The Express Newspaper 15th December 2021

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Carl Portella

EDITOR Robyn Holmes

The best streets to see Christmas lights CHRISTMAS lights are popping up everywhere and there’s no shortage of great displays, 38 of which have entered Tablelands Regional Council’s Christmas Lights Competition and 23 entered in the Mareeba Shire’s lights competition.

Winners of both competitions will be announced this week.

Grab your friends and family for a tour of the region – you don’t want to miss seeing these wonderful light shows.

Jacko and Coral from 5 Ellwood Close, Atherton.

In alphabetical order

CADET JOURNALIST Rhys Thomas

OF F ICE MANAGER Natasha Wainwright

RURAL JOURNALIST Sally Turley

MARKETING / P HOTOGRAP HER Darryl Day

P AP ER MANAGER Natasha Srhoj

CIRCULATION 1 3,0 0 0

The Express is published by Portasea Pty Ltd, 141 Constance St, Mareeba QLD 4880. ACN: 141 250 213 Printed by Townsville print centre, 623-645 Flinders St. Townsville QLD 4810

ATHERTON 8533 Kennedy Highway 3 Danbulla Crescent 9 Tower Avenue 43 Tower Avenue 59 Danzer Drive 5 Ellwood Close 33 Gibson Street 67 Danzer Drive 11 Anthony Drive 35 Tumbare Street 17 Nerboni Close 21 Dalziel Avenue 2 Fourth Avenue 22 Fifth Avenue 35 Mountain View Drive BIBHOORA 677 Bilwon Road

DIMBULAH 39 Hambling Street 4/6 Kennedy Street HERBERTON 8 Grace Street KAIRI 33 Irvine Street MALANDA 7A Lynch Road 5 Burton Close 10 Hanrahan Street MAREEBA 6 Parklands Circuit 20 Parklands Circuit 6 Hastings Drive 1 Kylie Close 149 Slape Road 25 Couper Street

12 Borland Street 13 Borland Street 9 Aguis Crescent 3 Fenwick Street 38 McGrath Road 7 Maria Close 12 Maria Close 9 Curlew Close 9 Totten Street 2 Leinster Drive 32 Kowa Street 4 Jacana Close MILLAA MILLAA 8 Main Street MILLSTREAM 788 Wooroora Road RAVENSHOE 18 John Street 53 John Street

30 Moffat Street 16 Rogers Street RANGEVIEW 33 Rankine Drive 51–53 Rankine Drive 39 Filippo Close 46 Filippo Close TOLGA 20 Barlow Close 46–76 Tate Road YUNGABURRA 29 Wensley Avenue STREET ENTRIES Ellwood Close, Atherton Burton Close, Malanda Parklands Circuit, Mareeba Borland Street, Mareeba Main Street, Millaa Millaa Bivouac Road, Millstream Filippo Close, Rangeview

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Homes selling like hotcakes

BY ROBY N HOLMES

PROPERTIES on the Tablelands are being scooped up faster than ever and fetching higher prices for sellers as the real estate sector continues to experience a spike in sales.

Properties in the Atherton district have certainly rose in price this year, with some being purchased sight unseen, says First National Real Estate’s Zach Reid.

“The combination of today’s high price, low days on market and number of transactions has not been seen before,” he said.

“Sellers are getting more than they expected in most situations. At First National, we have seen a number of recent sales well over owner expectation netting the sellers in certain situations upwards of $50,000 more than they expected.”

The median sale price for a property in Atherton had increased by $30,000 or 10 per cent in the past year, he said.

“From 2015-2019, the median sale price in Atherton was $308,000 with an average number of sales or transactions of 119,” Mr Reid said.

“In 2020, the average price and sales remained much the same, however, for 2021 to date the median sale price is now $335,000, with sales numbers year to date sitting at 197.”

Predominantly, buyers are from the Far North region, but one in five are from interstate or from other parts of Queensland.

“Quite a few families and retirees are buying up here and we have had less investors than usual,” Mr Reid said.

“I believe the buyers are realising that lifestyle is important and living in a city may not be as glamourous. Many people moving here have visited and loved the area or are attracted by family.

“We can’t wait to move”

MOTHER- of- three Sarah ( who does not want her surname published) is one of those buyers who is trading in the urban environment of Brisbane to live in the green hills of Atherton, despite never even visiting the town before. “ We have lived in Brisbane for about six years and made the decision to move and we “We are continually hearing how beautiful the Atherton Tablelands is generally, and the lifestyle and weather is what is attracting out-of-towners.”

This year, the office had sold properties to five buyers who bought them sight unseen.

Mr Reid said properties were selling quickly and stock was at a premium.

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With young children ranging from 1 - 6 years of age, Sarah said she wanted the children to have the space to ex plore, with the eldest already ex pressing a desire to be a marine biologist. “ We wanted to give him that chance to be close to the reef

– the average days on market now are 42 with many properties selling faster than that,” he said.

“The prices began to increase primarily on acreage and homes in town were seeing less interest, but now the rest of the market, including homes in town, have caught up. They are now experiencing huge demand. At this point, buyers want everything – in town and acreage depending on their budget.”

and we love the look of the environment of the Tablelands – it supposed to be much cooler,” she said.

Sarah has never been to the Tablelands and only knows what Atherton is like or, even the house she purchased, by looking online. “ We can’t wait to move – we will be coming in the new year,” she said.

Central Realty Mareeba owner Remo Esposito has been experiencing similar trends, with buyers getting the price they are seeking and a limited number of properties to list.

“We probably have a quarter of the properties we would normally have on our books and that has been more so in the past six months,” he said, “Buyers are not mucking around because they know they have to move

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quickly – they are not trying to ‘strike a bargain’ as they might have done if there were plenty of properties on offer.”

Mr Esposito said there had been an increase in the volume of interstate buyers and had sold some properties sight unseen.

“We have adapted to the situation as many others have using videos and auctions online,” he said.

“For interstate buyers and those from cities, even Cairns, we offer more affordability and they can get better value for their money such as a pool or sheds.”

He believed the market was not slowing down any time soon and urged sellers to move now if they wanted to take advantage of the peaked interest in local properties.

Elders Real Estate Malanda’s Jeanette Suffield, who is also president of the town’s chamber of commerce, agrees new listings are hard to come by, particularly acreage properties around the Malanda district.

“There are not so many new listings available at the moment as no one seems to be moving unless for a reason – what tends to always keep stock moving is the three Ds – death, divorce and downsizing,” she said.

“The Cairns and Townsville buyers seem to be ones that have thought about moving in the past but have now decided to make the move to get away from the heat.

“It seems to be friends and family members of existing Tablelanders that are buying and even some that are coming back to the region – It’s a mixture of buyers though.

“Investors are also looking to put their cash to work rather than leaving it in the bank.”

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 3

Club board returned THE board of the Mareeba L eagues Club has been returned unchallenged after Sunday’s annual general meeting.

There was suggestions the club’s board would be changed after some members expressed concern about the future direction of the group.

However at Sunday’s AG M, the incumbent board was returned.

“The incumbent board have been returned unchanged, and we would like to thank all that attended, along with the support from the wider Mareeba community,” Mareeba L eagues Club president David Christensen said.

Council waste highly weighted A BU Y back shop and a new weighbridge and gatehouse at the K uranda transfer station are all part of Mareeba Shire Council’s agenda to improve waste management in the shire.

Council is proposing to construct a Buy Back Shop at the Mareeba Waste Transfer Station with a development approval currently being assessed.

“Council aims for a better way of managing waste at its sites, by harnessing the potential value of resources that have traditionally been discarded," Mayor Angela Toppin said. " Council has endorsed strategic priorities which will guide our transition to a more circular economy, reduce the amount of waste disposed of to landfill, and provide a more sustainable source of end-of-life products and materials.”

Cr Toppin said council remained committed to reducing waste to landfill by increasing recycling opportunities, promoting reuse of organic waste, reducing illegal dumping and supporting sustainable practices and the circular economy.

Nick Cremeri is retiring after 35 years in the restaurant business in Y ungaburra. He is pictured holding an old pair of binoculars he brought with him from Switze rland.

New chapter for Yungaburra’s Nick

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PAGE 4 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Y U NG ABU RRA’s most well-known restaurateur Nick Cremeri may say he’s retiring but anyone who knows him probably won’t believe it until they see it.

Nick and his restaurant have become synonymous with ungaburra since he first opened in 1986 and now he has handed the reins to a young couple, he says he wants to spend more time travelling but he will “keep his eye” on what is happening with the restaurant and perform with his accordian “on request”.

Nick has leased the business to Donato Bilotti and Daniele Berini for now but has also listed the business for sale.

Nick’s 35 years in the restaurant business means he has had the longest stint in the sector than anyone else in the Far North region. e ecting on his career, Nic says the thing that always drove him was the need to succeed.

“There have plenty of ups and downs over the years, it was not all plain sailing – the high interest rates of 18 per cent we had in the late 80s, the pilot’s strike, and two cyclones to name a few,” he said.

“Several times, I have been on the thin line, but I never threw the towel in – I was determined to succeed.”

He credits a lot of his success to advice and support he was given by well-known businessman Chano Trentin and other business people who passed on their wisdom to the then edgling restauranteur.

“Chano in particular gave me a lot of good advice and we were good friends – and that is what has helped me and kept me going,” he said. hen first started, had no nowledge of legal matters and things li e that spea five languages but when I had to sign a contract or something like that, I found it very complicated and Chano helped a lot as well as other business people who became mentors for me.”

The support of his hundreds of thousands of

customers over the past three decades is not lost on the Swiss-born chef.

“If I didn’t have their support and look after them, I would not have survived,” he said.

Nick’s career is well-documented, with hundreds of media articles written about him over the years – testament to his clever marketing, creativity and unrelenting sense of fun. riginally from Swit erland, Nic first opened an eatery in 1986 out of a small teahouse in Y ungaburra that accommodated j ust 24 patrons before he extended the building to cater for 100 guests in 1991.

In 1997, the Bella V ista function room was constructed and six months later, the Y odeller’s Bar was added, bringing the capacity of the facility to 180.

Not surprisingly, Nick has many stories to tell about the many thousands of people who have enj oyed dining at the restaurant, but it’s the little things that make his heart soar.

“I j ust love it when they send me a thank you card, or when I see people who came here when they were baptised, now coming back when they get married,” he said.

One of the funniest memories he has was when a family from avenshoe finished their dinner and left the restaurant, inadvertently leaving a baby under the table.

“We see the baby under the table, we tried to find the people but their name was Smith so we couldn t find their number e comforted the baby, I played a bit of accordian and he fell asleep, then the parents finally came bac about o cloc in the morning to get the baby,” he said.

With Donato and Daniele– a couple who have been running the pizzeria on the grounds of the restaurant – now taking over the reins of the restaurant, Nick hopes to try his hand at other things.

“I would love to make videos – like a cooking show but go to the local farms and cook the ‘secret’ recipes that many families have,” he said.

Nick promises there will be a gala farewell function before Christmas where he hopes former guests will come and celebrate with him.

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Helping hands spread gifts of joy this season SPECIAL gift bags will be delivered to 130 clients of Atherton’s eals on heels ne t wee , than s in part to the efforts of local G irl G uides.

The G irl G uides made gifts out of face washers wrapped around a Christmas star for the bags which will also contain mini-versions of L ions Christmas cakes.

The initiative is part of the G irl G uides program of “Helping Hands”, aimed at teaching the young participants generosity and giving to the community.

Meals on Wheels secretary Judy Wyatt said drivers would be delivering the gift bags next week, before the special Christmas menu is delivered on the eve of the big day.

“On the 24th, we will be delivering the Christmas menu which includes the option of a soup, a roast dinner, and a festive dessert which chef will decide on,” she said. eals on heels service clients, ranging in age from to , in therton, alanda, ungaburra, a e acham, Tinaroo, Tolga, Walkamin and Herberton.

PICTU RED: Meals on Wheels secretary J udy Wyatt with Girl Guides Tenae Ghelfi (left) and Phoebe Fitzgerald with the special gift bags.

Locals urged to stand up and rally against crime

BY ROBYN H OL MES AL L residents who are concerned about the level of crime in Mareeba, particularly involving youth, are being urged to attend a public rally on Sunday in a bid to put pressure on the State G overnment to take action.

Organiser Denis McK inley says he was prompted to act by the number of break-ins, car thefts and vandalism occurring in Mareeba on a weekly basis.

“As a community, we must show that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in our town,” he said.

“The rally is all about trying to get the attention of the State to get more policing and to come up with ways

we can deal with these kids who obviously have issues and need help to get on the right path.”

L ast week during the middle of the day, a 29-year-old man walking down Byrnes Street was assaulted after two j uveniles allegedly attempted to take his bag.

The man was punched in the face several times before the uveniles ed the scene around 1.30pm. Police located the alleged offenders about pm and charged two Mareeba boys.

The year old was charged with attempted stealing, assault occasioning bodily harm, enter premise with intent to commit indictable offence and wilful damage by graffiti 13-year-old boy was charged with at-

tempted stealing and assault occasioning bodily harm.

“If this wilful unlawful unrelenting behaviour is not stopped in its tracks, areeba will suffer huge conse uences economically to the point where valuations on properties will or could decrease as our town will be branded similar to others not only in Queensland but WA and the Northern Territory where the only thing you stop for is fuel and then fast track out of there,” Mr McK inley said.

“Do we, in Mareeba, really want to be branded as that? ” Mr McK inley is motivated in part by his own personal experience with crime, with two break-ins occurring at his home during which vehicles were

s a m X

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stolen on each occasion.

“They entered our home and shed whilst we were asleep and stole my son’s utility out of the enclosed car port on the first occasion, he said fter the first robbery, detectives told us that there was a real possibility they could reoffend now they know what we had in our home and shed - the detectives were spot on, but they the offenders were very much smarter and much more skilled the second time.

“On that occasion, they breached my locked shed and stole my Nissan Patrol and went on a voyage to Mount G arnet stealing fuel from BP servo on Mareeba. It was lucky that social media tracked my vehicle to Mount G ar-

net before policed found it - $9000 later through insurance of my own, I have my vehicle back.

“People ask me why I am so involved and passionate about what is happening in Mareeba right now – the invasion of your privacy is shocking and Pauline and I have lived this twice.”

Despite pressure building within the community for the State G overnment to act, Member for Cook Cynthia L ui will not be attending Sunday’s public rally.

But says her government has toughened up laws for young offenders.  CONTINU ED PAGE 1 5  POL ICE RESPOND PAGE 1 5

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 5

Commercial New owners of Kairi Store call Tablelands home development on the move in Mareeba N commercial pro ects are on the cards for areeba, with one of the proposals already approved by Mareeba Shire Council and another currently being assessed. development application for a new service station ust outside of Mareeba on the Kennedy Highway was recently approved.

The service station will be established on the corner of the Kennedy Highway and Malone Road.

“The applicant will now consider the conditions of the approval, and I do hope to see the start of this project in the not-to-distant future,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.

The service station will also feature a children’s playground, itchen and careta ers accommodation the design would be similar to the current Mobile station in Mareeba.

They plan to operate seven days a wee from am until pm, being closed over the more sensitive night time hours identified as pm to am This new service station will unloc economic benefits that come with new development, as well as the ongoing employment benefits for the area, ayor Toppin said development application for a tourist par also came across council’s desk. The proposed tourist park, which is still under assessment, is earmar ed for ovacic oad, off the ennedy ighway on the way to Cairns.

The development application put forward to council states that the facility would follow a “leave it as you found it’ policy with no permanent dwellings The applicant s intention is to provide only minimal facilities with a ‘leave it as you found it’ policy,” it stated.

There would be four designated camping areas for a ma imum of guests plus an area set aside for communal use The camping area will remain free of permanent structures and therefore maintain the desired agricultural use of the land, the application stated.

Tender story correction LAST week, The Express ran a story about a tender for 12 vehicles being rejected by Tablelands Regional Council. This is incorrect.

Council approved the tender, with the casting of Mayor Rod Marti’s vote The vote was in favour of the officer s recommendation The Express apologises for the error and any confusion this may have caused.

WAYNE and nnmarie hillips along with their son Casey have recently taken ownership of the Kairi Store, exchanging the hustle and bustle of Townsville for the rolling green hills of the Tablelands.

The small, close nit airi community has already welcomed the new owners of their small corner store and fuel station with some even ba ing home made coo ies as a welcome gift The young family is originally from Townsville but have decided to get away from the city scene and settle for a uieter backdrop.

“We’ve always liked the Tablelands and we didn t want to move or do anything until the young blo e finished grade 12,” Wayne said.

“We started looking around and it was simpler for us to try and source out a business to buy this one came up and it was just perfect, it was the lifestyle change we were looking for.

“Townsville is hustle and bustle, it’s very fast paced, people are going 100 mile an hour no matter what they re doing it s a much slower pace and rela ed atmosphere here, people are a lot friendlier.”

Wayne has an extensive career and portfolio specialising in business management across Far North ueensland from

The Phillips family, son Casey with mum and dad Annmarie and Wayne outside their new lifestyle change, the K airi Store.

Cairns to Townsville.

The family has often holidayed up on the Tablelands and many of their friends have lived here for years while nnmarie was only born a couple hours south.

“I grew up in Innisfail so as a youngster we would come up to the Tablelands

for Sunday drives and things like that,” she said.

After taken ownership of the store on the November, ayne and nnmarie have en oyed their time running the store, being welcomed with open arms by the town’s locals.

Call to support those less fortunate this Christmas AN urgent call has gone out to the community to donate to the Tablelands ayor s Christmas Appeal after it was revealed it can only meet half of this year s demands for food vouchers Mayor Rod Marti is urgently calling on the community to help those in need this Christmas, saying there had been a dramatic increase in homelessness, driving demand for assis-

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tance this festive season.

“So far we’ve received 148 re uests for food vouchers through our emergency relief agencies but have only been able to meet half of this demand from our ayor s Christmas ppeal, Cr arti said “We’re $3500 short and, while I realise not everyone has money to spare, a small donation to the appeal can ma e a

big difference to people and families in need Cr arti said a small act of indness could ma e a real difference.

“Donate in place of a gift for someone, or get the family or wor place together to ma e a oint donation This small act of indness will ma e a real difference to how people and families remember this festive

season,” Cr Marti said.

Anyone wishing to donate can drop cash into the donation tins at customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas ppeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, ccount Number put your name in the description onations of or more are tax deductible.

Mareeba Shire Council Offices & Libraries will be closed from1:00pm Friday, 24 December 2021 & re-open on Tuesday, 4 January 2022 as per normal trading hours.

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Schools cope with exponential growth

BY RHY S THOMAS

SCHOOL S across the Tablelands have been close to bursting as they cope with the continual and gradual growth across the region.

Malanda State High School is one that has seen exponential growth over the last few years and is reaching its capacity limit.

The school has been suffering from capacity is sues since 2018 and to combat this, it has recently been awarded more than $11 million from the State overnment for a state of the art classroom facility.

The need for more classrooms to enhance their capacity was identified by the epartment of Education during its regular monitoring of school growth.

“Through this process, the department has not identified the need for any new schools in the Ta blelands or Mareeba Shire areas,” a department spokesperson said.

“While the vast maj ority of existing schools have sufficient capacity to cater for current enrol ments and future enrolments, some schools may require expansion to accommodate enrolment growth over the next decade.”

It was through this monitoring that Malanda High was able to receive the funding for six new classrooms including an industry standard itch en and hospitality kitchen plus cafes, bistros and more.

Principal G ary Toshach said the new facility would be the first ma or upgrade the school had seen in years. t is probably the first significant building that will be built here in many, many years,” he said.

“What this means for us is that it gives us space, it gives us room to have more classes and more kids in the school – it also gives us absolute state of the art facilities, home economics and hos pitality facilities.

“As part of this proj ect we are also completely refurbishing the old kitchens and turning them into art studios so we will have a two story art

facility in the school as well.”

Construction for this new facility is set to begin next year ready for use in 2023 – in the meantime the school is also getting new demountable class rooms installed over the coming weeks.

These pro ects are simply in demand for en rolment in Malanda State High School – we are at capacity and have been since 2018,” Mr Toshach said.

“We are between 5 to 10 per cent of capacity which means we have enacted our enrolment man agement plan with precision – we have only been accepting students from inside our catchment.

“The growth has been incredibly strong we have probably gone from 340 kids in 2018 or 2016 to 550 booked for next year and it will probably grow substantially for 2023 as well.”

Malanda State High School principal Gary Toshach with the demountable classrooms being installed to cater for growth at the school.

SCHOOL NUMBERS ACROSS THE REGION Atherton State High School – 9 39 Mareeba State School – 81 6 Mareeba State High School - 7 28 St Stephen’s Catholic College– 59 1 Malanda State High School – 4 84 Malanda State School – 4 7 1 St Thomas’ – 4 1 7 Atherton State School – 383 Ravenshoe – 356 Y ungaburra State School – 1 9 9 Mt Saint Bernard – 1 86 Jubilee Christian College – 9 6 Biboohra State School – 7 0 St Teresa’s P rimary School – 7 0 Walkamin State School – 58

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 7

Fresh St IGA named best store in the world Santa visits Mareeba Hospital ABOVE: The display at Mareeba Hospital’s maternity ward.

RIGHT: The Mayes family, Jenni, baby Maia, Ella and Ash alongside Midwifery Unit Manager Michelle Bomberdieri and EN Julie Ikin spent some time with Santa last week as he visited the Mareeba Hospital.

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run for well over years and is a ma or tal ing point for hospitals and wor ers all across the Cairns and interlands ospital and ealth Service Nurse nit anager ichelle ombardieri said the event had been going on for many years and was truly community focused e invite all the families from the community who have visited our ward during the year and previous years t s a great time to catch up and share stories, she said The team were also oined by some elf helpers from Sorella air and eauty who painted faces and temporary tattoos to families and staff

entire team who collectively ma e this store what it is, and couldn t be prouder Fresh St Market IG A has been widely and popularly nown for their outstanding fresh produce and meat sections, sourcing and providing fresh locally grown produce They also opted to not add e tra self chec outs and instead give those important obs to locals and recently even switched to recyclable pac aging and energy efficient refrigeration From the fresh owers, through to bul foods, open display cheese barges, and interactive specialities such as grinding your own coffee or ma ing your own uice, Fresh St ar et is a complete shopping destination for customers The team are never afraid of having a go, trialling new ranges and offerings, and are always searching for innovative solutions for their customers, all culminating in them being named the best IG A store in the world.

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SANTA made a special visit to the areeba ospital last wee as he heard from many of the ids about what they wanted for Christmas seat was reserved for Santa last Thursday for the hospital s annual Christmas pen ay run in the aternity nit and Community ealth areas of the hospital ifts were donated from an anonymous and very generous community member, Tee e Ca es provided cupca es, ni uely ade made up an ama ing balloon garland to spruce up the hospital, and areeba Mothers and Midwives lliance supported with fundraising and donations The long standing event has

ATHERTON’S Fresh St Market IG A has beaten out over 1000 other IG A stores worldwide to effectively be crowned the number one store in the world.

The local produce store has won the coveted title of Australian International Retailer of the ear for This recognition follows the stores previous awards including National etailer of The ear, S Store of the ear, S rocery eneral erchandise epartment of the ear and S Fresh roduce epartment of the ear at the ustralia Awards.

Store owner ichael Sha es was over the moon to be named the best IG A store in the world. very day we strive to offer best in class standards for our customers, selling high uality, good value products supported by e cellent customer service in our store, he said Ta ing out this award acnowledges all the hard wor , commitment and passion of our

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T the ueensland overnment s new C vaccine mandate due to ta e effect, businesses have been given a multitude of resources to help them cope and ad ust to the new mandate s of Friday ecember, unvaccinated people will be banned from entering

a range of different venues including bars, clubs, cafes and more usinesses affected by the mandate will be able to use new resources released by the government to identify whether they are a vaccine necessary venue osters, signage and fact sheets are

ust some of the new materials available for use by vaccinated and non vaccinated re uired premises To access the resources and other helpful material and information head to www business ld gov au running business whs resources covid

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PAGE 8 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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Call for regional cycling strategy to reap benefits

BY ROBY N HOLMES A 10-Y EAR cycling strategy must be developed if the Tablelands region is to reap the economic and social benefits that cycling can deliver, according to a local recreational umbrella group.

A presentation to Tablelands Regional Council has outlined how much cycling could bring to the region but stated that a structured cycling strategy was needed to ensure funding could be obtained and facilities provided in the right areas.

Tablelands Outdoor Recreational Association ( TORA Inc) spokesperson G ayle Sticher told council developing a cycling strategy could turn the region into a world-class cycling destination.

She said the first economic review of the Australian cycling industry completed in October this year had revealed cycle tourism and services contributed $1.168 billion to the national economy annually and “we want a piece of that” for the region.

“There is enormous economic potential here for our region but we need a co-ordinated approach that is currently lacking and we need to make the best use of all of our land resources,”

she told the council.

Dr Sticher said a cycling strategy would open the door to community organisations such as TORA and the council to be able to apply for government and other grants.

“Without a cycling strategy, community groups are limited in what grants we can get and only pick up small amounts of money, whereas the council can access much larger grants. Only they can apply for those big grants,” she said.

A 10-year cycling strategy would deliver a co-ordinated approach to cycling development, including more effective and transparent decision-making. It would help ensure the best use of existing resources ( land use, council resources, grant funding, other investments) and address the community’s physical, social, health, and economic needs.

L abelling it Cyclo-tourism, Dr Sticher said there was so much untapped potential and spin offs for the region Cyclo-tourism allowed people to discover new sites, landscapes and places travelling by bicycle and complemented eco-tourism which focussed on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultur-

al understanding, appreciation and conservation.

“We all want j obs for our region, and development that maintains the environment and our fantastic lifestyle. Cyclotourism will deliver all those things,” she said.

“It also opens the door for accessible tourism because safe and connected cycleways provide an opportunity to increase access for up to 20 per cent more Australians,” she said.

Dr Sticher said a cycling strategy would provide the opportunity to build local capacity.

“If a cycling strategy is part of our Regional Plan, local tourism and business operators can access funding for cycling tourism ( especially inclusive tourism) . It could provide support for local and national events; community organisations and not for profits li e us could ac cess grants and increase membership for local cycling and recreation groups.”

To demonstrate how much cycling is growing in popularity in the region, Dr Sticher said Audax FNQ, which was established in April 2016, now had 150 members, over 800 on the mailing list and was the third largest Audex group in Australia.

ABOVE: The start of Audex ’s last ride for the year at Wondecla in which 9 0 riders took part.

BELOW: Volunteers building the Hastie Road to P eter Street Rail Trail ex tension – part of the Atherton- Herberton Historical Rail Shared Trail proj ect.

The group had hosted 76 rides, 60 of which were held on the Tablelands, which attracted 2711 riders at an average of 44 cyclists per ride.

“This amounts to an economic contribution of over $454,000 from these cycling events to our Tablelands community in j ust five years, she said TORA Inc put three options to the council as to how the strategy could be developed – council engage an external consultant; council develop the strategy in-house with the expertise of its staff and liaison from stakeholders; or council agree to a j oint internal/ external process which would involve council staff wor ing with a community reference group or advisory committee.

Tablelands Regional Council is expected to consider the proposal at this week’s meeting.

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 9

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PAGE 10 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Malanda releases Our people our places calendar THE Malanda L ions Club have j oined hands with V ision 4885 to produce a new calendar that features Malanda locals and scenery.

The new calendar highlights several locals in the Malanda community in addition to some of the beautiful natural landscapes plotted around the area.

Photographs by John DeRooy adorn each page of the 28-page 2022 calendar along with date claimers for significant or important events coming up in the new year.

Malanda L ions president Cade Blakesley is excited to release the new calendar for people to purchase.

“We wanted to produce a quality product that would be suitable for the locals of Malanda as well as tourist who visit our town, I think we have done that,” he said.

“The calendar covers a variety of people and places around the post code 4885 and includes a little bit of the history of our town as well - Everyone in Malanda would know someone that appears in the L ions 2022 Calendar.”

The Malanda L ions 2022 calendars are on sale at different locations around town and at the Malanda Falls Information Centre – They can also be purchased at the Malanda Markets held on the third Saturday of each month.

Fantasy Tails sta ruce a ond (left) with ritany ond and what they can to help ani al refuges this festi e season.

lie

a pton are doing

Appeal to help animals in need A NEW animal Christmas appeal has been launched by Mareeba pet shop, Fantasy Tails, to help animal rescue groups around the Tablelands.

Fantasy Tails owner Zach K roonenburg said the business, which only opened earlier this year, wanted to do something to help animal rescue groups with food, cash and other items.

“We wanted to start this annual Christmas appeal to help the unfortunate case of animal surrenders increased over this period,” he said.

“With this appeal, we hope that we can help ease the pressure on the rescues that work so hard every day and even harder this time of year.”

The appeal calls for food, cash, toys, treatments for worms, tic s and eas, and any other

items that might be useful.

“Y ou don’t have to buy it from our store – we’re happy to take any item,” he said.

“We have set a target of $5000 cash and we’ll be going around businesses to try to gather as much as we can. Once we see what we have, our business will also put in cash and other items.”

The business is happy to hear from smaller rescue operations throughout the Tablelands that might need help.

All proceeds will be divided up between Mareeba and surrounding rescues to help the animals in need this Christmas. If you can help, leave your items or cash donations at Fantasy Tails, located at 160 Byrnes Street, Mareeba.

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World-wide growth for Mareeba’s lemon myrtle MAREEBA’s lemon myrtle farm is going from strength to strength, with a new $4 million processing plant now operational, the planting of an additional 150,000 trees, and gaining organic certification for its oil and leaf products.

Between the farm in Mareeba and another at The Channon in northern New South Wales, Australian Native Products ( ANP) is now the world’s largest grower and supplier of Australian lemon myrtle and has managed to gain organic certification for its oil and leaf products that are grown and produced in Far North Queensland.

Thew company has invested $4 million in the development of a new, state-of-the-art processing facility at Mareeba, which became fully operational at the end of November, to support the rollout of its organic products that already has a waitlist of local and international customers.

The new facility, along with the planting of an additional 150,000 trees, will allow the company to significantly increase its annual output of lemon myrtle, ensuring a security of supply for their brand partners.

ANP general manager Ross Norris said the announcement mar ed a significant milestone for Australian natives, at a time when international demand was

ong ti e sta e ber aura ather who has held arious roles in the business fro nursery anage ent to production super isor for the areeba facility a ongst the newly planted trees. Photo by rendan ad e

at an all-time high.

“This investment allows us to produce organic lemon myrtle at scale and provide leading international brands a consistent,

high-quality supply,” Mr Norris said.

“There’s huge demand for organic lemon myrtle throughout Australia and world-wide.

We anticipate the new accreditation will allow us to fully service existing customers, as well as unlocking new North American markets where demand for or-

ganic product from tea houses is growing.”

L emon myrtle, a native Australian bush botanical that is renowned for its versatility, can be

used in everything from food and beverages, to cosmetic, personal care and household cleaning products.

With its distinct aromatic fragrance and avour, lemon myrtle has steadily grown in popularity since ANP founder G ary Mazzorana began growing the native botanical in northern New South Wales in 1995.

ANP is committed to prioritising sustainability across its farms in New South Wales and Queensland. In 2019, it began planting lemon myrtle trees in Mareeba, with the region’s idyllic climate naturally minimising disease and facilitating organic farming.

The 67-hectare Mareeba farm and new processing facility will be the home of ANP’s production of organic lemon myrtle and anise myrtle.

“We’ve spent years developing the technology, which is a world first drying, sorting and packing line for lemon myrtle, that minimises handling and reduces contamination risk, while also maximising aroma, colours and avours of the leaf and oils produced,” Mr Norris said.

“The process was designed by ANP founder G ary Mazzorana, who was involved in the exacting details of this proj ect at every step, to ensure the freshest possible supply of 100 per cent certified organic lemon myrtle

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 11

Ravenshoe students awarded for success

RAVENSHOE State School P-12 took time to recognise their students and their efforts in the schooling year holding their annual presentations recently.

The awards ceremony took place on 17 November recognising some of the school’s best and brightest students.

Ravenshoe State School P-12 contains students from prep to year 12 unlike other schools on the Tablelands.

The School Dux Award was presented to graduate Azura Cox who demonstrated outstanding academic prowess in the 2021 school year – Lahni Brennan is following in her footsteps being named the other School Dux for this year.

Year 12 student Talia Rebech and Year 10 student Louie Morandin were awarded the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for their exceptional leadership, teamwork, communication and commitment to their studies and peers.

Kyan Collins was awarded the Masonic Bursary for his commitment to school and study, Kyan received the award due to his integrity, honesty and good character.

The Chris Dempsey Cranes Cultural, Academic and Leadership bursaries were awarded to Year 6 students Wayne Douglas, Lahni Brennan and Luca Cross respectively.

C A R R I N G T O N H O T E L

Senior Dux Azu ra Cox P rincipal Helen Carne.

School Dux Lahni Brennan.

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Y ear 1 0 Long Tan Award inner Louie Morandin.

Y ear 1 2 Long Tan Award winner Talia Rebech.

New works on range EARLY works have begun on the Kuranda Range to install new Intelligent Transport Systems TS with traffic changes over the duration of the works.

The ITS stations are being installed between Smithfield and Rainforest Nature Park in Kuranda with the majority of the works to be carried out at night between 6pm and 6am.

Changed traffic conditions will be in place during the works including single lane closures and reduced speed limits.

The stations will be equipped with roadside data systems and signs that can display variable speed limits.

They will complement the

existing variable message signs, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and Bluetooth systems already in place on Kuranda Range Road. The stations will enable improved communications with travellers, sharing of timely information and improved trip reliability.

The ITS stations will reduce the risk of rear-end and severe crashes as the speed limits on the Kuranda Range can be remotely adjusted in response to wet weather and other conditions.

The new stations are planned to be fully operational in late 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.

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PAGE 12 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

FOR this Centenary Year of His Ascension, members of Tablelands Bahá’í Community presented a series of vignettes on the exemplary life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a life which still inspires many today.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá committed His life to the service of humanity and actively promoted the Teachings of His father, Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith – whose sole purpose was to bring unity and universal peace to humanity.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was also known as the Ambassador of Peace, and personal accounts from individuals who met Him in Palestine, Europe and North America during the early 1900s attest to the life-transforming powers of His humble service.

Held at the Atherton International Club, actors joined musicians from Cairns and Kuranda, including acclaimed professional performer Klare Ku’Olga, inspired those present with songs based on the principles promoted by ‘Abdu’lBahá.

Tablelands Bahá’ís express their gratitude to the community for the overwhelming support that made this event such a success."

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Swimmers concerned for the future of Lake Eacham

BY EL L IE FINK SWIMMERS from across the Tablelands have raised eyebrows at a sudden change in colour, temperature, dead fish and a film on the water surface of L ake Eacham.

The issue was exposed by local swimmer Melissa Masters who posted her concerns about the health of the lake on the Tablelands U nite Facebook page, generating a urry of posts from other la e users who shared her concerns about the temperature of the water and particularly how it was being affected by sunscreen Melissa has been swimming in the popular swimming hole for 40 years and said that she has never seen the lake in such a bad condition.

“We always arrive early in the morning to avoid the rush and we noticed sludge like scum across the surface of the water, the type of stuff you would find in a swamp, she said.

“I almost didn’t want to swim because of it but I made my way through it out to the middle and noticed there was no temperature change.

“U sually during summer the surface is warm but when you get to the centre it was so cold that used to loo li e a Smurf After diving under, Melissa said she noticed no difference in temperature and that the warmth continued down for as far as she could dive.

In addition to the warm temperature of the water and slimy surface, Melissa was

The iconic blue crater L ake Eacham has seen some strange changes and locals are wanting answers.

also shoc ed to see two dead fish oating across the surface. only saw two fish but after posting on the Facebook page, I learned that there had also been a few in L ake Barrine that same day, she said “It’s really unnatural to see this, they loo ed li e silver perch oating there “It was almost as though the lake is sick, and a lot of locals think so too, and we would li e answers Almost 90 people have commented on the post, backing up Melissa’s claims, especially in regard to sunscreen slick and temperature.

“I saw an oily slick of sunscreen on the lake surface about eight summers ago and haven’t been back in the water… I truly believe we need to keep out of L ake Eacham for a few years to rebalance itself, one person posted. “( My husband) mentioned how gross the sludge was on the top of the water and after

30 years of swimming there ( he) won’t get bac in sunscreen another commented “I know what you mean about it being warm, years ago you literally lost you breathe until your body temperature adj usted and now it’s like walking into a warm pool, another said Melissa also mentioned that the iconic teal colour of L ake Eacham had slowly faded and become nothing more than a green sluggish colour and, in some areas, j ust grey.

“Someone on Facebook said that it may be an algae bloom and I can understand that as I was itchy after I got out of the water and I have never felt like that coming out of the water ever, elissa said Despite the many comments on the FB post by people concerned by the lake’s condition, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has not received any reports about changes to the lake.

“QPWS has not received any reports of changes in colour or temperature to the Crater L akes and is also unaware of any changes to the lakes associated with seismic or volcanic activity, a spo esperson said “QPWS encourages visitors to practice safe swimming practices and the careful use of sunscreens. Rangers regularly maintain access areas to ensure any environmental damage caused by visitors using the facilities are ept to a minimum They say that they will not be carrying out any tests but any concerning changes in the water quality can report it to QPWS on 13 G OV ( 13 74 68) .

Mt Molloy RSL takes on management of community hall THE Mt Molloy Memorial Hall will now be managed by the town’s RSL sub-branch.

Mareeba Shire Council has agreed to issuing a management agreement to the RSL sub-branch for the management of the community hall.

“Community management is an arrangement between a community-based management committee and council which recognises the value of local knowledge and connections in running these types of facilities, ayor Angela Toppin said.

“The role of the community hall has changed over the years. Previously a critical part of a small community' s social fabric, generally speaking there has been a decline in usage of community halls in recent years Council has successfully implemented community management arrangements at the Mutchilba Community Centre and K oah Hall.

“The results of community management are impressive, and council has seen an increase in activity at the community managed sites. The management committee and coun-

cil both ta e on certain responsibilities, she said.

The arrangements do not give the management group exclusive use, rather the arrangement is to encourage usage by other groups at the hall or facility.

“The community management arrangements at the Mutchilba Community Centre and the K oah Hall have proven to be highly effective at reconnecting the community with the hall, and at boosting utilisation, Cr Top pin said.

Roy Walker ( centre) pictured with Master Plumbers Association of Q ueensland board member Bob K imlin and son Trev or ( right) .

Roy recognised for industry contribution A PRESTIG IOU S award has been bestowed upon wellknown plumbing contractor Roy Walker to recognise his extensive contribution to the plumbing Industry, and his commitment to the successful training of the next generation of plumbers.

The Atherton-based plumber, who has been operating for more than 50 years, has been awarded the Queensland Master Plumbers Association Meritorious Service Award.

Master Plumbers Association of Queensland board member Bob K imlin presented the award and congratulated Roy for his overall contribution to the industry.

“Over his years in business, Roy has employed and trained 15 apprentices, with the large maj ority currently owning their own business, he said Roy has seen a lot of developments in the industry over the last 50 years.

He said plumbers greatly appreciated the use of PV C, and the use of machinery digging septic tank holes and trenches, which he recalls were previously dug by pick and shovel, at the rate of 10/ - ( $1) for a septic tank hole and septic trenches dug @ 2/ - shillings ( 20 cents) per foot.

He said safety standards with the use of edge protection for roof installation, harness and other personal protection equipment now make high-rise building work much safer.

“With some of the risks plumbers took in the past, It’s a wonder we are still around, he said Roy said there was no doubt his MPAQ membership had contributed greatly to his success in plumbing, extending well beyond traditional day-to-day plumbing, to the meeting of statutory requirements and ultimately giving members peace of mind in the running of their business.

Roy says he is extremely grateful for the further development of his plumbing business being handled by son Trevor as they together continue to contribute to the Industry.

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 13

Our Council Our Community

FESTIVE SEASON ON THE TABLELANDS Opening Hours

Contact us 24/7 for urgent matters on 1300 362 242.

Libraries and customer service centres will be closed from 3pm Friday 24 December and return to normal operating hours from Tuesday 4 January.

On Friday 24 December Yungaburra Library and Herberton Library and Customer Service Centre will be open from 12noon to 3pm.

Our transfer stations will be closed on Christmas Day and return to normal operating hours from Saturday 26 December.

Kerbside collections will continue as normal.

Christmas Lights Competition

The winners of our Tablelands Shines Christmas Lights Competition will be announced on Thursday 16 December. A list of nominated properties and streets is available at trc.qld.gov.au.

Stay Local

Plan your staycation and become a tourist in your own backyard. It’s a great time to holiday at home with friends and rellies to ensure your tourist dollars stay in our region. Our information centres can help you plan your Tablelands staycation so drop in now for a nonstop itinerary!

Be Ready

Remember to get ready for the cyclone season. Ensure your house is prepared, your emergency kit and plan are ready and that you stay in touch via our Early Warning Network, Emergency Dashboard and socials.

Tableland Regional Gallery, Old Post Office Gallery and Foyer Gallery will close on Thursday 16 December.

Atherton, Herberton and Yungaburra information centres will be closed Christmas and Boxing Day. Malanda Falls Information Centre will be closed Christmas and Boxing Day, and only open between 10am and 2pm on public holidays.

Pets as Gifts

Are you thinking of giving someone a pet for Christmas? Please give serious thought to what owning a pet entails. It is a big, often costly responsibility.

Maybe a board game is a better idea!

Library Activities

Summer Reading Club Until Monday 31 January Sign up and receive a free activity pack! The more books you read, the more prizes you can win! Register at your library.

Making Music with Makey Makey (ages 7+) 11am Wednesday 15 December Ravenshoe Library Book on 4089 2251 Christmas Crafts for Kids (any age) 10.30am and 2pm Monday 20 December Atherton Library Book at bit.ly/tablelandsevents.

We acknowledge the Tradition Custodians of the Tablelands Region and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

PAGE 14 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Think of Others

Not all of us have a bed to sleep in, a Christmas meal to share and loved ones close by. It’s not a joyous and easy time for everyone.

Remember to be kind.

It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give.

Christmas Appeal

Requests for assistance are far exceeding donations to the Mayor’s Christmas appeal.

We’ve only been able to provide half of the food vouchers that have been requested.

Drop cash into the donation tins at any of our customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description).

Events

Holding an event or wondering what is going on? Head to our events calendar at trc.qld.gov.au. In just a couple of clicks you can register your event for free!

Shop Local

There’s no need to look anywhere else this Christmas when it comes to presents under the tree.

Shop locally. Why not send the rellies something local to remind them it’s time to visit?

Check-In

At this stage proof of Covid-19 vaccination is not required to enter TRC libraries, customer service centres, or information centres. Remember to check-in using the Check In Qld app.

Customer service centres in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Mareeba set to rally against crime FROM PAGE 5 “Any amount of crime is totally unacceptable,” Ms L ui said.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk G overnment has toughened up the laws, including the introduction of the presumption against bail for youth offenders and the toughest anti hoon legislation in the nation.

“We are also making record investments in policing to ensure the Queensland Police Service has the personnel and the resources to keep the community safe.

“Additionally, the Y outh Justice Taskforce recently travelled to Cairns and announced it will focus on building intensive multi-agency case management of the top per cent serious repeat offenders across the state.

“The Department of Children, Y outh Justice and ulticultural ffairs is also e plor ing options for office space in areeba to accommodate e tra staff from the therton youth ustice office However, Deputy Opposition L eader Da-

vid Janetzki has accused Ms L ui of “abandoning Mareeba”.

First she moved her electorate office out of the region and now she’s walking away from the youth crime problem. Mareeba locals deserve more respect from their State Member of Parliament,” Mr Janetzki said. ur frontline police officers are doing an incredible j ob under immense stress and they too deserve more respect, resources and support.

“The frustration from Far Northern business owners and residents is white hot.

They’re sick of this crimewave and they’re sick of the local L abor MPs ignoring them.

“The latest crime data is deeply concerning and should serve as a wake-up call for the State G overnment.

“Mareeba and Cairns have been hij acked by young thugs and the State G overnment is refusing to get tough. The L NP will continue to put solutions on the table including reinstating breach of bail as an offence The public rally will be held at Davies Park on Sunday from 12.30pm.

The Mareeba Cenotaph has been targeted on numerous occasions by v andals.

Federal funding to help give kids best start to life MORE than $1.4 million in Federal funding will go to a Mareeba-based program helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children get the best possible start in life and be ready to start school.

The money will be provided to the recently established Connected Beginnings proj ect in Mareeba, supporting the delivery of coordinated local family information, advice and care through to June 2024.

The funding will help about 270 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five and under, and their families, in Mareeba and the surrounding region.

Minister for Education and Y outh Alan Tudge said Connected Begin-

nings was an important part of the G overnment’s “Closing the G ap” initiatives.

“We need to make sure that families access the local health and early childhood education support that children need to help them get ready to learn and to start school,” Mr Tudge said.

“Only about one in three Indigenous children start school ready to learn. Supporting families in Mareeba who need extra assistance will help their children to get the best possible start in life and make the most of those early school years.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians K en Wyatt said the Connected Beginnings program had demonstrated success at lifting participation in early

childhood education and care and assisted in improving school readiness outcomes for Indigenous children.

“Connected Beginnings connects children and families to essential health and education services. It ensures children are engaging with childcare, preschool, playgroups and have regular developmental health checks,” Mr Wyatt said.

“The program works in partnership with the local community to increase confidence and safety for children and for families less inclined to engage with services, and it also encourages the community to take an active role in preparing its children for school.”

North Queensland-based Senator and Special Envoy for Northern Aus-

CYNTHIA LUI

tralia, Susan McDonald, said the Connected Beginnings proj ect was coordinated locally by Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service and had created j obs in Mareeba.

“Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation will work to establish a hub within Mareeba’s Indigenous community to engage with and support local children. It will also increase the proportion of services delivered within the program by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations,” Senator McDonald said.

“Education is the key to success in so many aspects of life, and this will have a positive impact on Indigenous children and families in the community for generations.”

Police respond to town crime QU EENSL AND Police have responded to concerns about Mareeba crime levels, saying officers are working to ensure community safety and “is committing every available resource to achieve this aim”.

A media statement from QPS outlined actions being taken including that detectives from the Tablelands Criminal Investigation Branch were actively investigating youth related offences, and that uvenile offenders were being man aged through the Bail Compliance Program which involves bail and curfew checks and management of non-compliance if required.

Since July 1, the Bail Compliance Team had conducted more than 1000 compliance checks, all of which have been undertaken during operational shifts.

The statement said Mareeba police were part of a Complex Case Management G roup who met with youth j ustice, health and education departments to better manage atris and recidivist youth offenders The Mareeba PCY C is actively engaged in running nine programs with “at risk” and vulnerable children in Mareeba. A Mareeba Task Force was established with the assistance of Mayor Angela Toppin, Mareeba Shire Council, local businesses and multiple government agencies including police from the Tablelands Patrol G roup, to work together to address focus issues. fficers from the Tablelands Patrol G roup were also working directly with the council in a collaborative approach towards curbing anti-social behaviour and youth offending, the statement said

MEMBER FOR COOK

Cook Electorate Office Closure: Our office in Cairns will be closed from Thursday 23rd December until Monday 10th January, 2022.

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May peace, love and prosperity follow you always.

P: 07 4223 1100 | F: 07 4223 1109 | E: cook@parliament.qld.gov.au Commonwealth Centre, Suite 3, Cnr Grafton & Shields Sts, CAIRNS Q. 4870 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CookElectorate | W: cynthialui.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 15

Atherton Lions Christmas Market Sunday 1 2 December

Lorraine Chidgey.

Lyn Wright.

THANK Y OU: Alan Dowling and Suz anne Leo were presented with awards from F NQ mark their contribution to their communities.

Volunteers to

Volunteers recognised for tireless community work Sisters Grace and Helina Kohn.

Debrah Embregts.

Mark Schild.

Bruno and Rose Cuda.

Herberton Twilight Christmas Market Saturday 1 1 December

Tobias F ogarty.

TWO volunteers from the Tablelands have been recognised for their tireless efforts with community organisations.

Su anne eo and lan owling were presented with awards from FN olunteers to mar their contribution to their communities.

Suzanne is a long-term volunteer at Better Together Community Centre and was named the winner of FN olunteer of the ear in the Health and Community category. er award submission outlines ust how much the organisation she volunteers for values her help Su anne supports people in financial hardship or e periencing emergency crisis situations Suzanne treats all clients, colleagues and community members with respect, empathy and dignity, the submission read.

Su anne assisted in the training of new volunteers and uman Service Social or students on placement, and was involved in training, decision ma ing and delivering essential social services to some of the most vulnerable people within the local community.

Su anne demonstrates ey values that are integral to the success of human service delivery including empathy, client centred practice approaches and social ustice values, her award submission stated.

“Suzanne has attended organisational team planning meetings, professional development wor shops and community events representing etter Together Community Support “Suzanne deserves this nomination due to her commitment to the community in delivering emergency relief Services. Suzanne’s interactions with clients and other volunteers demonstrates the highest levels of social ustice, professionalism and empathy

“Her contribution is integral to the success of the Community Centre and Better Together Community Support ungaburra s lan owling was recognised as a long term volunteer, wor ing for the therton Show Society for more than years lan is reliable, optimistic, energetic and practical e is forever loo ing for new ways to engage others in the community events, especially young people to deliver a uality e perience and events, his submission read “Alan’s love, commitment to and involvement with many of the agricultural ndustries on the therton Tableland is e tensive and he brings this to the Show Society e has been an e hibitor, competitor, committee member, steward, udge and all round hard wor er to ensure that each and every year the therton Show provides uality e periences and entertainment to locals and visitors lan was pivotal to the set up of the show pavilions, ring and general activity of the Atherton Show and the rt and Craft pos e wor s with others to prepare, deliver and pull down for each event. lan s nowledge and e perience promotes the growth and development of the show society lan delivers through his own contributions and activity. e encourages others to ensure they grow in understanding, nowledge and capability e celebrates the history of the Show Society while maintaining a focus on the future. any young people over time have had the pleasure of wor ing with lan and he supports their growth and development of confidence to have a go. As a committee and a community, the therton Show and many other organisations are better because of lan s contribution

Young achiever nomination for Dr Tahnee C NT N N her path of peer support and mental wellbeing r Tahnee ridson has been nominated for another award due to her wor in establishing and n and eer Support and n and eer Support was established by r ridson to provide support and help to people in the healthcare system e periencing wellbeing or mental health difficulties ue to the program, she has been nominated for the N S oung chiever wards ut of the possible awards r ridson was nomi-

Santa and Mrs Claus.

Nadir Martello and Nadine King.

Nell Withrington and Tyler Hockey

Linda Silk.

Stall holder Karen Day.

PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

nated for the Soroptomist nternational omen mpowering thers ward r risdon s wor also recently earned her two awards in the ental ealth wards and the ueensland oung ustralian of the ear ward ma ing her a finalist in the ustralian of the ear awards Finalists and winners for the N S oung chiever wards will be announced at an wards ala resentation inner in pril ne t year.

Have your say on health services

Ann Raso from

By Me Designs.

T N S residents are being urged to ensure their voices are heard regarding health issues being e perienced in regional ueensland The State overnment s ealth and nvironment Committee is conducting an in uiry into the provision of primary, allied and private health care, aged care and N S care services and its impact on the ueensland public health system ember for ill Shane nuth said the in uiry would be an opportunity for rural and regional ueenslanders to fight for their fair share when it comes to health care. espite what the government says, health services have been declining in regional ueensland for years, r nuth said

e are constantly fighting for access to the same health care services that those living in maor cities in the south east ta e for granted n some regions patients don t have access to basic life-saving services or must travel hundreds of ilometres ust to see a This review is an opportunity for regional ueenslanders to have their say and point out the aws in our State s health system that must be addressed urgently Submissions to the C in uiry close at am on Thursday, ecember and can be submitted via the ueensland arliament website or by emailing hec parliament ld gov au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

HOMEsweet HOME Tablelands water marks a hot topic

ar eto ra e ta ater o e area o t e a e a a t e e to o e o a advice on Facebook recently when one t erto ro ert o er e re e er r trat o t t e t at o In a post on the Tablelands Unite page, the woman req uested advice on what could be done to manage the marks e et t e ore ater t at er e homes in the area. e a e re o ate t o o er a the blackish tiles have a white residue e tr e ea or a lime scale, soap scum, used vinegar, ar et ot o t ff e e cement residue removal but no results,” she wrote.

See a e re ar te t ter o te er a e rea to re e t new bathrooms going downhill. ” ere ere e t o eo e ro a o er t e area o a e er e e lar problems and wrote to provide advice a e t t e r r trat o a re e t o e to t erto ro aroo a o t a o e t black kitchen sink etc. had the same problem. Mr Google came to my rescue suggesting giving it a good clean and

then a light wipe over with olive oil,” one wrote. t erto a ater te t a shows calcium magnesium and silica. ater o te er re o e a e and calcium but not silica. I too am about to renovate my bathroom,” another woman wrote. e a a e e ar a ater but here in Atherton the stains are terrible worse than my bore in Kairi. I’ m t o er o et or t e ater Reverse osmosis is only way to remove a tt e ater a e or a appliances. ” o e t e ore e o e o r at roo a o t a ear a a a o and I hate it. The tiles are dark and have stains on them. I have tried everything! !

Someone said to get a tiler in to acid wash them? I hate my bathroom,” a Herberton homeowner said. t o t a t e o er o o sessed with the residue on the shower glass in my new bathroom. Twenty- seven years in my previous home and the shower screen wasn' t any worse than the screen in my 12- month old new home on Halloran’ s Hill,” she wrote. e a arra o a a a ee

Got a home tip. .

actly the same problem. I' ve tried everything. I have a black car and can' t use town water to wash it. I use our rainwater tank. O therwise, white spots on the duco,” one wrote. a e ar ta t a it looks terrible. Even the windscreen where the wipers don’ t get is marked. o to ta a ater ter o t e o e like we have on the kitchen sink. O r use the car wash,” another said.

Many readers posted possible solutions they have tried over the years. t a ort er S e e t ff called water spot remover. Ask them. It will remove it. O r Magic Kleen powder purchased on line,” one said. a e o tr e t e e ar a e ter e t t re o ee o a e oo e e to e ea a or t o years and the shower had bright navy e t e t re too a a t e te re e ro t e ater a t e t e sparkled. Still use it now,” another wrote. t a o r a oo e a o er oor re e e t t et e ree t ff o t and we also use a glass scrapper rubber thing every shower on the glass,” another reader posted.

Email The Ex press your best home tip to editorial@ theex pressnewspaper.com.au

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Keep cool for less this summer SUMMER heat is here which means higher than normal energy bills but there are ways to keep your home cooler and cut down on some electricity use.

Firstly, insulation can really a e a ffere e ot or er eat a or t e o o ter a or roo at o a e e heat by up to 35 per cent but it also helps to shut doors in the house and concentrate cooling in one room, usually the living room.

Closing the blinds or curtains can also keep heat at bay and planting trees that will partially shade your home is also helpHomeowners can also consider addroo a t e t at o a r r to re o e o e o t e ot a r t at et tra e o r roo area

Using a timer on your air conditioner can also be a costsaving because you can activate the unit during those periods when opening windows and trapping cool air doesn’ t help. or etter e e ro o r ar o ditioner, set your unit to no more than 24 degrees Celsius. Each degree cooler can add about 10 per cent to your air conditioner' s running cost.

Cleaning your air conditioner at least twice during summer is also vital to keep o t o a e e at t a An air conditioner clogged with dust and grime can take up to 15 per cent more energy to power the unit. e a a a oa t to r ate air even though they don’ t lower the room temperature.

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TICKETS ON SALE now SAVANNAHINTHEROUND.COM.AU PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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THE rta a e ee e o e o t e o t e e 0 art et o rre ere t M o ea The new series follows the story of an American man forced to hide out in a small Australian coastal town, Mission Beach tte t e a a e a t e a ro a a e t er e e o t e ea e a t e streets of Mission Beach provided a good boost to both the towns and regions economy. Ex penses were spread across necessities such as fuel, food and accommodation and production needs of local labour and building materials. e re a o a e oo eo o t ea t ties and all indications from the crew suggest they would love to come back, if the show is re- signed.

Gather your friends and family and get into festive fun at race days in Atherton and Mareeba.

p or ast ra e a s o AS the year draws to close, it’ s the perfect time to gather your friends and family and get into the festive spirit with only two local race days left on the Tablelands in 2021. a r t t Sat r a ecember, is the Atherton Turf Club with its annual Christmas Race Meet.

It’ s set to be another action packed day with marq uees already booked out. General admission tickets are still available for purchase online and everyone attending must be double vaccinated with proof req uired on arrival.

After Christmas, the fun will contin-

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ue in Mareeba with the annual Box ing a a e A thousand- plus strong crowd is ex pected to walk through the gates at the Mareeba Turf Club on Sunday 26 e e er Mareeba Turf Club president Alex Ma ff a a ter a rea ro ra e meets recently, the club was ex cited to end the year on a high. “ We’ re so ex cited for the Box a eet e re o tea a ea o a ro a o r gest day of the year,” he said. “ Everyone’ s coming home for

b ster enterta n ent on t e b

MAKE the most of the holidays and enj oy wonderful and eagerly anticipated blockbuster movies at the Maj estic in Malanda.

New on screen is action, adventure drama e a t e ate t a t o a e t re Spider- Man: No Way Home.

The colourful, annimation adventure comedy, Boss Baby: Family Business, continues this week. o r a e e er o o e vaccinated patrons are allowed to enter the cinema, by decree of the Q ueensland Government.

As a business, we are totally against discrimination and separation of any form or type – whether it be sex , gender, religion, sex ual orientation, race, or vaccination status. We are deeply sorry that some of our most loyal customers will not be able to attend, until such time as there is a change in the government' s stance. o a a t e e o t e a formation on the Maj estic Theatre website at www. maj estictheatre. com. au

Christmas. They do the family Christmas and then they go and catch up with their mates at the races on Box a “ We’ re all prepared for that and looking forward to the outcome. ” The same double vaccinated regulations apply to Mareeba’ s race day.

To book your tickets for the Atherton Christmas Race meet, head to www.trybooking.com/ events/ landing? eid= 8236 7 3. F or Mareeba’s race day, head to www.trybooking. com/ BVCHT

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 19

ON LAND the

Mareeba Shire and Tablelands Regional council’s have j oined forces to tackle the pond apple ( above left) and Siam weed ( above) problem along Rocky Creek near the shared boundary.

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ence of Amazonian Frogbit in local catchments and will continue to advocate to the State G overnment to take drastic action to address this issue.’

Amazonian Frogbit ( L imnobium laevigatum) was declared a local pest under council’s local laws following an emergency declaration made by Mareeba Shire Council in February 2021.

Following the declaration, councillors have continued to lobby the State and Federal G overnments to have the weed recognised as an invasive plant.

Council recently wrote to the Minister for the Environment and the G reat Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Y outh

ffairs, eaghan Scanlon, see ing further assistance to have the pest declared by Queensland Parliament as an invasive plant and to request funding to assist council in its efforts in contain ing the weed.

Mareeba Shire Council spends $20,000 annually in a bid to contain and monitor the fast-growing pest which will have a catastrophic impact on local waterways. espite efforts of council, Amazonian Frogbit is now increasingly evident in Chinaman Creek, Atherton Creek, G ranite Creek and the Barron River,” Mayor Toppin added.

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the shared boundary.

Plants were found and treated in the area and Mareeba Shire is hopeful the outbreak has not established into the Barron River.

“L and protection generally takes on some form of partnership, whether that is with neighbouring local government authorities, residents or traditional owner groups, we are seeing more and more evidence that working together results in much greater outcomes for the land,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“Weed management and land protection are critically important to this council and we are deeply concerned by the pres-

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PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

FARMERS wanting to establish or expand their operations into agri-tourism can now apply for a grant to turn their ideas into reality.

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation has partnered with the State G overnment to deliver the ueensland gri tourism rants program, offer ing a 50 per cent co-contribution up to a maximum of $25,000 to match farmers’ funds.

Federation CEO Dr G eorgina Davis said Queenslanders were increasingly looking to explore their own backyard through unique, authentic experiences that immerse them in rural and regional communities.

“L imited only by imagination, agri-tourism includes overnight accommodations and farmstays, direct sales of fresh or value-added products, recreational and educational experiences, demonstrations and displays, farm tours and hands-on experiences including participating in agri-processing activities such as cheese making,” Dr Davis said.

“Providing opportunities for farmers to grow their businesses, agritourism creates new and alternative markets for produce, and an opportunity to gather valuable feedback from consumers.

“However, there are relevant considerations including safety, animal welfare and biosecurity, land-use planning and other regulatory require-

ments, business structures, succession plans and tax implications.

“These grants will assist farmers to establish or expand into agritourism by employing professional or specialist services or constructing or modifying on-farm infrastructure in line with these important factors, allowing them to play a positive role in growing sustainable tourism.”

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said agri-tourism was an important growth industry for Queensland’s economic recovery from the COV ID-19 pandemic.

“It will be especially important in regional and rural areas over the next decade with an estimated value of $4.5 billion by 2030,” Mr Furner said.

“There is so much untapped potential, with many farming enterprises already looking to diversify their operations and supplement their income through farm gate sales, pick-your-own fruit and veggies visits, interacting with farm animals, farmto-table dining, farmers markets, on-farm cooking classes and farm tours.”

G rants are open to eligible Queensland farmers to develop, implement and expand agri-tourism activities. Applications for grant funding close 10 January, 2022. Further information on how to apply is available at https ff grantplatform com

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ON LAND the

r e s r e ont n es t ro

fina sa e fter a record year the final cattle sale for was held at areeba aleyards last Tursday.

THE Mareeba Saleyards ended their selling season on a high last week. Their run of spectacular sale results continued unabated, smashing a raft of newly established records from the previous wee , in their final live stock sale of 2021.

With the Eastern Y oung Cattle Indicator threatening to achieve 1150c/ kg in the near future after a record high of 1147.28c for young cattle sold through Dalby and Roma store sales early last week, cattle prices have moved into unchartered waters more than 355c/ kg above where the market was this time last year.

In an unprecedented, unimaginable run, new saleyard records have been repeatedly set, demolished and reset across every livestock category, often on a back to back basis, throughout the year, creating a market that has outperformed every proj ected maximum and still failed to find its limit Demand created by tightening supply of young stock in southern Queensland and into New South Wales has maintained northern buying pressure, to reset saleyard records in multiple categories.

Y earling steers achieved a gob-smacking 826.2c/ kg in Mareeba last week, yearling bulls sold at a colossal 799.2c/ kg, yearling heifers for an amazing 705c/ kg and heifers reached an incredible 628.2c/ kg. These prices were almost double what was paid at the first sale of the year when reg and Carol Ryan' s weaner steers made a record 456.2c/ kg and their heifers reset the bar at 438.2c/ kg.

Overall, last week' s sale averaged

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

BY SAL L Y TU RL EY 520.83c/ kg and $1342.99/ hd across a total yarding of 1726 head including 47 which sold at open auction. After breaking the record for the highest grossing sale of all time four times during the year, prices and volumes peaked at the September 21 sale which put through 2648 head to gross $2,557,104.

In their individual categories, store heifer and store mickey bulls set 12 new records at sales during the year, store steers, broke existing records on 10 occasions and meatworks ox raised the bar a total of six times, while cow/ calf units climbed to a new high of $3,000.

Saleyard representative Jayne Hogarth said they were still selling, penning and auctioning cattle until nearly 5pm on Tuesday, creating enough paperwork to keep them wor ing in the office until almost midnight She said Tuesday s figures increased the yard’s throughput total to 60,182 head for the year and said saleyard staff had weighed more cattle in the five and a bit months from 1 July until 7 December, than during the entire year of 2020.

Elders Mareeba Branch Manager, L ivestock Agent and Auctioneer, Mark Peters said he had never seen anything like what has occurred in the cattle industry this year in his 30 years of operation as a Mareeba agent.

“The consistently high demand for cattle and the consequent surge in prices has produced a growth in confidence in our mar et

place. V irtually no animals are unsaleable in this market and vendors are more willing to come forward and engage with our selling system.”

The back to back poor seasons in the south prior to 2020 combined with the promise of a L a Nina for the 2022 season had created a reverse domino effect in the market place. rassed up producers have been scram bling for market share to stock their properties and since they cannot find them at home, have accepted the need to shop further and further afield for cattle “We haven' t been seeing the mid-year price hiccup typically generated by the prewinter sell down market glut. Extremely favourable market conditions have sparked a widespread herd cleanup and consequently there has been a large reduction in the tail we saw in the northern cattle herd 10 years ago,” Mr Peters said.

V endors taking the opportunity to sell down younger stock in this buoyant market could produce a bit of a “skinny” patch in the early 2022 buying landscape, but at this stage Mr Peters believes everything is positive.

“Quality cattle will always attract a premium and surprisingly cattle j ust keep coming week after week,” he said.

Cashed up cattle producers inj ecting money into all those property improvements, repairs and replacements they have been dreaming of for years means Tableland rural support industries are also ourishing

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The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 21

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CHECK IN STORE FOR SPECIALS

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P: 4095 5383 • E: shop@texgun.com.au W: www.texgunsupplies.com.au

Season’s Greetings from Giovanna and Staff!

No 1 KENNEDY HWY, TOLGA - 4095 4102

Season’s Greetings from Tex!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Karen and the Team.

2010 Byrnes Street, Mareeba

Phone: 4092 2321

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Malanda 4096 5300

OPEN 7 DAYS

• BAR • BISTRO • POKIES • KENO Large Hall with Stage Available for Functions, Shows and Weddings!

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Mareeba 4092 2290

By Appointment P: 0439 545 433

YOUR WORKWEAR & EMBROIDERY SPECIALIST

Season’s Greetings from Noela & Staff!

151 RAY RD, MAREEBA P: 4092 6777

SEE THE EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE FOR PROMOTION DETAILS, TERMS & CONDITIONS

PAGE 22 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

SHOP LOCAL! SHOP TODAY! ENTER NOW! CLEALL’S BUTCHERY SMOKEHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIALS NOW AVAILABLE 75 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA PHONE: 4092 1006 ~ FAX: 4092 3353 PRODUCERS OF: Mango Wines, Sparkling, Port, Mango & Citrus Liqueur Wines & Dragon Cello MULTIPLE BUY DISCOUNTS & SHIPPING AUSTRALIA WIDE

CHRISTMAS ORDERS WELCOME PHONE: 4093 2750 OPEN: 9AM-5.30PM DAILY (CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS)

FOLLOW THE SIGNS NORTH FROM MAREEBA TO 227 BILWON ROAD BIBOOHRA

199 Byrnes St, Mareeba I Ph 4092 1133

P: 07 4086 5100

● Commercial ● Residential ● Termites

26 James St, Mareeba Q.4880

P: 4092 1999 | M: 0418 150 759

Proudly supporting our local communities.

I

ATHERTON 30 Main St.

www.maxpestman.com

GOOD HEALTH & MUCH FITNESS IN THE NEW YEAR.

Atherton 0422 609 445

SOLD & SERVICED BY

EXTREME MOTORCYCLES 2 Tolga Road, Atherton Phone 4091 1740

Closed from Saturday 25th December, 2021 Reopening Tuesday 4th January, 2022

Merry Christmas from the T-Hire Team!

313-315 Byrnes St, Mareeba | 4092 5100

Call us on 07 4091 3722 info@thiretablelands.com.au

HANSEN FORD Go Further

Season’s Greetings from Directors, Management & Staff at the Mareeba Heritage Coffee House 345 Byrnes Street, Mareeba 0427 943 770

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff.

1 Vaughan St.

MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM MANAGEMENT AND STAFF. 187 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 2588

Mareeba Leagues Club

Corner Doyle & Riordan Sts

MAREEBA

WISHING YOU A

Phone 4092 2303 224 Byrnes Street, Mareeba sales@odonnellsonline.com.au www.officeproductsdepot.com.au/odonnells

PHONE: 4092 2922

FOUR GIFT VOUCHER PACKS VALUED AT $500 EACH!

FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS!

OFFICE SUPPLIES PRINTING OFFICE FURNITURE

Season’s Greetings from Directors, Management & Staff at the Mareeba Leagues Club!

and go into the draw to win one of

MAXIMUM PROTECTION

MAREEBA

Chris tmas Gifts the whole family will Love

SHOP AT PARTICIPATING STORES

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Mary and the Staff.

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff.

3 Beames Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 2086

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

279 Byrnes St, Mareeba | 4092 9400 www.hansenford.com.au Andrew Ford: 0417 633 002 Claude Formoso: 0477 229 949 Drew McKenzie: 0400 068 700

Batteries for every application!

Season’s Greetings from all the Staff.

Shop 2, 284 Byrnes St, Mareeba Phone 4092 1911

Seasons Greeting from Management and Staff.

284 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 1659

SEE THE EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE FOR PROMOTION DETAILS, TERMS & CONDITIONS

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 23

LETTERS to the EDITOR Have your say EMAIL : editorial@ theex pressnewspaper.com.au

Thanks for sharing my thoughts on Peter THANK you David Blake (01/12-21), you have most eloquently put into words my thoughts every time I wade through one of Peter Campion’s fear and ignorance based diatribes. urra ene eld PEERAMON

Climate change science built on shaky premise DAVID Blake “doth protest too much me thinks” to paraphrase Shakespeare.

His personal attack on Peter Campion (01/12/21) uses the usual climate alarmist argument that we climate rationalists are naïve keyboard warriors gaining our science from dodgy internet sites.

What he fails to tell us is that the science that attributes climate change to human-induced carbon dioxide and methane is built on very shaky premises. So shaky that the four decades of computer modelling on which the AGW (Anthropogenic global warming) theory depends has in recent years been shown to be grossly inaccurate.

I have been closely following that research as an Earth scientist since the mid-1970s. The theory is critically dependent on the carbon-based gases receiving a positive feedback from water vapour.

Yes, I mean clouds. climate alarmism is a classic case of the cart before the horse. Water vapour is by far the greatest greenhouse gas at plus 1 per cent of the atmosphere, whereas carbon dioxide and methane total 0.04 per cent.

That is right – 400 parts per million or about one molecule in every 2000.

The greenhouse effect is not a chemical reaction, it is a physical bloc ing effect good analogy is to assess the effect on throughput if a garden sieve that has one tiny little square hole blocked, suddenly has one additional little hole blocked. hat difference would that ma e to throughput There is now very sturdy scientific evidence that climate change is controlled by solar system orbital variation, the variable intensity of the Sun’s energy output and its effect on cosmic rays reaching arth and interacting with variable water vapour in the atmosphere.

For decades it has been known from ice-core data that for the past 600,000 years with hundreds of climate cycles, that the rises and falls in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have actually followed the temperature rises and falls. hy t is a function of the variable rate of carbon dioxide evaporation from the vast area of ocean surfaces due to solar interaction. If David Blake does not believe me, I suggest he check the relevant scientific sections of his beloved CC reports, rather than the alarmist summaries for policy-makers.

John Nethery CHILLAGOE

Nursing home applauded for quality of aged care MUCH is written about the concerns many have about the quality of care received by those we love in nursing home.

My mother spent the last 18 months in Carinya Nursing Home in Atherton and, as I live locally, I was able to visit her regularly.

The carers were always happy and brought friendly conversation and, at all times, treated the residents with respect, kindness and skill. The

doctor and nurses visited each room regularly and brought with them skill, comfort, medication and yet another friendly face.

Whenever I pressed the button to summon help, someone arrived promptly.

The cleaning staff ept the whole facility spotless The itchen staff provided a variety of meals, well presented and with dietary concerns cater for.

Residents could eat in their rooms or with their friends.

There were trips to see a wide variety of entertainment from talks and demonstrations to musical entertainment and even gala balls.

My mother recently passed away and the support and love shown to her and my family during this time was wonderful.

I cannot thank Carinya and its wonderful team enough and highly recommend it to anyone. We are so fortunate to have one of the nation’s best home here in our district. es odfre BARRINE

Department has a lot to answer for on crime CONCERNING the article in The Express (08/12/21) concerning the rally against crime in Mareeba, I fully support Denis McKinley, the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce and Mareeba Shire Council in their endeavours to bring the crime issues of Mareeba to the attention of government.

However, having followed this issue (probably most of my life , find there are some issues Firstly, the complete absence from the discussion (throughout Queensland) by the Director-General of the Department of Children, Youth Justice and ulticultural ffairs, plus the predecessors under the multitude of various names our government has given to the same responsibility toward juveniles, as was created by the Juvenile Justices Act back in the 1990s.

Why is it that the Commissioner of Queensland Police Service has to be the front person to explain what is being done relative to uvenile crime The Department of Children etc IS the primary governmental body when dealing with youth crime. It is they who make representation to Magistrates on the suitable punishment of juveniles and their welfare.

The police are well and truly snowed under with their dealings with juveniles and this has been the case since I was a detective in Cairns many years ago. People blame the police. People blame Magistrates, yet no one blames the Department of Children Etc and the previous renditions of this.

Mr Moro’s suggestion of a curfew, although noble in thought, is not a workable solution. In many years of dealing with these juvenile criminals and wayward youth, I can categorically tell you they will roam the streets, ignore their parents and ignore the police. hat is the solution n e tremely difficult and complex question. From my experience, there are two things I see worthy. Firstly, parents and guardians need to be brought into the equation. Parents and guardians are presently not subject to any compulsion or penalty for what their children do.

Often parents don’t give a damn and will not and do not co-operate with police or the courts.

Therein lies the solution. Parents and guardians need to be brought to account. I know detractors will say parents and guardians cannot control the actions of their dependents. However they should be compelled to attend from the first, and subsequent, dealings with police through the “caution”process.

Notices should be served and recorded. If the juvenile then graduates to “court” level, this is when

Download for FREE from iTunes or Google Play PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

records of those notices are brought to the attention of the Magistrate, and the co-operation of the parents/guardians with police can be shown.

Similar attendance notices should be made by the court. Should the juvenile appear before a court a third time, parents should be held to account.

If the parent or guardian cannot prove they have entered into suitable negotiation or consultation with the Department of Families, Youth Justice and ulticultural ffairs over the matter before the court, and previous two court dealings, then the parents/guardians should be sentenced to a week’s imprisonment.

Failure to appear also would result in an arrest warrant. Harsh, but relevant.

The second issue is that of incarceration of the juvenile. It is well known juveniles sent to youth detention centres return more educated in crime. It should be the case that detention centres be constructed in areas well away from large cities (eg: several kilometres out of Hughenden or places further west). Juveniles should be placed in non-airconditioned barrack-style accommodation, fenced off to prevent escape They should be sub ect to a quasi-military style regime – that is, woken at 6am and a curfew hour at evening. They should be put to work learning life skills, fencing, animal husbandry, stockmanship etc – something useful to carry into life.

Entertainment should be limited to evenings only. There are various levels of punishment however, I have listed this as a broad strategy only. now first hand the police are fully engaged in this community. A rubber band will only stretch so far before it is broken. The police area stretched to the limit. The Commissioner of Police can only supply additional police. It is not up to the police to punish juvenile criminals except in the “caution” process.

Magistrates are required to give strong consideration to submissions made at court by the Department of Children etc.

It is time the Director-General of the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural ffairs is called to account Graham Sweeper MAREEBA

Everyone has a right to voice their own opinion JEREMY Tager’s attack on Peter Campion (Letters 08/12/21) for having an opinion that opposes his, and asks The Express to refrain from printing anything further from Peter.

That’s the problem with climate change enthusiasts, no body apparently has the right to have an opposing opinion.

Fortunately we are not living in a communist country, where you just disappear should you have the gall to speak out against the controlling regime.

Then we move onto Paddy Forsayeth’s letter also ridiculing Peter Campion for having opposing opinions to his. Paddy, you write that nobody predicted a sea level rise of 2m by 2010. Well, you may be right, but why not mention just one of Al Gore’s famous predictions from back in 2006 where he told us our sea level would rise by 20 feet (just over 6m) in the very near future. We’re still waiting Al! I see you made mention of the city of Venice being consumed slowly by rising sea levels. If you had of done your research, which you accuse Peter of not doing, you will discover that Venice is not being consumed by rising seas, but it’s actually “sinking” down into the swamp it was built on.

So, you say you are a Scientist. Any chance you could advise me and readers as to what area

of science you studied and what connection to the climate change issues you are accredited to History is truth. It’s already happened. Theory is only theory which has yet to be proven. Theory is created by computer modelling which can be altered to suit the thinking of whoever is imputing the data to obtain a desired outcome.

The world s universities are full of scientific people all holding onto their positions by government grants which get paid to people who provide governments with information the governments want to hear.

I’ll admit to not being a university graduate – I’m just a dumb ordinary bloke old enough to remember all the horrendous bush fires, oods and droughts all caused by climate change that Australia has been through during my life time.

And I’m wise enough to put a lot of this climate rubbish through the pub test. Pretty much all of which fails the test dismally.

Ian Lummis TINAROO

COVID mandates have no legal standing in QLD I AM considering requirements by Premier alas c u , that various staff including cleaners in hospitals, correctional centres, schools, childcare centres, airports and police, get the Covid-19 vaccine or get out.

Some of these workers would not be allowed to work, but would still have a “job”, and thus be ineligible for unemployment benefits I am also considering various requirements made unto the general public, by the Premier, that the unvaccinated are not permitted to attend cafes, pubs, hospitals, etc , effective ec , to be policed by businesses.

These announcements appear to have been made without any health directive! Only the Chief ealth fficer C has any power to ma e directions to contain or respond to the spread of COVID-19 (pursuant to the Public Health Act 2005 (QLD) section 362B).

The Premier’s statement was not followed by an explanation or direction from the CHO, as occurred under Dr Janette Young.

Also, according to the Human Rights Act 2019 (QLD), a person must not be subjected to medical or scientific e perimentation or treatment without their full, free and informed consent. How anyone can give informed consent on this topic, I do not know.

How many of us think that we are fully informed on both sides of this non debate any are not giving free consent to be vaccinated, but are being coerced and threatened by these regulations and anticipated “requirements” passed on by businesses.

Section 94H of the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth), introduced in 2020, and incorporated into the Fair Work Act 2009 states that a person commits an offence if they discriminate in any way whatsoever against anyone on the basis of their “COVIDSafe app status”, or if they require another person to download, operate or upload data from the app The penalty for breaching this is five years Imprisonment and/or 300 penalty units. Interesting.

The law says you cannot be discriminated against regarding the COVIDSafe app and the announcements made by the Premier don’t have any legal power, so do your own research, don’t lose your job – they’ve not got a legal leg to stand on.

Nathan Peachey DIMBULAH Atherton Tablelands & Mareeba 96.7FM Amrun 94.1FM • Aurukun 107.7FM Coen102.7FM • Cooktown 96.9FM Doomadgee 105.3FM Kowanyama 107.7FM Lakeland 100.5FM Lockhart River 107.7FM Mapoon 101.3FM Mornington Island 107.7FM Pormpuraaw 106.1FM Napranum/Weipa 94.5FM Normanton 98.5FM • NPA 91.9FM Woorabinda 99.7FM Wujal Wujal 107.7FM Yarrabah 92.9FM

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Amaroo stage 12 – construction commenced macy.

Featuring 25 ex clusive lots with affor a e a e to ater derground power, sewerage, wide sealed roads, and a footpath from Dural Close to Karobean Drive which connects our Amaroo community together. These lots range from approx -

KARO BEAN Drive and Wandara Court ( Stage 12) has recently commenced construction located down aro ea r e offer a ea tiful, relax ed feel nestled in bushland j ust minutes to Mareeba township and in close prox imity to Amaroo Medical, Q ML Pathology and Amaroo Phar-

imately 800sq m and 2200sq m.

These lots are proving popular with the anticipated completed date being mid- 2022.

Pop into the Amaroo Land Centre for any information or call Ryley on 0409 321 000 if you would like to arrange an inspection, at a time that

ATHERTON 3

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Calling Investors Or Developers ATHERTON: 16 Cecily Street • 1,027m2 block • Partially fenced • Great location • Zoned medium density residential

Open To Offers

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best suits you.

Don’ t miss out on turning your dreams into reality.

Follow us on our socials or check out our website www.amarooestate.com.au for all updates regarding our upcoming stages.

4091 3144

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Commercial Opportunity In Atherton CBD

5 Acres in Sought After Area

ATHERTON: 17 Herberton Road

• Located on a quiet street just outside of Tolga • Underground wine cellar • Granny flat is newly renovated and is completely self-contained

• Positioned in a prime location • Zoned as “centre” its ready to become whatever you need it to be.

• Currently tenanted

$375,000

TOLGA: 16 Appaloosa Crescent

$700,000

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Stunning Views All Round BARRINE: 1 Bruce Road

• View you will never get bored of • Located right next to the Tinaroo Dam • Modern kitchen and open plan living area • 1.08 hectare property

Offers Over $699,000

For more property details or to arrange an inspection contact 4091 3144 or visit: atherton.ljhooker.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 25

PROPERTY

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Solid home and handy location SITTING close to schools, shops and the CBD is this solid and spacious masonry block home. Sitting on an 809sq m allotment the home is only 300m to Atherton High School & 450m to the Atherton Primary School.

• Solid Masonry Block Construction • 2 Bedrooms ( Massive Master) With Built- In Cupboards • Spacious Lounge Room Area & Separate Dining • O pen Kitchen Area With Room For O verhead Cupboards ( If Needed)

• Main Bathroom With Shower – 2nd Bathroom Complete With Spa Bath • Spacious & Enclosed 2nd Family Room With Ample Storage Cupboards • Separate & Lockable Workshop Area With Storage • 809sq m Allotment With Fenced Rear Yard – 2 Lockable Garden Sheds Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• Double Tandem Garage With Lockable Roller Door Daimin at Main St Real Estate is proud to present this Ex clusiv ely L isted property to the market and inv ites you to arrange your priv ate inspection by calling 0 4 4 8 9 1 6 2 4 6 .

6 Finch Street, ATHERTO N $ 289,000 EX CLUSIVE to Daimin Kochi Main Street Real Estate 0448 916 246

Not your everyday opportunity THE bustling township of Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands has seen huge growth in the last couple of years. Ideally located close to Lake Tinaroo and the crater lakes and j ust over an hour from Cairns, the town has attracted tourists from all over and many people who have passed through have even become residents here.

A rare opportunity in this beautiful location has j ust become available. This esta e e offer ar ore t a t a offee o and is not only a popular tourist stop but has also captured the hearts of many locals.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

As well as providing outta offee a a style food there is also potter a t o offer The venue is 150m2 and can hold up to 70 people at one time. There is also a 32m2 private function room so you can host events separately to the main area, once a a offer o et more than the competition.

Take advantage of this great opportunity in this bustling town.

Call ex clusiv e marketing agent Alex Payne today on 0 4 0 9 3 2 8 1 5 3 for more information. offee

a

Contact Agent EX CLUSIVE to Alex Payne LJ HO O KER Atherton 0409 328 153

DAIMIN KOCHI 0448 916 246

HILLTOP CAFE

GREAT POSITION IN RANGEVIEW • Solid clay brick home, exposed brick features • 5 generous built-in bedrooms, private ensuite • Open plan living/dining, 2nd family room • Kitchen with dishwasher, island bench, breakfast bar • Spacious entertaining area, 8x12m powered shed • Fenced 4001m2, western views, established gardens $649,000

NEAT & TIDY, GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING • Large lounge room & separate dining area • Well appointed kitchen, pantry, breakfast bench • 3 good sized bedrooms, fans, 2 with built-ins • Spacious rear patio/carport, front patio • Single bay lockable shed with lean-to • Fully fenced, well established 800m2 block $329,000

SOLID HOME & HANDY LOCATION • Open kitchen, spacious lounge, separate dining • 2 built-in bedrooms, 2nd bathroom with spa bath • 2nd spacious enclosed family room with built-ins • Separate lockable workshop area with storage • 809m2 block, fenced at back, 2 garden sheds • Double tandem garage, lockable roller door $289,000

HIDDEN GEM IN HERBERTON • Quaint 2 bedroom weatherboard cottage • Enclosed wraparound front verandah • Silky Oak french doors to the lounge • Spacious eat-in kitchen / dining area • Living room, laundry, back porch • Fenced 420m2 block right in town $190,000

Atherton’s Best Investment Very Good Condition and Location Top Rent - Never Been Vacant Rent Paid Monthly in Advance

$368,000

Phone 4091 6246 • www.mainstrealestate.com.au PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Bushland paradise SET on approxi mately 2. 5 acres of bushland in Wondecla, this is a uniq ue property offer o a ea e a at re e ara e ere o a a te o r a a a The main residence is of steel frame construction and eat re o orta e t e roo a roo t t a t tem reverse cycle air- con. e a offer e o ete t re a e reat o a e e o t o e oo ter t or e terta o a e t e o to t a at o at t e rear ere o a soak up the sounds of beau-

t e a ere e o t oo a e a a o e e t o er a ater o e te t a reat a e e re e t o er a e ta e er e e t a o o at o t e a of a bus that has been converted; it has a kitchenette, sofa bed plus is on concrete oot Shade houses provide room for your plants 7 seedAddress: P rice: Agent: Contact:

Exclusive Agent Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450 $P.O.A. L16249196

To escape to your own paradise contact Ex clusive agent Suze y Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0 4 38 0 9 0 30 6 for more information. www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au/ L1 6 0 5520 7 WO NDECLA $ 339,000 S to S e t Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306

Atherton

22 Main Street, Atherton - Phone: 4091 7111 Margaret Black: Principal

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION Peeramon • Set on 359.2 acres* of fertile soil across 5 titles • Perfect for crop or hay production • 4x irrigation bores (1 equip) + 1 domestic bore • 2 centre pivots + sediment dams • 45m x 13m machinery shed + workshop • Boundary fencing + Petersen Creek frontage • 1x 4 bed, 1 bath home + 1x 3 bed, 1 bath home

a ater ta e t rr at o o t a o er t e ro ert a o o to landscape more area of the ro

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY Atherton • 2x 2 bedrooms units • High raked ceilings • Modern kitchen • Tiled throughout + ceiling fans • Gardens for privacy • Tenanted + no Body Corp fees $620,000 L15941271 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

EXCELLENT GRAZING Butchers Creek • Set on 67 hectares • Improved pastures • Permanent running water • Fenced paddocks • Solid 3 bedroom, 2 bath home orker s uarters granny at O/O $1,650,000 L16075289 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

RELOCATE TO RANGEVIEW Tolga • Set on an acre* • 3/4 bedroom brick home • Bedrooms with access to patio • Main with ensuite & walk-in robe • 2 living areas • Double garage + 2 bay shed O/O $595,000 L16122591 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 27

PROPERTY

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Character combines with ultimate family living

WELCO ME to this beautifully presented character home.

Upon entry to the home you are greeted with open plan living, featuring polished oor a to ea roo e walls throughout and a beautiful wood heater.

From the dining there is direct access to the large timber deck/undercover entertainment area perfect for all occasions and large enough for the ext ended family.

The 3 spacious bedrooms all feature built in wardrobe and cupboard space. To the rear of the home character meets modern charm with a sleek style tiled bathroom

and spacious laundry.

For utility the home also offer a ar e t r o e room with painted cement oor ea a a e o room, teenage retreat or storage room.

Ext ernally the property features a powered shed and workshop as well as an array of established fruit trees Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

and an irrigated veggie garden. For the outdoor enthusiast there is also undercover parking for the boat or camper trailer.

For more information or to arrange your inspection of this property contact Ex clusiv e Agents Greg Smith and Z ach Reid today.

4091 1177 21 Main St, Atherton

5 Currie Steet, ATHERTO N O FFERS O VER $ 355,000 EX CLUSIVE to Greg Smith & Z ach Reid First National Real Estate Atherton 0437 332 912 & 0427 683 023

4091 1177 21 Main St, Atherton

SO U G H T A FT E R H E R B E R T R IV E R A C R E A G E

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• 4 bedroom cladded home on 83.9 acres with equipped bore • 252 megalitre highflow & 144 megalitre lowflow water license • Approximately 85% of the property is cleared for cropping • Additional river flat for grazing • 8m x 7m carport which could double as an entertainment area

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Price: $849,000 - Call Greg on 0437 332 912

C O U N T R Y ST Y L E H O M E W

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• 3 bedroom clay brick family home on 2.5 acres • Country style lounge room with fireplace • Timber kitchen with servery, breakfast bar and combined dining room • Spacious laundry with plenty of storage space and access to a rear patio • Large 4-6 car shed with power connected which will suit the working man

Price: $549,000 - Call Kaydee on 0417 468 941

M A R V E L L O U SM A L A N D A A C R E A G E

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• 1 hectare / 2.5 acres with a two storey home and granny flat • Updated kitchen with a walk-in pantry • Swimming pool • One bedroom self-contained granny flat • Two sheds, fruit orchard, minutes from Malanda

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Price: Offers Over $645,000 - Call Brendan on 0447 809 808

Zach 0427 683 023 | Kaydee 0417 468 941 | Greg 0437 332 912 | Brendan (Auctioneer - Rural Expert) 0447 809 808 | www.athertonfn.com.au PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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OPEN HOME

Open for inspection this Saturday th ece ber a to a and unday th ece ber a to a .

Epitome of Yungaburra L ocated in the heart of the Yungaburra you will find this classic ueenslander ho e which oozes the char and character that ungaburra illage is fa ous for.

WITHIN walking distance to the Markets, Hotel, Supermarket and all the cafes & restaurants the location of this home could not be more convenient.

The home has everything you would hope for in a Q ueenslander, Timber Floors, Tongue and Groove Walls, High Ceiling and

Casement Windows.

The home is perfectly livable as it is but with some TLC it could be beautifully restored in a location that cannot be replicated.

The property features also include: • Large Kitchen with a walk in pantry and also a store room.

• Generous Sized Living Room • 4 bedrooms, 2 of which are very spacious, one with a small ensuite • Downstairs the original outhouse bathroom remains along with the laundry • 3 bay large colorbond powered shed with solar

panels • O ver 1000m2 block with side access an The Building and Pest inspection has been completed and the report is available to eligible buyers.

Due to the exp ected popularity of this home we invite o to re e t o r offer t e home will be open for inspection on the following dates: ddress Price gent ontact

$119,000

Saturday 18th December 10am to 11am and Sunday 19th December 10am to 11am.

Exp ression of Interest to be submitted prior to 20th December 2021. all lders listed agent eanette u eld on for ore infor a tion.

3035m2

51-55 King St, Chillagoe DWELLING:

- 3 bedrooms, 1 bath - Fully airconditioned - Rain water tank - Garden shed - Fully fenced

38 Eacham Road, YUNGABURRA Exp ression of Interest ea ette S e Elders Real Estate Malanda 0407 745 748

Aurelia 0418 183 555

Merry Christmas

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

We here at Elders, would like to wish all our valued customers the very best for the festive season and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

Our offices will be closed from Midday 24th December and reopen on Tuesday 4th January, 2022.

In case of an emergency during this time, please call Jeanette 0407 745 748 or Gail 0419 663 845.

For Real Estate Sales enquiries please contact the agent. www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 29

PROPERTY

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Commercial opportunity with excellent exposure

SUPERBLY located on busy Chewko Road on 1826m2 of land this 225m2 colourbond shed is perfect for those needing a workshop in a reat o at o a offer t e following attributes: • 1826m2 fully security fenced allotment with Chewko Road frontage • 18m x 9m colourbond shed with 3. 5m awning • 3. 6m high to the gutter with 2 x 3m wide x 3. 5m high

roller doors & 1 x 3m x 3m roller door • 3m x 6m air- conditioned ate o e • Kitchenette & Toilet & shower amenities • Wide gated asphalt driveway & asphalt surrounds to the shed • Substantial rear storage/ parking area/room for exp ansion • O wner is prepared to rent back short term

• Z oned light industry & positioned close to town in the original Mareeba Industrial Estate Stop paying rent and seAddress: Price: Agent: Contact:

cure your own premises today! For further information or to arrange a priv ate inspection please call ex clusiv e agent J oe Torrisi on 0 4 1 7 7 0 0 4 6 8.

51 Chewko Road, MAREEBA $ 420,000 NEG EX CLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real estate 0417 700 468

M A R E E B A

SOLD

MORE S G LISTINED! WANT

For local knowledge, dedicated service and exceptional results give Joe a call!

JOETORRISI.COM.AU JOE TORRISI 0417 700 468

The feeling of feeling good This spacious private patio for casual dining or entertaining, no matter the season will turn your place into party central...

Scan to view more properties

PAGE 30 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Call Trisha 0419 183 145

THE patio has a built- in brick BBQ , and adj oining the patio is the spacious car accommodation which could host a large family gathering. Here you will discover a low maintenance clay brick home sitting high on an 870sq m allotment.

The well designed layout features a huge open plan area t a o e re place. Central to the living area is the functional kitchen with a gas cooktop and timber cupboards.

There are three bedrooms,

all with built- in wardrobes.

Two of the bedrooms open onto the patio.

The recently renovated bathroom has an easy access shower. . For your peace of mind, the home is security screened.

Located close to the AtherAddress: Price: Agent: Contact:

ton High School and a children’ s playground.

For more information, call Trisha J ackson at Professionals Atherton. Phone 4 0 9 1 3 9 5 5 or 0 4 1 9 1 83 3 1 4 5 anytime. More photos, v isit athertonrealestate.com.au ATHERTO N $ 359,000 Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton 0419 183 145

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Walkamin lifestyle acreage READY for a lifestyle away from close neighbours yet with easy access to the Tableland road network, this rare Walkamin 6. 03 HA propert offer r ra t o t a care.

With lots of beautiful sunshine and paddocks for the animals, established fruit trees, landscaped gardens, you will enj oy this fully renovated three bedroom block home that boasts open plan tiled living with air- conditioning throughout and a large entertainment area.

Perfect for outdoor entertaining, the two separate at o area are e t aggregate cement providing plenty of space to sit and relax and enj oy the abundance of bird life.

The 2nd patio includes a built in laundry area for practical access, water is supplied via a channel water allocation of 2 Megs and also 3 x rainwater tanks to ensure there is plenty of water storage on hand.

The landscaped grounds include established vegeta-

ble gardens, a fern house and a small fenced mango orchard with the property being in an ideal location if you a e t o e off a er farm or want to escape suburbia.

P roperty features: • 6. 03Hecatares/14. 9acres approx • Fully renovated - Block ext ernal home • Three bedroom, one bathroom 2 with built- in wardrobes and air- conditioning • O pen living fully tiled with air- conditioning

www.athertonrealty.com.au

4091 1611

24 Main St Atherton NEW TO MARKET 20 Goldview Street - O/O $350,000

3 spacious bedrooms + 1 bathroom Currently tenanted under periodic lease Double garage, drive through to rear Large open plan kitchen, dining & living

Collette 0419 733 712

WEB ID: 882001

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CENTRAL QUEENSLANDER 10 Maunds Road - $419,000

Renovated iconic Queenslander bedrooms bat rooms o ce 2 car garage Polis ed timber oors t roug out

Rino 0427 779 086

WEB ID: 837255

• Beautifully landscaped • Established native trees that invite an abundance of bird life • Kids cubby house a a offer t e a vantage of easy access to Atherton and Mareeba with t e to offer a o

• Main bathroom with large linen cupboard • Double open carport with aggregate cement ro t at o e t aggregate cement • 2nd patio area with a built in laundry • 2 Meg channel water allocation • 2 bay enclosed shed with power and 2nd open shed for storage • Fern house • Variety of fruit trees • Small mango orchid that is fenced

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

SELLING?

Call now for a FREE MARKET APPRAISAL

READY TO BUILD VACANT LAND 68 Loder Street - $165,000

802m2 vacant block of land Fully serviced with water, power & sewerage Close proximity to all town amenities Surrounding mountain views

Collette 0419 733 712

WEB ID: 871115

e e e tore o t o e primary school and park with one of the best climates to enj oy.

Contact Ex clusiv e marketing agent Rino Gav a on 4 0 2 7 7 7 9 0 86 to organise your priv ate inspection.

6663 Kennedy Highway, WALKAMIN O FFERS O VER $ 898,000 EX CLUSIVE to Rino Gava Atherton Realty 0427 779 086

Rino Gava 0427 779 086 Collette Rowston 0419 733 712 WRAPPED IN CHARACTER 45 Grace Street - $299,000

Central location in Herberton 2 bedrooms + sleepout, separate lounge Enclosed workshop Original T & G timber walls & ceiling

Rino 0427 779 086

WEB ID: 821018

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 31

PROPERTY

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

Renovated and ready to rent in Mareeba BO ASTING 5 bedrooms and two bathrooms this property provides a perfect investment opportunity with great rental returns straight away.

Situated at number 7 Byrnes Street, Mareeba this compact little cottage has many features, with a recent update to the interior.

The galley style kitchen provides ample storage space and convenient to the dining and living room near by. The 5 bedrooms provides a great opportunity for a share house investment, all featuring air conditioning as well, with the two bathrooms being designed for convenience. There is an additional room, still in the renovation process, that allows for anot er e roo o e space . . . the choice is yours.

O ut the back is the concrete back patio with room for a carport space. The 1,012 m2 block is fully fenced, with Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

a 3m x 6m ( approx. ) garden shed as well. The property is located only a few minutes from the Mareeba CBD and Hospital.

Currently rented for $ 500/ pw, as a share house accommodation, j ump on in and receive great rental returns right away.

• 5 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Galley style kitchen with ample storage • Split system air conditioning in all bedrooms oor t ro o t • Back patio/ carport space • Garden Shed 3m x 6m ( approx. ) • Currently rented at $ 500/ pw • 1,012 m2 block, fully fenced, conveniently located To book a Priv ate Inspection call ex clusiv e agent V ince Costas on 0 4 1 9 9 2 6 6 9 1 Today.

7 Byrnes Street, MAREEBA $ 295,000 EX CLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty Mareeba 0419 926 691

The place to be

G’DAY it’s Riley again...

OVER 3 ACRES CLOSE TO MALANDA! Flat rural residential land, 1.52 hectares on a cul-de-sac, no covenants, treed creek line, underground power & phone, close to Malanda, creek on side boundary.

PRICE: OFFERS OVER $320,000 Contact Darren 0429 977 675

www.tablelands.com

45 James Street, Malanda: 4096 5446 13 Main Street, Millaa Millaa: 0408 733 149 PAGE 32 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

THIS idyllic 215- acre property is a lifestyle and/or grazing option.

About half of the land is beautiful rainforest whilst the other half assures to feed cattle or j ust satisfy ones wish to e e e t Two permanent, spring fed creeks guarantees that water will never be an issue for livestock or the garden.

A 13,500l water tank feeds the house while an 87,000l tank supplies the garden and the troughs.

An 8000l water tank, holding more than 50 plate size Barramundi, and several IBC pods are the foundation of an aq uaculture garden including a variety of fruit trees that has been established right beside the house.

Power is being supplied by a dual power system with 8kwa inverter with battery

backup system as well as a 3kw wind turbine.

Plenty of shed space is also available with a 10x1 0 m steel framed structure being used as cattle shelter, a 18x7 m 5 bay steel frame e o o rete oor a a 7x7 m carport.

Beautiful views, peaceful rro t e o o t e creeks and the serenity of the rainforest make this property very appealing.

The 3- bedroom Q ueenslander will be a serving home to the new family. F879 • 3- bedroom home • Rainforest/Grazing Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• 2 spring fed creeks • Plenty of undercover shed space • Yards • Beautiful views and serenity • Aq uaponic setup • 215 acres So please don’ t hesitate to give Excl usive agent Susanne a call today.

For more information, or to book your priv ate inspection, Susanne on 0 4 0 8 7 3 3 1 4 9 @ Tablelands.com & Malanda Real estate.

MILLAA MILLAA $ 1,200,000 EX CLUSIVE to Susanne Reynolds Tablelands. com & Malanda Real Estate 0408 733 149

G’day, my name’s Riley

I’m the head cat at Area Real Estate. My human, Karen, has sold most of her properties for sale.

If you are thinking of selling P-L-E-A-S-E give do heryou a call.

I have some space in my diary... want to talk to a real estate professional about your She’s spending way too much time in selling the office – it’s interfering with property? my nap time.

My has decades of experience a long list Shehuman worksKaren Mareeba to Ravenshoe and alland areas of happy sellers talk andhas dozens of buyers inbetween.

Callyou hercan now astoshe a long list of just waiting for the right property. It could be yours! qualified buyers keen to move.

S She works Mareeba to Ravenshoe You can reach Karen on 0458 408 540. CHEER and all areas in between. y Rile Cheers, Riley GIVE KAREN A CALL ON 0458 408 540

Merry Christmas from Remo, Vince & the team

Our office will be closed over the festive season, but we are still available by telephone

4092 2232

OFFICE CLOSED FROM 23/12/2021 REOPEN 10/01/2022 www.crmareeba.com

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY Don’t let this one get away

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

CAN' T t e r t o e a t a e a e a a ta e of this 1- acre vacant allotment in sought- after RangeviewJust minutes from Tolga and Atherton town centres. ea to ot a o er ater a o e are ready to be connected - So getting construction started should be no trouble! This acreage block is surrounded by q uality homes and fenced on three sides.

• 4,004m2 allotment • Elevated with a gentle slope

r ate e

t e ta e e o 3 o

aries • Fenced on 3 sides • Beautiful rural views • Town water, power & phone available for connection • Rates Approx . $ 1,400/ Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

half year • School bus run service • Z oned Rural Residential

For further information or to arrange an inspection, call marketing agent Raq uel at Sommerset Realty on 0 4 0 8 9 83 87 9 .

8 Melevsky Close, TO LGA $ 285,000 Raq uel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879

Don’t miss this opportunity – waterfront property impressive on every element THIS breathtaking absolute lakefront home is in a caliber of its own and will impress you with its open plan entertainer' s layout, q uality and craftsmanship. Located in a beautiful and private position, with a north westerly aspect overlooking over the shores of Lake Tinaroo.

The 408m2 of home incorporates two levels of living, creating ample opportunities for the next owner – the upper level consists of a games room with polished concrete oor a a a o o e plan living, dining and kitchen area which is warmed by stunning polished timber oor a a oo re eater The stylish kitchen feat re a t t re a t tings with stone benchtops and a servery to the outdoor entertainment area. Bi- folding doors further emphasise the open plan design by seamlessly incorporating the outdoor and indoor living, all of which compliments this stunning position overlooking the water.

The top level also contains t e a ter te offer holiday vibes with stunning water views, bi- fold doors to

the patio, a beautiful spa bath and open style ensuite with built in robes for storage. The e o e roo tte t a fan, built in robe and looks out to the manicured garden.

The main bathroom is closely situated to the separate, spacious laundry and the hallway has cleverly incorporated 3 doors of linen storage.

A stunning internal staircase provides the access to the double bay remote garage which has high clearance for boat storage or larger vehicles. e o er e e offer a self- contained accommodation with a kitchenette, bathroom and two built in bedrooms, both with sliding door access to the paved patio – this could make an ideal teenagers retreat, granny at or a o o at o or guests or ext ended family.

Both outdoor entertainment areas are where you Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

will best admire the water views and both are large enough to host a crowd with the added bonus of an external staircase between the two. Whether you need the ext ra storage for guests, boats or cars, there is double bay carport situated close to the top of the concrete driveway.

The entire property is immaculately maintained, with stunning gardens and manicured lawns as well as a terraced yard for activities. The hard work has been done and the minimal maintenance req uired will leave you lots of time for you to enj oy the inre e e t e o offer One of a kind, 1 5 6 5 m2 of waterfrontage is now ready for your priv ate inspection, call Ex clusiv e Marketing gent aydee hatfield 0 4 1 7 4 6 8 9 4 1 at First National Atherton today.

54 O leander Drive, YUNGABURRA NO W $ 999,000 EX CLUSIVE to a ee at e First National Real Estate Atherton 0417 468 941

Nat 0438 237 909 nat@fnqpowerproperty.com.au www.fnqpowerproperty.com.au TOWN LIVING WITH CREEK & PRIVACY • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Recently renovated block home • Open plan with verandahs on 3 sides dditional separate outbuilding ideal t bedroom o ce • 3370m2 allotment • Permanent creek

What’s your proper ty wor th?

Call Raquel today to find out!*

*Free No-obligation appraisal

Price $475,000 Neg

Shop 1, 116 Main St, Atherton QLD, 4883

Exclusive Agent John Goncalves 0407 690 961

Phone: 0408 983 879

raywhiteruralmareeba.com.au/qld/mareeba

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

www.sommersetrealty.com.au The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 33

EXPRESSO

take a break...

Friday 17th

Saturday 18th

Sunday 19th

Max 30o Min 24o

Max 34o Min 21o

Max 35o Min 21o

Max 35o Min 21o

Max 35o Min 21o

Max 31o Min 21o

Max 31o Min 20o

Tide Times 0 1 0 1 0 .7 0 0 7 4 2 2 .5 8 1 3 2 6 1 .3 4 1 9 1 5 2 .3 0

Tide Times 0 1 3 0 0 .6 8 0 81 3 2 .6 5 1 4 0 2 1 .3 6 1 9 3 7 2 .1 9

Tide Times 0 1 5 5 0 .6 9 0 84 2 2 .6 9 1 4 3 5 1 .4 0 1 9 5 6 2 .1 0

Tide Times 0 2 1 7 0 .7 0 0 9 0 8 2 .7 1 1 5 0 5 1 .4 4 2 0 1 3 2 .0 3

Tide Times 0 2 3 9 0 .7 3 0 9 3 4 2 .7 0 1 5 3 3 1 .4 7 2 0 3 1 1 .9 8

Tide Times 0 3 0 0 0 .7 6 1 0 0 1 2 .6 7 1 6 0 2 1 .5 2 2 0 5 6 1 .9 2

Tide Times 0 3 2 7 0 .82 1 0 3 1 2 .6 3 1 6 3 7 1 .5 6 2 1 2 4 1 .86

Wednesday 15th

Thursday 16th

Monday 20th

Tuesday 21st

WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD Ache

Drill

Assistant Eat

Pulp

Rinse

Bacteria

Exam

Root

Bristle

Face

White

Brush

False

Wisdom

Caps

Gold

Cement

Hurt

Cleaning Inlay Correction Local

SUDOKU

Crown

Molar

Degree

Protect

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

ACROSS 7 . Ex pensive or ostentatious clothes or decoration.

8. Enter somewhere forcibly or suddenly.

9 . Either of two eq ual or corresponding parts into which something is or can be divided.

1 0 . O f, typical of, or peculiar to the tropics.

1 1 . Turn into or ex press in verse.

1 3 . A golf course, especially one on grass- covered sandy ground near the sea.

1 5 . An abnormally high body temperature.

1 6 . Weighing a great deal; heavy.

1 8. A day or period of celebration, typically for religious reasons.

1 9 . A miscellaneous collection of things.

2 1 . Physical strength and good health.

2 2 . In a way that shows that one is not treating something as serious; casually.

DOWN 1 . A shiny silicate mineral with a layered structure, found as minute scales in granite and other rocks.

2 . e o e ta or e e re o or promotion of oneself, one’ s views, or one’ s desires.

3 . Utterly bewilder or perplex someone.

4 . A piece of turf cut out of the ground by a golf club in making a stroke.

5 . A sloping grooved board or surface on which washed dishes are left to drain into an adj acent sink.

6 . Towards or relating to the more ex pene or a e t e tor o t e ar et 1 2 . Critical ex planation or interpretation of a tex t, especially of scripture.

1 4 . Dried leaves of tea.

1 7 . Used before a singular noun to refer to all the individual members of a set.

2 0 . Spend time doing nothing.

Weekly Horoscopes Aries

March 21 to April 20 Things at work have been moving q uickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. Include friends and family members in your redecorating plans. Try to be patient and understanding.

Puzzle lutions

Cancer

June 22 to July 22 Family get- togethers will be interesting. New interests are preoccupying your time. o t o e a o e or the time being. You will be attracted to unusual forms of entertainment and foreign cultures.

Twix rocky road Ingredients ▶ 175g golden syrup ▶ 125g unsalted butter ▶ 250g milk chocolate ▶ 250g dark chocolate ▶ 350g Twix bars ▶ 125g mini marshmallows ▶ 200g shortbread ▶ 100g raisins/glace cherries (optional) ▶ Extra Twix for decoration

Method

1. Line your 9” Square Tin with parchment paper.

2. Chop up your Twix and shortbread into bitesize pieces, and add to a large bowl with your mini marshmallows and raisins/glace cherries.

3. In a pan, add your golden syrup and unsalted butter and melt on a medium heat, till your butter has melted.

4. Take your pan off the heat, and add in your chocolate, and stir together until smooth. If the chocolate doesn’t quite melt, put it back on the heat for a few seconds and stir.

5. Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes, and then pour into your bowl.

6. Stir the mixure together, and then pour into the tin.

7. Add any extra Twix on top, and then leave to set in the fridge until solid.

PAGE 34 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

L Sept ibra 24 to Oct 23 This is a great day to get out and enj oy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers. Disappointments regarding partners will be subj ect to the way you react to their personal comments.

Capricorn

Dec 22 to Jan 20

Make plans to do the things you enj oy. Be supportive in order to avoid confrontations. Problems with gas, oil, or water in your home may disrupt your routine.

Gemini

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

May 22 to June 21

Your ability to come up with original ideas will bring recognition from superiors. Use your better j udgment before you sign up for a costly venture. You always seem to spend more than you make.

V irgo

Your outgoing nature will surprise others this week.

You should be in business for yourself. Ex ercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits.

O pportunities for romance are present.

L eo

Aug 23 to Sept 23 Get back into the swing of things. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return. Keep important information to yourself. Someone you least ex pect may not have your best interests at heart.

Do not let them blow situations out of proportion.

Romantic encounters will be full of ex citement. Your emotions may get the better of you. Get out and ex perience the spice of life.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Oct 24 to Nov 22 Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely.

Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely. Don’ t be too q uick to j udge your position or surroundings at work. Don’ t blow situations out of proportion.

Aq uarius

Jan 21 to Feb 19 Changes regarding your areer re t o a off handsomely. Your emotional partner may make you angry this week. Don’ t be afraid to confront situations concerning loved ones in order to solve any problems that may ex ist.

July 23 to Aug 22

Nov 23 to Dec 21

You must not allow them to force you to rush. Minor accidents may occur if you don’ t concentrate on what you’ re doing. Try making some changes to your appearance and your attitude that will reinforce j ust that.

Pisces

Feb 20 to March 20

Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back and calm down.

You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

DIRECTORY theex pressnewspaper. com. au

Shop 4, 276 Byrnes St, Mareeba PO Box 1034, Mareeba Q.4880

Authorised Fujitsu Service Agent

P: 4092 3019 M: 0409 648 403 F: 4092 1629

www.donhall.com.au ABN 80 179 825 363 QBSA 59712 ARC License AU24014 Electrical License No: 78958

Call Ross Mobile: 0429 898 657

es c i v r e S g n i n Clea r For all you rior e xt interior & e g! cleanin

CLEANING

Phone: David or Julie 0428 993 205 | Email: tablelandcleaning@outlook.com

DAVE’S

ir a n c oo l a Breath cle comes first! giene w he r e hy Lic. No. LO21176

COOL AIR

Servicing the Tablelands, Cooktown, Mossman, Dimbulah and everywhere in-between.

MAREEBA DENTURE SERVICE DENTAL TECHNICIAN DENTAL PROSTHETIST Registration No. 931417

4 Warren Street, Mareeba Q.4880 PH/FAX: 4092 2464 • MOB: 0402 809 556 • Email: choppers@qld.chariot.net.au

Phone DAVID AVOLIO on 0409 924 006

BOOKKEEPING RO O F S: • Repairs • e oo • New Roofs • i s • ers • ai

D O Z O C O

L D I NG SERV I C ES

D O UG RO L F E 041 8 760 644

E: o o o i i ser i es o o o a W : o o o i i ser i es o a F ac ebook o o o i i ser i es

F REE Q

UO TE S!

BUI L D I NG: • te sio s • a os • Carports • e o a o s • Decks Call Doug anytime, • Fe i he’s a friendly bloke!

CABINET MAKER

Serving Mareeba & Tablelands Areas • Residential & Commercial • Kitchens • Vanities & Wardrobes • Offices & Retail

Come and see Daniel and the team at B&C Cabinets for all your cabinetry needs!

CHILDCARE

P: 4092 2671 • E: enquiries@bccabinets.com.au • QBCC 1209087

info@mareebakidscampus.com.au www.mareebakidscampus.com.au 3 CENTRES IN MAREEBA: Constance, Dunlop & Hastie Streets EARLY LEARNING • KINDERGARTEN OUTSIDE SCHOOL & VACATION CARE

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

• Full and Partial Dentures • Relines and Repairs • Mouthguards Private Health Fund Rebates Apply Veteran Affairs Provider

Paul Johnstone

EARTHMOVING

All Brands Prompt Service We also install Aircons!

eed ! arant l l y Gu u F k or A ll W BUI

• Bond Cleans • Mould & Mildew Treatments • Pressure Cleaning, Roofs & Exteriors • Gutter Cleaning • Contract Cleaning

ABN: 61 788 170 092 LIC. NO: L012565 ARTIC LIC: AU21630 QBSA: 1220582

AIR-CONDITIONER

QBCC: 1109288

FULLY INSURED LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

DEMOLITIONS

• Airconditioning Installations • Cold Rooms • Fridge Seals • Gasing • Servicing and Maintenance • Authorised Artic Licence

Natasha Wainwright

TABLELAND

DENTAL

R & C AIRCONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

BUILDING

CLEANING

admin@

ELECTRICAL

AIR CONDITIONING

4092 3464

O’Brien Electrical Mareeba (07) 4092 4146

Shed 3, 9 Wallace Drive, Mareeba | mareeba@electrical.obrien.com.au LIC. 55472 | ARC. AU31673

obrien.com.au/electrical/mareeba

Lic. No. 77513

ELECTRICAL SOLAR & BATTERIES AIR CONDITIONING

PHONE: 0408 764 850

DO YOU NEED A RELIABLE ELECTRICIAN? Do you need a RELIABLE Electrician who shows up on time, CLEANS up after himself, and completes your work CHEERFULLY, without charging the earth? Call TODAY! Farms Sheds Shops Houses Maintenance Renovations Installations New Homes Repairs

Call DANIEL 0433 158 941

Lic No 69788

smartelec@y7mail.com

• Ravenshoe • Herberton • Millaa Millaa • Tarzali • Topaz • Malanda • Yungaburra • Atherton • Tolga • Walkamin • Mareeba • Croydon • Georgetown • Einasleigh • Forsayth • Mount Surprise • Mount Garnet

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 35

DIRECTORY

Lic # 81562

admin@

theex pressnewspaper. com. au

• Airconditioning Installations • Shed Wiring • Underground Power • Renovations & New Houses • All Electrical & Repairs

ARC Lic # L166416

Efficient and friendly service - Servicing all areas!

LANDSCAPING

ELECTRICAL

4092 3464

CALL ADRIAN 0429 265 082

Natasha Wainwright

Landscaping Specialists in Detail & Creativity!

• Retaining Walls • Landscape Design • Truck Hire • Excavator Hire • Drainage • General Earthworks Evan Rohde | evanrohde7@gmail.com 0428 766 004 | www.groundcreations.com.au

PAINTER

M. HARTLEY PTY LTD TRADING AS

ACCREDITED DESIGNER AND INSTALLER

7

79

LIC

N

87 O:

Phone Ash: 0497 240 240

Servicing Atherton Tablelands and Beyond

PEST

LICENCED CCTV INSTALLERS

• OFF GRID • ON GRID • HYBRID MOBILE COVERAGE SOLUTIONS

Electrical Licence: 86387 Security Licence: 4162579

HARDWARE

RAVENSHOE HARDWARE

(07) 4092 2433

• Hardware • Plumbing • Flat Pack Kitchens • Paint • Nursery • Giftware • Jaycar • Building Materials • White Goods

19 Wormboo Street raven@iig.com.au

IRRIGATION

4097 6208

IRRIGATION DESIGN AND SUPPLY

PET RESORT

LLY

LOCA All types of ork OWNED AND welding, lathe w OPERATED and milling.

PLUMBING

ENGINEERING

GENERAL ENGINEERING

124 Mason Street, Mareeba

P: 4092 1176 M: 0418 184 147 E: markterri70@bigpond.com

PO BOX 1414, MAREEBA QBCC 1115490

100% Locally Owned & Operated!

DOMESTIC W: www.maximumpestman.com MAREEBA OFFICE: COMMERCIAL P: 4092 1999 1 Vaughan Street OFFICE: TERMITES M: 0418 150 759 ATHERTON 30 Main Street

Pre-Construction | Pre-Purchase Inspections

284 Byrnes St, Mareeba | 4092 1659 | sales@outbacksolar.net.au | www.outbacksolarandoutdoors.com.au

QBCC No. 1275266

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

MAXIMUM PEST MANAGEMENT

LICENCED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

SOLAR:

BELL HARTLEY & CO.

NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES!

Max & Jodie Turner

PROFESSIONAL DOG BOARDING • On the Tablelands at Kuranda • Dedicated Staff • Great Facilities • Highest Quality Diet • Lots of Play Time in Big Yards • Long or Short Stays 131 Boyles Road, Kuranda | Phone: 40938239 www.kurandapetresort.com.au Email: graham@kurandapetresort.com.au

RURAL DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL ROOFING PLUMBING DRAINAGE

• Pumps Sales & Repairs • Filtration • Water Treatment • Water Tanks & Troughs • Pool Treatments • Solar Pumping Systems • Reinke Centre Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigators

50 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA • PHONE 4092 7788

I.T

BURRATRONICS

Shop 3, 203-215 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 7038

SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS IN-STORE AND ON-SITE

• Laptops, Tablets & Towers • Phone & Tablet Repairs • Custom Systems • Networking Solutions

www.burratronics.com.au PAGE 36 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

4098 2774

Treatment Plant Servicing Septic Tank Pumping QBCC Lic. No. 79358

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

DIRECTORY admin@

POOL

“WE OFFER A COMPLETE ON SITE POOL SERVICE” POOL MAINTENANCE & POOL SHOP 71 BYRNES ST, MAREEBA

SAND BLASTING & PAINTING

LICENSED POOL SAFET Y INSPECTOR

P: 4092 1443 or 0413 013 297

ry, Farm Machine rs, ile a Tr , Ute Trays el, Structural Ste . re o m d n a Rims

GIF T S ER VOUCH

Come fly with us!

30 MINUTES - �250 + GST PP 60 MINUTES - �400 + GST PP Minimum Booking 2 people

Trevor 0400 750 330

SLASHING/ MULCHING

PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE SERVICING NORTH QUEENSLAND

FREE QUOTES!

Lukas Portelli 0427 189 227 tablelandstreeworks@gmail.com

As a local born and bred, I am invested in the success of the community and how it is developed. Enquire today for a free consultation.

• Pre-purchase property search reports / due diligence - Understand your future or current property rights • Specialise in Development Approvals • Reconfiguring a Lot / Subdivisions • Material Change of Use

TOWN PLANNING

• Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Stump Grinding • Firewood

• TREE MAINTENANCE & REMOVAL • HEDGE TRIMMING & SHAPING • GREEN WASTE REMOVAL & WOODCHIPPING 0428 711 278 mareebatrees@gmail.com 118 Constance St, Mareeba Q.4880

VENUE HIRE

P: 0411 344 110 | E: ramon@uitownplan.com.au | W: www.uitownplan.com.au

TRANSPORT

Call Jon Lambert | P: 4091 5008 | M: 0407 575 916

CONTACT DETAILS: Blake Daniel 0439 988 227 Email: atsamfnq@hotmail.com

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CASH OR ACCOUNT CUSTOMERS WELCOME

• Treelopping • Bobcat Hire • Wood Chipping • Pensioner Discounts • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured

• Slashing and Mulching • Orchard / Tree Trimming • Earthworks • Machinery Haulage • Accident Towing / Tilt Tray Hire

Phone: 0421 839 353 | mrboperations@exodas.com.au

Email: admin@pmcarriers.com 247 Hartley Street, Portsmith

TABLELANDS TREELOPPING

W: www.nqpssecurity.com.au | E: dru@nqpssecurity.com.au

Wally Amory - Mareeba Depot Manager

PTaxi&TrucksM- Tail-Lifters Carriers 4035 2034 Express Couriers

P: 4095 4595 | E: aataylorstreelopping@outlook.com

• Patrols • Cash in Transit • Alarm Response and Installation • Alarm Monitoring • CCTV Installation For all security needs call... DRU THURSTON 0408 913 063 and Service

Excellence Through Perseverance and Diligence

YARRABAH SERVICE TWICE WEEKLY

(07) 4092 2433

EXPLORE ATHERTON TABLELANDS

CAIRNS • MOSSMAN • TABLELANDS DAILY

T QUALIT Y PAIN PROTECTION GUARANTEED

124 Mason Street, Mareeba

Natasha Wainwright

Freight Distribution Warehouse Storage

TREELOPPING

SCENIC FLIGHTS

ALL POOL SUPPLIES INCLUDING FREE WATER TESTING & EXPERT ADVICE

SANDBLASTING & PAINTING

QBCC No. 1275266

SECURITY

theex pressnewspaper. com. au

TRANSPORT

4092 3464

HAVING A PARTY OR FUNCTION? We have the perfect venue!

Spacious open venue, beautiful gardens and all facilities – the perfect setting for all occasions!

Race Day Parties, Weddings, Birthdays, Engagements, Business Functions, Christenings, Christmas Parties & more!

Bookings & Info Phone (07) 4092 1167 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 37

CLASSIFIEDS 4092 3464

admin@

theexp ressnewspaper. com. au

lassified ChurCh NotiCe Presbyterians continue to meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 10am, QCWA Hall, Wilkes St (behind Meals on Wheels) ~ All Welcome!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Wednesday 15 December at 7pm Outdoors at 578 Ray Road, Mareeba All Welcome! This is a COVID safe event.

CHRISTMAS SEASON COMMENCES ON SUNDAY 19 DECEMBER, 2021:

HOW GOD USED ANIMALS AT THE FIRST CHRISTMAS #4 “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8) Enquires: mareebapres@gmail.com

ATHERTON & MAREEBA ANGLICAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS SERVICES ATHERTON TABLELANDS ANGLICAN CHURCH ATHERTON - St Mary’s Blue Christmas Service Wednesday 15th December, 7.30pm Christmas Eve Family Service with Carols Friday 24th December, 5.00pm Christmas Day Service Saturday 25th December, 8.30am

RAVENSHOE - St Barnabas Carols and Readings Wednesday 15th December, 7.00pm Christmas Day Eucharist Saturday 25th December, 8.30am

YUNGABURRA - St Mark’s Christmas Eve Family Service with Carols Friday 24th December, 5.00pm Christmas Day Service Saturday 25th December, 8.30am

MALANDA - St Matthew’s Christmas Eve Service with Carols Friday 24th December, 9.30pm

MILLAA MILLAA - St Michael’s Christmas Eve Eucharist Friday 24th December, 9.00pm

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 49 - 51 Constance Street, Mareeba Lessons and Carols Monday 20th December, 7.00pm Christmas Day Saturday 25th December, 8.30am ALL WELCOME!

eadline

iN MeMoriaM IN LOVING MEMORY OF

LUCIANO FRESTA 17~12~01

Loved Husband, Dad & Nonno.

Always in our hearts, never forgotten.

Sadly missed by wife Antonina, children Sebastian, Josephine and their families.

In loving memory of

Felipe Pena

22.10.1926 - 17.12.2019 Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us everyday.

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

From your loving wife Antonia, son Felipe, Ginetta, Analie and Ajay.

HAZEL JOAN ALSTON 9/10/1929 ~ 20/12/2010

My Beautiful Mum The day we said goodbye My heart broke in two, I would give my life To have a few more moments with you.

Nothing in the world, Will ever be the same, Without you Mum, Life is a meaningless game.

Your smile, your voice, your touch, Mum I will miss you so much.

Once again to hold on tight, Is my dream each and every night.

Mum took with her a part of my heart, Her love she left for me to keep, So we will never be apart, The bond between us too deep.

I will miss you a lifetime, And love you forever My Mum, My Best Friend, My Soul Mate.

Love Sandy.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN OP SHOP 49 - 51 Constance Street, Mareeba Closed from 16th December, 2021.

Reopening Thursday 13th January, 2022.

YOUR LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

Death NotiCe

In Loving Memory Of

Angelina Trimarchi 28/04/1932 ~ 10/12/2020 Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday.

Missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.

We hold you in our hearts, and there you will remain.

Until that joyous day, that we will meet again.

Deeply loved & missed, Betty, Frank, Lena and Families.

HONG, Neville Francis “Hongy”

Late of Tolga. Passed away peacefully on the 2nd of December, 2021. Aged 78 years.

Loving Brother of Anthony, Brendon and Geoffrey (Dec.). Much loved Brother-in-Law and Uncle.

Friend and Mate to many.

A private cremation has taken place.

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

How Do I CanCel an aDvertIsement?

Should you need to cancel an existing advertisement please call the office on (07) 4092 3464 before the deadline: Display ads 4pm thursday; Classifieds 4pm Friday Prior to Wednesday’s publication date.

Another method of cancellation is by: Fax (07) 4092 6346 or email: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com

PAGE 38 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

p

Natasha Wainwright

e ery Friday iN MeMoriaM

What’s CoMiNg uP? WEEKLY, FORTNIGHTLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Cole Michael Wyatt

22.11.2001 ~ 19.12.2020 We thought of you today, but that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name.

Now all we have are memories, and your picture in a frame.

You memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part.

We will always have you in our heart.

Love Mum, Dad, Jack and Tom.

ungaburra owls lub arefoot owls on Tuesday nights BBQ from 6pm, BYO meat, but we’ ll supply the salad. Coaching and games available from 6. 30pm. Come along and learn this challenging game and have fun. No booking necessary. l non Fa ily Groups - for friends and family of Alcoholics. Yungaburra. Ph 0413 346 957. dult hildren of lcoholics and other ysfunctional Fa ilies tep progra Mondays 6- 7pm, CWA Hall - Wilkes St, Mareeba. 0439 080 874.

Have a free community event? Contact admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Cole Michael Wyatt 22.11.2001 ~ 19.12.2020

“Forever Young”

The day you left and gained your wings, Our hearts just broke in two.

You left us with the memories, And we love you dearly, Cole.

You were a very special person, With kindness in your heart.

And the love we had together, Grows stronger now we’re apart.

We know we cannot bring you back, Although we wish it everyday.

But a piece of us went with you, The day you went away.

All our love, Grandad & Grandma Gear, Lenette, Chris & Charlotte Behrens, Stephen, Kristin, Isabel, Liam & Hayden Gear.

WYATT, COLE MICHAEL 22.11.2001 - 19.12.2020 A thousand words couldn’t bring you back, We know this because we tried.

Neither could a thousand tears, We know this because we cried.

You left behind broken hearts, And happy memories too.

But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you.

MISS YOU COLE. Uncle Mook, Aunty Kathy, Kim, Lacey and Chase Mark, Cherene, Kara, Morgan and Sophie.

PositioN VaCaNt

SPRINGMOUNT WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY OPERATOR / DRIVER An opportunity has become available for an Operator/ Driver at Springmount Waste Facility. This position involves the operation of plant at Springmount Waste Facility and driving of heavy vehicles.

The successful applicant will have good operating experience on heavy plant including excavator and loader. A HR or HC driving licence with some experience will be an advantage.

The position will be based at Springmount Waste Facility, Mareeba (Arriga). The successful applicant must be self motivated, be able to follow instructions, have solid time management skills and be able to work unsupervised.

Further details contact Kevin Davies 0400 490 493.

Written applications, including Resume and 2 Referees should be submitted by close of business Wednesday 29 December, 2021

By Email to: kevin.davies@remondis.com.au

SPRINGMOUNT WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY CARETAKER Payment system

The Express would like to inform it’s valued clients that we do not issue 7 day accounts, however we can extend to you the establishment of a regular 30 day account or the below methods of payment. eFtPos, Direct Payment Facilities and Credit Card option

For enquIrIes Please PHone (07) 4092 3464

agriCulture

WaNteD

MOTORCYCLES WANTED

2 or 4 wheels.

Will pay cash!

Pick up in most areas.

0400 079 544

An opportunity has become available for a Caretaker at Springmount Waste Facility. This position involves living on site at Springmount as well as the operation of site machinery.

It would be preferable if the successful applicant has operating experience on heavy plant, HR licence and all-round maintenance skills for facilities.

The position will be based at Springmount Waste Facility, Springmount Road Arriga. A HC driving licence with some experience will be an advantage.

The successful applicant must be self motivated, be able to follow instructions, have solid time management skills and be able to work unsupervised.

Further details contact Kevin Davies 0400 490 493.

Written applications, including Resume and 2 Referees should be submitted by close of business Wednesday 29 December, 2021

By Email to: kevin.davies@remondis.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS PositioN VaCaNt POSITION VACANT - ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATION OFFICER • FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY • PROVE YOUR PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

ADMINISTRATION

The “Engineering Administration Officer” will be primarily responsible for the administration of the Road Maintenance Performance Contract (RMPC), the Prequalified Preferred Supplier Contract for Wet & Dry Hire of Plant and the Coordination of Requests for Tender (RFT). Other administration support within the Engineering Department as required.

The Express Newspaper is seeking a motivated person who wants to learn a variety of tasks that play an important role in the production of the newspaper.

The person will learn how to: • Take Classifieds and Directory advertisements • Entering and reconciling accounts in MYOB • General office administration and duties • Advertising sales • Processing orders for photographs • Managing promotions and competitions • Processing national advertisement bookings The position would involve one day a week until early next year to enable the person to train with a view to taking up a full time 12-month contract starting in April/May 2022.

The Express Newspaper is a community, independent free product and offers a great opportunity for the right person to learn a myriad of valuable skills.

No experience is necessary but the position would suit someone with excellent customer service, good administration skills and knowledge of computer office programs.

­

­ ­

­

To perform this role efficiently the Officer will need to demonstrate • good time management skills; • be able to communicate effectively both verbally and written; • work within a team environment; • have a strong administration background; • be able to interpret and report upon financial data and • demonstrate a proven history in contract administration.

Applicants are required to provide a written overview of their experiences in demonstrating their ability to meet the key responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Position Description and provide a current Resume with at least two (2) referees.

Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to: Position Vacant – Engineering Administration Officer The Chief Executive Officer Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871 Fax: 07 4062 1285 Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting Councils HR Department on Ph: 07 4079 9090.

Send your resume to: carl@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Applications close at 4 pm 7th January 2022

POSITION VACANT – WATER/TOWN MAINTENANCE OPERATOR

Ken Timms CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Etheridge Shire Council is seeking applications from a highly motivated, enthusiastic person to Councils Town Maintenance Crew.

BOOKKEEPER

The successful applicant will undertake general operation and maintenance duties of Council’s facilities comprising water infrastructure, swimming pool, parks and gardens, towns streets, minor building repairs and maintenance, operation and maintenance of Council’s water treatment plants and waste facilities.

­

This position is based on a 9 day fortnight with a weekend on call roster arrangement and above award wages.

Applications to include: -

Cover Letter Updated Resume Supporting Evidence of Qualifications Minimum of 2 referees

Applications can be posted, delivered, faxed or emailed to the Council Administration Office at: Position Vacant – Water/Town Maintenance Operator The Chief Executive Officer Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871 Fax: 07 4062 1285 Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting Council’s Town & Water Manager, Shane Butler on Ph: 07 4079 9024 or email info@etheridge.qld.gov.au or Councils website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Applications close 4pm Friday 7th January 2022 Ken Timms CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Personal Care Worker Vacancies

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Millar Teitzel is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper to join our team in 2022.

LG00530

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

If you are interested, please go to: SEEK - Personal Care Worker - Cairns Community Job in Cairns & Far North SEEK and Apply

MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT FROM THE REST...

ADD COLOUR!!

LG00532

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 • Be a willing learner to cross-train and show attention to detail • 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

C & L Nastasi & Sons MANGO PICKERS & PACKERS REQUIRED FOR MANGO HARVEST BIBOOHRA

FOR DETAILS PHONE 4093 2750

GOT A POSITION VACANT? Contact Tash today on 4092 3464 to place an advert!!

By COB Monday 20/12/2021.

The delivers over 13,500 newspapers to: Mareeba, Dimbulah, Kuranda, Walkamin, Tolga, Atherton, Kairi, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Yungaburra, Ravenshoe, Herberton, Koah, Speewah, Mutchilba, Almaden, Chillagoe, Biboohra, Mt Molloy, Julatten, Mt Carbine, Cooktown, Lakeland, Normonton, Mt Surprise, Mt Garnet, Croydon, Forsayth, Einsleigh, Karumba, Georgetown, Cairns, Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Innisfail, Mossman, Port Douglas and many more in between!

The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 PAGE 39

CLASSIFIEDS F

or

MoWiNg/ hoMe MaiNteNaNCe

sale

PuB

liC

NotiCe

PuB

SUZUKI KING QUAD 4X4 400 BIKE Very good condition, serviced regularly, used on avocado farm in Tolga, no further use (up graded to side-by-side), 1400 hours.

$5500 Phone Mark Delai 0408 954 201

Rob Taylor

Servicing the Herberton & Atherton areas!

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Sales, Hire & Transport.

Self-Pack Removals Australia Wide.

MODIFICATIONS

P: 4091 7242 www.sticklizard.com.au

2003 Mazda 2

garage sale SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER 7AM - 4PM 17 Page Road, Atherton Furniture, tools, guitar, household items.

Only 182,000 kms, in good condition.

$4,300 ONO Phone: 0407 925 225

SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER 7AM - 3PM Appointments Before Phone: 0418 783 841 10 Nadia Close West, Rangeview, Tolga

F

uNeral

DEBBIE BOARDMAN

Funeral Celebrant Final farewells with respect.

Phone 0410 328 357

B

utCher

MOBILE farm butcher.

Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel. Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.

Classified deadlines

BILL Black Mobile Butcher. Hang up to 7 days. 0408 922 812.

prior to the next week’s publication

BUYING or selling?

Place a classie on 4092 3464.

4pm Friday

- Terms and Conditions -

Residential Rehabilitation Service

0409 340 093

F

or

reNt

SERVICED OFFICES FOR RENT 1 Jack Street, Atherton P: 0414 700 081

Massage MASSEURS MASSEUR Experienced, Certified, Deep Tissue.

Guaranteed to float away with excellent results that last for days. ~ Tom-Paul ~

0417 412 347

NotiCe

$2,000 CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY

Mission Australia is in the process of establishing a

Big Bird Home Maintenance, Pressure Cleaning & Handyman

liC

At 3338 Kennedy Highway, Mareeba.

The construction phase is expected to begin in January 2022. Should you have any questions in regards to the process, or the type of service that will be provided, there will be a Mission Australia staff member available at our Mission Australia NDIS Mareeba Office, 48 Byrnes Street, Mareeba on Wednesday the 15th of December between 9.30am and 4.00pm, or alternatively email the Program Manager: karams@missionaustralia.com.au

Proposed Development Make a submission from: 15th December, 2021 to 25th January, 2022 MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET (ADDITIONS) AND RECONFIGURATION OF A LOT Where: 69 Main Street, Tolga On: Lot 1 on RP702449 and Lot 113 on SP113932 Approval Sought: Development Permit Application Ref: MCU21/0025 You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Tablelands Regional Council PO Box 573, ATHERTON QLD. 4883 info@trc.qld.gov.au 1300 362 242 www.trc.qld.gov.au Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.

The Express Christmas V ouchers G iveaway will commence on Monday, November 29, 2021, and ends at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

The competition is open to all shoppers who purchase products and services from participating outlets. Shoppers are asked to provide their name, address and phone number on the entry forms provided nly official entry forms provided by the The Express will be accepted as entries.

By entering the competition you are agreeing to allow The Express to publish your name and use any photos which will be ta en upon notification of being a winner The official draw will ta e place at The press office at yrnes Street, areeba on Thursday, ecember , The four winners will each receive fifty dollar ( $50) vouchers which are to be spent with the participating businesses only. V ouchers are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable. All vouchers must be used by February, 2022 ( unless otherwise stated) . Any vouchers not redeemed by this time will expire and will not be honoured. inners will be notified by phone and published in The Express on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. udge s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Further details can be obtained by calling The press office on during office hours

WaNteD to B uY

WorK WaNteD

COX RIDE ON MOWERS THAT NEED REPAIRS

In the Atherton Region.

7am - 7pm, cash.

CALL AL 0428 194 505

WANT to place a For Sale notice? Call Tash on 4092 3464 or email admin@theexpressnewspaper. com.au for a proof and quote. Classie deadline is 4pm every Friday.

GET AN ADVERTISEMENT AND ONLINE LISTING FOR ONLY

$40

PER WEEK!

A new place to find all of our great Local Businesses!

We have a new brand new Online Directory to support our great Local Businesses that works hand in hand with our existing Business Directory. The Express newspaper is locally operated and proudly independent.

We provide comprehensive coverage of news and events across our region, and are passionate advocates for the local stories of each town in our region, and cover the issues affecting us all. In addition we also play an important role in promoting local businesses and organisations. The Express Directory in conjunction with our existing print Business Directory will further help connect our local residents with our great local businesses ensuring we reach as many potential clients as possible whether they search for trades and services online or in print.

new website: www.theexpressdirectory.com.au PAGEVisit 40 Theour Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Take out an advertisement in the Business Directory your business will automatically get an online listing on The Express Directory all for a total cost of only $40 per week.

Contact Natasha Burton today on 4092 3464 Or email: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au for more information.

and join us in Supporting Local Business. www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

S PORT ia astgate (left) facing o against his opponent Daniel Ouliaris.

PH OTO CREDIT: William L uu.

a TABL EL ANDS local L iam Eastgate has taken his first step in achieving his dream after stepping into the octagon last wee end as a debutante and emerging a victor The year old has had a passion for mi ed martial arts that was nurtured in high school after he was inspired by a peer s wor in the uay Thai ring n his hometown of therton, iam then begun pursuing a range of martial arts fter starting with uay Thai iam then moved onto ra ilian iu itsu before eventually settling on bsolute in elbourne where he currently lives and trains iam was preparing for months for his debut fight, but due to some unforeseen circumstances his original opponent was pulled from the card iam then had to go up two weight classes to a catchweight class ust one ilo under welterweight for his first fight

tor o s n first espite stepping in the ring for the first time, iam was undeterred by the nerves and instead trusted himself and training he had done The guy was pretty big and really rangy but was confident in my grappling s ill set, had a good feeling d be able to close the distance and get the ob done, iam said felt pretty good during the wal out, thin was more nervous at the weigh ins to be honest cause there is no music playing nce started wal ing out felt pretty good, ic ed into gear and had a clear vision of what wanted to do iam managed to win by decision after two rounds to claim his first victory in his first fight in currently sporting a record now iam will be gearing up for another hopeful fight in the new year

bo t

ia astgate with a a hippen and i on arson after ia win last Sunday night. PH OTO CREDIT: William L uu.

s first

fight and subse uent

2 LOCATIONS IN ATHERTON 54 Main Street Phone: 4091 1006

Volunteers Sought - Interested persons please visit:

crimestoppersqld.com.au/volunteer

PAGE 41 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Shop 14, Atherton Square, Cook Street Phone: 4091 3919

FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES & GIFTWARE! ALL JEWELLERY, WATCH & CLOCK REPAIRS www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

S PORT Roosters back on the paddock THE Atherton Senior Roosters have returned to the training paddock as the club prepares for the 2022 rugby league season.

Players who will feature in the under 18, reserve and first grades arrived at the ungalli Cree airy Sta dium to start a busy pre-season training schedule last Thursday night.

An inj ury plagued 2021 year slowed the Roosters campaign but all involved are confident the club will be back among the frontrunners next year. ead coach raham Clar says his players are de termined to be better in 2022 right across all grades and he was very happy with the numbers for the first hit out “The guys were keen to be back and there was plenty of energy around the group, Clar said m confident we are in a good position to eep moving forward and have a good crack in 2022.”

Several fresh young rising stars from the Roosters 2021 under 18 side which went one game short of the grand final are a big part of the clubs plans in the season ahead.

Two home pre-season trial games are booked for the oosters in arch which includes one against areeba The Senior Roosters train at 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights. L adies wishing to play in 2022 are advised that the first training run for the oosters side is boo ed for all interested ladies on onday night anu ary 10.

P ICTURED: Seasoned Roosters prop forward Matt Whybird at Thursday nights training.

Barron breaks Mareeba cricket’s winning streak Mareeba’s Cian Cochran doing his best to help his side against Barron on Sunday.

KAIRI HOTEL CHRISTMAS RACE DAY! Atherton Turf Club, Morrow Park, TOLGA Gates Open at 11am. PRE-BOOKED TICKETS ONLY. See our Facebook page for more information.

MUST BE DOUBLE VACCINATED WITH PROOF ON ENTRY (GOV RULES-NOT SET BY US) TAB, Local Bookies, Fashions, Live Music, Hot Food & Cold Drinks, Free Kids Stuff....

Saturday 18th December 2021

PAGE 42 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Third G rade’s unbeaten winning strea has come to an abrupt end after facing off against arron on Sunday in Trinity each The home side lost the toss and was sent out into the field as areeba loo ed to put up a de cent score against their division rivals.

The arron bowlers wasted no time uic ly going about their business dismissing the top order as areeba failed to find their feet, areeba were all out for 73 in the 36th over. nly two areeba batsmen managed to get into double figures as the rest succumbed to ar ron’s bowling. hen it was arron s turn to wac on the pads, they made it clear they were here to win with one of their openers putting up a score j ust shy of a half century. arron passed areeba s score ust four wic ets down and only 15.4 overs into their allotted overs, awarding two bonus points pushing ar

ron in front as they overta e areeba at the top of the ladder. areeba Fourths didn t fare much better as they played arron in Trinity each on Saturday despite a heroic half century by youngster Will Hanlon. fter being sent into bat areeba loo ed dan gerous with young ill putting up runs off ust 75 balls in his number three position.

The top order looked strong, but the rest of the order failed to eep its efforts going but areeba managed to put up a decent score of 134 after their allotted overs. arron s top order loo ed even stronger than areeba as they only needed four batsman to chase down the total set by areeba in overs.

Cric et will now ta e a brea over the Christ mas holidays as they gear up to return in the new year.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

S PORT

Local champion shows juniors the ropes

BY SALLY TURLEY

CU RRENTL Y ranked third in the Australian Professional Bull Riders ( PBR) 2021 standings and number 22 in the world, K urt Shephard represented Australia in the 2019 Win Star Casino Resort G lobal Cup in Arlington Texas in 2019 amongst other career highlights.

Back home after eight years of riding bulls in the PBR and achieving one of the best riding percentages on tour, Shephard has competed in world fi nals and bucked his way into 10 of the Top finishes of the season After competing at an elite level in rodeo events all around the world, the Mareeba champion passed on some of the skills he has learned to j unior competitors from his local area at last weekend’s Steer and Bull Rider training school at Biboohra.

“I really enj oyed instructing the kids on Saturday. They are the future of rodeo and it was great telling them a bit of my story, teaching them some techniques and drills to help them continue improving. Instant feedback after a ride is a great way to improve and develop your own style,” he said.

K urt was a relatively late starter in the rodeo game rode my first calf at 12 years of age and broke my arm in the process, which cured me of wanting to ride again for the next couple of years.

But I was looking for something I was good at and eventually I decided to try again,” he said. pic ed up a third in my first ever Junior Bull Ride at the Einasleigh Rodeo when I was 15 and basically it was game on from there. Friends of the family supplied bucking stock to the rodeos and I spent a lot of time practicing and learning the ropes at their place,” he said.

Starting with the Australian Bushmen' s Campdraft and Rodeo Association ( ABCRA) NQ zone, K urt worked his way through the Junior Bulls, Novice and Open sections of the competition, eventually winning the North Queensland Open Bull Ride in 2012 at 17 years of age.

New South Wales was the natural progression from there, travelling the state with friends and competing along the way, before taking on the V ictorian Australian Professional Rodeo Association ( APRA) circuit and starting his “apprenticeship” in earnest.

Winning the Australian title in 2014 at the Caboolture final remains one of Mr Shephard' s career highlights.

“I had done the prep for the competition and showed up ready to win. If you put the work in, sometimes you can j ust go in and let it happen,” he said.

It’s rides like this that have gained internationally ranked P BR athlete, Kurt Shephard his ranking as number 3 on the Australian circuit.

“The adrenaline doesn't really hit me until after a good ride and then it feels really good”

He managed to spend three months travelling and competing in America that year and focused fully on the international competition from 2016-2019 after a knee inj ury in 2015 forced him to come home and take a year to reset.

“I went back more determined than ever,” Shephard said.

“I landed a spot on the televised tour which gave me the opportunity to compete with, and learn from, the best riders in the world.

“G etting a guernsey on the Pendleton Whisky V elocity Tour, the PBR' s premier expansion Tour was great, but having my Dad there to help me on made it even more special.

“I am so glad I did those things before COV ID.” At 27 years of age, Shephard is looking forward to next year' s competition.

“I really want that number 1 spot in

2022, but the important thing in competition is to be mentally prepared for the good and the bad times,” he said.

“There is a big build up before a ride, especially in the indoor arenas where the announcers generate so much atmosphere for the crowd. It is important to stay calm and focused.

“Once you nod your head at the gate keeper, everything happens so quickly.

The adrenaline doesn' t really hit me until after a good ride and then it feels really good.

“If the ride doesn' t go as well as you would like, it is equally important to do a quick analysis of what went wrong, work out what you would change next time, and then let it go.

“If you carry that disappointment on to the next bull, you will never get the results you are chasing,” he mused.

He said there was no particular “type” for bull riding.

“The main attributes would be a good body weight to strength ratio and good timing and balance. Y ou have to be in pretty good shape physically and a laid back, carefree personality is ideal for not putting so much pressure on yourself,” he said.

Shephard has “nodded his head” thousands of times around the world now and doesn' t believe it is the other riders he is competing against when they pull that chute.

“It’s really j ust me and the bull. If I ride him like I am supposed to, then everything else will work out in my favour,” Shephard said.

“Rodeo is a good fun sport where you meet a lot of great people and if ta en seriously it is definitely a good way to travel the country and see the world. The returns are there if you j ust keep working on your game, and never give up,” he said.

After years of rodeo competition in America and Canada, local cowboy, Kurt Shephard spent time teaching young, up and coming bull riders the ropes at the 4 th Annual Junior Bullriding School held at Biboohra recently.

PAGE 43 The Express, Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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