Cairns Local News October 21 2022

Council awarded for environmental stewardship

CAIRNS Regional Council has been recognised for its commitment to conserv ing and protecting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area through a Chair’s Award at the 19th Cassowary Awards.

Hosted by the Wet Tropics Manage ment Authority (WTMA), the Cassowary Awards is the only awards program in Australia to recognise excellence in com munity contributions to World Heritage management.

Council was recognised for leadership in sustainability, advocacy and engaging young people through initiatives such as the Climate Change strategy 2030, Cairns Ecofiesta, and the Smart Green Economy project.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Coun cil’s vision for 2030, outlined in the Cairns Climate Change Strategy 2030, was to be a leader in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

“It is an honour to receive this award from the Wet Tropics Management Author ity, recognising Council’s leadership and

innovation in environmental stewardship.” Cr Manning said.

We have a profound responsibility to protect the environment and natural assets that make Cairns such a wonderful place to live,”

“We take this commitment very serious ly, as highlighted in our work to achieve net zero emissions and our commitment to using 100 per cent renewable energy by the end of next decade.

“Council has subject matter experts working across the organisation to pro gress climate change actions in the areas of water supply, wastewater management, waste management, risk and governance.”

Council’s environmental stewardship work also includes providing grants to support Community sustainability projects and nature-based learning; delivery of the annual Cairns Ecofiesta event; and partner ships with research organisations on issues of local importance, including improving urban water quality in the Saltwater Creek catchment, urban heat management and

beneficial use of biosolids.

The award was presented by WTMA Chair Chrissy Grant during an event at Tjapukai NOW on Djabugay Country in Smithfield.

Ms Grant said the Cassowary Awards were a night to gather and pay tribute to champions of the Wet Tropics.

“Cairns Regional Council has set the benchmark for local governments every where with their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, building a more sustainable society, and engaging youth on environmental matters,” Ms Grant said.

“The Council is demonstrating leader ship and initiative in its collaborative vision to make Cairns and Far North Queensland the capital of the smart green economy.”

Council commended the Australian Wild life Conservancy, which took out the Cairns Regional Council-sponsored Innovation and Research award on the evening.

HEAR THE DIFFERENCE!

Cairns Regional Council Coordinator of Strategic Planning Deborah Wellington (left) and Councillor Rhonda Coghlan (right) receive the Chair’s award from Wet Tropic Management Authority (WTMA) Chair, Chrissy Grant (centre) at the Cassowary Awards: Photo courtesy of WTMA

Overwhelming support for visitor levy

LOCAL governments across the state have thrown their support behind Cairns Regional Council’s proposed visitor levy.

Councils represented at the Local Government Associa tion of Queensland (LGAQ)

Annual General Meeting have voted overwhelmingly in fa vour of the motion seeking the State Government to amend legislation to allow a visitor levy to be put in place.

Mayor Bob Manning said a visitor levy would give regions financial autonomy to promote their destination to claw back market share that has been lost to rival domestic and international locations.

“I’m not surprised at the result,” Cr Manning said. “It’s just common sense that tourism destinations have the ability to raise their own fund ing and have control over how it is spent, rather than relying on State and Federal grants that can shrink dramatically depending on budget priori ties.

“Our numbers show that a small, 2.5% levy per room per night, will generate $16 million annually to be spent attracting more visitors to Cairns.

“Raising the same amount from ratepayers is just not feasible.

“A user-pays visitor levy is

a much fairer way to ensure our tourism industry can thrive, while residents benefit from the flow-on impact to our economy and jobs.

“Today’s vote is an impor tant step towards providing local governments with the choice to adopt a levy if it’s right for their community,” he said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Execu tive Officer Mark Olsen said TTNQ welcomed the support from local government for an increased investment in destination marketing.

“Cairns Mayor Bob Man ning’s proposal to raise $16 million for destination market

Key water submission tabled

THE Far North’s key water stakeholder group has tabled a submission into the review of a major water catchment that supports the highly pro ductive horticulture and cane industries on the Tablelands.

Tinaroo Water Committee (TWC) provided a detailed submission to the draft Water Plan (Barron) 2022, which defines and governs how water from the Barron River catchment is used.

Water harvesting and changing the threshold height of the low and medi um water zones were critical issues raised by the commit tee, representing irrigators who hold water allocations or licences on the Atherton Tablelands.

Tinaroo Water Commit tee chairman Joe Moro said the committee welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the review.

“TWC represents a sig nificant stakeholder group, whose agricultural business es are reliant on the reliable, affordable and equitable ac cess to water, and provide an enormous economic boost to several rural and regional economies in the Far North region,” Mr Moro said.

“Water is the lynchpin of agriculture in the region.

“Without reliable, afford able and equitable access to this resource, the growth and productivity of our existing and potential new industries is under threat.”

Mr Moro said the submis

sion sought mecha nisms in the water plan to support highflow water harvesting for the Walsh River and streams flow ing into the Mitchell River.

“With the proper pre-harvesting assess ment and investiga tions, TWC believes water harvesting would allow irrigators to capture water dur ing periods of peak river flows, tradition ally during the wet season, and store in off-stream storages on property,” Mr Moro said.

“There are wide-reaching benefits, not only in supple menting existing water allo cations and providing water security during dry times, but also relieving pressure on Tinaroo Dam.”

Other issues raised in cluded changing the thresh old height of the low and medium water zones in the Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme, convert ing groundwater licences to allocations in the Atherton Groundwater Management Plan and maintaining nonregulation of overland water use.

Tableland Canegrowers chair Claude Santucci said Tableland Canegrowers supported efforts to secure long-term water supplies for the region.

“Secure and reliable water is critical in the long-term to retain the existing high-value agricultural production in the region but also foster expan sion in various crops,” Mr Rantucci said.

Mr Moro said the commit tee would continue to lobby Sunwater and the Depart ment of Regional Develop ment, Manufacturing and Water for the carryover rule to be retained when Tinaroo Dam overflows on or after the start of the new water year, July 1.

“This would allow ir rigators with unused water allocations to continue to use carryover water in the current water year under the current rules,” he said.

The new water plan is expected to come into effect at the end of the year.

ing is estimated to deliver an economic impact of $176 mil lion to support close to 1,000 new jobs and improve the liveability of Tropical North Queensland,” Mr Olsen said.

“When you increase destination marketing, you get results, which is what we saw with the Federal Govern ment’s $10 million investment over the past two years.

“That $10 million allowed TTNQ to achieve $300 million in campaign-generated direct visitor expenditure by invest ing in targeted campaigns and working with our tourism and aviation partners.

“On the back of this invest ment, we achieved record

domestic visitor expenditure of $3.12 billion in 2021-2022.

“Over the past two years our region has claimed the No.3 destination nationally in Google search trends for travel and this helped to propel growth in the destination’s market share.

“Tropical North Queens land increased its market share in visitor nights and visitor spend within the State and was the only region to exceed our pre-COVID domestic visitor spend by more than $700 million.

“This success was a direct result of the increased fund ing. We need a sustainable long-term funding source to

benefit the region into the future,” he said.

Earlier this year, the pro posal was endorsed by a panel of industry leaders (the Tour ism Industry Reference Panel) in a suite of recommendations to revitalise the sector.

The LGAQ will now com mence discussions with the Queensland Government to determine the details of how a visitor levy would be intro duced.

Council’s position remains that local governments should have the choice, in consulta tion with their communities, whether to implement a levy, with all funds raised pro vided directly to destination tourism organisations.

Historical surge in visitors

CAIRNS Historical Society and Museum set an impres sive new record for visitor numbers over the past year, surging beyond pre-pandemic attendance levels to welcome nearly 24,000 people through the doors.

Located in the School of Arts building in the heart of the Cairns CBD, the renowned institution welcomed 23,733 visitors in the 2021/22 financial year, an increase of more than 10,000 from the previous year and 6,000 more than the 2018/19 financial year.

The Society’s wealth of local cultural knowledge and stunning collection of more than 100,000 items also struck a chord with schools, with its education program reaching nearly 5,000 students during the past year, an increase of more than 2,200 students from the previous year.

The record-breaking year at the Cairns Historical Society and Museum also featured new Management Board and staff appointments and other key milestones, including:

• New board appointees Fiona Jose (CEO of Cape York Partnerships and first Indigenous Board member) and Ralph Peters (Solicitor at MacDonnells Law)

• Appointment of Dr Sandi Robb as Collections Manager, Dr Daniela Vavrova as Curator and Carmen Mira as Education & Children’s Programming Lead

• 57 volunteers working

across the museum and histori cal society with 13,595 hours worked

• Community engagement program including 10 public lectures

• The Society’s Research Centre responding to 595 requests for information and images

Cairns Historical Society and Museum President Clive Skarott congratulated the team of employees and volunteers for delivering exceptional levels of service, rich local in formation and outreach during the 2021-22 financial year.

“While the world seems to move ever faster into the fu ture, the increasing popularity of Cairns Museum and research services offered by the Histori cal Society indicates that we also want to stay grounded and connected with our past,” Mr Skarott said.

“I encourage our community to visit the museum in person

or check us out online to find out how you can get involved either as a Member, Volunteer or to donate items to our col lection.”

Cairns Historical Society and Museum Collections Manager

Dr Sandi Robb also thanked volunteers for their passion to preserve and share the Far North’s diverse history and heritage.

“The Society is grateful to our growing membership base of 543 supporters and to our staff and volunteers who man age our nationally significant collection of 41,046 archive items, 42,000 images and 6,282 objects,” Dr Robb said.

“This stunning array of local artifacts and cultural documen tation is the largest collection of material relating to the history of FNQ outside of the capital cities which is signifi cant for understanding the his tory, pre-European history and development of FNQ.”

Chairman of the Tinaroo Water Committee Joe Moro

CHS Board.

Courtesy of Cairns Historical Society and Museum Image: Daniela Vavrova

Tough casino laws

THE Palaszczuk Government has introduced tougher laws and stricter oversight of casino operators.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the strong reforms contained in the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 would ensure casinos are operating lawfully and transparently and take their responsibilities to reduce gambling harm seriously.

“These laws aim to improve integrity and deter illegal, dishonest and unethical behaviour in Queensland’s casinos,” Minister Fentiman said.

The Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC recommended several new laws in his independent review of The Star Entertainment Group, which was received on September 30.

“Given the extremely serious and concerning findings of the Gotterson Review, the Government has acted swiftly to prioritise critical reforms that address certain key matters in Mr Gotterson’s report,” the Attorney said.

“The new laws provide for a special manager who could be appointed to monitor and direct casino operations and report back to Government so that further action can be taken where necessary.

“The reforms also

remove any requirement for the Government to compensate casino operators for introducing stronger regulatory laws, as has been done in other states.

“In addition, the Government can now issue a fine of up to $100 million to casino operators as a disciplinary measure,” she said.

Other new laws include an obligation for casinos to report breaches of the law and cooperate with the regulator or face significantly increased penalties.

The reforms also pave the way for a transition to safe cashless gaming, which will address some of the money laundering concerns identified in the Gotterson Review.

“The new rules will modernise Queensland’s gambling legislation to allow new payment methods and systems to be considered for use, provided they are safe and reliable,” the Attorney said.

“There are stringent checks and balances in place, so any cash alternatives must be considered and approved, including technical evaluations and harm minimisation measures.”

The Attorney said further reforms recommended by the Gotterson Report, including strengthening provisions to reduce gambling harm and money laundering, are continuing to be progressed.

Remote FNQ store operator nominated for COVID-19 award

COMMUNITY Enterprise

Queensland (CEQ) has been recognised for helping to pro tect Indigenous communities across Cape York, the Torres Strait and on Palm Island dur ing the COVID-19 pandemic by being nominated for a pres tigious Statewide award.

The not-for-profit remote store operator is in conten tion for the ‘Best response to the COVID-19 pandemic in work health and safety’ gong at the Queensland Govern ment’s Safe Work and Return to Work Awards 2022, with the ceremony to take place in Brisbane today.

The category recognises businesses or individuals who have shown excellence and innovation in work health and safety in response to COV ID-19.

During the pandemic, CEQ ensured a regular supply of high-quality goods and es sential services to the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), mainland Aboriginal remote communities, and Palm Island through its 28 stores.

CEQ Chief Executive Of ficer Michael Dykes said it was a fantastic achievement to be ranked in the top six organisa tions in Queensland for its COVID-19 response efforts.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award, and it is a tribute to each and every one of our won

derful staff,” Mr Dykes said.

At the onset of COVID, CEQ went on the front foot to ensure its supply chain was not compromised, seeking alternate supply options for continuity of supply of essential services.

CEQ also collaborated with various Government agencies through the National Indig enous Food Security working group headed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

Mr Dykes said that the com munities that CEQ serves con tinued to have access to quality goods and services throughout the COVID pandemic.

“This has been another unprecedented year with con tinuity of supply of essential food services to our remote communities our most signifi cant priority,” he said.

“During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we ensured that not one of our stores ran out of core staples, including toilet paper which was unavailable in most major cities throughout Australia.

“This was a massive achievement, and I can’t thank enough the efforts of our staff and local communities during the past year.

“We also reinforced the need for mask-wearing and social distancing and provided hand sanitiser in store to help protect our customers from the virus.

“Our flexible work arrange ments, innovative improve ments to health and hygiene, and commitment to implement new solutions to the pandemic have all been a great success, and it’s fantastic to be recog nised for these achievements.”

CEQ’s Store Support Office is based in Cairns and manages

Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) mainland stores, as well as other stores, including Col Jones and Mitre 10 on Thurs day Island.

For more information, visit www.ceqld.org.au

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Find out how to be prepared for the cyclone season, from identifyinfg your risk and how to prepare your home, to packing your Household Emergency Kit and where to get critical emergency information

For real-time information in times of disaster visit disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au or follow us on

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Staff from Palm Island (above) and Horn Island (below) stores are excited to be nominated for their hard work and dedication

Anti-Poverty Week focus on housing shortages

WITH cost of living and rents continuing to sky rocket and affordable housing options virtually non-existent across Cairns, Vinnies Queensland said this year’s Anti-Poverty Week (October 1622) isn’t just a time for awareness — it’s a time for action.

A staggering one in five children across the state grow up below the poverty line, making the critical aim in this year’s 20th anniversary of Anti-Poverty Week 2022 to halve child poverty by 2030.

Vinnies Queensland President Trish McMa hon said the escalating number of children across Queensland experiencing poverty was one of many significant problems facing the state.

“Over the last year, we have seen the cost-ofliving increase considerably, and many families have experienced additional pressures at the su permarket registers, fuel pumps, or on their utility bills,” Ms McMahon said.

“The grocery vouchers we provide to families struggling just don’t go as far as they used to.

“On top of this, the growing demand we are seeing from families in regions such as Cairns who are in need of housing far outweighs the sup ply we have — it’s heartbreaking.

“Just today we received a request for help from a mother of four who needed housing.

“We see so many families with small children coming to us with nowhere to go, hoping we can fix everything, but we can’t,” she said.

“Anti-Poverty Week is a timely reminder for all Queenslanders to help support those who are struggling and reinforces the importance of the

Housing Summit.”

The State Government’s Housing Summit that happened on Thursday, October 20 aimed to fa cilitate a discussion on Queensland’s escalating housing supply problem, and measures to provide immediate and long-term solutions.

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said Vinnies’ participation means it will be able to continue to advocate solutions for those currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to cost-of-living and housing stress.

“Vinnies was proud to participate in the Hous ing Summit to address the current crisis which is affecting the whole state,” Mr Mercer said.

“In line with the recommendations suggested by Anti-Poverty Week, we support and endorse the call to increase income support payments like JobSeeker, access to affordable social housing and raising the Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

“We know the current crisis facing Queens landers will not be fixed overnight; however, the Housing Summit was a significant first step in opening the discussion, allowing key organi sations to work together to find actionable solu tions.”

In the last financial year, Vinnies Queensland supported 212,550 Queenslanders with emergen cy relief, including more than 95,000 occasions of support for people under the age of 16, and provided more than $9.8m in emergency relief.

For information on Vinnies’ support services, or to donate, visit: https://qld.vinnies.org.au/

CaPTA

recognised

THE CaPTA Group has been recognised as a global leader in sustainable tourism, win ning the 2022 Skål Interna tional Sustainable Tourism Award in the Major Tourist Attractions category.

The award was presented at the Opening Ceremony of the 81st Skål World Congress in Kvarner, Croatia, attended by CaPTA Director of Sales & Marketing Ben Woodward on Friday, October 14.

For 21 years, Skål In ternational has recognised best practices in Sustainable and Responsible Tourism to enhance visibility and grant recognition to entities from the travel and tourism indus try around the world.

CaPTA was selected as the winner by a panel of three independent judges on differ ent environmental, social and economic criteria, including nature and culture preserva

tion, carbon offsetting and climate change mitigation, renewable energy and waste management, and local em ployment and training.

Mr Woodward said the win was a testament to CaPTA’s commitment to a range of initiatives across the group, from regenerative activities to wildlife conservation and indigenous employment.

“We constantly strive to achieve environmental and social sustainability through our tour companies and at tractions, with a commitment to protecting and preserving areas in which we operate for not only its own viability but also the viability of its com munities,” he said.

“From our Tropic Wings 100% electric bus and solar energy harnessing to sustain able education and tree plant ing programs, these initiatives are designed to help us reduce

our environmental impact whilst providing a better experience for our guests and staff.”

As part of the award, CaPTA also receives a free one-year subscription to the Biosphere Sustainable plat form, allowing them to create their own personalised Sus tainability Plan for continuous improvement and recognition of the efforts of its companies.

CaPTA’s commitment to sustainability is demon strated through its Ecotourism Australia accreditation, and it reviews and re-evaluates its environmental and sustain ability initiatives as new information and technology become available.

The Skål Sustainable Tour ism Awards are supported by the UN World Tourism Organisation, the Respon sible Tourism Institute and Biosphere Tourism.

Vinnies Queensland President Trish McMahon helping pack in the pantry

CaPTA’s new electric bus shows their commitment to environmental sustainability

Government leaves North Queensland out of Buy Back Program

NORTH Queensland property owners frequently affected by flooding have not been included in the Voluntary Home Buy Back Program.

Deputy Leader of the Kat ter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said his calls on the State and Federal Governments to extend the Voluntary Home Buy Back Program to include North Queensland properties had fallen on deaf ears.

The Voluntary Buy-Back program provides money to lo cal Councils to purchase homes in 39 local government areas activated for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and was designed to help Queenslanders rebuild their properties follow ing flood events and increase resilience to future flooding.

The program, jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments under Category D of the Disaster Re covery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), includes a range of initiatives under the $741 mil lion Resilient Homes Fund but does not include North Queens land on the list of eligible Local Government Areas (LGA’s).

“We have recently seen the Government announce the first round of successful voluntary buybacks of flood-affected properties in the southeast, with 23 homeowners the first to take up the offer,” Mr Dametto said.

“North Queensland residents whose properties are constantly

inundated by floodwaters dur ing extensive weather events haven’t been allowed to apply for voluntary buybacks as part of this program.”

The Hinchinbrook MP said whilst he commended the Government’s Resilient Homes Fund, he believes the $741 mil lion fund should be extended to all Queenslanders continually affected by significant weather events.

“There are multiple prop erties in the Hinchinbrook electorate that are often flooded during major rain events; this program neglects those regu larly affected in North Queens land,” Mr Dametto said.

“I receive calls every time the Northern Beaches gets three or four inches of rain from peo ple whose properties are prone to flooding; they are living in a state of anxiety.

“Expanding the Voluntary Buy-back scheme to include

their homes would help fix that and give these residents options.

“While I think the buybacks are a tangible solution for those hit hardest by the recent South east weather events, it doesn’t sit right that other areas of Queensland that endure floods year after year are excluded.

“There is no logical explana tion as to why the $741 million fund shouldn’t be extended to all Queenslanders who are con tinually affected by flooding,” he said.

“I’ve taken this issue to the Minister asking if the State Government will extend the Voluntary Home Buy Back Program to North Queensland LGA’s.

“Unfortunately, the lacklustre response given to my question on notice during parliament leaves many residents up the flooded creek without a pad dle,” Mr Dametto said.

Over $6 million for

Cape communities

TWO Cape York communi ties will share in over $6.10 million for local projects thanks to round two fund ing from the $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).

Deputy Premier and Min ister for State Development Steven Miles said Mapoon and Weipa will gain ad ditional camping, sporting and recreation facilities.

“Queensland communi ties should be the first to benefit when the resource sector they support suc ceeds,” Mr Miles said.

“This round two funding will enhance the project pipeline flowing into re sources communities.”

Member for Cook Cyn thia Lui said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering for remote communities with RCIF.

“The RCIF is deliver ing for our communities, upgrading the Cullen Point Campground in Mapoon to deliver a new historical walk, and building a new youth Precinct in Weipa, which will provide new sports and recreation facili ties,” Ms Lui said.

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Cr Aileen

Addo said council would receive over $2.8 million for the campground upgrade and the development of a historical interpretation walk of mission village building sites in the Old Mapoon Precinct.

“Works will include installing concrete pads for campsites, two shelter structures with seating and three amenities blocks,” Cr Addo said.

“The funding will also provide for concrete paths, signage, power to the site, automatic solar lighting, and landscaping.

“We will gain expanded and improved camping and day visitor facilities, and visitors will have greater opportunities to learn about the history of Mapoon. This will provide opportunities for new local guided-tour services and visitor experi ences that will support jobs and economic develop ment.”

Weipa Town Authority Chair Michael Rowland said the grant of over $3.3 million would deliver a vibrant public sport, recrea tion and youth space for the town.

“This project will create

a modern, inclusive youth precinct and vibrant public space for the Weipa com munity,” Mr Rowland said.

“Works include upgrad ing the existing skatepark and cricket areas, installing new multi-function courts for ball sports, safe meeting spaces, amenities, path ways, lighting, landscaping and CCTV.

“It will also expand the skate and ride facilities and enhance the oval. When complete, the project will help to support a positive and healthy community and youth culture in Weipa by providing new sport and recreation opportunities and a safe place to make con nections and have fun.”

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed the announcement of round two funding projects.

“The QRC is the peak body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers and we are very proud that members of our industry are contributing a total of $70 million to the RCIF for projects that will have significant benefits for our local resource commu nities,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Women Warriors set sail for Great Reef Census

FROM October 10-15, the Women

Warriors of the Torres Strait – an all-female crew of Traditional Own ers, rangers and scientists led by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Sea Team and James Cook University – set sail as part of the Great Reef Census to survey the northernmost section in the Torres Strait, northern Australia.

The five-day voyage to Mer (Murray Island) by the Women War riors of the Torres Strait was the first time the Great Reef Census – led by Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef –had ventured beyond Cape York.

TSRA Senior Natural Resource Management Officer and Marine Biologist Madeina David, 24, said researchers and Traditional Owners worked together to monitor the Great Barrier Reef, collect data and share findings with island com munities to support local decisionmaking.

“Our voyage sets a new course for science to value, respect and incorporate the traditional ecologi cal knowledge of custodians who have cared for land and sea for centuries,” Ms David said.

“We will connect ancient knowl edge and modern science to assess the condition of the northern Great Barrier Reef, including water tem peratures, coral conditions and even explore the potential for a future turtle sanctuary.”

JCU TropWATER’s Dr Katie Chartrand said the expedition was a valuable opportunity to partner with Traditional Owners and rangers to

paint a clearer picture of this hotspot of reef biodiversity.

“Using the Great Reef Census, we can rapidly collect thousands of re connaissance images of remote reefs that have rarely or never before been formally surveyed,” she said.

Dr Chartrand said concerns about potential outbreaks of crown-ofthorns starfish had been raised, flagging the importance of survey ing this pristine region of the Great Barrier Reef.

“This Census gives TSRA and the local Meriam community a snapshot of the health of the reef habitats – and that’s a powerful strategy in taking steps to protect these extraordinary reefs.”

The Women Warriors of the Torres Strait Great Reef Census voyage is funded by the TSRA and supported by partners, including the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef and James Cook University.

Activities for the week at sea and on Mer saw the crew train Tradi tional Owners in cutting-edge tech nology, including underwater video, drones, and mapping technology.

In addition, local community sea mapping priorities led by Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) with TSRA sought to combine local knowledge with monitoring data from previous and current coral surveys.

The work included a bit of fun with a community beach clean-up day led by the Tangaroa Blue Foun dation with TSRA’s Mer Rangers and Sea Team on Friday, October 14.

Tanya

JCU TropWATER scientists

Local butchery keeps MAKING HISTORY

Short-term rental impact on housing

THE Palaszczuk Government is commissioning industry experts to investigate the im pacts of the short-term rental market on the state’s housing supply.

Deputy Premier and Minis ter for Planning Steven Miles said concerns had been raised that the number of properties placed on short-term rental sites such as Airbnb and Stayz was worsening the tight rental market.

“The current rental market is very tight in many areas across Queensland. People are seeing their rent increase or are struggling to find an avail able rental near their work or kids’ school,” Mr Miles said.

“We don’t have a clear pic ture of the impact short-term rental properties are having on the rental market.

“That’s why we’re announc ing we will commission a

body of research to understand the impact properties placed on short-term rental sites such as Airbnb and Stayz have on the market.

“This work will provide some detailed analysis into the positive and negative impacts of short-term rental accommo dation on housing affordabili ty and availability, the tourism industry, property owners and Queensland’s cities and regional communities.

“It will also identify if the impact is the same across Queensland or if the experi ence varies across different regions.

Mr Miles said that while the number of short-term rental properties was relatively small compared to the entire hous ing sector, the Government would look at all avenues that may result in increased properties being available for

longer-term rental.

“We are listening to the community, industry, councils and other stakeholders, who have raised these concerns on both sides,” he said.

“The research will con sider a range of regulatory and non-regulatory options, including those being used in other jurisdictions and provide a solid base of information to underpin any framework changes in Queensland.

“There are many factors here, including Queensland being the nation’s tourism capital and having suitable ac commodation for international, interstate and intrastate visitors is vital for businesses and com munities.”

Mr Miles said it was hoped the research into the short-term rental accommodation market would be delivered to Govern ment by the end of 2022.

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

EDGE HILL Butchery con tinues to make history as one of the best butcheries in the country after being crowned Sausage King for the fourth year in a row.

Owners of Edge Hill Butch ery, Rod and Julie Leaver, have recently returned from the 2022 Australian Meat Industry Council Competition in Bris bane, where they won the title of State Sausage King.

Of the four categories Edge Hill Butchery competed in, they won three; and the Leav ers have no intention of stop ping; they are now preparing to compete for the national title in February 2023.

Mr Leaver said consistency and quality have been critical to the success of Edge Hill Butchery.

“It means a lot to be consist ent over the last four years in the Sausage King title,” he said.

“To win at a state level and think you’re the best in Qld in different categories four years in a row shows that we’ve got a great product in north Qld.

“It’s all about consistency; we make great sausages and take pride in it.”

Officially, Edge Hill Butch ery makes the best sausages in the state, and the Leavers said the secret to the best sausage is the best products.

“I like to use all fresh free-range pork trim, and just knowing where your produce comes from is a huge thing for us,” Mr Leaver said.

“We use fresh ingredients and herbs to make our sau sages; they’re not supermarket sausages; they’re made the traditional, old-fashioned way.”

“I think if you consistently stick to that good recipe, the whole year round, it’s a nobrainer,” Ms Leaver said.

“When it comes to the sausage competition, you’re not making something you’ve never done; it’s second nature; you’ve always made a good sausage, so you continue doing it.”

For the Leavers, this title reflects their pride in their craftsmanship and the quality of the far north’s products.

“It’s a great feeling to think that you’re with the best in your industry in Australia,” Mr Leaver said.

“It shows that we’re proud of what we do, we’re very pas

sionate, and to get to that level, we had to go through lots of different sausages.”

The Leavers said they would also like to use their platform and new title to encourage peo ple to support local butchers.

“It’s great for people to sup port small independent butch ers,” Mr Leaver said.

“People come to us knowing our sausages are freshly made traditionally.”

“It’s more personalized,” Ms Leaver said.

“They ask us for cooking instructions, we help them with recipes, dinner parties, and for us it’s more about building re lationships with the customers, not just being their butcher.

“All our products are fresh and local, not mass produced, and you can ask where your products come from.

“When you support local butchers, the money stays in the community,” the Leavers said.

Edge Hill Butchery will pre pare to compete in Adelaide’s annual Sausage King competi tion in February 2023.

For more information about Edge Hill Butchery, visit: www.edgehillbutchery.com.au/

FNQ kids annual Leichhardt Christmas card competition

FEDERAL Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch calls on Far North Queensland kids to illustrate different ways of showcasing an “Australian Bush Animals Christmas” for his 2022 Leichhardt Christmas Card competition.

Now in its twelfth year, the competition is open to all chil dren in Leichhardt aged from five to 12 years inclusive.

The winning illustrations will feature on Mr Entsch’s annual Christmas card, dis tributed to his parliamentary colleagues and contacts across Cairns and Far North Queens land.

“Each year, I really look forward to seeing what our lo cal students come up with,” Mr Entsch said.

“I receive hundreds of

entries each year from children all across Cairns and Far North Queensland, using a range of items such as glitter and glue, crayons, pencils, collage and scrapbooking to express their creativity.

“So, for this year’s Christ mas Card Competition, I would love for kids to show the different ways of illustrating an “Australian Bush Animals Christmas.”

Mr Entsch again thanked Cairns Bank for its ongoing sponsoring of the competition.

“The Cairns Bank team con tinues to show their support for our community and have once again donated $150, $100, and $50 savings accounts for our first, second, and third prizewinners,” he said.

“They have also provided an

additional five $20 accounts for designs that show special merit.”

Cairns Bank CEO Peter Phillips said the organisation enjoyed being able to support the artistic flair of kids in Far North Queensland.

“This year, we will again be displaying the entries on the Cairns Bank wall for every one to come in and admire throughout the holiday season and throughout the year,” Mr Phillips said.

“It has become our own Christmas tradition and one our customers have grown to love.”

All schools will receive the application forms and entry conditions this week so stu dents can start designing their entries.

Owners of Edge Hill Butchery, Rod and Julie Leaver are rightly proud of their consistency and success

Babinda

THE 2022 Babinda Harvest Festival culminated in another great success with the largest attendance in the history of the Festival.

This year, the Festival celebrated 58 years with its largest crowd ever and the traditional features that people love, like the markets on the main street and the crowning of the Harvest Queen.

Kealy Ganly was crowned 2022 Harvest Queen and in a very tight race, Miss Community Spirit was tie between Brooke Destro and Georgie Stone.

“This was my first Harvest Festival and I was blown away,” an attendant said.

“From all the day markets, the parade, the food, kids events, face painting and entertainment; everything was fantastic.”

One of the staples of the Festival is the parade, and this year it did not disappoint; Mirriwinni State School took the prize for most outstanding

float.

Other winners of the Festival were Babinda Real Estate that took Best Dressed Shop and Woopen Ck Bananas that took the Sugar Cane Display.

After a very successful Festival organisers reflected on the hard work and effort the committee and volunteers put into making the 58th Babinda Harvest Festival, a memorable one.

“We were amazed to see the number of people who came to our Festival,” Babinda Harvest Festival organiser and spokesperson said.

“We have a very hard working committee, led by Tanya Davey and Carly Francis, and a number of fantastic volunteers who were all very proud to see their efforts come to light in such a great way.

“The Festival is certainly growing and there have already been conversations around plans for 2023.”

huge success

I must say, I was absolutely disgusted at the ‘manslaugh ter’ of a young lady, her life cut way too short by an in toxicated driver, and he gets to walk. Why is that? Maybe because of ‘what’ he was driving? A Lamborghini, a (wealthy) man can go way be yond that of the ‘average’ joe.

Noel, Cairns

Here is another well thought out policy by our Pollies. The NDIS cuts out at 65yrs of age, average person who has a disability say from a workrelated injury or is just worn out is not entitled to help once they are over that age. Good thinking aye!

Ross, Cairns

I watch the news with aston ishment that further new laws are being made where even a tiny slap is too much when dealing with kids. What a load of crap. .. I think the violence and theft, with no care of the consequence is because (kids) don’t get smacked enough. And with lack of punishment due to ‘age’ AND there is talk about raising the age for re sponsibility of ‘juvies’. That’s bullshit. All that does is give young offenders ex tra years with no culpability.

Sorry lady Premier, you’ve lost my vote.

Noel, Cairns

Somebody has dumped a mat tress, pram & a scooter in Carkes Creek - stop illegal dumping, Janelle, Woree

School Savvy launch on anti-poverty week

CENTACARE FNQ has launched the 2023 Cairns School Savvy appeal during Anti-Poverty Week.

The School Savvy pop-up shop located at Savvy Com munity Hub, Ground Level Centacare FNQ Aplin Street, provides new and second-hand uniforms and school supplies for a gold coin donation.

Centacare FNQ will have five Skilling Queenslanders for Work trainees working within the School Savvy program this year. These trainees come from diverse, multicultural back grounds and offer great skills and experiences from different parts of the world: Ukraine, Papua New Guinea, Egypt, Japan, and Indonesia.

One of the trainees, Yana Nikolenko, who has a degree in Energy Engineering, is a recent arrival from Ukraine.

“I previously worked in fashion design and have two small children. I started my traineeship as I am interested in helping people,” Ms Nikolenko said.

Enoch Austin, whose family is from Papua New Guinea, started his traineeship to help his community.

“There are always people coming in from PNG, and they have a real need, and I have few friends with struggles,” Mr Austin said.

Nada, who arrived in Aus tralia from Egypt two years ago,

said she aimed to improve her skills through the traineeship.

“I loved getting this trainee ship as I was a pharmacy assistant, and I want to develop my business administration skills. I am very grateful as it is a golden opportunity to work at Centacare,” she said.

In addition to providing information and resources for parents, School Savvy offers an opportunity for learning and skill development in the retail trade for the team of Skilling Queenslanders for Work School Savvy Trainees.

“Australia is still reeling from the effects of the COV ID-19 pandemic,” Centacare FNQ & Catholic Early Learn ing Care Executive Director Anita Veivers said.

“The full effects of which

are now being seen; however, we do know that many people in our community continue to suffer with the increased cost of living and rising interest rates.”

The annual initiative, first developed in Cairns in 2016, would not be possible with out The St Vincent De Paul Society’s backing and support, that once again, partnered with Centacare.

The program has expanded to ten locations across Queens land, helping thousands of families get affordable school equipment to cover all of Queensland.

Centacare FNQ is calling on families and year 12 students to dig out the uniforms that their children have grown out of or have no further need for to put

them to good use by donat ing to the School Savvy FNQ Appeal.

Pre-loved and new uniforms and school supplies in good condition can be dropped off at Centacare FNQ in Aplin St, during business hours or at any local St Vincent De Paul outlets.

There will also be a location map on the Centacare FNQ Facebook page with all drop-off locations, including schools within the region.

Centacare FNQ is also call ing on local businesses to get on board either by donating funds towards School Savvy or unwanted quality stationery supplies such as pens, calcula tors, rulers etc., with all last year’s supporters already com mitted to this year’s appeal.

Gloria Jean’s returns to Cairns

A DRIVE-THRU Gloria Jean’s has come to Cairns, and the new menu is built specifically to bust hunger and quench thirst on the go with its all-day dining menu.

To celebrate the new drive thru store which opened on Thurs day, Gloria Jean’s Cairns is offering a buy one, get one free deal on all coffee orders across the opening week, plus for the first 2,500 coffee orders, 20c will be donated to pups in need at the Cairns Animal Rescue.

Gloria Jean’s Marketing Manager Amy Page said the new Cairns drive-thru and unique menu offering is a big change for Gloria Jean’s and one that is exciting for the brand.

“We understand how important a coffee can be for an instant pick me up, so we’re excited to be able to offer our much-loved coffee and all-day dining menu to the Cairns community in a way that puts convenience at the core,” Ms Page said.

“Our Cairns team has a strong connection to the Cairns Animal Rescue, so we’re proud to be able to support this local community group and the incredible work they do as part of our opening week celebrations in Cairns.” The new Gloria Jean’s Cairns store and drive-thru is located at the Mobil Service Station at 250 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt, and it is open from 5am to 5pm every day.

COUNCIL NEWS

Help shape the future of Cairns

Cairns is growing. Our population is expected to reach up to 265,000 by 2050. That’s around 100,000 more people than live here today!

By planning now for future growth, we can make the most of the opportunities that growth will bring, and protect and embrace what makes Cairns special. That’s why Council is developing the Towards 2050 Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy project.

We want everyone to help shape a growth strategy that’s right for all of us. Take our online survey to tell us what you love about Cairns and share your ideas for the future. Find out more at these events: n Saturday 22 October at Trash to Treasure Fair (Buy Back Shop, Portsmith)

n Sunday 23 October at Tanks Markets (Collins Avenue, Edge Hill)

n Saturday 29 October at Get Ready Emergency Services Day (Coordination Centre, Windarra Street Woree)

See more at the Towards 2050 website https://haveyoursay.cairns. qld.gov.au/towards2050

9am – 1pm at the Buy Back Shop Portsmith Transfer Station, 52 Lyons St.

workshops

face painting

Improvement works

Vulcan St, Aeroglen: Shoulder sealing. Temporary lane closures and access disruption.

Holloways Beach Access Road, Holloways Beach: Kerb and channel renewal. Temporary lane closures.

Redlynch Intake Rd, Redlynch: Pavement rehabilitation. Temporary lane closure.

James St, Manunda: Sewer main relining works. Temporary lane and road closures.

For a full list of works visit our website.

Get Ready Emergency Services Day

entertainment

You’re invited to come along to Council’s Get Ready Emergency Services Day on Saturday 29 October 2022 from 9am - 1pm at the Cairns Local Disaster Coordination Centre, Windarra St. Woree. Chat with emergency services crews and Council’s Disaster Management team and find out how to be prepared for the wet season.

CONGRATULATIONS to this happy couple who celebrated their wedding in style on the beach: Pictured are the bridal party, including, L-R Sok Mel, Darren Reyes, Amos Tafao, Best Man Owen Tomui, Groom Cee Trip Vui, Bride Morna Oakey, Merisane Oui, Alee Namok and Maid of Honour Latoya Bongaarts.

Centacare FNQ, School Savvy and Multicultural Ser vices Team Leader Leigh Pollard, with Skilling Queens landers for Work (SQW) School Savvy trainees Yumi Namba and Susanti Zetti, School Savvy Program Lead Kumi Millward, with SQW trainees Yana Nikolenko, and Enoch Austin at the School Savvy launch.

Coming to Douglas FM SoonGazza’s

Gossip

The Need For Volunteers EXPO..sed!

ON numerous occasions I have commented about the amazing work of volunteers in our communities. There’s no doubt that without these local heroes, many events and activities would simply not happen.

One very noticeable factor, as a result of the dreaded COVID so we are led to believe, is the sudden lack of workers available for paid jobs, with vacancy signs visible outside many establish ments.

In a similar way, since the pandemic, the number of people volunteering has dropped by 40 per cent.

To try and reverse this trend, the Douglas Grass + Roots Vol unteer Network is hosting a Volunteer Expo Day in George Davis Park, under the Raintrees, in Mossman.

This is the inaugural event and it will provide people with an opportunity to learn more about different organisations and to promote the benefits of volunteering.

Saturday is also Market Day in Mossman, so the team are hop ing that locals will drift across to find out more, plus enjoy some music, family entertainment and giveaways.

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about the Care Army and now across Queensland, organisations and communities with volunteers are collaborating to build on the success of that initial venture.

Tanya Morris is a Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Worker based in the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre. Her role includes identifying local organisations that involve volun teers and helping to match the correct people to them. Tanya also provides overall support and advice to volunteer organisations for capacity building and the best practice relating to volunteer management.

She is currently working with the Douglas Shire Council to launch the Douglas Grass + Roots Volunteer Network which is an initiative of the Council, Volunteering Queensland and the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre.

The aim of this network is to help connect volunteer organisa tions, whilst empowering them in terms of initial recruitment, plus assistance in retaining and managing volunteers. Basically, it is all about getting the right people in the right job.

The Douglas Grass + Roots Volunteer Network held a launch event recently, which brought together volunteer involving organisations and the community to engage and network. It also highlighted the volunteering opportunities currently available.

The upcoming Mossman Expo will have volunteer organisation stalls, live entertainment, plus some games and challenges for the attendees throughout the day… there’s even a show for our fourlegged friends with proceeds going to Paw ‘N’ Claws Refuge.

Volunteer involving organisations and individuals keen to do their bit are welcome to drop into the Port Douglas Neighbour hood Centre and meet Tanya. Of course, she and the rest of the Douglas Grass + Roots Volunteer Network would love to see you at the George Davis Park Expo on Saturday October 29th from 9am.

I’m off to mark it in my calendar, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

NOW OPEN

NEW SHOWROOM INVITES CAIRNS TO EXPERIENCE COMFORT

BRUCE Simpson is synonymous with quality furniture. Whether you’ve purchased a bed from Forty Winks, or a lounge from Style N’ Leather, there’s no disputing his unwavering commitment to comfort and durability. With nearly 40 years in the business, Bruce and his family are opening their most exquisite showroom to date - Style N’ Furniture, located on Sheridan Street. Showcas ing their devotion to high-quality, stylish lounges and chairs, the showroom is a labour of love for the Simpson family.

“Time after time, I would hear locals com plaining that there was nowhere for them to go to find better quality lounges that last and I personally wanted to do something different. Once we found this location, my son and I built the showroom ourselves over a period of twelve months,” Mr Simpson said.

“I handpicked manufacturers I know and trust to provide the lumbar support our bodies need, especially as we get older. One of our interna tional brands is so blown away by what we’ve done here, that they’ve nominated us for the company’s international award for ‘Best Store Presentation’. I’ve always aimed to be the best furniture store in Cairns, and even Australia, but for global recognition, that really says something about what we’ve achieved,’’ he said.

The showroom is designed to allow visitors to experience comfort in a range of different lounge settings. Complemented with local art provided by Cairns artist Petra Meikle de Vlas and flowers that are grown in the garden found at

the store, the showroom is a homage to design and comfort.

“Since opening my first store in Cairns in 1984, I’ve learned a thing or two about quality furniture. Furniture that is stylish, durable and offers flawless support, always stands the test of time. Style ‘N’ Furniture was created to provide the Cairns community, with the finest furniture from trusted brands such as Stress less and Molmic,” Mr Simpson said.

“The carefully crafted showroom showcases lounges and chairs for those seeking some thing special and I invite you to explore and experience comfort in-store.’’ he said. The Style N’ Furniture showroom is now open and located on 146 Sheridan Street.

Owner Bruce Simpson

Neo-classical architect

By Maria Larkins

NEW ZEALAND born architect, Mr. Richard Hill, was 38 years of age when he went into practice from the AMP Chambers in Cairns on February 25, 1922.

One of his first clients was a Greek café owner, Mr. George Blessas. The brief was to design six shops in reinforced concrete for a site in Shields Street. The successful tenderer was Mr. T. B. O’Meara.

In March 1923, photographer, A. Chargois, engaged Hill to design new business premises in reinforced concrete for him on Lake Street. Other projects in Lake Street that year included three new residences for private clients and business premises for Messrs. Woodward and Calder.

In 1924 he would work as a joint architect on several projects including the Church of St John in Cairns with Spain and Cosh (Sydney), and the very impressive National Bank of Australasia

Limited on the corner of Spence and Lake Streets with Lange L. Powell (Brisbane).

As a solo architect he designed a convent at Babinda, a shop in Spence Street for A. J. Draper, and a Hotel in Innisfail for Mrs. J. Tam Sie. He would be joint architect with H. R. Lawrence and T. M. W. Lordan for the design of a two-storey hotel on the corner of Abbott and Wharf Streets for P. J. Doyle Pty Ltd in September 1925 (the Barrier Reef Hotel).

On October 30, 1925, it was reported that two fine new buildings were on Hill’s drawing board. The first was an impos ing three-storey structure with a Neo-classical Greek façade. The other building was for Mr. W. Keeble, also of an attractive decorative design. There would be a shop at ground level with cut-back windows and cantilevered verandah. The façade of the second storey featured two pilasters and a balcony in the centre.

In partnership with Arthur John Henry Taylor from 1927, Hill succeeded in obtaining commissions for the Cairns Masonic Temple on the corner or Minnie and Grafton Streets and in 1929 the new building for Cairns City Council. The imposing structure dominated the streetscape with its classical façade composed of eight Ionic columns flanked by two pilasters.

Hill and Taylor invited tenders for additions to the School of Arts building in 1932. They were also engaged to remodel the interior of the Central Hotel at a cost of £20,000. A feature of the renovation project was the installation of a roof garden. The new lounge and dining room were officially opened with a dinner dance in August 1938.

Sources: TROVE; State Library of Queensland (SLQ); “Designing for the Tropics: The Architectural Legacy of Richard Hill and Arthur Taylor” by L. & P. Griggs, 2018.

National Bank of Australasia, courtesy SLQ.

Architect’s render of the new council offices, courtesy SLQ.

Richard Hill, architect, courtesy SLQ.

PORT

NORMALISATION UPDATE

THE normalisation of Port Hinchin brook is progressing with Cassowary Coast Regional Council focusing on a number of important projects across the suburb.

The broader project has seen Coun cil acquire road, sewage, open space, stormwater and water assets within Port Hinchinbrook.

Council is working to maintain, renew and upgrade this infrastructure in line with Council’s current service standards across the region.

Major projects within Port Hinchin brook include the design and construc tion of the Cardwell Sewage Treatment

Plant (STP) and the emergency dredg ing of One Mile Creek. Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said Council is committed to the normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook and delivering works to a high standard for the Cardwell community.

“Council will ensure through the normalisation that Port Hinchinbrook reaches its full potential as the south ern jewel of the Cassowary Coast and is looking forward to reinvigorating the suburb.

“These projects we believe will install confidence in the community and investors, further grow the tourism

WHAT’S ON

reputation of the area and drive the local economy,” said Mayor Nolan.

Council has reached a significant milestone in the Cardwell Sewage Treatment Plant project with the detailed design complete and released to market seeking suitably qualified contractors to deliver this key infra structure.

Council anticipates considering contract award in November 2022. To provide for the operation of the new STP an application for an Environmen tal Authority was submitted in early September and is progressing toward approval.

The Environmental Authority allows Council to operate the sewage system and provide services to the Port Hinchinbrook community whilst com plying with legislative requirements. The emergency dredging of One Mile Creek is progressing with draft agreements provided to the Liquidator for access to dredge spoil ponds and approval to operate under the existing dredging permits.

Once negotiations have been fi nalised an open tender will be under taken to award the project for delivery.

Council anticipates that works will commence early in 2023.

1300 763 903 or via email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Port Hinchinbrook

One Coast - Cassowary

WALKING and biking are some of the most environmentally-friendly ways to explore and travel your area and pathways have been identified as a key priority for our community dur ing the recent community scorecard.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is seeking feedback on a proposed plan to install a new shared path along the Wongaling Beach forefront.

Division Three Councillor Trudy Tschui said that the project proposes to construct a new shared path, approximately 534 metres long, along Banfield Parade.

“The project, once delivered, will connect existing pathway infrastructure to improve con nectivity and to help encourage residents and visitors to enjoy our natural areas and explore Mission Beach by wheels or on foot.

“Our environment has been a key factor during planning and as part of the planning pro cess, Council completed environmental surveys to inform the project design and help ensure environmental impacts are minimised as much as possible.

Cr Tschui said that the proposed plan incorporates the existing trees and proposes to undertake only minor vegetation trimming to allow for construction activities to occur.

The project is currently unfunded for construction and Council will seek opportunities for funding once detailed design is complete.

Have your say and provide feedback on the proposed plan. Interested parties can have their say to Council by calling 1300 763 903 or by visiting: www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/banfield-parade-pathway

BINGIL BAY PATHWAY PROJECT UPDATE ONE

IN an exciting next step for the project, Cassowary Coast Regional Council has invited tenders for the construction of the Bingil Bay pathway. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in late 2022. Council committed to providing key project updates to the Bingil Bay community at the September Community meeting. As a result, interested stakeholders are encouraged to visit yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/bingil-bay-pathway to register

their interest in receiving these updates.

This project is funded as part of the Australian Government’s $3 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

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

DALRYMPLE ESPLANADE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION UPDATE

COMMUNITY consultation for the Dalrym ple Esplanade Project recently concluded with an overwhelmingly positive response for Council’s proposed plan.

The proposed plan aims to revitalise the current waterfront pathway, improve acces sibility and upgrade facilities, including wa ter bubblers and seating, to create a space for locals and visitors to jog, walk and play.

Majority of the feedback collected over the four week period, was from residents located in East Innisfail, aged 50+ who use the pathway weekly. Respondent’s also provided key insights into the most common activity uses for the path.The most common uses identified were walking and cycling, aligning strongly with Stage One’s prefer ence to prioritise construction of a new path that can accommodate these activities.

Over 92% of respondents were in favour of the plan, submitting positive, constructive feedback. Majority of respondents agreed with the Council’s proposed realignment of the shared path, to take advantage of riverfront views. Respondents also noted

that five car parks would be sufficient for future staged works and that the provision of covered seating was highly desirable by the community.

Vegetation clearing is not planned as part of these works with the design accom modating existing green assets. Removal of existing infrastructure is to be considered through the project where practical.

Council has secured funding for Stage One of the project under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Detailed design for Stage One will proceed with the aim to have construction of the new pathway com pleted in the 2022/23 financial year. Future stages of the project will be shaped by the feedback received by Council.

Council would like to thank all respond ents for submitting their feedback to support the creation of this picturesque scenic link in Innisfail.

To have your say on current and future Council projects, visit: www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Dalrymple Esplanade

One Coast - Cassowary

RADF FUNDING COMMITTED TO BOOSTING CASSOWARY COAST CREATIVES

THE Cassowary Coast region is rich in creativity with inspiration coming from the culturally diverse people and our region’s unique environment. Creativity joins and powers our communities by improving our wellbeing, health, connections and provides opportunities for cultural tourism that feeds creative industry development.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland and Cassowary Coast Regional Council to support local arts and culture in the Cassowary Coast region. Individuals or groups in the Cassowary Coast can benefit from up to $5000 in funding to help boost their arts and cultural project.

The community is encouraged to apply for funding as it provides engaging and exciting opportunities for established and emerging artists. Previously, successful funding recipients have experienced growth within their art and creative career and have been exposed to additional opportunities.

The 2022-2023 RADF grants program will be delivered in rounds.

Round One Opens on Friday, 28 October 2022.

Closes Monday 28 November 2022 and will be awarded January 2023.

Round Two Opens on Friday, 3 March 2023.

Closes Monday 3 April, 2023 and will be awarded May 2023.

Council will be holding community information sessions for interested community members to seek help regarding their applications or be shown the online platform SmartyGrants. Session times are as follows: Mission Beach Library

• Thursday 20 October, 10am - 12pm

• Friday 28 October, 1pm - 3pm

Innisfail Library

• Monday 24 October, 10am - 12pm

• Monday 24 October, 1pm - 3pm

Tully Library

• Tuesday 25 October, 9am - 11am Wednesday 26 October,1pm - 3pm

Cardwell Library

• Thursday 27 October 9:30am – 1:30pm

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration, the Queensland Government will provide $2.13 million for RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 local councils, who will contribute a coinvestment amount of over $1.9 million

“Established in 1991, RADF is a long-standing success story between the Queensland Government and regional councils, enabling local artists and arts workers to tell their rich and unique stories, boosting regional employment opportunities and other positive economic outcomes,” Minister Enoch said.

For more information on RADF funding and applications, please visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/our-community/funding-grants.

GET READY ON THE CASSOWARY COAST

THIS week is Get Ready Queensland Week which means it’s time for our com munity to Get Ready for the upcoming severe weather season.

Cassowary Coast Re gional Council Mayor and Disaster Committee Chair Mark Nolan said as part of preparing for cyclone and storm season, Council is asking residents to do their part to Get Ready.

“It’s not only your property you need to prepare, but it’s also important to remember

that items left on the beach and foreshore have the potential to become flying missiles during a high wind event.

“Council is asking residents to remove loose items, such as chairs and tables from our beaches and foreshore areas in preparation for the upcom ing storm season. Remem ber, once the wet weather event starts, it’s too late for action.”

“Councillor Nolan said that when visiting our beautiful

World Heritage areas, it’s best to remember to only leave our footprints behind. As nice as it is to enjoy the beach, we ask that you take your items to be beach, en joy your time there and then take your items home with you when you leave.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – get ready now.

For more information on how to Get Ready, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au/ or contact Council on 1300 763 903 or via email enquiries@ ccrc.qld.gov.au.

TAKE A LOOK: MISSION BEACH TRANSFER STATION OPEN DAY

AFTER extensive renovations, the Mission Beach Waste Transfer Station is back in full operation. To celebrate, the community is invited to join Council for a facility open day.

Mission Beach Transfer Station will hold its community open day on Saturday 5 November 2022, between 1:30pm – 3:30pm. The community is encouraged to come down for a look and enjoy a free sausage sizzle on the day. Enclosed shoes must be worn at all times when attending the facility.

Council team members will be on site to show interested community members around the upgraded facility and explain what services are now offered, including the new

and improved recycling zones and tip shop area. In line with Council‘s goal of reaching a recycling rate of 60% by 2025, Council will continue to offer the buyback shop as it is a great way to divert items from landfill.

Portfolio Holder for Waste Management and Innovation, Councillor Teresa Millwood would like to congratulate the local contractor Alan Sultana Construction for their efforts during the upgrade and thank the Mission Beach commu nity for their patience during these important works.

For further information regarding waste transfer stations in the region visit : www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/transfer-stations.

BOOK YOUR COUNCILLOR CATCH-UP TODAY

you know your

is available

matters that are important to you?

and

All Councillors are available upon appointment and can be contacted by phone or email.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a casual chat, you can drop into one of the below sessions – no appoint ments required:

• Councillor Jeff Baines

28 October 2022 9:00am

12:00pm

Meeting Room Three, Innisfail Shire Hall.

• Councillor Barry Barnes

31 October 2022 3:00pm

5:00pm

Cardwell Library.

• Councillor Renee McLeod

18 November 2022 10:00am

2:00pm

Australian Sugar Heritage Centre.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,

- 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm

• Councillor Trudy Tschui

28 November 2022 12:30pm

Mission Beach Library and 28 November 2022 3:00pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

Kurrimine Beach Progress Hall.

• Councillor Nick Pervan – contact any time.

• Councillor Teresa Millwood

contact any time.

• Mayor Mark Nolan – contact any time.

To find more information on your Councillor and their contact details visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/councillors.

Cassowary

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

Centre, 38-40 Bryant St. Tully Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Cardwell Library, 4 Balliol St. Cardwell Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

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

Community

Tips on choosing the right mechanic for

and your vehicle

THOUGH it’s important to get good value for money, when it comes to servicing your car, choosing the right mechanic is of vital importance. Finding a good and reputable mechanic should be your primary focus.

However, with hundreds of car mechanics to choose from, making the ideal decision isn’t always easy: here are some simple tips to help find one perfectly suited to your needs while making sure you get the best job done right at the best price available.

Your mechanic should be professionally qualified with a great deal of experience in of fering numerous and compre hensive industry leading car services. Staying safe on our roads is more important than ever these days, so utilising the services of a qualified me chanic will help keep your car in optimum condition.

Look to both your friends and relatives for a good source of information, they can be of great assistance when it comes

to finding a reliable and trusted mechanic you can count on. One of the most effective mar keting tools any business has available to them is positive word of mouth.

When someone you know and trust personally gives you a recommendation, you could well be on the way to choosing the right mechanic for you and your vehicle.

Money matters and the cost of repairs is always an incredibly important factor to consider. As such, a good car mechanic will always make sure that you are provided with a schedule of labour charges before they start working.

Knowing their hourly rate is a great way to start comparing mechanics and assessing your options – however, you should also enquire about the final cost of repair and replacement parts prior to making your choice.

Take your time, use these tips and you’ll surely find the right mechanic for you.

Cairns Local News would like to thank all those who participated in this impor tant feature and helped us to donate approximately $3000 in cash and in kind support to COUCH and the McGrath Foundation. We would also like to thank Cairns Busi ness Womens Club who also raised over $4000 via their events.

Without their support, critical information could not be shared and many more brave women and men may not get the help they deserve.

Breast Cancer Awareness

KAREN always has the positive energy necessary to go through every challenge, including breast cancer.

Ms Mounsey has battled breast cancer and has continued to support other people living with cancer through her own journey.

“Breast cancer is quite preva lent from a cancer diagnosis point of view,” she said.

“For the community, any awareness regarding breast cancer, profiling it and engag ing with it can give someone information.

“At the Cairns Business Women Luncheon last Friday, I asked people who have been af fected by breast cancer to raise their hands, and around 75% of the room raised their hands.

“Awareness around breast cancer is important because it touches many people.”

Ms Mounsey said that de spite all the struggles, she feels lucky to have privileged access to health services and a strong support network.

“I feel quite lucky and privi leged in having access to the health system here,” she said.

“Health is like car main tenance, I always get my women’s checks regularly, and I got my regular mammogram; they called me back and said there was a lump.

“When they screened further,

they found another lump, the diagnosis came back as Stage III, and I had the HER2 positive protein, which means that your body promotes the growth of cancer cells.”

Determined not to let cancer bring her down, she document ed her treatment on Facebook and started wearing costumes for every chemo session.

“It was all for my emotional well-being,” Ms Mounsey said.

“And every outfit I wore had a connection to someone in my emotional support network.

“I was relatively calm after my diagnosis, and my thoughts were – bring it on; I’m going to enjoy the ride no matter where it takes me.”

Ms Mounsey kept facing the challenges day by day with emotional support and a sense of humour.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ms Mounsey wants to remind people going through breast cancer that all of their testimonies and experiences are unique.

“Everyone is different, and all experiences are different, and that’s ok,” she said.

“It’s ok for you and the peo ple around you to experience the process differently.

“And remember to check yourself and see if you’re eligible for your two yearly mammograms.”

Local breast cancer patients benefitting from tattoo-free radiation therapy

BREAST cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Far North Queensland, affecting more than 180 people yearly.

For many of these patients, the need for permanent tat toos as part of their radiation therapy treatment can become an unwelcome daily reminder of their cancer.

Traditional radiation therapy for breast cancer requires pa tients to receive small but permanent chest tattoos. These tattoos help the radiation therapist position the patient correctly and deliver treatment to the correct location.

A year after the opening of Icon Cancer Centre Cairns, lo cal patients are now benefiting from state-of-the-art treatment using Varian’s IDENTIFY™ Surface Guidance System. This advanced technology delivers

highly accurate radiation treat ment without needing perma nent tattoo marks.

61-year-old Kewarra Beach local Kellyann Kapernick was first diagnosed with breast can cer in December of 2021 fol lowing a routine mammogram. Her main concern when hearing the news was telling her sons and loved ones.

“I wanted them to know about it before Christmas, especially because cancer has impacted our family in the past,” Ms Kapernick said.

“My mum was diagnosed with both vaginal and breast cancer in the same week and passed away from her condi tions, and my two best friends also passed from breast cancer.”

Ms Kapernick was referred to Icon Cancer Centre Cairns for six weeks of radiation therapy treatment using the Var ian IDENTIFY system.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Ms Ka pernick wants to share her story of how being able to avoid permanent tattoos made things less stressful while preparing for her treatment.

“It’s one less thing to worry about,” she said.

“Many women are fearful of

getting tattoos, and the lasting reminders can be upsetting once treatment ends.

“To be able to avoid the invasiveness of being tattooed while having the opportunity to receive highly-targeted treat ment for my cancer gives me peace of mind.”

Icon Cancer Centre Cairns is the first in the Asia-Pacific region to treat patients with the Varian IDENTIFY system.

Radiation Oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre Cairns, Dr Ariyanto Pramana, said the centre is focused on continu ously improving the treatment experience for local breast cancer patients.

“At Icon Cairns, we are dedicated to supporting our patients both during their treat ment and beyond,” Dr Pramana said.

“This innovative system gives women a choice and supports our commitment to of fering state-of-the-art treatment options for our community and empowers local women with access to the full breadth of cutting-edge radiation therapy treatment.”

For more information about Icon Cancer Centre Cairns, visit: https://bit.ly/3saUJcm

Proudly supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Karen Mounsey

Proudly supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“BREAST Cancer Awareness Month should be every month,” said breast cancer survivor Amanda O’Shea.

Ms O’Shea is a fierce advo cate for breast cancer aware ness and a survivor of breast cancer herself. Her goal is to educate and encourage people through her lived experience.

Ms O’Shea is also the Com munity Engagement Officer for COUCH; after being a COUCH client, she found a calling to support people living with cancer the way the charity does, and she has not looked back since.

In 2020 Ms O’Shea was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, and within three weeks, she had already started chemo therapy; what proceeded were 14 months of intense treat ments, from chemotherapy to surgery, to radiotherapy.

“One day, I woke up with one huge, red, swollen boob, and it was a sign of my body telling me that something was really wrong; I had no telltale signs before that,” she said.

“It was about 14 months of a treatment plan, and I was basi cally fighting for my life.”

The impact went beyond the physical pain and exhaus

tion; the mental and emotional distress is one of the biggest challenges, and Ms O’Shea highlighted the importance of having a solid support system.

“In my case, I felt like at mo ments I was the tissue-holder for everybody else,” she said.

“I had a great support system around me; my husband, we’ve been together for 20 years, he was on board from the get-go; I have some amazing friends here in Cairns, and they were always there for whatever I needed.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Ms O’Shea repre sents a time for education and self-awareness.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month allows us to educate and raise awareness on how impor tant it is to listen to your body and speak up when something doesn’t feel right,” she said.

“You are your best advocate, so you need to make time every month to check your breasts.

“You start a new month, then use that day to check your boobs and learn how to do it properly because you are your own person and can identify when things in your body are changing.

“When you notice some thing, don’t wait; get it checked.”

Ms O’Shea’s goal is to keep using her lived experience with breast cancer and approach the health service providers that supported her in her journey and connect them to the ser vices offered in COUCH to cre ate a partnership where medical treatment and wellness unite in benefit of cancer patients.

Richard Shaw

BREAST cancer can affect anyone, not only the patients but also their families.

For COUCH Wellness Cen tre volunteer Richard Shaw, October is not just any other month; October is a month of remembrance and advocacy for breast cancer patients, their families and those who have lost someone because of it.

Mr Shaw lost his wife, Amanda Jessop-Shaw, after a brave battle with breast cancer in 2019, and he has been advocating and educating ever since.

As a volunteer, he offers a free lawn-mowing service and other support for people un dergoing cancer treatment and spouses and family members who have lost their significant others to cancer.

Mr Shaw also turned his hobby, rowing, into an op portunity to continue raising awareness for breast cancer and to honour his wife.

As a member of the Cairns Rowing Club, Mr Shaw com missioned a pink rowboat named after his wife to do an annual fundraising row

for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This year’s row is happen ing today at 5pm from the Esplanade.

Mr Shaw said it was crucial to have a month to raise aware ness for breast cancer.

“So many people are affected by breast cancer, not only women but also men,” he said.

“That’s also why I support a charity like COUCH, because it’s local, and it can provide real support to people affected by cancer.”

For this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mr Shaw wants to remind everyone, man or woman, to get checked.

“Get your checks done; it’s the most important thing,” he said.

“Get them done, and if you find something, seek medical assistance immediately.”

As Mr Shaw prepares for his annual fundraising row this year, he is convinced every day is an opportunity to continue to advocate for awareness, educa tion, and research for breast cancer.

“This cause is very close to me, and it’s something I’m very passionate about,” he said.

Amanda O’Shea

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022

Pushing through the challenges

By Maria Larkins

WHEN she received the diag nosis of an aggressive breast cancer on her 38th birthday in June 2021, Pamela Campusano Vallejos was determined to push through.

While she endured months of extensive chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treat ment, Pamela was concerned how all the changes in her life were affecting young daughter, Matilda, who had just started Primary School.

“We were very honest with Matilda from day one. We told her, it’s a terrible disease, but we can fight it. We told her that cancer hates kisses and hugs. We said every time she gave me kisses and hugs, that she was helping me to fight cancer. She took it very seriously!,” Pamela said.

Still concerned about Matilda’s welfare, Pamela was relieved when staff at St Joseph’s School in Paramatta Park, agreed to watch her for any signs of stress.

The brave mum, armed with lots of hugs and kisses, still wanted to ensure the youngster had enough help

and resources. When Pamela’s cancer nurse told her about the Camp Quality school program, she worked with St Joseph’s School to arrange for the Camp Quality Puppets to visit.

The puppets presented a fun, interactive and educational show to dispel myths about cancer and help create an inclusive and supportive com munity for children who have been diagnosed with cancer, or who have a parent or sibling undergoing cancer treatment.

Since completing cancer treatment, Pamela and Matilda have competed in two fun runs together. The first was the COUCH 5km run in Cairns.

“It was a massive achieve ment for me to walk 5km. We did the walk wearing pink tutus to raise awareness about breast cancer in young women,” Pamela said.

Pamela and Matilda moved to Adelaide to be closer to Pamela’s extended family and four weeks ago competed in the 6km City to Bay event there.

Pamela and Matilda were joined by a crew of ten sup

porters also wearing pink tutus in that event.

She raised $1,689 for the McGrath Foundation, just short of her $1,800 goal. Any one wishing to donate should visit her fundraising page: https://bit.ly/3VJkm1u

The McGrath Foundation has a goal to raise enough funds to have 250 breast can cer nurses by 2025.

“I had a fantastic experience with my breast cancer nurse, Kate Tracey, and I genuinely believe nobody should go through breast cancer without the care and support of a breast cancer nurse,” she said.

In addition to providing Pamela with practical and emotional support, the nurse also ensured she was aware of resources such as the Camp Quality school program.

“Kate was there through my diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Now that I have moved to Adelaide, she is still in touch with me, making sure the transition from QLD health to SA health is seamless,” Pamela said.

For all your real estate needs contact Sharon today.

Proudly Suppor�ng Breast Cancer Awareness.

Gordonvale

Pamela and Matilda at the COUCH marathon in Cairns earlier this year.

Mother and daughter with their medals from the City to Bay marathon in Adelaide last month.

Sat October 22, 2022 @ 7:30pm-10:00pm

Fri October 21, 2022 @ 7:30pm-9:00pm

Based

Cost: From

Venue

Sat October 22, 2022 @ 9:00am-12:00pm

Pride Clothes Swap – Cairns

Are you from

Queer,

Queensland

Bisexual, Trans, Gender Diverse, Non-Binary,

communities?

and

Come along to try out vintage and pre-loved clothes!

Thanks to the work of Queer Cairns Fundraising, their volunteers and

Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Gender Diverse,

and Brotherboy communities bring you a day where you can clothes swap in a safe and secure location.

If you or someone you know wants to try on something new, that is pre-loved for re-love, or come along.

Disability access and safe and secure change rooms available throughout the day.

Info and to donate: cairnspridefestival@gmail.com

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Kevin Hazell & Dr LuvTableland Folk Festival, 12:00pm

Lexi and Waha - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4:00pm

Silver Fox Jazz Band - Chill

@ Portifino, 6:00pm

Wind and Wood - Tableland Folk Festival, 6:00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - O’Donnells Café Palm Cove, 6:00pm

Cameron Cusack and Anais Campbell - Tanks Arts Centre, 6:30pm

Fingerprint - Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm

Barbary Coasters - Centrals

Trinity Sporting Club, 7:30pm

Infinity Duo - Brothers Leagues Club, 7:30pm

Christina Ukulele - Cotton Club, 7:30pm

Ian Date - The Jazz Sanctuary, 8:00pm

Shirley Lynn - Cofee and Clay Café, Tableland Folk Festival, 8:30pm

Sanchez - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

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

The Love Handles - Tuskers Tuckerbox, 5:30pm

Yaps Trivia Night - Centrals Trinity Sporting Club, 6:00pm

Infinity Duo - Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm

Vika and Linda - Tanks Arts Centre, 6:30pm

Mark Burton - Atherton International Club, 6:30pm

Circus Carnivale - CPAC Studio, 7:00pm

Antonio and Kate Villano - Kewarra Beach Shack, 7:00pm

Rockaria - The ELO Experience - CPAC Theatre, 7:30pm

Tinderbox - Elixir Music Bar, 7:30pm

Russell Harris - German Club Cairns, 8:00pm

Ian Date & JC Stylles - The Jazz Sanctuary, 8:00pm Big Noise - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm

DjGlennW - Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium, 11:30am

AfterFX - Mountain View Hotel, 12:00pm

Bad Boys of Uke - Barron Falls Hotel, Kuranda, 1:00pm

Shirley Lynn - Little Eden, Tableland Folk Festival, 1:15pm

Dazz & the BoyzzNeptunes, Palm Cove, 2:00pm

SAX MAN Troy StevensChill @ Portofino, 2:00pm

Carruthers & Others, Jazz Funk Quartet - Barrier Reef Hotel, 2:00pm

Mickey T - O’Donnells Café Palm Cove, 2:30pm

Barbary Coasters - Yorkeys Knob Hotel, 3:00pm

Groove Therapy - Hidden@ Yorkeys, 3:00pm

Tanya Murphy - Kewarra Beach Shack, 4:30pm

Shmoné - Elixir Music Bar, 6:00pm

Kaweyova - Bar 36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Our

Diners

Book

Cairns Performing

Circus

Cairns Performing

Thu

The

ENTERTAINMENT

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

JUTE’s culturally diverse tale, I is Maggie, narrates with grace and heart the story of one Thai immigrant while raising its voice for all minorities and immigrants in the region.

As an immigrant and member of a culturally diverse community myself, I may be biased, but Dennis McIntosh and Saengthien Klamkaew’s ‘I is Maggie’ was an extraor dinary play that speaks, yells and sings for those who do not have a voice, and it does it with such power and such tenderness at the same time.

I laughed, I cried, I felt seen as I had never before in the theatre since arriving in this country, but I know that even if you are a local, you can still relate to Maggie, superbly interpreted by Tivy Siripanich, her youthful and infectious optimism but also her strug gles because in the end, her experience is so human and universal.

A Thai woman living in Aus tralia, Maggie has just gotten a job at an industrial laundry ser vicing luxury hotels in FNQ. She is excited about this new beginning and is motivated to become the best worker and earn some overtime to send back money to her family in

Thailand.

‘I is Maggie’ an emotional journey Cairns celebrates Seniors Month

Reality hits Maggie as she realises that conditions at work are less than optimal; there’s constant discrimination and ex ploitative practices. The story unfolds as Maggie decides that things will be different for her, so her battle begins.

The cast was terrific; I also tip my hat to Bodelle De Ron de as Noong and Susan Price as Ruth for being such compel ling characters, so flawed yet so human, but everyone suited their role perfectly, and Siri panich’s Maggie is hilarious, lovable and unapologetically her.

The script was funny and witty but also touching and solemn; it was refreshing to see such a diverse cast, to have the opportunity to enjoy a dif ferent language on stage, and to witness the little nuances and details that make part of Thai culture.

Throughout the play, there are many memorable moments (I cried in a couple of these), like the ‘I is Maggie’ mono logue and Noong’s breakdown scene at the factory. These moments helped flesh out the characters, gave them depth and made them relatable.

Fans of the theatre will also

fall in love with the set, which captured the feel of an indus trial laundry factory so well, its chaos, machinery and the over all environment, which helps your imagination paint even more colours and scenarios.

One thing that I found quite exciting was that not only the cast but also the creative team was so diverse.

This story was about Thai culture and was told by a Thai playwright (Saengthien Klamkaew), directed by a Thai director (Pranchalee Khajai), and interpreted by Thai actors (Tivy Siripanich and Bodelle de Ronde). It is empowering knowing that the owners of these stories and their culture get to narrate it their way.

So if you are visiting Cairns, if you are a local, or if you belong to a culturally diverse community, come and enjoy I is Maggie; this play is not selfish; it welcomes everyone with its relatable characters, charming and witty narrative and touching story that will give you an insight into the immigrant’s experience in Australia.

For more information and tickets to I is Maggie at Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre, visit https://jute.com.au/

THE Cairns and District Senior Citizen Association (CDSCA) is celebrating Seniors Month this October with a series of events that aim to connect and offer spaces of wellbeing and entertainment for senior citizens.

During this Seniors Month CDSCA wants to create more connections within the senior citizens with more inclusive and accessible events that will enable them to be physically active and improve their men tal wellbeing.

Through these events CD SCA also aims to create more opportunities for older Queens landers to learn digital literacy and continue learning through community education.

Senior Citizens Cairns

received two grants for to cel ebrate Seniors Week 2022:

1. Good Things Founda tion and Be Connected: On October 19. This was a free event in collaboration Nancy Johns from Digital Inclusion to learn or update sneiors’ skills with email, websites or Facebook.

2. Council of the Aged (COTA): “Drink Tea and Watch Tea Grow” on Oc tober 28, 2022. Departing from 271 Gatton Street at 8:30am participants can enjoy a visit to the Nerada Tea Estate, Australia’s first tea processing factory and the largest supplier of Aus tralian tea. The cost of the event is $25 for member and $30 for non-members.

And the celebration contin ues as president of the CD SCA, Alison Worrell has been acknowledged by the Council of the Aged and Probus South Pacific in support of Queens land Seniors Month in recogni tion of the important work she has undertaken through the CDSCA in addressing social isolation and community con nections for older people.

In recognition of her efforts, Ms Worrell was invited to Gov ernment House to meet with the hon. Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland today.

For more information on Cairns and District Senior Citizen Association, visit: www.cairnsseniors.com.au

SENIORS MONTH OCTOBER 2022 “A CUP OF

and

TEA GROW”

Get puzzled by .

Puzzle Solutions

WORD

You may find it impossible to get the rest you require. Don’t let peers distract you or push their work your way. Your fickle nature may cause jealousy. You have so much to offer; open up and let your thoughts be known.

Don’t let them blame you. Don’t avoid your true feelings. It is time to clear your decks. Be aware of any emotional deception. Do not sign legal contracts or documents this week.

If you can’t trust someone, question the connection. You should sign up for creative courses. Concentrate on your work. You are best to do something energetic with friends instead. Your ideas can be put into action.

If you haven’t already, consider starting your own business. You will meet new romantic partners through the company you keep. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You may become rundown if you take on too much.

You can pick up information that will give you an edge. Do yourself a favour and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if possible. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you.

Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on. Travel could include delays and other minor problems. Make alternate plans just in case you need to make a career shift.

Someone envious of your popularity may challenge you to a debate. Don’t hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. Your mate may be distressed if you refuse to make a commitment. Focus your efforts on details and keep to yourself to finish your work.

Don’t let your stubborn nature get the better of you. Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. Make amends by taking them somewhere special. Look into alternatives that would suit your needs.

Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups this week. You should not get involved in joint ventures. Your words will be taken out of context if you’re evasive with co-workers.

Don’t try to hide your true feelings from your mate. Be sure to catch up on overdue correspondence and help those you love find solutions to their dilemmas. You may have a problem dealing with elders. Take time to deal with authority figures or government agencies.

You may have a problem with someone you live with if you don’t include them in your gathering. Organize your day well if you wish to accomplish all you set out to do. You can expect opposition from family as well as colleagues. Opportunities for romance are present.

wood, metal, or similar material (6)

26. an ornate sleeveless outer vestment worn by a Catholic or High Anglican priest when celebrating Mass (8)

27. one’s outstanding personal quality or achievement. (4,4)

28. the office or period of office of an abbot or abbess (6)

DOWN

1. a large Eurasian maple with winged fruits, native to central and southern Europe (8)

2. a high, soft boot that is worn in the American Arctic, tradition ally made from sealskin (6)

3. a cruel and oppressive ruler (6)

4. an edible bivalve mollusc with a ribbed fan-shaped shell (7)

5. a disease causing inflamma tion of the nerves and heart failure, ascribed to a deficiency of vitamin B1 (8)

6. a service of evening prayers, psalms, and canticles (8)

7. banded ornamental stones consisting of a hard variety of quartz (6)

15. the extent to which something deals with something else (8)

16. a chemical residue (8)

18. the part of the mane of a horse, which hangs down over the forehead (8)

19. pieces of waste material that is left behind after cutting a larger piece (7)

21. a pot with a handle, spout, and lid, in which tea is brewed (6)

23. a short, wide strip of fabric worn tucked inside an open-necked shirt (6)

plump and rounded (6)

Cairns builders and designers recognised

CAIRNS builder Ash Moseley Homes was awarded the coveted HIA Cairns Home of the Year for an impressive hillside luxury home in Mooroo bool at the 2022 HIA-Pioneer North Queensland Cairns Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.

The stunning four-bedroom family home takes full advantage of its posi tion, with generous amounts of glass capturing panoramic city views and glimpses of lush rainforest.

Separate levels create an undulating and stepped feel across the residence, while a skillion roofline adds volume and space.

HIA Cairns Home of the Year was one of six awards collected by Ash Moseley Homes, including Custom Built Home, Custom Built Home over $900,000, Townhouse / Villa Develop ment, Townhouse / Villa of the Year, and Unique and Difficult Sites.

“In recent times, the industry had challenges ranging from skilled labour availability, material shortages and the ever-rising costs of construction. HIA Awards highlight our members’ resilience, skill and professionalism,” Housing Industry Association (HIA) Cairns Branch Manager Shane Moon said.

“The projects in this year’s Awards were of an extremely high calibre and the closest judging we have seen for a long time. The projects are nothing short of outstanding, and it is a real credit to the finalists and winners,” Mr Moon said.

CCW Cabinet Works had a night to remember, taking out an impres

sive eight awards in the Kitchen and Bathroom categories, which were Kitchen of the Year, Bathroom of the Year, Renovated Bathroom, Renovat ed Kitchen up to $35,000, Renovated Kitchen over $35,001, New Kitchen over $40,001, Kitchen Design and Interior Cabinetry.

Kitchen of the Year and Bathroom of the Year featured in a beautifully renovated Palm Cove apartment. The brief was to minimise the kitchen’s appearance with clean lines and no handles interrupting the flow while providing ample storage.

The bathroom featured a walk-in shower, wall-hung double vanity and 50mm stone wraps to give a luxurious feel.

“The HIA Awards program is seen as a demonstration of the local build ing industry’s commitment to their clients and the home-buying public by deliverinåg projects with the highest standard of workmanship,” Mr Moon said.

“The awards recognise building and design excellence, showcasing innovation, technology and modern trends in new homes, kitchens and bathrooms,” he concluded.

Major winners progress to the HIA-CSR North Queensland Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards in Townsville on November 4 to see who is crowned North Queensland’s best.

HIA Awards recognise building and design excellence, showcasing innovation, technology and modern trends in new homes, kitchens and bathrooms.

Winners:

• HOME OF THE YEAR

Ash Moseley Homes (Mooroobool)

• CUSTOM BUILT HOME

Ash Moseley Homes (Mooroobool)

• DISPLAY HOME

MyStyle Homes (QLD) (Palm Cove)

• RENOVATION/ADDITION PROJECT

Boscon Constructions (Brinsmead)

• BATHROOM OF THE YEAR

CCW Cabinet Works (Palm Cove)

• KITCHEN OF THE YEAR

CCW Cabinet Works (Palm Cove)

HIA Cairns - Home of the Year

HIA Cairns - Bathroom of the Year

HIA Cairns - Kitchen of the Year

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Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 207. Phone (02) 9499 3412.

CLASSIFIEDS

Friday October 21st

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE

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Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

CAREERS

Contractors Required

We are seeking experienced qualified local contract Fencing Contractors for a current project in Burdell, Townsville. We focus on residential townhouses and are looking for suitable highly skilled and licenced Fencing Contractors to join our team.

GREAT RATES

Please call David on 0499 201 152

We are seeking experienced qualified local contract carpenter gangs for a current project in Burdell, Townsville. We focus on residential townhouses

are looking for suitable highly skilled and licenced carpenter gangs

GREAT RATES

Please call David on 0499 201 152

PERSONALS

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend.

Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870

FNQ Markets

Saturday October 22nd

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

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

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

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

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

Tully: Main St, 07:00-12:00

Yungaburra: Bruce Jones Park, Main St, 07:00-12:00

Sunday October 23rd

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

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

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

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

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

Tanks: Tanks Arts Centre, 09:00-14:00

Tumoulin: Tumoulin Railway Station, 08:00-12:00

SPORT

MOSSMAN LADIES’ BOWLS

October 11th: The Torimba Festival at Ravenshoe: 10 ladies attended, and the wellmaintained green was a pleas ure to play on, and the hosting was superb. Our ladies wish to extend a heartfelt Thank you. Well done, Ravenshoe. The next event the Maland Festival on October 25th. Ladies, please put your name onto the list.

13th October: Being a Meeting day, our winners were ‘out of the hat’. The winning team was the team with the least ends:

Winners: Joanne Dickson, Joan Day, Anne Geddes and Trish Arnold; R/up: Carmen Bolton, Barbara May, Maree Crees and Denise Highland. Raffle Winner: Pam Widdows. Our birthday cake was cut by Denise Highland, who along with the other birthday ladies, Joan Day, Beverley Zillfleisch, Anita McCoist and Anne Geddes enjoyed it. Reminder: names in by noon and we play at 1pm, Bowls attire. Ladies wanting to learn to play bowls, there is free coaching avail able. Contact Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com.au or 0400 954 537. October 9th:

Sunday Mixed Social Bowls: Winners: Jim Geddes and Richard Anderson; R/up: Jim McNeil, Peter McGory and Warren McCoist. Names into the club by noon and play at 1pm. All welcome, casual at tire. Contact Mossman Bowls Club: 4098 1434.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS CLUB

Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: Jock, Eddie, Paul C; R/up: Brad, Bob, Bob.

Thursday Men’s Triples: Win ner: D Phillips, G Reynold, N Robson; R/up: B O’Shea, E Blythe, C Flanagan. Saturday afternoon Walking Pairs: Win ners of Winners: Not Played, Winners of Losers: Not Played. Club Championships: Ladies Triples: E Parkes, J Ward, J Smith def Y Best, J McHenry, L Roberts 26-7. Mixed Pairs: J Walford, B Drewitt def Y Best, S Porter19-6; C Thompson, L Idiens def J Carey, C Flanagan 26-16; J Smith, B O’Connor def S Pitt, Kay 22-17; J Gill man, L Mikic def J Jenner,

A Jacobs 41-9; E Parkes, D Grummitt def D Smith, G Andersen 21-10; R Gillman, D Deegan def P Cavanagh, C Scott 27-19; L Roberts, E Blythe def L McCarthy, G McCall 28-8. All bowlers, nonbowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available for free phone 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia. Marlin Coast Spon sored day 13th November.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Social Bowls: Thursday October 13th Winners: Mary Sant’Angelo, Pat Elliott and Tricia De Ron. Ladies’ Social bowls Thursday October 20th will now begin at 3:00 pm. Get your names in by 2:30pm for 3:00pm start.

Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: Tuesday Bowls for October 11th were cancelled due to lack of interest. Tuesday Night Social Bowls Winners: George, Irene and Geoff; R/up: Tony and Frank. Wednesday October 12th winners were Allan, Chris and Steve. R/up: Ray, George and Wayne. Saturday October 15th Social Bowls Winners: Lou Pomroy, Yvonne Bolton and Bruce Moseley. Mixed Pairs Semi Final: Wayne Hunter & Tricia De Ron def Elaine & Peter Whitehead 1510. The other Semi Final will have Jill Alexander-Sachse and Steve Henson vs Lou Pomroy and Bruce Moseley. Men’s Consistency Singles saw Peter Whitehead def Peter Ryan 104-96. We also have Wayne Hunter vs Steve Bragger and winner to play Brian Pattison. Notice to our members. We had our ongoing ARC Disability group members participate in Tuesday morn ing bowls activity. Volunteers are needed to offer assistance between 9:15am to 11:00am.

Peace Lutheran College also have students on Thursday 20th between 9-10am with 20 students. Tuesday October 25th from 1pm to 2pm then Monday

October 31st between 11am and 12:15pm with final session Tuesday November 8th 2022. Please assist any days that you can during these school visits. Social Bowls will continue with Tuesday (1pm and 7pm), Wednesday night Self Selected Triples. Saturday Social Bowls will be played October 22nd. Check with the Club as start times may change due to weather related issues. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Wednesday: Social bowls at 1pm. New players & visitors welcome. Thursday: Club Selected 3 Bowl Pairs, names by 12:30pm for 1:00pm start. Friday Barefoot Bowls from 5:00pm. Winners from last week Rob Moody & B Prothe roe. Raffle Winner: G Morton. Saturday October 15th: Gor donvale Club Members trav elled to Stratford for their 70th Anniversary also the inaugural Comp between the 2 Clubs. Stratford were the winners on the day. Each player was presented with a Special plaque noting Stratford’s 70 years of bowling on grass. Congratula tions Stratford & thank you for a marvellous day & everything you did for us. Gordonvale thanks the players who filled in to make up the Gordonvale Team & thanks also to Linda Owens - our organiser & Cap tain of our teams.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday October 15th & Sunday October 16th: Moss man hosted the annual Classic 4s with 16 teams of four (64 players in total) each team playing 5 games of 18 ends - 3 games Saturday and 2 games Sunday.

The overall winners for the weekend were, in 1st place: team Deegan (Wayne Perto holis, Bernie Wolland, David Sprout/Kiwi Deegan); in 2nd place - team Cribbin (Alf Strano, Dennis Skinner, An drew Hanson, Ben Cribbin); in 3rd place - team Taylor (Wayne Hewitt, Max Smith, Rob

Wilson, Mal Taylor); and in 4th place was the Mossman team of Ranald Edwards, Malachy McTaggart, John Cochrane, Peter Busch. Thank you to the Mossman Bowls Club for sponsoring this annual event and a special thank you to the bar and kitchen staff. Sheet on the noticeboard for those members that wish to nominate for the McFarlane Shield to be played at West Cairns on Saturday 19 November. The day will comprise 2 games of 3 bowl triples with each game being 12 ends or 1hr 45mins. Anyone interested in play ing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. You can now follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook.

WEST CAIRNS LADIES

Wednesday 12th another great afternoon was had by all. Winners: Rosemary, Laura, Marg, Liz. Don’t forget our Pretty in Pink Day Wednes day October 19th, starting at 10:00am cost is $25.00 p/p, in cludes lunch and afternoon tea. There will be tickets on sale for lots of prizes. All money raised will go to Cancer. West Cairns Ladies our Christmas lunch will be held at Cazaly’s on Wednesday December 14th, 2022 at 12:00pm. If you wish to come, please put your name on list up on white board inside club. Good Bowling to All.

WEST CAIRNS TPI MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB INC

The pairs team of John Sawyer and Rosemary Stevens were chosen as the winners of the sixteen players at the West Cairns Bowls Club on Monday. The weather remained fine, and all players enjoyed themselves. Next Monday will be the next game to be played and all in tending players should contact Rosemary on 0409 624 623 before 11:00am next Monday. Players from any local club are also invited to join us, and if required, we also have club bowls available. The green is carpet covered and has a fixed roof making play possible in all conditions. All players should

be at the Gatton St green in time for the calling of the cards at 1:15pm. Play commences at 1:30pm for three hours after which a team card is selected to decide the winning team. Afternoon tea is also included in the green fee. The use of aggressive play is discouraged as many of our players are advanced in age, but they all enjoy their game. As it is ap proaching the end of the year, we invite all our members to consider becoming part of our 2023 committee. Nomination forms will be available shortly. We look forward to seeing you at West Cairns Bowls club in the near future.

INNISFAIL MENS:

Thursday social game win ners were Bob Chaplain, Ian Revie, Ted Pearce and Tim Kerrigan. In Club Triples the team of Jim Martinod, Michael Roots and Mal Clifford def Graham Anderson, Steve Howe and John Kremastos by one shot to advance to the final against Doug Juhas, George Edgerton and Sam Pagano. The Cassowary Coast Carnival

of Bowls is being held this weekend at Innisfail and South Johnstone Clubs with 30 teams involved.

Come down and watch some great bowls.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS CLUB

Friday Scroungers Winner: Geoff; R/up: Guss. Tuesday Comp Winner: B O’Shea, R Morris and J Rilley on 25pts and +10; R/up: Olie, Ray and Gus on 20pts with +19. Thirsty Thursday Best Players: Edna Atkinson, Ray Jones and Lee Harrison. Sunday Morning: Winners: D Kennedy and on 21pts; R/up: R Radinga, P Buntain and Maurie on 17pts. Jackpot was not won. Club Championship – no games played. Next round of Club Championship games: Skips to check the board and organise the next games. Ensure that Helen knows of any games to be played over the coming weeks. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome, contact the club and ask what times are available.

Barron Trinity Bulls receive funding to improve facilities

THE Albanese Labor Govern ment committed a $30,000 boost to the Barron Trinity Bulls to restore their aging clubhouse in Machans Beach, and it is de livering on that commitment in the October Budget.

The funding will enable Bar ron Trinity Bulls to redevelop their upstairs area into a multipurpose space.

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green, said the funding to re develop the clubhouse would mean a lot to the community that uses the facility.

“The redevelopment of the clubhouse will mean the Barron Trinity Bulls will be able to hire out their space to the commu nity,” Ms Green said.

“This will support the club financially and support the local

WORLD’S

community coming together.

“I am proud to be delivering this win for the Barron Trinity Bulls and the broader Cairns community ahead of the Fed eral Budget.

“It shows that the Albanese Labor Government is staying true to its commitments and the needs of regional Queensland,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Re gional Development and Edu cation, and Queensland Sena tor, Anthony Chisholm said that the Government is proud to support local groups in commu nities like Cairns.

“The Albanese Labor Gov ernment will be a Government for all of Australia and deliver the infrastructure and services that our communities need,” Mr Chisholm said.

“I know that the $30,000 to be delivered in the budget for the Barron Trinity Bulls will have a significant impact on the club. Not only will it improve the quality of the clubhouse, but it will allow great participation from the community in sports.”

The Barron Trinity Bulls are a rugby union club, and they are committed to supporting the community and other clubs by lending their facilities and opening their doors to whoever needs them.

Barron Trinity Bulls cel ebrated the $30,000 boost on social media and said the funds would go a long way in reach ing their goals.

For more information, visit the Barron Trinity Bulls Face book page:

@BarronTrinityBulls

FIRST SIMULTANEOUS RUNNING EVENT A SUCCESS

THOUSANDS across Australia and New Zealand ran as one for the Reef.

Last Sunday, hundreds of Cairns residents joined run4reef with the mission of running as one in the name of helping protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The inaugural run4reef international event spanned 23 cities across the two countries, leveraging world-leading timing tech nology to unite thousands of runners of all abilities across 1km, 5km and 10km fun runs and a special elite 10km run.

Run4reef registrations raised much-needed funds to help pro tect the Reef, including developing restoration programs like the innovative ‘plant a coral’ initiative.

A portion of the funds raised directly from event registrations and peer-to-peer fundraising will go to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and WWF-Australia’s work to Regenerate Australia and protect our oceans, marine wildlife and natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef.

Very special characters joined run4reef in Cairns, like local ath lete Sarah Douglas and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green, who joined the run with her daughter.

(L-R) Barron Trinity Bulls vicepresident Bart Giles, Senator Anthony Chisholm, Barron Trinity Bulls president Andrew Butterworth and Senator Nita Green.

Barron Trinity Bulls president Andrew Butterworth and Senator Nita Green.

BMX takes over Cairns

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE Cairns BMX Club recently hosted the AusCycling BMX QLD State Titles and at tracted over 800 riders from across the state to compete in a two-day event.

Competitors from ages two to 60, all genders and all levels visited Cairns for a weekend of BMX, where the local riders stole the spotlight taking podium positions and earning QLD State Plates.

Cairns BMX Club spokesperson Rose Can deloro said the event was a success.

“We hadn’t hosted the event since 2015, and this year it was hugely successful,” Ms Candeloro said.

“It was a great event; there were 843 com petitors from all across the state and some from interstate.

“There were competitors from the age of two or the mini wheelers to the adults, the superclass who are the professional, the most prestigious riders.

“There were team events, and Cairns won, which was wonderful, and this is an annual event that happens in September, so we were really proud to have hosted it.”

Ms Candeloro said the State Titles are also an opportunity for Cairns to showcase their high-quality facilities.

“This event means that many more local riders could participate because, for the last three years, the event has been in southeast Queensland,” she said.

“So for the event to be held at the other end of the state means in FNQ means it’s acces sible to riders from Atherton all the way to Townsville.

“And our Cairns facility is one of the best in the state; the best maintained and one of the best quality professional tracks, so it was great to showcase our facility.”

Not only were the tracks impressive, but also the local athletes; Ms Candeloro said the riders showed their best.

“The local riders did outstandingly,” she said.

“We had multiple riders who gained their 1Q, which means they came first in their event; many riders made the podium and the top eight.

“For some of the age groups, they need to ride in the qualifying events, and then they’ve got quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, so that’s a lot of racing to get through through out the day and to make that first place is amazing.”

One of the event’s highlights was local rider Matthew Fox, who obtained two 1Q plates, one in the 12yr Boys category and one in the 11-12 Boys Cruiser category. Overall, the local competitors showed the other com petitors how things are done in Cairns.

After the success of the AusCycling BMX QLD State Titles, the Cairns BMX Club wants to invite the community to visit the Cairns BMX website and stay updated with all of their events and the beginning of their 2023 season.

“We are one of the biggest BMX clubs in the state,” Ms Candeloro said.

“We run multiple open nights and training sessions throughout the week; you can get a four-week free trial to be a member at the Cairns BMX Club and have an AusCycling license, and we race on Friday nights.

“BMX is an all-ages, all-genders affair; anybody can come and have a go.”

For more information, visit: https://www.cairnsbmx.org.au/

Junior