VISITORS to the Great Barrier Reef will enjoy silence on the reef with zero-emission scenic flights and a hybridelectric catamaran under development for the Cairns Reef Fleet.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the region’s operators were keen to eliminate their carbon footprint as much as possible, with businesses actively seeking renewable energy sources for transport.
“With two World Heritage areas side by side, Tropical North Queensland has long been a leader in environmental initiatives and is the most Eco-certified destination in Australia with 62 companies and 182 experiences accredited through the scheme,” Mr Olsen said.
“Transportation is the greatest challenge in reducing emissions, so our operators are partnering with leaders in this field to develop more efficient ways of showcasing the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest.”
Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef and Island Tours has received a $200,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Tourism Experience Development Fund to work with marine engine manufacturer Volvo Penta to build a 24m electric hybrid catamaran for 60 passengers.
Owners, husband and wife team Perry Jones and Taryn Agius, have been operating dive and snorkelling tours for almost three decades on their vessels Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom with sustainability as a priority.
“Our next generation vessel will be an eco-catamaran with solar panels and an electric-hybrid engine so guests can enjoy silence while on the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Agius said.
“It has been an ongoing journey investigating cleaner energy solutions, and this electric-hybrid catamaran will be our first step towards becoming emission-free when we launch in mid-2024.”
Northern Australia’s largest helicopter operator, Nautilus Aviation, has ordered 10
zero-emission electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft for scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef by 2026.
A division of the Morris Group, Nautilus has partnered with Eve Air Mobility, part of the Embraer Group, to introduce the fleet as part of the Morris Group’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030 across all its businesses.
Nautilus Aviation CEO Aaron Finn said the company had held Advanced Ecotourism Certification for 10 years, recently being awarded Green Travel Leader status, and was looking forward to eliminating their use of fuel to power scenic flights.
“This will allow us to provide emission-free, quiet tours over the Great Barrier Reef, providing an unmatched eco experience for our customers,” he said.
CaPTA introduced Queensland’s first commercial electric bus in October 2019 for its Tropic Wings Day Tours between Cairns and Kuranda and to shuttle guests between the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
and Rainforestation Nature Park.
The family-owned business installed a charging station and solar panels at their Tropic Wings Coach Depot, reducing their carbon emissions by up to 30 tonnes each year.
Sapphire Transfers took delivery of its first electric vehicle in November, which Director Matt Grooby said made good business sense as it decreased fuel costs of the average 300km round trip from $60 to $10 while the reduced maintenance requirements meant he would save many thousands of dollars a year.
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at major attractions throughout Tropical North Queensland, including Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Paronella Park, Wildlife Habitat and Mossman Gorge Centre.
Visitors wanting to reduce emissions on a self-drive holiday can choose an electric 2022 ruby red Tesla Model 3 from Cairns Luxury Car Hire or hire a hybrid vehicle from Avis.
IN a tradition of almost 40 years, Cairns Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club will be delivering their annual Christmas cakes for the elderly through December to bring some sweetness to the ones that need it most.
This year, Cairns Meals on Wheels will deliver 470 cakes across Cairns, the northern beaches, and 25 extra cakes that go to the Palliative Care Hospital in Gordonvale.
The cake tradition keeps growing, and the Queensland Cake Decorators Association (QCDA) Cairns and Cairns Meals on Wheels volunteers have their hands full preparing an extra 110 cakes compared to last year.
On the first weekend of December, the volunteers sacrifice their free time to prepare the cakes donated by the Lions Club and decorate them to deliver to the Meals on Wheels clients, patients in palliative care, women’s shelters and more.
year we have fewer members here, so it’ll take us longer,” Ms Cowell said.
“We think the elderly people deserve people who think of them and try to cheer them up.
“Some of them don’t get a lot of visits during Christmas time, and the people that have received the cakes in previous years really appreciate them, and from November, they start asking – when are we going to get our Christmas cakes?”
In 2022, the Meals on Wheels Cairns cake delivery tradition turned 38 and continues to go strong, with demand for cakes increasing each year.
Cairns Meals on Wheels’ oldest volunteer, Val Humphreys, who has volunteered for 40 years, said she still remembered how the tradition began.
“The tradition started 38 years ago underneath somebody’s house, and each year it got bigger and bigger,” Ms Humphreys said.
year that they get a little cake, and they can share it with their families and grandkids,” she said.
Ms Humphreys said that although the origins are unclear because it was an idea they had from way back, the tradition has grown.
“It was just an idea we had to do something for the town,” she said.
“And now we can’t stop.
“And it’s gone to Gordonvale and Marlin Coast; we used to only do the Cairns lot.
“Last year, we even sent some to Innisfail.”
Although it is encouraging for the volunteers at Meals on Wheels Cairns to see their client’s reactions to the cakes, it has become harder to meet the demand each year due to a shortage of volunteers.
“We’ve got not enough members,” Ms Humphreys said.
“We need cake decorators to join us; we have a meeting once a month at the Girl Guides
By Isabella Guzman GonzalezLOCAL character and Wayne’s World columnist Wayne Marshall loves Christmas more than any other festivity that could exist. The lights, the food, and the smiles on children’s faces, so making use of his famous white beard, he started a tradition of dressing up as Santa Claus to bring some Christmas cheer.
Sitting on his big red couch at Earlville Shopping Town sits Santa; all the kids that walk by amazed cannot contain their smiles and rush to line up to take a picture with him.
And from morning to afternoon Mr Marshall is not himself anymore, he is Santa, and he takes his role seriously, making sure his beard is as white as it can be, waving to the kids and happily singing ho ho ho!
“This is my fourth year as Santa in the shopping centres,” he said.
“But I’ve been doing Santa Claus at various daycare centres on and off for 12 years.
“I love it; it’s the best time of the year. I make a countdown every year from Boxing Day all way through Christmas Eve.”
According to Mr Marshall, the best part of the job is how much children enjoy sitting and chatting with Santa, which also encourages him to continue his tradition.
“I have had only two crying babies this year which is unreal,” he said.
“The kids have been fantastic, always smiling and
“I do it for the kids, and the other day I had a 12-week-old baby in one arm and a five-week-old baby in the other arm, and it was beautiful.”
As Santa, Mr Marshall has heard many children’s requests for prezzies this year.
“Legos is the big one this year,” he said.
“Pokemon is another big one this year, and the girls want Barbie dolls, Elsa dolls.”
With all the challenges 2022 has brought, Mr Marshall (but call him Santa) wants to wish the city of Cairns and its children a very Merry Christmas.
“Be happy,” he said.
“Be kind to your friends and others and smile.”
Secretary of the not-for-profit QCDA in Cairns, Joanne Cowell, said although it was a wonderful tradition that brought happiness to the elderly, it was becoming harder to cope with the demand.
“It usually takes us from about 8am to 12.30pm, but this
“The Lions Club always supplied the cakes, and they’ve been very good to us, and we seem to be getting more and more each year.
“The reactions are great; they all wait for these cakes all year and always ask if we’re going to do them.
“It is the highlight of their
Hut on James St; although we’re not running classes at this stage, we help anyone interested in cake decorating.
“We’re looking for new members all the time, some young members; we’re getting old, and it’d be good to have some young members who’d like to come along.”
DECIDING to retire is never easy, but after 86 years in the industry and three generations at the helm of Turners Home Appliances, it’s an end of an era for Gary and Gillian Turner.
Turners has proudly serviced the Cairns area for over eight decades, and their prices have always been more than competitive to the bigger guys.
Still, their product knowledge and customer service set them apart and kept them going strong.
Their history runs deep in Far North Queensland. It was Sydney Hugh Turner, along with his silent partner Texan Robert Lee Hearn, who first opened a store in Mossman in 1936 selling bicycles and gramophone sets.
After their roaring success, they opened a store in Cairns called Hearn and Turner.
Hearn left Cairns for Brisbane after two years, and the business was renamed
Sydney H Turner. During the 1950s and 1960s, Syd had the franchise for STC Appliances and opened stores all over North Queensland from Townsville to Atherton.
Evidently, business acumen is a family trait. Sydney’s son Gary took over the business in 1978, and then following in his father’s footsteps, Brendan took over the management of the company in 2012.
Turners Operations Manager Brendan Turner commented that throughout the 86 years, they had developed a very loyal customer base and made many memories while watching the city grow.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for the family. The business has passed through three generations which is rare and a true testament to the family’s dedication to offering the Cairns community a trusted local supplier,” Mr Turner said.
“Mum and Dad have taken the opportunity to retire and enjoy life together.
They have mixed emotions, but we know that all good things must come to an end.
“We want to thank all our loyal customers for their support and trust in our family for 86 years, some of whom have been shopping with us for four generations.
“We also wish to thank our wonderful staff that have been the face of the business and always go the extra mile to ensure customers find exactly what they are looking for, in particular, Anthony Davies, who has worked for the family for 37 years,” he said.
Turners Operations Manager Brendan Turner said it might be the end of an era for his parents, but as for him, he is looking forward to the possibility of a new career path.
Turners aims to close its doors by January 31 but will remain open while stock lasts.
VIRGIN Australia will launch direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Cairns from June 2023, bringing more than 30,000 additional visitors to Queensland.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer Jayne Hrdlicka, Cairns
CEO Richard Barker and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chair Ken Chapman announced the new Japanese service in Cairns on December 14.
TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen said the Haneda to Cairns connection was the key to growing international travel to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef as it delivered connectivity and consistency through a trusted brand.
“Virgin Australia will fly daily from June 28 and is aligned to Japan’s trusted brand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), through the airport that frequent Japanese travellers are used to travelling through,” Mr Olsen said.
“That consistency and frequency of travel to an essential airport in partnership with the global airline Virgin Austra-
lia will build confidence and help to drive more traffic into Cairns than a single airline could achieve by themselves.
“Having two airlines flying direct to Cairns next year will enable the destination to rebuild the valuable Japanese market, which delivered 112,000 visitors into the region before the pandemic.
“In addition to leisure travel, this service will open up the potential for the business events market, as well as trade and investment thanks to a brand the Japanese trust at an airport they know,” he said.
“Our tourism industry is very excited about this connection as are our Japanese trade partners who sell Cairns as the closest gateway to Australia with just a one-hour time difference and summer all year round.”
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the launch was highly significant, with data showing that a full-service carrier like Virgin Australia flying direct from Haneda Airport would boost Japanese visitor numbers to Cairns.
“This announcement is a huge development for Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef with the long-range, narrow body 737-8 a game changer for our region, bringing destinations such as Japan closer with more cost-effective and fuel-efficient operations,” Mr Barker said.
Minister Hinchliffe said the Queensland Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund had landed its first Cairns Airport deal with the new connection, which would generate $70 million in overnight visitor expenditure and provide 680 direct and indirect jobs.
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the yearround daily service would add more than 2000 seats between Tokyo and Cairns every week, meaning more value and choice for Australians wanting to travel to Japan.
“Importantly, it also means welcoming more Japanese tourists into the Sunshine State to enjoy our unrivalled natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
CHRISTMAS will be a little brighter for hundreds of local families doing it tough, thanks to the generosity of the Cairns community.
The 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal has raised over $60,000 this year to provide 750 food hampers to families, the elderly, carers and other residents who might otherwise go without on Christmas Day.
This includes more than $52,000 raised at the 5-Star Chefs for Charity gala dinner and $8,000 from generous members of the Cairns community.
Mayor Bob Manning praised Cairns’ businesses and community members for their ongoing support of the appeal.
“Every year, residents dig deep to help their neighbours in need,” Cr Manning said.
“This year, hampers will be distributed not only to those in our community facing financial difficulties, but also those who have experienced emotional trauma due to the hardships felt this year.
“For many of these people, festive merriment is probably the furthest thing from their mind, but I am sure a Christmas hamper will go a long way to lift their spirits.
“It will remind them that they are part of a caring community,” he said.
At the Fred Moule Pavilion in the Cairns Showgrounds, volunteers packed 750 food hampers, ready for distribution by local charities and support agencies.
“My personal thanks go to the 100-plus volunteers who have put up their hands to help prepare, pack and deliver these hampers to people in our community, as well as Rotary, officers and sailors from the HMAS Cairns, Northern Pride, Heightened Security, and a host of other local businesses who are helping to pack and deliver these hampers throughout the city,” Cr Manning said.
“A special mention to Sonny Samuel for his ongoing support in coordinating the delivery of the hampers to the relevant agencies.”
Cr Manning said the fundraising effort would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and, of course, the community’s generosity.
“The Christmas season is all about giving, and there are so many generous people in our community who put this into practice,” he said.
“In particular, a big thanks to the Hilton Cairns, Pullman Cairns International, Shangri-La and the Pullman Reef Casino for their ongoing participation in the charity dinner.
“I would like to also acknowledge our media partners for the in-kind services and support, as well as Tropic Spirit Catering for their ongoing contributions.”
“To everyone who has contributed to the appeal in any way, we thank you for your generosity and wish you a very merry Christmas,” Cr Manning said.
St John’s Community Care has an ongoing commitment to provide individualised service packages to maintain the independence and quality of life for the frail, elderly and people with disabilities in the community into 2023. We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Wishing all the community a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!(L-R) Mayor Bob Manning with ABBM Chevelle Marshall from HMAS Cairns, Rotary volunteers, Margaret Milutinovic and Jasmine Mola Volunteers Ann and Marty Brunger
A GROWING national and international focus on delivering environmentally positive outcomes to counter climate change has the potential to deliver positive economic, environmental and social returns for Cairns.
A report tabled at Council recently on the Smart Green Economy (SGE) project, has identified three key target areas – net zero emissions, the circular economy, and biodiversity and carbon markets – which could deliver substantial benefits to the region.
Mayor Bob Manning said that by leveraging global growth in the SGE and the region’s existing competitive advantages, Cairns was well positioned to benefit from public and private investment in the sector.
“Investment in green industries is not about replacing the region’s traditional industries but complementing and enhancing them,” Cr Manning said.
“Our region is uniquely positioned to take advantage of upward trends in the green economy and there is strong strategic alignment at all levels of government that support this.
“Bold targets as part of Council’s Climate Change Strategy 2030 align with the
Queensland Government’s recently released Energy and Jobs Plan, and increased emission reduction targets from the Federal Government.”
Cr Manning said Council was already involved in building relationships with key stakeholders in promoting net zero emissions, delivering a circular economy, and exploring biodiversity and carbon markets.
“An example of this collaboration is a recently signed agreement between Council and CleanCo Queensland that will see 80 of the Council’s largest facilities powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from July 2024,” Cr Manning said.
“Council is also working with the State Government on the Resource Recovery 2040 business case, and is also involved in the Regional Resource Recovery Plan, being coordinated by FNQROC and funded by the State, which will identify opportunities for new industries in the circular economy sector through the reuse and reprocessing of waste streams.
“We live in a region with some of the highest biodiversity values on the planet, so it makes sense to encourage
the development of markets to support the work Terrain NRM and others are doing in habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, and how we support the development of local carbon credit / offset projects.”
The Cairns & FNQ: Becoming the Capital of the Smart Green Economy in Australia position paper, which was unanimously endorsed by Council in August 2020, proposed a multi-stage strategic planning and feasibility study be undertaken to further develop and refine the concept.
Its development has been supported through funding contributions from by the Queensland Department of State Development, Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning, FNQROC, Wet Tropics Management Authority, James Cook University, CQUniversity, and Terrain NRM.
The next step will be to identify the specific projects and actions in the three target areas that will drive the green economy forward and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with key stakeholders including the Queensland and Federal Governments, on this exciting initiative.
VINNIES Queensland are wishing for a Christmas miracle for the 3,978 Cairns residents on the state social housing waiting list, including 1,237 locals spending the holiday season homeless.
As Cairns continues to experience record low vacancy rates and ever-increasing cost of living stress, residents on the social housing waiting list are waiting more than two years on average to find an affordable place to call home.
This is an 80 per cent increase in waiting time since 2017.
Far North Queensland President Veronica Innes said as Vinnies Queensland continued to push for more affordable housing and cost of living relief, the Cairns community could do their part for locals doing it tough this Christmas by donating to the Vinnies
Christmas Appeal.
“Across Queensland, we receive more than 2,000 calls a week for support – a 30 per cent increase year-on-year,” Ms Innes said.
“December is always a time of great need and with a worsening housing crisis, we’re seeing a record number of locals reaching out for help.
“Right now, Vinnies are focused on ensuring people can spend this Christmas with shelter, food and safety. And while we’ve supported many to find permanent housing, it’s still an uphill battle.
“Our Members in the region do amazing work in dedicating their time to answer calls from those in need – but the help Vinnies provides isn’t possible without the support of our donors,” she said.
“We encourage anyone wanting to make Christmas a
happier time for those doing it tough to donate to our Christmas Appeal.”
Far North Queensland Members and Volunteers are also busy preparing Christmas hampers to distribute to families in need, to bring much-needed joy and hope to those who desperately need it.
“While this season can be a tough time for many, our hampers packed with food, toys, vouchers and basic household essentials really help lift the spirits of many and show they are not forgotten this Christmas,” Ms Innes said.
If you would like to make Christmas a happier one for struggling Far North Queensland families, you can donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal to help fund food, emergency accommodation and essentials. To donate, visit: vinnies.org.au/donate or call 13 18 12.
AFTER 20 years the muchloved Nerada Tea Room in Malanda will brew its last pot today with owners citing a challenging past few years as the reason for the closure.
In a statement, Tablelands company Nerada Tea said issues including staffing, a decline in international tourism and rising supplier costs meant the operation was no longer being viable to run.
The company is now Australia’s largest tea estate and last year celebrated fifty years of growing tea in Far North Queensland.
Nerada Tea Chairman John Russell said the decision to close the tea room was a difficult one.
“It has been a tough few years for all businesses, but in rural areas it has been particularly hard,” Mr Russell said.
However, there is good news.
Tea lovers can still get their daily cup of Nerada with operations to remain unaffected at the company’s 360-hectare plantation, which delivers approximately 750 million cups of tea to the nation every year.
Nerada currently produces a range of pesticide-free black and organic herbal teas with plans to add more to their range.
Although the company hasn’t ruled out reopening the tea room when economic conditions improve the present
focus is on the tea estate.
“Never say never, if the economic environment improves, we hope we can bring a visitor experience back to the tea estate at some point in the future,” said John Russell, Chairman of Nerada Tea.
“For now, we will be focusing on our tea estate. We are currently converting some of the tea fields including the Taraqwet tea field to organic certification, which is a big undertaking but very rewarding.
“The tea room closure doesn’t affect our tea production, so we will continue producing the high quality, Australian-grown tea that we’re known for.”
WHILE FNQ males continue to dominate the building industry, in the future they will be most likely following plans drawn by women architects.
The recently released Next Step Survey of 2021 Year 12 students showed that of local students studying Architecture and the Urban environment, 79 per cent were girls and only 21 per cent were boys. This was against the state average of 53 per cent girls and 47 per cent boys.
Another interesting trend was in Communications and Media Studies where FNQ girls also dominated with 74 per cent choosing that area of study compared with only 26 per cent boys. The state average was 55 per cent girls and 45 per cent boys.
The majority of students surveyed chose more traditional fields of study in Health (21 per cent) or Engineering and Related Technologies (21 per cent). Girls featured strongly in nursing and allied health areas and boys in electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering.
Subjects which attracted a greater uptake than the state average were Personal Services 2.5 per cent of total students for FNQ compared with a state average of 1.4 per cent. Performing Arts in FNQ also attracted higher than average interest with 2.3 per cent vs 1.7 per cent.
Aerospace Engineering Technology scored 1.5 per cent of total FNQ students compared with a state average of 0.9 per cent.
Dental Studies also featured strongly with 1.2 per cent of total FNQ students selecting that course of study compared to 0.6 per cent of the state average.
Other strong performers were Public Health, Maritime Engineering, Veterinary Studies, Horticulture and Viticulture, Office Studies, and Complementary Therapies.
There were a total of 1098 participants in the FNQ survey comprising 625 girls and 470 boys who completed Year 12 in 2021.
Full details of the Year 12 Completers Profile for Far North Queensland can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/ year12completers or click on bit.ly/3v46umy in our online edition
WE have a government that have strong objections to the release of the Bali bomb maker, BUT will happily welcome home ‘terrorist’ wives, radicalised to breed ‘baby ISIS terrorists’ does the Government not know that the damage can come (years down-the-track) from “sleeper cell” terrorist babies? bloody hypocrites.
Noel, CairnsWant to be heard? Send a text to the Editor 0438 195 408 or email letters@cairnslocalnews.com.au
BABY spinach risk so don’t eat your greens cause u will get sick, but there’s a Dim Sim shortage in Woolies, Coles & take away shops – what can you eat?
Janelle, Woree
QUEENSLANDERS who need a helping hand this Christmas can access a range of services and supports to ease the burden this festive season.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch urged people to visit their local neighbourhood or community centre for information, services and referrals to support services.
“Some of those centres can also provide emergency relief in the lead-up to Christmas, including food, vouchers and financial assistance,” she said.
For Queenslanders experiencing housing stress over the festive period, Housing Service Centres will be open until December 23, and will then reopen on January 3. Queenslanders in need of support during this period can call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 or 13QGOV (13 74 68) who will both be open during this time.
Bond loans and rental grants are also available to eligible people who move into private rental accommodation.
Neighbourhood and community centres will be closed for up to two weeks over the break, but there will be support available from St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, and Lifeline during the Christmas and New Year break.
“While Christmas can be a time of celebration and joy for many of us, we know the holiday season can leave some people feeling lonely or socially isolated, and I’d encourage them to reach out for help,” Ms Enoch said.
Minister Enoch also warned people not to use predatory payday lenders, and to instead reach out to legitimate services if they need financial help.
For eligible people earning a net income less than $45,000, the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides loans of up to
$2,000 to Queenslanders for the purchase of essential goods and services, such as whitegoods, medical and dental services, car registration and other household items. More information about the scheme is available by phoning 13 64 57.
Other key services available over the festive period include:
• Homeless Hotline: 1800 474 753
• Housing assistance and support: www.qld.gov.au/housing or contact Housing Service Centres on 137468 or visit: www.qld.gov.au/housing-service-centres
• Lifeline: phone or text 13 11 14
• St Vincent de Paul Society: phone 1800 846 643
• The Salvation Army: phone 13 72 58
• Emergency Relief Program: https://qld. gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/ emergency-relief-program
• Domestic and family violence help:
• DV Connect Womensline: 1800 811 811
• DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636
Queenslanders can also:
• find your local neighbourhood centre here: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/yourhome-community/groups-in-your-community/neighbourhood-community-centres
• apply for a bond loan or a rental grant at https://blarga.hpw.qld.gov.au
• use the Tenant Assist app (for public housing tenants to check rental balances and update contact details
• use the Housing Assist Qld app (apply for or check your bond loan calculator, or find out about housing)
• contact emergency maintenance for public housing tenants: phone 1800 808 107 self-service online at: www.qld.gov.au/tenantselfservice
New Year’s Eve fireworks displays will be held simultaneously at the family friendly time of 8.30pm at the Cairns Esplanade, Palm Cove jetty, and Walker Road Sporting Precinct in Edmonton. For the traditionalists, there will be midnight fireworks on the Cairns Esplanade.
There will also be a free movie screening of “DC League of Super Pets” at the Esplanade and Walker Road at 6.30pm. Road closures
To allow for New Year’s Eve festivities, the Esplanade will be closed to all traffic between Shields St and Aplin St from 4pm on Friday 30 December to 5am on Tuesday 3 January 2023.
The Esplanade road will also be closed to all traffic between Spence St and Florence St from 6pm on Saturday 31 December to 1am on Sunday 1 January 2023.
Wet weather note
Residents are urged to monitor Cairns Regional Council’s Facebook page for possible changes to New Year’s Eve events due to inclement weather.
CAIRNS Regional Council’s customer service centre at Spence St will be closed from 4pm on Friday, December 23 and reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
An after-hours emergency call centre will operate 24 hours a day via the normal customer service number 1300 69 22 47.
Non-urgent matters can be logged at any time via Council’s website or through the free My Cairns app, which can be downloaded to mobile devices from Google Play and the App Store.
Animal Care and Education Centre
Impounded pets can be collected during a short period each day, with the exception of Christmas day, when the centre will be closed.
Lost pet release times will be between noon and 12:30pm on December 24, 26, 27, 31 and January 1, 2. For December 28, 29 and 30 lost pets can be collected between 3:30pm and 4:30pm.
The Lagoon will be open 6am to 9pm everyday including public holidays. The Lagoon is closed for regular maintenance on Wednesday mornings, from 6am to noon.
The Cairns Esplanade office will be closed
from Friday, December 23 and re-open at 8.30am on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
All Cairns Libraries branches will be closed from 5pm Friday, December 23 and reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library for school holiday activities.
Waste collection and facilities
There will be no interruptions to kerbside waste and recycling collections. Residential collections will be as per normal schedule on all days, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Waste transfer stations are open every day except Christmas Day when they will be closed.
The Buy Back Shop at the Portsmith Transfer Station will be closed from 4pm on Friday, December 23 and will be reopen on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 in line with regular opening hours.
Other facilities and services
For information on operating hours of other Council services and venues – including swimming pools and other leisure facilities – visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au.
A STRATEGY has been released by the state government to help improve the lives of locals and their communities.
The Communities 2032 strategy will guide the government over the next decade to helping communities and help create a more sustainable living for them.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said that Communities 2032 was also a key part of their response to the serious issues of social isolation and loneliness and released grant guidelines for the $4 million “Communities Innovation Fund”.
“This strategy will guide the actions of the Palaszczuk Government over the next 10 years to help support the sorts of communities that we all want to live in, show to the world through the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and want our future generations to enjoy,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Communities Innovation Fund will enable a diverse range of projects, programs, services or supports and will be seeking applications for two different grants.
“Small grants of up to $50,000 will be available for eligible organisations to conduct one-off activities or projects, as well as large, multi-year grants of up to $200,000 per year to trial promis-
ing interventions and evaluate them over time.”
Ms Enoch said Communities 2032 is a wholeof-government strategy, with actions across all government departments – many of which are already underway.
“This includes $51.8 million additional funding over four years to provide neighbourhood and community centres with the biggest ever boost to operational funding, meaning that each centre will receive base funding of at least $233,000 per annum,” she said.
“This funding is putting more support workers in neighbourhood and community centres, allowing them to provide more services and supports to Queenslanders, including people experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, financial stress, housing stress and mental health challenges.
“We’ve also provided a boost to the Community Connect workers program with an additional $9.33 million over four years to increase the number of workers to 20 place across more neighbourhood and community centres.”
The grant will open in early 2023. Find out more about the Communities 2032 strategy, Communities 2032 Action Plan 2022-2025 and Communities Innovation Fund at https://bit.ly/3W9wNn6
Council’s Spence Street Customer Service Centre will close at 4.30pm on Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen for business as usual at 8:30am on Tuesday 3 January 2023. For after hours or emergencies 24/7, please call 1300 69 22 47.
Download My Cairns app
Set a notification so you will never miss bin night again, know what events are coming up, and report issues in your neighbourhood at the click of a button with the My Cairns app.
The My Cairns app is free to download from Google Play and the App Store.
LAST Friday was my annual opportunity to put on some tights and parade them publicly without concern.
To further explain, it was the once yearly outing for my Elf Outfit, which always seems to be the most appropriate clothing for the Douglas Shire Christmas Street Party in Front Street, Mossman.
As always, the afternoon and evening provided heaps of festive fun with a selection of food and market stalls, entertainment and a range of shops and cafes staying open late for both locals and visitors to the area.
This celebration of the Festive Season and great family fun event, provided a little something for everyone and was also a fantastic opportunity to grab a last-minute present, enjoy a bite to eat and share in the community spirit of the Douglas Shire.
To help get you into the Christmas mood, local school children and performers provided a variety of entertainment for all ages. At 8PM there should have been the usual appearance from Santa who normally has to thaw out after his arrival direct from the North Pole. Unfortunately, his flight path meant traversing through heavy rain and a potential thunder storm, so on this occasion the main guest had to take a rain check.
The whole event, however, was a great representation of the positive feeling that now exists in Mossman, with successful existing and new businesses believing that the future is very bright for this pivotal town in Douglas.
May I take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a super Christmas, a fun summer holiday and a Happy New Year!
I’m off to unwrap my Santa gift, so for now it’s Gazza signing out. Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
The Tin Shed in Port Douglas has been running a ‘Jet Ski or Cash’ draw since the start of the year and by last week, had over 700,000 entries.
Members collected a ticket to be put in the ‘virtual barrel’ with every 5 bucks spent at the Tin Shed and with a Jetski from Sponsors Duncan Powersport, this was a big draw card.
The eventual lucky winner was Bill, a local member from the Port Douglas area, who had the choice of either
$10,000 or a Sea-Doo Jetski with 12mths rego, sound system and trailer.
This no doubt would have been quite a tough decision; however, Bill had earlier told the Tin Shed operations manager Kirk, with a chuckle, that he planned on choosing the Jetski when he inevitably won the draw.
Well, his prediction came true and now Bill looks forward to taking it out to Lake Tinaroo for Christmas. Nice one Bill!!
PRETTY soon, palm trees will be twinkling with snowflake lights, the decorations have been dusted off and the kids are counting down the days until Santa Claus arrives.
Whether you are looking for Christmas Day lunch in Palm Cove, or are looking for what’s on for New Years Eve, pop on your Santa hat, blast Mariah and get ready to discover what’s on for the 2022 festive season in Palm Cove Tropical North Queensland.
Christmas week in majestic Palm Cove is full of relaxation, dining, exploring and the break you deserve. With its underrated style and sophisticated simplicity, Palm Cove is a luxurious location where you are spoiled for choice, with many world-class and award-winning resorts, restaurants and spas that span the length of our picturesque beachfront Esplanade.
Palm Cove offers numerous outlets for your love of shopping with stylish options for resort wear, fabulous galleries and boutique shops for gifts and holiday essentials. You will also find hair and beauty spas, tour and travel bookings, hire cars and a fabulous range of restaurants, cafes and bars for all tastes and budgets.
New Year’s Eve in Palm Cove is the ideal spot to unwind on the beach or in one of the restaurants that stretch down the shore line, enjoy a meal and then head across the road to the beach to watch the spectacular firework display, then hit a bar and dance the New Year in.
OVER the last six years, Ipswich and Far North Queensland local Jennifer Rooks has completed a yearly-long distance walk to raise money for Cancer Council Queensland as part of their Do It For Cancer campaign.
This year was no different as she set off again to complete her walk from Switzerland to Rome.
Jennifer knows all too well the impact cancer can have on the patient and their loved ones after losing two brothers, her other brother and nephew surviving the disease, and receiving her own thyroid cancer diagnosis.
“Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. I chose to do my walk to Rome fundraiser in memory of those, past and present, who still battle the disease,” Ms Rooks said.
“In 2017, I started from the Salisbury Cathedral, along the pilgrim paths and finished at the Besancon Cathedral in East France.
“In 2019, 12 weeks after my cancer surgery, I recommenced at Besancon Cathedral and walked across Switzerland to the Grand St Bernard Pass,
where I came back in 2022 to finish at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Rome,” she said.
Jennifer said her walk in 2019 was a good distraction from her diagnosis and surgery.
“I just needed time away to try and get my head around what had just happened and that I was still here. I am one of the lucky ones,” Ms Rooks said.
“Throughout my journey, I have also written and published four books, each of which outline one of my longdistance walks.
“Prior to the first book, I had never done any writing, but I was filled with so much inspiration that I decided to just go for it,” she said.
Jennifer is overwhelmed by the support she has received over the years and has surpassed her goal of raising $10,000, and although she has hung up her hiking boots, for now, she endeavours to set off again to help raise vital funds for those impacted by cancer.
“I have raised the money and some more that I promised to Cancer Council Queensland with the help of family, friends
and people I have never met but now have a connection with.”
“For my 70th birthday, I am considering walking the John Muir Way across Scotland and reverse across the UK on Hadrian’s Wall,” she said.
Walking has now become an essential part of Jennifer’s life, allowing her to take a break from day-to-day life, visit amazing places and support a cause close to her heart.
“Jennifer’s dedication and support for Cancer Council Queensland have not gone unnoticed,” Cancer Council Queensland Community Development Specialist Shalane Anderson said.
“Do It For Cancer is a campaign that encourages Queenslanders to do what they can to fundraise and support locals affected by cancer.”
“Jennifer has gone above and beyond to support Cancer Council Queensland, and we cannot thank her enough for her efforts. We look forward to seeing what she comes up with next,” Ms Anderson said.
For more information on Do It For Cancer, visit: www.doitforcancer.com.au/
TRAVELLERS arriving or departing from Cairns Airport can now enjoy a taste of the tropics as well as a selection of traditional favourites with the expansion of the food and beverage precinct.
There are now 10 new outlets to tempt travellers including unique local offerings such as the Saltwater Creek Taphouse. Named after a nearby creek, the taphouse menu includes barramundi fish tacos and a selection of locally brewed beer on tap and in bottles.
Sugar and Cane’s reference to the region’s most celebrated crop is no accident and the nostalgia doesn’t end with the name. The menu includes iced VoVo biscuits and other sweet temptations plus iconic
Aussie favourites such as cheese and vegemite toasties.
For the health conscious there is a range of superfood bowls juices and smoothies from Mr. Green; Vietnamese buns, soups, soldiers and salads at Roll’d; and a wide selection of sushi and noodle dishes from Two Tigers.
Bistrot has a range of Italian classics while Bittersweet offers savoury and sweet delights and a features “donut” wall for enthusiasts after a new “selfie” backdrop.
At the International Terminal, Waddi offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy locally roasted coffee and snacks from this Indigenousowned and operated enterprise.
The Captain’s Sports Bar
features old favourites such as hot breakfast dishes, burgers, nachos and hot dogs with live sports telecasts on the big screen. While stone oven pizzas partnered with ice cold local beers can be had at Mangrove Jack’s.
Cairns Airport CEO, Richard Barker, said the selection of outlets was carefully considered.
“We listened to customer feedback and worked strategically with our stakeholders to ensure we provide an excellent experience for every person who visits,” he said.
Barker said the expanded precinct had to cater for a diversity of travellers including young families, solo travellers, business flyers and group holidaymakers.
OPTOMETRISTS across the country are asking the people of Cairns to donate their pre-loved glasses to help communities in need.
New research has found that, on average, 75 per cent of Australian households have at least one pair of optical glasses or sunglasses lying around at home that they no longer use.
This equates to a whopping 36 million pairs of unused optical glasses or sunglasses across the country that those in need could use.
With Christmas eve coming this weekend, it is the perfect time to help Specsavers Cairns reach their goal of collecting 200,000 pairs of glasses.
To put that into perspective, if the glasses were placed end to end, they could stretch from Cairns Aquarium to Ellis Beach.
Local Cairns Specsavers retail partner Lee McCrea said that this time of year is a fantastic time to consider donating glasses.
“We see a huge influx of people wanting to use their health insurance benefits to purchase a new pair of glasses,” Ms McCrea said.
“We’d love to see more people donating their old specs in-store so they can benefit people in need.”
In partnership with Lions Recycle for Sight, Specsavers is in its fourth year of the recycling
program, which sees quality glasses and sunglasses delivered to people in need overseas.
Additional research shows that almost one in five Aussies, the equivalent of 3.5 million Australians, will be purchasing a new pair of optical or sunglasses this year – adding to the older or pre-loved glasses sitting at home, which are perfect for donating.
While some discarded specs will collect dust, as many as one in four, or 4.5 million people, are simply just throwing them in the bin.
“We’ve loved being able to directly work with the community in helping them to recycle their older pairs of glasses. It’s such a great feeling –being able to tangibly see the impact that you’re making,” Ms McCrea said.
All pre-loved glasses that are sent to Lions Recycle for Sight from Specsavers are quality tested, cleaned, categorised and boxed according to prescription. The best of the glasses collected are provided to charity, while the rest of the glasses are recycled.
To donate any of your own pre-loved glasses in-store, visit Specsavers Cairns at Level 1 Shop 128-129 Cairns Central S/C, Spence St, Cairns City, or visit www.specsavers.com.au/stores for more information.
CAIRNS Children’s Museum is raising funds to reopen at a new venue and helping Cairns families doing it tough in the process.
Cairns Children’s Museum is a not-forprofit organisation established to provide a hands-on, interactive, STEAM-focused (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) museum.
They are currently searching and raising funds for a new venue after their lease at Stockland Earlville ended earlier this year.
All donations made to their Double Donation December appeal will be matched with Cairns Children’s Museum donating the equivalent value of school supplies to Centrecare FNQ’s School Savvy program.
Cairns Children’s Museum founder, Sari Lorner, said before closing they had made a significant purchase of school supplies and now wanted to put them to good use.
“What we’re looking to do is people can donate any amount that they would like and we are going to then donate school supplies to that value to School Savvy,” Ms Lorner said.
Centrecare FNQ’s School Savvy program assists local families doing it tough with back-to-school supplies and uniforms.
A pop-up shop will open from January 4th at Centrecare’s Aplin St office with most items available for a gold coin donation.
Centrecare Team Leader – Multicultural Services, Leigh Pollard, said approximately 2,000 local children would benefit from the program with growing numbers of FNQ families struggling financially.
“What we’re finding now, especially this year, is more and more families that have never had to access social services are having to access now because of the cost of living the way it is,” Mr Pollard said.
“These families may not be eligible for health care cards or social services so I think now more than ever it’s important that we assist where it’s needed.”
Tax deductible donations to Cairns Children’s Museum’s Double Donation December can be made at: http://ccmbooking.square.site/
NO MATTER what they scored, all Year 12 students should be recognised for their efforts and achievements according to Trinity Anglican School’s Deputy Principal, Tim Manea.
Manea, who is also Head of Teaching and Learning was commenting on the Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR) results of TAS students in 2022.
An impressive 32 students out of 51 achieved an ATAR score over 90. Two students achieved an ATAR over 99.00 with Isaac Burton scoring 99.6 and Steven Li attaining 99.05.
A total of 11 students achieved ATARs of 95 or above. School Captain, Callum Wenck was one of those with a score of 98.1. Fellow School Captain, Aurelia Wood, also did well to receive a mark of 100% in Business studies.
Manea said while the ATAR results were outstanding they should be taken as “personal and unique to each individual” and suggested
students should not compare their results with those of others.
“Each student, no matter their score, deserves special congratulations as they set foot into their adult lives and embrace the opportunities that follow,” Manea said.
For one of the students, Isaac Burton, that step into adulthood was into the dentist’s surgery to have his wisdom teeth extracted.
Aside from academic excellence, Manea said TAS sought to provide students with a “wellrounded education” which went beyond academic results. He said the school also focused on “holistic social, emotional and community development”.
The Queensland ATAR results were announced on Friday, December 16, 2022, by the Education Minister, Grace Grace. This is the second year that the ATAR has been used in Queensland.
THE FNQ mining company breathing new life into the historic Mt Carbine tungsten mine has won a prestigious environmental award for their high-tech operation.
EQ Resources won the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies Environmental Award 2022 at a gala ceremony earlier this month for their use of XRT oresorting technology.
The technology sorts tungsten with precision allowing waste rock to be recycled for roads and other infrastructure projects.
EQ Resources CEO, Kevin MacNeill said the sorter was energy and water efficient, significantly reducing the mine’s use of these resources.
The technology also negates the need for chemical processing.
“The new age of mining is not just about finding and digging,” Mr MacNeill said.
“Projects must come up with the critical raw materials that meet demand and can be sourced responsibly and sustainably.”
Tungsten is the heaviest metal on earth and the strongest substance next to diamonds.
It was first discovered at Mt Carbine in 1883. Tungsten mining commenced in the region in 1895,
reaching its peak in the 1970s and 1980s.
It is used in the mining, building, electronics and aviation industries for strengthening other metals and making tools like drills or heating electrodes and light filaments.
Due to its wide range of manufacturing uses, tungsten is considered a critical mineral by the US, UK and Europe.
China is currently the world’s largest tungsten supplier. However, EQ Resources hopes the Mt Carbine mine will become a major global producer.
“Our ambition is to build a sustainable world-class tungsten operation, re-establishing Mt Carbine as one of the major producers outside of China, which currently dominates the global supply of tungsten, supplying more than 80% of current demand,” said Mr MacNeill.
EQ Resources is the region’s largest employer with around 70 people from local communities working at the Mt Carbine operation.
It will employ more than 100 when mining moves into the open pit and underground.
The company is currently seeking expressions of interest from locals interested in a mining career.
THIS holiday season drivers are being asked to brush up on their road rules after reports of locals being issued huge fines for breaking new and little-known laws.
Earlier this year the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) introduced new road rules such as the Move Over Slow Down laws when passing emergency vehicles.
They also increased fines for other rules including increasing seatbelt fines to $1078.
In addition to fines for not wearing a seatbelt, many drivers may not be aware that they can be fined for each passenger that does not wear a seatbelt or wears it incorrectly.
A spokesperson for TMR said they regularly undertook campaigns to educate road users.
“Through our social media platforms and websites, we regularly communicate Queensland Roads Rules with the public to ensure drivers are aware of safe and legal driving practices,” the spokesperson said.
“We have weekly road rules quizzes on our TMR Facebook page to promote the road rules and educate Queenslanders about safe interactions between all road users.”
However, drivers like Redlynch mother of two Jodie Ferrero believe more could be done.
Earlier this month, Ms Ferrero was shocked to receive a fine of $1078 for wearing her seatbelt incorrectly due to a shoulder injury.
Ms Ferrero said she was unaware she was doing anything wrong and that TMR needed to consider its strategy for educating drivers.
“We pass our driving exam at the age of whatever 17 and we’re not required to take a refresher test,” Ms Ferrero said.
“For the average person to be across every obscure driver and road user update without necessarily having access to mainstream advertising or news subscriptions, the onus is on them to seek out the information which is just not practical for most people in today’s society.”
Ms Ferrero suggested TMR could use its online portal to alert drivers to changes via pop-ups when licence and registration renewals came due or send information leaflets out with renewals. However, TMR’s spokesperson said customer feedback dictated their choice of educational medium.
“While information on road rule changes and updates are not sent out with registration or licence renewal notices, we use social media, online, radio/TV advertising and outdoor billboards to communicate road rule changes,” the spokesperson said.
The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt is $1078 and four demerit points. It is a driver’s responsibility to ensure every passenger in the vehicle is correctly restrained before the start of a journey. Drivers can be fined $1078 and four points for each and every passenger in their vehicle not wearing their seatbelt or approved child restraint, regardless of the passengers’ age. Double demerit points also apply for some repeat offences.
Introduced this year, the rule requires motorists to move over and slow down when passing a stationary emergency response vehicle displaying blue, red, magenta or yellow flashing lights. This protects emergency response workers working on the side of the road. The penalty for not moving over and slowing down is $431 and three demerit points.
All roadworks speed limits are enforceable. Speeding penalties range from $287 and one demerit point to $1653 and eight
demerit points, depending on the severity of the offending.
Minimum passing distances for bikes and e-scooters
Drivers must stay wider of bicycle and personal mobility device riders, such as e-scooters, by giving a minimum of 1m when passing a bicycle or personal mobility device rider in a 60 km/h or less speed zone, and 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60 km/h. A penalty of $431 and three demerit points applies.
Giving way to vulnerable road users such as bicycles, personal
Drivers must give way to pedestrians, bike and personal mobility device riders crossing a road or slip lane the driver is entering. A penalty of $431 and three demerit points applies.
You must drive a safe distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of you. Following too closely to another vehicle is known as tailgating which is illegal. Safe following distances vary depending on your speed, the driving conditions and the type of vehicle you are driving. A penalty of $335 and one demerit point applies.
THIS past month marked 12 months of continual satellite tracking of a whale shark tagged in the Far North of the Great Barrier Reef.
The tracking was part of a study conducted by Biopixel Oceans Foundation to research some of the biggest animals in the most remote part of the Reef.
Initial research started five years ago with seed funding from the ‘Run for the Reef’ marathon.
“Initially, we thought finding an aggregation was like trying to find a needle in a haystack even though we were looking for the largest animals on the reef,” Senior researcher Dr Adam Barnett said.
“However, by looking at historical records and oceanographic information, we took the best guess at the timing and location, and it paid off,” he said.
Using a combination of spotter planes and drones, the tagging team would speed to the
location of the animals on a tender from the charter vessel Argo. The team successfully tagged ten whale sharks.
“Historically, whale shark satellite tags only last a few months, but upon a shark called ‘Ali’, we have our first 12-month track,” Dr Barnett said.
“After leaving Wreck Bay, Ali swam out into the Coral Sea, up to New Guinea and now has returned to the location where we first tagged her.
“We are still hoping for a few more pings from Ali’s sat tag.”
The team identified that the whale shark aggregation was of mixed sex which is unusual for known aggregations worldwide.
The study has also confirmed the presence of another large plankton eater, the Omura’s whale. This species, growing to over ten metres long, was only described in 2003.
The team was able to observe these whales
feeding on rafts of plankton and swimming with calves using drones under special permits.
The far north of the Great Barrier Reef is now the second only known aggregation point for these whales in the world. The first known location is in Madagascar.
Senior Researcher Richard Fitzpatrick said the tracking would help them identify patterns and migration events.
“The reason these large plankton feeders are showing up at these locations in the Far North of the Great Barrier Reef in the summer months is to feed on plankton,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“During these summer months, upwelling events can occur, bringing up cooler water from the depths and the associated plankton.
“It is essential for us to know when and where these events occur as it can identify areas of the reef that may be more resilient to climate change.
“We are using Whale sharks, Omura’s whale and even Manta rays to teach us about these
upwellings,” he said.
Dr Barnett said the research would open many more opportunities to learn from these creatures.
“This is just the beginning of the research on these animals,” he said.
“Now we know where to find them; we can start deploying more advanced technology and bring in other researchers from other disciplines, such as oceanography and plankton specialists, to learn more about these upwellings.”
It is hoped that further funding from corporates and NGOs and support from Traditional Owner groups and state and federal government will allow this research to expand.
This latest expedition, conducted by Biopixel Oceans Foundation, was funded by Swiss watchmaker Blancpain and the Slattery Family Trust.
The research was conducted in collaboration with Marine Mega Fauna Foundation, Ecocean, Project Manta and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
By Maria Larkins
AN UNLIKELY partnership between a Texan and a young local man exploited the demand for a new and exciting entertainment device, the radio.
Robert Lee Hearn and Sydney H. Turner secured the franchise for Standard Telephones and Cables Ltd (S.T.C.) radios and opened their first store in Mossman in 1936. Soon after they opened their second store at 45 Abbott Street in Cairns and had a fleet of vehicles to service the district.
The pair were innovative in the promotion of their products. Their sponsorship of the S.T.C. Ambulance Benefit Dance in 1939 was particularly clever.
The event at the Aquatic Dance Hall featured “continuous dance music” provided by a Duo-Trac sound and film system which promised “all the world’s famous dance bands will be heard in life-like and faultless sound, reproduced from a film by a beam of light”.
On February 2, 1940, Sydney placed a notice in the newspapers stating that he wished to notify his customers and the public in general that he had abandoned the trade name of “Hearn and Turner” and would be conduct the business in his name alone. By then the product range included fridges, floor polishers, toasters, cake mixers and other electrical appliances.
Three months later, on May 28, 1940, Sydney Hugh Turner married Evelyn Doris McClelland. Their union would see the Turner enterprise endure for another 86
years through three generations.
Sydney continued to promote the business at public events. At the 1946 Cairns Show and Carnival, employees of Sydney H. Turner and Chandlers constructed the widely applauded Public Address System. In addition to updating the public on the progress of ring events at the show, it was also used to plead with parents to collect their missing children when officials had run out of toffee apples.
On April 3, 1949, Sydney H. Turner would be involved in the search for missing sailors. Turner’s boat joined two other craft in the search for a sailing skiff which went missing during a race after south-easterly gale blew several boats off-course.
Turner returned the wharf shortly after midnight in response to the police flashlight signal advising that the men had been rescued. The Harbour Board launch had sighted the vessel south-east of the Barron just before 10pm. In addition to the missing skiff, they also discovered Mr. Rex Johnson’s search vessel which had broken down. The Harbour Board launch then towed both vessels and a dinghy back to Cairns.
In the 1970s the range of products sold by the company included equipment for boating and fishing enthusiasts including Marina 2-way, auto-pilots, sounders and radar devices.
Sources: TROVE Newspapers, Turner Family Archives.
LOCAL COUPLE, Jo and Paul Brierley, have received a national award for keeping the coffee culture alive in the Cairns district during difficult times.
The Brierleys were crowned 2022 Zarraffa Franchisee of the Year at a special awards ceremony on Hamilton Island on the Whitsundays.
In announcing the award, Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO, Marnie Sheldon, congratulated the couple for giving “their all” during the pandemic.
The franchisees of Zarraffa’s Coffee stores at Cairns Show-
grounds and Edmonton and had previously been recognised with the CEO Encouragement Award in 2019.
Sheldon commended Jo and Paul for their passion and commitment to the community and fellow franchisees.
“It’s been an intense few years, riding the COVID waves, recruiting and keeping staff levels up, ensuring morale is maintained all while serving up millions of cups of coffee across our 70-plus stores, every single day,” Sheldon said.
FNQ franchisees, Derrick Fu and Yinping Chen from
Zarraffa Cannonvale, received the 2022 CEO Encouragement Award. Rookie of the Year went to Ash D’Souza and Alisha Yates from Zarraffa’s Coffee Bankstown in NSW.
Zarraffa’s Coffee at Cairns Showground is located at 157 Mulgrave Road, Bungalow. Zarraffa’s Coffee at Edmonton is located at Shop 3, 6-14 Mill Road, Edmonton.
Both stores offer drivethrough or dine in options and are open from 5am to 8pm every day except public holidays when they are open from 6am to 6pm.
AS tourists return to Cairns and Far North Queensland ahead of the festive season, leading compensation law firm Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) is calling on holiday makers to be more vigilant when jumping in the water to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef.
TSP Senior Lawyer and Cairns Leader Beth Rolton said, snorkelling is an activity that many would consider to be safe, but unfortunately people don’t realise that it’s often linked with serious injuries or death.
“Tragically, over the past few months there has been several deaths on our beautiful Great Barrier Reef involving tourists who were experiencing this natural wonder,” Ms Rolton said.
Between 2000 – 2019 there were 166 deaths involving snorkelling in Queensland* and according to the Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2018 the most common factors contributing to cause of death are cardiac conditions, preexisting medical conditions, weight and fitness, inexperience, particularly for nonEnglish speaking snorkellers and hypoxic blackout.
Ms Rolton said this data opens the discussion of
whether safety within the snorkelling industry could be improved to prevent further tragedies.
“Given most fatalities involve cardiac arrests, it raises the question of whether greater warnings need to be given to participants on the risk of cardiac arrest and the signs to look for before entering the water,” Ms Rolton said.
“Surprisingly, statistics from the Australasian Diving Safety Foundation and the National Coronial Information System show there are less deaths caused by scuba diving than there are snorkelling.
“Part of the reasoning for this is that scuba diving is more strictly regulated and those wishing to participate are required to provide medical history meaning, those with underlying conditions are precluded from participating.”
Ms Rolton explained obtaining adequate travel insurance should also be a priority for holiday-makers, as often it will only cover immediate out of pocket expenses and not any long-term economic loss if the person is left with a permanent injury.
“Many of these travel policies have exclusions for various activities, which may include snorkelling,” Ms
Rolton said.
“Injuries incurred while snorkelling may result in loss of income, permanent impairment and pain and suffering. If the injury was caused by negligence, the injured person, or their family if the person has died, may be able to bring a common law claim in addition to a claim against their travel insurance.”
According to Tourism Research Australia, there are approximately 2.8 million visitors to the Far North Queensland each year with the Great Barrier Reef being one of the major drawcards to the region.
“If you are going to go snorkelling, make sure you disclose any underlying conditions, in particular any cardiac issues. If you aren’t a confident swimmer, let the tour operator know so they can properly supervise and advise you on safety,” Ms Rolton said.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and it’s right on our doorstep. We encourage everyone to come and experience the beauty of the reef but also we want it to be as safe as possible.”
For more information about Travis Schultz & Partners, go to www.schultzlaw.com.au. *https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35732283/
Research by dash cam manufacturer Nextbase has revealed the top reasons road trips go wrong and, with plenty of experience behind the wheel, ambassador and supercar driver David Reynolds is urging Australian drivers to stay safe and be prepared for their holiday season drives.
Planning the journey ahead can make the trip less stressful when navigating through unknown areas.
Planning where to stop for breaks can help relieve fatigue – one of the biggest killers on Aussie roads.
Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand can also help battle fatigue and keep the driver vigilant on unfamiliar roads.
“You can’t let yourself get drowsy behind the wheel, it is just too dangerous for you and whoever you’re travelling with - as evidenced by these statistics,” Mr Reynolds said.
“Make sure you’re not letting yourself drive for too long at a time and get enough sleep too. I like to cap my driving stint to about three hours max.”
Ensuring you are 100 per cent sober on the road is important, with research showing a concerning 23 per cent of drivers revealing they are willing to drive after consuming alcohol.
“Driving under the influence is never a good idea, and it’s even harder to not be tempted when you’re spending time among people who are drinking,” Mr Reynolds said.
“The best way to keep safe if you’re driving especially around Christmas is to not drink and have a support system to keep to that commitment.”
Making sure your car is serviced will promise you a problem free trip and save money on calling a break down service during the holiday season.
Keeping calm will keep yourself and everyone safe. Almost 50 per cent of drivers engage in aggressive driving behaviours, with the odds of being involved in a crash increasing by up to 15-fold when drivers are aggressive.
Preparation and planning will help ensure a relaxing and enjoyable break for you and your loved ones around you.
Nextbase urges all road users to stay safe this festive holiday season.
Mon December 26, 2022 @ 10:00am-10:00pm
Cairns
The beautifully appointed gondolas are fully enclosed for all weather comfort.
Hours: 7 days per week 10am-10pm
Cost: Adults $10.00 / Child $8.00 (10yrs & under) / 2 Years & under Free / Seniors $9.50 / Full Gondola $50.00 (max 6 people)
Book your tickets through The Reef Eye or onsite ticket booth
Miss Tee - Smithfield Shopping Centre, 12:00pm
Lexi and Waha - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4:00pm
Christina Ukulele - Baily by Crystalbrook, 5:00pm
Janna Mercedes - O’Donnells Irish Bar, 5:00pm
Kaweyova - Salt House, 5:00pm
Christmas Soiree - Music & Carols - The Secret Jungle, 5:30pm
The Silver Fox Jazz Band - Chill @ Portofino, 6:00pm
Kick Start - Cazalys Cairns, 6:30pm
SAX MAN Troy Stevens - The Benson Hotel, 6:30pm
Bad Boys of Uke - Nonna Leotta’s House, 7:00pm
Infinity Duo - Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns, 7:30pm
Late Notice - Parkview Hotel, 7:30pm
The Vibes - Dunwoody’s, 8:00pm
Kaweyova - Rattle n Hum Palm Cove, 8:30pm
Tony George - Bar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm
Miss Tee - The Jack, 9:00pm
Night Shift - PJ O’Briens, 9:30pm
Ten Foot Tall - Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns, 8:00pm
Barbary Coasters - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3:00pm
Carinda Christie - Sauce Brewing Co, 3:30pm
Carinda Christie - Sauce Brewing Co, 5:00pm
Dr Elephant - O’Donnells Irish Bar, 6:00pm
Infinity Duo - Cazalys Cairns, 6:15pm
Fingerprint - Bar36 @ The Reef Hotel Casino, 9:00pm
Ten Foot Tall - Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns, 8:00pm
SUNDAY
THE local community has been richly rewarded with a bumper Babinda Harvest Festival.
A total of $12,647 was raised from the 2022 Babinda Harvest Festival and Tractor Pull with many groups already benefiting from the funds.
The Babinda Multipurpose Health Service has received a donation of $2,000 to upgrade the pathology and wound chair in the medical centre.
Director of Medical Services for Babinda MPHS, Renee Cremen, was delighted to accept
the donation which will go towards replacing the current chair which is 12 years old.
The Babinda Museum Project has also been given a donation of $2,000 to ensure the Museum can open its doors to the public on January 21, 2023.
Northern NSW flood victims will benefit with the Harvest Festival Committee matching the donation made by Babinda Springs.
The Festival Committee acknowledged the generous support of sponsors, the hard work
of members and the fundraising efforts of the Princesses.
It also noted the many local groups who had contributed to the success of the 2022 event and been rewarded with donations from the Harvest Festival fund:
Bartle Frere State School for helping with the festival cleanup; McDonnell State School for managing the rides for the children; Babinda Community Kindergarten for organizing the Under 5’s area; SES Babinda and Babinda
Lions Club for crowd marshalling the street parade; Babinda Community Shed for preparing the school area; Babinda Golf Club for the loan of golf carts; NQ Tractor Pull for their contribution to operational expenses; Vintage Machinery Display for their contribution towards transport costs; and the Babinda Speaking Group for providing mentorship to the Harvest Princesses.
The next Babinda Harvest Festival and Tractor Pull will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023.
You are ahead of your time and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much. If you haven’t already, don’t be afraid to start your own small business on the side.
Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. You will be able to catch up on overdue paperwork.
Hard work will pay off if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors. You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals. Make sure that your personal papers are in order. If your mate wants to pick a fight, be persistant with your affections.
Your emotional state will vacillate Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident. Travel and entertaining conversation will be informative and uplifting. Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an issue.
Lighten up your serious attitude
Your diplomatic nature will help you in straightening out unsavoury situations. Being unappreciated by your boss could make it hard to do your work effectively. New interests are preoccupying your time.
It’s time to get yourself back on track. Make sure that you take time to remember those you love. Your creative ability will surface, giving you good ideas for ways of making money. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals.
Your added discipline will help you complete the impossible at work. You may have a problem dealing with elders. Talk to those in a position of power about your intentions. Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances.
Your ability to see other people’s points of view will allow you to come to reasonable agreements.
You should be able to get a lot done. Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy.
Go with the flow and don’t let the unsettled atmosphere get on your nerves. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some quick results. Don’t think the worst if you hear something negative about your partner.
You will inspire confidence in others. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren’t necessary. Try not to get backed into corners. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.
Take precautions while traveling; you don’t have to get anywhere that fast. Relationships will be erratic this week. You will enjoy interacting with those who come from different backgrounds. Concentrate on your job.
You can make reasonable bids on real estate or large items for your home. You will be best suited to doing things around the house or inviting friends over for a visit. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. You will achive a lot with compromise.
Travel will be favourable. Resist overspending on luxury items. Take the initiative and go after your goals. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet.
an island or peninsula, especially a small one (4)
flatter or praise someone as a means of gaining their help or support (6,2)
a pot with a handle, spout, and lid, in which tea is brewed and from which it is poured (6) 2. to state or assert to be the case (4) 3. completely or solely (8) 4. a large dung beetle of the eastern Mediterranean area, regarded as sacred in ancient Egypt (6)
5. a state of stability and the absence of disruption (10)
6. a person who provides instruction or education; a teacher (8)
8. to arrange or display something in a particular order or position (3,3) 13. prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority (10)
15. a person who supervises the making of a musical recording (8)
17. an interval between two acts of a play or opera (8)
18. the first United States space station (6)
20. something that has been or can be added to an existing object or arrangement (3-3)
22. a mark used over a vowel, to indicate a different vowel quality (6)
24. a drink or other liquid cooled in or containing pieces of ice (4)
(BPT) - WHEN it comes to upgrades and functional design, a rental property is often a space that’s left on the backburner. Whether it’s prepping for new tenants or simply giving a space a quick face lift, these projects can sometimes become overwhelming. See below for easy installation ideas and simple tips to ensure you have a fully functional bathroom with a beautiful design aesthetic.
It doesn’t matter if the goal is to upgrade a bathroom or if one is starting from scratch, assuring the sink space is multi-functional is a crucial step! Replacing a tap set could seem daunting, but there are many different products that make this process a breeze.
Choosing the right sink and tap set can allow for a sink to be quickly filled up with water for a variety of uses. One can create an at-home ice water face dip for the
ultimate self-care regimen, an emergency stain soak, or even a bath for the little ones.
A bathroom can easily feel cluttered when it has too many elements and colors. A simple way to forgo this overwhelming feeling is by implementing a uniform finish. Not only will one finish and style lend clarity to a bathroom design, but it will also help deliver that polished and flawless look. For instance, for a bath space that has a black finish, small adds like a black-rimmed mirror, dark-stained stool, or charcoal vase will provide the accents to the overall color scheme. The possibilities are endless!
Rental property bathrooms oftentimes deliver the bare minimum by only providing a basic toilet, working tap and a showerhead. For
those looking to level up their rental shower experience without breaking the bank, an easy way in is by installing a multifunctional fixture beyond just a showerhead. A Slide Bar with Hand Shower delivers just that. When added onto an existing showerhead, it can operate on its own or also at the same time, creating an instant at-home spa-like experience. Not to mention some styles with features that can reduce water to a trickle, giving space for shaving and lathering - ideal for any guest shower.
When thinking through ways to transform a rental investment property, being efficient, yet thoughtful is the way to go. Extensive restorations are a thing of the past when one can find easy-toinstall and functional items that still deliver a beautiful design. From unifying the color scheme to implementing new fixtures, even the slightest updates can make the biggest difference.
Realty would like to wish you and your families a Very
Christmas and a Safe, Happy and Prosperous New Year
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Cairns
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
Cairns
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
Thursday afternoon social bowls had Xmas hampers as prizes for the day. Winning team was Alf Siliato, Peter Smith, Snow Clark and Peter Broccardo. Visitors and new members are most welcome. Names in by 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start. There will be no social bowls on Saturday afternoons for a few weeks. Early in the New Year we will be looking for players for the Barry Wallis and Sam Rinaudo Shields. This will be the last write-up for the year. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Ladies Social Bowls: Thursday December 15th: no bowls played as Ladies had Christmas Lunch at the club. Social bowls will continue again in January 2023. Ladies Club Championship Singles game saw Elaine Whitehead def Lorraine King, 26-5. Other games are scheduled to be played early next year.
Men’s Mixed Social Bowls: No social bowls played Tuesday. Wednesday December 14th winners were Ron, Terry and Wayne; R/up: Debbie, Anne and Terri. Saturday December 17th had many groups of Bare Foot Bowlers took to the green for work Christmas functions. These BFB Functions have now finished for major groups. The Club will have a Members Christmas Party Thursday December 22nd. Book your tickets through trybooking. Social Bowls will start on Tuesday at 3pm and Night bowls remain at 7pm, Wednesday night Self Selected Triples will also remain at 7pm. Saturday Social Bowls
will still be played at 1pm as Saturday. Check with the Club for other start times or see the new Social Bowls Booking forms online on Edge Hill Club Website and Facebook page as some green fees and start times have changed. You can contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.
Saturday 17 December: 28 Bowlers for Jackpot Bowls. Ted Holmes, Jim Geddes, Bob Carroll def Steve Cue, Wayne Parkes, Nev Tesch, 18-17; Bernie Wolland, Bruce Lester, Tony Brlyack def Gerrard Beech, John Fleming, Joe Girgenti, 25-18; Peter Fairchild, SAS, Daryl Hoskins def David White, Gary Dowling, Chris Jones, 30-16; Terry Richards, Nev Fletcher def David Blain, Alistair Douglas, 32-17; and the winners for the day, Eric Smith, Mick Plummer, Derek Franklin def Col Widdows, Billy Smith Bill Allison, 30-10. A reminder, the next Social Bowls will be held on Thursday January 5th from 5:30pm with names in by 5pm at a cost of $10 per person. Cost includes a sausage sizzle after the game (8.00pm) and the chance to win a $50.00 meat tray from Mossman Butchers. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Social Bowls now held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and open to all members, nonmembers and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time. Jackpot Bowls this Saturday (and 31st). Names in by 12pmwith card call at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Nomi-
nation sheet on the noticeboard for the Sam Rinaudo Shield to be held on the weekend January 21st & 22nd. Nominations sheet on the noticeboard for the district championships with Mossman to host the Fours on the weekend of January 28th & 29th; and the Pairs (Mossman & Atherton) on the weekend of February 4th & 5th. District singles (West Cairns & Marlin Coast) will be held February 11th & 12th. Club Championship book for 2023 is now open and will close at 4pm, March 6th. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook, or see the website www.mossmanbowlsclub.com.au
Friday Scroungers: Winner: Irene Crampton; R/up: Mal Taylor. Tuesday Afternoon: Winners: Trevor, Ray and Steve Wilson, 23pts; R/ up: Tony, Wally Edwards and Greg, 14pts, and +15 in the second game. Thirsty Thursday: Best Players: Fred Clarke, Mike Ireland, Mal Gordon and Chris Auger. Sunday Morning: Winners: Glen Donovan, George Atkinson and Earnie Harris, 25 pts; R/up: T Moulds, Des Lazarus and Ted Hamilton, 22pts. The Sunday morning games start at 9:30am so the cards are called at 9:15am, all are welcome. Club Championship: Men’s B grade pairs results: 3rd round: Des Lazarus and Jim Duffield def Ashley Snow and John Murray 2710pts; G Donovan, S Carolan def George Atkinson, Mick Lynch, 23-20pts. The Final of
the Men’s B pairs will now be played on Thursday afternoon between Des Lazarus and Jim Duffield and G Donovan and S Carolan. Congratulations to all the teams that participated so far. Happy bowling and see you on the Green. Social bowlers are always welcome.
Ladies Section: First day back for 2023 will be Thursday January 12th.
Men’s Section: Wednesday December 14th: Bowls cancelled due to extreme hot weather. Saturday December 17th: Winners: Quentin Bates, Roz Fraser, Rob Moody; R/ up: Max Harker, Maree Daffy, Tony MacGegor. Coming Events: December 28th Men’s Self Select 3 Bowl Triples: cash prizes plus jackpot, visitors welcome. Nominations close 11:30 am for play at 12:30pm, contact Don Stewart 0427 816 894. Saturday Mixed Bowls will return on Saturday January 7th, 2023.
General Information: Affiliation Fees for 2023 are now due and must be paid on or before Saturday December 31st, payment can be made by Direct Debit through Bendigo Bank, contact the Bowls Office 4055 5344 for bank details or at the office from 10.00am to 11.30am on Saturday 31st. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Triples: Winners: P Williams, S Smith, Ross; R/up: S Vidgen, Rick, A Mattsson. Tuesday Night Bowls: Spider: Birchy, Jen, Dave, Dean. Wednesday
Mixed Bowls: Winners: L Hamilton, S Bettess, T Ibbett; R/up: V Moffatt, J Curtayne, J Carey. Thursday men’s triples: Winners: Mick, Barry, Bobby; R/up: Jo, Jason, Rhys. Sunday December 11th: Snow Dome Day. Club Championships: All bowlers, non-bowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available for free, ph 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook. Special Events: Raffles Friday night also trivia.
MILLAA MILLAA GOLF
Sunday December 18th: Flag Event sponsored by the Heidke Family. Don McHardie finished with a very wellplayed nett 66, giving him three shots to carry the flag, the player of the last couple of months Graham Murray finished with a 67, giving
him just two shots to carry the flag. Third was decided by a countback as both Alan Hapgood and Warwick Howarth both finished with a nett 69, this was won by Happy on the back nine 34 to 34.5.
NTP: Mark Peters 1/10 and 5/14; and second shot nearest on 8/17 went to David Welch.
Four Raffle draws: Gary Soper, the club thanks to Bruce Hunter also and Bob Collyer won twice. Ticket number 63 came out in the members draw which belongs to Dianne Dray who wasn’t playing today. As Xmas and New Year are on the next two Sundays the next club day is a combination Bruce Hunters 4 BBB Stableford and the Mungalli Dairy Products and the Millaa Millaa Hotel sponsored monthly medal. This will be on the January 8th, see you there at 9am for 9:30am tee off. Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, above all else stay safe.
By Nicole Gibson
RACING Queensland’s Off-The-Track (QOTT) Acknowledged Retrainers Program is giving local ex-racehorses a chance at a new life after racing.
The program, which commenced earlier this year, supports retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses to transition from racing into second careers such as pleasure, therapy or performance horses.
It pairs the retired horse with a qualified retrainer, known as an Acknowlegded Retrainer.
The Acknowledged Retrainer works to retrain the animal for a new career according to its natural abilities.
They then match the animal with a suitable new owner who can also take advantage of QOTT’s Subsidised Lessons Program to continue their animal’s development.
Rebecca Henry, President of the Redlynch Equestrian Association and FNQ’s only QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer said it is Queensland Racing’s best program.
“I think it’s the best thing I’ve seen for the fact that they’re trying to get the horses off the track, through a retraining program and then have to the Subsidised Lessons Program to back it up to make sure that horses are ready for a new career with the new owner,”
Ms Henry said.
Queensland Racing established the Acknowledged Retrainers Program in response to the Martin Inquiry, an independent inquiry into animal cruelty in the management of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses, commissioned by the State Government.
As part of the program, Racing Queensland reimburses the trainer for costs associated with retraining animals including veterinary work and rehoming expenses.
Racing Queensland’s Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said Acknowledged Retrainers are recognised for their ability to successfully retrain animals with 88 exracehorses accepted into the program since inception.
“QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers have gained their ‘QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer’ status based on being held in high regard within the racing industry, as well as for their skill, experience and track record in successfully retraining and rehoming Thoroughbred or Standardbred horses,” Ms Duffy said.
People interested in owning an ex-racehorse can find out more about the program by contacting Ms Henry at www.rebeccahenry.com or on the QOTT website.
NETBALL Australia has released an updated uniform policy ahead of the new year to reduce barriers to play and amplify netball opportunities for all.
The ‘Netball in Australia
Uniform Guidelines’ cater for all participants of the sport and recognise the various individual preferences and religious beliefs of netballers.
The guidelines come into effect from January 1, 2023, and have been adopted by all eight Member Organisations.
The inclusive guidelines outline recommendations for players and umpires at all game levels and provide the option to choose from a combination of uniform variations.
Optional uniform items, which will also protect players from all weather conditions, include a dress, singlet, bodysuit, short sleeve or long-sleeve shirt, skirt, shorts and long pants.
The guidelines will be implemented at the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball pre-season competition, the Team Girls Cup, allowing the eight competing clubs to introduce new uniform
options for athletes.
Netball Australia Executive General Manager for Strategy, Government and Community, Glenn Turnor, expressed the importance of the revised guidelines.
“Netball is ever-evolving, and we need to reflect this in all aspects of our game, including uniform choices,” Mr Turnor said.
“This process has been a joint effort with our Member Organisations, their boards and their Chief Executive Officers, whereby we collectively identified barriers to be removed from netball.
“We are excited to implement these inclusive uniform guidelines going into 2023 and ensure that everyone can feel comfortable playing netball.
“The guidelines have been adopted by all Member Organisations, meaning the same national guidelines will unite all participating netball bodies,” he said.
Operations Manager for the AFL Wimmera Mallee and Horsham District, Jennie French, highlighted the positive impact the uniform shift
has had on those within their community.
“We’ve seen people return to netball that had stopped playing because they weren’t comfortable,” Ms French said.
“Numbers were declining in a lot of places, but this change has seen the return of some players to the region, which has been fantastic. It’s given people the confidence to play in what they’re comfortable in.”
Having competed in various netball teams, both mixed and men’s, Australian Men’s Team defender Alastair Punshon said it is a pivotal time to see the implementation of the new guidelines.
“Netball is developing so much, and this year was a perfect example with men’s netball showcased during the Constellation Cup and England Series in New Zealand and Australia,” Mr Punshon said.
“It is so important for people to have as much fun as possible, wearing whatever makes them feel comfortable, playing a sport that they love - that’s what will grow this game.”
SATURDAY December 10th
Competing were 42 bowlers from Edmonton, Stratford, Sth Johnstone, Innisfail, Tully and Silkwood Bowls Clubs.
Two games of 12 ends were played. Our first prize winners were Len Charman, Denise Charman and Morris Pedrola with two wins + 38,
winning half a ham each.
Coming in second was Cathy H, Dutchy and Rooster with two wins + 37, winning a quarter of ham each.
Third place winners were Terry McAlary, Debbie Maxwell and Ann Winsor with 1 win +1 draw + 31, winning a breakfast meat tray each.
Touchers were done for each game, 1st game touchers were Lead toucher was Annette Evans, 2nd toucher Dutchy, and Skip toucher
Peter Smith (Tully).
Our 2nd game touchers were Lead, Shirley and 2nd was Angry and Skip was Peter Smith (Tully).
We also had random draw winners, Lead was Mirella Berryman, 2nd Joanne Townsend and Skip Rex Williams. All touchers and random draw winners won a small leg ham portion each.
Congratulations to all the winners. The day was enjoyed by all.
