Cairns Local News May 31 2024

Local News Cairns

Punter’s gamble

City businessman takes on big boys with betting ‘showdown‘

CAIRNS businessman and property developer Darren Halpin is taking on the heavyweights of gambling and created an app that he describes as the most responsible form of betting in Australia.

UPC (Ultimate Punters Challenge) Showdown is horse betting crossed with a tipping competition-style event with 12 selections in 12 races earning punters points on a leaderboard to try to win a large total prize pool. There is just one other similar rival app but with a smaller prize pool.

Mr Halpin, an avid punter and racehorse syndicate owner, launched the app in March and has already paid out nearly $900,000 ($895,179) to customers.

He said the idea came from many years ago when three times a year a Brisbane publican held showdowns using just pens, paper and a black or whiteboard.

“I loved it, it was great fun,’ Mr Halpin said.

“I’ve been punting all my life. I love it. Punters try to beat the bookies, most punters don’t,” he said.

Clashes over CEO position

| Nick Dalton

He said most punters chased their losses, placing bets after bets that could run into hundreds or thousands of dollars in a weekend, but the showdown was different.

“Players decide how they

Mr Halpin said UPC Showdown was “entertainment” with people spending $10, $20 or $50 to enter one of four showdowns each week.

want to play – some choose to pick their own horses, others opt for a quick pick, and some do a combination of both,” Mr Halpin said.

“They follow the leaderboard for an afternoon of fun, where points are accumulated over 12 races for wins and places,” he said.

“First place is awarded to the player with the most points.

“It’s tipping meets punting in a user-friendly inclusive platform,” he said.

“The app encourages responsible gambling with no ability to chase your losses.”

Mr Halpin said last Saturday a Trinity Park woman entered

the Doomben Cup Showdown with a $50 pick your own entry, she accumulated 85.30 points and won first prize of $22,388.

He said winners didn’t get paid out until the following Tuesday to avoid reinvesting the winnings straight away as they rode an adrenalin high.

CONTINUED PAGE 3

A “PROFESSIONAL associate” of Cairns Mayor Amy Eden –former Cairns Regional Council chief executive officer John Andrejic – returns to the top role today on an interim contract despite the council on Wednesday declaring she had a conflict of interest over the appointment. Mr Andrejic, who quit in 2020, was chosen from a shortlist of four candidates (from 32 applicants) in a decision behind closed doors at a special meeting on Wednesday morning. Despite a majority of councillors – Brett Moller, Rob Pyne, Kristy Vallely, Anna Middleton and Rhonda Coghlan – agreeing that the mayor had a conflict of interest, a few minutes later Cr Middleton changed sides and voted with councillors Brett Olds, Matthew Tickner, Cathy Zeiger and Trevor Tim to allow the mayor to remain in the chambers to decide on the interim CEO role. Councillors Moller, Pyne, Vallely and Coghlan voted against the motion. Cr Eden did not vote in either case. After closed door debate, councillors returned to give Mr Andrejic the nod, with councillors Moller and Pyne voting against it. Prior to the decision, Cr Moller – a lawyer – provided a lengthy opinion about the conflict of interest.

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

Businessman and developer Darren Halpin’s love for a punt has led to the creation of a different style of betting app.

Picture: Nick Dalton

Pupils celebrate

Aloomba State School marks 125 years of learning

l ALOOMBA

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ALUMNI, current students, families, and staff are taking a journey down memory lane this Saturday as they celebrate Aloomba State School’s 125th birthday with a full day of festivities.

The school will be the setting for tomorrow’s (June 1) celebration, with a nostalgic and exciting schedule, including a time capsule unearthing, cake cutting, a book launch, an exhibition of items from the school’s history, a student reunion and even a pine car derby.

Originally established in 1899, as the sugar industry was experiencing exponential growth in the area, a group of locals formed a committee and petitioned the state government to establish a provisional school in Aloomba.

In its first year, the Aloomba Provisional School enrolled its first 32 students. Since then over 2300 students have come through its doors, as well as staff and families.

Aloomba State School principal and author of a new book about the school’s history, Robyn Corbett, said it was crucial to commemorate the legacy of the school’s pioneers and its continuing history.

“As we celebrate our school’s 125th anniversary, it is important to reflect on our rich history, acknowledge our achievements and express our gratitude for the countless individuals that have contributed to our success,” she said.

“Delving into the school’s history has, not only been fasci-

nating, but it has also provided me with an insight into the committment of so many to make Aloomba a premier school of the region.

“Our book, ‘Aloomba State School Quasquicentennial –The Journey Continues’, will help preserve the stories of the past 125 years and set the scene for the next 125 years ahead.”

Celebrations will kick off at 11am tomorrow with the opening of the time capsule, launch of the book and a roll call of

past students, followed by a school open house presented by current students in period costumes and a cutting of the cake by the youngest and oldest students.

“In the last 25 years our hidden gem in the Mulgrave Valley has flourished,” Ms Corbett said.

“We will always be grateful for our strong foundations of educational success, community, spirit and pride in our beautiful setting in the shadow of

Walsh’s Pyramid. These foundations were established over many years by our dedicated staff, students family and local community.

“So come and celebrate with us, the quasquicentennial celebration is an opportunity for the community to come together and reconnect with students, parents and staff from across the years.”

For more information, visit the Aloomba School 125th Celebration Facebook page.

Aloomba State School Students Matilda Henderson (left), Lael Coleing and Heath Schweitzer with the 125th anniversary book. Picture: Supplied

Jasper’s $650m strike

Council analysis finds huge hit to economy after cyclone, floods

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

TROPICAL Cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding event is estimated to have smashed the Cairns economy to the tune of $390 million and $650m across the wider region.

Conus Consultancy Services was engaged by Cairns Regional Council on behalf of the council’s economic recovery sub-committee to undertake an economic impact assessment of the Cairns region to understand the economic impact of the event.

Of the 511 organisations across the Cairns SA4 region surveyed, 85.9 per cent reported that they were impacted by the event, with 73.2 per cent closing temporarily, and 38.8 per cent reporting impacts to their employment levels.

“Asset damages to those organisations was more than $100m, with over 7.5 per cent of respondents stating their asset damages exceeded $500,000,” said a council spokesman.

“The estimated adverse gross economic impact in the Cairns Local Government Area was $389.4m, and $649.1m in the wider Cairns SA4 region.”

The council is now forecasting a $127m repaired bill associated with the flooding event, of which $100m is expected to be recovered from external funding with ratepayers.

“Council will continue to work closely and collaboratively with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to advocate for funding,” the spokesman said.

The full report is expected to

be released next month.

In the meantime, damage to Cassowary Coast roads and infrastructure caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding is estimated to have reached $40m.

Douglas Shire Council has so far spent $19m.

Cassowary Coast regional councillors have endorsed a new round of assessments to support recovery funding applications.

While the process of seeking

approval for recovery funding is underway, the council is fasttracking its grading program on its unsealed road network to provide short-term relief for users of extensively damaged transport corridors.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said nearly 40 per cent of the region’s roads were damaged in the extraordinary weather events following Jasper, and ongoing wet weather this year had impeded the coun-

cil’s ability to conduct restoration works.

“By April 2024 we’d already seen 3500mm of rain this year alone, with some records suggesting that this is the most disruptive wet season that we’ve seen since 1974,” she said.

“Floods and ongoing rain events have damaged almost half of our roads, and while we wait for reconstruction funding from the state and federal governments, council remains com-

mitted to an intense short-term patrol grading program to provide relief to road users.”

Cr Millwood said patrol grading was a quick pass over the road surface to remove minor defects and fill potholes.

“The long-term solution will be to conduct heavy grading and to repair structural issues on these damaged roads through an intense works schedule using recovery funding.” Work is expected to continue into 2026.

App fosters responsible and controlled betting

Showdowns are also played on Sundays, Wednesdays, with a free competition on Thursdays.

Mr Halpin said it was all transparent with the winners and their prizes listed on the app. He hopes to break even soon and start making reasonable profits by Christmas.

The business is based and licensed in New South Wales with the app run from Sydney with a staff of 12, including eight Excel

programmers. Mr Halpin also operates a betting app called UPCoz which he said he was required to have as part of the showdown app. Showdown has about 4000 participants, with about 1000 taking part most weeks, many from Cairns and most from Queensland and New South Wales.

Mr Halpin said his first target was 5000 people with the hope of topping 30,000. The pool is

currently about $54,000. By reaching 10,000 the pool will increase to $330,000 and by 30,000 – $1 million.

“With Showdown people can’t lose their houses. In the worst case a punter can have 50 entries on a Saturday costing $2500,” Mr Halpin said.

He said most punters chose two entries – a quick pick, pick your own or a combination of both.

Mr Halpin said partners of

punters loved the app because it meant that they would only spend, say $100, over a weekend.

He said it was “a set and forget” style product and punters couldn’t change their bets once the showdown closed, normally around 1pm on race day.

Mr Halpin said one Cairns businessman recently won $31,355, and he was stoked to have won because it would help his family immensely. One of

the first winners was Dayne (surname withheld), a refrigeration mechanic from Jerrabomberra, NSW, who turned a casual $50 bet into $31,355 to be used towards the deposit on his family’s first home.

Dayne and his fiancée Ashleigh are first-time parents to 10-week-old Arlo and had a punt one weekend. “It’s an awesome feeling. This win is all going towards our house deposit,” he said.

Andrejic interim council

CEO

FROM PAGE 1

The council’s legal advice was there was no conflict of interest. Cr Eden also responded at length to Cr Moller’s statement.

Cr Eden later said Mr Andrejic (above) – “a professional associate” and trusted adviser – was the best person for the job and would hit the ground running to tackle urgent issues such as the $472 million water security project and the 2024-25 budget. She also said the council would continue with a permanent CEO application process even though Mr Andrejic was considered a front runner and expected to be given the position indefinitely. It pays between $400,000 to $499,999 a year. The interim role is initially for three months.

Cr Pyne said he believed Cr Eden had a conflict of interest and her relationship with Mr Andrejic was to the detriment of the other applicants. Cr Olds said all councillors took part in a phone call about the legal advice and also had the opportunity to informally speak to the final four candidates. He said it was “paramount” that the mayor and CEO had a good relationship.

Councillors Coghlan and Vallely said they had sleepless nights worrying about the conflict of interest situation. Cr Tickner said Mr Andrejic was “the best person for the role, the best person for ratepayers”. Cr Zeiger said the entire process was the “most inclusive and transparent” she had witnessed in nine years as a councillor.

Earlier Cr Moller raised concerns that the mayor, Cr Olds and Cr Zeiger held a meeting with Mr Andrejic on May 20, 2024 to discuss former CEO Mica Martin, who resigned on April 24. Cr Eden denied this was discussed. Cr Moller said Mr Andrejic was asked if he would be interested in the role to which he replied that he would be interested in taking a phone call. Cr Eden admitted Mr Andrejic was an unpaid volunteer during her election campaign, was one of three high level strategic advisers and she held several lunch meetings with him. She also stayed or visited Mr Andrejic’s holiday house at Cardwell about five times.

Read Cr Moller’s full opinion and Cr Eden’s response at www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Public Consultation

The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is examining the existing and future telecommunications needs in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia.

We want to hear your views on, and ideas for, telecommunications in your region, including:

• the availability of suitable phone and internet services

• telecommunications challenges faced during natural disasters

• how emerging technologies could improve connectivity

• ways that telecommunications can support regional development.

Public consultation sessions will be held in Mount Isa, Mornington Island, Thursday Island, and Cairns between Monday 17 June and Wednesday 19 June

Go to www.rtirc.gov.au for further details, to register your attendance in advance and to find out more about the Review.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millward beside a grader which is flat out repairing roads. Picture: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Up, up, and away to PNG

l TRINITY INLET

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

FLOATPLANE P2-WET made a splash with a final landing at Trinity Inlet in Cairns on Tuesday before heading to its humanitarian mission in Papua New Guinea to provide essential healthcare to remote communities.

After 18 months of maintenance and repairs at the Mission Aviation Fellowship International (MAF) facility at Mareeba, P2-WET performed its last test flights, landing at the Cairns marina in Trinity Inlet on Tuesday, ahead of its mission

flying essential health workers and supplies into isolated communities in the Western Province of PNG.

The floatplane was built on a Cessna Caravan, outfitted with floats to be able to land on water, but it also has landing gear which gives it the versatility to land on runways.

MAF’s chief operating officer Norman Baker said P2-WET would offer respite to over 100 communities in PNG.

“We’re very excited because this plane is going to open up access to isolated communities in the western province in PNG. There’s more than 100 communities that are completely isolated and don’t have access to

things like healthcare, education and other basic needs,” he said.

“This aircraft came from another program that we were operating in Bangladesh, and it was here getting refurbished and prepared for its service in PNG, and today it’s returned to service.

“We can now land on areas like rivers and have access to those communities. This way we provide our partners, several of them in PNG, with the ability to bring cargo, materials, and healthcare workers, coming in and out multiple times a day if necessary.

“Because of this service, organisations on the ground are able to provide the care and access to these communities.”

Firms supply goods and services for Port

Hinchinbrook waste treatment plant

$2.6m uplift for businesses

l CARDWELL

| Nick Dalton

CONSTRUCTION of the Port Hinchinbrook sewerage treatment plant (STP) has surpassed 70 per cent completion, involving a direct spend of $2.6 million with Cassowary Coast businesses.

In Cardwell, almost $1 million has been spent on the procurement of goods and services

for the project, including electrical and plumbing services, earthworks and quarry materials.

A council spokesman said throughout the project, which started in August 2023, 105 people had been employed to work across 24,200 cumulative hours.

“Construction is due for completion in August, 2024 (subject to delays),” he said.

Cassowary Coast subcontrac-

tors on the project include:

• CCUS Tully (earthworks)

• IMEC, Innisfail (earthworks)

• Absolute Electrical, Cardwell (minor electrical)

• Century Cranes, Innisfail

• Cassowary Coast Sheds, Mission Beach

• Plumbers Underground Pipework – Andrew Vaugh, Innisfail

• Kane Plumbing and Irrigation, Innisfail

• All Painting Specialists, Cardwell. Procurement of local supplies have been provided by:

• Bonassi, Cardwell (quarry materials)

• Shamrock, Tully (quarry materials)

• Holcim, Tully (concrete)

• OzPoly, Innisfail (temporary irrigation tanks)

• Wide Span Sheds, Innisfail (temporary shelter)

• Mitre 10, Cardwell.

It comes as the council, the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce and Cardwell stakeholders have joined forces to lobby the Queensland Government to address longstanding matters surrounding One Mile Creek dredging and the former Port Hinchinbrook in liquidation development.

Council chief executive officer Andrew Graffen said to address the challenges effectively, the council and the Cardwell cham-

ber were calling upon all levels of government to collaborate in support of Cardwell’s future.

“We acknowledge the complexity of these matters and recognise that substantial investment will be required,” he said. Chamber president Robyn Smith said while the challenges were understood, “it is essential for Cardwell to thrive and capitalise on the unique economic prospects offered by this location.”

MAF’s P2-WET floatplane was tested on the water and in the air at Trinity Inlet.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzelez

Dr Karl at Ecofiesta on Sunday

l CAIRNS CBD

CAIRNS’ favourite environmentally-friendly and sustainable celebration Ecofiesta promises to be one to remember with Australia’s most famous scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (below) appearing as a special guest.

This Sunday (June 2), thousands of Cairns residents and families will gather at Munro

Martin Parklands to celebrate Queensland’s premier sustainability festival with live music, food stalls, fun activities for children, sustainability workshops, scientific panels and more for a fun and environmentally conscious day out for the whole family.

The event is free to attend with doors opening from 10am to 6pm.

This year’s theme is ‘Reef Resilience and Climate Action’, with an added emphasis on how people can work together to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The 2024 Ecofiesta is aiming to become the best in its 19-year history thanks to the special appearance of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki – best known as Dr Karl – who has a quirky approach to helping people of all ages understand science.

Visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ ecofiesta

Council splashes out

Dearer option for seaside town’s aquatic playground on parkland

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Nick Dalton

PORT Douglas is to get an aquatic precinct splash park that will blow the budget by $1.5 million.

The $2.27m proposal at Jalunbu Park at Garrick St, behind the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club, was unanimously endorsed by councillors at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Councillors voted for the larger option which covers 400sqm with “superior multidimensional design and inclusions (such as) more footpaths, picnic shelters and barbecues and a carparking upgrade”.

A council report said the budget overrun would have to be taken into consideration during 2024-25 budget discussions as well as the estimated $283,043 annual maintenance costs.

“Option B, the larger, more complex designed splash park would be multidimensional and have many more inclusions and attractions for all to enjoy,” the report said.

“It is surrounded by picnic areas and barbecues and car parking improvements will be included.

“With more landscaping and footpaths, themes that tie into local Indigenous culture, rainforests, beaches and Mossman

Gorge, it could be an iconic destination for tourists and residents to frequent.

“After years of consultation within the community, it is clear that a splash park in Port Douglas would be a welcome addition. Not proceeding with the project would bring potential reputational damage.”

The report said if the smaller splash park was selected as the

Council News Update

King tides next week

King tides will be experienced in Cairns next week.

Motorists are reminded that tidal flooding is saltwater, which can damage cars on contact. Avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas and never drive through floodwaters.

King tides will be experienced at the following times:

n Monday 3 June: 2.85m at 7.33pm

n Tuesday 4 June: 3.01m at 10.19pm

n Wednesday 5 June: 3.10m at 9.02pm

n Thursday 6 June: 3.10m at 9.45pm

n Friday 7 June: 3.03m at 10.29pm

n Saturday 8 June: 2.91m at 11.15pm Council may close roads which are inundated by tidal flooding. Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for general information related to tide heights.

Council is calling on dog owners to update their pet details before registration renewal notices are sent out at the end of June.

Let Council know if you have new contact details; you have moved; your pet has passed away or if your dog is desexed; if your dog has completed Level 3 Obedience training; and if you are an aged pensioner. Update your details via Council’s website, by email to regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au or at Council’s Customer Service Centre.

Improvement works

Toogood Rd, Bayview Heights: Traffic signal controller upgrades at Yara St and Windarra St intersections from Monday 3 June.

Buchan St, Bungalow: Traffic signal controller upgrade at the Hartley St intersection from Monday 3 June.

4Visit Council’s website for a full list of improvement works.

preferred option, the council “will meet its objective of supplying a splash park, however, it will not be an iconic tourist attraction and the community may be disappointed”.

Port Douglas-based Cr Damian Meadows said the water park was, not just for Port Douglas, but for the entire shire to use.

He said it would be “a massive step forward for the com-

munity and major drawcard for visitors”.

Cr Meadows said it would benefit the local construction industry and was “the best possible outcome”.

Cr Michael Rees, also of Port Douglas, said it was “great bang for the buck” and double the smaller proposal. “It will put Port Douglas on the map … it’s fantastic”.

“Port

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it would be “great for Port Douglas” and close to the beach and restaurants.

Cr Abigal Noli said ratepayers were expecting a splash park in the town and the design had to be the right one. She said the wrong design would be to the detriment of the shire.

Douglas deserves a splash park,” she said.

An artist’s impression of the $2.3 million Port Douglas Splash Park. Construction is due to start in November. Picture: Douglas Shire Council

Healthy recycling fundraiser

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THIRTY-FOUR new

Containers for Change bins are available throughout Cairns Hospital as a new partnership with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is looking to save lives while helping the environment. In the partnership announced last week, Containers for Change and the foundation have strategically placed 34 bins at the back and

front of Cairns Hospital to enable patients, visitors and staff to comfortably donate empty drink containers with all funds raised going to the foundation’s projects.

“We’re delighted to partner with Containers for Change. It’s a wonderful initiative were you can support the environment and reduce waste while also supporting local health services,” said foundation chief executive Gina Hogan.

“So it’s basically a win-win, and it’s one of those great initiatives where something as

simple as putting a container in a recycling bin can make a big difference because everything adds up," she said.

“Over time we’ll be able to do some great projects for local health services and 100 per cent of the donations stay local and go towards the charity.

“It’s early days but we already have 34 bins, they’re filling up and we have some wonderful volunteers that collect those recycling bins and we’re delighted with this partnership.”

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/451CbxW

Charity’s success Centre marks 25 years

l EDMONTON

| Isaac Colman

MORE than 300 people from across the south of Cairns have come together to celebrate 25 years of service at Mission Australia’s Hambledon House Community Centre.

Celebrating the milestone with a community-wide open day event earlier this month, the day involved free activities such as face painting, rock painting, sand play and ‘old-school’ backyard games and disco.

As well as a free sausage sizzle and cheeseburgers, local business Café One served free beverages.

Mission Australia’ Hambledon House program manager Kimberly Daly said the celebratory event was a reminder of the importance of coming together, supporting each other, and creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

“There’s a lot of gratitude as we remembered the many community members who have helped shaped Hambledon House to what it is today,” she said.

“Neighbourhood and community centres serve as hubs of

connection, belonging, participation, and inclusion within local communities.

“This centre hosts 39 local community groups on a weekly or monthly basis, ranging from church groups to sewing and dance groups.”

A mini highway for kids to scoot around on and learn road rules was unveiled with Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt cutting the ribbon and opening ‘Hambledon Highway’.

Since first opening its doors in 1999, the centre has been a hu.b for locals to access support through various programs such as Cairns South Together and Communities for Children.

Fostering a sense of community in the area, the centre has hosted countless free events and provided thousands of meals as part of its emergency relief program.

Ms Daly thanked the 18 volunteers and three staff involved in the operation of the centre.

“Hambledon House is such a special place, an essential part of the fabric of the Cairns south community,” she said.

“There’s more to come, and I look forward to serving our community for another 25 years.”

Containers for Change CEO Natalia Roach, FNQ Hospital Foundation volunteer Mark Ang and the foundation’s CEO Gina Hogan with the bins and empty containers. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

MP Curtis Pitt and Nakoa Fredriksson cut the ribbon and opened ‘Hambledon Highway’ at Hambledon House Community Centre. Picture: Mission Australia

Path towards uni hospital

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Nick Dalton

A NEW acute services building at Cairns Hospital is a key part of the vision to reaching university hospital status.

New Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chairman Chris Boland has revealed the board’s vision for the next 20-30 years.

“Our long-term vision for the future includes becoming a tertiary hospital with a new acute

services building that will enable some of the critical infrastructure such as the emergency department, helipad, and X-ray department to move away from its vulnerable location on the ground floor,” he said.

“It will also provide for our growing population with more specialised services, acute wards and operating theatres.

“There are significant flow on benefits for our regional hospitals and their regional communities. They will be able to tap into the additional specialist

expertise. “We also expect to expand services such as elective surgery in our rural hospitals, reducing the need to travel.

“The planning and construction of hospital buildings take many years and when complete will help us to attract the best clinicians, retain highly experienced and specialised staff, train and retain health staff across all disciplines, expand our research and deliver highest quality health care services for the people of Far North Queensland.”

Mr Boland said growing the health precinct with more specialist services and an innovation centre were a future focus for the board. “We are uniquely positioned to capitalise on our existing expertise, our tropical location, and our linkages with the Pacific and south-east Asia,” he said.

“We will expand our specialist services and grow our reputation as a leader in tropical medicine, research, education of health workforce, and First Peoples health and research.

“To do this, we are master planning for a wider health precinct that includes health and innovation partners, universities, centres of innovation and excellence as well as expanded specialist health infrastructure,” he said.

“There are three key challenges that we face: demand for services, workforce, and infrastructure.

“Cairns’ population continues to grow and tourists are returning.

“Due to the size of our region

and limited access to primary health care, we have high rates of cardio-vascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

“Cairns Hospital is bursting at the seams. Our immediate challenge is the high number of long stay patients in Cairns Hospital.

“On any given day we have between 110-160 long stay patients in Cairns Hospital, many of whom we are awaiting placement in NDIS supported accommodation or aged care facilities.”

Budget boost for vital care

l CAIRNS NORTH

THE Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service is being given an extra $137.3 million this year for a record $1.4326 billion budget.

It includes an initial $60m committed for James Cook University’s Cairns Health and Innovation Centre as well as $24m for a dedicated adolescent mental health unit at Cairns Hospital, the first of its kind in Far North Queensland.

To make room for the new unit, the existing adult inpatient ward on the ground floor of A-Block will be refurbished with eight beds, to allow for new age-

appropriate adolescent mental health care and treatment.

The funding for the innovation centre will enable extensive master planning, design development and land acquisition which will all assist in determining the optimum location in close proximity to the hospital.

Premier Steven Miles was in Cairns on Tuesday for the announcement.

“Here in Cairns, that budget will secure over $1.43 billion towards better services and a bigger hospital and health precinct,” he said.

“A key part of that will be a new health and innovation centre – backed by an initial

$60m in funding from my government.

“The centre will leverage our Asia-Pacific connections, lead better outcomes for locals, and deliver cutting-edge research on the health challenges unique to the tropics.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said “attracting partners and investment in the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre will deliver both health and economic benefits to the region.” Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive officer Leena Singh said the innovation centre would be “a key part of developing the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct”.

An artist’s impression of the new Cairns Health and Innovation Centre at Cairns North. Picture: Wilson Architects, Clark and Prince Architects

Chance to ride Cook Highway safely and securely without traffic

On your bikes to Port

l AEROGLEN

| Nick Dalton

A RARE opportunity to cycle on the Captain Cook Highway between Port Douglas and Palm Cove and back again, safely and securely without any traffic, is on offer to participants in this year’s third Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival.

Event director Bade Stapleton said the 136km course was open – not only to serious cyclists –but anyone on a bike, including parents and their children.

He said a locals discount was available too for people living within a 200km radius of Port Douglas and was valid until September 7.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the airport was extending its partnership agreement with the festival for three years.

He said the event from September 6-8 was timed perfectly across the traditional shoulder season for tourism, which helped to extend the benefits of the winter peak for local operators.

“We traditionally see strong visitor numbers across the winter period as interstate travellers enjoy our ideal climate,” Mr Barker said.

“This event shines a light on Port Douglas, in particular, and offers a unique travel experience

for cycling enthusiasts, their supporters and families.

“The stretch of road between Port Douglas and Palm Cove is one of the most spectacular in the world and it is rare to get the opportunity to cycle it without traffic and truly take in the views.”

Event ambassador and cycling enthusiast Mark Beretta, of Channel 7, said he had ridden many coastal routes but the road

to and from Port Douglas was “striking and unique”.

He said it was “a must-do for cyclists”, as well for mums, dads and their children.

Mr Stapleton said the festival offered a “perfect excuse” for interstate and international travellers to visit for a holiday.

“A lot of the people who take part in the event have never been to this region before. It’s a great way to introduce Tropical

North Queensland to new visitors,” he said.

“Participants from previous years have told us they were blown away, not only by the ride, but by the whole region and the experiences they have here.”

Mr Stapleton said people came from all over Australia to take part, including from Perth, Darwin and Tasmania, plus this year there would be New Zea-

landers, Japanese and Irish participants. He said, after losing tens of thousands of dollars in the past two years due to investing heavily in vital infrastructure, it was expected to break even in 2024 and on the way to being profitable in future years as it grew.

The festival includes the 136km and 100km Gran Fondo, the 60km Semi Fondo and the 48km Medio Fondo.

A LONG-time First Nations service provider has been awarded a four-year $2.2 million contract to operate a new domestic and family violence (DFV) shelter at Mossman.

Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service, which has been assisting the community since

Prevention of

and Family Violence Minister Yvette D’Ath said the service was “the perfect organisation to provide the much-needed support services”. “They are well-equipped and experienced to provide a culturally safe service to women and children of the Douglas Shire,” she said.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said “domestic violence is an abhorrent and widespread issue and as a council we felt compelled to provide greater support for local women and children”. “We look forward to Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service providing a safe space for those in need and filling a void within our community,” she said.

Gran Fondo event director Bade Stapleton, (left), ambassador Mark Beretta and Cairns Airport boss Richard Barker. Picture: Nick Dalton

Single lane on bridge

l KURANDA

THE Barron River Bridge at Kuranda is to remain single lane after inspections on May 23 identified an issue with a Macalloy bar on the bridge.

“The Macalloy post-tensioning bars were retrofitted to provide additional strength after the bridge opened to traffic in 1963,” a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said.

“As a precaution, a singlelane operation of the bridge will remain in place to ensure safety for the crew and road users,” he said.

“Inspections are continuing and our technical experts are assessing what the issue means for the bridge and how it can be managed.

“If further restrictions are required, TMR will inform stakeholders, including road users and the heavy vehicle industry, as soon as possible.

“Since December 2023, the load limit on the bridge is 42.5t. Loads have increased significantly since the bridge was designed and this has affected the structural life of the bridge.

Luring tourism workers

“The planning study for a long-term solution for the bridge is progressing and expected to be completed in late 2024.” Skyrail employees Bonnie Rowe and Jared Tyerman love their careers. Picture: Supplied

Thousands of jobs on offer in billion-dollar leisure sector

l SMITHFIELD

| Nick Dalton

MORE than 4000 jobs in the tourism industry across Queensland are up for grabs as a campaign is launched to urge high school students, school leavers and mature-aged workers to ‘join the crew’ and start a career in the billion-dollar sector.

The $1.4 million Choose Tourism campaign was launched last week and features five videos showcasing a day in the life of tourism workers, including tour guide Jared Tyerman at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Mr Tyerman said he loved working as a ranger guide at Skyrail where there were a variety of jobs.

He said he had become an “ecotourism advocate” and enjoyed showing people from throughout the world and across Australia the rainforest that Skyrail passes through.

Skyrail chairman Dr Ken Chapman said tourism was not just a career, but a fun lifestyle.

“There’s nothing better in a fun workplace than making people happy … it’s so fulfilling,” he said.

Dr Chapman said Skyrail employed 120 people and at any one time there were five vacancies, and roles were diverse, including electrical, heavy maintenance, retail, cleaning and ranger guides.

Dr Chapman also called on Indigenous people, especially the young, to apply for jobs at Skyrail.

“We really need Indigenous people, so if there are any younger Indigenous people who want a job, (contact Skyrail),” he said.

Crystalbrook Collection talent acquisition manager Tracie Picton said their three Cairns properties employed 450 people, with 30 roles currently available.

She said 30 per cent of the staff were locals as well as students and those on working holiday visas, 70 per cent of staff were also full-time with the remainder casual or parttime.

Ms Picton said the issue with staffing was retention and the company wanted to build its local workforce.

She said as well as the usual hotel roles, such as food and beverage and front and back of house, Crystalbrook Collection’s corporate services team of 30 was based in Cairns. Queensland Tourism Minister and Cairns MP Michael Healy spent 30 years in tourism before being elected as an MP.

He said 30 years ago he rode a motorbike from Melbourne to Palm Cove where he landed a job at the Palm Cove Travelodge.

Mr Healy said he had a “fantastic” tourism career, which ended as QuickSilver Group’s sales and marketing director.

View the refreshed tourism careers website to support jobseekers with more information at www.tourismcareers.com.au

Expo outlines pathways to nautical jobs at the Portsmith industrial precinct Promising maritime careers

l PORTSMITH

THE Portsmith marine precinct will come alive when

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Marine Jobs proudly present the Cairns Maritime Jobs Careers Expo 2024.

The free event showcases the expansive range of career opportunities within the maritime sector on Saturday, June 8 from 9am to 2pm at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron.

AIMEX chief executive officer David Good said this year’s expo was enhanced by exclusive on-water experiences and industry tours, providing participants with an in-depth look at the maritime industry’s vibrant scope.

“Notable activities include tours provided by Shoreline and Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours which will embark from the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron marina and take attendees around Admiralty Island and into Trinity Inlet,” he said.

“In addition, international shipping company Svitzer will provide a unique chance for direct conversations with their engineers as tours above and below deck take place on a range of vessels.

“These experiences, along with industry tours offered by our location partners such as Norship, Austal, North Marine, Tropical Reef Shipyard and the TAFE Queensland – Great Barrier Reef International Marine College, aim to immerse participants in the real-world experiences of the maritime industry.

“We hope to inspire and educate the next generation of skilled maritime workers to support and grow the industry.”

Delivered by industry leaders and experts, the event will also feature focused panel discussions and presentations covering topics such as the tertiary level engineering roles required for the region’s future workforce, entry level positions and pathways, trade apprenticeships, women in maritime, defence industry pathways, superyacht opportunities, and the immediate employment needs for our tourism sector.”

An interactive jobs board will directly connect job seekers with vacancies, and highlight the variety of roles available within the industry.

For more information, visit the Superyacht Australia website: https://bit.ly/4bFYVGs

Naval cadets at Norship’s shipyard at Portsmith – a place with jobs and careers on offer. Picture: Supplied

Alan Benn, Kamerunga Real estate agents require too much

Gaffney, Manunda

Palm

- Andrew Lee, Facebook

Too

- Craig Mann-Jones, Facebook

All the families will be booted off with no-where to fish.

- Dan Hammersley, Facebook

I think it’s a great idea. A Cairns-Palm Cove ferry service would be fantastic, attracting more visitors and enabling cruise ships anchored off

Cairns to also tender into Palm Cove, just like they do in Port Douglas, which would give the local PC businesses a much needed boost.

- Kurt Bright, Facebook

Keep it family-friendly, that’s what they said about Yorkeys Knob marina when it was getting built. Now look, kids getting chased away for having a fish off the rocks. Same will happen to Palm Cove jetty too, it will be a no-go zone and end up another gated facility, non-local fishing use.

- Tom Sielaff, Facebook

Good, we don’t need another marina on the Queensland coast.

- Eddie Jensz, Facebook

Time for a crafty fundraiser

l MOSSMAN

ONCE again, the annual Quilt and Craft Expo will be part of June’s calendar in the Douglas Shire, organised by the Leukaemia Foundation Mossman district branch. Apart from being a must visit for craft lovers, the event will also be an important fundraiser with all proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation. The theme this year is ‘Airing of the Quilts’.

In the last couple of years, it was estimated that a person has a one-in-154 risk of dying from leukaemia by the age of 85 and breaking the statistics down further, that is one-in-120 for males and one-in-217 for females.

If that’s not worrying enough, the number of new cases of leukaemia diagnosed increased from 1645 (948 males and 697 females) in 1982 to 4516 in 2018.

The Leukaemia Foundation Mossman district branch was formed in 1999 by a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting blood cancer patients. Over the past 25 years the branch has raised funds to provide accommodation facilities in Townsville and Brisbane and has assisted with travel

to treatment centres, as well as supporting research to improve treatments and to find a cure. In recent years, treatments for those living with a blood cancer have been available in Cairns and the Leukaemia Foundation supports local people with accommodation and travel.

The branch has always supported local people with practical, financial and emotional support. In partnership with the Mossman Hospital, they established a ‘Living in Douglas Blood Cancer Support Group’ in 2022.

The group meets each month to support each other, discuss how access to treatments and support can be improved for Douglas residents and to assess resources and practical support. A care program has been developed by the branch to support local residents living with a blood cancer, by providing services such as house cleaning, gardening and lawn maintenance, prepared meals and activities such as yoga, massage therapy and others that are beneficial to recovery and wellbeing.

Branch funds have also been allocated to purchase a treatment chair for the newly established infusion clinic at the Mossman

Hospital. The branch is partnering with other health focused groups such as Pink in the Tropics and the Mossman Hospital Friends of the Foundation to improve the healthcare of all residents of the Douglas Shire, with a focus on the provision of oncology services at the Mossman Hospital.

The ‘Airing of the Quilts’ Quilt and Craft Expo will take place on Saturday, June 22, Sunday, June 23 and Monday, June 24 in the Mossman State High School indoor sports centre, opening at 9am each day. Locals and visitors are welcome to attend, with many different handcrafted quilts and crafts on display from all over the north and as far south as Townsville. Many items will be for sale plus attendees can also enjoy morning, lunch and afternoon tea prepared by the very talented volunteers.Entry, which includes a program, will be just $10 for adults and $8 for high school age attendees.

I’m off to practice my patchwork, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au A

scene from last year’s Mossman Craft and Quilt Expo.

The Leukaemia Foundation Mossman district branch at the recent Port Douglas Carnivale Parade. Pictures: Supplied

TimeOut

Festival set to surprise all

Third Italian extravaganza has full program of 11 straight days of amazing events

l FAR NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE best food, wine and entertainment are just around the corner with the official launch of the third Cairns Italian Festival in July.

A gastronomical experience, a showcase of culture and tradition, and lots of entertainment are in store for the community as the Cairns Italian Festival brings an 11-day extravaganza full of events for the whole family to enjoy across major venues in the city, including the popular La Festa at Fogarty Park, from July 2 to August 4.

In its third year, the festival is shaking things up with a new format of 11 straight days of events, new events like the Italian speaking competition and the theatre restaurant, plus the return of classics like La Festa, the gala ball, degustations and the Mareeba Salami and Sau-

sage Festa. Festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo said a big Italian party was in the wraps and almost ready to surprise the Cairns community.

“It’s our third year, we’re very excited,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of work in the background and we’re ready to launch.”

“The expectation is to have Italy in the tropics and we want to deliver a top event where people can come and enjoy Italian food and entertainment and feel like they’re in Italy for a day.

“For food at La Festa we’ll showcase 20 different regions, from canoli to pizza and pasta, good wine, good vibes and Italian songs, so it’s going to be a great festa day.

“Additionally, we’ll be running the festival for 11 days straight with a lot of very good and very authentic events.”

The food and wine degustations are back representing the best of northern, southern and

Carnivale was a smash hit for everyone

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH over 20,000 local, interstate and international participants, the Port Douglas Carnivale has outdone itself once again in 2024 and showcased the best Port Dougls has to offer.

From May 24 to 26, Port Douglas celebrated the 30th anniversary of the beloved carnivale with 21 featured, mostly sold out,

events over the three days that are set to bring approximately $3.6 million to the local economy and continue to contribute to the Douglas Shire’s recovery post-Cyclone Jasper.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the community had united to celebrate 30 years of the amazing event.

“The community really put on a show to celebrate 30 years of Port Douglas Carnivale, and it did not disappoint,” she said.

“This positive feedback unders-

cores the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making Port Douglas Carnivale a success. Their participation and support are what make this event so special.

“The purpose of carnivale has always been to bring people to the region in what is typically our shoulder season and act as a tool to promote the destination across Australia.

“Last year, 32.2 per cent of attendees were from interstate and 1.9 per cent were from overseas. We anticipate a similar or increa-

sed turnout this year, highlighting the event’s broad appeal.

“We saw strong attendance this year with most events sold out. In 2023, we welcomed over 24,000 attendees, and we are optimistic that this year’s attendance will surpass that number.

“This year, with strong attendance and high visitor engagement, we are hopeful for an even greater economic boost, benefiting local businesses and enhancing the Shire’s reputation as one of Australia’s most-loved destinations.”

central Italy plus the Amalfi region. The fiercest salami and sausage competition is back, while this year’s gala ball and hall of fame awards have a new theme with Tuscany in the Tropics where attendees will receive a four-course meal paired with wine, while honouring the hard work and legacy of Italian migrants, young and old, in Far North Queensland.

“Last year we had 15,000 during La Festa alone, we’re hoping to break that record with 17,000-18,000 people in La Festa and 25,000 over all events,” Mr Di Bartolomeo said.

“It seems like everybody is excited about our event and we welcome everyone to our festival.

“It’ll be a big celebration of Italian culture, and we will show you that Italy is more than just pizza and pasta.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www. cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

Cairns Italian Festival committee members Stephanie Iovannella (left), co-vice-president Sam Marino, Patty Poutanen, Gina Codotto, president Claudio Di Bartolomeo, Yu-Kang Huang and Rita Rosaclerio at the launch of the festival. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

The carnivale street parade brought colour and magic to the heart of Port Douglas last week. Picture: Facebook

Japanese singer-songwriter to hit all right notes at casino’s BAR36

Jazz from the Orient

l CAIRNS CBD

| Gail Sedorkin

WITH a jazz guitarist father and a jazz singer mother, Hanah Spring has been surrounded by music since she was a child.

By the time she was in school she started writing songs on her own, naturally leading her to become a singer-songwriter.

“My music inspiration is from my family,” Ms Spring said. “I have been singing since I was a child with my parents who are jazz musicians and my five siblings, and I fell in love with music,” she said.

Direct from Japan, Ms Spring is bringing her chilled jazz and soul vibes to The Reef Hotel Casino’s BAR36 in Cairns, from Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

While her family background is her major inspiration, Ms Spring says the songs she writes are also inspired by nature.

“When I was helping fishermen work in the sea of Kamakura I was inspired by nature to write songs while looking at the sea every day,” Ms Spring said.

While in Cairns, she is looking forward to experiencing the natural

attractions, especially the tropical rainforest, “which is not found in Kamakura, where I live”.

“This is my first-time visiting Cairns. The pandemic made it difficult to travel, but my local friends who are as passionate about music as I am, invited me to play here,” she said.

Ms Spring is most proud of the song, “Sozo”, (imagination), which she wrote for her mother.

Performing as a solo musician, the singer-songwriter now has a major following at venues and festivals throughout Japan and abroad, and has just released her album, also named “Sozo”, live at Billboard Live Yokohama.

After graduating from high school, Ms Spring began her music career in earnest, honing her skills as an artist while having sessions with various musicians in the underground scene of Shibuya, Tokyo, and participating in various live performances and recordings as a guest vocalist.

She also served as the opening act for famous overseas artists such as Erykah Badu, The Roots, and Musiq Soulchild, as well as joining the national tour on stage with Japanese R and B sensation Misia.

Our theatre family is what keeps the Clink alive and successful.

WE REQUIRE A VARYING SKILL SET OF VOLUNTEERS!

If your interested in learning some new skills, having some fun and meeting new friends fill in the expression of interest form at: www.clinktheatre.com.au

And our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch.

Pierce Brothers at tavern

l EDGE HILL

INDIE folk brother duo the Pierce Brothers (below) are coming to Edge Hill Tavern on June 8 to celebrate past, present, and future with their fourth studio album Everything Is Bigger Than Me. Encompassing their journey throughout the last decade, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is an album full of the band’s trademark indie folk and blues roots while also boasting lush arrangements and breathtaking harmonies. It was also the first time the duo stepped into the role of producer.

“We love it up there (Cairns) and we haven’t been there for a while, so we’re excited,” said half of the duo Patrick Pierce.

“For this album, Jack (Pierce) had built a studio at his house, and we were spending a bit of time recording and putting some ideas down, but we’ve never fully produced and sat in that producer’s chair, so we figured it was time to see how that goes,” he said.

Mr Pierce said the show in Cairns would bring a mix of old favourites and the new album to please all types of fans. To buy tickets, visit www.piercebrothers.com

Japanese jazz singer Hanah Spring due in Cairns next week. Picture: Supplied

Dancers will entertain at the Cairns African Festival tomorrow. Picture: Supplied

Cairns African Festival in CBD tomorrow

Melting pot of cultures

l CAIRNS ESPLANADE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IN a unification of countries and showcase of flavours, fashion and tradition, the Cairns African Festival is encouraging the community to join in to “celebrate the heart of Africa” at the Cairns African Festival tomorrow.

The celebration begins from 12.30pm tomorrow (June 1) at the Western Events Lawn on the Esplanade, where up to 1000 people are expected to gather to celebrate the 54 African countries and their culture, cuisine and entertainment at the 11th Cairns African Festival.

Seeing exponential growth since its inception in 2013, the festival has migrated to a larger venue where it’ll have food stalls representing the cuisine from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Guinea, Uganda and Rwanda, live entertainment with headlining band WazeeWakijiji, afro music singer

Disun Future and rapper Superboy, plus cultural dances, a fashion parade and market stalls with crafts and traditional products.

Cairns African Association president Anna Wairimu Jones said it was an opportunity to embrace and learn about the diversity of African cultures.

“The Cairns African Festival celebrates two important dates, Africa Day on May 25 and the Day of the African Child on June 16. We used to hold the event at the Tanks but after getting 1200 people in 2021 we decided to move to a bigger space,” she said.

“We’ll have food stalls representing different African cuisines, we’re going to have craft stalls, such as one with Ethiopian coffee, goodies from Kenya and stalls from Rwanda and Congo, and very diverse entertainment.

“It’s mind-blowing to see how the festival has evolved because the community has really learned to embrace this showcase of our

culture. It helps the African community integrate better, especially the new arrivals.

“We’ve grown, showcasing culture, storytelling through dance and drama, the fashion and vibrant colours from Africa. We have a flag parade which exhibits the 54 flags of each country in Africa and we’ll be joined by Centacare Multicultural Services to have a lantern parade to represent a joining of cultures in unity.”

Ms Wairimu Jones encouraged the community to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Africa.

“Come and enjoy the festivities, it’s going to be spellbinding and inviting, it’s going to show you the monumental significance of a global community, show you the culture, spirit and unity of the 54 countries in Africa,” she said.

“The fact that you’re joining us and embracing our culture. It’s very meaningful, so come and celebrate the heartbeat of Africa.”

Deaf Indigenous dancers on show

l BRISBANE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

CAIRNS’ Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG) will celebrate 27 years of the history and achievements of deaf and hard of hearing First Nations dancers with a State Library of Queensland showcase.

Having performed around Australia, DIDG is once again sharing their talent in Brisbane, this time with a showcase at the State Library in Brisbane called Deaf in Dance featuring photographs, performances, and digital stories plus a collection of narrative portraits by the award-winning photojournalist Sean Davey available now until March 2025.

Dancers Paul Norman,

DIDG, which is comprised of deaf and hard of hearing First Nations from Cape York and the Torres Strait, has been performing for 27 years, communicating through Indigenous sign languages and dancing using the vibrations to capture the rhythm of Indigenous music.

The showcase will have Auslan interpreter guided tours for

deaf and hard of hearing people.

State Library of Queensland First Nations curator Serene Fernando said Deaf in Dance was a unique experience and an amazing story of First Nations art and resilience.

“We spotted the beautiful artworks of Deaf in Dance that they had done back in 2021 with Sean Davey, and he took a series of photos of them dancing and rehearsing, and formed some really striking portrait artworks,” she said.

“So we decided to work with these portraits but the more we researched about DIDG’s history and story, it inspired us to tell that story more in depth at the library and work closely with them.”

For more information visit https://bit.ly/3yA92xQ

Jack Zitha and Aviu Ware. Picture: Sean Davey

The World of Musicals brings classics and new tunes to CPAC 80s theme out on the lawn

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

IT’S time to sing your lungs out to the tune of the best Broadway showtunes with the arrival of The World of Musicals to the Cairns Performing Arts Centre stage on June 5.

After a sellout tour in 2022, The World of Musicals is coming back to Cairns for one night at CPAC that musical theatre fans won’t want to miss, as a talented cast of artists bring to life classic hits, emotive ballads, movie anthems and iconic showtunes.

From the best of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Misérables’ to ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Sister Act’ there’s something to suit everyone’s musical taste.

The World of Musicals Musical Theatre actor, opera singer and leading man Ciaran Olohan said the show would bring classics back to life and show love to new musical productions.

“The World of Musicals is a wonderful show that brings to life some of your favourite and popular hits from some of the world’s most famous musical shows,” he said.

“It’s a lively, upbeat, ensemble show that really showcases some of the best highlights of musical theatre going back decades. We feature material from

Gilbert and Sullivan to Rodgers and Hammerstein, and we take it up to more modern musicals like The Greatest Showman and everything in between.

“There’s something for everyone, no matter what your taste is or what genre your interested in, there’ll be something for everybody in the audience.”

Mr Olohan said this was a

show that all ages would enjoy, with amazing sets and costumes, great acting and even greater singing.

“We brought it (the show) over for the first time in 2017 and then a six-month tour in 2022 and now we’re back in 2024 revisiting some of our favourite venues and it’s an amazing experience,” he said.

“Cairns is one of our favourite places to visit. For people coming into the show expect a lot of audience participation, it’s a very relaxing experience but also lively, it’s a colourful show, very fast moving and we talk to the audience throughout the show, we encourage them to sing along, clap along and do what they want to do.

“It’s amazing to get to sing songs from some of your favourite musicals, like Old at Heart, Les Miserables and Oklahoma.

“Come and see us again, and if you haven’t seen us you’re up for a colourful show, with beautiful costumes and amazing energy.”

To buy tickets, visit the Ticketlink website.

l CAIRNS CBD

A NEW edition of free music by the Court House Gallery, ‘Out On The Lawn’, officially kicks off this Friday with an experimental stage by local musician and artist Tegan Koster (below). The free music sessions on the gallery lawn are back from today (May 31) with an experimental theme and three artists, Brisbane’s Yirinda, Cairns’ Tegan Koster and Hoolia, an Argentinian based in Cairns, from 6.30pm.

With a musical set full of amazing synthetisers and a nostalgic 80s feel, Bungalow musician Tegan Koster is set to launch the free music sessions with a conceptual body of work Shapes, which will take listeners on an unforgettable journey through sound. “This show will be a presentation of ‘Shapes’, funded by Regional Arts Development Fund, and some development I’ve done since then,” Ms Koster said. “Shapes is a conceptual body of work, which basically looks at the shape of sounds, the shape of music in a sort of pop experimental concept,” she said. Visit https://bit.ly/3wLcXay

The World of Musicals leading man Ciaran Olohan (centre) and the cast will be at CPAC next week. Picture: Supplied

CEVAPI GRILL NIGHT @ SERBIAN CULTURAL CENTRE

l FRI MAY 31ST, 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Serbian Cultural & Information Centre Cairns Inc.

73-79 Greenslopes Street, Cairns, Edge Hill

Enjoy authentic Serbian food

Free entry

Cevapi $15.00 additional Ajvar at $2.00

Drinks at popular Club Prices

For the catering purposes it is advisable to pre-book so as not to get disappointed. Please book through the clubs mobile 0407 532 333 by texting your full name and number of people attending with you.

ARTS NATIONAL @ STRATFORD LIBRARY

l SUN JUN 2ND, 1:30PM

From the adoption of clean lines and natural materials to the timeless ethos of ‘less is more’, guest speaker Anne Anderson will shed light on how Norway, Sweden, and Denmark embraced design reform to craft an ideal lifestyle for the post-war era.

Members free, tickets at the door. See @ArtsNationalCairns on facebook for more information.

ECOFIESTA @ MUNRO MARTIN PARKLANDS

l SUN JUN 2ND, 10:00AM-6:00PM

Cairns Ecofiesta, held in the city’s lush tropical Munro Martin Parklands, is a music festival, a food festival, a children’s festival and an environmental expo all rolled into one big smorgasbord of fun.

Whether you’re a long-time local, new resident or visitor to the region, everyone is catered for at Cairns Ecofiesta.

Ecofiesta is a unique chance to connect with an ancient landscape, and the organisations and individuals working for its protection.

For more information visit the Cairns Regional Council’s website.

DREW WALDEN @ DARTS ASSOCIATION HALL

l FRI JUN 7TH, 10:00AM

Drew Walden from Walden Financial Planning will be the speaker at the Cairns Branch of the Australian Independent Retirees, June 7th meeting Located at the Cairns Darts Association Hall at 40-42 Macnamara Street, Manunda starting at 10.00am.

Visitors are welcomed. Morning tea supplied.

Further enquiries phone 4039 2397.

RYAN PRESLEY @ CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l SAT JUN 1ST, 10:00AM-5:00PM

The word mongrel, is a commonly used Australian colloquial term meaning a person of mixed descent used either as a derogatory word or as a term of endearment between friends.

Ryan Presley’s works in this exhibition are visually stunning and offer a stimulating cacophony of colours, compelling imagery and compositions that challenge stereotypes and reposition Aboriginal narratives. Exhibition Runs: June 1st – August 25th, 2024; Free Entry

For more information please visit the Cairns Art Gallery website.

SALSA WORKSHOPS @ LATIN DANCE CLUB

l SUN JUN 2ND, 10:00AM

Join us for a day full of dance! Learn applicable concepts, new skills and techniques for both bachata and salsa, interesting and fun partner work, choreography skills and fundamental musicality

Where: Cairns Latin Dance Club, 1/B 82 Lake Street, Cairns City

All levels welcome, no partner necessary, step-by-step progression.

GIG Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any

FRIDAY

Dunwoody’s Hotel Peter Kinch, 4:00pm

Salt House Tim Smith, 5:00pm Ten 06 Wind and Wood, 5:30pm

The Benson Hotel Jazz Funk Quartet, 6:00pm Court House Gallery Yirinda, Tegan Koster & Hoolia, 6:00pm

Mayhem at Machans Two Dogs, 6:00pm

Cazaly’s Cairns Infinity Duo, 6:30pm Lakeland Hotel Big Pups, 6:30pm

CPAC Studio Nazeem Hussain & Bron Lewis, 7:00pm

Brothers Cairns Sole2Soul, 7:00pm

Babinda Taverna Carinda Christie, 7:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino Sanchez, 9:00pm

SATURDAY

Barrier Reef Hotel Victoria Boxall, 12:00pm

Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club Sweet Az, 3:00pm

Salt House Nicole Nighthawk, 5:00pm

The Fox Small Bar Christina Ukulele, 5:00pm Tuskers Mission Beach Carinda Christie, 5:30pm

The Benson Hotel Sax Man, 6:00pm Courthouse Gallery Aurelle Brunjes Band, Mississippi Shakedown & The Joker Pokers, 6:00pm Cazaly’s Cairns Kick Start, 6:30pm Bothers Cairns Bad Boys of Uke, 6:30pm Railway Institute Hall Cairns Carrizma, 7:00pm

Tanks Arts Centre Ian Moss, 7:30pm

Red Beret Hotel Tropic Thunder. 8:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino Sanchez, 9:00pm

SUNDAY

Koah Markets Jeanette Wormald Trio, 8:30am

Mandala Café Blue Reed, 10:00am Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook Pauly P Band, 2:00pm

Dunwoody’s Christina Ukulele, 2:30pm Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club Thomas Lowth, 3:00pm

O’Sheas Barbary Coasters, 4:00pm

The Jack Russell Harris, 4:00pm Palm Cove Tavern Wind and Wood, 4:00pm

Salt House Matty Boi, 5:00pm

Bar36 The Reef Hotel Casino The Rockmans, 7:30pm

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

You can offer your help to others but back off if they appear to be offended by your persistence. You

financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters. Try a barbecue or a day at the

CROSSWORD

Don’t do something silly just to get back at your mate. Emotional partnerships may develop through projects you initiate. Don’t go out of your way, and don’t let these unexpected guests cost

Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects.

You may want to get a little extra rest. You are prone to infections and fevers. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time this week. Don’t get involved in other people’s private doings. Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to.

The experience will be good. Reevaluate your position and make decisions about your future goals. You will have to do a lot of running around, so be prepared to fall short of your expectations. You’ll find travel or involvement in large groups gratifying.

Take care of any pressing medical problems for you or your family. A trip to visit relatives should be rewarding. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. Don’t volunteer private information about yourself unless you’re prepared to be talked about behind your back.

You may find travel to be most rewarding. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect. Your personal life will be disrupted if you have been too busy with business.

Female colleagues may be able to help you get the job done. Don’t be too critical. Take time to visit someone who has been I confined due to illness. Comfort is a necessity. Check your motives.

Don’t expect romantic encounters to be lasting. Do not borrow or lend money or belongings to friends or relatives if you wish to avoid any hassles. If they’re really interested, they’ll wait. Your ability to visualize will help you convince others of the possibilities.

It is time to clear your decks. New methods and innovative technology will make your job far easier than you anticipated. Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad. Romance appears.

22. equivalent to the sum of six and five (6)

24. to encourage or assist someone to commit a crime (4)

25. a place, event, or time at which violence or hostility flares up (10)

27. a sea creature with a soft oval body and eight tentacles (6)

28. wealth, riches, or affluence (8)

DOWN

1. showing disapproval or contempt towards others (6)

2. a short sleep or nap (4)

3. to give reluctantly or resentfully (8)

4. the activity of riding a bicycle or other type of cycle (7)

Rest and relaxation may be required; minor health problems will prevail if you don’t watch your diet. Don’t put all your cash in one place. Your childlike quality may get you into big trouble this week if you neglect your responsibilities. Changes regarding your career direction will pay off handsomely.

Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with. Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great. They will jump at the chance to do something without you if it sounds like more fun. Look before you leap.

8. an event or act happening or done at an unsuitable

a kind of firework that explodes with a sharp report (6)

10. a firm white Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow’s milk (10)

5. to have moved or jumped suddenly or rapidly upwards or forwards (6)

6. a person who stays at home a good deal (4-2-4)

7. one of three persons associated in any office or position of authority (8)

13. the lowest possible level (4,6)

16. relaxed and easy-going (4-4)

11. belonging or relating to the person or people you are talking to (4)

12. a thing made by combining two different elements (6)

youngsters who have interesting hobbies.

14. a word or statement that expresses denial, disagreement, or refusal (8) 15. make or become black or dark, especially as a result of burning or decay (7) 17. a temporary stay (7) 20. a city in the country of Mali in western Africa, or a place that is very far away (8)

18. to repair or improve something so that every part of it works as it should (8)

19. a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection (7)

21. a type of lime that grows on trees in southeastern Asia, valued for the flavour in its leaves (6)

23. a man who has been castrated (6)

26. exposed to the air or to view; not covered (4)

Building hotspots revealed

Trinity Beach-Smithfield tops for housing and population growth in 2022-23

l SPECIAL REPORT

| Nick Dalton TRINITY BeachSmithfield has been identified as the home building and population hot spot in north Queensland.

At Trinity Beach, $93 million worth of houses were approved in 2022-23 where population growth was 4.6 per cent and fourth was Gordonvale ($53.4m, 3.5 per cent).

“There were five areas in North Queensland that were identified as home building and population hotspots,” said Housing Industry Association North Queensland director Peter Fry.

The HIA has revealed Australia’s strongest markets for home building in the 2024 edition of the HIA Population and Residential Building Hotspots Report.

The report is aimed at finding employment growth areas targeted towards builders and tradies and identifies hotspots in all states and territories.

An area (statistical area level 2) qualifies as a ‘hotspot’ in North Queensland if at least $50m worth of residential building works were approved during the 2022/23 financial year, and its population grows faster than the national growth rate of 2.4 per cent.

“The number one hotspot in North Queensland was Trinity Beach-Smithfield in Cairns. It recorded a population growth rate of 4.6 per cent in 2022/23 and new home building approvals valued at $92.9m,” Mr Fry said.

“This was followed by Bohle Plains in Townsville, with its population growing by

4.4 per cent and the value of new home building approvals in 2022/23 at $55m.

“Third place went to Airlie Beach- Whitsundays, with an impressive $160.5m in approvals but a comparatively smaller 4.0 per cent population growth rate in 2022/23.

“Yeppoon in Central Queensland deserves to be mentioned despite not being on the list. It registered a population growth rate just equal that of the national rate, 2.4 per cent, but total new approvals were valued at $65m in 2022/23.

“The results of the hotspots report show the intrinsic link between population growth and home building.

“As North Queensland’s economy and population grow, home building must keep up to support broader activity.”

Kenfrost Homes built and sold this four-bedroom, two-bathroom Wattledale Bend home in 2022. Picture: Kenfrost Homes

Spotlight on Palm Cove

Focus on fresh and local

Village’s new supermarket includes a cafe, and ice creamery

l GROCERY SHOPPING

PALM Cove now has its own supermarket as well as a new café.

Palms Supermarket Palm Cove is trading at 11 Veivers Rd, next to Nu Nu Restaurant.

Owner Yadwinder Manesh said the store offered residents and tourists the convenience of a supermarket and cafe within walking distance.

“This addition to the bustling tourist spot is what has been required for quite a while in Palm Cove, giving convenience to locals and tourists with a huge range of food, produce, meat, cleaning products, gifts and much much more,” he said.

The store has hired as many locals as possible in roles such as check-out operators, deli cooks and a barista.

They also have their cafe – Veivers Café – at the storefront run by barista Alessandro (surnamed withheld) serving sticky chai original,

decaf, tumric, peppermint and vegan blends.

“Come on down and try one, you won’t be disappointed and we also serve snacks, and have an ice creamery,” Mr Manesh said.

Sausages, mince, chicken breast and bacon are supplied by Speciality Meats Smithfield and fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs are sourced locally.

“Our fruit and veg is happening, all locally-sourced and will change with the seasons, and what we can get,” Mr Manesh said.

“We are proud to support our local farmers, so come and enjoy because fresh is best,” he said.

“We have beef, curry, pepper, chicken, and vegetable pies, sausage rolls and ham and cheese croissants and muffins.

“This is such a great place to shop for your fresh local produce and all your other needs.

“Our staff are so friendly and helpful and the location is fantastic.”

Food and wine expo

l ENTERTAINMENT

SURF Club Palm Cove is hosting its annual Food and Wine Frolic in August.

The Food and Wine Frolic draws together a varied guest list of beer, wine and a variety of food vendors and events. With more than eight different beers, distillers, and assorted wines with experienced representatives in attendance, people can enjoy a tasting or two and then make a beeline for the around-the-car park food trailers offering their best-tasting plates.

The frolic also features live music, with local bands followed by the grand finale INXS tribute band and Anthems in Rock starring Dellacoma Rio, covering music from Bon Jovi, INXS, Queen, Def Leppard, Led Zepplin and Van Halen. Pre-paid tickets are $15, at the door $20.

The event is on Saturday, August 3 from 2pm to 9pm. It is in the surf club’s carpark which is in Cedar Rd a few metres before Williams Esplanade. Tickets can be bought online through Eventbrite.com.au and also on the club’s website: www.surfclubpalmcove.com.au

Veivers Cafe barista Alessandro (surname withheld) serves a takeaway coffee. Picture: Supplied

Spotlight on Palm Cove

Nu Nu’s at Palm Cove celebrates mighty fine wining

Restaurant’s 20th anniversary

l FOOD AND BEVERAGES

NU NU Restaurant Palm Cove is celebrating 20 years of fine wining and dining.

Owners Nick and Amy Holloway and Jason and Mo Rowbottom are passionate about what their restaurant represents, and that is to showcase the best of what the Far Northern tropics has to offer.

Co-owner Nick Holloway said Nu Nu was a modern Australian restaurant on the absolute beachfront at Palm Cove.

“The dramatic landscape and seasons, as well as the availability of stunning local produce, are at the forefront of Nu Nu’s philosophy and execution,” he said.

“Nu Nu is more than just food, it is a complete experience of Palm Cove and Tropical North Queensland.

“Come for breakfast and stay late, and enjoy the relaxed nature of our small coastal town, while eating some of the finest cuisine you can find in the country.

“Watch the Coral Sea lap on the sand while experiencing new tastes and talking to our floor staff.

“We believe the cornerstone of great cooking is resourcefulness. The goal in our restaurant is to, one – buy things in as little packaging as possible, two – use as much of the product as possible so that our kitchen bins are empty, and three – make food so delicious that you must eat everything on the plate. We use the

leftover bits of our ingredients as inspiration to create new dishes, seasonings and sides, like turning ginger trimmings into a ginger caramel or combining stale leftover bread with a parmesan rind to create a bread-pesto.

It’s essential to us that we use local ingredients, being the best way to maintain fresh and rich flavours in our dishes.”

Head chef Nick Holloway said since opening in 2004, Nu Nu Restaurant had gained the attention of the national media for its “exuberant food, professional service and luscious tropical setting”.

“I lead a young, energetic and passionate team of chefs who are dedicated to showcasing the best produce our region has to offer in new and innovative ways,” he said. “Cooking for a myriad of events ranging from 100 to 1000 guests, my profile has resulted in me travelling the world from New Zealand to Dubai.”

Mr Holloway has been featured as a guest presenter at many high-profile events including the Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Delectable Queensland, Brisbane Masterclass, and The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to name a few.

He said his culinary passion, creative dishes and engaging stories captivated audiences, and he was guest chef in Channel 10’s 2015 series of MasterChef where he competed in an immunity challenge.

Nu Nu’s co-owners Nick Holloway and Jason Rowbottom. Right: Some of the dishes on offer. Pictures: Supplied

Motorists loathe tailgaters

Survey reveals pet hates of drivers, with following

l SPECIAL REPORT

| Nick Dalton

THE latest research from Compare the Market has revealed that tailgating is the number one pet peeve of Australian drivers.

Drivers not using the indicator properly and speeding were also top irritations.

The research conducted by the car insurance comparison site found that tailgating is the biggest pet peeve, with one in five drivers stating that they find this behaviour infuriating.

Not indicating correctly and speeding rounded out the top three irksome actions, according to drivers surveyed around Australia.

These actions could be the foundations of distracted driving and road rage, which, according to recent Compare the Market research, around 60 per cent of drivers have experienced in the past 12 months.

Despite some common themes around pet peeves between the generations, there were also some stark differences.

Gen Z was the only generation to consider driving under the speed limit as the most infuriating action on our roads, whereas tailgating was frustrating older generations the most.

Compare the Market’s general and car

insurance executive general manager

Adrian Taylor said that, while many people might consider these actions pet peeves, drivers should be aware that most of these actions were illegal and could affect their record as a driver.

“While not indicating properly, tailgating, or speeding can seem more convenient for some people while on the road, these are illegal behaviours that can lead to demerit points and financial fines, not to mention potential accidents,” he said.

“Drivers should note that car insurers may consider tickets, fines and suspensions when they are calculating their premiums as a part of their risk assessment.

“Having many tickets for speeding or other offences on your driver record may indicate to the insurer that you’re a dangerous driver, which could result in increased car insurance premiums or, worst case, they may decline to cover you completely.

“National Road Safety Week is a great reminder to make our roads safer for everyone on the roads and near them by driving in the moment, without any distractions.”

Compare the Market surveyed 1010 Australian adults aged 18 and over in April 2024.

too closely behind at No.1

Tailgating is the biggest pet hate of motorists on Australian roads. Picture: iStock

Motoring Guide

Off-road tech in big demand

l PRODUCTION BOOST

| Nick Dalton ENGINEERING and manufacturing firm Premcar has increased production of its TerraGlide trailer suspension systems.

Premcar, TerraGlide’s engineering and manufacturing partner, has increased supply of its TG-X-1 dual-axle trailer suspension package to meet demand, which has been driven mainly by the caravan industry.

TerraGlide’s Australian developed and manufactured suspension package is a state-of-the-art design for off-road caravans and trailers.

The package is available with either steel coil springs or airbag springs.

“Any off-road caravan’s suspension system should be at least equal to the vehicle that tows it,” said Premcar chief executive officer Bernie Quinn.

“The single biggest difference between TerraGlide suspension and other off-road trailer systems is that TerraGlide has been developed using ‘Original Equipment Manufacturer’ (OEM) processes and technologies.

“Premcar has been engineering, developing and secondary-manufacturing new cars for global carmakers for more than 25 years,” he said.

“The detailed, gateway-based approach we take to develop the suspension for any automaker’s world-class 4x4 model range is the same

approach we apply to TerraGlide’s suspension packages.”

Many highlights distinguish TerraGlide suspension from other off-road trailer systems:

• A unique semi-trailing arm independent suspension layout

• Suspension geometry optimised using advanced MSC Adams multi-body dynamics virtual engineering software (which is used in the development of new vehicles)

• Australian-developed high-performance suspension dampers uniquely engineered for superior handling, control and safety in all terrain types

• Advanced sealed dual-row roller bearings by SKF deliver superior quality and reliability.

• Lifetime-maintenance-free automotive-grade durable suspension bushes which require no regular upkeep or greasing

• Class-leading 230mm of wheel travel, which is ideal for especially rough terrain

• An anti-roll bar on each axle to maximise ride comfort while controlling ride stiffness

Engineered jounce bumpers deliver progressive wheel deceleration during large impacts, reducing shock loads into the caravan’s chassis and body

• Wheel alignment: Adjustable camber, adjustable and locking toe

• Electronic drum brakes. Visit www.terraglide.com.au for more information.

A Nissan Patrol tows an off-road caravan with TerraGlide suspension over rough ground. Picture: Supplied

Cairns Local

trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that its publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person. Advertising Conditions

Any advertisement accepted for publication in Cairns Local News is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions.

The placing or positioning of an advertisement within the requested classification is at the discretion of Cairns Local News, except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of advertising is based upon the frequency used within the period of the order. The term may vary from three months to one year. The word “Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notification at the discretion of the publisher.

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Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all advertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and products or programmes must carry an APB Clearance Number. All advertisements that do not carry the APB Number first must be submitted for clearance and the issue of an APB number for inclusion in the advertisement directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

Friday May 31st

Lady 76 years seeks health-conscious friend. Write to: PO Box 290, Earlville, 4870

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can often see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to you?

Al-Anon can help you.

Meetings held weekly at:

Cairns City: Tuesday nights, 6pm to 7pm

• Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm to 1pm

• Kuranda: Mondays, 11am to 12 noon For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

SALE OF LAND FOR OVERDUE RATES

In accordance with Chapter 4, Part 12, Section 142 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Cassowary Coast Regional Council hereby gives notice that unless payment of all overdue rates together with any expenses incurred on the following land is paid, the said land will be sold by public auction on:

1 June 2024 commencing 10.00am

Shire Hall Foyer, Innisfail Shire Hall, 70 Rankin Street, Innisfail

3 Carney Street, DARADGEE Q 4860

Tenure: Freehold

Land Area: 0.1012 Ha

Legal Description: L42 RP703990

Title Reference: 20662163

7 Golden Cane Crescent, CARDWELL Q 4849

Tenure: Freehold

Land Area: 0.0900 Ha

Legal Description: L59 SP174367

Title Reference: 50560525

Bruce Highway, COWLEY Q 4871

Tenure: Freehold

Land Area: 10.7200 Ha

Legal Description: L73 SP326862

8 Keith Williams Drive, CARDWELL Q 4849

Tenure: Freehold

Land Area: 0.1074 Ha

Legal Description: L63 SP196157

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

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

enquiries only to 0448 622 920

Title Reference: 51329031

14 Margaret Street, SILKWOOD Q 4856

Tenure: Freehold

Land Area: 0.0607 Ha

Legal Description: L20 S7932

Title Reference: 21170073

Title Reference: 50656536

All lands will be sold subject to any Mortgage, Lien, Bill of Sale, Caveat, Judgment, Writ or other Charge, Agreement or Process registered against or in any way affecting the property in favour of the Crown or any Crown instrumentality or any persons representing the Crown.

All enquiries should be directed to the Principal Rates and Revenue on 1300 763 903.

Andrew Graffen Chief Executive Officer

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

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

Saturday June 1st

Atherton: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 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, 09:00-13:00

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

Sunday June 2nd

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

Tracey Hannah scores gold at Smithfield event

Crankworx magic

l MOUNTAIN

BIKING

LEADING mountain bike

competitor Tracey Hannah has scored gold at the 2024 Crankworx in the RockShox Downhill Cairns last weekend.

Despite the wet conditions at Smithfield, Tracey Hannah and Connor Fearon, both returning to Crankworx Cairns after a brief hiatus, navigated the technical rock garden and slippery roots to secure the top spots on the podium.

The tropical weather varied from heavy rain to sunny skies and gusty winds, making the already challenging course even tougher.

Local favourite Tracey Hannah, who seeded first alongside her brother Mick Hannah, started last and raced into the finish corral with an impressive 18-second lead over fellow Australian rider Ellie Smith.

Martha Gill placed third, only a few seconds ahead of the rising star Elleni Turkovic, who narrowly missed the podium.

“It got a bit hard by the last run, which was the race run obviously, but it was fun. I’m just happy that I got to ride,” said Hannah.

Having her six-month-old son Cooper in the crowd with her family, Hannah reflected on getting back into racing after a one-year absence.

“It’s super weird because you just forget how intense the nerves are. And then, you have to go back into your race routine and how you put it out of your mind. You really have to think through it. It was cool and interesting to go through that again.”

In the men’s category, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene had to leave

the hot seat to make way for three Aussie riders.

Connor Fearon clinched gold with a smooth run despite the challenging conditions, bouncing back after a difficult seeding run.

Absent from Crankworx Cairns for a year, Fearon improved on his silver medal from 2022.

Sport Results

WEST CAIRNS MEN’S BOWLS

Tuesday, May 21st. Winners; Joe Jackson, Ted Hamilton, Phil Buntain. R/U; J. Wilcox, Yakka, N. Mallyon.

Thursday, May 23rd. Thirsty Thursday. Best players; Russell, Ian McLeod, Geoff Smith. Friday, May 24th. Friday night scroungers. Winner; Geoff Rowley. R/U; Ken Vivian. Club Championship. A-Grade Singles. Phil Buntain def. Steve Kavanagh 25-21. Sunday, May 26th. Winners; J. Bent, Des Lazarus, N. Mallyon. R/U; Ted Edwards, T. Mitchell, A. Paraha.

“He was the main competition I think for this race”, referring to Mick Hannah who struggled to make it through the rock garden leading to some technical issues with his bike.

“So, I was happy with my run, came into the hot seat, and then unfortunately Mick had some problems in the rock garden, so I couldn’t see if my run was

Jackpot not won.

GORDONVALE BOWLS

Friday, May 24th. Winners; M Bruni, A Peterson, C Appo. R/U; B Protheroe, V Black, E Ligasachi.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

Thursday May 23rd. Consistency Singles. D. Hester def. R. Fraser. Social bowls. Winners;

Pride in top three

l RUGBY LEAGUE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH the competition almost halfway through, Northern Pride shows no signs of stopping, taking yet another victory against the Souths Logan Magpies 40-22 and remaining firmly in the top three on the ladder.

After a couple of weeks of landslide wins, the Pride found themselves again with a challenge as they faced the Souths Logan Magpies last Friday on their home ground and, despite some slips and missed opportunities, they prevailed, taking the game with a comfortable advantage 4022. However, coach Eric Smith said strategies needed to be re analysed.

The Pride now has one bye week to rest and go back to the drawing board to reassess their strategies ahead of the next home game on June 8 against the Burleigh Bears at Barlow Park where they hope to maintain their winning streak.

Coach Eric Smith said it had been a very successful match with an effective offense and strong defence but with many mistakes that will need to be improved to take the win at home.

Pride chief executive Garreth Smith said the team had managed to showcase their competitive edge and aimed to continue doing so in the coming rounds.

unnecessary mistakes and missed opportunities that we need to address. These areas will be a focus for improvement as we move forward.

“Adapting to the inclusions of a larger number of NRL NQ Cowboys rostered players, our strategies and managing the squad effectively has been crucial in maintaining our competitive edge.

“I want to recognise Josh Allen, whose form this year has seen him rewarded with being called in to train with the Cowboys squad. Well done Josh.

“With the upcoming bye, our focus will be on rest and recovery. This break provides a much-needed opportunity for our players to recharge physically and mentally, allowing us to return stronger for the challenges ahead.

enough to beat him but won the race regardless.”

Joel Sutherland, another hometown hero, secured second place with a run that had everyone at the edge of their seats, before he was carried across the finish line by the cheering crowds.

Jackson Frew rounded out the podium in third place.

M. Daffy, B. Hill, D. Begg. R/U; R. Fraser.

Wednesday, May 22nd. Overall Winners; M. Bucklar, R. Pamphilon, J. Populin. R/U; A. Del Favero, A. Quinn, G. Frizzo. 3rd; D. Jacoora, G. Hickey, J. Mason.

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday, May 21st. Tuesday morning bowls. Winners; Ken, Bob, Betty. R/U; Neil, Mary.

“Our performance against the Souths Logan Magpies was marked by several positives. Eric reflected on how our offensive strategies were executed effectively, and our defence remained strong under pressure,” he said.

“However, we did encounter a few challenges, such as

Tuesday afternoon Men’s triples. Winners; Bob, David, Jason. R/U; Hugh, David, Ross. Tuesday night bowls. Barbra, Ruth, Sisca, Rod, Mick, John, Brad, shooee, Hanns, Mick D. Wednesday, May 22nd.

“It's important that we use this time wisely to prepare for the next phase of the season.”

Mr Smith encouraged the community to support the Pride and get into the team spirit ahead of their next game at home on June 8 against the Burleigh Bears. Kick off will be at 3pm.

Wednesday mixed bowls. Winners; T Spicer, L Roberts, Denis. Triples. Winners; V Rheubens, J Carey B Howieson. Thursday, May 23rd. Thursday Mixed triples. Winners; Crackers, Alan T/Rhys, B Morris. R/U; R Blake, SJ Pitt, Robbo. Saturday, May 25th. Saturday Morning Scroungers. Winner; Gary R. R/U; Rose. Club Championships. Men’s A Singles. G Midson def. K Burley 25-23. N. Robson def. B O’Connor 25-19. C Thompson def. A Clark 25-15. E Blythe def. G McFarlane 25-23. R Gillman def. A Tymms 25-21. P Hamilton def. C Flanagan 25-16.

Local rider Tracey Hannah in action during Crankworx at Smithfield. Picture: Clint Trahan

Jake Clifford on the attack.

SC Cutters set for sixth win

Cutters tipped to roll Bulldogs, Lions over Saints, Tigers to dominate Hawks

l AFL

| John Gillett

AFL Cairns round 7 preview

South Cairns Cutters vs Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs at Fretwell Park

LAST week I pondered whether Cutters have the possibility of going through the season undefeated.

It is so far so good for them, as they look to claim their sixth straight win in round 7.

Back at Fretwell Park in front of a raucous and partisan supporter base, the Cutters will be supremely confident of continuing on their merry way.

They will want to rectify their inaccurate goalkicking from last week, but that is really nit-picking after a 52-point win.

The Bulldogs will hope the double club bye has come at the perfect time before they take perhaps the toughest trip in the Footy in Paradise schedule in 2024.

They sit one win and percentage outside the top four and will not feel too dissuaded about their start of the season. A new look Dogs team are clicking more and more each week and have a true su-

perstar in their ranks in Jaiden Butson. Cutters by 35.

Cairns Saints vs Cairns City Lions @Griffiths Park

SAINTS battled manfully against pacesetters Cutters last week, in with a fighter’s chance at half time trailing by only three goals. Tightening up the second half of their games will be the primary concern for Saints, but there are plenty of positive building blocks for them as they face a rebuilding year in season 2024.

Old rivals Lions provide a litmus test for this group seven rounds in, and even though it is a new group, you know they will be up for it.

After last week’s final three quarters against the Tigers, it is safe to say that the Lions are back in season 2024.

With Port Douglas having the bye, they know a win against their old adversaries will see them back in the more familiar position of second on the ladder, before a showdown against Port next round.

Pleasingly for Lions, a lot of their experienced campaigners are putting in big seasons. Beau Flint was best last week, while Tyron Rainbird kicked

five in a quarter to set the crowd alight.

Lions by 29.

Manunda Hawks vs North Cairns Tigers at Cazalys

WINLESS Hawks return to Cazalys after a tough road trip north to face Port last week.

It did not trouble dynamic forward Ezekial Frank, who kicked four out of seven, to have a share in the leading goalkickers race with 16.

Back on his home ground, Frank might be licking his lips coming up against a Tigers team who have been very happy to experiment with their combinations.

That goes for his teammates. If they can react quicker than the Tigers, they will be in with a shot. Tigers will be looking to bounce back after being blown away by Lions last week. While they will feel they did not do too much wrong against a scintillating Lions outfit, a fair assumption, they will know that is its own concern.

They are still well entrenched in the four and will know a run of wins before the next rep round will have them right amongst it. They will be looking to make a statement this weekend.

Tigers by 33.

Tom Lindenmayer gets up over Travis Thorne to help the Lions defeat the Tigers at Dreamtime By The Sea 3. Below: The Saints’ Angus Lane goes the spoil on the Cutters Karl Petri. Pictures: RAWI/AFL Cairns

Luxury Unleashed Here

We are dedicated to providing an exceptional and affordable retirement living option for all of our residents.

Services include but are not limited to the following:

Right To Reside Model

Affordable Weekly Charges

Internet And Solar Electricity

2x TVS Included

Phones Included

Onsite Contact Officer