The Express Newspaper 12 July 2023

Kerrin Blakeney and his daughter Isabel at the Malanda Show.

Inspiring women in national awards

MOYAMOYA advocate and mother Nicola Baker will represent the region on the national stage for their publishing and charity work achievements at the AusMumpreneur Awards in Sydney this August.

The AusMumpreneur Awards, celebrated in Sydney from 22-24 August, is a national event that recognises the achievements of Australian mums in business.

Based in Ravenshoe, Ms Baker started her journey when her son Jed had a stroke at 11 months. After he was diagnosed with moyamoya, she founded Moyamoya Australia to support families with a moyamoya diagnosis and fund research.

Ms Baker has been nominated in the AusMumpreneur Awards’ rural and remote business excellence and not-for-profit excellence categories.

“Our biggest goal for this year is to raise

awareness so more medical practitioners pick up this disease early,” she said.

“Awards of any kind give me more people to talk to. When I won the Michelle Commins award last year, there was a room of 250 people that heard the word moyamoya, and that’s very crucial.

“I’m thrilled, this is an opportunity to network, meet some people and talk about moyamoya disease, and that opportunity on a national level is so exciting.”

Ms Baker also published a book “The Thing About Jed” with Bowerbird Publishing, owned by another AusMumpreneur Awards nominee Crystal Leonardi.

“I’m so honoured to be on this journey with Crystal as my publisher but also someone who’s doing wonderful things in quite difficult times, so I’m proud of her,” she said.

Mum turned author up for awards

JULATTEN mum and author Crystal Leonardi has been named a finalist in three upcoming awards.

In the past year, Crystal has published three books of her own as well as several other titles under Bowerbird Publishing – a journey that started with writing a book about her son, Sebastian, and his fight against brain cancer.

Now, she is a finalist in the Author of the Year, hosted by AusMumpreneur, Woman of the Year, hosted by Beam in Business, and Sole Entrepreneur of the Year, hosted by the Cairns Business Women’s Club.

The AusMumpreneur national awards, presented by The Women’s Business School, celebrate and recognise Australian Mums in business who achieve outstanding success while balancing motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.

The Beam in Business national awards shine a light on business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in business. They are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding business owners and professional achievers.

The Cairns Business Women’s Club local awards acknowledge women who own and manage

their own businesses for their outstanding skills and contribution to their businesses and the business community.

Winners will be announced during July and August, with Crystal looking forward to travelling to Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney for the award ceremonies.

Last year, Crystal picked up the AusMumprenuer Author of the Year award.

Her publishing company, Bowerbird Publishing, is gaining traction with emerging writers engaging her services from around Australia as Crystal uses her experiences to guide other budding authors.

“Balancing responsibilities is a challenge I’m sure many women, including myself, need to work on constantly,” she said.

“As a mother, businesswoman, P&C member, and community supporter of several charities, including Children’s Hospital Foundation and Book Angels, balance and good time management skills are essential.”

Crystal attributes her success to having a clear vision and an ambitious attitude and gives the following advice to others: “Do your research, know your budget, and connect with other women in the industry.”

Moyamoya Australia’s founder Nicola Baker and her son Jed who lives with moyamoya disease.

Julatten mum and author Crystal Leonardi is a finalist in three awards.

Economy set for big boost as rodeo comes to town

BY ELLIE FINK

THOUSANDS of people from across Australia will be heading to Mareeba this weekend to witness some of the greatest rodeo talents our country has to offer.

Being one of the top three ABCRA rodeos in the country, Mareeba Rodeo attracts hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators from across the country, driving a significant boost for the local economy.

This year, president of the Mareeba Rodeo committee Peter Brown believes between 5000 and 10,000 will flock to the town, generating business for the local economy.

“My view is that we are bringing somewhere between five to 10,000 people and about 2000 vans in our park and in Mareeba purely to see the rodeo,” he said.

“They buy their bread, milk, fuel, newspapers… they shop in town, so the local economy really benefits.”

Mr Brown says the rodeo always has a strong focus on using local businesses where they can to provide goods for the event, with everything supplied locally regardless of price, specifically alcohol.

“So regardless of whether it’s cheaper or more expensive, we support local, and our alcohol bill alone is somewhere around $300,000 and then you have the equipment we hire and our sponsors,” he said.

“It’s just mind blowing to see what we are actually putting into the economy of Mareeba.”

Businesses in town are getting ready for the big day, dressing up their foyers and swapping uniforms in favour of western style clothing and trading later to meet demand.

The rodeo generates a similar amount of revenue to the Savannah in the Round music

festival, according to Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro.

He said having a steady cash flow coming back through the town during this period would benefit local businesses largely, particularly coming back from Covid.

“All these big events and festivals attract people to the area and are good for the economy and there is a lot of spin offs that we get during the period leading up to the rodeo,” he said.

ters Mensland has already seen an influx of customers coming through their doors to gear up for the big day.

“Sales are as good as they are any other year and the whole town is benefitting,” owner Raymond Cater said.

“It’s our biggest time of the year, our Christmas in July with travellers and caravanners coming through to buy things from us and other businesses across the town.”

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said she was excited for the event to return to the two-day program, attracting many more people to the shire.

She encourages locals to get involved with the event this week and enjoy what is uniquely Mareeba’s.

“The rodeo provides an opportunity to showcase visitors to this incredible part of Far North Queensland, and our Shire reaps the benefits of the rodeo long after it concludes,” she said.

“The economic benefits of an iconic event such as the Mareeba Rodeo are significant, but they are matched by those intangible factors which are difficult to define.”

“There is lots of trading between people at the camp sites, during the big rodeo and the downtown parade… not only are they spending money at the show but also at some of our restaurants and pubs.

“It generates a lot of economic stimulation, and I will be interested to see what the GDP figures look like after the event because I know Savannah made a big impact on that and I think the rodeo will probably be in that same line.”

Mr Moro also expressed his excitement as the event returns for two days, bringing in more visitors for longer.

Local western wear business Claude Ca-

“It is the volunteerism that makes events like this possible, the social connections that are formed and reformed each year and the community spirit that brings the Mareeba Rodeo to life.”

“Mareeba has a reputation as a location of choice for major events including the FNQ Rotary Field Days and Savannah in the Round, and the long-standing success of the Rodeo is further evidence of this. I wish the Association all the best for the upcoming Rodeo.”

The rodeo will kick off with the Downtown Parade on Friday night and will go throughout the entire weekend.

“It’s just mind blowing to see what we are actually putting into the economy of Mareeba”

– PETER BROWN

Mareeba Rodeo Association president Peter Brown with secretary Angela Slabbert are gearing up for the 2023 event this weekend.

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Major makeover pays off

ONE of Mareeba’s most popular takeaway food businesses has been the subject of a major refurbishment, transforming and bringing the store up to the level of others in major cities around the country.

He may be only 35, but Red Rooster Mareeba’s managing director Peter Walsh has spent almost a lifetime working for the company at more than 50 stores around Australia.

Starting with Red Rooster when he was just 14 years of age in Sydney, Peter says he became a manager at just 18 and subsequently worked at numerous Red Rooster stores in the Sydney metro area, Albury and Brisbane just to name a few.

But he has found a permanent home in Mareeba now, picking up the franchise for the Red Rooster store around 18 months ago and setting about transforming the old premises which has been open for more than 40 years.

“I could see it was a bit tired but I knew that with a little love, it could be a great shop again,” he said.

“It’s a very tight community here where locals like to support local businesses and I think they

appreciate it when someone puts money into a place to make it a better store for customers.”

The renovation has included brand new ovens and fryers which has allowed Peter to expand the menu range at the store.

“We can now do fried chicken where we couldn’t before so the Mareeba store now has the same capacity as metro stores,” he said.

“We have also put in new furniture, signage and painted and we have a whole new team of people – we actually employ around 25 people who are full-time and casuals.”

Peter says the store’s makeover, which he funded himself, is already paying off.

“Our reputation is next to none and with the menu changes, our improved customer service and speed of service, our sales have doubled since I took over the store,” he said.

Peter has not only found a great business in Mareeba, but also a partner and plans to make the town his home.

“I’m here to stay – I have found a wonderful partner so Mareeba has truly delivered on many levels,” he added.

SecondInformationSession

TheNorthernSectionofMareeba'sBicentennialLakes,between KeebleStreetandRotaryPark,issettoberevitalisedunderCouncil's Parks&OpenSpacesActionPlan.Workwillcommenceafterthe SouthernsectionoftheLakesiscompleted.

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Saturday,15July2023: Drop-inbetween9:00amand10:00am Where: Onsite,BicentennialLakes,adjacenttotheduckponds, KeebleStreet,Mareeba.

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Staff celebrate the changes at Mareeba’s Red Rooster store after managing director Peter Walsh (second from left) invested in a major makeover for the shop.

Calls for fence in wake of grave vandal attack

MORE than 30 graves at Mareeba’s Pioneer Cemetery have been vandalised, prompting calls for a fence to be erected around the burial grounds and additional lighting to be installed to deter the culprits from attacking the facility again.

The Pioneer Cemetery is currently maintained by a community service team, who tackle the long grass and weeds to keep the grounds clean, and with the help of the Mareeba History FB group, also endeavour to determine who is buried in some of the unnamed graves.

Mareeba History FB administrator Michael Musumeci said this was at least the fifth time the cemetery had been targeted by vandals.

“Over 30 graves were targeted on this occasion, with many glass vases smashed and destroyed to be then thrown all over many graves,” he said.

“Dirt, rocks, and many porcelain items, including cement vases, were also destroyed, thrown at other graves that has caused much damage.

“This is at least the fifth time the Mareeba Pioneer Cemetery has been subjected to such wilful damage and it clearly shows some have no respect for our past.”

Mr Musumeci said the cemetery was a “vast field” of Mareeba history that was “rarely shared or told”.

“The cemetery is full of some of our very first business people, pioneers, explorers, veterans and many young children who passed due to many sicknesses in the early 1900s,” he said.

“Also within the pioneer cemetery are many unnamed graves who came from abroad, as well as many aboriginal families in Mareeba that are still here today.

“The ongoing damage this cemetery continues to be subjected to, just highlights we have some individuals in our community who really don’t or won’t respect our local history.”

His sentiments were echoed by others who commented on the FB post about the vandalism.

“Despicable acts by brainless individuals. This/these individual/s responsible will one day reap what they are sowing,” cemetery volunteer Mladen Bosnic said.

“Law and order in this town is so far out of control that not even the deceased are safe. There will be no change until the greater community becomes active as a whole instead of sitting on their hands and waiting for everyone else to change things,” Barry Simpson wrote.

“This is just disgusting behaviour. So sorry for the families and the great community of volunteers who work so hard to maintain this, just so those little deadbeats can have five minutes of fun,” Evelyn Dobbins said.

“What is wrong with these clowns? Not

only do they not have any respect for other people’s property, they also have no respect for those who have passed. Wonder what their reactions would be it these were their ancestors?” Michael Waters wrote.

Mr Musumeci is now pleading with Mareeba Shire Council to at least fence the cemetery and install better lighting.

“Perhaps a few of those security cameras on trailers could also assist to catch these individuals who continue to wreak havoc on this historical location,” he said.

Last week, Mr Musumeci’s spirits were lifted when he heard about a mum and her children turning up at the cemetery to help with the clean-up.

“Today we see Sharon Ariotti and her awesome kids rocking on up on their own accord and spending hours in the drizzling rain cleaning up all of the smashed glass and damage,” he said.

“This is what community spirit and being proud to live in Mareeba is all about. When others are tired and exhausted, other good folk step up, and take on the reins.”

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the incident had saddened her and wanted to thank the resident who reported the vandalism to council.

“Council staff have visited the cemetery and have cleaned up the broken glass and vases. I encourage residents to continue to report cases of vandalism and graffiti, we cannot act on it if we do not know where it took place,” she said.

“A local volunteering group has contacted council to ask for possible improvements to the cemetery.

“We welcome discussions on how we can work together to maintain this significant site in our shire, and I have invited the group to come and meet with myself and the councillors.

“The group has not yet taken me up on the offer, but I hope to meet with them soon,” Mayor Toppin added.

Teenagers charged over Mareeba burglaries

POLICE have been busy apprehending teenage boys believed to be behind several house burglaries in Mareeba recently.

Police have charged three Mareeba boys after several properties were allegedly broken into in on 2 July. It will be alleged the three teenagers entered a residence on Mountainview Close at around 4.15am and stole vehicle keys and a wallet.

The boys then allegedly broke into a neighbouring residence before being disturbed by the occupant. Police say the boys drove off in the first victim’s vehicle before it was located abandoned near Ward Street.

Police took the three boys into custody as they were walking along the creek bank a short time later.

A 14-year-old boy was charged with one count each of enter dwelling with intent,

enter dwelling with intent by break at night and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with one count each of enter dwelling with intent, enter dwelling with intent by break at night, unlawful use of motor vehicle, possess drug utensils and possess thing intended for use in connection with offence.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with one count each of enter dwelling with intent, enter dwelling with intent by break at night, unlawful use of motor vehicle and possess knife in public place.

Police have also charged a 14-year-old boy after several incidents in Mareeba and Cairns on the morning of 1 July.

It will be alleged that the boy, in the company of four other boys, entered a residence on Langton Avenue at about 7.45am

and stole vehicle keys and a watch.

Policy say the teenager then stole a Toyota Corolla before driving it to Cairns, where police deployed a tyre deflation device and the vehicle was located abandoned at about 4.45pm on Irene Street, Earlville.

Police will also allege the boy then attempted to break into a residence on Julian Close, Mooroobool, before fleeing through several properties and being located by police a shorty after.

The 14-year-old boy is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Children’s Court at a later date, charged with three counts of trespass and one count each of entering a dwelling with intent in company, unlawful entry of vehicle and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

Investigations are continuing in relation to the other children involved.

One of the graves at the Pioneer Cemetery that was attacked by vandals, smashing ornaments and vases.

Crossing confusion continues

MAREEBA’S wombat crossings continue to cause debate in the community, with many saying they are still causing confusion for both drivers and pedestrians in Byrnes Street despite being installed two years ago.

A Facebook post drew numerous comments from locals as to the purpose of the crossings given there is nowhere for pedestrians to cross Byrnes Street lawfully, except at traffic signals at the top of the street or at the Post Office.

The crossings were installed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to slow drivers down but motorists, particularly those from out of town, can often be seen stopping for pedestrians waiting at the edge of the crossings.

Sometimes, the pedestrian will wave the driver on but other times, they start to cross to find a vehicle in the other lane is

not stopping, causing near misses.

“The main roads/and council should be ashamed of themselves to even have wombat crossings on the Main Street, no consideration has been given for the elderly that live in Mareeba and no common sense has been shown to the motorists,” Sue Martel wrote.

“What has happened to the rule that all pedestrians should have right of way? Some people wait, some walk expecting for cars to stop and some cars go straight through when others stop and show some curiosity! What a mess!”

“I deliberately cross away from these hazardous crossings. Too many visiting motorists don’t have a clue, what with cars reversing out onto them, impatient locals sitting on their tails and unsure pedestrians ready to dash out anyway,” another person wrote.

“I still think they should of actually made them into pedestrian crossings, they’d taking away the main one that kids and adults used every day near IGA, so now people are racing traffic to try cross the road which then leads to cars stopping for them to try cross safely and causing more accidents,” Kitty Marie commented.

Mareeba Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Davies, who sits on council’s Traffic Advisory Committee, said it was his understanding that Main Roads would not be doing any further works to the crossings or making it clearer that motorists do not have to give way to pedestrians at the crossings.

“What Main Roads may do in the future is to make Byrnes Street one lane so it will be safer for pedestrians and to reverse out from car parks – the road is theirs so it’s their call,” Cr Davies said.

Kids horsing around

Youngsters had the opportunity to learn all about riding horses over the school holidays at Meraki Equestrian Centre in Mareeba.

Children aged five to 15 years old got hands on with the horses, learning how to ride, groom, feed and utilise equipment.

Pictured above is Chelsea (riding Caiden) and Charlie (leading) at the holiday camp.

Projects identified to boost water supply

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A LONG-awaited document that seeks to guide how the State will provide additional water resources to service the region’s agricultural sector is now out for public comment, but farmers are not holding their breath for the multimillion dollar projects to come on line.

The draft Regional Water Assessment (RWA) for the Tablelands has identified several potential future water sources that have the capacity to boost supply to farms including three that will now proceed to detailed business cases:

▪ The Mareeba-Dimbulah water supply scheme efficiency improvement project stage 2;

▪ Lake Mitchell to the Barron River pipeline; and

▪ The Johnstone River to Tinaroo Falls Dam pipeline (also known as the North Johnstone diversion).

The North Johnstone diversion’s will cost at $115 million-$150 million to produce up to 11,400 megalitres annually. It entails a water transfer of unallocated water from the Johnstone River to increase the water yield available from Tinaroo Falls Dam.

The Lake Mitchell transfer option, which involves pumping water from the lake to the Barron River to offset water from Tinaroo Falls Dam, has an estimated cost of $74 million and up to 11,500ML in extra water.

Stage 2 of the MDWSS efficiency project, which is estimated to provide 2350ML per annum, involves releasing unallocated water from reserves identified in water plans across the region.

But while the government has committed to undertaking the business cases

for the Lake Mitchell and North Johnstone projects, regional advocacy group Advance Cairns says they are 10-20 years away from becoming a reality.

“Two significant initiatives which could add 15-20 per cent extra water into the Atherton Tablelands major agricultural irrigation scheme are 10-20 years from reality, despite being identified as top priorities,” Advance Cairns executive chairman Nick Trompf said.

He said construction could only begin after the detailed business cases, which could take up to two years to complete, and government funding was secured.

According to FNQ Growers president Joe Moro, there’s a long way to go before farmers will know with any certainty as to whether this water will eventually become available and what the price will be, given both projects will cost upwards of $200 million.

“Unless government pays for 95 per cent of the infrastructure, farmers will not be able to afford the water,” he said.

“I think it’s been a great process to get to this point, our group has been part of that process, and while this document will identify the potential cost, it’s a long way to go until we get the final cost and we have to consider that growers might not be able to afford the water.

“A lot of farmers would say they really don’t want more water until there’s more security in markets and better pricing for farmers.”

Mr Moro says an additional 20,550 megalitres of unallocated water from the catchment, which his organisation and Canegrowers fought hard to get recently released, would meet most of the demand for water when coupled with

around 8300ML identified from the efficiency project undertaken by Sunwater last year.

Mr Moro said once a process to validate the water savings was completed, new water allocations would be made available for sale.

State Member for Hill Shane Knuth has cautiously welcomed the draft RWA.

“The audit of the Barron River catchment has identified an additional 20,550 megalitres of water which can be allocated however this barely scratches the surface of what is needed,” he said.

“Agriculture is booming on the Tablelands, and we are seeing significant population growth, which requires water projects, such as the North Johnstone Transfer (or Johnstone River to Tinaroo Dam Pipeline).”

Mr Knuth said he was cautious of the State Government’s announcements because he had seen plenty of business cases and studies commissioned for water projects which never go ahead, despite approval.

“There has been feasibility study after feasibility study done, but still nothing gets built,” he said.

“I would encourage as many members of the Atherton Tablelands community as possible to have their say on water projects in the region and demand action.”

Public information sessions on the updated water management strategy will be held at the Dimbulah Memorial Hall from 10am-2pm, and at Mareeba’s Cedric Davis Community Hub on 13 July from 10am-2pm.

To put in a submission about the RWA, go to www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/water/ and click on consultations.

New

doctor in town

▪ices have been boosted by the recent arrival of a new doctor.

The Mareeba Medical Clinic has welcomed Dr Ahmed Ali to the team after he arrived in Australia from Egypt earlier this year and began practicing medicine at the clinic.

Dr Ali has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and has also completed a Diploma in Family Medicine.

He became familiar with Australia after his wife, Dr Fatma Elshikh, spent time here.

Dr Ali reached out to a colleague in Mareeba and was won over by the reports he received in return.

“I was told about the diverse nature of the community here which excited me,” Dr Ali said.

“I was particularly touched by the story of Dr Mark Bestmann who had worked at the clinic for many years.”

Dr Bestmann was a muchloved doctor in Mareeba for 30 years before losing his battle with mental health in 2016.

Dr Ali said he had quickly as-

similated into the Mareeba community and work at the clinic and looked forward to connecting with new patients.

He said general practice was a “meeting of two experts”.

“The doctor is the expert in medicine and the patient is the expert in their own health,” Dr Ali said.

“We need to work as a team to solve health issues. I am fortunate to have a wonderful mentor in Dr Grant Manypeney.”

The clinic is owned by the not-for-profit Mareeba and Communities Family Healthcare (MCFH).

In welcoming Dr Ali, MCFH board chairman Ross Cardillo said recruiting doctors to private practice was critical in the delivery of primary healthcare in regional and rural communities.

“This is another example of how Mareeba and Communities Family Healthcare is proactively working to deliver healthcare that meets the needs of the Mareeba community,” he said.

Product of Australia

Mareeba has a new GP in Dr Ahmed Ali who has started practising at Mareeba Medical Clinic.

A variety of unique dog breeds will be shown at the Atherton Tablelands Kennel Club’s conformation dog shows this weekend.

NOW OVER TWO DAYS!

AUGUST 12-13

The Tablelands Better Beef Open Days will run across a whole weekend for the first time this year. A record 15 studs will participate with seven to open their gates on Saturday and eight on the Sunday – split into northern and southern zones. The initiative will give visitors more time with seedstock producers to better your beef breeding by providing the flexibility to visit more studs across two days.

SAT AUG 12SUN AUG 13

• FASSIFERN LIMOUSINS

• FIGTREE GREY POLL BRAHMANS

• LAPUNYAH BRAHMANS

• MAPLE DOWNS MURRAY GREY & GREYMANS

Show dogs come back home

Chillagoe mine goes into voluntary administration

ALMOST 200 employees have been laid off by Aurora Metals after the company, which has zinc and copper projects in Chillagoe and Mt Garnet, went into voluntary administration and in a “care and maintenance” mode.

The company had been grappling with financial difficulties for some time, and after an unsuccessful IPO and a 40 per cent decline in zinc prices over the past 10 months, KordaMentha Restructuring have been appointed as Voluntary Administrators.

KordaMentha will now evaluate the overall position of the Aurora Metals Group and determine the best course of action to maximise value for all stakeholders.

Simultaneously, they will initiate a sale process for the various assets owned by the group.

“The Aurora Metals Group will undoubtably attract interest given its portfolio of assets and the current environment where battery metals are in strong demand,” administrator Richard Tucker said.

“The group has four underground mines including King Vol and Mungana, a 500,000tpa

processing plant at Mt Garnet and a 600,000tpa processing plant at Chillagoe all on care and maintenance, together with various other prospects in development.”

For the township of Chillagoe, the loss of employees will not have a great effect on local businesses.

Chillagoe Pub owner Herman D’Wilde, who purchased the hotel in May last year, said his business was not reliant upon business from the employees to be viable.

“When we bought the business last year, we already knew the mine wasn’t doing well,” he said.

“They had already started shredding staff a while ago, 40 or 50 went, now it’s down to a skeleton crew of around 15.”

The Voluntary Administrators have invited interested parties to express their intent to acquire the Aurora Metals Group or individual projects.

The mining industry will be closely watching the proceedings as stakeholders, investors, and potential buyers assess the future prospects and potential value of the group's zinc and copper projects amidst evolving market dynamics.

& COMPOSITES

• TALLANGALOOK SHORTHORNS & SANTA GERTRUDIS

• TELPARA HILLS BRANGUS & ULTRA BLACKS

• REEDYBROOK B BRAHMANS

• RIVERLAND DROUGHTMASTERS

• YANTEE CREEK BRAHMANS

• WARRINA DROUGHTMASTERS

DETAILS: PRESIDENT NICK TROMPF 0412 786 719

Tableland Better Beef Open Days

Palliative boost for hospital

A NEW palliative care space will be created at Mareeba Hospital to give patients and their families much improved facilities.

On Monday, as part of the State Government’s Far North Queensland Regional Community Forum, Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman announced $425,0000 in funding to create the new space at the hospital.

The project involves moving the hospital’s palliative care room to a quieter, fit for purpose space, with garden views, a dedicated ensuite, kitchen and lounge, and room to accommodate large families who want to be with their loved one

The detailed design is nearly complete, with the project expected to be completed early next year.

“Palliative care is an important health service for patients and their families,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The new space will provide a more peaceful setting for those entering the end stages of life, while allowing clinicians to continue to offer quality care.

“The project is now in the detailed design phase, with tenders expected to be announced from August, and construction due to be completed early next year.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the new space would provide more comfort and privacy for people, and the larger space would mean that more family members could visit.

Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing and

Midwifery Jennifer Fitzsimons welcomed the initiative.

“By moving this space to a quieter part of the hospital, patients will have direct access to an outdoor setting,” she said.

“From the new room, there will be more windows and access to an outdoor space that includes a rotunda. We also plan to carry out some landscaping.

“There will be recliner chairs as part of a new carer zone, so people can stay over.

“It is so important that patients, families, and friends will be able to access a self- contained space for privacy and that includes the small kitchen for their comfort.

Milestone shines light on reconciliation

RAINFORESTATION Nature Park is celebrating a significant 30-year partnership milestone between the Woodward family, founders of the CaPTA Group, and the Enochs, from the Quandamooka and Kaanjtju tribes.

This enduring collaboration is believed to have enhanced visitors’ understanding and appreciation of indigenous culture and has also left a lasting impression on the local tourism sector.

The journey began in 1993 when Charles and Pip Woodward joined forces with Donald and Brian Enoch, along with the current Pamagirri Manager Elder William Enoch Senior.

With the support of the late Djabugay Elder Lyn Hobbler, they established the Rainforestation Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience.

This venture has provided a platform for local indigenous people to share their heritage, history, and stories.

Ben Woodward said the continued importance of reconciliation and the celebration of indigenous culture was part of CaPTA’s ethos.

“The CaPTA Group is built upon mutual

respect, harmonious relationships, and a commitment to encourage all members of our team to learn about and celebrate the culture of our Traditional Owners,” he said.

“For the past 30 years, our families have

worked together to drive indigenous tourism, and I believe that this partnership will endure, educating others on indigenous culture, and fostering reconciliation and mutual respect for generations to come.”

“We are always thanked by local families for the family orientated service we provide. This will be a really positive service for the community.”

The community forum in Mareeba discussed economic diversification through tourism and agriculture, housing accessibility and affordability, and reconciliation and the Path to Treaty.

There was also a regional-specific update on the Queensland Vocational Education and Training Strategy, and a session dedicated to the “Voice of Youth”.

The forum also had an agritourism and agribusiness focus, with the event held at Skybury Farms.

Community info sessions on Voice

COMMUNITY information sessions to hear why locals should vote “Yes” at the Voice to Parliament referendum later this year will be hosted in Mareeba and Mossman this week.

Kuku Yalanji man and Uluru Dialogue representative Alwyn Lyall and Wamba Wamba man and Uluru Dialogue leader Eddie Synot will host the sessions across to give locals the chance to ask questions about the First Nations Voice.

Organisers says the sessions “are designed to give local communities access to credible and authoritative information” about the Voice and upcoming referendum.

The Mareeba session will be held at the Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service, 162-164 Walsh Street on Thursday from 6pm-8pm and at the Douglas Shire NAIDOC Market Stall, George Davis Park, Mossman on Friday from 10.30am.

Movie shines light on stolen generation

MISSION Australia, in collaboration with the Mareeba Drive-In, is set to host a special screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, "The Last Daughter," in an effort to bring the community together and promote reconciliation.

The event aims to shed light on the story of Brenda Matthews, a member of the stolen generation, whose experiences have had a profound impact on her understanding of the past.

Brenda’s story starts when she was forcibly separated from her biological family and placed under the compassionate care of a foster family for a period of five years.

While eventually reunited with her Aboriginal family, the significant disruptions she experienced during her formative years have left her grappling with a sense of confusion about her identity and heritage.

Recognising the significance

of this documentary, Mission Australia program manager Rachel Benton, knew showing the movie was important for the Mareeba community.

“It’s such an important film for our community to watch,” she said.

“This documentary shows everyone’s point of view, including the foster parents – who had the noblest of intentions.”

To ensure widespread access to the film, Mission Australia will be providing a limited number of free passes, with Ms Benton extending a warm invitation to individuals facing financial hardship.

The screening will take place at the Mareeba Drive In on Thursday 13 July, with gates opening at 5.30pm. Tickets at the gate are $8 or $15 for a burger and drink included. For more information email Ms Benton on bentonr@missionaustralia.com. au

Schools to ban mobiles

MOBILE phones and wearable electronic devices such as smartwatches will be banned from all Queensland State schools from Term 1 next year.

Education Minister Grace Grace says while more than 95 per cent of school across Queensland already banned phone during class times, around only 15 per cent of schools banned them at break times.

Following the implementation of all recommendations from the nation leading Anti-Cyberbullying 2018 Taskforce, all state schools have been required to outline how they manage mobile phones, including in the context of cyberbullying and distractions in the classroom.

Under new ban to come into effect next year, students will still be able to bring phones to school so they can contact their parents or carers immediately before or after school hours. Exemptions will also be available for digital learning opportunities or in specific circumstances including reasons related to health and well-being.

▪ Tommy was 12 when he suffered a lifechanging stroke

▪ He is riding 9000km across Australia on a trike

▪ His aim is to ride to the four most extreme points of the country (north, east, south and west)

▪ He hopes to raise $1m along the way Tommy aims to educate people about stroke in young people

▪ Stroke can be recognised through the F.A.S.T acronym (Face. Arm. Speech. Time)

▪ 123,977 Australians of working age (aged 18–64) are living with the impact of stroke

Riding the country to help save lives

PEDALLING his trike into Mareeba, young stroke survivor Tommy Quick, 29, is closing in on reaching Cape York.

Pleased with the downhill descent from Atherton, Tommy, who hails from Melbourne, said riding through Herberton Range on Thursday was “probably one of the hardest” he’s travelled through during his journey.

“The traffic was hectic (from Atherton to Mareeba). It’s a good road with lots of room and most drivers are pretty considerate,” Tommy said.

Tommy is on a mission to ride about 9000kms throughout Australia, touching the four most extreme points – Cape York, east to Byron Bay, south to Wilson’s Promontory and as far west to Steep Point.

He’s not just riding these roads for fun – Tommy is raising money ($98,000 so far) for the Stroke Foundation and awareness about the medical condition.

At just 12, Tommy suffered a stroke which impacted him physically and affected his communication.

From learning to walk and talk again to using a trike for rehabilitation, Tommy is no stranger to hard work.

In November 2021, more than 3600km into his ride, Tommy was hit by a car in South Australia. His injuries were severe and he spent a year out of his trike. From then, the journey became a personal goal to complete.

“Two days after the car accident, Channel 9 interviewed me and I said ‘I will be back’. That made me want to get back onto the bike. It was something more than a personal goal.”

Nagging parents also kept his goal alive and are his support along the way.

Tommy has enjoyed the Tablelands for the past week - including a fundraiser at Ravenshoe Hotel on Friday night - as they begin the final preparations to head north to Cape York.

Travelling about 60-80km a day, Tommy said he hoped to reach Cape York by the end of July or early August, in time to celebrate his 30th birthday.

He will be joined by a couple of friends for part of the trip north including well-known Cairns cyclist Tilmann Waldthaler.

Tommy said he was passionate about social inclusion and hoped to break down some common misconceptions about disability.

“I want people to know that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. I plan on stopping along the way and speaking with anyone who will listen.”

Tommy and his family are most happy to chat with anyone who has questions about what he is doing. For more information, to follow his journey or to donate, visit: www.the4points.org

Tommy Quick, 29, is closing in on his goal to reach the northernmost point of Australia, Cape York (Pajinka) atop his recumbent trike.

Animals seeking a forever home

KITTENS and puppies will be hoping they get a “forever home” when a local animal shelter hosts an adoption day in Atherton on 22 July.

This is the first adoption day for the Animal Rescue Tablelands group who are looking forward to welcoming locals who may be in the market for a new pet.

“It’s good, people can see the animals…as Sandy (the owner) says, the animals choose you, you don’t choose them,” ARTi fundraising coordinator Rena Braes said.

The event will be held at Atherton Bunnings on Saturday, 22 July and will feature a barbecue, kids craft workshop, face painting, glitter tattoos and pet giveaways.

Ms Braes said seven puppies and a number of

kittens would be available for rehoming on the day.

Of the puppies there will be two 4-5 month olds, two 10-month-olds, one 12-month-old and two 14 week-olds.

“All the rescues are well socialised,” Ms Braes said.

“We are very appreciative of the offer Bunnings gave us. It’s a big boost to our cause.”

The not-for-profit group puts all money raised back into the rescue funds to help care for and look after the animals.

The adoption day will be from 10am-12 noon. For more information, visit the Animal Rescue Tablelands Inc Facebook page or www.animalrescuetablelandsinc.net

Kerbs, stormwater focus of CBD plan

BY ROBYN HOLMES

FINDING a way to make high kerbs in Mareeba’s CBD easier to manage, better stormwater drainage, pedestrian crossings on council-controlled streets, and more seating, lighting and shade are all part of a new proposal to improve the area for pedestrians and shoppers.

Mareeba Shire Council is about to embark on a design plan to address what it says are longstanding issues that have generated a “large volume” of complaints from businesses, residents and visitors and need to be tackled.

A report to council stated that the high kerbs in Mareeba’s central business district had been problematic for a long time for elderly residents but also for those using mobility aids or prams.

“Council has installed several steps to assist pedestrians to navigate the high kerbs, primarily in Byrnes Street, over a period of many years. Unfortunately, these steps have a number of limitations,” the report stated.

“Vehicles parked in angle-parking bays obstruct access to the steps, which are only able to be used to access the footpath by pedestrians

who exit or enter a vehicle parked immediately in front of the step.

“The steps only benefit a small sub-set of people; they do not improve access for people who require mobility aids such as walking frames and rollers, and they are not safely accessible for prams.

“These steps also impede stormwater flows in an already unsatisfactory drainage system, therefore installation of additional steps to service all parking bays is not recommended.”

Cr Lenore Wyatt said it was critical that council addressed the high kerbs, particularly given the age demographic of the town.

“At the moment, our mean average age is in the 50s so it’s definitely accessibility and all abilities – this is our core business, this is making sure it all comes together and we are seeing a lot of elderly people trying to get up on the footpath.”

Stormwater drainage will be a key focus of the plan, with Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Davies saying action is “overdue”.

“This is overdue, especially with the stormwater in our main street – that drainage was put in when Jesus was a boy,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t see what’s under the

ground including our sewerage, water and stormwater. You only have to see in a downpour in the main street what happens and that’s mainly due to overland flow - once you get it underground, it disperses more evenly.

“So, the first stages of this definitely would be the stormwater and we can work upwards from that.

“It’s not a revitalisation of the main street, it’s just to improve this infrastructure and improve the access from the car parks up onto the footpath.”

According to the council report, the stormwater issue has been a long-standing problem that was made worse when Main Roads reconfigured the system at the corner of Byrnes and Rankin Streets as part of the installation of traffic lights around 2019.

“There is presently insufficient underground stormwater drainage infrastructure to adequately service the Mareeba CBD, with much of the stormwater being transported via the kerb and channel before being directed into underground systems east and west of Byrnes Street,” it stated.

“In some locations in the CBD, stormwater inundates the footpath and traffic lanes during even the most minor rainfall events, which further re-

duces safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

Council officers had been in discussions with Main Roads in an effort to have it reinstate the existing drainage path, however this was yet to be actioned by the department.

“Notwithstanding, even if TMR return the drainage to its pre-2019 flow paths, there still appears to be insufficient capacity in the CBD stormwater drainage network which needs to be addressed," the report stated.

Council officers are currently undertaking an assessment of the existing stormwater network to document the size and condition of the existing infrastructure.

Part of the proposal for the CBD works is the establishment of a new toilet facility, with the one set to be constructed in the Post Office car park now deferred, and the contractor set to construct a new toilet at Bicentennial Lakes instead.

Officers conducted a review of the safety implications of constructing the facility in the Post Office car park and found that while there were some advantages to the location, the proposal presented several safety concerns, including pedestrian interaction with vehicles within the car park, limited footpath connectivity and poor lighting.

Animal Rescue Tablelands Inc fundraising coordinator Rena Braes and owner Sandy Brown with Thor, a 7-year-old mini Fox Terrier.

2023 Malanda Show Queen Kimberly Daley.

Sophie Wieland at the show.

Steve Jensen in the Woodchops.

Pet parade champion pet Taylah Brydon and Piper

Charity celebrity hand milking winner George Johnston.

Fun in the dodgem cars at the show.

Willow Harrison enjoys some treats at the show.

Showjumping is always a highlight.

As the name suggests , one option, for people who do not wish to suddenly cease work when retiring but instead would prefer to cut back on working hours , is the use of what is called a ‘Transition to Retirement Pension’’ (or TTR Pension)

In simple terms, TTR Pensions are an option that allows people who have reached their ‘’preservation age’’ (preservation age is 59 for those born between 1.7.63 and 30.6.1964, or age 60 for all those born after 1.7.1964) to access some of their super benefits, whilst they remain working i.e., before retiring permanently.

Super benefits become fully available regardless of retirement or working status at age 65, so a TTR Pension is not necessary after 65.

Why opt to move to a transition to retirement (TTR) pension, rather than just retire ?

Depending on the person and their life goals, retiring permanently after a lifetime of working can be one of the hardest decisions one can ever make. This difficulty can be due to a whole range of reasons, for example:

• Financial - can I afford to retire?

• Emotional - to some, it can feel like losing part of your identity

• Physical - I really want to keep working, but my body is telling me to slow down

• Social - I do not want to lose contact with my work colleagues or customers

• Mental - I need to keep my brain active

• Pathways - I would like to try to slow down and see if it suits me, I am just not sure I can commit to permanent retirement yet

Accessing, means you may draw an account-based pension ‘’income’’, for example:

• you must draw a minimum 4% of the 1st of July pension account balance each financial year if you are under 65 • but no more than 10% of that same balance each year whilst in transition to retirement phase.

If you are over 60, the income received from your transition to retirement pension is tax free, but before age 60, tax may be payable on a portion of the pension payments.

Some Pros

• Prior to age 65 – It may allow you to reduce your work hours, and replace some, or all of that lost income from your super benefits, without needing to commit to permanent retirement (maintain your income, with less work).

• A Tax-free income stream while you remain working, after 60.

Some Cons

• Any early pension withdrawals will erode your future super benefits before you permanently retire.

• Depending on the age and circumstances of your partner, it may impact their government support benefits.

TTR’s are potentially complex and can have both short - and longterm unintended consequences. We would generally recommend people seek financial advice before implementing them. The cost-benefit, or complexity, may or may not be in your interests overall. A financial adviser can assist to help you decide that. At

Advice Services that are tailored to our clients’ unique circumstances and retirement goals.

This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement/s (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decisions regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication

Doreen Ketchup painting at Naidoc day in Mareeba.

Enjoying ice cream on teh day was Riley, Kuparr, Zyron, Zendaya and Shannah. Melissa Bloore facepainting John Heggarty.

Mavllin and Kiah playing in the sensory pit.

Aiden Flanagan painting at the kindy stall.

Sisters Avi and Lakota Harries hanging out.Celebrating Naidoc day.

The Newbury Family celebrating Naidoc.

A dancer at the celebrations last week.

PHOTO: Zoe Maree Media.

BudgetQuickFacts

Deliveringandsupportingcommunity servicesandinfrastructurewith$119.2M capitalandoperatingspending.

Ongoingwaterimprovementstothe Ravenshoearea.

Averageincreaseof3.8%togeneralratesfor residentialproperties,wellbelowCPI.

Continuedsupportfortheregionincluding developmentincentives.

$17.5minstateandfederalprojectand programfunding.

Continuousimprovementstoservicedelivery.

BoostingeconomicactivitywiththePriors CreekDevelopment.

BuildingABudget

Ascertainwhatserviceswewanttodeliverin thecomingyear.

Considerchangestoservicedelivery.

Calculatethecostofdeliveringthoseservices andprovidingfacilities.

Takeintoaccountotherrevenuesources likegrants.

Calculatetheremainingamountrequired fromrates.

Applythistothedifferentratingcategoriesin afairandequitableway.

Thisbudgetsupportsprojectsandactivitiesthatcontributetothe deliveryofTRC'scorporateandcommunityobjectivesinlinewith theTRCCorporatePlan2021–26andTablelands 2030+CommunityPlan.

TotalExpenditure(Capital&Operational)

$72.9MinOperationalSpending*

Thisexpendituresupportsdailyoperationsincluding runninglibrariesandtransferstations,maintaining parksandgardens,facilitatingcommunityevents, providingandmaintainingfacilities,anddelivering essentialservicestohomesandbusinesses.

Key areas include:

$21.9M for roads, bridges, footpaths & drains

$13.2M on water

$11.6M on community & corporate buildings

$7.3M on waste

$6.9M on wastewater

$3.1M on parks & gardens

$2.5M on community, events & tourism

$46.3MinCapitalSpending*

Thisinvestmentinourregiondeliversprojects thatenhanceourcommunityassetsandsupport communityneedsnowandintothefuture.

Key areas include:

$20.8M on water improvements

$15.5M on roads, bridges, footpaths & drains

$3.6M on parks, gardens and facilities

$2.0M on wastewater

$1.1Monwaste

$325k on community buildings & amenities

** Includes up to $17.5M in state and federally funded projects.

Saddle up for a big weekend of rodeo fun

BY ELLIE FINK

ALL country roads lead to Mareeba this weekend, with thousands of people flocking to Kerribee Park to witness some of the rankest bulls, quickest horses, best arts and crafts and death-defying rides.

The Mareeba Rodeo has been described by many as one of the biggest and best, attracting the likes of the best bull riders, barrel racers and showgoers from across Australia, with this year’s event expected to attract around 10,000 people.

For the first time since Covid cancelled the rodeo entirely, the popular event will be going back to two days, with the town embracing the second day once again.

“The rodeo has been going for a long time and traditionally, it is the major event on the Tablelands and from a rodeo point of view it is a major event on the ABCRA calendar,” Mareeba Rodeo Association president Peter Brown said.

“In the past we have had to go back to one day due to Covid but this year, we are back with all the major events including the State of Origin which is pretty exciting.”

This year there is a jam-packed rodeo program for anyone and everyone to enjoy.

Sideshow alley will be in full swing, with rides and games for all ages to enjoy whilst the agricultural show will display the talents of the regions craftiest people from 9am until 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Animal lovers can enjoy a cuddle with an alpaca or a donkey all weekend with Melville’s Animal Farm, whilst the woodchopers will be in full swing from 11am on Saturday.

This year, rodeo-goers will also be able to enjoy a drink in the stands, after the rodeo association moved the location of the the bar.

“We have a full bar for anyone who wants a sherbet or two and this year we have

changed how the bar is set up so you can actually sit in the stands and have a drink,” Mr Brown said.

“So, whilst mum and the kids are looking around the rodeo grounds you can sneak a few brews in and watch the action.”

Saturday night will kick off with the Airtime FMX motorbike act, who will kick up the dust showcasing jaw-dropping stunts in the arena.

The State of Origin will then kick off with riders from Queensland and New South Wales going head-to-head from 8pm in the arena, with Mr Brown promising it to be a crowd favourite.

From there, a grand parade will kick off in the arena with the official crowning of the Rodeo Queen and Princess and then a cabaret with local band Careless.

On Sunday, the action kicks off again with bull and bronc rides, barrel racing and more. With only a few days to go, Mr Brown is encouraging the town to get into rodeo spirit and to buy tickets online to avoid missing out.

“Be a part of the festivities. The rodeo comes around once a year and, in my opinion, is the best rodeo in Australia,” he said.

“We have some of the best facilities in the country and it is awesome to just be involved whether that is dressing up your business for the week, being a part of the downtown parade or nominating a queen.

“Buy tickets online – they are cheaper, and you don’t have to wait in a 50 mile long line because you get zapped at the entry and just go through.

“Everything is lining up to be a great event this year, we have the best attraction and without the support of the community, we wouldn’t be able to put on an event like this – it’s just locals supporting locals.”

Tickets are available to purchase at www. mareebarodeo.com.au/tickets

Twelve young women will find out if they have earned the title of 2023 Mareeba Rodeo Queen this Friday night. The Queen entrants will be the main focus of the Downtown Parade which will culminate in the crowning of the Queen and Princess.

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Local cowgirl set to star at rodeo event

BY ELLIE FINK

CHASING the need for speed, 26 year old Markayla Shephard is preparing to dominate on home soil in the Mareeba Rodeo arena this weekend.

Considered one of the most exciting events besides bull riding at every rodeo, the local cowgirl will compete in the ladies barrel race this weekend with her horse Shine.

Barrel racing requires a horse and rider to complete a course of barrels in the shape of a cloverleaf in the quickest time.

Starting out in camp drafting, Markayla found her love for the horse sports scene at an early age, chasing cows at any event she could get to.

In 2015, she found herself on the back of her horse once again, but this time looping around barrels in the arena.

Since then, Markayla has secured many buckles and ribbons for the collection, becoming one of the most well-known cowgirls in the north.

“My biggest highlight would probably be in 2021 when I obtained the ABCRA ladies barrel race novice champion which was a really huge success,” she said.

Recently, Markayla also won Maiden Campdraft and came second in the lady’s barrel race at Laura Rodeo.

The Mareeba Rodeo holds a special place in Markayla’s heart, being one of the biggest ABCRA events in the country taking place on home soil.

Although she didn’t do as well as she wanted

to at last year’s event, she hopes to come back better than ever to secure the win.

“I have competed at the Mareeba Rodeo for the past two years and the first time I did, I actually got second place but last year I didn’t do super well.

“I just love the atmosphere of it and the hometown scenery – it’s just a great show to go to.”

In preparation for the event, Markayla is working with Shine to ensure he is ready to go up against some of the biggest names in the sport.

Working on fitness, stamina and consistency, Shine knows the sport like second nature and Markayla is confident he will perform at the best of his ability on the day.

“So mainly our preparation is just fitness and keeping Shine nice and fit and making sure he is ready to run,” she said.

“On the day, we are hoping then he will have consistent runs and hopefully that consistency will pay off.

“It’s pretty exciting – we have a few New South Wales competitors coming up so it’s really good to test the waters and see how you can place up against the other girls.

“It is really awesome, and I love it.”

Besides her own event, Markayla is excited to have the rodeo back to two days, which will allow her to experience more of the events and get involved for a longer time.

“I don’t mind looking at the bull riding, that’s pretty cool and the ladies breakaway is also pretty awesome as well,” she said.

“Everything in the rodeo is pretty awesome and it looks like it is going to be fun.”

MAREEBA ROTARY

Free shuttle bus

The shuttle will be doing transfers every hour from both locations between 8am and 2am Saturday and 8am until afternoon on Sunday.

For more information, call the rodeo association on 4092 1583.

Amyrosa Enderlin

Kiara Frost

Talisha Falvo

Temia Green

Markayla Shephard will be taking on some of the best barrel racers in the rodeo scene at the Mareeba Rodeo this weekend.

● WATCH MARKAYLA’S STORY ON OUR YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK, AND INSTAGRAM REELS.

A FREE shuttle bus will be operating between the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds and Anzac Park Mareeba over the weekend with compliments from Savannah in the Round.

Best utes ready for muster

UTES of all colours and sizes will make their way to Kerribee Park on Sunday 16 July for the popular Ute Muster event as part of the Mareeba Rodeo and Agricultural Show program.

Finishing up the event in style, this is the first time the muster has been scheduled after the open bull ride.

Utes can enter into up to eight categories – Town and Country, Best Street Ute, Classic (30 plus years), B&S Ball, Chicks, Feral, Work and 4x4 – with six categories recognised under the Queensland Ag Shows which means winners can proceed to the Sub Chamber Finals and

State Finals. The Best Street Ute will be judged on its immaculate presentation, while the B&S category will be looking for utes that show evidence, they have attended a B&S Ball.

Ag show and woodchops

THERE is no shortage of entertainment at the Mareeba Rodeo, with the agriculture show and woodchops promising to leave patrons in awe.

Showcasing the creative works of locals in a variety of artistic mediums. With over $6000 in prize money up for grabs, this event showcases only the best from the region is open from 9am until 6pm the whole weekend at the Exhibit Marquee.

At every agricultural show, one event never fails to captivate the audience, the woodchops. This traditional drawcard event showcases the impressive skills of axemen and pays homage to the rich history of the timber industry. The woodchops will kick off from 11am.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

THE Mareeba rodeo festival is upon us again, over the last 12 months the Mareeba Rodeo committee and a band of volunteers have worked extremely hard to ensure that the 2023 Mareeba Rodeo will be one to remember.

For the first time since Covid we are back to a full 2 days of rodeo along with 2 weeks of festivities leading up to the rodeo. As a part of the 2023 Mareeba Rodeo, we have some exciting entertainment like the State of Origin rodeo and the FMX Airtime Freestyle Motocross show.

miss a minute of the show.

Along with the celebrations in the main arena on Saturday night patrons will have a chance to visit our new bar area after the entertainment finishes in the main arena.

We have a live big screen so you won’t miss a minute of the action whilst enjoying a cold beer or soft drink.

Our Rodeo Cabaret will kick off when the main arena finishes with the band “Careless” for those wanting to dance the night away with live music until 2am.

To enter the Chicks ute category, the vehicle must be owned and registered by a female, while the Best Work Ute must display toolboxes and trade accessories as well as clear business or trade signage on the vehicle.

Downtown parade

BEFORE the rodeo action begins on the weekend, make sure you head on down to the Mareeba Mazda downtown parade and Queen crowning ceremony this Friday night.

The parade, held along Byrnes Street, kicks off at 7.45pm with the crowning of the Queen at the conclusion of the parade on the main stage.

Attracting thousands, the parade includes floats by queen entrants, local community groups organisations and businesses, plus so much more including the fun at sideshow ally.

We also welcome back our event partner for the Mareeba Rodeo Ringers Western, a huge shout out to Shane and Jasmin Shroj for their continued support, I would also like to thank Mareeba Mazda for their ongoing support of the Mareeba Rodeo as they will again be the Major sponsor of the Friday night downtown parade where we will see our 2023 Mareeba Rodeo Queen and Princess crowned.

We are very fortunate to have so many fantastic sponsors supporting this year’s event and all these sponsors can be found on our website www.mareebarodeo.com. au. I encourage you to support these local businesses.

We have secured some of Australia’s best stock and they will be travelling to Mareeba from all parts of the country, we are also very fortunate to have record nominations with cowboys and cowgirls travelling from all corners of Australia to compete at this fantastic event.

The Saturday night programme will be jammed packed, and you won’t want to

The action will then start bright and early Sunday morning where we will see another full day of rodeo finishing off with our finals on Sunday afternoon.

Once again, this year the arena events will be complimented by so many activities such as all the trade displays, the Woodchops, the Agricultural tent, Melville’s Animal park, The Ute muster and side show alley.

Mareeba Rodeo is one of the best rodeos in Australia with outstanding facilities, I encourage you all to come out and be a part of this iconic event “The Mareeba Rodeo”.

I look forward to seeing you all at Kerribee Park this weekend.

PeterBrown

President, Mareeba District Rodeo Association Inc.

We wish our Mareeba Rodeo Queen Entrant Makayla-Rose Marsterson all the best!

130 Mason Street Mareeba | 4092 2332

Makayla-Rose Marsterson

MAREEBA RODEO

MELVILLE’S PIONEER FARM

Melville’s Pioneer Farm has been entertaining patrons for the past 30 years.

“Cute and Cuddlies” Area

A variety of small ducklings, baby chicks, guinea pigs, baby lambs, kid goats, piglets, and other baby animals delight visitors.

“Large and Unique Animals” Area

Favourites such as a miniature donkey, sheep, goats, a miniature cow, llamas and ponies look to be greeted and patted by children and adults. Find Melville’s Animal Farm next to the woodchops.

STATE OF ORIGIN IS BACK!!

SATURDAY NIGHT JULY 15

QLD Vs NSW

Queensland won the series 2-1 in 2022. Can they make it 3-0 in 2023?

Proudly sponsored by Maximum Pest Management.

DOWNTOWN PARADE & QUEEN CROWNING

FRIDAY 14TH JULY

SPONSORED BY MAREEBA MAZDA

WILL START AT 7.45PM

Businesses, clubs and local organisations are invited to enter floats. The event will also see the crowning of the 2023 Mareeba Rodeo Queen and Princess after the parade on the main stage.

Young ladies vie for queen title

SINCE 1959, young women from the Mareeba community have put their hand up to represent their community with pride through the beloved rodeo tradition – the Queen’s Quest.

From the first crowning of Noela Connolly in the late 50’s, there has been a Mareeba Rodeo Queen every year, besides 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, who represents the event for the year.

This year, nine young women have stepped up to become a part of the competition and matron Frances Petersen said they have already begun learning about public speaking, wellbeing and deportment.

“We started our program by working on their confidence and public speaking as well as workshops on health, wellbeing and deportment,” she said,

“We have a hairdresser coming in to teach them how to do their hair and have another make up workshop to get them ready for the ball and the exciting judging morning.”

Presenting themselves for the first time at the cowpokes, the young ladies will spend the lead up to the rodeo attending events and getting to know the most prominent members of the community.

They attended the annual Mareeba Rodeo Ball on Saturday 8 July, where they had the opportunity to dress up for an evening of excitement.

The next day will be judging day, where they will meet with the judges and be quizzed on their knowledge of the rodeo and the general community.

They then attend the garden competition presentations on 10 July, the committee and

entrant barbeque on 11 July and the agricultural show set to kick off on Friday 14 July.

On Friday night, the Queen and Princess will be crowned during the Downtown Parade after showcasing their creativity with a float.

All entrants will then spend the weekend at the rodeo, participating in activities and meeting with locals and visitors.

Ms Petersen and Karen Blakeney will act as their “adoptive mothers” for the duration of the quest, being there every step of the way to support the young entrants.

“(Ms Blakeney) and I are their mentors and

like an adoptive mother as such because if they have any questions they can come and see us,” Ms Petersen said.

“We are there to steer them all the way and build their confidence and this is a big stepping-stone for them to get out into the big wide world.

“We had a big chat about winning and losing and getting them ready for that kind of thing and in life - we have lots of winning and losing in life and I hope they take everything in their stride and learn from their ups and downs.”

A LOOK BACK AT PAST QUEENS (1959-2022)

1959 – Noela Connolly, 1960 – Norma Callaghan, 1961 – Margaret Remfrey, 1962 – Daphene Tullipan, 1963 – Gail Marshall, 1964 – Beryl Dowling, 1965 – Margaret Emmerson, 1966 – Margaret Wicks, 1967 – Christine Angaard, 1968 – Barbara Kingston, 1969 – Therese Duignan. 1970 – Robyn Milner, 1971 – Nancy Wallace, 1972 – Janelle Morris, 1973 – Clare O’Shea. 1974 – Fay Cornish, 1975 –Lynne Mallet, 1976 – Shirley Davis, 1977 – Jennifer Troughton, 1978 – Tracey Roos, 1979 – Linda Copine.

1980 – Maryanne Snell, 1981 – Glennys

Bimrose. 1982 – Kim Aqulina, 1983 – Lea McLaghlan, 1984 – Linda Tomic, 1985 –Sue De Faveri, 1986 – Deborah McGrath, 1987 – Leanne Foley, 1988 – Kayleen Stewart, 1989 – Barbara Kerlin.

1990 – Narelle Dati, 1991 – Lenore Gear, 1992 – Rachel Stallan, 1993 – Belinda Blakeney, 1994 – Sharelle Dyer, 1995 –Amanda Williams, 1996 – Jeanie Henning, 1997 – Rebecca Johns, 1998 – Tracey

Binnie, 1999 – Kieryn Cornish.

2000 – Tammie Ball, 2001 – Rebecca Merritt, 2002 – Chloe Larsen, 2003 – Faith Hatfield, 2004 – Talitha Carter, 2005 –Natasha Brtevnik, 2006 – Tency Tyler, 2007 – Vicki Bombardieri, 2008 – Katie Rains, 2009 – Natasha Cain.

2010 – Rebecca Trimble, 2011 – Eliza

Michael, 2012 – Kendall Axford, 2013 –Alessia Aloyia, 2014 – Rachel Whiteing, 2015 - Chloe Hampton, 2016 – Sarah Bensted, 2017 – Logan Foxwell, 2018 –Lauren Brown, 2019 – Kayla Amos, 2022 – Maia Gambino.

Best green thumbs

both New Garden and Native Garden.

THE RESULTS: Front Garden Including Footpath

- 1 Sally Best; 2 Amanda and Andrew McCulloch; 3 Leanne Trevisiol. Town Garden - 1 Milyana Bernadi; 2 Melissa

Fletcher; 3 Jaqueline Boneham. Ru-

ral Residential Garden - 1 Kathryn and John Edwards; 2 Rodger Smith;

3 Amanda and Andrew McCulloch.

Senior Garden - 1 Maria Savaglio;

2 Erlinda Best; 3 Dot Robinson. New Garden - 1 Amanda and Andrew McCulloch; 2 Sally Best; 3 Anne Duncan-

son. Outdoor Living Area - 1 Milyana

Bernadi; 2 Fred and Aileen Fronda; 3 Rita Compton. Vegetable Garden - 1 Jonelle Prowse; 2 Reece and Lyn Gore;

3 Rafet and Maria Shaban. Commercial Garden - 1 Ahoy Molloy Coffee Shop. Native Garden - 1 Amanda and Andrew McCulloch; 2 Rodger Smith;

3 Rupert and Juliana Russell. Most Sustainable Garden - 1 Ahoy Molloy Coffee Shop; Biboohra School; Rodger Smith. 11. School Garden 1 Biboohra

Prep; 2 Biboohra School. Facebook

People’s Choice - 1 Sally Best; 2 Jaqueline Boneham; 3 Fred and Aileen Fronda. Encouragement Award - Clive Charnley.

Frances Petersen and Karen Blakney.

Mick Deguara and Melody Broad.

Peter Brown and Shane Srhoj.

Sharelle and Michael France.

action

big screen Sisters’ work on show at gallery

A TRAVELLING exhibition from the Australian Museum that takes visitors on a journey through the extraordinary work of two renowned 19th century natural history artists is being hosted by Tablelands Regional Gallery.

“Transformation: Art of the Scott Sisters” will enable locals to learn about the work of Harriet (Hattie) and Helena (Nellie) Scott, featuring a display of 150-year-old artworks.

The exhibition showcases 35 watercolour reproductions alongside animated projections of butterflies and moths, all based on original illustrations by the sisters.

“The Scott sisters’ remarkable artistic talent and love for nature overcame the challenges of a male-dominated scientific field, and they established themselves as prominent figures in 19th century science,” Cr Peter Hodge said.

“Their works continue to inspire generations and this is a rare opportunity for our community to delve into the captivating story behind their beautiful illustrations.

“The best part is that entry to all our galleries is free so get in before Saturday 12 August to see this amazing exhibition.”

Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay said Hattie and Nellie Scott exuded wit, intelligence and scientific expertise at a time when these qualities were largely attributed solely to men.

“The sisters were incredibly talented and determined to make a difference, flying in the face of gender norms of the time, yet they were unable to formally study science at Sydney University as they had wished,” she said.

“Their work at the Australian Museum in the 1850s to 1870s provided them with an outlet for their extraordinary talents, having been taught the techniques to paint flora and fauna by their father A.W. Scott, who was also an artist and scientist.

“He shared with them the scientific skills to observe, collect and record behavioural and distribution data.”

Cr Hodge also announced two activities in conjunction with the travelling exhibition.

“The gallery will be offering a morning tea and talk, and a botanical print workshop to complement the travelling exhibition,” he said.

Patrons can enjoy a light morning tea while Professor Peter Valentine presents “Butterfly Transformations, Deceptions and Connections”, a free talk that explores the intriguing behaviour of the butterfly order Lepidoptera, and their intricate relationships and local connections.

The morning tea and talk will be held at the gallery at 10am on Thursday 20 July.

“If you’re seeking a more hands-on experience, the botanical print workshops led by

Celebrating everything Italian

EVERYTHING Italian will be celebrated when the Cairns Italian Festival kicks off for a longer and more varied program of events later this month.

Locals are being encouraged to get involved, with competitions to find the best homemade pasta, sausages and salami all on offer.

This year, Innisfail will be included in the festival with the inaugural Pasta and Sugo competition on 23 July which will seek out the best cooks in the region.

Cash prizes of $500 will be awarded to the winners of the best homemade pasta and the best sugo, with $1000 for the best combination of homemade pasta and sugo.

Concert to wrap up rodeo

COUNTRY music lovers are invited to enjoy a night of great talent at the Royal’s Church after the Mareeba Rodeo on Sunday.

From 6pm on Sunday 16 July, country star Peter Shurley will perform is award winning country tunes alongside local artists Darryl Chaplain, Brendan Wright and the Royal Church Choir.

“We have been doing this concert for the past 30 years and we are excited to have it at the church for the first time,” pastor Jeff Xhafer said.

“Come along for some bootscooting yeeha fun!”

on

THE magic continues at the Majestic Theatre this week, with more opportunities to enjoy two magnificent movies that film enthusiasts really don’t want to miss out on.

The Tom Cruise action-adventure thriller “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One” is adrenalin pumping action at its very best.

Cruise was in Australia last week promoting this fast action-packed film which has been eagerly awaited by fans of the Mission Impossible franchise.

Maryke Dobe will provide an introduction to printing techniques using a gel press plate,” Cr Hodge said.

Participants will have the opportunity to appreciate the intricate beauty of nature’s structures and create a series of botanical prints, incorporating realistic form and structure with artistic flair in the use of colour.

The workshops will cover various techniques including negative and positive prints, overprinting, set up for registration, masks and stencils, and rainbow rolls. Book by going to www.tablelandsregionalcouncil.eventbrite.com.au now for the workshops at 10am12noon or 1pm-3pm on Thursday 27 July. The $45 cost including materials, and tea and coffee.

In this film, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands. But clearly from the title of the movie, there is more to come and we will await Part Two.

The action-adventure sci-fi “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is also a mighty blast for those who love nonstop action.

Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” will take audiences on a globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers - the Maximals - to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth.

For all session times, go to www. majestictheatre.com.au

The Sausage and Salami Festa which is the final event in the festival program, will be held in Mareeba on 6 August at the Mareeba International Club.

Some of the best artisan salami and sausage makers will be contesting to win the awards on offer.

The day will feature a beautiful homemade Italian lunch, with live music by fantastic duo Attori.

More information and tickets for both the Innisfail and Mareeba events are available online at www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au

As part of the Cairns Italian Festival, some lucky person will win a trip to Italy, valued at $8000.

The raffle’s first prize is a trip for two to Italy including flights, five nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Rome, daily breakfasts and two day tours.

Second prize is an oil painting, entitled “A Day in Positano”, valued at $3000, while third prize will see 10 people each win $300 in cash.

To buy tickets, go to www. cairnsitalianfestival.com.au/ raffle

Magic and

continues

the

The Emperor Moth Syntherata janetta painted by Harriet Scott is one of the artworks on show.

ON LANDthe

Show’s ag status growing

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

MAKING history with hosting the State finals of the Dairy Young Judges and Paraders competition for the first time outside of the Brisbane Exhibition and being given the honour of also hosting the 2023 Droughtmaster Feature Show left no doubt that this year’s Dairy Farmers 106th Malanda Show was in sensational form.

Malanda Show Society president Greg English said that this year’s show was the best one so far.

“It gets bigger and better every year - It was an all round fantastic show,” Mr English said.

“Everyone associated with the Malanda Show, workers and exhibitors, has done a marvellous job.”

The show prides itself on being a true agricultural show and this year proved to be no exception.

Malanda Show manager

Kate Stokes said this year livestock pavilions were brimming, with many at full capacity and record numbers being reported in some.

“There were around 120 head of dairy cattle entered, around 107 head of stud beef, around 120 of prime beef, over 400 poultry and over 100 horses,” Mrs Stokes said.

“This is the most animals we have had in any show and quite possibly the most of any show in the region including Cairns.

“We are humbled to be selected to host these events. We see this as an opportunity to showcase the best of our wonderful dairy industry.”

Being renowned for being one of the premier dairy shows in Australia, this year’s judges were Phil Hentschke (Illawarra) who came from South Australia, Rod Verrall (Combined breeds) from Southern Queensland and Ben Govett {Holstein) from Victoria.

They judged five dairy cat-

tle breeds which included Illawarras, Jerseys, Brown Swiss, Guernseys and Holsteins.

In what could quite possibly be a first for any show in Australia, three members of the one family have won the highest accolades possible at any one show.

Supreme Champion Cow was won by Jersey cow Long Lanes TS Narcissus. She is owned by Jerry English. His brother, Patrick English won the Queensland State Finals of the Dairy Young Judges.

Their sister Rachel English completed the hat trick, after winning the Queensland State Finals of the Dairy Paraders competition.

The winner of the John & Cherie Bevan Memorial Dairy Youth Challenge was Team A comprising of Aila Bevan, Lucy Stace, Joey Donald and Reece Rielly.

The largest show team exhibited was by the English family of Eachamvale with a team of

TABLELAND MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS

WEEK ENDING 02/07/2023

2023 Crop Estimate: 870,000 Tonnes

Total For Week: 29,427 Tonnes

Total Cane Crushed To Date: 154,068 Tonnes

Percentage Crushed: 17.71%

13.71

To Date: 13.16

MOSSMAN MILL CRUSHING

Mossman Mill have started crushing but due to the rain it has been shut down.

Stats to follow as soon as possible after operations begin again.

36 animals both Illawarra and Jersey.

Synonymous with the Malanda Show, the English family won Most Successful Dairy Exhibitor.

Crowd favourite George Johnston won the Bega and Dairy Farmers Celebrity Milking Competition and donated his $500 winnings to the Malanda Lions Club.

The 2023 Droughtmaster Feature Show was held in conjunction with this year’s Stud Beef judging. Stud Beef chief steward Anthony Ball said cattle exhibits were up on last year's numbers.

“This year we had two new exhibitors with Millstream Springs and Darcy Small and we had 13 different breeds on display,” he said.

Father-daughter team David and Amy Whitechurch from Inverell, New South Wales judged the Supreme Champion Stud Beef Exhibit to be 16-month-old Santa Gertrudis heifer Talangalook Scarlett T07 owned by Nick and Alison Trompf.

Overall Champion Junior Judge and Junior Parader for Stud Beef was Jacinta Pedersen.

In the Prime Beef section chief steward Colleen McLucas said that the pens were filled to capacity in the 2023 Malanda Show Prime cattle yards.

Owen Rankine scooped the pool winning all three major coveted championships, taking home Champion Female of Show, Champion Bullock of Show as well as Most Successful Prime Beef Exhibitor.

Overall Champion Junior Judge Prime Beef was Sascha Micola von Furstenrecht.

In the Led Steer & Heifer (Commercial) competition Champion Led Steer was exhibited by Mo and Charlene Pedersen with Champion Led Heifer being exhibited by the Godfrey Family.

Poultry chief steward Keith Waugh said there was a record number of entries in the poultry pavilion with over 400 birds being entered.

“It was absolutely full - here were 47 exhibitors, with 19 Juniors showing poultry in 65 entries,” Mr Waugh said.

“Around 40 different breeds were exhibited with good quality of fowls on show.

The Grand Champion Bird of Show was exhibited by Keith Waugh & Son and was an Old English Wheaten Bantam cockerel.

The Malanda Showgrounds hosted over 100 horses on site for the duration of the event.

Horse chief steward Niki

Collins said he horse events at the Malanda Show were very well supported with competitors coming far and wide from Cape York to Rockhampton to compete.

“With over $4,200 in prize money up for grabs in the showjumping competition was fierce,” she said.

In an exciting and close event, Mareeba local Kelly Buckingham and her warmblood gelding Finch Farm Cornetto took out the 120cm Grand Prix, on a Chris Duffy designed course.

“Showjumping judge Trevor Hyatt commented that the Malanda Show showjumping events had even more entries than the Townsville Show,” she said.

Kymberlee Cockrem, riding Newington Birthday Girl, won Supreme Champion Hack of the Show as well as Supreme Led Exhibit with Miss Roadshow.

Supreme Champion Stud Beef Exhibit of the 2023 Malanda Show was Talangalook Scarlett T07 owned by Nick and Alison Trompf. Pictured is Nick Trompf at the halter, Alison Trompf, Cassie Faithful (Rumours Diner), Mikaela Gauci (Associate Droughtmaster judge), David Greenup (Droughtmaster judge), Amy Whitechurch (Stud Beef judge), David Whitechurch (Stud Beef judge).

Supreme Champion Dairy Cow at the 2023 Malanda Show was Long Lanes TS Narcissus, owned by Jerry English. Pictured are Rodney Hartin from Long Lanes Jersey stud, Rod Verrall (Combined Breeds judge), Ben Govett (Holstein judge), Phil Hentschke (Illawarra judge), Jerry English with his supreme exhibit, Kirra Andersen (Illawarra dairymaid), Kimberly Daley (2023 Malanda Show Queen and Holstein dairymaid) and April Burtenshaw (Combined Breeds dairymaid).

ON LANDthe

Droughtmasters flex their muscles

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

IN a first for Malanda Show, the 2023 Droughtmaster Feature Show was hosted in conjunction with this year’s stud beef cattle judging.

Kel-Lee A Hush( Vale View M Ballistic/ Wirrigai Nina) owned by Kellie Williams took out top honours being awarded the Supreme Champion Droughtmaster Stud Exhibit and also Grand Champion Female.

She was also a part of the winning droughtmaster breeders group.

Droughtmaster Australia far northern director Kellie Williams said this was the first time Malanda had ever hosted a Droughtmaster Feature Show and that local breeders had appreciated the opportunity to exhibit their animals at such a major event.

“The idea of the feature show was to promote the Droughtmaster breed in Far North Queensland and to showcase it, in the latest strategic plan the Far North was an area we felt that we could target to increase membership and cattle numbers,” Ms Williams said.

“There were five exhibitors and 18 head nominated. A little lower than we would have liked but the quality was really good.

“Jacinta Pedersen was the youngest exhibitor at 16, Hilltop Droughtmasters came back after an absence of four years. We have been exhibiting for over 30 years.”

David Greenup from Rosevale Santa Gertrudis stud, in Jandowae, Southern Queensland judged the local lineup of animals with Associate judge Mikaela Gauci, from Sarina assisting.

Droughtmaster Feature show Stud Beef chief steward Anthony Ball said the Drough-

termaster breed was a versatile breed which is used widely across the region

“It’s great to see that we have a high calibre of judges at this event,” he said.

Scott, Rachael and Emily Bowden of Hilltop Droughtmasters made a strong comeback this year after not having shown for four years.

Racheal said they decided to exhibit this year to support the feature show.

“Due to not having shown for four years it was a great opportunity to gain exposure again,” she said.

“One of the highlights of the feature show for us was taking out the Grand Champion Bull award with our six-month-old bull calf Hilltop Titan.”

The Droughtmaster breed is widely used on the Tablelands due to its versatility.

It was originally developed as a result of the efforts of pioneer Australian cattlemen crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus to overcome the perennial problems of drought, cattle tick, heat, eye cancer and many other issues that reduce production and profitability.

This led to the development of an adaptable, fertile and easy-care breed which has proven to be of great benefit to all sections of the beef cattle industry.

The Droughtmaster breed was recognised by the Queensland National Trust as a Queensland icon in 2006.

The Droughtmaster Society was established in 1962 and now goes under the slogan of Droughtmasters - Australia’s natural wonde.r

Acclaimed as being one of Australia’s most versatile cattle breeds, the society developed their The Road Ahead, Strategy

We pride ourselves on being the best value labour provider in the industry through the provision of a productive, reliable & always compliant workforce.

Direct Agri are approved employers under the PALM Scheme for your SWP/PLS labour visa holder requirements. Our experience spans over 25 years in the agribusiness sector. Our team has been working with PALM since its inception.

What we offer:

• Competitive rates

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Contact: Kristen 0475 715 995 (Tablelands to Lakeland) Sarah 0477 577 444 (Innisfail to Tully) directpersonnel.com.au/

2020-2022 which was an ambitious two year transformational plan. It outlined key priorities and strategies for the breed and the society.

The society is now moving into the next stage of the plan which is called The Next Phase, Strategic Plan 2023-2025 which is designed to build on the foundations implemented from The Road Ahead, Strategy 2020-2022.

This new plan focuses on growing the breed’s geographic footprint both in terms of membership and inventory as well as addressing opportunities to diversify our income streams.

Droughtmasters Australia has been working hard to build markets for its breeders with society sponsored sales events which are geared to maximize exposure for the breed and to give members the opportunity to improve their breeding programs.

For 60 years, Droughtmaster beef has been enjoyed across Australia and the world. It is a popular choice for hotels, clubs and many eateries with many consumers likely to have already savoured Droughtmaster beef at their favourite local eating establishment.

Excitingly, in recent years, a growing number of producers have developed private grass-fed collections perfect for the restaurant trade.

To meet market demands, many feedlotters place Droughtmaster cattle on short feed cycles, balancing grain supplement with grass backgrounding to achieve high weight gain and eating quality.

Internationally, growing export markets continue to value the consistency of Droughtmaster beef.

Kellie Williams with Supreme Champion Droughtmaster Stud Exhibit and also the Grand Champion Female of the 2023 Malanda Droughtmaster Feature Show, Kel-Lee A Hush.

Supreme Champion Droughtmaster Stud Exhibit of the 2023 Malanda Droughtmaster Feature Show was Kel-Lee A Hush owned by Kellie Williams. Pictured are Julie Brotherton, David Green (Droughtmaster judge), Kellie Williams at the halter, Sascha Micola, Mikaela Gauci (Associate Droughtmaster judge) and Paul Lever (Leverdale, Tully).

(from left) Hilltop Droughtmasters was successful in the Breeders Group winning first place. Pictured are Rachael Bowden, Emily Bowden and Angus Bewick.

LETTERSto the editor

National crime spree will only get worse

I REFER I refer to the article on Page 3 of The Express (28/06/23), “Survey to gauge support for CCTV”.

Crime is out of control and unchecked across our entire nation – it’s not localised as many may believe.

We are in the grip of an ever-increasing crime spree and it will unfold as the cost of living soars, implementation of tax hikes and Reserve Bank interest rate rises, immigration crippling our housing market and jobs continually being threatened with closure in our most lucrative industries, namely mining and agriculture, the list goes on.

Beware of wording such as: “for the good of the community”; “of benefit to the community”; “for the community’s safety” wording to mesmerise each and every one of us into thinking that we need to implement what is being suggested.

What a grand plan by government and councils – get the business people and taxpayers themselves to fund and maintain CCTV all over the country.

When installed, will we be guaranteed that policing of the footage will lead to the criminals in question being dealt with appropriately or will an excuse be materialised to cover up an ever-increasing work load for certain departments?

We shouldn’t have to resort to fortifying our business premises with bars on doors and windows.

Government won’t fix this problem, this is how they want it to be, bring the country to its knees …. and we’re nearly there!

Here’s another spin on the installation of CCTV – how will the unsuspecting public know if they aren’t being watched by “Big Brother”?

What if “facial recognition” is incorporated into these cameras? We would be sealing our own fate without even knowing it, as we go about our daily business, oblivious and unaware.

The government is here to serve us, need we remind them. We pay our taxes and conduct respectable businesses that serve an ever-growing community. Thanks, but no thanks to CCTV in our CBD.

Col Alba MAREEBA

Perplexed over council’s position on graffiti

ALONG with around 30 others, I attended the April meeting of Mareeba Chamber of Commerce regarding “Mareeba Collaborating for Community Safety”.

Following presentations from the Mayor, QPS, Childrens Services etc., I was left informed more of what cannot be done to combat rising crime and graffiti across our community than strategies that were being enacted in order to re-establish some semblance of law and order once again in our environs.

After asking a number of questions regarding

combatting graffiti, given the unabated incidents of properties being defaced, local resident Denis McKinley sounded his frustration and was told by Mayor Toppin, “You do something about it then.”

Pages of this newspaper quickly then confirmed that local hardware store Sunshine Mitre 10 along with a national paint manufacturer generously offered four litres of paint free of cost, gratis, no charge, to any premises owner or operator who wanted to remove graffiti from their premises.

All the affected property owner had to do was take a photo of the graffiti, also include their ABN and a photograph of their premises, and select the colour of paint required to paint out the graffiti.

This move also received the published support of Mareeba Chamber president Joe Moro and his group.

In other words, “Do something about it” from the Mayor, became “DONE something about it” within a few days thanks to the generous support of a local business and real action on the part of an individual citizen.

Now, as per Page 2 (The Express 05/07/2023), Mareeba Shire Council “will only allow local businesses to access materials for graffiti removal (funded via the Benefited Area Rate Levy) if the graffiti removal program instigated months earlier on a local retailer and citizens’ initiative is discontinued.”

Let’s get this straight.

Mareeba Shire Council has taken literally months to introduce a cost bound graffiti removal initiative of their doing – as long as a generous, community-based plan that costs nothing, is removed.

Makes one wonder at the kind of pedantic behaviour that exist in the halls of local power and the parallels between a pre-school playground mixed in with a heavy dose of “Ultimo” or “Yes Minister”.

Council clearly has missed the boat as far as attempting to remove graffiti but expects the community to pay up (via the Benefitted Area Rate Levy) for something they can already obtain free of charge.

Maybe, just maybe, our civic leaders and their minions should re-read the literal meaning of “Collaborating for Community Safety” or better still, run a parallel program to one that in reality, costs absolutely nothing apart from a couple of photos and a bit of time.

How bloody childish can you get?

Barry Simpson MAREEBA

Serious reservations about Voice proposal

I CURRENTLY intend to vote no to the Indigenous Voice to the Australian Parliament as I have serious reservations about the process and the resulting outcome.

The 1967 Referendum was an outstanding success and long overdue, it gave the indigenous peoples of Australia the same rights and benefits as the non-indigenous population, even though in

practice it may not look like that, education, and housing to name a couple.

The proposed referendum to give an Advisory Voice to the Parliament I believe will skew the outcome of the 1967 referendum in the opposite direction, by giving a minority, even though they are First Nations People more access to the Parliament and the Executive than the rest of the population.

The current wording of the proposed 2023 Referendum is “A proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.”

Contrary to all the TV and radio advertisements I do not see the word “advisory” in the question, which leads me to believe that this group of unelected citizens will have more than an advisory role.

If this group has access to the Parliament, the Executive, and Individual Ministers and even the Governor General, will all the discussions be made public or be classified as is the case with Cabinet Papers and discussions held by the members of the Executive in Cabinet.

The proposed voice is supposed to advise the parliament on matters affecting indigenous communities. This, I do not believe, as all legislation will affect all Australians, indigenous and non-indigenous alike. If it does not, it is discriminatory.

Brian Norton MUNGALLI

Thank you to wonderful Mareeba Hospital staff

I WOULD like to express my gratitude to the numerous staff of Mareeba Hospital who cared for my sister Meryl in her final weeks of illness: from Head Doctor, Tim Cahill and junior doctors, Social Worker, Cassie Jones, Nursing and Palliative Care staff: Nick Hartwell, Kim Carlsson, Janice Pedersen and Alessa Aloia. Not forgetting nurses’ aides, wardsmen, domestic and administrative staff. I heap praise on them all.

What a well-oiled machine we have in our town, and yet it is one which does not feature often in our thoughts. Until the need arises.

Our family has gained insight into what a significant asset the hospital is to our community, and its vital role in supporting those who hurt and are vulnerable. All of us can certainly be proud of our local hospital and the men and women who make it what it is.

Evan McGrath OAM MAREEBA

Rates too high compared to other areas

LAND valuation rises have occurred at numerous times in past years and yet there have been numerous councils that haven’t used it as an excuse to raise rates.

In fact, a lot of councils have lowered the rate in the dollar downwards to compensate for the valuation increase. This way it has helped the rate

payer by helping to lower the burden of ever-increasing cost of living charges.

The Tablelands has excellent climate and is an attractive region to live in, however, the overall cost burden if not contained, will eventually drive people away.

When one compares our rates with some other areas in Queensland it is astonishing how expensive our rates are. We have friends living on the Sunshine coast as well as a son living in an innercity suburb in Brisbane and the rates they pay are 50 per cent cheaper per half year than here.

They have all the added benefits and more. The poor roads and lack of infrastructure here in general, leaves a lot to be desired.

Yet the TRC area has grown markedly in population and development due to a drift away from the cities, particularly since the Covid crises.

In short, the TRC councillors need to reign in their spending and charges or they will be shown the door. It wasn’t that long ago that our rates were less than half then what they are now.

Jerry Micola TOLGA

Have to wonder what were they thinking?

IT is beyond belief that after all the years of Atherton Hospital planning and development not one “expert” questioned the positioning of the Maternity Unit at the furthest extreme away from the main entrance of a brand new hospital.

My initial thoughts when volunteering in that section on the open day were imagining a pregnant lady attending the antenatal clinic or maternity ward having to negotiate her way via a lift (the only way to enter the maternity area) and then a maze of corridors with a couple of toddlers in toe to care for and control on her own.

Add to that our usual rainfall and no nearby parking. I dread to think of the problems.

Having read the article relating to the concerns by the Atherton Midwives and Mother’s Alliance in The Express (05/07/23), I realise now that I was not the only one who had concerns for those future patients and their visitors.

Surely this was some sort of sick joke by our government planners?

Where were our local hospital administrators in this planning?

Another problem that should have been easily seen when planning is for the elderly couple or patient with a carer.

The patient in need of treatment will have to be let out of the vehicle at the “drop off” point near the entrance after which the driver must leave the hospital precinct to park “somewhere” in the streets outside.

Imagine the 80-plus year old driving around in the rain trying to find a non-existent park at the same time worrying about having left the patient alone and then find their way back in the soaking rain to take the patient inside the hospital.

What were these people thinking!

Beverley Prescott TOLGA

Keep the family and home safe this show season

WINTER in Mareeba – the sun is shining and the air is crisp.

As usual, July brings with it a host of visitors from all over the country. Tourists, grey nomads and of course people associated with or participants and patrons of the Rodeo.

It’s easy to take for granted our enjoyable piece of Tableland paradise and so we take this moment to remind everyone about vehicle and home security as well as personal safety.

With record crowds expected, police are urging parents to remain vigilant in an effort to reduce the incidents of lost children, belongings and property theft.

Mareeba Police will again make available to families the free armbands which will allow them to include their mobile phone number that they will have at the event. In the event police locate a lost child, they can make contact with the parent and reunite them with their child quickly.

Thankfully lost children were few and far between last year and we thank parents for their help. Prior to attending the parade or rodeo, families should establish a rendezvous point to meet at should the family become separated.

It takes just a blink of an eye for a little one to disappear in a large crowd.

More often than not parents of lost kids tell

us that ‘they were just here a moment ago’ or ‘I don’t know why they just wandered off’.

Bright lights, pretty things, cute furry animals, loud noises, large crowds and ‘something interesting’ will always catch the eye of an excited child.

Kids can easily be distracted, and the same can be said for most parents. It is the rodeo of course and we are all out there checking everything out.

Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about the importance of protective behaviours and what they should do, should they become lost or placed in an unsafe situation.

Armbands can be collected from the Police Command Post behind the arena on Saturday and Sunday.

Locals are urged to help prevent crime in the community by locking doors and windows and hiding car keys. Residents are urged to implement simple security strategies and use a basic common-sense approach to home and vehicle security.

For more information on safety and preventing crime visit www.police.qld.gov.au/safetyand-preventing-crime

We sincerely hope everyone enjoys this weekend, take care and stay safe.

PROPERTY

AMAROO VILLAGE EXPANSION

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

Unleashing growth opportunities in Mareeba's eastern corridor

THE release of the design concepts for the new stages of Amaroo Village has sparked excitement among businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a thriving location to establish or expand their ventures.

The developers are eagerly seeking expressions of interest from those who wish to be a part of this growing development. Located in the rapidly expanding eastern corridor of Mareeba, Amaroo Village offers a unique chance to customize or build premises that cater to specific needs, fostering an attractive, secure, and vibrant community.

Amaroo Village offers an exceptional op-

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

portunity for businesses to thrive by building premises tailored to their specific requirements.

Whether entrepreneurs seek to establish new ventures, relocate existing services, or expand their services, the developers are committed to working closely with them to create custom-built spaces that support their vision.

This level of customization ensures that businesses can maximize their potential and flourish in a setting that suits their unique needs.

The Amaroo Village is not only dedicated

to facilitating business growth but also to fostering a strong sense of community. The design of the facilities prioritizes easy accessibility, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy its offerings.

Level access across the centre, combined with comfortable seating, shade trees, and thoughtful landscaping, creates an inviting and inclusive environment.

This approach encourages interaction, engagement, and the formation of lasting connections between businesses and the residents they serve.

With the expansion of the Amaroo Vil-

lage currently being planned, developers are seeking expressions of interest from convenience-based retail, allied health and wellness providers and professional services to join with the Amaroo Medical and Amaroo Pharmacy delivering the community with comfort, care, and convenience.

Pop into the Amaroo Land Centre for more information on this stage or call Ryley on 0409 321 000 to express your interest today. Follow us on our socials or check out our website www.amarooestate.com. au for all updates.

Atherton

ONE OF A KIND!

Atherton

• Modern split level home

• 3 bedrooms with built-ins

• Sleek kitchen

• Master upstairs with ensuite

• 2 entertainment decks

• Double remote garage

Offers Over $490,000L14383635

Suzey Whitby0438 090 306

Margaret Black: Principal

GREEN PASTURES

Ravenshoe

• Set on 51.95 hectares

• Improved pastures + fenced

• 2 permanent creeks

• Steel 3 bay machinery shed

• 2x 2 bedroom duplexes, tenanted

• 2 road accesses

$890,000

L16685087

Morgan Brennan0407 730 450

CLASS & COMFORT

Atherton

• Modern, spacious and private

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

• Great sized kitchen

• Entertainment area

• Established gardens

• Double garage

$565,000

L22370576

Suzey Whitby0438 090 306

RED SOIL & RAINFALL

East Palmerston

• Set on 124.66 hectares

• Fenced 7 paddocks with lanes

• Undercover cattle crush + scales

• 4 bay high clearance shed

• Massive 3 bedroom home + views

• Bore, rainwater tanks, 3 springs

$ P.O.A.

L22944676

Morgan Brennan0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

Prime residential unit development opportunity

HERE is an exciting opportunity for you to develop this 3,300m² allotment into a residential unit complex.

The gently sloping land is zoned medium density residential and is situated, just 400 metres from the Atherton High School.

This prominently situated property offers an excellent opportunity for the savvy investor with a vision for the future.

Considered a once in a lifetime chance, this property offers astute buyers a rare opportunity to secure a development site in a central position.

call Trisha Jackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime. To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate. com.au ATHERTON $325,000 Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton 0408 733 149

Newly built home

SITUATED in a quiet culde-sac close to Atherton CBD, this property offers a low maintenance lifestyle giving you back your weekends. The well thought out floorplan provides a central entrance hall which leads to the rear of the home where a large open plan living area opens onto the alfresco outdoor living space.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

▪ 4 Bedroom new home

▪ Main bedroom features ensuite and large walk-in robe

Call Trisha 0419 183 145

▪ Security screens and blinds fitted to all bedroom windows

▪ Kitchen includes a 90cm dual fuel upright stove, freestanding dishwasher,

▪ Kitchen has Smartstone

bench tops with soft close doors & drawers, 1160 delux double bowl and drainer sink with mixer tap including veggie spray Butler's pantry which connects with the kitchen and laundry

▪ Open plan living area leads out to alfresco outdoor living

▪ 2nd outdoor patio situated off kitchen

▪ Double lock-up panel lift door garage 5.2w x 2.3h with remote

▪ Grey glass windows and

Address:

Price:

Agent:

Contact:

sliding doors

▪ Main bathroom features walk-in shower with Smartstone/soft cose vanities with porcelain basins & Oliveri topware

▪ Side access to the backyard

Why wait when this welldesigned home is available for immediate occupancy. Contact Marketing Agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton today.

3 Twine Close, ATHERTON $539,000 Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton 0419 733 712

Lakeside living in Yungaburra

and room for a double door fridge

▪ Air-conditioned living/ dining and kitchen area

3 bedrooms with built ins

▪ Office

▪ Internal Laundry

▪ Back Verandah

Single lock up garage

▪ Security screens, win-

dow furnishings, ceiling fans and tiled throughout

Established gardens providing privacy

▪ Concrete driveway with turning bay

▪Fully fenced back yard with side access and a garden shed

All this on a generous 1000m2 block and walking distance to the lake, don't miss out on a chance to

Address:

Price:

Agent:

Contact:

purchase a well maintained property with an affordable price tag!

Currently rented with tenants in place until July. Inspections will be by appointment only with 24hrs notice required.

Contact Elders Agent Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136 today.

53 Oleander Drive, YUNGABURRA Offers over $485,000 EXCLUSIVE TO Michelle Raso Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0428 116 136

Dual living on 3,101m2

TUCKED away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac sits this gorgeous family home on a spacious 3,101m2 allotment in a great family friendly area.

With a spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home and a private and fully self-contained 1 bedroom granny flat, this is the perfect home to grow with your family.

Built to stand the test of time both the main home and the granny flat are a solid concrete block construction, with rendered concrete internal and external walls.

The kitchen has plenty of storage opportunities plus a dishwasher, with direct access to the back patio entertaining family and friends will be a breeze. There’s plenty

of room for the kids to spread out inside with a dining space directly off the kitchen, room for an extra living space and a separate, large, air-conditioned living area.

All four bedroom in the home are a good size, and the master-suite is conveniently located on the opposite end of the home for some privacy, with the added bonus of air-conditioning, and walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. The large main bathroom is convenient to the other bedrooms and laundry, with a spa bath, shower and separate toilet.

If you love entertaining this place is sure to impress with a lovely, paved back patio that connects to the massive

outdoor entertaining area that doubles as a two-bay carport.

Behind a Colorbond privacy fence sits the fully selfcontained granny flat. With 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, an open living and dining space, kitchen, external laundry, back patio and air-conditioning its perfect for the grandparents or as a teenagers retreat.

The spacious 3,101m2 allotment stays nice and shady,

Address:

Price:

Agent:

Contact:

with trees and gardens providing plenty of privacy from the road and neighbours. There’s a small garden shed to the side, perfect for storing all your garden maintenance needs as well, with plenty of room down the back to put a large shed.

To arrange to your Private Inspection contact exclusive agent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691.

5 Debel Close, MAREEBA

$620,000 EXCLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty 0419 926 691 or 4092 2232

Irrigation infrastructure in place for flood irrigation or centre pivots (3).

Water supply on western side is gravity fed. Main roads access.

Comfortable, presentable homestead and shedding.

Presently under Cane and Cotton. Sandy Loam soil types.

Water allocations can be tailored to suit incoming buyer’s requirements.

PROPERTY

Exquisite split-level luxury: premier living in Atherton's finest location

INTRODUCING an extraordinary residence designed to cater to all your family's needs, where sophistication and functionality converge seamlessly. This stunning split-level home, built by the renowned and awardwinning local builder Simon Higham, sets a new standard in luxury living.

From the moment you step inside, the attention to detail is evident. The timber staircase, adorned with elegant glass panels, serves as a striking centerpiece, showcasing the impeccable craftsmanship that went into every aspect of this home.

Ideally situated in the premier location of Atherton, this residence offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. With easy access to the finest amenities and surrounded by a peaceful ambiance, it truly represents the epitome of modern living.

The heart of the home lies in the open plan living, kitchen, and dining area, where sliding doors seamlessly connect the indoors

with the outdoor patio and timber deck. This creates a harmonious flow, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying intimate family moments.

The kitchen itself is a masterpiece, boasting double ovens, a 900m gas cooktop, and a concealed butler's pantry, ensuring that every culinary need is met with style and efficiency.

Convenience is paramount in this home, with a laundry and powder room located on the base level, alongside a double bay remote garage and ample storage space. The high ceilings throughout the residence add an extra touch of grandeur and create an airy and spacious atmosphere.

Upstairs, you'll find two beautifully appointed bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a media room for entertainment, and a master bedroom that is truly a sanctuary. The master suite features a private balcony, providing a tranquil space to unwind, while the ensuite boasts a stand-alone bath,

his and hers vanity, and a level of luxury that surpasses expectations. The main bathroom is thoughtfully separated with a vanity, separate shower, and a separate toilet for utmost convenience for families.

Nestled on a generous 1000m2 allotment, this property offers ample space for outdoor activities and future expansions. The tiled floorplan adds a touch of elegance while ensuring easy maintenance and durability.

Last but not least, the outdoor patio and timber deck beckon you to embrace the idyllic surroundings, offering a perfect setting for alfresco dining or simply enjoying the serene ambiance.

Welcome to a home where design, functionality, and location harmonize to create an unparalleled living experience. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional residence your own and indulge in a lifestyle that exceeds all expectations.

Inspections are easy –

Showroom and warehouse with excellent exposure

LAND

AREA: 1000M2 – BUILDING AREA 652M2

Located on busy Chewko Road, Mareeba with excellent signage exposure this high clearance commercial warehouse offers the following attributes:

• 12m x 24m Steel framed & insulated high clearance shed

• 26m x 14m high clearance skillion roof awning

• 72m2 air-conditioned front showroom/office, storeroom

• Bathroom & toilet facilities

• 72m2 Mezzanine level with air-conditioned office, kitchen & smoko room

• Full concreted driveway/hardstand area with off street parking

• 4 x High clearance roller doors

• 3 Phase compressor unit

• 4 Post Hoist

• 2 Post Hoist

• Excellent signage and branding opportunities

• Proven location

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

Ultimate rainforest retreat

ROLL up the sleeves and put the finishing touches on this marvellous property! Built to last & solid as a rock, this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is in need of a good tidy up & some minor work to completely transform this hidden gem.

Nestled on a 54 acres* of breathtaking rainforest, this property is the embodiment of a rainforest retreat and offers the ultimate escape from the hustle & bustle.

Convenience meets rural living with mains power available on-site, ensuring that modern comforts are never compromised. Bitumen road access to the front gate and just a mere 10 minutes from Ravenshoe, you'll have the best of both worlds-seclusion and accessibility.

The home has plenty of potential & space with a large open plan living & dining area that features a pot belly stove for those cooler nights. Flowing from here the kitchen has some timber cabinetry as well as a wood stove and walk-in pantry.

Outside a lovely patio extends the length of the home allowing you to enjoy the outlook plus there is plenty of shed space to store all your equipment.

With a permanent creek that runs out of world heritage national park into the property, you will never have to worry about running out of beautiful clean water.

For more information contact agent, Morgan Brennan at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 7111.

Address:

Price:

Agent:

Contact:

RAVENSHOE

Contact Agent Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 7111

WITH its masonry block construction, generous allotment, and convenient location, this property presents

as a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a comfortable and convenient lifestyle or a great investment opportunity.

The home comprises of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing ample space for family living or accommodating guests.

Features Include;

▪ Solid masonry block home

▪ 3 spacious bedrooms all with built-in robes

2 bathrooms

▪ Open plan living with a cosy fireplace

▪ Kitchen with electric appliances, dishwasher space, breakfast bar & ample bench space

Internal laundry with built-in shelving & sink

Full length sunroom at the front of home overlooking mountain views

▪ Security screens, ceiling fans & plenty of storage space throughout home

▪ Garage on both sides of home

▪ Garden/storage shed

▪ 1,012m2 allotment with a fenced backyard

▪ Currently tenanted for $390/week

Ideally located in a quiet street within a short distance to schools, day care, shopping & medical facilities.

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

THIS 163.81 acre property offers lush and improved pastures at high altitude. Excellent grazing on this property is guarantied by Setaria, Brachiaria, White Clover, Creeping Vigna, Pinto Peanut and lots more. Pastures have been regularly fertilized, with the latest application being 10 ton of sulphate of ammonia.

The fences are in good condition with mainly solid timber posts and rails and some concrete posts. Undercover cattle yards with crush and scales are part of this package as well as a newly build colourbond 22 x 12m machinery shed.

Water is supplied by rainwater, filling tanks to feed

the house and garden. A bore delivers water to two 5000 gallon tanks on the hill which gravity feed the water troughs throughout the paddocks. About 20 acres near the house are mesh fenced and could be used for sheep. A large chook run and chook house are located not far from the home as well.

Raised garden beds have been established to cater for all your vegetable growing needs, aside a substantial planting of fruit trees from citrus to coffee, tea, avocado, Macadamia nut and many more, its all there, with most of them heavily producing.

The property is conveniently located at about 15 minutes from Ravenshoe and 5

minutes out of Millaa Millaa. Stunning sunrises and sunsets make this place even more special. Sitting on the veranda in the afternoon to watch the sunset is a must up here.

▪ 163.81 acres

Improved, fertilized pasture

▪ Good fencing

▪ Approx. 20 acres fenced for sheep

▪ Undercover cattle yards

Address:

Price:

Agent:

Contact:

High altitude grazing

▪ 20 x 12m machinery shed

▪ 3 bay, concrete floor shed

▪ Bore

▪ Modern, 3 bedroom home

▪ 5.44 kw solar system

Beautiful sunsets

Contact exclusive agent Susanne Reynolds on 0408 733 149 for more information.

37 East Evelyn Road, MILLAA MILLAA $1,600,000 EXCLUSIVE to Susanne Reynolds Millaa Millaa Realty 0408 733 149

Centrally located in the world renowned Atherton Tablelands horticultural region, North Qld. 36.52 Ha prime farming land with 127 meg Water Licence.

Level Northerly aspect with room for further planting.

Approx. 2800 Shephard Avos and 900 Lime trees. Fenced with good water infrastructure. Very comfortable home with basic staff accommodation and very good ancillary shedding. Ideal starter block.

Owners are genuinely committed to selling and this property will sell.

Offers prior to Auction would be considered.

EXPRESS

TAKE A BREAK

BIG WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD

18 the skills and methods used in selling or promoting commercial products

21 a soft, light-woven fabric having a ribbed texture, originally of silk

22 a group with a certain equality between its members

23 the practice of magic

24 very enthusiastic or passionate

Down

1 talks or speches intended to make someone feel more courageous or enthusiastic (3,5)

2 a chaotic din caused by a crowd of people

3 give out sweat through the pores of the skin as a result of heat, physical exertion, or stress

4 to have an affinity for a specified place or situation

6 not interrupted or disturbed

transacting particular business

7 in an intelligent, original, or skilful way

9 able to be reduced or made less in amount, intensity or degree

10 a husband or wife, considered in relation to their partner

11 better than all others of the same kind (5-7)

13 unwanted material or goods that have been thrown overboard from a ship and washed ashore

15 to provide a spirit with a physical form

7 having the same age or date of origin; contemporary

8 the feeling of grief after losing someone or something of value

12 the process of calculating the total of two or more numbers or amounts

14 seasickness (French phrase) (3,2,3)

16 a meddling or prying person

17 a large fish-eating bird of prey with long, narrow wings and a white underside and crown

18 to carefully choose as being the best or most suitable

19 to come into existence or use

Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, you have the tactial advantage. You might be feeling undervalued and unappreciated. Now you’re hunting for solutions. You’re figuring out how to push yourself in a new direction and raise the bar. You’re looking for the tactical advantage.

JUN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you’re finding your path. The road to prosperity is much easier when you and your partner are on the same page. If you put the focus on the main goal, you can work together to get there. The key is open communication and the main goal.

sep 23 - oct 22

Puzzle Solutions

This week, a commitment is possible. A friend might become family. There might be a marriage in the works, or maybe a spiritual connection that will help you feel closer. There’s some energy around commitment and your career, it’s a great time to negotiate.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you’re finding your power. You might not feel like you have access to the resources you need, but there is more available that you think. Use your resourcefulness and tap into the universe, it’s nudging you towards understanding your own power.

apr 20 - may 20

This week, you’re speaking truth to power. You could run headlong into a family dispute, whether it’s about global politics or how to stack the dishwasher, you’re both headstrong about this particular topic and it might be best to steer the conversation elsewhere.

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES SUDOKU

JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, you’re in the limelight. You could run into a gatekeeper early in the week. Adopt a curiosity approach, if this person is blocking your path, is there a side door? Explore your options, some creative thinking might be just what is in order.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, you could explore new avenues. You can take some steps towards facilitating some much needed change. Consider writing down what you want and the steps you need to take to make it happen. This is a powerful time, manifest it.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week, you’re making a breakthrough. You could find yourself inadvertently in a power struggle. Pay attention to who has the power in your interactions with others and recognise that when you’re feeling calm and confident the power resides with you.

May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you’re tapping into the prosperity mindset. You can work through a difficult puzzle. The focus is on finance, abundance mindset, all the options and investment ideas and maybe even finally kicking the scarcity mindset to the curb.

Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, you’re co-creating with the Universe. You can have some powerful insights if you give yourself some time to think and go within. Your guides are speaking loud and clear with solutions for career and/or relationships. Find some quiet time to tune in.

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you could hit the road. Mars in Leo and your house of travel and mind-expanding experiences. Maybe people might want to travel with you, or perhaps you’re ready to throw off the confines of a conventional life and hit the road. You’re looking to break free.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you’re going in the right direction. Be aware of energy vampires, a “friend” might need you to establish some boundaries. Your giving nature is a blessing but it might be time to set up a spritual fence and a magical guard dog.

Margaret Ann Morris

The family of Margaret Ann Morris, Wesley, Maree and families would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our family and friends who travelled near and far to attend her funeral.

Thank you also to everyone who sent messages, flowers, and cards of condolences.

Thank you to all sta of Infinite Aged Care Edmonton, Father Aram Oroi and Community Funeral Services Mareeba for your kindness, professionalism, empathy, and guidance during this di cult time.

Margaret will always be forever in our hearts.

Kev Walls 08/08/193115/07/2022

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

In Loving memory from your wife Daphne and family.

In Loving Memory Of My Beautiful Daughter

MEGHAN REBECCA GODFREY

3.1.1992 ~ 16.7.2019

If roses grow in Heaven, Lord, Please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my daughter’s arms, And tell her they’re from me.

Remembering her is easy, I do it every day. But there is an ache within my heart, That will never go away.

Always missed, never forgotten. From your loving family. xoxo

LESLIE, Arthur John

10.08.38 ~ 13.07.21

Greatly missed and fondly remembered. A loyal friend to dog and man and steadfast volunteer.

Love Chantelle, Felicity, Jennifer and those who knew him at Mareeba Animal Refuge.

KARRAN, Rachel Jane

Late of Atherton.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 4th of July, 2023. Aged 44 years.

Loving Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Granddaughter, Niece & Friend. Rachel will be sadly missed by all. Relatives and friends of Rachel are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held at Mountain View Chapel, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 14th July, 2023 commencing at 2.00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Council Australia would be greatly appreciated.

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

MAIDMENT, John Henry George

Late of Tolga. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the 3rd of July, 2023. Aged 78 years. Loved Soulmate of Hazel, cherished father of Kerry, Debbie, David and their partners. Grandfather of Ashleigh, Karley, Chloe, Eve, Heath, Jim and Amitie. Brother of Alan (Dec.), Bubbles and Carol.

Until we are together again.

Family and friends of John are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service, which is appointed to move from Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Tablelands Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Thursday 13th July, 2023 after a service commencing at 10:30am, for an internment in the Atherton Cemetery.

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

Carmela CASSANITI

Late of Mareeba, formerly of Sicily, Italy. Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 5th July, 2023 at Mareeba Hospital. Aged 96 years.

Much loved Wife to Vincenzo Cassaniti (dec.). Mother to Giuseppa, Tony, Rosina and Sam and their partners. Cherished Nonna, Bis Nonna and Bis, Bis Nonna.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a funeral service to be held at St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church on Monday 17th July 2023 commencing at 11.00am

At the conclusion of the service the cortege will then proceed to the Mareeba Cemetery

1300 781 084

DETOURBET, Jeanine Marcelle

21.12.1933 ~ 1.7.2023

Of Hervey Bay, formerly of Atherton Tablelands. Dearly loved Wife of Bernard (Dec.). Loved Mother of Serge, John, Chris, Michael and their partners. Cherished Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. Always Remembered, Forever In Our Hearts. Family and friends of Jeanine are invited to attend her Celebration of Life in the Orana Chapel, J Kirk & Sons’ Hervey Bay Crematorium on Friday July 21 at 11am.

J Kirk & Son Hervey Bay 07 4124 2524

BLACKMAN, Meryl Carol “nee McGrath”

Late of Mareeba. Passed away on the 30th of June, 2023 at the Mareeba Hospital. Aged 72 years. A private Family Funeral has been held.

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

NAME: ALVIN DOB: 12/02/23

BREED: Blue Heeler x Stumpy-tail

I am very energetic little pup. I love being with my humans. I am great with kids, cats & dogs. I come vet checked, microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, wormed and flea/tick treated.

My adoption fee is $300

POSITION VACANT

G ulf Parts & Service

A Division of Cape York Automotive Group Pty Ltd

Light Vehicle Mechanics & Auto Electricians

Are you ready for an opportunity to live, work and setup your future at the tip of Northern Queensland?

We are a busy workshop servicing a wide variety of makes and models, primarily 4x4 with plenty of work; we perform all mechanical servicing and repairs for light & 4WD vehicles with a fully stocked parts facility that provides peace of mind to the local community and its visitors.

We are offering an exceptional package for light fleet motor mechanics and auto electricians to join our operation and are also looking for junior techs looking to build a future and/or senior experienced people looking for that place they can settle into and pass on their knowledge. Perhaps you’ve been contemplating a move to make a difference for yourself or for a lifestyle change for the family – one which will provide a generous income and allow you to experience and explore. If you are into fishing, 4WDing, exploring, like to get out on the water and you like the warmth of a tropical savannah climate – this position will be of interest to you.

With twice daily flights to Cairns and offering many facilities to its community – Weipa and the Cape are certainly an area to investigate. Excellent education facilities, local swimming pool, all the everyday conveniences such as butcher, bakery, newsagency, Woolworths and for the active – golf, tennis, basketball, and more are available with great community values in place.

Key attributes:

• Trade qualified

FUNERAL CELEBRANT

328 357

• Minimum 1 year experience

• A/C and auto electrical experience preferred

• Good communication skills

• Ability to work as a team

• Excellent opportunity for a skilled Mechanic / Technician

• Enjoy great work / life balanceplenty of recreation options!

• Like camping, hunting and fishing

We are offering particularly good rates, great working environment, relocation assistance inbound, accommodation package, coupled with a great lifestyle for the correct applicant; immediate start is available. If you have read the criteria and you can answer yes to the questions asked, then, to apply please forward a copy of your resume and references to:

managerweipa@gpsweipa.com.au

POSITION VACANT

Mechanical Tradesperson

RoadTek Cairns, Infrastructure

Management and Delivery

Department of Transport and Main Roads

Three positions

We would love to hear from hardworking and eager candidates who can demonstrate the following mandatory requirements:

• Certi cate III Mechanical Trade certi cate or similar equivalent trade or any other heavy vehicle or plant-associated licence or certi cate.

• Open ‘C Class’ Drivers Licence + HR, MR Forkli , and EWP tickets or ability to obtain.

• Excellent fault- nding and troubleshooting skills, along with a proactive approach

• Strong focus on safety and initiative with a can-do attitude

• Ability to mentor and guide apprentices through hands-on practical learning

In addition to the annual salary, RoadTek provides allowances, job security and flexibility (part-time, job share arrangements).

Enquiries: Courtney Gonano 07 4034 0062 or Courtney.M.Gonano@tmr.qld.gov.au

Closes: Friday, 14 July 2023

BOOKKEEPER

Millar Teitzel is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper to join our team.

ABOUT US:

Millar Teitzel is a modern progressive accounting firm based on the Atherton Tablelands. Our clients include businesses, farmers, professionals, tradies and individuals. We assist companies, trusts, partnerships, sole traders and self-managed superannuation funds.

Millar Teitzel offers a friendly welcoming workplace with a focus on teamwork and excellence in customer service.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Good working knowledge of online bookkeeping software including Xero/MYOB/ Quickbooks plus MS Office

• Have excellent customer service, verbal and written communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn and cross-train

• A team player with a happy disposition to work in an open shared workspace. Please forward applications including your CV to the Manager via: admin@millarteitzel.com.au

By COB, Friday 28 July, 2023.

Proposed Development

Make a submission from: 13th July, 2023 to 3rd August, 2023 Reconfiguring a Lot (Boundary Realignment)

Where: 110 Horse Creek Road, Mutchilba

On: Lot 1 & Lot 3 on RP723067

Approval Sought: Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot (Boundary Realignment)

Application Ref: RAL/23/0006

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

Mareeba Shire Council PO Box 154, Mareeba Qld 4880 info@msc.qld.gov.au 1300 308 461 www.msc.qld.gov.au

Copies of the full application can be viewed or obtained from Council at 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba.

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

Human Resources Officer

Location: Cairns office, with the possibility of negotiating flexible work arrangements

Employment Terms: Full-time flexible, 12-month contract with possibility of extension

Classification: 2.3.e - 4.1.e ($73,219–$108,805)

Salary Range: Salary - negotiable, commensurate with experience, including 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading, plus 11% super guarantee

About Cape York NRM

Cape York NRM works with the people of Cape York to encourage voluntary adoption of improved natural resource management across all land tenures and land uses on Cape York.

We help people to work together and promote the sustainable use of Cape York’s natural resources.

About the position

The Human Resources Officer at Cape York Natural Resource Management plays a vital role in attracting and retaining talent, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring compliance with employment laws.

By overseeing recruitment, employee relations, policies and compliance, training and development, compensation and benefits, and HR data management, the Human Resources Officer directly contributes to the organisation’s mission of sustainable natural resource management. Their strategic HR expertise enables the organisation to build a diverse and skilled workforce, promote employee engagement, and drive performance while ensuring ethical practices, compliance, and professional growth opportunities for employees.

Applicants must apply via our website: https://capeyorknrm.com.au/about/vacancies

BOARD DIRECTOR

• Gulf Savannah NRM is an independent community based not-for-profit organisation working across the Northern Gulf region with offices in Mareeba, Georgetown & Croydon

• We are seeking to recruit Directors to join our skills-based Board at the November AGM for a term of 3 years

• The role involves quarterly meetings, plus special workshops and public meetings and is afforded a modest stipend plus sitting fees and travel/expenses

For more information and to apply, go to: www.gulfsavannahnrm.org/employment

Applications close: Wednesday 26th July at 4:00pm.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE

TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT MOSSMAN

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 385 Mossman Daintree Rd, Mossman QLD 4873 www.rfnsa.com.au/4873007

1. Telstra are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of LTE2100 and NR/WCDMA850 (5G) technologies at MOSSMAN. Proposed works at the above site will involve the Removal of six (6) existing panel antennas, Installation of ten (10) new panel antennas on new and existing mounts, Installation of seven (7) new RRUs, Installation of associated ancillary equipment at the existing facility and within the equipment shelter.

2.To improve Telstra’s mobile phone network.

3. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information or written submissions should be directed to Ryan Wong, BMM Group via email to: submissions@bmmgroup.com.au or 1300 260 834 by 27th July, 2023.

SPECIAL MEETING

OF MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL

A Special Council Meeting to adopt the 2023/2024

Financial Budget will be held on Wednesday, 21 July 2023, commencing 9am at 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba. The Ordinary Council Meeting will follow. Media and members of the public are welcome to attend.

For further information, please phone Council on 1300 308 461 or visit Council’s website.

Peter Franks

Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD 4880

Women’s Sexual Assault Survivors Group

Fortnightly: Wednesdays

9.00am - 11.00am, CWA Hall, Jack Street, Atherton FREE

PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE

Attention is directed to an application for Permanent Road Closure of an area of: Areas totalling about 153m2 being part of Millaa Millaa Malanda Road abutting Lot 14 on SP333823 (locality Minbun) and shown as plan of Lots B, proposed permanent road closure on Drawing CNS22/083AP.

Objections to the application must be submitted no later than 17 August 2023, in writing to the Department of Resources PO Box 5318, Townsville QLD 4810 or online at the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/ state/roads.

Any objections received may be viewed by other parties interested in the proposed road closure under the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009.

If you lodge an objection, please include in your objection letter whether you would like to be consulted if this issue becomes the subject of an access request under the Right to Information Act 2009.

For further details and to view a copy of the drawing, contact the Department of Resources Office, on (07) 4222 5427 quoting reference number 2021/004543 or view the application online on the Queensland Government’s website at ‘Current Road Closure Applications’: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/ state/roads.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATION 2012 (SECTION 142)

NOTICE OF SALE OF LAND FOR OVERDUE RATES

4 JULY 2023

Mareeba Shire Council hereby gives notice, that the land described in the below Schedule, will be sold by public auction.

This notice is issued in accordance with section 142 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and by authority of a resolution made on 25 January 2023 was in the following terms: Sell such land as below due to the rates & charges which have accrued on the rateable lands remaining unpaid for three (3) years or longer, in accordance with section 140 of the Local Government Regulation 2012. The public auction will take place at 10.00 am on Tuesday 25 July 2023 in the boardroom at the Mareeba Shire Council office, 65 Rankin Street Mareeba unless all overdue rates, interest, associated charges and any expenses incurred by Council are paid in full.

A reserve price will be placed on the land in accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012. The land will not be sold unless the reserve price is reached at auction.

Please direct any enquiries to the Rates Department on 1300 308 461.

SCHEDULE

Legal DescriptionLand AreaProperty Location

Lot 6 I 3148 759m2 2577 HerbertonPetford Road, IRVINEBANK QLD 4887

Lot 210 C 5041 1,012m2 18 Knowe Street, CHILLAGOE QLD 4871

Lot 13 BUP 71296 87m2 Unit 13/40 Coondoo Street, KURANDA QLD 4881

Lot 3 RP 895742 20,160m2 104 Boyles Road, KURANDA QLD 4881

Copies of sections 141 to 144 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 may be obtained from Council.

Peter Franks

Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD. 4880

Gymnasts set for Amsterdam

BY ELLIE FINK

A TEAM of young gymnasts will be taking their talents to the international stage on 30 July to participate in the largest non-competitive gymnastics events in the world.

Travelling to Amsterdam, the team will don the green and gold at World Gymnaestrada Amsterdam, performing an artistic display inspired a fun and wacky party.

World Gymnaestrada is the largest of its kind, attracting artistic gymnasts from all over the globe of any gender, age, race, religion, culture, ability or social standing.

The event has been held in many countries, but this year is returning to its place of origin in Amsterdam and is expected to have the highest level of participation since the first event in 1953.

Alongside many other affiliated clubs in Australia, Mareeba gymnasts are hoping to put

Mareeba and Far North Queensland on the map, being the only club north of Mackay selected to compete.

The club got involved with the competition in an unusual way, travelling to Brisbane in 2020 for a competition and learning of GymFest happening at the same time.

Coach and director of Mareeba Gymnastics, Kelly Tulloch, said she took the team down a day early to perform in GymFest for fun.

“The GymFest competition was on, so we put together a display with the gymnasts that were going down to compete and we performed it,” she said.

“Little did we know we would come second and qualify for World Gymnaestrada, which happens every four years.

“When they told us we qualified for the 2023 event, I remember back then being unsure it would even go ahead because of how big Covid was at the time but yet here we are, both excited

and scared to head over.”

This is the first time the club has taken their talents to an international level, and the first time that many of the gymnasts have travelled overseas.

Performing their display to Redfoo’s hit song “Juicy Wiggle”, the team of young gymnasts and ex-gymnasts have banded together to showcase their strength, acrobats and flexibility.

“We have been training at least two times a week since April,” Tulloch said.

“We have been putting our routine together and refining it ready to perform.”

Last Friday night, the team also performed for the first time to the public, being the first time many of the members have performed in front of a crowd.

“It’s a huge learning curve and it is different style of gymnastics we are learning with all the regulation and technical terms,” Tulloch said.

“It’s interesting to be travelling with parents

who are doing gymnastics for the first time as well for this competition and this is a lot of their first times performing. They are starting quite late in their career unlike some of the kids who started very early.”

With only a few days left before getting on the plane, Tulloch is confident her team will shine bright in green and gold.

She encourages the community to support their team through encouraging words and any donations to their Go Fund Me page.

“It is a completely self-funded trip so any donations to our Go Fund Me will really help,” she said.

“We will also be walking in the Mareeba Rodeo downtown parade in our green and gold uniforms so just come along, get behind us, support us with messages on Facebook.

“Any encouragement is great because we have some nervous participants.”

Mareeba Gymnastics Club will be representing Australia at the World Gymnaestrada in Amsterdam from 30 July to 5 August.

SPORT

Mareeba boys back for revenge

BY ELLIE FINK

THE Mareeba State High School

Aaron Payne Cup team will be seeking revenge against St Augustine’s College on Thursday, after falling to the Cairns school 36-4 in their first round.

Since their first round against St Augustine’s, the Mareeba boys have gone above and beyond smashing their personal bests and breaking records.

After the disappointing loss, the team pulled together and developed a better strategy before taking on Mackay State High School in Townsville the next week.

Their strategy and team effort paid off greatly during their game against Mackay, scoring their first ever win in the competition, 22-4.

By half time, the team was

already ahead 12 – 4, pulling out the “big guns” and carrying on strong with Narason MoorcroftKose standing out amongst the rest.

The win fuelled the young team with confidence, carrying through their next game with Holy Spirit Mackay, where they dominated the team in the 40 point win.

It was try after try throughout the entire game, with a 1412 lead by halftime boosting the team’s confidence.

In the end, it was a try in the final minute that gave the team to a 36-16 win.

The game will kick off at 4.15pm at Barlow Park, Cairns on Thursday 13 July. Supporters are encouraged to take the trip down the hill to cheer on the Mareeba boys.

Winning game for Bulls

COMING back from a wash-out last weekend, the Mareeba United Football Club premier men’s team took out the Southside Comets, winning 4-2.

The team took an early lead against their opponents in Edmonton on Saturday, giving them a strong confidence boost.

Southside fought back, equalising the score quarter-way through the game but the Bulls stepped up, putting the score up to 2-1 by half time.

Coach Kane Alderson said although the team is happy to take the win, he believes it was their mentality that dragged them down.

“It’s a mental thing you know, we took an early lead, and we probably could have kept that going into the break and get a few more serious goals,” he said.

This Saturday night, the Bulls will face off with Strafford Dolphins with Alderson confident they will go into the game fighting hard.

“I am confident but each week is different, but it all comes down to how the boys approach it,” he said.

Community comes out for challenge

THE Mareeba Tennis Club held their community challenge recently, attracting several local businesses and community groups together for a day of friendly competition.

A total of 14 teams came together for the event at the local tennis club recently, with prizes awarded to best dressed and most social team.

Participants were also rewarded with a barbeque dinner included in the entry fee.

Mareeba High against St Augustine’s in the first round of Aaron Payne Cup.

SPORT

Davis sprints to title glory

WHAT was described as the “Show of the Decade”, the two night Prosprints Queensland Title saw drivers from all around the country make the trek to Mareeba Speedway over the weekend.

The action-packed weekend saw two titles be crowned – the North Queensland Super Street Sedan Title and The Pinnacle 2023 Pro-Sprintcar Queensland Title – which brought out a near packed house to the Mareeba Speedway.

Formula 500’s were also out in force as a support class for the title events which saw Ash Ewing in the NQ99 take home the feature race win on Night 1 and young gun out of Cairns Brodie Duncan in the NQ48 wrap up Night 2.

The 2023 North Queensland Super Street Sedan Title “wowed” the crowd as Jay Naylor NQ18 dominate all three heat races, giving him a front row start in the Feature.

Naylor led the entire race before spinning on the last corner of the last lap, allowing Andrew McCeath NQ87 to catch up right onto the rear bumper of Naylor with only one straight away remaining.

It was a drag race across the finishing getting the crowd onto their feet and it was ultimately Jay Naylor taking home the North Queensland Title.

After passing the checkered flag at full speed, Naylor lost control of the NQ18 seeing him spin onto the infield and rolling his VL Commodore onto its roof.

The headline event of the weekend was the 2023 ProSprintcar Title which was contested by some of Australia’s

best including Domain Ramsay out of Victoria and the ex-Australian Champion Ryan Farrell from Western Australia.

The action kicked off on Friday evening with Qualifying which saw Mareeba’s young gun Brodie Davis top the grid only being just over a tenth of a second of the lap record time.

Davis would then go onto win Night 1 of the Queensland Title which included a preliminary feature final.

Onto Saturday night the game faces were on in every car. The intensity around the pits including crews and drivers was something the small country town speedway had never seen according to speedway president Scott Davis.

“The heat races flew through and were won by Brodie Davis, Wes Jenkins, Kinser Claridge and Cameron King leaving us only with a feature race left to decide the 2023 Queensland Title,” he said.

The action packed 30-lap feature race saw “thrills and spills” with a big wreck from two-time NQ Champ Brian Walsh while running second.

With 18 laps remaining after Walsh’s crash, no one had yet to challenge race leader Brodie Davis until halfway through the main where Victorian Domain Ramsay would clinch onto the back of Davis while in heavy lapped traffic.

It wasn’t long before we saw two caution flags and Davis was lights out on the restarts, leaving the field behind and claiming the biggest win of the 19-yearold’s racing career, the 2023 Pro-Sprintcar Queensland Title.

Mareeba’s newly crowned Pro-Sprintcar Qld Champion Brodie Davis.

Pro-Sprint Cars – Mark Jorgensen.

Pro-Sprint cars – Libby Ellis.

Formula 500 – Brodie Duncan.

Super Street Sedans - Mick Brook.

Super Street Sedan – Jamie Naylor.

SPORT

Early errors cost Gladiators

IN a rare Sunday afternoon match at their home ground, the Mareeba Gladiators faced a crucial challenge against Brothers, needing a victory to maintain control over their destiny in the finals.

Unfortunately, Mareeba began the game with a series of handling errors, putting themselves under immense pressure as Brothers quickly raced to a 10-0 lead.

However, the Gladiators showcased their resilience and fought back, narrowing the deficit to 14-12 by halftime.

The start of the second half saw Mareeba come out with great determination, scoring two tries within the first ten minutes and claiming a 22-14 lead.

However, their nemesis, errors, made a comeback and allowed Brothers to regain control of the game.

Despite this setback, the Gladiators never lost their never-say-die attitude and managed to score two late tries, ultimately succumbing to a 38-32 defeat.

Coach Chris Sheppard said he was proud with the team's effort, acknowledging that every player gave their all on the field.

“I'm rapt with the effort of the boys today. Everyone had a crack and I'll never be unhappy when we do that. We just need to learn to be more professional across the 80 minutes,” he said.

“We burnt a lot of juice at the start of the game with back-to-back errors and then in the second half we took the lead and changed what was working going back into error after error which hurt us. To the boy’s credit though, they stuck at it and came back late.

“That's one that got away from us but there's some really good learnings in that for us and if we can heed them, we'll be a pretty

good team moving forward. Some really positive signs in that game.”

Mareeba had no shortage of standout players, with Caleb Dally earning the welldeserved Man of the Match award.

In the under 18 match, the Gladiators continued their dominant streak, securing an impressive 28-0 victory against Brothers, who held the fourth position.

Not so lucky weekend for Roosters

The Innisfail Leprechauns dominated the Atherton Roosters with a 44-18 victory in their match at Innisfail on Saturday.

Despite the Roosters dealing with multiple injuries and fielding a revamped lineup, they showed resilience by narrowing the gap after trailing 22-0, reaching a score of 22-12 at halftime thanks to tries by Ty Grogan and Joel Riethmuller. However, the Leprechauns began the second half with a burst of energy, scoring three quick tries to extend their lead to 40-12.

In the 65th minute, Brad Hammond's try provided a glimmer of hope for the Roosters, and to their credit, they fought hard until the end, making Innisfail work for their victory.

Matt Serra and Morgan Payne both made their impressive debuts for the Roosters in the first-grade match.

This achievement was particularly remarkable considering that Mareeba had 14 players unavailable and had to field five under 16 players who proved themselves admirably on the field.

The Mareeba side will have the bye this weekend for the Mareeba Rodeo but will be back to face the Atherton Roosters at Mungalli Creek Stadium on 22 July.

Notably, Connor Griffin delivered another outstanding performance for the Roosters in the forward position.

In the reserve grade match, Innisfail secured a 28-8 win, while their under 18 team triumphed over the Roosters with a score of 34-12.

The Senior Roosters will continue their FNQ rugby league premiership campaign against the Kangaroos at Vico Oval this Sunday.

Roosters Matt Serra against Innisfail on Saturday.

Mareeba centre Sonny Rae on Sunday.