The Express Newspaper 22nd November 2023

EXPRESS Delivering news across our region

The

WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

$1,500 Christmas Vouchers GIVEAWAY!

ENTER TODAY! see pages 22-23

GRAZIERS WANT ANSWERS

Cattle prices have plummeted by 60%, but nothing has changed for shoppers with beef prices remaining high. The price disparity between cattle in the saleyards and in the shops is feeling like a “kick in the guts” to cattlemen across the country, as support grows for an urgent inquiry by the ACCC. Grazier Alan Pedersen has been struggling to make a profit from his cattle, yet consumers are still paying top dollar for meat at supermarkets.  READ MORE PAGE 3

ATHERTON AND MALANDA 2023 FORMAL PHOTOS – PAGES 16-21 ENDS NOVEMBER 30TH TRADING HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm www.facebook.com/tablelandfertilizer

• Cobber Dogfood • Katek Growing Mediums • And More!!

MAREEBA: 26 Reynolds St - Phone 4092 2711 | ATHERTON: 40 Eclipse Dr - Phone 4091 3100

For a loving farewell, not an expensive one

Community Spirit

TRUTH, TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY.

We don’t hide our fees, for full details please visit our website – www.communityfunerals.com.au MAREEBA 180 Walsh St

4092 4774 • ATHERTON 112 Main St

4091 1199

EXPRESS The

(07) 4092 3464

186 Byrnes St, Mareeba

 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au @ admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

MANAGING DIRECTOR Carl Portella

April Strickland, Molly Wilson, Morgan, Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Cameron, Sharelle Jones and Isaac Wilson under the Red Frog marquee in Atherton.

EDITOR Robyn Holmes

Boardriders make big connections CADET JOURNALIST Ellie Fink

MARKETING Darryl Day

LAND REPORTER Brigitte Daley

DIGITAL CONTENT Maddy Gavin

PAPER MANAGER Natasha Srhoj

CIRCULATION 14,000 The Express is published by Portasea Pty Ltd, 141 Constance St, Mareeba QLD 4880. ACN: 141 250 213 Printed by Townsville print centre, 623-645 Flinders St. Townsville QLD 4810

THE presence of Red Frog Boardrider volunteers is increasing in Atherton, helping make a positive impact on local youth.

Now, they will become even more recognisable thanks to a new marquee donated

by Member for Hill Shane Knuth.

The Red Frogs are well known by youth, taking on the responsibility of helping safeguard teenagers and young adults at the local skate park. The Boardrider program has been in Atherton for a year so far.

With the summer heat kicking in, Mr Knuth and a team of volunteers knew it was the perfect time to donate a marquee, giving them shade and more exposure to those using the park.

“I fully support any program, volunteers or organisations who help teach youths and aims to steer them on the right path,” Mr Knuth said.

“It is great to see such an amazing program such as Red Frogs, here in Atherton.”

Beautiful facilities in Atherton and Mareeba with caring staff and a lifetime of experience.

Local Staff, Local Families, Local Knowledge.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Established in 1942.

Owned and Operated by the Chaffey Family since 1998.

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au PAGE 2 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Northpoint Church youth pastor Molly Wilson has been volunteering with Red Frogs for four years and said the Boardrider program had a significant success rate in safeguarding young people having fun.

“It has been over a year of being a weekly positive influence on the skate and youth culture in Atherton, we have seen many young people becoming regulars and building a sense of community together,” she said.

“When our team first started, we would see between three and five young people each week, now we regularly have over thirty kids as well as parents join us each Tuesday.

Atherton parent Amanda Hodgkinson said she is a parent of two who regularly attend the Tuesday afternoon sessions.

She said the new marquee now made it easier for her and her children to find them and seek shade after exercising.

“I am so appreciative that an identifiable marquee has been donated to assist with extra shade for the kids as there is very minimal, and to get the Red Frogs name out into our community, recognising the amazing work they do for our local youth,” she said.

“The Red Frogs Skate Park Program is a fun, interactive, non-judgmental and safe place for kids to go on a Tuesday afternoon where they can share/ practice their skate park skills while being provided with supervision, cold water, fruit and yummy red frogs.

“The volunteers who attend are kind and approachable and they are always promoting safety, kindness and inclusiveness for the children who attend.”

The Red Frogs can been found at the Atherton Skate Park every Tuesday afternoon during the school term from 3.30pm until after 5pm.

Heroes wanted for awards NOMINATIONS are open across Queensland for the RFDS Local Hero Awards, as the Royal Flying Doctor Service looks to unearth more of the state’s unsung heroes.

The RFDS Local Hero Awards supported by Ergon Energy Retail is now in its eighth year, having had a profound impact on many communities across the state.

RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the awards provided an opportunity for the RFDS to acknowledge members of the community who enabled the organisation to provide the finest care to the furthest corner.

“Our ability to deliver our services hinges on the continuing support of the communities where we operate,” Ms Staib said.

“These awards offer a way to express our gratitude for the kindness we receive from emergency services, healthcare professionals, volunteers, fundraisers, administrative personnel, and everyone who plays such a vital role.”

The Queensland Hero will be awarded a

$20,000 grant, provided by Ergon Energy Retail, to support a healthcare initiative in their community.

“We’re grateful to the awards’ partner, Ergon Energy Retail, for helping us to shine a light on the unsung heroes behind the RFDS,” Ms Staib said.

Ergon Energy Retail executive general manager Ayesha Razzaq said she was looking forward to hearing about this year’s nominees.

“This is our eighth year supporting the awards and each year we’re overwhelmed by the stories of bravery and selflessness of all the nominees,” she said.

“Ergon Energy Retail has a long history of supporting the RFDS, with our customers and employees raising more than $18 million for this vital service over 23 years.”

Local heroes can be nominated from anywhere across Queensland, with nominations closing on 12 December. You can nominate a hero by going to www.rfdslocalhero.com.au

EXPERIENCE BRILLIANT SOUND THIS FESTIVE SEASON! Enjoy all the sounds of the Festive Season with the latest digital hearing devices designed for an effortless listening experience.

Trial these devices over Christmas and the New Year - don’t miss another precious word!

BOOK NOW CALL 4091 1689

HEARING DEVICE FREE TRIAL* * Conditions apply.

GRAFTON ST CAIRNS • COOK ST ATHERTON • STANTON RD SMITHFIELD C A I R N S I AT H E RTO N I I N N I S FA I L I M A R E E B A I T U L LY I S M I T H F I E L D

CAIRNS LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT & FAMILY-OWNED HEARING PRACTICE

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Cattle prices drop but meat remains the same

BY ELLIE FINK

CATTLE producers have welcomed calls for a national inquiry into beef prices as they struggle to make any money this year whilst consumers continue to pay top dollar for meat in supermarkets.

Saleyards have recorded a drop of up to 60% in prices over the last 12 months, with reports some graziers have even started shooting cattle because it is not worth continuing to keep the animals.

Last week, Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud called on Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to do an urgent investigation into supermarket meat prices.

Mr Littleproud revealed that while the producer’s payment for cattle has fallen from $10.21 per kilo to just $3.65 per kilo over the past year, people are paying around $36 per kilo for grassfed rump steak and $19 a kilo for beef mince.

Karma Waters station owner Alan Pedersen, who has been in the cattle game for almost his whole life, has described the situation as ludicrous and frustrating.

This year, he has struggled to sell his cattle coming off the back of an unusually wet monsoon season, and the cattle he has sold haven’t returned a profit.

“It’s frustrating for us to be getting around $1.25 (per kg) at the sale yards.

That is an absolute kick in the guts to start, but when the supermarkets and

“It wouldn’t be that bad if those prices were cut in half, which would then increase the volume of beef that we could get through, and people would be able to enjoy decent Australian grass-fed beef for a reasonable price” – CATTLEMAN ALAN PEDERSEN

Queensland Rural cattle specialist Ken Weldon is welcoming an urgent investigation by the ACCC into the price of beef.

butchers are selling that product off for whatever it is, it is price gouging,” Mr Pedersen said.

“I know it costs around $300 a head to process the beef, and those costs don’t change (like the price of cattle), so your middlemen are basically your processes and your supermarkets and butchers.

“That part of the food chain is where the money is being made, and to purchase cattle at a third of the price of what they were buying it at and still selling it at their prices… they can do the figures, but that is a 200% increase in profit.”

Coles and Woolworths recently re-

ported record profits of $1.1 billion and $1.62 billion respectively – an outcome Mr Pedersen said was “disturbing”.

“They are allowed to push the farmers and graziers into the ground and price gouge the guts out of you as the consumer at the same time,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be that bad if those prices were cut in half, which would then increase the volume of beef that we could get through, and people would be able to enjoy decent Australian grass-fed beef for a reasonable price.

“That way, instead of eating beef once or twice a week, they can have it three or four times a week, and that will

certainly help lift the price of cattle up because the consumption and demand will be up.”

For Queensland Rural cattle specialist Ken Weldon, the disparity in prices has made it significantly harder for salesmen to make any profits this year.

Weather, cost of living and disease have made it difficult to sell cattle for the whole year, with prices at the Mareeba sales yard dropping to as low as $250/head on average this year.

“It’s definitely not profitable for farmers or anybody in the industry currently,” Mr Weldon said.

“The price of cattle isn’t as low as

they were in (1974), but we didn’t have the fuel costs and the labour, and the man’s wages were 60 bucks a week.

There is a lot more cost now, so we are probably worse off.

“I think the only thing that is going to give us any relief is having a widespread wet season and probably a bit more change in overseas markets because live exports are really hard these days because of lumpy skin disease – just another hurdle we have to jump over.”

Welcoming calls for an urgent inquiry by the ACCC, Mr Weldon hopes something will be done before the industry falls down at the feet of the cattlemen.

“Someone has to do something because, at the end of the day, it is the middleman who is making a fortune … and we are the price takers,” he said.

“So long as they look into it and try to get a base rate where the deal becomes a bit fairer, that is all we need, but I don’t think that will happen, not in this government.”

NEED TO PROTECT YOUR PRIDE AND JOY?

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL BUILDER!

Not worth the paper it’s written on?

Sorry, think again, you could be very surprised.

Let us show you why!

www.tablelandslaw.com.au

sales@dunnritemareeba.com.au

21 Comet Avenue, Atherton

Let us show you how...

4092 7668

(Behind Harvey Norman)

Contact Anne English today!

M & S France Pty Ltd QBCC 15408840

Your Tyre & Auto Experts

Phone 4091 2739 or Mobile 0419 700 109

Offering Free Atherton/Tolga Pick Ups!

4091 5388

Contact your local builder

SIMON’S VEHICLE HIRE

Spring Specials

FROM

95

$ Light Truck Tyre 185/R14 LT

On Selected Brands In Stock

FREE Rotation, Balance & Puncture Repair for the life of your tyres!

When you purchase a set of tyres*

Passenger, SUV & 4WD Tyres

CTS

Mareeba Call 4092 2290 Atherton Call 4091 1122

Latest wheel alignment equipment & mechanical services

Malanda Call 4096 5300 Mossman Call 4098 1502

*Conditions apply see in-store for details.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 3

Book donations to spark child’s imagination INNER Wheel Club of FNQ Tablelands continues to make significant contributions to the region, with the latest being a book donation.

Little Miss Big Ears is a children’s book written by member Maralyne MacKenzie and three copies have been donated by the Inner Wheel Club to the Tablelands Regional Council libraries.

Inner Wheel Club of FNQ Tablelands president Jenny Todd said it was a funny book about a native mouse who lived in the mailbox of an older lady.

Ms Todd said it was a book aimed at children between the age of 5 and 6 but was entertaining for all.

The book is illustrated and printed locally on the Tablelands and Ms Todd said Maralyne hoped to write another but was sourcing a new publisher.

Maralyne has been approached and asked to read the book at the library on a regular basis and will begin this from January 2024.

Inner Wheel is part of a national and international movement supporting women and children.

“It’s one of the largest (organisations) in the world,” Ms Todd said.

The FNQ Tablelands group meet

Author of Little Miss Big Ears Maralyne MacKenzie with Cr Peter Hodge and Inner Wheel member Jenny Todd, donating the book to the Atherton Library.

on the second Tuesday of each month, at lunchtime and they welcome any woman of any age to join in.

While predominantly made up of older women, Ms Todd said they were always looking for new members.

The group will host an exclusive gala charity night on November 29 with the Steel Magnolias theatre production.

Ms Todd said people could enjoy an evening out with light supper, door prizes, drinks, live music and raffles, as well as the great comedy play.

This is a special event, one night only, tickets are $45 and can be purchased through: https://www.trybooking.com/CKTXR. The special event will be held at Majestic Theatre Malanda, doors open at 5.45pm and show starts at 7pm sharp.

Ms Todd said all were welcome and the evening would be a fundraiser for Inner Wheel which goes to support local charities in the wider community.

In 2024, the Tablelands will host the Australian Inner Wheel conference and the organisation will celebrate 100 years since inception.

Nicholas’s passion for community recognised with citizenship award

Tired of paying rent on your gas cylinders?

Own them instead with...

• Acetylene • Argon Mix 5/2 • Oxygen • Nitrogen • CO2 • Argon • Available sizes: D, E and G WE CAN NOW ACCEPT NON-RENTAL CYLINDERS FOR EXCHANGE! YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS OF

Call us now for more information: 4092 5442 46-48 Byrnes Street, Mareeba

QBCC 1268102

A LOCAL community-minded graduate attended Parliament House in Brisbane recently to receive a prestigious Order of Australia Association Citizenship award for his ongoing passion inside and outside school.

Nicholas Brammer has been described by the staff at St Stephen’s Catholic College as a “person who shines and is one who has a certain confidence that inspires others”.

Throughout his high school life, Nicholas has been willing to lend a hand on all activities hosted by the school, engaged as a student voice, was a passionate member of the Australian Air Force Cadets 106 Squadron, where he taught drills and ceremonial activities, was a published poet, swam 16km in 20 days to raise money for the Starlight Children’s foundation and captained the school’s 2023

wheelbarrow race team.

He also stepped up as a college captain in 2023 whilst studying hard to receive the highest ATAR score.

“Leadership is something I

think I do subconsciously, and I think it is a big part of citizenship,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas found out he had been selected to go to Brisbane to receive the award during a physics class and was immediately overwhelmed with excitement.

He said he had to make the difficult choice between attending his last St Stephen’s Day at the school and heading to Brisbane, and decided heading to Parliament House was the best choice.

“I had never been to Parliament House before and had only been to Brisbane a handful of times, so everything was a new experience,” he said.

“I am very grateful for the experience overall and happy to be recognised for the hard work I have put into everything I do, but at the same time, I don’t do it for the recognition.”

*Price does n o include t tray.

MAZDA BTḋ50 XT DUAL CAB CHASSIS 4X4 AUTO SILVER, WHITE, GREY For Immediate Delivery.

$53,990* Drive Away ABN pricing available. Premium paint cost $695.

MAZDA CXḋ5 G25 MAXX SPORT FWD For Immediate Delivery.

$42,990 Drive Away

MAZDA CXḋ30 G20 EVOLVE AUTO GREY

For Immediate Delivery.

$36,990 Drive Away Premium paint cost $595.

MAZDA MXḋ30 G20E EVOLVE AUTO CERAMIC For Immediate Delivery. Limited Stock.

$35,990 Drive Away

313-315 Byrnes Street, Mareeba | Phone 4092 5100 www.mareebamazda.com.au After Hours: David Mete 0408 793 050, Peter Acha 0417 006 698 or Adrian Madrid 0413 745 247 PAGE 4 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

New system tests begin on Kuranda range road LIVE testing of the new Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has begun on the Kuranda Range Road.

Testing began last Monday and will continue over the coming weeks before being fully operational early next year.

During live testing, the flashing red circle on the variable speed signs will indicate the speed limit has changed from the normal speed limit.

The new stations on the range will allow the Department of Transport and Main Roads to monitor the conditions of the road, alert commuters of hazards and improve trip reliability.

Opening celebration for community centre The organ inside Saint Joseph’s Church at Atherton was destroyed after arsonists started a fire in the building on 11 November.

Passerby’s actions saves Atherton church from fire

BY ROBYN HOLMES QUICK action by a passerby has saved Saint Jospeh’s Church in Atherton from being destroyed by fire.

Police are investigating the arson attack on 11 November which destroyed the church’s organ and charred several bench seats but it could have been a lot worse if not for the actions of a man who was just passing by the building and noticed the blaze around 7.30pm.

Using his own fire extinguisher he had in his vehicle, the man managed to fight the fire and also called 000.

Parish administration officer Rhiana Meaney said the church was beyond grateful to the person.

“The Atherton Catholic Parish is very grateful that they took the initiative to put the fire out when they saw it, otherwise it could have been completely destroyed,” she said.

“It is very shocking to the parish community that someone would cause so much unwarranted damage to our place of worship, however as Fr Mathew said in his homily after the incident, ‘Church is in our hearts, not in a building’.

“As sad and disheartening as this is, the parish community will continue to worship and pray together and will continue to work together to rebuild our church to its former glory for the future generations of our church community.”

The church is now working with po-

lice to determine who committed the act.

“Because of the smell of fuel and fire extinguisher dust in the church, we are unable to use it until insurance has a look,” Ms Meaney said.

With the church door now boarded shut because the culprits broke the lock to gain access, parishioners will move items to enable masses to be held on the St Joseph’s Parish School basketball court on Sundays, and weekdays in the Parish Centre, next door to the church.

Ms Meaney said the church was set to close on 20 November for up to six weeks so the ceiling of the building could be replaced, and they had factored in the need to be able to hold services in another area.

“We are awaiting the insurance assessor to take a look this week before we start moving furniture in preparation for the renovations to take place, which thankfully should still be able to go ahead as planned due to the damage from the fire not being structural,” she said.

“As this attack has happened only one week prior to the renovations starting, we have had to arrange so our masses happen in the Parish Centre or the school basketball court early,” she said.

She said the church was now awaiting the outcome of its insurance claim to ascertain what the repair bill will be and whether they may have to appeal the community to help.

BETTER Together is gearing up to welcome the community at the opening of its new community centre in Robert Street this Friday.

The Atherton Community Centre is finally completed after a decade of planning and plenty of activities are on offer to celebrate the occasion.

From 1pm-5pm, there will be drumming performances, live music, practical workshops and exciting activities for kids, including face painting, bubbles, fairy floss, a Mega Slide, and a barbecue.

Attendees will have a chance to participate in the lucky door prize giveaway, with a bumper hamper for adults and 10 prize packs for the kids.

CLEALL’S BUTCHERY THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS WHOLE PRIME RIB FILLET .......................................................$25.99 KG CORNED SILVERSIDE ................................................................. $15.99 KG LAMB SHANKS.............................................................................. $10.99 KG T-BONE .............................................................................................$25.99 KG SIDES OF TABLELAND BEEF ................................................... $12.99 KG CRUMBED STEAK.......................................................................... $19.99 KG BBQ STEAK ...................................................................................... $19.99 KG BEEF SAUSAGES ............................................................................ $15.99 KG BEEF MINCE .................................................................................... $15.99 KG BEER STICKS....................................................................................$22.99 KG SPECIALS AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST! COUNTRY ORDERS WELCOME!

SMOKEHOUSE SPECIALS ALSO AVAILABLE!

Seats inside the church were seared by the fire and will have to be repaired.

NOW IN STOCK: BEEF JERKY... $10 FOR 100 GRAMS SMOKED PORK CHOPS... $17.99KG

75 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA PHONE & FAX ORDERS WELCOME PH: 4092 1006 ~ FAX: 4092 3353

! e m i t y n a . .. e er h w P r e c i s i o n Any To w i n g ~ TOLGA BASED ~

Phone Colin Watson 0439 988 084 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

• 8.5 Metre Tray-Carry 10 Tonne • Container Transport • Dog Trailer • Off Road Forklift • Machinery • Demountables

LAND CLEARING

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 5

Council wins support for critical changes provided to the property owners or TRC,” council’s motion read.

Council also wants the valuations to be done only every three years, rather than annually.

“The current frequency is not required in rural areas and generates a significant workload for rural local governments and individuals through the objection and appeal process,” council’s motion read.

“Moving to a three-year cycle would align the valuation frequency with the maximum averaging provisions contained in the Local Government Act 2009. Changing to the three-year cycle would enable a more thorough and effective consultation period, sufficient sales activity to provide an accurate valuation assessment, and a longer period of certainty for landholders and ratepayers in relation to their rates and rentals.”

The other motion focussed on rates was for the LGAQ to support the existing guideline on equity and fairness in rating for Queensland local governments to be made mandatory for all councils to adopt as guiding principles to underpin their rating decision-making process.

Another important motion supported was that the LGAQ make representations to Minister for the Environment Leanne Linard to have Navua Sedge declared a prohibited or restricted plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014, to provide urgent funding to accelerate research into potential biological controls for the weed and urgent funding to help control the invasive plant.

“Navua Sedge is a significant biosecurity risk to the pastoral industry in North Queensland. The weed is spreading rapidly, and better control of the weed is required particularly on main roads where vegetation control treatments are spreading the weed,” the council’s motion read.

TRC also gained support for the LGAQ to “make urgent representations” to Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Ste-

ven Miles to create a mechanism for population projections provided by the Queensland Treasury to be reviewed in circumstances where a local government considers the projection to be incorrect.

The council also questioned the State Government Grants Commission’s new methodology for calculating “general purpose” grants, advising that it has had a significant reduction and this was affecting council’s financial sustainability.

“The recently revised methodology has resulted in a significant reduction to council’s funding,” the council’s motion read.

“This has coincided with significant cost increases and has effectively moved TRC close to being considered unsustainable under the current and proposed sustainability measures.”

The other motion TRC received support for was for the LGAQ to lobby Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher to implement legislation indemnifying water and sewerage service providers from liability associated with the release of Perfluoroalkyl and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances to potable and receiving waters.

Council’s position is that the industry is a passive receiver of these substances and there are no viable and cost-effective technologies to remove these substances from water and sewerage systems.

The only motion put forward by TRC that didn’t receive support was that people aspiring to be councillors should undergo mandatory training.

“While we’re disappointed that changes to mandatory training for councillors prior to nominating for election wasn’t supported, we understand that the Queensland Government, LGAQ and other organisations do provide a range of compulsory and optional training for councillors,” Mayor Marti said.

Constable Matthew Mitchell received a Paul Harris Fellow from Mareeba Rotary president Chantelle Pedersen, who also received one recently.

Passionate community members recognised THREE locals with a passion for their community have been recognised with Paul Harris Fellow.

The prestigious recognition is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community. A Paul Harris Fellow is the highest form of recognition with Rotary.

School-based police officer Constable Matthew Mitchell received the prestigious award following several years of servicing the community through various programs, particularly the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program.

The RYDA program, organised by the Mareeba Rotary Club, teaches young people the importance of staying safe behind the wheel.

At the end of the program this year, Constable Mitchell was surprised with the recognition.

“It was a huge surprise, actually,” he said.

“I have been helping Mareeba Rotary organise the RYDA programs since 2018 by sourcing things like the cars and demonstration facilitators and liaising with people in the community to share their expertise.

“It feels really good to be recognised.”

Mareeba Rotary President Chantelle Pedersen and Dr Tahnee Bridson were also recognised with awards at a recent foundation lunch.

9 For Lunch & Dinner 7 DAYS 11.30am till 9.00pm For

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Wednesday

ON MONDAY NIGHTS

PIZZA AND PASTA NIGHT $23

TUESDAYS FROM 6PM 77 Main St, Atherton • 4091 1139

PAGE 6 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

We take responsible service of alcohol seriously. It is an offence to sell or supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years.

KID’S PLAYGROUND • POKIES • TAB

SPORTS BAR • KENO

PROPOSED changes to the way land valuations are done for farming land and how often they are calculated are two of seven motions put forward by Tablelands Regional Council that were supported by councils throughout the State at a recent annual conference.

TRC put forward eight motions to the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference last month, seven of which will now be taken to the State Government in the hope changes can be made.

Mayor Rod Marti, and Crs Dave Bilney and David Clifton attended the conference with around 200 delegates from councils across Queensland.

“There were nearly 160 motions put forward by the 77 Queensland councils, so it took the good part of a day to get through them all.”

Mayor Marti said.

“The motions covered the width and breadth of topics that affect and influence councils, their functionality and their decision-making processes.

“We are proud to say that seven of eight motions were endorsed by the conference, which is a real show of support for the issues we face in our region, and evidently in other parts of the state.”

Among the proposals TRC put forward was for the LGAQ to make representations to Minister for Resources Scott Stewart to have the Land Valuation Act 2010 amended to remove water licences from the unimproved value of the land to which the licence is attached.

This has long been a bugbear for farmers who say the water licences should not be considered when valuations are calculated because they elevate the valuation which results in them paying more for council rates.

“Within the primary production rating category, valuation changes ranged from an increase of 67% to a decrease of 4%, and the value of the water licence attributed to each property is not

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

No restrictions but reduce water use, says council

BY ROBYN HOLMES

WITH Mareeba residents using nearly 3000 litres of water a day, Mareeba Shire Council is urging locals to be mindful of their use over the next few weeks as it progresses major upgrades to the town’s water treatment plant.

While council is stressing it is not going to introduce water restrictions, three major projects are underway, with one requiring the main reservoir to be emptied for a few days while it is connected to the new filtration system.

During that period, water will be sourced from a smaller holding facility but officers believe it will be adequate if everything goes to plan.

The three projects involve upgrades to the filtration system, the raw water pump, and the booster pump station and, when completed, will increase the capacity of the plant.

The upgrade to the booster pump station will not only increase the fire-fighting capacity in the Mareeba township area but also tackle ongoing water pressure issues on the western side of the town and ensure council meets the minimum required water pressure standards to its residents.

Infrastructure Services director Glenda Kirk said during the upgrade works, all of which will be finished by 30 June 2024, some components of the water treatment plant would be taken offline.

“It means that we are doing reconfigurations of our existing plant so some of the components will remain online but at various stages of the project we will need to take components offline which means we won’t be supplying the full complement of

water,” she said.

“We have done some careful monitoring and we are seeing some pretty high water consumption as you would expect at this time of the year.

“We have done some risk planning and trialling and we don’t believe that we will need to implement water restrictions ahead of that (works at the end of this month).

“However, one of our contingency measures within the risk management plan is that if we encounter issues throughout that project we may need to implement water restrictions quite suddenly because we have to connect to our main water reservoir and to do that we have to drain the reservoir and operate on a smaller reservoir.

“We’re confident that if nothing goes wrong, the community will not even know.

“If we have any major delays or issues with that connection, we will certainly let the community know. At this stage we are just asking people to be mindful of their water use.”

Water mains continue to be a problem for the council, with 52 breaks to date this year which is more than previous years despite council’s water main replacement program.

Council is about halfway through its 10-year water main replacement strategy which seeks to replace the most ageing pipes and is part of 30-year plan for all mains to be eventually replaced.

Ms Kirk said the importance of the program could not be over-estimated.

“While it’s higher (number of breaks), we started a lot more breaks in January which has carried through the year,” she said.

“It demonstrates that the water main

program is hugely critical. I would hate to think about what that graph might look like if we weren’t replacing the 2-3km a year that we have been.

“While we have that 10-year program that identified areas that we needed to do year by year, we’re also adapting that program as we see areas where we have had to reactive.

“Mason Street, for example, was not in our register as being high risk, but we did identify some breaks late last year so that’s now been included in the program.”

She said many other areas of the State were experiencing the same issues because water mains were probably installed around the same time and hitting “end of life”.

“Asbestos cement fails over time and that can set of a chain reaction when you do have those because the whole main is vulnerable,” she explained.

“When it’s dry they break, when it’s wet they break, they are just very temperamental because at the moment what’s supporting those old asbestos water mains is the surrounding ground so when that shrinks or swells, that’s when we see those breaks.

“I think we will still see increases in breaks for the rest of the year.”

Mayor Angela Toppin said council had anticipated the breakages when council developed its 10-year replacement strategy.

“We are more than halfway through it but that doesn’t mean the other half isn’t as bad or even worse,” she said.

Ms Kirk said the10-year strategy was part of a 30-year replacement program.

“So, we have decades of this ahead of us,” she added.

Major works are underway to upgrade the Mareeba water treatment plant.

Level 2 restrictions for TRC LEVEL 2 water restrictions have been implemented by Tablelands Regioal Council.

The restrictions mean private properties can only use sprinklers between 6am-7am and 6pm-7pm, with odd numbered houses allowed to sprinkle on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and even numbered houses on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Hand watering with hose and trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets any time of day.

More details about how the restrictions affect other properties are available from the website, www.trc.qld.gov.au

SPECIALS AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY 20TH NOVEMBER TO SUNDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 3 FOR

$5.00 $8.99kg

Product of Australia

Single Sell $2.00 2 FOR

Save $3.00 WHOLE ECONOMY RUMP SLICED FREE

$9.99KG

EXTRA LARGE COOKED BANANA PRAWNS

Save $5.01

PRIMO MIDDLE BACON

FOSTER CLARK CUSTARD 1 LITRE

GOLDEN CIRCLE 1 LITRE VARIETIES

$19.99 kg Save $8.00

$6.00 Single Sell $4.00

$5.99EA Product of Australia

Save $5.00

LOCAL!

SORBENT TOILET ROLL 12 PACK

shop online freshstmarketiga.com.au | click & collect available | home delivery available SILO CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE, SILO ROAD ATHERTON PH: 4030 5111 OPEN 7 DAYS, 7AM - 8PM Specials available at Fresh St. Market IGA, Atherton until sold out. We reserve the right to limit quantities per customer. Trade not supplied. No rain checks. We reserve the right to correct printing errors

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 7

2

$ 49 SAVE up t o

$2.91

PAGE 8 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Locals share Bags to make a difference thoughts on bridge options FEEDBACK on two options for the future of the Barron River bridge at Kuranda has been coming thick and fast, with many locals commenting that fixing the bridge is not going to fix the issues with commuting to the coast.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford shared the Department of Transport and Main Roads consultation Facebook post on two options for the bridge – fix it or replace it – and has been getting strong feedback from those who use it most.

Locals are being asked whether they would like a major upgrade of the existing bridge or a completely new structure that would be built downstream of the current bridge, with consultation ending on 8 December.

“Why would you remove a perfectly serviceable bridge. Demolition costs a bomb and should be considered after the useable life of the bridge is expended,” David Montgomery asked.

Ryan Davidson reckons he has the answer and was supported by others: “Build a new bridge then repair the old bridge. By the time that is done, we will need four lanes and it will stop further congestion down the track.”

“A new bridge is a no brainer. However, upgrade old bridge for a four-lane highway later,” Doug Robertson wrote.

I don’t understand the waste of removing the old bridge - surely it can be used to make more lanes,” Simon Clover posted.

But many respondents said the Kuranda Range Road remained as a problem in the transport network.

“I hope some thought has been put into widening the Kuranda Range so it is safer for heavy vehicles to travel up and down,” Michael Wright said.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

“Another stupid Band-Aid solution, future proof it with a tunnel,” Bradley Lukosius posted.

Dave Stevenson agreed.

“How about the tunnel from Caravonica to Kuranda. It will cut 15 minutes of driving time and alleviate problems of congestion when accidents occur,” he posted.

Bill Hardy believes there has been no “true forward planning” in providing an alternative to the Kuranda Range road.

“The number of closures/delays/one lane access is incredible, given the importance of the need for reliable and safe corridor to Cairns,” he wrote.

“My feedback will be that true future planning has not been considered. Saying we need to choose option 1 or option 2 for the bridge is a planned exercise in political ‘avoiding the issue’ ... waiting for a change of government so this current government can blame someone else for the problem they left, covering up their incapacity to really plan for the future.”

Robert Blanckensee wants to see costings before he chooses an option for the bridge.

“Sorry, but where are the costs of each of the options?” he wrote.

“A cost benefit analysis (CBA) needs to be considered as if the public's preferred option is ruled out because it is the more expensive how we would know. With a CBA the public would be able to determine the best use of their funds.”

To give your feedback on the options for the bridge, go to www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov. au/ before 8 December.

See VOCAL LOCAL – P28

MANY local women are facing hardship this Christmas, and Atherton Bunnings has partnered with Share the Dignity to gather bags of essential hygiene products for donation through the It’s In The Bag drive.

So far, several Share the Dignity volunteers have collected hundreds of bags of items, including shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant and period products and dropped them off to their nearest Bunnings.

After donating anonymously for several years, Mareeba business owner and domestic violence survivor Michelle Mills decided to open up on her Facebook, encouraging people to donate.

“With domestic violence being as frequent as it is these days, it’s a charity that I think it really valuable in the community,” she said.

“These bags get distributed to women who are in need, and I was reading some articles on women who have received these bags and how much of a difference they really make.

“One, for example, was of this woman who still uses the soap she was given from one of the bags because it’s a feeling of safety for her, and it is incredible to see how much the impacts people.”

Bunnings Atherton store manager Kristen Burville said this was the seventh time Atherton has participated in the drive and encouraged cus-

Bunnings Atherton Team members Sara-Jayne Sharp and Sharyn Cahill are excepting donations of basic hygiene items to help women doing it tough this Christmas season.

tomers to get involved.

“For the seventh year in a row, Bunnings and Share the Dignity are calling on Aussies to donate and drop a bag in one of the collection boxes at their local Bunnings store to help make a difference to women and girls in need,” she said.

“The appeal helps ensure vulnerable women and girls receive basic essentials for Christmas with bags distributed to the local community.”

Bags can be dropped off at Atherton Bunnings until Sunday, 26 November.

Bags can include the essentials such as period products, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and soap, plus luxuries like lip balm and new socks, a magazine or a book.

To learn more about what can go in the bags and to read more about Share the Dignity, visit www.sharethedignity. org.au/itsinthebag

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 9

10%-50% OFF STOREWIDE! FRIDAY 24TH & SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER SPORTSPOWER ATHERTON AND MAREEBA *CONDITIONS APPLY PAGE 10 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Knuth demands proof on speed camera fines

BY ELLIE FINK

MORE than 300 people will have to cough up $300,000 before Christmas after an investigation by the Department of Transport and Main Road concluded a “dodgy” mobile speed camera in Malanda was calibrated properly.

Outraged by Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey’s response to the debacle, Member for Hill Shane Knuth has demanded solid proof the camera was calibrated and placed correctly, submitting a Right to Information Request.

During Question Time in Parliament last week, Mr Knuth stood up again on behalf of those who have received the fines, asking Mr Bailey what the result of the investigation was.

“My advice from the department is that when we put in the speed cameras, they are carefully calibrated,” Mr Bailey said.

“There is a very clear procedure. No evidence has been

provided to me by any person to suggest that that has not been the case. If someone has, I am happy to look at it.

“However, simply saying that people have been fined and, therefore, there is something wrong with the camera is not an evidence-based submission to me.”

Demanding proof of the investigation, Mr Knuth invited Mr Bailey to a meeting in his Atherton office last week to discuss the situation.

Despite agreeing to meet with Mr Knuth, Mr Bailey did not show, only sending members of his ministerial office.

“This is not good enough especially after he committed to investigate the matter,” he said.

“We don’t believe he has the documentation to prove that the machine was correctly calibrated.

“We have written letters, provided him with hundreds of short statements from those with speeding fines, asked a number of questions and spoke to the issue.

TEX GUN SUPPLIES 13 PALOMINO AVENUE, TOLGA • Firearms in All Categories • Ammunition & Reloading Equipment • Safes, Targets & Accessories • Smokers & Rotisserie Spits Non-Lethal Bird & Animal Prevention Ammunition Qld Weapons Safety Courses

P: 4095 5383 • E: shop@texgun.com.au W: www.texgunsupplies.com.au ~~~ MAIL ORDERS WELCOME ~~~

Member for Hill Shane Knuth puts the question about a speed camera in Malanda to Minister for Transport Mark Bailey during Question Time in Parliament last week.

“Still, he continues to evade us and fails to provide proof that the speed camera was calibrated correctly.”

Mr Knuth believes there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest the section of road is a high

crash incident location, which would warrant the placement of the device.

“These types of cameras aren’t about road safety. They are about racking in as much revenue for the Government as

"We keep you Flying!"

We can help you with: • Lymphatic Drainage Massage • Joint & Muscular Rehabilitation • Post Op Rehabilitation • Sports and Spinal • Specialising in Shoulders Michelle Du, Physiotherapist » 229 Byrnes St, Mareeba - 26 Eclipse Dr, Atherton OPEN 5 A:P: 4092 2255

DAYS BOOK NOW: www.performancephysiomareeba.com.au

BLINDS:

FLOOR: − Carpets − Vinyl − Vinyl Plank − Carpet Tiles − Vinyl Tiles − Floating Floors Come in & meet Dan...

The Floor Coverings & Blinds Man! − Roller − Venetian − Panel Glid − Vertical − Timber − Outdoor − Plantation Shutters

159 Walsh Street, Mareeba Phone: 0447 006 478 Email: admin@mareebafcc.com.au

Live testing of variable speed signs on Kuranda Range This ITS technology is a first for Far North Queensland, equipped with traffic monitoring cameras and traffic monitoring loops that will provide real-time road conditions and alert TMR’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC) if traffic slows down or stops on Kuranda Range.

The live testing will ensure the devices are working correctly, allowing TMC operators to make informed decisions on the safe and efficient operation of Kuranda Range Road.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

During live testing: • The flashing red circle on the variable speed signs will indicate the speed limit has changed from the normal speed limit.

• If the electronic sign is blank, the bottom fixed sign sets the speed limit.

• Live testing will be ongoing, so please follow all signs through the area.

For more information, visit the TMR web page via the QR code below, call 4045 7144 (during business hours), or send an email to cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

On completion of the project, the ITS on Kuranda Range will improve safety and enable TMR to respond to incidents quickly, improving trip reliability for road users.

M10374

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is carrying out live testing of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns – Mareeba) on Kuranda Range.

A UNIQUE block of land that used to host a CSIRO laboratory in Atherton has been sold.

In 2021, it was announced that the long-standing research facility would close its doors, and the majority of its staff and resources would be relocated to the Townsville facility.

The facility has since been sold by First National Atherton, who were unable to disclose who bought the block.

CSIRO acquired the site in 1976, with a number of extensions and upgrades being made to the building throughout its lifetime.

The property was primarily used as a research facility where local scientists and researchers provided expertise in the biogeography, ecology, taxonomy and behaviour of terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates and plants, in weed and feral animal management, and in other natural resource management concerns over the years.

The facility is mainly known for its work in the collection of rare and unique trees, which all live in the Arboretum.

SPECIALISING IN ACUTE & REHABILITATION BODY CARE

At Performance Physio, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for all our patients using the latest evidence based techniques to get the results that you need.

Like Us On Facebook

possible,” he said.

The majority of those fined are adamant they were not speeding at the time, with many of them turning out to a public meeting recently to share their experiences.

CSIRO site sold in Atherton

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 11

STAND UP, SPEAK OUT AND SAY NO TO VIOLENCE TOWARD WOMEN

MAREEBA COMMUNITY HOUSING COMPANY Phone: 4092 7042 Web: mchc.org.au Email: reception@mchc.org.au PAGE 12 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Annual awards recognise college’s top students STUDENTS at Mount St Bernard College have been recognised in this year’s school awards.

Year 12 student Sophie Jonsson was announced as Dux of 2023 in recognition of her academic excellence in English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry and academic diligence in Mathematical Methods.

In addition to Sophie’s academic achievements, she has demonstrated strong work ethics, determination to succeed, resilience and enthusiasm for life at school and beyond.

Student Tia Dewley was awarded the principal’s “Let Your Light Shine” award for 2023 for her friendly and considerate nature.

Tia has been diligent with her studies and shown impressive resilience and challenged herself to overcome obstacles. She has demonstrated strength in following and modelling the College expectations of being respectful, responsible and safe.

The 2023 Mercy Education Award, which recognises a student for their significant contribution to leadership in the Mercy Tradition of Education and demonstrating the values of compassion, justice, respect, hospitality, courage, and service, was won by Sinevah Mari.

Sinevah’s compassionate nature and willingness to be of service to others has earned her the respect of both staff and students and seen her appointed College Captain in 2023.

In the boarding context, she has been a big sister and mentor, helping boarders to make friends, deal respectfully with conflict and learn to enjoy life away from home.

Sinevah Mari and Meena Riber were both been awarded the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for 2023. The ADF recognises emerging leaders through this award.

The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award was presented to Nayita Joseph and Yasserie Kyle-Smith.

The ADF Future Innovators Award has been designed to recognise students who have a keen interest and ability in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, known as STEM.

Atherton State High School's students of the year were Holly Bonello, Billie Arbouin, Tylah Harris, Ben Howard, Jordan Cox, Alissa Abercrombie and Ben Zappala.

School’s best awarded Dux of 2023 Sophie Jonsson.

“Let Your Light Shine” award Tia Dewley.

ATHERTON State High School’s top students have been recognised for their academics, leadership and overall performance at its annual presentation night last week.

Year 12 student Sophie Roberts was awarded Dux for 2023 while Ryanne Telford and Bianca Le’Gear shared the prestigious Student of OTHER AWARD WINNERS INCLUDED: Inclusive Community Award: Cameron Colless.

Andy and Annie Brown Memorial Bursaries: Grace Duck-Heard, Tylah Harris and Joshua Stansfield.

Ken Tait Encouragement Award: Ryan Frazer.

Indigenous Encouragement Award: Verity Lewis and Lehanna Dixon.

STEM Encouragement Award: Hannah Smith.

Community Engagement Award: Tyler Hibbert and Sebastian Ames.

TAFE Student of the Year: Aidan Leibel.

Outstanding school-based apprentice: Aiden Smith.

Outstanding Cultural Contribution Award: Imogen Kelly and Harrison Lawrence.

Outstanding School Service Award: Darcie Kruck.

the Year title.

Excelling in her studies, Sophie said she was “pretty surprised” to have won Dux for the year.

For Ryanne and Bianca, they were both proud and honoured to receive and share the highly coveted award of Student of the Year award.

Atherton Rotary Bursary: Morgan Grimshaw.

QCE Excellence Award: Ethan Steptoe.

ADF Future Innovators Award: Ryan Frazer.

ADF Long Tan Award: Matilda Alford and Bianca Le’Gear.

JCU Shield Award: Stasia Adams, Ella Gadsby, Jack Zappala, Tylah Harris, Jean Pluschke and Bethany Bailey.

JCU Rising Star Award: Jessica McCormick.

Junior Leadership Award: Sophia Nunn.

Senior Leadership Award: Oscar Byrne and Miah Cox QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award: Lillian Caulfield-Anning.

Junior Sports Person of the Year: Finlay Payne.

Senior Sports Person of the Year: Noah Blooranta.

DUX for 2023 Sophie Roberts.

Students of the Year Bianca Le’Gear and Ryanne Telford.

2023 Mercy Education Award winner Sinevah Mari.

BERTOCCHI SOPRESSA MILD / HOT

SELL $22.99KG MAASDAM CHEESE SELL $19.99KG Register your home or street at trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights by 9am Monday 4 December.

ROASTED RED PEPPERS 1 KILO

Vote for your favourite!

12noon Monday 11 – 4pm Wednesday 13 December at trc.qld.gov.au/christmas-lights.

SELL $7.99 JAR

CORNETT’S

MAREEBA Commencing 22nd November - Ending 28th November. www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 13

John Mac and Biran Kynuna having a chat at the ball.

Petria Mosquito, Kozlan Grogan and May May Hobbler celebrating 30 years of Mulungu.

MULUNGU’S 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BALL Hundreds dressed to impress on Saturday night for Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation's 30-year anniversary ball in Mareeba.

The Aboriginal community-controlled organisation has spent the past three decades striving to improve the health and overall well-being of the Indigenous community on the Tablelands through primary healthcare services addressing physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional, and social needs.

Tanya Davis, Yvette Morcos and Lakkari Eldridge.

Evenis Gutchen, Sallypearl Philip and Tomeka Philip having a drink at the ball.

*This service travels via Caravonica, Trinity Bay High and TAFE, school days only.

For further information on any of these services please visit:

www.transnorthbus.com.au Or phone 3036 2070 during office hours

“Girl’s Nigh Out” - Skye Romelo, Kimberlee Hunter, Ellissa Grainer, Tanya Grainer, Maria Matu, Rona Hunter and Shana McMullen.

Queenie Le Grant, Kaylene Malthouse and Renette Rosas dressed up for the occasion.

Zami Coleman and Briana Enoch Coleman watching local dancers perform.

Christmas Lights Competition Sponsored by:

Entries Close: Friday, 8 December 2023

Christmas-themed Augmented Reality (AR) Treasure Hunt

Find 5 types of animations at 55 locations across the Shire!

Nominations are now open for the Mareeba Shire Council and The Express Newspaper Christmas Lights Competition. Businesses and residents are encouraged to light up for Christmas!

Council will launch a Christmas-themed augmented reality (AR) treasure hunt on Friday, 17 November 2023.

Nominations need to be received by 5pm on Friday, 8 December 2023.

Participating businesses will have a floor decal (sticker) in their store indicating they are taking part in the competition.

Judging will take place ONLINE between Monday, 11 December 2023 and Wednesday, 13 December 2023.

How to enter our competition: 1. Download the free CreativiTek app on your smartphone or tablet. Scan the above QR code to download the app.

2. Open and hold the app over the image on the sticker.

3. Hold the circle to record a video of your friends or family members dancing.

4. Follow the prompts to enter our competition online to stand a chance to win one of two hampers worth over $500.

Competition close, Wednesday, 13 December 2023.

Submit your entry by visiting www.msc.qld.gov.au or scanning the below QR Code. You will be asked to attach a 20 to 30 second video of your entry to the nomination form. Please contact Council if you can’t enter the competition online and we will find a solution for you.

Enter the competition here

PAGE 14 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Download the app here

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Rock and roll for paws

MUSICIANS from across the Far North will band together next weekend to present the Rock ‘n’ Roar for Paws music festival all to raise much-needed funds for the Mareeba Animal Refuge.

After putting out a cry for help on their Facebook page recently, the local refuge was inundated with support from people all across the Far North coming forward with donations and fundraising ideas.

Local music and animal lovers Tee Ketu and Aurelle Brunjes decided what better way to raise money than a music festival.

Aurelle, who will also be performing at the event, said the role the refuge played in the community was vital and hoped everyone would come to Bosca’s to dance with them for the future of the animals.

“We desperately need a place like this because they do such an important job rehabilitating them, getting them ready for adoption

by desexing them … it is so important to our town,” she said.

“I am bursting with excitement and honestly can’t wait to perform. There is a lot of work being done here, and a heap of artists have volunteered their time very willingly for such a great cause.

“The vibe is high, and now we just need the people in the audience to match it. Everyone is feeling the love for the animals.”

Refuge manager Jennifer Walsh said she was feeling eternally grateful for the organisers and artists who had come together to make the event happen.

“We are just dumbfounded. I cannot say just how grateful we are for the amazing people in this community,” she said.

The event will kick off from 11am on 3 December at Bosca’s in Mareeba. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rocknroar4-paws-mareeba-tickets-748961834007

Artists from across the Far North have volunteered their time to put together a music festival raising funds for the Mareeba Animal Refuge.

Mill future up in air

BY NICK DALTON MOSSMAN Mill’s board and senior management are urgently looking at several options to fund the 2024 crushing season after board chairman Rajinder Singh warned growers that the business’s viability next year was “not assured”.

However, mill general manager Bronwyn Dwyer said the 2024 crush had to go ahead as the crops were already in the ground and growers had already been notified of pricing for next year.

She said the mill currently employed between 130-150 employees within the milling operation and supported about 500 indirect jobs in the local community. There were about 85 growers with cane contracted to Far Northern Milling (FNM).

“The reduction in the tonnage and CCS

(Commercial Cane Sugar content of cane) from the original 2023 season forecast will result in a drop of around 10,500 tonnes of sugar which has placed the operation of the mill for the 2024 season in jeopardy,” Ms Dwyer said.

“It is imperative that the mill is operational for the 2024 season as growers have forward priced sugar and planted and fertilised the crop for next season.

“The board of FNM is working with stakeholders to secure the funds required to operate the mill for the 2024 season.”

Ms Dwyer said the mill was talking to state and federal governments about funding, the possibility of a grower’s levy (they already pay $2 per tonne) and/or private funding.

Mr Singh told growers in a letter on November 10 he hoped to update them on the

North Queensland’s Leading Automotive & Industrial Cooling System Specialist.

A Family Owned Local Business with over 35 Years experience!

situation next week.

“The viability of the mill for the 2024 season can no longer be assured,” he said.

“This change in position is, in part, a result of the following factors: “1. Significant reduction in actual crop tonnage as against that which was forecasted at the beginning of the 2023 season “2. Significant reduction in actual CCS as against that which was forecasted at the beginning of the 2023 season “3. Extended cane supply stoppages “4. Adverse weather conditions.

“Given the current uncertainty of the mill operations for the 2024 season, growers should strongly consider their farming and operational expenditure beyond the date of this correspondence (November 10).

“We will revert to growers once a path forward becomes clear.”

 New & Recores  Repairs  Cleanouts  Automotive  Intercoolers  Heat Exchangers  Mining & Industrial  Agricultural  Motorcycles  Restoration  Oil Coolers  Spare Parts  Consumables, PPC & Austech Products

P: (07) 4031 7388 | A: 11 Wellington Street, Cairns W: www.pacificradiators.com.au

Merry Mareeba

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Carols C arols

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

FACE PAINTING CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

SANTA & SO MUCH MORE

 BY 



CANDLELIGHT

STORY TIME

ST STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE

MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS CARD

St Stephen’s Catholic College is a co-educational secondary college offering a high quality and inclusive educational experience for students on the Tablelands. A St Stephen’s education empowers young people to look forward to a bright future with options and opportunities.

The St Stephen’s approach to learning is student-centred and provides connections for young people to achieve their personal best in a supportive environment with high expectations. Our spirit of service drives our students to step up to make the world a better place.

Visit the College website for more information on our quality Catholic secondary education.

FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER

– DOWNTOWN MAREEBA FROM 5.30PM – MORO AUTO REPAIRS Lot 3, McIver Road Mareeba PO Box 624 Mareeba Qld 4880 Phone: (07) 4086 2500 Email: ssm.office@cns.catholic.edu.au www.sscc.qld.edu.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 15

2023 FORMAL

ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday 16 November

Bianca Le’Gear.

Ella Kelly.

Natasha Bookall and Imogen Kelly.

Darcie Kruck, Tahlia Kruck and Ryanne Telford.

Hayley Beckham and Amy O’Sullivan.

Keith Harris and Latoya Abbott.

PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Tahlia Durrand.

Ruby Reedman and Caylen McHardie.

Ethan Norris and Amy Hunter.

Cameron Colless.

Alex Nasser and Bella Wilson.

Bella Diggins.

Jackson Scrivener and Talytha MacDonald

Kadee Clemesha.

Sarah Banks, Sarah Fitzgerald and Miah Cox.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

2023 FORMAL

ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday 16 November

Jasmine Batch.

Sianna Pritchard and Ellen Davis-Nicolson.

Molly Bell and Helena Knight-Kohl.

Johnathan Rosas.

Theo Plant.

Jordan Vecchiet-Reeves.

Alyssa Heath and Shy Hulse.

Dane Reis.

Baxter Hastie and Amber Withers.

Ronit Fitz and partner.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Sarah Dearlove and Tahni Webb.

Myles Stroud, Boston Page and Alwyn Lyall.

Alya Fleming and Dominic Behrendorff.

Abbie Centofanti, Layth Lees, Hannah Henderson, Jordan Cox and Lara Debney.

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 17

2023 FORMAL

ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday 16 November

Ethan Steptoe, Harrison Lawrence, Kane Lutz, Rain Johnston, Ethan Lang, Heath Maidment, Kaiden Morey, Jayden Kling, Max Turner, Adam McFarlane.

Oscar Byrnes, Kamran Khan, Aiden Smith and Dean Jones.

Noah Wilce, Loula Davis and Georgia Pedler.

Dexter Smith.

Seth Herbohn and Noah Blooranta.

Connor Wilkinson and Darcy Day.

Star daSilva and Boden Bouttell.

Jessica McCormick, Emily Kent and Partner.

Paige Brown and Adam Keevers.

Sam Ide and Tayla West.

Georgia Rockley and Morgan Grimshaw.

Brandon Heywood.

Storm Fitzgerald.

Hannah Smith.

PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Natarlia Weston.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

2023 FORMAL

ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday 16 November

Scarlett Howard.

Monica Brady.

Kira Micola.

Levi Dixon, Ruzeek Govender and Bailey Moore.

Ashleigh Johnson and Tenae Ghelfi.

Emily Mills.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Ryan Frazer and Grace Duck-Heard.

Ella Cooper.

Brennan MucKan.

Pamela Joe.

Lillian Caulfield-Anning.

Kaylan Toomey.

Bethany Bailey and Sophie Roberts.

Sarah O’Sullivan.

Breeuna O’Sullivan-Keough.

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 19

2023 FORMAL

MALANDA STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Friday 17 November

Principal Gary Toshach, Horse Kush and Jarrod Feeney.

Jaxon-Robert Blake.

Aaron Hayden.

Tara Lute.

Lana Ramsay and Ashley Johnston.

Isabel Bennett.

Vashti Riesenweber and Felix Radcliffe.

Oscar Stow, guest and Xavier Jones.

Haley Seres.

PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Daniel Shaughnessy and Yaseen Al Kahlout.

Guest and Georgia Speare.

Amy Tranter and Beth Hales.

Ges Chang Jeyes and Brady Cuda.

Austin Russo.

Gus Goetze.

Mia Cavanagh and Charlie Bloch.

Molly Roberts and Jaden Jackson.

Laney Walker.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

2023 FORMAL

MALANDA STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Friday 17 November

Emily Cairns, Emily McEwan and Mishaal Corea.

Juliette Hurst.

Willow Weirman.

Rianna Binnie and Ben Malki.

Ned Davis, Cooper O’Bree and Ryan Johnstone.

Jayden Mansfield, Lachlan Murray and Kane Taylor.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Heidi Ryan and Tegan Taylor-Kehoe.

Brady Mamalis and Austin Turner.

Talina Johnson.

Harvey Horan, Romi Saxon and Matthew Nielsen.

Danielle Bowden.

Saana Atkinson.

Carley Shephard.

Aston Foster and Marlee Smith.

Amy Neal.

Harry Earsman and Teesha Potts.

Slade DeLai.

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 21

enter to win

$1,500

in local Christma s Vouchers START SHOPPING TODAY! OFFICE SUPPLIES PRINTING OFFICE FURNITURE

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

Merry Christmas to all our valued customers. Thank you for your continued support of our family owned local business.

• BAR • BISTRO • POKIES • KENO

Large Hall with Stage Available for Functions, Shows and Weddings!

4091 2010 | athertongas.com.au 27 Mabel Street, Atherton

PRODUCERS OF: Mango Wines, Sparkling, Port, Mango & Citrus Liqueur Wines & Dragon Cello MULTIPLE BUY DISCOUNTS & SHIPPING AUSTRALIA WIDE

Merry Christmas from Jan & Eva Arena!

677 Bilwon Road, Mareeba Phone (07) 4093 2593

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

Chris tmas Gifts the whole family will Love

FOLLOW THE SIGNS NORTH FROM MAREEBA TO 227 BILWON ROAD BIBOOHRA

199 Byrnes St, Mareeba I Ph 4092 1133

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

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff.

3 Beames Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 2086

CLOSED: December 24th - 27th OPEN: December 28th - 30th CLOSED: December 31st - January 3rd

Merry Christmas from the T-Hire Team!

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

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

Mareeba 4092 2290

Atherton 4091 1122

Malanda 4096 5300

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

PAGE 22 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

SHOP LOCAL! SHOP TODAY! ENTER NOW!

SHOP AT PARTICIPATING STORES and go into the draw to win one of

THREE GIFT VOUCHER PACKS VALUED AT $500 EACH!

three weeks, three winners

ENDS DECEMBER 11, 2023

MAREEBA

ATHERTON

P: 07 4086 5100

P: 07 4089 2800

26 James St, Mareeba Q.4880

79-85 Grove St, Atherton Q.4883

Proudly supporting our local communities.

Proudly supporting our local communities.

Season’s Greetings!

23 Mabel St, Atherton Phone 4091 1788

"We keep you Flying!"

Seasons Greeting from Management and Staff.

284 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 1659

• Lingerie • Sleepwear • Swimwear • Dry Cleaning

ristmas!

Merry ChPhone 4091 3839 13c Herberton Road, Atherton

All clients attending an appointment during the month of December go into the draw to WIN a huge Christmas Hamper worth over $300 includes groceries and a Physio voucher.

We would also like to thank all our valued clients for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

OPEN 5 Like Us On Facebook

DAYS

A: 229 Byrnes St, Mareeba - 26 Eclipse Dr, Atherton P: 4092 2255 BOOK NOW: www.performancephysiomareeba.com.au

Season’s Greetings!

253 Byrnes St, Mareeba Phone 4092 4900

MAXIMUM PROTECTION

FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS! ● Commercial ● Residential ● Termites

P: 4092 1999 | M: 0418 150 759 MAREEBA 1 Vaughan St.

I

ATHERTON 30 Main St.

www.maxpestman.com

HANSEN FORD Specialist provider of technical advice and expertise across:  Pumping  Irrigation  Filtration  All aspects of water and fluid management

www.pumpingirrigation.com.au Mareeba (07) 4092 1622 Serving Mareeba, Far North Queensland, Northern Territory & Torres Strait since 1978.

Hap

oli py H

days

Season’s Greetings from Management and Staff!

40-46 Eclipse Drive, 26 Reynolds Street, Atherton QLD 4883 Mareeba QLD 4880 (07) 4091 3100 (07) 4092 2711

Go Further

YOUR NUMBER ONE LOCAL CHILDREN’S SHOP! Stocking a wide range of childrens toys, educational, meal time, sensory, back to school and so much more!

SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME @

WWW.WOODNPLAY.COM.AU 0435 832 144

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

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

!

Jigsaw Puzzles | Board Games Brain Teasers The Red Sheds 3/20 Eacham Rd. Yungaburra hello@plutoandnessie.com | Ph: 0423160874

www.plutoandnessie.com

Ror y, Jacky and Staff wish all their clients a happy festive season!

The HUMPY/ NUT WORLD Season’s Greetings from Giovanna and Staff!

No 1 KENNEDY HWY, TOLGA - 4095 4102

OPEN 7 DAYS

Merry Christmas from the team at Far North Office Choice!

OPEN: 8am - 5pm Weekdays 8:30am – 12 noon Saturdays Corner Byrnes & Rankin Sts, Mareeba | Phone 4092 2088

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

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 23

ENTERTAINMENT Christmas fun is coming to towns CHRISTMAS is already here, with two major community events planned for this week at Malanda and Dimbulah, and the first Carols

by Candlelight “Downtown” event set to get things festive in Mareeba on 1 December.

This Thursday, Malanda will transform into a magical, familycentred shopping bonanza with lots of fun in store.

This year’s Christmas Street Festival will feature more than 70 food vendors, not-for-profit organisations, and local retail stalls.

From kid-friendly activities to latenight shopping opportunities at participating businesses and an exclusive chance to capture the spirit of the season with Santa Claus himself, the event is set to ignite the holiday spirit in all who attend.

It will be on from 4pm-8pm.

On Saturday, it’s Dimbulah’s turn to get into the festive spirit with Christmas Under the Stars to be staged from 5pm at the Dimbulah Memorial Hall and park.

Features of the event include more than 30 market stalls, singing and dancing performances, live entertainment by band Dr Elephant, pedal karts of various styles

and sizes, and Bugzy Bumblebee playing games and blowing amazing bubbles.

There’s also the huge Cent Sale with over 60 prizes from QCWA Dimbulah, and a 2m high huge Christmas Stocking raffle valued over $1000.

Plenty of different food offerings will also be available and Mr and Mrs Claus will make an appearance on the night.

As part of Rotary Mareeba's Carols by Candlelight event to be held for the first time in Byrnes Street on Friday 1 December, organisers are calling for interested stallholders who would like to be a part of the markets.

The new Carols event will feature face painting, market stalls, and Christmas photos with Santa and much more.

Stallholders can contact coordinator@mareebamarkets.org.au to indicate their interest and will be forwarded an application form.

Limited spots available so register as early as possible, with applications to close on Monday 27 November. As local food businesses will be open late, no food vendors are required.

Village Christmas shopping event PREPARE for an unforgettable holiday shopping experience at the Historic Village Herberton’s exclusive one-night Christmas event on Thursday, 30 November.

This special occasion unlocks the doors to the picturesque gift shop and lively markets on the front lawn, providing a unique opportunity to find the perfect Christmas gifts.

For one night only, The Village Giftshop is also offering a 20% dis-

count storewide.

Historic Village Herberton gift shop manager Karen Day said the Christmas Fair was a great opportunity to fill the Christmas stockings with unique local gifts.

“There are seven markets stalls with gorgeous one-of-a-kind creations from local artisans,” she said.

“This is also a chance to enjoy significant savings on gifts and holiday essentials in our gift shop with the 20% off offer.”

AT TH 20 % OF F ST OR EW ID E

Guests can also indulge in complimentary wine and cheese, courtesy of the Historic Village as well as exclusive tastings from Wild River Distillery.

The Christmas Market Fair will be held 30 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

ABOVE: Plenty of interesting gifts will be discounted in price at Historic Village Herberton’s exclusive one-night Christmas event on 30 November.

E VI LL AG E GI FT SH OP

HISTORIC VILLAGE P I O N E E R M US E U M

POP-UP

CHRISTMAS S HOP PI NG EV E N T

EVERY THURSDAY Lunch & Dinner

MONSTER CRUMBED STEAK

With Chips & Gravy

1 7 90

$

3 0 T H N OV E M B E R 4 . 3 0 P M - 7. 3 0 P M

THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL Bundy Rum Cubes 24 Pack Cans: $92

Available at Cellarbrations Bottleshops: Centre Cellars Mareeba, Mareeba Plaza Cellars and the Graham Hotel Drive Thru.

C O M P L I M E N TA RY W I N E & C H E E S E • 20% off storewide at the Village Gift Shop

• Gin from Wild River Mountain Distillery

• Market Stalls & Local Handcrafted Items

• Food Tastings, Christmas Cooking and More

400G

187 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 2588

JOKER JACKPOT 7.00PM

Friday Nights TAB LUCKY LOSER

4pm Saturday Afternoon

PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

6 Broadway Herberton Queensland 4887 • 07 4096 2002

www.historicvillageherberton.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

race New gallery showcases decades of work Country day awaits A MAREEBA artist has opened the doors to her home to share almost 30 years of her artwork with the community.

Gioia Dalla Lana is a passionate artist and has devoted countless hours to painting hundreds of pieces over the years.

With her house running out of wall space to showcase her creations, Gioia decided it was time to share her art with the public and offer some pieces for sale just in time for Christmas.

“I’ve got too much, and I want to keep painting, so I feel like I won’t be able to do more unless I make room,” she said.

“I moved into this house around six months ago, and there was this little room that I didn’t know what to do with, and then it dawned on me that this would be the perfect place to have the gallery.”

From portraits to fruits to landscapes, Gioia’s art spans from her time with the Cairns Art Society, the Mareeba Art Society, Art on the Barron workshops and her own “PARTies” workshops she runs.

“I have lost track of when I started painting. I started out with folk art many, many years ago and then outgrew it and graduated to canvas,” she said.

RACEGOERS are set to flock to Morrow Park in Tolga this Saturday for the Serra Drilling Race Day. With the weather looking good, the country race day is expected to attract a good crowd.

On track, the day will feature a fiverace card, with all five events offering a total of $10,000 in prizemoney.

To keep the crowd entertained, there will be Fashions on the Field, free kids activities, hot food and cold drinks and more.

Gates open at 11am, with the first race set to run at 1pm. For more information visit the Atherton Turf Club's Facebook page.

Mareeba artist Gioia Dalla Lana has opened the doors of her home to showcased her art.

“I’ve always been arty … I have just kept being inspired by these workshops, and it’s just been really good.”

For Gioia, art is more than just a visual delight – it's an essential aspect of life.

She hopes that her art will serve as an ongoing source of inspiration and bring joy to those

Jasmin Benselum, Amber Leask, Kareena Duncan and Shannon Linener.

who view it.

“I never know how to put it in words, but art is necessary, and it really is more than just painting pretty things,” she said.

“I have a few ladies who come for workshops … and they use it as their mental health days to just come and destress and forget everything else.

“When you are painting, you put everything aside, and it’s the perfect me time.”

Gioia will be officially opening her art gallery at 7 Dunston Street, Mareeba on Sunday 26 November. She welcomes the public to come along, check out her paintings and find a Christmas gift for their loved ones.

Free park concert ANOTHER free concert will be held at Yungaburra’s Rotunda in Bruce Jones Park in early December.

A family-friendly free event, audience members will be treated to entertainment by Bold As Brass Two on 10 December from 4pm-6pm.

Bring along a chair, blanket, or rug, and reserve your piece of front-row lawn. Refreshments are available from nearby shops.

Attendees can donate directly to the band if they wish. All are welcome to attend this Sunday in the Park event.

Parking is available via Elm Street.

Alternative venue in case of rain is the Yungaburra Hotel.

THEO’S BAR GRAND OPENING SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER

Mechal Granich, Brett Granich and Mary-Anne Tranter.

DJ Zac Gageler.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 25

ON LAND the

Wild about vanilla

BY BRIGITTE DALEY IT’S not every day that you hear about a toothpick being an indispensable component of a farming operation, but for Wild Vanilla located at Malanda, it is exactly that.

Wild Vanilla co-owner Rebekah Freeman said it was the most valuable item they had.

“The toothpick would have to be the smallest farm tool on earth and we cannot run our farm without it!” Rebekah said.

“Vanilla flowers are only open for a few hours each morning and require hand fertilising with a toothpick in order to produce a single bean.

“If they are not fertilised within this time frame, we lose the flower and potential bean forever.”

The business name Wild Vanilla was derived from the fact that the operation’s vanilla is grown mostly under the canopy of the rainforest as opposed to in poly tunnels or shade houses.

“My dad and I were interested in the fact that vanilla grows from an orchid vine and wanted to learn more about it,” Rebekah said.

“It grew into a passion and we love the challenge of creating a high-quality, consistent product together as a family.

“We grow on trellises and use the natural rainforest canopy to control light and humidity.”

Vanilla is not grown from seed and cuttings are used to propagate the plants instead.

It requires a delicate balance of light, humidity, nutrients and temperature in order to produce beans. This greatly minimises the potential growing locations available to it.

“Plants take a number of years to mature before they flower,” Rebekah said.

“Fertilising flowers requires a lot of attention. After the flowers have been pollinated, it takes another nine months for the beans to grow to maturity.

“We harvest the beans by hand on a daily schedule. We look for signs of readiness and then proceed to hand wash, dry, blanch, sweat, dry and cure each bean.”

Vanilla beans require a very labour intensive and long curing process.

“We have formulated our own highly scientific approach to this to ensure our customers receive premium quality and consistently flavoured products,” Rebekah said.

“The beans then take up to six months to be processed and cured and this is reflected in our unique flavour profile.

“We have been growing and experimenting with vanilla as a hobby for many years, but pursued it as a business in just the last two years.”

The team members involved in the business include Rebekah, her brother and parents. They all work full time and are spread out between Atherton and Brisbane. Farm manager India Whitton helps with the daily running of the farm.

Vanilla Planifolia is grown exclusively as it has the highest percentage of vanillin of all commercially grown varieties.

The vanilla plantation currently comprises of roughly 1500-2000 plants.

Production is steadily increasing each year to several hundred kilograms per annum.

Wild Vanilla is currently focusing on the farm’s production and on producing the highest quality and consistent product possible. It intends to increase the size of its operation in the future.

“The vanilla orchid is the only food producing orchid,” Rebekah said.

“It requires a lot of knowledge, attention and time to produce beans.

“It prefers to grow above ground in mulch or in an orchid mix.

CK3710 HST ROPS

37HP

INCLUDES 4IN1 LOADER

4 YEAR WARRANTY °

1.95% P.A.

37 HP Kioti diesel engine | 3 range HST transmission Twin pedal HST transmission | Linked pedal (auto throttle) 2x rear remotes standard | Cruise Control

35,995

INC GST

^

$

FINANCE^

EHER E S RA

IMPLEMENT DEALS HALF PRICE BACKHOE ONLY $ 4,998

Part of Wild Vanilla’s plantation.

INSET: A vanilla flower. Wild Vanilla produces premium, 100% organic vanilla products. IMAGES: Sarah Kendall Photography.

“Vanilla beans are like coffee beans. The curing process greatly affects the flavour profile of our products.

“With the help of some coffee experts and food scientists, we have been able to create a consistent vanilla bean that has a strong chocolate base note with floral and raisin top notes.”

Rebekah feels that vanilla is an emerging industry on the Atherton Tablelands.

“I would say that yes, vanilla is in the early stages of people trying to break into the industry,” she said.

“It requires a very high-level of attention and knowledge and a significant investment of money and time over a number of years to gain a return.

“There is some limited opportunity to expand. The vanilla orchid can only tolerate a very limited range of growing conditions in order to be a viable plant and this restricts the potential growing areas.”

Scrub turkeys and kangaroos are considered to be the operation’s biggest threat and challenge as they like to dig up the mulch and nibble on leaves.

“We have managed this by fencing the farm,” Rebekah said.

“Another hurdle is the lack of accurate research for produc-

ers to access. There is a lot of misinformation spread about the requirements for growing and producing high-quality vanilla.

“We relish overcoming the challenges of growing and producing a premium product as a family and are very grateful for all the support, encouragement and advice from other farmers.

“We enjoy working as a team and connecting with other farmers and passionate food producers.

“We have a passion for vanilla and absolutely love the flavour and smell of it.

“Vanilla invokes delicious childhood memories, imparts amazing flavour to both savoury and sweet dishes and drinks, has the ability to reduce bitterness in various foods (eg. chocolate, marmalades, coffee) and has mild anti-bacterial properties.

“It is also a highly versatile ingredient and is used in a very wide range of products.

“We are 100% organic and are planning to obtain certification soon. Our goal is to produce high-quality, organic, Australian vanilla.

“Vanilla requires a very highlevel of input and labour to produce something worth selling and this is reflected in its price point.

“It is possible to obtain

SUGAR REPORT



Fm SL

1.2

INC GST

Only available on purchase with a new Kioti CK3710 Series tractor. ^° T&C’s apply. See www.kioti.com.au for details. Pre-delivery and freight charges may apply. Pricing valid until 29.02.24 or while stocks last.



S P R I N G /S U M M E R 2 3 CATA LO G U E SCAN TO VIEW

OFFICE: 07 4095 4455 SALES: 0407 417 546 OR 0488 043 906 22-24 Lawson St, Tolga, QLD, 4882 w w w. n q a g s e r v i c e s . c o m . a u

PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

cheaper imported vanilla from third world countries, however the quality is substantially less and often involves a lot of mistreatment of workers, undercutting and a lack of fair trade principles and standards.

“We are currently producing vanilla beans, powder, syrup and three types of extracts to meet different market needs.

“We mostly sell to commercial food producers but customers can access our retail products online at our website wildvanilla.au and at specialty food stores in various locations across Queensland.

“We are very pleased with the feedback and interest shown in our products and were recently invited to participate in the Good Food and Wine Show in Brisbane.”

For further information, contact Rebekah Freeman on 0477 128 569 or visit www.wildvanilla.au

WE SUPPLY: • Fertiliser • Chemicals • Soil Analysis • Great Advice 26 Reynolds Street, Mareeba Phone: 4092 2711 40-46 Eclipse Drive, Atherton Phone: 4091 3100

TABLELAND MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS WEEK ENDING 12/11/2023 2023 Crop Estimate: 790,000 Tonnes Total For Week: 24,665 Tonnes Total Cane Crushed To Date: 721,199 Tonnes Percentage Crushed: 91.29% CCS For Week: 13.76 CCS Average To Date: 13.79

MOSSMAN MILL CRUSHING STATISTICS WEEK ENDING 12/11/2023 Total For Week: 21,940 Tonnes Total Cane Crushed To Date: 352,140 Tonnes CCS For Week: 11.68 CCS Average To Date: 11.70

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ON LAND the

Jerry’s cows are ‘cream of the crop’

BY BRIGITTE DALEY IN the dairying world winning an “On Farm Challenge” is a significant achievement. Winning two, involving different breeds is deemed to be a remarkable feat.

This year, this feat was made even more remarkable with the winner of both the Atherton Tablelands Jersey and Red Cow On Farm Challenges being 22-year-old stud dairy cattle breeder Jerry English.

An On Farm Challenge is similar to a show but no preshow preparation of the animals is necessary.

The preparation of animals for a show can be a very arduous and time consuming process involving such things as teaching the animals how to lead, clipping, washing, grooming, special feeding and, as well, the animals must be transported to the showgrounds and back to their farm of origin.

In an On Farm Challenge, the cows are judged on farm in their “working clothes”.

The competition is solely for females.

The youngest class is the Heifer Dry under 2 1/2 years class with “in milk” classes extending upwards throughout the different ages to also include mature cows.

This year, two On Farm Challenges were held on the Atherton Tablelands for dairy cattle, one for the Jersey breed and a second one for “Red Cows”.

In the jersey challenge, animals entered had to be eligible for registration. For the red cow challenge, both purebred stud dairy females as well as commercial dairy females were able to be entered.

In the red cow challenge, four different red breeds were judged on farm which included Illawarras, Aussie Reds, Red and White Holsteins and Guernseys.

There was strong support shown for this year’s competitions with around 23 exhibitors entering a total of 123 dairy females from all across the Tablelands.

A separate Holstein On Farm Challenge was held on the Tablelands earlier in the year, with 98 animals entered.

All Breeds Committee representative Greg English said the idea for an On Farm Challenge eventuated due to people wanting to showcase their dairy cattle but not having the time, resources or money to take them to a show.

“This year’s Red Cow Challenge was possibly a first in Queensland,” Greg said.

“With the Tablelands On Farm Challenges, one judge

JERSEY ON FARM CHALLENGE RESULTS CHAMPION COW: Long Lanes VH Donaria - Jerry English RESERVE CHAMPION COW: Bevandale Matt Jane 3 - H & A Bevan BEST UDDER: Long Lanes Bontino Brownlady - RJ & CJ Hartin & GK & BJ English

RED COW ON FARM CHALLENGE RESULTS CHAMPION COW: Eachamvale Erin 4 - Jerry English RESERVE CHAMPION COW: Eachamvale Joan 10 - English Family BEST UDDER: Eachamvale Joan 10 - English Family The All Breeds Committee would like to extend a very special thank you to everyone who participated in this competition, with appreciation to all competitors who were highly organised for the event. The committee would also like to thank judge Colin Daley and power point creator Catherine English.

A special thanks is also extended to Paul and Mary Newland for hosting the presentation and dinner.

travels to all farms. The winner of the Atherton Tablelands Jersey On Farm Challenge now goes on to compete in ‘The Great Northern Challenge’.

“This involves animals competing against others across the whole of Queensland and part of northern New South Wales.”

This year’s judge was Colin Daley from Millaa Millaa who judged both the Jersey and the Red Cow sections.

Scooping the pool and winning both the Jersey and the Red Cow On Farm Challenges for this year with Long Lanes VH Donaria and Eachamvale Erin 4 respectively , Jerry English said he felt extremely happy with the result.

Long Lanes VH Donaria also won Champion Jersey Cow at last year's Malanda Show.

“Across the two challenges there were a lot of good cows

Champion Cow at this year’s Atherton Tablelands Jersey On Farm Challenge was Long Lanes VH Donaria. Photo: Anne Daley.

Jerry English with Eachamvale Erin 4 who won Champion Cow at this year’s Atherton Tablelands Red Cow On Farm Challenge.

Photo: Catherine English.

GET CARRIED AWAY WITH...

TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS

SERVICING: • Cairns • Mossman • Port Douglas • Cooktown • Croydon • Normanton • Karumba • Coen • Musgrave • Archer River • Weipa  BODY TRUCKS  SEMI TRAILERS  REFRIGERATED VANS  DROP DECK TRAILERS

4035 4022

AFTER HOURS: 0418 183 399 • FAX: 4035 4021 25 REDDEN ST, CAIRNS • EMAIL: val@tuxworth.com.au

ESTABLISHED 1972

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

and a lot of good competition,” Jerry said.

“I was very appreciative of the effort that Mum and Dad and the rest of the family also put in for the animals involved.”

Jerry said he would encourage anyone interested in entering next year’s Jersey and Red Cow On Farm Challenges to do so as there was not the same amount of effort involved with this competition as there was in taking dairy females to a show.

“You don’t have to take any extra time out of your day to get cows ready for an On Farm Challenge,” he said.

“If you think that you have a cow that is good, chances are that other people will think so as well and there’s every chance that she’ll do alright.

“You may be surprised at how well you may go as a firsttime exhibitor.”

Specialist provider of technical advice and expertise across:  Pumping  Irrigation  Filtration  All aspect of water and fluid management

www.pumpingirrigation.com.au Mareeba (07) 4092 1622 8 Reynolds Street, MAREEBA Q.4880 Serving Mareeba, Far North QLD, Northern Territory & Torres Strait since 1978.

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 27

e th to LETTERS editor VOCAL LOCAL HAVE YOUR SAY @ editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Name triggers memories

WE are currently being bombarded by advertising of “Black Sales”.

Black Friday sales originated back in 1980s in the U.S.A. This was when merchants started to spread Red-To-“Black” profits. Here in Australia, for reasons only known to retail sales companies, they have jumped onto something they feel will increase their profits.

It saddens me every time I hear “Black November” and especially “Black Friday” sales as these particular times here in Australia refer to disastrous bushfires where there was massive loss of human lives, loss of homes and properties.

Black Friday fires in 1939, 71 people lost their lives and 650 buildings were destroyed.

Then we had February 2009 Black Saturday fires which became the worst natural disaster in Australia's history - 173 lives lost.

3500 buildings destroyed (2029 of them were homes) 450,000 hectares burnt.

Loss of wildlife could never be estimated.

I feel for the people who have lost loved ones or friends when they are reminded every time they turn their TV on.

I personally had the unfortunate experience of having my eight-year-old daughter caught up in the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983. She was on a school camp in the Victorian Dandenong Ranges. Her mother and myself went through sheer hell for 24 hours not knowing or being able to find out where our daughter and her classmates were.

Later, we found out that these kids were right in the middle of it. Luckily, they were returned safely to us. Those kids went through hell and back.

So, I say to our Australian generals of corporate power: How's about considering people’s feelings before heading off to fill your corporate pockets by advertising schemes that aren't even Australian.

Why have you got to copy something foreign?

Time to stop being unfeeling of your customers and think for yourselves for a change.

Ian Lummis TINAROO

Offering an alternative view to Campion’s I’D like to offer an alternative view to those of Mr Campion.

I identify as part of the left. Calling the ALP, the Teals and the LNP left wing is laughable.

They are all embedded in an extreme free market system that is based on greed and individualism. A brutal system that is being compounded by fascist forces of nationalism, militarism, hatred and vilification of others.

As a society, we are fractured, unhappy, angry and increasingly feeling alone. We distrust politicians and corporations more than any other sectors and with good reason.

We no longer have a democracy, we have a corporate state where money and power matter far more than the community, health or happiness.

It is a system that takes, but doesn’t give, and this has been the source of most of the extreme problems that we as a society and culture face. How Campion sees communism operating in Australia is beyond my ken.

Fifty of the 100 biggest world economies

are corporations and they do what they want.

Most of them pay little or no tax.

It is no accident that the representatives of the extreme right, like Robert Welch or Donald Trump, are wealthy and privileged – and this is the class to which Mr Campion belongs or aspires to.

The rich ain’t gonna give us nothing.

They make some believe – like Mr Campion – that serving the interests of the rich is actually good for you. As Spinoza said, they seek servitude as if it is their salvation.

The price we pay for allowing the super wealthy and privileged to run our lives is that we are ignored, commodified, treated with contempt. We are cheated, gouged, lied to, overcharged and under-serviced. Everyone knows the corporate-political class only cares about us to the extent we are consumers.

We don’t take care of the homeless. We don’t take care of the elderly. The healthcare system is being hollowed out by stealth. We demonise asylum seekers as though they are fault for the misery they flee.

We destroy the environment – our life support systems – with absolute indifference.

Our planning laws ignore residents and communities in favour of developers. We clear more land every year than any countries except Brazil and the Congo – and we subsidise the companies that are killing us.

This is what the right-wing world we live in has brought us. We are just one more disposable commodity and Mr Campion seems to want even more of this treatment.

And then there is climate change. The science is now so voluminous that it stands with evolution as a theory that has, in all its fundamentals, been proved.

And it is absolutely clear that both the physical and social impacts of climate change will have devastating consequences for all of us. Thousands of scientists have given us the science and now they are literally pleading for governments to act.

These are not scientists paid by governments or corporations to say these things – an absurd notion because no government is doing what the science says needs to be done – including the ALP which pays lip service and then approves more mines, more subsidies, more gas hubs.

And obviously profit hungry corporations don’t pay scientists to invent climate change.

Mr Campion might want to look at the papers released this year in a US court case against Exxon, showing their scientists knew in the 1980s that climate change was happening and predicted its impacts with incredible accuracy.

And what did Exxon do? They spent millions manufacturing doubt on their own science,, convincing gullible people like Mr Campion that it is all a con, just as the tobacco industry did years before.

Sham science, scam narratives, absurd memes and messages. I hear the same nonsense over and over, idiotic attempts to dismiss climate change and virtually all of the excuses I hear every day have been made up by the Exxons of the world.

Read the science. Stop cherry picking data, stop denying the undeniable. Stop trying to make the debates about climate change into a quasi-religious argument based on faith and half – baked ignorance.

This is happening now, everywhere, and people are dying because of it.

Download for FREE from iTunes or Google Play PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Our social and political systems are already unstable. The breakdown of our climate systems will hasten the breakdown of our societies.

I grieve for my children and grandchildren. Their world is going to be nasty, violent and dangerous and, according to scientists, heading towards being unliveable.

Jeremy Tager TOPAZ

Protect the Rail Trail I FIND it quite disturbing that Tablelands Regional Council is poised to make a decision on whether to sell off part of our rail trail to a handful of business owners.

Between Manthey and Beantree Road is an almost 2km stretch that concerned groups were trying to add value to by planting trees and beautifying the area.

Certain members of our council have declared this section to be “unused” and are keen to sell a portion to the businesses that about it. I would like to point out that this “unused” section is traversed daily by many people.

I walk it every week and pass many others in just the limited time I am out there.

Our local running club used to use it every month until they could no longer tolerate the changed trail surface and encroachment by the Tolga Pub on the subsequent section between Beantree and the Tolga-Kairi Road.

If our councillors were able to consider all their constituents views, including those of the council’s own Rail Trail Advisory Committee, rather than just a handful of business owners, maybe they would see the value in maintaining this area for recreational use.

The Tolga Industrial Estate businesses have declared that stormwater and water drainage is of huge concern along this section and it is true, there is localised flooding during the wet season.

However, increasing the land the businesses have to develop along does nothing to mitigate such problems. For example, Ergon energy has impinged onto the rail trail corridor between Grove St and the bridge with a new fence and large concrete slab since the last wet season.

A concrete slab does not allow water to filter down into the soils and tree roots; at best it funnels water to a drain, and such drains are always overrun during a shortlived flood event. If similar projects were to be allowed by the Industrial Estate businesses, it will not prevent or lessen any such flooding.

I urge anyone who has any interest in our rail trail to attend the council meeting on 23 November at 9am, and put the pressure on our councillors to take the greater community into consideration in regards to their decision.

Sandra Butler ATHERTON

Perplexed by TV signal CAN anyone out there in television land please explain to me why digital TV doesn’t work and pixilates or goes blank when the weather is hot and dry or windy and wet and when a program is on, while the sport and ads work perfectly?

L. Allen RAVENSHOE

Locals have been giving their thoughts on whether to replace or upgrade the Barron River bridge at Kuranda in response to the Department of Transport and Main Roads Since when does TMR consult. This is a delaying strategy to get past the next election cycle. Get on with it and stop the delays. Kuranda and surrounds need results. – Mick Trout Build a new road to the coast, a new bridge won't fix the range safety problem and with the population increasing its urgently needed...and stop wasting money and false promises on studies and other useless projects to delay this...time to get on with it. – Richard Eussen Govt: “We have listened to your feedback and agree we need more cameras.” – Nicholas Gregg Common sense says just build the new road and keep the old repaired bridge for tourism. - John Powell-Thomas Just build a new bridge and add more speed cameras to the range, one will pay for the other. – Warren Bonham Given the slowness of DTMR planning should take 10 years! – Graham Sweeper Build an alternative route for daily commuters and leave the old route for tourists and drivers not being able to keep up with speed limit. – Claudia Schmeink Stop buggarising around Main Roads and just build a new bridge or better still another road option. – Kevin Conoplia If there has to be a temp bridge built to repair the current one, why not just build a new one and then repair the old one to provide two lanes either way for future growth…and in the meantime use a lane for the very few cyclists and pedestrians that would use the bridge. – Michael Coates For what they have paid in bridge inspections and feasibility studies, could have just built a new bridge. Have to wonder what relative got the bridge inspection contract for the past 3 years or more. – Cam Wan Obviously a new bridge is needed, preferably four lanes to cater for future expansion... but keep the old bridge in place as a pedestrians access, possibly for local traffic only but something that could also be used to divert the highway should the new bridge require maintenance or be closed for an accident. – Patrick Giddins This is a no brainer, with Cairns growing exponentially we need a new bridge to carry us into the future! Fixing an outdated increasingly dangerous bridge is not only stupid but not practical! The huge amount of money that's been spent on repairing the existing outdated bridge we could have had a new bridge built by now! Absolute joke! Christie Nash

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

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

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

What more could you ask for?

SITUATED in an exquisite and well sought after area of Upper Barron is 4.26 hectares of beautiful lush ground, boasting magical views of the green rolling hills and beyond.

Modern in design this impressive quality home showcases the finest of family living. Featuring a beautiful timber kitchen, cork tile flooring throughout and spacious open plan living which houses a fireplace.

There are 4 great sized bedrooms, office as well as 2 luxuriously designed bathrooms, one of which features a large spa bath.

Wide sliding glass doors open out onto the patio which overlooks the pool and spectacular views of rural pastures, dams and all the way across to the Herberton Range.

Manicured lawns, established trees and gardens create beautiful tranquil spaces

with plenty of room for the kids to play, grow vegetable gardens and raise chickens.

There are two large sheds with lights and power connected plus an additional toilet shower and laundry.

There are 3 paddocks with improved pastures, good fencing with the added protection of electric wire around the boundary fence. Smart water infrastructure has the ability to utilise both rain and bore water for the house

and paddocks. Rain water storage totals 85,000 litres across three tanks This is the opportunity you have been waiting for - a lifestyle farm in a perfect location!

For more information contact agent, Morgan Brennan, at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 7111. http://raywhiteruralatherton.com. au/L18447858

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

Atherton

22 Main Street, Atherton Phone: 4091 7111

BIG HOUSE, BIG SHED, BIG BLOCK Peeramon • 2 storey home on 9,986m2 • 5 bedrooms + sunroom • Internal and external staircase • Second living downstairs • 3 bay and 1 bay powered sheds • 4 water tanks + solar pump $732,000 L25401165 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

Margaret Black: Principal www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

UPPER BARRON $POA Morgan Brennan Ray White Atherton 0407 730 450 or 4091 7111

LIFESTYLE & SUSTAINABILITY Malanda • Set on approx. 13 acres • 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home • Modern kitchen, heaps of space • Secondary living area • Creek on boundary • Fruit trees and veggie gardens $ P.O.A. L24521151 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

QUIRKY & ELEVATED Herberton • Set on approx. 1 acre • Solid split level home • 2 bedroom + loft space • Raked ceiling and fireplace • 3 bay shed and covered carport • Close to town, very private Offers Over $360,000 L25427432 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

FARMING LIFESTYLE Ravenshoe • Set on 30.79 hectares • Fenced into 4 paddocks • Undercover cattle yards • 24m x 12m machinery shed • 2 storey shed house • 5.4kw solar system $ P.O.A. ATH22479330 Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 29

PROPERTY

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

Secluded oasis nestled amongst acres of beauty and a babbling creek

NESTLED on a sprawling 5-acre oasis, this stunning real estate gem is the epitome of luxury and comfort.

With solid masonry block construction, this home has an incredibly spacious layout and is well maintained.

Recent additions include an outdoor kitchen/BBQ entertaining area and a heated Enviro swimming pool, ensuring endless enjoyment for you and your loved ones.

Low maintenance and stylish polished concrete floors throughout the home offer a modern touch that also adds to the ease of upkeep.

The heart of the home, the spacious chef's kitchen, boasts a large island bench with a timber top, soft-closing drawers, gas stove, electric

oven, and a convenient butler's pantry.

It's the perfect space for culinary enthusiasts and those who love to entertain.

The home offers four massive bedrooms, with three of them featuring built-in cupboards and air conditioning.

The master suite is complete with a private Ensuite, providing a personal sanctuary for relaxation. For those who need a dedicated workspace, a designated office/ study area with built-in storage cupboards is at your disposal.

This feature ensures that you can maintain productivity without compromising on comfort and style.

There is an abundance of storage throughout the home including ceiling storage ac-

cessible via built-in stairs.

The spacious open plan living and dining area includes a central wood heater, creating a cozy ambiance for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

The main bathroom with modern features, includes a separate bathtub, double shower and a stylishly tiled finish that extends to the ceiling.

Step outside to the durable and long-lasting composite decking surrounding the swimming pool area.

Entertaining is a breeze with the spacious outdoor entertaining area complete with a kitchenette, BBQ area, and a gas heater. This space adjoins the heated, built-in Enviro swimming pool, providing year-round fun and

relaxation.

The property's expansive landscape is a blend of partially cleared spaces, featuring a tranquil creek at the front boundary, and well-established trees that provide the ultimate privacy and seclusion.

The cleared and grassed area around the home is perfect for kids to play and includes landscaping, a sprinkler system, and drainage for your convenience.

For the eco-conscious, the property is equipped with a 13.5kw solar power system, helping to reduce your

carbon footprint and energy bills.

Additional amenities include a 4.6m x 7m storage shed/workshop with power and insulation and a 7.2m x 7m carport/storage area, providing ample storage space for all your needs.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a slice of paradise that combines modern Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

DAIMIN KOCHI 0448 916 246

CHARMING CHARACTER HOME • Charming Kairi home with polished floorboards • 3 bedrooms with airconditioning • Open plan living, modern kitchen with gas cooktop • Spacious outdoor patio, shed, 2 car storage • Fully fenced 1062m2 block with no rear neighbours • Short drive to Atherton and Tinaroo $450,000

A LOCATION THAT CAN’T BE BEAT • Masonry block home on 1031m2 allotment • 3 bedrooms, 2 with built-in cupboards • Open plan layout, renovated bathroom & laundry • Recently repainted interior & exterior • Large private rear patio, security screens throughout • Lockable garden shed & single covered carport $484,000

luxury with a serene, private setting.

This property is a true masterpiece and a dream come true for those seeking the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style.

Contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Daimin Kochi on 0448 916 246 at Main Street Real Estate today.

18 Brasch Road, ATHERTON Offers Over $1,300,000 EXCLUSIVE to Daimin Kochi Main St Real Estate 0448 916 246 or 0448 916 246

KAYDEE CHATFIELD 0417 468 941

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE • Modern block home on nearly 10 acres • 4 bedrooms, office, gourment kitchen • Open plan living/dining, ducted airconditioning • Enclosed tiled patio with built-in kitchenette • 8x9m carport, 10x12m storage, 2 lockable sheds • Reliable bore pump, 2 large water tanks OFFERS OVER $1.5 MILLION

TABLELANDS TOP MEATS • Local butchery business in Atherton Square Shopping Centre • Cornerstone of the community, serving finest quality meats • Stellar reputation for prime quality products and service • Impressive annual turnover, refrigerated delivery vehicle • Immaculate shop with top-quality equipment & trained staff • Long lease, ample parking for customers and staff CONTACT AGENT – PRICE IS WIWO

STUNNING VIEWS & SPACE • Solid double storey home, timber floors upstairs • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, wood heater • Open plan living, timber kitchen with pantry • Large family room downstairs, patio area • Lockable shed & double garage, solar power • 809m2 allotment close to schools, shops & CBD OFFERS INVITED

Phone 4091 6246 • www.mainstrealestate.com.au mareeba.eldersrealestate.com.au

our Online Auction, starting 11 am (AEST) on Friday, 30th November 2023.

GEAR UP FOR THE Join We’re on the lookout for surplus trucks, machinery and farming equipment.

List your items to sell or buy quality assets.

ELDERS RURAL For listing details or stock enquiries, contact Chris Atkinson at CLEARING SALE! Elders Real Estate Mareeba.

PAGE 30 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

To view sale items and register to bid, scan the QR code.

Chris Atkinson 0429 342 944 chris.atkinson@elders.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Land at Malanda Views Estate BREATHE in the fresh air and soak up the relaxed Country lifestyle that Malanda has to offer.

Malanda Views Estate is ideally located only 3kms from the Town Centre and within the School catchment zones and bus route.

Stage One provides an exciting opportunity to purchase one of 7 remaining lots which range in size from 4000m2 to 5300m2 all offering services including town water, underground power,

waste collection and fully sealed roads.

Available lots are priced from $210,000 Lumholtz Close, has now been sealed making it easier to identify the lots. These blocks will be available to

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

build on by early 2024.

We invite all buyers and agents to contact Land Manager and Sole Agent Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136 for more information or to stake your claim.

Davies Road, MALALANDA From $210,000 EXCLUSIVE to Michelle Raso Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0428 116 136

Wide open spaces and mountain views

ARE you in search of a rural block with wide open spaces?

Is 131.5 hectares (or approximately 324 acres) enough to spread your wings?

This rural block is located in the Oaky Creek Farms Estate, about 20 minutes West of Walkamin or 30 minutes South-West of Mareeba.

Almost at the end of the nothrough road, the area is peaceful and private.

With a mix of flat land and stretching up into the hills behind, you have options to build a conventional residence down at the front of the property, or tuck yourself away in a cabin up the back and enjoy the views of the

Oaky Valley and the utmost privacy.

Over 300 acres of natural bushland, and approximately 60 acres fenced, the property is virtually a blank canvas ready for you to make your mark. There are natural gullies and a seasonal creek on the property that will be bubbling with life in the wet season.

So come and roam free, bring the horses and the cows, there is room for everyone here!

• 131.5 hectares or 324 acres • 60 acres of fenced land • Natural gullies & seasonal creek

Tablelands BEAUTIFUL, PRIVATE BUSH SETTING!

• Oaky Creek Farms Estate • Private & peaceful, no through road • 20 minutes West of Walkamin, 30 minutes SouthWest of Mareeba Michelle Raso 0428 116 136

For more information or to book an inspection, call exclusive agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473 or email remo@crmareeba. com

• 4000m vacant land • Private bush setting ready to build dream home • Front fence with gate entry, fenced on 3 sides • Power and water at front of block Lot 702 Hutton Drive, RANGEVIEW CONTACT AGENT MICHELLE RASO - $269,000

LOVELY HOME, CLOSE TO LAKE!

2

3

• Large home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac • Wraparound verandah overlooking the views • 6 acres of land for horses or cattle • Bore, spring fed creek and 4 rainwater tanks 28 Digby Road, LAKE EACHAM CONTACT AGENT JANINE RIELLY - $895,000

A: 21 James St, Malanda • 29 Albrecht St, Tolga | P: 4096 5666 | W: tablelands.eldersrealestate.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Contact:

888 Oaky Valley Avenue, MUTCHILBA $400,000 EXCLUSIVE to Remo Esposito Central Realty 0401 969 473 or 4092 2232

Janine Rielly 0407 032 422

3 2

Address: Price: Agent:

A familiar face for Insurance Contact Dee Cuda for a personalised quote today 07 4095 6677 | Elders Insurance Tablelands Zoners Pty Ltd ABN 59097345474 trading as Elders Insurance Tablelands AR No. 254599 is an Authorised Representative of Elders Insurance (Underwriting Agency) Pty Limited ABN 56 138 879 026, AFSL 340965. (EIUA) . EIUA, acting under its own AFSL, is authorised to distribute Elders Insurance products on behalf of QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545), the product issuer. Visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au to consider the Product Disclosure Statement and any applicable Target Market Determination to decide if the product is right for you.

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 31

PROPERTY

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

Downsize without the compromise HERE you will discover a low maintenance unit conveniently located in a culde-sac and close to the high school, and childcare centre.

The open plan living area is airconditioned for yearround comfort and flows through to the well-appointed kitchen with a pantry, a dishwasher and plenty of cupboard space.

There are three bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans. As an added bonus two of the bedrooms are air conditioned.

The modern bathroom with a twin vanity has an easy access shower and separate bath. Housework is

a breeze as the unit is fully tiled for easy-care.

To dry clothes on a rainy day there is an inside clothesline plus a wall mounted fold out clothesline for sunny days.

For outdoor living there is a fenced courtyard with a paved area ideal for cosy entertaining.

The unit is fully security screened for your peace of Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

mind. You will have more time for you to enjoy life as the body corporate attends to the mowing.

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 ATHERTON $373,000 Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton 0419 183 145

Tarzali 29 acres with architectual home SURROUNDED by pockets of remnant rainforest, environmental restoration plantings, flowing rivers and woodland forest, this elegant home was architecturally designed by Chris van Dyke and masterfully built by Jack Genge.

With an emphasis on practical living in a moderate, tropical climate the home features bright and breezy open spaces with soaring ceilings, several outdoor decking areas and lots of natural ventilation and light. Wildlife abounds including tree kangaroos, possums, platypus, and a myriad of birdlife.

A significant portion of the property has been restored with carefully chosen native trees for bush food, timber, and environmental restoration. Don't be fooled by the rustic appearance of the generous 14 x 8 metre shed.

The whole structure has been replaced and restored to reflect the nature of the original structure.

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Open plan lounge, kitch-

en, and dining • Large undercover veranda adjoining living area • High ceilings and louvres for light and breeze • Trapeze lighting to lounge and kitchen • Polished timber floorboards • Shaker style timber cabinets with stone bench tops • 3 Bedrooms upstairs with ensuite to main • Separate laundry with adjoining deck • Workshop or 4th bedroom with convenient 3rd bathroom • Internal staircase for direct access from carport • Masterfully restored 4 bay 14 x 8 metre hardwood shed • Boundaries fenced on 3 sides with 4th bounded by Ithaca River • Water supplied by crystal clear bore, rainwater & river access • 40,000 litre rainwater tank • Extensive timber and environmental plantings (full list available on request)

• 3 Undercover carport spaces • Landscaped surrounds This truely exceptional lifestyle experience is being sold by Expressions of In-

terest, so contact Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton before and put forward your best offer to secure your slice of paradise. Phone 0419 733 712.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

36 Third Avenue, TARZALI Expressions of Interest Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton 0419 733 712

UNIQUE LIFESTYLE ACREAGE 7207 Kennedy Hwy

Colle e Rowston 0419 733 712

• 365m2, 4 bedroom brick/block home with fully self-contained guest co age • 2 lounge rooms, separate dining room, large timber kitchen with walk-in pantry • 36 panel solar system with ba ery backup • 3x sheds including newly constructed 12m x 9m shed

Web ID 19661557 Sale Offers Over $1,150,000

Atherton | 4091 1611 24 Main Street, Atherton rh.com.au/atherton PAGE 32 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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

Raising the benchmark

AN opportunity now exists to acquire the ultimate in small acreage living with this exceptional family home.

Offering an impressive list of inclusions it’s very well appointed and immaculately maintained with an expansive 295m2 floorplan and the following beneficial features: • Fully split system airconditioned with 4 generous bedrooms & multiple living areas

• Gorgeous Coastal styling with elegant gold fittings, feature panelled walls, high ceilings with square set cornice & quality fixtures throughout • Grand entryway with garden outlook + stunning raked ceiling in the living area extending out to the patio • Gourmet kitchen with stone bench tops, Bosch 900mm oven & cooktop plus LG dishwasher & adjoining butler’s pantry with in-built

cabinetry & fridge space • Stylish vinyl plank flooring in the living areas & carpeted bedrooms for warmth • Built-in robes in the bedrooms + master with sizeable walk-in-robe & impressive ensuite • Lounge/media room & closable 2nd living area/children’s play area adjacent to the living • Main bathroom with separate plunge bath • Built in cabinetry in the laundry + adjacent sizeable walk-in storage room • Substantial rear patio

overlooking the yard with 600mm tiles & built-in speaker system • Tinted windows, steel screens, blinds & window furnishings throughout • 7m x 7m garage with 2k epoxy floor & built-in storage cupboard • 900mm concrete pathway surrounds • Security cameras • 16m x 8m insulated colorbond shed with power, internet, 2 x roller door access, sliding glass pa door and separate gravelled driveway

• Hidden chook run behind the shed • Fully fenced 4000m2 allotment with privacy colorbond fence & tree lined boundary + automatic irrigation only 7 minutes to Mareeba cbd Properties of this calibre with intricate thought and atAddress: Price: Agent: Contact:

tention to floorplan & styling are hard to come by.

Inspection is highly recommended don’t delay.

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

6 Norman Street, MAREEBA Offers Over $950,000 EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

Nest or invest

HAVE you been looking for an opportunity to get a start in the Tolga Property Market, or for an extra addition to your property portfolio? Well now is the time and here is the place.

This 3-bedroom home is situated on a large 1,475m2 corner allotment in the heart of Tolga. The solid construction home offers huge potential for the first home buyer, downsizer, or investor.

Features Include; • 3 bedrooms all with cupboards, 1 bedroom with airconditioning • Rumpus room – could be used as a 4th bedroom • Open plan living - access to front patio • Well-appointed kitchen

with a freestanding electric oven & plenty of bench space.

• Tiled bathroom with a shower & vanity unit. Separate toilet • Internal laundry • Security screens, tiles & ceiling fans throughout home • Undercover front patio • 1 bay carport • Garden/storage shed • 1,475m2 corner allotment with a fenced backyard • Currently tenanted by a long-term tenant- providing Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

instant income for an investor.

Ideally located in a quiet street close to Tolga Primary School, amenities, and only a short drive to Atherton Town Centre.

This home is currently tenanted please allow sufficient notice for inspections.

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

25 Leonard Street, TOLGA Offers Over $440,000 EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879

M A R E E B A

SOLD

MORE S G LISTINED! WANT

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

WHAT IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH? Call Raquel today to find out!*

*Free No Obligation Appraisal

84 Main Street, Atherton QLD. 4883

JOETORRISI.COM.AU JOE TORRISI 0417 700 468 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Phone: 0408 983 879 www.sommersetrealty.com.au The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 33

EXPRESS O Wednesday 22nd 32°

Thursday 23rd 33°

18°

Time m 0531 2.19 1113 1.01 1744 2.82

Time m 0007 0.65 0623 2.43 1205 0.97 1825 2.78

19°

Friday 24th 33°

Saturday 25th

19°

Time m 0042 0.50 0710 2.65 1253 0.97 1901 2.69

32° Time m 0115 0.40 0754 2.81 1337 1.02 1933 2.54

BIG WORD SEARCH

18°

TAKE A BREAK Sunday 26th 32°

Monday 27th

19°

31°

Tuesday 28th 31°

20°

Time m 0150 0.36 0836 2.90 1421 1.11 2003 2.36

20°

Time m 0300 0.48 0957 2.87 1553 1.36 2109 1.97

Time m 0225 0.39 0916 2.92 1506 1.23 2035 2.17

CROSSWORD 21. cheerful and friendly 22. a step taken by a person in walking, especially as heard by another person 23. a deep open crack, especially one in a glacier 24. a type of small upright piano Down

bandicoot bettong bilby bin chicken black cockatoo bowerbird brolga brushtail possum budgerigar cassowary cockatiel dingo drop bear dugong

dunnart echidna enu fllying fox frilled neck lizard galah gang gang goanna grass wren hamelin skink honeyeater kangaroo koala kookaburra

SUDOKU

little corella lungfish lyrebird magpie mallee fowl monitor lizard mulgara murray cod night tiger pademelon perentie platypus potoroo pygmy possum

quokka quoll rainbow lorrikeet stonefish taipan tasmanian devil thorny devil ulysses wallaby weedy seadragon wombat wongai ningaui woylie

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

Across 5. a deciduous flowering shrub with clusters of brightly coloured, sometimes fragrant flowers 7. make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful or harmful act 9. likely to change or fail; not firmly established 10. stand or wait around without apparent purpose 11. binoculars for outdoor use (5,7) 13. an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat 15. in snooker, a shot in which the player fails to strike the ball properly with the cue 18. a table consisting of a board or boards laid on trestles (7,5)

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES mar 21 - apr 19

You can make money if you work on personal investments.

Don’t let yourself get rundown. Join a club to work off that excess energy; but consider ways of doing that without spending the money. Jealous coworkers may try to sabotage your attempts to get ahead.

jun 21 - jul 22 Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back. You can meet someone who will become very dear to you if you get out and socialize. Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too. Your anger may be caused by money.

sep 23 - oct 22

Puzzle Solutions

Travel for business purposes may bring the highest returns. Make firm decisions to avoid feeling unsettled. You might have problems with authority figures if you don’t play by the rules. Don’t sign up for too many extra activities or you’ll have trouble fulfilling your obligations.

dec 22 - jan 19 Adventure will result in added knowledge. Your involvement in organisational events could open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Stay away from social unpleasantness. Romance could be exciting if you are spontaneous.

PAGE 34 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

1. a small fleet of ships or boats 2. informal word for a person who talks excessively about trivial things 3. personified representation of the United States of America (5,3) 4. the way in which an event or course of action is perceived by the public 6. island in thge Indian Ocean, off the coast of east-central Africa 7. a person of roughly the same age as oneself; a contemporary 8. a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea 12. the centre of the target in sports such as archery, shooting, and darts (5,3) 14. the unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfection 16. the skin or prepared fur of a seal, especially when made into a garment 17. to prevent or constrain an activity or idea 18. to steal someone’s possessions 19. an ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality 20. an uncastrated domestic male pig

apr 20 - may 20

You are going through a period of questioning. A little rest will do wonders. Channel your energy wisely and you can score points with the boss. Try not to hang out with coworkers if you wish to avoid problems later.

jul 23 - aug 22 Try not to at tempt to do something unless you are going to follow through with the plans.

Communications with loved ones may be strained. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished. Minor fevers or infections may develop if you’re

oct 23 - nov 21

Take a different approach with a work or financial matter; make an offer they just can’t refuse.

Your involvement in groups will be favorable for meeting new and exciting individuals. Get out and, about and try something new. You can make money if you think in a creative way.

jan 20 - feb 18 Children may be difficult to deal with. You can enjoy social events and meet a new potential mate. Put your energy into selfimprovement and move towards a better you. Be careful with your words, they may come back to haunt you.

may 21 - jun 20

You may find yourself changing crowds. Be discreet and don’t present your ideas until you’re certain that they’re foolproof. Put your energy into self-improvement programs that promise to make you into a better you. Your family may be feeling neglected and unloved.

aug 23 -sep 22 Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. Be careful to avoid wrong doings. You may be presented with something that sounds good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. A passionate party for two might be the remedy.

nov 22 - dec 21 Your emotional state might vacillate. Uncertainties around certain matters might still linger.

Don’t overspend on luxury items.

Any contributions you make in the workplace will enhance your reputation and bring you offers. What you put out will be returned with

feb 19 - mar 20 Your diplomatic nature will help you in straightening out unsavory situations. The energy promotes setting up interviews or sending out your resume.Don’t jump too quickly regarding an investment that appears to be good, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Authorised Fujitsu Service Agent

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

www.donhall.com.au

Kat Child

DEMOLITIONS

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au Shop 4, 276 Byrnes St, Mareeba PO Box 1034, Mareeba Q.4880

ABN 80 179 825 363 QBSA 59712 ARC License AU24014 Electrical License No: 78958

Custom built, quality cabins for lifestyle

MAREEBA DENTURE SERVICE DENTAL

DELUXE CABINS

BUILDER

AIR CONDITIONING

4092 3464

DIRECTORY

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

Paul Johnstone

DENTAL TECHNICIAN DENTAL PROSTHETIST Registration No. 931417

4 Warren Street, Mareeba Q.4880

www.hockeybuilders.com.au P: 0401 653 173

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

EARTH MOVING

CABINET MAKER

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

PH/FAX: 4092 2464 • MOB: 0402 809 556 • Email: chopperspaul@gmail.com

Robert Negri Owner Operator

• 1.8 Ton Excavator • 750KG Mini Excavator • Kanga Mini Loader • 7.5 Ton Tip Truck

CALL ROB ON 0447 722 857

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

 BOBCAT AND TIPPER HIRE  EXCAVATOR  SITE CLEANUPS  DRIVEWAYS  DAM CLEAN OUTS  RETAINING WALLS

CHILDCARE

info@mareebakidscampus.com.au www.mareebakidscampus.com.au 3 CENTRES IN MAREEBA: Constance, Dunlop & Hastie Streets

FULLY INSURED LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

• Bond Cleans

• Mould & Mildew Treatments r For all you rior • Pressure Cleaning, Roofs xte & Exteriors interior & e g!

• Gutter Cleaning cleanin • Contract Cleaning

0419 362 428 | www.elew.com.au admln@elew.com.au

ELECTRICAL

CLEANING

es c i v r e S g n i n Clea

FABRICATION

CONCRETING

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

FLOORING

DEMOLITIONS

• TILE & VINYL REMOVAL • ASBESTOS REMOVAL • FLOOR GRINDING • INTERNAL DEMOLITIONS • BATHROOM STRIPOUTS • DEMOLITIONS

FULLY INSURED

P: 0477 055 550 | E: info@nqstripouts.com.au | W: www.nqstripouts.com.au

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Lic. No. 77513

ELECTRICAL SOLAR & BATTERIES AIR CONDITIONING

PHONE: 0408 764 850

T & V Mobile Welding and Fabrication

Servicing the Tablelands, Mareeba and Coastal areas!

Mobile: 0418 424 145

DEMOLITION yoPru wovithidinsagfe & ASBESTOS soasluantidonaffs toordaallblyoe ur bestos re moval and demol REMOVAL ition projects!

SERVICES

 TURF PREP  TIGHT ACCESS  TRENCHING  POST HOLES  SLAB PREPARATION  SLASHING  ROLLER HIRE

AL ACWORTH

EARLY LEARNING • KINDERGARTEN OUTSIDE SCHOOL & VACATION CARE

TABLELAND

• 250/450 Augers • Chain Digger • Log/Rock Grab • Tilt Bucket

• Polished Concrete • Dust Controlled Grinding • Ceramic, Vinyl, Carpet Removal • Supply & Installation of Vinyls • Vinyl Planks & Carpets • Commercial & Domestic

Phone Darrin 0428 917 539 Email: daz.northernfloors@gmail.com Northern Floors Pty Ltd LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 35

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

RAVENSHOE HARDWARE

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

19 Wormboo Street raven@iig.com.au

IRRIGATION

4097 6208

 Lawn Mowing  Yard Clean  Rubbish Removal

        

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mareeba • David 0438 541 300

­

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

M. HARTLEY PTY LTD TRADING AS

PAINTER

IRRIGATION DESIGN AND SUPPLY

50 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA • PHONE 4092 7788

Certain work defined as “building work” in the QBCC legislation may only be undertaken by licensed contractors, or if undertaken by unlicensed contractors, only to the value of $3,300.

However, work falling outside that definition may be performed by unlicensed contractors and is not subject to any value limit.

To check whether a Contractor holds a QBCC Licence visit: www.qbcc.qld.gov.au Or call the QBCC on 1300 272 272

IT

BURRATRONICS

PEST

LANDSCAPE

FREE QUOTES QBCC Licence 68264 Over 30 Years Experience iangraham68@outlook.com

MAXIMUM PEST MANAGEMENT 100% Locally Owned & Operated!  DOMESTIC W: www.maximumpestman.com MAREEBA OFFICE:  COMMERCIAL P: 4092 1999 1 Vaughan Street OFFICE:  TERMITES M: 0418 150 759 ATHERTON 30 Main Street

PLUMBING

Pre-Construction | Pre-Purchase Inspections

FNQ Platinum Painting

Ian 0409 595 627

W: www.tcblandscape.com | T: 4092 2086

QBCC 1115490

E: fnqplatinumpainting@gmail.com

Painting & Decorating

www.burratronics.com.au

PO BOX 1414, MAREEBA

CONTACT DANTE AVOLIO FOR A FREE QUOTE!

aham I.F. & M.A.H. Gr

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

CONCR E BLOCK TE S!

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

QBCC 1531 9397

IN-STORE AND ON-SITE

Drive-Thru Yard • Cnr Costin and Beames Streets  Raw Materials  Pots & Planters  Pavers  Retaining Walls  Bird Baths  Water features  Garden Statues  Wide Span Sheds

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

0415 579 019

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

TCB Landscape • Mareeba

BELL HARTLEY & CO.

NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES!

Domestic | Commercial

SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

PAGE 36 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Kat Child

MOWING

HARDWARE

4092 3464

DIRECTORY

Max & Jodie Turner

 RURAL  DOMESTIC  COMMERCIAL  ROOFING  PLUMBING  DRAINAGE www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

POOL

“WE OFFER A COMPLETE ON SITE POOL SERVICE” POOL MAINTENANCE & POOL SHOP 71 BYRNES ST, MAREEBA 1

30/11/22

ALL POOL SUPPLIES LICENSED OL SAFET Y INCLUDING FREE WATER PO INSPECTOR TESTING & EXPERT ADVICE

PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE SERVICING NORTH QUEENSLAND

P: 4092 1443 or 0413 013 297

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

1:22 pm

PRODUCE

T2T ADVERT.pdf

Kat Child

TREELOPPING

4092 3464

DIRECTORY • Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Stump Grinding • Firewood

Home & workplace delivery from $7.50

C

M

Y

CM

MY

Lukas Portelli 0427 189 227 tablelandstreeworks@gmail.com

CY

CMY

TOWING

K

TABLELANDS TREELOPPING

Mareeba Express Towing

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

• WILL PAY CASH for some vehicles • General towing and breakdowns • Covering all the Tablelands PHONE DOUG

0417 840 584 FREE DEAD CAR REMOVAL

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

TWO PUBLICATIONS

ONE GREAT PRICE!

OVER 27,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE FAR NORTH EACH WEEK MAREEEBA . CAIRNS . FROM CARDWELL TO BAMAGA . WEST FROM EINASLEIGH TO NORMANTON

Cair ns

L o c a l S N S ews E R P X E Delivering news

across our region SDAY 8

WEDNE

The

3

RY, 202

FEBRUA

MARCH 3, 2023

COV E R I N G

Smith field

er.com.au

ww

Familiesr plead fo safe road home

Shire tourism steams ahead

& C AS S OWA

RY COAS T R

EG I O N S

OWNED & INDE

PENDEN T

cairnslocalne

ws.com.au

Cairns

Internationa l Women’s Day feature

Mates for life

Page 21-26

to the e of service A lifetim re and a dogged Shi ate Mareeba tion to acceler y determinathe local econom rsify yor Tom and dive former Ma e in the ned ear has nent plac tion a perma the avia r Gilmore with ory, afte town’s hist cinct re-named week. pre industrial a ceremony last upon him at bestowed role our was ical The hon for the critboth the ore Mr Gilm convincing in ments he played Federal Govern to the State and ute $23 million the to contrib of the airport and ted upgrade nt of the associa e wer developmeal estate which 9. ed in 201 industri complet P5 RY STO ▪ FULL

Call your local office to discuss your advertising needs TODAY!

RT D O U G L AS

Dougl as Shire

Page 17-20

YING HIGH FLNOUR HO

ONLINE REACH OF OVER 500,000

CAIRNS, PO

Your Douglas News liftout inside

Page 3

Page 9

Page 7

Page 3

4031 7678 | www.cairnslocalnews.com.au 4092 3464 | www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Landlord offer s attractive reta il rent incentive s

Better centre on the way for region

ewspap

pressn w.theex

100% LOCALLY

Sixty years of end tender and devo uring, friendship in the ted tropics

l CAIRN S

FOR sixty years two Cairns women maintained an incredible friends have has lasted throug hip that h good times and bad.

Gail Simpson, of Yorkeys Knob, Bibi Skerritt, and of Redlynch, first met in 1963.

Over a cup of tea and some treats, they told Cairns Local News about the that had strengt trust hened between them.

“Friendships are almost like riage,” Ms Skerrit a mart, 87, said.

“It’s for better or them when they’re worse, and you take cranky and don’t to talk. It takes want a long time to grow an old friend,” she said.

FULL STORY P5

Gilmore g Mayor Tom re-namin Mareeba Former wife Sally at the industrial with k. aviation last wee Gail Simpson y of the and precinct ceremon lifelong friends Bibi Skerritt have been in Cairns.

Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzale z

eams ding Dr

ebuil

ur Hom

Make Yo

RYLEY

0 09 321 00

s grow!

• Full Weekly or Daily Care • Catering for 12 months to School Age • Vacation, Befor e and after School Care • Great, Safe Central Locati on • All meals supplie d • Qualified chef and nutritionist • CCS Appro ved • JET Payme Approved • Swim t Anytime men nt and Survival

By Appoint Classes • Sport World PE Progra m - 3pm s 10a | m • Isand Box Learning Technology Mon - Fri Village • Theatrical Amaroo Adventure Classe Safety Educa bean Dr. s • Environment tion • Dance 2-8 Karo al and and Music Classe • Kindy Gym Shop 3, s • Qualified teach MONDAY TO ers • Kinder • Natural garde FRIDAY 6.00AM garten curric ns • Natural ulum playgrounds - 6.00PM

.com.au

ooestate

Gail Simpson (left) Skerritt’s weddin was a bridesmaid at Bibi g in 1964.

ings big thing

a Reality

ENUE & DANI AV T MOON UL COUR KUTTERB

ar www.am

From little th

follow us

ls

on socia

Call us on:

Local family

owned and oper ated

10 Hardy Road admin@littlewo, Mount Sheridan www.littleworldrld.com.au .com.au

Offering per da 4 sessions y. 8,9 12 hr se ,10 and ssions

04

WE’RE YOUR FREE, INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPERS www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 37

CLASSIFIEDS 4092 3464

admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Kat Child

Classified Deadline: 4pm every Friday CHURCH NOTICE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Presbyterians meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 10am, QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels). All welcome.

HAPPY 11 th BIRTHDAY Love ya bud!

“One of the two who... followed Him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.”

(John 1:40)

potato

PETS

ANIMAL OF THE WEEK

NAME: SOPHIA DOB: 02/09/2022 BREED: Mastiff x Bulldog

MUSSO, Angelo Late of Mareeba. Passed away on Monday the 13th of November, 2023. Aged 89 years.

Beloved Husband of Angela. Loving Father of Sam & Deniece, Ross & Janeen, Johnny & Rosetta and Fred & Tomasina. Cherished Nonno and Bisnonno.

Relatives and friends of Angelo are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service which is to be held on Thursday the 23rd of November, 2023 commencing at 1:00pm at Saint Thomas Catholic Church, 57 Constance Street, Mareeba, followed by an interment at the Mareeba New Cemetery.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

I’m have a beautiful nature. I am great with kids, cats and dogs. I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed, flea & tick treated.

My adoption fee is $300.

If you would like to meet SOPHIA - please call 0487 430 443. EFTPOS Available

Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years”

www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au

WITH THANKS Thank You Notice From The Klease Family, Ravenshoe Dear friends and community members, the children of Josephine (Jo) Klease (Linda, Louise, Craig and Robyn) would like to especially thank the following people and services for the wonderful care and support they provided our mother before she passed away peacefully at the Atherton Hospital on Thursday 2nd November, 2023.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Ravenshoe Ambulance Service, Atherton Hospital, Ravenshoe Medical Centre, Rural and Remote Service, Ravenshoe Golf Club, Communuity Funerals Atherton, Shaaron Linwood and friends who visited and supported Jo while she was ill, sent messages of condolence and flowers.

We also want to express our appreciation to all those friends who attended Jo’s funeral and celebration of her life in Jo’s garden.

FUNERAL SERVICES

FUNERALS It’s All About Your Memories

livestream by

Contact your local Funeral Home

or Us 4031 3632 FUNERAL Celebrant.

Debbie Boardman 0410 328 357.

SAY Thank you, in The Express 4092 3464.

In loving memory of those who are forever in our hearts

PUBLIC NOTICE

Lyle!

Sunday 26 November: Saint Andrew’s Day Observance.

FUNERAL NOTICE

FOR SALE

PUREBRED Blue Cattle dog pups.

1F, 3M, 6 wks old $700 PH: 4096 4138 BIN: 0011927978591

FOR RENT 3 BEDROOM HOUSE

Mareeba $350 Per Week + Bond P: 4092 5225 or 0407 925 225

Wish them the best, in The Express!

BUTCHER MOBILE farm butcher.

Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

HAY Tarps UV Stable Strong.

Economical.

Waterproof. In Stock.

1300 656 211 all hrs. www.abctarps.com.au

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Sales, Hire & Transport.

Self-Pack Removals Australia Wide.

MODIFICATIONS

P: 4091 7242 www.sticklizard.com.au

WISH someone in your life Happy Birthday.

Call Kat at your friendly locally owned Newspaper on 4092 3464.

PUBLIC NOTICE Association of Australian Assistance Dogs (N.Q) Inc.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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

11AM at MAREEBA LEAGUES CLUB

LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel.

Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.

All Committee positions will be declared vacant and nominations forms are available now from the Secretary: Mobile 0427 616 066.

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES PICKO Rural Fencing Phone 0493 415 338

Would you like to ADVERTISE??

Go on... give US a call on 4092 3464!!

STAY UP TO DATE WITH RELEVANT, LOCAL NEWS. JOIN THE EXPRESS ON YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA

PAGE 38 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER Doyle Street, Mareeba

Proposed Development

T-MSC2023-22 CATER ROAD RECONSTRUCTION Mareeba Shire Council is pleased to invite you to tender for the restoration of Cater Road which was damaged as a result of Northern and Central Queensland Monsoon and Flooding event, 20 December 2022 to 30 April 2023.

Tender documents are available on Council’s online e-procurement system, VendorPanel- https://www. vendorpanel.com.au/PublicTenders.aspx.

All enquiries or clarifications must be via the online forum which will close 3 days prior to closing time.

Council officers are unable to respond to verbal or emailed enquiries.

The closing time for electronic lodgement of Tenders is Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 11:00am.

Regulation 228(7) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 may be applied.

Tender(s) will not be opened publicly. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

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

Notice is hereby given of the

Annual General Meeting

of MAREEBA LEAGUES CLUB INC

to be held on Sunday 10 December, 2023 in the Clubʼs Function Room at 10.00am Order of Business: 1. To confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting 2. To receive and adopt the Annual Report of the Committee 3. To receive and adopt the audited Annual Financial Statements 4. To elect the Committee 5. To adopt the Clubʼs new constitution 6. To transact any business of which due notice has been given Nominations for all Committee positions are being accepted. Forms may be obtained from the Clubʼs Office weekdays from10am to 4pm. The closing date for nominations is 4pm, Friday 24 November, 2023.

Make a submission from: 22nd November, 2023 to 13th December, 2023 Reconfiguring a Lot Boundary Realignment Where: 37 & 50 Cobra Road, Mareeba On: Lot 30 & 31 on SP284537 Approval Sought: Development Permit Reconfiguring a Lot Application Ref: RAL/23/0015 You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Mareeba Shire Council PO Box 154, MAREEBA, QLD, 4880 info@msc.qld.gov.au 1300 308 461 www.msc.qld.gov.auu Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.

NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE

Notice is hereby given that English Street between James Street and across Catherine Street up to Eacham Memorial Gates Park in Malanda will be closed to vehicular traffic from 2.00pm to 8.30pm on Thursday November 23rd, 2023 for the Malanda Shop Local Christmas Street Festival.

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY - Terms and Conditions The Express Christmas Vouchers Giveaway will commence on Monday, 20 November, 2023 and ends at 12 noon on Monday, 11 December, 2023.

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

By entering the competition you are agreeing to allow The Express to publish your name and use any photos which will be taken upon notification of being a winner. The official draw will take place at The Express office at 186 Byrnes Street, Mareeba at 12 Noon on Tuesday, 12 December, 2023.

The three winners will each receive 10 fifty dollar ($50) vouchers which are to be spent with the participating businesses only. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable. All vouchers must be used by the date stated on the individual voucher. Any vouchers not redeemed by this time will expire and will not be honoured.

Winners will be notified by phone and published in The Express on Wednesday, 20 December, 2023.

Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Further details can be obtained by calling The Express office on 4092 3464 during office hours.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS POSITION VACANT DIESEL FITTER (MECHANIC) Expression of Interest – Family Liaison Officer Mareeba State School Dates: 22nd January 2024 -13th December 2024 - with the possibility of extension.

30 hours per week + ADO

LG000680_B

Etheridge Shire Council is seeking applications from highly motivated, enthusiastic and team orientated persons to assist in the fabrication, repair and maintenance of Council’s plant and equipment. The applicant must hold Certificate III (Engineering Mechanical Trade).

This position offers above award wages, the ability to salary sacrifice superannuation contributions, subsidised housing, a 9 day fortnight or the ability to work a 9 days on 5 days off roster with overtime as required.

Council is currently in the process of modernising its fleet which is made up of predominately Caterpillar earthmoving equipment, the Diesel Fitter will have access to a fully equipped service truck and fully functional modern workshop.

Etheridge Shire Council is located within the heart of the Gulf Savannah Region with its eastern boundary being only 250km’s from Cairns. The main township within the Etheridge Shire is Georgetown which is approximately 400km’s from Cairns and 400km’s from the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The shire has three other township’s being, Mt Surprise, Einasleigh, Forsayth. Mining, Tourism, Beef Cattle and Agriculture are the predominant industries which are the driving factor behind the shire’s economy. Please find link to Etheridge Shire Council’s tourism, web page Homepage – Unearth Etheridge Applications are to include a covering letter, resume and at least 2 references. Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to: Position Vacant - Diesel Fitter (Mechanic) The Chief Executive Officer Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871 Fax: 07 4062 1285 Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting Workshop Supervisor Lachlan Bester on Ph.: 07 40799090 or Councils website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Applications close at 4 pm 6th December 2023 Ken Timms PSM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Experienced Motel Cleaner Required

Careers with Queensland Health

Local preferred.

Casual hours.

PHONE: 4092 2677

Pharmacy Assistant CA2

Do you have difficulty reading from your Phone, Tablet, Laptop or Desktop Computer?

Covering local news, sport and entertainment from across the region

WE’RE YOUR

Forklift license essential.

To apply please send your resume via email to: admin@casalis.com.au

Or call to arrange a time to drop in for a chat with our business manager: Alan Polley 07 4092 3841 Applications close: COB Friday 24th November.

VOCAL LOCAL EXPRESS The

We reserve the right to withdraw the position prior to this date should the right applicant be found.

We’re your VOCAL LOCAL www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

READ THE CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

LITTLE GEMS CHILDRENS CENTRE EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER Little Gems Children’s Centre is currently seeking applications for an Early Childhood Teacher to guide and support a team which provides high quality Early Childhood Education and Care to children. Provide ongoing support and assistance to the Management Team and develop relationships which support families.

Our centre located in Georgetown and consists of a team of an experienced child care director and educators, with the highest importance put on care and early childhood development, we are seeking an Early Childhood Teacher who is warm, caring and respectful of children’s needs and the environment in which they learn.

At Little Gems Children’s Centre we are dedicated to providing high quality care to our families’ everyday, but we also value our staff and the important role that they play. This position based on minimum hours of 8.00 hrs per week.

The successful applicant must be able to meet the following criteria.

• An understanding and knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Frameworks; • A passion for working with children; • A team player who effectively communicates with families and staff alike; • a primary teaching qualification that includes at least a focus on children aged 5 to 8 years old (e.g. a qualification with a focus on children aged 3 to 8 or 5 to 12) AND • teacher registration in Australia (called ‘accreditation’ in New South Wales) AND an ACECQA approved diploma level (or higher) education and care qualification or studying towards • Hold a positive Blue Card and First Aid; Applications can be posted, delivered to the Administration Office, faxed or emailed to: Position Vacant – Early Childhood Teacher The Chief Executive Officer Etheridge Shire Council PO Box 12 GEORGETOWN QLD 4871 Fax: 07 4062 1285 Email: info@etheridge.qld.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting the Director of Corporate Services, Andrew McKenzie on Ph: 07 40799090 or Councils website www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Applications close 6th December 2023

LG000680_A

Try it today!

A criminal history check may be conducted on the recommended person for the job. A non-smoking policy applies to Queensland Government buildings, offices and motor vehicles.

YARDSPERSON

The full Role Description is available at the front office. Please forward Expression of Interest in no more than one page of what attributes you could bring to the position. All EOI’s are to be forwarded to Bec Westcott, Business Manager, email: bsm@mareebass.eq.edu.au.

The Express has introduced cutting edge technology with the Ad Auris Media Player. You can now listen to each article with a simple click.

You can apply online at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au

Casali’s Mareeba are looking for the following to join our award winning team:

In accordance with the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 a person is prohibited from working in regulated child-related employment unless the person holds a current Working with Children Check clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services. You will also be subject to a Criminal history check, as per DoE guidelines.

Expressions of Interest close 1st December, 2023.

M10519

Mareeba / Lotus Glen Correctional Facility Salary: Casual position $37.71 to $40.53 per hour Duties/Abilities: Assist in the provision of safe and effective pharmacy services under the supervision of a pharmacist or appropriately trained clinical assistant, which supports the delivery of an efficient and effective pharmaceutical service to Mareeba Hospital and its associated services (i.e., Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, Chillagoe Primary Health Care Centre and Dimbulah Primary Health Care Centre).

• Knowledge of, or the ability to acquire knowledge of, practices relevant to receipt, handling, storage, picking, packing, dispatch and dispensing of pharmaceutical products.

• Basic mental arithmetic ability and knowledge of, or the ability to acquire, computerised stock control and distribution information systems.

• Respond to enquiries in a timely manner and establish work priorities and meet deadlines when work priorities conflict.

• Ability to work with a degree of independence in the performance of duties which fall within the scope of the position and to work with established policies and procedures in an efficient and accurate manner.

• Ability to work as a member of a team in the provisions of services and to accept supervision and carry out instructions.

• Comply with and utilise procedures, including contemporary human resource management requirements and practices, such as workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination policies.

Enquiries: Rudi De Faveri 07 4092 9321 Application Kit: https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-CAH527139 Closing Date: Friday, 29 December 2023

Mareeba SS is looking for a dynamic, multi skilled person to take up the position of Family Liaison Officer (FLO). As the FLO you will support a learning environment by monitoring student attendance, producing absence reports for Leadership and liaising with parent/carers to verify student absences.

The successful applicant will be working closely with the Principal, Deputy Principals and whole Leadership team and external agencies to support students.

The successful applicant will be confident performing the following: • Generate daily reports on absenteeism, advise parents/carers and teachers, and document relevant information for input into the school engagement process.

• Generate a ‘Daily Attendance Report’ every morning and provide to all teaching staff and deputy principals, and advise teachers of amendments to attendance records due to late notification.

• Collect and coordinate data relating to student engagement, follow up students who are chronically absent, monitor student programs, and provide information to teachers and school leaders. Liaise with the Student Support Officer, Head of Special Education Program, and Guidance Officer, to address issues relating to students experiencing problems that prevent their engagement at school.

• Maintain a database listing students that are independent students, students residing with carers (guardian kinship care/child safety officers), students where there are legal orders against the parents/guardians, or other issues that may impact on student attendance and engagement.

• Monitor attendance as a means of increasing awareness of students experiencing problems, and to allow for intervention before such problems get out of hand, and provide this information and advice to assist teachers with managing students with non-attendance issues.

• Develop relationships between the school and families of students who show persistent absence from school to encourage students’ continuous attendance at school, assist teachers addressing these barriers to school attendance, and contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and procedures to counter causes of school non-attendance.

• Identify barriers to students attending school and achieving outcomes by referral to appropriate support services, especially students at risk (at home or in the school environment).

• Provide administrative support including assistance to students, assistance in managing variations including campus activities, etc., and provide first aid for students where required.

• Other suitable duties, consistent with the duties and responsibilities of the position as directed by the supervisor or nominated delegate.

Ken Timms PSM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

YOUR LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 39

SPORT Around the arena

GREAT NORTHERN BULLRIDING SERIES FINALS SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER

Selena and Brad Dyer.

Maddie Greenwood and Tahlia Hobday.

New committee prepped for big 2024 season

Davin Crampton and Shane-Lee Walker.

A TEAM of fresh and returning faces have put their hands up for the 2024 Mareeba Senior Rugby League committee which overseas the Gladiators teams through next year’s season.

Shaun Fincham has stepped up as president for 2024, while John Arcidiacono has been inducted as vice president.

The secretary position was taken over by Tyler Triantafyllou and Amy Neal.

Tanya Croucher, while Grant Hanlon has taken on the role of treasurer.

The registrar position has been taken over

by Billie Fincham, and the sponsorship coordinator will be Maree Lopez.

Other committee members include Bryce Morgan, Lisa Hastie, Stephen Gear, Danny Adams, Rodney Croucher and Jose Lopez.

Lana Solomon and Ashley Snell.

WE’RE YOUR

VOCAL XPRESS E LOCAL ews across

n Delivering

SDAY

WEDNE

our region

, 2023

UARY

8 FEBR

The

s Familiefor plead ad ro fe sa home

Shire m touris s steam ahe3 ad

Better on centre y the wa ion for9reg

.au

r.com

wspape

ressne

theexp

www.

YING L F H HIG ONOUR H Page

Page 7

Page

to the service gged do ime of A lifet Shire and a lerate ba acce Maree ination to economy rm al dete the loc Mayor Tom ersify and div rned former place in the has ea rmanent e aviation th th e a pe ter Gilmor ’s history, wi -named af . town l precinct re y last week on on ria indust at a cerem stowed up le him was be critical ro ur no e the The ho lmore for th g both Mr Gi in convincin vernments Go yed l the ra pla to de he million and Fe e State ribute $23 ort and th rp to cont e of the ai associated upgrad ment of the ich were wh lop te 19. deve strial esta d in 20 te ple indu P5 com STORY ▪ FULL

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT

LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER

Covering local news, sport and entertainment from across the region

EXPRESS The

re m Gilmo yor To re-naming ba Ma l the Maree ustria lly at Former h wife Sa aviation ind week. t wit the ct las ony of precin cerem

a sa eam g Dre

eality

R

uildin

omeb

our H ake Y

M

Mon -

0

FREE & ON THE STREETS EVERY WEDNESDAY

READ ONLINE 24/7 WITH NO PAYWALL

NEWS WRITTEN BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS

l ONLINE www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au PAGE 40 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

21 00 409 3

0

| 10am

Shop

UE & I AVEN NDAN COURT MOO BUL KUTTER

RYLEY

Fri

follow

us on

By Ap

bean

pointme

Dr. Am

nt Anyti

aroo Vil

me

lage

s

social

oest

.amaro

www

m.au ate.co

- 3pm

Karo 3, 2-8

PICK UP YOUR COPY FROM MORE THAN 150 LOCATIONS

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK 21,800 FOLLOWERS

l VISIT US 186 Byrnes St, Mareeba

READ THE NEWS EVERY WEEK 42,000 WEEKLY READERS

l CALL US 4092 3464 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

SPORT

Atherton strikes again for win

Senior Roosters new signing Jayden Connors is keen to get on the field for 2024.

Connors to crow for Roosters

Dan Parnell playing at Loder Park over the weekend against Barron.

ATHERTON Cricket has secured another win in the A-Grade season, taking on Barron River at Loder Park on Saturday afternoon.

Winning the toss, Atherton elected to bat first, feeling confident coming off last week’s win against Mareeba.

It was young Charlie Lawrence who took over the spotlight, making 63 runs in the first innings.

Setting the team up for success, captain Tom Boorman said his agility and quickness on the field had a ripple effect on the rest of the team.

“Charlie and Caleb Constant put on a big partnership which was pretty clinical, and they really performed when we needed them,” he said.

“Charlie then bowled really well as well, which was important for us.”

In the second innings, Greg Misener stood out in the Atherton team, bowling 8 overs and taking 4 wickets for 35 runs, with Ben Vikionkorpi not far behind him, also bowling 8 overs.

Next week, Atherton will go up against Mulgrave from 3pm at Walker Road.

“It’s a really tough place to go (Walker Road), and we haven’t won many games since then,” Boorman said.

“They’re a very strong team, and it’s going to be a tough game, but after two wins, we are looking to make it three in a row.”

A HIGHLY capped Intrust Super Queensland Cup player has officially been signed to the Atherton Rooster’s A Grade team as pre-season preparations kick off for 2024.

Jayden Connors, who has five seasons of Intrust Cup experience behind him, played with the Ipswich Jets before playing for the New South Wales Inverell Hawks in 2023.

A talented hooker, Connors is known for his speed and high work rate, which brings plenty to the Rooster's new look-forward pack.

He has now settled in Atherton to help propel the Roosters through the FNQ Rugby League Senior competition.

Roosters club president Paul Pensini said Connors was a very smart player who came to the club with experience in the number nine jersey and was a valuable addition to the Roosters squad.

“Jayden has already achieved a lot of success in his career, and we’re very excited

about him joining the club for next year,” Pensini said.

“We expect him to add substantial value to our team and complement our young core moving forward.”

Well-known and respected forward Davin Crampton also signed with the club recently from the Mossman Sharks.

Pensini said the club had been very active in the player market and expected to release more news on more signings in the coming weeks.

The Rooster’s also held an AGM recently, where Paul Pensini (President), Darryl Day (Secretary), Al Poggioli (Treasurer) and Seppi Barletta (Vice-president) were all re-elected as the executives for the new season.

Highlighting on the club’s agenda for 2024 is a 100-year celebration for the former Millaa Millaa Mountain Men Senior Rugby League and a 30-year reunion of the 1994 premiership side, which won the grand final over Ivanhoes.

2024 CALENDAR COLLECT YOUR FREE DESKTOP CALENDAR • CONVENIENT SIZE • EASY TO SEE • FULL YEAR AT A GLANCE

CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM: The Express Office @ 186 Byrnes Street, Mareeba, Arabella Jewellers, Shop 14, Atherton Square, Cook Street, Atherton www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 41

SPORT Calling all tradies to come and have a hit

CALLING all tradies to come to the Mareeba Golf Club this Friday for an afternoon of fun action on the fairway.

The Tradies Golf Day, hosted on the last Friday of every month, was created as a way to improve membership numbers in the club and connect tradies across the region.

The 9-hole competition will be hosted on 24 November from 3pm, encouraging tradies to “knock off early” for the event.

Organiser Michael France says that despite the name, everyone is invited to compete.

“It’s not just tradies, it’s also for women, school students, anyone that just wants to come and play some golf,” he said.

Since the first event, many players

have signed up with the Mareeba Golf Club, allowing them to stay open and host more competitions.

“There has been a lot of golfers who weren’t members join up, and that is just really good for the club,” Michael said.

“And it’s really good for people as well to finish early on a Friday and just chill out.”

This month’s winners will have their names printed on the Tradies Golf Day shield and receive a huge prize sponsored by Daryl Fraser of Fraser Automotive and Diagnostic Repairs.

Shotgun starts at 3pm on Friday 24 November at the Mareeba Golf Club.

Entry into the competition is $20 per person.

Michael France is excited to invite golfers to the green for their November Tradies Golf Day.

FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND GIFTWARE! ALL JEWELLERY, WATCH & CLOCK REPAIRS

Shop 14, Atherton Square, Cook Street Phone: 4091 3919

Volunteers Sought - Interested persons please visit:

crimestoppersqld.com.au/volunteer

PAGE 42 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

When you’ve been designing family SUVs for as long as we have, you learn a thing or two about families.

Like how much space matters. Meet the all-new CR-V. Available in hybrid and petrol, 2WD or AWD, with up to 7 seats to fit everything families need.

And for added peace of mind, every new CR-V comes with

Plus 5-year Honda Connect D52 subscription.

Book a test drive today.

Atherton Honda

2 Cook Street, Atherton | Phone – 4091 8700

† 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty available on all vehicles except those used for a Commercial Purpose, where a 5-year/140,000 kilometre (whichever occurs first) warranty is applicable. “Commercial Purpose” means the purpose of carrying passengers or goods in the course of business or trade, and includes, without limitation, a vehicle being used at any time, as a taxi, or for hire, rental, delivery, courier, ride sharing, driving school, tourist or security purposes. ~Five Low Price Services applies to new Honda vehicles only. To find out more about what’s included refer to your Owner’s Warranty and Service Manual. Visit Honda.com.au for T&Cs. D52 Some Honda Connect app features are only available if your vehicle is linked to your Honda Connect account and connected services are activated. Remote vehicle features vary by model and not all vehicles will have all features. Ex demo and service vehicles receive the balance of 3 low priced services.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023 PAGE 43

NEW VEHICLES IN STOCK

­ ­

RAPTOR

EVEREST

Escape 2WD SUV

Escape 2WD SUV

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, 8” touch screen, audio streaming, hands free power tailgate, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Service Loan Vehicle (5100kms), 2.0L EcoBoost 8 speed auto, 8” touch screen, audio streaming, hands free power tailgate, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Escape ST Line 2WD SUV

Escape ST Line AWD SUV

Drive Away $41,150

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, 12.3” Digital Cluster, Ford Pass Connect, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths Autoclub membership.

Drive Away $42,500

Drive Away $36,990

2.0L EcoBoost, 8 speed auto, blind spot system, reverse cross traffic alert, 5yr unlimited klm warranty, 12mths AutoClub membership.

Drive Away $45,500

­ ­

­ ­ ­

Prices include government transfers, stamp duty and registration.

Hansen Ford

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

CNR VERNON & LOUISE ST, ATHERTON | 4030 5400

­

THE NEXT GENERATION LANDCRUISER HAS ARRIVED AT JOHN COLE TOYOTA

BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE OF THE ALL NEW AUTOMATIC LANDCRUISER 70 SERIES TODAY AT JOHN COLE TOYOTA

John Cole Suzuki 7813 Kennedy Highway Atherton,QLD 4883 07 4030 5530

JOIN OUR TEAM

John Cole Toyota is seeking enthuiastic people to join the team.

Friendly Team New Facilities Latest Products

Brand Benefits Job Security Rewards & Recognition

Advance your career with one of Australia’s leading automotive brands. Parts Interpreter, and Vehicle Detailing positions. To apply, email your resume to Atherton Nissan - All Wheel Drive Centre careers@johncoletoyota.com.au

07 4030 5400 | athertonnissan.com.au John Cole Toyota

John Cole Toyota Atherton 7813 Kennedy Highway Atherton QLD 4883 T: (07) 4030 5555 1003115 johncoletoyota.com.au

Innisfail 25-29 Palmerston Drive Innisfail QLD 4860 T: (00) 4043 8555 1003115 johncoletoyota.com.au

PAGE 44 The Express, Wednesday 22 November, 2023

Atherton 7813 Kennedy Highway Atherton QLD 4883 T: (07) 4030 5555 1003115 www.johncoletoyota.com.au

Innisfail 25-29 Palmerston Drive Innisfail QLD 4860 T: (00) 4043 8555

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au