Cairns Local News September 22 2023

New $6.4m Macca’s

l EARLVILLE

McDONALD’S is to start construction on a new $6.4 million restaurant at Earlville Shopping Town, creating more than 220 jobs for local construction workers and restaurant employees.

McDonald’s Earlville will be owned and operated by licensee Jason Berther, who joined McDonald’s as a crew member over 39 years ago and now employs 1000-plus staff at 10 existing restaurants in Cairns, Mareeba Shire and the Tablelands.

“We are excited to start construction on a new restaurant in Cairns and create 100 construction jobs, as well as a further 120 operational jobs once the restaurant opens,” he said.

Mayor upbeat after high-levels talks about new Asia route

aviation and tourism links between the two destinations were discussed.

ambassador in the nation’s capital where

While Cairns Airport also has had talks with Vietnamese airlines – and cautions it’s a long term proposal – Cr Manning believes Cairns is in the captain’s seat because the Asian country owns the flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Cr Manning and chief exec-

utive Mica Martin were invited to an event hosted by the Vietnamese ambassador in Canberra to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Asian country and Australia.

Cr Manning said the invitation followed ambassador Nguyen Tat Thanh’s visit to Cairns about six months ago.

He told last week’s council meeting that the ambassador

took a shine to Cairns during the visit.

“We talked about aviation, airport access. It (Vietnam) is an emerging country, I think we are on the right track,” Cr Manning said.

“I’ve mentioned it to Mark Olsen at Tourism Tropical North Queensland that with a population of 100 million there was a real opportunity for the future

for traffic between Australia and Vietnam.”

Cr Manning later told Cairns Local News he was met at the door of the function by a Vietnamese representative who took him straight to Mr Thanh and they met three or four times during the event to discuss tourism and aviation links between the Far North and Vietnam.

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“McDonald’s Earlville is committed to playing an active role in the local community through providing jobs, training and development opportunities, as well as supporting local charities and groups that are important to our customers and people.

“We look forward to serving up our great tasting, great quality menu once the restaurant opens.”

McDonald’s Earlville will be fitted with modern décor and feature a dual lane drive through, dedicated partner delivery room, McCafé and PlayPlace for customers to enjoy. It will be fully equipped with solar panels, a heat recovery water system and LED lights, helping to reduce emissions and energy use.

Picture: Vietnam Airlines

Training and recruitment event for foster carers and furbabies

Make a jilted dog’s day

l PARRAMATTA PARK

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH the support of SavourLife, Cairns-based charity North Queensland Animal Rescue (NQAR) is holding the first foster carer training and recruitment day this weekend to encourage more people in the community to save a dog’s life by foster caring.

NQAR, which assists with rehoming dogs across the Far North, is holding the free event on Sunday (September 24), at the Cairns Showground from 9am to 2pm to provide carers and people interested in becoming carers, with basic training, skills, and knowledge on foster caring.

“We recognise that there’s many dogs that get put to sleep to no fault of their own simply because they haven’t been able to go into foster care or find a place in a shelter,” said NQAR president Sandra Downing.

“We are constantly looking to boost our foster carer numbers because the more we have the more dogs we can save. We received funding through dog food company

SavourLife to run a training day for our current foster carers and people who are interested in becoming one.

“They can book through the president@nqar.org.au email or they can simply pop up and meet the team.”

With NQAR re-homing 350 dogs annually and having 30 to 50 dogs at any given time with foster carers, Ms Downing said the event was crucial in saving surrendered dogs’ lives.

“We don’t have a shelter, so all of our dogs are staying at foster carers’ homes, so we need carers,” she said.

“The free training will be run by Cairns Canine Training School and they will teach you how to introduce a foster dog into your home, setting boundaries, basic training, lead walking, crate training and more to set up dogs for successful rehoming. We’ll have current foster dogs to assist with the training.

“Foster caring it’s incredibly rewarding, it saves dogs’ lives.”

Ms Downing said that NQAR was very supportive of its carers, covering vet bills and medicine costs, supplying leads and crates and focusing on minimising carers’ costs.

‘Step back in time’ festival was enjoyed by 5000 people

knows and loves like the grand parade, the Munro St shopfront vintage decorating and the crowning of the Harvest Festival Queen.

THOUSANDS gathered last weekend at Bill Wakeham Park for the 59th Babinda Harvest Festival to celebrate the rural favour of the sugar town.

With the theme ‘step back in time’, this year’s festival celebrated the rural uniqueness and history of the town with events that everyone

TABLELAND DISTRIBUTOR FOR:

Harvest Festival marketing manager Susan Cooper said that participants enjoyed the festival to the fullest.

“We had 5000 people in attendance which aligns with past year’s attendance,” she said.

“This year, the vintage machinery display and the tractor pull were bigger than usual so

the rural side of the festival it’s really growing. “We’ve had comments on our Facebook page saying this is one of the best grand parades we’ve had in the last few years.”

In the annual tradition, a Harvest Festival Queen was also crowned.

“We congratulate our 2023 Harvest Queen this year Caitlin Kruckow and Miss Community Spirit Wypaan Ambrum,” Ms Cooper said.

Many more winners were crowned on the night like the

Snowballs team who took the first place in the tug of war, and Babinda Real Estate who won best decorated premises for the Munro St competition, while St Rita’s School won most outstanding float at the grand parade.

“Everyone put in a great effort this year. We’d like to especially thank our volunteers and we’re looking forward to our diamond jubilee next year. We’re hoping to come back even bigger and better,” Ms Cooper said.

NQAR volunteer Tina Beckham and Canine Training School founder Linda Mair with rescue dogs Odie and Digit. Picture: Supplied

l BABINDA | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Harvest Queen Caitlin Kruckow and Miss Community Spirit Wypaan Ambrum.

Art sector vital to city

Council report finds cultural industry worth $126m annually

l CAIRNS REGION | Nick Dalton

A NEW report shows that the arts and cultural sector in Cairns is worth more than $100 million a year.

An analysis of the arts and cultural sector during 2021 showed the industry remained buoyant and continued to grow despite the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.

The State of the Arts (SoARTS) report, produced by project partners and lead researchers, Associate Professor Lisa Law, and Dr Russell Milledge from James Cook University (JCU), along with research collaborators Professor Bruce Prideaux, Michelle Thompson, and Leonie Cassidy from CQUniversity (CQU), was tabled at the Cairns Regional Council last week.

Cr Brett Moller said the raw data was impressive.

“It provides vital information and data as we look to build on the arts sector, which contributes a total of $126 million (direct and indirect) in value added to the city’s economy, employs more than 1000 people, and also generates over $150 million in sales,” he said.

Cr Moller said the Cairns region was more than just tourism, agriculture, mining and construction, and the report proved that Cairns had a diversified economy.

He said it gave the council confidence to continue with the gallery precinct.

But Cr Cathy Zeiger said it suggested improvements, and that arts and cultural activities shouldn’t be confined to the CBD and the Tanks Art Centre.

She said the southern corri-

dor was lacking in vital art and cultural infrastructure as well as suburbs such as Manoora, Manunda and Mooroobool.

Cr Zeiger said the report reflected and supported the view of the majority of ratepayers that art work was well overdue in suburbia.

She said graffiti was on the rise in the suburbs and she wanted to see the council invest more in art in residential neighbourhoods.

In the report’s forward, Mayor Bob Manning said culture and the arts were vitally important to the Cairns region.

“Developing the infrastructure and the creative networks needed to elevate the Cairns region into the arts and cultural capital of northern Australia is one of council’s highest priorities,” he said.

“This goal, set out in our Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022 and our Shared Vision 2050, is not just about supporting our communities and our arts, it is about developing and diversifying our economy. Arts experiences are a growing driver for tourism in Australia and are increasingly part of visitors’ itineraries.”

The report found there were opportunities for expansion and growth of the sector, including through greater cohesion between arts leaders in the region, as well as by heightened awareness about the leading role the industry plays in northern Australia.

The comprehensive report also considered the benefits hard and soft infrastructure advances have made to the arts and cultural sector and the importance of Indigenous art, including the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).

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Sixteen new citizens honoured at official Port Douglas ceremony

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

SIXTEEN new Australians have been recognised in a citizenship ceremony at the Port Douglas Community Hall.

The shire residents received a commemorative Australian citizenship certificate from Douglas Shire

deputy mayor Lisa Scomazzon as well as a native plant from council’s nursery to celebrate this special occasion.

Cr Scomazzon said she was pleased to welcome so many new citizens to the Douglas Shire.

“These new citizens have chosen to become an Australian because they seek the

special qualities of peace, prosperity and harmony which characterise the Australian lifestyle,” she said.

“Australia gains by their commitment to it and through the contribution they will make to its wellbeing.”

They are: Ana Maria Allabata, Melane Morrissey and Precious Gacu (Philippines), Marine Deliens (Belgium),

Daniele Fillippi, Marco Riserbatoi and Riccardo Vercoglio (Italy), Samuel Herridge and Michelle Blackman (United Kingdom), Marinela Nita (Romania), Larisa Odinokova and Stanislav Odinokova (Russia), Chiraphat Tantrakul and Wantana Williams (Thailand), Szu-Ching Wang (Taiwan) and Kiely Bridge (United States).

Models at this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair were, (back, from left) Charlie Naati, Tanika Parker, Jaydn Bingarape (front, from left) Amariah Thomas Savage, Lynette Gee Gee and (sitting) Loretta Messa. Picture: Blueclick Photography

Szu Ching Wang. Marco Riserbato. Kiely Bridge.

Domestic visitors ‘booming’ as international tourists start returning slowly

Japanese love affair anews

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

THE Japanese are falling in love with Cairns again with visitor numbers rising to 70 per cent of 2019 pre-pandemic figures.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said it was “a strong recovery” in August considering numbers were about 30 per cent in February.

In 2019 the Far North attracted about 112,000 Japanese tourists a year.

At its peak, Japan was the number one market at 245,000 a year in 20042005, he said.

The new daily flights to Tokyo by Virgin Australia as well as regular

Jetstar flights were factors, Mr Olsen said.

He has just returned from visiting Korea and Japan with 12 operators to showcase the region.

Mr Olsen said school graduations in January, February and March were looking promising while the largest wholesaler HIS reported that Cairns was fifth in global bookings.

He said China, once the Far North’s biggest market, was slowly coming back and new direct flights into Brisbane since the pandemic would be to the region’s advantage as traditionally most Chinese tourists travelled to Cairns on domestic airlines after arriving at a capital city airport.

Mr Olsen said he was predicting a “strong Chi-

nese New Year” as the Chinese started travelling again.

He said TTNQ had made a bold prediction that international numbers would return to pre2019 levels by 2025 but forecasts were 2026.

Mr Olsen said domestic numbers were “booming” with the start of the Queensland and Victorian school holidays this week and New South Wales next week as well as New Zealand school holidays with people arriving on direct Air New Zealand services.

He said numbers were similar to 2019 but not as high as last year when Australians had a lot of “pent up cash”, however were now under economic pressures across a number of fronts.

Mayor excited about Vietnam flights after talks with ambassador

CONTINUED PAGE 4

Cr Manning said the door had been opened to establishing services between Cairns and Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines are majority-owned by the Vietnamese Government.

“I would suspect the airlines are government-owned which makes it more feasible. We

should be keeping a close eye on Vietnam,” Cr Manning said He said Vietnam had a thriving tourism market as well as a growing middle-class keen to travel.

Cr Manning said there were plenty of Australians wanting to travel to Vietnam and vice-versa.

“A very cordial relationship

(between Cairns and Vietnam) seems to be forming,” he said.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said Vietnam was an emerging market and it was a destination that Australians loved to visit.

“We believe Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is a region that would resonate with the

Vietnamese, and there has been dialogue with Vietnamese carriers,” he said.

“Like most airlines, they are still recovering to pre-COVID levels in the first instance and any opportunity is unlikely in the short term.”

Mr Olsen said the airport was in discussions about a route be-

The all new state-of-the-art allied health hub in Cairns

tween Cairns and Vietnam. He said there were many Australians travelling to Vietnam through other airports as well as an increasing middle class in the Asian country wanting to travel to destinations such as Cairns.

However, Mr Olsen said it would depend upon the business case developed by an airline.

A good case study was the number of youth travellers on their around-the-world trip who were coming into Cairns from Bali on Jetstar flights, he said. Cairns was also used for a lot of outbound travel by intrastate residents. The Vietnamese embassy and Vietnam Airlines were contacted for comment.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen (far left) with some of the region’s tourism operators at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo. Picture: TTNQ

Surf club’s sleek new look

No cause for complacency

Lifesavers issue clear warning to swimmers

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton DESPITE a fatal-free surf lifesaving season in Far North Queensland last season, Surf Life Saving Queensland is urging beachgoers to heed safety advice and swim between the red and yellow flags during the 2023/24 season.

While volunteers in SLSQ’s North Queensland region have been giving up their weekends to serve the community for the last five months, last weekend represented the start of patrols at 52 surf lifesaving clubs south of Mission Beach.

The annual Coast Safe Report revealed 14 lives were lost to beach-related drowning deaths last season throughout the state.

Regional manager Jen Rees said 28 rescues were performed over the course of the last season between Mission Beach and Port Douglas.

“No fatalities were recorded in the North Queensland branch, compared to one in 2021/22,” he said.

Surf lifesavers also performed 28,954 preventative actions and 1823 acts of first aid.

Mr Rees congratulated SLSQ North Queensland club members who have been manning patrols since April.

“We want to pay thanks to our wonderful volunteers who continue to give up their time, not only for those from our community, but all visitors who flock to our region,” she said.

“The school holidays will be a particularly busy time for our surf lifesavers and everyone can make their holiday a safe one by choosing to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.”

SLSQ chief executive Dave Whimpey said along the Queensland coast, SLSQ lifesavers and lifeguards performed

3276 rescues in 2022/23 with 85 percent occurring outside the flagged area.

“This is a 16 percent increase on last year which indicates that people are still taking the unnecessary risk to swim outside the red and yellow flags and therefore putting themselves, and others, in danger.

“More than 23 percent of rescues were children under the age of 12, and of these threequarters took place outside the red and yellow flags.

“Last season surf lifesaving launched a statewide campaign targeting families, reminding them of the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags and ensuring children grow up knowing how to stay safe at the beach.

“While the percentage of children being rescued outside the patrol flags is slightly down from last season, it is clear we need to do more to drive the message home to parents and their families.”

Males continue to remain overrepresented in beach safety statistics, accounting for 64 percent of beach-related drowning deaths and 58 percent of rescues.

Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove venue manager Kate Noonan and club administrator Jill Boltz. Picture: Kath Maclean

Surf lifesaver Jennifer Rees.

Tamarin twins first birthday

l WANGETTI

HARTLEY’S Crocodile Adventures are celebrating the first birthday of their rare cotton top tamarin twins.

Wildlife supervisor Kristy Jensen said mum Tammy and dad Mogo had the babies in September last year.

“Tammy was a first time mum ... usually females need to learn how to raise the young from their mother before they will breed,” she said.

“Mogo had fathered some young at another zoo a few years ago, so took control to begin. They have since had another set of twins (two-monthsold). Tammy was much more confident this time around.”

The wildlife park has organised a cotton top tamarin talk tomorrow at 3.45pm and on Friday next week it will be their first birthday party. In today’s Cairns Local News on P8 there is a colouring-in competition for children with prizes.

Gritty teen has set goal

Cancer patient has 5km challenge as her target

l MT SHERIDAN | Isabella

Guzman Gonzalez

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD cancer warrior Tiana Gooding has pledged to take the 5km Bridge to Brisbane challenge to raise funds for Childhood Cancer Support (CCS) this October while in recovery from significant surgery.

After receiving major surgery to remove remaining tumour and a piece of bone from her pelvis, Ms Gooding, who lives at Mt Sheridan, is steadily working through her recovery, aiming to join the charity race Bridge to Brisbane on October 15 to raise funds that will go to support other children with cancer in the region through CCS services.

Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2022, Ms Gooding joined the race to support the charity that has helped her family throughout treatment, providing a home away from home while in Brisbane.

Currently she’s in the top 20 fundraisers of Bridge to Brisbane with $1500 raised for CCS.

“I was diagnosed on March 10 last year, at the time I was doing about five days of dancing each week and I was very

active,” she said. “I felt like a torn groin but it wasn’t. When we received the diagnosis we were rushed to Brisbane, I got lots of scans and IVF and I did 10 months of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation on my pelvis and more radiation on my lungs. We did some scans after I finished treatment and they found a tumour so I had a big surgery on June 30.

“I’m still recovering from that, but I hope that I can walk by October. If not, I’ll still do it on my crutches.”

Her mother Della Gooding said they wanted to give back to the charity that had supported them during the toughest time in their lives.

“We did Bridge to Brisbane last year and fundraised a little over $5000 and we were invited to participate this year,” Mrs Gooding said.

“We want to try and do everything we can to raise funds. Everything they did for us was amazing and being able to have a three-bedroom home for nearly year and a half, and being able to go to your own accommodation after treatment was great.”

Miss Gooding encouraged the Cairns community to support CCS.

To support visit https://bit.ly/48zAo4L

MHSL Mental Health Community Forum Referendum

At Mamu Health Service Limited we are committed to promoting and safeguarding the mental health and well-being of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities during the Voice Referendum.

We understand the emotional impacts that may be experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people pre and post the Voice Referendum.

Our aim is to offer comprehensive mental health support, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander community members have the resources and care needed throughout this period and beyond.

This forum will include activities with prizes to be won, a light lunch will be provided and information available from the Australian Electoral Commission.

For more information regarding this forum please call Mamu Health Service Limited, Community Support Service Manager Brett Ambrum on 1800 765 966 during regular business hours.

Where: Warrina Lakes, Innisfail

When: Friday 29 th September 2023

Time: 10:30am

Daryl, Tiana and Della Gooding in Brisbane. Tiana is determined to finish her cancer treatment in time to do the 5km Bridge to Brisbane fundraising challenge, even on crutches. Picture: Supplied

Cotton top tamarin dad Mogo with twin babies on his back.

WiLDLiFE FESTiVAL HARTLEY’S iLDLiFE

COLOUR iN COMPETiTiON

Help Twincelebrateusour Cotton Top Tamarins with this great colour competition.in

HARTLEY’S WiLDLiFE FESTiVAL COLOUR iN COMPETiTiON

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1. Entries must be neatly coloured by hand, not by utilising computer graphic software.

2. Entries must be received by Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures no later than 7th October 2023.

3. Completed entries can be either delivered to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures between 8.30 am to 5.00 pm or posted to: Colouring-in Competition Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures P O Box 171, Palm Cove Q 4879

4. Entrants must fully complete their contact details including age.

5. The completed artwork must be the sole work of the entrant.

6. Valid entries will be categorised and judged based on age. The two categories are children 4-8 years and 9-12 years of age.

7. Each category will have a prize for the winner and runner-up.

8. The major prize for each category is a Birthday Party Pack, including free entry to Hartley’s for 6 children and 2 adults plus $100.00 worth of party food and drink.

9. The second prize for each category is a family (2 adults and 2 Children) yearly membership to Hartley’s.

10. Judging of each age category will be undertaken on the 8th October 2023 by Hartley’s staff and their decision will be final.

11. If you wish Hartley’s to return your entry after judging, please include a self-addressed envelope.

12. Hartley’s reserves the right to publish copies of the winning artwork for its promotional purposes in print or digitally.

More than 60 applicants shortlisted for annual chamber of commerce awards

Creme de la creme in finals

l CAIRNS REGION

| Nick Dalton

MORE than 60 finalists have been selected for the Cairns Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

Chamber chief executive Patricia O’Neill said the awards

“recognised the outstanding achievements of businesses in our region, acknowledging them for their hard work, exceptional

business acumen and outstanding commitment to the Cairns community”.

She said there were 61 finalists across the 10 award categories.

Mrs O’Neill said this year’s entries were again of a high calibre and she commended the entrants on the quality of their submissions.

“A lot of time and effort goes into writing a submission and I would like to thank everyone

who entered and congratulate this year’s finalists,” she said.

“Past entrants and finalists have told us they found the submission process very worthwhile, so we hope everyone will use what they learnt about their businesses during the application process to advance them.

“It is not often that business owners and managers get the opportunity to stop and reflect on how far they have come, celebrate what they have achieved

and identify areas for future improvement.”

Mrs O’Neill said the finalists would now enter the next stage of the judging process, with a second panel of independent judges reviewing the shortlisted applications to select the winners.

She said that all the judges for the awards were highly regarded members of the business community, who volunteered their time to read

through the submissions.

The finalists will be formally acknowledged at a VIP finalist evening on October 4 at Crystalbrook Flynn’s Whiskey and Wine Bar. The winners will be announced at the grand gala ball on October 20 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

“The gala ball really is the night-of-all-nights,” said Mrs O’Neill.

“We are so excited to be hosting this year’s event at the

Cairns Convention Centre’s new Trinity Terrace and Trinity Room, which boast uninterrupted views of the Trinity Inlet,” she said. Mrs O’Neill said sponsors, especially James Cook University, were appreciated.

Tickets for the Gala Ball are on sale now on the chamber website: https://bit.ly/3Pr2Nkp Read the list of finalists at www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Navy cadets on move to new maritime college home

l PORTSMITH

| Eden Spooner

Redlynch siren testing

Annual testing of Council’s outdoor warning stations (sirens) in Redlynch will take place tomorrow (23 September) between 10am and midday.

People in Redlynch and parts of Freshwater and Brinsmead will hear the sirens sound multiple times as they are tested individually and simultaneously. This is a test only; residents are not required to take any action when the sirens sound.

Visit Council’s website for more details.

Community clean-up

Get involved in the community cleanup at Shang Park, Mooroobool, this Sunday 24 September from 9am to 11am. More details on Council’s website.

Pet lovers wanted

Council is looking for volunteers to provide extra love and attention for the hundreds of pets that we care for at our Animal Care & Education Centre (ACE) each year.

Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts, in either the morning or afternoon, Monday to Friday, at the Woree facility.

An information session is being held on Wednesday 27 September, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, at Council’s Spence Street Administration building.

Improvement works

De Jarlais St, Earville: Minor aphalt works. Temporary lane closures.

CDTLS Lucia Partridge (left) with CDTLS Eden Spooner, CDTLS Keeley Hudspith and CDTPO Madison McDonnell come together for one last picture at HMAS Cairns before their big move. Picture: Zak Jackson

Community’s free JCU dentistry clinic

Lots to smile about in town

l YARRABAH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

JAMES Cook University’s (JCU) latest outreach program, ‘Restoring the Smiles of Yarrabah Shire’, has its ambitions set on improving oral health in the shire through free dental examinations and treatment, education, and prevention.

Led by JCU’S professor and JCU Dental clinic’s director John Abbott, the first stage of the program involved dentistry students and staff visiting Yarrabah for three days earlier in September to provide free examinations, run educational workshops and health promotion.

The project was supported by grants from the Australian Dental Health Foundation and Mars Wrigley Foundation and ran in partnership with Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.

The second stage kicked off last week, with shuttle services from Yarrabah to the JCU Dental clinic.

“Starting on September 13, JCU will operate a monthly shuttle service from Yarrabah to the JCU Dental Clinic at the

Nguma-bada campus in Smithfield,” Prof. Abbot said.

He said senior dentistry students will be providing a range of dental treatments, under the supervision of experienced clinicians.

“For all Queensland Government issued concession card holders, all basic treatments will be free of charge. JCU will be providing ongoing and regular transport to JCU Dental until May 2024,” he said.

Yarrabah resident Rosie (surname withheld), who has received treatment for her broken tooth through the JCU dentistry program, said she was grateful for the program.

“The team at JCU Dental were incredible,” she said.

“In July, they made a temporary crown to fix my smile and

Turbo boost for charity

l WESTCOURT

| Isaac Colman

I got the final fix in August. I usually don’t like dentists, but I loved these guys. I am so happy. I have my smile back and I am loving it,” she said.

Fourth year dentistry student David Bailey is volunteering for the program.

As a Mutchilba local, he said he understood the importance of battling the lack of oral health facilities and awareness in rural communities.

“Coming out to the community for three days has been really important,” he said.

“This is the first step. Rather than saying ‘you’ve got to make your way to the JCU Dental facility’, we’re coming here, where the community feel comfortable, to start building rapport and sharing the message about the services we can provide.”

Beach House@Trinity

Hospital foundation’s chief executive Gina Hogan and Cazalys Cairns general manager Jason Wale with the new Subaru.

‘We’re coming to the community to make them feel comfortable’

– Fourth year dentistry student David Bailey

Manny’s wish comes true

Carnival has right mixture

Amateurs draws 10,000 partygoers

l CAIRNS REGION

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

CAIRNS Amateurs hosted 10,000 racegoers at the annual sporting and fashion events during its 65th sapphire jubilee of three days involving fashion parades, cocktail parties, and racing.

Cannon Park hosted 182 horses and jockeys who competed for a share of $600,000 prize money across 16 races.

Townsville trainer Lindsay Hatch and his grey gelding Sayl took first place with jockey Shannon Apthorpe on its back, beating seasoned Cairns’ trainer Stephen Massingham and his steeds Don Archangelo and Cairns Cup winner The Driller, to take home the Great Northern Brewing Co’s Cairns Amateur Cup and a cash reward of $150,000.

Beyond the races, 158 competitors fiercely vied for the Fashions on the Field, impressing judges with their avant garde and spectacular looks praised by carnival ambassador Emma Scodellaro.

Prizes valued at $35,000 were awarded in 12 categories

that including a new section for the local ladies won by Sophie Kirkham from Cairns as well as an overall carnival champion clinched by Tatiana Collier from Ballarat, Victoria.

Amateurs president David Goodman praised the event management team and the committee whose hard work culminated in excellent attendance.

“We spent quite a bit of time and effort rethinking and revising our events and Cannon Park layout for this year’s carnival to make the most of Cairns Jockey Club’s new infrastructure while also working hard to attract our next generation of racegoers with a resident DJ and live band

for the all-new Vodka Cruise Carnival Pavilion and Picnic on the Lawn in particular,” he said.

“While it is wonderful to celebrate 65 years, it is also important to remain relevant, and I am happy to report the intergenerational appeal of Cairns Amateurs is at an all-time high. We have enjoyed some wonderful feedback in the past few days.”

Ochre Restaurant and Catering wrapped up a big week serving meals to 3686 guests at the jubilee fashion high tea and sapphire ball, while the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation added $19,967 to finish their three-year fundraising partnership.

Manny (left) with fairy Jenny and her sister Audrey during a special Make-A-Wish visit to Kuranda’s Magical Lane. Picture: Supplied

l KURANDA

| Isaac Colman

Sara Reid, Rachel Schafer and Georgia McBain enjoying the fun, fashion, and racing of Amateurs. Picture: MOD Films and Photos

Carbon-free bananas

Fruit farmer receives $445,000 grant for sustainable production

l BOOGAN

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE goal of producing carbon neutral bananas and reducing run-off to the Great Barrier Reef is one step closer for Boogan’s Bartle Frere Bananas with a grant of $445,000 from the Coles Nurture Fund.

A family-run business owned by third generation farmer Gavin Devaney, Bartle Frere Bananas has been operating for over 30 years striving for cleaner and more sustainable processes, which caught Coles’ attention after he applied for the Coles Nurture Fund grant.

Launched in 2015, the Coles Nurture Fund promotes innovation offering small and medium-sized producers financial support of up to $500,000 to help them develop innovative products, technologies, and processes.

Mr Devaney said the grant would mean fast-tracking his projects towards carbon neutral bananas.

“Tracking our fruit and sustainable farming have always been a big part of our business, it’s a passion for me,” he said.

“It’s almost impossible to take on these projects on my own, with the help of Coles, we’ll be able to fast track and fund them.

“The projects focus on fruit practices and target measures reducing gas emissions, one of them is a trial that will have a look at interactions amongst soil fertilisers to prevent over-

using and emissions within farming.

“Other examples are making machinery electric when possible, using more solar systems and utilising an interface we’re

using within the Smart Farming Project, for the last three years, to grab all the information so I can run a sort of accounting program for my carbon footprint and reductions around it.

“The major goal in all of this is to produce a carbon neutral product (bananas) and for Coles to be able to implement this in their horticulture range which is fantastic.”

Record crowd at park party

l SOUTHERN CORRIDOR

A RECORD 2000-plus people have attended the annual Cairns ‘South Side Celebration’ at Ravizza Park, Edmonton, last Friday.

The free event was hosted by Mission Australia’s Hambledon House Community Centre, alongside Communities for Children and the Cairns South Together movement who are all committed to working within and strengthening the Cairns South Community.

The day featured a range of activities for young and old, including face painting, animal farm, Latin dancing, dart ball, sumo wrestling, live music and an outdoor movie.

Mission Australia program manager Kimberley Daly said she was delighted the event continued to grow each year.

“When we started South Side Celebration, it was initially meant to be a one-off event,” she said.

“Due to its popularity we decided to make it an annual event and it has since become part of the Cairns community calendar. It’s the third year we’ve hosted the event and it’s wonderful to have a record turnout.

“The whole community is buzzing with pride and so many people have provided positive feedback.” Ms Daly thanked all involved, from families to volunteers.

Banana farmer Gavin Devaney with sons Brady, 11, and Quinn, 12, at Bartle Frere Banana farm. Picture: Supplied.

Aerobatic show at The Tanks

l EDGE HILL

AN up and coming star in the Australian aerial scene features in ‘In Your Dreams’ which premieres at the Tanks Art Centre today at 7pm.

In Your Dreams is an original production featuring acrobatic displays on aerial silks, trapeze, lycra, and cordelisse, all performed by Cairns’own aerial virtuosos, The Far North Air Cats.

Set against the backdrop of dreams, the young protagonist, Teale Blewitt, embarks on a surreal journey through an enchanting bedroom landscape, where her toys magically come to life.

Through creativity and play, she learns to conquer her fears and unlock the strength within.

Ms Blewitt is an up and coming star in the Australian aerial scene, winning the Bend the Air National Championships in January 2023 and La Folie Queensland advanced title in June 2023.

In Your Dreams artistic director Louise Kiiver runs Cairns aerial school, Aerial Dynamics, established in 2010.

This is her second production with the Far North Air Cats after ‘Forbidden Fruit’ debuted at the Tanks in 2022, selling out shows and receiving rave reviews.

Tickets available through Ticketlink for shows today and tomorrow at 7pm.

Culturally-sensitive schooling is future for Indigenous educator

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AN Aboriginal woman passionate about culturally-sensitive education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, Jessica Addo, has been awarded vocational student of the year at the Queensland Training Awards (QTA).

After becoming the vocational student of the year for Tropical North Queensland earlier this year, Ms Addo has now become a national finalist after taking top gongs at the awards celebrated in Brisbane on September 9.

“I feel very humbled and grateful. I’m still in shock,” the Cairns CBD resident said.

“It’s not every day that you get to represent FNQ, it feels like my hard work is paying off. I hope this inspires others too to think that they can do anything they set their mind to if they work hard.”

Ms Addo, who identifies both as an Aboriginal and a Torres Strait Islander, found her passion for education, due to her experiences with her own daughter’s schooling, which led her to complete a cert IV and diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education with TAFE, start a bachelor in education at JCU and work as an out-

side school after-hours supervisor at PCYC.

“It all started when my daughter came of age, I grew interested in education because I felt really connected to her school and I wanted to progress into a career in teaching to be there for children who may not have it so easy at home,” she said.

“And currently I manage the

after-school care service where we look after children after school and on school holidays and I balance this with my studies full-time and being a mum of a 12-year-old.

“I feel like we need more Indigenous teachers in schools to support First Nations students who can relate to their experiences and culture and to support

Training Awards. Picture: Supplied

them in the classroom.”

With the Australian Training Awards coming in November, Ms Addo told Cairns Local News that, although winning the national award would “mean everything” her biggest dream was to bring better education to remote communities.

“It’s my dream to become a teacher and relocate to a remote

community,” she said. “I want to teach Indigenous communities in Indigenous schools, maybe in Cape York or in the Torres Strait or somewhere in the Northern Territory, so I can give back to the communities and maybe become a principal in the future.”

Visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/ training/qta

Queensland’s vocational student of the year Jessica Addo is a finalist at the Australian

Grant

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked the question:

What do you think about the new Yorkeys Knob boat ramp and walkways?

Here are some of your comments.

We should really demolish all the marinas, boat ramps and rock walls along the northern beaches, replant the original native mangrove fringes, and let nature replenish the beaches. Every time we build another structure like this it damages the coast, increases erosion, and ruins the future of the area. Replenishment does nothing.

Doug Pollard - Facebook

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION

What do you think about direct flights to Vietnam and would you support them?

@cairnslocalnews

Will have to come and check it out.

Bevan Bobbermein

There needs to be a balance between building new infrastructure to exploit the beauty of nature for tourism, and wrecking the very nature that makes tourism attractive in the first place. We’ve already got a fair few boat ramps, we don’t really need more

and considering the environmental impact it doesn’t seem worth it.

James Veighan - Facebook

It’s a great facility, will mean no longer be cars parked on Buckley Street or Varley Street. There will be a few more additions to this project yet, as it came in under budget. Great ramp gradient for ease of launching. Won’t be the last ramp to be built but will be six years minimum before we see the next project starting.

Dan Hammersley - Facebook

No doubt the ramp is great, but the beach at Trinity Park has been ruined, The erosion from the bank is now extreme with dredging the only way to return the sand to the beach.

Campbell Wilson - Facebook

Charity needs help to look after homeless, abused animals

LEADING Queensland animal welfare charity, RSPCA

Queensland, is calling on the community to dig deep and donate to its annual Give To Get Them Home appeal on Thursday, October 5, in an bid to find loving homes for as many surrendered, homeless and abused animals as possible.

A new report reveals that there was a 26 percent decrease in applications to adopt in 2022/23.

As the cost of living continues to put pressure on households, the RSPCA is seeing a direct

impact on pet adoptions at the same time as animals are spending more time in shelters.

To help animals find their

forever home and assist in providing lifesaving treatment for those in need, the RSPCA is calling on the community to participate in its major annual fundraising appeal.

With inflation rising by seven per cent in the last year, we’ve seen a direct correlation with a 26 per cent decrease in applications to adopt.

At the same time, we’re seeing more pet owners telling us they can no longer afford to care for their pet or that they cannot find suitable housing for them-

selves and their pets.

We are urging the community to get involved in the 24-hour appeal as the RSPCA records its second consecutive annual increase in pet surrenders due to financial stress, noting this is an excellent opportunity for Queenslanders make a difference to the lives of more than 42,000 domestic and wild animals who the RSPCA help annually.

The annual Give To Get Them Home appeal is a pinnacle moment for us to unite as a commu-

nity and extend a helping hand to animals that are in dire need of our support.

The RSPCA relies on the generosity of the community to help support the care of animals, as well as helping to provide the lifesaving treatment these animals often need, with no donation being too small.

All funds raised will go directly towards rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming all the animals that come through the doors of RSPCA Queensland.

On average, it costs the RSPCA $600 to help care for an animal while they wait for a new home.

The appeal has a target of $600,000.

To donate to RSPCA Queensland or for more information about RSPCA’s Give To Get Them Home appeal, visit www. rspcagivingday.com/qld, call (1300 777 221, or check out @ RSPCAQLD on social media.

Emma Lagoon is the RSPCA Queensland’s communications and media manager.

A chat with Emma

Douglas exhibitions are blooming great

l PORT DOUGLAS

THERE’S often some form of exhibition happening in the Douglas Shire and this weekend there will be at least two for your perusal.

Firstly, there is the EXPOSED Exhibition by the Port Douglas Artists Inc. at the Port Douglas Community Hall, Mowbray Street, Port Douglas. This has actually already been up and running since September 15 and runs

through until the 29th of this month.

For this particular exhibition and its name EXPOSED, Port Douglas Artists have been busy producing new collections in their studios with this challenging title in mind. The group’s focus is the challenge of a new body of work and its reasoning.

‘Diversity in creating something new’ is the force behind the show, revealing the work of 24 contemporary artists from the Douglas region.

Port Douglas Artists have created contemporary work in a variety of mediums, including painting, ceramics, drawing, printing, multimedia, assemblage and weaving, with a diversity of styles and practices.

Viewers are invited to see both the artwork and what lies behind it, provoking a fresh, inspiring and intriguing experience.

As mentioned, the two-week show runs right through until Friday, September 29, open from 10am until 4pm daily.

SECOND up is Douglas Orchid Society Spring Show. Allcomers are invited, this Saturday (September 23), to the Mossman CWA Hall, Front Street, Mossman and entry is absolutely free from 8am through until 1pm.

There will be a raffle, with a free lucky ticket draw and plants will be on sale, including orchids, foliage plants, cactus and succulents, plus tillandsias.

I have included pictures below of three

particular fine examples on display at the event.

The Douglas Orchid Society operates as a largely social group of about 20 active members. They hold meetings which are hosted at a member’s house, when necessary, on the second Sunday of the months of February to November.

Other meeting days are enjoyed as outings to various venues ranging from visits to nurseries, to forest walks or a river cruise.

The main emphasis of the society is to enjoy friendly get-togethers with members, as well as learning from each other about

different ideas on cultivating orchids and showcasing the results at their shows. Members also like to encourage other people to get involved and enjoy orchid growing.

If you are feeling arty or floral this weekend, there is certainly plenty to see in the Douglas Shire.

I’m off to make an exhibition of myself, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

l MOSSMAN

EXPOSED runs through to Friday, September 29 at the Port Douglas Community Hall.

Just some of the many exhibits at ‘EXPOSED’.

Renanthera Storeii from the Philippines.

Dendrobium Farmeri from India to Malay peninsula.

Bulbophyllum longiflorum, a native from Cape York.

A previous orchid display at the CWA Hall Mossman.

Youth love new course

New Warrina Lakes pump track gets riders’ seal of approval

THE youth of the Cassowary Coast are stoked after the Warrina Lakes pump track opened last weekend.

Youtuber and RAM Recreational Centre director Ryan Melita said the new pump track was exciting.

“I truly believe it’s what our community needs, to create a space where current and future generations can come together, have fun, and develop their skills to become champions,” he said.

“The addition of this new pump track will encourage greater unity and resilience within our community where families can come together, enjoy themselves, and engage with one another.’

Cassowary Coast regional division four councillor Nick Pervan said community members were excited to try out the track and assembled in numbers over the weekend to enjoy the new facility.

“It was rewarding to see a project strongly supported by the community even after postponing the original opening event,” he said. Council appreciates the community support and patience

during the work delays from the unfortunate wet weather but wanted to ensure the community we would pedal right through to the end to deliver this project.

“Pump tracks are a fun and exciting riding space that fosters important skill-building and is a safe learning environment away from vehicular traffic.”

After community feedback, the final design included two pump tracks, a smaller one for beginners and a larger track that includes rollers and large berms, multiple transitions, dragon back, and doubles.

The track was built by World Trials, one of the largest and most experienced mountain bike trail companies, and aims to attract the attention of riders of all abilities and experiences

The project was made possible through $400,000 in funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said he welcomed the funding for the construction of the track and applauded projects which encouraged enjoying the “paradise coast’s great outdoors”.

$1.4m culvert

projects

l CASSOWARY COAST

THE Cassowary Coast Regional Council will spend $1.4 million to replace 10 aged culvert crossovers throughout the region.

The 2023-2024 program fully funded by the council aims to renew aged culvert infrastructure across the region at the identified locations reported as reaching end of life during a recent asset inspection.

Council asset sustainability portfolio holder Cr Barry Barnes said the council would continue upgrading essential infrastructure services across the region to ensure standards were met and provided resilient infrastructure for future generations.

“Upgrading the aged culverts, will not only improve road safety and conditions, but will also increase drainage flow,” he said. The program includes:

Warrubullen Road, Cowley Beach

• Walter Lever Estate Road, Japoonvale

• Gravel Pit Road, Ellerbeck

• North Davidson Road, Cardstone

• O’Hanlon Road, Feluga.

Riders get some air at the Warrina Lakes pump track that opened last weekend.

SATURDAY 23rd

Cotton Top Tamarin Talk @ 3:45pm

SUNDAY 24th

Alligator Feeding @1:30pm

MONDAY 25th

Bat Chats @ 3:40pm

TUESDAY 26th

Daintree Life – Replanting the Wet Tropics

WEDNESDAY 27th

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

THURSDAY 28th

Enrichment Building Activity @ 12pm

FRIDAY 29th

Cotton Top Tamarin Twins 1st Birthday Party!

SATURDAY 30th

Bats and Tree Society of Cairns

– Stall & Bat Chats at 3:40pm

SUNDAY 1st

Alligator Feeding @1:30pm Don’t miss out!

Mills ensure staff are OK

MENTAL HEALTH

MSF Sugar has held R U OK? events at its Mulgrave Central, South Johnstone and Tableland mills for its staff.

At each mill MSF Sugar provided breakfast and coffee.

At the Mulgrave site about 80 staff took part.

Mulgrave manager Chris Hoare spoke about the importance of mental health and reaching out to each other.

“We encourage team members to raise awareness for mental health and look out for your mates,” he said.

At the same time the company presented men’s sheds at Babinda, Innisfail, Edmonton, Gordonvale and Mareeba with $2000 donations each to assist their operations.

In the meantime, R U OK? has launched ‘Ask R U OK?, no qualifications needed’, to remind Australians they already have what

it takes to support their family, friends and colleagues.

‘Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed’ comes in response to new research which found four in 10 Australians feel asking someone ‘are you OK?’ is a conversation better had with an expert.

“Everyone experiences life’s ups and downs and in recent times there has been a lot to cope with,” said R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton. “Natural disasters, the pandemic, world con-

flicts and cost of living increases have added additional pressure and emotional strain for many, and that’s not confined to one day of the year,” she said. “We want to reassure Australians that you don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation with someone in your world who might be struggling. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through a difficult period.”

Past St Michael’s pupils Bob Dall’Alba and Stan Carswell at the 100th birthday (left). Father Michael Szymanski and Father Jude Ronayne (right) and pupils and staff create the number 100 (far right). Pictures: Facebook

Gordonvale Men’s Shed representatives Jeff Smith, Bert Bakker, Bruce Gane, Clive Murry, Bill Peterson and Jeff Hall with Mulgrave mill manager Chris Hoare.

TimeOut

Poetry slam hits big stage

CPAC booked to handle 350 people after exploding from first event of 60

l CAIRNS

CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

TO celebrate its first anniversary bringing the art of poetry slam into the mainstream, the Cairns Poetry Slam is going big, holding their September event at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) and bringing back their most iconic poets for an ultimate slam down.

On September 27, the poetry slam is aiming to attract its biggest crowd ever at CPAC for their anniversary and special best of the best where the top poets across all events will battle to earn the hearts of the audience with their verses.

Cairns Poetry Slam co-founder Brendan Dennis said it was a momentous occasion and thanked Cairns Regional Council for approving the grant that would go towards hiring the centre.

“We’ve got the big theatre, 350 people, which is the biggest stage for poetry in FNQ and also we only invited the best of the best winners from our previous slams and crowd favourites to put them on the big stage,” Mr Dennis said.

“We wanted CPAC to elevate the event and make it bigger and better than it has been all year,” said co-founder Ema Mcghie.

“We’re really grateful to Cairns Regional Council for helping us out with our application,” she said.

Currently, they have closed their early-bird tickets sale and are hoping to sell out as have all the previous slams.

“It’s outstanding. When we first started, we had a tiny 60-person show and only in one year we’ve been able to fly from interstate award-winning poets into Cairns, book CPAC and have 350 people coming to celebrate poetry,” Mr Dennis said.

“It’s fantastic how warm the reception has been for poetry in Cairns and we’re stoked,” he said.

“Even watching one person’s growth, from never coming to a slam before, judging, performing, coming back as a special guest is really exciting and we have a lot of repeat customers that eventually get up on stage and try something they’ve never tried before,” Ms Mcghie said.

The community is being invited to join and celebrate the unique and entertaining art of poetry slam.

“It’s really fun and something so different. There are no other events like this in Cairns,” Mr Dennis said.

To buy tickets, visit the Cairns Poetry Slam Facebook page.

Region’s performing youth artists staging exciting new creative shows

l CAIRNS CBD

FAR North Queensland’s youth performing arts initiative, Overall Arts, will publicly showcase the creative developments of two exciting new works, Koalazilla and O, Ophelia, at Bulm-

ba-ja Arts Centre this month.

JUTE’s artistic director Suellen Maunder said the organisation was proud to mentor Amber Grossmann, whose theatre company, Overall Arts, is at the helm of two new works undergoing a prescriptive five-day

creative development process that culminates in a public showcase tonight.

The works undergoing creative development include Ms Grossmann’s O, Ophelia, and Koalazilla by Keziah Warren.

“After an intensive five days

of working in the studio with a team of actors, director, and set designers, the creative development showcase is always a fun and fascinating look behind the scenes of theatre-making and a milestone worth celebrating,” Ms Maunder said.

Ms Warren is joined by director Amber Grossmann and the JUTE Actors Studio Pathways students, who will present the Koalazilla creative development showcase at Bulmba-ja tonight from 6.30 pm.

The second creative develop-

ment showcase on September 29 is for Amber Grossmann’s O, Ophelia - a modernised adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic text, Hamlet. Tickets are $10 and can be bought online at www.jute.com.au

Cairns Poetry Slam co-founders Brendan Dennis and Ema Mcghie have booked CPAC to hold their event. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Queen tribute

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

ROCKIN’ outfit Killer Queen returns to BAR36 at The Reef Hotel Casino for a massive two nights of entertainment early next month.

Casino entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said Killer Queen was considered one of the world’s leading Queen tribute bands.

“Killer Queen aren’t just any tribute band, they’re reputed as the only one to ever be endorsed by Queen guitarist Brian May himself, a huge compliment, and an indication of how good their representation of the legendary band really is,” he said.

“Based on the band’s previ-

ous performance at The Reef Hotel Casino, their two nights in October are going to be huge.

“The two-hour live show The Killer Queen Experience has toured to sold out venues in the UK, Norway, Singapore, Russia, and India, and every city in Australia, and shared billing with the likes of Jeff Beck, Foreigner, Journey, Twisted Sister, Thin Lizzie, and Kelly Rowland.”

Mr Stewart said the show featured Queen’s greatest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, Somebody To Love, Radio Ga Ga, Another One Bites The Dust, and more songs that would bring a smile (or a tear) to any Queen fan.

He said John Blunt was renowned worldwide for his un-

canny resemblance to Freddie Mercury, and played Mercury in the 2016 UK biopic ‘The Freddie Mercury Story – Who Wants To Live Forever’.

“If you’re thinking of seeing Killer Queen for the first time, nothing can prepare you for it,” Mr Stewart said.

“John’s eerie resemblance of Freddie Mercury will transport you back in time, and there’s something about the meticulous attention to detail – the instruments, the costumes, the mannerisms, and true musicians – that stirs an emotional response in the people who see their shows.”

Killer Queen plays BAR36 live and free at The Reef Hotel Casino from 9pm on October 6 and 7. For more information visit www.killerqueen.com.au

Killer Queen are set to thrill audiences at the Reef Hotel Casino’s BAR36 next month. Picture: Supplied

Thousands take part in many events at Tropical Art Deco Festival

Colourful fashions

l INNISFAIL

| Nick Dalton

THOUSANDS of people have taken part in Innisfail and District Historical Society’s Tropical Art Deco Festival which has been hailed a huge success by organisers.

Convenor Kerry Linton said about 2000 people participated in events over the five days.

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

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

“The vintage items on display and for sale looked right at home in the stately art deco shire hall while music of the era played all day.

“Many people went to a lot of trouble to dress up for events, including Friday night’s roaring 20s basket cabaret, held in the shire hall, where Melissa Western and her jazz band from Brisbane put on an amazing show, with local dance schools, singing groups and soloists taking to the stage.

“Saturday’s high tea at the Inn-

TimeOut Larger than life big show

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

isfail RSL Club also saw many patrons dressing in style with prizes awarded for best dressed in several categories.”

Ms Linton said the trivia night was very well-attended and lots of fun with patrons dressing in a spectacular fashion as well, with the men’s fashion winner looking like a character straight out of the 1930s movie ‘Casablanca’.

“I think people are getting into the spirit of the event by dressing up and having some fashionable fun. It’s great to see,” she said.

“Festival patrons travelled from all over, with Cassowary Coast residents well represented among the festival goers over the five-day event, with visitors from Cairns, Townsville, the Tablelands, Sunshine Coast and Mackay swelling the numbers at various events including the shire hall tours and art deco guided history walk.”

Winners of the shop window competition were Random Butterfly, Dancing Divas and Creative Events.

“The organising committee believes that the Tropical Art Deco Festival can grow nto a major destination tourism event for Innisfail over time with the support of local businesses and residents alike, with participation numbers already growing,” Ms Linton said.

ONE of the region’s most significant First Nations cultural festival, UMI Arts’ Big Talk One Fire, successfully wrapped up after an afternoon of music, arts and stories at Munro Martin Parklands last weekend.

In its first year at Munro Martin Parklands, the 16th edition of UMI’S Big Talk One Fire went larger than life with 12 market stalls, food stalls, a symposium, six cultural workshops, and lots of music and entertainment headlined by Torres Strait Islander musician Mau Power. UMI Arts exhibitions and gallery officer Robyne Pacey said Big Talk One Fire had been a success with great community engagement.

“We’re very excited to see our final numbers. Since COVID, our numbers had gone down, last year we had 1500 people but we’re hoping to have doubled that this year,” she said.

“The event was a great success. We had been at Fogarty Park in previous years, but we’ve found our home at Munro Martin Parklands.

“Our headliners were Dizzy Doolan and Patrick Mau from Mau Power and they were huge with the crowd.”

Lorraine Piercy and Val McCallum got into the art deco style for the Innisfail Shire Hall tour.

Picture: Supplied

IRON & STEAM FAIR HISTORIC VILLAGE HERBERTON

l SAT SEPT 23, 9:00AM-5:00PM

Join us for this special event series as Australia’s yesteryear comes alive through the heritage machinery, steam power and classic vehicles that helped build the nation.

Cost: Normal Admission prices to the Historic Village Herberton apply

Book tickets through Historic Village Herberton.

CAIRNS CARMA FESTIVAL FOGARTY PARK

l SAT SEPT 23, 11:00AM

Community groups benefit from the festival getting involved. It raises their community’s profile and helps them stay connected to the wider communities in the Cairns region.

The festival includes cultural group performances, choirs, traditional dance classes, international/ cultural food stalls, art & craft stalls, and children’s activities.

FREE event for everyone!

For more info visit the www.carma.org.au.

DRINKING HABITS RONDO THEATRE

l FRI SEPT 22, 7:30PM

A two-act farcical comedy written by Tom Smith and directed by Nader Sallam.

For years, Mother Superior has been inflating the size of the order of the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing. Unbeknownst to Mother Superior, her sisters have secretly been making wine and successfully selling it locally to help keep the convent’s doors open. If laughter is your medicine, tickets are on sale now through the Rondo Theatre website.

TRIVIA NIGHT TRINITY BEACH SPORTS CLUB

l SAT SEPT 23, 6:00PM

Come along to this fundraising Trivia Night to raise funds to support FNQ Wildlife Rescue. All proceeds will go towards helping our carers with products to rehabilitate, care and release wildlife. This is going to be a great night. Lots of awesome prizes! Get your tickets early.

Cost: $10/ticket

For bookings and enquiries contact Aline – 0419 590 730

FLICKERFEST CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS

l SAT 23 SEPT, 7:30PM

Flickerfest returns with this annual one-off chance to see the best of Australian & International short films officially selected for Flickerfest National Tour programme, before they continue their journey around the world. Pack a picnic, bring a camp chair or ground rug and make a night of it.

Book your tickets through trybooking.

ELVIS IN GERMANY THE GERMAN CLUB

l FRI SEPT 22, 5:00PM

“Wooden Heart” is a pop song recorded by Elvis Presley. The composition is based on a German folk song “Muss i denn” (lit. Must I then) and it was featured in the 1960 Elvis Presley film G.I. Blues. The song was a hit single for Presley in the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 1 for six weeks in March and April 1961.

Free entry! Book your table through The German Club website.

FRIDAY

Barbary Coasters - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4:00pm

Nikki Doll - Cairns Colonial Club, 4:00pm

Cinnamon Sun - Dunwoody’s, 4:00pm

SAX MAN Troy Stevens - L’Unico Trinity Beach, 4:30pm

Elvis in Germany - German Club Cairns, 5:00pm

Wind and Wood - Ten 06, 5:30pm

Whiskey Boat - O’Donnells Palm Cove, 6:00pm

Gold Chisel - Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 6:00pm

Carrizma - Cazalys, 6:30pm

Far North Air Cats - Tanks Arts Centre, 7:00pm

Andrea - Surf Club Palm Cove, 7:30pm

Fingerprint - Bar 36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 8:30pm

SATURDAY

Atlantic Crossing - Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, 2:00pm

Thomas Lowth - Surf Club Palm Cove, 2:00pm

Denim Blues - Strait on the Beach, 3:00pm

Lexi & Waha - Cazalys, 6:15pm

Latin Dance Night - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 6:30pm

Sky Rich Trivia Night - Smithfield Tavern, 7:00pm

Barbary Coasters - Trinity Beach Tavern, 7:00pm

The Wait - Red Beret Hotel, 8:00pm

Fingerprint - Bar 36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 8:30pm

Wild Willy - The Jack, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

Andrea - Red Beret Hotel, 1:00pm

Sea Change - The Tin Shed, Port Douglas, 1:00pm

Bad Boys of Uke - Barron Falls Hotel, 12:30pm

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

Axon Bower & Phoebe Over - Dunwoody’s, 2:00pm

Justin wellington - Bar 36 at the Reef Hotel Casino, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Weekly Horoscopes

New romantic ties can be made; however, you must make sure that your motives are not selfish before you make your move. Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. You can solidify your relationship if you plan a special evening with your mate.

Don’t let others take advantage of your good nature. You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. You can benefit financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters. Travel for business purposes may bring the highest returns.

CROSSWORD

You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. Don’t take your frustrations out on the ones you love. Don’t exhaust yourself or minor health problems will set in. Travel will be in your best interest regardless of whether it is business or pleasure.

You will have a tendency to exaggerate, which will lead to major confrontations with loved ones. You will be able to get good advice if you listen to close friends or relatives you respect. Coworkers may not be completely honest with you. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time.

Be inquisitive about unfamiliar circumstances. You may have a hidden adversary who would love to prove you wrong. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected. You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home.

Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. You need to take a break with the ones you love. You have the ability to motivate others. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn’t been well.

Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart. Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. Visit friends who have not been well. Don’t sign up for too many extra activities or you’ll have trouble fulfilling your obligations.

ACROSS

Your ability to work with detail could help you achieve your goals. There might be one who is quite willing to take the credit for your work. You are best to do your research before taking on such a venture. False information is likely if you listen to idle chatter or gossip.

Secret affairs could cause upset.

Old friends may not like your choices. You can mesmerize anyone you meet with your cultured attitude and outlook. You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don’t take any risks.

Don’t draw too much attention to yourself at work. Your temper may erupt if you have allowed others to cost you too much money. Get involved in sports groups or hobbies that attract you. Opportunities will develop through those you encounter while attending organizational events.

7. sticking fast to an object or surface (8)

9. exclamation used by fox hunters to urge on the hounds (6)

10. the basic cause, source, or origin of something (4)

11. a decorative container that holds plants (10)

12. a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage (6)

21. a means of securing or fastening (10)

22. located a short distance away (4)

23. someone who supports neoconservative policies (6)

24. a leguminous tree bearing edible fruit (8)

DOWN

1. extra things or amounts (3-3)

2. a particular process or method for trying or assessing (4)

3. a type of tree which produces benzoin (8)

4. a very small sea creature similar to a prawn but smaller (6)

5. forming a partition. (10)

6. a fight between small bodies of troops (8)

8. a horse-riding competition consisting of dressage, cross-country jumping, and stadium jumping (5-3,5)

13. an unwillingness to do something (10)

Put your efforts into your work or money-making ventures rather than your emotional life. Someone may be trying to damage your reputation.

Your emotional state will vacillate Consider a conservative investment that will stay solid when everything else goes sour.

You may tend to put on weight. Do not trust others with important information. You may find that your documents are not in order. Don’t involve yourself in the emotional problems of those you work with.

14. stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt (8)

15. each of the twelve named periods into which a year is divided (8,5)

17. a particular point in events or time (8)

19. in a state of sleep (6)

15. a companion of a queen, king, or other ruler in their official home (8)

16. the usual time for serving a meal (8)

18. to take your hands off someone (6) 20. a machine that burns fuel to make something move (6)

22. something that is usual, typical, or standard (4)

Cairns region housing sector growing quicker than the Queensland average

Property market prospers

l SPECIAL REPORT

| Nick Dalton

THE Cairns property market has grown faster than the state average in the past 12 months to June 2023.

According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), the state saw substantial year on year growth of 5.26 per cent for houses, and 6.91 per cent for units, but Cairns was 8.65 per cent for houses and 11.11 per cent for units.

In the last quarter (April – June 2023) figures revealed that many of the Sunshine State’s property markets were in an enviable position, with statewide median house prices rising by 4.62 percent over the quarter, and median unit prices lifting 3 per cent. The figures for Cairn were - 0.35 per cent and 1.67 per cent.

Queensland’s annual median house price reached $650,000, while capital city Brisbane’s annual median sale price dipped back below the $1 million mark to $985,000. Cairns was $585,000, with Noosa the highest: $1.255m. Meanwhile Queensland’s annual median unit

price remained just under half a million dollars ($495,000), but reached a record $510,000 in Brisbane, Cairns was $300,000, while Noosa was $982,500.

Cairns was among the fastest moving markets for houses (20 days) and units (18 days).

REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said contrary to commentary that property prices would go ‘belly up’, the data showed overall Queensland property was delivering sustainable growth. The dust has settled and we’ve returned to a much more stable sales market, with steady growth for

owners and more time for buyers, and that’s a great market to be in,” she said.

“Interestingly, units are leading the way in annual growth in many of the state’s major markets, particularly outpacing house growth in greater Brisbane and the tourism centres.

“It’s unsurprising that buyers are increasingly recognising the value and appeal of apartments, particularly those wanting to get out of the strained rental market and on to the property ladder.”

Ms Mercorella said immigration to the southeast corner would continue to be a primary driver for property growth, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon.

“While these results are somewhat surprising, given rising interest rates, Queensland’s market is buoyed by population growth and a lack of listings hitting the market,” she said.

“It’s slim pickings for buyers hoping to secure a slice of the Sunshine State, and this creates competition and puts upward pressure on prices.”

The housing market in Cairns is bubbling along at an increase of 8.65 per cent in the last financial year.

Antonia Mercorella.

Motoring

Luxurious Mazda flagship packed with gear and grunt

l CAR LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton

THE largest, most luxurious and expensive Mazda has arrived in Cairns.

The CX-90 SUV can carry up to seven occupants with petrol or diesel turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines, both with 48-volt mild M Hybrid technology. Prices start at $79,315 drive away for the Touring, $90,700 for the GT and $99,303 for the Azami flagship.

Westco Mazda has registered a GT demonstrator for

test drives. General manager Scott King said the dealership was holding two orders and was expecting more stock to arrive soon.

In the meantime, their other new luxury model, the CX-60, is doing well.

“We have orders for 14 CX60s, better than we had thought, they are across the board, including the plug-in hybrid,” he said.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said “the Mazda CX-90 establishes a new dimension in grand SUV touring”. “This is more than Mazda’s new flagship SUV.

The CX-90 is an expression of exceptional craftsmanship and human-centric technologies, a sophisticated and dynamic vehicle for families and lovers of adventure,” he said.

Both the e-Skyactiv G (turbocharged, 3.3-litre petrol G50e) and e-Skyactiv D (turbocharged, 3.3-litre diesel D50e) inlinesixes available in the CX-90 benefit from Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid technology, which supports the engine at lower speeds while delivering enhanced environmental performance by using regenerative braking to replenish the onboard battery. The diesel has been rat-

ed at 5.4L/100 km, along with CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

Power of 187kW is available at 3750 rpm and peak torque of 550 Nm from 1500-2400 rpm.

With 254kW of maximum power and 500Nm of peak torque, the e-Skyactiv G petrol engine with M Hybrid Boost technology is the most powerful mass-production power unit Mazda has developed to-date, rated at 8.2L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 189g/km.

Distributing the power is Mazda’s Skyactiv-Drive eightspeed automatic transmission (developed without a torque converter and transmitting

torque directly), which sends drive to all four wheels via fulltime i-Activ All-Wheel Drive –a rear-biased drive system.

Drivers can also tailor their experience to suit the journey, with four different switchable driving modes, ranging from normal, sport, off-road and towing.

Braked towing capacity is up to 2000kg for the diesel and 2500kg for the petrol.

At 5.1m long and 1.9m wide, and a 3.1m wheelbase, the CX90 is large with three rows of seats.

The height of the tailgate opening also makes it easy for

families to load items, such as their weekly shopping and sporting equipment. Accessing the third-row seats is made easy by the design of the rear doors. They feature a larger step to make entry and exit easier.

Standard features in the Touring include 19in wheels, a 10.25in infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, a 7in instrument display, LED highlights, surround-view camera, power-adjustable front seats, leather trim, eight speakers, hands-free powered tailgate, a head-up display and a full suite of advanced safety technology.

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s biggest, most powerful and costly vehicle in its Australian line-up.

The Mazda CX-90 is luxurious inside and out.

The Mazda CX-90 is more than 5m long and nearly 2m wide.

Electric vehicles come down

l ELECTRIC VEHICLES

| Nick Dalton

WITH cost-of-living pressures and record high fuel prices putting a strain on motorists, the RACQ’s latest research shows buyers can potentially save thousands of dollars by switching to an electric vehicle.

The club’s 2023 Vehicle Operating Costs report found increased competition and government incentives have significantly driven down the cost of owning electric vehicles (EVs) in Queensland, making them

cheaper than some of their petrol counterparts.

RACQ motoring editor Ged Bulmer said in the popular medium SUV category, an EV was cheaper than nearly all the internal combustion powered counterparts in its class.

“The BYD Atto 3 was the third cheapest out of a group of 13 medium SUVs on the Australian market, costing $1154 per month to own and operate over a five-year loan,” Mr Bulmer said.

To have one delivered in Cairns the cost is $49,705.20, according to BYD’s website.

“We’ve come from only having expensive European EVs on the market, to now having much more competitively priced models, with even more heading our way in the months ahead,” Mr Bulmer said.

“EVs tend to have lower servicing costs and with recordhigh fuel prices, the overall ownership costs of some EVs have come down over the past 12 months,” he said.

June sales figures show battery electric vehicles accounted for 8.8 per cent of monthly sales and 7.4 per cent of all new vehi-

cle sales in the first half of 2023. Some of the most affordable EVs available right now are from China, which is the world’s biggest manufacturer of EVs, including new models from MG and BYD launching with sub-$40,000 recommended retail prices.

Of the cars that were available during RACQ’s survey period, the BYD Atto 3 came in at just $31 more per month more than the cheapest petrol medium SUV (the Honda CRV Wagon) but had better features as standard. “Safer and cleaner cars

should be available to everyone, not just the wealthy, and now

Queenslanders can now choose electric over petrol without being penalised on price,” Mr Bulmer said.

“With increased competition due to a recent influx of EVs onto the Australian market and boosted financial incentives from governments, we expect the ownership costs for certain electric cars to continue trending down,” he said.

“We do however need to see different EV models coming into Australia, particularly

in the small vehicle, ute, and 4WD segments, which is why the RACQ supports the Federal Government’s new vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standard.”

Mr Bulmer said if EV owners had a home solar system installed, or were purchasing their vehicle on a novated lease, their ownership costs had the potential to be even more affordable.

The new owners of Irelands of Cairns – Eagers Automotive – plan to add BYD to their franchises and a marked demonstrator is frequently parked outside the Mulgrave Rd dealership.

The BYD Atto 3 is just under $50,000 drive away in Cairns.

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DATE: 20TH OCTOBER 2023

TIME: 5PM TO 9PM

All financial members will recieve an invitation in the post or via email, confirming the AGM details and venue.

An AGM Agenda, Proxy and Nomination forms for RIA Management Committee positions will also be included in the invitations. Please ensure your membership fees are paid to enable your vote or nomination.

Friday September 22nd

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

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

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

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

Help and hope for families and friends of

holics. If someone in your family has

drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at:

• Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm to 7pm

• Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm to 1pm

• Kuranda: Mondays, 11am to 12 noon

For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or

Saturday September 23rd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday September 24th

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

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

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

Mission Beach: Ulysses Park, Mission Beach, 07:30-12:00

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, 46 Collins St, Edge Hill, 09:00-14:00

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

Team at national titles

Under-14 players seeking reward after extensive training regime

l BASKETBALL | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE first team from Cairns Basketball to compete in the U-14 Club National Championships in over five years is now on their way to challenge the best teams in the country in Melbourne from September 24-29.

Hosted by Basketball Australia and Casey Basketball Association, the U-14 Club Championships is the key pathway into elite competition where the best three club teams of each state compete to become the best in Australia, and as the current number three in Queensland, the under-14 Cairns Basketball girls’ team is ready to represent the raw talent of the Far North.

The 24 participating teams will be divided into six pools of four teams, and the top two teams in each pool will play for the championship division while third and fourth places compete for the shield division.

Led by captain Karesse Luki, the team of 10 girls are eager to represent Cairns.

“This has been the longest season the team has had,” said coach Callum Whiteside.

“The girls set up a list of goals they had, first was to get first place at the North Queensland Junior Basketball competition, which they did, and then they wanted to qualify for national so in June-July they competed in Toowoomba and qualified.

“Now their goal is to remain in the top two spots in their pool to go against the top tier teams in the championship division.

“They’ve done a lot of hard training, so now they get to go out and get the rewards from their hard work.”

Having held their last training on Wednesday, Mr Whiteside said the girls were excited

Sport Results

EDGE HILL BOWLS

THE annual Westco Motors sponsored classic fours was played at Edge Hill.

First: Matt Norrie, Kevin Deegan Kevin Foord and Doug Laycock (5 wins +81), second: with 5 wins +53 was Lyle Braggins, Nick Twining, M McTaggert and Rhyce Gillman and third: from Torquay (Victoria) 3 wins +25, fourth: BCF team 3

Shanahan takes the top medal

l AFL

AFL Cairns 2023 Crathern medallist is Jack Shanahan (below) of Port Douglas Crocs.

The Crocs also took home men’s coach of 2023, Jarde Petrenko.

Manunda

Hawks’ Jennifer Wren, 19, has won AFL Cairns’ Jo Butland medal for the women’s best and fairest.

South Cairns Cutters junior Maddie Campbell won the rising star award after playing her first season in the senior women’s competition.

Heidi Talbot, who represented Queensland twice this season, the Gold Coast Suns Academy and played for Bond University in the QAFLW reserves, won the Cairns AFLW MVP award.

Cairns Saints utility Ash Moore won the men’s rising star award.

Volunteer of the year was Mitchell Butteriss of North Cairns Tigers, women’s players’ player was Jade Ransfield of Centrals TB Bulldogs, while women’s coach of the year was Kareena White of Manunda Hawks.

wins +17 and fifth: Ben Moore team 3 wins +2. All members please note this year’s AGM will be held on Monday, September 25 at 6pm. If you are interested in where the club is heading in the next few years please attend and participate in this meeting.-

Ladies bowls, social Thursday, September 14, scrounger winners were Jeannie Wild and

to give this competition their all. The last two teams from Cairns Basketball to qualify to the club championships did it in 2019 and couldn’t go because of COVID, so we’re the first team to qualify since five or six

Joyce Ault. Mixed social bowls, Tuesday, September 12, winners Lou Pomroy and Helen Aumuller, R/U: Mary and Les Jackson and Allan Tunstall. Wednesday, September 13 night winners were Alan and John, R/U Glenda, Mal and Tony.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Results of last weeks play. Tuesday afternoon men’s triples, first: R Lloyd, B Wright, Jock Callaghan, second: P Anderson, Ossie, A Jennings. Tuesday night bowls, spider:

years ago. It’s an exciting time for the team,” he said.

“We’re not a very tall team, but we’re athletic and play a very fast tempo game, but also these are 10 girls who really push themselves every time

Bob H, David, Jennifer, Rod, Sisca, Michael. Wednesday mixed bowls, first: L Kenshole, J Carey, second: P McGurgan, T Ibbits. Thursday mixed triples, first: Paul/Rhys, Jason, Crackers, second: John R, Gordon, Valerie. Saturday morning scroungers, winner: D Gibson, runner-up: Paul C. Club championships, men’s triples: S Mann (sub), J Walford, R Gillman def G Midson, B O’Connor, N Robson 18-12. Ladies triples: R Blake, L Roberts, J Ward def C Thompson,

they step on the court, they are not quitting, and they really pride themselves in their work ethic. I’m extremely proud of what the team has achieved, and they’ll give their best until the end.”

B Andreatta, J Whitehead 1713. O Morley, C Scott, L Mikic def A Ashton, K Loughnans, J Baumann 27-15. Mixed pairs: A Jacobs, J Baumann def J Smith, B O’Connor 25-14, L McCarthy, N Robson def J Gillman, L Mikic 29-10, J Ward, SJ Pitt def B Drewitt, J Walford 27-14, C Scott, R Gillman def A Ashton S Vidgens 23-12.

WEST CAIRNS BOWLS

Men’s, Tuesday, September 12, first: Ray Owens, Norm Kehrer, Mal Taylor, second:

The grand finals are tomorrow at Cazalys Stadium starting with Centrals TB Bulldogs versus Cairns Stingers at 10.30am followed by the development final between South Cairns Cutters and Centrals TB Bulldogs at 12.20pm.

The women’s grand final is between Cairns Saints and Manunda Hawks at 3pm while the men’s grand final is between Port Douglas Crocs and Cairns Saints at 5.15pm.

Terry Curran, D. Capwick, B. Mlikota. Thirsty Thursday best players: Kev Lee, Jocko, Slippery, Reidy. Friday night scroungers winner: Mal Taylor, r/up Edna Park. Saturday, September 16, B grade singles: J.Banes def J. Cole 27/2. There were no men’s bowls on Sunday due to most of the bowlers going up to Cooktown. Saturday, September 23 is the men’s AGM starting at 9.30am and after the West Cairns Bowls Club is holding their AGM starting at 10am. Please attend.

Cairns Basketball under-14 girls’ team. Back row (from left) manager Katie Dorahy, development coach Curt Ah Wang, players Brienne Long, Americus Walker, Clare Zuvelek, Mikaylee Martin, coach Callum Whiteside and assistant coach Aaron Luki. Front row (from left), Nancy George, Skye Dorahy, Evelyn Pearson-Pitt, Summer Mitchley, Karesse Luki and Grace McGoogan. Picture: Basketball Queensland

Prize money of $10,000 up for grabs at modified sedans northern finals

Top racing at city speedway

l SPEEDWAY | Nick Dalton

THE modified sedans northern finals return to Cairns Speedway since before the pandemic.

Speedway vice-president Rob Goodwin said it was a good sign of the times that a great series like this was “a bigger and better way”, thanks to the Hambledon Hotel with a $10,000 prize pool and the biggest first place prize of the season of $3000 to win.

“The event and prize pool has attracted the best drivers from southern Queensland, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Toowoomba, all vying for a slice of the $10,000,” he said.

Mr Goodwin said tonight’s action was three heats for the modified sedans and tomorrow a further three heats plus a feature race.

“The current modified sedans Queensland and NSW champion from a glowing 2022 season and proudly sporting NSW1 and Q1 on the car is Nathan MacDonald, who calls the Toowoomba track home,” he said.

Mr MacDonald said “it would be very cool [to win northern finals], but to be honest I really get a lot of satisfaction putting on a show for the fans”.

“I had a string of good results last season and I always said if I won a title I would support a lot of events like this in Cairns and do the travel,” he said.

“The weather is usually pretty in-

viting the last couple of times I’ve been up there.

“I do enjoy the track layout and I’ve been watching a few of the recent videos up there.

“The boys have been turning on some awesome racing.

“I’ve raced Jorgo (T25 Adam Jorgensen). He’s a well-travelled guy. I’ve always said if you want to be the best you’ve got to race the best and Jorgo’s done quite a bit of travelling down south against the contingency down here (Toowoomba) and that shows he’ll always be one to beat and watch out for.

“But yeah I’m definitely looking forward to racing a few other guys up there also.

“Braith Thomas from Rockhampton, he’s been quite impressive, very young, but yeah there’s quite a few guys up there that are looking forward to a challenge.”

Competing from Cairns are CN10 Brenton Chandler, CN8 Scott Vella, CN11 Dave Manly, CN77 Andrew McCreath, CN6 Steve Manly, CN26 Brett Brady and CN69 Graham Kleinhans.

Friday night action from 6pm: modified sedans, super street sedans, junior sedans, Formula 500s and burnout demonstrations.

Saturday night from 5pm: modified sedans finals, super street sedans, junior sedans, Formula 500s, pro sprintcars.

Tickets are available via the Cairns Speedway website: https://bit.ly/48oZjHS

Lions take down Bulls in premier men’s grand final

l SOCCER

| Ellie Fink

A LAST-minute free kick in the Far North and Gulf Football premier men’s grand final saw The Leichhardt Lions take down the Mareeba Bulls 2-1.

Hundreds of Bulls fans donned the black and orange in Cairns over the weekend, cheering on their team on the field in their first grand final since 2019.

Starting off strong, the Bulls scored first, fuelled with confidence, but the Lions struck back, even-

ing out the score seconds before the end of the first half.

Captain Adrian Madrid said coming into the locker room during the halftime break, he could see the devastation the team felt for letting their game slip.

“There was a damning feeling across the board, and everyone had their heads down,” he said.

“I had to reassure them that we were not losing yet, and we could come back but in the second half we came out in an even battle, but unfortunately with only three or four minutes to go, they

got a free kick and put us away.”

Although the loss has made the team upset, coach Kane Alderton said he was proud of their efforts through the entire season.

“It’s a mix of emotions and it’s still a bit raw but I am still proud of the boy’s efforts over the season and considering the lack of players and injuries throughout the season, we still finished second,” he said.

“We will just enjoy the off-season now and spend some time with family.”

Madrid is already thinking about the fu-

ture, preparing the team’s strategy for next season, confident they will make it to the top three once again.

“I am really hoping the coaches and players from this season stick around so we can build off what we did this season,” he said.

“We had a great little crew by the end of it and I think it is important that we start off strong in the preseason and hopefully we get another good run.”

Alderton and Madrid both thanked the town for their support throughout the season and hoped they did Mareeba proud.

Modified sedans champion Nathan MacDonald is looking forward to tonight at Cairns Speedway. Inset: Drifting his Commodore.

Mareeba Bulls captain Adrian Madrid goes up against the Leichhardt Lions last Saturday night.

Picture: Ashleigh Leporati

Local Sport