The Express Newspaper 26th April 2023

Thousands of people from all walks of life gathered at local war memorials on Tuesday as part of our national day of remembrance to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

On Monday, students from St Stephen’s Catholic College in Mareeba held their Anzac Day ceremony to pay their respects to those who served in the armed forces, with guest speaker Craig Freeman sharing his tear-jerking story of his time in the forces and what Anzac Day means to him.

Where only the best is good enough Community Spirit

www.communityfunerals.com.au

Shooting for the stars

BY ELLIE FINK

A MAREEBA teenager is truly reaching for the stars, being one of only four young Australians chosen for an Endeavour Scholarship to attend a “space camp” in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.

At the age of 15, Toby Fealy knows that exploring space is his calling.

Determined to gain a head start in his career, he sought work experience at Space Australia’s new Weipa Launch Centre.

However, he was informed by CEO James Palmer that there were no opportunities available but was instead encouraged to apply for the scholarship by the American Chamber of Commerce.

With the assistance of his brother and mother, Toby created a two-minute video for his application, presenting his solution to the problem of harsh solar radiation in space.

“The scenario was, ‘it’s the year 2050 and there is a mission to Saturn, and you have to solve one of three problems’ and I chose solar radiation,” he said.

“There is a significant amount of ionising radiation in space, and if astronauts spend an extended period there, it can lead to cancer.

“So, if we wish to go anywhere other than the moon, this problem must be solved, so I came up with my idea, wrote a one-page summary on it and made a video that was really my selling point.”

Toby’s idea had the panel intrigued and became one of only four lucky applicants chosen out of the 600 applications submitted across Australia for the scholarship.

Toby is now getting ready for the journey of a lifetime to the “Rocket City” where he will learn all things space alongside students from the United States, France, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Australia.

“I just sat in my room for two solid hours trying to process the fact that I was accepted. It took a lot of work to get to this point,” he said.

At space camp, Toby will participate in a range of astronaut training exercises, engineering challenges, and team-building activities as part of “Mission Team #10”.

He will be able to design and construct

his own rocket, experience neutral buoyancy while scuba diving in an underwater trainer, fly a jet plane through a simulator, and learn about the International Space Station and its significance in the global community.

Toby has always been fascinated with the notion of space, referring to it as “vast sandbox, and if you know the rules and have the tools, you can create anything”.

Combined with his love for solving problems, he believes that his time at space camp will help him in the future when he begins his career in astrophysics or aerodynamic engineering.

“I believe that many people begin with these big ideas of what they want to accomplish, and as they get older, they become more realise,” he said.

“Not to be pretentious, but if people see what I’m doing and are inspired to keep chasing their dreams, like I am, then that’s just awesome.”

Toby will depart for the United States on 2 July and return from his space camp mission on 7 July.

Free workshop to help clubs

CLUB and community group volunteers can attend a free face-to-face workshop to build their organisations’ capacity on Sunday.

The workshop, being hosted by Tablelands Regional Council, is a half-day development program which will include volunteer engagement and management, membership recruitment, notfor-profit legal requirements, governance basics and committee structures.

“We’re providing this workshop to build knowledge, enthusiasm and capability; and attendees will gain valuable skills to build a solid committee framework, increase membership and

volunteer engagement, and become more sustainable,” Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew said.

“If you’re part of a group or club executive, this opportunity is one you cannot afford to miss.”

The workshop will be delivered by CPR Group, one of Australia’s leading sports governance, planning and community development providers, and will be held between 10.30am-3pm Sunday 30 April at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton (lunch provided).

Places for the workshop are limited so register at www.trc.qld.gov.au/club-development by this Wednesday.

Rodeo back to two big days

BY RHYS THOMAS

ONE of Mareeba’s biggest and most fruitful events, The Mareeba Rodeo, will be returning to its original twoday format, keeping in line with tradition and injecting much needed funds into the community during the annual event on 15-16 July.

In recent years, the rodeo has been forced to restrict to a one-day event or even outright cancel the rodeo due to Covid restrictions.

However last year, the organisers were able to host a rodeo of pre-pandemic proportions which included the downtown parade, queen competition, sideshow alley and more.

The return to the initial two-day format will also provide the wider Mareeba community with a bigger economic boost as visitors and competitors seek to stay over the weekend.

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin welcomes the return of the Mareeba Rodeo to its original format and believes it will create a greater incentive for people to travel and stay longer in the region.

“The Mareeba Rodeo has played a significant role within the community for many years and is a major drawcard for the region,” she said.

“Apart from the economic benefit such an event generates, it also provides the opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and take the time to relax, unwind and enjoy the wonderful event.

“The one day format played a critical role during Covid restrictions however as a result, there was a reduction in visitors to the region – that

said, the event was still successful and attracted a large crowd.”

Mareeba Rodeo Association president Peter Brown said the plan always was to return to the original format.

“We’ve always said that we would go back to a two-days Covid permitted but there are two main reasons we’ve gone back,” he said.

“The first one is tradition, the Mareeba Rodeo has always been two days but also we wanted to attract quality cowboys from down south.

“What we found with the one day is from a prize money point of view, there wasn’t enough in it for them to make the trip.

“But being two days there is more chance of winning more money which allows us to reach out to our Victorian and New South Wales cowboys and cowgirls.”

The bar layout will also look a little bit different than previous years to adjust to the growth of the cabaret.

“The cabarets 30 years ago were 15 people, now we’ve got 15,000 so we’ve changed a few things up,” Mr Brown said.

While the rodeo is widely known as a two-day event as the bull ride wraps up on Saturday night, it continues into Sunday and this year there will be a stronger focus on Sunday’s events.

“Saturday is a really big day for us and what we are trying to do this year is beef up Sunday and give people a reason to come on the last day,” Mr Brown said

“We will maybe have the finals of the woodchop on Sunday and the ute muster will finish up our rodeo.”

Club devastated by youth damage

BY ELLIE FINK

A LOCAL cricket club is reeling after juvenile vandals smashed their way into their Firth Park club house through the ceiling last week, stole items and damaged the field with a stolen quad bike.

The incident occurred overnight last Monday, when it is believed youth gained entry into the Mareeba Cricket Club shed through the fibro roof, where they created additional holes in the ceiling to gain entry to the canteen and the storage room.

The culprits stole ice blocks and rubber gloves from the canteen, vandalised the cupboard and utilised the rugby poles to throw at each other and wreaked havoc on the field with a quad bike which was allegedly stolen

earlier in the night.

After receiving the distressing call that the club had been vandalised, Mareeba Cricket President Irene Roy rushed to the scene, only to be met with mud, discarded icy pole wrappers, gloves, graffiti and torn up grass in front of the club.

Inside the club, the ceiling was in shambles, and equipment was scattered everywhere, with even a cricket bat found in the toilet.

“There’s gear everywhere and the ceiling is broken, and who has to pay for that, you know? We now have to source funds from raffles and donations to rectify the damage. We use this park for our juniors and ladies, and this setback is detrimental," she said.

“They’ve come with the four-

wheeler and wrecked the field, so if we had a game here (the weekend after the damage was done), we would have had to cancel.

“We had plans to get a new roller over at Borzi Park, but this has set us back, and there’s only so much fundraising you can do.”

Police allege the quad bike used in the incident was stolen earlier that night, and have charged four boys, aged 12 and 13, with enter premises and commit indictable offence, attempted enter premises and unlawful use of motor vehicle and one count each of breach of bail, dangerous operation of vehicle, enter premises and commit indicatable offence, enter premises with intent to commit, interfere with fire apparatus and unlawful use of motor vehicle, respectively.

Mareeba Cricket president Irene Roy amongst damage caused by youth last Monday night. The damage has set the volunteer based club back thousands of dollars.

BY ROBYN HOLMES

A NEW childcare centre that will be able to cater for up to 134 youngsters and employ 14 staff has been given a tick of approval by Mareeba Shire Council for a site on Anzac Avenue, near the intersection with Kennedy Highway.

Proponent Steve Cordenos said he was thrilled the approval had been given for the facility which he hoped would be constructed in the next two years.

“If everything goes to plan, and we can get a national tenant involved, then we will build it and I hope that will be within the next 18 months to two years,” he said.

“It’s on the right side of town because that is where all the residential growth is occurring.”

An application for the project was lodged in July 2021, asking council to change the assessment level from impact assessable to code assessable but that would have precluded residents

from being able to officially object or support the proposal and they would not have had appeal rights.

Council refused that request but last week approved the Material Change of Use (MCU) application after only three submissions objecting to the project were lodged with council during the official consultation phase.

The objections were mainly related to increased traffic in the area, a detrimental effect on residents living nearby, and safety.

The site abuts a residential lot but council will require the developers to provide “significant landscape areas including a buffer to adjoining residential properties which will be densely planted”.

Council officers also responded to the concerns about the facility being in a residential area, stating in a report that all of the established childcare centres in Mareeba were located within or adjoining the low-density residential zone.

“These centres have demonstrated the ability to operate in a manner compatible with the amenity of nearby residential uses. There is a similar expectation for a childcare centre on the subject land,” the report stated.

“A childcare centre is an essential service for many residents, particularly those on the fast developing eastern side of Mareeba.”

Council did require the developer to submit an independent traffic report which was prepared by 5KF Consulting Engineers and concluded that there were no traffic engineering impediments to the development proceeding.

“Further, the traffic report finds that the development will not impact the surrounding traffic network in such a way that requires upgrades external to the development,” the report stated.

The applicant has also given an assurance that that a total of 29 car parking spaces including a DDA space and five set-down will be provided onsite which is in excess of the 18 spaces re-

quired by the Planning Scheme.

Other conditions placed upon the development included that kerb and channelling be provided for the entire frontage of the site, as well as a 4.5m wide sealed footpath.

Developers will also have to fund the connection of water and sewerage to council’s networks as well as pay $40,000 in infrastructure charges.

At last week’s council meeting, Cr Locky Bensted said the MCU approval for a childcare centre to be established on the site would, at last, give residents comfort about what would be developed on the land.

“The purpose of use has now been identified and that will give certainty to the community,” he said.

In 2010, council refused a MCU proposed by Mareeba Mitsubishi and Mareeba Mazda to develop the site for a motor showroom and associated vehicle repair station.

New childcare centre gets green light Funding for Italian festival

A POPULAR event which is part of the Cairns Italian Festival will get a cash injection from Mareeba Shire Council after last year’s inaugural event was sold out.

Council will contribute $2500 to the staging of the Mareeba Salami and Sausage Competition which was extremely successful when it was first hosted in August 2022.

The event sold out weeks in advance, with people from right across North Queensland attending, providing an economic boost to the community.

According to a council report, the event will once again be held in 2023, however dates are yet to be finalised.

“Apart from the Mareeba Salami and Sausage Competition, organisers this year are adding an event to host a soccer tournament in Mareeba as part of a weekend of festivities,” the report stated.

The tournament will be called the “MarconiBomben Tournament” celebrating two Italian

pioneers in the region that did so much for the sport.”

Mayor Angela Toppin said the inaugural festival had been wonderful and council would contribute the funds to the event through its Community Partnership Program.

“I would like to acknowledge the significant and ongoing efforts of the Cairns Italian Festival and the countless volunteers, members of the community and businesses who make this wonderful event possible,” she said.

“The economic benefits of an iconic event such as the festival are significant, and I look forward to attending the event again this year.

“While I was born in Australia, my parents migrated from Italy in the 1950s. I invite Mareeba Shire residents to come and experience the Italian culture at this wonderful community event.”

The dates for the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival have not yet been announced.

Councillor Update

Mareeba Shire Councillor Mary Graham

I am pleased to provide an update to residents and ratepayers on some of the latest news from Council.

Tourists Returning to Kuranda

Council has recently reported on an increase in visitors to our region, and I am delighted to see that the number of tourists at the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre has exceeded pre-Covid levels.

Council provides direct support for tourism promotion within the Shire by funding destination marketing and post-arrival visitor information services.

Visitor Information Centres relies on volunteers to help make our area a great place to visit, and the Kuranda Centre is currently recruiting to build up our award-winning Volunteer Team. If you would like to join our friendly team, please visit Council’s website for more information.

Mareeba Multicultural Festival

As the Chair of this Mareeba Multicultural Committee, I look forward to

Mareeba coming alive to celebrate the 25th annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, 26 August 2023. The event celebrates our diverse multicultural community and is attended by people of all ages, enjoying a range of cultural performances and delicious food on offer.

In celebration of this milestone year, the Committee has launched a new website to showcase our diversity and attract attendees from across Australia.

If you would like to get involved in the 2023 festival with a performance or a stall, please visit www.mareebamulticulturalfestival. com.au for an application form, or contact Council’s Customer Services Centres.

Bicentennial Lakes Survey Council has commenced a project to revitalise the Bicentennial Lakes, for the enjoyment of our community and visitors. I am extremely passionate about this project, and I look forward to seeing the work completed.

I would like to thank residents who recently provided feedback on the play elements of the park by attending the on-site information sessions and completing the survey.

Survey results will be shared in due course and construction at the park will commence soon. I invite community members to watch this space!

To close, I would like to remind residents that my fellow Councillors and I are always available to talk. Please get in touch if there is a matter you would like to discuss.

Councillor Mary Graham

P: 07 4092 1030 E: maryg@msc.qld.gov.au

Trail’s new edition

A NEW cassowary statue named “Beautiful Beatrice” has been added to the Kuranda Cassowary Art Trail.

Jurg Jutzi founded the Cassowary Trail to better inform people about the endangered southern cassowary and has found a unique way to do so.

Painted by local artist Melanie Hava, this is the fourth cassowary on the trail and will be on display at the Kuranda Village Centre.

There are currently two more cassowaries being painted by artists Jedess Hudson and Hayley Gillespie that will be set up in the coming months at Rainforestation and Zoom Wildlife Dome.

PICTURED: Artist Melanie Hava, Cassowary Trail founder Jurg Jutzi and Mareema Mayor Angela Toppin unveil the latest addition to the Kuranda Cassowary Trail.

Big pay rise for TRC staff

BY ROBYN HOLMES

STAFF at Tablelands Regional Council will get a 9.25 per cent pay rise over two years as part of a new agreement endorsed by council last week.

The agreement, which spans three years, allows for a 5 per cent pay rise which will be back-paid from 1 July 2022, and another 4.45 per cent rise which takes effect from 1 July 2023.

A third pay rise of 3.5 per cent will take affect from 1 July 2024.

Chief executive officer Gary Rinehart told councillors that employees had not had a pay rise in two years, with the last one of 2.1 per cent back in 2019.

Thanking staff for their contribution during the negotiations, Mr Rinehart said everyone had acted in “good faith” during the development of the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

“I do understand that sitting down with me to negotiate your wages and conditions is not necessarily the most inviting of tasks that you can undertake but I did really appreciate the staff that step up and do that on behalf of their colleagues,” he said.

Council began the negotiations with unions and staff in September last year which culminated in a confidential employee ballot in late March to ascertain the support for the agreement, yielding a “yes” vote from 97 per cent of the staff.

“Five per cent (pay rise) may seem or perhaps could be viewed as a large increase however given inflation over the past couple of years and given the staff had not been given a pay rise in two years, it was important, particularly for lower paid workers, that this was a meaningful

increase and the agreement achieves that,” Mr Rinehart said.

He said the current budget could accommodate the back pay, in part because of savings the organisation had managed to achieve this year.

“No budget variation is required for this year and the projected costs (for the 2023-24 year and subsequent years) are fully detailed in this year’s budget packs – there’s a full explanation in there,” he told councillors.

Cr Peter Hodge said a 9.25 per cent rise over two years was “very substantial”.

“I don’t know how many businesses could withstand that” he said.

Cr David Clifton and Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew supported the pay rise, noting it was important to retain good staff.

“This does have budget implications and they may be more than what we thought they ought to be but we can’t lose sight of the critical fact that if we want to remain fair to our staff, if we want to remain an employer of choice, and if we want to have proper hearts, we need to increase people’s salaries and wages,” Cr Clifton said.

“For me, we’re not going to fight about a fair package for our staff.”

“I agree with Cr Clifton’s comments – we certainly need to look after or staff especially those lower paid areas of our workforce,” Cr Cardew said.

“We are in difficult times, the cost of living is going through the roof and, again, if we want to maintain our employee base…. then we need to pay appropriate wages – I think it’s a good outcome for our staff.”

Now council has endorsed the agreement, officers will apply for certification of the agreement by the Industrial Relations Commission.

10 am

ITALIAN MASS: Concelebrated by Fr. Padre Aurelio Fragapane, from Melbourne & Fr. Kerry Crowley. Unveiling of the Three Saints. Eulogy of the Three Saints. Hymns by Saint Alfio Choir.

12 noon Entertainment, Barbecue, Italian Sausage, Ravioli, Arancini, Grilled Fish, Pizza, Chestnuts, Granita, Gelati, Cannoli, Italian Biscuits, Sweets, Tea & Barista Made Coffee.

2 pm

3 pm

7 pm

Three Saints positioned on Vara, followed by Solemn Procession. Rosary and Hymns. Procession accompanied by Cairns municipal band.

ENGLISH MASS: Concelebrated by Fr. Padre Aurelio Fragapane, from Melbourne & Fr. Hilary Flynn, followed by the Blessing and Veneration of the Relics of the Three Saints.

- Dynamic Fireworks Display

- Music and Dancing till 9pm

TAKE IT FROM THE LOCALS...

“If you have hearing loss make an appointment at AUD i OHEALTH Atherton. You are treated with courtesy and respect by all staff and they will go out of their way to manage your hearing problems.

A great local business to visit.”

- Alan from Dimbulah

Safer road sessions to help seniors

ON the back of the successful program held earlier this year, Tablelands Regional Council is again partnering with Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police Service to host free Seniors on the Road information sessions.

“The program we ran earlier this year was very successful so, during this year’s National Road Safety Week (www.roadsafetyweek.com. au), we are running additional sessions in Atherton and Ravenshoe,” Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew said.

“Seniors on the Road builds knowledge and understanding of road safety for older members of our community.

“Our abilities change as we age so this session is a good opportunity to get a refresher and learn about safe driving, driving as an older person, health and driving, transition from driving, road rules and mobility scooters.”

Transport and Main Roads Customer Services Branch Northern Regional Director Adam Ainsworth said the road safety team would pre-

sent a range of information to assist the region’s older drivers.

“At the session, we will address common concerns that many older drivers face, including understanding new road rules and safe driving behaviours,” Mr Ainsworth said.

“We will also provide tips and support to people who are looking at transitioning away from driving.

“Most responsible older drivers recognise when they are no longer confident behind the wheel and voluntarily surrender their licences, but it can be a major lifestyle adjustment, so we like to provide information and support to help people on this transition.”

The sessions are on Monday 15 May at the Atherton International Club from 9.30am11.30am, or at the Ravenshoe Mountain Institute on Friday 19 May between 9.30am-11.30am.

Places are limited so book by going to www. trc.qld.gov.au/seniors-road or by calling 1300 362 242 before Monday 8 May to secure a place.

Get your flu shots

LOCALS are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and receive their latest influenza vaccination at a pharmacist or GP ahead of the upcoming flu season.

Following a gradual increase in state-wide case numbers since January, Queenslanders are urged to get vaccinated ahead of the winter months to provide the highest level of protection during the flu season peak, usually around August.

More than 6,300 influenza cases were recorded between 1 January and 9 April 2023 – there were only 69 influenza cases during that same period last year.

Vaccines are available from a range of primary care immunisation providers and locals are able

to get their shot through their local GP or at a pharmacist for a price.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath is encouraging Queenslanders to do their part and help protect their communities.

“We need Queenslanders to play their part in helping to limit the spread of flu,” she said.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, I encourage all of us to stay home when we’re sick, wash our hands often and cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

“They may be very simple acts, but time and time again, they have proven critical in stopping the spread of infectious diseases.”

MSC to buy Leagues Club land

THE land that houses the Mareeba Leagues Club building, car park, and grandstand will soon be owned by Mareeba Shire Council after it agreed to purchase the block from the State Government for $700,000.

New competition for “royal” youngsters

BY ELLIE FINK

A YOUNGER generation of Dimbulah will have their chance to be crowned “royalty” with a new competition being introduced to the annual Lions Festival after the Queen and King Quest fell through for the first time in 50 years.

A lack of interest in the charity quest has meant, for the first time, the crowning of a Queen and King will not go ahead –a part of the festival that the town mostly looks forward to.

In its place will be a new charity competition aimed at luring the youngest members of the Dimbulah community to want to be crowned Prince and Princess.

According to Dimbulah Lions president Brendan Goldsworthy, one of the factors behind the lack of interest in the traditional competition is the current extra pressure that 16 and 17-year-olds face in Grade 12.

“It’s the way it is – kids are just a lot

busier with Grade 12, and the idea of adding another commitment to that is overwhelming,” he said.

“The Lions Festival will go ahead as usual, but it just won't have that big, exciting crowning of the Queen and King.”

Mr Goldsworthy has high hopes that the quest will return in the future, with the 50th anniversary of the Dimbulah Lions Queen and King coming up next year.

He hopes that a reunion of past Dimbulah royalty will motivate young people to participate once again in the quest.

In place of the quest, Laura De Lai has helped implement a new charity contest for the youngest members of the Dimbulah community – the Prince and Princess Quest.

So far, there are eight princess entrants and three prince entrants who are currently selling raffle tickets for the Dimbulah Lions Club. The participant who raises the most will be crowned at the festival.

“Over the years, older entrants have become less interested (in the Queen and King quest) and we have had heaps of parents asking to introduce something for the younger ones so we thought ‘oh well let’s try something new’,” Ms De Lai said.

“I think it brings the younger kids out and gets them into the community and we are hoping they will see this is as a fun opportunity and when they get older, they can do the Queens and Kings competition.

“They will get their own crowning ceremony on the night and the princess will get her sash and her tiara and the prince will get his medallion and it will be truly special for them.”

Raffle tickets for the Dimbulah Lions Festival are available at Dimbulah Health and Beauty.

To make a contribution to the Princess and Prince competition, contact Ms De Lai on 0429 166 702.

Currently, the land in Doyle Street is leased by council and sub-leased to the Mareeba Leagues Club but that arrangement is due to expire in November this year.

In June 2021, the Department of Resources write to council seeking to determine whether council wanted to continue to lease the land or purchase it.

In October last year, council lodged a formal application to the department to convert the lease to freehold and received a formal valuation price of $797,753.77 (including GST).

At last week’s shire council meeting, there was clear support that this was the best way forward for both the council and leagues club.

CEO Peter Franks said if council had decided to continue to lease the land for the next 30 years, it would

MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL - COMMUNITY UPDATE

VIDEO CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE SHIRE

NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME

Mareeba Shire Council will take part in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) at all four libraries again this year.

Join Council for the reading of the story, "The Speedy Sloth” by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Heath McKenzie, on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 or Wednesday, 24 May 2023. The event includes a craft activity and a free library bag will be provided to all attendees.

Now in its 23rd successful year, NSS is a colourful, vibrant, and fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book.

Visit Council's website for bookings and additional information.

equate to $1 million.

“The amount of money to lease it would be more than the cost of buying the land,” he said.

Mayor Angela Toppin said the club wanted to expand the facility and having more security of tenure would allow the organisation to apply for loans or grants.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Davies said it was a positive move for the club, which now would have the comfort in knowing they would be dealing with the local authority and not the State in the future.

“They have big plans to improve that area - it’s looking good, the plans they’ve got, they are spending some money doing the plans and feasibility and it’s all looking very promising,” he said.

“This is just giving them another justification to keep moving forward,” he said.

Cr Danny Bird agreed, saying he thought it was “pretty good move”.

“It gives (the club) security of tenure which everyone needs,” he said.

RESPONSIBLE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Council has recently launched a new video campaign called 'Proud to be Local' to showcase our beautiful region.

This six-part video series will see locals from across the shire sharing what makes them proud to be local. Visit Council's website or Facebook page to hear what they had to say!

MAREEBA DOES DIGITAL

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS

Council provides direct support for tourism promotion within the Shire by funding destination marketing and postarrival visitor information services, and recently Council and the Chamber of Commerce established a new ‘Local Tourism Organisation (LTO)’ to promote tourism experiences in the Mareeba Shire.

Visitors to the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre have exceeded pre-covid levels for the first three months of the year, with a 6% increase compared to 2019, and a 170% increase compared to 2022. Council welcomes this boost to the local economy.

With a registered population of over 4,000 dogs, Mareeba Shire Council would like to remind residents to be responsible pet owners.

Council's role in animal management includes administering the Local Law (Animal Management), conducting inspections, and responding to complaints about wandering stock, dog attacks, and safety of residents and wildlife.

Council requires that all dogs are registered for easy identification, and dogs must always wear their registration tag, as this assists with reuniting wandering dogs to their owners.

A deep dive digital workshop for small business.

Do you require guidance to get the most from using digital channels for marketing and customer service?

Are you time-poor and low on resources? The digital workshop can help your business.

For more information, and to register, please scan the QR Code .

Domestic animals wandering at large can be a danger to themselves, other animals and members of the public. Pets who escape from their enclosures can also be a cause for great concern and anxiety for the owner and their family.

Find out more on keeping a pet in Mareeba Shire by visiting Council’s website and clicking on ‘Animal Keeping Minimum Standards Fact Sheet’.

This year’s princess and prince entrants (back) Mahlia, Alana, Kytte, Holly, Elayna, Ameelie (front) Aylah, Mac, Ivy-Rose, Sonny and Pia.

PHOTO: Denim and Lace Photography.

School set to celebrate century of history

JULATTEN State School is turning 100 years old in August and to celebrate, their centenary committee has a jam-packed three-day event prepared for its past and present students.

Previously known as Euluma Creek State School and Bushy Creek State School, Julatten State School was founded in 1923 and has undergone many changes in the last century.

Starting out as a small room in Bill Mildren's house, Julatten State School only had 16 primary school-aged pupils.

Today, the school has over 45 students enrolled in Prep to Grade Six at its Euluma Creek Road facility.

With the centenary only months away, the committee has planned a long weekend full of events for past and present students.

Past students are welcomed back to the school grounds for an official centenary ceremony with guest speakers, class performances, a memorial plaque unveiling, cake, and more on Friday 25 August.

The school is also excited to have repre-

sentatives from the local First Nations people, Education Queensland, and State and Federal members.

A bush dance will take place on Saturday 26 August, with students showcasing “oldtime dances” they have learned in class, such as the Heel and Toe Polka and Queensland Backstep from 6.30 pm until 8 pm.

After 8 pm, the adults can have some fun on the dance floor with a mixture of rock, pop, and country music.

Food and drinks will be available to purchase on the night, and a courtesy bus will be transporting patrons to Port Douglas and Mossman for free. The bush dance is "dance by gold coin donation."

After dancing all night, the official centenary day, Sunday 27 August, will kick off with the organizing committee promising a day of fun in their very own school.

A period piece put together by the Mareeba Heritage Centre will be on display, and a time capsule will be opened to bring the oldies back to the “good old days.”

A roll call by decade will take place short-

ly after to welcome back the oldest and the youngest members of the school community, and a bus will be doing tours to the original Euluma Creek State School building.

A cupcake competition, face painting, fairies, open mic, petting zoo, memorabilia and merchandise stall, barbecue lunch, raffles, fairy floss, snow cones, giant lawn games, and a super slide will also all be taking place on Sunday.

Committee member and organizer Joyce Schapendonk said she was beyond excited to be welcoming back past students for the centenary and looks forward to hearing each of their individual experiences at school.

She has also been working with past students to create a magazine with articles filled with their stories.

“It is really exciting, and there has been lots of enthusiasm around it, which has been super refreshing,” she said.

“The success of it so far brings us a sense of pride.”

To get involved, email julattensscentenary2023@gmail.com

Students at Bushy Creek State School, now Julatten State School, in 1934.

Council seeks commercial interest in new precinct

FOUR freehold lots may be sold in the Priors Creek area along a proposed new link road between Vernon and Jack Streets as Tablelands Regional Council seeks to get commercial investment in the proposed recreational precinct.

The council has decided to put out a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to gauge if there is interest from the private sector in developing the lots into a range of commercial enterprises and mixed-use short-term accommodation

and residential units.

But if the exercise does not deliver, Cr David Clifton has warned that the project may be not viable.

“I’m happy to support council seeking input from commercial interests for participation because this project is not something that I believe should be carried by the ratepayers of Tablelands Regional Council alone. It needs genuine commercial input,” he said.

“The success of the EOI process will

Inaugural chair named face of 20-year race

BY RHYS THOMAS

TWO decades after the first Great Wheelbarrow Race was held, the man behind the idea and its main driver, Mick Borzi OAM, has been named the 2023 Face of the Race.

Mr Borzi, who is one of Mareeba’s most influential figures having held the positions of Chairman and Mayor of Mareeba over many years, came up with the idea for the race back in 2004.

With a desire to honour the mining pioneers of the area, Mr Borzi was the driving force for the creation of The Great Wheelbarrow Race, which has grown astronomically over the past 20 years, raising more than $2 million for a plethora of charities across Australia and the world.

Mr Borzi feels extremely honoured to be named the Face of the Race in 2023.

“It feels great because when we first set it up, it was to honour and remember the people who opened up this country,” he said.

“It took, I believe, courage, enthusiasm and a degree of patriotism for these people to give their time and effort to make this area develop and grow.

“I thought it was appropriate to honour them and, in doing so, having an event that raises money for good causes.”

The thought never crossed his mind that 20 years after the race was established, he would be the one to lead the parade down Mareeba’s main street – an honour bestowed on the Face of the Race each year.

“My aim, my purpose was to honour the people and to raise funds,” Mr Borzi said.

“When you do those things, the last thing you do is think about is yourself.

“I could not have honestly believed that the race would grow to the extent that it did but I give full praise to the committees that continue to raise it and organise it.”

Great Wheelbarrow Race committee chair councillor Locky Bensted said it was “very fitting” to announce Mr Borzi as the Face of the Race on its

be important from my point of view to determining the future of the project.

“If we can’t get commercial funds involved, we have to really assess ...so I think this step is very important because if there is no genuine commercial response to this EOI then, from my perspective, there can be no project.”

He also cautioned council not to have high expectations for EOIs given the tough economic conditions currently being experienced.

“We know there are high interest rates and there is significant deteriorating economic circumstances throughout the world and in Australia, so we know commercial money is going to be tight,” he said.

Cr Peter Hodge explained why council had chosen to ask for EOIs instead of going out for a full tender.

“It in the best interests of council that we go out and get Expressions of Interests because if we go to full tender

and get none, then we have wasted all that time, effort and money – that’s the main reason,” he said.

The council will now appoint a real estate agent who will work with them on the sale of the freehold lots including assisting with the assessment of the EOIs received and if that process uncovers potential commercial proponents, a short list will be developed, with the selected companies then asked to submit a full tender.

20th anniversary year.

“It was Mick’s idea in 2004 to establish the race for the purpose he has already outlined but it was a no brainer,” he said.

“He set the wheels in motion for an event that is not only recognised in Queensland, but interstate and internationally.

“I don’t think there is an event like this in Australia that attract the mix of people that we get at one time.”

As Mr Borzi is just a few months away from celebrating his 90th birthday, Mareeba Golf Club has loaned him their Bendigo Bank buggy to use for the parade down Byrnes Street in front of hundreds of people, some-

thing he is eagerly looking forward to.

“Every race has been important, there have been different people of different ages and it is just fantastic to see the participation that results in this event,” Mr Borzi said.

“Naturally you would feel overcome by the response and the reactions.”

Product of Australia

Product of Australia

2023 Face of the Race Mick Borzi OAM with committee chair, Mareeba Shire councillor Locky Bensted.

Modern, state of the art classrooms, day schooling and boarding facilities for boys and girls. Our curriculum provides academic or vocational pathways and the best possible employment opportunities.

Your child will enjoy small class sizes, individual student attention for maximum outcomes, and sporting and cultural opportunities.

Our college is founded on the basis that no child will be denied a Catholic education based on financial hardship. Generous fee concessions apply to holders of means-tested concession cards and those with a genuine inability to pay.

Workers Club stands behind animal rescue

THE Mareeba Workers Club has been given yet another certificate of appreciation by Animal Rescue Tablelands after they raised over $400 through their BBQ at the club’s sign-on day on 18 March.

Animal Rescue Tablelands is a common sight at many Workers Club events including last year’s annual bike show where they raised over $1000.

The Mareeba Workers Club is a non-profit organization and likes to support local businesses and sporting clubs in the town and is hoping to host Animal Rescue Tablelands fundraisers more regularly.

Free books for kids

Kids will have access to hundreds of books for free through a new initiative by the Atherton Lions Club aimed at getting kids away from screen and buried in books instead.

Dubbed the Atherton Lions Kids Literacy Project, the new program will allow kids to access hundreds of books completely for free courtesy of the club and its donors.

The books will be available at the Atherton Lions Club’s monthly markets on the second Sunday of each month at Atherton’s Merriland Hall.

The club recently received a massive donation of books from the Walkamin State School to help with the literacy project.

Green waste on increase

GREEN waste continues to flood into transfer stations in the Mareeba Shire, with council receiving 730 tonnes of it during March. Kuranda’s transfer station also recorded nine tonnes of Electric Ant contaminated green waste during the month.

Council also held free green domestic waste days over the first weekend in April which attracted 334 loads through the Mareeba transfer station, 64 loads for Kuranda, nine for Chillagoe, 17 for Dimbulah, six at Irvinebank, 15 at Julatten and six loads for Mt Molloy.

Animal Rescue Tablelands owner Sandy Brown presenting Glen from the Mareeba Workers Club with a certificate of appreciation.

Atherton Lions Club president Neil Clarke with Walkamin State School students and their massive donations of books to the Atherton Lions Kids Literacy Project.

Airport to stay in public hands

THE Mareeba Airport and its industrial estate will remain under the control of Mareeba Shire Council after an exercise to explore whether the facility could be leased to a private entity failed to identify a suitable operator.

Council announced its intentions earlier this year to explore the possibility of leasing the airport and industrial precinct to a private company in a bid to drive the economic future of the facilities, sparking strong opposition from businesses and users who feared

the move would lead to unacceptable higher fees and charges.

But the call for expressions of interest (EOI) failed to deliver any potential operators, with all three submissions not addressing the mandatory requirements despite council utilising an independent aviation expert to assist with the development of the information required, and the EOI opportunity widely advertised.

According to a council report, all three submissions were “non-con-

forming and are unsuitable for further evaluation”.

“Consequently, it recommended that council does not proceed any further with the Expressions of Interest process for the Mareeba Airport,” it stated.

The news has been welcomed by the My Mareeba Airport Association (MMAA) who lobbied to retain the facility in public hands.

“After several meetings with councillors, including Mayor Angela Top-

pin and the CEO, I was doing my best to influence the decision not to lease the airport to a private entity and, as president of association, I and the members are very happy with the outcome not to lease the airport,” MMAA president Graeme Normington said.

“I commend the CEO Peter Franks, the Mayor and all the Councillors in their decision not to lease the airport.

“The MMAA is very supportive of the Mareeba Shire Council in their decision and we will continue to promote

Pampering pets leads to national recognition

BY RHYS THOMAS

A LOCAL man who travels the Far North pampering people’s pets for as little as $20 has been named a finalist in the highly prestigious Australian Small Business Champion Awards due to be held in Sydney on 29 April.

Jason Drury bought Tablelands Mobile Pet Services in December of 2019 and has been grooming pets of all shapes and sizes across the Tablelands and further afield ever since.

The ex-hospitality worker was fed up with his industry and decided he needed to start making money for himself, not for someone else, so when the opportunity arose to purchase Tablelands Mobile Pet Services he jumped at the chance.

A regular client of the service previously, Jason knew what he was getting into and became a fully qualified pet groomer after completing an online course.

“I used to work in hospitality and I got sick and tired of dealing with hospitality people and drunks, I wanted something for myself not just lining someone else’s pockets,” he said.

Jason makes a point to not just service

the local area and does trips to areas like Croydon, Georgetown, Normanton and more to groom pets.

He does not restrict himself to typical household pets such as cats and dogs and has previously groomed goats and even alpacas.

“If it fits in a hydrobath, I can do it,” he said.

Despite taking over the business just a few years ago, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Like many small business owners Jason struggled through Covid and all manner of obstacles before he successfully made it out the other side.

Feeling a sense of great relief and gratification with what he had accomplished, Jason decided to enter the Australian Small Business Champion Awards on a whim and after a bit of liquid confidence.

“I honestly believed that I wouldn’t even get a look in,” he said.

Jason was blown away when he received the email listing his business as a finalist for the Pet Groomer category and spent close to four hours with his wife questioning how a “small business in Far North Queensland get picked for this award”.

“I’ve been put up for the business

awards through the local council twice and a customer of mine put me up for a Telstra award but I really didn’t get through those,” he said.

“I am one of 12 pet groomers across Australia that have been picked to go down as a finalist for the business awards.”

Jason feels honoured to be named as a finalist for the awards and even if he doesn’t bring it home on the night, still feels recognised for all his years of hard work.

“To be nominated as a finalist reaffirms that all my hard work and sacrifice hasn’t been in vain and I could get an award to help me keep pushing and going forward –it proves that what I am doing is working,” he said.

“One thing I can say about being in business is that if you love what you are doing and customers can see it, you will always have business and you will always have money.

“That is one thing I know from myself going from hospitality to this, is that I am a lot happier and I have a lot more fun.”

This year’s Australian Small Business Champion Awards will be held at Australia’s second largest casino, The Star in Sydney on 29 April.

the Mareeba Airport to the general aviation industry to entice more operators to relocate to Mareeba and enjoy the many benefits of working and living in the Mareeba region.”

Mayor Toppin said council looked forward to working with the MMAA. “The group kindly offered their assistance with the marketing and growth of the airport,” Mayor Toppin said. “Council looks forward to working together with the group to promote this very important asset.”

Jason Drury from Tablelands Mobile Pet Services giving Cisco a pampering.

Next Council Meetings

9am Thursday 11 May (Planning Committee)

9am Thursday 25 May (ordinary meeting)

Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton. The meetings are live streamed and recorded. See socials and trc.qld.gov.au/meetings for agendas, minutes, recordings and live stream links.

Projects & Programs Update

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

• slashing in Atherton, Beatrice, Ellinjaa, Herberton, Maalan, Minbun, Moregatta, Mungalli, Rangeview, Silver Valley, Tarzali, Tolga, Walkamin and Wongabel.

• grading in Cashmere/Kirrama, Kairi, Rangeview and Tolga

• resurfacing of sections of Mary Street and Pound Road, Malanda

• new toilets and other facilities at Betty Walker Park, Tolga

• design and construction of a water treatment facility in Ravenshoe, and construction of a new water main from Ravenshoe to Millstream.

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

Free Seniors On The Road Sessions

On the back of the successful program held earlier this year we are partnering with Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police Service to host free Seniors on the Road information sessions. The sessions build knowledge and understanding of road safety for older members of our community.

• 9.30–11.30am Monday 15 May at Atherton International Club

• 9.30–11.30am Friday 19 May at Ravenshoe Mountain Institute.

Book at trc.qld.gov.au/safer-seniors-roads or 1300 362 242 before Monday 8 May. Places are limited.

Property Valuations

New property valuations have been issued by the Department of Resources. You can compare land valuations on Queensland Globe website. These valuations will be used to calculate general rates from your next rate notice to be issued in August 2023.

Taking land valuations into account, new general rate charges will be determined in the 2023–24 budget. As valuations changes are varied, it is likely some general rates will increase, some will decrease, and others may stay the same.

Weed Watch

Biosecurity is everyone’s job and May is the best time to control weeds like Candy Leaf Stevia ovata, Siam Chromolaena odoroata, Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes, Madeira Vine Andredera cordifolia, Turbina Vine Turbina corymbosa, Water Hyacinth Eichornia crassipes, Miconia species Miconia spp. and Parthenium Parthenium hysterophorus

See our pest plant control calendar and weed fact sheets in the Tablelands Biosecurity Plan at trc.qld.gov.au/tablelands-biosecurity-plan Treating weeds at the right time with the right method is the best option and we’re always here to help. Contact us at info@trc.qld.gov.au, trc.qld.gov.au, 1300 362 242 or at a customer service centre.

Join The Conversation

Be a part of the development of our region’s 10year Cycling Strategy. The strategy will respond to the growing popularity of cycling in our region, help with long-term planning, and support community groups’ applications for funding. Take part in the online survey by Sunday 30 April at trc.qld.gov.au/community-engagement

Cruise-in to annual Men’s Shed night

LOCAL car enthusiasts and rev heads are being encouraged to come along the Atherton Men Shed’s annual cruise in on 5 May.

Classic cars, bikes and other magnificent vehicles are set to be on display at the Atherton Men’s Shed.

The event is open to vintage, classic, special interest, restored cars, trucks, motorcycles and more.

The event begins at 5.30 and will run until 8pm with hot food and drinks available for purchase.

After a successful event in 2022, Mt Garnet Rodeo and Races is excited to invite attendees back for another great May Day long weekend.

Yeehaw! Its time for Mt Garnet

THE annual Mt Garnet Rodeo and Races are set to take place over the upcoming May Day long weekend, promising another thrilling event for attendees.

Kicking off on 27 April at the LD Lucey Memorial Park, there will be a meet and greet barbeque at 6pm for ringers and spectators alike.

There will be five race programs throughout the day on Friday 28 April and local band Careless will then per-

form into the night at the 18+ cabaret.

On Saturday the “Fabulous Fashions” fashions on the field competition will kick off with multiple categories to be involved in whilst six race programs will take place.

The big events of the weekend will kick off on Sunday starting at 8am with a trade show, the crowning of the rodeo queen, live auction, grand parade and the ABCRA rodeo round.

Organisers have advised that tick-

ets will not be available on the day of the event. Instead, attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance, with a “no ticket, no entry” policy being stressed. Weekend passes are sold out but a day pass is $25 and children under 16 years old are free.

To purchase a ticket, visit www. trybooking.com/events/1025653/ sessions

New movies at the Majestic

TWO new fascinating movies are showing this weekend at the magical Majestic Theatre, with something for everyone.

First up is the light-hearted comedy sports drama “80 For Brady” starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sally Field, Billy Porter and Tom Brady as himself.

Based on a true story, this is sure to be a feel good road trip movie providing easy going light-hearted entertainment.

The movie is inspired by the true story of four best friends and New England Patriots fans who take a life-changing trip to Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play, and the chaos that ensues as they navigate the wilds of the biggest sporting event in the country.

Next is the action crime comedy “Mafia Mamma”, with Australian star Toni Collette in the lead role as a suburban American mum who inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire. Guided by the firm’s consigliere, she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations as the new head of the family business. It promises to be a fun filled couple of hours.

The true drama “Jesus Revolution”, about a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970’s and its origins within a group of teenage hippies in Southern California, is also showing again this weekend.

For more information and session times, go to www.majestictheatre.com.au

73 years of Feast of the Three Saints

LOCALS are gearing up to attend the annual Feast of the Three Saints on the first Sunday of May in Silkwood, a celebration which brings together hundreds of people from across the Far North.

On 7 May the Feast of the Three Saints will celebrate 73 years in Australia, it is a day of celebration starting with an Italian Mass and followed by traditional Italian food, music, rides and amusements throughout the day.

In the lead up to the event, earlier in the month, the Feast of the Three Saints Committee honoured their deceased committee members by celebrating Mass.

Committee members and family members of those deceased attended the service, parish priest, Fr Kerry Crowley celebrated Mass at St John’s Church Silkwood.

At the end of the mass, three of the four new members, Anthony Contarino, David Pennisi, Santo Pagano, were introduced to those gathered – Madelyn Priddle, the fourth new member, was unable to attend.

Also at this mass, members Fred Caltabiano and Joe Girraffa received life memberships for their dedicated 25 years of continuous service to the Three Saints Committee.

ON LANDthe

Super sweet crush for growers

QUEENSLAND’S 2023 sugarcane crush is just weeks away and local growers are gearing up for a record breaking seasons as prices soar to heights not seen in over four decades.

While canegrowers have seen good prices over the past few years the rising costs of fertiliser and other essential parts of the growing process shrunk their margin and provided little to no reprieve.

Now the price of fertiliser has shrunk by 30 per cent while the price of sugar cane has doubled compared to the prices two years ago.

Tablelands Canegrowers chairman Claude Santucci said many local growers are capitalising on the current boom and forward pricing while the prices are high.

Mr Santucci said the current price for sugar cane is roughly at an average of $753 per tonne.

“That is a record-breaking price, we have not seen that sort of value in potentially 30-40 years, so that is very exciting,” he said.

“Growers are able to lock in that price even though we haven’t even harvested that crop yet, in the cane industry we can forward price our crop so grow-

ers are actively out there and taking advantage of this price and selling their season’s production.”

Local growers are just a few months away from sending their cane to either the Tableland Sugar Mill or the Mossman Sugar Mill as the season is set to begin.

Canegrowers chairman Owen Menkens says the recent spike in the world sugar price, coupled with the drop in fertiliser prices, is setting up 2023 as a bumper year for Queensland’s sugarcane industry.

“Just two years ago the sugar price languished below $400 per tonne, not even covering the cost of production for many growers. It was a pretty grim time,” he said.

“Fast-forward to today and that figure has doubled, with the prompt price hitting highs of $804 per tonne in mid-April.

“The last time we saw the prompt price at $800 was in 1980, more than 40 years ago, so growers are understandably excited.”

While most growers have already priced their sugar from the 2022 season, and therefore won’t be able to take advantage of the latest high, prices for the coming seasons are equally im-

pressive and continue to rise.

Queensland's cane growers are unique amongst their international peers as the only sugarcane growers in the world who can forward price for seasons to come.

As of mid-April, growers could forward price their 2023 sugar at $756 per tonne and their 2024 sugar at $651 per tonne.

Adding to growers’ excitement is a fall in fertiliser prices, which had skyrocketed in recently due to the war in Ukraine, all but negating any positive impacts of the surging sugar price.

However, thanks to a recent decline in demand and a drop in natural gas prices, fertiliser prices are falling on the global market.

“These falls haven’t filtered through to the local market yet, as resellers offtake old, highly priced stocks. But if fertiliser prices continue to drop, sugarcane growers should find their input costs significantly reduced when it comes time to fertilise ratoons around August/September,” Mr Menkens said.

With rising sugar prices and falling input costs, just two more pieces of the puzzle need to fall into place to make 2023 a bumper year for Queensland’s sugarcane industry – weather and mill performance.

“Of course, we can’t control the weather, but so far Mother Nature hasn’t been too harsh, with plenty of rain during the growing season and no cyclones.”

Mill performance is a thornier issue, however, and is particularly worrisome for growers, Mr Menken said.

“A combination of wet weather and poor mill performance in 2022 saw the crushing season blow out by four to six weeks in some districts, with harvesters cutting right through Christmas and well into January.

“An extended season isn’t good for anyone. Growers lose out as the sugar content of their

cane declines, making harvesting uneconomical. Unharvested cane also has a negative knockon effect on future seasons.

“Mills also lose out, as they produce less sugar but must keep up staffing and maintenance levels. They also have a shorter offseason to carry out vital maintenance and capital works.

“Growers have put in the time, effort, and money over recent months to ensure a good crop is ready for harvest. And we know that mill staff across our districts are working feverishly with local contractors and suppliers to try to meet their maintenance schedules.

“It is in everybody’s interest to pull together and work towards getting this next crop off in a timely and efficient manner.

“This industry sees our greatest prosperity when we pull together and, from what I’ve seen from our growers, harvesting crews, and mill staff, I know that is what everyone is striving towards.

“The success of the coming season hinges on the efforts we put in now. If we can all rise to meet this challenge, and Mother Nature is kind, 2023 can be a fantastic year for Queensland’s sugarcane industry.”

Tableland Canegrowers president Claude Santucci.

ON LANDthe

Millaa thriller is product of the land

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

FOURTH generation dairy farmer

Georgina Humphries, turned stand-up comedian, is passionate about rural issues and finds humour in everyday rural life.

Her name Georgina even means farmer.

Her strong involvement with the land has seen her work in the dairy, milking buffalo and egg production industries.

Born into a pioneering dairying family which took on a new twist when her parents established Queensland's first ever milking buffalo operation (only the second in Australia at the time), 25-year-old Georgina's upbringing has been nothing short of unconventional.

Having grown up on the home dairy farm, she was four and a half years old when the milking buffalo operation was established in Millaa Millaa.

It was there where she had her first taste of “extreme milking”, assisting with milking buffalo and rearing buffalo calves, and later, on her father's farm in Koroop, Victoria.

Georgina's taste of the limelight began at an early age when she was six years old and rode a buffalo when a “Surfing the Menu” segment featuring Curtis Stone and Ben O'Donoghue was filmed at her parents' buffalo farm.

It was when Georgina was in Year 10 at Malanda State High School that her comedy career first started taking off.

She was performing in a school variety concert around the same time her father was undergoing a major expansion phase in his buffalo operation.

She commented in her stand-up comedy routine that for the next Halloween, she was going to dress up as something very scary to frighten her father.

She then told the audience that she wanted to get dressed up as the scariest thing imaginable and then quipped: “Next year I'm going to get dressed up as the Westpac Bank Manager!”

After finishing high school, she moved to the “Big Smoke” of Brisbane to pursue her comedy career. Her “real life” humour encapsulates the essence of life in rural areas.

Having hailed from the small dairying town, she quickly became known as “The Thriller from Millaa Millaa” in comedy circles.

Georgina is very proud of this reference as she has a strong love and connection for her home town which she is determined to “put on the map”.

“I moved to the city where I regularly perform in Brisbane and across Queensland telling small rural town stories and tales of growing up on the land to big city crowds,” she said.

Georgina worked at the Mungalli bio-eggs operation in Millaa Millaa for three years.

Growing up, she enjoyed breeding and showing chickens and won championships with her birds at Malanda, Atherton and Cairns Shows.

Her strong love of chickens fea-

tures prominently in her comedy.

Commonly referred to as “the Spring Chicken of the Brisbane comedy scene”, she has been loved by audiences in Melbourne, Sydney and across Queensland.

No stranger to the broadcasting industry, she was asked twice to be on the popular television series “Farmer Wants a Wife” but declined as she was focused on her career.

Last year, she travelled to outback Queensland with a tour that saw her bring free stand-up comedy to Einasleigh, Croydon, Karumba and Burketown.

“All shows are free but the yarns I've already heard from some of the locals while organising this have been priceless,” Georgina said.

It also saw her become one of the first female comedians to perform in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Later this year, she will be visiting regional areas and conducting professional development workshops for young rural students.

Georgina will also have the honour of being the Master of Ceremonies for the Celebrity Milking Competition at this year's Malanda Show.

Not one to shy away from the challenges of rural life, Georgina was bucked off a buffalo when she was only nine years old!

Now she is going from “get bucked” to “get clucked!”

“This is my first time bringing a show interstate, my show is called ‘Get Clucked!’ which is themed

around growing up on a farm, working in agriculture and my love for showing poultry,” Georgina said.

“It would mean the world to me to get the word out to other people who could relate to farm life and to people who have never gotten the chance to experience rural life first hand.”

Fans of all things farming and pastoral will delight in her comedy.

Georgina will be performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until the end of April.

Product of the land - Georgina Humphries, fourth generation dairy farmer turned stand-up comedian.

Photo: Brigitte Daley.

BELOW: “Daddy wouldn’t buy me a pony!” – Georgina during her younger buffalo riding days.

Photo: Lance Bignall.

ON LANDthe

Prime Beef Competition set to 'meat' all expectations

BY BRIGITTE DALEY

CATTLE producers are gearing up for what promises to be a hotly contested Malanda Show Prime Beef Competition this year.

Chief Steward Colleen Mclucas said the Prime Beef Section showcased the quality and variety of beef cattle that were raised on the Atherton Tablelands.

“Last year, all of the 35 pens were filled, along with a waiting list, with a total of 106 head entered and this year promises to be the same,” she said.

“I encourage exhibitors to get their entries in early, as with all the great prizes and attractive prize money on offer, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the pens will be filled to capacity in no time.

“Rocky Creek Abattoir and Byrnes Meats, Cairns have sponsored the ‘Champion Pen of Three Butchers Bullocks’ in the Prime Beef Section for many, many years and Victor has always been very happy to help out with judging when required,” she said.

Last year's judges, Victor and Cailan Byrnes from Rocky Creek Abattoir and Byrnes Meats, Cairns, were impressed with the quality and quantity of the Grass Fed Beef Cattle entered in the 2022 Prime Beef Section of the show.

Victor said that being able to source good quality Tableland grass fed cattle like those exhibited at the Malanda Show enabled him to consistently supply top quality product to his customers as his family had proudly been doing for the past 60 years.

Last year's (2022) Most Successful Prime Beef Exhibitor, James and Deana Nasser and their son Lewis, “Atherton Grass Fed”, have been exhibiting their cattle at the Malanda competition since 2016.

“The Prime Beef Competition is a great opportunity for us to promote local, sustainable, grass fed beef cattle grown on the Atherton Tablelands,” James said.

“It's great to see not only local people who view and appreciate the cattle but also visitors to

the Malanda Show from other parts of Australia.

“The Prime Beef Competition is very well organised and encourages producers on the Tablelands to contribute and promote local beef cattle,” he added.

With Evanspread as the Naming Sponsor, there are nine classes in the Prime Beef Section with prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in these classes.

The Prime Beef Section is for recognised Pasture Fed Beef Breed Cattle with the focus on Weight for Age and Temperament and all cattle must be Polled or Dehorned. Cattle must be four tooth or less.

All cattle must be at the Malanda Showgrounds Cattle Yards for Penning and a Wet Curfew by 3pm on Friday 7 July and must remain

penned until the end of the Grand Parade at midday on Sunday.

Judging commences at 1pm on Saturday 8 July and this year's judge will be Simon Fraser from JBS in Townsville.

One of the outstanding features of the competition is that cattle can be sold directly after it.

Any exhibitors wanting to sell their cattle after the show have that option by contacting Simon Fraser at JBS Townsville on 0400 314281 by 23 June.

Entries are $10 per Class and close at 5pm Friday 30 June or when pens are filled.

The full schedule and entry forms are available on the Malanda Show website and for any enquiries please contact Chief Steward Colleen Mclucas on 0428 966 379.

CLASSES

CLASS 1 MALANDA MEAT CO PEN of THREE

HEAVYWEIGHT BULLOCKS SSOkgs L/W & OVER

CLASS 2 ADVANCED RURAL PEN of THREE BULLOCKS 450kgs - 549kgs L/W

CLASS 3 TABLELAND VETERINARY SERVICE PEN of THREE HEIFERS 450kgs -549kgs L/W

CLASS 4 ELMORE & STAUN PEN of THREE STEERS 340kgs - 449kgs L/W

CLASS S MALANDA MEAT CO PEN of THREE HEIFERS 340kgs - 449kgs L/W

CLASS 6 MALANDA RURAL SUPPLIES PEN of THREE STEERS OR HEIFERS O - 339kgs L/W

CLASS 7 TED MORRIS SINGLE

HEAVYWEIGHT BULLOCK OVER SSOkgs

L/W

CLASS 8 GODFREY'S LIVESTOCK

TRANSPORT SINGLE LIGHTWEIGHT BULLOCK UP TO 549kgs L/W

CLASS 9 EVANSPREAD SINGLE HEIFER UP TO 549kgs L/W

CHAMPIONS

There are five Champion prizes and five Reserve Champion prizes and the major prize is for the Most Successful Prime Beef Exhibitor. CHAMPION PEN OF THREE BUTCHERS HEIFERS -$250

RESERVE CHAMPION PEN OF THREE BUTCHERS HEIFERS -$100

CHAMPION PEN OF THREE BUTCHERS BULLOCKS -$250

RESERVE CHAMPION PEN OF THREE BUTCHERS BULLOCKS -$100

CHAMPION PEN OF THREE BULLOCK -$250

RESERVE CHAMPION PEN OF THREE BULLOCKS -$100

CHAMPION FEMALE OF SHOW -$500

RESERVE CHAMPION FEMALE OF SHOW -$250

CHAMPION BULLOCK OF SHOW-$500

RESERVE CHAMPION BULLOCK OF SHOW -$250 Mareeba

MOST SUCCESSFUL PRIME BEEF

EXHIBITOR -$1,000

Welcome to Brigitte

WELCOME to Brigitte Daley who will be writing stories for our Land pages every week.

Brigitte is a former third generation dairy farmer from a pioneering dairying family. She has worked on 14 dairy farms throughout Australia.

Cattle have always been in her blood. Brigitte is a beef cattle producer who also has experience in the following agricultural industries - dairy, dairy buffalo, buffalo meat, Shiitake mushrooms, blueberries, cotton, wheat, sorghum and mungbeans.

She has an Agriculture degree (Hons) from the Queensland Agricultural College.

She has previously worked as a photojournalist for the North Queensland Register and News Corp and also as a rural reporter for News Corp. She is a farmer writing for farmers.

If you have a story, Brigitte may be interested in covering, call her on 0467 788 650 or email brigitte@ theexpressnewspaper.com.au

NEW RELEASE INTO AUSTRALIA!

Just released into the Australian market the HX range from Kioti has entered its next chapter – a premium tractor with a luxurious design and extreme power thanks to top-of-the-line specs. The ergonomically designed cabin reduces fatigue and maximises convenience for the driver.

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

The curved window shield meets the roof, providing maximum peripheral vision. This enables accurate and safe loader operation, as well as an incredible view from the cab. And that’s just the beginning of the HX…

Most Successful Exhibitor, James and Deana Nasser and their son Lewis, “Atherton Grass Fed”.

Photo: Colleen Mclucas. From paddock to Malanda Show Prime Beef Competition. Photo: Brigitte Daley

The Atherton Tablelands is renowned for producing high quality beef cattle. Photo: Brigitte Daley.

2022 Pen of 3 Steers 340Kgs to 449Kgs Live Weight, Class 4.

Photo: Colleen Mclucas

Sad state of markets

I HAVEN’T a clue what the reasoning is behind the demise of the once spectacular twice monthly Mareeba Markets but surely the situation is untenable in its current form for both operators and vendors.

I don’t know what, or even if, there are differences between the operators but I know one thing for sure - the public would prefer a return to what the markets used to be and back in the 100 Park.

If the problem is public safety, attend to it.

Just look how the Mossman and Yungaburra markets operate, people everywhere, which remind me of the “scramble” at the traffic lights near Central Station Brisbane in my early days. People going hell west and crooked, every which way, and without incident.

Barry Braes MAREEBA

Wind farm debacle

THE would-be developer of the Chalumbin industrial wind farm is at it again, taking out a fullpage advert in the Express spouting the merits of the development. It’s about time the false claims, misrepresentations and outright lies were called to account on the public record.

Since inception Ark Energy (formerly Epuron), has sought to deceive the public over the impacts of this development. In the draft Public Environmental Report (PER) the developer submits two wildly different versions of events surrounding the discovery of a nest likely belonging to an endangered species. The presence of this Red Goshawk nest would be so significant as to potentially derail the entire development.

There is an audio recording proving the developer provided false information in a community briefing, relating to a Koala photographed on the adjoining Yourka Reserve. There can be no doubt this was an attempt to diffuse rising tensions over concerns for the species.

Ark Energy supplied fabricated versions of events in the report, attempting to justify why they failed to properly consult the community. Unfortunately for them, emails obtained prove the claims made in the report to be fictitious. At no stage, has Ark Energy been compliant with their own definition of holding a social license to operate.

The environmental surveys included just 103 hours of spotlighting to attempt to identify elusive species. Spotlighting carried out from a vehicle on defined tracks to identify individuals over an area totalling 2646.74 acres.

Widespread deficiencies in the survey processes are the subject of numerous public submissions made against the development. These surveys were a farce designed to achieve exactly what the developer wanted – for threatened species to NOT be found. Despite this many were, including the Northern Greater Glider. Trees essential to this species will be bulldozed.

The developer admits it takes up to 260 years for breeding hollows to develop in the specific trees required by this species. Their response includes chain sawing holes in other trees! It is farcical.

The report seeks to downplay the impact on a variety of other threatened fauna/flora species. It is a rare occurrence when the developer actually acknowledges the development will destroy habitat “critical to the survival” of a species but the facts are so dire Ark Energy couldn’t hide the truth on the impacts on the Magnificent Brood Frog.

The cumulative impacts on this species are so dire the species simply may not survive. The developers offset used to justify this environmental vandalism is to donate $250k for research into the species they are seeking to destroy. Insanity!

An endangered Rainbowfish was omitted entirely from the draft report. The only reason the species was even included in the final document is because it was raised in public submissions.

The developer hasn’t even surveyed the waterways. How many other species have been left off the report?

The developer then ‘accidentally’ omitted including public submissions in the final document submitted to Tanya Plibersek for approval.

In the advertisement in the Express Ark Energy claims that the development will have a “net gain for biodiversity”. Are they serious?!

The Wet Tropics Management Authority has raised serious concerns on this development and

the impacts it will have on the WTWHA. Pro-renewable environmental organisation CAFNEC have stated their opposition to Chalumbin on environmental grounds.

Rainforest Reserves Australia have emphatically opposed this development, and share my own view – that industrial scale developments are manifestly unsuitable for high biodiversity areas.

Nobody could look at this development objectively, having read all reports and possibly believe that bulldozing remnant forest 600m from the Wet Tropics could possibly deliver a net benefit. This is a scam of monumental proportions.

Just as the developer has repeatedly falsely claimed the development has been more than halved form 200 turbines (it was 95 at inception– it is now 86), so too is this latest claim designed to deceive the community and sure up support for a development that should never have gone past the feasibility stage.

Korea Zinc is the owner of Ark Energy. Why is it that a foreign owned mining behemoth is targeting Chalumbin? Is it just coincidence that the proposed development site is mineral deposit rich? Could it be that if the development is approved, (given the material change of use already being granted from the State Government), that the site will be mined?

There is nothing green about this development. The community has been conned. I have never in my life seen a company get away with blatantly publishing false and misleading information and it must be called to account.

Matt Lachlan GLEN ALLYN

Full of praise for farm

I WISH to express my support for Old Mates Farm at 238 Hemmings Lane after having camped there many times with friends and family. I particularly want to express that Old Mates Farm is unique and there is nothing like it in North Queensland.

Some caravan parks and station camps in our area have great offerings and facilities, however Old Mates Farm is unique and provides an experience that attracts people to the Tablelands which adds to our economy.

Diverse agritourism experiences are quickly being embraced in other parts of Australia, and the Tablelands area has the potential to be the premier destination for agritourism due to its natural attributes that are unmatched anywhere in the world.

The farm experience at Old Mates Farm offered to children and families is special and connects children with nature and where their food and fibre comes from. The farm animal feeding held each day is very popular with children.

The land on which Old Mates Farm is located offers a diverse range of native fauna and flora. This location combining farmland bordering the Herberton National Park provides a place for people to disconnect for a period of time from the IT world and get back to basics where family connects with each other.

I am impressed by the rules on the farm’s website that make it clear that not everyone is welcome at the property if they don’t have respect for their fellow campers and the environment. And it is pleasing that the rules are enforced. (E.g.: Noise to a quiet conversation level after 9pm, no entry after sunset, etc).

This is much appreciated by families that have had their camping experiences ruined by unthoughtful people in areas such as the Tinaroo camping areas and the National Parks which do not provide any 24-hour on-site management.

I understand, from speaking with the operators of Old Mates Farm, that they have been working collaboratively with TRC for last 2-3 years and there has been general support for them. They were winners of TRC business awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021 when they won the top award of Champion Business.

The complaints from other nearby residents should be considered for their accuracy and truthfulness. Once the campers have arrived at the farm, there is very limited impact, if any, on the adjoining residents due to the good management.

The owners of Old Mates Farm are involved in the community organisations and offer their property to others to use at no fee, including Wongabel Stables, other horse riders, walkers, runners, MTB riders. They have also provided

visits to the farm for disadvantaged groups at no cost.

I understand that they regularly provide gift vouchers to charities or causes that want their support. The need for housing for seasonal workers and those encountering economic pressures, has seen the need for housing for to be met by venues that would have previously accommodated tourists.

There is not a commensurate increase in venues, government or private, to provide for the tourists. There is a need for more good attractions to bring people to our area. Old Mates Farm and its operators are the kinds of people and organisations we should encourage to our region, and we should appreciate their investment in the Atherton Tablelands.

Attracting quality unique investments strengthens the area for all of us.

Jay Prince MALANDA

It’s all about the facts

MURRAY Nonplayer-Character, (The Express, 19/04), seems to possess a virginal neo-cortex - never penetrated by an original thought. He knows only what he’s programmed to know.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is an official source. Here’s a link so everyone can check my facts – https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/ health/causes-death/provisional-mortality-statistics/latest-release.

The first table is titled “Number of deaths by month of occurrence, 2019-22.” In eight months of 2020, monthly death totals were lower than in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

In June 2020, while the “highly contagious and very deadly virus” raged unchecked and we all rubbed shoulders in Coles and Woollies, there were 1,389 fewer deaths (9.47%) than in June 2019.

How did supermarket check-out operators survive?

No vaccines, no therapeutics, no admitted cures, masks that never have stopped viruses, no acknowledgement of “spread via surfaces” (that has since been proven, same as every other virus ever), and deaths went down, not up.

Copy the data from that table into an Excel spreadsheet and AutoSum the columns.

Basic flu season 2019 = 164,814.

Deadly Covid year 2020 = 162,646.

First injections year 2021 = 171,976.

Booster shot year 2022 = 190,394.

The ABS: “In 2022, there were 190,394 deaths that occurred by 31 December and were registered by 28 February 2023. This is 25,235 deaths (15.3 per cent) more than the baseline average.” That baseline doesn’t include the low-death deadly Covid year 2020.

From further down that webpage: “Data for 2022 is compared to a baseline comprising the years 2017-2019 and 2021. 2020 is not included in the baseline for 2022 data because it included periods where numbers of deaths were significantly lower than expected.”

I don’t deal in “assumptions, what ifs, mights, and maybes” like gullible nonplayer characters do - I check facts.

That’s why I knew the shots would kill healthy young people way back in 2020. That’s why I copped the legacy media ban for trying to warn families such as the one featured in The Australian.

The globalists who control the corporate media didn’t want anyone to know the truth. They wanted you to trust them while they killed you.

Australia isn’t the only heavily-jabbed nation that has a soaring excess mortality rate.

The UK’s excess mortality rate is now 20.9 per cent. - https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/ bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/weekending31march2023.

So while NPCs gape at agitprop from TheirABC, I’ll keep doing the deep research dives to warn those who act on facts and not feelings.

For those who are starting to awaken from the Goebbelsian mind-control programming of the last three years, be sure to watch “Beyond the Reset” on Rumble.com.

That’s what they’re planning for you. The Queensland Government even built Wellcamp, which looks just like the camp in the animated film.

Peter Campion TOLGA

MENTAL HEALTH THE

FINANCIAL stress is a common experience in today’s world, with the rising cost of living, rising interest rates and unaffordable housing all causing pressure on our finances and stress levels.

It is important to remember that financial hardship is not a sign of weakness or moral failure and feelings of shame and failure are understandable in these tough times.

However, it is crucial to recognise the far-reaching effects of financial stress on our mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

One of the first steps in dealing with financial stress is to recognise the signs of it. Symptoms may include arguing with family or friends over money, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, feeling angry or fearful and avoiding socialising with others. If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, they can have long-term effects on your mental and physical health.

To take control of any problem it is important to address your immediate stress levels first. Practicing breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises such as yoga and meditation and talking to someone you trust about your money stresses can all help to relax you and make you feel less overwhelmed by your worries.

Everyone behaves differently when they’re feeling stressed about money. Some people avoid checking their bank balance or dealing with financial tasks altogether, while others obsessively check their bank accounts, increasing their anxiety.

For some people, stress can lead to emotional spending, which makes the problem worse. Starting a budget and dealing with the issue rather than avoiding, obsessing or emotionally spending can help the situation become less daunting.

It is important to accept that you cannot change everything causing you to worry about money, such as the current economic climate. However, prioritising the things you can control, such as sticking to a budget, can help you feel more in control and less stressed about the situation.

Using “buy now, pay later” services, credit cards and other stop-gap solutions to make ends meet are short-term solutions that can create a larger problem. Recognising the signs of financial stress, reducing immediate stress levels and seeking help from professional resources can all help us take control of our finances and reduce stress levels.

It is important to prioritise the things we can control and accept that we cannot change everything. There just may not be enough time in the day, jobs in your area or money in the budget to reduce the financial stress.

There are programs and organisations that can provide extra help like financial counselling and emergency relief. Accessing these resources earlier, rather than later, can prevent the problem from becoming bigger and affecting your emotional wellbeing.

Some resources include:

ICAN – Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network provides financial counselling to both Indigenous and non-indigenous people from Townsville to the Torres Strait: ican.org.au

SHAC – Shelter Housing Action Cairns, have financial counselling and emergency relief options for crisis situations: shac.org.au

A mental health plan obtained from your doctor can help with the emotions of financial and other stress.

The information provided is from Better Together Community Services. This advice may not suit your personal situation and therefore cannot substitute real psychological advice please consult a professional if this has raised issues for you. You can contact our Professional Psychological Services for an appointment on 4091 3850. Better Together also has Emergency Relief and a Community Pantry, at their Mabel St Community Centre if you are in a crisis situation in the Atherton area; Monday and Friday 10-12pm & 1-3pm, 1-3pm Wednesday and The Helping Hearts Pantry Wednesday 10-12pm.

PROPERTY

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

Time to make it your own

PROPERTIES like these rarely hit the market and this one is no exception. Passed down through generations and now offered for sale for the first time, don't miss your opportunity to secure a beautifully flat lifestyle block 30 mins from Atherton and Malanda and only 5 minutes from Ravenshoe.

This property features the following:

• 46 acres of almost tabletop flat land with dual street access, currently used for grazing but has potential for cropping.

• New concrete post 5 strand barb wire 5 paddock fencing with central gate laneway fencing. All pad-

22 Main Street, Atherton

Phone: 4091 7111

docks have two gates, one 4 way central gate and one gate on the main boundary line to allow vehicle access around the perimeter.

• 20m x 10m x 4.5m colorbond shed built in 2019 with 2 enclosed lockable bays and 2 bay open.

• 2nd old shed 8m x 10m with 4 large sliding barn

doors.

• 5m driveway access to 100mx50m house site. The original farm house is still onsite but no longer inhabitable once removed this will provide the perfect spot for a new family home with established trees providing plenty of shade. Including an Avocado, Pecan, Macadamia

and various fruit trees.

• Water supply via a well and unregistered bore.

Contact Exclusive listed Agent Michelle Raso for more information.

Address: 55 Condon Road, TUMOULIN

Price: Offers Over $550,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Michelle Raso Elders Real Estate Malanda

Contact: 0428 116 136

Atherton

BY THE LAKE | 5 Black Gully Road, Tinaroo

Open to view: Saturday 29th April, 10am - 11am

• Set on 9,062m2 (2.2 acres*)

• 12m x 9m Colorbond shed

• High clearance roller door

• House pad with driveway

• Builder’s pole with power connected

• Water connected + partially fenced

• Close to Lake Tinaroo and boat ramp

Expressions of Interest close 4th May, 12pm. All offers must be submitted in writing by date & time of closure.

Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306 L22263887

Margaret Black: Principal

RAINFOREST RETREAT

Topaz

• Set on 79.81 acres* (32.3 hectares)

• 3 bedroom, 2 bath Queenslander

• T&G ceilings and walls

• Standalone solar

• Rainwater tanks

• 2 waterfalls + spring fed creeks

Offers Over $550,000 L22392658

Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION

Malanda

• Set on 267.54 hectares on 3 titles

• Flat to undulating land

• Cattle yards with undercover area

• Large machinery shed

• 3 creeks + 3 dams

• Large 3 bedroom Queenslander

$ P.O.A. L11706832

Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450

www.raywhiteruralatherton.com.au

PROPERTY

Enhance your lifestyle

YUNGABURRA is a mecca for people wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

But that’s not all.

This rendered block home in a lovely quiet street has everything for the larger family. Four bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans.

The main bedroom has an en-suite and is air-conditioned. You will enjoy comfortable living all year round with air-conditioning and a combustion heater in the living area.

The open plan living area is fully tiled for easy care and is very spacious with an of-

fice nook or study area.

There is an easy access shower and a separate bath in the main bathroom. The 2-car lock-up garage has direct entry into the house.

Your children can play safely in the fully fenced generous sized yard.

Located in a street of quality homes close to a 5 acre council park and the Tinaburra boat ramp.

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: YUNGABURRA

Price: $669,000

Agent: Trisha Jackson

Professionals Atherton

Contact: 0419 183 145

Gava

HAVE you been looking for an opportunity to get a start in the Tolga

Call Trisha 0419 183 145

Address: 2 Oakley Close, TOLGA

Price: $395,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty

Contact: 0408 983 879

Class, comfort and convenience

LOCATED in an elevated area of Atherton you will look forward to coming home to relax in this well designed home.

Entering into the home you pass by a room with stylish bay windows and which could be used for a bedroom, office or media room.

You then move into a spacious open plan area which provides an ease of interaction between the kitchen, dining and living areas with each area well designed.

Generously sized glass

windows throughout the home provide beautiful natural light and allow you to connect with the garden and entertaining areas.

Stylishly appointed with generous storage and bench areas, the kitchen will inspire anyone to cook.

Alongside is the dining area with a fireplace which radiates both its warmth and appeal through to the living room and the kitchen.

A total of 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom includes an ensuite, walk in robe & direct

access to the entertainment area. The remaining bedrooms offer built-ins.

Established gardens and fencing provide privacy for this home and a garden shed provides that all too necessary storage area.

Contact Exclusive agent Suzey Whitby at Ray White Atherton today on 0438 090 306 for further information. Visit http://raywhiteruralatherton.com. au/L22370576 for more photos.

Address: 21 Jannina Drive, ATHERTON

Price: $565,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton

Contact: 0438 090 306 or 4091 7111

Peaceful on Park Avenue

THIS is a compact and very tidy three bedroom cottage and a great place to call home. Within walking distance to the communityfriendly and well-serviced township of Dimbulah, the property is located close to all amenities including a Childcare Centre, Primary School and Primary Health Centre.

have built-ins, all have ceiling fans), a family bathroom and a second toilet outside. The living area is air conditioned and the home has timber flooring throughout.

Vince

0419 926 691 vince@crmareeba.com

Remo Esposito 0401 969 473 remo@crmareeba.com

Sitting on a good sized, low maintenance, fully fenced block this home features a renovated kitchen that has plenty of storage including a large pantry. There are 3 good sized bedrooms (1 is airconditioned and 2

There's a covered, tiled and gated front patio, great storage outside including a garden shed with concrete floor, another storage shed/ workshop area as well as a large carport. The yard is low maintenance and the property is fully fenced.

- 3 bedrooms (all good size rooms, 1 with air conditioning)

- 1 bathroom with toilet (2nd toilet outside)

- Renovated kitchen with plenty of storage

- Good size living space

- Timber flooring throughout

- Concrete stumps (solid under foot)

- 1,012m2 fully fenced, low maintenance allotment

- Concrete driveway and Carport

- Garden shed and another storage shed

- Patio at the front overlooking Dimbulah's tennis courts

- Walking distance to CBD

For more information or to book a private inspection call exclusive agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473.

Address: 14 Park Avenue, DIMBULAH

Price: $210,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Remo Esposito Central Realty Mareeba

Contact: 0401 969 473 or 4092 2232

FOR SALE

BEST OFFERS BY 4PM

THURSDAY 18TH MAY

17810 KENNEDY HIGHWAY, MOUNT GARNET

Spanning over 3.33 Hectares this parcel of land is the perfect block of land to build your dream home or your next business development. With a selection of invaluable assets, this vacant block is situated in the remote, yet desirable location.

• ZONE: Commercial Industrial

• 3.33 Hecatre of Land

• 500m of highway frontage on the Kennedy Highway (Ability to add signage or access)

• 2 phase power and transformer at the Southern end of block

• 5 min walk to the Mount Garnet racecourse, Rodeo Ground and Golf Club

• 4km to Mt Garnet township

• 700m of bitumen access across Gunnawarra Road & Kennedy Highway

• Existing Bore Details on Site.

Depth to water table is 7.5 metres

Depth to bottom of bore pipe is 30 metres.

Bore strength is 120 Litres / minute (Very good)

Portable and high quality water

• Block gently slopes down to the North with a large flat area (approx. 4 acres) adjacent the intersection between Kennedy Highway & Gunnawarra Road

Sam

Patterson Director 0401 240 042 sam@dukerealty.com.au

For more information please contact Sam Patterson on 0401 240 042

Costas

Wondecla retreat

SITUATED on a leafy 2.5acre block with an amazing outlook towards the creek, this newly constructed and spacious home offers an opulent interior and outstanding design features including a massive ensuite and a central living hub which flows out to the impressive deck.

The heart of the home is the central living area which offers expansive living spaces and incorporates a deluxe kitchen with stone benchtops, gas free-standing stove & pantry. The design of the

home incorporates cross flow ventilation and wonderful traffic flow from one end of the home to the other.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• 4 Bedrooms with access from the main bedroom to the deck

• Massive ensuite with separate toilet

• Central living space incorporating kitchen, dining & living areas

• Kitchen has stone benchtops, free-standing gas stove, pantry, dishwasher & rangehood

• Main bathroom with

bathtub and separate shower

• Internal laundry incorporating storage cupboards

• Outdoor living space with raked ceiling and timber decking

• 3 bay shed with power Wondecla is a rural locality on the Atherton Tablelands and is situated less

than 30 minutes away from 3 major towns and offers school bus services.

Your leafy rural lifestyle starts right here so contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton to arrange your private inspection.

Address: 40 Elms Road, WONDECLA

Price: $810,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Collette Rowston

Raine & Horne Atherton

Contact: 0419 733 713

As solid as they come – spacious family home with views

WE love a well-built home packed with the space and all the features a growing family would need.

With a solid brick veneer construction and solid rendered block internal walls, this property is indestructible.

The home is set on a 809m2 allotment just a few minutes from the Main Street of Atherton, Atherton High School and Atherton Primary School.

The front tiled and covered

patio is where you will enjoy the views of surrounding mountains and is the perfect place for a morning coffee or to entertain guests. The entrance invites you into a spacious open plan kitchen, living and dining room. The kitchen highlight of the home featuring a modern colour palette, a breakfast bar, ample storage and a large walkin pantry. With an industrial inspiration the kitchen has

been renovated with polished concrete benchtops and timber beams with downlights which pleasantly add the ambiance of the home.

Four oversized bedrooms feature built in robes with a spacious bathroom including, shower, bath, toilet and a second separate toilet; a practical and functional layout for families. Security screens are throughout as well as vinyl flooring to make

cleaning a breeze.

The laundry is separate complete with storage cupboards in addition to the linen storage in the hallway. For car accommodation, the double bay garage is oversized, providing ample room all the cars, tools and toys.

As well as the convenience of concrete driveways, there are well established trees and gardens and room to add more! Some of these

trees include coffee, lemon, lychee and stone fruit. An all-round well-presented property and ready for your inspection.

For more information or a private inspection, please contact Exclusive Marketing Agent Kaydee Chatfield 0417 468 941 at Main St Real Estate today.

Address: 14 Pink Street, ATHERTON

Price: $475,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee Chatfield Main Street Real Estate

Contact: 0417 468 941

PROPERTY

Perfect for extended family

OPEN HOME THIS SATURDAY

JUST once in a while a unique property comes along that can't be compared to any other. Situated in a quiet tucked away close on a generous 1,075m2 allotment this 4 bedroom home has all the privacy and space you need as well as multiple living areas and is only 2 minutes from town centre.

The home offers beautiful polished timber floors, a generous floor plan throughout and a huge entertainment/ breezeway area that will comfortably house even the largest family party.

It also enjoys the unique aspect of having 2 of the bedrooms positioned privately on the other side of the entertainment area with their own bathroom, toilet & living area and individual access to the carport – perfect for teenagers or extended family

The extensive list of features include:

• Beautiful polished timber flooring & stunning raked ceiling

• Air-conditioning to the

10am – 11am JOETORRISI.COM.AU

living areas & 3 bedrooms

• Generous bedrooms plus master with WIR and access to the main bathroom enabling it to be used as an ensuite

• Well-appointed kitchen with quality stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher

• 2 living areas plus an enormous, tiled Breezeway/ entertainment area

• Main bathroom with shower & separate plunge bath

• Energy efficient inclusions such as a 5kw solar power system, gas hot water & LED lighting

• Laundry with built-in cabinetry & storage cupboard

• Built-in cupboards, security screens & window furnishings throughout

• Rear timber deck overlooking the above-ground Magnesium/Chlorine pool

• 6m x 8m steel frame shed/lean-to with concreted floor

• 1,075m2 allotment with fully fenced rear yard, side access, assorted fruit trees and the privacy of no immediate rear neighbours

• Positioned only 2 minutes to Mareeba town centre

This home represents the lifestyle you deserve.

Inspection is highly recommended – open for inspection this saturday from 10.00am to 11.00am.

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

Address: 19 Maria Close, MAREEBA

Price: Offers Over $610,000

Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi

Joe Torrisi Real Estate

Contact: 0417 700 468

UNDER CONTRACT

MAREEBA

JOE

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

SOLD MORE LISTINGS WANTED!

TAKE A BREAK

BIG WORD SEARCH CROSSWORD

14 pull the feathers from (a bird’s carcass) to prepare it for cooking (5)

16 an ophthalmologist or optician (7)

19 facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis (4)

20 slang for a very clever person (8)

22 having no companion or escort (13)

Down

1 the inner side of the foot (4)

2 designate or set (something) aside for a specific purpose (6)

3 an action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end (7)

4 cause to appear old or older (5)

Puzzle Solutions

Across

7 looking intently into a crystal ball with the aim of seeing images relating to future or distant events (7,6)

8 give a name to (someone or something) which reflects a notable characteristic (8)

9 sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way (4)

10 bring together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established (7)

12 resembling or full of gas (5)

5 a deciduous flowering shrub with clusters of brightly coloured, sometimes fragrant flowers (6)

6 detailed examination of the elements or structure of something (8)

11 a thick paint made with ground pigment and a drying oil such as linseed oil, used chiefly by artists (3,5)

13 consisting of disorganized, untidy, or incomplete parts (7)

15 involving risks and uncertainty (6)

17 a layer of different material covering the inside surface of something (6)

18 regard with disgust and hatred (5)

21 above so as to cover or protect (4)

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Mar 21 - Apr 19

This week, you could be on a golden road. A family member could put a bee in your bonnet over money matters. You’re ready to fight for your cause. Whatever the issue, remember everyone is on their own journey. You see the golden gates, stay the course.

JUN 21 - JUL 22

This week, you see how others appreciate you. A friend might go out of their way to tell you how much you mean to them. You might be encouraged by others to look at your path and how things could manifest in the future. Glean from their wisdom.

sep 23 - oct 22

This week, there are many happy moments. What you focus on expands, so if you’re feeling dissatisfied at work shift your thinking to the positives and you’ll attract more of the same. Roads that seems closed before might now open before you.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This week, you’re creating something of value. Early in the week you’ll have opportunities to intentionally spend time with a loved one, whether existing or new, really focus on each other. Later in the week you’ll be showing the world who you really are.

apr 20 - may 20

This week, you’re finding the information you need. You might find yourself in a teaching or mentoring role, it’s a great time to work with others. Later in the week, the energy is perfect for reviewing your goals from earlier in the year and adjusting your sails accordingly.

JUL 23 - AUG 22

This week, you could receive accolaes from others. You’re shining at work this week, you’ll be knocking it out of the park, meeting important deadlines and leading meetings. Your work is being noticed by supervisors all the way up the chain.

oct 23 - nov 21

This week, you’re coming up with solutions. If you’re looking for love, the first step of the journey is to make sure you’re loving yourself, the second step is to truly believe that you can meet that someone special. Shift your thinking and open yourself up to

Jan 20 - Feb 18

This week,you’re making big plans. You could find yourself being of service to others. This fills your cup in many ways and will create wonderful memories along the way. Later in the week you’ll be planting the seeds for family plans.

Lot’s of ideas to consider.

May 21 - Jun 20

This week, you could be shown the way. You could find your dreams are making their presence known in your phyisical, waking world. Insights and and spiritual messages are coming through loud and clear. Take note of any signs or serendipity.

Aug 23 -Sep 22

This week, a connection is getting stronger. Early in the week is perfect for planning a little getaway. Later in the week you’ll have a good reason to celebrate. It might be results from a test or some kind of application, whatever it is will be met with success.

nov 22 - dec 21

This week, you’re taking care of things. You could be investing in yourself this week, whether that’s physically parting with cash and investing in your health and wellbeing or whether it’s simply investing time to take care of yourself. You’re worth the

Feb 19 - Mar 20

This week, you’re seeing a bright future. You might be having multiple conversations with friends, making plans for gathering and connecting. Spend some time cultivating your vision board and plant the seeds for abundance and prosperity to grow.

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

BRIAN MCLAREN

05.06.1952 - 13.03.2023

HOUSE FOR SALE

3 Brooklands Rd, Mount Surprise Q.4871

PUBLIC NOTICE

MINING

ALBRECHT, Violet Margaret

01.09.1922 ~ 13.04.2023

Late of Carinya. Passed away peacefully

In keeping with Violet’s wishes, she has been privately laid to rest by her family. Forever in our hearts.

Guilfoyle Funeral Services

Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens

Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013

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

Dario, we thought of you today.

With a warm smile and a stubby of XXXX in your hand, you were always ready to help those in need, whether it was at a community event, the Junction Hotel, out fishing with your mates, or relaxing at home. Those who knew you hold these memories dear. Your pride in tobacco and tea tree farming, and your hardworking and creative spirit are your legacies.

A true shining star, you are a man cherished by Mum, Vilma, Rita and Paula, and our families.

In eternal memory and love.

Dario we miss you!

Evelyn Mary Evans

09.05.1928 ~ 30.04.2021

You lived your life with little needs, Full instead of selfless deeds. For everyone you did your best, May God grant you eternal rest.

In loving memory and sadly missed by her children Colin, Graham, Rhonda, Loretta, Stephen and their families.

KENNY ROOS

It’s hard to believe it has been 3 years:

It’s hard to forget someone who gave so much to remember...

From Wife Nita and all his family.

Grace and family would like to thank everyone who attended the funeral for our beloved Brian and for the many gestures of kindness, love and support. It has been very much appreciated by our family

Please accept this as our personal thanks.

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

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

$220,000 ONO • P: 0457 679 018

FARM

RETIRED FELLA & MOTORBIKE REQUIRES BOARD OR AVAILABLE FOR HOUSE SITTING

Tablelands area from middle of September 2023. Including pet care, available until end of year. Police clearance and references available.

JIM RUSSELL 0427 166 016

493

WANTED

Somewhere to help with gardening and maintenance, and to put my small to medium caravan.

Need power, main interest is food production garden, organic (no chemicals). Doctor in optometry (retired), ayurvedic medicine, would like to learn about duck keeping, 2 months only. Mount Malloy or Mareeba area preferred.

VINCE 0459 415 275

ANIMAL OF THE WEEK

NAME: Silas DOB: 13/08/22

BREED: Staffy/ Cattle x Rottweiler/ Boxer

I am a very affectionate young male with a beautiful nature. I love people and I’m great with kids, cats and dogs. I come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, wormed and flea & tick treated. My adoption fee is $300.

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

PUREBRED Blue Cattle dog pups. 3F, 1M, 9 wks old $500 PH: 4096 4138 BIN:0011927978591

RENTAL PROPERTIES WANTED

Mareeba Community Housing Company is seeking rental properties in Mareeba for the Community Rent Scheme Program.

Properties must be in good condition. Rental income is guaranteed. Access to qualified tradesperson for all repairs and maintenance. Professional Property Management Team. Phone 4092 6899 for further details.

EFTPOS Available

GARAGE SALE

SUPPORTERS OF 65 ROSES INC. FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS

GARAGE SALE

1 FRASER STREET MAREEBA

FRIDAY 28 APRIL, 2023

8:00AM - 5:00PM

SATURDAY 29 APRIL, 2023

8:00AM - 1:00PM

Helping support sufferers of Cystic Fibrosis and their Families.

TABLELAND Storage Sheds Tolga everything must go no reasonable offer refused 8AM 29/4 & 30/4

Gold Mining Project Mining Lease Application Number 100303 - For a term of 10 years

It is advised that an application has been made for a mining lease and environmental authority under the provisions of the above mentioned Acts, for the mining/purpose of gold, quartz/quartzite/silica and living quarters/ camp, processing plant, road access/right of way, workshop/machinery/storage on the following land parcels within the Mareeba Shire Council: Lot 13 on SP254833 “Brooklyn Station”.

The application is located at approximately 72 kilometres north west of Mareeba.

The applicant is: Viking Hoard Pty Ltd 100%

Date & Time Applications Lodged: 9 May 2022, 2:30pm

Mining activities to be carried out include: Gold and Quartz/Silica mining and processing Mining Lease Application Documents

The application documents consist of the Application for Mining Lease, copies of or extracts from the application documents, and the endorsed Mining Lease Notice detailing the location and description of the land applied for (including surface area and access), may be downloaded from the Departments website: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/ resources/public-notices-tenders or may be inspected at the Department of Resources office Verde Tower, Level 9, 445 Flinders Street, Townsville Qld 4810 or may be obtained by contacting the local mines assessment hub on (07) 4447 9230 or MineralHub@resources.qld.gov.au.

Environmental Authority Documents

The application documents for the proposal consist of the following:

A-EA-NEW-100300295 Standard Application for a new environmental authority for a resource authority.

Copies of, or extracts from, the application documents may be inspected at the Department of Environment and Science, 5B Sheridan Street, Cairns Qld 4870 or may be obtained by contacting Permit and Licence Management by phone on 1300 130 372 or by email on palm@des.qld.gov.au.

Copies of the standard conditions and eligibility criteria for a resource activity can be obtained by accessing the Department of Environment and Science website www.des.qld.gov.au or by contacting Permit and Licence Management by phone on 1300 130 372 (select option 4) or by email on palm@ des.qld.gov.au.

Making A Properly Made Objection / Submission

It is advised that any person/entity may make an objection to the grant of the mining lease, and/or a submission about the application for the environmental authority. The objection/submission period, during which objections/submissions can be given, concludes on 29 May, 2023 at 4.30pm (AEST).

A properly made objection and/or submission must be received on or before 4.30pm (AEST) on the last day of the objection/submission period. It must be lodged with the chief executive in writing in the approved form, addressed to the relevant Assessment Hub:

Mineral Assessment Hub

Level 9, 445 Flinders Street, Townsville QLD 4810 PO Box 1752, Townsville QLD 4810

Email: MineralHub@resources.qld.gov.au

Objections To The Mining Lease Application:

A copy of the objection must also be served upon the applicant/s on or before the last day of the objection period at the following address:

Viking Hoard Pty Ltd C/- Avoca Tenement Consulting Pty Ltd P.O. Box 706, Mareeba QLD 4880 Qld@tenementmatters.com.au

Objection for the mining lease application:

A properly made objection in respect to the grant of the mining lease is one that:

• Is lodged, on or before the last objection day for the application with the chief executive in writing in the approved form;

• States the grounds of the objection and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of the grounds;

• Is signed and dated by each person/entity (i.e. signatory) making the objection; and

• States the name and address of each signatory.

Intending objectors should either contact the relevant assessment hub on (07) 4447 9230 and obtain the approved objection form (MRA-20) or obtain the approved objection form from the department’s website: https://www. business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/ applications-compliance/forms-fees.

Submissions for the Environmental Authority application:

A properly made submission must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be written or made electronically;

• State the name and address of each submitter;

• Be made to the administering authority stated above;

• Be received on or before the last day of the submission period;

• State the grounds of the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of the grounds.

Intending submitters may contact the Department of Environment and Science on (07) 4222 5404 to obtain a submission form or obtain a copy from the departments website: www.des.qld.gov.au.

PositioN VacaNt

DIMBULAH WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION

Sunwater has notified Council of a planned service interruption to undertake critical maintenance on the South Walsh Main which supplies the Dimbulah Water Treatment Plant.

Council is working closely with Sunwater to minimise any adverse effects on our residents and the wider community during this time, however, residents are requested to limit their water consumption to HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY from 6:00am Wednesday 10 May 2023 to 11:00pm Tuesday 16 May 2023. Please refrain from watering lawns and gardens, hosing paved areas or washing vehicles. Of course, this does not apply to emergencies such as fires, accidents, or other health hazards. Owners are required to advise their lessees of the shutdown details.

If you are unsure whether the interruption affects you, please phone Sunwater Customer Support on 13 15 89.

Peter Franks

Chief Executive Officer PO Box 154, MAREEBA QLD 4880

Mt Carbine / Maryfarms Rural Fire Brigade BIENNIAL MEETING

Saturday 6th May at 10am

Fire Shed, Mt Carbine - All welcome!

AGENDA: • Election of Office Bearers

• General Business • Annual Fire Plan

Tableland Country Music Club

10am Atherton Hotel

30th April

CALL FOR TENDER

Interested builders are invited to submit a tender proposal for the refurbishment works to St Joseph’s Church, Atherton.

Tenders are to be lodged with Diocesan

Project Services by 2:00pm on Wednesday 17 May, 2023 by hand delivery, email or mail at the following address:

By Hand: Diocesan Project Services, Catholic Services Building, 130 Lake Street

By Email: dioproject@cairns.catholic.org.au

By Mail: PO Box 625, CAIRNS, QLD 4870

For more information contact Tim Jackson on mobile 0407 335 007 anytime.

Ian Wallace, The Banksia Painter

I no longer have a stall at the Yungaburra Markets. I now reside in Atherton where I have a personal Gallery featuring over 100 watercolours. Together with my previous market items including my ever popular greeting cards and many prints of banksias, butterflies, eucalypts and many other subjects all in fine watercolour. My many customers past, present and future are most welcome to visit my gallery to browse, or just to have a chat.

25 Anthony Drive, Atherton

Please call 4095 2289 before coming. No charge for looking!

NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE COORDINATOR

Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

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

Pay: Level 5 SCHCDS industry award 2010, with options for salary sacrifice For an application package including selection, criteria contact: The Human Resource Officer Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc. 3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe 4888 Email: hro@ravcom.org.au

Ph: 07 4097 6726 | Fax: 07 4097 6030

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

HOW

Should

T he Express Newspaper delivers to: Mareeba, Dimbulah, Kuranda, Walkamin, Tolga, Atherton, Kairi, Malanda, Yungaburra, Ravenshoe, Herberton, Koah, Speewah, Mutchilba, Almaden, Chillagoe, Biboohra, Mt Molloy, Julatten, Mt Carbine, Cooktown, Lakeland, Laura, Normonton, Mt Surprise, Mt Garnet, Croydon, Forsayth, Einasleigh, Karumba, Georgetown, Cairns, Mossman, Port Douglas and many more in between!

COMPANY SECRETARY

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

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

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

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

PCYC Mareeba is currently seeking a passionate Youth Engagement Coordinator (Fixed Term, Full Time, Until December 2023)

To apply go to: pcyc.bigredsky.com

Note: Blue Card ‘No Card, No Start’ Laws Apply. Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

For more info phone 4092 3464

Did

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Custodial Correctional Officer

Do you have what it takes to be on the front line of public safety?

Multiple permanent full-time positions available.

Make a real difference to the safety of your community.

Work as part of a team to ensure the safe, secure and humane management of prisoners.

Your role will be diverse and dynamic, with opportunities for paid training and development.

For more information or to apply for a career at Queensland Corrective Services visit https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au or www.corrections.qld.gov.au/careers

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre

SPORT

Six decades of Stratford’s rich history

BY RHYS THOMAS

PAST players, supporters, officials and more of the Stratford Dolphins are invited to reminisce about the club’s long and rich history, share some laughs and enjoy the company of old friends and teammates at a 60th anniversary gala event on 9 June.

The Stratford Dolphins have their roots deeply imbedded in the Far North including Mareeba and Cairns as the founders of the club were mainly of Croatian or Slavic descent and settled in the area working in the cane or tobacco fields.

The new Australian’s founded the Stratford United Football Club in 1963 which was initially comprised of Southern Slavic peoples, the club nowadays includes all manner of Australian footballers from numerous cultural backgrounds.

The club was not always called the Stratford Dolphins or the Stratford United Football Club but rather Plavi Jadran, meaning Blue Adriatic in Croatian, it was only after the club moved from their grounds, Martyn Street fields, and established a more permanent home at the East Stratford Sports Reserve did they take on the name Stratford.

The team initially participated in the Cairns competition was quickly broke away and joined the stronger Far North Queensland competition with teams such as the Mareeba Bulls and Dimbulah Barras, who like Straford, had an ethnic blend of players.

Stratford’s influence has remained strong in the hearts of many supporters including local Mareeba farmer Mladen Bosnic who spent over a decade on the committee and was president from 2002 to 2010.

Mladen’s family was involved with the club long before he stood up to take the reins, with both his father and brother-in-law having integral roles within the club.

“A lot of the club’s founding members migrated here in the late 50s and they were either in Mareeba working on tobacco or in Cairns on sugarcane,” he said.

“People’s livelihoods were here so naturally this is where they chose to begin the football

club.”

Mladen feels there were three defining moments in the 60-year history of the Stratford Dolphins that helped shape the club and establish them as a powerhouse, the teams of 1963, ‘66 and ‘72.

These three eras of Stratford football each mark a special point in the club’s calendar, from the founding team in ‘63, the ‘66 team winning the Crad Evans Shield and the infamous ‘72 team which on top on winning the shield, remained largely undefeated throughout the 70s.

Now, six decades on from the founding of the Stratford Dolphins, the club is hosting a special 60th Anniversary Gala at the Pullman International on 9 June.

Current president Angelo Serafin said it is important to celebrate the club’s history and to reconnect with old friends and teammates that people may not have seen in years.

Angelo has been part of the club for many years and hung up his boots in 2016, the last time the club has won the Crad Evans Shield since the 1972 team.

“We are one of the oldest club’s in the region following Mareeba and Marlin Coast so to me, celebrating such a huge milestone is paramount both for our past members and our future,” he said.

“Especially with our Croation heritage which is why we have included an outline of the country for our 60-year anniversary shirts.

“The club was built by Croations back in the day and it is important to celebrate that, and multiculturalism itself which is huge in Australia, whether you are Italian, Greek, Croation, Spanish, English or Australian.”

People looking to attend are encouraged to dress formally, tickets are $140 per person and include canapes on arrival, a two-course meal and entry into a mega raffle to be presented on the night.

For more information you can send the Stratford Dolphins a message on Facebook or send an email to stratfordfcevents@gmail.com, tickets must be purchased before Friday, 12 May.

The 1966 Stratford Dolphins Crad Evans Shield winning side. Back row from left: N. Karan, B. Karan, K. Schaffer, B. Browning, D. Petkovic. Middle row from left: J. Fafro, T. Hartley, T. Salecic, N. Brko, H. Kuc, J. Anderson. Front row from left: K. Tomasic, D. Ivanac, T. Zuvela, S. Srhoj, A. Srhoj, A.S. Dhadlie, T. Tomasic.

Stratford United mastermind Ljubo Jerosimich celebrates another major victory with supporters.

The Stratford side of 1967.

The 1972 Stratford Dolphins Crad Evans Shield winning side. Back row from left: G. Andrejic, L. Clarke, I. McCulloch. Middle row from left: J. Bosnic (treasurer), B. Stopford, D. Martin, F. Gong, A.Hughes, D. Hillen, D. Lustica (selector). Front row from left N. Brko (president), M. Brko, K. Green, M. Mehonoshen, G. Brko, K. White, M. Prizmic (secretary). Inset: J. Ormsby (left) and L. Jerosimich.

The mighty Stratford side of 1975 went through the season undefeated, knocking up double digit scores with monotonous regularity. Back row from left: Peter Mackail senior (coach), Mick Mehonoshen, Fred Gong, Mirko Tomasich, Silvio Avolio, Kerry Quigg, Ian McCulloch, Gerald Andrejic, Glen Campbell, Nick Brko (manager). Front row from left: Allan Hughes, Kim Laidlaw, Brendan Laidlaw, Dennis Hillen (captain), Mel Evans, Kerry Green, Derek Jones, Warren Flanigan.

Angelo Cappellazzo was a talented player and successful coach.

SPORT

Locals tear up track in memorial race

Team Queensland win first PBR round

MAREEBA-BORN professional bull rider Kurt Sheppard, alongside his Team Queensland counterparts, have taken out the first event of the 2023 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Australia Monster Energy Origin Series in Newcastle on Saturday.

As action got underway on Saturday evening for the opening iteration of the the series, it was Team Queensland who dazzled the sold-out crowd inside the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Whilst both teams started the night out strong, in the end, Team Queensland secured 11 qualified rides and totalled 921.5 points.

Team New South Wales trailed closely behind with eight qualified rides and ended the night with 650.5 points.

Team Queensland captain Aaron Kleier, who set the standard early on in the night with an 81.5-point effort on Rip Slinger in the first round, said his team were excited to have kicked off the opening Origin event with a win.

“It was good to come back to the team format. It’s always good riding for Queensland because you’re riding for your state,” Kleier said.

“All the boys get behind each other and it’s always a really good atmosphere.

“It’s unreal watching all those young boys come through and ride good. It just pumps everyone up more.”

Team Queensland rider and 2021 Rookie of the Year, Macaulie Leather, had a stellar performance as he knocked down qualified rides, securing 87-points onboard After Dark during the

first round.

Some other highlights for Team Queensland included Mount Isa rider Jack Curr, who secured a mammoth 86-point effort in Round 2 on Canadian Club, marking an Origin career high for the Queensland cowboy.

Curr is currently ranked number four on the Australian National Standings, trailing Kleier in the number three spot.

For the bovine athletes, it was Wetzel from TNR Bucking Bulls who secured the highest point bull of the night with a 43.5 point ride score.

Whilst Team New South Wales fell short, reigning PBR Australia Champion and Team New South Wales Captain Cody Heffernan had a stellar individual performance, taking Bex to the whistle for 85 points for the highest ride in the first round, before going on to cover two out of three of his bulls by the end of the night.

“It's always good to ride in Newcastle. It’s always good coming here,” Heffernan said.

“I felt like it was really important to come right out of the gate and get a score on the board for Team New South Wales. I thought that would really pump the boys up and it certainly did.

“I think we’re a young team, and although we're still kind of building, we are really getting that team concept down pat now, and we’re doing things together as a team which is really important.”

The second instalment of the Origin series will take place in Brisbane on 10 June before closing in Cairns on 22 July, where the nation’s supreme bull riding powerhouse will be determined.

Parsons breaks 30-year record

AFTER a delayed start to the season due to the heavy wet weather, riders were able to get out on the track and let loose over the weekend as the Mareeba Motorcycle Club held their annual Sid Carucci Memorial Motocross event on Sunday.

The club saw 150 riders take to the track for the first local race of the 2023 season.

Sid Carucci was the track manager for Mareeba from 1975 until about 1995, he built the speedway track in 1975, then the motocross track in 1976.

He was instrumental in the King of Keribee Supercross at the Mareeba Rodeo grounds from the beginning in 1980, an event that ran till the early 2000s, it was around this time

RESULTS

50cc Auto (7-U9yrs): 1st

Jett Kapor, 2nd Lewis Greenwood, 3rd Connor Petersen.

65cc (7-U12yrs): 1st Marco Tognola, 2nd Riley Bailey, 3rd Nate Bucknell.

Mini Lites (9-U12yrs): 1st Tyler Sacchi, 2nd Marco Tognola, 3rd Nate Bucknell.

Mini Lites (12-U16yrs): 1st Luca Tognola, 2nd William Lloyd, 3rd Lachlan Smith.

Junior Lites: 1st Layton Day, 2nd Jarrah Mugford, 3rd Jack Cantamessa.

Senior MX1: 1st Braden Plath, 2nd Ricky Chalmers, 3rd Brenden Miano.

Senior MX2: 1st Deegan Mancinelli. 2nd Riley Ward, 3rd Heath Groundwater.

Ladies: 1st Jasmine Stagg, 2nd Kirsten Vievers, 3rd Chloe Hooker.

Veterans (35yrs+): 1st Clay Thompson, 2nd Nathan La Fauci, 3rd Adam Bucknell.

Senior Unlimited: 1st Wilson Todd, 2nd Ricky Chalmers, 3rd Riley Ward.

that the whole Carucci family were made life members of the Mareeba Motorcycle Club.

Sid passed in 2010 and the club started the Sid Carucci Memorial the following year 2011 and the race has been run nearly every year since.

Riders came from far and wide to attend the event, with classes starting at four-years-old to veterans, and everywhere in between.

Record numbers in the 50cc Demonstration class (4yrs -8yrs) indicates a strong future for the sport.

There was some great racing across all classes, which provided a great spectacle for the many locals and visitors who gathered to watch the action.

Join up to NetSetGo netball

YOUNG athletic champion Julius Parsons has smashed an almost 30 year record in the Little Athletics Queensland Titles held in Townsville recently.

The 12-year-old has been training hard to get to where he is today, blitzing the 100m sprint record of 13.8 seconds and setting a new record of 13.44 seconds.

“I felt super excited when I received the text saying I had broken the record,” Julius said.

“We did a lot of training at home, clinics in Tolga every Sunday and I went to Cairns a few

times to do some extra training in the lead up.

“It feels great to have beat a record and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Julius’ father Adrian has been by his side throughout the entire journey and is proud of how far his son has come in his athletics journey.

“He loves to run and I love taking the time to take him wherever he needs to go to compete and train,” Adrian said.

“I will be taking him to Brisbane at the end of the year for more titles too.”

YOUNG Tablelanders are being encouraged to take their first steps in Netball and learn the popular sport in a safe, social environment by signing up for Tableland Netball Association’s NetSetGo program.

NetSetGo is a 15-week program aimed at aspiring netballers aged five to 10 and introduce them to basic netball and fitness skills in a positive, non-competitive, social and fun environment.

All registered participants receive a size four custom SSN inspired ball and a special NetSetGo shirt.

The NetSetGo coordinator for 2023 is

Amanda Seawright, who has a qualified background in fitness and dance with children for over 30 years.

Her daughter has played netball for a number of years and it is her passion that has inspired Amanda to help the younger members of the netball community.

The NetSetGo sessions are held at the outdoor courts at Atherton State High School from 3.30pm Registration is now open via the NetballConnect App, for more information email Amanda at netsetgo@tablelandnetball.com. au

Young Julius Parsons smashed records at the Little Athletics Queensland Titles.

Deegan Mancinelli took out first place in the Senior MX2 division.

Mini Lites 12-U16yrs begin their race. Levi Daniel.

Jett Kapor crossed the line first in the 50cc Auto (7-U9yrs) race.

PHOTOS BY CHONNIE MCCOSH.

SPORT

Unathletes aim higher in 20th anniversary race

AFTER crossing the finish line in third place last year, the Unathletes have steeled themselves to place higher on this year’s podium as they get ready to tackle the iconic Mareeba to Chillagoe Great Wheelbarrow Race in May.

The Unathletes team was cobbled together late last year by a few runners who had previously participated in other teams and while many of the members were already fit and athletic, they had not experienced the hardships of race.

The Thursday before the race was actually the first time the whole team had met and soon after they begun the gruelling 140km journey from Mareeba to Chillagoe together.

Unathletes raises money for the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that each member of the team has a connection to either from a family member or friend that has received assistance from them.

Team captain Shana Backshall said it was a total shock that the team ended up being so competitive during the 2022 race.

“I knew everyone was fit and active but seeing our second-place time on day one was exciting and getting the podium at the end was a great feeling,” she said.

“We are all competitive people and I think that's what took over – ideally we'd love to be on the podium again but we know that there is some tough competition this year.”

The members for this year’s team are Shana Backshall, Ethan Backshall, Adon Sanderson, Toby Kerswell, Alice

Cook, Katia Spena, Lara MacCallum, Blaire Duesbury, Hayden Matthews and Iotea Lyons.

Kerswell and Cook are the two new additions to the team this year, Kerswell has competed before and will be coming up from Brisbane to race while it is Alice’s first time.

Currently the team members are all training individually but a few weeks

out from the race they will get together and do some ‘race pace’ sessions to get prepared. While the Unathletes are one of the most competitive teams in the wheelbarrow race, they still like to have fun and unwind when they can.

“The atmosphere of the weekend is unreal – everyone out there supporting each other and raising money for char-

Atherton cricket celebrates season’s success

MORE than 100 Atherton Cricket Club players and supporters turned out to celebrate the club’s achievements over the past season with its presentation night being held at the BV Hotel on Friday.

Three of the four senior teams made the Grand Finals in the Cricket Far North competition this year, a pleasing result for the club.

“Early in the season, a depleted first-

grade side were bowled out for just 19 runs and they came back to reach the Grand Final was a great result,” A-grade coach Shane Legge said.

The second and third-grade sides were populated with young players this season and did well to get where they did while the experienced fourth grade side brought home the premiership for the third consecutive season.

ity,” Shana said.

“The cold beer and ice bath at the end of the day definitely doesn't hurt either.

“I love the banter between all the teams, particularly when they are your mates.

“It's also great seeing how far you can really push yourself mentally and physically, especially on day two and

three when your legs are absolutely ruined and everyone is a bit tired.”

The Great Wheelbarrow Race will begin in Mareeba on Friday 12 May with the popular downtown parade before the teams set off on their journey through to Chillagoe, finishing on Sunday 14 May.

For more information visit www. greatwheelbarrowrace.com

Unathletes members Adon Sanderson, Lara MacCallum, Ethan Backshall, Alice Cook, Hayden Matthews, Shana Backshall and Blaire Duesbury.

The fourth-grade side took home their third consecutive premiership this season.

Debut first-grade coach Shane Legge was awarded the Cricket Far North Coach of the Year award.

Angus Vikionkorpi and Ben Howard shared the Carlo Barletta Rising Star award.

First-grade captain Tom Boorman was named the Player of the Year due to his outstanding performance this year, he also took out most runs and most wickets.

SPORT

Ivanhoes take down Roosters

IVANHOES have emerged 38-24 winners over the Atherton Roosters in a contest which saw 12 tries scored in wet conditions at Smithfield on Sunday afternoon.

Tries to Glenn Dumbrell, Ned Blackman and a double to Reece Munster helped the Roosters set up a 20-12 lead at the break after they had dominated most of the first session.

However, the Roosters went off the pace in the second term and costly errors allowed Ivanhoes to hit back through a weight of possession to deliver a further five tries and secure the two premiership points.

Two tries in the first five minutes after half time put Ivanhoes on the front foot with their former NRL star signing Josh Dugan showing his class in the later stages.

Atherton’s only second half points came in the 77th minute through a four pointer to centre Dean Soley.

In the under 18’s match, the young Roosters fell 10-8 to Ivanhoes after the score was locked up at nil all for the break.

Ivanhoes also took the reserve grade points 2420 and the ladies match 30-10 over the Roosters.

There is a FNQ rugby league premiership competition bye for the May Day long weekend before the Senior Roosters host their next match on May 6 against Tully at Atherton.

Gladiators off to rough start in 2023 season

on Sunday.

THE Mareeba Gladiators have recorded their third straight loss for the season after going down against Innisfail 50-12 at Callendar Park on Saturday.

A-grade has struggled to find their feet in the beginning of the season with a current record of one win and three losses, the win being their first game of the season against the Edmonton Storm where the Gladiators emerged 56-26 victors.

Innisfail’s defence proved too tough to crack as Mareeba struggled to get over the line, Caleb Dally and Leon Wood were the only players to record a try.

Reserve grade did not fare much better as they lost by a 22-point deficit. The final score was 42-20.

The under 18’s however proved they are here to play and are picking up right where they left off last season with a 24-16 win over their Innisfail counterparts.

Bulls trample Lions

THE Mareeba Bulls premier men’s side have proved they are here to fight this season after winning 4-1 against the Leichhardt Lions at home on Saturday night.

The Bulls faced off against the two top teams in the competition over the past two weeks, Edge Hill and Leichhardt, and they have emerged with one win and one loss.

Coach Kane Alderton said previously the outcome of these games would be a good indication of where the team is currently sitting.

The Bulls started off strong against the Lions and led two nil within the first 20 minutes

before they conceded their first goal.

They answered back quickly and went into half-time 3-1 before sealing the deal in the second half, winning 4-1.

“We probably could have been five or six up easy,” Alderton said.

“Probably in the first 15 in the second half we created a few opportunities that we missed.

“The boys need to be ruthless in front of goals and punish teams when we get opportunities like that.”

The Bulls will now a have break for the May Day long weekend.

Roosters winger Tom Cuda caught by the Ivanhoes defence at Smithfield