THE Barron River Bridge at Kuranda has re-opened to two lanes with a 42.5 tonne load limit.
As a precaution, the bridge was shut earlier this year after inspections in May 2024 identified previously unidentified issues with the Macalloy bars, which were installed in 1963.
The Macalloy post-tensioning bars were retrofitted to provide extra strength after the bridge opened to traffic earlier that year.
TMR implemented a single lane operation of the bridge to ensure safety for the crew and road users while further investigations and work to protect the Macalloy bars were carried out.
Queensland’s largest social and affordable housing project has been launched on the old Woree drive-in site.
l WOREE
| Nick Dalton
WORK started this week on Queensland’s biggest social and affordable housing project at Woree, jointly funded by the Albanese and Miles Labor governments.
It’s aimed at older Queenslanders who are looking to downsize from their current home and in turn free up larger homes for families.
The $400 million complex will include 245 social, 223 affordable and 22 specialist disability apartments.
The purpose-built, architecturally-designed precinct features modern, low maintenance and energy efficient one and two-bedroom homes for people over 55 and those with disability and is set among landscaped gardens and picnic grounds.
The Woree site has direct access to transport routes, the Bruce Highway, a local shopping centre and the Woree Aquatic
Centre. The project is being funded through the Miles government’s Housing Investment Fund, as well as lending from Housing Australia, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) and ANZ, and a capital grant from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility. Community Housing Limited (CHL)
and Tetris Capital are joining forces to deliver and manage the homes with construction undertaken by FCC Construction Australia and Modscape.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
CONTINUED PAGE 6
TMR has applied a protective wrap to the affected areas of the Macalloy bars. Investigations on the bridge and laboratory tests have confirmed that the Macalloy bars may remain in place until a long-term solution is implemented. The Miles Labor government has committed $450 million to construct a new Barron River Bridge if re-elected. Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said safety was “our number one priority and we needed to be absolutely sure that it is safe to reopen the bridge to two lanes”.
“We are doing everything we can to keep the bridge in service until construction of a new bridge is completed,” he said.
Great trail, but no parks
Wangetti track first stage opens, except nowhere to leave cars
l PALM COVE
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
ADVENTURE awaits for locals and tourists with the launch of the first stage of the $47.1 million Wangetti Trail from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach, however, parking could prove to be a tougher challenge than the 7.8km trek.
In a ceremony with Traditional Owners, state government officials and local councillors, the first stage of the Wangetti Trail was officially opened to the public on Wednesday on Seclusion Dr, with dozens of people taking their first hike through the trail.
The first stage takes adventurers on a 7.8km walk or ride from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach through lush rainforest offering coastal scenery and views of Double Island and Port Douglas. Once completed in 2026, the whole 94km trail through to Port Douglas is set to inject up to $390m into the local economy.
However, there are still concerns among Palm Cove residents and local officials due to no new parking area allocated for the project that’s set to attract thousands of participants.
Deputy mayor and division 9 councillor Brett Olds said Cairns Regional Council had been calling on the state government for two years for more parking in Palm Cove and now the problem would get worse.
“This is an amazing project, it’s very positive and we’re very proud of it, but there needed to be more thinking behind the parking,” he said.
“With the project of Wangetti Trail we’ve said to them (state government) –‘this is awesome have you thought about the parking?’.
“We got told last week that they have a plan for about 60 parks, and they didn’t tell us where that plan was, but I imagine it will be behind Seclu-
sion Drive but that would piss off the residents in the area and there’ll be no security.
“Advance Palm Cove has brought the idea to state government of buying the old Palm Cove zoo site for a huge car park and putting electric shuttles to take you out to Palm Cove. Is this the right approach? I don’t know, but something needs to be done.”
Tourism Minister Michael Healy on the other hand praised the project for its future impact in the economy and its impact on Indigenous tourism.
“Wangetti Trail has been a concept born of locals. It is something that will serve our community brilliantly, but also a significant addition to our tourism assets in the region,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for our First Nations people, not
only from a track maintenance perspective, but about employment and wealth creation. Also we are going to pursue commercial opportunities with operators who will be able to run on the track, provide accommodation, and, more importantly, provide opportunities for our First Nations people to embed themselves in tourism products.”
Mr Healy said that stage 2 of the trail would start in early 2025 and would take about 1218 months and the aim was to create a whole branch of tourism surrounding the trail with a focus on mountain bikers.
While the trail officially starts at the jetty, walkers and riders will have to traverse Cedar Rd to the trailhead at Seclusion Drive, which means crossing the Captain Cook Highway, where there is no car parking.
Flood report calls for ban on delta development
l YORKEYS KNOB
THE experiences of 45 flood survivors from across the Barron delta are the focus of a new report on post-Cyclone Jasper to be launched at Yorkeys Knob tomorrow.
The event, at the boat club from 10am - 2pm, will include a Q& A with flood survivors, a keynote speech from Professor
Jonathan Nott, a panel discussion with Barron River election candidates on their disaster resilience plans and a presentation from the Barron Flood Plain Action Group, which is calling for a ban on inappropriate development on the delta.
The report, Unheard Voices: Barron River Survivors Speak, was produced by the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre
(CAFNEC) based on insights from residents of Machans Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Trinity Park, Caravonica, and Lake Placid where unprecedented flooding occurred.
“This was the worst flood we’ve experienced in our lifetimes and the heart-wrenching stories we heard during conversations with survivors must
inform policy moving forward,”
CAFNEC community campaigner Bronwyn Opie said.
“With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of floods, it’s critical we implement stronger flood mitigation and adaptation strategies so Cairns residents are better prepared for the next event.”
In Machans Beach, she said residents were surprised by the
water’s sudden rise from behind homes that had previously never flooded. At Yorkeys Knob, survivors described how delayed communication made the situation worse. “We got a text saying, ‘move to high ground’ 10 minutes before the water really came into the house,” one resident said.
Register for the event at https://bit.ly/3MXBqhb
The first mountain bike riders take to the first stage of the Wangetti Trail from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach. Picture: Supplied
Member for Cairns Michael Healy (left), Senator Nita Green, Djabugay Nation Applicant Group representative Richard Bing and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford at the opening of the first stage of the trail. Picture: Maddy Gavin
Family leaves Cairns after teenage son was bashed and robbed
Young gangs terrorise
l CAIRNS ESPLANADE
| Isaac Colman
A FAMILY has fled Cairns after their teenage son was bashed and robbed while another teen was also attacked and had his mobile phone taken.
Both incidents took place on the fishing piers at the Cairns Marina within about four weeks.
The first victim, a boy aged 14, said the attack was the last straw. They had since moved from Woree to Ipswich.
“I’ve just recently moved to Ipswich to get away from all the trouble,” he said.
“Cairns has just gotten too bad to live in.”
His electric scooter was stolen after he was knocked unconscious by assailants about 8pm on Friday, August 23.
“(Police) definitely took their time,” he said.
“They didn’t seem to care that I was bleeding out of the side of my head, they just wanted me to get up and walk to the car.”
Jonny, 13, from Freshwater, said he had his phone stolen while confronted and attacked about 6.50pm on Monday, September 9.
“My friend and I were sitting on the bean bags near Mooz (Gelato and Ice Cream), when a group of five-to-six Indigenous boys approached us and demanded our phones and my electric scooter,” he said.
“They ran off with my phone, but I was able to save my scooter.
“It’s caused a large inconvenience to have my phone stolen, I was unable to contact anyone until I spent a lot of money on a new phone and reset my SIM card. It’s just money that
I shouldn’t have had to spend.”
A tourist couple have also recently cut their trip to Cairns short due to violent crime.
“We were threatened and attacked by a group of young boys around the Night Markets (on September 18, about 7pm),” the male tourist said. “They kept following us, and now knew where we were staying.”
The couple, who were visiting from South Korea, said they were unimpressed with police action. “We asked a police officer nearby, but there was no solution,” he said. “We de-
cided we could no longer stay here for our safety. I’m sorry to leave with such a bad heart. However, I look forward to visiting again soon.”
The manager of the hotel where they were staying, who does not want to be identified, said the frequency of these type of situations was deterring regular visitors to the hotel.
“Cairns is certainly losing its place as a great tourist town,” she said.
“We have people on the street asking for money, cars being stolen. We have visitors now who feel unsafe walking.”
A Ports North spokeswoman said the authority was aware of incidents on local fishing docks.
“Most residents, visitors and customers who come to the marina precinct, enjoy their time safely and without issues,” she said.
“Most of the marina areas are public spaces, and unfortunately, there are some instances of anti-social behaviour and crime.
“We continue to work closely with the police and wider community to improve public safety where we can.”
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said police were investigating all incidents.
“City Beat officers continue strategic efforts to target hotspots and support community safety,” she said.
“This includes but is not limited to regular patrols of targeted hotspots and surrounds in an attempt to detect, deter and respond to offending and anti-social behaviours. We remain committed to working with businesses and other agencies including Ports North to help find solutions to keep these people safe and make the CBD a safe place to visit.”
LNP promises hall upgrades for six communities
l CAIRNS REGION
THE LNP has committed to upgrading community halls damaged during Cyclone Jasper to support communities in times of need in Barron River if elected next month.
Six major halls were impacted by floods, or used by community members as emergency accommodation, and they urgently
need repairs and upgrades.
LNP candidate for Barron River Bree James said the $2 million community hall upgrade project was part of their focus on working harder for Queenslanders.
“The LNP will restore a government that works for you, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Ms James said.
“This investment will allow
for upgrades at Machans Beach Hall, the Stratford Bowls Club House, the Holloways Beach Community Hall, Yorkey’s Knob Community Hall, Koah Hall and Kuranda Hall so they are available and safe for community members in their time of greatest need,” she said.
Barron River Recovery Group secretary Jo Piggott said it would allow community
groups, volunteers and emergency workers to support residents when they had been devastated by natural disasters.
“We desperately need this investment in our communities,” said Ms Piggott.
Ms James said Queenslanders could vote for the $2m community hall upgrade project and a government which worked for them, by voting LNP at
this election. “Labor’s failures have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered grassroots infrastructure like this $2 million community hall upgrade.
“Queenslanders should have a government that delivers the programs and services needed for the state’s future, supporting our communities.”
Jonny, 13, was attacked and his mobile phone was stolen while he was near the Pier shopping centre. Picture: Isaac Colman
Soldiers build up skills
l FAR NORTH
FAR Northern soldiers have been working alongside the Vanuatu Mobile Force in Cairns as part of Exercise Pacific Exchange 2024.
Seven Vanuatu Mobile Force personnel deployed to Cairns in early September to train alongside 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment (51FNQR) soldiers to share skills and increase cooperation, with a focus on building and supporting the professionalism and capability of Vanuatu’s Mobile Force.
Exercise director Major Gareth Hughes, of 51FNQR, said it was the perfect way to strengthen the VanuatuAustralia Defence Cooperation Program.
“The troops absolutely love it, getting to train and learn with people from a different background and culture just enhances their educational experience,”
he said. “You can see the smiles didn’t leave the Ni-Vanuatu officers’ faces the whole time they were here and it was the same for our personnel.
“It’s all about sharing skills. We both operate in similar littoral environments, so we’re all working to improve our technical skills and pick up those skills that local knowledge develops.”
Almost immediately after Exercise Pacific Exchange, 51FNQR personnel travelled to Vanuatu for Operation Goodwill 2024 until September 29.
“Heading off to Vanuatu straight off the back of Exercise Pacific Exchange is perfect, as the troops can take what they’ve learnt together and implement it straight away,” Major Hughes said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to learn how the Vanuatu Mobile Force conducts operations, so we can bring home some of their best practices,” he said.
Pro-fluoride move cranks up
Leading public health organisation urges council to include additive in water
l CAIRNS REGION
| Nick Dalton
THE Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) is backing a campaign to have fluoride added to Cairns’ water supply.
In a letter to the council, four members – oral health special interest group co-convenor Dr Tan Nguyen, primary health care special interest group co-convenor Dr Shalomie Shadrach,
Dr Sneha Sethi and Dr Mary O’Loughlin – are urging councillors to reintroduce fluoride.
“We understand that the Cairns Regional Council had agreed to cease water fluoridation from 2013, which had provided important public health benefits, specifically, the prevention of tooth decay,” they said.
“Global public health experts, including the World Health Organisation, support optimal levels of environmental exposure
to fluoride, which includes community water fluoridation.
“It is also acknowledged as a public health measure in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 6 2011 (Version 3.8 Updated September 2022), which is regulated by all Australian state and territory health departments.
“In 2024, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention re-iterated the safety and benefits of community water
fluoridation as an effective, costefficient method for preventing tooth decay and improving overall oral health.
“This remains consistent with the Australian Government’s National Oral Health Plan 20152024 and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Public Statement 2017: Water Fluoridation and Human Health in Australia.
“Given the strong and consistent scientific evidence, we urge
the Cairns Regional Council to re-instate community water fluoridation as a matter of priority for population oral health.”
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive officer Leena Singh has offered an information session to the council about fluoride.
“I note your desire for Cairns Regional Council to act on the reintroduction of water fluoridation and can confirm that I have offered to provide an informa-
tion session for councillors on the benefits of fluoridation of the water supply,” she said in a letter to fluoride campaigner Nick Adsett.
The council included a question about fluoride in the 2024 Our Cairns survey with a report due in November.
Mayor Amy Eden said the views of Queensland public health officer would guide her decision on adding fluoride to the region’s water supply.
COLLUM
COMMITTED TO
I’m a father, a husband, small business owner and former Australian Army officer, who is ready to bring effective change.
UNDERSTANDING LOCAL NEEDS
As a small business owner, I understand the challenges facing local small and family-owned businesses.
LISTENING TO COMMUNITY PRIORITIES
I’ve heard your concerns on local roads, access to healthcare, the impacts of crime and the housing crisis.
Vanuatu Mobile Force police officer Private Lokai Berthelemiu (left) practises his small-boat handling skills with Australian Army soldier Private Andrew Goebel in Trinity Inlet. Picture: Cpl Michael Currie
Acting CEO lines up for permanent role as mayor is ‘hands-off
Andrejic wants old job back
l PORTSMITH
| Nick Dalton
ACTING Cairns Regional Council chief executive officer
John Andrejic wants the job permanently.
According to a post on the council’s Facebook page:
“While all applicants have the right to confidentiality, interim CEO John Andrejic has indicated he has applied for the per-
manent CEO role”. Mayor Amy Eden has also said she will not take part in the process involving the appointment of a new CEO if Mr Andrejic is shortlisted.
“I acknowledge the interest in my involvement in the recruitment process of Mr Andrejic as the interim CEO, despite legal advice and a vote in council that approved my involvement,” she said.
“As such, I will be excus-
ing myself from the recruitment, selection, interview and appointment processes for the permanent CEO role if Mr Andrejic (right) is short-listed for the role.”
The post said the council sought quotes from four local and three interstate recruitment firms. “After careful evaluation against a range of criteria set by (the) council’s director
of people and organisational performance (Christine Posgate), Davidson was contracted to lead this recruitment process,” it said. Davidson has offices in almost all capital cities, including Brisbane.
“Applications for the CEO position closed on September 18, 2024. At this stage, (the) council has not been made aware of who the applicants
Babinda clean-up
Residents are being encouraged to get involved in a community clean-up in Babinda on Saturday 28 September.
Council News Update
Council has partnered with Clean Up Australia to run the community clean-up from 9am to 11.30am. Meet at Rotary Park, Howard Kennedy Drive, Babinda. No registration is required. Wear enclosed footwear, sun-smart clothing and bring your own reusable water bottle.
Improvement works
Marshall St, Bungalow: Asphalting and carpark space linemarking on Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September. Traffic control as required.
Marsh St, Earlville: Kerb and channel renewal between Casella St and Mulgrave Rdfrom Monday 30 September. Traffic control as required.
}For all works underway, see Council’s website, cairns.qld.gov.au
9am to 1pm
Council is joining forces with local rehoming organisations to find fur-ever homes for rescue dogs.
28 September
are,” the FB post said.
“This is part of Davidson’s process, which includes initial interviews and validation of applicants before presenting any information to (the) council,” it said. “To ensure the integrity of the process and candidate care, (the) council has intentionally maintained a ‘hands-off’ approach. This allows for a fair and unbiased recruitment process.
“A briefing with councillors is tentatively scheduled for Octo-
ber 2, 2024 to provide an update on the recruitment.
“The interim CEO’s contract is set to expire on November 30, 2024.” Cr Eden originally chaired the selection panel who put Mr Andrejic back into his old job temporarily after advising the mayor’s election campaign despite councillors voting she had a declarable conflict of interest. Later they allowed her to take part in the selection process.
Dive firm’s 50th birthday
l PARRAMATTA PARK
| Isaac Colman
INTERNATIONALLYacclaimed scuba diving training school Divers Den is celebrating 50 years.
Divers Den has spent the past 50 years certifying over 130,000 scuba divers, cementing its status as one of the most successful PADI training facilities globally.
Established in 1974, Divers Den has been a pioneer of the dive market in Cairns, becoming the first PADI five-star centre in Cairns in 1988, the first PADI 5-star instructor
development centre in 1998 and the first PADI career development centre in Cairns in 1999, as well as being the first company to successfully operate the concept of a ‘floating hotel’ by mooring a liveaboard dive vessel at sea and transferring passengers daily with fast transfer vessels. PADI Asia Pacific managing director Danny Dwyer said it was an extraordinary achievement.
“Our entire team at PADI would like to congratulate the team at Divers Den on reaching the
remarkable milestone of 50 years in the dive industry,” he said.
“Divers Den enjoys an international reputation as one of the world’s premier diver training schools and we appreciate the strong and successful business partnership our companies have shared.
“Since becoming a PADI member, Divers Den has issued over 130,000 PADI certifications, 2500 PADI professional level candidates, and introduced another 125,000 people to the underwater world via the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program.”
A snorkeller from Diver’s Den Spirit of Freedom vessel with a dwarf minke whale. Picture: Entrada Travel Group
State election2024
TTNQ seeks bipartisan commitment
Tourism calls for more cash
l FAR NORTH
TOURISM Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is seeking bipartisan commitment from the state government to fund destination marketing for the next four years to support about 2185 jobs and bring in more than $735 million in visitor expenditure for the Queensland economy.
TTNQ chief executive officer Mark Olsen said investing $10m into marketing Tropical North Queensland over four years could deliver 500,000 international visitors and generate more than $350 million in tax revenue.
“Tropical North Queensland is Australia’s most international tourism region generating more than $1.4 billion in tax revenue in 2019 when international visitor nights made up 38 per cent of total visitor nights,” he said.
“Strategic aviation investment by the state government supported by well-planned campaign activity for direct routes has positioned Cairns as the northern gateway to Australia for international visitors.
“While global headwinds and the delayed return of aviation capacity slowed international recovery to just 54 per cent, we will see aviation capacity returning in late 2024 and early 2025 when TTNQ will have just six months of international marketing funding remaining.
“Cathay Pacific is returning in December, we have new flights to New Zealand, AirAsia is arriving from southeast Asia, and China Eastern is returning for seasonal services in 2025.
“Retaining market share, driving demand on new routes, and growing new markets to support the state’s investment with the Cairns Airport in aviation capacity will require ongoing investment.
“With less than five weeks until we head to the state government polls, Tourism Tropical North Queensland is asking all candidates to support the recovery of Tropical North Queensland to ensure Queensland is a powerhouse for Australian tourism growth over the next four years.
“More than 84 per cent of international visitors arriving in
Housing project launched
FROM PAGE 1
Tropical North Queensland this year went on to visit multiple regions in our state showing that our region is a great partner for other destinations to drive visitation to Queensland.
“An investment of $10m over the next four years from the state government for our region will help to drive destination marketing internationally and domestically for Queensland through Tropical North Queensland and across the Great Barrier Reef.
“The federal government’s investment in domestic destination marketing during the pandemic delivered a 30:1 return on investment. To date their $15m investment in our international recovery is delivering a 47:1 return from the 52 campaigns already completed and is forecast to drive more than $100m in spend from key international markets.
“Boosting the visitor economy brings in valuable export dollars for Queensland helping to create jobs and secure the future, not only for our local tourism businesses, but for the many businesses where we spend our tourism dollars.”
Adopting innovative construction methodologies, FCC Construction Australia will be joined by local modular housing supplier Modscape to help deliver the impressive package of works, with most of the materials and labour planned to be Australian sourced.
Once complete and tenanted, CHL will provide onsite staff and work with support partners to deliver lifestyle programs aimed at reducing social isolation and encouraging active lifestyles.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was in Cairns last week to launch the project, said “housing changes lives and my government is determined to work with the Queensland Government to deliver more homes all across the state”.
“This project will deliver hundreds of homes in regional Queensland, while complementing our plan to deliver thousands of homes through our Housing Australia Future Fund all around Australia,” he said.
Premier Steven Miles said the 490-home precinct was the biggest housing build in Queensland.
“I have a plan to build more homes faster, while supporting first home buyers, renters and the most
vulnerable, and I will do what matters every day to relieve the housing pressures we face while also planning for the future,” he said.
Cairns Regional Council expedited the initial development permit for the project and waived $8.6 million in infrastructure charges.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said it was “a long time in the making but I’m thrilled at today’s announcement that the old drive-in site will be transformed to deliver such a significant boost to our housing supply".
CHL Queensland state manager Alicia Follent said for many seniors, downsizing could be a daunting prospect, “but we will work with residents to ensure the transition is as smooth and rewarding as possible”. To find out more visit https://bit.ly/4gBMNsC or phone 1300 245 468
Premier Steven Miles (left) and ALP’s candidate for Mulgrave Richie Bates at the Woree housing launch. Picture: Supplied
Labor slams policy
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isaac Colman
THE LNP’s promise to allow judges and magistrates to consider youth offenders’ entire criminal history when sentencing has been slammed by Labor.
Miles government Sport and Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said this strategy would be ineffective in tackling Queensland’s youth crime crisis.
“I have been a representative for Cairns for over seven years,” he said.
“People want results and we are seeing that. Locking kids up for longer and ensuring they keep their criminal record will do nothing to put downward pressure on crime.”
Mr Healy also said Labor was putting programs and initiatives in place to tackle the root of the issue.
“There were a wide range of initiatives where young juveniles were being engaged, a lot of those stopped, where we saw juvenile crime and a range of other crime skyrocket. Now we’re working towards putting downward pressure, ensuring that our courts are empowered, our police have the best resources, and we’re also introducing new youth health services into schools to identify at-risk children.”
LNP’s tough crime line
Opposition: Full history of young offenders to be given to courts
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
THE LNP has made clear their tough stance on youth crime with an announcement in Cairns on Tuesday that will see young offenders’ full criminal history available upon sentencing if an LNP government is elected this October.
The announcement made by the leader of the opposition David Crisafulli and attorney general spokesman Tim Nicholls would give magistrates access to the full rap sheet of youth offenders prior to sentencing and the criminal record of youth offenders can be available if there’s recidivism as adults.
“If you wipe someone’s car out, if you wipe people’s feeling of safety out, your slate should not be wiped clean when you turn 18 and this will change if government changes in October,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“It means that magistrates and judges will have the full history and they will have the blinkers removed when sentencing young offenders,” he said.
“This is important to ensure that justice can be done. It’s important for victims. It’s also important for young offenders. We must make sure that all the facts are given to the magistrate so that an appropri-
ate penalty can be given.
“The second element of this, and it’s equally significant, is upon a young offender becoming 18, that young offender’s full criminal history will be available if they offend again.
“At the moment a young offender can have a rap sheet a mile long, and then the clock starts again when they turn 18, and that is not fair for the community. There must be consequences for actions.”
Mr Crisafulli said this tough stance on youth crime was important to local residents like Ilia Sopas, owner of Mykonos café and restaurant on Abbott St, who had been a victim of youth crime.
“We’ve had enough as a community, enough of this revolving door,” Mr Sopas said.
“A month ago, while taking our shopping between our garage and inside our home, both our cars were stolen and trashed.
“We’ve had more than $10,000 in costs. Why are we, the innocent citizens, paying for all these costs?
“We need a Crisafulli government that will implement and do what they said they going to do.”
The announcement was met with reservations regarding an overflown prison system and the possibility of causing more recidivism, however, Mr Nicholls said this system would put the community first.
Leader of the opposition David Crisafulli (left), candidate for Mulgrave Terry James, candidate for Cairns Yolonde Entsch, resident and owner of Mykonos café Ilia Sopas, candidate for Barron River Bree James and attorney general spokesman Tim Nicholls at Mykonos café. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Former student gives back
l CAIRNS REGION
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
A CAIRNS State High alum and former Cairns resident Toby Carrodus has launched a scholarship program for regional students going into university and he wants more Cairns students to get involved.
“If I could support a Cairns student, that would be the best outcome for me,” he said.
“It’d mean a lot to me to be able to support young people in the community I grew up in and which gave so much to me and offered me the perfect balance between nature and city.”
The Carrodus Scholarship will offer a year 12 regional high school student across Australia a total of $5000 divided into $500 a month for 10 months for any university program at any university in Australia.
“It’s open to all disciplines. I don’t mind if someone’s studying acting or philosophy or maths or science,” he said.
“I want to help someone out whose shoes I was once in, so helping someone from Cairns would be the best.
“I’ve always wanted to do this, I had been considering for a few years and I felt like I could offer more to
students and I thought back to my time in university the scholarships were offering less financial support than what I’m offering now and they still made a difference.
“So, even though it’s not quite at the amount I’d like to be able to offer students, I think it’s still enough to make a difference in people's lives.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was moving from a small town to a capital city and that’s why
one of the requisites is for the student to be relocating from a regional area to a capital city.
“I’d also like to see academic achievements, sport achievements and community engagement.”
Mr Carrodus – who now lives in Europe and works in trading – holds Cairns close to his heart having graduated from Cairns State High School in 2003.
Apply by October 20 at https://bit.ly/4gDOhm8
More than 180,000 treatments at
ED
Medical care hits a record
l FAR NORTH
| Nick Dalton
PEOPLE sought treatment at the Far North’s seven emergency departments a record 180,407 times in the last financial year.
Despite the demand on services, the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) balanced its budget (a $477 deficit).
Staff also performed a record 8423 emergency and 10,415 elective surgeries across the region’s nine hospitals.
During the 2023-24 financial year, the service spent $1.429 billion in healthcare, averaging $3.9 million per day to provide public health services.
The annual report said staff ensured 100 per cent of the most urgent (category 1) patients were seen on time within the region’s emergency departments.
And the median waiting time for treatment in emergency departments in 2023-2024 was 16 minutes, an improvement of two minutes on the previous year.
Chief executive officer Leena Singh said the service managed unprecedented levels of patient demand while still balancing a
budget. “This is despite daily challenges such as high demand for inpatient beds, constrained sites for physical growth of Cairns Hospital, and a global shortage of health specialists,” she said.
“This has meant only five per cent of patients have needed to be referred to Townsville or Brisbane for highly specialised acute services, meaning we are treating a record amount of Far North Queenslanders in their own region.
“We remain committed to delivering health services to Queenslanders closer to where they live.”
Ms Singh said to meet the record demand, the health service had a vision for the next 20 years of establishing a health and innovation precinct in Cairns.
“This is underpinned by the state government’s commitment to the Cairns Health Innovation Centre announced earlier this year,” she said.
“This would encompass additional university, private sector and health investment into research, development, clinical trials and education.
“These sectors will attract clinicians across all specialities
and be a retention incentive for clinicians to stay in the region whilst continuing to develop their skills and contribute to clinical enhancements via research.
“This is also the pathway for the health service to take Cairns Hospital to a full tertiary-level hospital, allowing even more Far North Queenslanders’ access to services closer to home.” She said the continued demand on health services meant the Cairns Hospital footprint needed to be expanded.
“During 2023-24, we received approval to proceed with the planning and development of an eight-bed adolescent mental health ward at Cairns Hospital, a four-bed mum and bub unit and planning began on the $19.3m Cairns Youth Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Service at Edmonton,” she said.
“We have completed the detailed design of the Cairns Surgical Centre and over the next two years we will be constructing additional capacity of 96 beds as part of the $250m Cairns Hospital expansion project.”
Ms Singh paid tribute to the service’s “exemplary” staff.
Cairns State High School alum Toby Carrodus has launched a scholarship for regional students to study at any university in Australia. Picture: Supplied
New era for small town
l SILKWOOD
| Nick Dalton
SOCCER grounds at Silkwood have been transformed into an equestrian mecca.
More than 500 visitors attended the recent Silkwood campdraft with more events being planned.
The Hinchinbrook branch of the Australian Stockhorse Society was granted a 10-year lease with the Cassowary Coast regional Council on August 1.
“The new long-term lease agreement with the Hinchinbrook branch is a welcome opportunity for Silkwood and the region and is set to bring in economic gains as well as community benefits,” a council spokeswoman said.
“It has also given the branch the area needed to expand its club to host more events and initiatives for horse enthusiasts,” she said.
Branch secretary Talena Young was pleased with the success of the event held on the last weekend of August, with 170 competitors and 720 runs.
“People travelled from all over FNQ,” she said.
“We had people from Croydon, Normanton, Charters Towers, Proserpine, Laura, Georgetown and everywhere in between. Our youngest rider was two and our oldest was in his 70s,” she said.
“We’re excited to establish this campdraft event as an annual highlight, taking place every year on the last weekend of August.
“Looking ahead, we would like to expand next year’s program to include smaller competitions and horse sports that will engage local kids and make the most of our facility.
“We also have plans to upgrade the facility which will mean we can introduce events like bull rides and rodeos.
“We will be applying for the council’s current grant round for community infrastructure to assist with the essential upgrades.”
The council leases over 50 facilities to not-for-profit organisations and clubs throughout the Cassowary Coast that benefit the community through sport or well-being activities.
The community infrastructure program stream aims to support these eligible organisations to assist in facility upgrades and maintenance.
Eligible projects for community infrastructure funding include sports facilities (like lighting, goal posts, and scoreboards), upgrades to buildings, fences, grandstands, shade structures, seating and shelters, as well as refurbishing existing facilities.
To find out more visit https://bit.ly/4bWS7EU
l CARDWELL
CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has approved amendments to its debt policy and rating concession policy following a special meeting earlier this month.
The changes have been made possible thanks to the recent $7 million funding provided by the state government for the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) project.
This additional funding enables the council to offer a concession of $1093 for residential Port Hinchinbrook ratepayers, effectively reducing the sewerage charge for the 2024/2025 financial year and into the future.
Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said securing the funding would go a long way in supporting the residents of Port Hinchinbrook.
“This funding demonstrates a strong commitment to improving essential services in our region and I acknowledge the state government for their contribution,” she said.
“We are dedicated to maintaining a balance between financial responsibility and providing necessary services to our community despite the history of Port Hinchinbrook.”
For those who prefer a refund instead of a credit, the council has made a refund request form available at: https://bit.ly/4eeoJuq
Lettersto the editor
Footpaths are hot
Last week’s question was: What needs to be done to get more people to volunteer to help our community, sports and charitable groups? Here are some of your comments.
Back a maverick
an emergency department in the Cairns region been like?
It helps if organisations bother to answer email inquiries from interested potential volunteers and, when new people do volunteer, stop the cliche attitudes I have found with some organisations and be truly inclusive. I have volunteered for several organisations from 1981 through to 2016 but since living here in Cairns have had lukewarm or no response from local organisations.
- Eddie Jensz, Facebook
Cost of living is killing this as the pressures of putting food on the table versus time away. I have been volunteering for 12-plus years and it gets expensive. Banks etc want their repayments.
- Craig Mann-Jones, Facebook
People want everything for free these days, they don’t value the work volunteers put in.
- Kathy Kate Pitt, Facebook
For sports we are involved. They tried group training across an age group and multiple clubs so it made it easier for parents to be guided by qualified coaches, managers or scorers. Parents took advantage of group sessions
and turned up less. Blue cards were a little issue, so needed to assign a person specifically to manage blue card registers, etc. Generally our society seems busy and not interested in civic duty. I can understand remuneration, given cost of living pressures, but having less volunteers available has been a trend for over a decade. I’m not convinced that people are not volunteering because of money. It seems more like fatigue or lack of motivation. Maybe we passed a tipping point where volunteering became invisible and now people don’t see volunteering as a social norm.
- Stephen Ung, Facebook
Must have the heart to help people.
- Vick Kandiah, Facebook
I have tried a couple of places to volunteer but unless I have an email address they are not interested, with them saying it is inconvenient with me not having an email address. I do not own a computer. What is wrong with phone contact or text messaging? Obviously can’t be that desperate for volunteers.
- Lyn (surname withheld), text
Alastair Rankin, Holloways Beach
Nick Adsett, Kanimbla
Dotch Alwin, Portsmith
Maggie Hill, Redlynch
Ian Wiltshire, Mt Sheridan Backs
Sean McGinn, Clifton Beach
Gazza’s Gossip
Students in class of their own
l MOSSMAN
THERE have been a couple of anniversaries involving local schools in recent months.
Last year the ‘Goss’ covered the 125th birthday of Mossman State School originally formed as Mossman River State School in 1898.
Earlier this year, I also covered the 90th anniversary of the establishment of St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Mossman, with the arrival the of the Sisters of Mercy.
Similarly, last week saw another celebration from one of our local educational
establishments, that being the Mossman State High School’s ‘class of 1994’ 30th year celebrations.
Organisers Rebecca Phillips, Larissa Walker and Amy Noli have been working hard since last year getting in contact with over 100 students who schooled at Mossman State High School from years 8-12.
As one can imagine, this would have no doubt been quite a task, requiring many phone calls and emails. Social media turned out to be a great help with past students networking and interacting to track down other class of 1994 students.
Ultimately, 53 past school attendees
turned up for the birthday celebration held at Hemingways in Port Douglas.
Apart from a number of current locals, past students came from all over Australia, with some others making a longer trip, having moved overseas since leaving school.
Overseeing the proceedings were former 1994 school captains Corinne Howell and Chris Ammundsen, who welcomed the group to the night of memories and stories from over the last 30 years.
A large number of old photos were on display plus some student report cards which hopefully all showed straight As.
Apparently, no former teachers were present on the night, even though some are very much still alive and kicking in the local community.
The lack of 1994 staff, for the evening, hopefully allowed the former 90s students to misbehave a little more –should they wish.
Many venturing back to the Douglas Shire took advantage of their trip and extended their stay to take a holiday, catch up with family and to also keep the celebrations going beyond the formal evening last Saturday night.
One of the challenges of the evening was to recreate a picture taken 30 years
ago involving as many of the original students as possible. All of those available went to the top of the class and Hemingways’ stairs to produce a superb reenactment from three decades ago.
I’m pleased to say that all past students were on their best behaviour with no detentions handed out at the end of the evening.
I’m off to check those school reports, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au
MCs for the evening 1994 school captains Chris Ammundsen and Corinne Howell. Pictures: Supplied
Above and middle: A couple of excerpts from the yearbook for the class of 94.
Mossman State High School ‘class of 1994’ now and then. Above, the reunion attendees recreated their group photo from 30 years ago (left).
Spotlight on Southside
National gongs for small institute
Museum wins special titles
l BABINDA
| Isaac Colman
THE not-for-profit community organisation Babinda Museum has won two awards at Australian Museums and Galleries Association’s national conference in Victoria.
It was the winner of the people’s choice award and was highly commended in the community connection award won by the Australian Museum in Sydney.
The judges said the museum’s ‘building Babinda Museum project’ nominated for the community connection gong was “a remarkable example of community-led development, demonstrating a strong sense of identity, teamwork, and resourcefulness”.
“It excels in empowering the community through effective use of upcycling and media
platforms, while thoughtfully integrating First Nations and migrant histories,” they said.
“The dedication of the predominantly volunteer-led team, along with their commitment to cultural protocols and storytelling, is highly commendable”.
Babinda Museum president Tanya Tuttle (above) said “the committee would like to thank our wonderful community of Babinda and surrounds, as well as all of the visitors to the region
that voted for our museum”.
“We have enjoyed strong community support throughout building the museum and we continue to do so now that it is operational,” she said.
“As a not-for-profit community museum, this support is paramount to our success.”
The Babinda Museum is a Babinda District Community Association Inc economic development initiative and a volunteer steering committee-led project.
The museum is also complemented by the Babinda Museum walk which connects the museum to the local commercial centre via a self-led historical walk with local businesses and government centres on Munro Street displaying 18 historical plaques. Entry to the museum is free with donations appreciated. The museum is open from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday or by appointment.
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Artistic flair at little park
that Aussie servicemen fought under.
The design by artist Matthew Thompson (Ling) features five portraits representing WWI, WWII, and Roman auxiliaries. Painted in greyscale and sepia tones with splashes of blue and red, the mural references the Australian flag
A female figure represents wartime volunteer support, depicting spotters for early warning air defence. Look closely to find a nod to the Rats of Tobruk with a small rat on a soldier’s shoulder.
Mr Thompson consulted the Babinda RSL Sub Branch on the design, which is a tribute to the community’s involvement
in the first and second world wars and subsequent wars in the place that is Babinda's focus of remembrance –ANZAC Park.
The air raid shelter, which is also now a toilet block and can be seen in the background, cannot have a mural due to its heritage listing for being the 'most intact example of a public air raid shelter in north Queensland'.
l BABINDA
MURALS have revitalised toilet blocks at ANZAC Park at Babinda.
Division 1 councillor Brett Moller with artist Matthew Thompson. Insets: The finished ANZAC Park murals.
Spotlight on Northern Beaches
Adding colour to Esplanade
Bright new mural gives resort and village a lift
l PALM COVE
| Nick Dalton
A STUNNING mural at Palm Cove is attracting a lot of attention from tourists, visitors and residents.
The artwork by Daniel Wallwork has brightened up a dull fence in the Melaleuca Resort’s porte-cochère.
Managers Margaret and Stephen Coop decided to pay for a mural because there was no public art in the seaside village.
It depicts a typical Palm Cove scene: the beach, Double Island and the Scout’s Hat, the jetty, coconut palms, a sailing boat, birds flying, a seagull on the sand, a green tree frog on a tree trunk and a white cockatoo eating seeds.
It is 5.2m long and 2m high and Mr Wallwork used spray cans to create the mural with the job taking two days.
“Daniel was wonderful. He asked us what we wanted and what he could do. It really enhances Double Island. He was
very professional and it was reasonably priced,” Mrs Coop said.
“It’s a one of a kind in Palm Cove. People can see it from the side of the road. People come in and take photos. There are two chairs and a table where they can sit and have their photos taken,” she said.
“It’s the talk of the town and it’s certainly different.
“People absolutely love it. It also has Melaleuca Resort written on the beach.
“On average we are getting 20 people a day coming in to have a look. They say: ‘Oh, look at that’. The kids love it.” Mrs Coop said unfortunately there was no public art in Palm Cove so they were happy to provide one.
Cairns Regional Council has commissioned murals on four toilet blocks at Kewarra Beach, Babinda, Smithfield and White Rock this year. Youth urban arts project have been commissioned also at Trinity Beach, at Edmonton and at Redlynch.
Margaret and Stephen Coop toast their colourful new mural at Melaleuca Resort, Palm Cove. Inset: Artist Daniel Wallwork.
Pictures: Coli Pett/Mod Films and Photos
TimeOut
Here’s cheers to the beers
Sixth Oktoberfest at popular brewery
l TRINITY WHARF
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
BLENDING the best of the tropics with the best of Germany, the sixth Oktoberfest at Hemingway’s Brewery will twist the classic flavours of Germany with tropical flair for a family-friendly festival with lots of foamy lagers.
Starting off at noon, Oktoberfest at Hemingway’s will have your Saturday afternoon sorted with live music, a dedicated Oktoberfest menu, refreshing German-style craft beers, games, costume competitions and nonstop fun for the whole family.
“We’re having our sixth annual Oktoberfest on September 28. It starts at 12pm until late, we usually see beer start to run out by 9pm but we have a day full of activities, games, the brew-
Watch the movies in the gardens
l EDGE HILL
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
CAIRNS' favourite film experience is back with the anticipated return of Starry Night Cinema tonight kicking off with a magical classic, The Wizard of Oz, in commemoration of 85 years of the film’s release.
Set amidst the lush, tropical beauty of the Botanic Gardens, this year’s Starry Night Cinema program promises a magical blend of classic films, and cult favourites, creating unforgettable movie experiences
under the stars from September through to December.
Tonight’s film – The Wizard of Oz – will begin from 7.30pm.
Starry Night Cinema will run every Friday evening through October with later dates and films being announced soon.
Organised by the End Credits Film Club and the Friends of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, the event will provide moviegoers with a carefully curated selection of films that cater to all ages, offering a perfect night out for families, couples, and film enthusiasts alike.
“We are thrilled to bring back Starry Night Cinema for another exciting season,” said End Credits and Friends of the Botanic Gardens presidents Chedwa Whyte and Val Schier.
“There’s something truly special about watching a film in the open air, surrounded by the natural beauty of the gardens,” they said.
“It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together and create memorable experiences.”
For tickets, visit www.endcredits.org. au or follow Starry Night Cinema on Facebook.
eries from the region coming with some German-style beers, a kitchen full of traditional German meals and more,” said venue manager Charlotte James.
“We have a keg lifting competition, which is always very popular, the stein holding competition, which will be kid-friendly, and our talent show and best dressed competitions.
“This year we’ve got a cruise ship docking the night before and the Taipans game, so we’re expecting 1200 to 1500 people. It’s not one to miss and prepare your costumes for the year.
“Even if you don’t drink beer there’s lot for you to do, it’s a good day out with your friends, with a free entry so come in.”
Hemingway’s hospitality head and German-born Roman Haslinger said the team was excited to give a fresh, tropical take on
the Oktoberfest tradition. “Fusing German traditions with tropical flavours is a heavenly merger,” he said.
“This year we have four special beers for Oktoberfest. We have a Rauchbier – a traditional German ale infused with smoke. There are two special editions. One is a Regenwald, which means rainforest, Marzen, which is a traditional Oktoberfest beer, and our Schnappy Altbier – a good analogy for FNQ and Germany, and we always add something light, so we’re doing a Berliner Weisser, which is a sour beer flavoured with mango.
“The food menu is my pride, a very classic Munich Bavarian menu with a FNQ taste, four different kinds of schnitzels, potato dumpling, sausages in different ways and forms and a share platter if you want to try a bit of everything.”
Hemingway’s staff Santiago Sanguineti (left) and bub Mykelle, Jasmin Knoetzsch, Abbe Ryder, Lisa Krause, Charlotte James and Rob Sheedy. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
Starry Night Cinema is back with an amazing line-up of films, including tonight’s The Wizard of Oz. Picture: Supplied
TimeOut
Let your dogs out at Cazalys
l WESTCOURT
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
IT’S time to spend some quality time with your pooch with the return of the annual Cazalys ‘Top Dog’ which is bigger, better and fluffier than ever tomorrow at Cazalys Stadium.
Get your leash, treats and water ready for a fun morning with your furry friend for a good cause, from 9am to 12pm at Cazalys oval with market stalls, a sausage sizzle, and lots of fun dog competitions taking place and all proceeds going to RSPCA.
This year the pup competition will be fierce with six categories – waggiest tail, best dressed, handsomest hound/ prettiest pooch, best senior, best trick, scruffiest pooch, best six legs (matching outfits for you and your pooch) and a very special addition in 2024 with the Dachshund Dash, a 40m dash for the quickest wiener dog.
Entry for each category is $10 and lots of prizes are up for grabs. At the end the best dog could win Cazalys Top Dog.
“We’re very excited for this year’s Top Dog. It’s going to be a much bigger event than last year,” said Cazalys marketing and promotions coordinator Danielle Rithmiller.
“We’ve turned into a full blown Top Dog competition. We have seven categories that
people can enter their pups in with over $1500 in prizes to win from our sponsors in Cairns.
“These will be friendly and fun competitions and the Top Dog will be awarded a huge hamper that Pet Stock donated and Cazalys is sponsoring it with $150 worth of vouchers.
“This is a whole fun day very family-friendly with heaps of children activities like jumping
castles, face painting and balloon animals. There’ll be giant lawn games for everybody to play, heaps of local pet-based businesses coming along, everything dog-focused will be there.
“We’re hoping for about 200 people this year and it’s going to be a lot of fun and we’ll only keep growing so come along.” For more information, visit the Cazalys website.
50 fantastic years of ABBA
l CAIRNS CBD
| Isabella Guzman
Gonzalez
WATERLOO’S win at Eurovision is celebrating 50 years and tribute band Bjorn Again have the best ABBA party to honour the epic single and the Swedish supergroup with a Cairns show next week at Cairns Performing Arts Centre
In honour of one of the moments that changed music history forever and catapulted the pop group into stardom, tribute band with over 30 years of experience Bjorn Again is coming to CPAC on Friday, October 4 with their ‘Bjorn Again – Waterloo Anniversary Tour’ to take you back to the golden era of disco and through ABBA’s greatest hits.
Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as – “Fabulously flawless” the return of Bjorn Again to Cairns will surely attract ABBA fans from across FNQ for an epic night of classics, 70s outfits and hairdos and even comedy for the whole family to enjoy.
“Fans can expect to hear all the big hits from ABBA. There’s a lot of singing and dancing, costume changes and crowd participation as well as being a very funny show,” said band member Frida Longstockin.
“For this 50th anniversary of
to
Waterloo at Eurovision we’ll be wearing the original costumes from the first Waterloo performance for Eurovision.
“This anniversary is very exciting because it’s a celebration of how incredible ABBA’s music is and it stood the test of time, it never fades, it renews and refreshes with each generation.
“It’s really exciting to see the crowd’s reaction every time we perform, and that it doesn’t get less or stay the same, but continues to grow.
“The biggest highlight of the show is seeing everyone involved and getting the crowd going and singing along, performing the big hits and practically experiencing your own
50 years of
‘Mamma Mia’ movie. It’s a great experience for the crowd and their families.”
Ms Longstockin said the crowd’s favourite hits were ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)’ and ‘Dancing Queen’.
“My personal favourite is ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ because I love a good break up song,” she said.
“But it’s amazing to see people’s reaction when we sing hits like Mamma Mia which is huge with the crowd, Money Money Money and the reaction to Gimme Gimme Gimme which always get new reactions.”
To buy tickets, visit the Ticketlink website.
All pooches are welcome to another iteration of Cazalys Top Dog tomorrow at Cazalys Stadium. Picture: Supplied
Tribute band Bjorn Again are coming to CPAC
celebrate
ABBA’s win at Eurovision with Waterloo. Picture: Supplied
Gimuy to shine again
First Nations festival will dazzle with lights, sculptures and dance
l FAR NORTH
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
THE second annual Shine On Gimuy festival will illuminate the city’s waterfront in a dazzling display of light installations, art sculptures, animations and soundscapes from October 3 to 13.
The second iteration of the Indigenous festival led by artistic director Rhoda Roberts under the guidance of a dedicated committee of cultural guides, Shine on Gimuy will deliver an invigorating and immersive line-up of music performances, cultural dance, comedy and conversations in a celebration of First Nations peoples, arts and cultures.
While the main program of events will run from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6, the ENTWINED themed Artstory Light Walk on Gimuy Boulevard will remain in-situ until the festival closes on Sunday, October 13.
“This year’s ENTWINED theme is reflective of the interconnectedness all First Nations (and Bama) peoples share, as well as our intrinsic and inseparable connection to country. Visitors will be entranced by this sensory spectacle,” Ms Roberts said.
From October 3-6 Salt House will become the official hub of the festival on the eastern events lawn and Gimuy Boulevard will come alive with an array of multi-arts activations which the entire family, attendees of all backgrounds, the Bama community, and visitors to Tropical North Queensland, alike, will find entertaining and immersive.
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden said Shine On Gimuy was a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines Gimuy/Cairns as the regional ‘arts and culture capital of northern Australia.
“This festival, not only celebrates the creative brilliance of our First Nations communities, but also strengthens the bonds
that unite us all,” she said.
“I’m immensely proud to see our city shine on the national stage, showcasing the deep connections to country and cultures that make Gimuy/Cairns truly unique.”
Shine On Productions will bring a jam-packed program of entertainment, culture and education over three days. For its
performative aspect The Music Makers program (ticketed) will shine a light on musical artists/ singers-songwriters from the region, as well as headlining major talent such as Briscoe Sisters, Mau Power, Victor Steffenson, Yirgjhilya Lawrie, Kee’ahn and Broden Tyrrell.
For a full program, visit https://bit.ly/3MWmHD5
Mamma Mia! auditions
l PORT DOUGLAS
AUDITIONS are being held for the upcoming production of the beloved musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ which will take the stage in April next year.
Douglas Theatre Arts Group and Mamma Mia producer Michael Kerr said the show, based on the songs of ABBA, tells a heartwarming story of love, friendship, and family set on a picturesque Greek island.
“This vibrant production promises to be a delightful experience for both cast and audience alike,” he said. “We are very excited to bring this wonderful musical to the Clink stage. With Bodies in Motion principal Saskia Turner taking on a director role along with choreography this is bound to be a site to see. Jenn Kerr again joins us as musical director so we will have a show that is bound to succeed.” Auditions will be held on October 6 at the theatre in Port Douglas. All performers are encouraged to register at the Clink Theatre’s website to participate and showcase their talents. Rehearsals will begin in November and participants will be required to be available to attend rehearsals.
Performances are scheduled from March 27 to April 13, 2025. Visit the website at https://bit.ly/3XqpARz
Shine on Gimuy Calling Country ceremony in 2023. Picture: Mitch Lowe/Shine On Productions
WHAT’S
NOCTURNAL MOTH NIGHT @ CATTANA WETLANDS
l SAT SEP 28TH, 6:30PM-8:30PM
Nocturnal Moth Night is one of our favourite nocturnal tours. Dr David Rentz from JCU installs insect attracting screens and explains interesting facets of moths and other critters he has found. Nocturnal tours are conducted by experienced guides and we might even spotlight a small crocodile!
This is a free family night, so bring the kids, a camera, torch and insect repellent.
Meet volunteers in the carpark at Cattana Wetlands, Dunne Rd, Smithfield
MOSTLY MOZART @ PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
l SAT SEP 28TH, 2:00PM-3:30PM
Cairns Classical Music Group present their September concert, ‘Mostly Mozart’ on Saturday, September 28th at the Cairns Presbyterian Church, 87 Sheridan St, Cairns City. The concert will commence at 2.00pm followed by afternoon tea.
Please join us and spread the word.
Tickets available via trybooking.com
1ST BIRTHDAY @ JAPAN PAN BUNGALOW
l SAT SEP 28TH, 8:00AM-2:00PM
JapanPan Artisan Bakery (381 Mulgrave Road) will be celebrating their 1st anniversary next week. To commemorate this occasion, they have planned a special three-day event from Thursday to Saturday.
Fri Sep 27th - the first 50 customers will receive their birthday sweet treatMatcha Cake!*
Sat Sep 28th - the first 100 customers will receive their birthday sweet treat - Matcha Cake!*
As well as the the cake giveaway, on the Saturday they will have a fun lucky draw for adults and kids!**
*There will be a minimum spend of $15. | **The number of gifts is limited to 300.
UNSEEN CINEMA @ EVENT CINEMAS, CENTRAL
l SUN SEP 29TH, 4:30PM
Thai title ‘Lahn Mah’ (released here as ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’) has swept the box offices of Asia and is now released in Australia. This beautifully crafted film touches the heart and soul. Prepare to embrace the power of love, family, and life’s transitions. Young M (Putthipong Assaratanakul), seeks to take care of his dying grandmother/ Amah (Usha Seamkhum) battling stage 4 cancer. He hopes that by doing his caregiving duties, he will gain her trust to inherit their family home. But M will soon learn that great fortune isn’t measured by money but by pure love. In Thai with English subtitles. (PG) 125min
DRACULA’S SANCTUARY @ CPAC
l FRI SEP 27TH - SAT SEP 28TH, 7:30PM
Iconic vaudevillian variety show Dracula’s, is returning to Cairns with their brand-new show, ‘Sanctuary’.
This show is a carnal cocktail of the undead and criminally insane. From death-defying aerial acrobatics to knockout vocals – get ready for a blockbuster show, set to dazzle, and delight in a way only Dracula’s can. With a killer cast of local and international artists, Dracula’s: Sanctuary will leave you screaming for more – and maybe an encore. So, what are you waiting for? Check in to Dracula’s: Sanctuary, where blood is the elixir, but laughter is the best medicine. Bookings via ticketlink.
TOP DOG FUNDRAISER @ CAZALY’S
l SUN SEP 29TH, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Bring along your doggo for a great morning of fun at Cazalys Stadium. Preregister your pup in any of the 7 categories. Pick from Waggiest Tail, Best Dressed, Handsomest Hound/Prettiest Pooch, Best Senior, Scruffiest Pooch, Best 6 Legs, or Best Trick. Over $1,500 in prizes to be won! Spectacular Dachshund Dash Entry $10.
Pre-register your pup via the QR code or trybooking.com. Gold coin entry for your human.
GIG Guide
*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.
FRIDAY 27TH
NAFA QSO, 11:30am
Calypso Club DJ Andy, 4:00pm
Dunwoody’s Kinchy - Peter Kinch, 4:00pm Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron Janna Mercedes, 4:00pm Boardwalk Social Sunset Ragga, 4:30pm Distil on the Hill Ivy Amara, 5:00pm Salt House Mattyboi, 5:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Stuie Harcourt, 5:30pm Ten 06 Victoria Boxall, 5:30pm Barron River Hotel The LOST BOY - Troy Davidson, 6:00pm Pachamama DJ Setel, 6:00pm The Benson Drew Boy, 6:00pm Trinity Beach Sports Club Eddie Skiba, 6:00pm Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Christina Ukulele, 6:30pm Cazalys Fingerprint, 6:30pm TANKS Greta Stanley, 6:45pm
NAFA QSO, 7:00pm
O’Donnels David Bowie Tribute - Rowly Duo, 7:00pm
Hambledon Hotel Grey Area, 7:30pm
Whiskey & Wine DJ Saf, 7:30pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Sea Change, 8:00pm
Salt House DJ Moose, 8:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Cairns The Vibes, 8:30pm
BAR36 Fingerprint, 9:00pm
The Pier Bar DJ Gerry, 9:00pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns GTA, 9:30pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Nakji, 10:00pm
SATURDAY 28TH
Cairns Presbyterian Church CCMG, 2:00pm
NAFA Carinda Christie, 3:00pm
NAFA Dream in Blue, 4:00pm
Boardwalk Social Nicole Nighthawk, 4:30pm
NAFA Katie Richards Band, 4:45pm Salt House Stan Stone, 5:00pm
The Benson DJ Glenn W, 6:00pm
Trinity Beach Sports Club Whiskey Boat, 6:00pm Cazalys Carrizma, 6:15pm
Munro Martin Park Xavier Rudd, 6:30pm
Brothers Leagues Club Cairns INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm
Mission Beach Blues Bar & Cafe Denim Blues Band, 7:00pm
Court House Gallery Al Boulton Band, 7:00pm NAFA Looking Forward Looking Back, 7:30pm
The Pier Bar DJ Moose, 7:30pm Whiskey & Wine DJ Diego, 7:30pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Bourban Gorillas, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Matt Caseli, 8:00pm The Pier Bar The Vibez, 8:00pm NAFA Soul Song Choirs, 8:30pm
Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Night Shift, 8:30pm Rocco DJ Livya, 8:30pm BAR36 Fingerprint, 9:00pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns GTA, 9:30pm
P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Syntax, 10:00pm SUNDAY 29TH
Dundees at the Aquariam DJ Glenn W, 11:30am Boardwalk Social Deluxe, 12:00pm Cairns RSL INFINITY DUO, 1:00pm
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Dave Cooke, 1:00pm
Dunwoody’s Tim Aaron Smith, 2:00pm
Surf Club Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 2:00pm
Hilton International Cairns Carruthers & Others Jazz, 2:30pm Calypso Club DJ Saf, 3:00pm
Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Cam Kettle, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club No More No Less, 3:00pm
Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Complete the form on www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/gig-guide to submit your gig each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.
Take a minute... Puzzles for you
Solutions
Don’t let your emotional partner get
CROSSWORD
Avoid erratic behaviour, as it could lead to isolation at home. Don’t make those you live with feel unloved or unworthy. Get involved in meaningful activities and meet new friends. Be wary of people who aren’t reliable or well-known to you.
Don’t press your luck with loved ones, and avoid letting situations spiral out of control. Engage in stimulating debates that let you showcase your intelligence. Use your strengths to attract the partner of your choice.
Unexpected bills may set you back. You can earn money by putting your savings into conservative investments. Try to be understanding. Reassess your situation and make decisions about your future goals.
Those trying to entice you may not be trustworthy. You’ve been in a rut, so do something to break the pattern. You might feel emotional if your partner is harsh with you this week. Expect to be quite chatty.
Emotional deception is clear. Try to be flexible, but don’t give in completely. Socialising or travelling may lead to new partnerships. Visit a friend or relative who hasn’t been feeling their best.
Delve a bit deeper if you want to know the full story. You can earn money through your creative efforts. Get out and enjoy some entertainment; your hard work will not go unnoticed.
Don’t let emotions affect your efficiency. Avoid hassles and channel your energy into physical activities. Moving house will be favourable. Be diplomatic with in-laws.
32. marking the beginning of an event or institution (9)
33. a specific location (5) DOWN
1. an elongated circle (4)
2. the capacity of individuals to act independently (6)
3. a group of individuals united by a common interest (4)
4. Women’s AFL (4)
5. the creation of items by hand (10)
6. a type of informal dance (4)
7. a traditional lace or silk scarf worn by women (8)
8. the abilities and expertise developed through training and practice (6)
ACROSS
9. a period of keeping awake (5)
10. a vivid recollection of a past event (9)
11. a large, powerful bow (7)
12. technology that uses binary data (7)
13. a seemingly bottomless chasm (5)
15. a pouch or bag-like structure (3)
16. a popular Australian sport combining elements of football and rugby (3)
Time is money, so be ready to take action to reach your full potential. Handle dealings with government agencies carefully. Avoid arguments with family. You might face disappointment regarding investments.
You’ll be seen as sensitive and compassionate, with others seeking your advice. If you’re after adventure, exotic destinations are calling. Disputes may arise from a lack of honesty, so be cautious of those trying to provoke you.
17. a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that is difficult to control (3)
19. the leader of a team or group (7)
20. a curved line or shape (3)
23. short for “research” (3)
24. frequently or many times (3)
25. a written document (5)
27. a set of three similar things (7)
29. the study of past events (7)
13. a small insect known for its social behavior (3)
14. woven garments worn on the feet (5)
15. individuals who actively endorse or advocate for a person (10)
16. the sisters of one’s parents (5)
18. event featuring parades, music, dancing and entertainment (8)
21. a type of hat (3)
22. heated or warm air (3,3)
26. a beginner or new member (6)
28. a symbol or design used to represent a company (4)
29. a large room used for gatherings, often associated with public functions or ceremonies (4)
30. small amounts of liquid taken by mouth (4)
31. a mythical ape-like creature said to
l COOYA BEACH
Cowboys legend Matty Bowen backs move to protect riders on streets and roads
Safety crucial on
l CAMPAIGN STARTS
| Nick Dalton
NORTH Queensland Cowboys
legend
Matty Bowen is the face of a new e-scooter safety campaign
On Common Country (OCC) and Civil Safety have teamed up with Advanced Driver Training Centre to launch a campaign promoting safe use of e-scooters. The campaign takes active steps to address safety concerns with the growing popularity of e-scooters.
The initiative’s key messages are clear: ‘Be alert today, and alive tomorrow and ‘Ensure you don’t become a statistic.’
“We are committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mr Bowen.
“This campaign is about ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of e-scooters while minimising potential hazards,” he said.
“By promoting responsible riding, we hope to make our streets and pathways safer for all.”
Mr Bowen said with 13 lives lost and over 3000 serious injuries recorded between 2019 and 2023, it
was vital to understand that operating an e-scooter in an unsafe manner could change a rider’s life forever.
“We’ve seen a significant rise in the number of e-scooter users in Townsville, and while they offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport, safety must be a top priority,” said On Common Country managing director Noel Gertz.
“Our campaign focuses on creating a safer environment for everyone, from the riders themselves to pedestrians and motorists who share the road,” he said.
Key rules for e-scooters:
• Always wear a helmet
• No drugs or alcohol. Riding under the influence is illegal and dangerous
• Do not use your phone while riding and keep both hands on the handlebars
• Riders aged 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Riders 16 and older are responsible for following all rules
• No doubling: Only one person per e-scooter
• Riders cannot carry anything on the scooter.
Cowboys legend Matty Bowen is imploring young people to take care on e-scooters. Picture: Supplied
Motoring Guide
Next Patrol dumps V8 grunt
Twin-turbo V6 more powerful and economical with fewer filthy exhaust gases
l MODEL LAUNCH
| Nick Dalton NISSAN has dumped the popular V8 from the next generation of its Patrol. Instead it comes with a more powerful V6 twin-turbo in the interests of fuel economy and emissions.
The seventh-generation model was unveiled by Nissan president Makoto Uchida at an exclusive event in Abu Dhabi involving royals, VIPs, global Nissan executives, dealers, partners, media, customers and employees in attendance.
But it is not known when it is coming to Australia with left-hand drive markets as the priority at this stage.
It includes a new design and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 317kW/700Nm or a 236kW/386Nm 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6, compared to the current 5.6-litre V8 (298kW/560Nm). There’s a nine-speed automatic transmission and customisable adaptive air suspension for enhanced all-terrain capability.
It is also equipped with intuitive technologies including NissanConnect 2.0 with Google built-in, ProPILOT and Klipsch Premium Audio System.
“The all-new Patrol is a prime example of the exciting and empo-
wering models we are delivering under our global business plan, The Arc,” Mr Uchida said.
“The seventh generation is a bold leap forward, blending unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology and a commanding presence to redefine what an SUV can be,” he said.
“With its history of more than 70 years, the Patrol perfectly embodies our corporate purpose of ‘driving innovation to enrich people’s lives’.”
Nissan Middle East president Thierry Sabbagh said the Nissan Patrol was more than just a vehicle in the Middle East.
“It is a symbol of adventure, pride and resilience,” he said.
“This latest model captures the true spirit of what makes this iconic nameplate legendary – an enduring legacy of deep connections built over decades of shared experiences and memorable journeys across diverse terrains.
“It reflects Nissan’s dedication to creating automotive experiences that resonate with our customers – and we are proud to present this next chapter in the Patrol’s remarkable journey.”
Nissan says the Patrol “is a mark of prestige, embodying a premium design aesthetic that elevates its unmissable road presence, delivering a captivating visual impact that bridges the brand’s heritage with a forward-thinking vision”.
The seventh generation Nissan Patrol is bolder, more powerful and less thirsty than the current V8 model. Picture: Nissan Australia
Cairns Local
PUBLIC NOTICES
PROPOSAL FOR 5G UPGRADE TO MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT THE EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATIONS SITE IN MANUNDA
1. The site at which this works is being undertaken is located at 232-262 Gatton Street, Manunda QLD 4870 (Lot 10 SP312837). The proposed works include the installation of new 4G and 5G equipment and associated works at the existing 30m monopole. The proposed works comprise of:
• Replacement of six (6) existing panel antennas with six (6) new panel antennas (each antenna no longer than 2.8m in height) on new antenna mounts on existing structure,
• Installation of three (3) new Active Antenna Units (AAUs) (each antenna no longer than 1m in height), with provisions for three (3) future AAUs on new mounts,
• Installation and reconfiguration of associated ancillary equipment including but not limited to the replacement of nine (9) remote radio units (RRUs) for twenty-one (21) RRUs, with provisions for three (3) future RRUs on new mounts and the installation of two (2) GPS antennas on the existing equipment shelter to ensure proper functioning of the facility.
2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed works as a lowimpact facility under Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.
3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/4870030
4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: CPS Technology & Infrastructure, (02) 9300 1700, submissionsVIC@ cpstech.com.au by 5pm on Tuesday 15th October 2024
Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?
For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au
HAVE you got something to sell? Call Amelie at Cairns Local News on: 4031 7678 OR email: admin@cairnslocalnews. com.au Classie deadline is 4pm every Wednesday.
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Terms and Conditions
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Advertising Conditions
Any advertisement accepted for publication in Cairns Local News is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.
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Cairns
Local News
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If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at:
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Friday September 27th
Advertisement Proofing
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30
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The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at Cairns Local News by 4pm TUESDAY prior to publication. The final proofing deadline is 5pm Wednesday prior to publication, any revisions requested after 5pm Wednesday are not guaranteed. If a booking is confirmed, final proof approval is not required by Cairns Local News.
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Saturday September 28th
Cairns Night Markets: 54-60 Abbott St, 16:30-23:30
Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30
RUNNING is being added to the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival next year.
Run Port Douglas will finish on the famous Four Mile Beach in the resort town.
Festival director Bade Stapleton said that running events had been setting records across Australia.
“The Sydney Marathon smashed previous records with 40,000 participants, the City Surf in Sydney had a massive 90,000 runners, the Gold Coast Marathon over 30,000 and the Cairns Marathon was sold out in July this year,” he said.
“Run Port Douglas now offers everyone the opportunity to get involved in the festival.
“Plus, the 2km, 5km, 10km and 21.1km half marathon run courses all finish on the spectacular Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. There is no other run like it anywhere in the world.”
The addition was made after more than 1100 cyclists enjoyed the 2024 Gran Fondo Festival. Participants came from around Australia and across the globe with riders from the USA, Ireland, Japan and New Zealand.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the new event was “the ideal running partner to Gran Fondo”.
“It will be an impressive sight to see competitors making their way along our beautiful Four Mile Beach to the finish line and we can’t wait to welcome more visitors to our cafes, restaurants, pubs and resorts once the races are run and won,” she said.
Tourism Tropical North
Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said it was a welcome event to the festival’s events.
“Scenic run courses are the perfect excuse for running enthusiasts to organise a holiday away with their family and will build on the success of Port Douglas Gran Fondo in attracting interstate visitors,” he said.
“With the Great Barrier Reef and one of the world’s oldest rainforests to explore, plus great cafes, restaurants and bars where visitors can soak up our relaxed lifestyle, Tropical North Queensland is the ideal destination for sporting enthusiasts to take a break.”
Local runners Clare Robertson and Luke Swindale
Sport Results
MARLIN COAST BOWLS
Tuesday, September 17th. Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; Peter, Bob, Judy. R/U; Olga, Robyn, June. Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; Frank, Danny, Ross. R/U; Ossie, David, Mick. Tuesday night bowls. Winners; Terri, Glenne, Ian, Esther. Wednesday, September 18th. Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners; Betty Noe, Judy Jenner, Len Kenshole. R/U; Mike Lynn, Wendy Lynne, Linda Hamilton. Thursday, September 19th. Thursday Mixed self-selected triples. Winners; Leonie and
are both extremely excited about this new additional to the festival.
“I love the Gran Fondo and look forward to riding in this event each year, but now I can also do the Run Port Douglas on the Saturday morning and make a full weekend out it,” said Ms Robertson.
Luke Swindale is a talented local 15-year-old runner with some impressive recent race results, including overall winner in the 2022 Cairns Run 4 Reef 10km, third overall in the 2024 Cairns Marathon Festival 10km and age category winner in the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon 5km as well as a six-time Queensland representative at Australian National Championships across cross country, track and field
Mike Simms, Andrea Lim. R/U; Shane B, Chad, Jason. Saturday, September 21st. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; No winner. R/U; No winner. Club Championships. Mixed Pairs. J and D Russell def. D Gibson, J Baumann 19-14. G McFarlane, J Brown def. T & D Spicer 21-16. T & T McAlary def. I and B Nichol 35-5. L and M Simms def. E and S Bettess 26-24. G and S Porter def. Phon, D Spooner 29-13.
and triathlon. “I’m so excited about the Run Port Douglas event,” he said.
“We have limited opportunities to compete in high quality events in Tropical North Queensland so it’s awesome to have another running event close to home.”
The event is on September 13, 2025. The 21.1km halfmarathon course will start in front of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and take runners up Flagstaff Hill, past the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort before finishing back on Four Mile Beach in front of the Port Douglas Surf Club.
The 10km and 5km runs will also start in front of Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and end up on Four Mile Beach.
MOSSMAN BOWLS
Saturday, September 21st. Winners; Bill Smith, Richard Anderson, John Arnold +14. R/U; Sas, Barry Baker +12. Charlie Toohey, Peter Worley, Peter Gorsuch +6. David White, Bernie Savage +2.
BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS
Wednesday, September 18th. Overall Winners; R. Pamphelon, G. Cann, & M. Bucklar.
New Pride coach
l RUGBY LEAGUE
| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
EXPERIENCED former NRL player and coach
Russ Aitken has officially joined Northern Pride as head coach and he’s hoping to take the team to new heights.
The arrival of former Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm player and seasoned coach is generating a lot of anticipation.
There is a lot of expectations on him as he'll have to fill some very big shoes after the departure of Eric Smith, who has led the team on one of its most successful seasons in the last 10 years.
Smith was also awarded coach of the year at the QRL Awards last weekend.
However, both Pride’s chief executive Garreth Smith and chairman Terry Medhurst say they’re confident he’s the right man for the job.
“We’re really happy and proud to announce that we have recruited a new coach for seasons '25 and '26 in Russ Aitken who comes to us from working as elite pathways development coach for the Cronulla Sharks,” Mr Smith said.
“He’s got plenty of experience in the NRL systems, as NSW Cup head coach and in elite pathways which are three areas that we’re keen to get working on this year,” he said.
Mr Aitken started his career with Cronulla and North Queensland briefly before moving to the Melbourne Storm for
the 2007 NRL season. In 2009 he went on to play in England and France –where he also started his coaching career.
He returned to Australia to coach Illawarra League and junior Reps U18 and 19 at Cronulla Sharks and Illawarra Steelers. His most recent coaching experience in NRL was as NSW Cup head coach St George Illawarra Dragons.
“I'm excited and privileged to take on the role as head coach of the Northern Pride for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. I understand the importance the club holds across Far North Queensland,” Mr Aitken said.
“I aim to honour our history and connect across our greater footprint.
“I am not coming in to make mass changes. I will however look to evolve the squad and continue to search for improvements in everything we do. My priority in preseason is connection and competing.”
Game 1. Winners; R. Schimdt, S. Paris, M. Paris. Game 2. Winners; Q. Bates, J. Blain, B. Power. Thursday, September 19th. Consistency singles. Winner; D. Hester. R/U; N. Kina. Semi Final Championship Triples. Winners; J. Baird, B. Mason, S. Rowe Def. M. Daffy, K. Paki, D. Begg. Social bowls. Winners; C. Morris, B. Hill, K. O’Halloran. R/U; D. Hester. Oaktree Retirement Village Challenge. Saturday, September 21st. Winners; J. Rick, D. Hester, M. Colmer, E. Rick. R/U; J. Jackson, B. Hill, E. Atkinson, R. Morris. 3rd; G. Cann, M. Daffy, D. Daffy, K. Paki. Round 1. Winners; Team Don Lawton. Round 2. Winners; Team Gary Kriesel. Round 3. Winners; Team Sue Rowe.
GORDONVALE BOWLS Thursday, September 19th. Winners; J Kemp, A Quinn. R/U; T Mould, P Mulkearns.
Michelle Potter (left) from Port Douglas and Kath Plohl from Cairns. Pictures: Supplied
New Pride coach Russ Aitken. Picture: Supplied
Cutters create AFL history
Cairns City Lions AFLW
first grand final win against North Cairns Tigers by 43pts
l AFL
| John Gillett
Grand final review
Women’s Cairns City Lions (10.13) def North Cairns Tigers (4.6) by 43 points.
A SCINTILLATING performance from the Lions, not only delivered them a long awaited women’s premiership against their closest rivals for season 2024, but also avenged their preliminary final defeat two weeks ago.
Forty-three points seems like it was smooth sailing for the Lions and in the second half it was as smooth as grand finals can get, as the 32-9 second half scoreline attests.
Unfortunately for the vanquished Tigers, history will surely forget how close they were. Rarely do you get smashed in any game, let alone a grand final, after leading well into the second quarter.
The Lions though were not to be denied and few can begrudge them this victory, after both the season they have had and the wait they have endured. Denisha Chilman was instrumental in the Lion’s victory and was a deserving winner of the best on ground medal.
Men’s South Cairns Cutters (16.17) def North Cairns Tigers (12.9) by 32 points
SOUTHS and Norths entered this match with premiership droughts of 21 and 36 years respectively, and it was Souths who were able to finally quench their thirst.
A more open match than their 57-55 preliminary final, the Tigers were right in this and only trailed by four points (7268) with 90 seconds left in the third term.
Two late goals by Liam McCarthy and Josh Clayton broke the game open and, while the Tigers chased hard, Souths were too classy and too experienced to allow any sort of fightback, thus ending a run of six straight grand final losses that started in the 2005 decider.
After losing just once this season, they proved themselves to be worthy champions.
Season 2025 is still six months away but do not be surprised if we get a repeat of the 2024 decider.
With a huge six goals for the game, the Cutters’ Damien Hill was a standout and awarded the Howard Kennedy Medal for best on ground.
Tough event returns to challenge riders on Cook Highway
l IRONMAN
IRONMAN is back in FNQ with Ironman Cairns joining the Pro Series in 2025 and once again the bike circuit will head up to Port Douglas to make for another thrilling race on June 15, 2025.
Top professional athletes from around the world are set to make their way to Cairns and Port Douglas once again next year following the announcement that the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns will be a part of the Ironman Pro Series in 2025.
Ironman has announced the
continuation of the Ironman Series in 2025, building on the success of its inaugural year, which has drawn a broadcast audience of over five million for the races so far and for the second time Cairns and Port Douglas will be a part of it.
Ironman Cairns is set to be held on June 15, 2025 and will be the 10th stop in the global series. The event will also be the only full-distance Ironman Pro Series race in Oceania.
The competition will heat up with the famed 180km scenic bike course that will take the athletes from Palm Cove up
to Port Douglas soaking in the ocean views from the Rex Lookout then up to Craiglie where they’ll take a left into Trezise Rd and Spring Creek Rd riding through the beautiful properties typical of the Douglas Shire before making their way down to Palm Cove once again.
Ironman regional director Leanna Ali said that the team was looking forward to bringing the Ironman Pro Series to Tropical North Queensland again in 2025.
“We’re thrilled to have the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns as a part of the Ironman Pro Se-
ries once again in 2025,” Ms Ali said. “It was incredible to have some of the top triathletes in the world join us this year, with the Ironman Pro Series taking the event to a worldwide audience, showing off the event that we love to call the race in paradise.
“Ironman Cairns is a bucket list event for athletes from around the world and we’re looking forward to having our age-group athletes racing on the same course at the same time as some of the top professionals in the sport.”
For more information, visit: www.ironman.com/im-cairns
(Top) South Cairns Cutters celebrate their first grand final win in 21 years. (Below) Cairns City Lions women’s team also had their first grand final victory.
An Ironman rider on the Cook Highway. Picture: Supplied
The Cutters’ Damien Hill was best on ground. (Inset) Denisha Chilman (Lions) was best on ground medal in the women’s. Pictures: RAWI/AFL
Local Sport
RUNS ON BOARD FOR FONDO
PAGE 26
NEW PRIDE COACH - PAGE 26 - AFL GRAND FINAL WINNERS - PAGE 27
Michelle Potter from Port Douglas (left) and Kath Plohl of Cairns go for a run on Four Mile Beach to launch Run Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied
