The Express Newspaper 6 September 2023

Mareeba teams set for grand final glory

Mareeba's finest sportsmen are preparing to take the field this weekend and next in their respective grand final showdowns and are calling for the whole town to get behind them!

For the first time in more than 25 years, the Mareeba Gladiators

Under 18s will go for glory in the FNQRL grand final, while the Mareeba Bulls smashed their way into the Far North football grand final after their shock upset win over powerhouse Edge Hill on Saturday.

Getting fired up for the upcoming grand final battles are Bulls premier men’s captain Adrian Madrid and Gladiators Under 18 vice captain Reece Boyle.

READ MORE

▪ GLADIATORS – PGS 35-37

▪ BULLS – PG39

Army aircraft set for Malanda touch down

A CHINOOK Helicopter will be touching down in Malanda next week as a part of the local high school's career education and STEM programs.

The wartime aircraft is expected to land on the Malanda State High School oval at 11.30am next Wednesday 13 September.

Students will have the opportunity to tour the Chinook and meet Army personnel before it takes off again at 1.30pm.

The visit aims to give high school-aged students insight into a career in the Army and STEM subjects.

▪ More coverage in the 20 September edition of The Express

Groups and youth benefit from grants

GRANTS totalling more than $61,000 were awarded to 63 not-for-profit groups and 42 young people by Tablelands Regional Council during the past financial year.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2023, council awarded $61,499 of grants, with $17,224 going to festivals, community events and celebrations; $3448 to sporting and recreational events; $27,977 to community capacity building and volunteer support; and $12,850 to support young people competing in sport or reaching for achievements in the cultural or academic spaces.

A report to council revealed that during the past year, 121 grant applications were received and 105 approved.

Local health guru wins national award

A FRIENDLY smile and a love of health has secured local “health guru” Jessica Paton a prestigious WholeLife Spotlight Award at the annual National Pharmacies Supplier of the Year Awards.

The Mareeba WholeLife Pharmacy employee was nominated for the award by head pharmacist Bianca Hope, who was also nominated for pharmacist of the year.

The Spotlight Award recognises the important contribution Jessica makes to WholeLife and the dedication and commitment to strive for excellence in leadership, customer service, store operations, promotional execution, and marketing.

The part-time employee and full-time mother said she didn’t expect to be nominated for the award as she only worked three days a week.

“I thought they were kidding, but it was really nice to hear and really exciting, especially

since I had just come off 12 months of maternity leave,” Jessica said.

“I thought it was pretty special to think someone thought of me enough to nominate me.

“I was pretty excited, and I think it is just nice validation for the things I do.”

When being announced as the winner of the Spotlight award, Jessica was described by the MC as a “dedicated and vibrant” member of the team, “whether she's offering personalised guidance, patiently answering questions, or simply brightening someone's day with her cheerful demeanour”.

Now, with her award shining in her home, she is back in the store helping those who need it most.

She believes she will stay with Mareeba WholeLife “forever” and will continue to grow and learn in her role.

Collective buying yields savings

A COLLECTIVE arrangement between Far Northern councils for works such as sewer relining and bitumen reseals is yielding financial benefits for Mareeba Shire and Tablelands Regional Council.

Both councils ticked off on contracts to undertake the works as part of the collective arrangement which not only delivers on price but also eliminates the risk of individual councils competing against each other for the limited suppliers operating in the region.

The arrangements, managed by the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils

(FNQROC), also include performance bonds to ensure works are completed within the agreed timeframes and a program coordinator to oversee the delivery of the works.

Mareeba Shire has awarded its 2023-24 bitumen reseal program contract to FGF Bitumen Pty Ltd for $274,217, while Tablelands signed off on a $2.168 million contract for its reseal program.

Mareeba Shire also approved a $564,758 contract for Relining Solutions to undertake its sewer relining program for this year, while Tablelands approved a $483,537 contract to the same operator.

Mareeba WholeLife Pharmacy head pharmacist Bianca Hope with “health guru” Jessica Paton who has received the WholeLife Spotlight Award at the annual National Pharmacies Supplier of the Year Awards.

Mareeba to be home to plastics recycling hub

MAREEBA will become the home for a regional plastics recycling hub expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

The exciting new project is the brainchild of Marc Jackson who has more than 30 years’ experience in the banana industry and has worked overseas where the circular economy has been embraced for decades.

Now, Mr Jackson wants to bring that same opportunity to local farmers who have been asking how they can recycle plastic items used extensively in the banana industry.

Enviroplas Recycling is currently being established at a lot in the Mareeba Industrial Estate and is already being filled with bags of plastic waste collected from three banana farms in the region who are taking part in a trial.

“I have a trial underway with three large banana farms and they are paying for their plastics to be taken away for recycling,” Mr Jackson said.

“I’m gobsmacked by how much plastic I pick up with about 600kg per farm per week compacted ready for the arrival of the recycling equipment.

“I have been working with the growers to train their staff to sort the plastics into different polymer groups and they are noticing that cleaning their shed at the end of the week is a much simpler process without plastic lying around all over the place.

“My aim is to manufacture plastic bags and other items required for the banana industry on site and will

introduce traceability where each farm can have their plastics recycled into products with their specifications.”

Mr Jackson said he would employ 45 people across three shifts a day to process 6000 tonnes of agricultural, commercial and consumer plastics a year once the recycling centre is fully operational at the Mareeba site.

At the moment, Mr Jackson is eagerly waiting for two sheds to be built to house the equipment he has already sourced to recycle the waste and transform it into useful items for banana farms such as plastic bags and clips used to protect the fruit.

The plant will also recycle fertiliser bags, and will turn old twine into new twine.

But all of this would not have been possible without a grant Mr Jackson successfully gained from

the Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund.

He credits Regional Development Australia Tropical North’s development of a Business Case for the Regional Plastics Hub in assisting his successful application for a $1.08 million grant.

“I’ve consistently had questions from the growers buying my plastics about recycling, but it is very hard to justify the cost to set up a factory with the return on investment,” Mr Jackson said.

“I needed the grant to make the centre feasible as the operating costs with electricity, labour and transport are phenomenal.”

RDA Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson said plastic waste from the Far North either ended up in landfill or was freighted to Brisbane and recycled products then transported back to

Vote date set

WITH the 2023 referendum announced for Saturday 14 October, all Australians are being urged to make sure they are enrolled and ready to vote.

the region.

“The recycling funding offered by the Queensland Government presented an opportunity for RDA Tropical North to put forward a Business Case that would help local projects provide the data necessary to successfully apply,” she said.

“Enviroplas Recycling was one was one of five Far Northern projects to receive some $1.7 million in grants through the Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund and the Regional and Remote Recycling Modernisation Fund through the Federal Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund.

“RDA Tropical North continues to assist Global Fruit Protection by keeping the business connected with relevant agencies to assist with expanding its potential for regional development.”

Mr Jackson has been aware of the need to create a circular economy in the farming sector and has seen how it works overseas, such as large banana farms in the Philippines which initiated recycling of plastic items as long ago as 1995.

“If developing nation countries can work with circular economies then we should also set an example in Australia,” he said.

RDA Tropical North chair Hurriyet Babacan said her work in the region has shown that the circular economy would be one of the key areas for future job growth.

“It is pleasing to see Enviroplas Recycling creating this opportunity to grow jobs on the Atherton Tablelands,” she said.

Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over were required by law to enrol and vote in the first referendum in nearly a quarter of a century.

“The instruction is simple - if Australians are unsure of the status of their enrolment, they should jump on the AEC website now and make sure their details are up to date,” he said.

“This referendum will have the best base for democratic participation of any federal electoral event in Australia’s history.

“Despite enrolment rates skyrocketing and a record 97.5% of voters currently on the roll, the work is never finished. We want all eligible Australians enrolled.”

While completing a ballot paper for a referendum is different to a federal election, the voting services will be quite similar. The 17.5 million voters will be able to cast their vote in person on the day or via early voting centres in the two weeks leading up to polling day or via a postal vote.

Postal vote applications are not open yet but postal vote applications should be available this week.

Applications will close at 6pm Wednesday 11 October.

Detailed information about all voting services – locations and opening hours - will be provided on the AEC website closer to the voting period.

The AEC is also seeking people to work at the referendum, but they must be an Australian citizen and be both politically and “issue neutral”.

The AEC wants to increase support at polling places that service large First Nations communities and locations with a high multicultural population.

Interested people can go to www.aec.gov. au to register their interest.

Enviroplas Recycling director Marc Jackson with some of the twine and plastic waste that has been collected from local banana farms which will be recycled at the site when it becomes operational at the end of the year.

Councils fight for change

Mareeba Shire Council and Tablelands Regional Council representatives will take bold proposals forward to the Local Government Association of Queensland conference next month in a bid to convince all other councils across the State to support change in a variety of areas. If they gain support, the LGAQ will take the proposals forward to the State Government. ROBYN HOLMES outlines the motions that will argued at the upcoming conference.

TIMING OF LAND VALUATIONS

TRC says land valuations, which are conducted by the Department of Natural Resources, should be done every three years, citing the workload more frequent land valuations cause.

The council says the benefits of only having valuations done every three years include enabling a more thorough and effective consultation period with communities, allowing for enough sales activity to be generated to make an accurate valuation assessment, and providing landholders with a longer period of certainty regarding their rates and rentals rather than the “ongoing cycle of uncertainty that annual valuations cause”.

WATER LICENCES AND LAND VALUATIONS

TRC wants the LGAQ to continue to lobby Minister for Resources Scott Stewart to have the Valuation of Land Act amended to remove the value of a water licence from the unimproved value of the land to which the licence is attached.

Farmers have called for this to be done for many years now given the additional value it is adding to their land which is then used to calculate their annual council rates.

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINE ON RATING

TRC’s Agricultural Advisory Committee has had much discussion about land valuations and the rating process and the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) and Growcom have made representations to council on the topic.

Following that deputation, the QFF has requested council’s support to a take a motion to the conference calling for it to be mandatory for all councils in Queensland to have the guiding principles in the “Equity and fairness in rating for Queensland local governments guideline” underpin council rating decision-making process.

It is considered that the principles in the guideline could be required to be reflected in the development of the Revenue Policy.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS

TRC is calling for the Queensland Local Government Grants Commission to make available the full particulars of the new methodology adopted in 2022 to calculate the amount of grants councils will receive.

“The revised methodology has resulted in a significant reduction to council’s funding from the grant,” a report to council stated.

“This has come at the same time as significant cost increases for council and has effectively moved council close to being considered unsustainable under the current and proposed sustainability measures.”

TRC says that while the commission had published a report on the revised methodology, the information contained in the report “falls short of the information council is entitled to receive to fully explain to community the reasoning for the reduction in this substantial and important funding source”.

TACKLING NAVUA SEDGE

housing provision, to name few examples. Major decisions and investments, both public and private, are made on their basis.

Components of population change are not explicitly modelled for local government areas, rather population change at the council level is calculated by extrapolating each council’s share of its encompassing regional population, which, in our case, is SA4.

There is currently no formal mechanism to request a review of population projections, rather it is up to each individual council to identify anomalies and raise this directly with Queensland Treasury.

INDEMNIFYING WATER AND SEWERAGE PROVIDERS

they did prior to 2008.

"They can do it themselves through the CEO, or sometimes a council officer and, in certain circumstances, council has appointed external parties to do it – even the ECQ could be engaged to do it," he said.

"It is considerably cheaper because a lot of work done by the returning officer - if they are a council employee - can be done during normal working hours whereas for the ECQ, they appoint someone external and their salary for a couple of months is added to the bill."

Mr Franks said in his experience, the model worked well.

"It worked very successfully - I am not aware of any reports in the 100 years councils did it of any misdoing or any wrongdoing," he said.

TRC wants Navua sedge to be declared a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Council also wants the government to provide urgent funding to accelerate research into potential biological controls for Navua Sedge and to control of the weed, particularly on Main Roads.

Native to tropical Africa, Navua sedge is a vigorous, grass-like, perennial plant which has been introduced to several countries, including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tahiti, and the Solomon Islands. In Australia, Navua sedge was first found growing on Cairns footpaths in 1979 and is now more broadly distributed in North Queensland.

Navua sedge competes strongly with pasture and other plants for nutrients, light, and moisture but is currently not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Council’s Agricultural Advisory Committee has identified Navua Sedge as a significant biosecurity risk to the pastoral industry in the Tablelands region and North Queensland more generally.

The weed is spreading rapidly, and better control of the weed is required particularly on Main Roads where vegetation control treatments are spreading the weed.

POPULATION PROJECTION REVIEW

TRC will be urging councils to get behind its bid for the LGAQ to make urgent representation to the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles to create a mechanism for population projects provided by the Queensland Treasury to be reviewed in circumstances where a local government considers the population projection to be incorrect.

Population Projections inform planning for education, health, water and sewerage services,

TRC wants the LGAQ to make representations to Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glen Butcher to implement legislation indemnifying water and sewerage service providers from liability associated with the release of Perfluoroalkyl and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances (PFAS) to potable and receiving waters, including stormwater.

Council says the potential impact of emerging contaminants and specifically PFAS (Per and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances) on the water and sewerage industry is a significant risk to water service providers and council.

PFAS are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s. They are ingredients in various everyday products. For example, PFAS are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam that is more effective.

PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment.

Council says the US has passed a bill indemnifying water and sewerage service providers form liability associated with the release of PFAS to potable and receiving waters, including stormwater as the industry are passive receivers of these substances and there are no viable technologies to remove these substances cost effectively. TRC also believes the US passed a similar bill relating to landfills.

COUNCILS TO RUN THEIR OWN ELECTION

Mareeba Shire Council will propose that councils again be given the option of running their own elections which would cut the cost of the exercise significantly.

CEO Peter Franks said it would clearly be cheaper for councils to run their own elections as

"And we had an indicative (election) result that night - it worked very efficiently."

But the biggest reason for the change was the cost.

"The big one is the cost - the ECQ cost for this council is over 1 per cent of our rates income - $180,000 - and that doesn't include the use of council facilities. We could do it significantly cheaper ourselves."

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CANDIDATE TRAINING

TRC is seeking to make a major change that will affect anyone who is considering running for a position in local government.

If the motion is successful, it would mean that those putting their name forward to run for council would have to complete mandatory training before being able to be accepted as a candidate.

TRC says completion of the training that is currently available is not mandatory and candidates who have not completed the training are somewhat unprepared for office if elected. TRC says that training completed prior to election will improve decision making in the early months of the term and afford elected candidates an improved experience in their role.

The council says on-line material provided to candidates at the 2020 elections was not sufficient to prepare a candidate to be a councillor. Council wants training materials to be expanded to cover all areas of Local Government including Financial Management, Strategic and Operational Planning, Service Planning, Roles and responsibilities of staff and councillors, and councillor conduct including the operation of the Office of the Independent Assessor.

Farmers have vented their fury about how rates are charged and how land valuations are undertaken.

Grave attack prompts call for security cameras

BY ROBYN HOLMES

AN Atherton woman whose mother’s grave has been attacked twice in the past two months is asking Tablelands Regional Council to install CCTV in a bid to stop the culprits.

The woman, who does not wish to be named, says she is angry and sad at what has happened to her mother’s grave, and is fearful those who have taken the items around the grave will start to do more damage at the Atherton Lawn Cemetery.

“My mother’s grave has been desecrated twice at Atherton Lawn Cemetery. It is time for security cameras to be installed to deter these callous individuals who have no respect for our departed loved ones,” she said.

“It really hurts.”

Up until the first attack, the grave was surrounded by plastic flowers, around 20 small pebbles that were positioned around the plaque and a small piece of wood. All items just disappeared overnight.

“I would understand if it was a ‘grab and run’ thing but it astounded me the effort they went to to take the time to pick up all the pebbles,” she said.

The woman then placed a small plaque that had the word “mother” and a black frame which she glued onto the cement and placed two plastic bottles of rocks and sand either side of the grave and left some artificial flowers.

“I toyed with not putting anything there but decided it looked bare so I placed all these items

there and even glued some of them,” she said.

“It took two weeks for them to be smashed and one bottle of rocks was gone and the other fallen over.”

The woman even went and looked into nearby bins to see whether the items were thrown in the rubbish.

She was so incensed by the desecration of the grave, she took the smashed pieces to Tablelands Regional Council to inquire as to whether work crews may have removed the items or may have damaged them during mowing.

“They were very sympathetic but couldn’t tell me how the damage has occurred – no one knows because there are no cameras to capture what’s going on,” she said.

“I know there have been more than just my mother’s grave that have been targeted because when I went to buy some more artificial flowers, the shop assistant said to me ‘Another one, you’re the second person

who has come in today with the same issue’.”

The woman believes the damage and theft of items is mostly likely “youth up for a bit of fun” but fears if they continue to get away with small incidences, they may be tempted to do much more damage to more sophisticated grave sites like the mausoleums.

“Before we get total disaster, let’s shut the gate before the horse bolts,” she said.

“We need to nip this in the bud – it’s time we had security cameras there.”

But a Tablelands Regional Council spokesperson said council had not received any other complaints or reports of suspected vandalism at its cemeteries this year.

“We pride ourselves on maintaining our cemeteries to a high standard given their importance to the community,” the spokesperson said.

“We are aware of these incidents and have met with the person concerned. We have not received any other reports of suspected vandalism at our cemeteries this year.

“We understand any damage to a grave would be upsetting and encourage people to report any problems to us. There are no current plans for CCTV at the cemetery.”

Mareeba’s pioneer cemetery was the subject of extensive vandalism in July when more than 30 graves and items at those gravesites were damaged – the fifth such time the facility had been targeted by vandals.

Yogi named best baby puppy

A LOCAL pooch with a face for the stage has been awarded Best Baby Puppy in Show at the 12th British Bulldog National Championship Show in Ipswich.

Bettabull Bear Necessitates, more affectionately known as Yogi, is a four-month old pedigree bulldog owned by registered breeder, Queensland Bulldog Club member and vice president of the Atherton Tablelands Kennel Club Ann Grimshaw.

Competing against 12 other British Bulldogs from across Australia, Yogi stood out amongst them all, gaining his ribbon and recognition.

Having an American judge, Ann hoped Yogi would meet his standards, confident he was the perfect Australian standard breed.

Loader theft costs council

TWO expensive pieces of plant equipment will be replaced and partly paid for by Tablelands Regional Council’s insurer, after one was stolen and the other involved in an “incident”.

Council was told that a Track Loader was stolen from the Herberton landfill on 15 May, councillors to ask questions about how the machine could have been driven off from the facility.

Water and waste manager Bruce Gardiner told council all plant was fitted with GPS systems and that the keys had definitely not been inside the machine the night it was taken.

“The keys were not in the machine –it appears someone had a standard ‘Cat’ key, drove it to the fence then the GPS was turned off,” he said.

“They must have loaded onto a truck or

something and who knows where it went.”

Cr David Clifton said they must be very “organised thieves” to have such tools at hand.

TRC owns five compact tractor loaders for use across water, wastewater, waste and roads and projects teams, with two of the machines having been flagged for replacement. They were purchased in 2015 and have a useful life of eight years.

After the theft, council officers lodged an insurance claim and settled for $38,590.

Two new tractor loaders will now be purchased at a cost of $260,532.

The 2023-24 capital program has no approved budget for the replacement, but funds that were earmarked for the replacement of two SES vehicles will now be used to buy the new track loader.

Council also approved the purchase

of a new $231,770 Caterpillar multi tyre roller after one of the three it owns was involved in an accident.

The incident caused extensive damage to the cabin and roller protection and with the repair bill predicted to be more than $145,000, the decision was made not to repair the machine.

“As Unit 224 was a 2018 model, council’s insurer investigated valuations for like for like rollers of similar age,” report to council stated.

“The analysis concluded it not economical for repair as the money spent to reinstate the unit to safe working order would not extend its useful life.”

Council’s insurers settled on $114,500, leaving a shortfall for the replacement unit of $117,270.

“I got really good feedback from the judges, so he has an amazing top line, and his tail is the way it should look,” she said.

“I was really nervous… and we got there I was just overwhelmed with how well organised the whole event was.”

Throughout her time in Ipswich, Ann learned many things being with many experts in the field, taking advice and building confidence.

Now with the championship ribbon hanging from the awards cabinet, Ann and Yogi will compete in more local competitions, with their next one in Townsville.

When Yogi is six months old, he will then be eligible for the Australian Titles, something that his father has also won.

Ann Grimshaw and her award-winning show dog Yogi.

The mother’s grave before the attack where all the items were removed.

School celebrates with new fence win

Over the past few years, the local primary school has become subject to break-ins and vandalism, causing anxiety within the community.

The school’s P&C president Emily Larcombe said the funding would help create a safer, brighter future for all students attending.

“We want to make sure our students feel safe at school. We want our teachers and staff to have security in their workplace and not be worried that their classrooms aren't safe over the weekends or school holidays,” she said,

“Our main priority is to improve the school fencing to stop the thoroughfare of people cutting through from the bridge to Woolworths straight through the school to Armstrong Street.

“This will greatly decrease the opportunistic crime occurring out of school hours and ensure our school is a safe place for our children during school time.”

Principal Helen Foulger said the school community welcomed the State Government’s investment in strengthening security for the school.

“The new fence and other security measures will greatly enhance overall school security and the safety and wellbeing of students and staff,” Mrs Foulger said.

“Sincere thanks to the State Government, Shane Knuth MP, the Atherton Primary School P&C, Atherton Police, PCYCOutside School Hours Care and school staff for their significant support and contribution towards making this project a reality.”

Member for Hill Shane Knuth said he was pleased to work with the local school, P&C and Atherton Police to lobby the Minister to get a win for safety at the school.

Mr Knuth thanked Education Minister Grace Grace for recognising the need to keep students safe.

Road trip showcases science to students

ATHERTON and Dimbulah students had the opportunity to engage with leading Australian researchers during the National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip for National Science Week recently.

Eight researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics (CDM) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) presented to students and hosted activities surrounding dark matter and physics.

Road trip organiser and physicist Dr Ben McAllister said the event aimed to provide

rural and regional students with access to cutting-edge science.

“The National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip brings the excitement of science to students who live outside capital cities,” he said.

“During our sessions, we (introduced) secondary school students to the mystery of dark matter and the impact of quantum technologies.

“We hope that by visiting these schools in northern Queensland, we can show students the diversity, creativity and exciting potential of a career in science.”

Atherton State Primary School P&C secretary Sigrid Pearsall, P&C president Emily Larcombe, P&C vice-president Penny Soper, acting principal Kristina Haigh and school business manager Helen Riley and State Member for Hill Shane Knuth.

Students Chris Montaldi, Chaz Nehow, Liam Hoskins, Jett Macfarlane, and Ben Howard, with road trippers Jesse Slim and Victoria Bashu, taking part in a gravity well demonstration.

History celebrates 30 year milestone

FOR the past 30 years, the Historical Society of Mareeba has been busy at work collecting and preserving the moments in time that define the region today.

Storing books, photographs, transcripts and even the old Mareeba Shire Council wooden meeting table, the society prides itself on the past three decades of dedication.

President of the society Helen Kindt said this significant milestone celebrates hours of hard work to become the centre of all local history.

Keeping physical copies of documents and pieces donated to them, Ms Kindt said it has been a whirlwind of emotions holding such im-

portant artifacts.

“Well, it's been 30 years of hard work, let's put it that way,” she said.

“I always feel like historians are protectors and we look after history that is easily destroyed.”

Although there are no official celebrations being held, Ms Kindt encourages everyone to come and check out their facility at the 100 Park, behind the Mareeba Art Society buidling. Donations of any kind are also gratefully accepted to the society. Email sec@mbahistsoc. org.au to get involved with all things history in Mareeba.

New plan to tackle regional waste challenges

MAREEBA and Tablelands councils have collaborated with nine other local governments in the region to develop a plan aimed at delivering improved regional waste management and resource recovery outcomes.

The State Government provided $300,000 to the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) to develop the Regional Resource Recovery Plan which was released last week.

The plan provides a blueprint to help guide Far North Queensland councils’ investment decisions in infrastructure and non-infrastructure needs for the region, with councils committed to cooperating to maximise benefits.

It outlines immediate, short, medium and long-term actions for councils to achieve beneficial outcomes for the region, including immediate considerations to help reduce the amount of municipal solid waste (household waste)

disposed to landfill.

Eight key actions identified in the plan include:

▪ Customer engagement through education and awareness

▪ Optimising regional service arrangements by providing better servicing for rural and remote communities

▪ New transfer station facilities, consolidation of transfer facilities and closure of existing rural landfills

Enhancing kerbside collection approaches to increase capture of co-mingled recyclables

▪ Maximising the diversion of organics from landfill

Optimising the regional network of resource recovery facilities through “hub and spoke” arrangements

▪ Developing a centralised resource recovery precinct, and

▪ Developing alternatives to landfill for residual waste.

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said

the intent of the plan was to provide a framework that would lead to improved resource recovery, minimise waste generation, and create a circular economy that would benefit both the environment and the region.

“It is a culmination of the efforts of various stakeholders, including state and local government, waste experts, and industry players who have contributed their expertise and knowledge to this project,” she said.

“This plan provides FNQROC councils with the opportunity to transform resource recovery in our region, whilst identifying the support needed for councils to respond to the challenges they face.”

FNQROC Chair and Douglas Mayor Michael Kerr says the plan was badly needed given the challenges Far Northern councils faced.

“Far North Queensland faces a unique set of challenges in delivering

cost effective and sustainable waste services and these challenges can vary significantly from one council to the next,” he said.

“All councils in the region wrestle with issues such as access to secondary markets and transport costs, and the increasing costs and difficulties in developing new waste infrastructure.

“These all impact on a council’s ability to deliver and operate resource recovery networks and facilities and achieve their individual waste management goals.

“The new Regional Resource Recovery Plan will help provide clear direction for our councils, with these councils often trying to balance competing demands for investment in waste management and resource recovery services.

“By following this plan, we can help ensure the best ‘bang for the buck’ for investment in critical waste infrastruc-

ture and programs.”

TRC Infrastructure and Environment general manager Mark Vis said the plan would help FNQROC member councils work together to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill – in part through actions such as a regional education and awareness campaign to improve recycling rates.

“By working collectively, it may also help us to tackle future challenges such as the increasing cost of waste infrastructure,” he said.

“We already send all our kerbside recycling to the state-of-the-art Cairns Materials Recovery Facility with more than 1350 tonnes processed last financial year – an increase of almost 30% on the previous year.

“While we were involved in the working group responsible for the development of the Regional Resource Recovery Plan, council will still need to fully consider the plan's content.”

Helen Kindt is celebrating 30 years of the Historical Society of Mareeba.

Choose to be road safe

RURAL Road Safety Month

is a national awareness campaign, run by the Australian Road Safety Foundation, targeting regional and rural road safety and now in its sixth year.

Living here in the Far North, most people wouldn’t be surprised to hear that 65% of the Australian road toll can be attributed to rural road crashes.

The rate of serious roadrelated injury among residents in rural areas is nearly twice that of those in major cities.

Research shows that 91% of Australian drivers will use a road that is classified as a high-risk rural road at least once a year. (1)

So, we should all be aware of the dangers we can face on rural roads.

We know that roads in rural Australia tend to have higher speed limits, undivided lanes and narrow shoulders. There are also hazards to be aware of, lots of our local wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus and feral pigs love to have a wander on our roads.

Police encourage all road

users to get involved to help reduce road trauma. Rural road fatalities represent two thirds of the total road fatalities in Australia.

We’re asking all drivers to be road safe and think about road safety when driving on regional and remote roads, not just in September when Rural Road Safety Month rolls around.

So, to help take responsibility as either a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bike rider we need to:

• Know our limits and plan our trip

• Scan the road ahead

• Stay sharp and take regular breaks

• Avoid distractions

• If a pedestrian or a bike rider – be visible and wear protective clothing and a helmet

Be the change you want to see on the road.

#chooseroadsafety

(1) Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication, BITRE Road Deaths Database, accessed 22 July 2022

Couple’s last trip to orphanage

A YUNGABURRA couple with a passion for helping the world’s most vulnerable by establishing an orphanage in Nepal nearly 20 years ago will soon make their final trip back.

Doctor Digby and Anne Hoyal established the Nepali Family Inc. charity in 2004 after spending several years in the country working as doctors for the local hospital.

Being exposed to the social pyramid and the mistreatment of the “poor people”, the couple knew they had to do something to help the nation’s most vulnerable, especially the children.

Taking in their first child, the Hoyal’s began their journey to create a safe haven for dozens of young people.

“Of course, when you go to a ThirdWorld country, you see what is going on around you, and there is a lot of poverty,” Anne said.

“Very early on, in around 2000, we took on our first child, and he came and lived with us. He came into the hospital really sick with TB (tuberculosis).

“He was a very very sick little cookie and had no family and was found on the rubbish

tips about 60 miles away from the hospital.

“We started educating him and, a bit like a pied piper, he bought in all his mates, so we ended up having five of them… and then at the end of the year, we had 12 orphan kids under our care.”

After their visa ended, the Hoyal returned to the Tablelands with a promise to the children they would be back soon to establish an organisation to help them.

Fulfilling their promise, they returned to Nepal and took in more children in desperate need and built the Silom Children’s House.

Today, some of the first children they took in are helping run the orphanage, giving back to their beginnings and assisting kids like them.

Two young girls have also begun studying law with aspirations of becoming lawyers, thanks to the education provided by Anne and Digby.

Anne and Digby have travelled to and from Nepal several times, but as they reach their 80s, they plan to hand over the reins to their family.

During what they believe will be their

final trip to Nepal, the Hoyals hope to leave a lasting legacy that will help bring up the next generation of Nepalese youth.

“We always feel a huge amount of emotion when we go over, but of course, we have a huge legacy now which we never expected to have,” Anne said.

“When we go over, we want to be able to stabilise everything and make sure there are people that can carry on our legacy.

“We are lucky enough to have our daughter who is president of Nepali Family Inc.… we really just want to waterproof the project, and we would like to especially (waterproof) the children’s house.”

The Hoyal’s foundation relies solely on fundraising efforts and has established a second-hand shop in Yungaburra to help create brighter futures for those they care for.

Lalli’s Op Shop at the Red Shed in Yungaburra raises all the essential funds needed to help aid the ill children, help educate them and provide better lives.

Anne and Digby are calling for anyone who can assist to stop at Lalli’s to donate or get involved with their project.

Doctor Digby and Anne Hoyal with families at the Silom Children’s House in Nepal.

$1m weighbridge a must to meet State waste rules

A WEIGHBRIDGE costing more than $1 million will be established at the Alcatraz landfill so Tablelands Regional Council can meet State regulations.

The weighbridge will be constructed at the Innot Hot Springs facility for $1.05 million to meet council’s obligations under the State’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 which requires all waste disposal sites to have a weighbridge installed by 1 July 2024 if they handle more than 2000 tonnes a waste a year.

The Alcatraz landfill site currently has an Environment Authority to receive between 2,000 and 5,000 tonnes of waste a year.

“With the commencement of the kerbside collection contract in November 2023 and the associated transport of waste to Alcatraz from the southern region of TRC, more than 2,000 tonnes will be delivered to the landfill each year,” a report to council stated.

Cr Annette Haydon wanted to ascertain whether construction of the weighbridge was the best decision economically for the council.

“Does the cost of utilising the weighbridge outweigh the cost of transporting waste to Springmount (landfill), especially if Millaa Millaa waste is not transferred to Alcatraz?” she asked.

Water and Waste manager Bruce Gardiner said the best decision for council from a financial perspective was to construct the weighbridge.

“Over the life of the kerbside collection contract, the disposal costs of the waste from the southern area going to Springmount would far exceed to the cost of the weighbridge – about double approximately,” he answered.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew also lamented the cost of installing the weighbridge but acknowledged there was no choice.

“A million dollars for a weighbridge at our transfer stations is a lot of money in my mind,” he said.

“I know that because of legislation that we’ve got to have it - it’s a requirement that has to be done by a certain time, so we’ve got to do it.

“I guess the comforting point is that if we ever closed Alcatraz that the weighbridge is able to be sold or moved somewhere else?”

Water and waste manager Bruce Gardiner confirmed it could be relocated to another site if it was still in good working order at that time.

He also advised that council had been successful in obtaining a State grant from Round 3 of the Levy Ready grant program.

“At the time, the cost estimate was $800,000 for the weighbridge and we have been allocated 62% of that which is $490,310 – unfortunately tenders came in higher than that,” Mr Gardiner said.

A report to council also notes that officers reviewed the design of the weighbridge to see if any cost savings could be achieved but no substantial cost saving measures were able to be identified.

“The design is considered relatively basic and does not include any additional elements that are not considered essential for the ongoing operations of the weighbridge in this remote location,” the report states.

“The installation of solar panels and a generator were investigated and discounted due to the cost being almost the same as mains power and the operational issues and likelihood of theft due to the remote location.

“The project includes the provision of power to the existing transfer station building which is currently powered using solar panels and a battery arrangement.

“These solar panels and battery will be relocated to the Yungaburra Waste Transfer Station and replace the ageing assets there which represents a cost saving to council.”

STEM Mayhem at Malanda

Malanda State School was abuzz with excitement as students participated in the eagerly awaited STEM Mayhem Day 2023.

The event, held on 18 August, immersed students of all ages in diverse activities to spark their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The day commenced with a captivating performance by Professor Mess and friends, guiding students through the evolution of innovation.

The entertaining show combined humour with education, highlighted by Professor Mess humorously taking a cream pie to

the face.

Students engaged in age-specific groups, tackling challenges to stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills.

Older students designed parachutes, water bottle filters, ping pong ball catapults, and competed with Vex Robots.

Meanwhile, younger students built intricate Rube Goldberg machines, delving into chain reactions, and also embraced technology and hands-on learning.

Even the Prep students embraced STEM by using laptops and Microbits to create animations and explore magnets.

VEX robots proved the most popular on the day with all the students including Saqqara Taiapa, Hannah Peagham and Sonny Bird. It doesn’t get more fun than battling with your mates using robots.

To save their army guy, Mikaya Gardiner and Kobe Graham built a parachute from the provided materials.

Tangrams presented a slower paced, but super challenging activity that tested Henry Tranter’s ability to use geometric transformations.

‘You are the movement’ Local showgirl’s mission to represent local ag

BY ELLIE FINK

STANDING up on stage alongside so many young women, Caitlin Murray didn’t know whether she was good enough to be crowned rodeo royalty. Her heart pounded. The sounds of cheers and whistles started as she stood in silence with a smile.

Caitlin wasn’t like the other girls on that stage. She was in the middle of a considerable weight transformation and still discovering who she was.

She was adopted into a good family whom she loved more than anything, but her life had been a roller-coaster of emotions none of the other girls had experienced before.

That’s when it happened, the moment her name was called as the Mareeba Rodeo 2019 Miss Personality winner, kick-starting a career in showgirling that would inspire many.

Caitlin didn’t believe it. She was sure she wouldn’t be chosen and had only joined the local rodeo competition to see what it was like.

After being crowned, she was introduced to the world of “showbiz” at the Cairns Show and knew that being an ambassador for the agricultural community was what she truly wanted to do.

“I realised I wanted to enter the Showgirl competition after winning the 2019 Mareeba Ro-

deo Miss Popularity Princess Title, where I was invited to the Cairns Show to represent Mareeba and the Queen and Princess,” she said.

“It was there I met showgirls from all across the region and state and where they explained the program and what it entails.

“That’s when I knew I had to be a part of the showgirl movement.”

During Covid, the opportunity to go out to shows and participate in the showgirling scene was scarce, so she worked on herself in preparation for the 2021 Atherton Show.

When the show came around, Caitlin was ready to showcase her charisma, knowledge, outgoingness, and willingness to represent the region. Her efforts were quickly recognised, and Miss Personality became the Atherton Showgirl, automatically making her a candidate for the 2022 North Queensland Sub-Chamber Showgirl Title.

“In the early part of my Showgirl career, some highlights would definitely be winning the 2022 North Queensland Sub-Chamber Showgirl Title, where I represent 14 show societies from Charters Towers up to Mossman and inland as far as Giru,” she said.

“I was sashed a state finalist by Governor Jeanette Young. I attended a fair number of luncheons and high-importance social

events where I got a shout-out from politician Deb Frecklington.

“I also was invited to parliament in Canberra by Senator Susan McDonald, but most of all, I represented myself and the small town of Atherton and Mareeba at the EKKA.”

Caitlin’s name became wellknown across the Queensland agricultural scene, as the Mareeba girl proudly represented her community and region.

Her time at the EKKA really stapled the fact that showgirling was her true passion, despite all

the challenges it came with.

“One of the biggest challenges to face were the lack of knowledge that society knew about this incredible leadership program,” she said.

“Most people saw the title ‘showgirl’ and assumed a stripper or some dancer.

“I overcame this obstacle by educating people from all walks of life about the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Competition and our motto: to recognise, develop and celebrate young women in communities.

“The main obstacle I still

face, and I know other entrants, is overcoming the challenge that this isn’t a beauty competition, or a match based on body image and looks like Miss Universe.

“This is a leadership program. We are the young women representing the agriculture movement and Show Society movement, teaching society the importance of shows and what they represent.

“We are more than a blue sash and a title. We are a legacy, the new age of voices, the next generation leading the charge and keeping this vital industry alive.

“Just like any competition, there is a downside and negativity comments on social media or from people, but the best thing is to continue to be yourself, represent yourself with pride and continue to grow.”

Determined to help bring other young women like her into the industry, Caitlin now mentors people like her joining the agriculture ambassador scene.

Becoming a role model for the Mareeba Rodeo 2023 queen entrant and taking on the coordinator role for the Atherton Showgirls, Caitlin aspires to help raise the next generation of ambassadors.

“I am a mentor, guide and friend, and being in the same position and knowing the mental, emotional and physical effects these comps can have,”

she said.

“I was glad to be at these events to help these ladies and give them guidance and advice when needed.

“It's not till you enter and partake in these programs that you realise how outside your comfort zone you are, and what they are all about.

“You must remind them whether they win or lose; they are the movement, and don’t let the sash define who you are.”

Today, Caitlin is also pursuing her passion as a ring announcer, taking on the role of ring announcer and producer at the Royal Canberra Show this year, assistant producer at the Grand National Equestrian Event in Sydney, producer and announcer of the broadcast box at The Sydney Royal Easter Show, as well as invited special guest to co-host live Radio and interviews at various stations in Sydney.

She urges anyone curious about the journey showgirling can take them on to reach out and try it.

“Enjoy each moment capture your journey, and never forget your true self,” she said.

“Whether you win or lose a competition you are a part of history with everyone else before you; you took the step to get outside your comfort zone and take a leap of faith. I am proof of what a simple ‘let's have a go’ will get you.”

ALCHEMY OF MEN

Queensland Governor Jeanette Young presents Caitlin with her state finalist sash.

Missy’s legacy lives on

BY ELLIE FINK

THREE years ago, 13-year-old

Missy Clarkson took her final breath after a long battle with four types of aggressive cancers, but today, her legacy still lives on through a cause that has helped save the lives of many young people like her.

Missy’s Donors has become a community of compassionate people nationwide who have rolled up their sleeves to donate blood, plasma and bone marrow.

With September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the group encourages people to do their part to save thousands of young lives by donating blood and plasma.

During treatment, Missy received nearly 200 bags worth of blood and plasma donations to help her battle acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic, which affects the bone marrow, and pure erythroid leukemia, a very rare cancer that affects 0.077% of 100,000 people.

Her mother, Anj Mittelstadt, said that throughout Missy’s jour-

ney, a friend of hers noticed the importance of blood donation and helped set up the beloved group.

“Missy's Donors was started by lifelong friend Bronwyn. When Missy was diagnosed with her first cancer in 2016 at the age of nine, Bronwyn wanted to help and did some research on what would help most,” she said.

“Turns out 34% of all donations with Lifeblood go directly to helping cancer patients, so she registered Missy's Donors, and in that first year, we saved 97 lives.

“There were many times in Missy's treatment where blood literally saved her life and also kept her strong enough to withstand the toxic nature of chemotherapy.

“Fast forward to 2023, and our amazing lifesaving community saved almost 15,000 lives!”

During Missy’s treatment, her condition was so rare and complicated that they couldn’t find the right match for bone marrow.

Searching high and low, the lack of donations with the right type of bone marrow left their family losing hope until they found Missy’s sister.

“You can also join the bone marrow register through Lifeblood,” Anj said.

“Missy did not have a match in the world, but luckily, we had her big sister Amelia, who donated three different types of bone marrow to try to save her little sister.”

Since Missy’s tragic passing, her legacy has lived on through thousands of people, and today, donors and nurses in donation clinics don the bright red Missy’s Donors shirt as they give blood.

Anj sells these shirts through the This Strong Mum foundation, with all money raised going back to families going through cancer treatment.

This month, her foundation, in collaboration with Scentsy, will be selling “Lamby’s Buddys” with a complimentary scent pack, with 100% of commission from Scentsy going back into the This Strong

Funds support council trainees

SIX trainees and two apprentices have begun working for Mareeba Shire Council, thanks to grant funding from the Queensland Government.

The funding comes through the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) which will receive $3 million funding over three years to deliver a new Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project.

Mareeba and Tablelands Regional Council are two of 24 councils across Queensland which will benefit from the funding.

The project is aimed at helping to address workforce challenges including labour shortages and retaining staff in rural and remote areas.

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin welcomed the funding and said the new additions to the council’s workforce were already on the job.

“The trainees and apprentices have commenced working at Council, and they now have the opportunity to earn while they learn, have the costs of their training course covered and receive invaluable mentoring and on-the-job training,” she said.

Mum foundation.

The support of the community is something Anj is eternally grateful for, and she hopes with the support of Missy’s Donors, they can help save the lives of many more young people battling cancer.

“We lost Missy in August 2020 at 13. She created a lasting legacy in her donor's group and continues to make a difference to others fighting cancer,” she said.

“Our Missy's Donors community continues to grow. We selflessly make a difference in the lives of people whose names we will never know and faces we will never meet.”

To donate blood this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.lifeblood.com.au/ donor-centre and to buy a Lamby Buddy, visit thisstrongmum.com. au/product/lambys-buddys

CARRIED AWAY WITH... TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS

Framing Quotes!

Healing Weekend 2

“Council has an ongoing commitment to improving workforce participation and to promote job and economic growth within the shire, and I would like to thank the Queensland Government for its support in our efforts.”

LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith said the organisation was pleased to work in partnership with the government to assist councils.

“Rural and remote councils are often the biggest employers in their regions so it is great to have this funding to provide high-quality training which will contribute to the liveability of these communities,” she said.

“We know that in remote regions, acquiring skills and accreditations can be a challenge – and councils are keen to partner on ways to create place-based solutions and ‘growing’ local workforces.

“This program will provide a wonderful opportunity to rural and remote Queensland community workforces, which should never be disadvantaged by their postcode.

"The Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project will build on the success of the long-standing LGAQ Indigenous Capacity Building Project which supplies training support to the 17 First Nation councils in Queensland.”

Missy Clarkson pictured with mum Anj Mittelstadt (left) who is helping others by raising funds and awarness of childhood cancer through Missy’s Donors.

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Planning amendment to protect rural zone

AN amendment to Mareeba Shire Council’s planning scheme is being made to protect the Rural zone from unintended fragmentation through subdivision to create lots less than 60 hectares in area.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin said the amendment to the planning scheme would strengthen the provisions relating to subdivision in the Rural zone.

“Under the amendment, a subdivision to create a rural lot less than 60 hectares will require impact assessment except for where no additional lot is created (boundary realignment), or where one additional lot is created to accommodate a public reconfiguration purpose,” she explained.

“Council tabled the amendment at the June council meeting after the unintended

fragmentation concern was identified by the Deputy Premier through the making of Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 01 of 2021 (Subdivision in Rural zone) (TLPI)”.

“In making the TLPI, the Deputy Premier found that certain provisions of the planning scheme, in their current form, were drafted in such a manner that it could result in council approving the subdivision of lots within the Rural zone less than 60 hectares in area, and this would be incompatible with the intended character of the Rural zone and undermine the FNQ Regional Plan.”

In general, a subdivision to create a new rural lot less than 60 hectares in area will not be supported under the amended planning scheme.

“I acknowledge the State’s concerns with the existing planning scheme and recognised the importance of strengthening the planning scheme’s protection of the Rural zone,” Mayor Toppin said.

On 18 August, the Deputy Premier gave permission for council to proceed to the public consultation of the planning scheme amendment. Public consultation is open now until 27 September 2023.

During the consultation period, any person may make a properly made submission to council in relation to the proposed amendment.

Details of the proposed amendment are available on council’s website and can be viewed at the Mareeba Shire Council Chambers, 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba.

Legal eagles of the future

Classmates from St Stephens Catholic College were among just over 100 school students who attended the Legal Studies Conference at James Cook University in Cairns recently.

The students attended sessions ranging from criminal law to law reform and the proposed changes to the constitution to allow an Indigenous voice to Parliament.

Associate professor and head of law at JCU Jamie Fellows said the annual event attracted students who were interested in the law, whether as a career or as an important institution.

“Like most of us, school students are interested in how the law works, how it might affect them, and how the law can be changed over time,” he said.

“Students are engaging with legal issues all the time. This year they had lots of interesting questions on current topics, including social media, vaping, and artificial intelligence.”

St Stephens Catholic College students Xavier Mullane, Grace Joslin and Eli Smith attended the Legal Studies Conference at James Cook University in Cairns.

Farming innovator makes history with award win

THE coveted Charlie Nastasi Horticultural Farmer of the Year title has, for the first time, been awarded to a female grower.

Lorraine Stopford from Rocky Creek Orchards was presented with the prestigious award at a gala dinner held by FNQ Growers at the Mareeba International Club on Friday evening.

Lorraine, who is part of her family’s farming operation, was humble in her acceptance speech.

Describing herself as not a farmer, but rather a “farmer’s daughter”, Lor-

raine dedicated the win to an effort by her whole family, saying the award belonged to her mother, father and brother.

In her nomination, Lorraine was described as a key player in Rocky Creek Orchards’ success growing avocadoes, mangoes, lychees and passionfruit at Tolga, Dimbulah and Mutchilba farms.

“Her foresight and vision in supporting her family’s expansion has made a significant contribution to the operation’s success,” the nomination reads.

“One of ger greatest achievements to date has been opening up an export mar-

ket to Hong Kong for Shepard avocadoes from the Atherton Tableland.

Lorraine has also helped develop a trainee program working with local high schools to promote the diverse opportunities in horticulture.

Lorraine beat out three other nominees for the biannual Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year award.

Oscar Bugno, of Bug’s Citrus and JDL Dimbula, was nominated in recognition of his role as chairman of the NQ Co-Op Ltd, a grower-owned organisation formed in 1947 which has guided through some challenging periods.

Josh Maunder, of Ausex Fruit at Bellenden Ker, was nominated for the modern approach he has taken to his orchard, using high density planting to deliver efficiencies and improve harvest accuracy and quality control as well as his role in developing best management practice for horticulture.

Gina Galati, of Galati Farming at Biboohra, was nominated for her role in modernising the family farm using innovation including a state-of-the-art computerised gassing system in the fruit packhouse to deliver efficiencies, and reduce time to market for the produce, yielding savings on input costs and labour.

The evening also raised money for the FNQ Growers organisation and Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation, with $13,950 raised.

Changed Traffic Conditions

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Changed Traffic Conditions

be closed from 6am-8.45am on thatdate.

Any cyclist who has not been able to reach the top of the Range by 8am, will be uploaded into a vehicle. All emergency vehicles will be able to traverse the Range in either direction if required during theclosure.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

As per the permit, the closure will affect the uphill lane of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) from Canopy’s Edge, Smithfield to RainForestStation,Kuranda.

For more information call: 4226 6327

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation advises that it has obtained a one-lane road closure of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation advises it has obtained a one-lane closure of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

For more information call: 4226 6327

To enable cyclists in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge to safely traverse the range, the up-lane will be closed from 6am-8.45am on that date.

As per the permit, the

Any cyclist who has not been able to reach the top of the Range by 8am, will be uploaded into a vehicle. All emergency vehicles will be able to traverse the Range in either direction if required during theclosure.

closure will affect the uphill lane of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) from Canopy’s Edge, Smithfield to RainForestStation, Kuranda. Any cyclist who has not been able to reach the top of the Range by 8am will be uploaded into a vehicle. All emergency vehicles will be able to traverse the Range in either direction if required, during the closure.

For more information call: 4226 6327

Winner Lorraine Stopford with her brother Lawrence Masasso (left), wife of the late Charlie Nastasi, Lucy, and Lorraine’s parents Joe and Betty Masasso.

The Feast of Our Lady of The Chain • Sunday 10th September, 2023 • Mass at 2.30pm

NAME: AGE: SCHOOL: PRIZE MONEY: 5-8 YEARS • $20 FIRST, $10 SECOND. 9-12 YEARS • $50 FIRST, $20 SECOND Winners announced and prizes presented at the Feast at 6.30pm. Entries will be displayed at the Feast. Drop your entry into The Express Newspaper, 186 Byrnes Street, Mareeba by 5pm, Wednesday 6th September.

Cue and Samantha Tokarahi.

Liana Hastie and Vikki Monte.

Vicky Henderson and Tammy Schincariol.

Christine Cross won best dressed in the Classical Lady of the Day category.

Kymberlee Cockrem was named Lady of the Day.

Most Fashionable Teen went to Rachel Kidcalf.

Trevor and Alison Wilson won Best Dressed Couple of the Day.

Runner-Up and Winner of the Gentleman of the Day category.

Frances Petersen and Carolyn Mundt.

Loretta Sclippa and Yadranka Keeling.

Band ready to impress at free concert

YUNGABURRA residents will be treated to a free concert from reformed group Bold as Brass 2 this weekend.

The event is being hosted by the Yungaburra Beautification Committee who are excited to offer the community this free performance.

Organiser Sue Fairley said the reformation of this group was exciting for the community.

“This band was one of the most popular bands on the Tablelands for many years and are definitely worth coming to listen to,” Sue said.

Formerly known as Bold as Brass, they originated in the 80s, when cabarets and formal balls were regular community events to look forward to.

The original members from 1989-2022 were John Godfrey (keys and brass), Des Godfrey (bass), Ian Poggioli (drums and vocals), Col Robinson (guitar and vocals), and Werner Braun (trumpet).

These musicians all came with previous experience in other bands and wanted to back up their music and vocals with a heavy brass sound, (similar to Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass) where the trumpet featured in an instrumental arrangement.

In 2020, they invited Chris Bourke to join the band as a female vocalist, with previous experience in Smith & Co, a popular Tableland duo in the 80s and 90s.

Joe Paronella, who is well known from his regular, appearances with wife Wendy as The Paronellas, also recently joined Bold as Brass 2.

These musicians are looking forward to entertaining all with new arrangements of memorable songs.

They all come together with a love of music, which creates a fun performance.

To be held at the Yungaburra Community Ro-

tunda in Bruce Jones Park this Sunday, it’s sure to attract a crowd.

Bring along your chair and umbrella, some drinks and nibbles and enjoy an afternoon of music from Bold as Brass 2.

From 4-6pm enjoy the tunes of what was considered one of the Tablelands’ most popular bands.

Parking for the event is via Elm Street and if wet, the event will move to the Yungaburra Hotel.

FREE CONCERT

▪ 10 September, 4-6pm

▪ Yungaburra Community Rotunda

Bruce Jones Park, Yungaburra

▪ Bold as Brass 2 performing

BYO chair, shade, drinks and nibbles

Parking via Elm Street

Donations accepted

▪ If inclement weather, concert will be held in Yungaburra Hotel

▪ Everyone welcome

Bold as Brass 2 are looking forward to entertaining the crowd at Yungaburra this Sunday.

ENTERTAINMENT

Street to come alive with festival parade

THE main street of Atherton will come alive this weekend for the Atherton Maize Festival street parade.

Floats of all shapes, sizes and colours will line Main Street on Saturday from 5pm for a 7pm start to the parade.

Whilst the parade does two laps of the street, there will be food and entertainment for families.

There will also be a tug-o-war and a presentation of all competition winners.

Free

fun day

for

the whole family

VOCATIONAL Partnerships Group and Mareeba Community Centre are inviting all families to take part in their eighth annual Mareeba Family Fun Day.

The event, to be held on Thursday, at Arnold Park from 3pm-5.30pm, is part of Child Protection Week.

With the focus on children, there’ll be a range of activities for them to enjoy and keep them busy including music, face painting, balloon sculpting and a sausage sizzle.

Parents and families haven’t been forgotten with services such as VPG, Mareeba Community Centre, PCYC, Mareeba Housing, Tablelands Women’s Centre, Tablelands Sexual Assault Service displaying how their organisations can help children to grow up safe and supported.

Event organisers said it served as an opportunity for the community of Mareeba to come together, celebrate, and show the commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children.

Latest movies hit the big screen

THERE’S a fabulous line up of the latest movies on the Majestic screen starting Thursday.

Brand new on screen, as it releases country wide, is My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, with all the usual actors, fun and entertainment. In this movie, the family take a trip to Greece, which should be hilarious with all sorts of twists and turns.

The new action crime thriller The Equalizer 3 starring Denzel Washington continues for another action-packed weekend.

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed.

Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do - become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

The action biographical drama, Sound Of Freedom, based on true events, has been well received and is back for its final Majestic weekend.

This has been based on the incredible true story, shines a light on even the darkest of places.

Don’t miss this one.

Remember you can find all the session times at www.majestictheatre.com.au

Colour Fest to take over Kuranda

GET ready to paint Kuranda, and the Barron River, in colour as the Kuranda Colour Fest is held again this weekend.

After the success of the event in 2022, Kuranda Traders Association is hosting another day of colour and fun this Saturday.

Kuranda Colour Fest kicks off at 10am on Saturday in Centenary Park, Kuranda with free face painting and a giant inflatable slide for the kids.

Look up high for visual and interactive entertainment with stilt walker, Ten Foot

Tall Tanya, who will entertain the crowds as ‘Moko Jumbie’ at 10.15am – regarded as a protector whose towering heights made it easier to see evil before ordinary men. Then keep your eyes high at 12.15pm as Tanya will come back as ‘Red Jester’.

There will also be two surprise performances in the park at 11am and 12 noon, DJ music throughout the day with JC, bubbles galore, plus local community stalls through until 2pm.

The highlight of the event will be the

free Colour Run at 2pm along the banks of the Barron River.

Colour Run participants will meet Kuranda’s very own Fairy Jenny at 1.45pm in the park to form a parade and follow her to the starting line on the Barron River.

The Colour Run features seven colour stations to run through over a course of approximately 500m.

It’ll be great fun but, be warned, be prepared to be coloured. White t-shirts will be available for purchase in Centenary Park for Colour Run participants.

Rev on into Mount Garnet for show

IT’S time to rev the engine and polish the bumper for the annual Mount Garnet Car and Bike Show.

Hosted by Mount Garnet Golf Club, this Saturday, the event will support the School of Distance Education as well as the Black Dog Institute. Saturday’s car and bike show will take place from early morning until after lunch.

Competitors have the chance to show off their car or bike and maybe take home some of the fantastic trophies and prizes on offer.

At the culmination of the event, enthusiasts can take part in a street cruise to Innot Hot Springs for the closing of the event and return to Mount Garnet Hotel for a quick drink before heading back to the racecourse for a fire, supper and catch up.

Atherton Performing Arts Youth Theatre presents...

It’s not just all about the cars and bikes though.

For the rockabilly girls and guys a best dressed trophy will be presented by Pin Ups of Cairns and Cairns Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Club will also perform on the day. Enjoy a fossick through the swap meet and market stalls, or simply sit and listen to the live music - all are welcome. Food and a bar facilities will be available from local vendors as well as Mount Garnet Golf Club and Progress Association, throughout the day and into the night.

Tickets will be available in the mega raffle on the day – drawn at 2pm – with all proceeds going to the two charities. For the early birds, they’ll be able to enjoy breakfast burgers on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

Friday 1st September to Sunday 10th September @ 7.30pm

Tickets $15 and $10

From Tableland Books, Vernon Street or: athertonperformingarts.com.au

All are welcome and encouraged to attend the event, the committee hope to see you there.

For more information, call Donna Litzow on 0488 177 822.

MOUNT GARNET CAR AND BIKE SHOW

▪ 9 September, 2023

▪ Mount Garnet a racecourse (5km out of town)

Free camping plus hot showers

▪ $5 Per car

▪ Gold coin for spectators

▪ Kids free entry

▪ Live music

▪ Food available throughout the day

Wheelchair friendly event

ENTERTAINMENT

Local bushland centre of new exhibition

AN exhibition depicting the stories embedded in the landscape of the local bushland where artists Steve and Marijke Hanock live will be on display this month.

The Watsonville artists’ latest exhibition, The Silent Earth, will be on display at the Old Post Office Gallery, Atherton, from 12 September until 14 October.

The collection of artworks reflects their connection to the natural world of their bushland surroundings.

Marijke’s delicate approach details the intricacies of the landscape, while giving the viewer a glimpse into her world, through the lens of magic realism.

Rocks appear to be communicating with each other, and trees sway to a subliminal rhythm, while exuding Marijke’s own essence.

Steve’s figurative works, also, represent areas with which he has a strong affinity, such as the outback.

Whilst with his abstract works, he strives to capture the life forces of the Earth.

Some of the paintings are jointly executed, and it can be difficult to discern where one’s work finishes and the other’s starts.

Although they both use pointillist techniques, Marijke’s work is meticulously rendered, while Steve fluctuates between casual precision and ordered chaos.

The couple’s interest also covers the outback and other arid areas, where the geological history offers more graphic detail.

It leads one to ponder on times of dinosaurs, ice ages, mass extinctions, re-emergence of life-forms, and the origins of the Earth.

The public are invited to the opening, between 5pm-7pm on Friday, 15 September.

There will also be an artists’ talk at 11am on Wednesday, 20 September, and the artists will be in residence at the gallery every Wednesday and Saturday.

Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am-2pm.

Celebrate and feast

THIS weekend welcomes back the Feast of Our Lady of the Chain.

Hosted by St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, Mareeba, all are welcome to join in with the mass on Sunday at 2.30pm followed by a procession of the statue through the streets.

Once the procession is complete, event goers are encouraged to return to the top oval where there’ll be Italian food and great fun for all.

There’ll be activities on the oval, commencing at about 4pm, with a lucky dip, knock-em-downs, a chocolate table as well as face painting in the playground.

There’ll be an extravaganza of food with Italian sausages, beef sausages, hot chips and hot dogs, or enjoy some delicious gnocchi and homemade pasta.

Keep the Italian feast going with a huge range of biscuits and slices, torrone and cannoli available for dessert.

The event is fully licenced and a range of food vans will also be available on the day, including Cafe Crema with coffees, chai, hot chocolate and iced drinks, as well as Mungalli Creek Dairy ice creams in many flavours to choose from.

Organisers have a great day planned including entertainment by Fortunato Isgro and dancers from the Tableland Academy of Dance.

Winners of the colouring in competition will be announced at 6.30pm and be sure to hang around for the fireworks that will start at 8.30pm.

All are welcome and organisers are excited to bring back this popular event.

EXPRESS

TAKE A BREAK

BIG WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD

on the skin

16 a restaurant in France or in a French style

20 coerce or trick (someone) into a place or position or into doing something

21 a medicine or other substance which causes

vomiting

23 an authoritative warning or order

24 the inside boundary fence of a racecourse

25 any of the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 (6,7)

Down

1 an act or period of hunting a fox across country with a pack of hounds by a group of people on foot and horseback

2 a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action

3 to decorate or embellish food

SUDOKU

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit.

Across 1 an extra benefit supplementing an employee’s money wage or salary, for example a company car, private healthcare, etc (6,7)

8 a rod or spindle (either fixed or rotating) passing through the centre of a wheel or group of wheels

9 a meeting at an agreed time and place

10 a mixture of oats and other cereals, dried fruit, and nuts, eaten with milk at breakfast

11 consisting of small compartments or rooms

12 a child of one’s husband or wife by a previous marriage

14 relating to the reproduction of music or other sound with high fidelity (2-2)

15 a skin condition characterised by red pimples

Puzzle Solutions

4 vision using two eyes with overlapping fields of view, allowing good perception of depth (9,6)

5 a very fine metal spike used in acupuncture

6 preferred to all others of the same kind

7 a long, high sea wave caused by an earthquake or other disturbance

13 a piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water

15 inability to speak through disease of or damage to the larynx or mouth

17 the breastbone

18 existing or occurrng at the beginning

19 pretentious and over-elaborate refinement

22 the state or condition of being wrong in conduct or judgement

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

mar 21 - apr 19

This week, you’re formulating plans. You might feel a great need to consider what you want from & in your life and where you’re going. The universe is showing you that it’s easier than you think. Are the “obstacles” just an illusion for self protection?

jun 21 - jul 22

This week, you have opportunities to mingle. The universe has handed you a megaphone and is listening intently this week, speak your desires, wishes and dreams clearly dear Cancer. Early in the week you’ll have plenty of energy for fun activities with loved ones.

sep 23 - oct 22

This week, your intuition is loud & clear. Take some time this week to figure out what it is that you want to attract into all aspects of your life. Visualise it, talk it out, write it down. Get really clear on what you want because the universe is taking your order.

dec 22 - jan 19

This week, you’re finding solutions. Your desires are expanded, perhaps to the point of obsession. You have the ability to channel your power and energy into a single wish. It’s important to state this wish to the Universe and express your needs.

apr 20 - may 20

This week, your confidence is high. You can be a magnet and attract exactly what you want. Visualise it, attach some emotion to it and release it into the universe. Maybe journal what you’re envisioning for your future and how it will feel to look back on in the future.

jul 23 - aug 22

This week, you could gain something of value. You could feel ready to take the necessary action to make your financial goals reality. Talking your ideas through with a trusted mentor will help cement exactly the right path to take. Remember the universe is listening.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, you’re making good connections. You might have a realisation that you’re in love. It could be a deep emotional connection with a person, or you could find yourself fully committed to a particular course of action. You’re highly focused.

jan 20 - feb 18

This week, you’re finding your power. Utilize your direct access to the power and energy, to visualise what you want in your love, money and lifestyle, harness the energy to send your desires out into the Universe. Take advantage of the favourable circumstances.

may 21 - jun 20

This week, you have opportunities to be social. You’re often in motion, but take some time this week to contemplate what has not changed in your life. What is persisting but doesn’t satisfy your needs and what can you do to change or replace them.

aug 23 -sep 22

This week, you have extra luck on your side. You could feel the intense energy of the planets this week, supporting you to attract all your desires. You’re a magnet this week, whatever you’re focused on you’ll attract & multiply, so be sure to focus on the positive.

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you have the magic touch. Venus representing your desires, while Jupiter brings luck and expansion. You’re magnetic and attracting what you want. Later in the week your persuasive skills are heightened, it’s excellent on the career front.

f

eb 19 - mar 20

This week, you’re seeing what’s ahead. Visualise exactly what you want to manifest for your life a year from now. Get really clear on it, how it feels, what it looks like and put it in the Universes very capable hands. Check back in 12 months & see how much has been delivered.

ON LANDthe

Chefs set to embrace Papaya in new dishes

The inaugural Papaya Week will run from 1117 September 2023, with partners Ochre Restaurant, Guyala Café, Caffiend and Skybury’s own café set to #embracepapayapower in dishes created for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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SUGAR REPORT

TABLELAND MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS

WEEK ENDING 27/08/2023

2023 Crop Estimate: 870,000 Tonnes

Total For Week: 26,032 Tonnes

Total Cane Crushed To Date: 400,891 Tonnes

CHEFS and wait staff at Cairns restaurants participating in Papaya Week, from 11-17 September, have been given the low-down on cultivating and preparing red papaya from the growers at Skybury Farms.

During the week, teams from Caffiend, Guyala Café and Ochre Restaurant tested their recipe concepts and discovered the versatility and nutrition benefits inherent in red papaya.

Restauranteur Oliver James, who owns and operates both Guyala and Caffiend, said his team embraced the opportunity to partner with the fruit farmers.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Skybury Farms on the first-ever Papaya Week,” he said.

“Our values are closely aligned, so we’re especially enthusiastic to showcase their locallygrown papaya on our menus and introduce the health benefits to our community.”

Skybury Farms began growing carica red papaya in 1989 and today supplies 60% of all papaya consumed in Australia, dealing with retail outlets up and down the eastern seaboard including Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and other retailers.

Brisbane-based fresh fruit wholesaler Jetbest Group has been marketing papaya from Far North Queensland farmers for several years.

Chief executive officer Stephen Barnes said the pilot Papaya Week was an excellent initiative, adding nothing evoked the tropics quite like luscious red papaya.

“With their sweet flavour and refreshing texture, papayas are a luxurious but affordable everyday tropical treat,” he said.

“Our marketing program positions red papaya as a quality consumer product available 52 weeks a year, which is extremely important to restaurants and the public alike.”

26 Reynolds Street, Mareeba Phone: 4092 2711

40-46 Eclipse Drive, Atherton Phone: 4091 3100

Percentage Crushed: 48.89%

CCS For Week: 13.87

CCS Average To Date: 13.72

MOSSMAN MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS

WEEK ENDING 27/08/2023

Total For Week: 21,786 Tonnes

Total Cane Crushed To Date: 112,484 Tonnes

CCS For Week: 11.72

CCS Average To Date: 11.70

Skybury Farms general manager Candy MacLaughlin and Cairns restauranteur Oliver James from Caffiend and Guyala check the crop in readiness for Papaya Week.

ON LANDthe

Muster Dogs hit the Tablelands

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

TWELVE lucky participants came from all across the Tablelands, Cairns and as far away as Ingham to learn from renowned Muster Dogs coach Neil McDonald recently.

A four-day Working Dog and Livestock Handling Course was held at Mandie Scott’s Millstream Springs property at Millaa Millaa on 25-28 August 2023.

The course provided participants with the skills to start their working pup or out of control dog on their working career and to provide them with the knowledge to continue the training process.

Muster dogs was an initiative of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) who approached film company Ambience to produce the megahit television working dog series in which graziers are given pups from the same litter and are set with the challenge of transforming them into champion muster dogs.

Neil was selected to be a “dog talent scout” on their behalf. He had to find farming fami-

lies with livestock and picturesque settings.

As a result, Muster Dogs was formed.

The film company sought Neil’s input as a “coach” to set milestones and tasks for the participants.

Working dog trainer Neil McDonald said he was 20 years old when he got a good pup and put heartfelt effort into it.

Neil is self taught, is instinctive and “reads the dog”.

”There needs to be plenty of awareness on rearing and starting pups,” Neil said.

“It is important to get young pups in the right frame of mind so that they can develop the right attitude.

“It is also important that working dog pups and dogs be always tied up or in an enclosure unless they are fully supervised.

“The pup has to be on a loose rope and then on an invisible rope.

“You have to have a strong Bluetooth connection with your dog otherwise there is no point in having a dog.”

Surprisingly, a lot of the course focuses on the person handling the livestock, what angle to walk at or along at, when

to apply pressure on livestock and when to give relief.

“When starting a young working dog pup, it is important to have a trainer mob of livestock – for example, sheep or cattle - that have had exposure to dogs and are ‘learner pup friendly’ and don’t charge, kick and stay together as a mob,” Neil said.

“An underlying theme of the course is showing people how they can learn all these skills and how they can teach this to other people as well.

“Isaac Ramsay did an out-

standing job preparing the cattle for the course and was of great assistance with the coaching of the course.”

Adrian Ferrero came from Ingham to improve his skills in order to better work his dogs.

“I was really impressed with the videos of wild cattle being educated in the Gulf through Neil’s method,” Adrian said.

Geoff Campbell, from North Qld Hay, Springmont Road, Mareeba, participated in the course with his young three-month-old kelpie pup, Pip.

He runs 250 head of breeders

and has used horses, quad bikes and people for mustering his livestock.

There is a lot of work involved in handling cattle in his operation and he is finding it harder to source people to assist with mustering livestock, hence his interest in the course.

“The course has an extra dimension attached to it as it includes both dogs and livestock,” Geoff said.

“It’s not only about training working dogs, it’s more about you learning to work livestock properly.

“It has changed my way of thinking about how I handle livestock both in the yard and in the paddock.”

Fiona Powell from Yeetcham, Lake Eachamk participated with her kelpie dog Nellie which was bred by neighbours Laurie and Julie Wright of Bimini Park, Lake Eacham.

“The highlight of the course for me was learning about how cattle think and how to use that knowledge to best handle them.”

For further information contact Helen and Neil McDonald on Facebook.

Isaac Ramsay, Neil McDonald and Mandie Scott of Millstream Springs, Millaa Millaa with working dogs Tilly and Bron.

ON LANDthe

Rainforest treasures nurtured by nature

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

WHEN Rainforest Heart owners Vanessa and Sean Gillen arrived in Far North Queensland in 2009 from Sydney they fell in love with the whole region.

They started out in Cooktown for two and a half years where Sean worked with indigenous groups in Hope Vale attempting to grow bush foods which started his love of them.

When they saw the opportunity to buy Rainforest Heart, a tropical bush food orchard in Millaa Millaa, they couldn’t resist.

Now they are committed to continuing the low-impact and sustainable production of native rainforest bush foods of the previous owners, which is in harmony with the pristine neighbouring World Heritage National Park.

“I just love the rainforest and all of the unique trees and fruits we find, so it makes us pretty happy to own this extraordinary part of the world and be able to explore it daily,” Vanessa said.

The 168ha property was purchased 18 months ago in January 2022 and has 8.5ha cleared for the tropical bush food orchard.

Davidson’s Plum (two varieties - Pruriens and Jerseyana), Lemon Aspen, Rainforest Cherry, Herbert River Cherry, Finger Limes and Rainforest Boonjie Tamarind flourish there.

Other species also grown

include Lemon Myrtle, Anise Myrtle, Cinnamon Myrtle and Atherton Oak.

All trees were already planted when the property was purchased with most taking up to seven years to start fruiting. Vanessa and Sean continue to plant all the time as well as the orchard self-seeding.

“We were very lucky to be able to buy an orchard with trees that are 20 years old with a second orchard of trees which are seven years old,” Vanessa said.

“We have over one thousand Davidson’s Plum trees and hundreds of Lemon Aspen and Rainforest Cherry trees.

“Probably the most significant thing about most of these fruits is that they are endemic to the region and the rainforest environment which assures their success.

“Last year was a very low yield year and this year has been better.

“Although we have had a lot of rain this year, we hope that 2024 will also be another good harvest year for us.

“Lucky for us the fruits mainly fall to the ground and we collect them in buckets.

“We put ground sheets down so the fruit remains clean and easy to see.

“With the Davidson’s Plums it is a daily check of the orchards all year and we use litter pickers to collect the plums as they have tiny hairs on them that get into

your skin and clothing.

“Often, we are competing with our local cassowaries to get the fruit off the ground and they will sometimes put their heads in the buckets to help themselves!

“With the Lemon Aspen this year we had a huge harvest.

“These are the fruits that need to be cut in bunches from the tree and then we have to pluck the stalks off them, so it is very time consuming/labour intensive.

“We ended up getting friends for weekend working bees to help us pick and pluck the Lemon Aspen.”

In 2015, previous owners Peter Lawlor and Margo Watkins, pursued the health benefits of native fruits by producing native bush food powders, on top of their successful wholesale raw fruit sales.

“The innovation process and result (dried products which are lightweight and can ship relatively easily) has also made us realize that we can now really utilize online opportunities to directly reach our ultimate audience (everyday consumers), instead of using the traditional wholesale distribution models,” Vanessa said.

Davidson’s Plum has a multitude of health benefits, including having three times more antioxidants than blueberries.

“There is an increasing interest from overseas in both Davidson’s Plum and Lemon Aspen in

both health properties for drinks etc as well as in the unique skin care qualities, especially extracted from Lemon Aspen,” she said.

Pure dried fruit powers as well as a fortified fruit wine have contributed to the success of the thriving value-adding business.

Other health benefits of the native tropical bush foods include anti-diabetes and antiobesity properties.

“Our products are focusing on the health properties of the fruit, which we achieve through drying,” Vanessa said.

“Other producers of bush

foods in this region tend to use the fruit for wet products but we have moved to making powders and dried products using the fruits, for better benefit.

“Our products are recipients of Australian Food Awards recognition including gold, silver and bronze which were won in 2016 at the Australian Food Awards by the previous owners.”

Having a sustainable farming system which increases wildlife habitats is important to

Vanessa and Sean.

“We have recently become a recognised Wildlife Land Trust Sanctuary with a focus on keeping areas free of weeds etc as a cassowary corridor,” Vanessa said.

“We have about eight cassowaries that we ‘know’ living in the valley.”

For further information, contact Vanessa and Sean Gillen on 0412 318 690 or email info@ rainforestheart.com.au or www. rainforestheart.com.au

Vanessa and Sean Gillen of Rainforest Heart.

In harmony with nature: Sean Gillen picking Lemon Aspen with a “friend”.

Fruits of the forest.

Award winning products. PHOTOS BY VANESSA GILLEN.

LETTERS to the editor

Hand former Shire Hall back to community

WITH reference to the article in The Express (30/08/23) on Page 3, “$5m for new Mareeba PCYC”, I would like to clarify and correct the sentence which refers to “Currently the organisation operates out of an old building in Walsh Street”?

The old building in Walsh Street the author of this building is referring to is the Mareeba Shire Hall which was signed over to the current operators by a previous Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council and who no longer resides in this region.

This prestigious heritage-listed hall was the centre of attraction in Mareeba for decades hosting many concerts, cabarets, weddings, dances and large public forums and the likes of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, Little Pattie and Col Joy performed there. The list is endless.

One can only hope that the current Mareeba Shire Council will now return this famous Mareeba Shire Hall back to its rightful owners the community of Mareeba Shire for the use it was intended once the $5 million new PCYC is constructed and operational.

Denis McKinley MAREEBA

Give us a proper Bill of Rights like USA

DEAR Prime Minister Albanese, Your Voice campaign only got a mention in the closing weeks of the last election campaign and only a vanishingly small number of Australians were asking for it prior to that.

We can’t see why you’re spending $364.6 million of our money to insert racial division into the Constitution, our contract with the federal government, to satisfy a sub-group of indigenous people.

A much larger group of Australians would like to see a Royal Commission with open terms of reference look into the Covid responses and the stripping of our right to informed consent to medical procedures, which was previously guaranteed under the Nuremberg Code which Australia signed.

$364.6 million would have given that a good start.

We also can’t see why, given you’re intent on a referendum, a question wasn’t included to grant Australians a proper Bill of Rights, such as the US has.

Don’t we deserve the right to free speech and the right to defend ourselves, PM?

Some ideas from the US Declaration of Independence could have been included, too, such as whenever any form of government becomes destructive of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to overturn a corrupt government.

You could have done that and been a legend, Mr Albanese, but instead you folded to globalist-funded activists to squander our wealth and make our form of government worse than it was before your tenure.

Peter Campion TOLGA

‘Soft’ complaints waste police time

WOKEISM and driving. It is becoming apparent that this new age of “soft” and useless people are spilling out into all corners of society, be it born into the ideology or jumping on the band wagon to force an agenda or just to be a total annoying idiot.

How is it that the time of the police, our supposedly trusted servants, is being wasted by these woke soft individuals on reporting road “situations” as incidences such as a situation on an available overtaking lane through the roadworks of Tarzali back in May when a slow, SLOW driver reported

someone for overtaking (in the lane provided).

Go figure... soft, soft, soft. What a waste of public resources. The officer I had the pleasure of chatting to this morning gave the impression of similar thoughts although didn’t actually announce it.

I feel for the guy as his day, if not entire week, is probably swamped with having to deal with this kind of rubbish. That is all.

RT MILLAA MILLAA

Multicultural Festival exudes positive vibe

CONGRATULATIONS to all involved in the Mareeba Multicultural Festival.

The morning drizzle failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the performers and it was wonderful to see the wide variety of talent dancing and singing so joyously.

The food stalls also offered lots of tasty and interesting food choices. What a fabulous way to acknowledge and celebrate the cultural diversity which exists within the Mareeba community!

It was such a positive message about people from so many different backgrounds coming together to proudly showcase their cultures.

Well done to all involved and thank you!

Sue Burnett MAFFRA, VICTORIA

VOCAL LOCAL

Readers reacted to the news that Atherton is set to have a three-storey unit building in the CBD to be offered as rentals…

Cannot believe that they are in favour of starting to build three-storey units. That just won’t be in keeping with the country town feel of Atherton. Just my opinion but in this case I think it’s money talks more than what’s going to fit. Tablelands is growing so fast, and so is crime. But can’t they keep the buildings to suit the area? Same as developments at Tinaburra and Tolga, you could almost ask your neighbour for some sugar and they could reach through window to pass it over! So close, it’s going to start looking like the bigger centres all on top of each other. Bye bye country feel. – Kerry Rolston

Kerry Rolston - three storey is three times as many homes for people rather up than out, then people will really lose it about the country town feel. Atherton hasn't had the country town feel for years. – Pauline Yates

We do need more affordable housing and where it's situated, down behind town, the three storey won't impact on neighbours. Great for the town. – Gayle Samuel

Lack of parking is a concern. – Bronwyn Graves

Nice, but maintenance on the outside always seems to be forgotten and down the track becomes a bit of an eyesore. – Donna Miller

Know the rules before you put a drone in the air

BY KRISTYN LENNON

MANY people enjoying flying drones in our beautiful Far North Queensland skies, but it’s important to know how to use a drone responsibly to avoid flying into any trouble.

There are rules in place that cover recreational drone use that are designed to keep drone users – and others in the community – safe.

The rules say you must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres above ground level, and you must keep your drone at least 30 metres away from other people.

Drone users must only fly during the day and they must be able to see their drone with their own eyes – rather than through a device or screen – at all times.

You should not fly your drone during any emergencies including fires, storms and

floods – as this has the potential to hamper the work of emergency services.

More generally, the rules say you must not fly your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another person, property or aircraft.

There are specific rules that apply to using a drone near a controlled airport. For example, drones weighing more than 250 grams are banned from flying within 5.5 kilometres of an airport.

It’s also important to respect people’s privacy and ensure you don’t record or take photos of people without their consent.

For more details on the rules, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has published a comprehensive list on its website.

If you plan to fly your drone for business or as part of your job, there are extra rules that apply, and you’ll need to register your drone.

Penalties can apply for drone users who don’t follow the rules, ranging from a formal advice or warning, to a fine of up to $1565 and operating restrictions.

If you want to make a report of unsafe drone use, you can do so via an online form on the CASA website.

Photo or video evidence, as well as information about the person controlling the drone, may help with any investigations into a potential breach.

▪ Kristyn Lennon is a Cairns-based 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

Donna Miller, totally agree that there needs to be affordable housing but unfortunately once they are built exterior maintenance is non-existent. The mouldy public housing opposite the hospital as just one example. –Robyn Twomey

Why build right in the town? – Maxine Herbert Maxine Herbert, access to shopping, transport, doctors etc all need to be close if you’re walking or on a budget from hell and have a very low income. - Pauline Yates Maybe as it allows people not to be so reliant on cars to get places. They can just walk to town if needed. – Tcb

Landscape

I bet no one that wants to enter housing will get a look in when securing units. – Dallas Barnwell

Sorry for those who live next door to it. It’s needed but progress is not without some peoples pain. Is there any other three storey buildings in Atherton? I haven’t seen any. – Noela Jean

Well, that will change the landscape. – Claire Annette Fantastic. – Barbara Moses-Fahey

I wonder what the build cost of this project is. I suspect close to 12m, which means each apartment will need to fetch north of 0.5m. Affordable? – Patrick Clifton

PROPERTY

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RARE OPPORTUNITY | 4240 Gillies Range Road, Yungaburra

Great for Grazing or Potential Subdivision

• Set on 36.52 hectares* across 2 titles - Lot 1: 19.32ha* - Lot 2: 17.20ha*

• Option to purchase 1 or both lots

• 3 accesses via Ash St, Eacham Rd & Gillies Ra. Rd

• Queenslander style home - renovator’s dream

• Panoramic views of Lake Tinaroo and surrounds

• Improved pastures & gently undulating

• Great location – minutes from Yungaburra Village Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

Expressions of Interest close 20th September. Offers must be submitted in writing by date & time of closure.

L23825996

TRULY ENCHANTING

Barrine

• 3 bedrooms with built-ins

• Master with ensuite & walk-in robe

• Timber kitchen with servery

• Deck with lake views

• 2 bedrooms + office downstairs

• 2 bay shed & 2 bay carport

$989,000

L22768550

Suzey Whitby0438 090 306

RARE COMMODITY

Tarzali

• New boundary fencing

• Natural water from 2 springs

• Clean improved pastures

• Machinery shed with power

• Quality bore water

• Water lines & water troughs

$1,200,000

L24001447

Morgan Brennan0407 730 450

Margaret Black: Principal www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

Peaceful and tranquil setting

GET out of town and discover what it is like to live in peace and quiet. This gorgeous acreage property offers total privacy and plenty of space set on a fully usable 2.86 acre allotment.

Features Include;

• Beautiful highset home

• 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bedrooms open onto the veranda. Master bedroom includes a built-in robe.

• Bathroom with a walkin shower & vanity unit.

Separate toilet

• Air-conditioned open plan living

• Modern kitchen with electric appliances, rangehood, dishwasher, breakfast bar, pantry & ample bench space.

• Internal laundry with a sink & built-in cupboards

• Ceiling fans & fly screens throughout home

• Full length front veranda overlooking stunning mountain views

• 2 bay carport with a work bench

• Large industrial shed (approx. 14m x 14m) with three phase power & water connected

• 2 fenced paddocks

• Water supply: Rain-

water tank & a permanent spring fed creek

• 2.86 acre low maintenance lifestyle property

• No neighbours in sight

• Located approximately 38kms from Atherton and 17kms from Ravenshoe.

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

New Price – modern flowing design with bush backdrop Living the dream

THIS gorgeous lifestyle property has got lots to offer with a package deal to suit.

11.62 acres of land, a beautiful, spacious, 4-bedroom Queenslander home with adjacent laundry building, an additional 2 bedroom cottage ( at the moment being used as staff facilities), a large potting shed and a large amount of nursery equipment and structures including potting sheds, 2 hothouses, grid shade, several sun-hardening areas as well as machinery and hardware with water being supplied by two bores.

STEP inside this cleverly designed near new home and discover how easy living can be.

The flowing open plan boast big doors and windows that allow ample light and breezes to filter through. Only 2 years old, this spacious home is fresh and ready for new owners.

• Open plan living with tiled living areas and carpeted bedrooms

• Well appointed kitchen with breakfast bar

• Dish washer and fridge included

• 4 bedrooms with built-in

robes in 3 with master having WIR

• Air Conditioning to main bedroom and living area

• Built-ins in laundry

• Tiled patio area with TV outlet

• Ensuite with dual shower and WIR

• Fully fenced, Irrigated, Vehicle Side access spa-

cious back yard

• Security Screens throughout

• Solar system

• bush backdrop

Call Exclusive Marketing Agent Rino Gava on 0427 779 086 to arrange your private inspection of this home.

The nursery is easy to maintain and work in, beautifully landscaped and kept, which creates a very pleasant work environment. Merging life and work can easily be achieved here.

The homes are attractively nestled amongst the established gardens and colourful tropical plants overlooking the plant stock and rolling green hills in the background.

The current owner has been operating this successful nursery for 14 years as a retail and wholesale business, in conjunction with his second nursery near Cairns in Far North Queensland,

growing a large variety of quality plants.

Good management and reliable local staff formed the foundation for it's long standing success. Conveniently located at the edge of town, not far from many larger towns on the Atherton Tablelands.

If you are considering a

lifestyle change and working for yourself appeals to you, then don't miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Please don't hesitate to contact your agent Susanne Reynolds at any time on 0408 733 149 for an inspection.

Immaculate lifestyle property

EXCEPTIONALLY presented and set on 1 acre of manicured gardens, this home offers a quality build in a prime location. The brick veneer construction combined with timber balustrading on the verandah creates a timeless appeal. The well-designed interior layout creates an open and inviting space with great proportions and excellent traffic flow. The formal lounge is enormous but still very cosy with luxurious carpeting and a wood fire heater. Outside provides a tranquil atmosphere with wellplanned and irrigated gardens featuring 20 mature and fruiting trees including mangoes, lychees, custard apples, stone fruit and citrus. Sitting on the verandah you can listen to the calming sounds of the fish pond fountain and admire the fruits of your labour.

A newly installed 6.6 kw of solar power and a solar hot water system help with the ongoing expenses of daily

living and there is a rainwater tank for catching this precious resource. A powered Colorbond shed measuring 6 x 9 metres provides extra vehicle storage and excellent workshop space.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• 3 carpeted bedrooms with bay windows in 2 and a sliding door onto the verandah in the other.

• Large main bedroom features a walk-in robe and ensuite

• Entry foyer

• Fully tiled open-plan dining and kitchen

• New Guinea rosewood kitchen with servery to verandah

• Separate formal lounge with wood heater

• Main bathroom has sep-

arate spa and shower

• Internal laundry with built-in cupboards

• Double lock-up garage with remote

• Ceiling fans and security screens

• Full-length verandah with timber features & balustrading

• Powered Colorbond shed measuring 6 x 9 metres

• 6.6 kw solar panels

• Solar hot water system

• Rainwater tank

• Extensive concreting for all-weather access to the house and shed

Contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton on 0419 733 712 to arrange your inspection.

Are you looking for space without sacrificing location?

Normally you are expected to choose, to weigh up the pros and cons. Town or rural.

No need to choose as this property with an expansive home offers 5,000sqm of gently sloping land 2.4km from the Atherton Post Office.

The modern home is tiled throughout for easy care and the spacious living area has a wood heater for winter warmth and the family room has space for a full size pool table.

There are four sizable bedrooms, the main bedroom has an ensuite and a spacious walk-in wardrobe. For entertaining and outdoor living there are two patios.

No man shall be bored again as there is a 4 bay Colorbond shed ideal for the tradie or serious handyman. Located in a quiet cul-de-

sac of prestigious homes for you to enjoy all the benefits of town and country living.

To be sold by auction on Saturday, 7 October 2023, onsite at 11am.

For more information, call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 183 145 anytime. To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate.com.au

Rare opportunity to purchase tightly held farming country

‘BUNDELLA’ – 260 ACRES, 500 MEG WATER ALLOCATION, 3 TITLES, 105.00 hectares, 259.45 acres

AFTER almost 60 years in the same family this is a rare opportunity to purchase tightly held farming country located within 10 minutes of Atherton, Malanda and Yungaburra.

With a history of dairying, grazing and cropping this farm boasts arable, fertile, red volcanic soil, over 1.5km of Barron River frontage backing on to state forest and 2km of road frontage.

Property features include:

• 260 Acres in total with 220 acres currently being used for grazing and 40 acres used for rotational crops of Rhodes Grass and Potatoes.

• 2 Centre Pivot irrigators covering over 120 acres with the remainder able to be watered using hard hose irrigation.

• Grazing paddocks would suit annual spreading of rye grass under centre pivots while the remainder are pre-

dominantly Setaria, Guinea and Glycine.

• Property is watered by irrigation from the Barron River and also a Dam fed by Goonara Creek. There is also a domestic bore for the house, shed and troughs.

• Lovely 4 bedroom home, with plenty of space and character.

• 2 sheds approximately 11m x 18m with high clearance

• 2500 tonne silage pit with concrete floor

• 75m x 18m feed lot with concrete floors and troughs and effluent pond - Yards with loading ramp and crush. This property will impress Graziers with its high carry-

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ing capacity and history of exceptional weight gain.

Contact Exclusive listed agents Chris Atkinson on 0429 342 944 and Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136 for a full Information Memorandum or to arrange an inspection.

605 East Barron Road, EAST BARRON POA

EXCLUSIVE to Chris Atkinson & Michelle Raso 0429 342 944 and 0428 116 136

Dairying, Grazing and Cropping

Rare opportunity to purchase tightly held farming country located within 10 minutes of Atherton, Malanda and Yungaburra.

•Arable, fertile, red volcanic soil

•Over 1.5km of Barron River frontage

• 220 acres currently being used for grazing and 40 acres used for rotational crops

you thinking of Selling?

•Irrigation from the Barron River and also a dam fed by Goonara Creek. Domestic bore for the house, shed and troughs

• 4 bedroom home with plenty of space

• 2 sheds approx. 11m x 18m, high clearance

• 2500 tonne silage pit with concrete floor

• 75m x 18m feed lot with concrete floors and troughs and effluent pond

•Yards with loading ramp and crush.

*Approximately

For

136 eldersrealestate.com.au/30P1253

Fertile soils, abundant water, secluded, ideal for grazing and farming

Innisfail North Qld is a major growth area, known for rich productive farming soils, good rainfall, World Heritage areas, recreational boating, all within stone’s throw of Cairns.

‘Mt Chalmynia’ is ideally located, only 23 km* north of Innisfail. The land is mostly cleared with a generous water licence and 69 ha* of red soils. Once a thriving banana farm, nestled into the safety of the hills. Surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest, the available land is presently being used for cattle grazing. ‘Mt Chalmynia’ has a 4-bedroom home, one used for an office, 3-phase power to the shed, yards, well fenced, six-inch PVC mains to paddocks.Ideal for horses. This is a proven high-quality farming, quiet, secluded area.

*Approximately

Rare property – dual income and development opportunity

THIS RARE 2ha/5 acre property is offered for sale with an existing dual income from two separate houses (3 bedroom home & 4 bedroom home, both currently rented), plus the potential for a modular workers accommodation development or residential subdivision, subject to Council approval (*STCA).

Other potential uses for the site (STCA)* could include a caravan park, tourist park, retirement, manufactured home park, or self-storage sheds.

Located just 2km north of Mareeba's CBD (walking distance to shops) and next door to the Cape Gateway Motel with a restaurant open to the public, this 2ha / 5 acre property is relatively flat, with approx. 1ha cleared to the front boasting highway frontage.

Mareeba is the 6th fastest growing local government area in Queensland, and the largest town outside of Cairns in the Far North. The Mareeba Shire is one of the largest fruit

producing regions in Australia. The current housing crisis is especially evident in the Mareeba and the Tablelands area, with vacancy rates at an all time low of 0.33%.

There is not currently a purpose-built worker’s accommodation facility open to the public available in Mareeba. Discussions have been held with local farms and workforce providers who have confirmed the immediate accommodation requirement for 100+ workers.

All town services are available and pre-lodgement discussions have been held with Council & SARA (TMR) for a potential 104-room workers accommodation development* on the property, which have both been encouraging.

The property could also be potentially subdivided into smaller residential lots*.

Zoned Emerging Community, this property offers unlimited opportunities for a saavy investor or developer. This is

also a great opportunity to land bank for the future, with the benefit of an existing dual income.

HOUSE 1:

• Rent appraisal $500$530wk (rented privately)

• 3 large bedrooms with built-ins + one extra large separated bedroom

• Large open plan living area with raked ceilings & wooden feature beams

• Air-conditioning to living

area & two bedrooms

• Full length veranda overlooking large in-ground swimming pool

• Fully fenced horse paddock to the front

• Double garden shed with awning + 3 bay carport HOUSE 2:

• Rented $430wk

• Concrete block 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home

• Recently painted & renovated

• Air-conditioning and builtin robes to two bedrooms

• Solid internal block walls

• Vinyl plank flooring, ceiling fans & security screens

• Partially fenced horse paddock to rear + small sepa-

MAREEBA

Live the dream in Yungaburra

MODERN, bright & airy; this unique home provides everything you need to live the Yungaburra lifestyle you have been dreaming about.

Making your way into the home from the front deck to your left you have the spacious Master bedroom complete with walk through robe, modern ensuite & air conditioning. To your left is the main bathroom & remaining 2 bedrooms featuring builtins.

Traveling down the hall-

way to the rear of the home is the lovely open plan layout of the living, dining & kitchen.

The kitchen is modern with ample storage, walk-in pantry & great appliances –perfect for nay cook of the home.

Flowing seamlessly onto the living/dining and then the entertaining deck makes for effortless indoor to outdoor living.

The entertaining deck is private and you will spend many days and nights sitting

back and relaxing. Need sheds and a workshop? This property has them! Power connected with plenty of lights & power points as well as great car parking and storage.

To complete the package,

Address:

Price:

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stroll down to the village & enjoy one of the many cafes, restaurants & shops.

Contact Exclusive agent Suzey Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0438 090 306 for further information.

YUNGABURRA

Offers Over $650,000 EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

DUAL INCOME + MODULAR ACCOMMODATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!

▪ 2ha/5 acre property with an existing dual income from two houses

▪ 3 bedroom home & 4 bedroom home with $960 week return*

▪ Modular workers accommodation development opportunity or subdivision (STCA)*

▪ Next door to Cape Gateway Motel & licensed restaurant

▪ Walking distance to Mareeba’s CBD (2km)

▪ Approx. 1ha cleared land boasting highway frontage

▪ Zoned Emerging Community Contact Katrina Kazim to secure this valuable property

Built to stand the test of time

DO you have an eye for detail and appreciate good craftmanship? This solidly built four bedroom, one bathroom, concrete block home features great traditional construction practices. They don't build them like this anymore.

Just a short distance from the Mareeba CBD this home features an open plan kitchen & dining area, with plenty of storage opportunities in the kitchen.

The large living space is just off to the side of the kitchen, and has double sliding glass doors to the front patio.

The home has four wellsized bedrooms, and two of which feature large built in cupboards. The family bathroom is a good size with a separate shower and tub,

and the toilet is also separate.

Some great additional features to the property are the security screens on all windows and doors, tiles throughout the home, and built-in cupboards in the hallway off the kitchen.

The 708m2 allotment has rear access through one of the carports to the backyard. There is also front and rear patios on the home, perfect to enjoy a cool afternoon.

• Solid concrete block construction

• 4 bedrooms, 2 with built-

ins

• Family bathroom & separate toilet

• Combined kitchen & dining space

• Large lounge area

• Tiles & security screens throughout

• Only minutes to town

• 708m2 allotment

• 2 separate carports with rear access

• Front & rear patios

To find out more or arrange a Private Inspection contact exclusive agent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691.

12.26 acres – two dwellings, sheds, stables and income possibilities

NESTLED privately in the heart of Wondecla, bordering the picturesque Wild River, lies this remarkable property spanning 12.26 meticulously cleared acres. Boasting existing accommodation infrastructure, it offers endless possibilities for a range of purposes such as a Bed &

Breakfast, Farm stay, Retreat AirBnB, or simply a spacious extended family home.

The main house has undergone some major renovations, whilst keeping a touch of country, featuring elegant, polished timber flooring throughout. With six bedrooms, an office, a stunning

new modern bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen with gas cooking, it caters to the needs of a comfortable lifestyle.

The expansive open plan living area, complete with a cozy wood heater, creates a welcoming ambiance. Step outside onto the secluded side veranda or the impressive 77m² outdoor living space, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. There is a second living area, and the double garage has a stainless-steel sink & bench space - the ideal area for a workshop/man cave. Additionally, an attached 200m² open shed provides a workshop area, ample room for trucks/machinery, and 3-phase power. The home is wired for generator power.

Adding to the allure of this property, the historic guest facilities have been thoughtfully renovated. The guest house, originally the Atherton Railway Station, offers charming twobedroom accommodation. Its living area features a wood heater, while the commercialstyle kitchen allows for seamless meal preparation.

A front deck enjoys the rural scenery. Adjacent to the

guest house, the amenities block provides separate his and hers bathrooms and a separate laundry room.

Situated on the property's 4.96 hectares, four separate paddocks, along with 11 bay stables, a wash bay, and a farm-type shed, cater to the needs of livestock or equestrian enthusiasts. Abundant water supply is secured through a bore which fills an 18,000-liter holding tank. Three additional 12,000-liter rainwater tanks further enhance the water storage capacity.

This property is ideally suited for those seeking a tranquil rural acreage lifestyle with long-term potential. With its versatile features, breathtaking surroundings, and ample amenities, it presents a unique opportunity for various ventures and a truly reward-

Address:

Price:

Agent:

35 Harding Rd, WONDECLA Offers in the $800,000’s EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee Chatfield Main St Real Estate 0417 468 941 26 Royes Street, MAREEBA $300,000 EXCLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty 0419 926 691 or 4092 2232

ing living experience. With too much to list, only an inspection will do this property justice.

Inspections are easy. Contact Exclusive agent Kaydee Chatfield 0417 468 941 at Main St Real Estate today.

IF you are searching for a property that is in a quiet and conveniently close to town location this stylish 4 bedroom home boasts all those attributes and more.

As well as offering a quality build this modern family home offers a sought after location in a quiet cul de sac on the Cairns side of Mareeba just minutes from Town centre.

Features include:

• Fully tiled with 2.7m high ceilings, 900mm eaves & wide footpath surrounds

• 4 Generous air-conditioned bedrooms with built-in robes, master with ensuite & walk-in robe

• Open plan living area plus 2nd living/office or rumpus room with built-in storage cupboard

• Stylish central kitchen

with corner pantry & plenty of cupboard space

• Main bathroom with shower & separate plunge bath

• Tiled patio directly off the kitchen/living area

• Laundry with built-in & storage cupboard

• Exposed aggregate footpaths & driveway

• 6m x 6m colourbond shed with 2 roller door access & 15amp power point

• 982m2 fenced allotment with low maintenance gardens, double gated side ac-

Address:

Price:

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cess to the shed & a selection of fruit trees

• Quiet cul de sac location only a short drive from Amaroo Medical or Town centre

This stylish property offers a low maintenance lifestyle in an excellent location. Open for inspection this Saturday from 10.00am to 11.00am.

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

4 Grace Court, MAREEBA $545,000 EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

with the perfect combination of subway and encaustic tiles, a clawfoot bath for a relaxing soak, a vintage-style vanity and a separate easyaccess rain shower.

THIS delightful little cottage is perfectly positioned overlooking the Atherton Rail Trail and only a few minute’s walk to cafes, supermarkets and the main street of Atherton. So, it's no surprise this little beauty is reviewed by its guests as "an absolute gem".

The current owner has an appreciation of the history within the walls and has lovingly breathed life back into this cottage. Renovated and styled with a vintage country theme, the attention to detail is sure to impress. You can feel the warmth and charm with the traditional cottage features, including beautiful tongue and groove walls complete with chair rail and

two-tone hue, restored tulip oak timber flooring, original weatherboard cladding, and high ceilings.

Features of this home include a cosy lounge room with vintage deco lighting, ceiling fan, and reverse cycle air-conditioning. The countrystyle kitchen boasts charming vintage features such as a pressed tin splashback, a ladder pot rack and shaker doors. While also being equipped with all modern conveniences, including a dishwasher, electric oven, fridge and microwave. Two bedrooms, both beautifully styled with pendant lighting and soft furnishings. The stunning bathroom, designed

IN

A front verandah that is the perfect spot for sundowners, overlooking the peaceful bushland. There is a carport at the rear, currently being used as a private patio, fully equipped with a Weber barbecue and a large dining setting for outdoor entertaining.

The gardens are established complete with mulberry, mandarin, macadamia, lime, jackfruit trees and climbing roses, camelias and magnolias. There is also a firepit that has guests stargazing on our beautiful clear nights.

The Prior Creek Development is due to commence within the next 12 months,

bringing a hive of activity and amenities closer to this cottage, ensuring it will forever be a "rare find" on Airbnb. There is already a list of guests who return regularly, with hikers and cyclists loving the location. Not only is the Atherton Tableland Rail Trail literally across the street, but the world-renowned Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park and Mt. Baldy walking track are just minutes away.

This property is to be sold fully furnished as a going concern.

Expressions of interest will close on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023. Private inspections are possible around guest availability. For more information, please contact the Exclusive Listed Agent, Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136.

MAREEBA

For

MOLLOY, Mary “Jeanette”

Late of Atherton. Passed away peacefully on Sunday the 20th of August, 2023. Aged 84 years.

Much loved Wife of Owen. Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Jeanette will be sadly missed by family and friends. A Memorial is to be held on Friday 8th September in Atherton at 2pm. As seating is limited, anyone who would like to attend, please contact Russell on 0438 383 479.

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

DICKSON, Vivian (nee McMurray)

Late of Malanda, formerly of Tully. Passed away peacefully at Ozcare Malanda after a short illness.

Aged 77 years.

Wife of Bruce Dickson (Dec.). Cherished Mother and Mother-in-Law of Eva, Richard, Stacey, Ben and Brett. Loved Grammy of Isabella and Ava. Sister, Aunty and Cousin to many.

As per Vivian’s wishes, a private cremation has been held.

Cards to: P.O. Box 1819, Atherton 4883.

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

Jeffrey James PEEBLES

Late of Udon Thani, Thailand and formally of Mareeba. Passed away on the 18th of July 2023.

Aged 72 years.

Much loved Father and Father-in-Law of Sandra, Liam, Lena, Jade, Tim, Erica, Jordan, James and Danny.

Loving Grandfather of Joel, Kallan, Kye, Zeath, Tahlia, Nemika, Joshua, Laylah, Reeve and Brydie.

Cherished Brother, Brother-in-Law and Uncle of Tracey, Walker, Kelvin, Sheriden, Angela, Erica and families. In keeping with Jeffrey’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place, with a private memorial to be held at a later date.

AMESBURY PEARSON

Peter & Kay together with Brian & Wendy would like to congratulate Anne & Darrin on their engagement.

Love and happiness to you both, we can’t wait until you get hitched!

Neil Martin Passed 12th September 2022. There are no goodbyes for us, wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts.

Your loving Wife Gina, Tanya, Chantel & Darrin & families.

BRIAN ARMSTRONG

25.01.1928 ~ 08.09.2022

Remembering you is easy, We do it every day. And missing you is something, That will never go away. Your loving wife Colleen, Bill, Merv, Joanne, David and families.

In Loving Memory Of RAY SAVAGE

11/05/1941 ~ 05/09/2022

Sincere and true, in heart and mind. A memory sweet, you left behind. Until we meet again, your loving family.

THE FAMILY OF John Moorcroft Hopkinson

Would like to extend our sincere thanks to all his friends and colleagues for your kind wishes, messages of sympathy and presence at his wake on 31 August.

We are also grateful to the Atherton Ambulance service, Blue Care, Atherton Hospital and Carinya for the care he received, and to Guilfoyle Funeral Services.

POSITION VACANT RECEPTIONIST AND ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT

Part-Time Permanent

A position is available in our Mareeba office for a receptionist and administrative support person to join our team.

The role will be 27.5 hours per week during business hours. The preferred hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.00pm however may be flexible for the successful candidate.

You will be working in a supportive and friendly environment, with on-the-job training and development opportunities.

The role is suited to someone who:

• Has a positive nature

• Has an excellent telephone manner and a commitment to client service

• Is motivated, self-driven, reliable, and professional

• Is able to work as a team and independently

• Has experience with the Microsoft Office suite

Prior experience as receptionist or secretary is preferred, however is not a requirement.

Further details of the role and how to apply is provided at https://www. millerharris.com.au/careers/careers/

call 0487 430 443.

I am very a loving & affectionate young man, I have a beautiful nature, love people. I’m good with kids, cats and other dogs. I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed, flea & tick treated, my adoption fee is $300. BORDER

PERSONAL FEMALE DANCE PARTNER

WANTED

For social dancing, old style & new vogue. Classes Monday nights, Malanda and social dancing Wednesday nights, Atherton. Phone Stephen 0428 974 068

Saturday 9th September 31 Jacinta Street, Mareeba 8.00am to 2.00pm

Glassware, crockery, linen, wheelbarrow, tools, boxing bag, barrel (keg) & 2 chairs, fish aquarium & stand, mountain bikes and much more!

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD

CLOSURE

SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER, 2023

Notice is hereby given under the provision of the “Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act and Regulations 1995” that there will be Temporary road closures to vehicular traffic, as listed, for the purpose of the St Thomas’s Church Religious Festival Procession on 10th September, 2023:

(i) Between 1530 hours and 1700 hours, Constance Street, Atherton Street, Walsh Street and Hort Streets will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic.

(ii) All road closures will be kept to a minimum.

Senior Sergeant D. GARNER Officer in Charge Delegated Officer by the Mareeba Police Station Commissioner of Police

THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE CHAIN

SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2023

The Committee wish to advise that there will be short, low key fireworks at St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church at approx. 2.40pm. Then at 8.30pm on the field of St Thomas’ School, the fireworks display will commence and conclude prior to 9.00pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please take reasonable precautions to secure animals and ensure the well-being of young and or elderly persons or others at risk.

ATHERTON

Tuesday 19th

September, 9am at MOW Kitchen

Showgrounds

All Welcome!

Mareeba Multicultural Festival

RAFFLE TICKET WINNERS

First Prize: Konrad Czay

Second Prize: Ken Huty

Third Prize: Dell Mitton

Fourth Prize: Shania Bowen www.mareebamulticulturalfestival.com.au

REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND (RADF) 2023/24 COMMUNITY GRANT ROUND

Mareeba Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) 2023/24 Community Grant Round is now open.

Individuals, groups, not for profit organisations and arts and cultural companies are invited to submit grant applications for arts, culture and heritage projects that build cultural capacity, cultural innovation and community wellbeing within the Mareeba Shire.

Projects in the priority areas of cultural tourism, public mural partnerships and youth arts engagement will be highly regarded.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm Tuesday 31 October 2023.

For more information or to apply, please visit Council’s website www.msc.qld.gov.au or Customer Service Centres or phone 1300 308 461.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

3 bedroom rental properties in Mareeba for the Community Rent Scheme Program. Properties must be in good condition to meet minimum housing standards. e bene ts include guaranteed rents, nil management fees, quali ed tradespersons and professional property management team. Phone 4092 6899 for further details and Lessor’s Packages.

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group

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

SPORT

Search on to complete story of rich history of Millaa Millaa Rugby League

MILLAA Millaa Rugby League Club’s history will be documented in a new book set to be written by author and Ayr man, Martin Grandelis.

During 2022, a group of former Millaa Millaa Rugby League players, officials and supporters banded together to collect information, stories and recollections of the club.

Known as the Millaa Millaa Rugby League Supporters Group, they set out to collect information in order to compile a book outlining the history of the club.

This group has met on a monthly basis, have set about raising funds and plan to hold an official launch at Millaa Millaa on 18 May 2024.

The club’s history dates back to 1921 when it commenced social matches. The club then played official games against Tolga on 4 May, 1924 when both junior and senior grades took to the field at Millaa Millaa Showground.

Hardworking supporters, officials and players kept the club going through the turbulent 1920s and 30s at a time when players became

household names. It was an era of wide community support for country rugby league.

After World War II, Millaa Millaa emerged with a new found support and the club would go on to dominate the Eacham Rugby League Club competition in the 1950s, winning seven consecutive premierships.

The book will track the journey of Millaa Millaa Rugby League Club from its inception until its disbandment in the mid 80s.

While the group has a significant amount of information already, some names of players in photographs have been lost along the way – including the bottom row of names in the pictured photograph from the 1932 Millaa Millaa Junior Team.

Information or history, stories and photos should be sent to the group’s secretary, Kay Moloney at kay.molon@bigpond.com.

Recognise any of the players in the front row of the pictured photograph? If so, email Martin on: martin. grandelis@gmail.com

Remembering league gone by

RUBGY league players from Malanda and East teams in 1973 came together at the Mareeba vs Yarrabah game over the weekend to reminisce on times gone by.

In attendance was the daughters of Garry McGrath, Andera and Deb, as well as

oldest Mareeba rugby league identity Joe Pennisi. Joe managed many teams and was a long term selector for East's.

The reunion was declared an overall success and attendees were thanked for coming along.

PICTURED: Back: Elso Iuretigh, Andrea McGrath, Aldo Piaglo, Lyndal Piagno, Cyril Vains, Kel "Beatle: Bailey,Gary Hanrahan, Lucy Hanrahan, Colin "Strawb" Cavanagh, Alison Wakeford, Warren "Goose" Giandon, Lidia Giandon, Lloyd Bradshaw, Kay Myers and Nolene Bradshaw.

Front: Terry Roos, John Arcidiacono, Larry Harrison, Deb McGrath, Joe Pennisi, Dale Wakefore and John Myers.

Absent: Milan Acimovic, Brian Warburton and Lorrie Walmsley, Kerry Hanrahan and Bill Hapgood.

New seats benefit local sporting clubs

THE Mareeba Lions Club have donated two sets of seats each to the Mareeba Cricket Club and Mareeba Golf Club to help better the experience of sports people young and old.

Two seats have been erected at Borzi Park’s bottom pitch for the youngest cricket players to sit whilst supporting

their team mates on the field.

Mareeba Cricket president Irene Roy said the kind donation of the seats will allow them to host other teams and give parents more space to watch.

“Before, they had no seating and the parents used to complain they couldn’t see because the grandstand is far away

to see the little ones.” she said.

“Thank you very much Lions Club, we really appreciate it.”

Mareeba Golf Club president Owen Harvey said the club hosted many older players who chose to walk instead of using the buggies.

“We have already had a bit of feed-

back from the old fellow who reckon it’s the best thing since sliced bread,” he said.

Secretary for Mareeba Lions Club

Terry Wallace said the Lions were made aware of the dire need to for seating and set out to find the four seats.

“The members agreed this was a

cause worthy of pursuing and we set out the funds,” he said.

“Overall, each seat cost about $1100.

“The Lions Club have a focus on activities for youth and we’re in a position where if we are approached to assist, we are more than happy to do so.”

1932 Millaa Millaa Junior Team: back row; Snowy Clarke, Neville Radloff, Eric Cifuentes, Peter Frazer, Jack Shore, Reg Cifuentes, Jimmy Moran, Lionel Cifuentes, front row; Neville Hanley - can you help with the remaining names? If so, email Martin at martin.grandelis@gmail.com

Mareeba Lions Club members and Mareeba Cricket club members enjoying the new seats at Borzi Park.

Mareeba Lions president Justice Earle, Lions member Denis McKinley with Mareeba golf president Owen Harvey.

Gladiators go for glory

BY ELLIE FINK

READY to rewrite history, the Mareeba Gladiators Under 18 and Under 16 teams will be going for glory this weekend as they compete in their respective FNQRL grand final showdowns.

Breaking a drought that has lasted a quarter of a century, the Mareeba Gladiators Under 18s are set to take on the Kangaroos whilst their younger counterparts in the Under 16s take on Brothers.

Setting the tone with a solid start to the current season, the Under 18 boys went into the tournament fuelled by confidence from last year’s achievements, which has earned them a spot in the final for the first time since the 1990s.

The boys clinched the minor premiership, dominating the ladder and reigning as number one for the majority of the season.

Guiding the promising team, coach Shaun Fincham is confident in their ability to make their club proud and take home the gold.

“They’re an extremely talented group, and most of them have been together since under 6s and have been fortunately enough to have some really good coaches as they’ve come up through the grades,” he said.

“The boys have had great consistency. No matter who we have

played against, they have stepped up to their individual roles.”

Having one of the biggest teams in the club, Fincham has been impressed by the 33 enthusiastic players who have turned up to every game and every training session.

He said their willingness to give their all on the field had been pivotal to the team’s successful season.

As the grand final approaches, Fincham’s focus has narrowed on to regular training and nurturing discipline, all geared toward ensuring the boys are fit and prepared to face off against the Kangaroos.

“(We will focus on) discipline and effort, and I am sure if we do that, we will be fine,” he said.

“Just go out there and enjoy yourselves. This is the first time this has happened in a very long time, and it’s your chance to make a bit of history, not only for the club but for yourselves.”

Mareeba Senior Rugby League president Darrin Hastie said watching the Under 18s play had been phenomenal, both as a father and a proud ex-player.

Hastie said players such as Tyrone Williams and Narason Moorcroft had been pivotal throughout the season in securing the top position on the ladder.

“At the end of the day, I think it is that team effort that has gotten them across the line, and it’s an ab-

solute credit to Finchy and the work he has been doing with those young men,” he said.

“It’s exciting times, and it’s proud times for everybody, and I am very happy for our young men who get to play in something we haven’t played in for 25 years.”

This year, A-grade coach Chris Sheppard has taken the reigns as Under 16s coach, training them with the grand final in mind.

The Under 16s had the potential to make the grand final from the start, with the group dominating the playing field last year during the Under 15 grand final.

Working with most of the players since they were younger, Sheppard said he saw potential in the team from day one.

“I have been working with them

since they were about seven or eight years old, and we’ve done a lot of work over the years to get them to where they are,” he said.

“They are a really good group, you know, with some really good players and, I know, it might be cliché, but the quality across the board really sets them apart.

“We are a quality team, and I am certain we’re ready to go, so we just have to make sure we are staying fit and executing our plans on the day.

“I hope they continue to enjoy their footy, get in there, work hard, and don’t let their mates down.

“They’re a real tight little group, and that really helps them out when it gets tough, which I really love.”

Mareeba Junior Rugby League president Raymond Srhoj said

players such as Cayde Miller, Jason Hastie and Chase Sheppard stood out on the field, helping bring their team forward and create flow on the field.

Being an ex-coach of the team, Srhoj knew the team would be undefeated from the start, giving him faith in the next generation of Gladiators to enter the field.

“They’ve been a really good group who have been together for so long… I think when they are put together, they are an unstoppable team,” he said.

“They just have to keep their heads in the game and really focus on playing football.”

Supporters are encouraged to come along for the game and support their local boys as they make history in the FNQRL grand finals.

Under 18s coach Shaun Fincham, seniors president Darrin Hastie and juniors president Raymond Srhoj are gearing up for the finals this weekend.

THE UNDER 18S SQUAD

Dyer Cayde Miller

Chase Sheppard

Darcy Adams

Dylan Haller-Ross

Elijah Ratalatala

Ethan Cummings

Ethan Morgan

Gabriel Tunimakubu

Jamie Curcio

Jason Hastie

KieranTurner

Kyan Sheppard

Lenard Henderson

Leon Wood

Makeal Newbury

Manaki Tunguz-te Ture

Narason Moorcroft-Kose

Nathanael Gutchen

Nelson Madua

Noah Blooranta

Peter Di Pede

Reece Boyle

Bryce Fincham

Saxon Vizard

Seamus Finlan

Seviti Tora

Tristan Lopez

Tureti Ryder

Tyler Srhoj

Tyrone Williams

Vereniki Lewakana

William Hanlon

2023 FNQRL JUNIOR GRAND FINAL

WHERE: Barlow Park, Cairns

WHEN: This Saturday 9 September

GAME TIME: 3.00pm on Field 1

SPORT

Mackenzie ready to rep Queensland

BY ELLIE FINK

MAREEBA’S young women’s rugby powerhouse Chloe Mackenzie, is preparing to represent Queensland in Port Macquarie for the National Schoolgirls Competition.

Mackenzie’s prowess on the field has been recognised across the region, with the 16-year-old being the driving force behind the Gladiators girls’ team as their captain and representing the Cairns region at the NQ Championships.

Her career in rugby league kicked off at six years old, but at the time, she hated the sport and the boys' attitudes on the field.

Despite that, she is grateful she was “shoved” into the sport she has grown to love.

“I didn’t really like it because I was a girl, and dad kind of shoved me into it, but then I had an opportunity to play with the girls, and I thought, ‘why not?’” she said.

“I put my name in for the district team and made that and then made my first peninsula team in 2019.”

Mackenzie qualified for the state team through her time in the peninsula team, playing against some of the best young league players from across Australia.

Travelling to different parts of the state, Mackenzie has been able to learn and grow as a sportsperson.

“Just playing with friends has been the main highlight for me because I am all about friendship, and it has been great visiting places like Gladstone and the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Travelling for footy with a team you love is perfect.”

When learning she had made the Queensland side, Mackenzie was thrilled and determined more than ever to put her name out in the NRL world.

She said her main goal of the trip was to make the Australian team and play internationally.

“This is a way for me to try and get on the Australian team – if I work hard enough,” she said.

“It’s a bit stressful, but I know it’ll be worth it the second I get down there to play.

“I am very nervous and excited as well, and I just keep thinking, ‘What if I don’t make it?’ but I know there are always other ways to make it to the NRLW, which is my ultimate goal.

“I guess I am not scared of the other chicks playing. I am scared of the competition, but I know it will all wash away once I start playing.”

To make her dreams come true, Mackenzie is seeking support from the community through sponsorships.

Working casually whilst attending school, Mackenzie is trying to make as much money as she can to help ease the costs of her parents but is also seeking any help from the community.

“Any support in general is really appreciated, from cash, fuel vouchers, coupons, anything, because this sort of thing is expensive,” she said.

“Anything offered would be really great.”

The schoolgirl’s competition will kick off from the 23-29 September. Anyone who would like to donate to Mackenzie can do so by contacting her on 0483 130 663.

GOLF DAY

Hughes swims to state success

YOUNG swimming superstar Brady Hughes is making it big in the swimming world, receiving bronze at the Chandler State Championships in Brisbane and securing his spot in the Queensland Swimming Squad.

Swapping his rugby ball for goggles, the 18 year old kickstarted his career in 2018 with a mindset that he was a “bad swimmer”.

Today, he dons several gold, silvers and bronzes from competitions nationwide.

At this year’s state championship, Hughes competed in the 50m breaststroke and the 50-metre freestyle, dominating the lanes during his freestyle race.

Dropping 0.6 seconds to secure his spot in third, Hughes was buzzing with adrenaline and proud to prove to himself he could secure his spot in the state team.

“I was proud, but I was kind of expecting it,” he said.

“On the first day, I had my 50m free and did awesome, felt awesome and on the second day, I had my 100m free, and I felt like crap, swam like crap, but on the last day, I picked it up.

“That was 50m breaststroke, and I think I came

fifth, but I still dropped half a second, which was really good.

“But I think the 50m free was definitely my best one.”

Training up for the big competition, Hughes made a splash in the pool six days a week, conditioning himself to the best of his abilities.

When he wasn’t in the pool, he was hitting the gym to work on his strength and keep him at the fittest he had ever been.

Despite his recent accolades, Hughes will not be competing in the National championships and instead will be focusing on the next steps in his career.

“I made (nationals), but I have decided not to go and save for states in December instead,” he said.

“This one will be long course, like in the Olympics, so I will be saving up for that one. I find I swim better in long course, just because my turns are a bit slower, but my swim speed is pretty good, so that is why I prefer it.”

Hughes will be working alongside his coach and focusing on long-course techniques to get him to Nations, set to be held in April next year.

Chloe Mackenzie will be representing Queensland at the National Schoolgirls Competition.

Brady Hughes competing at the Chandler State Titles.

SPORT

Bulls charge into grand final match

SHOCK waves were sent through the Edge Hill Tiger’s field over the weekend in a “frantic” semi-final showdown, with the Mareeba Bulls securing their spot in the grand final after a 4-2 win. The first half saw back and fourth game with little action until Edge Hill’s defender Ryan Murray dislocated his elbow, halting the game for almost an hour.

When the match resumed, it was the Bulls who looked to be the better side from the get-go, and midfielder Robert Pendenza gave the away side a deserved 1-0 in the 36 minutes, a lead the Bulls held into halftime.

It was the opening five minutes of the second half that set the tone for a frantic 45 minutes of finals football, where seventeen-year-old Kalan Prizmic curled in a fantastic left-foot strike into the bottom left-hand corner of the Tigers goal to give the Bulls a 2-0 lead.

Striker Dylan Cummings then scored a contender of the goal of the season with a bullet right foot volley to bring the score to 3-0 to the away side before the Tigers clawed one back to make it 3-1 all in the opening five minutes of the second half.

The Bulls were then forced to withstand several attacking forays from the home side, but the defensive line led by Victor Madrid stood resolute before in the 33rd minute.

A piece of Wayne Srhoj magic put striker Steven Cater through on goal with only the keeper to beat, with Cater making no mistake to give the Bulls a 4-1 lead with 15 minutes to play.

The Tigers did get a consolation goal back with the clock winding down, with the game finishing at 4-2 to the Bulls.

Coach Kane Alderton said the game was one of the best games he has seen yet, feeling nothing but pride for the team.

He said the second half of the game really secured their spot in the final, and he hoped they could bring their electric energy into the finals.

“To be 3nil up into the second half was a credit to the boys, but at that stage, there is still a lot of football to play, and if you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile, so we had to be disciplined and controlled in the last 45 minutes,” he said.

“I am definitely confident after the way the boys have been playing over the last month, and I am definitely confident they will do well.

“We can’t get ahead of ourselves, though, we just need to embrace the grand finals and not look into it too much.”

The win now gives the Bulls the weekend off before the grand final on Saturday, the 16 September, at Endeavour Park.

Meanwhile, the Edge Hill Tigers will host the Leichhardt Lions on Saturday in Cairns to see who will take on the Bulls in the grand final.

In other grades, the club’s Under 14 team also won direct passage through to the grand final, while the men's division 1 boys lost to the Douglas Dragons but have a second chance and will host the Atherton Eagles this Friday night in Mareeba for another shot at the grand final.

Roosters season comes to end

THE Atherton Senior Roosters under 18 side have fallen one game short of a grand final spot after going down to Kangaroos 56-6 in Saturday’s FNQ rugby league elimination final at Barlow Park.

It was a horror end to the young Roosters finals campaign after winning their two previous sudden death semis.

On Saturday, the Roosters were full of mistakes and lacked the energy shown by their opposition, who ran in several lengths of the field four-pointers.

Kangaroos took four minutes to get on the board and dominated their march to the grand final.

Five first-half tries gave Kangaroos a 22-0 lead at the break, with the Roosters only match points coming through a late consolation try to hooker Tait Coghlan.

The Senior Roosters will wrap up their season with the club’s presentation night on Friday, September 15, at the Atherton Hotel.

Roosters Brent Pittard against Kangaroos on Saturday.

Forgiato secures cup

IN a race leaving punters, jockeys and trainers on the edge of their seats, Masayuki Abe, racing on Forgiato, came out on top at this year’s Mareeba Annuals, securing the prestigious Mareeba Cup.

The seven-year-old thoroughbred trained by Renee Schlunez won $15,000, followed by Motamayiz trained by John Maneimann.

For the Mareeba Bracelet, Aura Gold ridden by Jenna Edwards and trained by Bonnie Thomson took out the win of $11,000.

In the 900m Maiden Plate, Sonic Light took out the win with trainer Dean Piccolo and jockey Frank Edwards by his side.

The Benchmark 45 Handicap saw Dominant Rose trained by John Kilroy and ridden by Lacey Morrison securing the win.

Captain Girl, trained by John Mazelmann and ridden by Nathan Day, secured the Benchmark 50 Handicap.

In Fashions on the Field, the gentlemen’s winner was Tim Marsh, whilst the classic ladies’ winner was Christine Cross.

The lady of the day went to Kymberlee Cockrem, whilst the teenager of the day was Rachel Kidcalf.

The couple’s winner of the day was Alison and Trevor Wilson.

League legends recognised

THE Far North Queensland Rugby League competition’s best and finest players, coaches and volunteers were recognised last Friday at the prestigious Gold Medal Dinner Awards.

Hosted by the Cairns Brother’s Leagues Club, the Far Northern league club members scrubbed up for the occasion, with three Gladiators and a Rooster receiving awards.

Gladiator Under 18 powerhouse Gabriel Tunimakubu took out the prestigious male rookie of the year, while Roosters legend Mackenzie Stephens took home the young female rookie of the year.

Cayde Miller from the Gladiators Under 16 team took home the Coast Under 16 Player of the Year, whilst team captain Tyrone Williams took home Under 18’s Player of the Year.

RESULTS:

Club Champions – Ivanhoes

Leading Try Scorer – Matthew Gibuma (Ivanhoes) and Abraham Waireg-Ingui (Innisfail) 21 tries each

Male Rookie of the Year – Gabriel Tunimakubu (Mareeba)

Female Rookie of the Year – Mackenzie Stephens (Atherton)

Coach of the Year – Leon Hallie (Innisfail)

Referee of the Year – Guy Millar

Female Player of the Year – Genavie Tabuai (Kangaroos)

Coast Under 16 Player of the Year – Cayde Miller (Mareeba)

Eacham Under 16 Player of the Year –

D’Wan Walker (Malanda)

Under 18 Player of the Year – Tyrone Williams (Mareeba)

Reserve Player of the Year – Joint winners

Jordon Ketchell (Tully), Justin Torney (Ivanhoes), Oswald Fourmile (Yarrabah)

Senior Volunteer of the Year – Charlee

Rose Paron (Suburbs Senior)

Young Volunteer of the Year – Alfonse

Bulkua (Ivanhoes)

Gold Medal Award First Grade – Ben Barba (Mossman)

Forgiato won the Mareeba Cup on Saturday with Jockey Masayuki Abe.

PHOTO BY PETER ROY.