The Express Newspaper 17th June 2020

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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CREEK INVADED Two invasive and dangerous species have been found by local residents in Atherton Creek, just outside Mareeba. The first being Amazon Fogbit, a noxious weed that can choke waterways, stopping the natural flow of water and destroy native habitats. While a 30cm South American Oscar Cichlid was also caught in the creek in May of this year. Margie Bestmann and Robert Reid have made multiple requests to government departments to rehabilitate the creek with no luck.  FULL STORY P3

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School garden set to grow

BY RHYS THOMAS

BIBOOHRA State School will get to add to their growing vegetable garden thanks to a boost by a local business, Owners of the The Hungry Pug cafe in Mareeba, Simon and Victoria Crosby, last week donated $500 worth of vouchers to the school to help with the garden project.

The two vouchers valued at $250 dollars each from local hardware stores and gardens centres will help the school buy essentials for their new native plant orchard.

The vouchers will be used to purchase equipment and seedlings for a new native plant orchard which was the brainchild of chef turned teacher, Eleanor Silver.

The idea was born to give the students a unique experience by using the native plants and their produce for education both inside and outside the classroom.

“A lot of kids don’t know too much about native fruits and for me it’s important that we acknowledge that and educate the students,” she said.

“I want to be able to use and utilise both gardens to the best of my abilities both as a chef and as a teacher.

“It would be nice to be able to utilise native fruits for the students cooking so they have a better understanding of the produce.”

The vegetable garden has been a working cog within the Biboohra State School system and has even been implemented into their curriculum.

Biboohra State School Principal David King was blown away by the generosity shown and the opportunities and rela-

LOCAL BOOST: Biboohra State School will get the chance to add to their growing garden after The Hungry Pug donated $500 to their program. Pictured is Biboohra State School year 5-6 teacher Eleanor Silver with school captains Aisha Bajramovic and Alicia Holloway and school Principal David King. INSET: The Hungry Pug owners, Simon and Victoria Crosby.

tionships that builds.

“They (The Hungry Pug) were really interested in what we are doing with the vegetable garden and wanted to help,” he said.

“The students have a very active part in the garden as they learn to grow and cook the produce in the garden.

“Your skin just tingles when someone rings you up and they’re local and they want to support you because they have

heard about what you’re doing.”

Co-Owner of The Hungry Pug Victoria, was more than happy to use some of their excess funds to support a local school and advocate for their students learning.

“We are really passionate about our local kids learning how to grow their own food, getting their hands dirty and actually being kids,” she said.

“There have been so many times where I have been at Coles

and kids will ask me while scanning something, what is this?

“It’s important to educate the next generation and for them to know that their produce comes from a farmer and doesn’t just appear on the shelf.”

The new native orchard is planned to start by the end of the school next term in September, with more improvements and additions to be added later in the year.

Markets set to make comeback MARKETS across the region are gearing up to return in a big way with the Malanda Markets reopening this Saturday, June 20, creating a ripple effect across the Tablelands.

After the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Queensland many public outings and gatherings had to be cancelled for public safety.

Now after the easing of stage two restrictions in early June, Markets were given the

all clear to open under new regulations and protocols.

Malanda Market Co-ordinator Ronny Butler approached Tablelands Regional Council about reopening the markets and had to pass certain criteria before being allowed to reopen the markets.

Now after been given the green light, Ms Butler has been informing stall holders who have been chomping at the bit and has been getting a great re-

sponse.

“The stall holders are all excited about getting back into it,” she said.

“My phone has been running wild since we stopped the markets with locals just asking us when we are planning on opening back up.

“It will be great to see everyone out and about and enjoying the markets once again.”

Malanda Markets are not the only markets planning on reo-

pening soon with the Wondecla Markets opening on Sunday, June 21 and the Mareeba Markets in August.

The Mareeba Markets are aiming for an August 8 startup and must also meet certain criteria and health guidelines.

Social distancing must still be observed while the markets are running and stall holders must ensure that patrons do not gather in groups larger than 10.

Stall holders that fall under

the criteria of farmers markets, food markets and arts and crafts stores are the only type of stalls that will be allowed in the market with extra distance being put between all the stalls.

In Yungaburra, the Yungaburra P&C will be meeting this week to discuss a possible reopening of their markets July.

The meeting is to ensure that they can still comply with all of the proper regulations to host a successful market.

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Waterway worries

BY PHIL BRANDEL

MARGIE Bestmann has lived on Atherton Creek for the past 30 years, her friends and family swim, catch fish and use water from the creek regularly.

In 2017 Margie noticed the creek was changing and a new weed was taking hold, it was slowly smothering the creek and hindering the water flow.

She discovered that it was Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) an invasive weed from South America that is banned in New South Wales and Western Australia and is a declared noxious weed in Victoria.

“Typically every wet season we get enough rain to flood the creek and wash it out, but back then (2017) we didn't have a decent wet season and that was when the weed took hold,” said Ms Bestmann.

Frogbit is kept and used in fish ponds, aquariums and water features and can rapidly invade and smother waterways. Plants form into large mats of runners and can develop very quickly.

Juvenile plants are easily carried along by water currents and spread to other waterways.

Ms Bestmann has since made phone calls to various councillors at the Mareeba Shire Council, Terrain NRM and SunWater to get the weed under control with no luck.

It’s believed the weed got into the waterway from the contents of either a fish tank or fish pond

being dumped into the creek.

Robert Reid, who has lived along Atherton Creek for the past 15 years, said the problem started three years ago and he has been getting the run-around from council and government departments about fixing the problem.

“We sent letters to the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui who then forwarded our letter to The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and we never heard back from them,” Mr Reid said.

“I’ve sent a letter to Sunwater who said it wasn’t there problem and Terrain NRM said the same thing.

“I’ve spoken to The Mareeba Shire Council who said that funding to clear the weed had been allocated to another organisation.

“This weed is banned in NSW and WA, they need to ban it here and eradicate it from our creeks.”

A council spokesperson said that “Council land protection officers are assisting the Muluridji Ranger Group with the removal and containment of the Amazon Frogbit.”

A spokesperson for Biosecurity Queensland told The Express, “On June 4, a letter was sent to Mr Robert Reid addressing the concerns he raised in his correspondence to the Member for Cook.

Since it was first detected in 2011 in Queensland, Amazon Frogbit has been found in

4095 4447

waterways throughout South East Queensland and Far North Queensland. There is no national agreement for the management or control of Amazon Frogbit in Australia.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries scientists have been trialling various herbicides in the hope of finding a suitable control option.

Biosecurity Queensland works with local councils, landholders, indigenous communities, and environmental groups, to educate on stopping the spread of the weed.”

Amazon Frogbit is not the only species to have invaded Atherton Creek On Mother’s Day of this year, Margie and her family were fishing from the back of their property in Atherton Creek.

Instead of flowers or chocolates for Mother’s Day, Margie’s son James landed a fish they had never seen before, originally thinking that it was some sort of Tilapia.

“We had never seen a fish that colour before, so we started asking around. It turned out the fish was an Oscar Cichlid,” said Ms Bestmann.

‘Oscars’ (Astronotus ocellatus) are a highly invasive and aggressive species that originates from tropical South America.

Oscar Cichlids are imported into Australia as an ornamental aquarium fish and make their way into waterways as a result of being illegally dumped into local

INVADED: Atherton Creek with Amazon Frogbit floating on the water. INSET: The Oscar Cichlid that was caught in the local creek in May.

creeks and dams after they get too big for their tanks or when owners no longer want them.

A spokesperson from Biosecurity Queensland said, “Ornamental fish enthusiasts and backyard pond owners should never dump fish. Unwanted aquarium fish should be given to friends or a pet shop instead of letting them go in the wild.

Oscar Cichlids are territorial and can impact on native fish and plant species when competing for habitat and food and also

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the environment. They should be buried above the high water mark or disposed of in an appropriate waste receptacle.

Sightings of Oscar Cichlids should be reported, together with a photo, online at www.daf. qld.gov.au/fisheries/pest-fish/ report-a-pest-fish-sighting or by calling 13 25 23.

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prey on smaller fish.

They also cause loss of popular fishing locations by outcompeting and destroying native fish habitats.

“Once Oscar Cichlids become established in a large open waterway they are virtually impossible to eradicate. Although a variety of methods have been tried, there is currently no single, effective broad-scale control method.”

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Growers urged to undertake roadside burning

LOCAL horticultural growers are being urged to use the winter months to review fire management plans and undertake roadside burning to reduce bushfire risk.

FNQ Growers chair Joe Moro said the region’s climate and environment made it a melting pot for bushfires when weather conditions worsened in the summer months.

“In late 2019, we bore witness to a number of catastrophic fires in the region including near Mareeba, Lakeland and other parts around the Atherton Tablelands,” Mr Moro said.

“The fires claimed homes, crops and bushland.

“While we were fortunate to not have suffered the devastation that other parts of the east coast of Australia did during this period, the crisis presented an opportunity for us – landholders and the broader community - to learn and implement strategies to ensure we don’t see a repeat of it.

“As we’ve seen, fire has a mind of its own.” Mr Moro said.

The winter months are an ideal time for landholders to proactively reduce the bushfire risk through controlled burns.

“Like we prepare for the cyclone season and any imminent threat it brings, landholders also have an obligation to carry out hazard reduction activities,” Mr Moro said.

“Use this time to review your fire management plans and consider things like the water supply and access to it.

“If you need carry our roadside burning make sure you have the required fire permits.”

UPGRADE: Hill MP Shane Knuth wants to see the Palmerston Highway fixed properly.

Palmerston upgrade announced

THE Palmerston Highway is one of the most important routes between the Tablelands and the Cassowary Coast and it’s now set for an upgrade after recent heavy rain left large potholes.

The State Government has announced it will commit $3 million to repair the Highway around Henrietta Creek. This follows on from the recent $6 million in upgrades that were carried out along Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road and the Palmerston Highway.

Hill MP Shane Knuth said he had been lobbying for

years to get the road repaired properly.

“The Palmerston Highway has been used for many years as a major transport route and the traffic has increased dramatically, including buses and trucks. The continuing issues are caused by poor drainage which is causing severe potholes,” Mr Knuth said.

“In 2017 I secured $3 million dollars to upgrade the Henrietta Creek section and we saw the road falling to pieces within a few months.

“I have met with the Min-

ister and pointed out to him that we are getting tired of appointing southern contractors that just don’t know North Queensland weather conditions.”

Mr Knuth believes one of the problems with getting the road fixed permanently is the tender process.

“They have given the job to the cheapest tender and then we don’t get a proper job,” said Mr Knuth.

“We should be giving local contractors the opportunity tender for these projects, we are disappointed with

patch-ups we want our roadworks to last for years.”

Mr Knuth says that the current $3 million allocated for road works between Henrietta Creek and Gooligan Creek isn’t enough and that more investment was needed to make the road safe.

“The last thing road users want to see are maintenance crews back out there months later fixing something that should have been fixed properly in the first place,” he said.

In May the state government announced that 25

per cent of all government purchases were to be from Queensland small and medium-sized businesses from July 1. The target would then be extended to 30 per cent by June 30, 2022.

A commitment that Mr Knuth says should be also applied to local roadworks “I don’t have any faith in that commitment from the government, but we have been working very hard to make that commitment a reality,” said Mr Knuth.

The roadworks are due to start in July this year.

New speed limit for Gillies Range Road

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QUEENSLAND Transport and Main roads have announced that the speed limit on Gillies Range Road between the Bruce Highway and the bottom of the range will change to 80km/h.

Transport and Main Roads Regional Director for North Queensland Sanjay Ram said a speed limit review had been completed.

“We’ve listened to the community and the Speed Management Committee has undertaken a speed limit review,” Mr Ram said.

“The review process con-

siders a range of factors such as road function, roadside environment, road construction standards, prevailing traffic speeds and crash history.

“In consideration of these factors, the committee’s recommendation is to remove the fluctuating speeds between 60km/h and 100km/h, and permanently change the entire section to 80km/h.

“This means the 100km/h speed limit through Blackwell Creek Bridge will decrease to 80 km/h and the 60km/h section near Ross and Locke reserve

will increase to 80km/h.

The committee includes representatives from the Queensland Police Service, Cairns Regional Council and Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

Mr Ram said “These changes will come into effect before the end of June and I urge all motorists to observe the new speed limit and always drive to the conditions.”

Several speed advisory signs will be installed to make drivers aware of the changes in speed limits.

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Locals recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours list for 2020

Former long-serving Mareeba Mayor Tom Gilmore and Tablelands travelling greengrocer Fari Rameshfar have been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their service and contribution to the region.

TOM GILMORE Former Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore has been recognised for his service to local government and to the community of Mareeba by being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the recent Queens Birthday honours list.

In 1986 Mr Gilmore was elected as the National Party member for Tablelands in the Queensland Legislative Assembly. In 1992 he moved to the front bench as Shadow Minister for Minerals and Energy, a portfolio he held until the Coalition took government in 1996,

“You spend your life doing these things and you surround yourself with amazing people who do great stuff,” he said.

“This award belongs to my family, my wife and children and to the extraordinary people I’ve worked with in recognition of what we have achieved in our community.

“Obviously somebody thought well of me.”

Some people have mentioned to Mr Gilmore that he has left a lasting legacy upon the local Mareeba community.

“If there’s a legacy to be left in local government it would be that I continually pursued an expansion of the economic base of my community. You can’t have an economy that is a one trick pony. Every time you get an opportunity you to have to take it,” he said.

“You have to make sure there are options for local businesses to thrive and it’s important to have opportunities for our young people, because if there’s no opportunity there’s no future.”

In over 30 years of politics Mr Gilmore says there was one job he was disappointed not to have finished.

“In my maiden speech to parliament I spoke about the need to seal the Chillagoe Road. It’s

whereupon he became the Minister.

He was the Mayor of the Tablelands Regional Council from 2008 to 2012 and became Mayor of the Mareeba Shire when it de-amalgamated in 2013. He retired earlier this year and says that he is still busy even in retirement.

“It’s a major change of lifestyle so you’ve got to work your way through it and keep yourself busy,” he said.

Mr Gilmore said being awarded an OAM was an extraordinary and humbling experience.

a disappointment to me that I won’t be there when it finally happens,” he said.

“For over 30 years I’ve argued the case for that road to be fixed. Its slowly getting underway and other people have taken that up. But on the other hand there are things that I got done that balanced that out.”

There are both big and small projects that Mr Gilmore says he was happy to have been involved with including the sugar mill on the Tablelands and the establishment of the prison near Walkamin.

“I lost a lot of friends over that prison, but over time people now understand that the prison supplies around 400 jobs directly.

“It’s important to expand industry in the local area and the prison has to be served with food and trades and the people who work at the prison take home wages.

“They build houses, they raise their families and they become part of the community.

“Sometimes I just had to grit my teeth and say I know a project like this is right, regardless of the hurt that may come from it and I have to deal with that.”

Mr Gilmore also said that small things could also make a

big difference.

“There were times that I helped individuals with the smallest little things and that a made a huge difference to their lives. It’s been a lot of fun.”

So what’s in the immediate future for the ex-mayor?

“I’m getting use to the idea that I don’t get up and go to

work at 7.30am each day and I’m comfortable with that,” said Mr Gilmore.

“I chose not to proceed as I didn’t want to be the Mayor when I was 78 as I thought another four years was much too long. “So now I’m adapting to my choices and getting on with my life.”

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FARI RAMESHFAR Fari migrated to Australia from Iran in 1973, first living in Melbourne and then moving to the Tablelands in 1983.

In 1989 Fari started delivering fresh and vegetables to people in outback Queensland in his refrigerated truck and he now operates one of the longest fruit and vegetable runs in the world. For the past 30 years, he has taken his produce on a 2000 km return trip, starting in the Tablelands and stopping at cattle stations and homesteads at places like Charters Towers, Julia Creek, Richmond, Hughenden and Winton.

"Some of those people have 400 or 500 kilometres' distance to their nearest shop so they really appreciate the service going out there," he said.

“After 30 years they're not only my customers, they're my family and friends.”

Mr Rameshfar received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the region's remote communities.

He said his work gave him "inner joy" but he has had to shorten his circuit in recent years and is contemplating retirement.

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Connie Duncan, Director of First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centre in Atherton is looking forward to the end of the free childcare scheme.

BY PHIL BRANDEL THE Federal Government has announced that it will end its free childcare scheme next month, at the same time ending the JobKeeper payment for childcare workers.

Education Minister Dan Tehan said that JobKeeper payments for childcare workers will end on July 20, and Australia’s free childcare program will be wound up on July 12.

Under the new rules, Childcare workers will become the first sector to be told that their wage subsidies will end earlier than the six-month life of the Job Keeper program.

Mr Tehan announced that there will be a $708 million in funding to replace JobKeeper from July 13 until September 27 and that it will be a “tiny bit” less than JobKeeper.

As well as ending Job Keeper the government has announced that parents will go back to paying for their children’s care, with the reintroduction of the Child Care Subsidy, but the Government will loosen the criteria for subsidised care for families still struggling due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Government will loosen the activity test until October 4 to support eligible families whose employment has been impacted as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Tehan said.

“These families will receive

up to 100 hours per fortnight of subsidised care during this period.”

Connie Duncan who is the Director of the First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centre in Atherton, said she can’t wait for the free childcare period to end.

“At the moment the government is only giving us a 50 per cent subsidy and JobKeeper,” said Mrs Duncan.

“Our enrolments are increasing, but if any of my staff are sick or need time off I cant call in a casual because we’re only getting 50 per cent of our costs from the government.

“That means I need to employ a casual at full rate when my income is only 50 percent.

“Our 50 per cent subsidy is also based on our enrolments in February and our numbers have gone up since then.

“So all the people that have enrolled over the past month are technically getting free childcare.”

Mrs Duncan said that if the normal government subsidies come back in, there would be no need for Job Keeper.

“We could start operating normally and start hiring casuals again,” she said.

General Manager of Mareeba Kids Campus Jeanette Sturiale agreed that the rolling back of free childcare was a good thing for the industry.

“Free childcare wasn’t a bad idea, it was just the way it was

delivered by the government.

They delivered free childcare, which was great when people were struggling,” she said.

“But under that program, we would only get half from the government of what we normally would get.

“So it’s been a bit difficult, as more parents go back to work, more kids come back to our childcare centres.

“We are trying to accommodate more and more children, but we have been struggling with increased numbers but with less income.”

Jeanette also said there is a lot of confusion with the latest packages announced by the government.

“The new package says we have to keep our employment at the same levels to protect staff.

But they have also capped our fees at the level they were at in late February,” she said.

“Families are wanting to come back but we don’t have the facilities or resources to be able to provide spots.

“No other industry has had their jobkeeper scrapped, if you go to a supermarket and buy your groceries, you pay full price. The Government isn’t dictating to any other industry what can be charged while telling them how many staff must be employed.

“It’s all very confusing at the moment.”

Delay to cane crushing season THE 2020 sugarcane crush has technically begun with the first mills firing up last week, but some mills in Far North Queensland have had to delay opening due to the late rain the region has received over the past few weeks.

The Tablelands MSF Sugar Mill started crushing on June 3 while their Gordonvale and South Johnstone Mills have yet to come online.

A spokesperson from MSF said they hoped that both mills would be ready to start crushing on June 16, depending on the weather.

MSF also said that early estimates are that they will crush around 1,261,000 tonnes this season.

Tully Sugar began crushing on June 10 and the Mossman Mill is also hoping to start on June 16.

Far Northern Milling Mossman Mill manager Peter Dibella

said “We are expecting to crush 702,000 tonnes which is slightly up on last year, but is slightly below our yearly average.”

Wilmar Sugar’s Victoria and Macknade Mills near Ingham have also delayed their opening due to the late-season rain.

Australian Sugar Milling Council Director of Government and Industry Affairs Jim Crane, said production forecasts were slightly higher than last year, but it was hard to tell what global sugar prices would do.

“The effect of the coronavirus pandemic on sugar prices is difficult to predict, but with most of our raw sugar exported onto the highly competitive global market, we are watching developments closely,” Mr Crane said.

“The crop is looking very similar to last year, but this late rain is problematic for a couple of Far North Queensland mills to get started.”

Mr Crane said that the late rain will encourage some late growth in the crop and there could be some improvements to be expected.

“At the moment the late rain is a hindrance because we would like to have started the crush in earnest, but sometimes it can mean additional tonnes of cane, so that could be a positive, “he said “The late start could also mean a late finish into November which is getting very close to the start of the next wet season. We are hoping for some fine weather between now and September.”

Mr Crane also had some warnings for residents concerning can trains “Cane trains are going to be very active over the next few months, so we are asking all residents to be aware of the trains and to respect all warnings and train crossings.”

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HONOURED: Stored records have been a passion for key volunteer’s Ivan and Mary Searston at the Herberton Mining Museum.

Mining museum honoured

THE massive collection of Herberton mining history has been recognised on the state stage after the Herberton Mining Musuem won the prestigius John Oxley Library Community History Award.

The award, presented by the State Library of Queensland, recognises excellence and innovation in the preservation, recording and sharing of Queensland history by community organizations.

The Herberton Mining Mu-

seum has stood strong for more than 15 years and the hardworking volunteers who work there are always happy to help any curious explorer whether they be a tourist or local.

The heritage-listed Great Northern Mine site serves as the center piece for the museum which is one of the most intact historic mines in Queensland.

The collection has grown overtime with donations and the museum now even houses the Horan Notebooks from the first

pioneering surveyor to arrive in Herberton in 1880.

Tablelands Regional Councillor Annette Haydon is extremely proud to have a local museum like the Herberton Historic Museum win such a coveted award.

“It feels so incredible and was totally unexpected,” she said.

“The volunteers at the museum work so hard and are so dedicated; they continually strive for improvement and are

constantly updating their personal skills.

“They are determined to make the museum a flagship for the Tableland and North Queensland.”

Herberton is known for its historic value and its deeply rooted connection to its past history in a time of prospectors and miners, and all of this rich history can be experienced through the museum that is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm.

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The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 7

Research paper supports new crisis accommodation

WORKING TOGETHER: Tablelands Interagency Group members Marita Romano, Robert Doyle, Tina Quayle and Patricia Goldfinch in partnership with James Cook University have recently released a research paper identifying the need for crisis accommodation on the Tablelands.

A RESEARCH paper released by the Tablelands Interagency Group (TIG) Housing Sub Branch has identified the need for short term crisis accommodation for those in need on the Tablelands.

TIG is a department working inside the Tablelands Regional Council and is made up of organisations like Mareeba Community Housing, Tableland Community Housing, RADCARE and Saint Vincent De

Branch focuses specifically on homelessness and housing.

During one of their discussions it was identified that there was a lack of affordable accommodation on the Tablelands and no crisis accommodation.

Paul Society North Queensland.

TIG is a collective of community service organisations and government agencies that work together to strengthen the community and address key social issues, the Housing Sub

Mareeba Community Housing than took the reins and contacted James Cook University to research and develop a profile of those in need of crisis accommodation on the Tablelands.

The report that followed identifies the need for short term shelter or modified boarding facility to support people in emergency situations and provide them with affordable, appropriate and accessible housing.

Tablelands Community Housing Manager Marita Romano believes that the Tablelands is in need of more affordable accommodation for those is crisis situations. “The Tablelands is in desperate need of more accommodation and crisis accommodation is only one of the solutions to this,� she said. “It is important for the Tablelands to secure some form of crisis accommodation for those who are leaving the hospital, escaping from domestic violence etc. “The procurement of crisis accommodation will enable people to address their own situation with wrap-around services involved.�

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, older people, young people, recently released prisoners and domestic and family violence survivors with

financial hardship were identified as being the most in need of short term crisis accommodation.

Tina Quayle, Radcare Manager is hopeful that this newly published paper will help more than just at risk individuals, but other organisations as well. “Having a paper such as this published will be instrumental for agencies to draw from for future grant applications in the region,� she said. “It also acts as an invaluable resource of collective information on crisis housing.�

With easier access to affordable and appropriate housing people run less risk of falling back down into the crisis areas, they can than move onto more stable and long term housing. “These sorts of projects will help people go from a crisis situation to more long term accommodation,� said Robert Doyle from the Saint Vincent De Paul Society North Queensland. “We have a lot of homelessness around and many of the current facilities in place are limited.�

Now after the report’s findings TIG is looking at ways to improve integration of current services and advocating to the State and Federal Governments for investment in short term sheltered accommodation.

The Body and its Slings Software or hardware problem?

The neurological viewpoint.

Welcome to the fourth part of understanding our body in movement.

It has been very gratifying with people in the town commenting to me that they are following the series and quite enjoying it.

We all know there are muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. What is not as well known is the system of muscular slings within the body.

Their correct function is vital for us to perform at peak performance. If you are thinking that the past three episodes are only for older people. Think again.

Poor posture, poor pattern and poor functional strength limits our performance and increases the risk of injury.

So, back to slings. If we look at the rehab of a stroke patient or any neurological condition the ability to generate force and speed (movement) is dictated by the ability to lock the opposing diagonal body segment.

Neurological muscular sling reprogramming is more than simply a set of clam exercises and a couple of pieces of blue stretchey tape.

Neurological muscular slings enable the shoulder to set to throw further, enable the hip to tilt to prevent hamstring strain, and allow the body to propel forward – rather than up – to gain those vital seconds to run faster and win the race.

Inside our rehab clinic Locking one side of the body (a) to generate force and speed on the other side (b) in the diagrams below.

These are the training methods to return you to function at The Physio Rehab Clinic.

(b)

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PAGE 8 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Search begins to market Kuranda MAREEBA Shire Council is searching for a fresh new way to market Kuranda to the rest of Australia.

In May of this year, the Mareeba Shire Council (MSC) make the decision to discontinue the Tourism Kuranda marketing unit. Tourism Kuranda was established more than 20 years ago to market the rainforest town as a tourist destination at the request of the then Chamber of Commerce.

The levy that was used to support and fund the program was cancelled after the majority of levy payers in Kuranda voted against its continuation.

The charter of Tourism Kuranda was to promote Kuran-

da as a tourist destination and to organise events and marketing activities to attract visitors to the region.

Using the remaining Tourism Kuranda levy funds, MSC is now looking for a new company to promote the town as a destination to local, regional, intrastate and interstate visitors.

Mayor Angela Toppin said that Council is hoping that the marketing plan will focus on attracting local, regional, intrastate and interstate visitors as COVID-19 pandemic travel and other restrictions ease in the coming months.

“Council is calling for proposals from suitably experienced, creative and innovative

companies to market the Kuranda destination,” Cr Toppin said.

“This exciting opportunity to promote the unique tourist village is open to any marketing firms and organisations that can demonstrate the capabilities to attract visitors to Kuranda.

“We want to focus on attracting local, regional, intrastate and interstate visitors as COVID-19 pandemic travel and other restrictions ease in the coming months,” she said.

Tender documents are available on Council’s online e-procurement system, Tenderlink – www.tenderlink.com/msc The tender closes at 11am on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Scenic railways reopen THE news of the new Kuranda marketing tender comes off the back of the announcement that local train services are set to resume.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR) and the Historic Savannahlander will start running this week for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown.

The KSR operated on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 and will also run again this Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21 with only one service per day.

On Saturday, June 27 the Kuranda Scenic Railway will return to its normal timetable of two return services each day.

Queensland Rail (QR) Executive General Manager Travel and Tourism, Martin Ryan said “With travel restrictions being lifted across Queensland, we are looking forward to welcoming customers back on board the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway.”

Mr Ryan said to celebrate the return of travel and tourism services QR have are having a sale on train fares in Queensland “We’ve launched The Queensland Escape sale, which includes 50 per cent off fares on the Kuranda Scenic Railway from June 13 until July 12.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, said Queensland Rail was reinstating reduced and suspended travel and tourism services gradually from June 13, with most services fully restored ahead of the

school holidays.

“If you’ve ever wanted to head out to explore the tropics on the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway, now’s your chance – and right in time for the school holidays.” Mr Bailey said.

Darryl Kasch who has a Reflexology stall at the Kuranda Rainforest markets says the train will make a big difference to the village.

“It will be great to start seeing some visitors back in town.

It’s great news and hopefully it will bring Cairns people up here,” he said.

“We need it, its been pretty much deserted for the past couple of months. We get a few people up from Cairns, but if it’s raining they don’t want to drive the range, so the resumption of the train is good news.”

Mr Kasch says that a few stall holders have left the area since the COVID closures.

“Only about 6-8 stall holders have been opening of late, out of a possible 30 stalls. But they are all coming back slowly, if they opened the borders it would make a big difference to all of us.”

The Historic Savannahlander Motorail is also set to to roll again. Last week it completed a test run to make sure all equipment was still in working order and to test the new COVID safe operations.

Robert Rutten the Business Develop Manager for the Savannahlander said they are glad to

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be back on the rails.

“We always had a plan to start easing back into operations in June but with the lifting of restrictions early we were able to accelerate that a little,” he said.

“This Wednesday, June 17 we will be taking our first trip of fee-paying passengers since the COVID shutdown.”

Due to social distancing the carriages will be reconfigured to adhere to social distancing rules, although families and couples will still be able to sit together.

This means that the carrying capacity on the Savannahlander will be cut by about 50 per cent.

“We are distancing passengers as part of our COVID plans from the Chief Medical Officer,” Mr Rutten said.

“Since we reopened our booking office, we have been inundated with enquires.

“This is a great opportunity for locals to get out and about before the crowds discover the amazing Savannah country. We are quite flexible in our travel arrangements – so as a local if you would like to meet the train and travel for part of the journey or make it part of your own outback holiday please get in touch with us.”

The Savanahlander departs Cairns every Wednesday morning and heads up the Kuranda Range, overnighting in Almaden via Mareeba. It also travels to Forsayth, Einasleigh and Mt Surprise before returning to Cairns on Saturday.

The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 9

Ladies catch up for the cause

QUEENSLAND ladies are being encouraged to have a ‘Girls Night In’ where they get together and donate what they would normally spend on a night out to women’s cancer research.

Cancer Council Queensland is calling on women all across the state to get together through video chats and to donate money to support their women’s cancer research.

It is more important than ever to stay connected with friends in this current isolated lifestyle, and what better way to reconnect with your friends than to help support a cause that affects millions of Australians.

One in six women in Queensland will be diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer by the age of 85, which includes mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillian said its time for Queenslanders to get together in support of those impacted by women’s cancers.

“By getting the girls together and donating what you’d normally spend on a night out, you will be supporting our vital research into women’s cancers, prevention programs and support services for those affected,” she said.

To register and for more information head to girlsnightin. com.au or for more information about Cancer Council Queensland head to cancerqld.org.au With so many Australians affected by cancer every year, a Girls’ Night In is the perfect chance for Queenslanders to support the cause and prevention by donating while in isolation.

Second hand revival

BOOM: Tablelands Salvation Army Corps Leader Miriam NewtonGentle is amazed to see more and more people visiting their family stores across the Tablelands.

BY RHYS THOMAS SECOND hand stores across the region are seeing a big boom in

business with both more people coming through the door and people donating items and clothing.

While stuck at home in isolation many residents have decided to go through their cupboards and give their old loved clothes

and items to stores dotted around the Tablelands.

One such store that has seen huge amounts foot traffic

through the door and donations is the Salvation Army Family Store in Tolga.

The store takes items from clothing to furniture and has seen an increase in people coming through the door and even though their donations bins aren’t out, they are still receiving a steady influx of donations.

Tablelands Corps Leader Miriam Newton-Gentle is over the moon to see so many people coming out and supporting the Salvation Army, by buying their loved wares.

“It’s been very reassuring seeing that what we do impacts the community and the amount of support that we have gotten,” she said.

“People have told us that they not only miss the doors being open but the volunteers as well.

“We have a great working environment within all of our stores and all of our volunteers are very loved and appreciated.”

Miriam stated that she has seen more than a third of their usual numbers coming through the doors, a staggering figure with COVID-19 still keeping wary people at home.

Volunteers aren’t in shortage either as there have been multiple local community members who wanted to help and decided to volunteer to help run the stores.

Although the Salvation Army bins aren’t out collecting donations they are still accepting donations in store but stress that the donations be small and limited to operating times of the stores.

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New milk bottles a step in creating a sustainable future

BROTHER’S behind Mungalli Creek Dairy, Dan and Rob Watson have changed the way their milk is sold to customers to help reduce their carbon footprint and provide a more sustainable product for their customers.

“Business sustainability is key for us and that includes all that we do from paddock to shelf,” said CEO Rob Watson.

“One of our touch points had been the transportation of bottles out of Brisbane nearly 2000km to our farm each week in a B-Double Truck.”

Now Mungalli have upgraded their facility and are making 1.5L bottles on farm for all milk that they produce – both creating local jobs and ensuring a much smaller carbon footprint and a higher level of recyclability.

“The PET bottles that we are making on site can be recycled back into bottles in the form of rPET and supplier of the preforms Visy have said there is more demand than supply at the moment for rPET as manufacturers’ look for more environmentally sustainable options for their packaging.” said farmer Rob. PET can be recycled up to six times as a bottle and then after that repurposed into a range of textiles or other functional materials.

“The other very important part of sustainability is ensuring that farmers in the local region stay on the land and to do that they need to be rewarded for the effort and energy they put into creating premium milk products,” said Rob. “It’s not many professions where you work seven-days a week, rain hail or shine 12hour days and often only just cover costs. A price rise across our range of products is going to be passed back to farmers to ensure they are here for the long term.”

Dairy is a key industry for the region that has shrunk in size more than 80% as Farmers exit the industry due to poor returns.

“As Farmers we want to see a paradigm shift and a positive change where Dairy Farming is a valued and rewarded profession. Otherwise we may end up like Europe with no fresh milk and just UHT in as little as 5 years time,” said Rob. Mungalli Creek Dairy supports nine local family dairy farms in the region across and employs more than 70 staff.

This is stage 1 of their plans to keep their farming families on the land and ensure a higher level of sustainability all round.

NEW BEGINNINGS: Caterina Quinizi, Milk Team Crew Member at Mungalli Creek Dairy, with their new 1.5L bottles on the first day of production.

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The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 11

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our shire, our community, our future PAGE 12 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Students get head start THROUGH exams and assignments some Mareeba State High School students are going a step further to securing their future by undertaking schoolbased apprenticeships and traineeships.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give students a leg up by providing them with workforce experience better enabling them to succeed and get a head start after graduating.

Working one day a week in Mareeba businesses, Year 11 student James Gargan and Year 12 student Leila Phillips are able to learn valuable skills, all while earning a bit of pocket money.

James is undertaking a Certificate III in Engineering – Boiler Maker – and is currently employed through Jackos Welding.

“Starting my apprenticeship while still at school gives me a head start on my trade and my favourite day of the week is my trade day,” he said.

A school-based apprenticeship/traineeship provides valuable employer contacts, work references, formal qualifications and most importantly, hands on first hand experience.

Jack Pedersen, James’s employer and owner/manager of Jackos Welding believes that a school-based apprenticeship is a handy way for students to start in the workforce.

“The main benefit of employing a school-based appren-

tice is having a chance to train someone passionate about the trade,” he said.

“They can come up through the ranks and be a handy worker for us in a few years’ time.

“This future proofs my business.”

Leila is undertaking a Certificate III in Business through Cotter’s Aquatic Swim and Fitness, so she can get a head start in her career and one step closer to her dream, owning her own business.

“Starting my Traineeship in year 11 means I get a start on my career early,” she said.

“My dream is to start my own business so learning these skills now will be a great help.”

Students at Mareeba State High School are always looking for a chance to get out of the classroom and into an environment they can see themselves working in years to come.

Government incentives may also apply for businesses interested in hiring an apprentice or trainee.

Any local businesses interested in this kind of program are welcome to contact Mareeba State High School Industry Liaison Officer, Linda Clarke on 4086 2703 or local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider, Busy At Work, who can assist businesses with eligibility criteria and the signup of their new worker.

FUTURE: Mareeba State High School year 12 and 11 students Leila Phillips and James Gargan with Deputy Principal Mandy Lindsay are experiencing the world of work early through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Commemorating 100 Years of the Baha’i Faith in Australia On the 18th of April, 1920 John Henry Hyde-Dunn and Clara Dunn, affectionately known as Father and Mother Dunn, arrived in Sydney, the first Baha’is in Australia. The Dunns came originally from England but later moved to the USA, where they became early Baha’is. Mother Dunn met the son of the Founder of the Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, on His visit to the USA in 1912.

In response to Abdu’l-Baha’s call to pioneer to other countries, the two of them at their senior ages travelled to Australia and carried the Faith there even though poor. They struggled to establish themselves, Father Dunn taking work as a travelling salesman. This enabled them to teach and establish the Faith in their extended travels around Australia and New Zealand.

They were the first Baha’is to visit Queensland in 1926, when Hyde Dunn visited most towns north as far as Cairns, and nearly a thousand kilometres inland. When Father Dunn died in 1941, the Guardian of the Faith cabled: “Magnificent Career Veteran Warrior Faith Baha’u’llah”. They were both designated Hands of the Cause of God. Clara carried on working for the Faith until she passed on in 1960 at the age of 91. It was declared that she had “Rendered Unique Unforgettable Pioneer Service” to the Faith.

Inserted by the Baha’i Community of Mareeba/Kuranda | Telephone 0419 632 286 | bahai.org.au

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The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 13

Explore our STAGE 3 restrictions expanded great State A NEW tourism campaign, ‘Queensland – You’re Good to Go’ was launched by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week to encourage Queenslanders to holiday in their own state.

“Because Queenslanders have done such a great job flattening the curve, we were able to open up intrastate travel two weeks earlier,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Now’s the time to get out and about and experience it.

“One in 10 Queenslanders rely on our tourism industry for a living. This campaign will help us safeguard more than 230,000 jobs.”

The campaign will run from June until August and the government is hoping to have flow on effects into the September school holidays, “Every year, 3.2 million Queenslanders spend nearly $10 billion holidaying interstate and overseas,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This campaign will help us to tap into that market to support our tourism operators.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Queenslanders spend millions of dollars interstate and overseas each year.

“We’re urging Queenslanders to spend that money at home this year and support local businesses that are doing it tough,” she said.

“Often we take for granted the world-class tourism icons that we have in our own backyard.”

Ms Jones said the campaign was designed with the June-July school holidays in mind.

“When interstate travel can return, this campaign will be expanded and tweaked to ensure our destinations remain frontof-mind for all Australian travellers,” she said.

“The June-July school holidays are shaping as a crucial time for our operators.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the money from Intrastate travel would be a good starting point for businesses to start reopening their doors.

“Intrastate travel is worth $4 million a day to our region and the easing of restrictions allowing Queenslanders to travel within their own state gives the tourism industry the opportunity to once again generate visitor expenditure for our economy.”

Mr Olsen also said the industry was eagerly awaiting further advice from the Premier on when it would be possible to open the State’s borders.

“Once that happens our region’s recovery can start in earnest as interstate travellers inject $6 million a day into the economy,” he said.

WITH the current school term set to finish on June 26, the Queensland Government is getting pressured to allow the borders to reopen ahead of the original July 10 deadline.

On Friday the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the possibility of a huge easing of restrictions across Australia from July. This included increasing the size of weddings, funerals, restaurants and other indoor gatherings alongside the return of crowds to the football and some festivals.

The PM said that under a new “stage three” of restrictions, the old 100 person cap on attendance at indoor gatherings will be scrapped and replaced with a four square metre rule.

For outdoor sporting events, during stage three, the government will allow attendance of up to 25 per cent capacity at stadiums that have a capacity of less than 40,000, The events will have to be ticketed and seated.

Mr Morrison said the “specific timing will be up to the states to decide, from whenever they move to stage three easing of restrictions.”

He also said that night clubs

are still to remain closed “We’ve seen overseas that one of the areas of failure, is when night clubs have reopened,” he said.

The Prime Minister has also urged the Queensland government to announce when borders will reopen.

Queensland's borders have been closed since March 25 and remain locked down to recreational travellers on health advice.

At the time Premier Palaszc-

Government) leave it to announcing it until July, people who might book a holiday for July will have already booked it somewhere else.”

Victorian school holidays are from June 27 to July 12 – the same as Queensland – while NSW holidays are from July 4 to July 19.

If the Palaszczuk government decides to hold off from opening Queensland’s borders till July 10

“It is critical that borders are open to ensure a strong recovery of the tourism industry” Bronwyn Jones, Tropical Tablelands Tourism

zuk said she wanted to keep borders closed until Victoria and New South Wales went 28 days without recording a new coronavirus case.

On May 31, Ms Palaszczuk ordered stage two restrictions be brought forward by two weeks because virus cases stayed low in Queensland after earlier lockdowns were eased.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is urging the Premier to announce the easing of restriction early.

“If they (the Queensland

local tourism operators are worried that they will miss the bulk of NSW and Victoria's school holidays.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said, "The Premier said she would be reviewing the border decision by the end of June, but we're urging her to review this at any opportunity and as quickly as possible," he said.

“Most operators would be happy with a set date, such as July 10, so that they can pre-

pare for the border reopening.

To ramp up business is not that easy, so a bit of notice would be welcome.”

Bronwyn Jones who is the Executive Officer of Tropical Tablelands Tourism, said the border must be open so that the volume is there to allow tourist operators to reopen their businesses “The Atherton Tablelands receives upwards of 900,000 domestic visitors each year, of which almost a quarter are overnight stays,” she said.

“While our tourism operators have welcomed the news of intrastate travel, there just won’t be the volume that is required to help struggling businesses get back on their feet.

“There is no question operators at this stage, would welcome the news of domestic state borders reopening. This is the time when our caravan parks, accommodation providers and visitors attractions are full, critical to helping sustain businesses during the low season period.

“It is critical that borders are open to ensure a strong recovery of the tourism industry.”

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS that are set to be eased on July 10, will allow standard activity permitted to occur per the four square metre rule.

• gatherings in public spaces and homes • restaurants, cafés, pubs, registered and licensed clubs, RSL clubs, food courts and hotels • indoor cinemas • places of worship and religious ceremonies

• museums, art galleries and historic sites • pools and community sports clubs • community sport • gyms, health clubs and yoga studios • outdoor amusement parks, zoos and arcades

• concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums and stadiums • weddings • funerals • saunas and bathhouses • open homes and auctions • casinos, gaming and gambling venues

• nightclubs • beauty therapy, tanning, nail salons and spas, tattoo parlours and non-therapeutic massage parlours • libraries • hiking, camping and other recreational activities in national and state parks.

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PAGE 14 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Cape York lockdowns eased TRAVEL restrictions for Queensland’s remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities eased on June 12, making it easier for residents to travel in and around their communities.

Stage 2 of the three-stage Roadmap means that people living in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – plus the Burke and Cook shires – can now easily travel throughout ‘declared travel zones’ set by Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the Queensland Government worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership including mayors in remote communities to develop the plan to safely ease restrictions in communities.

“The Queensland Government has listened to health experts, local leaders and community advocates and worked with

the Federal Government to transition from federal emergency biosecurity restrictions to more flexible state-based arrangements under Queensland’s Chief Health Officer’s public health directions,” Mr Crawford said.

Residents can move freely through ‘declared travel zones’ that councils and local disaster management groups have negotiated with the Chief Health Officer and residents travelling within a ‘Declared Travel Zone’ now do not need to go into quarantine when they return home.

The Chief Health Officer will then consider moving communities to Stage 3 on July 10, which removes all travel restrictions including entry and quarantine requirements and applies the same provisions as all Queenslanders under the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions.

The criteria for Stage 3 to be rolled out includes no confirmed COVID-19 cases in a community, an appropriate testing regime and clear rapid response frame-

work in place for the community.

Mr Crawford said “The eased restrictions are for residents and their families, and tourists are still not able to travel through these remote communities.”

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said there have been zero confirmed COVID-19 cases in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities anywhere in the state “Local leaders are aware their communities may need to revert to tighter restrictions if there is a COVID-19 outbreak – even a single case could have a devastating impact in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The same health advice applies anywhere in Queensland to continue social distancing, stay home if unwell and get tested if you have any symptoms,” Ms Lui said.

According to Cooktown Mayor Peter Scott, the new

DESCISIONS: Emergency Services Minister and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford, (left) in a meeting with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

(Photo supplied).

lifted restrictions don’t go far enough.

“The new restrictions say that people from the cape can go down to Douglas, Mareeba, The Tablelands, Cairns, and Carpenteria areas and stay as long as they like and then they can come back without restrictions as long as they are a resident of Cape York,” said Mayor Scott.

“People can leave the Cape, but there are still very strict restrictions on people coming in.”

Mayor Scott says it’s good for residents to be able to go

to Cairns or Mareeba and then come home without restrictions, but what the community really wants is visitors and toursists to the cape.

“The most disappointing part is that it’s going to be very difficult for people wanting to come to the Cape or Cooktown as no tourism is allowed in,” he said.

“Our pubs, clubs, hotels and caravan parks haven’t made any money in months.”

Under the latest stage of lifted restrictions people who have been living in Torres Strait

Island, The Torres Shire, Northern Peninsula Area, Mapoon, Napranum, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Cook Shire, Hope Vale,Wujal Wujal, Burke, Mornington, Doomadgee and the Weipa Town Area can now visit Cairns, Carpentaria, Mareeba, Tablelands, Douglas, Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Carpentaria areas (includes Normanton).

More information about remote travel restrictions is available at www.datsip.qld.gov.au/ travel

Guilfoyle Funeral Service’s privately located funeral homes with purpose built chapels and the only crematorium in the area can ensure that your loved ones do not have to leave the Mareeba, Atherton and Tableland regions.

Local Staff, Local Families, Local Knowledge.

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FUNERAL SERVICES Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Established in 1942.

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The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 15

INSTANT ASSET WRITEOFF FOR ABN HOLDERS 3

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Fine dining back on the menu

WITH the lifting of restrictions across Queensland one restaurant that local residents have been looking forward to reopening is the award winning Obi’s in Mareeba.

Owner Vanessa Harris said they were booked out all weekend.

“Friday and Saturday we were completely booked out and this coming weekend are close to booking out,” she said.

“We were really nervous about reopening, it was like starting a brand new business, it was a bit nerve racking.

“Everyone has said that they are so happy, we have reopened and that they can now go somewhere for dinner.”

Vanessa said that due to COVID-19 they’ve had to make some changes to the Obi’s dining experience.

“It’s a new concept as we have limited seating for 20 people and only two sittings per night. We normally like our customers to take their time and linger and enjoy their dining experience,” said Vanessa.

“We also need to keep to the social distancing rules between

tables, We have to keep record of everyone that comes in, and we’ve had to put up signage reminding people of social distancing, It’s been a big learning curve.”

Vanessa also admits during the time off they’ve had time to make some changes to the menu.

“Some of the old favourites are still there, but we have some exciting new items on the menu as well,” she said.

“We have a pork belly wonton on our entrée menu which is fantastic, it’s the stand out new menu item.”

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CHEERS: Les Borrett, Carol Borrett, Jenny Birkbeck and Fred Birkbeck.

LADIES DINNER: Glynis Trentin, Sharyn Petersen and Carole Gallo.

Gregory Tilse celebrated his birthday with Clyde Slaughter and Barb Slaughter.

Friends Havana Clough and Chantel Mohle caught up for dinner.

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313-315 Byrnes Street, Mareeba 4092 5100 | www.mareebamitsubishi.com.au AFTER HOURS: David Mete 0408 793 050 Peter Acha 0417 006 698 or Adrian Madrid 0413 745 247 Participating Mitsubishi dealers. Mitsubishi reserves the right to change or extend these offers. See participating dealers for full terms and conditions. Offers available on selected new and demonstrator vehicles purchased between 1 May and 30 June, 2020. Excludes Government, Rental and National Fleet customers.

1 Recommended DRIVE AWAY selling price, including 12 months registration, CTP Insurance, Stamp Duty & Dealer Delivery. 2 7 Year Warranty offer available on selected new and demonstrator vehicles. 7 Year/150,000km (whichever occurs first). Service conditions apply. Valid from date of vehicle registration. 3 For ABN holders who meet eligibility criteria. For more information speak to your accountant or a qualified tax professional. See mitsubishi-motors.com.au for further information.

PAGE 16 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

The Metzger family came out to celebrate.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

Animal welfare receives boost MAZDA CX-3 NEO SPORT FWD AUTO

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DONATION: The Tablelands Kennel Club donate $550 to the Animal Welfare Op Shop in Atherton on Saturday.

AN ATHERTON based charity received a generous donation at the weekend to help support animal welfare across the Tablelands.

The Animal Welfare Op Shop received $550 courtesy of the Tablelands Kennel Club, who raised the much needed funds at their charity dog show on New Year’s Eve. The Animal Welfare Op Shop in Atherton operates as a second hand store where they sell donated items and use the profits to give money to animal welfare organisations all across the region.

From dogs to horses, cats to bats, the Animal Welfare Shop donates money to any organisation that supports animal wel-

fare.

Iris Crawford, the Animal Welfare Shop Secretary is extremely grateful for the donation and says that a number of groups across the region will see a share of it.

“It’s great to get a donation like this as it lightens the load on us and allows us to give back again,” she said.

“We had to cut back on donations which none of us wanted to do but we had to keep the shop afloat.

“It feels amazing to get back up and start giving again.

The Tablelands Kennel Club donates their earnings from their charity dog show to a different charity every year, and this year they decided that the

Animal Welfare Shop needed it as they were struggling.

Tablelands Kennel Club Treasurer Lois Dawes is excited to be able to give back to an organisation with the same opinions and values on pet ownership and welfare.

“It’s a great feeling because we know that the Animal Welfare Shop has been hurting,” she said.

“We felt that it all aligned as we both support not only dog welfare but the welfare of all pets.

“It’s amazing to be able to support another organisation that really pushes positive per ownership.”

Iconic species visits nursery

THE Tablelands Regional Council Community Revegetation Nursery recently had a visit from one of the Tablelands most iconic species.

This Lumholtz's Tree-Kangaroo made an appearance in one of the trees near the nursery at Winfield Park.

The Community Revegetation Nursery grows native rainforest species for revegetation projects.

The nursery opened on its current site in 1989 with the redeployment and retraining of logging industry personnel to the then-named Wet Tropics Tree Planting Scheme.

A council spokesperson said “Our customers generally purchase species for environmental revegetation projects including habitats for endangered Southern Cassowaries, Lemuroid Ringtail Possums and iconic Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos,” they said.

“Customers also like buying plants for windbreaks that attracts mammals, birds, butterflies and other insects.

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“All of our seed is collected from wild sources and most are propagated when fresh.”

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VISITOR: This Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo made an appearance in one of the trees near the Tablelands Regional Council Community Revegetation Nursery.

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313-315 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 5100 • www.mareebamazda.com.au After Hours: David Mete 0408 793 050 Peter Acha 0417 006 698 or Adrian Madrid 0413 745 247 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 17

LETTERS HAVE YOUR SAY...

editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au or send to 186 Byrnes St, Mareeba

Thank you

My name is Linda and I would like to thank the anonymous person who found my purse in the street and delivered it directly to my home.

Thank you for your honesty.

Linda Menges Mareeba

Different rules during COVID

Wait, what? For weeks all we

heard was “flatten the curve or hospitals will be swamped.”

The curve started flat, and then stayed so geometrically flat that hospitals were actual ghost towns.

Nonetheless, lefties howled for everyone to stay home – and if you went out you were a monstrous granny-killer.

When it was obvious COVID-19 had fizzled, governments still obstinately refused to return our unconstitutionallyremoved freedoms – and kept fining us for non-crimes.

Then, peculiarly, thousands of lefties abandoned their dread of granny-cide to protest perceived racism in America.

Weirdly, our COVID convinced governments flatly refused to fine extreme-left lockdown-deniers for this mega-up-yours offense.

Given the extent of this bumbling incompetence, how can anyone believe governments “saved” them from anything?

Peter Campion Tolga

PHOTO OF THE WEEK The winner of the Tablelands and Surrounds Photography Group this week is – KEVIN KOELMEYER – Titled ‘My Dandelion Photo’

ENTER YOUR PHOTOS VIA THE FACEBOOK PAGE...

Tablelands and Surrounding Photography Group

OPINION

With Phil Brandel @Philbrandel1

Time for Premier to set a date and open the border Even though it may feel like the kids have only just gone back to school, (because they have) it’s actually only a few weeks away until the next school holidays, with most Queensland schools breaking up on June 26.

Victorian school holidays are from June 27 to July 12 – the same as Queensland – while NSW holidays are from July 4 to July 19.

If the state government sticks to its plan, interstate travel won’t be allowed back into Queensland until July 10, missing most of the vital school holiday traffic and money that comes flooding into the state over winter.

As a state we got an early mark on stage 2, we are now asking for an early mark on Stage 3.

I was one of the biggest supporters of keeping the border closed, but that was when all states were still recording daily cases of COVID-19.

Those days are behind us and now it’s time to start thinking about the lifting of

restrictions to interstate travellers.

The premier doesn’t have to open the border straight away, just announce when it will open so that visitors from down south can start booking their trips. If Mrs Palaszczuk decided to move the date forward a couple of weeks to say June 27, that would be another massive boost to tourism in Far North Queensland.

As I said announce the date now, but don’t open the border until then.

Also Premier please don’t spring the lifting of stage 3 on us like you did stage 2. Gyms and cafes and pubs were caught out and took a week or two to catch up.

Knowing that visitors were set to start spending money again come late June would not only inject muchneeded funds into our economy but also positivity and optimism.

An early announcement would also allow local tourism operators to start taking bookings, hiring staff and

ordering from local suppliers.

As Queenslanders, we haven’t just flattened the curve we have smashed it.

Even though many on the Tablelands have been lucky to have agriculture to fall back on to. It’s now time for our local pubs, clubs, cafes, hotels and tourist attractions to open and start putting their businesses back together.

And while the premier is opening the border to interstate visitors, now would be a great time to open our borders with New Zealand. Surely there must be loads of Kiwis who are sick of the cold and would like to spend their winter enjoying our sun?

So instead of ‘Queensland – You’re Good to Go’ being marketed to Queenslanders, it takes on a whole new meaning when marketed to interstate travellers.

GOT AN OPINION? Share it with us. Email editorial@theexpress newspaper.com.au

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS

A new place to find all of our great Local Businesses

Calling all Businesses

As part of our COVID response we have fast tracked a new Online Directory to support our great Local Businesses.

The Express newspaper is locally operated and proudly independent. We provide comprehensive coverage of news and events across our region, and are passionate advocates for the local story of each town in our region, and cover the issues affecting us all. In addition we also play an important role in promoting local businesses and organisations. The Express Directory will further help connect our local residents with our great local businesses.

Visit our new website and join us in Supporting Local Business.

We’d love to invite every local business in the Mareeba Shire to be part of The Express Directory. To find out how we can help support your business online contact our team on 07 4092 3464.

www.theexpressdirectory.com.au PAGE 18 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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Lot 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; riverfront lifestyle beckons WITH the introduction of the building stimulus packages, it could not be a better time to find your dream location and build the home youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted.

Fancy a lifestyle on the river? Enjoy fishing or canoeing in your front yard?

Lot 7 at Bundanoon on the Barron offers this and more.

4168m2, featuring all of

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

the services, town water, underground power, sewerage and wide sealed roads. This stunning parcel of land has its own river frontage, offers privacy and serenity. Priced

at $240,000 Located down Hastie Road, opposite Bundanoon at Amaroo, experience the "out of town feeling" just minutes from town.

Lots are titled and ready to build on, we have a comprehensive selection of house plans from a variety of master builders for you to choose from.

Pop into the Amaroo Land Centre for any information or call Deb if you would like to inspect, anytime on 0409 321 000. Visit www.amarooestate.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 19

PROPERTY

Large home on large block close to town

POSITIONED close to town this property sits on a little over 2,500 square metres of usable land. The concrete block home is big enough for all the family. The rooms are big, it's very well presented and a great place to call home.

Inside there are 3 roomy bedrooms, with built ins, vinyl flooring and ceiling fans.

The kitchen is spacious and has a super-sized pantry and there's room for a breakfast table and chairs. The tiled flooring continues out into the open living space, big enough for all your family sized furniture and still have

room left over for a formal dining area. The internal laundry has extra cupboards for storage.

Outside there is a covered carport which can easily double as outdoor dining/bbq area with plenty of shade.

There are 2 sheds on concrete slabs - 1 is a garden shed the other is a 6m x 6m shed with a side access door.

The turfed yard is tidy, and the garden beds are well established and there's still room left over to add a chicken coup or vege garden or another shed.

• Three bedrooms with built-ins, vinyl flooring and

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ceiling fans • Great size kitchen with a big pantry, room for a breakfast table, tiled flooring, ceiling fans • Large open plan living space, room for formal dining as well • Family bathroom with large shower area • Internal laundry has

more storage • Covered parking for 2 vehicles, can be used as outdoor entertainment/bbq area • Access to huge backyard with 6m x 6m shed plus a garden shed (on concrete slabs) • 2,546 m2 block (approx) • Block construction inside and out

Call exclusive agent Vince Costas for more information or to arrange a priAddress: Price: Agent: Contact:

159 Byrnes Street Mareeba QLD 4880 www.crmareeba.com

vate viewing of this unique property. Phone 0419 926 691 or 4092 2232.

10 Beames St, MAREEBA $415,000 EXCLUSIVE to Vince Costas Central Realty Mareeba 0419 926 691

REMO ESPOSITO 0401 969 473 remo@crmareeba.com

VINCE COSTAS 0419 926 691 vince@crmareeba.com

GET A FREE PROPERTY MARKET REPORT FROM MAREEBA’S #1 AGENCY CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR PROPERTY PAGE 20 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

4092 2232 www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

PROPERTY

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Affordable and convenient OPEN HOME

This Thursday 10am-10.45am

YOU'LL hear people in the real estate industry use cliches such as "ideal first home" and "renovators delight" or "ideal investment opportunity", this affordable and conveniently located property fits all three.

Yes this property could use a little TLC, but some of the upgrades the property has had over the years, including renovated kitchen and bathroom, Solar power system, security screens (just to name a few), are a

good indication that the property had been loved and well cared for in the past.

If nothing else, one thing is for sure, with an asking price of $220,000 negotiable, this property will not last long so get your skates on and bring

your paintbrush and garden gloves too!

Features include: • Three bedrooms with built-in-robes • Separate living spaces • Renovated kitchen • Bathroom with spa bath

plus separate toilet • Security screens • Lock up garage with separate workshop/storage • Grid connected Solar panel system • External cladding Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• 708m2 fenced side and rear boundaries Contact exclusive agent John Goncalves at Ray White Mareeba on 0407 690 961 for inspections.

9 Couper St, MAREEBA $220,000 NEG EXCLUSIVE to John Goncalves Ray White Mareeba 0407 690 961

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE $40,000 GOVT FIRST HOME BUYER + BUILDER GRANTS

E T A T S E Y L L A KENNE $90,000 M O R F D PRICE

ONLY 9 BLOCKS LEFT!TEST

IL PLUS SO E FOR AVAIL ABL OT EVERY L

! w o n e g a t Take advan to own r e p a e h c It’s ! t n e r o t n tha CALL JOE 0417 700 468 JOETORRISI.COM.AU

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The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 21

PROPERTY

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It's time to buy and this house is the perfect start

IMMACULATELY maintained and presented and solidly built, this three bedroom

home offers exceptional buying for first home owners, anyone looking to downsize

or investors alike.

Located in a quiet, family friendly area, only minutes to

town with no immediate rear neighbours it boasts the following quality features:

OPEN HOME

BEAUTIFUL HOME, HUGE SHED, PRIVATE SETTING • Private 5 acres ideal for animals or hobby farm • Well cared for spacious 3 bedroom block home • Ensuite bathroom in master bedroom • Evaporative air cooling system throughout • Large 17m x 7m shed with power • Solar panel power system • Double garage with direct access into home Price: $585,000 Neg Contact Exclusive Agent John Goncalves 0407 690 961

raywhiteruralmareeba.com.au/qld/mareeba PAGE 22 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

THIS SATURDAY 10.00AM - 11.00AM 16 Jacana Close @ Sunbird Estate

• 4 BEDROOMS, FULLY TILED + ENSUITE & AIRCON • GENEROUS OPEN PLAN + 9M X 6M C/BOND SHED • 918M2 FENCED BLOCK + SIDE ACCESS & IRRIGATION

PRICE: $415,000 NEG JOE: 0417 700 468

WWW.JOETORRISI.COM.AU

• Solid masonry block externally and internally plus steel trusses • Three bedrooms, master bedroom with access to the bathroom allowing it to be utilised as an ensuite • Generous open plan living plus separate dining room area • Tidy central kitchen with pantry and ample bench space • Built-in robes to two bedrooms • Security screens and blinds/window furnishings throughout • Substantial patio incorporated with the carport • 3m x 3m garden shed Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• 800m2 neatly landscaped allotment with side access, side and rear fencing and no immediate rear neighbours, only five minutes from town centre It's tailor made for those seeking a solid, low maintenance home close to all town conveniences.

Your inspection of this Mareeba home is highly recommended.

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

19 Palm Close, MAREEBA $310,000 NEG EXCLUSIVE to Joe Torrisi Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

ExprEsso 

Your Weekly Horoscopes

Aries



March 21 to Apr 20

Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. Hard work will payoff if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors.

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Short trips will be educational.

Exercise your talents and present your ideas to groups you think you can contribute to. You can travel for business or pleasure.

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Social activities will be satisfying. Focus, and concentrate on yourself and your future. Your personal life will be disrupted if you have been too busy with business.

Cancer

June 22 to July 22

Opportunities for advancement at work are apparent. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic.

Leo

July 23 to Aug 22

Wednesday 10th

Thursday 11th

Friday 12th

Saturday 13th

Sunday 14th

Tide Times 0050 2.67 0801 1.41 1245 1.70 1827 1.15

Tide Times 0201 2.52 0931 1.36 1427 1.66 1935 1.33

Tide Times 0314 2.43 1028 1.27 1602 1.75 2103 1.45

Tide Times 0416 2.40 1106 1.18 1708 1.90 2227 1.48

Tide Times 0503 2.37 1138 1.08 1754 2.06 2327 1.46

Max 25o Min 18o

Max 24o Min 17o

Max 26o Min 19o

Creamy prawn pasta

20 mins preparation ● 30 minutes cooking ● serves 6

▶ 2 tablespoons olive oil ▶ 1kg prawns, uncooked, peeled, deveined ▶ 1/4 teaspoon salt ▶ 1 teaspoon paprika ▶ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ▶ 4 tomatoes, chopped in large cubes ▶ 5 garlic cloves, minced ▶ 8 bacon strips, cooked and diced ▶ 1/4 crushed red pepper flakes ▶ 1 cup cream ▶ 1/4 teaspoon salt ▶ 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded ▶ 100g fresh spinach ▶ 250g penne pasta

WORD SEARCH

Aug 23 - Sept 23

BrAin teAser

2. A farmer has 17 sheep and all but nine die. How many are left?

3. Which is heavier? A pound of feathers or a pound of rocks?

Nov 23 to Dec 21

Attic

Closet

Garden

Stairs

Awning

Crib

Hallway

Stove

Back

Door

Over

Toilet

Bathroom

Eaves

Painting

Vase

Broom

Entrance

Patio

Walk

Bunk

Fence

Porch

Window

Carpet

Frame

Step

Yard

Puzzle solutions

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6. I have seas without water, coasts without sand, towns without people, and mountains without land. What am I?

9. How much dirt is in a hole that measures 2 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet?

10. What disappears as soon as you say its name?

1. the match 2. nine 3. both weigh a pound 4. the letter M 5. computer keyboard 6. a map 7. a barber 8. a coat of paint 9. none 10. silence

Feb 20 to March 20

5. I have keys, but no locks. I have space, but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?

8. What coat is best put on wet?

Jan 21 to Feb 19

Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Don’t overindulge in anyway. Advancement can be yours if you put your efforts into work related matters. You are better off visiting friends or relatives than entertaining at home.

4. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

7. A man shaves several times a day but still has a beard. Who is he?

Dec 22 to Jan 20

You can have a working relationship with children if you exercise patience and understanding of the dilemmas they face. Try not to lend or borrow money this week. You must not allow them to force you to rush.

Pisces

sudoku

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

1. You are in a cabin and it is pitch black. You have one match on you.

Which do you light first, the newspaper, the lamp, the candle, or the fire?

Sudden romance could end just as quickly. Emotional upset at work will set you back. Look into ways to better yourself through improving your dietary habits and daily routines.

Aquarius

Tide Times 0012 1.43 0611 2.32 1233 0.92 1904 2.35

Max 25o Min 17o

Oct 24 to Nov 22

Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Changes regarding your career direction will payoff handsomely. Minor health problems could result through exhaustion. You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated.

Capricorn

Tide Times 0539 2.35 1207 1.00 1831 2.21

Directions: solve the following riddles, by answering the questions.

Sept 24 to Oct 23

Children’s needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Don’t blow situations out of proportion. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule.

Sagittarius

Tuesday 16th

Max 26o Min 19o

of the week

You need to challenge yourself.

Don’t push your luck with your boss. You will be a bit of a spendthrift this week. You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make.

Scorpio

Monday 15th

1. In a large skillet, on high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil until hot. Add prawns and cook on one side on high heat for 1 minute. While it cooks, sprinkle the uncooked side of shrimp with salt, paprika and Italian seasoning.

Flip and cook on the other side for 1 minute on high heat.

Reduce heat to medium. Once cooked remove prawns from the pan and keep warm.

2. To the same pan, add chopped tomatoes, garlic, half the bacon, crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything, and cook for about 1 minute on medium heat.

3. Add cream and bring to boil. Add another 1/4 teaspoon salt, stir. Only after cream starts boiling, add Parmesan cheese. Once the cheese start melting, immediately reduce heat to medium and stir, while simmering, until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Then, reduce heat to low, add fresh spinach, cover with the lid and let the sauce sit, simmering on very low heat, until the spinach wilts.

4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stir everything. Add cooked prawns and remaining half of bacon to the skillet. Season with more salt and red pepper flakes if necessary. ENJOY!

Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for. Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders. You can expect to have problems with your mate if you’ve been spending too much time away from home.

Libra

Max 26o Min 19o

Method

Ingredients

Opportunities for love will develop while traveling or while attending religious functions.

Don’t lend or borrow money or belongings. Those you live with may be experiencing problems.

Virgo

Max 27o Min 20o

Take a break!

Did you know...

You can read each edition online and that all our local stories are FREE to read and always will be? www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au for your FREE local news!

The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 23

A Air Conditioning & Refrigeration B Blinds C

DIRECTORY F Floor Coverings G General Engineering Graphic Design

Childcare Cleaning D Dental E Electrical

AIR CONDITIONING

H Hardware I Irrigation I.T M

CHILDCARE

Mowing Services P Painter Pest Management

Plumbing Pool Maintenance S Sandblasting/ Painting

ELECTRICAL

GENERAL ENGINEERING

LIC. 55472 | ARC. AU31673

Authorised Fujitsu Service Agent

M: 0409 648 403 • F: 4092 1629

www.donhall.com.au

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

info@mareebakidscampus.com.au www.mareebakidscampus.com.au 3 Locations in Mareeba: Constance, Dunlop & Hastie Streets Early Learning • Kindergarten • Outside School & Vacation Care

R & C AIRCONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

TABLELAND

Cleaning Services • Bond Cleans • Mould & Mildew Treatments • Pressure Cleaning, Roofs & Exteriors • Carpet Cleaning • Floor Stripping & Polishing • Contract Cleaning FULLY INSURED ~ LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

AIR-CONDITIONER

Phone: David or Julie 4092 3982 or 0428 993 205 Email: tablelandcleaning@outlook.com

 All Brands  Prompt Service  Installation Also Available 

Servicing the Tablelands, Cooktown, Mossman, Dimbulah and everywhere in-between.

MAREEBA DENTURE SERVICE Paul Johnstone

Phone DAVID AVOLIO on 0409 924 006

your local buSINESS guide

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

Trust the BLIND specialists!

Vertical & Venetian Blinds Panel Glides > Timber Blinds

MAREEBA FLOOR COVERING CENTRE 159 Walsh St, Mareeba P: 4092 5466 M: 0419 736 229

Registration No. 931417

PH/FAX: 4092 2464 • MOB: 0402 809 556 Email: choppers@qld.chariot.net.au 4 Warren Street, Mareeba Q 4880

BLINDS

Supply & Fit

obrien.com.au

For $36 per week this spot could be yours!

ELECTRICAL SOLAR & BATTERIES AIR CONDITIONING

phone the Express today 4092 3464

your local buSINESS GuIDE

GRAPHIC DESIGN FLOOR COVERINGS

R

DENTAL TECHNICIAN DENTAL PROSTHETIST

bLINDS

QBCC No. 1275266

124 Mason Street, Mareeba  (07) 4092 2433 • Fax (07) 4092 3126

G

Lic. No. LO21176

COOL AIR

mareeba@electrical.obrien.com.au

DENTAL

DAVE’S

n cool air Breath clea mes first! co e n where hygie

WN E D LOCALLY O ATED R E P O AN D

(07) 4092 4146

For all your interior & exterior cleaning!

ABN: 61 788 170 092 LIC. NO: L012565 ArtIC LIC: AU21630 QBSA: 1220582

CLEANING

All types of welding, lathe work and milling.

CLEANING

• Airconditioning Installations • Cold Rooms • Fridge Seals • Gasing • Servicing & Maintenance • Authorised Artic Licence

Call Ross Malfitana Mobile: 0429 898 657

GENERAL ENGINEERING

O’Brien Electrical Mareeba

Shop 4, 276 Byrnes St, Mareeba • PO Box 1034 Mareeba 4880

P: 4092 3019

Security Self Removal & Storage T Transport Tree Lopping

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

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

To check whether a contractor holds a QBCC licence visit: www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or call the QBCC on 1300 272 272.

Advertising has never been more affordable!

Carpet • Vinyl • CeramiCs Floating Floors • Blinds

Mareeba 4092 2800 Atherton 4091 3300

FLOORS

this spot could be yours!

phone the Express today 4092 3464

HARDWARE RAVENSHOE HARDWARE • Hardware • Plumbing • Flat Pack Kitchens • Paint • Nursery 19 Wormboo Street • Giftware • Jaycar raven@iig.com.au • Building Materials • White Goods 4097 6208

YOU CAN AFFORD TO ADVERTISE IN THE EXPRESS DIRECTORY

WITH PRICES STARTING AT JUST $36 PER WEEK!!

Call Natasha Burton today on 4092 3464 or email: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au to find out more!

PAGE 24 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Creating high quality artwork with a difference for your business!

your local buSINESS guide

Supply & Lay FREE Measure & Quote

For $36 per week

IG

Phone: 0458 965 784 or 4096 5784 Email: aemgraphicdesign1@bigpond.com

Carpet & Vinyl > Carpet & Vinyl Tiles > Floating Floors 159 Walsh St, Mareeba P: 4092 5466 M: 0419 736 229

HIC D ES

• Business Cards • Logo Design • Brochures • Posters • Flyers

Trust the FLOOR Covering Man!

MAREEBA FLOOR COVERING CENTRE

AP

N

INDEX

business

DIRECTORY www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

business IRRIGATION

DIRECTORY PAINTER

P & M Carriers  Taxi Trucks - Tail-Lifters  Express Couriers

M. HARTLEY PTY LTD TRADING AS

BELL HARTLEY & CO. IrrIgatIon DesIgn & supply

• Pumps Sales & Repairs • Filtration • Water Tanks & Troughs • Water Treatment • Pool Treatments • Solar Pumping Systems • Reinke Centre Pivot & Lateral Move Irrigators 50 Byrnes Street, Mareeba Phone 4092 7788

The ExprEss NEwspapEr delivers to:

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

P: 4092 1179 M: 0418 184 147 E: markterri70@bigpond.com PO BOX 1414, MAREEBA

NO OBLIGATION QBCC 1115490 FREE QUOTES!

POOL MAINTENANCE & POOL SHOP 71 BYRNES STREET, MAREEBA “WE OFFER A COMPLETE ON SITE POOL SERVICE” ALL POOL SUPPLIES INCLUDING FREE WATER TESTING AND EXPERT ADVICE

P: 4092 1443 or 0413 013 297

LICENSED POOL SAFET Y INSPECTOR

 Freight Distribution  Warehouse Storage

CAIRNS • MOSSMAN • TABLELANDS DAILY

YARRABAH SERVICE TWICE WEEKLY Email: admin@pmcarriers.com 247 Hartley Street, Portsmith CASH OR ACCOUNT CUSTOMERS WELCOME

4035 2034

PEST MANAGEMENT

TRANSPORT

For $41 per week

Mareeba, Dimbulah, Kuranda, Walkamin, Tolga,

this spot could be yours!

Atherton, Kairi, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Yung-

phone the Express today 4092 3464

aburra, Ravenshoe, Herberton, Koah, Speewah,

Locally Owned and Operated ALL TYPES OF FREIGHT DELIVERY LARGE AND SMALL: 4 TIMES DAILY! CAIRNS, MAREEBA, TABLELANDS AND SURROUNDS

Mutchilba, Almaden, Chillagoe, Biboohra, Mt Molloy, Julatten, Mt Carbine, Cooktown, Lakeland,

TRANSPORT

POOL MAINTENANCE

1 Vaughan Street, Mareeba

Laura, Normonton, Mt Surprise, Mt Garnet, Croy-

SANDBLASTING/ PAINTING

don, Forsayth, Einsleigh, Karumba, Georgetown,

FARM DELIVERIES WELCOMED!

TELEPHONE: 4092 7680

Cairns, Mossman, Port Douglas

Sandblasting & Painting

and many more in between!

I.T

BURRATRONICS SALES, SERVICE AND REPAIRS

For $41 per week this spot could be yours!

phone the Express today 4092 3464

IN-STORE AND ON-SITE

• Laptops, Tablets, and Towers • Custom Systems • Phone and Tablet Repairs and Accessories • Networking Solutions PH: (07) 4092 7038 www.burratronics.com.au BURRATRONICS

Farm Machinery, Ute Trays, Trailers, Structural Steel, Rims and more.

Servicing Atherton Tablelands • Fully Insured

For $36 per week this spot could be yours!

phone the Express today 4092 3464

TREE LOPPING

QBCC No. 1275266

124 Mason Street, Mareeba  (07) 4092 2433 • Fax (07) 4092 3126

your local BUSINESS guide

• Treelopping • Bobcat Hire • Wood Chipping • Free Quotes • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured PENSIONER DISCOUNTS

PLUMBING

QBCC 15093635 ABN 63 148 132 843

• Rural • Domestic • Commercial • Roofing • Plumbing • Drainage

your local BUSINESS GUIDE

TABLELANDS TREELOPPING

SECURITY

• Patrols • Cash in Transit • Alarm Response & Installation • Alarm Monitoring • CCTV Installation & Service For all security needs call... DRU THURSTON 0408 913 063 W: www.nqpssecurity.com.au - E: dru@nqpssecurity.com.au

ABN 40955770791

Wally Amory - Mareeba Depot Manager Phone: 0421 839 353 mrboperations@exodas.com.au

AINT QUALIT Y PION T PROTEC ED GUARANTE

Shop 3, 203-215 Byrnes Street Mareeba

MOWING SERVICES

Excellence Through Perseverance and Diligence

Call Jon Lambert

P: 4091 5008 M: 0407 575 916

SELF REMOVAL & STORAGE

Self Removal & StoRage 6 Metre Units For Hire: $150 Per Month

PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE SERVICING NORTH QUEENSLAND

24 hour access and you supply your own lock.

22 Lawson Street, Mareeba

0418 772 791 www.selfremovalstorage.com.au

your local BUSINESS guide

P: 4095 4595

E: aataylorstreelopping@outlook.com

Advertising has never WITH PRICES STARTING AT JUST $36 PER WEEK!! been more affordable!

YOU CAN AFFORD TO ADVERTISE IN THE EXPRESS DIRECTORY

Call Natasha Burton today on 4092 3464 or email: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au to find out more!

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

DIRECTORY

The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 25

CLASSIfIedS phone us: 4092 3464

email us: admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

FuNeral NotiCe

PuBliC NotiCe

ChurCh NotiCe Presbyterians continue to meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 2pm, QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels) ~ All Welcome!

thaNks WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK Dr Marg, Dr Ani and the nurses at the Mareeba Hospital for their loving care to our husband and father ROSS WILSON. Also to all who rang, visited, sent flowers and cards, this meant so much to us.

Fran, Lesley, Karen and Kelvin.

THANK YOU

Make your ad stand out froM the rest...

add CoLour!!

Water

alloCatioN Water for sale - 8 megalitres in the East Barron operational area. Ph 0418 927 234.

PositioN VaCaNt

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

Have you got a position vacant? Phone 4092 3464 today to discuss advertising. advertising works.

Call us on 4092 3464.

PositioN VaCaNt

Wondecla Markets on 21st June 2020 If you would like a stall please ring Margaret or if you would just like to have a nice day out come along.

Distancing and sanitising will be in place.

For sale

RECEPTIONIST 32 hours per week + holiday relief.

Applicants require good communication skills and be capable of working as part of a team.

Please forward CV to: practicemanager@mareebamedical.com.au

SENIOR JOURNALIST

To apply, send your CV and Covering Letter to: carl@theexpressnewspaper.com.au Applications close: Friday July 3rd, 2020.

Please feel free to contact us on 0408 924 312 if you have any questions about the position.

PAGE 26 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

WaNted to Buy WANTED

COASTAL BLACK WATTLE LOGS (Blackwood) from Cairns to Ingham.

Also Kuranda and Julatten areas.

Phone 0408 770 058

For reNt

FuNeral

2 BEDROOM FURNISHED UNIT

DEBBIE BOARDMAN

~ ATHERTON ~ Not suitable for small children.

Phone 4095 4145 For interview and inspection.

teNder

PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE Attention is directed to an application for Permanent Road Closure covering an area of about 1.4ha being part of Kennedy Highway abutting Lot 455 on NR6897 and shown as Plan of Lot A (Road Licence) on AP21235, locality of Mareeba, in the manner specified in the Government Gazette of 5 June, 2020.

To obtain copies of the Drawing of the proposed temporary road closure please phone 13QGOV (13 74 68) for the contact details of the local regional office of the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy where the road is located.

Objections to the application must be in writing and submitted to the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME), PO Box 5318, Townsville Qld 4810, no later than 16 July, 2020.

Any objections received may be viewed by other parties interested in the proposed road closure under the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009.

If you lodge an objection, please include in your objection letter whether you would like to be consulted if this issue becomes the subject of an access request under the Right to Information Act 2009.

For further details contact the DNRME Cairns Office, on (07) 4222 5427 Quoting Reference Number 2019/004934

Mareeba Medical Clinic

As part of the Federal Government’s Innovation Fund for Regional and Small Publishers grants, the locally owned and independent Express Newspaper on the Atherton Tablelands requires a Senior Journalist to work from our Mareeba Office.

Founded in 2010, The Express Newspaper has embarked on strategic development of Express Media through our online news platform, business directory and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram).

The successful applicant must have extensive knowledge of news writing and information gathering.

He/she must have exceptional leadership skills and the ability to lead a small team of journalists under the supervision of the Managing Director.

Some experience in back end web production and web management is preferable but not essential.

The position is full time with a one year contract and the opportunity for continued employment upon successful outcomes with our new project. Your employment would commence on Monday July 20, 2020.

The position includes the delivery of news across our news platforms. Knowledge of Adobe Indesign software, Photoshop and other video editing software would be an advantage.

WE OFFER: • Flexible working hours (including working from home for the right person) • A relaxed working environment • Safe working space • Opportunity to develop and grow with the company • Be part of a vibrant, dedicated team of professionals Remuneration upon application.

fax us: 4092 6346

Funeral Celebrant Final farewells with respect.

Phone 0410 328 357

HEAVY DUTY OFF ROAD BOAT TRAILER

To suit 4.2m boat or slightly bigger, brand new, never been used.

$6500 ONO For more details P: 0409 062 868

Is someone you know celebrating a special birthday?

Wish them a Hap py Birthday with a pers onal ised mess age in the pape r!

T-MSC2020-14 JUM RUM & JUNGLE WALK WALKING TRAIL REFURBISHMENT Mareeba Shire Council hereby invites written tenders for the delivery of works to include the renewal of asphaltic bitumen pavement, Jum Rum and Jungle Walk Walking Trails Kuranda.

Please note there will be a mandatory site inspection at 3.00pm Tuesday 23 June, 2020.

Tender documents are available on Council’s online e-procurement system, Tenderlink - www.tenderlink.com/msc.

All enquiries or clarifications must be via the online forum which will close 4 days prior to closing time.

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

The closing time for electronic lodgement of Tenders is 11.00am Tuesday 14 July, 2020.

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

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

Peter Franks CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PO Box 154 Mareeba, QLD. 4880

T-MSC2020-11 PURCHASE OF ALLOTMENTS MAREEBA INDUSTRIAL PARK Mareeba Shire Council hereby invites written tenders for purchase of allotments at Martin Tenni Drive, Gowan Street, Keegan Street Effley Street, Thora Clelland Drive in the Mareeba Industrial Park – Mareeba.

Tender documents are available on Council’s online e-procurement system, Tenderlink - www.tenderlink.com/msc.

All enquiries or clarifications must be via the online forum which will close 2 days prior to closing time.

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

The closing time for electronic lodgement of Tenders is 11.00am Thursday 9 July, 2020.

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

Tender will not be opened publicly. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Peter Franks CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PO Box 154 Mareeba, QLD. 4880

Pets

Adopt-A-pet

Place a notice today.

Call us on 4092 3464.

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

Hi Everyone, My name is Sebby. I am a very handsome boy who was found wandering and not reclaimed. I want a family who loves me! Phone 4092 3060 for more information.

Contact the refuge on 4092 3060.

Hickling Avenue, Mareeba

www.mareebaanimalrefuge.com.au www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

SPORT

Online resources available for clubs LOCAL clubs and community groups can rejoice after the Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) recently released a diverse range of resources to help struggling sporting groups on the Tablelands.

In partnership with Sports Community, TRC has released the ‘Club Support Program’, which contains a number of resources and training materials to assist with the ongoing management and sustainability of community clubs.

The resources and materials are all available free of charge to all sport and recreation groups in the Tablelands local government area.

The 12-month pilot program will better enable sport and recreation clubs across the Tablelands region to provide the best service they can for their members.

TRC Deputy Mayor Kevin

Cardew acknowledged the importance of the program and the opportunities it brings to the community.

“The Club Support Program provides accurate and up-todate resources to help with club management including governance and strategic planning,” he said.

“The tools and skills available in the program will increase clubs’ financial viability, compliance and sustainability of their volunteers.

“Several local clubs and organizations are already benefitting from the program.”

As well as assisting clubs and volunteers on how to effectively operate and provide for their members, the resources provide a constant stream of support all the way through the process.

Sports Community CEO Steve Pallas stresses the importance of knowing how to run a club

as it can be very different from your ordinary day job.

“So often people come into roles with no training or support,” he said.

“There is a constant source of guidance and support for clubs and volunteers, it makes it as easy as possible for volunteers to do their role effectively.

“It shows people what to do, when to do it and how to do it.”

Mr Pallas also commended TRC with them making the program as open and as accessible as possible to those who need it.

“It’s amazing for a council to make these resources openly available for the whole community,” he said.

To join the clubs and organisations already benefiting from the program by connecting with TRC’s Community Programs Officer. Email trccommunityservices@trc.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 362 242.

2020 Mt Carbine Bull and Bronc Ride called off

The Mt Carbine Rodeo Association looks forward to welcoming everyone back in 2021.

Pictured is committee members at the grounds new entrance.

DUE to COVID-19 restrictions, the popular Mt Carbine Bull and Bronc Ride has been cancelled for 2020.

Fans will have to wait another year now after the Mt Carbine Rodeo Association held their General Meeting on Sunday where it was

unanimously voted against running their annual Bull and Bronc ride this year due to the current restrictions.

The Association deeply regrets having to cancel the event as it is a great night of entertainment for all at the small town of Mt Carbine.

www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au

At the meeting, the committee also expressed their thanks to the Mareeba and Dimbulah Bendigo Community Bank for their generous sponsorship towards replacing the entrance in to the grounds.

JOIN: Tablelands Regional Council Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew is excited for a new assistance program for local sporting clubs to be offered through Tablelands Regional Council.

RESULTS

MAREEBA RIFLE CLUB The Mareeba Rifle Club shot a 2 X 500yd comp. on Sunday June 14. 2020. The conditions were good, being cool &amp; overcast. F Open: T. Salmon (Mareeba): (10/11): 59.4; 65.3 – 124.7. S. Doeblien (Visitor): (10/11): 61.4; 61.4 - 113.3, O. Duyvestyn (Mareeba): (10/11): 56.3; 60.2 – 116.5. F Std: A. Simpson (Mareeba): (10/11): 57.4; 61.3 – 118.7, B. Haldane (Mareeba): (10/11): 54.2; 57.3 – 111.5. TR: M. Beecham (Mareeba): (10/11): 47.6; 54.4 – 101.11, D. Ford (Mareeba):(10/11): 50.7; 54.6 – 104.6. On Sunday, June 21, the Club will be shooting a double 800yd comp.

ATHERTON RIFLE CLUB Results from Atherton Rifle Club on Sunday, June 14 at 400 metres on an overcast day with slight winds. Target Rifle: Gary Moss 96.5. Field Rifle: Daryl Thurston 113.3,

Andrew Denham 101, Lance Denham 91. “F” Standard: Travis Kohn 125.13, Richard Butt 125.8, Martin Donohoe 120.4, Gordon Robertson119, Lloyd Sawtell 116.4, Tom Murray 83. Congratulations to Martin for his Personnal Best at 400 metres. Next shoot Atherton Sunday 21st June at 900 yards 8.30 AM start.

ATHERTON GOLF Wednesday Sporters Stableford won by Ernie Bingham 24 pts ,ru-up Harry Wood 23 pts on countback from Greg Lee. Least putts H.Wood 16.

Thursday Ladies Stroke won

by Patsy McMahon 72 nett on countback from Lisa Lowres Friday 6 Hole chook run winner Anthony Barletta 14 pts on c/b from Matty Bochow and visitor Graham Dewar.

Saturday and Sunday saw first two rounds of the Club Championships .36 Hole Ladies Gross leaders A-Grade

L. Morrison 168 .M.Pearsall 172. B-Grade L.Cross 190, L.Lowers 193.

C-Grade J.Hancock 203, E.McEwan & D.Jierasak 207. 36 hole Nett A-grade L.Morrison 140, B-Grade L.Lowres 145, CGrade K.Clark 146. Mens 36 hole Gross, A-Grade B.Clark 144, P.Henricks 145, B-Grade D.Twine 159, M.Vermeer 162, R.Tomo 163 C-Grade J.Nagy 176, A.Poggioli and S.Dodds 185 36 Hole Nett A-Grade J.McLoughlin 135, B.Clark 140, B-Grade. M Vermeer 134, D.Blooranta & D.Twine 137, C-Grade J.Nagy 140, K.Shaw 145. Great to see 2 junior girls (Emily and Abby) and 3 Junior boys( Ethon, Doug and Robert ) play in their 1st Championships and all scoring very well.

EMAIL US YOUR SPORT RESULTS BY 8AM EVERY MONDAY – admin@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 PAGE 27

2012 MAZDA 2 NEO MANUAL HATCH

$8,950 DRIVE AWAY

2012 TOYOTA COROLLA ASCENT SPORT AUTO SEDAN

$13,950 DRIVE AWAY

2019 FORD ESCAPE SUV WAGON

1.5 litre eco-boost automatic, reverse camera, sat nav, 4200 kilometres + lots more, balance of factory warranty until January 2025.

$27,490

2016 HONDA JAZZ VTi AUTO HATCH

1.5 litre Eco-boost engine, 8 speed auto, alloys, reverse camera, sat-nav, 4480 kilometres + more!

Balance of 5 year warranty until September 2024.

$24,490

2017 HONDA CIVIC VTi AUTO SEDAN

$14,950 DRIVE AWAY

$17,950 DRIVE AWAY

2014 TOYOTA HILUX SR 4X4 MANUAL SINGLE CAB

2005 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER GXL 4X4 AUTO WAGON

$26,950 DRIVE AWAY

2018 FORD FOCUS TREND HATCH

$29,950 DRIVE AWAY

WARRANTY AVAILABLE ON ALL USED VEHICLES - ENQUIRE TODAY! ALL PRICES INCLUSIVE OF GOVERNMENT STATUTORY CHARGES.

COMPETITIVE FINANCE AND INSURANCE AVAILABLE For more info, see treasury.gov.au. This communication does not constitute legal, taxation or financial advice.

313-315 Byrnes Street, Mareeba • 4092 5100 www.mareebamitsubishi.com.au • www.mareebamazda.com.au After Hours: David Mete 0408 793 050 Peter Acha 0417 006 698 or Adrian Madrid 0413 745 247

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

Go Further

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR CLEARANCE!

100% INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

2015 HYUNDAI i-MAX

2012 SUBARU XV 2.0i-L

Turbo diesel auto 8 seat wagon, travelled only 47,500 kilometres, ideal family mover with diesel economy, rear parking sensors, in excellent condition.

CVT All Wheel Drive, travelled 107,000 kilometres, sat-nav with reverse camera, one local owner, good service history, excellent condition.

$30,990 DRIVE AWAY

$15,990 DRIVE AWAY

2014 MAZDA BT-50 XT HIGHRIDER

2015 MAZDA CX-3 NEO

3.2 litre 6 speed manual single cab 4x2, alloy dropside body with fibreglass canopy, travelled 96,900 kilometres, tow bar with electric brake unit, sidesteps, extremely well maintained.

2.0 litre auto 5 door wagon, travelled 64,500 kilometres, smart looking one owner vehicle with good service history, reverse sensors, 6 months rego, top condition.

$21,990 DRIVE AWAY

$17,990 DRIVE AWAY

Chano Trentin’s

ALL WHEEL DRIVE CENTRE TOLGA ROAD, ATHERTON • PHONE 4030 5400

AFTER HOURS: Con Spanos 0417 914 285 • www.allwheeldrivecentre.com.au

PAGE 28 The Express, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

NISSAN NAVARA SINGLE CAB RX 4X2

28,690

$

^~

DRIVEAWAY - ABN BUYERS ONLY

INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF† FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Chano Trentin’s

ALL WHEEL DRIVE CENTRE Vernon St, Atherton • 4030 5400 • www.allwheeldrivecentre.com.au

^Maximum recommended driveaway price for ABN holders on new Navara RX Single Cab 4x2 Manual. Excludes government, rental and national fleet customers. Nissan reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this offer. Premium paint available at additional cost. ~Price includes tray to the value of $2,180.66 (including fitment and GST). Any difference in price for alternate tray and fitment to be paid by the customer. †Subject to complying with statutory conditions. Eligibility for instant asset write-off and percentage of write off depend on your specific circumstances (including whether the vehicle will be used solely for business purposes). For more information on accessing the instant asset write-off, speak to your accountant or a qualified tax professional. See Nissan.com.au for warranty Ts&Cs.

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