The Express Newspaper 19th April 2023

Music fans will be treated to the best of the best in the Australian rock and country scene plus a line-up of upand-coming talent at this year’s Savannah in the Round festival from 6-8 October.

Headlined by rock icon Jimmy Barnes, this year’s festival will showcase top Australian artists including Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, James Johnston and more. This year’s festival will also incorporate Queensland’s largest amateur bull riding competition, The Great Northern Bullriding Series, in a special two round event.

▪ FULL STORY PAGE 3

Jimmy ready to rock SAVANNAH

Pages 8-9, 11

Rough time for riders

Page 38

From the rainforest to top of British TV world

BY RHYS THOMAS

A KURANDA local with a burning passion for the film and TV industry has been nominated in the highly prestigious BAFTA TV Craft awards for her work in the critically acclaimed show, “House of the Dragon”.

Nikeah Forde grew up in Kowrowa outside of Kuranda with her brother Russell and parents Kim and Mick.

During her formative teenage years, Nikeah’s first job was at Annabels Bakery in Kuranda and she spent her Saturdays volunteering with the Kuranda Riding for the Disabled Branch.

Now, the 38-year-old’s work as a visual effects producer has earned her a nomination in one of the world’s most highly acclaimed film awards, the British Academy Film Awards, more commonly referred to as the BAFTAs.

Growing up in a small town is one of the main reasons that pushed both Nikeah and Russell to pursue careers in visual effects.

“I think growing up in a rural environment means you spend a lot of time as a kid either reading or watching movies,” Nikeah said.

“My brother Russell and I, both grew up with a deep passion for stories and we are lucky enough to get to play in a story driven sandbox for careers now.”

Nikeah’s parents believe their children’s involvement in Riding for the Disabled at Kuranda gave them a great background in appreciating and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and abilities which, in-turn, helped them in their careers.

“As parents, Mick and I are really proud of both of our kids, they've done very well for two kids from Kuranda although they don't get home much, they are too busy living their best lives,” Kim said.

Nikeah “accidentally fell” fell into visual effects in 2007 when the HBO series “The Pacific” was being filmed in Port Douglas.

“I happened to ask if they need any assistants at the right time, the VFX Department needed a PA and my career took off from there,” she said.

“I love that my job lets me travel to incredible places, lets me work with some of the most creative people in the world.

“I constantly have to reskill and learn on every job as we are always adapting to new technology and new ideas on how to film to make the best visual effects possible.”

“House of the Dragon” is just the latest project in a long line of highly-reputed and criticallyacclaimed movies and TV shows that Nikeah has been involved in, including “The Martian”,

“The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, “Cinderella” and “Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle”.

As a visual effects producer for film and television, Nikeah’s role is to co-lead the visual effects department and share the head of department title with the visual effects supervisor.

The split in the responsibilities tends to see the VFX supervisor responsible for the creative decisions and Nikeah responsible for the logistics, namely finding ways to get the project on budget and on schedule.

On “House of the Dragon”, Angus Bickerton was the visual effects supervisor and he was responsible for making sure the dragons and environments created looked as spectacular as possible while Nikeah was responsible for making sure the dragons could be created on time and on budget.

“We are nominated specifically for the work we did on House of the Dragon, it’s the overall quality of work of the show that gets you a nomination,” she said.

“The work comprised of obviously enormous computergenerated (CG) dragons but also huge digital environments and loads of face replacements and body changes.

“I think you would be surprised at how often what is shot ends up in the hands of the VFX

Department.”

One of the major highlights in Nikeah’s career, besides getting nominated for a BAFTA, is increasing the diversity of the teams she works with and making the films have “voices from different backgrounds”.

“It makes our films better to have voices from different backgrounds involved and it makes our lives more interesting,” she said.

“As more people get into film, they become role models for younger generations and I am lucky enough to have had some wonderful female role models take me under their wing as I was coming up through the ranks.

“Getting to be a role model now for some incredibly talented women in the business is the absolute joy of my life.”

Nikeah feels incredibly honoured to be nominated for a BAFTA award alongside her team and feels it is a great achievement.

“It is a lovely thing to be nominated, it is a really great boost for our crew and a delightful thing to have on a CV,” she said.

“Plus, any opportunity to put on a beautiful dress and drink champagne with your mates is worthwhile.”

The BAFTA Television Craft Awards will take place this Sunday 23 April in London.

Kuranda born and bred, Nikeah Forde working on the set of Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle.

Bucking bulls set for Savannah stampede

BY RHYS THOMAS

Artists ready to rock

AUSTRALIAN rock legend Jimmy Barnes has been announced as the headline act for this year’s Savannah in the Round music festival to be hosted at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds 6-8 October.

Savannah in the Round will once again prove to be one of Far North Queensland largest and most popular music festivals as the organisers put forward an all-star lineup of Australian musicians.

Joining Barnes on stage will be Australian musical legends Kasey Chambers, Kate Ceberano and Daryl Braithwaite alongside some of the hottest names in country including Brad Cox, James Johnston and Casey Barnes.

This year’s line-up also boasts an impressive 15 local Far North Queensland artists including Tablelands-based Jeremy Fletcher, Aurelle Brunjes and Careless, as well as Cooktown’s Yazmindi.

The Pigs, Black Image, Roz Pappalardo, and Out of Abington are just a few of the other Far North Queensland artists set to perform.

Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Don Walker, beloved multi-awardwinning artist Fanny Lumsdem, Aussie icon Russell Morris and countless others will also be performing.

Festival director James Dein said this year’s line-up was focused on the Australian music scene as it had “never been hotter”.

“We decided this year to lead with the

locals first,” he said.

“This year’s event will welcome a who’s who of the best in Australian rock, pop and country heading north for a three-day party.

“Savannah in the Round is a true celebration of everything that’s great about Australia and everything that’s special about Far North Queensland and this year’s event will be our biggest one yet.

“We’re dedicated to championing our Aussie acts and putting the spotlight on them first. But watch this space - we still have a few surprises up our sleeves - both local and tourists.”

For the first time in the event’s history, Savannah in the Round will also include a very special edition of the iconic Great Northern Bull Riding Series over Friday and Saturday night.

Some of Australia’s best riders will go head-to-head in a one-of-a-kind, two-hour bull riding spectacular, soundtracked by some of Australia’s best music.

Jimmy Barnes is no stranger to the Far North, touring here in 2019, and is looking forward to coming back.

“A few years ago, I had the pleasure of heading to North Queensland as part of my Shutting Down Your Town tour and it reopened my eyes to just how beautiful this country can be,” he said.

“With a combination of some of the country’s most beautiful locations, populated by some great North Queensland music lovers, I couldn’t be happier to be heading

up to Mareeba for Savannah In The Round this year.”

In addition to Savannah in the Round’s expansive music offerings, punters will also be able to experience a variety of camping, glamping and on-site festival delights. Alongside major, world class performances on the Main Stage, Big Top Music Hall and in the Bull Bar, Savannah will feature Indigenous visual art, music and dance displays, a market village full of local produce an onsite “paddock to plate” experience showcasing the freshest local ingredients.

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said Savannah in the Round was a highlight of the 2023 It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

“We look forward to welcoming more than 12,000 spectators to Savannah in the Round, which last year generated $4.5 million for Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy,” he said.

With rave reviews across the nation and a strong pickup of early-bird sales for the 2023 edition, Savannah in the Round is once again looking to make its mark on the region, while raising the bar for live entertainment and increasing visitation in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Tickets for Savannah In The Round 2023 are on sale now at www.savannahintheround.com.au

▪ For the full line-up of artists, see The Express’ website.

LOCALS and visitors looking to get a taste of Savannah in the Round this October will also witness some of the best bull riders in the country show their skills as the Great Northern Bullriding Series will host two of their rounds over the course of the festival.

Savannah in the Round festival director and Sound Australia CEO James Dein said it was a no brainer to include a bull riding event in this year’s festival.

Mr Dein was approached by the Great Northern Bullriding Series to host the bull ride during the festival, something they had done years prior.

“We worked together previously in the very first Savannah and it was a harmonious relationship,” he said.

“We understand each other and it wasn’t a hard decision to make, we think it is going to add a great spectacle to what already is a fantastic event.”

Mr Dein is excited to be able to add another layer to the successful Savannah in the Round formula this year.

“Bull rides are universally very popular right through regional parts of Australia but very particularly Queensland and the merge of bull rides and music is not a recent thing – I was running music festival and bull rides combined back in the 90s,” he said.

“I think it is a great thing, you go to a music festival

broadly for musical entertainment but also if you can include bull riding it opens it up to a much wider audience, particularly the younger demographics, 18-30s, cannot get enough of it.

“Part of the goal with running music festivals is you are always looking for renewal in the audience, looking to try and attract the younger demographic and we have tried to program artists that align with that audience this year.”

The bull riding format has been changed since the first Savannah and the event will now take place adjacent to the Big Top Music Tent at twilight, just before the main stage fires up for the main acts of the night.

There will be two rounds of the bull ride, one on Friday night and another on Saturday and it will be a double event in every sense of the word with double money up for grabs and double points for the riders.

“You are going to see the cream of the bull riding crop at Savannah because it is the last show before our finals – it will be a spectacle,” Great Northern Bullriding Series director Peter Brown said.

The first round of The Great Northern Bullriding Series was hosted in Mareeba over the weekend and the finals in Atherton are due to take place after the Savannah in the Round during the festival on 6-8 October.

A stellar lineup of top Australian artists are set for Savannah – Kasey Chambers, Kate Ceberano and Daryl Braithwaite.

Farm ceases operations pending council decision

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A POPULAR farm camping operation has suspended its operations indefinitely pending the outcome of a development application to Tablelands Regional Council to markedly expand its activities.

Old Mates Farm, run by Tony Freeman and Louise Livingstone, is currently the subject of a development application that would allow the property to cater for a maximum of 54 people, compared with the current approval that allows for “an average” of 12 people at five campsites.

However, neighbours in Hemmings Lane are totally opposed to the farm’s activities expanding, citing concerns about whether the single-lane dirt road can handle increased traffic, and angry that the property has been breaching its conditions of approval for years, with the farm’s website advertising 18 campsites that could potentially cater to 180 people.

Council wrote to the owners in late December to “request” that they “limit the tourism use to the scale outlined in their existing development permit” and warned that if they failed to comply, enforcement action would be considered.

“We have received several complaints that Old Mates Farm is operating at a scale that exceeds their current development permit,” CEO Gary Rinehart said last week.

“We are following the relevant enforcement process to ensure allegations are thoroughly investigated. This allows for people or businesses suspected of carrying out a development offence to provide a timely response to the allegations.

“The use must operate in accordance with a current development permit while

the matter is being investigated otherwise further enforcement action may be taken.”

Mr Freeman told The Express it was not viable to open while they could only have 12 people as guests.

He said TRC had been “relaxed and lenient” over the past few years while they had been working with the couple on developing the new application which would allow them to legally host more people.

“The residents (along Hemmings Lane) have been relentless since the new application was submitted – they have forced TRC to act, backed them into a corner,” he said.

“We could open on the original conditions (imposed by TRC) but it’s not viable - we will not open again with just 12 people.”

A major sticking point for the nearby residents is the one-lane gravel road which they say cannot handle the additional traffic that would be generated by an expanding the operations at the farm.

Nearby property owner Russell Lynch, who is totally opposed to the expansion, said Hemmings Lane would require a major upgrade to a two-lane sealed road as well as the bridge and the intersection with the Kennedy Highway to accommodate the increased traffic.

“Both Tony Freeman and Louise Livingstone demand, and, in his letter of support for the expansion, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter suggested that the funding cost for the upgrades would be ‘megabucks’ and should be funded by TRC ratepayers or Queensland taxpayers – for what? To line the purse of two selfindulgent individuals,” he said.

Mr Freeman said TRC had required

they provide an independent Traffic Impact Assessment as part of the application process which had now been completed.

“The traffic study shows that the road can easily handle the traffic we would generate,” he said.

“But it would need better maintenance.”

TRC has now installed a traffic counter to verify vehicle movements on Hemmings Lane which the traffic study states is approximately 50 vehicles a day. The study estimates that the expansion of the farm’s activities would generate an additional 28 vehicles per day, and while this represented a 56 per cent increase, traffic volumes would remain “relatively low”.

“It is reasonable to conclude that the proposed development will not result in a significant impact on existing intersection performance, performance of Hemmings Lane, road safety, access or road frontage, or road link capacity,” the study stated.

But it recommended that council inspect Hemmings Lane and undertake roadside vegetation slashing, repair potholes (particularly at the existing bridge location) and “repair the significant ruts identified in the road carriageway adjacent to Old Mates Farm’s existing access”.

It also recommended that council should determine if upgrade works are warranted, but stated that if that was the case, “it is not considered appropriate for the applicant to contribute to any associated costs because the work would not be required due to the proposed development”.

It is unknown when the matter will be brought before council for a decision. SEE LETTERS PAGE 22.

Happy thoughts give joy to daily walks

THE walkway through Sunbird Parade in Mareeba has been decorated with positive chalk messages, brightening the days of many locals on their walks.

Whilst taking her staffy pup for their daily walk, Hannah Marsterson came across the messages written in chalk and immediately smiled.

“I absolutely love it, it entertains us while we walk our pup and it’s so nice to see good things,” she said.

“When we first noticed them, I had to stop and take a photo – much to our staffy’s dismay. We always hear about bad things happening but seeing something nice written for people to see on their walks was a breath of fresh air.

“It really brightens our afternoon waiting to see if anything new has been added that day. Whoever is writing them, please keep it up our family really looks forward to it and it's just such a nice thing to do for our little part of town.”

First look inside new hospital

BY ROBYN HOLMES

WITH only a couple of months until Atherton’s new hospital is in full swing, The Express was given an exclusive look inside the impressive modern health facility.

The building will not only provide both patients and staff with the latest equipment but has been designed to take in views of the countryside, with the use of large windows that deliver a light and airy atmosphere, and new features such as an atrium surrounded by a variety of coloured tile panels to reflect the colours of the Tablelands.

Clinical Commissioning Lead Dr Ann Aiken, who has been working at the Atherton Hospital since the early 1990s, describes the new building as “beautiful” and, along with all the staff, is clearly looking forward to the day when the hospital is fully operational, expected in early June.

During the tour, Dr Aiken pointed out some of the main changes including the new main entrance to the hospital, and a separate entrance to the Emergency Department (ED), both accessed from Louise Street.

A bright, sunny corridor links the original building to the new hospital to give patients, staff and visitors ease of movement between the two buildings and the South Ward which

is being retained in the old hospital and earmarked for refurbishment in Stage 3 of the overall hospital redevelopment project.

The use of colour coding in the new hospital, such as red for the cardiac ward and purple for the maternity ward, are also designed to make it easier for patients and visitors to find their way around.

The cardiac ward features a five-bed high dependency unit which is for patients who require close monitoring, and a single room with an ensuite for patients who need to be separated for medical reasons or for a child.

The ED now has a much larger space to accommodate patients, with five bed bays as well as a new Short Stay section which provides several beds for patients who need to stay at the facility for a period of time to rest and recover without having to take up ED beds or ward beds.

The general ward provides a mix of single rooms with ensuites, two, three, and fourbedroom units and, as Dr Aiken explained, single rooms were at a premium at the old hospital and having more of them will allow for people such as palliative patients to have their own space, with a bonus view of the mountains outside their windows.

“In this ward, also, we have a negative pressure room, which is a room where we

can care for people who are potentially infectious,” she said.

“What it means is there’s an airlock here and a special ventilation system so all the bugs do not impact on the rest of the building.”

Also new and much appreciated is a room with a hoist that can move larger patients from the bed to their bathroom.

“It is great because we used to have to get people out of bed onto some kind of a chair and push them into the bathroom, now we can put them safely in a hoist and get them to the bathroom and back again,” Dr Aiken said.

“It’s great from a patient safety perspective and much better for staff.”

The two new birthing suites are also impressive, with a large water bath in one suite and a larger suite that can accommodate two women. The day surgery operation will also be smoother for patients with ease of access and plenty of room for recovery.

On the ground floor is Xray, CT scan and Ultrasound facilities.

▪ Locals are being encouraged to attend an open day at the Atherton Hospital on 20 May between 10am and 2pm so people can see the facility and understand where to go when they need the hospital’s services.

Active women program extended

A HEALTHY program for women has been extended to Atherton on the back of how successful it was in Ravenshoe and Malanda last year.

The Rural Active Women Program in Atherton will kick off in May and locals are being encouraged to register before all the places are filled.

“North Queensland Primary Health Network assessed our community and older women in our region were shown to have low levels of physical activity compared to other areas in Far North Queensland,” Cr Annette Haydon said.

“So, we’ve partnered with Atherton Community Health, Tablelands Sexual Assault Services and FNQ Health and Fitness to develop and deliver the Rural Active Women Program.

“The program aims to increase participation in physical activity among women in this 60+ age group to contribute to their overall health and wellbeing.

“We hope it will create a pattern of ongoing positive behaviour and healthy exercise habits.

“It is open to all health, ability, experience, skill and social and economic levels.”

The program focuses on core muscle groups, cardiovascular fitness, joint movement, resistance-based exercises and functional strength to aid with falls prevention.

It includes free weekly exercise sessions and at least one wellbeing session, and participants can choose from cardio circuit, bone health resistance training, hydrotherapy and Pilates.

Sessions include:

• Cardio circuit – 9am-10am Thursdays from 4 May to 1 June at Merriland Hall. Includes a bonus wellbeing session at 10.30-11.30am Thursday 25 May. This bonus session is a body-based approach to better mental health and wellbeing.

• Bone Health Resistance Training9am-10am Thursdays from 8 to 29 June at Merriland Hall.

• Hydrotherapy – 11.30am-12.30pm Thursdays from 13 July to 10 August at Atherton swimming pool, and

• Pilates – 9am-10am Thursdays from 17 August to 7 September at Merriland Hall.

To register, go to www.trc.qld.gov. au/rural-active-women before Friday 21 April.

Clinical Commissioning Lead Dr Ann Aiken in one of the two new operating theatres at Atherton Hospital.

A garden and area for patients and visitors to sit and relax has been included in the new hospital grounds.

A big water bath has been installed in one of the two larger birthing suites.

The new Emergency Department now has its own entrance and plenty of room for patients needing immediate assistance.

One of the roomy staff stations throughout the hospital, this one at the Cardiac Ward which has been colour-coded red.

TAKE IT FROM THE LOCALS

...

“Being deaf I sometimes feel at a disadvantage.

Ford dream opens to public

A DREAM to create the perfect destination for Ford enthusiasts has been realised with the longawaited Blundell Classic Ford Museum opening for business this Friday.

The museum, which has sheds filled with vintage Ford cars, tractors, and memorabilia, was a dream for the father and son duo Ron and Paul Blundell, who are excited to welcome everyone to their new attraction.

Ron believes the museum will become a great asset to Mareeba, offering a bit of history for everyone to delve into.

“I feel like this is something we really need in this town because if you have friends here as tourists, where do you take them?” he said.

“From a historical perspective, I feel like it is of interest to Mareeba, and that is part of the reason we built it, and also

because it was Paul’s dream.

“Paul has always been in love with Fords and strongly believes they are “the only car to buy”.

After a medical incident 12 years ago left Paul with permanent brain damage, blindness, and a speech impediment, Ron was motivated to make his Ford dreams come to life.

From the first Model T to the latest 2015 Falcon, Paul’s collection grew quickly over the past two decades, and now the family is ready to show it off to the world.

The museum, located at 109 Cobra Road, Mareeba, will be open from 9.30am to 4pm from Friday to Monday, with the café also open from 10am to 3.30pm. Admission is $8 for children, $12 for pensioners, and $15 for general admission.

But the ladies at AUDiOHEALTH are always helpful, allowing me to relax, making it a pleasure to come here. With many thanks.”

- Mrs G.R. from Mareeba

Paul and Ron Blundell are excited to announce the opening this Friday of their “long-awaited dream”, their Ford Museum on Cobra Road, Mareeba.

Hotelier fires up over Mayor visit

BY ROBYN HOLMES

ATHERTON hotelier Michael Nasser has warned Tablelands Regional Council that his business would be devastated if plans to reverse the direction of a one-lane road and remove a critical distribution shed at the back of his pub goes ahead.

The well-known businessman and owner of the Barron Valley Hotel came out with both barrels firing when he attended last week’s council meeting, accusing Mayor Rod Marti of turning up at his business unannounced to advise him that a storage shed at the back of the hotel would have to go as part of the Priors Creek redevelopment project and that the direction of traffic along the one-lane road would be reversed.

According to chair of the Priors Creek Steering Committee, Cr Peter Hodge, neither of those two components have been officially endorsed by council and are only part of a concept plan.

Mr Nasser was blunt in his advice to council, saying that if the shed had to be removed and the traffic direction reversed, “it would just about put us out of business”.

He said losing the distribution shed would negatively impact his business by 75 per cent, while reversing the traffic direction would have such a great effect on the drive-through bottleshop that it would have to be closed.

He said the facility currently serviced an average of 1200 vehicle customers each week.

“The Mayor let me know that his engineers recommended the removal of the shed as it would be an eyesore for the development and the matter was final,” Mr Nasser said.

“We use this shed to store maintenance equipment, a forklift and every Tuesday, receive 30 plus pallets of merchandise which are stored and distributed to our three bottle shops and over 10 local businesses, sporting bodies and farms.

He said the distribution shed housed alcohol on behalf of a number of sporting bodies because it was more secure than their own facilities.

“There’s also two tonnes of ice which is our highest selling item,” Mr Nasser said.

“I explained there was no alternative to accommodate this volume of distribution and the Mayor’s response was ‘I don’t care’, ‘that’s not my problem’, and ‘I have no choice in the matter’.

“The Mayor’s attitude and responses during our unexpected conversation frankly left me feeling bullied, stressed and anxious. The Mayor’s lack of empathy, flexibility and unwillingness to discuss the situation have given me deep concerns for the governance of our community.”

Mr Nasser said the whole encounter had stressed him greatly and caused him such anxiety that it could impact upon his serious heart condition.

He said he was prepared to renovate the exterior of the distribution shed or it could even be an ideal space for a mural.

“Would the council be willing to discuss the ‘eyesore’ concerns?” he asked.

“Would the council be prepared to disclose the Priors Creek development’s current plan along with the planning and approval process?”

He told council he wanted the matter resolved as soon as possible so the hotel had a clear direction.

“I can’t relax until this is sorted out and can’t wait two weeks (for the next council meeting),” Mr Nasser said.

But Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Cardew, who chaired the meeting in Mayor Marti’s absence, said council had sought legal advice and a decision would be forthcoming at the ordinary meeting on 27 April.

Cr Peter Hodge told Mr Nasser that the decision would be made by all seven councillors at the next meeting.

“I am here to represent the people of our town and I won’t let you down,” he said.

The Express emailed Mayor Marti for a response but he currently on leave and overseas and did not respond.

New course for local pooches

A NEW agility course has been installed at the Mareeba Dog Park thanks to the help of the Mareeba Men’s Shed.

Mareeba Shire Council had the idea to install the equipment at the park last year and approached the Men’s Shed for assistance.

Member of the Shed and engineer by trade, Roland Hill, designed the equipment which is now available for pooches of all shapes and sizes to enjoy.

“We considered various types of materials to manufacture the equipment, but in the end, we decided to use steel and decking boards to build equipment that is durable and will withstand the elements,” Mr Hill said.

“I have never done anything like this before, and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this project. The equipment was built by a handful of us, with welders doing a wonderful job in completing the steel frames and the rest of the team working on manufacturing and installing the wooden decking boards.”

Mayor Angela Toppin thanked the Mareeba Men’s Shed for designing and building the installed items.

“On behalf of council, I would like to thank the Men’s Shed for working on this project, and listening to the positive feedback received to date, I know this park will bring many happy moments for dogs and their owners,” she said.

School holidays end 40km/h zones return

POLICE are reminding motorists to re-familiarise themselves with the school zones and school zone times in their local areas with kids returning to school on Monday.

Parents and caregivers are asked to please follow signage around their local schools and ensure they are parking in the correct zones and not causing congestion by double parking or overstaying stated wait times in school collection zones.

Cairns District Crime Prevention Unit acting sergeant Heidi Marek is imploring drivers

to be safe and aware around school zones.

“Please help ensure the safety of our younger members of the community by slowing down and taking extra care in the school zones,” she said.

Sgt Marek has also issued a warning to people who are returning to the region from holiday and are travelling to “take their time” and “don’t take any unnecessary risks”.

“Please ensure you plan adequate rest breaks, drive to the conditions and adhere to posted speed limits,” she said.

Product of Australia

Product of Australia

Mareeba Animal refuge pup Pretty and Jennifer Walsh testing out the new agility course at the Mareeba Dog Park.

LEST WE FORGET

ANZAC DAY

Mareeba RSL Sub-branch gifted new home

BY RHYS THOMAS

THE Mareeba RSL Sub-branch has been thrown a lifeline and a second lease at life after the Mareeba Uniting Church’s congregation agreed to let the branch utilise their heritage-listed building.

The Mareeba Uniting Church, on the corner of Rankin and Walsh Streets, has sat unused since 2021 after the congregation slowly dwindled during Covid.

The Mareeba Sub-branch has been left without a home for a number of years after the building they used to occupy went into receivership. They have since been operating out of a shed.

Sub-branch secretary Cheryl Powell Emmerson put forward the idea that the RSL move into the old church, and it was warmly received by the Uniting Church.

The branch intends to use the church as a small war museum where they will be able to dis-

MAREEBA PROGRAM

4.28am: Dawn Service at Anzac Park

5.00am: Gunfire Breakfast for Veterans and Service Personnel

At Bosca”s Burger Bar, former RSL building, 88 Byrnes Street, Mareeba

9.30am: Assemble at Post Office Centre for March

Parade Marshalls, Air Force Cadets

10.00am: March Commences

Terminates at Anzac Park

10.30am: Day Service commences

12 noon: Anzac Day Lunch at Mareeba Leagues Club

(Veterans, service personnel and invited guests)

2.00pm: Two Up at Mareeba Leagues Club

All welcome. Must be 18 or over to play PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE

play many of the items that were initially in the RSL before it was sold.

Sub-branch deputy president Graham Morrow said it was wonderful for the RSL to finally have another home.

“It is a big relief to have a new home because the shed that we were using was going to be too expensive, we would not have been able to pay the rent,” he said.

“We have been given the church to use and maintain and we hope to eventually turn it into a museum for military memorabilia.”

The Sub-branch has begun started moving into the building and welcomes past and existing members and Australian ex-servicemen to come forward and help usher the club into its new life.

Anzac Day services across the region

ATHERTON

Dawn service: Assemble at Atherton Remembrance Park at 4.15am. War graves observance at 9.10am, assemble at the War Cemetery.

March and service: Assemble at the Atherton RSL at 10.30am. Service starts at 11.00am

MAREEBA

Dawn service: Time 4.28am to 5.15am at the Mareeba Cenotaph.

March and service: Assemble outside the Post Office at 9.45am. Service to follow parade 10.30am at the Mareeba Cenotaph.

MALANDA

Dawn service and march: 4.00am at Eacham Memorial Gates. Assemble at the Malanda Hotel.

March and service: 9.10am at Eacham Memorial Gates. Assemble near William Street behind the Ampol service station. Service starts at 9.45am.

YUNGABURRA

Dawn service: 5.30am at Afghanistan Avenue of Honour.

March and service: 7.45am, assemble at Maude Kehoe Place. Service starts at 8.00am.

DIMBULAH

Dawn service: Assemble 5.45am adjacent Lions Park Dimbulah. Service: 6.00am at Dimbulah Memorial Hall.

MILLAA MILLAA

Dawn service and march: 4.15am at RSL Hall. Assemble outside QCWA Hall. March and service: 10.15am at RSL Hall. Assemble at Millaa Millaa Primary School. Service starts at 10.45am.

EVELYN

Dawn service: 4.30am at cenotaph. War memorial service at 6.20am on Jonsson Road.

MEMBERS of the Malanda RSL Sub-branch have organised a mega raffle as a fundraising exercise and will be selling tickets and Anzac Day memorabilia in the lead-up to the 25 April commemoration. Sales will be held outside Yungaburra Foodworks on Wednesdays from 8am to 1pm, Malanda Newsagency on Thursdays, Millaa Millaa’s Tobins Store on Fridays, Malanda markets and Yungaburra Markets in the weeks leading up to Anzac Day. Funds raised will go towards supporting the RSL’s mission of care, commemoration and camaraderie to their veteran members and to the wider community.

HERBERTON

Gravesite service: Padre White at Herberton Cemetery at 9.00am.

March and service: 9.50am, assemble at the Royal Hotel. Service starts at 10.10am. MOUNT GARNET

Dawn service and march: 5.30am, assemble at the Mount Garnet Hotel. Followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Town Hall.

March and service: 9.30am, assemble at the Mount Garnet Hotel. Service starts at 10.10am.

RAVENSHOE

March and service: 9.30am, assemble at the Highland Bakery. Service starts at 10.00am.

CHILLAGOE

Dawn service: Assemble 4.28am at Town Hall.

March and service: Assemble 9.00am in Queen Street Chillagoe between Cathedral and Frew Streets. Service to follow parade at Chillagoe Town Hall.

KURANDA

Dawn service: Assemble 5.30am at Kuranda Railway Station.

March and service: 10.15am to 11.00am. Assemble outside IGA from 10.00am. Service to follow parade at Centenary Park Kuranda.

MT MOLLOY

Dawn service: Assemble 6.30am at the Mt Molloy Cenotaph.

March and service: Assemble Vains Park 10.15am, Service to follow parade 10.30am at the Mt Molloy Cenotaph.

WATSONVILLE

Service: Assemble 2.30pm at the Watsonville Shelter Shed, Service to commence at 3pm.

Mareeba RSL Sub-branch secretary Cheryl Powell Emmerson and deputy president Graham Morrow with Acting presbytery minister for North Queensland Reverend Craig Mischewski outside the Mareeba Uniting Church.

Malanda RSL Sub-branch secretary Neil Waite and veteran member Ted Rolley serving a very satisfied customer.

Malanda Anzac Day fundraiser

Cenotaph marks 100 years

When locals gather around the Mareeba Cenotaph on Anzac Day, it will mark 100 years since the memorial was erected and unveiled. History enthusiast and author MICHAEL MUSUMECI researched how and when the memorial came to be...

THIS year, the Mareeba Soldiers Memorial, better known as the Mareeba Cenotaph, turns 100 years of age.

Whilst researching my book titled “Mareeba Anzacs”, I came across a number of newspaper reports that revealed that the memorial was erected and ready for the 1923 Anzac Day tradition.

According to those reports, it was early in October 1922 that a full benefit evening was held at the Mareeba Picture Theatre in aid of the Mareeba Soldiers Memorial Monument Fund.

The majority of donations were made by the Mareeba community to fund the town’s memorial.

In late February 1923, the Mareeba Soldiers Memorial Committee held a meeting where it was agreed to proceed with the erection of the Memorial Monument to honour the men who volunteered in the Great War.

It was at this meeting that a sum of 200 pounds was in hand. Plans and quotations from Messrs Melrose and Fenwick of Townsville stated it would cost 250 pounds to erect the monument.

The committee wired Melrose and Fenwick, instructing them to proceed with the work, with a view to having the unveiling ceremony on Anzac Day next, being 25 April 1923.

An application was made to the Woothakata Shire Council to erect the memorial at the intersection of Atherton and Byrnes Streets, near an existing Anzac Flagpole.

Construction commenced of the Memo-

rial being freestone, 16 feet six inches high and 10 feet square at the base. The structure, mounted with the statue of the digger in the rest on arms reverse position, was surrounded with a fence of rustic stone posts and pipe railing.

Concrete slabs formed part of the base, and marble slabs containing Mareeba’s fallen heroes.

The shortfall of what was owed was finally paid by added donations, and the Red Cross ladies of Mareeba took a prominent part also in raising the Memorial Fund.

The memorial was unveiled at 10am on 25 April 1923, with all clergymen of all denominations invited to attend. The unveiling was performed by Mr J. Colquhoun, founder of the Do Our Best (D.O.B.) Society.

Children from both schools were present and wreaths were laid throughout the day until 4pm.

Members of the committee then proceeded to the Mareeba Pioneer Cemetery and placed the wreaths on the graves of the men

who paid the supreme sacrifice and died after their return home.

I think it’s an honour that after 100 years our Soldiers Memorial continues to stand, allowing our visitors and townsfolk to continue to pay their respects to the names inscribed on the marble tablets.

The memorial is, and has always been, an iconic historical asset to our community, and with its current location being in the heart of our township, it’s clearly a fitting tribute that has respectfully honoured and remembered the local Anzacs who paid the supreme sacrifice.

Back in 1923, Mareeba came together and as a result we continue to stand at the cenotaph 100 years later, to never forget, nor fade their memory.

They are our Mareeba Anzacs. Anzacs who never came home and to this day, lay in foreign cemeteries.

▪ Michael Musumeci’s book “Mareeba Anzacs” is available by emailing to Michael. musumeci@bigpond.com

ALCHEMY OF MEN

A large crowd gathered to unveil the new “Soldiers Memorial”.

The Mareeba Cenotaph as it stands today.

A FEAST OF THE SENSES

Rebecca Magro is very passionate about what she creates.

She creates so much in fact that she now has a new shopfront in the sleepy town of Mt Molloy called Cowgirl Country.

They say “A picture is worth a thousand words” so without saying too much, feast your eyes on the photos across this page that really say everything about Cowgirl Country.

The store is filled with handmade items that reflect the regions western influence.

Everything from cow hides to jewelry and toys are available, all lovingly crafted by local and interstate artisans.

The décor items would suit any home or office if you’re looking for that western theme.

Rebecca’s Cowgirl Country store is open Wednesday to Friday including weekends and most holidays.

If you’re taking a drive from the coast to the Tablelands, you must make a stop at Cowgirl Country.

Veteran finally receives official War Grave

A WAR veteran has finally been provided with an appropriate grave after a relative of the digger contacted the Mareeba History group 42 years after he passed away.

Mark Morgan was a World War II veteran who died in Mareeba in 1981 but was only provided with an unmarked grassed plot at the new cemetery.

Mark’s niece Lyn Griffiths contacted the Mareeba History Facebook page in a bid to find out more about her uncle and to locate the grave plot in order to make an application for an official war grave.

She said she recalled the sad day of her uncle’s funeral.

“As we gathered for Uncle Mark’s funeral, a storm gathered and it poured rain. I remember the bugler was running across the cemetery to get to our service, and played the Last Post, as the rain came pouring down. It was a very sad day,” she told the group.

Mareeba History representative Michael Musumeci and other members went to work to locate the grave which remained unmarked, with no headstone.

“His memory began to fade, and the grass grew over his grave – all but forgotten, his grassed grave became a plot number attached to an official cemetery record,” he said.

“After an application pleading his case, the grave of Private Mark Morgan QX 38521 was approved to be erected by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the War Graves.

“It was 42 years later to the day, on 10 April 2023, that Mark’s official war grave was dedicated and commemorated.

“At his service, the Last Post was played again in his memory, on a beautiful blue sky day, in his honour. His

memory will now never fade.

“It was a day for Mareeba historywe honoured and remembered a veteran of World War 11, something our town should be very proud of.

“There is no greater feeling to ensure all of our veterans are cared for before and after they pass away and it inspires me when families make contact for such help.”

Mark Morgan was born in Chillagoe, on 29 September 1911, tragically losing his father to the Mount Mulligan Mine disaster on 19 September 1921 when Mark was only nine years of age.

When the Second World War broke out, Mark enlisted and was attached to the 2/33rd, Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea. On 7 September 1943, Mark suffered horrific burns and a broken wrist as a result of a tragic collision of an American B-24 Liberator bomber that never lifted off during take-off crashing into a number of trucks that were full of Australian servicemen.

The total number of Australian personnel killed in this tragedy was 62 and a further 90 soldiers were injured. All 11 members of the aircrew were also killed.

Mr Musumeci said Mark was transferred to numerous hospitals due to his injuries, until he was finally discharged back in Australia.

“But the scars remained. Mark returned back to the Far North, a broken man,” he said.

“As he healed, he went back to work, as a labourer, roustabout, stockman, windmill expert, and caretaker, working in and around Chillagoe and many cattle stations, then moving to Mareeba where he died at the age of 69.”

New mural pay tribute to those who served

A MURAL recognising those who have served our country has been unveiled in Mt Molloy just in time for Anzac Day next week.

Featuring red and purple poppies and the silhouette of a solider, the mural on the side of the RSL Sub-branch’s Memorial Hall was painted by artist Sara Dragotto, who also painted the Biboohra water tanks last year.

Mt Molloy RSL Sub-branch president Kerrie Pashen, congratulated Sara and members of the sub-branch for working together to complete this project of great importance.

“The mural creates an ‘Avenue of Remembrance’ for people visiting the Cenotaph behind the hall and visitors who stop

to enjoy it on their way through town,” she said.

“The design includes the addition of the names of fallen soldiers from our area written within the red poppies, and the purple poppy is in remembrance of animals that lost their lives at war.”

Mayor Angela Toppin said the project was partly funded through MSC Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program, with generous additional contributions by the Mt Molloy RSL Sub-Branch.

“The mural will be enjoyed for generations to come by locals and visitors to our region, and I commend the Mt Molloy RSL Sub-Branch for this beautiful tribute to veterans.”

Adults - $12.00

Pensioners - $10.80

Children Under 15 - $8.00

Family Of Four

Adults & 2 Kids) - $35

Private Mark Morgan (above), who was born in Chillagoe, was a World War II veteran and has been provided with an official war grave, 42 years after he passed away in Mareeba.

Casali’s - first in Australia

THE team at Casali’s Mareeba has been awarded the highest honour in their category of agricultural dealer by Kubota Australia for the third year in a row for their top of the class quality service.

Out of all 140 dealerships across Australia, Casali’s Mareeba is the only agricultural dealer who received a Platinum award

for their service in 2022 and the first ever to get the award three times in a row in the past 46 years.

For over three decades, Alex and Grace Arena have been striving to provide exceptional service, top-quality farm machinery and gardening equipment to the people of Mareeba as well as throughout Far North Queensland.

Starting as just a small shop in 1989, with three staff, two ride on mowers, two chainsaws and some spare parts, Casali’s has grown into the success it is today with over 25 staff, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Arena’s and their team.

Alex believes it is the loyalty of staff and customers that has driven them to success and thanks

his great team for their endless effort.

“We are all just trying to do our best in this beautiful part of Queensland,” he said.

“You’ve got a winning combination when you have Andy and the team in the workshop, Rachel and the team in Spare Parts, and Wayne and the team in Sales.

“You can’t find better af-

ter-sales service anywhere in North Queensland. Our customers are just fair-dinkum Aussies giving it their best shot in farming, hobby farms, or mowing their yard after the wet.

“We are proud to have such a successful business in Far North Queensland, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in this way.”

Alex and Grace Arena with their growing team (eight staff not present), celebrate taking out the top honour of Platinum Agricultural Dealership 2022, in the Kubota annual awards.

Four decades of driving tourism

POPULAR local coach service Tropic Wings is celebrating 40 years of promoting sustainable tourism throughout the Tablelands and Cairns regions.

Over the past four decades, Tropic Wings has grown from two small coach companies started by CaPTA group founders Charles and Pip Woodward to a “thriving business” with a fleet of coaches and a team of tour guides.

It started with the mission by the couple to “get tourists to Kuranda (Rainforestation) on a Sunday even if we have to buy a coach company to do it”, which was so successful, they began charters across the Tablelands and to Cape Tribulation.

Tropic Wings general manager Colin Anderson said the important milestone was testament to the

dedication and hard work of their team and the support of the community.

“We are proud to have played a part in the growth of tourism in Tropical North Queensland, and we remain committed to the local community and responsible tourism,” he said.

“Tropic Wings aims to achieve carbon neutrality, having also set an example in sustainable transportation by being the first Queensland business to introduce a 100 per cent electric bus for commercial use back in October 2019.

“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to promoting sustainable tourism to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of Tropical North Queensland.”

Local flavour key to new liqueur

FROM a wildlife sanctuary to a distillery, Rainforestation in Kuranda has expanded to new heights after officially launching their “Mountain Grove” liqueur.

Named after the orchard that was situated at Rainforestation before it became a nature park Mountain Grove distillery uses locally sourced fruits and spices to create an authentically “Kuranda” taste.

Flavours on offer so far include Passionfruit and Pepperberry, Mango and Chilli, Pineapple and Cinnamon, and Lemon-Myrtle-Cello, but the intention is to quickly expand the range to over 10 options with some of the region’s unique bush tucker flavours included.

CaPTA director of sales and marketing Ben Woodward said feedback from those who have had an early taste say it is going to be another winner for the region and for Rainforestation.

“Our region is blessed with beautifully fla-

Do your family a favour.

voured tropical fruits and spices which are being combined to produce some delicious and unique liqueurs,” he said.

CaPTA Group general manager Andrew Hearn said the new cellar door experience would be an addition to Rainforestation’s highly successful list of experiences including Army Duck Rainforest Tours, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and its Koala and Wildlife Park.

“At Rainforestation, we have always focused on showcasing the best of the Cairns region,” he said.

“Mountain Groves Distillery will continue that tradition by using the best fresh local fruits and spices to create amazing and unique flavours.”

The liqueur is available to purchase from the cellar at Rainforestation.

Mountain Groves distiller Christian Auer, CaPTA Group general manager Andrew Hearn, Rainforestation general manager Kieran Sullivan are excited for locals to try their new fruity liqueurs.

CaPTA family director of sales and marketing Ben Woodward, director and co-founder Pip Woodward, director of operations and projects Michael Woodward celebrate 40 years of Tropic Wings.

Bubbly holiday for local kids

KIDS got to see the magic of bubbles over the school holidays with a visit from Bugzy the Bumble Bee at Mareeba, Dimbulah, Chillagoe and Kuranda Libraries.

The “Light Your Bubble On Fire” was a hit for local kids, where they got to blow bubbles, watch bubbles be set on fire and talk about their mental health in a positive way.

Planned burns to start

A SERIES of planned burns by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducted within the Little Mulgrave National Park commencing this month and through to July 2023, weather permitting.

The planned burns are part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for northern parks and forests.

As a result, smoke may be seen in and around the surrounding areas of Goldsborough Valley, Little Mulgrave, Barrine and Tinaroo township.

The aim of the planned burns

Be noise responsible

A few points to consider if planning a party include;

• Give neighbours advance warning of parties. Provide your contact details just in case they need to contact you

• Choose the right type of party for your neighbourhood, live bands and large crowds don’t mix in a residential neighbourhood

is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to help create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas to reduce the intensity and severity of any subsequent wildfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.

Smoke can decrease visibility on the roads, so it is important that motorists drive safely and accordingly to the current conditions.

For more information, please call the QPWS Cairns Management Unit office on 0457 518 968.

Get along to nursery open day

LOTS of information sharing and fun activities await those who attend the Tablelands Regional Council’s Community Revegetation Nursery free community open day.

The nursery will throw open its gates to the public on Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

“Join us at the nursery for fun activities including making seed balls, quizzes, games, and plant and fruit identification,” Cr Dave Bilney said.

“You can learn how to select, plant, grow and maintain local plant species in your garden and on your property.

“You’ll also get to find out about volunteering at the nursery and you can buy plants at our sale.”

The nursery is located in Winfield Park near Malanda.

NOISE complaints can happen at any time of the day or night and is one of the more common calls for service for police.

We all want to be able to enjoy our time at home. For some of us, this may include activities that cause unwanted noise for our neighbours, resulting in a noise complaint.

As a home owner or tenant, you need to be responsible for all noise levels at your residence. People may feel that noise levels are excessive at any time. Excessive noise can come from an amplifier, musical instruments, voices, or motors.

Senior Constable Aleda Day said police deemed excessive noise to be any noise that disturbs the peace of another person.

“We encourage the public to work together to maintain a suitable noise level, so ask your neighbour politely first, to turn the music down,” Senior Constable Day said.

“A bit of planning and forethought can prevent things from going wrong on the day and avoid a visit from the local police.”

• Don’t use open invitations on social media, invite only so you know who is attending, and

• Ensure you and everyone at your party stays safe and consumes alcohol responsibly.

“If all else fails and the noise is still excessive from a party near you, make a complaint to police. Contact Policelink online,” Snr Const Day said.

If police attend your residence or that of a friend in relation to excessive noise and give you a noise abatement direction, then you can’t make any excessive noise for 96 hours (four days).

If police get called back due to a further noise complaint, a court appearance is possible and the item omitting the noise may be seized.

People riding motorbikes on a place other than a road can also be given a noise abatement direction for the duration of 48hrs and if you fail to comply your motorbike may be seized.

Mobile service centres to spread the word

MOBILE service centres will visit a host of regional towns over the next week to provide locals with information that will help them to easily access Centrelink, Medicare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs services.

Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre “Desert Rose” is travelling through the region providing locals with friendly face-to-face service and tailored support. Staff on board this trip can help with Centrelink claims, Medicare registrations and ac-

cessing online services. Information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services will also be available.

People who are interested in visiting the mobile service Queensland can access them at Mount Molloy, Cooktown, Lakeland, Dimbulah, Mount Garnet, Georgetown and Croydon.

For more information, including stopping times, go to www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice

.

TO

Kids got to play with their own bubbles during the workshop. Bugzy Bumble Bee setting her bubble on fire, which entertained the kids.

HOME

Having natural light filling your home can benefit your health in many ways. Photo:

Add some light in your life

IN today's fast-paced world, it's no secret that we spend most of our time indoors. From working long hours to binge-watching our favourite shows, we tend to forget the importance of natural light in our homes.

However, natural light is not just essential for aesthetic purposes, it also has a significant impact on our physical and mental health.

Research shows that exposure to natural light can boost our mood, improve our sleep quality, and increase productivity.

Fortunately, there are many ways to increase natural light in our homes, even if you live in an apartment or have limited space.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to bring more natural light into your home.

OPT FOR LIGHT-COLOURED

WALLS AND FLOORS

Light-coloured walls and floors reflect natural light better than dark shades. Consider painting your walls in soft

hues of white, beige, or light grey to create a bright and airy space. You can also choose light-coloured flooring, such as hardwood or laminate, to enhance the natural light in your home.

USE SHEER CURTAINS

Heavy curtains or blinds can block natural light from entering your home. Lean towards sheer curtains that allow natural light to filter through while still maintaining privacy. If you prefer heavier curtains, make sure to open them during the day to let the light in.

ADD MIRRORS

Mirrors are an excellent way to reflect natural light and make a room appear brighter and larger. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to maximize the amount of natural light in your home.

You can also use smaller mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room.

USE LIGHT-COLOURED FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

In addition to walls and floors, lightcoloured furniture and accessories can also help to reflect natural light. Consider investing in a light-coloured sofa, chairs, or coffee table to brighten up your living room.

You can also add light-coloured throw pillows, rugs, and artwork to enhance the natural light in your home.

TRIM TREES AND BUSHES OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOWS

If you have trees or bushes outside your windows, make sure to trim them regularly to allow more natural light to enter your home. You can also plant low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, in pots near your windows to bring more greenery indoors.

So, give it a try! Increasing natural light in your home can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. So, go ahead and let the sunshine in.

QCWA’s recipe of the month

CHARGRILLED VEGETABLE PIES

This recipe, provided by Dawn Lutz, of the QCWA Brisbane City Nights Branch, is a delicious and colourful way to enjoy chargrilled vegetables. Perfect for entertaining or can be paired with a side salad if served as a main.

INGREDIENTS

Extra virgin olive oil spray

400g butternut pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1cm slices

1 small eggplant, cut into 5mm slices

1 red capsicum, roughly chopped, seeds removed

1 yellow capsicum, roughly chopped, seeds removed

2 small zucchinis, halved crossways and thinly sliced lengthways

200g haloumi, thinly sliced

3 sheets short crust pastry, reduced fat

¼ cup basil pesto

¼ cup milk

Black pepper, to garnish Sesame seeds, to garnish

Serves 6

METHOD

Preheat oven and a flat baking tray to 230˚C fan forced or preheat BBQ grill or char-grill pan on high until hot. SRPAY both sides of vegetables and haloumi with oil spray.

Chargrill pumpkin 3-4 minutes each side. Remove and cover with foil. Chargrill the eggplant, capsicum and zucchini for 5 minutes on each side until tender. Peel any charcoaled skin from capsicum and cut capsicum into thick strips.

Chargrill haloumi for 2-3 minutes each side until lightly golden. Place vegetables, haloumi and pesto in a bowl and mix. SPRAY 6 pie tins with olive oil spray and line with pastry. Fill the pastry-

lined pies with rice and blind bake for 10 minutes. Remove pastry cases from oven and discard rice.

Fill pies with vegetable mix and top with a piece of pastry. Brush top of pies with milk, make small holes with a fork and sprinkle with cracked black pepper and sesame seeds. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden.

Katarzyna Bialasiewicz via Dreamstime.com

Treat mum to a music concert

A SPECIAL Mother’s Day concert will be jointly hosted by Tablelands Music Lovers and the Bella Cappella Community Choir at the Malanda Bowls Club on Sunday, 14 May.

The concert will begin at 3pm and run until 5pm, entry is $10 per person and will include afternoon tea. There will also be a chance to win a raffle with great prizes.

Three new movies hit the big screen

THERE are three spectacular movies showing at The Majestic this weekend, with something for everyone.

New on screen is the true drama “Jesus Revolution”, about a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970’s and its origins within a group of teenage hippies in Southern California.

The film tells the story of a young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) being raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) in the 1970s.

Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation.

Inadvertently, Laurie meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher, and Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) who have thrown open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to a stream of wandering youth.

What unfolds becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. Rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith lead to a Jesus Revolution that turns one counter-culture move-

ment into a revival that changes the world.

The next movie is a one-time opportunity to appreciate a special retro feature by Stephen Spielberg from 1985 – the sci-fi adventure comedy “Back To The Future”, which is great for all ages.

Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the 80s, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean “time machine” invented by a slightly mad scientist.

During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-tobe meet and fall in love - so he can get

back to the future.

The colourful animated family adventure comedy, “The Super Mario Bros Movie”, based on the world’s biggest selling game, continues this weekend and is a wonderful family experience.

A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and to save the world from a ruthless firebreathing Koopa named Bowser. For more information and session times, go to www.majestictheatre.com. au

Adam, Kirsty and Aaleah Hayes.

Sisters Lucia Curcio, Antonella Curcio and Patty Brown.

Bodeen Dayes and Shaan Chohan.

Justene and Jolene Ross with Alyssa Tatti and Alicia Micklewright.

Father and son Rhys and Adam Duggin.

Celine Gunton and Joelene Findlay. Luke Ritchings and Elizabeth Stewart.

ENTERTAINMENT

Mum shares

Jed’s inspiring journey

A LOCAL mother’s passion to share and advocate for her son who suffers from a rare life-changing disease has been showcased in her first ever book, “The Thing About Jed”.

Nicola Baker’s book is set to be released on 6 May on World Moyamoya Day amidst hopes it will bring a new light to the strokeinducing disease which her 19-year-old son Jed suffers from.

Crazy fundraising for annual ball

MOYAMOYA Foundation founder Nicola Baker has been eating some of the weirdest and craziest foods including cow eyeballs in the name of fundraising in the lead-up to the annual Aussie Locums Blue Tie Ball.

The 5 Days of May challenge was put out by Nicola in the lead-up to her annual ball, encouraging moyamoya families to do something that challenges them and raises money.

“5 Days of May is a gift to those who are going through our experience (being a family with Moyamoya),” she said.

“There isn’t a lot known about moyamoya disease, so each person who participates will be able to raise funds and awareness for this rare disease. It’s a way of giving some power to the people.”

Nicola’s challenge is to eat exotic and unusual foods in the lead up, with one of her craziest and outgoing food being a cow eyeball.

She has also taken on octopus eyes and cumquats.

Recording herself eating it and posting it to her Facebook, she gained the attention of hundreds and has raised $400 in doing so.

She is encouraging anyone who is faced with moyamoya to join in on the challenge, whether it be walking every day in the lead-up to also eating cow eyeballs by entering at www.moyamoyaaustralia.org.au/ campaign/5-days-of-may/

The annual blue tie ball will kick off on World Moyamoya Day, 6 May, at the Hilton in Cairns.

This year’s guest speaker is Head of Macquarie Neurosciences Professor Marcus Stoodley, a man who has helped Moyamoya Australia research the rare disease and help support those who have been affected by it.

Tickets for the ball are $200 each and available to purchase at www.moyamoyaaustralia.org.au/blue-tie-ball

From the extremes of diagnosis and treatment to some of the greatest experiences in Jed’s life, Nicola shares what it’s like to live with moyamoya.

“The book is for anyone who wants to find a happy ending because of the choices they make,” Nicola said,

“Professor Marcus Stoodley, Head of Macquarie Neurosciences, and the person who saved Jed’s life, wrote the foreword and has added the book to his list of teaching resources. He feels it illustrates humanity and humility through loss and sorrow.

“To have the word ‘author’ after my name is fairly surreal. Whilst the book is not huge, it is powerful in its

story, and it will help me to talk about my experiences with Moyamoya Disease.”

Jed’s handwriting and artwork is also seen throughout the book, giving

it that extra personal touch.

To pre-order “The Thing About Jed”, go to www. moyamoyaaustralia.org. au/product/the-thingabout-jed-book-pre-sale

Nicola Baker and her family at last year’s Aussie Locums Blue Tie Ball which is set to take place on National Moyamoya Day this year.

ON LANDthe

Young cane grower future focused

BY RENEE CLUFF – CANEGROWERS

A PHILOSOPHY of continual improvement has set young grower Liam Wallace on a course to becoming one of the Tablelands’ best performing cane growers.

The 27-year-old has had a steep learning curve in growing sugarcane, but he’s fast becoming one of the industry’s rising stars.

With just four years of experience growing the crop in his role of supervisor at CQB Services’ Biboohra Sands property, Liam is quietly achieving yields well above the local average and, last season, was awarded the Tableland District’s highest average CCS unit at 15.3.

Liam is no stranger to agriculture, having grown up in Mareeba before moving to his mother’s farm in Dalby as a young adult.

He worked for cotton growers in the Darling Downs region before relocating to Western Australia to take on a role on the second largest grain farm in Australia.

It was there, while performing what most farmers would consider a routine task, that Liam suffered a significant injury.

A spray rig tyre fell onto him and broke his hip.

“I had to sit there for awhile before someone found me, so I had a fair bit of time to contemplate life,” he said.

“It was one of those lifealtering moments.”

The injury resulted in a reconstruction and six months of recovery, as well as a return to his hometown in Far North Queensland with a fresh sense of ambition.

This renewed drive and determination was quickly put into practice through an opportunity to supervise CQB Services’ sand quarry just north of Mareeba.

The land had recently been acquired by his best mate’s families, the Stankovichs and Musumecis.

Originally, CQB’s interest in the property was focused on the land’s commercial sand resource, however this quickly progressed into a unique busi-

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ness model combining sugarcane growing with the quarry.

Both sides of the business benefit as sand materials are extracted and sold to create substantial water storage for the cane farm, in essence valueadding to maximise land potential.

“Basically, the end goal is to create a self-sustaining farm in terms of water,” Liam said.

“Currently the property has a 50-megalitre licence, so as we extract sand, we create water storage, allowing us to continually expand the farm. This minimises our risk and maximises our inputs to operate as efficiently as possible.

“I was guided by the directors of the company and was lucky enough to be allowed to explore many different options and opportunities. Like we always say at CQB, ‘it’s a process of continual improvement’.

“Obviously it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. It would have been around four months into working at CQB, and with limited experience in cane farming, I wanted to explore the grand idea of growing cotton, you know full of testosterone and all that.

“To start, we tried corn but that was a dismal failure to say the least, owing to army worms, pigs and a lack of water. It was a ‘getting-back-down-to-earth’ sort of moment.

“Our philosophy is that there is always a lesson to be learned and that was a good lesson for all of us.”

Well aware of his limited experience in sugarcane growing, Liam began a deep dive into learning all he could to produce the best crop.

He discovered that the trickiest issue to overcome was the implementation of an irrigation schedule.

“We ploughed everything out and started planting back with new seed cane – just a small patch to begin with so I could figure out how to grow it before the operation expand-

ed,” Liam said.

“We grew 40 acres at the start, including two varieties, to see what would happen. We knew our soils were highly variable – we’ve got sand, clay, sand, clay – and we had to work out how to manage that.

“For each block we’ve probably got about four soil changes. We’ve played the average because we can’t just manage one soil type.”

Liam’s research led him to fine-tune his methods over the subsequent years, including introducing CCS mapping.

“I’m now charting CCS with a refractometer,” he said.

“When we get two months out (from harvest) I start mapping what the CCS is doing and then I can irrigate accordingly to achieve peak CCS when a certain block is cut.”

“I also created spreadsheets on water usage between clay and sands and then worked out the average for what I should put on and how best to manage the amount of water we have available at the time.

"We sourced a program to automate our main pivot, diesel pump and install moisture meters throughout that pivot.”

“Most farms might have one moisture meter per pivot, whereas we’ve got two now

and we’re looking at increasing that to four.

“The information all comes back to my phone with a graph of where the moisture is and then I gauge it from there and irrigate as needed.

“We’ll have different segments in the paddock so I can program the system to drop 6mm here and 20mm there, or as required.

“I’m just basically collecting as much information as I can to manage the farm better and easier.”

While Liam is aware his crop cycle is still to reach its traditional downward trajectory, he’s dreaming big – aiming for 130 tonnes per hectare with an average CCS of 15.

He’s even got his eye on 150 tonnes to the hectare but isn’t sure whether that’s achievable on his soils with a limited water supply.

To reach these goals, Liam is planning five-year ratoons with legumes planted on fallow blocks, while also exploring other methods of production.

“In time, 80 per cent of the farm will be under cane and 20 per cent will be under legumes and that will be the ideal rotation,” he said.

Liam is brimming with ideas and reckons he’s not the

only young bloke keen to try new concepts. He’d like to establish a mentorship program in which young growers visit progressive farming operations in other cropping industries to enable them to tailor innovative methods used elsewhere to cane growing.

“I would love to see young growers provided with the opportunity to be involved in a mentorship where they can go off, say to a cotton farm or a grain farm, and see a different way of doing things,” he said.

“There are whole different systems and technologies out there and they can bring those ideas back to their farm.

“I would love to gather several younger growers who are interested and send them off. It could lead to a much-needed big step-up for the industry.”

Liam believes together with exploring other cropping systems, there is also much to be learned from established sugarcane growers at this early stage in his career.

“Establishing mentorship opportunities together with embracing new technologies could draw young people back to agriculture and may be the key to future-proofing farming as a viable business for next generations.”

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Ease of operation was at the forefront of development of the HX, so the electronic armrest and Powershift lever are conveniently located on the righthand side. A premium passenger seat is a feature of the spacious cabin, creating an environment where comfort is the overriding priority.

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Mareeba’s Liam Wallace has quicky become one of the most successful cane farmers in the north after a life changing experience altered his perspective on farming. PHOTO: Lea Coghlan – CANEGROWERS.

“Our philosophy is that there is always a lesson to be learned”

ON LANDthe

All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp judged a winner

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

THE future of the Atherton Tablelands stud dairy cattle industry is in good hands judging by the attendance of 40 enthusiastic participants at the All Breeds Educational Dairy Youth Camp held at Malanda Showgrounds from 3-6 April.

Conducted and organised by the All Breeds Dairy Committee Inc., the camp was hailed a great success.

It was attended by participants, aged between 10-17 years, who came from across the Atherton Tablelands.

All Breeds Dairy Committee Inc treasurer Greg English said a highlight of the camp was the personal growth of the students during the exercise.

“The camp is so much more than learning about calves,” he said.

“The students learn teamwork and inclusiveness, public speaking and basic first aid amongst many other life skills.

“The smiles on the students’ faces and how their confidence has grown over the course of the camp, makes the enormous amount of work we put into the camp worthwhile.”

The camp commenced in 1988 and has been run in various formats since then.

The students were involved in preparing their own dairy animal which was shown at the “All Breeds Calf Day” at the end of the camp.

The camp catered for beginners as well as for more experienced participants.

They all learned the basics, as well as

the finer points involved in selecting a dairy animal to show, and its subsequent training and handling, clipping, washing, grooming, parading and judging in the show ring.

More experienced participants were given the opportunity to further develop their existing skills to a higher level of professionalism.

What made this dairy camp special is that, as well as specific dairy showing skills, the participants also learned valuable life skills which will benefit them in the future.

The camp gave great learning opportunities for public speaking with the use of the microphone, being able to meet and develop friendships with students from other schools and develop teamwork and leadership skills.

The participants benefited greatly from numerous tutors and guest speakers who shared their experiences and interesting insights on a wide range of topics.

Tutors who spoke and gave firsthand demonstrations included Phil Hentschke (Anatomy of the Cow and Judging), Paul Newland (Parading), Kelvin Cochrane (Clipping) and Colin Daley (Use of the Microphone).

Guest speakers included Leslie Brown (Tableland Snake Catchers), Sergeant Pipia and Constable Grace (Malanda Police), Adam Byrnes (Malanda Ambulance), Anthony Ball and Brittany Pearce.

Terese Daley and Patrick English assisted with Parading and Clipping tuition.

The final event of the camp was the “All Breeds Calf Day” when 65 calves aged between one month to under 18 months were paraded before Judge Phil Hentschke in eight separate age classes.

The six dairy breeds comprising Illawarra, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Red Holstein dairy animals provided a magnificent spectacle on the day.

Joint “Student of the Camp” winner Mary English said the best part of the camp for her was the wide range of topics covered such as public speaking and anatomy of a cow.

“I have attended a few of these camps and they just keep getting better every year,” she said.

CAMP RESULTS

Winners: Joint “Overall Student of the Camp” Erin Burtenshaw and Mary English

Runner-Up: Frances English

Junior Encouragement: Kirra Andersen

Intermediate Encouragement: Sienna Rielly

Senior Encouragement: Lucas Rielly

Calf Day: Final event was the “All Breeds Calf Day” where 65 calves paraded before Judge Phil Hentschke in 8 age classes.

Junior Champion: Raschoda Matt Candy – Danii

Stremouchiw

Reserve Champion: Raschoda Derek Samanther –Emily Paulger

Honourable Mention: Eachamvale Kaye 25 – April

Burtenshaw

Senior Champion: Eachamvale Chance 60 – Frances English

Reserve Champion: Raschoda Bontino Sarabi –Ravenshoe State School

Honourable Mention: Eachamvale Roma 4 – Patrick

English

Supreme Champion Heifer: Raschoda Matt Candy –Danii Stremouchiw

The All Breeds Dairy Committee Inc. would like to sincerely thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions – AI Centre Malanda, Rabobank, Mt Emerald Wind Farm Community Farm, Bega Cheese Limited, DFMC (Dairy Farmers Milk Co-Op, Lowes Petroleum, Holstein Australia, Holstein Queensland, Smartelec, Jersey Australia, Tableland Fertilizer, Elders Tablelands, Advanced Rural, Roc’s Stockfeeds, Cairns AV Hire, John & Geraldine Nahrung, Eacham Stockfeeds, Jonsson’s Farming, Pizza On James, Atherton Trophies & Engraving, All Things Admin.

Joint “Students of the Camp” (left) Erin Burtenshaw and (right) Mary English PHOTOS BY ANNE DALEY.

Junior Encouragement Award, Reece Rielly.

Judge Phil Hentschke with Supreme Champion Heifer Raschoda Matt Candy and Danii Stremouchiw.

Junior Champion Heifer Danii Stremouchiw, Emily Paulger and April Burtenshaw.

Senior Champion Heifer Frances English and Tara Bevan.

LETTERSto the edito r

Katter support for farm lacks thought

IT would seem that Tony Freeman and Louise Livingstone’s “Old Mates Farm” (OMF) development application (MCU22/0019) is not quite going to plan, and now in a desperate attempt, have had to resort to having Member for Kennedy Bob Katter provide a letter of support for the enterprise which has been operating in breach of its development approval of 30 October 2017.

Bob’s letter of support provided on 6 March 2023 can be viewed on OMF’s Facebook page.

Mr Katter and his “big hat” should have “cantered in, hitched up your horse, pulled up a stump and sat down for a yarn” with the residents of Hemmings Lane – that way you would have “hitched up” at our front gates? And we, the residents, could have had a “yarn” as to the extent of OMF’s breach and to other areas of concern and activities carried out by OMF.

Now, not wishing to break vogue as to tone and dialogue used during your “yarn” with OMF:

“Mister MP Bob (big hat) ya reckons thet this ere Hemmings Lane Cobb & Co track may jus needs a wee bit o ‘hard yakka’ tah bring er up ta scratch, jus for Tony an Louise’s big ‘horseless carriages’.

“Dog gorn, ya forgots bouts them there big ‘mega bucks’ ya gunna wants? N ah’s reckons thet, that there, itty bitty bridge is gunna need some of those ‘mega bucks’ yore keeps of forgoting? En than MP Bob (big hat) when yer lil’ole Cobb & Co track runs dang fair n square on ta thet big big wells fargo coach road.

“Hell’s bell, there’s then big ‘mega bucks’ ya keeps forgoting bout, an gunna wants? N’ ahs reckons when thems there ‘ratepayer’ and them there ‘taxpayers’ find out thet the KNP/OMF gang plans ta stick-up thems folks stage coach, well’s ah reckons them’s folks maybe a wee bit peed off!”

Now back to reality, TRC has required OMF to submit a Traffic Impact Assessment as part of their application to expand their operations.

The traffic impact assessment has to address concerns on Hemmings Lane, also, Hemmings Lane/Kennedy Highway intersection. Note – any traffic impact assessment needs to adequately consider and address the type of vehicles accessing the proposed development including standard vehicles towing large caravans (articulated vehicle) and

tour buses (heavy rigid vehicles).

This, Mr Katter, would require a twolane sealed road for Hemmings Lane, a major upgrade to the single lane bridge, major upgrades, and work to the Hemmings Lane/ Kennedy Highway, to safely accommodate such traffic.

Both Tony Freeman and Louise Livingstone demand, and you, Mr Katter, suggest, that the funding cost for the required upgrades, which would be significant “mega bucks”, should be funded at the expense of the Tablelands Regional Council ratepayers and the Queensland taxpayer – for what? To line the purse of two self-indulgent individuals?

Do you Mr Katter believe that both the ratepayers and taxpayers are that gullible, naïve or stupid?

May I, be so rude as to suggest, Mr Katter, that you and your party, KNP, do something useful for a change?

The people of Upper Barron Road, Malanda have been, for years, trying to secure funding from Queensland for the completion of, to what is a disgrace, the last section of the Upper Barron Road, Malanda Highway.

This disgraceful section of highway, in your and your party’s (KNP) electorate, is used by tourists, heavy transport combinations, cattle trucks, a school bus run and locals. And if it were in my electorate, I would crawl back into my ‘big hat’ and hide in shame.

The completion of this section of a “highway” would benefit the whole of the Kennedy Electorate as opposed to the self-gratification of two people. So how about you, Mr Katter and your KNP Party get up and do something – secure the required funding from the Queensland Government and complete this section of highway?

R. Lynch

UPPER BARRON

Another baseless tirade

RE: “Truth finally emerges…” (The Express 05/04/23) Mr Campion laments that he is amongst those who were “demonised as “conspiracy theorists” and banned from stating truth and facts…”

I seriously doubt Peter Campion would recognise the truth if he tripped over it, nor ever let the facts or statistics get in the way of his opinions and conjecture.

Unfortunately though, he is true to form here, latching on to the very sad story of a

APRIL brings much happiness particularly to small children as the Easter Bunny hops in bringing baskets of yummy chocolate eggs with him. It is a time for renewal as we in the Southern hemisphere begin our autumn or in the Far North our Dry.

April is also a time for reflection as Anzac Day is commemorated on the 25th of the month.

A time to give thanks to everyone who participated in the many conflicts to keep us very safe, secure and protected in our home land.

Thanks and with gratitude to those who made the supreme sacrifice and did not

young life cut short and a grieving family looking for answers, and shamelessly using that as a springboard to launch another of his baseless tirades about something he clearly has very little actual knowledge of.

Although he claims to have spent thousands of hours doing “deep research dives”, it would appear that he’s simply spent too much time down one of the many internet rabbit holes that he and his ilk seem to favour.

His letter is full of questions and assumptions, what ifs, mights and maybes. And to top it off, (perhaps thinking his off-key ranting wasn’t already offensive enough) he invokes the potential of a “Covid Nuremberg” as revenge…

I, for one, am truly thankful that the electorate recognised him for what he is on both occasions.

Murray (surname withheld) Yungaburra

Clarity on climate talk

A COUPLE of weeks ago, in a live interview with George Christensen on tntradio.live (https://tntradiolive.podbean.com/e/petercampion-on-the-george-christensen-show2-april-2023/) , I observed that “climate change is coming”.

Some locals have taken that to mean I now “believe” in “catastrophic anthropogenic CO2-induced global warming” despite my qualifier that “it has nothing to do with CO2”.

As I’ve described for years in The Express, the laws of physics preclude CO2warming: it is purest political fiction.

As I said to George, the climate change that is coming, which includes both hotter and colder weather, is an artefact of Earth’s rapidly weakening magnetosphere, which, in turn, is the result of this planet entering the outer edge of a galactic-scale Parker instability in 1859, the year of the Carrington Event.

Between now and the mid-2040s, the climate will undergo incredible changes – all of them are expected by the predator-class globalists, all of them will be caused by the galactic electromagnetic sheet reversal, and all of them will be blamed on puny humans by globalist lackeys.

There has not been a worse time in 12,000 years to be building wind and solar electricity generators or to be over-reliant on reliable electricity.

Peter Campion TOLGA

VOCAL LOCAL

Local celebrity “Max from Mobil” has won over the hearts with his exceptional customer service and many locals took to our Facebook post to share their throughts about the little champion..

Well done Max and well done to his parents who clearly raised him to be a beautiful human – Tammy Lee Our MAXIMUS. He's one cool dude – and makes sure my coffee is just right – Leslie Anne Cappelletto

Such a well-spoken and polite young man – Patrick King Well done Max your definitely one in a million and it's an absolute pleasure to work with you and know you –Norena Evans

Have heard about this bloke in mackay too. Good onya Max – Kay Evans

Max - what a role model you are. You will go far. Well done – Mara Rooks

Well done Max! We’re so proud of you – VPG Vocational Partnerships Group

That's awesome! Congratulations! You are such a friendly well mannered young lad keep up the great work it’s a pleasure to be served from you at the servo – Chrissy Snell

Max is always so polite and happy. Keep up the good work and customer service. You'll be a manager in no time – Daniela Fregona

Locals also commented on a story about a Mareeba senior who was harassed by youths in Byrnes Street…

It is happening everywhere. I drive buses in Ipswich and these kids know exactly what they can get away with. Bring back boot camps where there put into, no TV, no games, nothing at all except hard work. Also, they need to pay for any damage they have done throughout their crime spree – Noela Ann Brack

Something needs to be done, why should anyone have to live in fear? We are not a third world country where this is done for hungers sake – LesNwanita McKeegan

No rules at home + no rules in society = NO respect –Tracey Lyons

I doubt they would try the same intimidation on someone who appeared not so vulnerable – Jill Cowie-Taylor

I would never go up the street by myself and haven’t been there for years – Barbara Wilson

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

return to these shores. Thanks to all the many types of animals who also served and who did not return to their homelands. Thanks to the civilians who also did their part, manning the home shores, who worked in the many factories, churning out food, ammunitions, planes, tanks, ships and guns, all for the effort to keep the rest of the population alive, happy and free. Our gratitude, our thanks will be for evermore.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!

Meanwhile at our rooms in Centenary Park, work continues on as usual. Council records are slowly being scanned and

recorded in a computer for easier access when completed.

The many issues of The Dam Digest, a regular printing for the many people who worked on the Tinaroo Dam and the water Channels are also being scanned onto a computer as they are getting fragile and soon will disintegrate as are some of the Council records. So the work we are doing is very timely. More willing hands are still needed to assist us in this important work.

It is still distressful to realise that after 30 years people still confuse us with other organisations with similar names.

We are totally different, with different values, rules and ideas. So please really check hard and come up with the correct organisation whenever praise or criticism is intended.

The society’s rooms are open Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am till 3pm each day and also on the Bake, Make and Grow Markets held on the 2nd and 5th Saturday of each month. Open then 7.30am till noon.

Come on in and check out our many and varied files of Mareeba Shire information. Everyone is welcome.

Till next time, Cheers, Helen

Historical Society of Mareeba

PROPERTY Introducing Stage 13B –Coming soon to Amaroo

GREEN

• Set on 51.95 hectares

• Improved pastures + fenced

• 2 permanent creeks

• Steel 3 bay machinery shed

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

STAGE 13B of Amaroo comprises of the extension to Moondani Avenue & Karobean Drive. This stage features 18 affordable lots, all with wide frontages, town water, underground power, sewerage & NBN. Lot sizes range from approximately 800sqm -1000sqm, giving you plenty of room to build the home you have dreamed of.

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

• 2x 2 bedroom duplexes, tenanted

• 2 road accesses $ P.O.A. L16685087 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

FERTILE

• Set on 50.09 hectares

• 1 klm Barron River frontage

• 80meg water license

• 2x high clearance sheds

• Irrigation bore

• Rich, red volcanic soil

$ P.O.A.

L19322191

Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

The grand lady of Millaa Millaa

DUAL residence with options galore, invest, move in or do both with this amazing property.

This Grand Lady of Millaa Millaa has so many opportunities; set in the middle of the beautiful township of Millaa Millaa ... properties like this don't come to market every day!

This historic building, built in 1921, sits on a generous 943m2 block, formally the Bank of New South Wales and the Millaa Millaa Post office.

The Maple Street frontage has been beautifully renovated offering open plan accommodation with options for holiday accommodation, office space or dual living.

The Wattle Street frontage offers a large 3 bedroom, 1

½ bathroom dwelling (previously the Postmasters resi-

dence). The total living space is a huge 261m2! The established gardens are full of beautiful native plants, fruit trees, flowers and herbs, lush, green and can be admired from the large outside covered deck... perfect for sitting at the end of each day with your beverage of choice!

Main Residence features:

• A 3-bedroom, 1 full bathroom, and an ensuite off the master bedroom

• Kitchen with 3 pantries, one walk in and lots of period touches

• Large Separate Laundry area off the kitchen with separate access to backyard

• Renovated Huge Lounge room with high ceilings, period features and gas fireplace

• Master with high ceilings, wooden floor with walk through ensuite and robe

• Second internal bedroom

with high ceilings for space and flow

• Third bedroom or office space that has picture perfect views of the lush green garden

• Two street accesses [off Maple Street and Wattle Street] lead to an undercover single car garage and a garden shed.

Additional Accommodation features:

• Recently renovated as a Guesthouse, Huge Open plan living area with period features

• Restored polished timber floor in main area

• Spacious Kitchenette

• Bathroom with shower and toilet

• Separate Office Space

• Storeroom

• Mostly original ornate features including the windows

This beautiful property is steeped in history and must be seen to be appreciated.

Contact agent Shellie Nightingale on 0429 966 038 for more information.

PROPERTY

Unique and rare – one of kind property

IT'S not often you come across a home such as this one. A unique & rare property nestled amongst 79.81 acres* of tranquil rainforest.

The home itself is a beautiful Queenslander, position on 5 acres* of cleared land. The current owners presented & maintained the home well to highlight its best features such as; T&G walls & ceilings, beautiful stained glass casement windows, wood fireplace & timber floors.

Featured on the upper level are 3 generously sized bedrooms, a modern bathroom with a claw foot bath plus a well-appointed & updated kitchen. Beautiful light cascades through the sizable windows adding to the charm.

Located on the lower level

is another updated bathroom with open shower & toilet as well as a laundry and additional storage area. An open patio/entertainment space flows off the laundry area on the lower level. A large rainwater tank offers great water storage.

There are 2 magnificent waterfalls, 2 spring fed creeks & endless rainforest walks in addition to bird watching. This property is ideal for someone looking for a peaceful lifestyle to relax their days away or alternatively it could be the perfect to run an Airbnb!

Call Exclusive agent, Morgan Brennan, at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450 or 4091 711. www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

Address: TOPAZ

Price: Offers Over $550,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton

Contact: 0407 730 450 or 4091 7111

PROPERTY

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

Pole home with B&B business

PURPOSE-BUILT Pole Home with Income is now on the Market.

Peaceful and serene with stunning mountain views, this master-built residential pole home with B&B income is the perfect opportunity to mix business with pleasure. Situated on the stunning Atherton Tablelands known for its rich diversity in food and nature experiences, visitors and locals alike can visit the many farms to sample home-grown produce, starting with Australia's oldest coffee plantation, then graze your way through the farmers' markets in Yungaburra or enjoy a tipple at a distillery.

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

PROPERTY FEATURES

INCLUDE :

• Elevated 1890m2 allotment taking in stunning views

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

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

• There is a channel manager linked to 60 websites such as airbnb, booking.com, Expedia, wotif etc. Key dispenser enables non face to face check ins, allowing management off site.

• B&B Business established since 2000

• Inground pool with undercover BBQ area

• Amazing mountain / Tableland views

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

• Skillion Roof shed

Built in 1998, the Pole home was designed to capture the surrounding mountain views while pro-

viding privacy. With plenty of space, the house can be used to relax and reflect in individual spaces, or socialise and connect with friends and family. Floor-to-ceiling timber brings you in touch with the natural environment of the Atherton Tablelands.

The kitchen area provides a fantastic social environment with connections to the outdoor timber deck as well as the lounge and dining area. The home has three levels in total which offers a variety of options.

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

The North facing side of the house captures the allday sun to provide winter warmth, with easy access to the extensive outdoor areas.

Opportunities to pur-

chase a residential home combined with a business does not come along often, for further details contact Rino Gava at Raine & Horne Atherton on 0427 779 086.

Classic beauty with uninterupted views

AS solid as a rock and complete with gorgeous views of farmland and the rolling hills surrounding the Atherton Township is this spacious double storey home. Sitting on a convenient corner allotment this quality built home has room for the entire family.

The property features:

• Solid Masonry Block Lower Level & Clay Brick Upper Level

• 4 Spacious Bedrooms –3 Feature Built-In Cupboards & The Master Is Complete With Its Own Access To The Deck

• Massive Lounge Room Features A Gas Heater For Those Cooler Months & Sliding Door Access To The Deck.

• L-Shaped Timber Deck Is One Of The Property Highlights – Uninterrupted North Western Views

• Well Appointed Kitchen Complete with Dishwasher Space, Gas Stove/Oven,

Double Door Pantry & Breakfast Bench.

• Recently Renovated Bathroom Is Stylishly Tiled To The Ceiling – 2nd Toilet Off The Laundry Area.

• Laundry Has Also Been Recently Renovated & Includes Built-In Cabinetry

• Good Linen/Storage Area In Hallway Cupboards.

• Large Downstairs Rumpus Room/2nd Living Room

• Balance Of Under House Is Storage & Workshop – Includes Power & Water

• Double Lockup Garage With Remote Roller Doors

• Well Established Yard & Gardens On A 793sqm Corner Allotment

• Fenced Back Yard With

Vehicle Access Through A Side Gate – Room For A Shed

For more information or a private inspection, please contact exclusive marketing agent Daimin Kochi at Main St Real Estate Atherton. Phone 0448 916 246.

PROPERTY

Dual living on 3,101m2

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

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

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

The kitchen has plenty of storage opportunities plus a dishwasher, with direct access to the back patio entertaining family and friends will be a breeze. There’s plenty of room for the kids to spread out inside with a dining space directly off the kitchen, room for an extra living space and a separate, large air-conditioned living area.

All four bedroom in the home are a good size, and the master-suite is conveniently located on the opposite

end of the home for some privacy, with the added bonus of air-conditioning, and walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. The large main bathroom is convenient to the other bedrooms and laundry, with a spa bath, shower and separate toilet.

If you love entertaining this place is sure to impress with a lovely paved back patio that connects to the massive outdoor entertaining area that doubles as a two bay carport.

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

The spacious 3,101m2 allotment stays nice and shady, with trees and gardens providing plenty of privacy from the road and neighbours. There’s a small garden shed to the side, perfect for storing all your garden maintenance needs as well, with plenty of room down the back to put a large shed.

• Great kitchen with plenty of storage & dishwasher

• Large living and dining areas, air-conditioned

• Recently painted inside

• Large back patio, small front patio/courtyard

• Colourbond privacy fence between house and granny flat

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

Address: 5 Debel Close, MAREEBA

Price: $620,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty Mareeba

Contact: 0419 926 691 or 4092 2232

Spacious home in a great location

THIS home is a rare find for any buyer searching for a modern home to accommodate a growing family in maximum comfort.

A well-designed floor plan ideal for family living, with perfect big open spaces for the large family to spread out and all enjoy their own space.

Ideally positioned on a spacious 923m2 allotment with dual street access, within walking distance to all amenities and is a perfect opportunity for families wanting a spacious home with the dream backyard, pool, no rear neighbours and so much more.

Features Include;

• Solid rendered block home

• 5 carpeted bedrooms all

with built-in robes

• Master bedroom features an ensuite & a double set of built-in robes

• Media room or 6th bedroom – use as you please

• Spacious air-conditioned open plan living

• Modern kitchen with electric appliances, pantry, breakfast bar, and plenty of bench space.

• Main Bathroom – Plunge bath plus separate shower

• Internal laundry

• Security screens, ceiling fans and plenty of storage space throughout home

• Undercover entertainment patio overlooking rear views – relax with the family and entertain in privacy.

• Double remote control garage

• 24 x Solar panels – Save

on those electricity bills!

• Large above ground swimming pool

• Garden/storage shed

• 923m2 allotment with a fenced backyard and dual street access

• Located in a quiet street

within walking distance to Atherton Town Centre

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

Address: 1 Golflinks Road, ATHERTON

Price: $599,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty

Contact: 0408 983 879

Karen Ranie 0458 408 540

PROPERTY

Seeking perfection in a lifestyle property

Looking for a picturesque farm lifestyle property that's perfect for cattle farming, with spectacular views over Lake Tinaroo and the surrounding mountains? Look no further than LakeView

LOCATED just 35km southwest of Cairns and a little over an hour from Cairns International Airport, this stunning 46.52HA (120-acre) single title property sits 700m above sea level on the scenic and fertile central region of the Atherton Tablelands.

With 600m of beautiful shoreline fronting onto Lake Tinaroo and 1.4km of road frontage, LakeView offers an unbeatable location that's close to all amenities.

Just a 15-minute drive from the charming country town of Atherton with all of its amenities including shopping centres and the brand new

regional hospital. LakeView is also conveniently located just 3km from Kairi village, where you'll find a small general store, post office, and a restored hotel serving excellent farm-sized lunches and dinners.

At LakeView, the two comfortable homesteads have the preferred north-westerly aspect, providing impressive views over the lake, world heritage forests, and mountain ranges.

Built with solid masonry block to cyclone specifications, the 2 farm homesteads include a 3 bedroom and a 2 bedroom house, plus a large shed.

The property is well-suited for cattle farming, with improved tropical grass and legume pastures, as well as well-fenced paddocks and sturdy concrete water troughs.

Address:

The new steel cattle yards feature a dip-galvanised jackaroo cattle crush, and high-quality, well-maintained boundary and internal fencing is in place.

The undulating land includes contour banks to manage water runoff and prevent soil movement, and good on-farm roads ensure easy access.

Overall, LakeView is a stunning property that offers a fantastic opportunity for a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle in North Queensland’s beautiful Atherton Tablelands.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to make it your own.

Call LakeViews exclusive agent, Zach Reid from First National Real Estate for more information. Phone 0427 683 023.

191 Xhafer Road, KAIRI

Price: Offers between $7 - $8 MILLION

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Zach Reid

First National Real Estate

double bay lock up garage

Exclusive Agent Zach Reid 0427 683 023

Contact: 0427 683 023 Boutique

Exclusive Agent Zach Reid 0427 683 023

When you want more

HERE is an expansive home with family friendly functionality that will cater to even the largest of families.

All of the rooms are generously proportioned and boasts several living arears, with great storage solutions throughout. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in a sought after area of Atherton this spacious home has 4 bedrooms and 2 huge living arears as well as an enclosed patio to give everyone room to move.

The kitchen is well thought out with plentiful pantry and benchtop space. There is even an extra storage cupboard that could be used for pantry overflow.

There is a large living or

media room adjoining the main living area. The home also has a separate office.

The air-conditioned master bedroom has an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe. The main bathroom has a plunge bath and a separate shower recess.

There is a double lock up garage with a remote controlled door. For the handyman there is a Colorbond

shed with side access.

For your peace of mind the home is fully security screened and the yard is fully fenced.

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

Address: ATHERTON

Price: $549,000

Agent: Trisha Jackson

Professionals Atherton

Contact: 0419 183 145

THIS timber home has all of the charm & character of a country residence but with so much room and a multitude of features .…all in a perfect central location within walking distance to Town Centre.

Attributes include:

• 3 Generous bedrooms + multiple living areas – gyprock lined internally

• Excellent investmentcurrent rental appraisal of $550 per week

• Sizeable entertainment area at the rear with slate floor & bar/kitchenette area, 3m x 3.5m storeroom plus 3 roller doors opening up to the in-ground pool & private courtyard gardens

• Very private pool with rock waterfall & tropical garden

• Tiled, generous kitchen with breakfast bar, corner pantry & recently replaced oven

• Tiled lounge room with extended 2nd living area

• Tiled dining area

• Main bedroom with airconditioning & sitting area

• Main bathroom incorporating toilet, shower & freestanding claw footed bath

• Outdoor timber deck /sitting area

• Sliding windows with fly mesh throughout plus secu-

rity screens on the laundry & rear entry doors

• Built-in storage cupboards

• Large internal laundry

• 2nd bathroom & toilet off the entertainment area

• 1500 Litre poly rainwater tank + filtered town water

• 754m2 allotment with established, low maintenance tropical gardens in a quiet & convenient location with no neighbours on the right hand

OPEN FOR THISINSPECTIONSATURDAY FROM TO10.00AM11.00AM

side

You’ll be surprised by the space and delighted by the warmth and appeal. Open for inspection this Saturday from 10am to 11am.

For further information or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468, or view at the open home this weekend.

Address: 31 Basalt Street, MAREEBA

Price: $395,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate

Contact: 0417 700 468

This surprising home can't be judged from the street

BIG WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD

19 a yarn or fabric made from mohair, typically mixed with wool (6)

21 eccentric or unconventional (3-3-4)

22 the horny part of the foot of an ungulate animal, especially a horse (4)

23 a recess in the wall of a room or garden (6)

24 relating to or involving both ears (8)

Down

1 advocating peace, compromise or conciliation rather than war or conflict. (6)

2 achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties (4)

3 done or eaten in the open air (8)

4 an ornament or small piece of jewellery thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease (6)

5 (especially of clothing or fabric) translucent (3-7)

Across

7 the law code of the ancient Romans forming the basis of civil law in many countries today (5,3)

9 a mixture of oats and other cereals, dried fruit, and nuts, eaten with milk at breakfast (6)

10 a large town (4)

11 slang used to describe an old or rickety vehicle (10)

12 a lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates (6)

14 the ability to read and write (8)

15 Brittish organization concerned with the preservation of historic buildings and monuments and areas of the countryside of great beauty (8,5)

17 coated or plated with silver (8)

SUDOKU

6 (of a person, especially a man) appearing neat and respectable (5-3)

8 a framework of woven rods and twigs covered and plastered with clay and used in building construction (6,3,4)

13 a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way (10)

15 a strip of roughened metal or an emery board used for smoothing and shaping the fingernails and toenails (8)

16 a schedule for when a process or procedure will be carried out (8)

18 a midshipman, or a person who reefs a sail (6)

20 a curve or formula representing a physical system at constant pressure. (6) 22 to pull or drag with effort or force (4)

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Mar 21 - Apr 19

apr 20 - may 20

May 21 - Jun 20

Puzzle Solutions

Enter

This week you’re going in a new direction. You might be feeling more in touch with your inner self and the wider universe. Pay attention to the signs and nudges you receive. Somthing could come unraveled, you can salvage it but you’ll need to act quickly.

JUN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you’re planting fresh seeds. You could find yourself being noticed, either online or IRL. You could post something online that goes viral, or maybe a friend of a friend will reach out. Make time to get out in nature, connect with something outside of yourself.

sep 23 - oct 22

This week, you could dazzle those around you. You could be looking for romance, whether loved up or not you could find inspiration in a rom-com or romance novel. Later in the week, you might be able to expand your horizons, even if it’s just trying a new lunch spot.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you’re making good choices. An older relative or long time friend could be travelling to see you. Maybe you receive a family heirloom or find some information about the family tree. Whatever it is, you’re connecting with your roots and family line.

This week, you’re in harmony with the changing energy. Take it slowly and intentionally early in the week, take deliberate action to nourish your soul, whatever that looks like for you. Your energy will become effervescent and you might be drawn to decadence.

JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, you’re opening your mind to possibilities. Allow things to unfold as they will, the tighter you hold on, the faster it will spiral out of control and the faster you’ll feel dissapointed. Go with the flow, trust that everything works out exactly as it should.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, you’re putting things in place. You might come to the realization that some of your recent routines have disolved and you’ve slipped into old habits. It’s a great time to shift towards the beneficial choices and working towards your best self.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week,you’re receiving positive notice. It’s possible you might have some communication hiccups, whether you have to resend an emai because you forgot the attachment or auto correct gets you. It pays to double check before you hit send.

This week, you have some good choices to make. Opt for face to face IRL interactions this week, nourish those friendships you’ve been too busy for. Slow down later in the week, you risk breaking something fragile and valuable otherwise. Less haste.

Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, small changes could lead to big results. A resource you thought you had could evaporate, you might need to adjust your sails and ride it out. Some incredible opportunities are at your fingertips, if slightly out of your comfort zone. Are you ready?

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, there could be a beneficial new addition. You might find yourself stepping outside your comfort zone to do something special. It’s a great time to expand your horizons. A seed you planted a while ago could finally bear some fruit.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you could take a spiritual leap. You might be walking that line between being purdent with money and having a good time. It’s ok to indulge, just check you haven’t forgotten any bills first. You might find yourself host to a crowd, surrounded by loved ones.

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

ANZAC Day Church Service

Tuesday 25 April, 2023 commencing at 8.30am in the Mareeba Community Centre, 39 Byrnes Street, Mareeba.

Current and ex-service men and women are welcome to wear their uniforms and medals.

Theme: Thank God for Freedom (Exodus 15:1-19)

We anticipate finishing in time for ex- and current service personnel to get to the assembly area by 9.50am to form up, ready for the street parade down Byrnes Street.

John Albert

George Brooks

15.10.1941 to 28.03.2023

We are sad to communicate the passing of John Brooks, formerly of Morrish Road, Julatten, North Queensland.

John was loving Husband to Esther, supportive Father to Robert and George and proud Grandfather of Joe and Luka.

A hard working humble man with many loyal friends, he had a full life and was enjoying his retirement years on the family farm in Julatten. Health became his biggest challenge in recent years, and it finally beat him. John’s last wishes were simply “please no public funeral, no flowers and no fuss”.

The family is focusing on the future and maintaining the legacy of the Julatten farm, which he shared with his Wife for over four decades.

He had a great life and to honour his memory, please take a minute to recall one of the happy times you shared with John.

PHILIPPA, John Adrian

Late of Herberton. Passed away peacefully at home on the 10th of April, 2023. Aged 72 years

Much loved Father of Bronson and Aidan. Loving Opa. John will be sadly missed by family and friends.

The relatives and friends of John are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which will be held at the Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Tablelands Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Monday the 24th of April, 2023 commencing at 2:00pm.

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

FUNERAL NOTICE

MAGILL, Bruce

Ronald

Passed away peacefully on the 3rd of April, 2023. Aged 82 years

Much loved Husband of Margaret (Dec.). Loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Bruce will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Family and friends of Bruce are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which is appointed to move from Mountain View Chapel, Guilfoyle’s Crematorium, 3 Nasser Road, Atherton on Friday 21st April, 2023 after a service commencing at 10:30am, for interment in the Atherton Cemetery.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

SVANOSIO, Emilia Ann “Minnie”

Late of Carinya. Passed away peacefully on the 9th of April, 2023. Aged 90 years

Beloved Sister and Sister-in-Law of Valma & Mario Musumeci and families and Ida & Jeff Thomson and families. Will be greatly missed by family and friends.

In keeping with Emilia’s wishes, 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

IACUTONE, Roberto “Angelo”

Relatives and friends of Roberto “Angelo”

Iacutone are respectfully invited to attend his funeral which is appointed to move from St Thomas’s Catholic Church, Constance Street, Mareeba on Wednesday 19th April, 2023 after a service commencing at 1:30pm for interment in Mareeba Cemetery.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

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

~ RIP Tomas Cifuentes ~

08.01.1942 - 25.03.2023

On behalf of Maria Luisa Cifuentes and family, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have provided us with comfort and support during our difficult journey as we said goodbye to Tomas.

A special thanks goes out to Ellie and all staff at Guilfoyle Funeral Services, for your compassion and respectful assistance, every step of the way. With thanks and appreciation from us all.

PRIVATE SALE

160 acres of improved pastures, suitable for cattle fattening, over 5 paddocks with house and sheds.

$3,500,000

PHONE 0438 513 554

FARM machinery, round hay baler, double disc seeder & more PH: 0407 330 493

GARAGE SALE

SHED & GARAGE SALE

Fri 21st

10am - 6pm

Sat 22nd

6am - 6pm

Sun 23rd

7am - 4pm

6 McIver Road, Mareeba 0419 113 963

CAMPER TRAILER

Camper Trailer, 7x5ft Gal, as new tyres. 6ft OzTrail tent top, sleeps four, w/ annexe & many extras.

Rego & RWC

$3,800 PH: 0419 902 724

Toyota Diesel 100 Series 5 Speed Gearbox Case slightly damaged. $300 215 Litre LG Fridge Freezer Older model.

$150

P: 0407 651 631

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED

Somewhere to help with gardening and maintenance, and to put my small to medium caravan. Need power, main interest is food production garden, organic (no chemicals). Doctor in optometry (retired), ayurvedic medicine, would like to learn about duck keeping, 2 months only.

VINCE 0459 415 275

NISSAN PATROL 2013 ST

3.0L Turbo Diesel

Excellent condition only driven 23,400 km, factory roof rack, bull bar & spotlights, full service history, one retired lady owner.

$40,000.00 • P: 0437 729 536

HOUSE FOR SALE

3 Brooklands Rd, Mount Surprise Q.4871

2 bedroom home, train carriage, sheds and more on approx. 3/4 acre.

INFO: https://bit.ly/3BrooklandsMtSurprise

$220,000 ONO • P: 0457 679 018

VINYL RECORDS BEATLES, ELTON JOHN, ACDC, MOODY BLUES, 70’s. 33’s & 45’s

From $1-$10 Ph: 0408 579 793

ANIMAL OF THE WEEK

NAME:

DOB:

11/10/19 Mya

BREED: Siberian Husky

I am a very affectionate female with a beautiful nature. I can be dominant when it comes to food around the other dog here, but otherwise I’m good with dogs, cats and kids, but I like to jump on them a bit. I’m more suited to older people. I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed and flea & tick treated.

If you would like to meet MYA - please call 0487 430 443

EFTPOS Available

FOR SALE

COX Rejuvenated Ride On Mowers FROM $1500 WANTED TO BUY

COX Ride On Mowers Needing Repairs 7 - 7 CASH! CALL AL 0428 194 505

NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE COORDINATOR

Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc.

(Ravenshoe Community Centre is a community based neighbourhood centre managed by a Collective of members and elected Office Bearers)

We are currently seeking the services of a suitably qualified and experienced person to:

• Undertake the duties of the Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator in the delivery of community development, compliance and other relevant and appropriate activities

• Develop and empower communities through facilitating the active participation of people in addressing issues that affect them collectively

• Contribute to the operational objectives of our Neighbourhood Centre Community Support program

• Ensure that the stated outcomes or objectives of the position and the organisation are achieved

The successful applicant will work under our Neighbourhood Centre Community Program as a member of a team with co-workers, paid and unpaid.

This position is permanent fulltime at 38 hours per week, and provides an opportunity for a person with comprehensive knowledge of requirements relevant to this area of work, to undertake responsibility for the position.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A Degree in Management, Community Development, Social Work or Community Services Management is essential with substantial years of relevant experience

Pay: Level 5 SCHCDS industry award 2010, with options for salary sacrifice

For an application package including selection, criteria contact:

The Human Resource Officer Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc.

3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe 4888

Email: hro@ravcom.org.au

Ph: 07 4097 6726 | Fax: 07 4097 6030

Closing Date: COB, Friday 28th April, 2023.

Bus Driver /

Maintenance Person

TRUCK & EQUIPMENT SERVICE CO PTY LTD

is seeking a permanent, full time junior parts interpreter to join our team in Tolga (TRANSPARES).

Junior Parts Interpreter (Full Time)

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a role that would suit someone with an interest in heavy diesel vehicles and machinery.

You would be carrying out the following duties:

• Supply of parts to a busy workshop, over the phone and counter sales

• Assisting with stock-takes and basic warehouse work

• Deliveries and pick-ups of parts

• Keeping work environment in a safe and clean condition

• Data entry, phone and computer use

ABOUT YOU

The right candidate will be enthusiastic and have a willingness to learn.

• Reliable and strong work ethic with the ability to work as part of a team

• Excellent customer service

• Ability to work in a fast pace environment whilst able to multi-task and prioritise

• Intermediate level of computer and phone abilities

• Previous experience in a similar role advantageous but not a necessity

Candidates who have an interest or experience dealing with mechanical parts who do not meet above requirements, are still encouraged to apply. T&E are flexible for the right applicant

LICENSE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Manual Driver’s licence

• Forklift Licence (desirable)

The ability to start immediately would be highly regarded.

Please email all resumes and cover letters through to: rossg@truckeq.com.au

Or contact us today on 07 4035 1610 for further details.

ARE HIRING

COMPANY SECRETARY

• Gulf Savannah NRM is an independent community based not-for-profit organisation working across the northern gulf region with staff based in Mareeba, Georgetown, Croydon and Karumba

• We are seeking to appoint a Company Secretary on a consultancy basis to deliver corporate governance advice and functions

• The company secretary works closely with the CEO, Chair and Board to ensure compliance obligations are met on an ongoing basis

For more information and to submit your offer, go to: www.gulfsavannahnrm.org/employment

Applications close: Thursday 4th May at 4:00pm.

Anzac Day Road Closures

Under the Local Government Act 2009 the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday 25 April 2023 for the purpose of Anzac Day commemorations.

Atherton

9.30am–12.00noon — Main Street between the intersections with Vernon, Jack and Cook Streets including RSL Road. Detour via Railway Lane or Mabel Street.

Herberton

9.30–11.00am — Grace Street between the intersections with Jack and John Streets and Denbigh Road. Detour via Florence Street.

Malanda

4.00–5.00am and 8.00–11.00am — English and Catherine Streets adjacent to memorial gates. Detour via Downing and Lions Streets.

Millaa Millaa

10.00–11.00am — Palm Avenue between Beech and Maple Streets, Main Street between Maple and Oak Streets, and Oak Street between Main and Wattle Streets. Detour via Lodge Avenue and Wattle Streets.

Mount Garnet

5.30–7.00am and 9.30–11.00am — Kennedy Highway (Garnet Street) between Mica and Ruby Streets. Detour via Ruby Street. Ravenshoe

9.00–11.00am — Grigg Street between Kuradilla and Wakooka Streets, Monument Street at the intersection of Major Street, John Street near Monument Street, and Erpo Street at the intersection of Kuradilla Street. Detour via Wakooka Street.

Yungaburra

5.00–6.30am — Tinaburra Drive from Lakeside Drive to Afghanistan Avenue of Honour.

6.00–9.30am — Kehoe Place between Maude Kehoe Place and Eacham Road.

ANZAC DAY TUESDAY 25 APRIL, 2023 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

Notice is hereby given, under Section 69 of the Local Government Act 2009 that for the purpose of Anzac Day.

Chillagoe: Queen Street between Cathedral and Frew Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between 9.00am and 10.30am. An alternative route for through traffic is available via Cathedral and Queen Street and Frew Street and Queen Street.

Dimbulah: Glynn Street between Raleigh and Brickley Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic between 4.00am and 12pm.

Kuranda: Thongon Street between Thooree and Coondoo Streets, Coondoo Street between Thongon and Therwine Streets and Therwine Street between Coondoo and Thooree Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic between 10.00am and 11.00am.

Mareeba: Byrnes Street between Hort and Lloyd Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic between 4.00am and 1.00pm. An alternate route for through traffic is available via Walsh Street.

Mt Molloy: Mulligan Highway Mt Molloy between Clacherty and Crothers Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic between 10.00am and 10.30am.

Peter Franks Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD 4880

A.G.M.

Tableland Country Music Club

10am Atherton Hotel Sunday 30th April

LESSORS WANTED

Publishers Terms and CondiTions

Advertising agencies, advertisers and individuals by lodging material with the publisher for publication, approving or authorizing of the publication of any material INDEMNIFY the publisher, it’s Directors, employees and their agents against all demands, claims, costs, expenses, proceedings and damages wholly or partially arising directly or indirectly in relation with the publication of the material without limiting the generality, indemnify all associated in relation to libel, defamation, infringement of copyright, slender of title, infringement of trademarks or publication titles, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, unfair competition, violation of privacy, confidential information, royalty rights, licenses or other property rights and thus WARRANT that all material complies with relevant laws and that it’s publication will not give rise to claims or liabilities to the publisher, directors, employees and agents, and without limiting the generality that nothing is in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 or the Copyright Act 1968, the Fair Trading Act 1987 or the Consumer Protection, Defamation and Sale of Goods Legislation of the States and Territories or infringes the right of any person.

adverTising CondiTions

Any advertisement accepted for publication in The Express is subject to the rules applicable to advertising laws laid down by the Media Council of Australia. All advertising is subject to the publishers approval and at its discretion can refuse to accept any advertisement it believes the message portrayed within the advertisement might infringe the rights of an individual or may not comply with all the laws and regulations of the States and Territories. The publisher does not accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to instructions

The placing or positioning of an advertisement within the requested classification is at the discretion of The Express except where agreed upon by the publisher. The monetary level of advertising is based upon the frequency used within the period of the order. The term may vary from three months to one year. The word “Advertisement” will be used on advertising copy which in the opinion of the publisher resembles editorial. The terms set out above are subject to change without notification at the discretion of the publisher. adverTisemenT Proofing

The proofing of advertisements cannot be guaranteed unless advertising copy content is received at The Express by 12 Noon Friday prior to publication. adverTising Code ClearanCe

Rulings by the Trade Practices Commission require that all advertisements relating to alcoholic beverages, therapeutic goods, weight loss/slimming clinics and products or programmes must carry an APB Clearance Number. All advertisements that do not carry the APB Number first must be submitted for clearance and the issue of an APB number for inclusion in the advertisement directed to: Australian Publishers Bureau, Suite 2/1, 741 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, Phone (02) 9499 3412.

Tableland Community Housing are seeking new properties to lease

If you are a private property owner and would like:

• A secure long-term tenant

• Guaranteed rent for full period of lease, regardless of tenant vacancies or arrears

• Market rent is paid to you one month in advance

• No management fees, regular inspections of property and management of repair issues Contact the friendly Sta at Tableland Community Housing on 07 4091 5356 or manager@tch.org.au to discuss further.

Dayne Ross.

Geoff Schulz

Andrew McGreath Sophie Jonsson.

Reagan Bonadio.

Owen Jonsson.

David Shade.

Josh Dotti.

Targa rally returns to tropics

BY NICK DALTON

TARGA Great Barrier Reef will return to the roads of the Far North and the Tablelands this September with entries now open for the national motorsport event.

Last year’s event was cancelled while Motorsport Australia conducted a review of the rallies after multiple fatalities involved in the Tasmanian circuit, including a death of a 59-year-old driver last year. There have been no deaths at the event in the Far North.

Following the release of the review panel report in late February, Targa Great Barrier Reef will be run from September 1 to 3.

TARGA Great Barrier Reef was first held in 2018, followed by 2019, 2020 and 2021 and In a bid to draw competitors this year, discounts on entry fees are being offered.

Targa chief executive Mark Perry said for the first time, entry fees would be based on competitors, instead of the cars they drove, with discounts applied based on time of entry and/or more importantly, years of competition.

Years of attendance discounts start at just five years, which is applicable to people entering their fifth event of the same name and so on through to 30 years.

Mr Perry said fully paid pricing also returned for the first time in many years, providing further discounted entry fee options.

For example, competitors who make a complete payment when entering, it will cost $3400, while an early bird pays $4400 and the regular fee is $4900 – the discount fee for a five-year veteran is $2900.

“It has been a very interesting period in Targa’s long and successful history, one no one would have imagined just five years ago,” Mr Perry said.

“On the back of the restrictions imposed during COVID, we have had to navigate through multiple tragedies and our sincere thoughts remain with all those affected by these incidents.

“Everyone wants to see a bright future for Targa, but we can’t sugar coat the challenges we face, and the reality is that only our customers can ensure our survival.

“It has always been an obvious fact that Targa requires very large fields of cars to operate at the scale it does, so we need them, old and new, to join us on the journey ahead, if we all wish to continue living out our Targa dreams.

“There is plenty of news to come with course layouts and other exciting innovations due for release in the weeks and months ahead.”

Some of the most spectacular driving roads in the Far North are used for Targa Great Barrier Reef and competitors make their way up to the Tablelands over one of the race’s legs.

Stages have been held near Gordonvale, Yungaburra, Malanda, Millaa Millaa and Ravenshoe, Innisfail and Mis-

sion Beach.

Special events have also been held on the Cairns Esplanade, Atherton, Malanda, Ravenshoe and Innisfail.

In 2021, a new event, the Cavalcade, travelled through northern Cairns with the “stars and cars” under police escort going through Aeroglen, Stratford,

Freshwater, Kamerunga, Redlynch and finishing off at Brinsmead.

Most road closures are up to five hours with three for six hours maximum.

Tom English of Malanda competed in Targa Great Barrier Reef in 2021 with his Holden HR Ute and ended up securing second in the Thoroughbred Trophy category.

SPORT

Search for bull riding champion begins

BY RHYS THOMAS

THE first round of the 2023 Great Northern Bullriding Series proved to be a spectacle in front of a big crowd at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds on Saturday night who witnessed nearly 40 riders from across the region fight it out in the ring against each other and some nasty big bulls.

Due to its close proximity to Anzac Day, the first round was dubbed the Anzac Round, with funds raised from the weekend’s event going to the Mareeba RSL Sub-branch.

People from across Queensland lined the arena of the rodeo grounds for the first round of a new and improved Great Northern Bullriding Series.

The series has undergone exponential growth recently and this year is offering just shy of $50,000 in prize money including $10,000 to this year’s champion.

Great Northern Bullriding Series director Peter Brown said it was amazing to kick off the series once again in Mareeba in front of an energised crowd.

“The first round is always good, new year, new challenges and new opportunities for the cowboys and cowgirls,” he said.

“It is good to see some of the bulls perform, they are always fresh in round one.

“It was a tough night with some injuries but that is the game we play.”

Townsville based rider Braydon Wellby was the pick of the riders on the night and had a first good ride that put him ahead of his competition.

Hot on his tail was last year’s champion Wyatt Milgate followed closely by Travis Koolatah who made his open bull ride debut.

The Mareeba-based rider got his first taste of the open bull ride and made it known he is here to compete this year after a great first ride that shot him up into the top three.

While he may not have taken home the trophy for first place in

the open bull ride, Travis managed to secure first place in the novice division.

Most riders managed to ride for time in the first round but it was a different story for the second and championship rounds as not one of the riders managed to hold on for the entire eight seconds.

Wyatt was just one second short of completing his second ride which could have shot him up into first place.

In the end, Wellby managed to hold on to his position and ended up claiming the first round of the open bull ride this year.

The competition is far from over as the Great Northern Bullriding Series heads to Gordonvale on 13 May.

Bulls fall short against Edge Hill

THE Mareeba Bulls premier mens’ side suffered a two-nil loss against the Edge Hill Tigers on Sunday afternoon as they attempt to rectify their mistakes ahead of this weekend’s match against Leichhardt.

The Bulls travelled down the hill to face off against Edge Hill who are the benchmark this season.

The visitors started well and had a few shots on goal but defensive lapses enabled Edge Hill to capitalise and put one away in the first half.

Edge Hill came out in the second half and

slotted another while keeping the Bulls tied up offensively, the final whistle blew and Bulls never managed to get one back.

“We just switched off a couple times,” coach Kane Alderton said.

“I can’t fault the boy’s effort and commitment they still gave 100 percent – they never gave up.

“We do have a few things to work on but I hope the boys now know what standard they need to be to have a shot at the title.”

The Bulls will now play host to the Leichhardt Lions this Saturday at 7pm.

Mareeba round winner, Brayden Welby from Townsville.

Travis Koolatah moved up into the open competition this year and also claimed first in the novice on Saturday night.

Last year’s open bull ride champion Wyatt Milgate.

Hayden Davis from Charters Towers. PHOTOS PETER ROY.

SPORT

A PENALTY in the final minute of play proved costly for the Atherton Roosters in their third round of the FNQ rugby league first grade premiership match against the Tully Tigers at the Tully Showground on Saturday night.

The Roosters looked to be heading home with a 18-16 win before the Tully penalty conversion locked the score up at 18 all.

After setting up a 18-4 halftime lead, the Roosters were held scoreless in the second term as they struggled to hold the ball, allowing Tully back into the contest.

Tully hit the line for two late tries to book a grandstand finish before being gifted two points directly in front of the posts by the Roosters, tying up the score at 18 all at fulltime.

In the ladies’ game, the new-look Roosters side opened their season with a 24-10 win over Tully after leading 18-6 at the break.

It was a great team effort from the Roosters who played with a lot of confidence and always looked in control.

Tully won the under 18 match 28-10 and also took the reserve grade points 16-14.

This Sunday, the Senior Roosters play Ivanhoes in all four grades from 10.30am at the Smithfield sporting complex.

Errors haunt Gladiators

IT was a long afternoon of rugby league on Sunday for the Mareeba Gladiators in their FNQ Rugby League Agrade game against the Kangaroos with some late team changes and poor handling in oppressive condition contributing to their 42-10 loss.

The Gladiators started well enough and although the Kangaroos broke the ice first they were right in the game.

In the first hour the visitors defended stoutly and at one stage seven consecutive dropped balls allowed the Kangaroos to attack repeatably but the Gladiators line held.

On the last of these sets the Kangaroos kicked the ball dead and Ty Grogan and Hubie Elu pounced with a quick tap and raced 80m to score.

Two late tries in the half saw the Kangaroos take a 16-6 lead into halftime.

The second half was no better with the Gladiators unable to build pressure due to dropped balls, the Kangaroos capitalised and emerged winner with a 42-10 score.

Roosters first grade forward Adam Molloy at Tully on Saturday night.

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Roosters ladies forward Cindy Mathieson in Saturday’s first ladies match.

Gladiators coach Chris Sheppard said it was a tough lesson for the young Gladiators side.

“We are learning some tough lessons at the moment – you can’t give good opposition repeated opportunities attacking your try line,” he said.

“We had over 10 errors in each half which gifted the Kangaroos field position and possession which wore us down in the hot conditions.

“We’ve got to regroup now and work on the areas we need to and get ready to face Innisfail this week.”

The Gladiators will once again travel away to face off against Innisfail this Saturday in all three grades with A-grade kicking off at 6pm.

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Roosters draw against Tigers

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