay, seniors (year 12), year 11 and a mixed junior, whose competitiveness and passion for the cause led to an outstanding fundraising effort.

“We have two cancer survivors, Lachlan Mann-Jones and

TAFE bursary proposals

l FNQ

| Isaac Colman

ONE hundred students have the chance to be awarded TAFE Queensland scholarships. Each recipient receives $5000 to study any Certificate III through to an advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree either online or from over 60 campus locations across Queensland including, Cairns, Atherton, Thursday Island, Bamaga, and Innisfail.

TAFE Queensland interim chief executive officer John Tucker said scholarships helped cover the costs of course fees, textbooks and living expenses.

“We know the power vocational education and training has to change people’s lives and we want to help people fulfil their career potential regardless of their circumstances,” he said.

“First launched in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded over $2.6 million in scholarships, helping more than 550 Queenslanders pursue their career goals.

Troy McNeil (year 12), who participated in the Relay for Life this year, so they wanted to give their all,” said Christine Cross, director of mission at St. Augustine’s.

“One of our students Daan Fomiatti. He’s in grade 12 and he has done this for six years in a row. This year he raised $2970 solo, and he was recog-

nised as the highest fundraiser of the whole event on Saturday night,” she said.

“The seniors took the trophy for the highest fundraising team with $12,000 and the combined total of funds by the three teams was $21,054.

“They had a lot of fantastic fundraising ideas (including a pizza lunch and bake sales) and

that all brought an element of excitement to the school, so I’m extremely proud of them.”

Ms Marsden said the funds would contribute to a large range of services for Cancer Council Queensland clients.

“Our funds will go to help Cancer Council support the community through our accommodation services, transport

to treatment service, wig and turban service, cancer counselling, psychology, financial and legal support, and research and advocacy for cancer patients,” she said. “This is a speechless moment, to the Cairns community from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, without your contributions we wouldn’t be able to support Queenslanders.”

“There are two types of scholarships available, one being merit scholarships aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers. The second are access and equity scholarships which are designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship,” he said.

To be eligible, applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and must start study in semester 1, 2024 or be an existing TAFE Queensland first year apprentice at the time of submitting the application. For more information visit www.tafeqld.edu.au/scholarships

Elderly patients most at risk after town’s medical centre shuts down

FROM PAGE 1

State Member for Hinchinbrook

Nick Dametto said he was saddened and disappointed.

He said the lack of GPs and support from both state and federal governments were the reasons for the looming closure cited by Ms Edmondson and Ms McKay.

“Cardwell Family Practice has been a cornerstone of the local community, providing essential medical services

to locals for many years,” Mr Dametto said.

“Sadly, it will be the patients that feel it the most as they will be required to find another practice that is taking new patients and need to travel approximately 40 minutes to Ingham or Tully to receive medical care from a GP.

“Fortunately, the Ingham Family Medical Practice owner Dr Brett Scott has indicated that he will take over the care of patients at the Churches of

Christ Rockingham Aged Care facility, and Hinchinbrook Health Care, and Tully Medical have advised they can take on new patients.”

State Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said primary health care, including general practice, was the responsibility of the federal government, “however, we are looking at how we can provide support.”

“We’re offering $20,000 for health workers to move here from interstate

and doctors who make the decision to take up a job in regional and remote Queensland will be paid up to an additional $70,000,” she said.

“I’ll be travelling to Canberra for the National Health Ministers meeting this week and will raise a number of topics with my state and federal colleagues.”

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network chief executive officer Robin Whyte said “NQPHN has been actively working with peak bodies and

stakeholders to assist in addressing the general practitioner (GP) shortages in North Queensland’s rural and remote communities.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) owns the practice building and is working with other general practice providers who may be interested in delivering the essential service.

Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said a meeting with key people would be held in Cardwell in August.

Year 12 student Daniel Leibinger wins Last Human Standing at the Relay for Life. (Inset) Highest school fundraiser Daan Fomiatti. Pictures: Supplied

Bonza axes Mackay route

Airline moves to shore up reliability

l AEROGLEN

|

Nick Dalton

BONZA has cut the CairnsMackay route due to poor patronage after just three months.

The twice-weekly services will end on August 1, but the Rockhampton (two flights a week) and Sunshine Coast (five) routes remain with the Tuesday Sunshine Coast to Cairns service shifting to a Thursday.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said it was disappointing, “however, we understand the operational challenges being experienced by Bonza that will result in the loss of the Cairns to Mackay service.”

“Positively, routes from Cairns to Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton are performing strongly with Bonza and we will continue to seek opportunities to grow future services,” he said.

The airline wrote an open letter to its customers by chief commercial officer Carly Povey who said “we’ve been compelled to take out five routes where there isn’t sustainable demand at present”.

She said many were happy

with the airline, “but we also know that in the past couple of months, not everyone has had a good experience with Bonza and we need to stare directly into why that is – specifically when we cancel or delay flights.

“So in order for us to earn your trust – as we know that we’re at the start of that journey – we have decided to take a step back to allow our services to become more reliable. By removing some flying from our schedule, and going where there is demand, we are achieving two things.

“Firstly, the changes will allow us to build in additional spare capacity within our current fleet of four aircraft, so we have a buffer when things don’t go to plan (and they will by virtue of being an airline).

Virgin’s new jet for Cairns

“Secondly, by focusing on routes that are performing very well, we’re also taking decisive action by going where the demand is and, in turn, setting Bonza up for the long haul because competition in the airline industry is a good thing and the demand for Bonza is clear.”

Ms Povey said by stabilising reliability, the airline would then move forward with growth plans which included establishing a third base and new routes to existing and new destinations after the introduction of additional aircraft.

“Very soon we will be on sale with our late October 2023 to April 2024 schedule which means travellers can book flights for their summer holidays, Christmas or Easter 2024,” she said.

Ms Povey said customers booked on axed routes (from August 1 to October 28) would be contacted by the airline via SMS and would automatically receive a full refund or alternate flights with Bonza, depending on their scenario. “To those customers who have or will face a cancelled flight – we apologise,” she said. “Please wait for our team to contact you.”

l AEROGLEN

| Nick Dalton

VIRGIN Australia is to start operating its new, more fuelefficient and quieter Boeing 737-8 on the Cairns to Tokyo route from July 30.

The airline launched the new daily flights on June 28 with older aircraft.

The new plane is one of 33 fuel-efficient Boeing 7378 and 737-10 aircraft Virgin Australia has on order, with more aircraft set to be delivered in coming months.

With the arrival of the Boeing 737-8, Virgin Australia has also revealed its highly anticipated new business class and economy

cabin interior as well as confirming plans to refresh the interior cabins on the airline’s remaining Boeing fleet, as part of an investment of about $110 million featuring in-seat power for all seats, in-flight Wi-Fi to majority of aircraft and more overhead locker space.

Virgin Australia Group chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka said “sustainability is so important for the future of the airline industry globally and fleet renewal is a major step in reducing carbon emissions intensity.”

“We anticipate our fleet renewal program, together with other fuel efficiency initiatives, will support

over 80 per cent of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 per cent,” she said.

Virgin Australia Group chief customer and digital officer Paul Jones said: “If you look at the business community, what matters most to them outside of network schedule is in-seat power and in-flight Wi-Fi. There’s also a huge number of customers who fly with us for leisure who value in-seat power for a different reason – powering devices to keep their kids entertained, or streaming and bingeing on the latest must-see shows."

Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker.

Virgin Australia boss Jayne Hrdlicka inside the first new Boeing 737-8 (inset) which arrived in Brisbane two weeks ago. Pictures: Supplied

Hundreds at annual Cairns businesswoman of the year awards Sympathy for

tree crush man

l STRATFORD

READERS on Facebook have sympathised with Holloways Beach resident Adelhay Battal after a tree and powerlines fell onto and wrote off his car at Stratford earlier this month.

A compensation claim has been rejected by Cairns Regional Council which has now agreed to an internal review of his application. The $7800 Ford Territory SUV was not insured.

Dawn Marr said a tree fell onto her car in Macrossan St, Port Douglas.

“Douglas Shire Council would not even pay my excess,” she said.

Damon Thompson said “this exact thing happened to me and after 12 weeks of fighting I gave up”. Council has a clause that translates roughly to ‘we don’t have infinite resources, so we can’t realistically be expected to be responsible for damage caused by any tree in the shire’,” he said.

Craig Mann-Jones said he had been arguing with the council for three and a half years about trees on their property damaging his.

“The claims process is not fun, and they will not attend to the trees unless they are damaged or rotten,” he said.

“Have been blocked in my driveway for hours due to them falling over. Have had some joy, but still taking them up on the issues. Good luck.”

Bel Glen said as a ratepayer “I would expect compensation”.

Dog rego reminder

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

Council News Update

Improvement works

• Brinsmead Rd, Glenoma Park: public toilet upgrade.

Expertise honoured

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A PHYSIOTHERAPIST, who had a life-changing accident 10 years ago and established an all-inclusive clinic, is the Cairns businesswoman of the year.

Wellness Embodied owner Suzzane Rath took home the 2023 businesswoman of the year at the annual awards held at the Pullman Cairns International last Friday.

More than 300 people attended the Cairns Business Women’s Club (CBWC) signature event with the theme of ‘promise you the stars’.

The awards recognise the achievements of women across the Far North from entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders to authors, coaches and community leaders, where 40 finalists competed in eight highlycontested categories.

Wellness Embodied general manager Danielle Erskine won 2023 manager in business award.

Ms Rath said she was “honoured and humbled to be named businesswoman of the year”.

“After a life changing accident 10 years ago, I set up Wellness Embodied in 2017 to be a physiotherapy practice I would want to go to, one where we catered to each patient’s unique needs rather than just their injury,” she said.

“I’m proud to have established a team of highly qualified professionals with a range of specialties to manage clients’ health journeys throughout the life cycle.”

CBWC president Kearley Dent said the awards had been a success and a celebration of local women making their mark.

“It was truly fabulous the support and celebration of each woman for their strengths and successes was great to see, and it was wonderful to see so many men also supporting the women in their lives,” she said.

“This has been a massive effort from our dedicated board members, awards committee and event sponsors.”

Other winners were:

Michelle Commins Legacy Award

- Margot Biggs, Home of Hope Liberia

• Sole entrepreneur of the year

- Anneke Andrews, Disability Specialists

• Collaboration of the year - Kirsty Nancarrow and Suzie Cray, eMotion Video Training and Production

• Indigenous businesswoman of the year - Jedess Hudson

• Young entrepreneur of the yearGeorgia Ayris, Dreamy Aesthetics

Small businesswoman of the year

- Colleen Holmes, Colleen Holmes Learning and Development

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

Dog owners who haven’t received their renewal notice are urged to check their spam/junk folder if receiving their notice by email, or get in touch with Council.

Go paperless to win

Opt in to receive your rates and water usage notices by email and you could win one of four $250 gift cards. Switch by 31 August 2023. Terms and conditions apply. Visit cairns.qld.gov. au/paperless for details.

• Loridan Dr, Brinsmead: car park lighting installation.

• Spence Street (near Bunda St), Cairns CBD: asphalt overlay, temporary lane closures, minor delays. Night works commencing Monday 24 July.

• Holloways Beach Access Rd, (near Cpt Cook Hwy roundabout): asphalt overlay, temporary lane closures, minor delays. Nightworks Friday 28 July.

• Kenny St (near Dutton St), Portsmith: asphalt overlay, noise, dust, traffic control, road closure (Dutton St north).

Manager in business winner Danielle Erskine and business woman of the year Suzzane Rath, both of Wellness Embodied. Picture: Every Moment Photography

‘Moose’ in command

Big presence of USAF’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft at city’s airport

l AEROGLEN | Nick Dalton

THE United States Air Force has ‘invaded’ Cairns Airport with their huge C-17 Globemaster aircraft dominating the tarmac and skyline adjacent to the international apron.

At least four of the giants have been parked and have been flying in and out of the Far North as part of Mobility Guardian (MG) 23, the first time the exercise involving the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Japan and the UK has been in this part of the world.

It’s also the largest Air Mobile Command operation in history, involving 3000 personnel.

Aircraft have also been based in Townsville and Darwin and the exercise has covered the IndoPacific region.

The C-17s are part of the 16th Airlift Squadron in Charleston, USA, and the aircraft stationed in Cairns have involved personnel estimated in their hundreds who have been staying in the city, enjoying the food, shopping and sights in their downtime, as well as the USAF spending a vast amount of money.

MG23 is an exercise where the USAF work with their allies and partners across a wide variety and spectrum, including airlifts, aerial refuels, aeromedical evacuations and humanitarian disaster and relief. MG23 exercise direc-

tor Major-General Darren Cole said the success of the joint force “requires a capable and integrated mobility air force that has the ability to rapidly deploy and employ in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments”.

He said the exercise was proving their ability “to manoeuvre the joint force at the moment of our time and choosing. Through MG23, we have the opportunity

to become a more tightly integrated force, refining how we all operate, making our mission one and the same. MG23 is building the readiness of the most relied upon manoeuvre force,” MajGen Cole said.

C-17 co-pilot First Lieutenant Brooke Duckworth has been part of the squadron in Cairns and said it was a way for the allies to hone their readiness and finetuning working together. She said the

number of C-17s flying in and out of Cairns had fluctuated over the past two weeks and “you’ll see us for the next few days”.

She said she loved flying, especially the C-17, whose nickname is the ‘moose’.

It was the first visit for Ft Lt Duckworth and Technical Sergeant Colton Webster to Cairns and Australia and they were impressed. “The Great Barrier Reef is one of my favourites places. I

Teddy bears picnics

l CAIRNS REGION

THREE Infinite Care homes in the Cairns region – Edge Hill Orchards, Caravonica Waters and Edmonton Gardens – joined 14 others across Australia celebrating Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day last week.

Infinite Care joint managing director Chris Stride said the homes invited families, playgroups, kindergarten and school children to join the homes and residents in bear-based activities and festivities.

“Each home went all out to bring their communities together with several facility managers even dressing up as giant bears for the occasion,” he said.

“Many attendees entered their favourite teddy bears into various competitions, which included prizes of over 170 handknitted mini-bears donated by talented and crazy residents and volunteers over the last few weeks.

loved Fitzroy, Green and Moore islands,” she said. “We’ve really enjoyed it here. It’s been amazing and (this exercise) is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Sgt Webster said they had built a great relationship with Cairns Airport and associated entities.

He has also enjoyed being in the Cairns CBD and walking around meeting people. “It’s been wonderful. The people are incredibly nice,” Sgt Webster said.

“The aim of this national event was to further build on existing intergenerational relationships and initiatives in Infinite Care homes.

“Intergenerational opportunities in aged care provide immeasurable benefits to both the elderly residents and the younger participants. They share stories, skills and knowledge to enrich each other’s lives and in turn reduce loneliness and isolaton for our older generations.”

Technical Sergeant Colton Webster and First Lieutenant Brooke Duckworth with a C-17 Globemaster at Cairns Airport. Picture: Maddy Gavin

Big rise in influenza patients

l FAR NORTH

| Isaac Colman

A SURGE in influenza hospital cases in Far North Queensland has public health officials advising people to take precautions against respiratory viruses.

Tropical Public Heath Services (TPHS) are specifically concerned about viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 spreading further through the community, with major events this week such as the Cairns Show.

TPHS director Dr Richard Gair said 2042 people had been diagnosed with lab-confirmed influenza since the start of the year across the Cairns and Hinterland region.

“Influenza is a highly contagious disease that can infect a person’s upper airways and lungs,” he said. “Flu cases are increasing in our region, and this is quite a concern because we are currently in our peak tourist season.

“There is potential for flu and other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and RSV to spread rapidly and widely ....”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service executive director Sue Henderson said Cairns Hospital was managing the surge in patients being admitted with influenza and other infectious diseases.

Sudden stop for Targa

l MANUNDA | Nick Dalton TARMAC

rally Targa Great Barrier Reef has been cancelled for a second time as a review of all Targa events drags on.

Targa chief executive officer Mark Perry said “we continue to fight hard for the future of our iconic events”.

“Sadly, we have no choice but to cancel our 2023 events, due to the lengthy time it is taking to get some clarity around what a ‘hard reset’ actually looks like, with Targa Great Barrier Reef suffering a second straight cancellation and the already-postponed Targa Tasmania suffering the same fate,” he said.

“Our loyal Targa customers are speaking with their feet, and we fully understand why, given what has been rolled out over the last year or so.

“A review process is now into its 15 month with no clear timeline for full implementation, and after us providing unequivocal support for this process, we have had to draw a line in the sand at this point.

“In this, we have advised Motorsport Australia that we do not see a viable future for Targa under their sanctioning and thus will not seek to renew our agreement with them, which ended on December 31, 2022.

“This decision will provide us with an opportunity to move forward, to ensure Targa continues in the future and it can

2023 event cancelled but hopes for a 2024 re-start

also continue to embrace everyone who makes up the Targa family.

“Targa cannot operate without widespread support from its competitors, participants, officials, sponsors, stakeholders, and fans.

“So in order to get to live the Targa dream in 2024 and beyond, we must now band to-

gether, move forward and get back to us running events and you attending them.

“Our advice in the short term is to hang in there with us – we understand how tough this has been.

“Keep your Targa car, no matter what it is, postpone any work on it you have planned, and sit tight on everything

else.” Far North competitor Aaron Dunkerton said the cancellation for a second time was “a big shame”.

“I put in an entry already. It’s quite unfortunate and a big blow,” he said.

Mr Dunkerton said it had taken too long for Motorsport Australia to release the recommendations and it had become

impossible for the organisers to run the event. He said competitors had been “very patient” and wanted the rally to return to the region, hopefully next year. “But it cannot be run if we don’t know the rules,” Mr Dunkerton said. “However, I expect Targa will be back bigger and better next year,” he said.

Targa competitor Aaron Dunkerton and his co-driver Matt Davidson are optimistic the Targa Great Barrier Reef rally will return to the region next year. Picture: Angryman Photography

Having a whale of a time

l GREAT BARRIER REEF

| Isaac Colman

AUTHORITIES are expecting record numbers of whales to travel through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park until September.

Since May, there have been early sightings of both minkes and humpbacks, indicating that there will be record numbers this season.

Whale numbers continue to recover, increasing by 10 percent every year. This year, about 40,000 whales will travel through the marine park.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s reef education and engagement acting director

Fiona Merida said it was a special experience to catch a glimpse of these graceful giants of the deep.

“It’s a hugely exciting time along the Reef to be visited by these amazing creatures. They travel north from the Southern Ocean and will go as far as the Cooktown area,” she said.

“It’s a chance for them to socialise, mate and for pregnant females to give birth in our sheltered waters with a high degree of protection.”

But Ms Merida warns with the number of whales on the rise it was critical that visitors look out for whales, keep a safe distance, and adhere to the whale protection rules. Vessels were required by law to stay at least 100m from whales in the marine park, she said.

Cooking up for charity

Chefs prepare to raise $30,000 for mayor’s Christmas appeal

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FAR NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A TARGET of $30,000 has been set for a five-star cocktail party that is raising money for the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Cheer Appeal.

In its fourth edition, the 5-star Chefs for Charity returns next month with a new format and an underwater theme.

The culinary expertise of four of the city’s top chefs will come together once again for the 5-Star Chefs for Charity event which will see a shift from the classic dinner towards a more relaxed cocktail party by the pool of the Pullman Cairns International on Saturday, August 12.

First held in 2020 as the signature fundraiser for the Christmas appeal, the event brings together the executive chefs from Hilton Cairns, Pullman Cairns International, Shangri-La and Pullman Reef Casino for a delectable meal to remember.

Launching the annual appeal last Friday, Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the renowned event would bring some joy to a very challenging year for the community.

“Over the last few years, the 5-Star Chefs for Charity events have raised $120,000 and it would be good if this year

we could get that total up to $150,000 at this year’s event,” he said.

“This year rather than a sitdown dinner we’ll be having a cocktail party around the pool, which will keep it fresh and engaging and, in the spirit of the tropics, we’ve gone with an underwater theme.

“There will be cocktails,

canapes, live entertainment, as well as fundraising auctions, so be sure to bring your credit card. Ultimately, this transcends to 1000 hampers that will go to people in this town who wouldn’t otherwise have that.

“We’ve got families struggling, housing crisis, cost of living so thank you for pull-

ing an extra weight so we can look forward to our effort of the Christmas appeal.”

Pullman Cairns International general manager Scott Grant said the hotel was proud to be partner and supporter of the appeal. “This is the fourth year of the 5-Star Chefs event and it’s fantastic that the hotel team at Pullman Cairns International

can host this fabulous event,” he said. “As the mayor mentioned it’s great to contribute and assist however we can.

“We’re all part of the same community and are working together as hoteliers to do what we can.”

Tickets are $140 and limited to 200 people, on sale at www.eventbrite.com.au

Shangri-La executive chef Aaron Habgood (left), Pullman Reef Casino executive chef Trent Sydneham, Hilton Cairns executive chef Lee Hyun and Pullman Cairns International executive chef Simon Capewell with (in front) Wolf Lane Distillery’s Sam Kennis. Picture: Maddy Gavin

Pharmacist has a ‘gift’

Marlin Coast chemist in run for best in Australia

l SMITHFIELD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A NORTHERN beaches pharmacist and Thai immigrant has been nominated for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) 2023

Symbion excellence pharmacist of the year award.

The winners will be announced in Sydney at the PSA23 conference on July 28.

Marlin Coast Amcal pharmacist Gift Ladarat has been nominated for the national accolade for her specialist compounding skills which have provided innovative pharmaceutical solutions for patients in the region.

“I love my job. I love our customers, and it’s my dream to make a difference to others’ health. Being recognised with this nomination is just a bonus,” she said.

Ms Ladarat has supported the community through an antibiotic crisis in the region. By compounding, she has supplied medication that patients could not acquire.

“Compounding requires more time, more skill, and it’s more complicated, so I always have to keep on top of my studies,” she said.

“There are a lot of medications

in shortage now, so compounding is another channel to give medicine to our customers.

“Back in 2016, at the Marlin Coast Amcal, we had a huge shortage of antibiotic ointment, I had only been with them for five months, and I said, ‘Maybe I can just make them’. Back in the day we didn’t even have a compounding lab, but we thought it was a good idea and we managed to help our customers. We were the first pharmacy in FNQ to do this.”

A passion for regional health and community has led Ms Ladarat to go above and beyond for her patients, performing home medication reviews to ensure patients are taking their medication right and supporting members of the Thai community by providing education and guidance in her native tongue.

“I’m not a health professional, but I prefer to be a pharmacist because I’m easily accessible to the community.”

Trinity Beach resident Donna Cope said Ms Ladarat was the only health professional who solved her father’s complex medication dilemma.

“I believe Gift should win this recognition. My Dad couldn’t swallow capsules or thin liquids because of his severe Parkinson’s disease. She was the only person who managed to find a solution,” Ms Cope said.

Local Briefs

l POOL RESCUE

THE state’s top surf lifesavers will converge on Cairns this weekend for the 2023 Surf Life Saving Queensland pool rescue championships. The championships will be held at Tobruk Memorial Pool from Saturday to Sunday. The event attracts more than 450 competitors and is an important lead up event to the Australian pool rescue championships, set to be contested on the Gold Coast in August.

l TREE WORKS

SEVERAL dead branches from two large trees overhanging Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, are being removed by Cairns Regional Council in the interest of public safety. The works, which are scheduled for Tuesday (July 25) and Wednesday (July 26), will occur near the main entrance to Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, between the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Tanks Arts Centre. Residents and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, if possible.

l BOAT RAMP FIXES

SECURITY has been upgraded at five boat ramps in the Douglas Shire. CCTV cameras and improved lighting at a cost of $82,000 will be installed at Port Douglas, Sugar Wharf, Cooya Beach, Newell Beach and Daintree River boat ramps.

Marlin Coast Amcal pharmacist and Thai immigrant Gift Ladarat has been nominated for the pharmacist of the year award for her compounding work and passion for supporting the community. Picture: Supplied.

Lettersto the editor

WANT TO BE HEARD? send your text to 0473 424 877 or email letters@cairnslocalnews.com.au

‘Community’ does not mean much

IS this my community now?

I am a female on my own and was woken up at 4am by an Indigenous female constantly ringing my video doorbell.

I didn’t answer or open the door and after some time she walked away.

I heard a noise in in the courtyard and saw the same lady now checking inside the parked vehicles and the door handles.

I didn’t bother to call the police because she would have gone by the time they got here.

I went back outside to ask the lady to move on, but she got into a heated argument with me and threatened me.

My neighbour came out and gave her two blankets. She took one. Later I saw the blanket was on the ground outside the gate.

No big deal with this whole situation as we all know this is a very normal thing here in Cairns and getting worse.

I was later yelled at by another neighbour for making too much noise.

This is where the situation changed for me and I am now questioning what the word community means for each of us, if anything at all.

Linda Downward, Woree

Don’t complain if the Voice rejected

BRUCE Jones (letters, 14/7), the 1900 federation referendum asked us to give the Commonwealth the power to

make laws for the military and naval defence of Australia, and many other powers.

No limits or definitions or word-chopping or drafts of legislation or cost estimates.

Your arguments suggest that you would have voted no in 1900 because of the absolute lack of detail. You are not that silly.

I think it is more likely that you prefer no change to the current wasteful and rort-filled system of providing grants rather than give our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples any voice under our Constitution.

But don’t you dare whinge if no wins and nothing changes.

Sean McGinn, Clifton Beach

Voting yes for the Voice is vital step

I AM writing to express my strong support for the upcoming referendum titled ‘The Voice,’ which seeks to establish an advisory panel of Aboriginal community leaders to provide advice to the government on matters involving the indigenous community.

As a member of our local community, I firmly believe that this initiative is a significant step toward achieving inclusivity, reconciliation, and a more equitable society.

However, I feel compelled to address the misleading campaign being carried out by the ‘vote no’ faction, which has been spreading false information about The Voice.

Their claims that the advisory panel would grant Aboriginals the power to claim white people’s property or control government policies are entirely baseless and intentionally

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question: Are you going to the Cairns Show and what will you be doing? Here are some of your comments.

I want to go on the 55m-high ride Warrior. It has the largest and fastest looping ride in Australia.

Plus there are heaps of other rides too, such as The Beast, Sky Flyer, Extreme, Space Roller and Cliff Hanger.

John, Manoora

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

What do you think about Targa Great Barrier Reef being cancelled again?

@cairnslocalnews

designed to stir racist outrage.

It is crucial to set the record straight. The Voice is explicitly proposed as an advisory body, meaning its role is to provide informed recommendations and insights to the government regarding matters that

I’d love to go with the family but we just can’t afford it with everything else going up such as power and rates are due soon.

Megan, Westcourt

I love seeing the best of the region’s agricultural, pastoral, mining and cultural industries and incredible competition in events like the high speed pole climbing, wood cutting and Esky racing.

Bob, Mooroobool

directly impact the indigenous community. It is not a decision-making body with legal authority.

The aim is to create an open dialogue between government and Aboriginal leaders to ensure that policies and decisions consider the perspec-

Come on everyone, come and support the show because it is a show for the people of Cairns and the region at our showground.

Rachael, Edmonton

I love show bags and the animal nursery. I must have a Dagwood hot dog too. That will give me real heart burn though. Lol.

Susan, Edge Hill

If we don’t have young people coming through, our agricultural shows, which are volunteer-based, wouldn’t survive. The show is not just about the rides, but it is a real showcase of hard work and talent. If you walk into the pavilions and watch the cattle handling, you’ll see the talent and craft of our region.

Alannah, Cairns

tives, experiences, and aspirations of the indigenous population. By establishing The Voice, we are taking a vital step toward rectifying historical injustices and fostering true reconciliation.

Charlie Kirkman, Yorkeys Knob

Regional and rural pharmacies are in danger of closing

SIXTY-day dispensing may sound good, but dig a little deeper and it’s rural and regional Australia that will pay.

Some of you may remember the Joni Mitchell song ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ with the verse, “You don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone.”

It may as well be the theme song for 60-day dispensing, where pharmacists will be required to dispense two months’ worth of medicine for the price of one month.

I fear patients won’t realise the true impact of 60-day

dispensing until the pharmacy they’ve got, is gone. And by then it will be too late.

Our concerns have been justified by an independent report published recently.

The review was carried out

by respect economist Henry Ergas AO along with Tulipwood Advisory and the Relational Insights Data Lab at Griffith University. It found the policy will lead to the loss of 20,818 community pharmacy jobs and the closure of 665 pharmacies nationwide.

However, it is in the regions the policy will be felt the most. That’s because in rural and regional Australia it’s the local community pharmacist which is often not just the first point of primary healthcare, it’s the only point of primary healthcare.

In fact, there are 332 localities in Australia where there is a pharmacy, but there is no GP surgery.

Now the federal government is implementing a policy, without consultation, which will make it impossible for many of these pharmacies to survive.

And when they close, patients in these affected areas will have to drive further and longer just to get medicine.

The federal government’s own impact analysis says on average each pharmacy stands to lose $158,000 per year as a

result of the 60-day dispensing policy. The independent report says 60-day dispensing will rip $4.5 billion out of the frontline healthcare sector and yes the federal government says it is “re-investing” $1.2bn.

If you don’t believe me, there are already pharmacies throughout Australia that have already had to lay off staff and shorten trading hours.

Soon you’ll feel the effect with cuts to free services such as blood pressure monitoring, diabetes management, websters packs for the aged and home

delivery of medicines.

Unless the government delays the implementation of 60day dispensing, as has been recommended, you will see more of these cuts and closures from September when the policy is in place.

I hope it doesn’t come to this and we are urging the government to come up with a proper solution.

Because if it doesn’t, “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.”

Trent Twomey is national president of the Australian Pharmacy Guild.

Consultation: Recognition of Cape York Land Council as a Native Title Representative Body

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP, has invited Cape York Land Council (CYLC) to apply for a further term as the native title representative body for the Cape York region. CYLC’s current term as the native title representative body ends on 31 December 2023. Native title representative bodies help people to make native title claims and agreements.

People with native title interests in the Cape York region, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the region can make a submission to inform the Minister’s decision.

Submissions are due by 5.00 pm AEST on 15 August 2023 and can be made via email to nativetitle@niaa.gov.au. For more information, including how to send submissions by post, visit niaa.gov.au/get-involved/consultations or contact us on 1800 079 098

CYLC will be given an opportunity to comment on submissions.

Douglas on the right track

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

THERE’S plenty of things to celebrate in the Douglas Shire right now with high numbers of visitors, both national and international, enjoying the pleasures of paradise. The many fun things on offer include breakfast, lunch or dinner along Macrossan Street in Port Douglas, a trip to the Reef or the Daintree rainforest and even a stop off at Mossman Gorge via a local café, to name but a few.

Add to all of this the successful start to the cane season which also naturally generates further local business and dollars, plus the recent celebration of traditional culture with the shire’s NAIDOC events. There’s plenty going on.

To celebrate NAIDOC, for the third year, I spent some time enjoying Friday’s Mossman Street parade and Day in the Park. It was evident that this year’s theme ‘for our elders’ was thoroughly embraced by allcom-

ers young and old. I have shared a couple of pictures of this colourful event in the ‘Goss this week.

On the note of the cane season, it is now just over four years since Mossman Mill was acquired by Far North Milling.

The mill acquisition was successfully completed on July 5, 2019 from which time Far Northern Milling took over full operation of the mill.

Mossman Mill is the most northern of the 24 mills situated throughout the east coast of Australia.

The mill currently employs about 150 people during the crushing season and approximately 80 during the off season to undertake maintenance and refurbishment activities. It also employs approximately 20 administrative and management personnel.

The first bin tip of this year’s crush season occurred, with much excitement, on July 3, and for the week ending July 9, 1226 tonnes was crushed.

Let’s say a big well done to all the farm-

ers, harvester crews and, of course, mill staff.

Just when you thought there may be time for a breather, let me remind you that the Mossman Agricultural Show is this weekend, specifically Sunday and Monday, July 23 and 24, which also means a public holiday on Monday for many in the shire. Yay!!

This year’s event will include many of the regular fun features including the wood chopping, pig racing, reptile information show and fairground rides. In addition to this, the 71st running of this historic local event will include Nick the Ranger and his Campfire Cooking Show, as well as Showtime FMX and their freestyle Moto X Show which looks amazing.

I’d better get along to the Mossman Showgrounds, so for now it’s Gazza signing out. Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Are you crafty?

l PORT DOUGLAS

PORT Douglas Neighbourhood Centre is seeking volunteers who are willing to share their art and craft skills with others.

You won’t need to make a lengthy commitment as they envisage one to three, two-hour workshops for each activity. Monday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm is their preferred timeslot. If you think you might be able to assist, please give Chrissy an obligation-free call on 4099 5518.

Large numbers visiting Port Douglas.

Friday’s NAIDOC street parade in Mossman.

The cane season is underway in Mossman.

Friday’s NAIDOC street parade in Mossman.

Friday’s NAIDOC Day in the Park in Mossman.

Dedicated people behind la festa

| Isaac Colman

What the festival represents

The festival is a week of highly charged and authentic Italian entertainment celebrations, but it also pays homage honouring the Italian immigrants who left their homeland in search of a better life and future in Australia.

The festival celebrates generations of Italians making Australia home and changing the face and future of the Far North Queensland region in farming, business,

and development. This event is way overdue, and encompasses the entire North Queensland region from Cairns, Atherton, Dimbulah, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Innisfail, Mareeba, Mossman, Mutchilba, Port Douglas, Silkwood, Tully, and Yungaburra.

Festival committee

The Cairns Italian Festival has a number of people voluntarily working hard in different fields to achieve what is going to be 17 days of celebration, full of rich and authentic Italian culture.

The president of the commit-

tee, Steve Cordenos, is set on making this festival not just a way to celebrate the Italian community, but also the wider community as well as showcasing the tropics as a holiday destination.

“As the president I am greatly thankful to lead this amazing committee and team to showcase the Italian way of life to the broader north Queensland residents,” he said.

“To stage such an event takes a massive commitment of time, devotion, and hard work from the entire committee.

“We are blessed to have a young and vibrant committee driving this Cairns Italian Festival so that for generations to come this will be an event that will attract thousands of people, celebrating our multi enriched way of life and to never forget our forefathers that came before us.

“The many hours invested to put such a big event together is all volunteered and let me assure you everyone is focused to stage an event for all north Queensland to be very proud of.”

“We are proud and passionate Australian Italians that want to give Cairns an event that will enrich and engage the community and businesses as one.

“What an opportunity to showcase Cairns as a holiday destination while enjoying the celebrations of the Cairns Italian Festival.”

The festival’s management committee includes vice-president Lui Garozzo, treasurer Claudio Di Bartolomeo, secretary Anna Cito and management member Angelo Aurelio. The festival’s general committee includes entertainment and gala ball coordinator Patty Poutanen, social media manager and web designer Arianna Bianchi, graphic designer Yu- Kang Huang (Patrick), video production director Michael Pattini, foundation book co-ordinator Gemma Meoli, teacher team leader Flo-

rianna Torelli, logistic and planning co-ordinator Claudio Di Bartolomeo, volunteer co-ordinator Lainie Rossi, raffle team leader Teresa Senna and general committee members Gina Codotto.

What’s on

Throughout the 17 days, there will be an entire array of events and festivities for all ages and interests. From an Amalfi Coast dinner night to a gala ball, as well as the Mareeba Moriconi Bomben football cup, where the Mareeba Bulls will be going against the Leichhardt Lions in a head-to-head game with a lot at stake.

For more information, visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com. au/events

Cairns Italian Festival’s organising committee at the 2022 gala ball.

Committee president Steve Cordenos. Picture: Jon Westaway

Ten sensational events over 17 days

| I sabella Guzman Gonzalez

AFTER a highly successful inaugural run, the Cairns Italian Festival returns later this month with a 17-day Italian extravaganza.

Expanding to a 17-day program from July 21 to August 6 across FNQ venues, the second Cairns Italian Festival promises to be bigger and more delicious than ever with all the events you loved from last year and many more in an enormous celebration of Italy in the tropics.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other.

“Last year, we had over 25,000 people across all events and the Roman Exhibition and 12,000 throughout the day on our Festa,” Mr Cordenos said.

“The Cairns Italian Festival is the biggest cultural event in Far North Queensland. We will hold 10 different events across 17 days.

“The Festa Day on July 29 will be enormous this year, still at Fogarty Park but in a bigger area and double the amount of food stalls.

“We’ll have live entertainment starting at 10am and finishing at midnight. We will hold fireworks the night before on Friday at the Esplanade.

“We’ve got four diverse nights at different restaurants representing Amalfi Coast, Southern Italy, Central Italy and Nothern Italy paired with exceptional wines.

“The Gala Ball will encompass the

Hall of Fame Awards, it’ll be a huge night, and then we’ll finish off in Mareeba with the Moriconi Bomben Soccer Cup and the salami and sausage festa on August 5 and 6,” he said.

Mr Cordenos said confidence was high thanks to the unwavering community support.

“Possibilities are enormous,” he said.

“The only thing stopping us from making this festival bigger and bigger is manpower because there’s only so much work we can put in.

“But we’ve got great ideas, and we’ll make it bigger and better.”

This year’s festival will also commemorate the stories of Italian immigrants in the tropics further with a 110-page book available for purchase on La Festa.

“Last year, we marketed a foundation book which includes the stories of all Italian immigrants. Families have the stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents in it,” Mr Cordenos said.

“Half of the book is dedicated to the inaugural Cairns Italian Festival, and it’s got how it started and every event that we hosted last year. The book has gone into production and it’ll be available for sale at La Festa and also online, it’s called ‘La Storia, the faces of Italian immigrants’.”

For more information and to purchase tickets to The Cairns Italian Festival, visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

Dancing and enjoying the music at La Festa Day at Fogarty Park on the Cairns Esplanade last year.

a

| Gail Sedorkin

IF you’d like to win a trip for two to Italy, (and who wouldn’t?), then it’s time to buy some tickets in the Cairns Italian Festival Raffle.

There’s more than $14,000 in amazing prizes to be won including the trip to Italy valued at $8000.

You can buy your tickets at Cairns Central (near Williams Shoes) from 9am to 3pm tomorrow, Saturday, July 22, at any of the Cairns Italian Festival events until the final event at Mareeba on August 6, or on the Cairns Italian Festival website.

The lucky winners will be drawn at the Mareeba Salami and Sausages Festa at the Mareeba International Club on Sunday, August 6.

First prize includes tickets for two to Italy, five nights’ accommodation for two people in a 4-star hotel in Rome, daily breakfast, return transfers, and popular day tours to the Vatican Museum and to the Roman Forum.

Second prize is a specially commissioned oil on canvas painting, ‘A Day in Positano’, valued at $3000 – painted and signed by local artist Jori Poutanen.

This colourful painting depicts Positano, a cliffside village in southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast and a well-known holiday destination with a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes.

Third prize in the Cairns Italian Festival raffle are cash rewards of $300 for 10 lucky people to spend how they like.

All the raffle proceeds will go towards the Cairns Italian Festival Inc., a not-for-

profit organisation, funding events such as the free Family Night on July 28, just one of the many Cairns Italian Festival 2023 events to be enjoyed by the whole family.

The winners of last year’s Cairns Italian Festival Major Raffle Prize, Louise and Gerard Montafia, shared their beautiful photos and the following from their trip to Italy:

My husband and I were the lucky winners of the Cairns Italian Festival major raffle prize drawn last year – a trip for two to Italy,” Ms Montafia said.

“This sparked the conversation to make our holiday one to remember and with the help of festival volunteer and Cairns travel agent Patty Poutanen (TravelManagers), we added to our prize and extended our trip to include Sicily, the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terra and Lake Como,” she said.

“We have just returned from our amazing holiday and we would like to thank the Cairns Italian Festival for making our experience such a fabulous one.

“In true Italian style, we sipped on Aperols and ate endless bowls of pasta – and we wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you.

Tickets can be bought at Cairns Central tomorrow, at any of the Cairns Italian Festival events or visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au/raffle.

(Winners do not have to be at the draw).

Win a Dream Trip to Italy for Two

Last year’s raffle winners Gerard and Louise Montafia on Lake Como.

Innisfail

La Festa

International Club | 10 Vaughan Street, Mareeba

10:00 am DJ Stefano Marciano

DJ at various Italian bars & clubs in Melbourne and Italy

11:00 am Ross Maio

Multi Award Winning Piano Accordionist

11:20 am A Taste of Italy

Brought to you by Turning Pointe Dance Studios

11:40 am Made in Italy the Show

Incredible Live Music band all the way from Sydney

12:45 pm Pizza Acrobatic

The master of pizza twirling - Youssef Ben Touati

1:00 pm Ross Maio

Multi-Award-Winning Piano Accordionist

1:20 pm Siesta Cartel

2:25 pm

Young talented sicans that sets both the stage and crowd alight

National Anthem President, Steve Cordenos Welcome to All

2:55 pm An Italian Summer

3:15 pm

Bought to you by Turning Pointe Studios

Pizza Acrobatic

The master of pizza twirling - Youssef Ben Touati

3:30 pm Spaghetti Eating Competition

Brought to you by Barilla

4:30 pm Opera Singer's

Cairns most accomplished performers. This will leave you spellbound

5:00 pm

Celebrate Italia

Bought to you by Turning Pointe Studios

5:20 pm Music Concert in true Italian Style. We will have you dancing all night!

11:15 pm

11:45 pm

Featuring Ross Maio/DJ Stefano Marciano/Made in Italy the Show/Siesta Cartel

Spectacular Grand Finale

all musicians performing together

Buona Notte & see you in 2024

Fun, food and culture for the whole

| Gail Sedorkin

FROM delicious sweet cannoli to savoury arancini, pizza and porchetta – don’t miss the chance to try the best of traditional Italian street food at La Festa in Cairns.

The perfect family day out, this Cairns Italian Festival event is the ultimate celebration of Italy’s food, wine, fun and culture at Fogarty Park on Saturday, July 29.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other at each and every event of the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival, with La Festa bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event.

Mr Cordenos said he highly recommended buying tickets now to avoid queues for events such as La Festa Day from 10am to 11.30pm.

“Last year 12,000 people attended the inaugural La Festa, so avoid the queues and book online now,” he said.

“This year we have doubled the amount of food vendors and added in a greater variety of delicious Italian food, you will be so spoiled for choice.”

Indulge in the mouth-watering flavours of Italy with an amazing array of food and drink stalls, featuring the very best of traditional street food from the 20 different

regions of Italy. Festival food coordinator, Angelo Aurelio of Angelo’s Fine Foods, said the 34 food vendors were amazing chefs and cooks showcasing traditional street food from their regions.

“The only other way you could taste the authentic food you will find at La Festa is to fly to Italy to try it.”

Enjoy the tastes of Sicily with Cannoli filled with creamy ricotta

or vanilla and chocolate custard, Granita al Limone Siciliana made from freshly squeezed lemons, and savoury, crispy Arancini. Try the Porchetta (pork belly rolled and seasoned) and cooked

on a spit (from Lazio), while Proscuitto cotto and Funghi (mushroom) pizza is a taste from the region of Campania.

Be tempted by the ‘meat bombs’ of flavor that are Bombette Pugliese (Puglia), roasted pork involtini stuffed with garlic, pancetta and provolone cheese, or the popular street food Arrosticini, grilled lamb and chicken skewers, from the Abruzzo region.

Savour the taste of Italy’s finest wine, coffee, and other delicious drinks that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

This year on top of the famous orange Aperol Kombi Van there will be a dedicated wine bar, The Wine Tradition NQ, showcasing the finest Italian wines as selected by owner Frank Dangelico.

While the traditional food and drinks are undoubtedly a major drawcard, La Festa is also packed with entertainment for all the family hosted by James Liotta.

He is an award-winning performer and Master of Ceremonies (MC) with more than 25 years’ experience touring constantly around Australia as a stand-up comedian alongside comedy icons such as Joe Avati, George Kapiniaris and Tahir.

He is well known as the MC for countless Italian festivals across Australia as well as major events

The delicious cannoli is a firm favourite at the La Festa day.

family at La Festa in Fogarty Park

both corporate and public. He has appeared on numerous television shows over the last two decades but most recently as Cousin Lino in the new “Fat Pizza – Back in Business” series.

The amazing line-up of entertainment at La Festa includes the live performances of Siesta Cartel, the ‘Made in Italy’ Show, Ross Maio and DJ Marciano showcasing the best of Italian music and dancing.

Turning Pointe Dance Studios will also be there to entertain with some crowd-pleasing dances.

Enriching the Cairns region for more than 25 years, the highly acclaimed local dance troupe has received accolades both interstate and internationally.

Turning Pointe dancers will provide a spectacular showcase of dance entertainment throughout the day, ranging from traditional Italian dance to much-loved Italian classics, to current chart toppers. Turning Pointe will also be performing a number of dances at the Cairns Italian Festival’s Cinecitta Gala Ball.

Popular group Siesta Cartel returns to Cairns this year for the second Cairns Italian Festival, again performing the great classics of Italian music with a modern twist. This musical movement led by a group of young Italians from Melbourne are on a mission

to unite all Italians in Australia with the music that helped raise them, and that they still love today. Made in Italy Show is the ultimate celebration of Italian music

that will take you down memory lane, as far back as the 50s, to celebrate timeless Italian music from each decade.

This professional accomplished seven-piece line up will not dis -

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

He has been awarded the Australian Club Entertainment Award for instrumental act of the year over many years.

Showcasing the best of Italian music, local opera singers will also take the stage at La Festa.

The four fabulous singers are Alteouise deVaughn, Mezzo Soprano from Port Douglas with Cairns local residents, tenor Adrian Strooper, soprano Catherine Knight and baritone Frank Dangelico.

Popular DJ Marciano will be featuring at La Festa and also at the Cinecitta Gala Ball this year.

A resident DJ at Italian bars and clubs around Melbourne, headline DJ for the Melbourne Italian Festa and playing guest spots across Italy, DJ Marciano has continued to develop his sound by hitting the studio to remix and re-imagine hits of the Italian stalwarts of the 60s through to the 90s.

appoint, featuring Tony Mazell, Cristina Capponi and Sara Mazell on vocals.

Multi award-winning accordionist Ross Maio will be entertaining the crowds at La Festa this year.

He’ll have you dancing to songs you didn’t know you knew and spark nostalgia for a time you probably didn’t live through. It’s highly recommended you buy your La Festa tickets online to avoid the queues. For more information and all tickets visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

Halfway along Shields Street is where you will find Pist4cchi Restaurant / Cocktail Bar. An authentic slice of Italy where two Italian friends made their dream come true where you can experience authentic family recipes, combined with an extensive Italian wine list.

The Back Room is our hidden garden cocktail lounge where you can enjoy an extensive cocktail list utilising over 200 spirits labels.

Pist4cchi is the one and only restaurant in Cairns with a hidden cocktail lounge where you can have two different experiences in one venue.

Find us at La Festa on the 29th of July, where we will bring to your palate two exciting dishes from the Puglia region (heel of the boot).

“Mangia, bevi, e sii felice.”

4031 2996 | 64 Shields St, Cairns City

www.pistacchicairns.com

Siesta Cartel will be back at the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival’s La Festa Day. Picture: Facebook

Footy, salami and snags at Mareeba

| Gail Sedorkin

MAREEBA will be front and centre of the Cairns Italian Festival in August when the town hosts two events of the 17-day festival that features a host of wonderful opportunities to embrace and share Italian culture.

Mareeba will be the place to be on the final weekend of the festival, when it hosts a new event, the Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup, on Saturday August 5, and the final event, the Salami and Sausages Festa, on Sunday August 6.

The soccer event is a tribute to Alfio Moriconi (deceased) from the Mareeba Football Club and John Bomben from Leichhardt Football Club, who both devoted a lifetime of passion to their respective clubs which were well-known rivals who fought out many battles on the soccer field over the years.

The special Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup is a tribute to honour these two Italians who both have dedicated so much to the game in Far North Queensland.

Game times at Lindsay Australia Stadium, Mareeba are: Mareeba United vs Leichhardt under 18, kickoff 1.30pm, Mareeba United vs Leichhardt under 23, kick-off 3.30pm, Mareeba United vs Leichhardt over 45, kick-off 5.30pm and Mareeba United vs Leichhardt QPL men’s, kick-off 7pm.

The second Mareeba Salami and

Sausages Festa promises to seek out the best homemade salami and sausages in the region, with several awards to be presented and the overall winner up for a $2000 cash prize.

Sponsored by Borgo Salumi, the event features a panel of five expert judges who will rate each entry out of 20 in the areas of taste, aroma, density and colour.

Some of Australia’s best artisan salami and sausage makers will be contesting to take out the prestigious awards and great prize money on offer. You will also get the opportunity to meet those competing on the day, and you never know – you may even learn some of their secrets.

There will be a panel of five expert judges who will decide which is the best homemade salami and sausage in the Festa. There will be several awards with our expert judging panel rating each entry out of 20 in the areas of taste, aroma, density and colour.

A delicious homemade Italian lunch and dessert will be provided by the Mareeba International Club with live Italian music and comedy by duo Attori as entertainment.

The selection of dishes on the menu includes Italian antipasto, Fusilli pasta with ragu, and, of course, a selection of Italian sweets. Tickets are already on sale at www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au or can be bought on the day at the door.

FEAST OF THE THREE SAINTS

The Feast of the Three Saints Committee is proud to support the Cairns Italian Festival in 2023!

We look forward to sharing with you all some of the traditional foods from the Italian region of Sicily. Come and enjoy the festivities and our Sicilian fare at Fogarty Park on Saturday 29 July from 10 am. Look out for our stall, where you will find traditional home-made Cannoli, handmade Arancini, and Lemon Granita also made the traditional way, on site. Just to name a few of our delicacies on offer.

Luigi Borgo of Melbourne based Borgo Salumi (left), and comedian Joe Avati show off some of the entries in the 2022 Salami and Sausages Festa.

Pasta and Sugo Festa in Innisfail

| Gail Sedorkin

JOIN the celebration of Italian food, wine, music and culture at Innisfail’s Pasta & Sugo Festa on Sunday, July 23.

This addition to the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival at the Johnstone Shire Hall in Innisfail promises a day for families and friends to enjoy the best of Italy’s history, food, culture, song and dance.

Bigger and more delicious than last year, this year’s 17-day Cairns Italian Festival will be celebrated across Far North Queensland in Cairns, Mareeba, and at this new event in Innisfail.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other at each and every event, including Innisfail’s Pasta & Sugo Festa which runs from 11am to 5pm.

“This year we welcome you to the Johnstone Shire Hall on Sunday, July 23 for the first edition of the Pasta & Sugo (sauce) competition Festa, a new and exciting event for the region filled with lots of laughter, and of course great food and company,” he said.

“A major highlight of the day at the Johnstone Shire Hall is a magnificent feast of Italian antipasto, a buffet lunch and Italian desserts provided by the Innisfail sponsors, Oliveri’s Deli (antipasto), Roscoe’s Pizza Place (buffet) and Sapore Di Italia – Taste of Italy (dessert).

“Come join Attori and celebrate

everything that makes Italy so special, with comedy to make you laugh, and the chance to sing along with their powerful voices to popular songs such as ‘La Donna’, ‘Funiculi Funicula’, ‘Volare’, ‘Mambo Italiano’, ‘Il Mondo’ and many more.”

“We are ‘pazzi per la pasta’ (crazy for pasta) and we know that many of our fellow ‘Innisfailians’ have migrated from Italy, so we want to showcase your pasta making skills and spaghetti eating skills.

“We want to see who can create the most delicious and authentic Italian pasta dishes. And don’t worry if you’re not Italian, we welcome everyone to participate.

“Some of Australia’s best homemade pasta and sugo makers will be contesting to take out the prestigious awards and prize money on offer. And of course you can’t have a pasta and sugo day without a spaghetti eating competition challenge.”

During the competition, each person will get a large bowl of spaghetti of identical weight.

Players must eat the spaghetti without silverware and with their hands behind their backs.

The first person to eat all their spaghetti is the winner.

The competitions will delight, as will all the celebrations during this great day in Innisfail.

For more information, competition details and tickets visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

Garozzo family salute all

Participants will take part in the spaghetti-eating competition with no cutlery and hands behind backs.

Photo by Klaus Nielsen: https://www.pexels.com/

Buon Appetito – four nights of the

| Gail Sedorkin

IF delicious Italian food matched with the best regional wines of Italy is your idea of the perfect indulgence – the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival is just for you. There is not just one unforgettable evening for foodies, however, but four nights each featuring the flavours and cuisine of an Italian region.

Tonight’s Amalfi Coast Degustation at Ollie’s Italian also marks the start of the 17-day Cairns Italian Festival 2023.

Ollie’s Italian will be showcasing the best of the Amalfi Coast region’s fresh local seafood, launching the Cairns Italian Festival with a night not to forget.

The five-course degustation with wine pairing promises an unforgettable evening of indulgence, where guests can savour

the flavours, aromas, and culinary traditions that have made the Amalfi Coast a world-renowned destination for seafood lovers.

The entrée of Cuttlefish tagliatelle, pea cream, burnt lemon and caviar paired with Pala Soprasole Vermentino Sardegna is just one sample from the menu.

The night will finish with Ollie’s own limoncello.

This is just the start of the evenings indulging in classic regional dishes and wines, with Pistacchi featured on Tuesday, July 25, Flynn’s Italian on July 26 and Piccolo Cucina on July 27.

To add to your enjoyment, these three evenings will be hosted by Frank Dangelico and Michael Trembath, each with more than 30 years’ experience curating wine from all over the world.

Mr Dangelico is well known as the owner of The Wine Tradition NQ, the only locallyowned wine company in the north, and with friend and wine importer Michael Trembath are looking forward to hosting the dinners.

“These dinners are a celebration of the regionality of Italian food and wine,” he said.

“We are looking forward to talking about the region’s food and, of course, about the wine.

“With family scattered all over Italy I have been lucky to have been able to travel to all those regions enjoying the food and wine.

“I feel with my heritage that I’m a custodian of Italian cuisine. I grew up with this food – it’s the same as my Nonna cooked and my mother cooked – it’s important for us to preserve that.

“Much of this food is very specific to a region, sometimes just to a village.”

On Tuesday July 25 indulge in Italian cuisine and fine wines at Pistacchi’s Central Italy degustation. Savour classic dishes and expertly paired wines.

Paolo, Francesco and the Pistacchi crew have crafted a feast to celebrate this spectacular zone, accompanied by a little bit of ‘vino regionale’ with each course.

Paolo is from Ariano Irpino in Campania, Francesco is from Trinitapoli in Puglia. They met in Riccione, on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, working in restaurants during the summer holidays, building on their skills and their friendship since 2006.

Combining their extensive knowledge of classic Italian cuisine, they now bring you a menu that will transport you to Italy with every bite. Add into the mix a perfect blend

Ollie’s Italian front of house staff Kim and Summer, and chefs Giuseppe and Fabio.

Pistacchi co-founders Francesco and Paolo.

best Italian food, wine and service

oldest cities in Italy, and home to some of Italy’s most famous dishes.

This tradition will be celebrated at the Food and Wine Degustation at Piccolo Cucina on Thursday, July 27 from 6pm to 10pm.

Home to some of the oldest cities in Italy, the south is filled with treasures, from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the Trulli of Alberobello, across to the Gulf of Taranto and around to the Strait of Messina. With three seas, volcanoes and olive groves as far as the eye can see, Calabria, Sicilia, Puglia, Basilicata, Sardegna, Campania, and Molise are the homes of some of Italy’s most famous dishes.

“Our friends at Piccolo Cucina will be preparing a menu showcasing dishes from ‘the food bowl’ of Southern Italy.

“With wines to match these regional

dishes, this ‘Festa del Sud’ promises to have you dancing a pizzica and tarantella like a local.”

A traditional Italian restaurant located in the centre of Cairns, Piccolo Cucina takes pride specialising in handmade pasta and hand stretched pizza. They support their local quality producers and their seasonal ingredients.

Mr Dangelico said he couldn’t wait to try all the dishes, but his choice would have to be Pesce spada alla Messinese (swordfish) served ‘al cartoccio’ with a loose tomato sauce with green olives, capers, basil and salsa verde, a traditional dish originating from Sicily.

Book now for these never to be repeated evenings at www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

of friendship and love of hospitality you’ll be sure to have a ‘bellissima esperienza’.

At Pistacchi, Frank said he was most looking forward to Carciofo Ripieno al tartufo (stuffed artichokes, with breadcrumb, cubed Prosciutto San Daniele served on a pecorino and truffle sauce).

On Wednesday July 26 Flynn’s Italian is proud to have partnered with the Cairns Italian Festival to bring you an authentic evening of Northern Italian food and wine.

From 6pm you are invited to indulge in the authentic four-course degustation menu with paired wines that celebrate the best of the region.

Northern Italy’s cuisine is known for its use of high-quality ingredients, including truffles, cheese, cured meats and hearty classic dishes.

When asked to choose, Mr Dangelico said his favourite dish would have to be the antipasto starter (gorgonzola and aged 24–month prosciutto di San Daniele, heirloom tomato, walnut, baby rocket, balsamic glaze, served with sourdough) paired with Villa Sandi Prosecco DOCG “Il Fresco” NV.

Crystalbrook Collection Area General Manager, Luke James is delighted to have Flynn’s Italian join the Cairns Italian Festival for the second year running.

“We value our connection with the Italian community and embrace the opportunity to share our interpretation of Italian flavours,” he said.

Other classics included in the northern Italy menu are Risotto ai funghi, and Lombardia veal osso buco.

Southern Italy is home to some of the

to Cairns

Piccolo Cucina’s sommelier Thomas Zerbinotto (left) and assistant manager Baptiste Couppey. Pictures: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Flynn’s Italian Bartender Samuel Mineo.

Glamour and elegance at the ball

| Gail Sedorkin

A NIGHT of Italian elegance awaits everyone who attends this year’s gala ball – one of the highlights of the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival. It’s going to be a ‘bella notte’.

One of the most sought-after events this year, the Cinecitta Gala Ball is themed after the iconic film studio in Rome – the Italian Hollywood on the Tiber.

Held at the Pullman International in Cairns on August 4 it promises to be a night of glitz and glamour.

Gala ball organiser Patty Poutanen said guests will walk the red carpet and be transported to a world of Italian cinema and elegance, with patrons able to dance the night away to music from the 1940s through to 2023.

“It’s time for tuxedos and glittering ball gowns – it’s all about the glamour of these movies and being ‘movie elegant’ for this wonderful evening,” she said.

“Cinecitta is the Italian version of Universal Studios. It’s a symbol of all the glamour of the era.”

When planning the evening, Ms Poutanen has taken her inspiration for this central theme from her favourite glamorous Italian actor, Sophia Loren.

Entertainment will include Melbourne-based band Siesta Cartel, a massive hit in Cairns in 2022, DJ

Marciano and Turning Pointe Dancers.

“There will be a surprise element in the dances from Turning Pointe Dance Studios at the Ball. Two of the dances are based on Italian films while one is based on a very influential actor.

“Live band Siesta Cartel will be perfect for the evening. They are able to sing and play folk music that we can all remember, but they de -

liver it in a modern style. Together with DJ Marciona, guests will party the night away.”

She said the venue would also be decorated with elegance, classic Italian touches, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the timeless glamour and allure of the Italian actors.

“With the dress code of glamour, you are encouraged to dress to impress, adding to the enchanting

ambiance of the evening,” Ms Poutanen said.

“The Cairns Italian Festival Gala Ball is an event not to be missed.

It’s a unique and unforgettable celebration of Italian culture and cinema.”

On the evening, the Italian Hall of Fame awards and life member awards will also be announced – a ceremony which aims to recognise the achievements of Italians who

migrated to Australia or come from immigrant families and have contributed significantly to the region in the diverse categories.

“These awards are so important. It’s our way to recognise people who have contributed in so many ways – to say thank you,” Ms Poutanen said.

“These people need to be recognised – this is a very important part of the evening.

At last year’s 2022 Carnival Gala Ball, the late Lou Piccone become the very first inductee of the exclusive life membership award in appreciation for his incredible generous contributions to Cairns and the surrounding region.

Award categories include community service award, farming and agriculture award, business recognition award, developing and building award, educational achievement award, sporting achievement award, arts and culture achievement award, and young Italian of the year.

Tickets are almost sold out for the Cinecitta Gala Ball which includes a four-course Italian meal expertly crafted by the Pullman International’s chefs, and a five-hour drink package featuring a selection of Italian wines and other beverages. Tickets can now be bought online at www. cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

Siesta Cartel entertained revellers at the 2022 gala ball and are back for 2023.

Free family night to launch La Festa

| Gail Sedorkin

THE free family night on Friday, July 28 is just one of the many Cairns Italian Festival highlights not to be missed this year.

With 10 major events the 2023 festival brings Italy to the Tropics with events in Cairns, Innisfail and Mareeba during the extended 17day program.

The free family night will also see the launch of one of the highlights of this year’s Cairns Italian Festival – La Festa – in Fogarty Park the next day.

As it did last year, the family night includes one of the best fireworks displays in Far North Queensland and lots of family fun.

From 6pm to 8.30pm the night will include face painting, a photo opportunity with Roman soldiers and much more.

La Festa will be held at Fogarty Park from 10am to 11.30pm on Saturday, July 29.

Guests can support the free family night event when they buy a raffle ticket at this and other 2023 Cairns Italian Festival events or online.

“SUPPORTING THE

COMMUNITY!”

Through our six divisions, CSF Industries is responsible for the delivery of Regional Queensland’s major steel fabrication projects and logistical operations projects, specialising in the delivery of ‘whole of house’ project solutions.

Established in 1979, the company also maintains an impressive client base across Australia and South East Asia.

Picture Credit: Mark Bennett Fine Art Photography

Italy in the Tropics

La Festa 2022

Italian immigrants honoured

| Gail Sedorkin

A NEW book, La Storia – The Faces of Italian Immigrants commemorates the stories of Italian immigrants, their struggles and their resilience while building new lives in the tropics.

As noted in the book’s foreword, La Storia is a “compelling collection of stories, showcasing the resilience and cultural heritage of Italian families who built new lives in Australia”.

Dedicated to telling the stories of local Italian immigrants La Storia can be ordered at the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival at La Festa on Saturday, July 29 and online.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said families from Cairns and surrounds, and the Tablelands had the stories of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents in La Storia.

“This hardcover book published by Cairns Italian Festival Inc. is dedicated to the stories of local Italian immigrants and how we started here in the north.”

These stories (storia), with photos, follow the lives of 37 Italian families as they integrated “into Australian society while maintaining a strong connection to their Italian roots through ‘La Famiglia’; the most important aspect of their lives”.

While the first half of the 110page book commemorates these resilient Italian immigrants, the remainder is dedicated to last year’s inaugural Cairns Italian Festival.

“The book covers how the festival started and every event that we hosted last year, including stories of the founder and photos and stories from every event from the 2022 Cairns

Football match tribute

Italian Festival,” Mr Cordenos said.

“It’s a way to thank the exceptional committee and team that brought the inaugural festival to life and made it such a success.”

Starting with La Festa last year, other 2022 events brought to life with stories and photos include the Mysterious Masquerade Gala Ball, Opera on the Reef and the first regional event, the Mareeba Salami and Sausage Festa.

In 2022 entertainment and gala ball coordinator Patty Poutanen (Avolio) proposed the idea of the cultural festival to a group of local interested Italian-Australians as a way to preserve their heritage, but also share it with the wider community.

“A series of meetings and the formation of a dedicated committee, and a lot of hard work, resulted in the outstanding success of the inaugural Cairns Italian Festival in 2022,” Mr Cordenos said.

This section of the book also thanks local businesses and sponsors of the festival and the team responsible for the professional marketing and promotional campaigns including the website and social media.

Order a copy of La Storia – The Faces of Italian Immigrants at La Festa on July 29 or at www. cairnsitalianfestival.com.au ($75).

Online sales also start July 29, 2023.

| Gail Sedorkin

A NEW addition to the Cairns Italian Festival on August 5, the Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup, is a tribute to Alfio Moriconi (deceased) from the Mareeba Football Club and John Bomben from Leichhardt Football Club and their dedication to football. Both devoted a lifetime of passion to their respective clubs with their contribution to the game unparalleled. An over 45s match will be played as a curtain raiser to the main game which will include a lot of the older players from the glory days of past battles.

Big names from Mareeba like Karl and David Srhoj, Pasco Rogato, Angelo Tatti and Jose Lopez and from Leichhardt Jimmy Eszes, Martin Docherty Stacey Fittock , Glen Hurney and Mario DeVecchi to name a few.

Make no mistake, even though the hairline has thinned and the waistline has grown, both teams will still be putting on a great show.

A

OFFERS

With housemade Gelato & Sorbet served 7 days a week.

Sunday to Thursday, 6.00am - 9.00pm

Hair and Beauty

Choosing skin type to care for

TAFE Queensland beauty teacher has tips and items to looking after your face every day

IF you suffer from flaky skin, breakouts or redness, TAFE Queensland beauty teacher Emma Lombard can help people take control of their skin care routine.

“It’s really important to know your skin type before you choose products to clean your skin,” she said. “There are four basic skin types: oily, dry, combination, and normal.

“So, how do you know if you have oily skin? When you wake up and by mid-morning at around 10am, you will see shininess on your face and it will feel oily. You may also have large pores, some breakouts and perhaps some unevenness in your skin tone.

“On the other hand, dry skin will be dry when you touch it and it may feel tight. Your pores will be small and you might have some redness because your skin may tend to be a little sensitive. In severe dry skin cases, you may suffer from scaly patches or flaking.

“If you have combination skin then you have a mixture of skin types on your face. To work out

if you have combination skin, you will have a little bit of oiliness on your T-zone and dryness on your cheeks.

“Your T-zone consists of your forehead, nose and chin and forms a letter T if you were to draw on your face. Combination skin types may have a mixture of large and small pores.

“The last skin type is normal skin. This skin looks and feels perfect with no signs of excess oiliness or dryness. If you have normal skin your pores will be small and your tone will be even.

“Looking after your skin is important. By knowing your skin type you will be able to pick the right products that target oily, dry, combination and normal skin.”

Following are the items Ms Lombard recommends to be included in a skin care routine:

• Eye makeup remover

• Cleanser

• Toner

• Exfoliation product

• Mask

• Eye cream, gel or serum

• Face moisturiser Sunscreen. Watch the video at https://bit.ly/3pTDJKj

TAFE Queensland beauty teacher Emma Lombard has many tips to care for your skin.

Picture: TAFE Queensland

Real Estate

City’s link to Vanuatu resort

Cairns’ architects design luxury hotel in Pacific which include over-water bures

l PROPERTY

| Isabella

Guzman Gonzalez

DESIGNED by two Cairns architects, the Frangipani Beach Pavilions Resort/Hotel, set upon the Savanna Harbour in Vanuatu’s main island of Efate, aims to become the ultimate tropical luxury hideaway amongst nature.

Expressions of interest are now open for investors and developers for this secure and exclusive waterfront property that will feature fully airconditioned over-water bures and villas, an artisan beauty spa with hairdressing salon overlooking the harbour, a 150-seat restaurant on the jetty, function room, wedding pavilions and much more.

Edge Hill multi-awardwinning practice TPG Architects director Edi Piagno and design director Andrew Prowse of the urban design and landscape architecture company LA3 based in Parramatta Park, were the architects chosen by the Queen-

sland-based owner, to give a tropical North Queensland feel to the project.

“The project requires an understanding and construction

knowledge, what materials they have over in Vanuatu, what is available, and what we’ll have to bring from Australia, so it has its challenges” Mr Piagno said.

“It’s a lovely resort project, flexible with 7-10 villas, a wellness centre and a restaurant and some over-the-water bures. It’s designed in a pavilion-style,

they provide a tropical feel, it’s something that mimics what you see in tropical Queensland, not what you see internationally, so it’s very unique, fully

reflecting the tropical climate.”

Mr Piagno said they were most excited about executing an international project.

“It’s really exciting to create a resort that extends beyond the land over the ocean,” he said.

“For us is really exciting to work internationally in Vanuatu, to build something in the water and the resort is unique for the area and location, a boutique small luxury resort.”

Situated approximately 25 kms north of Port Vila, the resort will be accessible via Efate’s sealed ring road, with amazing scenery and places to stop en route, like the Evergreen Cascades Waterfalls.

Twenty-one strata titles are now for sale, expressions of interest for investors and developers are open and leaseback opportunities sought. For more information, contact Exclusive Estates Australasia’s real estate agent, Graham Bowie at (+61) 0411 255 553 or email graham@ exclusiveestatesaustralasia.com

he Frangipani Beach Pavilions Resort in Vanuatu will become the ideal hideaway with its tropical luxury boutique style. Picture: Supplied

TimeOut

Sell-out events and sales of goods have created the best CIAF in 14 years

Records broken at art fair

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

SELL-out events were just some of the many records broken during the four days of this year’s 14th edition of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).

Five of CIAF’s nine ticketed events were sold out, including the two fashion performances, with the remaining four events all exceeding ticket sale targets.

On the final day on Sunday, dance displays and a last-minute rush of art sales ended the fourday festival celebrating the dynamic arts and culture movement of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

While final sales figures are still being tallied and will be released soon, CIAF’s art fair and art market sales are also expected to surpass previous records.

Taking a cue from the 2023 theme, Weaving our Future:

Claiming our Sovereignty, CIAF’s multi-arts program, replete with art exhibitions, cultural dance, a decade anniversary fashion performance, a two-day symposium, masterclasses, workshops, a music festival and more, people came from near and far to the event’s biggest cultural immersion to date.

Another record was the boosted prize cache of $60,000 which placed the CIAF’s art awards among Australia’s richest art prizes while acknowledging and supporting the practice of Queensland’s brightest and best First Nations artists.

Elder and artist Janet Koongotema secured the Premier’s award for excellence ($25,000), Pormpuraaw Art and Cul-

ture Centre won Cairns Regional Council’s art centre award ($10,000) and Holding Redlich’s innovation award ($10,000) went to independent Sunshine Coast based artist Darren Blackman.

Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar won the 3-D installation and sculpture award sponsored by Ports North ($5000), Pormpuraaw artist Mylene Holroyd won Apunipima’s emerging artist (acquisitive) award ($5000), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist Douglas Tamwoy won the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s people’s choice award ($5000).

This year also saw the first exhibition of traditional coconut leaf weaving and also the first time the six master weavers from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) have come together to create an exhibition of their work.

Among the 50-plus events in CIAF’s program, there were many highlights including two sellout fashion performances of Woven at Tanks Art Centre curated by Lynelle Flinders and showcasing 14 designer collections and 17 models.

Presenting a fashion collection at CIAF for the second year running, artist and designer, Quandamooka artist, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins said Friday’s performance was “the perfect way” to bring together her generational family story of art and culture in a collection of garments featuring hand-woven adornments and prints interweaving her great grandmother’s woven basket to her grandmother’s written words and her mother’s mat making.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch with winning artist Janet Koongotema.

Innovation award winner Darren Blackman.

Tahanee Buli and Skye Parker looked stylish. Picture: Blueclick Photography

Model Charlie Maawi all in blue. Picture: Blueclick Photography

Choreographer and dancer Mykelle Bingarape. Picture: Blueclick Photography

Queensland Symphony Orchestra blends classic sounds with ancient culture

Hypnotic call of didgeridoo

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

INTERNATIONALLY-ac -

claimed didgeridoo virtuoso

William Barton, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) and chief conductor Umberto Clerici are re-uniting in Cairns to perform Be Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Symphony No. 5, and Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe’s famous Earth Cry as part of the 2023 Cairns Festival.

Barton Meets Tchaikovsky will be held on Sunday, September 3 at 6pm in the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The program will begin with Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry, an evocative piece that captures the unique beauty and vastness of the Australian landscape. William Barton’s virtuosic performance on the didgeridoo is a highlight of this piece.

Mr Clerici said Peter Sculthorpe was the ‘Australian Beethoven’, the founding father of Australian classical music.

“QSO is committed to sharing our wonderful music with all Queenslanders, and this year will tour across the state, west out to Roma and north to Cairns, and many places in between,” he said.

“The concert in Cairns/Gimuy will be breathtaking.

In addition to the concert, QSO will provide professional development sessions for music educators in the Cairns region, and QSO musicians will play alongside community members in a special workshop. These regional activities, known as QSO Connect, link QSO musicians with schools and communities around Queensland, ensuring everybody has the opportunity to be involved with music, whether it be through learning, listening, performing, or composing.

Queenslanders will see more of QSO in their regions from 2024, with the company commencing a five-year regional touring program that includes education and large-scale community events.

Tickets are available at ticketlink: https://bit.y/3XWdsra

Didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton will be performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Cairns in September. Pictures: QSO

Conductor Umberto Clerici.

FNQ cowboy’s bullride rush

Cairns hosting the final PBR showdown

l CAIRNS

| Isaac Colman

MAREEBA’S very own Kurt Shephard is once again in the line-up for Team Queensland for the final PBR Showdown this weekend in Cairns.

In Shephard’s career, he has had over 220 rides as well as being ranked number 4 in the country.

After a tight two rounds in Newcastle and Brisbane earlier this year, Team Queensland’s stellar performance saw them emerge triumphant in both events.

Through these victories, their position of 2023 PBR Australia Origin Series Champions, as well as the supreme bull riding state have been solidified.

PBR Australia general manager Glen Young said they were thrilled to be bringing the final Origin event to Cairns, where the community support was always unwavering.

“Cairns is considered as one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations, and it would have to be one of the most pictur-

esque locations where we stage a PBR event,” he said.

“Not only that, but the unwavering support and enthusiasm from the Cairns community has always been extraordinary, and we take great pride in the fact that this is one of our key destination events for PBR fans worldwide.”

Mr Young said they were also looking forward to having some international riders compete in Cairns, especially ahead of the grand finals in Townsville, which is the richest bull riding event in the entire southern hemisphere.

“The Cairns event will feature an impressive line-up of international riders, including the likes of Rylee Ward, JC Davis and Fraser Babbington from New Zealand, and Romario Leite from Brazil,” he said.

“With only four months separating this Origin event and the Monster Energy PBR Australia championships, riders will be using Cairns as a key event to gain vital points to help propel them up the national standings and vying for a share in over

$40,000 in prize money.

“During round 2 in Brisbane last month, Team New South Wales was leading the entire night, until Team Queensland secured an incredible final ride that propelled them forward to win the event and ultimately the series championship.

“It’s a great example of how everything can change at the drop of a hat, and that’s the thrilling nature of this sport. We’re looking forward to seeing which team will take out the final event win in Cairns on Saturday, July 22.”

Mareeba’s Kurt Shephard (above and below) will be in action at the PBR Showdown in Cairns this weekend.

WHAT’S ON

CAIRNS SHOW

l FRI JULY 21, 9:00AM–9:00PM

At the Cairns Show we promise to bring the best of Cairns’ Agricultural, Pastoral, Mining and Cultural Industries! You’ll see jaw-dropping entertainment, incredible competition entries, educational displays, local business exhibits, delicious food stalls, animals of all shapes and sizes, and thrilling rides in Sideshow Alley!

Cairns Show gates open daily at 9am and close at 9pm just before the Fireworks. Tickets available at www.cairnsshow.com.au

IRON & STEAM FAIR HISTORIC VILLAGE HERBERTON

l SAT JULY 22, 9:00AM-5:00PM

Join us for this special event series as Australia’s yesteryear comes alive through the heritage machinery, steam power and classic vehicles that helped build the nation. Attractions include tractor power, steam exhibitions, diesel and working demonstrations and historic and classic motor vehicles.

For more information and to book your tickets visit Historic Village Herberton website.

NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY 2023

l FRI JULY 21, 9:00AM-5:00PM

Wear your pyjamas this National Pyjama Day to support children in foster care all around Australia. Money raised from National Pyjama Daygoes to help offer learning skills to more than 1200 children, fund educational resources and help provide stable, positive relationships. This year, National Pyjama Day falls on Friday 21 July 2023 but you are welcome to host your day anytime throughout July-September.

www.fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/event/npd

PBR ORIGIN III 2023 CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE

l SAT JULY 22, 7:00PM-10:30PM

The PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Monster Energy Tour is bringing the greatest rivalry in Australian sport, a head-to-head competition of the Maroons vs Blues, to Cairns on July 22,2023. It’s the ultimate battle for bragging rights and the toughest 8 seconds in sports. PBR Origin is heading to Cairns Convention Centre for one epic bull riding competition of the blues vs maroons! Book your tickets through Ticketek.

FRIDAY

Peter Kinch, Dunwoody’s, 4:00pm Whiskey Boat, O’Donnells, 6:00pm

Sax Man, Chill Café Palm Cove, 6:00pm Kick Start, Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:30pm

Carinda Christie, Bingle Bay Café, 6:30pm

Kaweyova, Roo Bar & Grill, 7:00pm

PASTA AND SUGO FESTA JOHNSTONE SHIRE HALL

l SUN JULY 23, 11:00AM-5:00PM

Ciao amici! It’s time to celebrate Italian culture in Innisfail with our Inaugural Pasta and Sugo Festa. This year, we welcome you on Sunday July 23 at the Innisfail Shire Hall for the first edition of the Pasta and Sugo Competition Festa, a new and exciting event for the region filled with lots of laughter, and of course great food and company. Book your lunch tickets through the Cairns Italian Festival website.

SATURDAY

Rob Howe & The Guillotines, Tessa Devine, Tullara, Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 2:00pm Mattyboi, Surf Club Palm Cove, 2:00pm Big Pups, Currajah Hotel, 3:00pm Kaweyova, Salthouse, 5:00pm

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

BOTTLE CAP MOSAIC SMITHFIELD

l FRI JULY 21, 9:00AM-5:00PM

For Plastic Free July, Smithfield Shopping Centre has partnered with Palm Tree Recycling and Melanie Hava to install a unique piece of artwork but we need your help! Collect a plastic bottle cap from the Customer Service Desk & apply it to the artwork, designed by Melanie Hava. Together let’s watch it come to life. Where: Customer Service Desk is located near Surf Dive n Ski in the Smithfield Shopping Centre.

SUNDAY

Stuie Harcourt, Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 1:00pm

DjGlennW, Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium, 2:00pm

Barbary Coasters, The Beach House at Trinity, 2:00pm

Big Pups, Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf, 2:00pm

Amber Farnan, Dunwoody’s, 2:00pm

Russell Harris, Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3:00pm

The Pigs, Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 7:00pm

Georgia Duo, Surf Club Palm Cove, 7:30pm

Davie Smith Duo, Mission Beach Blues Bar, 6:00pm Victoria Boxall, Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:15pm

Barbary Coasters, Roo Bar & Grill, 7:00pm

Skye Karaoke Solo, Smithfield Tavern, 7:00pm

The Pigs, Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 7:00pm Barbary Coasters, Roo Bar & Grill, 7:00pm

Janna Mercedes, Rattle n Hum Palm Cove, 8:00pm

The Wait & Funhouse, Red Beret Hotel, 8:00pm

Big Noise, Rattle N Hum Cairns, 8:30pm Wild Willy, The Jack, 9:00pm

Sax Man, O’Donnells, 3:00pm

Lexi & Waha, Cazaly’s Cairns, 6:15pm

Anais Campbell, Bar36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Weekly Horoscopes

Your attitude could be up and down like a yo-yo. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. Kick your shoes off and relax. Organize social events or family gatherings.

This will not be the day to have minor surgery. Throw yourself into your work. You could be emotional if you didn’t take care of problems with loved ones. Joining organizations will provide you with stimulating romantic contacts.

CROSSWORD

Stress may cause minor health ailments. Deal with the needs of children. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism. Encourage the youngsters in your family.

Relationships may be hard to handle. Think about your budget before booking a trip. You may find yourself in a romantic situation.

You can gain valuable cultural knowledge through dealing with foreigners.

You will be appreciated for the competence you exhibit and for taking on responsibilities. You will be too quick to point your finger at your mate. Uncertainty regarding your mate may emerge; reevaluate what you see in each other. Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relationship.

Do your job and then spend some time with family; you’ll be glad you did. Be prudent and don’t be led down the garden path. Make changes regarding your friendships. You could be attracting individuals who are anything but good for you.

ACROSS

Risky financial ventures will result in unrecoverable losses. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful. Try not to get into disputes that will lead to estrangements.

Don’t divulge secret information.

Plan a day of enjoyment with them. You can make a big difference to children if you are understanding of the difficulties they are experiencing. Make your intentions perfectly clear and find out exactly what is expected of you.

Opportunities will develop through those you encounter while attending organizational events. Don’t be too quick to respond to a plea for help.

You’re in the mood to spend time with your lover. You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling.

Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas. Be cautious when dealing with coworkers. You are best to keep hard feelings to yourself. Take your time.

8. to affirm or assert (6)

9. a large South American snake that squeezes its victims to death (8)

10. in truth; no doubt; indeed (8)

11. a piece of rubber or plastic which is fitted to the top of a baby’s bottle (6)

12. having a series of rows or levels placed one above the other (6)

13. any award, honor, or laudatory notice (8)

22. a violation of the law; a tort. (6)

23. a person who checks and corrects texts before they are published (6)

25. rays of sunlight (8)

26. to cut off a limb by surgical operation (8)

27. a side-blow not at the main targe (2-4)

DOWN

1. electronics as applied to aviation (8)

2. a foundation or basis of something (10)

3. a thing that envelops or obscures something (6)

4. a mat for a person to stand on after getting out of a bath (4,3)

5. an area of wooden panelling on the lower part of the walls of a room (8)

6. a shape produced by a curve that bends round and crosses itself (4)

7. unable to think clearly; confused (6)

14. a sports match between two rival teams from the same area (5,5)

16. deviating from the normal or average (8)

18. out of the ordinary; unusual (8)

You might have a problem juggling your time. Don’t settle for less than the best. Use your inventiveness to find solutions. Be supportive in order to avoid confrontations.

You need to keep busy doing things that you both enjoy. Sudden changes could result in estrangements. Minor accidents could occur if you don’t take precautions. Try to spend some time on your own.

15. a small receptacle for tobacco ash and cigarette ends (7)

17. too proud and considering yourself to be very important (5-2)

20. a soldier specially trained for carrying out raids (8)

19. an electrical device for making toast (7)

21. a build-up of fluid in the body which causes the affected tissue to become swollen (6)

22. a river in central and SE Europe (6)

24. accurate or exact (4)

Motoring

New vehicle sales hit highs in June despite supply caps

l SALES

| Nick Dalton

BUYERS made a stampede to motor dealers in June with 124,926 new vehicles sold to mark the end of the 2022-23 financial year.

This result is an increase of 25 per cent compared with June 2022 and an 8.2 per cent increase compared with the sixmonth period of January to June 2022. It is the highest June result since 2018.

Federal Chamber of Automo-

tive Industries chief executive

officer Tony Weber said the continuing sales growth was encouraging, especially considering the ongoing issues relating to vehicle supply.

“The end of the financial year has traditionally been a strong month for vehicle sales,” he said. “Indications from our members are that demand for new vehicles remains solid, but the supply is not yet at a point to meet this demand.

“To put it simply, if we could have landed more vehicles, this would have been a record June result.

TABLELAND DISTRIBUTOR FOR:

“Also, we will monitor the broader economic conditions and their potential to impact on vehicle purchasing decisions by fleets, businesses and families during the second half of this year,” he said.

Sales of zero and low-emission vehicles were growing with 16.6 per cent being battery electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid models.

Battery electric vehicles accounted for 8.8 per cent of June sales and make up 7.4 per cent of new vehicle sales during the first half of 2023. The Tesla

Model Y recorded 5560 sales, making it the second-highestselling vehicle behind the Toyota HiLux (6142).

“The early adopters of the new powertrain technology continue to push up the sales of electric vehicles across the country,” Mr Weber said.

“The steady introduction of new battery electric models across all model segments at more competitive price points is critically important as we deal with the challenges of supplying electric vehicles that meet business and personal consumer

needs at prices the mainstream buyers can afford.”

Sales across every state and territory increased apart from the Northern Territory which recorded 1085 sales, a reduction of 2.7 per cent compared with June 2022. Sales in Queensland were up by 27.5 per cent (28,029).

The passenger vehicle market was up by 1947 vehicle sales (10.6 per cent) over the same month last year.

The sports utility vehicle (SUV) market was up by 16,552 vehicle sales (31.5 per cent),

the light commercial market increased by 4981 vehicle sales (20.9 per cent) and the heavy commercial vehicle market rose up by 1472 vehicle sales (28.5 per cent) versus June 2022.

Toyota led the market with a total of 20,948 vehicles sold.

Mazda recorded 9706 sales followed by Hyundai (8215), Ford (7753) and Kia (7551).

The Toyota HiLux was the highest-selling model with 6142 sales. Tesla Model Y recorded 5560 sales followed by Ford Ranger (5334), MG ZS (3756) and Toyota RAV 4 (2858).

Toyota’s HiLux was the top selling model in June and helped the Japanese maker top the charts again.

Buyers are buying more electric cars such as Tesla’s Model Y.

Australians love dual-cab utes with the Ford Ranger third best seller.

Fresh Skoda stock lands

l SUPPLY

| Nick Dalton

ŠKODA Australia has confirmed 1000 vehicle arrivals within a single month represents the largest stock intake to the country since the middle of 2021, paving the way for strong supply of its entire model range.

Now arriving into Škoda dealerships are more than 300 Kamiq compact SUVs, over 200 Kodiaq large SUVs and 150 Karoq medium SUVs, with the most in-demand models

representing more than half of the total.

These strong totals are supported by more than 60 Octavia liftbacks and 115 Octavia wagons, more than 100 Scala small hatchbacks, approximately 90 Superb liftbacks and wagons plus 40 Fabia compact hatchbacks.

Škoda national sales and planning manager Kieran Merrigan said that, thanks to these latest arrivals, the seven-model ŠKODA range was for the first time in a long time available to

take home now. “For the first time in two years this latest intake of Škoda models can finally meet the strong demand in the market for these products,” he said.

“Particularly since we introduced seven-year warranty and with the current offer of sevenyear complimentary servicing and seven-year roadside assistance on MY23 Scala, Kamiq and Karoq until June 30, we are seeing a surge of interest in Škodas,” he added.

“We have coupled this with

Powerful BMW X1 M SUV

l CAR LAUNCH

THE first BMW X1 enhanced by BMW’s M division – the X1 M35i xDrive – will arrive in Australia at the end of this year.

The performance model will take its place as the flagship variant in the X1 line-up and combine high level driving pleasure with breakthrough digital features, segment leading driver assistance systems, contemporary design and a high level of specification.

Addition of the BMW X1 M35i will also bolster the lineup of compact performance models in BMW Group Australia’s line-up, joining the M135i xDrive, M235i xDrive

and M240i xDrive. The fourcylinder power unit of the X1 M35i xDrive is a headline element of the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines and uses M TwinPower Turbo technology to record a maximum output of 233kW.

This potent engine helps propel the new BMW X1 M35i

xDrive to 100km/h from rest in 5.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

M-specific chassis technology – including the option of M Compound brakes for the first time on a performance model – teams up with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to deliver elevated performance characteristics.

The new range-topping model comes with the type of exclusive design and equipment features originally reserved for high-performance cars from the M division, including two pairs of exhaust tailpipes and optional M Sport seats. It is due in the final quarter of the year.

special ongoing finance offers and guaranteed future value to make Škoda the brand you choose for a winning trifecta –high specification, strong value and transparent ownership credentials.”

The Scala is now available from just $89 per week, the Kamiq from $95 per week, the Fabia from $98 per week, the Karoq from $108 per week, the Octavia from $109 per week, the Kodiaq from $132 per week and the Superb from $149 per week.

Hundreds of Skoda Kamig SUVs have started arriving at dealerships across Australia.

The BMW X1M35i xDrive

Advertisement



Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water

Draft Tablelands Regional Water Assessment

Public consultation now open

Community members in the Atherton Tablelands area can now have their say about water supply solutions to drive future economic growth in the region.

The Tablelands Regional Water Assessment area spans from the Tablelands Regional Council area through to eastern parts of the Mareeba Shire Council, and the western part of Cairns Regional Council.

RegionalWaterAssessments@ rdmw.qld.gov.au

Consultation closes 5:00pm, 28 July 2023

View the draft Tablelands Regional Water Assessment by scanning the QR code or visiting: drdmw.mysocialpinpoint. com.au/rwa/tablelands

Have your say

Public consultation session will be held at:

Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Hall Jack St, Atherton Tuesday 25 July 11.30am – 1.30pm

Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane

To meet, please call 1800 261 848 or 0488 200 554

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend. Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870

72-year-old female, likes gardening and outdoors, looking for an independent, outgoing male companion. Phone 0407476653

Management Rights / Unit For Sale

occupancy

Friday July 21st

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

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

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

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

•

•

•

FNQ Markets

Saturday July 22nd

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

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

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

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

Tully: Lions Park, 08:00-12:00

Yungaburra: Bruce Jones Park, Main St, 07:30-12:30

• Sea change lifestyle business

• $760K or all reasonable offers considered

Email for details: info@missionreefresort.com.au

Sunday July 23rd

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

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

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

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

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

Tumoulin:

The Hawks flying to Cazalys

Hawthorn AFLW to play Indigenous round in Cairns against Richmond Tigers

l AUSSIE RULES | Isaac Colman

HAWTHORN Hawks are returning to Cairns – this time to play an AFLW game for the first time in the Far North.

After Hawthorn held a preseason camp and coaching sessions on Friday last week and over the weekend, it was decided to come back and play during the AFLW’s Indigenous round. Hawthorn will host Richmond Football Club in Cairns on Friday, October 20 under lights.

The Hawthorn v Richmond AFLW clash is tipped to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy and support good local jobs.

Tropical North Queensland’s First Nations communities will be celebrated during the AFLW Indigenous Round game at Cazalys Stadium.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said: “Bringing the AFLW to Cazalys Stadium for the Indigenous round is a wonderful investment in Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy and women’s sport.

“The Hawthorn v Richmond game will be Cazalys first AFLW match and continues the stadium’s long-standing tradition of hosting elite, premiership Australian Rules Football.

“We know this match has

amazing potential to inspire young girls and women in the tropical north to stay active, healthy and get involved in the game.”

AFL Cairns General Manager Craig Lees was rapt to be able to play host to the Hawks for a showpiece match, especially during such a special round on the calendar.

“AFL Cairns couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Hawthorn AFLW side for this momentous match at Cazalys Stadium. It’s a true showpiece event, especially during the prestigious Indigenous round on the AFLW calendar,” he said.

“Hawthorn Football Club’s positive culture made a remarkable impact in Cairns over the weekend, inspiring and uniting local footballers. Their meaningful interactions left an enduring impression, and our community is delighted to have reached a deal with our stakeholders which will see the Hawks return for a game during the regular season.

“We are proud to showcase our region’s passion for sport, and this game will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our community. It’s an occasion not to be missed.”

Hawthorn Football Club acting chief executive officer Ash Klein said: “We are delighted to take the next step in our

Hawthorn Hawks AFLW will play Richmond Tigers AFLW at Cazalys after holding a pre-season camp in Cairns last Friday. Picture: Supplied

partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and AFL Cairns by hosting an AFLW blockbuster game against Richmond at Cazalys Stadium.

“We know the Cairns community are passionate about our game and we look forward to seeing them come out in droves to support the brown and gold,” he said.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning welcomed the first AFLW fixture to be held in the Far North.

“Hosting an AFLW game for the first time in Cairns is a wonderful opportunity for our

region,” he said. “This inaugural fixture is fantastic news for local girls and women players who will be inspired by seeing top-level female athletes at Cazalys Stadium.”

Saints topple Mareeba in Aaron Payne Cup round 4

l RUGBY LEAGUE

| Ellie Fink

ALTHOUGH confident and ready for revenge, Mareeba State High School has once again fallen to St Augustine’s Cairns in the Aaron Payne Cup at Barlow Park last Thursday.

Despite their efforts, the Mareeba team ultimately succumbed to a 26-4 defeat, unable to overturn the 16-4 halftime score in the round four clash.

Among the standout performers for Mareeba SHS were Reece Boyle and Narason

Moorcroft-Kose, with Boyle showcasing his versatility and adaptability by seamlessly tran-sitioning into different positions on the field.

Despite an injury to the regular fullback, Boyle stepped up and delivered an impressive performance wherever the coach required him.

Moorcroft-Kose, was hot on his feet, demonstrating his formidable presence on the field, consistently making powerful runs that contributed to the team’s efforts throughout the entire game.

Although the Aaron Payne Cup Team faced a setback, the younger Cowboys Challenge Team managed to secure a remarkable comeback victory.

The game got off to a shaky start for the Mareeba boys, with St Augustine’s College taking an early lead and displaying dominance on the field during the first 15 minutes.

However, the Cowboys Team regrouped and unleashed a remarkable comeback, completely turning the tide of the game.

The team’s second-half display showcased their resilience and determination to secure victory, dominating the opposition through their cohesive play, ultimately taking home a win of 28-22.

Coach Daniel Behn said the younger boys win’ gave the team a boost in confidence and hopes both teams will come together and work hard in the lead up to round five.

“In the Cowboys Challenge game, it felt great to get the win against St Augustine’s on their home ground,” he said.

”We really wanted the win as they came to our home ground and dominated us in front of our home crowd in round one.

“We regathered ourselves at half time and played with more resilience and gained confidence when the boys trusted each other and put in the effort.”

The Mareeba boys will be heading to Townsville to go up against Mackay State High School once again.

Semi-finals for Aaron Payne Cup are set to kick off on August 9.

A Mareeba State High School player charges towards St Augustine’s College defence. Picture: Maddy Gavin

Firebirds stars on FNQ coaching tour

Headstart for rising players

l NETBALL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

QUEENSLAND Firebirds captain and vice-captain Kim Ravaillion and Lara Dunkley (right) are touring the Far North this weekend to develop young netballers’ skills and encourage them to strive for a future in elite netball.

As part of their 2023 regional tour, from July 21-23, the Firebirds’ stars will travel to Innisfail (July 21), Mareeba (July 22), and Cairns (July 23) to engage with the netball associations and clubs in the far north region, run two clinics for young netballers, and encourage them through their testimonies.

Wing attack for the Firebirds, Ms Dunkley said they were excited for a weekend with the far north netball community.

“We’re very excited to come up north to Cairns. I’m a big lover of travelling to regional communities because I grew up in regional Victoria and I know how much of a big impact we

can make by visiting these local communities,” she said.

“We’ll be doing a meet and greet at the Cairns Netball Association and run two clinics on Sunday.”

The clinics, which are open to all the clubs in the district, will be run at the headquarters of the netball association and are aimed at boys and girls ages 5-17, giving them an opportunity to learn new skills and meet the Firebirds’ players.

“Hopefully, everyone gets an insight into what we do as athletes, but also our stories and how we got to where we are to-

day. I love telling mine because growing up in a very small regional town you never think you can make it, so it’s going to be really special,” Ms Dunkley said.

“From the netball side of things, we get them out on court, and we’ll teach them all sorts of skills, attack, defence, and they’ll grow as players on and off the court and hopefully will set some goals to become Firebirds themselves.”

Ms Dunkley said she hoped for as many regional clubs as possible to get involved and feel encouraged by their visit.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, we’re just excited to meet you and we hope you can get something out of the clinic, whether it be a conversation or a skill, we just want to impact players and I can’t wait to meet you.”

Although the Cairns clinic has sold out, Cairns Netball Association (CAN) members can attend the meet and greet from 9.30am-10am on Sunday, July 23. For more information, visit the CNA’s Facebook page.

Davis crashes out but wins pro-sprintcar series

l SPEEDWAY

PRO-sprintcar driver

Brodie Davis may have crashed out of the annual Autobarn Thunder in the Canefields last weekend, but he still was overall series winner. Davis was the favourite after winning the Queensland prosprintcar event at Mareeba on July 8.

Cairns Speedway manager Rob Goodin said Western Australia driver Q74 Ryan Farrell won the 30 lap feature race but was

deducted two positions because he hit a cone on a restart, so Victorian V2 Domain Ramsay was moved up to first place for the feature and local NQ65 Gwesyn Dalliston took home second with Ryan Farrell third.

“Overall series winner of the series for the cane knife trophies was still Davis, second was Ramsay and local Wes Jenkins took home third in the series,” he said.

“We had 900 on Friday night and 2000 on Saturday night, with the weather probably

keeping a few away, even though it held off.”

Mr Goodwin said the sport was back in contention.

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

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

board. “The pro-sprintcar class has brought sprintcars back to Cairns and the crowds have jumped from 500 per event to 1500 per normal event.

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

Wing attack and vice-captain of the Queensland Firebirds Lara Dunkley will be visiting Cairns to run clinics for young players and promote the regional game. Pictures: Supplied

PRO-sprint car driver Brodie Davis (top left) crashes spectacularly at the Cairns Speedway. Picture: Gregg Maxwell