The Express Newspaper 28th September 2022

Walking for a cause close to the heart

THE Hogan family of Mareeba will be doing the “Two Feet and a Heart Beat” charity walk this year, after their nine-year-old daughter, Lillie, was diagnosed with a condition that causes her heart rate to escalate to danger ous rates.

The “Two Feet and a Heart Beat” walk is an annual event, raising awareness for the Heart Kids Foundation which supports kids and their families strug gling with heart conditions.

Last year, parents Tash and Steve found Lillie on the floor after walking down the hallway, with her “heart pounding out of her chest” and a severe head ache.

After attending the Mareeba Hospital, they soon learned Lil lie had Wolf Parkinson’s White Syndrome, meaning the nerves

and nodes in her heart were overfiring and her heart rate was escalating to life threatening levels.

Tash, who is also a podiatrist at Amaroo Medical, contacted Heart Kids Queensland Branch to help support them through Lillie’s diagnosis, seeking spe cialist care, prognosis and pos sible treatments.

Through Heart Kid’s care, Lillie is able to maintain low to nil levels of episodes and is able to live a fulfilling life with very limited restrictions.

To give back to the organisa tion that has helped Lillie stay on her feet, the Hogan family will be doing the “Two Feet and a Heart Beat” charity walk on 16 October, enabling Heart Kids to continue the hard work they do.

So far, the “Hogan Heroes”

have already smashed their fun draising goal of $500 and are thankful for any donations made to help children suffering with heart diseases and conditions.

The Hogan family will be fundraising up until the event and Tash is calling upon local businesses to help put together a wheelbarrow raffle – as wheel barrows are unique and special within the Mareeba community.

The wheelbarrow will do a few rounds up and down Byrnes Street and will be at the walk at the Cairns Esplanade.

To donate to the fundraiser, contact Tash on 0431 704 415 or email hoganfamilyessentials@ gmail.com.

To sponsor the family, visit www.twofeetheartbeat.org.au/ my-fundraising/3123/tash-ste ve-lillie-and-grace

Free community events put a focus on wellbeing

TWO free events will be hosted by Ta blelands Regional Council and com munity organisations next month in rec ognition of Queensland Mental Health Week.

The week, which runs from 8-16 Oc tober is an annual awareness campaign that shines a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing.

“This year’s theme is ‘Awareness. Belonging. Connection’ which reflects

the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing,” Mayor Rod Marti said.

“Poor mental health affects more than one in five Australians every year but you don’t need to wait for Queensland Mental Health Week to connect with our services to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.”

To mark the week, the Tablelands Ageing Well Expo will be held at Mer

riland Hall in Atherton on Thursday 6 October from 9am-1pm.

On Tuesday, 11 October, the Malanda Mental Health and Volunteer Event will be held at ECHO Neighbourhood House from 2pm-5pm.

“These are opportunities to find out how we can enhance our social and emo tional wellbeing by building our per sonal resilience and support networks,” Mayor Marti said.

Lillie Hogan (left) who has a heart condition called Wolf Parkinson’s White Syndrome with her mum Tash (right) who is a podiatrist at Amaroo Medical are doing the “Two Feet and a Heart Beat” charity walk this year.

Shire enters new era for tourism

By ROBYN HOLMES

TOURISM in the Mareeba Shire is about to get a major push, with the announcement that a new body will be established to unlock the industry’s potential and a marketing plan developed to bolster visitation to the area’s tourist assets.

The initiatives are being pursued as part of a collaborative partnership between Mareeba Shire Council and the town’s chamber of commerce and are focussed on boosting the economic potential of the tourism industry.

The strategy has the support of regional tourism organisation, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, with the new local tourism organisation (LTO) to be funded by the council with money it has pre viously spent on destination marketing activities itself.

Council had made it clear it will not be reducing other funding usually provided to other organisa tions.

Council has also committed to contributing $25,000 towards the LTO for destination market ing and promotion of the shire, but the budget allo cation will be reviewed at the end of the 2022/2023

financial year.

The organisation is expected to evolve over time to become the prime tourism organisation supporting the shire’s tourism industry and the details of how membership will work will be dis cussed at an industry forum in December.

“The goal of this new arrangement is to ensure that tourism operators benefit from marketing and promotional activities that best reflect all that is on offer in our shire,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“Council and the Mareeba Chamber have been in discussions to find a way forward to ensure that the wonderful attributes of this shire are effectively promoted.”

Figures show that visitors are returning to the region, with the total visitor spend in the Mareeba Shire reaching $136.44 million in the 12 months ending 30 June 2022.

The data, from Spendmapp by Geografia (2022) shows the amount spent by visitors, including tour ists and residents of neighbouring communities, has increased by 14 per cent since the previous financial year.

Chamber president Joe Moro said the new structure would allow local operators to tap into

New mural celebrates 80 years of aviation history

A MURAL portraying all aspects of the Maree ba Airport and its rich history has been official ly completed by Cairns artist Daniel Wallwork.

Organised by the FNQ Aviation Museum in celebration of the airport’s 80th anniversary, the mural painted on the terminal building cap tures the facility’s important contributions and identities over several decades.

From the Royal Australian Airforce RAAF Dakota C-47 warplane, crop dusters soaring across the local farms, helicopter mustering in the west, the first parachute battalion and hot air ballooning, the mural features all things that make Mareeba’s aviation industry so unique.

As well as creating the mural, FNQ Aviation Museum have also been creating a short film, with production nearing completion in the next few weeks.

The film will feature locals and their expe riences and other historical documentation on the airport through its 80 years of operation.

This project was managed by FNQAM and supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) – a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in re gional Queensland.

tourism promotional opportunities that were not otherwise available to them.

“We are very pleased to work with council to try something new to benefit our tourism industry,” he said.

“The Chamber's Tourism Taskforce was ini tially established to identify opportunities and challenges facing our tourism operators, and this outcome is a step in the right direction.”

Mayor Toppin said the strategy was developed in partnership with the Mareeba Chamber, and in consultation with the Mareeba Heritage Centre, Kuranda Traders Association and Tourism Tropi cal North Queensland.

Council would continue to deliver visitor infor mation services at the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre and maintain the funding to the Visitor In formation Centre at the Mareeba Heritage Centre.

The draft Tourism Promotion Strategy will be presented at an industry forum to be held in Ma reeba in December 2022 for industry consideration and input.

Another industry forum will be held after the 12-month destination marketing plan has been im plemented to review the interim LTO model and

the marketing plan and to prepare a new plan for the next period, should this have the support of the industry.

The draft strategy recognises the importance of tourism to the economy of the shire, saying it was having an increasingly positive impact.

But it also reveals that local tourism operators were not able to access critical funding opportuni ties under the current model.

“Under the current LTO model and arrange ments, operators within the Mareeba Shire are missing out on State funding for tourism promo tion and Covid recovery programs which are de livered through TTNQ as the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO),” the strategy states.

“Current funding arrangements mean shire op erators are not eligible to apply for these funds and neither are the shire’s destination marketing activi ties funded by council eligible for matched RTO funding.

“The proposed tourism promotion arrange ments for the shire will met the RTO requirements, thereby opening up these potential funding oppor tunities for tourism promotion and operator sup port in the shire.”

FNQ Aviation Museum volunteer Mark Pierson and president Brenden Kent in front of the new mural at the main terminal of the Mareeba Airport.

Blooming efforts earn awards for gardeners

SPENDING the past two years transforming the Walkamin Caravan Park into a garden oasis has paid off for owners Dallas and Mark Roseler who took out two major awards last week in the Tablelands Regional Council’s annual garden competition.

The winners of the eagerly contested garden awards were announced at last week’s council meeting, with Cr Annette Haydon, who judged the entries, presenting the awards to the winners of seven categories.

Wallkamin Caravan Park took out the first ever People’s Choice award and Best Commer cial Garden, while Rangeview residents, Casey and Ian Perkes, won the prestigious Garden of the Year title as well as Best Rural Garden.

Cr Haydon said she was once again im pressed with the nominated gardens.

“We received 15 nominations from across the region and judging was really tough because the gardens were all fantastic,” she said.

“We travelled to Atherton, Malanda, Mil laa Millaa, Mount Garnet, Upper Barron, Walkamin, Tolga, Yungaburra, and Herberton to see the gardens.

“It was great to be invited onto these proper ties and fantastic to hear the gardeners’ personal stories.

“The difference in the gardens because of our region’s range of climate and locations was also amazing.

“I was totally blown away by the pride and passion these people have for their gardens.

“I congratulate not only the winners of each category, but everyone who nominated and any one who spends time in their garden.”

It was the first time the council has included a People’s Choice award which attracted 392 votes, 76 of which voted for Walkamin Caravan Park, followed by 72 for Fay Marsh’s garden at Mt Garnet.

Mrs Roesler said her husband Mark had been passionate about improving the natural areas of the caravan park since they took over the reins two years ago.

“It went from barely having a blade of green grass to a garden oasis,” she said.

“Mark put in 2km of irrigation and planted over 400 natives as well as creating an orchid wall and establishing a lot of colourful flower ing beds.

“Our guests love to walk around the gardens in the afternoon.”

The Perkes had to start their garden from scratch when they built their house in Rankin Street, Rangeview five years ago.

Ian says he didn’t have a specific vision for the garden but wanted to ensure what he planted would not need copious amounts of watering and be easy to grow.

“We have great soil here – if you put a cut ting in the ground and water it, it will grow,” Ian said.

“The majority of the garden has come seeds or cuttings and I am very vigilant about mulch ing so watering is not an issue.”

Ian says he likes to spend time just about every afternoon wandering through his garden, “pulling out a weed here and there” or doing a bit of clipping.

“I am happiest when I’m on my ride-on – I find mowing the grass very peaceful,” he said.

FIRST PLACE WINNERS OF THE 2022 TABLELANDS GARDEN AWARDS Home Garden – Katherine and Ian Hays, Tolga. New Home Garden – Nicole van Beuningen, Yungaburra. Rural Home Garden – Casey and Ian Perkes, Tolga. Edible Garden – Rebecca Hearn, Upper Barron. Community Garden – Better Together, Atherton. Commercial Garden – Walkamin Caravan Park. Young Gardener - Jubilee Christian College. People’s Choice – Walkamin Caravan Park. Council thanked sponsors Seaperia, Bunnings Warehouse and Atherton Rotary Club for their donations towards prizes.

Walkamin Caravan Park managers Lorraine and Jim Cobb with owners Dallas and Mark Roesler (above) and Casey and Ian Perkes in their Rangeview garden (below).

TRC pursues farmer rates relief

By ROBYN HOLMES

TABLELANDS Mayor Rod Marti is leading the charge to find ways to relieve the rates pain for farmers and graziers who have been hit hard by extremely high land valuations.

This year, farmers were slugged with hefty rises in their annual rates, some paying up to $20,000 more, due to very high increases in the State land valuations.

They have called on the council to act to curb future rate rises and to join them in their bid to have water licences removed from the land valu ation process.

In a special Mayoral Minute at last week’s meeting, Cr Marti moved that council lobby the Queensland Valuer General to remove water li cences from the process of determining unim proved land values.

“This basically stems from the land valua tions which have had a fairly significant impact

on our Category F and Category G landholders in particular, that’s our primary production and broadacre grazing,” he said.

“So what I am proposing with this Mayoral Minute is that council makes representations to the Valuer General regarding the attachment of water licences to land values.

“It’s our understanding that water licences have been attached to land values and this has exacerbated the spike in valuations of land.

“It’s also our understanding that farmers have made representations to the Department (of Re sources) and the Valuer General and we will also make representations to the Valuer General about the attachment of water licences to land values.

Mayor Marti also moved that rating cat egories be reviewed in a bid to give the council more flexibility in the event that land valuations continue to soar.

“Council has been undertaking work so we

are better equipped to deal with land valuation spikes in the future,” he said.

“So, we just want to make sure that our dif ferential rating categories are as agile as they can be and look at things like banding, perhaps, in some categories which may give us more agility to minimise the impact of land valuations.”

Cr David Clifton, who is chair of the coun cil’s new Agricultural Advisory Committee, welcomed the Mayor’s move.

“Mayor, I really applaud this motion – I think it will go a long way towards the beginning of the process of healing the relationship between agriculture and the TRC,” he said.

“I want to make the point, and councillors around this table will know, that I regard this as a belated step - we should have done this earlier, but I, nevertheless, strongly applaud it.

“I think this step, in company with the es tablishment of the Agricultural Advisory Com mittee will leave us a very, very good platform

Dressage event honours late Queen

IN honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Malanda Horse and Pony Club held a dressage event on the Day of Mourning public holiday.

The group often host dressage and rising discipline clinics and had already planned to have on last Thursday.

After the snap announcement of the public holiday, they thought it would be fitting to host it in Her Majesty’s honour.

Members got together and reflected on Her life and Her love for horses.

“The Queen’s obvious love of and relation ship with horses has been a steadfast image all through her reign,” secretary Anne English said.

“Many horse people formed a deep respect and admiration for her expression of love and interest in horses when she attended the many horse and pony events that occurred through out her life.”

Transport Minister set to address chamber luncheon

THE notorious Kuranda Range Road and other issues related to the region’s network will be the focus of the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce luncheon early next month, with guest speaker, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, to address the function.

There is no doubt the Minister will be asked to explain why the State Government will not be considering an alternative route from the Northern Tablelands to Cairns after a study, released earlier this year, stated the road would not reach capacity for 30 years.

Chamber president Joe Moro said the organi sation appreciated Minister Bailey’s willingness to address the Mareeba business community on roads and transport issues that were shaping its future.

“A safe, efficient and reliable transport network is critical for the Mareeba region to ensure we pro vide infrastructure to meet the current and future

needs of our communities on the northern Table lands,” Mr Moro said.

“Mareeba Shire is one of the fastest growing local government authorities in Queensland yet there are a number of pressing road and transport needs that need to be addressed.

“This includes the Cairns to Mareeba section including the Kuranda Range, a heavy vehicle bypass of Mareeba, and an unhitching pad in the Kuranda region.

“Just as important are funding requirements for local government-controlled roads such as Ootan Road which provides a critical transport link to southern markets.”

The luncheon will be held at the Mareeba Bowls Club on Thursday 6 October from 11.30am.

Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers and bookings must be made before 30 September by emailing to admin@mareebacham ber.com.au

in the future and for future councils and will improve dramatically our relationship with ag riculture.”

Mayor Marti did not address farmers’ con cerns that the council wants to remedy what he described during his Budget address as “a rating inequity”.

He said in his budget speech and in subse quent media reports that “council is committed to containing rate rises for residential properties in order to address inequity in council’s rates burden across the rating categories”.

“While residential properties account for 24 per cent of our land value, their rates contribu tion equates to 33 per cent of rates revenue.

“This rating inequity needs to be addressed over time and we’ve made a modest start with this budget,” he said at the time.

Farmers dispute this position, saying they rarely use facilities and services council pro vides but pay more than their fair share of rates.

Malanda Pony club members Zara Wojskowicz, Sharleen Wojskowicz, SallyLeigh Woods, Sylvia Nelms and Anne English honouring Her Late Majesty during their dressage.

Forsayth celebrates QCWA centenary

THE QCWA branch in Forsayth recently joined in on the 100year anniversary celebrations of the QCWA, holding their own anniversary event.

Cynthia Haig was given the honour to cut the anniversary cake during the celebration, with the 84-year-old being a mem ber of the Forsayth branch for 60 years.

Cynthia was presented with a special QCWA service badge to recognise her 60 years of membership.

QCWA Forsayth branch president Veronica Loudon said eve ryone joined in on the day’s celebrations and bought lots of tick ets in the cent sale.

“We are hoping to use the funds raised towards finishing off the fence around the QCWA hall,” she said.

“It is the only hall in town and is used by the council, govern ment agencies and for many general community activities.

“Unexpectedly, a tourist dropped in from South Australia who was a CWA member and donated $10, and a Sydney visitor, whose mother was a CWA member, also donated $10.”

Challenge delivers with $420,000 raised to help save lives

MORE than 215 cyclists, as well as volunteers and support ers have ridden to Cooktown for the 16th time, raising more than $420,000 in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge.

The annual bike ride has now helped the Far North Queens land Hospital Foundation pro vide more than $5 million to improving cardiac services in the Far North.

Foundation CEO Gina Ho gan said the team was over whelmed with support from everyone who rode, donated, supported and volunteered.

“It’s really true what they

say, that until you experience it, you just can’t visualise it,” she said.

“The outpouring of commu nity support for this bike ride of heat, hills but overwhelming heart health, is astonishing.

“We were thrilled to reopen the Kuranda Range at 7.38am on Saturday, which was more than an hour early, so thank you to the motoring public of Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.

“But we’re not resting on our laurels, people can still donate and help fix hearts in FNQ by visiting www.cardiacchallenge. com.au.”

Forsayth QCWA member Cynthia Haig cutting the 100 year anniversary cake.

‘Maintain the rage’, says Katter MPs

“MAINTAIN the rage” was the clear message from Member for Kennedy Bob Katter at a public meeting held in Mareeba on Friday that explored issues ranging from the lack of GPs and a shortage of skilled labour to the need for better road con nectivity and fuel security.

Hosting the meeting with his father, KAP Queensland leader Robbie Katter gave the keynote address, talking about why he got into politics, the inevitability of a separate State being created, and his frustration at what was happening in Australia in regards to fuel security, while stressing that he was there to hear about people’s problems.

“We’re here today because we’re interested in problems – I’m not the sort of politician that wants to turn up to cut the ribbon on things - I’m not in terested in that, I’m interested in fixing problems,” he said.

Mr Katter also told the crowd he was absolute ly sure that a separate State for Queensland would become a reality in the future.

“There are always steps to doing something but

a separate State is going to happen.

“It’s as inevitable – there’s $730 billion in min erals in the North West Mineral province where I live – that’s all going to be mined at some point. It’s just a matter of who does it and who gets the benefits from it, and we will become a State.

“Things have got to happen and we can make that happen – if you’ve got the numbers in Parlia ment, you can start the steps towards that. Every one thinks all this stuff is unbelievable but it can be done.”

Fuel security was also a critical step the coun try needed to tackle, with Mr Katter saying it was time the country got serious about using biofuels.

“We’re the only ones too stupid to grow our own fuel – 63 other countries in the world have mandated ethanol, all the cars are now made to use ethanol, but we’re the only idiots that are not forc ing this on people.”

Although the KAP had taken the initiative and got a four per cent ethanol mandate across the line in Queensland, he said he was disappointed be

Leading from the front

cause the government had failed to police it.

His father later urged those attending to main tain the rage, raising issues like the cost of living, the lack of support for farmers, and the commu nity’s dissatisfaction with many decisions by gov ernments as to why people should no longer vote for the major parties.

“Don’t think you can’t get things done,” he said.

“Another four seats and they (the KAP and other minor parties) would control the Parliament.

“If you gave got the balance of power, you have infinitely more power and I’m pretty certain that they will form the North Queensland Parliamen tary Council which will be a government within a government and they will be able to get the money then to do a lot of things that need to be done.”

Earlier in the meeting, FNQ Growers chair Joe Moro spoke about the need to improve the road network in the Mareeba Shire, saying sealing the remaining gravel section of Ootan Road had to be done as a priority, as well as the long-awaited Ma

reeba Bypass and an alternative road corridor to the coast or a major upgrade to the Kuranda Range Road.

Also addressing the meeting was Tablelands Canegrowers chairman Claude Santucci who said the lack of skilled labour was the biggest issue for his industry at the moment.

“Whilst the sugar market at the moment is very buoyant and prices attractive, and our crop this year is probably the best we’ve had in 15 years, it is really disheartening from a growers’ perspec tive looking at that crop remaining in the paddock rather than getting crushed purely due to the fact of not having truck drivers,” he said.

“In the past, in a country like Australia, you would never ever think we would be short of a truck driver and that is something that really amazes me.”

He said while growers would prefer to employ locals, he wanted both the Katter MPs to help find an alternative to the Pacific Australia Labour Mo bility scheme to bring in skilled overseas workers.

Councillor Update

Mareeba Shire Councillor Mario Mlikota

I would like to start this month’s Councillor Update by thanking all the residents who continue to make a significant contribution to our community by being a volunteer.

It is volunteerism that makes our Shire great, and I thank you for your contribution.

Motion for State Diversionary Facilities

Council will move a motion at the Local Government Association of Queensland annual conference this month that the State introduce diversionary facilities in remote areas.

STARTING from the bottom, Maribel Peck ham spent the last three years of her life learn ing everything she can about Flexichoice – its operations, staff, clients – and now, she is sit ting in the top job at just 35 years old.

Beginning in admin, the mother of three was quickly flagged for her well-honed finan cial skills and within 12 weeks, had a new job as a financial officer before quickly being ap pointed manager of finance.

Not even a year had passed before she eventually rose to the title of Chief Opera tions Officer this July and has since begun a restructure of the company and overseeing the freshening up the office with some new coats of paint.

Citing herself as a more hands-on boss, Maribel has already turned the old CEO’s of fice into a meeting and training room for the staff, chosen a new colour scheme and is in the process of upgrading the transport fleet to make travel easier and more accessible for Flexichoice clients.

“Instead of looking at everything from the

top level, I like to do that, but I like to know how to do every role – I am probably the only staff member that has done every department here,” she said.

“I liked to think of it as a fresh start for Flexi – we are approaching our 20-year an niversary in February 2023, so I am hoping that the next 10 to 20 years will see change but keeping with our principles.

“Because I have been in every department, I know where Flexi needs to go.”

Upgrades to Flexichoice’s Piagno Park, more community events such as markets with clients’ products, raffles, art exhibitions and others are just some of the ideas Maribel is planning to action in the future.

“My biggest focus for the next six months is to maximise the space we have and become the centre to be at,” Maribel said.

“Also getting back to the basics on the way we service the community because during Covid that was lost.

“Under me, the next six months will be community focused.”

Grow Rural North Queensland GROW Rural is a rural immersion program for first year medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students based in Queensland who come together to be part of, and learn from, specific rural communities. In September, Council welcomed these students to Mareeba for a weekend of rural hospitality. The students visited our health services and facilities and learned about the clinical needs of our community.

Students were billeted with local families for the weekend and Mareeba was marketed as a destination of choice to work and live.

Mareeba offers residents a regional lifestyle with all its benefits in relative proximity to Cairns. I encourage residents to promote Mareeba to friends and family members looking for a place to work.

These facilities will provide juvenile offenders with the chance to learn social and vocational skills, rather than send them to detention centres.

It is a first step by Council to try and make a change that will allow these young people a chance to learn both social and technical skills so that when they are released, they can pursue employment and become contributing members of our community.

Council will seek support from the other 76 councils throughout the State to join the call for the State Government to introduce new sentencing options for youth offenders.

Community Support and Service Committee inquiry

Mareeba Shire Council has recently presented to the Community Support and Service Committee inquiry into decriminalising public intoxication and begging offences, and health and social

welfare-based responses. The committee is required to report to the Legislative Assembly by Monday, 31 October 2022.

I encourage all residents and ratepayers to lodge their requests for service with Council by phoning 1300 308 461, emailing info@msc.qld.gov. au or by visiting the website and completing a ‘Contact Form’.

This will mean your enquiry is directed to the relevant team or staff member as quickly as possible. I also welcome your direct contact.

Cr Mario Mlikota Contact number: 0428 402 015 Postal address: PO Box 154 Mareeba QLD 4880 Email: MarioM@msc.qld.gov.au

Incoming Flexichoice Chief Operations Officer Maribel Peckham started at the business three years ago as an admin officer and now she leads the team into a new era.

Arts funding awaits ideas

CALLING residents who have an arts, heritage or culture project idea and just need the funding.

Tablelands Regional Council has opened another major grant round of Regional Arts Development Fund for just these kinds of projects.

Dr Les Walkling recently received a $5000 RADF grant to help with a photography workshop in Malanda with presenters John de Rooy, of Tableland Photography, Steven Nowakowski, Ross Eason, Murray Anderson and Perrin Clarke.

“The Tablelands Landscape Photography Workshop would have been impossible to stage without financial assistance from RADF,” John said.

“The $5000 RADF grant enabled Dr Walkling to travel to North Queensland, provided logistics for setting up the workshop, and pur chased materials for printing and hanging the exhibition.

“The two-day workshop was keenly attended by 24 professional and emerging photographers who gained photographic capture, edit and printing skills.

“The RADF grant also enabled the ticket price to be more afford able for the participants.”

Tablelands Folk Festival program director and secretary Bron wyn Hodgkins is excited about how her RADF grant will support bringing Memetica to the region.

“Memetica is a giant installation company who will be hosting

workshops in Herberton, Ravenshoe and Yungaburra in the lead up to this year’s festival,” she said.

“They will also be involved in a fantastic visual treat and giant lantern parade.

“Thank you to RADF for this great opportunity.”

The new round is open to individuals, groups and organisations for up to $6000 for arts and cultural projects, including heritage and cultural tourism in the Tablelands region. Details about the grant and application information are available online at www.trc.qld.gov.au/ radf and at customer service centres.

More markets for Mareeba

MAREEBA will now become the host of three different market events after Mareeba Shire Council gave approval for the Mareeba Herit age Centre to host their own market as a fund raising initiative.

The 100 Park Markets will now join the original Mareeba markets which are held on the second and fifth Saturday every month at the Mareeba Turf Club and the make, bake and grow markets run by the Historical Society and Art Society at the 100 Park.

Unlike the other two markets being held in Mareeba, the 100 Park Markets are held on the third Saturday of every month, the same as the Malanda Markets.

The proposal was approved subject to cer tain conditions; a detailed site plan, traffic management plan and a copy of the approved traffic guidance scheme and Department of Transport and Main Roads permit is to be pro vided.

In addition, council funds intended for the centre’s operational costs cannot be used to fund the operational and promotional costs of the markets.

Mayor Angela Toppin said it was great to see new events like the markets popping up in Mareeba and giving people a chance to get out.

“We went through Covid and there were a lot of shutdowns and people are really wanting to get out, they are wanting these other oppor tunities now,” she said.

“I think the growth in markets is good and we get lots of visitors in our town when they happen, so it is a boost for the economy.

“Council will support what the community wants.”

The next markets being held in Mareeba will be both the make, bake and grow markets at the 100 Park and original Mareeba markets at the Mareeba turf club next weekend.

Participants in the Tablelands Landscape Photography Workshop. Photo: John de Rooy Tableland Photography 2022.

Cadets celebrate 80 years

TWO local air force cadets will have the honour of representing 1 Wing (North Queensland) next month in Canberra at the Australia Air Force Ca det’s 80th celebration.

Cadet Warrant Officer Sarah Westwood and Corporal Oscar Burns from the No.106 Squadron have will participate in marches and drills in the country’s capital on 2 October.

Alongside other Air Force cadets from squad rons across the country, they will participate in the national parade, representing their squadron and region with pride.

Cadet Warrant Officer Westwood has been a member of the 106 Squadron for the past six years and has taken on the role of teaching and conducting a variety of drills.

Described as a role model to other members of the squadron, she is ready and keen to repre sent her region in Canberra.

“This is an incredible opportunity, and we look forward to representing our region,” Cadet

Warrant Officer Westwood said.

“Several of us were put forward to be a part of the celebration and Corporal Burns and myself were lucky enough to be chosen alongside four other cadets in the Wing.”

In 2018, Corporal Burns joined the 106 Squadron, travelling from Atherton every week to Mareeba with hopes to join the military when he leaves school.

He said he was in awe that he was chosen amongst several other cadets in the region to represent the North and will represent the region with pride.

“I am chuffed to be going down, it is a fantas tic opportunity for us,” he said.

“Obviously Sarah and I have shown exem plary behaviours here to be chosen to go down to the national parade.

“We will be involved in the big parade, a va riety of drills and we will be representing our Wing with pride.”

New subdivison approved for Mareeba

A NEW subdivision on Godfrey Road that will deliver 49 new lots has been ap proved by Mareeba Shire Council.

Emerald Creek Heights Pty Ltd is the developer behind the subdivision which will create 48 rural residential allotments and a parkland space over three stages.

A council report stated the lots would range in size from 1-20 hectares, although most lots would be just over two hectares in size.

The parkland will be established in Stage 3 with an area of three hectares backing onto Emerald Creek.

“All lots will be provided with all ur ban services with the exception of town sewer and will be accessed from a new section of Godfrey Road to the west of the site linking up to Emerald End Road,” the report stated.

“Approximately 1,600 metres of new road will be installed including an inter section to Emerald End Road and a cross

ing over Cobra Creek.

“Access is not proposed via Godfrey Road east which links up to the Kennedy Highway opposite the Malone Road inter section.”

Councillor Locky Benstead was pleased to see someone taking advantage of the land and helping to develop the shire further.

“This is a good example of land that is not exactly cattle country, horse country or agricultural country,” he said.

“It is country that has big breakaways and this is probably the best use of this land.

“It is another example of someone recognising a parcel of land that is in our footprint of urban development and put ting it to use.”

The development has been proposed before, with council approving an appli cation in January 2010 that would have provided 51 lots.

But the development did not eventuate and the approval lapsed in March 2016.

Stage 1 of the development will in volve establishing 18 lots ranging in size from 1.01 hectares to 7.62 hectares, while Stage 2 will deliver another 14 Lots rang ing in size from 1.05 hectares to 20.39 hectares, and Stage 3 comprises 17 lots ranging in size from 1.32 hectares to 7.04 hectares.

“The three large lots have been in cluded to cover those parts of the site that contain drainage features and remnant vegetation subject to clearing restrictions. These lots are able to accommodate a sin gle dwelling,” the report stated.

Each lot will be serviced by electricity, town water and a connection to the NBN network and will be accessed by a bitu men sealed internal road network.

A road connection to the balance land of neighbouring Country Road Estate to the west will be done in Stage 3.

No.106 Squadron Cadet Warrant Officer Sarah Westwood and Corporal Oscar Burns will be flying to Canberra next month to represent North Queensland at the AAFC 80th anniversary.

SENIORS MORNING TEA

Council will be celebrating Seniors Month with the annual ‘Seniors Morning Tea’ on Friday, 14 October 2022.

Mareeba Shire Seniors are invited to attend a morning of complimentary food and entertainment.

Numbers are strictly limited, please phone 4086 4950 to book your seat by Friday, 7 October 2022.

A project to re-sheet the old railway line corridor from McIver Road to Vicary Road, Mareeba has been completed.

The upgrade is part of Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and has been welcomed by community members.

The work includes the addition of safe crossing points where the corridor intersects with local roads and a gravel resheet. The existing timber railway bridge near McIver Road will be refurbished with new decking and a safety rail by the end of the year.

The trail can be used by a range of community members, including cyclists, runners, walkers, and horse riders.

LAND PROTECTION

Council has developed specific Biosecurity Action Plans for a number of weeds which are classed as ‘Restricted Matter’ under the Queensland Biosecurity Act.

MICONIA | Council Land Protection Officers have recently come to an agreement with Queensland Biosecurity to assist with the removal of two Miconia species occurring in Kuranda. Miconia produces hundreds of small berries every year which are attractive to birds and are spread long distances. It forms dense thickets in rainforest understoreys, potentially replacing native plants and affecting wildlife populations.

PARTHENIUM WEED | Council carried out inspections at known sites in the Shire. All landholders are acknowledged for complying with their biosecurity obligation.

FROGBIT | Has started to appear in the Mareeba Bicentennial Lakes with two large patches treated. Follow up treatments will be undertakem on a monthly basis.

BUY BACK SHOP A SUCCESS

Since opening on 20 August 2022, the Buy Back Shop at Mareeba’s Transfer Station has proven to be a great success. Council would like to thank community members for supporting the new initiative. Every item that is available in the Buy Back Shop is another valuable item that has been diverted from landfill. The Buy Back Shop is open every Saturday from 10am - 3pm. Visit Council’s website for more information.

Residents are reminded that motorbikes and motorised vechiles are not permitted on the trail.

Visit Council’s website to know your biosecurity obligation. Together we can identify, remove and eradicate invasive plants and animals.

FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL DAYS

Residents are continuing to take advantage of Council’s ‘free green waste disposal days’ with 354 vehicles entering the transfer stations with green waste on the ‘free days’. For more information, including upcoming ‘free green waste disposal days’, visit Council’s website.

RAIL

From little things, big things grow

ATHERTON State School has been growing their very own green thumbs, with a variety of school projects taking off to help teach students about the importance of growing fresh food.

For the past several months, students, teachers and parents have been getting together to grow vegetables such as toma toes, beans and carrots in the prep area so kids can eat fresh vegetables.

These efforts were recog nised last week during Nature Book Week, with a tremendous display of gardening and nature books for students to learn from.

Parents, students and teachers have become heav ily involved in maintaining

and expanding on the gardens, volunteering their time outside school hours to get down and grubby.

Two gardening clubs have also taken off and are held eve ry week during lunch breaks, where students learn about each plant, the eco-system and the animals that live in between the garden beds.

As well as growing veggies, the “Sustainability Squad” has been making insect hotels to add to the school gardens or for the children to take home.

Staff and parents have com mended the young green thumbs for embracing the project, while at the same time, learning about gardening, nature and keeping healthy.

Men’s Shed celebrate after hall approval

AFTER months of negotiations with Ta blelands Regional Council, the Yungaburra Men’s Shed has finally been given official use of the town’s Memorial Hall, with sev eral new social events being started up for the gentlemen of the Yungaburra area.

Excited and pleased to finally have ac cess to the hall, the men have already begun working on long and short-term strategies for the future of the group.

One of the Men’s Shed’s first big events was a shooting day at the Atherton Pistol Club, with many members giving the sport a try for the first time.

The men were instructed on how to safely use a 25mt range pistol and were given five

rounds to get a good feel of the weapon. Af ter that, they fired off 10 rounds at a time, which reportedly thrilled those who partici pated in the event.

Being a great success, the Yungaburra Men’s Shed hopes to make this a weekly event every Wednesday at the pistol club from 8am. Protective footwear, clear protec tion and eye protection is required.

Social events are also on the cards for the group whether it be out and about or in the hall, with the donation of a table tennis table and the purchase of two dart boards to enter tain their members.

The importance of kitchen skills is also a key driver for the group, with the committee

hoping to host a monthly dinner at the hall.

The idea is to have three members in the kitchen preparing an entrée, main meal and dessert and allow other members to watch and learn from them.

Their first dinner recently was a huge success, and they look forward to continuing the monthly tradition.

Although all cooking is done on gas stoves, the Men’s Shed is looking to install a four-burner stove top with an oven.

The Yungaburra Men’s Shed meets every Thursday afternoon from 4pm at the Yunga burra Memorial Hall. Membership fee is $30 per annum. For more information contact the secretary Paul Stein on 0484 221 054.

To celebrate securing the Yungaburra Memorial Hall, the Yungaburra Men’s Shed had a pistol shooting day at the Atherton Pistol Club.

Herding success

BY ELLIE FINK

PATIENCE and calmness when communicating with animals were the key messages to participants at dog herding workshops held at the Mareeba Pony Club re cently.

The two workshops focused on training not only the dogs but also their owners on how to successfully com municate with their canine friends as they learned how to herd sheep, goats and cattle.

Hosted by renowned trainer Tony Cocks, the herd ing school catered to young “unstarted” pups, dogs that work but just needed fine tuning, and even dogs that live in suburban areas but just want to exercise their natural instinct.

This year’s event saw a record number of partici pants and a significant amount of improvement in both the dogs and the humans, with Mr Cocks saying he felt proud of everyone who came along.

“There has been a really good mix of people and skill levels and there has been some big challenges and big wins for the dogs,” he said.

“We had a little four-month-old pup who came in and its owner thought it was a little bit naughty, but he has turned into an absolute super star. To see the smile on the owner’s face was amazing.

“We also had a young 16-year-old fella who came in and wanted to cheat and use his mum’s good dog, but we got him to use his own dog and he has gone ahead in leaps and bounds.”

Giving back to the livestock industry was the goal for Mr Cocks, hoping more young people will get into herd ing on stations and farms across the country.

Using his years of expertise on his station out west and his love for dogs, he knew he had to get people on board with this workshop.

“This workshop is my way of giving back to the cat tle industry as we are struggling to get people into the industry at the moment,” he said.

“There is a lot of young people with dogs, and no one is teaching them (herding) anymore. I try and be very practical in the way I educate and teach people and how to workshop.

“I am willing to try and help anyone who wants to learn how to work dogs for livestock.”

Staying calm and taking your time was the key piece of advice given throughout the three days, with partici pants such as Darren Hebbard soon learning just how important it is.

Travelling all the way from his station just west of Rockhampton, he bought along his two dogs, with his young pup Ace being the main reason for his trip.

The young border collie x kelpie was renowned for his aggressive behaviours, often nipping and barking at livestock.

Determined to help Ace, Mr Hebbard knew he had to make the trip north.

“We came along to Tony’s school to try and get our little pup under control and help our older dog who was a little bit aggressive with sheep,” he said.

“Ace’s first experience in the arena with the sheep was absolute chaos as he was super aggressive, and we had to muzzle him.

“He just wanted to attack and dominate the sheep and that left me feeling a bit down at the end of the day be cause of the way the dog reacted.

“Tony took me aside and gave me some good advice and some good methods to get a bit of respect from the dog and he performed at almost 100 per cent at the end of the day.

“We had a really good run (on the last day of the

Donation helps drive Meals on Wheels

with the price of everything increasing – not only food but also energy which we have to consume a lot of.”

workshop) as Ace had no aggression or nips and we came out feeling really pumped.”

As well as benefitting the dogs, Mr Cocks advice benefitted the humans, teaching them that feeling “cranky” and rushing through the process would not get them anywhere.

Several participants commented on how his advice in regards to herding will be taken on in their everyday lives.

Donate to help animals in need

THE Animal Rescue Ta blelands has started up a variety of programs to help in the desexing and rehom ing of furry friends across the region including a new initiative that allows own ers to surrender their pet’s unexpected litter and get the adult dog or cat de sexed for free.

The Last Litter Pro gram, designed by opera tor Sandy Brown, allows owners to surrender their pet’s unexpected litter which will then be put up for adoption when they are ready.

Animal Rescue Table lands is not governmentfunded and is requesting any generous donations to help them continue the work they do.

“We just need to know the babies are safe. We do not receive any govern ment or council funding to help us financially, and with the number of animals and families we assist, it is taking its toll on us finan cially,” Ms Brown said.

“We are urging anyone who can help to give us some financial assistance to help us continue saving animals who don't have a voice.

“If you can find it in your heart to help us, we will be forever grateful.”

Any donations can be made to the organisa tion via bank transfer to

NAME: Animal Rescue Tablelands Inc, BSB: 064812, Account Number: 10277745

Meals on Wheels Mareeba president, Patricia Goldfinch, received the donation from Toyota sales manager Andrew Ford recently and says the money will be welcomed with open arms.

“The donation will certainly be used towards pro viding and purchasing items for the kitchen,” Ms Goldfinch said.

“It has been really difficult over the last 18 months

The increase in costs for Meals on Wheels was bought to Mr Ford’s attention and he knew immedi ately that he had to give them a helping hand.

“As alluded, cost is going up for everybody and everyone needs a little bit of a helping hand,” he said.

“Obviously, Meals on Wheels helps the elderly a lot and they have been around for so long so we knew we had to give them a helping hand.”

Lindel Scoblee from Malanda herding sheep with collie x Floyd.

MAREEBA Toyota has generously donated $1,100 to Mareeba Meals on Wheels to help keep the essential service delivering meals to the elderly.

Mareeba Meals on Wheels president Patricia Goldfinch receiving a $1,100 donation from Mareeba Toyota Sales manager Andrew Ford.

Trainer Tony Cocks overseeing the workshop with his best pal.

Nardine Collier of Collier Family Law, based in Cairns is looking forward to expanding her practice on the Atherton Tablelands. She has taken over the lovely old building at 40 Mabel Street Atherton, following the retirement of Danielle Hodgens who retired after some 30 years in practice. Nardine has been a lawyer for 27 years but is not planning on retiring just yet!

The name of the practice is Atherton Family Lawyers and as the name suggests, the practice specialises in all matters related to Family Law. Nardine has been an accredited specialist in Family Law through the Queensland law society for about 24 years. She’s also a registered mediator, and can issue certificates required for court proceedings.

Nardine had been looking for the opportunity to open a practice on the Tablelands for some time. Prior to moving to Cairns, she had been in practice in Alice Springs for about 20 years. She misses the loyalty of clients in a country practice and the closeness of a small profession. Nardine is joined in the practice by two local Tablelands women, both of whom have almost finished their law degrees.

Atherton Family Lawyers will operate on the same principles as Collier Family Law, which is to o er their clients an a ordable Family Law service. Atherton Family Lawyers o ers a free 15 minute consultation for all potential clients to advise what assistance is required, what assistance can be provided and an estimate of fees added. Atherton family lawyers can assist in all aspects of family law; from advice through to representation in court although what Nardine is bound to tell you is that she tries to prevent her matters from going to court; but if they are already in the court system, to settle as soon as possible. 4091 4631

Sheena Buckley, Lyn Serra, Dallas Young, Chris Bell, Barby Bell and Dolly Hales up at the reunion.

Llew Wynn and Colin Gostelow at the Friday night event.

Former classmates Pauline Spackman, Pam Moloney, Beryl Loudon reminisced about their school days.

Jeanie Wilkie, Jo Moss, Rachel Foster and Rebecca Jacobs enjoying the reunion.

Projects & Programs Update

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

• widen and seal a section of Brooks Road in Mungalli and Pinnacle Pocket Road in East Barron

• replacement of Duncan Brown bridge in Malanda.

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

Rate Payments

Rates are due by Friday 30 September. Payments can be made at trc.qld.gov.au, via Australia Post or BPay, and at a TRC customer service centre. Contact us if you haven’t received your rate notice, would like to apply for a pensioner discount, or need help with a payment plan.

Next Council Meeting

9am Thursday 27 October

Meetings are held in the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. See socials and trc.qld.gov.au/meetings for agendas, minutes, recordings and live stream links.

Touring Exhibition

Pub Rock — a photographic exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery — celebrates the people, places, scenes and sounds that define 1970s and 1980s Australia. The exhibition is on display at the Tableland Regional Gallery until Saturday 12 November. Join us at the gallery for the opening at 5pm Friday 30 September.

Tenders

• TRC2022-06 for stage 2 of the Ravenshoe water supply upgrade is open until 11am Tuesday 15 November 2022.

• TRC2022-13 for the detailed design of the Priors Creek Precinct is open until 4pm Monday 17 October 2022. Go to tenderlink.com/trc for more information and to lodge your tender.

Free Careers Program

We are offering a free career guidance program for young Tablelanders (15–24 years). Stage one is 1hr one-on-one career development and exploration sessions in Atherton, Malanda and Ravenshoe with our Career Guidance and Support Advisor. Find out more and register at trc.qld.gov.au/tablelands-tomorrow

Garden Awards Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our 2022 Garden Awards! Garden of the Year

Casey and Ian Perkes, Tolga Home Garden

1st place — Katherine and Ian Hays, Tolga 2nd place — Barbara Biggs, Atherton New Home Garden

Nicole van Beuningen, Yungaburra

Rural Home Garden

1st place — Casey and Ian Perkes, Tolga 2nd place — Sharyn Petersen, Walkamin Edible Garden

1st place — Rebecca Hearn, Upper Barron 2nd place — Malanda Primary School

Community Garden

1st place — Better Together, Atherton 2nd place — Malanda Primary School

Commercial Garden

1st place — Walkamin Caravan Park

2nd place — NRMA Atherton T’lands Holiday Park

Young Gardener

Jubilee Christian College

People’s Choice (from 392 votes) Walkamin Caravan Park

Arts, Culture & Heritage Funding

We’ve opened another round of the Regional Arts Development Fund for arts, culture and heritage projects. Grants are available to individuals, groups and organisations for up to $6000. Find out more and apply by 5pm Monday 10 October at trc.qld.gov.au/radf

Seniors’ Month

We are celebrating Queensland Seniors’ Month with a free Ageing Well Expo and regional events throughout October.

The expo is a great opportunity to hear from a range of experts, watch demonstrations, join a club and get free health and hearing checks.

Join us at 9am–1pm Thursday 6 October at Merriland Hall in Atherton. Find out more including details about regional events and activities at trc.qld.gov.au/seniors-month

Customer service centres in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe

ON LANDthe

Records tumble at Telpara sale

BY SALLY TURLEY

WHEN the first bull offered at auction achieved a $55,000 opening bid online before the assembled gallery got the chance to raise a finger and then went on to sell for a new Australian record, you just knew it was going to be a cracker of a sale.

The 2022 Telpara Hills Brangus and Ultrablacks Most Wanted Bull and Female Sale achieved a 100 per cent clearance and broke a swag of records last weekend, dispersing the Telpara brand across every Australian state and territory, except Tasmania, and achiev ing averages of $19,168 for sires and $23,694 for females in the process.

Telpara Hills Mach Five 920R4, the 30-month-old, 1075kg son of TH Kenworth 392L4 and TH Miss Big Town 920N29 was pur chased for $150,000 by Will and Tempe Caldwell of “Milwillah Angus”, from Young, in the heart of the Hilltops region, New South Wales.

Establishing a new record for the highest Australian priced Brangus bull and matching the world Brangus record was only the beginning.

Telpara also set a new national sale record for the Brangus fe male average of $23,694 and a new national Brangus on-property gross sale record of $3,019,000.

South Australian-based company “Quality Livestock” bid $44,000 for a half share in the top-priced heifer, TH Miss Telpara Hills Three D 392R15, on behalf of a member of an associated ag ricultural investment portfolio.

Investment company spokesman David Whittenbury said they had been looking to secure a share in what they saw as the ideal female for the Northern Australian industry for a couple of years.

“Having researched the impact of the sire 3D across the US and Australia and dam TH Miss Real Deal 392K19's dominance within the Telpara herd, coupled with her outstanding phenotype, balanced data set and Telpara's reputation for Brangus of the highest stand ard, how could we go wrong?” he said.

“The choice to partner with Telpara Hills was an easy one and the opportunity to invest in such a female and work with Stephen and Fiona was an exciting one. If we want to breed the best, we need to buy the best.”

In other highlights, Eric and Lynn Slacksmith of “Gladevale Sta tion”, Richmond, paid $50,000 to secure 24-month-old Remington son, TH Silverado. He will be put over a herd of grey cows to breed Ultrablack bulls, whose progeny will be grown out on their New South Wales property.

Victoria-based “Lightning Ridge Trust” spent $43,000 buying TH Miss Masonry 541R77. Already well known in the dairy in dustry for sourcing elite dairy genetics, the company have recently diversified into searching for outstanding beef genetics as well

Volume buyers, Devine Pty Ltd of Bundaberg purchased 12 heifers, paying to a top of $40,000 for 12-month-old heifer TH Miss

Executive 541S64 and $38,000 for 13-month-old TH Miss Ace of Spades, to average $24,917 per head.

Jarrod and Leanne Deguara of “Bimbora Brangus”, “Daunia Station” via Nebo bought a total of six lots to average $27,667. They paid $35,000 each for pigeon pair, 21-month-old sire, TH The Dude541R84 and final lot of the day TH Miss Benchmark 541S8.

Other buyers of quantity included Green Acres Pastoral, Julia Creek, who purchased eight bulls to average $19,250; Tony and Lindy Hick, of “Antrim Station”, Hughenden took home seven lots to average $17,143; and repeat buyers, Neville and Heather Condon of King Ranch Tully, who were wanting to breed quality flat-backs, paid an $18,333 average for six bulls.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Brittany Pearce said they were absolutely thrilled with the sale result.

“Breaking the record for the top price Australian Brangus bull was phenomenal and he is going to a very good home at Milwillah Angus,” she said.

“TH Mach Five is an outstanding bull in every way and one of the best bulls we have seen anywhere, in any breed.

“We are extremely thankful for the backing we received from buyers and bidders who supported our sale, both on-site and online.

“I will never forget the tears in Trevor Pearce's eyes, who, at 86, was so proud of what we have accomplished and so overwhelmed at seeing the support from so many progressive leaders across the cattle industry.

“I am happy to see that while the sale average was up from last year, in line with cattle market increases, there was still a good con tingent of bulls selling in that more achievable, $10,000-$15,000 range, making them great value for quality.

“We are looking forward to presenting a younger team of around 100 bulls, with a higher percentage of first cross Ultrablacks by leading Angus sires in 2023, reflecting the exciting results of our Ultrablack program, that will really kick in next year,” Mrs Pearce added.

The $150,000 bull that caused all the fuss, TH Mach Five 920R4, pictured with purchaser Will Caldwell of "Milwillah Angus," New South Wales and Trevor Pearce of Telpara Hills Stud.

Maureen Pearce and Declan Patten of Lightning Ridge Genetics, Victoria with Lot 121 Telpara Hills Miss Masonry 541R77 who sold for $43,000. Photo by Brittany Pearce.

Charters Towers couple, Stephen and Emily Lawrie were impressed with what they saw at Tolga.

Locals, Damien and Darcy Small of "Wil langin Brangus," Upper Barron came to look at the heifers on offer.

Lynn and Eric Slacksmith paid $50,000 to take TH Silverado 920R18 home to Gladevale Station, Richmond.

Neville and Heather Condon of "King Ranch," Tully, who bought 6 bulls at the sale, caught up with Andrew Burke of "Bracco," Roma, who took home three bulls.

Long-time Telpara associate, Dave Roberts of "Alkoomie Brangus, Finch Hatton walked away with two bulls and a heifer.

Kathleen, John and Julia Colless of "Wetherby Station," Mount Molloy bought TH Business Class 468S21 for $24,000. THE SALE

Fears as Coen facility faces closure by State Government

QUEENSLAND’S Australian Party Leader Robbie Katter.

Speaking in response to reports published this week by the Cape York Weekly about the mooted closure, Mr Katter said he joined Cape-based growers and graziers who were deeply alarmed by the news.

“The news of a threat to the future of the Cape York Biosecurity Centre should have come on April 1st, because surely it can only be a joke,” Mr Katter said.

“We are facing unprecedented, heightened biosecurity risk at present with the spread of both Foot and Mouth and Lumpy Skin diseas es spreading across south-east Asia, and still trying to cope with the shameful legacy that has been produced by under-investment in Bi osecurity Queensland over many years.

“In August, we revealed the extent of the decline in a local presence of officers across the State, with 30 full-time equivalent bios ecurity roles having been lost from regional Queensland in the last 10 years.”

During this year’s Budget Estimates, Min ister for Agriculture and Fisheries Mark Furner admitted that in 2013 Biosecurity Queensland boasted 240 full-time staff based outside of the south-east corner.

By 2022, that number had dropped to 199

and there also remains 11 unfilled but budg eted vacancies across the regions.

Mr Katter said the Palaszczuk Government needed to immediately commit to keeping the Cape York Biosecurity Centre open and opera tional.

“I am calling on Minister for Agricul ture and Fisheries Mark Furner to immediate schedule a roundtable meeting to be held in the Cape to discuss with locals the future of the centre, with a view to expanding it not closing it down,” he said.

“The key to properly managing the State’s environment and safe-guarding against bi osecurity threats is ongoing investment and preparation over a period of time, and any re duction in the status quo would fly in the face of common-sense.”

The Cape York Biosecurity Centre is locat ed 22km from Coen in Far North Queensland.

It was first opened in 1999 under the name of the “Coen Information and Inspec tion Centre”, and was part of a $3.1 million “Northwatch” program investment designed to strengthen Queensland’s biosecurity surveil lance capabilities.

“By providing greater early detection for plant and animal pests and diseases, North watch is improving our capability to respond to incursions in remote areas and giving greater confidence to our trading partners,” the then Minister for Primary Industries Henry Palaszczuk said at the time.

Trial dens built in bid to save quolls

HOMES are being crafted out of concrete and rocks for endangered northern quolls in Far North Queensland to entice them back to what was once “quoll country” in the days before cane toads.

Northern quolls all but disappeared from sa vannah land after the arrival of cane toads, but re searchers say the small populations that survived and live in patches of rocky country above savan nah land, have learned to avoid eating them.

Now, 12 trial dens are being built around the edges of hillsides at Australian Wildlife Conserv ancy’s Brooklyn Wildlife Reserve, north of the Atherton Tablelands, to help increase quoll num bers and reconnect populations.

Terrain and Gulf Savannah NRMs and Austral ian Wildlife Conservancy are working together on the project with the help of Ground Creations, who are building the dens, Transport and Main Roads, and Mt Carbine’s EQ Resources Ltd, who are each providing some of the resources.

Terrain’s Dr Andrew Dennis said 12 trial dens were being built from pipes, rock and rubble.

“Artificial dens have only been used previously on rehabilitating mine sites,” he said.

“With their work to guide us, as well as quoll and den research elsewhere, and all the back ground survey work done by Australian Wildlife Conservancy on where quolls are living in this area, we’ve come up with a new design that should suit the habitat here.

“Unlike on mining land, these dens will be built within undisturbed areas. Their design is

based on natural den characteristics, such as depth and temperature and humidity targets.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads, in collaboration with principal construction con tractor HSA Group which is currently working on the Bruce Highway project from Edmonton to Gordonvale, is donating some concrete pipes needed for the project and mining company EQ Resources is providing rocks and rubble.

Dr Dennis said the dens were being built just beyond known quoll habitat. If they are successful in drawing quolls back out into flat savannah land, they may be a useful tool to reconnect isolated populations of quolls and improve the endangered species’ genetic health.

He said quolls had suffered an 80 per cent de cline in Queensland as cane toad populations in creased.

“Since then, they seem to have stabilised with populations remaining in pockets where they have learned to avoid toads,” he said.

“If this trial works, the lessons learned could be applied in the Northern Territory and in Western Australia, where there is an ongoing rapid decline.

“Northern quolls are listed in the top 100 pri ority threatened species in Australia. Females use seven to 10 hectares as a home range, while males need 70 hectares and more.

“We want to get them back on the savannah lands, reconnecting isolated populations and keep ing genetics healthy while also performing their ecological role there as an apex predators.”

Artificial dens are being created out of concrete and rocks for the northern quoll. Image: Valeria Silva.

New life for carcase competition

BY SALLY TURLEY Byrnes family Rocky Creek

All butcher shops from Ingham to Cairns and across the Table lands, who are customers of the abattoir, have been invited to put their best producers’ cattle forward in this battle to see which busi ness is supplying the finest quality beef to their customers.

“This is a great way for butchers and wholesalers to work with their suppliers to promote their businesses and their producers’ ef forts at the same time. The winners across the competition will be identified as the industry’s best in Far North Queensland,” Cailan Byrnes said.

“An MSA (Meat Standards Australia) grader from Sydney will be on-site to score the pens of three heifer or steer carcasses, on eating quality, lean meat yield, ability to meet carcase specifications and compliance with weight range categories.”

In reflection of the different modes of butcher shop operation and customer preference, the competition will run across 3 weight cat egories – 240.1-280kg in Class 1, 280.1-320kg in Class 2 and 320.1360kg in the heavier Class 3 division.

Other than weight, all other specifications will be consistent across the classes. The cattle must possess a minimum of 3mm rib fat and P8 fat of 5-22mm; have adequate fat distribution; a pH of below 5.71, show good weight for age; be preferably HGP free and have low hump height/Brahman content.

The cattle will be judged out of a total of 100 points, 50 of which will be allocated to Eating Quality, Lean Meat Yield will be worth 40 points and the remaining 10 will relate to meeting Market Speci fications. The evenness of pens could be important in a close-scor ing competition.

Conditions of entry include that stock must be delivered to the abattoir by Wednesday 9 November for processing on 10 Novem ber; the cattle must be pasture fed; presented in pens of three and consigned to the producer’s butcher or wholesaler for judging on 11 November.

The cattle must have been run together as a mob for 3-4 weeks prior to entry and they must be clearly marked to display which class they are being entered into. Carcase viewing, featuring a butcher and producer’s “pick the best carcase competition”, will be held in con junction with morning tea, on Saturday, 12 November from 9-10am.

Producers can enter multiple pens if they choose and all produc ers, butchers and interested parties will be invited to a presentation dinner where the results will be announced and prizes awarded on Saturday night.

Business expansion and the demands associated with the pur chase of northern breeding properties in a move towards vertical integration across the company saw the carcase competition being sidelined for the last 17 years but Cailan Byrnes could see many good reasons to revive it.

“We buy from a lot of producers and we want to ensure they have a good understanding of the desired end result in the ‘paddock to plate model’. I will also be inviting interested students from local

schools to attend the carcase assessment process,” he said.

“We will probably start off fairly small with the first competition and gradually build it up. It will just be good to show how great a product we can produce from the region’s volcanic soils and to bring all our producers and butchers together in a relaxed, social environment.”

After a break away from the family company to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering, Cailan came back to the fold three years ago and now runs the day-to-day operations of the plant, ensuring their butchers and restaurants are happy with their branded product, “Tableland Blue”.

Cailan’s current focus on using Ph testing to improve the consist ency and quality of their product and using ossification testing to achieve more accurate ageing of cattle ties in well with the educa

tion component of the carcase competition.

“We want school leavers and young professionals to see the range and depth of opportunities that exist in the beef processing sector,” he said. “There are a lot of science-based jobs in quality control and engineering as well as jobs in marketing and human resources.”

Cailan said while processing numbers were good, he would like to increase the number of cattle going through the plant.

“We are always looking for cattle and have worked to build rela tionships with our producers and suppliers over the years.

“We pull our weaners off early and cart them down from our Peninsula blocks at 200kg, then fatten them on our Upper Barron and Malanda properties.

“They form the base of our supply, the balance we buy direct from our suppliers and from out of the Mareeba saleyards.”

Rising stars hit all the right love notes

LOCAL rising country star Jeremy Fletcher dropped his latest single “Me and You” last week, just days before heading the big stage at Savannah in the Round.

Partnering with local aspiring song writer Konnor Furber once again, the duo decided to write a song about romance and the happi ness around love.

Since it’s release last Friday, the single has received support from country music fans across the region and beyond.

“It feels good to be releasing another song, it gives us the opportunity for our names to be heard and to share what we do with as many people as possible,” Jeremy said.

“It’s more of a romantic, happy love song,

but with these sorts of songs it could mean dif ferent things to different people, it’s based on perspective.”

The song is a switch from the duo’s last single “One of a Kind” which was released in March, telling the story of heartbreak and the memories from a past relationship.

Since the release, Jeremy and Konnor have been working on several new songs and pre paring for Savannah in the Round, promising the release of an EP sometime in the future.

“Me and You” by Jeremy Fletcher is avail able to listen on all music streaming platforms and will be performed at Savannah in the Round on Saturday at the Big Top Music Hall and Sunday at the Bull Bar.

Spring Festival fun in Kuranda

FACE painting, bubbles, dancing, food and live music will be on offer in Kuranda next weekend when the town’s Amphithe atre Society Inc. hosting a Spring Festival fundraiser.

This is the third year the iconic am phitheatre will host the fundraising event, with all profits going towards keeping the venue afloat.

For years, the Kuranda Amphitheatre has hosted big names such as Midnight Oil, the Rubens, Mumford & Sons, John Butler Trio, INXS and more.

The Spring Festival will kick off at 1pm on 8 October with live music from 2pm from a variety of local talents and a tra ditional dance performance to be enjoyed on the terraces.

A box car rally will take place across the

terraces, with free entry for individuals or teams to show off their home-made crea tions.

Entry forms are available via the Kuran da Amphitheatre Society Inc. support desk by emailing support@kurandaamphithea tre.zendesk.com

Food and bar will be available on the day, allowing people to sit back, have a snack and enjoy the afternoon.

Kids can take an advantage of the range of activities on offer including face painting and bubbles.

This is a cash only event. Adult entry is $10, kids 12 years and over are $5 and kids under 12 are free at the gate.

All profits will go directly into preserving and maintaining the Kuranda Amphithea tre.

Mareeba country music rising star Jeremy Fletcher has released his newest single alongside local song writer Konnor Furber.

2022

Torimba Festival Programacross the region

Dimbulah artist set to release new single

CATAPULTING off the success of her first three releases, Dimbulah local, teacher and emerging country music artist Aurelle Brunjes has revealed her latest single “Stumbling” will be released in late October accompanied by a locally shot music video.

The single will drop on 10 October, just a few days after Brunjes takes the stage at Sa vannah in the Round this coming weekend.

Brunjes has already released some rela tively successful songs with her debut single “Magpie”, followed by “Rain Song” in 2021 and “Believe” earlier this year.

Like her pervious pieces, “Stumbling” is a personal song and one that Brunjes deeply relates too, she feels that others will also closely relate to the lyrics.

“It is an ode to the day to day, those feel ings of getting to work, getting through the

commute and the adulting situation where you are just trying to get on with life,” Brunjes said.

“Initially I wrote it because of my autoim mune disease, I get dizzy, so I am always try ing to keep my head up and go with the flow.

“I wrote it a few years ago when my kids were a lot younger and I was doing the fulltime mum thing with part-time work, getting my kids off to school and getting myself off to work.”

Unlike her previous releases, Brunjes en listed the help of some locals and a bus to shoot a music video to accompany the re lease.

Brunjes will have the chance to perform her newest single alongside her other work when she performs at the Bull Bar on Satur day at Savannah in the Round this weekend.

Dimbulah’s Aurelle Brunjes has announced the release of her newest single “Stumbling” to drop on 10 October.

Tea for a good cause

LOCAL business, Sweet n Sanity, will be hosting a Pink Ribbon afternoon tea at QCWA Hall in Mareeba to raise much needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The public is invited to an afternoon tea event on 22 October, with raffles and other fundraising activities to take place throughout the day. Prior to the event, organ iser Sareeta Zandbergen will be collecting donations from businesses in Mareeba for the cause.

The event will run from 2pm until 4.30pm. If you would like to attend, phone Sareeta on 0455 428 888.

A TOURING exhibition celebrating the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our identity has opened at Ta bleland Regional Gallery.

“The pub rock phenomenon spread across Australia throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, resulting in an evolution of music that has shaped our iden tity and culture,” Cr Peter Hodge said.

The dynamic photographic exhibition is drawn primarily from the National Portrait Gallery’s col lection, enriched with works by leading Austral ian music photographers including Tony Mott and Wendy McDougall.

“It features staged portraits and publicity shots alongside images captured during unguarded moments and the grungy energy of live perfor mances,” Cr Hodge said.

National Portrait Gallery director Karen Quin lan said the exhibition celebrated one of the as pects of Australian culture that many have missed during lockdown.

“The very essence of live music is about peo ple coming together, in close confines, to listen and celebrate a common interest,” she said.

The exhibition will be on display until Saturday 12 November. Entry is free.

Big movies to end the holidays Exhibition celebrates Australian pub rock

BEFORE the school holidays end, you can enjoy three delightful movies showing at the Majestic Theatre in Malanda.

The much-anticipated comedy romance “Ticket To Paradise” starring two great actors, George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and di rected by the same person who brought out Mamma Mia, starts Thursday and will be great fun for everyone.

The popular animated family adventure, “DC Super League Of Pets” and the exciting “Paws Of Fury – The Legend Of Hank” con tinue through to Monday.

Remember, as it's the holidays, there are heaps of extra shows from Wednesday to Monday, the public holiday. For more infor mation and session times, go to www.majes tictheatre.com.au

TICKET TO PARADISE – The film follows Wren Butler, a recent University of Chicago graduate who accompanies her best friend Lily

to a post-graduation jaunt to Bali. Lily's abrupt decision to marry a Balinese local triggers her parents to try and stop her from repeating their mistake from 25 years ago. Wren stays in Bali for the festivities and, in the process, finds her own love with a local doctor.

DC SUPER PETS – When the Justice League are captured by Lex Luthor, Superman's dog, Krypto, forms a team of shelter-pets who were given super-powers: A hound named Ace, who becomes super-strong, a pig named PB, who can grow to giant-size, a turtle named Merton, who becomes super-fast, and a squir rel named Chip, who gains electric-powers.

PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK

A hard-on-his-luck hound Hank (Michael Cera) finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain's (Ricky Gervais) evil plot to wipe their village off the map.

This photo of Cold Chisel’s Jimmy Barnes is part of the pub rock exhibition.

Music lovers set to rock weekend long festival

SOME of the best musical talent in Australia will join internationally re nowned artists for the biggest music festival ever seen in Mareeba when Savannah in the Round kicks off this Friday.

With blue skies predicted, thou sands are expected to flock to the town to see close to 50 artists per form over the three-day event

Internationally renowned artists like headliners Brad Paisley, Jon Stevens and Shannon Nolls will call Mareeba home over the festival as well as a plethora of old, new and emerging musical talent, amidst a smattering of locals.

Since its beginning in 2020 in the form of the Covid-restricted Savan nah Summer Series, Savannah in the Round has evolved beyond just a country music festival to one of Australia’s premier music festivals.

The line-up of musicians has ex panded greatly since Savannah’s beginnings and now includes folk, indie, pop and rock artists, however country music remains the beating heart of the festival.

Savannah in the Round festival director and Sound Australia CEO James Dein has coined the phrase “music festival in the country” instead of blanketly labelling Savannah as a strictly country music festival.

“We are very excited to have Brad Paisley there but aside from the two international acts we have, it is a very strong line-up,” he said.

“We have broadened the genre and it is more representative of pop, rock and folk, a little bit of indie and still a fair amount of country.

“The festival has something for everyone, so it is not a country mu sic festival, it is a festival in the coun try with a whole range of different genres being represented.”

There are day tickets available if people want to pick and choose what days they want to come to Savan nah, tickets can be bought online at www.savannahintheround.com.au Day tickets are available online right up until the last day of the event at www.savannahintheround.com. au and tickets can be bought at the gate each day.

See the artists live at Savannah

BRAD PAISLEY

ARIA and APRA nominations since the beginning of her career.

Her debut album “The Power” reached the top spot in Australia, number seven in the United King dom, number one in Hungary and the top 10 in several European countries.

This was followed by a Europe an tour supporting artists like Dave Stewart, KISS, INXS, Rob Thomas, Savage Garden, Macy Gray, Bryan Adams and Joe Cocker.

The young singer will be front and centre on Saturday night at Savannah as she performs on the Main Stage.

linquished.

After fronting The Cruel Sea, Beasts of Bourbon, Don and Char lie and the Dark Horses, Perkins has had an incredible and varied music career.

He will bring Cash’s music back to life over the Savannah in the Round weekend, performing hits such as Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues and Don’t Take Your Guns To Town.

SHANNON NOLL

REGARDED as one of country mu sic’s most talented and decorated male solo artists, Brad Paisley will take Savannah’s Main Stage on Sunday night to cap off a tremen dously gifted line-up of musicians.

Over the past two decades, the American star has accumulated a substantial number of awards due to his song writing and legend ary showmanship including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 14 Country Music Asso ciation Awards and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, just to name a few.

Paisley has written 21 of his 24 number one hits and in 2008, be came the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Air play number one singles. He has also amassed 3.9 billion on-de mand streams.

WAIFS

CANADIAN national MacKen zie Porter will get her first taste of the far north on Sunday night as she performs on Savannah in the Round’s biggest night.

Joining headline act and global superstar Brad Paisley and a host of other well-known names Porter will bring her own style of country music to Mareeba.

FIRST under the spotlight in 2003 after finishing runner-up in the first season of Australian Idol, singersongwriter Shannon Noll has since established himself as one of Aus tralia’s most prominent musicians.

Certified triple-platinum sales, number one hits, five top 10 al bums, 17 platinum and three gold accreditations.

Noll also boasts the feat of be ing the only Australian male artist in national chart history to have ever achieved ten consecutive top ten singles.

HALL of fame country music artist James Blundell first rose to promi nence after being named Best New Talent at the 1987 Country Music Awards of Australia. He has since released several albums in both Australia and the United States, withe the most successful being “This Road” released in 1992.

At the 2019 Country Music Awards of Australia, Blundell was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.

EUROGLIDERS

COUNTRY music titans Drew McAl ister and Troy Kemp, known more affectionately as McAlister Kemp, are seen as one of the most suc cessful Australian country acts of the last decade.

From the immediate breakout success of their debut album in 2010 through to their parting in 2015, the pair earned their stripes as one of the highest selling and most exciting touring acts in Aus tralia.

AFTER numerous tours around the world, multiple ARIA Awards and platinum albums, the Waifs are bringing their world-renowned sound and style to Savannah in the Round this year.

With a career spanning more then 25 years off the back of relent less touring and ground-breaking records, the close-knit band is ex cited to play on Savannah’s Main Stage on Saturday night.

The Waifs have built a career out of continually circling both Australia and the world, from bustling cities to the farthest regional and coastal towns.

Porter has been nominated for several awards including Ris ing Star, Fans’ Choice Award and Female Artist of the Year multiple years in a row.

She will be performing just ahead of Paisley on Sunday night as the headline act on the Main Stage.

JON STEVENS

WITHIN a decade of forming, Euro gliders had recorded four albums, enjoyed a multitude of chart-topping singles and been awarded a swag of awards from around the globe, for both their music and videos. They travelled the world charting in countries like Japan and Ameri ca, ‘Heaven’ was a top five hit on the Billboard USA charts and the band won numerous Countdown and MTV awards.

KING STINGRAY

ONE of Australia’s foremost singer songwriters, Clapton will take the stage this Sunday. Likening his style to those of American legends Jackson Browne and Bruce Spring steen, Clapton developed a sound based on melodic rock.

Since his first album release in 1973, Clapton has released over 20 albums and sold over one mil lion copies, with hits such as Girls On The Avenue, Capricorn Dancer, Deep Water among others.

VANESSA Amorosi’s song-writing and dynamic vocal range has seen her sell over two million records worldwide and be awarded sixteen

A MEMBER of Aussie rock royalty, Jon Stevens, will be lighting up Sa vannah on Saturday night as he belts out some of his most popular hits from his time as the lead vocal ist of Noiseworks, INXS and more.

With a record-smashing debut at 16, Stevens has gone on to etch his name into rock’s history books as one of the most popular and wellknown rock icons, winning multiple New Zealand Music Awards includ ing Most Promising Male, Single of the year and Male Vocalist of the Year.

HOMEGROWN and unique band King Stingray will take to the Main Stage at Savannah in the Round on Friday night. The band seamlessly blends ancient indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk influences to create a unique sound of their own, Yolŋu surf-rock.

In just over 12 months, King Stingray has performed for triple j’s Live at the Wireless, appeared on ABC TV’s The Sound, been profiled in The Guardian and Rolling Stone, and won triple j’s Unearthed Artist of the Year J award.

WITH a stellar career spanning more than 45 years and showing no signs of slowing down, Ross Wilson is one of Australian rock music’s most enduring and lauded talents.

Wilson’s infamous anthem Ea gle Rock has been included in the National Film and Sound Archive ‘Sounds of Australia Collection’.

He fronted Daddy Cool and ex ploded out of the 70s playing rootsy 50s sounds before forming Mondo Rock and surfing the contemporary scene

VANESSA AMOROSI

MACKENZIE PORTER

TEX PERKINS ‘THE MAN IN BLACK’

VERY few can successfully trans late the great works of Johnny Cash and bring it into the modern age quite like Tex Perkins.

Perkin’s affinity with Johnny Cash started in his earliest band and is an enthusiasm he hasn’t re

JAMES BLUNDELL

MCALISTER KEMP

RICHARD CLAPTON

ROSS WILSON

Main stage, big top and bull bar

ADAM BRAND WITH a stellar career spanning twenty years, Adam Brand has been nominated for multiple ARIA Awards, won 12 Golden Guitars, sold over 600,000 CDs & DVDs and earned three platinum and five gold albums.

Brand’s songs resonate as much with people from the suburbs as they do with those from regional and rural Australia but the real key to Adam’s popularity, is his ability to conjure up different feelings in dif ferent people.

BLACK SORROWS

AFTER being scouted at the Sa vannah Summer Series in 2020, Cooktown local Yasmin Morris got the green light to perform solo at last year’s Savannah in the Round festival and returns this year. Going by Yazmindi, she will be joined on stage this year by her very own band and will be including songs from her debut album ‘Dream On’ which released in August.

JOE Camilleri and The Black Sor rows are one of Australia’s most prolific and enduringly popular bands, renowned for their high en ergy live shows, musicianship and infectious, rootsy rhythms.

Camilleri will present the clas sic soul, blues and country hits from The Black Sorrows’ enormous back catalogue along with a selec tion from Camilleri’s 50th album release, ‘The Black Sorrows’ Saint Georges Road’.

Camilleri has been at the fore front of Australian music for dec ades as leader of Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons, The Black Sorrows and as writer of radio anthems ‘Hit & Run’, ‘Shape I’m In’, ‘Chained To The Wheel’, ‘Harley & Rose’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’.

AURELLE BRUNJES

DIMBULAH based singer-song writer Aurelle Brunjes will have the chance to showcase her own tal ents and original songs this year at Savannah in the Round.

After picking up a guitar to per form 10 years ago, Aurelle has since set herself on the path of a musician, all the while juggling du ties as a mother and teacher.

This has not dampened her dreams however as she continues to perform and write songs that have a deep meaning and connec tion both to herself and her commu nity.

JEREMY FLETCHER

MAREEBA’S Jeremy Fletcher will once again showcase his talents at Savannah in the Round this year with more experience and a bigger repertoire of songs under his belt.

Fletcher has performed at events like the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the past and takes great inspiration from legends like Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Slim Dusty and Luke Combs.

Playing at smaller venues around the region like rodeos, rac es, shows and a variety of pubs and charity events, Fletcher is excited to perform multiple sets at Savannah this year.

A SPECIAL culinary event like no other has been injected into Savannah in the Round to enable patrons to sample the amazing produce from the region whilst enjoying some of the best musical talent in the country.

Taste of Savannah is a new addition to the event and will offer festival goers the chance at sampling a wide range of fla vours, from Asian and Caribbean dishes, to traditional Thai street food, delicious cocktails and classic Aussie staples – all themed and inspired by local produce from the Tablelands and tropical north.

Festival Director James Dein said he hoped to give visitors a real taste of what the Tablelands had to offer and entice them to re-visit after Savannah.

“Mareeba and the Tablelands is such a rich area for agricultural produce and we know that but also there is a burgeoning and somewhat established industry with local distilleries and breweries,” he said.

“We wanted to pair all of that together so we have some nice food and drink of ferings under the banner of Tastes of Sa vannah and really highlighting what the region has.

“We hope people will sample these products from the region and perhaps visit the paddock door and take some product away as a memory of their time on the Ta blelands.”

Hand selected by local vendors, with produce, meat and ingredients sourced from local traders, the brand new event

will showcase many local producers.

For those looking at sampling the countless paddock to plate delicacies on offer, iconic trader and Hollywood A-list hotspot Ma Der Thai will be popping-up at The Tastes of Savannah, bringing a wide variety of fresh locally sourced produce and its green and sustainable focus to Ma reeba.

The Tastes of Savannah will also see the inclusion of three brand new boutique bars; Botanic Australia’s Gin Bar, Dirt Road Cocktail Bar and the Wolf Lane Bar.

While the Dirt Road Cocktail Bar will be slinging a rich menu filled with classic Paloma cocktails, Dirt Road Margaritas and Spicy margs, the addition of Botanic Australia’s Gin Bar will bring the flavours of Australia’s native flora to the forefront, with notes of Juniper, scented gum and Tasmanian pepperberry allowing punters to sample the taste of Australia, subtly planted within their expansive cocktail se lection.

Iconic Cairns-based gin distillery Wolf Lane will also be on site, hosting a pop up bar jam packed with crowd favourites like Espresso Martinis and Dragonfruit Spritz, as well as Mango Weiss inspired cocktails.

For punters and families looking at keeping things simple, Savannah in the Round is also welcoming back a wide se lection of food trucks and local vendors, each offering up a smorgasbord of street food and simple-yet-delicious dishes for even the pickiest of eaters. and

Rising talent set to shine

Despite gathering some of the biggest names in Australian and country music, Savannah in the Round will provide a spotlight to showcase the next generation of artists. At this year’s event, there is a special talent showcase running over the three days – the Rising Star Showcase – which brings together some of the best up-and-coming country music artists in Australia.

Surrounded by some of the biggest names in the industry, hall of famers and chart toppers, these emerging artists will have an experience they would never have had before in their careers. Jake Davey, Chelsea Berman and Abbie Ferris will all be playing in the showcase first up on Friday at the Big Top Music Hall and then at the Bull Bar on both Saturday and Sunday.

CHELSEA Berman started performing at the age of eight and right from the beginning of the journey, her determina tion to become a professional singer-songwriter was easily seen.

Berman’s debut EP re lease “Better Than Ever” (2018) exceeded expecta tions, achieving the iTunes Country Album #4 chart spot and during the following 12 months, Chelsea performed with ARIA chart-toppers in

cluding Travis Collins, Kirsty Lee Akers, and The Viper Creek Band. She was also a Toyota Star Maker finalist at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Her recently released sin gle, “Kiss Me Like You Miss Me” has seen over 100,000 streams combined and was added to the ‘New Music Nashville’ playlist.

Whilst she loves perform ing, Berman is a dedicated song-writer.

DESPITE being in his early 20s, Jake Davey is one of Australia’s brightest talents, a singer-songwriter and an accomplished producer with his own studio.

Taking inspiration from artists like Old Dominion, Dan + Shay and Keith Urban, Davey has shaped himself into a musician who embrac es a modern country sound.

In 2020 Davey won the Travis Collins Scholarship and got the chance to attend the CMAA Academy in Tam worth.

Since attending, he signed his first ever publishing deal with Kobalt Music and col laborated with Golden guitar winner and mentor Kevin Bennett.

ABBIE Ferris embodies the true Australian country spirit, growing up in rural Australia, she was on the back of a horse by the time she could walk and had a deep love and connection to country music.

She has since pursued that connection and begun her journey as a rising coun try music star in her own right.

Ferris was awarded the Market the Music Emerging

Artist Scholarship in 2017 which led to an appear ance on the Country Music Channel Awards red carpet and a festival debut at the Groundwater Country Music Festival. She followed up with performances at Coun try at the Camp and Austral ian Music Week in the same year.

Her most recent release reached #21 on the Official Airplay Chart and #3 on the Kix Country Hottest 20.

CHELSEA BERMAN

Bigger and better

SAVANNAH in the Round was the only multi-day camping and music festival to be held in Australia last year amongst Covid restrictions, it brought thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into the local economy and was by all accounts, a great success.

However, the team behind the festival – Sound Australia and its CEO James Dein – did not stop there as they an nounced the dates for Savannah this year, just days after the end of the 2021 festival.

Mr Dein regarded last year’s festival to be a massive success and as the fes tival director, he received great feedback from patrons.

“We had overwhelmingly positive feedback on last year, it was a quality event and campers by large had a good experience,” Mr Dein said.

“We always look at festivals through the eyes of the patron, we have to con tinue to be so focused on their experi ence and that is what we try to do with Savannah.

“That has come from many years of learning over many festivals which has all culminated in what you see today in Savannah in the Round.

“For us it is all about delivering a great experience for patrons because we know that is what they are looking for and that builds loyalty into the future.”

Out of the countless number of staff and volunteers all working to make Sa

vannah a success, Mr Dein draws atten tion to one specific individual, his “con duit in the community”.

“We have worked closely with Nipper Brown as our conduit in the community, he has been a great backstop and a great liaison for us,” he said.

“Nipper is a wonderful addition and valued cog in Savannah in the Round.”

Last year’s festival had massive reach, bringing in over 4000 people from across Queensland, Australia and the world all to the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds and this year’s festival is set to surpass last year’s event with a 50 per cent up take in patron numbers.

“Most of the people that attended last year’s event were outside of the region and we are seeing a very strong outside reach that is bringing in patrons,” Mr Dein said.

Immediately after last year’s festival ended, a new line-up was announced and festival goers still buzzing, jumped at the chance to secure their spot for Sa vannah in the Round 2022.

There will be a few changes and im provements from last year’s event in cluding the addition of an international headline act however Mr Dein believes for the majority, they hit the nail on the head.

“We pretty much got everything right but there are always a few things you could do better,” he said.

“There will be some fine tuning and

MOORE REEF, CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF

adjustments here and there based on last year’s learnings.”

Some of the changes to this year’s event include the Big Top Music Hall being moved closer to the Main Stage, an additional entry for campers and a broader range of food and drink avail able.

The biggest change to this year’s event is the inclusion of international superstar, Brad Paisley after Mr Dein managed to grab one of Paisley’s tour dates and lock him in for a performance at Savannah.

Canadian national and emerging country music artist MacKenzie Porter will also be performing at Savannah as she supports Paisley during his tour.

“We were able to secure an interna tional headliner which is what we were always out to do and we felt that when the opportunity came along to secure Brad Paisley, we had to grab it with both hands,” Mr Dein said.

“If we want to put Savannah in the Round on the map, we needed to grab the international artists and we are very excited to have him there.”

Savannah in the Round 2022 is just days away from kicking off however Mr Dein is already looking ahead to 2023 and plans to release the dates for next year’s festival when he secures the next international headliner.

Sound Australia CEO James Dein is excited to bring Savannah in the Round back again bigger and better in 2022.

What to expect over three big days and nights

THREE days and nearly 50 artists – there is something for everyone at Savannah in the Round with a diverse line-up of artists kicking off the festival on Friday from 10am.

Music will be playing at the grounds at both the Bull Bar and Big Top Music Hall starting at 10am with performances from Yazmindi and the Rising Star Showcase respectively.

A welcome to country will be performed by the traditional Muluridji people at 4pm on the Main Stage to kick off the official start of the festival followed by the Pierce Brothers performance at 4.15pm.

A host of new artists will be flowing through the night on the main stage including recent award-winning indigenous band King Stingray.

Festival director James Dein is extremely excited to have King Stingray on board and hopes everyone enjoys their “surf rock” sound.

“We have got some really exciting emerging artists on the Friday night,” he said.

“We are also really proud to host a band called King Sting ray, they are now an award-winning indigenous band that hail from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory

“They are super connected back through Warumpi Band through family, they are the next generation of great indig enous rock or as they call themselves, surf rock.”

Crowd favourite Shannon Noll will finish off the Friday night program on the Main Stage, with patrons able to go on afterwards to the Big Top Music Tent or the Bull Bar which will still have entertainment past midnight, with the Al Boulton Band and Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission perform ing.

On Saturday, on the Main Stage, Adam Brand kicks off the program from 4pm, followed by The Black Sorrows, The Waifs, Vanessa Amarossi, with former Noiseworks front man Jon Stevens the last on the program, performing from 9.45pm.

During the day, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer at the Big Top Music Hall which will host seven artists from 10am. Jeremy Fletcher and band will be up first, followed by Jetty Road, Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission, Amy

Sheppard and Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks.

From 10.45pm, the Pierce Brothers take to the stage again, followed by Felicity Kircher and band, with the music to cease at 1.30am.

Also on Saturday from 8am, the Bull Bar will be filled with the music of the Walkamin Country Music Club, followed by Aurelle Brunjes, Chris Staff, the Rising Star Showcase (Ab bie Ferris, Chelsea Berman, and Jake Davey), James Blun dell and Darlinghurst.

From 11pm, Route 33 will take over and play until 1am. Sunday promises to be a huge day at Savannah, with all

the action starting at 8am in the Bull Bar, and 10am in the Big Top Music Hall with James Blundell the first act. Later in the day, around 2.45pm, Richard Clapton will bring his unique style of music to the stage, with Route 33 to round out the program from 11.30pm till 1am.

On the Main Stage, performances start from 4pm with Darlinghurst, followed by James Johnston, and Tex Perkins (The Man in Black).

From 7.45pm, MacKenzie Porter will take the spotlight be fore US superstar Brad Paisley takes to the stage for the big finale from 9.30am.

Safe Savannah for everyone

WE all have the right to be safe on a night out and police want everyone to enjoy themselves this long weekend.

While it is important you are aware of and exercise this right, be mindful that you also have responsibility for your own safety.

Adopting practical safety strategies can help reduce the risk of victimisation and assist you to respond effectively if your safety is threatened.

Here are some personal safety tips for your considera tion this weekend:

• Be aware of your sur roundings and alert to what is going on around you.

• If strangers approach you, use your feelings of safety as a guide. Remove yourself from the situation if you feel unsafe. It is better to be rude than un safe.

• Carry a mobile phone.

• Keep cash and valuables you carry to a minimum.

• Avoid leaving your bag un attended.

Consuming alcohol and oth er drugs (including illicit drugs and medications) will reduce your judgment, reflexes and awareness of your surround ings. It is also important to understand that being around

people who are consuming al cohol or drugs poses a height ened safety threat.

If you are going to be drink ing alcohol or are with friends who are, consider the follow ing:

• Plan how to get home safely. If you plan to drive, don’t drink.

• Eat before and during drinking to slow the absorp tion of alcohol into your blood stream (avoid salty foods).

• Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Avoid mixing drinks.

• Don’t leave the venue with people you don’t know or trust – stay with and look after your friends.

• Avoid situations that may lead to confrontation or con flict.

If you are camping out at the festival this weekend, re member to lock your valuables up, and take your keys with you. Don’t attempt to hide the keys near your camp.

Remember: if you are a vic tim of assault or theft, report it to the police. Report suspi cious or threatening behaviour as police will be on the grounds ready to assist.

– Tablelands Patrol Group

Volunteers keep festival going round

WHILE people enjoy all the sights, sounds and wonders that Savannah in the Round will bring this year, a large chunk of local volunteers have given up their time to help keep the festival running smoothly.

There are an estimated 200 vol unteers helping run Savannah in the Round this year across a range of different areas, from food and drinks to helping around the campground, welcoming patrons and more.

Festival director James Dein said volunteers not only get the chance to be involved in a massive event like Savannah, but also the oppor tunity to raise funds for their relative groups.

“It is a great opportunity for com munity groups and volunteers to get involved and a music festival of this calibre is not something they get to do every day,” he said.

“It is something to look forward to, it builds teamwork and it makes community groups proud of their engagement and their contribution in delivering a really high standard event.

“That is the wonderful thing about music, these types of festivals are a great tonic for communities.”

Mr Dein believes locals should be incredibly proud of the work they are doing to help deliver Savannah

in the Round this year and poten tially into the future.

“It really is an opportunity for Ma reeba to hold its head high and be proud of the fact there is this won derful experience occurring within the community, and that community members are helping deliver it,” he said.

“You cannot underestimate the benefits volunteering brings, it is a great endorphin release, great for mental health and a whole range of different things.

“Volunteers are spread through out every facet of the festival, eve ryone gets to wear the shirt and it is one big team.”

Local volunteering groups like Crime Stoppers have all signed up to volunteer some of their time over the three-day festival this year.

The Crime Stoppers Far North ern Volunteer Area Committee will again be making the rounds at Sa vannah this year for the third year in a row and committee chair Mladen Bosnic couldn’t be more pleased.

“We are privileged to be invited to contribute to the success of Sa vannah in the Round, I cannot ex press enough thanks to our event volunteers who step up to assist,” he said.

“Being involved with Savannah lifts the profile of Crime Stoppers and is a great marketing opportunity for us and Mareeba in general.”

Make sure when you are enjoy ing your time at Savannah this year, say thanks to the volunteers who have given up their time to give you an enjoyable experience at the fes tival.

The Crime Stoppers Far Northern Volunteer Area Committee will be volunteering at Savannah in the Round this weekend.

Festival to flow millions into region

MILLIONS of dollars will be poured into Mareeba over the Savannah in the Round weekend as organis ers prepare to host thousands of people across the three-day music festival.

Last year’s event injected nearly $3 million into the Mareeba Shire in overnight visitor expenditure with over 4000 visitors flocking to Ma reeba to spend the weekend – this year, around 50 per cent more are expected.

These visitors either spend the night out at the grounds or in Ma reeba, with the Cape Gateway Motel reporting that 35 of their 37 rooms are fully booked out just with Savannah staff and festival attend ees.

The Jackaroo Motel has been fully booked, housing the artists over the weekend and regularly ro tating them as some acts play their set and leave and another takes their place.

Mareeba enjoys the flow-on benefits of Savannah long after the festival has finished as the money spent by visitors and the festival organisers, mainly remains in the town and in locals’ hands.

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin saw last year’s festival as a major success and is looking forward to what this year’s festival will bring.

“Savannah in the Round was extremely successful last year, it

provides an opportunity to show case visitors this incredible part of Far North Queensland and over 4,000 people attended the threeday event in 2021,” she said.

“I look forward to welcoming the festival back to our town at the end of the month, our shire reaps the benefits of the festival long after it concludes and it is wonderful to see how the event continues to grow.

“As Mayor I would like to ac knowledge the significant efforts of the organisers, volunteers, mem bers of the community and busi nesses who make this great event possible.”

Mareeba Chamber of Com merce president Joe Moro said the festival injected money into local cafes, shops, motels and more.

“There is no doubt that Savan nah injected a lot of money into the local economy and we see festi vals, especially big ones like this, have a lot of spin offs to the local community,” he said.

“Even though a lot of people will be camping out there but it is a number of days so they will come into town, restock on certain things they need and the town will get a lot of benefit out of it.”

Mr Moro said the chamber had been eager for an additional event to for Mareeba to follow on from the other two major annual events and he believed Savannah in the

to the town and on top of that, it is going to bring a lot of national and potentially international exposure to the area.”

Round had now filled that gap.

“We wanted another festival around this period, it sort of fills the gap that comes after the Mareeba

Rodeo and the Multicultural Festi val have been held,” he said.

“We are excited and we think it is going to bring a lot of business

“We see festivals, especially big ones like this, have a lot of spin offs to the local community”

- Chamber president Joe Moro

Drive into new truck centre

GETTING tyres balanced, rotated, and changed has never been simpler, with Cen tral Tyre Service and Goodyear recently es tablishing a one-of-a-kind drive through truck centre in Atherton.

The two-bay shed was designed for heavy vehicles to access the back end of the shop on Peakes Gully Road and easily exit onto the main highway at the front of the shop.

The truck stop is the only one of its kind on the Tablelands, allowing customers to drive through and receive the quality service they need quickly and efficiently.

“The whole idea is to make it more conven ient for truck drivers and a lot safer for cus tomers because it’s easier to drive in through the rear and go out through the front, so you don’t need to reverse into the main drag,” owner Leon Trentin said.

“It makes life a whole lot easier because the road at the front (Robert Street) is very congested and there is always a lot going on out there and next door.”

The shed is designed to accommodate some of the largest trucks, with the roof

reaching a metre and a half higher than the legal height limit for a vehicle.

As well as a high quality new facility, new equipment has also been purchased in or der to make the drive through process go as smoothly as possible.

A new solid forklift press has been added to the shed and is now the only place north of Townsville to solid fill tyres.

Filled with top-of-the-range equipment and products, manager Trent Freeman believes accessibility to any vehicle is top priority.

“We have a great new range of equipment and a great new asset to help us do trucks right up to earth movers,” he said.

“The amount of trucks coming in every day changes. It could be anywhere from none to 20 and I expect there will be a lot more when people find out it is a drive through.”

The drive through centre is open 8am un til 5pm from Monday to Friday and 8am un til 11am on Saturday with the entrance on Peakes Gully Road.

State-of-the-art facility

When learning the block of land next door was available, Mr Trentin knew he had to purchase it to create an easy-toaccess stop for heavy vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

“It was a long time coming and it is good to have it happen ing,” he said.

“It’s good to be able to work on the trucks in the shed in stead of out on the road – it is not fun fixing big Ergon trucks out in the street in the rain.

“It’s good and it’s been really exciting actually to have it all going and everyone is positive about it.”

A ONE of a kind drive through truck stop will allow truck and caravan drivers to access service to their tyres with ease and Central Tyre Service owner Leon Trentin and is keen to see it take off.

The new truck bay.

The drive through truck centre from Peakes Gully Road.

Store manager Trent Freeman looks forward to welcoming everyone to the new truck stop.

Phil Green at the truck centre.

The new building’s Robert Street entrance.

From humble beginnings

IT was a lightbulb moment for Chano Tren tin, Peter Makepeace and Reg McAuliffe one night in 1967 at the Atherton Hotel – a place where everyone and anyone could go to eas ily access tyre services.

With Mr Trentin being a Goodyear repre sentative, Mr McAuliffe being a builder and Mr Makepeace determined to bring in busi ness, they were an unstoppable team and joined forces to create what is now one of the most successful Goodyear Auto Care chains in Australia.

Only a year after pitching the idea, the first Central Tyre Service store was erected on Robert Street, Atherton, with outlets in

Malanda, Mareeba and Mossman quickly fol lowing.

Business continued to boom, with Mr Trentin bringing in his sister Mary and her husband Don Scheffler as business partners.

After Mr Trentin sadly passed away in May 2016, his son Leon Trentin enthusiastically took on the business alongside his aunt and uncle and has been working on ways to im prove the business ever since.

Dedicated to providing quality expertise, loyalty and top of the range service, Central Tyre Service and Goodyear hopes to contin ue delivering their services to Atherton and the surrounds.

Leon Trentin and Don Scheffler have watched their family business grow over the years.

Memories of the Queen continue to emerge

READING the letter memories aplenty of Queen Elizabeth in The Express (21/09/22), your correspondent who met her comment ed on her lovely complexion.

By contrast, Elizabeth I (daughter of Henry VIII) didn’t experience such a lovely complexion.

With golden red hair and dark brown eyes, her nose was hooked in the middle, she had pronounced cheek bones and thin lips. She painted her face white.

Contracting smallpox left her face scarred hence she took to wearing white lead make-up to cover the scars. This led to loss of hair and teeth.

She then ordered all mirrors to be re moved from her rooms.

These days we only tend to hear of the people close to Henry VIII whom he exe

cuted and not the 57,000 other poor souls he executed during his 36-year-rule.

A mere blip in retaliation to the 400,000 killed in the colosseum in Rome excluding animals from around the world.

King Charles III will be hoping for better luck than his two predecessors.

Originally from the UK, I’ve never seen a Royal close up, only Prince Edward.

Helping to prepare the Royal Yacht Britannia on its final journey from Cardiff docks to Leith where it rests now, Prince Ed ward was wandering about. We didn’t know he was on board.

It is said that losing the Royal yacht was the only time the Queen shed a tear in her 70-year-reign.

Rest In Peace Ma’am. Christopher Jarvis PEERAMON

VOCAL LOCAL to the editor

Cease spray painting our local kookaburras

TO the family in Rangeview who feel the need to spray paint our local population of kookaburras, we too enjoy these birds visit ing.

We have watched as you continually paint their feathers with the spray getting into their eyes and nostrils and over their feet.

You have taken from them their ability to camouflage for them to hunt successfully, and to be able to hide from their predators at night.

Since you have begun painting them, we have seen a dramatic decrease in the popu lation in our area. So, for the birds’ sake, please stop this practice.

Colin Watson TOLGA

National Police Remembrance Day

On Thursday 29 September, Police from across the State will be observing National Police Remembrance Day.

National Police Remembrance Day is a day for people to pause, remember and honour police officers who have been fallen in the line of duty.

We also remember and honour officers and employees who have passed away over the last 12 months, from in jury or illness whilst not on duty.

Being a police officer is not an easy job and a polic ing career can be diverse with different roles people can aspire to. It is challenging and rewarding, and we serve the community to maintain law and order, whilst trying to reduce the fear of crime and protect the community.

National Police Remembrance Day has been held in regional centres throughout Queensland since 1989 and is observed annually in September as it marks the Feast of the Archangel, St Michael, who was always fighting evil.

Members of the community are encouraged to partici pate in this tribute by wearing a Remembrance Ribbon and attending the Remembrance Day Service.

This year the service will be held in Atherton at St Jo seph’s Catholic Church on Mabel Street and the service will commence at 9.55am.

We would like to extend an invitation to members of the community to join, past and present members of the Queensland Police Service, members from the Australian

By Bob Sinclair

Federal Police, other Australian Policing jurisdictions and members from Emergency Service Organisations as we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Shannon up crisis was

A year ago we were living in Millstream, rented a threebedroom house and everything’s fine. Not until someone bought the house we’re in and we need to moved out in six weeks time frame! Hard and very stressful, I have toddlers, (1 and half years old and 3 years old.) Looking for a place to rent but we can’t find any, we ended up living in a tent but we’re more fortunate that’s what I thought because hubby’s parents have 55 acres land, with 3 bedroom house and we set up our tent in their veranda! No choice, it’s cold specially last winter, early morning is a struggle to prepare the kids to daycare, because I need to go to work and their having breakfast outside in the verandah in the cold morning. I can’t complain, I have roof over our heads, food on our table. It’s TOUGH specially when u have young kids But we SURVIVED! – Fernandez Ponticha Ella

There are many mums and kids living in cars. Some mums are working and kids need to go to school. Dreadful situation across the tablelands. Needed is affordable housing, nothing fancy, urgently required is somewhere for these families to shower in safety. – Linda Chipping

I think there is plenty of awareness. You can’t open a newspaper or social media without seeing it. We need more housing stock - both private and govt. Tenancy rules need to come back into balance and becoming an investor needs to be attractive once more. Rising interest rates, insurances and council rates make providing investment houses for ma and pa investors increasingly out of reach or just unattractive which then affects the rental market. These same issues are affecting people who are currently providing rental properties. It’s currently very attractive to sell and there is less and less reasons to hold onto your investment. – Karlie Milne

I’ve been living in my camper trailer with 2 kids since rental was sold in January. I’m on a residential property close to centre of Kuranda. I have access to shower in main house and also access to an external toilet. Lack of security worries me at a van park. Although I did chase an intruder/thief that was creeping up to my camp 5 weeks after moving in. – Loch Burgess

My family consisting of 2 kids under 5 and our 7-month old bub, our cat, our dog and my mother lived in tents for over a month when we first arrived in the Tablelands (from Darwin) back in December. It was the toughest time of our lives but we stuck together and made it through finally finding a rental. Even though it’s not a secure rental we are just happy to be out of tents and so blessed to be safe for now. To all the families out there in this situation STAY STRONG – you are not alone and it will not be forever.

– Kelly Smith

If it wasn’t so hard to buy a property that might help. I can afford to pay a mortgage and rates but just not to get my foot in the door. Unlikely I ever will. The deposit and taxes are the killer. Also, if people were able to live on blocks of land in tiny houses etc I think that would also be a great option. – Sarah Smith

My take is, the council needs to come to the party with development fees, the state government with stamp duty on new builds and remove the ludicrous land tax they just imposed on interstate investors. We need more housing not people buying existing housing. – Ted Stevens

An urban oasis next door to the CBD OPEN HOME

THIS stylish four bedroom home features an unparal leled position and views over looking the Barron River plus all the quality inclusions you desire from the porcelain tiles to the raked ceiling and tropi cal, resort style feel.

Featuring four bedrooms plus a games/office this sur prising home possesses a substantial floor area of ap prox. 300m2.

It boasts a stunning layout with a sizeable open plan liv ing area leading out through elegant timber bi-fold doors to the tiled rear patio over looking the bushland back drop.

It’s a superb entertaining area with lots of windows that allow plenty of natural light to flow in and showcases the natural beauty of the Barron River setting.

It’s packed with quality features including:

• Raked ceiling and fea ture niches in living area and entrance

• Reverse cycle split sys tem air-conditioned living area with beautiful timber bifold doors opening out to the patio for true indoor/outdoor entertaining

• Generous master bed

room with split-system airconditioning, spa, his and hers vanity, glass free show er, large W.I.R and sliding door access to an outdoor sitting area

• Bedrooms with carpet for winter warmth and built-in cupboards

• Well-appointed and cen trally positioned galley kitch en fitted with stone bench tops, breakfast bar area, 900mm Ilve stainless steel freestanding gas oven and cooktop, dishwasher, double fridge space with plumbing in place plus a sizeable walk in pantry

• Tinted windows, stor age cupboards and stain less steel fixtures and fittings throughout

• Stunning floor to ceiling tiles in bathrooms – main bathroom with glass free shower, separate plunge bath and separate external double vanity

• Gas hot water system

• Sizeable laundry with built-in cabinetry and room for a freezer

• Private patio overlooking the gardens, bushland back drop and Barron River

• Fully fenced – colour bond fenced on the left and

right sides for privacy

• 921m2 low maintenance allotment with side access, beautiful cottage gardens, paved pathways and garden shed set in a quiet and pri vate estate

• Convenient location only 2 mins to Town Centre

This property is positioned

in an exceptional location, given the peaceful surround ings and the cool breezes that are captured off the Bar ron River as well as the tran quil bush backdrop.

Don’t delay – inspection is highly recommended. For further information or to ar

Open for inspection this Saturday from 10.00am to 11.00am

range a private inspection please contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi today. Phone 0417 700 468.

Modern and stylish in unbeatable position

HAVE you been search ing tirelessly to find your perfect family home? Then look no further and wel come to number 2 Merin dah Close, Mareeba.

Situated in the exclusive and highly sought after Am aroo Estate is this freshly built rendered concrete block home, just waiting for new owners to move right on in and make it their own.

With a calming, neu tral colour scheme and well-thought-out design this brand-new home has a welcoming and homely feel, the stylish design will be a hit in conversation at your dinner parties.

The kitchen is an enter tainers dream as it over looks the living and din ing space, with an island bench/ breakfast bar, gas stove, dishwasher, and plenty of storage space. With its spacious, open plan design, the living space is one the whole family will enjoy.

The space has a light and airy feel, split-system air-conditioner and it flows seamlessly out onto the outdoor enter taining space through two sets of double slid ing glass doors.

All three bedrooms in the home are spa

cious, with split-system airconditioning and mirrored built-in wardrobes. The master suite is located at the front of the home and is also a good size with a walk-in wardrobe and gen erous en-suite bathroom.

The family bathroom is convenient to the other two bedrooms with a shower, free standing tub, and separate toilet. The study is located near the master bedroom and is perfect as a nursery, kids toy room or office space.

Situated on an 833m2 corner allotment, in an un beatable location right be side the Amaroo Medical Centre and proposed new park and children's play ground, this is a perfect lo cation for growing families.

The outdoor entertain ing space consists of an undercover patio and per gola area perfect to soak up some sun or enjoy a family BBQ under the stars.

Features Include:

• Brand new rendered block home

• Neutral & calming col our scheme throughout

• 3 Bedrooms, all with built-ins & air-conditioning, plus office

• Large master suite with walk-in wardrobe & en-suite

• Main bathroom with separate shower and free standing tub

• Separate toilet with ad ditional vanity

• Entertainers kitchen with gas stove, island bench & dishwasher

• Open plan living, dining & kitchen, air-conditioning

• Large tiled back patio with pergola

• Internal laundry with plenty of storage

• 2 Bay lockup garage with remote controlled door

• 833m2 corner allot ment beside the Amaroo Medical Centre

Don't miss your oppor tunity to call this place home, arrange your Pri vate Inspection with Lo cal Agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473 today.

Superb opportunity to kickstart your acreage dream

SOMMERSET Realty is excited to present this low maintenance 3 bedroom home, positioned on a 1 acre allotment in the

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area - enjoy beautiful views, cool breezes & entertain all year

• 1 bay carport

• 2 bay shed and a 4 bay shed – Plenty of room for a boat or caravan

• Greenhouse + a garden/ storage shed

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• 4,019m2 allotment, fenced on 3 sides

• Established and well maintained gardens

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• Located only 6km to Tol ga Primary School & facilities and 10kms to Atherton Town Centre. arrange an inspec tion, call marketing agent Raquel at Sommerset Re alty on 0408 983 879.

Address: 18 Geddes Drive, TOLGA

Price: $640,000

Agent: Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty

Contact: 0408 983

Near new home in great location

A rare opportunity has just become available in the Pan orama Views Estate in Tolga. At just 6 months old this home is move in ready and offers all the benefits of mod ern living in one of the Table lands friendliest estates.

The front door leads you straight into the open plan living area with spacious lounge, dining and kitchen.

Vinyl plank flooring adds to the aesthetics while remain ing low maintenance and comfortable underfoot.

The elevation of this block allows views of Bartle Frere and Bellenden Kerr right from your living room. Large doors and windows encour age airflow and reverse cycle air conditioning is on hand should you need some extra cooling.

Moving through the home we have three spacious bed

rooms – all carpeted and have built in wardrobes. The master features air condition ing and a large ensuite with dual walk-in shower. Main bathroom offers both a bath and walk in shower as well.

Outside is a covered pa tio, angled to enjoy privacy and make the most of the yard.

This is a wonderful place to enjoy family barbeques or relax in your own space in the beautiful warm evenings.

In addition, there is an extra sitting area by the master bedroom – this is a tranquil spot to escape or enjoy your

morning coffee.

The property if fully fenced with double gate at the side for vehicle access, behind the property is designated parkland so no rear neigh bours here!

Other features include:

• Double lock up garage

• Fully security screened • NBN (FTTP) connected

• Air conditioned

• Landscaped

For more information on this home please contact exclusive marketing agent Alex Payne today on 0409 328 153.

The pinterest perfect home

Located at Panoramic Views Estate

BOASTING natural light, neu tral colours and a seamless floorplan, this well-designed home will perfectly accommo date a family, couples or first home buyers.

Situated in a quiet cul-desac in the popular new Pano ramic Views Estate in Tolga.

The home comprising of a spacious open plan living, din ing and kitchen which is fitted with quality electric appliances and breakfast bar; stylish pen dant lights complete the pic ture.

Four bedrooms, all with built in wardrobe space, the master with walk in robe and ensuite. The main bathroom has a separate bath and the laundry is separate with a laundry sink to suit a baby

bath.

Reverse cycle air condi tioning has been installed throughout the residence with security screens and quality blinds and window coverings. Sliding doors open to the out door patio with extra paved area, fitted blind and situated away from the weather.

Side access will allow fu ture opportunities for a shed with double gates, a fully fenced backyard, gardens with established fruit trees. Irrigation is installed on the lawns and garden and there is a 6.6KW solar system.

A short stroll to the Primary School, Cafes and Main Street of Tolga, the only thing left to do is sign the paperwork.

• 4 Bedroom family home

with natural light and neutral colours

• Master with walk in robe and ensuite

• Open plan living, kitchen & dining

• Kitchen with breakfast bar, pendant lights and quality appliances

• Main bathroom with sepa rate bath & separate laundry

• Double bay remote ga rage, side access to backyard which is fully fenced

• Established gardens,

lawns with irrigation and full fencing

• 6.6KW Solar System, security screens & blinds throughout & reverse cycle air conditioning

Inspections are a must. For more information or a private inspection please contact Exclusive Agent

Kaydee Chatfield at Main St Real Estate on 0417 468 941 to arrange your private viewing.

The views...

bench tops, a front & side deck plus a patio area big enough to entertain.

The home sits proudly on an elevated location with northerly rural views of the dam and Ranges.

Surrounded by lovely gar dens this 4 bedroom, 3 bath room, 2 kitchen home is well presented & every creature comfort for a family has been added including: air-con, built in robes, 2 fireplaces, stone

The main home features a large kitchen with views, wood fire heater; 2 bedrooms, with the main bedroom boast ing air conditioning, a walk in robe and master ensuite; sec ond bathroom, storage room and laundry room.

The guest wing features 2 bedrooms with built-ins, ve randa with views, wood heat er, kitchen with stone bench tops and a modern bathroom.

There is a 3 bay machinery shed with extensive storage as well as a lockable shed with concrete floor, power water connected. more information con tact agent, Morgan Brennan at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450 or (07) 4091 therton.com.au/L19586763

In addition, the property is well fenced into 3 paddocks with cattle yards for livestock grazing.

water, pastures and views.

Address: Millaa Millaa Malanda Road, MALANDA Price: Contact Agent Agent: EXCLUSIVE to Shellie Nightingale Elders Real Estate Malanda 0429 966 038 with blank canvas

Paddocks are predomi nately Brachiaria and Se teria with legumes and all fencing is in good condition. Half the steel yards have re been upgraded. For further information on this magnificent prop call Elders Exclusive ly Listed Agent Shellie Nightingale on 0429 966 038.

Williams creek is perma nent, feeding both paddocks all year round. The pocket of rainforest in the South ern corner is lush and never been commercially logged.

Pole home with B&B bussiness for sale

PURPOSE-BUILT Pole

Home with Income is now on the Market.

Peaceful and serene with stunning mountain views, this John Nott residential pole home with B&B income is the perfect base for exploring the Atherton Tablelands includ ing lakes, rain forests, and trails.

Handy to town amenities, this is a great opportunity to secure a residential home and income or investment property on the Atherton Ta blelands.

Features include:

• Elevated 1890m2 allot ment taking in stunning views

• Purpose built 6 bedroom

pole home with income

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

• B&B Business estab lished since 2000

• Inground pool with un dercover BBQ area

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

• Skillion Roof shed

Built in 1998, the Pole home was designed to cap ture the surrounding moun tain views while providing privacy to enjoy.

With plenty of space, the house can be used to re lax and reflect in individual spaces, or socialise and con

nect with friends and family. Floor-to-ceiling timber brings you in touch with the natural environment on the Atherton Tablelands along with the kitchen area providing a fan tastic social environment with connections to the outdoor timber deck as well as the lounge, and dining areas.

The home has three levels in total which offers a variety of options including part B&B and live all B&B business or dual family occupancy.

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

in total and four bathrooms.

HERE you will find an attrac tive investment property lo cated in a quiet street.

The home is ready for a savvy investor to expand their portfolio. A quality tenant in place on a twelve-month tenancy earning you an im mediate income.

There is nothing to do as the exterior clay brick con struction saves you money as it never requires painting. For you and your tenant’s peace of mind the home is fully security screened.

This three-bedroom fam ily home has a spacious liv ing area with the lounge and

dining room opening onto the front patio views of the mountains.

There is a generous sized double lock up garage with access directly into the house and a garden shed for all the extras.

The sizable 860 square metre level allotment is beau tifully established with a low

maintenance garden – per fect for the investor and ten ants alike.

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

Put your money to work and your mind to rest

To arrange your private inspection contact Rino Gava at Raine & Horne Atherton. Phone 0427 779 086. 0419

Tide

Tide

Tide

Tide

Across

7 Comprehensive; many-sided.

9 Not typical; unusual. (6)

10 One of a pair born at one birth. (4)

11 A product of one’s creative work or thought. (10)

12 Feelings of great intensity and warmth. (6)

14 A cause or occasion of disgrace or discredit. (8)

15 one of a pair that usually resemble each other closely. (9,4)

17 An imagined or projected sequence of events. (8)

19 A gland lying at the base of the

neck. (6)

21 A small amount or number. (10)

22 Microscopic bug that feeds on decaying matter. (4)

23 A decorative band on an interior wall or a piece of furniture. (6)

24 To do something efficiently and energetically. (2,2,4)

Down

1 A look of sullen dislike, discontent, or anger. (6)

2 Small, active songbirds. (4)

3 A sudden spell of activity and energy. (8)

4 Thick, fleshy root vegetable. (6)

5 The right granted to a vehicle to proceed ahead of another. (5,2,3)

6 The owner or manager of a tavern or pub. (8)

8 A method of establishing one’s position using the distance and direction travelled. (4,9)

13 Each other. (3,7)

15 In a private or secret session; not in public. (2,6)

16 To carry on a lawsuit. (8)

18 A short, close-fitting coat of thick cloth. (6)

20 Characteristic of affluent people. (6)

Aries 21 to April 20

This week’s emotional start ends on a pleasant note. You might be feeling emotions in general might be bubbling over. It’s possible that a relationship feels one sided, you might feel inclined to say something but be warned an argument is likely.

This might feel like you’re the one but not being someone

Libra

Sept 24 to Oct 23

This week, a new beginning is happening. Plant all the seeds for that big goal, do new things, meet new people. The more seeds you plant the bigger the harvest.You might feel inclined to weave some magic into your days.

Taurus

This week, a busy several days ends with some peaceful quiet time. You could feel frustrated with others. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” Things will start to work out towards the end of the week & any negative emotions will drain away.

This new financial opportunities come into view. You might feel excited & emotional about a financial prospect. Before you tell everyone you’ve hit the jackpot, step back and give it some thought. Assign it a purpose or it will just be

Scorpio

Oct 24 to Nov 22

This week, you’re receiving messages from the Universe. It’s not good to stew in your own juices, especially if the person you’re stewing about doesn’t even know they’ve hurt you. Have an open conversation about it. Effective communication is key.

Gemini to

This to be had, will have to until another They aren’t ready to

his week, you’re inspired to do great things. A new opportunity might show up, but you might not be quite there yet. Don’t worry, if you miss it this time, the Universe will send it again, very soon.

Heightened emotions may cause small things to trip you up.

22 Slang for hand. (4) take a break... midnight multimedia nursery organize peace penetrate quaint radical railroad rational recession referee rehabilitation reject ridge satisfied selection shake spectrum spring supply terminal tight tolerate tract trail trend verdict watch weight wilderness You could get tangled in an emotional discussion with a loved one. There’s a possibility it will get heated, try to keep it light if you can. It could lead to some fun. It’s also a good time for small romantic gestures.

Bahá’í

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Mareeba Turf Club to be held on the 16th of October, 2022 at Mareeba Turf Club at 10am.

Sunday 2nd LEASE NOTICE AUTHORITY

Mineral Resources Act 1989 – Section 252 Environmental Protection Act 1994 – Section 152 Mining Operation for Cherry Tree Creek Mining Lease Application Number 100283 - For a term of 20 years

It is advised that an application has been made for a mining lease and en vironmental authority under the provisions of the above mentioned Acts, for the mining/purpose of Tailings / settling dam,Workshop / machinery / storage,Living quarters / camp on the following land parcel within the Cook Shire Council: Lot 14 on plan SP250040.

The application is located at approximately 15km’s NE of Maytown Palmer, Qld 4892.

Agenda Item: Election of a new committee. Oma & Mama Alma BEWICK 3/12/1941 ~ 18/9/2021

Our lives go on without you, But nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache, When someone speaks your name. are the hearts that love you, But with the love in our hearts, You walk with us forever.

MOBILE

BILL

Forever loved & missed Robert, Lincoln and Roxanne, Stephanie and Colin, Kent and Melonie, Grand Children and Great Grand Children. P: 0488 766

The applicants are: Malcolm Scott Pryce (100%)

Date & time Applications Lodged: ML100283 lodged 8th June 2021 at 10:13pm

Mining activities to be carried out include: Alluvial Gold Mining Mining Lease Application Documents

The application documents consist of the Application for Mining Lease, cop ies of or extracts from the application documents, and the endorsed Mining Lease Notice detailing the location and description of the land applied for (in cluding 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: Level 9, Verde Tower, 445 Flinders Street, Townsville Qld 4810, or may be obtained by contacting the local mines assessment hub on MineralHub@resources.qld.gov.au. Environmental Authority Documents

The application documents for the proposal consist of the following: Application form: Application for a Standard Environmental Author ity - EPSX00794213.

Copies of, or extracts from, the application documents may be inspected at the Department of Environment and Science, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 or may be obtained by contacting Permit and Licence Manage ment 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 Manage ment 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 environ mental authority. The objection/submission period, during which objec tions/submissions can be given, concludes on Tuesday 18th October, 2022 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: Malcolm Pryce PO Box 3261,Burleigh Town Qld 4220

Email: malpryce@gmail.com

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 Sci ence on 1300 130 372 (select option 4) to obtain a submission form or obtain a copy from the departments website: www.des.qld.gov.au

Notice of AGM

Annual General Meeting of Better Together Community Support Incorporated will be held at 10:30am on Friday 21 October, 2022 in the TRC Disaster Coordination Centre Conference Room, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton. All financial members are invited to attend. Please note that to have voting rights, members must be financial as at Friday 7 October, 2022.

Nominations for vacant Board of Management positions are welcome and must be received at Better Together by no later than 4:30pm on Friday 7 October, 2022. Nominations can be hand delivered to Better Together, 1a Main Street, Atherton or alternatively by email to: juanita.h@bettertogether.com.au.

At the completion of the AGM, please join us for light refreshments. For catering purposes, RSVP to phone 4091 3850 or email: juanita.h@bettertogether.com.au by Friday 14 October, 2022.

David Duncan, Secretary

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the under mentioned road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from Saturday the 8th October, 2022, 12:00pm until 12:00am – Grigg Street and Kuradilla Street, Erpo Street and Kuradilla Street, Wakooka Street and Wormboo Street, Grigg Street and Major Street, Monument Street and Major Street, John Street and Herbert Street.

Ravenshoe will be partially closed at the intersections of Kuradilla Street, Erpo Street Wormboo Street, Major Street and John Street during the holding of Torimba Festival Mardi Gras 2022.

Alternative routes are available on Kuradilla Street intersecting with Grigg Street, Erpo Street and Wakooka Street. Intersections will be open to normal vehicular traffic at 12.00am.

BIODIVERSITY OFFICER

Full Time (75 Hours / Fortnight)

Or Part Time (60 Hours / Fortnight)

Fixed Term to June 2023

With possibility of extension

Location options: Mareeba or Georgetown

DISASTER RESILIENCE OFFICER

Full Time (75 Hours / Fortnight)

Or Part Time (60 Hours / Fortnight)

Fixed Term to March 2025

Location options: Mareeba or Georgetown

WORK SKILLS TRAINEE

Full time (75 Hours / Fortnight)

Fixed Term 6 month contract

Located in Georgetown

For more information and to apply, go to: gulfsavannahnrm.org/employment

Applications Close: Monday 10 October, 2022 at 9:00am. We are also accepting Expressions of Interest for other upcoming positions via our website.

POITION VACANT

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

FULL TIME

This is a great opportunity to be part of an expanding marketing team in the Cairns re gion. We require an enthusiastic marketing/ sales executive who can service existing cli ents and build a client base.

This person must be results driven, capable of working alone, dynamic, self driven, and willing to get out of the office and build rela tionships.

The product is both Digital and Newspaper advertising, selling to a wide range of busi nesses across the region.

Above award wage for the right person; tab let and laptop provided.

If you feel that this is you, forward your resume to: admin@cairnslocalnews.com.au

PAYMENT SYSTEM

The Express would like to inform their valued clients that we do not issue 7 day accounts, however we can extend to you the establishment of a regular 30 day account or the below methods of payment.

EFTPOS, Direct Payment Facilities and Credit Card Option

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE PHONE (07) 4092 3464

CASUAL COOKS / KITCHEN HANDS

Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (EDUCATION QLD)

Applications are invited for the positions of casual Cooks / Kitchen Hands at the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre. Applicants must be available to work week days and between the hours of 6.00am and 7.30pm.

The successful applicants will subject to: • A Working with Children Check. Confirmation of employment is conditional upon the applicant being issued with a Blue Card • Criminal History Check

For further information or to obtain a Role Description, please contact the Principal by email: principal@tinarooeec.eq.edu.au.

Applications should include a work history and details of any relevant qualifications held.

Applications close on Tuesday, 4 October, 2022 at 5.00pm and should be either emailed to: principal@tinarooeec.eq.edu.au

Or posted to: Principal, Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre PO Box 65, Kairi QLD. 4872

ADMINISTRATION

This is a diverse role working in the administration area providing front office support and excellent client service whilst supporting the accountants with workflow and the admin requirements of our clients.

You will be the first point of contact for our firm and will represent who we are. This is a full-time position however flexibility for the ideal candidate is negotiable.

Duties Include:

• General administration

• Assist Accountants to manage the administrative requirements of our business clients by way of data entry, invoicing, basic payroll, preparation of documents

• Adhoc duties as requested by principal and staff

The Ideal Candidate:

• Is flexible and adaptable, willing to take up any challenge that comes your way with a can-do positive attitude

• Organised with a high level of attention to detail

• Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks

• Someone who loves admin and getting things ticked off your list

• Experience in an accounting environment using Microsoft Word and Excel, Xero, XPM, Handisoft an advantage but not necessary

If you answered yes to any of the above, we would love to hear from you!

Please forward resume and cover letter to: admin@impactnq.com.

Applications will be held in confidence.

Choorechillum (Ngadjon-Jii Pbc) Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC HAS A VACANCY FOR AN ADMINISTRATOR OFFICER

• Operations Coordinator/Team Leader

Visit: www.careers.missionaustralia.com.au to find out more.

For 20 hours per week. If you are interested please contact: Warren Canendo, Choorechillum Contact Person on 0428 484 816 Or Don Geyer on 0437 226 546

PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN

A vacancy exists for an active person to join our team in Atherton. We are a local family business with over 20 years experience in the pest management industry. Responsibilities include all aspects of pest control work and ability to work unsupervised. Be a part of our dynamic team in a rewarding career.

To be considered for this position applicants must have:

• A current drivers licence

• Pest Control Licence (desired or willing to train)

For more details please contact phone 07 4091 1176

Resume and cover letter can be emailed to: greatnorthernpestmanagement@gmail.com

Applications close 5th October, 2022.

Exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need.

Join our new AOD Residential Rehab, located on the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba & Kuranda. ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING: Practice Leader

Stallan bowls to Australian champs

At only 16 years old, Stallan has already represented her small town with pride at the recent U18’s Queensland vs New South Wales test series.

Although the blues were successful, Stallan put up a fight as the team’s skipper and was selected alongside four other girls and five boys to go on to the Australian Championship.

Stallan described playing for Queensland as the best experience she has ever had, making new friends with the same interest to suc ceed in bowls and have fun along the way.

She said the experience has given her drive to keep going and striving to go further and she looks forward to heading to the big smokes to compete against some of the best in the country.

Ambrose to honour golf club stalwart

TO honour the late Carl Mattson, Mareeba Golf Club will be hosting a 2 Ball Ambrose and barbeque this Sunday, with nominations still open for people to get involved.

Anyone of any expertise is invited to come along and honour the late coach through the game he loved the most.

After the friendly game, there will be a barbeque with Mr Matt son’s family and a drinks cart making its way around the course throughout the day.

The event will kick off at 9am for a 9.30am shotgun start on Sun day 2 October. There is a $20 fee per player. To nominate for the day, contact the Mareeba Golf Club Clubhouse on 4092 1528

FNQ Frogs leap to the top

After a two-year hiatus, seven district teams of women golfers from across Queensland met at Middle Ridge Golf Club in Toow oomba to contest the Meg Nunn Salver with the FNQ team mostly comprised of Atherton locals, taking out the top spot.

The FNQ District has won the annual Inter-District Matchplay event on six pre vious occasions and the FNQ Frogs added another victory to the tally, narrowly de feating Brisbane District by one point.

The FNQ Frogs had five local Atherton Golf Club members, Amber Barker, Alicia

English, Samantha Duck, Robin Beck and Jacqui Lambert who holed the winning putt on the final day. The sixth team member was Marion Wright from Half Moon Bay.

Wright has been a member of all seven winning teams – one short of the individual record – while Barker recorded her sec ond win as she was in the winning team at Rockhampton in 2018.

Barker had an outstanding performance during the competition, winning five of the six matches.

Both the team captain Nikki Bruce and

team manager Erina Williams were proud of the team’s performance, especially from first-time representatives Alicia, Samantha and Robin.

Next year’s tournament will now be held on home ground at the Atherton Golf Club and the Frogs are eager to defend their new title.

“The players are very excited to have the chance to defend their title on their home course and we are looking forward to the challenge,” Bruce said.

Jumping for gold at championships

FROM the small town of Dimbulah to the big city of Brisbane, 12-year-old Leila-Rose Aliya and 15-year-old Ally MacLeod will jump for gold at this year’s school athletics Queensland Champi onships.

After discovering their talent for high jump at the beginning of the school year, Leila-Rose and Ally have already smashed goals, coming first at their Inter-school, District and the Peninsula Re gional Athletics trial.

Tall, lean and quick, Ally has been working alongside Leila-Rose and their teacher at Dim bulah State School, Emme Wild, to condition and improve on their techniques before heading to the big competition.

Ally says although she hasn’t been high-jump ing for long, she has what it takes to proudly repre sent her small school and region in Brisbane.

“I started doing high jump this year, so I have only had about four months’ worth of training,” she said.

“We are training up to three mornings a week before school and during our lunch breaks and sometimes even after school to be the best we can be.

“It is a scary feeling leading up to the event,

but I have the support of my mum who is coming down with me.

“The highest I have jumped is 1.43 m at penin sula and I was so excited to have made that.”

Although smaller than other athletes in her age group, Leila-Rose knows how to dominate the event.

Keen to represent Dimbulah with pride, she is feeling more and more excitement every day as the date comes closer.

“I am pretty excited to be going down, I have been listening to my Ms Wild and she knows ex actly what to do,” she said.

“Right now, my personal best is 1.47 metres which I made at districts and that is only 3cm off the qualifying heigh for nationals and beat the re cord.

“I am feeling pretty confident I will make (the qualifying height).”

Leila-Rose will be jumping on Wednesday 12 October and Ally will be jumping Thursday 13 October, going head to head with some of the best athletes in the state.

The championships run from Monday 11 Octo ber until Friday 14 October.

AVID young lawn bowler Corrinne Stallan will be heading to Broad beach on the Gold Coast to represent Cooktown Bowls Club in the Australian Under 18’s Championships which kicks off on 30 Sep tember.

The FNQ Frogs have claimed the Meg Nunn Salver title, becoming the 2022 champions and getting the chance to hold next year's event at the Atherton Golf Club.

Corrine Stallan from Cooktown will be representing Cooktown Bowls Club in the Australian Under 18’s Championships.

Leila-Rose Aliya and Ally MacLeod will aim high as they represent the region in high jump at the Queensland Championships.

12-year-old Leila-Rose Aliya (left) from Dimbulah State School will be competing in the high jump at the Queensland Championships and Ally MacLeod (right) will be representing her small hometown and the region at the Queensland Championships.

New ultra-marathon runs through Tablelands

BY RHYS THOMAS

RUNNERS will be able to test their might, endurance and push their bodies to the utmost limit with a new ultra-marathon set to be held on the Tablelands at the end of October.

The Old Mates Backyard Ul tra is a newly devised 6.7km loop running on 28 October through the picturesque but rough terrain of Old Mates Farm on the Table lands.

Unlike other marathons, the Old Mates Backyard Ultra and other backyard ultras dotted around Australia do not have a finish line, the event continues until there is one runner left stand ing.

Race director Joshua Duff said the race has been scheduled for several days and will not end until there is one runner left, meaning the race could be going on for over 24 hours.

Much like a beep test, the race runs on an hourly timer and if a runner is not ready to go in the starting pack when the hour pass es, they are out.

“Technically there is no end, you keep going until you cannot anymore – there is a start line but no finish line,” Mr Duff said.

“There has been some demand in Far North Queensland for a backyard ultra and we have been looking for a venue for the past 18

months or so.”

It was during a visit in April that Duff and his wife Salome found the perfect venue to host their new running event, Old Mates Farm, a perfect track with the right facilities to host the ul tra-marathon.

While a niche market, the audi ence for backyard ultras is grow ing and the Old Mates Backyard Ultra will be the third to be held in Queensland, with the other two events in Brisbane and Nanango.

The duration of the Old Mates Backyard Ultra is entirely de pendent on the runners, Duff says he is prepared to keep the event running for days.

“We will start at eight o’clock on the Saturday morning with the first lap and we just keep go ing until there is only one person left and that person is the last one standing and winner,” Duff said.

“We could be there just for the Saturday or we could be running for 24 plus hours, it all depends on the runners.

“Friday afternoon is when people can come, check in, set up their camping and get ready.”

Volunteers are being sought for the event to help set up the race and assist in its operations, for more information on the event and to register to race or volun teer, head to www.smurfandsmur fette.com.au/old-mates-backyardultra

Swim into hockey underwater style

HOCKEY has gone underwater, and lo cals have embraced the unique activity with local Tablelands Underwater Hockey Club starting up at the Atherton Pool every Monday.

The sport is just like regular hockey only played at the bottom of a pool with two teams of six participants trying to get a lead puck into the oppositions goal.

Already taking off in popularity in Cairns, fans of the game wanted to see it take off on the Atherton Tablelands.

So when coordinator Lizelle van der Merwe moved up the hill, it was the perfect opportunity to get Tablelanders involved in the new and unique game.

Being underwater, the sport is low im

pact, helps improve CO2 tolerance, stam ina and flexibility and gives participants a cardio workout.

One of the organisers, Sean Hartley, got into underwater hockey to lose weight and said it has truly benefitted his health.

“When I first heard about underwater hockey, like many I thought ‘what the heck is that’ but I fell in love with it,” he said.

“Because of underwater hockey I can hold my breath for six minutes and can free dive and spear fish a lot easier.”

Tablelands Underwater Hockey meets every Monday night from 5.30pm at the Atherton Aquatic Centre.

Super start to season

THE Mareeba second grade side has redeemed themselves after a convincing win over town ri vals Atherton at Borzi Park on Sunday.

Atherton made the first mistake by winning the toss and sending the home side into bat, get ting opener Luke Twomey out before Ben Jones and Brandon Green settled in.

Jones ended on 36 off 30 while Green barely missed out on a T20 half century, finishing on 49 off 50 before Atherton finished bowling their 20 overs, with Mareeba setting a good total of 124.

Mareeba was quick to strike at the beginning of their bowling attack, taking down Atherton’s first three batters for less than five runs before captain Greg Misener stood in to steady the ship.

Wickets were dropping around him as batters got out without bothering the scorers, the relent less Mareeba bowling attack eventually wore Atherton down until they were all out for 94, giving Mareeba the win.

Mareeba third grade has continued their un

beaten run after winning against Barron at Borzi Park on Saturday.

After winning the toss and sending the visi tors in to bat, Mareeba quickly tied down the Barron batters and kept the run rate down, forc ing batters to dot up instead of freeing the arms and making big runs.

Mareeba’s tight bowling kept Barron rela tively quiet as they finished on 5/87 after their allotted 20 overs.

By comparison Mareeba wasted no time in attacking the ball as the batters came out swing ing, several made double figures.

Mareeba passed Barron’s score in the 14th over and remain on the top of the T20 table in the gold pool.

Second grade will now face off against Mul grave at Walker Road this weekend on Sunday while thirds will play Norths Gold at Endeavour Park on Saturday.

Underwater hockey is becoming more and more popular in the Far North, with Atherton starting up their own club every Monday evening.

Salome and Joshua Duff have brought a new ultra-marathon event to the Tablelands in the form of the Old Mates Backyard Ultra.

Best bull ride action set for Malanda

COWBOYS are buckling up and bulls are causing a stir as they pre pare for this year’s annual Big Pub Malanda Bull Ride on 8 October.

This year’s Open Bull Ride event is expected to be bigger and better than every with $10,000 up for grabs for the winning cowboy.

All the action will be captured on the big screen so those attending

Described as a “cowboy spectac ular”, spectators can expect six hours of action from the calf rides, local bullock ride and novice bull rides in the afternoon to the mini bull, junior and open rides in the evening.

won’t miss a single thing.

Before the big event, some of the top open bull riders in the region will meet at the Big Pub in Malanda, for the Open Bull Ride draw and a Cal cutta auction.

The Calcutta auction involves the elite Open Bull Riders being split

into teams and each team will be auctioned to participants who attend the Calcutta.

During the Open Bull Ride on Saturday, the highest aggregated points will be deemed and the win ning team and whoever purchased that team will win 60 per cent of the

auction pool of money, with the sec ond place taking home the remaining 40 per cent.

Tickets are available online now from Try Booking or from purchase from Pure Country in Malanda. The tickets are strictly limited so don’t miss out.

Low scoring weekend for Atherton on pitch

ATHERTON barely scored 100 runs over the weekend as they lost both of their T20 match es, keeping them in fourth place ahead of the semi-finals due to be played under lights next Friday at Griffith Park.

Atherton’s first game was against Norths at Griffiths Park and after winning the toss, Atherton decided to throw on the pads and get busy setting a total.

The batting line-up was off to a decent start with most of the top order making runs into the double figures, however once Norths broke through into the middle and lower order, it only took them a few overs to retire Atherton for a total of 85.

Norths looked unfazed at the crease as their openers quicky went about chasing down Atherton’s total, Lachlan Naess proved to be

invaluable to Norths attack as he remained at the crease, scoring 44 off 42 balls and helping his side get the win in the 14th over.

Atherton’s second game against Mulgrave proved no better as they played under lights at Walker Road against Mulgrave, again winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

There were seven ducks and no batsman made over 10 runs with youngster Logan Pog gioli being the highest run scorer on nine off 25 balls.

Last year’s premiers had no issues chasing down the total with their two opening batsman, passing Atherton’s score in just the third over.

A grade will take a break this weekend as eligible teams prepare for the semi-finals next Friday, the fixture has not been finalised as of print.

Huge crowds are set to return to the popular Malanda Bull Ride on 8 October.

Roosters crow to victory

THE Kangaroos

This Roosters Atherton clini cal young Roost ers

There was a huge supporter base there for the Roosters and the cheering got loud er as the match went on.

Atherton were almost flawless with the ball in hand and they showed good disci pline as they went ahead to lead 22-10 at half time, before running away with the contest in the second-half, setting up what would turn out to be an emphatic 18 point win.

Man of the Match Tait Coghlan crossed for two tries in the Roosters count while Jhidan Dikes, Morgan Payne, Stanley Bus tard and Kaleb Nielsen scored one each.

Roosters under 18 coach Ben Fahlstrom said he was very proud of his side.

“It’s outstanding,” he said.

“The boys put in a great effort all year, so its a really a good reward for them.”

Fahlstrom said he was particulary im pressed with the grand final win.

“We controlled the game and in the end it was a great end to a top year.”

Results from the grand finals played on Saturday were – Womans Edmonton 28 vs Kangaroos 16, reserve grade Brothers 28 vs Innisfail 23, first grade Brothers 26 vs Mossman 24.

Man of the Match, Tait Coghlan.

Roosters under 18 captain Aiden Carson shows the premiers shield. Supporter Pauline Walmsley celebrates the win.

PREMIERS: Breaking a 18 year drought, the Under 18 Roosters side were victorious in Saturday’s grand final.