Local Briefs

l NEW STATE MINISTER

BARRON River MP

Craig Crawford says he is honoured to be sworn in as Child Safety Minister. “Now Path to Treaty has been passed into legislation, I hand the baton to Leeanne Enoch MP as Minister for Treaty and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships to continue the hard work in what has been a cornerstone year for reconciliation between the First Nations people of this state and nonIndigenous Queenslanders,” he said. “As new Child Safety Minister, my priority as an ex-paramedic and former frontline worker, is to do what I can to help ensure Queensland children are in safe and secure homes,” he said. “Firstly, I want every child safety worker in the state to know they are valued, supported, and respected. I know the work they do defines the very essence of our humanity as a society.” l CASINO UPGRADES ball to cycling, and rugby league to tennis.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said this year’s games had once again attracted participants from wide and far.

“Our team behind the games has worked tirelessly since the last competition to deliver a fantastic sport and social program that will not disappoint,” he said.

“This year’s games will in- clude participants from right across Queensland, as well as every Australian state and territory, and international competitors from New Zealand, USA, Singapore, India, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands.

“Of course, there is much more to the games than the thrill of competing.

“It is also about friendship and camaraderie through the medium of sport, and is also a great opportunity for Cairns to showcase itself to a wider audience.

“I am sure we will see plenty of participants taking time out at the end of each day, touring our beautiful region, visiting our many attractions, and sharing those memories with friends and family, hopefully enticing them to visit the Tropical Far North in the future.”