Cairns Local News November 08 2024 by Cairns Local News

Local News Cairns

Parking crisis

Hospital staﬀ at wit’s end over lack of spaces and huge ﬁnes

l CAIRNS NORTH

| Nick Dalton

CAR parking around Cairns Hospital has reached a crisis with many staff members being slugged with hefty fines as they struggle to juggle their heavy workloads with managing their vehicles.

Registered nurse Natasha Kelly – who has started a petition on the issue – said it was almost impossible to find free car parking within a reasonable distance of the hospital.

The staff were also battling with tradies working on the new mental health unit, outpatients, family and friends visiting patients, Cairns State High School and Cairns Private Hospital staff for spaces.

Mrs Kelly of Redlynch said in the morning from the start of the 7am shift and the ending of the night shift at 7.30am it was not too bad, but as administration employees started arriving between 8am and 9am spaces started filling up and by the start of the 1pm afternoon shift workers were doing laps trying to find a park.

She said the nearest reasonable spaces to the hospital offered four hour limits which required staff to leave work (or in most cases not

at all) to shift their vehicles.

“We need eight hours at a minimum,” Mrs Kelly said. “In the past fortnight I’ve been hit with $96 fines,” she said.

Mrs Kelly said it appeared the council had started a crackdown and at times numerous parking officers were patrolling the streets around the hospital issuing fines.

“Townsville (hospital) has a free staff car park and we need one here,” she said.

“As a person who has recently been subjected to multiple parking fines while working at Cairns Hospital, the escalating financial burden has made me realise the extent of this troubling issue.

“In the heart of an economically challenging period, it is devastating that local authorities seem to be capitalising on our circumstances rather than offering us support. Parking fees and fines have become an unnecessary additional expense – almost becoming a punitive measure for those who are already grappling with health concerns and the related costs.

“We understand the need for effective parking management, but the council must also acknowledge the unintentional adverse effects this parking situation is causing.

CONTINUED PAGE 2-3

NEW Premier David Crisafulli, in his first visit to Cairns as the state’s leader, has promised to boost Far North police resources and fast-track tough new youth crime laws.

He’s also prioritising a business case for the Barron River bridge at Kuranda, which would be made public.

Mr Crisafulli was in Cairns on Wednesday, visiting Cairns police station where he pledged to reduce the number of police officers leaving the service, a quick roll-out of early intervention programs and more support for crime victims.

He also thanked Far Northern voters for trusting his candidates in three seats: Bree James, (Barron River), David Kempton (Cook) and Terry James (Mulgrave). Michael Healy has retained Cairns for Labor.

With new Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber, Mr Crisafulli outlined a plan to deliver on preelection law and order pledges, emphasising adult time for adult crimes performed by youth offenders. He said the aim was to have the ‘Making Queensland Safe’ legislation law before Christmas.

Mr Crisafulli has asked new Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg to make the bridge business case a priority with a short term fix followed by a long term solution.

Registered nurse Natasha Kelly has started a petition calling on Cairns Regional Council to ease up on parking patrols around Cairns Hospital. Picture: Nick Dalton

l CAIRNS CBD

Council gardens volunteer coordinator farewelled after 25 years

Bye, bye green thumb

l EDGE HILL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

KNOWN for her green thumbs and her passion for the community, Louisa Grandy is retiring from Cairns Regional Council after 25 years of growing a community of volunteer horticulturists, gardeners and friends.

The council’s volunteer coordinator started as a gardener at the Cairns Botanic Gardens and is credited with inspiring the community to step up and do more for the city while connecting with other residents through the Green Space, Our Place Program.

What started with two volunteers and Ms Grandy as program coordinator in 2009 with the now Down ‘n’ Dirty gardening group, branched out into the extremely successful Green Space, Our Place Program which has over 300 volunteers and eight supervised groups aiming to improve the green spaces in Cairns.

Dozens of volunteers and colleagues gathered to say goodbye to Ms Grandy – who’s retiring to spend more time with her family in Victoria – last Friday at Jess Mitchell Park.

“I’d like to thank the Friends of the Botanic Gardens for their support, to the original Down ‘n’ Dirties who supported me when I got this role, I thank all the council staff and the Green team. We couldn’t have done it without all of you,” Ms

Grandy said in her goodbye speech.

“It wasn’t a light decision but it was a definite true feeling that it was time (to step back). The vision of connecting people with people and people with nature has far exceeded my expectations, so thank you everyone for supporting me.”

Green Space, Our Place program, which is the brainchild of Ms Grandy and colleague Sarah Gosling, is now 10 years old. At one stage it had 1000 volunteers and has expanded into eight groups, such as the Catanna Wetlands.

“Louisa just has this lovely way about her, she’s not pushy, she’s endlessly positive, the absolute perfect person to run a group of volunteers,” said a founding member of the Down ‘n Dirty gardening group Lee Ross.

“We all love her, she’ll ask ‘Who wants to cut bamboo? Or who wants to weed?’. She adapts to what you know, and she’s a brilliant gardener. We learn heaps, her biggest thing was how can you finesse something, make it perfect,” she said.

Division 7 councillor Anna Middleton said Ms Grandy’s impact on the community was unmeasurable.

“You just have to walk around and talk to the people about how, once they interact with Louisa, they feel this real commitment to improving the community that we live in and that’s why I think this program is so successful,” she said.

Nurse launches petition calling for the council

FROM PAGE 1

“A fair and compassionate re-evaluation of these excessive parking fines around Cairns Hospital can significantly reduce burdens,” Mrs Kelly said.

“Thus, we urge the council to reconsider the existing policies and explore empathetic alternatives such as penalty waivers,

a cost cap, improved public transportation access, or even a ticket validation system with the hospital. A visual sign of a health crisis should not be a flurry of parking tickets on car windshields.”

Mrs Kelly said she had delivered hard copies of her petition to every ward where the same

story of numerous hefty fines was common. Another employee Troy Davis said it had become a major issue.

“ … within the last year or so I have noticed the council has been targeting around the hospital a lot more with parking fines and I find this a very big inconvenience for a lot of staff

members who struggle to find a park, let alone find a chance to move the car during work hours as we are such a busy place,” he said.

“This has caused a lot of staff to get numerous fines which I have been victim to several times and now the fines are up to $96 it is impossible to park for work and afford these kind of fines. So I’m hoping surely there’s something we can do or try to work out with the council to stop this or assist staff members in some way.”

A council spokesman said a blitz was not being conducted around the hospital.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Louisa Grandy with a card signed by volunteers, colleagues, friends and council staff thanking her for 25 years of making Cairns a greener city. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

GPs campaign for fluoride

Doctors make case for chemical compound to be added to Cairns water supply

l PORTSMITH

| Nick Dalton

THREE doctors on behalf of a collective of 28 have made an impassionate plea for Cairns Regional Council to add fluoride to the region’s water supply.

Dr Elizabeth Martin, Dr Stephen Salleras and Dr Lisa Fraser were given 15 minutes to state their case at the council’s Wednesday fortnightly meeting where a packed public gallery included both fluoride supporters and opponents with protest banners.

At times anti-fluoride protestors interrupted proceedings by shouting out comments such as “Stop poisoning people” and “You’re lying too much”.

An attempt at the end of the meeting by Cr Rob Pyne to have fluoride discussed at council workshops failed after a majority of councillors refused to give him permission to move a resolution.

Dr Salleras said it was evident that thousands of people had suffered poor oral health since flouride was removed from the Cairns water supply in 2013.

He said, while they were not dentists, they saw “the misery of dental pain”.

Dr Salleras said poor oral health led to other medical issues, including diabetes and heart, lung and kidney disease.

Dr Fraser said every day she saw the results of teeth decay in her patients, resulting in medications and antibiotics being administered and even emergency department visits.

She said it made her “terribly distressed”.

Dr Fraser said, while there was 76 per cent fluoridation in Queensland, most was in Brisbane and southeast Queensland.

Dr Martin said 60 years of re-

search showed that water fluoridation helped to prevent tooth decay by protecting against damage and helping with the repair of teeth.

She said water fluoridation reduced tooth decay by 26-44 per cent in children, teenagers and adults.

Dr Martin said there was no reliable evidence of an association between water fluoridation at current Australian levels and other human health outcomes including cancer, kidney disease, thyroid function, cognitive function and IQ.

She said she was “shocked” at

the teeth decay she had seen in pre-school children in Cairns.

Dr Salleras said the doctors would work with all councillors about fluoride using the city’s dental and medical expertise.

Another doctor, Dr Nicole Sleeman, said while Mayor Amy Eden said that fluoridation should be a state government decision, “Far North health professionals are making it clear that there is a wealth of health and public health expertise in our own community, who are more than equipped to guide council on public health decisions that councillors are legally responsi-

ble for”. “Health professionals and peak health bodies invite Cairns councillors to work with them, not against, in making evidence-based public health decisions that promote health in our community, as the people of Far North Queensland deserve,” she said.

In the meantime, Cr Eden and councillors have refused to meet the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service which has offered to make a presentation about the benefits of fluoride.

CHHHS chief executive officer Leena Singh said “it is disappointing that we will be un-

able to directly discuss the health benefits of water fluoridation to Cairns regional councillors”.

“The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service supports water fluoridation to improve oral health in the region,” she said.

“This is backed by strong, consistent scientific and medical evidence from global health experts.

“Tooth decay is having a serious impact on the oral health and, more broadly, the general health of hundreds of people around our region and more than 150 children required dental treatment under a general anaesthetic dur-

ing the previous financial year.

“It is costly to the community and our health system and can lead to chronic conditions, such as heart disease, later in life.

“A strong relationship with local government is key to the success of any public health measure.”

A council spokesman said “to avoid duplicating meetings with health professionals we declined a second meeting”.

“We also chose a deputation rather than a private meeting so that the wider public would have the chance to hear the information and it would be on the public record,” he said.

“The office of the CEO has also reached out to Dr John Gerrard, chief health officer for Queensland, to discuss his position on water fluoridation in light of the recent results from Our Cairns Survey. Council is awaiting a reply.

“Mayor Amy Eden stresses that oral health is, and always has been, the responsibility of the state government, not councils.

“It is up to the state government and chief health officer – who are best placed to make these kinds of decisions on health – to address this issue on a statewide basis if they believe it’s important to do so.

“If health professionals, peak organisations and residents believe there should be fluoride in the Cairns water supply, I encourage them to lobby the state government and local MPs to take back responsibility for it on a statewide basis.

“Our community is divided on this issue, people deserve freedom of choice, and (the) council’s position on this issue has not changed.

“Of the 77 councils in Queensland, 51 do not add fluoride to their drinking water.”

to ease up on parking enforcement around the hospital

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

He said recently there was officer training near the hospital and it would have appeared that there were more parking staff than usual. The trainees were not issuing fines.

The spokesman said hospital staff were advised to choose appropriate parking locations suitable for the period of time needed for their shifts.

“Parking around the hospital contains a mix of short and long stay, free and paid parking to cater for the needs of all hospital visitors and nearby businesses, not just their staff,” he said.

“(The) council is open to working with CHHHS to find solutions if required but ultimately the issue of dedicated staff parking is between CHHHS and its employees.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive officer Leena Singh said the organisation was considering the viability of a park and ride service to improve access to carparking. “Carparking has long been an issue at Cairns Hospital and the surrounding precinct and continues to be a challenge as our region’s population continues to grow rapidly,” she said.

“On any given weekday/24-hour period, we have 1600-1700 patients coming to or staying at Cairns hospital grounds … and they all contend for parking alongside approximately 2000 staff rostered on every day.”

Ms Singh said car parking was also sought by Cairns Private Hospital staff and patients, Cairns State High School staff and tourists visiting the Esplanade.

“Improving car parking is one of our priorities as we master plan our Far North Queensland Health, Research and Innovation Precinct, which includes discussions with Cairns Regional Council around alternative transport options for the future,” she said. Sign the petition (which has 700-plus signatures) at https://bit.ly/3CpbyZo

Representatives from the Cairns Group of GPs (from left) Dr Elizabeth Martin, Dr Lisa Fraser and Dr Stephen Salleras present their case for fluoridation at Wednesday’s Cairns Regional Council meeting. Picture: Nick Dalton

Planning ahead: Why estate planning is important for everyone

Whether you are 18 or 108, or any age in between, having a well considered and well prepared will is important, and can help avoid distressing and costly situations in the event of your passing.

At one end of the spectrum, there are individuals who do not think that they have any assets. Lauren Doktor, Partner and wills and estates lawyer at Miller Harris Lawyers, comments “I often hear the statement “I don’t have any assets, so I don’t need a will”. This couldn’t be further from the truth.”

She goes on to explain that that if you have worked, you will have a superannuation fund, and in fact, superannuation is often a person’s largest asset.

In estate planning, superannuation is an unusual type of asset. Your super is held for you on trust by the trustee of your superannuation fund and without a will and properly completed binding nomination, your superannuation will be distributed as decided by the super fund trustee.

Further, where a person dies without a will, the rules of intestacy will apply. These do not take into account your circumstances at the time of your passing and therefore the distribution of your estate under these rules may not be in accordance with your wishes.

For others who have complex financial and or family circumstances, they may be more concerned with protecting their wealth for future generations.

For these individuals, estate planning could also involve implementing a testamentary discretionary trust (which would come into affect after their passing). These structures may also assist in minimising tax.

Lauren Doktor is a Partner and practices predominantly in Wills and Estate at Miller Harris Lawyers. She also practices in commercial and property law which complement her passion for wills and estate planning and estate administration. For further information visit www.millerharris.com.au; or if you wish to discuss your circumstances, please contact Lauren on 07 4036 9700.

Testamentary trusts can be useful where you have minor children, or for those adult children who are, lets say, less responsible.

For those with minor children, your will should also set out your wishes of guardianship for your children. This can be a confronting issue for parents. Lauren can guide you in how to approach these difficult but important decisions.

Every family is different, increasingly blended families are the norm, and more often than not there are complex family dynamics. These issues will impact how you want your estate dealt with in the event of your passing. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and seeking advice from a skilled lawyer who understands the array of laws that can impact estate planning and administration will assist you in having a comprehensive plan.

Estate planning is also not a ‘set and forget’ task. Whilst you do not need to update your will every year, I really encourage you to regularly review your will to ensure that it continues to reflect your circumstances and wishes. This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.

All children invited to take part in 2024 Remembrance Day activities

Diggers will be held high

l FAR NORTH

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

with

CAIRNS will unite in solemn reflection this Remembrance Day with two significant events honouring the brave – the morning service and the third ‘Draw to Remember event’ – where young and old will pay respect to our heroes.

On Monday, all members of the community will have the opportunity to honour our fallen heroes and the current service men, women and veterans from Cairns with a Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph at 10.40 am and the Draw to Remember event which will get children to learn more about the event through art.

Over 500 people are expected to attend the annual Remembrance Day for the ceremony, wreath laying and one minute of silence at 11am to honour the sacrifice of our fallen service personnel.

“People should participate in Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, peace and the values we cherish,” said Cairns RSL Sub Branch president Nathan Shingles.

“It serves as an opportunity

to reflect on the true cost of war, pay tribute to those who served and ensure that the lessons of history are remembered and passed on.”

The sub branch is also bringing back the Draw to Remember event, an initiative that gets younger ones involved, learning about Remembrance Day and the sacrifices of our armed forces through art.

This year 21 schools across the Far North will participate, including St Andrew’s Catholic College and Redlynch State College from 2pm.

“Commander Thorpe from HMAS Cairns and Nathan Shingles will attend Redlynch State College for Draw to Remember,” said sub branch secretary Lucy Cahill.

“RSL provides children with chalk for them to create art that represents what it is to them to remember our fallen soldiers and veterans,” she said.

“A lot of them do lovely art with the poppies, the fallen soldier and any symbol that helps them remember and put it into art. A lot of the Redlynch College students’ parents are serving members so it’s a great time for them to represent how they feel.

“Mr Shingles and Commander Thorpe will also present the

students with a certificate and modern soldier statue to thank the children for taking part in the initiative.”

Ms Cahill said it was crucial to share Remembrance Day with the children in the community.

“It’s important so that the sacrifice and service of our troops is never forgotten and the future generations all continue to remember what’s happened and what our service men and women have sacrificed for our freedom,” she said.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3UDU55V Other services across the Far North:

• Mossman: Assemble at 64-66 Front St from 10.30am

• Gordonvale: Cenotaph, Norman Park from 10.30am

• Ravenshoe: Ravenshoe Memorial Park from 10.40am

• Mareeba: Cenotaph, 126 Byrnes Street from 10.45am

• Innisfail: Jack Fossey Park Cenotaph from 10.45am

• Herberton: Herberton War Memorial Cenotaph from 10.45am

• Mt Molloy: Mt Molloy Memorial Hall from 10.45am

• Kuranda: Centenary Park from 10.45am

• Cardwell: Cenotaph 132 Victoria from 10.50am.

Current Member for Barron River Bree James (left), former HMAS Cairns commanding officer Alfonso Santos and Cairns RSL Sub Branch president Nathan Shingles at the 2023 Draw to Remember at Redlynch State College. Picture: Supplied

‘Unseemly’ resort rejected Council knocks back Cedar Rd proposal after 3000-plus objections received

l PALM COVE

| Nick Dalton

A SIGNIFICANT resort, apartment, villa and village development which would have changed the face of Palm Cove has been knocked back by Cairns Regional Council.

But not after Cr Matthew Tickner put his case for the project to be given the go-ahead.

Wednesday’s fortnightly council meeting was told the project had been in the planning stages for seven years and was vehemently opposed by residents, with more than 3000 objections. The developer Palm Cove Nominees had also been granted 11 extensions to their development application.

The project, in Cedar Rd directly behind Williams Esplanade, included a 120-room resort of up to six storeys high, seven apartment buildings up to three storeys high (42 apartments) and 17 two-storey high villas.

All councillors, except Cr Tickner, backed the officers recommendation that the development be rejected. Absent were Palm Cove’s divisional representative deputy mayor Cr Brett Olds (Div. 9) and Cr Brett Moller (Div. 1).

“The development proposes a maximum building height for development of six storeys which is a significant departure from that which is reasonably expected to occur in both the zone and the wider Palm Cove neighbourhood,” it said.

“The proposed development does not represent a high quality, tropical built form outcome that is both compatible and complementary to the established and desired character and identity of Palm Cove.”

Cr Cathy Zeiger (Div. 3), who moved that the development be refused, said there was “community sentiment against allowing extra height in Palm Cove”.

“Objections were raised in regards to inconsistency with Cairns Plan 2016, excess height of six storeys, not meeting the character, identity and amenity of Palm Cove, environmental issues, flooding, stormwater issues, parking, no public space etc,” she said.

Cr Zieger said the original proposal was eight storeys high and council officers had worked for a long time trying to find “a mutually agreeable outcome”.

However, she said, the developer had not responded to requests about stormwater and sewerage as well as provision of a dedicated public park and

The council report said the proposed development “does not respond to, nor maintain or enhance, the character, identity and amenity of Palm Cove”.

guaranteed protection of melaleuca trees on the site.

“We care about our region and need to protect its value,”

Cr Zeiger said.

“I believe we are supportive for development, but it has to be remarkable and quality.”

Cr Tickner (Div. 2) said it was “beholden on us (councillors) to recognise opportunity for our city … and sometimes

opportunity comes with some risk”.

“After reviewing the information provided by the proponent of this development, against the counter-review of our planning department, I see the risks and I am comfortable with them for the outcome they can provide,” he said.

Cr Tickner said, while Palm Cove was described as ‘the

jewel in the crown’, its ageing infrastructure often told a different story on the ground.

He said there were few significant parcels of land left, such as the Cedar Rd property, that could realistically handle new small resort developments.

“My fear is we lose it to a continuation of what we have already seen at Cedar Rd – more standard residential to then only

be used by the few who can afford to buy it.”

Cr Tickner called on councillors to take a risk to rejuvenate Palm Cove and benefit all of Cairns “or pass this motion through and take, in my opinion, the riskier option of seeing this critical piece of land taken up by a few more over-priced houses and lose the opportunity for good.”

An artist’s impression of the Cedar Rd six-storey high resort, apartment and villa complex at Palm Cove. Picture: CA Architects

Shire council will have power to turn oﬀ taps if crisis hits again like in a cyclone

Emergency water controls

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

| Nick Dalton

SNAP water restrictions will be enforced in the Douglas Shire to ensure there is no repeat of a previous crisis during and after Cyclone Jasper.

The ‘emergency water restrictions’ will impose limits above level 4 controls.

Councillors agreed to the new restrictions being imposed only when there is an imminent

risk of running out of potable water.

Residents will be asked to use just 100 litres of water per person per day, or ideally 50 litres, limit clothes washing and encouraged to only flush solids down the toilet.

Under the restrictions, banned will be the topping up of private pools, cleaning windows, watering plants by council staff and in private gardens, turning on water features, and even the use of water pistols

and water toys by children.

Deputy mayor Roy Zammataro told last week’s ordinary council meeting that it was important the public realised the new restriction level would allow residents to have water for basic needs rather than no water at all.

“If these restrictions are adhered to, we should be able to keep water back for the basic needs,” he said.

Cr Abigail Noli said it was “really important that the com-

munity understands that it happened to us, we weren’t prepared for it and it was out of our hands and, while it may never be the first one or the last one, we have got to be prepared”.

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council had to be prepared after the situation got out of hand during and after Cyclone Jasper.

She said the new restriction level had to be approved before the start of the wet season.

“We are hopeful there will be

few, if any, occasions when we will need to activate emergency water restrictions this wet season, however, if enacted, the plan is to relax restrictions when all reservoirs are back near maximum capacity,” Cr Scomazzon said.

“This might be 12 hours if we have successfully repaired a major main break, or it could be one to two days if water production has stopped due to a prolonged wet weather event.

“The key to minimising the

length of restrictions will be if we can truly band together as a community collectively shift the dial on water usage in our homes and businesses.

“We hope the emergency restrictions are not required but it is important the community is aware of some of the ongoing challenges our water network is facing and why everyone’s efforts in conserving water are so important.”

For more information, see https://bit.ly/40n19rn

STORM SURGE SAFETY

KNOW YOUR ZONE

When a cyclone strikes, storm surges can swallow coastlines and destroy homes.

Cairns Regional Council has mapped the danger with colour coded storm surge zones. The red zone is the most at risk, followed by orange, yellow and white.

Quickly find your zone and read our evacuation guide at the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.

Cenotaph work

l GORDONVALE

THE Gordonvale Cenotaph, which stands as a tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I and World War II, is undergoing much-needed restoration.

David ‘Chalky’ Chalk of the Gordonvale RSL said the tablets on the Cenotaph, originally installed in 1924 and relocated in 1972 due to changes in road laws, had eroded over time and now needed replacing.

engraved on these tablets and their preservation is of significant importance to the community,” he said.

“The project will involve replacing the four deteriorating tablets with new ones made from superior granite material, ensuring a more durable and long-lasting memorial.

“Gori Marble and Granite, a reputable local business, has been tasked with this delicate restoration.”

are

“The names of local soldiers who sacrificed their lives in these

Mr Chalk said quotes for the work had been approved by the Cairns Regional Council.

wars

David ‘Chalky’ Chalk beside the Gordonvale Cenotaph when it was in top condition. Picture: Supplied

Something fishy going on in these FNQ creeks

l FAR NORTH

NEW fishways are helping fish species, including barramundi and mangrove jack, to breed up in North Queensland waterways.

Six fishways built between Tully and Crystal Creek near Paluma over the last year have removed barriers for juvenile fish. Together, they’ve opened up more than 100km of creek and river systems –and recent surveys at these sites have shown they are fish highways.

More than 1000 fish were recorded moving through one of the fishways – at Insulator Creek north of Townsville – in one day. In more recent surveys, over 4500 fish were caught and released during monitoring work at four rock ramp fishways.

“Sixteen native species,

including juvenile barramundi, empire gudgeon, rainbow fish, tarpon and long-finned eels, were recorded,’’ Terrain NRM’s Deb Bass said.

“Of the 80+ species of native fish we have in the Wet Tropics region, up to half need to move between salt and freshwater habitats to complete their lifecycles. Barriers like weirs, pipes, culvert crossings and weed chokes can stop these species from thriving,” she said.

“In recent surveys at our fishways, eight of the 16 native species recorded are species that need that movement - from their beginnings in saltwater to safer freshwater nursery grounds as juveniles and then back downstream to the saltwater to breed as adults. So we can see the

$9.64m

fishways are providing access for these species, from barramundi and mangrove jack to shrimps.”

Terrain NRM has been working with OzFish Unlimited, Catchment Solutions and Australasian Fish Passage Services on the ‘Fish Homes and Highways’ project, funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. Fishways are a relatively new solution in the region – a series of underwater stairs for fish, with deep pools between each one for resting.

Catchment Solutions fishery ecologist Matt Moore said rocks were placed strategically, sometimes in S-bend and sometimes a straight line, to achieve the right gradient to create a slower flow while also being able to withstand floods.

Annual report shows Cassowary Coast local authority has healthy

l CASSOWARY COAST

| Nick Dalton

THE late arrival of a multimillion-dollar grant from the Federal Government has hit the back pocket of Cassowary Coast Regional Council but not as bad as the deficit by Douglas Shire Council ($6.2 million).

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council annual report 2023-2024 reports a net surplus of $9.64m, compared to a deficit of $1.3m in the previous year. The report said operational grants, contributions and do-

nations were $3.4m for 20232024, a decrease of $8.1m (-239 per cent) compared to the prior year.

“This large decrease is a result of the timing of the payment of the 2024-2024 Financial Assistance Grant ($5.5m) which based on the prior year was expected and forecast to be received at the end of June 2024 but instead was paid early July 2024,” the report said. It also noted:

• Operating revenue was $90.2m. Rates, levies and charges continue to be the

major source of income for the council at $76.8m, an increase of $4.4m.

• Capital revenue, from state and commonwealth governments was $25.4m, a significant increase of $16.4m compared to the prior year due to increased grants for projects including the Port Hinchinbrook sewerage treatment plant.

• Operating costs were $98.9m, an increase of $7.8m

• Depreciation was another major component of operating expenses at $32.5m.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said the report highlighted “our dedication to the essential services that sustain our vibrant community”.

She acknowledged the significance of community involvement in shaping the council’s priorities, with the 2024 community scorecard collecting over 100,000 words of feedback that will guide future planning.

“Your voices have made it clear that priorities like roads, footpaths, cycleways, health services, youth programs, and safety remain top of mind,” she said.

Throughout the year, council’s partnerships at regional, state and federal levels have advanced several key projects, including:

• Mission Beach town centre revitalisation project

• Port Hinchinbrook sewerage treatment plant and revitalisation

• Banyan Park beautification

• Hyatt Street reservoir

• Primary healthcare initiatives.

Cr Millwood emphasised the ongoing focus on roads and waste management, announcing

the roll-out of kerbside recycling and advancements in the unsealed roads program.

Chief executive officer Andrew Graffen said the council had “strengthened our community’s resilience, particularly in response to and recovery from severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding”.

“Council acted swiftly, implementing kerbside collection and establishing community and economic recovery hubs, which supported residents and businesses in restoring a sense of normalcy,” he said.

Geoff Collins from OzFish Unlimited at Five Mile Creek near Cardwell. Picture: Terrain NRM

Tourism Tropical North Queensland reveals ambitious stretch target

Industry goal is $7.5bn

l FAR NORTH

| Nick Dalton

THE Far North’s tourism industry could be worth $7.5 billion a year by 2032.

The ‘stretch target’ would also support an extra 12,500 regional jobs and pay an additional $780 million in tax revenue per annum.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the stretch target was identified in the draft Tropical North Queensland destination management plan 2032 with the executive summary released last month after 12 months of consultation throughout the region.

“If TTNQ can secure the funding required to deliver on the aspirations of the plan, it could outstrip the targets set in Queensland’s ‘Towards Tourism 2032’ strategy, which included $6.7bn in visitor expenditure in the region,” he said.

There are seven key areas that will drive the region’s growth to become a globally sought after sustainable and regenerative tourism destination with a yearround visitor economy.

1. Securing additional direct aviation routes domestically and internationally, and increasing investment in destination marketing to drive the required

demand

2. Holding the region’s domestic market share, growing interstate holiday nights from key segments including business events, sustainability, wellness, adventure and naturebased tourism

3. Increasing the region’s share of the national touring drive market and cruise passenger markets and increasing dispersal, especially in the offpeak seasons

4. Being the national leader in regenerative tourism, growing its share of key international ‘conscious-travel’ markets seeking to avoid contributing

to over-tourism and connecting visitors to Country with the most Indigenous experiences of any destination

5. Leveraging events and key international and ‘travel for a purpose’ segments to travel in off-peak seasons to support a year-round visitor economy with regional dispersal

6. Attracting investment in new experiences, accommodation and core infrastructure to grow a share of key international markets and increase their stay and spend

7. Supporting programs and policies that build career pathways and attract, retain and

house skilled workers including growing a share of the national market for international education.

Mr Olsen said the plan outlined a comprehensive approach to achieving these growth strategies, including specific actions across FNQ’s sub-regions which have been identified in the workshops held in those areas.

“The targets are linked to the funding request outlined by TTNQ from the local, state and federal governments including the $10m election commitment where we are seeking bipartisan support,” he said.

“The game changers critical to the success of the plan include the need to leverage our proximity to Asia as the northern gateway to Australia with new direct aviation routes and increased domestic links to enable more travellers to access our destination easily.

“The value of business and major events is already growing for our destination, and these could potentially double in value to better support aviation, trade and investment and, importantly, deliver liveability benefits for our community.”

Read the summary at https://bit.ly/4fhn6fB

Retirees win $2m Gold Lotto

l TRINITY PARK

WITH a $2 million Saturday Gold Lotto win about to land in their pockets, a Trinity Park couple is ready to turn every day into a holiday – embracing retirement with sun-soaked adventures.

The Northern Beaches residents held one of the 10 division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Gold Lotto draw (October 26) and look forward to a total prize of $2m.

The winning husband revealed he planned to wait until the Sunday to check his Gold Lotto ticket, but a strong hunch led him to check it right after the draw.

“So exciting. Woo-hoo,” he said. “I am in shock. A lot of shock. I wasn’t going to check the ticket until Sunday, which is normally what I do. But I had a feeling to check it straight after the draw. After I checked the ticket, we couldn’t sleep a wink.

“I normally just do a QuickPick entry and I guess these are my lucky numbers now.

“My wife and I have just entered retirement, so this has come at the most perfect time.

“We will be able to use this prize to boost our retirement plans. Maybe we’ll go on a few holidays.”

Their winning 36-game QuickPick was bought at TSG DFO Cairns. Store manager Kelly Moran said she was so excited to learn that her store sold another division one winning entry.

Natural wonders, such as Ellinjaa Falls at Millaa Millaa, are part of a plan to grow tourism to $7.5 billion annually. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

High fives by Ash Barty

l CAIRNS CBD

| Isaac Colman

AUSTRALIAN tennis legend

Ash Barty has filled Cairns City Library with excitement after coming to Cairns for a special Grandparents Storytime as a First 5 Forever ambassador.

Helping families throughout the state discover ways to support their children’s development in the first five years, First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by the State

Library and delivered in partnership with local government.

Promoting the State Library of Queensland’s successful play-based learning initiative, while also highlighting the significant role of grandparents, Ms Barty brought her star power to Far North Queensland.

Ms Barty said she wanted to highlight these things, as she has identified the importance of grandparents since becoming a new mother.

“As a new mum and auntie, I know grandparents make a unique contribution to the

lives of children,” she said.

“As a First 5 Forever ambassador I am proud to honour their role as community elders and caregivers who bring wisdom and fun to playtime.

“It is wonderful to be in Cairns to promote the importance of parents and caregivers talking, reading, singing, and playing with children in everyday places.”

State librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald said these kind of community interactions were significant, especially involving grandparents.

‘Ready, set, go’

New Cook MP gets straight back to work

l COOK ELECTORATE

| Robyn Holmes

WHILE Cook remains close and will be decided on preferences and postal votes, LNP’s David Kempton (right) is projected to win the large electorate from incumbent Cynthia Lui who has been the Labor MP for Cook for three terms.

This is only the second time the conservatives have held Cook since the 1970s and Mr Kempton has won it both times. He won the seat in 2012 as part of the Campbell Newman government but was ousted in the rout of the LNP at the 2015 election.

Mr Kempton was straight into work on Monday last week.

Feeling buoyed by his victory in Cook, Mr Kempton acknowledged the seat was hard to win due to its diversity of communities and its geographical size.

He said he was not surprised that the Far North and North Queensland had shown their support for a new path with the LNP after years of failure by Labor to invest in the north of the state.

“I think the fact that so much going on up here has not been addressed across a number of issues – crime, cost-of-living, health, roads and housing –was the reason people wanted

change,” Mr Kempton said.

“The really big win was here in Mareeba, people really had had enough and that was indicative in the votes.

“It’s a really difficult electorate, it’s logistically difficult to get around, it’s hard to man booths during elections, there’s a diametrically opposed demographic. There’s a strong farming community, there’s the Torres Strait, all the indigenous communities, there’s mining, we have an international border, half the state’s coastline and half of the Great Barrier Reef.

“You need to understand it and build relationships. The type of campaign you would run in the city doesn’t work up here. It’s very much a personal one-to-one approach. People need to know you and they need to trust what you’re saying.

“You need to earn this seat

and you need to work to keep it, you cannot take it for granted.”

Mr Kempton is keen to get on with the job and is expected to be sworn in in the next week so the LNP can action changes to legislation before the Christmas break.

One of his first priorities will be to establish a regional roads advisory group to tackle the region’s neglected road network.

“It won’t be just a community advisory group though – it will actually be developing policy and set priorities with the minister who will direct TMR (Department of Transport and Main Roads),” he said.

In addition to action being needed on the Kuranda Range road and the Barron River bridge, Mr Kempton said there were a host of other issues plaguing the region’s transport industry that needed to be tackled.

“From Ootan Rd to the Chillagoe road, to break down pads, to road classifications, to the Mareeba bypass, the bridges this end of the PDR, and the other end of the PDR – all have to be looked at,” he said.

Mr Kempton said they needed to be prioritised and funded “in a way that brings the best benefit to the transport network here because we are being flogged with transport costs.”

Cairns Libraries First 5 Forever project officer Jemima Eveans (left) and tennis champion Ash Barty read to children and their grandparents at Cairns City Library. Picture: Nic Morley

Lettersto the editor

Vocal Local

Last week’s question was: What do you think the priorities of the new LNP government should be? Here are just some of your comments.

Crime - young juveniles are out of control.

- Ross W Bester, Facebook

The implementation of all the LNP’s pre-election promises. Very simple. This is why you are in.

- Peter Kulper, Facebook

I just hope they stay away from here. Their first action was to shut down the truth-telling inquiry. What a despicable and unnecessary thing to do.

- Stick Cindi, Facebook

Abolish the mining tax, repeal medical cannabis and step up drug arrests. Car rego will go up, too much to list.

- Keven Glinster, Facebook

Replace the Barron River Bridge and fix the Kuranda Range road.

- Gary Crawford

Locking up (young crims) is not the solution. They need to do strictly-controlled community services. Like in chain gangs, collecting rubbish, helping where ever physical help is needed, in colourful overalls so every one knows them. Need to earn privileges like, food, shower, bed, aircon etc. Simply the consequences need to be that hard, they don’t want to committ crime ever again.

- Hp Brenn, Facebook Cairns crime.

- Tatiana McLean, Facebook

Richie Bates, Parramatta Park Safeguard Reef

Maja Amanita, Cairns Don’t ram cars Ian Wiltshire, Mt Sheridan Fluoride questions

Dotch Alwin, Portsmith Ashamed of Cairns

C. Walker, Gold Coast Hospital woes

Grace Lee, Cairns

Locals spring into action

l DOUGLAS SHIRE

THERE is never a lack of activities in the Douglas Shire and this current springtime is no exception.

Just recently, as part of Seniors Month in Queensland, a group attended a midday movie arranged by Mossman Support Services, held at the much-loved Clink Theatre.

Those in attendance enjoyed the film June, the feel-good comedy starring Noni Hazelhurst. This was followed by lunch in Port Douglas.

Keeping on the ‘flicks’ theme, a movie night was organised for the general community at Dixie Park, Port Douglas.

Using the Douglas Shire Council’s large portable screen, the location was the perfect setting for some visual pleasure. Films enjoyed on the night were ‘Coco’ and ‘Inside Out 2’, plus the evening also included a sausage sizzle, popcorn and other refreshments.

Keeping the momentum going before the real hot weather and wet season kicks in, two more local events are coming up in the Douglas Shire, one of these being a volunteer extravaganza and community morning in Port Douglas.

Apart from a celebration of our great local vollies, this will be a chance to meet and greet volunteer organisations, chat with other local volunteer heroes, plus enjoy live entertainment, a petting zoo, a badge making class, a weaving circle and heaps more.

This extravaganza morning is being held at the Port Village Shopping Centre from 9am-12pm on Saturday November 16.

Light Up the Park, held in Mossman, has become a regular event on the Douglas Shire calendar this year and has proven to be a great community morale booster during some tough times.

Run by the Mossman Support Services Youth Centre, it is aimed to connect locals with organisations

that can assist them in a range of ways, through a range of engaging and fun activities.

The youth centre is now excited to invite people to another Light Up the Park event at the end of the month, with this particular one showcasing local arts and culture.

Additionally, this event is being held in conjunction with the Indigenous Business Month 10-year celebrations. Their theme ‘Making Our Mark’ will be showcasing and celebrating First Nations businesses.

Highlights for the day will include First Nations stalls and merchandise, all supplied by local First Nation’s businesses.

The community mural project will also be addressed helping to create stage 1 of this new program.

As per the previous events, the afternoon will also include family -friendly fun activities for all ages and a free community barbecue. If you are not part of the arts and culture space, your service, organisation, or business is still more than welcome to join the day by hosting a stall or running an activity.

Youth development coordinator and event organiser Brody Andrews said, “for anyone interested in hosting a workshop or setting up a stall, this is a great opportunity to share your talents and connect with the community. Together, we can also celebrate local culture, support community recovery and showcase First Nations business.”

This next Light Up the Park will be taking place on November 28, from 3 to 6pm, once again at George Davis Park, Mossman. To register a stall or activity contact Brody Andrews by November 15 on 0412 735 585

I’m off to see what else is going on, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews. com.au

Traditional dancing at a recent Light Up the Park event.

Erica Mast (left), Colleen Smith, Cath Wilmott, Lin Hooper, Jen Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Glen Shorrock, Irene Shorrock, Heather Macaulay, Lynette Percic, Juliette Oakes.

Local Douglas Shire volunteers Uta Jandric (left), Janice Wilson and Brenda Mittelman.

Community movie night at Dixie Park, Port Douglas.

Health and Wellbeing

Expo set to assist

l INNISFAIL

CASSOWARY Coast seniors and people with disabilities will be shown how to get access to wellness resources, services, and social networks at an expo later this month.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is inviting community members to the ‘Wisdom and Wellness Expo’ on Tuesday, November 26, at the Innisfail Shire Hall.

A first of its kind for the council, the event is designed to empower seniors and people with disabilities by providing access to wellness resources, services, and social networks.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, interactive presentations, and visit exhibitor stalls featuring topics such as assistive technologies, fitness, mental health, and nutrition.

The event also celebrates Seniors Month and Disability Action Week to encourage a sense of pride and inclusion within the community.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said the expo was a fantastic initiative that promoted wellbeing

and independence for our seniors and residents with disabilities.

“It’s an opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with others while accessing the tools and resources to support a healthy, fulfilling life,” she said.

Community portfolio holder

Councillor Trudy Tschui said inclusivity was important in community events and that was why the council supported the expo.

“I am proud that (the) council is able to host this event, to ensure community members, especially seniors and those living with disabilities, feel supported and valued,” she said.

“This event is about empowering our community to live healthier, more connected lives, with the resources and networks to thrive.”

The expo is free, but registration is required to keep track of numbers attending the event. Secure your spot now by visiting https://bit.ly/3AfIiny

The event on Tuesday, November 26 runs from 10am-3pm at the hall at 70 Rankin St, Innisfail. For further information call 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast. qld.gov.au

NDIS Mission Australia Innisfail team stall holders (from left) Terrena Anziliero, Kate Magnanini, Mayor Teresa Milwood, Patricia Barden and Kristeen Smith are prepared for the Wisdom and Wellness Expo. Picture: Cassorway Coast Regional Council

Spotlight on Northern Beaches

Christmas fair at seaside

Free things for kids plus 60 market stalls

l HOLLOWAYS BEACH

| Nick Dalton

THE Christmas markets are back at Holloways Beach with a twist.

Instead of on the beachfront, which is still being repaired after Cyclone Jasper, they return as the Holloways Beach Christmas Fair at Syd and Jane Granville Park (corner of Oleander and Cassia streets).

The organisers are hoping to emulate the success of the ‘Hello, Holloways’ community event in July which attracted more than 2000 people.

The event was designed by the Holloways Beach Community Hall and the Holloway’s Beach Men’s Shed to unite the community in the wake of the devastating floods last December and to remind folk that the suburb was not a ghost town.

Steve Habel of the Hol-

loways Beach Men’s Shed said it would be the first Christmas fair in the suburb and was being run by the community hall committee with the shed’s assistance.

He said the council had given the go-ahead for the event on Sunday, November 10 from 8am-1pm.

“It will be virtually identical to ‘Hello, Holloways’. We will have 60 market stalls out the front, half a dozen food trucks, a coffee van and our sausage sizzle,” Mr Habel said.

“There will be an art exhibition in the hall which was extremely popular last time. They sold a lot of nice paintings,” he said. Hall committee secretary Suzette Habel said there would be a lot of free things for children.

“We will have snow cones, face painting, sand art, a jumping castle, popcorn, fairy floss and a petting zoo,” she said.

Holloways Beach Men’s shed members (from left) Gill Quickfall, Steve Habel and Peter Hanna with a rocking horse restored by Andy Maiden which will be raffled at the Christmas fair. Picture: Nick Dalton

TimeOut

‘Drizzle Boy’ puts spotlight on neurodiversity

Focus on autism

l CAIRNS

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A HEARTFELT coming-of-age story about an autistic young man in his first weeks of uni is coming to CPAC tonight with the goal of making you laugh, cry and start an honest conversation about autism.

The winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2022-23, ‘Drizzle Boy’ is a biting satire that blends magical realism with a journey of self-discovery.

The story follows the titular Drizzle Boy masterfully interpreted by Daniel R. Nixon in his first weeks at university as his parents, portrayed by Judy Hainsworth (Fourteen, The Twits) and Anthony Gooley (Bernhardt/Hamlet, Boy Swallows Universe), adapt to his burgeoning independence and even his first love.

“The plot of Drizzle Boy follows a young autistic man on his first day of university and he’s met with a lot of chal-

lenges and he closes himself off from the world while trying to overcome these challenges,” said leading man Daniel R. Nixon.

“Drizzle Boy has this lifelong dream of wanting to go to space and escape from this world that doesn’t understand him but through his journey of self-discovery and through some new relationships and understanding more about his past he starts to learn more about acceptance.”

Mr Nixon, who’s autistic himself, said he hoped Drizzle Boy’s authentic casting inspired other neurodivergent creatives to tell their stories.

“Having a real connection to the character it’s in the best interest of everyone and it gives the production and these stories more credibility and authenticity and I think there’s a lot of power in that,” he said.

“There has been a lot of people doing the talking for us (autistic people), neurodiversity has had some exposure recently

but through a neurotypical lens and it narrows people’s perception and gets a certain stereotype in their heads.

“It’s important to give voice to people with actual lived experience rather than using them as a token, so a play like this holds more weight because it debunks a lot of stereotypes that people learned about autism.”

Mr Nixon said he hoped for people to leave the theatre ready to have conversations about autism.

“I hope this show encourages people to think differently about autism and adulthood, a lot of knowledge about autism is outdated, so I hope we can help people start a discussion and celebrate more what it’s like to be neurodivergent and not see it as an issue or disability,” he said. “If you want to see something fresh and exciting and if you want to see drama and comedy through a neurodivergent lens you should come to see Drizzle Boy.”

To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4fxGll4

Latest Rondo play ‘hilariously chaotic’

l REVIEW

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

ABSURD, witty and hilariously chaotic

'One Man, Two Guvnors' by the Rondo Theatre is a very well-acted piece of comedy that will suit fans of physical comedy and outrageous characters.

The sold-out One Man, Two Guvnors, is a very straightforward comedy that takes you back to a time where comedy was not as intricate or intellectual but rather just uncomplicated.

With its mix of physical comedy, a cast of hilarious characters – each with its very particular colour – it drags the audience in, gets them involved and on board with the absurdity of its plot and jokes.

The show takes us to Brighton, England

in 1963 where we meet Francis Henshall whose sole purpose in life is to work for a meal.

Then he finds himself without a job, he jumps on board to help Roscoe Crabbe, a presumed dead gangster, who is looking to fulfill a marriage arrangement to Charlie Crabbe’s daughter Pauline who is in love with her fiancé Alan.

What they don’t know is that Mr Crabbe is being impersonated by his sister Rachel and she’s planning to run away with her brother’s murderer Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class dunce.

Mr Henshall ends up mistakenly hired by Mr Stubbers and, with two guvnors to serve, all chaos ensues.

The cast led by Barry McGinley, who plays Francis Henshall, is magnificent. McGinley’s physical comedy never ceases

to amuse but his ability to improvise, get the crowd involved and his unstoppable wittiness make him an ideal protagonist.

However, all characters command the stage when they’re in it with their little quirks like airhead Pauline played by Scarlett Terry with her hilarious walk and clueless demeanor, fiancé Alan played by Finn George-Newman – my personal favourite – a complete idiot and over the top actor, Stanley Stubbers played by CJ Bowers and his outrageous and hilarious pointers and Alicia Clark as Roscoe and Rachel and her attempts at pretending to be a man.

Overall, the play was a completely absurd, yet hysterical experience full of twists, turns, misunderstandings and blows to the nether region that will surely get you to break into a fit of laughter at least once.

Francis Henshall (played by Barry McGinley) and Dolly (played by Heather Baker). Picture: FrontRowFoto

CBD

Daniel R. Nixon as Drizzle Boy. Picture: Supplied

Hollywood fame for local

Port lad’s rise to fame from pizza deliveries to blockbuster movie set designs

l PORT DOUGLAS

| Dave Lornie

A PORT Douglas-raised local has gone from being a pizza delivery boy to a set designer on blockbuster movies.

Thomas Salpietro works internationally in the Hollywood film industry.

Mr Salpietro, 37, has worked on such films as ‘The Mummy’, ‘Extraction 2’ and ‘Avatar’.

He got his start in the industry when the mini-series ‘The Pacific’ was being filmed around Port Douglas in 2007.

“A friend called me up and I was delivering pizzas,” Mr Salpietro said.

“They needed a runner so I got the job as a runner and started there. And then I switched from runner to swing gang, like a labourer on the sets.

“I grew up in Port Douglas and had my first job on ‘The Pacific’ nearly 17 years ago. Since then I have excelled in the industry and I am now head of department ‘set decorator in production design’ and get flown all over the world to create film sets.

“Basically we bring the sets to life, we bring in the detail.

“Last year I got to go back to Port Douglas to oversee and create the sets for ‘Godzilla X

Kong’ that was partially shot in the Daintree.

“I would love to see the industry grow in North Queensland.”

Although he’s worked with stars such as Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Jason Statham, Nicholas Cage and Chris Hemsworth, he remains down to earth.

“You just have to stay humble,” Mr Salpietro said.

“I don’t think anyone’s more special than anyone else,” he said.

“People are people, and that’s what I’ve found.

“Even the majority of actors you come across – it’s more the hype around everything. Everyone’s humble and super friendly. No-one likes an ego.”

Although spending most of his time overseas, Mr Salpietro still considers himself a Port Douglas boy.

“I think growing up there and it never really comes away from you,” he said.

“I love the chilled vibe of the area. My Mum and Dad are still there, my sister, my nephews are there.

“Mainly when I go home, I love going fishing. I just love that the chilled nature of it.

“You’ll never find a town like Port Douglas, it’s very special.”

Port Douglas-born movie set designer Thomas Salpietro (right) with Tom Cruise. Picture: Supplied

Queensland’s

trio The

with

‘A Night of Burlesque’ by The Kitty Kats

Steam rising at the Tanks

l EDGE HILL

| Isabella Guzman

Gonzalez

A SULTRY burlesque extravaganza will have the temperature rising at the Tanks Arts Centre when The Kitty Kats bring their ‘Night of Burlesque’ to Cairns for a night of cabaret and jazzy tunes this November.

Vocal powerhouses The Kitty Kats – Renae Suttie, Michelle Brown and Susanne Campbell –are coming to Cairns with their latest show ‘A Night of Burlesque’, a feast for the senses with lots of cabaret songs with a vintage twist, burlesque performances and lots of female energy on November 16 at the Tanks.

“Our vision and mantra as The Kitty Kats is ‘Love the skin you’re in’, no matter what size you are and this is what we want to put through to the audience. Love the skin you’re in no matter

what,” said one third of the Kitty Kats, Ms Suttie.

“We wanted to celebrate the female form, no matter what size or shape and that’s a big part of our message,” she said.

“The show is divided in three sets. In the first one we’ll be performing the more traditional and burlesque style tunes and in the second set we go more contemporary and our final set is party time and we invite everyone to the dance floor to let their hair down.

“For this show we reached out to some fabulous burlesque performers, who we’ve been performing with ever since. One of them is Scarlet Tinkabelle, who’s our headline performer for our show at Tanks.”

Ms Suttie said ‘A Night of Burlesque’ would have an assortment of entertainment to suit all tastes and pleasures.

“This show is a feast for the

eyes and the ears,” she said.

“If you like fire, feather, fishnets and felines, you’re going to love this show. There’ll be corsets and big feather boas, it’s all very dramatic and over the top.

“It’s pretty much a sensory overload because there’s live singing, a live band, all the dancing, all the costumes and Scarlet Tinkabelle will be performing with fire, so it’s all visually spectacular.”

The audience will be tapping their feet to some musical classics like ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Welcome to Burlesque’, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, ‘Cabaret’ and more as they are enticed with sultry performances.

“The theme is burlesque boudoir so we want people to dress the part with their fishnets and the men with their top hats to be part of the show,” Ms Suttie said. To buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3YpUIRD

vocal

Kitty Kats (from left) Susanne Campbell, Renae Suttie and Michelle Brown are coming to Cairns

their new show ‘A Night of Burlesque’ a sexy feast for the senses. Picture: Supplied

WHAT’S

ARTS NATIONAL @ STRATFORD LIBRARY

l SUN NOV 10TH, 1:30PM

Join us for a fascinating exploration of the world of architect-designed furniture in Pull Up a Chair: Architect Designed Furniture from the Bauhaus to Frank Gehry, a special event presented by renowned art historian Deborah Jenner.

This presentation will trace the intersection of architecture and furniture design from the Bauhaus movement through to the innovations of Frank Gehry. Furniture has often been conceived as a miniature representation of a building’s architectural form, using the materials and techniques available at the time.

Venue: Straford Library meeting room, 11 Kamerunda Rd, Stratford.

I, OBJECT @ BULMBA-JA ARTS CENTRE

l SAT NOV 9TH, 10:00AM-5:00PM WEEKDAYS

I, OBJECT explores the intricate relationships Indigenous Australian artists have with traditional objects, examining their cultural significance and historical impact. The exhibition juxtaposes historical artifacts with contemporary works, highlighting how these objects are integral to Indigenous identity and ancestral history. Located at Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre in Cairns, this season also includes the vibrant Northsite Art Market – 30 x 30 Edition, showcasing local talent from Far North Queensland. Don’t miss this immersive cultural experience!

MICHAEL COOK @ CAIRNS ART GALLERY

l SAT NOV 9TH, 10:00AM-5:00PM

Michael Cook is a renowned Australian photographic artist of Bidjara decent. His works are meticulously staged to create enigmatic narratives that engage audiences in the retelling of history, exploring what is real and what is imagined. The Cairns Art Gallery has two series of works by Cook – Livin’ the dream 2020, comprising five black and white ink jet prints, and Enculturation 2021, a series of six ink jet prints, donated by the artist in 2023. Livin’ the dream and Enculturation combine personal and collective memories and imaginings to recall the history of white colonisation and its enduring legacies of dislocation and inequality for Australian Indigenous people.

CHRISTMAS FAIR @ HOLLOWAYS BEACH

l SUN NOV 10TH, 8:00AM-1:00PM

Get into the festive spirit at the Holloways Beach Christmas Fair! This familyfriendly event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. There will be market stalls, food trucks, coffee, sausage sizzle, free kids fun, fruit & veg, art exhibition in the hall, live music & more, including Christmas sand art, face painting, a jumping castle, popcorn, fairy floss, miniature piggies, miniature pony, lambs, a macaw, and miniature puppies.

Let the fun begin - see you at Syd & Jane Granville Park.

DRIZZLE BOY @ CPAC

l FRI NOV 8TH, 10:00AM

Strap yourself in for a rocket ride. Drizzle Boy is autistic. Drizzle Boy is poked, prodded and diagnosed by a world that wants to change him, and a family who doesn’t understand him. Then he meets Juliet – his very own star-crossed love. Could she be a safe space for a man who just wants a calm centre to his universe?

Drizzle Boy is the winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 202223. If you like your theatre fresh, free-wheeling and unexpected, jump on board as director Daniel Evans (The Almighty Sometimes) takes us on an all-terrain ride.

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS @ THE RONDO

l FRI NOV 8TH, 7:30PM-10:00PM

One Man, Two Guvnors, by Richard Bean, directed by Jason Klarwein. A cocktail of mistaken identity, mayhem, music, fast-paced physical comedy and silliness make One Man, Two Guvnors one of the great British comedies of the 21st century. It’s 1963, Brighton England. Francis Henshall finds himself out of work. A man who can’t be kept down for too long, he’s soon got not one but two dubious new employers – Roscoe Crabbe, a gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper class twit. There’s just one problem - they mustn’t find out about each other! Adults $31.50 or Concession $26. Visit The Rondo Theatre website for more details.

GIG Guide

*Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.

FRIDAY 8TH

Cairns Cruising Yacht Club Keith Eales, 4:00pm

Calypso Club DJ Livya, 4:00pm

Dunwoody’s Eddie Skiba, 4:00pm

Boardwalk Social Tessa Devine, 4:30pm

Pachamama DJ Diego, 5:00pm

Salt House Pauly P, 5:00pm

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Nicole Nighthawk, 5:30pm

Cazalys INFINITY DUO, 6:00pm

Surf Club Palm Cove Angie D Music, 6:00pm

The Benson SAX MAN - Troy Stevens, 6:00pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club The Blues Healers, 6:00pm

Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Peter Kinch, 6:30pm TANKS Kingﬁsha, 6:30pm

Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Mirror Image, 7:00pm

O’Donnells Barbary Coasters, 7:00pm

Courthouse Hotel The Vibez, 7:30pm

The Pier Bar DJ Jackz, 7:30pm

Trinity Beach Sports Club The Blues Healers, 7:30pm

Whiskey & Wine DJ Luke, 7:30pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Janna Mercedes, 8:00pm

Salt House DJ Matt Caseli, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Flavour, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Cairns Sanchez Brothers, 8:30pm

BAR36 The Finns Tribute Band, 9:00pm

X-Clusive Nightclub SAVAGE, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Nightshift, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Nakji, 10:00pm

SATURDAY 9TH

Surf Club Palm Cove Miss Wendy and Ben, 2:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Bad Boys of Uke, 3:00pm

Boardwalk Social Pauly P, 4:30pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Papa’s Gun, 5:00pm Salt House Anais Campbell, 5:00pm Paper Crane Amber Farnan, 5:30pm Pullman International Rowly Band, 6:00pm The Benson DJ Glenn W, 6:00pm Cazalys Lexi & Waha, 6:15pm Brothers Leagues Club Cairns INFINITY DUO, 7:00pm TANKS Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball, 7:30pm The Pier Bar DJ Moose, 7:30pm Whiskey & Wine DJ Matt Caseli, 7:30pm CPAC INXS Tribute Show, 8:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Sea Change, 8:00pm Salt House DJ Moose, 8:00pm The Pier Bar Sanchez, 8:00pm Rattle’N’Hum Cairns The Vibez, 8:30pm Rocco SAX MAN - Troy Stevens, 8:30pm BAR36 The Finns Tribute Band, 9:00pm X-Clusive Nightclub Mistah Cee + Talisha, 9:00pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns Nightshift, 9:30pm

P.J.O’Brien’s Cairns DJ Syntax, 10:00pm

SUNDAY 10TH

Dundees at the Aquarium DJ Glenn W, 11:30am Mountain View Hotel BIG PUPS, 12:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Rowly Duo, 1:00pm

Boardwalk Social Andrea & Louie, 2:00pm Dunwoody’s Shannae Sclippa, 2:00pm Calypso Club DJ Saf, 3:00pm

Rattle’N’Hum Palm Cove Johnny Sanchez, 3:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Bad Boys of Uke, 3:00pm O’Sheas Wind and Wood, 4:00pm

Salt House DJ Cilla, 5:00pm

The Pier Bar Kaweyova, 5:00pm Whiskey & Wine Mike Rivett + DJ Lukeh, 5:00pm

BAR36 The Finns Tribute Band, 5:30pm Gilligans The Vibez, 7:30pm

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Complete the form on www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/gig-guide to submit your gig each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

Take a minute... Puzzles for you

If you haven’t planned a holiday, then at least try to get away for the weekend. New interests are preoccupying your time. Be wary of those who have overly strong convictions. Don’t agree to make any of those cosmetic alterations you’ve been considering.

Weekly Horoscopes

Be wary of those who have overly strong convictions. Love and romance are evident. You will be able to close any deals successfully. You will easily blow situations out of proportion.

CROSSWORD

Secret affairs will eventually backﬁre on you. You need a change of pace. Try not to be too lavish with your partner. You may be ill-treated if you have to deal with institutional environments.

Better still, take your partner and let them foot the bill. You can win points if you present your ideas this week. Don’t gamble unless you can afford to lose. Don’t be too quick to judge.

You can get ahead if you play your cards right. Residential changes, renovations, or moves are likely to disrupt your routine. Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need. Be inquisitive about unfamiliar circumstances.

Concern yourself with legal matters and formulating contracts rather than ﬁnalising your objectives. Use discretion, especially if involved with someone from work. Debates will stiﬂe passion and result in estrangement. Try to be honest when dealing with your partner.

Focus on areas where you can make a difference. Plan physical activities to burn off excess energy. There may be opportunities to attend work-related social functions. If you take on too much, you may feel overwhelmed.

Your charm will mesmerise members of the opposite sex this week. Refrain from arguing with your partner. Passion will be your only answer. Emotional deception will cause friction on the home front.

You will have to help family members sort out unfortunate difﬁculties. Don’t settle for less than the best. Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children. You are best not to conﬁde in anyone right now.

Speak to someone experienced about budgets or consolidating debts. Those you live with may not be pleased with you this week, so accept it. Opportunities for advancement will come. Focus on eliminating bad habits.

down to earth and to basics. Don’t start a dispute unless you’re prepared to accept irreversible results. Gambling will be a waste of time and money. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy.

and its geopolitical effects (7) 10. a device used to transmit radio waves (7) 11. elected representatives in a town (9) 12. the ancient Greek muse of lyric poetry (5)

a thriller about a boy who suspects his neighbour is a killer (9)

a vast body of salt water (5) 17. moved quickly away (5) 19. the capital city of Maryland (9)

a temporary substitute (5)

a metal clip (9) 26. a Native American tribe originally from the Southeastern United States (7)

a captive person (7)

28. a horror ﬁlm about an evil child (3,4)

29. a romantic dance and music from the Dominican Republic (7)

DOWN

1. setup for testing (4,3)

2. natural light displays in the sky (7)

3. a structure that supports something (5)

4. a group of students (5)

5. a naval ofﬁcer responsible for the ship’s equipment and crew (9)

6. a political satire ﬁlm that explores the chaotic world of government decision-making and diplomacy focusing on the lead-up to a war through humorous and sharp dialogue (2,3,4)

7. an author’s ﬁcticious name (3,4)

8. a war ﬁlm a young soldier in the Vietnam war (7)

14. a ﬁnal demand of terms where failure to comply may result in serious consequences (9)

15. a psychological thriller ﬁlm about a ballerina in swan lake (5,4)

17. to ask for something (7)

18. to surround on all sides (7)

20. a drama exploring relationships and secrets through interwoven stories of love and betrayal (7)

21. a large bird from South America known for its long legs (7)

24. a treatment program for addiction (5)

25. a ﬁlm that explores themes of personal struggle and recovery (5)

Motoring

FNQ highway rated as one of three best road trips

l ON THE ROAD

| Nick Dalton

THE Great Barrier Reef Drive:

Cairns to Cape Tribulation route has been judged the third favourite road trip, according to research by eBay Australia.

According to the research, the great Aussie road trip is an increasingly popular travel option, offering Aussies the chance to explore the nation’s stunning

landscapes on the open road without breaking the bank.

The survey found with costof-living top of mind, threequarters (74 per cent) of Aussies would consider taking a road trip in the next 12 months and millennials are the generation most likely to opt for a road trip over other travel options to save on travel expenses (36 per cent).

With the average Aussie taking an estimated four road trips each year, the survey revealed

it’s more than cost-saving driving Aussies to hit the road.

Almost half of respondents said their love of exploring lesser-known parts of Australia (48 per cent) and driving on the open road (43 per cent) were the primary motivations behind taking a road trip.

eBay’s head of auto parts and accessories Courtney Graham said there was no better way to explore the diverse landscapes of Tropical North Queensland

than hitting the road.

“The journey from Cairns to Cape Tribulation offers Aussies the opportunity to experience and explore the worldrenowned beauty of the region close-up,” he said.

“From Australia’s largest rainforest – the Daintree, to the world’s largest coral reef – the Great Barrier Reef.

“Our research saw Aussies pick The Great Barrier Reef Drive as the nation’s third fa-

vourite road trip route.

“Australians share a unique love of cars that is deeply rooted in Aussie culture, and roadtripping is the perfect way to discover our nation’s vast landscapes without breaking the bank.

“With the top 10 road trips spread across the country, eBay’s research highlights that we’re a nation of explorers.

“From the rugged outback of the Red Centre Way Loop to the

stunning coastlines of the Great Ocean Road or the Great Barrier Reef Drive, our love for the open road drives us to uncover Australia’s beauty.

“Whether you’re planning a solo trip or family adventure, eBay has a huge range of car parts and accessories from jumper cables to puncture repair kits across thousands of top-rated sellers, making it the go-to destination to get road trip ready.”

A Toyota Land Cruiser crosses a bridge on the road to Cape Tribulation. Pictures: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

The Great Barrier Way north of Cairns.

Latest German PHEV makes 21 electrified vehicles in BMW Australia’s line-up

Plug-in hybrid for BMW SUV

l MODEL LAUNCH

| Nick Dalton

BMW Australia will expand its electric vehicle range next year with the launch of the X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid variant.

The new offering will become the third member of the new X3 line-up, joining the X3 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive. It will also be the fifth plug-in hybrid model in the BMW Australia fleet, alongside the X5 xDrive50e, M5 Sedan, M5 Touring and XM.

BMW will continue offering the fully electric iX3 in both M Sport and M Sport Pro grade levels.

It means that in 2025 BMW will offer 21 electrified vehicles to the local market – the most of any manufacturer in Australia – and comes the same year the Federal Government will implement the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), where manufacturers must meet mandated C02 emissions per kilometre figures across their fleets.

The X3 30e xDrive will have the the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid models, bringing together a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and high-voltage battery.

The latter is positioned flat in the vehicle floor and has a usable energy content of 19.7kWh, which, with optimised efficiency through

intelligent energy management and adaptive recuperation, enables an electric range of up to 91km according to the ADR 81/02 test cycle. This marks a more than 50 per cent improvement on that of the previous model.

The high-voltage battery charges at 11kW as standard – nearly triple the rate of the first generation X3 30e xDrive – and supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging. The battery can be fully recharged from empty in two hours and 15 minutes – a reduction of 90 minutes on the recharging time of the outgoing model.

Total system output is rated at 220kW with 450Nm, and drive is sent to all four wheels via a model-specific eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The BMW X3 30e xDrive can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 215km/h. It can also be driven in purely electric mode up to 140km/h.

It can achieve of all this while delivering consumption of just 1.6 litres per 100km and 38g/km of C02 (ADR 81/02).

Priced from $102,500, it comes standard with 20in M light alloy wheels, all-wheel-drive, three-zone auto climate control, six-speaker 100-watt Hi-Fi system, acoustic glazing, adaptive headlights and suspension, an automatic tailgate and fully digital instrumentation.

The BMW X3 30e xDrive will be priced from $102,500 and available early 2025. Picture: BMW Australia

Estate

House ideal for entertaining

l CRAIGLIE

ALL the new owners of an expansive, “perfectly presented” Port Gardens home have to do is move in.

The Corella St home has everything for enviable tropical living, including furniture.

Real estate agent Matt Scott of LJ Hooker Port Douglas said the family-friendly home in a pleasant local traffic street offered great living spaces, both inside and out.

“Lawns, gardens and a feature path frame the entry that opens into a large, tiled multipurpose space off which the bedrooms radiate,” he said.

“The easy-care tiling continues into all four bedrooms that also come complete with airconditioning, ceiling fans, nice natural light, built-in wardrobes and feature window treatments.

“The main bathroom features both bath and shower options and the convenience of a separate toilet, while the master affords its own shower ensuite. The laundry is also located in this front wing of the house.

“Entertaining, relaxing and

dining comes into its own with the expansive living, dining and kitchen space that is complemented by a second, equally large lounge room, both of which open onto the covered outdoor entertaining area and both of which can be configured to best suit your needs.

“The modern kitchen is a statement piece in its own right and the hub around which family and friends are sure to gather.

“From the expanse of benchtop and storage space to the feature lighting, feature tiling, dishwasher, low profile cooktop, wall oven, large fridge recess and overhead ceiling fan, all of your inner chef aspirations are well and truly catered for.

“The list of features continues outside where the large freeform pool with a waterfall takes centre stage. Flanked by the oversized covered patio, it’s where many a warm day are sure to be spent.”

The house at 18 Corella Street will be taken to auction onsite on Saturday, November 16 at 11am.

Contact Matt Scott on 0457 738 804 or mscott.portdouglas@ ljhooker.com.au

•

A large freeform pool with a waterfall takes centre stage at this Corella St home at Craiglie. Pictures: Supplied

Real EstateGuide

Low vacancy rates ‘normal’

REIQ says number of available rental properties highly unlikely to improve

l SPECIAL REPORT

| Nick Dalton

LOW vacancy rates, particularly in the Far North, are ‘the new normal’, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

The REIQ said ‘tight’ vacancy rates for the September 2024 quarter appeared to be ‘the new normal’ for the rental market.

Far North Queensland reported some of the tightest rates in the state – most notably in Cook (zero), Mareeba (0.4 per cent), Tablelands (0.5 per cent) and Cairns (0.9 per cent).

Of the 50 local government areas and sub regions covered in the report, vacancy rates tightened in 19, remained unchanged in 18, and relaxed in 13 this quarter.

Most changes were a modest 0.1-0.2 percentage points. Exceptions included Mount Isa, Redland’s Bay Islands and Lockyer Valley where tightening rates were more pronounced. In contrast, Cairns, Tablelands and Isaac experienced slight rate relaxations.

Overall, low vacancy rates continue to dominate the state, with the vast majority of areas classified as ‘tight’ – about

half reporting rates below 1.0 per cent, and a few as low as 0.1 per cent and even zero.

The statewide vacancy rate remained at 1.0 per cent.

REIQ chief executive officer Antonia Mercorella said the September quarter results showed the significant work ahead for the new state government to grow housing supply and revive the rental market.

“While low vacancy rates appear to be the new normal, the new state government should not simply accept this trend,” she said.

“These figures may just be numbers, but they carry real human consequences. For example, the scarcity of housing options in Cairns is reportedly making it near impossible for job seekers to relocate there.

“Similarly, some individuals are unable to find suitable rentals in their communities and are left with no option but to move elsewhere.

“We need to be working towards achieving a healthy vacancy rate that meets the housing needs of all Queenslanders and supports the state’s growth.

“That’s why the Crisafulli government’s pledge to deliver one million homes

by 2044 – including 53,000 new social and affordable homes – is critically important, as is fostering an investment-friendly regulatory environment.”

Ms Mercorella said that although rental properties were generally leased quickly, cost of living pressures were seeing higher priced properties sit on the market for longer.

“What we’ve been seeing for a while now is a twospeed rental market – where comparatively affordable properties are snapped up rapidly, and higher priced properties are sitting empty and idle for longer,” she said.

“Savvy investors are mindful that a quickly leased property at a reduced price may be more beneficial than a higher price that remains untenanted for weeks – it’s important to listen to the market’s feedback.

“Households are tightening their purse strings and effectively tenants have put their own caps on what they are willing to budget, or can afford, for rent.

“Despite low vacancy rates, this doesn’t guarantee all rentals will be leased quickly, unless prospective tenants can see the value in the property’s amenity, location, or lifestyle.”

Renters are struggling to find suitable accommodation. Picture: Antonio Guillem/iStock

Cairns Local Classifieds

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Local News Cairns

7/58-62 McLeod Street, Cairns City - 124m2

PRIME EXPOSURE - GROUND LEVEL RETAIL SHOP/ OFFICE!

• Located at the entrance to Cairns Central Plaza - directly opposite Cairns Central Shopping Centre!

• Currently fitted out as a beauty salon/hair dresser

• Ground level office spaces with 2 undercover car parks

• Tiled throughout with ducted air-conditioning Existing layout includes four seperate rooms + open plan foyer

• Seperate laundry/staff room with large electric hot water system

• ideal for existing use or could be utilized for office/retail/medical

• There is also an option for the purchaser to buy the existing hairdresser/beauty salon business

• All products, equiptment, desk, beds, and chairs can stay Contact for price: Se na Yang 0402507404 (Current Owner)

Katy Zhou 07 4000 8838 0402 026 077 katy@gbrproperty.com.au

PERSONALS

Publishers Terms and Conditions

Advertising agencies, advertisers and individuals by lodging material with the publisher for publication, approving or authorizing of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the publisher, it’s Directors, employees and their agents against all demands, claims, costs, expenses, proceedings and damages wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair 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.

Advertisement Prooﬁng

The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at Cairns Local News by 4pm TUESDAY prior to publication. The final proofing deadline is 5pm Wednesday prior to publication, any revisions requested after 5pm Wednesday are not guaranteed. If a booking is confirmed, final proof approval is not required by Cairns Local News.

Advertising Code Clearance

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.

HOW DO I CANCEL AN ADVERTISEMENT?

the heat in Cairns. Ph: 0477792925

HAVE you got something to sell? Call Amelie at Cairns Local News on 4031 7678 or email admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Classie deadline is 4pm every Wednesday.

Friday November 8th

Cairns Local News collects personal information to assist us in providing goods and services which you have requested to process competition entries, giveaways and to improve our products and services to you. We may be in touch by phone, mail, fax or internet to inform you of any services and promotions which may be of interest.

If you would prefer us not to do so, please write to us at:

Cairns Local News, Suite F03, The Conservatory, 12-14 Lake St, Cairns, Qld 4870

Access to your personal information can be obtained by calling (07) 4031 7678.

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-7pm Edmonton: Thursdays, 12pm-1pm • Kuranda: Mondays, 11am-12pm For further information, Call 1300 25 2666 or www.al-anon.org.au

Brothers Rugby League Football Club Innisfail Inc.

NOTICE OF AGM FOR 2024

To be held on Monday 18th November 2024 at 5:30pm in the Board Room at Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail.

Any written nominations for positions must be handed into the Secretary no later than 4pm on Thursday 14th November 2024 and must be seconded by a financial member of the Committee.

“All members are encouraged to attend.”

Wish your friendsa

Cairns Local News Happy Birthday! in

RIGHTS IN ACTION (RIA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024

Date: 15 November 2024 5.45 pm for 6 pm start Main venue: Community Information Centre Townsville, 280 Flinders St, Townsville City QLD 4810 Satellite venue: for Cairns-based RIA financial members RIA CNS Boardroom, 2/192 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt QLD 4870

IAW RIA constitution: nominations for the RIA Board of Management (BOM) require paid, financial and BOM-approved membership; and close by 31 October 2024. RIA Townsville Ph: (07) 4725 2505 RIA Townsville email: info-tsv@rightsinaction.org.au RIA Cairns Ph: (07) 4031 7377 RIA Cairns email: info@rightsinaction.org.au

Should you need to cancel an advertisement campaign, please advise in writing 7 days prior to publication. Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement, please call the ofﬁce on 4031 7678 before the weekly deadline:

Display Ads: 5:00pm Tuesdays

Classiﬁeds: 4:00pm Wednesdays

Another method of cancellation is by emailing: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

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

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Saturday November 9th

Babinda Markets: Munro St, 07:00-12:00

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

Earlville Markets: Earlville Shopping Town, 09:00-14:30

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Mareeba Markets: Centenary Park, 07:00-12:30

Mossman Markets: 13 Foxton Ave, 07:00-12:00

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-16:00

Village in the Valley: Butler St, 08:00-12:00

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club Inc will be held at the club’s function room on Sunday 24th November 2024 at 9:30am. Motion 1: that the Management Committee have approval to proceed in relocating the refrigeration and air conditioning units off the roof onto a plant deck on the western side of the Clubhouse, replace any roofing necessary and to seek finance for this construction.

Sunday November 10th

Archer Creek: Rest Area, Kennedy Highway, 07:00-12:00

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

Community Markets: Mount Sheridan Plaza, 09:00-15:00

Kuranda Heritage Markets: Rob Veivers Dr, 10:00-15:30

Kuranda Rainforest Markets: 13 Therwine St, 10:00-15:00

Lions Club Atherton Markets: Merriland Hall, 07:00-12:00

Port Douglas Markets: Wharf St, 08:00-13:30

Rusty’s Markets: Grafton St, Cairns, 05:00-15:00

Wheelchair tennis sensation Ben Wenzel wins doubles grand slam in the US

Aussie-first US Open title

l WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

CAIRNS’ wheelchair tennis

sensation Ben Wenzel has become the first Australian junior to win a grand slam after his doubles victory at the US Open in September and he’s only getting started.

Fresh out of his first win at the US Open, Ben Wenzel from Redlynch says his tennis is about to get even more interesting.

Since his victory in junior doubles next to his Dutch partner Ivan van Rijt, Wenzel has been reclassified into the quad category which has opened a new world of possibilities.

With the reclassification, Wenzel thinks 2025 could be the most interesting year of his career and it has encouraged him to aspire for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

“It’s awesome to have won my first grand slam, to be the first Australian junior to win a grand slam title and it’s some-

Sport Results

MARLIN COAST BOWLS

Tuesday, October 29th morning bowls winners: David, Phon, Olga; R/U: Peter, Trev, Barb.

Tuesday afternoon men’s triples winners: Ross, Rick, David; R/U: John, Hugh, Denis. Tuesday night bowls winners: Paper, Phon, Ian, Craig, Rod, Sisca, Johnathon, Ethan.

Wednesday, October 30th mixed bowls winners: Bronwyn Andreatta, Helen, Vinton,

Ann Clarkson; R/U: Glenda Andersen, Maybel, June Brown.

Thursday, October 31st mixed self-selected triples winners: G Smith, T & T McAlary; R/U: Phon, B & G Andreatta. Saturday, November 2nd morning scroungers winner: Helen H; R/U: Gary R.

EDGE HILL CAIRNS BOWLS

Tuesday, October 29th win-

thing that gives me a lot of confidence and has me excited for what the future holds,” he said.

“Recently after the US Open I was reclassified into the Quad division which is the same division as Dylan Alcott used to play and by changing categories my career has gotten a lot more exciting.

“I’ll get to play against different people, ones that are similar to my disability type which gives me more of a leveled playing field which can

ners: T De Ron, Patrick.

Wednesday, October 30th winners: K Smith, B Sloper; R/U: F Battye, L Pomroy.

Thursday, October 31st winners: P Whitehead, H O’ReillySmith; R/U: J AlexanderSachse, M Sant’Angelo.

Saturday, November 2nd winner: P Whitehead; R/U: T De Ron.

BROTHERS EDMONTON BOWLS

Wednesday October 30th

overall winners: T Michael, G Hickey, G Moule. Game 1 winners: R Schmidt, S Paris, M

potentially take my tennis further as well.

“I’m starting my transition from my junior to adult career and it’s very exciting.”

Since his last chat with Cairns Local News, Mr Wenzel said things had changed a lot and goals had shifted, including his Paralympic dream.

“Coming into year 12 I want to focus on school as much as I said I would before, but I think my tennis is also going to increase,” he said.

“We’re going to see me do-

Paris. Game 2 winners: J Carr, R Taggerty, M Colmer.

Thursday, October 31st championship singles: K Paki def L Ceely; S Bates def E Atkinson. Social bowls winners: M Daffy, L Catalano, J Baird, S Rowe; R/U: K Paki.

Saturday November 2nd mixed mufti social game 1 winners: R Moody, S Bates, K O’Halloran. Game 2 winners: S Finoccnian, J McKlean, S McQuade.

GORDONVALE BOWLS CLUB

Thursday, October 31st win-

ing a lot more travel than what we originally thought before the US Open because of the reclassification and how well I did in the tournament.

“It has also shifted my goal towards making it to LA 2028, so I’m really satisfied with how this year has gone at this point, having done so well at the US Open, at the World Team Cup and other titles.

“The next goal for me is to make it to my home grand slam, so the Australian Open next year and I’m hoping I get to do

ners; S McDougal, G Frizzo; R/U: J Kemp, M Greenwood. Sunday, November 3rd men’s championship singles winners: P Burns, V Black.

WEST CAIRNS MEN

Tuesday, October 29th afternoon. winners: Yakka, N Mallyon, J Wilcox; R/U: B Milkota, D Caplick, T Moulds.

Thursday, October 31st thirsty Thursday winners: R Lawrence, Fred Clarke, Coxy.

Friday, November 1st Friday night scroungers winner: Irene Crampton; R/U: Sue Rowe. Sunday, November 3rd win-

that with where my ranking is at the moment.

“And my goal in terms of where I want to take my tennis is improving my quad ranking so I can play in the adult grand slams and that’s a two-to-threeyear plan.

“The next couple of years are going to be really exciting and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mr Wenzel is currently competing in the Australian National Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Melbourne.

ners: E Harris, Don Lowe, Crumpy; R/U: S Williams, R Apps, F Clarke, Scotty. Competition mens triples semi final: G Stanley, S Carolan, A Radford def J Wilcox, T Hamilton, J Johnson; T Moulds, A Parara, S Kavanah def G Mills, J Bent, P Buntain.

MOSSMAN BOWLS CLUB

Saturday, November 2nd winners: Col Widdows, Bernie Wolland, Dick Pitt +24; Ted Holmes, Bill Allison +16; Sas, Wayne Parks, John Arnold +5; Bill Smith, Daryl Hoskin, Peter Worley +2.

Cairns’ wheelchair tennis prodigy Ben Wenzel (right) with his doubles partner Ivar Van Rijt at the US Open where they took the 2024 boys’ wheelchair doubles championship.

Ben Wenzel has become the first Australian junior to win a grand slam title. Pictures: Supplied

Back to future for Cowboys

New jersey celebrates 30 years of the North Queensland rugby league team

Historic

l BOWLS

| Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy

l RUGBY LEAGUE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

THE North Queensland Toyota Cowboys unveiled their home and away jerseys for 2025 celebrating 30 years of the club with a launch in Cairns last Friday.

To kick off 30th anniversary celebrations, the NQ Cowboys visited Cairns and Mackay for the launch of their 2025 jerseys which replicate the club’s first jerseys from three decades ago.

Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel alongside local Cowboys legends, current players and fans were on the Esplanade for the launch of the 30th anniversary celebrations which Mr Reibel said was the perfect opportunity to recognise the club’s ties to the entire North Queensland region.

“It’s wonderful to be in Cairns this afternoon to continue the launch of our 2025 jersey,” he said.

“We celebrate our 30th year as a club, a club that was founded by North Queenslanders for North Queenslanders to be able to stay at home and shine on the national stage.

“The jersey itself is a nod to our heritage, it’s a replica of our 1995 jersey, a jersey in which Laurie Spina took our team out for the first time.

“It’s also a nod to the future – with our

30th anniversary logo on it – a nod to the future with Jake Clifford (former Northern Pride) and a connection to the past.”

Cowboys’ most passionate fan in Cairns and foundation member Tony Francis, who has famously made the eight-hour round trip to Townsville for almost every Cowboys home game, said he had high hopes for the 2025 season.

“We’ve come a long way from that muddy opening game against the Bulldogs in 1995 to our new purpose-built home ground of today,” he said.

“I was there in 2005 for the first grand final, I was there in the 2015 final and I was there when we lost to Melbourne and I’ll be there next year when we’re at the grand final.”

Former Northern Pride player and Cowboys halfback Jake Clifford said he was happy to be a part of the team in this 30th anniversary.

“It doesn’t matter what colour this jersey is, as long as it has the Cowboys symbol on it I’m happy and proud to wear it,” he said.

“I want to go a couple of steps further next year than we did this year and I have so much confidence in this group, we can get the job done and it all starts in a couple of weeks when pre-season kicks off.”

The 2025 home and away jerseys are now available to pre-order online at www. cowboysteamshop.com.au

A $5.5 million transformation of the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club is finished and it comes with a name change to Club Mossman.

The club is one of the most successful bowls venues in Far North Queensland and one of the best sporting facilities in Douglas Shire.

As part of the new-look, the club has been rebranded as Club Mossman, but will always be known as the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club, originally formed on September 1, 1945.

The club is well regarded by visitors and locals from all over the Douglas Shire, offering great value for those requiring a tasty lunch or dinner, but it is also well known for its state-of-the-art bowling facilities, loved by both experts of the sport and those trying a roll up for the first time.

The club has recently got bigger and better with major expansion

work, which has been taking place in the last few months.

Secretary manager Greg ‘Harry’ Potter said “this is the first upgrade of the club since the original expansion back in 2009”.

“Last year, the 2023 management committee recommended, along with members’ approval, an upgrade to the front of the club, plus new office space and a new and expanded gaming room for 44 gaming machines,” he said.

Mr Potter said the appointed contractor for the upgrade –Rubicon – started works late 2023 with the renovations, including a new gaming room, now done and dusted. “Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent rain event did delay the project by just a couple of weeks,” he said.

“Looking ahead, the function hall will also be upgraded to include a new separate airconditioned sports bar and this will include a TAB, a pool table and large screen TVs for major sports events.

“The final renovations will hopefully be completed by the end

of the year”.

As part of the upgrade to the bistro, the club will be offering pizzas on the menu for both dine-in and takeaway.

The bowlers will have direct access to the undercover synthetic green from the carpark and the club has, this year, completed the replacement of the lighting over the bowling green.

Chairman Bill Allison said he was mindful of the importance the club was to the local community, so a smaller function room would be retained for seating up to 60 people. “The new function room will be available for hire to local community groups,” he said.

Mr Allison said the club was very aware of the decision earlier this year to place the Mossman Mill in receivership and remained extremely confident that the investment and renovations to the club and the rebranding to Club Mossman would be well received by the local community, members, bowlers, and visitors to the Douglas Shire.