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Delivering news across our region
WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER, 2024
WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER, 2024 Delivering news across our region
MINE CRITICAL TO GLOBAL SECURITY
WONDERFUL timber creations impressed patrons who attended the Festival of the Forest woodwork exhibition on the weekend as part of the annual Torimba Festival. 2024 Miss Torimba Claire Kidner was in awe of some of the pieces on display including this beautifully-crafted mirror. The Torimba Festival wraps up this Saturday, with the Street Parade and Mardi Gras in Ravenshoe featuring a “lolly explosion”, woodchops and fireworks display. More pictures – Page 13
Koah torture charges
Distillery vies for big award
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin with 14 new citizens in the shire who were recently sworn in.
NEXT to names of countries like Barbados, Thailand and Venezuela, the little local town of Walkamin sounds a bit out of place, and rightly so.
OFFICERS from the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch yesterday charged two men following ongoing investigations into an alleged incident at Koah on 28 August.
But our very own FNQ Rum from Mt Uncle Distillery has been shortlisted alongside other renowned distilleries from those countries for Rum Producer of the Year at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).
The man was taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at a Kookaburra Close address at 1pm on 30 September.
The IWSC is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which evaluates spirits based on taste, balance, finish, and value.
It will be alleged the 57-year-old man was involved in the repeated and continued assault of a 47-year-old man during which time the victim was stabbed in the legs and struck in the head.
“This competition is also known as the ‘Oscars of the Spirits industry’ or it’s like the Olympics in a way, the Rum Producer Trophy is one of the most sought-after accolades,” Mt Uncle’s head distiller Mark Watkins said.
Police investigations indicate the men are known to each other.
Mareeba a magnet for new citizens
“Being recognised on this level by the IWSC is incredibly rewarding for our team.
The victim was treated for multiple injuries at Cairns Hospital.
The 57-year-old man has been charged with one count each of armed robbery, torture, wounding, deprivation of liberty, enter dwelling, possession of utensils, possession of dangerous drug, and four counts of assault and five counts of fail to appear.
PEOPLE from all over the globe are finding their new home in Mareeba, with 14 new Australian citizens recently sworn in.
“We strive to craft rums that reflect the unique terroir of Far North Queensland, and this nomination reaffirms that our efforts are resonating on the world stage.”
The group brings the number of new citizens who have taken the oath in the shire this year to 65.
The new citizens have come from 20 countries around the world, with the 14 sworn recently coming from Canada, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Slovenia, South Africa, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
FNQ Rum is the only Australian brand shortlisted for the Rum Producer Trophy, “standing proudly” alongside global giants such as Foursquare Rum USA from Barbados, Sang Som Distillery from Thailand, and Ron Roble Viejo from Venezuela.
A 41-year-old Kuranda man was charged with one count of wounding, torture, deprivation of liberty, armed robbery, possession of utensils, possession of a dangerous drug, enter dwelling, and two counts of assault.
population,” Mayor Angela Toppin said. New Zealand is the most popular country of origin, making up over one quarter of those who become Australian citizens in the Mareeba Shire, followed by South Africa (14%), Britain (9%) and Ukraine (9%).
“Mareeba Shire is a diverse community, with over 75 different cultures represented across our
locally and internationally for their distinct flavours and exceptional quality”.
“Council proudly hosts the citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. The ceremony is a special occasion that marks the end of the journey as a migrant and the start of a new life as an Australian citizen,” Mayor Toppin said.
“This nomination cements FNQ Rum’s position as a leading force in the global rum industry and is a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and innovation,” Mark said.
“We use sugar cane nectar to produce a more rich and sweet flavour and then we age the spirit in ex-Australian red wine barrels, so it combines these nice flavours well,” Mark said.
EIGHTEEN unlicensed or unregistered firearms have been seized from properties on the Tablelands and Cairns as part as part of Operation Whiskey Legion’s deployment to the Far North.
FNQ Rum describes its rums as being crafted “from the rich volcanic soils and sugarcane of this unique tropical region” and “produces a range of rums that have been celebrated both
“And we’re situated in a really nice area, the fluctuations in temperature with the hot days and cold nights helps the spirit age really well.”
Since the operation launched late September, police have conducted 24 weapons audits, identifying approximately 500 firearms.
The Mt Uncle Distillery has also recently started distribution in the UK, adding to their many successes.
Police move to seize firearms
firearms up very securely, and ensure they leave keys out of place and not in the same room as their firearms are being stored,” he said.
“There is no place for firearm related violence in the Far North Queensland community, so people should contact Crime Stoppers or the local police if they have concerns about firearms.”
This IWSC recognition follows
Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Parsons says licensed firearms holders are being reminded to ensure their weapons are stored appropriately.
“We encourage that firearms holders lock their
a stellar year for FNQ Rum, during which it has already secured multiple awards. At the World Rum Awards earlier this year, FNQ Rum took home two gold medals for its Platinum Cane Spirit and Iridium Agave Cask Finish, alongside being named World’s Best Sugarcane Spirit. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to quality was further highlighted with a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition for its Iridium X Rum. Mark will be travelling to London to attend the awards ceremony on 12 November.
Since Operation Whiskey Legion launched in the Far North on 25 September, 193 people have been arrested on 357 charges, including 166 adults on 291 offences and 27 young people on 66 offences.
Crackdown on feeding crocs
NEW offences and increased fines have been brought in by the State Government to crack down on feeding and interfering with crocodiles.
Two new offences have been introduced making it unlawful to unintentionally feed a crocodile by discarding food and remaining in close proximity to a crocodile.
Discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $483 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $6,452.
penalties for existing offences which aim to deter people from engaging in behaviours that pose a serious risk to public safety and animal conservation.
The on-the-spot fine for deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles has increased from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615.
The on-the-spot fine for interfering with a crocodile trap has increased from $645 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $19,356 to $26,615.
Knowingly remaining within close proximity to a crocodile that is on, or partly on, land can now result in an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum courtimposed fine of $16,130.
This offence complements the existing “disturbing” offence which prevents people from approaching or pursuing a crocodile or driving a boat or vehicle within 10m of it.
Conservation officers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential human-crocodile interactions.
The government has also significantly increased
But State Member for Hill Shane Knuth, who introduced the KAP’s Crocodile Control, Conservation, and Safety Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, slammed the new offences and fines as “nothing more than a band-aid fix”.
“The State Government has failed to manage the crocodile crisis for over a decade, and now it’s completely out of control,” he said.
“Ask anyone who regularly fishes or uses our waterways - they’ll tell you the crocodile population has exploded. “This is a Northern Queensland issue, and it should be managed locally, not from over 1,800 km away in an ivory tower.”
Mt Uncle Distillery Owner and Head Distiller Mark Watkins with FNQ Rum’s awardwinning Iridium X rum.
Cook candidates front forum
By ROBYN HOLMES
UPGRADING the Mareeba Hospital, constructing the long-awaited Mareeba bypass, the need for action on the Kuranda Range Road and Barron River bridge, and the youth crime crisis came to the fore during a public forum last week attended by five of the six candidates hoping to be the next Member of Parliament for the Cook electorate.
Labor’s Cynthia Lui has held the seat for two terms of office and anyone wishing to topple her will need a swing of around 6.3% to be successful.
Ms Lui defended her record of delivering for the electorate during the forum, citing various projects that have been funded by her government, her “passion” for better health services and Labor’s plans for more economic development in the region which would deliver better outcomes for communities.
But she ruled out shifting her Cairns office to Mareeba, despite Katter’s Australian Party’s Duane Amos and LNP’s David Kempton having already secured offices in the town’s CBD.
“Historically, it’s always been in Cairns where it is central to the electorate - it is in the most central and accessible location for a large number of constituents who live in the electorate,” she said.
The forum at the Mareeba International Club saw the five candidates put forward their case as to why they should be elected on 26 October.
Mr Kempton cited his 40-plus years of living in the region as to why he is the right person to represent Cook, asserting that the Coalition had the right policies and plans to reduce crime, tackle the problems with the region’s road network and to cut the “waste” by ensuring decisions on what the priorities are were made at a local level.
Mr Amos said he was armed with the knowledge of how to tackle the youth
Cook
crime crisis with his 34 years in policing, and understood what challenges small businesses faced, being a small business owner himself. He said he had “a tiger in his tank” and was prepared to hold the major parties to account, especially if KAP won enough seats to hold the balance of power in the parliament.
One Nation’s Peter Campion lamented how the youth crime crisis had undermined people’s lives, taking away their freedom to feel safe, saying that the current situation “imprisons the many because we let the few run rampant”. He also criticised both major parties over their stance on climate change, saying that while China went ahead “leaps and bounds” using coal-fired power stations, “we are in the dark ages”.
The Greens’ Troy Miller made it clear his party was focused on ensuring
that the “big corporations” paid more tax to fund initiatives like free university and TAFE for everyone, the cancellation of HECs debt and to include dental services in Medicare. He also touted the party’s demand for rents to be frozen for two years “to give time for wages to catch up”.
The current crime crisis was a main topic of discussion, with each candidate outlining what their party would do if elected.
Ms Lui said her government had passed strong legislation to tackle the issue and was investing in a $1.28 billion community safety plan that included $228 million for intervention programs, while accusing the LNP of cutting police numbers when they were last in power.
Referring to the recent news that a police helicopter would be based in
Cairns to help reduce crime, Mr Amos said “helicopters don’t solve crime” and that current legislation was “out of touch with society’s needs”.
Mr Kempton said Labor had had 10 years to “sort this problem out and done nothing” and that if elected, the LNP would get new legislation passed before Christmas that would allow the courts to sentence perpetrators who committed serious crime to “adult time”.
Mr Campion attributed the current crime crisis to “watered down legislation” and agreed that youth offenders needed to be sent to boot camps, and penalties and bail laws strengthened, while Mr Miller linked the crime crisis to the increase in poverty, saying that until living standards were improved, and services provided to help youth who were exposed to trauma or did not have food
or a place to sleep, it would continue to be a big problem.
When it came to the big issues that rear up every election cycle, the candidates were mostly aligned on what should be done but there were few solid commitments when it came to the hospital upgrade and the construction of a heavy vehicle bypass for Mareeba.
Mr Amos put the lack of action on the bypass to the region not getting its fair share of funding for critical infrastructure, while Mr Kempton says his new local road advisory group would be given the ability to identify and prioritise what works were needed such as the bypass, Ootann Road, the missing sealed section on the road to Chillagoe, and badly needed unhitching or breakdown pads.
Ms Lui said the bypass had been “in the conversation for a very long time” but stood by her advocacy efforts which, she says, secured $1.5 million for the business case to be completed that would provide the argument for funding the construction of the new road.
Mr Campion asserted that if “we allowed the country to prosper….we’d have enough money to do the bypass and repair the Kuranda Range Road… but we’re not going to get that infrastructure until we get the Labor and Liberal UNiparty out”.
All candidates agreed that the Mareeba Hospital deserved more attention, in particular a dialysis machine and an upgraded Emergency Department.
Ms Lui, who recently launched a petition to her own Health Minister calling for the hospital to be upgraded, said that during her time in office, she had brought back endoscopy services to Mareeba, a new CT scanner and a new ambulance station.
• Continued page 8
candidates (from left) Duane Amos (KAP), Peter Campion (One Nation), Troy Miller (Greens), David Kempton (LNP) and Cynthia Lui (Labor) at the public forum last week. The Express managing editor Carl Portella was the emcee of the event.
Expo to connect seniors
SENIORS can discover organisations that can enhance their lives at Tablelands Regional Council’s renowned Age-Friendly Expo to be held next Tuesday.
The free expo is part of activities throughout Queensland Seniors Month and will feature community organisations, recreational clubs and presentations that are relevant to older people.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the essential roles that older people play in our community,” Youth and Inclusion Advisory Committee chair Cr Kylie Lang said.
“Ageing affects us and our loved ones in some way and there are so many organisations out there who can support families through the ageing process.
“It’s fantastic to have them all in one place.”
Cr Lang said that for those who were looking to join a club, volunteer or meet new friends, the expo offered the opportunity to connect with community organisations and recreational clubs like Tablelands Libraries, U3A Atherton Tablelands, Tableland Social Dancers, Zumba Gold, Tableland Garden Group, Tableland Bridge, Atherton District Meals on Wheels, Senior Women Enjoying Later Life, Eacham Senior Citizen Association and various men’s sheds.
“Speak to people with lived experiences and support organisations like Seniors Helpers, Home Caring, Better Together Community Support Care Finder, Sunbird
Aged Care Navigation and Services Australia Aged Care Specialist to help ageing family members,” Cr Lang said.
“Experts like Home Caring, Atherton Health Hub, Cairns Community Legal Centre, Atherton Community Health, Carinya Home for the Aged, Atherton Home Assist Secure, NBN Co. and ECHO Empowering Services will provide advice on how to age well, including legal and health services and providers, aged care planning and support services.”
Expo patrons can also get a free health and hearing check and enjoy a complimentary expo morning tea for seniors. Register at www.trc.qld.gov.au/expomorning-tea
Presentations during the day will include the Library Tech Demo at 9.30am and 11am; Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness at 10am; Online Safety and Scam Awareness at 11.30am; and Supporting Parents Through the Ageing Red Tape at 12 noon.
The Age-Friendly Expo will be held on Tuesday 15 October from 9am-1pm at the Merriland Hall in the Atherton Showgrounds.
Cr Lang said the council would be hosting other events and services in the coming weeks including a Seniors Safety Squad to be held this Thursday (10 Oct) from 9am-2pm at the Coordination Centre in Vernon Street, Atherton. Register at www.trc.qld.gov.au/safety-squad or by calling 1300 362 242.
BINGO!
PLAYING bingo this Saturday night will give a helping hand to the National Breast Cancer Association.
The Bingo for Breast Cancer event will be staged at the Atherton International Club on Saturday from 5.30pm.
The evening promises to deliver a fun night of bingo, with some great prizes up for grabs, raffles, and more.
Attendees are encouraged to wear pink, with a prize for the Best Dressed on the night up for grabs.
Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start.
Tickets are $35 and available by emailing thinkpinkforBCA@ gmail.com There are a limited number of tickets available so get in quick.
Shocking dead livestock find
By KONNOR FURBER
IMAGES of dead livestock, used syringes, broken glass and rubbish at the Barron River by the John Doyle Bridge recently posted to Facebook have disgusted the community.
The post was from a local man who claimed to have gone down to the river to take his daughter and niece fishing.
Upon arriving, he found “broken glass, rubbish, carcasses and needles”, posing a serious health risk to the young children he had with him and to members of the community who use this area responsibly.
“I feel like it was a goat, but I can’t be certain,” the man said, referring to the dead animal in the river.
“There was one either side of the bridge.”
The post generated numerous comments from the public including “that’s so gross and terrible, whoever is doing this take ya rubbish with you” and “that’s disgusting, poor animal”.
Mareeba Shire Council acknowledged that people used the area but it did not have the resources to maintain it.
However, in this instance, council staff did attend the site but could not locate any needles.
“Council has no tenure or authority over the river itself. While it is trustee for the ‘esplanade’ along the Barron River, this is not a formal public space,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“And although we know people use it, the unfortunate reality is that council simply does not have the resources to maintain or clear rubbish in all areas we own across the shire.
“It is really disappointing to see the rubbish that is carelessly tossed into the environment.”
A council spokesperson said if there was a large amount of illegally dumped waste, council would pick it up, however, with a small amount of isolated litter scattered along the riverbank, they did not have the resources to collect it.
“Council needs to prioritise high traffic parks and open spaces and people need to do the right thing and not leave litter behind,” the spokesperson said.
The council urged members of the community to report dangerous hazards in playgrounds or parks on 1300 308 461 for prompt action. They also strongly encouraged people to report illegal dumping on the same number or to the State Government on 13 74 68 or via their website.
“Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own litter,” Mayor Toppin said.
“If you see someone littering from a vehicle, vessel or trailer you can report these details too.
“It is important to note that nearly 75% of littering reports made to the State Government result in the vehicle owner receiving an infringement.”
Women on toy theft charges
TWO women have been charged over the alleged theft of $1000 in toys.
On 1 October, detectives executed a search warrant at a Mareeba property in relation to the alleged theft from a Mulgrave Road shopping centre on 17 September.
It will be alleged officers located and
seized approximately $1000 worth of stolen toys.
A 24-year-old Mareeba woman and a 29-year-old Biboohra woman were both charged with one count of stealing. Both are scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 16 October.
A dead animal floating in the river near the John Doyle Bridge.
Remains of syringes left on the banks of the Barron River at Mareeba.
Ready, set, Savannah!
“The sales for the festival this year are tracking consistently at 25% up, which is very much against the trend for festivals around the country.”
– James Dein
By KONNOR FURBER
THOUSANDS of people will converge on Mareeba to attend the biggest music festival in the region, with ticket sales up 25% from last year and new initiatives introduced.
Up there with the country’s top music festivals, Savannah in the Round will feature chart-topping, international headlining acts, a multitude of Australian talent, Far North Queensland’s premier bullriding series, a wide range of culinary options and camping and glamping availabilities with line dancing in the mornings and after parties into the night.
Now in its fifth year, the festival is also introducing an official app, helicopter flights over Kerribee Park where the event is staged and shuttle buses to and from Atherton, Malanda, Port Douglas and Cairns.
Festival director James Dein is excited that the festival is growing, revealing that camping for the event had completely sold out and pre-ticket sales were already up by around 25% from last year.
“We’re into year five, which is a bit of a milestone for a new festival,” he said.
“The sales for the festival this year are tracking consistently at 25% up, which is very much against the trend for festivals around the country.
“There’s something for everyone at this festival and like any great, familyoriented event, there will be people from the ages of eight to 80 getting to see renowned international acts and also many great Australian acts.”
With the decline in music festivals around the country ever more prolific, Mr Dein expects Savannah in the Round to draw in many avid festival-goers from around the nation.
“I absolutely think this is a good thing
THIS year, Savannah in the Round has introduced new initiatives in order to make patron experience easier and more convenient.
Shuttle buses to and from the festival are now available to festival-goers.
These will run from Cairns, Port Douglas, Atherton and Malanda. Prices for this service range from $40-$130.
In addition to this, there will also be scenic helicopter flights over the festival grounds available, with prices ranging from $125$415.
Bookings are essential for these services. To book, visit the “Buses and Helicopter Flights” ticket option on the Savannah in the Round website.
The official Savannah in the Round app has also been launched as a convenient way to have the festival schedule in your pocket, allowing users to plan their itinerary and watch the artists they desire to see.
for us and I feel there will be a lot of people looking for festivals and I feel they’ll come north for Savannah in the Round,” he said.
“And I think there’s a lot of music festivals that won’t be running next year, including Big Red Bash (at Birdsville) and many others.
“At the moment, I would expect a cumulative audience of 24,000 people attending the festival. We’re not as big as the Mareeba Rodeo yet, but we’re knocking on the door.”
Mr Dein said Savannah in the Round was the ultimate country music festival because it allowed visitors to the region to not only experience world-class artists but also nearby natural wonders.
“I think being on the doorstep of Far North Queensland, the Tablelands, the Savannah region, the rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef, all of those amazing attractions that you can see while you’re
“The phone app allows you to curate your experience, plan who you want to see, check the timetable of when various artists are performing and just stay in touch with the schedule,” Mr Dein said.
The Great Northern Bullriding Series will again be returning to the festival, adding that extra-country experience.
Set to kick off at 2.40pm on Saturday, the bullride will feature some of best riders in the region battling it out in the second-last event in the series.
Workshops will also be held this year to allow locals to get insights on how to enter the music sector.
The sessions will be at 9am at the Backyard Stage each day, with Julian James teaching about vocal and stagecraft on Friday, Chris Matthews heading the “Never Practise” workshop on Saturday, and Tim Woodz hosting a songwriting session on Sunday.
here visiting the festival, is a great reason to travel up here for a holiday,” Mr Dein said.
International artists who will perform at the event are some of the greatest in their industry such as US-based Kip Moore and Tyler Hubbard and even Australia’s pop sensation Sheppard.
In addition, many of the greatest Australian acts will be making their way to the festival including Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Graeme Connors, Jon Williamson, Jon Stevens, The Living End, the Hoodoo Gurus and James Johnston, just to name a few.
Injecting almost $4.5 million into the local economy in the previous year with the thousands of people it draws to the Mareeba area, the festival is a vital economic boost for the town and local businesses.
Mareeba Shire Council provided $5,000 funding towards the festival to
support what is considered to be a valuable economic driver for the town.
“Savannah in the Round has grown to become a valuable cultural, tourism and economic event for the region,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“Last year alone, Savannah in the Round injected an estimated $4.47 million into the local economy and $1.15 million into the Queensland economy, attracting around 7,583 attendees.
“The festival generated more than 23,000 visitor nights in the Mareeba Shire, with many of the visitors coming to the region from Queensland.
“We are proud to support Savannah in the Round, not just for its economic benefits but also for the incredible performance opportunities it provides to both legendary, emerging and local artists.
“We are grateful to have such a world-class event right here in Mareeba Shire.”
Hitting the stage at 8.55pm on Friday night, Tyler Hubbard will be the festival’s first international artist for 2024.
Kip Moore will be the main attraction for festival-goers at Savannah in the Round this Saturday night at 8.55pm.
offered a helping hand
PENSIONERS in the Tablelands Regional Council area are getting help to prepare for the upcoming cyclone season through the council’s free pre-cyclone collection service.
“Now is the time to prepare for cyclone season by cutting back vegetation and tidying your yard,” Local Disaster Management Group chair Mayor Rod Marti said.
Under the scheme, residents who receive an age or disability pension and are in a kerbside collection area can register for our free waste collection program.
“We’ll remove waste that is hazardous during storms and cyclones including green waste, iron and general yard debris,” Mayor Marti said.
“Please make sure items are placed in an easily accessible location outside your property, and can be easily handled by one person.”
Pensioners can register at www.trc.qld.gov.au/ cyclone-cleanup or 1300 362 242 before 5pm on Friday 25 October. Collections will begin in early November.
Innovative bike trail created
By KONNOR FURBER
A CALL for adventure and a cando attitude is all it took for four Tablelands locals to create their very own 270km long bike trail that has accommodation available at every stop.
Tim Trehearn, Peter Tuck, Peter MacGregor and Peter Blakey are avid cyclists from the Tablelands and recently developed the FNQ Pioneer Bike Trail that journeys through the “remote savannah and outback regions” and is approximately 270km long when the circuit is completed in full.
The track is modelled after the Central West Bike Trail around Dubbo and means that you can cycle the trail, from accommodation to accommodation in each town, without having to carry any meals or camping equipment.
After the idea was conjured up, the men began organising a website and speaking to accommodation owners in all the towns and after just two months the website was up and the track was ready to go.
“There’s a few of us here who ride a lot and we’ve been riding that route, just with friends and family, for the last 20 years,” Tim said.
“And after riding the trail in Dubbo, I thought, well we could do that up here.
“We wanted to do a track where all you needed was a change of undies, a jacket, a first aid kit, some water and away you go.”
The trail is a conglomerate of existing and quiet roads that run from Atherton to Herberton and
then onto Irvinebank, Petford, Mount Garnet and Ravenshoe before completing the loop back to Herberton and Atherton.
This gives cyclists the opportunity to complete the trail in 5-7 days, all the while enjoying the scenery of remote North Queensland that has accommodation provided each night.
However, any section of the trail can be ridden for those looking to do just a day or weekend of cycling.
Some highlights along the track include the railway ride from Atherton to Herberton, the Loudon House Museum and Brian’s Shed in Irvinebank and Innot Hot Springs, but according to Tim, “the ride itself is the highlight”.
Atherton is the biggest town on the circuit and is the recommended start for the Pioneer Trail. The trail can be done in either direction but anticlockwise is recommended as the general gradient is much easier.
There is phone reception in each town centre but very little along the trail and many sections where there is none at all. The trail is of easy to moderate difficulty and is quite remote, so a mountain bike or good gravel bike, or an eBike with wide tyres is recommended.
Although the purpose of the track is to be able to cycle from town to town without the need for any camping gear, camping is allowed along the trail for those who wish to do so.
For more information visit www.fnqpioneerbiketrails.com. au
Tim Trehearn at the 200-metrelong Herberton Range tunnel.
Neighbours angry over farm expansion
By ROBYN HOLMES
A LEGAL stoush between Tablelands Regional Council and Old Mates Farm is over, with the Planning and Environment Court signing off on new conditions for the expansion of the Upper Barron tourist facility, leaving neighbours feeling frustrated and angry that their piece of paradise has been lost.
Old Mates Farm owners Louise Livingstone and Tony Freeman appealed a decision made by the previous council in September last year that would have allowed for additional campsites, new buildings and facilities but restricted the farm from having any day visitors, only allowing 12 overnight visitors and a raft of other conditions the owners thought were “bizarre”.
Council’s conditions included undertaking major improvements to the single-lane Hemmings Lane including sealing 120m of the road, installing mirrors to improve sight lines, installing signage to instruct vehicles to give way at the bridge and vegetation slashing.
The farm would also have had to cease operations during the wet season.
The conditions were based on concerns by Hemmings Lane neighbours who were also angry that the farm had been breaching the conditions of its original approval for years, with its website advertising 18 campsites that could potentially cater to 180 people in contrast to the original approval for only five campsites and 12 people.
Council wrote to the owners in December 2022 to “request” that they “limit the tourism use to the scale outlined in their existing development permit” and warned that if they failed to comply, enforcement action would be considered. The farm then closed its doors in April 2023, saying the operation was not economically viable with
just 12 guests allowed.
Once the September 2023 decision was made, Ms Livingstone and Mr Freeman launched an appeal, claiming the conditions were “an unreasonable imposition on the development”.
The matter progressed to mediation during which a new set of conditions were agreed upon that were recently sanctioned by the court and the council.
The new conditions allow the farm to host up to 74 overnight guests and up to 30 day visitors and also do not require the operation to cease during the wet season, but neighbours are sceptical that the farm will stick to those conditions given its past history.
“Past behaviour is a great predictor of future behaviour so we have no con-
fidence that the farm will adhere to the conditions that have been set,” neighbour Russell Lynch said.
“It’s a situation where the farm’s owners and guests will get the gain and we get all the pain – the neighbours will be the ones that pay the price for this business.
“Who is going to enforce these conditions?”
Hemmings Lane property owner Kirsten Veivers blames the new TRC council for allowing the conditions set in September last year by the previous council to be overturned.
“We are highly disgusted and disappointed in the new councillors and Mayor for overturning the last councillors’ decision to limit Old Mates Farm
to 12 people per night to now being in the next stage towards a much larger operation down the track,” she said.
“We bought our parcel of land 10 years ago on a quiet little dirt road, where our kids could have somewhat of a laid-back country lifestyle as we did as children. With this new council, they have yet again forgot about the locals who reside in this countryside town for the want to have more tourism, tourism, and tourism.
“We are so quickly losing what the Tablelands is because of these types of decisions. Shame on the council.”
Neighbour Nicola Daaboul said Hemmings Lane residents were “astonished” that the new TRC overturned the previous council’s decision and, in do-
ing so, disregarded concerns and conditions imposed including some recommended in the original council officer’s report like the annual closure period during wet season and the restriction on vehicle length despite concerns raised in the Traffic Impact Assessment.
“There is also no solution provided for the dangerous bridge approaches other than to erect give-way signage,” she said.
“On several occasions we have reached out to the newly elected members and Mayor to voice our concerns and they have been ignored.
“Much like the Malanda Igloo petition, our concerns were thrown aside and ignored. It’s worth noting the minutes of the last meeting called for an end to the appeal whatever it takes.”
Ms Daaboul said one of the biggest concerns for residents was the likelihood that Old Mate’s Farm would breach the conditions now set down and there was no process to ensure enforcement of the conditions.
“As advertised on the OMF website, it is stated that their booking capacity is upwards of 196 persons over 18 camp sites and 3 cabins – this is well in excess of the approved conditions for 74 overnight guests. So how will council enforce it?” she said.
“TRC and Old Mates Farm have shown us that it is better to ask for forgiveness than seek permission, it’s as though the rules don’t apply to them.
“One thing I can’t figure out, is after all this time and waste of ratepayers money, fighting the appeal in court, would they simply turn around and give them everything they wanted and more?”
The Express asked Mr Freeman to comment on the new conditions, including when the farm would re-open and how much the road upgrade would cost. He did not respond by deadline.
The popular Old Mates Farm now has approval to expand, but neighbours are not happy.
2024 QUEENSLAND ELECTION
Businesses to get crime help
A NEW grants package to support businesses, in partnership with local councils and chambers of commerce, to bolster safety and reduce crime will be established if the LNP wins government.
The $40 million Secure Communities Partnership Program will fund critical safety measures to deter crime from shopping precincts and commercial zones, including CCTV, safety lighting and alarm systems.
The LNP says there has been a 133% increase in shop break-ins since Labor came to power, and insurance costs in Queensland had risen by 14.2% last year alone, with youth crime a major cause.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the LNP’s Secure Communities Partnership Program would help drive down the cost of crime for small and family businesses.
“The LNP’s Secure Communities Partnerships Program will help stop crime before it happens, reducing the cost of crime on small businesses and local government,” he said.
“We’ll give businesses a big boost to bolster safety and deter crime with funding for CCTV, lighting upgrades and alarms to help restore safety where you live.
“The cost of crime is not only replacing what’s stolen, it’s also the thousands of dollars in repairs, the increased insurance price and the lost turnover while a business is closed.
“With costs rising across the board, too many businesses are operating week to week and don’t have extra cash to pay for crime prevention – let alone the cost of break-ins.”
Candidates front forum
• Continued from page 3
She had great “passion” for health and had put “in my bids” for funding for a hospital upgrade, but when they failed, she launched the petition.
Mr Kempton said he believed more health services should be provided to people in their town, naming Mareeba, Weipa and Cooktown, rather than forcing people to travel to Cairns to access them.
As a paramedic and nurse, Mr Miller said a dialysis machine in Mareeba was sorely needed to remove the unnecessary burden on patients to have to travel to Cairns for treatment. But he said more preventive measures and making sure people could afford to eat healthy food, would lead to less requirement for such treatments.
Mr Campion said Australia had the capacity to make wealth in years past but that had been eroded over the decades because of government policy while the nation’s debt had skyrocketed, robbing the community of the services and infrastructure it deserved.
Mr Amos drew attention to two dialysis machines at Lotus Glen correctional centre which, he said, were not being used and should be redeployed to the hospital. He believes a local hospital board should be restored to give the people back “a voice”.
The candidates will again face the public at this week’s Mareeba Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
KATTER’S Australian Party candidates for Hill and Cook have slammed the major parties for what they call a “short-sighted bandaid fix” for the Kuranda Range Road and Barron River bridge.
To date, Labor has committed to a $450 million new bridge at the Barron River and some safety upgrades to the range road in around two years’ time after the washouts caused by Cyclone Jasper and extreme rainfall last December have been repaired.
The LNP has committed to fixing the bridge as a priority and to build a new bridge in a shorter time frame than Labor. The party has not given any commitment on an alternative road to the coast.
Member for Hill Shane Knuth and KAP candidate for Cook Duane Amos say the parties’ positions on the range road and bridge “won’t address the disastrous issues” that users face daily.
The duo is calling for a bold, long-term solution – building a new fast-tracked inland highway that will bypass the Barron River
altogether and secure the region’s prosperity for decades to come.
Mr Knuth criticised both major parties for their lack of vision.
“The reality is spending $450 million on a new Barron River Bridge is not going to fix the nightmare issues that currently exist on the Kuranda Range,” he said.
“It’s a short-term, reactionary fix that won’t solve the bigger issues of travel distance, closures, congestion, safety, and economic development.
“A new bridge won’t change the fact that the Kuranda Range is dangerous, unreliable, and inadequate for the growing population and economic needs of the region.
“The only real, viable solution is a fasttracked inland highway that will resolve all problems, open up the Tablelands and Cairns for future growth and won’t require a $450million Barron River Bridge at all,” Mr Knuth said.
KAP candidate for Cook Duane Amos echoed the sentiments, slamming both major
parties for a lack of action and foresight.
“Their approach is reactive and lacks any long-term vision for North Queensland,” he said.
“The Kuranda Range issue isn’t just about fixing a bridge, it’s about securing the region’s long-term future.
“We need infrastructure that supports our economic potential in agriculture, mining, and tourism - not patchwork solutions that will just land us back at square one in a few years.
“Where are the commitments from the major parties to a project that will actually solve the problem?
“What we need is a proper inland highway that will ensure the economic resilience of our region and save people’s lives by providing a safe, reliable route once and for all.
“This is an election priority for KAP to ensure we secure our long-term prosperity, and that starts with a fast-tracked inland highway, not a new bridge,” Mr Amos concluded.
KAP candidates Steven Lesina (Mulgrave), Duane Amos (Cook) and Shane Knuth (Hill) with Federal party leader Bob Katter.
2024 QUEENSLAND ELECTION
Festival director puts hand up for Hill
WELL-known for his role with the Tablelands Folk Festival, Michael Hodgkins has put his hand up to stand for October’s state election, announcing he will represent Labor in the Hill electorate.
Michael and his wife, Bronwyn, have lived in the region for almost all their lives, and now he wants to contribute to the future prosperity of people living in the Hill electorate.
“There’s no better place to live than Queensland’s tropical north,” he said.
As the festival director and president of the Tablelands Folk Festival, Michael says he has the experience in advancing what the region has to offer.
Active with arts and community groups, along with being a successful small business owner, Michael believes he is in a “prime position to inject fresh ideas for tropical industries while understanding the importance tourism plays in supporting local business and jobs”.
“The electorate of Hill needs a strong and determined advocate to promote all the advantages the area has to offer,” he said.
“It is time to change the way we interact with government.
“My vision for Hill is one of growth, inclusivity, and innovation. I believe in the power of community and will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
“A commitment to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, through new programs, partnerships, or technologies, Hill can be at the forefront of progress.
“As we move forward, it is crucial that we do so responsibly. I will fight for sustainable practices and policies that benefit not only our community but also the environment.
“There are many issues that affect Hill,
one being easy access to medical serviceswhether that’s through more clinics, upgrading current services or something as simple as better public transport.
“The availability of better higher education mini campuses in under-utilised public buildings or again public transport.
“We should also investigate if the use of vacant public buildings could be an interim social housing solution by making them fit for purpose. It could be a viable option to bridge the gap until more housing can come on stream.
“But roads seem to be a priority issue that needs attention. I would work alongside local councils and the community to identify and champion the most pressing repairs and upgrades required to combat the stress and anguish these issues can produce.
“Leadership is about listening, understanding, and acting in the best interests of the community.”
commits
A MICRO-public transport pilot would be trialled to provide free transport between smaller towns and bigger centres if the LNP wins government at the October state election.
LNP’s Hill candidate Cameron McCollum announced the new initiative which would see three 12-seater buses based in Dimbulah, Ravenshoe and Babinda to provide a way for those who need to get larger towns to go to medical appointments, educational centres, to workplaces or other fundamental needs.
The initiative is good news for Tablelands and Mareeba Shire residents who chose public transport as the number one thing they desired for our region in the Express Yourself community survey conducted earlier this year.
The survey, which yielded 1032 respondents, revealed that public transport topped the list of desires – not surprising, given the ageing population in our region and the inability of young people to get around without someone driving them.
Mr McCollum said the new service would be funded for three years and would be managed locally so it could be adapted as the needs of the community became apparent.
“We know how diverse communities are, and so we would have the service managed by an appropriate local group – not a bureaucrat in Brisbane – because they know what
the community’s needs are,” he said.
“Initially, we would see people being brought from Dimbulah or Ravenshoe to the nearest larger centre but if we get feedback that people need to get to Cairns for example, then the local group can make those decisions and adapt it to suit the needs out there.”
Mr McCollum says the new service would encourage people to stay living in smaller centres if they could get effective transport to larger towns when needed.
“I see this service as giving, for example, young people who haven’t got access to transport to get to the nearest TAFE or to go to a job – they will have a connector to get them there, and that brings money back to the smaller town, which brings back
a vibrance to those small communities who are withering on the vine,” he said.
Mr McCollum says the benefits will flow back to the community and to the government’s bottom line.
“It allows people to access services in those larger towns instead of creating new services to cater for those few who can’t access them at the moment, so there’s efficiencies for the taxpayers to be generated there.
“That means every last drop of value is extracted for every dollar spent on this initiative.”
Mr McCollum said the $675,000 project was part of the LNP’s focus on working harder for Queenslanders, and “actually delivering for the people of Hill, which has been the forgotten electorate for a generation”.
“This micro-public transport pilot will ensure our people who are struggling under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis or unable to drive, are still able to access essential services and amenities, such as specialist health appointments, that are not available to them in their home town.
“Poor local representation combined with Labor’s failures have overseen $20 billion-plus in whiteelephant projects and cost blowouts that could have instead delivered grassroots infrastructure like innovative public transport solutions for our region.”
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Michael Hodgkins will stand for Labor in the Hill electorate at the election.
LNP’s Cameron McCollum has announced a new public transport initiative.
New fund aimed at ag productivity 2024 QUEENSLAND ELECTION 26 OCTOBER
AN agriculture innovation fund designed to deliver cutting-edge insights and farming productivity to boost Queensland’s farm gate output to $30 billion by 2030 will become a reality if the LNP is elected on 26 October.
The $30 million investment is designed to attract the best and brightest research opportunities to Queensland, in partnership with industry and universities under the Cooperative Research Centre model, to unearth the world’s best farming innovation.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the landmark Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation fund would be kickstarted with a $30 mil-
lion injection.
“The LNP will cultivate an environment for research into Australian agriculture, delivering better productivity in farming and cutting-edge techniques to grow farm gate production,” he said.
“Our investment will attract the biggest and brightest research opportunities and harvest opportunities to boost the future of agriculture.
“Research and development are fundamental to bringing new technology and expertise to life, and critical to the ongoing success of Queensland’s $23.6 billion agricultural industry.”
Mr Crisafulli said the LNP’s commitment would allow for applications from
universities and industry to be made to government.
“The key focus and criteria for the fund would be how Queensland growers can achieve better productivity on the farm, and ensuring our producers are at the cutting edge of agricultural technology and innovation,” he said.
“Under the LNP, Queensland will reopen for business when it comes to investment in agriculture.”
The announcement follows the LNP’s commitment to beef-up biosecurity to tackle emerging threats to agriculture, with 100 additional biosecurity officers for the regions, and a review of the closure of the frontline Cape York Biosecurity Facility.
Candidates to put their case
ELECTION candidates hoping to become the next State Member of Parliament for the Cook electorate will put their case to the business community at Thursday’s Mareeba Chamber of Commerce business luncheon.
Incumbent, Labor’s Cynthia Lui, LNP candidate David Kempton, One Nation’s Peter Cam-
pion, KAP’s Duane Amos and the Greens’ Troy Miller have confirmed they will attend the event.
The luncheon is from 12 noon until 2pm at the Mareeba International Club.
Anyone who is interested in attending is advised to book online at www.events.mareebachamber.com.au
Local advocate to target State issues
MATT Lachlan has become well known for his advocacy in his local area through campaigns such as the Covid vaccine mandate and, more recently, trying to save the Malanda igloo, but now he is turning his attention to State politics, announcing he will contest the seat of Hill as an independent at October’s poll.
“Events of recent years have made it clear that in order to enact meaningful, positive policy change it needs to come from within the political system,” he said.
“I offer a different perspective and a strong, principled desire to improve government policy and the quality of life in our region.
“I believe that the electorate needs stronger representation. I have the passion and the tenacity to stand up in parliament for what is right – to fight for strong outcomes for the people of Hill.”
Matt believes that a fundamental obligation of government is to preserve the individual and collective rights of people.
“To make life easier – not harder,” he said.
“As a true independent I will work with any and all parties to achieve the best outcomes without being caught up in party politics or senseless left versus right ideology.
“I strongly believe in meaningful consultation and community advocacy. To enable real opportunity for community input into improving policy outcomes.
“I’ve fought for this on a multitude of issues over recent years.”
Matt says he views the housing, homelessness and cost of living crises as the biggest challenges facing the people of Hill.
“A society can be assessed on how it treats those most in need.
If elected, I commit to donating 20% of my salary each year to initiatives with a strong focus to try and address and alleviate the housing crisis within Hill,” he said.
Matt says, if elected, he will lobby for support from all levels of government to contribute towards real policy solutions including:
• New housing developments to have a covenant requiring a percentage of dwellings remain long-term rentals.
• Strong incentives to be implemented to encourage property owners to lease to long-term tenants over BnB rentals.
• Making sure that high value food-bowl farmland is protected in the interests of Australian self-sufficiency.
• An overhaul of Queensland’s renewal energy framework, to legislate against industrial developments in ecologically sensitive, high biodiversity areas, and
• Fundamental electoral reform including banning political donations.
“I don’t believe that lobbyists and vested interests should have unfettered political access, nor the ability to exert undue influence over and above what the average person can,” he said.
“I have a positive, new vision for Hill and I humbly request your support in the upcoming election.” For more information, go to www.anewvisionforhill.com
David Shepherd, General Orthopaedic Surgeon is the third generation in his family to be raised on the Tablelands, his Mothers’ family were dairy farmers at Millaa Millaa. David has
hip, knee
shoulder;
Matt Lachlan will stand as an Independent for Hill at the 26 October election.
2024 QUEENSLAND ELECTION
Families fired up over compensation
THE Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is under fire about a planned burn 12 months ago that went wrong and ended up causing significant losses to neighbouring properties who have yet to receive any compensation.
LNP candidate for Cook David Kempton raised the issue last week, saying QPWS had started the planned burn on 10 October last year, two days out from a total fire ban being declared for the Mount Windsor National Park at Lakeland.
After speaking with two property owners affected by the incident, Mr Kempton accused QPWS of giving no notice of the planned burn to neighbouring landholders, and not having adequate fire breaks, a fire management plan, or the adequate resources to fight the fire in the event of escape.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) denies this, saying that all neighbouring landowners were advised eight days before the planned burn.
Mr Kempton says when the planned burn became a wildfire, it raced through several properties, destroying tens of thousands of hectares of pasture, threatening houses and infrastructure and the township of Lakeland.
The worst affected properties were “Maitland Downs” owned by the Ahlers family and “Old Maitland” owned by the Inveradi family, with both still waiting to hear of any compensation com-
ing their way.
Both properties incurred expenses to fight the fires for days on end, freight costs for fodder, and labour and stock losses totalling tens of thousands of dollars.
Tania and John Ahlers from Maitland Downs said the fire from the national park was “the biggest we have seen in the 50 years we have been on the station”.
“We have lost cattle, fencing, pasture and 6-8 years of carbon credits running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. We have had nothing from the State Government - not even an apology,” Tania said.
“It took weeks to fully control the fire, and the emotional strain was enormous and I am nervous about the upcoming fire season, as fire breaks are only effective if everyone puts them in place.”
Mary Inveradi from Old Maitland said their breeding program and pasture improvement program were “in tatters, and we have been left virtually without an income since the fire and have heard nothing from the State”.
Mr Kempton said that despite the Minister for the Environment admitting that QPWS started the fire in the national park, DESI had failed to compensate the landholders for their losses, claiming it is still investigating the fire and has referred the claim to the State’s insurers.
“The State response to this disaster has not been good enough. If I am elected on 26 October, I will act immediately
to see these claims are dealt with in a timely manner,” he said.
A spokesperson from DESI said the Lakeland Downs “complex of bushfires was a consequence of multiple sources of fire – the planned burn was only one of several known ignition sources”.
“We have continued to work with affected neighbours to resolve the matter. This includes sharing information about our established procedure for compensating landowners where appropriate,” the spokesperson said.
“The department has clear processes for reviewing planned burns and bushfires. Any breach of containment lines is treated very seriously, and this fire was the subject of a review which is now complete.”
The department also says when the fire escaped containment lines, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services stepped in and requested QPWS crews to assist with property protection.
Mr Kempton said the LNP’s plan to boost national park management through its “More Rangers, Better Neighbours Program”, would also deliver a new specialist fire strike force, with 30 dedicated fire rangers to coordinate QPWS fire management.
“The LNP’s commitment will safeguard properties and our parks by ensuring fire breaks are sufficiently maintained and working collaboratively with neighbouring landholders and the rural fire service,” he said.
Tania Ahlers fighting fire on Maitland Downs in October last year after a planned burn by QPWS got out of control.
Tania and John Ahlers, from Maitland Downs, are still waiting to hear about any compensation.
The burned landscape after the fire was extiguished.
Ty Wright, Kelly Wright, Grant Bayles, and Leanne Bayles were dressed for the occasion and enjoyed the beer and laughter of the event. Miki and Jay had fun dancing in traditional garb.
Lance and Sonya Helms having a good time on the dance floor.
Stacey Ball, Darren Ball, David Stokes, and Emma Hughes got into the spirit of Oktoberfest at Malanda’s Big Pub on Saturday.
October
ADVERTORIAL
Festival of the Forest Ravenshoe
Join us for a cause that really matters
Walk and Connect for Wellness –Mareeba Mental Health Champions
Date: Saturday 26th October 2024
Time: 6:30 am for 7 am start
Location: New Playground Bicentennial Lakes on Mason St
WHY should you be there? As part of, although a little later than, Queensland Mental Health Week, we are again hosting a walk for Mental Health awareness. This year we are featuring Farm Angels, previously Drought Angels. It is a charity for rural Australia, supporting Aussie farmers and rural communities with meaningful, and personalised assistance. $35 can help Farm Angels connect with farmers over the phone to provide emotional support and a listening ear.
Who are the Mareeba Mental Health Champions: A dedicated group of individuals working under the umbrella of the Black Cockatoo Foundation. The foundation was launched in honour of Dr. Mark Bestmann. The foundation is for the improvement of the health and well-being of the Mareeba community, through health promotion activities with a major focus on mental illness and suicide prevention.
What to expect:
• 15 mins gentle pre-walk stretch with Adrienne Smillie
• A 3 km walk around the streets of
Mareeba, starting and returning to the new playground at Bicentennial Lakes Mason Sreet
• A community of support and understanding, awareness, and connection
• Inspirational stories of resilience and hope – speakers Dr Nathan Walmsley and others
•A time for reflection
• Information on resources for mental health
• Light breakfast provided •Kofi Shack mobile van will be available to purchase hot and iced coffee and chocolate
• BYO water, sunscreen, and hat
• All welcome
• It is a free event however, we invite you to donate to www. farmangels.org.au. A cash-only (no receipt issued) box will also be available on the day for those without website access.
Spread the Word: Please share this event with your friends and family to help us continue to create a strong supportive community.
Together, we can make a difference!
Contact information: message us on our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/MareebaMentalHealthChampionsNetwork
Week
Mental Health Week
JOIN US AND
Mareeba Mental Health Champions Network
T hursday 12th October 2023 or Ar nold Park, 171-179 Walsh St, Mareeba R egister online: fundraise.lifeline.or g.au/fundraisers/mareeba-mental-health-walk or R egister at 5.30am for a 6am star t Stretch and Stroll (All
T hursday 12th October 2023 or Ar nold Park, 171-179 Walsh St, Mareeba R egister online: fundraise.lifeline.or g.au/fundraisers/mareeba-mental-health-walk or R egister at 5.30am for a 6am star t Stretch and Stroll (All Abilities) Guest Speakers R e ß ection Time
T hursday 12th October 2023 or Ar nold Park, 171-179 Walsh St, Mareeba R egister online: fundraise.lifeline.or g.au/fundraisers/mareeba-mental-health-w or R egister at 5.30am for a 6am star t Stretch and Stroll (All Abilities) Guest Speakers R e ß ection Time ast
Long time committee member Robert Bewick with a beautiful timber creation.
2024 Torimba queen entrants Maryann Defaveri and Jewel McPherson at the event.
2023 Torimba queen Clairice Lucey with the grand champion exhibit at the Festival of the Forest display - nested tables entered by Phil Griffiths.
Offering nature play, fresh meals prepared in our commercial kitchen, convenient coffee for parents, creative learning spaces, and a dedicated babies sanctuary, our campus provides the perfect environment for your child to grow, learn, and thrive. Spaces are filling fast enquire today and secure your spot via our website!
Cup celebrates much more than football
‘The early Italian migrants not only built the club but built their family and community around it.’
– Sandro Soncin
By ANDREE STEPHENS
OLD rivalries, generational traditions, and a celebration of the Italian migrant community will all play out at the second Fantin Cup football match to be held in Dimbulah next month.
The Cup was first run last year and hatched between the Dimbulah and Mareeba football communities. It drew about 450-500 spectators, ending with quite a party.
“The concept is to reflect on and pay tribute to a generation of battlers,” Mareeba local Sandro Soncin said.
It was borne out of the Italian Festival, he said, which mostly focuses on Mareeba and Cairns. The Fantin Cup was a way of “bringing in” the Dimbulah Italian community.
The Cup is named after Bruno Fantin, a man who “dedicated his whole life” to the Dimbulah Football Club and was president for many years.
“Bruno represents those battlers,” Sandro said.
“The early European migrants, many of whom were Italian, not only built the club but built their family and community around it. You have to realise – Dimbulah was nuts about football.”
The club, built in the mid-1950s, was also highly successful, twice winning the Crad
Evans Cup – the longest-running cup in Queensland.
Mareeba, it has to be noted, won the cup before Dimbulah.
“Which brings us to rivalry,” Sandro said with a smile.
“Oh yes, they are fierce, fierce rivals.
“It’s hard core.”
Matches will be played on 2 November at Bruno Park in Dimbulah, with the first match at 5pm featuring the under 45s, the second match between the “little ones”, and the main game for the over 45s at 7pm.
“That’s when we turn on the lights,” Sandro said.
“There’s been no night games at the field for about five years.”
“There’s something very special about going to see the game under lights,” Sandro said.
“It’s a bit ghostly actually.”
To add to that sense of the past, many of the players in next month’s Cup Day have family who played in the heyday senior teams.
The day will be family friendly, with food and drinks provided, and evening entertainment by Dimbulah singer Shandell Hilditch.
“The party starts when she starts, basically,” Sandro concluded.
• Next week: Generations take to the field.
DIMBULAH vs MAREEBA
Players for both teams who lined up for the event last year.
Getting ready to rumble - Louie Serafini (left) from the Mareeba team, Fantin Cup coordinator Sandro Soncin and Adrian Schincariol from the Dimbulah team.
Festival fun at Ravenshoe
IT’S all happening in Ravenshoe this weekend as the Torimba Festival enters its second big weekend.
The festival goes until 19 October, and this Saturday is one of the highlights, with the annual Mardi Gras street parade to add colour and fun to Grigg Street from 3pm.
Activities kick off at 2pm with the woodchops held beside the Club Hotel, lots of market stalls, arts and crafts, food stalls and loads of fun for the kids with a jumping castle, chair swings and a merry-go-round as well as Melville’s duck racing and animal farm.
The Torimba “A Moment in Time” street parade starts at 3pm, followed by a “lolly explosion”, old fashioned games, a truck pull and fireworks to end the night.
The Festival of the Forest is also on display, with a wide variety of woodcraft, furniture, sculpture and more on show at the Festival Hall.
The crowning of this year’s Torimba Festival queen will take place on 19 October at the ball, with tickets on sale now through the Central Servo.
For more information visit www.torimbafestival.com.au
Aussie girls taking on the country world
TWO up-and-coming Aussie female artists, with a plethora of awards between the two, will be making their way to Mareeba this week to showcase the talent that has earnt them notoriety both nationally and internationally.
Melanie Dyer and Max Jackson are solo artists both from small rural towns in New South Wales and in the recent years have gained considerable traction in the Australian country music industry, eventually leading them to find success in the “country music capital of the world”, the United States.
Melanie Dyer is from a small, rural town called Mount Russel in NSW that has a population number in the low hundreds. She lives and breathes country music and began telling her stories through song at age twelve.
Her autobiographical song, Life on the Land, was chosen as the anthem of the National Drought Appeal.
Ever since, she has always put her truth, life and whole self into her music, from the “cheeky infatuation” of the pop-infused Memphis T-Shirt, a multi-million streaming hit, to the stunning honesty of her recent 2023 single, Fences, which bares the wisdom of her young heart.
Melanie’s authentic blend of her farm girl roots with dynamic stagecraft and hooky contemporary songwriting has won her performance slots at the biggest country festivals around the world, from CMA Fest in Nashville to CMC Rocks in Australia, and many more.
Numerous trips to Nashville have seen her embraced by the “Music City” songwriting community, leading to collaborations on some of her most popular songs and a duet with rising US country star Troy Cartwright.
After an action-packed 2023, which saw her rocking festival stages around Australia, return-
ing to the US once again to perform and write, and releasing three hit standalone singles, Melanie has set the stage for her biggest year yet in 2024.
Max Jackson also came from humble beginnings in the small country town of Coonamble in NSW and by the age of five years old Max had been given her first guitar and was starting to sing songs she was either writing or learning for the family.
Within the last two years Max has gone on to win Australia’s biggest country music competition, the Toyota Star Maker, has played at national and international country music festivals and received a Golden Guitar Award for New Talent of the Year for 2024.
In 2023, the culmination of all her efforts came together. She not only signed with the prestigious Stephen White Management (Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers), she also secured a deal with ABC Music and released her first single with the label, Little More Country.
That single peaked at Number One on the Countrytown National Airplay Charts and held the top spot for two consecutive weeks.
Towards the end of 2023, Max was named the official Ambassador for the Tamworth Music Festival and also secured two Golden Guitar nominations at the Australian Country Music Awards for Best Female Artist and New Talent, winning Best New Talent.
Melanie Dyer will be playing at 11am on Saturday under the Big Top Music Hall, this will be followed Max Jackson at 12.15pm, also under the Big Top Music Hall.
For three unforgettable days of country music, camping, glamping and entertainment hosted at Kerribee Park from 11-13 October, visit www.savannahintheround.com.au
Golden Guitar Award winner Max Jackson will be showcasing her talent at Mareeba’s country music festival.
Melanie Dyer will be bringing her farm girl roots and dynamic stagecraft to Savannah in the Round this weekend.
THE ROLLING BACKYARD STAGE
ON LANDthe
Fertiliser prices ease, but volatility ahead
PRICES for the three major fertilisers used by Australian farmers – nitrogen, phosphates and potash – have gradually eased from the highs seen in 2022, following the sharp spike in global fertiliser prices with the outbreak of the RussiaUkraine war.
And although prices remain high against historical levels, agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank expects muted global demand from across the fertiliser market to “seep into prices within the coming six months” – with the weaker demand helping to offset global supply issues and keep fertiliser prices in a tight range.
However, the bank cautions in its Semiannual Global Fertiliser Outlook report, global fertiliser markets are likely to remain volatile in the year ahead.
Report co-author RaboResearch agriculture analyst Paul Joules said fertiliser prices became extremely high, extremely quickly but have begun to slowly flatten out.
“It has been like going up by escalator, but coming down via the stairs in terms of the pace of the price correction,” he said.
Mr Joules said Australian farmers were “hugely dependent” on other countries for fertiliser supply, with very little of the chiefly-used fertilisers manufactured locally.
“International supply and demand issues have a direct impact on Australian fertiliser prices and ability to procure fertiliser,” he said.
“As a relatively small player in the global buyer market, Australia is not in a position to dictate prices.”
Mr Joules said Australian farmers could expect to be dealing with a volatile global fertiliser market in the year ahead.
From an Australian purchasing perspective, there is a positive outlook for the Australian dollar, he said. The bank anticipates the exchange rate between the Australian dollar and the US dollar to rise to 0.72 over the next 12 months.
“If this materialises, it will make fertiliser purchase more affordable,” he said.
“The strength of the Australian dollar and waning global demand point towards lower prices for Australian farmers. However, ongoing global supply-side issues for nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers will likely limit downside potential.”
There was no clear direction for global nitrogen prices, the Rabobank report said. The urea (a source of nitrogen) market lacks a clear short-term direction, leading to potential overreactions in prices, either upwards or downward.
“We should continue to expect price volatility, a common pattern in the nitrogen market,” Mr Joules said.
The report said there was a clear shift in global phosphate market dynamics, ultimately leading to a reduction in supply.
“As the market struggles to adjust to lower supply, phosphate prices are likely to remain above the historical average, impairing demand.
A lack of clear strategies from the top three exporters – China, the US and Morocco – is playing an important role in this tight supply situation,” the report stated.
WORLD famous Aussie farmers, Ian and Di Haggerty are coming to town with Jane Slattery to present the innovative methods they have cultivated to restore dry and harsh lands into a thriving ecosystem.
Ian and Di are from the central wheat belt in Western Australia, and they created Natural Intelligence Farming in 2001 alongside co-founder Jane Slattery. They developed a modern and innovative approach to farming that recreates healthy soils, enabling crops to make the most of the little rain they receive.
“In 2023, we only received about 115 millimetres of rainfall for the entire season, but the land still outperformed and kept green grown year-round,” company director Matthew Haggerty said.
Ian explained that this method has been proven in harsh environments and is therefore not contained to certain landscapes and climates.
“I think the good thing about this example, is that it was a very brittle and harsh environment with very low rainfall,” Ian said.
“It’s well known that Australian soils are some of the oldest in the world, so some of the most leeched from the weathering that’s been going on for millions of years.
“And it’s actually tillage and similar processes that disrupt the microbes in the soil,” Di said.
“Microbe loss has been caused by synthetic fertilisers and chemicals as well,” Ian added.
“With Natural Intelligence Farming, what we’re trying to do is reinvigorate and enable those native microbes that have been here for millions of years to regenerate.”
At their property in Western Australia, the Haggerty’s have planned to restore 30% of the landscape back to natural bushlands and diverse fodder shrub.
This then gives the livestock the opportunity to interact with the natural environment to transfer microbes and nutrients from the bushland out into the paddocks, to help with the cycling process and to optimise animal health.
“And if we can get the results that we’ve been getting here, this can be replicated all over the world.
“Our system isn’t about trying to direct a natural system, we’re just participants of it and are very grateful for that,” Di added.
Natural Intelligence Farming, as the Haggerty’s have coined it, harnesses the dynamic, natural relationships that exist between all organisms in ecosystems, particularly the soil.
These relationships are highly complex and versatile. They involve mutually beneficial interactions between soil, plant seed and roots, microorganisms and the ruminants that feed on the plants, cycling nutrients and microbes back to the soil.
“It serves a couple of purposes, it helps rebuild the soil health but gives diversity to the livestock and what they can select to eat to optimise their health and their gut microbe biome,” Di said.
“They can come through these pastures and select what they need very quickly with only a few mouthfuls and get all their mineral uptake,” Ian said.
The workshop will take place on 19 October from 8.30am-5pm at Tinaroo Lake Resort and will be delivered by all three co-founders of Natural Intelligence Farming.
Ticket bookings are required for this event, to book search Natural Intelligence Farming on www. eventbrite.com.au
The Haggerty’s have been able to integrate natural intelligence with modern farming methods to create regenerative agricultural ecosystems that produce optimal food, fibre and beverage products.
Jane will also be doing a separate “Cultivating Inner Harmony and Environmental Stewardship” workshop on 22 October, to book email workshopnif@ gmail.com
Jane Slattery will be joining the Haggerty’s and will also present a separate workshop on 22 October. Ian and Di Haggerty will be sharing their knowledge at a workshop on 19 October in Tinaroo.
ON LANDthe
Rosevale’s David Greenup with Tallangalook principals Nick and Alison Trompf and their purchases at the 68th annual Rosevale bull sale.
Australia.
Stud buys up to boost breeding program
AN Atherton Tablelands beef cattle stud has bolstered its breeding program by securing two elite young sires at Australia’s longest-running on-property bull sale.
Tallangalook Shorthorns and Santa Gertrudis, based at Barrine and Tarzali, invested $48,000 at the 68th annual Rosevale Santa Gertrudis at Jandowae near Dalby.
Tallangalook bought Rosevale Uptown U152 for $22,000 and Rosevale United U474 for $26,000 with an eye towards furthering the ongoing growth of the Santa Gertrudis breed in Far North Queensland
“Since we added Santas to our stud program six years ago we’ve seen a big rise in bull sales and when calves from these two come through, they will add to that with their slick skin really suited to the tropics,” stud principal Nick Trompf said.
“They also met our non-negotiable key criteria of exceptional fertility, sound feet and overall structure and ultra-quiet temperament.
“A valuable bonus is both are homozygous poll (PP) which means they will never sire horned calves.
“We’ve noticed a marked increase in demand from our clients for PP bulls with two of our young homozygous poll bulls selling recently to a top of $15,000 to a repeat buyer from Mt Surprise.”
Tallangalook has based its Santa Gertrudis stud on females and bulls from Rosevale, because of the latter’s relentless focus on fertility and deep data analysis through performance recording and genomics testing.
“David Greenup from Rosevale has been dedicated to performance recording for more than 30 years, with that extensive data - known as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) - and more recently genomics analysis ensuring far greater certainty in terms of future progeny,” Mr Trompf said.
“Both the bulls we bought possess exceptional EBVs. Uptown is in the top 10% for all three of the Santa Gertrudis breed indexes - Terminal $Index, Breeding Production $Index and Fertility Plus $Index - while United is top 15% for Terminal, top 5% for Breeding Production and top 10% for Fertility Plus.”
The Rosevale sale also provided another significant highlight for Tallangalook’s leading sire Greenup Noble Q206, which is 50/50 owned by Rosevale and Tallangalook.
A Noble son brought the second top price of the Rosevale sale at $28,000 while seven sons sold for an average of $15,000. This followed a Noble son bringing the $37,500 top price at the 2023 Rosevale sale. Tallangalook has more than 20 Noble sons nearing weaning age which will be ready for sale next year.
Forum to flesh out catchment challenges
WHAT can growers expect from long-term changes to regional rainfall?
Can renewable energy projects cause more environmental harm than good?
How much will the water cost from the proposed Lakeland Irrigation Scheme? And, are you ready to start running your farm machinery on pyrolised banana bags?
These are just some of the subjects that will be discussed at the upcoming Mitchell River Forum, set for 9.30am to 1.30pm on Friday 11 October at the Dimbulah Community Hall.
The event is hosted by the Mitchell River Watershed Management Group, one of Australia’s most enduring landcare organisations.
The group’s members include land managers, researchers, conservationists, and traditional owners, all committed to the vision of healthy country and vibrant communities across our region.
The forum is supported by Gulf Savannah NRM and the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre. Trevor Meldrum, our 2024 Queensland Biosecurity Mate, will be on hand for an update.
Mitchell River chair Fiona Barron has put out a challenge for the forum.
“We’re all too aware of the doom and gloom they show us in the media, so this forum is a chance to sit together and talk through the opportunities and challenges right here within arm’s reach,” she said.
“Let’s see what we can do together to give our kids a healthier environment and more a sustainable economy, focussed first on our local needs for security and resilience.”
The event is open to the public. A lunch will be catered by Camp 64, supported by Mt Carbine producer EQ Resources. Anyone wishing to attend the forum should register by texting to 0407 471 565 or by going to https://bit.ly/CatchmentForum
Photo: Brad Cooper, Santa Gertrudis
Making her debut appearance at a cattle sale with Alison Trompf was first granddaughter, four-week-old Addie Mitchell.
Celebrating 80 years
THANK YOU
Celebrating 80 years
Thanks to your support $22,450.00 was raised for Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation, Down Syndrome Queensland and Black Cockatoo Foundation at our Gala Dinner on 13th September 2024.
MAJOR DINNER SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Mareeba & Dimbulah Financial Services Ltd
Blenners Transport
Wesfarmers Federation Insurance
Moro Auto Repairs
The Express
Cynthia Lui MP - Member for Cook Exodas Transport
Lindsay Transport Lindsay Rural
Followmont Transport
Premier Fresh Australia
GOLD SPONSORS
JE Tipper
TGT
Sunwater
FNQ Filter & Parts
Quinto Ag Supplies
Oji Fibre Solutions
Label Press Australia
SILVER SPONSORS
Mareeba Mazda Mitsubishi
Ergon Energy
Elders Insurance Tablelands
Marano’s Fuel
BRONZE SPONSORS
Burratronics
Shane Knuth MP - Member for Hill
Toyota Material Handling Australia Ltd
Golden Drop Winery
THANK YOU TO THE GROWERS WHO DONATED PRODUCE FOR THE AUCTION
Galati Family - Grapefruit & Mardarin, Makse & Denise Srhoj - Butternut and Jarradale Pumpkin, Con & Carla Iacutone - Limes, Howe Family - Bananas, Vince & Connie Mete - Capsicum & Kent Pumpkin, Lecker FarmingRed Papaya, Torrisi Family - Basil, Scurr Family - Pineapples, Daintree Fresh - Seedless Watermelons & Rockmelons, Rocky Creek Orchards - Avocados, Costa Group - Blueberries, David Nix - Potatoes, Romeo’sGrapes, Ugo Curcio - Sweet Potatoes and Zucchini, Mark Letcher - Passionfruit, John Edwards - Potatoes & Cabbage, Owen Jonsson - Potatoes, Tableland to Tabletop - Avocados, Eggplant & Potatoes, Exodas Transport - 10 pallets to Brisbane and ECO Pallets for 3 picking bins
THANK YOU TO THE WINNING AUCTION
BIDDERS
Nutrien Ag Solutions, Rotary Club of Mareeba, David Kempton, EE Muir, Followmont Transport, Lindsay Australia, Exodas Transport, TGT, Quinto Ag Supplies, Mareeba & Dimbulah Financials Services, Lecker Farming, Planfarm, Canegrowers, Savannah in the Round, Galati Farming, JE Tipper
ASSOCIATION SPONSORS
PARTNER
Space and privacy in tranquil oasis
WELCOME to your tranquil oasis! Perfectly blends comfort and sustainability, offering a lifestyle that embraces both relaxation and outdoor living.
Step inside to discover an inviting interior with a mix of tiled & polished concrete flooring, adding a touch of modern elegance. In the hall a cozy fireplace serves as a central feature.
The kitchen is generously sized, including plenty of bench space for meal preparation and cooking with the family. It is also equipped with a gas stove and large double sink. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or enjoying a quiet breakfast, this kitchen offers a functional space to meet your needs.
suite is a true retreat, featuring a beautifully updated ensuite with modern fixtures and finishes, walk in robe & stunning polished concrete flooring. The additional bathroom is equally well-appointed.
Timber sliding barn doors add a touch of rustic charm while providing flexible access to the bedrooms and living spaces. The spacious main
Outside, you’ll find an expansive deck that invites you to entertain family and friends or simply unwind amidst the peaceful surroundings. Overlooking a beautifully landscaped yard, complete with a
seasonal creek,
For those with a green thumb, this property is a dream come true. The established veggie gardens provide ample space to grow your own produce, while the charming chook pen invites the joy of collecting fresh eggs right from your backyard
Additional highlights include a 2-bay garage and solar panels, enhancing the property’s appeal and ensur-
ing sustainable living without sacrificing convenience.
Situated just moments from the stunning Lake Eacham, this charming retreat is perfect for those seeking a connection with nature while enjoying
modern amenities. Don’t miss your chance to call this slice of paradise your own!
For more information contact our exclusive agent Suzey Whitby today.
Address: Price: Agent: Contact: 88 R Russell Road, LAKE EACHAM Offers Over $780,000 EXCLUSIVE to Suzey Whitby Ray White Atherton 0438 090 306 or 40917 111
10 Meg groundwater licence
• 4 Large machinery sheds
• Portable cattle yards
• Underground 6’ main line
• 5 Bedroom, 2 bath & double carport $ P.O.A.
Brennan 0407 730 450 houses l land l units l investments l acreage l farms l rentals
Immaculate elevated home
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.
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 walkin 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 electricity bills!
• Beautiful manicured gardens
• 803m2 allotment, fenced on 3 sides
Ideally 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 marketing agent Raquel on 0408 983 879.
Address: Price: Agent: Contact: 4 Centenary Drive, ATHERTON $509,000 EXCLUSIVE
Timber cottage in Yungaburra ideal for renovators – Must sell
DISCOVER the charm of this quaint Yungaburra cottage, boasting classic features and modern comforts that make this property truly unique. French doors, high ceilings, and stunning Cyprus pine timber floors evoke timeless character throughout the home.
Inside, there are two spacious bedrooms, each with adjoining rooms perfect for conversion into walk-in robes or an ensuite for the master. Additionally, two single-sized bedrooms offer flexible options for use as storage, home offices, or cozy guest rooms.
The master bedroom and lounge room are equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area is the heart of the home, featuring elegant granite benchtops, country-style cabinetry, and a large walk-in pantry.
A restored cast iron combustion stove in the kitchen blends seamlessly with modern conveniences like a standalone gas cooktop and electric oven, creating a harmonious balance of old-world charm and functionality.The bathroom is wheelchair accessible,
well-appointed with luxurious Chillagoe marble tiles, and conveniently located between the two main bedrooms. It includes a large shower, toilet, and vanity, designed with accessibility and style in mind.
Outside, the home offers more to love, with a large weatherproof patio featuring a stone outdoor fireplace, perfect for entertaining year-round. The front of the home is wrapped with two timber deck patios, offering serene spots to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Yungaburra. A carport provides car accommodation, while additional workshop and storage spaces are ideal for the home handyman.
For added sustainability, the property features a 4.3kW solar system, reducing energy costs and promoting ecofriendly living.
The property also includes a fenced parcel of vacant land
at the rear, providing plenty of space for children or pets to play. Its prime location is highly desirable, with the local grocery store just 80 meters away, and all other town conveniences— such as the Historic Yungaburra Hotel, Our Place Restaurant, and the Yungaburra Post Office—within 600 meters of your doorstep.
This cottage is being sold as a “doer-upperer” and presents an exciting opportunity for those ready to put their personal stamp on this charming home. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect Airbnb, holiday retreat, or forever home, the possibilities are endless.
For more information or to book an inspection, contact exclusive agent Kaydee Chatfield at Main St Real Estate on 0417 468 941 today. Address: Price: Agent:
14 Roseblade Street, YUNGABURRA Offers Over $599,000 EXCLUSIVE to Kaydee Chatfield Main Street Real Estate 0417 468 941
Golden triangle country opportunity
Perfectly positioned between Atherton and Tolga. This 53.5acre (21.67 ha) property boasts rich volcanic soil, near-flat land, a rectangular shape, and plenty of water, offering endless potential for growing almost anything.
Key Property Features:
Soil Type: Arable, fertile volcanic soil previously used to grow avocados, cane, and peanuts. The farm is currently transitioning from avocados and will be fully planted with Rhodes grass.
Water: 50-megalitre Central Zone water licence with two bores-one domestic and one irrigation bore, connected to a 6-inch main line with an autoclean filter, ensuring a steady and reliable water supply.
Irrigation: The property features an underground irrigation system with a computer-automated watering system and risers every 10m, making it ideal for orchard development, small crops, vegetables, or irrigated pastures.
Shed Infrastructure: A highclearance, 22 x 20 m shed with 3-phase power, providing plenty of storage for all machinery or use as a packing shed. There’s also a 3.6 x 12 m workshop, kitchenette, shower, and toilet.
The residence is a spacious, quality-built masonry block home with vinyl plank flooring throughout. Key features include: Spacious air-conditioned living room opening onto the
Address: Price: Agent:
Contact:
patio, with beautiful north-facing views overlooking the landscaped gardens. Family room, also air-conditioned, ideal for smoko, family gatherings, and winter entertaining with a builtin bar and cabinetry. Beautiful kitchen with quality appliances, including a double oven, 90cm gas cooktop, dishwasher, large pantry, breakfast bar, and adjoining dining room. Second lounge room, perfect as a kids’ playroom. Four air-conditioned bedrooms, all with built-in robes. Office with built-in cabinetry. Huge double garage with remote-access roller doors and separate storeroom, as well as undercover car parking for two vehicles at the front of the home. Bathroom tiled to the ceiling with a separate toilet. Laundry with built-in cabinetry and plenty of linen storage.
Other property improvements include a 270m asphalt driveway from the road all the way to the shed, with turning and parking bays, beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding the home, and fruit trees.
Only 4.3 km from Atherton and just 1.6 km from Tolga State Primary School, this property offers the rural dream without sacrificing convenience. This is your chance to own a piece of paradise that offers both amazing farming potential and a beautiful family home.
Contact Elders agents Michelle Raso or Steve Heslin for more information.
25 Sims Road, ATHERTON $2,700,000 Michelle Raso Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0428 116 136
A beautiful place to visit –An even better place to live
NORMALLY we are expected to choose. To weigh up the pros and cons. Town or rural? No need to choose as here you will find both. 6,000m² of land just minutes’ walk to the centre of Yungaburra with its iconic markets, restaurants, cafes, and Bowls Club.
Situated in a private location at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this low maintenance masonry block home has three bedrooms, two
bathrooms with front and rear patios. Wander through the tropical garden, your own lush and leafy haven, down to Peterson Creek with red claw and platypus at your back boundary.
Considered a once in a lifetime opportunity, this property offers astute buyers the rare chance to secure your forever home or weekender in an unrivalled location. For sale for the first time in more than 30 years.
This property is being marketed under Expressions of Interest, consequently a price guide cannot be provided. Expressions of Interest close at 4.00pm on Friday 11th of October 2024.
Address: Price: Agent:
All property inspections are to be conducted by appointment with the marketing agent.
For more information, call Trisha Jackson on 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145.
Liveable shed on North Cedar Creek
THE current owner has set up a home hair studio which has the potential to be retrofitted to meet your own requirements.
A separate very high clearance Colorbond shed measuring 10 x 9 metres provides ample space to house caravans, motor homes, boats or any other recreational or workshop activities you enjoy.
Features include:
• 2 spacious bedrooms with ceiling fans
• Air conditioned open plan living
• Efficient kitchen
Address: Price: Agent:
• Bathroom & laundry
• Entry with wood heater
• Double lockup garage with roller door
• Multi-purpose room currently housing hair studio
• Outdoor living space
• 10 x 9 metre high clearance Colorbond shed
• Rain water tanks
• North Cedar Creek at rear
• Close to all facilities
Contact exclusive marketing agent Collette Rowston from Raine & Horne Atherton to arrange your private inspection.
Contact: 10 Perrott Street, RAVENSHOE $399,000 EXCLUSIVE to Collette Rowston Raine & Horne Atherton 0419 733 712
Farm for sale. Potential plus - suit investors. 70 acres and 92 meg of water allocation. This property is a bonus for someone wanting to start their own farm in a great location close to the Dimbulah township. Consisting of two separate lots of fully fenced land, dam, five bedroom farmhouse with red tulip oak flooring. Needs
some TLC. Outdoor veranda, liveable workers accommodation, 2 storage sheds, 2 enclosed chicken coups, huge packing shed and more storage cupboards. Solar system installed, 3 huge water storage tanks, fruit trees and so much more. This property is the perfect investment and a great way to increase your portfolio.
Modern home with room to grow
IF you’re looking for a modern home on the sought-after eastern side of town, then look no further and welcome to 11 Sunbird Parade, Mareeba.
Situated in the Sunbird Park Estate, this rendered masonry block, four bedroom and two bathroom home is set on a 1,000 m2 allotment.
One of the most affordable modern homes on the market right now, this property serves as an excellent opportunity to grow an asset for the future. Because of the location of the home on the land, the back yard is a blank canvas for you to add a pool, gardens or even a massive shed!
The home was built for the tropics, with split system airconditioning servicing all four bedrooms as well as the open plan living area keeping you cool in the warmer months, and tiled floors throughout for easy maintenance.
Central to the home is the open plan living area, which combines the modern kitchen, the dining space and the lounge room. The lounge also opens out onto the tiled rear patio which over looks the spacious back yard.
The home has four bedrooms which all feature splitsystem air-conditioning, ceiling fans, built-in wardrobes, and tiled floors. The main bathroom is convenient and features a separate shower and bathtub and there is also a separate toilet adjacent.
The master bedroom is really spacious and features his and her built-in wardrobes, an en-suite bathroom and sliding glass door access to a small deck overlooking the back yard. With room to grow, this property is perfect for a young family starting out or anyone wanting to add value to an already existing home on a great block of land. Investors can also enquire as it would make a great investment property.
Property features:
• Four bedroom, two bathroom Modern home
• Sought after Sunbird Park Estate
• Built for the tropics, Airconditioning and ceiling fans throughout
• Built-in wardrobes and tiled floors to all bedrooms
• Modern kitchen with island bench
• Open plan living area opens to tiled rear patio
• Main bathroom with separate shower and bathtub
• Back yard is a blank canvas, add a pool or large shed, or both
• 1,000 m2 allotment with fenced rear yard Modern homes at this price point on this side of town don’t last very long so be sure to register your interest today.
To book a private inspection call exclusive agent Remo Esposito on 0401 969 473 or email remo@crmareeba.com
Thursday 10 October 4.30pm to 5.30pm
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 and lots of louvred windows for natural airflow
• Sizeable, tiled open plan living area + carpeted bedrooms for warmth
• Reverse cycle split system air-conditioning throughout
• Stylish central kitchen with generous island bench and Bosch stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher
• Bedrooms with built-in robes - Master with ensuite & WIR
Address: Price: Agent: Contact:
• Laundry/butlers pantry with built-in cabinetry
• Tiled rear patio
• Energy efficient Led downlights & solar hot water system
• Cement pathways all round
• 6m x 9m insulated colorbond shed
• 1,504m2 fenced and landscaped allotment with auto irrigation
• Private and quiet cul de sac location Situated in a superb position and immaculately presented inspection is highly recommended. Open for inspection tomorrow Thursday 10th October from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. For further information or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468
Charming revovated cottage
SET on a generous 1012sqm and just a short stroll from Mareeba’s Main Street and Coles.
This quaint cottage is brimming with charm, featuring two built-in bedrooms and a renovated, easy-care bathroom. Enjoy the high ceilings, T&G walls, and stunning timber floors that flow throughout. The separate lounge area offers a cozy retreat, while the spacious kitchen boasts plenty of cupboard space and a large pantry. A perfect blend of character and modern convenience!
This beautifully renovat-
ed cottage blends timeless charm with modern conveniences, making it a must-see. Property features:
• 1012m2 allotment
• 2 bedrooms with built-ins
• Updated, easy-care bathroom
• Spacious kitchen with ample cupboard space and a large pantry
• Separate lounge area for relaxation
• High ceilings and T&G walls throughout
• Stunning polished timber floors
• Split system air-conditioning in living area
• 6kw Solar system
• Large outdoor undercover area
• Single car accommodation or lock up storage area
• Fully fenced
• Two street access
• Walking distance to Mareeba CBD
Currently tenanted, this property presents an excellent opportunity to secure a
For more information or to arrange your own private
rino@girgentigroup.com
TAKE A BREAK EXPRESSO
CROSSWORD
25. Somewhat boring, lacking excitement, interest. (7)
27. Officially agree to or accept as satisfactory. (7)
29. The former basic monetary unit of the country now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. (5)
30. A piece of cloth that hangs down from around the waist. (9)
31. A country in west Africa (5)
32. A procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use. (4)
33. A journey or excursion, especially for pleasure. (4)
DOWN:
1. A traveller on a public or private conveyance other than the driver, pilot, or crew. (9)
2. A celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust. (5)
4. A rope or wire stretched tightly high above the ground, on which acrobats perform feats of balancing. (9)
N K A E W K G E
P T O P Y I E E C N E R E F F I D A C
O I N S G T X X M E I W P G X F R R X
S O Z H I C C U P H K I N S I S T T N
E N N B Z H S I R U O L F R A N K J G
O V E R C H A R G E C R I T I C I S M
ACROSS:
1. A formal agreement between individuals or parties. (4)
3. An individual article or unit, especially one that is part of a list, collection, or set. (4)
6. Be appropriate for; suit. (5)
10. To describe or express the important facts or characteristics about something or someone. (7,2)
11. A sudden large increase in something that has previously been steady. (5)
12. Remove or take out, especially by effort or force. (7)
13. A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony. (7)
14. Bite at or nibble something persistently. (4)
16. Fighting between armed forces. (6)
18. First and third person singular past of be. (3)
21. A quick, sharp knock or blow. (3)
22. Tense, nervous, or irritable. (2,4)
23. A colourless crystalline compound which is the main nitrogenous breakdown product of protein metabolism in mammals. (4)
5. Wipe liquid away from a surface with something absorbent. (3,2)
6. An established and usually guaranteed rate of pay per unit of time. (4,4)
7. The destructive capacity of guns, missiles, or a military force. (9)
8. The chirp of a small or young bird. (5)
9. A Eurasian shrub or small tree of the olive family, which has fragrant violet, pink, or white blossom. (5)
15. Causing shock or dismay; horrific. (9)
17. A woman who has no home and carries everything that she owns around with her in bag. (3,6)
19. A vehicle used for space travel. (9)
20. Assert one’s will over another in an arrogant way. (8)
24. A detailed description of how something should be or has been done, made, etc. (5)
25. A group or set of twelve. (5)
26. A member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta, intermediate in status between slaves and citizens. (5)
28. A distinctive smell, especially an unpleasant one. (5)
WEEKLY HOROSCOPES
Do something for the community today, Aries, and really consider how your talents and skills can best be put to work. Consider volunteering at a school or library. Donate blood or help the elderly. Whatever you do, smile, it will go a long way.
Imagination and fantasy play a big part in your thinking today, Cancer, and you shouldn’t hesitate to embrace this frame of mind. There’s a great deal of power to be drawn from your sense of freedom to explore and dream. Your thinking is more of a higher consciousness now.
Today your thoughts may turn to fashion and the different ways in which you can improve your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to create a look that reflects your true inner spirit. Deck yourself in external splendour to illustrate the many different colours that you carry.
Your mind may wander to a fantasy land full of castles, wizards, and magic dragons today, Capricorn. You could find that you’re putting yourself in the robes of a beautiful or handsome figure in a tall tower who’s waiting for the perfect mate to come along.
If you’re having trouble tackling a giant problem, Taurus, don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed. They key for you is to break things down into smaller chunks, analyse them, and figure out their role within the greater whole.
Engage more of your rational mind today, Leo. If your mind continues on its track into a fantasy world, you might consider enlisting the help of people who can help discipline you. The feeling of the day is likely to be that the mind is willing, but the flesh is weak.
The amazing thing about your nature is that, like a good politician, you have just the right tone of voice and catch phrase for every situation. You can put on your smile and charm and talk your way out of just about any pickle you get into.
Get on the fast track and use your powerful words and creative mind to make quick decisions that are mindful yet spontaneous. If you get in a pinch today, Aquarius, don’t worry about it. Simply relax, take a deep breath, and let your intuition guide you to the right path.
It may seem like everyone around you is happy and getting what they want while you’re stuck in the trenches, Gemini. Don’t compare yourself to other people and make judgments based on outside appearances.
Suppose you were someone else for a day, Virgo. How would it feel to be treated the way you normally treat other people? This is a good time to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and experience life through their eyes.
You’re apt to get the feeling that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence today, Sagittarius. Try not to get too hung up on this. Either make the effort to go where the landscape looks richer and more fruitful or stay where you are.
Start the day with some vigorous yoga and then some meditation to help clear your mind, Pisces. Stretch your body and get the blood flowing through all of your limbs. Once your blood is flowing, your mind will get moving.
MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL LIBRARY
STATEBIBOORAHSCHOOL
Friday 22 August
Grabyourtruelocalnewspaper atthefollowinglocations:
MAREEBA:
Mareeba News, Piagno’s News, Mareeba Discount Drug Store, Shell Mareeba Service Station, BP Mareeba, Mareeba IGA, Curcio’s Bakery, Mobil Service Station Mareeba, Termite, Portsmith Fuels, Biboohra Cash Store, Post Office Centre Mareeba, Mareeba Leagues Club and all good business outlets.
ATHERTON:
Summers News, Phillips News, Mobile Atherton, Fresh St. Market IGA, Puma Service Station Atherton, Atherton International Club, Atherton Bakehouse, Café on Louise, Atherton Feed & Saddle Shed, Tableland Fertilizers Atherton, Community Services Tablelands, Atherton Visitor Centre, Carrington Hotel Atherton, Woolworths Atherton, Woolworths Servo Atherton and Cottage Cafe.
SOUTHERN TABLELANDS:
Tolga News, Mobil Service Station Tolga, Cash Store Walkamin, Malanda Spar, Caltex Malanda, Marano’s Malanda, Tobin’s Millaa Millaa, Yungaburra Foodworks, Yungaburra Pit Stop, Kairi Store, Herberton News, Herberton 5 Star, Wondecla Roadhouse, Ravenshoe News, Ravenshoe Hiland Bakery, Foodworks Ravenshoe, Marano’s Ravenshoe, Tall Timbers Roadhouse, Mt Garnet Post Office, Cornett’s Ravenshoe, Ravenshoe Information Centre, Malanda Real Estate, Millaa Millaa Real Estate, Malanda Visitor Centre, Eacham Fuels Malanda and Yungaburra Information Centre.
KURANDA:
Kuranda News, Kuranda Foodmart, Koah Service Station, Speewah Store, Kowrowa Cash Store and Kuranda BP Roadhouse.
DIMBULAH:
TGT Home Hardware, Dimbulah Post Office, Bendigo Bank, Dimbulah One Stop and De Lai Fuel Distribution.
CHILLAGOE:
Almaden Hotel, Chillagoe Post Offi ce, Chillagoe General Store, Chillagoe Hotel and Post Office Hotel.
MT MOLLOY:
Mt Molloy Post Office and Mt Molloy Store.
KARUMBA: Post Office Karumba, Karumba Pharmacy and Carpentaria Fuels.
GEORGETOWN:
Ampol Roadhouse, Midway Caravan Park and Georgetown Hospital.
NORMANTON:
One Stop Shop, Normanton Trader and Garden Café.
MT SURPRISE: Post Office and Mt Surprise Service Station.
CROYDON:
Gulf Gate Roadhouse and Croydon General Store.
EINASLEIGH: Post Office and Einasleigh Council.
FORSAYTH: Store and Post Office and Goldfi eld Tavern.
And numerous small businesses across the Tablelands, Gulf and Peninsula!
Harry Potter (Joseph) and Pirate Rieley in their awesome Book Week costumes.
William (back left) and Woody (Deo), (front left) Thing 1 (Wyatt) and Spiderman (Byron) enjoying stop, drop and read time with principal Max Rivett.
Skylah-Pearl (left) and Brydie reading with Mrs Acha.
One of the local police officers attending Book Week to help the kids engage in learning and reading.
Captain America (Axl), Anika and Marine reading with Mrs Gallo the witch.
The kids playing with each other.
The Mareeba Shire Council Library celebrated book week.
Jeffrey (Ratso) WILLIAMSON
Jeff passed away peacefully at home on Monday 30th September, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Much loved Husband of Monique and caring Father of Baden and Madina. Forever cherished by his loving family and friends. A private family service has been held.
1300 781 084
BORRESEN, Nola Dell
Late of Walkamin. Passed away on the 23rd of September, 2024. Now at rest, aged 89 years. Much loved Wife of David (Dec.). Dearly loved Mum of Greg, Judy, Bev, Bernie and Pedro. Cherished Nan to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A lovely service has taken place.
BUTCHER
MOBILE farm butcher. Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.
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
BURTON, Roy Reginald Late of the Tablelands and The Village Yeronga. Passed away peacefully at home on 1st October.
Aged 87 years.
Loving Husband of Muriel (Dec.) Loving Father and Father-in-Law to Graeme (Dec.), Warren and Nyree, Keith and Bron, Dianne and Aaron. Loved ‘PA’ of Sean, Natasha, Trevor, Teleah, Jarrod, Charlotte and Sophie. And ‘PAPA’ of Ayla, Declan, Eadie, Lulu and Teddy. Will be greatly missed by all of his Family and Friends.
As per Dads request, a Memorial will be held on the 15th of October, 10.30am at The Village, 15 Cansdale Street, Yeronga. In honour of Dad, please wear a colourful shirt or colourful piece of clothing.
Tony Hollands Funerals
100% Queensland Family Owned (07) 3392 9919 tonyhollandsfunerals.com.au
BILL Black Mobile Butcher. Hang up to 7 days. 0408 922 812.
LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel. Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.
Great Northern High Pressure Cleaning
Soft Wash, House, Roof, Driveways, Gutters. PHONE: 0477 774 064
jonnydams18@ gmail.com
Visit: hotair.com.au for more info! ADELENE FRANKLIN (nee Maggs) Of Yungaburra To celebrate her 100th birthday, Adelene invites family, friends and acquaintances to drop in for a cuppa at: Little Eden, 20 Gillies Range Road, Yungaburra From 1pm - 4pm Saturday 19th October
Well Women’s Clinics
(These clinics are available to Medicare eligible clients) Service includes Cervical Screening Tests (Pap Smears), Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health etc.
All services are provided by a specially trained Qld Health Women’s Health Nurse. Mareeba Hospital Thursdays 3rd October, 2024 and 24th October, 2024 Phone 4092 9311 to make an appointment.
Ravenshoe Primary Health Centre Monday 14th October, 2024 Phone 4097 6223 to make an appointment.
Atherton Community Health Centre Tuesday 15th October, 2024 Phone 4091 0263 to make an appointment.
Malanda Primary Health Centre Wednesday 16th October, 2024 Phone 4096 5339 to make an appointment.
Millaa Millaa Primary Health Centre Tuesday 23rd October, 2024 Phone 4097 2223 to make an appointment.
*ANIMAL OF THE WEEK*
NAME: Lewis DOB: 19/01/2024
BREED: Bull Arab X Mastiff
Introducing Lewis.....the perfect Gentleman. Meet the ulimate companion, he’s affectionate, gentle and gets on well with Kids, Cats and other dogs. He has received thorough vet checks, is desexed, micro-chipped etc. He is now ready and waiting for his loving forever home.
If you would like to meet LEWIS- please call 0487 430 443.
Available
NOTICE OF WATER MAINS FLUSHING PROGRAM Mareeba Shire Council will begin its annual water mains flushing program on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, lasting 6-8 weeks. To minimise inconvenience to residents, work will occur during low-demand periods. This program aims to ensure clean drinking water and maintain efficient delivery by optimising flow and pressure
Notice of Praecipe
Diane Maree Rose © of Kuranda, 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 RPP4463900051003010044604, Proclamation Date 6 September 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 Diane Maree Rose © in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Wanted
Four opportunities available:
• Innisfail Main Clinic
• Innisfail Mums and Bubs Clinic
• Ravenshoe Clinic
• Outreach Clinic (Serves both Tully and Babinda)
Must have:
• Cert III and/or Cert IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
• C Class Drivers Licence
• Current Blue Card
• Registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or the ability to is highly desirable
Please visit our website at: www.mamuhsl.org.au
Go to our careers page, download the application package and submit your completed applications to: recruitment@mamuhsl.org.au
Along with your resume and cover letter. Applications close 5:00pm, Thursday 31st October, 2024
TYRE TECHNICIAN
Tyrepower Mareeba is seeking an experienced Tyre Technician for its very busy store.
Must be experienced in tyre fitting in house and in the field.
Excellent customer service skills. A friendly & outgoing personality, good work ethic and communication skills. Neat & tidy personal presentation. Job Type: Full-time, after three months probation. Above award wages apply.
Apply in Person or Email Resumes to: mareeba@tyrepower.com.au Phone: 0418 772 602
State Cup success for Mareeba local
GO-karters from all over Queensland recently travelled to Mareeba’s MakoTrac where contestants battled it out, lap by lap, in the hopes of taking home the 2024 Tyrepower Queensland State Cup for their respective divisions.
The weekend saw exhilarating competition and nail-biting finishes with Mareeba’s Sebastian Di Salvo winning the Tag Restricted Medium class by a mere 0.2 seconds.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin kick-started Queensland’s biggest go-kart race meet for 2024 on the first day of official racing and John Raso from Tyrepower Mareeba was on hand to wave the chequered flag in the final race and present trophies to the place getters.
The cup featured several different classes of racing including the young Cadet 12s and Juniors, while the Senior division was comprised of six different classes.
Mareeba local Sebastian Di Salvo set a blistering qualifying time in the senior Tag Restricted Medium class.
Di Salvo did not have it all his own way, with Townsville’s Matt Taylor winning the second heat and setting up an exciting final.
In the final, Gladstone’s Ryley Jones passed Taylor at the start and chased Di Salvo for the remaining laps.
In the end Di Salvo won by just 0.2 seconds with Jones second and Taylor third.
Cadet 12 featured the youngest racers and produced some of the best racing of the weekend.
The front two contenders Jack Larsen and Brock Nolan share an Australian and Queensland title between them, and they both wanted to add a State Cup to their 2024 achievements.
For their whole 12 lap final they traded places often multiple times per lap but in the end Larsen was victo-
rious with Nolan second and Cruz Smith third.
Townsville driver Nate Thompson was the class of the field in the very competitive Junior division.
Behind Thompson the competition for the minor placing was fierce, with Cairns locals Alex Boscarini, Luca Seeto, Luke Downs and Connor Hole all performing well in the heats.
In the final all four drivers were fighting for the podium positions, but it was Jake Lydom and Zac Tyson who took second and third place respectively behind Nate Thompson.
Other class winners:
Tag 125 Light – Zac Ewing first, Emily Calwell second and Dylan Dunston third
Tag 125 Restricted Masters –Wayne Ohl first, Julian Laws second and Rick Jones third
4SS (4-Stroke) – Gerard Nolan first, Matt Butland second and Matt Hunter third
Local archery club full of good company
THE local Archery club recently held their annual Interclub Shoot that consisted of two days of bow and arrow action and an overnight camp.
“This year it was about making the event more fun and to introduce newer archers to competing without the initial pressure of a large tournament,” club secretary Daniel Teelow said.
The Tableland Company of Archers commenced day one of their Interclub Shoot with a modified field round containing 20 animal targets at distances ranging from 3-35m.
This was followed by an afternoon target round of 90 arrows with 30 ar-
rows at 40m, 30 arrows at 50m and 30 arrows at 60m on a 120cm target face.
On Sunday morning, it was voted that another field round would take place.
The Tableland Company of Archers are an official Archery Target Shooting Club associated with Archery Australia who meet every Sunday in Keribee Park, Mareeba
From 9am-12pm they provide coaching for beginners and members, and have a “club shoot” in the afternoon.
Club members practice and compete with compound bows, Olympic recurve bows, barebows, longbows and x-bows.
The club has a 90m target range,
12-target field course and a full clout range, also shooting at an indoor venue three to four times a year. They currently have two archers who are in the top 10 on the National Rankings list.
Club coaches George Nielsen and wife Terry have coached a number of National Level archers over their many years of involvement with Archery Australia.
“We welcome all types of archers, from the absolute beginner to the most experienced,” said Daniel.
The local club hosts a range of tournaments throughout the year including
Indoor Nationals, State Championships and their own Interclub Tournament, some years even hosting the NQAA State Field Championships and State Target Championships. For more information visit www.tablelandarchers.wixsite.com/tcofa Winners from the Interclub Shoot: Under 14 Compound –Taithan Carrette Open Female Barebow Recurve –Emily O’Harra Open Male Barebow Recurve –Berend Akkerman Open Male Compound –Daniel Teelow Over 50 Male Compound –
Chapman first and David McGill second
60 Male Compound –
Taithan Carrette won Mistake of the Weekend Award for “a
David McGill (left), Taithan Carrette and Daniel Teelow in the field course
David McGill with some very impressive shooting
Robert Chapman hit the mark
Emily O’Harra nailing the middle of the target
Adain Stevens was arguably the coolest Karter on the track.
Brock Nolan norrowly missed out on a top placing in an intense battle.
Cadets 12 Queensland State Champion Jack Larsen
AN annual Tinaroo event aptly named the ‘Grin n Bear It Challenge’ was held recently, with competitors enduring hours of rigorous activity, completing a 2km swim, a 12km paddle, a 62km mountain bike ride and a 12km trail run.
Murray Macpherson and Hilary Bell both returned and defended their male and female solo titles respectively,
with Hilary rounding out a first-ever three in a row.
“Competitors encountered tough conditions with the sweaty afternoon run leg being a decisive factor in final team placings,” event coordinator Mitch Nissen said.
Murray defended his Solo Male title with a time of 5:51:52 and Hilary won the Solo Female category, almost 45 minutes ahead of second
place, with a time of 6:24:46.
The winners of the All Male Team category went to Smurf and Turf and the All Female Team title went to Girl Torque.
Blackzero All Torque took out the Mixed Team category.
“A special mention to the champion youth team of Josiah Dixon, Levi Gunton and Finn Rae, named ‘Can’t Whine, Too Young For That’,
who stormed past ‘The Brork Life’ late in the piece to take second place.
“Only narrowly missing out on the overall All Male Team top placing by a mere 1m36s.
“Nonetheless it was a gutsy effort from the young Atherton-Mareeba team and we look forward to seeing them back in 2025 for another shot at the top spot,” Mitch said.
Emma Finney in the 12km trail run leg
A lone kayaker making their way through the gruelling event.
Tears 4 Beers cross the finish the line for second place in the All Female Team division
SPORT
By KONNOR FURBER
WITH summer searing its way back into Far North Queensland, local cricket clubs are gearing up for another season beginning 12 October.
Cricket season almost underway Motorcross Championship and memorial
The Mareeba Bandits have been at it in their preparation, training hard and developing confidence as a team and are looking to “pull a couple teams’ pants down this season”.
“Numbers are looking great this season, we are looking to fill three senior teams in first, third and fourth grade, but we would definitely love to see more people join the club” said Bandits captain Brendan Falvo.
“Our preparation for this season has been better than ever, we had a personal trainer of the club conduct fitness training in the winter.
“And coming into the season we have been doing skill-based training with 20 seniors and many juniors training hard with coach Gary Toshach being the driving force.
“There’s been half a dozen of us who got picked up for regional rep duties and drafted into the Barrier Reef Big Bash.
“I feel that as players and a club we are getting recognised as a force and that our players do have the skills to match the best, which is a proud moment as a captain and a born and bred
Mareeba boy,” said Falvo.
“Last year was our first season back in first grade for over a decade and with the limited experience we had we only managed to win one game.
“But with that experience behind us and players both new and returning added to the squad, we’ll be looking to pull a couple teams’ pants down this season with the confidence we have built up as a team,” said Falvo.
For more information on how to become a Bandit visit the Ma-
reeba Cricket page on Facebook and Instagram or “contact the club directly if you are keen and looking for a great club and sport to be a part of”.
The Atherton Cricket Club has recently installed new nets at their Loder Park training facility, also noting that their numbers are looking better than last year, especially the juniors, whose numbers are “well up”.
After being “washed out” in the semi-finals last year due to wet weather, Atherton wrote the
season off and are determined to come back firing this season.
“Our preparations are going great, we’ve just put in new nets and it looks like we’ve got more players than last year, the junior numbers are well up,” said Atherton Cricket president Tony Potts.
“We got washed out in the semi’s last year, so it didn’t count.”
Visit Atherton Cricket on Facebook for more information on joining the club.
A CLUB championship and a memorial ride for a former rider will be held over two days this weekend at the Mareeba Motorcross Club.
The club will be holding their Round 4 Club Championships this Saturday to see who will be named Club Champions for 2024.
With this round being dedicated to their local sponsors it is sure to be a great day with action taking stage from 9am-3pm at 86 Springs Road, Mareeba.
Spectator entry is free and there will be a full canteen and bar onsite, along with a jumping castle for kids.
Race classes will include 50cc Demo, 50cc Auto, 65CC, 85CC, Junior Lites, Veterans, Ladies, MX2 and MX1.
Following this will be the Club Presentations at the end of the day to crown the overall Club Champions in each class for the 2024 Race season.
Families can stay on into the night with the Hungry Possum Pizza food van on site and a bar for refreshments.
On Sunday, the Jamie Parsons Memorial Ride Park Day will take place from 8am-2pm, in honour of a fallen Club Member that passed 25 years ago.
The club wanted to do something special to remember Jamie Parsons, so with the blessing of his family, this weekend of racing is in honour of his memory.
The club hopes that people who knew him will turn out to do a few laps with their “mates”, something Jamie was known to love.
All entries must be done on Ridernet for those wishing to participate.
Mareeba Bandits’ Tim O’Sullivan (left), Grace Trebbin, Lenny Hodges and captain Brendan Falvo.
