The Express Newspaper 15 January 2025 by Carlo Portella

Distillery vies for

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.

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).

orous judging process, which evaluates spirits based on taste, balance, ﬁnish, and value.

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.

“Being recognised on this level by the IWSC is incredibly rewarding for our team.

New-look skate park a hit with kids

“We strive to craft rums that reflect the unique terroir of Far North Queensland, and this nomination reaffirms that our efforts are resonating on the world stage.”

THE highly anticipated reopening of the Kuranda Skate Park has been welcomed by the community, with the facility being well used over the Christmas/New Year break.

local area and greater region.

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.

The new park re-opened on 7 December with a free BBQ, local skaters and BMX riders, and a live DJ.

locally and internationally for their distinct ﬂavours and exceptional quality”.

The new park features 340 square metres of concrete laid around the existing skate bowl, two new shelters with seating, a water bubbler, a grinding bar for skaters, a rock retaining wall, new turf, 50 bollards around the park, and a new mural.

“I would like to thank Mareeba Shire Council for their assistance, TRACQS supervisors Jason Ball and Adric Rusch, as well as the TRACQS Community Assistance Workers, who were upskilled in concreting, painting, welding, machinery operation, landscaping, and general construction.”

“This nomination cements FNQ Rum’s position as a leading force in the global rum industry and is a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and innovation,” Mark said.

“We use sugar cane nectar to produce a more rich and sweet ﬂavour and then we age the spirit in ex-Australian red wine barrels, so it combines these nice ﬂavours well,” Mark said.

“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.”

“The Kuranda Skate Park has been a fantastic project, and we are very excited to open the facility to Kuranda and the surrounding communities,” TRACQS community activity manager

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

Cairns-based graffiti artist Jak Lilley (Paradox Creative) was excited to take a unique approach to the artwork to complement the structural design of the facility while representing the areas and communities featured in the space: Kuranda, Koah, Mantaka, Kowrowa, and Mona Mona.

The Mt Uncle Distillery has also recently started distribution in the UK, adding to their many successes.

“The Barron River serves as a key feature and functional design element, connecting and accentuating parts of the piece. Abstracted graphic representations of the Wet Tropics bioregion vegetation maps and textures sourced from local eucalypt species serve as a background feature for the works and a directional element throughout the space and the park’s structure,” Jak explained.

Another element of interest in the artwork are the constellations, which can be viewed at night directly above the park.

All graphic elements featured in the artwork were chosen to represent the iconic natural diversity found within the

This IWSC recognition follows

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.

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.

The typographic style chosen for each area title draws influence from 1980s skateboarding logos and aims to create a sense of pride for the communities represented.

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

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.

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

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

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

“The State Government has failed to manage the crocodile crisis for over a decade, and now it’s completely out of control,” he said.

“Ask anyone who regularly ﬁshes or uses our waterways - they’ll tell you the crocodile population has exploded. “This is a Northern Queensland issue, and it should be managed locally, not from over 1,800 km away in an ivory tower.”

Mt Uncle Distillery Owner and Head Distiller Mark Watkins with FNQ Rum’s awardwinning Iridium X rum.

Lance Starr said.

Mayor Angela Toppin with Lance Starr of TRACQS (left), and artist Jak Lilley from Paradox Creative at the skate park opening.

Local children were keen to put the new Kuranda skate park to the test.

New local laws in force

By ROBYN HOLMES

MAREEBA Shire residents will not have to get a permit from council to hold a celebratory event in a local park for less than 50 people after the new proposed local law was dropped following public feedback.

The council endorsed amendments to its local laws at its last meeting of 2024, also dropping another proposal which would have forced all dogs and cats to be desexed, except for those used as breeding animals or working dogs.

The council was met with a surge of inquiries about changes to its local laws after it released the amendments for comment in October. Most of the angst was expressed on social media, prompting the council to extend its public consultation period by two weeks to ensure all those who wished to have a say would be granted that opportunity.

During the consultation period between 18 October and 4 December, council received 105 formal responses and four petitions.

But while some members of the community were upset by the proposed changes, at its last meeting of the year, chief executive officer Peter Franks went through each change, explaining that many of the amendments were simply to provide more clarity and give definitions to existing laws.

“One of the changes is so a council officer, as an authorised person, has the ability to instruct people to leave a council-owned piece of land or road reserve,” he said.

“The officer could tell them how long they had to leave it for and would actually make it an offence if they failed to heed that instruction.

“An example of this would be if someone sets up a caravan and decides

To help with the housing crisis, people can live in a caravan in someone else’s property for six months and may be able to extend that for another six months. But no rent can be paid.

they want to live at Rifle Creek at Mt Molloy, which is a short-term camping ground where people can stay for 24 hours. Under the existing conditions, we didn’t have any provision to move them on, and what they do is pack up, move down the road and come back the next day.

“This gives council the provision to tell them they can’t camp here and they’re not allowed back for 30 days or 60 days etc, and if they fail to adhere to that, it is a penalty.”

Mr Franks said that in this case, council could issue a fine of five penalty points, with each penalty point worth $161 – an amount which is set by the State Government.

Another key change was the ability of someone to apply for a caravan to be set up in their backyard for up to six months – something was proposed in response to the current housing crisis.

Under the current law, people could only stay for 2-4 weeks in a caravan whilst a permanent residence was being built on a property.

The new law enables people to apply to live in a caravan at someone’s property for up to six months and allows for an extension of another six months, with a number of conditions applied to the application including that no rent can be paid to the property owner.

Another change to the local laws was to give clearer details about what would be required to bury someone on a private property, and the conditions under which remains could be removed.

“We don’t get these very often, but this (the amendments) defines what the conditions are and who has to do it,” Mr Franks explained.

“The second one is about an

internment on a private property –in this case, we say that the person would have had to be there (have a connection with a property) for 30 years and there’s a whole range of conditions applied to it. It’s a traumatic time for people and you don’t want to have get into debates and (this change) also makes it clearer for funeral directors.”

Other changes give the council the right to ask property owners to remove graffiti, something it couldn’t do under the existing local law.

“We would only do this is if it was a major issue – most property owners actually go in willingly and get rid of it,” Mr Franks said.

There is also a change as to where barbed wire and electric fences are allowed. The existing laws did not allow for a barbed or electric fence in the shire and given the rural nature of the area, this was changed to allow such fences except where they adjoin a public park or reserve or within an urban area.

Council also now has the ability to act when people start fires that cause smoke which irritates other people.

“This is to deal with people who intentionally go out and annoy their next door neighbours and unfortunately, we need this,” Mr Franks said.

Changes to animal management laws include allowing two dogs on properties under 450 sq m, and setting minimum standards for the keeping of all animals which allows officers to deal with situations where people are doing the wrong thing and would only be a “complaints driven” action by council.

Council unanimously endorsed the local laws amendments which can be viewed on the council’s website.

Stolen snakes returned to wild

EIGHT snakes that were allegedly taken unlawfully from their habitat have been released back into the wild in Far North Queensland following a tip-off, a vehicle intercept, and a seizure.

On 31 December, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received information about snakes being taken from the Lockhart River area on Cape York Peninsula.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers along with the Queensland Police Service conducted a vehicle intercept in the Coen area.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed six green tree pythons and two brown tree snakes, which were seized by rangers.

On 2 January, after the snakes had been assessed as being in good health, QPWS rangers and Kuuku Ya’u Rangers released the snakes back to the wild in the Lockhart River area.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Compliance Manager Mike Devery said green tree pythons were a spectacular ‘near threatened’ protected species that only occur in limited parts of Cape York.

“The removal of one near-threatened species from the wild can have significant and detrimental impacts on local populations,” he said.

“Due to the striking colours of juvenile and adult green tree pythons, they are targeted by wildlife smugglers as part of the unlawful trade of wildlife.

“Sadly, most green tree pythons that are removed from the wild will die during the smuggling process or once placed in captivity.

“This is why we have zero tolerance for the removal of any native animal from the wild, and we will take strong action against anyone found in possession of native animals without a permit.

“Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, capturing native animals from the wild without a relevant permit is prohibited.

“Significant penalties apply for unlawfully taking a snake from the wild. If the taking is from a National Park, the maximum penalty is $483,900 or two-years imprisonment.”

Anyone with information about the illegal trade of native plants or animals should call 1300 130 372, and all reports are investigated.

The new laws allow for two dogs to be on a property smaller than 450sqm.

Plan to guide TRC for next five years

A NEW corporate plan for the next five years has been adopted by Tablelands Regional Council.

The council adopted its Corporate Plan 2025-30 at the last meeting of 2024.

In presenting the plan for adoption, Mayor Rod Marti explained how the document would provide direction for the development of strategies and plans, and would influence the development of the 2025-26 Budget and Operational Plan.

“This Corporate Plan sets the strategic direction for the organisation for the next five years as we deliver critical infrastructure and services to meet the community’s needs.

“The plan links the Tablelands 2030+ Community Plan’s priorities with this council’s commitment to deliver and facilitate outcomes.

“We will routinely report on progress towards achieving our vision through Operational Plans, Quarterly Reports, Annual Reports and Financial Reports, and will regularly communicate and engage with stakeholders and community.

“We value and respect all customer interactions and commit to being responsive and proactive in all dealings. Our dedicated staff take pride in activities and achievements that support our customers and add value to our community and its fabric.

“I commit to working with the chief executive officer to provide the teamwork, leadership and support to my fellow councillors and the broader organisation to ensure our community receives the best services and support that we can realistically provide,” Mayor Marti added.

Students compete at robotics championships

A TEAM of bright, young minds from Malanda State School has put Far North Queensland on the map after competing at the prestigious National VEX Robotics Championships in Sydney recently.

The Year 5 team, led by their dedicated STEM teacher Greg Lanyon, included Anjali, Braxton, Isaac, and Ava, who all worked tirelessly last year to qualify through the regional competition in Cairns.

Their journey to Sydney was a testament to their grit, teamwork, and determination as they faced off against the nation’s best young innovators.

Competing with their custom-built robot designed to shoot balls through goals to rack up points, the Malanda team proudly finished 23rd from a field of 54 of the best robotic schools from across Australia.

“These students exemplify the resilience and ingenuity of our region. They’ve not only represented Malanda but all of Far North Queensland on a national stage,” Mr Lanyon said.

“The future of innovation looks bright with students like Anjali, Braxton, Isaac, and Ava leading the way. Their journey inspires the entire community, proving that with dedication and support, young people from rural areas can achieve extraordinary things,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Ava said “the ability to discuss tactics with other teams, work together to achieve a goal, and have fun in the face

of pressure were the best lessons we learned.”

The competition was more than just remotecontrolled robot games, it also included an intense autonomous coding challenge, where students programmed their robots to complete tasks without any hands-on guidance.

Such challenges help students build critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

Malanda State School has been a leader in fostering these talents, investing significantly in their STEM program and laying the groundwork for their upcoming STEM Academy.

These initiatives are designed to equip students with the skills they need to innovate and thrive in the future.

While the competition was the highlight of the trip, the students also had the opportunity to explore Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and Circular Quay.

“This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of the Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund, Malanda State School and the Malanda State School P&C,” Mr Lanyon said.

“Their contributions relieved financial pressure on families and allowed these students to experience something truly life changing.”

Malanda State School students Anjali (left), Ava, Isaac and Braxton recently competed at the National VEX Robotics Championships.

Warning over deadly soil disease spike

A SPIKE in cases of a dangerous disease picked up from the soil has prompted a warning by health authorities.

There have been eight cases of melioidosis notified in the Cairns and hinterland region within the past week.

Melioidosis is a serious disease found in ground water and soil. It causes death in up to 50% of untreated cases and up to 20% of treated cases.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqueline Murdoch said heavy rainfall brought the melioidosis bacteria burkholderia pseudomallei into surface water and soil.

Dr Murdoch said disease could occur when skin abrasions or wounds came into contact with wet soil or water, or by breathing in dust or droplets, especially during storms or spray from high pressure hoses.

“Melioidosis adversely affects people with additional health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, and those who are immunocompromised such as people receiving cancer treatment or have chronic conditions.” she said.

“Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing - the effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment.

“Sometimes the disease presents as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various part of the body.

“If anyone has noticed non-healing

wounds or persistent fevers over several weeks, then they should be seen by their GP and checked for this infection, as it can require prolonged antibiotic treatment.”

Dr Murdoch said there was no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, therefore it was vital that people –particularly those with underlying medical conditions – took proper precautions.

“This includes avoiding contact with soil or muddy water, particularly after heavy rains,” she said.

“Wear protective footwear –not open footwear such as thongs and sandals - when outdoors, especially in muddy conditions.

“Consider wearing a mask when using a high-pressure hose around soil or spraying high-pressure bore water.

“Make sure you wear gloves while working in the garden or on farms and covering abrasions and sores with waterproof dressings.

“After any exposure to soil or muddy water, you should wash yourself thoroughly, preferably in a shower.

“People with diabetes should maintain optimal foot care, with help from a podiatrist if necessary.

“And people with risk factors, such as diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems, people who have heavy alcohol consumption, and people on medication that lowers their immune system including cancer treatments should stay indoors during storms when there is heavy wind and rain.”

Tablelands first baby for 2025

THE Tablelands first baby of the year was brought into the world in an unexpected fashion for parents Alan and Vicky Louw, after she was delivered in the back of an ambulance on the side of the road.

Maddie Maria was born while on route to the Atherton Hospital at 2.15pm on 1 January weighing 3230 grams, four days before her due date.

She was delivered near the intersection of Tumoulin Road and Kennedy Highway and the Louw’s now refer to that corner as “Maddie’s Bend” rather than Tumoulin turn-off.

“It just happened so quickly, my husband went to take the kids to his mum, and then the contractions just started getting closer together, so my midwife recommended calling the ambulance and not to leave,” Vicky said.

“It wasn’t a worry being in the ambulance because the paramedics were brilliant and were calming and confident with what they were doing. They all did an incredible job and we are so grateful to them,” she said.

Maddie is a little sister for Lachlan, Amelia and Noah.

Leptospirosis a danger for dogs, says vet

VETERINARIANS are urging dog owners to take proactive steps to protect their pets from leptospirosis, a dangerous and often deadly disease that becomes more prevalent during heavy rains.

Leptospirosis is spread through water contaminated by the urine of infected wildlife or rodents, referred to as reservoir hosts.

For dogs, a simple walk through a puddle or drinking from a creek can lead to exposure. The disease is particularly serious, with high fatality rates even with treatment.

As cases are expected to rise during the rainy season, veterinarians are emphasising the need for preventative actions such as vaccination to keep pets safe.

Tropical Vet Services director Dr Graham Lauridsen explained the local impact.

“Leptospirosis serovar Australis is considered by Tropical Vet Services to

be the most common and most lethal infectious disease we deal with,” he said.

“Clinically sick unvaccinated dogs have a 75% chance of death, even with intensive treatment.

“With the wet season here, now is the time to speak with your vet about preventive options to protect your dog.”

Global veterinary guidelines now classify protection against leptospirosis as essential in areas like Far North Queensland, where the disease is widespread. Local veterinarians recommend pet owners take time to discuss leptospirosis prevention with their vets, particularly if their dogs are active outdoors or have access to water sources where wildlife and rodents may roam.

Range road closures

NIGHT closures are back for the Kuranda Range Road as the Department of Transport and Main Roads continues with repairing the critical route to the coast.

The road currently has two single lane sections under traffic control and is closed every night from 9pm to 4am, except for 26-27 January.

Let through times for traffic are available at midnight for both the top and bottom of the range.

Road users must be in the queue by midnight as traffic will only be let through once in each direction for as long as it takes to clear the queued vehicles, then the road will close again until 4am.

New street sweeper

A NEW street sweeper for Mareeba will be purchased that will cost nearly half a million dollars.

At its last meeting of the year, Mareeba Shire councillors approved the purchase of a dual control, dual engine road sweeper for $452,219. The current street sweeper, which was purchased in 2016, will be sold at auction.

Atherton veterinarian Dr Graham Lauridsen is warning dog owners to protect their animals from leptospirosis.

Free flu jab available in 2025

QUEENSLANDERS can have a free flu vaccination from 1 March until 1 September, with the Crisafulli Government allocating $25 million towards the program in 2025 after the former Labor Government failed to fund the program in this year’s budget.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the government was focused on reducing pressures on Queensland hospital emergency departments and the broader healthcare system, and one way to do this was to provide the free flu vaccination program.

“The highest influenza-related hospitalisation rates occur in older Queenslanders over 65 and young children under five,” Minister Nicholls said.

“While Queenslanders in these age groups are already eligible for flu vaccination under the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), extending free flu vaccination for all Queenslanders should improve uptake and support the broader health system through avoidable hospitalisations.

“In 2022, when free flu jabs were first introduced, this was the case – the uptake was 36% of total population (2,118,481 doses administered).

“However, the subsequent declines in uptake in 2023 (1,837,384 doses administered) and 2024 (1,752,512 doses administered) of free flu vaccinations is a concern.

“To provide context, Queenslanders uptake of flu vaccination in 2024, at 29% of total population, was similar to the uptake in New South Wales (28.8%) where free flu vaccinations for all were not provided in 2024.

“The decline in the numbers of Queenslanders getting the flu jab in 2023 and 2024 indicates vaccine fatigue and hesitancy may be impacting decisions more so than the cost.”

Local business gives back to the community

A DAY’s proceeds and three big boxes worth of goods were donated from a local chiropractic business to Mareeba Community Centre leading up to Christmas.

Care Chiropractic Queensland’s Dr Matt Jacob said he was proud to see the amount of support from his clients, with “well over 100 people” contributing to the donations.

In addition to a whole day’s proceeds donated from the business, clients also opted to give sums of money and goods, totalling three big boxes that included food (non-perishables), living and health essentials, and kid’s toys.

First mango entries are in

THE Express’ annual Kensington Pride mango competition is in full swing, with five entries already lodged in the contest. Topping the leaderboard at the moment is Sienna and Liam Avolio with their beautiful 1.514kg mango brought into the office on Friday.

The Avolio entry is followed by Mackenzie O’Shea with a 1.445kg specimen, followed by Preston O’Shea with a 1.26kg mango, Shane Dyer (1.210kg) and Sienna Colls and Nonno Alvise Brazzale with their 1.16kg mango.

There’s still plenty of time to enter your mango, with the competition closing on Friday 31 January.

First place will be rewarded with $500, second place $300, and third place $200, courtesy of Lindsay Rural Transport.

All entrants must provide a photo of the mango on a set of electronic scales.

To enter, present your mango and photo to The Express office on 186 Byrnes Street before 31 January.

See advertisement on Page 23.

MCC community support worker Sandy Chapman (left) received three big boxes worth of goods and a monetary donation from Care Chiropractic Queensland’s Dr Matt Jacob (right).

Mackenzie O’Shea with her 1.445kg mango.

Liam and Sienna Avolio with their 1.514kg specimen.

New CEO set to bring fresh approach to TRC

A NEW chief executive officer will be sitting in the top chair for Tablelands Regional Council from next month.

The appointment of Dr Nikola Stepanov as TRC’s new boss comes after former CEO Gary Rinehart left the position suddenly in October, with no explanation provided to the community as to what the circumstances were around his departure.

Describing Dr Stepanov as a “highly regarded local government executive”, Mayor Rod Marti believes the arrival of the new CEO is an important moment for the Tablelands Region.

“Dr Nikola Stepanov’s incisive knowledge of Queensland local government and governance, outstanding leadership, connectivity in business and industry, and membership on health and university boards will lift the level of work and advocacy of TRC,” he said.

“We look forward to her commencement in February and to the enormous value she will bring to our organisation and community.

“A former North Queensland local, Dr Stepanov is a trusted and highly regarded local government executive, lawyer, mediator and values-led leader with unique and extensive knowledge of the Queensland local government sector.

“She brings more than 25 years’ of executive experience to the role and is accredited or registered in several professions including as a solicitor, governance professional and mediator.

“As the immediate past Queensland Integrity Commissioner, Dr Stepanov is well known for providing invaluable support and assistance to councils and councillors during the reformation process following the Crime and Corruption Commission’s investigations into the local government sector.”

Dr Stepanov is currently the general manager of Planning and Development at Toowoomba Regional Council.

“In her current role, she is credited by government, industry, business and community with reforming processes to be more effective and efficient, delivering value by providing certainty for investment and development, and encouraging good development in the community’s interests,” Mayor Marti said.

“With a strong and ethical people-focus, Dr Stepanov has a passion for bringing about meaningful and sustainable change, and has expertise in transforming workplace cultures to create happy and high-performing teams that deliver exceptional services to customers and the community.

“For demonstrated leadership, Dr Stepanov is ranked in

the top 10% of local government executives against nationwide benchmarks and has top decile rankings in important indicators including valuing employees, staff engagement and staff retention.

“This has positioned her as a leader who can create and sustain workplaces of choice.”

According to Mayor Marti, Dr Stepanov has longestablished ties with the community including as an Adjunct Professor with James Cook University and her past work with community legal services providers and other groups.

“We look forward to welcoming Dr Stepanov into the region, and the stability and strength her appointment will bring to the council and community,” he added.

Capital works on track

CAPITAL works across Mareeba Shire are on track, according to a report at the last meeting of the year.

Progress is well underway to seal two sections of Ootann Road after the council received funding from the Australian Government from the Investment Road and Rail Program to undertake widening and sealing works.

During the latter part of year, the two unsealed sections had earthworks to subgrade level, drainage structures and rock protection completed. The crew will return to the site after the 2024-25 wet season.

Works are also continuing for the retaining wall at the Kuranda Heights Cemetery to protect the exposed rock face at the site during wet weather events.

The Kuranda Heights Cemetery became available for internments from August 2024 and Stage 1 of the project will have capacity for the next 10 years.

In Mareeba, the Byrnes Street median upgrades are progressing well, with the goal to enhance visibility for road users and create safer working conditions for council’s parks and gardens crews.

The concrete kerbs have been installed and planted on the eastern side of Byrnes Street between Railway Avenue and Granite Creek, the corner of Railway Avenue and Rotary Park, and near the BP Station.

The project is fully funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Works are also now complete to replace the 190m road base near the Salihe Avenue intersection at James Street in Mareeba to improve the quality of the road.

Another highlight in the capital works update for November was the replacement of the water mains in Keeble and Adams Streets in Mareeba.

Help create new mural

LOCALS can help to create Mareeba Shire’s latest mural at the Geraghty Park Hall in Julatten this Saturday.

Local artist Lavinia Letheby (Art by Lavinia) from North Queensland will be bringing her creative touch to the hall with an artwork featuring the stunning birds of the Julatten area, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and the double-eyed fig parrot.

“We are very excited that Lavinia will be creating a beautiful space in Julatten, after delivering the stunning Chillagoe Town Hall and Mutchilba Community Hall murals in recent years,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.

The Julatten mural will grace the front of the library and the breezeway between the craft room and library, and Lavinia will carefully restore an existing mural that features local journalist Peter Justice, painted in 1999 by Diana Abiad.

Locals can join in from 8am to 12 noon this Saturday and help paint the mural by numbers.

Public artworks for Kuranda and Irvinebank are scheduled for later this year.

The Public Mural Action Plan is aimed at boosting the Shire towns’ visual appeal, reducing graffiti, and promoting cultural tourism.

Dr Nikola Stepanov has been appointed the new chief executive officer at TRC and will start work in Febriuary.

NEWS YEAR IN REVIEW 2024

2024 was a year of change, with Local Government and State elections held that saw a new Member for Cook elected. It was also a year of recovery for the region which was reeling from the effects of Cyclone Jasper and extreme rainfall events that caused extensive damage to vital transport routes.

that would come back into the public arena later in the year, Tablelands Regional Council refused to support a heritage listing application for the former CSIRO arboretum at Atherton.

The property had been privately purchased and concerns were rife that the trees planted at the site over many decades were at risk.

Mareeba and Cr Dave Bilney for TRC. News emerged that TRC would have to pay for students from Mt Garnet to access swimming lessons in Atherton after the town’s pool remained closed, with no hope in sight of it reopening in the immediate future. Later in the year, council decided to remove the structure. Ray Road residents pleaded with Mareeba Shire to do something about extensive flooding during storms, with the council releasing a drainage study for the area later in the year.

During the month, Sunwater held an online water auction, putting $36 million of permanent water up for grabs – something that had not happened since the 1990s.

JANUARY

The start of the year very much focussed on the region recovering from extreme rainfall and the after effects of Cyclone Jasper, with major transport routes like the Palmerston Highway and Kuranda Range Road suffering extensive damage and property owners reeling and desperately trying to pick up the pieces of their lives.

With a State election looming in October and the local government election campaign for the March poll underway, The Express embarked on a major community survey on 24 January to allow locals to express their views about a number of issues such as roads, health and cost of living, and to find out what was most important to them. Australia Day was celebrated throughout the region, with Natasha Srhoj named Mareeba’s Citizen of the Year, and Mt Garnet postie Bob Walker named the Tablelands top citizen. Australia Day honours went to former Eacham Mayor Ray Byrnes, Yungaburra’s John Compton and Darren Cleland from Biboohra.

FEBRUARY

The housing crisis was a focus for Mareeba Shire Council, releasing a Housing Action Plan to try to find ways to alleviate the shortage. Due to the extreme wet weather, sink holes opened in a Mareeba street, causing a sewerage flow into the Barron River.

The Mareeba Markets came into the spotlight in mid-February as stallholders revealed they were losing money fast due to the relocation of the markets to the racecourse. The issue would eventually force organisers to admit there was a problem and, later in the year, the Mareeba Lions would come to the rescue. In a decision

In good news for Atherton, TRC endorsed a plan for a new retail precinct that was designed to attract large retail operators to the area.

MARCH

The Express Yourself Community Survey yielded 1045 responses from across the region, revealing that a safe transport route to the coast was a top priority, with 92% wanting a new road and 91% admitting they no longer felt safe driving the Kuranda Range Road after it suffered some 35 landslips in December. With no contender in sight, Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin was assured of four more years in her role, while TRC Mayor Rod Marti was in a battle with councillor David Clifton to take out that mayoral race. Cr Marti won the contest, securing a second term as Mayor.

Eleven people nominated for Mareeba council, while 12 lined up to win the TRC divisions with the exception of Div 4 and Div 6 where there was only one candidate (Dave Bilney and Con Spanos).

In Yungaburra, a determined group of people got together to try to force the council to buy land that was critical to return public access to a section of the renowned Peterson’s Creek track. Later in the year, public access to the track would be secured amid celebrations in the community.

In other news, a second set of traffic lights for Mareeba was announced, community access to the Malanda pool was lost, and the Express Yourself survey revealed crime was still a critical issue for the October State poll.

In sad news, former Mareeba Mayor Tom Gilmore passed away, leaving a legacy spanning four decades of community service through his local and state government roles.

APRIL

New councils were sworn in – Mareeba welcomed three new councillors (Amy Braes, Nipper Brown and Ross Cardillo), while TRC also had three new faces (Kylie Lang, Maree Baade, and Con Spanos). Both councils also had new deputy mayors – Cr Lenore Wyatt for

MAY

With the region still in recovery mode in the wake of the wet season, Peakes Gully residents plead with TRC to do something about the flooding that inundates their properties every storm.

Rodeo seasons kicks off, but it is the Great Wheelbarrow Race that takes the national spotlight, with the event featured on the Sunrise breakfast program and the focus of the ABCproduced Back Roads.

Stallholders from the Mareeba Markets are advised the markets will no longer take place after organisers cancelled the monthly event, a few months after The Express reported the markets were in decline and stallholders were frustrated by the loss of income. Just a week later, the Lions Club announces it will manage the markets and sets about getting permission to relocate the event back to the 100 Park.

TRC makes the sudden decision to close the Patrick English Pavilion at Malanda, locking out the show society as it tries to prepare for the annual event.

The LNP announces that David Kempton will be its candidate for the seat of Cook at the October poll as the party attempts to oust the current MP, Cynthia Lui.

The avocado sector says it’s in crisis, with thousands of trees bulldozed into the ground as the market price for the fruit plummets amid rising production costs.

JUNE

The condition of the ageing Barron River bridge at Kuranda becomes a major concern after the then Member for Barron River Craig Crawford warns that heavy vehicles may have to be banned from using the structure, and reveals that a new bridge would take up to six years to be built. The situation becomes a major issue in the October election.

Mareeba Shire gets a $2.1 million grant for a revitalisation plan for the town’s CBD, while TRC Mayor Rod Marti uses his power to stop the proposal to allow Tolga Industrial Estate businesses to expand into the rail trail corridor, going against a decision made by the previous council.

TRC also reveals that the Patrick English pavilion at Malanda will cost upwards of $2.3 million to repair, placing the future of the much-loved igloo in jeopardy.

Frustration continues to grow amongst the Yungaburra community over a perceived lack of action by TRC to regain public access to the Peterson’s Creek walking track.

In Atherton, there was uproar over the bulldozing of trees from the Arboretum property by its new owner, prompting a stop work order by the State Government and an investigation. The property was being considered for heritage listing at the time.

NOVEMBER

JULY

Budgets for both local councils were brought down, with TRC voting for a 3.6% rate rise to deliver a $49 million capital works program, and Mareeba endorsing a 5.6% rate rise and a $24.6 million capital works program.

The battle to save the Patrick English Pavilion at Malanda heats up, with a passionate plea from the community, amidst revelations that TRC had to pay the show society $25,000 because they were unable to get items for the event from the igloo before the council suddenly shut the doors.

The annual Mareeba Rodeo was a big success again, with Jordana Giacometti named the 2024 Rodeo Queen.

The Barron River bridge at Kuranda was the focus of election pledges, with Labor promising $450 million to build a new structure by 2031 and LNP promising to pursue a “proper solution” while Katter’s Australian Party preferred to push for an alternative road to the coast.

Colder than normal conditions brought frost to the region, wiping out thousands of dollars in crops for local producers.

AUGUST

TRC moves to boost its tourism industry, funding a position to develop a new strategy in the next 12 months to promote its natural assets, as the Atherton Mountain Bike Park received funds from the State Government to develop a business case to extend its network of trails.

The Queensland Heritage Council gave Atherton locals some comfort that the future of the town’s prized Arboretum was secured when it announced the property had been heritage listed.

After a Facebook post by an Atherton man, locals got together to remove more than a dozen shopping trolleys from Prior’s Creek. Meanwhile, Mareeba council was facing questions over installing unsightly concrete bollards down Ceola Drive and in some parts of Anzac Avenue, but residents were assured it was only a six-month trial after council received a petition calling for the bollards to be removed.

SEPTEMBER

Commuters were disappointed after being advised no repairs to the Kuranda Range Road would take place until 2025, more than a year after extensive landslides warranted single lane sections of the road, causing traffic delays. It

was also revealed that the repairs would take up to two years before any new “safety upgrades” would be undertaken.

TRC Mayor Rod Marti received a petition with 2000 signatures from people who were desperate to see the Patrick English Pavilion at Malanda repaired and retained. Two former councillors revealed they were kept in the dark over the condition of the building, signing Statutory Declarations as part of a lengthy submission to the Office of the Independent Assessor, the CCC, and the State Ombudsman. Meanwhile, TRC brought forward funds to enable the redevelopment of the Prior’s Creek precinct to get started.

The Mt Carbine tungsten mine grabbed headlines after it was revealed that the US Department of Defense had moved to secure the metal for products critical to its defence, aerospace, medical, industrial and semiconductor sectors. The company which owns the mine, EQ Resources, also announced a partnership with the only US tungsten and molybdenum manufacturer.

In other news, Mareeba Shire announced the end of free green waste days, while local mango producer Deb Nucifora was awarded the prestigious Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year title.

OCTOBER

The State election was the main news generator of the month, with former Member for Cook, David Kempton from the LNP, regaining the seat from Labor’s Cynthia Lui, who held the seat for three terms. The LNP also won the seat of Barron River and Mulgrave, while Katter’s Australian Party’s

WOMEN’S PELVIC HEALTH

• Incontinence (bladder/bowel leakage)

• Prolapse and pessary fittings

• Bladder and bowel concerns

• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (including sexual dysfunction)

• Pelvic floor checks (including pregnancy and post birth)

• Birth trauma management

• Pelvic and abdominal pain

Shane Knuth won the contest in the Hill electorate, delivering him an eighth term as an MP.

The fate of the much-loved igloo at the Malanda showgrounds was sealed when TRC voted to demolish the building and to pursue the construction of a new multipurpose building for the site.

Savannah in the Round was a resounding success, with the music festival the biggest yet, bringing a major economic boost to the Mareeba Shire.

TRC’s chief executive officer Gary Rinehart leaves his position suddenly, but the council refuses to tell the public why and whether he would receive any payout on his contract which still had several months to go.

Mareeba Shire announces it is amending its Local Laws, causing a stir in some parts of the community over the changes.

Fires became common place throughout the month, with crews fighting blazes all over the Mareeba Shire and Tablelands region. Another stop work order was placed on the Atherton Arboretum site after reports that some of the trees may have been poisoned, sparking an investigation by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

Mareeba residents gathered to vent their anger and frustration at the continued crime being experienced in the town, particularly by its oldest citizens. Meanwhile, the town welcomed upgrades to street gardens in Byrnes Street, funded by the Federal Government.

Mt Garnet residents learned they will not be getting a new swimming pool, with TRC deciding to get rid of the existing pool structure and not replace it. Member for Hill Shane Knuth says he will fight to get State funds to provide a new pool.

Repairs to Kuranda Range Road finally start, some 12 months after the road sustained more than 30 landslides in December 2023.

Mareeba Council knocks lives-streaming of its meetings on the head, saying the costs of providing the service is too much despite all other local councils live-streaming their monthly meetings.

DECEMBER

Mareeba loses one of its most well-known community leaders, Mick Borzi, at the age of 91. Mr Borzi was recognised as a visionary leader who had a “can do” attitude and who was behind the development of the Cairns Airport, the establishment of the Mareeba Industrial Estate and the Mareeba Heritage and Museum visitor information centre.

EXPRESS

The Mareeba United Football Club looks to the new year with excitement as a new committee and coach come on board for the Bulls. Ange Tatti took over the reins as president, while Victor Madrid was named the coach of the senior men’s team. Annual crime figures showed the number of offences in Mareeba grew by 15% over the previous year, while Atherton had a slight decline in crime compared to the previous 12 months. Unlawful entry into homes and businesses increased by 31% in Mareeba, while 87 vehicles were stolen compared to 45 in 2023.

The new Minister for Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, visited the region, giving assurances that fixing the Kuranda Range Road and the Barron River bridge were top priorities for the new Crisafulli Government.

CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Torticollis (neck tightness)

• Plagiocephaly (flattened head shape)

• Head preference

• Talipes (positional foot abnormalities)

• Musculoskeletal concerns

• General developmental concerns

• Global developmental delay

• Post surgery management in abdomen and pelvic area

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Nurturing Conﬁdence from the First Step

Conﬁdence is one of the most invaluable gifts you can give your child. At in2dance, children are encouraged to explore their unique talents in a nurturing, family-friendly environment.

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Groups push for community approach to youth justice

THE new State Government needed to engage more effectively with local Elders and grassroots and community-controlled organisations in the development of therapeutic justice responses, according to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd and Tablelands Community Justice Group in Atherton.

The two organisations met in Atherton late last year to discuss the systemic issues surrounding youth offending, incarceration, community safety and communityled solutions.

“By engaging the community at the local level, we can better understand the challenges to tailor our service delivery to community need and develop more effective solutions that engage youth in rehabilitation,” ATSILS chief executive officer Shane Duffy said.

In a joint statement following the meeting, the groups said addressing these issues required respectful, culturally informed approaches, increased resources for rehabilitation and diversion programs, and systemic changes to reduce reliance on detention for young people.

“Developing stronger relationships with police to foster community-engaged policing, rather than over-policing communities, is a crucial element to this,” they said.

“Local communities must be involved in the solutions.

“Organisations such as the Tablelands Community Justice Group TCJG, which is comprised of local Elders, are uniquely positioned to understand and address cultural and social dynamics within their communities, leading to more effective interventions such as ‘On Country’ Elder-led camps.”

The camps provide opportunities for young people to learn respect, connect with their heritage and understand their cultural identity.

Organisations such as the TCJG were also uniquely positioned address cultural and social dynamics within their communities, leading to more effective interventions.

“Our Elders network plays a crucial role in helping to set our youth on a path to rehabilitation to break the cycle of offending,” TCJG justice coordinator Julie Go Sam said.

Indigenous youth in Queensland are 26 times more likely to be incarcerated than their non-Indigenous peers and this continued to spiral, the organisations said.

“Factors such as childhood trauma, socioeconomic disadvantage, mental health and substance abuse are the main drivers of offending behaviour” she said.

Major upgrades to water mains

A $1.3 million contract has been awarded to further progress Mareeba Shire’s plan to replace ageing water infrastructure.

At the last meeting of the year, council awarded A&B Civil a $1.386 million contract for the supply and installation of a new water main on sections of Byrnes Street, Lloyd Street, Walsh Street, Middlemiss Street and Hort Street.

Some of the water infrastructure in Mareeba is more than 60 years old and council has been strategically replacing and upgrading the water network to ensure essential services are maintained as part of its Water Strategy.

“The Water Strategy identified approximately 90km of water mains across the shire that need to be replaced over the next 30 years and could cost up to $100 million, potentially more with inflation,”

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“We are currently six years into the plan to renew the water network in Mareeba, with approximately 22km of water mains replaced throughout Mareeba Shire since 2019 at a cost of approximately $7 million.”

In December, Mareeba experienced several major water main breaks which temporarily impacted water supply for residents and businesses in the town.

“Stage 2 of the Water Main Replacement Project will provide greater water security for residents, and we thank the community in advance for their patience when these works begin in the new year,” Mayor Toppin said.

The project will be completed by 30 June 2025.

Plenty of mosaics to explore

A NEW brochure showing the Malanda Mosaic Trail has been released.

Tablelands Regional Council’s updated trail brochure shows where the nine mosaics are within the town.

“Our nine beautiful mosaics have been around since 1998 and depict the rich history and vibrant culture of the town,” Deputy Mayor Dave Bilney said.

“We’ve recently updated the brochure with a new map and colourful layout.

“Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover or simply want to stretch your legs, the Malanda Mosaic Trail is a real drawcard for visitors to our region.”

The updated brochure can be picked up at information centres or downloaded from www.trc.qld. gov.au/malanda-mosaic-trail.

Authorised

the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane.

TRC Deputy Mayor Dave Bilney with the new mosaic trail brochure.

Our Council Our Community

Volunteers Wanted, Needed & Appreciated

Volunteers are the backbone of our community, offering their time and skills to support a range of organisations, causes and initiatives. Their tireless efforts in sporting clubs, community groups, committees, support services and other places in the community helps our region thrive. Volunteering is not just about giving. Volunteers have the chance to meet new people, make a difference to our community, promote our region, and spend time with like-minded people.

TRC Volunteers

TRC volunteers are integral to the promotion and smooth running of our galleries, information centres, museum and nursery, and for disaster preparedness, response and recovery. You don’t need to have any particular skills to be a TRC volunteer as we provide training and ongoing support.

Information Centres

We have five information centres that provide friendly and comprehensive visitor information services. Volunteers at our centres promote our region and use their local knowledge and advice to enhance visitors’ experiences.

Community Revegetation Nursery

Our Community Revegetation Nursery grows more than 300 locally native plant species for revegetation projects. We welcome volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays to process seeds, pot seedlings, move stock, conduct maintenance, clean, and maintain records and enter data.

Disaster Teams

We have community disaster teams in Herberton, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Mount Garnet, Ravenshoe, Tinaroo/ Kairi and Yungaburra. These groups of passionate locals work with the Local Disaster Coordination Centre before, during and after disasters to ensure a two-way flow of information between the Local Disaster Management Group and community. The level of involvement and roles in the team are based on your individual skills and experience.

Find Out More & Register

The days, times and hours you volunteer depend on what you can offer and the opening hours of our facilities.

Galleries

Support local artists and enjoy being part of a creative space by volunteering at one of our three art galleries — Tableland Regional Gallery, Old Post Office Gallery and Foyer Gallery.

Herberton Mining Centre

The Great Northern Mine in Herberton was once the heart of a booming tin industry and the Herberton Mining Centre now provides stories of those early days. You can share the rich history of the Herberton area by volunteering at the centre.

Find out more about volunteering with TRC by stopping in at an information centre, gallery, museum or nursery. Our friendly staff and volunteers are happy to provide further details and insight into the range of opportunities.

If you’re interested in our Community Disaster Teams, email us at trcd@trc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 362 242.

Community

You can also find out more and register at trc.qld.gov.au/volunteer

Customer service centres in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe

MALANDA CUP RACE MEET

Morrow Park 11 January

Are you an employer in a remote community or want to become one?

You can apply for a grant to create new jobs in your community, through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.

This is the ﬁrst stage in replacing the Community Development Program (CDP).

Grants will support eligible employers to employ local people in new jobs by funding wages and equipment.

To apply or ﬁnd out more –visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA oﬃce.

HYPNOTIC CONFIDENCE Are You An Imposter?

Hi there and welcome to my new column, Hypnotic Conﬁ dence. I’m Dave, a Cairns-based Certiﬁ ed Clinical Hypnotherapist and Hypnotic Life Coach. Hypnotherapy offers a powerful avenue to address the underlying subconscious beliefs that can sabotage your mental wellbeing.

It works by communicating directly with the most powerful and creative part of your mind, putting you back in charge of your own thoughts and responses.

The great thing is that hypnotherapy can be used to change almost any current behaviour you are unhappy with.

The beliefs that restrict us and prevent us from reaching our true potential are all at some point learnt at a subconscious level. By communicating directly your subconscious mind, I can help you reframe negative thought patterns, build self-conﬁdence, and break free from the cycle that is holding you back. You can embark on a journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment, recognising your true worth and embracing your achievements without fear or hesitation.

With the majority of the people I’ve helped over the years, regardless of their main issue – substance abuse, anger, unhealthy eating, nightmares, insomnia, trauma and severe anxiety, amongst others – I’ve found there was one common denominator: They suffered from a lack of self-esteem and conﬁdence.

One common condition that is caused by a lack of conﬁdence is Imposter Syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a psychological condition in which individuals doubt their abilities, feeling like frauds despite their success and competence. It often shows up as an ongoing fear of being “found out” or exposed as a “fake”.

This internal struggle can get in the way of personal and professional growth. It can lead to stress, anxiety, substance abuse and depression – and prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. While various therapeutic approaches exist to tackle imposter syndrome, hypnotherapy has gained attention for its ability to address the underlying subconscious patterns that contribute to these feelings of inadequacy. Imposter Syndrome often comes from deep-seated beliefs and conditioning,

frequently originating in childhood. For instance, individuals who grew up in highly competitive environments or were subject to constant comparisons might internalise beliefs that their best efforts are never enough. These beliefs can lead to a distorted self-perception, causing people to minimise their achievements and live in constant fear of failure.

Imposter syndrome is not tied to a person’s actual ability or competence. Many high-achieving individuals, including professionals, academics, and creatives, experience these feelings. Traditional therapeutic approaches can be effective, but hypnotherapy offers a unique pathway to change these subconscious beliefs. Imposter syndrome can be a huge barrier to personal and professional growth, but there is a solution. Why don’t you contact me for a FREE online strategy session. Together we can look at working on your individual roadmap to recovery and a more fulﬁlled life. You can contact me on 0401 223780 or support@conﬁdencecontrol. com.au

Dave is a Cairns-based Clinical Hypnotherapist and Hypnotic Life Coach who works online. He is university educated and vocationally trained in delivering evidence-based psychoeducation, including CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. He is a clinical member of the Australian Guild of Hypnotherapists (GoAH) and the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA). His website is: www.conﬁdencecontrol.com.au

Georgia Doull and Jas Heales were having fun at the event.

Mellissa Brincat and Timeah Archer at the races on Saturday.

Gavin Smith and Donna Gandini donned their hats to attend the races.

Navarre DeLai and Brydie Genge enjoyed the Malanda Cup meeting at Morrow Park.

Ben and Katie Bensilum (right) enjoyed the afternoon.

ENTERTAINMENT

Workshops help discover creativity

LOCALS can discover their creative potential at Tablelands Regional Council’s range of arts workshops which offer a unique opportunity to hone skills and explore new mediums.

“These workshops are a great opportunity for everyone to have a go, regardless of their skill level or experience,” Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Advisory Committee Chair Cr Kevin Cardew said.

“From pottery and podcasting to music and grant writing, our diverse range of classes are led by renowned local and visiting artists dedicated to fostering a vibrant artistic community.

“The workshops are popular so you need to book early to secure your place, and it’s an ongoing program so find out what we have coming up at trc.qld.gov.au/galleries.”

Four-Legged Friends Ceramic Workshop

Learn to craft adorable ceramic four-legged friends with Linda Bates. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this hands-on class guides you through shaping, detailing and

Fundraising events for animal refuge

A TRIVIA night and a sausage sizzle will be held by the Mareeba Animal Refuge in Atherton this week to raise funds for their organisation and the rescued animals in their care.

The Trivia Night will be held tomorrow at the Atherton International Club from 7pm.There is a $2 entry fee per person and the event will also include raffles for the chance to win prizes.

The sausage sizzle will be held this Saturday from 8am at Bunnings Atherton. All proceeds from the events will go directly towards supporting the animals in the care of Mareeba Animal Refuge.

glazing your own unique pieces. When: 9am12noon Saturday 18 January. Cost: $35. Book: tablelandsregionalcouncil.eventbrite.com

Ukulele Workshops

Join members of the Tableland Ukulele Group and local ukulele enthusiasts for free, fun and collaborative workshops that bring music lovers together. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these drop-in sessions are inclusive and welcoming to players of all abilities. When: 2-4pm Saturday 25 January.

Watercolour Workshop

This fun, hands-on watercolour painting workshop with Joanne Bingham is tailored to older children and teens. Learn to draw and paint animals, exploring various watercolour techniques to bring your artwork to life. Joanne’s guidance will boost your creativity and confidence, making it a fantastic experience for beginners and budding young artists alike. When: 10am-1.30pm Saturday 25 January. Cost: $25. Book:

Country music day

LOCAL country music will be in the spotlight this Sunday when the Tableland Country Music Club holds its first family day of the year.

The event will be hosted at the Atherton International Club on Sunday from 12 noon to 5pm.

The public can attend the event for free, with food and drinks on sale at the club.

Performers must provide four chord charts for Rusty Strings.

For more information, contact Karen Mahoney on 4095 1008.

tablelandsregionalcouncil.eventbrite.com

Pencil Masterclass

This workshop with John Rainbird will teach you the techniques needed to draw lifelike hair and fur using pencil. You’ll learn how to capture texture, depth and detail, bringing both human and animal portraits to life. Perfect for artists of all skill levels, this session will elevate your drawing skills to the next level. When: 10am2.30pm Saturday 8 February. Cost: $75. Book: tablelandsregionalcouncil.eventbrite.com

Free Grant Writing Workshop

This course will provide an overview of what’s needed to write a successful grant in the competitive arena of arts funding. As well as the basics, it will include: understanding the Smarty Grants system ; how to create the budget; key tips; peer assessors and how applications are assessed; and a five-week plan for writing a grant. When: 10am-2pm Thursday 27 March. Book: trc.qld.gov.au/register-workshop.

Fun-Guy Ceramic Workshop

Craft whimsical ceramic mushrooms in this workshop with Linda Bates that is perfect for all skill levels. The hands-on class will guide you through shaping, detailing and glazing your own fungi creations. Design charming and unique mushrooms to bring magic to your home or garden. When: 9am-12noon Saturdays 8 and 22 March. Cost: $35. Book: tablelandsregionalcouncil.eventbrite.com from Saturday 8 February.

All workshops are held at the Old Post Office Gallery, 86 Atherton Herberton Road, Atherton.

Big Aussie event

TOAD races, thong-throwing and a host of other fun activities await at Malanda this Australia Day.

The annual celebrations at The Big Pub will kick off from 12 noon, featuring the ever-popular toad races, with the first heat

SOME of Australia’s funniest stand-up comedians will be on show at the Atherton International Club this Friday from 7pm.

The night will feature performances from Bev Killick and Doug Chappel, two of Melbourne’s top comedians who both have over 20 years of industry experience.

Bev is known for her regular appearances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Doug has headlined all major comedy

painting and live music. For more information call 4096 7720.

venues in Australia.

The night will also feature Michael ‘Crawf’ Crawford and Macca Melody, two local comedians who are fast on the rise in the Australian Comedy scene.

Both have struck a chord with local audiences due to their unique Far North Queensland sense of humour.

Tickets are $20, to book visit www.trybooking. com/CYCUQ

kicking off at 12.30pm.

A thong throwing competition will also be held - for the adults and children - and there are prizes for the Best Dressed female and male, as well as face

Learn to play the ukulele at a free workshop being held in Atherton.

Tiffany Smith got into the spirit of the day at last year’s event.

BEFORE

Cemetery volunteers celebrated

VOLUNTEERS who have spent countless hours cleaning and painting graves at the Mareeba Pioneer Cemetery over the past year have been recognised for their contribution.

Around 60 people gathered at a celebratory luncheon recently to be recognised for volunteering to clean and paint 1100 graves at the old cemetery, transforming the dirty and mouldy headstones to a sea of gleaming white.

Organiser Michael Musumeci hosted the event and, with the help of Cr Lenore Wyatt, presented each volunteer with a

specially-made medal and certificate.

The quest to return the iconic site to its former glory started in 2023, with the first part of the project aimed at people coming along to either visit their family graves or try to locate the many unmarked graves throughout the cemetery comparing records.

“This was also an opportunity for others to come along with photos of their loved ones and share their stories. These stories were then shared on the Mareeba History Facebook, collating as many as we could put together, and that continues

to this day,” Michael said.

“A large majority of the graves already had been painted many years ago so to bring them back to their original state had to be researched as to how best we could do that.”

Commencing in September 2023, volunteers from Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah, and Atherton started to arrive.

“During the time of the project, we have had more than 85 volunteers come and help clean the graves from the all the mould and then paint them by hand.”

All graves will eventually be given

three coats of paint to ensure it lasts.

Michael said the volunteers, from all walks of life and ages, had endured heat, cold and rain to come out to the cemetery on Saturdays to undertake the work and shown true respect for those who were interned there.

“Most of the graves, are over 100 years of age. They now look absolutely phenomenal now and the cemetery is back to its full glory,” he said.

He said watching volunteers clean and paint the graves had truly been inspirational.

“Every grave is treated with the utmost of respect,” Michael said.

“None of this could have been achieved without the generosity of the in-kind support from our growing number of volunteers, businesses and individuals who have also donated money, paint and their valuable time towards this project.”

There are still some graves left to clean and paint and anyone who wishes to help can keep track of the project through the Mareeba History Facebook page.

Ann and Ian Leighton at the celebratory luncheon.

Pippa McLean (left) and Karen Denyer are proud to be volunteers at the cemetery.

Peter Walsh and Helen Malcolm at the lunch.

Organiser Michael Musumeci and his dad, Gino, at the gathering to recognise the volunteers.

Karen and Ron Blakeney.

Helen Chen with Barry McElligott.

Carol Alston and Lyn Blain enjoyed the catchup with other volunteers.

Long-time volunteer Doug Fox was celebrated at the lunch for his contribution.

Olly Alston (right) with Raymond and Julie Moss.

Joan and Brian Masterton enjoyed the gathering.

Paul Johnstone and Tony Alston enjoyed a chat at the lunch.

Fay McGrath and Betty Bird show off the specially made medals given to the volunteers.

Bailee and Dale Peebles joined the gathering of volunteers.

Lee and Irene McDermott.

Cr Lenore Wyatt caught up with Andy Malcolm at the lunch.

ON LANDthe AI irrigation system heralds new era Cyclone grants extended

A SMART irrigation system powered by artificial intelligence will tell sugarcane farmers when and where to water their crops in an advance that could one day revolutionise agriculture – and help preserve the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Developed by Victoria’s La Trobe University for Far North Queensland ag-tech company Aglantis, the intelligent irrigation system uses the Internet of Things to automate water pump management and monitor sunlight, temperature and humidity levels without human interaction.

The system was initially conceived as a project to improve land management and prevent fertiliser run-off from farms into the Great Barrier Reef, but with new technology making smart irrigation more affordable, Aglantis managing director Luke Malan said the potential of the product was almost limitless.

In addition to saving water, future AI additions could teach the system how to conserve energy, responding to solar or energy tariffs. It could also examine soil profiles and make intelligent choices around crop selection and yields.

“It essentially takes the guesswork out of farming,” Luke said.

“With growing pressures on profitability, it’s more imperative to know what you’re doing and how you can do it better. This flips conventional thinking on its head and opens the doorway to new possibilities.”

Professor Wei Xiang, Cisco Research Chair and director of La Trobe

University’s Cisco Centre for AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), said the smart irrigation system was the centre’s first commercial product and showed how industry could drive research to tangible and groundbreaking results.

La Trobe is already working with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), creating the world’s first AIpowered three-dimensional digital twin of the Great Barrier Reef to monitor its health.

The new smart irrigation system –developed in a one-metre plastic tub housed in the Digital Innovation Hub at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus – further enhances the University’s reputation in the AI research space.

The university recently announced its bold ambition to transform research, education, student support and business operations by applying an “AI-first” approach.

“Now we’ve proven the technology, the next step is to add additional features to improve productivity and crop yields through leveraging cutting-edge AI technology,” Professor Xiang said.

“This will make farming on the whole more sustainable.”

IoT researchers Kamyar Karimi and Aravindan Madasamy, who developed the system for La Trobe under the supervision of Professor Xiang, said it would reduce labour costs, increase water efficiency and allow more precision in farm decision-making.

Ultimately, the system design could include intelligent sequencing

to determine the perfect order of irrigation across different farm sections, predictive maintenance and continuous learning from historical data, seasonal patterns and crop responses.

“This technology represents a major shift towards data-driven, sustainable agriculture where AI and IoT optimise every drop of water for maximum farming efficiency,” Kamyar said.

Aravindan said the development of the smart irrigation system was a transformative step forward for farmers.

“By automating labour-intensive processes and putting control in the hands of advanced technology, farmers can save time, conserve resources and focus on other priorities without the stress of manual management,” he explained

The system features an ultra-compact design and precision valve control adjustable to any degree.

It is currently installed on an 80-hectare plot of Mark and Andrew Castelanelli’s farm in the Burdekin region near Townsville.

For Mark, who has been a sugarcane farmer for 55 years, smart irrigation heralds the future of farming.

Mark said while other smart systems had been on the market for a few years, this was the first that had been purposebuilt for the sugarcane industry.

The veteran farmer previously racked up 15,000km each year driving to irrigate crops within a 6km radius on his farm.

Mark said using the smart system to irrigate with precision would save labour costs, increase efficiency and leave time to focus on other things.

“There’s endless opportunity and the power of computing is just getting smarter,” he said.

CANEGROWERS has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to extend disaster recovery grant applications for primary producers impacted by Cyclone Jasper.

The decision, which extends applications until 30 June 2025 – well after the 2024 harvest season has concluded – will provide sugarcane growers and communities across Far North Queensland with the time necessary to recover and rebuild following the cyclone’s widespread devastation.

The Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants program has been a lifeline for those impacted, but many growers have faced challenges accessing funding due to the scale of damage, ongoing contractor shortages, and delays in completing essential recovery work.

“This extension is a practical response to the realities faced by growers across Far North Queensland where contractors are in extremely short supply,” Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan said.

“It will give farming communities the breathing room they need to complete vital recovery works and secure funding that will help them move forward after such a challenging time.”

Canegrowers encourages all eligible growers and businesses across the region to take advantage of the extended application period by visiting the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website at qrida.gov.au

Ag event a first for First Nations

FARMERS, AgTech innovators and industry stakeholders in Queensland’s agricultural sector are being encouraged to take part in the first-ever First Nationsled AgTech showcase being held in Cairns on 10-11 February.

innovation and collaboration within the industry.

The Millennia of Ag-Innovation event will explore the intersection of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge agricultural technologies.

The showcase aims to highlight groundbreaking First Nations initiatives and demonstrate how the fusion of traditional practices with modern AgTech can drive sustainable advancements across the sector.

TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps said the Millennia of AgInnovation event, which is being funded by AgriFutures Australia, was part of a larger effort to spotlight First Nations

“The event aims to bring together First Nations farmers, contemporary producers, and AgTech developers to advance sustainable agricultural practices and showcase the innovative technologies shaping the future of our region,” Professor Phelps said.

“It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with key players in both the agriculture and AgTech sectors, while gaining insights into the crucial role traditional knowledge plays in promoting sustainable practices.

“With a program covering livestock, cropping, and aquaculture, the event offers valuable opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth for both farmers and AgTech developers alike.”

The event will feature live AgTech showcases, installations and interactive workshops, culminating in a cultural evening hosted by Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services and BushTukkaWoman, Samantha Martin with a traditional dinner and performance by the Gimuy Yidinji tribe.

Attendees will also explore Indigenousled innovations at the Rainstick facility, a networking breakfast at James Cook University’s Ideas Lab, and demonstrations of TEKFARM’s cuttingedge on-farm deployments across the Cairns Hinterland.

The event is part of a pre-tour for evokeAG, the Asia-Pacific’s premier agricultural and food technology event, taking place in Brisbane on 18-19 February.

Andrew Castelanelli (left) operating the smart Irrigation system with Aglantis regional manager Barry Cross.

ON LANDthe

JUST one year after the devastating floods that wreaked havoc across the region, Barron River Redclaw has announced a remarkable recovery with 70% of the farm’s damage repaired and a renewed vision for sustainable aquaculture in the future.

The catastrophic flooding event that followed Tropical Cyclone Jasper in late 2023 left the farm in ruins, with damaged infrastructure, eroded ponds and significant stock losses.

However, after months of determination in the face of adversity, the farm has not only rebuilt but is now preparing to harvest sustainable redclaw products in the new year.

Mr. Rodney Ingersoll OBE, owner and operator of Barron River Redclaw, led the recovery efforts with an unbreakable spirit.

“I live in the future and see things as completed,” Mr Ingersoll said.

“I stand firm through challenges, follow my heart, and

remain committed to creating a sustainable path forward for agriculture and food security.

“The farm was formerly a barramundi farm, but after losing all our stock to the river during the floods, I pivoted the all-farming operations to redclaw crayfish.

“Despite having zero income from agriculture over the past 12 months, I’ve pushed on and focused on teaching others how to grow their own food sustainably, whether through aquaculture, aquaponics, or permaculture.

“This is about building resilience, not just for myself but for others facing similar challenges,” he said.

Over the past year, Mr. Ingersoll has worked tirelessly to; repair critical infrastructure, restoring 70% of the farm to operational status; restock the ponds with redclaw; reinvent business operations; and begin offering consulting services to help communities and individuals adopt sustainable

QUEENSLAND’S primary producers bucked the national trend in the past quarter of 2025, recording a slightly improved outlook heading towards the end of the year, the latest quarterly Rural Confidence Survey found.

The quarter four survey, released in mid-December, found Queensland rural sentiment had edged up to now hover around “neutral” at a net reading of -1% – from -4% last quarter – and tracking well above the levels reported in the latter half of 2022 and throughout 2023.

And recent significant rainfall since the survey was in the field is likely to have boosted rural sector confidence further, according to Rabobank acting state manager Brad James.

The survey found while the proportion of the state’s producers expecting the agricultural economy to improve remained relatively steady at 18% (19% last survey), a smaller number expected conditions to worsen (19% from 22%). And the majority, at 60%, anticipate stable conditions.

The survey found Queensland producers were most bullish about seasonal conditions – nominated as a cause for optimism by 43% (up from 37%) –and rising commodity prices (32%, up from 30% previously).

Queensland and WA were the only states to record a lift in rural confidence this quarter, with sentiment taking a hit in all other states – with farmers citing concerns about seasonal conditions as the chief reason for their pessimistic outlook.

By region, the Rabobank survey found confidence picked up across all areas – except the Darling Downs where it posted a small drop-off – with confidence strongest in the South West/Central West/Channel Country followed by the Central Highlands and Central Queensland.

While sentiment also improved in Northern Queensland, this region lagged behind other parts of the state.

Mr James said while Queensland producer sentiment had edged up slightly, “this survey’s almost neutral level of confidence shows that producers are waiting to see what sort of summer will unfold across the state”.

food production techniques.

“At TNQ Drought Hub, we are dedicated to strengthening agricultural resilience and creating partnerships that empower communities across Tropical North Queensland,” TNQs Agricultural Innovation and Commercialisation leader

Tony Matchett said.

“Working with Rodney and Barron River Redclaw to support his innovation journey has been an inspiring example of how collaboration and determination can lead to lasting solutions in food security and sustainability,” he said.

“Traditionally producers are looking for a break in the season in late spring, and dry seasonal conditions across much of the state this spring will have weighed on producers’ minds,” he said.

“The early signs are good for a wet summer, with promising forecasts, which will be giving producers hope for the coming months. In the latter part of November – after the survey’s completion – there was significant rain across Queensland, to the point that the month of November had average to above-average rainfall for most of the state.”

Mr James also noted producers were holding concerns about a number of geopolitical situations.

“Many Queensland agricultural products –including sugar, grain and beef – are destined for international markets,” he said.

“Producers are keenly aware that political unrest in overseas markets can have direct impacts on local prices and access to farm inputs,” he said.

The survey found dry seasonal conditions were also cited as a concern for many respondents, as were higher input costs, government intervention/policies and the state of overseas markets/economies.

For the state’s beef producers, Mr James said, the survey found the majority (61%, up from 50% previously) expect agribusiness conditions to remain unchanged in the year ahead.

“Beef producers listed good seasonal conditions, the prospect of rising prices and opportunities in international markets as the chief factors that will have a positive impact on the agricultural economy in the year ahead,” he said.

Mr James said Australian cattle prices had remained at relatively stable levels in 2024.

“And while cattle prices haven’t hit the highs of 2021 and 2022, it’s important to keep in mind that prices in those years were extraordinary and not sustainable,” he said.

“Despite the recent surge in beef production, prices have remained steady, offering some reassurance to Queensland beef producers as they plan for the upcoming year.”

Although sentiment among Queensland sugar growers improved this quarter, it remained the weakest compared to other commodity sectors.

The first harvest of Mr Ingersoll’s redclaw is set to begin soon, marking an important milestone in the farm’s recovery journey.

“Our recovery is not just about rebuilding what we lost, it’s about creating a stronger, more sustainable future. Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up,” Mr Ingersoll said.

“This has been one of the toughest challenges of my life, but with the support of my family, the community, and our partners, Barron River Redclaw is stronger than ever.”

Mr Ingersoll with his breeder redlcaw.

EMAIL editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au

No proof CO2 is the cause

I THANK David Blake (The Express 18/12/24) for the reference to the APS. It was an interesting referral.

I point out however that the reference he mentioned is a “National Policy Statement” not a research paper. I also point out that the statement relies heavily on evidence from IPPC reports. None of the references provide any proof that CO2 causes climate change, all the references quoted in the statement express, from various angles, arguments that climate change has an anthropogenic component.

I have never argued that climate change is not influenced by anthropogenic factors, only that there is no proof that CO2 is the cause, apparently Peter does not understand the difference and yet he accuses me of not providing a logically consistent argument!

Perhaps Peter would be interested in looking at statistics from “Our World Data.” He will find that world energy consumption has increased from 28,000 TWh in 1950 to 177,000 TWh in 2023, which is a sixfold increase.

The increase is due to a trebling of the population and the ever-increasing reliance on energy to power our lifestyle. (Incidentally the combined wind and solar energy contribution to production in 2023 was about 6%).

Whatever physical law you wish to quote, energy production and consumption produces heat which must go somewhere.

How that impacts on climate is a huge debate involving factors we can only theorise on.

The only way we can do anything about the huge energy consumption is to stop having babies and to stop using so much energy to continue our chosen, consumption-based economy, and lifestyle.

I can’t see that being a political winner, so we will just stick to doing something which has no useful impact but makes us feel we have solved the problem.

Bruce Jones MAREEBA

Climate fear a power grab

FOR those who came in late to the climate and energy debate in this small remnant of old-media that still permits free speech, David Blake (The Express, 18/12/24) makes his living from solar panels and claims to have a PhD in physics. I verified the solar panels part but I never found proof of the PhD claim.

David has been unable to understand a simple explanation that uses some of the laws of physics that relate to gases and the radiation of energy which proves from first principles that CO2 cannot “trap heat”.

That explanation was originally provided to me many years earlier by a physics professor.

David is promoting the “Dunning-Kruger effect” which is a very common left-wing projection and has a vested interest in spreading CO2 misinformation and disinformation because without it he wouldn’t be able to sell solar panels. Without the globalists’ CO2-warming industrial complex and its endless fear campaign, mostly targeted at impressionable children, there’d be little future for solar panels.

We’ve all seen the dramatic rise in electricity prices since 2005, when the globalist-owned Labor-Liberal UNiparty forced wind and solar into the grid. If wind and solar were cheaper, as Blackout Bowen keeps repeating on an endless, mindless loop, electricity prices would be coming down.

Doug Burchell (The Express, 18/12/24), should join Paddy Forsayeth on the comedy stage. Doug says: “I actually took the time to find out what all Campion’s laws were about, discovered that they had practically nothing to do with climate, but couldn’t come up with a decent response.”

Doug: those laws describe molecules intercepting and reradiating heat energy. The core of the “climate” argument hinges on CO2 intercepting heat and reradiating it endlessly. Just because you’ve been told it

can do that doesn’t make it true. Those who tell the Big CO2 Lie counted on you not understanding those laws.

David Blake could use his self-professed physics skills to explain how those same laws prove that atmospheric CO2 can intercept heat and just reradiate it forever. If he could do that when nobody else on Earth can, the globalists behind the CO2-warming industrial complex would reward him beyond his wildest dreams.

All the normal people reading this have now seen 42 years of failed climate disaster predictions while the world’s politicians have used fear to expand their powers endlessly and the rich have become richer at the expense of the rest of us.

The whole climate alarm narrative depends on armwaving assertions repeated loudly in a manner that would make Joseph Goebbels blush. As my favourite journalist, HL Mencken said: “The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.”

Peter Campion TOLGA

Right to protect your home

WHEN is it going to end? The constant destruction of people’s property in Mareeba.

Camera evidence, personal visual evidence, lived experiences and no doubt police knowledge points to young indigenous.

In the last couple of days alone, there’s been stolen cars, home invasions, destruction of business premises and theft. Everyone has had a gut full - it’s so pointless, it achieves nothing, is it supposed to?

A major portion of the Mareeba township are anxious every night, some live in outright fear, scared witless, leave lights on all night, and these are facts.

We are constantly told that if we retaliate we could be at fault, and prosecuted. While I’m at it, hang the expense, start getting permanent police tracker dogs out to areas like Mareeba so offenders can be immediately tracked instead of melting into the night and freedom.

There’s always been a defence based on “necessary” force and “reasonable belief” that there’s an intent to commit a crime. 2024 Criminal Code amendments seem to clear the issue a bit by saying what is lawful for occupants (home owners) to do but then goes on to say that we can’t act unless it’s at night or unless the offender uses or threatens actual violence or unless he is or pretends to be armed etc.

No, no David Crisafulli that’s not good enough, it’s not “unless” at all, the fact that an intruder unlawfully ENTERS our property, day or night, should ipso facto allow us to automatically believe, to ASSUME, without further ado, threats or pretences, or actual violence or that the intruder is armed and intends to commit an indictable offence etc.

That’s it. Why? Because that’s exactly how we think and feel when confronted.

We make those assumptions automatically based simply on the fact that our “Castle” is being unlawfully intruded upon. We must be allowed to retaliate without fear of prosecution.

An intruder MUST FORFEIT any excuse/claim/ right of action, everything, the moment he deliberately enters premises/property unlawfully. End of story.

For too long, we have suffered and still suffer. If the new “castle doctrine” legislation amendments are in place and if they haven’t been published with such force that every would-be crook knows that the consequences of his/her unlawful entry will be a reception not to their liking, then spread the word over every media outlet possible.

Premier, a genuine question – how will your Youth Crime Task Force help in a case like this incident which happened here just a couple of days ago?

A lone woman wakes at some ungodly hour of the night and confronts a youth at her front door, she soon realises there’s another one at a side door of her home, she’s petrified, she screams at the youth and threatens police so they take off and disappear and, understandably, can never be tracked.

to the editor

She’s now a nervous wreck, sleeps with lights on all night. The criminal must no longer be allowed to brazenly unlawfully intrude on our property with the knowledge that the occupant risks prosecution for retaliating.

They have to know it is a dangerous venture. No doubt you will fob me off in favour of the rights of the criminal but I urge you to consider my view seriously for it may well be that a lot of people agree with me.

Barry Braes MAREEBA

Temps reflect climate shift

2023 was the hottest year on record. 2024 was second. The 10 hottest years on record have all been in the last decade. These temperature records go back 145 years to 1880 (https://qz.com/1055629/why-does-all-ourclimate-data-start-in-1880).

It’s an extraordinary statistic and one that highlights the speed and severity with which our climate is moving towards tipping points we will not be able to reverse.

It also highlights the abject failure of virtually every government everywhere to do enough to actually reduce our emissions.

It should be clear by now that cannibal capitalism and the corporate empire will happily consume us, the planet and all life for greater profits and equally clear that our so-called democracy can’t or won’t do anything about it.

It falls on us.

Jeremy Tager TOPAZ

Group making a difference

IN 2024, the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation proudly funded several vital equipment requests, leading to improved outcomes for both patients and hospital staff.

Sadly, 2024 saw the loss of two of Mareeba’s passionate health care supporters, Robyn Boundy and Mick Borzi. Both individuals dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to safeguarding the hospital’s future and fostering its development. Their dedication and contributions have left a lasting legacy, and we honour their memory as we continue their important work.

The Friends of the Hospital Foundation exists thanks to the dedication of its committed team of volunteers. Their passion and hard work play a crucial role in turning the Foundation’s vision of delivering quality healthcare close to home into a reality.

From fundraising efforts to providing meaningful non-medical support to patients, our volunteers make a lasting impact. If you’re ready to make a difference in your community and help support exceptional healthcare, we’d love to have you join our team. Contact Patti Crothers (Secretary) at secretarymareebafohf@ gmail.com to learn more and get involved.

The Foundation has come a long way in supporting the hospital with vital equipment, thanks to the generosity of donors, grant funding, and income from initiatives such as donation tins, vending machines at Mareeba Hospital, Sunday bingo, and the hospital trolley.

While we have made significant progress, the journey is far from over. The need for equipment continues to grow. We remain steadfast in our commitment to meeting these needs through ongoing fundraising efforts and the unwavering support of our community.

Sunday Morning Bingo has become a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, providing an important and sustainable income stream.

It is especially rewarding to receive positive feedback from both staff and patients regarding the impact of funded equipment. Recent examples include the Vesticam Goggles, Video Otoscope, OmiVista Sensory Projection Rehabilitation System, and the Lucas 3 Chest Compression Machine

“Together we can make a difference.”

Tom Braes Chair

Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation

Starting the year with kindness

THE beginning of a new year often feels like turning a fresh page, a time brimming with possibilities. Yet, for many, it can also bring a mix of emotions.

While some dive headfirst into ambitious resolutions, others might grapple with feelings of pressure, disappointment or even sadness as the festive cheer fades.

Here on the Atherton Tablelands, where life moves a little slower and community is everything, it’s the perfect moment to focus on resolutions that inspire hope and spread kindness—to yourself and others.

Setting kind and achievable goals is a great way to start. Grand resolutions can be tempting, but smaller, realistic goals often have a more meaningful impact.

Reflect on what’s manageable for you. Perhaps it’s improving your self-care routine, starting a daily gratitude journal or making time for a weekly cuppa with a friend.

Remember, change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful - kindness starts with manageable steps.

Practicing self-compassion is equally vital. January can bring reflections on past challenges or unmet goals, but it’s important to go easy on yourself. Growth takes time.

Living on the Tablelands, surrounded by rainforest and rolling hills, is a constant reminder that nature doesn’t rush - yet everything gets done in its own time. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Reconnecting with your support network can also ease the transition into the new year. The holiday season often disrupts routines, including connections with loved ones.

Whether it’s catching up at the markets, walking by Lake Tinaroo, or enjoying coffee at a local café, these moments of connection matter. If isolation lingers, consider exploring online groups or attending community events, you might find support in unexpected places.

Focusing on what brings you joy can counter the post-holiday slump. When the decorations come down and life returns to its routine, make time for activities that truly make you happy.

A swim at a local waterfall, tending your veggie patch or starting a new craft prioritising joy is a great way to ease into the year.

Volunteering is another powerful way to lift your spirits. Helping others not only fills your cup but also strengthens the ties that make the Tablelands such a special place to live.

Supporting local groups or causes can remind you of the power of community and shared purpose.

Using the “clean slate” mindset wisely can also help you navigate this time of year. Instead of aiming for an overwhelming “new year, new you,” see it as a chance to reflect. What worked last year? Keep it. What didn’t? Let it go. Free yourself from guilt, let go of unrealistic expectations, or step back from toxic relationships—a clean slate can be whatever you need it to be.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional support if the blues linger longer than they should.

Here on the Tablelands, services like counselling, mental health support and recovery groups are readily available. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• The information provided is from Better Together Community Support. This advice may not suit your personal situation and therefore cannot substitute real psychological advice please consult a professional if this has raised issues for you.

Own your slice of rural paradise

WELCOME to your own slice of rural paradise, a sprawling 162-acre property that promises a blend of tranquil country living and convenient access to nearby towns.

Located just a short 3km from Tolga Township and 6km from Atherton, this Property offers the best of both worlds, the peace and quiet of rural life coupled with easy reach to essential amenities.

Step onto the property and discover exceptional grazing land, meticulously divided into 5 spacious paddocks adorned with lush gunni, brachi, and abundant glycine. Each paddock is equipped with water troughs.

The heart of the property is its robust infrastructure, featuring large cattle yards shaded by native trees.

Complete with a crush, weight box and loading ramp, these facilities are perfectly set up for cattle management.

Nestled amidst this picturesque landscape is a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home with a modern kitchen and pantry. Imagine savouring your morning coffee on the veranda, soaking in panoramic views of the

property stretching towards the distant mountains, a serene spot ideal for relaxation and contemplation.

Additional highlights include several practical sheds for storage and a thoughtfully landscaped low maintenance house yard.

Discover the joy of rural living where every day is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and

Offers Over $995,000 Suzey Whitby 0438 090 306

Exciting new development in Atherton

Step

area, 4 bedrooms with built-in cupboards and quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The inside flows effortlessly to the generous outdoor living area with more stunning stone features including a porphyry stone floor.

Sleek kitchen cabinetry, stone benchtops and endless storage will make cooking and entertaining a breeze in this kitchen which is centrally located to

Property Features:

• 4 Bedrooms all with built-in cupboards

• Ensuite with

This

Room to move on 5 acres in Arriga

CENTRALLY located only 20 minutes from Mareeba or Atherton in Springmount Park this 5 acre lifestyle property is positioned in a cul de sac with picturesque views of the mountains and rural countryside.

The property has access to permanent water from the channel with a 1ML allocation and is fully boundary fenced, split in the middle with 2 rear paddocks plus the following beneficial features:

• 2ha (5 acres) with sealed bitumen road access & street lighting in a private bushland setting

• Steel framed & colorbond clad 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home

• Split system airconditioned in the living area & 2 bedrooms

• Stylish central kitchen

with island bench/ breakfast bar & stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher

• Spacious master bedroom with ensuite

• Large main bathroom/ laundry combination

• Storage room + built-in hallway storage cupboard

• Front patio plus sizeable rear patio

• Built-in robes, security screens & window locks

• 6kw solar power system + NBN

• 5 bay high clearance, powered colorbond shed with multiple power points including a 15amp, led lighting, roof insulation & enclosed, lockable 2 bay section

• 1 megalitre water allocation with water points at multiple locations

• Rainwater tank & channel water storage tank with pressure pump

• Boundary fully dog fenced + electric gated entry

• Peaceful & private 2ha with a selection of fruit trees It’s affordable, low maintenance acreage living for those wanting their own space and room for a few horses and cattle to roam. For more information or to book a private inspection contact exclusive agent Joe Torrisi on 0417

It just has more and more in Mareeba

WITH its solid doubleblock construction, spacious four bedroom lay out, and convenient location, this home offers a great opportunity for families and retirees alike.

The large living area boasts plenty of room for the family, with the added bonus of a fireplace to keep cosy in the cooler months. Located off the compact kitchen is the dining space, that opens up to the living area, creating a convenient family space.

All four bedrooms are a great size with built-in cupboards, and the main bedroom is extralarge. There is one bathroom which services the home with an internal laundry.

Outside you can enjoy the quiet location with the front patio or the outdoor entertaining space off the shed, which doubles as a 3 bay carport space.

The 6m x 9m shed is easily accessible down the side and has two roller doors with power.

It also has services for a toilet and a shower if needed. There is also a rear yard behind the carports and shed, with an additional garden shed tucked in the back corner.

The fully fenced 883m2 allotment is in a great location for families. With multiple parks nearby you won’t have to go far for kids sports on the weekends. The State High school is just up the road, a kindergarten nearby, and the CBD is only a few minutes away. Property Features: • Solid double-block construction home • 4 bedrooms, all with built-ins, 1 bathroom • Large living space, fireplace • Compact kitchen and dining • 6m x 9m (approx.) shed, powered • Garden shed

5 acre home close to town

WHAT a wonderful opportunity to purchase this beautiful 5 acre 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 propertysubject 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

• Covered front patio overlooking the front garden

• Private covered entertainment area

• 60,000L Inground salt water pool with a waterfall

• 4 bay powered block shed (approx..14m x 7m)

• Solar system Save on those electricity bills

• No rear neighbours, property backs onto state forest

• 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.

Address: Price: Agent:

Contact:

For further information or to arrange an inspection, call exclusive marketing agent Raquel at Sommerset Realty on 0408 983 879.

35-37 Page Road, ATHERTON Offers Over $860,000 EXCLUSIVE to Raquel Cunzolo Sommerset Realty 0408 983 879

Internal laundry

3 carport spaces/patio area • Fully fenced 883m2 allotment • Close to town, school and parks

Ultimate lifestyle

WELCOME to the ultimate North Queensland lifestyle. This stunning modern home seamlessly blends contemporary design with classic charm, showcasing polished timber floors, high ceilings, and expansive windows that welcome natural light and refreshing river breezes.

Inside, you’ll discover a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area perfect for gatherings. With five bedrooms and a dedicated media room, there’s plenty of space for family and friends. The chef’s kitchen is a highlight, equipped with an island bench, stone benchtops, a 90cm gas stove, stainless steel appliances, and a generous walk-in pantry.

The master suite is a true retreat, featuring an oversized bedroom, a large walk-in wardrobe, and a luxurious ensuite, all set in a private wing away from the other bedrooms.

Step outside to your private outdoor oasis, complete with a beautiful timber deck overlooking an in-ground pool and a spacious covered BBQ area. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Barron River right from your backyard.

Property Features:

• 1,131m2 allotment

• 5 bedrooms plus media room, 2 bathrooms

HOME

Saturday 18 January 10am to 10.45am

• Timber deck overlooks covered BBQ area and inground pool

• Deluxe master with en-suite and walk-in wardrobe

• Modern kitchen with Island bench, stone tops, walk-in pantry

• Ceiling fans throughout, AC to living, media and bedrooms

• Solar hot water system and 5kW Solar power system

Address: Price: Agent: Contact:

• Frontage to the Barron River, views of the water from your back yard!

Properties with this kind of river frontage are a rare find, so don’t miss your chance to secure this slice of paradise!

Contact exclusive agent Rino Gava on 0427 779 086 or rino@girgentigroup.com

7 River Drive, MAREEBA Offers over $849,000 EXCLUSIVE to Rino Gava Girgenti Real Estate 0427 779 086

Charming cottage in prime Malanda location

SURROUNDED by stunning country gardens, this delightful 3 bedroom cottage offers the perfect blend of charm and convenience. Located just a stone’s throw from schools, shops, showgrounds, and the vibrant main street, this property is ideal for investors or those looking to move straight in.

Property Features:

• Three bedrooms with builtin robes

• Large loungeroom with carpet

Relax and enjoy your weekends

• Separate dining area

• Practical kitchen

• Internal laundry

• Security screens throughout

• Undercover entertaining area

• Beautifully maintained country gardens With its prime location and warm, inviting character, this cottage is a rare gem. Don’t miss your opportunity to secure this charming home. Call Janine on 0407 032 422 for an inspection today.

Address: Price: Agent: Contact: 17 Park Avenue, MALANDA Contact Agent Janine Rielly Elders Real Estate Tablelands 0407 032 422

BIG WORD SEARCH

CROSSWORD

27. A

28. Pasta made in solid strings, between macaroni and vermicelli in thickness. (9)

29. A star that is used to guide the course of a ship, especially the Pole Star. (8)

30. Move or cause to move rapidly in a circle or spiral. (6) DOWN:

1. Economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories. (8)

2. A pair of glasses or opera glasses held in front of a person’s eyes by a long handle at one side. (9)

3. Affected by physical or mental illness. (4)

5. A conceited foolish person. (7)

6. A person who learns another’s role in order to be able to act at short notice in their absence. (10)

7. A distinctive, typically pleasant smell. (5)

8. Belief in the existence of a god or gods, specifically of a creator who intervenes in the universe. (6)

C I M F R A N K A I M X L Z H F J U T E N

N R D U S P O R T P R

11. A group of animals driven or moving in a body. (5)

12. To go down below the surface of something. (4)

13. A strip on printed material or a screen display showing a range of colours. (6,4)

15. A group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person. (7)

16. More desirable, satisfactory, or effective. (6)

19. An enzyme in the stomach that is involved in breaking down proteins) (6)

21. A small video camera worn on the front of a person’s body. (7)

23. The scientific study of minerals. (10)

25. Change direction suddenly. (4)

9. Walk with long, decisive steps in a specified direction. (6)

14. A trust where the rights of the beneficiaries (unit holders) to income and capital are fixed. (4,6)

17. A group of instrumentalists, especially one combining string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. (9)

18. Spreading a cost out over time. (8)

20. A small keyboard instrument in which felted hammers strike a row of steel plates. (7)

21. Group term for five living members of the genus Panthera. (3,3)

22. Unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something. (6)

24. (in classical mythology) a water nymph said to inhabit a river, spring, or waterfall. (5)

26. A call used to greet someone or draw attention to something from a distance. (4)

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. Relationships will be emotional this week. You may be overly emotional when dealing with your mate. Opposition is present and you should be prepared to counteract it as best you can.

Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated. Don’t make any drastic changes or begin new projects this week. You may find travel to be most rewarding. Try not to push your philosophies on others.

Take the time to help those less fortunate. Minor accidents may occur if you don’t concentrate on what you’re doing. Your lover will cost you dearly if you let them. Don’t confront the situation if you don’t feel you can keep your cool.

Puzzle Solutions

Your high energy, original ideas, and excellent memory will aid your accomplishments. Travel will enhance romance and adventure. Think be fore you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine. Keep an eye on your weight, and ensure a healthy diet.

Do your own thing. Strength will come from your ability to overtake just about any one. You will impress others with your initiative and ability to accomplish while on short business trips. You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal.

Don’t let situations get out of hand. Emotional relationships will be plentiful if you attend group activities. You may get some opposition. Personal changes will be to your benefit. Passion is inevitable and commitments can be made during the heat of the night.

This is not the time to lend or borrow money. Don’t get depressed, get busy. You can accomplish a lot if you’re willing to put in a little time. Get involved in worthwhile endeavours and meet new friends. You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you.

Finish projects that have been hanging over your head. Opportunities for new partnerships will develop through the organizations you encounter. You will have no problem getting your point across to those in a position to help you.

Your high energy must be directed into productive goals, or frustrations will occur. You may have been trying to do too much, leaving yourself exhausted and open to colds and infections. Your boss may be pushy, try to keep calm though.

You can travel for business or pleasure. Don’t be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. Uncertainties are still prevailing. Get out and, about. Explore new and exciting environments to stir creativity.

Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is overloaded. One sided attractions are likely. You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with.

Your charm and generosity will bring new friends and romantic opportunities. Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. Your input into their activities will help bring you closer together. Get together with people who stimulate you mentally.

long, narrow strap attached at one end to a horse’s bit. (5)

PRESBYTERIANS meet in Mareeba for worship each Sunday 10am, QCWA Hall, Wilkes Street (behind Meals on Wheels) ALL WELCOME!

MINCHIN, Mildred Evelyn “Milly”

Late of Malanda. Passed away peacefully on the 11th of December, 2024. Aged 98 years.

Beloved Wife of Alf (Dec.). Cherished Mum of Helen and Ron.

In keeping with Milly’s wishes, a private cremation will take place.

Helen and Ron would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ozcare Malanda for the excellent care and support shown to Mum and our family.

Frederick Miethke 13-01-2022

Forever in our hearts, our thoughts and in our prayers.

Roger Phillip Anderson

19/05/54 to 12/01/24

TO OUR DEAREST BROTHER, BROTHER-IN-LAW, UNCLE, GREAT UNCLE AND COUSIN.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CAMPBELL, Brian

Late of Mareeba. Passed away suddenly on Saturday the 4th of January, 2025. Aged 77 years.

Much loved Husband of Bev (Dec.). Loving Stepfather of Terry, Raymond, Russell, and their families.

Will be sadly missed by all family and friends. Relatives and friends of Brian are respectfully invited to attend his funeral which is to be held graveside at the Mareeba Cemetery on Friday 17th January, 2025 commencing at 1:00pm.

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

LOUDON / RILEY, Veronica

8/6/1961 – 21/12/2024

From the Loudon family of Far North Queensland, Veronica Mae Loudon passed away peacefully in her rainforest sanctuary on Saturday 21st December, 2024 surrounded by her cherished husband and family.

Loving Mother to Rach, Nick, Sarah & Kaitie. Stepmother to Jess & Ben. Grandmother to Harry, Charlie, Artie, Malia & Carter, and soon-to-be daughter of Nicole & Nick. Daughter to Marlene & Bob (Dec.). Sister to Danny, Majella, Sue, Nick, Maggie & Tony. Soulmate and beloved Wife to Brad and pet Mum to Lottie.

Veronica will be remembered for her active and abundant life and her loyalty and devotion to her family. Our recollections will be deﬁ ned by her acute intelligence, pragmatism, physical and mental strength, passion for human rights, social justice and the environment and unwavering courage in the face of overwhelming challenge. Her cheeky wit and spirit will forever echo through the canopy of Barrine.

A private memorial for Veronica will be held in February 2025.

Donations to MND Qld & The Smith Family are appreciated in lieu of ﬂowers, and we wish to acknowledge our heartfelt appreciation to the extraordinary health professionals and carers for their support.

Tributes can be posted via Veronica’s Facebook Memorial page.

Ride high and pedal fast warrior woman. xxx

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

REDINGTON, Honor Rosa

Late of Tolga. Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday the 20th of December, 2024. Aged 97 years. Much loved Wife of Geoff, cherished Mum of Greg, Mother-in-law of Chris, Grandma of Todd, Luke and Matthew, Great Grandma of Arlo, Olive and Rueben.

~ Together with Geoff once again. ~ In keeping with Honor’s wishes, a private cremation will take place.

Remembering your smile and the joy you brought into our lives, as we think of you today and always. We love you and will miss you forever.

Angela, Adam & Kasia, Danielle & Travers, Melissa & Richard, Joy & Ron and our families.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICHELINA FALVO

26-10-1913 to 25-12-2014

We think about you always, We talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, And you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain, To walk and guide us through our lives, Until we meet again.

Will always miss your laughter and your jokes. Sending our love in heavenly peace.

Simon Lukic

07.03.1977 - 13.01.2024

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

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CAMPMAN, Herbert “Herb”

Late of Mareeba. Passed away peacefully on Monday the 6th of January, 2025. Aged 82 years.

Much loved Husband of Bev. Loving Father, Father-in-Law & Grandfather of Shayne, Dean, Mark, Olivia and their families. He will be sadly missed by all family and friends. As per Herb’s wishes, a private cremation will take place.

In times of trouble it’s you we seek, I know you can hear but cannot speak. You may be gone and we still cry, But remember it is not our last good-bye. The day will come when we meet again, Then we can celebrate and hold your hand.

From your loving daughter, Giovanna, Salvatore, Carmelina, Michelina, Danielle, Frank and their families.

Jeﬀrey Ali

25/04/197113/01/2022

David Ali 28/04/194103/01/2024

Time will not dim the face I love, The voice I heard each day. The many things you did for me, Your gentle, loving way.

You are near, Even if I don’t see you. You are with me, Even if you are far away. You are in my heart, In my thoughts, In my life, always.

Love from Simon’s family.

Ivana Bilic

In loving memory of our Daughter & Sister 31/3/75 ~ 14/1/93

“I will never forget you, I have carried you in the palm of my hand.” (Isiah 49:15)

Your loving Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother and family.

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

Howard John Daniels

The eldest son of Lional, and Howard’s two boys Ben Daniels and David Daniels. D.O.B. 21/5/1964 - 1/1/2025 Died peacefully at the Cairns Base Hospital. There will be a private family get together.

All my life Iʼll miss you, As the years come and go. But in my heart Iʼll keep you, Because I love you so.

Love Pauline, Robert, Donna and Tania.

Roger Phillip Anderson

19/05/54 to 12/01/24 FOREVER IN MY HEART

CARMELO LEONFORTE

Thank you for your generous words, flowers and cards with the passing of Carmelo Leonforte on the 3rd November, 2024. With love, Wife Immacolata, Children and Grandchildren.

Losing you was the hardest thing, I have ever had to face. You truly were my shining light, My safe and happy place. I will treasure all the memories, Of the time I spent with you. Who will fix my broken pieces now, For, to me you were my glue. I will miss you for eternity, Every day we are apart. But always know I love you so, You’ll be forever in my heart.

Until We Meet Again. Sending You Heavenly Love. xx Sandra and our Fur Baby Min Min.

Robyn Greenfield Passed away 14.01.24. Missed by friends of Mareeba.

theexpressnewspaper. com.au or phone 4092 3464.

trade SerViceS GaraGe Sale

PHONE: 0477 774 064

jonnydams18@ gmail.com

Tree Lopper Pruning, slashing, mowing, rubbish removal, gutter cleans & handyman etc. Competitive rates, fully insured. John 0414 280 514

Careers with Queensland Health

Pharmacy Assistant

Mareeba / Lotus Glen Correctional Centre

Salary: CA2 CASUAL $38.84 - $41.74 per hour

Duties/Abilities:

Mareeba Shire Council has developed a draft Land Management Plan for

LOCAL Mobile Farm Butcher - will travel. Ph Bryan 0407 691 752.

MOBILE farm butcher.

Ph John Hales 0409 638 882.

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

Experienced Boilermaker

Description:

A qualiﬁed full-time Boilermaker and all-rounder is required for immediate start.

Pumping Irrigation & Machinery Services (PIMS), a Mareeba-based firm, supplies a wide range of industries with end-to-end solutions and high-quality products to ensure efficiency and reliability in water, irrigation and filtration services throughout Far North Queensland.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Ability to produce high quality work.

• Fabrication of pipework and infrastructure from various materials and ﬁttings.

Applicant Requirements:

• Current Driver Licence

• Cert III in Engineering – (Boilermaking)

• Butt welding of polyethylene plastic pipeline capabilities would be advantageous

• Self-motivated, honest, hardworking, conscientious, and well presented

• Ability to work unsupervised and have exceptional problem-solving skills

• Must be willing to work at remote locations occasionally

Remuneration:

• Will be commensurate with experience and proven skills.

If this sounds like a job you are interested in, email your cover letter and resume to: careers@pumpingirrigation.com.au

Assist in the provision of safe and effective pharmacy services under the supervision of a pharmacist or appropriately trained clinical assistant, which supports the delivery of an efficient and effective pharmaceutical service to Mareeba Hospital and its associated services (i.e. Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, Chillagoe Primary Health Care Centre and Dimbulah Primary Health Care Centre).

• Provide assistance in the provision of hospital pharmacy services under the supervision of an appropriately trained Clinical Assistant or Pharmacist. For more information see the relevant section of the Operational Services Manual (Pharmacy Assistant OO3).

• Maintain a clean and tidy work area.

• Utilise effective communication and interpersonal skills when working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

• An ability and willingness to undertake training programs relevant to the role.

Enquiries: Rudi De Faveri 07 4092 9321

Application Kit: CAH607701 https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/ jobs/QLD-CAH607701

Closing

Proposed Development

Make a submission from: 16th January, 2025 to 10th February, 2025 Reconfiguring a Lot (Boundary Realignment)

Where: Willows Road and 180 Hall Road, Tolga On: Lot 1 on RP742303 and Lot 7 on RP702530

Approval Sought: Development Permit Application Ref: RAL24/0045

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Tablelands Regional Council PO Box 573, ATHERTON QLD 4883 info@trc.qld.gov.au 1300 362

MAREEBA LIONS CHRISTMAS RAFFLE 2024 WINNERS:

PRIZE 1: S. Keuch

PRIZE 2: L. Crimmins

PRIZE 3: T. Pretorius

PRIZE 4: G. Carusi

PRIZE 5: Matt

PRIZE 6: S. Gray

The Mareeba Lions Club thanks all of the donors who supported this year’s Christmas raffle. Your continuing support is greatly appreciated and enables your Mareeba Lions Club to support worthwhile humanitarian causes locally, nationally, and internationally. We also thank all of our volunteers who sell tickets, and our loyal supporters who purchased tickets and cakes again this year. We look forward to working for you and the community in 2025. A big thank you also to all of the sporting and other organisations who came on board and sold tickets to support their own fund-raising activities. “Lions Australia - We Serve.”

PoSitioN VacaNt

SPORT IN REVIEW 2024

2024 was a big year for local sports people who showed their best on local, national and international stages.

JANUARY

Mareeba’s Spirit Muay Thai held their first ever fight event that was a huge success attracting hundreds of spectators who turned-out to watch the several bouts. Mareeba local Dean Gallo was deemed winner of his fight by unanimous decision.

FEBRUARY

The Mareeba Gladiators Jersey Night Auction smashed records after raising an incredible $52,550. Spirit Muay Thai’s Casey Grogan travelled to Melbourne to fight in the Hardcore promotion. Going up against the experienced, and favoured, Jesse King, Grogan won in impressive fashion after just 50 seconds into the first round, winning by knockout (KO).

Amy Hunter was selected to represent Australia in the Under 19 Australian Women’s Tour of Sri Lanka team. The 18-year-old Atherton local travelled to Sri Lanka and England as part of her international representative duties.

MARCH

Atherton Cricket Club secured the Ken Tait Memorial Shield after being the overall winners out of three derby matches against Mareeba. The shield was created after the passing of Ken Tait, who was an Atherton Cricket life member.

Atherton local Breanne Wadley was selected from a pool of over 200 applicants to represent Australia

Skills & Drills Clinic

against 16 international athletes in the prestigious SailGP Waszp Inspire Racing program in Sydney. Atherton weightlifter Karli Duesbury donned the green and gold for the first time in her life while competing in the 2024 Oceania Championships in Auckland. Duesbury managed to earn herself a silver medal after going up against some of the strongest women from Guam, Solomon Islands and Nauru, including former Olympian Jenly Tegu Wini.

APRIL

Mareeba’s Paige Carey made waves in the swimming world after securing a spot to represent Queensland at the National Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast. Paige competed in both the 50m and 100m butterfly events.

The Cricket Far North competition wrapped up and both local clubs held their annual presentation day that saw many awards handed out.

Young Atherton athlete Asha Simmons-Lynch was selected for the You for 2032 Olympics program and the Future Firebirds Academy. The 16-year-old’s dream is to be a Firebird one day, but in addition to this she made an “accidental” debut in the beach volleyball world after her and a friend lightheartedly tried out for the Olympic talent search program as a “muck around” while in Cairns one day.

Asha will continue to attend training sessions throughout the You for 2032 program in the hopes of being selected for the Olympic Games when they come to Brisbane.

MAY

The Great Northern Bullriding Series kicked off with their first round of the year dedicated to ANZAC Day. It was champion bullrider Braydon Wellby to take out the top spot in the Open event.

The Mareeba Golf Club was extremely successful in the annual Mareeba Open event, with more than 130 golfers flocking in for the occasion.

Mareeba gymnast Oliver Hampton represented Queensland at the Australian Gymnastics Championships. The Level 9 Under 18 gymnast competed in a variety of apparatuses at the Gold Coast.

Watsonville mountain biker John Leslie was named

the UCI MTB Masters World Champion in the 80-84 age group.

The annual Barron River Challenge saw more than 100 competitors participate in the event, with Canberra paddling duo Craig Elliot and Laura Lee taking out the top spot.

JUNE

Local boxer Joshua Klein returned to the ring after two years and produced a triumphant win at the Tully Boxing Tournament.

The Tinaroo Dam Outrigging Canoe Club placed first in the Golden Masters Mixed crew in both the 10km and 18km events at the National Marathon Outrigging Championship in Mooloolaba.

The Arthur Beetson Immortal Tour made its way to Davies Park and saw several rugby league legends play alongside many locals.The legends included Preston Campbell, Matty Bowen, Petero Civoniceva, Willie Tonga and James Roberts.

JULY

The Under 15 and Under 17 Marlin Coast Netballers emerged victorious at the International Netball Quad Series grand finals, featuring five young women from the region.

Sophie Withers, Maddie Argent, Jessica Reedman, Louise Seawright, Silvienne Poggioli and Jasmine Bowe were a part of the teams that took on Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia in the threeday tournament.

The second Moriconi Bomben Soccer Cup was played as part of the Italian Festival at Leichhardt Football Club.The over 45s match is played between the Mareeba Bulls and Leichhardt Lions to honour the legacies of Alfio Moriconi and John Bomben. Brodie Davis was crowned King of Kerribee at Mareeba Speedway’s presentations after taking out some of the nation’s top drivers from Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand.

AUGUST

The Mareeba Gladiator’s U17 girls team (above) overcame an 18-6 halftime deficit to defeat the Innisfail Leprechaun’s 22-18 in an intense grand final win.

Mareeba local Jack Wyatt was named as FNQ’s Strongest Man after taking out the NQ’s Strongest event in Townville.One of the events required him to pull a 105 series Landcruiser 12 metres while sitting down, and naturally, the boy from the bush practiced by using his own 80 series Landcruiser.

Sam Fahlstrom and Jonty Coutts were selected into the Gold Coast Titans junior pathway program. Offered three-year contracts, the program required the boys to relocate to Central Queensland where they will attend Rockhampton Grammar School and travel to the Gold Coast multiple times a year for development sessions, camps and games.

The Under 14 Malanda

out

SEPTEMBER

Mareeba Gladiators’ Tyrone Williams won the FNQRL’s Under 19 Player of the Year for the third consecutive year, Atherton Roosters’ Jackson Clark won the Under 17 Coastal Player of the Year and Malanda Eels’ Harrison English won the U17 Eacham Male Player of the Year.

The Under 15 Atherton Roosters claimed a grand final victory in their first year in the FNQRL Coastal competition. The game went into golden point and was eventually won by a successful penalty goal from Jonty Coutts.

$28,426.50 was raised at the Cops and Robbers Charity Golf Day at the Atherton Golf Course and attracted 138 players. A total of $315,230 has been raised through the event over the past 13 years. Mareeba cowboy Josh Snell returned home ranked 13th in the world for bullriding in his age group after competing in the International Miniature Bullriding Series world finals in Ogden, Utah.

OCTOBER

Tahlia Huth from Momentum Gymnastics placed third at the State Championships in Brisbane. The annual Grin n Bear It Challenge was held at Tinaroo requiring competitors to complete a 2km swim, a 12km paddle, a 62km mountain bike ride and a 12km trail run. The young Atherton-Mareeba team comprised of Josiah Dixon, Levi Gunton and Finn Rae narrowly missed out on the overall All Male Team top placing by a mere 1m 36s.

NOVEMBER

The Atheron Eagles Football Club was named Queensland’s Community Club of the Year and canteen coordinator Kim Cummings was also recognised as Volunteer of the Year for the Far North and Gulf region.

The Fantin Cup football match was held in Dimbulah and saw many families, footballers and fans alike fill Bruno Park. The highlight of the night was the over 45s match, and it was Mareeba who claimed the Cup this year, defeating Dimbulah 3-0. Owen Jonsson from Herberton’s Tepon Raceway was crowned as Driver of the Year for the eighth time in the 14 years since his first win, making it a club record.

The Ash Memorial Fishing Comp found great success in its second year, with almost 200 people enjoying a weekend of fishing, camping and competing. Enough funds were raised to officially kickstart the Ashley McDowall Holm Memorial Fund.

Roger and Annette Wadley were recognised as Queensland’s Volunteers of the Year at the Australian Sailing Awards.

DECEMBER

The Tableland Roller Derby League picked up their first competitive win at Northern Tropical Thunder in Townsville.

The Mareeba Motorcycle Club was recognised as Queensland’s Club of the Year. They were listed as one of three finalists for the award and overcame the Kingaroy Junior Motorcycle Speedway Inc and the Sunshine Coast Motorcycle Club to win. Gabrielle Rohde returned from competition at the National Track and Field Championships in Syndey with a silver medal. The young Atherton local is officially ranked second in high jump in Australia for the 10-years age group.

Eels and Under

Ravenshoe Tigers took

the grand final matches in the Eacham Junior Rugby League competition.

Mareeba’s Grant Hanlon winds up to hit a four.

Ducks fly as Atherton crumbles

IT was a tough weekend for the Atherton Cricket Club as they suffered a massive loss to Barron River in a game that saw seven ducks, including three golden ducks, halt the Tablelands side.

There was no luck either for the Mareeba Bandits after they fell short in another close match at Borzi Park, being run down by Mulgrave with five overs left to play.

Atherton travelled to Trinity Beach to take on the Barron River Cricket Club at Crathern Park.

Barron River won the toss and elected to bat first.

Atherton’s Brandon Green performed well with ball in hand, finishing on 3-27 off eight overs.

Cameron Davis also bowled well for the Tablelands side, taking 2-18 from seven overs.

The end of the first innings saw Barron River finish on a defendable score of 7/170.

Going out to bat Atherton had a big task ahead of them, but it was all done and dusted by the 18th over after they were all out for just 43 runs.

The Tablelands side notched

up three golden ducks and four ducks, losing by a staggering 127 runs.

Atherton captain Logan Poggioli managed to earn his team 20 runs and Cameron Davis scored 10.

Despite this significant loss, the Atherton side are still sitting in third position on the ladder.

Meanwhile, the Mareeba Bandits took on Mulgrave at Borzi Park.

Mareeba won the toss and elected to bat. Opening batsman and former Mulgrave player Tristan Curmi, provided a good stint for the home side, scoring 34 runs.

Efforts from Ben Jones (10 from 18), Remo Esposito (21 from 43), Grant Hanlon (12 from 10) and a late surge from Tyson Brown, scoring 37 from 36, helped boost Mareeba’s final score to 9/144.

For Mulgrave, it was brothers Rhys and Kobi Johnston who comfortably led the run chase, scoring 40 and 44 runs not out respectively, with Rhys being recently selected for Queensland’s Under 17 team.

Other efforts from Matt

Folpp (26 from 67) and William Robertson (10 not out from 11), were enough for the visiting side to chase down Mareeba after 35.4 overs.

Curmi proved determined to play well against his former teammates, taking 3-21 with ball in hand.

Following another narrow loss, the Mareeba side currently sit sixth on the ladder, comfortably ahead of last place Cyclones.

This weekend will mark Round 12 of the Cricket Far North competition, where Mareeba will face the Cyclones at Borzi Park and Atherton will have a bye.

(RIGHT) Cam Davis took 2-18 in Atherton’s loss over the weekend.

First fight event for the new year

THE first fight event of the year for Mareeba’s Spirit Muay Thai will be held this Saturday from 2pm and will see several other gyms from across Far North Queensland bring their best fighters for competition.

Held at Mareeba International Club, ‘Don’t Lose Before You Fight’ will have martial arts gyms from Mareeba, Atherton, Malanda, Cairns and Townsville all competing in a seven-bout fight card.

“The name of the event is symbolic to life, meaning never give up before you try and always fight to get what you want,” Spirit Muay Thai instructor Rosario Signorino said.

Serji Kravchenko and Bryan

will be

There is a $10 entry

per person and there will be food and drinks available for purchase.

FIGHT CARD

Bout 1 - Sam Sheedy (DF) vs Serji Kravchenko (SMT)

Bout 2 - Gary Jackson (Nukzu) vs Andrew Roussetty (Maxenergy)

Bout 3 - Will Brennan (Jigsaw) vs Jack Griffin (Nukzu)

Bout 4 - Chance Dalley (Ronin) vs Layne Offner (ATG)

Bout 5 - Peter Pannam (Jigsaw) vs Napo Gibia (Nukzu)

Bout 6 - Renyn Eisel (Ronin) vs Mylo Ter Velde (DF)

Bout 7 - Rob Bryant (Maxenergy) vs Bryan Wyborn

Parkrun comes to Mareeba

MAREEBA will be officially launching as a member of Parkrun Australia this Saturday. Parkrun is a free worldwide event held every Saturday morning that attracts health enthusiasts and other members of a community to come together and participate in a 5km walk or run.

After attracting positive numbers in their trial runs, with over 100 people participating,

Parkrun Mareeba is set to become an official member of Parkrun Australia. Following their launch, the event will then take place every Saturday morning from 7am with participants asked to arrive 10 minutes early for a briefing. Participants are also asked to register with Parkrun Australia at www.parkrun.com.au/ register/ for insurance purposes.

Wyborn

the two Mareeba fighters competing, with Wyborn fighting in the main event.

fee

(SMT)

2.0L

3.2

3.2 litre turbo diesel, automatic, Norweld tray with drawer, bull bar, tow bar, 6 months rego, 12 months warranty. 2021 Mitsubishi Exceed Tourer Outlander

AWD auto SUV, 51,000 klms, one owner, balance of factory qarranty.