Cairns Local News March 31 2023

SWEET ARIA IS FACE OF FUNDRAISER

MEET leukaemia warrior Aria Bahnemann of Brinsmead. She is the young ambassador of this year’s Woolworths Easter Fundraising Appeal to raise money for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. Read her brave story on Page 4.

Targa is back on roads of FNQ

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

THE Far North’s premier motorsport event – Targa Great Barrier Reef – returns to the region in September.

The 2022 tarmac rally was cancelled after Motorsport Australia ordered an inquiry into all Targas after another fatality in Targa Tasmania in April last year.

After the review and new safety measures were put in place, Targa Australia has revealed the dates of the event in the tropics will be September 1 to 3.

Targa has also announced discounted fees in a bid to attract more drivers and vehicles to this year’s event which is expected to cover 1000km throughout the region.

Casino’s record profit

Annual report: CBD gaming venue’s revenue soars to $18 million surplus

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

THE Reef Casino Trust has made a record profit of nearly $18 million.

The trust owns the Wharf St building which

houses the Reef Hotel Casino and the Pullman hotel. It derives most of its income from rent paid by the casino and the hotel, which was also a record $30.5m last year.

According to the 2022 annual report published last week, the trust made a net profit of nearly $9m ($7.4m in 2021) and a distributable profit to

unitholders of $17.9m, a 22 per cent increase of $3.3m on 2021.

Trust chairman Philip Basha said, despite the impacts of COVID-19, the complex stayed open throughout 2022 and the virus had “a slight dampening impact” in the first half of the year.

“Local and domestic patronage was generally

strong during the year, especially from mid-March 2022 till the end of the year,” he said.

“Even though international borders had reopened, there were not many international patrons.”

Mr Basha said the trust reported sturdy rental income as the Reef Hotel Casino “traded strongly”.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Print media not terminal

l MANOORA

| Nick Dalton

PRINT newspapers are far from dead, and all levels of government are being urged to support local papers with advertising, a new national report has found.

The report challenges the perception that print newspapers are dead and is calling on governments to revise their advertising rules to help local news providers and better target regional and rural communities.

The Media Innovation and the Civic Future of Australia’s Country Press report is the culmination of a three-year Australian Research Council project, led by Deakin University, in partnership with Country Press Australia, the nation’s peak local news lobby, and RMIT University.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Project lead Professor Kristy Hess, of Deakin’s School of Communications and Creative Arts, said the study began at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the temporary or permanent closure of dozens of local mastheads across Australia and a shift among some to digital-only platforms.

“The first thing we did was conduct a major national survey to find out what people valued about their local mastheads,” she said.

“We found people in many regional and rural towns and cities were passionate about their local mastheads but rejected an overreliance on syndicated content, in print and digital, sourced from neighbouring areas or other parts of the country.”

MAJOR SURVEYS

The research team conducted two main national surveys – one with local news audiences and one with those who do not engage with local news; 35 interviews with Australian news editors and proprietors; and seven interpretive focus groups with editors, journalists and advertising managers within the Country Press Australia network.

LOST REVENUE

One key finding was the strain on local mastheads hit with lost revenue from local, state and federal government advertising, which in recent years had prioritised social media and metropolitan news outlets with a larger digital reach.

“Our research found there is this obsession with digital reach. That’s all well and good, but a local masthead, whether in print or online, isn’t designed to reach one million people. If we use the digital reach metric as an indicator as to which news outlets should get government advertising, these independent regional and rural outlets are going to lose out every time,” Prof Hess said.

The report supports a recent Parliamentary Inquiry recommendation that stipulates 20 per cent of all Federal Government advertising expenditure be directed to regional and rural news organisations.

DIGITAL FOCUS

Data from the study also showed government funding schemes for lo-

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cal news outlets were often tied to digital innovation, for instance to buy drones and other technologies, when what local news providers needed was financial support to upgrade print infrastructure or to hire more staff.

“Print is not dead for many regional and rural communities. We need to remember there is a digital divide in Australia that means some communities still struggle with poor-quality and unreliable Internet connections. Some segments of the community, including older citizens, find it difficult to use newer technologies. Younger audiences also like the look of a printed newspaper,” Prof. Hess said.

SUGGESTED INCENTIVES

The report also recommends better incentives, including pay, to attract seasoned reporters to the regions. Governments are also urged to provide seed funding for journalist-led news start-ups to counteract local ‘news deserts’ developing in some parts of Australia. “Our research shows people in these communities want more local news content, includ-

ing stories on locals’ achievements, successes and milestones. They also want news on local events and more investigative-type pieces,” Prof. Hess said.

“We also found there is more capacity for regional and rural news providers to develop collaborative advocacy and solutions-style reporting campaigns that address important rural and regional issues that span multiple communities.”

Local news ‘important’

QUEENSLAND Country Press Association president Carl Portella said the research project on the future of country papers in Australia was “an important initiative that seeks to address the challenges facing regional and rural newspapers in the current media landscape”.

“By engaging with stakeholders and exploring innovative solutions, it aims to support the long-term viability of country newspapers and ensure that they continue to play a vital role in the Australian media ecosystem.

“Local news is now more important to readers than ever before, it allows them to keep in touch with what’s happening around their neck of the woods.”

As managing director of Cairns Local News and The Express, Mr Portella said it was “important for readers to know that we as a news medium, not just in print but across our social media channels, are a proven and trusted source of information”.

“We have quality journalists who are well known to the community, who are always accessible.” He said all levels of government should be encouraged to advertise in regional newspapers.

- Ms L.C, Dimbulah

Cairns Local News and The Express are growing and valued local newspapers.

Now it’s Yolonde’s turn to earn the voter’s trust Local Briefs

l CAIRNS

| Nick Dalton

A CAIRNS Citizen of the Year, community advocate and Wheels of Wellness (WOW) chief executive is to contest the seat of Cairns for the LNP in next year’s state election.

Yolonde Entsch, the wife of Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, will take on sitting Labor MP Michael Healy.

She is one of three candidates the LNP has announced 18 months out from the election. The others are Natalie Marr (Thuringowa) and Rebecca Young (Redlands)

LNP leader David Crisafulli applauded the decision to select candidates so far away from the next election.

“This is an exciting announcement that places incredibly strong candidates on the ground more than 18 months out from next year’s election,” he said.

“When you’re the underdog you’ve got to work harder than the other side and that’s why we are getting candidates in the field earlier than Queenslanders have ever seen,” he said.

“I want my team out there listening to Queenslanders and proving we are fit and ready to govern.

“Yolonde Entsch is an outstanding local representative of her community which has been let down by the failings of the chaotic Palaszczuk Labor government.

“She is a mother, humanitarian and small business owner who has dedicated her life to supporting and improving the lives of marginalised Queens-

landers, particularly women, young people and indigenous Australians.

“Yolonde is the founding director of Wheels of Wellness, a registered Cairns charity that provides primary healthcare and support for forgotten

members of society and people disadvantaged by domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty and mental health problems.”

Ms Entsch is known for her high-profile work across the Far North’s social, humanitarian and business sectors and she

said she was looking to hit the ground running across Cairns with the LNP state team.

“As I make my way around the community, people keep telling me they feel the Far North isn’t being listened to in the state parliament and we

l KENO SEARCH

THE Mourilyan Hotel patron who won $2 million in Keno on March 19 has yet to come forward. A Keno spokeswoman said the winner had not claimed the prize. The Cassowary Coast player held a Keno Classic 10 Spot winning entry in draw 979, drawn on Sunday (March 19) and took home a total prize of $1,913,936.

l KING TIDES

RESIDENTS are being warned about king tides in Cairns from today until Thursday, peaking on Tuesday. Streets likely to experienced flooding include at Portsmith: Redden St, Tingira St, Liberty St, Walters St, Trawler Base Rd, Bramp Cl, Cook St, Fearnley St, parts of Aumuller St (near Comport St), Spence St and the Esplanade intersection, Cairns CBD, parts of Draper St (Hartley St to Kenny Street), Portsmith, corner of Lily St and the Esplanade, Cairns North.

l BANKSIA AWARDS

THREE prestigious sustainability awards have come to Cairns. The Reef and Rainforest and Research Centre has won the 2023 National Banksia Sustainability Agriculture and Regional Development Award and the Biodiversity Award. Passions of Paradise won the Sustainable Tourism Award.

l NEW FESTIVAL

desperately need a change,” she said. “My work has been focused on empowering communities to engage and act, which is precisely the approach I will take as a candidate and an MP should I be fortunate enough to be elected.”

Reef Hotel Casino on a roll after huge boost in profits

FROM PAGE 1

He said the year ahead would be challenging due to inflation, higher interest rates and global economic uncertainties.

“The cruise line market into Cairns is showing strong signs of recovery and many more visits by cruise ships are expected for the year,” Mr Basha said.

“Business events and conferences are showing strong forward bookings. The return of the international market into Australia is recovering.”

Trust executive director Allan Tan said the casino and hotel “performed strongly”.

He said new records were set in total complex, casino and ho-

tel rentals paid to the trust, in electronic games and hotel room revenues. Total casino revenues were up 4.7 per cent with electronic gaming the biggest contributor (up 15.1 per cent), overall hotel revenue increased by 27.3 per cent, room revenue by 47.5 per cent and food and beverage by 15.5 per cent. Table games

dropped by 18 per cent with premium play lower than 2021.

“The second and third quarters saw a surge in hotel bookings with the removal of mandated mask wearing relaxed in March and removal of mandated vaccination in April,” he said.

“Very strong hotel bookings from intrastate and interstate were

A NEW First Nations arts and cultural festival that will form part of a state-wide music program has received Cairns Regional Council backing. The council has committed $25,000 to support Shine on Gimuy, Queensland’s newest First Nations arts and cultural festival to be staged on the Cairns waterfront precinct from October 5-14.

FOLEY SHIELD

experienced, resulting in a significant increase in room rate.”

Mr Tan said international visitors had started to return in the first half of 2023. But new variants of COVID “might pose a threat”. “Our complex is tightly managed with a positive cost base/structure and sufficient human resources,” he said.

CAIRNS Regional Council will provide more than $11,500 in funding to support FNQ Rugby League to host the 2023 Foley Shield at Barlow Park on April 29 to May 1. The Foley Shield is a rugby league competition contested by representative players from Mackay, Townsville and Cairns and has been held annually over the May long weekend since 1948. Historically held in Townsville, it is proposed that future Foley Shield competitions will be held in Cairns every three years.

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LNP candidiate for Cairns Yolonde Entsch with Queensland LNP Leader David Crisafulli. She will take on sitting Cairns MP Michael Healy.

Miss Australia finalist makes last preparations for Gold Coast event

Make Jade your choice

CAIRNS

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

MISS Australia Pageant finalist Jade Mancini has been focusing her last weeks in Cairns on fundraising for breast cancer as she prepares for the final.

Ms Mancini will travel to the Gold Coast from April 19-23, where she wants to “represent Cairns and inspire young girls to go for their dreams”.

She now wants to encourage locals to vote for her in the People’s Choice category before the final.

“Every vote counts,” Ms Mancini said. “I’m the only girl from Cairns representing Far North Queensland in the pageant, and I want to represent the region on stage.”

As the countdown to the final begins, Ms Mancini is focusing on fundraising for breast cancer and promoting herself to locals to get support for her trip to Hope Island.

“I’m excited, but there are so many things to get done,” she said. Through crowdfunding and the support of Cairns locals and even visitors, I’ve booked my makeup artist and his accommodation.

“We’ve put together a ‘Celebrate’ hamper with champagne, local items and vouchers donated by local businesses in Port Douglas, and the funds raised were going to book my makeup artist Shane Troy.”

Easter fundraiser for ill kids

l BRINSMEAD

Mr Troy, who Ms Mancini describes as her angel, is a local makeup artist with over 20 years of experience in all areas of makeup through his brand Shane Troy Makeup.

“All Miss Australia Pageant finalists have to fundraise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and it’s an honour to help this cause.

“Part of the competition is to give back; it’s not all about wearing nice dresses but doing something important and raising money for a good cause.

“Breast cancer affects many lives of women (and men) around Australia; approximately 57 Australians are diagnosed daily.

“My goal is to raise $500; we’re putting together a pink hamper with self-care products and a bottle of rose to fundraise.”

Ms Mancini said she was honoured by the support of the community.

“Locals always support the community, and when they find out you’re the only girl representing Cairns and FNQ in the Miss Australia pageant, they really want to support you,” she said. Although the journey has been challenging, receiving her sash made it all worth it.

“I opened the mailbox, saw my package, and did a little happy dance,” Ms Mancini said.

To support Ms Mancini and to vote for her in the People’s Choice award, visit www..jadelaurenmancini.com.au

SIX-year-old Aria Bahnemann of Brinsmead is the face of this year’s Woolworths Easter Fundraising Appeal to raise money for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

After battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Brisbane she has returned to Cairns to take on the challenge as the Far North Queensland ambassador of the Easter fundraiser, inspiring others to help sick kids through donating to the foundation.

Aria’s mum Jess Bahnemann said Aria (both pictured above) was a bubbly and outgoing young girl but became shy, anxious and afraid to talk to people after being diagnosed in early 2022.

“Taking one step at a time throughout her treatment, she gradually built her strength back up. Aria completed chemotherapy at Queensland Children’s Hospital in December 2022,” Mrs Bahnemann said.

“Relocating our life to Brisbane to ensure Aria could get the best treatment had a massive impact on our family,” she said.

“You always think about what could happen, but Aria is slowly returning to the little girl she was before treatment. She laughs more and spends time with her best friend.”

Miss Australia finalist Jade Mancini from Cairns is excited about the event on the Gold Coast next month as her finalises her fundraising efforts. Picture: Ben Keating, Sass Studio, Port Douglas

l

Expensive wishlist for pollies

l CAIRNS CBD

A MULTIMILLION-dollar wish list involving seven projects is to be presented by Cairns Regional Council to the State Government in May.

The council has put the work on the government’s radar before the regional sitting of Parliament in the city in May.

Mayor Bob Manning said the arrival of the full Legislative Assembly and the opposition in Cairns from May 9-11 was a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be missed in prosecuting community priorities.

“We congratulate the State Government on bringing Parliament to Cairns in May. It provides a wonderful opportunity for our local community to engage directly with our state leaders and politicians on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing our region,” he said.

“We have been working closely with our state politicians and industry stakeholders over the past few months to shape up our advocacy ahead of the Parliament sitting.”

The projects include (matchhed funding) a new community centre at Trinity Beach ($935,000), a Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre at White Rock ($200,000), stage one of the Kenrick Park masterplan at Gordonvale ($3 million), and the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail ($800,000 by state only).

Boost for struggling mums

l BUNGALOW

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE launch of Meals for Mums and White Cloud’s Tele-mental health service in Cairns and Hinterland will mean mums suffering from prenatal and postpartum depression can access free support from the comfort of their homes.

White Cloud Foundation and major sponsor Ireland family of Cairns have launched the two critical services in the region that will support the mental health of mums and mums-tobe.

The programs, supported by Queensland Health, are already operating across maternity hospitals, private maternal health care and welfare providers.

Meals for Mums delivers practical mental health support to new and expecting mothers struggling with perinatal depression through the homedelivery of meals.

Westcourt resident Alexis Carroll was the first woman in the region to receive a meal from the Meals for Mums service.

The mum of twins Ruby and Chiomi struggled when her girls were born prematurely.

“We don’t have a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Cairns, so I was flown to Townsville, and there I had these guys at 27 weeks,” Ms Carroll said.

“The midwifery program

in Townsville referred me to Whitecloud’s Meals for Mums.

“After four months in NICU, I was lucky to eventually come home and having free meals waiting for me was one less thing to think about, so I was grateful.

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“Having two babies makes everything really difficult; it makes things like cooking and shopping for food a lot harder, so any help makes a difference.”

Meals for Mums operates under a referral system where medical professionals and car-

ers refer mums at risk of perinatal depression; then the foundation contacts the mums.

“This (Meals for Mums) was great because it was referred to me by the midwives within the hospital, and I didn’t have to do much to qualify for it; I just had

to send a text message, receive a text message, and that’s it,” Ms Carroll said.

Queensland Health senior psychologist Laura Love said the services could make a great difference during a challenging time like motherhood.

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Alexis Carroll, with twins Chiomi and Ruby, were the first in Cairns to receive the Meals for Mums service. Picture Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Free flights in

l CAIRNS

| Nick Dalton EIGHT tourism businesses have joined forces to fund 10,000 return economy tickets – worth more than $3 million – to lure more Australian holiday makers to the tropical north.

The 5000 twin share tickets are provided when buyers book a five-day, fournight travel package, worth $1499 per person, and include a Cairns Aquarium visit and dinner, a full day on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Rail, a day’s Great Barrier Reef scuba diving and snorkelling experience and a day with Billy Tea Safari Cape Tribulation or Outback Queensland luxury 4WD experience. Guests stay at the Novotel Oasis resort with breakfast included.

Cairns Aquarium founder and chief executive Daniel Leipnik said the flights were a collaboration of the aquarium, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Rail, Down Under Cruise and Dive, Billy Tea Safaris, Dundees Restaurant, Novotel Oasis and Virgin Australia.

“The ‘flights are on us’ offering is part of a major tourism drive to grow Tropical North Queensland as one of Australia’s most visited and loved holiday destinations,” he said.

The tickets are spread out among Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with specific travel dates of May 9-June 22, October 11-December 14 and January 16 -February 15 next year.

It is expected the promotion will generate up to $30m for the region’s economy and will sell out fast.

“The ‘Explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef’ campaign has been designed to provide holiday makers with an incredible jam-packed adventure to experience the best of the Reef, rainforest,

the Outback, major nature attractions, guided tours and even a unique aquatic dining experience,” Mr Leipnik said.

“Visitor numbers to Cairns have surged since January 2022 to near record levels. In 2022, over 2.5 million visitors passed through the Cairns Airport, many experiencing Cairns for the very first time.

“The city’s key tourism operators are keen to ensure that even more Australians have access to the northern city as the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest,” he said. “With ever increasing costs affecting day to day living, these tourism operator funded return flights

Full house for maiden Bonza trip

l AEROGLEN

A PACKED flight of 186 passengers arrived on Bonza’s inaugural flight to Cairns from the Sunshine Coast this week.

Monday’s first Cairns service comes after Bonza reached 100,000 seats sold on the Fly Bonza app and ahead of the airline’s Melbourne base launch on Thursday in addition to five more routes this week.

Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said this week the airline started taking customers to Cairns, Newcastle and Melbourne as well as launching new routes into Whitsunday Coast, Mackay and Rockhampton.

On arrival at Cairns Airport, Bonza customers were welcomed with a Reef and rainforest-inspired celebration, including food and drinks showcasing local producers and fun pops of purple.

will come as a welcome relief to many couples planning their next getaway and looking for an unbeatable deal.”

To buy an “Explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef” package and receive return airline tickets email bookings@ cairnsaquarium.com.au or go to www.cairnsaquarium.com.au

“Linking two of Queensland’s most iconic tourism destinations is a great way for Bonza to launch its Cairns services,” said Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker. “We expect to see many travellers take up these direct services when flying between the Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland, whether for a holiday or catching up with friends and relatives. These flights are a win for both consumers and industries, who will benefit from the increase of visitors.”

Daniel Leipnik (Cairns Aquarium), Damon Georgiou (Novotel Oasis Resort), Callie Cuttrell (Cairns Aquarium), Chris Iovannella (Billy Tea Safaris), Jeff Cameron-Smith (Down Under Cruise and Dive) and Kellie Rokstad (Cairns Aquarium) celebrate the free flight offers.

The ‘Big Splash’ 20 years on

Free and fun activities to mark Lagoon’s birthday tomorrow

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

| Nick Dalton

THE Cairns Esplanade Lagoon –which turns 20 tomorrow – is the most popular public facility in the city.

The Cairns Regional Council is hosting a 20th birthday party to mark the milestone tomorrow with a free family event from 3pm to 9pm, including free admission to the Reef Eye ferris wheel, live entertainment, children’s activities, and the screening of the movie Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Mayor Bob Manning told a birthday cake gathering at the Lagoon on Tuesday that former mayor Kevin Byrne wrote in the Big Splash program booklet at the opening on Saturday, March 29, 2003: “There is no doubt that the opening of the Cairns Esplanade swimming lagoon precinct will herald a new era for the inner city of Cairns.”

“His words were prophetic, with the facility the most frequented public destination in the city and beloved by locals and visitors alike,” Cr Manning said.

“In the two decades since coming online, the 4000sqm artificial pool, has hosted more than 25 million visitors.

“It remains a “go to” for both locals and visitors, with a sandy area on eastern edge and a newly refurbished timber boardwalk,

jetties and grassy expanses on the opposite side.”

It is understood in the 1990s avid swimmer Alan Burgoyne lobbied the then-mayor Tom Pyne and councillors for a swimming area on the Esplanade and the council started the ball rolling to secure finance.

Mr Byrne was at the helm when the Esplanade Lagoon project started to take shape, moving from a concept to a reality.

“It was a project that would transform the Cairns Esplanade from a strip of grass and concrete steps down to a beach that as more mud than sand, into the iconic destination it is today,” he said.

“A lot of people were against it at the time, these were the days when Cairns did not have the confidence it has now.

“I believed we needed to be an international city and international cities have to think big.

“This was the second big project that really internationalised Cairns, after the opening Cairns International Airport.

“I never had a doubt it would be a success, we just had to press go and we had to be committed to it.”

At the cake cutting were also former mayor Ron Davis, and past councillors Fran Lindsay, Jeff Pezzutti, Deirdre Ford, Margaret Cochrane and former Cairns MP Desley Boyle.

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Graduating university students

l CAIRNS CBD

MORE than 300 students have graduated from James Cook University.

Among them were 17 researchers who have been improving policy development for northern Australia, helping banana farms recover from disease, and investigating what’s going on inside ant plants.

The PhD recipients are among 221 graduands who celebrated with family and friends at JCU’s first graduation ceremony of the year at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday last week.

A further 92 degrees were conferred in the lead-up to the ceremony, bringing the total number of Cairns graduates to 313.

Friday’s ceremony included 35 Bachelor of Education graduates, 25 Bachelor of Business and 22 Bachelor of Law graduands.

It was the last Cairns graduation ceremony which Chancellor Bill Tweddell presided over.

From when he first took up his duties as chancellor in 2016, to the end of Friday’s ceremony, Mr Tweddell will have personally conferred degrees on more than 3100 Cairns graduates.

“Meeting our graduates and their families is a highlight of the year for me, and these are memories I will treasure as I take my leave from the role of Chancellor,” he said.

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Past mayors Kevin Byrne and Ron Davis with former Cairns MP Desley Boyle cutting the Lagoon’s 20th birthday cake. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Fatal shooting stuns town

l MAREEBA

FRIENDS and family of a 27-year-old man shot dead by police in Mareeba on Saturday afternoon are desperate for information to understand how and why their loved one was killed as they try to come to terms with his tragic death.

Aubrey Donahue was shot following a four-hour siege which police say was triggered after they attended an address in Love Street around 11.30am to investigate a report that a man had threatened self-harm.

Police say negotiators spoke with the man who allegedly had a woman with him and refused to let her leave.

Around 3.30pm, police say the man advanced on specialist officers while armed with a knife and was shot, dying at the scene despite being given first aid and CPR.

The incident has triggered tension in the community, with many gathering at a meeting on Sunday to vent their anger and demand answers and around 500 taking part in a protest march on Monday morning through the main street of Mareeba.

His brother-in-law Dion Bermister disputed that Mr Donohue was in possession of a knife at the time of the shooting, claiming he was holding a phone and trying to give himself up at the time.

“He just wanted to give himself up and they shot him,” he said. Another man, Steven

Douglas, claimed he was the last person to speak to Mr Donahue who allegedly told him on the phone that he was going to give himself up.

“He told me he was walking out to give himself up and had a phone in his hand,” he said.

Other people wanted to know why police had not employed tasers or capsicum spray before opening fire.

Police have been clear they will not comment on the details of the case, with Acting Super-

intendent Kevin Goan taking time to explain that the matter was now in the hands of the coroner.

He said independent detectives from Brisbane’s Ethical Standards Command had interviewed the police officers involved in the shooting and all information and video footage would be handed to the coroner. He asked for patience from the community while the coroner considered all the information which will then culminate in an

inquest being held.

At Sunday’s gathering, allegations of racism were raised by several speakers, with one woman saying “black fellas’ lives matter – we matter”.

Mr Donahue’s grandmother was visibly upset at the meeting, saying her people were not treated “like all the white people”. We’re just as good as them,” she said.

Pastor Vincent Mathieson described the incident as “very sad” and one that should never

Timely opening of bridge l MOSSMAN

A KEY upgrade is now complete on Warners Bridge near Mossman, providing a welcome boost for farmers and heavy vehicle operators just in time for the 2023 sugarcane crush.

The new bridge, which passes over Cassowary Creek on Warner Road south-east of the Far North township, now has an increased 44 tonne load limit, making it more suitable to handling heavier vehicles such as sugarcane harvesters, tractors and other machinery.

The $1.25 million bridge replacement project was jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), with the Australian Government contributing $625,000 and Douglas Shire Council also tipping in $625,000.

The old timber bridge will remain open for cane trains.

have happened.“This is a tragedy that happened and it should not be – especially a young life,” he said.

“That’s just not on, what they did. It is very sad.

“There was no need for that –they could have just tasered him or something like they do with other people, but for our people, it’s something different,” he said. “It’s got to stop – we’ve got to do something as a community – he was one of our kids, we saw him grow up.”

Federal Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain said the government’s $625,000 investment in the project “will benefit farmers and locals in this sugarcane heartland, by keeping our freight industry moving and improving the road network for heavy vehicle drivers”.

Douglas Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Kerr said it was “a vital investment into a better and safer crossing for rural residents and sugarcane machinery”.

Police officers at the scene in Love St, Mareeeba, where Aubrey Donahue, 27, was fatally shot following a four-hour seige on Saturday.

Lettersto the editor

WANT TO BE HEARD?

Viable solution to housing shortage

REGARDING the shortage of rental housing.

Cairns Regional Council has the ability to find out how many houses have not used any water in the last 12 months to indicate vacancy in the long term.

The state government can track which houses have had no power consumption for 12 months.

Here at Machans Beach there is a house on O’Shea Esplanade which has been vacant for nearly 10 years.

It is not a holiday home. Its owner lives in America and has not even visited for several years.

There is no doubt there are many long-term vacant dwellings scattered around Cairns and all over Australia.

It is a social injustice that all levels of government are not prepared to identify such properties and encourage the owners to either rent or sell their properties.

It would be rational and morally justifiable for governments to do this while waiting for construction of new government-funded housing which will take years to eventuate and cost taxpayers billions of dollars of debt.

It appears that politicians and bureaucrats would rather see our fellow citizens on the streets or in tents rather than confronting those individuals whose wealth enables them to ignore the housing needs of our fellow Australians.

The shortage of rental housing is with us right now and all levels of government – federal, state and local – need to stop mouthing platitudes and get pro-active and explore all options to immediately address the housing crisis.

Deryck Thompson, Machans Beach

Sewage still being dumped on Reef

THE big hot potato of Queensland and federal politics is still going around and being pushed under the carpet.

The dumping of macerated human waste is still being dumped on the jewel in Australia’s crown - the Great Barrier Reef and it’s likely to grow come the winter months and the arrival of our peak tourist season.

State and federal environment ministers are too involved in more trivial matters to respond.

Come the winter breaks many politicians will venture north as per usual at taxpayers expense.

We need the amendments to both legislations now and the building of a pump-out facility at Port Douglas now.

The UN heritage crowd will have a field day on this issue.

Let us fix this problem, get onto all local and federal pollies.

R.H. Pollock, Mossman

Cane farm is now Cattana Wetlands

REGARDING the story Lagoon’s 20th birthday bash (March 24, 2023).

It talks of the council buying land in Yorkeys Knob for the sand. Does the council still own the land?

Vick Kandiah, Yorkeys Knob

Editor’s note: Yes. It is now Cattana Wetlands, Dunne Rd, and the holes where the sand was taken for the Esplanade Lagoon were filled with water to create the various lakes.

Youth crime is still a festering sore

IT’S been a while since my last condemnation revolving around the youth justice problem.

So, where do we start. Maybe the latest atrocities that occurred, due to the inaction by the Queensland Premier and her magistrates.

Hang in there Mr Opposition Leader because you’ll have her job come the next election and you’ll be able to instruct ‘weak’ magistrates to come down harder on our community’s mongrels and scumbags.

The cowardly bashing by three ‘animal’ girls on a 13-year-old is so sick that it beggars belief. And two are still walking the streets.

Like the girl’s mother said: “We don’t know where they are, but they know where we are”.

So if anything more were to happen to this family, who is going to stand up and take the blame? The magistrates or the Premier?

We, as humans, are different from animals because we have rules and laws, so if we don’t follow those principles, and there is no consequence (due to age) then we’re animals.

So what do we do with vicious out of control animals?

Lock them up.

Noel, Cairns

COUNCIL NEWS

Help plan the city’s future

We all love Cairns, and it is growing. How do we balance future population growth with protecting what makes Cairns special?

This question and others will be explored at the Towards 2050 Summit in Cairns on Saturday 6 May.

Council wants 80 residents from all walks of life to take part in the summit. You don’t need any special skills or prior knowledge, just a passion for Cairns and a willingness to share your opinions.

If you are a local aged 16 and over, you are the right person to take part!

Scan the QR code to find out more and register your interest or phone 4044 3061. Registrations close Tuesday 18 April.

Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked what you thought of the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and its 20th birthday celebrations? Here are some of your comments.

Despite the knockers, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon has been one of the best investments the council has made. It attracts both locals, visitors and tourists who appreciate somewhere to swim safely. It forms an important part of the greater Esplanade master plan and connects well to Ports North’s Cityport precinct. I can’t believe it is 20-years-old.

John, Manoora

Happy 20th birthday Cairns Lagoon. I love strolling down there to see many people enjoying the water, the sandy beach and the grassed areas. I argue it is the best in Australia.

Sam, Mooroobool

Mobile phone blackspot funding

APPLICATIONS have opened for mobile black spot and regional connectivity proposals reaffirming the Albanese government’s commitment to improve communications in regional, rural, remote and First Nations communities.

This is a combined grant opportunity, bringing together the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Regional Connectivity Program in two streams, and providing dedicated First Nations funding:

• The $50 million Mobile Black Spot (round 7) stream will provide grant funding to mobile network operators and infrastructure providers to deliver new handheld mobile coverage to rural, regional and remote locations across Australia.

• The $100m Regional Connectivity (round 3) stream will provide grant funding to projects

that provide place-based new or improved broadband services and/or improved mobile services in eligible locations across Australia

Both streams include dedicated funding for solutions to improve telecommunications infrastructure in First Nations communities. $22.5 million is identified in this round to support solutions that contribute towards achieving target 17 of the Closing the Gap initiative, which aims to ensure First Nations people have equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026.

The Mobile Black Spot Program is a great opportunity for locals and businesses in Far North Queensland to work together to identify projects that will help people who live, work and travel to our community.

Applications for this combined grant opportunity close on May 31, 2023.

To apply visit: grants.gov.au

Nita Green, Senator for Queensland, Cairns

The Esplanade and the Botanic Gardens and Collins Avenue upgrades were two of former mayor Kevin Byrne’s greatest achievements. But his vision for a city in a garden has gone astray with council more interested in concrete and paving areas instead of trees and shrubs. We need more greenery to cool down the concrete jungle.

Dorothy, Edge Hill

But we lost the village square in Lake Street. Everything else is done for developers and tourists. More high rises, cars, pollution. It develops more poverty, feeding more crime.

Pete, Parramatta Park

Road closure

The Esplanade Dining Precinct will be closed to traffic from Shields St to Aplin St from 3pm to 11pm on Saturday 1 April to allow for the Lagoon 20th birthday celebrations.

Improvement works

Hellmuth St, Whitfield: Water main replacement.

Hoare St, Manunda: Footpath renewal from Mayers St to Alfred St, and continuing along Alfred St to Atkinson St. Riverstone Rd, Gordonvale: Bus stop upgrade near Moller St. Survey St, Smithfield: New footpath construction.

For a full list of works visit our website.

Gazza’s Gossip

Russell has some sound ideas for Port

l PORT DOUGLAS

PART of my original intention with Gazza’s Goss was to introduce our readers to some interesting local people. In this week’s edition I certainly think this has been achieved.

The person in question is Russell Hibbs, who describes himself as an extremely well travelled musician and poet, or more specifically a bard.

Known as the ‘Bard Of Byron Bay’, Russell recently moved from northern New South Wales and has now brought his talents to the Douglas Shire. He’s more than familiar with the terrain in Far North Queensland, having made many trips to the tropics over the last 35 years.

As a now permanent fixture in paradise, Russell is starting to gain more interest from others in his passion and has recently been contributing his time, free of charge, with musical sessions at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre.

Although Russell regards his home country as Wales, he was actually born in the Middle East and spent much of his younger life in Invercargill, down the bottom end of New Zealand’s South Island.

He’s travelled to many different locations such as Afghanistan and the Malayan jungles, but made Australia home in 1981. Since then, he has visited numerous remote locations of this great land.

The Laura Dance Festival has been one such draw card, at which Russell had the privilege of meeting who he describes as the ‘old people’.

His varied travels have also taken him to the Garma Festival where he has worked on creative projects with the Yolngu people. This area known as Arnhem Land is well known for the band Yothu Yindi and their famous 90s’ song Treaty.

To add to his adventure, Russell spent a year in a remote Tasmanian cottage which, as he described,

helped dust off the bardic pages, while holding the humbling position of being a storyteller for fiveyear-old kids that, he felt, gave him a sense of proportion.

Russell has been working in the arena of music, theatre and sound since the early 1980s, founding ventures such as ‘The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet’ with Daevid Allen of the European psychedelic rock band, Gong. As a musician he has also worked locally and nationally with Mantaka, a band from Kuranda.

In the mid 90s he began developing a bardic style of performance in song and storytelling, which saw him continuing to tour festivals and concerts. Russell found an awakening in the power of story and sound.

It is believed that certain sound frequencies are beneficial to the neuro system and brain, which has been backed up by the scientists who are now supporting these ancient modalities.

Himalayan singing bowls have come into Russell’s life over these past years and he now utilises them as tools of potential transformation, relaxation and stress release.

In summary, Russell’s medicine pouch now includes, instruments from around the world, a hint of song, a touch of story, relaxing sounds and a bundle of fun. With these skills, Russell has worked in venues that include both schools and retirement homes.

The next performance at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre is planned for April 1, so contact the centre for more information.

It all sounds good to me, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send

Russell’s full instrument line up including his Himalayan singing bowls. INSET: Well-travelled character Russell Hibbs.

School holiday fun

A 45-MINUTE ride off the coast of Cairns, Fitzroy Island continues to be a favourite with locals and overseas visitors alike.

Described as the perfect island getaway, Fitzroy Island offers a unique tropical paradise for locals without having to look too far from home.

Considered a national park in almost its entirety, Fitzroy Island boasts rainforest-covered mountains, rocky headlands, unspoilt coral beaches and calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

The destination has lots to offer for those

who are looking to explore, go snorkelling or hiking, and for those who want to relax on the sandy shores of Nudey Beach, voted the best beach in Australia.

For visitors who prefer land-based activities, Fitzroy Island has got 9kms of walking trails through tropical rainforest with spectacular views out to Green Island from 269 metres above sea level.

With Sunlover Reef Cruises, an eco-certified tour operator, travellers can experience the beauty of the island with comfort.

The tourism operator provides a short

45-minute ride in their air-conditioned catamaran and a multitude of activities to join like paddleboarding, kayaking, and glass bottom boat tours to get up close and personal with the diverse marine life around the island.

Fitzroy Island is the perfect destination for adventure seekers, families, and those who just want to relax, and service providers like Sunlover allows travellers to create their own island adventure and experience the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Pack your bags and get ready for a trip of a lifetime with Sunlover to Fitzroy Island.

Photo: TTNQ

Mareeba Drive-In Movie Times

Palm Cove Tourism

Relaxation in Palm Cove

PALM Cove is regarded as a top-tier holiday getaway with a diverse range of activities and entertainment for the perfect tropical vacation.

Centred around an esplanade lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees, Palm Cove is a small beachside village with a lot of charm.

Although small in size, Palm Cove has a great catalogue of activities for visitors who enjoy peace and quiet. From walking barefoot on the beach, riding a bike across town, buying fresh seafood from local shops and barbecuing on the beach to hiring a kayak and taking a detour to Double Island; there’s something for everyone.

For those looking for a more relaxing and self-care focused experience, Palm Cove, which was dubbed the spa capital of Australia, can supply just that with its extensive spa offerings in town; visitors can enjoy a spa day with specialised treatments in serene rooms tucked away in the rainforest or in open air pavilions by the beach.

Beyond the activities, visitors will be treated to beautiful sunsets, pristine beaches and breathtaking views of the rainforest that will keep them coming back for more.

Palm Cove is not only a destination for visitors to discover, but a tropical paradise only 26 minutes away from Cairns for locals to enjoy and take a break from the city life to spoil themselves, or treat the family to an unforgettable day of relaxation and fun.

and restore

TimeOut

Rocking and rolling show

Music veterans to kick up a storm at popular CBD venue

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

VETERANS of the Far North’s music scene return to the Reef Hotel Casino over the next three days.

Casino entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said the venue had been one of the city’s best supporters of local live music for more than 26 years.

“Not only do we continue to nurture new talent, but we continue to present the veterans of the industry,” he said.

“Our patrons are loving it. It’s great to see these bands are not only attracting the wider market into the complex every week, but also impressing the younger market with their musicality and swagger.”

This weekend Cairns legend musos Hot Ice, Funhouse and Cairns’ favourite son Tony George with his band will be playing at BAR36.

“Some of these musicians have been playing Cairns since the 80s and 90s and continue to roll out a great night of fantastic professional live music,” Mr Stewart said.

Tony George features tonight with his special brand of Aussie party rock and huge dance hits.

“Tony not only rolls out the best of Aussie classics but adds dance anthems such as Wake Me Up by Avicii, a little MJ and more to keep the dance floor jumping,” said Mr Stewart.

“Tony has been providing 20 years of high-quality live band entertainment specialising in live music cover bands, entertaining corporate events, conference welcomes, conference dinners, incentive groups, gala awards nights, weddings, functions and parties of all nature.

“Tony shows his true versatility however when he rocks the BAR36 stage with a full rock ‘n’roll show band,” he said.

“On Saturday Funhouse, Cairns’ premier party band, plays with massive party anthems all night. From Elton to Pat Benatar and everything in between, Funhouse features local lads Ray Lamari and Steve Rockman who have been playing venues since the 90s.

“On Sunday, a band that has been part of the entertainment scene since the 80s, Hot Ice presents a chilled Sunday session with arguably the best three-part harmonies in town.

“Front man Glenn ‘Simmo’ Symons has not lost any of his vocal range delivering a pure clean crisp vocal and is backed by his band members Laurie Ernst and Neil Hodgson, who take you on a musical journey from Crowded House and Eagles to Bee Gees and Tom Petty.”

Popular tropical food fest

l INNISFAIL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH over 4000 visitors across four days, Innisfail’s most iconic tropical food festival successfully bid farewell to its 20th edition.

After a rough patch with COVID-19, Feast of the Senses continues attracting a steady number of local and interstate visitors to enjoy the best treats the Cassowary Coast offers.

Feast of the Senses Secretary Kerry Linton said the event was a total success, positively impacting the local economy.

“It was a great success; most events were booked out in advance, and we had a huge crowd on Sunday at the River Feast,” she said.

“The weather was fantastic; we got off to a wet start, but by 7.30am the clouds had cleared, and we had a beautiful day.

“Roughly 4-5000 people attended, which is a great turnout.

“We attract lots of people and visitors from Queensland, but we had people in our food trails from Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

“There’s a big impact on the economy; people are coming to the Far North to be here, and it’s at least a four-day stay, so all the motels are generally full, and people come in their caravans and stay in caravan parks, lots of people visit the cafes and even parking can be tough to find.”

Ms Linton said this year’s most popular events, besides the iconic River Feast on Sunday, were the food trails.

She is calling on the community to become volunteers for next year’s event.

Tony George will be rocking BAR36 at the Reef Hotel Casino tonight.

TimeOut

Artist inspires all to show their creativity

l YORKEYS KNOB

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AN artist living with scleroderma will be exhibiting her paintings at the Artists of the North exhibition, aiming to send an inspiring message that anyone can become an artist.

Yorkeys Knob retiree Molly Duncan will be a part of the Artists of the North exhibition at the Tanks Arts Centre from April 1 to May 7. She will also be holding workshops at the Tanks through April.

The Cairns Arts Society Artists of the North exhibition aim to celebrate the skills and talent of the region’s artists; the 2023 theme is Future Memories.

After being diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that replaces normal tissues with thick fibrous tissue,

Ms Duncan, who was always a creative person, thought she would never be able to become an artist.

Her hands were the most affected by the disease, developing acute arthritis, and losing sensation and the ability to hold and grab things.

In 2019, Ms Duncan discovered oil and cold wax painting which changed her life forever.

“Everyone can do art, I can’t even hold a brush with my hands, but I found a way,” she said.

“My husband and I moved from Perth to Cairns because my hands needed the warmth, and then three years ago, I had to get a triple bypass, and while I was recovering, I came across oil and cold wax medium in abstracts.

“I thought, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before be-

cause you don’t use paintbrushes, you use silicon tools, and it’s great for me because the angles fit right in my hands, and it just went on from there.”

By 2020 Ms Duncan was focusing solely on art, holding workshops and preparing her first solo exhibition to launch in 2022.

“This gave me a new lease on life,” she said.

“It had to happen; if I hadn’t been diagnosed I probably would have never become an artist. I see a lot of people that think, ‘I can’t do art’ or ‘my hands are bad’, and I always tell them, ‘well, mine are worse’, don’t worry about it, just play with it.”

For the exhibition, Ms Duncan submitted three pieces, Brunswick Heads – Simple Pleasures, A Lucky Escape at Yorkey’s Knob and Dusk.

Entering is as easy as 1, 2, 3

1: Like the Cairns Local News Facebook page

“I mostly paint places I’ve been in and how I see them,” she said.“You mix the oil paints with the cold wax, and you spread it, then you lay layers of colour over it and use kitchen tools like toothpicks to peel them back, create shapes, and unveil the colours underneath it.”

Ms Duncan said through her artwork, she wanted to inspire people from all walks of life, with disability or illnesses, to give art a chance.

“I love it because it gives me life,” she said.

“If I didn’t have this, what would I be doing? And it has helped with my health.

“You’ll also meet so many people and make so many friends.”

To book Ms Duncan’s workshops, visit http://bit.ly/3TRx2CV

2: Leave a comment about where you get your copy of the Cairns Local News

3: Sit back and enjoy a cuppa!

Winners will be notified by Facebook message, so make sure you’re following us to be able to receive a message from us.

Molly Duncan, who lives with scleroderma, and her latest piece of work, Simple Pleasures. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Cairns Local News is giving 3 READERS the chance to win a double pass to the latest VMax cinema experience at Event Cinemas Earlville.

VMax offers giant state-of-the-art digital screens with comfort contoured high back seats, tables and double the leg room to give you a movie watching experience like no other!

WHAT’S ON

ANDY WARHOL / ROY LICHTENSTEIN EXHIBITION

l FRI MARCH 31, 10AM-5PM

The names Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are synonymous with the influential and international pop art revolution that swept the world in the 1960s.

Exhibition Runs: 25th March - 18th June 2023

Cost: Free Entry

Location: Cairns Art Gallery

IMAGE: Andy Warhol, artist / United States of America 1928-1987 / Multiples, Inc. (publisher) / Portraits from Artists and Photographs (Self portrait) 1970 / offset lithography, synthetic polymer paint / National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra

LOS CARACOLES, AMAZONAS & HOOLIA

l FRI MARCH 31, 7PM

LOS CARACOLES:

North Queensland Latin band, brings original storytelling to life through lively Latin percussion and authentic rhythms. Support acts: The Amazonas and Hoolia.

Location: Tanks Arts Centre

Cost: from $15.00

Book your tickets through ticketlink.

CAIRNS MUSEUM EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

l SAT APRIL 1, 10AM-4PM

Colouring In Competition : Lucky winners will have their colouring in sheets framed and hung in the Kids Workshop Space for 2023 as well as a Cairns Museum Prize Pack! Collect your sheet from Museum Reception and head to the Verandah to do your best work.

Location: Cairns Museum

When: Monday to Saturday

Times: 10:00am-4:00pm

Ages: All Ages No booking required.

KIDS ART WORKSHOPS CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l TUE APRIL 4, 10AM-11:30AM

School holidays are abuzz with excitement and creativity. Each holiday period Cairns Art Gallery offers a dynamic program of specialised art workshops to inspire kids aged 4 – 14 years. Each holidays bring new and imaginative ideas, and every artist takes home a stylish creation to be proud of! Check out the range of classes on Cairns Art Gallery website.

www.cairnsartgallery.com.au/whats-on/events

FRIDAY

The Vibes - Dunwoodys, 4.00pm

CAIRNS 50 ULTRAMARATHON GLENOMA PARK, REDLYNCH

l APRIL 1 & APRIL 2

Cairns 50 Ultra is a 50km ultra run through the Redlynch Valley rainforest and cane fields. The event includes 50km, 30km, 10km events. Saturday April 1st: Family Funday includes 5km, 2km and 1km events for kids and families. Then enjoy the festivities with jumping castles, face painting, food/drink and much more Sunday April 2nd: The Cairns 50. For more information: www.cairns50.com.au

Janna Mercedes - Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, 5.00pm

Pete Bennett - Mayhem at Machans Café Bar, 5.30pm

Denim Blues - Mission Beach Blues Bar & Café, 6.00pm

Kim Settle and John Comrie - Edge Hill Bowls Club, 6.00pm

Nick Atherton - Lion’s Den, 6.00pm

Infinity Duo - Cazalys Cairns, 6.30pm

Sax Man Troy Stevens - The Benson Hotel, 6.30pm

Los Caracoles, Amazonas & Hoolia - Tanks Arts

Centre, 7.00pm

Andrea & Louie - Trinity Beach Sports Club, 7.30pm

Spare Tyre Politics - Elixir Music House, 8.00pm

Tony George - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

Big Noise - PJ O’Briens, 9.30pm

SATURDAY

Marty Bell - Palm Cove SLSC, 2.00pm

Janna Mercedes - The Beach House Trinity Beach, 3.00pm

Andrea & Louie - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, 3.00pm

Lady Valiant - Macalister Brewing Company, 5.30pm

Christina Ukulele - The Vine Room, 6.00pm

Tanya Murphy - Cazalys Cairns, 6.15pm

Music Bingo - Edge Hills Bowls Club, 7.00pm

Infinity Duo - Brothers Leagues Club Cairns, 7.00pm

Tinderbox - Elixir Music House, 7.00pm

Bohemian Rhapsody - CPAC Theatre, 7.30pm

Kaweyova - Central Hotel, Port Douglas, 7.30pm

Waiting for Alice - Red Beret Hotel, 8.00pm

Wild Willy - The Jack, 9.00pm

Funhouse - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 9.00pm

Big Noise - PJ O’Briens, 9.30pm

LEGO WORKSHOP MANUNDA LIBRARY

l SAT APRIL 1-APRIL 6, 9AM–5PM

LEGO® enthusiasts are invited to take on the ‘Build a LEGO® Coral Reef’ challenge. Help Manunda library build a wonderful Coral Reef world with creatures, plants and coral made from LEGO®. Have your special LEGO® creation featured and displayed Manunda’s Virtual Reef Adventure event on the 5 April.

Registration is not required.

SUNDAY

Let’s Dance Around the World - Tanks Arts Centre, 10.00am

DjGlennW - Dundees at the Cairns Aquarium, 11.30am

Wasabi Barbie - Elixir Music House, 12.30pm

Bobby Maguire - Dunwoodys, 2.00pm

Katie Richards - Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns, 2.00pm

Sunset Ragga - Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook, 3.00pm

Nicole Nighthawk - The Fox Small Bar, 3.00pm

Shannon Hunter - Sauce Brewing Co, 3.30pm

Kaweyova - Salthouse, 5.00pm

Hot Ice - Bar36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, 7.30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

WORD SEARCH

Weekly Horoscopes

Snap out of it. If you take on too much, you will find yourself in martyrdom. Help elders in your family. You don’t like confrontations at the best of times; however, you may find them difficult to avoid.

You can make favourable changes in your home environment. Take time to find out all you can. This may not be the time to lend or borrow. Avoid extravagance or risky financial schemes.

CROSSWORD

Find out more if you want to start your own business. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. You can win if you’re open and up front with your boss. Red tape could be impossible to clear up this week.

Someone you least expect may not have your best interests at heart.

Attend to things that you should have done yesterday. Don’t be too eager to dismiss someone who works under you. You should be traveling to that exotic destination you’ve been dreaming about.

You should catch up on correspondence. Don’t use emotional blackmail on someone you love. You will have to do a lot of running around, so be prepared to fall short of your expectations. You will easily blow situations out of proportion.

There’s lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you’ll be in your boss’s good books. You’ve been a little down and you need a lift. You may find acquaintances being deceptive. Don’t divulge secret information.

You may be frazzled this week. Your creative ideas will be put to good use if you dig in and do things around the house that will make your family happy. Have a heart-toheart talk with family and find out what the problems are.

ACROSS

Changes in your home will be positive. Your home may be in an uproar, and you are best to stay out of the line of fire if possible. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected. You will probably have to defend your mate.

New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. Your lover may not understand your needs so you must figure out a way to communicate them. Be cautious when dealing with co-workers. Your unique approach to life will interest others.

Don’t let individuals with wild schemes talk you into a financial deal that is not likely to be successful. You will be extremely receptive to new and progressive methods at work. Rely on the one you love for support and affection. Your charm will attract someone special.

Travel will enhance romance and adventure. You will have to be careful not to let infatuations with colleagues get out of hand. Spend some time on yourself. Don’t be afraid to make a move if you aren’t happy with your emotional situation.

1. relating to the interaction of mind and body (13)

8. a loose flowing outer garment worn by the citizens of ancient Rome (4)

9. a roll in which the plane follows a spiral course (6,4)

10. an occasion when a packed meal is eaten outdoors (6)

11. a building for storing ice, typically one situated partly underground (8)

intended result (9)

20. a time during each day with heavy traffic (4,4)

21. a lion, tiger, or other large wild feline animal (3,3)

23. an enclosed chair for carrying one person (5,5)

24. to state or assert to be the case (4)

25. a powder formulation for making custard (7,6)

DOWN

1. a condition or qualification attached to an agreement (7)

2. to have an intense feeling of longing for something (5)

3. a portable cooking apparatus similar to a small barbecue (7)

4. uncomplicated and easy to do (15)

5. showing more patience and humility than others (6)

6. a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims (9)

7. orchestral percussion instrument resembling a small upright piano (7)

13. a habitual user of the drug LSD (4,5)

15. French pianist and composer (7)

You might find that a co-worker has been two faced. Don’t forget family obligations. Try not to be so demonstrative. Try to put your money away for a rainy day.

12. the exponent that indicates the power to which a base number is raised to produce a given number (9)

14. a shiny silicate mineral (4)

15. an activity for which you are given money (4)

16. successful in producing a desired or

17. an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country (7)

18. a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, unpaid (7)

19. an instance of catching someone out (6)

22. an organ in the body which secretes particular chemical substances (5)

Invest in the heart of Innisfail

TAKE the plunge and invest in a commercial property on the main street of Innisfail.

This property is located on the junction of Grace, Gordon and Edith streets and includes two leased commercial spaces on the ground level and two residential units upstairs with long term tenants.

Shop 1 is 158sqm and includes a sink, smoko room and toilet. Shop 2 at the front is 88sqm plus another 99sqm at the front and 96sqm at the rear. The shop also includes a sink, a smoko room, two toilets plus a shower.

The total floor area of both shops is 451 sqm,

plus a back veranda of 148 sqm and a front veranda of 200 sqm. The rent of units 1 and 2 is $160 per week ($16,640 a year), while shop 1 is $1080 per month ($12,460 a year) and shop 2 $1300 per month ($15,600 per annum). Total yearly income is $45,200 per annum.

The property is close to medical centres and the hospital, playgrounds and parks, a public pool, public transport, schools, other shops and sports facilities.

Call A&A Realty team on 4061 1466

Price: $575,000 Commercial property

Motoring

Targa rally returns to tropics with discounted fees offered

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

| Nick Dalton

TARGA Great Barrier Reef is returning to the Far North in September with entries now open for the motorsport event.

Last year’s event was cancelled while Motorsport Australia conducted a review of the rallies after multiple fatalities involved in the Tasmanian circuit, including a death of a 59-year-old driver last year. There have been no deaths at the event in the Far North.

Following the release of the review panel report in late February, Targa Great Barrier Reef throughout the re-

gion will be run from September 1-3.

In a bid to draw competitors, discounts on entry fees are being offered.

Targa chief executive Mark Perry said for the first time, entry fees would be based on competitors, instead of the cars they drove, with discounts applied based on time of entry and/or more importantly, years of competition.

Years of attendance discounts start at just five years, which is applicable to people entering their fifth event of the same name and so on through to 30 years.

He said fully paid pricing also returned for the first time in many years, providing further discounted entry fee options.

For example competitors who make

TABLELAND DISTRIBUTOR FOR:

a complete payment when entering, it will cost $3400, while an early bird pays $4400 and the regular fee is $4900. The discount fee for a fiveyear veteran is $2900.

“It has been a very interesting period in Targa’s long and successful history, one no one would have imagined just five years ago,” Mr Perry said.

“On the back of the restrictions imposed during COVID, we have had to navigate through multiple tragedies and our sincere thoughts remain with all those affected by these incidents.

“Everyone wants to see a bright future for Targa, but we can’t sugar coat the challenges we face, and the reality is that only our customers can ensure our survival.

“It has always been an obvious fact that Targa requires very large fields of cars to operate at the scale it does, so we need them, old and new, to join us on the journey ahead, if we all wish to continue living out our Targa dreams.

“There is plenty of news to come with course layouts and other exciting innovations due for release in the weeks and months ahead.”

Some of the most spectacular driving roads in the Far North are used for Targa Great Barrier Reef.

The first event was in 2018, followed by 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The roads have included the Kuranda and Gillies range roads and Lake Morris Rd to the Copperlode Dam behind the Cairns CBD. In the past there

have been 18 stages over 900km. Other stages have been held near Gordonvale, Yungaburra, Malanda, Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe, Innisfail and Mission Beach.

Special events have also been held on the Cairns Esplanade, Atherton, Malanda, Ravenshoe and Innisfail.

In 2021, a new event, the Cavalcade, travelled through northern Cairns with the “stars and cars” under police escort going through Aeroglen, Stratford, Freshwater, Kamerunga, Redlynch and finishing off at Brinsmead.

Most road closures are up to five hours with three for six hours maximum.

The event usually starts outside the Reef Hotel Casino on the first morning.

Children wave and watch competitors in a Lotus sportscar on the Cairns Esplanade during the 2021 Targa Great Barrier Reef.

A 1967 HR Holden ute is tested on a Far Northern country road.

A 2018 Nissan GT-R is pushed through a tight mountain bend.

Motoring Safety first for female buyers

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

| Nick Dalton

WHEN it comes to cars, safety is the single most important feature desired by women, according to a global survey commissioned by South African insurer 1st for Women with members of the global Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury.

Carried out by South African WWCOTY juror Charleen Clarke, the survey has found that practicality, performance, and space are all tied in second place.

The WWCOTY jurors have highlighted other features that are important for women.

“I recently conducted a survey into the most wanted automotive features by women and around 14, 000 female motorists participated. The outcome was that safety features and the seating position (the higher, the better) are extremely important to women,” said Tina

Vujanović, who represents Serbia on WWCOTY.

Safety is a key consideration when buying a car in many countries. Mebi Nguyễn, who represents Vietnam on WWCOTY, agrees that it is paramount. “Women look for safety features like a backup camera, blind spot monitoring, and ABS. They also look for convenience features such as storage pockets, cupholders, and air-conditioning,” she said.

Elana Scherr, who represents the USA, also rates safety highly. “I know many of my female friends prioritise safety ratings and fuel economy, followed by appearance and interior,” she said.

But safety is not the only key consideration for women when it comes to buying a car. Their purchasing decision is based on multiple factors such as behaviour and performance.

Kurcz Erzsébet Magyarország –who represents Hungary on the jury – says that handling and reliability

are critical to most women.

“The following qualities are important in a car: handling, ease of operation, safety, power, an aesthetic interior, and environmental impact. The most important consideration for me is reliability,” she expands.

All this shows that women’s approach to the automotive world is more rational than emotional.

Fran Muñoz, the WWCOTY jury member from Chile, emphasises that – contrary to popular belief –women rely on the head rather than the heart when it comes to choosing a car.

“Women are increasingly well informed and are always interested in having as much information as possible at hand when deciding to buy a car,” she said.

Nicole Wakelin, another jury member representing the USA, said women look for features that simplify day-to-day life, such as room for kids and all their stuff, as well as easy access for squirming toddlers.

Monika Marroquin is the only

female motoring journalist in Guatemala.

Motoring Mazda BT-50s roll into town

l WESTCOURT

| Nick Dalton

AROUND 100 Mazda BT-50

four-wheel-drive dual cab utes have started arriving at Westco Mazda in Cairns.

Westco Mazda general manager Scott King said there were models across the range in stock or arriving soon.

“Unlike other dual cab brands, we have BT-50s available for immediate delivery. No delays whatsoever,” he said.

“Most of them are dual cabs and autos with a selection of colours. We have XTR LEs, SPs and Thunders available.”

Based on the XTR model grade, the Mazda BT-50 LE gains Mazda genuine accessories in the form of a single hooped polished alloy bull bar, polished sports bar and the heavy-duty tub liner, which offers ultimate protection against dents and scratches.

Locally engineered for the Australian market, the polished bull bar has been designed to integrate fully with the safety systems of the vehicle, ensuring crumple zones, airbag and assi-

stance systems are unhindered.

Intensive R&D and real-world testing has confirmed there is also no adverse effect on engine or transmission cooling. Manufactured from high-qua-

lity stainless steel and featuring an integrated brake light, the polished sports bar fully completes the tough yet elegant exterior.

These items are in addition to the already extensive equipment

list fitted as standard, which includes dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, advanced keyless entry, reverse camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

All versions of the Mazda BT-50 LE will be offered as a dual-cab pickup 4x4 with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, finished in the

attractive ingot silver metallic paint hue.

Priced from $68,925, the BT50 LE represents a $2500 saving for customers overall compared to specifying the same accessories separately.

The first-ever Mazda BT-50 SP introduces the significant SP badge to Mazda’s utility vehicle for the first time.

The factory-produced BT50 SP uses a combination of black and grey exterior features to give a sporty appeal. Building on the highly specified GT, which already includes heated front seats and an auto-dimming interior mirror, the SP adds metallic grey roof rails, black grille, gunmetal signature wing, gloss black exterior mirrors and door handles, satin black 18in alloy wheels, grey side steps, black and Driftwood leather with synthetic suede interior trim, manually-operated black roller tonneau cover, tub liner, gloss black sail-plane sport bar, front bumper lower decoration trim and gloss black wheel flares. BT-50 SP is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine, with 140kW.

The $78,316 factory-produced Mazda BT-50 Thunder is the top-of-the range version of the dual cab ute.

Local directory

Local News Cairns

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Friday March 31st

DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR

Do you love everything about the digital world? Are you a creative type who loves producing fun and engaging content? This fun, new role could be for you!

Make this role your own – working with a wider team you can use your creative flair and skills to produce engaging content for a variety of digital platforms.

• Attractive and competitive wage

• Fun team environment

• Drive content creation for two locally owned and independent newspapers in FNQ

• Flexibility to work from home and office and structure your own working hours.

• No day will be the same, always new projects and content

The perfect role for someone with videography and digital content creation skills, looking to join a hardworking team in the newspaper industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute content for social media platforms that align with Portasea Group’s brand values

• Create the following to promote the newspapers and engage with audiences:

- Weekly interactive content

- User-generated content

- Behind the scenes content

• Write compelling copy and create photos/videos for social media platforms and websites

• Work closely with our team to create weekly content that showcases their experiences with our brand

• Collaborate with the editorial team and other departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all platforms

• Analyse and report on social media metrics and adjust the content strategy as needed to improve engagement and reach

• Stay up to date with social media trends and best practices

• Drone operation for content

• Recording, filming, and editing of video clips

• Video editing and production

In order to be successful in this role, you will need:

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines

• Experience in content creation for social media platforms

• Demonstrated experience with filming video clips

• Proficiency with photography/videography specifically for social media channels

• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading ability

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with a team

• Strong attention to detail

• Excellent communication, both verbal and written

• Passion and energy within the role - desire to create innovative, engaging and exciting work

If you have the experience and passion to succeed in this position, please apply immediately. Please have a link to your current portfolio of work ready to provide during the interview process.

Contact Carl Portella

Applications

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

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

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

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

FNQ Markets

Saturday April 1st

Atherton: 1 Golf Links Drive, 6:00-12:00

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

Gordonvale Cottage Markets: Norman Park, 07:00-12:00

Koah: Koah Hall, Koah Rd, 08:00-12:00

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

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

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

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

NIAGARA MASSAGE BED

Single, in good condition, fully working. $2,000.00.

Contact Jeneice 0448 244 730

Sunday April 2nd

Lady 75 years seeks health conscious friend.

Write to:

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

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

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

Mission Beach Markets: Opposite Hideaways, 07:00-12:00

Palm Cove: Williams Esplanade, 08:00-14:00

Port Douglas: by St Mary’s Church, 07:30-14:00

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

Tolga: Morrow Park Racecourse, 07:00-12.00

Sport Results

MOSSMAN LADIES’ BOWLS

Thursday March 23rd: 21 bowlers for singles final: winner: Janice Brlyack; R/up: Christy Colley. B Grade singles winner: Leonie Sims; R/ up: Trish Arnold. Social bowls winners: Pauline Lightfoot, Carmen Bolten and Pam Widdows; R/ups: Leonie Sims, Margaret Cooper and Trish Arnold. Pam Widdows received her Veterans badge for her 70 years! 1st prize raffle won by Greta Kessler. 2nd prize by Jan Stokes. Sunday mixed social bowls winners: Brian King and Ian Bailey. The numbers were down on Sunday due to a fundraiser held for our local youth, Couper Smith on the Saturday. Winners: Trish Arnold and Leonie Sims; R/ up: Honey C. To play on Thursday, names in by 12pm and we play at 1pm. All welcomed, whether beginners or not. Free coaching is available. Look to the board for any players wishing to put their name down for Pennants and other Competitions. For more information, please contact Carole Maxted: caroles44bb@dodo.com.au or 0400 954 537. Contact Mossman Bowls Club on 40981434.

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S

BOWLS CLUB

Friday scroungers winner: Irene Crampton; R/up: Pauline Bent. Tuesday afternoon winner: A Sanderson, Rod Morris and John Rilley, 22pts; R/up: Eddie Czarnecki, Steve Howells and Wayne Vella, 17pts and +4 in the second game. The jackpot was not won on the day. Thirsty Thursday best players: Norma Wright, John Reid, Rolly and Edna. Sunday winners: Stan Williams, Bill Berger and George Atkinson, 20pts; R/up: Glen Blades Neil Mallyon and Mal Taylor, 12pts and +10 in the second game. Jackpot of $448 was won by Johno’s team (-8). Club Championship Season

2023: Singles winner: Steve Howells, 25pts; R/up: Normy Hall, 24 pts. 4’s A grade semifinal winner: Scott Carlon, Terry Mawer, Phill Buntain and Steve Smith, 23 pts; R/up: Trevor Moulds, John Wilcox, Des Lazarus and Mal Taylor, 22pts. The game was all locked up after 21 ends and was decided in the Golden End by one point. A grade pairs winners: Maurie Hetherton and Steve Kavanagh, 30pts; R/up: Jim Carr and Boris Mlikota, 15 pts. The Draw for the A grade pairs and singlesskips to organise their games to play. Saturday’s and after

3:30pm most days except Tuesday is available to organise your Club competition games, also check with Helen to confirm the available times to play.

MAREEBA BOWLS CLUB

Wednesdays: Club selected games 2x 12 ends, 12.30pm for 1pm start. Tuesdays: Barefoot bowls names in by 6pm, play 6.30pm. Come And Try Bowls and bowls available Club and bar open every Tuesday night. For information and nominations ph 4092 5288. Thursday

jackpot pairs winners: V Triaboschi & E Tiraboschi; R/up: P&G Kriesel. Best of second game: N Gray, R Keddie. A grade singles final: E Tiraboschi def G Kriesel. Consistency

singles final: V Tiraboschi def E Lennord. Sunday March 26

winners: S Soda, L Plowman.

MOSSMAN MEN’S BOWLS

Saturday March 25th: 26

bowlers for Jackpot Bowls: Ted Holmes, John Arnold def Terry Richards, Peter Worley

23-22; Ranald Edwards, Daryl Hoskins, Brian King def Sas, Peter McGrory, Tony Brlyack

21-11; David Blain, Peter Riley, Nev Tesch (11 ends) def Steve Hudson, Richard Anderson Col Maxted 28-17; Bill Smith, Jock Constantine, Bob Carroll (14 ends) def Mick Plummer, Bruce Lester, Peter Gorsuch 2413; and the winners for the day, David White, Michael Sims (17 ends) def Col Widdows, Bill Allison 30-19. Sunday March 26th: Club championships handicap singles: Peter Riley (0) def Gerrard Beech (-6), 2515; Ranald Edwards (-6) def Peter Worley (0), 25-18; and Troy Churchill (0) def John Cochrane (-10), 25-11. In the B Grade Singles, Sas def Bob Carroll, (250) and David White def Steve Hudson, (25-20). Jackpot Bowls this Saturday. Names in by 12 noon with card call at 12.45pm for a 1pm start. To register ring the Club on 4098 1434. Club Championship games scheduled for this week. Wednesday handicap singles: Michael Sims (0) vs Steve Hudson (0); Saturday pairs: John Cochrane and Ranald Edwards vs David White and Sas; A Grade Singles, Kiwi vs Greg McLean; Charlie Toohey vs David White; and Mick Frese vs Ranald Edwards. A reminder that a marker is required for the singles games. We have entered a team (Malachy McTaggart, Peter Busch, David White) to play in the BPL Preliminary Cup to be hosted

by Marlin Coast Bowls Club on Sunday May 14th. Format will be 2 bowl triples, two sets of five ends with one power play each set. A one end tiebreaker will be played if required. If other members wish to enter a team of 3 players (max 4 players can be nominated), please contact David White to arrange registration (team cost $60). Calendar of events for March and April now posted on the noticeboard. Please note that the John Hocking Day will be held on Saturday May 20th, details will be advised in due course. Anyone interested in playing bowls, either for the first time or returning to the game, contact David White on 0407 630 759. Follow Mossman Bowls Club Men’s Section on Facebook and www. mossmanbowlsclub.com.au.

INNISFAIL MENS

Thursday afternoon social bowls winners: Mick DeVries, Doug Juhas and Rob Croatto. Visitors and new members most welcome. Names in by 12.30pm for a 1pm start. Club Pairs: Sergio DellaPozza and Steve Stoter def John Fossey and Peter Broccardo. We need more club games to be played ASAP. The Pennants games will be starting in the near future. Please let the selectors know of your availability. After going through the regular season undefeated we tripped at the last hurdle going down to Cairns in the final of the Barry Wallis Shield. A huge thank you the Wallis family for their continued support.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

CLUB

Tuesday afternoon men’s triples: winenrs: Jock, Bob Smith, Peter Williamson; R/up: J Finney, N Smith, D Glover. Spider: Chriss, Keith, Paper, Ian,

Michelle, Chris. Wednesday mixed bowls winners: Danny, Shane; R/up: L Roberts, Sheldon. Thursday mixed triples winners: Rose, Gary, Robbo; R/up: Bob, Steve P, Ross. Club Championships: Men’s fours final: R Gillman, J Walford, S Mann, D Turner def G Midson, S Bettess, A Tymms, B O’Connor, 24-5; B Smith, B O’Connor def Bob, G Mcfarlane, 27-22; Men’s Pairs: S Pitt, N Robson def S Vidgen, D Gibson 23-17; All bowlers, non-bowlers and tourists welcome. Bowls available for free, phone 4057 6931. Note: All social games played, cards are called 15 minutes before start. Club championships to be played: Check boards for play by dates for Championship games. Like us on Facebook.

EDGE HILL BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Bowls: Thursday March 23rd social bowls winners: Lorraine King, Irene Crampton and Elaine Whitehead; R/ups: Mary SantAngelo, Yvonne Bolton and Jeannie Wild. Ladies, please put your names in by 1pm for a 1.30pm start on Thursday March 30th.

Men’s Championship Bowls: Club championship A singles winner: Darren Curry; R/up: Peter Whitehead, 25-23. Wednesday March 22nd winners: Lou Pomroy, Greg Thimios and Frank Battye; R/up: George Taylor, Steve and Mal Taylor. Cairns Senior High School year 12 bowling classes will continue this week with 3 sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Please continue to volunteer to assist with these class groups. Check the club notice board for session times and your availability to assist. Upcoming events: Great Barrier Reef Masters Games May 25th-28th. Club Bowls

Davies; G Cann, J Blain, S Parris, D Stewart def M Capper, B Penny, J Populin, D Jacoora. Coming Events: Saturday April 1st: Mixed mufti 3 bowls triples. Visitors welcome, nominations close 11.30am for play at 12.30pm, contact the office on 4055 5344 and leave a message. Monday April 3rd: Club championship fours: M Parris, R Pamphilon, M Catalano, D Lawton vs G Moule, A Smith, T MacGregor, G Hickey; G Cann, J Blain, S Parris, D Stewart vs D Cairns, B Power, Q Bates, S McQuade. Result of matches to be completed by April 16th. Wednesday April 5th: Men’s self-select 3 Bowl Triples. Nominations close 11.30am for play at 12.30pm contact Don Stewart on 0427816894.

Premier League (BPL) will be held on June 4th. Both events require nomination online. Check with the Club or Social Bowls Booking forms on Edge Hill Club website and check out our Facebook page for more detail. You can also contact Ray Webster 0402 182 230 for social bowls assistance and volunteering your time or ring the Club 07 4053 1036.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Wednesday social bowls at 1pm; Thursday club selected 3 bowl pairs: names by 12.30pm for 1pm start. Friday March 31st 5pm: bare foot bowls, newcomers welcome. Why not bring the family & enjoy a sausage sizzle or a steak burger after 6pm. Club phone 40561050 (if unattended please leave message & we will return your call). Results from last week all games cancelled due to inclement weather, but work on the green didn’t stop, so a big thank you to all of our volunteers. Games Director has called the next games in the Championship Singles for April 8th: please check board at the club.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS CLUB

Ladies Section: Thursday March 23rd championship singles semi-finals: T McAlary def G Buttigieg; D Hester def D Quinn. Coming Events: Thursday April 6th: Social bowls as usual.

Men’s Section: Wednesday March 22nd winners: M Catalano, J Jackson, R Morris; R/up: S McQuade, G Rizzo, G Cann. Saturday March 25th winners: Naoko Kina, R Moody, M Greenwood. Championship Fours: M Parris, R Pamphilon, M Catalano, D Lawton def R Morris, M Colmer, J Jackson, G

WEST CAIRNS TPI

MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB

Warm conditions welcomed the twelve players who played social mixed bowls at West Cairns Bowls Club last Monday afternoon. Winners: John Frisch, Len Kensdale and Gwen Cory were declared the winning team by the drawing of a playing card. Names can be forwarded until 12pm to Rosemary on 049624623 and any visitors will be made very welcome. Weather is not normally a problem as the green is carpet covered with a fixed roof and protection on the sides to stop any heavy rain. Afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks are included in the green fee collected and club bowls are available. Make sure you visit us soon.

MILLAA MILLAA GOLF

Sunday March 26th: Stroke event sponsored by Hugh and Robyn Layton: 29 players participating. Winner: David Welch, 70 off the stick which gave him a 62 nett; R/up: Guy Williams, on countback; 3rd: Ash Healy. NTP: Bob Collyer on 1/10, Ash Healy on 5/14, Mal Armstrong 6/15. Longest putt: David Welch 9/18. Raffles: Gary Soper (this was donated to the 3-putt jar) Don McHardie, Kelvin Groves, Geoff Errey and Trevor Warrener. Members draw: Bob Collyer. Next Sunday is the monthly medal sponsored by our friends at Mungalli Dairy Products and the Millaa Millaa Hotel. Survivor Golf on Friday and Saturday, with a chipping and putting comp, and a nine-hole special on Friday evening. A morning and afternoon group on Saturday, this is FNQ golf at its best and Millaa Golf Club is proud to host one of these events.

Urgent call for young players

Far Northern AFL clubs ramp up campaign to attract juniors to their ranks for 2023 season

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

| Sam Davis and Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE hunt for Far North Queensland’s next junior footy stars is underway, with the first bounce of the AFL Cairns season just weeks away.

However, with junior recruitment numbers decreasing, Cairns’ footy clubs are urging parents to register their children in the sport before the season begins in April.

Cairns Hawks held their signon day in late February, with some age groups boasting larger squads than last year – while others have dwindled.

Cairns Hawks junior president Ellie Rundle said enticing talented juniors back could be challenging as players get older.

“It looks like our under-8s and 9s have enough numbers for two teams,” she said.

“But we’d probably like to add at least 10 more boys at a minimum to our under-15s and under 17.5 boys.

“We just want to keep kids in

the sport because if not, where do those kids go?”

The Cairns Saints Club, based in Manunda, has been running a junior program for ages six to under-18s since 2009.

Cairns Saints president Shane Liversidge said the rising cost of living was the issue.

“We’ve had a very successful junior program; we’re probably one of the few teams that have every age group filled at this stage,” Mr Liversidge said.

“We usually get about 190 kids for our junior program; however, there’s been a drop in participation of 40 per cent.

“The eight-year-old, the nineyear-olds, that’s where we’re really seeing a decline this year.

“A lot of it concerns the economy; I think many families are hurting, and they can’t have their kids participating in multiple sports.

“It may be a little early to tell; we’re starting on April 23 and still getting registrations.”

A younger junior club established in 2022, the Gordonvale Suns, has also seen a decline in junior participation compared to

last year. The club began registrations on February 17 and has extended its registration period.

“Junior recruitment is down 50 per cent compared to last year,” George Barnett, president of the Gordonvale Suns, said.

The Gordonvale Suns are focusing their efforts in recruiting more under-13s and under-U15s girls and boys for the club.

The Cazalys-based Club, Cairns Hawks, hopes to build its numbers in both the boys’ and girls’ teenage grades over the coming weeks, with a flurry of registrations expected before round one in late April.

“The last few years participation rates have been down across the board in certain age groups – not just with Hawks,” Ms Rundle said.

“But there’s the chance to make lifelong friends and heaps of fun and enjoyment in AFL. We’re also a family-oriented club.

“What we do is based around inclusiveness and embracing diversity.

“We offer a great off-field culture encouraging families to

get involved and feel good to be around.”

Mr Liversidge urged parents to register their kids and stated that most footy clubs would find ways to support struggling families.

“Juniors are the heart and soul of any football club,” he said.

“Parents come and try; it’s an affordable sport, and there are more opportunities for kids to enjoy themselves in a team environment.

“Don’t be afraid to ask your club. There are payment plan options if you can’t afford to pay the registration fee

“I know the Saints would be happy to do as much as possible to help families.”

MELLICK REIGNS ON SQUASH COURT

l CAIRNS CBD

|

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

SENIOR sportsman Fred Mellick, 83, is Queensland’s oldest squash fixtures player and a pioneer of local squash.

Born in 1940, Mr Mellick has always had a knack for sports, he was a swimmer, a tennis player, and a lifeguard at the Ellis Beach Surf Club, but there was nothing he loved more than squash.

“My daughters used to say that I lived in the squash court,” he said. Mr Mellick

dedicated much of his life to the enrichment and growth of squash in the region, growing the sport from one club and one court to seven squash centres across the region in the sport’s boom from 1969 until the 80s.

“All I’ve done is promote the sport,” he said. “I do it because people are what matter, not buildings or courts.”

At 83, Mr Mellick is a highly active squash player, playing fixtures run by Cairns Squash on Tuesday and Thursday mornings weekly to stay healthy. He remains one of the best players in the region, but

back in his 20s, he was one of the best players in FNQ.

“Sport was my life in Cairns,” he said. “That was our source of entertainment back then; I started with the swimming club when I was eight years old, and apart from marbles at school, we all played either cricket or football or tennis.

“I switched to squash when the first squash courts were built in Cairns in 1960 when I was 20. It was natural, I wasn’t the top ‘top’ player, but we used to get in teams and play Townsville, and Townsville played us. The goal was

to promote squash in North Queensland.”

In 1962, Mr Mellick left the country, got married, and returned to Cairns in 1965, where he became president of the Cairns Squash Association. He quickly became a coach and introduced morning fixtures into the women’s games and club and junior fixtures that remain until today.

In the late 60s, he started his own squash centre, triggering a squash boom in Cairns until the 80s. “There is only one squash centre now, and I would like to continue to promote the sport ...”

Cairns Hawks junior Matt White, president Ellie Rundle and under 17.5 girls recruit Tegan Siekman are on the search for more players. Picture: Sam Davis

Fred Mellick is an active squash player.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez