with more details to be announced next week.
About 25 million people have enjoyed the Queensland-shaped pool which is used by locals as well as Australian and overseas visitors.
It opened on Saturday, March 29, 2003.
FULL STORY PAGE 4
| Nick Dalton
A MOURILYAN Hotel patron is a millionaire but might be completely unaware he or she has won more than $1.9 million in a recent Keno draw.
The Cassowary Coast player held a Keno Classic 10 Spot winning entry in draw 979, drawn on Sunday (March 19) and took home a total prize of $1,913,936.00.
However, the player has yet to check their winning ticket and start the prize claim process.
The winning Keno Classic 10 Spot entry was bought at the Mourilyan Hotel, Mourilyan Harbour Road, Mourilyan.
The hotel team is over the moon to have sold a milliondollar winning entry and hopes the winner comes forward soon to claim their prize.
Keno spokesperson Anna Hobdell said she encouraged all players who bought a Keno entry at the hotel to check their tickets as soon as possible.
“Someone could be walking around with a winning ticket worth more than $1.9 million in their back pocket or handbag without even knowing they’ve won,” she said.
“We’re urging all players who purchased a Keno entry at The Mourilyan Hotel to check their tickets today – you could be holding a major Keno winning entry.”
| Nick Dalton
A 2M crocodile has been removed from Saltwater Creek at Manoora but people have been sighted swimming in the waterway known as a natural habitat for the dangerous reptiles.
A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokeswoman said on March 1, licensed contractors removed a 2m crocodile from the creek and it was rehomed in a licensed crocodile farm.
Despite the capture of the animal, the spokeswoman warned people to always be “crocwise in croc country”.
“Residents and visitors in croc country are reminded to always be mindful of the risks associated with swimming in known crocodile habitat and to be aware of their surroundings at all times,” she said.
Two adults with two young children were spotted swimming in the suburban creek where the 2m crocodile had been sighted several times.
They were seen in the creek behind the Piccone’s IGA supermarket on Monday about 5.05pm.
One of the men was cast netting in the creek while the two children and another young man frolicked in the water.
When warned about crocodiles, the fisherman replied: “Yeah, I know, no worries, but thank you brother.”
They remained in the water.
Cairns Local News reported last month that signs had been installed in the area behind the shopping centre to warn people of the croc.
Earlier a DES spokeswoman said the department had received three sighting reports of a crocodile in the
On Monday two adults and two small children were swimming in Saltwater Creek, where a 2m crocodile had been sighted.
creek since January 30. “Members of the public reported seeing a crocodile of approximately 2m in length,” she said. “Wildlife officers conducted a site assessment of the area and notified its crocodile management contractors at the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation. “Under the Queensland Croco-
dile Management Plan, the Cairns suburb of Manoora is located within zone B (active removal zone). This means that any crocodile confirmed to be present is targeted for removal.
“Should the contractors from the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation locate the crocodile, it will be targeted for removal from the wild.”
The signs were later removed. “Recent crocodile warning signs are only put in place for seven days in locations where the public should be warned about recent crocodile activity in the area. They are not permanent signs,” the spokeswoman said. If spotting a crocdile go to the QWildlife app or call 1300 130 372.
l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
ULURU Dialogue will be at Mossman Markets on Saturday and Yungaburra Markets on Sun-
day from morning until midday to raise awareness and support for the First Nations Voice.
Uluru Dialogue representative Alwyn Lyall will be engaging in
discussions about the Voice, including why it is the first reform called for in the Uluru Statement.
The Uluru Dialogue will also be hosting a yarning cir-
cle at Yungaburra Town Hall on Wednesday, March 29 at 6.30pm
“We encourage everyone to come down and have a yarn about a First Nations Voice and
how it will make a real difference to the lives of first peoples in our community,” Mr Lyall said. For more details visit www.ulurustatement.org/
“After putting up with machinery deafness for years, the excellent staff at AUDiOHEALTH have helped my hearing loss, with both compassion and understanding. I would recommend anybody to visit AUDiOHEALTH for hearing help, as they provide excellent service.”
- Joe, Tablelands
l MANUNDA
| Nick Dalton
A NEW $2.85 million purpose-built neighbourhood centre is due to open at Manunda next year.
The current Birch St Community Hub has outgrown the demand for services and supports and will be demolished to be replaced by a new building.
The hub is operated by UnitingCare and service manager Tara Nutter said all involved were “excited” to be replacing the out-of-date double storey
home which had been modified to meet its needs.
She said UnitingCare and the staff had been involved in the design process of the new structure.
“It will be a purpose-built double-storey building which will allow us to grow and serve the community,” Ms Nutter said.
Seven staff work at the hub which provided three main programs: the community hub, family support and child, adolescent and family counselling.
She said the hub also looked after the Indigenous and lin-
guistically-diverse communities with 500 engagements a week.
The hub operated two free multi-cultural play groups each week, a weekly pantry with fresh produce, bakery and frozen meals provided via OzHarvest, Woolworths Earlville and the Red Cross.
“Anybody in the community can access our services,” Ms Nutter said.
She said the service would be relocating nearby mid-year until the new centre opened in 2024 with a location to be confirmed.
Design tenders have opened and construction work is expected to begin in July, with the new centre anticipated to be completed and delivering services early next year. It is expected 10 people will work on the building site. A tender for the design of the new centre can be submitted via QTendersqtenders.epw.qld.gov.au.
Communities and Housing Minister Enoch said “this is an exciting new development for the Manunda community, ensuring that the Birch Street Community Hub can continue
to deliver the services and supports local people need”.
“The replacement of the Birch Street Community Hub forms part of our commitment under the Communities 2032 strategy to build new neighbourhood and community centres and upgrade existing centres across the state,” she said.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said it was “another fantastic boost for the Manunda community, following a record uplift in operational funding for the community hub in 2022-23 to more than $238,000,” he said.
ONE of the most significant foreshore developments in Cairns – the Esplanade Lagoon – will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a community celebration next weekend.
A free family-friendly event will be held at the Lagoon on Saturday, April 1, from 3pm to 9pm. It includes free admission on the Reef Eye, live entertainment, children’s activities and a movie night from 7pm.
About 25 million people have enjoyed the Queensland-shaped pool which is used by locals as well as Australian and overseas visitors.
The popular attraction was opened by then-Premier Peter Beattie on Saturday, March 29, 2003 after a three-year gestation period.
MASTER PLAN DEVISED
It was part of a $32 million Esplanade master plan, funded by the former Cairns City Council, state and federal governments, with the state chipping in at least $11m.
It was the idea of former mayor Kevin Byrne, who after being elected in 2000, made the redevelopment of the Esplanade a priority of his reign.
After Townsville received state government funding for the Strand, Mr Byrne said he was determined that Cairns would get similar funding for the Esplanade.
But he said it was vital to get the agreement of the port authority, now Ports North, as the council and ports land overlapped.
“We needed to collaborate with the port but chairman Ron Ireland was a visionary. Some years previously I had been to Boston and saw how a working port was integrated with the CBD. The same had to happen in Cairns,” Mr Byrne said.
A small team of Mr Byrne, Mr Ireland, then-port chief executive and now Cairns Mayor Bob Manning and council chief executive David Farmer worked on a master plan.
SAND TRUCKED IN
As part of the project the council bought a cane farm at
Anneleise and Tahliqua
Kingsburra from Edmonton
“We regularly come to have a swim at the Lagoon, mainly when it’s hot and it’s awesome that it’s free instead of going to the swimming pool and having to pay for a swim. It’s free, always open, and relaxing,” Ms Kingsburra said.
• The lagoon provides a safe swimming location, the sandy bank is perfect for children to play and build sandcastles, and the decks and grassy areas are a popular spot for relaxing.
• On average the lagoon is used by 100,000 to 150,000 people each month, but these numbers are impacted by the time of the year. It is estimated that it has hosted 25 million visitors.
• It attracts well over one million visitors a year (locals and tour-
Yorkeys Knob for sand that was trucked to reclaim the area for the lagoon over six months. It took another nine months to stabilise.
Mr Byrne said the lagoon was deliberately shaped as Queensland to appease a small but vocal opposition group who argued that ratepayers shouldnot be funding something for tourists.
“We had to counter that and create something special that was unique,” he said.
Another locals’ aspect were the woven fish sculptures by Indigenous artist Brian Robinson. He said the fish were another special part of the lagoon and which were “recognised around the world.”
ists) and the Our Cairns survey, conducted in 2020 with more than 8000 respondents, rated the Esplanade Lagoon as the city’s most used recreational facility.
• Has a capacity of 3.5 megalitres, has an area of 4000 square metres, is 1.6m at its deepest points and 135m across its longest section.
• Four megalitres of water is filtered, sanitised, and chemically balanced every four hours.
Mr Byrne said the opening was like nothing he expected. At least 10,000 people attended.
“We had two trains full of people travel for free from Innisfail. I wanted it to have a regional profile,” he said.
“The opening vindicated our determination to keep going on the Esplanade. I had the full support of council.”
Mr Byrne said after the Lagoon came Muddy’s Playground and other facilities such as the beach volleyball courts and skate park.
PROUD FOUNDER
“Today when I walk along the Esplanade early in the morning or in the evening I couldn’t be more prouder,” he said.
Allergies, food intolerances, gluten free & vegan products are our specialty. Extensive range of organic products at affordable prices: Fruit & vegetables, meats, dairy, breads, bulk goods, cosmetics, skin care, homewares, pet food, groceries, practitioner supplements & bamboo clothing.
• On average, six people are assigned to look after the Lagoon and Muddy’s, who are responsible for water balancing, testing, chemical dosing, cleaning, plant room checks and repairs, customer service, amenity checks, safety inspections, nightly pool cleaning and vacuuming, barbecue cleaning, and rubbish collection and disposal.
• There are also at least two, sometimes three, lifeguards on duty during operating hours.
Cr Manning said the redevelopment of the Esplanade and the opening of the Lagoon “were monumental for Cairns, and they have had a lasting positive impact on the foreshore”.
“The construction of the Lagoon reshaped the city and positioned the area as a ‘mustdo’ for visitors, while also providing a free, family-friendly facility for locals to enjoy,” he said.
BEACON
“It quickly became the most used facility in the city for locals and from the moment it opened, it was a beacon for international travellers.
“It also was the catalyst for increased investment in the city from the private and public sec-
tor and continues to be a focal point of the city.
“It is important to recognise former mayors Tom Pyne and Kevin Byrne and their respective councils for their foresight and vision in transforming the Cairns Esplanade into the iconic destination it is today, and will continue to be in the future.
“The state and federal governments also need to be acknowledged for their funding support of the Cairns Esplanade redevelopment, as well as the part played by the Cairns Port Authority.
CITYPORT PROJECT
“The Cairns Esplanade foreshore redevelopment coincided with the Cairns Cityport project being undertaken by the Cairns Port Authority.
“The port authority initially allocated about $6m for the development of Cairns CityPort project, which transformed a section of the waterfront from The Pier and the Cairns Hilton Hotel, providing a waterfront tourism precinct next to the Cairns CBD.
“I recall that while the projects were being undertaken separately, it was important that we worked collaboratively to ensure there as a smooth transition of the waterfront experience from CityPort across to the Esplanade redevelopment.”
Robyn and granddaughter
Pippa Anning of Cairns
“The Lagoon is great; we come down here every Monday for three hours and it’s good that it’s free, they shouldn’t charge for it,” Ms Anning said.
Laura Winther and Anna Bleeg from Denmark
“It’s a great idea because it’s one of the only opportunities you get to swim during stinger season and it’s a nice place to chill out. The views are nice, it looks like a beach and it’s not too crowded,” Ms Winther said. “It makes sense to have a pool when you can’t swim in the ocean,” Ms Bleeg said.
l CAIRNS NORTH
| Nick Dalton
MORE than $200,000 in research grants, including $50,000 to explore how a plant unique to the Wet Tropics may help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and $50,000 to study hip replacement patients, have been awarded by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Cairns Hospital orthopaedic physiotherapist Ben Glenwright will use his $50,000 grant to conduct studies about which hip replacement patients need intensive face-to-face rehab or if they have equally positive outcomes through self-paced rehab.
“There is growing evidence nationally and internationally that not everyone needs that intensive rehab so I want to see what the situation is here in FNQ and then conduct workshops with patients and clinicians about what those users think a rehab program should look like,” he said.
“Ultimately it may be that we can better use resources for improved outcomes on other patients,” he said.
Dr Phurpa Wangchuk, of James Cook University’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, will use a $50,000 grant to further his research into the rare Uromyrtus plant species found in the Mount Lewis area which hopefully will to lead to a drug being created to treat IBD.
The grants total $218,000 by the
foundation this year – its second largest annual research funding round. Foundation CEO chief executive Gina Hogan said the charity had now contributed almost $2 million to research in the region since 2007.
“Together with the hospital, we’re on a quest to achieve university status and you can’t have that without undertaking a lot of research.
“Our grants range from $50,000 to $25,000, $10,000 and $5000 and they are highly competitive and sought after.
“As well as JCU researchers, we are proud that our grants are now soughtafter by hospital staff wanting to grow their knowledge and research capability,” she said.
James Cook University AITHM
wound healing treatment.
JCU healthy ageing researcher Dr Kathryn Meldrum will use her $10,000 Paul and Dina Kamsler Grant to survey CHHHS clinicians about the depression screening tools they use to help a larger project, to develop an appropriate screening tool for Aboriginal people living in Far North Queensland. Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cancer services Nurse Educator Sara Hurren will receive $10,195 towards research about skin irritant contact dermatitis.
Other grant recipients are:
• Linton Harriss: Nursing and midwifery graduate cohort study – strengthening the workforce in North Queensland; and medical research capacity and culture in Northern Queensland
• Saparna Pai: Strategies to potentiate Q cell function for tuberculosis immunotherapy
• Lucy Beswick: Determine the clinical necessity of using smart perfusion for all endovascular lower limb reperfusions
• Kirstie Broadfield: Changing the rules of engagement for emergency examination assessments
• Matthew Corbitt: Impact of virtual reality surgical training on operative proficiency for surgical trainees
PhD candidate Emily O’Hara will receive $25,000 for the latest technology to extract venom from potentially lethal box jellyfish. The aim is to increase sample yield and preserve heatsensitive venom components.
AITHM Professor Norelle Daly will use her $24,000 grant to determine if compounds isolated from tropical plants can be used to develop a novel
Craig McDonald: Review of high frequency pathology and point of care testing in ICU Pornphimon Meesakul: Evaluation of cytotoxitiy, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of FNQ Bush food
Karma Yeshi: Exploring the mosquito repellent and larvicidal activities of essential oils against aedes aegypti
Natalie Conley: Attitudes and experiences of nurses who treat persons who have selfharmed
Kirstie Broadfield: Changing the rules of engagement for emergency examination assessment.
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| Nick Dalton
AN indigenous artist has created a distinct shark which adorns an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
Cairns-based Challenger aircraft.
Torres Strait artist Michael Nona was selected by AMSA to design the artwork following a search undertaken for the authority by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) last year.
The design features a shark, known as Baydham in Kala Lagaw Ya language, an important symbol in the Torres Strait region. Known as the protectors of the Reef, sharks play an important role in maintaining balance in the seas.
The design has been wrapped around the front section of the Challenger 604 rescue aircraft, a critical part of AMSA’s search and rescue fleet in Australia.
Mr Nona said it was exciting to know his creation was flying on an AMSA rescue jet.
“I’m passionate about the culture and stories of Badu Island and my people. So much of it represents our deep connection to the islands, sea and marine life,” he said.
“I am very proud to have been able to share a small part of our story. The Torres Strait is a beautiful place and
l CASSOWARY COAST
THE sugar town of Tully and surrounds are gearing up to celebrate its centennial in 2024-25.
unique in so many ways.”
AMSA response executive director Mark Morrow said AMSA acknowledged the strong connection of First Nations people to land and sea, including across the Torres Strait in Far North Queensland.
“The Cairns-based Challenger aircraft is critical to keeping people in the region safe,” he said.
“We commissioned this artwork to acknowledge the unbroken, rich enduring history and guardianship of our oceans by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this nation.
“Every time the Cairns-based Challenger rescues a fisher, boater or seafarer, Mr Nona’s art will be a symbol that represents AMSA’s commitment to safe and clean seas.”
TSRA acting chairman Horace Baira said the project highlighted the significance of seafaring cultural knowledge.
“This flying tribute to Torres Strait Islander culture is reconciliation in action and helps embed Indigenous knowledge into everyday business,” Mr Baira said.
“It is a proud moment for our region and our people to see artwork from the remote island of Badu take flight across Australia and beyond to support safety and save lives at sea,” he said.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Division 3 Councillor Trudi Tschui said preparations were well under way.
“The steering committee is gathering monthly to start the ball rolling on the many events that are planned to mark the occasion, and it is hoped that many more will become involved as time progresses,” she said.
“Many of those in the community will remember the street party in Butler Street to celebrate the jubilee, but this centenary committee is working hard to organise a series of festivities to acknowledge the special year in Tully’s history.”
Cr Tschui said some of the events included:
• Cemetery walks
• Sugar Week industry celebrations
• Read-to-Me Day
• Multicultural Food Celebration -100 years of food.
“It is hoped that other groups, industries, schools, sporting clubs and service clubs will create their own event to mark their moment in ‘History - Come Home in 2024’.
Share photos, newspaper clippings and other memorabilia by email tullycentenary@ gmail.com or phone 0427 912 004.
FAR North Queensland’s first nationally accredited dog grooming training centre has been launched by a pioneering Goldsborough resident.
Dog grooming is a booming industry that remains unregulated. As the popularity of these services increases in Australia, a current shortage of groomers and a lack of training are putting a strain on the industry.
Founder of Cute as a Button Dog Grooming at Goldsborough, Tara Tinsey, has launched the first nationally accredited dog grooming training centre in the Far North to address shortages and obtain regulation.
Ms Tinsey said it was essential for the industry to have more trained groomers.
“The difference with grooming is that you’re using the clippers and the scissors, and you’re starting to do more hands-on work rather than just buffing; you’re working on the coat, making them look pretty,” she said.
“What’s interesting about the grooming industry is that it’s unregulated; anyone can pick up the tools and start grooming.
“We’re trying to get the industry regulated to have people
grooming people’s pets safely.
“This is why we need formal, nationally recognised qualification because every person that does this qualification will be taught the same thing, so when they go out on their own, they’re equipped with information.
“That way, they’ll know how to handle the pet safely and what tools to use, so the animal is well cared for.”
Ms Tinsey’s Cute as a Button Dog Grooming partnered with Heineger Academy, a registered training organisation working with Australian grooming academies, to bring a one-on-one training program for groomers to-be in the Far North.
Spilt into two elements of practical training provided by Cute as a Button and theory, provided by Heiniger Academy, students will hold a nationally recognised qualification in ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) at completion.
“This is what gives us the edge over other groomers and trainers; through Heineger’s theory component, our students will receive a Certificate III in Animal Care Services; that’s something only we have,” Ms Tinsey said.
“We need to get the word out that there are people that can give you that formal education
AN extra 200 purple Beam escooters are coming to Cairns, following the availability of 10 more parking hubs over the past three months.
It will mean more than 350 Beam e-scooters available at more than 30 parking hubs across Cairns.
More than 60,000 kilometres have been travelled by Cairns riders in the past three months. The average trip length on a Beam is 10 minutes, Beam’s ANZ general manager Tom Cooper said the company was “really pleased with the first three months of shared micromobility being available in Cairns, and how the community has embraced this new mode of transport”.
He said Beam was expanding its operations across Cairns to include more parking spots.
YHA Cairns central manager Sam Eastham said it had been great to provide “some affordable, fun and eco-friendly transport for our guests and our staff to make the most of the beautiful setting we have here in Cairns”.
Pacific Hotel Cairns general manager Sheena Matthews said hotel guests had “loved the freedom and flexibility that Beam e-scooters provide, with many using the service to explore the wonderful sites that Cairns has to offer”.
but can also mentor you while you’re learning and help you get into the industry.” Students of this course will learn the correct ways to approach pets on the grooming table, how to determine the different coat types and the appropriate methods to groom these coat types, choosing the proper tools, recognising skin and coat problems, and grooming from start to finish safely.
Ms Tinsey will also hold grooming competitions to attract groomers and educate them on proper practices.
“The introduction of designer breeds, like -oodle breeds and cross breeds, these dogs require a lot of grooming care, so we’ve seen an increase in demand for groomers,” she said.
“Cute as a Button will be hosting the first dog grooming competition in Cairns this May
alongside the Cairns City Kennel Club open day. The Pup Cup in May will have industry leaders holding presentations on animal first aid, business courses, and animal handling skills, along with talented groomers from across Australia and within Cairns.
Entries for Cairns’ first grooming competition, the Pup Cup, are now open. To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3lEWpeu
“This includes areas like the Botanic Gardens, which has traditionally been difficult to access without a motor vehicle,” she said
The e-scooters are now available at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Cairns Reef Apartments and Motel, Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel, Mercure Cairns, Orchid Plaza, Reef Trips Centre and Secure Park Hartley.
l CAIRNS CBD
CONSTRUCTION workforce planning experts met industry leaders in Cairns this week to discuss how a different set of skilled workers will be needed for major projects outside the residential sector.
Construction Skills Queensland general manager Sean Cummiskey said Cairns would require a different profile of skilled workers to meet the needs of an industry that will be underpinned by a new set of key projects.
“Cairns has worked through a record volume of residential building projects
over the last 24 months,” he said.
“The good news is that we are safely moving into a more sustainable period of ongoing activity as the residential pipeline empties but major projects continue to provide plenty of demand for skilled construction workers.
“Projects such as the Kidston
Pumped Storage Hydro Project and Kidston Solar Pv Project will lead local activity and these kinds of projects require a different skills profile to those needed for residential work. In-demand roles will be concreters, building and plumbing labourers and electricians, for example.
“CSQ is predicting a decade of elevated construction activity and demand for skilled labour, so we are taking a ‘long game’ approach to attracting new participants to the industry, as well as developing and retaining the existing workforce.”
CULTURAL dance workshops for beginners will take over the Tanks Arts Centre next weekend to commemorate International Dance Day.
The Let’s Dance Around the World workshops will be held on Tank 3 at Tanks Arts Centre on Sunday, April 2, from 10am to 3pm.
The event will give Cairns residents interested in dance or who want to connect with different cultures the opportunity to learn cultural dances from local instructors.
The workshops are aimed at beginners ages 16-plus and cost just a gold coin donation on entry.
Bavarian dancer with local dance group Edelweiss and cultural dance instructor and organiser of Let’s Dance Around the World Sonya Therese said the event aimed to raise awareness on Cairns’ multiculturality.
“I’ve been involved in multicultural dance for the last 35 years, and there’s been a decline in numbers,” Ms Therese said.
“Some cultures are no longer being represented at multicultural festivals, and I would like to help support multicultural groups by promoting them.
“Let’s Dance Around The World is an open invitation to the Cairns community to come and try. Dance is a really fun form of movement and fitness.”
So far, seven local cultural dance
groups representing the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Cuba, Italy and America have joined Let’s Dance Around the World.
Two slots still remain for cultural dance groups looking to join.
“What makes our event stand out is that these are workshops instead of demonstrations,” Ms Therese said.
“Rather than a performance, we are encouraging participation; we will be the one-stop shop for people looking to learn cultural dance.
“From 10am to 3pm we will have all these workshops; every 30 minutes, we’ll switch to a different dance group.
“There will be a sausage sizzle and a tea and cake stall hosted by Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Cardiac Challenge team for refreshments.”
Ms Therese said Let’s Dance Around the World aimed to make people fall in love with cultural dance and boost the member numbers at local dance groups.
“We want people to have fun trying various dance styles; movement is great for both our physical and mental well-being,” she said. “And we want to promote our local dance groups with the hope of recruiting new members.
“This will help strengthen some of our cultural dance groups so they can continue performing at various multicultural events in and around Cairns. “It’s important we keep these cultures alive and strong,” she said.
l CAIRNS CBD
MY Spirited Child is hosting their first ADHD Conference in North Queensland tomorrow.
My Spirited Child was founded by Rebecca Challoner to provide information, strategies and support to parents, carers and educators of neurodivergent children and to adults who are neurodivergent.
She not only has ADHD herself, but her husband and both her sons have ADHD.
Mrs Challenor said the conference in Cairns was tipped to be a valuable and informative day for parents, educators, professionals, family members and friends of an individual with ADHD or suspected ADHD.
“This is such an important event for those in North Queensland. So often supports and resources do not make it to this amazing part of Australia. So many people go years, and even decades, without information and strategies.”
The conference is at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino from 10am until 5pm.
General admission tickets are $129 each. Each ticket includes full entry to all speakers and exhibitors, workbook and guide, conference program and certificate of attendance.
For more information or to buy tickets visit the My Spirited Child webiste or https://bit.ly/3JZ4pAu.
Workshops to teach the finer points of style, routine, participation and flair
l PORT DOUGLAS
TICKETS to Port Douglas Carnivale’s tastiest event, The Longest Lunch, are now on sale.
The Longest Lunch is one of the most anticipated and exclusive events of Port Douglas Carnivale with numbers capped to just 200 diners, who feast on a sumptuous dining experience provided by Port Douglas’ culinary best.
The Longest Lunch is hosted by Port Douglas’s restaurant group The Local Collective along the boardwalk of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, returning to its original home from nearly 30 years ago.
Roman Haslinger, head of hospitality at Hemingway’s Brewery, said the return to the boardwalk would be a trip down memory lane for those long-time participants.
“This is a premium event that promises to exceed your expectations. It is also going to look extraordinary with the long tables under the marquee beside this wonderful heritage building, looking out over the marina and boats,” he said.
Members Salsa Bar and Grill, Zinc, La Cucina and Kai are serving the four-course menu, which features dishes such as smoked wagyu beef, salmon tataki, banana leaf baked Daintree saltwater barramundi and maple roasted pumpkin pie with a pecan crumble. For the $260 tickets visit www.carnivale.com.au
|
Nick Dalton
CAIRNS features prominently in a new Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) campaign promoting career opportunities with the Australian Navy.
The campaign, named ‘Live a Story Worth Telling’, seeks to inspire the next generation of officers and sailors by visually communicating some of the memorable experiences enjoyed by current serving members in the modern Navy.
DFR Navy brand manager Anjali Bakaya said current serving Navy people inspired the strategy for the new recruiting campaign.
“Every Navy person that I’ve had the pleasure to meet has had so many exciting and interesting stories to tell,” she said.
“The first thing you notice when you work alongside Defence personnel is that their lived experiences are unlike anything you’d encounter anywhere else.
“They are filled with laughter, joy, sometimes tears and excitement, which fills them up every time they narrate their stories.”
A number of Cairns locations feature in the new Navy recruitment videos with key scenes filmed at East Trinity and Yorkeys Knob Yacht Club.
HMAS Cairns chief petty officer Trevor Maybir and navy
indigenous development program instructor Monifah See Kee feature in these scenes together with other HMAS Cairns members as extras.
Ms Bakaya said there was no better way to inspire the next generation of Navy officers
and sailors than to introduce them to the people and stories that will inspire them. “We want to give the target audience a clear, single-minded reason to join the Navy, and the new campaign strategically does that by highlighting the
diversity of life experiences that a life in the service has to offer – more so than any other job,” she said.
More than 90 Navy personnel were involved ‘on-camera’ in the production of the new advertising campaign, with
additional members providing asset coordination support behind the scenes, including staff at fleet headquarters and maritime operations.
HMAS vessels such as Parramatta, Supply and Hobart were involved in the series.
l CAIRNS NORTH
| Nick Dalton
LEADING disability group Spinal Life Australia is inviting the public to an open day at its Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre on the Cairns Esplanade tomorrow.
Spinal Life Australia Queensland
North regional manager Margaret McDonald said the open day would provide an opportunity for members of the public to tour the centre, meet the staff, and learn more about the specialist programs and services offered.
“The healthy living centre provides tailored support services to people living with disabilities, featuring a fully accessible gym, hydrotherapy pool, allied health services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, plus purpose-built accommodation units that feature the latest home automation and technology,” she said.
Ms McDonald said recently the centre celebrated its third birthday, after opening its doors on February 10, 2020 to provide much-needed support to Far North Queenslanders and visitors with a disability, and remove the need to travel for rehabilitation and other therapies.
Former nurse Dennis Brinn, 68, is a frequent user of the centre, after experiencing complications due to spinal surgery that caused him to lose sensation in his feet, as well as much of the function in his arms and hands.
He spent five months in hospital recovering and undergoing intensive therapy, and now uses a wheelie walker or power wheelchair to get around.
Along with accessing exercise physiology and physiotherapy, Mr Brinn attends the centre’s arm and hand rehabilitation group, which is led by an occupational therapist and involves activity-based therapy to improve function – things like practising pouring a drink or hanging washing on a clothesline.
“The biggest challenge I have is grasping and holding things, because I can’t feel my fingers,” he said.
“But since I’ve been going to this group, I can now pick up small things and do a variety of things to help improve my dexterity and to help tell my brain what my fingers are doing.
Mr Brinn said that in addition to the amenities and therapies available through the centre, being surrounded by others in similar situations is another great feature, along with having access to allied health professionals.
“The sessions are good for me, and I’m sure it’s the same for my fellow participants, because we’re able to interact with each other. I find that sometimes that’s just as important as the therapy,” he said.
Ms McDonald said “the healthy living centre is becoming a community hub for people living with disabilities not only in Cairns, but across Far North Queensland, offering services that can be difficult to come by outside of major metropolitan areas ...”
THE iconic blue carpet from Cairns Airport’s international terminal has found a new home at a Manunda sports clubhouse.
The carpet will be removed from the terminal within weeks as part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the building, the first major upgrade since it opened more than 30 years ago.
Large rolls of the colourful floor covering were left over during the original fit-out and have been in storage ever since.
The as-new rolls will be collected by the North Cairns Tigers Football and Netball Club and installed in their clubhouse which is being refurbished ahead of the 2023 season start.
Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said it was great that the carpet would be getting a new life.
“It is particularly symbolic that the carpet will be going to a long-standing community group like the North Cairns Tigers,” he said.
“The international terminal was officially opened in September 1990; however, the North Cairns Tigers were established as a club in 1955. It seems only fitting that this small piece of Cairns history is going to find a new home.”
North Cairns Tigers President Jason Tom said the carpet would be a welcome addition to their clubhouse.
Last week we asked for your thoughts on the inaugural fashion week for Cairns. Here are some of your comments.
We have some talented people in the fashion industry in the Far North and it’s high time they have an opportunity to showcase their work, not only to the region, but to Australia and the world. The first fashion week is attracting a lot of attention already and can only get better and grow. Congratulations to Jade Turnbull and her team of organisers.
Volunteers are needed to help run the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games being held in Cairns from 25 to 28 May.
Volunteers make a huge contribution to the success of the Games, ensuring a memorable and well-run event for all the participants.
They also get entry into the social event of their choice as part of the Games experience.
To register your interest, contact the Games coordinator on 4044 3261 or email gbrmasters@cairns.qld.gov.au.
Dorothy, Edge Hill
Good on Cairns Regional Council for supporting the inaugural fashion week. There are some good sponsors too, such as Crystalbrook hotels and resorts as well as Tourism Tropical North Queensland, but where is the Palaszczuk government’s financial backing? Hun-
dreds of thousands of dollars have been given to the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair but not a cent to this event.
John, Manoora
It’s great to see events such as the fashion week later this year diversifying the economy of Cairns. It is estimated it will generate more than $1 million. It can only grow as all events in the region have over the years, such as the Ironman and the Cairns Show.
Mabel, Mooroobool
Let’s hope the entire fashion industry gets behind this event. It shouldn’t be left to the select few to be involved and take the glory. It has to be a united effort.
Susan, MossmanIN July of last year, I wrote a ‘Goss’ to celebrate the amazing work of the Douglas Shire Historical Society. As part of that story, we discovered that the team operate the Port Douglas Court House Museum in Wharf Street, Port Douglas, and had just been successful with some grant and funding applications.
One of those awards was a Gambling Community Benefit Fund Grant towards erecting a new heritage picket fence around the Court House Museum. I am pleased to say this has now been completed, with the old wood and wire fence around the heritage-listed building removed.
Like all members of the public, I was invited along to the fence opening ceremony last Thursday, at which Douglas Shire Mayor Michael
Kerr and historical society members carried out the official formalities in front of an enthusiastic group of locals.
When the court house was relocated back to its original site in 1993, funds only stretched to a picket fence along the front, but with the above mentioned funding, the new fence now covers three sides of the block.
The court house was built in 1879 and, along with the school house in Grant Street, they are the oldest original buildings in Port Douglas. In fact, the court house is the second oldest timber court house in Queensland, after the 1878 building in St Lawrence.
Back in the day, the police magistrate held a court here and naturally, over the years, there has been a number of historic events.
In particular, it is where the committal hearing of Ellen Thomson and John Harrison was held,
both accused of murdering Ellen’s husband William Thomson at Bonnie Doon in 1887.
They were found guilty and sent to Townsville for trial, eventually both being hanged in Brisbane and buried in unmarked graves there. Ellen was the only woman ever hanged in Queensland and there is still some doubt as to whether they were guilty.
During the devastating cyclone of March 16, 1911, the court house was shifted off its stumps, so last week’s opening actually commemorated the 122 year anniversary of the storm.
Over the forthcoming years, the court house building sadly fell into disrepair and In 1968 was purchased by Betty and Albert Whiting, then proprietors of the Court House Hotel. They decided to shift the whole structure and cell block to sit beside their pub. The Whitings’ vision was always to retain the court house build-
ing as a local museum, but after years of work, this dream did not come to fruition.
Betty’s nephew Noel Weare took on the project after Betty’s death in 1984 and following a decade of lobbying politicians and government departments, the court house was finally returned to its original land on the police reserve in 1993.
In 1994 Noel formed the Douglas Shire Historical Society to oversee the restoration of the building and by 1997 the museum was finally opened. Now, finally in 2023, it’s fantastic to see the building with its shiny new fence.
I’ve had my day in court, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
A RETIRED Far North sales representative and grandfather initially dismissed his prostate cancer symptoms as just part of getting older.
But when John, who asked for his surname to be withheld, was told he had five years to live after his diagnosis in 2005 it came as a devastating shock.
After visiting his GP about trouble going to the bathroom when he was 62, John was referred to a urology clinic.
His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test returned an elevated result, and he was referred to a urologist.
John, of Topaz, was subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer and his urologist gave him an estimated five-year survival.
John, who is now 78, originally managed his prostate cancer with hormone injections to bring his PSA levels down.
However, when his PSA readings started rising in 2015, he was referred to an oncologist at Townville hospital.
“It was my oncologist who thought I would be a good candidate for brachytherapy in combination with radiation therapy,” John said.
“He suggested I opt for this treatment path, and I am very thankful he did,” he said.
LDR-brachytherapy for prostate cancer is a minimally invasive, high precision, targeted treatment option which helps to minimise risk of damage to surrounding healthy cells.
It involves the insertion of permanent radioactive ‘seeds’ directly into the prostate, which give off localised
radiation over a number of months to kill cancer cells. In Australia, while both LDR-brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy are both approved for use in prostate cancer, the combination therapy is not available on Medicare for higher-risk prostate cancer.
Australian cancer experts are calling for low dose-rate (LDR)-brachytherapy in combination with external beam radiation therapy to be covered on Medicare for men diagnosed with high-risk (locally advanced) prostate cancer.
“After I received LDR-brachytherapy, I had 39 rounds of radiation therapy,” John said.
“It was very quick; I was in and out of the hospital within an hour each day,” he said.
“I am one of the lucky ones. Not only had my cancer not spread outside of my prostate, but because it hadn’t, my treatment was covered by Medicare. I would not have been able to afford it if it was not covered.”
Throughout the rest of the world, LDR-brachytherapy is being used in combination with external beam radiation therapy to treat locally advanced (higher risk) cancer that has begun to spread outside the prostate.
“I was given five-years to live with lower-risk prostate cancer,” John said.
“To think there are blokes out there living with higher-risk prostate cancer not able to access the same treatment I had covered by Medicare is mindblowing.
“My advice is to listen to your body and your doctor.
Since my treatment, my PSA readings are the lowest it has ever been, so I’m living proof it works,” John said.
l CAIRNS CBD
QUEENSLAND not-for-profit, Epilepsy Queensland, will be lighting up Cairns in purple to raise much-needed awareness and funds towards their key fundraising campaign, Make March Purple and ahead of World Purple Day, on Sunday.
The Cairns Court House Gallery in Abbott St will shine with purple lights on Sunday as the sun sets in support of the 280 Australians diagnosed with epilepsy every week.
In Queensland, 30,000 people are currently living with this diagnosis. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes unpredictable seizures, which can negatively impact a person’s employment, education, relationships, social participation and daily life.
Epilepsy Queensland chief executive Chris Dougherty said the funds raised during March contributed to free education sessions to help families understand and manage epilepsy.
“We have been working in the community for over 50 years to help people live well with epilepsy,” he said.
“We are there for the 3000 newly diagnosed Queenslanders each year.
“We help turn things around by providing information, education, and comprehensive support to help reduce the daily impacts of epilepsy.”
WALKING and riding will soon be easier in Innisfail thanks to a $550,000 project that will renew five pathway sites across Innisfail.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillor and Asset Sustainability portfolio holder Barry Barnes said that good pathways were important to ensure our residents and visitors had opportunities to walk or cycle for fun or exercise and provide further opportunities to explore Innisfail.
“Council manages footpaths across the entire Cassowary Coast region and planning for renewal of footpaths is an important part of Council’s approach to asset sustainability, ensuring we are planning for community’s needs within our annual and long-term planning and budgetary processes.”
Councillor Barnes also said that the community
through the recent Community Scorecard told Council that the community considered local roads, pathways, and cycleways the number one priority for our region.
“Works are expected to commence this week and there will be detours in place for pedestrians and cyclists during works at each site. Signage will be in place to provide awareness of any detours.
“The project will help meet pedestrian and cyclist needs by connecting our roads to the Innisfail town centre, nearby public transport nodes, recreational spaces, and to assist pedestrians to traverse rough terrain.”
Five sites across Innisfail will benefit from a renewal program to upgrade pathways, providing an improved user experience.
Site 1 – Bruce Highway – Railway Street to Goondi Hotel – approximately 75-metre-long concrete path renewal
Site 2 – Bruce Highway - Page Park to Commonwealth Hotel – approximately 130-metre-long concrete path renewal
Site 3 – Bruce Highway - Bus Stop near Bunnings to Glady Street – approximately 80-metre-long exposed aggregate concrete path renewal
Site 4 – Bruce Highway – near the Council Depot –approximately 100-metre-long concrete path renewal
Site 5 – Mourilyan Road (behind East Innisfail State School) – approximately 85-metre-long concrete path renewal
The project is fully funded by Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
AS part of the Smart Water Meter project roll out, the CCRC Water Portal will provide further information to residents who have a smart meter installed on their property and assist in identifying hidden water leaks early, to minimise water wastage and help residents track and manage their water use.
Smart Water Meters record your water use on an hourly basis and transmits this data to Cassowary Coast Regional Council. This data is now accessible to eligible customers via the CCRC Water Portal and gives a more detailed understanding of water usage patterns and helps identify any changes to water use.
Smart water meters enable Council to:
• respond more effectively to water con-
sumption enquiries; and
• identify peak and off-peak water usage times and assist with managing pumping and infrastructure to reduce costs when less water is required.
To view this information visit CCRC Water Portal and register your details. Once registered, your account may take up to two business days to become active. Once active, residents can:
• detect potential leaks early by registering in the online portal and setting up leak alerts;
• develop strategies to reduce their water usage; and
• check their water consumption hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.
THE major $1.87 million project to upgrade a key road in Tully is now complete.
Councillor Teresa Millwood thanked the community for their patience whilst these important works were undertaken.
“Murray Street is a key connector road in Tully. During previous wet seasons, the road would experience potholes, required frequent maintenance and had flooding issues. These works have renewed vital infrastructure, improved flood immunity by upgrading drainage, improved safety and access by undertaking intersection changes.
“Tully and the Cassowary Coast is growing, and our region needs the infrastructure and services to accommodate our current residents and to provide for future population growth.
“Creating jobs and supporting Cassowary Coast construction industry was another key focus of the project, with a number of local contractors and Council working together for delivery of the project; and Council would like to thank our staff and contractors for their contribution to the final outcome of this project.”
Works undertaken include:
• Replacement/upgrade culverts.
• Installation of kerb and channel.
• Intersection upgrades.
• Renewal of pavement including the installation of asphalt.
• Replacement of the existing water main.
The Murray Street Upgrade project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
Australian Government funding of nearly $1.14 million was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) and Roads to Recovery (R2R) programs, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council providing the remaining funding of $730,714.
The LRCI program supports councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, while the R2R program improves safety, accessibility, economic and social outcomes by supporting the construction and maintenance of local roads.
INNISFAIL’S locally driven driver reviver will trial The Con as a new location after the program closed statewide earlier this year.
In January, the driver reviver at Fred Drew Rest area, located north of Innisfail, was closed along with 22 other sites across Queensland.
Mayor Mark Nolan said the driver reviver is currently led by Queensland Police Service (QPS), in partnership with local volunteers and a necessary service to travellers passing our town.
“Driver reviver is great program and partnership between QPS and local community groups and combats one of the fatal five – driver fatigue.
“Upon hearing about the closure of the site, local community groups reached out to Council to see what solutions could be provided.
“As a short term solution and trial, Council has agreed for the Innisfail driver reviver to run out of The Con for the Easter school holiday period.
“I am happy this program can continue to run within our community,” said Mayor Nolan.
Member for Hill Shane Knuth said he was very disturbed when the State Government announced the end of Driver Revivers in the Hill Electorate and across the state.
“I was in the process of launching a petition to save driver revivers because they are a safe place for drivers to pull over, prevents fatigue and saves lives.
“However, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, QPS and local community groups came up with a solution to trial driver reviver at The Con, which will also help bring people into Innisfail.
“We have gone through a number of processes to get here but this is a win win not only for the community but all road users.”
A SERIES of free movie nights featuring family-friendly films will be held at the swimming pools in Cardwell, Tully and Mission Beach.
The whole family can enjoy the movie night under the stars at the below locations with films featuring:
• Saturday 8 April – Cardwell Swimming
Pool – Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon
• Saturday 15 April – Tully Swimming
Pool – Lightyear
• Saturday 27 May – Mission Beach
Aquatic Centre – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Food and drink will be available for purchase at each location.
All children must be supervised by an adult for the duration of the movie to attend.
This event is proudly supported and funded by Queensland Health.
ROUND 2 of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) closes on 20 April 2023. Funding exists for collaborative and innovative projects which create an interactive and vibrant arts sector on the Cassowary Coast.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between state and local Government to invest in quality arts and cultural experiences across Queens-
land based on locally determined priorities. RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers to support diversity and inclusivity; grow strong regions; and provide training, education and employment opportunities for Queensland artists and local communities. Applicants are encouraged to apply for grants which will help in the pursuit and completion of their creative projects.
To apply or for more information on RADF Grants please visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/funding-grants
l BUNGALOW
| Nick Dalton
LOCALLY owned and operated coach company, Tropic Wings Cairns Tours and Charters, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Over the past four decades, the Cairns-based, eco-friendly operator Tropic Wings has grown from two small coach companies to a thriving business with a fleet of modern coaches and a team of expert tour guides.
The company has a history dating back to 1981, when Charles and Pip Woodward, the founders of The CaPTA Group, acquired their first vehicle to transport visitors from Cairns to Mountain Groves in Kuranda, now known as Rainforestation Nature Park.
The late Mr Woodward was determined to get tourists to Kuranda.
“We’ll get tourists to Kuranda on a Sunday even if we have to buy a coach company to do it” – and that’s exactly what he did.
The Woodward family ini-
tially acquired a local coach company, Blue Wings Coach Tours, in 1981, and the first day tour from Cairns to Kuranda began operating soon after. The fleet expanded further
in 1982 by buying Cairns Tropic Tours. On March 30, 1982, Tropic Wings Coach Tours was launched with eight coaches and nearly 300 seats, offering day tours to the Atherton Table-
lands, Port Douglas, and Cape Tribulation.
Today the fleet totals 36, with 62 staff, including 46 drivers.
CaPTA director Michael Woodward said his father was a
driving force behind the growth of tourism in the region.
“Dad was quite instrumental in lobbying for the Cairns International Airport, which has played a vital role in making the
region an accessible and attractive holiday destination for international travellers,” he said.
CaPTA Managing Director Peter Woodward said his father was “very passionate about promoting Australia and the local region first, then his own business”.
Tropic Wings general manager Colin Anderson said that the important milestone was testament to the dedication and hard work of the team and the support of the community.
“Tropic Wings aims to achieve carbon neutrality, having also set an example in sustainable transportation by being the first Queensland business to introduce a 100 per cent electric bus for commercial use back in October 2019.”
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of Tropical North Queensland.”
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Tropic Wings is offering a range of special tours and packages.
l EDGE HILL
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
TEENAGE fashion designer and Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) first-timer Holly McInnes is one of the 15 designers selected for CIAF’s 10th-anniversary fashion show in July under the theme ‘woven’.
The 18-year-old will be working in partnership with auntie and multidisciplinary artist and proud Gunggandji woman, Simone Arnol, to create a collection of eight pieces (four pieces each).
The collaborative collection is called Guyu lemon and rice, which materialises their woven interpretation.
After graduating from St Mary’s College in 2022, Ms McInnes wants to travel to Brisbane in 2024 to study fashion design.
She said she was very excited to have been selected to present a collaborative collection next to her aunt and mentor, Ms Arnol, on CIAF’s fashion show’s 10th anniversary.
“This year is my first time during CIAF as a fashion designer, I went to the fashion show last year, so I wanted to go up a level and collaborate with my auntie,” she said.
“As the theme for this year’s CIAF is woven, we have chosen to call our collection Guyu (fish) lemon and rice.
“We chose to call it this way because, across all of our Indigenous communities, we all eat fish, lemon and rice, so this meal weaves us together, weaves families together during dinner time through hunting and storytelling.
“Working with my auntie has been amazing; she has supported me so much through this, and she’s given me so many opportunities, so I’m extremely grateful for that.”
Experience multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer and Ms McInnes mentor Ms Arnol said it was an honour to showcase such a meaningful collection with her niece.
“This is a huge year for CIAF, and we’re lucky to be a
part of it,” she said. “For Guyu lemon and rice, we’re using bright yellow for the lemon, we’ve got textile prints on the yellow fabric in fish print, and we’ve got all the details in white so you can see the fishbone.
“We’ll also use other fabric to represent our theme, so we’ll have material with white speckles on them that look like rice and grey that looks like fish scales, so that’ll bring everything
together,” Ms McInnes said.
CIAF’s fashion performance curator Lynelle Flinders said the organisation had received an unprecedented response from Indigenous fashion designers following a call-out issued in January 2023.
“We had a record number of over 21 fashion designer submissions, but we had to narrow it down, so this year we’ve got 15 designers, and I thank everyone who applied,” she said.
l WESTCOURT
A TRIBUTE to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis, is being staged at Cazalys next month.
Andrew Bithell, better known as Andy B (below), will present the three-hour, fully-costumed performance on Saturday, April 29.
Cazalys marketing manager Maree GordonCooke said dinner and show tickets were on sale for $49, which included an alternate drop twocourse menu.
“Andy B has been in the music industry for over 20 years, has played pub rock covers in duos, up to six-piece live bands and as a high energy front man keen to engage the audience,” she said.
“Andy’s Elvis tribute life began when he and his wife travelled to America in 2017. During their holiday they visited Memphis, Tennessee, the home of Elvis Presley.
“From Quandamooka Country in southeast Queensland to the Cape and Torres Strait, we are pleased to announce a stellar lineup of designers who will individually express the ‘woven’ theme.”
CIAF has issued an EOI to select 18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander models for the fashion show; submissions close on April 24.
To apply, visit CIAF’s website or https://bit.ly/3ndgXvn
“He absolutely loved visiting Graceland, but it was when they did a tour of Sun studios where Elvis recorded his first music, that something was triggered inside of him and the journey to be one of Australia’s top Elvis tribute artists began.”
Andy was placed third in the Parkes Tribute to Elvis in 2021 and has been playing to sold out audiences from Brisbane to Far North Queensland.
Bookings are essential for the dinner and show, via www.trybooking.com/CGLDB.
A NEW exhibition exploring stories of migrant families in the Far North has opened at the Cairns Art Gallery.
The work by Etty Bay artist Francesca Rosa tells the stories of migrants to Australia in post-war north Queensland and, in particular, the Italian migrant women through the lens of family history and experiences.
Ms Rosa said she used oral histories and archival records to explore the lives and stories of migrant families, including her own, in the Innisfail region of Queensland.
“Their stories are traced through family portraits, diaries, archivally sourced images, manipulated and annotated landscapes, and intergenerational oral and video recordings,” she said.
“The works resonate with personal stories and compelling authenticity.”
Ms Rosa, who lives and works at Etty Bay near Innisfail, delves into the notions of displacement and isolation - an experience shared by many Italian migrant women living away from home in post-war Far
North Queensland and told through the lens of her own experience as the loving daughter of one of these women.
“For me, those experiences and memories remain real and raw and have been articulated in brief recorded conversations,” she said.
Ms Rosa said her mother Giuseppina Rosa told her she was born in Sicily and lived near Mt Etna.
“When I was four my father died. He wanted me to be teacher,” said her mother.
“After World War II, I migrated to Australia on my own. I didn’t belong.
“I married a cane cutter and lived in a cane barrack. I missed my home.”
Able to source her mother’s original citizenship file photo from the National Archives, Ms Rosa obstructed a layered portrait to symbolise her lifetime of trauma in the work ‘An Italian Woman’. The work is accompanied by excerpts taken from daily conversations and gives an insight into the shared experiences of being an aging, non-English speaking woman in Australia.
The exhibition runs until April 30.
A SERIES of photographs, cultural objects, history boards and drawings depicting Mission Beach from the 1890s to 1950s has opened at the coastal town.
Echo of the Past is the Mission Beach Historical Society’s inaugural exhibition.
Society president Dr Valerie Boll said the display was a series of historic photographs (portraits, landscapes, social events and work life scenes), a slide show of photos, Djiru cultural objects, history boards designed by Peter Kellett and a series of drawings about the Hull River Aboriginal Settlement by Michael Daly.
“They provide an insight in the diverse early history of Mission Beach and (the launch) coincided with the anniversary of a (deadly) 1918 cyclone on March 10,” she said.
The exhibition is at the Art, Print, Frame Gallery, Mission Beach (1/12 Stephens St), until April 14, 9am to 3.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.
A selection of various photos as digital prints or posters are available to buy. Contact MBHS at info@mbhs.com.au
l FRIDAY MARCH 24TH
The Cairns Museum presents recollections of childhood through photographs, artefacts, drawings, and smells that characterise the uniqueness of tropical landscape and climate with its beauty and challenges. We invite you to reflect on your own childhood and connect with the past. Admission is free with Museum entry.
Book your Museum entry tickets online through Cairns Museum.
l SATURDAY MARCH 25TH
Francesca Rosa is a photo-media artist who lives and works in Etty Bay, Queensland. Her exhibition Nostalgia, presents a series of new works that explore the lives and personal histories of migrant families, including her own, in the Innisfail region of Queensland.
Exhibition Runs: 11th March till 30th April 2023 Free Entry!
l SATURDAY MARCH 25TH
Mat McHugh & The Beautiful Girls are excited to announce for the first time ever they will be combining the work of both of McHugh’s groups on stage.
With a focus on the new songs he’s been writing, which naturally need a bit of road-testing, he’ll also play some fan favourites from his full back catalogue.
Cost: From $40.00
Book your tickets through ticketlink.
l SATURDAY MARCH 25TH
The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout this jaw-dropping show as the musicians and artists transport audience members to the breath-taking continent of Africa. This 90-minute entertainment extravaganza combines the very best talent from nine African countries to provide the wonder, suspense and joy that is Cirque Mother Africa.
Cost: From $59.90
Book your tickets through ticketlink.
l SUNDAY MARCH 26TH
Say I Do in Tropical North Queensland has been running in the Cairns area for over a decade. See and meet with talented wedding vendors under one roof to make your wedding planning journey a breeze with Say I Do in TNQ. Meet, chat and see beautiful displays of work by talented wedding vendors in the region. Book tickets at www.sayidointnq.com.au
l SATURDAY MARCH 25TH
This Earth Hour, we’re turning off the lights at Rocco, so you can turn up your senses. As much a feast for your imagination, as well as your taste buds, diners will also enjoy their meal knowing that they are mitigating their environmental impact this Earth Hour
Price: $139 per person
Book your tickets through Rocco by Crystalbrook.
FRIDAY
Kaweyova Duo - Palm Cove Lifesaving Club, 3.00pm
Barbary Coasters - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 4.00pm
Pauly P – Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 4.00pm
Music in Session - Court House Gallery, 5.00pm
Nick Atherton - Lions Den, 6.00pm
Russell Harris Band - Cazalys Cairns, 6.30pm
Carinda Christie - Mission Beach Blues Bar, 6.30pm
The Love Handles - Mt Tyson Hotel Tully, 7.30pm
Mississipi Shakedown - Anthill Hotel Mareeba, 8.00pm
Nikki Doll - The Jazz Sanctuary, 8.00pm
Big Noise - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm
Cinnamon Sun - Dunwoodys Hotel, 4.00pm
SATURDAY
Lexi and Al - Yorkeys Knob Boat Club, 3.00pm Cairns Classical Music Group - Cairns Presbyterian Church, 2.00pm The Frontear – Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 3.00pm
Carinda Christie - Billycart Brewing Co, 4.00pm
Kaweyova Duo - Salthouse, 5.00pm
Finding Time - Cazalys Cairns, 6.15pm
Mat McHugh & the Beautiful Girls - Tanks Arts Centre, 7.30pm
Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 8.00pm Big Noise – Rattle n Hum Cairns, 8.30pm
DjGlennW - Bar94, 9.00pm Rowly - Red Beret Hotel, 8.00pm
SUNDAY
DjGlennW - Dundees at the Aquarium, 11.30am
DNA – Hemingway’s Brewery, 2.00pm Wind and Wood - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3.00pm
Blake O’Connor – Dunwoody’s, 3.00pm
Sax Man Troy Stevens - Sauce Brewing Co, 3.30pm
Duo Paradiso - Elixir Music House, 3.30pm
Vivien Aisi - Paper Crane by CrystalBrook, 4.00pm
Kaweyova Duo – Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 4.00pm
Nick Atherton - Lions Den, 6.00pm
Anais Campbell - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 7.30pm
Don’t let friends or relatives rule your life. Do a little extra work at home. Let them know what your intentions are. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day.
Don’t jump into investments too quickly. Your passionate mood will be well received by your mate. Think twice before you volunteer information. You will enjoy getting together with friends.
Put your thoughts into action. Take a close look at any contracts you’ve signed to be sure exactly where you stand. You may need to make a choice. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine.
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Don’t jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. Take advantage of your attributes and lure the mate of your choice. You’re in the mood for love. Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation.
Try not to get involved in other people’s problems. Exercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits. Stop telling others about your problems. Try to include the one you love in your plans this week.
You could expand your circle of friends if you get involved in unusual activities. Your emotional state will vacillate Money can be made if you are willing to take a chance. Focus on forming business partnerships.
Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn the situation around. Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent. You’ll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. Visit friends or relatives you don’t get to see very often.
ACROSS
Watch your weight gain due to water retention. Travel will turn out to be far more exciting than you imagined. Try to get out and socialize. Don’t be shy; show your abilities!
Try not to be too aggressive or judgmental when talking to your mate. Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. You can get the attention of important individuals, but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas.
Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. Include the whole family or those you love. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. Your bank account will suffer, and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship.
8. relating to Yemen or its people (6)
9. fame or acknowledged superiority within a particular sphere (8)
10. a remote town in western Africa, used to reference somewhere faraway and/or unknown (8)
11. to wear away by friction or erosion (6)
12. shelter or protection from danger (6)
13. with one side facing forward (8)
15. to adopt or support a cause (7)
made of cotton (1-5)
25. intestinal parasite that can live inside other animals (8)
26. a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch (8)
27. a small elongated insect with a pair of terminal appendages that resemble pincers (6)
1. people with exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural abilities (8)
2. a noun formed as an inflection of a verb and partly sharing its constructions (6,4)
3. Australian slang for genuine, honest, true (6)
4. a legacy (7)
5. the art or practice of magic (8)
6. equipment or apparatus that is used for a particular purpose (4)
7. with bitterness or sarcasm (6)
14. a small very dense star that is typically the size of a planet (5,5)
16. the action or practice of shooting with a gun (8)
18. rainfall made so acidic by atmospheric pollution that it causes environmental harm (4,4)
Try to stay calm and do the best you can. You need to get out and be an observer. You can expect to have some problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven’t taken proper care of them. If you’ve taken on a lot of work, be sure to leave some time for yourself and family.
Do your own research and be prepared. You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice. Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back.
17. characteristic of a particular person or thing (7)
20. a person who deserts one party in order to join an opposing one (8)
22. a word, letter, or number placed before another (6)
23. a short-sleeved casual top, generally
19. impressive or grand in size, appearance, or manner (7)
21. a man’s long, loose overcoat of rough cloth (6)
22. a doll moved by hand or by strings or wires (6)
24. an extremely small amount (4)
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There are many ideal locations on the block to build your home and enough space for a shed.
Town water is connected and power is close to the boundary ready for connection.
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THE Vale Emporium boutique retail shop in the heart of Gordonvale is celebrating its fifth birthday.
The emporium of affordable and beautiful fashion, giftware and homewares is in Bryce’s Arcade.
Owner Susan Byrne-Callaghan is experienced in interior design and retail management.
“When I moved to Gordonvale from the Gold Coast in 2009 it struck me how this gorgeous community reminded me of where I grew up in the UK,” she said.
“Ivybridge in southwest Devon had a paper mill. It is 20km from the main port city of Plymouth and the town centre had a history spanning many centuries. A new motorway split the township in two in the 1970s
and the sprawl of housing followed, eating into the dairy farms.
“As a teenager I worked in the high street and somehow all these similarities to Gordonvale resonated with me and I immediately felt comfortable here.”
Ms Byrne-Callaghan said when space opened up in Bryce’s Arcade in late 2017 she was convinced it was her next chapter and “jumped at it for an interior’s studio as well as retail space”.
“When I look back at the opening photos on April 8, 2018, the shop was almost completely empty, but The Vale Emporium journey had begun,” she said.
“Now five years on, the space is chock-a-block full of collections of fashion, giftware, kitchenware, garden things and
homewares. I love and favour Australian-made, Australian-designed and local products wherever possible and being able to bring a point of difference in boutique shopping to Gordonvale is a real joy for me.”
Home Tonic Interior Design has also been born in the store.
“Previously, before the shop, my focus had been in the refit and refurbishment of international superyachts that chose to come to Cairns,” Ms ByrneCallaghan said.
“Having the opportunity to concentrate on local residential projects has been great fun and deeply fulfilling,” she said.
“I would like to thank all my loyal customers and I invite you all to pop down on Thursday, April 6 from 4pm to celebrate our fifth birthday.”
CAIRNS Property Office South has been proudly assisting clients throughout the southern corridor of the Cairns region since 2017. Centrally located in Gordonvale, Robyn Hawley-Whitton started her career in real estate in 2007 and is experienced in all forms of property.
She said despite many news reports that the market was dropping, the Cairns region was still buoyant, with many more buyers looking for their dream property or simply a roof over their heads, than sellers. “One of the main issues with the supply of new properties is where the sellers will go when they sell,” Ms
Hawley-Whitton said. “With days on market for most properties being 30 to 45 days and contracts being signed within days or weeks, it is a defining factor in deciding when to sell.” Contact Robyn Hawley-Whitton for advice on all property matters on 0488 071 007 or robyn@cpo.com.au
Give
Bryce’s
Robyn has been excellent in selling properties for me. Robyn goes the extra mile every time. Robyn’s market knowledge, experience and research in selling Real Estate puts her well ahead of others I have spoken with. I highly recommend Robyn for the Real Estate market.
- Seller of acreage in Goldsborough
When Experience and Proven Results Matter. Need advice on how to sell or buy in this strong local market? Please call for a chat!
Robyn Hawley-Whitton
0488 071 007 | robyn@cpo.com.au
www.cposouth.com.au
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Saturday March 25th
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:00
Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:00
Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00
Mossman: St David’s Church, 07:00-13:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00
Tully: Lions Park, 08:00-12:00
Yungaburra: Bruce Jones Park, Main St, 07:30-12:30
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start from $80 Ph: 07 4031 7678 E: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au Classifieds Deadlines 4pm Wednesday Local News Cairns every week of publication This spot could be yours for just $80 Call Lisa today on 4031 7678 or email admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au Local News Cairns Local directory Classifieds CALL 4031 7678 TO PLACE YOUR AD did you know..? Local News Cairns we have a Community Events Noticeboard on our website : www.cairnslocalnews.com.au Short Back and Sides A Senior Citizen wants a few lawns to mow. Cairns Local for 40yrs 0407 393 747 You will not be disappointed Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend. Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870 Local home based Florist business for sale Regular wholesale orders includes fridges and all stock Offers over $40,000 * training offered if required Serious enquiries only to 0448 622 920 All Members welcome for election of Office Bearers and General Business Friday April 21, 2023, 9.30am at Woree Community Centre, Cnr. Toogood Rd/Jasper St, Bayview Heights FNQ FLORAL ART DESIGNERS INC. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ENTERTAINMENT SPECIALISTS Available for Functions, Weddings, Birthdays, Venues, Clubs Quality product with Professional delivery! Call 0421902046 or search us on Facebook BUSINESS FOR SALE Find us on Facebook Cairns Local News cairnslocalnews.com.au Local News Cairns Call Lisa today to place your Ad! 07 4031 7678 / admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au AREYOU HIRING? SELL it today - call 07 4031 7678
Sunday March 26th
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:00
Innisfail Feast of the Senses: Canecutter Court, 09:00-15:00
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:00
Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 7 Therwine St, 09:30-15:00
Mission Beach Monster: Ulysses Park, 07:30-12:00
Port Douglas: by St Mary’s Church, 07:30-14:00
Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-18:00
Tumoulin: Tumoulin Railway Station, 08:00-12:00
MOSSMAN LADIES BOWLS
March 16. 21 Bowls Singles. Christy Colley def Greta Kessler and Janice Brlyack def Trish Arnold. Next week will be the final with Christy Colley playing against Janice Brlyack. B grade singles was played with Leonie Sims def Pauline Lightfoot. Well done everyone.
Our first prize raffle went to Margaret Cooper and second prize to Maree Crees. Social bowls winners were Trish Arnold and Pauline Lightfoot; R/ Ups were Jan Stokes, Margaret Cooper, Joan Day and Robin Petrus.
We welcome visitors, whether bowlers or beginners. Names in by noon and play at 1pm. Free coaching is available.
Some ladies went to Marlin Coast on Sunday to compete in Classic Fours. One lady won her 1st Spider and we picked up a team prize too.
On April 16 a special meeting will be held at the bowls club. Only full financial members are invited. Contact Carole Maxted on caroles44bb@dodo.com.au or 0400 954 537 about ladies bowls.
Sunday social mixed bowls:
Winners: Mike Sims, Brian King and Peter McGrory; R/Up: Annette Black, Maria Snook and Anne Geddes. All visitors encouraged to come on Sunday. Names in by 12pm and play at 1pm. Casual attire. Contact Mossman Bowls Club on 4098 1434.
MARLIN COAST
BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday morning bowls: No
winners or losers.
Tuesday afternoon men’s triples: First Paul, Brad, Ross.
Second Jock, Bob, Peter
Tuesday night bowls: Spider: Carl, Neil, Deb, Paper, Birchie, Harvey, Woody, Rod, Michelle.
Wednesday mixed bowls:
First: G Andersen, L Roberts, S Wearne, Second: J Curtayne, A Ashton.
Thursday Mixed triples.
First: S Bettess, D Gibson, G.Andersen Second: Rose, Gary, Robbo.
Saturday morning scroung-
ers: not played
Saturday afternoon walking pairs: winners of winners, winners of losers.
Winners of ladies classic: T McAlary, L Mikic, A Lim, J Smith.
Winner of men’s classic: B Moore’s team consisting of R Gillman, K Burley and one other.
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.
MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB
Wednesdays: Club selected games 2x 12 ends 12.30pm for 1pm.
Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6pm. Play 6.30pm.
Come and try bowls and bowls available Club and bar open every Tuesday night.
For information and nominations ph: 4092 5288
Wednesday 15 March winners H McWhirter, H Wallace P
Argent
Thursday, March 16 jackpot pairs winners I Sayed, T Gray, second C De Zen, J Dennis.
Best of second game L Cadorin, P Soda.
Sunday, March 19 winners H Wallace, D Harrigan, C De Zen.
Coming events Graham Hotel April 4. Cards called 8.30am, play 9am.
WEST CAIRNS
MEN’S BOWLS CLUB
Friday scroungers winner for the night was Mal Taylor with the R/Up being Edna Park.
Tuesday afternoon: The winning team was Norm Kehrer, Trevor Moulds and John Poplin with 26pts and the R/Up team was Larry Keinan, Ted Meals and Ken Vivian with 16pts and +12 in the second game. The jackpot was not won on the day.
Thirsty Thursday: the best players for the day were Mal Gordon, John Reid, John Greenway and Ian Tindle.
Sunday: The winning team was Stan Williams, Bill Berger and Johno Johnston with 23pts and the R/U team was Norm Kehrer, Ryan Masters and Alan Paraha with 19pts and +10 in the second game.
Club championship season 2023 – The draw for the “A” pairs and aingles is now on the board and akips to organise their games and also confirm availability.
Next week: Saturday and after 3:30pm most days is available to organise your club competition games. Check with Helen to confirm the available times to play.
INNISFAIL MENS BOWLS
Winners of Thursday afternoon social bowls were the team of Mal Bright, Greg McDonald and Les Cali. Visitors and new members most welcome.
Names in by 12.30pm for a 1pm start. There will be four draws of the $500 jackpot this week.
In B-grade club singles Joe VanTienen defeated Peter Smith and in C-grade club singles Warren Sinclair defeated Steve Stoter.
If you have games to be played please organise and play asap.
This Saturday our club will be playing the final of the Barry Wallis Shield at South Johnstone.
MOSSMAN
Thursday 16 March: Fantastic to see 26 bowlers for social bowls and congratulations to Robbie Walker to win the $50 meat tray from Mossman Butchers.
Sunday, March 19: In the club championships A grade singles John Cochrane defeated Col Widdows 25-8 and Peter Busch defeated Bill Smith 25-8 and in the B grade singles Charlie Toohey defeated Michael Sims 25-10.
Jackpot bowls will resume this Saturday. Names in by noon with card call at 12.40pm for a 1pm start. To register call the club on 4098 1434.
Club championship games scheduled for this Sunday (March 26). In the A grade singles, Bernie Wolland vs Derek Franklin, in the B grade singles, David White vs Steve Hudson and Sas vs Bob Carroll. And in the handicap singles, Ranald Edwards (-6) vs Peter Worley (-2); Gerrard Beech (-5) vs Peter Riley (0) and John Cochrane (-10) vs Troy Churchill (0).
For those members that will be playing in the club championships, if you will be away please list your name and dates on the noticeboard as this will assist with the scheduling of games.
The next men’s social bowls will be held Thursday, April 6 from 5.30pm. Names in by 5pm
at a cost of $10 per person. Cost includes a sausage sizzle after the game (8pm) and the chance to win a $50 meat tray. To register call 4098 1434.
Social bowls now held on the first and third Thursday of each month and open to all members, non-members and beginners wishing to try bowls for the first time.
Calendar of events for March and April now posted on the noticeboard. Please note that the John Hocking Day will be held on Saturday, May 20. Details to come.
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 our website www.mossmanbowlsclub.com.au.
Ladies bowls. Social bowls for Thursday, March 16 was cancelled due to heat regulation.
Ladies A grade singles club championship Margaret Wardrop defeated Joyce Ault 25-20.
Men’s championship bowls: Club championship pairs winners were Michael Kowalczyk and Phil Lee who defeated Ashley White and Mitchell Styles, 20-11.
Mixed social bowls for Tuesday night, March 14 winners were Elaine Whitehead, Frank Battye and Ron Pearce. Runners-up Peter Whitehead, George Taylor and Robert. Wednesday, March 15 winners were Steve, Sony, Mucka and Peter. Runners-up Lou, Greg and Frank. Saturday, March 18 social bowls were cancelled. Cairns High School year 12 bowling classes will continue this week with two sessions on both Tuesday and Thursday. Please continue to volunteer to assist with these class groups. They are likely to be the future of bowls in Far North Queensland. Check the club notice board for session times and your availability to assist.
Peace Lutheran College attended with 49 students from years 9 to 11 for bowls on Wednesday, March 15.
Social Bowls will continue on Tuesday at 1pm and night bowls remain at 7pm. Wednesday night self selected triples will also remain at 7pm. Saturday social bowls will still be played 1pm on Saturday. Check with the club for other times or use of the new social bowls booking forms online on Edge Hill club website and check out our Facebook page for more details.
Contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering or the club on 4053 1036.
Last Monday, a small group of 12 players participated in a social game of mixed lawn bowls on the West Cairns carpet green under sultry weather conditions.
When play finished, a draw was made of one of the playing cards to decide the winning team.
This week the team was led by Terry Ryan, supported by Dave Nicholls and Len Kensdale who were all presented with a small cash prize.
We would welcome any of our past players who have participated in the past six to revisit us again to help boost our numbers. Names should be phoned to our selector Rosemary before 12pm
on 0409 624 623 to be included in the game.
Now that travel restrictions have been eased, there is also the opportunity of any overseas player who has a Monday afternoon free to join us also.
Bowls ae available and information such as a mobile phone number and advice of normal playing position played will assist with the selection process. A sheet is also available inside the West Cairns Club outside the bowls storage room.
The game starts with the drawing of the cards at 1.15pm followed by play at 1.30pm to conclude at 4.30pm with a break held for afternoon tea included in the green fee. Bowls can be provided if required.
Wednesday, March 15th social bowls winners game 1 Pauline’s team, game 2 Edna’s team. If you want a game of fun social bowls on Wednesdays starting at 11.30am call Liz on 0400 626 765. Names in by 10.45am, BYO lunch.
West Cairns Bowls Club is undercover and if you haven’t got your own bowls we have them to lend at no extra cost.
Ladies and men are most welcome to come along.
Don’t forget our first game of pennants for 2023 will be on Sunday, April 30 at Gordonvale.
Wednesday social bowls at 1pm, Thursday club selected three bowl pairs at 1pm, Friday at 5pm.
The community invited to try barefoot bowls. Come by yourself or groups. Bowls supplied for your use. Barbecue steak burgers or sausage sizzle available after 6pm. Call club 4056 1050 (if phone unattended please leave message).
Last Thursday winners were Morris and Mucka, runners-up Bruce and Rob. Raffle winner S Ferrando.
Today was committee meeting day so we were a little slow getting away for the Carol Howard sponsored eclectic stableford. It was a beautiful day for golf, a little windy but the members that came had a great day. It was so good to see the ladies participating, especially newcomer Rita Gabriel.
The winner with 23 points was Ash Healy. He may not have been happy with his overall score but used this format very well, playing conservatively when necessary and going for a big shot when points were already in the bag. Only a stroke back were another two masters of this format, Warwick Howarth and Bruce Hunter, both were happy to toss for official second and Warwick won with a head’s call.
Newcomer Rita Gabriel won the ladies with 16 points and Marg Azar was second with 15 points.
Ross Ellen managed to better Ash Healy’s NTP shot on 5/14 last week with the ball finishing over the edge of the hole. The other NTPs were won by Warwick Howarth on 1/10 and Alan Hapgood won the second shot nearest on 8/17.
The one match play event between Kelvin Brooks and Alan Hapgood was close with Kelvin just winning out.
Next week is a stroke event sponsored by Hugh and Robin Layton, so be at the club 9am for 9.30am start.
l BRINSMEAD
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
MORE than 400 athletes have signed up for the second Cairns 50 Ultra Marathon set to take place at Brinsmead’s Glenoma Park on April 1 and 2.
In 2022, Smurf Endurance Sports launched the first Cairns 50 Ultra, when 235 people raced through the Redlynch Valley departing from Glenoma Park.
Building on that success, the second Cairns 50 Ultra has already doubled in participation.
The event will have three categories for experienced runners with 50km, 30km and 10km available and one category for families and kids with the Family Fun Day ranging from 1km to 5km.
Entries for the 10km, 30km and 50km are now closed, but the family fun day sign-on is still open and will be available on-site on April 2.
Smurf Endurance Sports
founder and Cairns 50 Ultra race director Josh Duff said the race offered professional runners a space to grow and improve and beginner runners a
safe and friendly starting point.
“We want to cater to serious runners who want to be able to tackle a challenge like a 50km ultra-marathon and challenge themselves through some shorter distances to see how fast and hard they can go,” he said.
“Our other aim is to build the endurance sport community and the running community in Cairns; that’s why we have our kids and family events.
“We want to develop that sense of community and belonging through running.”
Mr Duff said the event had grown since its first edition last year, which showcased the region’s interest in endurance sports and marathons.
“We arrived in Cairns at the end of 2020, and at that time, we were beginning to build our coaching business, Smurf Endurance Sports, and part of what we wanted to do is contribute to the local running community,” he said.
“There was a space in Cairns for a road ultra marathon, and we found a great spot to put it, Glenoma Park, and it became a reality in April of 2022.
“What we found with our first year last year is that we produced a family-friendly and
supportive atmosphere, and how we see it is that we are a big event with a local community feel.
“We’ve attracted new runners that haven’t run before, and people who ran their first 50k ultra and are back this year, and people who ran 30k or 10k last year and will be running their first 50k this year.
“We can see how we are contributing to people getting
involved in running and doing things they never thought possible.”
The Smurf Endurance Sports team hopes to grow Cairns 50 Ultra into an iconic local event that will also attract runners across Australia into the region.
“We have plenty of space to grow with the course that we run in Glenoma Park and in terms of our capacity,” Mr Duff said.
THE Cairns Airport Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns has been voted as the best Ironman series event in the world for athlete satisfaction.
Known affectionately as the ‘race in paradise’, Ironman Cairns has taken out the top accolade in the 2022 Ironman Athlete Choice Awards – reclaiming the title of world’s best Ironman, which the event also achieved in 2018. Ironman events in Sweden and Poland rounded out the top three.
The Cairns event’s location, course and atmosphere contributed to an overall satisfaction rating of 94.44 per cent.
The Ironman Group Oceania managing director Geoff Meyer said that the region was proud to be home to the world’s best Ironman series event.
“We’re thrilled that the Cairns Airport Ironman AsiaPacific Championship Cairns has been identified as the number one Ironman series event in the world in 2022,” he said.
“There are two levels to our growth: locally, getting involved as many people as possible and promoting health and fitness to our local community.
“Second, attracting people to Cairns for a great event but also getting them to stick around and enjoy the rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and everything FNQ has to offer.”
For more information, visit www.cairns50.com.au
l LAKE TINAROO
HUNDREDS of paddlers are expected to race on to the waters of Lake Tinaroo on Saturday as The Dam Outrigger Canoe Club and the Cairns Beaches Outrigger Canoe Club host the first regatta of the 2023 North Queensland Zone Grand Prix season.
Last year’s event gathered over 500 participants and the
hope is that number will be dwarfed this year with the dam level currently over 100 percent and some added new additions for spectators and racers to enjoy.
In a welcome change this year the regatta will also have multiple coffee, food and ice cream vans available as well as live music.
Clubs from across Queensland are expected to make the journey to Tinaroo
this Saturday as they vie for the top place in a range of different divisions.
Dam Outrigger Canoe Club president Ralph Seed said the regatta was a great chance for members of the community to come out and enjoy the lake, racing, food and music.
“This regatta is not only the first Northern Zone Outrigger Regatta of the season, but one of the best at-
tended drawing eight clubs from Torres Straight in the North to Whitsundays in the south,” he said.
“It should be a great spectacle and a chance for all to enjoy the excitement of a packed sprint and short course program containing 28 different races.”
The regatta begins at 7am and will run until 4pm at 15 Tinnaburra Drive, Yungaburra.
“Out of the 50 Ironman triathlons that took place globally in 2022, Ironman Cairns earned the top honour in overall satisfaction – a reflection of all the amazing facets of our local event.
“With the outstanding beauty of the race setting coupled with the vibrant on course experience for our athletes, you can see why Ironman Cairns has earned the title of world’s best Ironman Series event in the 2022 Athlete Choice Awards.’
The event also excelled in two other categories, finishing third best for overall host city experience and the Ironman 70.3 Cairns voted as the third best overall bike experience in the 2022 Ironman 70.3 Athlete Choice Awards.
2022 Ironman Cairns champion Sarah Crowley, from Brisbane, said she was delighted that her home state event had been recognised as the best in the world.
“I’m super excited that Ironman Cairns has been named the best (Ironman) event in the world, it’s been my favourite event for so many years ...”
SEE PAGE 31
ALL THE RESULTS FROM THE WEEKEND PAGE 30
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