Performers from the Pasifica Pride group delivered colour, joy and energy during their performances at the Mareeba Multicultural Festival on Saturday.
Bush business is back
A PIONEERING initiative that supports rural women to start their own businesses is open to new applicants.
Since launching in 2017, Gulf Savannah NRM’s Bush Business Program has helped more than 20 female entrepreneurs from the Northern Gulf region turn their business ideas into reality.
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for the next round of the program, which includes training to develop core business skills and mentorship from established business owners.
“This is a great opportunity to turn hobbies into thriving small businesses and generate another source of income for your household,” Gulf Savannah NRM’s Kasmin Brotherton said.
“Having delivered the Bush Business initiative before, we know that one of the most important aspects is creating a network of like-minded participants to support each other through the process.”
Bekky Haase participated in the program in 2020 and last year opened the Grey Galah BnB in Georgetown.
“The Bush Business Program provided clarity to my decisionmaking on what to pursue as a business — this was helped by having a group of local women who served as a safe sounding board,” Bekky said.
Kaila Kingsley, owner of Outback Orchids near Chillagoe – the only licensed supplier of the protected Wild Australian Black Orchid – said the skills she gained from the program were fundamental to her success.
“It was so encouraging to have a group to bounce my thoughts off and get their feedback on how unique my idea was,” she said.
“Back then, it was a distant dream and now we have a commercial nursery on a remote cattle station.”
Anyone who is interested can register an EOI at www.gulfsavannahnrm.org/bush-business by Sunday
Hospital concerns rejected
Wet season to beat road repair
NO FURTHER repairs to the Kuranda Range Road or stabilisation of massive landslips will be done before the wet season arrives.
The road suffered massive damage as a result of Cyclone Jasper and extreme rainfall last December but since then, apart from stabilising a large landslip near the Henry Ross Lookout, no work has occurred to tackle the many other landslips along the road.
Motorists are concerned that these areas will suffer more damage and create additional blockages to the road in the storm and cyclone season just a few months away.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has told The Express that the “reconstruction phase of works” will begin “in the coming months”.
“TMR is currently engaging contractors capable of reconstructing complex, high priority routes damaged by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding,” a spokesperson said.
“The tender is under assessment and works are planned to begin late 2024, weather permitting.
“Reconstruction works are being scheduled to prioritise the most urgent works first.
“Once a program of works is finalised, TMR will advise stakeholders of the expected construction timeframes and traffic arrangements for the works.”
The news that the road will still be in a similar condition as it was a year ago when the damage was sustained and that there has been no update on when the Barron River bridge will re-open to two lanes of traffic has been criticised by LNP candidate for Cook David Kempton.
“With the wet season almost upon us and
no clear plan for the future, the Barron River Bridge and Kuranda Range will remain substandard for some time to come,” he said.
“The ongoing band-aid type approach we have experienced over the past two years looks set to last for some years yet.
“That the Labor Government has failed for a decade to find a genuine solution to ensure road users have a safe, reliable and viable transport link to Cairns is nothing short of negligent.”
TMR has also advised that inspections and testing of the Macalloy bars on the Barron River Bridge are continuing.
“These works are expected to be completed in late September,” a spokesperson said.
“TMR will advise what the outcome of the investigations will mean for the traffic arrangements on the bridge.”
Mr Kempton says he has been advised that a report on the condition of the bridge and a detailed business case to resolve the problem with the bridge would not be ready until late 2024.
“Labor has known about the structural fault issues with the bridge for a decade but has failed to act,” he said.
“Even though Labor has not fully identified the problem with the bridge or how it might be fixed, or the cost, Labor has allocated $15 million for a predesign and up to $450 million to build a new bridge.
Mr Crawford hit back, saying at least his party had a firm plan to tackle the issue.
“Unlike the LNP, I have a very clear $450 million new bridge commitment delivered by the Premier himself, on-site at the bridge, that the Miles Government will deliver if re-elected,” he said.
“I don’t think we can be any clearer in our intent to replace this bridge than that.”
Attending the lighting up of the restored 100-year heritage lamp were Cr Marie Baade, Mayor Rod Marti, Yungaburra Association Inc president Ken Jack and Sue Fairley.
Century of light shines again
A STREET lamp that was initially installed in Yungaburra 100 years ago has been restored and will again shine brightly in the small town.
According to information from the Eacham Historical Society, the then Eacham Shire Council approved the purchase of three kerosene road lamps on 20 December 1923, one for Millaa Millaa, one for Malanda and one for Yungaburra.
The Yungaburra lamp was installed in April 1924, at the intersection of Fig Street and Eacham Road where it illuminated the intersection near the timber bridge constructed over the railway line on Eacham Road.
The lamp remained in place until it had to be moved to make way for a roundabout in 2021.
It has now been faithfully restored, thanks to Tablelands Regional Council and Atherton Men’s Shed volunteers in conjunction with the Yungaburra Beautification Committee and Yungaburra Association. They were assisted by Atherton Location Services, Barron River Electrical and other members of the community. Last Thursday, the lamp was turned on again in its new location at Maude Keogh Park, near the visitor’s centre. There are only two more of these types of lamps in Queensland, both at the Samford village precinct.
Pets and friends
CELEBRATING everything
about pets will be the focus of a fun community event to be hosted in Arnold Park this Sunday.
The Pet Fair will feature markets, activities, demonstrations and competitions from 8am-2pm.
The event is also an opportunity for the Mareeba Animal Refuge to showcase its rescue mission and promote responsible pet ownership.
There will be obedience and agility demonstrations conducted throughout the day from the Tablelands Dog Obedience Club and Alpha Lykos K9 Training and Behaviour.
The event will also feature animal shows and competitions in which owners can enter their pets into a host of different categories such as “Waggiest Tail”, “Sleepiest Cat” and many more, with great prizes on offer.
A wide range of market stalls will offer pet information, products and accessories, pet photography and more.
There will be plenty of activities for kids including craft, face painting and a jumping castle. Food and drinks will be available onsite.
“The aim of the event is not only to raise much needed funds for us but also to showcase our rescue mission and promote responsible pet ownership,” said refuge staff member Felicity Pollard.
Dogs must be on a lead at all times. Cats and any other animals need to be in carriers or show cages.
Everything flowers
A NEW event that promises to showcase and celebrate everything to do with flowers will be held at Mt Molloy this Saturday.
The Festival of Flowers was initiated by a passionate group of locals who got together during Covid through the Let’s Grow Julatten + Mt Molloy Facebook page.
The group offered a way for locals to connect over something positive and meaningful, with gardening tips and humour making for a helpful, friendly bunch which sprouted some forward-thinking initiatives including a subgroup called the Tuesday Garden Club.
“We have a share fridge at our local hall that shares the seasonal abundance of gardeners and marketeers – bread, fruit and veg, seeds and cuttings,” group member Ying Tee said.
“More than three years on now, we certainly keep growing. Inspired by an article in a local magazine, we went on a road trip to celebrate our group and visited three organic farms (Crater Mountain Coffee, Golden Oak Mushrooms and Albatross Farm) and the Herberton Flower Show.
“We were so enthralled by the show that we have decided to host our very own Festival of Flowers in Mt Molloy at the RSL Memorial Hall.”
This inaugural one-day only event will take place alongside the regular Mt Molloy market day.
There will be a rainbow of fresh flowers labelled and displayed in a show format, floral art installations and workshops, an Insta-worthy floral photo wall, and, of course, flower themed teas, biscuits and gifts for sale.
“It’s going to be a delightful multi-sensorial celebration of flowers!” Ying said.
The Tuesday Garden Club meets weekly - either at one of the members’ private garden to help with a task/project or at the award-winning home-base garden at Ahoy Molloy Coffee Shop.
“We won four awards at the Mareeba Garden Awards in the last two years - in the Commercial and Most Sustainable Garden categories,” Ying said.
“We have created a lush productive garden at Ahoy Molloy which provides us a cosy space to meet, with Dan’s amazing
coffee fuelling our ‘seedy’ chats and working bees.
“Working our worm farm and towers, and making our own compost and soil provides the richness needed.
“We sell seedlings and share our seed bank to the general public. We also have a
“This
the many gardens we help with.”
The Festival is on this Saturday morning.
Quarry extraction gets the green light
A SAND extraction operation at a Shanty Creek Rd property has been given the green light by Mareeba Shire Council despite 16 objections about rural amenity, such as noise, dust, and traffic, and water quality impacts on Emerald Creek.
The Wallace Quarrying and Mining operation will allow the removal of 5000 tonnes of material from the property’s dam, in what the applicants described as essentially a “cleanout”.
At the August meeting, Cr Amy Braes and Cr Mary Graham excused themselves from proceedings citing conflicts of interest, as each had a close relative who had lodged a submission against the proposal.
According to the development application, the sand extraction operation will remove built-up sediment and increase
the dam’s capacity by approximately five megalitres. The material will be screened and washed, stockpiled and used both on-site as well as sold off-site as a raw material.
A key objection was that the dam is a spillway into Emerald Creek and that any overflow would affect water quality to the popular waterway.
Council said approval conditions ensured sand removal could only be carried out during drier times of the year when water was not discharging from the dam spillway. The dam itself would act as a large settling pond to help maintain water quality of downstream Emerald Creek.
Council said the operation was small scale (at only 5000 tonnes each year), would only operate between 7am and
Changed Traffic Conditions
6pm Mondays to Fridays and 7am to 12 noon on Saturdays, and would not involve any hard rock crushing or blasting.
All soil and material transported to or from the site would be covered to prevent dust or spillage.
Objections by nearby residents, including Jaques Coffee, pointed out that a recently constructed house was within 200m of the site, however, council said the majority of submitters were more than 350m away and 600m from the intensive sand screening/washing area.
Council also rejected a concern about a breach of the dam wall during postcyclone flooding and the risk of dam failure.
Other conditions under which the quarry could operate included:
• The operator must provide monthly extraction/sales figures to council as a means of monitoring activity.
• A small strip of vegetation which will be removed for extraction must be revegetated once the operation finished.
• The developer must pay $3,360 for each 167 haul truck movements from the site, which would go toward the upgrading of Leotta Rd, Shanty Creek Rd and Gilmore Rd. The developer may elect to provide part of the trunk infrastructure instead of making the payment.
• All reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to ensure no harm is done to Aboriginal cultural heritage.
• The operation must deal with any electric ant carriers under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.
Saturday, September 25, 2021
advises that it has obtained a one-lane road closure of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
To enable cyclists in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge to safely traverse the range, the up-lane will be closed from 6am –8.45am on that date.
Hospital Foundation advises it has obtained a one-lane closure of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
lane of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) from Canopy’s Edge, Smithfield to RainForestStation, Kuranda.
To enable cyclists in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge to safely traverse the range, the up-lane will be closed from 6am-8.45am on that date. As per the permit, the
As per the permit, the closure will affect the uphill lane of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) from Canopy's Edge, Smithfield to RainForestStation, Kuranda.
Any cyclist who has not been able to reach the top of the Range by 8am, will be uploaded into a vehicle.
As per the permit, the closure will affect the uphill lane of the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range) from Canopy’s Edge, Smithfield to RainForestStation,Kuranda. Any cyclist who has not been able to reach the top of the Range by 8am, will be uploaded into a vehicle. All emergency vehicles will be able to traverse the Range in either direction if required during theclosure.
All emergency vehicles will be able to traverse the Range in either direction if required during the closure.
Any cyclist who has not been able to reach the top of the Range by 8am will be uploaded into a vehicle. All emergency vehicles will be able to traverse the Range in either direction if required, during the closure.
For more information call: 4226 6327 or visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au
communal kitchen where we gather to turn our fresh produce into a yummy lunch or ferment them to make Sauerkraut/Kimchi.
lovely kitchen overlooks a lovely flower patch, one of
This passionate group has decided to host the inaugural Festival of Flowers in Mt Molloy this Saturday.
Funding brought forward to kick start Prior’s Creek precinct
FUTURE funding for the Prior’s Creek redevelopment will be brought forward by Tablelands Regional Council to allow contractors to get on with making the project a reality.
Council awarded a $2.49 million contract to Northern Civil Earthworks Pty Ltd in November last year as Portion A of the contract and agreed to award Portion B, worth $6.15 million at a later date with council’s approval.
Portion B of the contract involves creating a new “urban plaza” at the end of Vernon Street; the creation of a new amphitheatre and stage; streetscape improvement measures along Vernon Street and Jack Street; improved parking; the creation of a new “Prior’s Creek Promenade” (a shared pedestrian and
cycle walkway along the old railway track alignment), landscaping improvements; parkland infrastructure including shelters, BBQ, seating, public amenities, and power facilities; the relocation of the existing mountain bike shelter and fitness equipment; and the installation of two new toilet blocks and the demolition of the Vernon Street toilet block.
At its recent meeting, council was asked to award Portion B for a total of $5.169 million to the contractor now, which means it will have to bring forward the $2.5 million allocated in the 2025-26 financial year and find the additional monies required.
While the council has received $3.6 million in state and federal government grants for the project to date, it was unsuc-
cessful in securing an additional $5.8 million in Federal funding.
Cr Kevin Cardew said he initially had concerns about where the additional money needed to award Portion B was going to come from, noting that he would never support borrowing for the project.
“When I saw this report come up asking for future funding to be brought forward, I was concerned about how we’re going to fund this because we missed out on the federal grant funding of $5 and a bit million and now we’re being asked to bring this future funding allocation from council forward to bridge that gap,” he said.
“I know we’re between a rock and a hard place to some degree – we have some high-level interest in those freehold lots down
Putting the freeze on ice
students
The
The
Andre’a spoke to the students about her previous struggles with addiction and how it can happen all too easily.
She educated and warned
there from investors and those investors are wanting some security from council to ensure that if they are going to invest in Prior’s Creek in the several millions of dollars, they need some form of security from council that we’re going to do our bit.”
“So, the question remained, how are we going to fund it? Where is that future money going to come from? There had been some suggestion we might have to borrow money for it which I am 100% totally against.”
He said a solution had been forthcoming in the days before the meeting, and that was to use developer contributions.
“I’m happy that council is not spending over our overall commitment of $7.5 million, there is grant funding of $3.2 million and developers contributions
would be in the order of $3.5 million which leaves a shortfall of $261,000 which could be funded from council,” he said.
“But where is the $261,000 going to come from? I’m assuming it will come from savings from other projects.”
CEO Gary Rinehart said the next Budget review would provide that information.
Mayor Rod Marti also confirmed at the meeting that council would not borrow money for the Prior’s Creek redevelopment.
“We absolutely need to get this done – I don’t believe we are between a rock and hard place –this is our project, we allocated the money for it, we’ve got significant grants, we have serious interest in the freehold lots which is fantastic, we just need to get
on with it,” he said.
“From council’s point of view, it’s our flagship project – it will completely transform the town, we just need to get on with it.”
Cr Annette Haydon said she was concerned that other projects throughout TRC appeared to have stalled while Prior’s Creek was steaming ahead.
“My biggest gripe is that projects that have been on council’s radar for over three years haven’t had one sod of earth turned over yet council is hell bent on this project,” she said.
“I have reservations about more funding (going to Prior’s Creek project) while other parts of the community get forgotten. I only hope the love gets spread a bit more evenly across the region.”
all costs.
Students received an informative pamphlet and a rubber bracelet saying “AAIC, putting the freeze on ice”.
Andre’a with the St Stephens students after her presentation.
LOCAL motorists were put to the test last week, with Tablelands police offering them a free cup of coffee if they could correctly answer questions about road safety and road rules. The exercise, which was held at the 100 Park in Mareeba last Thursday as part of Road Safety Week, exposed that many motorists could not correctly answer the questions. The ones who did pass the test were treated to a free coffee as part of the program which was all about raising awareness about road safety. TMR’s Kim Kadel and Constable Joshua Bankes were on hand to help motorists refresh their knowledge on road rules.
Mt Garnet revs up for show
MORE than 650 people are expected to gather at the Mt Garnet Annual Car and Bike Show to feast their eyes on classic machines, take in the live music and enjoy stalls and a swap meet at the Saturday event.
To be held at the Mt Garnet Rodeo Grounds on 7 September, it is the second car show for the community and organisers say they have “kicked it up a notch or two this year”.
“We are expecting in excess of 650 to attend,” Donna Litzow said of the annual event.
“This is a real boost to our small community.”
This year, the show has 10 categories for people wanting to enter their bike or
car and will hold a “Grease” theme bestdressed competition to add to the colour.
Local Band Klockwork will perform during the day, with True North Boogie Band entertaining the evening crowd and campers.
A jumping castle, face-painting, and the local SES showcasing their skills, will provide plenty of family entertainment. Raffles during the day will be donating all proceeds to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Cancer Council.
Many local caterers such as Bills Barbecue, Keddie’s Takeaway, Floss and Pop, Barista in the Mist, the Mt Garnet P&C and the local CWA will be providing a variety of foods, and the bar will be open through the day and night.
Tolga School.
Vintage tractors are traditionally part of the parade down Main Street.
Tableland Roller Derby Club.
Teesha Potts was crowned the 2024 Atherton Maize Queen on Saturday night.
Kairi School.
Knives out for timber industry
THE Queensland timber industry needs long-term commitment and secure tenure over harvesting if it is to remain viable in the north, says Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter.
Visiting timber mills in the region this month, they said current proposals and practices by both Labor and LNP were causing a lack of confidence in a shrinking industry at a time when there was an affordable housing crisis around the country.
“We want to ensure 20-year licensing for wood supply agreements, not just hardwood but for plantation woods,” Mr Katter said.
“This provides a long-term, secure right to harvest, and mills can invest with confidence. No one is going to back industry with such short-term agreements.”
The comments follow the release in June of the State Government’s Sustainable Timber Industry Framework.
Mr Katter said the framework would lock up state forests from hardwood harvesting in the south-east and would be extended to the north, leaving the industry in limbo.
The document outlines that harvesting permit plans for the eastern hardwoods were to be issued by the end of July 2024 for a further two years, except where a state forest has become a protected area.
Currently, 40% of hardwood comes from state forests. The existing forestry code would also be replaced at the end of 2026.
Mr Katter said turning state forests into national parks was ideologically hypocritical, as they provided an environmentally sustainable, renewable resource.
He said the plan offered no security to mills - not just hardwood but plantation timber mills.
Where once extraction licences were provided over 20-year periods, they had dropped to five-year terms, and now annual extensions.
According to plantation mill owner, David Simms, who owns the Ravenshoe and Mareeba mills, the industry appeared to be going backwards.
He said no new State Government plantations had been established since the 1980s after land was sold off to private industry.
The cost of land in FNQ and the rise in competition for that land with other developing agricultural businesses, was also impacting the local industry’s future.
He said the Far North would eventually have to rely on supplies from the south of the state, or from overseas, with current imports already at 30%.
“We’re the only pine mill north of Maryborough,” Mr Simms said.
“When you start taking in freight costs, fuel prices, you can see the problems.”
KAP’s candidate for Cook Duane Amos said the Brisbane agenda pandered to the environment movement and culled jobs and development from Far Northern communities.
RATE NOTICES ISSUED DUE DATE - 13 SEPTEMBER 2024
2000 sign pavilion petition
A PETITION calling for the Patrick English Pavilion at Malanda to be restored has attracted some 2000 signatures and been presented to Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti.
Tablelands Regional Council has made it clear that it will not attempt to restore the historic igloo given the $2.3 million it would cost to do structural repairs on the building.
An online survey, which has now closed, did not include an option for repairing the igloo, instead only asking whether locals would prefer a new similar-looking building to replace the existing pavilion, or a multi-purpose building.
Council’s consultation on the issue has now closed, with the results to be part of a report to go to council’s September meeting at which decisions are expected to be made on the building’s future.
Community advocate Matt Lachlan, who initiated the petition, says he was amazed at some of the community’s efforts to make sure they signed the document in a desperate bid to save the muchloved igloo.
“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has signed the petition. Thanks also to everyone who has assisted, including to businesses that had the petition available at their premises,” he said.
“There have been several, very special moments collecting signatures I’d like to share.
“There have been very frail, elderly and unwell community members attending the markets solely to sign the petition. This has been truly moving, and an experience I will not forget.
“There have been community members, with the assistance of carers who have come to sign. In some cases, needing a little help from their carers to write due to medical conditions.
“To see someone who really struggled to hold a pen adamant that their hand would be on that pen to sign leaves a last-
The half-yearly rate notices for the six-month period ending 31 December 2024 have been issued. If you have not received your rate notice, please contact the Rates Department.
ing impression. Then there is one that I missed while having a brief break.
“A little girl came with her fatherdragging her dad over for him to sign. My wife told the young lady she could also sign, and she was beaming to be able to do so.
“She wrote her name and postcode and when it came to signing she said she didn’t have a signature. Her dad explained she could make up her signature now. She asked if it could be anything, and he said ‘yes’.
“She then drew three love hearts. If the passion of these lovely people does not speak volumes, I don’t know what does.
“The pavilion matters. Community matters. Thank you everyone.”
RECEIVE YOUR RATE NOTICE ELECTRONICALLY (eNotices)
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NEW PAYMENT PORTAL - FLEXIPAY
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INTEREST FREE ARRANGEMENTS
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10% DISCOUNT FOR EARLY PAYMENT
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PENSIONER REBATE
A pensioner rebate may also apply to those holders of a State Government Pensioner Concession Card or Repatriation Gold Card.
For more information refer to your rates notice or scan the QR-Code on the right-hand side to visit our website. Alternatively, please contact Council.
Peter Franks Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 154 MAREEBA QLD 4880
By ANDREE STEPHENS
KAP leader Robbie Katter (left) and candidate for Cook Duane Amos speak with timber mill owner David Simms recently about the viability of the industry.
Mayor Rod Marti receives the petition from Matt Lachlan.
Ask any Queenslander and they will tell you we’re number one. Number one for sunshine and lifestyle. We are also number one to benefit from coal royalties.
Coal royalties help to pay for cost-of-living support like electricity rebates and free kindy. They also help pay for infrastructure and services.
Queensland is the world’s largest exporter of coal used to make steel for wind turbines and electric vehicles needed for the global transition to clean energy. This demand means a record 44,000* people have jobs in Queensland coal mines. Everyone benefits from coal royalties
Julie Grey, Joanne Lillywhite, Ann Lillywhite, Di Stewart.
by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane.
*This service travels via Caravonica, Trinity Bay High and TAFE, school days only.
Maria and Ella Barry.
Best dressed Little Miss was Marie Welham.
Nanette Jamison and David Harris.
Silvia Russo, Michelle Bombardieri, Milva Carucci, Loretta Sclippa and Lyn. Tim Marsh.
Christine and Chelsea Cross. Natalie Jones, Ash Daniel and Taylah Wells.
The Irish singers featured the youngest performer of the day.
The Chinese dragon was a
hit with the crowd, with the Cairns and District Chinese Association performers dazzling the audience.
Cook
Celebrating a life of love
region and the Grogans.
IT could be the screenplay for a classic Australian romance of a hard-working couple who overcame obstacles to build a life of lasting love, friendships and family.
Those three building blocks were evident at Gateway Hotel, Mareeba, on Sunday 11, when close to 100 guests gathered to celebrate the 68th wedding anniversary of Esther and Harry Grogan.
“It was a great day to be part of the celebration and see all of the family together,” eldest son Wayne said.
“The Gateway closed the place down for us during the day.”
The couple, who also turned 90 this year, have a story that reflects almost a century of Australia’s history. Read through old local news articles, or a tribute by Michael Musumeci on the Mareeba Historical Society facebook page, and there’s a sense of so many milestones for the
So how did a young Indigenous girl from Walcha in NSW meet and marry a young man from Kuranda in the 1950s, during a time of strict control of Indigenous peoples around the country?
Esther was born on May 14, 1934 to police tracker Lester Kim and Lulu Kim (nee Wright). She grew up helping her dad, a self-taught mechanic, builder and rabbit trapper. She left Armidale to find work in Sydney in the mid-1950s.
Young Harry was born at a Queensland mission just two months before, on March 19, 1934, to Harry Senior and Rosie Grogan (nee Maytown). His parents had met at Mona Mona Mission where Harry senior had worked, and Rosie had grown up, after being taken from Cannibal Creek (Kuku Yalanji Country) as a child.
Mona Mona opened in 1913 and was one of many throughout Australia, which housed Aboriginal children taken from their families. Any
children born at the mission thereafter were automatically placed into singlesex dormitories. Mona Mona closed in 1962 and the majority of residents were forcibly removed to Palm Island or Woorabinda.
Young Harry was strong and fit, working many cattle stations around Chillagoe while at the Mission. By 20 he was deemed suitable for an exemption card under the Aborigines Protection Act, which meant he could travel freely (the Act was repealed in 1969 following the 1967 referendum).
He moved to Sydney to start a professional boxing career with his brother Clarence, also a boxer.
From August 1954 up to late September 1959, he had 24 bouts with 15 wins in total. He was undefeated in his first four bouts at the Sydney Stadium in front of record crowds. He made the front cover of ‘The Ring Magazine’ in October 1955, with the heading: “HARRY GROGAN, CAN HE MAKE IT”. By September 1957, he
proved he could. Harry won the Australian Welterweight Title.
He had also won the heart of Esther.
Regularly passing each other on their way to and from work in Newtown, they were finally introduced by a cousin and began courting. They were married on August 4, 1956, at Armidale Presbyterian Church and lived in Sydney. Their son, Wayne, was born a year later - the same year Harry won the title.
In late 1958, the young family travelled up the east coast with the Sharman Boxing Troupe. Settling back in the north, Harry then supported his family by working on the railway, doing horse and cattle work, as well as timber cutting, while Esther raised their three children - Wayne, Cyril and Sharon - in between working seasonal jobs on tobacco farms and domestic cleaning.
The family bought their first home in Kuranda, before moving to Cairns
and buying their next home. They then returned to the Tablelands, settling in their family home in Hodzic Road Mareeba. Nowadays, the couple share with their family at Rocky Top, Fichera Road, Mareeba.
In 1973, tragedy befell the family when 13-year-old son Cyril suffered a seizure and lost the ability to walk, talk or communicate. Esther refused to have him put in a nursing home and she cared for him throughout his life, until he passed in 2022.
Harry is still a living legend in the boxing community, making guest appearances at major bouts in Mareeba.
In an interview with The Express newspaper in August 2016, after the couple received a letter from the late Queen Elizabeth II congratulating them on their 60th wedding anniversary, Harry revealed the secret to a long and happy life was by helping each other and love.
“We just love each other,” he said simply. “Esther is everything to me.”
Mc COLLUM
I’m committed to working hard to ensure the voice of the Hill electorate is heard and our community’s needs are no longer overlooked.
COMMITTED TO SERVICE
I’m a father, a husband, small business owner and former Australian Army officer, who is ready to bring effective change.
UNDERSTANDING LOCAL NEEDS
As a small business owner, I understand the challenges facing local small and family-owned businesses.
LISTENING TO COMMUNITY PRIORITIES
I’ve heard your concerns on local roads, access to healthcare, the impacts of crime and the housing crisis.
I will provide strong representation for the Hill electorate in a new LNP Government, pursuing the right priorities for Queensland.
PO Box 750, Tolga QLD 4882
0474 545 782 E: hill@lnp.org.au
By ANDREE STEPHENS
Yungaburra Landcare’s David Blair who was a vocal campaigner to get the track re-opened.
Founding Peterson’s Creek re-vegetation project members Wally Coutts and Ken Jack. Ray Francis was celebrating the occasion.
ENTERTAINMENT
Family fun day
LIVE music, face painting, a sausage sizzle, arts and crafts, prizes, and giveaways up for grabs are all on offer this Thursday (5 Sept) at the Mareeba Family Fun Day.
The event, to be held in Arnold Park Mareeba from 3pm-5.30pm, will focus on activities that raise awareness about child safety in the community.
Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) and Mareeba Community Centre (MCC) are uniting to host the ninth annual Family Fun Day, spotlighting Child Protection Week and advancing the safety of children and young people throughout the community.
Supporting the national campaign, the event brings together community organisations to highlight local support services available.
This year’s National Child Protection Week message, “Every child, in every community, needs a fair go,” is complemented by the theme “Every Conversation Matters”.
“Children and young people thrive when they grow up safe, connected, and supported in their family, community, and culture,” VPG service coordinator Sarah Marsh said.
“Bringing the community together each year reaffirms our collective strength and commitment.
“We are reminding everyone to speak up – and speak together – about what needs to change for every child in every community to have a fair go.
“This annual afternoon of family fun aims to elevate the profile of child protection by sharing valuable information and resources to support the safety and well-being of children now and in the future.”
MCC Community Programs coordinator Siale Jenkins highlighted the shared responsibility of child protection.
“Every child has the right to feel safe, and every adult has the responsibility to ensure their safetywe all have to work together to protect our children and young people,” she said.
The Whitlams’ new act heading up
THE Whitlams’ Tim Freedman is excited to be bringing an “A-team of roots musicians” as part of his new country act, The Whitlams Black Stump, to Savannah in the Round in October.
The Whitlams were originally created in 1992 by Tim Freedman and other original members, who have since passed, and were named after former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
The Australian band holds numerous achievements under their belt with their most notable being an ARIA Music Award for Song of the Year in 1998 for No Aphrodisiac.
Tim Freedman’s latest alternative-country project, the Whitlams Black Stump, was formed in 2021 and sees him and longtime Whitlams drummer Terepai Richmond joined by an A Team of roots musicians, reconstructing the best of The Whitlams’ repertoire with a small number of new songs.
The five-piece band features Tim on keys and lead vocals, Terepai Richmond on drums, Rod McCormack and Matt Fell who are both CMAA Producers of the Year, on banjo and bass, and young gun Ollie Thorpe on electric and pedal steel guitar.
With Mareeba the last stop on their national tour, Tim is excited about performing at Savannah in the Round.
After spending some time in Cairns during the lockdown, Tim sarcastically joked that his favourite part about Far North Queensland was the sluggish or “somnambulant” heat.
“I’m excited to let my new country band loose on a big stage. We really enjoyed playing at Blues Fest and the Gympie Muster and we can take it up another notch at Mareeba,” Tim said.
“I’ve played at the Tanks Art Centre a lot and during the lockdowns me and the Whitlams drummer holed up there for four weeks because we had to try get into South Australia to do some gigs, so we became fairly familiar with the surroundings.”
The new Black Stump band has been received well by crowds and Tim is eager to hear the response from the crowd at the Mareeba festival this year.
“Well it’s a new act, our debut album was in the country charts for three months and we have a few festivals coming up so it’s been successful in allowing us to play to new audiences which was the intention,” he said.
“I don’t know what to expect from the crowd, I heard it’s (the festival) been going well the last few years, we play at about 5pm when it’s cooling off so it should be good.”
He also explained how the name “Black Stump” came about for the new band.
“I chose Black Stump just to delineate the Whitlams country lineup from the four-piece Whitlams, I like it because it’s a very rural term, a very Australian term,” Tim said.
“It was actually first used to describe a court case in Sydney in 1830 because Black Stump was used in a perimeter conflict, but now it just sort of means agricultural you know.
“Like a black stump philosopher is a bloke who’s never been to university but he’ll still sit at the front bar and philosophise. So with it’s rural and Australian connotations, I think it suits the country act.”
Tickets are on sale now for Savannah in the Round. Go to www.savannahintheround. com.au
The Whitlams Black Stump are ready to let loose at Savannah in the Round
ENTERTAINMENT
Instrumental band to perform in park
SOME of the most talented students from Tablelands schools will fill Yungaburra with their instrumental music when they perform at a free concert in the park this Sunday.
Hosted at the Yungaburra Community Rotunda, students from the Atherton Tablelands Instrumental Music (ATIM) program will perform from 5.30pm.
Lachlan Szery, who has directed the ATIM program at Atherton State High School for the past seven years, leads both high school and primary ensembles. Under his guidance, these ensembles have performed in numerous concerts, showcases, and competitions, including the 2018, 2022, and 2024 Fanfare Tablelands heats and finals.
The Malanda State School’s band recently competed in the statewide Fanfare competition and earned a platinum award. They look forward to presenting a diverse range of pieces, from concert band classics to rock/pop hits and movie themes.
The Malanda High School Band showcases the talent of students at various performances and school functions
throughout the year, such as ANZAC ceremonies, leadership inductions, and awards nights. Band members also proudly represent Malanda High at external music programs like the State Honours Ensemble Program.
All instrumental music students at Atherton High participate in the concert band, rehearsing every Wednesday afternoon. The Atherton State High Concert Band has competed in multiple Fanfares, eisteddfods, performances, and showcases.
In 2022, they received a double platinum in the instrumental Fanfare, and followed up with another double platinum in the 2024 competition.
Everyone is invited to this free Sunday in the Park concert from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
Bring along a chair, blanket or rug and reserve your piece of front-row lawn! Refreshments are available for purchase with Petals & Pinecones and Greek St Food on site.
Parking is available via Short Street. Alternative venue in case of rain is the Yungaburra Rec Shed, Barrine Road, Yungaburra.
Big things happening at Theo’s Bar
BIG things are coming up for Theo’s Bar in Atherton, with a variety of entertainment planned for the coming months, a revamped menu now available and new cocktails to taste.
To mark Friday the 13th, the bar is hosting the Black Friday/ White Party, which promises to be a fantastic evening of fun and great music from DJ Glenn and Shazza from Buzerk Bros.
Owner Robyn Merenda says for the past two months, the bar has been building its own brand and training staff to provide the best service for a great night out.
“We have also revamped our menu with a few new cocktails and amazing platters,” she said.
“I urge people to come in, grab a seat and order a cocktail – whether it be a KD Karma or a Theo’s Dream or so many others.
“We also have a variety of entertainment with live music and DJs who will play your favourite songs on request.
“We are hosting parties from 18ths to 60ths as well as hen’s parties and buck’s parties.
“We have started hosting Christmas parties already but whatever the celebration is, we always endeavour to make your special night memorable.
“We are only just starting, so watch Theo’s because we have
bigger things coming.”
On October 18, the bar will host a special wine night, with a wine ambassador from New Zealand coming to talk about the different wines, but patrons will have to book early, as the evening will have limited tickets.
Later in the month, Theo’s will celebrate Oktoberfest, and in November, two great events are already planned, with the Sydney Hotshots performing (again limited tickets available) on 1 November, and the amazing Anais Campbell showing her singing talent on 2 November.
The bar provides its own courtesy bus and encourages patrons to use the service.
Robyn says the bar was originally inspired by Theo Merenda.
“He came to Australia to family in Adelaide, owned property in Adelaide then moved to Queensland cutting cane then to the Tablelands where he worked heavily in agriculture,” she said.
“Then he met his future wife and settled down and purchased properties.
“He was in the Lions Club and was a foundation member of the Atherton International club as well as Carinya Home for the Aged. He sold his properties and returned to Adelaide in the 80’s then returned back in the 90’s until he passed in 2006.”
An amazing array of cocktails to choose from like KD Karma.
Theo’s Bar is a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
ENTERTAINMENT
Herberton happenings
HERBERTON is the place to be this weekend, with the inaugural Far North Heritage Expo on Saturday
The expo will be held on 7 September at the Herberton Mining Centre and promises to offer a variety of activities that will interest not just history buffs.
There’s a great line-up of activities, tours and speakers, and plenty of food on sale. Visitors can try their hand at tin panning and record oral history, or meet and learn about the Wilderness Expeditions pack donkeys and watch the Herberton and District Rock Drill Club’s hand steel.
The Far North Heritage Expo is on from 9am-3pm Saturday at the Herberton Mining Centre.
The Herberton Flower Show also kicks off on Saturday from 12 noon until 5pm, then on Sunday from 9am-12 noon.
Hosted by the Herberton Garden Group at the Community Hall, the popular event will feature a garden-themed raffle, the local MAS choir with flowerthemed songs, and displays of many varieties of cut flowers, art, orchids, garden produce, craft and photography, as well as displays from local schools and Girl Guides.
Theatre takes on ‘Epic Story’
A DRAMATIC and hilarious tale will be played out in Atherton Performing Arts Youth Theatre’s latest production, The Epic Story. Written by Susan Jung, the story is full of heroes, villains, damsels in distress and the Atherton performance is not to be missed.
This melodrama follows Bart and his two sisters, Fortunata and Fusafia, as they embark on a quest to prove that Bart is worthy of his true love, Petronella.
The fellowship goes on a journey to rescue Petronella from the evil clutches of Jean Claude VonClaw.
Throughout the story the group is introduced to encounters such as a Dasterdly Dinner Party and a Band of Orcs.
The Epic Story is directed and choreographed by the dynamic duo of Sarah Riber and Geo Toner who have previously directed Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet.
There are only a few opportunities to see the play – Friday and Saturday nights (6-7 Sept) and a matinee on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are available at Tableland Books and by going to www.athertonperformingarts. com.au
Feast of Our Lady of the Chain expands
THIS year, the Feast of Our Lady of The Chain will be celebrated over two days.
The event is usually celebrated on one day but this year, a dinner dance will be hosted on Saturday night at the Mareeba International Club before the Sunday procession and entertainment afterwards.
The dinner will include a three-course meal, served from 6.45pm and entertainment by Fortunato Isgro and Claude Portelli. Together they will perform a variety of English and Italian songs all of which will be very easy to dance to.
There will be raffles and lucky door prizes to be won. Entry is $60. Tickets are available by contacting Rena on 0417 073 145.
On Sunday, all are welcome to join in at St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church with the mass at 2.30pm followed by a procession of the statue through the streets. Once the procession is complete, event goers are encouraged to return to the top oval where there’ll be Italian food and great fun for all.
There’ll be activities on the oval, commencing at about 4pm, with a lucky dip, knock-em-downs, a chocolate table as well as face painting in the playground.
There’ll be an extravaganza of food with steakburgers, Italian sausages, beef sausages, hot chips and hot dogs, or enjoy some delicious gnocchi, homemade pasta and arancini.
The event is fully licenced and Cafe Crema will provide coffees, chai, hot chocolate and iced drinks, as well as Mungalli Creek Dairy ice creams in many flavours to choose from.
Organisers have a great day planned including entertainment by Fortunato Isgro, Claude Portelli and the talented dancers from In2Dance.
Winners of the colouring in competition will be announced at 6.30pm and be sure to hang around for the fireworks that will start at 8.30pm.
All are welcome and organisers are excited to bring back this popular event.
ON LANDthe
FOUR finalists have been selected for the 2024 Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year which will be announced next week.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said he was impressed by the quality of finalists.
“I believe that the horticultural industry in Far North Queensland has a very promising future with farmers like our finalists leading the way,” he said.
Nominations for this year were received from throughout the Far North Queensland region, with four finalists selected to be assessed by the judges for their innovation, industry leadership and community contribution.
Finalists include Joe Zappala growing papaya and sugar cane, Deb Nucifora growing mangoes, Claude Santucci growing lemons and sugar cane, and Bradley Moulton growing
lemon myrtle.
Joe Zappala has been growing sugar cane and papayas on the family farm near South Johnstone for nearly 40 years. He has invested heavily in fertigation systems and crop rotation to improve water efficiencies and soil quality.
Deb Nucifora is a hard-working volunteer and business manager. Deb attends every mango industry conference
and is always looking for opportunities to develop the Deb’s Gold Mangoes brand.
Claude Santucci has been a leader of the cane industry for many years and brings his experience as a mentor and community leader to the citrus industry.
Bradley Moulton leads the team at Australian Native Products as the largest grower and processor of or-
ganic
FNQ
in the
announce the
The event will feature a charity auction and entertainment by Shandell. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased through www.trybooking. com/COTDM
ELEVEN local farmers have set out to enhance their pastures and contribute to the health of the Great Barrier Reef through the Tablelands Improved Pastures Peer Learning Environment (TIPPLE) project.
The peer-to-peer learning group, organised by the not-for-profit Malanda Beef Plan Group, supports the farmers through a series of workshops and steps in readiness for planting for improved pastures over the 2024-2025 wet season, specifically by in-
corporating legumes.
Starting with soil tests and the analysis of those tests against benchmarks for the Tablelands region, participants will continue on with legume information and selection, paddock preparation and planting guidance, and grazing management over coming months.
The introduction of legumes into pastures offers numerous benefits, including greater ground cover, less nutrient runoff, reduced reliance on nitrogenous fertilisers, and en-
hanced species composition.
“We are pleased to support local farmers who are keen to learn and implement practices that will not only enhance their pastures but also make a positive impact on the environment,” Malanda Beef Plan Group president Gordon Carcary said.
The program will be run for two years, with a new cohort invited to take part in February next year for planting in the 20252026 wet season.
FENCING is a vital aspect of agricultural operations, and this Saturday producers can get some great advice from another Fencing with Macka workshop.
Macka is a 40-year veteran of all types of agricultural fencing throughout the Far North and Channel country who plies his trade guided by the notion of “making your first expense your last”.
The Fencing with Macka Workshop is being held as part of a Peer-to-Peer learning
program, delivered by Growcom’s Hort360 Great Barrier Reef project.
Adequate fencing aids the ongoing success of horticultural operations in terms of biosecurity, boundary management, and protection of riparian vegetation and other environmentally sensitive areas.
“I’m keen to hear what kinds of challenges growers are facing on their properties and pointing them in the right direction,” Macka said.
“I don’t think there’s anything they could throw at me that I wouldn’t be able to help with.”
As a bonus for attendees, Tonkin Steel, a longtime supplier of Macka’s is sponsoring lunch for the workshop.
The Fencing with Macka workshop will be held on Saturday 7 September from 10am-1pm at Jonsson Farming, 475 Tumoulin Road, Evelyn Central.
To register, go to https://bit.ly/4blSxnw
lemon myrtle
country.
Growers will
winner of the 2024 Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year Award at the gala dinner on 13 September at the Mareeba International Club.
TIPPLE project participants (back row from left) Mark Neill, Todd Lowe, Cam Whiteing, Trent McIndoe, Kasmin Brotherton (Project Coordinator and MBPG secretary), Tacey Brotherton, Alex Debono, Gordon Carcary (MBPG president), and (front row) Kellie Evans, Bernie English (DAF Extension Mareeba), and Michael Hoare.
ON LANDthe
Climate and coffee growing a perfect blend
A NEW resource that is set to transform Australian coffee growing has been launched at a Mareeba plantation.
The Australian Coffee Growers’ Manual will, for the first time, provide coffee growers across Australia with cuttingedge knowledge and best practices for coffee growing tailored to Australia’s unique climatic zones.
The manual, which was launched at Jacques Coffee Plantation, has been co-developed and funded by AgriFutures Australia with support from the Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA) as part of AgriFutures work to promote and develop emerging rural industries.
Co-authored by horticulture experts David Peasley and Jos Webber, the manual is an extensive guide designed to support
both established and prospective coffee growers.
Developed to allow for regular research updates, the manual covers all aspects of coffee cultivation, from site selection and plantation establishment to pest management and harvesting techniques.
It emphasises sustainable practices and biosecurity measures, helping to ensure that Australian coffee remains free from major pests and diseases.
Senior manager of Levied and Emerging Industries, AgriFutures Australia, Ellen Buckle, said the manual would be much sought-after resource.
“The Australian Coffee Growers’ Manual is a pivotal tool for expanding our highquality coffee production,” she said.
“With the increasing domestic and international demand
for unique Australian coffee, it provides the foundational knowledge needed to enhance our industry’s growth and sustainability.”
Jos Webber, co-author of the manual, said it was a resource designed to expand the Australian coffee growing industry.
“Our goal is to equip Australian coffee growers with the expertise needed to produce exceptional coffee sustainably,” he said.
“By sharing our combined experiences and knowledge, we hope to foster a thriving coffeegrowing community that meets the increasing demand for locally grown, high-quality coffee.”
The Australian Coffee Growers’ Manual is available for viewing, free download, or purchase on the AgriFutures Australia website at www.agrifutures.com.au.
SUGAR REPORT
Local farms in the spotlight
IN addition to the launch of the Australian Coffee Growers’ Manual, representatives from the Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA) toured the region and visited a number of coffee operations.
Plantations in the tropics are much bigger operations than in other parts of the State and New South Wales and produce the vast majority of Australia’s coffee crop.
Latest statistics compiled by the AGCA show that while the tropics has only nine coffee farms and the subtropics account for 16, the north’s plantations produce an estimated 298 tonnes of green beans a year compared to the subtropics operations which produce just 24 tonnes.
There are more than 559,200 coffee trees under production in the tropics, while there are only 138,574 in the southern regions.
Jack Murat’s plantation on Tyrconnell Road,
which was one of the farms visited by the AGCA group, has around 150,000 trees planted on 60 hectares.
Having been in the industry now for a decade, Jack can see how the new coffee manual would be of great assistance to anyone considering entering the industry.
“It will be helpful for an introductory grower. It’s a great foundation and it will help a grower who’s struggling and has challenges,” he said.
With coffee yielding a good price, Jack sees the potential for more growers to get involved.
“The thing that scares people off is the amount of time it takes in processing and the cost involved in processing and the marketing side of things because you have to basically market your own beans, whether that’s through a cafe or another organisation,” he said.
Jack Murat’s coffee plantation at Arriga accommodates around 150,000 trees.
Agronomist and co-author of the new manual, David Peasley, AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries manager Madonna Armit, AGCA president Rebecca Zentveld and manual co-author Jos Webber.
LETTERS to the editor
Croc photo bombs
I WALK with a small group of friends regularly around Lake Eacham. We have been doing this for 13 years, always keeping an eye out for wildlife.
We particularly kept an eye on the water’s edge in the hope of spotting the elusive crocodile that supposedly inhabits the lake, but with no luck.
Recently my brother Jürgen from Germany came to visit and joined us on our walks.
On 18 July, Jürgen spotted a Cormoran precariously standing on top of a branch and took a picture of it on his mobile phone.
Last week Jürgen looked at his holiday pictures on his laptop and an image popped up with a crocodile in it. He could not understand where the picture came from as he had not seen it before and had not seen or photographed a crocodile.
Checking the digital properties of the image it became clear that the image was taken on the above mentioned date.
On closer examination we discovered that the subject of the image was actually the Cormoran and the crocodile just happened to lay on the bottom of the log sunning itself. What a lucky coincidence.
Wener Grimm MALANDA
Enjoying the walks
THIS week I enjoyed one of my many walks along the Malanda Falls walking tracks.
One walk starts near the Falls behind the Visitor Information Centre, the other across the road.
I am particularly interested in the native flora of the rainforest. This relatively small reserve is a remnant of very old Mabi Forest, unique to the Atherton Tablelands.
It consists of unbelievably huge trees that form the canopy protecting the cool
habitat below. Several trees have name plaques to identify them.
The understorey includes numerous species of climbing plants, and ground layer plants. This time of the year, as the weather warms, all plants grow new shoots with an amazing array of leaf shapes, sizes, and colours.
Every season has its interesting features in this ecosystem.
During the wet season, you will see numerous species of fungi. The variety of rainforest fruits and nuts are also interesting, not to mention the animals of the forest that feed on them.
Please do yourself a favour and take some time to do these two short, safe, and easy walks.
You will enjoy the experience of being in this very valuable forest remnant (your “nature fix”). I just hope that the Tablelands Regional Council will make them more wheelchair accessible and better signposted, so that everyone can enjoy the experience.
John van Grieken PEERAMON
Methane gas a worry
IN letters (21/08/24), John Nethery asked what greenhouse gas would have the greatest trapping effect and which the most negligible.
It’s important to understand that these gases do not trap heat simply by being in the atmosphere but by the extent to which they chemically interact with infrared light.
Methane, for example, traps 120 times as much heat as CO2 moment to moment (for those who follow this stuff, you’ll see figures ranging from 25 times more potent to 120 times – the figure depends on the time frame in which methane is being measured – hence “moment to moment” above).
While the current amount of methane in the atmosphere is relatively small, emissions are rapidly increasing.
About 60% of emissions are due to human activity (most of that agriculture).
Enormous quantities of methane are currently trapped in Arctic regions and the vast tundra areas of far northern Europe.
As those areas warm, Methane, is increasingly being released into the atmosphere and is likely to result in a major spike for our al-
ready warming planet. Water vapour, on the other hand, quickly leaves the atmosphere as rain and currently is not believed to contribute to warming, although as the earth warms there will be more water vapour which will then add to the heat being trapped.
Jeremy Tager TOPAZ
Vision for farm surplus
I HAVE a vision to utilise all the surplus products (seconds) from the diverse farmers and producers in the region. Sugar mill upgrade is a perfect position for a processing plant for this purpose.
Avocados – Oil - frozen; citrus fruits –juice - frozen; Mango – juice – frozen; Pineapple, Blue Berry and the list goes on.
I hope that this will stir up some conversations....
Markus Ryf ATHERTON
Turning into ‘Legoland’
HAVING been born in North Queensland 65 years ago, with three generations of family living on the Tablelands, Cairns and Innisfail areas and, at the moment back, in Atherton for work for a while, I can’t believe that I’m seeing all our prime agricultural land getting destroyed by ugly “Legoland” subdivisions so the city folk can move up this way.
I would like to know what the mayor and councillors of the area are doing about it or do you have an interest in this type of development or a developer yourself or maybe real estate agent or friends?
Urban sprawl should not be allowed up here. This is prime agricultural land and should be left at that.
We already see the new hospital, 105% full traffic problems and, of course, more people whinging about the Barron River bridge and the ranges ect and, of course, this is mainly the new people moving up here from the cities.
And don’t go on about a housing crisis as a lot of local people can’t even afford new houses with the rip-off prices and total rip-off rental prices which is happening all along our coast since Covid.
It’s called greed. Stop encouraging more people to move to the area by building more subdivisions.
This is greed by the councillors and Mayor for approving it.
Maybe you should be out there doing your job that you’re elected for and look after the area and the locals and especially the environment where I still see massive amounts of run-off from creeks and rivers like the Barron where cattle are still walking all over the banks causing mass erosion problems which then gets washed down to the coast where the mud is getting worse every wet season!
Let’s try and save our Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
Get with it councillors and start looking after the area and stop looking after developers.
Ian Locke PORT DOUGLAS
MAREEBA LIONS CLUB NEWS AUGUST 2024
SPRING has sprung and Mareeba Lions are gearing up for the big Christmas Raffle and Christmas cake sales. Raffle tickets are already out there so start buying your tickets when you see them to give yourself the best chance of winning the great prizes.
The Lions Christmas Cake and Pudding program has been a major fundraising project of Lions Australia since 1965 and raised more than $70mill.
The proceeds from this project are donated back into the community on great causes including Blindness Prevention and Vision improvement projects, Medical Research, Children’s Mobility Foundation, Eye Health Program, Hearing Dogs, Disaster Relief, Aged Care, Drug Awareness and Youth Programs.
You can rest assured that should you purchase a product from this program the proceeds generated will be put to good use in the community.
Recently the club has assisted the Biboohra State school, committed to the development of the Serenity Garden at the palliative care ward at the Mareeba hospital and supported Josh Snell to attend the mini bulls world finals in Utah, USA in September.
The club is very pleased to be sponsoring the Mareeba Markets on the second and fifth Saturday of the month at Centenary Park (100 Park).
It is such a lovely cheerful atmosphere – the stallholders are happy and people walking around making their purchases are enjoying the atmosphere.
The weather has been very kind as well. Make it a habit, browse the Mareeba markets, pick up your fresh vegies and other artisan made gifts.
Remember you can support your local Mareeba Lions by taking your recyclable containers to Containers for Change 11 Bowers Street and quote Scheme ID C10128319. The depot is out near the cattle sale yards.
No need to package just take your recyclables out there and quote the ID number for Lions.
Don’t waste the containers help your local Lions Club by dropping them off for recycling. As well you can recycle vehicle batteries by dropping off at Brunos Batteries, or Lions will collect from you if that suits you better.
Lions also receive postage stamps and eye glasses for recycling. Another 173 pair of glasses were recently sent away for refurbishment and recycling.
Although membership of Lions is by invitation you are invited to enquire about joining this great volunteer international humanitarian organisation.
Fellowship, good times, meeting people, building lasting friendships, service to the community, learning new skills, leadership and personal development - these are some of the reasons we are the Lions.
Lions meet in Mareeba at the Mareeba Leagues Club at 6.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Hastie. He erected most of the railway buildings of the Third Section, and later on the Chillagoe line.
The above can also be found,
if you are lucky to have a copy of Northern Sun, Vol10 No28
Page 14.
Contact the Historical Society of Mareeba 4092 3599 or email sec@mbahistsoc.org.au
shady
The below photo was taken by a German tourist in July which accidently captured the image of a crocodile. Below right: The image taken by the letter writer last week.
PROPERTY
Exciting opportunity for business owners at dynamic Amaroo Village
ARE you looking to elevate your business? Amaroo Village is your ideal destination! We invite ambitious business owners to explore the unique opportunities available at our vibrant community. Whether you’re planning to expand your existing business or launch a new venture, Amaroo Village offers an exceptional environment for growth and success.
We recognize that every business has its own distinct needs. That’s why we’re offering a unique opportunity to work directly with our experienced development team. Together, we’ll design a space that perfectly aligns with your business goals—be it a sleek office, a welcoming retail outlet, or a state-ofthe-art clinic. Our team is here to help bring your vision to life.
Imagine a workspace that not only embodies your brand but also fosters productivity and growth. With excellent amenities, convenient parking, and a thriving local community, Amaroo Village is the perfect place for your business to thrive.
Whether you’re just beginning to plan or are ready to make your move, our Sales Office is here to support you throughout the process. Don’t miss the chance to become part of the dynamic Amaroo Village community.
For inquiries about land or business opportunities, visit our Sales Office at Amaroo Village or contact Ryley at 0409 321 000.
licence
• Fertigation system
• Irrigation and domestic bores
• 22x20m shed + 3.6x12m workshop
• Large home - 4 bedrooms + office Price Upon Application Morgan Brennan 0407 730 450 houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals
Malanda Views Estate Stage 1B – 3 blocks
ELDERS proudly introduc-
es Malanda’s Views Estate
Stage 1b
Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the relaxed Country lifestyle that Malanda has to offer. Malanda Views Estate is ideally located only 3kms from the Town Centre and within the School catchment zones and bus route.
Stage 1b provides an exciting opportunity to purchase one of 5 lots with breathtaking views and lots range in size from 4000m2 to 5302m2 all offering services including town water, underground power, waste collection and fully sealed roads.
Lots 11 - 15 provide the perfect rural views, you will
want to spend your days on your back patio enjoying the rolling hills and heaven beyond.
Prices as follows:
11 - $215,000 Lot 12 - $230,000 - Under
13 - $230,000 - Under Contract Lot 14 - $215,000
15
$195,000 A full information pack can be emailed upon request.
We invite all buyers and agents to contact our Land Manager and Sole Agent Michelle Raso on 0428 116 136 for more information or to stake your claim.
IF you are looking for a solid and spacious home to fit the whole family, then look no further and welcome to 12 Bethel Close, Mareeba.
Situated in the peaceful area of Bethel Close, your privacy and security is assured in this no-through road cul-de-sac within a quiet neighbourhood.
The spacious Mediterranean-styled home has had a couple of modernisations and with four large bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as two large living areas, it will easily accommodate the large family.
Originally boasting three large bedrooms, a “parents retreat” was created from the large rumpus room and an ensuite added. This room also has a built-in cupboard and a desk, not to mention direct access to the outdoor living area. It remains with an open doorway to the main living area so can still be utilised as a rumpus room if you wish.
The three original bedrooms feature vinyl flooring and split-system air conditioning and they are conveniently positioned along the eastern
side of the home adjacent to the main bathroom and separate toilet. The main bathroom and separate toilet have been renovated with modern styling, sleek fittings and finishes and neutral colour schemes.
The super-spacious kitchen lies at the centre of the home and provides for access to both of the living areas, and the main hallway to the east. There is a huge amount of cupboard and bench space and a sliding glass window overlooks the outdoor living area and back yard while a servery provides easy access to the second internal living area.
Property features include:
• Privacy and Security in a quiet neighbourhood
• Spacious masonry block Mediterranean style home
• Cement rendered masonry block internal walls
• Large bedrooms, two bathrooms, two large living areas
• Parents retreat with ensuite and access to rear patio
• Renovated main bathroom, modern finishes and fittings
• Huge outdoor living area will fit the whole family
• Security screens, solar power, air-conditioning
• Double lock-up garage, 6x3 garden shed
• All this on a 909m2 allotment.
• The list goes on. There is so much to see at this property
For more information or a private inspection call exclusive Agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473 or email remo@crmareeba. com today.
PROPERTY
LOCATED close to the township of Malanda, is this 3-bedroom 1 bathroom house. This property offers a rural setting whilst still being close to central Malanda, schools & childcare. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, looking to renovate or looking for an investment, this is the home for you. Situated on 1012 sqm perfect for outdoor entertaining or for children to play,
WITH its charming street appeal and prime location in a quiet family friendly street, this well-presented property is sure to catch your eye. Tucked back from the road in one of Atherton’s most elevated streets, this home will be a true delight to call your own.
Property features include;
• Low maintenance double brick home
• 4 carpeted bedrooms, 2 bedrooms with built-in robes
• Master bedroom and 4th bedroom both have access to the ensuite
• Recently refurbished main bathroom with a walk-in shower & vanity unit. Separate toilet.
• Air-conditioned open plan living opening onto the veranda
• Tidy kitchen with electric appliances, breakfast bar, and plenty of storage space.
• Internal laundry with a double sink & a storage cupboard
• Security screens throughout home
• Full length tiled veranda overlooking mountain views
2 bay carport
2 x Garden/storage sheds
Rainwater storage tank • Solar hot water systemSave on those electricity bills!
• Beautiful manicured gardens
• 803m2 allotment, fenced on 3 sides
located in a quiet street within a short distance to the Atherton Hospital, day care, shopping and medical facilities. For further information or to arrange an inspection, call exclusive agent Raquel at Sommerset Realty.
Newly renovated, solid masonry block home
temporary bathroom with a separate toilet for added convenience.
style and functionality, offering a warm and inviting space for the whole family.
Step inside to find three spacious bedrooms, each equipped with built-in cupboards, ensuring ample storage for everyone. The kitchen features a pantry and an electric stove/oven, making meal preparation a breeze.
The open-plan lounge and dining area, complete with air conditioning, ensures year-round comfort and flows seamlessly to the rear patio, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with loved ones. The home also includes a con-
Outdoor living is equally impressive with a spacious rear patio, ideal for gatherings, and a 7x4m lockable shed that offers vehicle access to the rear yard with a tandem carport for car storage.
The property is fully fenced with a Colourbond fence, complete with an electric gate and key lock access gate, ensuring security and privacy on the generous 852 sqm allotment. Ceiling fans and security screens throughout the home provide added comfort and peace of mind.
Address: Price: Agent: Contact:
Conveniently located just five minutes from the main street of Atherton, and within close proximity to local schools—800m from Atherton High School and 1.5km from Atherton Primary School and Kindy—this home is perfect for families looking for a move-in-ready option. The hard work is done; all that’s left is for you to move your furniture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own this beautifully renovated home. Contact exclusive marketing agent Kaydee Chatfield at Main Street Real Estate today on 0417 468 941.
31 Danzer Drive, ATHERTON Offers Over $470,000 EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee Chatfield Main Street Real Estate 0417 468 941
Rural paradise, Atherton
WELCOME to your own slice of rural paradise, a sprawling 162-acre property that promises a blend of tranquil country living and convenient access to nearby towns.
Located just a stone’s throw from Tolga Township and a short drive from Atherton, this estate offers the best of both worlds, the peace and quiet of rural life coupled with easy reach to essential amenities.
Step onto the property and discover exceptional grazing land, meticulously divided into 5 spacious paddocks adorned with lush gunni, brachi, and abundant glycine. Each paddock is equipped with water troughs.
The heart of the property is its robust infrastructure, featuring large cattle yards shaded by native trees. Complete
with a crush, weight box and loading ramp, these facilities are perfectly set up for cattle management.
Nestled amidst this picturesque landscape is a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home with a modern kitchen and pantry. Imagine savoring your morning coffee on the veranda, soaking in panoramic views of the property stretching towards the distant mountains, a serene spot ideal for relaxation and contemplation.
Additional highlights include several practical sheds for storage and a thoughtfully
landscaped
New, modern and super low maintenance
EMBRACE the lifestyle of this spacious, Serg Battistin built home. You’ll be impressed by the level of quality this highly desirable 3 bedroom family home offers, positioned on a premium 1,504m2 allotment, in a quiet cul de sac location only 5 minutes to town centre. It’s packed with features including:
• Approx 235m2 practical floorplan with 2.7m high ceilings & lots of louvred windows for natural airflow
• Sizeable, tiled open plan living area + carpeted bed-
rooms for warmth
• Reverse cycle split system air-conditioning throughout
• Stylish central kitchen with generous island bench & Bosch stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher
• Bedrooms with built-in robes
- Master with ensuite & WIR
• Laundry/butlers pantry with built-in cabinetry
• Tiled rear patio
• Energy efficient Led downlights & solar hot water system
• Cement pathways all round
• 1,504m2 fenced & landscaped allotment with auto irrigation
• Private & quiet cul de sac location
Situated in a superb position and immaculately
recommended.
for inspection this saturday from 10.00am to 11.00am. For further information or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive
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You will enjoy the interaction with youngsters and take great pride in the projects you’ve completed. Your personal life is going through a state of confusion. Organize your day well if you wish to accomplish all you set out to do. Your lucky day is Tuesday.
Emotionally you won’t see things accurately. Don’t let any money slip through your fingers. You are ahead of your time, and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much. Your lover may not understand your needs. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.
Believe in yourself and so will those who count. Your dedication and fortitude when dealing with humanitarian groups will enhance your reputation. You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess. Your lucky day is Saturday.
Your doubt could lead to insecurity. Your partner may be somewhat irritable this week. You are best to be discreet. Try to include the one you love in your plans this week. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.
Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. Some relatives will be extremely perplexing. Your lucky day is Tuesday.
Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time. Don’t give your heart too readily. Your main concern will be to spend as little as possible of your own cash in the process. You might be overly emotional concerning situations at work. Your lucky day is Thursday.
Follow your gut feeling regarding your business ventures. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.
You are likely to be left alone if you aren’t willing to bend just a little. Sudden changes in your financial situation are likely. Stick to travel or do things in conjunction with groups. Listen, but don’t make any rash decisions. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.
Trips should be your choice. You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you. Don’t allow personal problems to conflict with professional duties. Catch up on any correspondence you’ve neglected. Your lucky day is Friday.
Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move. You can make money if you put your savings into Investments. Your lucky day is Monday.
You’re in the mood for love. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Your interest in religion and philosophy may lead you to specific destinations. You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. Your lucky day this week is Wednesday.
Offer good conversation and a nice soothing lunch. Depression may put a damper on your day. For now just do the best you can. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism. Your lucky day this week will be Monday.
IN MEMORIAM
IN LOVING MEMORY OF STRAZZERI, Carmela
Late of 42 Constance Street, Mareeba. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 27th of August, 2024. Aged 91 years.
Beloved Wife of Domenico (Dec.). Much loved Mother and Mother-in-Law of Joe and Sharon, Carmel and Sam, and Maria. Cherished Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Forever in our hearts.
Family and friends of Carmela are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service which will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 57 Constance Street, Mareeba on Friday 6th September, 2024 commencing at 10:00am, followed by interment at the Mareeba Cemetery.
To our Mum that we deeply love and miss. Time takes away the edge of grief. But beautiful memories turn back the leaf. Gone from our homes once so dear. In our heart forever near.
CONGRATULATIONS
GARAGE SALE
3pm 12
Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013 Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au
WOODS, Alexander Ronald (Ron) Late of Kairi. Passed away peacefully at Atherton Hospital on Wednesday the 28th of August. Aged 77 years.
Beloved Brother, Uncle and Grand Uncle of Lyn, Chris, Alexis, Helen and families.
In keeping with Ron’s wishes, a private family service will be held. The family thank you for understanding and support at this time.
Elisa and Robbie Congratulations On your Marriage this Saturday
Love to you both from Mum, Dad, Matt & Lucy, Tess & Jack, Emelie, Harry, Phoebe and Poppy. Our best wishes for a long and happy life together as you make the most of every day!
Guilfoyle Funeral Services Chapels, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens
Atherton: 4091 2147 Mareeba: 4092 1013
Local Family Owned & “Entrusted for over 70 years” www.guilfoylefunerals.com.au
*ANIMAL OF THE WEEK*
NAME: Franklin DOB: 30.05.23 BREED: Mastiff x Staffy
Planning Act 2016
Adoption of a Major Amendment to the Tablelands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016
At its meeting on Thursday 22 August 2024
Tablelands Regional Council adopted a major amendment to the Tablelands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 (Version 5 Amendment).
The amendments and new version of the planning scheme (version 5) apply to the whole local government area and will commence on Monday 9 September 2024.
The proposed amendments seek to improve the operational efficiency of the planning scheme by improving the operational efficiency of the Planning Scheme and promoting self-contained RV camping opportunities across the region.
The purpose and general effect of the major amendment is to:
• lower levels of assessment to encourage certain forms of development
• clarify the relationship between the planning scheme and the legislation/regulation as relates to assessable building work
• strengthen codes to give applicants greater certainty when developing
• amending zone mapping to reflect completed developments and changed circumstances
• address workability issues and drafting errors
• update overlay mapping and codes to reflect the current State Planning Policy where relevant
• address other issues identified by the Queensland Government and submitters
• promote self-contained RV camping opportunities across the region through amendments to the level of assessment for nature-based tourism development within the rural zone.
The amended scheme will be available for viewing and purchase from Monday 9 September at our customer service centres, libraries and trc.qld.gov.au/planning-scheme. Contact us at trcplanningadmin@trc.qld.gov.au, 1300 362 242 or at a customer service centre if you would like further information about the amendments.
Gary Rinehart 1300 362 242 Chief Executive Officer trc.qld.gov.au
NOTICE OF PRAECIPE
Lloyd Charles Bradshaw © of Mareeba, Queensland, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recorder Number RPP44 63900 05100 36264 02607, Proclamation Date 3 July, 2024.
Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Lloyd Charles Bradshaw © in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.
NOTICE OF PRAECIPE
Neil Gregory Bradshaw © of Mareeba, Queensland, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 29014 83607, Proclamation Date 6 August, 2024.
Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety.
Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Neil Gregory Bradshaw © in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.
INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF GOODS
S.M. TAIT of 148 Deep Creek Road, WONGABEL, intends to dispose of by selling, all abandoned goods of household, presumed personal nature, and tools, assumed to be owned by Franciscus and Cheryl Kolsteeg.
The goods have been held in storage at the last known residential address of the above named, at 148 Deep Creek Road, WONGABEL, Q.4883 since June 2023. Disposal will be carried out at my convenience after this notice has taken effect.
Please make immediate contact on 0429 912 070 if you have any claim to the items in storage.
Proposed Development
Make a submission from: 4th September, 2024 to 25th September, 2024
Material change of use –Outdoor Sales, Showroom and Warehouse (Vehicle Storage Yard, Dealership Egress and Warehouse)
Where: 236 Walsh Street and 275-289 Byrnes Street, Mareeba QLD 4880
On: Lot 30 on RP 700534 & Lot 45 on SP 300453
Approval Sought: Development Permit for Material change of use – Outdoor Sales, Showroom and Warehouse (Vehicle Storage Yard, Dealership Egress and Warehouse)
Application Ref: MCU/24/0014
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:
Mareeba Shire Council PO Box 154, MAREEBA, QLD, 4880 info@msc.qld.gov.au 1300 308 461 www.msc.qld.gov.au
Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER, 2024
Notice is hereby given under the provision of the
“Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act and Regulations 1995” that there will be Temporary road closures to vehicular traffic, as listed, for the purpose of the St Thomas’s Church Religious Festival Procession on 8th September, 2024:
(i) Between 1530 hours and 1700 hours, Constance Street, Atherton Street, Walsh Street and Hort Streets will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic.
(ii) All road closures will be kept to a minimum.
Senior Sergeant D. GARNER Officer in Charge Delegated Officer by the Mareeba Police Station Commissioner of Police
NOTICE OF PRAECIPE
Nolene Gay Bradshaw © of Mareeba, Queensland, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recorder Number RPP44 63900 05100 32268 14602, Proclamation Date 24 June, 2024. Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety.
Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Nolene Gay Bradshaw © in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.
THANK YOU so much to everyone who has helped me to raise awareness and funds for Growing Cambodia. To the Businesses who donated Raffle Prizes, the Mareeba International Club and everyone who attended the Pizza and Pasta night where an amazing total of $3500 was raised, thank you so much.
My fundraising goal has gone beyond what I could ever dream – now at $4400 and I am so grateful to you all. I start this adventure in 4 weeks and I am so excited to see what this $$ can do for Growing Cambodia and rural Cambodians.
Natalie Ceola
THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE CHAIN
SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER, 2024
The Committee wish to advise that there will be short, low key fireworks at St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church at approx. 2.40pm. Then at 8.30pm on the field of St Thomas’ School, the fireworks display will commence and conclude prior to 9pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please take reasonable precautions to secure animals and ensure the well-being of young and/or elderly persons or others at risk.
FNQ RUGBY LEAGUE COASTAL COMP UNDER 15 GRAND FINAL THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 11.40AM BARLOW PARK CAIRNS
ATHERTON ROOSTERS
By KONNOR FURBER
AFTER finishing second on the ladder and going straight through to the grand final, the Atherton Roosters U15 team can pencil down their first year in the FNQ Rugby League Coastal competition as a great success.
Coach James Coyle has been training these boys for two years now and last year coached them, as an U14s team, through an undefeated season and a grand final win in the Eacham Junior Rugby League competition.
At the beginning of the year, the younggun team stepped up in class by electing to enter into the Coastal competition for the first time, which led to two of their players, Sam Fahlstrom and Jonty Coutts, being offered contracts by the Gold Coast Titans.
“The year’s been pretty good, the reason we went there was to give the boys the opportunity to play consistent, competitive
Young-guns fly the coop
footy every weekend. The players wanted to challenge themselves to develop their skills and abilities and obviously that’s happened with Sammy and Jonty being picked up by the Titans,” James said.
“We’ve got a lot of good, consistent players though, like our two captains Beckett Fry and Cooper Dockdrill, they’ve been good for us all year.”
“I know the Cowboys are even looking at a few of the boys, so hopefully something can come from that for them, they’re a good group.”
With the majority of players from the U14 team returning for another year under the leadership of their coach James, they’ve defied the odds and are now one game away from claiming the title of FNQ Rugby League’s U15 champions.
The team is mostly comprised of players from Atherton, however, a few others from across the Tablelands, Mossman and even Cairns put in the time and effort to be a part
of the team.
“The majority of the players are from Atherton with a few players being from Malanda and Herbeton. One also travels from Gordonvale to play and another from Mossman who travels to training and games,” James said.
Although being “pretty dominant” throughout the season, the team had to overcome a few things in the beginning of their season such as size differences, tight games and a few losses, in order to be in contention for another grand final win.
“The biggest challenge I think is just the size difference, it’s a lot different than what they were used to in the Eacham comp, a lot of the Cairns teams have big boys right across the park, so they had to adapt to that because we’re a smaller side in the comp.
“And the tough games, a lot of the boys hadn’t experienced those tough and close games, so it took a bit of learning at the start of the year how to close out those games
MAJOR SPONSORS OF LOCAL
RUGBY LEAGUE FOR DECADES
Azius Benjamin Zeke Newbury
Ashton Robinson Kai Brown Tate Ashley
and win them,” James said.
“But their biggest strength as a group is their fitness and they’re some pretty talented players who gel well as a team.”
The U15 Roosters finished their season in second place with 10 wins, three losses and one draw, just one point behind the Cairns Kangaroos who finished on the top of the ladder with 11 wins and three losses.
The Roosters and Kangaroos faced off twice during the regular season and both times the Cairns team walked away victorious, until they faced each other again in the semi-finals, where the Roosters triumphed in a close win of 18-16.
This saw Atherton progress immediately into the grand final.
“I’m just proud of the dedication they’ve shown, we said at the start of the year that if we’re going to go down to the Cairns comp, they’d have to be committed and turn up to training and put the effort in and they’ve done that.
“A few of the boys went to the A Grade preseason training and put
the effort in and obviously it’s showing now in the back end of the year.”
“Our main focus will be how we start the game and obviously the first 15 minutes will determine how we go, we want to start well and not let the other team get a jump on us, and just be disciplined.
“My message to the boys before the game will be that they’ve worked hard all year to be here, you don’t often get opportunities like this, so make sure we go out there and make the most of it,” James said.
“And to come off the field, with a win or a loss, knowing that you’ve put everything in and being proud of your effort.”
The Roosters will be taking on the Kangaroos this Saturday at 11:40am at Barlow Park.
“I back our fitness throughout the game, so as long as we start well, we’ll be in it.”
“I’d love to see a big crowd down there, so I hope the community gets behind the boys and makes the effort to travel down and cheer them on in the big dance.”
Ben Duplessis Ayden Piccolo Xander Appo
Sam Fahlstrom
Jonty Coutts Bailey Jarman Brandon Freeman
Graham Cavanagh Blake Rockley Jordon Freeman Linus Basse
Reggie Carlson
James Coyle - COACH Cooper Dockrill Beckett Fry
Thank you to ou r valued 2024
For you r gener osity and suppor t!
SPORT
A wildcat story that defies all odds
By KONNOR FURBER
MAREEBA’S David Eade will be eagerly watching the swimming events of the Paris Paralympic Games cheering on teammate, Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson, and others, as a hopeful future-Paralympian himself.
David has quite an impressive resume being a State and National level swimmer, an NQ Games Ambassador and a lifesaver, in more than one regard.
Despite being born with Foot Deformity, the now 24 year-old began swimming in the Learn to Swim class at the Mareeba pool when he was eight years old.
He then went on to compete at Nationals four times in his 13 years at the Mareeba Wildcats club, competing under the multiclass category in the able-bodied division. He has always had an affinity for swimming and his years as a Wildcat only grew his love for the sport.
David now swims for Cairns Central Swimming Club and is already eyeing off the Nationals competition in April of 2025.
Although he now swims for a different club, David still trains in Mareeba through programs his longtime coach, June Cotter, sends to him from the Cairns club.
The NQ Games were held in Cairns from 3-6 May and saw David go on a winning streak, bringing home nine medals and ‘Swim of the Meet’, among other achievements.
David was also offered to be one of the Ambassadors for the Games alongside teammate and Paralympian, ‘Scooter’.
“I remember when I was little I just wanted to get in the water, I’ve always loved the water and it’s just fun,” David said.
“I got an email from the NQ Games this year asking if I would like to come as an Ambassador and I accepted their offer, and it was amazing. It was the best feeling ever knowing how far I’ve come, I never thought I’d be the
Ambassador of the NQ Games.”
“I got to carry the flag and help out other athletes. I also came home with nine medals, ‘Swim of the Meet’, a trophy and about five out of nine PB’s.”
Though these are remarkable achievements, David’s journey has not been an easy one.
In March of 2021, David had to undergo surgery on his left foot due to pains he was experiencing in both feet while trying to do a simple daily task many people unknowingly take for granted, put on shoes.
After careful consideration, doctors decided to operate on his left foot to begin with, as this was the root of the majority of the pain he was experiencing.
“I had pain under my feet, I couldn’t wear shoes or thongs,” David said.
David was born with what is called Foot Deformity, which in his case affected his feet in such a way that his “ankles are turned out”. This has never diminished his spirit in any way, as he is able to function mostly normally and is always having a crack at whatever obstacles are in front of him. David’s only complaint is that he wishes he could “get out more often”.
“In the operation they fixed my ankle, they had to put screws in my foot to try and correct it. It took me out for about two years.
A year without swimming and a very slow year after that getting back into the pool without being close to any of my PB’s.
“So I won’t be getting any more operations until my swimming days are over, I love it too much,” David said.
Now that David’s back in the pool and with 16 years of swimming experience behind him, he will be going to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in December to compete in the State titles. More importantly however, his eyes are laser-focused on Nationals in April 2025, which will also be held at the
Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
David has 11 events that he’s hoping to qualify for in the Nationals event and already has for four of them.
He is also now a registered lifeguard as well and one could say that his coach June inadvertently prepared him quite well for that role.
He and June have a very tight relationship after being a team for 16 years now, a part of the reason why they’re so close is because when David was only 13 he saved June’s life.
“I was walking past the pool and I saw June’s car out the front and I went inside because I wanted to talk to her about something. At the time she was training for a triathlon and as I was walking through the gate I saw her at the end of the pool starting to go under the water and I knew something was wrong.
“So I ran to the end of the pool where she was and I grabbed her hand and pulled her up and helped her get out of the pool. I’m just thankful I went in there that day, otherwise who knows what could have happened to her,” David said.
After being at the Mareeba club in its heyday, the Wildcat veteran now sees the rapid decline in public participation for the sport in Mareeba. However, reminiscing on his days as a Wildcat brought back some warm memories for him and he is grateful for the time he had there.
“I just have so many memories here as a Wildcat. Great coaches and great friends, it was a wonderful experience. It’s just sad that the club isn’t as big as it used to be,” David said.
“I would like to say thank you to both the Mareeba club and my coach June Cotter, without all of their support I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
‘Little fighter’ going for title
MAREEBA Muay Thai fighter, 10-year-old Serji Kravchenko, has set his sights on winning the Queensland Paperweight Title when he competes in Brisbane this Saturday.
He will head down for the competition with Rosario Signorino, co-owner of the Spirit Muay Thai gym in Mareeba.
“We are really excited for our little fighter,” Rosario said.
“He has a big heart and has been training almost every day since he began the sport almost a year ago.”
Serji was born in Mareeba after his family moved from Ukraine 14 years ago.
He will be competing against the current state champion in a “five-two” match – five rounds at two minutes per round.
“We’re super proud of him,” Rosario said.
“This is a big comp. Hopefully, we will come back with the title.”
David Eade with all the medals he won at this year’s NQ Games
Serji Kravchenko will be vying to win the Queensland Paperweight Title this weekend.
SPORT
Bulls stampede in to preliminary final
THE Mareeba Bulls gave it everything they had to win the semi-final on Saturday in a 2-0 win against Edge Hill Tigers.
“We did not stop for the full 90 minutes,” captain Adrian Madrid said. “It was great to see.”
The win puts them into the preliminary final against the Leichhardt Lions this Saturday, with the winner taking on top-of-the-table Marlin Coast Rangers in the grand final on 14 September.
In what was an evenly matched clash between the Bulls and the Tigers last week, Mareeba’s Dylan Cummings made the difference, scoring a goal in the first half. The right winger then booted another one into the net in the second half, taking the Bulls to victory.
The team had a setback within the first five minutes when Wayne Srhoj had to leave the field.
“Wayne had a groin injury, and left the match,” Adrian said. “He is a big part of the team. We’re not sure yet how he’ll fair for the final but we’re hoping he’ll be on the bench.”
Gold medal winner dinner
AN awards night celebrating stand-out players in the FNQ Rugby League competition was held at Brother’s Leagues Club in Cairns last Friday night.
The FNQ Rugby League Gold Medal Dinner saw players, including nominees across nine different Medal categories, families, friends and club affiliates from across the FNQRL competition attend to celebrate the nominees and winners of each category.
Mareeba’s Tyrone Williams took home the U19 Player of the Year award. The front-rower won the U18 award in 2022 and 2023 and the league changed this to the U19 award in 2024, making this the third year in a row he’s won this competition.
“Tyrone is a great player, he does what he has to do on the field and he enjoys it when he’s out there and I think that’s great leadership.
“When he’s on, he’s on and when we just let him do his role he does it well. It’s showing in his game like his kicking game is good, he’s talking to the boys out there and really leading them.
“He really deserved it, he works hard and hopefully that will carry on through his footy career as he goes,” said Mareeba’s U19 coach
Ryan.
The Mareeba Gladiator’s club
president Shaun Fincham was both impressed and “extremely proud” of the club’s young player.
“To be named Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons is something I don’t think will be repeated.
“The club is extremely proud of Tyrone’s achievement, it’s well-deserved,” said Shaun.
“We look to forward to watching Tyrone progress into a full-time A Grade player in 2025.”
Jackson Clark (pictured below)
from the Atherton Roosters won the Under 17 Coastal Player of the Year. Jackson played lock in his Friday night games with the U17’s and often backed it up on Saturday’s playing with the Atherton U19 teams.
Harrison English from the Malanda Eels won the U17 Eacham Male Player of the Year at the awards ceremony on Friday night.
Gold medal dinner nominees
Gold Medal nominee: Gabriel Tunimakubu (MBA)
Female Player of the Year nominees: Lexeen Mathieson (ATH), Paige Groves (ATH), Teesha Potts (ATH)
Male Rookie of the Year nominees: Riley Flute (ATH), Jason Hastie (MBA)
Female Rookie of the Year nominee: Rayleigh Opperman (ATH)
U17 Eacham Male Player of the Year nominees: Brett Barlow (RAV), Harrison English (MAL), Jackson Chong (RAV)
U17 Coastal Female Player of the Year nominees: Freya Gutchen (MBA), Taylor Fitzgerald (ATH)
U17 Coastal Player of the Year nominee: Jackson Clark (ATH)
U19s Player of the Year nominee: Tyrone Williams (MBA)
Replacement Alex Plowman, however, made a seamless entry onto the field and had a “cracker of a game”, he added.
From a shaky beginning in this year’s FQPL Far North & Gulf season, the Bulls came back to win all of their games in the last rounds and continued the form into the finals.
“We probably left our run a little late, but we have found the rhythm and are in tune now,” Adrian said. “We play as one, we know when to press and when to defend and we never stop. You just had to be in the dressing room after the game to see how hard everyone played.”
Going into the preliminary final Adrian said the Bulls know “it’s not going to be easy”.
“There’s no complacency, we’ll just give it our all.”
If the season is anything to go by, it will be a tight contest between the teams. The Lions beat the Bulls 4-2, in round 13, and the Bulls returned the score in Round 19, beating Leichhardt 4-2.
The match will be held at Endeavour Park on Saturday, 7 September, at 6.30pm.
Bestmann Black Dog Cricket Day
Day on Tuesday 10 September.
Tablelands victorious in Nasho rifle shoot
MEMBERS of the three FNQ Nasho Branches recently contested the triannual Inter-Branch Rifle Shoot at the SSAA Innisfail Branch Murdering Point Range complex at Kurrimine Beach.
Nineteen shooters, including nine from the Tablelands branch, contested the competition under sunny conditions for the three trophies on offer.
Before the commencement of the shoot, the Range Officer set down the competition rules. The .22” rifles were used in a Benchrest position and standing supported, firing 10 rounds for each discipline; maximum score was 200.20 points.
Ten rounds were also fired with the pistol with a maximum score of 100.10 points.
All scores including guests were considered for the Branch average total.
Highlights of the shoot and congratulations to the following:
Top Marksman Trophy – National Servicemen: 1st - Rusty Vonarx (Tableland Branch) managed to retain his top
ranking from the previous Inter-Branch shoot held at the Tinaroo range on 18 May, recording the highest total score of 283.11 points; 2nd – Ray Byrnes (Tableland Branch) with a score of 248.11 points placing fourth overall; 3rd place – Vietnam veteran Ian Fisher (Innisfail/ Babinda /Tully Branch) with a score of 222.10 points.
Friends of Nashos Trophy – NonNational Servicemen: 1st – Peter Campion (Tableland Branch) recorded a score of 268.10 points placing second overall; 2nd – Brendan Mac Rae (Tableland Branch) recorded a score of 259.7 placing third overall; 3rd – Jake Panigas (Tableland Branch) recorded a total score of 246.2 points placing fifth overall.
The Encouragement Trophy, which is awarded to the shooter that records the lowest total score of the disciplines shot, went to Tableland Branch vice-president Len Barbagallo who made a clean sweep of the trophies on offer, recording a total score of 168.3 points out of a possible 300.30 points.
Branch Scores were as follows:
• Tableland Branch recorded an average score of 232 points for their nine shooters;
• Cairns Branch recorded an average score of 218 points for their five shooters; and,
• Innisfail / Babinda / Tully Branch recorded an average score of 202 points for their seven shooters.
At the conclusion of the event,
port
A
The
the results were announced and Rob Saunders (Innisfail) thanked the hosts for the use of their facilities and sup-
with conducting the event.
social BBQ followed and concluded with the presentation of trophies.
date for the next inter-Branch shoot is the NSAA Tableland shoot at Ravenshoe on 9 November.
A group photo showing the respective Tableland Branch trophy winners seated (from right) Top Nasho MarksmanRusty Vonarx, Friends of Nashos - Peter Campion, and Encouragement Trophy Len Barbagallo.
Bronson
THE Mareeba Bandits Cricket Club is hosting a “Bestmann Black Dog Day” at Borzi Park this Saturday starting at 10am with a game against Norths Cricket Club followed by a game against the Wog Boys. The club is urging everyone to come along and support the team. Mareeba Cricket is also hosting High School Bestmann
The Bulls celebrate a 2-0 win in the semi-final.
David Quintieri from the Wog Boys and Mareeba Bandits’ Brett Stallan.
SPORT
Gladiators book grand final spot
IN what turned out to be a nail biter, Mareeba Gladiators Under 19s claimed victory over the Ivanhoes Knights 24-20 to clinch their spot in the grand final next Saturday.
In hot conditions, the Gladiators started quickly, opening their account a few minutes into the game, notching up a converted try.
The boys looked sharp and were willing to throw the ball around, peppering the try line before front rower Narason Moorcroft-Kose went over for his second try of the half.
Ball handling errors by Ivanhoes gave the Gladiators the advantage and allowed lock Gabriel Tunimakubu to run a try in right under the goal posts, allowing an easy conversion and taking the scoreline to 18-0 where it stayed until the half time siren.
Ivanhoes hit back in the second half, scoring a try just a few minutes in, then another after Mareeba gave them a penalty, to take the score to 18-10.
Moorcroft-Kose really put the hard work in, gaining good metres for his team but a penalty in favour of Ivanhoes at the 55-minute mark allowed them to cross the try line again and convert, turning the game into a nail biter with the score at 18-16.
Fullback Kyan Sheppard produced a try-saving tackle to stop Ivanhoes scoring again, and despite some good defence by Ma-
reeba, the Knights broke through and notched up their fourth try to give them the lead for the first time in the match, 20-18.
Mareeba had not scored a point in the second half at that stage but a ball handling error from the Knights gave the Gladiators exactly what they needed for Tunimakubu to score their fourth try with only four minutes to go.
A conversion by Tyrone Williams (the third that day) pushed the Gladiators score to 24-20.
The Mareeba Gladiator’s coach Bronson Ryan highlighted that ill-discipline and effort issues played a role that almost cost them their chance at a grand final.
“Ivanhoes came back out in the second half with a new game plan that upset our boys a bit and discipline played a big factor in the back end of that game, allowing them to steal the lead from us at one point near the end.
“Our ill-discipline and straying from our gameplan really made it hard for us, but it was a good challenge for the boys actually,” said Bronson.
“I couldn’t fault the boys in the first half and we just fell away due to effort, but once they settled and knew their task, they did it, and that showed a lot of character I think.”
With both teams scoring four tries each, the conversions played an important role in determining a
winner. Ivanhoes only made two from four attempts while Mareeba didn’t miss one, leaving them victorious by four points.
“I think Noah and Tyrone’s kicking game got us over the line there, Tyrone’s a great goal kicker and Noah’s kicking game in general is very good, he puts up some good bombs and we usually get rewarded off of them.”
A stand-out player in the Gladiators’ narrow win over the Ivanhoes was Mareeba’s Narason Moorcroft-Kose who scored two tries and terrorised the Ivanhoes defence all game making an impressive amount of run metres.
“I’ve been very, very impressed with Narason this year, he really started to come into his own in the lead up to the semi’s and he’s having a good run and enjoying his footy and I’m enjoying having him.
“He takes it upon himself to take on that leadership and he makes those good metres which takes some pressure off Tyrone and the other forwards.”
The Mareeba Gladiators will take on the Cairns Kangaroos in the U19 grand final held at Barlow Park this Saturday at 3:40pm.
“Our biggest goal is to make sure we’re competing and we’re not buying into ill-discipline and to just make sure we’re putting in the effort as a team,” said Bronson.
Front rower Narason Moorcroft-Kose scored two tries for the Gladiators in the preliminary final.
IMAGE: Maria Girgenti
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