The Express Newspaper 1st March 2023

Rally called in light of domestic violence murders

RED roses lined Atherton’s Anzac Park on Friday in honour of 51-year-old Janet Guthrie and 19-year-old Krystle Monks who allegedly lost their lives at the hands of their partners.

A Red Rose Rally, organised by the Red Rose Foundation and Women’s Centre FNQ, is called each time there is a family or domestic violence-related death in Queensland, taking the form of a silent 30-minute gathering to remember and honour the lives lost.

Thirty people from across the Tablelands gathered to mourn the two women and take a stance against the ever-growing epidemic of domestic and family violence.

Ms Guthrie, who was well known in the Far Northern community, lost her life in her Bribie Island home on 15 February and a 47-year-old man Caboolture man believed to be her partner has been charged with murder (domestic violence), enter dwelling

with intent, robbery and contravening an order about information necessary to access information stored electronically.

Only a few weeks shy of her 20th birthday, Ms Monks was found unresponsive in her Bundamba (Ipswich) home and a 21-year-old man believed to be her partner has since been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence).

In 2022, 56 women lost their lives at the hands of domestic violence in Australia and as of January this year, five women have lost their lives to domestic violence according to Destroy The Joint.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone and there are people who can help. SUPPORT

Nurses return home to care for community

MAREEBA local Alessia Aloia has returned to the place of her birth as a graduate registered nurse in a registered nurse program, working in the Older Persons Evaluation Rehabilitation and Assessment unit (OPERA) at the Mareeba hospital.

Alessia is one of 85 total nurses who are part of the program and are in the middle of completing their two six-month rotations at local hospitals.

“I am really proud of our town, our hospital and the care that we provide,” Alessia said.

“It’s an honour to work here and to be serving my community of people I have known my whole life and who have also given back to me.

“It’s like I am giving back to them in a way, I think that’s really special and I am really excited to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”

Alessia was working as a dental assistant at Mareeba when she realised she had qualities that would be a good fit for nursing.

She was the first member of her immediate family to attend university and enrolled to study externally with James Cook University.

She has now completed her studies and into her second week on the 12-month graduate program.

“You complete a rotation through different wards and areas to gain experience,” she said.

“I am loving it I get to work with some amazing people.

“Everyone is so supportive, accepting and nurturing.”

New graduates have also begun working in the Weipa Integrated Health Service, Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service and Thursday Island Hospital as part of the registered nurse program.

“The registered nurse graduates will have a range of clinical experiences, including acute medical, surgical, emergency care, community and primary health care,’’ Torres

and Cape HHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Kim Veiwasenavanua said.

Newly graduated registered nurse Jessica McDougall, who has been posted to Weipa Integrated Health Service, said becoming a nurse was a dream that she never thought would become reality.

Ms McDougall is a mum of two and a fifth generation Coen local who started working in the primary healthcare centre at Coen after finishing school.

For the past nine years, she has been working at Weipa Integrated Health Service, predominantly in the patient travel team.

Initially she did not feel she had the dedication to apply for university but she was spurred on by an inspiring nurse with whom she worked with in Coen and her mum who graduated as a mature age student with a teaching degree.

As a result, she began studying nursing remotely through Central Queensland University, juggling full-time university study, part-time work, raising two young children and a shift-working husband.

“As part of my studies, I was able to do my first and last student placements at Weipa,” she said.

“It has been a real advantage knowing the workplace and having colleagues around whom I know.

“And now, I am thrilled to be able to join the nursing team as a new registered nurse.’’

Ms Veiwasenavanua said the new registered nurse graduates were from a variety of universities and backgrounds.

“We are happy to welcome them as they begin their careers with the Torres and Cape HHS,’’ she said.

“They are an important part of our team, and we value the contribution they will make.’’

The new nurses will undertake a 12-month graduate program that involves theoretical and practical assessments.

Long road ahead for Axel

BY ELLIE FINK

AXEL Polmear was quad biking with his mates when he rolled into a ditch, breaking his spine and causing severe internal bleeding, prompting his family to urge people to be safe when riding quad bikes.

The 21-year-old and his friends were out fishing at 1am on 19 February when his quad bike hit wash out from recent rains and rolled 10 metres.

His friends were able to give him CPR and transport him to the Weipa hospital nearly two hours away on the back on their quads, where he was immediately transported by the RFDS to Townsville hospital.

Axel’s youngest sister Jazmin Polmear and his parents rushed to be by his side and have remained with him in Townsville since as he undergoes life saving procedures.

“I was in disbelief when I received the call as I had just flown (back to Cairns to attend university),” she said.

“As days went on, the doctors discovered more and more breaks and bleeds within Axel’s body, the most severe being his broken/ severed spine, bruising and bleeding in his brain and his near completely torn off ear on top of his punctured lung, broken ribs and shoulder and fluid on his lungs.

“On the 22 February, Axel had spinal surgery using new technology and a surgeon flown up from Brisbane. To our excitement the surgery was a success, and we were delivered the amazing news that he will be able to walk again. Of course, he will never be as mobile, but we are all so over the moon.

“All the doctors, nurses and surgeons have expressed how amazed they are with how rapidly Axel is recovering and they believe he will make a full recovery after enduring a very drawn-out rehabilitation process. We hope to have him taking steps within the next few days.”

In light of the accident, the Polmear family have started a GoFundMe to help fund Axel’s recovery and so they can remain by his side.

Jazmin said her parents “very rarely asked for help”, but her and her older sister had stepped up to assist.

“Our family is very close knit so my parents would want nothing more than to be by his side during this rehabilitation process but during these times funds can be very slim and they just do not have the means to stay with him so long without any money coming in,” she said.

“Anyone who knows our family knows how stubborn both mum and dad are when it comes to accepting help and handouts.”

The family are now stressing to particularly young people to be safe when riding quad bikes and to ensure all safety gear is worn at all times.

“You’re not six-foot and bulletproof, Axel has been riding quads since he was in nappies so an accident like this can happen to anyone,” Jazmin said.

To donate to Axel’s GoFundMe, visit https://gofund.me/6f2ff4a3

Axel Polmear is currently being treated for serious injuries after a quad bike crash in Weipa.

Mareeba born and bred Alessia Aloia (above) has returned to the Mareeba Hospital as a graduate nurse and fifth generation Coen local Jessica McDougall (below) has recently begun working out of the Weipa Integrated Health Service through the new registered nurse program.

Rental relief on the horizon

BY RHYS THOMAS

RENTAL homes are still a rare commodity across the Tablelands region, with more people than ever seeking to find somewhere to live, but there may be some light at the end of the tunnel, industry sources say.

As with many regions across Australia, the rental market around Mareeba and the southern Tablelands has been tight for nearly two years now – mainly attributable to people coming into the region during Covid seeking a change of life and pushing up sale prices.

This prompted many landlords to leave the rental market and sell their properties, causing those tenants to be displaced and seek a new rental.

According to Ray White Mareeba director Norma Maloney, there are significantly more peo-

ple around looking for properties than last year.

“The rental market has not improved since a year ago and there are far more people looking for a rental property than available rental properties,” she said.

On the other side of the coin, property prices in the sales market had stayed relatively the same but she predicted this would eventually change and free up more rental properties.

She said that due to the interest rate and cost of living rise, people were more hesitant to fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new home or investment property.

“Even though the heat is starting to come out of the sales market, property prices have pretty much remained the same,” Ms Moloney said.

“This will eventually change and with interest rate rises and the cost of living going up, we will start to see a drop in prices.

Profit from farmer’s fruits help town’s little learners grow

THE profits of Trevellie Farming’s final pallet of limes for 2022 have been donated to the local kindergarten, with the owners determined to give back to the organisation that has helped bring up their three kids.

Nellie and Trevor Lane of Trevellie Farming donated $925 to Dimbulah Kindy and Limited Hour Childcare, with their agents and freight company waiving their commission to donate at the end of last year.

The family have fundraised and supported the kindy for several years and all three of the Lane children have attended both entities of the facility.

The day care and kindy heavily rely on donations and funding to continue supporting the youth of Dimbulah and are always seeking donations.

To get involved, contact the Community Kindergarten and Childcare Centre on 4093 5450.

“This will, in turn, result in more people putting their property up for rent, increasing the number of rental homes available, resulting in rental prices decreasing.”

Locals looking to break away from the renting cycle and instead buy their own home are running into a similar supply issue which has eased compared to last year but is still making it difficult to purchase a home.

Last year, when a property was listed there would typically be 10 enquiries immediately but that number has now halved.

Ray White Rural Atherton principal licensee Margaret Black said many landlords who had also felt the increase in cost of living had chose to increase their rent or straight up sell their properties.

“Investors are too feeling the cost-of-living expenses like mortgages, insurances, rates, repairs which leaves them two choices, increase the rent

or sell,” she said.

“Therefore, we have sold a number of our rental properties which, in turn, adds to the critical shortage.”

Ms Black said while interest rates had not caused as much as a stir on the Tablelands as in other urban areas, buyers had seen their borrowing capacity reduced.

“The interest rises have not really been too much of an issue on the Tablelands – it is not affected like the city as their prices are extreme however if it reaches the point where homeowners can’t meet their mortgage and are forced to sell, that would put further pressure on the rental pool,” she said.

“One shift we are seeing with the interest rates is that buyers who have previously received preapproval for finance, now have to shift their budget as their borrowing capacity is reduced.”

Trinity Lane’s family farm have donated the profits of their pallets to the childcare and kindy she attends.

Roadwork delays go on

TABLELANDS motorists looking to travel to Cairns have been advised to check for delays beforehand as more works commence on the Kuranda Range Road, Kennedy Highway and Barron River bridge at Kuranda.

Testing and maintenance works on the Barron River bridge at Kuranda have been ongoing since Monday last week and are set to finish this Thursday, 2 March.

Traffic on the bridge has been restricted to one lane for the duration of the works on top of the current delays on the Kuranda Range Road for the installation of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) which started in December 2021 and was planned to be completed by late 2022.

Motorists travelling the range between have experienced multiple delays on the road for over a year and on rare occasions, drivers have waited up to 15 minutes.

Motorcycle riders have expressed their concerns surrounding the outcome of the works as when some sections have been ripped up and resealed, a noticeable and feelable bump in the road has remained.

A department spokesperson said re-

surfacing had been carried out on sections of the Kuranda Range Road that were impacted by the ITS System’s installation with only two small sections left to do.

“Kuranda Range ITS works are carried out at night to minimise impacts for road users,” he said.

“Resurfacing has been carried out to the sections impacted by construction, there are two small sections left that still need to be resurfaced as part of the project.”

Motorists traveling to Cairns from Mareeba have also had to deal with delays immediately as they leave Mareeba as safety upgrades to the Kennedy Highway just outside the town continue.

The department has advised road users to use the QLDTraffic website or phoning 13 19 40 to get up-to-date information about road conditions and delays when planning a trip.

Rehabilitation works have also just begun of the section of road between the Barron River bridge at Kuranda and the Saddle Mountain Road turn-off.

It is suspected the works will take roughly four weeks to complete depending on weather and construction conditions.

The Mountain Brothers Motorcycle Club recently donated a range of different equipment and appliances to the Herberton Girl Guides.

Mountain Brothers give back to future generations

LOCAL community not-for-profit Mountain Brothers has banded together to donate much needed equipment to the Herberton Girl Guides as well as a host of other organisations across the southern Tablelands.

After asking the Herberton Girl Guides what they needed, Mountain Brothers Motorcyle Club donated a fridge, four tents, an aluminium picnic set, camp lights and sporting balls.

Mountain Brothers secretary Peter Tunstead said the group was always on the lookout for other community groups in need of equipment and other items.

“We are a bunch of blokes who enjoying riding motorbikes and having a few beers together,” he said.

“We used to sponsor a girl who raced stock cars in Herberton, she had a Mountain Brothers sticker on the front of her car.

“We are also waiting to hear back from the Ravenshoe Tigers junior rugby league to see what they need as well.”

Mr Tunstead said Mountain Brothers raises money through the dirt drags at Wondecla and uses the money to purchase much needed equipment for kids in the area.

Pool petition handed over

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A PETITION containing more than 230 signatures has been presented to Mareeba Shire Council in the hope of lowering the fees, increasing opening times and improving facilities at the Dimbulah swimming pool.

Describing the fees as unacceptable, the petition specifically mentions the cost of the 20 Adult Pool Entry Pass which it claims increased from $20 to $80, without the community being consulted about the price rise.

“Pool fees are the same for Mareeba, Kuranda and Dimbulah Swimming Pools but the services provided are not the same for Dimbulah Swimming Pool,” the petition reads.

“Mareeba and Kuranda Swimming Pools are open seven days a week, all year, from 6am to 6pm. Mareeba Swimming Pool has shade cloth over half the pool and has plans for the Mareeba pool to be heated.”

“The Dimbulah Pool is closed Mondays, open Tuesday to Friday 2pm-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Also the Dimbulah Pool is closed for four months of the year without any community consultation.

“We, the undersigned, request that the increased fees for the 20 Adult Pool Entry Pass be reviewed and reduced – and the Dimbulah Pool have the same opening hours as Mareeba and Kuranda Pools. All three swimming pools are community assets within Mareeba Shire Council and need to

be treated equally.”

Lead petitioner Kevin Wallace, who swims at the facility 4-5 times a week, said he was concerned that some people in the community could no longer afford for their children to use the pool.

“I used to see a lot of indigenous kids there all the time but they don’t come now – they can’t afford $3.30 every time they come,” he said.

From 1 January 2022, the fee at Dimbulah Pool for adult entry rose 65 per cent – from $2.80 to $4.30 – while child entry went up from $1.50 to $3.30. Adult entry to Kuranda and Mareeba pools only rose by 30 cents, and a child’s entry by 80 cents. At the time, Mareeba Shire CEO Peter Franks said the Dimbulah fees were being brought into line with other public pools in the shire, noting that due to its operational costs and low patronage, the actual cost of each swim at Dimbulah was $30.

But even though Mr Wallace acknowledges that public pools are costly to run and don’t make money, he believes it is the council’s responsibility to provide an appropriate service to the community.

“Libraries don’t make money either but you still have to provide that service to the community,” he said.

“We are being treated like second-class citizens – if they want to put the fees up to that, then give us all the things the other pools have – shade cloths, hot showers, and decent opening hours.”

A report will be brought back to council on what, if any, options there are to reduce the fees at the pool.

Mayor takes issues to premier

MAREEBA Mayor Angela Toppin had the ear of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week when she travelled to Brisbane to hold meetings with several MPs to ensure that the needs of the shire remained top of mind.

“The Mareeba Shire is growing, and by working closely with the State we remain ‘on the radar’,” she said.

At a meeting with the Premier, Mayor Toppin presented a proposal which council believes will alleviate the housing crisis in the shire and lobbied for the Mareeba Bypass and long-awaited upgrades to the Mareeba Hospital.

“The Premier was supportive of the housing proposal and we look forward to working with departmental staff to progress this in the Mareeba Shire,” she said.

“We also look forward to progressing the discussion around the Mareeba Bypass and hospital in the near future.

“It was wonderful to represent the great Mareeba Shire, and I thank Cynthia Lui MP and Craig Crawford MP who were instrumental in securing meetings with the Ministers.”

Mayor Toppin also met with Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Queensland Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch and Minister for Transport Mark Bailey.

“The meetings were an opportunity to advocate for those top priority issues affecting the Mareeba Shire, which we need the State to address,” she said.

“Along with housing and health matters, I advocated strongly for a future-proofed solution for the Kuranda Range road, improved community safety, long-term planning for infrastructure in Kuranda and the Mareeba bypass.

“Each of these matters has a significant bearing on the future success of the Mareeba Shire and, indeed, Queensland.”

Shire hands over bypass road case

MAREEBA Shire has put forward a strong argument to the State Government that the long-awaited Heavy Vehicle Mareeba Bypass should be built as soon as possible, with Mayor Angela Toppin personally handing the council’s submission to Minister for Transport Mark Bailey last week.

The submission argues the importance of the bypass to improve safety in Mareeba’s main street, revealing that Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) data from 2020 shows 13,500 vehicles were using Byrnes Street daily, including 1000 heavy vehicle movements.

“In fact, the whole of the state-controlled road network through Mareeba simply cannot cope with the growth in local and regional traffic, with serious congestion and safety issues at almost all state-controlled intersections,” Mayor Toppin said in the submission.

“Our community can no longer tolerate this situation and we are calling for action on the bypass.”

She said since 2020, there had been a decrease of 1000 vehicles a day using Byrnes Street, but attributed this to the installation of traffic lights and traffic calming measures by the State.

“TMR projects on Byrnes Street have effectively discouraged through traffic from using the main street in favour of rat-running through our town’s local streets,” she said.

“Since the upgrades on Byrnes Street, council has received various complaints from the public regarding the increase in traffic, particularly heavy vehicles, using local streets which pass by residences, childcare centres, and primary schools.”

Anzac Avenue had become another victim of the situation, with around half of the 6,500 daily traffic movements on the street being non-local traffic, “who are using this

local street in favour of the congested, inefficient, state-controlled route”.

“Additional traffic using local streets, particularly heavy vehicles, has negatively impacted the Mareeba community, as our local streets are also now becoming congested, noisy and unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mayor Toppin said.

“The diverting of regional traffic onto Mareeba’s local streets through the Queensland Government failing to adequately manage its state-controlled road network is spoiling the liveability in our wonderful town and simply cannot continue.”

Expected growth in industries within the shire also warranted better road infrastructure, and the bypass would also provide a more reliant transport corridor in heavy rainfall events.

As part of your government’s review of the Far North Queensland Regional Plan, various opportunities in Mareeba are being proposed, including expansion of agriculture, mining, aviation and potential for significant industrial growth to support future needs in the region,” Mayor Toppin explained.

“While the discussions as part of these planning instruments are indicating that Mareeba is well-placed to further develop as a hub for various industries in the Far North, none of this will be possible without invest-

ment in an effective transport network.

“When constructed, the Mareeba Bypass will provide more resilient connectivity for the movement of goods and people, and delivery of emergency and other services in times of severe weather events, reducing the impacts and economic losses across the whole region.

“At present, connectivity to Cape York and the Gulf is disrupted during high rainfall events, as the Granite Creek bridge, on the northern approach to Mareeba is regularly inundated, often for several hours at a time and with no viable alternate route available.

“Construction of the Mareeba Bypass, with sufficient flood immunity, is imperative to ensure that Far North Queensland remains connected and resilient in times of natural disaster.”

Mayor Toppin stressed council believed the construction of the bypass should proceed as a matter of priority.

“Council has been advocating for the Mareeba Bypass for many years now, and there have numerous studies completed by the department in this time, however it is now time we see action from the Queensland Government to bring this vital project to fruition,” she said.

“Construction of the Mareeba Bypass will make an enormous difference to regional freight efficiency and the flow of traffic throughout Mareeba, thus eliminating the need for ongoing and costly upgrades to state-controlled intersections and councilcontrolled local streets in the future.

“This will greatly improve amenity and safety in the town centre and on our local streets and provide greater opportunities for active transport initiatives and economic growth in Mareeba.”

Come and talk tourism at Mareeba think tank

LOCAL tourism operators and residents passionate about promoting their region are being encouraged to attend the Mareeba Shire Tourism Think Tank to be held next Wednesday, 8 March.

The think tank is the newly established Mareeba Shire Council Local Tourism Organisation’s (LTO) first major step after its successful launch recently.

The LTO is a joint project between Mareeba Shire Council and the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce with the aim of making Mareeba a must-see destination.

The think tank will be hosted by Tourism Tropi-

cal North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen at the Cedric Davies Memorial Hub in Mareeba from 12noon to 5pm.

LTO chair Lenore Wyatt said the think tank would give tourism operators a chance to bring their ideas to the table.

“Tourism is everybody’s business, so we are welcoming people’s idea and inviting them to come along to the think tank and work on our strategic marketing plan,” she said.

“The plan will identify how we are going to move forward and promote our region over the next 12 months.”

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Member for Cook Cynthia Lui in Brisbane last week.

“Our community can no longer tolerate this situation and we are calling for action on the bypass”

– Mayor Angela Toppin

BLINDS: − Roller − Venetian

Free event management courses

TABLELANDS Regional Council is offering free event management courses for people interested in the planning and running of events.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew said the event management training would provide event organisers and committees with the knowledge, tools and resources to deliver high-quality, successful and sustainable events.

“It is a two-day, face-to-face program with a recognised event training management organisation, and you’ll need to attend both days,” he said.

The training will take place from 9am–3pm, 11 and 12 of March at the Coordination Centre on 15 Vernon Street in Atherton.

To register your interest for the courses head to trc.qld.gov. au/event-management and sign up by Monday 6 March.

Learn about social media

LOCALS wanting to be more social media savvy are invited to join Mareeba Shire Council Library’s Introduction to Social Media session.

159 Walsh Street, Mareeba

Phone: 0447 006 478

Email: admin@mareebafcc.com.au

Councillor Update

Mareeba Shire Councillor Lachlan (Locky) Bensted

I am pleased to provide an update to residents and ratepayers on some of the latest news from Council.

Great Wheelbarrow Race

Nominations are open for the Mareeba & Dimbulah Community Bank Great Wheelbarrow Race 2023.

As the Chair of the race, I look forward to being back on the road to celebrate the twentieth anniversary year in 2023. The race is not about what position you come in, it is about being part of an exciting and unique event that supports many small communities.

The race kicks off on Friday, 12 May 2023 in Mareeba and will conclude on Sunday, 14 May 2023 in Chillagoe. Teams can look forward to the Friday night where they are treated to the incredible community spirit in Dimbulah and the unbeatable country hospitality in Almaden on the Saturday night. These nights are great fun for all involved!

Why not join us on the road in 2023 for the twentieth

Rain causes problems for works

WET weather has caused some delays in getting action on the new Mareeba Splash Park, but some progress has been made, with a new retaining wall and security fence constructed and a large electrical transformer installed.

Mareeba Shire Council’s infrastructure services manager Glenda Kirk said the project was probably five weeks behind as heavy machinery could not access the site, with “water laying on top of the ground”.

“But we are talking to the contractors and hope to claw back some of that time,” she said.

The splash park, which is being established at the Mareeba Sports and Aquatic Centre, will be a new zero-depth, zero-height splash play area that will include various unique water spray areas with interactive play elements and shade structures.

land Government had committed more than $1.6 million to the project.

Cr Kevin Davies reminded council that even though the State Government did fund the capital cost of the project, there was an ongoing cost to ratepayers with maintenance and depreciation.

Council was told other major capital works were progressing, with preliminary designs for the Bicentennial Lakes upgrade being prepared for community consultation. Construction is expected to commence by mid-year.

The new Riverside Caravan Park amenities block is also on track, with the foundation slab now in place and construction of the masonry block wall underway.

The session will be held online through Zoom on Thursday 30 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Visit www.eventbrite.com. au/e/526211511797, to register or for further information phone 4086 4622.

As part of the upgrade, a heating system will also be installed for the pool and the front entry gardens and pathways will be refreshed.

Cr Locky Bensted said other areas of the shire had now expressed a desire to have a splash park.

“Dimbulah wants a splash park now – we would like a splash park everywhere but it costs money,” he said, noting that the Queens-

The amenities block had reached the end of its useful life and after an assessment determined that an upgrade was unviable, a decision to replace the facility was made.

The Granite Creek Sewage Pump Station is also progressing well, and when completed, will be able to cater for future growth in the area, which includes all sewered areas of the Mareeba township south of Granite Creek.

The project is expected to be finished in the next month.

New market to become centre of communities

COMMUNITY members in Julatten, Mount Molloy and Mount Carbine will have a new place to gather, show their wares, barter and more with the new FairMarket event being hosted this Sunday.

anniversary year? If you want to take part in something that’s done nowhere else in the world, now is the time to give it a go! Visit www.greatwheelbarrowrace.com for more information and to register.

Parks & Open Spaces Action Plan

Council is continuing to implement the Parks & Open Spaces Strategy to improve liveability and community wellbeing across the Shire.

I look forward to the opening of the new Splash Park in Mareeba and undertaking some longer-term planning for the Mareeba East Park Playground.

Another project to upgrade the Bicentennial Lakes in Mareeba is also scheduled for completion in 2023.

Council has received draft design sketches that will be used as part of a community engagement process which will take place in the coming months.

Work will also be commencing at Heritage Park in Dimbulah, Roscommon Park at Speewah and Bill Newman Park in Irvinebank later this year. Take

a look at Council’s website for additional information on the Action Plan.

Council projects in progress

Council’s work crews have been undertaking emergent work on several roads requiring repairs following the recent wet weather.

I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while Council responds to customer requests across our vast road network. I also encourage residents to report any new damage to Council.

Councillor

Locky Bensted

Postal address: PO Box 154, Mareeba

QLD 4880

Email: lockyb@msc.qld.gov.au

Unlike other markets in the region, FairMarket goers will be able to utilise the many other facilities available at Geraghty Park Hall including the hall itself, theatre, kitchen, BBQ, playground and tennis court.

The market will be held each Sunday in the hall, starting at 2pm and finishing at 5pm and stalls can begin setting up from as early as midday.

One of the FairMarket organisers, Willem Brugman, hopes the new market will become the meeting place for surrounding communities and other marketgoers in the region.

“The FairMarket on Sunday afternoons at Ger-

aghty Park will be different in that the community is invited to come and make use of the hall’s facilities, set up stalls for selling and buying, barter and exchange, sharing and donating, giving and receiving,” he said.

“The market will become a moment in people’s lives to come together as a community in a safe and entertaining environment, to mix and mingle, communicate and get to know one another.

“Performers of any kind are invited to make their contribution and children are most welcome to come, play and join in.”

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin will attend the first market this Sunday and officially open FairMarket. For more information about the new market and how to book a spot, call Mr Brugman on 0434 594 674.

Tablelands uni centre a step closer

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A “GAME-CHANGER” in how students living in the region can undertake their tertiary studies reached another milestone last week when Tablelands Regional Council agreed to contribute $45,000 over the next three years for a regional University Centre to be established in Atherton.

The Tablelands University Centre (TUC) will become one of 34 throughout Australia when it opens in April, enabling locals to get support during tertiary studies, regardless of the institution, without having to leave their communities.

In November last year, Vocational Partnerships Group was awarded funding by the Federal Government to establish the centre which will now remove barriers faced by students living in the region.

Describing the funding as a “modest” contribution, Cr David Clifton said it was “a first step in the growth of something really special” for the Tablelands.

“Students doing their degrees through Central Queensland University (CQU) or James Cook University (JCU) have largely had to do their work by correspondence,” he said.

He said figures from the 2020 census were alarming, with the Tablelands lagging badly behind national figures when it came to the percentage of

the population attending university.

“University attendance in Australia is five per cent of the population; in Queensland, it’s four per cent of the population; in regional Queensland, it’s three per cent; and in the Tablelands Regional Council area, it’s one per cent of the population,” he said.

“We are, by any standard, compared to the rest of Australia, massively underdone in terms of the ability of our residents to successfully attend university and maintain a normal family life and existence without leaving home.

“You can imagine how many sons and daughters of the men and women on the land have been faced with the terrible decision of ‘do I go away to university or do I stay at home and work with mum and dad?’”

Cr Clifton said VPG would now set about establishing the new study centre at its Comet Avenue premises.

“It will create, if you like, a mini campus - one of the great benefits of that, for those of us who have been to university, is that it gives students the ability to interchange with like-minded people,” he said.

A report to council lauded the benefits of the centre and advised that VPG had forecast that 100 students would likely use the centre in its first year of operation.

“Students who study locally are more likely to engage in the local workforce, providing businesses with new employment opportunities,” it stated.

“The TUC will provide opportunities for partnership with local business and industry to meet skills and training needs.

“Council has a key role to support the establishment and ongoing operation of the TUC given the significant benefits it provides to the community, business, and industry.

“The TUC will also be a game changer in keeping youth in our community.”

Cr Dave Bilney said the new centre would allow the region “to grow our own” and stop “educational leakage”, with people currently having to leave the area to attend university.

“It might also generate interest in study per se, particularly along a different demographic such as young mothers who can learn, gets skills and re-enter the workforce at a time that suits them,” he said.

Mayor Rod Marti congratulated VPG chief executive officer Maryanne Tranter in getting the initial submission approved under the Australian Government’s Regional Universities Centres program.

“It was a national program and not many were successful,” he said.

The funding from council will be used to pro-

Mt Garnet rodeo calls on all queens

LADIES from across the Northern ABCRA region have the opportunity to enter this year’s Mt Garnet Rodeo Queens Quest.

This is the second consecutive year the quest has been held and with a whole new committee for the annual rodeo, the queen’s contest is set to be one of the best yet.

Committee volunteer Annie Berg has taken on the role coordinating the queens this year and encourages women aged 18 to 30 to enter.

After sponsoring Miss Rodeo Australia, she will use her knowledge and experience to help the queen entrants through their journey.

“I am quite passionate about small town communities, and I feel like it is very important for ladies to challenge themselves and be out in the community,” she said.

“It is a great opportunity for them to expand their social networks, work on their communication skills… and make friends with people they normally wouldn’t.”

This year, new guidelines have been put in place for the queen’s quest, with experience in horsemanship required and a vaster intake area for ladies wanting to get involved.

Implementing “horsemanship” into the prerequisites of the competition is the rodeo

committee’s way of bringing the rodeo back into the queen’s competition.

Entrants will be judged at public events and in interviews with the judges on their entrant’s knowledge regarding the sport of Rodeo particularly in relation to the North Queensland region, their horsemanship skills, their conversation skills and how they present themselves.

Applications for the Mt Garnet Rodeo Queen quest have been extended until 10 March. Email Annie on aejbd@hotmail.com

The Mt Garnet Rodeo is set to kick off on 30 April at the LD Lucey Memorial Park, Mt Garnet.

vide support to students attending the centre which could include rent, utility costs, establishment costs as well as sponsorship.

The centre will provide physical, campus-like spaces, study spaces with high-speed internet access and video conferencing, administrative guidance, academic support services, and pastoral care.

Any student studying university or Vocational Education and Training courses online at any Australian institution will be able to use the centre.

As part of its funding support, council provide $10,000 in 2022-23 to become a foundation sponsor of the TUC which will enable the successful set-up of the facility and encourage other financial partners to provide ongoing support to ensure its long-term viability.

Council has also earmarked $15,000 in funding for 2023-24, and $20,000 in 2024-25.

The funding will be subject to the TUC meeting key performance indicators which include increased participation, retention and completion of study by students, and undertaking activities to promote higher education access and participation generally in the region, such as outreach and aspiration-building activities in schools and the wider community to promote participation in post-compulsory education.

Last year’s Mt Garnet Rodeo Queen entrants.

Photo: Lacey Burns Photography.

Men charged over butchering steer

Become a mental health champion

MAREEBA residents who have a desire to help their community and care about the wellbeing of their colleagues, teammates and friends are being asked to become a mental health champion through the Black Cockatoo Foundation’s new initiative.

The foundation hopes to develop a well-supported group of community champions across a wide range of community networks in family, cultural, sporting, workplace or personal interest areas.

These champions will empower the community and use their knowledge to recognise,

connect and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.

They will complete a twoday mental health first aid training course and a kitchen table learning circle session where they will learn how to apply their learned knowledge and build the network and support mechanisms.

Black Cockatoo Foundation CEO Louise Livingstone said creating an effective mental health champion network would greatly benefit the wider community.

“The goal is to build the capacity of people within and across the Mareeba community who have a desire to champion Mental Health liter-

acy, with the view to increase prevention, recognition, and referral to professional services,” she said.

“In doing so we will work toward minimising stigma within the community, especially within diverse, hardto-access, cultural and socioeconomic groups.

“We need more mental health literacy and support skills in the community to help catch more individuals experiencing mental health problems and troubled times.”

For more information on how to become a mental health champion, email ninaakselsengrant@gmail.com

FOUR men have been charged with stealing after they butchered a dead steer they found on a roadside near a cattle station.

A 27-year-old Earlville man, a 34-year-old Mareeba man and two Chillagoe men aged 22 and 26 have each been charged with one count of stealing.

Around 5pm on 9 February, police allege the men located a dead steer on the roadside near a cattle station and then butchered the animal, transporting the meat to addresses in Chillagoe.

Officers executed search warrants on numerous addresses in Chillagoe on 10 February, seizing samples of meat for DNA comparison.

The men are scheduled to appear at the Mareeba Magistrates Court on 13 March.

Council to discuss future of RSL club

TABLELANDS Regional Council chief executive officer Gary Rinehart has been authorised to have discussions about the future of the Atherton RSL in Railway Lane after the subbranch went into voluntary receivership this month.

The future of the building, which only opened three years ago, is unknown at this stage, but will likely be sold.

Cr Peter Hodge moved that Mr Rinehart “be authorised to have discussions on behalf of the Tablelands Regional Council, with members of the Atherton RSL and officers of Department of Transport and Main

Roads in regard to the future of the Atherton RSL on Railway Lane, Atherton, and report back to council if necessary.”

He said with RSL Atherton entering voluntary administration, it had become “quite urgent to find a solution for their financial future”.

“Selling their building is one option but are pursuing other options. One concept includes making the building more of a community hub.” Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the RSL sub-branch will meet in the near future for discussions.

TEX GUN

Strong talk over boundary debate

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A PLEA by Division 2 Councillor Annette Haydon for a redistribution of Tablelands Regional Council’s electoral boundaries that would shift the township of Herberton into Division 1 was met with strong opposition by Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew at last week’s meeting.

Cr Haydon told the meeting the vast area covered by her division which includes Ravenshoe, Herberton and Mt Garnet, presented a huge challenge and was, at times, overwhelming.

“As the Division 2 Councillor at this moment in time, I cover a vast area ..... and represent two large towns and two smaller towns with monthly meetings that sometimes run late into the night,” she said.

“Travelling from Herberton to Mt Garnet takes one hour and 15 minutes - sometimes, this gets very overwhelming, tiring and stressful – and you’re lucky to climb into bed around 11pm to begin the next day at 6am.

“A boundary shift between a few divisions would hopefully give the Division 1 representative (Cr Cardew) who does not commit to evening meetings with chambers, progress and business associations, a bit more work to do and maybe an association within the boundary to pick up some of the workload.”

Her remark earned a sharp response from Cr Cardew who said he was “totally opposed” to the request for a boundary review.

“Everyone’s aware of the divisional boundaries before the election – you know the workload, the divisional councillor has been the councillor for a long time in that area and knows only too well what the job entails,” he said.

“If it’s too hot in the kitchen, well maybe you’d better get out of the kitchen.”

He pointed out that the current enrolments in all divisions were of similar numbers.

“The numbers in each division is just about equal throughout the whole six divisions. There is very, very little difference.

“So the fact that the request is being put up and if it’s

successful, then in my mind, it will have a very large impact upon the constituents in Divisions 1 and 2 and if they are changed, it will more than likely affect the boundaries of all the other divisions.

“Not to mention the cost for such rectification. Now this was only done four years ago – just imagine what the cost is going to be like for the taxpayer to go back and change this.”

Cr Bilney rejected Cr Cardew’s premise, saying “wholesale” changes had been made prior to the previous election and it had not caused a “public outcry”.

“The quotas are in the tolerance (level) I accept that, but we are not talking about the reason for change being the quotas, we are talking about the geographical challenges of trying to undertake the role in Division 2,” he said.

“Irrespective of who’s the councillor in the division going forward, the same challenges are going to be experienced due to the civic and community duties to be undertaken.

“I think there is an expectation in that division for the councillor to attend community organisations, events and have involvement – a redistribution of towns will make it more equitable in my opinion.”

Mayor Rod Marti weighed into the debate, saying while he understood Cr Cardew’s argument, he did not agree with him.

“It’s not about the population thresholds, it’s about one councillor having three significant communities to service across a fairly large geographical footprint –there’s chambers, there’s business associations, there’s community groups – these things do add up,” he said.

“The request, to be determined by the electoral commission, is really about the welfare of the councillor.”

Chief executive officer Gary Rinehart advised that while council could make the request to the Queensland Electoral Commission, it did not guarantee the review would be undertaken.

Council voted to put forward the request for the boundary redistribution, with Cr Cardew recording his vote against the move.

New way forward for Atherton’s Rail Trail

SUPPORTERS of Atherton’s Rail Trail left Tablelands Regional Council meeting relieved and happy last week after the organisation endorsed the development of a strategy to manage the trail and supported the reforming of the advisory committee.

The group turned up in numbers to the meeting in the hope councillors would support a motion brought forward by Cr Dave Bilney to develop a strategy for the trail in the wake of a decision by the council earlier this month to stop tree planting along a section of the path at the edge of the Tolga Industrial Estate.

“It is evident that there is an absence of a strategy that underpins the clear purpose of the existing Rail Trail and the benefits that such a

strategy will bring to the region,” Cr Bilney put forward.

He said the strategy should demonstrate how the council would prioritise maintenance of the trail, engagement with community groups, and the ongoing development and enhancement of the trail.

He also called for the reintroduction of the Rail Trail Advisory Committee, saying it was “critical to get community back on board and helping to guide the future of the trail”.

Crs Bernie Wilce, Kevin Cardew and David Clifton spoke in favour of the strategy being developed, all agreeing that if the document was in place, council would not have been in the situation it was earlier this month.

Learn a centuries old practice in our hands-on Kokedama Masterclass with Mell. You will take home different Kokedamas using various techniques, mediums & natural materials.

We will have two incredible weavers joining us from Jitta Art.

Date: Saturday, 4 March 2023

Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm

Location: Old post-office gallery, 86 Atherton-Herberton Rd, Atherton Enquiries, phone Mell: 0407 815 815

Email: mellissaw21@gmail.com

BOOK NOW - http://bit.ly/3ZjR6j7

BY MELL

ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 1923-2023

St Joseph’s School community congratulates our School Leaders for 2023 - our Centenary Year (1923 -2023).

It is indeed a credit to be recognised by their peers as students who can exemplify the special qualities that are required to serve as leaders.

Our school leaders were officially commissioned at our Opening School Mass on Friday 3rd February.

Throughout the year, our school leaders will be involved in Mini Vinnies aimed at social justice, volunteering to help younger students (Playground Guardians), religious celebrations and extra-curricular activities including discos, Under 8’s Day, Day for Daniel, Walk to School Day and much, much more.

We are confident that our 2023 school leaders will fulfil their positions with a genuine sense of responsibility and commitment – supported by the entire school community. We wish them all the best in their busy year ahead.

Back Row: Endeavour House Captains - Hunter Jacob and Mia Inderbitzin, Cook House Captains - Josephine Dugri and Tayla Page, Crew House Captains - Toby Henderson and Abbie Painter. Front Row: School Captains - Patrick Montgomery and Pearl Hadfield and Vice Captains - Lily Holmes and Finnegan Dowling.

Rail Trail supporters were happy after Tablelands Regional Council decided to develop a strategy to manage the trail going forward.

New trades program launches in Mareeba

A NEW “Taste of Trades” program is being launched in Mareeba this week in the hope it will encourage young people to seek a career in the construction sector.

Local organisation Skill360, a part of The BUSY Group, which delivers a range of employment, skills and training programs, is determined to inspire the next generation of tradies for our region.

The “Taste of Trades” program is being delivered by Skill360 and funded under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.

The 12-week hands-on-learning program offers eligible young job seekers (aged 15-19) the opportunity to gain skills for the construction trades industry and prepares them for apprenticeship careers in a variety of construction trades. Partnering with local construction industry employers and the Mareeba Cricket Club as a venue partner, participants will learn trade skills while painting the club, along with gaining work experience with local employers.

Skill360 CEO Anthony Chan said it was no secret that our region, and the rest of Australia, was experiencing a skills shortage, particularly in the construction trade industries.

“The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program has proven to be a huge success for job seekers needing to gain valuable skills, work experience and connections to local employers.

“We know this initiative is life-changing because 76 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after completion.

“Without our host employers, the program wouldn’t be successful and Skill360 would like to thank those who have committed to being involved.”

Those who attend the course will obtain a Certificate 1 in Construction, and get carer mentoring and work placement support.

Anyone interested in registering for the course, which starts on 14 March, can do so by emailing chloe.anderson@skill360.com.au or call Chloe on 0428 676 912.

Bright lights for Mossman Sharks

MOSSMAN’S rugby league stars gearing up for another year will have the chance to train and play unimpeded at night thanks to a new project which will see the installation of four new light towers.

Douglas Shire Council awarded a $288,753 contact to GMH Solutions Pty Ltd for the Coronation Park Sports Field Lighting project to take place at the Mossman Showgrounds. The project will replace decades old lighting infrastructure replaced with new energy efficient LED technology and a user-friendly smart lighting control system.

The new lights will have automated controls which can be managed through a cloud-based system.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said im-

proving sports facilities helped encourage the community to engage in sport, recreation, and healthy activities.

“The new light towers are a fantastic investment that allows us to replace the current floodlights on wooden poles which are about 30 years old,” he said.

“Our local rugby league club will be thrilled to have brighter and more reliable lighting for training and night games this season.

“Council identified the need to replace the lighting in its Coronation Park Sports Masterplan which can be used by local sporting clubs, organisations and council to seek grant funding from State and Federal Governments.”

The new 27-metre-high lights are expected to be installed mid-2023.

Business on board with pet calendars

OUTBACK Solar and Outdoors has joined a host of local businesses who support Animal Rescue Tablelands by selling their calendars instore.

The calendars are being made and sold to help raise funds for Animal Rescue Tablelands to help rehome animals and provide for their food and vet services.

Outback Solar and Outdoors is just one of

many local businesses who have supported Animal Rescue Tablelands by opting to sell the calendars out of its store.

The fundraising calendars can also be purchased from The Seconds Shop, Brumbies, Ranbuild, Aquafix Pool Shop, Hansen Ford, Cellabrations, Northern Suppliers and Fraser Automotive.

Bloomfield mural unveiled

ARTISTS and organisers welcomed Bloomfield locals to the unveiling of the long-awaited Bloomfield Flora and Fauna mural project recently after over two years of work.

The mural was a project headed by the Bloomfield Art Club which began in 2021 and included a host of different artists who helped bring the piece together.

The upper primary class of Bloomfield River State School also had a hand in the making of the mural.

Project leader and teacher Lainie Franzi welcomed everyone to the unveiling of the mural and thanked everyone who helped design, shape and

install the project.

“Firstly, I would like to thank all the artists, young and old, new and experienced, local and from further afield, who designed, sculpted, added to, perfected, decorated and/or glazed a tile.

“For we did not create individual tiles, one person might have constructed it, another added to it, yet another coloured it and there are lots of people who did all of this creative work for several tiles.”

Ms Franzi also expressed her thanks to Cook Shire Council, Cooktown Hardware Community Chest and Endeavour Christian College for their assistance over the duration of the project.

Bloomfield Mural stakeholders Jude Edwards (ceramic artist), Lainie Franzi (project leader and artist/teacher), Marilyn Morris (Cook Shire Councilor), Waratah Nicholls (Regional Arts Service Network Far North co-ordinator) and Wayne Hunt (Cooktown Hardware store manager).

Outback Solar & Outdoors staff and Animal Rescue Tablelands’ Rena Braes with the calendars.

Big commitment to boost Cooktown health services

A COOKTOWN health program supporting some of the community’s most vulnerable has received a massive donation commitment of $200,000 from a local RSL club.

The Cooktown Memorial RSL will donate $200,000 over two years to support Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s Community Care Program (CCP) in Cooktown which provides essential aged care and disability services to those in need within the community.

Cooktown RSL treasurer Janne Stewart said the club chose a community group or cause to support each year.

“We had a chat to a local councillor who suggested the community care program would be a really good cause,” she said.

“They do great work for the people of Cooktown and it is really important for us to give back to the community.”

Torres and Cape HHS Cooktown CCP Coordinator Jasmine Sieverding said the group was delighted about the generous donation which would be used for several projects.

Projects include providing medical alert systems for clients in their own homes, building a community garden and commissioning a book being published by the RSL club about elderly members of the community.

“On behalf of both the Cooktown CCP and the entire health service, I thank the RSL for their donation which is going to improve the lives of people in our small community,” she said.

Tourism venture to highlight culture

Torres and Cape HHS executive director of Allied Health Amanda Wilson said the donation was a wonderful example of grassroots community spirit.

“Cooktown is a small town and there is no doubt those from the club will likely know many of the beneficiaries of their generosity,” she said.

“We thank them for reaching out to help those in need within their community.”

New health care centre gains support

A NEW $15 million health care centre is due to be constructed in Diwan to replace the existing clinic after Douglas Shire Council provided in-principal support to the developers so they could progress with the development.

The proposed development is part of a previously announced $250 million expansion of health services in the Cairns region and will mean a replacement health care facility and a new helicopter

landing site for Cow Bay.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service wrote to council in November last year asking for in-principal support for the transfer of the relevant land.

The current clinic is residing in a council-owned building and will return to council’s hands once the new facility has been constructed, allowing other community groups to potentially utilise the hall.

LOCALS and visitors will be able to learn about where the rainforest meets the reef along with the long history of its traditional caretakers with the announcement of a new Indigenous cultural tourism centre to be built in the Daintree National Park at Cape Tribulation.

The centre will explore the lives and histories of the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra people, members of the oldest living culture in the world who proudly care for the oldest living rainforest in the world.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture and Tourism Hub development is jointly funded through the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be managed by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.

Visitors to the hub will be able to meet Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and to learn about their land, sea and culture and enjoy performances including traditional ceremonies and dance.

The centre will also have interpretative cultural and art displays and information about the

two World Heritage Areas it sits between and offer visitors access to a range of other cultural tourism experiences in the region.

“The Queensland Government is working closely with the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to finalise the planning of the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture Tourism Hub construction project,” Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon said.

“This is an initiative we are jointly funding with the Australian Government.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is leading a thorough planning process for the construction of the hub, taking into consideration the environmental sensitivities and cultural significance of Daintree National Park.

“We are committed to achieving the best outcomes for the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra people and the local tourism sector while protecting the unique biodiversity in the area.”

Specialist accommodation underway

FLEXICHOICE and MiHaven Cairns have teamed up to build Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) in Mareeba for eligible NDIS participants in the region.

The two homes are still under construction at 120 Mason Street and 35 Andre Street Mareeba, are valued at over $3 million and are built with each tenant’s specific needs in mind.

Co-founder and director, Sarah Mort says the accommodation will make a positive long term impact on its tenants.

“The positive impact that these specially designed homes provide to NDIS participants who have high physical support needs is immeasur-

LOCAL

able,” she said.

“Since building our first SDA home in Cairns in 2020, we have seen exponential positive change for so many people who need specialist individual care and the independence of living in their own home.”

“Our focus is to build the highest quality NDIS SDA homes in the most suitable locations, that are future-proofed with innovative assisted technology that will improve the quality of life for our local NDIS community who eligible for SDA accommodation.”

Construction of the houses is set to be completed in June this year.

Awards to recognise volunteers

THE Tablelands is overflowing with selfless individuals who offer up their time in service of others and now is their chance to be recognised in the Queensland Volunteering Awards in Brisbane during National Volunteer Week in May.

Volunteers from all over Queensland will gather at Brisbane City Hall during National Volunteer Week from 15-21 May for the awards and nominations are now open across a range of different categories.

Queensland’s volunteers have always been the life force of their communities, extending helping hands and fostering vital human connections that give hope and meaning to the lives of others.

Despite the fall in volunteering in formal settings, informal volunteering continues to thrive,

often hiding in the shadows of sporting clubs, schools and charities.

The Queensland Volunteering Awards acknowledge and honour the astonishing contribution and spirit of service of all Queensland volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.

Volunteers can be nominated in six different categories – Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering, Excellence in Volunteer Management, Volunteering Impact and the Corporate Volunteering. To nominate, visit the Volunteering Queensland website at www.volunteeringqld. org.au/ navigate to the training and events tab and click Queensland Volunteering Awards.

Nominations close on 6 March.

An artist’s impression of the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture and Tourism Hub.

Cooktown RSL manager Julie Delaney with community care program coordinators Jeneen Clark and Jasmine Sieverding.

THERE is more action, fun and laughter at the Majestic Theatre this week.

Don't miss out on the brand new sports drama focusing on the incredible high stakes world of boxing, Creed III, starring Michael B. Jordan.

Marvel Studio's superhero action adventure comedy, The Ant-Man and the

Wasp: Quantumania, continues for another wonderful week.

Also back by popular demand is the comedy drama, A Man Called Otto, with a superb performance by one of this world's top actors, Tom Hanks. Everyone who previously came to see this amazing story were inspired.

Celebration of classical music

TABLELANDERS looking for their classical music fix are being invited to come along to the second annual Atherton Tablelands Chamber Music Festival to be held in September.

Directed by Tablelands local Dr. Khalida De Ridder, the festival will run from 22-24 September and gather a mix of local and interstate classical musicians including soloists and a chamber orchestra.

Dr De Ridder met her now husband, Danish classic guitarist Simon Thielke, at the Royal Academy of Music in Denmark and upon returning home each year to visit family, hosted a classical music concert on the Tablelands.

“In 2021 we started it up but we have had

a music series on the Tablelands since about 2016,” Dr De Ridder said.

“There is no real classical music festival past Townsville, they have an amazing one which is one of the largest in Australia.

“I feel like the Tablelands has a very high classical music lover population.”

In the lead up to the festival, several smaller concerts are being held across the Tablelands over the next couple of weeks.

The next concert will be held on 11 March at the Yungaburra Hall before another performances in Atherton at Halloran’s Hill on 18 March.

To book your tickets for the upcoming concerts head to https://www.trybooking.com/CFNZV

Action and fun on the big screen Danish classical guitarist Simon Thielke will be performing a host of different concerts in the lead up to the Atherton Tablelands Chamber Music Festival in September.

ENTERTAINMENT across the region

Exhibition set to showcase works by Yungaburra artists

AN EXHIBITION showcasing diversity in artistic expression will be showcased at the Old Post Office Gallery in Atherton by the Yungaburra Village Artists.

“Different Strokes” is the 18th exhibition the YVA have showcased and the group is excited to bring their love of different media to the forefront.

The theme of the exhibition has allowed each of their artists creative freedom to portray and create individual pieces from the heart.

The official opening of the exhibition will kick off at 2pm on Saturday 11 March and will be open from 10am until 2pm from Tuesday to Friday.

In the swing for mental health

CIVIL construction workers alongside key industry partners decided to put down their tools last Friday and pick up a golf club for Robinson Civil’s third annual Mental Health Golf Day.

The Robinson Civil Group Mental Health Day was held last Friday at the Mareeba Golf Club and brought together people from the civil construction industry who normally spend their workday building roads and operating large machinery.

The day’s aim was to create an environment for relaxation in an easy social setting where workers could play golf and connect with each other over the topic of mental health.

Robinson Civil Group CEO Caytlyn Mead developed the concept of a “whole of company event” to talk about mental health after seeing its impact within the industry.

“Poor mental health can show up as poor work attitude and or inconsistent performance,” she said.

“My concern is that this could quickly escalate to unemployment, break downs in the family unit and ultimately the worst-case scenario, suicide.

“Underlying issues of mental health do not need to go unaddressed nor ignored within the workplace.

“We want staff working across the civil construction industry to know there are resources available, and there are support systems in place for them.”

Last Wednesday Robinson Civil Group even had Paddy Bowes from Mates In Construction talk with the staff about mental health and suicide prevention.

A total of approximately 70 people attended the event and many industry partners came on board to support the event with their attendance and donations. A total of $ $3,527 was raised.

Sunday Sessions On The Sunset Deck

‘Birds of a Feather’ is one of the paintings that will be on display at the upcoming exhibition.

Jeffrey Hale, Paul Dorge, Mick Krems took part in the Robinson Civil’s Mental Health Golf Day.

Ryan Price and Matt Mead were all smiles.

Ashley Jerome enjoyed the day playing golf.

LANDthe

All eyes on price of milk

THERE is constant discussion in the dairy industry about the upcoming yearly frenzy for milk which officially starts on 1 June. Some contracts have already been presented including three-year contracts in Victoria at around 90c/L.

It is unclear what will happen to prices from 1 July 2023. On the one hand, retailers are trying to contain price increases given the 30-year high inflation rates. In addition, world dairy prices are not as favourable as they were last year.

On the other hand, milk production in Australia fell by 300ML in 2021/22. Production has already fallen by around 300ML at the halfway point of 2022/23 so is on track to fall by 600ML for the year. Australian production will likely fall to under 8BL which is a far cry from the almost 12BL peak. The days of Australia being a large dairy exporter are well and truly be-

hind us and we are now a net importer of dairy products.

So, what does all this mean for prices in July 2023? There are two options. The first is that prices only increase marginally from the 2022/23 prices. If this occurs, production throughout Australia will plummet and most likely a further 1BL of milk will disappear.

Dairy farmers throughout Australia will not continue to produce milk for love and need reasonable profits to justify continuing. Can you blame them when there are many other options for their land that require much less work, risk, inputs and labour? No, you can’t.

The other option is we see substantial increases in prices to justify farmers continuing and for some expanding. Given a 15c/L price increase across Australia last year has still led to a 600ML loss, it is clear

that a further increase in line with last year is required to stem the tide of milk loss.

But is plummeting milk production really a bad thing for the industry? Can’t processors remove their low valued lines and make the same money as they did previously? Well, that’s all great, but what happens if they weren’t making much money last year? And how do processors fulfill contracts where these low valued products are required if they don’t make them anymore? And if these low valued lines are removed, how many factories across Australia are shut down, how much do processors write down the value of their business and how many people are unemployed?

June will be a fork in the road time for the Australian dairy industry.

Eric Danzi, Co-CEO eastAUSmilk

Future of Coen checkpoint unclear

FNQ Growers have called on the Queensland Government to clarify the future of the Coen biosecurity checkpoint on Cape York Peninsula after reports raised questions about the checkpoint’s future.

The organisation, which advocates for the highly productive horticultural commodities from Lakeland in the north, south to Tully and west to Georgetown, was responding to media reports earlier

this year which raised concerns about the checkpoint’s future.

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the Coen checkpoint was incredibly important to protecting Far North Queensland’s half a billion-dollar horticulture industry.

“Our region is considered one of the fourth most significant fruit bowls in Queensland, and an agricultural power-

house in northern Australia, with its value critical well beyond the farmgate,” Mr Moro said.

“With no official comment forthcoming from the Queensland Government, FNQ Growers has sought urgent comment on the media reports and assurances that the livelihoods of horticulture growers, and that of the many communities our industries support, will be protected.”

ON LANDthe

Costa calls for more export market access

A BID to relaunch Queensland’s fruit and vegetable exports has reignited following reports one of the country’s largest avocado growers was considering selling its farms.

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said if a big company like Costa was cutting back on avocados, then inevitably, small farmers would go to the wall.

A recent media report stated that the company was looking at “trimming” some of its avocado farms, however late last week the company rejected that premise.

A Costa Group spokesperson said the company’s preference was to not have to divest from any of their farms and no decisions had yet been made despite recent media reports.

“Costa is also continuing to call for more to be done to open up export market access for Queensland grown avocados into Japan,” the spokesperson said.

“It remains frustrating that avocados can be exported from Western Australia to Japan, but not from Queensland or New South Wales, where more than 60 percent of Australia’s crop is grown.

“Opening up further access would provide a genuine opportunity to supply the Japan market almost year-round from Australia and provide certainty for the industry.”

To achieve this, the Costa Group has

joined hands with Mr Katter as “he understands the importance of this issue to all avocado farmers, especially family run farms.”

Costa is looking forward to the Federal Agriculture and Trade Ministers working closely together with their respective Japanese counterparts to achieve important access to Japanese markets in 2023.

Mr Katter said the key to opening up the export market was to finish building a fumigation facility in Cairns.

“When I was the Minister for Northern Development (in State Parliament), we realised that we had to put a fumigation plant in Cairns, which is one of the centres of fruit and vegetable growing in Australia but the government went down before we got it in,” he said.

“Thirty years later, we still haven't got a fumigation plant and it is quite justified for another country to say 'If you want to send bananas, mangoes or whatever to us, then we don't want any of your diseases; we want it fumigated before it leaves Australia’.

“Build a fumigation plant in Cairns or your free trade agreements are worthless, it is desperately needed, build a fumigation plant now if you are fair dinkum about exporting fruit and vegetables from this country.”

Farm accommodation gets go ahead

MORE rural workers will be able to vacate town rentals and live on farm after Mareeba Shire Council approved plans for more on-farm accommodation at its recent meeting.

The accommodation will be built at 57 Studt Road just outside of Mareeba and will take the form of two prefabricated buildings, providing a total of six ensuite rooms to house 12 individual workers. The workers will live on the farm and help with day-to-day operations of the orchard as well as the picking and packing of seasonal produce.

Mayor Angela Toppin said it was good to see more and more on-farm accommodation applications come before council as it took the stress off the already strained rental market.

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is calling for more export market acccess for growers.

Congratulations on Rail Trail decision

I WISH to congratulate the TRC Council in formally adopting the Rail Trail Advisory Committee Management Plan at their meeting on Thursday 23 February.

With the adoption of the Rail Trail Management Plan community groups volunteering their time in tree planting and maintaining the trail will have confidence that the TRC Council will consult with the community in the event of changes and/or businesses looking to annex Rail Trail land.

The decision to stop tree planting on the Rail Trail between Manthey and Beantree Road at Tolga Industrial Estate may well have resulted in a positive decision, to plant, if the TRC Councillor's had consulted with the community particularly when the council officers recommended that planting go ahead.

I would urge the TRC Councillor’s to revisit this decision, accept their council officers recommendation in this case, to plant, await any business proposals to annex and/ or push back the Rail Trail behind the Tolga

Industrial Estate and if government/private funding is indeed available to carry out any capital works that would be required to push back the Rail Trail.

After all, in this event, with a big if in the forseeable future, the few trees that would have been planted and those in the way may be removed.

Ray Francis ATHERTON

Correct outcome by TRC

THE correct decision was made (by TRC on 8 February) and the four councillors who voted to holt the planting of trees on the eastern side of the industrial properties should be commended.

Incidentally, from my observation, these four are the ones always asking the right questions and continually hold the TRC organisation to account in both financial matters and creating outcomes for the greater good of everyone and not just particular groups.

It appears that the tree planters got a win and the trees already planted are allowed to stay.

Handling rental increases

BY KRISTYN LENNON

WITH rising interest rates and the cost-of-living squeeze, we are hearing concerns from Queenslanders about the impact of rental increases on household budgets.

In Queensland, there are rules around when and how rent increases can occur, depending on what type of lease arrangement is in place.

Any rent increase –no matter what the rental agreement – cannot be excessive, but there are no laws that specify an amount or percentage rent increase that would be classified as excessive.

If there is a fixed-term rental agreement, rent cannot be increased during that term unless it is specified in the tenancy agreement.

Landlords must give tenants at least two months’ notice in writing, and it needs to have been at least six months since the tenancy started or since the last increase.

If there is a periodic agreement, rent can be increased if the landlord gives the tenant at least two months’ notice in writing, and it has been at least six months since the last rent increase or since the tenancy started.

It is common for rent to go up when a fixed-term lease ends and a new one is offered. In this scenario, a landlord doesn’t need to give notice of the increase, but it must be at least six months since the last rent

r VOCAL LOCAL

I just hope that in years to come when these species of trees grow large and the aggressive root systems penetrate into the council’s infrastructure that the people who planted them and the council engineers who accepted them are around to foot the bill for repairs. Not the poor old ratepayers.

Secondly, the four councillors have upheld the principles of local government and proper consultation should commence between the affected businesses and ratepayers.

There is an outcome that could be beneficial for all.

However when some groups don’t get their own way they make personal attacks on the decision makers and lash out at successful businesses people like Mr Hedley who I hardly know but seems to invest heavily in our community creating employment and opportunities for a lot of people.

Well, there’s and election in 12 months’ time. Maybe put your names down and see if your agendas are what the silent majority want.

News that the Atherton RSL is in receivership and the building will be sold produced a lot of comments from locals…

What a complete waste of government money should never been built after the first one went broke. - Gregory Noel Ferris

It was a restaurant with big prices, not an RSL. The government should have just updated the old RSL where the returned soldiers could meet, enjoy a beer together and a reasonably priced meal. - Robyn Williams

The menu wasn't to my taste as every other RSL I had been to always at least had a choice of different roast dinners. This RSL to me seemed to have had more restaurant meals which I don't go for personally. I would think that veterans don't have big money to eat out and would have preferred more down to earth meals but that is just my opinion. Having said that it's such a shame this has happened. - Renelle Hopkinson

All these people with negative comments… maybe you should have supported the RSL a bit more, might not be in this situation. - Cal Baker

It started out so well, with a wonderful chef, great menu and entertainment, so busy you had to book on the weekends. Then it just all went bad, so disappointing as it's a great venue. Hope Hedley doesn't buy it and put screens on every available wall space, and repeat the same standard pub food you can get anywhere. - Heather Dusting

increase.

If the landlord and tenant can’t come to an agreement and the fixed lease term expires, the lease will revert to a periodic lease at the lower rent, and the landlord can then increase the rent with two months’ notice.

If you’re a tenant and have been given notice of a rental increase that you think is excessive, you should first raise it with your landlord.

You should prepare a detailed letter that sets out why you think the increase is excessive, and include any supporting evidence, such as rental details for comparable properties.

It may be worth highlighting your value to the landlord as a secure and reliable tenant, as well as suggesting a reduced rental increase.

If you’re not satisfied with the response, you can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Authority.

You can also apply to QCAT for a decision – but this needs to occur within 30 days of the notice of rent increase (for existing agreements) or 30 days of a signed new agreement.

Kristyn Lennon is a Cairnsbased lawyer who heads Maurice Blackburn’s Tablelands office. This legal information is general in nature and should not be regarded as specific legal advice. If you have a legal question you would like Kristyn to answer you can contact her at klennon@mauriceblackburn.com.au

So many opinions however at the end of day it is a loss for the RSL whom I have so much respect for and a loss for Atherton. Loved the venue. - Judy Vermeer

So much work involving many voluntary hours over many years went into re-establishing the Atherton RSL. This is a crying shame. - David Anthony

I went there in December for a volunteers lunch and the food was lovely. At that time, it had been broken in to at least 3 times. The lowlifes smash the big glass windows at the back. - Jenny McGrory

Such a shame they’re closing again. - Denise Smith

What a shame. All the years it took for the two people that worked so hard to get it up and running. - Jodi

Cozens

Terrible to hear, that a service to the community has gone. - Matthew

Eckhardt

The catalyst for the financial demise of the new Atherton RSL premises can actually be sheeted back several years to when certain persons on the then-Committee were hell-bent determined to push ahead with their pipedream idea of a new building, to be constructed somewhere in Atherton on cost-free land. The original concept of premises containing meeting rooms and facilities for SubBranch members and guests only, became altered along the way to become a concept of premises involving a restaurant, kitchen and bar facilities open to the general public. The pipedream kept getting bigger. Govt-owned land was obtained on a long-term peppercorn lease, the building constructed, and by the time the premises opened for trading, the Atherton RSL had 3 main problems to contend with; no financial assets left, large sums of money borrowed and owing because of poorlymanaged cost blowouts, and several well-established and popular local businesses to compete against on the same playing field. Add-in staff on wages, other necessary overheads and it was not rocket science, the completed project was doomed to failure from opening day. The incoming Committee of fresh faces was then left to carry the bag. And whilst they, subsequent Committees and management obviously made mistakes, they were pushing uphill all the way. This project was a festering sore just waiting to burst - and it has. Easy to blame the current Committee, as some have already done, but again, the core of the problem goes back much further. Call me a pessimist if you like, I am really an optimist, but I could only see this project sending good money down the gurgler. If that is being pessimistic, well, so be it, but the chooks have come home to roost. -

Trevor Sorenson

The Express posts news stories on our Facebook page every week. We appreciate your comments which may be used in this column.

PHOTO BY JULIA HOWARD

Owen Byrnes TINAROO

PROPERTY

houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals

Pole home with B&B business for sale

Purpose-built Pole Home with Income is now on the Market

PEACEFUL and serene with stunning mountain views, this master-built residential pole home with B&B income is the perfect opportunity to mix business with pleasure.

Situated on the stunning Atherton Tablelands known for its rich diversity in food and nature experiences, visitors and locals alike can visit the many farms to sample home-grown produce, starting with Australia's oldest coffee plantation, then graze your way through the farmers' markets in Yungaburra or enjoy a tipple at a distillery.

The property is situated in the township of Atherton and offers a great opportunity to secure a residential home with income or investment property on the Atherton Tablelands.

PROPERTY FEATURES

INCLUDE:

• Elevated 1890m2 allotment taking in stunning views

• Purpose built 6 bedroom/4 bathroom pole home with income

• Currently operating as Blue Gum B&B and also listed on Airbnb

• There is a channel manager linked to 60 websites such as airbnb, booking. com, Expedia, wotif etc. Key

dispenser enables non

• Face to face check ins, allowing management off site.

• B&B Business established since 2000

• Inground pool with undercover BBQ area

• Amazing mountain / Tableland views

• 10kw Solar with 13kw Tesla battery (System produces 60kwh per day)

• Skillion Roof shed Built in 1998, the Pole

22 Main Street, Atherton

Phone: 4091 7111

home was designed to capture the surrounding mountain views while providing privacy. With plenty of space, the house can be used to relax and reflect in individual spaces, or socialise and connect with friends and family.

Floor-to-ceiling timber brings you in touch with the natural environment of the Atherton Tablelands. The kitchen area provides a fantastic social environment with connections to the out-

door timber deck as well as the lounge and dining area.

The home has three levels in total which offers a variety of options including comfortable separate family living while operating a B & B or operate the property fully as a B&B business.

This property could also operate and function beautifully as a dual residence or provide accommodation for live-in parents.

The North facing side of

the house captures the allday sun to provide winter warmth, with easy access to the extensive outdoor areas.

Opportunities to purchase a residential home com-

bined with a business does not come along often, for further details and to arrange your inspection Contact Rino Gava at Raine & Horne Atherton on 0427 779 086.

Address: 36 Twelfth Avenue, ATHERTON

Price: Offers Invited

Agent: Rino Gava Raine & Horne Atherton

Contact: 0427 779 086

Atherton

PICTURE PERFECT!

Carrington

• 5 year old modern home

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car

• Fireplace and airconditioning

• Entertainment patio

• Veggie gardens, fruit trees

• 2 bedroom self-contained granny flat

Offers Over $920,000 L21572422

Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

GREEN PASTURES

Ravenshoe

• Set on 51.95 hectares

• Improved pastures

• 2 permanent creeks

• Steel 3 bay machinery shed

• 2x 2 bedroom duplexes – tenanted

• 2 road accesses

$ P.O.A. L16685087 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

PEACEFUL PEERAMON

Peeramon

• Solid 3 bedroom home

• 4th bedroom or 2nd living area

• Large entertainment patio

• Beautiful rural views

• 2 bay garage + bore

• Variety of fruit trees and gardens

Offers Over $450,000 L21904268

Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR Upper Barron

• Set on 4.25 hectares

• 4 bedroom, 2 bath modern home

• Large living and dining

• Entertainment patio - views

• Inground pool

• 3 paddocks + 2 large sheds

Offers Invited L18447858

Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

Margaret Black: Principal www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

Tranquillity close to town

IS what you will find with this spacious home on a secluded 4,000sqm block of land in a park like setting.

The home is easy to live in and easy to clean, as there are durable and carefree tiled floors throughout, making housework a breeze.

For hurried mornings there is a breakfast bar, and the kitchen has a double door pantry to cater for everyone’s needs. There are 3 sizable bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans.

The main bedroom has an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe. If you need additional sleeping accommodation, the office could also be used as an extra bedroom.

There is an easy access shower and a separate bath in the main bathroom. For outdoor living there is an expansive patio overlooking the grassed play area for children and pets.

There are security screens on all doors and windows for your peace of mind.

The 2-car lock-up garage has direct entry into the home and there is a two-bay open

Bushland paradise

carport for extra vehicles, caravan, or boat.

Here you will find a relaxed lifestyle close to town, just over two kilometres from the Atherton High School.

For more information, call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime. more photos, visit athertonrealestate.com.au

Address: ATHERTON

Price: $637,000

Agent: Trisha Jackson

Professionals Atherton

Contact: 0419 183 145

SET amongst beautiful bushland, this stunning property offers the utmost privacy and serene lifestyle you have been dreaming of.

Located in Wondecla, on almost 5 acres, there is an enchanting property waiting for the next owner to fill it with their own memories.

Modern with a country flare, the kitchen is highlighted with timber benchtops and cabinetry. Timber windows open up out to form a servery to the deck as well as allowing a nice breeze to cascade through the home.

There are three bedrooms, all with built-ins and the master features an impressive ensuite that

showcases a large double shower and beautiful tile details.

French doors invite you out onto the massive timber deck, great for entertaining or enjoying the gorgeous outlook of gardens & bush.

Located away from the home, is the granny flat which features kitchen, bathroom, lounge and bedroom. You could tidy this area up to create a great guest accommodation.

The property is landscaped with low mainte-

nance gardens, filled with natives and fruit trees. You will be on your way to selfsufficiency, veggie gardens to grow all your produce, 6.5kw solar panels, bore and rainwater tanks. Enjoy the simple life, without sacrificing comfortable living.

Contact Exclusive agent Suzey Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0438 090 306 for further information. www.raywhiteruralatherton.com. au/L19539283

Address: WONDECLA

Price: Offers Over $720,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton

Contact: 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

PROPERTY

houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals

Private and peaceful lifestyle acreage

A CLEARED 10.5 acres with 2 fenced paddocks of Brachiaria and Seteria, a perfect sized block to be self sufficient and have your own little hobby farm.

The house yard comprises of a solid clay brick veneer three bedroom home with a large family room and open plan kitchen, dining and lounge room.

The shed yard is accessible via two gated locations and comprises of two good sized sheds.

Features of the property include:

Easy care & modern

CENTRALLY

For

•Three bedrooms, all with built-in's and fans and newly installed carpet and light fixtures, access to veranda via sliding doors

• Master bedroom with an ensuite

• Main bathroom with shower over tub, vanity & toilet

• Open plan living area with tiled lounge room with wood heater and cork flooring through the kitchen an dining room

• Solid timber kitchen with new oven and cooktop, dishwasher and large pantry & built in display cabinet on dining room side

• Large family room is a great area for an office, extra bedrooms or a games room

• Huge laundry with ample

room for the extra fridges & freezers & storage, including walk in linen/storage shelving

• Large concreted BBQ area with built in BBQ

• Powered and concreted floor 20m x 9m machinery shed with one bay being fully enclosed & lockable with an accessible mezzanine floor via an internal stair case

• 12m x 6m livestock/hay/ storage shed with gravel floor, not powered

• Bore to tank which is pressure pumped at the

house and gravity fed to the livestock troughs

Wondecla is a sought after location due to the proximity to all towns on the Tablelands, being less than 10mins from Herberton and less than half an hour to Ravenshoe, Malanda and Atherton.

Call Elders Exclusive Marketing Agent Shellie Nightingale on 0429 966 038 for an inspection or further information.

Come home to resort style living

YOU’LL feel like you’re on holiday every day in this stunning resort style residence. Immaculately presented and comprising 4 bedrooms plus a stunning central living area with raked ceilings and loads of natural light incorporating the kitchen dining & lounge all overlooking the outdoor entertaining area & spectacular Balinese style gardens. It’s inclusive of many quality features including:

• Sizeable 263m2 floor plan, fully tiled & air-conditioned throughout

• Stunning central living area with raked ceilings

• Gourmet kitchen with quality stainless steel appliances including a 900mm

For Sale

gas cooktop, dishwasher & separate butlers pantry

• 4 generous bedrooms with built-in robes

• Master suite with sizeable WIR plus ensuite with his & hers shower & vanity as well as sliding door access to the patio

• Stylish main bathroom with separate plunge bath

• Laundry with built-in cabinetry & storage cupboard

• Security screens, tinted windows, blinds & locking windows throughout

• Double garage directly off the kitchen area with higher access for 4wd vehicles

• 7.2m x 6m powered colourbond shed with fans & in-

sulation

• Substantial rear patio directly off the living area with external blinds & private garden sitting area with shade sail coverage all overlooking the spectacular Balinese style gardens

• 1021m2 allotment in Amaroo Park Estate with veggie garden, fruit trees & auto irrigation + drip irrigation to the gardens

• Only 5 minutes to Ma-

reeba CBD

With all the wow factor of a resort this breathtaking home is an absolute MUST to inspect. Open for inspection this Saturday from 10.00am to 11.00am.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection please call exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468.

Address: 27 Karobean Drive, MAREEBA

Price: Offers Over $610,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate

Contact: 0417 700 468

Brand new home, prestige estate

WANT a new home but don’t want to wait? then this home is perfect for you! Secure a brand new 3 bedroom quality built home, built by a renowned local builder without the wait.

This beautiful home is the best option for those that simply will not compromise on style, low maintenance living and a superb location. With a long list of features, you will come to love everything that this home has to offer.

Features Include:

• Brand new rendered block home

• Air-conditioned open plan living

• Modern kitchen with electric appliances, pantry, and a breakfast bar

• Master bedroom features a generous ensuite, walk-in robe & air-conditioning

• Bedrooms (2) & (3) with built-in robes

• Tiled main bathroom with a walk-in shower & vanity. Separate toilet

• Ceiling fans, quality fixtures & fittings and vinyl plank flooring throughout home

• Aluminium screens to all windows & sliding glass door

• Large entertainment patio overlooking the green

junior rugby field

• 2 bay remote control ga-

rage

• Low maintenance 613m2 fully turfed allotment

• Fenced on 2 sides of home

• Coloured concrete footpaths & drive-way

• Walking distance to the Atherton Golf Course

Whether you are looking to downsize, looking for a low maintenance investment,

looking for your first home or for a new home and don’t want to wait for the build process, place this property on your inspection list- you will not be disappointed!

For further information or to arrange an inspection of the new home, call exclusive marketing agent Raquel at Sommerset Realty on 0408 983 879.

THE ARCADE GOES TO AUCTION

MALANDA ARCADE is a well known landmark building at 15 Catherine Street, Malanda. Chris Gay Real Estate is proud to present a wonderful chance to secure a fine commercial building to start or expand your investment portfolio.

Built in 1991 on a 776m2 block with its primary land use as ‘small shopping group’. The complex features a lettable floor area of 370m2 divided between 8 individual shops/offices. Of these 7 are with current long-term tenants in place.

The current owners have meticulously maintained the ‘Arcade’ for nearly 3 decades and their attention to detail shows in the property’s presentation.

All tenants show that same pride in their individual premises which augurs well looking into the future.

There is no doubt ‘Malanda Arcade’ offers a fantastic opportunity for the astute buyer.

The complex will be offered for sale by Auction with offers able to be presented prior to.

Chris Gay and his team will be on-site from 10:30am on Saturday the 25th of March, 2023 unless sold beforehand.

Inspections of the property are to be appointment only due to the operating circumstances of the current tenants.

located just a few hundred meters from the Coles Shopping Centre at 219 Walsh Street, Mareeba.

With verandas on two sides, vinyl over timber floors, high ceilings, casement windows and tongue & groove timber walls, it has everything we have come to love in the typical Queenslander.

The home has an open plan living and dining area with high ceilings and direct access to the veranda on both sides. The kitchen features modern cabinetry, an excellent pantry and a servery opening to the dining room making keeping an eye on the kids, or serving dinner a breeze.

There are three bedrooms including a large airconditioned master bedroom with an additional room attached, perfect for an extra large dressing room, possi-

ble conversion to a walk-in wardrobe, or a great area for a private office. There are two remaining bedrooms close by as well and one other is air-conditioned.

Convenient to all bedrooms is the bathroom which is also a good size, has a shower over a large corner tub and access is provided from the main hallway, as well as the master bedroom area.

Out the back there is an extra large covered area, perfect for multiple uses. A spacious area to get together for a BBQ out of the weather or great for parking and storage, the choice is yours.

Very private to the street, the front yard is very shady and has established trees and gardens along with a great Colorbond privacy fence across the front. There is easy vehicle ac-

cess to the rear and the 1,017 m2 allotment is fully fenced with heaps of room in the back yard!

• Verandas on two sides, vinyl over timber floors

• High ceilings, casement windows, tongue & groove walls

• Open plan living and dining, direct access to the veranda on both sides

• Kitchen with modern cabinetry, excellent pantry and servery opening

• Large air-conditioned master bedroom with additional room attached

• Two remaining bedrooms close by and one other is air-conditioned

• Convenient dual access

bathroom, shower over a large corner tub

• Extra large covered area at the rear, perfect for multiple uses

• Very private to the street, established and shady front gardens

• Easy vehicle access to the rear, 1,017 m2 fully fenced allotment

• Walking distance to Mareeba CBD, Coles & other amenities

• Currently rented with great tenants

For more information or to book your own private inspection , don't hesitate, call exclusive agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473.

“ Why i asked Karen to sell my

PRESBYTERIANS meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 10am, QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels) ALL WELCOME!

FUNERAL NOTICE

KITSON, Alma May

Passed away peacefully at Carinya on Thursday 23rd February, 2023. Aged 79 years.

Beloved Wife of Ken. Much loved Mum of Dez, Pam and Jane. Loving Nanna of Kristie, Nic, Blake and Luc. Alma will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Relatives and friends of Alma are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held on Wednesday 1st March, 2023 at Mountain View Chapel, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton commencing at 2.00pm.

CHRISTOPHER SHANE ERNST

25/4/85 ~ 2/3/94

Heaven has an angel, His name is Chris. This little boy we do miss, His beautiful smile, His cheeky grin. We needed him here, But God had the win. Sadly missed. Barry, Danielle, Kattina, Jessyk & Emily

Peter Douglas Urquhart

04/08/1945 ~ 02/03/2022

No longer in our life to share, But in our hearts you are always there. Remembered always by Dawn, Vicky, Linda and her family.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBYN WARBURTON

Who passed 1st March, 2003. Always in our thoughts and memories. We keep you close within our hearts and often speak your name. Walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Eternally in our hearts.

Much love Dad (deceased), Mum (deceased), Allan, Bronwyn, Gail, Sandra and families.

ANNIBALE “JOE” GIRARDI

29.05.1923 - 05.03.2012

10 years have passed, always in our minds and forever in our hearts.

Love Toni (Wife), Gail, Stephen and Families.

Colin ‘Col’ DOW

Late of Carinya, formerly of Evelyn. Passed away on February 19th, 2023. Aged 78 years.

Much loved Husband of Maureen. Father of Angela, Sean & Derek. Son-in-Law David, Daughter-in-Law Jaquie & Nicole. Grandfather of Jamie, Bridget, Chantell, Cassie, Riley, Bella, Celes, Braydon & Angel.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of Life service, to be held at Community Funerals Atherton on Wednesday the 8th of March, commencing at 11:30am.

1300 781 084

EXCITING JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT TALAROO IPA/NATURE REFUGE

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

URGENT SALE

Border Collie X Kelpie Pups

Bin: 0007 5280 6076 5 3M, 1F, black and white, short haired, can view parents, microchipped and wormed, READY TO GO NOW, Mareeba.

$550 EACH Contact 0412 383 758

FOR

Trailer near new condition, 2100 x 3000 flat tray, ramps, big tool box, electric brakes, carry racks, heavy suspension, single axle.

$10,000 ono

Ph: Richard 0409 971 487

1981 FORD XD UTE, EXCELLENT RESTORATION PROJECT. $1000 PH PETER - 0427 136 893

POSITION VACANT

IRTEM 4 Row

Precision Planter

Double disc, fertiliser boxes, brand new.

$25,000

PHONE: 0438 981 167

TATU 28

Plate, Offset Plough

$16,500

PHONE: 0438 981 167

Motor needs work, parts supplied, body in good condition, alloys, good tyres, tow bar, as is, NO RWC.

$1000 ONO

PHONE: 4097 6333

OPEN HOUSE FOR SALE

On the 4th March from 1pm to 3pm

@ 13 Twelfth Ave, Atherton

Note: Blue Card ‘No Card, No Start’ Laws Apply. Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Tableland Fertilizer is a family owned agricultural business with affiliation to CRT. It operates stores on the Tablelands in both Mareeba and Atherton. We are seeking a suitably qualified STORE PERSON

To join our dynamic team. This position will be full time, Monday to Friday from 8am - 5pm and every second Saturday 8am - 12pm. This role is based at our Mareeba store.

Forklift License Essential.

For a full list of the Responsibilities, Key Criteria and Skills and Qualifications please contact the Operations Manager.

Enquiries / Applications:

Please contact Paul Keevers for enquiries or email through a Cover Letter and Resume to: pkeevers@tablelandfert.com.au

CASUAL/TEMPORARY COOK / KITCHENHAND

Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (EDUCATION QLD)

Applications are invited for the positions of casual/temporary Cook/Kitchen Hand at the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre. Applicants must be available to work week days and between the hours of 6.00am and 7.30pm.

The successful applicants will subject too:

A Working with Children Check. Confirmation of employment is conditional upon the applicant being issued with a Blue Card Criminal History Check

For further information or to obtain a Role

Description, please contact the Business Manager by email: bsm@tinarooeec.eq.edu.au.

Applications should include resume detailing work history, any relevant qualifications and referees

Applications close on Wednesday, 15 March, 2023 at 1.00pm and should be either emailed to: bsm@tinarooeec.eq.edu.au Or posted to: Business Manager, Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre PO Box 65, Kairi QLD. 4872 and marked confidential

2008 JEEP COMPASS

POSITION VACANT

An exciting employment opportunity now exists with the Millaa Millaa Children’s Centre to provide an essential service to the Millaa Millaa community.

DIRECTOR

(3 MONTH PROBATION - VIEW TO PERMANENT POSITION BASED ON PERFORMANCE REVIEW)

Requirements:

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (preferred but not mandatory)

• Blue Card - Working with Children (Paid)

• Demonstrated knowledge of the approved Learning Frameworks and the National Quality Framework

• Hands on approach and a “can do” attitude

• Active, energetic and enthusiastic

• Passion for working with children

• First Aid/CPR Certificate

• Good communication skills - verbal and written

• Work hands on in a small team

• Day to day running of the centre

• Community focused

• Work under the direction of a committee

• Housekeeping, cleaning, setting up and planning

• Ability to manage costs and work within a budget

• Care and growth of children and centre in their best interests

Approximately 22.5 hours per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8am to 3.30pm)

Please email your resume and queries to: CommitteePresident@outlook.com

Applications close Friday 31st March, 2023.

Proposed Development

Make a submission from:

1st March, 2023 to 23rd March, 2023

Material Change of Use For Multiple Dwelling

Where: 8 Green Street, Georgetown

On: Lot 105 on SP295139

Approval Sought: Development Permit for Material Change of Use

– Multiple dwelling (6 x 2 bedroom units)

Application Ref: 2023-MCU:1

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12, Georgetown, Qld 4871 info@etheridge.qld.gov.au

4079 9090 www.etheridge.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.

Tableland Cycle Sports NOTICE OF AGM at 21/42 Mabel Street, Atherton Monday 20th March, 2023 @ 6.30pm Enquiries: info@rideatherton.bike

Dimbulah & District Museum Association

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Proposed Development

Make a submission from: 1st March, 2023 to 23rd March, 2023

Material Change of Use For Multiple Dwelling

Where: 51 High Street, Georgetown

On: Lot 6 on SP194675

Approval Sought: Development Permit for Material Change of Use – Multiple dwelling (3 x 1 bedroom units)

Application Ref: 2023-MCU:2

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12, Georgetown, Qld 4871 info@etheridge.qld.gov.au

4079 9090 www.etheridge.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.

St Georges’ Anglican Church 49-51 Constance Street, Mareeba

World Day Of Prayer

Friday 3rd March, 2023 at 10am

All churches are welcome!

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group

ADVERTISEMENT

Mareeba State High School ITEMS FOR SALE BY TENDER

3 Phase Invertec Lincoln V310-T Stick Tig Welders x7

3 Phase Lincoln Electric Powerplus

PWF-4GS Mig Welders x8

Tenders will be accepted until 3.00pm Friday 10 March, 2023

Items are offered on an “as is” basis only. Goods can be inspected by prior arrangement only with Anne Amesbury on (07) 4086 2777 between Monday 6 March and midday Thursday 9 March, 2023.

For a detailed list of tender items and a copy of the tender documentation please visit the Mareeba State High School Website or contact Anne Amesbury on (07)4086 2777 or tender@mareebashs.eq.edu.au

Authorised by the Queensland Government, Mary St, Brisbane.

QCWA Aerial Outpost Branch SELLING CENT SALE TICKETS AND RAFFLE TICKETS

Personal Care Worker Vacancies

Qualified Personal Care Workers required for Mareeba and surrounds. This is a Community based role assisting our Clients to remain in their homes.

Saturday 4th March, 2023 10am at Dimbulah Railway Station Membership renewal due 31/12/2022.

All welcome to attend!

For more information contact Liz 0429 352 260 Join our team and keep our history alive!

Fortnightly: Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton FREE and welcoming (chats, coffee, craft & connection).

Please call TSAS 4091 4036

For further information

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

SPORT Swimmers benefit from free clinic

OVER 70 children from across the region attended the first inter-club clinic at the Mareeba Swimming Pool hosted by new lessees Marlin Coast Swimming and Fitness recently.

This free clinic was supported by four Marlin Coast coaches who gave young local swimmers the chance to meet and bond with other swimmers in the region.

The coaches provided underwater camera stroke analysis to the more senior swimmers whilst the younger swimmers worked on their race skill techniques.

Local swim club, the Mareeba Wildcats, then hosted a breakfast for the swimmers and families after the event.

Marlin Coast head coach Troy Gazzola said using the cameras was a huge benefit to the swimmers.

“The underwater filming and stroke analysis was a huge benefit to all swimmers as they don’t often get access to such indepth corrections,” he said.

“The coaches provided the feedback and the swimmers worked together to correct

their technique.

“It was really rewarding as a coach to see the kids collaborating and problem solving.

“As for our juniors, it was good to see so many younger swimmers engaged with the sport and learning skills that will set them up for success as they progress through the sport.”

Atherton Acquatics head coach Adriano Schonenberger, who is also assisting the

Mareeba Wildcats with coaching, said the morning was a great chance for the swimmers to create new friendships.

“The morning was a great opportunity for swimmers from across several clubs to meet and create new friendships,” she said.

“Although swimming is an individual sport, being a part of a team or club plays a huge factor.

“It was good to see this happening on a large scale and between clubs.”

Friday 3rd March and Friday 10th March at Mareeba IGA from 9am

Make your ad stand out froM the rest... a dd CoLour

Ladies encouraged to come and try golf

A DOWNPOUR over the weekend kept any golfers off the greens at the Millaa Millaa Golf Club however this Saturday will see a 3-ball modified stableford being played to entice more women to take up a golf club.

Each team will have an experienced club member with them to advise and assist the team but will not be playing.

Each player will have a mulligan allowed on each hole and clean misses will not be counted, there will be no handicaps and the game will be played over nine holes.

The day is free, all equipment is supplied so ladies are encouraged to come along and give golf a go at 1.00 pm Saturday.

Games washed out

THE weekend’s weather put a stop to sports across the Tablelands including Mareeba’s Cricket Far North second grade match against Mulgrave at Borzi Park on Sunday.

As the game was a washout both teams were awarded three points each and Mareeba rises to seventh on the table, roughly

20 points away from fourth place and a spot in the semifinals.

Mareeba has two games remaining in their season with their next match being against Norths Spicy Bite at home and the following week is against Rovers at home again.

Veteran Gladiators gear up for masters

A GROUP of local rugby league veterans will join hundreds of like-minded players for the very first time in the Runaway Bay Masters competition next Wednesday.

The competition first started in 2021 but due to Covid it had to be halted. It has since restarted and will see close to 50 teams from across Queensland will flock to Runaway Bay in the Gold Coast.

A group of 10 Mareeba players will join with another 10 players from the Cairns Cyclones to complete the team for the competition.

Michael Haendel said the Mareeba boys get together every Thursday at the Mareeba Leagues Club to sell raffle tickets which then funds their trips to different masters competitions.

The Mareeba players have been playing masters competitions on the Tablelands for the past few years in support of men’s mental health.

“This is all in support of men’s mental health and looking after each other,” he said.

“As people get older they might lose a partner or something like that or someone might get crook and it is about being supportive during those time.”

The players will have to lace up for roughly two games a day for the three-day competition, each player also wears different coloured shorts

to signify if they can be tackled, grabbed or only touched.

There are also plans to put together a Mareeba team to compete in the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games in Cairns this year.

Mr Haendel is also hoping to put on a masters game once a month in the region alongside other football clubs in the far north including the Mossman Sharks, Ivanhoe Knights, Cairns Brothers and more.

The main reason for this is to help people who may no longer play rugby league, get back involved, get active and make new connections.

“The idea is that it gets people who do not normally play a sport or do anything, up and moving and be a part of a group and know there are people around who can help you out,” he said.

“You might not be having a good day but you can always pick up the phone or send your teammate a message.

“It is basically the emotional support but having that physical activity to go with it.”

A host of local businesses have supported the team for their journey to the Gold Coast including The Mareeba Leagues Club, Mareeba Old Players and Supporters (MOPS), Mareeba Rotary, Mareeba Gladiators and Russo’s Quality Meats.

Big bash is on

THE Barrier Reef Big Bash is back again for the season, with some of the biggest names in Far North cricket coming together for the annual competition.

The franchise competition between four big businesses in Cairns is in its third season this year and will see Tom Boorman take on the top spot as captain for the Thunder.

Boorman will be joined by his Atherton team mate Alex Nasser, as well as Mareeba’s Will Hanlon and Brendan Falvo. Michael Salerno will also join the team.

Atherton’s Amy Hunter and Mareeba’s Ben Jones will be joining the Badgers whilst the Daredevils will have the talents of Dan Parnell and Greg Misner from Atherton and Angus Goetze will join the Hurricanes.

Rains washes away Atherton’s chance to win shield

BY RHYS THOMAS

This is the first time Boorman will be taking on the role of captain for the Thunder after the previous captain left due to injury.

Previously playing with the Daredevils, he knows the game and is ready to lead his team to victory.

“We will definitely try our best to win and are really keen to just get in there and give it a go,” he said.

“Other than playing in rep comps I haven’t really played with the other players but I have heard good things about them.”

The first game will kick off on Friday 3 March where the Daredevils will go against the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will then go up against the Badgers and the Daredevils will face off with the Thunder on 4 March. The finals are set to be played on 1 April.

NORTHS have claimed the Cricket Far North first grade major premiership in an anti-climactic finish after a torrential downpour in Cairns caused the grounds to be unsuitable for play.

Griffiths Park was booked out both Saturday and Sunday for the final between Norths and Atherton and according to local media, the following weekend was also booked out for the finals.

Atherton may have been sitting behind Norths in second by 22 points but they have emerged victorious in one of their previous engagements, it would have been anyone’s game if the two teams faced off over the weekend.

As Norths finished the season as minor premiers, they were handed the premiership shield on Sunday and claimed their first premiership since the 2018/19 season.

Atherton captain Tom Boorman said he was still under the impression that if the game was rained out, they would have another chance this weekend.

However as per the rules, there can only be one reserve day set aside for the finals, a rule which Boorman hopes will be reconsidered in the future.

“We were disappointed to find out that it was a mistake, apparently it was never in the rules that they could have two reserve dates,” he said.

“Going forward I think Cricket Far North need to look at more reserve dates.

“Even in the semi-final, you’ve got to feel for Mulgrave who didn’t get a chance to play in that either, they were in the same boat as us last week so we can’t whinge too much.

“Everything said, Norths were 22 points ahead of us so they probably deserved to win but you never know what could happen in a final.”

Despite the result Atherton had quite a successful season and Boorman hopes to carry through into next season and have another shot at the premiership.

Atherton ended up with 22 first graders over the course of their season with many young cricketers making their first-grade debuts.

“In my experience we have done well with a squad of about 13 players, so it is a pretty remarkable effort to finish second,” he said.

“I am really proud to lead that team to a successful grand final appearance even though we didn’t play.”

Atherton kept defying the odds throughout the season and winning games that well and truly looked out of reach.

Coach Shane Legge plans to remain on as coach and help steer Atherton to another grand final appearance and hopeful victory next season.

Boorman has welcomed the assistance of Legge which has taken a massive strain off his shoulders and allowed him to focus on playing cricket this season.

“I hope Legge stays on as coach, I think he has done a fantastic job and from a personal point of view he has taken a huge load off my shoulders which has definitely helped with my performance on the field,” he said.

“In the past as captain you’ve got to pick all the team, sort training out and do all sorts of stuff behind the scenes which can take your focus off just going out there and batting.”

The proof was in the pudding as Boorman ended the season as first grades best batsman with an average of 50.90, a total of 509 runs, three 50s and one century.

With the first grade competition now done and dusted there are just a few weeks remaining of cricket as the other grades finish up their regular competition games and get ready for their finals.

Mareeba Rugby League masters players (front row) Joshua Grogan, Bryce Morgan and Danny Adams (back row) Michael Haendel, Stephen Gear, Ben Argent and Gary Harrison. (absent) Bryan Cyna, Dylan Cummings and Doug Hastie.

SPORT

Ladies set to field new look team

AFTER struggling to fill a side in 2022, a team of strong women have banded together to don the red and blue for an Atherton Rooster’s ladies’ team.

Last year, Roosters and Gladiators banded together to create a Tablelands team but this year, an intake of fresh 17-year-olds have meant the Roosters Ladies team will now be competing in the 2023 season.

Women’s coach Paul Stephens recalled the success of the first training session and said he is ready and keen to get the ladies on the field this season.

“There were heaps of girls interested this season – probably about 25 or so and it was great to see,” he said.

“There are a few girls that have just come of age (17 years old) that are really keen to play and that has boosted our numbers up quite a bit.

“This is my first time coaching for the Atherton women’s team but when I was living in Normanton, I coached some girls there.”

Women’s rugby is something

Stephens knows well, raising his 17 year old daughter Mackenzie on the field since day one and she is also playing in this year’s side.

Keen to get her and young women interested in rugby on the field, he is putting his “coach” hat back on for the first time since moving to the Tablelands.

“I’ve following women’s games because my daughter plays and I thought my footy days were over after moving from Normanton but then she said she wanted to play again,” Stephen said.

“Women’s contact sport is growing so fast and it’s great to see them making a living out of it.”

Stephen’s welcomes women of any skill level and are willing to “give it a go” to training on Monday and Wednesday from 6pm at the Atherton Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium (seniors field). To sign up, call 0417 657 823.

The women’s season kicks off on 15 April.

Bulls fire up as ladies “nucleus” bows out in 2023

BY RHYS THOMAS

THE Mareeba Bulls Premier Men’s side is gearing up for another crack at the premiership while the ladies attempt to pull together a side for the U23 competition after only a handful of last season’s players expressed interest to play another season.

Last season, both the Premier Men’s and Ladies sides had a good chance at becoming champions but both fell just short with the men losing to the Southside Comets in the semi-final and the ladies falling in the preliminary finals to Leichhardt.

Currently the Premier Men’s side is playing in the Australia Cup before the regular season starts in a few weeks’ time while the Ladies have tried to pool their strength to put a team in the U23 competition.

Now in his second stint as Premier Men’s coach, Kane Alderton is looking to get the team more consistent and blood some up and coming soccer stars into the big leagues.

“We have lost a couple of players this season so we are lacking a bit of depth this season but it creates a good opportunity for the younger ones coming through,” he said.

While losing the first semi-finals last season was disappointing Alderton was still proud of how the boys performed especially in the later half of the season.

“Towards the end of last season, we had a good run and I think the boys realised what it takes to win.

“I still believe we are going to be competitive and definitely contenders for the premiership, it

is just a matter of the boys putting in the effort and wanting to achieve that.”

While the Premier Men’s will be looking to expand on their relatively successful performance last year, it is well and truly a rebuilding season for the ladies after they withdrew from the Premier Ladies division after only a handful of last season’s players expressed their interest to play.

Veteran coach Marcello Savaglio had plans to retire from coaching but with the dire situation the ladies currently find themselves in, he felt obliged to stay on.

Savaglio said roughly four players remained from last season’s team and despite the likes of captain Nicole Ghensi remaining, the team needed to undergo a revival in the U23 competition.

“A lot of the girls who played last year have moved on and right now the club is in a position to try to pull together some kind of ladies team,” he said.

“There was a nucleus of that team that have been playing for almost 10 years and we aren’t really blessed with that new generation of talent coming through.

“There are some good younger players but they are too young to play in the premier league.”

Mareeba Bulls as young as 15 have expressed interest to move up and play in an U23 team and a few ladies who have taken a break from the sport are also on the fence about returning.

The last thing the Mareeba Bulls want to do is try and revive the ladies competition after it has been dispersed so there is a massive push from the supporters and the committee to keep the team afloat.

Atherton Roosters women’s coach Paul Stephens with his daughter Mackenzie who is playing for the newly established team.