FAMILIES will be able to get free photos with Santa, thanks to Cook Shire Council.
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.
The sessions offer an opportunity for residents to capture special Christmas memories without any cost involved.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the initiative aligned with the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting families during these tight economic times.
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).
“By offering free photo sessions at the Cooktown Library, we’re giving families a chance to make special holiday memories closer to home,” she said.
The IWSC is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which evaluates spirits based on taste, balance, finish, and value.
The Santa photo sessions will be held at the Cooktown Library on Friday 13 December from 8.30am until 4.30pm.
“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.
Families and individuals can enjoy a five-minute photo session with Santa, receive a free 6×8 inch printed photo, and have the option to download digital copies or purchase extra prints at their own expense.
“Being recognised on this level by the IWSC is incredibly rewarding for our team.
Christmas-themed craft activities will also be available for all ages to enjoy.
“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.”
Bookings are essential, as sessions are limited. Go to www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1309978
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.
Community members should book a 30-minute window that best suits them. Santa and his team will aim to ensure the five-minute photo session will take place during this 30-minute window.
“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.
Bookings are essential. Library users are advised that the library will be open for extended hours, from 8.30am to 5pm, to accommodate the Santa photo sessions.
For more information, contact Cook Shire Council at 4082 0500 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au.
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
CQUniversity Aviation student Pierre-Noel Guntendorfer is literally on cloud nine after he successfully passed his Private Pilot Licence (PPL) flight test recently.
The 19-year-old completed the test at the MAF Training Centre in Mareeba, and he says his training at MAF and his studies at CQU have helped him soar.
locally and internationally for their distinct flavours and exceptional quality”.
“(This) is a massive milestone in my aviation career - one I am extremely happy to have finally achieved,” he said.
Pierre-Noel completed his flight test in a light single engine aeroplane Cessna 172, VH-WMC, but while he’s currently on a high, he’s already thinking about the next stage of his training.
“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.
“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.”
“I will be working hard towards the next milestone in my journey which will be my Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL),” he said. He said travelling the world with his family inspired him to want to become a pilot.
“I’ve always been fascinated about planes and wanted to become a pilot,” he said.
The Mt Uncle Distillery has also recently started distribution in the UK, adding to their many successes.
This IWSC recognition follows
“It’s great that CQU offered this type of program as it gives students across Australia the chance to complete a high-quality pilot training program. I have found CQU to be very helpful with great staff who always try their best to accommodate their students.
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.
“I have been doing all my theory for my CASA CPL theory exams with CQU, and have been receiving all of my flight training through MAF.
“Throughout my flying training, MAF has been providing me with the best quality training that I could receive.”
He said anyone with a dream of becoming a pilot should consider CQU’s Aviation program.
“I would highly recommend joining CQU. This program provides students with an aviation program that partners with flight schools that are spread across the country at most larger airports, which gives students a chance to study without needing to move far from home,” he said.
“It has always been my dream and once I have completed my Bachelor in Aviation, I plan on flying in General Aviation and then work to-
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
“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.”
AS Mareeba families face the challenge of meeting essential costs to celebrate the festive season, Vinnies Mareeba has worked with St Stephens Catholic College and St Thomas of Villanova primary school to gather donations and pack hampers for those in need.
In total, members and volunteers of Vinnies Mareeba packed a total of 35 hampers which will be delivered to the Mareeba Companions this week.
In the past 12 months, Vinnies Mareeba supported nearly 2,800 locals with $100,000 worth of emergency support.
Vinnies Queensland calls on the rest of the community to share the true spirit of Christmas by contributing to its annual Christmas Appeal and bring hope, joy and festive cheer to those in need.
Deacon Peter de Hass described the annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal as a vital source of support for individuals and families facing financial strain this festive season.
“Our latest figures reveal an 18.5% rise in inquiries from the Mareeba and Tablelands region this year with many families facing tough times
during what should be a joyful period of the year,” Mr de Hass said.
“Since November last year, Vinnies Queensland has provided support for more than 3,178 locals with housing, daily expenses, access to vital programs, and essentials like food vouchers, toiletries, clothing and bedding.
“Through our range of support services, it is our Christmas wish that every individual and family can experience the comfort and joy of the festive season.
“Our members and volunteers continue to go above and beyond each year to ensure families feel supported, valued and cared for, particularly at Christmas time and we are calling on the Mareeba and Tablelands community to continue this good work though a donation to the Vinnies Christmas appeal,” he said.
Across all of Far North Queensland, around 20,000 people were supported in the last 12 months and $38,000 worth of Christmas Hampers were distributed.
To donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, visit www.vinnies.org.au/donate or call 13 18 12.
By ROBYN HOLMES
CRIME in Mareeba has risen by 15% in the past year compared to the previous 12 months, with vehicle theft and house break-ins contributing to the increase.
In Atherton, it’s a different story, with crime decreasing slightly over the year, with drops in almost every offence category. In total, the 4883 postcode recorded 957 offences compared to 1015 last year.
In the same period in 2023, Mareeba notched up 1783 offences including assault, break-ins, vehicle theft, damage and good order but 12 months later, the figures have jumped to 2051, representing a 15% rise.
Statistics from the Queensland Police on-
line crime map show that Mareeba vehicles were again a popular target for thieves, with nearly double the number stolen this year than last.
In total, 87 vehicles were stolen in the 4880 postcode area, compared to 45 in 2023. In Atherton, 32 vehicles were taken, compared to 21 last year, and 54 in 2022.
Also on the rise in Mareeba were unlawful entry into homes or businesses, with 311 recorded for the past 12 months – up 31% or 96 offences than in 2023.
Atherton had 56% less break-ins than its neighbouring centre, recording 137 unlawful entries which is just five more than last year.
Assaults in Mareeba were also on the rise, with 344 recorded compared to 301 last year
(up 12%), while Atherton had 103 incidences, lower than the 2023 figure of 114.
Damage to property continues to be a problem, with 238 offences in Mareeba over the past 12 months, up 22% on last year, while Atherton had a 34% drop in those offences, recording 96 for the period.
Good order offences, which take in public nuisance offences, public urination, consuming liquor in a public place, and possession of knives in public places, were still high at 319 for Mareeba and 127 for Atherton, although it was a reduction from the previous year.
Drug offences were also higher, with Atherton recording 166 offences for 2024, compared to 124 for the previous 12 months. Mareeba had a similar amount for both years, with 194
for 2023 and 192 for this year.
The data also reveals that Tuesday night seems to be the most “popular” time for offences to be committed in the Atherton area, followed by Thursday and Friday nights. The data shows that around midnight is the most common time for crimes to be carried out.
In Mareeba, the busiest day for crime by far is Saturday nights, followed by Sunday. Wednesday was the quietest day of the week.
The online crime map also shows that January, February and October were the worst months for crime in Mareeba, while February, March, August and November were the worst months for Atherton.
The online map can be viewed by going to www.police.qld.gov.au/maps-and-statistics.
MORE than 100 years after he died, a fitting grave for railway fireman Evan Whiting has been unveiled at Cairns cemetery.
Mr Whiting was just 22 when he, along with engine driver Thomas Duignan, 28, were killed at Kuranda in a rail crash.
His new $7000 grave and headstone, paid for by the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees, was unveiled by his great niece Linda Bristow, union state secretary Mick McKitrick and president Anthony Woodward.
Previously, his body was interred in an unmarked grave and his new burial site is now next to Mr Duignan’s plot which was freshly cleaned and painted as were the graves of guard James Patrick Foley, who survived the crash but lived a painful life until his death at age 60, and Kuranda station master, the late Bert Wickham, who played a vital role in the rescue mission.
Steam Engine B15 Con derailed and crashed into rock embankment near the Barron River Falls, on a curve at high speed 106 years ago on November 25, 1918.
The engine crashed on its lefthand side, causing serious damage and the boiler to break. All
on board suffered horrific steam burns and serious injuries at the time of the derailment.
Historian Michael Musumeci, who has been researching the tragedy, organised the new grave, the memorial service and a replica model of the steam engine, built by Ken Edge Williams and complete with original coal from the crash site.
About 50 people, some from interstate, gathered for the 90-minute ceremony on Saturday, 30 November at the Cairns cemetery, which also involved speeches by Ms Bristow, Mr Duignan’s granddaughter, Eleanor Duignan, and great great nephew of Mr Foley, Jason Foley.
Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller, Mr Wickham’s grandson Bob Wickham as well as Cairns RSL president Nathan Shingles and Mr McKitrick also spoke. The ode was recited and The Last Post was played by Lloyd Mais of the Royal Australian Navy.
Following the grave unveiling there was a dedicated two minutes of silence, wreaths were laid and the bagpipe lament played by Findlay Rose.
Mr Musumeci said: “The lives of these brave souls will be forever honoured and remembered. May
they all continue to rest in peace.”
Mr McKitrick said the union “overwhelmingly supported” paying for the new grave and plaque and it was fitting that people had come together to ensure “history never fades”.
Mrs Duignan said it was so
RETAIL SALES BY APPOINTMENT
Tuesday to Thursday 9.00am - 4.30pm (T&C apply.)
/ TRADE SALES
Monday to Thursday 7.30am - 4.30pm
We specialise in large quantity grow-to-orders. Bananas, coffee, tropical and sub-tropical natives, rainforest trees, exotics, fruit trees, bushfoods, bird and butterfly attractors, wind breaks. Visit: www.yuruga.com.au
5970 Kennedy Hwy, Walkamin (on the Jump-Up between Mareeba and Atherton) Phone: (07) 4093 3826 • Email: nursery@yuruga.com.au
AS the festive season approaches, Ergon Energy is reminding residents and businesses to take extra precautions when setting up Christmas lights and other mains-powered decorations.
While holiday lights bring joy and cheer to the season, they can also pose serious safety risks if not installed and maintained properly.
Area Manager Craig Brown emphasised the importance of following safety guidelines to avoid electrical hazards, fires, and potential injuries.
“We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas displays without compromising safety,” he said.
“By taking the right steps, buying good quality electrical decorations and ensuring proper installation, people can prevent accidents and keep their celebrations stress-free.”
tragic that the three men went to work and never came home.
She said her grandfather left a wife and four children behind.
Ms Bristow said she was “overwhelming grateful” for the union for financing the grave.
“To honour my great uncle ensures the utmost respect. He was only 22,” she said.
Mr Foley said his greatgrandfather suffered injuries that were life-lasting, he had difficulty working, was bedridden most of the time and suffered chronic pain.
“He never worked again,” he said.
Common dangers and how to avoid them: Only buy safe decorations: Ergon Energy crews have been called to electric shock incidents caused by cheap powered Christmas decorations. Only buy them from a reputable retailer or, better still, only buy ones that adhere to Australian Safety Standards.
Overloading circuits: Plugging too many lights into one socket can overload electrical circuits, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum voltage that can be safely connected to one power source. Damaged wiring: Inspect
lights and extension cords for any frays, cracks, or exposed wires before use. Damaged wiring can result in electric shocks or fires, so replace any faulty items before installation.
Outdoor-specific lights: Only use lights and decorations rated for outdoor use when setting them up outside. Indoor lights are not designed to withstand rain, wind and storms and could short-circuit or pose a fire risk.
Water and electricity don’t mix: Ensure all electrical connections are kept dry. Use weatherproof extension cords and secure them safely.
Correct placement of lights: Never place lights or decorations near heat sources, flammable materials, or in areas where they could become damaged. Keep lights and other powered decorations out of reach from toddlers and young children.
Rechargeable gifts (such as drones/e-scooters etc.): To prevent fires or other severe damage, only use the recharging equipment supplied with the device and turn it off overnight.
“Taking these simple precautions can prevent accidents and keep your home and family safe throughout the holiday season,” Mr Brown said.
“If you’re unsure about your setup, always consult a licensed electrician. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with electricity.”
By ROBYN HOLMES
JUST a few weeks after being sworn in, Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg has made it a priority to travel to our region to inspect the Barron River bridge at Kuranda and the problematic range road.
Dressed in high-vis workwear, Mr Mickelberg sat down with The Express last week to talk about both road network problems, revealing he is fully aware of how important the route is to people living in the Mareeba Shire and on the Tablelands because he has previously done the commute to Cairns himself while living at Atherton.
During his visit, Mr Mickelberg had a briefing with Main Roads officers about the state of the bridge and said he was satisfied that it was safe to use but would need regular one-lane closures to allow for maintenance to be undertaken to keep it safe and retain the current 42.5 tone load limit.
“We will build a new bridge and we will build it quicker than seven years (the previous government’s timeline),” he said, although he could not yet commit to a timeline.
His lived experience of the uncertainty that the range road will close at any time during the wet season due to fallen trees, rocks, landslides or accidents helps him understand and recognise the importance of having a road that is reliable.
“So, I used to live in Atherton and then Trinity Beach, travelling back and forth for a few years – the main thing you want is to know you can make it to an appointment in Cairns and get back home again,” he said.
Mr Mickelberg said he understood why the community had lost trust in the department, in part due to assertions by the public that the installation of the Intelligent
Transport System (ITS) had undermined the foundation of the road, causing two massive landslips – a claim the department has rejected.
“I think the starting point is that we have to be open and transparent with the community, so it’s one of the reasons this visit is a priority, because it’s a massive community concern,” he said.
“It’s going to be complicated (to fix the bridge and road) but I think community concern is only exacerbated when you try to spin a narrative or ignore them.
“I’m aware of the concerns and asked those questions since I’ve been appointed, but I must say I’ve been pretty impressed with the level of professionalism and commitment (of the department).
“I don’t think the department is the problem in that relationship – the fact the community hasn’t felt like they’ve had a voice or been listened to in recent times is, in my mind, the principal problem.
“Bree (James) and David (Kempton) asked me to come up here as a priority because we know there is genuine community concern – there’s genuine issues as well which are going to take a while to work through but we need to work through them because if we don’t provide a reliable road, then people are going to continue to be dissatisfied.”
He agreed the road was the constraint in allowing the region to reach its full potential.
“Ultimately, everyone understands that the road needs to be more reliable – when I talk about reliable, that people can have the confidence to get where they need to get and home, but the other part is having confidence that the road can meet demand,” Mr Mickelberg said.
He thinks the ITS has its benefits, because the cameras allow RoadTek to see areas of the road and respond to issues, and the speed signage alerts motorists to slow down when the road is treacherous.
“The next part is that if the Kuranda range is closed and I’m coming from Mareeba, then I’d like to know that at Mareeba so how do we then make sure that information is passed onto the community,” he said.
“Those sorts of things are quick wins but there’s also the maintenance question – being able to get in front of the maintenance to ensure that trees don’t unnecessarily fall over into the road for example.”
Mr Mickelberg said the recovery works to the range were complex and difficult, revealing that even the supply of materials required to repair the significant slips was a challenge.
“We will have to use 55km of reinforcing metal rods as part of the stabilisation works – to put that into perspective, we will be using twice the amount of rods in this project alone that is used in the whole of Australia per year,” he said.
In terms of an alternative road in the future, Mr Mickelberg said the cost and timeframe a new route would require was leading him to believe that making the current corridor robust and reliable may be the most realistic option.
“What we have there right now is not coping – the reliability of the bridge and the road is not where it needs to be so it’s clear we need investment – I have asked for information on the alternative routes but they have as many challenges – the best solution may be investing in the existing crossing but it needs to be reliable and it needs to be safe,” he said.
THE Herberton Christmas Market is being held in the shire hall on Saturday from 10am-3pm.
The event promises to offer an ideal place to do your Christmas shopping with lots of hand-crafted goodies.
The town is encouraging visitors to stay and make a day of it in Herberton, with lunches available at the cafes and the CWA, a BBQ at the Royal Hotel and live music in the afternoon.
There will also be Christmas Carols in Darby Camp Park from 5pm.
A CAROLS night will be held at the
on Sunday.
The event starts from 5pm
Attendees are encouraged to bring a plate to share in the supper afterwards.
SAMANTHA MADRID
Samantha (Sam) is a born and bred Mareeba local who has always had a strong passion for her community and is looking forward to bringing her knowledge and skills to the local town.
Sam enjoys playing soccer for the local Mareeba Bulls team, and has had a longstanding involvement with the club, as a player, volunteer and sporting physio to the premier men’s team.
She loves to travel and see the sights both locally and abroad. Sam completed her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science before continuing to complete her honours degree in physiotherapy, focusing on temporomandibular joint (jaw) dysfunction.
Sam then began her employment in private practice with Performance Physio in 2020 where she furthered her skills in sport physio, rehab, acupuncture and dry needling. In 2021, Sam decided to broaden her skills and took on a role at Qld Health. In her 3 years working for QLD Health, Sam completed her Rural Generalist Program Post Graduate Certificate and her Vestibular (vertigo) courses which she believes will be a great asset in the community.
Sam will be working alongside long term physio employee, Michelle Du. The team have a passion for assisting in a wide range of physio services particularly involving sports physiotherapy, headache treatment, exercise rehabilitation, post op rehab, musculoskeletal and lymphoedema. The clinic will continue doing weekly exercise classes that will focus on falls prevention as well as overall body strength, balance and flexibility.
RAVENSHOE’S close-knit community came together to celebrate the graduating class of 2024, who were “dressed to the nines in stunning formal attire” as they made grand arrivals at the iconic Top Pub with family, friends and locals lining the streets to cheer them on.
The event showcased not just the achievements of the young graduates but the warmth and pride of the Ravenshoe community.
AWARDS PRESENTED:
Year 12 English and Visual Arts -
Theodora Davidson
Year 12 Essential EnglishRuby Adamson and Laura Pozza
General MathematicsTheodora Davidson and Amitty Trevorah
Essential MathematicsLaura Pozza
ChemistryGrace van Den Herik
BiologyAmitty Trevorah
Sport and RecreationSamantha Corporal
Media ArtsWill Dyson
Industry and ApplicationSamantha Corporal, Theodora Davidson and Alexandra Houston
Raschoda Farm AwardAmitty Trevorah
ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award -
Yasmin Dennis
Female Future Studies Award -
Theodora Davidson
VPG Vocational Student of the Year -
Grace van Den Herik
School DuxAmitty Trevorah
QUICK action at Chinaman and Atherton Creeks, as well as the northern section of Bicentennial Lakes, was having an impact on the spread of Amazon Frogbit in the Mareeba shire.
The aquatic invasive weed was “incredibly resilient and is easily carried by birds to new locations”, Chair of the Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC) Cr Ross Cardillo told a council meeting, but the treatment in place was seeing good results.
Presenting the minutes of the PMAC meeting, which highlighted the work Council had undertaken over the past 12 months, he said the floating plant, which was likely introduced to the area from a fish tank or private pond, “smothers waterways, blocks irrigation, and reduces oxygen levels in the water, negatively impacting
other animal and plant species”.
Council held an Amazon Frogbit session as part of the FNQROC Wet Tropics Biosecurity Roadshow last month, where PMAC members were invited to observe the progress of the Amazon Frogbit treatment at Bicentennial Lakes.
The PMAC provided council with strategic guidance on regional pest management, which included reviewing the Mareeba Shire Community Biosecurity Plan, prioritising invasive species, sharing knowledge, and identifying funding opportunities.
“The PMAC meeting is an excellent opportunity for stakeholders, government agencies, experts, and other local councils to collaborate and discuss biosecurity risks in our region,” Cr Cardillo said.
The PMAC reported that over the past year, council had responded to 76 requests on pest management. Cr Cardillo also told the meeting that deer had now been added to the list of pests, as an introduced species.
There was a reduction in Bellyache Bush in Koah over the past 12 months.
Siam Weed was treated in Watsonville, Petford, Mt Molloy, and Julatten, with another site in Mt Carbine still undergoing treatment.
Thunbergia sites in Kuranda and Julatten were surveyed and mapped, with the latter site currently undergoing treatment.
Giant Rat’s Tail Grass and Gamba Grass were also treated along the roadside throughout the shire.
By ANDREE STEPHENS
CHILDCARE and early learning in Mareeba has just reached the next level with the official opening of the new Constance St Kids Campus.
The reaction from officials walking through the building last Tuesday, with their “fresh eyes” was “a surreal experience”, Kids Campus CEO Jeanette Sturiale said.
“I don’t think they expected to see something like this in Mareeba,” she said.
“It’s the largest investment in early learning that Mareeba has ever had.”
The development has been a long time coming, with discussions about renovating and expanding the old building starting many years before, Ms Sturiale said.
However, the concept accelerated in the past few years as the centre’s popularity grew and finances improved.
“The old building that was there, we had been operating out of there for 42 years,” she said.
“Whilst it has an amazing amount of character, it was diminishing. The expense to actually maintain it to the standard of our industry was costing a lot of money and certain things just couldn’t be done.”
About four years ago, the not-for-profit organisation began developing a strategic masterplan, which incorporated the campuses of Constance St, Dunlop St and Hasties St.
The leadership team developed a timeline for redevelopment, noting that if the Constance St development was to be demolished and rebuilt, the Dunlop St centre would need upgrading to house the extra children.
Like a jigsaw puzzle, they began putting the pieces together, first assessing how much development was needed on Dunlop St, and collaborating with government on standards and compliance.
“Once we got that done, we started the design element of the build; what’s it going to look like, how big it is going to be? We got an architect involved from Cairns, award-winning Carlo Amerio from CA Architects, and then we got project managers together. We got a really
good team of people behind us,” Ms Sturiale said. “Then we went into the world and started visiting state-of-the art centres in Cairns, Brisbane, the Gold Coast. We really wanted to see what we didn’t know.”
The design process took 12 months, before a business case was developed, including valuations of the campus assets. This included a comparison of a new build on Constance St, compared to keeping the old building and renovating.
“That valuation process was a clinching point for us,” Ms Sturiale said.
“We couldn’t believe it, it was something like $14 million with the new build and $4-5 million less with the old building. Nine years ago, valuation of our assets was only about $1.4 million.
“We then felt secure that the banks would back us.”
She agreed property prices had gone up over that time, but the Campus business had also grown, and cash flow had increased.
The team had also engaged Cairns economist Bill Cummings to provide a breakdown of the demographics of Mareeba, from the different cultures, age groups, working parents, to provide projections for the future, which was vital in providing added value to the development.
Overall, the process and the upgrading to the other campuses was about $7 million.
“We funded the whole thing ourselves, every single step. No grants, nothing,” Mr Sturiale said.
Now, a year after announcing the build, the new Kids Campus is getting final touches before it opens in January 2025.
“Constance St was such a major historic asset, so we needed to make sure that we made this centre the best we possibly could,” Ms Sturiale said.
For her, the greatest aspects of the building were “the vast space, the layout... the sheer size and the natural light”.
“We know the benefits of having natural light, we know the benefits of being outdoors, for children and team members, it’s a very calming space,” she said.
“The other really cool thing about it is all of the sustainability aspects. We’ve got sensor lights in all of our spaces and we’ve got solar panels. “We built it very much to incorporate the nature aspect, including calming colours inside, and a nature play outdoor environment.
“We actually don’t have what they would class as playground equipment. We have rocks, logs, big trees, big areas for sand pits, mounds, water, a bit like going down the creek to play, but in a controlled way, and age group appropriate. It’s timeless and it will last a lot longer than play equipment.
“
Ms Sturiale said some new innovations would also improve service, such as providing all meals for the children, including morning and afternoon tea and lunches. It would help busy parents, and also provide a healthy uniformity in food choices, and encourage kids to try new foods.
And the final flourish will be providing coffee at the campus drop-off point as a nod to busy parents on the go.
“It’s not a coffee shop, we won’t have a menu with 50,000 options, but a convenience for families. It’s also going to be a place to sit and chat or discuss a child with staff over a coffee. “We want to encourage more communication and collaboration in our childcare.”
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER FROM 5PM
Escaping East Germany at 16, Renate Wendel began a very big adventure. Making her way to Switzerland, she learned about kangaroos – and the rest is history. From being kicked off Manly Beach at 21 and giving up white water canoeing in Tully at 70 after free falling through the rapids, the Yungaburra resident has just returned from competing in the Head of the Yarra Rowing Classic in Melbourne – at 84. She sat down with ANDREE STEPHENS to tell her remarkable story.
ON THE roadside outside her little cottage is a sign, “Caution: Curlew with babies here”.
“Yes, that is me,” Renate says. “I love all animals.”
She sits in her modest kitchen in the village of Yungaburra. An impressive exercise bike takes up the centre of the room. She is the epitome of “sprightly” – small, trim, fit and sharp.
“Rowing keeps you fit, it keeps you mentally fit too,” she says over her perfectly brewed coffee.
The Tablelands Country Rowing Club president also admits the 32-strong club membership keeps her on her toes.
“We are all strong personalities, but I am a little different because of my background,” she says with a grin. “I am very a different person to most.”
And yet she is so Australian in many ways. Devoid of makeup, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, she is a lover of the Australian bush, of hiking, camping, running, cycling, fishing and, of course, rowing.
“I joined a bushwalkers club in Sydney, and I learned English walking the Australian bush,” she says. “I learned Australian English!”
It is a long way from the 16-year-old girl who left her family and escaped from a volatile East Germany in 1956.
“When I was 12, I was questioning the system all the time, and then they would say, ‘oh, did your dad tell you that, or your mum tell you that?”
“So basically, I became very aware and verbal. And you couldn’t do that, so I thought ‘I think I have to leave here’.”
The “they” referred to members of the postWWII communist German Democratic Republic of East Berlin, and perhaps the Stasi (‘State Security’), one of the Soviet bloc’s largest and most pervasive secret police agencies. East Berlin was separated from West Berlin, which was under Al-
lied occupation.
It was during the 1950s when the Berlin Crisis was unfolding. East Germany’s industrial push overshadowed basic wages, food supplies and consumer goods and luxuries. At its peak, unrest culminated in a worker’s strike and mass protest, which ended when Police and Soviet troops shot some 55 people (though the death toll is estimated at far more).
But for 16-year-old Renate, escape was easy. The Berlin Wall had yet to go up (in1969), so she had just gone to “visit friends” in West Berlin.
“At that time there was still people living in either [city], sort of staying in one and the other, for the weekend,” Renate said.
“So I just had a little bag for the weekend, and then I just took off.
“I went to the south of Germany. I had a cousin there and stayed for a while and then I went to Switzerland. And from there I heard something about Australia where the kangaroos are.”
to be safe, no hanky panky.”
It was November, and she decided, “as you do”, that she would go to Manly Beach.
“I got thrown off the beach because I was indecent! I had a bikini on, but it was up to here,” she indicates high on her midriff.
She was horrified. With no English, and a crowd gathering, a German visitor had rescued her, explaining what the Beach Inspector was saying, and also that the crowd of Australians were actually jeering the inspector, not her.
“Some Hungarians were on board, and they told me ‘in Australia, if you don’t like something you can speak up. They won’t put you to jail’.”
But Renate had to wait until she could go to the land down under because she could not get parental signatures on her papers.
“And then when I was 21, I choofed off,” she said. “I was going to stay for two years and then go back to Switzerland. I’m still here.”
Renate first arrived in Melbourne where she was supposed to disembark, but she was not taken with the city and wanted to stay on the ship and go to Sydney.
“Some Hungarians were on board, and they told me ‘in Australia, if you don’t like something you can speak up. They won’t put you to jail.’ So I said, ‘I want to go Sydney’ and they said, ‘Oh ok’. And off I went.”
Renate got work straight away – there were no benefits – with an Italian company, as she could speak the language, and was placed with a married couple.
“The single girls stayed with the married couples
RAATSICC are excited to announce the Escaping Violence Payment (Cairns-based trial) has been extended until 30 June 2026.
The Escaping Violence Payment offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to have access to financial support and goods / services for their immediate needs to live safely
Support includes:
Renate moved to Brisbane several years later and was drawn to the university scene, where her political nature thrived. She marched against conscription to Vietnam, about the pill, and women’s rights.
“I’m from the generation where we were out in the streets with placards, like when the pill came about, I had a placard, ‘single women have sex too’,” she recalls smiling.
“We did stuff like that. And equal pay - I used to get paid for peanuts!”
“But we are nearly there,” she says.
From Brisbane she went north to Townsville, where she worked in an orphanage, and then on to Cairns where she was manager of cleaning staff at the newly built Mercure Hotel.
It was here she began visiting the tablelandsbushwalking, canoeing, long-distance cycling - and bought a cottage in Yungaburra, which she rented out until she could move there permanently.
But by her early 50s, Renate was “turned upside down” by a diagnosis of breast cancer.
“What you do when you go through cancer is, you look at life and what’s important,” she says.
She knew she didn’t need stress, so simplified her job and her lifestyle.
“I decided to sell Yungaburra and towed a caravan for two years,” she says.
“That was amazing. I didn’t get right to the west
• Financial assistance up to $1,500 in cash or vouchers
• Up to $3,500 in goods and services (Eg. removalists, bond, items for a new home)
• Confidential support and referrals up to 12 weeks.
of Australia. I used to get stuck on farms, looking after animals.”
She also got stuck in Shepparton for a time, and “became a dancer for the harvest festival”, she laughed.
She returned to Yungaburra 27 years ago and is in thick with her community.
She no longer works, “come on, I’m 84!”, but volunteers a few days a week at the visitor’s centre, and particularly loves pointing out places to German visitors keen to see platypus and cassowaries.
“I love being at the centre and it’s easy - Yungaburra, the Tablelands, is beautiful. It’s like selling ice to Eskimos,” she says.
She has a coffee group that meets up at regular spots around the area, she has her rowing and says just a walk around the village takes a long time, as she catches up with neighbours.
Renate is also well travelled, visiting Europe, and Israel, “where I was treated so beautifully”.
She is still in touch with her sister in Germany, who lives a quiet life and has “never seen the western side, which is so beautiful”.
The first time she returned to Germany was when her father was ill and dying. He was 59 years old. Her voice softens.
“Under Hitler, we had to put a flag out in the garden, then we were occupied by the Russians. Finally, he said enough was enough, he wanted nothing to do with politics.”
As a result, Renate says her father got the lowest jobs, and life was not so good. She also believed it had something to do with her defection.
“They blamed him for me going to West Germany. My own uncle did not speak to me.”
It took Renate 18 months to get a visa to visit him when he was ill, and even then, her visit was restricted - it was 1967 - and she was banned from staying for the funeral.
“It was okay, I just spent my time with Dad.
“I really wanted to see if they had a file on me. Typically, Germany had files on everybody, but I was advised not to ask for my Stasi file to see what was in it.”
Renate also visited Germany to see her mother, who was in her 80s.
“I had a ticket to fly over, but she had a heart attack. Off she went,” she clicks her fingers. “It was a quick, easy way to go. She didn’t suffer.
“I think I will have a heart attack and just go,” she adds cheekily.
“I say to my rowing friends, ‘If I have a heart attack, just toss me over the side’, and they say, ‘No! They’d close the lake and we wouldn’t be able to row’.”
• Something in the water Part 2 – Meet Kathy Robinson, 85, another remarkable Tablelands rower.
• See page 35 for more on Renate’s rowing acheivments.
an Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a protected special category visa over the age of 18, living in Australia. have changed your living arrangements within the last 12 weeks due to intimate partner violence are experiencing financial stress. have not accessed EVP in the past 12 months.
Want to know more Contact us on 1300 605 092 or email evp@raatsicc.org.au Funded by Department of
LAKESIDE Community Church Yungaburra will be presenting the annual Traditional Christmas Carols at the Yungaburra Community Rotunda on Saturday, 14 December.
The community event begins at 6pm, with a free sausage sizzle, a coffee van on site, and glow sticks and lollies available for primary school children.
At 7pm there will be a performance by children from Yungaburra State School, followed by the carols singing and the amazing Christmas story.
Visitors are encouraged to bring along a chair, rug, and family and friends and your best singing voice.
Any donations on the night will go toward the School Chaplaincy program in our local school districts.
Free parking is available via Short Street, Yungaburra.
LOCAL children can lodge a letter to Santa at Australia Post this year so they can receive a special response straight from the North Pole.
Instead of relying on the usual mailbox magic, Santa wants kids to deliver their letters in person to their local Post Office. Each child who brings in their letter will leave with a reply straight from Santa, along with a special Christmas Pip the Koala ornament — a perfect keepsake to hang on the tree!
To ensure kids receive their magical reply before Santa and his elves load up the sleigh for Christmas Eve, kids are encouraged to write a letter to Santa sharing their Christmas wishes and maybe a few good deeds they’ve accomplished this year.
Pop the letter in a sealed envelope and drop it off to the local post office.
If your child has already mailed their letter, they can still come into the Post Office to collect their special gift and letter from Santa.
RAY Road residents are yet to know if any potential upgrades to drainage issues will be considered to prevent flooding of their homes, according to Mareeba Shire Council.
Hopes were high recently when work began along the road, with speculation that flood mitigation action was underway.
However, in response to inquiries from The Express, council said the work was “routine drainage maintenance” only, in preparation for the upcoming wet season. It stressed the works were not related to specific flooding events or drainage studies related to Ray Road.
“As part of our routine maintenance, Council is clearing and maintaining drainage systems along Ray Road,” Mayor Angela Toppin said in a statement.
“This work is done periodically to prevent
blockages and ensure the drainage system is ready for heavy rainfall.”
Concerns about the drainage structure along Ray Road was raised in April, after homes and properties were flooded by storms four times, well after Cyclone Jasper.
Residents who had lived on Ray Road for many years said it was rare to see that level of flooding before an aviation industrial precinct was developed at the bottom end of the airport.
They claimed the drain created as part of the development was higher than the ground around it, forcing water to surge into their properties rather than spill into the drain and be carried away via Atherton Creek.
At the time, council acknowledged the ongoing drainage issues but rejected the claims.
Council advised it would begin an updated
drainage study for the area, which would include a review of the previous 2004 study, to help identify factors contributing to drainage issues and to determine if there were any feasible mitigation strategies.
Mayor Toppin said the review was still ongoing and likely to be completed in the coming weeks.
“If the study identifies any areas in need of improvement, potential upgrades will be considered, but any changes will depend on available funding and council approval,” she said.
In the meantime, an approved capital works project to rehabilitate and upgrade McIver Road, from Ray Road to past St Stephens Catholic College, was expected to begin in 2025/26.
INVESTMENT in infrastructure and responding to natural disasters like fires and floods have been highlighted in Tablelands Regional Council’s annual report on a year that had its challenges and its successes.
The 2023-24 annual report provides an overview of a year that has seen $36 million in capital works delivered and the start of the council’s flagship project, the Priors Creek Parklands.
Mayor Rod Marti said it had been a privilege to reflect on another year of hard work, progress and investment in community across our region.
“Our extensive road network always represents one of our biggest ticket items with $12.4 million of capital expenditure and $19.8 million in operational expenditure, both figures inclusive of flood damage repairs,” he said.
“Getting this delivered was particularly challenging given the prolonged six months of wet that followed TC Jasper.
“We have worked hard and are well advanced on a major water upgrade at Ravenshoe and Millstream, as well as being seriously invested in water at Malanda.
“These projects will provide reliable potable water in Ravenshoe and Millstream, as well as extend Malanda’s water supply beyond the town itself towards Davies Road.”
Mayor Marti said progress on the Priors Creek Parklands was well and truly underway, and was financially backed by the council to the tune of $2.5 million which had been supported by $3.6 million in Queensland and Australian government grants.
“Despite early 2024 being extremely wet, we have completed much of the sites enabling work and are creating the plaza, building the link road and adjacent car parks,” he said.
“It is an exciting transformational
project for Atherton and the Tablelands.” The report shows that the council earned $79.3 million in revenue for the 12-month period, with 69% of this made up from rates, levies and charges.
Expenditure for the year is listed at $74.9 million, leaving a net result for the period of $4.39 million.
Borrowings reached $15.3 million, of which $11 million will be used for investments in the water network for Ravenshoe and Millstream.
The report also reveals where the money from rates is derived from in the local government area, with Divisions 4, 5 and 6 generating the most revenue, while Division 2 had the lion’s share of the capital spend (42%).
The report also shows that 17 complaints made against the council, council officers or councillors were referred to the State assessor, compared to just one in the previous 12 months.
Overall, the Mayor was very positive about the year and the progress the organisation was making in relation to efficiencies.
“We also made significant progress on our service level review and asset management plan develop-
ment,” he said.
“These initiatives provide the organisation with the evidence it needs to fully understand not only its services and their costs, but the community’s use of them.
“The review is long overdue as council faces difficult decisions to rationalise certain services and modify others.”
The organisation had also introduced a Project Management Office (PMO) which promises to bring “more rigor, accountability and improvement to project delivery”, says the Mayor.
“The PMO is a work in progress, building human skills and organisational capacity, and ultimately better outcomes for the community,” he said.
“It will lift the organisation’s productivity and reputation in the sector.”
Mayor Marti also praised the response by the organisation and other agencies in managing bushfires last year and then the flooding and extreme rainfall following Cyclone Jasper.
He also took the time to thank those who contributed 36,000 hours of service to the community.
“Like last year, I’d like to acknowl-
• $14.1m in grants across 19 applications.
• 2410km of roads surveyed.
• 300 properties visited to assist with weed management.
• 2907 dogs registered.
• 124 animals returned to owners.
• 104 animals rehomed.
• 30,870 trees grown from locally collected seeds for revegetation projects.
• 46.78km of bitumen resealed.
• 66km of gravel re-sheeted.
• 405,393 general waste bins and 131,973 recycling bins collected.
• 237 food licences issued.
• 18,904 customer calls received.
• 13,196 customer requests resolved.
• 153,250 library loans completed.
• 16,006 visitors to libraries.
• 460 building approvals completed valued at over $80m.
• $193,082 in grants paid to 187 community groups, young achievers and artists.
• 184 volunteers appreciated.
• 65,861 visitors at information centres.
• 34,400 Facebook interactions.
• 7753 Youtube views.
• $30.2m in rates collected from 13,529 properties.
edge the contribution of volunteers to our community,” he said.
‘The role of volunteers in the many organisations that provide valuable services to our community is heartwarming. On behalf of this council and the wider community, I sincerely thank volunteers for all their selfless work.”
PROPERTY owners are being urged to book an inspection of their land for electric ants.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is urging landholders to help in eradicating the ants from Far North Queensland and booking a free yeard check is the first step.
More than 40% of infestations are found through these yard checks.
Electric ants are found in Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Douglas Shire, Mareeba Shire, and the Tablelands region.
According to the department, self-checking is not thorough, with the ants being so tiny at 1-1.5mm and very hard to spot.
Field officers are trained to lure, detect and collect electric ants and take them to a diagnostic laboratory for accurate identification.
Property owners can book a free yard check at www.daf.qld.gov.au/ anthunt
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!
What are the most common disasters in FNQ? Bushfires, storms, floods, cyclones and heatwaves
How do I prepare for disaster season?
Understand your risk
Sign up to the Early Warning Network to receive severe weather emergency alerts by SMS, email or voice to landlines
Decide in advance if you will evacuate or shelter in place.
Know your evacuation route and prepare an emergency plan, including emergency numbers: Police, Ambulance or Fire: 000 SES: 132 500
Clean up your yard, secure loose items and move possessions to high ground if you live in an area prone to flooding
Take appropriate steps to protect your property
If necessary, get sandbags ready early, contact the local SES for location
Pack an emergency kit Have enough supplies to last at least 3 days, locations that are easily isolated should keep supplies for 5 to 7 days.
Get to know your neighbours
Purchase a battery radio to keep informed about disasters in case you become isolated and lose power and communications
Familiarise yourself with the Australian Warning System symbols
Advice (Yellow):
An incident has started There is no immediate danger
Stay up to date in case the situation changes Watch and Act (Orange):
There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
How does Mareeba Shire Council respond during a disaster? Local governments are primarily responsible for co-ordinating disaster events in their local government areas
MSC is responsible for the development and implementation of a local disaster management plan Coordinated disaster management is achieved through the LDMG (Local Disaster Management Group)
Membership of the LDMG is comprised of representatives from Council, State Emergency Response Agencies (SES, QLD Police, QLD Fire Dept), Department of Health, Department of Education and Department of Transport & Main Roads
The LDMG has four sub-groups that support different sectors and assets of the community The Economic Sub-Group, Public Health and Environment Sub-Group, Built, Environment / Infrastructure SubGroup, and Community Support Sub-Group
In the event of a disaster, the LDMG may establish a Local Disaster Coordination Centre Requests for assistance will be directed through this centre and escalated as necessary
Council hosts the Emergency Management Dashboard to provide residents with up-to-date information from multiple state agencies and sources in one place
Council will keep the community informed of any changes to services during this time, such as water outages or rubbish bin collections, via the MSC website and Facebook Page and broadcast messages via local radio stations.
Emergency Warning (Red):
An Emergency Warning is the highest level of warning You may be in danger and need to take action immediately Any delay now puts your life at risk
What do I do during an event?
Listen to advice from Emergency Services
Be aware of your surroundings and action your emergency plan. Keep informed - visit MSC Emergency Management Dashboard and the Bureau of Meteorology
Keep in contact with your friends or family
Follow on Facebook - My Police Tablelands, QLD Fire Department and Mareeba Shire Council
Listen to local radio stations - ABC Far North (Cairns / Kuranda 801AM, Mareeba 106 7 FM, Dimbulah 91 7 FM, Mt Molloy 95 7 FM), Black Star (96 7 FM), KIK-FM (88 7 FM) 4AM (558 AM) Download Emergency Apps - SES Assistance QLD, Emergency + , BOM, Red Cross First Aid and SunWater
What do I do after an event?
Listen to advice from Emergency Services.
Stay away from fallen powerlines
To report electric shocks or fallen powerlines 24/7 dial 000 or call 13 16 70
Never drive in flood waters, there could be hidden dangers. Returning to affected buildings? Be mindful of electricity and gas connections, water and food safety, fallen trees
Phone Ergon Energy on 13 22 96 If you have lost power or are experiencing electricity supply problems.
Visit Mareeba Shire Council Emergency Management Dashboard for up-to-date information on road conditions and power outages
Contact your insurance company to lodge a claim and seek guidance for the next steps
Visit Mareeba Shire Council’s website for the latest information on assistance and grants available
How does Mareeba Shire Council respond after a disaster?
Immediately following an event, Council’s primary responsibility is to restore its essential services as soon as possible. This includes: Ensuring access to local roads
Maintaining water and waste services
Continuing kerbside waste collection
You can help Council by reporting incidents on 1300 308 461
After addressing immediate needs, Council begins other restorative works such as repairing local roads and restoring public facilities and infrastructure.
State and Federal funding are often required to repair disaster damage through Disaster Recovery Fund Arrangements For emergency alerts, sign up to Early Warning Network
https://emergency.msc.qld.gov.au/
Visit the Emergency Management Dashboard for:
Emergency news
Bushfire alerts
Road conditions
BOM updates and radar
Helpful contacts
Power outages and more!
Mareeba Shire was heavily impacted by Cyclone Jasper and the flooding event that occurred in December 2023
The Myola rain gauge received an incredible 2 4m of rain within 7 days, which is the average annual rainfall
With over 900 calls and 185 requests for assistance during the event, Mareeba Shire Council faced unprecedented requests for support
More than half of our Shire’s road network was affected, as well as critical infrastructure, underscoring the severity of this weather event
Nearly one year on, and the work to restore infrastructure continues.
Mareeba Shire Council has been very grateful to receive assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Bushy
The replacement of Bushy Creek bridge on Mt Lewis Road, Julatten is well underway and approximately 85% completed The works are scheduled to be completed soon and assistance was provided through DRFA
For disaster recovery information on grants and resources, visit MSC Disaster Assistance or scan the QR Code above.
Works are continuing on Emerald End Road, Mareeba, after the crossing over Cobra Creek was washed away in the Cyclone Jasper floods Contractors are working as quickly as possible to complete the replacement of the bridge. This project is supported by DRFA.
Mareeba Shire Council received funding support from DRFA to clean up debris along creek beds after the flooding in December 2023. The program finished in November
Without the support from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and its Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, Council would not be able to afford to make these repairs The funding helps ensure the safety of our infrastructure and the wellbeing of our community.
Mareeba Shire Council has taken part in a Queensland Reconstruction Authority pilot program to improve 78 gully crossings which has now been completed The project has made 29 roads across the Shire more resilient and will reduce the annual maintenance cost. McBean Road
In October, Mareeba Shire Council teamed up with the Get Ready Queensland team to host a free community information event, including the screening of the Stories of Jasper documentary at the Mareeba Drive-In The event was a great opportunity to the community to meet our local emergency responders and learn how to prepare for disasters
Supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program. For more information, visit getready.qld.gov.au.
By ANDREE STEPHENS
IT was the day she retired, and the day Covid lockdown began. So clearly, she had to do something. And just like that, she began “career number five” and became a writer.
Four years and 11 books later, author Jenny Kroonstuiver is on the balcony of the Skybury coffee restaurant with its stunning views across the Tablelands, chatting to a keen audience and signing her latest novel, “Women of Wolfram Camp”.
But was it that simple? No, it was “terrifying”, she admitted. Jenny had never written before. Her only credentials were that she loved reading and history.
For 20 years before retiring she had run the National Meat Industry Training Council, and before that, taken various roles in the education sector in locations as far flung as Groote Eylandt and Kalgoorlie.
“I started with writing family histories, then I did some biographies, and then I thought ‘okay it’s time to write a novel’. And that was the most terrifying thing I’d ever done,” she said.
“With history and biography, I was fully confident, when you write a novel, you’re creativity comes to the fore and it was absolutely terrifying.
“I wrote ‘The Mirror Chest’ and people loved it. And I found my niche, which was writing historical fiction.”
“Woman of Wolfram Camp” is her fourth novel, and the idea for it came about in a “random” fashion.
“I had always been fascinated by ghost towns that had just disappeared, for whatever reason. I scanned a list of Australian ghost towns and saw Wolfram.
“I’d never heard of it. I started doing research on it and I was absolutely fascinated by this tiny little town, of which there is nothing left today, which had nearly a thousand people and was producing a quarter of the world’s tungsten during the First World War and was a major exporter out of the port of Queensland.”
Now living in Cairns, Jenny was amazed that the town was just 16km north-west of Dimbulah, and approximately 60km west of Mareeba.
As well as researching the history, she vis-
ited the area where the town once existed. The Mareeba Historical Society has put signage up where the buildings had been - a hospital, five pubs and administration offices. A cemetery is still there.
“Here was a major industry right on the doorstep,” she said.
“So I lived in the newspapers of the time (via the TROVE database) and got a sense of the town, who the main people were, the issues of the day,” she said. “So, the events in the book are real, as are some of the people, but the main characters are mine.”
Coincidentally, Wolfram Camp has also been on the radar of mining company EQ Resources, which was granted an exploration permit by the Queensland Government in July for the tungsten mine.
For Jenny, Wolfram Camp was the first time she had based a book solely around women and their stories.
“It’s always about the men of the town, the administrators, the bankers, their stories are well-documented” she said.
“This is about five women, and it’s set in
Author Jenny Kroonstuiver at her book launch at Skybury Coffee Plantation on 29 November.
1917 which was the heyday of Wolfram Camp because it was getting towards the end of WW1, and the demand for wolfram [wolframite is the ore of the metal tungsten] was immense across the world.”
The main character, Felicity, arrives from Brisbane, which meant Jenny had to research train timetables and steamboat schedules to accurately depict her journey.
“I can spend days down the rabbit hole,” she said with a chuckle.
The other women include the owner of a guest house, a baker’s wife, a young mum and artist, whose husband is at the war, and an Indigenous woman, whose father was a gold miner.
Jenny said that while researching, she found the issues the women faced were so like issues still faced today, such as domestic violence, menopause and a woman’s place in the world. But it was also about the friendship and bonds women create to deal with life’s challenges.
“Women of Wolfram Camp” retails at $30. Books are available at major retailers, Amazon and Ebay.
By KONNOR FURBER
A LOCAL musician recently showcased his artistry in front of a big crowd at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns and hopes his achievement can strengthen his positive influence on the Indigenous youth that he is a proud mentor of.
Nathan “Naynay” Rodgers is an emerging First Nations artist from Mareeba and recently had the opportunity to perform at the Cairns Music Industry Gathering held at the Tanks.
The event was organised by QMusic, with the aim to “foster growth and collaboration in the Cairns region by uniting industry professionals, artists, venue operators and key stakeholders”.
“The event was for linking up and connecting with other musicians,” Nathan said.
“They had big event organisers there and it was a good opportunity to just learn about the industry.”
Born and raised in the small Aboriginal community of Yumbas in Mareeba, music has always had a strong grip on the 41-year-old’s heart.
He performs under the name Naynay Muluridji Music and sings a variety of original and cover songs in the reggae, country and Aboriginal (or Bama) genres.
“It has definitely always been my passion,” he said. “Music is everything to me. It gives me purpose and it gives me respect from other people.
“My uncles down in Kuranda formed an Aboriginal reggae band (in 1978) called Mantaka and they really inspired me and had a big impact on my life growing up.”
Nathan’s use of guitar, didgeridoo and other
Aboriginal instruments blend tradition and soul in an authentic way.
“I grew up going to church in Yumbas (Mareeba Community Fellowship Church), that my dad and his brothers built back in the 80s,” Nathan said.
“That definitely inspired me to want to build something of my own one day and I hope to do that with my music.
“I started learning guitar when I was about nine, both in church and from some of the elders who came to the primary school to teach us at lunch times.
“I started singing much later, and only
properly started learning how to recently,” he laughed, “maybe over the last three years.”
Nathan has been playing gigs for many years locally, performing in Mareeba, Mossman, Ingham, Kuranda and Cairns, among other places. He also played at the recent Tablelands Folk Festival.
He started writing his original music around four years ago and hopes to inspire his people by sharing his life experiences through music.
“I only started writing when I was about 37 and there’s so much that I’ve been through, so it’s good that I can write about my life experiences now,” he said.
Rotary Mareeba wishes to thank the community, performers, Rotarians, volunteers and everyone who was part of and came along downtown on Friday 6th December to kick off the festive season in Mareeba.
“We’re trying to build another park down in our reserve and that’s why I’m doing these gigs, so I can raise a bit of money and hopefully get more people involved.
“I’m also doing gigs to pay for studio time, so I can get my originals recorded and upload them online for everyone to hear.
“I’m going to a recording studio in the Gold Coast in January next year and they’re going to teach me about certain software and how to record my own music.
“It’s a program for First Nations and they want me to take part. After that, hopefully I can bring back some knowledge and do something in the community,” he added.
Beyond performing, Nathan studies Music at TAFE and is dedicated to mentoring Indigenous youth, planning to become a music teacher once his studies are finished.
He tries to inspire the next generation to embrace their roots and express themselves creatively through music workshops, volunteering and benefit concerts.
“I want to inspire the younger generation,” he said determinedly.
“Hopefully speaking through my music will bring respect back and bring a sense of community back to Mareeba.
“I want to start a program up here next year to teach the younger ones to play instruments and sing or write music.
“Next year I’ll be linking up with the International Club to perform, fundraise and maybe even bring in Indigenous stalls to sell art and other things like that,” he said.
For more information about Nathan’s music visit www.naynaymusicproductions.com.au/
Special thanks to the following businesses for sponsoring this community event
CATTLE Australia has welcomed China’s reinstatement of export approvals for the remaining two Australian beef export processing plants, which were suspended from supplying product to China in 2020 and 2021.
CA chief executive officer Dr Chris Parker said the change was a win not only for the respective processing plants, but also the producers and lot feeders who supplied these facilities.
“The re-establishment of export approval for these two plants is the result of extensive negotiations by industry advocacy groups and
the Federal Government, and we applaud the efforts of Australian Government Ministers and the Department of Agriculture to achieve this most recent outcome,” he said.
“As a net exporter of products, our industry relies on ensuring productive technical discussions can take place, in an effort to strengthen ties with current trading partners and foster relationships with new customers.
“We look forward to ongoing conversations with China and other nations, as we continue to share Australia’s world-leading beef with consumers across the globe.”
THE 2024 sugar crushing season for the Far North’s three mills has officially finished as of 24 November.
Mulgrave Mill completed its season, with a final throughput of 968,391.36 tonnes at 12.41 CCS, on 10 November.
The Tableland Mill completed its 2024 season on 23 November with a total of 742,377.43 tonnes crushed with a CCS of 13.86.
South Johnstone Mill’s season wrapped up on 24 November after crushing 1,136,276.08 tonnes at 11.89 CCS.
By KONNOR FURBER
ROCKY Creek local Cailan Byrnes has successfully completed a “rigorous” process to be accepted into the esteemed Nuffield Australia scholarship program, which he officially started in Spetember.
Cailan currently operates the Rocky Creek Abattoir, which is just one of the links in the Byrnes Meats business chain.
As a Nuffield Scholar for 2025, the 29-year-old will study how to implement “cost-effective beef grading systems with innovative technology to optimise eating quality” in the Far North region.
“I decided to pursue this challenge because there’s a bit of a hole in our beef market up here,” Cailan said.
“In regard to what feedback an abattoir can offer to producers to stay competitive, everything comes down to eating quality.
“So with the cattle we eat, there’s a rigorous set of processes to go through to ensure that steak is going to be of high eating quality.
“Those measures are a very expensive process for an abattoir to undertake and require a lot of training, and on top of that, the business needs to be able to keep the staff that are trained in that area.
“My topic explores how to reduce that cost and how to make the process more practical so that an abattoir like ourselves can offer a premium, pasturefed beef brand up here.
“This not only benefits us, but also offers other people the ability to access that.
“In short summary, you take cattle, process them and then grade them.
“Not all cattle are going to be of high quality, so you filter them by selecting what cattle will meet the quality for the brand you are trying to create.
“Just by simply splitting the produce and ensuring that consistent quality, then the theory is that the brand will basically build itself,” he said.
Nuffield Australia awards scholarships each year to farmers in Australia to increase practical farming knowledge, management skills and techniques.
These scholarships give Australian citizens the opportunity to study farming practices domestically and internationally over two years.
By the end of the program, they will be able to actively spread the knowledge they have gained from their experiences.
“The program will fund you to not only research the topic, but to also give back to your industry through knowledge you acquire,” Cailan said.
Cailan aims to use Meat and Livestock Australia’s MSA (Meat Standards Australia) system to determine the quality of beef more efficiently.
The system gathers data points from a carcase such as marbling, colouring of the meat and fat and the pH level, for example, and gives a score pertaining to the eating quality of the meat.
“It’s a whole new process, and it works, so that’s what we’re trying to follow here,” Cailan said.
“We want to implement this new process but that will take some time, so the first step is to just get out there and get around the world to see how other people do it.
“I’ll be going around Australia to see how some of the other big plants operate and see what technologies are already available here that can be offered to us.
“I’ll also be going to New Zealand in March, then in September I’ll be going to Adelaide, Borneo, Philippines, Denmark, California and Chile over a four-week period.
“The following year I’ll be going to the States and Japan, all to research and see how those other countries operate.
“So it’s a lot of travel, but it’s all covered by Nuffield which is a really great thing.
“At the end of the program I will be writing a 10,000-word scientific article and once that gets approved it’ll be published,” he said.
After going off on his own path for a while, the now 29-year-old, who grew up on the Rocky Creek property and worked in the plant for the majority of his life, has been running the abattoir for four years
now and looks to keep the family business alive in the years to come.
“I’d gone off on my own path for a bit and I’d just come back to give Dad a hand,” he said.
“I guess it’s one of those things where you don’t realise what you’ve got around you until you come back.
“I was 25 when I came back and just really enjoyed the industry and the challenges that we were faced with.
“Taking over and running the business is definitely one of my goals, when the time comes.
“It’ll just be small steps for now though, one of the first ones is to just get the abattoir to its full potential and to really try and get it to look after the Far North region.
“Burns Meats is very much committed to ensuring a high eating quality. It’s really important to us to build that high quality, paddock-to-plate product up here in Far North Queensland.
“Not only to look after ourselves but also help the Far North butchering industry, the abattoir is there as a tool for the Far North Queensland beef industry,” he said.
In 1960, Cailan’s grandad D’Arcy Byrnes purchased his first butcher shop and shortly after purchased the Rocky Creek Abattoir in 1962.
This proved to be a masterstroke when regulations surrounding slaughter yards were changed during the 1970s with D’Arcy having the foresight to obtain his abattoir licence.
As many slaughter yards across the region were unwilling to upgrade, they eventually closed, leaving D’Arcy with one of the only abattoir licences in the region, with the only others being in Mission Beach and Townsville.
With Cailan’s father Victor becoming involved in the family business at 21, Cailan became the third-generation Byrnes of the business when he joined at 25.
The Byrnes Meats business consists of three cattle stations, spanning 1.5 million acres near Coen in Cape York, two fattening properties located on the Atherton Tablelands, an abattoir in Rocky Creek and two butcher shops in Cairns.
A NEW $3.2 million project will focus on the Herbert catchment – the largest river system in Far North Queensland which begins on the Atherton Tablelands and flows to the ocean almost 300km away at Ingham.
Terrain NRM is working with a wide range of industries and groups to plan for the Herbert Integrated Project, which is funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.
More than 40 people have been part of workshops in Ravenshoe and Ingham recently to help determine the best actions to further improve water quality, the land, its resilience, agricultural outcomes and cobenefits for the local community.
Project manager Fiona Barron said a whole-of-catchment outlook was important.
“We will be building on previous pro-
jects in this catchment. They include working with farmers on grazing and sugar cane management practice changes to improve everything from the land and production to the quality of water leaving properties,” she said.
“They also include fine-scale water quality monitoring, constructing fishways and repairing streambanks by engineering structures like rock chutes and pile fields.
“Programs delivered over the past 15 years have made good progress, but to meet the 2050 water quality targets, we need to build on past work.
“This new Herbert project will draw heavily on local knowledge, combined with all the data and science that’s come before, for a program that’s tailor-made to the upper and lower Herbert.
MINISTER for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates promoted Queensland’s world-class produce to more than 150 senior Japanese buyers and business leaders last week.
Minister Bates was travelling in Japan and South Korea last week, promoting trade and investment opportunities between those countries and Queensland.
High-level representatives from Japanese companies in the agribusiness, retail, resources and energy, education and tourism sectors attended the reception.
During the event, the Minister highlighted the decades-long friendship between Queensland and Japan, our strong trade ties and emerging opportunities across several industries.
The Taste of Queensland lunch was followed by a visit to Tokyo’s famous Nissin World Delicatessen, with Queensland exporters enjoying top billing. Nissin World was founded more than 100 years ago and has long been a great promoter and stockist of Queensland produce.
“It’s great to see that Japan appreciates
“The upper and lower catchments are very different areas. We are factoring all that in and we’ll be prioritising projects – from weed control and streambank revegetation to road management and whole-of-farm planning - to maximise impact.”
Ms Barron said the project could also help landholders and the wider community to identify emerging opportunities in the natural capital and green economy markets, supporting economic and environmental resilience.
A group of representatives, from across industry, community and government, will help to manage the project and its design.
The Herbert catchment covers about 10,000 square kilometres and is one of the four main contributors to fine sediment loads on the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland’s high-quality produce, beverages and our health and wellness products,” she said.
“The Japanese really value our beef and know that our state is Australia’s beef capital.
“Meat products are Nissin’s area of expertise, so it has been great to spend time understanding the market in Tokyo’s premier delicatessen with some of their buyers.”
Japan is Queensland’s second-largest export destination with $16.9 billion of exports in the 12 months to September 2024, primarily driven by coal, LNG, and beef.
THE first of 100 additional biosecurity officers will start to hit the front line this month, as part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to strengthen Queensland’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors.
The officers will play a front-line role in detecting and responding to biosecurity threats, conducting inspections, monitoring activities, and enforcing Queensland’s world-leading biosecurity standards.
The government has set an ambitious target of increasing the state’s agriculture output to $30 billion by 2030, driving future investment, creating jobs, and unlocking opportunities for producers.
Research and development will play a key role in driving the industry forward, with a $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund to promote new technologies and practices.
This fund will focus on boosting efficiency and sustainability further across Queensland’s agriculture sector.
The government has already committed to a $12.5 million investment in the Mossman region and reaffirmed a commitment to working with all stakeholders to find a sustainable solution regarding the town’s sugar mill.
“Our agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries, and forestry industries are the backbone of this state,” Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said.
“They employ over 377,000 people, represent 13 per cent of our workforce, and generate billions in export value each year.
“We’re committed to making these industries more productive and profitable.
“I will always have the back of our rural communities like Mossman. This is our promise – we are here for the people who make Queensland’s agriculture great.”
WHEN can we expect some common sense correcting the debacle at the traffic lights on the Warril Drive/ Kennedy Highway intersection?
I cringe when wishing to turn left in the direction of Kuranda as I halt all traffic in every direction – the worst result is that I interrupt commuters (including heavy vehicles), heading for Cairns to let one vehicle onto the Highway for a 2km trip compared with their 30 plus kms.
The same happens when I wish to turn right into Warril Dr from the highway, irrespective of the fact that in both instances I have clear and unobstructed vision for every bit of 200m in the Mareeba direction and have executed both turns safely for over 30 years.
As another critic pointed out, the only time the intersection worked perfectly again, was when there was a power outage to the lights.
The solution? (and I apologise if this sounds too high tech for the clowns that installed them). Two lanes intersect the highway from Warril Dr – the left one is “turn left or cross”, the right lane is “turn right only”, Mareeba direction.
Make that a “turn right or cross” and the left lane “turn left with care”.
Likewise, the right-hand turn from the highway into Warril Dr.
It is a total no brainer and the last thing that I wish to hear is “increased traffic flow”!!! All that I and others see is increased traffic disruption.
Geoff Pardew KURANDA
All views are welcome
I WRITE in response to David Blake (27/11/24)
– “Let’s Get Physicsy”. I appreciate the apparent policy of The Express of printing both / all sides on any topic, or given opinion, ie on Climate Science.
Is there any topic, anywhere, with everyone holding the same view? Does “one size fit all” apply to any aspect of life? I think that the Covid saga, ongoing, is evidence that it is not.
Despite the government’s persistent efforts to guide the entire population along their preferred narrative, it just does not work.
Let the population think for themselves if you don’t want a counterproductive result. And be honest with what is said. The population clearly sees through the BS.
Personally, I like reading Peter Campion’s letters. They make sense to me and help me understand. Same with John Nethery from Chillagoe. To me, they are interesting and informative.
I am not educated in the sciences, but I know that CO2 is essential to life, so when I read that we can “save the planet” by reducing CO2, I scratch my head.
Then I read John Nethery’s explanation of the composition of our atmosphere – 0.04% is CO2?
And you want to reduce it? As one of my friends said today, Peter Campion speaks common sense. I am far from being a lone appreciator of citizens of their calibre.
So, keep up the good work, please, Express. Let all sides express themselves. When it comes to important issues, we want balance and truth, and we want to be exposed, without judgement, to alternative views.
We want to think for ourselves.
Louisa Crosslé MALANDA
AS a resident of Springmount Park, I would like to say the biggest thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the people who helped put out the
fires along Springmount Road, such as the people at the Springmount waste facility, the fire brigades, the rural fire brigades, the police, the pilot of the Black Hawk water bomber, the pilots of the planes that carry the water, the other helicopter pilots that helped guide them, and to everybody else involved putting the fires out.
I take my hat off to all of you for keeping our homes safe. I just want to say that you all deserve the recognition of how hard your jobs must be.
You should be so proud of yourselves as I am of you all. I wish that more people in this community could be more grateful of what you did for us. Once again thank you so much for all of your hard work.
Chris Adams
SPRINGMOUNT PARK
IT is with great concern for our magnificent red tableland soils, another paddock vanishing before our eyes with little or no consultation by council with the people of Atherton and surrounds.
It is such a shame that our world’s farming land is seen as a commodity to be dealt with so rudely without any thought for the future of providing food for the table.
Travelling Australia, you see this happening more and more, to house the millions of migrants that the Labor Government is letting in with such ease.
When migrants came here after the end of WW2, Australia needed people to repopulate after losing so many at war but now, we simply think we can prop up our economy by opening the doors to almost anyone.
Not so many years ago our government brought in people in professions that the nation needs in a slower fashion but now all we see is an open-door policy which needs many thousands of houses built, and on land that should be reserved for growing food for not only ourselves but for earning export dollars, to look after those who already live here.
Builders are already snowed under with work. How can we expect to go on building at this pace?
The cities are enormous and spreading, small towns have housing estates, concrete and bitumen covers the soil, most folks do not garden, front gardens become parking lots, huge supermarkets spring up with massive carparks, parks for the kids and to walk the dog, plus sports fields - it goes on and on.
The water runoff from cities is frightening in quantity, not quality - pollutants everywhere, plastics breaking down to microscopic size it can even be found in the human brain. Yet another Alzheimer’s problem, we are told, and then there is poisonous fire-fighting foam in some towns drinking water.… where will it all stop?
The pictures of houses in massive estates sitting on postage stamp-size blocks, their charcoal-coloured rooftops almost touching, the price sky-high but nowhere for the kids to play.
Do you realise these huge cities were once tiny villages all over our world and they are always built on the best soil near lovely fresh water, but where has all the good land gone.
The Atherton to Mareeba corridor is a sitting duck, gradually creeping out towards each other, a giant metropolis, as Cairns grows north and south on the coast.
Looking at other cities around the world with “affordable housing” of second-hand corrugated iron with no running water or sewage, families are already living on the streets and it seems as things get worse, there will be a huge wall to separate the have and have nots – two distinct worlds due to over population and the ruination of all natural things. So, sad!
Sorry to have to be so dreary so close to Christmas and all that - we live at a time of plenty, no worries, mate she’ll be right… I sure hope so!
Grahame West ATHERTON
BUYERS beware, it might be wise to check refund policies when buying gifts. Don’t get caught out like we did.
A local business offered to order a particular brand product for my husband (a gift he knew I wanted).
When he arrived home and opened the bag he was handed in the shop, it was not the brand he ordered. He wrapped it, hoping it would suffice.
On opening my gift, I realised it lacked an integral feature of the desired brand and was unsuitable.
Taking it to the shop that day, then, and only then, we found out that there was no chance of a refund.
The reason given was that it was a “special order”. Also, no refunds are given when seven days have passed from the date of purchase.
What?! Wouldn’t making customers aware of these practices be the decent thing to do before they spend their money?
Now, we pensioners are stuck with this item which cost $100.
Our friends and acquaintances, after hearing about our experience, will patronize the opposition and so will we.
Due to the nature of the business, the dollars lost will quickly exceed the $100 refund they refused in exchange for the unused and resaleable product.
Wendy Gerdes MAREEBA
PETER Campion’s latest on the science pertaining to climate change demonstrates again how he is prepared to ignore facts and spout irrelevant factual science.
The thermodynamic laws he refers us to do not apply to the simple thermodynamics causing global warming.
Planck’s law is about wave length of emitted EMR proportional to temperature. It is irrelevant to CO2 absorbing EMR and getting hotter.
Wien’s law is similar. Kirchoff’s law is about absorbing and emitting EMR by different bodies. The second law of thermodynamics is essentially about heat flowing from hot bodies to cooler bodies.
The Stefan-Boltzman law simply reaffirms that the energy radiated is directly proportional to the temperature of the emitting body.
The Stokes shift is about the difference between the energy absorbed and the energy emitted from a substance. These laws underpin thermodynamics but they do not directly address the causes of manmade global warming.
A simple experiment carried out in the 19th Century and repeated often (you can do this yourself) is where two equal glass containers, one filled with air and one filled with CO2, are exposed to sunlight. After some time, the temperature of the CO2 is higher than the air. The same for methane and other gases.
CO2 and methane cause global warming. Water absorbs a bit over 3000 time more energy to warm up in proportion to the same amount of air. Thus, the overwhelming heat energy on this planet is in the oceans. Hence the increasing severity and frequency of storms and cyclones.
I agree with David Blake in that the science is not complicated. The thermodynamics has been developed for a very long time and is being demonstrated right now. Global catastrophe is upon mankind and it can be seen every day.
Also, Bruce James goes on about the IPCC being the cause of our belief in climate change this is incorrect. The IPCC does not do the science.
I, and thousands of other scientists, believe in the science of climate warming, not only it is consistent with established thermodynamic science, but the evidence is in front of our eyes.
Bruce tells us that the is no evidence that CO2 is the driving force behind global warming. He is incorrect. There is much science research over many decades which confirms the effect of atmospheric CO2 on heating.
I am very pessimistic about the future for our offspring.
WHAT a wonderful opportunity to purchase this beautiful property. This home is the perfect home for the family, with space to spread out, play cricket, splash in the pool and enjoy the great tropical North Queensland lifestyle. Ideal for the buyer wanting the rural lifestyle yet still be close to shops, schools and amenities.
This property offers so much opportunity. The 5 acre property is positioned in the 4,000m2 zoning precinct in Atherton allowing potential to subdivide the property - subject to council approval.
Property Features:
• Solid masonry block home
• Modern kitchen with electric appliances, breakfast bar, dishwasher, and plenty of cupboard space.
• Spacious open plan living
• 4 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms with built in robes
• Master bedroom separate from the main house features an ensuite, walk-in robe and views of the pool.
• Study/5th bedroom
• Media/rumpus room
• Internal laundry with a linen cupboard, sink and toilet
• Recently renovated main bathroom with tiles to ceiling, bathtub, separate shower, and a vanity unit.
• Ceiling fans, screens, and plenty of storage throughout home
• Covered front patio overlooking the front garden
• Private covered entertainment area overlooking the pool
• 60,000L Inground salt water pool with a waterfall – perfect to entertain the kids
• 4 bay powered block shed (approx..14m x 7m)
• Solar system – Save on those electricity bills!
• No rear neighbours, property backs onto state forest
Address: Price: Agent:
• 100 year old trees in rainforest section with a seasonal creek + forest
• All weather sealed driveway
• Septic, town water
• Potential to subdivide subject to council approval
• Rare 5 acre allotment ideally located only 2.5km from Atherton Town Centre.
• Situated in the sought after Atherton Tablelands and known for its cooler climate and excellent rainfall.
When you want just the right amount of space to feel at one with nature, but don’t want to spend your entire weekend maintaining it, 35-37 Page Road is the one you want!
For further information or to arrange an inspection, call exclusive marketing agent Raquel Cunzolo.
Contact: 35-37 Page Road, ATHERTON Offers Over $860,000 Exclusive Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879
will love it, but trouble is, someone else will as well... so act quickly. For more information, call Trisha Jackson on 4091 3955 or 0419 1833 145 anytime. To view more photos, visit athertonrealestate. com.au
SET on a sizeable acre allotment this inviting 3 bedroom plus office home boasts space and serenity in a convenient location only 3 minutes from Mareeba town centre.
It’s beautifully presented, immaculately maintained and offers an enviable lifestyle opportunity for you and your family.
Property Features:
• Solidly built of 6” block internally and externally with 2.7m high ceilings
• 3 sizeable bedrooms with built-in robes
• Tiled living areas
• Carpeted formal lounge
• Front office
• Substantial Tasmanian Oak timber kitchen with loads of cupboard space, storage pantry and servery to the dining room
• Bathroom fully tiled to the ceiling with separate toilet and bidet
• 2nd bathroom and toilet off the garage fully tiled to the ceiling
• Generous laundry with built-in storage cupboard and room for a freezer
• 5kw solar power system
• Tiled garage and rear patio
• 6m x 6m powered masonry block shed with roller door and pa door access
• 4,000m2 allotment with a selection of fruit trees
Address: Price:
Agent:
Contact:
and veggie gardens
• Sought after location in a quiet close, only minutes to Mareeba CBD
This is a sensational and rare opportunity to find a property of this nature with so much to offer, so close to town. It’s a must to inspect.
For further information or to arrange a private inspection please contact exclusive marketing agent Joe Torrisi on 0417 700 468 today.
9 Tivoli Close, MAREEBA
Reduced to $690,000 Joe Torrisi
Joe Torrisi Real Estate 0417 700 468
YUNGABURRA is one of the fastest-growing communities on the Tablelands, with visitors coming for a weekend and never wanting to leave.
Famous for its ideal climate, relaxed village vibes, flower-lined streets, bustling markets, cute cafes, and convenient access to Lake Tinaroo, there really is something for everyone!
Elevated in Yungaburra, Lakeview Heights is where nature’s beauty meets the comforts of modern living. Nestled in the heart of this picturesque village, this newest stage of Lakeview Heights offers generous-sized lots with minimal building restrictions, providing the ideal opportunity to build your dream home or weekender!
Lakeview Heights has always been a sought-after address due to its elevation,
close proximity to the village, and Tinaburra Boat Ramp.
This new land release includes 18 new lots ranging in size from 800m² to 2066m².
Lot sizes and prices are as follows:
Lot 58 - 1563m² - $245,000
Lot 59 - 1260m² - $235,000
Lot 60 - 1121m² - $220,000
Lot 61 - 1000m² - $210,000
Lot 62 - 1000m² - $210,000
Lot 63 - 1000m² - $210,000
Lot 64 - 1000m² - $220,000
Lot 65 - 1000m² - $230,000
Lot 66 - 1200m²UNDER CONTRACT
Address: Price: Agent:
67 - 2066m²UNDER CONTRACT Lot 68 - 1385m²UNDER CONTRACT
Lot 69 - 1452m² - $270,000
Lot 70 - 1979m²UNDER CONTRACT
Lot 71 - 1467m²UNDER CONTRACT
Lot 72 - 1010m²UNDER CONTRACT
Lot 73 - 897m²UNDER CONTRACT
Lot 74 - 802m²UNDER CONTRACT
Lot 75 - 1000m²UNDER CONTRACT
Mistflower Close, YUNGABURRA
THIS excellent investment opportunity will start earning from day 1 with long term reliable and permanent residents in place. The returns are excellent with current tenants providing an income of $400.00 per week.
The property consists of 2 high-set duplex units each consisting of 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and an open plan kitchen/living. There is a shared front verandah and the laundries are located downstairs. Under cover car parks are available and the large backyard is separately fully fenced and backs onto bushland. Situated in an elevated and nice street in Ravenshoe with a lovely outlook this property is a must to inspect if you are wanting make a secure investment purchase. Contact Collette at Raine & Horne Atherton for further information or to arrange your private inspection.
THIS stunning new build located at 22 Moondani Avenue, Mareeba is a fantastic 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home in the sought-after Amaroo Estate.
With an open plan living, dining and kitchen space that opens up onto the rear patio, entertaining family and friends will be a breeze. The modern kitchen features a large island bench and plenty of cupboard space too.
All 4 bedrooms have splitsystem air-conditioners, and built-in wardrobes, and the master bedrooms features a
walk-in wardrobe and a great en-suite bathroom. The family bathroom is located near the other bedrooms, with a shower, tub and separate toilet.
The home is fully air-conditioned, and tiled throughout with an internal laundry and double lock-up garage, and is complimented by quality fixtures and finishes throughout.
Situated on an 814m2 allotment there is plenty of yard space, with Amaroo Park just around the corner and town only a few minutes away.
Features Include:
• Brand new NQ Homes build
• 4 bedrooms, all with builtins, 2 bathrooms
• Master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe
• Modern kitchen, plenty of storage
• Open plan living, dining and kitchen
• Fully air-conditioned & tiled
• Internal laundry
Price: Agent:
Double lock-up garage • Tiled rear patio
814m2 allotment • Sought after Amaroo Estate To find out more or arrange a private inspection contact exclusive agent Vince Costas at Central Realty on 0419 926 691 today.
NESTLED in the lush, rolling hills of Far North Queensland, just 6km from the charming town of Atherton and 7.5km from the picturesque Yungaburra, lies a truly enchanting propertyShaylee Strawberries. Here, the sweet fragrance of ripe fruit mingles with the fresh country air, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday. Established in 1985 and recently expanded to include a sophisticated café and winery, this property presents a rare opportunity to live your dream life while sharing the fruits of your labour with the world.
Picture yourself waking up to the soothing sounds of nature, stepping outside to tend to your lush, fully irrigated strawberry fields. Blessed with its own 50 Meg Groundwater Allocation, the property ensures your strawberries thrive, while the expansive gardens offer a serene retreat. Whether you’re harvesting plump, juicy berries or welcoming guests to
your charming café, there’s magic in every corner of this land.
• A thriving strawberry farm with well-established fields ready to yield the sweetest fruit, ensuring a steady harvest season.
• A fully equipped commercial kitchen with top-quality appliances, perfect for creating delicious treats and meals from your fresh produce.
• The recently established Berry Lane Winery, offering a delightful addition to the property with locally crafted wines to complement your café offerings.
• A licensed café where visitors can indulge in freshly picked strawberries, delightful homemade treats, and handcrafted wines, all while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
• Three large sheds, ideal for storing farm equipment, homemade preserves, and treats, offering plenty of room
for growth.
• Cold rooms/freezers to ensure your farm-fresh produce and café delights stay at their best.
• A packing shed with a sixperson packing machine, streamlining the packing process for your farm’s bounty
• A registered canteen and winery shop with a licensed kitchen, providing the perfect space for guests to relax and enjoy a taste of the land.
• A three-bedroom home with a single bathroom, featuring a saltwater pool where you can unwind and enjoy a quiet evening under the stars after a rewarding day on the farm. Ideal for a family or couple who dream of living in nature’s beauty, this property is a rare gem that offers not just a business, but a lifestyle full of charm, creativity, and fulfillment. Let the land tell its story, and share its sweetness with the world, all while living in the
heart of north Queensland.
For more information contact agent Morgan Brennan at Ray White Atherton on 0407 730 450.
another group, both being subject to the same operations. (8)
28 Not often; seldom. (6)
30 The back part of something, especially a building or vehicle. (4)
31 The last letter of the Greek alphabet. (5)
32 Go down below the surface of something, especially of a liquid; become submerged. (4)
DOWN:
1 A thin flat strip of wood, especially one of a series forming a foundation for the plaster of a wall. (4)
2 The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal. (4)
3 Stiff untanned leather. (7)
4 A Spanish sparkling wine made in the same way as champagne. (4)
5 The zodiac is the circular arrangement of the 12 astrological signs. (6)
6 Food placed on a hook or in a net, trap, or fishing area to entice fish. (4)
Q E L G A E A I N R V I E F E A E W R
E F I R K F I I P O E I R L H D M L S
V
ACROSS:
7. A garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body. (4)
9. An Australian mammal with greyish fur. (5)
10. A gemstone consisting of a form of hydrated silica, typically semi-transparent and showing many small points of shifting colour against a pale or dark ground. (4)
11. With the hair removed. (6)
12. A bulbous plant of the lily family. (8)
13. Far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote. (8)
16. The principal front of a building. (6)
18. Dark and full of shadows. (7)
19. An area or building where cars or other vehicles may be left temporarily. (3,4)
22. A prolonged and angry reprimand. (6)
24. Convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into normal language. (8)
25. A group whose members are all members of
8 A person made weak or disabled by illness or injury. (7)
14 The weak vowel sound in some syllables that is not emphasized (5)
15 A piece of thick absorbent cloth or paper used for drying oneself or wiping things dry. (5)
16 The former currency of France. (5)
17 A song or hymn of grief or lamentation. (5)
20 A material prepared in ancient Egypt from the pithy stem of a water plant, used in sheets throughout the ancient Mediterranean world for writing or painting on. (7)
21 A device for connecting pieces of equipment that cannot be connected directly. (7)
23 A number, especially one which forms part of official statistics. (6)
26 A person who uses or operates something. (4)
27 A woodwind instrument with a double-reed mouthpiece. (4)
28 A long, hard surface built for vehicles to travel along. (4)
Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate. Your ability to get the job done will result in added responsibility and possible promotion.
Don’t get into heated discussions. Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. Don’t count on others to cover up for your shortcomings. You may want to invest in something that will grow in value.
Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don’t trust. You can make some money if you get involved in a conservative financial prospect that is presented to you. You need some rest. You could make extra cash through creative hobbies.
Take that long overdue vacation if you can. Changes in your domestic scene are apparent. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. Make plans that will take you to exotic destinations.
Do not expect others to do your work. Compromise if you wish to have any fun at all. Loss is evident if you don’t consider all the angles. Opportunities to learn important information will surface through discussions with peers or seminars you attend.
Be prepared to lose friends or alienate loved ones due to your stubborn nature lately. Don’t rely on others to do your work. This is not the day to be extravagant. Expect your workload to be heavy.
Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in on your family dilemmas. Visit someone who hasn’t been feeling well lately. Uncertainties about your personal life are probable. Your uncanny insight will help you make the right choices.
Don’t let anyone take credit for a job you did. Talk to employers in order to promote your career objectives. Set your goals and stick to your guns. You should take good care of your health; get lots of rest.
Travel and communications will not run as smoothly as you had hoped. You’ll find travel or involvement in large groups gratifying. You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you.
Residential moves will be advantageous for all concerned. Concentrate on your job, you will benefit from the productivity. Past partners may come back into your life, just remember why they left.
Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. Be sure that you lay your cards on the table. Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. Try to include the one you love in your plans this week.
Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Your involvement in groups will
Presbyterians meet in Mareeba for Worship at the QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (Behind Meals on Wheels).
ALL WELCOME!
Christmas Season continues on Sunday 15th December, 2024: What Child is this? CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Wednesday 18th December, 7.00pm Outdoors at Mareeba QCWA Hall. All welcome.
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2 : 11)
Mareeba Anglican Church
Tuesday 17 December, 2024 @ 7.00pm Lessons and Carols. The Story of Christmas.
Wednesday 25 December, 2024 @ 8:30am Christmas Day Service. ALL WELCOME!
51 Constance Street, Mareeba
Elza Borzi and family of Mick Borzi AM OBE would like to express their deepest gratitude to Mareeba Ambulance staff and the doctors and nursing staff at the Mareeba Hospital who provided medical and compassionate care for Mick in his time of need. We extend that gratitude to medical practitioners who have provided health care to Mick through his life: Dr Grant Manypeney, Dr Timothy Carruthers, and Dr Edward Guirguis.
A warm thank you to Fr Saju Thekkanath Joseph, CFIC, and to Fr Robert Greenup O.S.A. for the service. We especially valued Fr Saju’s eloquent and heartfelt homily; it was truly befitting to Mick’s memory. Sincere thanks to Bernadette Blake, organist, the Catholic Church Choir, Miguel Samanes, Carmel Serravalle, and the Mareeba Police.
We gratefully acknowledge your part in celebrating Mick’s life.
We would also like to thank Guilfoyle Funerals Mareeba, O’Donnell printers in Mareeba, and Lui Garozzo and the volunteers at the Mareeba International Club for the professional services that they provided to our family. A special thanks to Tom Braes and the Mareeba Lions Club for the Guard of Honour and the Lions eulogy.
ZUGNO, Sergio
16 March, 1932 ~ 19 December, 2022
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure. Adrian, Alfina, Michael, Melissa, Katie, Nathan, Amanda and Keelan.
HIGGINSON, Owen Giles “Noddy”
Late of Innot Hot Springs. Passed away unexpectedly at home on the 18th of November, 2024. Aged 65 years. Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
In keeping with Noddy’s wishes, a private cremation will take place.
A warm appreciation to everyone who brought food and sent flowers and cards. We drew great comfort from your care and kindness. We also deeply appreciate the thoughts and support of extended family and friends, some of whom travelled long distances to join us, and to those who could not.
Please accept this as a personal thanks to you all.
THANK YOU TO CARINYA
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
PALMER, Margaret Jean “Marg”
Late of Atherton, formally Everton Park, Brisbane. Closed her eyes peacefully on the 2nd of December, 2024. Aged 92 years.
Devoted Wife of Keith (Dec.). Much loved Mum of Jan and Sue. Adored “Granny” of Maria, Lachie and Kiara. We will all miss you very, very much. Jan and Sue would like to thank the wonderful staff at Carinya for your compassion, love and kindness. You are exceptional and we will be forever thankful.
A private cremation will be held in keeping with Marg’s wishes.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Carinya Home for the Aged in Atherton for the care and attention given to Alma Favier
Until her passing on 23rd November, 2024. Alma was always thankful to the Management and all Staff for the wonderful care and attention that was extended to her over the years. Our heartfelt thanks to all. Sister Beverley, and Nephew Wayne Prescott.
THE FAMILY OF THE LATE
Emma Moretto
(Nee Rossignoli)
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
FAVIER, Alma Josephine
DOB 11.03.1933
Late of Carinya. Passed away peacefully on the 23rd of November, 2024 with sister, Beverley, by her side.
Alma will be dearly missed by all who knew her in Cairns and Atherton, especially Beverley and Wayne. A private cremation has taken place.
Joseph, Margaret, Valerie and families would like to thank everyone who offered their sympathy, support and presence during this difficult time, whether through attending the funeral, your gestures of sympathy and prayers, and all involved in providing services for Emma’s funeral, all has been greatly appreciated. Thanks to Mareeba Garden Settlement staff, all the doctors, specialists and carers for their professionalism and care provided to Emma.
Special thanks to all family and friends that have been part of Emma’s life. We will always remember Emma’s smile and kind nature.
Please accept this as our thanks.
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER WAGON
2001 100 Series, factory turbo, snorkel, roof rack, bull bar, awning, roadworthy certificate, view at Julatten.
$28,000 • Phone: 0409 429 845
JACK RUSSELL X TERRIERS
All males, 10 weeks old.
$280 Phone: 0455 108 953
BIN:0271002
•
•
•
development and implementation of quality and service improvement activities that enhance the delivery of pharmacy services within the local service area.
• Provide clinical education pertaining to routine tasks for interns, students and less experienced staff with the support of senior clinical staff.
Enquiries: Rudi De Faveri 07 4092 9321
Application
Home Assist secure is a not-for-profit organisation which provides subsidised maintenance services for holders of a pension concession card.
Applications are invited for this casual position of 10 hours per week (over 2 days). The position falls within the Social & Community Services Employees Award at Level 3 ($50.06 per hour) (dependent on experience and qualifications).
Initially the fixed term will end on 30 June 2028 (subject to a probation period) in line with our funding agreement, which is renewed ever 5 years.
Ideally, applicants will have relevant experience in administration, record keeping, and reception. Be highly computer literate and be able to learn the policies, guidelines, and procedures of ATHAS.
Previous MYOB experience is desired and the ability to learn how to use the organisations HASLINK database is essential.
A job description and selection criteria may be obtained by calling our office on 4091 4512. Applications close on the 23rd of December, 2024.
Mareeba Recycling is looking for a SENIOR LEADER
To assist with day to day functions of our busy recycling facility. Team environment, high paced work and a safety first attitude. Send your applications to: manager@cairnsrecycling.com.au
Briody Plumbing is a locally owned company, operating in Cairns and surrounding areas. We currently have a permanent, full time opportunity for a Qualified Plumber with experience in either of the following areas; Domestic, Commercial and Civil Plumbing. Qualifi cations & Experience:
• Valid QLD Plumbing License (QBCC)
• Current QLD driver’s license
• Construction White Card
• Must have own basic tools Great company benefi ts.
If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your resume to: admin@briodyplumbing.com.au
Applications are invited from residents of the Mareeba Shire for the Bob Fabris Educational Bursaries to be made by the Robert Fabris Charitable Trust.
Applicants must be completing an approved course of study at post-secondary school, TAFE, business or university graduate level.
Enquiries and Application Forms may be obtained from Apels Solicitors & Notary, Mareeba 4092 2522. The Trustees will not enter into correspondence regarding Applications, the Trustees’ decision being final.
All Applications will become the property of the Trustees. Applications should be lodged before 4pm on 17th January, 2025. Solicitors for the Trustees: Daniela Parlapiano Apels Solicitors & Notary 138 Byrnes Street, MAREEBA, QLD. 4880 C &
For the upcoming harvest. Please call 07 4093 2750 for more detail and interview times.
7 December
MAREEBA muay thai fighters will head to Cairns this Saturday to compete in a FNQ Fight competition hosted by Nukzu Muay Thai in Cannon St.
Mareeba’s Spirit Muay Thai organiser and gym co-owner Rosario Signorino said two of their local boys, Bryan Wyborn and Dima Kravchenko, 13, have been training hard for the men’s 95kg heavyweight and the 53kg lightweight fights, respectively.
The matches start at 3pm, with a weigh-in at 10am.
“We have a group going down - about 12 of us - to support them, plus family members, I expect,” Ros said. “It’s going to be a great crowd.”
BUILDING a solid base is the key strategy the new Mareeba Bulls coach, Victor Madrid, will bring to the team in the coming season.
Hanging up his boots, and taking on the 2025 Mens QPL Coach position, announced by the Mareeba United Football Club last week, he joked that as far as he knew, he was the only one who had “left the team” for the 2025 season and had a plan for the players.
“I’d like to instill some good, core, quality soccer to the guys,” he said.
“We have the Q Cup in late January, that doesn’t concern me too much, and the big goals are premierships and grand finals, but in order for that to happen we need to tick little goals
“I’d like some more structure... I’m not too concerned with the trophies this year. I’d rather build a nice solid base with the guys and let that build over the year.
“My focus will be on fostering a positive, hardworking culture, where we can grow as a team and strive for success both on and off the field.”
Victor, considered a born and bred Bulls junior, has played and captained the Bulls to premier-
ships and Crad Evans wins, plus led the Bulls in the QLD State League.
Would his appointment attract new players?
“I haven’t thought about it to be honest,” he said. “I mean it would be nice if someone reached out and said, ‘hey I hear you’re coach I’d like to come and play for you’, that would be fantastic, but in saying that, I think we’ve got a great team as it is.
“We’ve got the players to do it, I think it’s just more the mentality on the soccer side of things.”
Victor said it was an honour and a privilege to lead the group at a club with such a proud history, and he was excited about the first week of training before Christmas.
In a second “news flash”on the club’s Facebook page last week, it was announced that coach Christian Mukadi was returning for the 2025 season as head coach for the QPL Women’s and 23s teams.
“Christian’s passion and drive to grow the women’s game is second to none and the club is excited to welcome him back for this second term,” the post said.
AGED from 65 to 85, a team of eight women from the Tablelands Country Rowing Club made the long trek to Melbourne recently to compete in the Head of the Yarra Rowing Classic in Melbourne.
Held annually since 1957, the race is a gruelling 8km time trial for eight-oared rowing boats over a winding course from the CBD to Hawthorn. This year it attracted some 2,200 rowers from Australia and New Zealand, competing in over 260 crews.
As well as the women’s eight, four Tablelands men teamed up with four Townsville rowers to compete in the 70-74 age division.
Conditions were demanding with a northerly wind and temperatures climbing upwards of 36 degrees at times, so officials suspended racing in the afternoon.
“Our team went off early at about 8am and so we got there before the real heat,” Kath Robinson said last week.
At 85, she and Renate Wendel, 84, are “definitely the oldest in the group”.
IT was an exciting weekend for local cricket, with Atherton losing by four runs in nail-biting fashion and Mareeba getting a win against a team they lost to the previous week.
Atherton narrowly missed out on a win in their match on the weekend that saw a century, a hat-trick and the First-Grade debut of an Atheron cricket veteran’s son.
For Mareeba, it was a successful run-chase that garnered them victory over the Rovers in a game that also saw a young Bandit make his First-Grade debut.
Atheron vs Cyclones
Kicking things off at 8am Saturday morning was Atherton and the Cyclones at Cazalys Stadium in a game that, due to rain, was reduced from 40 overs to 34.
This match was in every way exciting, as victory could have fallen either way in the final overs.
It was also a proud moment for Atherton cricket veteran Greg Misener, and for the Atherton side, as Tyler Misener made his First-Grade debut.
Winning the toss, the Cyclones elected to bat and it was young Tyler Misener on debut who took the first wicket, getting cyclones Pavneet Singh out after just 14 runs.
Out to bat next was the intimidating Papua New Guinea international Hiri Hiri who got off to a good start.
A good effort from Jasran Kalkat, who scored 43 runs in partnership with Hiri, helped boost the Cyclone’s score.
After a tremendous effort with the bat Hiri got out for 101 off 82 balls after being bowled
by Atherton captain Tom Boorman and caught by young Misener, with his stint featuring 10 boundaries and three sixes.
Following the dismissal of Hiri at 4/173 in the final over of the first innings, Boorman produced a spectacular performance of bowling that is seldom seen, a hat-trick.
In three balls, Boorman bowled out Hiri Hiri, Amritpal Singh Bains and Nicholas Rayner consecutively.
Boorman finished his bowling 4-33 from seven overs and the Cyclones finished their innings 6/173, giving Atherton a difficult score to chase down.
Atherton came out to bat and it was even efforts across the board, until Boorman and Chris Adams produced a great boost, scoring 40 and 33 runs respectively.
With only a few overs to go, Atherton were 8/167 following the dismissal of Lachlan Hollitt on 13 runs.
The very next ball saw Cameron Davis leave the pitch with 23 runs, after being bowled out by Hiri.
It all came down to the last over with Atherton needing seven runs to win the game.
But with two balls to go and only two runs acquired, Hiri took another wicket to secure the first win of the season for his team.
Hiri finished his bowling 4-18 from 4.4 overs and Atherton finished all out for 169 over 33.4 overs, falling short of a win by just five runs. Mareeba vs Rovers
The Mareeba Bandits went up against the Rovers in Saturday’s midday heat at Borzi Park, Mareeba.
The two teams faced off just a week prior in a reduced overs game and saw the Rovers come away with a win.
This week, the Bandits introduced the young Kye Harris to their First-Grade side, who was presented with his club cap by captain Brendan Falvo prior to the match.
Mareeba elected to bowl first and proved to be in good form as they kept six of their rival batsmen to below 10 runs, with the highest scores being 30 and 22.
Mareeba’s Brendan Payne showed his talents with ball in hand, being 4-12 off seven overs.
Other notable bowlers from the home side were vice-captain Ben Jones and Angus Campman, who both finished 2-12 off four overs.
However, captain Brendan Falvo once again showed how reliable his hands can be, taking four catches as wicketkeeper.
The Rovers finished all out for 100 runs after 35 overs.
Mareeba came out to bat with their eyes on the 100-run chase and it was fairly even stints of batting that edged them closer to a win, with most batsman scoring around 15 runs each.
Mareeba’s highest scorer was Brendan Payne with 21 runs, and it was only until the final few overs that Mareeba caught the Rovers.
Sitting at an even score on 100 runs, it was a final boundary from Angus Campman to secure Mareeba’s win as they finished 8/104 after 33 overs.
This Saturday, Atherton will take on Norths at 12.30pm at Loder Park, Atherton while Mareeba will have a bye.
The women had some great support, with Townsville Rowing Club towing an eight down for them to use (the women usually train in fours), and they enlisted Jo Cripps to be their Cox.
“It’s not a medal race, it’s a time trial,” Renate said. “It’s very skillful for the coxis, they have to be absolute masters.”
It turned out that Jo was just that, winning the best cox for the shortest race across the whole event.
“We needed a cox who knew the Yarra so we paid for her to come down,” Kath said. “She used to be a vet in Mareeba and had spent a few years with the club. She now lives in Mackay.”
Jo finished the race with the Tablelands women, then filled in for a Cairns crew in a later race, where she navigated them over just 7.96km to complete the nominal 8km course.
“It was a big deal for FNQ, hey,” Renate said. “And I’m so proud of our rowers, because we have these amazing strong women up here.”
The two have been rowing since they were 70 and show no signs of slowing down.
“We were pleased we got there,” Kath said. “It was quite hot rowing, but not as hot as the later races.”
Read more about these two remarkable women in our two-part series – There’s something in the water, Part 1: From East Berlin to ‘where the kangaroos are’ on Page 9.
THE Mareeba Golf Club will be hosting their Tradie Golf Day 2024 Finals this Friday and will have $1,500 worth of prizes on offer, as well as an after-round barbecue and presentation followed by live entertainment.
Tradie Golf Day is held on the last Friday of every month, except for December due to holidays, and is a great way for people to socialise and enjoy the sport.
“I introduced it so we could all have a break once a month, knock off early on a Friday, come out here and play some golf, have a few drinks, a few burgers, do some raffles and just chill out – it’s great for mental health,” vice-president Michael France said.
“It’s also great for the club, because after playing for a while people end up taking a liking to the game and join the club.
“Not only that, it’s also good for local businesses to come out here and promote their business,” he said.
The 2024 Finals event will include the standard Tradie Golf Day as well as a Tradie Golf Finals match featuring a playoff between eight teams who were the winners of the previous Tradie Golf Days from April-November.
“It’s going to be a great afternoon, weather permitting, and all are welcome,” Michael said.
“People think you need to be a club member to play Tradie Day, but you don’t have to be, it’s a social event open for anyone who wants to play.
“It’s good for social players who want to experience a golf competition, or even if people just want to come to the clubhouse and watch, we welcome that greatly,” he said.
Sponsored by Cairns Hardware, there will be $1,500 worth of prizes on offer including $500 worth of vouchers, with a $100 voucher for the winning team, and a great deal of merchandise including 100 shirts, 100 hats and 100 coolers.
“These prizes are extremely generous for a lit-
tle 9-hole comp, it’s just incredible,” Michael said.
“The club is very grateful for all the sponsors who support this event, most of them are local businesses.”
Following the matches, there will be an awards presentation and a barbecue held at the clubhouse, with live entertainment from Crackin’ Jack Joe.
The winners of the Final match will be added to the 2024 Tradie Golf Day trophy.
The event is a 9-hole, 2-ball ambrose competition with nominations closing tomorrow, 12 December at 3pm.
Players are asked to arrive by 2.30pm to register, for a 3.30pm shotgun start.
The Tradies Golf will be played on the front nine and the Finals match will be played on the back nine.
“This year we’ve been averaging 50-odd players every month and we’re expecting about 90 players for the final event,” Michael said.
3.2
2017
3.2
