The Express Newspaper 25th January 2023

SCHOOL’S IN

Students are back in the classrooms after a six-week summer break, officially kicking off Term 1 for the school year.

Mareeba State School students Ariana Bale and Ruby Cummings celebrated their last first day of primary school on Monday morning as they head into 2023 as seniors. Those commuting through school zones in the morning and afternoon are reminded to slow down and watch for students heading back to the classroom.

Get set to celebrate all that's great

AUSTRALIA Day fun awaits Tablelanders at three different locations on Thursday.

Malanda’s Big Pub will again host its annual celebration, featuring “Aussie” events like toad racing and thong-throwing, and the crowning of “Miss Aussie” and “Best Bogan”.

English Street and James Street will be fenced off to make way for the activities which include free face painting, and a DJ playing Aussie music all afternoon.

There will be a BBQ menu to choose from as well as Aussie pies. The event will kick off at 12 noon and go until 6.30pm.

Meanwhile at Millaa Millaa, an Aussie cricket match will be held in Lions Park as part of their event, which offers 70 free showbags for the kids, thongthrowing, live entertainment and the awarding of the Best Dressed “Bogan”.

The event starts at 11.30am and goes until 2.30pm.

At Kairi, the town’s hotel will be buzzing, with a lamington competition, thong-throwing and Aussie burgers for purchase. The event starts at 12 noon and wraps up around 2pm.

Turn to page 4 for a list of Mareeba and Tablelands Australia Day award nominees.

School bells ring again

THIS week the sound of school bells will be ringing out across the region as students head back to school for 2023.

For state schools, students were back at their desks on Monday whilst private schools follow on Tuesday.

This year’s, Term 1 will be from 23 January to 31 March, Term 2 from 17 April to 23 June, Term 3 will commence on 10 July to 15 September and Term 4 will be 3 October to 8 December.

Parents and other commuters are urged to check their speed in school zones with the limit decreasing to 40km/hr during school hours.

Tablelands Patrol Group Senior Constable Aleda Day said road safety was important when dropping children off to school and picking them up at the end of the day.

“Please be aware of our crossing supervisors who are be back at their stations and remember to slow down on approach to a

school crossing, allow time for them to enter the roadway, leave safely and signal for you to proceed, before doing so,” she said.

“Drivers are reminded to never queue across a school crossing while parents and caregivers are encouraged to teach their children of the importance of using school crossings whenever possible.

“Drop off zones are as their name suggests, a two minute set down area. These zones are not parking zones and parents are to use them as a ‘Kiss & Go’ zone.”

“Our kids, especially the excited littlies, are unpredictable and we need our drivers to be ready for the unexpected at all times,” she added.

“There will be ongoing traffic enforcement and police make no apologies for adopting a zero-tolerance approach to motorists who do the wrong thing in and around school zones.”

Charlee and William Sculthorpe from Kairi State School headed back to school for 2023.

Fresh faces join the fight against crime

BY ELLIE FINK

Since July last year, a total of 2689 offences have been recorded for the Mareeba Shire and Tablelands Regional Council area, with the majority of those offences being assault, traffic infringements and unlawful entry.

Constables Chloe Malcolm, Zoe Marker and Simon Van Der Steen are determined to make a difference and have a challenge in front of them, with 225 offences recorded for Mareeba and 200 for Tablelands over the past four weeks.

Being born and bred in Rockhampton, Const. Marker moved to Mareeba to begin her career in policing – something she has always wanted to do.

“I wanted to be a police officer when I was a kid and I have always wanted to do my part for the community and help out where I can,” she said.

“I think so far, the main highlights have been within myself. I have surprised myself with how I have been able to proactively respond to situations out of my comfort zone.”

Const. Malcolm, like her colleague, has always wanted to be a police officer and enjoys working alongside different people.

“I did a hairdressing apprenticeship but I just knew I wanted to be a police officer but I am only five foot one so I thought no one would take me seriously,” she said.

“I knew I really liked to communicate with people and being a hairdresser, that is

all I did but I wanted to do something that was much more impactful.”

Being an officer has already been an eye opener for Const. Malcolm, experiencing firsthand what her and her colleagues endure daily.

“I did my station duty in Edmonton, went out to a call which the officer’s thought would be simple but they both ended up being assaulted,” she said.

“That was definitely a huge eye opener.”

Coming all the way from Harvey Bay, Const. Van Der Steer is following in his father’s footsteps after spending several years in the army.

So far, he has found the job exciting, and he is looking forward to learning more.

“There is a really supportive network (in Mareeba), and everyone is super helpful and willing to answer your questions,” he said.

“I think being a first year, you just try

and absorb everything like a sponge.”

All constables agreed their biggest highlight in the job so far is their own personal development and the support they have received from their field training officers.

For the next 12 months, the constables will be trained on the job by their field training officers. Their training will be completed in December this year when they will hit the streets as fully-fledged officers.

MAREEBA has had nearly triple the rain as Cairns so far this year, with 603mm of rain falling in the town known for its “sunny days”, compared to just 250mm for its coastal counterpart.

The Mareeba weather station, operated by the State Government, shows 603mm had fallen as of 23 January, whereas the Mareeba Airport weather station, which is operated by the Bureau of Meteorology, shows 384mm to date at that site.

The record for rainfall at Mareeba Airport for January was in 2011 when 482mm fell.

Meanwhile, Atherton has recorded around 500mm since the start of the year, and Walkamin has had 493mm of rain to date.

Last week’s rain has boosted Tinaroo Falls Dam which was at 88.4 per cent on Wednesday but is now sitting at 91.5 per cent.

Arrest over tobacco

A 29-YEAR-OLD New Zealand woman has been charged after Innisfail police allegedly uncovered more than 150kg of illicit tobacco and cigarettes last week. Police allegedly uncovered more than 87kg of cigarettes in fake packaging (65,600 individual cigarettes), illegally imported vape products and a quantity of cash in an Owen Street motel room.

They will also allege around 70kg of loose tobacco and cigarettes in fake cartons and noncompliant packaging were located at a shop on Ernest Street.

New constables Chloe Malcolm, Zoe Marker and Simon Van Der Steen will be joining the Tablelands Patrol Group in serving the community.

Last plea to stop windfarm

MORE than 1000 submissions opposing a Tablelands wind farm were submitted earlier this month as Kennedy MP Bob Katter joined passionate community voices last week to plead with the Federal Environment Minister to block the development.

Mr Katter joined Tablelands adjunct professor and conservationist Tim Nevard, Rainforest Reserves Australia president Carolyn Emms and Stop Chalumbin Wind Farm’s Matt Lachlan in calling on Minister Tanya Plibersek to turn down the proposed 86-turbine wind farm near Ravenshoe.

Mr Katter pointed out his office had been advised that on October 31 last year, the Australia Eneregy Market Operator updated the Kaban wind farm closure date from 2048 to 2043, reducing the total operational period to 20 years.

“All that destruction, for what, 20 years of intermittent power,” he said.

“What is happening here is our nature wonderland is being turned into an industrial wasteland.”

Mr Lachlan said there was ample land throughout North Queensland for wind farms, and there was “no justification for using high biodiversity areas for this development”.

“If this development is approved, it will result in the destruction of habitat critical to the survival of endangered species being destroyed. Magnificent Brood Frogs, just to men-

Professor Nevard also argued the Chalumbin site was not suitable for a wind farm and spoke of the long-term cumulative effects of such a development.

“The cumulative impacts of clearing highaltitude, potential refugia habitat, in addition to the massive high-altitude clearing already undertaken for the adjacent recently approved Kaban wind infrastructure project, would be significant for both common and endangered species,” Professor Nevard said.

“These include koalas, Greater Gliders and Magnificent Brood Frogs, but for the Red Goshawk. severe and regional extinction would be a real possibility for one of Australia’s rarest birds.

Ms Emms said the proponent “had no social licence” for the project.

“Chalumbin will be left with about 1 million tonnes of concrete that will stay in situ. The wind turbine blades may need to be replaced in nine to 15 years’ time,” she said.

“The proposed Chalumbin wind farm faces widespread community opposition. Most of the Atherton Tablelands community does not want it to go ahead. The local community is concerned and distressed at the prospect of its beloved landscapes becoming the site of an industrial wind development.”

Mr Katter’s office has been advised the Federal Environment Minister is expected to make her decision in “the next couple of

Australia Day awards to recognise worthy locals

WORTHY members of the community and organisations will attend Australia Day Awards ceremonies on Thursday to celebrate and acknowledge those who do good things for the region.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti will announce the winners of 34 nominations across nine categories at its ceremony at the Atherton International Club on Australia Day.

“It’s fantastic to see these exceptional people and groups being recognised,” Mayor Marti said.

“We have such a great community and that doesn’t happen without the contribution of people like those who have been nominated.”

NOMINEES

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin will present awards at the Shire’s ceremony to be held at the Mareeba International Club.

“Council received nominations for worthy individuals and groups who exemplify the community spirit and generosity that is so evident throughout our region,” she said.

“On behalf of the councillors, I would like to invite all residents and visitors to council's Australia Day Awards ceremony. The event starts at 10am and is open to the public.”

The event will also be live streamed from the Mareeba Shire Council Facebook page.

Cultural Award

Kirsten Adams

Rebel Warren

Junior Cultural Award

Atherton Performing Arts

Youth Theatre

Tahalia Durrand

Junior Sports Award Breanne Wadley

Inclusion Award

Atherton Show Society Better Together Community Support

Eacham Community Help Organisation Inc. Jirrbal Aboriginal Corporation

MAREEBA SHIRE NOMINEES

Aerielle Hobbler

Alannah Falvo

Christian Mukadi Coco Gambino

Delwyn Richards

Dr Merrilee Frankish

Eloise Bertola

Sports Supporter Award

Louise Anderson-Clemence Annette Schep

Community Event of Year Malanda Christmas Street Festival

Malanda Show Ball Smokey Blue Rally

Frank Tulloch

John Pearce

Joshua Snell

Marcia Nguyen

Mareeba Gymnastics Club

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter with Rainforest Reserves Australia president Carolyn Emms and Stop Chalumbin Wind Farm’s Matt Lachlan at Friday’s media conference.

LOVERS of furry friends and tasty treats are being encouraged to buy a donut to help Remote Animal Assistance care for and rehome pets across rural areas.

Remote Animal Assistance is a newly established charity based in Kairi that addresses and assists in the pet overpopulation crisis in rural towns across the region that may not have easy access to a vet.

To raise funds to rehome and assist with vet care, founders Jess Leeming (pictured) and her husband James are hosting a Krispy Kreme donut drive.

“The funds will be used to facilitate flights and cover vet bills (desexing, health checks, vaccinations, microchipping etc.) for stray and surrendered animals from the remote communities we service,” Jess said.

“Some communities are lucky enough to have a vet fly in every few months, but this

Mayor determined to help DV victims

BY ROBYN HOLMES

AN escalation of domestic violence in Mareeba and the damaging effect it has on families, particularly children, has prompted Mayor Angela Toppin to call on the State for more resources to help victims.

The disturbing issue was raised at a Mareeba Taskforce meeting in November last year, with police revealing that 40 per cent of their time was spent responding to and investigating violence in the home.

And at a Community Safety meeting held by Mareeba Shire Council in September, police advised there had been an alarming number of domestic violence-related calls for service in the past five years which had had a huge operational impact on officers.

Figures obtained from the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service reveal that in 2020-2021 there were a total of 432 Domestic Violence

Protection Orders made in the Mareeba Magistrates Court including Temporary Orders and Variations.

During the 2021-2022 financial year, the organisation’s Tablelands service provided support to 228 new adult clients, in addition to clients who were already engaged with the service on an ongoing basis.

But there is no refuge in Mareeba, with women and children having to be housed in the Cairns or Tablelands refuges or even in other centres such as Townsville and Rockhampton, and this must change, says Mayor Toppin.

“The circumstances are dire and victims are being forced to leave their community to access support in other towns,” she said.

While council had no powers or responsibility in relation to community safety issues, the Mayor said the damage being done to families “disturbed her greatly” and the impacts it had

upon the whole community.

“As Mayor, my concern is the impact this has on families – I’ve seen it in the past as an educator, the impact it has on children. It can devastate them for life because the trauma can be with them forever,” Mayor Toppin said.

“It then connects to me that the young children are often out on the streets to escape their home situation so this is leading to youth crime because they get caught up in that.”

Next month, Mayor Toppin will meet with Dr Kylie Stephen, the Assistant DirectorGeneral in the Office for Women and Violence Prevention to highlight the situation in a bid to increase services.

Tablelands Acting Inspector Kyell Palmer said police were committed to investigating all incidents of domestic violence and providing support to victim survivors.

“Police are heavily focussed on adopting a victim centric

Housing the biggest challenge

HOUSING is the biggest hurdle facing organisations trying to help victims escaping family violence, says Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service chief executive officer Sandra Keogh.

“Whilst there has been some very strong investment in the domestic and family violence sector the need for shelters and refuges will be ongoing and often need outstrips capacity,” she said.

“However, the biggest issue at the moment is the availability of housing - we can get people into a shelter or alternative accommodation for a period of time but these are not long-term solutions and people need properties to move into.”

She said shelters/refuges often got “bed blocked” because there was very little safe, stable and affordable housing for victims to exit into.

“So, we might be able to get someone into shelter or crisis accommodation but then they have nowhere to go and as we keep hearing it is a highly competitive market and affordability is an ongoing issue,’ Ms Keogh said.

Ms Keogh said for those escaping family violence, sometimes staying in their own community could be at their detriment.

“It’s important to note that sometimes moving away from the area may be the safest option for someone – it is important to remember that planning to leave and/or ending the relationship is the most dangerous time for a victim/survivor and that just because the relationship ends, it doesn’t mean that the behaviour stops - in fact, it often escalates,” she said.

Ms Keogh said even if a refuge was made available in Mareeba, depending on how it was funded, it may take referrals from anywhere in the State.

“As Atherton is a small community, it is not always safe for local women fleeing violence to enter the Atherton shelter. Often women fleeing violence from the Tablelands will utilise a shelter further away from the person using violence.

“There are times in which the Atherton Shelter is at capacity, which means no new referrals are able to be considered.

“However, it is in my professional opinion that another shelter is not the solution. I believe that funding needs to be channelled into providing both transitional and long-term housing options.

“With the current housing crisis, it is near impossible to transition a family from shelter into independent and safe housing. The consequence of this is that women are often returning to unsafe situations or remain in shelter for extended periods of time.”

Apart from housing, Ms Keogh said the sector was also in need of more skilled workers.

“Services like ours can struggle to recruit because doing this work is a very specialised skill set,” she said. “I think it’s also important that we shift our focus – so often we interrogate survivor decision-making, ‘Why don’t they just leave?’ where we need to ask the question of the perpetrator, ‘Why don’t you just stop?’

“We need to be doing more to hold perpetrators accountable because asking questions of survivors is going to do little to stop the perpetrators’ behaviour.”

and holistic approach when investigating these incidents,” he said.

“This approach means victim survivors are now coming forward to report incidents.”

He said while there were several support services available that could be utilised to assist victim survivors to escape domestic violence, police were always supportive of initiatives and programs that would enhance community safety.

obviously leaves them lacking when emergencies pop up.

“Supplies can also be hard to source in such remote areas of the Far North and these issues have resulted in overpopulation of animals in some communities, as well as leaving pet owners with very limited options when their pets need urgent vet attention.

“Our long-term goal is to work together with these communities to facilitate regular vet visits and desexing drives, as well as improved access to supplies such as parasite preventatives and basic first aid supplies.

“But for now, we have started our efforts by assisting with the rehoming of stray and surrendered animals from these communities.”

To buy a box of Krispy Kreme for the drive, visit www.remoteanimalassistance.com/product-page/krispy-kreme-donuts. Orders close on 31 January.

THIS

SPECIALS

Womens Centre FNQ acting manager Brittany Faulkner said its refuge in Atherton accepted referrals for women fleeing violence from multiple sources and from all different locations.

Five northern quolls – a mother and her four dependent babies – were found in a box of pumpkins at Melbourne Wholesale Market in Epping, Victoria, on 13 December 2022.

It is believed the quolls entered the box while at a farm in Far North Queensland and were transported to Melbourne along with other cartons of vegetables.

After the stowaways were discovered, the Melbourne Market Authority worked with the Conservation Regulator who organised for the quolls to be taken to Melbourne Zoo and receive care from veterinary staff.

While the quolls were recovering from their travels, Conservation Regulator Forest and Wildlife Officers identified their original location near Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Once the quolls were deemed healthy and ready for release and were flown back to Queensland on 5 January.

Department Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers collected the small animals from Cairns airport that evening and transported them to the Tablelands, where a vet once again assessed their health.

After getting the all-clear, officers successfully released the quolls back to their natural habitat that night. DES Senior Wildlife Officer Dinouk Perera said this was a great outcome for the family of protected marsupials.

“Northern quolls are native to tropical and subtropical climates across Australia and have adapted to thrive in warmer conditions, which means they are not built to live in a typically colder place like Melbourne,” he said.

“These quolls are very lucky to have been rescued and taken into care, as they had travelled a long way without food or water. We are very grateful to the Melbourne Market Authority, Melbourne Zoo and Victoria’s Conservation Regulator for working with us to bring these animals home where they belong.”

Weather causes chaos on roads

BY ROBYN HOLMES

INTENSE rainfall caused flash flooding over the Kennedy Highway north of Tolga last Wednesday, creating fast-flowing rivers of red soil and water to emerge from side roads, while motorists were also caught out trying to use some local roads, prompting residents to call for improved drainage.

More than 80mm of rain fell in a very short period of time near Tolga and Rocky Creek, forcing water onto the highway, emerging out of Channel Road East, Carbeen Road and another unnamed dirt access road, taking motorists by surprise, many having to hit the brakes to avoid hitting the water at high speed.

At one stage, Main Roads closed the Northey Road intersection to clear one of the culverts.

Meanwhile, on local roads, a video emerged of a motorists trying to drive down Griffin Road which was absolutely inundated with water rushing out of the fields beside the road, and locals are fed up with the situation.

On behalf of many of the residents, an email was sent to Tablelands Regional Council on Thursday to request an urgent meeting with Cr Bernie Wilce about the flash flooding, and the very deep washouts on the sides of the road which residents say makes the road very dangerous.

“We have our own ‘give way’ rule to try to make the road safer from the butchery to Campana Road - we stop and give way to whoever is on the road as the sides are rutted and dangerous,” the letter says.

“And I have to say today we have all had enough. We have tolerated the walkers in the mornings and afternoons who walk up the

“It’s getting dangerous. None of us want to have to have a serious accident

our road.”

The residents say the increased number of cyclists using the road, either in single file or in a group ride, was just getting too much, but they are not certain what the solution to this could be.

“Griffin Road is getting busier and busier now with more housing and farmers with cattle and cane farms and orchards and the slaughter house and butchery - a single lane is just not suffice as it’s crazy busy,” the letter says.

“When the roads are slashed they don’t do a proper job - the bottom of the road on the left going down can’t be slashed as it has been left to overgrow with elephant grass which falls on the road and now there are all trees lining the side of the road.

“There is no drain so there is nowhere for the water to go besides on the road and over to the right side which can’t handle all the rain that comes down the hill.”

The residents say council spent $750,000 on drains and filtering systems several years back but “all that has been over grown trees now growing in there - it is just a joke”

“We need this addressed now – it’s dangerous and we are tired of just getting a ‘patch up’ and ‘she’ll be right’ attitude.

“It is noted today (Thursday) they are doing repairs to the road. But this is not even putting a bandaid on the matter. The problem starts from the very top of the hill on both sides from the very start of Griffin Road to the very end.”

Before receiving the residents’ letter, council’s general manager infrastructure and environment Mark Vis responded to questions by The Express.

“The drainage on Griffin Road is designed for more frequent, less intense events, which means it is suitable most of the time. Roads act as secondary stormwater flow paths for more intense, less frequent events, like Wednesday’s,” he said.

“We recently completed a drainage study for the wider Tolga area and will prioritise the recommendations according to our strategic priorities and budget allocations.

“Upgrading drainage does not necessarily mean no ongoing issues as upgrades are designed for more frequent, less intense events.”

He also advised that council would raise the flash flooding on the Kennedy Highway on Wednesday with the Department of Transport and Main Roads at their next Traffic Advisory Committee meeting.

Main Roads has also promised that the final asphalt works on the Rocky Creek section of the highway will be completed by the end of this month, pending weather and construction conditions.

“Until then, we will monitor this section and carry out maintenance repairs as required,” a spokesperson said.

One of the quolls starts to leave the box after DES officers took the animals back to their habitat.

road where there is just no room whatsoever for a walker and traffic in both directions.

on

Workers clear a culvert between Rocky Creek and Tolga

Council bows to State plea

BY ROBYN HOLMES

SOME of the conditions for the new State Government-funded netball facility at Atherton High School have been deleted or modified after Tablelands Regional Council was told the project may not be viable if the conditions imposed upon the development were not changed.

The Department of Education asked for two conditions to be deleted related to the use of a council-controlled car parking area and the proposed pedestrian linkage to the car park from the facility. It also requested that part of the noise condition be deleted because it would cause uncertainty as to the operating hours of the sporting facility should council get complaints from neighbours.

While officers recommended council hold firm on its original conditions, councillors were not in agreeance, despite hearing from local resident Tammy Petersen who pleaded with them to reduce the operating hours of the facility in the evening, citing noise as the biggest concern for neighbouring properties.

“We get noise from the hall when they have events but it’s bearable because of the trees and distance between the hall and the residences,” she said.

“And it’s not the noise during school hours that we’re worried about, it’s after school hours. We have a number of shift workers who have very early starts and the noise level at night is a concern – how that is going to interrupt sleeping.

“We thought maybe planting trees around the edge could absorb some of that noise.”

Ms Petersen said increased traffic was another worry.

“Then there’s the traffic increase and noise from that. It’s very busy already at peak times but our concern is after school hours.’

“And we know they are not going to park in the internal car park because of the distance between the carpark and the facility - it will be the parking just near us.”

But Cr Peter Hodge said correspondence from the department made it clear that unless some of the conditions were not deleted or modified, there was a danger the project would not go ahead because it would no longer meet the criteria for funding by the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.

“They are spending $3 million to $4 million for

this structure – what this means it costs nothing to the council, nothing to ratepayers, there is no operational costs – it’s fully funded by the State.

“But the advice from the department is that the conditions would impact on the viability of the project, the objective would be severely impacted, and the project would likely not proceed under the current conditions.”

One of the main sticking points for the department was that if council received a complaint about noise, officers would have the power to suspend activities beyond 7pm at the facility until they received a report showing compliance with noise levels and any measures to be taken to reduce the noise.

In a letter, a consultant acting for the department said the current conditions related to noise would “affect the ability of the proposed development being able to meet the funding criteria by introducing the uncertainty of a potential restriction of the use to 7pm”.

This was because senior netball games would be unable to be played during the week as they typically had to start after 6pm due to work commitments and travel time from towns like Ravenshoe and Millaa Millaa.

“In addition, the potential restriction of access to existing public car parking would introduce operational restrictions that are a further cause for concern,” the letter stated.

“The impact of the imposed conditions on the intended operation of the facility is that Tableland Netball Association ..... would not be able to provide the required number of games and game times to accommodate the demand based on a 7pm restriction.

“On preliminary assessment and discussion, the entire project is at risk as the project will be unable to meet the intent of the funding program.”

Cr Hodge moved that council delete the car parking condition, reduce the conditions imposed on the pedestrian linkage construction, and retain the noise condition but he was intent that if the facility’s activities were going to be suspended due to noise complaints, the decision must be made by councillors.

Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin supported his stance, saying if operations were to be suspended past 7pm, then “it has to come back to councillors – it has to come from us, not officers”.

Council voted unanimously to change the conditions.

Last chance to apply for community funding

THERE are only a few days left to apply for the latest round of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm Community Fund.

The Community Fund contributes $200,000 per year to clubs, community groups, schools and charities within 50km of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm and 40km of the Windy Hill Wind Farm.

More than 100 local community groups have received a grant from the Community Fund since its inception in 2019. Projects that have been funded have ranged from new sheds, painting

projects, shade structures, school camps to IT equipment.

To apply, please review the terms and condition of the fund to ensure that your group is eligible to apply for funding at www.mtemeraldwindfarm.com.au/community.

Then download the application form and send the completed form with supporting documents to communityfund@ratchaustralia.com.

For all enquiries, email communityfund@ ratchaustralia.com or call 1800 280 013 for more information.

Refuge hits record numbers

LAST year was one of the busiest for the Mareeba Animal Refuge, with the organisation smashing their record for cat and kitten adoptions.

In 2022, a total of 253 cats were adopted from the refuge during one of their biggest intakes yet.

Several litters of kittens made their way in the cattery with hopes to find their new home and staff member Felicity Pollard said culprit of the influx was people not desexing their animals.

“No one is desexing their animals and there are so many ‘accidental’ pregnancies amongst cats,” she said.

“Once they go on heat, they wonder off to find their mate and then once they give birth they just keep going and going – it is definitely a big problem.”

Unwanted litters usually end up in the refuge, but it is thanks to several new cat parents that these litters can have a loving and playful life.

Litters of puppies have also been making their way to the facility, with each pen hosting two or more dogs.

The facility has limited room, so staff members of the refuge are urging locals to desex their animals to avoid

unwanted litters and to adopt, don’t shop for your next furry friend.

Cats and dogs are available to meet seven days a week at the refuge facility on Hickling Avenue, Mareeba.

Mareeba Animal Refuge staff Felicity Pollard and Alyssa Abel-Marsterson with some of the refuge’s residents.

Donation helps lives across FNQ

AFTER the late Ted Simms donated $33,000 towards a charitable work of its choosing, the Cairns Lions Club has funded a new piece of vital equipment that is used for the early detection life threatening liver cancers and diseases for remote people across the Far North.

The portable fibroscan machine is used by the Liver Clinic, Outreach Team, and Cairns Sexual Health Service and while there is a larger version at the Cairns Hospital, the new mobile machine will be used on outreach visits throughout Cape York.

The decision was made to purchase the $80,000 machine through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation after the Cairns Lions successfully applied for a $15,000 grant from the Australian Lions Foundation and a $27,000 grant from Lions Club International Foundation combined with their own contribution of $6000 and Mr Simms’ donation.

Liver disease was the 23rd leading cause of death in Australia in 2020 and affects one in three Australians with common causes being alcohol, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and now obesityrelated fatty liver disease.

Aboriginal and Torres strait people are more at risk of developing liver disease with the 2016 census indicating 360 of the 24,319 Aboriginal and Torres Strait people living in the cape were diagnosed with Hepatitis B

Cairns and Hinterland Hos-

pital and Health Service Director of Sexual Health Dr Darren Russell said the very generous gift would allow staff to easily assess a person’s liver health and the stage of their disease.

“Treatments can then be put in place earlier, leading to better outcomes for the person and their community,” he said.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Cairns Lions Club and to Mr Simms for making this lifesaving technology available to the Far North community.”

The new machine as already been put to work in Cape York communities with a recent trip in October already paying dividends.

“Patients and clinicians have been very excited with the news of the new portable mini fibro scan machine, especially from the most recent outreach trip to Bamaga and Thursday Island,” Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Research Coordinator Sharna Radlof said.

“The Hepatitis B Nurse fibro scanned 42 patients and detected early fibrosis in 10 of the 42 patients and detected an early Cirrhosis diagnosis in one patient.”

Mr Simms’ daughter Tricia Waldby expressed gratitude to the Cairns Lions Club for their choice of project for her father’s bequest.

She said her father would have been very proud that his bequest facilitated such a worthwhile and much-needed piece of medical equipment for the people in remote areas of Far North Queensland.

Cairns Lions Club members with Cairns Hospital staff testing out the new portable fibroscan machine.

Life-saving surgery for brave youngster

JULATTEN youngster Sebastian Leonardi has spent the start of 2023 in the Queensland Children’s Hospital receiving life-saving brain surgery.

Five-year-old Sebastian was admitted after a routine MRI and oncology review revealed hydrocephalus, a blockage, and build-up of brain fluid.

The finding thrusted Sebastian into emergency surgery to install a VP shunt, replacing the brain’s function of transporting brain fluid in and around the brain and through the body.

“Sadly, the surgery was deemed unsuccessful, so less than 48 hours later, Sebastian faced life-saving brain surgery again,” mum Crystal said.

Sebastian is now recovering in the Queensland Children’s Hospital acute care ward, awaiting the all-clear to continue recovery at home in Julatten.

Sebastian was diagnosed with brain cancer in January 2020 and has continued to battle the disease with chemotherapy for two of the past three years.

Sebastian’s family has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to childhood

brain cancer.

Since his diagnosis in 2020, Crystal has published two books to help other families faced with similar circumstances.

Best-selling novel, Boy of Steel and My Brother Sebastian have been pivotal in educating families about brain cancer and supporting children diagnosed with cancer.

With the school year upon us, Sebastian’s mum hopes he can start Prep with his friends in Julatten.

“It has been such a long road to get him to this point, and we hope he will be well enough to start school soon and enjoy learning and socialising, like all five-year-old’s should.”

Crystal has been recognised by the Children’s Hospital Foundation as a community supporter and received accolades, including Author of the Year (Bronze) in the 2022 Ausmumpreneur awards.

To follow Sebastian’s story or purchase Crystal’s books, go to her website www.crystalleonardi.com

Childcare, medical facilities part of new Tolga project

A CHILDCARE centre and medical care services facility within a proposed subdivision at Tolga has been approved.

The change to the project was put to Tablelands Regional Council at its recent meeting, with officers noting that the subdivision plans had been changed since first approved by the former Atherton Shire Council in 2007.

The first approval was for 184 residential lots in seven stages, followed by an application in 2013 for the reconfiguration of a lot into 196. In 2016, the developer applied to change it again, providing more appropriate agricultural buffering and reducing the size of the lots to increase their overall yield to 219 lots.

Officers advised the plans provided for council to consider the childcare

and medical centres indicated alternate lot boundaries however, the developer had not yet lodged an application to reconfigure the land to accommodate the additional facilities.

“It is anticipated that a further change of approval request would be forthcoming in relation to Stage 11 of the residential estate as a consequence of the development now proposed,” the report stated.

The report noted there was some concern about the impacts of traffic, particularly at the Tate Road intersection, with officers meeting with representatives from the Department of Transport and Main Roads in October to discuss the issue.

“Their advice was that while the development would no doubt contribute to the gradual worsening of congestion issues as the new area develops

over time, there is sufficient queuing capacity within the council-controlled network to safely accommodate the increase for the foreseeable future,” the report stated.

“Further, before such time as traffic flows warrant signalising the intersections, there is little more than can be done in the interim to alleviate the situation as any such treatments have already been undertaken.”

Product of Australia

Product of Australia

Crystal Leonardi with

son Sebastian who has just undergone lifesaving brain surgery.

Free health program aimed at older men

MEN over the age of 60 are being invited to attend a free health and wellbeing program that was first held last year and has since been replicated at other Men’s Shed across Australia.

A collaboration between the Atherton Men’s Shed, Tablelands Regional Council, Atherton Community Health and FNQ Health and Fitness, was held over 16 weeks last year and, from all accounts, was a great success.

“The Health Needs Assessment 2019-2022 by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network showed older men in our region have low levels of physical activity compared to other areas in FNQ and we are committed to delivering opportunities of physical activity and social engagement to older Tablelanders,” Cr Bernie Wilce said.

“The program embeds positive behaviour

changes towards physical activity and healthy living habits through weekly, one-hour guided sessions with an exercise physiologist.

“The program is suitable for all abilities and there are pre-, mid- and post-program health checks.

“Some of the participants in the original program lost well over 10kg and, more importantly, these men have made exercise and healthy eating part of their every day.

“This refresher program is an opportunity for new participants to join the program, and for previous participants to check-in.”

The program will run every Thursday between Thursday 2 February and Thursday 30 March in Atherton.

Places are limited so register at www.trc. qld.gov.au/mens-shed-refresher by Tuesday 31 January to secure your place.

Community connectors sought

LOCALS are being asked to apply to become a “health community connector” in a bid to improve the end-of-life experience for residents.

The Compassionate Communities initiative, developed by the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), aims to empower members of the community to play a stronger and more confident role in the care and support of people at end of life.

The program will activate everyday citizens to draw upon their knowledge of local services and groups and offer that information to people that they come across who might benefit from being more connected.

A NQPHN spokesperson said health community connectors could be hairdressers, taxi drivers, café staff, aged care workers, teenagers, students, choir group members, community workers, business owners, librarians, social workers or neighbours.

The organisation is now seeking expres-

sions of interest from people to become health community connectors, specifically people who are community-minded individuals passionate about engaging with community members on identifying and signposting vulnerable people to groups, services and other supports that either formally and informally address end of life care, grief and bereavement.

Some examples of these services and supports may include palliative care, support groups, social clubs, community services and any other type of helpful supports. Health community connectors may be retired professionals, health or community services professionals, or caregivers amongst others.

To register your interest to attend the free health community connectors’ train-the-trainer workshops in either Mareeba (31 January ) or Atherton (30 January) call 0475 747 489 and speak to Maria Callaghan, Older Persons’ Health & Palliative Care Manager for more information.

Hospital needs public help for sick frogs

A LOCAL frog hospital is appealing for anyone seeing a lump on frogs to report it to the facility.

Frog Safe president Deborah Pergolotti said the frog hospital normally received frogs that have visible tumours around February, however the season appeared to have started early, with a new type of tumour arriving in mid-November.

“The past couple years at least two new cancer types were diagnosed from White-lipped tree frogs and already another new type has surfaced this summer,” she said.

“We're waiting on pathology results to tell us what this strange lump is.

“A severe case from Cooktown arrived on 3 January which is plagued by at least two different tumour types and biopsies are being obtained. This is not a good sign for the rest of this summer.”

She has appealed to everyone in the region to keep an eye out for any frog (or even toad) that has

a lump anywhere on its body.

“It could just be a parasite or a bacterial abscess which are both treatable but if it isn't, we need to verify what is going on,” Ms Pergolotti said.

“If you are a vet clinic and a suspicious case comes in, we would be grateful if you will let us know. All cases of this type need to be properly documented so that they can be registered on the official databases.”

Ms Pergolotti said people should always handle all frogs and toads with gloves or a plastic bag over hands even if the amphibians look healthy.

“If you find something suspicious, email a photograph to us, then place the animal in an ice cream container with air holes and bring indoors. Then ring us for advice,” she said.

More information is available from www.frogsafe.org.au or you can email to admin@frogsafe. org.au or call on 4068 9402.

Mount Emerald Wind Farm Community Fund

Frogs are being reported to a local frog hospital with cancerous tumours.

A MAN who has committed the last two years of his life to helping young people get their driver’s licences has been recognised.

RAYMOND Turner, more affectionally known as Uncle Ray, was invited to Brisbane for Braking the Cycle’s 10th anniversary where he received an award for his volunteer work in the program.

“When I first heard, I was invited to attend – I was nervous and then I was really excited,” he said.

“It was a really good experience meeting politicians and having a chat with them about the program and our Mareeba community.”

Through the PCYC Braking the Cycle program, Ray mentors young learner drivers who don’t have the opportunity to get behind the wheel.

PCYC not only provides the mentors but also the vehicles with leaners able to experience driving in both a manual and an automatic car.

“Two years ago, I was asked by Sgt MaryAnne if I would be interested in becoming a mentor,” Ray said.

“When I found out more about the program, I thought it’s such a wonderful opportunity for our Mareeba youth to get their driving hours up and said ‘absolutely’.

“So many young people don’t have access to cars or mentors and the club has two cars, an auto and a manual. It’s a brilliant program supporting young people to achieve independence.”

Ray said by using the program, young learner drivers gain confidence on the road – something he enjoys seeing.

“I have more patience with teenage drivers and enjoy interacting with young people,” he said.

“To see their driving skills improve is really great, because when they start, they are nervous and by the time they’ve achieved their 100 hours, they are more confident and excited about gaining their Ps.

“PCYC has excellent training for mentors and when a new mentor comes on board, I have a chat with them and we get to catch up now and then as a group for a cuppa.”

Annual hospital numbers down

THE number of residents seeking emergency medical assistance at hospitals on the Tablelands last year has dropped compared to 2021 new statistics have shown.

Both the Mareeba and Atherton Hospitals have recorded tens of thousands of patients through their emergency departments over the course of 2022 with Atherton having 19,720 presentations and Mareeba having 22,812.

Total numbers were down for both hospitals as they both recorded lower elective surgery patients, outpatient clinic attendances and total admissions while births increased in the Atherton Hospital with 160 new Tablelanders born, 10 up from 2021 – Mareeba was down by 23.

Executive Director Rural and Remote Services Tracey Morgan said thanked residents for seeking alternative care and keeping stress off the hospital’s emergency departments.

“This is believed to be due to Covid restrictions being in place across our facilities, and an overall reduction in visitors to the Tablelands,” she said.

“We thank the public for seeking alternative care for non-urgent medical issues such as local GPs, community pharmacies, telehealth, or calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

“While Covid is still circulating in our communities, if you show ANY symptoms of being unwell, please do not come into our facilities where you can potentially expose vulnerable patients.”

ATHERTON HOSPITAL

• Emergency Department presentations (2022) – 19,720

• Emergency Department presentations (2021) – 20,136

• Births (2022) – 160

• Births (2021)- 150

• Elective surgery patients (2022) - 193

• Elective surgery patients (2021) – 294

• Total admissions (2022) – 6,999

• Total admissions (2021) – 7,123

• Number of outpatient clinic attendances (2022) – 14,204

• Number of outpatient clinic attendances (2021) – 14,905

MAREEBA HOSPITAL

• Emergency Department presentations (2022) – 22,812

• Emergency Department presentations (2021) – 24,112

• Births (2022) – 137

• Births (2021)- 160

• Elective surgery patients (2022) - 67

• Elective surgery patients (2021) – 95

• Total admissions (2022) – 5,868

• Total admissions (2021) – 6,076

• Number of outpatient clinic attendances (2022) – 9,718

• Number of outpatient clinic attendances (2021) – 12,910

Raymond Turner spends most of his time helping young people get their licences through the PCYC Braking the Cycle program.

Past winner urges locals to nominate

Stroke Awards

MOYAMOYA Foundation founder and Ravenshoe mum Nicola Baker is urging locals to nominate worthy contenders for the 2023 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards.

Nicole Baker was named the 2022 Fundraiser of the Year after raising almost $5,000 during Stroke Foundation’s physical activity campaign, Stride4Stroke.

The Stroke Awards recognise the incredible individuals in our community who strive to make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke.

The Fundraiser of the Year category particularly recognises those who have gone above and beyond in fundraising for the Stroke Foundation, which is more than 70 per cent funded by public donations.

Nicola’s now 19-year-old son Jed experienced a life changing stroke when he was 11 months old. He was later diagnosed with a rare brain condition called Moyamoya.

So passionate about the cause, Nicola created her own foundation and has helped raised funds and awareness about the disease.

“It was an honour for me to be nominated for the award. I love doing work for Stroke Foundation and to have some-

body recognise that means a lot to me,” Ms Baker said.

“I love the support that I’ve received over the years, I’ve made some very

dear friends in the stroke community and made some invaluable relationships. So much has changed since Jed’s first stroke in September 2004. Back then we thought stroke was something that happened to the elderly. Since that time, we have managed to educate and inform many people.”

“They are shocked to hear my baby had a stroke. It was a very big thing to have gone through. I’m so thankful he’s still here. Jed has a future, he’s taller than me and has recently graduated year 12."

The Stroke Awards are open to survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers.

There are six award categories this year including the Stroke Warrior Award, Courage Award, Creative Award, Fundraiser of the Year Award, Improving Life after Stroke Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Nominations close on February 17. Winners will be announced at the Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards on Thursday, May 4.

Nominations can be made online at www.strokefoundation.org.au/how-youcan-help/get-involved/awards/strokeawards

Successful grant gives arts theatre better air

AIR purifiers will be installed in Atherton Performing Arts’ theatre after the group were successful in obtaining a grant from the Federally-funded Strengthening Rural Communities – Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC) program.

The $7103 grant will enable 12 air pu-

rifiers to be installed to protect performers, audiences and others by removing airborne pathogens from inside the facility.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Federal Government was committed to backing regional, rural

and remote communities, which continued to face challenges from the pandemic.

“That’s why we’ve invested $5 million towards this vital program, which is already supporting some incredible community-led initiatives that are making a real difference in their regions,” she said.

THIS is the final week to enter your mango in The Express’ annual mango competition.

It has been tough competition this year with Steve Gould coming in late last Friday with a whopping 1.840kg KP which he grew on his farm.

Last year, Mr Gould took out the big win with his last minute 2kg mango and plans to do it again this year.

Young Milan Maloberti, who places almost every year he enters, is currently sitting in second place with his 1.550kg KP.

Kyle Hastie is sitting in third with his 1.491kg mango and Sophie and Tony Davey sitting in fourth with their 1.445kg home grown fruit.

Presented by The Express Newspaper and FNQ Growers the KP Mango Competition looks at the heaviest mangoes across the area put in for judging and gives them either first, second or third.

With cash prizes up for grabs courtesy of Lindsay Transport and Lindsay Rural for the first, second and third heaviest mangoes entries have only been getting bigger and bigger.

Any mangoes entered in the competition must be brought into The Express office and clearly show the weight of the mango on digital scales, the mangoes must also be of the Kensington Pride variety.

Entries close on 31 January.

Nicola Baker and her son Jed, who has moyamoya, are encouraging people to nominate local heroes for the annual Stroke Awards.

AUSTRALIA is home to a number of marsupial gliders. These relatives of our possums have specially adapted skin folds attached to their arms and legs that can be spread when the animal is airborne and which are capable of supporting gliding flights from one tree to another.

They range in size from the largest gliding marsupial (the Southern Greater Glider) down to the tiny Feather-tailed Glider.

There are species across most of Australia except the southwest. Their ecology varies a little with most feeding on plant exudates, insects and nectar but the Greater Gliders feed exclusively on eucalypt leaves.

Most of the Australian gliders are present in northern Queensland and can be seen in eucalypt forests and tall woodlands along the edge of the rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

The Mahogony Glider is known only from the lower elevation coastal side of the ranges and is confined to areas just north and south of Cardwell and Ingham. It is endangered largely due to habitat loss.

One of the more commonly seen species is the so-called Krefft’s Glider, a type of sugar glider that is widespread and feeds on nectar, pollen and small arboreal animals.

Like many gliders, these are social animals who live in small family groups occupying common dens (tree hollows) within their home range.

The Indonesian subspecies has been brought into captivity in the USA and thousands are kept as pets due to their appeal. Sadly this “industry” is seriously flawed due to the cruelty of ignorance or indifference of most “owners” combined with the industrial breeding programs targeting impulse purchases at shopping malls. The American way? For many wildlife species cuteness has meant some sad and unfortunate outcomes.

In our region, people are able to enjoy the different species of our delightful gliders by signing up for nocturnal tours with accredited wildlife guides.

It is astonishing to see these animals launch from a high tree and then glide across a long distance to land safely at the base of another tree. A wonderful sight.

The beautiful Yellow-bellied Glider is quite common on the eastern edge of the tablelands where they use their teeth to make incisions in the bark of certain gum trees to access the resin produced, an important food resource.

Other species of gliders, including the tiny Feather-tailed Glider, will take advantage of this

and are often seen feeding from the same flows.

The Northern Greater Glider is our largest species and is found across the region, occupying taller eucalypt forests. These are solitary animals who come together only to breed and who feed only on eucalypt leaves.

They need tree hollows to live in during the daylight hours and each animal will have several hollows across its home range that are crucial for survival.

Forest clearing is highly destructive of their habitat and loss of hollows is a serious threat. Greater Gliders are capable of long glides, up to perhaps 100 metres when launched from a tall tree. Apart from habitat destruction, another threat to most gliders is the use of barbed wire fences that sometimes leads to entanglement and slow painful death. Wildlife safe substitutes are now being used by many property owners.

The Greater Glider has a claim to be our cutest glider and for some people it seems like a model for the seriously cute Gizmo of Gremlin movie fame.

It was once considered a single species along the entire eastern ranges of Australia but genetic studies have now separated the population into three geographic species.

They do not occur in rainforests but require old aged eucalypt forests that supply both food and hollows.

I find it hard to award a cuteness prize to a single species as my passion for wildlife (biophilia) means I love them all. What do you think?

Peter Valentine is an adjunct Professor at James Cook University and he has spent much of the past 40 years studying wildlife in northern Queensland.

Dream falls victim to youth crime

BY RHYS THOMAS

JUST a few short years after opening its doors, Fantasy Tails has decided to close up shop for good as the owners continue to suffer from the effects of youth crime in Mareeba, despite relocating their shop out of the CBD.

Jared Yates and Zach Kroonenburg have always dreamed of opening their own pet shop and in 2021, they made that dream a reality.

The two locals were instantly welcomed by Mareeba residents and the wider community with Fantasy Tails being the first fully fledged pet shop to open in Mareeba for years.

However after a few run-ins with youth in Mareeba and being vocal on their stance surrounding youth crime, Fantasy Tails and its owners became targets.

To escape the constant vandalism and emotional turmoil, they decided to relocate to a safer area of Mareeba, the new industrial estate.

Zach and Jared could finally sleep peacefully knowing their new location was safe however they were no longer welcome in their own town as they continued to cop abuse from the same youth who forced them out of

Byrnes Street.

Finally, it got too much and the decision was made to close Fantasy Tails for the foreseeable future as they both take time to focus on their own mental health.

“Unfortunately, we are still getting abused even when we go into town and so our mental health has really taken a downturn,” Zach said.

“The effects of youth crime have just followed us – you can’t escape it.”

Fantasy Tails is currently having a closing down sale with 25 to 90 per cent off items as the owners just want to “wash their hands” of the business.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Jared and Zach have expressed their utmost gratitude to the Mareeba community who has been nothing but supportive during their troubled times.

“We would like to give every single piece of thanks we can give, the support we have gotten even before all of these issues was incredible,” Zach said.

“We do feel really upset about this decision but I feel we really need to focus on ourselves at the moment and maybe in the future we will see how we go.”

Locals Zach Kroonenburg and Jared Yates have made the regretful decision to close their pet shop, Fantasy Tales, for the foreseeable future.

Which is the cutest glider of all?

The cute Greater Glider photographed in trees on the Tablelands. Image: Dominic Chaplin.

Projects & Programs Update

The following projects and programs will commence, continue or be completed in February (weather permitting):

• slashing in Chilverton, Danbulla, East Barron, Evelyn, Glen Allyn, Herberton, Jaggan, Kaban, Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham, Malanda, Ravenshoe, Tarzali, Topaz, Upper Barron, Wondecla and Wooroora

• grading in Butchers Creek, Herberton, Lake Eacham, North Johnstone and Ravenshoe

• road, culvert and bridge inspections across the region

• assessment of tenders for water improvements in the Ravenshoe, Millstream, Cassowary Heights and Bellview Estate area

• replacement of Duncan Brown bridge in Malanda.

Follow these and other projects and programs at trc.qld.gov.au/projects.

Rural Numbers

Legible rural numbers are essential for emergency services to locate your property. They need to be kept clear of vegetation and shouldn’t be obscured by fences or letterboxes. Replacement number sleeves, numbers and posts can be purchased from our Atherton Customer Service Centre. Find out more at trc.qld.gov.au/rural-addressing.

Free Tablelands Career Forum

If you are looking for a job, career change or course, you can’t afford to miss this event. 10.00am–1.30pm Wednesday 1 March at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton. This event is for school students, parents, teachers, jobseekers, and people searching for courses and training.

Australia Day Awards

Celebrate exceptional people and groups in our community at our 2023 Australia Day Awards Ceremony at the Atherton International Club. Doors open at 10.00am for a 10.30am start. RSVP and see the nominees at trc.qld.gov.au

Tender

Tender T-TRC2022-15 for waste and recyclables collection services is open until 2pm Friday 10 February. Go to tenderlink.com/trc for more information and to lodge your tender.

Next Council Meetings

9am Thursday 9 February (Planning Committee) 9am Thursday 23 February (Ordinary Meeting) Meetings are held in the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton, and are live streamed and recorded. Agendas, minutes, recordings and live stream links are available from our socials and trc.qld.gov.au/meetings

Impounded Animals

Missing your pet or livestock? Check our socials and trc.qld.gov.au/impounded-animals in case we have them in our animal management facility. Call us on 1300 362 242 or visit a customer service centre to arrange to pick up your animal/s.

Safer Seniors On Our Roads

We have partnered with Department of Transport and Main Roads to host a free information session to improve the road safety of our seniors. Join us at the Atherton International Club at 9.30–11.30am Thursday 23 February. Book at trc.qld.gov.au/seniors-road or by calling 1300 362 242.

Exhibit In Your Local Gallery

We are inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from groups and individuals for 2024 exhibitions in our three galleries — Tableland Regional Gallery, Old Post Office Gallery and Foyer Gallery. EOIs must be received by Sunday 30 April. Exhibition, gallery and application information is available at trc.qld.gov.au/galleries

Rate Notices By Email

Go paperless and ensure you receive your rate notice wherever you are. Register for emailed rate notices at trc.qld.gov.au/email-notices

Work With Us

We are looking for a Lead Compliance Officer. Go to trc.qld.gov.au/careers for more information and to apply. Register to receive our career opportunities by email at trc.qld.gov.au

Customer service centres in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe

Plant upgrades improve Douglas sustainability

DOUGLAS Shire Council has added another layer in its sustainability with recent upgrades to the Port Douglas wastewater treatment plant set to lower its electricity use and improve the quality of water being filtered back out into the environment.

Council received close to $1 million from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program to upgrade the aeration system in the sequencing batch reactors (SBR) at the plant.

Aeration is a critical process that reduces organic matter and harmful micro-organisms in wastewater so that it can be safely reused or returned to the environment.

Once the grey water is treated, Council uses the treated effluent for irrigation on golf courses in Port Douglas and releases the remainder into the Dickson Inlet.

Mayor Michael Kerr said new air diffuser grids would significantly improve the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process.

“The plant upgrade will improve the quality of water released into our waterways,” he said.

“By installing a new aerator system, we will also significantly reduce our electricity use at the treatment plant which is council’s most energy-intensive site.

“As a Reef Guardian Council, council is proud to showcase another fantastic example of an environmentally sustainable investment in our region.”

The new air diffuser grids will provide a more uniform air flow through the wastewater as it passes through the SBR tanks. The works will also make the basins in the SBR more accessible for regular maintenance.

Council plans to use local contractors to assist with the cleanout of the basins, remove the old aeration manifolds and install the new system when work begins in May 2023.

Small museum wins big award

NATIONAL Trust Cooktown Museum, in partnership with Relative Creative, has been named as the winner of the 2022 Gallery and Museum Achievement Award (GAMAA) for the Waterways and Bama Display Cooktown Museum.

The Achievement Award was in the category of Projects for Organisations with Paid Staff for Waterways & Bama Display Room, and was presented at a ceremony in Brisbane yesterday. Museums and Galleries Queensland is the peak professional body for the public museum and gallery sector in Queensland.

Heritage Manager National Trust QLD Phillip Tanner said he felt honoured to accept the award.

“This is a wonderful achievement and recognition for both Cooktown Museum and Relative Creative, and we are so honoured to accept this award,” he said.

“It has been an exciting time, with a reimagination of the museum.”

Co-Director of Relative Creative, Tristan Schultz said it was humbling to be involved with the museum and is proud to have the small town attraction recognised nationally.

“The long, respectful and

humble co-design and interpretative design work of recoding narratives at Cooktown Museum has been an experience of amplifying immensely powerful stories that the Cooktown First Nations community have always known,” he said.

“Now those narratives take

their rightful place centre-stage! We commend the National Trust of Australia, Queensland for providing the space, funds and continued trust to make this project possible and are grateful to all of the locals who have contributed their knowledge and lived experience to the project.”

Music club hosts free family day

12pm until 5pm.

Performers must provide four chord charts for rusty strings.

Performers

Anyone is welcome to attend this free event. For more information, contact Karen Mahony on 4095 1008.

THE Tablelands County Music Club will be hosting a free family day the Tolga Hotel on Sunday 29 January.

and their families and friends, as well as the public, are invited to the family day which starts at 11am. Music will be begin from

The Port Douglas wastewater treatment plant will have its electricity costs slashed and water quality improved thanks to nearly $1 million in funding.

Heritage Manager National Trust Phillip Tanner with the national award.

Officers give blood to help save lives

OFFICERS from Far North District have come together today to ‘Bleed4Blue’.

Launched in 2018, Bleed4Blue is an annual, three-month law enforcementfocused blood drive that was created after Detective Sergeant John Breda from the NSW Police Force was attacked on Australia Day in Maroubra.

Blood donations saved his life.

Back for another year, law enforcement officers across Australia are challenged to roll up their sleeve and donate, in hopes of having their state or territory crowned victor for most donations.

Senior Constable Aleda Day (pictured) donated blood for the drive to help her community in a different way.

“Saving lives is part of the job for officer,” said Senior Constable Aleda Day.

“As first-responders, we know how important blood donations are for people who have been injured as a result of a traffic crash, crime or accident and for us, this is another way to help our community.

“One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime and after needing a blood transfusion myself several years ago, I started donating blood and more recently plasma.

“Without that transfusion, I most likely wouldn’t be here and wouldn’t have become a police officer, which has allowed me to give back.”

Blood donations are used across a variety of needs including fighting

cancer

One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds and around Australia, almost 33,000 donations are needed every week to meet demand.

“Fewer than one in 14 Australians have type O-blood, but it can be given to anyone and I’m one of those, so apparently in the blood world I’m a big deal,” said Senior Constable Day.

Since its establishment, the Bleed4Blue campaign has saved more than 25,000 lives.

If you would like to give back to the community you can organise to donate at Australian Red Cross Life Blood.

The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign runs from 1 December until the end of February 2023 and will again challenge police from across Australia to take part to see which state or territory can donate the most blood.

LETTERS to the editor

Evidence speaks for itself on farm project

ON 4 January 2023, the applicants of Old Mates Farm (OMF) sent through a response to answer the lodged submissions of the development application MCU22/0019. The public should be aware of just how much OMF, and TRC have been collaborating with each other.

Information in the applicants’ communication with TRC clearly indicates a long and lengthy established link as declared in the applicants’ email and, in particular, these extracts:

• It is common and has always been the understanding that when businesses are operating outside of their original conditions, that as long as they engage with TRC, they will be permitted to operate whilst formal documentation is put in place. This is what TRC did with OMF.

• We recently requested letters/ emails of support from our supporters to go to the Mayor and CEO. This was done only after a phone conversation with a Councillor in late December indicating that he had only heard negative comments/emails come to him and hadn’t heard any support for OMF. I indicated to him that we would round up some letters/emails of support.

The above Councillor’s name blacked out but can be seen in the Applicants’ email. The letters/emails of support from the applicants’ supporters were “rounded up” after a phone call to the Councillor in late December and well after the closure date of 9 December for submissions related to the

development application.

By “rounding up” support letters and Facebook comments, OMF applicants have encouraged a hate campaign towards their neighbours, inventing offensive comments about people they have never met, creating media vilification.

All information can be found on TRC’s website under Development Applications – put MCU22/0019 into ID line then it will come up. Then click search/scroll down to blue link at bottom – Old Mates Farm – Response to Submissions MCU220019.msg and open, read the email and attached PDF info@oldmatesfarm.com.au, https://www.facebook.com/oldmatesfarm, https://www.facebook.com/ oldmatesfarmyarns and oldmatesfarm. com.au

Please refer to email sent by the owner of OMF to TRC, DAMCU22/0019 and OMF response to Submissions received in regard to Road Infrastructure and Safety, where it is clear that OMF has asked for financial contributions from TRC to upgrade Hemmings Lane to make the road safer and suitable for public use.

What has not been mentioned is that this will be funded at the ratepayers’ expense for the benefit and profit of the tourist park venture. Confusion and misinterpretation

OMF states: “It is evident in many of the submissions that the respondents had difficulty in understanding our application as it relates to the planning scheme. They cite not the numbers of campers that we have applied for but the numbers that could be allowed under the planning scheme.

“Also, they state inconsistencies

between what we currently have in relation to location and layout of the property to what we are proposing in the application (maps). Obviously, what we are applying for is the maps in the application.”

OMF as per the TRC Confirmation Notice, Planning Act 2016, direct information was not provided to the ratepayers, the public or the residents of Hemmings Lane of your operations outside of your original conditions’ DA/17/2017 and you have admitted to this in your email to the council.

The public was not aware of your collaboration with the council particularly with certain members of the council, or the lack of transparency to the original conditions outlined in DA/17/2017.

There are obvious nonconformities made by TRC in allowing and having knowledge of OMF operating outside the original conditions and instead of controlling this, TRC has instead provided advice on what would be required for what they saw already in place.

Knowing this, OMF continued ahead with these operations and arrogantly advertised the operations outside of the approved conditions all over their website and Facebook pages as we have recently discovered and been made aware of.

This was bought to everybody’s attention when the new DA – MCU22/0019 was submitted and “Have your say” signage displayed. So yes, there is confusion but as for misinterpretation, the evidence speaks for itself.

B. Millwood UPPER BARRON

and blood diseases, surgeries, helping pregnant women and young children, as well as a portion going to victims of road incidents and other traumas.

LETTERS to the editor

THERE was land set aside for the Mareeba Bypass many years ago it has never been built on, I don’t understand why this road has not been built.

Edith James MAREEBA

Undeniable need for Mareeba Bypass

IF you're like me and not a social butterfly or a social media user, there are some things that only come to your notice by word of mouth.

So, if you don't know, the Queensland Government via the Department of Transport and Main Roads is carrying out a survey with regard to the Mareeba-Dimbulah Road Heavy Vehicle Bypass.

If you are interested go to the appropriate website and complete a survey having your say.

It’s to do with progress planning of the southern section and review of the alignment of the northern section.

Goodness me, one’s no good without other.

I might be wrong but as I see it from 1877 when John Atherton arrived and Mareeba began, the only crossing to the north at Mareeba has been across Granite Creek. The old causeway is still there just a few yards to the east of the current bridge.

When you think about it, apart from the Rex Range, (The CREB Track, No) Granite Creek crossing is

the only feasible access to the Cape.

It’s not hard to imagine the increase in traffic since the days of the Royal Mail Hotel on the banks of the Granite to the volume carried these days by the Peninsular Development and Gulf Development Roads, all of which passes along Byrnes Street, Mareeba.

This bypass project has been on the books for 30 years. “It’s time”, get on with it, the bypass, post haste.

Barry Braes MAREEBA

Attention needed to improve roads

YET another Byrnes Street survey?

The last one cost our council over $70,000!

There was money, in 2016, available to commence the Mareeba Bypass. In 2016, people on the bypass route even erected fences on their boundary with the proposed road.

There was also over $300,000 al-

located to undertake a re-survey, for the bypass, from Dimbulah Road to the Molloy Road.

I understand the Townsville office of Main Roads redirected the funds.

But let’s spend billions on the approaches to Cairns, south and north. Ignore the significant traffic volume on the Kuranda Range!

Our Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) is playing games, and not being called to account! Let’s spend money in government held electorates so we can blindly vote back in the government’s member.

Let’s forget about the narrow bitumen roads in the gulf country and south-western Queensland. No votes in rural areas!

How stupid it is, of the DTMR, to plan bitumen to Chillagoe but not address the two major flood crossings, Eureka Creek and Pump Creek? And we vote for these people?

Graham Sweeper MAREEBA

International Women’s Day

VOCAL LOCAL

Locals took to our Facebook page to discuss the proposed Woolworths shopping development for Mareeba once again after the development went out for public consultation.

The shopping complex will be the third of its kind in Mareeba, and, if approved will also include other specialty stores like a bakery, newsagency and more.

Has anyone thought to put a shopping centre at Amaroo where it's actually needed? – Stacey and Michael Shaw

I don’t think the competition will hurt anyone. Coles and IGA need a shake up, a lot of people go to Cairns and Atherton now so if anything, it will bring people back too Mareeba – Karen Remfrey

I would prefer a centre of specialist locally owned stores like butchers; green grocers; delis; dry goods; home-made pre-cooked meals and convenience foods; bakery; etc where it is still a one stop shop in a centre, but not a major chain of any kind in the building. Create something unique that also supports our local economy – David Anna Dixon

Just do it already – Susan Rayner

Considering Mareeba population has more than doubled since Coles came in, it’s well over due – Neil Sweedman

Just another store to put small business out of work – Gail Jebreen

Yes please! I am so sick of not being able to get so many items from the other ‘major’ supermarket in town. I do often shop at IGA but a Woolies would also be another great alternative – Di Sherman

Yes but please start building, we really need Woolies to be here in Mareeba – Judy Schrader

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

The Heavy Vehicle Bypass would stop trucks in Mareeba’s main street.

LETTERS to the edito r

Voice for Parliament will be a win-win

FROM a non-indigenous perspective, it’s difficult to imagine what it would be like to need a voice from a First Nations perspective so I’m trying to use analogies or similarities.

If I lived in this country (as I do) and it was invaded and taken over by a foreign power, how would I feel if I was never allowed to speak English again, eat most of my usual foods ever again, sleep where I usually do in my home, and not be recognised in the new order of things as a citizen of my country?

Now fast forward to four generations down the track – my family still remember from the stories I told them how we enjoyed our lives of freedom before we were taken over.

My family are starting to fit into the new society with different lifestyle, but something is missing.

Why aren’t we on the newcomers’ Constitution and have any say around issues belonging to our families? Because the newcomers know what’s best for us and have put things in place so that they make the decisions.

Imagine I am a single parent with three children and am looking for accommodation since my husband died and I have no other family ... oh, and what if I wasn’t from the mob that took over my country and wanted me to fill out the forms in their language and live to their standards?

All I’m suggesting is that I want to be recognised on the Constitution, speak with support from the general public, and have a say in what is needed for my people formerly in this country of Australia under the laws of the Constitution.

This is an attempt to put the coming referendum in a basic light.

A Voice for First Nations people will not divide this country. If we listen to what people need for their wellbeing, they will take responsibility for their actions.

It’s a win win. It’s a matter of respect.

Cathie Archer YUNGABURRA

ing holes at the southern end which will be washed out within two to three weeks. In general the surrounding areas have weeds growing in the gutters, traffic Islands, roundabouts and banks and dirty signage.

Take a look at Tate Road - pot holes and weeds and dirty signage within the first kilometre.

This is the case on a number of our roads and streets around the district, as for the pot holes at the end of Tolga Scrub, well they had been there getting wider and deeper for the past seven months.

I guarantee the engineer in charge of this maintenance work would be jumping up and down if they had to wait seven months for their pay.

Merv Buckley TOLGA

Regional motorists deserve better

NEWLY completed roads in the Wet Tropics that fall apart in the first decent wet are testament to the blistering incompetence of the Brisbane government’s central planners, (Roadwork chaos isn’t over yet, 18/01).

Buckets of our wealth have clearly been squandered on consultants and engineers who can’t match the standards of the councils of 40 years ago which subcontracted to Main Roads.

The so-called “safety upgrades” seem completely random in their placement, with armoured railings along sections flanked by gentle grades and few trees.

The usefulness of the road as the major regional highway link seems to come second to the comfort of cyclists, who are notable for their absence.

If the luxury bicycle lanes and plussized centre lines were deleted there would be sufficient width to accommodate three lanes of paying traffic – for near continual overtaking lanes in one direction or the other.

But no, the Brisbane government doesn’t do common sense and it certainly doesn’t want to help the regional economy in any way.

I gave up on hoping for a K-range fix 20 years ago because greenies who believe globalist fairy tales are certain to derail any effort to widen it.

The only logical, affordable, safe, reliable, and achievable Cairns-Tableland road link option is the one that I’ve been suggesting for the past few years.

As part of a larger project, it pays for itself. It resumes no private properties, destroys no popular swimming spots, and disrupts no traffic during construction.

Picture a gently sloped tunnel that starts at Ray Jones Drive near Links Drive and comes out 17 km to the west on the Mareeba side of the three steepest ridgelines.

It continues as a 7km surface road over the fourth ridgeline to join the Kennedy Highway at the Davies Creek turnoff.

The tunnel spoil could be combined with dredge spoil to bund, fill, and cap four square kilometres of East Trinity salt-flats and scrubland.

That new near-CBD land could be sold to pay for the tunnel, the harbour dredging, the land reclamation, and the two bridges to connect it to the CBD.

Sadly, the Brisbane government has no interest whatsoever in the convenience of Far Northerners or the health of our economy.

Peter Campion TOLGA

The Member for Kennedy’s bizarre letter and tribute on his Facebook page was met with a barrage of posts from his constituents - some calling his tribute to the late cardinal as “ridiculous”, “out of touch”, and “lost the plot”.

One Facebook member replied to the post with the comment: “You have lost me Bob.”. Another said they had always liked Bob and enjoyed his take on things but “this has changed my opinion. No respect now”.

One comment said: “maybe you should have kept your opinions on this one to yourself.”

“I wish you could understand the damage that can be done by trauma. Not everyone lives. I want you to reflect on this and really push for helping victims. Keep your faith but don’t hold back at their mistakes,” another comment said.

While it’s morally acceptable to mourn someone you respect or have faith in, Mr Katter’s tribute did not include any mention of support for victims of child sex abuse, during the cardinal’s tenure as a priest and Archbishop of Melbourne between the ‘70s and ‘90s.

In 2018, Pell was found guilty of child sexual abuse, but on appeal, the convictions were withdrawn a few years later by the High Court of Australia.

For years, allegations have been raised that Pell knew of the sexual abuse taking place but did not adequately stop it. I’m sure for a lot of people within the church, the news was shocking and it would have been difficult to choose a side to support when the intentions of a man they had trusted for so long were being brought into question.

We are no stranger to Mr Katter’s regular, unorthodox outbursts. But the response from his following on Facebook seemed to be much different this time. His tribute seemed blithe and unempathetic to all child sex abuse victims and those who read it weren’t happy either.

Ben Harden RAVENSHOE

times also very cold temperatures.

We desperately need an indoor, acoustically good, quality performance space that can be used through the whole year regardless of the weather. The amphitheatre proposal would be just another white elephant.

We already have a market every weekend of the month here on the Tablelands. We certainly do not need another one which would stretch our existing stallholders and patrons.

At present, the rail trail already exists, as is the mountain bike start point, so maybe some additional facilities are required but this should be done in consultation with the relevant user groups.

I also note they are once again offering public space to their greedy developer mates for upmarket accommodation (hotel of apartments plus retail and other outlets). Let’s spend some time and resources on revitalising the existing CBD rather than giving them more competition.

This council already has a poor record on their attitude to public land such as the murder of the trees in the park at Kairi (and to date nothing has been planted to change the park from just another grassy field), the surrender of part of the rail trail in Tolga for of all things the extension of a hotel car park, the almost loss of Pink Park near the Atherton High School for a housing development, the long list of public assets on their agenda to be put up for sale for short-term gain and their record of not insisting any estate development has some green space included to provide some quiet places for recreation.

To see a different attitude about public space read the article titled “Open Spaces Grow” in The Express (11/01/23) to see how important the Mareeba Council is placing on green space in the community with the introduction of a three-year plan for that very purpose.

I would strongly urge everyone who cares about the wonderful place we call home, to consider what we are passing on to future generations and make a submission on the draft plan once it is out for public comment.

Gary Hardy MALANDA

up to scratch

Tolga scrub road not

I REALISE we are experiencing a wet season, however it only adds to the problem when the upkeep of roads, signage, fallen branches and rubbish are left to accumulate.

The Tolga Scrub road at the best of times is a gloomy, wet and unlit piece of road, but with fallen branches on both sides of the road, very few upright reflectors, guide posts and road signage in some cases that is totally unreadable due to mildew and filth covering them, it’s a wonder there hasn’t been a major accident.

When was the last time the tree canopy covering this stretch of road was attended to, or for that matter, when were the road sides cleared of fallen trees ?

Today the council filled in the fish-

As to the Kuranda Range road, (Range road woes continue in wet, 18/01), the main cause of Kuranda Range crashes is the slippery surface.

The slimy mossy growth along the edges is clearly visible. Leaf debris further reduces the friction coefficient. The lack of regular cleaning makes it an ice rink.

Traction could be improved by pressure washing the surface regularly, which could be achieved with a truckmounted hot water pressure washer and spray bar.

A more permanent solution would be to add crushed glass or bauxite to the surface coat, which is well-proven technology these days.

All those trenches zigzagging across the road for their “Intelligent Transport System” (Lol!), seem certain to destabilise the road’s foundations.

If you think a car slithering into your path is a problem, just wait until the whole road sloughs away.

Tribute to Pell shows Katter's lost touch

READ the room Bob! (Letters 18/01/23) It was interesting to watch the media coverage of the death of Cardinal George Pell in Rome on January 10. He was a man whose respected role in society for decades had been overshadowed by historical sexual assault investigations.

The Courier Mail incorporated multiple pages of stories in its daily edition when the news broke. The first few spreads reported on the feeling of mourners across the country, then this was followed by some of his history of child sex convictions and the response from his victims.

It was a very different form of coverage by the federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter in last week’s Letter

Decisions suggest a loss of perspective

AFTER reading the article in The Express (07/12/22), I wonder if our elected representatives in Tablelands Regional Council have not lost completely all perspective.

To spend $496,644 on a design proposal for the area absolutely disgusted me. The first step in the process should have been public consultation, not send out a request for design tender with a pre-conceived set of ideas for inclusion.

The plan, if we can believe what the Mayor told The Express, has an already pre-decided outcome, the list includes “an amphitheatre”. It would seem to me that no one has considered how many months of the year it would be completely unusable with some years up to six months of wet weather, we also experience the strong south-easterly winds combined with rain and some-

> THE EXPRESS welcomes readers’ feedback on topical issues, one of which currently is the debate about the Federal Government’s intent to hold a referendum on a “Voice to Parliament”, which would mean the establishment of an advisory body to advise parliament and the government on Indigenous policy matters. We welcome letters on this subject but will not tolerate any offensive comments or personal attacks on letter writers. Letters should offer information and be respectful of the issue.

Normanton 98.5FM • NPA 91.9FM Woorabinda 99.7FM Wujal Wujal 107.7FM Yarrabah 92.9FM

to the Editor.

The

The suspects are the “Barramundi Mafia”, and Bill is determined to track them down and put them to justice.

The

-

New play auditions now open

AUDITIONS are now on for Atherton Performing Arts’ next thrilling performance, Into the Woods, with a host of characters available to audition for including Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Jack (and the beanstalk) and more.

Into the Woods is a multiple-awardwinning modern classic of musical theatre with the original production opening on Broadway in 1987.

Director Sarah Riber said the play

combines familiar fairy-tale motifs with clever twists, thought-provoking themes, and laugh-out-loud moments.

“Well-known characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and Rapunzel’s witch all venture into the woods one fateful night and find their stories merging and changing,” she said.

“A beanstalk, giant and a cow add to the musical mayhem.

“This show has something for everyone, with its humour, romance, and drama all taking place in the magical forest we will be creating in our theatre.”

For an audition pack contact the producer Jacqui (producer) at jacquiste@ bigpond.com or Sarah at sriber@cns. catholic.edu.au.

Auditions are now on at APA Theatre, Silo Road, Atherton and finish on 29 January.

New movies on the big screen

THERE is a great selection of movies showing this week at the Majestic Theatre in Malanda including a new comedy drama starring Tom Hanks.

“A Man Called Otto” is based on an international best seller and is a remake of the fantastic original film adaptation of the novel, “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. Ove is a curmudgeon –the kind of man who points at

people he dislikes.

He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse, and people call him “the bitter neighbour from hell”.

The delightful family adventure comedy “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” continues for its final Malanda screenings.

Make the most of this week with extra screenings of “Avatar: The Way Of Water” if you haven’t seen it yet.

LOCAL author Dick Eussen officially launched his latest fiction novel “The Crocodile Coast”.

new book follows Detective Sergeant Bill Madsen as he investigates a series of murders and kidnappings in Karumba.

book was officially launched on Thurs

day by Kennedy MP Bob Katter at the Mareeba Heritage Coffee House. Mr Eussen’s book is now available to purchase in Mareeba from Nextra Mareeba News and Under Blue Skies Bookshop in Byrnes Street.

Author Dick Eussen officially launched his book “The Crocodle Coast” with special guest Kennedy MP Bob Katter.

Flower farm a labour of love

BY ROBYN HOLMES

GROWING flowers for a living sounds like a dream come true, but the work, commitment and costs that go into producing the beautiful blooms we all love to receive is evident when you talk to Paul and Torquay Daly of Roseburra Flower Farm near Yungaburra.

The couple purchased the farm in 2019 but admit they didn’t have any background in growing flowers, with Paul previously growing blueberries for the Costa Group.

“It was probably the best farm on the market at the time –the others were rundown avocado and mango orchards so this had the best value,” Paul said.

Paul has pretty much educated himself on flower production, doing research online and learning what works from hands-on experience.

“It’s very similar to growing fruit – they have similar diseases to fruit, so you’re tackling the same issues, whether it’s pumpkins, peanuts or flowers,” he said.

About two hectares of the property is currently under production, with numerous “tunnels” hosting roses, gerberas,

carnations and a variety of filler species.

“Since we have been here, we’re put another hectare of tunnels in for roses and gerberas,” Paul said.

A labour-intensive operation, the flowers need constant care and attention to deliver the blooms the farm needs to cater to numerous florists from Mossman in the north to Mackay in the south.

But pests and diseases are always challenging and keep the couple and their five fulltime staff busy.

“The biggest issue we have had during our time here was about four months back when the pest and disease pressure was getting to much – we had down mildew which drops all the leaf off your plants and we also had some thrips and mites,” he said.

“Because flowers are not selling at that time, it was more cost effective to prune them right back.

“The cost of the chemical has gone through the roof so we would have had to spend thousands of dollars for a product that that we wouldn’t be able to sell.”

The end result was 80 per

cent of their roses had to be pruned back and with Valentine’s Day – their biggest sales day of the year – looming, it was all hands on deck to get the plants pruned down to knee height.

“They are all ready now because you get a quick turnaround - it takes about six weeks but it also depends on your plant height and how much leaf you’ve got on there to photosynthesise and give back to the next flower,” Paul said.

“When you prune them hard, they will be dormant for a bit, so it was six weeks, we pruned them again, then six weeks later, we pruned them again.”

Even when the couple find a few days for a well-earned break, the farm is always foremost in their mind.

“We went away last week and at the time we were fighting the monolepta beetle which swarms and decimates the plants, eating all the leaves and just leaving the skeleton," Paul said.

“We had to get right on and spray and while we were away, we were on the phone every day making sure the farm was all good. We got home Sunday and by 3pm, I was out spraying again."

With Valentine’s Day just a couple of weeks away, everyone is focussed on ensuring the farm can meet its full production.

“We have five full-time but we get extra people in for Valentine’s Week, and all maintenance stops for a two-week period while they are doing that, then we play catch up for the next month, then we prune for Mother’s Day, then we play catch up in winter, and reset for spring and summer,” Paul said.

To produce the best blooms possible, a lot of work goes into ensuring the plants are healthy, with fertiliser applied three times a week, despite the fact that the fertiliser they use has risen in price by 42 per cent.

The plants are also watered every day except during the wet season, but at the moment it’s the lack of sun that is hampering growth.

“It’s a bit of an uphill battle with the weather – we can get too much rain, and it’s is a little bit of worry about how much cloud cover we having at the moment, because we grow under plastic anyway, which means the light is already diffused so were losing up to 30 per cent of light to begin with, then on a cloudy day, another 15 per cent, and roses need a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day,” Paul said.

“Over a 12-hour day, we’re probably only getting four to six hours so we’re hoping for some fine weather.”

Every five years or so, the rose plants have to be replaced, with new plants procured from Victoria.

“We got about 10,000 last time but will probably get a couple of thousand next time,” Paul said.

“They are very young when they come up so they get a bit of a shock (to the weather) to start with, but within a couple of weeks they adjust.”

Unlike roses that are imported, around 4-5 varieties at Roseburra still have a wonderful scent.

“Over the years, the scent has been bred out of many roses because the flower will last longer but it’s also to make the

plant pest and disease resistant,” Paul said.

The farm currently produces around eight colours in roses, and 10 different colours for gerberas including variegated ones. Baby’s breath, misty, Sweet Williams, and amaranthus are grown for fillers.

With only a few flower farms left on the Tablelands, Paul said it was vital that consumers supported Australiagrown product.

“There were quite a few up here but they have folded as have many around the country due to imports,” he said.

“The florists are supporting the wholesalers who are getting their flowers imported and we can’t match them – countries like Kenya and Columbia, they don’t have laws like us on wages, we can’t compete when they are paying a $1 a day to their workers.

“They don’t have the same regulations we do as to what you can spray the flowers with – they spray with some pretty heavy chemicals overseas and these can have carcinogens and guess what the first thing people do when they get flowers? They take a big smell of those flowers and they could be breathing in those pesticides.

“I wish the government

would push for origin labels –you go into supermarkets, you don’t know where they come from – they must be imported because you can’t get a price that cheap (from local growers).

Paul believes flowers will never go out of fashion, especially for weddings, funerals and special days of the year, even though for some consumers, the cost of them may be getting too high.

Because flowers have to be packed in layers in boxes to be transported from overseas, they go without water for up to two weeks, according to Paul, whereas locally grown flowers may only be without water for two days while they are being transported to florists.

“As a general rule, our flowers can last up to two weeks, but you can often buy flowers and they only last two days. Money is tight at the moment and people will not want to buy a luxury product that’s only going to be there for a few days,” he said.

“So, if you’re going to buy flowers, buy local because you’re not just supporting local families, you’re getting a much fresher product that will last longer and without any dangerous chemical being used on them.”

Roseburra Flower Farm owner Paul Daly with some of the thousands of roses growing in tunnels at the property near Yungaburra.

Water trading plans revealed

A WORKSHOP hosted by FNQ Growers has delivered an update on a project which aims to help improve water trading on the Tablelands and give growers a more transparent and efficient approach to water management.

The workshop continued the engagement with the Tableland’s grower community, share information about the digital water market, and understand the areas of focus for the project team to refine its grower-led design.

It was part of the Scaling Next-Generation Water Markets in Northern Australia project which is co-funded by CRC for Developing Northern Australia and lead by Civic Ledger and Inclusive Growth Partners with FNQ Growers.

The next-generation water market will remove the need for intermediaries and create accessible and up to date water market information on availability and price for both temporary and permanent water allocations.

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the project aimed to deliver a more transparent, efficient approach to water management, for temporary and permanent allocations.

He said the project to be rolled out across the Tablelands would include irrigation system water and groundwater.

“It’s an innovative approach to water management,” Mr Moro said.

“One of the key benefits will be the live water market data – which means irrigators will be able to see what water is available immediately in turn, helping them with critical on-farm decisions during peak periods where water markets play an important role to meet additional water demands.”

Civic Ledger Chief Executive Officer Katrina Donaghy said the project would look to recruit irrigators to trial the digital water market between April and June 2023.

“The vision is to create a next-generation water market that operates like a share market – controlled by the Tableland's grower community,” she said.

The project team will be looking for members interested in engaging in the digital water market pilot, members who are already using on-farm digital technologies to help with farm management or members who are active in water markets or who would be if there was a better way to trade water.

An expression of interest will be published on FNQ Growers’ Facebook page in midMarch 2023.

Sugar season not so sweet for growers

BY RHYS THOMAS

WHILE local sugar cane growers are seeing some of the best prices in history for their cane, rising costs have caught up to their bottom line and left many growers treading water after the 2022 crushing season wrapped up.

The Tableland Mill was able to crush all 559,850 tonnes of sugar cane supplied with an average weekly crush of 5,237 tonnes.

By comparison, the Mossman Mill was unable to completely crush all its cane and roughly 15,000 tonnes were left in the field.

At the end of the season, the mill was able to put 754,361 through the mill while it was plagued with a host of mechanical problems and issues finding truck drivers to haul cane.

Local growers are already gearing up for the 2023 season, set to start in early June and will continue again right up until December.

Tableland Canegrowers chairman Claude Santucci said despite growers getting some of the best prices for cane in recent history, costs had caught up and shrunk their bottom line.

“We have basically ended up back at square one and just barely making a living for ourselves,” he said.

The price for cane peaked just a few months ago to $680/tonne but has since levelled out to average around the mid-600s.

Claude believes this price will remain the same for the 2023 season but expects costs to continue to rise.

“Our costs have increased substantially par-

ticularly fertiliser at $1,800 a tonne and fuel $2.20, they are probably our two greatest costs,” he said.

“At those high prices we are still treading water and just making a moderate living – back to square one.”

While Tableland Mill growers will be looking at another season reminiscent of their last, Mossman Mill growers can expect a lower price for their cane towards the end of the season due to the crushing running late in 2022.

The perfect time to crush cane is when it reaches between 12 to 14 months of maturity and as the Mossman Mill was still crushing right up until a week before Christmas, the cane due to be processed again during that time will only be roughly 10 months old.

LOCAL mango farmers had no choice but to leave fruit unpicked on their trees late last year after a late mango season in the Northern Territory forced the price of mangoes to severely drop and despite the season nearly being over, the damage had been already done.

A volume timing issue has caused the Northern Territory and North Queensland mango seasons to coincide in December 2022 and pushed more mangoes onto the market causing the price to drop considerably.

Australian Mango Industry Association chief executive officer Brett Kelly said prices are beginning to stabilise but much of the damage had already been done.

“The key issue is that it has been a late start in the Northern Territory and straight into the North Queensland season,” he said.

“You have all this volume in the market at the one time and with supply and demand, it has put a lot of pressure on price which has made it very difficult for growers.

“It is starting to level out but unfortunately the season tends to start in the Northern Territory, onto North Queensland then it goes down into South-East Queensland then around to Western Australia.

“You will see pricing start to go up but the un-

fortunate part is the bulk of the volume has already be done.”

The current price for a tray of Kensington Pride as of Friday 13, fetches an average of $32.

The season overall is looking good with a projected 10 million-10.3 million trays, up from 9.8 million trays last season.

The typical mango season in Australia begins around September and runs until the end of February however with the late start, many North Queensland growers have missed out on their typical selling window.

Mr Kelly is encouraging locals to continue to support their local growers because unlike other produce, the mangos people buy on the shelves could be grown by a neighbour who lives down the road.

As farmers get better prices for their produce, they reinvest that money back into their farms or into their local community groups and businesses.

“Let’s get behind our growers and support them with a fair price,” Mr Kelly said.

“One of the things we are trying to do to help our growers in the long term is to get into contractual arrangements with whoever it is they are selling to.

“This fixed price will protect them from these up and downs.”

Cassian Drew (Inclusive Growth), Leanne Kruss (FNQ Growers), Katrina Donaghy (Civic Ledger) and Joe Moro (FNQ Growers), at the recent workshop.

Tablelands Canegrowers chairman Claude Santucci is excited about the current high prices for sugar cane but is concerned about rising costs (photo supplied).

Stage

of Amaroo comprises of the extension to Moondani Avenue & newly formed Kutterbul Court with construction scheduled to start in the coming

Well respected mechanical business for sale

AFTER servicing the Tablelands for over 20 years C & D Huiskes Mechanical Repairs is now for sale.

This 5-star rated Mechanical Business is ideally located in the Atherton Industrial Area and has built up a very loyal customer base.

Currently operating with up to 3 Fully Qualified Mechanics and 2 Apprentices the figures speak for themselves.

Showing strong returns with continued growth every year the owners of this busi-

ness have pride themselves on providing a quality service with great customer service.

This well-equipped business is offered for sale as WIWO and includes the following:

FREEHOLD PROPERTY:

1000m2 site area of Industrial Zoned Land located in the Atherton Industrial Area which has B-Double Access. Over half the site is under Concrete suitable for heavy traffic with 6ft Barbed Wire Security Fence around the perimeter of the site and

featuring the following Improvements:

• Fully Equipped and purpose-built EPA Approved Mechanical Workshop. 15m x 8m x 4m lockable shed with 4 Roller Doors, One Bay with 3.4m Roller Door opening allowing for Motorhome Servicing. Mezzanine Stock Storage Area, Air-Conditioned Staff Room and Bathroom Facilities.

• 4 additional service bays under 12m x 6m awning

• 2 x Containers currently used for storage and supplies

• 1 Fully equipped air-conditioned office.

BUSINESS:

This well respected business currently provides a range of services including logbook servicing, brake & clutch repairs and servicing, tyres, diagnostic testing equipment, roadworthy inspections, radiator service & repairs, suspension & springs, plus shock absorbers. The workshop is fully of quality speciality tools and equipment, all well cared for and in excellent order. Full

Inventory will be provided to genuine buyers.

The owner manager has been in the Mechanical Industry for over 46 years and is only selling to enjoy retirement.

With customer service and satisfaction always being

a priority the owners are of course willing to stay on and assist the new owners for a transitional period.

Contact Michelle Raso at Elders Real Estate for moreinformation. Phone 0428 116 136.

ONLY two years old, this beautiful property is situated in a great area that will make you the envy of all your friends.

Upon entering the home you are immediately greeted with class & style, from the lovely tiled floors to the open plan layout.

The kitchen is gorgeous & functional, showcasing an island bench, large butler’s pantry and stunning finishes.

The layout allows for multiuse spaces; shown in the living/dining areas & further topped off with year round comfort from the fireplace & air conditioning.

Dual Sliding doors of-

fer seamless access to the large patio, which makes entertaining a breeze.

There is a separate media or 4th room to enjoy watching movies in comfort plus another three good sized bedrooms. The master suite offers a gorgeous ensuite with a spacious walk-in shower.

A 2 bedroom self-contained granny flat makes a

great opportunity for some extra income.

There are also many varieties of fruit trees, veggies & native trees to attract birdlife & butterflies.

Contact Exclusive agent Suzey Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0438 090 306 for further information. www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au/L21572422

Tranquillity close to town…

IS what you will find with this spacious home on a secluded 4,000sqm block of land in a park like setting.

The home is easy to live in and easy to clean, as there are durable and carefree tiled floors throughout, making housework a breeze.

For hurried mornings there is a breakfast bar, and the kitchen has a double door pantry to cater for everyone’s needs. There are 3 sizable bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans.

The main bedroom has an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe. If you need additional sleeping accommodation, the office could also be used as an extra bedroom.

There is an easy access shower and a separate bath

in the main bathroom. For outdoor living there is an expansive patio overlooking the grassed play area for children and pets. There are security screens on all doors and windows for your peace of mind.

The 2-car lock-up garage has direct entry into the home and there is a twobay open carport for extra vehicles, caravan, or boat.

Here you will find a relaxed lifestyle close to town, just over two kilometres from the Atherton High School.

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

Address: ATHERTON

Price: $637,000

Agent: Trisha Jackson Professionals Atherton Contact: 0419 183 145

Chasing charm and views?

THIS vintage home, built in 1934, has history and link s to the longest milk run in the world. 3 very spacious double bedrooms two of which open Into a shared private sitting room. Huge living and dining rooms, country style kitchen and a study close to the front entry.

The timber floors and high ceilings strike just the right background for antique furniture.

The laundry has wrap around views and plenty of space – enough to provide a terrific spot to have your morning coffee out of the way of inclement weather. This opens to an undercover patio and then there is the views. You can enjoy hours just soaking up the peaceful rural scene that stretches to the mountain range in the

distance.

This home offers numerous possibilities, B and B, weekend getaway or your forever home.

A variety of greenery screens the home from the road and the 1012m2 level

block is easily maintained. Located in the village of Millaa Millaa, In the tourist heartland.

Listed for sale at $379,000 neg. Call the agent for inspection on 0458 408 540.

Address: 5369 Palmerston Hwy, MILLAA MILLAA Price: NOW $379,000

Agent: Karen Ranie Area Real Estate Contact: 0458 408 540

Immaculately presented – near new with nothing to do!

WALK straight in to this immaculate and low maintenance home complimented by immaculate lawns, a level allotment, a 6kw solar power system and room for that big shed.

At three years old, it has a well-thought-out floorplan which highlights the open plan living area which flows seamlessly outdoors to the covered patio which is well positioned facing sunsets and mountains and is weath-

er protected.

There are 3 spacious builtin bedrooms and the master is complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite. The laundry has an abundance of storage and has easy access to the rear yard with a footpath right to your outdoor clothesline.

The home is completed with security screens, reverse cycle a/c, ceiling fans throughout and a level 808sqm allotment to form a

low maintenance, easy care property with easy side access to the rear yard and a lockable garden shed.

Take advantage of the opportunity.

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

THIS brand new 4 bedroom home is positioned in highly sought after Amaroo Estate on the Cairns side of town and offers a quality build & finish, a well thought out floor plan and the feeling of a much larger home without the extra work.

Offering a cool, crisp neutral interior that's perfect for North Queensland as well as a practical and functional list of inclusions, once inside and you will feel you that have finally found your home.

Attributes include:

• Fully tiled with crisp, neutral colour tones & quality fixtures & fittings

• Open plan central living area

• Split system air-conditioning in the living, master & 2nd bedroom

• Stunning central kitchen with stone tops, gloss cabinetry, breakfast bar, generous bench & cupboard space, plumbed in fridge space & soft close drawers

• Air-conditioned Master bedroom with stylish ensuite & walk-in robe

Bedrooms 2,3 & 4 with built-in robes

• Both bathrooms with low maintenance glass free showers, main bathroom with separate plunge bath

• Security screens & tinted windows throughout

• Laundry with built-in cabinetry

• Hallway walk-in storage cupboard

• Sizeable tiled rear patio

directly off the living area

• Fully tiled double garage

• Exposed aggregate driveway & pathways all round

• 872m2 turfed allotment in a quiet cul de sac location at Amaroo Estate, only 5 minutes to Mareeba town centre

This stunning home is an absolute must to inspect! open for inspection this

Saturday from 10.00am to 11.00am

For further information

or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi. Phone 0417 700 468.

Address: 8 Dural Close, MAREEBA Price: Offers Over $550,000 Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate Contact: 0417 700 468

positioned

presented home sits on a generous level 839m2 level block with backyard access and is centrally located to schools, parks, and the town centre. The spacious light filled open plan design incorporates the kitchen, living, and dining areas flowing out to the undercover tiled outdoor entertaining area whilst you enjoy total privacy. PROPERTY FEATURES

INCLUDE:

• 3-bedroom 2-bathroom block rendered home

• Open plan living with entrance nook

• Generous-sized master bedroom having walk-in robe ensuite and A/C

• Main bathroom has a separate bath & shower

• Well-equipped kitchen

with gas cooktop, oven, and corner pantry

• Tiled living area which flows out directly to the tiled outdoor patio

• Split system air-conditioning in the living area

* 1.6kw solar and solar hot water system

• Double remote garage

• Security screened through-out

• 3.5m X 3m fully enclosed Colorbond shed with power connected

• Garden shed secured on a cement slab

• Very well landscaped

with established gardens and raised garden bed

* Fully fenced 839m2 allotment with direct backyard access

This home has so much to offer and is in a perfect position for the whole family, couples, or retirees to enjoy whilst soaking up the peaceful and relaxing country living at its best on the Atherton Tablelands.

To arrange your private inspection, Contact Exclusive marketing agent Rino Gava from Raine & Horne Atherton at 0427 779 086.

IF you love the charm a Queenslander offers, but can't live without your modern conveniences, then we've got you covered. This beautiful home offers a tasteful mix of modern lifestyle elements blended with that hardwood Queenslander quality and appeal. Welcome to 17 Troughton Street in Mareeba.

With a combination of tongue and groove walls and casement windows throughout, as well as modern plasterboard finished ceilings, a modern kitchen and fully renovated bathroom, this home represents so much value!

Totally revitalised, the walls and ceilings have been recently repainted, modern lights and fans have been installed. Splitsystem air-conditioners have been installed in all bedrooms and the living area as well.

The kitchen was recently renovated from the ground up. It features modern kitchen cupboards, modern appliances and even a dishwasher.

Cleverly utilising the features of the old Queens-

lander, the owners have turned the old stove alcove into a neat walk-in pantry.

The bathroom has also recently had a full makeover, with modern floor and wall tiles, a spacious shower recess with screen as well as modern vanity and toilet. These guys have thought of everything!

• Queenslander charm with modern finishes

• 3 good sized bedrooms all with air-conditioning

• Spacious lounge room, polished hardwood floors throughout

• Recently repainted inside, modern ceilings, lights and fans

• Recently renovated kitchen, modern cupboards and appliances

• Renovated bathroom, large shower recess

• Recently re-painted roof, gutters and facias

• 3m x 3m Garden shed with concrete floor

• Timber fencing on sides and rear, with gates on each side

• 779m2 Fully fenced

and close to everything!

• Low maintenance yard, tastefully landscaped

For more information or to book a private in-

spection of this Mareeba home, call Exclusive Agent Vince Costas on 0419 926 691 right away, you know this one won't last long in this market.

TAKE A BREAK

bounded by Bulgaria, Greece, Albania and Serbia.

15. Causing excitement and pleasure; exhilarating. 16. Remaining in an original state. 19. An interruption in the intensity or amount of something. 21. Turn or be turned into ice or another solid as a result of extreme cold.

22. A legislative body in the ruling assembly of Russia.

Down

1. The more distant part of the sea in view.

5. Able to be leased.

9. In the process of coming into being.

10. Available on or performed using the internet.

11. A shop that sells a wide variety of good, typically in a small town. (7,5)

13. The building in which a guild was housed.

14. Tending to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.

17. Make an employee redundant.

18. Not found in large numbers and so of interest and value.

20. With private or restricted information. 23. A bizarre outfit, clothing or costume. (3,3)

24. To arouse the curiosity or interest of. 25. A competitor thought to have little chance of winning.

26. An indication of a situation.

Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, your energy is high. Concentration, learning & teaching are all possibilities this week. You might persist through trial & error or you could find the very knowledgable help you need. Later in the week, watch your patience levels, give yourself a break.

JUN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you’re seeking value. This week’s energy is strong around finances, you could be looking for all the ways to reduce or remove debt or just frugal ways to save a few dollars. Getting your partner on board will require communication, but they will support you.

sep 23 - oct 22

This week, what you need will find it’s way to you. Romance and adventure could be on your mind. You might read something that helps you with your love objectives. Later in the week you might find yourself changing the house around for younger family.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, what you focus on expands. The saying goes, if you tell yourself not to think about a pink elephant, you’ll think about a pink elephant. Whatever you are working on manifesting, make sure you’re envisioning the desired outcome, not what you don’t want.

apr 20 - may 20

This week, a show of power presents opportunities. Check in with yourself about your future plans, specifically around your career. Conversations might have you weighing your options. Stick to the rules or you could find yourself getting a ticket or fine.

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES SUDOKU

JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, you’re full of ideas & strategies. You might find ways to connect with your loved one or create a new connection. Implement those ideas & watch the campaign take off. You could garner the attention of a mentor or someone important in your career.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, small adjustments make big improvements. House & home are on your mind. Where you live, how you live, what it looks & feels like. Later in the week you could be making arrangements with family, keeping the peace should be the priority.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week, you’re on the right path. Your physical wellbeing might be on your mind, you can use the Aquarius energy to make a positive lasting change. Later in the week make sure you’re resting & recharging, you might try something new to get quality shut eye.

May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you’re drawing positive attention. Your reputation is on the line, the right people are watching and that brings with it a whole other level of responsibility.

Now is not the time to cut loose, it might feel constrictive but it will be benficial long term.

Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, an opporunity becomes apparent. Use the energy of the week to blaze through tasks, set new plans in motion. Don’t waste it on stale routines. Someone might be paying you more attention than you expected. The ball is in your court.

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you’re taking a responsible approach. Communication, paperwork & applications could be coming your way. It’s a great time to get these t’s crossed and i’s dotted. You might also extend that to having a look at your finances & taking responsibility.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you could have an epiphany. You could see the way out of a pattern you’ve been stuck in. It’s very likely this relationship issue has recurred in every relationship you’ve had. Now you can break free. You’ll have the full support of a very proud friend.

Glenden James Forbes “Glen”

29th May 1954 - 25th January 2021

We think about you always, We talk about you still.

You have never been forgotten, And you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain.

To walk and guide us through our lives, Until we meet again.

Love Mum, Son Daniel, Sister Pam, Brother-in-Law Steve, Nieces Alexis and Corissa. 

PoSition Vacant

COMMUNITY CONNECT WORKER

Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc. (RCC is managed by a Collective of members and elected Office Bearers)

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

• Act as a dedicated resource person within the Centre

• Provide support information and referral for individuals and families who are experiencing significant vulnerabilities and complex needs by building connections and personal capability to reach their full potential

• Connect them to other local services that can provide specialised support to meet their needs

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

The successful applicant will work under our community connect initiative as a member of a team with co-workers, paid and unpaid.

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

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Social Work, Human Services or similar degree with significant experience working in a similar position

If you meet the above criteria and have an interest and appreciation for the rural context then contact:

The Human Resource Officer, Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc.

3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe Q.4888 P: 07 4097 6726 | F: 07 4097 6030

E: hro@ravcom.org.au

Closing Date: COB, 03 February, 2023.

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Family Programs Team as a Youth Worker

The application package which details the role and and eligibilty criteria is available at: www.mccinc.org.au/paid-positions/ Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Skill based pay scale, SCHADS 4.1 to 4.4

Full-time role, hourly rate $39.26 - $42.25

Applications close Wednesday 25 January, 2023.

General Farm Hand

PuBlic Notice

Proposed Development

Make a submission from: 27th January, 2023 to 16th February, 2023

Material Change of Use –Workforce Accommodation Where: 429 Fichera Road, Mareeba On: Lot 414 on RP835556

Approval Sought: Development Permit Application Ref: MCU/23/0001 You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Mareeba Shire Council PO Box 154, MAREEBA, QLD, 4880 info@msc.qld.gov.au 1300 308 461 www.msc.qld.gov.au Copies of the full application can be viewed or obtained from Council at: 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba

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

Succession Act 2006 s 93, Probate and Administration Act 1898 s 92 and Trustee Act 1925 s 60.

Notice Type: Notice of Intended Distribution of an Estate

Published Date: 23 January, 2023

Deceased Name: David Henry Penny

ESTATE OF DAVID HENRY PENNY Pursuant to the above and s79 of the Trusts Act 2019 (New Zealand legislation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that any person having any claim upon the estate of David Henry Penny, late of Mt Kooyong, NSW, who died on 21 April 2003, must send particulars of the claim to the legal representative for the estate at The Law Connection, 19 Raumati Road, Raumati Beach, Paraparaumu 5032, NEW ZEALAND, thefirm@lawconnect.co.nz, on or before the 24th day of February 2023, and NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that after such date the executor proposes to transfer or distribute the assets of the deceased among the parties entitled thereto having regard to the claims of which the executor then has notice and that in such event the executor will not as respect the property so transferred or distributed be liable to any such person of whose claim he had no notice at the time of such transfer or distribution.

Notice of 2023 Annual General Meeting

Atherton Football Club Inc. Thursday 2nd March 2023 @ 6:00pm

Atherton International Club, Kennedy Highway, Atherton Enquiries to: athertonfc@gmail.com General meeting to follow.

A.G.M.

Senior Women Enjoying Later Life SWELL INC.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 27th January at the Baptist Church Hall, Cnr. Gibson and Lloyd Streets, Atherton commencing at 9.30am.

ALL WELCOME!

ADVERTISE TODAY! Ph 4092 3464.

Butcher

MOBILE farm butcher. Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

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

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

New lessee for pool

Previously, H20 Sport and Leisure Group was signed on the manage the three facilities in a long-term lease arrangement

due to some complications between H20 and Council, the lease was dissolved.

The pools were temporarily back in the hands of council before Marlin Coast came on board to manage them in the interim while council prepares to put out expressions of interest for the long-term.

Mayor Angela Toppin said Marlin Coast will be managing the pools until 30 June while council searches for alternative options.

“As mayor, I would like to reassure residents that pools will remain open,” she said.

“The shire's swimming pools provide very important social and recreational opportunities and deliver significant community benefit, many residents are also employed as lifeguards or staff at the pools.

“Council apologises for any inconvenience during this transition period.”

Previous lessee June Cotter was recently brought back and her vast knowledge was drawn on to help staff get their lifeguard and first aid accreditations and to increase their awareness around water.

Springing onto a new level

RENOWNED local gymnastics club

Momentum Gymnastics has taken the leap and opened another club in Townsville after 15 successful years in Atherton.

After spending decades attending a host of different events in Townsville, the thought struck Momentum Gymnastics director Dianne Stephens that the sporting town could use another gymnastics centre.

Dianne, in partnership with Cherrie Mills, have recently opened a second

Momentum Gymnastics in Townsville which will also serve as a second base for Atherton gymnasts when they travel away for competitions.

“I’ve always thought they needed another venue down here and that there was an opportunity for another gymnastics centre,” Dianne said.

“In the last couple of years, Cherrie Mills wanted to support it as well and became a partner in the business which partly made this expansion possible.

“Her and I have been actively seeking a locations down in Townsville, it has been a challenge to find an appropriate venue but we’ve had some success and we are really excited.”

The new centre has been operating for just over 14 weeks and Dianne says they have been welcomed by the Townsville community.

“We have been embraced really well so far by the community, it has been very positive right from the getgo, so we are on our way to big things

down here,” she said.

“We are doing trampolining and tumbling sports down here as well so we had to find a venue with a high enough ceiling.

“Our membership base is still building so we can provide the opportunities we want.”

With the Townsville expansion Dianne was able to put on another coach in Atherton who continues to coach the kids and develop their skills.

MARLIN Coast Swimming and Fitness have temporarily taken up the reins of managing the Kuranda, Mareeba and Dimbulah Pools while Mareeba Shire Council searches for a long-term lessee to manage the three facilities.

but

Momentum Gymnastics director Dianne Stephens inside the new gymnastics centre in Townsville.

Locals invited to come and have a hit at tennis

LOCALS are being encouraged to dust off their tennis rackets or pick up one for the first time as the Mareeba Tennis Club hosts a club open day this Saturday.

Taking place over the Australian Open eager players and first-time players are being encouraged to come along and try their hand at the sport and watch some of the best of the best play in the open.

There will be prizes to be won over the course of the open day and a different form of tennis on offer called Hot Shots to help people learn the basics of the sport.

Club president Mark Keating said the open day is the perfect chance for old players to shake

some cobwebs out and for new players to try their hand at the sport.

“We are just trying to get people to the Mareeba Tennis Club and see what we have to offer and basically introduce them to the sport while the Australian Open is on the TV,” he said.

“We are going to have the coaches there and a few little mini nets set up and a bit of fun for the newbies and anyone who has played before.

“There will also be giveaways on the day and a bit of a sausage sizzle at the end of it.”

The open day begins at 10am and will run until 1pm.

Come and try gymnastics

New academy for young athletes

A TABLELAND physical education teacher has founded his own sports academy with the aim of teaching kids the essentials of an athletic lifestyle and help them achieve their goals in the sporting world.

F.L.I.C.K. Sports Academy was founded by primary school PE teacher Graham Haren last February and over 2022, it continued to evolve and grow into a full-fledged sports academy.

The intention behind the program is to engage young people in active play where they not only have fun learning fundamental sports skills but also engage with other children of all ages and improve their social skills in a supportive environment.

Graham identified a need for teaching kids the fundamental skills in nearly every sport, so F.L.I.C.K. focuses on the essentials including ball skills, agility, speed and strength.

“A positive introduction to regular physical activity through active play is

one of the most important things you can offer for your child’s health,” he said.

“Fundamental fine and gross motor development skills are used in many aspects of our lives and a well-rounded physical activity schedule can help children in other aspects of their lives.

“The academy’s goal is to teach kids about the importance of having strong and healthy bodies and what that can do for their overall wellbeing, well into their older age.

“We aim to instil good habits in regards to self-care, self-worth and selfmotivation.”

Graham will now be launching a sports excellence program which will mentor young athletes to achieve their best in their sport of choice.

As well as the new program, F.L.I.C.K. has teamed up with the Malanda Gymnastics Club to offer a full program at the gymnastics hall with long serving and much-loved gymnastics coach Helen Young passing the reins on to Graham

and his wife Kristina.

Graham is ecstatic to have this chance and continue to guide and develop young Tableland athletes.

“There is nothing more exhilarating and satisfying for me than to see children who are happy in their own skin,” he said.

“The pure pleasure on their faces when they achieve something they thought they never could, helped their friends achieve a common goal, or reached the top of a figurative or literal mountain that seemed impossible at first.”

The couple intend to continue Malanda Gymnastics’ current programs while adding in a few programs of their own including “Fun Gym” and “The Off-Season”.

The Off-Season program will focus on giving local football players a leg up during pre-season while the Fun Gym program will be true to its name and focus on fun while learning fundamental skills.

To find out more about the programs head to flicksa.com

Fans band together to keep Bulls alive

MAREEBA Gymnastics is welcoming aspiring gymnasts to join them at their free community come and try day.

From 9am to 10am on Saturday 28 January, participants can test their ninja skills on their very own ninja warrior course. Whether taking on the course or cheering on from the sidelines, everyone is welcomed to have some fun and enjoy a morning of excitement.

From 10.30am, the gymnasium is open to the general public to explore. Coaches will be available to teach the basics of gym equipment and help find the perfect class for you.

Participants must wear suitable tight clothing with no shoes, socks or jewellery to be worn. Long hair must also be tied back from the face.

Registrations can be made on the day at the gymnasium.

AFTER the club nearly closed its doors for good due to a lack of committee members, avid football fans banded together to make sure the Mareeba Bulls could continue and play another season.

Late last year the call was made for new committee members to help steer the club into the new year however after no-one put their hands up for positions, the situation became dire.

Without positions being filled the club was nearly forced to close its doors however after several weeks people begun to put their hands up to help the few existing committee

members from the previous season.

Mario Ghensi will be the president for another season and alongside him is Marcello Savaglio as vice, Stephanie Prizmic as secretary and Julie Alderton as treasurer –Vincent Marcel has also taken up the helm as junior vice-president.

Ghensi said it was good to see so many people come out and support the club after it was in danger of closing.

He felt the few committee members who were doing all the work last season needed some support and put it out to the community with talk of shutting the club if they didn’t

get any support.

“No one was keen to do the work, they thought the three or four of us would keep doing it all the time,” he said.

“We basically turned around and said if nobody steps up, we close the doors.

“What are you going to do, go and do three four days a week sometimes during the season for nothing and everybody else sits back and says ‘job well done’.”

Now there are seven members of the executive committee and 20 helpers who will be assisting throughout the season and take the burden off last year’s members.

Young gymnasts are excited to welcome you to their open day on 28 January.

Young athletes at the FLICK Academy learn the importance of keeping fit and healthy through sport.

Third grade in third on CFN ladder

THROUGH rain and shine, Mareeba Cricket’s third grade team has been smashing scoreboards as they comfortably sit in third place heading into the end of the season.

Sitting 22 points in front of fourth place Barron, Mareeba has smashed goals at the beginning of the year and are ready to fight for a place in the finals.

Mareeba was undefeated in the T20 competition which boosted their confidence and carried over into the rest of the season.

Coach Grant Hanlon has been impressed of the boys’ efforts this season as they redeemed themselves from last year.

“This season’s third grades are last season’s fourth grade, and they didn’t have a successful year – I think we might have won only two or three games,” he said.

“It was a pretty disappointing season, so we recruited the services of Gary Toshach for the club as a mentor and coach.”

With the support of Toshach at the club, Hanlon believes his team is getting stronger and playing harder than ever before.

As junior vice president, Hanlon was please to see so many junior players blooded into the senior grades this season.

“With Gary in the club committee we have worked to create a pathway for juniors so having more tier three (13 to 17 year olds) and more accomplished cricketers move into the senior are what third and fourth grade is all about,” Hanlon said.

Leading Mareeba’s batting line up is young star Tristan Lopez who with a 73 not out high score, is currently the second-best batsman in third grade.

Another outlier is returning senior player Will Hanlon who has continued his fine form, scoring 114 runs so far in the season.

Returning to Mareeba after spending some time in Atherton, Jake Bomberderi has also helped the team shoot up the leader board.

With finals set to take place in March, Hanlon is confident they will make it

all the way and is ready to dominate the field like they did in the T20 competition.

“I am feeling pretty confident, and I think we have shown that we have the recipe to beat these other teams,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of turning up on the day and backing that we are a strong bowling team and a strong batting team.”

Atherton goes down to Rovers

ATHERTON first grade travelled down to Griffiths Park 2 to face Rovers on Saturday.

After losing the toss, it was a nightmare start for away team as they lost their first 4 wickets for just 6 runs. Atherton fought back with a 49-run partnership from the experienced Michael Raso (27) and the inform Caleb Constant (34).

Several poor shots and decision making followed and Atherton perished, all out for a disappointing 107.

Rovers started their chase strongly making 34 runs before Locky Hollit struck with the first wicket.

Rovers looked comfortable getting within 31 runs from victory when Atherton stepped it up, taking 4 wickets for 0 runs through the bowling of Boorman (3-23) and Angus Vickionkorpi (2-21).

However, it was too little, too late as Rovers passed the total with 6 wickets down securing a 4- wicket victory.

Atherton have now dropped to third position on the Cricket Far North points table with three games left to play.

This Saturday Atherton host Barron River at Loder Park.

Mareeba takes win

MAREEBA second grade has claimed just their second win of the season after they faced off against Norths at Borzi Park on Sunday.

After winning the toss, Mareeba decided to have the first crack and sent Norths in to bat where some excellent fielding saw them run out opener Aidan Firman early.

Rowan Foxwell continued his form with the ball in hand, leading the Mareeba attack and claiming four wickets for 43 off his eight overs.

Norths steadied in their middle order as a few 20s and 30s pushed the visitors to a decent total of 161.

Mareeba’s batsmen never looked worried as they got busy chasing down the total with openers Will

Hanlon and Brendan Falvo making a 64 run opening stand before Hanlon fell for 31.

Captain Brendan Payne joined Falvo at the crease as the opener continued on and eventually made 58 off 95 balls.

It was then Payne’s turn to score some runs as he quickly went about scoring 44 off 59 as Brandon Green also made a handy 22 to push Mareeba over the line.

This marks only the second win of the season for Mareeba’s second grade side as they sit on just 18 points, six points above bottom of the ladder team Cassowary Coast.

Mareeba will now face off against Atherton at Loder Park next Sunday.

Mareeba Cricketer Brendan Payne prectises his batting at training last week.